What to Do When You Find Out You're Pregnant? 10 Things to Do First

Most docs will actually recommend you start taking this as soon as you let them know you’re trying to conceive. Why? The nutrients are essential to your baby’s development, in particular in the first four weeks. Look for a supplement that contains at least 400 milligrams of folic acid (crucial to the baby’s brain health) and an omega-3 of DHA (this helps with visual and cognitive growth).

Even though the pregnancy test came back positive, most gynecologists won’t see you until six to eights after your last period. Still, it makes sense to call now and book an appointment so you’re on the schedule and they can run through any recommendations for the first six weeks over the phone.

You’ll want to get a sense of what’s covered and what’s not, based on your plan, so that you can start budgeting early for any high-deductible expenses. (Even a high deductible can catch you off guard.) Important details to confirm include finding out the portion of hospital bills they’ll pay for, as well as prescribed medical tests. It also never hurts to triple check that your OB-GYN is in network.

RIP soft cheeses, lunch meats, raw seafood and, ugh, wine.

The major one to be on the lookout for is phthalates, which are chemicals often found in beauty products that can be harmful to the development of your baby’s organs. If you find a product on your shelf with this included, find a replacement stat.

Your hormones are raging thanks to the little one now growing in your belly. As a result, it’s tough to predict when your blood sugar will suddenly hit a low. The best defense is to carry snacks (and water) in your bag at all times. Something as simple as a pack of almonds or piece of fruit should do the trick in a pinch.

Unless they’re dealing with horrible morning sickness, most women wait until the end of their first trimester to share any baby news at work. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take a look at your company’s maternity leave options. In a perfect world, you have a copy of the employee handbook—which usually spells all this out—but, worst case scenario, you could also casually email HR. (The convo is confidential, after all.)

When you share the news is totally up to you and your partner. But we’re firm believers in the virtues of telling a close family member or friend early on. It can be comforting to tell someone who’s been through it before, especially when your mind is reeling with emotions and worries and questions that you’d rather not email your doctor about at all hours of the night.

In a few short weeks, you’re going to start, um, expanding. Take a picture of your not-yet-baby-bump now so that when the going gets huge, you can look back and remember how you were at the very beginning.