40 weeks + 6 days Pregnant

Tomorrow marks 41 weeks! Yikes! So here's the update so far. I had a midwife appointment yesterday. Here's the stats:
Weight: +.5lbs, total of +44lbs for the pregnancy! UGH! oh well...
Blood pressure was a bit higher for me, I typically have near perfect blood pressure. 130/88
Fundal Height: 44cm--pretty consistent with my measurements lately
Fetal Heart rate: 120bpm
Fetal position: ROA
Cervical check: .5cm dilated, 80% effaced.

If she could have gotten through my cervix, she would have done a stretch and sweep for me, but I wasn't quite open enough. She told me not to expect to go into labor that day (fri) or saturday.

So from the exam, I had a bit of spotting, which I know is normal. But this morning, Scott and I were going to help get things moving (wink, wink) but I had to pee first (of course) and when I went, I noticed I still had a bit of spotting--which had pretty much stopped last night around 10:30pm--and when I went to flush, I noticed something in the toilet. I am 99% sure it was some of my mucus plug! Heck Yes!! FINALLY! I feel like something is happening!! So Scott came to see it, and was grossed out...so we didn't have sex lol, but that's alright. I'm enjoying this little moment I'm having :) My back is crampy, but it seems more constant, than in any pattern, so I'm not sure what that means, if anything. My sleep could be contributing to it as well, I feel like I have two positions to sleep in, comfy for ten minutes,  and GOD if i could only sleep on my belly!! I wake up sore as all get out and my body hates me! At least my calves are feeling better after all that curb walking. It felt like I had done 8,000 stairs!!

So since Wednesday night, when everything came to a haulting stop, I have decided to stop timing, stop thinking, and start enjoying the last few days I have alone. I'm not saying I'm not anxious for him to be here, but I've totally stopped focusing on it. It's easier emotionally not to get my hopes up every time. I dont like to get depressed when nothing is happening, its not fun for anyone. Wednesday afternoon Scott and I went to a local burger/ice cream place and enjoyed a walk around the mill ponds, and Thursday we went to our local honey farm and bought a gallon of honey. I love the drive out to these places, country roads with the windows down and fresh air blowing in! I have also been working on some sewing projects for Liam.




 I would definitely recommend that when you are getting to that point of being depressed when labor isn't happening, you forget about it. I realize how hard it is, but honestly, it is a heck of a lot easier to distract yourself with fun things, than to be mopey all day long! Besides, you wont miss labor. It will definitely get your attention. Enjoy that last few days of a family of two, three, or whatever. Get out of the house, turn off your phone, dont check facebook. Everyone wants to know how you are feeling, but they dont understand that it is even more difficult when they are in you face, even if they mean well. I hope this helps someone. It sure as hell has helped me cope with the last few days. On my list for today: finish the dishes, vacuum, laundry, make curtain for Liam's bedroom, and take a walk. I'm sure I wont get all of these things done, but it would be an accomplishment to finish half of them. :) Enjoy your day!!

40 Weeks + 3 Days Pregnant

So last night...

I woke up at 3am from a terrible contraction. I tried going back to sleep, but couldnt. I tossed and turned, and sat up on my phone for 2 hours before finally falling back to sleep. I knew I could sit up and wait for the next contraction which would eventually wear myself out, or I could try to go back to sleep and save my energy for real labor. I woke again at 7:30 to my alarm, I had a chiropractor appt at 8:15, so I got up and took a shower. I was still having a few contractions, but they were much more spaced out and mild than the 3am ones. The chiropractor adjusted me, and did my pressure points again. They definitely kicked up my contractions a bit. I got home and made some oatmeal with raisins, chia seeds, hickory nuts, and brown sugar. Strawberries on the side, and a tall glass of milk. :) I called the midwife to reschedule my appointment (it was supposed to be today at 12:30, I was hoping not to ride in a car for 2.5 hours round trip while having contractions) I figured I'd reschedule for friday since they don't take appointments on thursdays. Anyways, after that my doula called me and asked how I was doing. I gave her the low-down, and she thought it sounded like baby's head wasn't lined up all the way to keep labor constant.

So she suggested a "mile-circuit"
This consisted of 30 mins laying knees to chest like this:

 











Then immediately 30 mins on my left side with my right leg elevated to help open the pelvis.


