Holy balls. I'm due to have this baby in 29 days. 29. It seems unreal. With holidays and birthdays and baby showers time has flown by over the past couple months.
It's been an eventful 35th week. On Monday, after a great weekend of a baby shower and catching up with a great friend (Hi L, I know you read this and I love that you came to stay with me) we were out running couple errands and took the kids out to lunch. When we got home I went into the bathroom and had some bleeding. Needless to say I flipped the eff out. I called my doctor, for those of you that may want to know, ****TMI ALERT*** it was a few quarter sized amounts of frank red blood. Anyway, he told me to go to labor and delivery at the hospital and he would call them to tell them I was on my way. When I got there I hadn't had anymore bleeding, so they hooked me up to the monitor and watched me for about 30 minutes to make sure baby was doing ok. She was moving all around, her heart rate was fine, and I was having contractions, but they remained painless.
After I got all checked out, he sent me home and scheduled me an appointment for the following day (yesterday). At my appointment he tried to figure out what caused the bleeding. We did an ultrasound and everything looked fine. He even amused me and printed some 3D shots of the baby's face which was so cool. What it looked like happened was that up until this day the baby had not been head down. She had been "transverse" which means she was laying horizontally across my belly. If she would have stayed here I would have likely had to have a c-section. But, as of yesterday she was head down. And she is very head down, her head is already engaged in my pelvis. So, he thinks that when she turned it irritated my cervix and caused the bleeding. My cervix has barely begun the thinning out process (called effacement) that happens before you start dilating. So, I'm not going into labor at this point. But, if I did, he would not stop me. I'm 36 weeks tomorrow so I am close enough.
Of course, I don't want her to come out yet. Last year, the standard for "full term" changed from 37 weeks to 39 weeks. It used to be that doctors allowed for scheduled c-sections and inducements anytime between 37-42 weeks. That five week block was considered "full term." Now, because they've discovered that fetal outcomes are improved if they "cook" til 39 weeks, 39-41 weeks is considered "full term," 37-39 weeks is "early term" and 41-42 weeks is "late term." They no longer will schedule a c-section or a labor induction until 39 weeks unless there is a risk to the mom or baby (for example high blood pressure, etc).
So, she can just hold tight. My doctor told me that the only "bad news" is that I am going to be pretty uncomfortable now that she is head down in my pelvis. And he is right. I get pelvic pain a lot, it's tough to get comfortable at this point anyway. But, I'm OK with it. As long as she is growing healthy I can deal with a little discomfort. Just like as long as she is content once she's born I'll deal with the fact that my arm is numb because she is resting on it, or that I'm so exhausted I cannot see straight because she kept me awake all night. This is motherhood. It is uncomfortable at times. Especially when the little nugget is crowning and I'm trying to push her out! Ha :)
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Thursday, January 9, 2014
34 week milestone
At 34 weeks my baby is 4 3/4 lbs and is about 18 inches long. Her main goal from this point forward is to continue developing her lungs, and gaining weight. Most of the work is done. The milestone of 34 weeks is that most babies born between 34-37 weeks have a fairly easy time and are healthy. They will only require a short stay (if any) in a NICU. I wanted to make it to this point because at 34 weeks she can be born at my hospital with my Dr delivering her.
As of yesterday I am officially on maternity leave. My original goal was to make it to 36 weeks. However, my job is busy and I am on my feet a lot, so I started having contractions during work at 32 weeks and they got more persistent, so Dr told me to be done. I didn't argue. It was getting tough hopping around our unit with this big belly. Its funny though, I feel huge but everyone else keeps telling me how little I look. Who knows. The weight gain (almost 50 lbs) suggests hugeness, and since I'm supposed to gain a pound a week from this point forward and have usually gone over, I'll likely hit a 60lb gain before I deliver her. Super. Bring on the pilates.
She is still VERY active in my belly, after dinner and 2-4am are her favorite times. I can tell she is continuing to get big. If I turn to one side, and she wants to be on the other side she definitely lets me know. This and next weekend are my baby showers. I am very excited to celebrate this little one, and start putting together her nursery. In fact, that will likely start today.
