Monday night I had my 34 week check up and all is well. I weighed in at 167 lbs which means I gained 1 pound from my last visit 2 weeks ago. That is ok, considering I had gained 4 pounds for that one (on 11/2/2009). My bp was 110/70 and I measured 33 cm, which is close enough to 34 weeks. This was the first time I did not measure exactly on target for my due date but as my doctor said, I cannot be perfect every time. I heard Nathan's heart rate and the cool thing this time was that it sped up and slowed down while we heard it. The doctor said that is a good sign because when it speeds up that means he is responding to stimuli. How cool is that! He knew something was going on!! The doctor also felt my tummy on the outside and said he is about 80% sure Nathan is head down. He will know emphatically the positioning in 2 weeks when I have an internal. My doctor will also be Nathan's pediatrician so I confirmed that up as well. I think it is so cool how in our family practice, the doctors serve all "cradle to the grave" purposes. I've noticed lately that my memory is shot. It's extremely difficult for me to handle because I have always had a good memory whether it be in personal matters or in the workplace. I had heard that pregnancy can make women forgetful and fortunately, I haven't experienced that in the previous 8 months. Now, I am making lists constantly and asking Dan questions over and over. He's being a good boy though because he knows I can't help it. He knows it's out of character for me. If only I could just remember that I am forgetful...Nathan now has a place to rest his little head when we bring him home thanks to the gracious gift of the van Welzen family. My sister helped me find a co-sleeper which I will keep next to the bed on my side for a while. It's kind of like a bassinet but is shaped rectangular and has a shelf on the bottom for diapers and other essentials. You can check it out on the Babies 'R Us or Target website under co-sleeper and it's made by a company called Arm's Reach. Now the crib purchase can be put on hold for a while. Yesterday Dan and I were talking about that moment in the hospital when Nathan is born and we see his face for the first time. It just choked me up to think about seeing his precious little face. Dan will see him first. I guess because it's getting so close now that I think a lot about what he will look like. Oh, those first little moments are so precious and you never get them back. My next appointment is November 30th where, as I said before, I will have my internal exam and strep B test. The reason for the strep B test is that 1 in 5 people carry that bacteria and if a pregnant woman has it, then during labor the mother is given penicillin to help prevent the passage of the bacteria to the baby. Have a great Turkey Day! Kisses,Toni
Saturday we did a tour of the hospital where Nathan will be born. The hospital is called Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Berkeley. It was one of the most exciting things we’ve ever done! The woman that led the tour was an RN who is also a lactician. We started by meeting in the lobby and she told us when to come to the hospital (around 4 cm dilated) because it’s best to go as long as one can at home. She explained how the home environment is more relaxing to us and more conducive for contractions. Also if I go to the hospital too early there is a chance I will be sent home. After that explanation, she indicated where we should park or drop off. She told us in great detail about the registration process and what to expect upon arriving at the hospital. We were told to also be sure and eat something before we come and to bring snacks for the dad since labor is typically a lengthy process. Next we ventured to the 3rd floor which is the maternity floor. I will start in the triage room which is a long room with many beds separated by curtains. This is where the nurse will check me out to determine how far along I am and give me a full medical once over. After triage, I’ll move to my own labor and delivery room where there is a twin bed for me (including all sorts of “fun” looking medical devices to hook me up too), a couch, tables, windows, shower/tub, toilet and sink. There are 3 rooms that don’t have windows but the trade off is that they have Jacuzzi tubs. In the labor and delivery room she explained what each accessory is that will be hooked up to me. I could tell she was fairly anti-epidural because she harped on how if you get an epidural you are confined/restricted/tethered to the bed at around 5 cm. Otherwise, you are free to roam the halls. 4 people are allowed in the room with me, although Dan will be the only one I want. There will be 2 nurses rotating for me until I reach 8 cm. At that point, I was get my own nurse. When it comes time for the actual delivery, there will be my doctor, nurse, the anesthesiologist (for epidural purposes), and 2 nurses from NICU to give Nathan a full health check up immediately after birth. I think that covers all the additional people she said would be in there. Sounds like a full house to me! When we left that room, we ventured to the recovery room. Those rooms have a bed for Dan instead of a couch so that will be nicer to sleep on. Nathan will be with us the entire time after he is born unless there is significant enough of a medical issue where he will have to stay in the nursery. We know this won’t happen so our boy will not leave our sight, except when he is circumcised. We are allowed to bring almost anything into the room to make our stay more comfortable. She suggested something lightly scented which will help to relax me. 90% of the recovery rooms are private so the odds are great that I won't have to share.
There were several times that I got pretty teary eyed during the tour with the most touching moment being when she explained how there is about a 2 hour window right after the baby is born where he will be on high alert. He’ll open his eyes and look all around, including at Dan and me. The hospital is a huge advocate of breastfeeding and immediate contact between baby and mom’s chest. I am happy to know that.
There was a lot of detail explained during our tour and I’ve only touched on the highlights. I feel even better now knowing more about what to expect. Here is a link to the hospital’s website if you are interested in reading more about where I’ll be. http://www.altabatessummit.org
Kisses!
