Tuesday we went in for our normal prenatal appointment and as always, they first get me hooked up to the fetal monitor and take my blood pressure. Now, since becoming pregnant my blood pressure has been on the high side, but I have had every lab test done and even done a 24 hour urine collection and all has come back that I just have maternal hypertension and I'll be fine. Well, my blood pressure was through the roof both times they checked it, so the doctor told me she wanted me to go right to the hospital and be admitted for a 24 hour observation and also do another 24 hour urine collection to rule out the possibility of me having preeclampsia. They kept asking me if I had a headache or blurred vision or felt bad, but I felt fine. I was more worried about baby then myself, but they assured me that he was fine, it was me that they were concerned about, and if there was any health risks to me, they would take the baby right away.
So basically, I sat in the hospital for 24 hours, collecting my pee, just for them to tell me last night around 10pm that everything came back fine and I was free to go home right then and just go to my regular prenatal visit next week. In a way, I know it was best for me to be in there because if there was a problem then things about be done, but I truly felt like I could have been taking my blood pressure at home and peeing in a bucket at home where I would have been comfortable. I guess a lot of it is because since I was already in the hospital, I just wanted John to be able to be delivered, because I am at the point where I am just uncomfortable and ready for him to come out. Plus, when the did an ultrasound on him, he is already at 8 1/2 pounds!!! But they say his lungs may still need to be developed a little more, so once I heard that, I felt better about making sure he stays in here at least another week or so. But more then likely they are going to schedule the c-section for next week.
So now I am home and taking it easy. We are moving this weekend and have so much to do around here, and I keep feeling the need to grab some boxes and just start packing and cleaning, but I am having a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions when I do too much, which they said is normal, and plus with my blood pressure I know I have to take it easy and just let Phil handle everything. The best news today though is that my doctor's office just called and they are faxing a note to my work letting them know I missed work yesterday because I was in the hospital, and that I am on restricted activity and will not be able to return to work through the remainder of my pregnancy, so I am officially on maternity leave!! Another thing I don't have to worry about, just as long as we can get through this move and then bring this baby into the world and home where he belongs.
About Me
- Kimbo Central
- San Tan Valley, AZ, United States
- A wife and mommy to a beautiful three year old son, blogging about being a mommy, and taking care of my family.
Showing posts with label Prenatal Appointments. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prenatal Appointments. Show all posts
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Stubborn Baby
Last Tuesday, at our 36 week prenatal appointment, they checked the baby's fluid and we discovered that John is still in the breech position, his head is up, right above my belly button, and in fact every time he turns his head from side to side (which he does a lot), the whole top of my belly moves. As cute as that is, the doctor gave us about a 5 percent chance that he is going to turn on his own, which means it looks like I am going to end up having a scheduled c-section. To be honest, as much as I would love to have a regular delivery, there has always been something in my head that made me think I was going to end up having the c-section, and I wasn't even upset when the doctor told me this. Disappointed, yes, but not upset, because whatever we need to do to deliver him safely is what I care about, and if it means surgery, then I am for it. So Tuesday we go for his growth ultrasound and we will see what they said then. I doubt very much he is going to turn on his own, because he is still in the same position, and I think he is just comfy there. My main worries and concerns are after the c-section, such as my healing time, which they say will be longer for me because I am unable to walk, and what it will be like for me when I have to transfer from my chair to the car or my bed, and such. But those things are for me to deal with, and I will with no complaints, because it means that my son came into this world safely and is happy and healthy. As a mother, you have to put your needs aside for the well-being of your child, and I would go through this a thousand times over just to be able to have him here with us.