The main "symptom" is fatigue. I'm just sleepy all the time. I alternate doing things I need to do with putting my feet up. Oh, and the feet, they look like sausage links at the end of the day. I HAVE CANKLES. Holy swelling. I hear the final month the swelling really gets serious….can't wait.
I took advice from a fellow mom and bought a few items from the Earth Mama Website for my post partum healing. It's mainly like ….um…. spray to relieve your vag after the baby comes out. I got some nipple salve for breastfeeding too. I like that the products are all natural, and I really want to avoid taking any pain medication after the delivery.
I don't know why, but I feel rushed to get all of these things done because since I was about 18 weeks I have always felt like this baby will be early. I have no reason to believe she actually will be, my OB thinks I'm just impatient I'm sure, but I just have this FEEEEEEELING. She is carrying really low, so I think as she puts on weight she's just going to cause me to go into labor. Granted, scientifically I have no idea that this would even matter, but the thought is there.
Here is what I hope to get accomplished:
1. baby's room and gear washed, assembled, and ready for action
2. 6-7 meals in the freezer so that our first week or so home we can just throw stuff in the oven
3. clean out girls toys
4. organize my office and get taxes done
5. organize hall closets
6. have a few lunch dates with friends since I will be on breast arrest for a while after delivery
7. Finish reading "Nursing mothers companion" and "baby wise" books so I know what the hell I'm doing (ha)
8. continue to walk and stretch 3-5 times a week
We shall see how it goes :)
As of yesterday I am officially on maternity leave. My original goal was to make it to 36 weeks. However, my job is busy and I am on my feet a lot, so I started having contractions during work at 32 weeks and they got more persistent, so Dr told me to be done. I didn't argue. It was getting tough hopping around our unit with this big belly. Its funny though, I feel huge but everyone else keeps telling me how little I look. Who knows. The weight gain (almost 50 lbs) suggests hugeness, and since I'm supposed to gain a pound a week from this point forward and have usually gone over, I'll likely hit a 60lb gain before I deliver her. Super. Bring on the pilates.
She is still VERY active in my belly, after dinner and 2-4am are her favorite times. I can tell she is continuing to get big. If I turn to one side, and she wants to be on the other side she definitely lets me know. This and next weekend are my baby showers. I am very excited to celebrate this little one, and start putting together her nursery. In fact, that will likely start today.
The main "symptom" is fatigue. I'm just sleepy all the time. I alternate doing things I need to do with putting my feet up. Oh, and the feet, they look like sausage links at the end of the day. I HAVE CANKLES. Holy swelling. I hear the final month the swelling really gets serious….can't wait.
I took advice from a fellow mom and bought a few items from the Earth Mama Website for my post partum healing. It's mainly like ….um…. spray to relieve your vag after the baby comes out. I got some nipple salve for breastfeeding too. I like that the products are all natural, and I really want to avoid taking any pain medication after the delivery.
I don't know why, but I feel rushed to get all of these things done because since I was about 18 weeks I have always felt like this baby will be early. I have no reason to believe she actually will be, my OB thinks I'm just impatient I'm sure, but I just have this FEEEEEEELING. She is carrying really low, so I think as she puts on weight she's just going to cause me to go into labor. Granted, scientifically I have no idea that this would even matter, but the thought is there.
Here is what I hope to get accomplished:
1. baby's room and gear washed, assembled, and ready for action
2. 6-7 meals in the freezer so that our first week or so home we can just throw stuff in the oven
3. clean out girls toys
4. organize my office and get taxes done
5. organize hall closets
6. have a few lunch dates with friends since I will be on breast arrest for a while after delivery
7. Finish reading "Nursing mothers companion" and "baby wise" books so I know what the hell I'm doing (ha)
8. continue to walk and stretch 3-5 times a week
We shall see how it goes :)
Friday, December 27, 2013
8 weeks to go
Countdown to Due Date: 55 days
I am officially (as of yesterday) 32 weeks pregnant. I'm in the 8th month. I cannot believe it. Everyone told me to enjoy the 2nd trimester (which ended at 27 weeks) because the third would likely kick my ass. They were right. I don't think I ever understood the word tired until now. I know those of you that have had babies are giggling to yourselves right now thinking "she has no idea." And, you're right. I am sure this level of tired is minimal compared to what I am going to experience when this baby actually comes out. But, for now, this level of tired is the most I have ever known, and it's legit.
