Getting pregnant can often be a huge struggle – but once you get a positive test, what should your next steps be?

Master of the National Maternity Hospital Professor Shane Higgins told Lunchtime Live that step one would be to adjust your lifestyle in order to create a healthy environment for both mother and baby.

“Obviously you may have already amended those, but cigarettes out, smoking out, cut down your caffeine intake,” he said.

“Make an appointment to see your GP, start thinking about what model of care you want, which hospital you want to attend – you have the right to choose any hospital in the country.

“You don’t have to choose the one that’s particularly close to you, but most people will do that.”

Pregnant Woman Having 4D Ultrasound Scan

Prof Higgins also recommended pregnant women to continue to exercise.

“I think it’s important that women recognise that they can continue to exercise right through pregnancy and remain as fit as they possible can,” he said.

“Increase your fluid intake, maybe take some supplements; you should already be on folic acid.”

Early symptoms

Apart from folic acid, Prof Higgins said there’s typically no imperative to start taking anything else at the start of the pregnancy.

“A lot of patients will be prescribed iron at some point during the course of their pregnancy,” he said.

“It’s probably a bit early to be considering it at this stage.

“Some will require calcium if they’re getting leg cramps, or magnesium.

“But really, if you’re talking about the four-to-eight week [stage], there’s not a whole lot you need to do apart from increasing your fluid.”

According to Prof Higgins, early symptoms of pregnancy such as morning sickness shouldn't be cause for alarm.

Main image: Girl holding a pregnancy test. Image: Image Source/Alamy