First steps

flowerchild2022

Hi all! 

Just posted a separate question in another thread, but I also have been wondering...

I'm working on scheduling my 8-week ultrasound and initial visit with a midwife. I'm taking my prenatal vitamins and a prenatal DHA supplement. Is there anything I'm missing in the early days? For example, is there any blood work I should be doing early on?

For context, I live in a city where there is a lack of family doctors for the size of the population, so rather than having a family doctor I rely on walk-in clinics. I'm not sure if there are any steps I should be taking between taking my pregnancy tests at home and waiting for that first ultrasound at 8 weeks. I've also had two previous miscarriages this year, so while I'm trying not to obsess I also would like to stay on top of anything I should be doing early on to prepare for a healthy pregnancy. Maybe there's nothing more than to stay calm, eat healthy, get some movement in everyday, and get lots of rest... And if that's the answer then I guess I'd be in okay shape. Just want to make sure I'm not missing anything, as I don't have a family doctor I would be able to go to with these questions.

Thanks!

00kim00

For the most part, I think you're good. Make sure your prenatals have enough folic acid. If you had an obgyn, they might do beta HCG testing to make sure your numbers are doubling appropriately, but if you're not having any issues, they might not do that. The only other thing I can think of, given the previous miscarriages, is the potential for progesterone supplements. That would need to be a conversation with your doctor about whether that's appropriate and a prescription if it is. But again, if you're not having any issues, they may not intervene with it (3 is the magic number of miscarriages before they start suspecting a problem). But if you don't have a doctor, there's not someone to call. If you're concerned, you can ask for an earlier appointment with the midwife to get established somewhere and have someone to call- mentioning the previous miscarriages and requesting an early scan could do it; I had an ectopic, so it was in my chart to get in for a scan ASAP if I were able to get pregnant again, so I wouldn't have to wait for the 8 weeks. If you're not overly concerned, then just keep taking your prenatals and wait for your scan. And otherwise act pregnant (no hot tubs/hot yoga, no alcohol, find the lists of foods and activities to avoid, etc.).