I am normally a shop-it-up kinda girl. If we go out to hit Costco, I like to do Target, maybe browse some stuff at Best Buy, grab a little lunch, maybe cruise through the mall. Yesterday my husband got grandma to watch the girls so we could do the above without kids and enjoy a good lunch. I made it through one store at the mall, then had to eat cause I was starving. After lunch we hit Costco, and then I had to come home and put my feet up.
Other than that, some indigestion, stress incontinence, and 2-4am insomnia things are going quite well. We cannot wait to meet this little girl. Her nursery is coming along. My husband painted her room, cleaned the carpet, and assembled the crib. I know, he's a good man once he puts his mind to it. There is a lot to do, but my maternity leave is on the horizon and I am planning to get her room together once I'm off work.
For now, I'm just enjoying some lazy days on the couch feeling her move, which is now more like a wave across my entire belly. I will feel little jabs on the left of my belly button at the same time as kicks on the right side near my ribs, so she is getting big. Almost 4 pounds now! Two surgeons I work with have told me that there is no way I'll make it to my due date because she is sitting so low. They are not OB's so I'm hoping they're wrong, but plan to ask my doctor when I see him next week.
I have begun to get a lot of little tidbits of advice from other moms (which I love) and my favorite so far has been: "if it's been three days, you haven't showered, cannot remember if you brushed your teeth, and have spit up all over your shirt, you are normal. We've all been there." I totally love this. It's likely very true and something I'll remember in my dark moments as a mom to a newborn. I think I am going to start writing these things down.
I am officially (as of yesterday) 32 weeks pregnant. I'm in the 8th month. I cannot believe it. Everyone told me to enjoy the 2nd trimester (which ended at 27 weeks) because the third would likely kick my ass. They were right. I don't think I ever understood the word tired until now. I know those of you that have had babies are giggling to yourselves right now thinking "she has no idea." And, you're right. I am sure this level of tired is minimal compared to what I am going to experience when this baby actually comes out. But, for now, this level of tired is the most I have ever known, and it's legit.
I am normally a shop-it-up kinda girl. If we go out to hit Costco, I like to do Target, maybe browse some stuff at Best Buy, grab a little lunch, maybe cruise through the mall. Yesterday my husband got grandma to watch the girls so we could do the above without kids and enjoy a good lunch. I made it through one store at the mall, then had to eat cause I was starving. After lunch we hit Costco, and then I had to come home and put my feet up.
Other than that, some indigestion, stress incontinence, and 2-4am insomnia things are going quite well. We cannot wait to meet this little girl. Her nursery is coming along. My husband painted her room, cleaned the carpet, and assembled the crib. I know, he's a good man once he puts his mind to it. There is a lot to do, but my maternity leave is on the horizon and I am planning to get her room together once I'm off work.
For now, I'm just enjoying some lazy days on the couch feeling her move, which is now more like a wave across my entire belly. I will feel little jabs on the left of my belly button at the same time as kicks on the right side near my ribs, so she is getting big. Almost 4 pounds now! Two surgeons I work with have told me that there is no way I'll make it to my due date because she is sitting so low. They are not OB's so I'm hoping they're wrong, but plan to ask my doctor when I see him next week.
I have begun to get a lot of little tidbits of advice from other moms (which I love) and my favorite so far has been: "if it's been three days, you haven't showered, cannot remember if you brushed your teeth, and have spit up all over your shirt, you are normal. We've all been there." I totally love this. It's likely very true and something I'll remember in my dark moments as a mom to a newborn. I think I am going to start writing these things down.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Time Heals All Wounds
I just finished up a three day stay cation with my family. They flew in from the midwest to be with us for an early Christmas. My grandparents are in their 80's, my mom, my aunt and uncle, and then the four (and a half) of us. Usually we always go to "gram and pops" house but my OB grounded me, apparently you cannot fly in your third trimester. It was fun. I cooked, we opened presents, we laughed, played cards, watched movies. My heart is full. I love my family.
