That faint pink line (or bold double line!) is staring back at you, and your heart is racing. Whether you’ve been trying for months or this surprise took you off guard (this happened to me with baby #3), this moment is huge.
It marks the start of a new chapter and you’re in for a rollercoaster of anticipation, searching for free baby stuff and baby deals, emotions, and about a million questions.
Take a deep breath, mama. You don’t have to do everything at once. But there are a few key steps you can take right now to feel grounded and get your pregnancy off to a healthy, happy start.
What should be done if a pregnancy test is positive?
The very first thing you should do when you get a positive pregnancy test is schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor.
Ask around family, friends, or a local mom group on Facebook for recommended OBGYN’s in your area. You can then check with your insurance to see which ones are covered.
👉Pro tip: Your first appointment may include a blood test, urine test, and sometimes a dating ultrasound.
Here are some other things to definitely take the time to do when you can.
Celebrate the moment ✨
Give yourself permission to feel all the feelings. Joy, anxiety, disbelief, excitement—they can all exist at once. If you’re anything like me you’ll be an emotional wreck until month 9.
If you feel like it, surprise your partner in a cute or cozy way (think handwritten note, tiny onesie, or even secretly recording their reaction). Or just sit quietly with the moment and let it sink in.
When you’re ready make a digital announcement to share on social media. There are really cute ones on Etsy that you can just edit and download to share!
Start taking a high-quality prenatal vitamin
If you haven’t already, begin a prenatal vitamin today. Look for one with folate (not just folic acid), DHA, and iron.
I personally love Ritual Prenatal Vitamins, which are clean, traceable, and gentle on the stomach. Research shows that starting folate supplementation early helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NIH Study).
Olly is another prenatal option that I love that includes Folic Acid and DHA.
Check your insurance + get your breast pump for FREE
Reach out to your insurance provider and see what’s covered—from prenatal visits to hospital stays and even doulas. While you’re at it, claim your free breast pump through Aeroflow Breastpumps. It’s fast, easy, and they deal with the insurance part for you.
Create a baby registry (yes, now!)
It might seem early, but creating a registry now helps you stay organized, track what you need, and start scoring freebies. Some of my favorites:
- Amazon Baby Registry: Get a FREE welcome box!
- Babylist: Add items from any store and get a generous FREE Hello Baby box.
- MyRegistry: Universal registry with some fun perks!
- Macy’s Registry: Great if you want high end baby items. They have a welcome box too!
- Target Registry: Register online and get your FREE baby bag in store!
Stop smoking, drinking, and limit caffeine
If you haven’t already, now’s the time to say goodbye to alcohol, smoking (including vaping), and recreational drugs. These can all pose risks to your growing baby. Limit caffeine to about 200mg per day, according to ACOG guidelines.
Do reach out to your doctor or mental health professional for support and resources. If you are struggling with anything during your pregnancy you don’t have to go it alone!
Be mindful of medication and supplements
Plan to talk to your provider, psychiatrist, or anyone prescribing you medications about any prescriptions, vitamins, supplements, or over-the-counter meds you’re taking.
Some may not be safe during pregnancy. Always check before adding any new vitamins or supplements.
Take care of YOU: nutrition, rest, and gentle movement
Pregnancy is hard work on your body. Try to:
- Eat small, frequent meals with lots of protein, fiber, and whole foods
- Rest when you’re tired (yes, go to bed at 8pm if you need to!)
- Stay hydrated and move gently (like stretching or walking)
If nausea is hitting hard, do what you can and give yourself grace. Some days, crackers count as self-care.
Book a dentist appointment
Yup, really. Pregnancy hormones can increase your risk for gum disease according to a study by J Women’s Health, which is linked to preterm birth and low birth weight.
Make sure you’re up to date on cleanings and let your dentist know you’re expecting.
Start saving & planning
Babies bring love, but also expenses. Consider starting a small savings fund now. Check out our favorite baby budgeting hacks.
👉👉And remember, free baby samples do exist or gently used items can be found on Facebook groups, thrift stores, and yard sales.
Join a pregnancy community or app
Being pregnant can feel a little isolating, especially early on. Apps like What to Expect, The Bump, or even local Facebook groups can help you feel more supported and connected.
Check these out too!
This is your journey. Whether you’re jumping up and down or feeling totally overwhelmed, your reaction is valid. Be kind to yourself, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to lean on support. You have time to figure everything out.
Congrats, mama. You’ve got this. ❤
PS If you want to keep the momentum going, check out:
- How to Get Free Baby Samples in the Mail
- Get your Free Printable 1st Prenatal Appointment Checklist HERE!
Some links in this post are affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission at no cost to you if you shop through them. I only share products I truly love and recommend.
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