Next Steps After Becoming Pregnant

Finally, you can say, "I'm pregnant!" Possibly after months and years of trying to conceive. But now what? If you struggled to get pregnant, making the transition from infertile to pregnant isn't easy. Your need for details and information may be stronger than other men and women who conceived with more ease.

It's normal to feel anxious and even a little out of control. Yes, even though you've dreamed of this moment for a long time!

Whether you're already deep in the world of fertility or you conceived quickly, you are likely eager for information on having a healthy pregnancy. Here are the basics of what you need to know to dig into this experience and be an empowered pregnant couple.

Calculate Your Due Date

Ultrasound photos with calendar, you're first question after you're pregnant may be when you're due — Your due date is more of an approximation of when you may give birth -- it's not set in stone!. Jamie Grill / Getty Images

Are you wondering when you'll get to meet your baby? This is often the first question a woman has when she finds out she's pregnant. You can calculate your due date using this calculator.

You can also learn more about due dates, including what happens if the due date is wrong or how due dates are calculated.

Plan to Have a Healthy Pregnancy

Woman now pregnant and practicing yoga — Prenatal yoga is a good exercise for pregnancy. KidStock / Getty Images

Now that you're pregnant, you of course want to choose healthy lifestyle habits that are best for you and your baby. Perhaps it's obvious, but if you haven't already done so, dropping unhealthy habits like drinking and smoking is important. While drinking caffeine (in moderation) while trying to conceive is likely fine, it's debatable whether or not its 100 percent safe during pregnancy. This is also a time to step back on your caffeine intake.

Learn how to have a healthy, more comfortable pregnancy:

Find Out if You're Carrying More Than One

ultrasound with twins, someone finally able to say I'm pregnant! after infertility — If you're going through fertility treatments, you'll likely find out if you're carrying twins (or more!) early in your pregnancy. Chris Sternal-Johnson / Getty Images

If you have gone through fertility treatments, you are more likely to get pregnant with twins, triplets, or more. When will you find out if you have twins? You may not know for sure after the first ultrasound, which is often done after fertility treatment to confirm viability and look for a heartbeat. However, by the second or third ultrasound, you should know if you have one or more babies inside.

Here are the answers to your questions on multiple pregnancy:

Decide When to Tell, Who to Tell, and How to Tell

Woman on phone telling friends "I'm pregnant!" — Only you can decide when you're ready to share the news. digitalskillet / Getty Images

This is a big one for couples who may have struggled to conceive, especially if a miscarriage (or more) has occurred in the past. How do you decide when to tell? When you do decide, how can you do it? And what if someone reacts negatively to your good news?

The number one thing to keep in mind is that this is your choice. Don't let anyone tell you when it's okay to share or not share. There is no such thing as sharing "too soon" or waiting too long. There are positives and negatives to all the options.

Follow Your Baby's Growth

Pregnancy growth progression — Tracking how your baby grows and how your body changes throughout the pregnancy can help you bond with your unborn child. Ruslan Dashinsky / Getty Images

How does your baby grow throughout the pregnancy? Following the growth of your little one is a common way to bond with your unborn child.

Learn everything you need to know about fetal development here.

Find a Practitioner—And a Dentist

Doctor or midwife with pregnant woman — Take the time to find the right doctor or midwife for you. Hybrid Images / Getty Images

You may be able to stay with your current gynecologist, but keep in mind he or she may not be the OB of your dreams. Or perhaps you'd prefer midwife care.

If you've been working with a fertility clinic, you may wish to stay with your fertility doctor. But that's usually not possible. No matter how wonderful your reproductive endocrinologist may be, he's most likely not going to continue to be your doctor or offer prenatal care. It's time to find an OB (or obstetrician.)

Whatever your situation, do some research and find the right caregiver for you.

While you're making doctor appointments, this is also a good time to see the dentist. Pregnancy can be harsh on the gums, and poor dental hygiene can negatively affect your pregnancy.

Choose a Place of Birth

Woman in labor at home birth surrounded by midwife and doulas — You can choose between a hospital, a birth center, or a home birth, depending on how your pregnancy goes. Andersen Ross / Getty Images

Something you may not have thought about is where you'd like to give birth. The big birth day may seem far away, but it'll be here faster than you think! Do you want a hospital birth? Or do you want to try a birth center? Maybe you're interested in a homebirth?

How can you choose the right place?

Don't wait until you're almost ready to pop to start looking into birth places. You may not have enough time to explore all your options.