During their stay December 13th came and went without a thought for the first time since 12/13/09 happened. For those of you that haven't followed this blog from the beginning, 12/13/09 was the day I lost my first pregnancy. I had surgery that day for an ectopic pregnancy. Up until that day I was happily though wearily pregnant (I just had the feeling something wasn't right). On that day, my life fell apart. A lot. And it took me a long time to move past that day, to overcome infertility, and make peace with my path to motherhood.
It's been four years. I can honestly say that I am at peace with my journey. For had it not began with such a loss, I would not have realized how much I truly wanted to be a mother. I would not have tried so hard to become one. I would not have opened my heart to the idea of adoption. I would not have my daughters. As I'm writing this, daughter #3 is moving around in my belly, and 1 and 2 are downstairs giggling and coloring. My heart is full. I am a mother.
In reflection over the past few years I realize that things got really bad for me before they started to get good again. I lost my sister in a car accident in September of 2010. For the first time this Christmas, we talked about her without it feeling awkward and empty. I brought up memories without getting that sick feeling in my gut that someone was going to get upset over it. As a family I think we're beginning to realize that her life and its sudden end is a part of us forever. We have an obligation to keep her memories alive by talking about her short, amazing life, even though it tears at our heart strings a little.
One of my daughters (ironically the one who's middle name is after my sisters) reminds me a lot of my sister at her four year-old age. Her facial expressions, the words she uses, the way she says things with her little attitude. I love this. It's made me realize two things: 1) she's likely picking up her mannerisms from me which means that my sister and I were a lot more alike than I realized, and 2) my sister is around me. She is my angel and she lights my way even in the most trivial of moments. For this, I am grateful.
Over the past four years I have learned a lot about myself, and life in general. I have learned to be selfless, humble, and I can say for certain that I believe in God, and miracles. My husband and I were watching some show a few months back and we came across this quote, I think I've written it here before, but here it is again, as I say it to myself so many times when I begin to fret about something:
"I lost the worry along the way, and God was good to me everyday."
As for the baby, she is getting bigger, I can tell because she actually moves my entire belly. She still enjoys her 4am tae bo sessions which are always followed by my scavenging downstairs for a snack. My blood sugars haven't been great but I've been off on my eating schedule because of family here. I have gotten back on track today. My aunt took some maternity photo's while she was here, and I'm glad she did. They turned out good and it will be a nice keepsake for me to have.
We have 66 days until our due date. Holy Shit.
During their stay December 13th came and went without a thought for the first time since 12/13/09 happened. For those of you that haven't followed this blog from the beginning, 12/13/09 was the day I lost my first pregnancy. I had surgery that day for an ectopic pregnancy. Up until that day I was happily though wearily pregnant (I just had the feeling something wasn't right). On that day, my life fell apart. A lot. And it took me a long time to move past that day, to overcome infertility, and make peace with my path to motherhood.
It's been four years. I can honestly say that I am at peace with my journey. For had it not began with such a loss, I would not have realized how much I truly wanted to be a mother. I would not have tried so hard to become one. I would not have opened my heart to the idea of adoption. I would not have my daughters. As I'm writing this, daughter #3 is moving around in my belly, and 1 and 2 are downstairs giggling and coloring. My heart is full. I am a mother.
In reflection over the past few years I realize that things got really bad for me before they started to get good again. I lost my sister in a car accident in September of 2010. For the first time this Christmas, we talked about her without it feeling awkward and empty. I brought up memories without getting that sick feeling in my gut that someone was going to get upset over it. As a family I think we're beginning to realize that her life and its sudden end is a part of us forever. We have an obligation to keep her memories alive by talking about her short, amazing life, even though it tears at our heart strings a little.
