Countdown to Nathan

FIRST TRIMESTER
Week 1-4: 0 lbs
Week 5-8: +0.4 lbs
Week 9-13 : +1.5 lbs

SECOND TRIMESTER
Week 14-17: +1.5 lbs
Week 18-21: +2.8 lbs
Week 22-26: +8.2 lbs

THIRD TRIMESTER
Week 27-30: +10.5 lbs
Week 31-35: +12 lbs
Week 36-38: +15 lbs

Two Week Postpartum:

37week, 5 day appointment

37 weeks, 2 days

Weight Gain: +15 lbs per MD
B/P: 128/80
FHR: 137
Fundal Height: not measured

I had two appointments today, and they were pretty uneventful, so I will lump them together in this one update. Nathan is continuing to do well. At the perinatologist, I had an ultrasound (number 10), and he is continuing to grow well. No signs of pre-eclampsia which is wonderful! I am really glad to have made it this far without any serious complications or risks to Nathan. The tech had a difficult time obtaining his measurements because he is out of room! He is head down, very much engaged, and curled up in a ball. They estimate that he weighs 7 lbs 1 oz, which would place him in the 43rd percentile. Dr. R discharged me from his care, and wished me well.

I headed over to see my OB next, which was also pretty uneventful. She was going to do an ultrasound, but I gave her all the documents from the perinatologist, and we just talked about those instead. I have been so uncomfortable the past couple of days, so Dr. A checked me again. I am still 3cm and 50% effaced, although she says he is "much lower this time." Basically, that means nothing to me. Katie was "high" when I started pushing and I didn't have to push that long with her. We confirmed my induction for December 1st, and I scheduled my last follow up with her for November 29th. I can't believe we are so close to meeting Nathan!!

36 week (and five days) Appointment

Weight: +16 lbs per MD
B/P: 116/80
FHR: 147
Fundal Height: 37 cm

I had an appointment on Tuesday, and Nathan is looking good. He is measuring right on track and moving around really well. I am starting to retain a lot of fluid. So far, I don't notice it in my face, but my hands, feet and legs are really swollen. I wake up with 1+ pitting edema, which only gets worse, even during the day with my feet up. I gained four pounds this week, and I know it wasn't due to over-eating. My nausea is back in full force and I have to work to get my meals in sometimes. At least I am not throwing up though!

We went to Labor and Delivery late on the 13th of November. I had been really uncomfortable all day long, had really bad back pain, nausea, upset stomach and irregular contractions. Around 10pm, the contractions started becoming 2-5min apart, and after talking with Nomi, Paul and I decided to go to L&D and get checked out. I didn't quite think that it was "time," but I knew something was off. The nurse checked me when I got there, determined I was 3cm and 50% effaced and told me to drink 2L of water. They sent my urine down for testing, too. I felt like I was having contractions every 4-5min, but the nurse said the monitor was only picking them up every 10min. About an hour after I finished the water, my contractions started slowing, I had no cervical changes, and my urine test came back positive for a UTI. They did a repeat test just to confirm (from an in-and-out catheter, no less!!) and gave me an IM injection of Rocephin to treat the infection. We headed back home about 3am...what a long night. Hopefully, we won't have any repeat trips until Nathan is actually coming. :)

In other news, Nathan's nursery letters came in yesterday, and Papa helped me hang them up and move Katie's name over to the other wall. I am ready for our baby boy to come and meet us whenever he is ready! We are just playing the waiting game since today is 37 weeks! :)

35 week appointment

Weight Gain: +12 lbs per MD scale
B/P: 112/86
FHR: 130's
Fundal Height: 34cm

Today's appointment was pretty busy. This past Thursday, I started having contractions 2 min apart at work. I was a little concerned because I knew it was due to me doing too much, but I couldn't slow down. I had a lot of work to do with my patients, and we were getting lots of admissions. I brought this up to my midwife at my appointment, and she decided to do a cervical check to make sure these contractions weren't doing anything and were just Braxton Hicks. Turns out, I am starting to dilate/efface. Uh oh. She is placing me on bed rest until the 17th when I will be 37 weeks and considered "full term." Right now I am at 2cm and 50% effaced.

