Had an exciting night last night. Woke up around 2 am with mild contractions every 7 minutes or so for about two hours. I woke up Mark around 3 am and he made me some toast because I felt hungry. After a little time on the exercise ball the contractions started to be less intense and we headed back to bed. Things stopped around 4am and we slept the rest of the night.
This morning I had some bloody show (mucous plug) which means my cervix is starting to open. Things are slowing starting!
No more contractions today so far - bloody show sometimes means that labour will start in the next few days.
I've been taking it easy today. After breakfast I went back to bed because I hadn't slept very well after we went back to bed. Feeling much more rested after my nap.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
One week to my 'due date'
So due dates are only guestimates of when a baby will actually be born. I'm 7 days away from my October 20th estimated date of birth.
Here's a pic of my great big belly full of baby:
39 weeks pregnant
Here's a pic of my great big belly full of baby:
39 weeks pregnant
Nothing else has happened since our false alarm of Sunday. I'll keep you posted.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Thanksgiving False Alarm
We had a little bit of excitement at Thanksgiving dinner this afternoon. We were in Owen Sound for dinner at Aunt Lillian and Uncle Blair's which is about a 2 hour drive home. Fortunately we'd had an opportunity to enjoy most of the afternoon and all the great food already.
I had what turned out to be a 45 minute 'practice' contraction. When it started I thought it was just some ligament pain on my right side. The discomfort got stronger and stronger and started to radiate up my side and across the front and back of my torso. I got pretty uncomfortable so Mark and I decided it was time to head home.
We paged the midwife on the road because we were concerned that the pain wasn't easing up. It was like a 45 minute charlie horse that got worse and worse! I started using some of the techniques that I learned in our self-hypnosis course which I found really helpful for coping with the discomfort. Of course by the time we actually talked to the midwife the pain was fading.
So, after about an hour, I was pretty much fine. We got home and I had a nice hot bath. My right side is still a bit tender and my belly is still pretty taut but there isn't anymore discomfort. The baby has been really active this evening.
So, we're back where we started. I could have this baby anytime between tonight and early November...
I had what turned out to be a 45 minute 'practice' contraction. When it started I thought it was just some ligament pain on my right side. The discomfort got stronger and stronger and started to radiate up my side and across the front and back of my torso. I got pretty uncomfortable so Mark and I decided it was time to head home.
We paged the midwife on the road because we were concerned that the pain wasn't easing up. It was like a 45 minute charlie horse that got worse and worse! I started using some of the techniques that I learned in our self-hypnosis course which I found really helpful for coping with the discomfort. Of course by the time we actually talked to the midwife the pain was fading.
So, after about an hour, I was pretty much fine. We got home and I had a nice hot bath. My right side is still a bit tender and my belly is still pretty taut but there isn't anymore discomfort. The baby has been really active this evening.
So, we're back where we started. I could have this baby anytime between tonight and early November...
Saturday, October 10, 2009
38w4d ga
My first week of maternity leave was glorious. Its much easier to be pregnant when you don't have to go into work everyday! I spent the first few days taking it easy and resting. The last few days I've been puttering around the house, doing some last minute running around, and getting things organized.
We had our home visit with the midwives on Wednesday where we talked about what to expect at a home birth, reasons we would move into hospital, and checking to make sure we have everything we need at home. We're all set so this baby can come whenever s/he's ready.
The baby's and my health are good. My blood pressure is excellent (118/68), urinalysis normal, and babies heart beat is great (146). Baby is squirming around throughout the day and night and I occasionally get some little feet pushing up against or under my ribs. It doesn't hurt but it does feel weird. I've gained about 35 lbs which has leveled off and I don't anticipate putting on much more weight as weight gain usually slows down or stops at this point. I have a bunch of stretchmarks on my lower abdomen which are kind of ugly but I'm trying to think of them as pregnancy souvenirs :) I developed very fat feet earlier this week - around the same time the baby dropped into my pelvis. Its sandals only for me for awhile.
No signs of early labour yet although my body does seem to slowly be moving that way. The baby is nice and low in my pelvis with its head tucked and facing my right side (her/his back is lined up with my left side). So far this just means I have to pee several times an hour!
I'm doing a couple of things to help prepare my body for labour. I'm drinking a couple of mugs of raspberry leaf tea a day which is a uterine tonic. The midwives recommended a prenatal homeopathic regime of Arnica (helps with healing after the birth), Actaea Racem (helps the uterus contract in a coordinated and effective way in labour), and Caulophyllum (helps stimulate contractions and promotes blood flow to the pelvis). I'm also taking evening primrose oil caplets orally and vaginally which helps my cervix get ready for birth. None of these things will actually induce labour but rather help my body work as effectively as possible once labour gets going. I have lots of energy (considering I'm pregnant anyway - I still have a nap most afternoons) and so have been doing lots of walking which is also good for bringing on and coping with labour.
I'm feeling pretty relaxed about labour. I have no idea what to expect so I figure there's no point in worrying about it. Also, worrying will probably make it hurt more :) We'll see how I feel after the first few twinges when I have a better idea of what the expect!
Now - we just wait...
We had our home visit with the midwives on Wednesday where we talked about what to expect at a home birth, reasons we would move into hospital, and checking to make sure we have everything we need at home. We're all set so this baby can come whenever s/he's ready.
The baby's and my health are good. My blood pressure is excellent (118/68), urinalysis normal, and babies heart beat is great (146). Baby is squirming around throughout the day and night and I occasionally get some little feet pushing up against or under my ribs. It doesn't hurt but it does feel weird. I've gained about 35 lbs which has leveled off and I don't anticipate putting on much more weight as weight gain usually slows down or stops at this point. I have a bunch of stretchmarks on my lower abdomen which are kind of ugly but I'm trying to think of them as pregnancy souvenirs :) I developed very fat feet earlier this week - around the same time the baby dropped into my pelvis. Its sandals only for me for awhile.
