Congratulations!
You had a positive pregnancy test! For some, this can be a shocking surprise. For others, this can be the latest chapter of a long journey. It's normal to feel happy, sad, fearful, and anxious. Consider the following 7 topics:
Guide to the First Trimester
1) Prenatal Vitamins.
Folic Acid (Folate) reduces neural tube defects. For most, 800 mcg/day is recommended. Iron deficiency results in fatigue, need for blood transfusion, and may even affect the baby's neurological development. To prevent this, 27 mg/day of elemental iron is recommended.
Nature Made is a popular brand. Spring Valley is a less expensive option to consider as well. Prenatal gummies are acceptable in the first trimester only, as they lack iron.
Continue taking vitamins postpartum - some recommend 1 year.
2) Nausea / Morning Sickness / Hyperemesis Gravidarium.
This is nature's way of protecting the small embryo from ingested toxins. In some women, the symptoms are more serious and result in dehydration and even hospitalization. First-line therapies include ginger (ginger candy, ginger tea), vitamin B6 (you can take 25 - 100mg twice a day, it's water soluble), and an anti-histamine like Benadryl or Unisom.
Prescription medications, if needed, include Diclegis, Reglan, and Zofran (last resort)
If you're the partner, clean out the fridge, take out the trash, and take a shower. The mother's sense of smell is very sensitive at this time.
3) Viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
Influenza and COVID vaccines are recommended.
Do stay updated with dental cleanings.
If you have a cat, have someone else take out the litter box. Outdoor cats can acquire a dangerous parasite called toxoplasmosis, which is transferred through the feces.
4) Foods to avoid.
Avoid soft cheeses, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and raw meat/seafood. Listeria (a bacertia) is particularly dangerous. Consider avoiding sprouts, melons, and cold-smoked fish, along with deli meats. If you hear about an outbreak on social media or on the news, call Urbana OBGYN or check the CDC outbreak notices.
5) Eat these foods.
Fiber is important. Constipation in pregnancy can be very painful. 1-2 scoops of tasteless, oderless psyllium fiber each day never hurt anyone.
Try to have protein every day and fish 2-3 times every week. Avoid tuna, shark, mackerel, and swordfish as these apex predators accumulate mercury.
One cup of coffee contains 130 mg caffeine. One cup of coffee in the morning and a cup of tea in the afternoon keeps you under the 300 mg caffeine per day limit.
6) Options for medical care.
Think about what you want - you are in control! Do you know which hospitals are within 30 minutes of your home? Do you want to see a rotating team of providers, without knowing who will delivery your baby, or do you want one person to be primarily responsible for your care?
Dr. Franck Lin delivers at Germantown Hospital only.
7) Schedule a pregnancy confirmation appointment.
Urbana OBGYN offers earlier ultrasounds to monitor the pregnancy. Dr. Franck Lin will discuss all of your options and make a tailored first-trimester plan for you.
In general, Dr. Lin recommends a phone-screen for risk factors. For low-risk patients, a 7 week ultrasound for fetal heart rate check followed by a 10 week ultrasound to confirm viability is appropriate. Certain situations may require serial HCG blood tests or additional ultrasounds.
For any questions about these topics, please contact the office.
For a very technical read, this academic article by Dr. Nathan Fox served as the source of much of my recommendations.
https://www.mfmnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2018-Dos-and-Donts-OBG-1.pdf
