Monitoring day 3 -
My first worry was what my blood pressure and what it was going to be today. To my surprise, it was lower than I had expected. We were at 126/72. Woohoo.
Monitoring went fine. Jack was active at first, then settled down, and my ultrasound showed lots of fluid. 1 hour later I was shipped up to my doctors appointment with Dr. Linsey.
36 week appointment -
Today my paperwork for disability was turned in so we should be set for getting paid by the state while I am out on maternity leave.
I was quickly taken to the back room and they completed my vitals.
Again another worry about my blood pressure came up b/c this time they do a manual read instead of an electric. I was curious to see what this reading was. To my surprise it was up again. Now we're at 132/80 something. I explained my concern over the difference in numbers and the nurse said to bring in my cuff next week and make sure to change the batteries before bringing it b/c when the batteries are at all low they start reading wrong.
Next came the urine test. Last visit I was showing protein. The nurse tested the urine and she said it was showing "borderline" on this visit. Not a good sign.
Ug, was there any bit of good news today?
Dr. L came in and we started our chat. The first item on the list was the blood pressure. He noticed that it was creeping up and suggested that I lay on my left or right side for a few hour in the morning and at night to help with the levels. I questioned when a true concern would result in an induction. Doc said that he would be concerned when I would routinely get readings 140/90.
Next the doc put me back on the table and took a measurement. This weeks results were 38.5 on the belly. Again, big. I then questioned at what point would would they induce for size. Dr. Linsey then questioned my height and I advised 5 foot 7 inches. He said that he has a patient on Thursday that will be have a csection as she's my height and had an ultrasound which showed a size of an 11lb baby. Dr Linsey seemed very concerned about this part as he said he didn't want Jack to be too big, deliver a head and then not be able to get the shoulders out. I questioned what he thought Jacks size was based upon feel. Doc said he felt about 9lbs already. That sounded about right if our 3d ultrasound a few weeks ago said that Jack was already at 7lbs.
The doc then ordered an ultrasound and some lab work for possible hypertension (b/c of the rise in the BP and my proteins). I will have the ultrasound Thursday and lab work results will be in tomorrow.
The doc will see me on Monday again but we have a very likely feeling that based upon the results of my ultrasound and blood work that I'll be induced next week for the size that Jack might be.
Only time will tell what is going on. All I can say is that I'm ready for this road to be over and for Jack to be here as his daddy is growing increasingly impatient as well as his mommy :)
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Fetal Monitoring and A Scare With The Blood Pressure
Day 1 -
My first day of fetal monitoring started on Tuesday March 9th. I arrived, checked in and was taken back to a chair with a set up next to me that consisted of a monitor and a computer. During this time they explained what they would be doing a blood pressure check, hooking up a monitor for the fetal heartbeat as well as contractions. As soon as the nurse was done with her evaluation it was time for me to sit back and relax for 30 minutes. I preceded to get out my bag and clip coupons. About 1/2 way through the nurse came in to inform me that she wanted to wake up the baby more for a better fetal tracing so she suggested that I sip on some ice cold water and then she would check on me again.
Upon the completion of my 30 minutes, she informed me that the water did the trick and he woke up and gave a good reading. She also explained that I had at least 1 pretty good contraction that the doctor would be taking a look at to see if his heartbeat was ok during the time I was contracting and if they thought it was fishy they would call me back the next day to re-test.
With that said, the nurse stated that today they would also be doing an ultrasound to check the fluid levels around the baby. All was fine. This is done once a week.
All in all my first day was very pleasant and peaceful. I was looking forward to my second day on Friday.
2nd Day of Testing -
Today also happened to be my last day at Mercury, aka WORK! Woohoo...with the pressure of not having to return to work, I was looking forward to heading out, completing my monitoring, and then heading home for a peaceful night with Sean. That didn't quite go as planned.
I was situated this time on a comfortable hospital bed (and when I say comfortable, I really mean it - I got sucked in and couldn't get out). They took my blood pressure which was step one, and quickly found out it was 139/82. The nurse had a look of concern on her face and asked if I had been running around. I explained that I just came in and sat down, didn't take any stairs but rather the elevator. She still had a worried look on her face and said that she would be taking it again for a re-check. She also questioned if I was having blurred vision, or headaches. I let her know that yesterday I randomly was seeing spots for a short amount of time and was really swollen. She then went on to question about headaches. I let her know that I was having sinus headaches but I felt those were from my allergies. She checked my swelling today on my feet and said that I looked pretty mild still.
