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31+ weeks ob/gyn appt & update (long)
I had my usual every-4-weeks ob/gyn appointment on Thursday, and the
ultrasound appointment on Friday - all is well :-)) Ob/gyn appointment: - blood pressu110/65 (around the usual, so normal for me) - urine: sterile (another YAY!) - swelling: feet yes, hands no - so she contributed this to the heat and humid days we are having (around 40 degrees Celsius!). Fortunately, the swollen feet do not hurt, just make it a bit uncomfortable for me to wear shoes other than sneakers. - weight gain: 6.6 lbs in 4 weeks - 26 lbs altogether during the pregnancy. Then I went in to see the ob/gyn, and she gave me grief about my weight; she said this is too much, her practice is to recommend a pregnancy weight gain of 26 lbs altogether, etc. I told her I am still eating balanced meals, careful of what I'm choosing, and that I don't really thing 6 lbs is too much to gain in 4 weeks' period; the official recommendation does state that you gain more during the last trimester, and that the total gain of pregnancy should be no less than 20 lbs and no more than 37.4 lbs, and I am still within that frame. I also indicated my swollen feet to her (the nurse was filling in my chart and noticed the swelling at the beginning of the appointment, and she's in another room). She said, "yes, well, this could be it, the last two days have been really terribly hot and humid"... but she still gave me a diet menu (1700 calories) and recommended that I pay attention to what I eat. On to the gynaecological exam - everything fine, cervix closed, no changes, the vaginal tablets she gave me 4 weeks ago helped so no vaginal discharge. The nurse mentioned prior to me going in to see the ob/gyn that my Pap-test results were back, but I was so thrown off by the weight gain discussion that I forgot to ask. I think they must be OK, though, since the ob/gyn did not mention anything about them to me (I had CIN1 two years ago, but at the annual check last year it was normal). The ob/gyn told me to come to my ultrasound exam the next day, but moved my schedule for 2 pm - I was scheduled for 1 pm - she said she might be running late, so it'd be better to come a bit later and not spend too much time waiting. Ultrasound appointment on Friday: I have to mention that DH is on a collective holiday (the entire firm closed) since July 31st, so he was now accompanying me everywhere I go. My ob/gyn's practice is that you have to schedule the appointments you want to take with your partner, and they can be scheduled only for Wednesdays. Well, as my DH works abroad, and the appointments were to be scheduled only for Wednesdays, he'd have to take a day off work, and I told him I'd rather him to save the personal time off work for the days closer to the childbirth, since he can't take a holiday; when he *spends* his 3 days childbirth leave, he can only take personal time off (accumulated during the year and based on overtime) and unpaid leave. So, he did not come to the appointments with me before. Anyway, we were walking down the hall towards my ob/gyn's office, and he said, "please ask her if I can come in as well". I said I would, but that I can't promise anything because of her rule (scheduling only Wednesday appointments with the father). I came in to let the nurse know I'm there and give her my prenatal data, and asked her if she thinks the ob/gyn might let DH sit at the appt as well. The nurse mentioned again the rule, but said it can't hurt to ask, so to ask her when I go in. It seems that our timing was perfect, because when we came, there was only one woman ahead of us, and nobody was waiting after us. We waited for like 10 minutes, and when the nurse called me in and I stepped into the U/S room, I started opening my mouth to ask the ob/gyn about DH sitting in, and she stopped me and said that it's OK, he can come in when she finishes with the measurements. I apologised for not making an official *future mother and father appointment* and explained our somewhat *international* situation, and she said it's fine, she doesn't have anyone scheduled after us so she has time. The measurements are all fine, all on target for my due date. She mentioned my weight gain again, now with an explanation - "You are having a big baby in a small bump" sort of thing - she calculated the baby's weight at 2 kg (4.8 lbs). Heartbeat normal, everything fine. Then she asked the nurse to call DH in. He came in, she told him where to sit down and went over the entire body of the baby 5 times at her own initiative (I could not believe this! She is usually very professional and kind, but not that friendly!)! The tour started at the top of the head, then down the spine, the heart beating steadily; she stopped to ask us if we still don't want to know the baby's sex, we both said no (so DH did not change his mind!) and she proceeded with showing us the legs. I asked her about the baby's position (it was transverse every time before), and she said it was head-down! I was relieved, but still asked her if it would turn again, and she said it's not likely, the babies usually go head down around week 31-32, and I'm right on target for that (the baby's position was my secret fear - I was feet first). So, the baby is head-down, two hands next to the face made into fists - and it was funny because we both saw one little fist kicking me on the monitor and the bump moved! - and the feet are up and sort of aiming for my ribs ;-) She made a point of showing us the baby's face - the baby just woke up so it appeared sleepy, opening and closing its eyes and mouth. At that moment I felt rhythmic pulsing , and I asked her if the baby was having hiccups, and she said, "no, it's just practicing breathing"! She took about 40 minutes with us, and then told me that this is my last ultrasound (so it was fantastic that DH was there like that! Oh, of course, in case something happens I might have an emergency U/S, but officially this is the last one) - my next appointment is in 4 weeks (September 4th) and then we will proceed with CTGs. DH & I went out, totally over the Moon about it - he said he can't put down to words what he just saw, he was so happy. I loved the fact that it all could be seen so clearly, the baby looked like a newborn already. My favourite images of the baby are its face (oh yes, ob/gyn said it has beautiful lips - maybe she wanted to indicate that the baby is a girl?); then the heart beating, and then that one little foot ready for a kick. And the moving of the lips.. What can I say? We are totally in love with this baby ;-) What really boggled me is that I get to see this baby *now* (on the U/S) and then at birth - and then it will look almost exactly the same!! Update: I was on holiday for 3 weeks at DH's place, and we went shopping for a baby. Right now we've got 90% of the things we need, and this shopping was really fun! We went to a couple of different stores because the discounts were from 20 to 40% so it was reasonable to shop around before we actually decided where to get what. At the first store, we bought Inglesina Zippy Travel System (it has everything we need, the height is perfect for both of us, the material is very good, and the colours we've chosen is blue-anthracite shade with details in beige and red), Chicco Plus Go baby carrier (we love it - it has 3 positions: one with the baby lying down, which can be used from the beginning and for nursing as well, one with the baby sitting facing a parent, and one with the baby sitting facing out. It's adjustable, so both DH & I can carry it from the beginning up to 9 kg (20 lbs)) and Avent Isis breast pump (the ob/gyn at the childbirth class said to take it to the hospital, and the woman at the store said I will have no problem returning it if I found no use for it) - we paid all that 380 Euro (which is about the same in US$), got a discount of 47 Euro and a present: mattress & cushion for the stroller. At the second store, we bought things I'll need for the hospital (sleeping gown which allows nursing, etc.), hygiene products for the baby at the hospital and first weeks at home, a few bottles (we plan to use the bottle with my milk eventually so that DH can give the bottle to the baby when I start working again), other small items, and baby clothes along with other things. DH went a bit *crazy* in buying booties/socks - he bought 2 pairs for 0-3 months size and 4 pairs for 3-6 months size, one of them with a matching hat ;-) We paid all that around 312 Euro, and got a discount of 45 ?. At the third store, we bought some more baby clothes, baby monitor (have yet to try it out, but it was recommended to us friends), snowsuit, blanket for the stroller, blanket for the cradle, and some other items for us and my Mom. We paid all that around 159 Euro, and got a discount of 32 Euro, and a bonus that allows us to buy clothes and shoes at 30% discount the next time we go there. We haven't got too many baby clothes, I think it's just the right amount -I've got 1-2 items in 0-3 months' size of everything from the basic baby clothes' list, and 3 items in 3-6 months size, plus the sweater and the snowsuit in 6-9 months size; we won't have a baby shower - over here