Whether our patients get pregnant on their own, via ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) or In-vitro fertilization (IVF), we make sure to follow them closely throughout the first trimester of their pregnancy.
The initial evaluation starts off with blood work that checks bHCG and Progesterone levels. Oftentimes, we’ll repeat the level in a few days to see if the bHCG rises appropriately (many believe that the level needs to “double” every 2 days but that’s not necessarily true!) and occasionally start progesterone supplementation for added support.
We perform the first ultrasound between 5-6 weeks to evaluate for the presence of a gestational sac -( the earliest signs of an intrauterine pregnancy)—then continue to monitor our patients weekly to every other week.
By the 6th week, we can see the beginnings of the fetus (fetal pole) with a visible and audible heartbeat in the 7th week. As we continue to follow our patients, we monitor for appropriate growth of the fetus and the continued presence of a heart beat. For patients on supplemental medication like Estrogen and Progesterone—we slowly wean you off during this time.
As patients approach the end of their first trimester, they will have seen their OBGYN for their first visit allowing us to “pass the baton” over to them for the remainder of their obstetrical care.
Although bittersweet—the final graduation appointment is always our favorite (less so these days since we’re not allowed to give them their congratulatory hugs!) But not to worry—we’ve gotten pretty good at our air hugs!
