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Nobody ever explains what you should do after you get the BFP so, to help ease you into your journey towards parenthood we share our top tips for getting through those first nerve wracking few weeks of your pregnancy....
Test again - Provided you've followed the instructions home pregnancy tests are highly accurate so if you've got a positive result the chances are that you are pregnant. However, many women like to test again just to be sure. While this isn't strictly necessary it can give you the reassurance you need that the result was correct and that it's time to get excited!
Be prepared to be surprised - Finding out that you're pregnant is always overwhelming, even if it's something you've wanted for a long time and your initial reaction might not be what you expect. Don't be surprised if you feel scared or nervous as well as happy, having a baby is a life changing event and it can take a while to get used to the idea that you're going to be a parent. The same applies to your partner, try not to get upset if they don't react to the news in the same way as you, we all deal with things differently.
See your GP - Soon after getting a positive pregnancy test result you should book in to see your GP. While they may not be quite as excited as you'd hope them to be they will be able to arrange antenatal care for you and answer any questions you may have about what you should/shouldn't do during pregnancy. If you are currently on medication your doctor will also review its suitability for use in pregnancy.
Stop drinking - Current government recommendations suggest that you should give up alcohol for the duration of your pregnancy so while it's tempting to get a bottle of bubbly to celebrate you should just make do with orange juice! You should also try to cut down on the amount of caffeine you consume in teas, coffees and fizzy drinks.
Say goodbye to the cigs - Difficult as it can be giving up smoking will be best for you and your baby but don't try to go it alone. Your GP should be able to offer practical support and advice as how you can beat those cravings once and for all.
Get healthy - Your body needs to be as healthy as possible to grow a baby so you need to make sure that you're eating a nutritious, balanced diet. Try to give junk food a miss, start getting your 5 a day and include plenty of lean protein and wholegrains in your diet. Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated and start to take some gentle exercise too.
Boost your folic acid intake - If you're not already doing so, you will need to boost your folic acid intake so that you're getting the recommended 400 micrograms a day. Folic acid supplements are the best way to do this as it can be hard to get enough from your diet alone. It's important to take these supplements until at least the 12th week of your pregnancy as folic acid plays an essential role in the development of your baby's brain and spinal cord and can help to prevent neural tube defects.
Decide when to share the news - While some parents-to-be like to shout their exciting news from the roof tops right away, others like to keep it to themselves until they get to the end of the first trimester. There is no right or wrong time to tell family and friends, it's entirely up to you to decide. However, it is important to discuss this with your partner so one of you doesn't spill the news before the other. If you decide not to tell, you'll need to start thinking of excuses for explaining to friends and colleagues why you've stopped drinking/ given up coffee/ started eating healthily/ feel constantly nauseous etc!
Take it easy - Growing a baby is incredibly tiring and you'll have so many hormones dashing around your body that you might feel like sleeping 24/7. Remember things will get easier as you move towards the end of the first trimester and it will all seem worthwhile when you finally have your baby in your arms. In the meantime, make sure you look after yourself, eat well, get plenty of rest and pamper yourself as much as possible - after all you deserve it!
How did you react when you first found out you were pregnant? Did you make any big changes to your day to day life? When did you let friends and family in on your special secret? Share your stories with us on the AskBaby forums.
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I hope it is normal as I have the same. I've been convinced for the past 4 days that my period is on the way as I have been having aches and pains almost identical to when i get my period but got the + result this morning. I've read that this is common (it's the womb preparing to carry a baby and it moves and stretches like when your period comes) so unless they are quite serious pains, I wouldn't worry too much. You could check with the doctor though to make sure :) Good luck & hope all goes well xxx
added by babygems [Mon 5th Jan 2009 @ 09:30:57]
i too have just found out im pregnant and am getting it confirmed on tuesday. like mpat i too have been having "period" like pains that come and go... is this normal as im quite worried x
added by emilee2009 [Mon 22nd Dec 2008 @ 08:52:15]
I did two tests at the weekend and have found out I am pregnant. Myself and my husband are delighted! We are keeping it a secret as so early. My husband works away just now though so I have noone to talk to about it! I cant geta doctors appointment until next week. Am having quite a few stomach pains, not awful ones but I am concerned as this is my 1st preg. Is thi snormal?
added by mpat [Tue 2nd Dec 2008 @ 08:58:32]
i had two children with my partner when i was very young,who are now 18 and 14.. i then split with their father for 10 years.. we got back together 3 months ago and have just found out we are expecting number3!!!!!.. we were dropping our elder 2 at the airport this week and i said its just the 3 of us now... we are delighted if not a little shocked to say the least... they say life begins at40 !
added by alexisd [Fri 31st Oct 2008 @ 09:58:51]
i found out i was pregnant on the 5th of october...my 20th birthday!!!i was really excited but my boyfriend didnt feel the same...he broke up with me so ive now prepared 2 go it alone!! i rang the doctors and they told me i couldnt have an appointment until i'd missed 2 periods...and there earliest 1 was on the 20th of novemebr...i'll be nearly 11weeks by then!!! this seems really far away and all my friends who had babys before had ther appointments at 8 weeks!will it matter that i have to wait so long?? x
added by mandy11436 [Tue 28th Oct 2008 @ 09:24:18]
i Had a miscarrige 14 september that ended naturally 21 september 2008 now 25th october im 6 weeks pregnant already , i really hope this one stays well and goes full term im not a big religouse person but i find myself preyin all the time askin for his support in helpin my baby to survive i am scared to go for wees cause of the last time i went there was blood with the previouse one . i would do anything to keep this baby safe and happy i just hope i carry it full term , any one heard of anyone catching so soon and havine a healthy baby second time around? hugs n kisses xx
added by emma050987 [Mon 27th Oct 2008 @ 09:02:14]
WEll I did 2 tests on 5th october and just been put forward for an 8 week scan tomorrow as the midwife feels I am further along than I thought I was =S
added by Rarasully [Mon 20th Oct 2008 @ 11:04:56]
Phone your doctors and they usually set you up an appointment with the midwife when you are eight weeks.
added by CEM1784 [Mon 20th Oct 2008 @ 11:04:46]
i've done 2 home tests and they were both positive - should i go to my doctor or family planning clinic for the next steps as i haven't got a clue!!!
added by clairetimney [Mon 6th Oct 2008 @ 09:51:58]
hi everyone, i`m six weeks pregnant and although i`m happy i am vry scared. i had two late misscarriages last year i was 20 weeks with both. my consultant said it was due to my cervix not closeing properly. they said i should have a stich put in next time i am pregnant. i have to wait until i am 14 weeks. i am scared of losing baby before that. has anyone else had simarler problems if so some advice would be most grateful. thank you.
added by allybob [Mon 29th Sep 2008 @ 09:16:29]
I found out and it was a complete surprise. I wasnt sure if the time was right for me to have a baby. but after a week of thinking about it i couldnt be happier. I have a new philosophy, which is that despite having sooooo many plans that didnt involve a baby, a baby doesnt ruin your life it just changes it. Now i cant wait to take it traveling with me.
added by kaligodwin [Mon 29th Sep 2008 @ 09:16:16]
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i rang the doctors and they told me i couldnt have an appointment until i'd missed 2 periods...and there earliest 1 was on the 20th of novemebr...i'll be nearly 11weeks by then!!! this seems really far away and all my friends who had babys before had ther appointments at 8 weeks!will it matter that i have to wait so long??
x
hugs n kisses xx