people come a month after the baby's birth and give you presents; there is no baby registry, but closer friends and relatives usually ask you what to get for the baby so if you are organized you won't get *double* presents (maybe just a few). Some of our friends who came for 2 weeks for a visit already got us a present: baby outfit for the day (yellow with white bears), and this is our first present we received for the baby; then my mother's colleague gave us baby shirts (the ones opened at the back and tied) - she said they came so handy for her 2 boys, she wanted us to have the same. I'm not counting on hand-me-downs since most of our friends have small babies/no babies, but I did not want to buy too much stuff because we will get presents. As for the *problem* (well, other people thought it might be a problem, not us!) of not knowing the baby's sex when buying clothes, we chose white, yellow, green, purple, red, light grey and some light blue (I have no problem of baby wearing blue and being a girl; on the other hand, I hate pink so would not buy anything in pink even if I knew it's a girl!). We still need to get some things - we will have custom-made mattress for the cradle, some cloth diapers, baby bath tub, things you buy in the pharmacy (for me and for baby), and a toy to put over the cradle and one for the travel system. My mother said not to buy any cradle linen and blankets for playing on the floor - she wants to make me some (in fact, she just took out the cradle to take the measurements for the linen!). My hospital bag list is done, so now I only need to wash those items that go to the hospital with me and pack 3 hospital bags - one for me (the standard staying period at the hospital is 3 days over here), one for DH to bring for the baby on the day we go home, and one with my going-home clothes. There will also be a small bag with snacks/drinks (DH will keep it in the car and bring it up to the room after the delivery) and a belly purse where he will keep everything he'll need during the delivery (like digital camera (I will take a standard camera and some extra film for the time we spend apart in the hospital - I will be rooming-in with the baby and another mother&baby and I'm sure I will have plenty of photo opportunities once the visiting hours are over, and I don't want to miss those just because DH took the digital camera home to download the pictures!), cell phone in case we get separated during the early labour check ups, list of people to call, etc.). Another thing that you MKPers reminded me of is to make my own tape for drive to the hospital (+45 minutes) and delivery and to put it in the car. Can you believe we haven't chosen a name yet?!! We haven't even vetoed some off the lists yet! OK, in my head I have a shorter version, but we still need to go over the lists!! Otherwise, we are doing fine! I have some backache, but swimming (twice a day - morning and evening), walking in the evening and DH giving me back rubs helps. The swelling of the feet is constant but not painful (only inconvenient because I can only stand to walk around barefoot or wearing sneakers). DH is being busy trying to collect all the documents we will need for him taking his paternal leave after I finish my maternal leave (at the moment it seems like I will be a SAHM for 5-6 months, and then he will be SAHF for the next 6 months - but we still need to collect all the documents because we live in different cities, etc.). If we pull it off so that he can stay at home, it would be really great - not only for the chance for him to bond with the baby more, but also for me to have some quiet time for studying (Law School, 4th academic year-the last one). DH is on holiday until September 1st, and I work from home now and go to the office for only couple of hours a week, so we are really enjoying this period. We are going out a lot on day trips, for romantic dinners in the evening, etc. - I can't believe we only have 8-10 weeks to go!! Oh, and I almost forgot - my SIL announced she is 5 months pregnant with her first! We were really thrilled to hear that - now our baby will have a cousin to play with after all (none of my relatives apart from my former step-brother (my mother divorced his father in June, but we are not blood-related) has any children)! She is not planning to get married, only to live with her boyfriend, and this freaks her parents out a bit, but I think she and her boyfriend will be just fine. She came for a visit (she lives in another city) and we talked a lot about being pregnant, etc. We got so excited by the news (she gave us the news over the phone) that we bought 3 outfits for her child (same as for ours, only in different colours). Congratulations to all who reached the end ;-) Wishing you all happy pregnancies and parenting, Elly 31 weeks + 6 days EDD October 6th |
#2
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31+ weeks ob/gyn appt & update (long)
I think your weight is fine. My first OB looked me up and down at my first appt and said I would probably gain 40 lbs by the looks of me. Meaning I'm a tall woman, and at a normal but high normal weight he surmised I was a good eater. Of course US recommendations are 25-35 pounds. I expect to have to lose 10-15 pounds of fat after the baby comes and the low-effort weight loss has occurred. Hopefully the kid will like long walks and will breastfeed well. I can see that it might happen if the pregnancy goes on particularly long. At the same point as you, I'm up about 28 pounds, and neither OB #1 (who I'm seeing as a perinatology referral) nor OB #2 nor independent midwife has said anything about my weight whatsoever. At least 9 pounds of that weight was put on in the first trimester 'cause eating was the drug that kept me functioning and not nauseaus. You are so prepared!!! I am admirous. Dagny EDD 10/6/03 "Elly" wrote in message ... I had my usual every-4-weeks ob/gyn appointment on Thursday, and the ultrasound appointment on Friday - all is well :-)) Ob/gyn appointment: - blood pressu110/65 (around the usual, so normal for me) - urine: sterile (another YAY!) - swelling: feet yes, hands no - so she contributed this to the heat and humid days we are having (around 40 degrees Celsius!). Fortunately, the swollen feet do not hurt, just make it a bit uncomfortable for me to wear shoes other than sneakers. - weight gain: 6.6 lbs in 4 weeks - 26 lbs altogether during the pregnancy. Then I went in to see the ob/gyn, and she gave me grief about my weight; she said this is too much, her practice is to recommend a pregnancy weight gain of 26 lbs altogether, etc. I told her I am still eating balanced meals, careful of what I'm choosing, and that I don't really thing 6 lbs is too much to gain in 4 weeks' period; the official recommendation does state that you gain more during the last trimester, and that the total gain of pregnancy should be no less than 20 lbs and no more than 37.4 lbs, and I am still within that frame. I also indicated my swollen feet to her (the nurse was filling in my chart and noticed the swelling at the beginning of the appointment, and she's in another room). She said, "yes, well, this could be it, the last two days have been really terribly hot and humid"... but she still gave me a diet menu (1700 calories) and recommended that I pay attention to what I eat. On to the gynaecological exam - everything fine, cervix closed, no changes, the vaginal tablets she gave me 4 weeks ago helped so no vaginal discharge. The nurse mentioned prior to me going in to see the ob/gyn that my Pap-test results were back, but I was so thrown off by the weight gain discussion that I forgot to ask. I think they must be OK, though, since the ob/gyn did not mention anything about them to me (I had CIN1 two years ago, but at the annual check last year it was normal). The ob/gyn told me to come to my ultrasound exam the next day, but moved my schedule for 2 pm - I was scheduled for 1 pm - she said she might be running late, so it'd be better to come a bit later and not spend too much time waiting. Ultrasound appointment on Friday: I have to mention that DH is on a collective holiday (the entire firm closed) since July 31st, so he was now accompanying me everywhere I go. My ob/gyn's practice is that you have to schedule the appointments you want to take with your partner, and they can be scheduled only for Wednesdays. Well, as my DH works abroad, and the appointments were to be scheduled only for Wednesdays, he'd have to take a day off work, and I told him I'd rather him to save the personal time off work for the days closer to the childbirth, since he can't take a holiday; when he *spends* his 3 days childbirth leave, he can only take personal time off (accumulated during the year and based on overtime) and unpaid leave. So, he did not come to the appointments with me before. Anyway, we were walking down the hall towards my ob/gyn's office, and he said, "please ask her if I can come in as well". I said I would, but that I can't promise anything because of her rule (scheduling only Wednesday appointments with the father). I came in to let the nurse know I'm there and give her my prenatal data, and asked her if she thinks the ob/gyn might let DH sit at the appt as well. The nurse mentioned again the rule, but said it can't hurt to ask, so to ask her when I go in. It seems that our timing was perfect, because when we came, there was only one woman ahead of us, and nobody was waiting after us. We waited for like 10 minutes, and when the nurse called me in and I stepped into the U/S room, I started opening my mouth to ask the ob/gyn about DH sitting in, and she stopped me and said that it's OK, he can come in when she finishes with the measurements. I apologised for not making an official *future mother and father appointment* and explained our somewhat *international* situation, and she said it's fine, she doesn't have anyone scheduled after us so she has time. The measurements are all fine, all on target for my due date. She mentioned my weight gain again, now with an explanation - "You are having a big baby in a small bump" sort of thing - she calculated the baby's weight at 2 kg (4.8 lbs). Heartbeat normal, everything fine. Then she asked the nurse to call DH in. He came in, she told him where to sit down and went over the entire body of the baby 5 times at her own initiative (I could not believe this! She is usually very professional and kind, but not that friendly!)