She finished hooking me up with the monitors and I got comfortable with my crochet bag in hopes of calming down my blood pressure, taking some deep breaths, and trying not to worry.
About 15 minutes in the nurse returned and said well lets recheck your BP. I was still sitting up, and was tested on the same arm and this time I was at 132/89. I quickly questioned what was considered high in pregnancy. The nurse explained that 140/90 is worry territory. Reminder, I have been 110/70 or 120/80 routinely throughout pregnancy. She said I was in the clear still since neither were over but they were borderline.
She also asked if I had been drinking my water so as to wake the baby up. I advised that I just finished a bottle of water and the nurse advised that she would be getting the buzzer and returning to buzz Jack and see if he wakes up. She returned a minute later and I quickly questioned if this was going to hurt. The nurse stated that it was just a vibrator with a noise attached. She tested it on my leg so as to show me it didn't hurt. It felt exactly like a vibration with a noise of clipping sheers. She gave two buzzes in two locations to my belly and immedialy Jack gave some quick and startled movement almost like he was going to explode out of my belly. I quickly questioned why is it that they react that way. The nurse explained that it's like turning the radio on and being startled. ***After I told Sean this story he pointed out that our son is able to feel and/or hear and that was all a good sign. I didn't realize that at the time but was more startled at how he reacted.
So at the completion of testing the nurse wanted to try a different technique on me to read my BP to see if that had any other reading. She reclined the hospital bed flat, told me to lay on my left side and would testing my right arm. Just a few short minutes later, she retested and was very happy with my results. It was 114/?. I totally didn't catch the bottom number b/c I was more relieved that it was more normal. I questioned why it would give such a different reading and she stated that it's much better circulation the way she had me. Hey whatever works I'm ok with.
I also questioned how many contractions I was having during that time as I knew that all day they hadn't stopped. The nurse informed me about 15 during the time that I was there but they were not consistent and re-questioned me to find out if they were painful. I let her know no.
So as I was leaving I heard my doctor in the testing facility. I questioned what he was going there and the nurse informed me that he was the doctor on call tonight to read the readings. (I sound like I ask a million questions, but I'm glad I do. It puts my mind at more ease and helps me to understand what is going on and I can better translate that to Sean when he's unable to attend the appointments). So Dr. L gave a quick glance over and said "So when are you off work?" I let him know that today was my last day. He then questioned when he would be seeing me next and I told him Monday and he said to have a good weekend, rest up, and that he would see me on Monday and we would talk.
He gave me the ok to head home but I'm sure we'll be having some conversations about a few things on Monday. With that said I walked out of the office, gave Sean a quick call at work and said that I would be unable to attend a friends party for his last day at work which I really wanted to go to, but my feet had really swelled up, and I was ordered to go home and rest.
Just as the doctor ordered, I stopped to get a pedicure, get my feet massaged, and headed home for some TLC.
Day 3 is tomorrow (03/15/2010) along with a doctors appointment and I'm sure there will be plenty to talk about. Updates should be frequent at this point as there is a lot going on and I don't want to forget it all :)
My first day of fetal monitoring started on Tuesday March 9th. I arrived, checked in and was taken back to a chair with a set up next to me that consisted of a monitor and a computer. During this time they explained what they would be doing a blood pressure check, hooking up a monitor for the fetal heartbeat as well as contractions. As soon as the nurse was done with her evaluation it was time for me to sit back and relax for 30 minutes. I preceded to get out my bag and clip coupons. About 1/2 way through the nurse came in to inform me that she wanted to wake up the baby more for a better fetal tracing so she suggested that I sip on some ice cold water and then she would check on me again.
Upon the completion of my 30 minutes, she informed me that the water did the trick and he woke up and gave a good reading. She also explained that I had at least 1 pretty good contraction that the doctor would be taking a look at to see if his heartbeat was ok during the time I was contracting and if they thought it was fishy they would call me back the next day to re-test.
