Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Myra's birth story
Posted on our regular blog: http://betterjuntos.blogspot.com (or click photo to the right).
Posted under January 2013.
Posted under January 2013.
Monday, January 21, 2013
39 weeks, 3 days
Today's weekly check up went well. I'm at 158 pounds which means I lost 3 in the last week and I'm up 29 pounds overall. The nurse said that's fairly common and still within the right weight gain range (25-35 pounds for women who start out at a healthy weight). You burn more calories just carrying baby this late in the game, plus it gets harder to eat as much since you run out of room! Also, I've been especially active the last week or two since it helps with recovery after labor and certainly doesn't hinder getting baby into the right position!
Baby's heart rate was 140 today, heard some hiccups and kicks while listening to the heart rate, too. I'm 3-4cm dilated and today the doctor was not able to move baby's head up which is a good thing-she's getting ready! The doctor did a membrane sweep which she said will work 50% of the time to put women into labor within 2 days. I'm certainly not holding my breath, but definitely crossing my fingers! Since the appointment I've felt a little crampy but I hear that's normal whether the sweep works or not.
That's about all I've got for updates! She had us schedule another appointment for next week but hopefully we won't need it!
Baby's heart rate was 140 today, heard some hiccups and kicks while listening to the heart rate, too. I'm 3-4cm dilated and today the doctor was not able to move baby's head up which is a good thing-she's getting ready! The doctor did a membrane sweep which she said will work 50% of the time to put women into labor within 2 days. I'm certainly not holding my breath, but definitely crossing my fingers! Since the appointment I've felt a little crampy but I hear that's normal whether the sweep works or not.
That's about all I've got for updates! She had us schedule another appointment for next week but hopefully we won't need it!
Friday, January 18, 2013
39 weeks
We're getting so close! Baby could be here any day...but it could also be another three weeks yet, who knows! I'm hoping for closer to the any day option.
Still feeling great! Bending is getting a little trickier-I definitely have to sit down to put my socks on. I'm still sleeping fairly well. In fact, I've ditched the goofy pillows between my legs set-up. One night this week I actually slept through the night-no potty breaks! Then two nights ago I got up three times, but I'd say it was worth it to get a real, full night's sleep (especially this late in a pregnancy). I've had two days in the last week where I've felt crampy like my period was coming (many say that's how contractions feel at first) but then nothing happened. Yesterday I tried to time it, but there was not a very clear start and stop to the feeling and, obviously, it turned into nothing. Baby is still moving as usual, no bleeding or loss of mucous plug. My energy level is pretty good-I go to bed early, but that's fairly normal. I still like naps, but who doesn't? I've committed to taking my iron pills twice a day (doctor said for sure once a day, twice a day if I can), so maybe that helps, plus lots of water/fluids. I have to eat smaller, more frequent meals because I run out of room. I ate a ton at our last Christmas get together on Sunday and told my six-year-old nephew I was "so full." He said, "Well yeah! There's a baby in there!"
We're still both very excited! I think it's starting to sink in for Trevor more than for me. I still feel like we're never going to have a baby and probably haven't fully grasped the idea that we could be parents by the end of today. I've gotten to the point where I try to treat every day at work as my last, no loose ends. It's really weird not knowing when this will all go down. Trevor can't wait, but he also has a lot on his plate right now (finishing the basement, trying to get ahead with school work, Army stuff, etc.) and is trying to focus on all of that while he can. Like many of you (I assume), I google things in times of boredom. I found a few studies and it seems there's actually not a lot of truth to women delivering earlier if it's their second/third+ pregnancy and the average for first time moms is 39 weeks, 4 days. Of course, that really means nothing for me specifically.
Someone told me in a meeting this week, "Due next week? You look healthy!" and it was the best comment on my appearance I've heard in a long time. I get sick of hearing how tiny I am because, really, I'm just the right size. What can also get annoying (remember this when talking to pregnant women) is hearing over and over when I'm going to have this baby based on my size, appearance, dilation, etc. The truth is, no one knows, not even me or my doctor. Again, dilation/effacement/dropping/Braxton Hicks contractions or anything else does not mean labor will be here today, tomorrow or in two weeks. I'm generally a bit of a planner and I've come to terms with the fact that I'm just not going to know until it's actually happening-I just wish other people understood that, too. And I digress.
Car seat is installed, hospital bag is packed and ready to go, Rowdy's care is set, just need baby to be ready!
We'll be sure to update people on any news! I've got an email draft ready to go, just need to add details and a photo once she's here. And, of course, we'll post on the blog and, eventually, include her birth story.