My allergies have really had a hold on me this past week, too. I can't take very much for them and I am a sneezing, runny nose, itchy eye, lethargic mess. I am hoping that I am on the tail-end of it, because this is pretty miserable. She wrote me a script for some more Singular, so I am hoping I will start feeling better soon.

34 week Appointment

34 weeks, 1 day

Weight Gain: +14.4lbs per MD Scale, +12lbs at home
B/P: 122/72
FHR: 139

My appointment this afternoon went fairly well, with the exception of having to wait in the hall while their lunch ran over. They had three unhappy pregnant girls waiting in the hallway when they got back. Nathan is still head down and was shadowing my cervix, so they couldn't see anything there. All the fluid looks good (was around 20), so that means his kidneys are working well. His head is measuring on the high side of normal and his femur on the low side of normal, with his belly right in the middle. He has been measuring like that for at least a couple of appointments. All together they estimate his Gestational Age at 34w6d and I am 34w5d today. He weighs 5 lbs 8 oz and is in the 36 percentile.

I about fell over when they said he weighs 5 1/2 lbs!!! That seems so large, and Katie was only 6 lbs 5oz when she was born, 5lbs 5oz in the NICU. And Nathan has possibly 5 more weeks to grow! When I got home, I looked up Katie's measurements for the same time in my pregnancy and they actually estimated her to be 5lbs 13oz and in the 53% for 34w6d. She was bigger than Nathan, although it sure doesn't feel like it! I can't believe we are getting so close to meeting Nathan already!

32 week Appointment (and 5 days)

Weight Gain: +14 lbs per MD
B/P: 118/80
FHR: 155
Fundal Height: 33cm

I had my 32 week appointment today. It went fairly well. Everything is measuring where it should be and I haven't had any trouble with my blood pressure or protein in my urine. Dr. A had me recheck my glucose tolerance test because I was just under the cutoff at 28 weeks. I also had to have my labs collected again to check if I am anemic, verify my blood type, ect. I won't see her again until almost 36 weeks. She said we will probably check my cervix at that time since I have been having so many contractions. I have an ultrasound a week before that appointment, and they should also be able to see if I am dilating.

I have been having more migraines lately. Also, I am still nauseated. I actually threw up before I left for my appointment. Seems like I am able to keep from throwing up if I take my Zofran, though. I am feeling super tired this trimester, and am ready to be at home getting ready for Nathan and playing with Katie.

31 week ultrasound

Weight: +12 lbs
B/P: 112/50 (It's always lower at the specialist for some reason)
Fundal Height: We don't measure
FHR: 142

I had a growth ultrasound today to check on Nathan with my perinatologist. He is doing really well and measures at 31w3d (I am 31w1d). They estimate his weight at 3 lbs 13 oz, which is in the 45 percentile. His head is all the way down right next to my cervix and the technician had to measure his thigh bone up by my bra strap...I am thinking Nathan is going to be a long fellow. :) 

I have been having a lot of contractions and cervical pressure, as I mentioned, but my cervix is CLOSED! Yay! I am really excited to meet Nathan, but not for at least six more weeks. He needs time to bake.

29 week appointment



29 weeks and 2 days

Weight Gain: +12 lbs per MD, +10 lbs by my home scale
B/P: 128/82
FHR: 158
Fundal Height: 30cm

In between my last appointment and this one, I have been having a lot of abdominal pain, tightening and pelvic pressure. Sometimes it hurts so bad I have to stop walking and just hold my stomach. It kind of has me a bit concerned that I might be having contractions that are "doing something" or making my cervix dilate/efface, and I never had these with Katie's pregnancy. The good news is, the pain goes away when I rest and drink fluids. I brought this up to my Dr. today at my appointment, and she said to make sure to let her know if the pain doesn't go away. They don't want me to kick into pre-term labor.

