Week 29: Childbirth Class with Bloody Mary

The beginning of week 30 has left me wondering, where is this baby going to find anymore room to grow. We still have at least 7 weeks left, and 10 more until 40! I guess this is the part of pregnancy that everyone warned me about. The third trimester backaches, inability to get comfortable at times, heartburn, and a backlash of nausea! Granted, I don't feel these symptoms all the time, so that's a step in the right direction. I have been rockin' the pregnancy waddle as Colt likes to point out, but this is usually only after I've been walking for a long period of time, or I'm wearing my cute winter boots. Anyway, the close of week 29, and the beginning of week 30 have been nothing if not eventful.

Last week, as you know, I was called into my doctor's office for another ultrasound to determine the size of the baby. As they concluded, he was about 3 lbs, 1 oz. at 28 weeks, 6 days, and in the 70th percentile. This is not all together uncommon, and larger babies do run in my family, but we're still not sure what that means in terms of when he'll come. I got a call on Monday morning with the results of my 24 hour urine test...well sort of. One of the office nurses called me and asked if I could come in either that day, or on Tuesday to meet with the doctor and go over my results. I told her that I was already scheduled to come in that day (Monday) to get the H1N1 vaccine, and inquired about any appointment openings that she had around that time. Unfortunately, the doctor was already double booked for that day, which made me wonder why she even mentioned that as an option in the first place, but that I could come in at noon on Tuesday. I was a little bit perturbed that I would be going back to the doctor's office the next day, which would make it 4 times in 3 weeks, but I obliged. At my ultrasound appointment the previous week, I had them take my blood pressure, which was at 122/80, and I had them test it again on Monday's H1N1 vaccine appointment, and it was at 118/80. Both of which are good numbers! Tuesday I waddled into the office with Colt following, loyally behind me (he hasn't missed any of my appointments with the doctor). They did all of the preliminary testing, and checked my blood pressure once again, which was at 122/82, still normal. Colt and I were escorted back to our room to wait for the doctor. When she walked in, she looked a little troubled. "Alright, we have to talk," she said. In my experience, these words are almost never followed by good news. She received the results of my urine test, and my protein levels were at 354. Normal protein levels should be under 150, but in the mildest form of any kind of problem, the levels are between 150-500. She was concerned about this because two of the markers of Pre-eclampsia are protein in your urine, and high blood pressure, among other things. My blood pressure is normal now, but for several appointments previously, it had been slowly escalating. She was worried about the combination of those two symptoms, and said that if the problems continued down this path, that they might have to deliver the baby a little bit early to ensure that everything would be ok. The only "cure" for Pre-eclampsia is to deliver the baby, and then the condition clears up. After hearing this, I was thinking, "Well lets just hold our horses for a few minutes here before you slice me open and go digging for baby." I explained to her that even before I got pregnant, I had had some issues with protein in my urine. In fact, about 5 months before I got pregnant, I had to do my first 24 hour urine test for my general practitioner. She too said that I had elevated levels of protein my urine, but that it was normal for some people to have more protein than others. My OB disagreed. She explained to me how the kidneys work to filter out proteins, and when, for whatever reason, they aren't filtering out what they should be, there could be a problem. She said this could be considered "good news" for my pregnancy though, as it didn't sound like Pre-eclampsia if I've had this protein problem even before I got pregnant. Also, since my blood pressure was normal at the last several visits, that gave less credibility to the Pre-eclampsia diagnosis as well. She referred me to a Nephrologist (kidney doctor), to have them run some tests and find out what the root of this problem is. If its not related to my blood pressure, which I'm sure its not, then its not Pre-eclampsia, and that can be ruled out. On the other hand, if its not related to my blood pressure, then I'm not sure what it could be related to, and we need to get to the bottom of it! My OB said it could be a neph-something-or-other, but that it shouldn't affect the pregnancy. She didn't seem to concerned with the alternative, which made me feel a little bit better. Hopefully if we discover its not Pre-eclampsia, and there is some other reason that my kidneys are slacking on the job, they'll be able to do something, preferably non-invasive to fix the problem! Anyway, she gave me the number of a Nephrologist, and told me she wants to see me back in a week (11/24) after I have been to see the Nephrologist. Of course, when I called to make the new patient appointment with them, the first availability was on December 2nd, so I had to take that appointment. I called my OB back, and told her that the new doctor informed me that there would be no way to get in before my next OB appointment, but that I had another OB appointment on the 3rd of December, and wanted to know if that was ok. SO NOW my OB is calling the Nephrologist, trying to get me in with them before my November 24th OB appointment. I know...CONFUSING! So many doctor appointments, so little time. As of now, I have an ultrasound appointment with my mom's friend Jennifer, on the 23rd, an OB appointment on the 24th, a Nephrologist appointment on the 2nd, and another OB appointment on the 3rd. To top it all off, my December 3rd OB appointment marks my 32nd week, at which time they start increasing your appointments to every other week until about 36 weeks, and then it goes to weekly! I'll probably be living at the doctor's office for the remainder of my pregnancy. Better safe than sorry I suppose.

