Follow-Up Appointment

Follow-Up Appointment that sent me straight back to the hospital.

I'm going to try to make this long story short so bare with me!

This morning I went back to the OB for my follow-up appointment from my hospital visit on Monday afternoon/evening. My BP was still a little elevated but not drastic. I spent yesterday and this morning monitoring it myself at home and only one time that I took it was it in the normal range- all others were high. I also woke up with a headache and this has been my 3rd one in a week (Saturday, Monday, and today). The NP was very informative and seemed genuinely concerned. 

I was put on the fetal monitor for 20 minutes in the office. Kynlee was very active and had a great heartbeat the entire time (Praise the Lord)! The NP looked over my blood work from Monday's hospital visit and reassured me that those were fine. After my 20 minutes of fetal monitoring was completed, she came back in the room with some "not so good" news. After looking back at my chart and reports (since she wasn't involved in it on Monday) she noticed that there was a small amount of protein found in my urine. That, combined with the headaches and elevated BP, was enough to put me back in the hospital. You see, on Monday I should have had a 24-hour urine collection done but the [male] OB doctor sent me home without one.

So, here I am. Back in the hospital. Back to monitoring my BP. And now I'm collecting my urine for 24 hours to be tested tomorrow. Oh, and they just did more blood work so I should know those results in about an hour or so. Good news is that I am in an actual delivery room so it is much more spacious and a lot nicer than the other two "observation" rooms I've been in previously. 

The results of my urine test will determine when Kynlee will arrive. While I'd love to meet her as soon as possible, that is not my prayer. My prayer is that God's Will is done and she will come when she is ready-but if they do have to take her early that there will be no complications because of it.

I'll continue to update as I know more. And if you've read this far, thanks for staying with me! I apparently don't know how to make long stories short! ;)

OB appt. turned Hospital Visit

Yesterday I went to my 37 week OB appointment. I was expecting it to be pretty normal but that was hardly the case. After checking my blood pressure 3 different times on the digital monitor, and it being high every single time, they got out the manual monitor. It was high then, too. The past few visits prior to yesterday my BP has been high the first time they took it, but by the second time it was within normal range. That wasn't the case yesterday. It started to worry me a little because I have always had excellent BP... like right on to what it should be. 

(BTW, urine was fine- no protein found).
**Update: Apparently there WAS a small amount of protein found in my urine and I didn't find out til 2 days later.**

Next they took me back to a room and checked Kynlee's heartbeat- 143bpm. When the doc came in she measured my belly but I forgot to ask what I was measuring at. I'm sure I'm still measuring ahead, though, since that's been the case the entire pregnancy. She then checked my cervix since I've still been having a lot of cramping and pressure. I was (am?) still dilated to only 1 cm but she said my cervix has thinned more since last week.

I thought I might be leaking amniotic fluid so she checked for that, too. The speculum procedure was very uncomfortable and I'd even say painful--but I wanted to be sure there was plenty of fluid for Kynlee! An ultrasound after confirmed that she still has plenty to "swim" in. (Also confirmed that she is still a girl, lol).

After the ultrasound I was put into an observation-type room. They checked my BP an additional 4 times over the course of an hour while I was in there. It still wouldn't come down low enough to be in the normal range so doc had orders for me to go to the hospital to L&D for monitoring and blood work.

By this time, Luke was getting out of class so I waited a few minutes on him to meet me there before going on to L&D (my doc's office is literally right across the street from the hospital).

We got there, registered, and we were then sent to a very small room with no windows-- I was feeling very claustrophobic! They hooked me up to a BP monitor, a heart rate monitor for Kynlee, and another to check for contractions. The first two BP readings at the hospital were very high, but after that they seemed to settle down some- although still being considered high.

When my urine sample (second one of the day) came back, the doc said I was dehydrated and ordered some IV fluids. They also had to do the blood work so [luckily] I only got stuck once and she took the blood from the vein that the IV was going into.

About an hour later, the nurse came back in and said, "Good news! Your blood work came back fine and you can go home." Well, this WAS good news because I didn't want to stay overnight in the hospital. However, I had only had half of the bag of fluids and I was very annoyed that I had to have them in the first place. (I know, I know-- it's what they thought was best for the baby... but seems like I should have finished the bag off if it was that much of a concern. And if you know me then you know that I HATE IV's. Period.)

I also thought it was strange that my last BP check before I was discharged was still high, but I was allowed to go home anyway. (So what was the purpose of me being there in the first place?).

