Planning a Baby  Discussion Forum

hi Archie,

wanted to share a good news with u.on my 4th cycle of clomid i conceived.i tested on 25th jan & it came positive.i went to doc, she did my blood test & said the levels were good.but she hasnt called me for 2nd blood test, to check if hcg doubles.do the docs usaually do that?
i am 5weeks pregnant & i have no symptoms.

also, i work in a lb with chemicals.i have told my supervisor & she said she will give me water based testing.but , i am scared that, i was exposed to chemicals, for past few weeks, until i confirmed.will this harm my baby.

my doc is going out of state for a month.she asked me to visit her march 1st week.is this gap long?

please answer my queries, as i consider your replies more than my ob/gyn.

Thanks,
nid archie replied. Dear Nid,
Girls like you and Anumita are bliss to couples out here on this board.

I congratulate you and your husband with whole heart!

Lets go with your querie(s) one by one:

Is is mandatory to have two hCG levels spaced 48 hours? This is your query-

Answer: No! However if first blood report showes hCG slightly low or towards the lower range for the day blood withdrawn can let OB suspect delayed implantation or delayed ovulation.

Can one face symptoms at 5 weeks gestation? This is your query.

Answer: In a few cases yes but not all pregnant women will show symptoms. You may be surprised that some don't get into marningsickness at all, I call them lucky girls. Some on the otherhand get symtpoms even before they know they are pregnant, not unlucky as they would come down with morningsickness in due course of time.

Can you work with chemical labs?
Sure you can as long as you wear proper gloves and apron, try to stay away from disastorous stuff. A friend/colleague of mine was travelled overseas in her luteal phase, she also handled radioactive stuff and a week later she came to know she is pregnant. Of course this was a surprise pregnancy, out of expectations, like you she was worried too. We all consoled that all is going to be fine. She got those confirmations from time to time and now her boy is 4 months old and doing great. So just sway your worries aside and start enjoying pregnancy.

Can you wait till March and if this gap of about 5-6 weeks is OK for prenatal visits?

Sure you can wait for 6-8 weeks. What's important in first trimester is this, your pregnancy is confirmed and you are made aware of facts on what to do and what not to. Before the end of first trimester your blood work must be done, which I am sure your Dr. will do in March, this is to confirm lot of immunological and STDs stuff to know that fetus is developing in healthy environment.

Nid, I am flattered on the fact that you regard my comments better. I would still want to remind you that your OB/GYN has seen you and examined you internally, s/he knows case much better and at time you will have to rely on her/his opinion. Of course you can come back with his/her comments and we will go through them.

No food outside. No salads from outside, no myonnaise, avoid caffinated drinks, try to minimize tea or drink decaffinated tea/coffee. Listen to your body. If you feel any discomfort, do take bed rest. If you feel little bit abdominal cramps it's OK. YOu should not get fever, abdominal cramps and fresh blood together. Otherwise lower abdominal cramps and feel like period is on it's way but does not appear is quite normal. Also some brown spotting if happens nothing to worry about. If spotting or cramps get worse along with lower back pain call your Drs. office you will be advised by her fellow colleague or asked to visit hospital. I think with this hints and suggestions you should be OK to sail boat till your OB returns. Meanwhile if you want talk to me here.

Take good care.
Archie