! The tour started at the top of the head, then down the spine, the heart beating steadily; she stopped to ask us if we still don't want to know the baby's sex, we both said no (so DH did not change his mind!) and she proceeded with showing us the legs. I asked her about the baby's position (it was transverse every time before), and she said it was head-down! I was relieved, but still asked her if it would turn again, and she said it's not likely, the babies usually go head down around week 31-32, and I'm right on target for that (the baby's position was my secret fear - I was feet first). So, the baby is head-down, two hands next to the face made into fists - and it was funny because we both saw one little fist kicking me on the monitor and the bump moved! - and the feet are up and sort of aiming for my ribs ;-) She made a point of showing us the baby's face - the baby just woke up so it appeared sleepy, opening and closing its eyes and mouth. At that moment I felt rhythmic pulsing , and I asked her if the baby was having hiccups, and she said, "no, it's just practicing breathing"! She took about 40 minutes with us, and then told me that this is my last ultrasound (so it was fantastic that DH was there like that! Oh, of course, in case something happens I might have an emergency U/S, but officially this is the last one) - my next appointment is in 4 weeks (September 4th) and then we will proceed with CTGs. DH & I went out, totally over the Moon about it - he said he can't put down to words what he just saw, he was so happy. I loved the fact that it all could be seen so clearly, the baby looked like a newborn already. My favourite images of the baby are its face (oh yes, ob/gyn said it has beautiful lips - maybe she wanted to indicate that the baby is a girl?); then the heart beating, and then that one little foot ready for a kick. And the moving of the lips.. What can I say? We are totally in love with this baby ;-) What really boggled me is that I get to see this baby *now* (on the U/S) and then at birth - and then it will look almost exactly the same!! Update: I was on holiday for 3 weeks at DH's place, and we went shopping for a baby. Right now we've got 90% of the things we need, and this shopping was really fun! We went to a couple of different stores because the discounts were from 20 to 40% so it was reasonable to shop around before we actually decided where to get what. At the first store, we bought Inglesina Zippy Travel System (it has everything we need, the height is perfect for both of us, the material is very good, and the colours we've chosen is blue-anthracite shade with details in beige and red), Chicco Plus Go baby carrier (we love it - it has 3 positions: one with the baby lying down, which can be used from the beginning and for nursing as well, one with the baby sitting facing a parent, and one with the baby sitting facing out. It's adjustable, so both DH & I can carry it from the beginning up to 9 kg (20 lbs)) and Avent Isis breast pump (the ob/gyn at the childbirth class said to take it to the hospital, and the woman at the store said I will have no problem returning it if I found no use for it) - we paid all that 380 Euro (which is about the same in US$), got a discount of 47 Euro and a present: mattress & cushion for the stroller. At the second store, we bought things I'll need for the hospital (sleeping gown which allows nursing, etc.), hygiene products for the baby at the hospital and first weeks at home, a few bottles (we plan to use the bottle with my milk eventually so that DH can give the bottle to the baby when I start working again), other small items, and baby clothes along with other things. DH went a bit *crazy* in buying booties/socks - he bought 2 pairs for 0-3 months size and 4 pairs for 3-6 months size, one of them with a matching hat ;-) We paid all that around 312 Euro, and got a discount of 45 ?. At the third store, we bought some more baby clothes, baby monitor (have yet to try it out, but it was recommended to us friends), snowsuit, blanket for the stroller, blanket for the cradle, and some other items for us and my Mom. We paid all that around 159 Euro, and got a discount of 32 Euro, and a bonus that allows us to buy clothes and shoes at 30% discount the next time we go there. We haven't got too many baby clothes, I think it's just the right amount -I've got 1-2 items in 0-3 months' size of everything from the basic baby clothes' list, and 3 items in 3-6 months size, plus the sweater and the snowsuit in 6-9 months size; we won't have a baby shower - over here people come a month after the baby's birth and give you presents; there is no baby registry, but closer friends and relatives usually ask you what to get for the baby so if you are organized you won't get *double* presents (maybe just a few). Some of our friends who came for 2 weeks for a visit already got us a present: baby outfit for the day (yellow with white bears), and this is our first present we received for the baby; then my mother's colleague gave us baby shirts (the ones opened at the back and tied) - she said they came so handy for her 2 boys, she wanted us to have the same. I'm not counting on hand-me-downs since most of our friends have small babies/no babies, but I did not want to buy too much stuff because we will get presents. As for the *problem* (well, other people thought it might be a problem, not us!) of not knowing the baby's sex when buying clothes, we chose white, yellow, green, purple, red, light grey and some light blue (I have no problem of baby wearing blue and being a girl; on the other hand, I hate pink so would not buy anything in pink even if I knew it's a girl!). We still need to get some things - we will have custom-made mattress for the cradle, some cloth diapers, baby bath tub, things you buy in the pharmacy (for me and for baby), and a toy to put over the cradle and one for the travel system. My mother said not to buy any cradle linen and blankets for playing on the floor - she wants to make me some (in fact, she just took out the cradle to take the measurements for the linen!). My hospital bag list is done, so now I only need to wash those items that go to the hospital with me and pack 3 hospital bags - one for me (the standard staying period at the hospital is 3 days over here), one for DH to bring for the baby on the day we go home, and one with my going-home clothes. There will also be a small bag with snacks/drinks (DH will keep it in the car and bring it up to the room after the delivery) and a belly purse where he will keep everything he'll need during the delivery (like digital camera (I will take a standard camera and some extra film for the time we spend apart in the hospital - I will be rooming-in with the baby and another mother&baby and I'm sure I will have plenty of photo opportunities once the visiting hours are over, and I don't want to miss those just because DH took the digital camera home to download the pictures!), cell phone in case we get separated during the early labour check ups, list of people to call, etc.). Another thing that you MKPers reminded me of is to make my own tape for drive to the hospital (+45 minutes) and delivery and to put it in the car. Can you believe we haven't chosen a name yet?!! We haven't even vetoed some off the lists yet! OK, in my head I have a shorter version, but we still need to go over the lists!! Otherwise, we are doing fine! I have some backache, but swimming (twice a day - morning and evening), walking in the evening and DH giving me back rubs helps. The swelling of the feet is constant but not painful (only inconvenient because I can only stand to walk around barefoot or wearing sneakers). DH is being busy trying to collect all the documents we will need for him taking his paternal leave after I finish my maternal leave (at the moment it seems like I will be a SAHM for 5-6 months, and then he will be SAHF for the next 6 months - but we still need to collect all the documents because we live in different cities, etc.). If we pull it off so that he can stay at home, it would be really great - not only for the chance for him to bond with the baby more, but also for me to have some quiet time for studying (Law School, 4th academic year-the last one). DH is on holiday until September 1st, and I work from home now and go to the office for only couple of hours a week, so we are really enjoying this period. We are going out a lot on day trips, for romantic dinners in the evening, etc. - I can't believe we only have 8-10 weeks to go!! Oh, and I almost forgot - my SIL announced she is 5 months pregnant with her first! We were really thrilled to hear that - now our baby will have a cousin to play with after all (none of my relatives apart from my former step-brother (my mother divorced his father in June, but we are not blood-related) has any children)! She is not planning to get married, only to live with her boyfriend, and this freaks her parents out a bit, but I think she and her boyfriend will be just fine. She came for a visit (she lives in another city) and we talked a lot about being pregnant, etc. We got so excited by the news (she gave us the news over the phone) that we bought 3 outfits for her child (same as for ours, only in different colours). Congratulations to all who reached the end ;-) Wishing you all happy pregnancies and parenting, Elly 31 weeks + 6 days EDD October 6th |
