I had the night from hell last night. At about 11:30pm, I woke up with really uncomfortable tightness in my belly. I figured maybe it was something I ate or because the baby was really active during the day or because we had sex earlier in the night.
I couldn't get comfortable no matter which side I chose or if I sat straight up in bed. The only thing I found to somewhat soothe the achy, crampy feeling was to drink water and walk around the house. At about 1am, I was so tempted to get dressed and walk around the block. That's how uncomfortable it was for me. This lasted 'til about 3am when I was finally able to fall asleep. Yes, 2 hours of sleep and I am a zombie today.
So, my questions are - is that feeling "normal"? Was that a Braxton Hicks moment? If so, should it have lasted that long?
I want to call my OB's nurse to ask her if I should come in but I don't want to sound like a worry wart. I feel better today though. After last night, I'm beginning to rethink the epidural thing......
UPDATE: I called my OB's office and the nurse said as long as the tightness has gone away, it doesn't hurt when I pee and the baby is moving "normally", then there is nothing to worry about. She said that I'm being prepared for labor. Ok lady....
Friday, October 05, 2007
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Prenatal Appointment #9
Yesterday's appointment was pretty cool in an odd sort of way. Started off w/ the standard stuff; also had a NST (non stress test) done. The nurse reviewed the tape and said that there is some activity that the doctor needs to see. She showed us an area where the heart rate looked like the cutting edge of a saw blade (jagged, up and down). She said that that type of heart rate could be from the baby laying on or playing with its umbilical cord or low amniotic fluid. She leaves the room to check w/ the doctor. A minute later she walks in and says we have to get an ultrasound "just to make sure everything is alright".
The woman doing the ultrasound was so cool. She was just supposed to take a few measurements of amniotic fluid pockets (which turned out to be normal), but instead she had us in the room for 1/2 hour doing cool 4D stuff! We saw an awesome 4D image of the baby's profile, arms, legs, etc. He definitely has Jason's nose. He's got super chubby cheeks and full lips. Very adorable :) We left the room w/ like 15 ultrasound pics. She was so awesome. The baby is ~18" long and weighs about 5 lbs 9 oz.
I have 7 days of work left (woo hoo). My last day is on the 12th. So, you can call me, e-mail me at any time!!
We had our baby shower this past Sunday. Surprisingly, we only got two doubles - a lot of fun gifts and gift cards to spend!! The funnest thing I got is a bunch of decorated onesies and burp clothes.....YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!! They are frickin' hilarious. Even Jason laughed at the "I've got a gun" onesie. My favorite one is the "Future AGD lil' nut". Thank you!!
Last but not least is a pic of my 35 week old belly. Not the most flattering but I promised to post one. Enjoy.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Prenatal Appointment #8
Lots to update about!
Jason and I completed the childbirth classes and I had a breastfeeding class last week. The breastfeeding class was the best $5 I ever spent. The consultant was awesome. She was able to answer all my questions, bash all myths and provided excellent reference material.
As mentioned in my last post, my doctor upped up due date. He said everything looked fine but with 'family history' as a major factor, he's pretty confident that I'll deliver sometime at the end of October. Yay, a halloween baby and fun costume parties!!! I'm only 34 weeks but starting this week, I see my doctor every week until I deliver. I'm starting to get a little nervous.
My blood sugar levels have been really good with the exception of a few. The dietitian is really happy and said that there is no need for me to get on medication (THANK GOD). I've had a few "high" numbers (>120) but I know it's what I ate. I experiement with food to see what affects me in what way. I've found that I can eat a piece of cake or a brownie or a hot dog w/ a bun. It's the amount that I need to watch for from now on. I can't eat a hot dog w/ chips and pasta salad, for example. Or 2 brownies with a glass of milk. Seems pretty simple. I'm just really, really glad that I don't have to take meds.
I'm starting to feel the aches and pains of pregnancy. My right side gets really sore - ankle and knee crack all the time and my hip kills. I have good and bad nights of sleep. I feel sorry for Jason because when it's a bad night, I toss and turn forever. I know, I know I still haven't posted a picture of my belly. I PROMISE I'LL DO IT TONIGHT.
We have a tour of Labor & Delivery at the hospital in a couple of weeks. That should be interesting. More later on tonight!
Jason and I completed the childbirth classes and I had a breastfeeding class last week. The breastfeeding class was the best $5 I ever spent. The consultant was awesome. She was able to answer all my questions, bash all myths and provided excellent reference material.