Toni
Last night marked my 32 week check up and it was an interesting one. I was accompanied by Dan and his mom, who is in town visiting until November 8th. I was pleased Dan came because the appointment was the same time as game 5 of the World Series, which could have been the last one. By the time we got home the game was over. Luckily for Dan, the Yankees lost and will move on to game 6.
I started with the typical weigh-in which this week was a little more than average. I am supposed to be gaining 1 pound per week which up until now, I was doing beautifully. I weighed 166 which was 4 pounds more than my 2 week ago weigh-in. I attributed it to eating not so healthily this past weekend. My goal is to gain only 2 pounds before my next visit on November 16th. My blood pressure was good at 108/70, and that is about what registers at all my visits. I measured exactly 32 cm which lines up perfectly with me being 32 weeks. I asked the doctor about my swelling because over the weekend my right foot swelled up a lot and my left foot barely at all. I had no pain but it tingled when I took a step. Also the skin half way up my leg into my shin was pink. The doctor said it is a normal amount of swelling and not to worry. Apparently veins don’t operate as well on the right side of your body so that could be why the circulation isn’t as good and the swelling has increased.
We heard Nathan’s heart beat and it was wonderful for Dan’s mom. Aside from her own three children, she’s not heard the fetal heart beat of another grandchild-to-be.
Then came the emotional part of the visit. Dan and I decided it would be best for me to receive the H1N1 vaccination and since I am in a high risk group, I was able to get it from my doctor. This was an issue that I went back and forth with for months and months, trying to decide if it would be okay for Nathan. I wasn’t concerned in the least about myself because I am not an anti-vaccine person. For this one, however, it was the fear of the unknown in how the unborn baby is affected. Months ago when I first talked with my doctor about this vaccine he said it is perfectly safe for pregnant women and if I were his wife, he would tell me to get it. I kept replaying that conversation in my head last night while sitting on the table in anticipation. The nurse came in to administer it. As the nurse got to my arm, I looked at Dan and told him to remind me that it would not harm Nathan. Dan could not tell how serious I was at that moment and made light of my question. My response to him was not to joke because this was a serious question. I put my head down as the nurse got prepared for the injection. The nurse then asked if I was having second thoughts when he could see my eyes welling up with tears. I shook my head. I then placed my right hand on my tummy and the vaccine was administered. I thought about Nathan and silently prayed that everything would be okay. Then I just lost it and all my emotions came flooding out down my cheeks. Dan came up to me and started telling me scientifically how the vaccine was inert and just the protein coat, how I wasn’t getting a live virus and how the media was making way more of a bigger deal about this than necessary. He reminded me that the risks involved with me getting the flu are far worse than any side effect of the vaccine. He and the nurse also told me that if Dr. Eichel (my doctor) told me that the vaccine was okay then to trust him. In my mind, I knew ALL of this was correct. I know I did the right thing. But in my heart I was absolutely terrified. I feel like 100% of what happens to Nathan before he’s born is my sole responsibility. Everything I eat, he eats. Everything I drink, he drinks. And everything that is injected in me is injected into him. I am carrying the most precious cargo that God has blessed us with. On the bright side, I am now vaccinated against the H1N1 flu. I just continue to pray that everything will be alright with Nathan.
My next appointment is November 16th.
Kisses,
Toni
Today marks exactly 2 months from Nathan’s due date and I am totally biting the bullet. I guess it’s finally time for Dan and me to decide on a crib. After all, the little guy needs somewhere to sleep, right? This search is completely overwhelming. The only thing I know for sure is that I want a white crib. Beyond that, I am clueless. Fortunately, I have access to Consumer Reports thanks to my parents so one evening this week I am planning on putting a lot of time into researching. There are many theories about drop down sides, width of the bars, type of mattress, height of mattress, length of crib, 3-in-1, convertible, etc etc etc. I don’t remember even putting this much thought into anything major we’ve purchased!
Starting last week, my hips and legs began to ache. I think it’s from a combination of a few things. First of all, I am carrying roughly 20 extra pounds than I did pre-pregnancy. Second, my hips are widening to make more room for Nathan and prepare for delivery. Third, I am secreting 10 times the normal amount of the hormone Relaxin. Its function is to allow the joints in the pelvis to relax to allow the baby room to pass through the birth canal. From what I’ve read, Relaxin also causes abnormal motion for other joints in the body, hence the achiness. The secret I’ve found for this pain is to walk. I know that seems counterintuitive but for me, the increased blood flow from walking and moving around helps drown out the aches.
My feet are swelling now which isn’t fun. I am on the brink of having to break down and purchase a new pair of work shoes. I am looking at either something cozy like Easy Spirit or Naturalizer. Tennis shoes are getting a little tight too on my feet, although that may be due to socks I wear under them when I go to the gym or walk. Perhaps the solution there is wearing thinner socks or tying my laces a bit looser. Luckily my fingers haven’t swollen yet so I am still able to wear all my rings. I noticed last night that my rings were a little bit snugger when I took them off but hopefully I can get at least another month out of them.