As for everything else, I feel like I am living in chaos as our move is coming up on the 18th and our house is just a mess. Moving is such a pain, trying to pack up everything, and weed through things you haven't used since you first moved in. And I am really no help at all because I can no longer bend over easily, or lift anything, and anything I do just wears me out, so Phil has to be the one who does this whole thing. I try to help out with what I can, but mostly I just supervise. Then, once we get moved next weekend, that place will be a mess, and we have a very short time to get it somewhat organized and get John's room ready before his arrival. Of course, this is not the best time to move when your nine months pregnant and could go into labor at anytime, but our lease is up and we couldn't pass up on the amazing deal with were able to get on a two bedroom, plus John needed his own room. Luckily, my aunt Kelly, uncle Rick, and cousin J are helping Phil with the move, so I don't feel so bad about just sitting back and directing where the boxes go, as that is about all anyone will let me do.
And lastly, it looks like I am going to be taking my maternity leave 2 weeks earlier then I had planned. Work is just getting to be really tough on me, I can't sit in my chair for very long because my back hurts all the time and my feet and ankles get so swollen, and the bigger I get the more tired I am, and trying to work for 8 hours is miserable. So tonight I work a 4 hour shift, and the same with Monday, and then on Tuesday I am having the doctor write me a note saying I am taking my leave now. They have me starting my leave as of my due date, Nov. 5th, but with scheduling a c-section he is more then likely going to be here before that, and I really could just use this time to rest, get his nursery ready at the new place, and have a little Kimbo time before it all becomes John time.
As for everything else, I feel like I am living in chaos as our move is coming up on the 18th and our house is just a mess. Moving is such a pain, trying to pack up everything, and weed through things you haven't used since you first moved in. And I am really no help at all because I can no longer bend over easily, or lift anything, and anything I do just wears me out, so Phil has to be the one who does this whole thing. I try to help out with what I can, but mostly I just supervise. Then, once we get moved next weekend, that place will be a mess, and we have a very short time to get it somewhat organized and get John's room ready before his arrival. Of course, this is not the best time to move when your nine months pregnant and could go into labor at anytime, but our lease is up and we couldn't pass up on the amazing deal with were able to get on a two bedroom, plus John needed his own room. Luckily, my aunt Kelly, uncle Rick, and cousin J are helping Phil with the move, so I don't feel so bad about just sitting back and directing where the boxes go, as that is about all anyone will let me do.
And lastly, it looks like I am going to be taking my maternity leave 2 weeks earlier then I had planned. Work is just getting to be really tough on me, I can't sit in my chair for very long because my back hurts all the time and my feet and ankles get so swollen, and the bigger I get the more tired I am, and trying to work for 8 hours is miserable. So tonight I work a 4 hour shift, and the same with Monday, and then on Tuesday I am having the doctor write me a note saying I am taking my leave now. They have me starting my leave as of my due date, Nov. 5th, but with scheduling a c-section he is more then likely going to be here before that, and I really could just use this time to rest, get his nursery ready at the new place, and have a little Kimbo time before it all becomes John time.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
32 Week Update
Today was my 32 week prenatal appointment. I first had to get blood drawn and also turn in the 24 hours of urine I collected all day yesterday, which will check to see if I have any problem with protein in my urine, which might be a sign of a high blood pressure issue. Every time they check my pressure it is always high, so the doctor says I am to get a blood pressure monitor for home and check daily. He said sometimes your blood pressure will be normal at home, but high at the doctor. If it is high at home as well, then I will be put on some meds until the baby is born, so I don't have any complications during labor and delivery.
We had a growth ultrasound today and John is 4lb 8oz, which surprised me, because I really didn't think he was that big already, but they said he is still right on schedule and everything looks good. Of course, just like his momma, he is stubborn and never lets us see a good picture of his face in a 3D ultrasound, today he had his face toward my back and wouldn't move for anything. I guess he wants to keep it a surprise what he is going to look like, but I am just dying for a little peek.
Everything else is going well, I was tested for gestational diabetes last time I was in there and that came back negative, and so now it is basically just a sit back and wait for him to be born anytime after 36 weeks, although I am really hoping he goes the whole 40 weeks and is born in November instead of October, since October is just a month I don't like, and I really hope he isn't born on Halloween, because I hate that day with all the gross stuff lol. But he will get here when he gets here, and I can't wait to finally meet him!
