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!

Baby Showers for Nathan

We were so very blessed to have had two showers for Baby Nathan.

Tara and Hilda hosted the first shower September 24, 2011 at Apple Annie's. It was such a fun time and everyone made onesies for Nathan to wear.

Apple Annie's Cafe

Me at the Gift Table

Mom making a onesie for Nathan

Onesies by Hilda and Tara

Onesie by Melissa and Bonnie

Onsie by Marilyn, Lindsay and Debbie

Opening up Gifts

Handmade Blanket by my Grandma

Tara, Wendi and Me

The second shower was October 22, 2011 at the Rodriguez Home hosted by Leslie, Noemi and Meghan. I felt so blessed and honored that two of my friends flew in from out of state to help us celebrate.

Me with my yummy cake Nomi made

Mom and Me

Funfetti Cake and Brownies

Playing the Diaper Changing Game

Nathan got lots of cool gifts!

Katie Bug got a gift for Nathan

Tiff, Nomi, Me, Meghan, and Les

Thank you to everyone who has sent us well wishes and given us special gifts to help celebrate and prepare for Nathan's arrival. We have some amazing and selfless friends and family. :)

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!

3D/4D Ultrasound

We had a 3D/4D ultrasound at Baby Vision ultrasound for Nathan on September 10th. Nathan was such a good boy and cooperated so that we were able to get some great shots of his face. He was playing with the umbilical cord and had his hands up by his face. Not only does he kinda act like his big sister, He looks SO MUCH like her!

He was moving around some and even managed to get both his feet up by his face. I'd say he still has plenty of room to move around. :)

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.

Induction Scheduled!

Kaitlyn's scheduled induction is for December 29, 2009 @ 6am. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers that everything will go well, and Kaitlyn will make it here safely. I can't believe we have one week left!

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!

35 week Appointment

B/P: 110/70 (I don't buy that...)
Weight: +14.4 lbs pre-pregnancy
FHR: 138

Today, Jonathan and I went to see the specialist for a growth ultrasound (number 7). My blood pressure was really good this morning, but I am not too sure that the medical assistance got an accurate reading. I am more inclined to think it was in the 120/80's, but either way, it is better than it had been at work. My weight gain is appropriate and the baby is looking good.

The amniotic fluid levels were fine, which indicates that her kidneys are functioning and producing urine as they should be. She decided to take a nap while they scanned, and they were able to measure her head (a couple days behind) and abdominal circumference (a little ahead), see her kidneys and heart chambers and take a look at her spine. She didn't want to look at the ultrasound wand, so the only picture we got as her "girly bits." She is still a girl. :)

Today marks the start of the 5th week of bedrest for me. As nervous as I am about Katie coming out, I am ready for her to be an outside baby. We have an appointment with my OB on Thursday, so hopefully we can talk more about the induction and when she would like to schedule it. In the meantime, make your guesses on her birth weight/height! :)

**Edited on the 17th:

B/P: 132/88
Fundal Height: 35 cm
FHR: 130's

Pretty standard appointment in the beginning. Got my vitals, did a non-stress test (which went great) and went to see the doc. She swabbed me for GBS (group B strep) and talked about how I was feeling. I mentioned to her that last night I had A LOT of cervical pressure, and she told me to keep a closer eye on those as they sound kind of like contractions. Then she decided to check me anyway since I was already undressed. She said my cervix is anterior and 1cm dilated. No protein in my urine at this spot check. My labs came back from last week and my 24-hr urine had protein levels of 243. (It has been 163 and 170. Pre-eclampsia is 300...) So....

Here is the game plan:
Monday, 12/21: Go see specialist and have NST
Thursday, 12/24: Go to L&D for NST and urine check

Monday, 12/28.....

GO TO L&D FOR INDUCTION.......

(Trying to change that to Tuesday, 12/29....but it's here, none-the-less).