#3
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31+ weeks ob/gyn appt & update (long)
I had my usual every-4-weeks ob/gyn appointment on Thursday, and the
ultrasound appointment on Friday - all is well :-)) Yay! I aggree about the weight gain, telling you that 26 is too much is kind of silly. I have gained 34 now at 36 weeks, and I was told at just this last appt (where I had gained 4lbs in 2 weeks, vs the previous 4 weeks where I had only gained 1) that they liked to see 25-35, that I would probably get a few pounds over that, and would most likely have about 10-15 of extra fat after the pregnancy. But also that there is nothing I can do about it now, as long as I eat a healthy diet, all that usual stuff. I am just thrilled as with Sophie I gained a lot closer to 45, possibly 50, I did not even want to know at the end! Take care, glad everything is going great for you- Linda Mommy to Sophie, 2 years and girl #2, due Sept 7th! |
#4
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31+ weeks ob/gyn appt & update (long)
Wow, sounds like you are way ahead of me! I haven't even thought about
packing my bag yet!! And we dont have names picked either I wouldn't worry about the weight gain at all. It just suprises me that its still an issue, and for 26lbs? I just dont know about that one. So, are you thinking its a girl? I bought a pink outfit the other day just because...it was on sale and it was really cute from the baby Gap. I went through and organized my items and found I had NO baby girl items at all until the 6 mos size but a load of boy things plus a few unisex sleepers. So I thought, just in case, I better have something she could wear. Otherwise Im waiting until he/she gets here to buy much else. Sounds like you're doing great with everything else! Kari mom to Kaylie (7) Noah (4) and #3 due in 8 weeks "Elly" wrote in message ... I had my usual every-4-weeks ob/gyn appointment on Thursday, and the ultrasound appointment on Friday - all is well :-)) Ob/gyn appointment: - blood pressu110/65 (around the usual, so normal for me) - urine: sterile (another YAY!) - swelling: feet yes, hands no - so she contributed this to the heat and humid days we are having (around 40 degrees Celsius!). Fortunately, the swollen feet do not hurt, just make it a bit uncomfortable for me to wear shoes other than sneakers. - weight gain: 6.6 lbs in 4 weeks - 26 lbs altogether during the pregnancy. Then I went in to see the ob/gyn, and she gave me grief about my weight; she said this is too much, her practice is to recommend a pregnancy weight gain of 26 lbs altogether, etc. I told her I am still eating balanced meals, careful of what I'm choosing, and that I don't really thing 6 lbs is too much to gain in 4 weeks' period; the official recommendation does state that you gain more during the last trimester, and that the total gain of pregnancy should be no less than 20 lbs and no more than 37.4 lbs, and I am still within that frame. I also indicated my swollen feet to her (the nurse was filling in my chart and noticed the swelling at the beginning of the appointment, and she's in another room). She said, "yes, well, this could be it, the last two days have been really terribly hot and humid"... but she still gave me a diet menu (1700 calories) and recommended that I pay attention to what I eat. On to the gynaecological exam - everything fine, cervix closed, no changes, the vaginal tablets she gave me 4 weeks ago helped so no vaginal discharge. The nurse mentioned prior to me going in to see the ob/gyn that my Pap-test results were back, but I was so thrown off by the weight gain discussion that I forgot to ask. I think they must be OK, though, since the ob/gyn did not mention anything about them to me (I had CIN1 two years ago, but at the annual check last year it was normal). The ob/gyn told me to come to my ultrasound exam the next day, but moved my schedule for 2 pm - I was scheduled for 1 pm - she said she might be running late, so it'd be better to come a bit later and not spend too much time waiting. Ultrasound appointment on Friday: I have to mention that DH is on a collective holiday (the entire firm closed) since July 31st, so he was now accompanying me everywhere I go. My ob/gyn's practice is that you have to schedule the appointments you want to take with your partner, and they can be scheduled only for Wednesdays. Well, as my DH works abroad, and the appointments were to be scheduled only for Wednesdays, he'd have to take a day off work, and I told him I'd rather him to save the personal time off work for the days closer to the childbirth, since he can't take a holiday; when he *spends* his 3 days childbirth leave, he can only take personal time off (accumulated during the year and based on overtime) and unpaid leave. So, he did not come to the appointments with me before. Anyway, we were walking down the hall towards my ob/gyn's office, and he said, "please ask her if I can come in as well". I said I would, but that I can't promise anything because of her rule (scheduling only Wednesday appointments with the father). I came in to let the nurse know I'm there and give her my prenatal data, and asked her if she thinks the ob/gyn might let DH sit at the appt as well. The nurse mentioned again the rule, but said it can't hurt to ask, so to ask her when I go in. It seems that our timing was perfect, because when we came, there was only one woman ahead of us, and nobody was waiting after us. We waited for like 10 minutes, and when the nurse called me in and I stepped into the U/S room, I started opening my mouth to ask the ob/gyn about DH sitting in, and she stopped me and said that it's OK, he can come in when she finishes with the measurements. I apologised for not making an official *future mother and father appointment* and explained our somewhat *international* situation, and she said it's fine, she doesn't have anyone scheduled after us so she has time. The measurements are all fine, all on target for my due date. She mentioned my weight gain again, now with an explanation - "You are having a big baby in a small bump" sort of thing - she calculated the baby's weight at 2 kg (4.8 lbs). Heartbeat normal, everything fine. Then she asked the nurse to call DH in. He came in, she told him where to sit down and went over the entire body of the baby 5 times at her own initiative (I could not believe this! She is usually very professional and kind, but not that friendly!)! The tour started at the top of the head, then down the spine, the heart beating steadily; she stopped to ask us if we still don't want to know the baby's sex, we both said no (so DH did not change his mind!) and she proceeded with showing us the legs. I asked her about the baby's position (it was transverse every time before), and she said it was head-down! I was relieved, but still asked her if it would turn again, and she said it's not likely, the babies usually go head down around week 31-32, and I'm right on target for that (the baby's position was my secret fear - I was feet first). So, the baby is head-down, two hands next to the face made into fists - and it was funny because we both saw one little fist kicking me on the monitor and the bump moved! - and the feet are up and sort of aiming for my ribs ;-) She made a point of showing us the baby's face - the baby just woke up so it appeared sleepy, opening and closing its eyes and mouth. At that moment I felt rhythmic pulsing , and I asked her if the baby was having hiccups, and she said, "no, it's just practicing breathing"! She took about 40 minutes with us, and then told me that this is my last ultrasound (so it was fantastic that DH was there like that! Oh, of course, in case something happens I might have an emergency U/S, but officially this is the last one) - my next appointment is in 4 weeks (September 4th) and then we will proceed with