One of my daughters (ironically the one who's middle name is after my sisters) reminds me a lot of my sister at her four year-old age. Her facial expressions, the words she uses, the way she says things with her little attitude. I love this. It's made me realize two things: 1) she's likely picking up her mannerisms from me which means that my sister and I were a lot more alike than I realized, and 2) my sister is around me. She is my angel and she lights my way even in the most trivial of moments. For this, I am grateful.
Over the past four years I have learned a lot about myself, and life in general. I have learned to be selfless, humble, and I can say for certain that I believe in God, and miracles. My husband and I were watching some show a few months back and we came across this quote, I think I've written it here before, but here it is again, as I say it to myself so many times when I begin to fret about something:
"I lost the worry along the way, and God was good to me everyday."
As for the baby, she is getting bigger, I can tell because she actually moves my entire belly. She still enjoys her 4am tae bo sessions which are always followed by my scavenging downstairs for a snack. My blood sugars haven't been great but I've been off on my eating schedule because of family here. I have gotten back on track today. My aunt took some maternity photo's while she was here, and I'm glad she did. They turned out good and it will be a nice keepsake for me to have.
We have 66 days until our due date. Holy Shit.
Friday, December 6, 2013
29 weeks
Countdown to due date: 76 days.
Belly Button: Out
Wedding ring: Off (fingers too fat)
Work Clogs: stored away due to swollen feet.
Weight gain: sigh. 35 pounds. I'm just gonna be honest people.
Blood sugars: doing fine 90% of the time. I have given up bagels and cream cheese, and have switched up almost all my snacking to include a protein. I have to get the most bang for my buck. Until we bake sugar cookies and fudge, then I am screwed. I am starving all the time though. I just ate a leftover hamburger from last night (hubby bought me dinner cause he forgot I was going out with a friend) at 1030am. Don't judge.
Brain cells: minimal. I forget everything. It's honestly getting embarrassing. I was in the elevator leaving work after a crazy day yesterday and I stepped into it, and then stood there for a good minute. Then, I began to panic because it wasn't moving. Well, preggo brain, you need to select a floor. Yep, that. Actually. Happened.
Baby Name: I have decided we aren't going to decide until we see her. It's just too hard. It's too much pressure. We have a short list of possibles but will not choose until she's here….I don't think.
What else?
I have decided that I need to stop obsessively looking at baby gear on the internet. I have researched the crap out of everything, and have changed my registry a few times already. The baby will have what she needs I am sure, and more, knowing me.
I have the craziest labor dreams. I can't get her out, she gets stuck, my heart stops, on and on. I actually asked my Dr. this past week at my appointment if he thinks I can physically get her out. He looked at me like I was nuts. He was very sweet and reassuring. But, I still worry. Last night in my dream she was kicking me so hard that she kicked though my uterus and stomach and her leg was just sticking out, so she had to be delivered. She was fine, and she was beautiful. Dreams are so weird.
I do have to make one more trip to the lab because my platelets (sticky part of your blood that helps you not bleed to death) are a little low. Of course, I'm right on the line of concern, the "concern" mark is 120, mine were 116. So that will get re-checked before I deliver to make sure they don't fall more. Why do we care? If they get too low and I want an epidural I cannot have one. Also, I will have a lot more bleeding during and post delivery. What's the solution? Give me platelets, which I would be ok with if necessary. I guess thrombocytopenia (low platelets) can happen in pregnancy and just have to be monitored.
I think that's all for now. Family gets here in 5 days for an early Christmas, and I have a million things to do! Fun, fun.
Belly Button: Out
Wedding ring: Off (fingers too fat)
Work Clogs: stored away due to swollen feet.
Weight gain: sigh. 35 pounds. I'm just gonna be honest people.
Blood sugars: doing fine 90% of the time. I have given up bagels and cream cheese, and have switched up almost all my snacking to include a protein. I have to get the most bang for my buck. Until we bake sugar cookies and fudge, then I am screwed. I am starving all the time though. I just ate a leftover hamburger from last night (hubby bought me dinner cause he forgot I was going out with a friend) at 1030am. Don't judge.
