Finding out you’re pregnant, whether planned or unexpected, is an emotionally overwhelming experience.

after you snag your bearings, it’s time to look ahead to the next steps in your journey.

I’m so excited.

Congratulations on the bun in the oven,parenthoodis on its way!

Take your time with this decision.

Keep in mind that many obstetrician groups actually use an “on call” system.

you’re able to use thehealth center locatorto find a location near you that offers prenatal care.

Schedule your prenatal appointments

once you nail a health care provider, schedule your first prenatal appointment.

For example, popular anti-inflammatorymeds like ibuprofenaren’t safe to take while pregnant.

You shouldplan your prenatal visits as follows:

3.

Take prenatal vitamins

It’s never too early in your pregnancy to start taking prenatal vitamins.

TheCDC recommendsyour prenatal vitamins have at least 400mcg of folic acid.

It should also contain vitamins A, C, D and E, as well as calcium and zinc.

These substances are proven to haveharmful effectson your child’s development and can lead to a miscarriage or stillbirth.

It’s alsorecommendedyou reduce your caffeine intake to 200 mg or less per day.

Calculate expenses

Childbirth is expensive with insurance and especially without it.

And that’s for births without complications.

It’s estimated that these complications can cost around 20% more than a normal vaginal birth.

I didn’t plan for this.

Don’t feel rushed to make this decision.

However, by no means do you have to.

However, this option is not legally available to all people in the United States.

you might also find a provider throughPlanned Parenthoodor theNational Abortion Federation.

Clickhereto see the ones you have available to you.

These clinics may offer prenatal counseling, ultrasounds or pregnancy tests, but they will not perform an abortion.

They also tend to situate themselves next to Planned Parenthood or abortion clinics.

It won’t cost you money to place a child up for adoption.

Someservicescan provide you with medical care during pregnancy and counseling before and/or after giving birth.

There are alsosupport groups and resourcesfor birth moms and parents looking for emotional support through the process.