The Ultimate First-Trimester Checklist: What to Do When the Test is Positive

Finding out you’re pregnant is a moment you’ll never forget. Whether you’ve been trying for years or were completely surprised, seeing those two little lines usually triggers a wild mix of excitement, joy, and—let’s be honest—absolute panic.

Once the initial shock wears off, the “What do I do now?” phase kicks in. Don’t worry, mama. Take a deep breath. You don’t need to buy a crib or pick a college major today. Just focus on these essential, manageable steps during your first trimester.

1. Call Your OB/GYN or Midwife

Don’t be surprised if your doctor doesn’t want to see you right away. Most practices schedule your first prenatal appointment between weeks 8 and 12 of pregnancy. However, you should still call them immediately to:

• Get your official due date on their books.
• Confirm if any medications you are currently taking are safe for pregnancy.

2. Start (or Upgrade) Your Prenatal Vitamin

If you weren’t already taking a prenatal vitamin, start today. Your baby’s neural tube develops during the first few weeks of pregnancy, making folic acid absolutely critical. Look for a vitamin that contains:

• Folic acid or Methylfolate (at least 400 mcg)
• Iron (to support your growing blood volume)
• DHA (for baby’s brain development)

Tip: If morning sickness makes swallowing large pills impossible, try prenatal gummies. Just note that most gummies lack iron, so you may need to discuss alternatives with your doctor.

3. Check Your Skincare and Diet

You don’t need to live in a bubble, but a few quick lifestyle adjustments are necessary to protect your growing embryo:

• In the kitchen: Pause consumption of high-mercury fish, unpasteurized dairy, deli meats (unless heated to steaming), and raw eggs. Limit caffeine to under 200mg a day (about one 12 oz cup of coffee).
• In the bathroom: Check your skincare labels. Put away products containing retinoids, retinol, and high doses of salicylic acid, as these are not safe for pregnancy.

4. Build Your Morning Sickness Survival Kit

“Morning” sickness is a total myth—it can hit at 2:00 PM or last all day long. Before the nausea hits full force, stock your nightstand and purse with:

• Preggie Pop Drops or sour candies.
• Ginger tea or ginger ale.
• High-protein snacks (like almonds or crackers) to eat before your feet even hit the floor in the morning. An empty stomach makes nausea worse!