You’re Pregnant! Now What?
Finding out you’re pregnant can bring on a wide range of emotions. You might be excited to bring a new life into the world. You might be nervous or even a little scared. Either way, there’s likely some questions whirling through your mind right now:
Is this real?
How do I share the news?
Who do I tell first?
How many people do I tell?
When is the right time?
How will they respond?
What do I need?
Am I ready to be a mother?
Am I really pregnant?
Now what?
No matter the questions or the feelings that come with them, a preborn baby is growing inside of you, and there are some important steps that you can begin to take, starting now.
Your Options
If you have been anticipating this moment, your options may seem straightforward—consider keeping the baby. However, not every woman responds the same way. Many may feel scared or isolated, while others might be uncertain about whether they are truly pregnant. Therefore, the most crucial first step is to confirm the pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test at a women’s health clinic, such as Open Arms Real Choices Clinic. Once your pregnancy is verified, we can walk you through your three options.
Parenting Our advocate mentors listen to your concerns and empower you with support and resources. Our advocate mentors hold one-on-one sessions with clients, where they engage in video-based lessons covering various topics such as prenatal care, parenting, relationships, life skills, and more. With over 400 lessons available, clients can earn points that can be used to make purchases in our boutique. Group classes and remote lessons are also available.
Abortion Our licensed medical staff provides clients with information about their rights and evidence-based education regarding the risks associated with each option, enabling them to make well-informed decisions. If you have taken the abortion pill within the last few days, but regret your decision, there is hope! The Abortion Reversal Pill is highly effective if taken within 72 hours of taking it, and can effectively reverse the abortion.
Adoption Adoption is a noble and commendable alternative that is highly valued and supported within our society. We connect clients with agencies and services to support their adoption plan and guide them through the process. This loving option provides incredible opportunities for you and your baby.
Sharing the news
As you prepare to bring a new life into the world, it can be daunting to figure out how to tell friends and family.
When you decide to share the news, consider telling supportive people first. Your emotions may be overwhelming, and the reality of pregnancy is still new to you. It’s crucial to have others express positivity and excitement during this transitional time, especially at the beginning. While you might anticipate how your family and close friends will react, be sure to protect your heart and prepare for their responses.
As you share this news, the reality begins to sink in, and you’ll continue to process it further. It’s time to start making preparations.
Write Out A Birth Plan
One effective way to prepare for pregnancy is by writing a birth plan, either on your own or with your partner. Do you prefer a hospital birth or a midwife (home, birth center, or hospital)? Even though only so much is in your control, this is a helpful way to take control of the preparation process. Open Arms Real Choices Clinic offers a variety of free parenting classes that provide educational support from birth through childhood.
Communication
Communicating your thoughts, feelings, and emotions is beneficial for both you and your partner. It’s important to create space for your partner to express themselves as well. Additionally, talking to other parents, especially mothers with experience in childbirth and parenting, can be extremely helpful. Take the opportunity to absorb valuable tips, tricks, and insights that you may need.
Celebrate
In our culture, it is common to have a baby shower. This event offers friends and family the opportunity to contribute to your future by gifting items that your baby will need. Seeing those adorable little clothes can be uplifting for an expectant mother. It’s important to stock up on the essentials for baby care. Open Arms Clinic has a boutique where expectant mothers can choose items they may need for themselves or their babies, all at no cost to you.
Baby Bundle Program: this program requires that the parent complete lessons that focus on baby safety such as infant CPR and SIDS. After completing the required lesson plan, they receive a new car seat, a pack ‘n play, and a baby monitor.
Pack A Birth Bag
As you approach the end of your pregnancy, labor could start at any moment, so it’s important to be prepared. Pack a hospital bag with essentials for labor and after your baby’s arrival. Consider including the following items: your birth plan, an old nightgown or T-shirt, massage oil or lotion, some of your favorite snacks, and books or magazines to help pass the time. Don’t forget to pack diapers, a cute outfit for going home, a blanket, and a safety-rated car seat, which can be obtained through our Baby Bundle Program, for your little one.
Self Care
As you prepare to bring a new life into the world, it’s crucial to take care of yourself in the process. Be honest about what you are feeling; don’t deny your emotions or feel ashamed of any thoughts or feelings you may have. It’s perfectly normal to acknowledge feelings of fear or uncertainty. Accept these feelings, address them, and discuss them with others. Engaging in open communication with trusted individuals is essential for maintaining a positive mindset and a sense of hope during this time.
Offering yourself grace during times of significant change can greatly reduce unnecessary anxiety and pressure. Your body is undergoing changes, and your hormones are fluctuating. It’s perfectly okay to seek help. You don’t have to handle everything alone. Speaking with trained professionals about these matters can help you stay grounded. The staff at Open Arms Real Choices Clinic is always available to assist you.
Plan Ahead
There are some things you can do before the baby arrives to help things go smoothly when you come home.
- Arrange for extra help after giving birth
- Wash your baby’s clothes and bedding
- Stock up the house with groceries so you don’t have to take trips to the store
- Have a friend set up a meal train
- Clean the house so it’s comfortable and homey
- Have special bonding time with your older children to prepare them for a new addition to the family
Discovering that you’re pregnant can evoke a wide range of emotions. It is important to know that you do not have to navigate this experience alone. Our team of trained professionals is available to provide the support and guidance you may need during this time. Please feel free to reach out to us; we are here to assist you.
You can visit our clinic at:
8056 N. Wayne Drive
Hayden, ID 83835