My blood pressure seems to be a bit higher, too, but not so much that anyone is worried right now. We will keep an eye on it and see what happens. I asked my doc when I should stop working, as I was going on bedrest about this time with my last pregnancy and I dont' know what it will be like to work later into my pregnancy. Dr. A said as long as the pain/contractions don't keep me from working, I don't go into pre-term labor, and my blood pressure stays under control, I should be fine to work until I am ready to stop...probably around 37 weeks if that is possible. I can't believe that in 8 weeks, Nathan will be "Full Term" if he chooses to jump ship! I have so much to do!!

I also get to take my 1 hour glucose test again...oh fun. I was127 with a 130 cut-off, so she just wants to "Make Sure." Fun times!

26 week Appointment

26 weeks, 5 days

Weight: +8 lbs per MD
Blood Pressure: 122/78
FHR: 130-150's
Fundal Height: 27cm

This was a super quick and easy appointment for me. Well, beside the fact that I had to take the yucky one hour glucose test...and I passed! They took the standard vitals, urine specimen, Doppler and fundal measurement. Nothing new to report to my doctor. My nausea is acting up again (super boo) so I need to get a refill on Zofran, but that will have to wait. Can't believe I am already in the THIRD trimester. Christmas (and Nathan!!) will be here before I know it.

26 weeks!! (and one day)

26 weeks, 1 day

Weight Gain: +8.2 lbs per MD
B/P: 112/62
FHR: 141

Had an appointment today for a follow up ultrasound with my specialist. Everything is looking good. Nathan is measuring right on track according to the measurements they took today. He is 1 lb 15oz and in the 46th percentile. I have been feeling pretty good lately, compared to how I felt my first pregnancy. I have been fighting off allergies for the last couple of weeks, and I got sick this morning before my appointment, but I haven't had any more migraines (knock on wood), and I am able to function at least 75% of what is normal.

I moved Katie into her "Big Girl Bed" this week, so Nathan's crib is all set up with his bedding, mom bought him a few new outfits, and I cleaned out Katie's closet so he now has a "section" just for his stuff. I need to clear out a drawer for him and figure out what to do with his cloth diapers, but I am feeling much more prepared mentally now that Katie is out of the crib. Not sure why that is, Nathan is going to sleep in our room for the first few months anyway, but I feel more confident in myself at least! =)

23 week Appointment

Photo from August 18th (24 weeks, 0 days)

Weight Gain: +6 lbs by MD, +4.6 lbs by my scale
B/P: 114/72
FHR: 150
Fundus: 23cm

Today's appointment was quick and boring; which is how they should go! :) It is extremely difficult not to compare my two pregnancies each appointment, so with that said...I have better blood pressure and lower weight this time than last! My appointment with Katie was at 23w2 days, and I am 23w1d today. I was 1.8 lbs heavier with Katie, although my overall "gain" was only +3.8 lbs since I started heavier with Katie. My blood pressure was already 130/90 at this appointment last time, and as you can see, it is much better than that with this pregnancy. I think "size wise" I am looking about the same this time as last time, but I will take a picture for comparison when I get back to my camera. Both of the babies had heart rates in the 150's so I guess I don't fit in the "old wives tales" that boys have slower heart rates. :)

Growth Scan

21 weeks, 5 days

Weight: +5.8lbs per MD, +3.8 lbs per my scale
B/P: 102/62
FHR: 147

Grandma and I went to a follow up ultrasound for Nathan on August 2nd (21w5d). This was the first ultrasound my grandma has seen, so I was really excited for her to come. Unfortunately, Nathan didn't want to turn and look at the U/S wand, but he is doing wonderfully, which is what really matters. He is laying with his back pressed up along my stomach and his feet low near my bladder and cervix...fun times when he kicks! Lol! His head is up near my ribcage.

He is continuing to grow well, and by the measurements at the perinatologist, he is 21w5d, which was exactly where I was according to my LMP. Dr. R estimates that he is roughly 1 lb and that he falls in the 40% for growth. We have another follow-up in a month with Dr. R and if I haven't seen a cardiologist by then, he will have his office set up a referral instead of my OB.

