I just Found Out I’m Pregnant! Now What?

First of all, congratulations!! Whether this baby was planned or took you by total surprise, finding out you’re pregnant can bring a rush of emotions! You might be feeling excitement, nervous, joy, overwhelmed- all of this is valid, and totally normal!

So… now what?

You might be thinking:

• Should I call a doctor?

• What’s safe to eat?

• Can I keep working out?

• Omg I’m going to have to give birth, how do I even prepare for that?

Let’s walk through it, mama!

1. Your First Step Doesn’t Have to Be an OB Appointment

Yep, you heard that right! Most people assume the next step is booking with an OB… but here’s something many don’t realize:

You actually have options when it comes to prenatal care, and now is the perfect time to explore what kind of support you want for your pregnancy and birth!

Your choices might include:

• OBs (hospital-based care)

• Midwives (offering home birth, birth center, or sometimes hospital care)

Midwives are trained professionals who specialize in normal, healthy pregnancies and birth. They often take a more personalized, holistic approach, spending extra time with you and really listening to your needs and preferences. If you want more information on out of hospital Midwives vs OBs, read about that here!

And beyond just choosing who your provider is, you also get to choose where you give birth.

• Home births offer familiar, calm surroundings with personalized care

• Birth centers are homey, midwife-led spaces designed for low-intervention birth

• Hospitals provide access to higher levels of medical support if needed

Each setting has pros and considerations, and you deserve to understand them all so you can choose what aligns with your vision and values!

2. You’re the Decision-Maker for Your Pregnancy

This might feel new (or even a little surprising), but it’s true:
You are the one making decisions for your body and baby.

That means you have the right to:

• Ask questions

• Say yes or no to testing and procedures

• Request time before deciding

• Learn what your options are, not just what’s routinely done

Pregnancy is not a one size fits all. And while your provider is there to guide and support you, no one knows your body, your values, and your baby like you do.

3. Real Birth Education Makes a Big Difference

Understanding what’s happening in your body (and why!) can completely shift the way you experience pregnancy and birth.

That’s why I created Blooming Confidence, a self-paced course that teaches you everything you need to know about:

• The stages of labor and what to expect

• How to prepare your body and mind for birth

• Natural comfort measures and pain-coping techniques

• Creating a birth plan that actually works for you

• How to have an autonomous birth

• Navigating decisions with confidence, no matter where you give birth

It’s birth education designed to help you feel strong, prepared, and connected to your instincts. (You can check out the course here — and yes, it includes lifetime access and supportive tools you can start using right away.)

4. Focus on Whole Body Wellness

The first trimester is a great time to start nourishing your body in small, sustainable ways and no, it doesn’t have to be perfect!

Here are a few simple tips:

• Prioritize protein + healthy fats to balance blood sugar and support baby’s development

• Keep moving in ways that feel good (walking, strength training, or prenatal movement)

• Get curious about your mindset because how you feel about birth matters, and you can shift fear into trust

This is about taking care of you, too! Not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.

5. You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

One of the best things you can do in early pregnancy is surround yourself with the right support! Start looking into doulas local to your area, look into mom groups (in person or online), prenatal fitness or yoga classes, all of these people and spaces are designed to help you find a community and make sure you have support! Having people in your corner makes a huge difference!

This is the beginning of your story, and you get to write it. I am so excited for you! You’re entering into a whole new chapter, and I pray it’s nothing short of amazing. Becoming a mother is truly one of the biggest blessings in life! And if this isn’t your first pregnancy, may this season bring even deeper trust in yourself and your ability to navigate birth with intention and grace.

It doesn't have to look like anyone else's birth journey (you can even make different choices than your previous pregnancies). Gather information, tune into what feels aligned, and walk this path feeling supported, informed, and confident in your choices.

I’m cheering you on every step of the way 💛

And if you're ready to dive deeper into birth prep, Blooming Confidence is waiting for you with open arms.