Top Five Things to Do When You Find Out You're Pregnant

So you missed your period, you feel a little queasy and you think you might be pregnant. So, you run to the drug store and pick up an at home pregnancy test. You drink a lot of water, take it into the bathroom, and wait three minutes for the good or bad news. And, alas, you have a positive pregnancy test. Now what? Here are five things to do after a positive pregnancy test:

1. Call for a prenatal appointment. While a positive test usually means you are pregnant, a doctor will usually confirm it with a blood test and ultrasound at your first prenatal appointment. Proper prenatal care can make all the difference in how your pregnancy goes, so it is important to start visiting your doctor after you are about 8 weeks along. Skipping appointments is not going to save you much money, and making them can help you and your baby be healthy and happy throughout the pregnancy. So call and schedule it the day you find out, and make sure you think back to the date of your last period.

2. Start taking prenatal vitamins. There are some problems that can occur in babies, such as spinabifida, that are avoided through having enough vitamins and minerals during those first few months of pregnancy. They are crucial for proper brain, spine, and organ development. When you find out your are pregnant, call your doctor and ask them to call in a prescription for prenatals for you, and start taking them.

3. Eat foods full of vitamins. Your body is going to need whatever boost it can get, as you will feel more fatigued, and your baby will need nutrients to grow properly, so clean up your diet a bit if you need to. You really don't need to add a bunch of calories, you just need to ensure that the calories you do intake are valuable, full of the nutrients your body, and the fetus's body need for proper health and growth.

4. Get proper rest. Ask almost any woman who has been pregnant and they will tell you that one of the hardest parts is the lack of sleep. As you progress in your pregnancy your size, and discomfort will make it difficult to sleep well. After the baby comes, that difficulty only increases. So, don't go into pregnancy with sleep deprivation, as it will only get worse.

5. Make a financial plan. Babies are expensive. So, after you find out you are pregnant, start saving, or talk to your hospital and doctor about making a payment plan. Some insurance covers a great deal, and others leave you paying a great deal. You can usually plan on at least $5000 with a standard insurance plan (like an 80/20 with a deductible) and a vaginal delivery. If you don't have insurance, talk to your doctor and hospital about self pay, and about any discounts you can earn, such as paying it early, etc. If you do not plan to keep the baby, arrange with whomever you need to (adoptive parents, centers, etc.) for the cost of the pregnancy visits, labor, delivery, and after care. Even if your insurance is great you will need things for the baby, clothes, diapers, and gadgets, so saving extra is a great idea.

Beverly Frank is mom to two young kids and a writer. Visit http://www.surfnetparents.com for more parenting advice and ideas.