No signs of early labour yet although my body does seem to slowly be moving that way. The baby is nice and low in my pelvis with its head tucked and facing my right side (her/his back is lined up with my left side). So far this just means I have to pee several times an hour!
I'm doing a couple of things to help prepare my body for labour. I'm drinking a couple of mugs of raspberry leaf tea a day which is a uterine tonic. The midwives recommended a prenatal homeopathic regime of Arnica (helps with healing after the birth), Actaea Racem (helps the uterus contract in a coordinated and effective way in labour), and Caulophyllum (helps stimulate contractions and promotes blood flow to the pelvis). I'm also taking evening primrose oil caplets orally and vaginally which helps my cervix get ready for birth. None of these things will actually induce labour but rather help my body work as effectively as possible once labour gets going. I have lots of energy (considering I'm pregnant anyway - I still have a nap most afternoons) and so have been doing lots of walking which is also good for bringing on and coping with labour.
I'm feeling pretty relaxed about labour. I have no idea what to expect so I figure there's no point in worrying about it. Also, worrying will probably make it hurt more :) We'll see how I feel after the first few twinges when I have a better idea of what the expect!
Now - we just wait...
Saturday, September 26, 2009
36w 4d ga
Only one more week of work left and then I can slow down, relax, catch my breath for a few weeks and then its baby time! We're both really excited to finally meet our little one.
Here are promised pictures from our photo session with Jordan and Shaun on August 23, 2009:
Here are promised pictures from our photo session with Jordan and Shaun on August 23, 2009:
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
33 Weeks 0 Days Gestational Age
Whew I have alot to catch up on! In this very long blog I'll be reporting on our prenatal classes, tour of the hospital, baby shower, most recent midwifery appointment, a recent report on home birth, a preview of our 'baby belly photo shoot' last weekend, and a quick progress report on the baby's room.
Prenatal Class Wrap Up
We finished up our prenatal classes in the middle of August. We really enjoyed our instructor Cindy who fortunately had had a midwife so she was able to insert a bit of midwifery context. We were the only midwifery couple in a group of about 10-12 couples. There was a fathering session which unfortunately wasn't as educational as we'd hoped. They brought in a dad/nurse to run this session and he clearly wasn't that well versed on the material. It was interesting that both the fathering instructor and Cindy were nurses and had both chosen midwives as care providers for their pregnancies. Mark and I both felt that a lot of couples in the class were effected by the fact that two health care providers who know a lot about birth both chose midwives.
Hospital Tour
We pre-registered at the Brampton hospital and took a tour of the facility last week. Even though we are planning a home birth we thought it would be a good idea to go through this process in case we have to change our plan to a hospital birth. The facility is beautiful as the Brampton Civic Hospital is a brand new facility. There is access to a jacuzzi pool (first come first serve) and showers in each birthing room to use for hydro therapy in labour to manage pain.
However, I asked what their epidural rate was and the nurse, without blushing, reported that probably about 97% of women get an epidural at their hospital. Canada's overall epidural rate is 45.7%, 59% in the US, and 12% in the UK (a midwife heavy maternity system). Ontario midwives have an 16.8% epidural rate.
AND it appears that they regularly hook mom up to continuous fetal monitors (strap on a monitor and leave it on). The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) only recommends this type of monitoring if baby is suspected to be sick or if labour is induced or augmented. Otherwise, intermittent heart rate checks are recommended because the evidence is that unnecessary interventions are increased with the use of continuous monitoring. This in turn leads to greater risks to mum and baby. Tsk, tsk - not evidence based practice. So, hopefully all will be well and we will give birth to baby at home. Either way, being attended by a midwife in hospital certainly lowers the chances that we'll be 'persuaded' to use these types of interventions unnecessarily.
Baby Shower
Last weekend some friends and family held a lovely baby shower for Mark and me. Thanks so much to Rebecca, Laura, and Shirley for organizing this great event. A number of our friends and family attended and it was great to see everyone and share the day with them. We also received a bunch of best wishes from friends and family who were unable to attend. We are so fortunate to have so many caring, thoughtful, and generous people in our lives. This baby will be born into an eclectic and loving community of friends and family.
More pictures are on their way but here is a preview picture of me, Mark, my step-grandfather Matt, and his friend Bonnie:
Midwife Appointment
I am now seeing the midwife every two weeks. I start seeing them every week at the end of September until the baby is born. I saw one of our midwives yesterday and all is well. My weight gain is holding steady at 25 lbs, my blood pressure is great (110/70), no protein or sugar in my urine. Baby's heart rate is great, I'm feeling lots of regular movement, my uterus is finally measuring according to my dates (I was measuring a bit larger than my dates before), and baby is staying head down.
I'm feeling really good these days. I get tired more quickly but nothing unusual and I've developed quite a waddle when I walk. I'm a bit breathless which is normal - my uterus and the baby are pressing up against my diaphragm causing this breathlessness. Sleeping is a bit more of a challenge. I roll back and forth a number of times in the night because my hips get sore if I spend too much time on one side and of course there's at least one visit to the bathroom in the dark every night. I have a little bit of heart burn but the occasional Tums helps control this.
Home Birth Report
Here is a link to report published yesterday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ):
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/rapidpdf/cmaj.081869
For a synopsis here is a cbc.ca article on the report:
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/08/31/midwife-home-births.html
The report states that "planned home birth attended by a registered midwife was associated with very low and comparable rates of perinatal death and reduced rates of obstetric
interventions and other adverse perinatal outcomes compared with planned hospital birth attended by a midwife or physician." Which means that home birth can be as safe as hospital birth when attended by a Registered Midwife.