Brain cells: minimal. I forget everything. It's honestly getting embarrassing. I was in the elevator leaving work after a crazy day yesterday and I stepped into it, and then stood there for a good minute. Then, I began to panic because it wasn't moving. Well, preggo brain, you need to select a floor. Yep, that. Actually. Happened.
Baby Name: I have decided we aren't going to decide until we see her. It's just too hard. It's too much pressure. We have a short list of possibles but will not choose until she's here….I don't think.
What else?
I have decided that I need to stop obsessively looking at baby gear on the internet. I have researched the crap out of everything, and have changed my registry a few times already. The baby will have what she needs I am sure, and more, knowing me.
I have the craziest labor dreams. I can't get her out, she gets stuck, my heart stops, on and on. I actually asked my Dr. this past week at my appointment if he thinks I can physically get her out. He looked at me like I was nuts. He was very sweet and reassuring. But, I still worry. Last night in my dream she was kicking me so hard that she kicked though my uterus and stomach and her leg was just sticking out, so she had to be delivered. She was fine, and she was beautiful. Dreams are so weird.
I do have to make one more trip to the lab because my platelets (sticky part of your blood that helps you not bleed to death) are a little low. Of course, I'm right on the line of concern, the "concern" mark is 120, mine were 116. So that will get re-checked before I deliver to make sure they don't fall more. Why do we care? If they get too low and I want an epidural I cannot have one. Also, I will have a lot more bleeding during and post delivery. What's the solution? Give me platelets, which I would be ok with if necessary. I guess thrombocytopenia (low platelets) can happen in pregnancy and just have to be monitored.
I think that's all for now. Family gets here in 5 days for an early Christmas, and I have a million things to do! Fun, fun.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Finger Prick
Well, I failed the effing glucose tolerance test…by 28 points. Dammit. They gave me two options, try to pass the 4 hour test, or start checking my glucose levels 4 times a day. I knew I would not be able to survive the 4 hour test. I know that sounds dramatic, but I wasn't feel so red hot at the two hour mark, and I really, really don't want to be the girl that passes out and goes to the ER, so I opted for my very own accucheck machine. I check my sugars 4x a day: when I first wake up (this has to be a fasting sugar meaning no food for at least 6 hours before), and one hour after breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The early morning check ruined my 2-3am snack. As I usually wake up pretty hungry about that time and either eat peanut butter and crackers that I leave by my bed, or a bowl of cereal. The after breakfast check is always higher than it's supposed to be because my go to breakfast has been a bagel and cream cheese, and chai tea with soy milk, which totals about 80gm of carbs, when I am now only allotted 30gms. The rest of the day has been fine. So I am likely right on the cusp of having "Gestational Diabetes." Super.
Gestational diabetes is one of the more common side effects of pregnancy. Basically, the placenta makes cells in the mothers body more resistant to insulin, so therefore glucose cannot get into the cells (you need insulin to get glucose in, its the gatekeeper) and your blood concentration of glucose goes up =hyperglycemia = gestational diabetes. Why do we care? Uncontrolled gestational diabetes leads to big babies, lots of sugar, lots of fat on baby, big baby to get out. It also leads to high blood pressure in mom, excessive weight gain, and can then progress to pre eclampsia where mom spills protein in the urine and it becomes dangerous for mom and baby if pregnancy continues. Sigh. So, the goal: keep the fasting glucose level (early morning one) less than 90, and the after meals glucose less than 130. I am 5 days in, and have only had 4 out of range levels. That's not bad considering I haven't completely changed my diet yet, first I wanted to experiment to see how what I was currently eating was effecting my glucose. I see my doctor Tuesday, he will review my data and from there we will see what's in store.
In other news, yesterday we spent the afternoon putting up Christmas decorations. I got my bellyuptous self up and down the step stool a couple times, and did clean the hardwood floor and do some other chores around the house. Never again. Holy mother I am in so much pain today. My low back and hips are throbbing. I barely slept last night. I also took a 20min walk yesterday, something super important now that I'm worried about blood sugars, and that didn't help the situation. Thank goodness I got the day off work today (not many patients in my unit gave me a requested low census day) because I wouldn't of made it running around at work. Today I am a couch potato. I have a feeling these next weeks are going to get very interesting in the discomfort department. Thank goodness for prenatal massages, which I get monthly, and have one tomorrow. Bless my massage therapist.
