30w 0d - "Pason" This Week

• Your baby now weighs about 3.5 lbs (1600g) and measures about 18 inches (40cm) in total and about 11.2 inches (28cm) from crown to rump.
• Your baby's increasing size means that she has less room to move around in your uterus.
• Your baby could already be moving into the head-down position.
• Your baby's lungs are maturing and their lining, which prevents air sacs from collapsing, is growing. This lung development means that your baby would have a much greater chance of survival if he were born prematurely.
• About 16 fluid ounces of blood are flowing through the wall of your uterus to the site of the placenta, though your blood never mixes with your baby's blood. It is separated by the placental barrier which is a very thin wall. Water, nutrients and waste are exchanged across this barrier at a rate of 0.3 fluid ounces per second.
• Your baby swallows amniotic fluid and urinates.
• Your baby's ears are sufficiently developed to hear and recognize your voice, the voices of other family members as well as familiar musical tunes.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

29w 5d - Last Hypnobirthing Class

Today we finished our 5th and final hypnobirthing class. Of the 3 couples, 1 of the couples still hadn't shown by 15 minutes after our start time. The instructor called them at home and she said that the mother-to-be sounded "odd," but that they were coming and to start without them. Fifteen minutes later we were getting settled for class and they walked in with their baby! Mateo was born about 3 weeks "early"--on our anniversary, the 25th, at 6 lb 14 oz. Isn't God great??

A. used many of the vizualization techniques she had learned in class and never requested medical pain relief--even with Pitocin! She felt pressured to start the Pit due to the time when her membranes had ruptured. (Of course, in other countries where the childbirth "practice" seems to be leaps ahead, they allow a mom to labor for 2-3 days after her water breaks before worrying too much about infection. But anyway, that's another post!) Long story short, she ended up with a sort of homebirth in the hospital! She had labored a good bit in the tub/jaccuzzi and was alone (with her husband half asleep sitting on the floor) in the tub when she felt their son ready to arrive! She trusted her instincts and gave birth right there, half kneeling and half standing in the tub. It was such a beautiful and inspiring story, especially since she didn't even finish our course! It was truly a surprise to see them walk in with their beautiful baby Mateo. Congratulations A. & B.!

In our actual class after A., B., & Mateo left, we covered the final stage techniques, other birthing positions, more in depth birth companion instruction, and even how to use Hypnobirthing if you must have interventions such as Pitocin! A. and B. practically taught our class this evening!

I have only great things to say about the course and our instructor. Please contact me if you have questions about HypnoBirthing or Hypnobabies. Now I just need to get back to a regular practice schedule!!

29w 3d - Latest "Down"

I discoverd this week that I am suffering from a condition called diastasis recti. I had pretty bad pain in my upper abdominal muscle area under my sternum for 2 days. That is mostly gone, but a numb feeling on my skin still remains. Yet another fun pregnancy "benefit" (hehe) that everyone neglects to tell you!

29w 0d - "Pason" This Week

• Your baby now weighs about 3 lbs (1400g), measures about 10.8 (27cm) inches from crown to rump and measures about 17 inches (38cm) from head to toe.
• Your baby is probably aware of your Braxton Hicks contractions, which you experience regularly, even when you do not notice them.
• By this time, your baby is very active and you feel its movements frequently.
• Your baby is still practicing breathing movements which have now become rhythmic.
• Sometimes your baby gets the hiccups when she accidentally swallows amniotic fluid the wrong way.
• She is getting fatter and plumper. On an ultrasound, you can see your baby's activities quite easily.
• Your baby has periods of rest and periods of activity now. Your baby is probably most active when you are trying to rest.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

28w 2d - Ups & Downs

I had my 28-week appointment today. I'll try to interweave the details below!

Downs

• "Failed" the hemoglobin (iron) blood draw today. They like to see it at 11 in pregnancy and mine is currently 10.6. I am not surprised as I know I have been feeling more tired. According to the midwife, Donna, it takes 120 days for your consumption to reflect results in a blood test! So what I change now will affect my post-birth recovery, ability to breastfeed, emotional well being, energy level, etc. at that time period. A friend has the same problem and finds natural remedies whenever possible. She has told me about a product called Floradix that is also pumped with great mommy herbs and is not constipating! I think I will give it a go.
  

Ups

• Passed the GTT - glucose tolerance test today. YAY! My number was a 134, and their threshold is 135.
• "Pason's" heartbeat was around 134.
• My belly measured 28 cm--"right on" for 28 weeks.
  
• 3 generous friends and family have offered to host baby showers! So far they are all scheduled in December!! I am so humbled and grateful.
  

28w 0d - "Pason" This Week

• Your baby now weighs about 2.7 lbs (1.2kg), measures about 10.4 inches (26cm) from crown to rump, and is around 16.7 inches (42cm) long. He is plumper and rounder, and his head and body are beginning to be in proportion.
• Your baby now uses all of his senses. He can see, taste, and recognize touch and the sound of your voice.
• During the last trimester, your baby will receive antibodies from you through your placenta that will provide immunity from many diseases.
• Your baby's adrenal glands are producing androgen-like substances. Androgens are normally male sex hormones, but in late pregnancy, when they reach the placenta they are turned into estrogen which in turn stimulates the production of prolactin in your body. Prolactin is the hormone needed for milk production. In this exchange, your baby is beginning to stimulate milk production in your breasts so that when he is born there will be food waiting for him.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

27w 0d - "Pason" This Week

• Your baby weighs about 2.5 lbs (1.1kg) and is about 10 inches (25cm) from crown to rump and 15 inches (38 cm) long from head to toe.
• At this time, the baby has tastebuds which allow it to distinguish between sweet, sour and bitter tastes.
• Brain tissue and brain development increases at this time as your baby grows the folds and grooves needed for a developed brain.
• Eyebrows and eyelashes are probably present and the hair on your baby's head is growing longer.
• Your baby's body is filling out, getting a bit fatter as fat deposition continues, but it is still somewhat red and wrinkled.
• Your baby is big enough for his presentation to be determined. That is, your caregiver can probably tell how your baby is oriented in your uterus. He may be breech (bottom down) or head first. If your baby is in a breech position now, there is no need to worry as there is still plenty of room and time for your baby to change positions.
• Your baby can feel pain and respond to it in the same way as a full term baby.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

26w 6d - HypnoBirthing® Class Update

We have already had 3 classes! Only 2 more left. We have 2 other couples in our class who are due around mid-November, so we've had to "crunch" several classes together. That's OK--it just gives us more time to practice our relaxation, visualization, and deepening techniques!

Our class focuses on the philosophy of the natural birth using the HypnoBirth® techniques. I am loving it! We've worked on releasing fears we are facing about childbirth and parenthood, because fear only results in tension, which results in pain, which results in more fear! The never ending cycle... The fear and tension result in the "fight or flight" reflex and type of adrenaline which is definitely not conducive to childbirth! If you are afraid and tense, your cervix is only going to be that much tighter to not allow the baby a relaxed, welcoming door to the world.

Then of course we are also working on relaxation techniques. Sometimes our instructor will read us scripts to help us learn to relax. So far I have come really close to falling asleep on two different occasions! I guess that's really relaxed! She said that's OK as long as I "come back" to the room when she prompts us, which indicates I subconsciously heard her and wasn't fully asleep.

There is so much more to these classes than I'm able to write about here. I'm definitely inspired and I'm closer to being empowered to have the childbirth experience I desire. If you have questions about HypnoBirthing® please do not hesitate to ask me!

