It's normal to feel a huge shock, even a little scared, when you find out you're pregnant at an unexpected time. You're probably thinking a lot. "What do I do now?" "Who do I tell?" You're probably wondering. But don't worry. You're not alone. Things like this happen all over the world. The most important thing is to face it calmly and correctly, without panicking. So, let's take a look at the 5 most important things you should do first at a time like this.
1. See a doctor immediately.
The first and most important thing you need to do is make an appointment to see your family doctor or an obstetrician/gynecologist.
"Why is that?" you may be wondering. The reason is that you need to know exactly how far along you are in your pregnancy. That is, how many weeks into your pregnancy you are. Your future health care and the steps you need to take will be determined accordingly.
When talking to the doctor , be sure to say these things:
- If you don't remember exactly when your last period was , say so.
- Tell us about any medications you are currently taking (whether prescribed by a doctor or purchased from a pharmacy).
- If you have other medical conditions like diabetes or depression , be sure to inform them about that as well.
At a time like this, you can feel free to discuss your thoughts and feelings about whether or not to continue with this pregnancy with your doctor. They will protect the confidentiality of your information and provide you with the right medical advice and guidance.
2. Start taking folic acid.
This is very important. If you are not already taking a prenatal vitamin, you should immediately start taking a prenatal vitamin that contains 400 mcg (micrograms) of folic acid . Your doctor will give you further advice on this.
Imagine how big a difference this little pill can make. Folic acid is an essential nutrient that helps prevent serious birth defects (such as neural tube defects) in the baby's brain and spinal cord . To get the most out of it, it needs to be in your body before you get pregnant and during the first few weeks of pregnancy . That's why it's so important to start taking folic acid as soon as you find out you're pregnant.
3. Stop unhealthy habits immediately
This is not something that should be said, but let's remind ourselves again. These things can hinder the healthy development of the baby in your womb.
- Drinking alcohol
- Smoking
- Use of any other drug
All three of these habits can harm your baby in different ways. They can lead to low birth weight, premature birth, and various developmental problems. Therefore, you should stop all of these completely from the moment you find out you are pregnant. If you are having trouble stopping these habits, talk to your doctor about it too. They will help you.
4. Take care of yourself too.
This is a challenging time, both physically and mentally. You may feel stressed or depressed because of something unexpected. That's normal. Don't hold onto those feelings.
Don't think, "Is this just me?" Talk to someone you trust about how you're feeling. Also, if you're having these feelings, it's important to talk to your doctor, a psychiatrist, or a qualified counselor.
Also, think about your body.
- Eat a nutritious diet (add more vegetables, fruits, and greens).
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Get as much rest as possible.
These things are a great help in maintaining your physical strength.
5. Stay away from risky things during pregnancy.
There are some things that can be harmful to you and your baby during pregnancy. Be especially careful about these.
| What to avoid | Reason and description |
|---|---|
| Cat feces (cat litter) | Cat feces can transmit a dangerous infection called toxoplasmosis . This is harmful to the baby. So avoid cleaning cat litter boxes. |
| Raw or undercooked meat and fish | These may contain harmful bacteria. Therefore, cook meat, fish, and eggs thoroughly before eating . |
| Unpasteurized food | Avoid unpasteurized foods, such as some cheeses and unpasteurized milk. These can also contain harmful germs. |
| Fish high in mercury | Large marine fish like tuna, king mackerel, and shark have high levels of mercury. These can be harmful to the development of a baby's nervous system. So avoid eating these types of fish. |
Take-Home Message
- An unexpected pregnancy can be a big shock. But don't panic, see a doctor first.
- As soon as you find out, start taking folic acid as directed by your doctor.
- Stop drinking alcohol, smoking, and other drugs immediately. These are very harmful to the baby.
- Think about your mental health too. If you are feeling stressed or sad, talk to your doctor or counselor about it.
- Stay away from unhealthy foods and risky activities during pregnancy. The most important thing is to keep you and your baby safe.
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