Baby Belly Photoshoot
Mark and I hung out with friends Jordan and Shawn last Sunday for a photo shoot of my ever-expanding belly and our growing baby. Here is a preview of the shoot. I'll post more photos soon:
Baby's Room
I'm using up the rest of my holiday time this week and puttering around the house. I've done 7 loads of laundry (3 for us, 4 for baby) plus another 3 to do the initial wash of the reusable diapers were planning to use (this is just the initial setup washing to get rid of natural oils in the cotton used in the diapers - we wont have to wash them more than one time per 'soiling' when the baby starts using them). So, 10 loads of laundry - crazy. The baby's room is coming together and should be finished by the end of the week. I'll post some pictures when its all done.
Prenatal Class Wrap Up
We finished up our prenatal classes in the middle of August. We really enjoyed our instructor Cindy who fortunately had had a midwife so she was able to insert a bit of midwifery context. We were the only midwifery couple in a group of about 10-12 couples. There was a fathering session which unfortunately wasn't as educational as we'd hoped. They brought in a dad/nurse to run this session and he clearly wasn't that well versed on the material. It was interesting that both the fathering instructor and Cindy were nurses and had both chosen midwives as care providers for their pregnancies. Mark and I both felt that a lot of couples in the class were effected by the fact that two health care providers who know a lot about birth both chose midwives.
Hospital Tour
We pre-registered at the Brampton hospital and took a tour of the facility last week. Even though we are planning a home birth we thought it would be a good idea to go through this process in case we have to change our plan to a hospital birth. The facility is beautiful as the Brampton Civic Hospital is a brand new facility. There is access to a jacuzzi pool (first come first serve) and showers in each birthing room to use for hydro therapy in labour to manage pain.
However, I asked what their epidural rate was and the nurse, without blushing, reported that probably about 97% of women get an epidural at their hospital. Canada's overall epidural rate is 45.7%, 59% in the US, and 12% in the UK (a midwife heavy maternity system). Ontario midwives have an 16.8% epidural rate.
AND it appears that they regularly hook mom up to continuous fetal monitors (strap on a monitor and leave it on). The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) only recommends this type of monitoring if baby is suspected to be sick or if labour is induced or augmented. Otherwise, intermittent heart rate checks are recommended because the evidence is that unnecessary interventions are increased with the use of continuous monitoring. This in turn leads to greater risks to mum and baby. Tsk, tsk - not evidence based practice. So, hopefully all will be well and we will give birth to baby at home. Either way, being attended by a midwife in hospital certainly lowers the chances that we'll be 'persuaded' to use these types of interventions unnecessarily.
Baby Shower
Last weekend some friends and family held a lovely baby shower for Mark and me. Thanks so much to Rebecca, Laura, and Shirley for organizing this great event. A number of our friends and family attended and it was great to see everyone and share the day with them. We also received a bunch of best wishes from friends and family who were unable to attend. We are so fortunate to have so many caring, thoughtful, and generous people in our lives. This baby will be born into an eclectic and loving community of friends and family.
More pictures are on their way but here is a preview picture of me, Mark, my step-grandfather Matt, and his friend Bonnie:
Midwife Appointment
I am now seeing the midwife every two weeks. I start seeing them every week at the end of September until the baby is born. I saw one of our midwives yesterday and all is well. My weight gain is holding steady at 25 lbs, my blood pressure is great (110/70), no protein or sugar in my urine. Baby's heart rate is great, I'm feeling lots of regular movement, my uterus is finally measuring according to my dates (I was measuring a bit larger than my dates before), and baby is staying head down.
I'm feeling really good these days. I get tired more quickly but nothing unusual and I've developed quite a waddle when I walk. I'm a bit breathless which is normal - my uterus and the baby are pressing up against my diaphragm causing this breathlessness. Sleeping is a bit more of a challenge. I roll back and forth a number of times in the night because my hips get sore if I spend too much time on one side and of course there's at least one visit to the bathroom in the dark every night. I have a little bit of heart burn but the occasional Tums helps control this.
Home Birth Report
Here is a link to report published yesterday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ):
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/rapidpdf/cmaj.081869
For a synopsis here is a cbc.ca article on the report:
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/08/31/midwife-home-births.html
The report states that "planned home birth attended by a registered midwife was associated with very low and comparable rates of perinatal death and reduced rates of obstetric
interventions and other adverse perinatal outcomes compared with planned hospital birth attended by a midwife or physician." Which means that home birth can be as safe as hospital birth when attended by a Registered Midwife.
Baby Belly Photoshoot
Mark and I hung out with friends Jordan and Shawn last Sunday for a photo shoot of my ever-expanding belly and our growing baby. Here is a preview of the shoot. I'll post more photos soon:
Baby's Room
I'm using up the rest of my holiday time this week and puttering around the house. I've done 7 loads of laundry (3 for us, 4 for baby) plus another 3 to do the initial wash of the reusable diapers were planning to use (this is just the initial setup washing to get rid of natural oils in the cotton used in the diapers - we wont have to wash them more than one time per 'soiling' when the baby starts using them). So, 10 loads of laundry - crazy. The baby's room is coming together and should be finished by the end of the week. I'll post some pictures when its all done.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
29 Weeks 1 Day Gestational Age
Had another visit with the midwives this morning. All is well. My glucose test (screen for gestational diabetes) came back negative so I don't have gestational diabetes. My fundal height (the measurement from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus) is measuring about two weeks bigger than I am pregnant. Because we know that I don't have gestational diabetes and there doesn't appear to be too much amniotic fluid its probably because I have such a short torso and not because I have a ginormous baby (this is reassuring!).
