Status: 30 weeks, 5 days
We went on our hospital tour this evening. It was reassuring, scary, and exciting all at the same time! The hospital we will be delivering at is Northside Hospital in Atlanta. It is located about 5 miles from our home, and just next door to both our midwives' and our perinatologists' offices - so it's pretty convenient!
On our tour, they showed us where I'm supposed to come in when I'm in labor (and how to keep the car from getting towed), a typical labor and delivery room, where the cafeteria & 24-hour McDonald's are located, where the cashier's office and birth certificate office are, and where we get discharged. We also took a quick peek by one of the nurseries and saw a couple of newborns. This was super-cute because Joel got all excited and had this big grin on his face! I think it was yet another step that made the whole thing real for him....
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
30 weeks and going strong!
Status: 30 weeks, 4 days
Yesterday we had our 30 week midwife appointment. This time we met with Mitra, who we hadn't seen since our very first appointment at the beginning of our pregnancy. For some reason I had originally thought that our personalities didn't really mesh, but yesterday we had a great meeting, and I'm really happy with her! I really like all of the midwives we've met, actually.
Yesterday we had our 30 week midwife appointment. This time we met with Mitra, who we hadn't seen since our very first appointment at the beginning of our pregnancy. For some reason I had originally thought that our personalities didn't really mesh, but yesterday we had a great meeting, and I'm really happy with her! I really like all of the midwives we've met, actually.
Stats for yesterday's appointment:
Fundal height: 29 cm (a little small, should be about 30.5)
Weight gain: 16 lbs Total
Heart Rate: 153bpm
BP: 122/70
Fundal height: 29 cm (a little small, should be about 30.5)
Weight gain: 16 lbs Total
Heart Rate: 153bpm
BP: 122/70
What that means, in English, is everything looks really good. We did have a few questions yesterday, and her answers were pretty helpful.
1. Why do my arms and legs have moments where they suddenly feel heavy (the same as when I've had some alcohol - and no, I have not)? Apparently, it's the fluid occluding my nerves in pretty much the same way as carpal tunnel syndrome (which I have had).
2. I get Braxton Hicks contractions, but I also get a different tight feeling. Is this normal? I need to slow down and stay off my feet more. If there are more than 4-6 in an hour (which happens) drink lots of water, put my feet up, and go pee.
3. If my water were to break at home, how long would we be allowed to wait before they would want to induce if nothing was happening? (We were asked to find this out for class.) There are two answers: A) If I am Group B Strep + , then about 6 hours. B) If I am Group B Strep -, then 10 or more hours.
Overall, a great appointment! We are now on our bi-weekly appointment schedule, so look for lots of updates!
1. Why do my arms and legs have moments where they suddenly feel heavy (the same as when I've had some alcohol - and no, I have not)? Apparently, it's the fluid occluding my nerves in pretty much the same way as carpal tunnel syndrome (which I have had).
2. I get Braxton Hicks contractions, but I also get a different tight feeling. Is this normal? I need to slow down and stay off my feet more. If there are more than 4-6 in an hour (which happens) drink lots of water, put my feet up, and go pee.
3. If my water were to break at home, how long would we be allowed to wait before they would want to induce if nothing was happening? (We were asked to find this out for class.) There are two answers: A) If I am Group B Strep + , then about 6 hours. B) If I am Group B Strep -, then 10 or more hours.
Overall, a great appointment! We are now on our bi-weekly appointment schedule, so look for lots of updates!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Prepared Childbirth : Take 2
Status: 30 weeks, 3 days
Last night we had our second session of our Prepared Childbirth class. It was a lot more relaxed this week, and I think we all felt more comfortable with each other in general. The topics covered this week were: active labor, relaxation, and the use of different labor positions.
First, we reviewed what we learned about early labor from the first week's class. After that, we learned about back labor, comfort measures, and the support person's role in active labor. To make it even more real, we watched a 15 minute video of a woman who had a natural labor with an awesome support person. I think it gave the partners a lot more confidence when they could see that it actually works!
After we scared all the guys, we went on to a little bit of deep breathing and relaxation practice. We sat facing backward in a chair with a pillow, and the partners tried different back massage techniques....it was sooooooo nice! I can't wait to practice that part some more!
Last night we had our second session of our Prepared Childbirth class. It was a lot more relaxed this week, and I think we all felt more comfortable with each other in general. The topics covered this week were: active labor, relaxation, and the use of different labor positions.