As mentioned in my last post, my doctor upped up due date. He said everything looked fine but with 'family history' as a major factor, he's pretty confident that I'll deliver sometime at the end of October. Yay, a halloween baby and fun costume parties!!! I'm only 34 weeks but starting this week, I see my doctor every week until I deliver. I'm starting to get a little nervous.
My blood sugar levels have been really good with the exception of a few. The dietitian is really happy and said that there is no need for me to get on medication (THANK GOD). I've had a few "high" numbers (>120) but I know it's what I ate. I experiement with food to see what affects me in what way. I've found that I can eat a piece of cake or a brownie or a hot dog w/ a bun. It's the amount that I need to watch for from now on. I can't eat a hot dog w/ chips and pasta salad, for example. Or 2 brownies with a glass of milk. Seems pretty simple. I'm just really, really glad that I don't have to take meds.
I'm starting to feel the aches and pains of pregnancy. My right side gets really sore - ankle and knee crack all the time and my hip kills. I have good and bad nights of sleep. I feel sorry for Jason because when it's a bad night, I toss and turn forever. I know, I know I still haven't posted a picture of my belly. I PROMISE I'LL DO IT TONIGHT.
We have a tour of Labor & Delivery at the hospital in a couple of weeks. That should be interesting. More later on tonight!
Finally...My hormones kick in with a complete meltdown
And I was having such a good day yesterday, too.....
I just had this feeling about the baby's furniture all day yesterday so I called the store to get an update on the order. The guy said he had to call the manufacturer because the furniture was not at the store.
REWIND TO AUGUST 27th - I went to US@ Baby to order the furniture. After doing a lot of research, I knew exactly what I wanted, in what color and what pieces. Very easy sale. Jason wasn't too happy about how much it was going to cost, but he didn't say too much. The first thing I tell the salesman is exactly what I want and my due date (at this time it's 10 weeks away). I asked him if the timing would be a problem. He said, "It's store policy to tell customers that orders take about 8 - 14 weeks for delivery, but since you want a new line it shouldn't take more than 8 weeks because the manufacturer has the furniture in stock at the warehouse." So I put the order in and paid in full.
FAST FORWARD TO SEPTEMBER 24th - I get home from work and there's a message on the answering machine - it's US@ Baby with an update on the furniture. Estimated delivery date (to the store) is December 2. SAY WHAT????? As a reminder, my due date is November 8 - oh, and did I tell you that my doctor bumped up my due date to November 1 and said that I "probably won't make November."?!?! I'll update you on that in a separate post. Back to the furniture. The guy said that he figured I wouldn't be happy and that he called another store to 'see what he can do'. The best they can do is to give me a floor model, free delivery and 10% off. The other store has my crib and chest in stock but not the dressing station - a double dresser in place of the station. To make me feel better he said, 'The double dresser is more expensive and we'd give it to you for free.' Thanks a@#hole but that's not what we ordered and we didn't pay $2200 for a floor model.
After crying hysterically (and Jason thinking that I'm a whack job), I looked at the sales slip for the refund policy. I can get my money back in full within 60 days of purchase (not delivery) as long as it isn't a special order. I'm nervous because I don't know what constitutes a special order. I plan on calling another store (one I haven't dealt w/ yet so they don't know me) and asking to define a special order. If I can get a refund, I will.
I just had this feeling about the baby's furniture all day yesterday so I called the store to get an update on the order. The guy said he had to call the manufacturer because the furniture was not at the store.
REWIND TO AUGUST 27th - I went to US@ Baby to order the furniture. After doing a lot of research, I knew exactly what I wanted, in what color and what pieces. Very easy sale. Jason wasn't too happy about how much it was going to cost, but he didn't say too much. The first thing I tell the salesman is exactly what I want and my due date (at this time it's 10 weeks away). I asked him if the timing would be a problem. He said, "It's store policy to tell customers that orders take about 8 - 14 weeks for delivery, but since you want a new line it shouldn't take more than 8 weeks because the manufacturer has the furniture in stock at the warehouse." So I put the order in and paid in full.
FAST FORWARD TO SEPTEMBER 24th - I get home from work and there's a message on the answering machine - it's US@ Baby with an update on the furniture. Estimated delivery date (to the store) is December 2. SAY WHAT????? As a reminder, my due date is November 8 - oh, and did I tell you that my doctor bumped up my due date to November 1 and said that I "probably won't make November."?!?! I'll update you on that in a separate post. Back to the furniture. The guy said that he figured I wouldn't be happy and that he called another store to 'see what he can do'. The best they can do is to give me a floor model, free delivery and 10% off. The other store has my crib and chest in stock but not the dressing station - a double dresser in place of the station. To make me feel better he said, 'The double dresser is more expensive and we'd give it to you for free.' Thanks a@#hole but that's not what we ordered and we didn't pay $2200 for a floor model.