-A
Still feeling great! Bending is getting a little trickier-I definitely have to sit down to put my socks on. I'm still sleeping fairly well. In fact, I've ditched the goofy pillows between my legs set-up. One night this week I actually slept through the night-no potty breaks! Then two nights ago I got up three times, but I'd say it was worth it to get a real, full night's sleep (especially this late in a pregnancy). I've had two days in the last week where I've felt crampy like my period was coming (many say that's how contractions feel at first) but then nothing happened. Yesterday I tried to time it, but there was not a very clear start and stop to the feeling and, obviously, it turned into nothing. Baby is still moving as usual, no bleeding or loss of mucous plug. My energy level is pretty good-I go to bed early, but that's fairly normal. I still like naps, but who doesn't? I've committed to taking my iron pills twice a day (doctor said for sure once a day, twice a day if I can), so maybe that helps, plus lots of water/fluids. I have to eat smaller, more frequent meals because I run out of room. I ate a ton at our last Christmas get together on Sunday and told my six-year-old nephew I was "so full." He said, "Well yeah! There's a baby in there!"
We're still both very excited! I think it's starting to sink in for Trevor more than for me. I still feel like we're never going to have a baby and probably haven't fully grasped the idea that we could be parents by the end of today. I've gotten to the point where I try to treat every day at work as my last, no loose ends. It's really weird not knowing when this will all go down. Trevor can't wait, but he also has a lot on his plate right now (finishing the basement, trying to get ahead with school work, Army stuff, etc.) and is trying to focus on all of that while he can. Like many of you (I assume), I google things in times of boredom. I found a few studies and it seems there's actually not a lot of truth to women delivering earlier if it's their second/third+ pregnancy and the average for first time moms is 39 weeks, 4 days. Of course, that really means nothing for me specifically.
Someone told me in a meeting this week, "Due next week? You look healthy!" and it was the best comment on my appearance I've heard in a long time. I get sick of hearing how tiny I am because, really, I'm just the right size. What can also get annoying (remember this when talking to pregnant women) is hearing over and over when I'm going to have this baby based on my size, appearance, dilation, etc. The truth is, no one knows, not even me or my doctor. Again, dilation/effacement/dropping/Braxton Hicks contractions or anything else does not mean labor will be here today, tomorrow or in two weeks. I'm generally a bit of a planner and I've come to terms with the fact that I'm just not going to know until it's actually happening-I just wish other people understood that, too. And I digress.
Car seat is installed, hospital bag is packed and ready to go, Rowdy's care is set, just need baby to be ready!
We'll be sure to update people on any news! I've got an email draft ready to go, just need to add details and a photo once she's here. And, of course, we'll post on the blog and, eventually, include her birth story.
-A
Monday, January 14, 2013
38 weeks, 3 days
Had another ultrasound and doctor's appointment today. All looks good!
Baby girl is head down, face to my back (just how we want her!) so hopefully no back labor for me. The tech commented twice how low her head is (woo hoo!). She also mentioned she's pretty cramped up in there and her feet are right up in my ribs (I honestly rarely feel it, another woo hoo!). She gave us some prints from the ultrasound but I'm not even going to post them-they look like nothing because she's getting to big to fit anything in a screen shot. Her amniotic fluid level was 11.7 and we were shooting for over 10. Also, she got an 8/8 on the other checks they did. Edit: During the ultrasound the tech showed me where my gall bladder and liver are. I'm not an expert at organ placement in general, especially not when things get moved around during pregnancy, but it was quite strange to see. I just kept thinking "my liver is way up there?!"
We then headed to the clinic for our appointment which included another non-stress test. When we got there they said, "you didn't get a call? Dr. Carlson isn't in this afternoon because she was on call this weekend." Um... They did some checking and apparently under the circumstances (we drive an hour and needed this follow up info on time or there was mention of inducing) we got to keep our appointment, just with another doctor. So, my blood pressure is still good and I'm up to 163.5 pounds, still within the target range for weight gain (up about 34 pounds). The non-stress test went great. The goal is to see that her heart rate can increase and decrease which shows she's getting enough oxygen. This was a follow up to last week's all because of a tiny bit below "ideal" amniotic fluid level (that is now back on track). Then they told us our fill in doctor got called to a delivery so we had to wait some more. When she got there she said the ultrasound and non-stress test looked great. She checked me and said I'm dilated to "wiggly 3cm" and called my cervix "favorable." We can't remember the word she used, but said something about baby's head position and we took it to mean she's a little more settled in for labor than she was last week. She also made sure to point out that because we live 45-60 minutes from the hospital, I'm already 3cm dilated and my cervix is "favorable" we shouldn't wait too long to come in once labor starts, especially if I want an epidural. I asked about visitors at the hospital because of all this flu craziness and she said only our immediate family can come which is fine. It would be nice to be able to have the option for more, but they have the rule for a good reason so no big deal.
