This was a really quick appointment; we talked about measures to take to deal with varicose veins. Afterwards was right to blood pressure measurement which was normal. Checked the heart rate of 142 BMP. My uterus was measured at 29 weeks which is right on but unusual for me as in all my other pregnancies I have always measured one or two weeks ahead.
This was the first time there was a check of baby positioning that, although is of no concern whether baby is head down yet, they like to start tracking, fortunately we have the baby’s head down already. It had been a concern because our first child did not turn until 39 weeks pulling a muscle in my stomach in the process. Lucky for me he was a week late so I had a chance to heal before he was born.
This was a short visit. We discussed checking for gestational diabetes, but, I decided against it. My fourth pregnancy and I have not had any trouble with this in the past. I had my blood pressure checked, it was up for me but nothing to concern anyone with. My urine stick showed slight traces of protein, again nothing to worry about just noted. The babies heartbeat was checked, I always love this part, and 142 BMP. I was measuring one weeks ahead but again for me this is a normal occurrence and I do have big babies so I am not surprised.
I asked about when my next appointment should be and the first week in January put me at 28 +6 so that will get me right in target for an every two week visit. Hard to believe but in a few weeks I am done the second trimester and on to the third and final one. For me the last trimester of all the trimesters I will ever do. Not sure how I am feeling about that.
The whole family went to this appointment. Lucky for us there were plenty of toys for them to play with. We had to discuss the varicose veins I was getting and how to manage them. We also discussed a rash I was getting on my arms, originally I thought it was pregnancy related but one quick look and that was dismissed. Turns out it was an allergic reaction.
Gestational diabetes is some thing to be considered and since my mother had it and there is history of it in the family I am at a slightly higher risk, however, I was tested with the last pregnancy and it was negative, since I have had three pregnancy without having GD the chances are lower I will get it this time. I did note that they now do the two hour test rather than the one hour and left it up to me to decide whether I want to do it or not. Chances are with three kids to look after the answer will be no, two hours in a waiting room just doesn’t sound like time I have these days.
Hard to believe that next appointment will be my last one a month, after that I start seeing them every two weeks.
I am looking forward to having my mom come with me for this appointment. She was coming in from out west for eight days and so I made sure she could come with me. My eldest wanted to come with me and I figure taking one would be manageable, but three not so much. I left two of them with a friend. We waited for half an hour before she showed up but I don’t mind I know sometimes they are coming straight from a birth. I have seem them come in oh so tired yet energized at the same time. I could only imagine how incredible of a feeling that is to help a mother bring a new life into the world.
One of the things I could do was go “pee on the stick”. The one that tests protein and sugar levels. Everything looked good as I suspected it would. Inside the appointment room we were going to discuss history some more but that was already done since they took it from the last three children I had. Fortunately I was able to get some more information from my mom. I did not know that she had Gestational Diabetes with my brother,hat put me as higher risk for the same. I was given the ultrasound forms to go get that done around 19/20 weeks, I am looking forward to that in a few weeks. We will not be finding out the sex of the baby the other three were a surprise as well. They have to write it on the form if you want to know if you are having a girl or boy. I was procrastinating on getting my blood work done so we were not able to talk about the results, although, I am sure if there is a problem they will call me. My blood pressure was measured and it was the same as last month 108/60. Now for the best part, the heartbeat. My son was looking forward to holding the Dopler while the midwife searched for the heartbeat. I tell you that gel sure is cold. To my surprise soon as it was turned on, there it was the heartbeat 144 BPM. You should have seen the smile on my sons face, and my mom grinning and winking at me. Next month I’ll bring my daughter with me and see how she reacts. I hope my kids remember this time, I know I will.
Our first appointment is today and we are anxiously excited about going. There has been some, cramping, spotting, and bleeding from week six to eleven and we are concerned there might be a problem. We really want to hear a heartbeat but, also know that it might not be possible with the dopler as the pregnancy is only at twelve weeks six days. My husband is coming along as are all three kids. We haven’t told them anything yet, nor anyone else, just in case there is a problem.
At the appointment we discuss the early screening, but once again, I decline, it is a matter of personal preference and for us it is a pass. The normal questions are asked things like, is there history of diabetes, heart disease, genetic problems. Do I smoke or drink? Allergies? Am I taking any medications? Am I planning a hospital or home birth? The usual travel questions and then comes the blood work. Here they are going to test HGH levels, blood type and RH levels, hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis, a rebella test to determine if you are immune to German measles. We talk about our concerns from the past few weeks and she tells us we could have called to talk to her if we were so concerned. Next time I probably would just for peace of mind. She asks if we would like to go for an ultrasound and we tell her that as long as there is a heartbeat then we are OK. I get my blood pressure measured and then, what we have been waiting for, the heartbeat. First attempts are not working but after applying a little more pressure there it is, small but present and my husband and I take a deep sigh, the ultrasound at this point wont be necessary. We can’t wait to start spreading the news. We make our next appointment for a month from now October 14th. In the car we let our three kids know and the response………”Dad we are going to need truck.”
I had a feeling I was pregnant, the signs were there. No period, mood swings, and once again the cat was sleeping on the bed. I had promised myself I wouldn’t take a test unless I was certain, well, certain enough. Sure enough the test was positive, and unlike the first time it was so obvious. Right away I send a message to our midwife to give her the heads up. She sends me a message to call right away as they are booking up fast. I do so and waive the early appointment as I have no interest in getting the screening done (IPS, or Intergrated Prenatal Screening). I love my midwife and am looking forward to seeing her again.
