So after all those test you finally have a positive! You're pregnant, but now what? I'm sure all these things are popping into your head one after another like spammed pop ups and now you're head is spinning! Relax, you have 9 months to prepare...breath! Most likely you are at least 4 weeks for the test to show positive.
Below are some links that will take you directly to a due date calculator! Ta da!! Didn't think it would be that easy huh?
Keep in mind that it is only an estimate. Once you find an OBGYN, if you don't already have one, they may ask for your estimated due date, or they will help you figure that out too! Most OBGYNs will schedule you around 8 weeks or so for your first initial visit. Some may even do an early ultrasound just to be sure of the due date!
If you don't have an OBGYN picked out, don't freak out but now is the time to start searching. First, ask your friends and coworkers for their recommendations. Feedback from your surroundings may just be the boost you need to feel more comfortable at a new place. Also, you may want to decide which hospital you would like to have your baby at. I say this as not all practices will deliver at any hospital. There may be one closest to your house or work. Keep in mind the hospitals that have great Neonatal care, just in case it may be needed. I liked to see the doctor's pictures and read their bios on their websites during my search; this gave me a better piece of mind and calmed me down a bit as well!
The most popular practices, at least here in the upstate, are those with more than one doctor. Typically, these groups work together and rotate being on call in the delivery room. This eliminates the worry of what if's: what if my doctor doesn't get there in time, or what if my doctor is on vacation when I go into labor.
However, you may be more comfortable with a one doctor practice and if you are, you do what you feel best with! If you're like me, your gut feeling will lead you in the best direction. When calling an OBGYN, you can always ask to meet the doctor before you initially take them on. Also, your insurance may play a key part in who you choose; when browsing online, make sure you keep this in mind when choosing.
For those in the Upstate, I've added some links to some hospitals and OBGYNs in the area:
Hospitals:(*Each hospital will have great information for pregnancy and thereafter) Greenville Memorial Hospital: http://www.ghs.org/obgyndept
St. Francis : http://www.stfrancisbaby.org/pregnancy-guide.php
Greer Memorial Hospital: http://www.ghs.org/stork
Spartanburg Regional: http://www.spartanburgregional.com/WomensHealth/Pages/default.aspx
Laurens County Hospital:
http://www.lchcs.org/servicesWomensServices.html
Self Regional Hospital(Greenwood):
http://www.selfregional.org/services/womens_center.asp
OBGYNs:
(Keep in mind that these are just a small portion of the many that are out there. Each hospital will have a link to more OBGYNs that deliver at the given hospital so you may want to check there as well.)
Greenville OBGYN - Only Delivers at Greenville Memorial
Greer OBGYN - Only Delivers at Greer Memorial
Hilands Center for Women - Delivers at St. Francis
Spartanburg & Pelham OBGYN
Piedmont OBGYN - Delivers at Greenville Memorial
If you're not sure what will happen at your first visit, or if you are on edge with nerves, be sure to ask all and any questions when calling. Typically you can expect an exam which most likely includes a pap smear, blood work and maybe an ultrasound. You'll get a height and weight check, blood pressure check and as with every visit, you will have to pee in a cup!
When you have that figured out you can breath a little and start reading. You may need to change or eliminate some bad habits, lower caffeine and change your diet. Some books will have repetitive information, however this is helpful and should ease your mind! You can always check out your local library, but keep in mind that you may want to purchase some books that you can reference to throughout your pregnancy and future pregnancies! I'm on my 2nd and I'm glad my book stash is still around!
Regular book stores may have top prices but you can 'google' around and find great books at much lower prices online! Amazon, eBay and Craigslist will usually have great finds! Also, you can always sale them again later. The main place my books came from was eBay. I only bought new or like new condition and was more than pleased! Below are some books that I recommend:
What to Expect When You're Expecting
A total MUST HAVE! As soon as I found out I was expecting for the 1st time, my sister ran out and bought this for me!
It has the best layed out information month to month! There's a reason why it's the most popular!
Check out the author's website as well for more useful information also.
http://www.whattoexpect.com/
The Yummy Mummy Manifesto
This was a great read after a 'husband bashing' book I had read before! This one is more laid back and shows a personal perspective while uplifting your spirits.
I found this one new on
eBay for around $5(total with shipping!)
Check out the Author's website too:
http://www.yummymummymanifesto.com/
The Expectant Parents' Companion
This one not only helps you with pregnancy, it helps you prepare for baby.
Definitely a great option for couples overwhelmed with the extravagant lists and such in which most stores suggest you buy it ALL! This will help you slim down what you need and help think more practical of the necessities.
This is also a great find on
eBay.
New Mother's Guide To Breastfeeding
A breastfeeding book recommended by doctors; the American Academy of Pediatrics. I knew nothing about breastfeeding! This book was a huge help. I kept it in my purse and read it on my lunch breaks or in the waiting room at my OBGYN. This book also came with me to the hospital in case I needed to look something up!
If you're thinking about or planning to breast feed, START LEARNING NOW! Don't wait until your baby is born because it's not as easy if you are unknowledgable on to the topic if you wait. Trust me on this.
I Can't Believe It's Yoga for Pregnancy and After
This has safe exercises for every stage of pregnancy and even for after your baby is born!
Yoga was the best way for me to exercise in my own home!
I found this book very fun. It was also another great
eBay find!
Today's Moms
A great book on surviving baby's first year written by two producers from NBC's
TODAY Show.
I found this in a really great after Christmas sale at
Barnes & Noble.
The Expectant Father
I had a hard time getting my husband to read any pregnancy books! I bought this one and put it in a place where he would read it..the library! :-) He seemed to enjoy it and started to better understand what I was going through! This really helped us to get on the same page!
Caring for Your Baby and Child: Birth to Age 5
This book came to me in the mail from the
Publix Baby Club! It can't get any better than that! If there's a Publix near, you can find a sign up card on the baby isle or by the front desk or even
online! You will also receive GREAT coupons for savings and even free items! The book is such a wonderful source!
Two years ago today the Goralczyk Family was initiated!! On August 8, 2009, Emily and Mike tied the knot!! It seemed like the day would never come but it did sneak up on us and time certainly has flown!! 
