Two little pink lines appear, and your entire life changes. I’m pregnant, now what?
Wondering what to do after a positive pregnancy test at home? A quick Google search will show an overwhelming number of tasks to tackle by the time your baby arrives. From doctor visits, to insurance, to planning maternity leave, and baby items—it’s an intimidating nine-month journey!
Like planning a wedding or finishing a big project, small tasks spread out over weeks or months is much more manageable than trying to complete it all in one weekend. The good news is that pregnancy is conveniently broken down by trimesters, so why not look at it one third, or 13 weeks, at a time?
If you (like me) love checkboxes and to-do lists, then this resource is for you. Here are the top five tasks to conquer in your first trimester, in order of importance, plus a few important things to think about before you begin. So pour yourself a cup of chai, find your favorite pen, and read on.
Before you tackle your to-do list
Face Your Emotions
The first few moments after that positive pregnancy test are counted among every woman's most emotional moments. So take a deep breath.
Whether you’re thrilled to be expecting, coming to terms with an unexpected pregnancy, or somewhere in between, the first thing to do after a positive pregnancy test is to face your emotions.
The best advice I’ve ever heard? Feel what you feel. There’s no “wrong” way to feel about pregnancy, especially when it comes as a surprise. Denying your emotions or pretending to feel a certain way only starts off your pregnancy on a difficult, dishonest foot.
Confirm the Pregnancy
Calm fear and confusion by assuring yourself you really are pregnant, even if you’re already experiencing pregnancy symptoms. Although home pregnancy tests are usually accurate, it’s always a good idea to confirm your result at a doctor’s appointment.
This is a great next step, and it connects you with the healthcare professional who will walk with you during your prenatal journey (or you’ll discover early on you’d rather switch to a new doctor). Once you’re confident that your pregnancy is really happening, you’ll feel more confident moving forward.
Tell Someone
Another important step is to tell someone. And I don’t mean an Instagram post of your positive pregnancy test. At this stage, focus on building a support system of close friends and family members, and avoid isolation.
Are there one or two people you trust to walk alongside you during this season? Perhaps this includes your partner, your parents, siblings, or close friends. Seek out someone you trust, who has your best interests in mind, and invite them to listen.
Once you’ve taken these first three steps, you’re ready to check off a list of first-trimester tasks that will set a strong foundation for the rest of your pregnancy.
First Trimester Checklist
1. Buy prenatal vitamins
The first task on your pregnancy to-do list is to buy a bottle of prenatal vitamins.
Most prenatal vitamins offer folic acid and iron in addition to other vitamins your body needs, so you don’t have to agonize over various brands at the store.
At your first prenatal appointment, ask your doctor if you need a specific type of prenatal vitamin. But for now, take a quick trip to the supplements aisle next time you go grocery shopping and grab a bottle that fits your budget.
They’re good for your health and your baby’s development (those first 12 weeks are the most crucial!), who needs folic acid to ensure healthy growth.
Prenatals give you the doses you need in case you’re not getting enough from your daily food source—especially if you’re suffering from morning sickness. They also provide your body with the extra nutrients needed to support not just one, but two rapidly changing bodies!
2. Get health insurance coverage
You may already have insurance coverage for your pregnancy. If so, check this item off your list. If not, prioritize figuring out your coverage sooner rather than later to avoid negotiating cash-pay for prenatal visits.
When I was pregnant with my first son, health insurance was the most stressful part of the process. My pregnancy wasn’t covered under the healthcare share program I had recently enrolled in, as his due date was two days too early from the time my coverage started.
After exploring my options (and learning what it really costs to have a baby), I realized getting good health insurance for my pregnancy and my newborn was extremely important.
Need help getting started?
Figuring out how to get health insurance was a difficult task, because I had to navigate it on my own. But here at She Might, we’ve already written the article for all you expecting ladies who don’t know where to start. Check out Health Insurance for Newborns and Prenatal Care to learn all the insurance basics you need to know.
As you go through this process, ask lots of questions and take notes. Insurance isn’t as simple as we would like it to be, so it might take a few phone calls to get all the answers you need. It’s okay to be selective when researching your options, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
Don’t waste precious energy stressing over insurance like I did. Getting coverage is like earning your driver’s license or getting through middle school. There may be moments when it feels like you won’t make it though, but you will. It’s something virtually everyone has to do, and you’re definitely up for the challenge.