26w 0d - "Pason" This Week

• Your baby weighs more than 2 lbs (1000g), measures 9.6 inches from crown to rump (24cm) and its total length is about 15.3 inches (34cm). If your baby were born now, she would have about an 85% chance of surviving. Nonetheless, your baby still needs another 13 weeks of in utero development to be considered full term.
• Your baby's eyes, no longer fused shut, are now open.
• Your baby's skin still has a very wrinkled appearance, but it is protected and nourished by the covering of vernix, a waxy coating that keeps the skin supple.
• Your baby looks almost like a full term baby, but is still much thinner and smaller than she will be at birth.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

HypnoBirthing® Class Outline

I found this outline of our HB class:

UNIT #1: Building A Positive Expectancy

• Introduction
• HypnoBirthing®
• Rationale for comfortable birth
• How the Uterus Works
• What's Wrong with Labor?
• How Fear Affects Labor
• Origin of Pain Concept
• Hypnosis and Deep Relaxation/Creating
• Positive Birth Outcomes
• HypnoBirthing® videos of labor & birth

UNIT #2: Falling in Love with Your Baby/Preparing Mind & Body

• HypnoBirthing® Stories - 3 and 4
• Prenatal Bonding Techniques
• Relaxation and Visualization for birthing
• Rapid and instant relaxation techniques
• Breathing techniques for birthing
• Progressive, Instant, and Deepening Techniques
• Hypnotic Relaxation and Visualizations

UNIT #3: Getting Ready to Welcome your Baby

• Looking at your estimated due date
• Making hospital, home or birthing center plans
• Preparing the Body for Birthing
• Light touch birthing massage
• Birth Stories Videos 5 and 6
• Preparing your birth preferences sheets
• When Baby is Ready
• Avoiding Artificial Induction of Labor
• Your Body Working for You And with You
• Releasing Negative Emotions, Fears and Limiting Thoughts

UNIT #4: Overview of Childbirth - A Labor of Love

• Birth Stories Video 7 and 8
• Onset of Labor--Thinning and Opening Phase
• Arriving at the Hospital
• As Labor Moves along
• Birth Companion's Role
• If Labor rests or slows
• Protecting the Natural Birthing Experience
• As Birthing advances--Nearing Completion
• Birth Rehearsal Imagery

UNIT# 5: Birthing--Breathing Love, Bringing Life

• Birthing Video
• Mother Nears Completion--thinning and opening phase ends
• Birth Explained Simply
• Breathing Baby Down
• Birth of the placenta
• Bonding with your baby
• Forest Fantasy Metaphor

Source: http://www.hypnobirthing.org

25w 1d - "Pason" This Week

• Your baby weighs just under 2 pounds (850g) and could possibly survive if delivered now. Your baby measures approximately 9.2 inches (23cm) from crown to rump.
• He is growing fast and gaining weight now. His skin is less transparent and is becoming opaque as fat builds up.
• Your baby's heart is beating 120 to 160 beats per minute, as you have already heard at several doctor or midwife visits.
• Until now, your baby's eyes have been sealed shut, but he reopens them this week. The eyes are almost fully formed and the retinas contain all the layers they will have when your baby is born. Your baby's eyes are blue right now, no matter the ethnic origin or eye-color of you and your partner since eyes do not acquire their final color until months after birth.
• Your baby is lean right now, but is getting fatter all the time as fat is being deposited. Your baby's skin is getting thicker and paler and is becoming less red and wrinkled as more fat is deposited.
• Your baby has eyebrows, eyelashes and fingernails, though all are short and need to grow more.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

24wk 6d - Weight Gain to Date

The white lines indicate the normal 25-35 lb gain.

24 Week Belly Bump

24w 4d - Ups & Downs

Downs

• still a lot on that pre-baby "to-do" list
• only 108 days left (+/-)
  
• lower self body image :-/
  
• sooo many pediatricians and family doctors - just 1 baby!
• increased appetite; can't get enough to eat at work
• to vaccinate... delay... or not to vaccinate?
  

Ups

• good midwife appointment Wednesday
• BP 118/70
• belly measurement/fundal height right on target (24 cm)
• FHT (fetal heart tone) 144 bpm
• received hospital pre-registration info. discussed necessary hospital fetal monitoring
• received glucose drink for consumption prior to 28-wk appointment and glucose blood test
• more frequent baby kicks
• HypnoBirthing classes start in 1 week (hopefully - we've had scheduling conflicts)
• reading HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method - very inspirational!
  

24w 0d - "Pason" This Week

• Your baby now weighs around 1.5 lbs (700g), and measures about 8.8 inches (22cm) from crown to rump, but this varies from baby to baby.
• Your doctor should be able to hear your baby's heartbeat, using a stethoscope or Doppler ultrasound device. If your partner puts his ear right on your belly in the right position, he might even be able to hear it unaided if there is no background noise.
• Your baby sleeps and wakes in a more regular pattern now. You may notice that your baby is particularly active when you are resting.
• The center of your baby's bones are beginning to harden.
• If your baby is a boy, the testes will start to descend into the scrotum now. If your baby is a girl, the vagina will begin to hollow out and mature now.
• Your baby can make a fist now and may already have a preference for the right or left hand.
• With modern medical technology, your baby would have a chance to survive if it were born now.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

23w 0d - "Pason" This Week

• Your baby is now about 8.4 inches from crown to rump (21cm) and weighs about 1.2 pounds (530g).
• Your baby's face and body now look more like a full-term baby. She now looks close to how she will look at birth.
• The eyes, though they are still closed, are now close together on the front of the face and the ears are in their final position. Eyelashes are fairly well-developed and hair is growing on your baby's head.
• Your baby's movements are becoming more restricted now as she fills up the uterus more. Cartwheels and somersaults inside the amniotic sac are no longer possible, but she can still hold the umbilical cord and touch and feel around her. Though your baby is already living in tight quarters in the amniotic sac, she will soon have even less room to move around.
• Her vital organs are now quite mature. However, since the lungs are not yet fully formed, your baby would have breathing problems if born prematurely at this stage.
• Your baby is becoming increasingly conscious of the world outside and may feel startled when you are startled.
• Your baby may alternate between having very active and very calm periods.
• Your baby may have facial expressions such as frowning, squinting and pursing of the lips.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

A Hypno Birth Video

Here's just 1 version of a hypno birth. (No fear, nothing too graphic here.)



Her blog is here: www.5rips.typepad.com

22w 0d - "Pason" This Week

• Your baby now weighs almost 1 lb (450g) and measures about 8 inches (20cm) from crown to rump.
• She is becoming plumper as her fat is being laid down at a high rate, but her skin is still wrinkled and reddish. The wrinkled and loose appearance of her skin is due to the faster production of her skin than the fat that fills it out. The reddish appearance of her skin is due to the deposition of pigment as her skin loses its translucent appearance.
• Your baby can kick and punch vigorously by now, but she may also be gently feeling the umbilical cord and rubbing her hands and face against the inside membrane of the amniotic sac that holds her.
• She is still swallowing amniotic fluid (which provides an important nutritional supplement to the nutrition she gets from you via the placenta) and is passing some of it as urine. The swallowing of the amniotic fluid may cause your baby to get the hiccups and you may even be able to feel this as her body jumps inside yours.
• The lanugo hair on your baby's body may turn darker at this time.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

21w 6d - Ups & Downs

Downs

• SI (sacroiliac) joint pain
• Heartburn
• Hemorrhoids
  
• Sooo many car seats (and other products) and cool names; just 1 baby
• Home renovations
• So many pregnancy and childbirth books; just 4 months left to read them
• So many breast pumps; um, just 2 breasts
  

Ups

• Naps
• Healthy ultrasound reports
• Helpful and generous parents with home renovations
• Pregnancy clothes that finally fit
• Discussing baby names with the father of your child (we're accepting suggestions--feel free to comment!)
• Fetal movement
• even better: Fetal movement when your hubby feels it on the outside too
  

Please Play Our Baby Game

Guess what gender we're having and more! Check out this site to place your vote: http://expectnet.com/games/kitefamily

21w 0d - "Pason" This Week

• Your baby measures about 7.6 inches (19cm) from crown to rump and weighs about 12.25 ounces (350g).
• Eyebrows have developed.
• His digestive system now functions in a rudimentary manner. Undigested amniotic fluid passes into his bowel which he will eventually excrete after birth. Your baby can suck and swallow and may even suck his thumb.
• Your baby's senses are developing, especially his sense of touch. He can feel his face and stroke his arms and legs.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

20 Week Belly Bump

20w 4d - Ultrasound Yesterday

We had our first ultrasound yesterday since our 6-week viability ultrasound! It was pretty amazing, but I have to admit I am still feeling a little detached. Perhaps I will be one of those moms who takes a few weeks post-birth to really bond with her baby. We shall see! I have been mostly pretty matter-of-fact about most of this experience. Jason & I are both getting more and more excited, though.