We had a growth ultrasound today and John is 4lb 8oz, which surprised me, because I really didn't think he was that big already, but they said he is still right on schedule and everything looks good. Of course, just like his momma, he is stubborn and never lets us see a good picture of his face in a 3D ultrasound, today he had his face toward my back and wouldn't move for anything. I guess he wants to keep it a surprise what he is going to look like, but I am just dying for a little peek.
Everything else is going well, I was tested for gestational diabetes last time I was in there and that came back negative, and so now it is basically just a sit back and wait for him to be born anytime after 36 weeks, although I am really hoping he goes the whole 40 weeks and is born in November instead of October, since October is just a month I don't like, and I really hope he isn't born on Halloween, because I hate that day with all the gross stuff lol. But he will get here when he gets here, and I can't wait to finally meet him!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Welcome to the Third Trimester!
It is hard for me to believe, but I am officially now in my third trimester! In 12 more weeks my son will be here, and I feel like I am nowhere near ready for him, at least materials wise. I need his bassinet still, and a lot more clothes then I already have, plus the essentials like diapers and wipes. But I have to keep telling myself to just take it easy and that by the time he is here, everything he needs will be here too, and to just pace myself. I am just getting so excited, but more nervous as well. What has been keeping me up at night, besides the aching back and the baby dance party in my belly, is my thoughts of, "Oh my God, he has to come out!!!!" I have read so many baby books, and read up on labor and delivery, but I know when it actually comes time for me to go through it, everything I have read will go right out the window and I'll just do whatever I need to do to make sure he comes into the world safe and healthy.
Today was my 28 week prenatal visit and we had another growth ultrasound (pictures to be coming soon). He is at 2.6 pounds and the doctor says he is healthy and on schedule. We were able to try another shot at the 3D/4D ultrasound and we were able to get a little better picture of his face, but he wouldn't get into position so we could see his face straight on, and then he kept putting his hand and arm in his face. I can't believe how big he has gotten from the first ultrasound we had done at 8 weeks, and I can't believe he is going to have more room to grown when it seems so cramped in there already!!
The only trouble I had run into lately with the pregnancy is that my arthritis flared up twice in a week while I was at work, and I had to go home to rest. I told the Dr. and she wrote me a note for my manager stating that she wants me to work no more then 20 hours a week, instead of the 30+ I have been. She said she wants me to be able to get more rest, get my feet up more since I've been having some foot swelling, and says flares may be common because of my body working overtime these last three months, but she doesn't want to see me on bed rest because I work too much and don't get enough rest. I was actually wanting to take down my hours anyway because I am getting more tired easily, so this isn't upsetting to me. Other then that, though, my health is great, and from now I will be going to the Dr. every two weeks until my 9th month, when I go every week.
On another good note, Phil had an interview for a job today at my work and got the job!! I haven't really blogged about it, but he was laid off from his job at his school, and trying to find work has been hard, but they are starting to hire at my work after having a large hiring freeze, so he starts on Thursday. It will be nice working with him, we won't be working the same area, but we'll see each other a lot.
Well, I'll be uploading the newest ultrasound pics soon and will get those posted soon. Until then...I'll still be puffy and preggo! Hahahaha....
Today was my 28 week prenatal visit and we had another growth ultrasound (pictures to be coming soon). He is at 2.6 pounds and the doctor says he is healthy and on schedule. We were able to try another shot at the 3D/4D ultrasound and we were able to get a little better picture of his face, but he wouldn't get into position so we could see his face straight on, and then he kept putting his hand and arm in his face. I can't believe how big he has gotten from the first ultrasound we had done at 8 weeks, and I can't believe he is going to have more room to grown when it seems so cramped in there already!!
