The day after I missed my period, I took a home pregnancy test—and saw two pink lines! I was so excited (and nervous!) that I took a second test just 15 minutes later—totally unnecessary, but I wanted to be sure. We wasted no time and booked an appointment with a gynaecologist the same day and officially started of our pregnancy journey. While some people wait a few more weeks before seeing a doctor, I believed early prenatal care matters a lot and felt more at ease meeting the doctor immediately to make sure everything was on track.
A Few Tips for Your First Gynaecologist Visit:
- Take a picture of the pregnancy test strip
Your gynaecologist might ask questions about the color or clarity of the second line—whether it was faint or dark—so it helps to have a photo. Try to click it within 5–10 minutes of taking the test to avoid any misleading results. - Remember your Last Menstrual Period (LMP)
This is key! Your initial scans and even your due date will be calculated based on the first day of your last period. Marking it on a calendar or app helps. - Know your medical history
Be ready to share both your, your partner’s and both your parents’ medical history—especially any conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, hypertension or any autoimmune condition. Carry any recent medical files with you, if available. - Mention past pregnancies
Your doctor will ask about any previous pregnancies, including complications or miscarriages. If available, carry related medical records with you. - Lifestyle details matter
Be honest about your daily routine, including exercise, work environment, travel plans, and any intake of caffeine, alcohol, or smoking. This helps your doctor guide you more accurately.
While your doctor will lead most of these discussions, talking through these points with your partner beforehand helps ensure you don’t forget anything important.
What Did the Doctor Recommend?
- My doctor immediately started me on iron and folic acid supplements, which I continued throughout my pregnancy
- I was advised to stick to my regular routine as much as possible and to avoid stressing over minor changes
- When it came to physical activity, I was advised to continue with my yoga but avoid anything that put too much strain on the core. Apart from this, daily walks and Kegel exercises were recommended. These not only helped me stay active but also worked to strengthen the pelvic floor, which is especially important for labor and recovery.
- As for diet, I was advised to stay away from pineapple and papaya, especially during the first couple of months, as they are believed to trigger uterine contractions. Alcohol and smoking were strictly off-limits. Most other things, including caffeine were allowed- but only in moderation. I was also asked to avoid eating out too often, especially anything raw, as it could increase the risk of infection.
- And perhaps most importantly: No medicines without doctor approval—not even common cold tablets or pain relievers
Along with these some blood tests like iron levels, liver function, blood sugar and thyroid function were recommended basis our medical history.
And Just Like That… The Journey Begins!
That first visit to the doctor was when it all truly sank in—we were officially expecting! The mix of excitement, nervousness, and the dozen questions swirling in my head was intense. But having the right medical guidance from the very beginning made all the difference. It brought clarity, reassurance, and a sense of direction in an otherwise emotionally charged moment. With just two pink lines, everything changes—in a single moment. Suddenly, you’re expected to make major lifestyle adjustments for the baby. While I personally can’t fully relate to the immediate shift—I had adopted many of those changes well in advance—I can only imagine how overwhelming it must feel to alter so much so quickly, all while navigating the surge of emotions that come with that moment.
