Fertility Services

Graduation

graduation from our fertility program

Should your first post-transfer blood pregnancy test be positive, we will schedule you a second, or confirmatory, test approximately two to three days later. The results of the blood tests should rise incrementally, and if so, you will continue your hormonal supplements (progesterone and estrogen) and prenatal vitamin. An obstetrical ultrasound will be scheduled at approximately six weeks gestation. Ultrasounds will continue on a weekly basis until you are about ten weeks pregnant. It is very difficult to visualize a pregnancy earlier than six weeks, and a transvaginal ultrasound is required during the first trimester. Our clinical staff will be available to you until you have transferred care to your OB/GYN.

Once you have 'graduated' from our program you will be given a copy of your records to take with you to your first OB/GYN appointment, as well as a diploma and pictures of your early ultrasounds as keepsakes. Don't forget to send us updates, we love hearing from you!

Early Pregnancy Tips:

1.You should avoid:

  • Alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and medications (including over-the-counter medications) unless prescribed by a physician who knows that you are pregnant.
  • Caffeine and NutraSweet products. hot tub or sauna use.
  • Emptying cat litter boxes
  • Intercourse until after your 1st obstetric ultrasound

2. Eat a well-balanced diet. Often small, frequent meals are better tolerated than three larger meals.

3. Continue taking multivitamins with folic acid (.4 mg.). If you are not currently taking them, please ask your physician for a prescription.

4.Early pregnancy may cause you to be constipated. Therefore you should include adequate sources of fiber in your diet and increase your fluid intake.

5. During early pregnancy it is common to experience intermittent twinges, "pulling" or "tugging" sensations in the pelvic area (referred to as round ligament pain). Pain that becomes localized in one area or persists (more than 30 to 60 minutes) should be reported to your physician.

6. Walking, stretching exercises, and swimming are okay to continue if you are conditioned to do them - unless your physician specifies that you should not exercise at all.

7.Any medications used during pregnancy should be prescribed by your physician. Their use during pregnancy and its possible effects on a fetus is well documented at the Teratogen Registry - 1.800.532.3749 www.otispregnancy.org References can also be done at The California Teratogen Information Service (CTIS) is a statewide program operated by the Department of Pediatrics at the UCSD Medical Center, with satellite offices at UCLA and Stanford. They are part of a nationwide community of Teratogen Information Services (TIS) known as the Organization of Teratology Information Services. (OTIS). This service provides information about prescriptive and non-prescriptive drugs, street drugs, alcohol, chemicals, infectious diseases and any other physical agents which may be harmful to an unborn child.

8. Call our office (858) 505-5500 if you:

  • Experience any pain, bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, or dizziness
  • Have any questions or concerns.

Last updated: July 22, 2008
Author: Dr. Arlene J. Morales

 

 

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