You Found Out You’re Pregnant, Now What?
What to do in the first few weeks (without spiraling into a Google black hole)
You checked your calendar and realized your period is five days late.
Or maybe you were tracking ovulation with MyOvry strips, noticed you ovulated two weeks ago, and now your app is nudging you to take a test.
So—you peed on that stick.
And there they are: two pink lines.
Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, a rush of emotion is completely normal—joy, shock, anxiety, disbelief, hope, maybe even fear. You’re growing a human, and there’s no right or wrong way to feel about that moment.
So take a deep breath. Tell your partner. Call your mom, your best friend—or don’t. It’s your story, and you get to decide how and when to share it.
Once the news starts to settle in, here are a few gentle reminders and first steps to guide you in those early days of knowing:
1. Note the dates
Write down when your last period was and the day you found out. Your doctor will ask, and these help estimate your due date. For me, I was already using PreMom App and tracking my ovulation and cycle, so this was easy. Even using your Health App to track your cycle is good and an important habit to maintain outside of TTC.
2. Call your healthcare provider
Book a visit to your doctor, local walk-in, or (if military) your sick parade. They’ll confirm the pregnancy with a blood or urine test and guide you through next steps for care and referrals. It was pretty clear I was pregnant, so I didn’t need a blood test to confirm, however, be prepared for lots of tests in the next 9 months, I remember having 2-3 blood draws, a couple vaccinations and unluckily 3 rounds of Iron transfusions. If you are uncomfortable with needles or doctors, pregnancy sure will get you more comfortable just based on exposure. Also, think about booking a mental health appointment, check in with yourself and your partner, pregnancy depression is real and having someone to talk to is very helpful. You are also setting yourself up for success if you end up having PPD (postpartum depression). Your mental health matters.
Book suggestion – I received this suggestion from my Pelvic Floor Physician, but honestly highly recommend reading it before you give birth! The Postnatal Depletion Cure by Dr Oscar Serrallach
3. Ask about your first ultrasound
Some providers wait until the first trimester is well underway—but if you’re unsure or want early reassurance, it’s okay to ask for an earlier one. Advocate for your comfort and peace of mind. I had two miscarriages in a row, so I asked for an ultrasound early – had my first one at 9 weeks and that is when I found out I was having twins!
4. Talk about future care + daycare
Not the most romantic part of pregnancy, but daycare waitlists are no joke. If you plan to return to work, now is the time to start researching childcare options—even if it feels early. Consider:
- Will you take 12 or 18 months off?
- Do you plan to be a stay-at-home parent?
- What childcare style aligns with your family values?
Nothing has to be finalized now. But starting the convo helps.
5. Take that first bump photo
Even if you feel like there’s no bump yet. Pick an aesthetic—bare belly, mirror selfie, full outfit, chalkboard—and capture the start of this wild, beautiful journey. You’ll be glad you did. Go on Pinterest for ideas! There are some great bump progression photos to take, put it in your calendar (cause you probably will forget), and capture the moments as it goes by so fast! Also, go out and buy yourself a cute matching underwear set for the progression photos! I used Calvin Klein for my first and did cute sets from Crz Yoga for my second (I was in my pilates era – who are we kidding, I still am)
6. Start (or keep taking) prenatal vitamins
If you weren’t already taking prenatals, now’s a good time to start. Many brands are available OTC, or your doctor may prescribe one.
We’ll link to a few trusted, Canada-friendly options below—including Everydae, Bird&Be, Omega-3s, Vitamin D, and Iron (if needed).
Always check with your healthcare provider before adding supplements.
I used Everydae for my prenatal and I loved it! I am currently using their Mama Support (Postnatal) and they have been fantastic. Using my link will get you a discount!
7. Set boundaries early
The moment you share the news, everyone has opinions. Some helpful, some… not. You don’t have to take it all in. Decide who you want advice from, and when. It’s okay to say:
“I just need support right now.”
Or: “Thanks! We’ve got this part covered.”
Protect your peace. This is your pregnancy.
8. Take a look at your diet and fitness regime
Along with starting prenatal, taking a look at what you are eating in a day may be necessary. I started looking at healthy quick recipes to make, the cravings will hit you, but getting protein and snacking throughout the day instead of bigger meals helps. Especially when you hit that nauseous phase. Buy an XL water bottle and have it filled constantly. Look out for my cookbook in the following months for some great tried and true recipes I enjoyed Pre and Post Pregnancy.
For fitness, your doctor may have some criteria for you, but do what feels good for your body. I was competing in volleyball tournaments throughout my first trimester, and then coaching as my body got bigger and more sore. I continued doing pilates until late third trimester and was in pelvic floor physio. Highly recommend!! Also go find a prenatal masseuse and get that massage girl! Main takeaway is listen to your body, and foot rubs from your partner daily are a must!!
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Some of the products mentioned in this post may include affiliate or referral links. That means if you choose to purchase something we’ve recommended, Chapter One Motherhood may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. These are always products we truly believe in and use (or used) ourselves. Your support helps keep this space growing and glowing.
You’re doing great. Even if you don’t feel like it yet.
This is just the beginning, and you don’t have to figure it all out today. Trust your instincts. Ask questions. Talk to your doctor, your mom, your best friend. Cry if you need to.
There’s no right way to be pregnant—there’s just your way.
We’re here for it. And we’re proud of you already.