We invited both of our mothers to attend the ultrasound. They got so excited they could barely stand it! As you can see, at the end we got a 4D real-time view, and the grandma's were giggling about the baby waving at the grandmas! I hope there might be another opportunity for an ultrasound, as I know my dad was disappointed there wasn't room for him to watch. He is so cute about it all--being "macho," not wanting to appear excited but once in a while he'll reveal it!

We all arrived early, and we were called back early. The technician has 22 years experience and was very pleasant and informative with everything she saw. All looks great! She even pointed out "Pason's" bladder growing bigger throughout the half-hour session. "Pason" measures in the 80th percentile woah! Hopefully I will not have a huge baby! She said it didn't necessarily mean that I would deliver a large one! The estimated weight is 1 lb 0 oz, but we forgot to ask the length. My due date according to the ultrasound is 1/4/08 (ovulation due date is 1/8/08). Jason is adamantly against a Christmas or New Year's baby... But alas, all beyond my/our control!

Immediately following the ultrasound we met with a third midwife in the practice, Martie Jones, who reviewed the report and confirmed that all is well. She explained more about the midwifery approach to childbirth and re-confirmed for me that their typical attitude is that all is "normal" until proven otherwise, whereas physicians are more likely to assume something is wrong before allowing the process to progress naturally and as the mother wishes. Of course, there are exceptions! She explained I would be welcomed to move about as I wish during labor (walking, different positions, jacuzzi, etc), but that they will use the technology available to only occasionally monitor the baby as needed. Sounds reasonable to me! (Forgot to ask her if I am allowed to eat, though.) I am trying to keep an open mind to be at least somewhat mentally prepared for anything, though.

I asked her about the c-section rates. She didn't know exact numbers, but approximately 30% for the hospital where I plan to deliver (RMH), and 15% for the practice.

She also mentioned that I will receive the RhoGAM shot around 28 weeks (2 months away). I am still confused on the potential harms to the baby of it. But, given all of the medical based benefits, I am leaning toward accepting it at this point.

Next up is our hypnobirthing class, taught by Kate Anderson. I'm really excited and I'm sure it will get a dialog going between me and Jason about fears and concerns we might have about the day. I'm sure the class will be one more step to help us make this feel real. We're having a baby in 4 months!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot! I suppose you're wondering about the gender... I'll just say that one of us found out while we were there on a piece of paper and an extra picture, as we couldn't agree to find out or not find out... Is the suspense "killing" you yet...? :-)

20 Week Ultrasound Pictures 8/24/07

Lil' "Pason's" Feet (the tech drew a picture of their shape on the bottom of the printout for us)



















Body & Face - "Pason's" head is on the right. Rib lines are on the left. It's looking to its left at you.

















4D Face & Fist!

20w 0d - "Pason" This Week

• Your baby weighs about 10.5 ounces (300g) and measures about 7.2 inches (18cm) from crown to rump. He still moves about freely in amniotic fluid.
• Your baby may respond to external sounds, such as the music you are listening to or your voice.
• Your baby has developed some red blood cells already. The white blood cells that your baby needs to fight infections are being manufactured.
• He is developing taste buds on his tongue.
• His digestive system is sufficiently advanced to absorb water and sugar from the amniotic fluid that he swallows and pass it to his large bowel.
• Your baby has lanugo hair on his forehead and upper lip and his eyebrows are thickening.
• Vernix (the waxy substance that covers and protects your baby's skin) accumulates on your baby's eyebrows.
• Your baby's eyes are still sealed shut.
• Your baby continues to grow and develop and his kicking is getting stronger now.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

19w 0d - Ups & Downs

Downs

• It is still a little tough to dress for work since I'm too frugal to go out and buy more pants!
• I still don't look "totally" pregnant yet. (I think I have some people guessing!)
• Headaches are still around about every week or so...
  

Ups

• I finally felt the baby moving--twice this past week!!
• We're expecting to begin our hypnobirthing classes on or around September 9. We'll have 5, 2.5-hour classes in Harrisonburg, probably with 1 other couple. I'm so excited!
  

19w 0d - "Pason" This Week

• Your baby weighs about 9 ounces (260g) and measures about 5.6 to 6.4 inches (14 to 16cm) from crown to rump.
• Her skin is thickening and developing multiple layers- the epidermis and the dermis, the deeper layer where it will form fat. Your baby is now also developing a waxy protective coating for her skin called vernix caseosa. The vernix protects your baby's skin which is continuously submersed in amniotic fluid. Vernix, which is particularly thick around the eyebrows is held in place by tiny downy hairs called lanugo.
• Your baby can now grip with her fists. Toenails and scalp hair are growing.
• At this point, it may be possible to determine the baby's sex by ultrasound, if the baby cooperates, but the ultrasound technician will rarely guarantee the sex based on the ultrasound results as mistakes are sometimes made at an early ultrasound.
• You can hear the baby's heartbeat with a Doppler ultrasound device or a stethoscope.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

18w 2d - First Feeling of Movement!

Exactly when we reached 18 weeks on Tuesday, I felt the first movement or "flutter!" It was so amazing. I was just leaning back in the chair to get my hair washed at my hair appointment! I later found out the girl who washes my hair is 9 weeks pregnant with twins! How ironic!?! Or some kind of God breeze. God is so good! It was just 1 little "tap" in the upper left of my uterus. My friend thinks 'Pason' will be one of those babies who likes to hang out up under my ribs and keep me really miserable. Teehee, we shall see!

18w 2d - "Pason" This Week

• Your baby measures about 5.2 to 6 inches (13-15cm) from crown to rump and weighs about 7 ounces (200g).
• The buds for the permanent teeth are forming behind those that have already developed for the first teeth.
• Your baby's nervous system and brain development continue at a spectacular pace. By this week, your baby's motor neurons, which connect muscle to the brain, have grown into place so that your baby can consciously direct her movements. Millions of neurons inside your baby's brain are growing and forming connections and the nerves in her body are being covered in a fatty substance called myelin.
• Your baby's ears are now placed on the sides of her head and her limbs are now in proportion. Your baby's tiny foot is just one inch long, but is in perfect proportion to the rest of her leg.
• Your baby can hear your voice and recognize it.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

17w 1d - "Pason" This Week

• Your baby weighs about 5.25 ounces (150g) and now measures 5 to 5.6 inches (12.5 to 14cm) from crown to rump. He is practicing breathing by gulping amniotic fluid into its lungs. This helps the lung's development so they will function at birth. Your baby may also be sucking his thumb.
• Meconium is present in your baby's bowels. There is hair present on your baby's scalp and sweat glands are developing.
• Your baby is becoming more sensitive to the outside world and is moving around, kicking and punching. As there is still plenty of space in your uterus, your baby can move around a lot, sitting cross-legged, reclining or even turning somersaults!
• He can probably hear by now as the ossicles (the bones that pass sound to the inner ear) have hardened and the portion of the brain that receives signals from the brain is under development. Your baby is getting used to the sound of your heartbeat and blood passing through the umbilical cord, but may be startled by loud noises. Your baby is aware of some things in the outside world, including sounds and light. If you let the sun shine on your belly, your baby may be able to perceive a warm red glow.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

16 Week Belly Bump

I'm finally getting those looks that ask "is she pregnant or has she been eating too many ho-hos?"

