It occurred to me recently that I am approaching this pregnancy a little (okay, a lot) differently than I would have if I'd gotten pregnant quickly and much younger. The biggest difference is that I am definitely not afraid to look for ways to make my pre-baby life easier / more relaxed!
Acupuncture
As I think I mentioned before, I think a fair number of women who face infertility eventually consider / partake in acupuncture. I started it several years ago as something--anything--to help with our infertility and ended up really loving it. I still go at least once a month now to prepare my body / mind for labor.
Prenatal Yoga
In an attempt to de-stress during our struggles with infertility, I decided to try yoga. Again, it ended up being something I absolutely love. So no surprise I switched to prenatal yoga once I got pregnant. And, again, I absolutely love it. I go at least three times a week and I love the community of pregnant women. It's a huge resource of positive energy for my pregnancy.
Doula
This is not an "activity" like some of the other things, but my prenatal yoga classes exposed me to the concept of a birth doula and we decided to utilize one. The idea that someone very calm, rational, and experienced is going to be by my side is very comforting. They (we hired two women who work together) have already provided us with a ton of information and comfort. We're even hoping--with their help--to achieve a natural birth! (More on that later.)
Chiropractor
I know some pregnant women have back issues and start seeing chiropractors. Well, I'm in my third trimester and the back is starting to ache. So yes, I went to a chiropractor. Not sure what I think about it so far, but she assures me that regular alignments can help women have shorter childbirths. We will see....
Therapeutic Massage
Massages are not something I ever really got into. But I read that they are a good idea prior to labor, as a relaxed soon-to-be-mom has an easier time in labor. And with the aching back (and, frankly, work stress), massages seem like a really good idea. I chose to go to a specialist with pregnancy pillows and special bench (so I can actually sorta lay on my front) and the massage was heavenly. Definitely going to be part of my routine until labor... and maybe beyond.
Pilates
Relatively soon after my diagnosis of diastasis recti, I found a pilates instructor who has knowledge of the condition and booked myself some private appointments. Most of the work on this front will happen after baby's arrival, but she showed me some exercises that can help now. No tummy tuck for me.
I also have a shit load of books on pregnancy, labor, baby, etc. And I have been reading them obsessively. (I haven't done any pleasure reading in months--very unlike me!) I love having information, so the different books have been very comforting--even if some of the information in them is quite terrifying! But the books have given me a lot of good ideas about ways to help me relax, to make my labor easier, and to prepare me to be the best mom I can be.
I don't think I would have engaged any of these amazing women to help me if I hadn't had trouble getting pregnant. And I sincerely doubt I would have 10+ pregnancy / labor / baby books on my nightstand. So while I'm certainly not glad that we had so much trouble, I am happy that I'm taking advantage of my increased knowledge, maturity, and, frankly, money, to make my pregnancy and labor the best they can be! Not sure how much this will spill over to me being a better mom, but it can't make me worse (right?!).
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Third Trimester
Just hit the third trimester. It feels good!
Things are going great. I love being pregnant. I think I'm much more appreciative of the whole pregnancy process because of all we had to go through to get here. Not that I'm saying I'm glad we went through everything we went through... but it feels good to be here now.
Baby is great--bouncing all over the place. We cannot wait to meet him... once he's fully cooked in about 11 weeks!
Nothing much to report. My weight gain has been strong and steady. I thought I was going to be a low weight gainer because I eat healthy and exercise moderately, but not so much. I'll be 29 weeks tomorrow and I've gained over 20 lbs. Funny enough, it's still mostly just in the tummy (and a little bit in the hips). Because I was a healthy weight when I got pregnant, my target weight gain is 25-35 lbs. I'll probably be pushing the upper limit. But my belly is measuring perfectly, so nothing to worry about. I plan to breastfeed, so hopefully the pounds will just melt off.
So far only one downer--I have diastasis recti. (Separation of the ab muscles.) I guess it's relatively common, but it's still awfully disturbing to get out of bed and see what appears to be a roll of cookie dough bulging under your skin from your belly button to your chest. (Okay, it's not cookie dough--it's my organs trying to make their great escape. Not sure that's any better.) Once baby is born, I'm going to have to work pretty hard to get into pre-pregnancy shape. Oh well, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it!
