Feeling Overwhelmed After Finding Out You're Pregnant? Here's How to Navigate the Choices and Decisions Ahead
- Annie Kuntz
- Jul 5
- 4 min read
Finding out you're pregnant is one of the most exciting moments of your life, but it can also be overwhelming. Suddenly, you're faced with an array of choices—what kind of birth experience do you want? Where should you give birth? Should you hire a midwife or go with a doctor? What prenatal care is best for you and your baby? It's natural to feel like there’s so much to figure out, but don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are ways to approach these decisions with confidence.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the key steps to help you navigate these choices and build a pregnancy and birth plan that aligns with your needs, desires, and values.
1. Start With Self Reflection: What’s Important to You?
The first step in making decisions about your pregnancy and birth is taking some time for self-reflection. What are your values, beliefs, and goals for your pregnancy and birth experience? Do you want a natural, low-intervention birth or are you comfortable with medical interventions? Would you prefer a home birth, birth center, or hospital delivery? Knowing what's most important to you and your family will help you narrow down your options.
Ask yourself:
What kind of birth experience do I want?
Do I feel more comfortable with a midwife or an OB/GYN?
Do I want a natural, drug-free birth, or would I like to explore pain management options like epidurals or medications?
How important is it for me to have a supportive environment where I feel empowered and in control?
Taking time to reflect will give you a clearer sense of what matters most and guide your decisions moving forward.
2. Gather Information: Knowledge is Power
The next step is to gather information on your options. There’s a wealth of resources available online, at your local library, and through birth-related organizations that can provide valuable insight into different types of prenatal care and birth options.
Here are some important areas to explore:
Midwifery Care vs. OB-GYN Care: A midwife can provide personalized care with a focus on natural, holistic birth options, while an OB-GYN may be better suited for medical management and high-risk pregnancies. Research both options to find what resonates with you.
Home Birth, Birth Centers, or Hospital Birth: Explore the pros and cons of each setting and think about the kind of environment where you feel most comfortable and supported.
Birth Plans: Creating a birth plan is a way to outline your desires and expectations for labor and delivery. While things may not go exactly as planned, having a guide for your care providers will help ensure your needs are considered.
Do your research and ask for advice from people you trust, whether that be family members, friends who have given birth, or professionals like midwives or doctors.
3. Trust Your Care Providers
Choosing the right care provider is one of the most important decisions you will make during your pregnancy. Whether you choose a midwife, OB-GYN, or family doctor, it’s essential to have someone you trust and feel comfortable with.
Key questions to ask during your interviews with care providers:
What is your philosophy when it comes to pregnancy and birth?
How do you handle complications or emergencies during labor?
How do you support women in making informed choices?
What is your availability, and do you have a backup plan for birth?
Your relationship with your care provider will set the tone for your entire pregnancy and birth experience, so take your time to find someone who aligns with your preferences and priorities.
4. Consider Your Support System
In addition to choosing the right care provider, think about the people you want by your side during pregnancy and birth. Do you have a strong support system that can help you through this time? Support can come from a partner, family members, friends, or even a doula, who provides emotional and physical support during labor. If you decide to have a home birth or birth center delivery, you might want a birth team made up of a midwife and a doula for additional support. On the other hand, if you’re giving birth in the hospital, you might want to discuss your options for who can be with you during labor and delivery.
5. Don’t Forget About Postpartum Care
While much of the focus is often on pregnancy and birth, it’s important to also think about your postpartum care. The weeks following birth are a critical time for both you and your baby. Make sure you’re informed about postpartum care options and have a plan in place for recovery and support. If you choose a midwifery care model, postpartum visits are often included, and these visits help ensure that both you and your baby are healing well. Additionally, some midwives offer support for breastfeeding and emotional wellbeing during the postpartum period.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help or Change Your Mind
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and it’s also okay to change your mind along the way. If you begin with one plan, but later feel that another option might be better for you, it’s important to know that you can make changes. Trust yourself and your instincts throughout this process. No one knows your body and your baby better than you.
The journey through pregnancy and childbirth is unique for every woman, and there’s no “one size fits all” approach. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the decisions, taking the time to research your options, reflect on your needs, and trust in your support system can help you feel empowered and confident. Whether you choose midwifery care, a home birth, or a hospital delivery, the most important thing is that you make choices that feel right for you and your family. At Attuned Midwifery, we understand how overwhelming it can be to make these decisions, and we’re here to help guide you through the process. If you’re feeling unsure or have questions about midwifery care, home birth, or what to expect during your pregnancy, reach out to us today. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