16w 3d - Midwife Appointment Yesterday

We had a great appointment yesterday! Met a second midwife, Barbara, who was also great. Baby's heartbeat was 145 bpm. Heard that glorious sound again via the doppler machine. I read that it's possible to hear it through a stethescope at 20 weeks. I can't wait to try! My weight gain is right on (about 5-6 lb) and my BP was 112/76. So far, so good!

Then came our questions. I'll try to recap briefly:

• The hospital we chose has a free, volunteer, on-call labor doula service. I'm a little wary just because their views could be swayed to "typical" hospital practices. But the extra free support would be hard to pass up. I think I'll sign up for that!
• According to Barbara, all the midwives are familiar with hypnobirthing. She noted in my chart that I plan to use it and will take Kate's class to learn the techniques. Barbara had 5 natural childbirths, so that helps too to know she knows the approach I'm coming from.
• A lactation consultant will stop by, and I shouldn't need to request to see her.
• Due to our conversation, I feel better about having the RhoGAM shot at 28 weeks (I'm O-, Jason is A+). I'm still undecided but fairly certain I will accept this in just 3 months!
• Her opinion is that a flu shot is safe and necessary. I'm still confused on the use of the thermisol in the vaccines, though, and it's potential side affects. Any advice here is welcome!
• I told her about my headaches. She said Advil is OK from weeks 13 to 28! I will try to use just 200 mg as a last resort only.
  

Our next back-to-back appointments are 8/24 for our 20-week ultrasound and a checkup/ultrasound review with another midwife.

16w 1d - "Pason" This Week

Your baby now weighs more than the surrounding placenta. She measures about 4.4 to 4.8 inches (about 11 to 12cm) from crown to rump and weighs about 3.5 ounces (100g). She is positioned halfway between your pubic bone and your navel.

Fat, which is important for your baby's metabolism and heat production is beginning to form around this time.

The placenta, which will weigh more than a pound at full term, is also developing rapidly. It is now a large and well-established network of blood vessels responsible for exchanging nutrients and waste to support your baby.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

16w 1d - Ups & Downs

Downs

• I've been a little more tired lately.
• Headaches have been a pain for me lately! Luckily I haven't had a very noticeable one for about a week.
• I started getting a cold last Thursday. I'm hoping I'll have it licked within a few days.
• I'm still not really showing.
• Jason wants to find out the gender at the 20-week ultrasound but I'm still trying to convince him that we should keep it a surprise.
• Today marks the anniversary of my D&C / missed abortion when we lost our first baby. I truly cannot believe it's been a year, and that our baby would be 5 months old already if it were born around the due date of 2/11/07!

Ups

• My hubby bought me a really cute shirt last night at Steve & Barry's. It's a size L for when I get LARGE! and it has a cartoon picture of a chick in a iron skillet. The words read "Hot Chick." Yeah! :)
• I'm still sleeping great--just not getting enough of it!
• We were away for the weekend at a lakehouse with 2 other couples who had small kids (5 and 24 months). It was fun watching them and imagining what life might be like for us next summer at the same location!
• My next regular checkup appointment is tomorrow. :)

15w 0d - "Pason" This Week

• Fine hair called lanugo covers your baby, who now measures about 4.3 to 4.6 inches (10.8 to 11.6cm) from crown to rump and weighs about 2.8 ounces (80g).
• Fingernails are well formed and the arms and legs may be seen moving on an ultrasound. Your baby already has his own unique fingerprint pattern!
• Your baby can hold his head erect and he can also make faces with his slightly developed facial muscles. Your baby may practice squinting, frowning and opening and closing his mouth.
• Your baby's bones have enough calcium deposits to show on an X-ray. If your baby is female, her ovaries will be in place in her pelvis and more than five million ova (some of which may be fertilized to become your own grandchildren in another generation!) have formed.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

14w 0d - Ups & Downs

Downs

• I've had pretty bad headaches off and on for a few days now. I'll be asking my chiropractor next week about them to see if it's related to any changes in my back.
• I also had occassional, minor, sciatic pain in my right leg, so I figure things are already starting to shift around in preparation! I haven't noticed it in probably a week though.

Ups

• I'm "looking" more pregnant every day and I can't wait until my belly bump has really "popped" out.
• No headaches today so far! Other than those, I've felt great.

First Trimester Weight Gain

5 lb so far...

14w 0d - "Little K" This Week

• Your baby measures about 3.7 to 4.1 inches (about 9.3 to 10.3cm) from crown to rump and weighs about 1.75 ounces (50g).
• Your baby's bones still consist of soft cartilage but they are now beginning to harden and the development of the bones and the marrow continues. Her ears are developing into a more recognizable shape and any hair already on the head and brows will become thicker.
• Your baby may already be sucking her thumb.
  
• Her skin is thin and translucent and all her blood vessels can be seen through it.
• Her hair continues to grow on her head and her eyebrows. If her hair will be dark, the follicles will start to generate pigment to color her hair.
• Your baby is moving more now and is becoming increasingly flexible. She can bend her arms at the elbows and wrists and she can make tiny fists with her hands.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

13w 2d - Ups & Downs

Downs

• It is still strange for me to be 100% joyful and excited about this pregnancy. I believe that innocent joy of a new pregnancy is never regained after a loss or serious complication. Therefore, I am still not open about the pregnancy. I figure people will just hear "through the grapevine" or eventually see the growing belly!
• I tried ordering curtain valances for the little bedroom (even though it still feels too early) in hopes to match paint swatches with it. Home Depot has the Behr sale through this Saturday, and I'm afraid I'll miss the sale for this room.

Ups

• Jason's aunt has already offered to host a baby shower. How sweet!! I'd like to have a co-ed style shower, but I'm not sure how well that would go... Please let me know if you have suggestions on how best to make this work and how to attract the men!
• First trimester symptoms are pretty much gone. I suppose I can call myself now in the second trimester yippee! (Some sources say it's not until the end of 13 weeks. Oh well, I'm calling it!) I've been exercising regularly and I feel great. Headaches still crop up occassionally, but I'm still pregnant, so all is well!
• I loved the midwife I met at my first "real" appointment and can't wait for my next one to meet another midwife!

13w 0d - "Little K" This Week

• Your baby measures about 3.2 to 3.5 inches (7.6 to 8.9cm) from crown to rump and weighs about 0.9 ounces (25g). Your baby is now nourished by the placenta.
• His face is developing and his cheeks and the bridge of his nose are appearing. His ears are moving from the sides of his neck to higher on his head and his eyes are moving closer together. Your baby's external genitals are now distinct and may be recognized on an ultrasound. Your baby will move away from stimuli near your tummy, such as noise and light.
• Your baby's eyebrows have formed and a small amount of hair, called lanugo, has appeared all over his body. Lanugo, which will be shed before birth and replaced with the hairs with which your baby will be born, is thought to have a protective function.
• Insulin is present in your baby's pancreas. Some bones may be well outlined. Your baby's thyroid gland, already developed by this week, begins to make hormones.
• Baby boys begin to develop the prostate gland at this time and the ovaries of baby girls descend from the abdomen into the pelvis.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

12 Week Belly Bump

12w 3d - Ups & Downs

OK so I'm overdue for these... my Ups list grows! Yay!

Downs

• That emotional wall that most women build around them after a loss is still around me. I'm excited but can't help but be cautious and guarded.
• Most of my regular pants no longer fit, but none of my maternity pants fit. Aargh!
  

Ups

• My in-laws already stripped wallpaper and tore up carpeting in the "little bedroom" aka "soon-to-be-nursery." (It's still the little bedroom to me.) They accomplished this all in 1 day!! Thanks again Mom & Dad!
• I got tons of used maternity clothes from friends and new ones for my birthday.
• I've told "the world" now, so it's "out." It's kind of a relief. Makes it feel more real. My boss(es) have known for a little while and have remained supportive.
  