Bottom line- the nurses were wonderful. The on-call doctor last night was the male doctor in the practice that I do not like AT ALL. And you know what? He never, not ONCE, came into the room to see me or check on me yesterday. A 37+week pregnant woman with high BP and I don't even get to speak with the doctor? I mean is this normal?? (This is the same doc that would never call us back-after several attempts-when I had my kidney stones 5wks ago after I was discharged from hospital and needed to speak with the on-call doc). Ughh I swear I like him less and less as time goes on.

I go back tomorrow morning for a follow-up visit at my OB's office. I will be seeing one of the NP's, though, and not my doc. Please be in prayer that my BP comes down and that I won't have any more dealings with Dr. Male. I'll update when I know more!

My hospital visit at 32.5 weeks

*I've had this post partially written for several weeks now and I forgot to finish! *

So I just realized that I never did an update on my [first] hospital visit since I've been pregnant.

Here's the scoop:

July 21st was a normal day for me. I felt fine the entire day (other than the regular pregnancy woes) and nothing felt out of the ordinary. That night my hubby and I got into bed and I started watching some TV while he read a book.

All of a sudden I had a burning sensation "down there" and knew something wasn't right. I assumed I just had to use the bathroom so that's where I headed. Once I began to pee (or urinate-for those who prefer the politically correct terminology), there was no burning. Just as I was about to head back to bed, I collapsed. An excruciating pain, unlike anything I have ever felt before came over me. It started in the left side of my back and came around to the front, left side of my abdomen.
I called for my husband's help and he could tell by the tone of my voice that something was not right. He rushed and tried to help me. He decided to call my mom and see what she thought we needed to do. The hospital it was. I knew I needed to go to the hospital but I was in such excruciating pain I seriously didn't think I could make it without an ambulance.
I was finally able to throw on a bra while hubby packed a hospital bag.
After what seemed like a LONG ride to the hospital (although it was actually a speedy, quick ride...) we arrived. I was put into a wheelchair and rushed up to the OB floor. They checked my cervix when I got there and found out that I was 1 cm dilated but didn't think I was in labor.
 After several tests I find out that I was passing kidney stones. It was so painful and many say that it's the closest pain to childbirth. I ended up having to stay about 32 hours in the hospital for IV antibiotics and fluids. I was able to go home that Friday morning but remained in pain throughout the weekend and into the following week. It wasn't until I finished my round of antibiotics that they sent me home on that I started to feel better. So... yeah. I definitely have a new appreciation for people that have kidney stones!

*Next post: My [second] hospital visit during this pregnancy. Stay tuned.*

Monday Ramblings

Today I have another OB appointment after lunch. I am anxious to see if I am dilated/effaced anymore. I have been cramping so much and having contractions- so if I were to go in there and no progress has been made, I will definitely feel defeated. This is proving to be the hardest but yet most rewarding thing I have ever had to do.

The pressure is nearly too much to handle at times and getting out of bed- something that used to be a simple task- can now cause a flow of tears.

Of course I want Kynlee to come on her own terms...but I wouldn't mind if that time was now (or at least REALLY soon). I pray that when it is time for her arrival, her lungs are fully developed and she will not have any other problems.

I realize that many first-time moms end up going past their due date before delivering. I can not even think about this right now. The very thought makes me cringe. I don't know how I could make it that long with the way I am already feeling now.

That's it for now. I'll update after my appointment!

37 Weeks

*Please note: this post is a day early. Tomorrow will be busy for us so I wanted to go ahead & post incase I don't have time to tomorrow. I will actually be 37 weeks tomorrow.*

I made it to 37 weeks! Ever since last week I have noticed that time is almost standing still. I know the last few weeks are just going to creep by. I go back to the doctor on Monday and I'm anxious to see if I have dilated any more. A good thing about being 37wks is that Kynlee is now considered full-term. Actually, anywhere from 37-40wks is full-term and her lungs should be mature enough now. Praise the Lord.:)

Below is the weekly babycenter.com update! 

Your pregnancy: 37 weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, her lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. (Some babies need a bit more time, though. So if you're planning to have a repeat c-section, for example, your practitioner will schedule it for no earlier than 39 weeks unless there's a medical reason to intervene earlier.)

Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard)...

