I'm Pregnant. Now What?

Finding out you are pregnant can be overwhelming. Feeling a whirlwind of emotions from excitement, fear, joy, and uncertainty is normal and you’re not alone. Memorial’s OB Care Clinic was built for you, offering compassionate, judgement-free care, no matter your personal or financial situation. Whether you just found out you’re pregnant or have known for a few months, here’s a list of things you can do to take care of yourself and your baby.  

1. Make an appointment.  

The first thing to do after finding out you are pregnant is to make an appointment to see a healthcare provider. Early prenatal care is essential to make sure everything is progressing normally and to catch any issues early. At your first appointment, your doctor will confirm the pregnancy, confirm your due date, and answer all your questions.  

If you’re not sure where to go or how you’ll afford it, don’t worry. Memorial OB Care Clinic is here to provide care throughout your pregnancy no matter your circumstances. Click here to call to schedule an appointment and learn more about the OB Care Clinic.

2. Don’t smoke or vape.  

We know quitting isn’t easy, especially when your stress levels are on the rise. But smoking or vaping during your pregnancy can be harmful to you and your baby. Smoking can increase the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and early delivery. Vapes contain nicotine and chemicals that can affect your baby’s development.  

If you want to quit, we’re here to help. You can talk to your healthcare provider about how to stop smoking or vaping during your pregnancy.  

3. Say no to alcohol and drugs.  

Engaging in substances may be tempting to take the edge off of a stressful situation, but alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs can all be harmful to your developing baby. Drinking during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), which can cause lifelong learning and behavior problems. Even occasional drinking is risky. Marijuana, even if it is legal in some states, isn’t safe during pregnancy and can affect your baby’s brain development.  

If you are using substances and having trouble stopping, don’t be afraid to ask for health. Our providers are here to answer your questions and give you the tools you need for a happy and healthy pregnancy.  

4. Eat a healthy diet. 

Eating well doesn’t mean you have to be a professional chef or buy expensive groceries. It’s about making small, doable changes that support your health and your baby’s development. During pregnancy, your body needs more iron, calcium, folic acid, and protein than what you are used to. Try to add more fruits, veggies, beans, whole grains, lean meats, and plant-based proteins to your meal.  

It’s normal to be hungrier when you are pregnant and it’s important to fuel yourself with healthy snacks. Keep quick snacks like yogurt, trail mix, or bananas handy if you are on the go. And drink water – lots of it!  

If you’re not sure where to start, our providers at Memorial OB Care Clinic will walk you through the basic nutrition advice and answer any questions you have.  

5. Take your prenatal vitamins. 

Prenatal vitamins help provide your body with the fuel and vitamins it needs when it is growing a baby. Even if your diet isn’t perfect, they help fill in the gaps with extra dose of folic acid, iron, calcium, and DHA (a type of omega-3 father acid that helps your baby’s brain develop).  

Prenatal vitamins are easy to find and can be bought over the counter at your local pharmacy, drugstore, or grocery store.  

You’ve Got This – and We’ve Got You 

Being pregnant can be challenging – especially if you are trying to juggle a healthy pregnancy with work and school. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. The team at OB Care Clinic are here to give you the care, support and information you need at every stage of your pregnancy – without judgement, no matter your circumstances. We’re here to help you feel informed, prepared and confident about what’s next.  

If you’re ready to take the first step, click here to call our clinic and schedule an appointment today.

📍 Memorial OB Care Clinic (located at Memorial Hospital for Women) 

1890 W. Gauthier Road 

Suite 205 

Lake Charles, LA 70605 

📞 Call 337.562.0510 to learn more or book your first appointment 
💬 DM us on Instagram or Facebook 

Resources: 

Center for Disease Control – About Folic Acid 

Center of Disease Control – About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – Nutrition During Pregnancy 

Smoke Free Women – Smoking & Your Baby