Our Last 4 Week Visit (27 weeks)

Last week we had our final every four week visit!  Since I am in my 3^rd trimester I will start to see the doctor every two weeks until 36 weeks when the weekly, internal exams start.

Take a look at my stats below –

Pee: good!

Weight gain over 4 weeks: 6 lbs over 4 ½ weeks.  I smiled at the nurse happy-as-a-clam that my weight gain was less than 9 lbs this visit!

Blood Pressure: good!

Heartbeat: Between 148 – 150.

Growth Measurement: First, in case you don’t know what this means – the doctor uses a measuring tape and measures from my pelvic bone to the top of my uterus (which he/she finds my pushing around feeling for a “shelf”.  This measurement allows the doctor to assess your baby’s size, growth rate, and position.  The “norm” is that you should measure in centimeters to however many weeks you are – For instance, I was at 27 weeks last visit so I should have measured 27 centimeters.  But I didn’t!  I measured 30! What does this all mean? Nothing for now.

Concerns: I asked the doctor about a tingling sensation I am having below my right breast on my belly (feels like pins and needles).  My doctor explained that this is normal and due to the stretching and expanding of nerve endings, no need to worry.

Our next visit is this week actually.  I have to take the dreaded glucose test which checks for gestational diabetes, a high blood sugar condition that some women get during pregnancy.  Hopefully I pass this test!

Our 19 Week Check-up

This has been the only time in my life when I actually look forward to and enjoy my scheduled doctor visits.  I have always feared the doctor’s office expecting to be told I am dying even when visiting for a sinus infection or sore throat.  The thought of needing a physicians care invokes irrational fears in my quite creative mind and I began my pregnancy and frequent doctor visits anticipating bad news each time.  Lucky enough, each vile of blood that was drawn and tested for multiple diseases, deficiencies and so on, came back with positive news that allowed me to relax and think “maybe I will live”.

So last week we embarked upon our 19 week visit that once again put me at ease…that is, except for the weight gain.  Take a look at my stats below –

Pee: good! (I still don’t know exactly what they are checking for here)

Weight gain over 4 weeks: 8 lbs (hmmm, yea. Not on target! I almost fell over, but my doctor assured me that most women’s weight spikes around this timeframe and that I have nothing to worry about yet.)

Blood Pressure: good

Heartbeat: Good, I guess. Didn’t get the heart rate number this time. Now that I know we are expecting a girl I don’t worry as much as to the high or low of the number (we were always trying to guess the gender previously based on this) and am content with knowing the heart is strong and the beats are consistent.

Concerns: I asked the doctor if I should avoid any cleaning supplies, he responded in a whisper “How would you like me to respond?” (wink, wink) with my husband sitting next to me.  He said that as long as I was not using cleaning products for a extend period of time in a small area I should be fine. We also discussed getting the flu shot (which I am not completely sold on).

Our next visit is the week of Christmas! Can’t wait to know how my little angel is doing then.  And hopefully the scale will be a bit more kind!

GTAK29CHZVRT

Another 4 Week Check-up

We had another check-up with our new obgyn office.  In the beginning of pregnancy you visit your obgyn every four weeks.  At first different blood work and tests are run, after those are completed your visits mostly consist of peeing in a cup, checking your blood pressure and weight gain (not fun); a feel around your belly for measurements; listening for the heartbeat; and time for any questions and concerns.

Pee: good! (I still don’t know exactly what they are checking for here)

Weight gain over 4 weeks: 2.25 lbs (on target)

Blood Pressure: good

Heartbeat: 160 (old wives tell continue to point to girl based on the high heartbeat)

Concerns: When the nurse put the Doppler on my belly it took her what seemed like forever (but was probably only 45 seconds) to find the heartbeat.  My own heart stopped. I was so scared.  Once I heard the fast boom-boom I felt so relieved.

The nurse reviewed our genetic test results and commented on how wonderful the results were.  My husband and I both smiled at each other feeling like our baby has already had some accomplishments in his/her life!

And big news – We will find out the gender of our baby on November 19^th! I always thought that you had to be at 20 weeks to find out if you are carrying a boy or girl.  We found out that you can have this ultrasound down between 18 – 20 weeks so we will be 18 weeks and 3 days pregnant when we find out what color room we will be painting the nursery!