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).

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...

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.

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:

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!

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.

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.

June 3, 2009 Ultrasound Pics!

Will blog about ultrasound experience this weekend but wanted to share these with everyone right away!