For the record, we have had WAY more ultrasounds than the average pregnancy. I don't want people reading this to get the wrong idea. At our clinic, one typically gets an ultrasound at her first visit (8-12 weeks) to check initial growth/due date and an anatomy scan (18-20 weeks). We had both of those plus another because she was moving too much in the anatomy scan, another to check on some cysts that appeared on her brain (common and went away as expected), another to check on growth (I was measuring a week behind-Dr. figured it was because baby dropped but wanted to be sure, measured right on but amniotic fluid was a tiny bit below ideal), and one more today to check on the amniotic fluid (all looked good!). So, don't expect that many! Some clinics don't even do that initial ultrasound at 8-12 weeks.
That's all! I finally finished packing my hospital bag and the car seat is good to go! I'll be doing a post about packing a bag for the hospital after baby is here to share what I was glad to have/didn't need/wish I had.
Hopefully a baby intro post soon! :)
Baby girl is head down, face to my back (just how we want her!) so hopefully no back labor for me. The tech commented twice how low her head is (woo hoo!). She also mentioned she's pretty cramped up in there and her feet are right up in my ribs (I honestly rarely feel it, another woo hoo!). She gave us some prints from the ultrasound but I'm not even going to post them-they look like nothing because she's getting to big to fit anything in a screen shot. Her amniotic fluid level was 11.7 and we were shooting for over 10. Also, she got an 8/8 on the other checks they did. Edit: During the ultrasound the tech showed me where my gall bladder and liver are. I'm not an expert at organ placement in general, especially not when things get moved around during pregnancy, but it was quite strange to see. I just kept thinking "my liver is way up there?!"
We then headed to the clinic for our appointment which included another non-stress test. When we got there they said, "you didn't get a call? Dr. Carlson isn't in this afternoon because she was on call this weekend." Um... They did some checking and apparently under the circumstances (we drive an hour and needed this follow up info on time or there was mention of inducing) we got to keep our appointment, just with another doctor. So, my blood pressure is still good and I'm up to 163.5 pounds, still within the target range for weight gain (up about 34 pounds). The non-stress test went great. The goal is to see that her heart rate can increase and decrease which shows she's getting enough oxygen. This was a follow up to last week's all because of a tiny bit below "ideal" amniotic fluid level (that is now back on track). Then they told us our fill in doctor got called to a delivery so we had to wait some more. When she got there she said the ultrasound and non-stress test looked great. She checked me and said I'm dilated to "wiggly 3cm" and called my cervix "favorable." We can't remember the word she used, but said something about baby's head position and we took it to mean she's a little more settled in for labor than she was last week. She also made sure to point out that because we live 45-60 minutes from the hospital, I'm already 3cm dilated and my cervix is "favorable" we shouldn't wait too long to come in once labor starts, especially if I want an epidural. I asked about visitors at the hospital because of all this flu craziness and she said only our immediate family can come which is fine. It would be nice to be able to have the option for more, but they have the rule for a good reason so no big deal.
For the record, we have had WAY more ultrasounds than the average pregnancy. I don't want people reading this to get the wrong idea. At our clinic, one typically gets an ultrasound at her first visit (8-12 weeks) to check initial growth/due date and an anatomy scan (18-20 weeks). We had both of those plus another because she was moving too much in the anatomy scan, another to check on some cysts that appeared on her brain (common and went away as expected), another to check on growth (I was measuring a week behind-Dr. figured it was because baby dropped but wanted to be sure, measured right on but amniotic fluid was a tiny bit below ideal), and one more today to check on the amniotic fluid (all looked good!). So, don't expect that many! Some clinics don't even do that initial ultrasound at 8-12 weeks.
That's all! I finally finished packing my hospital bag and the car seat is good to go! I'll be doing a post about packing a bag for the hospital after baby is here to share what I was glad to have/didn't need/wish I had.
Hopefully a baby intro post soon! :)
Friday, January 11, 2013
38 weeks
Ah! We're getting so close! The biggest questions I've been getting are How are you feeling? and Are you nervous? So let's start there.