Mark recently completed painting the nursery so I'm spending some time this week sewing up curtains and crib stuff. I've also got some cute stuff planned for the wall borders. I'm really enjoying myself. I'll post pictures when we're done decorating.
Here is a pic of daddy putting primer on the nursery walls (its a bit blurry).
Mark recently completed painting the nursery so I'm spending some time this week sewing up curtains and crib stuff. I've also got some cute stuff planned for the wall borders. I'm really enjoying myself. I'll post pictures when we're done decorating.
Here is a pic of daddy putting primer on the nursery walls (its a bit blurry).
Friday, July 31, 2009
Makin' Trouble at the PHU
Mark and I are taking prenatal classes through the Peel Public Health Unit. We are both really enjoying the classes as the teacher is really great. The classes are two hours long, once a week, for seven weeks.
A few weeks ago the instructor explained that recent research indicated that pregnant women shouldn't do kegel exercises because they might cause preterm labour. Now, everything you read, every maternity health care provider, websites, etc. all encourage pregnant women to do kegal exercises throughout their pregnancy to strengthen pelvic muscles. Not to mention the fact that these are the muscles we use to 'hold it'... pregnant women NEVER need to pee, right?
I took a look online and couldn't find any research to support the 'no kegels' rule. At the next class (at the break) I asked the instructor for the curriculum research reference. Last night our instructor reported back. Apparently, my question went all the way to the top of the Public Health Unit system. It turns out that the nurses who work on the prenatal class curriculum went to a conference and heard a researcher discuss her findings... of one study. Apparently the study didn't assert much AND the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada position is that pregnant women should be encouraged to do kegel exercises in pregnancy. So, now the PHU prenatal curriculum is being changed back to 'kegel's good'... all because of me. I know... I'm bad ass.
My next project will be to get Brampton Civic Hospital to stop charging women $20 per birth for a package of supplies (diapers, Vaseline, alcohol, peri-pads, etc). More on that later...
A few weeks ago the instructor explained that recent research indicated that pregnant women shouldn't do kegel exercises because they might cause preterm labour. Now, everything you read, every maternity health care provider, websites, etc. all encourage pregnant women to do kegal exercises throughout their pregnancy to strengthen pelvic muscles. Not to mention the fact that these are the muscles we use to 'hold it'... pregnant women NEVER need to pee, right?
I took a look online and couldn't find any research to support the 'no kegels' rule. At the next class (at the break) I asked the instructor for the curriculum research reference. Last night our instructor reported back. Apparently, my question went all the way to the top of the Public Health Unit system. It turns out that the nurses who work on the prenatal class curriculum went to a conference and heard a researcher discuss her findings... of one study. Apparently the study didn't assert much AND the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada position is that pregnant women should be encouraged to do kegel exercises in pregnancy. So, now the PHU prenatal curriculum is being changed back to 'kegel's good'... all because of me. I know... I'm bad ass.
My next project will be to get Brampton Civic Hospital to stop charging women $20 per birth for a package of supplies (diapers, Vaseline, alcohol, peri-pads, etc). More on that later...
Friday, July 24, 2009
27 weeks 3 days
All is well on the baby making front. I'm really enjoying my pregnancy these days.
A midwife friend of mine at work checked baby's position today. S/he is head down, bum under my left ribs, and feetsies using my right ribs for leverage. This explains the achy right side ribs. She reports I have a 'good sized' baby.
I went for a standard glucose blood test last weekend to screen for gestational diabetes. Haven't got the results back yet but I'm not anticipating a result that indicates I have gestational diabetes as I have no signs or symptoms. Drinking the equivalent of a can of orange pop in less than three minutes is a bad idea (which is what you have to do before taking the test) - I don't recommend it if you can avoid it. Blech.
My weight gain has been really good so far - about 21 lbs which is right in the middle of the normal range of weight gain. My blood pressure remains low and my urine analysis continues to be normal at each midwifery visit. Baby's heart beat is strong and healthy and s/he moves around lots.
A midwife friend of mine at work checked baby's position today. S/he is head down, bum under my left ribs, and feetsies using my right ribs for leverage. This explains the achy right side ribs. She reports I have a 'good sized' baby.
I went for a standard glucose blood test last weekend to screen for gestational diabetes. Haven't got the results back yet but I'm not anticipating a result that indicates I have gestational diabetes as I have no signs or symptoms. Drinking the equivalent of a can of orange pop in less than three minutes is a bad idea (which is what you have to do before taking the test) - I don't recommend it if you can avoid it. Blech.
My weight gain has been really good so far - about 21 lbs which is right in the middle of the normal range of weight gain. My blood pressure remains low and my urine analysis continues to be normal at each midwifery visit. Baby's heart beat is strong and healthy and s/he moves around lots.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Belly Pictures by Jordan Lyall
I had a great weekend with some of my favorite girlfriends this weekend in Peterborough. My old university roomie, dear friend, and photographer extraordinaire took some pictures of me and 'the belly'. Here are a few for your viewing pleasure:
I still have a 'inny' belly button!
The shirt, a gift from Jordan, says "The baby made me eat it".
I still have a 'inny' belly button!
Cant do up my regular clothes though!
I am so lucky to have such a good friend who also happens to be a professional photographer. You can see more of Jordan's work at http://www.jordanlyallphotography.com/ . She takes gorgeous pictures!
Monday, June 29, 2009
End of Week 23
Its been a few weeks since my last post - I've been feeling pretty tired lately. Pregnancy has made me rather cat-like. I can curl up on any couch for a nap at any time these days (especially in the sunny spots)!
My last visit with the midwife (mid-June) went well. The ultrasound results were in and everything was normal. The baby is a good size with all the right parts in all the right places.