• We heard our baby's heartbeat on Wednesday! (See Wednesday's post.) It was so amazing and reassuring.
• I've started a new exercise regimen -- walking and Yoga. I found a great DVD Yoga series that takes me through each trimester. It is so relaxing, spirit healing, and even challenging at the same time.
  

Converting Pregnancy "Weeks" to "Months"

So far I can say that I am "2 months pregnant" even though I can also say that I'm "12 weeks pregnant." But I thought 12 weeks equals 3 months, you say? Here is the best article/explanation I have been able to locate.

Also if you are interested, there is a calculator to see exactly when you or a preggers lady will hit the trimester milestones. Check it out here. If you would like to try it for our pregnancy, use April 17 as the ovulation date (you should see a Jan. 8 due date toward the bottom).

12w 1d - First Heartbeat Appointment!

We had our appointment today to hear the heartbeat. Also a urine sample, PAP, and physical. The midwife found the hb right away at 170 bpm and it was so amazing! The baby even swam from it at first and then she had no trouble finding it again. We were able to record it for our nearby loved ones to be able to hear. Today was a big milestone for us as when we went in to hear the heartbeat with our angel in June '06, well of course there wasn't a heartbeat. I thought I'd be nervous today but I was surprisingly calm. I feel a little guilty that I'm not a lot more excited than I am. I think it's mostly the emotional wall that is still up. The super positive news is that our risk of a miscarriage now is less than 3%!

The MW (Donna) was awesome. She allowed lots of time for questions, and she agreed to change our due date on their records to reflect when I ovulated instead of LMP (last monthly period). So it is officially Jan 8 but of course we could realistically still have a Christmas bundle! She even said my uterus felt about 12 weeks along so everything is matching up date wise.

We've decided to decline any genetic screens and will wait for the 20-wk u/s to check for any abnormalities/normalities then. I go back in 4 weeks on 7/25 to hear the heartbeat again (hmm look at that, the anniversary of my D&C)! This year it will be a much happier day!

12w 1d - Appointment Today!

My appointment is in just a few hours. I'm really hoping Little K will cooperate so we can hear that wonderful sound of a heartbeat. Statistically, the risk of a loss goes down to only 3% after you hear the heartbeat. I believe I will feel so much more reassured after we hear/see our baby again. I will update later!

12w 0d - "Little K" This Week

• Your baby is about the size of a peach and is growing rapidly. Crown to rump, your baby measures 2.6 to 3.1 inches (6.5 to 7.8cm) and weighs 0.5 to 0.7 ounces (14 to 20g).
• Your baby's legs are longer than her arms and her skin is red and transparent. Her eyelids are fused together and won't open for about four more months. Her arms are long enough to reach her mouth and she may begin to place her thumb in her mouth. Her sucking reflex, however, is not yet developed.
• The tissue that will become your baby's bones is being laid out, especially around her head and her arms and legs. Some ribs may be distinguished at this time. The nose and chin are more prominent now.
• Your baby will begin to practice breathing in the next few weeks as her chest rises and falls in mock breathing motions. She will also swallow small amounts of amniotic fluid which will be passed as urine.
• Your placenta is providing all of your baby's needs for nutrition, oxygen and waste disposal, though the amniotic fluid will become more important later on.
• All major components of the body are formed and now must grow and mature. From now on, your baby's development will consist primarily of organ maturity and growth and body refinement.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

To Those Struggling to Conceive

To my comrades out there who are still on the journey to conceive... I came across some very beautiful and hopefully inspirational messages today. They certainly spoke to me given what I've been through emotionally and spiritually during our conception journey after the miscarriage and of course the miscarriage itself.

The first is a music video "I Would Die for That" about infertility. The song is indescribable. Any mother or mother-to-be would (or at least should) appreciate it. Grab your tissues. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqfGqOx2iDQ

The second message is from evangelist Joel Osteen. His broadcast messages are now available through podcasts. You can listen or watch from his website here http://www.joelosteen.com. Look for the podcast section and search for episode #350 "Trust God to Do It His Way."

The Holy Spirit has many messages for us to hear if we just listen.

~ Much peace ~

11w 0d - "Little K" This Week

• The end of the twelfth week of pregnancy marks the end of the first trimester. Your baby is now almost 2.5 inches long (6.1cm) when measured from crown to rump, and weighs between 0.3 and 0.5 ounces (9 to 13g).
• Your baby's fingers and toes have separated and are getting longer. Your baby can open and close its mouth and drinks amniotic fluid which it passes out as urine. Its head is becoming more rounded, though it is still large in proportion to its body. It has eyelids.
• You can now hear your baby's heartbeat with a Doppler Ultrasound device!
• Your baby continues to grow rapidly and has doubled in size in the last three weeks alone.
• The face is beginning to look more human, and all body structures are present with a few refinements still in progress. Fingernails and toenails begin to develop this week.
• Your baby's muscles are sufficiently developed to allow for involuntary movements at this time. The messages which control your baby's movements are sent from the spine, rather than the brain, which is not yet sufficiently developed.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

The 6w Ultrasound

our little bean!

10w 0d - "Little K" This Week

Your baby is growing incredibly rapidly right now. She is approximately 1.75 to 2.4 inches (4.4 to 6cm) when measured from crown to rump. She will double her length in the next three weeks. Your growing baby weighs about 0.3 ounces (8g).

The neck is developing and the chin lifts up from the chest. Fingernails are also present. While your baby's sex was already determined at the time of fertilization, male or female genitalia are now visible. Essential organs are formed and most have begun to function. The blood vessels in the placenta are increasing in number to meet your baby's increasing nutritional needs. Her ears are moving towads the sides of her head, away from the neck. Your baby's head is still not in proportion with her body. Your baby's head accounts for about half of her body length.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

10w 0d - Ups & Downs

Downs

• I'm feeling more tired lately.
• My pants are getting tighter.

Ups

• Jason comes home Friday night.
• "Just" two weeks to hear the heartbeat.

9w 2d - Due Date Saga

Well to confuse myself (and maybe you) even more... I've decided to use the due date based on ovulation (Jan. 8). That appears that it will be the most accurate (as possible) calculation. Hopefully I can convince the midwives to change the date in their records too.

9w 4d - Appointment

My appointment was good yesterday. I met with the nurse educator who mostly went over things I've reasearched and know already. General pregnancy highlights, and a semi-lecture on nutrition. I guess she was trying to make me feel a little cautious about my weight since my BMI is on the low end of "normal." And it would not be abnormal for me to gain up to 40-50 lb, although 25-30 would be what the books say is a healthy gain if your weight is normal. (And I am not underweight...)

We got each other quite confused on the due date discussion. I guess she is supposed to go by the LMP (last monthly period) only and told me to "hash it out" with my practitioner later. I explained about my ultrasound measuring younger than that, and if you use my ovulation date you would get an even younger fetus age. So basically they are using January 2 due date, and I am using the u/s age of a Jan. 5 due date. If I go with ovulation, which would probably make the most sense, it's January 8.

The baby will come out when it's ready, but getting this date as close as possible to being accurate is important because a woman gets so uncomfortable by the end, you want the practitioners to know exactly how overdue you really are (assuming you get that far, and many first pregnancies do). She relucatantly offered me an ultrasound, but I didn't want to stress over another early ultrasound, and I knew it's not normal practice for them, so I dropped it and declined. (Later ultrasounds aren't able to measure correct age as accurately.)

So, if I haven't confused you enough... :) My next appointment is the 27th, the first one meeting a CNM (certified nurse-midwife). I should be around 12 weeks and we should be able to hear the heartbeat then! How thrilling!

9w 2d - Ups & Downs

Downs

• I got pretty queasy on Friday. I was really busy at work and had forgotten to eat between 12:30 and 5! I finally got something around 6 and was fine.
• Still pretty moody. No crying fits or anything but I just don't feel like "myself."
  Jason left today for Mexico for work for 2 weeks.