The only trouble I had run into lately with the pregnancy is that my arthritis flared up twice in a week while I was at work, and I had to go home to rest. I told the Dr. and she wrote me a note for my manager stating that she wants me to work no more then 20 hours a week, instead of the 30+ I have been. She said she wants me to be able to get more rest, get my feet up more since I've been having some foot swelling, and says flares may be common because of my body working overtime these last three months, but she doesn't want to see me on bed rest because I work too much and don't get enough rest. I was actually wanting to take down my hours anyway because I am getting more tired easily, so this isn't upsetting to me. Other then that, though, my health is great, and from now I will be going to the Dr. every two weeks until my 9th month, when I go every week.
On another good note, Phil had an interview for a job today at my work and got the job!! I haven't really blogged about it, but he was laid off from his job at his school, and trying to find work has been hard, but they are starting to hire at my work after having a large hiring freeze, so he starts on Thursday. It will be nice working with him, we won't be working the same area, but we'll see each other a lot.
Well, I'll be uploading the newest ultrasound pics soon and will get those posted soon. Until then...I'll still be puffy and preggo! Hahahaha....
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
23 Week Ultrasound
Today was another doctor visit, and another growth ultrasound. He is growing healthy and strong, his kicks and punches are getting stronger and stronger every day. He is 1lb and 9oz, heartbeat is strong, and the doctor said all his limbs and organs are in place and he is exactly where he should be for his gestational age. Unfortunately, we had the sonographer that I am not a fan of, who takes terrible pictures and isn't very friendly. The pictures that we have aren't great, and she did a 4D ultrasound, which we were so excited about seeing, and it just didn't turn out great. But the doctor said that the best time to have that done is between 28-30 weeks, because we will be able to see what he looks like much better. I hate to say it, but the 4D pictures look kinda creepy, but then he is just bone and loose skin haha! So here is John!
Friday, June 12, 2009
2nd Trimester Update
Wow, it seems like things have been so busy around here that I just haven't had the time to update the 'ol blog!! Mostly, I've just been working like crazy. Luckily my new manager is giving me almost the maximum hours that I can work a week, which is great seeing as my paychecks are finally getting bigger, and also because I need to have 1,250 worked hours under my belt to qualify for FMLA leave (which for me is maternity leave), and I should have that many by October.
Now on to the update: I am 19 weeks ago, so in another week I will be halfway through this pregnancy and I have to say, so far this has been really easy. Of course, it isn't always a piece of cake, but compared to some of the horror stories I have been hearing from different people since become pregnant, things for baby and I are going very well. I am finding that I am not as tired as I was in the beginning, but I still do rest a lot because when I am active, especially when I am at work all day, there is nothing better then coming home and getting in bed, and sometimes getting a wonderful foot and back massage from Phil. And I am finally starting to feel the baby move!! I feel little flutters every now and again, sometimes it feels like popcorn popping, and yesterday at work it felt like it was doing somersaults. I know that in the next coming weeks I am going to start feeling it on a regular basis, and those little flutters are going to turn into punches and kicks, and honestly, I can't wait.
The biggest thing coming up is on the 23rd, when we will be having our level 2 ultrasound, where they check the anatomy of the baby and we should also be able to find out the sex of the baby, as long as it doesn't act shy and decide to keep its legs closed, like it did with the last ultrasound we had. I can't wait to find out what we are having, and get to see how much our baby has grown.
Now on to the update: I am 19 weeks ago, so in another week I will be halfway through this pregnancy and I have to say, so far this has been really easy. Of course, it isn't always a piece of cake, but compared to some of the horror stories I have been hearing from different people since become pregnant, things for baby and I are going very well. I am finding that I am not as tired as I was in the beginning, but I still do rest a lot because when I am active, especially when I am at work all day, there is nothing better then coming home and getting in bed, and sometimes getting a wonderful foot and back massage from Phil. And I am finally starting to feel the baby move!! I feel little flutters every now and again, sometimes it feels like popcorn popping, and yesterday at work it felt like it was doing somersaults. I know that in the next coming weeks I am going to start feeling it on a regular basis, and those little flutters are going to turn into punches and kicks, and honestly, I can't wait.