 

Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

How your life's changing:

Braxton Hicks contractions may be coming more frequently now and may last longer and be more uncomfortable. You might also notice an increase in vaginal discharge. If you see some "bloody show" (mucus tinged with a tiny amount of blood) in the toilet or in your undies, labor is probably a few days away — or less. (If you have heavier spotting or bleeding, call your caregiver immediately.) Also be sure to ask your caregiver about the results of your Group B strep culture. That way, if the result isn't yet on your chart when you get to the hospital or birth center, you'll be able to give the staff there a timely heads-up if you need antibiotics.

It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy through the day — this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby's movements, too, and let your caregiver know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though her quarters are getting cozy, she should still be as active as before.

While you're sleeping, you're likely to have some intense dreams. Anxiety both about labor and about becoming a parent can fuel a lot of strange flights of unconscious fancy.

 

36 week appointment/birthday

So yesterday was my 23rd birthday. It was perfect! Luke brought me doughnuts for breakfast from my favorite hometown bakery, Mi-Lady Bakery. Yesterday afternoon we went to my OB appointment (update on that further down) and then went for a pedicure! It was much needed since I haven't had one since my sister's wedding back in June! The guy giving the pedicure massaged my legs/feet for the longest time. It was just what I needed!
 After the pedicure, Luke took me to eat at my favorite Japanese Steakhouse. We shared the Super Crunch Roll (deep fried sushi) and each ordered from the grill (which includes salad and soup). I had the chicken with fried rice and veggies. After the sushi, salad, and soup, I was stuffed so I got the rest of my food to-go.
We then came home for a little bit, let our food settle, and then headed to Walmart in a nearby town. I have gotten so aggravated with our own Walmart because they never have what I need (i.e. limited baby items, no nursing bras, etc.). I was very shocked that this Walmart had a bigger selection than our own, since it is a smaller town. I was able to find a nursing bra, some cotton lounge-style capris for the hospital/ride home, and various items for the baby! Hallelujah!

On our way back home we stopped by my parents' house and visited with them for a while. My granny, sister, and brother-in-law were also there. It was a great ending to a great day!

Tonight we are going out to eat with Luke's family to celebrate my birthday. I am looking forward to it!


36 Week Appt.:

Yesterday I had my 36 week OB appointment. My BP was still a little elevated, but not too bad. Kynlee's heartbeat was 132 bmp. This is the lowest it's ever been, but it's still considered normal I guess. It has always remained between 142-144 bmp or so. She is still measuring ahead...around 39 weeks.

I had to have my Group B Strep test done yesterday and that wasn't very fun but I survived!

Then, doctor A checked my cervix and she could feel Kynlee's head (this explains the intense vaginal pressure I've been feeling lately)! She also said I am dilated 1 cm and that I could go into labor any time now. WHOA!

My luck, I will end up going past my due date. I hope she arrives soon, though! :)

36 weeks!

I am 36 weeks pregnant today! Oh my! In about 4 weeks I will be holding my daughter... it is so surreal! Below is the weekly update from babycenter.com. Enjoy!

 

Your pregnancy: 36 weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon)...

...and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, that will form the contents of her first bowel movement.

At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position. But if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.

How your life's changing:

Now that your baby is taking up so much room, you may have trouble eating a normal-size meal. Smaller, more frequent meals are often easier to handle at this point. On the other hand, you may have less heartburn and have an easier time breathing when your baby starts to "drop" down into your pelvis. This process — called lightening — often happens a few weeks before labor if this is your first baby. (If you've given birth before, it probably won't happen before labor starts.) If your baby drops, you may also feel increased pressure in your lower abdomen, which may make walking increasingly uncomfortable, and you'll probably find that you have to pee even more frequently. If your baby is very low, you may feel lots of vaginal pressure and discomfort as well. Some women say it feels as though they're carrying a bowling ball between their legs!

You might also notice that your Braxton Hicks contractions are more frequent now. Be sure to review the signs of labor with your practitioner and find out when she wants to hear from you. As a general rule, if you're full-term, your pregnancy is uncomplicated, and your water hasn't broken, she'll probably have you wait to come in until you've been having contractions that last for about a minute each, coming every five minutes for an hour. Of course, you'll want to call right away if you notice a decrease in your baby's activity or think you're leaking amniotic fluid, or if you have any vaginal bleeding, fever, a severe or persistent headache, constant abdominal pain, or vision changes.

Even if you're enjoying an uncomplicated pregnancy, it's best to avoid flying (or any travel far from home) during your final month because you can go into labor at any time. In fact, some airlines won't let women on board who are due to deliver within 30 days of the flight.

