Just wanted to let everyone know that I passed my 3-hour glucose tolerance test yesterday! It was definitely a trying experience (by the end of the test I had not eaten in 13 hours and only had a giant ball of glucose flavored fruit punch sitting in my stomach). But I made it through and Addison and I can breathe easy - although I'll be doing most of the breathing. On the plus side, after having my blood drawn 5 separate times in one day I am no longer leery of needles... not a fan but not squeamish at least.
Baby class last night was all about c-sections and complications during pregnancy. Not really something anyone wants to think about, but better to be prepared than surprised. Some of those stories though.... wow! Babies that are breech can actually stick their feet outside of their mother, umbilical cords that fall out, and one story about a baby that came face first (but I guess that is not very common). The entire class is sitting there open-mouthed and wide-eyed wondering what crazy situations their baby is going to put them through.
Our instructor also told stories about all of the different things women brought in with them to the delivery room. Besides the obvious, like pillows and massagers some people get really creative. One woman brought in a crock pot of beef stew because that was the smell that relaxed her. Another woman brought in ten hours of her favorite TV show on DVD and watched the entire thing; then was surprised when the doctors told her to turn it off because she needed to start pushing. I have already figured out that pregnant woman can be a little different or quirky, but women in labor can be nuts! But I guess if it works for you, then do it!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
32-week Doctor Update
I thought your 32 week check-up is supposed to be uneventful... just a simple weight and vitals check, measure the bump, listen to the heartbeat and we're done. Not yesterday. First I found out I was anemic... no big deal happens to a lot of people and I just need to start eating more chicken/fish (ew) because all the veggies couldn't keep up.
Then I found out that tomorrow (Thursday) morning I have to go in for the dreaded 3-hour Glucose Tolerance Test because I failed my first test. If I don't pass... my Thanksgiving dinner is going to be lacking. Couldn't they tell me after I stuffed my face with apple pie?! I am not worried though, I am sure it was just some sort of fluke. And even though from 10pm tonight until 10am tomorrow I will not be able to eat or drink anything I will keep in mind that it's for the greater good. (i.e. I'd rather not prick my finger every day and give myself injections).
I will fill you all in when I get my final results back. The lab tech seems to think I will have my results back the same day, so you might just be hearing from me again tomorrow!
To end on a happier note - our baby girl is happy and healthy. Her heartbeat was perfect and we caught her "mid-exercise" which I guess is good because it showed the doctor that through activity and rest her heart is strong. She is measuring at 33 weeks (a week early) and her estimated weight right now is only 3.5 lbs. My midwife's "educated guess" is that she will only double her weight by January (I can handle a 7lb baby) but that she will be long. It will be interesting to see if she is right!
Then I found out that tomorrow (Thursday) morning I have to go in for the dreaded 3-hour Glucose Tolerance Test because I failed my first test. If I don't pass... my Thanksgiving dinner is going to be lacking. Couldn't they tell me after I stuffed my face with apple pie?! I am not worried though, I am sure it was just some sort of fluke. And even though from 10pm tonight until 10am tomorrow I will not be able to eat or drink anything I will keep in mind that it's for the greater good. (i.e. I'd rather not prick my finger every day and give myself injections).
I will fill you all in when I get my final results back. The lab tech seems to think I will have my results back the same day, so you might just be hearing from me again tomorrow!
To end on a happier note - our baby girl is happy and healthy. Her heartbeat was perfect and we caught her "mid-exercise" which I guess is good because it showed the doctor that through activity and rest her heart is strong. She is measuring at 33 weeks (a week early) and her estimated weight right now is only 3.5 lbs. My midwife's "educated guess" is that she will only double her weight by January (I can handle a 7lb baby) but that she will be long. It will be interesting to see if she is right!