With that said, the nurse stated that today they would also be doing an ultrasound to check the fluid levels around the baby. All was fine. This is done once a week.
All in all my first day was very pleasant and peaceful. I was looking forward to my second day on Friday.
2nd Day of Testing -
Today also happened to be my last day at Mercury, aka WORK! Woohoo...with the pressure of not having to return to work, I was looking forward to heading out, completing my monitoring, and then heading home for a peaceful night with Sean. That didn't quite go as planned.
I was situated this time on a comfortable hospital bed (and when I say comfortable, I really mean it - I got sucked in and couldn't get out). They took my blood pressure which was step one, and quickly found out it was 139/82. The nurse had a look of concern on her face and asked if I had been running around. I explained that I just came in and sat down, didn't take any stairs but rather the elevator. She still had a worried look on her face and said that she would be taking it again for a re-check. She also questioned if I was having blurred vision, or headaches. I let her know that yesterday I randomly was seeing spots for a short amount of time and was really swollen. She then went on to question about headaches. I let her know that I was having sinus headaches but I felt those were from my allergies. She checked my swelling today on my feet and said that I looked pretty mild still.
She finished hooking me up with the monitors and I got comfortable with my crochet bag in hopes of calming down my blood pressure, taking some deep breaths, and trying not to worry.
About 15 minutes in the nurse returned and said well lets recheck your BP. I was still sitting up, and was tested on the same arm and this time I was at 132/89. I quickly questioned what was considered high in pregnancy. The nurse explained that 140/90 is worry territory. Reminder, I have been 110/70 or 120/80 routinely throughout pregnancy. She said I was in the clear still since neither were over but they were borderline.
She also asked if I had been drinking my water so as to wake the baby up. I advised that I just finished a bottle of water and the nurse advised that she would be getting the buzzer and returning to buzz Jack and see if he wakes up. She returned a minute later and I quickly questioned if this was going to hurt. The nurse stated that it was just a vibrator with a noise attached. She tested it on my leg so as to show me it didn't hurt. It felt exactly like a vibration with a noise of clipping sheers. She gave two buzzes in two locations to my belly and immedialy Jack gave some quick and startled movement almost like he was going to explode out of my belly. I quickly questioned why is it that they react that way. The nurse explained that it's like turning the radio on and being startled. ***After I told Sean this story he pointed out that our son is able to feel and/or hear and that was all a good sign. I didn't realize that at the time but was more startled at how he reacted.
So at the completion of testing the nurse wanted to try a different technique on me to read my BP to see if that had any other reading. She reclined the hospital bed flat, told me to lay on my left side and would testing my right arm. Just a few short minutes later, she retested and was very happy with my results. It was 114/?. I totally didn't catch the bottom number b/c I was more relieved that it was more normal. I questioned why it would give such a different reading and she stated that it's much better circulation the way she had me. Hey whatever works I'm ok with.
I also questioned how many contractions I was having during that time as I knew that all day they hadn't stopped. The nurse informed me about 15 during the time that I was there but they were not consistent and re-questioned me to find out if they were painful. I let her know no.
So as I was leaving I heard my doctor in the testing facility. I questioned what he was going there and the nurse informed me that he was the doctor on call tonight to read the readings. (I sound like I ask a million questions, but I'm glad I do. It puts my mind at more ease and helps me to understand what is going on and I can better translate that to Sean when he's unable to attend the appointments). So Dr. L gave a quick glance over and said "So when are you off work?" I let him know that today was my last day. He then questioned when he would be seeing me next and I told him Monday and he said to have a good weekend, rest up, and that he would see me on Monday and we would talk.
He gave me the ok to head home but I'm sure we'll be having some conversations about a few things on Monday. With that said I walked out of the office, gave Sean a quick call at work and said that I would be unable to attend a friends party for his last day at work which I really wanted to go to, but my feet had really swelled up, and I was ordered to go home and rest.
Just as the doctor ordered, I stopped to get a pedicure, get my feet massaged, and headed home for some TLC.
