Midwife appointment today went well. I actually gained weight this month, huzzah! Four pounds, which I thought might be a little too much, but the midwife said it's absolutely fine, given how much I'd lost.
She listened to the heartbeat with the Doppler, and shortly after the sound came on, Bit started flailing around. "You know why?" asked the midwife. "He or she can hear that!"
Babies are SO COOL.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
22 Weeks
Time for another ultrasound!
They got some great scans this time, including a perfect full-body profile, and a sharp picture of the spine. Bit was slightly more cooperative this time, though still a little camera shy.
Growth is perfect, right around where baby ought to be for the due date. The hematoma that was giving me some trouble is completely gone now. They will continue to monitor fetal growth via ultrasound, thanks to hyperemesis that just won't quit.
Bit is kicking like CRAZY these days. Particularly after I eat. Which is ironic, considering how often food makes me ill. But yes, I feel lots of flutters and little pokes, and there's occasionally a jab that takes my breath away because it's so strange and cool and unexpected.
They got some great scans this time, including a perfect full-body profile, and a sharp picture of the spine. Bit was slightly more cooperative this time, though still a little camera shy.
Growth is perfect, right around where baby ought to be for the due date. The hematoma that was giving me some trouble is completely gone now. They will continue to monitor fetal growth via ultrasound, thanks to hyperemesis that just won't quit.
Bit is kicking like CRAZY these days. Particularly after I eat. Which is ironic, considering how often food makes me ill. But yes, I feel lots of flutters and little pokes, and there's occasionally a jab that takes my breath away because it's so strange and cool and unexpected.
Friday, January 2, 2009
21 Weeks - Bit's First Shopping Trip
John and I went to Target last night for some random stuff, and as we walked up and down aisles a teeny tiny little stocking cap and booties caught my eye. It was on clearance and cheap, so John relented and put it in the carriage. Then we happened to go through the shoe section and found Converse One Stars in baby sizes. It took a little less time for him to relent on those. Bit now has his/her very own pair of Chucks black sneaks. Size One. Come ON.
Anyway, we also got a pair for Gerry & Emily's new kid, and this led to our looking for an outfit for their baby that matches what his daddy wears all the time. And -this- led to our scouring the clearance racks for stuff for our own baby. So Bit now has a Patriots onesie with workout pants for football season. And a little BC romper.
We didn't want to go crazy...plenty of time for that. So a lot of stuff went back on the rack no matter how much my heart bled to give it up. But I'd totally be lying if I said I would not be fawning over this stuff at various points between now and May.
Also, I've felt random movements for the past couple of weeks, but starting a couple of days ago, Bit's been all zoomy in my womb-y. SO much movement. It's weird and almost tickly except it isn't. I don't know what zie's doing in there, but it's extremely involved.
Anyway, we also got a pair for Gerry & Emily's new kid, and this led to our looking for an outfit for their baby that matches what his daddy wears all the time. And -this- led to our scouring the clearance racks for stuff for our own baby. So Bit now has a Patriots onesie with workout pants for football season. And a little BC romper.
We didn't want to go crazy...plenty of time for that. So a lot of stuff went back on the rack no matter how much my heart bled to give it up. But I'd totally be lying if I said I would not be fawning over this stuff at various points between now and May.
Also, I've felt random movements for the past couple of weeks, but starting a couple of days ago, Bit's been all zoomy in my womb-y. SO much movement. It's weird and almost tickly except it isn't. I don't know what zie's doing in there, but it's extremely involved.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
20 Weeks
We had the "big" ultrasound yesterday. Everything looks good! Our first trimester screening had shown a slightly increased risk for spina bifida because of an elevated AFP level. They didn't get a really fantastic view of the spine, but what they did say caused them to pretty much rule it out.
They also accidentally found what's probably been causing the (minor but worrisome) bleeding I'd had for a few weeks after surgery. There's an old hematoma near the placenta that my body's reabsorbing. This may also be what caused the high AFP. They want to do another scan in two weeks to keep an eye on it, but it's not concerning enough to put me on bedrest or restrict my travel.
Bit was shy and stubborn, so positioning was not optimal. Baby hands blocked good views of baby face, and Bit was snuggled in breech with his/her back against the wall. Stubborn kid.
They also accidentally found what's probably been causing the (minor but worrisome) bleeding I'd had for a few weeks after surgery. There's an old hematoma near the placenta that my body's reabsorbing. This may also be what caused the high AFP. They want to do another scan in two weeks to keep an eye on it, but it's not concerning enough to put me on bedrest or restrict my travel.
Bit was shy and stubborn, so positioning was not optimal. Baby hands blocked good views of baby face, and Bit was snuggled in breech with his/her back against the wall. Stubborn kid.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
19 Weeks
They're not regular yet, but Mama's been feeling the occasional Little Bit kicks.
Also, true story:
The bear from the Nutcracker was at Copley Place today, doing a promotion for Boston Ballet. I walked close by him to get past, and noticed how pretty he is! Not furry, he's covered in gold organza ribbon. Well, I was so overwhelmed by how AWESOME and unexpected it was to see this bear up close, I started bawling. and could not get it back together until I'd been back at my desk for a good 20 minutes.