One Month Away

Dear Baby K,

I cannot believe how fast time truly flies! When I first found out that I was expecting you, I must admit my disappointment when I realized I was only 6 weeks along...I wanted to be much further. Your due date seemed so far away! Let's face it, your mommy is not the most patient person in the world and the sooner you learn that, the better. ;)

I promise to work on my patience. I really have been getting better at it, I think, although daddy may disagree.

Everyone told me that the pregnancy would go by so fast. Psh! I didn't believe them. That's something easy to say when they already had their sweet babies in their arms. But you know what? They were right. With only 4.5 weeks left (and just ONE MONTH away from my due date), I am wondering where the time has gone. It also makes me realize that just as fast as this pregnancy has gone so will your childhood. I feel like I will blink and then you'll be off to your first day of high school. I don't want to rush it by any means. I plan to savor each and every precious moment with you. 

I will never forget seeing you and hearing your heartbeat for the first time on ultrasound. What an indescribable feeling! I know that God was there with us as we experienced it for the first time and while I know that He is always with us, His prescense was made known that day. After we left the doctor's office, we sat in the car for a few minutes just admiring the ultrasound pics. And then it happened. Your daddy teared up and in turn I did the same! That was a very special moment for us. Our love for you even then was so strong and it always will be. You've had him wrapped around your finger since January little one!

I (we) are so ready to meet you! I can't help but feel anxious about your arrival. When will you decide it's time? Will it be vaginal or C-section? Will there be any complications or will you be an "easy" delivery? Will my water break on its own or will the doctor have to break it? These are just a few questions that are constantly running through my mind. I am trying to remember to leave it in God's hands and that you will come when you are ready :). It's harder said than done, though.

We love you so much, Kynlee. You are truly a blessing.

Love, 

Mommy

35 weeks!

I am in awe that in 5 weeks or less I will be a mommy! Though I already feel like a mom having carried her for so long now, I know reality will hit when she enters the world and I cannot wait for that moment! I am sure that it will be an instant love, one that I have never known before!

Below is the weekly update from babycenter.com. 

Your pregnancy: 35 weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that she's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon)... (5 days ago she was already weighing in at 5 lbs, 10 ounces)...

Because it's so snug in your womb, she isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same. Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete — she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

How your life's changing:

Your uterus — which was entirely tucked away inside your pelvis when you conceived — now reaches up under your rib cage (I can feel it up there). If you could peek inside your womb, you'd see that there's more baby than amniotic fluid in there now. Your ballooning uterus is crowding your other internal organs, too, which is why you probably have to urinate more often and may be dealing with heartburn (!!!) and other gastrointestinal distress. If you're not grappling with these annoyances, you're one of the lucky few.

From here on out, you'll start seeing your practitioner every week. Sometime between now and 37 weeks, she'll do a vaginal and rectal culture to check for bacteria called Group B streptococci (GBS)...(this is happening at my next appointment). (Don't worry — the swab is the size of a regular cotton swab, and it won't hurt at all.) GBS is usually harmless in adults, but if you have it and pass it on to your baby during birth, it can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, meningitis, or a blood infection. Because 10 to 30 percent of pregnant women have the bacteria and don't know it, it's vital to be screened. (The bacteria come and go on their own — that's why you weren't screened earlier in pregnancy.) If you're a GBS carrier, you'll get IV antibiotics during labor, which will greatly reduce your baby's risk of infection.

34 week appt. (take 2)

I just got back from my second doctor's appointment this week. I had to go again because of reasons mentioned in my last post. If you missed out, click here to catch up!

My BP is still elevated. The doctors aren't TOO concerned just yet, but I have been given strict orders to keep monitoring it, taking it easy, and letting them know if I have any more headaches, blurred vision, or just start feeling bad in general. (I'll be 35 weeks tomorrow... feeling bad is a constant right now so it'll be hard to decipher between the norm and not so norm).

There is no protein in my urine so that's a plus.

Kynlee is growing more and more each day. Her heartbeat was 146 bpm today on the handheld monitor. I didn't get another ultrasound but that's okay. I have had more ultrasounds in this one pregnancy than many women get total with 3+ pregnancies and for that I am blessed. 

I'll be going to the doctor every week from now until the delivery.

It's getting so close!

34 week appt.

On Tuesday of this week I had my 34 week appointment and I honestly just forgot to post about it!

I went in expecting to see the doc, but ended up seeing the NP instead. Luckily, I happen to LOVE her, but I was still agitated that I had been told I was seeing the doc and then turns out I wasn't.