CTGs. DH & I went out, totally over the Moon about it - he said he can't put down to words what he just saw, he was so happy. I loved the fact that it all could be seen so clearly, the baby looked like a newborn already. My favourite images of the baby are its face (oh yes, ob/gyn said it has beautiful lips - maybe she wanted to indicate that the baby is a girl?); then the heart beating, and then that one little foot ready for a kick. And the moving of the lips.. What can I say? We are totally in love with this baby ;-) What really boggled me is that I get to see this baby *now* (on the U/S) and then at birth - and then it will look almost exactly the same!! Update: I was on holiday for 3 weeks at DH's place, and we went shopping for a baby. Right now we've got 90% of the things we need, and this shopping was really fun! We went to a couple of different stores because the discounts were from 20 to 40% so it was reasonable to shop around before we actually decided where to get what. At the first store, we bought Inglesina Zippy Travel System (it has everything we need, the height is perfect for both of us, the material is very good, and the colours we've chosen is blue-anthracite shade with details in beige and red), Chicco Plus Go baby carrier (we love it - it has 3 positions: one with the baby lying down, which can be used from the beginning and for nursing as well, one with the baby sitting facing a parent, and one with the baby sitting facing out. It's adjustable, so both DH & I can carry it from the beginning up to 9 kg (20 lbs)) and Avent Isis breast pump (the ob/gyn at the childbirth class said to take it to the hospital, and the woman at the store said I will have no problem returning it if I found no use for it) - we paid all that 380 Euro (which is about the same in US$), got a discount of 47 Euro and a present: mattress & cushion for the stroller. At the second store, we bought things I'll need for the hospital (sleeping gown which allows nursing, etc.), hygiene products for the baby at the hospital and first weeks at home, a few bottles (we plan to use the bottle with my milk eventually so that DH can give the bottle to the baby when I start working again), other small items, and baby clothes along with other things. DH went a bit *crazy* in buying booties/socks - he bought 2 pairs for 0-3 months size and 4 pairs for 3-6 months size, one of them with a matching hat ;-) We paid all that around 312 Euro, and got a discount of 45 ?. At the third store, we bought some more baby clothes, baby monitor (have yet to try it out, but it was recommended to us friends), snowsuit, blanket for the stroller, blanket for the cradle, and some other items for us and my Mom. We paid all that around 159 Euro, and got a discount of 32 Euro, and a bonus that allows us to buy clothes and shoes at 30% discount the next time we go there. We haven't got too many baby clothes, I think it's just the right amount -I've got 1-2 items in 0-3 months' size of everything from the basic baby clothes' list, and 3 items in 3-6 months size, plus the sweater and the snowsuit in 6-9 months size; we won't have a baby shower - over here people come a month after the baby's birth and give you presents; there is no baby registry, but closer friends and relatives usually ask you what to get for the baby so if you are organized you won't get *double* presents (maybe just a few). Some of our friends who came for 2 weeks for a visit already got us a present: baby outfit for the day (yellow with white bears), and this is our first present we received for the baby; then my mother's colleague gave us baby shirts (the ones opened at the back and tied) - she said they came so handy for her 2 boys, she wanted us to have the same. I'm not counting on hand-me-downs since most of our friends have small babies/no babies, but I did not want to buy too much stuff because we will get presents. As for the *problem* (well, other people thought it might be a problem, not us!) of not knowing the baby's sex when buying clothes, we chose white, yellow, green, purple, red, light grey and some light blue (I have no problem of baby wearing blue and being a girl; on the other hand, I hate pink so would not buy anything in pink even if I knew it's a girl!). We still need to get some things - we will have custom-made mattress for the cradle, some cloth diapers, baby bath tub, things you buy in the pharmacy (for me and for baby), and a toy to put over the cradle and one for the travel system. My mother said not to buy any cradle linen and blankets for playing on the floor - she wants to make me some (in fact, she just took out the cradle to take the measurements for the linen!). My hospital bag list is done, so now I only need to wash those items that go to the hospital with me and pack 3 hospital bags - one for me (the standard staying period at the hospital is 3 days over here), one for DH to bring for the baby on the day we go home, and one with my going-home clothes. There will also be a small bag with snacks/drinks (DH will keep it in the car and bring it up to the room after the delivery) and a belly purse where he will keep everything he'll need during the delivery (like digital camera (I will take a standard camera and some extra film for the time we spend apart in the hospital - I will be rooming-in with the baby and another mother&baby and I'm sure I will have plenty of photo opportunities once the visiting hours are over, and I don't want to miss those just because DH took the digital camera home to download the pictures!), cell phone in case we get separated during the early labour check ups, list of people to call, etc.). Another thing that you MKPers reminded me of is to make my own tape for drive to the hospital (+45 minutes) and delivery and to put it in the car. Can you believe we haven't chosen a name yet?!! We haven't even vetoed some off the lists yet! OK, in my head I have a shorter version, but we still need to go over the lists!! Otherwise, we are doing fine! I have some backache, but swimming (twice a day - morning and evening), walking in the evening and DH giving me back rubs helps. The swelling of the feet is constant but not painful (only inconvenient because I can only stand to walk around barefoot or wearing sneakers). DH is being busy trying to collect all the documents we will need for him taking his paternal leave after I finish my maternal leave (at the moment it seems like I will be a SAHM for 5-6 months, and then he will be SAHF for the next 6 months - but we still need to collect all the documents because we live in different cities, etc.). If we pull it off so that he can stay at home, it would be really great - not only for the chance for him to bond with the baby more, but also for me to have some quiet time for studying (Law School, 4th academic year-the last one). DH is on holiday until September 1st, and I work from home now and go to the office for only couple of hours a week, so we are really enjoying this period. We are going out a lot on day trips, for romantic dinners in the evening, etc. - I can't believe we only have 8-10 weeks to go!! Oh, and I almost forgot - my SIL announced she is 5 months pregnant with her first! We were really thrilled to hear that - now our baby will have a cousin to play with after all (none of my relatives apart from my former step-brother (my mother divorced his father in June, but we are not blood-related) has any children)! She is not planning to get married, only to live with her boyfriend, and this freaks her parents out a bit, but I think she and her boyfriend will be just fine. She came for a visit (she lives in another city) and we talked a lot about being pregnant, etc. We got so excited by the news (she gave us the news over the phone) that we bought 3 outfits for her child (same as for ours, only in different colours). Congratulations to all who reached the end ;-) Wishing you all happy pregnancies and parenting, Elly 31 weeks + 6 days EDD October 6th |
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31+ weeks ob/gyn appt & update (long)
Sounds like a great appointment, Elly! But like everyone else has said,