Then 30 minutes of curb walking...(15 mins on one side, 15 on the other). This was the hardest part!



So here I am, fresh off my curb, and sweaty...No contractions yet. But I am still hopeful.

Basically the first position helps move baby out of the pelvic a bit, and then laying on the left helps line him up, and then the curb walking helps bring him back down into proper position.

I'm not sure what the rest of the day holds for me, but I am excited to see.
Nikky

40 Weeks + 2 days Pregnant

So yesterday my contractions really did pick up. I decided I was sick of sitting around so I turned on some old school jams and tried to dance Liam out!! Then I sat on my birthing ball for awhile when I was online. Around 6pm my contractions became more regular. I timed them at 1 min duration with 6 minutes rest. They usually began in my lower back (like period pains) and at times would go to the front in my lower uterus.

Once Scott got home, we went for a 40 min walk, and then made some dinner. Afterwards, I took a nice hot shower, and went to bed. They were pretty consistent throughout the night until 6am when they subsided once again! Sigh! I slept until 8:30, and since then have cleaned and organized a bit more. It feels nice to have the bedroom and bathroom really clean, and ready for my birth team to be here.

I also had text messaged my doula Rachel, last night, and again this morning. She mentioned that usually mommas don't labor during the day unless it's active labor. So I should rest up and be sure I'm eating well today since I will probably need it throughout the night. I have had some contractions today, but they are pretty mild and not building into anything. I can honestly say, I am pretty scared that the evening will come, and nothing will happen. I guess we will see.

39 weeks + 4 days Pregnant Midwife Update

Midwife update:

Had my 39 week appointment today, here's the stats:

weight up 2 from last week--seriously!?! come on! total for pregnancy 43lbs

Blood Pressure: 124/68

Pulse: 70

Fundal Height: 43cm

Fetal Heart Rate: 130bpm

Fetal Position: LOA

Estimated Fetal Weight: 9lbs!! Holy Schnikies!


I also must mention that Monday, I had a bout of diarrhea and then was crampy all day. I really thought that was it...it was labor time...but alas, no contractions. I still have crampy-ness throughout the day here and there, but its not like it was on Monday. Either way, I know labor is coming. My doula thinks it will be Monday. Something about first time mommas having diarrhea one week from labor. Fingers crossed!!

PS, my last day of work is tomorrow! Hurray!!! 

Pregnancy Week 38

How far along: 38 Weeks

Weight gain: +5 from last week! Wahhh? 41 for the pregnancy...swell much?

Stretch marks: absolutely

Maternity clothes: yes yes and yes!

Sleep: eh...up and down. I seem to sleep hard and wake often.

Best moment this week: Spending an amazing evening with Scott outside with a campfire and cooking our food over the fire. (tin foil potatoes and cheddarwurst on the tripod, and blueberry pudgie pies!)

Miss anything: just the normal, sleeping on my belly, seeing my ankles, my hands not tingling.

Cravings: nothing really, sweets probably.

Anything make you queasy or sick: not really

Gender: boy!

Wedding rings: off

Belly button: still in

Movements: fewer, but I know he's out of room in there, so many of them aren't so noticeable, even when he does move around--especially if I'm distracted.

Symptoms: tingling hands, swollen ankles/feet, mood swings--mostly just disappointed when things dont feel like they are moving along, tired--been taking lots more naps. slight nesting.

Mood: usually pretty good. I do get cranky when I have to go to work again every morning...and at night when I feel like I haven't progressed or had any contractions.

MIDWIFE UPDATE:
see my previous post on labor watch #3 and small update.

I know any mother or soon to be mother can relate to the last few week of pregnancy being the worst. I am in total agreement!! These last few days have felt longer than many of the weeks I've been through recently. Of course every mother wants her baby to be healthy and strong, but we also want the waiting to be over. I can not wait to see what little Liam looks like, what his cry will sound like, how much hair he has, what his temperment will be, all those questions that have been floating around in my head since before conception. They are finally building up to these last few days of waiting. And it's driving me crazy! lol. I love him so entirely already, I cant wait to see his face and smell his scent. :)

Hopefully my next post will be with my little one in my arms :) Thank you all for your love and support!

