Today is a small milestone! I am 7 weeks, 6 days, which means that this pregnancy has lasted longer than my last one! The weird feelings I had last week have gone away. I am tired and still have sore breasts, which I consider a good sign! I have been careful to get plenty of rest.
Saturday Heather and I are traveling to Moline, Illinois for the ASA 14U Nationals! I am really looking forward to it; however, I wish Steve, Hannah and Athena could go too. In the end, we decided it was too expensive for the whole family to go. I will do my best not to get too over heated or to wear myself out.
Right after I return from Moline, I have my first appointment with my OB. She is going to do an ultrasound. I hope I can get a picture and post it here.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Should I be worried??
Today I am 7 weeks, two days. Yesterday I started feeling what seemed like contractions. This had me very worried, because the same thing happened last time when I had a miscarriage. I am trying not to worry about it. It doesn't seem to be getting crampier or more frequent. I am telling myself that as long as I don't see any blood, all is well. Also, it is likely that what I am feeling is the result of gas and constipation. I still have all my pregnancy symptoms (which, for me, is not much to begin with).
I have debated going to the doctor. She could do a transvaginal ultrasound and put my worries to rest. On the other hand, I had a transvaginal ultrasound last time at about 7 weeks and was diagnosed with a blighted ovum. Then I had to sit around for four agonizing days wondering if maybe my dates were wrong. I had two ultrasounds and lots of blood tests, but in the end, I ended up losing my baby. If I am going to have a miscarriage this time, the doctor won't be able to do anything to prevent it. So I am trying to relax and just focus on what I have control over...taking good care of myself.
I have debated going to the doctor. She could do a transvaginal ultrasound and put my worries to rest. On the other hand, I had a transvaginal ultrasound last time at about 7 weeks and was diagnosed with a blighted ovum. Then I had to sit around for four agonizing days wondering if maybe my dates were wrong. I had two ultrasounds and lots of blood tests, but in the end, I ended up losing my baby. If I am going to have a miscarriage this time, the doctor won't be able to do anything to prevent it. So I am trying to relax and just focus on what I have control over...taking good care of myself.
What a Week!
I spent the last week in Colorado. My mom was just diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer! She was in really bad shape when I got there, but the doctors are treating her quickly and by the end of the week she was sitting up playing cards. I wish her a speedy recovery...for however long that may be. She was really worried about me and my pregnancy (typical mom)! She is my #1 supporter and is almost as excited about this baby as I am. I hope that she will be around long enough to see her newest grandchild!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Every Day is One Day Closer!
My HcG from yesterday came back at 13733. Although it didn't quite double in 48 hours, the nurse seemed happy that it is in the "normal" range and it continues to climb. The good news is that I don't have to do any more blood draws. Now I can relax and enjoy my pregnancy, come what may. My first appointment (with ultrasound) is August 10th. I will definitely post a picture.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
HcG Levels Are Driving Me Crazy!
So today I got the results of my HcG test from yesterday. I am exactly 5 weeks since LMP, and my HcG level is 7290. Although that seems to be in a "normal" range, the doctor wants me to take another blood test tomorrow. That means I get to be nervous again until I hear the results on Friday! I told her "OK, but this is the LAST ONE".
Here's the thing. The HcG thing is not an exact science. The numbers are all over the map for what is called "normal". The only thing I know for sure is that they like to see the numbers doubling every 48 hours...However, a low HcG doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong.
The reason I don't want to have any more HcG tests is because there is NOTHING that can be done to prevent a miscarriage, if it's going to happen. In the meantime, I am a nervous wreck, struggling to decide if everything is ok or not. That can't be good for me or my baby! If there was something that the doctor could actually do to prevent a miscarriage, then of course, I would definitely do it, no questions asked. This is not the case!
I really want to enjoy my pregnancy. I want to spend every moment day dreaming about the healthy, beautiful, and smart baby I am going to have. I don't want to sit around fretting about things that may or may not come to pass. I am not trying to put my head in the sand and pretend that everything is always perfect, but I don't see what the benefit is of worrying before I actually have to.
I am eating right, exercising, and avoiding caffeine. I don't smoke or drink alcohol. I am going to the doctor, taking my vitamins, and saying my prayers. The rest is not up to me...