Ah, hormones.
Also, true story:
The bear from the Nutcracker was at Copley Place today, doing a promotion for Boston Ballet. I walked close by him to get past, and noticed how pretty he is! Not furry, he's covered in gold organza ribbon. Well, I was so overwhelmed by how AWESOME and unexpected it was to see this bear up close, I started bawling. and could not get it back together until I'd been back at my desk for a good 20 minutes.
Ah, hormones.
Friday, December 5, 2008
17 Weeks, 2 days
I was seeing midwives earlier in my pregnancy, but because of the surgery and bleeding I had, I've been bumped a little up the risk scale and need to be "co-managed" by an obstetrician now, as well. John and I met with him yesterday, as a post-op follow up. I liked him a lot, and have heard good things about him from other sources. Still, I'm hoping my risk category doesn't go any higher, so I can go through delivery with a midwife!
Anyway, the news is all good.
- He's not concerned at all about the weird bleeding issues I've been having. He seems convinced that this is just my body cleaning house after surgery, and is not indicative of a current problem.
- Baby's growth is right on target, despite my 32lb weight loss. Given my starting weight, he said he'd be ok even if I don't gain a pound during my entire pregnancy, so long as the baby's size stays on track. We're going to follow that through regular ultrasounds.
- Those ultrasounds will be done at the hospital with the fancier equipment, starting with the anatomy scan I had scheduled for later in the month. They'll be handled by the Maternal Fetal Medicine department.
- My iron levels are really high, so there's no concern about my nutrition right now, either, despite the limited eating and the vomiting. He recommended a calcium supplement for days when I can't get enough in, but that's it.
- I am good to start taking Zantac to see if that helps with the tummy issues.
- John has the green light to travel for work again. I loved having him home, but it's a relief that he can get back to his job in an economy that's this crappy.
- I am not off the hook for early gestational diabetes testing. Need to get that done soon.
- Heard Bit's heartbeat. First, it was 144. Then s/he started dancing around, ducking out of range. When s/he reappeared, it was up to 160. Bratty kid.
I think I felt kicks the other night. There's so much going on in my belly right now, it's hard to tell. Hopefully there'll be an encore performance soon.
Anyway, the news is all good.
- He's not concerned at all about the weird bleeding issues I've been having. He seems convinced that this is just my body cleaning house after surgery, and is not indicative of a current problem.
- Baby's growth is right on target, despite my 32lb weight loss. Given my starting weight, he said he'd be ok even if I don't gain a pound during my entire pregnancy, so long as the baby's size stays on track. We're going to follow that through regular ultrasounds.
- Those ultrasounds will be done at the hospital with the fancier equipment, starting with the anatomy scan I had scheduled for later in the month. They'll be handled by the Maternal Fetal Medicine department.
- My iron levels are really high, so there's no concern about my nutrition right now, either, despite the limited eating and the vomiting. He recommended a calcium supplement for days when I can't get enough in, but that's it.
- I am good to start taking Zantac to see if that helps with the tummy issues.
- John has the green light to travel for work again. I loved having him home, but it's a relief that he can get back to his job in an economy that's this crappy.
- I am not off the hook for early gestational diabetes testing. Need to get that done soon.
- Heard Bit's heartbeat. First, it was 144. Then s/he started dancing around, ducking out of range. When s/he reappeared, it was up to 160. Bratty kid.
I think I felt kicks the other night. There's so much going on in my belly right now, it's hard to tell. Hopefully there'll be an encore performance soon.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
15 Weeks, 6 Days
Time flies when you're having organs removed!
We were a little unfair to Bit in Hawaii, blaming him/her for how sick I was, when it turns out it was probably all gall bladder issues.
The morning before I went into the hospital, we went in for our first trimester screening ultrasound. No solid conclusions yet, but the doctor said she thought everything looked fine so far. Bit has a little baby chin and a little baby nose and a little baby belly. John thinks s/he was blowing kisses.
Since everyone was a little worried about Bit after my first surgery last week, my obstetrical care has switched to being co-managed by the midwives and the OB. This seems like a good plan to us, though I remain nervous about too many interventions at birth.
As of Friday when we left the hospital, Bit was pretty happy in there, moving around like crazy. The child remains stubborn about not being heard with a doppler, though. It's a struggle every time!
We were a little unfair to Bit in Hawaii, blaming him/her for how sick I was, when it turns out it was probably all gall bladder issues.
The morning before I went into the hospital, we went in for our first trimester screening ultrasound. No solid conclusions yet, but the doctor said she thought everything looked fine so far. Bit has a little baby chin and a little baby nose and a little baby belly. John thinks s/he was blowing kisses.
Since everyone was a little worried about Bit after my first surgery last week, my obstetrical care has switched to being co-managed by the midwives and the OB. This seems like a good plan to us, though I remain nervous about too many interventions at birth.
As of Friday when we left the hospital, Bit was pretty happy in there, moving around like crazy. The child remains stubborn about not being heard with a doppler, though. It's a struggle every time!
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