Nikky

Labor Watch #3 plus small update

Well, I wish I could say the reason I've been not updating the past few days is because my little one finally decided to come. ... but alas...he has not. I know every mother and soon to be mother understands the crabby disappointment that comes with the last few weeks, when things start happening and then stop abruptly. Yup, that's where I'm at. Figures though, we probably all need to feel this way a little bit.

Anyways, many things we have been trying are just repeats of the last few. We have tried nipple stimulation. While this does cause some mild contractions, it hasn't built into anything measurable.

Method #4 Sex and Orgasm

Attempted: 6/5/13

How far along: 38 weeks, 4 days

Purpose: ripen cervix, and cause contractions

Results: a few minutes afterward I had one of the strongest contractions yet. I continued to have a few more milder ones and ended up going to sleep. Throughout the night I had a few that woke me up, but they eventually tapered off.

The chiropractor also did some pressure points again today. (38weeks, 6 days) It has seemed to slowly work. I had some pressure at the top of my uterus, and some contractions that range in intensity. I haven't timed them. I think I'm at the point where it's easier not to focus on them. I hate to keep getting disappointed.

Midwife Update:

I had my 38 week midwife appointment on wednesday. I gained 5 pounds!! WTF! haha, hopefully its just fluid. My blood pressure was 118/78, pulse 80, fundal height dropped to 42.5cm--was 44.5cm last week. She said its dropped since he is much lower and very well engaged. (yay!) Fetal heart rate 130, Estimated fetal weight 8.5lbs! I expressed concern about going to 42 weeks since my insurance will expire by then, and she mentioned that we could start doing some ways to facilitate labor next week. I'm going to email her on Monday to see if they will do a membrane sweep at my next appt on Wednesday. But she mentioned that she didnt think I would make it to 42 weeks. Here's to hoping!!

All I can say is I hope that all these methods we have been doing are at least thinning and dilating my cervix!

More soon. :)

Pregnancy Weeks 33, 34, 35

I don't even know where to start...I guess first off, see my previous blog for an explanation to where I've been and what's kept me away from Blog land the last few weeks. I guess I'll just jump right in and try my best to remember everything.


How far along: 35 weeks

Weight gain: went the midwife yesterday. Up 4 from last appointment 3 weeks ago. Total for pregnancy 34.

Stretch marks: yes, not scary deep, but definitely all over! Tiger stripes! Roar!

Maternity Clothes: That bra I bought a few weeks ago is AMAZING!!!! It is so friggen comfortable I have contemplated buying another. I will only be able to use it as a sleep/lounge bra, but still, it is reassuring to have something!

Sleep: I just started within the last week getting up twice to pee. I know many women are up far more times, but if I do wake up a lot to attempt to switch sides. My hands fall asleep a lot, and it wakes me up. My chiropractor things its because of my neck. Who knows.

Best moment this week: definitely my baby shower (see previous post) and my doula visiting.

Miss anything? Beer--but I think its mostly because I would have drank a lot these few weeks with all the stress I was under. Lunch meat.

Cravings: Salty things. Chips, fries, snacky things.

Anything make you queasy or sick: Just stress...lol

Gender: Boy

Wedding rings: On, but barely

Belly Button: Still there...

Movements: He is definitely running out of room. His movements are getting more and more painful.

Symptoms: Major edema! Feet, ankles and calves. My pubic pain is all day now, and I just feel sore all the time. Sinus headaches-damn allergies-, numbness in my first three fingers due to my neck issues, tired, stressed, emotional, exhausted, braxton hicks--usually at work when I'm doing too much.

Mood: stressed to say the least. emotional for sure

Looking forward to: my baby boy being here! :)

Midwife update: Liam had a strong heartbeat of 130, he is still head down, his butt was (and usually is) resting on my right side with his legs across my belly. My fundal height was 41cm, so I am still measuring about 6 weeks ahead. Liam is estimated to be 6.5-7lbs!! So I have been advised to watch my carb and refined sugar intake. My blood pressure was 110/70--pretty typical. We did my 3rd trimester lab work--still waiting for results. I have been advised to decrease the number of hours I can work as well. I will be talking to my HR person so figure out if I would still qualify for my insurance. Next appointment is next week wednesday.