The early morning check ruined my 2-3am snack. As I usually wake up pretty hungry about that time and either eat peanut butter and crackers that I leave by my bed, or a bowl of cereal. The after breakfast check is always higher than it's supposed to be because my go to breakfast has been a bagel and cream cheese, and chai tea with soy milk, which totals about 80gm of carbs, when I am now only allotted 30gms. The rest of the day has been fine. So I am likely right on the cusp of having "Gestational Diabetes." Super.
Gestational diabetes is one of the more common side effects of pregnancy. Basically, the placenta makes cells in the mothers body more resistant to insulin, so therefore glucose cannot get into the cells (you need insulin to get glucose in, its the gatekeeper) and your blood concentration of glucose goes up =hyperglycemia = gestational diabetes. Why do we care? Uncontrolled gestational diabetes leads to big babies, lots of sugar, lots of fat on baby, big baby to get out. It also leads to high blood pressure in mom, excessive weight gain, and can then progress to pre eclampsia where mom spills protein in the urine and it becomes dangerous for mom and baby if pregnancy continues. Sigh. So, the goal: keep the fasting glucose level (early morning one) less than 90, and the after meals glucose less than 130. I am 5 days in, and have only had 4 out of range levels. That's not bad considering I haven't completely changed my diet yet, first I wanted to experiment to see how what I was currently eating was effecting my glucose. I see my doctor Tuesday, he will review my data and from there we will see what's in store.
In other news, yesterday we spent the afternoon putting up Christmas decorations. I got my bellyuptous self up and down the step stool a couple times, and did clean the hardwood floor and do some other chores around the house. Never again. Holy mother I am in so much pain today. My low back and hips are throbbing. I barely slept last night. I also took a 20min walk yesterday, something super important now that I'm worried about blood sugars, and that didn't help the situation. Thank goodness I got the day off work today (not many patients in my unit gave me a requested low census day) because I wouldn't of made it running around at work. Today I am a couch potato. I have a feeling these next weeks are going to get very interesting in the discomfort department. Thank goodness for prenatal massages, which I get monthly, and have one tomorrow. Bless my massage therapist.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Glucose, Citrus, and a Whole Lot of Thankfulness
Countdown to due date: 86 days
I have officially reached the third trimester. (Picture me fist bumping and shaking my booty here-I'd say jumping up and down but that would cause incontinence so I skipped it). I cannot believe in less than three months my little miss will be here. Time is flying by.
First I have to reflect that this time four years ago I was pregnant. I had found out just days ago, and was elated but scared. I was such a different person then than I am now. And even though it took quite a storm for me to be where I am today, I am thankful that I went through all that I did. Everything I went through lead me to this moment, where I am happily married with two beautiful daughters and another kicking around in my tummy. I never would have imagined I'd be in this place. I am so very humbled. This thanksgiving, when we gather around for our family prayer before we eat our meal, my heart will be bursting with thanks. I almost can't even describe the wholeness I feel right now.
I survived the dreaded "Glucose Tolerance Test" yesterday. This test can be done a few different ways and all pregnant women do it. But, the basic outline is: you have to fast (no food or drink for at least 8hrs), go to the lab in the morning, STARVING, and then get your fasting glucose level checked. After they confirm your hypoglycemic state, they give you this drink called "Glucola" which has either 50, 75, or 100 grams of glucose in it. Straight sugar liquid. I thought it tasted like sugary tang. You have to drink this drink (it's about two 8 ounce glasses) in 5 minutes. Then that sugary goodness hits your empty stomach and you feel like crap. You have to then sit in the lab (so they make sure you don't pass out) for an hour, and then they check your blood sugar again to make sure you tolerated the glucose. Some people then have to sit for ANOTHER hour and get a second check. I got the "low risk" version of the test so I only had to do 1 hour- thank God! I was starving. The only caveat is if I fail the short test I have to go back and do the long one. I didn't really get sick to my stomach, and a friend who works at the hospital sat and entertained me for the hour I had to sit there, so it wasn't horrible. But I was spaced out and starving by the end so I booked it to the coffee shop across the street and got breakfast. I then had a monster head ache so I headed home and took a nap. All in all it was pretty uneventful. And I will find out my result at my appointment next week.