3. Find an OBGYN
Once you have health insurance, you’re ready for the next task on your to-do list: finding an OBGYN in your network.
Already Have an OBGYN?
If you already see an OBGYN, decide if this is the person you want managing your prenatal care. Depending on how their practice and your delivery hospital is set up, the obstetrician you choose may also be the one who delivers your child. Prenatal/postnatal care and delivery are both extremely important aspects of your pregnancy, so don’t be afraid to be picky when it comes to your doctor!
Don’t Have an OBGYN?
Don’t have an OBGYN, or need to find a new one? If you’re not sure how to find a doctor that fits your needs, ask around. Check the list of providers in your insurance network. Decide on your non-negotiables in an obstetrician.
I had to find an OBGYN twice. I found my first OBGYN through the recommendation of a friend, and she was a perfect fit. Fortunately, this doctor was also in my insurance’s network.
Seven months into my pregnancy, I moved from Michigan to Arizona. There, I found my second OBGYN online through my insurance company’s directory. In the end, I picked the closest doctor to my home who also had good reviews.
What’s important to consider?
There are a lot of things to consider when selecting your OBGYN. Many women are okay with going to a busy practice and are satisfied as long as they and their babies get good care. Others feel more comfortable with doctors who take on fewer patients and spend more time with each person.
My second OBGYN had an extremely busy office and moved through our appointments at a fast pace. However, she was always quick to write me the prescriptions she promised, to remind the front desk to give me a list of recommended pediatricians, and to check I was going to get the blood draw she ordered. I was fine with less personal treatment because I got a high level of care.
Not everyone will prefer this type of patient experience, however. If you need an attentive, highly supportive doctor, prioritize an excellent bedside manner. There’s nothing wrong with shopping around.
Another consideration is the gender of your OBGYN. I’ve always been more comfortable with female doctors, but that’s not the case for everyone.
If your OBGYN is part of a practice with several doctors, ask about your ability to choose a particular provider. Some practices allow you to stick with one doctor for your entire pregnancy, while others require you to see each doctor at least once. In case your preferred obstetrician is unable to deliver your child, you’ll already have met their substitute.
Thinking about a midwife?
Or maybe you’re not considering a traditional OBGYN at all, and you’d rather visit a midwife. Find out if your insurance covers midwives and birthing clinics, and decide what kind of prenatal care and birth scenario you’re most comfortable with.
4. Prepare questions for your first prenatal visit
Once you have an OBGYN, it’s time to schedule your first appointment. After that, make a list of questions to ask at your first prenatal visit.
I highly recommend writing these down and bringing them with you, because pregnancy brain is real. Until I started keeping lists, I always forgot what I wanted to ask my doctor.
What are good questions to ask?
If you’re not sure what you need to know, take a look at this list of 6 questions to ask at your first prenatal appointment. They’re a great place to start. If you think of anything else, jot it down or keep a list in your phone.
Ask what’s on your mind, even if you’re worried your doctor will think it’s a silly question. After all, having a baby is new to you. Your doctor works with pregnant women every day, so not only will she be likely to offer a good answer, but anything you can think to ask has probably been asked many times before.
5. Daydream about your baby registry
It’s true that many of the tasks on your first trimester checklist involve paperwork, phone calls, paperwork, scheduling, and (you guessed it) more paperwork. But once you get some of the “administrative” items out of the way, you can start thinking about one of the most fun and creative tasks of expecting: planning your registry!
You don’t have to set up a registry during your first trimester. There’s plenty of time for that. If you want to find out the gender of your child and plan your registry accordingly, you’ll have to wait a little while. But in the meantime, it can be fun to dream.
Do some research on what your baby really needs. What color scheme do you want for bedding and linens? Will you go for a jogging stroller or a car seat stroller frame? What brands have the cutest newborn onesies?
All checked off
Prenatal vitamins, health insurance, finding an OBGYN, and dreaming about your baby registry.
Once you’ve completed your first trimester pregnancy checklist, you’ve done the work to set yourself up for a healthy, happy first 13 weeks of pregnancy. Congratulations! Celebrate with some (non-alcoholic) treats and remember that your future is bright!