19 weeks Appointment

Weight Gain: +4 lbs by MD, +2 lbs by my house scale
B/P: 120/74
FHR: 150's
Fundal Height: Umbilicus

I saw my normal OB today for a pretty uneventful appointment. She said that everything was looking great and wanted to touch base about my palpitations. She is referring me to a different cardiologist (I could tell she didn't like the one that saw me in the ER), thus increasing my provider count to THREE! Oh goodness. I wish my body would realize women have babies everyday! Oh well. I am so glad that my little boy is doing well, and gaining weight.

We have started getting ready for his arrival. Paul and his dad painted the nursery green last weekend, and I am looking at ordering Katie Bug's new toddler bed so that he can take over her crib. I can't believe our son will be here in five short months!

Level II Ultrasound and Gender Reveal

Weight Gain: Something completely ridiculous by their scale....+3.8 lbs at home
Blood Pressure: 98/62
Fetal Heart Rate: 150's

We had the Level II U/S on July 5th (17w5d) with the Perinatologist. While Dr. A didn't think that anything was concerning with the pregnancy, she thought it would be "safe" to have Dr. R check me out again. (At this point in my pregnancy with Katie, my blood pressure was already creeping up.)  Our little baby cooperated very well for the technician and we got all of the pictures they were looking for. 

Our baby BOY was measuring in at 8 oz and was moving all around. He had his hands up by his face just like his big sister, and we got to see him opening and closing his mouth and even all of his fingers and toes. He is currently transverse, with his head on the left side of my abdomen and his bottom on the right. I know it is still plenty early, so he has lots of time to flip to a new position, but I can definitely tell he isn't sitting like Kaitlyn was because it feels so much different.

We talked more about my heart palpitations and my ER visit. Dr. R said that he expects me to continue to have palpitations, which unfortunately has happened, and in fact increase as I get further along. He suspects it is the baby that is causing the arrhythmia as I had never had this problem before and there was not a mechanical/structural abnormality within my heart.  So, I am now up to TWO doctors for this pregnancy as Dr. R will be following us monthly...

15 Week Appointment: Uneventful

Weight Gain: +1.5 lbs by MD, +0.4 lbs at home
B/P: 120/76
FHR: 150s

 I am 14 weeks, 5 days along today. I am at the part where I feel "fat" and not really pregnant. My stomach is starting to stick out more, but I can still fit in my regular shirts and some of my regular "fat" pants. I like the extra room in my maternity pants, but they fall down more. Oh well...

My appointment was super fast and uneventful. I went by myself while Noemi watched the Doodle Bug. The tech found the baby's heart rate really easily and higher than I was expecting. I still feel like the baby is near my pubic bone, but at 4 inches and 2.5 oz, the baby is roughly the size of an apple and moving on up! My stomach is getting "harder" and my stretch marks from last time are starting to look "angry." (nice and red...)

I go in Monday for a "Triple Screen," which checks for chromosomal abnormalities. Then I see my OB next month. Not much else to report, thankfully! :)

11 weeks

11 weeks, 0 days

Weight Gain: 2 lbs by MD scale
B/P: 102/66 (my best ever!)
FHR: 158

Today, I had my 11 week appointment. Paul took me, and Noemi watched the Katie Bug. We were seen pretty quickly this time, and actually, the tech told us not to be surprised if we didn't see Dr. A as the hospital had been calling that a mom was in labor. Dr. A popped in shortly afterwards and did a quick ultrasound. I was surprised; we had already seen the heartbeat and didn't have an ultrasound at this point in our first pregnancy.

The baby was moving all over the place, flipping, kicking and waiving his/her arms around. We got some very good ultrasound pictures (which I need to upload, I know...). It was the most exciting appointment that I have had. It was so neat to see the baby so active, and it feels more real now. Before, I just kind of felt sick all the time. lol! Not much else to report....