Day 3 is tomorrow (03/15/2010) along with a doctors appointment and I'm sure there will be plenty to talk about. Updates should be frequent at this point as there is a lot going on and I don't want to forget it all :)
Monday, March 8, 2010
8.75 Month Check up - Long Update
Today marks the first of my weekly appointments. I'm in my last week of work and thank goodness. You'll see why, but my schedule is getting very tight.
I was a bit early so I called to see if I could come in early. To my surprise, they welcomed me with open arms. It made up for my visit 2 weeks ago where I waited 2 hours on a holiday that I didn't know about with AC that couldn't keep up with a very full waiting room.
So I headed back and provided my urine sample, then was taken back for my weight, blood pressure, and other items that might be pertinent for that weeks visit. This week they were doing a test for Group B streptococcus bacteria so they were asking a few questions if I was allergic to any medication that they might need to put me on if the test comes back positive.
The nurse then took my urine sample to the back and tested it. I inquired what it came back with. The nurse stated that I was positive again for proteins. I was bummed because 2 weeks ago I was also positive.
I questioned what was going on and what I could do. The nurse questioned how much water I was taking in (as I sat there with my diet coke and large glass of ice). I said well I'm drinking tons of fluid but I'm not sure what percentage of it is actual water. The nurse stated it NEEDS to be (8) 8 oz. of water a day min. I was bummed because that would mean less salt, less soda, and more water....no flavor. :( I agreed b/c there was only 4 more or so weeks left.
Next the nurse brought me a few gifts. One was a eco looking grocery bag with lots of goodies from Enfamil (formula company) which included a can of powder formula, the bag, and a cooler with an ice pack for formula/breast milk storage with some samples from Huggies (diapers). The next gift was from Similac (another formula company). The gift here was a hanging travel bathroom caddy (or what it seemed) with 4 infant bottles with pre-made formula and nipples in wrappers and of course coupons coupons coupons for lots of other companies.
So once I arrived back in the exam room I was asked to undress from the waist down so my test could be performed. The doc came in and updated me on everything going on.
PS - Vitals
Urine = see above
Weight = on track
BP = 120/80 (normal)
1st item of business, any changes? I told the doc about my conversation with the nurse about water vs other fluids. Doc agreed to take in more water. He then went on to listen to the heart beat of Jack which was 145 (normal) and then did a measurement. When he said 37 I about jumped. I said doc, that is HUGE! I'm only 35 weeks. He didn't seem concerned because remember normal is plus or minus 2 of your actual weeks so I was still in the safe zone. He jokingly said well maybe he (Jack) is just stretched out or I measured wrong. I think it's the 1st one, considering how many times the doc has measured millions of woman I highly doubt he'd measure wrong :)
Next we discussed iron. Doc said that my early iron scores were slightly above normal at the beginning of my pregnancy and my last test at 28 weeks was at 12.something which was just at normal. Doc said that I should be taking an iron sup to just add a little iron to my diet. I wasn't thrilled but agreed b/c again it would be only 4 or so weeks. The only reason why I was hesitant is b/c it can be harsh on your tummy.
Metformin...my diabetic medication. I had just refilled the bottle yesterday and noticed that a sticker on the side said "don't use while breastfeeding." I made sure to ask if in fact I did need to use it after pregnancy could I. Doc said yes, but said it would be highly unlikely that I would. Hallelujah!!!
Which leads me into my next thing. Doc wants me doing non-stress tests 2x a week until I deliver to monitor the babies heartbeat, and fluid levels all due to the diabetes. He just wants to make sure the placenta is working at it's full capacity. So starting tomorrow at 3:30pm (during my last week of work) I've got to head down to Orange and complete my non stress tests.
For those of you who don't know what a non stress test entails, it's basically forced alone time to yourself for 1 hour each visit :) This is how our childbirth class teacher explained it. They sit you down in a chair/table strap you up to monitors around your belly and just watch the strip of paper mark down the heartbeat and any contractions that you might have for 30 minutes. From what I'm also reading is that they will be doing an ultrasound to check fluid levels to make sure the monster doesn't get TOO big.
So, tomorrow I go in early to work and leave early for the 1st of my testing. Thank goodness this is my last week of work b/c I'm going to have to continue doing this all throughout my leave. I actually don't object, it's just the work along with doctors visits all the time that are going to get old this week. Thank goodness for an awesome work who is understanding.
