Since there are so many newbies here and many of them are first time Preggos.... I thought we should start a thread listing some things that we have experienced. I'm posting this as a sticky topic so that it won't get lost in the other threads.

I'd like to start with spotting. As long as it is brown/pinkish and only spotting, it is normal. Implantation isn't complete until about the 6th week.

Also, intercourse could be a cause of spotting. During pregnancy, the cervix is extremely sensitive and spotting may happen after BD.

If bleeding starts, it could be cause for some concern, especially if it is heavy and accompanied by severe uterine cramping and/or back pain.

Remember - 30% of all pregnancies have bleeding in the first trimester and the mothers proceed to have healthy babies.

Cramping is also normal (feels similar to mild/medium AF type cramps). The embryo is digging deeper into the lining and the uterus is preparing to make space and adjust to this new little baby growing inside. Some tugging and pulling sensations may be felt too.

Often, those who have a retroverted (tipped, tilted, reversed) uterus may have more cramping than someone who has a normal uterus.

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Once implantation takes place, a hormone called HCG is produced. This is the hormone that is detected on home pregnancy tests.

In the first few months the quantitative beta level will increase daily. As a general rule, the hcg level should double every 48-72 hours. Here is a chart to tell you what the 'normal' levels should be.

Weeks Post LMP **** Concentration mIU/ml
3-4 ****************** 9-130
4-5 ****************** 75-2600
5-6 ****************** 850-20,800
6-7 ***************** 4,000 -100,200
7-12 ***************** 11,500 - 289,000
12-16 **************** 18,300 - 137,000

After the 12th week of pregnancy, the beta level begins to drop.

Here is a link to see what your 'doubling time' is....

Beta hCG Doubling Time Calculator

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Exercise during Pregnancy :

Why exercise is important during pregnancy
Exercise promotes muscle tone, strength, and endurance — three qualities that can help you carry the weight you gain during pregnancy, prepare you for the physical challenge of labor, and make it easier to get back into shape after your baby is born. (Unfortunately, there's no evidence that regular exercise shortens labor.) Being active during your pregnancy can also reduce physical discomforts such as backache, constipation, fatigue, and swelling. It can also improve your mood and self-image, and even help you sleep better.

The best forms of exercise for pregnant women
You can't beat walking or swimming for overall fitness during pregnancy. These two activities work your major muscle groups, strengthen your heart, and pose little risk of injury. Depending on your fitness level, there's a wide range of other sports and activities you may be able to do throughout your entire pregnancy, such as yoga, Pilates, jogging, or weight-training.

What to do if you've never exercised before
As long as you get the go-ahead from your healthcare provider, you can safely start an exercise program during pregnancy even if you've always been an avid couch potato. Stick to low-impact activities such as walking or swimming, and keep workout sessions short (about 30 minutes).

Modify your fitness routine from trimester to trimester
You'll probably feel inclined to scale down your exercise routine as your baby and belly grow. Some key things to remember: During the first trimester, it's especially important that you avoid overheating. Although there's no proof of a danger to humans, some animal studies suggest that overheating can cause birth defects. So to be on the safe side, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) cautions against overheating while exercising, especially in the first trimester when your baby is developing important organs.

After the first trimester, you may want to skip exercises that require you to lie flat on your back for longer than a few minutes. Lying on your back can put pressure on your inferior vena cava, the vein that returns blood from the legs to the heart, which can cause dizziness, shortness of breath, and nausea. But some women are comfortable lying in this position well into their pregnancy.

Signs you're exercising too much
Stop exercising immediately if you experience dizziness, shortness of breath, faintness, vaginal bleeding, blurred vision, difficulty walking, contractions, or an unusual absence of fetal movements (but bear in mind that your baby is often most quiet when you're at your most active). If any of these symptoms continue after you've cooled down, call your doctor or midwife immediately.

In general, you shouldn't "go for the burn" or exercise to exhaustion. It's a good idea to monitor your heart rate while you're exercising, checking to be sure that it doesn't exceed 140 beats per minute, although this target heart rate will vary depending on your level of fitness. You can pick up an easy-to-use heart-rate monitor in any sporting goods store. (A good rule of thumb: Slow down if you can't comfortably carry on a conversation while exercising.)

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F.Y. I.- I found out the hard way! Yeast infections WILL happen when pregnant and you WILL have some spotting.

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I am only 11 DPO and have gotten 5 BFP's starting 9 DPO (which seems really early) and scheduled an appointment with my doctor today. I have been freaking out because yesterday I had pink spotting and today brown. I have a cramp on my right side that is constant and have been worried about ectopic. This info really put my mind at ease since I have nobody to ask questions to yet. Thank you again and again for this board!!!

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IM PREGNANT!

Just didn't want it to get lost

Kia - Good idea. I was going to do the same thing!

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Here is the Link Carissa posted on Baby Development

www.visembryo.com

I think my feet are about to pop!!!!!!!

I have gone to L & D before for this and my b/p was just fine. I have put my feet up and had lots of water with lemon, when is the swelling too much? Is this just expected and I should just keep doing what I am doing and let them be or should I be doing something different?

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