Nathan’s awake and asleep times seem to be becoming more scheduled so that’s comforting. I can almost predict exactly when I’ll begin feeling him move. As for now, I think he remains asleep at night when I am so his movements don’t wake me up. From what I understand, that may change. I know it definitely will once he is born!
Nathan is now close to 18 inches long so he is almost the length he’ll be at birth. It’s hard to believe when I look down at my tummy that I have a baby almost full length in there. It’s estimated that he is close to 4 pounds too. I am glad babies don’t have memories of being in the womb. I’m sure they would be mighty uncomfortable ones.
My next appointment is Monday, November 2nd. I enjoy going to the doctor. Most of the people there know me by name and they are always so cheerful and pleased to see me.
Kisses!
Toni
Monday evening was my 30-week checkup and everything turned out great. I weighed in at 163 lbs which is good. That’s 1 pound per week like he told me to do. My last check up was 2 weeks ago. I measured once again right on the money for 30 weeks… 30 cm. We heard the heartbeat which now sounds like it is going to beat right through my skin! My blood pressure was 110/60 so that was a little bit lower than the last visit, which is also wonderful. No more blood work or any testing until week 36 so my visit was pretty short and sweet. The next appointment is November 2nd.
One of the great things about Dan being such a huge guy is that I now have ready access to very comfortable clothes. Monday was my first time delving in and I wore a long sleeved t-shirt of his to the doctor. It was super comfortable. He and I both got a chuckle out of seeing me in it. It honestly was only too big in the arms but was just perfect around the belly. If only I could wear stuff like that to work!
Nathan is now kicking and moving around a ton. Sometimes I wonder if he will just kick his way out! It’s so neat though to feel him and see him move, although when he kicks because he’s hungry I feel sorry for him. I’ve been in situations before where I cannot eat and I can tell he’s super hungry.
I had my “uh oh” moment on Sunday when I realized I was 30 weeks. There’s only roughly 10 weeks to go, assuming Nathan is born right on time. I had a little panic, thinking I wonder if this will be a lot harder than I am imagining it to be, or can we really do this. We need to start looking at cribs seriously and really plan, just in case Nathan comes early. I am sure all pregnant parents have there *gasp* moment and mine was just a few days ago. Dan was really good about calming me down and reassured me that I’ll be a great mom and can handle it. So I guess the search is on now for baby furniture!
Kisses,
Toni
The title of this blog entry does have a meaning and for all of you who have experienced pregnancy, you probably have it already figured out. I am in the home stretch and have begun my Third Trimester!! I had my 28 week appointment last night and all is well. I have gained another 5 pounds and am now 161. I measured right on the money for being 28 weeks. The doctor said that the due date given to me at the first ultra sound is the most accurate and it won't change. I confirmed this by reading online and verified by many websites. Everything physically came out great and I was in and out in no time flat. My bp was 110/72 which is really good for being pregnant since typically your bp rises during pregnancy. Before I left the office I scheduled the remainder of my appointments and how bizarre that was! I am now scheduled all the way up until December 21st, which is 6 days before my due date. I am now going on a 2-week cycle and beginning December 7th, I will go weekly. My next appointment will be October 19th.I experienced my first episode of ligament pain in the front and center on Sunday and Monday. It felt different than the ligament pains I'd had before, which were on the sides. My doctor explained that there are 2 large pelvic bones in the front and center with a ligament that runs down the middle, hence the new pain. Nathan is now more than 2 pounds and I am growing all out front so naturally my pelvis is stretching out front too. Saturday I did the glucose tolerance test. I had to drink a medium sized bottle of fruit punch flavored sugar water and then wait an hour for my blood sugar to be tested. I passed with flying colors. The drink wasn't as disgusting as what I had heard from other people so the formula must have been changed. It pretty much tasted like fruit punch Kool Aid. It really threw Nathan for a loop because I had fasted and then dumped tons of sugar in my system! That is when the karate kicks came into play. Poor little guy.A few weeks ago my ankles swelled up for 3 days. It was really strange because I have no idea what brought it on and why it lasted for 3 days. The only trigger I can come up with was we ate a ton of Mexican food one Wednesday night and from Thursday through Saturday I had tree trunk legs from mid calf down (that was what I nicknamed them). They did not hurt at all but just looked funny. I could not even make out my ankle bones. Then suddenly on that following Sunday, the swelling went away and hasn't returned. The doctor said that will happen and not to worry. I told him the only reason for concern was that my mom had pre-eclampsia with my sister and swelling is one of the signs, although I know that would not begin this early. I don't know if pre-eclampsia is hereditary but it was my way of reminding him that my mom had it, just in case it matters.As you've all seen from the new title of this site, Nathan's middle name is Alexander. We think it's a very strong and masculine name. Thank you for voting! It was fun to see the opinions of my friends and family. December will bring a new poll regarding my due date.Love you all!! New picture to come this weekend as I update the title picture each Sunday.Kisses,Toni