After crying hysterically (and Jason thinking that I'm a whack job), I looked at the sales slip for the refund policy. I can get my money back in full within 60 days of purchase (not delivery) as long as it isn't a special order. I'm nervous because I don't know what constitutes a special order. I plan on calling another store (one I haven't dealt w/ yet so they don't know me) and asking to define a special order. If I can get a refund, I will.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
It's not just the hormones
I am so hurt and angry right now that I think even the baby is hurt and angry......
Friday, September 07, 2007
Prenatal Appointment #7
It's been a crazy week!
On Tuesday and Wednesday I met with a diabetic counselor and dietitian. They gave me a really good explanation on gestational diabetes (GD) and how pregnancy hormones literally make your body go totally wacko. Before the appointment, I was asked to keep a food diary. After the dietitian looked over my list, she had only one complaint.....I ate way too much for breakfast. WHAT???? My typical breakfast (before Wednesday) consisted of either a bowl of cereal (Kashi or plain Cheerios) w/ fruit and a glass of something to drink or a bagel w/ veggie cream cheese w/ yogurt and fruit. I didn't think that was bad. Well, come to learn that people are most glucose intolerant in the morning (since you sleep all night) and because of that, you shouldn't eat a huge breakfast because that'll make your blood sugar level skyrocket. Now I eat something on the order of 1 piece of toast and an egg or an egg w/ a glass of milk.
I've learned to count carbs. It seems like *everything* has a carb point associated with it. The first day was tough, but I'm getting the hang of it. Plus everytime I've checked my glucose level this week (since I got the meter), I've had "normal" readings.
Yesterday I had my biweekly appointment w/ my OB and it was pretty uneventful. He asked how the earlier appointments went and if I had any questions. He was glad to hear that my readings are good, explaining that he is mostly concerned b/c of my family history. He did something that kind of caught me off guard.....He measured my belly. Is that an indirect way of "measuring" the baby??? He explained to me that my belly should be around the same number in centimeters as I am in weeks along - which I was exactly that. He said the baby is head down on my left with his back curled around my belly and his feet are just above and to the right of my belly button. So that's the hard-as-a-rock lump that I've been feeling at 4am every day! I always thought it was his butt or something.
Jason and I start childbirthing class on Monday (2 classes from 6:30 - 8:30pm). That's going to be a trip. This is going to give me a good indication of how he's going to handle the birth. I find it to be extremely unattractive and semi-gross. That's just me. Hopefully Jason will be better than me. We've discussed labor and he pretty much said it's up to me since I'll be going through with it. I want to try really hard to deliver naturally (meaning no pain treatment). Nothing against epidurals or anything like that, but I feel that my body will naturally tell me when the baby is ready and feeling the contraction (as painful as I heard they are) will tell me when to push. Why interfere with what my body will tell me to do on its own? That is just my perspective. Obviously a ton of factors will come into play on the day of delivery that may take that choice from me. I'm fine w/ that too.
This weekend my cousin is throwing us a diaper party.....Typically diaper parties are just for the guys. Since women have the baby shower; guys get together, bringing a pack of diapers to the party and drink, play cards, do whatever guys do when they're together. Well, when my cousin was pregnant, I hosted one for her, but made it more of a family affair. So, in return, she's doing the same for Jason and me. That'll be fun.
Not much else going on - for now!
On Tuesday and Wednesday I met with a diabetic counselor and dietitian. They gave me a really good explanation on gestational diabetes (GD) and how pregnancy hormones literally make your body go totally wacko. Before the appointment, I was asked to keep a food diary. After the dietitian looked over my list, she had only one complaint.....I ate way too much for breakfast. WHAT???? My typical breakfast (before Wednesday) consisted of either a bowl of cereal (Kashi or plain Cheerios) w/ fruit and a glass of something to drink or a bagel w/ veggie cream cheese w/ yogurt and fruit. I didn't think that was bad. Well, come to learn that people are most glucose intolerant in the morning (since you sleep all night) and because of that, you shouldn't eat a huge breakfast because that'll make your blood sugar level skyrocket. Now I eat something on the order of 1 piece of toast and an egg or an egg w/ a glass of milk.
