# What to Do First After a Positive Pregnancy Test
The two lines appear. Your heart races. Now what?
The first hours and weeks after a positive pregnancy test set the tone for your entire pregnancy journey. Getting organized and taking the right steps early helps you feel grounded and makes sure your baby gets the best possible care from day one.
Start by scheduling an appointment with your OB-GYN or midwife. This should happen within the first few weeks. Your provider will confirm the pregnancy with blood tests and an ultrasound, check your health history, and establish a timeline for prenatal care. If you don't have a regular doctor, ask your primary care physician for referrals or check with your insurance plan for in-network providers.
Before that first visit, gather your medical records. Include vaccination history, previous pregnancies, family health history, and any medications you currently take. Your doctor needs this information to screen for risks and ensure your prenatal vitamins and any prescriptions are safe during pregnancy.
Start taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid immediately, even before your first appointment. Research published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology shows that folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects by up to 70 percent. The standard dose is 400 micrograms daily.
Make lifestyle adjustments now. Stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and using recreational drugs. Avoid high-mercury fish like shark and king mackerel. Reduce caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams daily, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Tell trusted people in your life, but do this on your own timeline. Some parents wait until after the first trimester when miscarriage risk drops. Others share immediately with family and close friends for emotional support.
Write down questions for your first appointment. Ask