34 week Appointment

B/P: 136/90
Weight: +14 lbs pre-pregnancy
Fetal Heart Tones: 140-150's
Fundal Height: 34 weeks

I started getting sick with a cold/sinus congestion on Friday. I spent much of the weekend curled up on the couch trying to breath. :o) With my lungs squished and congested, it has been rather interesting. I am hoping this clears up quickly.

Today's appointment was relatively the same as the last. I was on the NST for about 40 minutes. Kaitlyn thought she would just nap rather than move around. When she does that her heart rate stays about the same (from 130-134ish) and they like to see more fluctuation (120-150 with some rises to 170's). I drank some Gatorade and she perked up a bit.

As you can see, my blood pressure is rising back to where it was when I was working. I am not sure if that is baby-induced, congestion/sick-induced or what, but I have to go back on Friday for another NST and Blood Pressure check. The plan is to continue on towards 37 wks. Today, she looked a little unsure as to whether or not she thought I would make it that long. As I have said, I just PLAN to get there. :o) So we will have to wait and see. No protein in my urine thus far. I started having a lot of back pain Saturday and Sunday night, and boy, that is NOT fun....

33 week Update

B/P: 130/82
Weight: +15 lbs pre-pregnancy (I wore my tennis shoes...whoops)

Fetal Heart Tones: 120-170's
Fundal Height: 33 weeks
Baby's Position: Head Down, Facing my back (Good for Delivery!)

Just a quick update that all is going well, and the same. I saw my doctor on Monday, the 30th. It was the longest I have ever been there. I was on the NST for about 45 minutes, and Katie did well. They were looking for movement, variation in her heart rate and accelerations in her heart rate. I finally saw Dr. A after waiting about 45 more minutes. (I usually don't have to wait for her, so this was rare but frustrating.) No new things at this appointment except she explained to me the "period-like" cramps that I started having yesterday are Braxton Hicks.

"Indefinate" Bedrest

According to my OB, this is my current status. I saw her on the 23rd and the 25th for follow-ups. My blood pressure was okay, 128/86 (on the 23rd) and 130/80 (on the 25th). No protein in the urine, which I am constantly grateful for. Katie did great on the NST. I measured in right at 32 weeks, (I was 31wks, 6days at the appointment) and everything is looking good, relatively speaking.

I was really hoping to be able to make it back to work, at least for a short while, but Dr. A wasn't having it. She said that going back to work would only increase my blood pressure more. :o( So here I am, sitting tight for a few more weeks. Dr. A said that her goal is to make it to 37 weeks. As long as there are not any further complications, we will plan on an induction at the hospital nearest my house. I really like it there, but it is a small (albeit brand new) unit without a NICU. My doctor feels that inducing there will be safe for myself and the baby if I am at 37 weeks, and there is an excellent transport team for the downtown hospital if need be. Of course, if my status changes, and/or I have to be induced prior to 37 weeks, I will deliver downtown...I am really hoping that doesn't happen.

Having a common goal and knowing that Katie is doing well despite my blood pressure "issues" provides me with some reassurance, but I am super nervous about the induction. I have become fairly well educated on PIH, and while I feel confident in our plan, it's the complete opposite of what I had initially envisioned. I guess things just don't always go according to plan. I pray that Katie continues to do well and is in excellent health before, during and after delivery. I have faith that my doctor will take care of me and see me though my pre-natal care, delivery and post-partum recovery. And I hope, hope, hope that our induction is successful and without the need for a c-section.

3D/4D Ultrasound

Yesterday, Paul and I went to get a 3D ultrasound at BabyVision Ultrasound. My mom had been looking at these with me for a long time and afforded us the opportunity to catch a sneak peak at Katie. We had such a great experience; the staff was so friendly and the technician was patient with us while Katie tried to hide her face. Imagine that!! :o)

She is so stubborn. She kept putting her arms and hands in front of her face and the umbilical cord into her mouth. We finally got some head shots of her, and she looks JUST LIKE her daddy. The technician said the placenta is anterior, and she is very crowded. I can't imagine how much bigger my tummy is going to get in the next few weeks, but she definitely needs more growing room. Her head is down in my lower left quadrant, her belly is right around my umbilicus and her legs are up near my sternum and diaphragm. This would help explain why I get so short of breath. :o)

Katie yawning

She looks so peaceful!