Here's the thing. The HcG thing is not an exact science. The numbers are all over the map for what is called "normal". The only thing I know for sure is that they like to see the numbers doubling every 48 hours...However, a low HcG doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong.
The reason I don't want to have any more HcG tests is because there is NOTHING that can be done to prevent a miscarriage, if it's going to happen. In the meantime, I am a nervous wreck, struggling to decide if everything is ok or not. That can't be good for me or my baby! If there was something that the doctor could actually do to prevent a miscarriage, then of course, I would definitely do it, no questions asked. This is not the case!
I really want to enjoy my pregnancy. I want to spend every moment day dreaming about the healthy, beautiful, and smart baby I am going to have. I don't want to sit around fretting about things that may or may not come to pass. I am not trying to put my head in the sand and pretend that everything is always perfect, but I don't see what the benefit is of worrying before I actually have to.
I am eating right, exercising, and avoiding caffeine. I don't smoke or drink alcohol. I am going to the doctor, taking my vitamins, and saying my prayers. The rest is not up to me...
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Scary Day
Today at work I had some brownish-colored spotting! Of course, I immediately panicked. I Googled it and found out that brown is not as bad as red, and that it can be (though isn't necessarily) harmless. Then I remembered, "oh yeah, I had sex last night", which probably punched around on my cervix. Happily, by noon it was all gone. I still feel preganant (mostly just sore breasts, no sickness) and I am confident it is nothing to worry about.
The doctor's office also called and mentioned that my HcG levels were looking ok, but not spectacular, and that I needed another blood draw. I did that this afternoon. Looking forward to another call from the nurse tomorrow to let me know that things are progressing normally.
In other good news, I walked 3.21 miles today during Athena's softball practice! It felt good to get some cardio work in. I am careful not to overdo it, and I am hydrating myself as much as possible. The sunny day today (the first real sunshine of summer!) didn't hurt, either. All in all, a good day!
The doctor's office also called and mentioned that my HcG levels were looking ok, but not spectacular, and that I needed another blood draw. I did that this afternoon. Looking forward to another call from the nurse tomorrow to let me know that things are progressing normally.
In other good news, I walked 3.21 miles today during Athena's softball practice! It felt good to get some cardio work in. I am careful not to overdo it, and I am hydrating myself as much as possible. The sunny day today (the first real sunshine of summer!) didn't hurt, either. All in all, a good day!
Monday, July 5, 2010
To Tell or Not to Tell?
I want to shout to the mountain tops that I am pregnant! I want everyone to know how excited our family is and how thrilled I am. However, I have only told a few close family members, and I don't think Steve has told anyone.
Conventional wisdom says to wait until after the first trimester just in case something goes wrong. I know that when I had my miscarriage in December, it was hard to have to tell people that I was no longer expecting.
Strangely, though, I was more upset by the response I got from a small number of friends that I thought would be supportive of me when I first told them I was pregnant. They acted like I was crazy to want another baby (after all, I have three already!) or that it was some kind of mistake. That was hurtful, and I wasn't prepared. I understand that a lot of people would not choose to have a baby at 43 or if they already had three others. Still, I thought they would respect my decision and be happy for me because it was obviously something I really wanted.
This time around I am being much more careful and I am not shouting it out to the mountain tops, even though I am bursting inside with excitement. I recognize that my decisions may not be understood by everyone, but that the important thing is that my family is supportive and happy about this; no one else really matters.
Conventional wisdom says to wait until after the first trimester just in case something goes wrong. I know that when I had my miscarriage in December, it was hard to have to tell people that I was no longer expecting.
Strangely, though, I was more upset by the response I got from a small number of friends that I thought would be supportive of me when I first told them I was pregnant. They acted like I was crazy to want another baby (after all, I have three already!) or that it was some kind of mistake. That was hurtful, and I wasn't prepared. I understand that a lot of people would not choose to have a baby at 43 or if they already had three others. Still, I thought they would respect my decision and be happy for me because it was obviously something I really wanted.