Ups

• I heard another raving review about the practice I chose with the OBs and CNMs. I spoke to a woman at church who mentioned that they were even wonderful and caring through her miscarriage a couple of years back. Hmph! Go figure that a woman would need that level of care!
• My first appointment with them is tomorrow... already!

9w 0d - "Little K" This Week

• The crown-to-rump length of your baby is about 1.25 to 1.68 inches (between 3.1 and 4.2cm). He weighs about 0.18 ounces (5g).
• The placenta is now producing progesterone which helps to make nutrients for your developing baby.
• Your baby has passed the stage when he is most susceptible to damage. By the end of this week, the danger zone for congenital abnormalities has passed.
• The plan for your baby's body has been completely laid down by now. Further growth and cell division will build on this plan.
• Taste and tooth buds have appeared.
• Your baby has recently developed fingers and toes which are now well-formed. Ankles, wrists and the inner ear have formed. Your baby's nose is flat and his eyes are far apart. His eyes, ears, mouth and nose are all recognizable. The tail is disappearing.
• Your baby is moving around the amniotic sac, and moving his feet and ankles. You still will not be able to feel these movements but you may be able to see them on an ultrasound.
• Blood is circulating through the arteries and the vein of the umbilical cord.
• The brain of your baby is developing at a phenomenal rate. About one quarter of a million new neurons are produced every single minute at this stage in your pregnancy.
• If your baby is a boy, his testes, though they are not even clearly visible, are already producing testosterone.
• Your baby is no longer called an embryo, but rather a fetus.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

8w 5d - Ups & Downs & Decisions

Downs

• I thought I was getting sick yesterday (slightly sore throat). I didn't set my alarm this morning and planned to come in late but I was feeling better this morning. Hopefully it is just allergies.

Ups

• Time is starting to move faster for me. I feel a little better and I'm not as worried about losing the baby. I know we're not "out of the woods" yet though.

Decision, decisions...

• I've 99% decided to use a hypnobirthing practitioner in the Harrisonburg area who teaches the classes and provides the book/CDs. I asked her for references and I spoke/emailed with 2 of her hypnobirthing moms. I'm sold! I see no drawbacks to using this technique and I see how the relaxation and meditation techniques can be used in every day life. If you'd like to learn more, check the hypnobirthing link on the right, or go here.
• I've also chosen a new practice. I believe it has 2 OBs and 3 midwives. I've heard tons of positive feedback about the practice and midwives, including from a mom of 2 boys who uses that practice. She is also a nurse at the hospital where I plan to deliver and is accustomed to working with most of the area practitioners. I'm really looking forward to the experience of working with the certified nurse midwives. I'm staying open minded though and keeping my options open in case I am not comfortable there. My first appointment there is Tuesday with the nurse educator to go over medical history and such.

8 Week Belly Bump

A wee bump!

8w 0d - "Special K" This Week

• Your baby measures about 0.9 to 1.2 inches (2.2 to 3cm) from crown to rump.
• Your baby's arms and legs are longer and her hands are flexed at the wrist. The head is growing more erect and the neck is more developed. On an ultrasound, you may see your baby moving, though you still can not feel this.
• The organs are forming. Ears are developed and the eyelids have begun to cover up your baby's eyes. Hands and feet appear as well as small buds which will become fingers and toes. The paddles of your baby's hands have clearly defined finger ridges now, with the tissue between them (which previously made them look webbed) reducing to leave separate fingers.
• Your baby's back has started to straighten slightly and the tail is now shrinking. The head still seems large and is curved forwards on her chest. Your baby is starting to look like a tiny person!

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

"Special K" Last Week

• Your baby's crown to rump measurement is about 0.56 to 0.8 inches (14 to 20mm).
• Your baby's face has a recognizable shape with eyelids and the tip of a nose with formed nostrils, though his head is still very large compared to the rest of his body.
• All major organs are now formed and in place, though they still need to mature.
• A tongue has already formed. The ears are forming both internally and externally.
• The arms and legs extend forward and shoulders, elbows, hips and knees are detectable. Knees and elbows have begun to form on the limbs. Tiny fingers and toes are starting to appear at the tips of your baby's developing limbs and the arms may be slightly flexed at the elbows and wrists. All major organs are in place.
• Your baby is moving around a lot, moving his legs and flexing his spine, but you are unable to feel it at this point.
• Your baby's genitals have begun development, though they are still difficult to identify.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

6w 6d

We gained 3 days at our ultrasound! I'm not totally sure of the due date since there is a +/- 5 day range on the correct fetal size. But I will go with the current measurement of 6w 6d, which puts us at a due date around Jan 5. The little heart was being away at 140 bpm! It was so amazing and reassuring. Dr Williams "graduated" us to a regular prenatal OB or midwife. I made an appointment for June 5 with a joint midwife-OB office. Tomorrow we're leaving for a road trip in the northeast area so I will try to update more when we get back sometime next week!

6w 0d - "Special K" This Week

• Your baby is 0.16 to 0.2 inches long (4-5mm) when measured from crown to rump. It is now identifiable as a human baby.
• The limb buds are growing rapidly, developing into little fins with nodules at the ends which will eventually become fingers and toes. The arms have already differentiated into hand and shoulder segments.
• The cerebral hemispheres of the brain are growing, and the eyes and nostrils are appearing. Your baby's heart bulges from its body and the heart chambers are divided and formed. Blood vessels now circulate blood throughout the whole body. The head looks large and is bent on the chest.
• Your baby's face is forming, but its eyes are on the sides of its head and are still sealed. The discs that will become your baby's eyes will move over to the front of the face over the course of the next few months.
• Bone cells are beginning to develop and the outline of the baby's nervous system is complete. The pigment in your baby's eyes can be seen under the skin overlaying them. By this point there is also a pancreas and an appendix. The tail is still visible, but it will soon fade. The umbilical cord is growing and the placenta is maturing as well.

And about my body:

• Your blood pressure is lowered by pregnancy hormones, and as a result you may sometimes feel dizzy or faint when you stand for a long time.
• Morning sickness may continue.
• Cervical mucous coagulates to form a plug in your cervical canal to keep it closed and protected throughout your pregnancy. It will be expelled prior to giving birth.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

6w 0d - Ups & Downs

Downs

• I'm feeling "ickier." (Is that a word?) Slightly queasy, but nothing too extreme. And pretty constipated... headaches... dry skin... dizzy... (It has gotten tricky trying to walk in a straight line at work! haha) At least the hot flashes went away for now. ;-) They only lasted a few days last week.
• Will my ultrasound day ever get here? :-)

Ups

• I'm looking more forward toward the ultrasound (Friday!) now rather than being as anxious about it last week as I was.
• We told our parents and my brother/sister-in-law (so far immediately family only) on Mother's Day. They are very happy for us. It was good to get the news out to them and not have to hide it!

5w 1d - Ups & Downs

To parallel my favorite podcast, Pregtastic, I will try to report at least 2 "ups and downs" for the week or particular day I am writing. I will model what the podcasters do by ending on a positive spin with my "ups." So here we go!

Downs

• I'm having a really hard time trying to choose an OB or certified nurse-midwife. I think I will be setting up interviews with practitioners once my RE kicks me out of their office and sends me on. (I'm so hoping they will hold me under their wing through week 12.)
• I'm still pretty anxious about the ultrasound and seeing a heartbeat. I'm starting to feel better about it, but it's a constant emotional mind game.

Ups

• I'm pregnant!
• Still feelin' pretty good symptom-wise

5w 0d - "Special K" This Week

Your baby is now about the size of an apple seed. That's about 0.08 to 0.16 inches (2 to 4mm) from crown to rump. It has formed a distinct head with the first stages of eyes and ears. The spinal column and cord are formed. Buds that will grow limbs have also formed. The heart is starting to beat and at this stage its beating may even be detected by sensitive ultrasound equipment, though, it's still very early. The kidneys, liver and nerve cells have also begun to develop. Ten dental buds are growing in the jaws. Blood circulation has begun and primitive red blood cells circulate. The neural tube has closed over along your baby's spine. The optic vesicles, which resemble tiny discs of pigment set in cups along the sides of your baby's head will develop into your baby's eyes. A distinct tail is still present. The body is shaped like the letter "C".

