Okay, so you've just gotten your BIG FAT POSITIVE! *pops confetti* 

It seems that many first-time mamas will get pretty lost when this happens (like me lol) and so I'm inspired to write more about what to do next and what to expect. :)

Firstly, INFORM THE HUSBAND. Or your mother, if he's not available somehow. ._. It would seem totally surreal at this point of time, and you wouldn't quite believe it yet. I think I felt more bewildered than overjoyed... The heart will race like a bitch, and you're not sure whether to laugh or cry. 

How Far Along? 

This is probably the first thing you'll like to find out.

You can calculate your pregnancy due date here. Your x no. of weeks is based from the first day of your last period, not from the day of conception. I found out about 4 weeks after my last period, so I was about 5 to 6 weeks along. 

Am I Pregnant? Or am I Dreaming?

Your pregnancy test kit is usually of a much more advanced model than the ones they use at GP clinics, so... don't bother visiting your family doctor.

If you wanna feel more realism, buy the Clearblue digital test kit (don't buy this for initial testing... buy for "confirmation" as this is pretty expensive lol). It feels alot more real when you see the word "Pregnant".

I went to the gynae to confirm the pregnancy when I was almost 6 weeks along (I called them to fix an appointment immediately and they asked to see me a week later). If you haven't done a vaginal ultrasound before, it gets extremely uncomfortable and awkward at first - not painful though. 

At this point of time, all I saw was a floating black jellybean on the monitor. 

Some gynaes don't see you until you're 8 weeks along because some fetuses don't show up until later and it creates unnecessary panic. At this point, you'll be paranoid about every single thing because... you still don't feel pregnant yet. That... and hormones, lol.

Clear Your Doubts!

Before your first appointment, do prepare a list of questions to ask. Some questions that you can ask:

1) Do I have to abstain from any types of food? How about convenience food - instant noodles, microwaved food, etc.?

2) How much weight should I be gaining for the first trimester?

3) Do I have to see you for regular illnesses, or can I just visit a normal GP?

4) What situation should I consider an "emergency" before giving you a call?

5) Are there any medications I should avoid? How about topical medications?

6) Is it safe for me to fast (for Muslims) during pregnancy?

7) What kind of exercises are safe for pregnancy?

8) When can I start doing prenatal massage?

9) What are the tests that must be done during pregnancy? 

10) From when can I start taking the package at your clinic?

Gynae Packages

With respect to the last question, some clinics offer packages from your next appointment onwards, some offer packages from 16 weeks onwards (like mine) and some don't even have packages at all (on a la carte basis). Also, you can ask the clinic nurse about which hospitals they can deliver. Some gynaes are able to deliver at all private hospitals if you have other preferences.

Hospital Maternity Packages

Not sure on which hospital to pick? Their packages are readily available if you Google them, so I won't go too in-depth. However if your gynae is attached to a certain hospital (e.g. mine's at Gleneagles), the package rates will be slightly cheaper than advertised. I'm pretty certain I'm picking Mount Elizabeth Novena though... My gynae allows any hospital under the Parkway Group umbrella, it seems. :) 

Another thing is, the rates as advertised are excluding all the hidden costs. Your laughing gas costs extra, your maternity pads cost extra, feeding your baby formula will cost extra (I think), and your baby's nursery accommodation costs extra. 

I have not delivered yet, but according to experienced mums' advice, it's best to set aside at least $10,000 for the whole shebang. Not to mention that your bill will skyrocket some more if you need an emergency c-sect or if your child needs to be admitted for *TOUCH WOOD* jaundice. Jaundice is so common in SG, it's like the flu. -_- Or possibly more common than that.

Alot of information to digest? This is just the tip of the iceberg. :P Most importantly, eat well and rest well. The husband believes in the statement "a happy mummy means a happy baby" and I agree that being happy is always the best nutrient for your growing bub. :)