Once we got the first confirmation scan during our first visit to the doc we had been somewhat careful with what we eat and things we should take note of.

On the 9th week the doc prescribed further Utrogestan and some Folate-Iron supplements. The scan at 9th week revealed a much more clearer fetal outline where we could make out it's head and even the umbilical cord.

We also scheduled for a Early Fetal Screening for Down's Syndrome on Dec 19 at Raffles Hospital. It was said to be the most accurate non-invasive method currently available for assessing the risk of Down's Syndrome and involves an ultrasound scan and a blood test between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. This is called Nuchal Translucency Scan with maternal Serum Biochemistry Screening Test for Down's Syndrome wich is also known as the First Trimester (FT) Pregnancy Screen. The Detection rate of Trisomy 21 by this method is about 90%, for a false positive rate of 5%.

Normal results tell you that there is no need for further testing unless you have a separate concern, such as a known genetic disease in your family. Positive results tell you that there is a greater than average chance of a birth defect. However, if the average risk for your age is very low or your risk is above average but still very low, you may choose not to have any additional diagnostic tests.

Update: So far the initial ultrascan results on both the width of the clear (translucent) space in the tissue at the back of the developing baby's neck and Nasal Bone assesment, showed that they are within the normal range. Babies with abnormalities tend to accumulate more fluid at the back of their neck during the first trimester, causing this clear space to be larger than average.
This greatly reduced the chances of Trisomy 21 from 1:900 to 1 in 11000. Upon the result of the Biochemistry it will be reduced even further.

We are scheduled for a structural scan in a month's time.

I have made an overlay to show where the fetus is positioned.

TIPS: Morning sickness - We started making ginger tea and that helped ease some of the gastro discomfort associated with morning sickness. We also tried to stay away from oily and fried food. What seemed to work well was crystallized ginger:

We couldn't believe it when we tested positive on the 4th week of October 2007. We waited for another week before doing another test to confirm. Indeed the second test came out positive for pregnancy as well.

We quickly booked an appointment and had a scan done. we could clearly see the yolk sac .

We were naturally anxious and tried to look for anything that indicated a heart beat but was assured by the gyne that at this stage all we could see was the amniotic sac. Due to the fact that we had a "Chemical pregnancy" earlier on about 1 and a half years back the scan was a relieve for us. Also the doctor gave us Florxine and Utrogestan.

Utrogestan is usually prescribed for postmenopausal women who are taking estrogen as hormone replacement therapy but it can be prescribed to pregnant women with bleeding problems. The precise mechanism of this drug effect is that it prevents a buildup of the lining of the uterus and abnormal bleeding. It also helps support the placenta. By the end of the first trimester, the placenta is able to support itself.
Florxine's just Folic Acid and Iron.

At the same time we decided to cut down on eating out but instead tried to cook meals at home.

I have managed to get some fish recipe and made a couple of pretty nice dishes.

Corn Salmon Miso Mackeral Miso Salmon

We also started taking milk powder for expecting mothers.

It provides important nutrients like DHA and Choline. Choline is an essential nutrient recognized by US Institute of Medicine(IOM). The US Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends higher dietary requirements during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

INFO:
Pregnancy ultrasound
Pregnancy ultrasound is used to measure the growth and development of your baby. Pregnancy ultrasound may be scheduled several times during your pregnancy for any of these reasons:
• to diagnose an early pregnancy
• to learn the age of the baby
• to check for problems with your baby
• to keep track of your baby’s growth
• to find the cause of vaginal bleeding
• to learn the position of your baby
When you make your appointment, you may be told you will need a full bladder for your test. If so, you will have to drink a large glass (12 ounces) of water about 1 hour before the exam. Women who must do this:
• are less than 15 weeks pregnant
• have bled recently during the pregnancy
• are going to have a pelvic ultrasound
Having a full bladder during your test may be uncomfortable, but it is important to get the best results from the ultrasound.