I'm trying to hold strong. Maybe just maybe our Jack will come early and everything will come to a close sooner than April 9th ;)
I was a bit early so I called to see if I could come in early. To my surprise, they welcomed me with open arms. It made up for my visit 2 weeks ago where I waited 2 hours on a holiday that I didn't know about with AC that couldn't keep up with a very full waiting room.
So I headed back and provided my urine sample, then was taken back for my weight, blood pressure, and other items that might be pertinent for that weeks visit. This week they were doing a test for Group B streptococcus bacteria so they were asking a few questions if I was allergic to any medication that they might need to put me on if the test comes back positive.
The nurse then took my urine sample to the back and tested it. I inquired what it came back with. The nurse stated that I was positive again for proteins. I was bummed because 2 weeks ago I was also positive.
I questioned what was going on and what I could do. The nurse questioned how much water I was taking in (as I sat there with my diet coke and large glass of ice). I said well I'm drinking tons of fluid but I'm not sure what percentage of it is actual water. The nurse stated it NEEDS to be (8) 8 oz. of water a day min. I was bummed because that would mean less salt, less soda, and more water....no flavor. :( I agreed b/c there was only 4 more or so weeks left.
Next the nurse brought me a few gifts. One was a eco looking grocery bag with lots of goodies from Enfamil (formula company) which included a can of powder formula, the bag, and a cooler with an ice pack for formula/breast milk storage with some samples from Huggies (diapers). The next gift was from Similac (another formula company). The gift here was a hanging travel bathroom caddy (or what it seemed) with 4 infant bottles with pre-made formula and nipples in wrappers and of course coupons coupons coupons for lots of other companies.
So once I arrived back in the exam room I was asked to undress from the waist down so my test could be performed. The doc came in and updated me on everything going on.
PS - Vitals
Urine = see above
Weight = on track
BP = 120/80 (normal)
1st item of business, any changes? I told the doc about my conversation with the nurse about water vs other fluids. Doc agreed to take in more water. He then went on to listen to the heart beat of Jack which was 145 (normal) and then did a measurement. When he said 37 I about jumped. I said doc, that is HUGE! I'm only 35 weeks. He didn't seem concerned because remember normal is plus or minus 2 of your actual weeks so I was still in the safe zone. He jokingly said well maybe he (Jack) is just stretched out or I measured wrong. I think it's the 1st one, considering how many times the doc has measured millions of woman I highly doubt he'd measure wrong :)
Next we discussed iron. Doc said that my early iron scores were slightly above normal at the beginning of my pregnancy and my last test at 28 weeks was at 12.something which was just at normal. Doc said that I should be taking an iron sup to just add a little iron to my diet. I wasn't thrilled but agreed b/c again it would be only 4 or so weeks. The only reason why I was hesitant is b/c it can be harsh on your tummy.
Metformin...my diabetic medication. I had just refilled the bottle yesterday and noticed that a sticker on the side said "don't use while breastfeeding." I made sure to ask if in fact I did need to use it after pregnancy could I. Doc said yes, but said it would be highly unlikely that I would. Hallelujah!!!
Which leads me into my next thing. Doc wants me doing non-stress tests 2x a week until I deliver to monitor the babies heartbeat, and fluid levels all due to the diabetes. He just wants to make sure the placenta is working at it's full capacity. So starting tomorrow at 3:30pm (during my last week of work) I've got to head down to Orange and complete my non stress tests.
For those of you who don't know what a non stress test entails, it's basically forced alone time to yourself for 1 hour each visit :) This is how our childbirth class teacher explained it. They sit you down in a chair/table strap you up to monitors around your belly and just watch the strip of paper mark down the heartbeat and any contractions that you might have for 30 minutes. From what I'm also reading is that they will be doing an ultrasound to check fluid levels to make sure the monster doesn't get TOO big.
So, tomorrow I go in early to work and leave early for the 1st of my testing. Thank goodness this is my last week of work b/c I'm going to have to continue doing this all throughout my leave. I actually don't object, it's just the work along with doctors visits all the time that are going to get old this week. Thank goodness for an awesome work who is understanding.