So now that my crazy schedules are pretty much done, hopefully I will be able to stay up to date on my blogs.

Hope you all are doing well!!
N.

Pregnancy Week 29

I know I'm so far behind this week. Truth is, I feel like poo. Especially last night and today. :( Sunday was fun, Billie and I went to Appleton and she tried on wedding dresses!! She looked so beautiful! I will definitely cry at her wedding!! We also stopped at Motherhood Maternity, and I found a purple shirt for either maternity photos or my shower. Also I did find a maternity support belt to help with my SPD. Problem is, I ended up buying the wrong one, so the one I have is too small. Boo!! Here is a picture of the top I found, I have it in a deep purple color. And I found it on clearance! :)

 

 Onto week 29

How far: 29 Weeks

Weight gain: see last week's blog...

Stretch marks: yes

Maternity clothes: absolutely

Sleep: a solid chunk from 11-2, and then really light sleep until i have to get up.

Best moment this week: spending time with Billie. And Scott having a sweet moment with Liam. :) Makes me warm and fuzzy!

Miss anything: stretching without cramping legs or pulling uterus muscles

Cravings: chips/crunchy things, MELON!

Anything make you queasy/sick: nothing really

Gender: Boy

Belly Button: In

Wedding rings: on

Movements: YES! Everywhere!!

Symptoms: Backache, pubic pain, tired, lack of motivation, overwhelmed with what we need to get done yet.

Mood: good, tired

Looking forward to: my shower! Just 4 weeks away! Getting Liam's room cleaned out, and getting everything organized. I feel like I need a long weekend to do this.

I also received my birth pool and birth kit in the mail, I'm not sure I mentioned it yet, but it was so fun to open it all up and look at everything. I have also been packing my home birth box full of all sorts of things we will need for labor and delivery. :)

Pregnancy Week 28

We had our 28 week appointment on wednesday. It all went pretty well. Scott came with, and we had a pretty fun day. Liam's heartrate was 135bpm, and he was head down still (yay!). I did discuss with my midwife if I should do the gestational diabetes test. We decided that since I was borderline hypoglycemic in the past that we would go ahead and draw some blood. Then I got up on the scale and I had gained 11 pounds!!! WTH!?! where did that come from!? I didnt realize it was so much until I got home and looked at my chart online. Ok, then my midwife measured my fundal height, and I measured at 37 weeks!!! ok, I have no waist at all, and it can be common for short waisted women to measure a few weeks ahead, but 9weeks!?! My midwife admitted that she was glad we were testing for GD now. Everything else looked wonderful, my blood pressure was perfect, and we made our next appointment for 4 weeks. I got the results back from the blood test the following friday. Normal range is between 4% and 6%. My blood tested at 5%. So I am smack dab in the middle of the normal range! (Yay!) But I am still concerned about measuring so far ahead. It has really got me thinking if I was off with my dates way back when. I happened to be looking at my old blogs and realized that the one craving that has stayed with me this entire pregnancy has been orange juice. This may be a coincidence, but in my August 28th blog I mentioned that I have been craving OJ like crazy! I know if I was pregnant then I most likely wouldnt have cravings. But it was just weird. Anyways, now that makes me nervous. What if I am 4 weeks further along?! I never did a dating ultrasound so I really have no way of knowing. I'm fine with not knowing IF I know I could still deliver at home if I went in to labor 4 weeks early as well. Does that make sense? If my new due date would be May 16th (ish), and I went into labor then, I would be considered preterm labor according to my current due date of June 16th. How would we know that I would really be 40 weeks? The chances are lower that I would go before my due date so maybe (if my dd was may 16th) I would go until 41 or 42 weeks. Then I would deliver around June 1--in which case I would think I was two weeks early (if my dd was really june 16th) haha...sorry if that was really confusing! Just my crazy thoughts right now. Gosh I couldnt imagine really being 32 weeks right now! Crazy!! anywho...

How far: 28 weeks??

Weight gain: up 11 lbs (I blame the doctor's scale?) +27lbs for the pregnancy

Stretch marks: yes

Maternity Clothes: of course, pretty much everything

Sleep: About the same as last week.