In happier news, my baby shower is TOMORROW! I am so excited! My mom and my Grandma Dee have put so much time and planning into it. I can't wait to see the final result. I will post pictures as soon as I have some. Trying to find something to wear to the baby shower has been...fun. Since the beginning of my pregnancy, my ambition was always to look pregnant, and not just fat. For the last several weeks that I have been REALLY "showing", I have been buying regular, non-maternity shirts in bigger sizes, so I can look pregnant, be comfortable, and still feel cute. This has become more of a task in recent weeks. I think I've come to a point where the non-maternity shirts aren't going to cut it much longer. Although I have come to terms with the fact that I may have to buy some maternity shirts, I refuse, REFUSE to wear a mu-mu for the next few weeks. I will not do it. My Grandma Jan and Mama picked out some really cute maternity clothes for me at Kohl's, and my shower ensemble will most likely come from their findings. Cute, and not a tent!

Tuesday night was our first child birth class at University Community Hospital, which is where we plan to deliver. Neither one of us was expecting this to be a blast, but we had heard that they were somewhat helpful. We were in a class of 4 couples (not including us). Although the teacher was very sweet and helpful, I can't say that I learned anything new. I come from a HUGE family, and it seems like every year, someone is having a baby. This has proved to be very helpful during this pregnancy, and knowing what to expect. Before we left for the class, we were running late, as usual. Colt really wanted to shave before we left, as to make a good first impression. In an effort to be speedy, he wasn't paying much attention to what he was doing, and he cut his ear, and his nose pretty badly. It was bleeding, so he put some paper towel on the wounds, and we left for the class. The kept the paper towel on the whole way there, but when we parked at the hospital, he obviously had to take it off. It started bleeding profusely! His ear had pretty much dried up, but the scratch on the bottom of his nostril was pretty bad. We made it to the class with a few minutes to spare, so he ran to the bathroom and grabbed a few hand fulls of toilet paper to stop the bleeding. It was HILARIOUS! The teacher asked us all to answer a few "get to know you" questions, and Colt was holding a bloody wad of toilet paper in his hand, and blotting his nose every few words. I couldn't help but laugh so hard (not while he was talking of course). We both got a huge kick out of it. It didn't stop bleeding until we took our first break about an hour later! Poor guy!

Side note: I had a cup of coffee this morning, which I haven't really wanted almost the entire pregnancy. I used to be an avid coffee drinker, but the thought of it during this pregnancy has kind of been a turn off. Anyway, as I type, I am watching the baby squirm and dance in my belly. He must like the extra caffeine kick! HA!

Well I suppose I will leave you with a few pictures. I didn't post them on Facebook, but I thought since this was my "personal" blog, that it would be ok to post them on here. Aunt Heather (my go-to photographer) is down for the shower so we took some cool "belly" photos. I had been trying to figure out a way to use my curtains in my room, which are such a cool orange color, and some low lighting to take some cool shots, but I don't know how to set the timer on my camera. She was a big help, and they came out great! Just to preface this, I don't think these are immodest, and if you are having lustful thoughts about a 7 and 1/2 month pregnant belly, you're a weirdo. Thanks for reading!!!