I've learned to count carbs. It seems like *everything* has a carb point associated with it. The first day was tough, but I'm getting the hang of it. Plus everytime I've checked my glucose level this week (since I got the meter), I've had "normal" readings.
Yesterday I had my biweekly appointment w/ my OB and it was pretty uneventful. He asked how the earlier appointments went and if I had any questions. He was glad to hear that my readings are good, explaining that he is mostly concerned b/c of my family history. He did something that kind of caught me off guard.....He measured my belly. Is that an indirect way of "measuring" the baby??? He explained to me that my belly should be around the same number in centimeters as I am in weeks along - which I was exactly that. He said the baby is head down on my left with his back curled around my belly and his feet are just above and to the right of my belly button. So that's the hard-as-a-rock lump that I've been feeling at 4am every day! I always thought it was his butt or something.
Jason and I start childbirthing class on Monday (2 classes from 6:30 - 8:30pm). That's going to be a trip. This is going to give me a good indication of how he's going to handle the birth. I find it to be extremely unattractive and semi-gross. That's just me. Hopefully Jason will be better than me. We've discussed labor and he pretty much said it's up to me since I'll be going through with it. I want to try really hard to deliver naturally (meaning no pain treatment). Nothing against epidurals or anything like that, but I feel that my body will naturally tell me when the baby is ready and feeling the contraction (as painful as I heard they are) will tell me when to push. Why interfere with what my body will tell me to do on its own? That is just my perspective. Obviously a ton of factors will come into play on the day of delivery that may take that choice from me. I'm fine w/ that too.
This weekend my cousin is throwing us a diaper party.....Typically diaper parties are just for the guys. Since women have the baby shower; guys get together, bringing a pack of diapers to the party and drink, play cards, do whatever guys do when they're together. Well, when my cousin was pregnant, I hosted one for her, but made it more of a family affair. So, in return, she's doing the same for Jason and me. That'll be fun.
Not much else going on - for now!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Prenatal Appointment #6 - New Doctor
I had my first appointment with my new OB/Gyn and it went better than I had expected. When I checked in, his nurse gave me a packet containing a boat-load of information; a preferred list of pediatricians/family doctors, a 1-year free subscription to Parents magazine, office and appointment protocol, emergency phone numbers, hospital information, etc. That was pretty cool. I actually begin to feel like the doctor believes it's important to have informed patients.
My appointment started off with the typical - blood pressure reading, weigh in and pee in a cup. Then I met the doctor in his office to talk about family history, how I'm feeling, answer any questions, etc. He said my weight gain was right on target and to keep walking because it's going to help me tremendously right before and during labor.
The only real concern he had for me was failing the glucose test. He explained that the 'normal range' is below 140 mg/dl, 'pre diabetes range' is 140 - 200 mg/dl and 'diabetes range' is above 200 mg/dl. My result was 197 mg/dl. He said he wasn't too concerned about my result, but what made him concerned was that my grandma died of complications due to diabetes. He suggested that I bypass the 3-hour test because of my family history, he's going to treat me as a diabetic. Therefore, I have to meet with a dietitian to discuss what and when I eat during the day.
I will never forget what my high school biology teacher said about procreation......"Be careful who you choose to share your genetic profile with because it's going to directly affect your children." I would like to thank my family members for some of my undesirable genes.
Other than that, everything is going really well. The bedroom is done, the furniture is ordered, we're registered and the baby shower is planned. Now we just wait......
My appointment started off with the typical - blood pressure reading, weigh in and pee in a cup. Then I met the doctor in his office to talk about family history, how I'm feeling, answer any questions, etc. He said my weight gain was right on target and to keep walking because it's going to help me tremendously right before and during labor.
The only real concern he had for me was failing the glucose test. He explained that the 'normal range' is below 140 mg/dl, 'pre diabetes range' is 140 - 200 mg/dl and 'diabetes range' is above 200 mg/dl. My result was 197 mg/dl. He said he wasn't too concerned about my result, but what made him concerned was that my grandma died of complications due to diabetes. He suggested that I bypass the 3-hour test because of my family history, he's going to treat me as a diabetic. Therefore, I have to meet with a dietitian to discuss what and when I eat during the day.
I will never forget what my high school biology teacher said about procreation......"Be careful who you choose to share your genetic profile with because it's going to directly affect your children." I would like to thank my family members for some of my undesirable genes.
Other than that, everything is going really well. The bedroom is done, the furniture is ordered, we're registered and the baby shower is planned. Now we just wait......
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