I have been having some cramping and elevated BP so I was sure to tell her about it. She checked my cervix and I am still closed, thankfully! She told me to take it easy for the next few days, monitor my BP, and then return to see them on Friday (today). So that's what I've been doing. Since I've been monitoring it, my BP has been back and forth. Some readings have been in the normal range (which is usually typical for me- I have always had really good BP), and some in the higher range (not normal for me).

The swelling is getting worse by the day but I'm surviving. I have been trying to stay off my feet for the most part and keep them propped up, but nothing seems to help. Any suggestions?

Kynlee's heartbeat was 143 bpm on the handheld monitor. I ended up getting an ultrasound to check her position/growth since she always seems to be measuring ahead. Her heartbeat on the ultrasound was also 143 bpm and she is weighing in at 5lbs.,10 ounces!

My appointment is this afternoon so I will update again later!

34 weeks!

I'm headed to babysit some precious little younger boys but I wanted to quickly do the 34 week update from babycenter.com. Enjoy!

 

Your pregnancy: 34 weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe)...

...and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine (Praise the Lord!). They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

How your life's changing:

By this week, fatigue has probably set in again, though maybe not with the same coma-like intensity of your first trimester. Your tiredness is perfectly understandable, given the physical strain you're under and the restless nights of frequent pee breaks and tossing and turning, while trying to get comfortable. Now's the time to slow down and save up your energy for labor day (and beyond). If you've been sitting or lying down for a long time, don't jump up too quickly. Blood can pool in your feet and legs, causing a temporary drop in your blood pressure when you get up that can make you feel dizzy.

If you notice itchy red bumps or welts on your belly and possibly your thighs and buttocks as well, you may have a condition called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP for short). Up to one percent of pregnant women develop PUPPP, which is harmless but can be quite uncomfortable (Haven't noticed anything like this yet & I hope I don't). See your practitioner so she can make sure it's not a more serious problem, provide treatment to make you more comfortable, and refer you to a dermatologist if necessary. Also be sure to call her if you feel intense itchiness all over your body, even if you don't have a rash. It could signal a liver problem.

Breastfeeding 101

Hey everyone! Today I am so very fortunate to have a guest blogger to tell us all about breastfeeding! I plan to breastfeed Kynlee once she arrives but I really didn't know too much about it. Jessica, from The Southern Belle Baby, fills us in on the good, the bad, and the ugly with breastfeeding... and I'm so glad she did! I've been a follower of her blog for a while now and I just love to read her posts! Click here to see her blog!

Thanks again, Jessica!

When you think of breast feeding, maybe you envision a mother cuddling a sweet baby to her chest, an effortless exchange of milk underway. Well, that's a nice thought. Because in the beginning, that is generally NOT what happens. At this point, I have breast fed my son, Knox, for six months, and yes, that is generally how our nursing sessions go (when he's not biting my nipple or sucking on the side of my boob), but let me tell you that in the beginning, things are different. 

Before I even got pregnant, I knew that if I was able, I would breast feed. It was something I felt passionately about and really wanted to do. I knew all about the health benefits, the bonding aspect, ease of preparation (ie NONE), cost savings and secretly I was really excited to get big boobs (goodbye, A cup!). On our third day in the hospital (Knox spent some time in the NICU) my milk came in. And holy cow, did it come in. My boobs were gigantic. It looked like I had just gotten porn star-worthy implants, I had gone from the B cup I had attained during pregnancy to at least a DD overnight. Oh my gosh, how they hurt. They were engorged, which is what happens when your milk comes in for the first time, so don't be surprised when you wake up with rock hard cantaloupes on your chest. (Don't worry, it goes down in a few days).

After dealing with a the mega boobs for a few days, onto the next issue: latching on. Knox was the laziest eater ever, he required constant stimulation to stay awake and focused on his job. Of course, he could barely fit his tiny mouth around my giant knockers, but eventually the job got done. It would probably take an hour per nursing session, so I was tired chick only going two hours between feedings. After a few weeks, he got the hang of things and got much more efficient. Now, it only takes 10 minutes.
Let down is another thing that I didn't really understand before it happened to me. You don't just pull the baby to your chest and the milk is there. It has to let down, first. For me, let down feels like pins and needles, not overly painful or anything, but I can feel it. Then, the milk is a-coming, and if there isn't a baby's mouth over the top of the exit, it's going to go somewhere: generally, EVERYWHERE. My boobs sprayed like a super soaker (and they still do), and there's another fact you may not be aware of- I kind of figured human nipples had one hole, like on bottle nipples. Uh, nope. When your milk sprays, it goes in five different directions because there are multiple milk openings on the top of the nipple. Hence the need to buy some absorbent breast pads- your shirts will thank you.
Despite the sore boobs, leaking nipples and other "negatives," breast feeding is one of the most rewarding and amazing things I have ever done. Looking down at my sweet little guy while he eats is still such a sweet sight, even months into the journey. And things DO get easier. The first few weeks are tough, and I absolutely recommend to everyone to utilize the knowledge of a lactation consultant. My hospital had two on staff and I visited multiple times until I "got" it. Eventually, things settled down- my boobs returned to a human size, my nipples didn't feel like they had been rubbed raw (get Lansinoh lanolin for those things... trust me) and nursing became the joy it is today. Hang in there- it's worth it!