Week 28: The Arrival of Mr. Braxton Hicks

FINALLY! Week 28, the beginning of the third trimester! Where did the second trimester go? Colt and I were just talking about how quickly the weeks are passing. We only have 12 more weeks until we reach 40! This week we spruced up the nursery a bit more, had my 28 week doctors appointment, discovered some of the baby's preferences, and I caught the beginning of a nasty cold. I suppose if you were looking for a quick summary, you don't have to read any further. Ha!

I would estimate that the nursery is about 95% complete. There are still a few things I have to pick up and hang on the walls, but its almost there. We bought a little pacifier basket this week to hold extra pacifiers, and another one to hold socks. You have no idea how much I enjoy organizing things. More accurately stated, you have no idea how much I enjoy having things organized. I'm still trying to figure out how I want to store all of his clothes. He has a pretty big closet, as well as several large drawers in his chest of drawers. I bought some clear, plastic containers to store clothes that are too big for him right now. I got a good tip from Megan Ciampa, to wash new clothes in 3 month increments (0-3 months, 3-6 months, etc.). It makes sense because it saves you drawer space, as well as the hassle of digging through things that don't fit him to find something that does. Good tip, Megan! Anyway, the nursery has turned out exactly how I pictured it. I can't wait to post pictures...but I will! :)

My 28 week doctors appointment was actually eventful this time. I don't know why but I always get a little bit nervous going to my appointments. I know that the baby is doing fine, but I just can't seem to shake the feeling of queasiness when I go. For those who know me well, you know that feeling queasy is my response to nerves...every time. I hate it, but I suppose its better than a few other physiological reactions to nerves I can think of. Yikes! Anyway, the 28 week appointment is when they conduct the Glucose Tolerance test. A few minutes after I arrived I was called back for the routine urine sample, weight check, and blood pressure check. After all of the routine testing, they asked me to spit out my gum and drink an orange liquid, which resembled Pedialyte, but tasted very sweet. I had heard mixed reviews on the drink, so not wanting to take my chances, I held my nose and chugged it down. Not bad. After the initial drink, you have to wait exactly an hour, and then they take a blood sample to see how well your body is filtering out sugars, or something like that. I had asked about fasting before the test at my last appointment, and the said it wasn't necessary. I always have a Coke or Diet Coke in the morning when I wake up to prevent caffeine headaches, but I wasn't thinking of the effect my morning Coke might have on the Glucose Test later that day. Thankfully I passed with flying colors! Anything under 139 is passing, and I was at 120! During my hour long wait, I was called back for my normal doctors appointment. I loved our doctor at this appointment. I had seen Dr. Polender once before at a previous appointment, and she really seemed to care about how I was doing. Not only that, but she seemed genuinely excited for Colt and I, and even remembered who I was when she walked into the room at this appointment! Impressive! I hope she's on call at the time of delivery! She measured my "fundal height" and said I was right on target. We got to hear the baby's heartbeat, which has stayed between 130 and 140 beats per minute every time, which is good! I had a few questions for her regarding my due date. For a myriad of different reasons, I am beginning to question if I am farther along that I originally thought. He has measured almost 2 weeks ahead of schedule at all of the ultrasounds, and has reached several milestones, like opening and closing his eyes a few weeks ahead of schedule as well. There are other more "scientific" reasons, which will remain undisclosed. :) Anyway, she wanted to do another in office sonogram to check and make sure we are still on schedule. He could just be a large baby. We'll find out on Tuesday. I'm hoping they'll turn on the 3D ultrasound for us again! Another issue brought to my attention was my blood pressure. It has been slowly escalating since my first appointment, although still within a "normal" range. She said it was normal to have higher blood pressure in pregnancy, but she wanted to do a 24 hour urine test to make sure there was no protein in my urine (or at least a normal amount). I am thankful for her precaution! She didn't say the words Pre-eclampsia, but I know that is what she's checking for. I would like to rule that out as quickly as possible! I start the urine test on Monday, and will turn it in on Tuesday when I come in for my sonogram. Hopefully everything will come back fine.