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

4w 6d - Anxious

I'm getting more anxious about our ultrasound. I go back and forth from "Statistics tell us everything will be fine this time. God will take care of us. You'll see..." to "Oh my gosh, what if there is no heartbeat? What if we go back again and there is still no heartbeat? Maybe I'm destined to be 'infertile' due to recurrent miscarriage..." I'm praying for peace in these precious early and crucial weeks.

4w 2d - Second Blood Test Results

Numbers are great! The pregnancy hormone, hCG, has more than doubled in just over 48 hours! When the nurse told me the news, my heart was pounding because I was so excited. Here are my values at 15 DPO:

• hCG: 819
• progesterone: 31

4w 1d - "Special K" This Week

• Implantation is complete. Your future baby has now reached beneath the lining of your uterus and growth is rapid. Your baby is now called an embryo. The embryo is still about 0.05 inches (1.25mm) long. It is deeply embedded in your uterus.
• It is now possible to identify the fold of skin that will become your baby's head. A heart forming plate has developed and the central nervous system, muscles and bone are in the early stages of development. Your baby's heart has started beating. The brain, spine and beginnings of the nervous system are forming.
• By the end of this month, your baby will resemble a tiny tadpole, barely the size of a grain of rice. A distinct organization, however, is becoming visible. There is a stripe down the back of the embryo which is curling over to form a groove which will seal up to form the neural tube. This will turn into the spinal cord and brain. The top of the tube is flattening out and expanding to form the front part of the brain.
• The placenta, which will provide nourishment to your developing baby later in your pregnancy, is not yet formed. Right now your baby is nourished from you via hundreds of tiny "roots" that cover the amniotic sac. The nourishment is channeled from you to your baby from these roots through a stalk that will become the umbilical cord. The placenta will begin its development this week. It will form in the site that the fertilized egg attached to the lining of your uterus at the time of implantation. A bulge is developing where your baby's heart will be and the blood vessels are growing into place.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

The Tangible, At-Home Proof

You can barely see the second lines, but they are there!!

I didn't want to believe the first test. I didn't use a timer, and the results are unreliable after 10 minutes. It was so early in the morning! I kind of believed it, but was in such shock. I truly was in the mindset that we would be going down the road of fertility testing for at least a few more cycles before getting another BFP. So, I decided that if my BBT was still up on the 30th, and still no AF spotting, that I would test again. And whammo! I got an even darker line, wahoo!!!! (If you ever need help with my jargon, please see the abbreviation link on the right hand side.)

4w 0d - Blood Test Results

I almost forgot! Yesterday I went to the AMC lab to get blood drawn. Dr Bateman's office ordered hCG (human chorionic gonadotropins) and progesterone. My levels are great, and I go back tomorrow to test again. HCG should double every 48-72 hours in early pregnancy. Please pray for the doubling! Dr Bateman's office likes to see progesterone over 10 or 15. The values at 13 DPO were as follows:

• hCG: 298 mIU/ml (milli International Units per milli-liter)
• progesterone: 29 ng/ml (I think that is the correct unit)

4w 0d - 4 Weeks 0 Days

To just find out you're pregnant, it's odd to say "I'm 4 weeks pregnant!" But such is the way the medical community needs to number pregnancy weeks. Did you know that numbering this way means there are actually 40 weeks of pregnancy? That's ten months instead of nine! Actually I've only technically been preganant for only 2 weeks, so it's really not ten months of pregnancy. It's just how "they" have to number it. They mark gestational age the same way, even though Special K is only 2 weeks old right now. If you really are interested to know the full explanation on this numbering scheme, let me know.

Whew.

On to the news. One can often see a heartbeat on an ultrasound at 6w 3d. Ours is scheduled for May 18. Oh God please let there be a strong heartbeat! (Our first baby died at 6 weeks and we never saw a heartbeat.) I'll have to remember, though, that it's possible we won't see a heartbeat and all might still be OK.

PREGNANT

That's right, we're pregnant! I'll try to post more details soon. The EDD (est. due date) is 1/8/08 right now. I am 3 wk 6 days pregnant, and the little bean's age is only 2 weeks. I still can't hardly believe it!!

CD 27 - 7 DPO (7d past ovulation) - Acpuncture #1

My acu session went really well! The practitioner is about 30 minutes from my job. She took my medical history and asked me about all sorts of bodily functions and symptoms, even down to what my stool looks like. She also looked at my tongue to determine if I am “warm” or “cool.” I forgot to ask her what she saw, but I gathered from all her questions and from the reading I’ve done that I have a “cooler constitution” rather than a warmer one. She said my “qi” (pro. “chi”) or energy is a little low, and basically needs a slight boost to come back into balance where my body needs it. She also checked my pulse on each wrist, and asked about my menstrual history and what my cycles are like. I provided her copies of my last four charts.

She likes to see fertility clients about every two weeks, around my period and when I should “textbook” ovulate (day 14 or so). I would be her fifth fertility client. She saw one through the second trimester, and I believe she said she now has one active client who got pregnant while going to her. Another one she is working with to achieve pregnancy, and another wasn’t consistent with her appointments and stopped coming, and she assumes did not get pregnant. She has been practicing for 3 years, so I feel those odds sound good!

So, the question and answer session went on for almost an hour. Then to the needles. She said it would not hurt more than like a bee sting. Well that got me slightly nervous, because bees can really hurt! I tried to remain calm though, and got on the bed. The needles were shorter than I imagined. I guess I pictured Charlotte from Sex and the City with those really long ones sticking out of her when she was trying to get pregnant. (Note to self: look up that episode watch it at home this week for further inspiration.) The needles didn’t hurt too badly—more like a tiny prick, and then it went away. She asked if I was cold, and I told her my feet definitely were. She brought over a warming lamp and positioned it right over my feet. It was awesome! It took me a few minutes to relax, and then I enjoyed it. I think she left me in there about ten minutes and then took my pulse again, and took out the needles. She asked me to sit up and see if I felt dizzy. I told her that I didn’t, and went back over to sit in the chair. We went over a couple of other things, and she asked if I felt OK to drive. (?) I said I thought so, but that I did feel more relaxed. Initially I wasn’t sure if that was from lying there for ten minutes or if the acupuncture had anything to do with it. Well then I drove back to work and realized I was a little more relaxed that I still should have been. Back at the office, about 40 minutes later, I answered the phone and actually got tongue tied. This is not unusual! But it’s hard to explain. I definitely felt different. Still relaxed… and slightly loopy! Hehehe. Overall, it was a good experience though. I think I will keep going.

I asked her if she would recommend herbs for me, and she said not for right now. She was worried I might not be able to digest them yet, given my other symptoms I indicated to her.

Oh, and the other major thing that she said was that she recommends I stop “trying” for a couple of months until my body gets into balance. I mentioned how this past cycle we were able to have a lot more “fun” than in past cycles, and she affirmed that that was a good sign that I wasn’t putting quite as much stress on myself as in the past. I told her I wasn’t comfortable not “trying” at all, because if I do the HSG test in a couple of weeks, it is supposed to help the pregnancy odds within 3 months of the test. So, we agreed that we would not try as “hard,” maybe more like every other day instead of every day.

I searched for someone closer but the only one I see in the national certified directory who is closer to home is a male. I think I will stick with the female practitioner, at least for now. Maybe I will see if he will respond to some email questions.

3 DPO (3d past ovulation)

CD 22 - 2 DPO (cycle day 22 - 2d past ovulation)

Pretty sure O finally happened on CD 20. Will wait for chart software to confirm... Finally, the dreaded two week wait! I've 99% decided that if AF shows this cycle, I'm getting a pedicure! Last time for one was before my wedding! I deserve it.

Testing date: April 29.

