The I just found out I'm pregnant, what should I do first LIST

So, you just found out you are pregnant with an unplanned pregnancy. You may not have much support, money, insurance, or help. This seemingly powerless situation can actually turn you around if you mobilize yourself into action. You are powerful…you are pregnant…you are alive…you are not helpless…

As you begin to mentally process the miracle of your pregnancy, try putting yourself into action mode. Although you may be tired, constipated, nauseated, and scared and perhaps tempted to hibernate into some sort of immobilized denial, “THE LIST” may help you gain a sense of control and accomplishment. The process of “ticking” things off will boost your confidence and propel you into proactive involvement. That’s power!

After years of caring for young women during their pregnancies, many arrive with that stunned “deer in the headlights” persona. They believe they somehow missed the basic skills to get started, that they are lacking something. They feel other women have a built-in knowledge of what to do. We hear, “No one told me I needed to do that”, or “How am I supposed to know all this stuff.” Trust us…you are not lacking anything. The medical system is to blame. Unintentionally, the basics for getting this valuable start-up information out to the women who need it most, gets skipped.

Thus…THE LIST…A series of check offs that help set the wheels into motion for an empowered first few weeks of pregnancy. These are things that need to be done before you schedule an appointment with an OB provider.

I just found out I'm pregnant, what should I do first?

1. Get an official urine pregnancy test. This can be at a medical office, clinic, health department, etc. Ask for your “proof of pregnancy” documentation. You need this proof to get registered and started with your prenatal care.
2. Weigh yourself and record it someplace where you won’t forget.
3. You need to know how far along your pregnancy is. This can be calculated several ways;
1. Write down the first day of your last period (the calculation can be done later).
2. If you don’t have a clue when your period was, contact a pregnancy center where free ultrasounds are done. These aren’t considered “official”, but they give you a rough idea of when you got pregnant.
4. Purchase some prenatal vitamins – the brand doesn’t matter. Take one every day. Children’s vitamins are also safe to take. If you buy gummy children’s vitamins, take 2 per day. Some pregnancy centers will give you free vitamins if you ask.
5. Find your birth certificate. You will need a certified copy of it to apply for any state medical assistance. This is one of the hardest things for many women to do. It is a huge reason why care gets delayed. Get on it!!
6. Gather your financial papers. You will need proof of income. This can be tax forms, pay stubs etc. Usually the past 3 months are sufficient proof.
7. Find out if you are covered for prenatal care through you or your parent’s insurance.
8. Establish a support group (family, friends)
9. If you are not married, write down your baby’s father’s name, date of birth, and social security number. If you don’t know it, find out. This is vital information for establishing paternity and receiving child support.
10. Purchase a pregnancy guidebook. We obviously recommend The Pregnancy Power Workbook. The 1^st two chapters review the details of medications, nutrition, health concerns, family histories, and many other helpful tips for getting started and empowered.

Camilla

Camilla is the co-author of the Pregnancy Power Workbook.

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