Monday, July 25, 2011

33 weeks!

And still looking good! We got the results today from our growth ultrasound and Brady bug is measuring 4lbs and 5oz! He is in the 50th percentile! Just a few oz. smaller than normal according to our MW. Fluid looks a little low, but on the normal side. They will keep an eye on that, and I have an order to schedule another ultrasound for the end of next week.

While I was there, she listened to the heart beat with the doppler. The heart rate was a little low for what it has been so far this pg so I had an NST for some extra monitoring. It turned out ok but man was I having a small panic attack when the heart rate would go up and down. I think she is going to stay on the cautious side though because she wanted to see me next week instead of in 2 weeks.

She gave me some chiropractor recs since he is still breech. I am going to research the technique they use, the Webster technique. I know it involves hip rotations and in the past I've had issues with my hip rotation and being crooked so I'm not opposed to this type of intervention. I am however, opposed to a version. At least at this time. I just don't see how putting myself through some pain and possible stressing out the little one is worth it for a 50% success rate. Even if it is successful, he could still turn as well. More can be read about both of those here.

Oh and I lost about a pound and a half! Woohoo!! Now for the pic and survey!


*How far along?: 33 weeks!

*Total weight gain: Lost 1.5 lbs since the last appointment. Total weight gain is 18.5 lbs.

*How big is baby?: About the size of a honeydew, over 17 inches long from head to foot, and thanks to the u/s is weighing in at 4lbs 5oz. I think he is having another growth spurt but we will find out for sure at the next u/s at the end of next week!

*Sleep?: Up ever 2 hours to pee. Don't feel too rested these days.

*How are you feeling physically?: Still getting some hip pain here and there, but overall pretty good.

*How are you feeling emotionally?: Today was a little scary. His heart rate was a little low and they did some extra monitoring but overall a great appointment!

*Best moment this week?: Hearing how big he is!

*Movement?: He is still very much a mover and a shaker! Just this morning I woke up with his head up in my ribs and rubbed his little head until he moved.

*Food cravings?: Yes, all the sweets I cannot have. :(

*Food aversions?: None!

*Labor signs?: None besides BH.

*What I miss: Eating whatever I want, not planning every meal and snack

*What I'm looking forward to: my shower is this Saturday!!! Woohoo!!!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

What a week. A rough week.

I am now 32 weeks and wish I could say that all is great, but unfortunately, it could be better. First things first, as of right now Brady still appears to be 100% healthy and that is the MOST important part of all of this. I will do whatever I have to or go through whatever they throw at me, as long as that is the outcome. On Monday, I was officially diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GD). I cried. I cried a lot. My poor MW probably didn't know what to do. In a way, I just had a feeling, but at the same time it was a a blow. There was another blow to take that appointment too. Some may shrug and say so what or who cares? Some will get it and sympathize. I gained 9 lbs. IN A MONTH. Are you freaking kidding me? Ugh first that, then the GD diagnosis. Not the best way to feel great about yourself. Soooo what does this new diagnosis mean?

1) I am now slapped with the label of a high risk pregnancy.

2) Frequent monitoring in the form of u/s right now. First one is tomorrow, the 18th. I am looking forward to this as we get to see our little Brady Bug and see how big he is!

3) I will now not go past 39 weeks, perhaps a few days, but no way will we see my beloved due date of 9/10/11. No fun birthday for you little boy! Silly, I know, but it was fun to hope :)

4) GD will (hopefully) be controlled by a strict diet, by checking my blood glucose levels 4 times daily. Fasting, and after each meal. If it cannot be controlled with diet and I need to start taking insulin, I can no longer stay under the care of my MW. Ummm cue more tears.

So where is the good news? Well, first, I will say that it could be worse. It could be A LOT worse. My BP is great, I'm measuring on track so far, urine is looking good, and like I said before, all signs point to a healthy baby which is all we ask for. She does think he turned back to head down, and we shall confirm that on Monday.

On Thursday, I will see a specialist, who will counsel me in using the monitor and diet changes. I hate to say it but I think I'm way ahead of her! I started a food log the very next day after finding out my diagnosis. I researched online, talked to some of my ladies from my mom's board, and used the booklet from my MW. I ordered my testing supplies and received that Wednesday so took my first reading, after dinner. It was right on track. Since then I've been checking my blood 4 times a day, and all numbers look great so far. This is great! I know it gets harder to control your numbers the later you get into pregnancy and the bigger the baby gets, but so far, so good.