Other than that, things are good. We're getting excited for baby's arrival. We're getting the nursery together and just ordered our baby furniture. We've done all of our research on all of our baby products. I've been reading tons of books on babies and sleep schedules and other things. And I've already started planning out what I want to carry with me to the hospital.
Also, hubby and I have gotten mildly obsessed with the actual birth process. I never thought I would be a natural birth fanatic, but... well, I think we're getting there. We hired a doula, have done tons of research on different hospitals in the area, are thinking about delivering with a midwife, and have a pretty detailed birth plan worked out. I'm scared for the labor but my excitement about finally being a mom will hopefully overrule any nerves on the big day.
Bring on the baby!
Things are going great. I love being pregnant. I think I'm much more appreciative of the whole pregnancy process because of all we had to go through to get here. Not that I'm saying I'm glad we went through everything we went through... but it feels good to be here now.
Baby is great--bouncing all over the place. We cannot wait to meet him... once he's fully cooked in about 11 weeks!
Nothing much to report. My weight gain has been strong and steady. I thought I was going to be a low weight gainer because I eat healthy and exercise moderately, but not so much. I'll be 29 weeks tomorrow and I've gained over 20 lbs. Funny enough, it's still mostly just in the tummy (and a little bit in the hips). Because I was a healthy weight when I got pregnant, my target weight gain is 25-35 lbs. I'll probably be pushing the upper limit. But my belly is measuring perfectly, so nothing to worry about. I plan to breastfeed, so hopefully the pounds will just melt off.
So far only one downer--I have diastasis recti. (Separation of the ab muscles.) I guess it's relatively common, but it's still awfully disturbing to get out of bed and see what appears to be a roll of cookie dough bulging under your skin from your belly button to your chest. (Okay, it's not cookie dough--it's my organs trying to make their great escape. Not sure that's any better.) Once baby is born, I'm going to have to work pretty hard to get into pre-pregnancy shape. Oh well, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it!
Other than that, things are good. We're getting excited for baby's arrival. We're getting the nursery together and just ordered our baby furniture. We've done all of our research on all of our baby products. I've been reading tons of books on babies and sleep schedules and other things. And I've already started planning out what I want to carry with me to the hospital.
Also, hubby and I have gotten mildly obsessed with the actual birth process. I never thought I would be a natural birth fanatic, but... well, I think we're getting there. We hired a doula, have done tons of research on different hospitals in the area, are thinking about delivering with a midwife, and have a pretty detailed birth plan worked out. I'm scared for the labor but my excitement about finally being a mom will hopefully overrule any nerves on the big day.
Bring on the baby!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Half way!!
Twenty week appointment today! Things are going really welly. Baby looks fantastic. We got the confirmation--it's a boy!
My tummy is still small, but I'm definitely pregnant. (Strangely, more on the right than the left. I think I might end up with a belly button that's half innie half outie!) I'm really lucky because my placenta is in the back, so there's not much between my tummy and baby. That means I will be able to feel all the little kicks etc. that much easier. Just two weeks ago I felt the first flutters and since then... I feel little nudges and rolls all the time! In the last few days both hubby and I have felt baby move just by putting our hands on my tummy. AND one time I actually saw a little movement!
So exciting!!!
It's hard to believe we had to go through so much to get to this point. Much like I've heard people forget about how painful labor is, I'm starting to forget all of the stress and anxiety of the last few years. Not that I'm a blissfully ignorant pregnant lady... but I'm allowing myself to feel pretty optimistic!
Half way--go baby!
My tummy is still small, but I'm definitely pregnant. (Strangely, more on the right than the left. I think I might end up with a belly button that's half innie half outie!) I'm really lucky because my placenta is in the back, so there's not much between my tummy and baby. That means I will be able to feel all the little kicks etc. that much easier. Just two weeks ago I felt the first flutters and since then... I feel little nudges and rolls all the time! In the last few days both hubby and I have felt baby move just by putting our hands on my tummy. AND one time I actually saw a little movement!
So exciting!!!
It's hard to believe we had to go through so much to get to this point. Much like I've heard people forget about how painful labor is, I'm starting to forget all of the stress and anxiety of the last few years. Not that I'm a blissfully ignorant pregnant lady... but I'm allowing myself to feel pretty optimistic!