The baby is kicking up a storm. Mark can feel the kicks now and you can sometimes see my tummy move.
Here is a belly picture taken about a week ago.
My last visit with the midwife (mid-June) went well. The ultrasound results were in and everything was normal. The baby is a good size with all the right parts in all the right places.
The baby is kicking up a storm. Mark can feel the kicks now and you can sometimes see my tummy move.
Here is a belly picture taken about a week ago.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Ultrasound Fun
Mark and I had a great time at our ultrasound on Wednesday. The baby was a busy little body moving around the whole time while the ultrasound was being performed. Our technician, who struck me as a rather unflappable sort of person, was starting to get visibly frustrated (lots of puffed cheeks and deep breaths). I even felt the baby kick to probe she was using on my belly a few times! (naughty baby)
Apparently our baby is not only uncooperative but modest and wouldn't give up the goods about it's sex. Not that any of you will believe me since we've been bragging about how we're going to find out and not tell anyone! But Mark and I are going to be just as interested to find out whether we've made a boy or a girl when s/he makes her/his appearance.
Apparently our baby is not only uncooperative but modest and wouldn't give up the goods about it's sex. Not that any of you will believe me since we've been bragging about how we're going to find out and not tell anyone! But Mark and I are going to be just as interested to find out whether we've made a boy or a girl when s/he makes her/his appearance.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
June 3, 2009 Ultrasound Pics!
Will blog about ultrasound experience this weekend but wanted to share these with everyone right away!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Ultrasound Delayed
The ultrasound clinic called to reschedule our appointment (grumble) so we'll all have to wait until next Wednesday to get a look at this kid.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
18 Weeks Pregnant
We had our monthly appointment with the midwife today. All is well with both mum and babe. I have good blood pressure, no protein or sugars in my urine, my uterus measures (fundal height) appropriately for the number of weeks pregnant that I am, and my weight gain is good. Baby's heart beat was loud and strong.
While we were listening to the heart beat we were joking with the midwife about our baby being a drummer - Mark would really like a drummer in the family so that he can start a band. Needless to say I had to try and contain my giggles so we could get on with listening to the heart beat (the doppler bounced around a bit until I calmed down).
We chatted with the midwife about some of the baby movement I might be feeling. About a week ago I got what I think was a little kick while I was lying on the couch watching a movie. I gave my uterus a little poke and got a little poke back! Since then I occassionally get what feels like a little poke at the front of my uterus which the midwife agrees just might be our little one making its presence known. Its very exciting! Mark (and anyone else I let touch my belly) should be able to feel some movement in about a month.
Next week is the ultrasound which were looking forward to. We'll make sure to get some pictures to post!
Week 17 Biology Lesson
Week 18 Biology Lesson
While we were listening to the heart beat we were joking with the midwife about our baby being a drummer - Mark would really like a drummer in the family so that he can start a band. Needless to say I had to try and contain my giggles so we could get on with listening to the heart beat (the doppler bounced around a bit until I calmed down).
We chatted with the midwife about some of the baby movement I might be feeling. About a week ago I got what I think was a little kick while I was lying on the couch watching a movie. I gave my uterus a little poke and got a little poke back! Since then I occassionally get what feels like a little poke at the front of my uterus which the midwife agrees just might be our little one making its presence known. Its very exciting! Mark (and anyone else I let touch my belly) should be able to feel some movement in about a month.
Next week is the ultrasound which were looking forward to. We'll make sure to get some pictures to post!
Week 17 Biology Lesson
Week 18 Biology Lesson
Sunday, May 10, 2009
End of Week 16
All is well on the baby brewing front. My morning sickness is gone. I have to be careful not to let my stomach get too empty or else I get heartburn though. My energy level is pretty good to.
I celebrated my very first Mother's Day today. Mark woke me up with a card and lovely flowers then made me breakfast!
I've apparently passed the 'she could just be fat' stage because a few strangers have felt comfortable enough to comment on my pregnancy. Here is a picture of my belly as of today:
I'll post a few more pictures like this one over the coming months.
Mark and I went paint shopping this week and got paint for the nursery which was alot of fun.
Week 15 Biology Lesson
week 16 Biology Lesson
I celebrated my very first Mother's Day today. Mark woke me up with a card and lovely flowers then made me breakfast!
I've apparently passed the 'she could just be fat' stage because a few strangers have felt comfortable enough to comment on my pregnancy. Here is a picture of my belly as of today:
I'll post a few more pictures like this one over the coming months.
Mark and I went paint shopping this week and got paint for the nursery which was alot of fun.
Week 15 Biology Lesson
week 16 Biology Lesson
Sunday, April 26, 2009
End of Week 14
Not too much new to report since Tuesday's post. I'm starting to get a little belly which is almost starting to look like a pregnancy belly not just a pot belly!
I cleaned out the room that we've chosen for the baby. We're starting to think about how we want to decorate and are thinking about a music/alphabet theme which reflects Mark's love of music and my love of reading. We (lets be honest - Mark) will probably paint in the next few weeks which seems soon but that third trimester will creep up quickly and I'd like to get lots done in the second trimester while I'm feeling comfortable and energetic.
Week 14 Biology Lesson
I cleaned out the room that we've chosen for the baby. We're starting to think about how we want to decorate and are thinking about a music/alphabet theme which reflects Mark's love of music and my love of reading. We (lets be honest - Mark) will probably paint in the next few weeks which seems soon but that third trimester will creep up quickly and I'd like to get lots done in the second trimester while I'm feeling comfortable and energetic.