And now to the picture and survey....
*How far along?: 32 weeks!

*Total weight gain: 20 lbs so far, however with the GD diet, my MW seems to think I will not gain much more. ::Fingers crossed::

*How big is baby?: About the size of a jicama, over 16.7 inches long from head to foot, and approximately 3.75lbs. Apparently getting ready for a growth spurt!

*Sleep?: Still wake up every 2-3 hours to pee. I find though that it is quite painful if I happen to sleep more than that.

*How are you feeling physically?: Last couple of days I feel like I just did a workout of squats and lunges. My hips, butt, and back are sore, but that just means I move a little slower these days. Someone told me I have an adorable waddle going. Ummm no, waddling is not adorable! LOL I'm in denial ;)

*How are you feeling emotionally?: The week started out ROUGH. Lots of tears and guilt and feeling sorry for myself. I feel like I am in better spirits now that I'm rocking these numbers! Oh, and a brief moment of sadness yesterday when I discovered my first NEW pg-related stretch marks. ::sigh::

*Best moment this week?: Figuring out that I can do this. All of it. Whatever is thrown at me.

*Movement?: He is still very much a mover and a shaker!

*Food cravings?: Yes, all the sweets I cannot have. :(

*Food aversions?: None!

*Labor signs?: None besides BH.

*What I miss: Eating whatever I want, not planning every meal and snack

*What I'm looking forward to: Ultrasound on Monday, finding out if he is still head down and get to see how big he is and maybe even some more 3D pics of his face!

Friday, July 8, 2011

31 weeks!

Not too much to say, other than I'm definitely growing each week!

*How far along?: 31 weeks!

*Total weight gain: 11-12 lbs so far, but will find out on Monday how much more.

*How big is baby?: About the size of 4 navel oranges, over 16 inches long from head to foot, and approximately 3.3lbs. Apparently getting ready for a growth spurt!

*Sleep?: No change here. There is no more sleeping through the night, but luckily I usually fall back asleep after a short potty break

*How are you feeling physically?: Overall pretty good. Wake up here and there with back and hip pain, but its not constant, nor everyday. For now.

*How are you feeling emotionally?: I think my frown is turning upside down :)

*Best moment this week?: Spending my first week off being lazy!

*Movement?: We have a wiggle worm. Hopefully he wiggles his way back to head down.

*Food cravings?: Ice cream and lots of it!

*Food aversions?: Still staying away from orange juice, but all other foods/drinks are a go!

*Labor signs?: No labor signs, however I think BH have started. Completely non-painful, and I don't pay attention to how long it lasts. Not sure, could still be the way the baby moves. 

*What I miss: It is the summer. I miss the summer cocktails.

*What I'm looking forward to: Appointment on Monday, finding out if he is still head down or not. I also will find out if I passed or failed the 3hr GTT and I guess I am only looking forward to that if I passed ;)

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Wow. 30 weeks!

Seriously y'all this if flying by! I cannot believe I have 2.5 months left. I am so anxious to meet this precious baby boy but at the same time, holy moly the time is almost going too fast! All in all, things are going well though and I have very little to complain about. I am actually doing ok with the whole "uncomfortable in the summer" thing everyone has warned me about. I know I'm only going to get bigger and we still have a chunk of hot weather left, but so far, so good.

So here is my 30 week picture and survey!

*How far along?: 30 weeks!

*Total weight gain: 11-12 lbs, not counting my last appointment since it was a different scale, different place

*How big is baby?: About the size of a head of cabbage, about a 15.7 inches long from head to foot, and approximately 2.9lbs

*Sleep?: No change here. There is no more sleeping through the night, but luckily I usually fall back asleep after a short potty break

*How are you feeling physically?: Overall pretty good. Wake up here and there with back and hip pain, but its not constant, nor everyday. For now.

*How are you feeling emotionally?: I think my frown is turning upside down :)

*Best moment this week?: Finishing work for a whole month!

*Movement?: We have a wiggle worm. Hopefully he wiggles his way back to head down.

*Food cravings?: Ice cream and lots of it!

*Food aversions?: Still staying away from orange juice, but all other foods/drinks are a go!

*Labor signs?: No labor signs, however I think BH have started. Completely non-painful, and I don't pay attention to how long it lasts. Not sure, could still be the way the baby moves. 

*What I miss: It is the summer. I miss the summer cocktails.

*What I'm looking forward to: 4th of July weekend with great food and seeing family and friends!