Half way--go baby!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
No more weekly baby pictures
I had my last appointment with the high risk OB last week--it was mostly to do my genetic counseling / testing but also to take one last peek before classifying me as "cured." It went well. Doc was basically like, "why are we tormenting you--go home and be normal." Yay! I was like, "does this mean I can swim, walk, ride a bike, do yoga, have sex, etc.?" He says, "yes, but maybe not all at the same time."
Ha!
My anxiousness did not, however, evaporate. After the genetic testing I spent HOURS reading about results and next steps. I guess I'm just that crazy anxious pregnant lady.
Anyway, results came back. 1/1500 chance of Downs. (Good.) And one in 1/10,000 chance of trisomy 18. (Great.) I think (but don't quote me) that my 13w5d measuring fetus had a 1.8mm nuchal fold measurement. So that's fine. My blood work was good, baby looked good, etc. For my age (33 when I deliver) I can't really ask for much more. I did opt for the second round of blood tests in week 16 for additional certainty.
I think this is the longest I've gone without checking in on baby in over a month. I'm going to take my slightly rounded belly as a sign things are still going well and try... really try!... to calm down, especially now that I am into my second trimester!
Ha!
My anxiousness did not, however, evaporate. After the genetic testing I spent HOURS reading about results and next steps. I guess I'm just that crazy anxious pregnant lady.
Anyway, results came back. 1/1500 chance of Downs. (Good.) And one in 1/10,000 chance of trisomy 18. (Great.) I think (but don't quote me) that my 13w5d measuring fetus had a 1.8mm nuchal fold measurement. So that's fine. My blood work was good, baby looked good, etc. For my age (33 when I deliver) I can't really ask for much more. I did opt for the second round of blood tests in week 16 for additional certainty.
I think this is the longest I've gone without checking in on baby in over a month. I'm going to take my slightly rounded belly as a sign things are still going well and try... really try!... to calm down, especially now that I am into my second trimester!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Cured! For reals!!!
I. Am. Speechless. Went to the high-risk OB yesterday for a follow-up on my issue. Ultrasound tech was so nice. (I like the tummy ultrasounds MUCH better than the vaginal ones, although my husband correctly complains that the picture quality is not as good.) Ultrasound tech was like your baby is perfection. It has a strong nose (unlikely to have Downs), very little fluid behind the neck (unlikely to have other diagnosable cognitive issues), fluid in the tummy (also good), two symmetrical brain halves, etc., etc. And it's moving all around and growing ahead of schedule--two things babies with restricted oxygen / blood do not do.
AND he couldn't even find anything wrong with me. He looked all over but could not find any abnormality at all. What!?! Shut the front door! The doc came in and confirmed--my uterus / placenta is perfection.
The bleed (or whatever) appears to have resolved. [Let's not discuss how this would never even have been diagnosed if I'd been a normal person having my first appointment this week.] So it probably was just a simple subchorionic hematoma / hemorrhage or whatever and, as all the docs I saw hoped, eventually resolved. (Although last week the high-risk OB I saw said he expected it would take 3-6 weeks to resolve, not 1 week!) Not sure WHAT is up with the wonky vascular system, but who cares?!
The high-risk OB was like, there is literally nothing wrong with you, get out of here and start seeing a regular OB. I've never been so excited to get kicked out of something in my whole life! Although I do have ONE more appointment there next week (to do the full first trimester screen for potential issues) so they're keeping my activity light until then (no exercise, sex, etc.), although I was okay'd to walk around. Walking?! What a treat!
Oh, and did I mention that the ultrasound tech made a prediction on gender? (Certainly not a sure thing at 12 weeks and 2 days, although he seemed pretty confident even though he warned me not to paint any rooms just yet.) It's a... secret for now!
U.S.A.! U.S.A.!
AND he couldn't even find anything wrong with me. He looked all over but could not find any abnormality at all. What!?! Shut the front door! The doc came in and confirmed--my uterus / placenta is perfection.
The bleed (or whatever) appears to have resolved. [Let's not discuss how this would never even have been diagnosed if I'd been a normal person having my first appointment this week.] So it probably was just a simple subchorionic hematoma / hemorrhage or whatever and, as all the docs I saw hoped, eventually resolved. (Although last week the high-risk OB I saw said he expected it would take 3-6 weeks to resolve, not 1 week!) Not sure WHAT is up with the wonky vascular system, but who cares?!