The biggest thing coming up is on the 23rd, when we will be having our level 2 ultrasound, where they check the anatomy of the baby and we should also be able to find out the sex of the baby, as long as it doesn't act shy and decide to keep its legs closed, like it did with the last ultrasound we had. I can't wait to find out what we are having, and get to see how much our baby has grown.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
12th Weeks Prenatal Visit
Today we had our 12th week prenatal visit, where we had an ultrasound done, along with checking the results of the blood work I did last week, to find the results of the first trimester Down Syndrome screening. Of course, I've been worrying about this for the past three weeks, like I worry about everything else, but I had a feeling that everything was going to be fine. The ultrasound went well, and we were able to see the baby up close and even see its facial profile and it was moving around so much. The doctor came in after the ultrasound with a smile on his face and said he has never seen better test results, they are so good that I have a 99.9% chance of having a healthy baby!! He saw nothing wrong with the ultrasound and said it is a strong baby with a heartbeat of 171 beats per minute. I can't tell you how relieved we were to get such wonderful results. We were both feeling sick to our stomach waiting for the doctor to come in and I told Phil, "Welcome to parenthood".
And...as promised..here are ultrasound pics of our sweet pea!
11wks 5days
11wks 5days
11wks 5days
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8wks 6days
8wks 6days
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7wks 5days
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Hi Mom!!
Yesterday was my second prenatal appointment, which included the lovely physical exam, ladies, you know you gotta love that exam! Luckily, that didn't last too long and it was on to the good stuff....another ultrasound!!
This time they did an external ultrasound instead of the internal and right away there was our little sweet pea, and it had grown so much in just the past week, and this week we were able to see its heart beating!! It was so cute and beating so fast, 173 beats per minute, so we have a strong baby so far. It was also such a relief to see that heartbeat, I knew everything was going well from last week's ultrasound, but just actually getting to see its heart beating for the first time, it was truly a miracle. Then, the baby decided it wanted to say hi, the tech said look, there is an arm bud, and you could see it sticking up, and then she said, looks like they are moving for you too, and the baby started wiggling!! I knew it, the kid is a ham already...
I also had to get blood work done, 7 vials they took from me, and I had to drink the lovely sugar drink when I got there for the glucose testing. I swear it was like flat orange soda with a big bite to it. Not something a preggo in her first trimester really wants to try and get down, but I did it as fast as possible. So hopefully everything comes back good there.
Next appointment is going to be on April 22nd, when I am at 12 weeks (we are 9 weeks today!), and we will have another ultrasound, and also 8 days before the appointment I need to follow this kit they gave me, where I prick my finger and send in the blood and they will have it by my appointment time, and those results plus the ultrasound will be a first trimester screening for Down Syndrome. Great, another thing I need to worry about, but I have faith that everything is going to be OK.
Oh yes, I've always realized I know need to get maternity pants and a bigger bra (I've already gone up a size, and now this one is getting too tight). Phil isn't complaining though...Hahahahaha!!!
This time they did an external ultrasound instead of the internal and right away there was our little sweet pea, and it had grown so much in just the past week, and this week we were able to see its heart beating!! It was so cute and beating so fast, 173 beats per minute, so we have a strong baby so far. It was also such a relief to see that heartbeat, I knew everything was going well from last week's ultrasound, but just actually getting to see its heart beating for the first time, it was truly a miracle. Then, the baby decided it wanted to say hi, the tech said look, there is an arm bud, and you could see it sticking up, and then she said, looks like they are moving for you too, and the baby started wiggling!! I knew it, the kid is a ham already...
I also had to get blood work done, 7 vials they took from me, and I had to drink the lovely sugar drink when I got there for the glucose testing. I swear it was like flat orange soda with a big bite to it. Not something a preggo in her first trimester really wants to try and get down, but I did it as fast as possible. So hopefully everything comes back good there.
