First u/s coming up. What can I expect?

[Mochica]

I'm excited/nervous about my first u/s but am wondering what to expect. And am wondering if there's any questions I should ask while I'm there. I want to get the most out of this visit. (I seem to be more relaxed when I don't have any lingering questions.) When I'm at the doctor's office I tend to become overwhelmed and feel a bit out of control so don't ask as many questions. It helps if I come in prepared ... sometime I just write things down and pull out the sheet in front of him. He's never offended or anything and he's a good doctor ... he just doesn't communicate all of the little details. He seems to only be as detailed as his patient requires. I want to be a good patient.

[Mochica]

My aspirin is St. Joseph's 81 mg "Adult Low Strength Aspirin" ... the lady at the drive-thru pharmacy gave it to me although I asked for baby aspirin. I figured this was low enough?

I like the progesterone ... it makes me feel better I think.

[Helen72]

Congrats on having a h/b!  

Note that you should not take adult aspirin during pregnancy!!  Take baby aspirin instead.  In fact, talk to your ob before taking any medicine.

When is your next u/s???

[adgal]

First off, congrats on that heartbeat!!  THat is such an important milestone and it definately increases your chances of going full term, so thats great news!!

I don't know anything about the concerns your DR. has, but you know I will be praying hard for you and your little bean.  

The only other part of this I can comment on is you worrying your not doing the right thing with your diet.  If your calories aren't high enough, its you who will "pay the price..lol", not baby.  He/she will be getting everything they need from you.  THe reality is, there is almost nothing you can do to cause a miscarriage in first trimester.  I just don't want you "beating" yourself up over anything you may or may not have done.  

It sounds like your on the right track, and I'm so glad you have a Dr. you feel so comfortable and positive about.  Lots of positive thoughts and prayers heading your way!!

Amanda

[Mochica]

I've got mixed news to share. Let's start w/ the good news. There's a heartbeat and it's strong :). My chart now reads viable pregnancy. And I have a super fantastic doctor that makes me feel well taken care of.

Here's where it gets dicey. I've been told it's tumultuous and I'm looking likely for a miscarriage. So this is where the extra prayers start. The embryo is smaller than it should be and my HCG counts are not good. They're still increasing but not at the rate they should be. First read 3 weeks ago was 5000, then 8750 (I believe) and then 9725. Progesterone levels went from 19 to 16 to 15. The yolk sack looks "dilated" and he's not sure why that is. He said he was going to do some research.

He told me I needed to increase my cholestrol and after reviewing my diet I realize that my new healthy diet is not very many calories at all! Could this be the cause? All these carrot sticks and cheese and crackers, etc. don't add up to all the chocolate and sweets I was sneaking in before hand :)!

So last night I took a low dose adult aspirin and a progest suppository (100 mg). The aspirin is to make sure my blood is flowing. Apparently he's worried about blood issues like clotting. Last night's blood tests included: bloodtype & RH, indirect coombs, anti thyroid antibodies, anti cardiolipin IGG & IGM, lupus anticoagulant , activated protein C resistana and MTHFR geae. Mind you that list was taken from doc scratch so many things could be inverted. But he had me dash to the lab w/ a big note of "threatened miscarriage." I was seen very quickly and treated well.

Interesting that my acupuncturist said that I had blood stasis issues and that's what she was working on with me before I got pregnant. She's just been right on w/ everything she's said. And she's so non-invasive.

Last night around 4a I woke with the worst burning sensation that started in my vaginal area and went through my belly. I was scared b/c I realized this was the progesterone coming in. It seemed so aggressive the way it felt. I woke my husband to describe my symptoms just in case I could not later for some reason. Then my whole body got warm and the kicking/cramping feeling stopped in my tummy and I felt very relaxed all of the sudden. I do hope this doesn't happen every night. Is this normal?

So I have this little 'photo' on my desk. The cover says "Baby's First Picture". I feel very hopeful and more relaxed than I thought I would be. I always seem to be more comfortable when I have a fight on my hands. I'm a competitive girl and like to win. While it's not a game for sure, this one is super important. My doctor said this one was precious b/c it was hard earned and we must try everything to help it along.

[carpediemforlife]

LOTS OF PRAYERS YOUR WAY...keep us posted!

[Helen72]

Good luck tomorrow!  We'll be looking for your update.

[adgal]

Prayers coming your way girlfriend!!  The waiting is the worst part of any of this, especially when you are already anxious.  But its going to be ok, you'll feel so much better after that ultrasound.  Hugs to you.

[Mochica]

Damn ... the doc's computer had a malfunction and the girls in the office are rescheduling things as they're trying to piece it all back together. SO ... my u/s has to wait another day :(! Don't they know they're killing me w/ all of this :)!!! I did find out what my 'borderline' progesterone level was though ... 16.2. Tomorrow morning I go in for my weekly blood work then EOD for u/s. Keep us in your prayers!

[adgal]

The most important thing (in my opinion) is seeing that beautiful heartbeat.  If you are far enough along that they see it, know that your chances of a loss drop to less then 5%.  I am so excited for you, please let us know how it goes.  Crossing fingers, toes, and anthing else I can think of right now!!!  

[PamelaBee]

It's exciting getting your first u/s!!  Did they tell you to come with a full bladder?  Kinda uncomfortable!  Well, they will first determine if their is a sac, and hopefully a heartbeat (could be too soon, I don't know how many weeks you are).  At your very first u/s they will pretty much tell you everything you need to know...I can't think of any questions you will need to ask at this early stage, but this is the most delicate time of your pregnancy.  The first trimester is all about quitting bad habits, taking your prenatals and eating healthy! Not only now, but for the next 9 months.  It's hard to comprehend that just a spec in your body at 6weeks or so, is going to grow into a human being!!!  So Amazing!!  Take care of yourself and let us know how your u/s goes! Good luck!

[Helen72]

What to expect depends on how far along you are going to be.  If you are about 7 weeks along you should expect to see a heartbeat.  Before that you may or may not see a h/b but should see gestational sack at least.  I guess your questions will depend on how much you see on the u/s.  If you do not see much, ask for another u/s within a week or so.
Good luck!