The high-risk OB was like, there is literally nothing wrong with you, get out of here and start seeing a regular OB. I've never been so excited to get kicked out of something in my whole life! Although I do have ONE more appointment there next week (to do the full first trimester screen for potential issues) so they're keeping my activity light until then (no exercise, sex, etc.), although I was okay'd to walk around. Walking?! What a treat!
Oh, and did I mention that the ultrasound tech made a prediction on gender? (Certainly not a sure thing at 12 weeks and 2 days, although he seemed pretty confident even though he warned me not to paint any rooms just yet.) It's a... secret for now!
U.S.A.! U.S.A.!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
No news is good news!
Not much to report today... except I'm 12 weeks pregnant! Big (arbitrary) milestone. I'd be feeling pretty good if not for all the medical issues that continue to plague me.
My fertility doc officially transferred my care to the high risk OB. I think I was my fertility doc's longest running post-pregnancy patient! But I wanted to make sure I had the screening testing that takes place between 11 and 13 weeks, so I really needed a full-time OB. And the high risk OB's office refused to see me beyond my specific referral for a second opinion unless I was transferred to them. So it was time.
I'm going to miss my fertility doc. I've gotten attached to him. And I am NOT excited to start going to a new doctor that I've only met one time. (And I'm doubly not excited to go to an office that is impossible to make appointments at. Oi!) I want to switch back to my regular OB (who knows me really well, helping me with my ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage, etc.) as soon as possible.
Oh, one other good piece of news--I'm FINALLY off of the progesterone! Not sure how long "normal" patients are on it, but I got the impression I was on it a little longer than normal. Anyway, I am now--for the first time in MONTHS--taking no meds. Yay!!!
So next up is check-in appointment with the high risk OB this week to check the bleed (?). Next week I have a "new patient" appointment and genetic counseling. Good times.
My fertility doc officially transferred my care to the high risk OB. I think I was my fertility doc's longest running post-pregnancy patient! But I wanted to make sure I had the screening testing that takes place between 11 and 13 weeks, so I really needed a full-time OB. And the high risk OB's office refused to see me beyond my specific referral for a second opinion unless I was transferred to them. So it was time.
I'm going to miss my fertility doc. I've gotten attached to him. And I am NOT excited to start going to a new doctor that I've only met one time. (And I'm doubly not excited to go to an office that is impossible to make appointments at. Oi!) I want to switch back to my regular OB (who knows me really well, helping me with my ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage, etc.) as soon as possible.
Oh, one other good piece of news--I'm FINALLY off of the progesterone! Not sure how long "normal" patients are on it, but I got the impression I was on it a little longer than normal. Anyway, I am now--for the first time in MONTHS--taking no meds. Yay!!!
So next up is check-in appointment with the high risk OB this week to check the bleed (?). Next week I have a "new patient" appointment and genetic counseling. Good times.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Maybe it's a subchorionic hematoma after all
Saw the high risk OB today. I had my first "tummy" ultrasound today. The ultrasound tech was super nice. She was so excited when the ultrasound started and baby was standing on his/her head. (Baby slid down on its side soon after the ultrasound started.)
After she was done with ultrasound, she went and talked to doc, and then he came and talked to me. He asked me what my fertility doc thought and I told him that the fertility doc had not seen anything like it before. He seemed surprised. He looked at the pictures and films she took and said he thought it was a past bleed. (He did not use the words subchorionic hematoma in our appointment, but that's what he wrote on my form.)
What? I thought we ruled that out weeks ago, right?
Well, high risk OB said he thought I just have a wonky vascular system (which is where the strange pumping blood in my uterus is coming from) and, totally unrelated from that, I had a bleed (which is what caused the lake). He pointed out that it had shrunk from the last time I had an ultrasound. He said it was good that baby was measuring slightly ahead of schedule--it suggests that blood is getting to the baby. He gave me the same diagnosis that the fertility doc gave me when he originally thought it was a subchorionic hematoma--no activity, no sex, hope it shrinks. But he wants to see me next week just to be sure.
I was so excited I was speechless.
When I was leaving, I overheard him talking to the ultrasound tech about me. She asked him something and he said, "pray that it gets smaller." She said, "what if it doesn't?" He responded, "pray harder."
