I’m pregnant, what now?

Can the test be wrong?

We know blood and urine-based pregnancy tests. If you took the test at home, you probably chose the urine test. Two bars appear on it if the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or the “pregnancy hormone” is present in the body. The level of this hormone varies from day to day and also changes throughout the day (depending on how much a woman drinks and how concentrated her urine is). That is why it is recommended to use the first morning urine for the test. Home pregnancy tests are, of course, not 100% reliable. Sometimes they’re negative, even though a woman is pregnant. This can happen because the level of the pregnancy hormone is still too low to be detected by the test. The hCG hormone level might also be so high (in later pregnancy) that the test also shows a negative result, even when pregnancy is evident. The urine test can also be falsely positive, which often happens after miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, as the body needs time to normalise the level of the pregnancy hormone.

If the test showed you a positive result ad your period is late, you are most likely pregnant! You can, of course, repeat the test, use another brand to make sure, but probably there is no need for a double-check.

What now?

Have breakfast first. Probably, you did the test early in the morning, and now you’re running through the fridge – what can I even eat during pregnancy? Well, you can probably forget gorgonzola for a while, but keep in mind that pregnancy is not a disease. However, it is a special condition in which, for the sake of health, you have to give up some items on your menu. Those include raw or uncooked foods such as eggs (or dishes prepared from them) meat and fish (beef tartare, Prosciutto, sushi, smoked salmon), unpasteurised milk and milk products, soft and mouldy cheeses. If your hand now reached into a drawer of cans, beware! Don’t exaggerate with cans of tuna and pâtés, as they contain a lot of mercury and vitamin A, which can be harmful to the fetus in large quantities. And now you know what a healthy pregnancy breakfast can look like. Think toast with eggs, fruits, nuts, yoghurt. Above all, listen to yourself and your body!

Then call the gynaecologist to schedule for your first examination and confirmation of the pregnancy. And don’t be surprised that you probably won’t get an appointment this afternoon. If you don’t have any problems, the first gynaecological exam is recommended between weeks 8 and 12. Why? Because before that time, the gynaecologist can’t confirm the pregnancy with an ultrasound. The first pregnancy check-up is very emotional, so prepare for the tears of happiness. A gynaecologist uses vaginal ultrasound for examination, inspecting the uterus and fetus. When confirming a pregnancy, they’ll ask about the first day of your last period, so have this information ready. Based on it, the doctor can calculate the approximate date of birth. Urine and blood sampling will follow, sometimes a test for toxoplasmosis. Then the doctor will talk to you and clear up all your dilemmas.

Is my child healthy?

Waiting for the first pregnancy check-up often feels like an eternity, so pregnant women are left with many unanswered questions. They can cause worry, fear, discomfort, or anxiety. But future mom – take a deep breath and believe that your child is healthy. You can confirm it quickly and easily with NIPT by GenePlanet, a non-invasive prenatal test. From week 10 of pregnancy, it can accurately detect if the child has any genetic abnormalities. The test poses no risk to you or the baby, but it does ensure that you have a peaceful and cheerful pregnancy.

Should I already feel that I’m pregnant?

You must have automatically started caressing your tummy and taking care not to lie down on your stomach so you don’t “squash” the baby. Don’t worry about that; you can still sleep on your stomach for the first few months. Later it’s going to become more challenging because your stomach will be in the way and you’ll probably be “doomed” to sleep on your left side until you give birth.

The first signs of pregnancy are not kicks in the abdomen, but you can feel cramps and menstrual-like pain in the uterus area. Many pregnant women sleep a lot in the first weeks. They are tired, which is normal – your body is creating something extraordinary. It’s building an environment where a child will evolve. Your body is fantastic, be aware of it and give it a rest if it needs it. The pregnancy hormone also sends you to the bathroom very often; more frequent peeing is one of the first signs of pregnancy. The hormone hCG speeds up blood flow through the kidneys and helps the body get rid of excess fluid. At the same time, your uterus expands, creating space by retreating and pressing on other organs, including the bladder.

You’ve undoubtedly heard of pregnancy sickness. Science has not yet fully discovered why it happens, but pregnancy hormones, especially progesterone, and genetics are thought to play a significant role. Pregnancy sickness accompanies most women’s first months of pregnancy and then slowly subsides. Your smell will be sharper, more sensitive. You may remove all the onions from your home because you’ll be so sick you won’t be able to smell them. Almost all pregnant women also experience a strong desire for certain foods and a strong aversion to others. Know that all this is normal and that it is your hormones that are “out of control”.

How and when should I tell I’m pregnant?

If you haven’t already, share the news with your partner first. You could do it by simply saying: “You will be a daddy!” or you can make it more exciting and prepare a surprise he will never forget. If you’re home alone at the moment, and if you have time, maybe think about how you’re going to tell him the happy news. You can also record it secretly to create a memory that you can relive over and over again. Then decide together when you’re going to tell the world. Some do so immediately, others wait for the results of the NIPT by GenePlanet test, and some couples tell the happy news after three months of pregnancy when the chance of miscarriage is significantly lower. The decision, of course, is all yours.

When should I buy a stroller?

The answer is simple: not now. First, take care of other, more important things. First on your list is a healthy diet; make sure you’re getting enough folic acid, iron, and other necessary nutrients. Be regularly active outside in the fresh air. Also, make sure your pregnancy is calm. If you’re worried about your baby’s health, do a NIPT by GenePlanet test, take a deep breath, and dive into the pregnancy. Take care of your body. Use gentle soaps and shower gels because the skin is often sensitive during pregnancy. Use a cream or oil against stretch marks on your stomach and breasts every night to make sure your skin stays elastic and nurtured.

And then comes happy shopping; car seats, clothes, accessories for the baby’s room, stroller, and more. And while spending, keep in mind that what the child needs most is love and a safe nest that only you and your partner can provide. Even the most expensive and softest blanket can’t compete with mom’s lap.