Next appointment is going to be on April 22nd, when I am at 12 weeks (we are 9 weeks today!), and we will have another ultrasound, and also 8 days before the appointment I need to follow this kit they gave me, where I prick my finger and send in the blood and they will have it by my appointment time, and those results plus the ultrasound will be a first trimester screening for Down Syndrome. Great, another thing I need to worry about, but I have faith that everything is going to be OK.
Oh yes, I've always realized I know need to get maternity pants and a bigger bra (I've already gone up a size, and now this one is getting too tight). Phil isn't complaining though...Hahahahaha!!!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
First Prenatal Appointment
Last Tuesday was our first prenatal appointment with the new high risk doctor that my regular OB/GYN referred me to, and let's just say I was beyond nervous. I got there and filled out the mountain of paperwork and did the customary pee in the cup, which they say I will do every time I come in for a visit (luckily preggo's have to pee all the time!). Finally, it was time for me to go back and get our first ultrasound.
This ultrasound was the type they do internally, because the baby is so small, and I've had this done before, so I knew what to expect. The room was so nice, with a huge flat screen on the wall so we could so the pictures without having to stare at the machine. And there it was, our little sweet pea! So small!! I thought I was heading into my 9th week, but she said I was actually 7 weeks and 5 days at that time, which I assumed I was a week behind anyway. And the heartbeat was 153 beats per minute, which she said was very strong, and everything looked very good, and she told me to stop worrying. She said now I just need to get to 12 weeks, through my first trimester, and then she said I'd feel a lot better. But everything looked good and healthy, and that was all I cared about.
After the ultrasound and the pictures which Phil quickly took from me because he was so proud, we met with one of the doctor's (there will be 7 doctor's who work in the office and she said I'll get a chance to meet all of them in my upcoming appointments), and she really had no concerns about my arthritis or being in a chair, except for if I have a flare, in which she said just to call them and they can help with some meds. But other then that, she said I can have a normal delivery as long as everything keeps going well, and just to rest as much as I can and keep things low-stress.
So next week I go in for blood work and glucose testing, and then a gyno exam with the nurse practitioner. I am very happy with this new doctor's office, and the other great thing is that I will be delivering at Banner Desert, which has always been my hospital of choice, because they have they best labor and delivery department and neonatal care unit. And private rooms!! haha!
I'll keep ya posted...and I'll get those first ultrasound pics scanned soon so I can show them off!!
This ultrasound was the type they do internally, because the baby is so small, and I've had this done before, so I knew what to expect. The room was so nice, with a huge flat screen on the wall so we could so the pictures without having to stare at the machine. And there it was, our little sweet pea! So small!! I thought I was heading into my 9th week, but she said I was actually 7 weeks and 5 days at that time, which I assumed I was a week behind anyway. And the heartbeat was 153 beats per minute, which she said was very strong, and everything looked very good, and she told me to stop worrying. She said now I just need to get to 12 weeks, through my first trimester, and then she said I'd feel a lot better. But everything looked good and healthy, and that was all I cared about.
After the ultrasound and the pictures which Phil quickly took from me because he was so proud, we met with one of the doctor's (there will be 7 doctor's who work in the office and she said I'll get a chance to meet all of them in my upcoming appointments), and she really had no concerns about my arthritis or being in a chair, except for if I have a flare, in which she said just to call them and they can help with some meds. But other then that, she said I can have a normal delivery as long as everything keeps going well, and just to rest as much as I can and keep things low-stress.
So next week I go in for blood work and glucose testing, and then a gyno exam with the nurse practitioner. I am very happy with this new doctor's office, and the other great thing is that I will be delivering at Banner Desert, which has always been my hospital of choice, because they have they best labor and delivery department and neonatal care unit. And private rooms!! haha!
I'll keep ya posted...and I'll get those first ultrasound pics scanned soon so I can show them off!!
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