Thankfully, I'm still feeling great! I'm starting to waddle every now and then and having a little more trouble getting comfortable on the couch/in bed/at my desk at work, but still nothing major. I expected much worse at 38 weeks pregnant. My usual winter dry nose that often leads to bloody noses seems to be worse (the books say that's to be expected). I have still been getting some, well, diaper rash which is uncomfortable. I used some of our cloth diaper safe cream (Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm and CJ's BUTTer) and it worked very well, almost immediately. The A&D just wasn't cutting it. I gave up on trying to shave my legs in the shower and took my first bath in about 2 years last night. Clearly I'm not much of a bath person, but it actually felt great. I tend to get too hot in the tub, but maybe it was better since half my torso was sticking out of the water this time. I haven't actually felt as tired in the last week as usual, although I never pass up an opportunity to take a nap. Since childbirth is getting closer, I've started taking two iron pills a day instead of one, which could be helping my fatigue. So far, so good with staying regular while on iron-I have been making sure to drink lots of water and get plenty of fiber.
Honestly, I'm not nervous at all. I imagine once labor gets going I'll have all kinds of emotions, especially if anything "abnormal" happens during labor/delivery. For now, I'm just very excited to meet this little girl and I feel as ready as possible. I don't want to speak for Trevor too much, but from our conversations I don't sense that he is nervous at all either, just ready and very excited. We both keep thinking about all the things we want for her (things in life, not material things) and everything we want to teach her. We joke about starting sign language/no-smoking speeches/self-respect lessons on day one. Never too young, isn't that what they say? :)
Since I already wrote about our doctor's appointment this week, I think that's all I've got for now. Oh, I have had Braxton Hicks contractions ("warm up" contractions) for a couple weeks now, but they seem to be getting more frequent. Although I'm having those and dilated to 3cm, I'm not convinced that means anything about the timing of labor. I could name so many people who were stuck at 3cm (or more) for a few weeks. I don't feel like I'd go over due at this point, but that is probably more optimism than anything. One she arrives, I'll do my best to post a photo or two ASAP and I plan to do an in-depth birth story post when I'm able, too.
Question of the week: Do you automatically use a humidifier in your baby's/kids' rooms during the cold, dry months? Or do you wait for them to show signs of needing one? I need one myself all winter, just curious if we should use Baby's right off the bat or not. PS-you can now comment via your Facebook account. If the box isn't showing up, just click the "No Comments" or "# Comments" at the bottom of the post and it should appear.
Thanks for all the well wishes, everyone! The clock is ticking...
Thankfully, I'm still feeling great! I'm starting to waddle every now and then and having a little more trouble getting comfortable on the couch/in bed/at my desk at work, but still nothing major. I expected much worse at 38 weeks pregnant. My usual winter dry nose that often leads to bloody noses seems to be worse (the books say that's to be expected). I have still been getting some, well, diaper rash which is uncomfortable. I used some of our cloth diaper safe cream (Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm and CJ's BUTTer) and it worked very well, almost immediately. The A&D just wasn't cutting it. I gave up on trying to shave my legs in the shower and took my first bath in about 2 years last night. Clearly I'm not much of a bath person, but it actually felt great. I tend to get too hot in the tub, but maybe it was better since half my torso was sticking out of the water this time. I haven't actually felt as tired in the last week as usual, although I never pass up an opportunity to take a nap. Since childbirth is getting closer, I've started taking two iron pills a day instead of one, which could be helping my fatigue. So far, so good with staying regular while on iron-I have been making sure to drink lots of water and get plenty of fiber.
Honestly, I'm not nervous at all. I imagine once labor gets going I'll have all kinds of emotions, especially if anything "abnormal" happens during labor/delivery. For now, I'm just very excited to meet this little girl and I feel as ready as possible. I don't want to speak for Trevor too much, but from our conversations I don't sense that he is nervous at all either, just ready and very excited. We both keep thinking about all the things we want for her (things in life, not material things) and everything we want to teach her. We joke about starting sign language/no-smoking speeches/self-respect lessons on day one. Never too young, isn't that what they say? :)
Since I already wrote about our doctor's appointment this week, I think that's all I've got for now. Oh, I have had Braxton Hicks contractions ("warm up" contractions) for a couple weeks now, but they seem to be getting more frequent. Although I'm having those and dilated to 3cm, I'm not convinced that means anything about the timing of labor. I could name so many people who were stuck at 3cm (or more) for a few weeks. I don't feel like I'd go over due at this point, but that is probably more optimism than anything. One she arrives, I'll do my best to post a photo or two ASAP and I plan to do an in-depth birth story post when I'm able, too.
Question of the week: Do you automatically use a humidifier in your baby's/kids' rooms during the cold, dry months? Or do you wait for them to show signs of needing one? I need one myself all winter, just curious if we should use Baby's right off the bat or not. PS-you can now comment via your Facebook account. If the box isn't showing up, just click the "No Comments" or "# Comments" at the bottom of the post and it should appear.
Thanks for all the well wishes, everyone! The clock is ticking...
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