This time around I am being much more careful and I am not shouting it out to the mountain tops, even though I am bursting inside with excitement. I recognize that my decisions may not be understood by everyone, but that the important thing is that my family is supportive and happy about this; no one else really matters.
Boy or Girl?
I have designed my blog (temporarily, at least) in blue because I would love to welcome a baby boy. But let me be clear: my biggest priority at this point is really a HEALTHY baby, boy or girl! I have three lovely and talented girls. I feel like I know how to be a parent to girls (though each one is different, of course). If I find out I am having a girl, I will change my design to pink and I will not be disappointed! I couldn't imagine my life without my girls and would be thrilled to welcome another baby girl into our family.
Up to Date
My OB/GYN had me take a blood test to check my HcG and progesterone levels. On Friday, they came back normal. Of course, what they will really be looking for is if the HcG levels double every 48 hours. I have my fingers crossed that everything will be ok.
At this point, there is little I can do but pray, eat healthy, exercise, and get good prenatal care. I have been taking folic acid and prenatal vitamins religiously. I am walking 2 miles a day, three days a week (this isn't much but it's 6 miles a week more than I have ever done before). I have totally eliminated caffeine from my diet (lost my craving for Coke this week...YEA!). I am doing the only things I know how to do, recognizing that I may not have much control over this.
I am thankful for my family's support through all this!
At this point, there is little I can do but pray, eat healthy, exercise, and get good prenatal care. I have been taking folic acid and prenatal vitamins religiously. I am walking 2 miles a day, three days a week (this isn't much but it's 6 miles a week more than I have ever done before). I have totally eliminated caffeine from my diet (lost my craving for Coke this week...YEA!). I am doing the only things I know how to do, recognizing that I may not have much control over this.
I am thankful for my family's support through all this!
Background
I have three beautiful daughters: Hannah 18, Heather 15, and Athena 10. I always knew I wanted one more baby to complete my family, but I wanted the time to be right: I wanted to make sure I had the financial means to support another child, the time to spend with my other children while they are growing up (thus the 3+ years' age difference) and, most of all, the support and commitment from my husband, Steve. These things took almost seven years to work out, but last July I told Steve I wanted another baby more than anything in the world, and (after much thought and discussion), he agreed!
I got pregnant in November, but I had a blighted ovum an miscarried in December. That was kind of shocking, because for some reason I thought that, with three healthy pregnancies behind me, I wouldn't have any problems. Wrong. I guess the age thing really does matter. However, I vowed I was NOT going to give up! I am really confident that my body knows what to do (even with the higher risks at age 43) and that this is going to work out ok.
My doctor told me to wait a month before trying to conceive again, which I did. I was all ready for business in February, but broke my leg! This put a real damper on my sex life for the next three months; I didn't try to conceive again until June. Thankfully, I had been keeping track of my cycles and it appeared that I was still ovulating normally.
On Tuesday, July 29th, I decided I couldn't wait another day and took a pregancy test. Guess what?? It was positive!!! My due date is March 9th, 2011. I am very excited!
I got pregnant in November, but I had a blighted ovum an miscarried in December. That was kind of shocking, because for some reason I thought that, with three healthy pregnancies behind me, I wouldn't have any problems. Wrong. I guess the age thing really does matter. However, I vowed I was NOT going to give up! I am really confident that my body knows what to do (even with the higher risks at age 43) and that this is going to work out ok.
My doctor told me to wait a month before trying to conceive again, which I did. I was all ready for business in February, but broke my leg! This put a real damper on my sex life for the next three months; I didn't try to conceive again until June. Thankfully, I had been keeping track of my cycles and it appeared that I was still ovulating normally.
On Tuesday, July 29th, I decided I couldn't wait another day and took a pregancy test. Guess what?? It was positive!!! My due date is March 9th, 2011. I am very excited!
Introduction
I am creating this blog to track the progress of my pregnancy. I am going to be 43 in less than two weeks. I never realized that my age would be an issue, since I have had three healthy babies before. This is blog is really for me and my baby, because I know this is my last time through this miraculous process, and I want to keep track of all the ups and downs that go with it. If no one ever reads this besides me, that's fine! If someone stumbles upon this and finds it helpful to find they are not alone, then that's great too. Welcome!
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