- Jessica
The Southern Belle Baby Blog
www.thesouthernbellebaby.com

33 weeks

Hey everyone! I have a lot to catch you up on, but unfortunately it will have to wait because I have fallen behind on my school work due to a hospital visit this week! No worries, baby is fine and I will be doing a special post on that in the next few days. Also, I will have a guest blogger this week telling us the good, the bad, and the ugly on breastfeeding! More to come on both of those.
For now, it's time for the weekly update from babycenter.com.

33 weeks:

How your baby's growing:

This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds...(Kynlee already weighed this much last week)

(heft a pineapple)

...and has passed the 17-inch mark. She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and her skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance). These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as her brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

How your life's changing:

As your baby fills out even more of your belly, lots of things might start to change: Whereas before you were sashaying, you may find yourself waddling (definitely!). Finding an easy position to sit in — let alone sleep — is becoming more of a challenge (and then getting out of bed is another challenge in itself). And bumping into chairs and counters is par for the course (the clumsiness has consumed me...).

You may be feeling some achiness and even numbness in your fingers, wrists, and hands. Like many other tissues in your body, those in your wrist can retain fluid, which can increase pressure in the carpal tunnel, a bony canal in your wrist. Nerves that run through this "tunnel" may end up pinched, creating numbness; tingling, shooting or burning pain; or a dull ache. Try wearing a splint to stabilize your wrist or propping your arm up with a pillow when you sleep. If your work requires repetitive hand movements (at a keyboard or on an assembly line, for instance), remember to stretch your hands when you take breaks — which should be frequently.

Many women are still feeling sexy at this stage (they are???) — and their partners often agree. You may need to make some adjustments, but for most women, sex during pregnancy is fine right up until their water breaks or their labor starts.

32 week appt.

Today we had our 32 week appointment with the doctor. I saw the 3rd doctor in the practice who is the other female. She was nice and a lot better than the last [male] doctor I had to see, but still.... she wasn't MY doctor! :)

I was excited that from here on out I would should be able to see my own doctor since I have completed the "meet and greet" with the other two. No such luck. My next appointment, in 2 weeks, just happens to be the week that my doc is going on vacation! :(

I sucked it up and agreed to meet with the same [female] doctor that I saw today. 

But anyway.. back to the appointment. 

Everything seems to be fine with our little girl!

We didn't get an ultrasound today but should get one either next appointment or the one after to confirm that she is no longer breech. 

My vitals were all good and Kynlee's heartbeat was 144 bpm, which is where it generally stays...give or take a few. 

Now, here comes the pregnancy brain moment. 

I asked the nurse if I could use the bathroom to give my urine sample before the weight/vitals were done because I simply couldn't hold it any longer. 

The urine sample is something I'm used to and it is done at every appointment that I've been to since I've been pregnant. 

So, I go into the bathroom...grab the marker and write my name on the cup... and then I sat the cup down. BIG MISTAKE.

I was so caught up in how full my bladder was that I completely forgot to catch a sample until there was no more urine to be caught! 

(Haha, sorry if this is grossing some of you out... but I think other moms-to-be can appreciate this!)

Luckily, I had a drink from Sonic with me and I was able to sip on that for the rest of the time. After the doctor came in and checked me, I was finally able to provide a urine sample (which turned out to be fine) and they also did a finger prick (also fine). 

And that sums up my 32 week appointment!

In other news, we bought a brand new dishwasher today for a grand total of $66.00 out-of-pocket!!! We had some gift cards saved up from Christmas and were able to use those today. I have been fine washing dishes by hand since we got rid of the old dishwasher, since it's just my hubby and I, but now with the new baby coming...that means lots of bottles and parts that go with bottles... and I am not going to want to wash all of those by hand! So there ya go... that's why we got a new dishwasher. :)

Hope you all have a great rest of the week!