CD 21, 1? DPO - First Acupuncture

I finally connected with an acupuncturist! She does treat infertility. Of her current clients, one used IVF and is pregnant, and another dropped out, as she was inconsistent with her visits. She recommends bi-weekly visits for fertility (I think through the first trimester). She told me that she doesn’t specialize in treating infertility, but the only acupuncturist around here who does (that she is aware of) lives in Winchester. I’m not willing to drive that distance quite yet.

Her name is Kirsten Thompson and I heard about her from my friend at church. She took a brief history and we set up my first appointment for next Monday the 23rd. I’m a little nervous! I’m feeling more proactive though and I’m eager to see if I notice a difference in my body and to hear what she recommends for complete body wellness (herbs, diet, etc). At the very least, I’ve heard that acupuncture is relaxing. Stress management is surely a concern while TTC! And I’ve heard it’s a great complement treatment while under an RE’s care.

Have any readers had any experience with acupuncture, directly or indirectly?

Doctors! My First RE Appointment

Doctors... well they do their job! I shouldn't expect a lot of western medicine physicians to be catering to my emotions. But this is still a service to me and in that aspect I expect more!

I had my first RE appointment today. I wasn't overly impressed with Dr. Bateman. He didn't give me a lot of opportunity to ask questions, though I got a few in. He was just very cut and dry, and to the point (which is a positive thing). He took my medical history and some very basic information about the miscarriage--basically only that it lasted six weeks and that I had a D&C, and my age when I got pregnant.

He asked if I use OPKs or any other ovulation predictors (no, but I’m looking for a Clear Blue Easy Fertility Monitor to borrow or for good price!). I told him I'm using the microscope and he asked if I'm putting my cervical mucus on it. I said no, my saliva. I don't think he knew you could use that too! Uuuuugh. Not sure though.

Then he did a physical, and an ultrasound. With both, he checked for signs of endometriosis (no history in my family of it) and saw none. He said my uterine lining looked good, and that he wasn't sure if I've ovulated or not. He couldn't see if any follicles had released yet. He also checked the cul-de-sac for some type of fluid that's present after ovulation. He saw some, but it wasn't conclusive enough to confirm ovulation. Oh and he also said my cervix appeared normal. I told him I was trying to get better at checking it for a fertility sign and he acted like he didn't know what I meant! Ugh. I said, uh, high and soft when I'm fertile?? Geez come on! Maybe he knew what I was talking about but it didn’t seem like it!He made an order for a lab test to check my thyroid and prolactin levels. I had that drawn right after the appointment. Forgot to ask when the results will be in.

What next?

If I’m not pregnant, I’ll do an HSG test in a couple of weeks (must be in a specific period of my cycle) to check if my fallopian tubes are clear (click for details here). Of course, he also wants to check DH's swimmers, and he said we could do that the same day. Have to sign off for now but overall I'm glad something is moving along and progressing.

CD 20 (cycle day 20) ...Did I O Yet?

Is anybody out there reading this who is well versed with charting? As you can see, I'm waiting to confirm O with taking my temps. I don't use OPKs (maybe I should start) or an expensive ovulation monitor.

Do you think there's any chance I O'd on CD 17? Here's another link to my chart (and also on the right side). On CD 18 and 20 I had a different wake up time, so I can't totally rely on those temp readings.

DH is gone on business so we baby danced up until he left. Hopefully the timing was "good enough!"

Stupid Things People Say... A Funny Comparison

We haven't been labeled "infertile" yet, but I thought this was a good learning tool if you ever meet someone who has.

Would people say this to you if you were paraplegic instead of infertile?

1. As soon as you buy a wheelchair, I bet you'll be able to walk again.
2. You can't use your legs? Boy, I wish I was paralyzed. I get so tired of walking, and if I were paralyzed I wouldn't have to walk anywhere!
3. My cousin was paralyzed but she started shaving her legs in the other direction and she could walk again. You should try that.
4. I guess God just didn't mean for you to be able to walk.
5. Oh, I know exactly how you feel, because I have an ingrown toenail.
6. Sorry, we don't cover treatment for paraplegia, because it's not a life-threatening illness.
7. Oh, I have just the opposite problem. I have to walk everywhere I go!
8. You're just trying too hard. Relax and you'll be able to walk.
9. You're so lucky... think of the money you save on shoes.
10. I don't know why you're being so selfish. You should at least be happy that *I* can walk.
11. I hope you don't try those anti-paralyzation drugs. They sometimes make people run too fast and they get hurt.
12. You're being selfish, not coming on the hike with us, and looking at all of my track & field trophies.

And I bet a parapalegic going to a bookstore doesn't find books about paralysis stacked next to all the books on running...

CD 17 (cycle day 17)

I have felt much more empowered and confident this cycle of interpreting my body's fertility signs. If it's God's plan, we will have done everything "right" this go 'round when I walk into Dr. Bateman's office. Hopefully sperm will have met egg by then... then lil' embryo will be makin' its trip to settle in to make a good home for a good, oh, say, around 38 weeks!

It's my understanding that Dr. Bateman's office will see me up to three times if I get preggers while under their care. With a previous loss, I will so need to hear a few beta hCG test results. And, at least one ultrasound to see beating heart would be incredible. Ah, one step at a time!!

CD 14 (cycle day 14)

Another cycle waiting for ovulation... I have decided to make this blog public. Opened wide to the world. You may be able to have "certain" suspicions if it abruptly becomes private again. *wink wink* ... Let's hope. I really have nothing to hide other than if I happen to see another BFP (see my new abbreviation list if you need help with that one), we need to be careful about who finds out first... or last... I don't necessarily mind if the world finds out we get pregnant and then we miscarry... again. I don't even like to speculate, but I have to protect my emotions and be a realist too. We very well could have another loss. At any rate, we'll decide what to do with the blog (private or public) once that time comes (and praying that it does).

CD 10 (cycle day 10)

I'm feeling much better and more at peace about my decision to see Dr Bateman, the RE. I saw our cousin tonight who lost her twins at 20 weeks, and she gave a glowing recommendation of him (her friend uses him). I talked with Jason more and he also feels that it's a good idea at least to see if we're missing anything, or if there are any tests to run to see if anything obvious is holding us back. Sometimes I feel I'm being impatient and I'm not allowing myself to fully trust God's plan and timing. But maybe we need to go through this process. Besides, what if something is uncovered that could help us prevent another miscarriage? I doubt we will revel a medical explanation of why the first one happened. But who knows. You learn to try not to expect much in the process of TTC so you are not overly disappointed with each stage. It's a constant mind game with yourself.

CD 8 (cycle day 8) - Do We Need Help?

Soooo, we're off the "break." I have to admit that I was disappointed all over again this cycle, even though we were "on a break." However, I did relax more and it wasn't as nearly as disappointing as in past months. I do feel somewhat refreshed. The break was much needed.

I'm prayerfully and strongly considering making a consultation appointment with an RE - reproductive endocrinologist (i.e., fertility specialist). Part of me does not want to "waste" the money since all logical signs tell us we can still get pregnant naturally on our own. But say we go through the fertility testing--how can you put a price on peace of mind, knowing what could or probably won't go wrong? I'm also nervous about finding out too much information. "Over" educating sometimes gives you that much more to worry about.

With all that said, I'm probably still going to call and at least find out how closely they would monitor my first few weeks if and when we do get pregnant again. That is the emotional part I will need. When I asked my OB if more frequent ultrasounds would be ordered in a subsequent pregnancy, he simply stated that there is no evidence to support that ultrasounds positively affect the health of the baby. Well duh! How about my stress and anxiety levels that first trimester when you cannot feel movements yet? There is evidence that says the stress hormones are no good for baby! Stupid doctors! If the RE practice will monitor Baby K. closely with blood tests and/or ultrasounds, I will probably go ahead and make that first appointment. I am against taking fertility drugs at this point, but hopefully we will not need them since I appear to be ovulating and at least most things appear to be working properly thus far...