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 ;)