Positive Pregnancy Test: What to Do Next and How to Navigate Early Pregnancy
Feeling a mix of emotions after seeing a positive pregnancy test is perfectly normal and actually quite common. You may find yourself ecstatic one minute and crying the next—and not necessarily happy tears. Even if you’ve been trying to conceive for several months, a positive test often comes as a shock. You might even doubt the accuracy and take multiple tests before finally trusting the results.
Regardless of where you are on this emotional roller coaster, one thing’s certain: you probably have numerous questions about what to do next. The good news is that there are experts, resources, and other parents who can guide you through this process. Here’s what you need to know about a positive pregnancy test and your next steps.
Understanding Pregnancy Test Accuracy
While not as precise as blood tests, home pregnancy tests are remarkably effective—about 97 percent accurate, according to medical experts. These tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining.
Your healthcare provider may request an in-office pregnancy test, which measures the exact amount of hCG in your blood. These clinical blood tests are approximately 99 percent effective, providing an even more reliable confirmation of pregnancy.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms You Might Notice
Many people experience symptoms before they even see a positive test result. In fact, these unusual sensations are often what prompts someone to take a pregnancy test in the first place:
- A missed period, especially if your cycle is typically regular
- Frequent urination due to increased blood flow to your pelvic area
- Morning sickness or general nausea throughout the day
- Unusual fatigue or exhaustion
- Tender, swollen breasts that may be more sensitive than before your period
- Food aversions or sudden cravings
Could It Be a False Positive?
While rare, home pregnancy tests can occasionally result in false positive readings. This might happen with chemical pregnancies (very early miscarriages), recent pregnancy loss, or certain medications and medical conditions that affect hormone levels.
If you’re unsure about the accuracy of your results, there’s nothing wrong with taking another test or contacting a healthcare provider for confirmation. However, in general, a positive result is a reliable indicator that you are pregnant.
Processing Your Feelings About the Pregnancy
Your test may be positive, but that doesn’t mean you necessarily feel positive about how to handle this news. It’s important to acknowledge your emotions, whatever they may be, and give yourself time to process them.
Consider scheduling an appointment with a healthcare provider to discuss your feelings about the pregnancy and explore your options moving forward. You have several choices, including adoption, termination, or continuing the pregnancy. A professional can offer counseling and resources to help you make an informed decision about what is right for your specific situation.
If you decide to continue with the pregnancy, your next step will be establishing prenatal care.
Establishing Prenatal Care
To ensure a healthy pregnancy, it’s essential to arrange prenatal care promptly. Different providers have varying guidelines about when they want to see you for your first appointment. Some may ask you to wait until after week 8, while others might prefer to see you right away.
What to Expect at Your First Prenatal Visit
During your initial appointment, you can typically expect:
- A comprehensive medical and social history review, including reproductive and gynecologic history
- Family medical history assessment
- Complete physical examination
- Ultrasound to date the pregnancy accurately
- A series of laboratory tests to assess your health and the pregnancy
This appointment is also the time to inform your provider about any medications you’re currently taking. They will determine if your current medications are safe to continue during pregnancy or recommend alternatives that are safer for both you and your developing baby.
Choosing the Right Healthcare Provider
If you don’t already have a healthcare provider or are considering a change, you have several options to consider:
Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN)
Many expectant parents choose an OB-GYN as their primary care provider. These physicians specialize in pregnancy, childbirth, and women’s reproductive health.
Family Doctor
Some parents prefer to stay with their family physician, especially if that doctor provides comprehensive prenatal care. This option offers continuity of care with a provider who already knows your medical history.
Midwife
Midwives generally provide more education than physicians and often spend more time with their patients. When considering this route, it’s important to understand the different types of midwives available:
- Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) – Registered nurses with graduate education in midwifery
- Certified Midwives (the company) – Non-nurse midwives with specific midwifery education
- Certified Professional Midwives (CPM) – Midwives trained specifically for out-of-hospital births
Research indicates that care with midwives often leads to higher rates of vaginal births, lower rates of preterm birth, and greater patient satisfaction.