First, we reviewed what we learned about early labor from the first week's class. After that, we learned about back labor, comfort measures, and the support person's role in active labor. To make it even more real, we watched a 15 minute video of a woman who had a natural labor with an awesome support person. I think it gave the partners a lot more confidence when they could see that it actually works!
After we scared all the guys, we went on to a little bit of deep breathing and relaxation practice. We sat facing backward in a chair with a pillow, and the partners tried different back massage techniques....it was sooooooo nice! I can't wait to practice that part some more!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
It was like a belly convention....
Status: 30 weeks, 0 days
Because we are taking our "regular" childbirth class at another hospital, we decided to take a one day class with one of the midwives at our practice. Although a lot of the topics covered are things we go over in our other class, I think it was beneficial.
The midwife teaching our class was Kelley Starnes - one of the ones we hadn't interacted with before. She went over the normal things - when to call, what to look for, etc., but she also answered a lot of questions specific to the practice, too. We also had a presentation from a rep from Viacord (although he actually managed to present an unbiased little seminar) and from a local pediatrician. Overall, a very good class, but honestly, I have NEVER seen that many pregnant women in one room EVER . There had to be about 25 or so......
Because we are taking our "regular" childbirth class at another hospital, we decided to take a one day class with one of the midwives at our practice. Although a lot of the topics covered are things we go over in our other class, I think it was beneficial.
The midwife teaching our class was Kelley Starnes - one of the ones we hadn't interacted with before. She went over the normal things - when to call, what to look for, etc., but she also answered a lot of questions specific to the practice, too. We also had a presentation from a rep from Viacord (although he actually managed to present an unbiased little seminar) and from a local pediatrician. Overall, a very good class, but honestly, I have NEVER seen that many pregnant women in one room EVER . There had to be about 25 or so......
Forgive me....
Status: 30 weeks, 0 days
I apologize that I am grouping pics, but here's what you've been missing (unless you're on Facebook, and then you've seen these already).
27 weeks, 1 day
28 weeks (and a couple days, I think)
30 weeks
I apologize that I am grouping pics, but here's what you've been missing (unless you're on Facebook, and then you've seen these already).
26 Weeks - In St. Louis
27 weeks, 1 day
28 weeks (and a couple days, I think)
30 weeks
Yes, I realize there is no 29 week pic. By the time we remembered and had the energy to take one it was the end of the week, so we didn't bother.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Learning something every day!
Status: 29 weeks, 3 days
Joel and I went to our first "Prepared Childbirth" class last night. We ended up signing up for a class at a Wellstar Kennestone Hospital instead of at Northside (where we will deliver) because of scheduling, and I was a bit nervous about that. I was worried they would focus a lot on what the hospital itself would do, but so far that seems to be on the back burner. I LOVE our teacher, she is hilarious!
Our class has 7 couples in it with various due dates from late August to late September. After an initial quiet period, we all seemed to relax and it was pretty informal and fun. We get to sit in these awesome gliders (except that they are vinyl and therefore cause me to sweat) and we got to put our feet up on birthing balls! It was nice to relax after 4 days at work. We also came into a darkened room with peaceful music on....I could have fallen asleep right there. I'm looking forward to learning more as the weeks go on (we have 4 more classes).
Last night we covered stages of labor, third trimester physical changes, signs of labor, and when to go to the hospital. I think Joel's biggest lesson was that he doesn't have to run out the door as soon as I tell him we're in labor. I think that really calmed him down a bit. Our instructor encouraged us to stay home as long as possible, and to eat, shower, and rest before going to the hospital. The partners were encouraged to distract us from timing contractions at the very beginning (at least more than an hour), and to not jingle the car keys in our faces (that was my joke) as soon as we mentioned the word contraction.
Overall, it was a fun class...looking forward to next week!
Joel and I went to our first "Prepared Childbirth" class last night. We ended up signing up for a class at a Wellstar Kennestone Hospital instead of at Northside (where we will deliver) because of scheduling, and I was a bit nervous about that. I was worried they would focus a lot on what the hospital itself would do, but so far that seems to be on the back burner. I LOVE our teacher, she is hilarious!