I'm trying to hold strong. Maybe just maybe our Jack will come early and everything will come to a close sooner than April 9th ;)
Sunday, March 7, 2010
35 Weeks and Time To Reflect
So we have 1 more week until 9 month officially happens. Things are starting to wrap up so I thought I would do a bit of reflection while it's quiet around the house.
Last night as I was getting ready for bed I thought to myself something that I would NEVER think would happen. The past 1-2 months I have been in such pain in my lower extremities that I just dreaded the time I was being pregnant. I couldn't wait to Jack to be out and me to be pain free.
Well over the course of the past two weeks he has dropped, and I'm able to be a little more comfortable sitting up, breath easier and last but not least, last night was the first time I could really walk with comfort, without shooting pains, without a facial expression that I wanted to die, without making noises every time I moved. I believe that once he dropped he took pressure off the parts that we in such pain and I'm VERY VERY THANKFUL! So now, I can actually be somewhat normal again. Granted I'm still healing so I have a little bit of tenderness but it's 95% better than it was. Ahhh.....I told Sean I was so excited that my pains were going away and he said he could tell. I had so much more energy, and I've actually started walking again and additionally am planning to do a 5k and Sena a 10k in the fall for exercise motivation.
So with that said and the background given as to my next statement, I can't believe that things are slowly coming to an end. I thought I would never be saying that. I actually thought "Wow things are going to get a little crazy here in the next few weeks, and are no longer going to pindrop quiet, and our lives are forever going to be changed." Kind of crazy!
Yesterday additionally Sean and I were reflecting upon our relationship (he's going to be 28 this week) and I commented that "Wow, I've known you since you were 18." Sean comes back with "We've met, dated, got married, purchased a house, and now have a baby just around the corner all in 10 years." It's all pretty amazing if you think about it in that terms.
What else have I been thinking about...Well the time spent in this pregnancy overall seems to have just flown by. I can't believe that we have been through everything and now in just a few short days/weeks out little man will be here for all to enjoy and see what he actually looks, like, smells like and feels like. Everything is in place for his arrival and now it's just a waiting period.
Well, just a few more pregnancy blog updates and then we'll be posting photos of our Jack for all to see. Until then, take care!
Last night as I was getting ready for bed I thought to myself something that I would NEVER think would happen. The past 1-2 months I have been in such pain in my lower extremities that I just dreaded the time I was being pregnant. I couldn't wait to Jack to be out and me to be pain free.
Well over the course of the past two weeks he has dropped, and I'm able to be a little more comfortable sitting up, breath easier and last but not least, last night was the first time I could really walk with comfort, without shooting pains, without a facial expression that I wanted to die, without making noises every time I moved. I believe that once he dropped he took pressure off the parts that we in such pain and I'm VERY VERY THANKFUL! So now, I can actually be somewhat normal again. Granted I'm still healing so I have a little bit of tenderness but it's 95% better than it was. Ahhh.....I told Sean I was so excited that my pains were going away and he said he could tell. I had so much more energy, and I've actually started walking again and additionally am planning to do a 5k and Sena a 10k in the fall for exercise motivation.
So with that said and the background given as to my next statement, I can't believe that things are slowly coming to an end. I thought I would never be saying that. I actually thought "Wow things are going to get a little crazy here in the next few weeks, and are no longer going to pindrop quiet, and our lives are forever going to be changed." Kind of crazy!
Yesterday additionally Sean and I were reflecting upon our relationship (he's going to be 28 this week) and I commented that "Wow, I've known you since you were 18." Sean comes back with "We've met, dated, got married, purchased a house, and now have a baby just around the corner all in 10 years." It's all pretty amazing if you think about it in that terms.
What else have I been thinking about...Well the time spent in this pregnancy overall seems to have just flown by. I can't believe that we have been through everything and now in just a few short days/weeks out little man will be here for all to enjoy and see what he actually looks, like, smells like and feels like. Everything is in place for his arrival and now it's just a waiting period.
Well, just a few more pregnancy blog updates and then we'll be posting photos of our Jack for all to see. Until then, take care!
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