Monday, November 17, 2008
57 More Days!
Yeah I have moved on to counting the days instead of weeks. It seems to make it go by a bit faster! I realize I have not updated in awhile but that's just because not much new has been happening in our household. (Tomorrow is my doctor's appt and my obligatory picture update day so it might be a bit more exciting).
Our baby classes (started November 6th) are amazing. They are through the "normal" hospital (not military). We both love the instructor, she is so funny and very matter-of-fact. The class has also been very informative about the entire process. We have learned several breathing and relaxation techniques. (Coupled with my yoga sessions I have been feeling very relaxed lately!) We also toured the new hospital and I am really torn as to where I want to go. Their labor and post-partum rooms were HUGE and completely private. An added bonus to the class, we have been collecting free samples left and right AND the husbands have to practice various massage techniques in class. It's fabulous.
We are both very excited to be back in Chicago for Thanksgiving. It will be our last "vacation" for who knows how long! I am a bit nervous about the 8-hour drive however. Sitting for more than an hour has been causing my legs to go numb and coupled with the fact that I have been getting Braxton-Hicks more often now... we might just have to make several rest stops!
Our baby classes (started November 6th) are amazing. They are through the "normal" hospital (not military). We both love the instructor, she is so funny and very matter-of-fact. The class has also been very informative about the entire process. We have learned several breathing and relaxation techniques. (Coupled with my yoga sessions I have been feeling very relaxed lately!) We also toured the new hospital and I am really torn as to where I want to go. Their labor and post-partum rooms were HUGE and completely private. An added bonus to the class, we have been collecting free samples left and right AND the husbands have to practice various massage techniques in class. It's fabulous.
We are both very excited to be back in Chicago for Thanksgiving. It will be our last "vacation" for who knows how long! I am a bit nervous about the 8-hour drive however. Sitting for more than an hour has been causing my legs to go numb and coupled with the fact that I have been getting Braxton-Hicks more often now... we might just have to make several rest stops!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Ten More Weeks!
Thirty down and only ten more to go! We are getting down to the wire and Alex and I are very excited. Last night we were talking about doctors visits and how many weeks we still had to prepare and he says "Wow this pregnancy has just flown by, I really feel like it just started and it's been so easy." I looked down at my swollen ankles, my protruding belly, and swallowed back the fiery feeling of heartburn as I responded, "Oh yeah it's just been a blur!" In reality, I am just ready to have my baby. Yeah, carrying her around and experiencing all of these new moments has been great, but I just want her.
We bought the mattress for her crib this weekend and some window treatments to decorate the room a bit more. But we literally have been sitting on our hands to keep from buying anything else until after the baby shower. This has been extremely difficult since he has basically given me a free pass to buying whatever clothes I want... but I refrain. I'm so strong. :)
Our next appointment isn't until November 21st, and then we start going a lot more often. After watching "Babies:Special Delivery" on the Discovery Channel about 100 times I have decided that I am going to wait as long as possible until I have to go to the hospital. It seems that all the women who go in early lay there and cry and moan for hours. But the women who wait come in, get some drugs, and pop 'em out no problem. Ha! If only it were that easy. Oh and if we make it to January 20th, I am thinking of changing her name to Obamarina. Alex is not on board yet, but we'll work on him. (jk)
We bought the mattress for her crib this weekend and some window treatments to decorate the room a bit more. But we literally have been sitting on our hands to keep from buying anything else until after the baby shower. This has been extremely difficult since he has basically given me a free pass to buying whatever clothes I want... but I refrain. I'm so strong. :)
Our next appointment isn't until November 21st, and then we start going a lot more often. After watching "Babies:Special Delivery" on the Discovery Channel about 100 times I have decided that I am going to wait as long as possible until I have to go to the hospital. It seems that all the women who go in early lay there and cry and moan for hours. But the women who wait come in, get some drugs, and pop 'em out no problem. Ha! If only it were that easy. Oh and if we make it to January 20th, I am thinking of changing her name to Obamarina. Alex is not on board yet, but we'll work on him. (jk)
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