Doula Support
In addition to medical providers, some parents choose to work with a doula. Unlike midwives or doctors, doulas don’t provide medical care but offer emotional and physical support during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. They can help with comfort measures during labor, facilitate communication with your healthcare team, and provide valuable guidance throughout the process.
When selecting a provider, choose someone you feel comfortable with, considering their credentials, approach to care, and compatibility with your preferences. Remember that you always have the option to interview providers before committing or to change providers during your pregnancy if needed.
Taking Care of Your Emotional Health
Once the reality of pregnancy sets in, it’s important to take a deep breath, relax, and be kind to yourself. Even planned pregnancies can trigger emotional ups and downs as your body and life undergo significant changes.
Communicating with Your Support System
If you have a partner or spouse, sit down for an honest conversation about how you’re feeling. Be upfront about any fears, worries, or anxieties you’re experiencing. Chances are they’re dealing with similar emotions.
At your first prenatal visit, share your feelings with your healthcare provider. They can reassure you that what you’re experiencing is normal and common. You can also lean on close friends and family—especially other parents who have gone through similar experiences.
If you find yourself experiencing severe mood swings, anxiety, or depression, consider consulting a mental health professional. These symptoms might indicate something more serious than a typical adjustment period and deserve proper attention and care.
Deciding When and How to Share Your News
In early pregnancy, it’s relatively easy to keep your news private. Take advantage of this time to determine who needs to know about your pregnancy and when.
When deciding who to tell, create a short list of people who should know sooner rather than later. This might include immediate family, other children, close friends, your supervisor, or co-workers—especially if you’re dealing with morning sickness, fatigue, or frequent bathroom trips at work.
Some people announce their pregnancy immediately after receiving a positive test, while others prefer to wait until after the 12-week mark when the risk of miscarriage significantly decreases. Remember, this is your news to share—there is no right or wrong approach to announcing a pregnancy, so only do it when you feel ready.
Taking Care of Your Physical Health
During the early weeks of pregnancy, things may look the same on the outside, but significant development is happening internally. Your baby’s brain, organs, and body parts are beginning to form. You can support this development by taking good care of yourself.
Essential Health Practices During Early Pregnancy
- Begin taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid
- Exercise regularly (with your provider’s approval)
- Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and fiber
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and recreational drugs
- Avoid raw fish, unpasteurized dairy products, and deli meats
- Avoid cleaning cat litter boxes due to toxoplasmosis risk
- Get adequate rest and manage stress levels
Educating Yourself About Pregnancy and Beyond
Your body and your developing baby will change week by week. Understanding these changes and learning what to expect can help ease anxiety and prepare you for each phase of pregnancy.
Resources for Pregnancy Education
Books and Magazines
Bookstores and libraries offer numerous pregnancy and postpartum resources. Spend time browsing selections, check online reviews, and ask friends and family for recommendations. Your healthcare provider likely has a list of suggested reading materials for expectant parents.
Digital Resources
Online resources such as pregnancy websites, apps, and newsletters can provide week-by-week information about your baby’s development and changes in your body. Many offer personalized content based on your due date.
Podcasts
Pregnancy podcasts have become increasingly popular among expectant parents. Since many are free, you can sample different ones to find those that resonate with your needs and interests. If a podcast offers medical advice, verify that the host has appropriate credentials.
Prenatal Classes
If you prefer in-person learning, consider taking prenatal classes. Options include exercise classes designed for pregnancy, childbirth preparation courses, and parenting workshops. Some groups meet regularly just to check in and support each other through the pregnancy journey.
Remember to read not only about pregnancy but also about the postpartum period and newborn care, which involve their own unique challenges and adjustments.
Embracing This New Chapter
Discovering you’re pregnant, whether planned or unexpected, is a life-changing event. It’s important to be gentle with yourself and recognize that experiencing a wide range of emotions is entirely normal.
In those first few days and weeks after a positive test, take time to adjust to the news. Write down any questions or concerns you have and bring that list to your first appointment. Reach out to your support network for encouragement and perhaps celebration.
Remember to give yourself permission to process this significant life change at your own pace as you prepare for the months ahead. With proper care, support, and information, you can navigate this journey with greater confidence and peace of mind.
