A positive result on a home pregnancy test marks a profound shift, often bringing a complex mix of feelings, from excitement to uncertainty. Immediate action is required to ensure the health of the developing pregnancy, starting with verification of the result and securing professional medical guidance. The next several months involve a structured series of appointments and lifestyle modifications centered on supporting the growth of a healthy fetus. Understanding this process begins with taking the first practical steps toward securing prenatal care.
Confirming the Results and Contacting a Provider
While home pregnancy tests are highly accurate, professional confirmation is the next step. A healthcare provider will verify the result using a clinical urine test or a blood test, which measures the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the bloodstream. This initial verification serves as the official starting point for prenatal care. Contact a healthcare provider, such as an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) or certified nurse-midwife, immediately to schedule the first prenatal visit. This appointment is typically scheduled between the eighth and twelfth week of pregnancy. Scheduling early is important for establishing care and addressing any pre-existing health conditions that could affect the pregnancy.
Calculating Your Estimated Due Date
One of the first questions a provider will ask is the date of the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP), as this is the standard for calculating the estimated due date (EDD). Pregnancy is measured as 40 weeks from the start of the LMP, even though conception occurs about two weeks later. This method assumes a standard 28-day menstrual cycle. Calculating 280 days from the LMP provides a preliminary EDD, which helps set the schedule for prenatal screening and check-ups. This date is only an estimate, as few births occur on the exact due date. The initial dating ultrasound, often performed during the first prenatal visit, provides a more precise gestational age and a refined EDD based on fetal measurements.
Immediate Lifestyle and Health Adjustments
The most immediate action is to begin or increase the intake of a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid. Folic acid, a B vitamin, is necessary for the closure of the neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord, and should be taken at a dose of at least 400 micrograms daily. Since the neural tube develops very early, often before pregnancy is confirmed, early supplementation is important. Complete cessation of alcohol and nicotine use is necessary immediately upon receiving a positive test result. No amount of alcohol consumption is safe at any stage of pregnancy, as it can cause permanent developmental problems. Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of complications such as low birth weight and preterm delivery.
Food safety requires attention to prevent exposure to bacteria like Listeria or Toxoplasma. This involves avoiding unpasteurized dairy products, soft cheeses, and unheated deli meats. Also avoid raw or undercooked meats, eggs, and certain types of fish known to be high in mercury. Consulting with a healthcare professional about all current prescription and over-the-counter medications is necessary. While some medications are safe, others may need to be stopped or adjusted to a safer alternative during pregnancy. Caffeine intake should be limited to no more than 200 milligrams per day.
What to Expect at the First Prenatal Visit
The first prenatal appointment, usually occurring between 8 and 12 weeks, is the longest and most comprehensive visit. The provider will conduct a thorough review of your medical and family history, focusing on chronic conditions, previous surgeries, and any history of genetic conditions. This detailed history helps the care team identify potential risks early in the pregnancy. A general physical examination will be performed, including checks of blood pressure, weight, and a pelvic exam, which may include a Pap smear if due. Routine blood work provides a baseline for the rest of the pregnancy. This blood panel screens for conditions such as anemia, checks for blood type and Rh factor, and tests for immunity to certain infections like rubella.
Screening for sexually transmitted infections is routinely performed at this initial visit. The appointment may also include a transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound, especially if the LMP date is uncertain or if there is concern about viability. This ultrasound confirms the pregnancy is located correctly in the uterus and is the most accurate method for dating the pregnancy. This initial visit sets the groundwork for prenatal care, providing education on nutrition, safe activities, and warning signs of complications. The provider will discuss the schedule for future appointments, which are typically monthly until the third trimester.