Just got my first BFP! A couple of questions for you all before I can see my doctor

jennamarie05

I have a blood test tomorrow to confirm that the 2 positive HPTs were true! I won't have an ultrasound and meet with an OB for 3 weeks. I'll ask them these questions, too, but in the meantime, I'm hoping some of you experienced mama's can help me! 

1. My husband's first thought is.."Can we have sex now??" I know its okay in pregnancy, but is there ever a time in early pregnancy where its not advised?

2. I know its suggested to lower or completely remove caffeine, but is any amount okay? I've switched to drinking decaf coffee, and I don't drink any soda, but I'm wondering if a cup or 2 of regular coffee would be okay? 

3. What are your thoughts on artificial sweeteners? For example, I was really loving flavored waters, but I know a lot of them have sucralose. From what I've seen, research is a bit conflicting. Even sugar free gum has artificial sweeteners.

4. Exercise--zumba, yoga, pilates--should any of these be benched during pregnancy?

Since this is my first pregnancy, I just want to do everything in my power for a healthy pregnancy, especially because I'm so newly pregnant and so much can happen these first few weeks. Again, I will ask my doctor this too, but am just hoping for some answers before I get to talk to her :-)

Bigboobsmcgee

1. Sex is fine

2. Caffeine in moderation is totally fine. 1-2 cups a day is ok.

3. Artificial sweeteners are disgusting IMO so I have no answer for you on this.

4. Exercise is a good thing while pregnant but double check with your OB.

Congrats OP!

PugsandKisses

1) sex is fine at all point of pregnancy until your water breaks or your Dr tells you not too.

2) you can safely have 200 mg of caffeine per day.

3) artificial sweeteners are relatively 'new', so there is not much data. However there is nothing out there that says it will cause harm, more like 'we don't know'. Keep it in moderation.

4) continue to do what ever you were doing before minus contact sports, hot sports (hot yoga), an most Dr frown on horse back riding, atv riding, skiing..... just drink tons of water and stop when you feel you should.

You can still living your life, pregnancy does not make you a fragile flower. Just make safe and common sense choices.

SarahFoley725

What she said ^

I personally didn't have any caffeine until we got a heartbeat from baby. I picked it back up after because I was getting headaches and it really helped.

I'd stay active as long as you can. I was told to keep my HR under 140. I'm overweight so that's harder for me than it would be if you were in shape. I had to quit doing Zumba because of that. I advise doing SOMETHING I had crippling MS and I still get sick without medication (23 weeks). I walked the mall yesterday and was embarrassingly tired so stay active!

Congratulations!

meggyme

As far as exercise goes, you want to avoid anything too bouncy, over exertion and overheating. You have hormones that are loosening up your muscles/joints so for things like yoga just make sure you're not over stretching yourself. Listen to your body and keep doing what you were doing. I think PP covered all the others pretty well.

redfallon

Great answers from all above. I also recommend getting a book on pregnancy, such as What to Expect, which will have a lot of this information included, and lets you know what's going on week by week.

KASG

Thanks for this! Minus the caffeine question, I wondered all the same things!

KASG

Also, is there anything I can/should do before my first visit? It's in January.

soxfan9968

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KASG said:

Also, is there anything I can/should do before my first visit? It's in January.

Start on prenatal vitamins if you haven't. Preferably something with folic acid and DHA

FiancB

I haven't tried reading it yet, but Expecting Better is supposed to have a great, sane approach to the do's and don'ts of pregnancy. Pregnancy is not an illness! As far as exercise goes, especially this early it's really not a concern. It's best to avoid activities that have a high risk of falling, but even that is mostly for concerns with the placenta, which doesn't even start to form until 8 weeks. My only issue is that I've found I've been pretty short of breath, so upping my game in exercise hasn't really been an option. 

Take your prenatals, eat as healthy as you can (sometimes difficult with morning sickness, loss of appetite, etc), be active and healthy in general. Not much else you can do. 

cmerribury

Great answers from above. I would add that for exercise just continue doing what you've been doing (don't take up a new sport or anything) unless you have cramping, spotting, or can't catch your breath. The HR advice is good as well. Some women get more dizzy in early pregnancy. 

As for sex, unless they tell you not to, it's fine. Your cervix is really tender right now, though,a nd you may have a little bleeding after (this is very common)...so, if that would scare you, just know it in advance.