A little cryptic, but I was still excited for a diagnosis and the first good news I'd gotten in a while. I actually allowed myself to get excited for the first time that this pregnancy might last. I'm 11 weeks and 1 day, less than 1 week to 12 weeks!
But later I started thinking about it... and I saw what he wrote on my form... how can it be a subchorionic hematoma? That's generally a past bleed, not an active bleed. Over the course of almost two weeks my fertility doc monitored the bleed, and it was pulsing with my heartbeat. That's not a past bleed. That's connected to my vascular system. The high risk OB did not watch the ultrasound, he just looked at the pictures and videos. Is it possible the high risk OB just missed what the fertility doc saw--namely an active bleed? That seems impossible, considering my fertility doc sent all of his notes along.
Also, I'm not bleeding. I have not had a single spot of blood. If it was a past open bleed, wouldn't blood come out? Again, fertility doc thought all blood was still in my vascular system. But high risk OB thinks that the blood is leaving my vascular system, even though it's not coming out of me.
On the other hand, for the first time in two weeks it's shrinking, which IS good.
I wish I could have articulated why fertility doc ruled out subchorionic hematoma (also known as a blood clot or chorion), but I did not realize that was the actual diagnosis until I left. (That's what doc wrote on the patient form.) I was just so excited for good news. Also, I'm not a f-ing doctor!!!
Let's be clear, a subchorionic hematoma is NOT a good thing to have. It can cause a miscarriage. It also means you're at a greater risk for placental abruption. But I was excited for that diagnosis because the outlook is generally good--most people end up delivering healthy babies.
I'm so confused. Which diagnosis is correct? What the hell is wrong with me?!?
After she was done with ultrasound, she went and talked to doc, and then he came and talked to me. He asked me what my fertility doc thought and I told him that the fertility doc had not seen anything like it before. He seemed surprised. He looked at the pictures and films she took and said he thought it was a past bleed. (He did not use the words subchorionic hematoma in our appointment, but that's what he wrote on my form.)
What? I thought we ruled that out weeks ago, right?
Well, high risk OB said he thought I just have a wonky vascular system (which is where the strange pumping blood in my uterus is coming from) and, totally unrelated from that, I had a bleed (which is what caused the lake). He pointed out that it had shrunk from the last time I had an ultrasound. He said it was good that baby was measuring slightly ahead of schedule--it suggests that blood is getting to the baby. He gave me the same diagnosis that the fertility doc gave me when he originally thought it was a subchorionic hematoma--no activity, no sex, hope it shrinks. But he wants to see me next week just to be sure.
I was so excited I was speechless.
When I was leaving, I overheard him talking to the ultrasound tech about me. She asked him something and he said, "pray that it gets smaller." She said, "what if it doesn't?" He responded, "pray harder."
A little cryptic, but I was still excited for a diagnosis and the first good news I'd gotten in a while. I actually allowed myself to get excited for the first time that this pregnancy might last. I'm 11 weeks and 1 day, less than 1 week to 12 weeks!
But later I started thinking about it... and I saw what he wrote on my form... how can it be a subchorionic hematoma? That's generally a past bleed, not an active bleed. Over the course of almost two weeks my fertility doc monitored the bleed, and it was pulsing with my heartbeat. That's not a past bleed. That's connected to my vascular system. The high risk OB did not watch the ultrasound, he just looked at the pictures and videos. Is it possible the high risk OB just missed what the fertility doc saw--namely an active bleed? That seems impossible, considering my fertility doc sent all of his notes along.
Also, I'm not bleeding. I have not had a single spot of blood. If it was a past open bleed, wouldn't blood come out? Again, fertility doc thought all blood was still in my vascular system. But high risk OB thinks that the blood is leaving my vascular system, even though it's not coming out of me.
On the other hand, for the first time in two weeks it's shrinking, which IS good.
I wish I could have articulated why fertility doc ruled out subchorionic hematoma (also known as a blood clot or chorion), but I did not realize that was the actual diagnosis until I left. (That's what doc wrote on the patient form.) I was just so excited for good news. Also, I'm not a f-ing doctor!!!
Let's be clear, a subchorionic hematoma is NOT a good thing to have. It can cause a miscarriage. It also means you're at a greater risk for placental abruption. But I was excited for that diagnosis because the outlook is generally good--most people end up delivering healthy babies.
I'm so confused. Which diagnosis is correct? What the hell is wrong with me?!?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)