In-Clinic & Virtual

Pregnancy Confirmation

Missed period? Positive at-home test? Get a comprehensive pregnancy consult to understand your status and figure out your next steps!

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What is a pregnancy confirmation appointment?

A pregnancy confirmation visit is for anyone who has had a positive pregnancy test or believes that they are pregnant. This visit can be conducted virtually or in the Tia Clinic and includes a review of early pregnancy symptoms managment and recommendations for first trimester health optimization. This visit does not usually include an ultrasound but might if indicated. Your provider can also make recommendations about diet, exercise, safety, prenatal vitamins & supplements and refer to an OB.

When to schedule an appointment

If you have a positive pregnancy test or have missed periods with reason to believe you are pregnant, we recommend scheduling a pregnancy confirmation appointment with Tia.

What to expect during your pregnancy confirmation

This is a consultation based visit to review medical and medication history, pregnancy history, menstrual history and current symptoms. Recommendation review. This visit does not usually include a physical exam but may include orders for additional testing like blood work and imaging.

Potential treatment plans - caring for yourself during early pregnancy

Lifestyle Changes

When pregnant, there are certain (temporary) lifestyle changes that are strongly recommended in efforts to ensure the health of both you and your baby during the course of your pregnancy.

Things to Consider
Family/genetic history
If you or your partner have any family health issues that can be inherited, discuss them with your OB provider early in your pregnancy. Some examples of these may include; Fragile X syndrome, thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophies, spina bifida, hemophilia and cleft palate. Some conditions can be screened for ahead of and during pregnancy.
Your medical conditions
Most OB providers recommend an initial visit around 8-10 weeks of pregnancy. Schedule an initial visit ASAP to discuss any chronic health problems you have like diabetes, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, and any prescription medications you take on a regular basis.
Medicines, supplements, and complementary medicines
Some medications are not safe in pregnancy, including medications you have been prescribed, those you have bought over the counter or other drugs you are taking. It is best to check that all medications, over-the-counter and prescription as well as supplements and vitamins you take are safe to continue during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Things to Avoid
Alcohol
You should have no alcohol during pregnancy.
Smoking
It is known that smoking increases the risk of miscarriage and harms fetal growth and development during pregnancy. The CDC offers free smoking cessation assistance at (800)784-8669 or text Text QUITNOW to 333888.
Skin products & multivitamins containing retinol
Retinol is a type of vitamin A that can be harmful in large amounts. Eating liver also contains retinol, so it should be limited to small amounts.
Recreational drugs
These are harmful to your developing pregnancy. If you are pregnant, you should not try to stop without professional support. Seek immediate assistance from the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800)662-HELP
Things to Limit
Caffeine
Tea, coffee, and cola drinks all contain caffeine. Limiting daily caffeine intake to 200mg or about two cups of regular coffee per day is recommended. High caffeine energy drinks like Red Bull, Monster, etc are not recommended during pregnancy.

Diet and Nutrition

Pregnancy creates extra demands for certain nutrients, including iron, calcium, iodine, and many vitamins, aim for a balanced diet with foods from a variety of food groups!

Prenatal vitamins - A daily prenatal vitamin can help prepare you for pregnancy while nourishing your body. Look for one that contains a minimum of 400 micrograms of folic acid and 800 milligrams of DHA.

Vegetarians - Lentils, beans, tofu, and eggs can replace animal foods in a vegetarian diet. If you do not eat foods derived from animals, a daily 1000 mcg vitamin B12 supplement is recommended. Vitamin B12 is essential for baby’s brain development.

Folate - Folate (or folic acid) is a vitamin found in various foods. The recommendation is to take a folate supplement for two months before you get pregnant and for the first three months of pregnancy, to reduce the risk of spinal problems such as spina bifida in your baby. In addition to a diet rich in folate, a daily supplement containing 500 mcg (0.5 mg) of folic acid is recommended. Many prenatal vitamins contain this essential nutrient.

Fish - Fish can be a part of a well-balanced diet during pregnancy. One to three serves of fish per week is recommended. Certain types of fish should be limited because of their high levels of mercury. Try to limit shark, marlin, swordfish, orange roughy, and catfish to no more than once per week.

Food safety & hygiene - Listeria and toxoplasmosis are uncommon infections that can be passed onto your unborn baby causing complications. To reduce your risk of infection:

  • Wash your hands, chopping boards and cooking utensils when preparing food
  • Wash vegetables and fruit before eating them
  • Avoid cold sliced meats e.g. ham and salami, cold cooked chicken, uncooked seafood, pre-prepared salads and unpasteurized cheeses.
  • Listeria is killed by cooking, so make sure that when you reheat food, it is very hot.
  • Cook meat thoroughly
  • Wear disposable gloves if handling cat litter or gardening
  • Wash your hands after gardening or touching pets.

Iodine in pregnancy - Iodine is another important nutrient for your baby’s brain development. To ensure adequate iodine either:

  • Eat fish one to three times a week (limit high mercury types) and/or
  • Use iodized salt
  • Take a multivitamin for pregnancy that contains iodine

Vitamin D - Vitamin D is mostly made in the skin by exposure to sunlight, but a small amount can come from foods like oily fish, egg yolks, margarine, and some milk brands. Vitamin D is important for the development of your baby’s bones and teeth. You can also add a daily 1000-2000 IU supplement.

Caring for Yourself During Pregnancy

While pregnant, you should take certain precautions in order to ensure your health.

Caring for Yourself During Pregnancy
Mood changes
The hormone changes and life changes in pregnancy can cause changes in your mood. While it is normal to feel down or anxious at times during pregnancy, some people feel very down a lot of the time and may be depressed. People with a history of depression and anxiety are at an increased risk of pregnancy & postpartum mood changes. Depression can be treated successfully. Let someone know; get help from your primary care or OB provider.
Violence
People who are pregnant are at increased risk for violence. Intimate partner violence may begin or intensify during pregnancy. Violence, either verbal or physical, can have negative impacts on you, your pregnancy, and your developing baby’s health. Confidential support is available: Text START to 88788 or call (800)799-SAFE
Sex
Sex is a safe part of normal pregnancy. Sex can continue throughout all stages of pregnancy unless directed otherwise by an OB provider. Some people may note cramping and/or spotting after sex; this is generally normal. Contact your OB provider if you notice pain, bleeding, fluid or discharge, or significant discomfort after sex.
Exercise
Exercise within your limits. The best exercise is moderate, enjoyable, and something you can do on most days of the week, such as walking, swimming, or yoga. Avoid overheating in spas and saunas. Always drink plenty of fluids when exercising. Seek advice about strenuous exercise and fitness activities.
Get Vaccinated
Pregnant people can safely get annual flu shots and recommended COVID boosters. Pregnancy increases the risk of serious complications from COVID and the flu.

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