32 weeks

As of yesterday I am 32 weeks! I can't believe that we only have around 8 weeks until our little one arrives! Yesterday I had my very first baby shower and got some ADORABLE things! I plan to do a separate post on that soon.

Here's the weekly babycenter.com update for this week:

Your pregnancy: 32 weeks

How your baby's growing:

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (Kynlee is 4.3 pounds)...

(pick up a large jicama) 

 ...and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

How your life's changing:

To accommodate you and your baby's growing needs, your blood volume has increased 40 to 50 percent since you got pregnant. With your uterus pushing up near your diaphragm and crowding your stomach, the consequences may be shortness of breath and heartburn. To help relieve your discomfort, try sleeping propped up with pillows and eating smaller meals more often.

You may have lower-back pain as your pregnancy advances. If you do, let your caregiver know right away, particularly if you haven't had back pain before, since it can be a sign of preterm labor.

Assuming it's not preterm labor that's ailing you, you can probably blame your growing uterus and hormonal changes for your aching back. Your expanding uterus shifts your center of gravity and stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, changing your posture and putting a strain on your back. Hormonal changes in pregnancy loosen your joints and the ligaments that attach your pelvic bones to your spine. This can make you feel less stable and cause pain when you walk, stand, sit for long periods, roll over in bed, get out of a low chair or the tub, bend, or lift things.

Struggling...

I've come to realize that many women absolutely LOVE being pregnant and do not have a negative comment about it. Being pregnant comes easy for them. 

Well I'm here to say that this isn't the case for me.

Please don't get me wrong. I truly love being pregnant. 

The pros outweigh the cons, but there ARE cons.

Feeling the kicks, Seeing my stomach move in random ways/shapes, and hearing our baby's heartbeat... these are all things that make me feel completely blessed.

I know that God is the creator of this miracle inside of me that I often prayed for, although I didn't realize my prayers would be answered so soon. 

What a Mighty God He is!

That being said... I'm 32 weeks pregnant, extremely hormonal and I'm ready to vent.

Being pregnant is HARD. 

I feel like I am constantly complaining about neck aches, back aches, swollen ankles/hands/everything on my body for that matter. Getting out of bed - something that used to be a simple task - is even hard these days and requires great maneuvering skills.  I now have an overactive bladder and by the time I walk out of the bathroom my bladder feels full again.

I do not sleep good at night even though I'm constantly exhausted.
And the HEAT... don't even get me started on this HOT SOUTH GEORGIA WEATHER.
I break a sweat just turning on the A/C! It's ridiculous!

My mood swings are more often than not, and I am so thankful that my sweet husband and family puts up with them. Lately things will come out of my mouth and even I realize how hateful they sound- and have to immediately apologize. It's the hormones talking, not me!

I'm telling ya... these hormones are no joke and are way worse than the hormones/mood swings associated with PMS.  

All in all, I do not like this whiny, complaining person I've become.

I'm just ready to meet our daughter.

I know that once she gets here all of those "negative" things will seem even more minuscule than they do right now.

Until then... I'm going to try to stay positive. :)

31 weeks & 4D Ultrasound

Well, Kynlee did not cooperate at our 4D Ultrasound on Friday. We scanned for over an hour and couldn't get a clear picture. I was disappointed, but, oh well! Only 9 more weeks until I can see her in person :). She was still weighing in at 3 lbs, 10 ounces as of Friday! Here are a couple of the pics:

Sleeping baby:)

Foot:

Friday morning while I was getting ready for the 4D scan, I felt a sharp pain "down there." It wasn't unbearable, but it was uncomfortable and lasted for a few [long] seconds. I felt like she had turned into position, but not the correct position....meaning I thought she had turned from laying across me to breech. Why did I think this? Oh just because it felt like she was trying to stick her foot out of me! Haha :).

The ultrasound that afternoon confirmed that she turned, but she is in the right position-head down. Now let's just hope she stays that way!

Last night we celebrated my sweet Granny's 80th Birthday! Her bday is actually tomorrow, but we celebrated last night so that out-of-town family could join us. We also received some baby gifts at the party from the out-of-towners and we were SO excited and blessed with the gifts they gave us and Kynlee.

In other news, I am now 31 weeks as of yesterday! Here's what babycenter.com says:

Your pregnancy: 31 weeks

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges)...
 