Week 14 Biology Lesson
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
End of Week 13
I have begun to feel *much* better these days. I got a cold just over a week ago and strangely kept feeling more and more energetic the sicker I got! I've started weaning myself off the medication for my nausea and so far so good. Oh, and I'm HUNGRY. Every two hours during the day I am suddenly ravenous. I can usually make it through the night without a meal but at 430 on Saturday morning I woke up feeling hungry and had to eat a bowl of cereal before I could get back to sleep!
This weeks blog is a bit later than my usual Sunday post because I wanted to wait and report on my midwifery appointment on Tuesday. All went well, my uterus is measuring at a normal size which means its unlikely I'm pregnant that with twins although we wont know for sure until the ultrasound at the end of May/early June. The midwife assured me that the 10lbs I've gained to date is normal. We listened to the baby's heart beat for the very first time! It was so exciting and amazing - I cried. For your listening pleasure I've attached the recording of the heart sounds from the doppler:
Baby Heart Beat 14w0d ga
An article about a recent study that found that women who suffer from morning sickness give birth to smarter babies:
This baby is going to be a frickin' genius!
Week 13 Biology Lesson
This weeks blog is a bit later than my usual Sunday post because I wanted to wait and report on my midwifery appointment on Tuesday. All went well, my uterus is measuring at a normal size which means its unlikely I'm pregnant that with twins although we wont know for sure until the ultrasound at the end of May/early June. The midwife assured me that the 10lbs I've gained to date is normal. We listened to the baby's heart beat for the very first time! It was so exciting and amazing - I cried. For your listening pleasure I've attached the recording of the heart sounds from the doppler:
Baby Heart Beat 14w0d ga
An article about a recent study that found that women who suffer from morning sickness give birth to smarter babies:
This baby is going to be a frickin' genius!
Week 13 Biology Lesson
Sunday, April 12, 2009
End of Week 12
The nausea has been pretty much under control this week although I still have to be very careful to eat every two hours and watch what and how much I eat. My energy level seems to be gradually returning - slowly, slowly - I'm starting to feel like the light at the end of the tunnel might not be a train. I have, however, managed to land myself a cold so I'm snuffling and sneezing through the long weekend.
Wendy is here for a visit and its been great to see her.
Week 12 Biology Lesson
Wendy is here for a visit and its been great to see her.
Week 12 Biology Lesson
Sunday, April 5, 2009
End of Week 11
Hooray for me - I managed to make it to work all week. The nausea is mostly under control although I definitely notice if I forget to take any of my medication (I take it three times a day and forgot the mid-afternoon pill twice this week). My energy level is a bit better but I have to be careful not to push myself too much or else I have to take a nap!
Next weekend is a four-day long weekend for me. It will be a nice break. If I can muster the energy I'm going to clean out the spare room which will become the babies room (the pink room at the end of the hall for those of you who have been to our house). We'll be painting and setting it up over the next months for our new arrival!
Week 11 Biology Lesson
Next weekend is a four-day long weekend for me. It will be a nice break. If I can muster the energy I'm going to clean out the spare room which will become the babies room (the pink room at the end of the hall for those of you who have been to our house). We'll be painting and setting it up over the next months for our new arrival!
Week 11 Biology Lesson
Sunday, March 29, 2009
End of Week 10
Another rough week. I had to take another two days off of work at the end of this week with headache, nausea, and exhaustion. I feel a bit better this weekend but get tired easily. My goal this week is to make it to work all week. I'm trying hard to stay positive but I'll be honest - its hard not to whine. I feel like my body has been taken over! Hopefully this part will end in a few more weeks.
I did manage to get out on Saturday to buy some maternity clothes. None of my pants fit comfortably anymore and my choice was to either buy the next size up in regular clothes and wear those for a few weeks or go straight to maternity clothes. The clothes that I bought are a bit big but I'm sure I'll grow into them soon enough!
Mark continues to be my rock and I'm so lucky to have him.
Week 10 Biology Lesson
I did manage to get out on Saturday to buy some maternity clothes. None of my pants fit comfortably anymore and my choice was to either buy the next size up in regular clothes and wear those for a few weeks or go straight to maternity clothes. The clothes that I bought are a bit big but I'm sure I'll grow into them soon enough!
Mark continues to be my rock and I'm so lucky to have him.
Week 10 Biology Lesson
Sunday, March 22, 2009
End of Week 9
We had our fist appointment with our midwife, Cathy, this week. At that appointment she gave me a prescription for Diclectin and I have had a good amount of relief since I started taking the medication on Tuesday. I still feel "off" in my stomach, and actually threw up on Friday morning, but I can function much more normally than before. I'm exhausted most of the time but have been able to get back to light house work and getting through the work day is no longer torture :)
At our midwife appointment we discussed Integrated Prenatal Screening. This screening consists of two blood tests and an ultrasound and looks for markers that indicate an increased risk of having a baby with Down's Syndrome, Trisomy 18, or Spina Bifida. We originally thought we would have this screening performed. However, after discussing it with our midwife and reviewing the literature we've decided not to. There are a few reasons for this:
1. Neither of us has a history of these conditions in our family and we are both healthy with no other risk factors.
2. If we got a positive result it wouldn't necessarily mean that our baby had any of these problems. In fact its quite unlikely, even with a positive screen, that the baby would have any of these conditions.
3. The only way to be sure that the baby had any of these conditions would require an amniocenteses which has a 1 in 100 to 1 in 200 chance (depending on which research you look at) of resulting in a miscarriage.
4. Even if the baby did have any of these things we wouldn't abort.
So, given the risk of miscarriage we wouldn't have an amniocentisis. And, given that the chance of a false positive in the screen is high and it would just make us unnecessarily anxious, we've decided not to go forward with the screening. This means that those of you excitedly waiting for ultrasound pictures will have to wait a few more weeks - probably around the middle of May for a routine second trimester ultrasound.
