Pregnancy Scanning

Congratulations on your positive pregnancy test.  We hope this is the beginning of a lovely journey, but we also understand that it could leave you with new fears. Please feel free to discuss any questions with us.

All clients are routinely monitored at Medfem Fertility Clinic until 12 weeks of pregnancy. The first pregnancy scan generally occurs at six weeks of pregnancy. Thereafter scans are conducted every two weeks. Internal scans are carried out until the baby is big enough to be viewed by external scan, usually by 12 weeks of pregnancy.

During your first scan at six weeks you can expect to see the pregnancy sac containing the early developing baby along with your baby’s heartbeat.

Important Points to Note

With this information we strive to enhance your pregnancy experience by highlighting some important factors and general guidelines.

  • It is important that a progesterone level is done if your pregnancy test is positive.  Please ask when this result will be available soonest and phone in as you may need progesterone supplement.
  • You will require a scan two weeks after your period should have started or from your positive test.  Please come in the early morning (7:00 – 8:30 am) on Mondays to Fridays.  At this scan we should be able to see a heartbeat.
  • When you arrive at the clinic, please advise the receptionists that you are pregnant as we need to start your antenatal observations. Start taking the supplement, folic acid (5 mg) if you are not already on it.  After 12 weeks your gynaecologist of choice will advise you what other supplements you may need.
  • No routine pregnancy scans will be done on weekends.
  • Continue with the following medication until your next scan with doctor. NB: Please discuss these meds at your next scan with doctor.
    • Glucophage/Metformin/Avandia
    • Staminogro
    • Disprin/Ecotrin
    • Cyclogest/Gestone
  • If your pregnancy has resulted from IVF treatment please refer to IVF pamphlet for meds information.

General Guidelines

Diet: You should eat small and regular meals approximately four hours apart.  These regular meals prevent your blood sugar levels dropping and may reduce early morning sickness. Eating or drinking something small, for example black sweet tea first thing in the morning, will raise your blood sugar levels after the night’s fasting. To prevent constipation in pregnancy, include fresh fruit and vegetables in your daily diet.  Drink six to eight glasses of water daily to prevent urinary tract infections and ease constipation.

Travel: Our policy at Medfem is that travel is safe.  Take care to stretch your legs and walk at least every two hours to improve the circulation throughout your body and to the uterus. Antimalarials are not advised (please consult travel clinic). Airlines have certain criteria as to whom they will allow to travel once the pregnancy is reaching its final stages (third trimester). Phone to enquire before booking your ticket.

Bleeding: Spotting and mild bleeding is common in the first three months of pregnancy (20% of patients).  If this happens, do not panic. Please come to the clinic the following morning at 7:00 (weekends and public holidays at 7:30).

Emergency Number: Abdominal pain in pregnancy is most commonly caused by ligaments around uterus being stretched.  This sort of pain should ease upon resting after a while. If the pain does not subside or becomes worse you should contact the doctor on 083 396 1693 after hours.

Intercourse: Not advised until first scan with doctor.

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