WARNING: This includes TMI, but considering the intended audience (future me), its not really TMI but it may be for you (family, friends, randoms reading this post).
You learn quickly that everything in pregnancy and early childhood is counted in weeks and then months (which feels so odd). My observation is that counting doesn't go back to years until your kid turns about two y.o. In that vein....
Week 0: Feb 14, 2013 - assumed conception... but the doc measures everything by LMP (last menstrual period) which I didn't track
Week 3: Boobs are sore and increased libido but didn't think anything of it
Week 4: Super tired. Clay asked "shouldn't you have had your period by now...?" We purchase and take an at home pregnancy test which was positive!
Week 6: Had registered way in advance but opt'd out of the Oakland Half Marathon....
Week 7: Initial doc appointment to confirm positive test. Doc confirms but is concerned about the heart rate, seems a bit low. This was a scary moment as you've spent the last three weeks contemplating the life-changing 'what-ifs' and this was not one you had considered. She suggests a follow up appointment next week to checking dating - it could be that we are a week early which would explain the low heart rate.
Week 8: Radiology appointment for a confirmation ultrasound - all good! Fetus heart rate normal and measurement statistics aligned with dating.
Week 9: The doc said that dental hygiene is somehow related to baby wellness. So, went to the dentist for 6-month cleaning. Had to say the words 'I'm pregnant' out loud for the first time (to someone other than Clay and my doc) - which was new, exciting and scary so that there would be no x-rays.
Attended my first prenatal yoga class... with Clay! He was so supportive and awesome to go with me since I was a bit timid about yoga in general and had no idea what to expect out of a prenatal class. I wish I could have video'd his self-introduction to the class ('Hi, my name is Clay and I'm zero weeks pregnant, but feeling good....').
Week 12: Watched documentary "The Business of Being Born." Mind blown.
Week 13: Genetics counselor meeting - since I'm over 35, a blood test and meeting with a genetics counselor is scheduled to discuss every possible, (scary) chromosomal abnormality. Basically, the older you get, the higher the odds of mental retardation, downs syndrome, etc. This meeting maps out every immediate family member, any related abnormalities, and your baby's specific odds given the blood test results. Of course they can't tell you anything absolutely but they give you odds. From there you can decide to do further testing or roll the dice. I was surprised to find out that in California you can legally abort until week 24. Heavy stuff.
Week 14: Having past the 12 week mark and with the green light from the docs and genetics counselors, we tell our families on mother's day :)
Week 15: Follow up prenatal appointment. Everything appears to be proceeding as expected. For my pre-pregnancy height and weight, I am expected to gain 25-35 pounds. Ran/walked Bay to Breakers!
Week 16: Still doesn't feel real. Wearing normal clothes but they just aren't fitting as well. Announce my pregnancy at work!
Week 19: TB test. Radiology appointment for anatomical ultrasound - this is where they measure the fetus and determine the gender. The technology is amazing. We are having a GIRL!
Week 20: Started brainstorming names....
Week 24: Baby bump feels like it popped out. Feels more real with the physical effects visible.
Week 25: Took the 'Wills, Trusts and Life Insurance' course through DayOne Center SF. Great class but a lot to absorb if you haven't made previous strides in this department.
Week 28: Failed my initial glucose test. Blood sugar was supposed to be under 140. I scored 170. Had to go back for a follow up fasting blood test and 3-hour glucose test. Scored 96 on the initial test, just missing the cut off by 1 and passed all the others. Result: I do not have gestational diabetes but my scores are abnormal. Docs says that often pregnancy hormones are strongest in the morning. Sometimes those hormones block the insulin from processing the glucose which would explain why my fasting scores (first test of the morning) missed the mark. To be sure, doc prescribed self-administered glucose testing kit and meeting with nutritionist. So, had to do the finger prick when I first woke up in the morning, and one hour after breakfast, lunch and dinner. Didn't hurt, but was a pain in the butt to remember, especially since we were headed to Hawaii for our anniversary/baby moon that weekend! Hawaii family threw surprise baby shower!!
Week 31: Attended 'Childbirth Preparation' course at DayOne. Was definitely eye-opening and not for the faint of heart.
Week 32: Started waking up with sore wrists, swollen hands and feet. Was drinking plenty of water. Doc said that it is fairly common for women to experience carpal tunnel during pregnancy due to the body releasing relaxin (a pregnancy hormone) that loosen joints in your body in preparation for labor and delivery. She suggested a wrist brace. Tried it out. Sort of helped, sort of not. Left wrist is the most sore. You know how your wrists feel the next day after bowling for the first time in ages? Similarly, my wrists hurt but more like I've been opening jars all night and my finger joints and wrists hurt with any pressure. Makes it nearly impossible to open cans, even with a can opener or pick up heavy plates. So odd!
Week 33: Put the finishing touches on the nursery. Clayton and family hosted our baby shower. So awesome!
Mia's baby born 4-weeks early! Result... packed our hospital bag just in case our baby decided to join Jackson.
Week 34: Attended 'Newborn Care' and 'Breastfeeding' courses at DayOne.
Week 35: Waking every 2-3 hours throughout the night to go to the bathroom. Fun times.
Week 36: Noticed my first Braxton-Hicks contraction. Work baby shower!
Week 37: Scheduled and had CHP car seat inspection. Last week of work at KWD.
Week 38 (week of Nov 4): First week of maternity leave. Filed SDI claim.
Week 40: Due date November 19, 2013 but no signs of labor as of yet! Cervical exam showed that I was 1-2cm dilated but still long and not effaced (thinned). Baby dropped. Experienced indigestion for the first time - so awful! How is it possible to feel full and hungry at the same time?! Every gulp, whether water or food results in burning burps and discomfort. Thank goodness for TUMS.
Doing something active daily - walking, prenatal yoga or swim classes. Helps me sleep and am trying to get things moving. Attended Adult/Infant CPR certification course.
Initial Antenatal (non-stress) Test scheduled for tomorrow. Fingers crossed that body and baby take their natural course so that baby arrives healthy and happy before December....
My reading materials:
- The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas and All Labor Companions
- Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn
- Mindful Birthing
- Heading Home with Your Newborn
- The Nursing Mother's Companion
- Happiest Baby on the Block Guide To Sleep
- Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood Practical Parenting from Birth to Six Years
- (and Youtube.com has an eye-opening array of videos - I watched a ton from Hypnobirthing to natural births)
Other side notes:
- All in, I've have had a very easy pregnancy. No morning sickness, cravings or other extremely uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms. Have been able to exercise throughout the pregnancy when tiredness doesn't get the best of me. I'm thankful and feel very lucky.
- Our families have been tremendously helpful with brothers and sisters having had baby girls previously. As a result, we have benefited from priceless hand-me-downs and anecdotal advice.
- I've loved going through this experience with a few friends who are nearly at the same stage in their lives. It has made this less scary, more communal and fun.
- I can remember not too long ago (less than 3 months ago), when our house parties involved lots more booze and singles (or at least DINKS). Without effort, it's noticeably transitioned to more babes and families. How the heck does that happen? Crazy.
- Finally, this would not be worth doing without my partner and loving husband who is so excited to be a daddy it nearly brings me to tears just thinking about it. I'm so grateful to be starting this adventure with him.