Still having cramps occasionally, sore breasts, constipation, SO TIRED, nausea and vomiting, the usual glamorous pregnancy symptoms. We have the (hopefully) BIG reveal scheduled for July 5th at 10am.

Second Appointment

 7 weeks, 0 day

Weight: +1 lb by the Dr and -2 lbs by home scale
BP: 122/80
FHR: 130s

I had my second appointment today. I have been so nervous this time around, and I don't know why. I have been so afraid we were going to go to the appointment today and get bad news. I have had a lot more spotting this time around. With Kaitlyn, it lasted only a couple of days, but this time, I have been spotting off and on since five weeks. My doctor did say today that I could have spotting up until ten weeks. Oh goodness.

We had an ultrasound, however, and the baby is doing great! Measuring right on track at 6w6d and 7w0d. Paul saw the heartbeat right away, but I couldn't see it from my angle. Dr. A zoomed in on the heartbeat and had the MA hit the sound so that we could hear the heartbeat and see the heart wavelengths!! What an amazing sound to hear!! :))

Since I am still measuring correctly, my official due date is December 8th, 2011. Another December baby.....

"Confirmation Appointment"

N

4 weeks, 5 days

Weight Gain: -1 lb by Dr, -4 lbs by my scale
B/P: 122/80
FHR: No heartbeat yet

We had our "confirmation appointment" today. I was supposed to go on Thursday, but I have been really sick with Gastritis, so I went ahead and changed it for today. I have lost 6 lbs in a matter of a couple of days. I really thought I might have to go to the ER for some fluids, so Leslie took me to the appointment and Noemi watched Kaitlyn for me. Dr. A gave me some Zofran and Bactrim and told me I had to stay hydrated. If I was not keeping fluids down in the next couple of days, she said I would have to get IV fluids.

Dr. A did an ultrasound too, and there is definitely a pregnancy there!! She said it looks like I am "around five weeks." They took my labs to check my blood counts, blood type, vaccination titer, etc. I had a urinalysis....not to exciting, but that's how I like it! :) We will get our official due date next time, but for now, it is kind of looking like December 2011.

Countdown to Katie

FIRST TRIMESTER
Week 1-4: 0 lbs
Week 5-8: -1 lb
Week 9-13: -4 lbs

SECOND TRIMESTER
Week 14-17: -3 lbs
Week 18-21: -1 lb
Week 22-26: +6 lbs

THIRD TRIMESTER
Week 27-30: +12 lbs
Week 31-35: +14.5 lbs
Week 36-37: +16.6 lbs

Two Weeks Postpartum: -0.6 lbs!!!

Nine Months Postpartum: +11 lbs!!!

Twelve Months Postpartum: +/- 0 lbs!!!

36 week (and last) Appointment

Weight: +14.8 lbs pre-pregnancy
B/P: 110/80
FHR: 140's
Position: Head DOWN! :o)

My 36 week appointment was this afternoon at the specialist's. Things went really well. My weight is right on track, my blood pressure was okay, and most importantly Kaitlyn is lookin' good! I still don't agree with the B/P that they recorded, but there is no protein in my urine and my labs have been fine so far, so I am happy.

They did a non-stress test, and Katie had the hiccups for a good ten minutes. Then she took a nice nap. Lol! The nurse practitioner came in to speak with me and said the baby was doing well, and we were just waiting for another room. I wasn't quite sure what room I was waiting for, so when she told me to go to the ultrasound room for a biophysical profile, I was pleasantly surprised. I had a different technician today and she even showed me pictures of Katie in 3D (and printed them out for me)! :o) She looks so beautiful and snug in there. She has big cheeks and looks just like her daddy. I can't wait for her to be here.

No other complications here at home. I had some really tight pains in my abdomen yesterday night. My whole stomach was hard and firm like my forehead. It was constant pain and did not come and go at all. Contractions? Who knows...

Last stop is December 24, 2009 for a blood pressure check and NST at Labor and Delivery....almost there!