Why they hell does the title of this say citrus? I feel like people are always asking me what I'm eating. what I'm craving. And for the past month its been anything citrus. I have been eating entire grapefruits for a snack, mandarins, drinking orange juice. It is all very good. My mouth gets sore though. Other than that I am addicted to anything pumpkin. This isn't that uncommon for me this time of year. I love pumpkin chai lattes from Starbucks, pumpkin pie, pumpkin creamer in my tea. Mmmm. Other than a significant want for nachos the other day that's been it. And yes, I held back on the nachos. You can't have everything.
As for baby girls room, haven't done a darn thing. I have bought a few items for it, but it needs painted, carpet cleaned, crib put together, etc. We will get there, I have faith. I have family flying in two weeks from now for an early Christmas, perhaps after that I'll have time to get going on it. It's not like she's going to come home from the hospital and demand to see her suite, after all.
Happy Thanksgiving.
I have officially reached the third trimester. (Picture me fist bumping and shaking my booty here-I'd say jumping up and down but that would cause incontinence so I skipped it). I cannot believe in less than three months my little miss will be here. Time is flying by.
First I have to reflect that this time four years ago I was pregnant. I had found out just days ago, and was elated but scared. I was such a different person then than I am now. And even though it took quite a storm for me to be where I am today, I am thankful that I went through all that I did. Everything I went through lead me to this moment, where I am happily married with two beautiful daughters and another kicking around in my tummy. I never would have imagined I'd be in this place. I am so very humbled. This thanksgiving, when we gather around for our family prayer before we eat our meal, my heart will be bursting with thanks. I almost can't even describe the wholeness I feel right now.
I survived the dreaded "Glucose Tolerance Test" yesterday. This test can be done a few different ways and all pregnant women do it. But, the basic outline is: you have to fast (no food or drink for at least 8hrs), go to the lab in the morning, STARVING, and then get your fasting glucose level checked. After they confirm your hypoglycemic state, they give you this drink called "Glucola" which has either 50, 75, or 100 grams of glucose in it. Straight sugar liquid. I thought it tasted like sugary tang. You have to drink this drink (it's about two 8 ounce glasses) in 5 minutes. Then that sugary goodness hits your empty stomach and you feel like crap. You have to then sit in the lab (so they make sure you don't pass out) for an hour, and then they check your blood sugar again to make sure you tolerated the glucose. Some people then have to sit for ANOTHER hour and get a second check. I got the "low risk" version of the test so I only had to do 1 hour- thank God! I was starving. The only caveat is if I fail the short test I have to go back and do the long one. I didn't really get sick to my stomach, and a friend who works at the hospital sat and entertained me for the hour I had to sit there, so it wasn't horrible. But I was spaced out and starving by the end so I booked it to the coffee shop across the street and got breakfast. I then had a monster head ache so I headed home and took a nap. All in all it was pretty uneventful. And I will find out my result at my appointment next week.
Why they hell does the title of this say citrus? I feel like people are always asking me what I'm eating. what I'm craving. And for the past month its been anything citrus. I have been eating entire grapefruits for a snack, mandarins, drinking orange juice. It is all very good. My mouth gets sore though. Other than that I am addicted to anything pumpkin. This isn't that uncommon for me this time of year. I love pumpkin chai lattes from Starbucks, pumpkin pie, pumpkin creamer in my tea. Mmmm. Other than a significant want for nachos the other day that's been it. And yes, I held back on the nachos. You can't have everything.
As for baby girls room, haven't done a darn thing. I have bought a few items for it, but it needs painted, carpet cleaned, crib put together, etc. We will get there, I have faith. I have family flying in two weeks from now for an early Christmas, perhaps after that I'll have time to get going on it. It's not like she's going to come home from the hospital and demand to see her suite, after all.
Happy Thanksgiving.
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