your weight is fine, and a calorie-restricted diet does not seem like a good idea. I'm glad you had a lot of fun at the ultrasound - and shopping! Makes me almost sorry I have no reason to shop this time around. That is, it would if I weren't this lazy.. :-) Keep up the good work, and take care! Tiina SAHM to Emilia,4 EDD Sept.15 (35 weeks today!!) Elly wrote: I had my usual every-4-weeks ob/gyn appointment on Thursday, and the ultrasound appointment on Friday - all is well :-)) Ob/gyn appointment: - blood pressu110/65 (around the usual, so normal for me) - urine: sterile (another YAY!) - swelling: feet yes, hands no - so she contributed this to the heat and humid days we are having (around 40 degrees Celsius!). Fortunately, the swollen feet do not hurt, just make it a bit uncomfortable for me to wear shoes other than sneakers. - weight gain: 6.6 lbs in 4 weeks - 26 lbs altogether during the pregnancy. Then I went in to see the ob/gyn, and she gave me grief about my weight; she said this is too much, her practice is to recommend a pregnancy weight gain of 26 lbs altogether, etc. I told her I am still eating balanced meals, careful of what I'm choosing, and that I don't really thing 6 lbs is too much to gain in 4 weeks' period; the official recommendation does state that you gain more during the last trimester, and that the total gain of pregnancy should be no less than 20 lbs and no more than 37.4 lbs, and I am still within that frame. I also indicated my swollen feet to her (the nurse was filling in my chart and noticed the swelling at the beginning of the appointment, and she's in another room). She said, "yes, well, this could be it, the last two days have been really terribly hot and humid"... but she still gave me a diet menu (1700 calories) and recommended that I pay attention to what I eat. On to the gynaecological exam - everything fine, cervix closed, no changes, the vaginal tablets she gave me 4 weeks ago helped so no vaginal discharge. The nurse mentioned prior to me going in to see the ob/gyn that my Pap-test results were back, but I was so thrown off by the weight gain discussion that I forgot to ask. I think they must be OK, though, since the ob/gyn did not mention anything about them to me (I had CIN1 two years ago, but at the annual check last year it was normal). The ob/gyn told me to come to my ultrasound exam the next day, but moved my schedule for 2 pm - I was scheduled for 1 pm - she said she might be running late, so it'd be better to come a bit later and not spend too much time waiting. Ultrasound appointment on Friday: I have to mention that DH is on a collective holiday (the entire firm closed) since July 31st, so he was now accompanying me everywhere I go. My ob/gyn's practice is that you have to schedule the appointments you want to take with your partner, and they can be scheduled only for Wednesdays. Well, as my DH works abroad, and the appointments were to be scheduled only for Wednesdays, he'd have to take a day off work, and I told him I'd rather him to save the personal time off work for the days closer to the childbirth, since he can't take a holiday; when he *spends* his 3 days childbirth leave, he can only take personal time off (accumulated during the year and based on overtime) and unpaid leave. So, he did not come to the appointments with me before. Anyway, we were walking down the hall towards my ob/gyn's office, and he said, "please ask her if I can come in as well". I said I would, but that I can't promise anything because of her rule (scheduling only Wednesday appointments with the father). I came in to let the nurse know I'm there and give her my prenatal data, and asked her if she thinks the ob/gyn might let DH sit at the appt as well. The nurse mentioned again the rule, but said it can't hurt to ask, so to ask her when I go in. It seems that our timing was perfect, because when we came, there was only one woman ahead of us, and nobody was waiting after us. We waited for like 10 minutes, and when the nurse called me in and I stepped into the U/S room, I started opening my mouth to ask the ob/gyn about DH sitting in, and she stopped me and said that it's OK, he can come in when she finishes with the measurements. I apologised for not making an official *future mother and father appointment* and explained our somewhat *international* situation, and she said it's fine, she doesn't have anyone scheduled after us so she has time. The measurements are all fine, all on target for my due date. She mentioned my weight gain again, now with an explanation - "You are having a big baby in a small bump" sort of thing - she calculated the baby's weight at 2 kg (4.8 lbs). Heartbeat normal, everything fine. Then she asked the nurse to call DH in. He came in, she told him where to sit down and went over the entire body of the baby 5 times at her own initiative (I could not believe this! She is usually very professional and kind, but not that friendly!)! The tour started at the top of the head, then down the spine, the heart beating steadily; she stopped to ask us if we still don't want to know the baby's sex, we both said no (so DH did not change his mind!) and she proceeded with showing us the legs. I asked her about the baby's position (it was transverse every time before), and she said it was head-down! I was relieved, but still asked her if it would turn again, and she said it's not likely, the babies usually go head down around week 31-32, and I'm right on target for that (the baby's position was my secret fear - I was feet first). So, the baby is head-down, two hands next to the face made into fists - and it was funny because we both saw one little fist kicking me on the monitor and the bump moved! - and the feet are up and sort of aiming for my ribs ;-) She made a point of showing us the baby's face - the baby just woke up so it appeared sleepy, opening and closing its eyes and mouth. At that moment I felt rhythmic pulsing , and I asked her if the baby was having hiccups, and she said, "no, it's just practicing breathing"! She took about 40 minutes with us, and then told me that this is my last ultrasound (so it was fantastic that DH was there like that! Oh, of course, in case something happens I might have an emergency U/S, but officially this is the last one) - my next appointment is in 4 weeks (September 4th) and then we will proceed with CTGs. DH & I went out, totally over the Moon about it - he said he can't put down to words what he just saw, he was so happy. I loved the fact that it all could be seen so clearly, the baby looked like a newborn already. My favourite images of the baby are its face (oh yes, ob/gyn said it has beautiful lips - maybe she wanted to indicate that the baby is a girl?); then the heart beating, and then that one little foot ready for a kick. And the moving of the lips.. What can I say? We are totally in love with this baby ;-) What really boggled me is that I get to see this baby *now* (on the U/S) and then at birth - and then it will look almost exactly the same!! Update: I was on holiday for 3 weeks at DH's place, and we went shopping for a baby. Right now we've got 90% of the things we need, and this shopping was really fun! We went to a couple of different stores because the discounts were from 20 to 40% so it was reasonable to shop around before we actually decided where to get what. At the first store, we bought Inglesina Zippy Travel System (it has everything we need, the height is perfect for both of us, the material is very good, and the colours we've chosen is blue-anthracite shade with details in beige and red), Chicco Plus Go baby carrier (we love it - it has 3 positions: one with the baby lying down, which can be used from the beginning and for nursing as well, one with the baby sitting facing a parent, and one with the baby sitting facing out. It's adjustable, so both DH & I can carry it from the beginning up to 9 kg (20 lbs)) and Avent Isis breast pump (the ob/gyn at the childbirth class said to take it to the hospital, and the woman at the store said I will have no problem returning it if I found no use for it) - we paid all that 380 Euro (which is about the same in US$), got a discount of 47 Euro and a present: mattress & cushion for the stroller. At the second store, we bought things I'll need for the hospital (sleeping gown which allows nursing, etc.), hygiene products for the baby at the hospital and first weeks at home, a few bottles (we plan to use the bottle with my milk eventually so that DH can give the bottle to the baby when I start working again), other small items, and baby clothes along with other things. DH went a bit *crazy* in buying booties/socks - he bought 2 pairs for 0-3 months size and 4 pairs for 3-6 months size, one of them with a matching hat ;-) We paid all that around 312 Euro, and got a discount of 45 ?. At the third store, we bought some more baby clothes, baby monitor (have yet to try it out, but it was recommended to us friends), snowsuit, blanket for the stroller, blanket for the cradle, and some other items for us and my Mom. We paid all that around 159 Euro, and got a discount of 32 Euro, and a bonus that allows us to buy clothes and shoes at 30% discount the next time we go there. We haven't got too many baby clothes, I think it's just the right amount -I've got 1-2 items in 0-3 months' size of everything from the basic baby clothes' list, and 3 items in 3-6 months size, plus the sweater and the snowsuit in 6-9 months size; we won't have a baby shower - over here people come a month after the baby's birth and give you presents; there is no baby registry, but closer friends and relatives usually ask you what to get for the baby so if you are organized you won't get *double* presents (maybe just a few). Some of our friends who came for 2 weeks for a visit already got us a present: baby outfit for the day (yellow with white bears), and this is our first present we received for the baby; then my mother's colleague gave us baby shirts (the ones opened at the back and tied) - she said they came so handy for her 2 boys, she wanted us to have the same. I'm not counting on hand-me-downs since most of our friends have small babies/no babies, but I did not want to buy too much stuff because we will get presents. As for the *problem* (well, other people thought it might be a problem, not