Our class has 7 couples in it with various due dates from late August to late September. After an initial quiet period, we all seemed to relax and it was pretty informal and fun. We get to sit in these awesome gliders (except that they are vinyl and therefore cause me to sweat) and we got to put our feet up on birthing balls! It was nice to relax after 4 days at work. We also came into a darkened room with peaceful music on....I could have fallen asleep right there. I'm looking forward to learning more as the weeks go on (we have 4 more classes).
Last night we covered stages of labor, third trimester physical changes, signs of labor, and when to go to the hospital. I think Joel's biggest lesson was that he doesn't have to run out the door as soon as I tell him we're in labor. I think that really calmed him down a bit. Our instructor encouraged us to stay home as long as possible, and to eat, shower, and rest before going to the hospital. The partners were encouraged to distract us from timing contractions at the very beginning (at least more than an hour), and to not jingle the car keys in our faces (that was my joke) as soon as we mentioned the word contraction.
Overall, it was a fun class...looking forward to next week!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Growing and changing
Status: 28 weeks, 5 days
This has been an insanely busy week! Lots of doctors appointments, lots of house guests, a party, and working 9 days straight kind of make one get behind really quickly on blogging!
So back to last week....we had the appointment with the perinatologist on June 25th. We saw the gorgeous shots that are posted in the previous entry, and we also found out that Tobe looks absolutely perfect! They haven't found a thing wrong with him. He measured in at an estimated 2lbs 6oz. This put him in the 45th percentile for weight for his age. Joel and I were pretty happy to have such good news and to know our little boy is growing just as he should - not too big and not too small.
The next day I went in for my 28 week midwife appointment. Unfortunately, Joel wasn't able to come because I had to have thee appointment in the morning. At my 24 week glucose tolerance test, I failed by a measly 2 points, and because of this, I had to repeat the test with a fasting, 3 hour version. This had to be done first thing in the morning, so off I went at 7 am to sit for 3 1/2 hours and 4 blood draws. While I was there, I had my appointment with the midwife who found Tobe to have a strong heartbeat at 133bpm and my size was good. I was a little disappointed that I gained 5 lbs in the last 4 weeks, but I knew it would happen sometime. I am now at a total of 14 lbs. I did find out yesterday that I passed my second round of glucose testing! However, I was still advised to modify my diet and try to stay low-carb (TRY is the operative word that I got in that sentence).
I also got sick, again. This time with an upper respiratory infection. I thought it was just a cold, so I battled it for a week. When I finally went to seea doctor I found out I have bronchitis and wheezing. I'm now on albuterol and antibiotics and feeling much better, but still short of breath sometimes.
Oh yea, and Tobe's furniture came last week! I will post pics soon. His rocker is also in, so we are probably going to go pick it up today!!!!
This has been an insanely busy week! Lots of doctors appointments, lots of house guests, a party, and working 9 days straight kind of make one get behind really quickly on blogging!
So back to last week....we had the appointment with the perinatologist on June 25th. We saw the gorgeous shots that are posted in the previous entry, and we also found out that Tobe looks absolutely perfect! They haven't found a thing wrong with him. He measured in at an estimated 2lbs 6oz. This put him in the 45th percentile for weight for his age. Joel and I were pretty happy to have such good news and to know our little boy is growing just as he should - not too big and not too small.
The next day I went in for my 28 week midwife appointment. Unfortunately, Joel wasn't able to come because I had to have thee appointment in the morning. At my 24 week glucose tolerance test, I failed by a measly 2 points, and because of this, I had to repeat the test with a fasting, 3 hour version. This had to be done first thing in the morning, so off I went at 7 am to sit for 3 1/2 hours and 4 blood draws. While I was there, I had my appointment with the midwife who found Tobe to have a strong heartbeat at 133bpm and my size was good. I was a little disappointed that I gained 5 lbs in the last 4 weeks, but I knew it would happen sometime. I am now at a total of 14 lbs. I did find out yesterday that I passed my second round of glucose testing! However, I was still advised to modify my diet and try to stay low-carb (TRY is the operative word that I got in that sentence).
I also got sick, again. This time with an upper respiratory infection. I thought it was just a cold, so I battled it for a week. When I finally went to seea doctor I found out I have bronchitis and wheezing. I'm now on albuterol and antibiotics and feeling much better, but still short of breath sometimes.
Oh yea, and Tobe's furniture came last week! I will post pics soon. His rocker is also in, so we are probably going to go pick it up today!!!!
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