I've started reading a great book: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. As many of you may already know we are hoping to have a drug free home birth. So far I've just been reading the stories of women who have had natural births outside of a hospital setting and I find it encouraging to read their stories. The second half of the book offers information about the various interventions that can occur in labor and ways to cope with labor. We will be attending the home birth information session that the midwifery practice we're signed on with offers. Having worked at a midwifery clinic for 4 years I am comfortable and quite excited at the idea of a home birth and Mark is also keen on having our baby at home. I think it would be so special if we are able to bring this baby into the world in the home we have built together.
Week 9 Biology Lesson
At our midwife appointment we discussed Integrated Prenatal Screening. This screening consists of two blood tests and an ultrasound and looks for markers that indicate an increased risk of having a baby with Down's Syndrome, Trisomy 18, or Spina Bifida. We originally thought we would have this screening performed. However, after discussing it with our midwife and reviewing the literature we've decided not to. There are a few reasons for this:
1. Neither of us has a history of these conditions in our family and we are both healthy with no other risk factors.
2. If we got a positive result it wouldn't necessarily mean that our baby had any of these problems. In fact its quite unlikely, even with a positive screen, that the baby would have any of these conditions.
3. The only way to be sure that the baby had any of these conditions would require an amniocenteses which has a 1 in 100 to 1 in 200 chance (depending on which research you look at) of resulting in a miscarriage.
4. Even if the baby did have any of these things we wouldn't abort.
So, given the risk of miscarriage we wouldn't have an amniocentisis. And, given that the chance of a false positive in the screen is high and it would just make us unnecessarily anxious, we've decided not to go forward with the screening. This means that those of you excitedly waiting for ultrasound pictures will have to wait a few more weeks - probably around the middle of May for a routine second trimester ultrasound.
I've started reading a great book: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. As many of you may already know we are hoping to have a drug free home birth. So far I've just been reading the stories of women who have had natural births outside of a hospital setting and I find it encouraging to read their stories. The second half of the book offers information about the various interventions that can occur in labor and ways to cope with labor. We will be attending the home birth information session that the midwifery practice we're signed on with offers. Having worked at a midwifery clinic for 4 years I am comfortable and quite excited at the idea of a home birth and Mark is also keen on having our baby at home. I think it would be so special if we are able to bring this baby into the world in the home we have built together.
Week 9 Biology Lesson
Sunday, March 15, 2009
End of Week 8
I am sick all day, everyday and it seems to be getting gradually worse. I come home and lie on the couch all night - sometimes I just go straight to bed after I've forced myself to eat something. Its worse if I dont eat.
I ended up over the toilet retching and crying Friday morning before we left for work. It really sucked and I nearly turned around when I got to Union Station to go home. I didn't but it was a long day at work.
I had 8 hours of near normalcy yesterday. It was so great to only feel tired. Unfortunately around 630pm I started feeling sick again and today has been a bad day.
My first midwife appointment is Tuesday morning. I'm going to ask her for a prescription for Diclectin a drug that helps alleviate the symptoms of pregnancy sickness. I'm no hero - there's no way I can continue working if this keeps up or, gasp, gets worse. I've probably got another 3 weeks to go ("morning" sickness usually stops by the second trimester) which just seems unfathomable to me.
I read somewhere that pregnancy sickness is comparable to the same kind of sickness people going through chemo therapy experience. At least I get a baby out of it (I'm trying to stay positive...with mixed results).
Mark continues to be his fantastic self. He's very understanding and supportive inspite of my inability to do much but lie around and be miserable these days and puts up with my sometime less than chipper behavior.
Week 8 Biology Lesson
I ended up over the toilet retching and crying Friday morning before we left for work. It really sucked and I nearly turned around when I got to Union Station to go home. I didn't but it was a long day at work.
I had 8 hours of near normalcy yesterday. It was so great to only feel tired. Unfortunately around 630pm I started feeling sick again and today has been a bad day.
My first midwife appointment is Tuesday morning. I'm going to ask her for a prescription for Diclectin a drug that helps alleviate the symptoms of pregnancy sickness. I'm no hero - there's no way I can continue working if this keeps up or, gasp, gets worse. I've probably got another 3 weeks to go ("morning" sickness usually stops by the second trimester) which just seems unfathomable to me.
I read somewhere that pregnancy sickness is comparable to the same kind of sickness people going through chemo therapy experience. At least I get a baby out of it (I'm trying to stay positive...with mixed results).
Mark continues to be his fantastic self. He's very understanding and supportive inspite of my inability to do much but lie around and be miserable these days and puts up with my sometime less than chipper behavior.
Week 8 Biology Lesson
Sunday, March 8, 2009
End of Week 7
The novelty of "morning" sickness (aka 24 hour pregnancy sickness) has definitely worn off. This weekend has been brutal. It's been difficult for me to get off the couch and I'm starting to feel sorry for myself (which could just be hormones). On top of the pregnancy sickness I've got a barky cough which I can only treat with Vicks Vaporub because I can't take any medication. I did manage to make it to a movie theater with Mark and another couple to see Watchmen and it was good to get out of the house. I had to have a three hour nap afterwards though...
I bought some motion sickness wrist bands today and I've been wearing them all afternoon. I think they're helping. I'm afraid to take them off in case they are working really well and by taking them off open up the flood gates for worse nausea.
No actual vomiting which I cant decide is a good or bad thing. I occasionally wonder if actually throwing up wouldn't make me feel better. I've gained about 2 pounds which I read is normal.
Mark has been great in supporting me - he's made dinner the last few nights and is very attentive to me while I feel sorry for myself on the couch.