...and is heading into a growth spurt (Kynlee weighs more than this). She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

How your life's changing:

Have you noticed the muscles in your uterus tightening now and then? Many women feel these random contractions — called Braxton Hicks contractions — in the second half of pregnancy. Often lasting about 30 seconds, they're irregular, and at this point, they should be infrequent and painless. Frequent contractions, on the other hand — even those that don't hurt — may be a sign of preterm labor. Call your practitioner immediately if you have more than four contractions in an hour or any other signs of preterm labor: an increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge (if it becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody — even if it's pink or just tinged with blood); abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping; an increase in pressure in the pelvic area; or low back pain, especially if you didn't have it before.

You may have noticed some leaking of colostrum, or "premilk," from your breasts lately. If so, try tucking some nursing pads into your bra to protect your clothes. (And if not, it's certainly nothing to worry about; your breasts are making colostrum all the same, even if you don't see any.) If your current bra is too snug, you might also want to pick up a nursing bra. Choose a nursing bra at least one cup size bigger than you need now. When your milk comes in you'll be grateful for that extra room!

Until next time...

30wk OB appt.

I don't even know where to begin to describe yesterday's OB appointment. 

First let me say that I was already dreading it because I was having to see a new doctor. You see, there are 2 other doctors in practice with MY doctor, and they like for you to see all three OB/GYNs at some point in your pregnancy since you won't know which one will be on-call when you go into labor (and that's another story- I'm annoyed that MY doctor of choice & the one who has dealt with my whole pregnancy won't necessarily deliver me...but I understand that these docs have to have lives, too).

Anyway...

So I'm waiting to see this mystery doctor who I've never met before. I keep waiting and waiting and waiting. FINALLY a nurse comes out into the waiting room to make a "general announcement." She informs us that the doctor whom I'm supposed to see today is across the street at the hospital, delivering a child. Wow. Perfect timing and just my luck. I don't mean to be bitter, especially since a new little life entered the world today... but geez! I waited 3.5 hours to see this doctor and then  he spends less than 5 minutes with me AND tells me I'm measuring 5weeks ahead of schedule! Wait...WHAT?! My jaw dropped. He requested an ultrasound to check the baby and turns out she is just fine and still measuring at a little over 30 weeks via ultrasound. Thanks for the panic attack, doc.

Kynlee's heartbeat was 142bmp on the handheld monitor and ultrasound, and she's weighing in at 3lbs, 10 ounces. :)

I go back in 2 weeks and will see the 3rd doctor in the practice, who is the other female doc. That male doc yesterday was not my fav. by any means!
After that appt. I will FINALLY be able to see my doc for the rest of the pregnancy :).

In other news, Kynlee has been draining me of my energy lately. I mean, I've been tired throughout the whole pregnancy thus far, but this past week has gotten worse. I have had to go back to sleep within 2 hours of waking up in the mornings because I am just so tired.

I'm ready for the "nesting" stage to take place!

And... my first baby shower is in 10 days! :)

I'm sorry this was such a long post- if you read this far, thanks for staying with me!

30 weeks pregnant!

Am I really 3/4 of the way through this pregnancy? Where has the time gone??

With only 10 weeks left until we meet our baby girl, reality is starting to set in and I'm stressing over everything that has not been done and needs to be done. I'll have my first baby shower in a little less than 2 weeks & I've got my 3D/4D ultrasound coming up soon!! :)

We just got back yesterday from our week-long "babymoon" at the beach & we had a blast!

Here's what babycenter.com has to say about 30 weeks:

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds...

(like a head of cabbage)...

 A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20).

How your life's changing:

You may be feeling a little tired these days, especially if you're having trouble sleeping. You might also feel clumsier than normal, which is perfectly understandable. Not only are you heavier, but the concentration of weight in your pregnant belly causes a shift in your center of gravity. Plus, thanks to hormonal changes, your ligaments are more lax, so your joints are looser, which may also contribute to your balance being a bit off. Also, this relaxation of your ligaments can actually cause your feet to spread permanently, so you may have to invest in some new shoes in a bigger size.

Remember those mood swings you had earlier in pregnancy? The combination of uncomfortable symptoms and hormonal changes can result in a return of those emotional ups and downs. It's normal to worry about what your labor will be like or whether you'll be a good parent. But if you can't shake the blues or feel increasingly irritable or agitated, talk to your doctor or midwife. You may be among the 1 in 10 expectant women who battle depression during pregnancy. Also let your caregiver know if you're frequently nervous or anxious.

 

30 weeks: