What To Do After Positive Pregnancy Test? 15 best tips

(Last Updated On: October 15, 2023)

What To Do After Positive Pregnancy Test? Many of us dream for months of the plus above sign. For some, it’s an absolute surprise.

In any case, you’re not the only one who finds yourself thinking, “I got a positive pregnancy test–now what?”

The moment you discover that you’re pregnant is an incredible life-changing experience.

It brings many exuberant emotions like joy, excitement or relief, and anxiety. And perhaps a bit of uncertainty over what to do.

Before deciding between an epidural or drug-free birth, take an instant. You’ve been given 40 weeks to discover the answers to your questions, so do the process one step at each time.

It’s normal to receive a positive pregnancy test and consider: “Now what?” At best, concentrating on all the major and little tasks on your to-do list is overwhelming.

We’re here to assist you in reducing and making it more accessible.

We’ve developed a comprehensive guide to explain the steps you need to take following a positive pregnancy test.

It begins with making your first appointment by making the proper adjustments to your daily routine.

Follow the guide to be informed and well-prepared for the beginning phases of your pregnancy.

OB-GYN vs. Midwife

Before your first appointment with a prenatal specialist to confirm the pregnancy, determine the kind of provider you’d like to use. Prenatal care can be received from an OB-GYN midwife.

Suppose you are sure that you need medical intervention. If you know from prior conversations with your physician that you’re at risk, choosing an OB-GYN is possible.

What To Do After Positive Pregnancy Test

If you’re looking for an intervention-free vaginal birth, consider an experienced midwife.

Midwives possess the same capabilities as an OB-GYN, such as prescribing medication and ordering labs and ultrasounds.

The advantage of having babies in the age of medical advancement can be seen in the fact that most midwives are employed in hospitals where they can assist an OB/GYN if required.

If you visit the first time and do not like the result, the good thing is that you don’t have to stay with the same healthcare provider.

Being pregnant can be a stressful thing to handle. And it’s crucial to be at ease throughout the entire process.

Do not feel pressured to keep visiting a midwife or doctor who doesn’t meet your requirements.

Be aware that it depends on the needs of your physician’s office and your last menstrual cycle (LMP). It could be a couple of weeks before you can schedule an appointment.

If you can do an ultrasound test to determine if you are pregnant, you can conduct most pregnancy tests as early as the day you first experience a missed period.

Your next period is due if you aren’t sure of the date. Then take the test at least 21 days following the date your last sex that was not protected.

The most sensitive pregnancy tests are available even when you have missed a period.

Performing a pregnancy test using the urine sample you collect at any point in the day is possible. It doesn’t need to take place in the morning.

Where Can you find an Ultrasound Test for Pregnancy?

You can purchase pregnancy test kits at pharmacies and supermarkets. They’ll give you speedy results and allow you to perform the test privately.

What To Do After Positive Pregnancy Test

The following locations offer no-cost pregnancy tests:

  • Sexual health services
  • For some youth services – contact National Sexual Health Helpline at 0300 123 7123 for more details.
  • Brook Centers for children under 25. Find your closest Brook Centre
  • Having the pregnancy test for free through your GP is also possible.

What is a Pregnancy test? How does it function?

All pregnancy tests test for the hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), which begins to produce around 6 days after fertilization.

Most pregnancy tests come in a package with one or two long sticks. The stick is peed on, and the results appear on the stick within several minutes.

Every test will be slightly different, so make sure to make sure you read the directions.

Test Results for Pregnancy

The tests for pregnancy at home are reliable when you follow the directions strictly.

Positive test results are probably accurate. But, an unfavorable test outcome is not as trustworthy.

The result might not be valid if:

  • Don’t adhere to the directions correctly
  • Don’t take the test too far too
  • Certain medications can affect the outcomes.

If you receive an inconclusive result and believe you’re pregnant for a few days before trying again.

Consult your GP if you receive results that are negative after another test. But your period hasn’t been detected.

What To Do After Positive Pregnancy Test

The Pregnancy Continues

If you’re expecting and wish to continue your pregnancy, you should contact your GP. Or a midwife for prenatal treatment.

You can use the due date calculator to determine the date your baby is due.

React to Your Pregnancy- 15 Best Tips

Various emotions can awash you when you think about the news and its effect on your personal life. You can respond in any natural way.12

1.     Make a Doctor’s Appointment

Suppose you’ve seen the positivity in your pregnancy tests. You’ll need to confirm the results with a specialist.

The first visit to the doctor is usually scheduled around the eight-week pregnancy, even if you might not be seeing your doctor for several weeks.

What To Do After Positive Pregnancy Test

Calling the doctor to set up an appointment is undoubtedly an initial step you make after discovering that you’re expecting. Depending on the clinic, the wait time may be lengthy.

Suppose you’re suffering from a current medical issue. And had miscarriages before or experienced unusual symptoms or pain.

Your doctor might want to consult with you sooner. While you wait, don’t hesitate to contact them for any queries or concerns.

2.     Decide Who to Tell and When

Sure, snapping a photograph of the pregnancy test you took and posting it on social media can suffice.

However, announcing that you’re expecting your first child differs from Instagramming what you had for lunch.

Most couples wait until 13 weeks before revealing the announcement publicly. It is because this is when the chance of miscarriage decreases dramatically.

You could consider it a good idea if you’re close to family and acquaintances. It is to inform the world about your pregnancy within six or eight weeks.

Your loved ones and friends can assist you in finding your feet. It helps in this exciting new career of your life. It requires a village.

And the process of creating that community could begin now if you decide to. Ultimately, it’s dependent on you and your spouse when and how you’d like to announce the joyous news.

3. Calculate the Baby’s Due Date

With so many things to consider, it’s challenging to figure out what to do following an unexpected pregnancy test. You’ll be eager to learn your baby’s due date.

The typical conception time is 11 to 21 days following the day you had your last period because it’s difficult to determine when conception occurs.

Doctors usually go off on the first or last day of your period. Look at the Bump due calculator to estimate when you’ll be expected.

This can also help to determine how far from being pregnant. Are you further along than you anticipated? Keep in mind that your progress is counted starting on the date when you first had your period.

Therefore, those two to three weeks before your first ovulation are counted even though you aren’t pregnant yet.

4.     Don’t Panic

There isn’t a perfect plan for everyone’s pregnancy or is instantly happy about the announcement. Be patient when you are adjusting to the announcement.

Pregnancy is a huge thing, and it can bring many emotions. You could feel overwhelmed or doubt your plans if you tried to conceive it.

If it’s unplanned, contemplate all possibilities.

This includes adoption, aborting, and, most importantly, altering your life plans to raise and keep your child. It is essential to consider the news while contemplating what you should do.

5.     Celebrate

While it isn’t recommended to drink alcohol during pregnancy, it does not mean you have to stop enjoying yourself.

An ice-cold glass is an excellent option to bring some life into the evening. And toast your baby’s new baby’s joy.

While some couples arrange a romantic dinner to surprise their loved ones with news of their baby. Some host more significant celebrations.

What To Do After Positive Pregnancy Test

The way and time you will celebrate can depend on several variables. Whatever you decide to do, remember that having fun is essential to pregnancy.

When you’re having fun, you’re freeing yourself of anxiety and calming, which is great for you and your baby.

6. Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins.

Suppose you’re not beginning to take prenatal vitamins as soon as possible. Many women who are actively trying to become pregnant already take prenatal vitamins.

What To Do After Positive Pregnancy Test

However, should this be a surprise pregnancy? You should begin taking the prenatal as quickly as you learn.

Prenatal vitamins help fill in the gap in essential nutrients that are not being absorbed into your diet. And essential nutrients that you’ll need as you’re getting pregnant.

Folic acids are particularly crucial because they can help prevent neural tube problems.

Iron is also vital since it aids your body in creating blood, which aids in the development of your placenta and your child.

7.     Download all the Fun Apps Available and Join Communities for Pregnant Women

Many beautiful apps and virtual communities are available to help you monitor your pregnancy.

It helps you to gain knowledge about the process of pregnancy, be healthy throughout your pregnancy, and stay connected with other moms.

Stay connected with those who are expecting you at the same time as you. My favorites include Baby Center, Ovia, Pregnancy+, and Glow Nurture.

So, head to your app store to explore pregnancy-related apps, follow Instagram hashtags related to pregnancy, and turn your search engine for the top pregnancy-related websites and forums.

8.     Eliminate Cigarettes and Alcohol

These are two of the most crucial lifestyle changes that you should take as soon as you discover you’re expecting.

If you’re a cigarette smoker, start your journey to quit smoking immediately. Do not be afraid to ask for assistance to conquer this. Your doctor can direct you to resources to assist.

Alcohol must also be eliminated during pregnancy. The truth is there is no established safe level of alcohol during pregnancy.

What To Do After Positive Pregnancy Test

All types of alcohol (beer or wine, liquor, etc.) can be equally harmful and dangerous. There’s no conclusive research available in the literature.

It suggests drinking any amount or form of alcohol during pregnancy is safe.

A note to make If you’ve frequently been drinking and discovered that you are expecting a bit later in the game, do not worry.

It happens every day. And while there may be adverse effects from excessive alcohol consumption during the first trimester of pregnancy. The only option at this moment is to quit immediately.

  • Don’t eat uncooked or undercooked meat.
  • Do not eat uncooked or raw fish (bye-bye sushi)
  • Don’t eat deli-style meat (your provider might say that this is fine when you first microwave it)
  • Do not consume any dairy that isn’t pasteurized. This is mainly imported cheeses and raw milk products.
  • Limit your intake of caffeine. Research suggests that drinking up to 200 mg (or 2 cups of coffee daily) isn’t dangerous for your child.

9.     Beware of Activities that Could Cause Injury to Your Abdomen.

As well as restricting certain food items, staying away from high-risk sports is essential.

If you’re unsure about a task, consider whether it might cause trauma to your abdomen. If you can answer yes, you need to stay clear of it.

A few common examples to avoid include horseback riding, skiing, jumping on trampolines, and roller coasters. Or any other thrilling rides or mountain biking. I believe you’ve got the concept.

Avoid bathing in hot saunas. It’s not advisable to allow your body temperatures to rise during pregnancy. It could pose severe dangers to your baby’s developing body.

10. Get Educated

You’ll want to know what you can anticipate during your pregnancy from week to week. You can sign up for early pregnancy classes where you can ask questions and receive answers in person.

Both online and in-person classes will provide you with the information. It will provide the necessary information to make the best choices for yourself and your infant.

Books are also a fantastic source of information on the birth process, pregnancy, and postpartum period.

11. Practice Self Care

Sleeping well and eating healthy, and taking prenatal vitamins. And exercising with care can ensure the success of your pregnancy, less painful labor, and an uninjured baby.

Being aware of your body’s signs. Knowing whether that be exhaustion or morning sickness will allow you to deal more effectively with the signs of pregnancy.

A pregnancy test can generally show more of a dark positive line depending on how far along you are.

But comparing the dark line that appears on the test for your pregnancy isn’t an accurate method of determining the health of your pregnancy.

The tests at home for pregnancy aren’t intended to gauge the amount of hCG in the urine. They’re designed to determine if you have an acceptable amount.

12. Find Support

Support is essential for any expecting woman when you’re talking to friends or family.

There will be a lot of changes in your life, and you’ll be asking lots of questions. It is essential to be surrounded by individuals who can assist you in discussing things.

13. Enjoy Your Pregnancy

In reality, it’s only 9 or 10 months. While the birthday may seem far off, it will come faster than most parents expect.

Preparing for the baby just monthly can help avoid panicking at the end of pregnancy. And when moms “wake up” and realize it’s only a couple of weeks before the baby is born.

What To Do After Positive Pregnancy Test

It can take a while for you to get used to the changes

After the reality of it all sets in, the reality of life is set in. It’s time to take a breath, take a break, relax, and be compassionate to yourself. Pregnancies that are planned can trigger emotional turmoil and upsets.

