I’m Pregnant! Now What?!
You just found out you’re pregnant—congratulations! Whether this was planned, a complete surprise, or somewhere in between, pregnancy can bring a wave of emotions, questions, and decisions.
From the moment you see those two pink lines (or get confirmation from a provider), you’re stepping into a transformational journey. But with so much information out there, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin.
This guide will help you navigate your first steps in pregnancy—from understanding your options and finding support to connecting with your intuition and preparing for the journey ahead.
1️⃣ Take a Moment to Breathe & Process
It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions when you first find out you're pregnant—excitement, anxiety, joy, fear, uncertainty. All of your feelings are valid.
✔ Give yourself time – You don’t need to have all the answers today.
✔ Check in with yourself – How do you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally?
✔ Write it down – Journaling can help you process thoughts and emotions as you begin this journey.
2️⃣ Confirm Your Pregnancy
If you tested at home, you may want to confirm your pregnancy with a healthcare provider. You have a few options:
✔ Schedule an appointment with a midwife or OB/GYN – They can confirm your pregnancy and discuss next steps.
✔ Find a pregnancy resource center – If you need free or low-cost options, look for community-based clinics that offer ultrasounds and pregnancy testing.
✔ Follow your intuition – Some people prefer to wait before seeing a provider. There’s no rush unless you have medical concerns.
3️⃣ Decide on Your Care & Birth Preferences
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is who will provide your prenatal care and where you want to give birth.
🌿 Exploring Your Birth Options
✔ Midwife vs. OB/GYN: Midwives focus on holistic, low-intervention care, while OB/GYNs specialize in medical management of pregnancy and birth.
✔ Hospital Birth, Birth Center, or Home Birth? Each setting has its own benefits. Explore what feels most aligned with your needs and values.
✔ Full-Spectrum Support: Some people choose a doula, holistic healer, or spiritual guide to support them throughout pregnancy.
💡 Not sure where to start? Check out my Doula services HERE.
4️⃣ Start Nourishing Your Body & Mind
Pregnancy is a time of transformation, and your body will need extra nourishment and care.
🥑 Nutrition & Hydration
✔ Eat whole, nourishing foods – Focus on protein, healthy fats, and iron-rich foods.
✔ Stay hydrated – Aim for plenty of water, herbal teas, or coconut water.
✔ Listen to your cravings – Your body often knows what it needs!
🌿 Herbs & Supplements
✔ Prenatal Vitamins – Choose one with folate, iron, and DHA to support early development.
✔ Herbal Allies – Red raspberry leaf, nettle, and oat straw are nourishing pregnancy herbs (check with a provider first).
✔ Gut Health Support – Probiotics and fermented foods can support digestion and immunity.
🧘♀️ Mental & Emotional Care
✔ Prioritize rest – The first trimester can be exhausting. Give yourself grace to slow down.
✔ Reduce stress – Meditation, journaling, and gentle movement can help you stay grounded.
✔ Connect with your support system – Pregnancy can bring a lot of emotions and changes—having a safe space to share your feelings is important.
5️⃣ Learn About Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum
While it’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole of Google searches, try focusing on trustworthy, balanced resources.
📚 Books & Education
✔ Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth – Holistic, empowering birth stories and education.
✔ The First Forty Days – A guide to postpartum healing and nourishment.
✔ Expecting Better – Breaks down pregnancy myths and medical research in an easy-to-understand way.
💻 Online & Community-Based Learning
✔ Prenatal Classes – Learn about labor, comfort measures, and newborn care.
✔ Doula & Midwife Consultations – Many birth workers offer education and personalized support.
✔ Podcasts & Social Media – Follow accounts that provide evidence-based, affirming birth education.
💡 Need help exploring birth education? Follow @birthoutloud & @intuitive.doula.marissa on Instagram
6️⃣ Connect with Your Body & Intuition
Pregnancy is more than a physical experience—it’s also an energetic and spiritual journey. Connecting with your body and baby can help you feel more in tune with the process.
🌙 Ways to Connect with Your Pregnancy Journey
✔ Journaling & Intention Setting – Write letters to your baby, set intentions for your birth, or reflect on what this pregnancy means to you.
✔ Sound Healing & Meditation – Use gentle frequencies, binaural beats, or singing bowls to promote relaxation.
✔ Birth Affirmations & Visualization – Repeat mantras like “My body is strong, my baby is safe, I trust this process.”
7️⃣ Find Your Community & Support System
✔ Build Your Birth Team – Midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, and community support can make a difference in your experience.
✔ Seek Out Pregnancy Groups – Local or online pregnancy circles offer a space to share experiences and ask questions.
✔ Prepare for Postpartum – Start thinking about who will support you after birth, what kind of rest & nourishment you’ll need, and what boundaries you’d like to set.
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone
Finding out you’re pregnant can feel exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away. Take it one step at a time.
The most important thing to remember is this is your journey. You deserve support, information, and a birth experience that feels aligned with YOU.
If you’re looking for holistic birth support, education, or a doula to walk this journey with you, I’d love to connect!
💛 Explore my services or book a consultation: [HERE]
💬 What was the first thing you did after finding out you were pregnant? Let’s share in the comments!
