Just Got a Positive Pregnancy Test? Here’s What to Do

Understanding Your Positive Pregnancy Test

Types of Pregnancy Tests

When you get a positive pregnancy test, understand the types of tests that can confirm your pregnancy. There are two main types: urine tests and blood tests.

Urine Tests:

• Home Pregnancy Tests: These are the most common and convenient. You can buy them at drugstores, pharmacies, and even some dollar stores. They check for the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in your urine.
• Doctor’s Office Tests: These are similar to home tests but are done in a medical setting. They can sometimes be more sensitive and accurate.

Blood Tests:

• Qualitative hCG Test: This test gives a simple “yes” or “no” answer to whether you’re pregnant. It can detect pregnancy earlier than a urine test, usually about 7-10 days after ovulation.
• Quantitative hCG Test: Also known as a beta hCG test, this measures the exact amount of HCG in your blood. It can detect even very low levels of HCG, which is helpful for tracking problems during pregnancy or confirming an early miscarriage.

Blood tests are often more accurate than urine tests and can detect pregnancy earlier. However, they are usually done at a doctor’s office and may take longer to get results.

Interpreting Test Results

Understanding your test results is crucial. Here’s what you need to know:

Positive Signs:

• Read the instructions on your test for what to look for. Even a faint line can indicate pregnancy.
• Digital tests will clearly show “pregnant” or “not pregnant.”

Control Window:

• Most tests have a control window to show that the test is working correctly. If the control line or symbol doesn’t appear, the test is invalid, and you should try again with a new test.

False Positives:

• These are rare but can happen. Possible causes include recent pregnancy loss, fertility medications containing HCG, or certain medical conditions like ovarian cysts. If in doubt, consult your doctor for a blood test to confirm.

False Negatives:

• More common than false positives, these can occur if you take the test too early, use diluted urine, or don’t follow the test instructions correctly. If you get a negative result but still suspect you’re pregnant, retake the test in a few days or consult your doctor.

Chemical Pregnancy:

• This occurs when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus but doesn’t continue to develop. It can cause a positive test result followed by a period soon after. If this happens, consult your doctor for further evaluation.

Understanding these aspects will help you interpret your positive pregnancy test results accurately. If you have any doubts or need confirmation, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Early prenatal care is crucial for a healthy pregnancy.

What to Do After a Positive Pregnancy Test

Scheduling Your First OB/GYN Appointment

Once you have a positive pregnancy test, your next step should be to schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN. Early prenatal care is crucial for both your health and the health of your unborn baby. Here’s what to expect:

Prenatal Care

Early prenatal care is essential for monitoring your health and the development of your baby. At your first visit, your OB/GYN will:

• Confirm the Pregnancy: A urine or blood test will be conducted to confirm your pregnancy.
• Review Medical History: Your doctor will discuss your medical history to identify any risk factors.
• Physical Exam: You’ll undergo a complete physical exam to check your overall health.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound is typically performed within the first trimester. This helps to:

• Detect the Fetal Heartbeat: Ensures the baby’s heart is beating normally.
• Measure Baby’s Length: Helps determine how far along the pregnancy is.
• Confirm Viability: Ensures the fertilized egg has implanted properly inside the uterus.

Medical History

Your OB/GYN will go over your medical history in detail. This includes:

• Previous Pregnancies: Including any past miscarriages, C-sections, or complications.
• Chronic Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid issues.
• Medications: Any current medications you are taking.

By scheduling your first OB/GYN appointment early, you can ensure you’re on the right track for a healthy pregnancy.

Next, we’ll discuss health and nutrition tips to follow during early pregnancy.

Health and Nutrition During Early Pregnancy

Nutrition and Diet

Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial during early pregnancy. You’re eating for two now, but that doesn’t mean doubling your portions. Focus on quality, not quantity.

Key Nutrients:

• Protein: Essential for your baby’s growth. Include lean meats, beans, and nuts in your diet.
• Fiber: Helps prevent constipation. Opt for whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Prenatal Vitamins: These provide vital nutrients like folic acid and iron. Your OB/GYN will recommend the best ones for you.

Foods to Avoid:

• Raw Foods: Avoid raw fish and undercooked pork to prevent exposure to parasites.
• Certain Fish: Bigeye tuna, king mackerel, and swordfish have high mercury levels. Limit white (albacore) tuna to 6 ounces per week.
• Unpasteurized Dairy: These can cause listeriosis. Stick to pasteurized milk and cheese.

Talk to your doctor about what you should do to ensure you and your baby get the nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy.

Health Risks

Smoking and Alcohol:

• Smoking: This includes tobacco, marijuana, and vaping. Smoking can cause preterm births and stillbirths.
• Alcohol: Can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome, resulting in physical defects and brain issues.

Caffeine:

• Limit to about one cup per day. Excessive caffeine can lead to hypertension and affect your baby’s growth.

High-Impact Activities:

• Depending on your normal routine, you may want to avoid strenuous exercises as your pregnancy progresses.

Being mindful of these risks and nutritional needs will help you maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Next Steps Recap

Congratulations on your positive pregnancy test! Now that the initial excitement has settled, it’s time to focus on the next steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

1. Schedule Your First OB/GYN Appointment:

Your first step should be to schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN. At Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology, we provide comprehensive obstetrical care, including regular appointments, ultrasounds, and patient education. Your doctor will confirm your pregnancy, discuss your medical history, and outline a prenatal care plan custom to your needs.

2. Begin Prenatal Care:

Prenatal care is crucial for monitoring both your health and your baby’s development. You’ll typically see your doctor monthly until you reach 30-32 weeks, then every two weeks, and finally weekly as you approach your due date.

Prenatal Classes

Around your sixth month, consider enrolling in prenatal classes. These classes offer valuable information on what to expect during labor and delivery, pain management techniques, breastfeeding, and newborn care. They also provide a great opportunity to connect with other expectant parents.

Vaccinations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends three key vaccines during pregnancy:

• Flu Vaccine: Protects you and your baby from the seasonal flu.
• Tdap Vaccine: Shields your baby from whooping cough, tetanus, and diphtheria.
• COVID-19 Vaccine: If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, it’s recommended for your safety and your baby’s.

Taking these steps will help ensure a healthy and smooth pregnancy journey. At Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way. Reach out with any questions or schedule your first appointment online. Call us at 954-340-1050.