From the Research
At an 8-week pregnancy follow-up appointment, you should expect a comprehensive evaluation of your pregnancy progress, including a physical examination, blood tests, and an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy's viability and establish accurate dating 1. The healthcare provider will check your vital signs, weight, and urine sample, and may use a Doppler device to listen for the baby's heartbeat, though sometimes this may not be detectable until 10-12 weeks. Blood tests may be ordered to check your blood count, blood type, and screen for infections or genetic conditions. An ultrasound might be performed to confirm the pregnancy's viability, establish accurate dating, and check for a single or multiple pregnancy. This appointment is also an opportunity to discuss any symptoms you're experiencing such as morning sickness, fatigue, or breast tenderness, and receive guidance on managing them. Your provider will review proper nutrition, recommend continuing prenatal vitamins with 400-800 mcg of folic acid daily, as high-dose folic acid supplementation in early pregnancy increases maternal serum folate but not RBC folate concentrations, suggesting tissue saturation 2, and discuss appropriate weight gain goals. They may also address any concerns about physical activity, work, travel, and sexual activity during pregnancy. It is essential to note that taking any vitamin supplements prior to pregnancy or in early pregnancy does not prevent women experiencing miscarriage, however, evidence showed that women receiving multivitamins plus iron and folic acid had reduced risk for stillbirth 3. This follow-up is important as it establishes baseline health information and helps identify any potential risk factors early in your pregnancy. Key points to discuss with your healthcare provider include:
- Folic acid supplementation, as it is crucial for preventing neural tube defects, and the optimal dosage is 0.4-1.0 mg daily 1
- Nutrition and weight gain goals, as a healthy diet and appropriate weight gain are essential for a healthy pregnancy
- Physical activity, work, travel, and sexual activity during pregnancy, as these can impact the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby
- Any symptoms or concerns you may have, such as morning sickness, fatigue, or breast tenderness, as these can be managed with proper guidance and support.