If you’re a couple or spouse, the initial step should be to get together and converse honestly. Talk about how you feel.

Be honest and upfront about your worries, fears, or anxiety. Most likely, others are experiencing similar emotions.

When visiting your prenatal clinic, discuss your concerns with your health professional. They can assure that what’s happening is normal and, in fact, quite typical.

You may also seek out close family members, friends, and parents who have been through similar situations.

If you’re feeling uneasy or are experiencing extreme depression, mood fluctuations, or depression-like episodes, take a look at scheduling an appointment with an expert in mental health.

You could deal with something much more severe than simply an adjustment phase.

14. Concentrate on Your Overall Health

At the beginning of pregnancy, things on the outside might appear similar. But a lot is happening in the interior (as you might have guessed from constant nausea).

The baby’s brain, organs, and body parts are starting to form. It is possible to support this growth by taking health care of yourself.

  • Start by taking vitamins for prenatal use.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, protein, and fiber.
  • Drink ample water.
  • Avoid drinking, smoking, and other illegal substances.
  • Avoid eating raw fish, unpasteurized dairy, dairy-based products, and meats from delis.
  • Be sure to keep the litter box of your cat.

15. Take an Ultrasound

The first thing you need to do after the positive pregnancy test is to plan an ultrasound. It will confirm your pregnancy if the test is an untrue positive.

If you’re pregnant, the test will also provide important details about your pregnancy.

What To Do After Positive Pregnancy Test

An ultrasound can reveal the stage of your pregnancy but will also indicate the place where the baby is growing.

Although rare, the pregnancy occurs occasionally beyond the uterus but most typically inside the Fallopian tubes.

If this occurs, this is referred to as an ectopic pregnancy. It’s not feasible.

One of the primary reasons to undergo an ultrasound scan is to ensure the pregnancy is in the uterus, as ectopic pregnancies have serious health consequences for those with them.

They must be dealt with immediately.

Conclusion

What to do after a positive pregnancy test? The moment you discover that you’re pregnant is an incredible life-changing experience.

During this period, you have to take some essential steps. Steps like changing your lifestyle, calculating your baby’s due date, making exercise a core part of your daily routine, and so many other things you must follow to make your pregnancy period easy.

 

FAQs | What to do after a positive pregnancy test?

What’s the first step to take following a negative pregnancy test?

If you’ve received a positive pregnancy test, contact your doctor. They’ll probably arrange an appointment eight weeks later when they’ll confirm the pregnancy and its location through ultrasound and conduct various other vital tests and screens.

What is the best time to see the doctor after an unconfirmed pregnancy test?

First, congratulations! The most famous moment to schedule your first appointment is between eight and eight weeks gestation, or around one month following the first missed period and a positive pregnancy test.

Do you know what to do and not do after positive pregnancy tests?

Follow the steps to be informed and well-prepared for the beginning stages of your pregnancy.
Consider Taking a Second Test.
Calculate the Baby’s Due Date.
Let the News Sink in–and Celebrate!
Make a Doctor’s Appointment.
Decide Who to Tell and When.
Get Into Healthy Habits

What do you feel like when you are 4 weeks pregnant?

Early signs of pregnancy (at about four weeks)
An untimely period (often an early indication of pregnancy), a metallic taste within your mouth. Sore breasts.
The name morning sickness sometimes refers to nausea; however, it can happen anytime (read more about morning sickness during week six)

When should I inform people I’m expecting?

Many women prefer to wait for the announcement of pregnancy until the close of the initial third trimester (12 weeks into the gestation).
This is typically due to worries about the chance that miscarriages could occur (pregnancy loss) at this point.

Do I need to see a doctor at 5 weeks of pregnancy?

Even if a pregnancy test shows you’re pregnant, you must book appointments with your OB/GYN. The American Pregnancy Association recommends you schedule appointments with your physician for your first prenatal appointment within 8 weeks of your last menstrual cycle (LMP).