us!) of not knowing the baby's sex when buying clothes, we chose white, yellow, green, purple, red, light grey and some light blue (I have no problem of baby wearing blue and being a girl; on the other hand, I hate pink so would not buy anything in pink even if I knew it's a girl!). We still need to get some things - we will have custom-made mattress for the cradle, some cloth diapers, baby bath tub, things you buy in the pharmacy (for me and for baby), and a toy to put over the cradle and one for the travel system. My mother said not to buy any cradle linen and blankets for playing on the floor - she wants to make me some (in fact, she just took out the cradle to take the measurements for the linen!). My hospital bag list is done, so now I only need to wash those items that go to the hospital with me and pack 3 hospital bags - one for me (the standard staying period at the hospital is 3 days over here), one for DH to bring for the baby on the day we go home, and one with my going-home clothes. There will also be a small bag with snacks/drinks (DH will keep it in the car and bring it up to the room after the delivery) and a belly purse where he will keep everything he'll need during the delivery (like digital camera (I will take a standard camera and some extra film for the time we spend apart in the hospital - I will be rooming-in with the baby and another mother&baby and I'm sure I will have plenty of photo opportunities once the visiting hours are over, and I don't want to miss those just because DH took the digital camera home to download the pictures!), cell phone in case we get separated during the early labour check ups, list of people to call, etc.). Another thing that you MKPers reminded me of is to make my own tape for drive to the hospital (+45 minutes) and delivery and to put it in the car. Can you believe we haven't chosen a name yet?!! We haven't even vetoed some off the lists yet! OK, in my head I have a shorter version, but we still need to go over the lists!! Otherwise, we are doing fine! I have some backache, but swimming (twice a day - morning and evening), walking in the evening and DH giving me back rubs helps. The swelling of the feet is constant but not painful (only inconvenient because I can only stand to walk around barefoot or wearing sneakers). DH is being busy trying to collect all the documents we will need for him taking his paternal leave after I finish my maternal leave (at the moment it seems like I will be a SAHM for 5-6 months, and then he will be SAHF for the next 6 months - but we still need to collect all the documents because we live in different cities, etc.). If we pull it off so that he can stay at home, it would be really great - not only for the chance for him to bond with the baby more, but also for me to have some quiet time for studying (Law School, 4th academic year-the last one). DH is on holiday until September 1st, and I work from home now and go to the office for only couple of hours a week, so we are really enjoying this period. We are going out a lot on day trips, for romantic dinners in the evening, etc. - I can't believe we only have 8-10 weeks to go!! Oh, and I almost forgot - my SIL announced she is 5 months pregnant with her first! We were really thrilled to hear that - now our baby will have a cousin to play with after all (none of my relatives apart from my former step-brother (my mother divorced his father in June, but we are not blood-related) has any children)! She is not planning to get married, only to live with her boyfriend, and this freaks her parents out a bit, but I think she and her boyfriend will be just fine. She came for a visit (she lives in another city) and we talked a lot about being pregnant, etc. We got so excited by the news (she gave us the news over the phone) that we bought 3 outfits for her child (same as for ours, only in different colours). Congratulations to all who reached the end ;-) Wishing you all happy pregnancies and parenting, Elly 31 weeks + 6 days EDD October 6th |
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31+ weeks ob/gyn appt & update (long)
"Elly" wrote in message
I had my usual every-4-weeks ob/gyn appointment on Thursday, and the ultrasound appointment on Friday - all is well :-)) Ob/gyn appointment: - blood pressu110/65 (around the usual, so normal for me) - urine: sterile (another YAY!) - swelling: feet yes, hands no - so she contributed this to the heat and humid days we are having (around 40 degrees Celsius!). Fortunately, the swollen feet do not hurt, just make it a bit uncomfortable for me to wear shoes other than sneakers. - weight gain: 6.6 lbs in 4 weeks - 26 lbs altogether during the pregnancy. Sounds like things are great! I just love that our appointments keep going like this :-) Then I went in to see the ob/gyn, and she gave me grief about my weight; she said this is too much, her practice is to recommend a pregnancy weight gain of 26 lbs altogether, etc. I told her I am still eating balanced meals, careful of what I'm choosing, and that I don't really thing 6 lbs is too much to gain in 4 weeks' period; the official recommendation does state that you gain more during the last trimester, and that the total gain of pregnancy should be no less than 20 lbs and no more than 37.4 lbs, and I am still within that frame. I also indicated my swollen feet to her (the nurse was filling in my chart and noticed the swelling at the beginning of the appointment, and she's in another room). She said, "yes, well, this could be it, the last two days have been really terribly hot and humid"... but she still gave me a diet menu (1700 calories) and recommended that I pay attention to what I eat. Ooh! I don't like this at all. Water weight can have a big impact on overall weight and it isn't "real" really. Also, since you are still within the range, it really doesn't seem appropriate to me that she gave you a diet menu! Like I said in my update, I apparently gained 4 pounds in just two weeks before my last appointment (though there is a possibility that their scale was a bit "off" the appointment before, because I weighed less on it than I thought I should relative to my scale at home, but this time it was on target with my scale at home. Something may have been up the appt. before!). According to my last appt. I only gained 2 pounds in an entire month. Along those lines, not everyone gains at the precise 1 pound per week level. I have heard of lots of women having "heavy" appointments where they have gained several pounds, only to have gained 1 more by the next appointment (as opposed to getting on a 6-pound per month schedule and *staying* there, weight gain is variable over the weeks and month). I would bet that you won't have the same type of gain next month at all and she gave your grief for nothing! snip It seems that our timing was perfect, because when we came, there was only one woman ahead of us, and nobody was waiting after us. We waited for like 10 minutes, and when the nurse called me in and I stepped into the U/S room, I started opening my mouth to ask the ob/gyn about DH sitting in, and she stopped me and said that it's OK, he can come in when she finishes with the measurements. I apologised for not making an official *future mother and father appointment* and explained our somewhat *international* situation, and she said it's fine, she doesn't have anyone scheduled after us so she has time. The measurements are all fine, all on target for my due date. She mentioned my weight gain again, now with an explanation - "You are having a big baby in a small bump" sort of thing - she calculated the baby's weight at 2 kg (4.8 lbs). Heartbeat normal, everything fine. Then she asked the nurse to call DH in. He came in, she told him where to sit down and went over the entire body of the baby 5 times at her own initiative (I could not believe this! I'm glad your DH got to come in for the ultrasound! That is great! It sounds like it was really thorough and probably great for him to experience. She is usually very professional and kind, but not that friendly!)! The tour started at the top of the head, then down the spine, the heart beating steadily; she stopped to ask us if we still don't want to know the baby's sex, we both said no (so DH did not change his mind!) and she proceeded with showing us the legs. I asked her about the baby's position (it was transverse every time before), and she said it was head-down! I was relieved, but still asked her if it would turn again, and she said it's not likely, the babies usually go head down around week 31-32, and I'm right on target for that (the baby's position was my secret fear - I was feet first). So, the baby is head-down, two hands next to the face made into fists - and it was funny because we both saw one little fist kicking me on the monitor and the bump moved! - and the feet are up and sort of aiming for my ribs ;-) She made a point of showing us the baby's face - the baby just woke up so it appeared sleepy, opening and closing its eyes and mouth. At that moment I felt rhythmic pulsing , and I asked her if the baby was having hiccups, and she said, "no, it's just practicing breathing"! I think it is so funny that both of us have had breathing experiences at our last appointments. Must be the time for them to really get into their "breathing lessons" :-) It is hard for me to imagine what the baby actually looks like in there and what he is doing when he is moving around. Fairly easy to picture the feet kicking, because I can so distinctly tell what is a foot poking out. It is also easy to tell where his back is and how he kind of pushes out with it, but it is hard for me to picture his little face in there and what he is doing with his hands--sucking thumb, etc.