Your home pregnancy test indicated you were pregnant. Your health care provider confirmed it with a blood test. Congratulations are definitely in order. Your’re pregnant! You may not look pregnant or feel pregnant; however, medical science assures you that you are. Now what?

The Journey Begins

The first and most important step to take following a confirmed pregnancy is to seek sound prenatal information. Why? Because during the prenatal time your baby is growing and developing and needs your help. At your initial appointment with your health care provider, you will likely review the basics of prenatal care. This valuable prenatal information is the foundation for the next nine months and you should approach this like your day job, with all the seriousness, integrity and dedication you can exert. The medical support staff is also a valuable resource for prenatal information as they have the benefit of caring for many expecting mothers and have a significant knowledge base from which to draw upon.

Alternative Sources Of Prenatal Information

Prenatal information need not come exclusively from your health care provider’s office. In fact, it is said variety is the spice of life, and having a variety of resources to round out your prenatal education can only serve you well in the long run. Here are some valuable places to find prenatal information:

1. Prenatal books and manuals from your local library or favorite bookstore

2. Prenatal videos from your local library

3. Professional medical or hospital websites

4. Conversations with family members or friends who have been pregnant

Be wary of what you read in books or on the Internet. Take the source of the prenatal information into consideration and if you have any questions about what you read call your health care provider and ask about it. Bear in mind, medical information published on the Internet is intended to cover every possible angle related to the topic you are reading about and likely you’ll read about things that cause you concern or unnecessary worry. Jot down your questions and bring them to your next appointment if they can wait.

If you know which hospital you plan to deliver you might want to contact them regarding baby care classes. These are highly recommended for first time moms. During these classes, which often meet in the evenings or on weekends, you’ll learn a lot about your changing body, your growing baby and what to expect during labor and delivery. You’ll also get the opportunity to learn fun things like diapering, feeding, bathing and the essentials of safety including recommended car seats, baby proofing your home and even which house plants are dangerous if eaten. Attend these classes with your partner if possible or a friend. There is a lot of essential prenatal information covered and two heads are usually better than one.

Prenatal information is very important to the health and well being of both you and your developing baby. Pregnancy is filled with good days and not so good days, but for the most part and for most women, it is an exciting journey.