Graduation

Graduation from Our Fertility Program

Should your first post-transfer pregnancy blood test be positive, we will schedule you a second, 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 vitamins.

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. Avoid the following:
   • Alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and medications (including over-the-counter medications) unless prescribed by a physician who knows you are pregnant.
   • Caffeine and NutraSweet products.
   • Hot tub or sauna use.
   • Emptying cat litter boxes.
   • Intercourse until after your first obstetric ultrasound.
2. Eat a well-balanced diet. We’ve often seen that smaller, more frequent meals are better tolerated than three large meals.
3. Continue taking multivitamins with folic acid (0.4 mg). If you are not currently taking them, please ask your physician for a prescription.
4. Include adequate sources of fiber in your diet and increase your fluid intake. Early pregnancy may cause you to be constipated.
5. Listen to your body. 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 for more than 30 to 60 minutes should be reported to your physician.
6. Listen to your doctor regarding physical activity. Walking, stretching exercises, and swimming are safe to continue as long as you are conditioned to do them – unless your physician specifies that you should not exercise at all.
7. Take only the medications prescribed by your physician during your pregnancy. Drug use (legal and otherwise) during pregnancy and the possible effects on a fetus are well documented at the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS); contact them at 1-800-532-3749 or otispregnancy.org. References can also be done at The California Teratogen Information Service (CTIS). CTIS is a statewide program operated by the Department of Pediatrics at the UCSD Medical Center, with satellite offices at UCLA and Stanford. These organizations provide 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