--since I can't feel that. DH & I went out, totally over the Moon about it - he said he can't put down to words what he just saw, he was so happy. I loved the fact that it all could be seen so clearly, the baby looked like a newborn already. My favourite images of the baby are its face (oh yes, ob/gyn said it has beautiful lips - maybe she wanted to indicate that the baby is a girl?); then the heart beating, and then that one little foot ready for a kick. And the moving of the lips.. What can I say? We are totally in love with this baby ;-) What really boggled me is that I get to see this baby *now* (on the U/S) and then at birth - and then it will look almost exactly the same!! So sweet :-) I checked a book out of the library recently that had a section on newborn care in it and the pictures were of a *very* newborn baby. It was neat to realize that that is almost where our baby is right now--that he probably looks much the same, only with less of a fat layer. I'm getting really excited to see him. I keep pictured him as dark haired, so I think I will be surprised if he turns out to be a blondie! It is really fun for me to imagine what he looks like and I'm really looking forward to seeing where the genetic chips fell :-) Avent Isis breast pump (the ob/gyn at the childbirth class said to take it to the hospital, and the woman at the store said I will have no problem returning it if I found no use for it) - we paid all that 380 Euro (which is about the same in US$), got a discount of 47 Euro and a present: mattress & cushion for the stroller. That is the kind of pump I have as well (it was a gift). I'm planning to use it minimally, but do want to be able to leave "just in case" expressed milk bottles home with DH or my sister when I start working again after he is born (I will only be working about 5 hours a week total, so he probably won't need a bottle at all during the time I am gone, but I will feel better about having left the option). snip At the third store, we bought some more baby clothes, baby monitor (have yet to try it out, but it was recommended to us friends), snowsuit, blanket for the stroller, blanket for the cradle, and some other items for us and my Mom. We paid all that around 159 Euro, and got a discount of 32 Euro, and a bonus that allows us to buy clothes and shoes at 30% discount the next time we go there. Sounds like you found some good deals and are really getting stocked up! We haven't got a snowsuit yet--it is on my "wish list"! We also haven't got a stroller. Because of the time of year, I don't anticipate needing a stroller for several months after he is born, so we decided that if we didn't get one as a gift, we would just wait until we actually need one before we buy one. We haven't got too many baby clothes, I think it's just the right amount -I've got 1-2 items in 0-3 months' size of everything from the basic baby clothes' list, and 3 items in 3-6 months size, plus the sweater and the snowsuit in 6-9 months size; we won't have a baby shower - over here people come a month after the baby's birth and give you presents; there is no baby registry, but closer friends and relatives usually ask you what to get for the baby so if you are organized you won't get *double* presents (maybe just a few). Some of our friends who came for 2 weeks for a visit already got us a present: baby outfit for the day (yellow with white bears), and this is our first present we received for the baby; then my mother's colleague gave us baby shirts (the ones opened at the back and tied) - she said they came so handy for her 2 boys, she wanted us to have the same. I'm not counting on hand-me-downs since most of our friends have small babies/no babies, but I did not want to buy too much stuff because we will get presents. We don't have *that* many clothes either, but enough. I am holding off on buying anything else, becuase I know a lot of people give cute little outfits as gifts after the baby is born. I also want to figure out what we like or use most of when he is actually here, before buying anything more in advance. My hospital bag list is done, so now I only need to wash those items that go to the hospital with me and pack 3 hospital bags - one for me (the standard staying period at the hospital is 3 days over here), one for DH to bring for the baby on the day we go home, and one with my going-home clothes. There will also be a small bag with snacks/drinks (DH will keep it in the car and bring it up to the room after the delivery) and a belly purse where he will keep everything he'll need during the delivery (like digital camera (I will take a standard camera and some extra film for the time we spend apart in the hospital - I will be rooming-in with the baby and another mother&baby and I'm sure I will have plenty of photo opportunities once the visiting hours are over, and I don't want to miss those just because DH took the digital camera home to download the pictures!), cell phone in case we get separated during the early labour check ups, list of people to call, etc.). Another thing that you MKPers reminded me of is to make my own tape for drive to the hospital (+45 minutes) and delivery and to put it in the car. Sounds like you are very prepared! We washed all of the baby clothes, diapers, and blankets last week and I packed up his diaper bag to bring to the birth center (has his going home outfit in it as well as diapers, receiving blankets, and a few other supplies they told me to bring). I have also been collecting things for my "birth supplies bag," but I haven't actually packed them up yet. They are all piled on the rocking chair together though, so they will be easy to pack. I even have a roll of film and a new just-in-case battery for my camera sitting on the rocking chair. My mom is going to be the snack-lady for the labor and we made a list last week of foods she is supposed to supply us with when she arrives :-) Can you believe we haven't chosen a name yet?!! We haven't even vetoed some off the lists yet! OK, in my head I have a shorter version, but we still need to go over the lists!! Since you are so prepared with everything else, I'm surprised you haven't chosen yet! Better get to work ;-) snip DH is on holiday until September 1st, and I work from home now and go to the office for only couple of hours a week, so we are really enjoying this period. We are going out a lot on day trips, for romantic dinners in the evening, etc. - I can't believe we only have 8-10 weeks to go!! Sounds like great quality time together before the baby gets here. I can't believe how close the due dates are getting either! I'm starting to expect a birth announcement from Cheryl S. any day now to kick off the late summer/fall birth stories.... Glad things are going so well with you! -- Em edd 9/23/03 (34 weeks) |
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31+ weeks ob/gyn appt & update (long)
Em wrote in message
news:JpN_a.144599$YN5.94451@sccrnsc01... That's awesome! I'm glad my experience helped you recognize it too--we have a bunch of good-breathing babies out there :-) I just read in one of my pregnancy books that by 34 weeks, babies practice breathe 30% of the time. Sometimes up to 85% of an hour they are breathing, apparently! I also read that the most busy breathing times are between 4-7 a.m., so that is probably why a lot of people miss it. I would not have felt it if my hand hadn't been there. As an experiment, I took my hand away and could not feel anything, then put my hand back and could feel it again. Oh, speaking of things I read recently, apparently babies also move about 200-700 times a day! (not counting hiccups or breathing). I thought it sounded like a lot, but I idly counted for a bit before I got out of bed this morning and he moved 45 times in like 15 minutes, so 700 doesn't sound like so many anymore! I would have guessed at least that many with this one! He sure is an active one. We have one of those big not-removeable-from-the-car-carseats. Do those buntings work with those? I also wanted a snowsuit for use in the stroller, but I'm not sure if we will even get a stroller until it is spring. Oh, sorry. I'm sure they wouldn't work with anything other than the infant seat/carrier types. If you go to the mall with any regularity, a stroller might come in handy there, but that is the only place I used one in the winter. Most malls rent them though. I sense it any day now! (hope I'm right ;-) If this is anything like your open leg vibes I'm in big trouble! ;-) ;-) -- Cheryl S. Mom to Julie, 2 yr., 4 mo. And a boy, EDD 4.Sept Cleaning the house while your children are small is like shoveling the sidewalk while it's still snowing. |
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