A positive pregnancy test signifies a profound shift in your life. Finding direction in this moment is normal as you begin to navigate this new journey. The next steps involve medical confirmation, immediate lifestyle adjustments, and practical planning to ensure the healthiest possible start for you and your developing baby. This guide provides clear, actionable information to move you forward with confidence.
Immediate Next Steps and Confirmation
The first step after a positive home test is confirming the result and establishing a preliminary timeline. Home tests are highly accurate, but you should call your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment for definitive confirmation and to begin prenatal care planning.
You can calculate a preliminary estimated due date (EDD) using the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). Pregnancy is typically calculated as lasting 40 weeks from this date. This initial calculation helps your provider estimate gestational age and determine the timing for your first comprehensive prenatal visit, often scheduled around the eighth week.
Immediately start taking a prenatal vitamin, especially one containing Folic Acid. Folic Acid is necessary for the development of the fetal neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord. Since neural tube defects can occur very early, consistently taking 400 micrograms of Folic Acid daily is a significant preventative measure.
Securing Prenatal Care
Choosing your prenatal care provider influences the entire experience of your pregnancy and birth. Options include an Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB/GYN), a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), or a family physician with obstetric training. An OB/GYN is a medical doctor trained to manage high-risk pregnancies and perform surgical deliveries like C-sections.
A Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides care for low-risk pregnancies, focusing on a holistic, low-intervention approach. A family physician may also provide prenatal care and handle low-risk vaginal deliveries. The right choice depends on your health needs, risk factors, and desired birth experience.
The first comprehensive prenatal appointment, often called the “booking appointment,” involves a thorough medical history review and initial testing. A dating ultrasound scan may be performed to confirm your estimated due date, check for multiple fetuses, and verify the pregnancy is developing correctly. This initial scan is the most accurate method for establishing gestational age.
Initial blood work screens for potential health issues. This panel checks your blood type and Rh factor, screens for anemia, and tests for infectious diseases like Syphilis, HIV, Rubella, and Hepatitis. Identifying your Rh factor is important because Rh-negative individuals may require Rh immunoglobulin later in pregnancy to prevent complications.
Essential Health and Lifestyle Changes
Immediate adjustments are necessary to reduce exposure to substances that interfere with fetal development. Alcohol, smoking, and illicit drug use must be stopped immediately, as no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. Limit caffeine intake to no more than 200 milligrams per day.
Review all medications and supplements with your healthcare provider. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can pose risks after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Oral retinoids, such as Isotretinoin, are strictly forbidden due to the high risk of severe birth defects. Even topical retinoids should be discussed with your provider.
Food safety requires attention to avoid Listeria infection and limit mercury exposure. Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious illness in pregnancy. High-risk foods include:
- Unpasteurized soft cheeses
- Deli meats (unless heated until steaming hot)
- Refrigerated pâtés
- Unpasteurized milk
When eating fish, avoid high-mercury varieties like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish.
Safe fish choices, such as salmon, shrimp, and canned light tuna, are beneficial for their omega-3 fatty acids. Aim to consume 8 to 12 ounces of low-mercury fish weekly. Maintaining an exercise routine is encouraged, with a goal of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week. Avoid activities that carry a risk of falling or overheating, such as hot yoga or contact sports.
Preparing Logistically and Administratively
An early review of your insurance and workplace benefits helps alleviate future stress. Contact your health insurance provider to understand your maternity coverage, including deductibles, co-payments, and in-network hospitals or birth centers. Clarifying this information allows you to make informed decisions about your care team and delivery location.
If eligible, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave. FMLA generally applies if you work for an employer with 50 or more employees and have worked for them for at least 12 months. FMLA ensures job security and continued health benefits, though it does not mandate paid leave.
Paid leave during recovery is often covered by short-term disability insurance or state-mandated paid family leave programs. Speak with your Human Resources department to understand how your employer’s paid time off, short-term disability, and FMLA benefits will be coordinated. Understanding these policies early allows you to plan financially for the period of reduced income.
Deciding when to share the news is a personal choice, but many wait until the end of the first trimester (around 12 to 13 weeks). The risk of pregnancy loss decreases significantly after this milestone. Waiting until after the first comprehensive ultrasound also provides reassurance before sharing the news widely.