Monday, February 28, 2011

24 week prenatal visit

Today was my 24 week visit at 25w1d. Both doctors were in the office today and both were running almost 45 minutes behind. Luckily, the nurse was on top of it. She brought me the glucose drink just shortly after my appointment time so I wouldn't have to remain for much longer after my doctor's appointment.

The drink tasted much worse then I remember from last time, however, I did not end up feeling sick or get heartburn from it (thankfully). By the time I was done with the doctor, I only had 10 minutes until the blood draw was needed, so the timing worked out well. I didn't even end up having to wait at the lab for more than 5 minutes.

Now to wait and hear the results...should know by the end of the week if we "passed" or if we need to go for the 3 hour test.

As far as the doctor's appt: I have finally put on some weight above pre-pregnancy weight. I gained about a pound a week this past month. If it continues at that rate, I will be satisfied. It puts some of my fears of gaining too much weight overall to rest!

The babe was in an active phase when the doc listened to the heart (of course since I just drank a bunch of sugar!). He did a quick ultrasound to see the baby's orientation. I guessed he would be transverse and the doctor dismissed it, saying it is a bit late for the baby to be lying that way. He went looking and sure enough, Cake's head is toward my left and feet/bottom are on my right. Exactly as I would have guessed. Funny how doctors dismiss a patient's body awareness. That is really my biggest complaint about my OB.

We had our first real discussion about VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) vs. repeat Cesarean. The doctor is supportive of VBAC's and is happy to allow me to attempt if that is my wish, but would like me to keep an open mind. In cases where there is late lack of progress, as B's birth was, the success rate is lower then normal VBAC's. He said we would revisit and discuss it when we are closer to 34 or 36 weeks and we see if Cake is still sitting high in the pelvis or has descended some. I will be doing a bit more research and plan on talking to people who have been in similar situations. Keeping my fingers crossed that the babe and my body cooperate with my hopes and dreams.

Next visit on March 25th. Hoping a Friday is less crazy in the office then Monday was!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

reflections

Things are continuing to go well with our little June bug! I am really feeling regular movements right now and getting to know his sleep/wake schedule. It's amazing how different his movements are from B's movements at this point. Much less kicking and more pushing/swiping movements. He's also a bit calmer in general. He does, however, manage to hit nerves in my back, my bladder and my cervix on a regular basis. I could do with out those.

Here's a little something I saw on one of the pregnancy boards I follow that I want to put down for posterity. It was so true with B. I imagine it will be 2 fold this time, as I fall more in love with our bug and as I watch B interact with him and fall more in love with him too!

"Nothing you hear or read anywhere can prepare you for how your life will change or how you will feel about your child. You and your partner will probably be sleep deprived; frustrated at times by inconsolable crying; your personal needs will take a backseat for a very long time. But when you see your baby smile, hear it coo for the first time or when he or she drifts off to sleep peacefully in your arms, the intense love and satisfaction you will feel are unmatched by anything on earth. Your child will be the most amazing, beautiful creature in the world. Your love for your child will give you the strength to slay dragons."