Week 7 Biology Lesson
I bought some motion sickness wrist bands today and I've been wearing them all afternoon. I think they're helping. I'm afraid to take them off in case they are working really well and by taking them off open up the flood gates for worse nausea.
No actual vomiting which I cant decide is a good or bad thing. I occasionally wonder if actually throwing up wouldn't make me feel better. I've gained about 2 pounds which I read is normal.
Mark has been great in supporting me - he's made dinner the last few nights and is very attentive to me while I feel sorry for myself on the couch.
Week 7 Biology Lesson
Sunday, March 1, 2009
End of Week 6
It appears that I wont be so lucky as my mom. I've been sick this week with a cold/cough and increasingly an all day version of morning sickness. I had pretty much convinced myself that I was just feeling sick because of the cold - it couldn't possibly be pregnancy sickness - no sir, not me. However, my body has betrayed me (apparently it didn't get the memo about the no pregnancy sickness thing) and increasingly I feel shaky and uncomfortable if I don't eat every three hours. Not really nauseous - more like hypoglycemic. Before I was pregnant if I waited too late into the afternoon to eat I felt the same way - irritable, hollow tummy, shaky. That's the way I feel most of the day now. There are a few minutes of relief after I eat - so I'm eating alot these days. No weight gain so far which I was surprised about given how much food I've been shoveling in. I'm crossing my fingers that the sickness doesn't get worse and ends soon!
Another pregnancy related thing happened this week while I was watching a stand-up comedian clip on YouTube (Louis C.K.). What he was joking about made me laugh really, really hard. Then I burst into tears and was laughing and sobbing at the same time. It was very odd. Poor Mark didn't know what to make of me. I've been banned me from watching stand-up comedians on YouTube for the duration of my pregnancy...
Week 6 Biology Lesson
Another pregnancy related thing happened this week while I was watching a stand-up comedian clip on YouTube (Louis C.K.). What he was joking about made me laugh really, really hard. Then I burst into tears and was laughing and sobbing at the same time. It was very odd. Poor Mark didn't know what to make of me. I've been banned me from watching stand-up comedians on YouTube for the duration of my pregnancy...
Week 6 Biology Lesson
Monday, February 23, 2009
End of Week 5
So far things have been pretty manageable physically. I'm feeling tired and go to bed a lot earlier that I did pre-pregnancy. I'm HUNGRY and even ate off a friends plate the other day. At least I stopped to ask her if she was "done with that" first. My breasts are sore and getting bigger already (Mark likes this part). I'm getting a cold which makes my grumpy but Mark says I haven't been moody. So far no nausea and I'm crossing my fingers that I'll take after my mom who didn't experience any morning sickness. A few times throughout the day I get sort of crampy (especially after I eat) and I dont wear any of my more fitted pants because they make me uncomfortable.
Week 5 Biology Lesson
Week 5 Biology Lesson
How I Found Out I Was Pregnant
Warning: Some readers may find that the following entry falls into the TMI category (Too Much Information). You have been warned...
This pregnancy was planned. I checked my temperature, cervical mucous, and we knew exactly what day I ovulated. The activities required to conceive a child were performed at the correct intervals and time frames. In spite of this both Mark and I were a bit stunned for about three days after the positive home pregnancy test.
I have to admit I was pretty antsy to find out if I'd gotten pregnant and couldn't wait to get home to take the test. So I took the test in the bathroom at work on the day my period was due. I had totally convinced myself that this wasn't going to be our month. Imagine my surprise when the test was positive! Then I had to keep the information to myself until I got home at 6:30! 6 hours of torture! I was worried that if I called Mark at work he'd fall off his chair or something so I waited.
When I got home I took another two tests, just to be sure, and sure enough they were also both positive (did you know you can buy pregnancy tests at the dollar store!?!). I then took all three tests downstairs and laid them all out carefully in front of Mark. There was a moment of stunned silence before he asked if two lines meant they were positive.
Here is a picture of one of the positive tests and a picture of us shortly after I shared the news with mark:
This pregnancy was planned. I checked my temperature, cervical mucous, and we knew exactly what day I ovulated. The activities required to conceive a child were performed at the correct intervals and time frames. In spite of this both Mark and I were a bit stunned for about three days after the positive home pregnancy test.
I have to admit I was pretty antsy to find out if I'd gotten pregnant and couldn't wait to get home to take the test. So I took the test in the bathroom at work on the day my period was due. I had totally convinced myself that this wasn't going to be our month. Imagine my surprise when the test was positive! Then I had to keep the information to myself until I got home at 6:30! 6 hours of torture! I was worried that if I called Mark at work he'd fall off his chair or something so I waited.
When I got home I took another two tests, just to be sure, and sure enough they were also both positive (did you know you can buy pregnancy tests at the dollar store!?!). I then took all three tests downstairs and laid them all out carefully in front of Mark. There was a moment of stunned silence before he asked if two lines meant they were positive.
Here is a picture of one of the positive tests and a picture of us shortly after I shared the news with mark:
Welcome!
Hello all!
I'm creating this blog to share our crazy adventure through pregnancy and the birth of our baby with all of you and to create an electronic record and keepsake for our little one. This is a closed blog so only invited people have access to it. If you would like to include someone just let me know who they are and what their email address is and we can add them.
I hope you'll enjoy this blog. Know how much we love all of you and especially appreciate your roles in our lives during this special time of our lives.
Much love,
Sam & Mark
I'm creating this blog to share our crazy adventure through pregnancy and the birth of our baby with all of you and to create an electronic record and keepsake for our little one. This is a closed blog so only invited people have access to it. If you would like to include someone just let me know who they are and what their email address is and we can add them.
I hope you'll enjoy this blog. Know how much we love all of you and especially appreciate your roles in our lives during this special time of our lives.
Much love,
Sam & Mark
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