Today was our first doctors appointment. I was
so nervous and excited to find out about our baby!
I mostly just wanted to know that the baby was ok!
We got to hear baby's heartbeat, which made both of
us get kind of teary-eyed, and then we got to see
our little peanut via ultrasound! It was a feeling
that I will never forget! I can't WAIT to see this
baby in 30 weeks or so!!!
March 19th
17 weeks
Today was our 17 week appointment. It had been so
long since our last appointment that I was worried
about our baby, since at this point I can't feel kicks
to let me know everything is ok. But the doctor calmed
my fears right away by finding our baby's heartbeat loud
and clear - and he even had to keep moving the Dopplar
around to find our little active jellybean! I loved it!
We decided to have the AFP test done which tests baby for
Downs Syndrome and other birth defects. We'll get the
results in a few days. Everything looks great, and we can't
wait for our next appointment, where we have another ultrasound!
April 14th
20 weeks
Today was our 2nd Ultrasound! We were so excited to hopefully
find out if we're having a boy or a girl! We were totally
awestruck at how amazingly perfect this baby is - hands and
feet so tiny, but so perfect - to see baby's spine and brain
and tiny beating heart - this baby is a miracle of God! And,
as far as the doctor can tell:
IT'S A GIRL!!!
May 14th
24 weeks
Today I had the Glucose Tolerance Test done, which tests
me for Gestational Diabetes. It's basically drinking what
tastes flat, syrupy Sprite, and then waiting an hour and
getting my blood tested. The doctor also measured my uterus
and said I'm growing right on schedule. He gave me some good
pointers on how to help with some of my back pain, and ok'd
the trip we're planning for next month to Wisconsin - as long
as baby and I keep doing great!
June 23rd
31 weeks
Today's appointment was great! The doctor mesasured me and
said I'm right on schedule growth-wise. I was a little bit
concerned about the baby's lack of movement, so he ordered
a Fetal Non-Stress Test to check her heartbeat in relation
to her movements. She passed with flying colors, which made
me feel a LOT better! Tonight is our first Lamaze class -I
can't wait!
July 9th
33 weeks
Today we saw the Nurse Midwife, who we REALLY like! She
measured my uterus and listened to the baby's heartbeat.
She said everything looks great! I told her I felt like
I haven't slept in forever, and she laughed. She said it's
normal for pregnant women to toss and turn all night for their
last few months of pregnancy. She suggested a warm bath before
bedtime and a mug of "Sweet Dreams" tea to help relax my body.
I'm going to try those things! She felt the baby's position
and said our daughter is head down - one step closer to delivery!
July 15th
34 weeks
Today we met our new doctor. Our first doctor is leaving
the center to become the head doctor of a different OB center.
We REALLY like our new doctor. He's assertive and friendly
and very knowledgeable. I'll be happy if he is the one to
deliver our baby! He measured me and listened to her heartbeat
and said everything looks great. We mentioned that we'd like
to have another ultrasound, he and led us right over to the
u/s room for another peek at our daughter! What a treat! She
is SO big it's hard to believe she fits in my belly! He said
she looks about 5 lbs and 19 inches - about average for her age.
And yes-he confirmed it. This is a girl! We're so excited about
having our precious little girl so soon!
July 30th
36 weeks
Today I had a Group B Strep swab done to see if I'm a carrier
of the Group B Strep virus. The doctor also checked my cervix
and said that is is soft, but not dilated. He said baby's
heartbeat and my measurements are just fine. I'm really getting
anxious to have this baby, even though there are still 4 weeks
till our due date! I just can't wait to see her face!..and to be
able to put on my own shoes, sleep on my stomach or back, walk
without waddling....
August 4th
36 1/2 weeks
Today we met with Dr. Sarda, who is the other doctor on call.
She said that my Group B strep culture came back just fine. We
talked about how uncomfortable I am, with the Braxton Hicks
contractions, back aches, pelvic pressure, and soreness, and she
assured us that it was all normal, and all signs that the end is
getting close! She measured me and told me it appeared that I had
dropped, since I was measuring lower than last appointment. That
was GREAT to hear! She said it was possible that I would deliver
early, but I could also go right on time - around August 30th.
August 11th
37 1/2 weeks
Nothing much new happened at this appointment. We're very much in
the waiting stage - waiting for any sign that I'm in labor! I
measured right on target, and our girl's heartbeat sounds very
healthy. He felt her position and said she would be a healthy sized
baby - around 7 1/2 -8 lbs. I'm hoping for 7 1/2!
August 17th
38 weeks
Today's appointment was great! I had a LOT of complaints about
pain in my back resulting from the baby pressing on a nerve, and
pain and numbness in my fingers and arm, all of which the Doctor
said is normal for the last few weeks of pregnancy. He felt baby's
position and restated that she would be a slightly bigger than the
average baby. I was measuring slightly big - 39 centimeters. He
did a cervical exam and said that I'm DILATED (yay!) 2 cm and 75%
effaced! All those horrible Braxton Hicks contractions weren't
totally unproductive! He said I could go into labor anytime, but
he thinks I'll still go right on time. Our baby has dropped, but
her head isn't totally engaged in my pelvis. Hopefully, that will
happen soon. I just can't wait to see my little girl!!!
Our next doctors appointment was scheduled for August 24th, but the
morning of August 23rd I went into labor, and on August 24th at
10:43am, Gabrielle was born, at 9 lbs 21.5 inches!