Kaitlyn Marie

31 week Appointment

B/P: 128/86
HR: 100's
Fundal Height: Did not measure
Fetal Heart Tones: 120-160's
Weight: +11 lbs pre-pregnancy

Paul and I went in for a short appointment today for an ultrasound (number 4). We had a biophysical profile performed where they "grade" the baby on her movements, amount of amniotic fluid and whether or not she is "practicing" breathing on her own. Our stubborn girl was not really in the mood to move and was in a food coma after a yummy breakfast of bean and cheese tacos. :o) Whoops, that might be mommy and daddy's fault, Kaitlyn.

After much shaking of my tummy, she finally decided to move her legs and arms a few times and flip over. And she did take a couple of "practice breaths," so all looks good at this point. Before we left, Dr. A had the nurses place me on the NST (number 6 in as many days). It was about this time Katie decided she was awake and moving all about. :o) She has a mind of her own, already...

Kaitlyn's Heartbeat while in the Hospital

1st Hospital Stay

If I was caught off guard at Friday's appointment, I was definitely thrown for a loop at Monday's follow-up! My doctor told me she wanted to see me twice this week. Once for a normal appointment and once for an ultrasound. My blood pressure was 140/90, no protein in the urine. Rose, my doctor's assistant, placed me on the NST before I saw the doctor, and Katie proceeded to kick and flip and move about. She must like to hear her own heartbeat because she always gets active when we do this test.

I had been in the room for about 20 minutes when my doctor appeared and informed me that she wanted to keep me overnight at the hospital to run some tests on my kidneys, liver, and blood and to have me do a 24 hour urine test. I was disconnected from the monitor and sent on my way. Mom was able to leave work and met me at the hospital with an overnight bag and pink roses for Kaitlyn and me. I finally got a hold of Paul (he wasn't able to get my text messages) and let him know that we were both okay.

A very nice nurse, Catherine, took me to my room, Labor and Delivery Room 5, and got me admitted. She placed me on the NST, again, and rechecked my blood pressure. Surprisingly, it was coming down and stayed between 130/80's and 120/70's. We only got two readings over 130/80 the entire time I was there.

I didn't have to wear a fashionable hospital gown nor get an IV, so it was a relatively pleasant stay. The hospital is brand new and had all kinds of fancy amenities such as room service and free WiFi. I had a lot of visitors the first day (so the nurses kept telling my visitors, lol!) and the time passed really quickly. Leslie, Tara, Irma, and Jonathan came to see me that afternoon. Tamara, Paul and Mom were able to come that evening once they got off of work. I didn't get much sleep after everyone left because the hospital bed was not so comfortable. My legs and bottom kept falling asleep where the bed comes apart for delivery. I am sure the post-partum beds are a lot more comfortable than the delivery beds. Regina was my nurse overnight.

First thing Tuesday morning, Dr. A stopped in to let me know my "blood pressures in jail look really nice" and that my labs all came back normal. They were just waiting on my 24-hr urine test to finish and if my protein counts were low, I would be able to go home. My nurse, Kelly, placed me back on the NST to check on our little girl, who was doing great! It is such a blessing that during these last seven months our little angel is doing so well.

My urine test came back around lunch time at 170mg/24hr, and I was released home with my mom. It appears that this test was a little high, normal is 30-150mg/24hr, but Dr. A said she would release me to home bedrest if it was under 300. I had this same test August 5th and it was 163.8mg/24hr, so it hasn't increased too much.

I am praying this is the last time I have to be admitted before December 29th so that Katie can get bigger and her lungs can mature as much as possible.