There must be something wrong with the left side of my body, because the baby likes to steer clear of it. He is ALWAYS curled up on my right side, which I think is so cute. I have to wait to see who he'll resemble, and what his personality will be like, but its nice to get to know some of his preferences while we wait to meet him. He loves to kick at my right rib cage and sometimes heads up there just to hang out. There have been a few times this past week where he will position himself on my right side, and I can see the outline of his little body. Its obviously not in detail, but its a huge lump under my skin. It looks like something out of an alien movie.

This week I realized that the tightening and "hardness" I've been having in my belly are really Braxton Hicks contractions! I've heard of them before, obviously, but for some reason I thought they felt more like a cramp. They aren't painful. They kind of feel like all of my insides are twisting and tightening and my stomach gets harder for a few seconds. They don't last very long, but I can always tell when I'm having one because sometimes my face feels like its getting slightly hotter and I can feel my heart beating in my face and throat! They haven't become annoying yet, but I've heard they get old fast! Guess they're just one of the joys of the third trimester!

Saturday night Colt played a wedding for some friends of the family (on the Iannetta side). It was a gorgeous event! Grandpa Tony and Grandma Jan came down to attend the wedding and we got to spend some time with them. Mama and Grandma Jan went out and bought me some accessories and really cute maternity clothes! I was so thankful, because I'm getting to the point now where my cute little non-maternity shirts aren't cutting it anymore! Grandma Jan also bought us our changing table!!! I am SO excited to get that in the house. Its being shipped right now. The next time we'll see Grandma Jan and Grandpa Tony, I will have a three month old baby (Lord willing). So surreal!

UPDATE: Today is Tuesday (28 weeks, 6 days), and I wrote most of this post earlier in the week. I just got home from my doctors appointment where I had my sonogram to tell me if they were going to change my due date. First off, I had my blood pressure checked and it was 122/78 which was great, and down from my last appointment (138/80). I may just be getting nervous about appointments with the doctor. Weird. ANYWAY! We waited for about an hour to get called back for the ultrasound, which was ridiculous because she admitted that we got shuffled around, and they basically forgot about us. I laid down on the table and had to explain to her why we were there. She started measuring his head, belly, and femur to check his measurements. He was measuring big, of course, but the only way I knew this is because I was reading how many weeks he was measuring on the screen, not because she was telling me. She was doing all kinds of stuff and not telling us what it meant. His face was towards my back, so we could see his spine, but no face shots. She hardly even tried to turn him around. She just said, "I don't think you'll be able to see his face." She said I have the perfect amount of amniotic fluid. I had to ask how much he weighed, which was 3 lbs. 1 oz. She said he is in the 70th percentile. When I asked her if that meant he was going to come earlier than we thought, she just looked at me for a few seconds and said she didn't know. When we were all done, we left with a blurry picture of his "boy parts" and his foot. She put no effort into getting any good shots of him, or explaining anything to us! I was so mad when we left this appointment, especially because we only have one doctor's office ultrasound covered under our insurance, and we are most likely going to have to pay for this! We were kind of hurried out the door. I guess she just wanted to go home since it was about 4:40pm. We were in the room for less than 10 minutes. Oh well, the doctor wanted us to have it done, so I will probably call at the end of the week to see what the doctor thinks. Although I am frustrated with the ultrasound tech, I am VERY THANKFUL that we have such a healthy baby! He is breech again, but she said he has plenty of time to turn around. We go for an ultrasound at my mom's office, with our favorite ultrasound tech, Jennifer, on November 23rd. We are so thankful for Jennifer and for all of the detailed (and FREE) ultrasounds she has given us! This week has been great! The shower is less than two weeks away and I am SO excited! Thanks for reading everyone!

A fat little foot!