Best moment this week: Spending time with Scott at our appointment and just enjoying the day with him. Oh I also finally got my hair cut! Just a few inches off, but it feels so nice to be able to leave it down and not feel like my split ends are going everywhere!!

Miss anything: not really

Anything make you queasy/sick? not really

Gender: Baby Boy!

Belly button: In

Wedding rings: I did wear it one day, but usually I choose not to wear it.

Movements: oh yes! much much more pronounced. I can tell he is starting to run out of room.

Symptoms: back aches! (my chiro is this coming wednesday, hopefully it will help), my pubic pain is still there, swollen feet/ankles at times, tired, lack of motivation--from being exhausted from work.

Mood: good, tired and lack of motivation, but good overall.

Looking forward to: shower planning, getting my new glasses, cleaning out the baby's room and starting on that project.


I hope everyone had a fantastic Easter! We had a great time at Scott's parent's house for lunch, and then visited with my stepdad's side in the early afternoon.
Nikky

Pregnancy Week 27

This week has marked the end of my 2nd trimester! Hurray!! Just 12 more weeks! St. Patty's day was a blast! Liam jammed right along with us while listening to my brother-in-law's Irish rock band play. Friday his other band played locally as well, so we had fun listening to some bluegrass as well! Our last birth class went well. I'm sad they are over. I love spending time with Rachel and getting to know her and the whole birthing process. We ended with breastfeeding and newborn care. Most of which I already knew. --(other than the techniques of breastfeeding). Rachel is also the La Lache League leader in my area, so she is a fantastic resource for breastfeeding. Also, I have realized that my calendar is beginning to fill up with appointments and special dates before Liam's due date. It is becoming a bit overwhelming so I definitely need to find my daily planner and start writing out to do lists and such. Next week we will be purchasing our birth kit and birthing pool. I cant believe we are already this close! I will also start a list of "hospital bag" items, just in case. I wont pack that for awhile yet, but I just need to get my thoughts in order. Anyways, this week Scott and I went to the eye doctor. I havent been in at least 3 years. I am sick of my glasses, and my eyes reject my contacts now. I know you arent supposed to get new glasses while pregnant since your eyes can change shape and whatnot. But we have the insurance now, and we might as well take advantage of it. My eyes did change .75 in each eye. And I have a pair of trial contacts on order to see if it was just the style of my contacts or not. I can't wait to see my new frames! They should be in this week. Scott got new frames as well, although his prescription only changed .25 in each eye. He cant remember the last time he was at the eye doctor. Must be nice. :) I have made a chiropractor appointment for april 3rd. I have been having terrible back and sciatic pain as well as pubic pain. I described it to Rachel and she thought it sounded like pubic symphsis. More on that later. .Anyways, enough rambling onto week 27.

How far: 27 Weeks

Weight gain: I will update this when I get back from my midwife appointment on Wednesday

Stretch marks: more and more

Maternity Clothes: yes and yes! And I cannot wait for the weather to warm up so I can wear my flip flops instead of attempting to tie my shoes.

Sleep: I would definitely say bad, but I know its only going to get worse. I wake frequently, not usually to use the bathroom, but for some odd reason. Attempting to roll over is always a challenge, one that I know wont improve anytime soon.

Best moment this week: Feeling Liam jam out to the music we have been listening to. Birth class, eye doctor.

Miss anything: not anything new. coffee mostly this week. I think more so because I'm so tired.

Cravings: pretty much the same. Hot ham and cheese on deli roll with dijon mustard. and of course OJ.

Anything make you queasy or sick: not really

Gender: Boy

Belly Button: In

Wedding rings: Off, again only for trying to get my hands back to normal. The dry winter (pseudo-spring) is terrible for the skin.

Movements: you betcha! Especially to the fiddle music!

Mood: tired, but good.

Looking forward to: my 28 week appointment on wednesday. I cant wait to find out if he is still head down.

Symptoms: back and pelvic pain, swollen feet/ankles, tired, sleep sucks, hungry all the time. Here's the low down on Pubic Symphysis.

This is where your pubic symphysis is.

 The following is an exerpt I found on what to expect.com

What symphysis pubic dysfunction is

Symphysis pubic dysfunction, or SPD, is one of those weird pregnancy conditions that sounds bizarre and well, kind of is. It means the ligaments that normally keep your pelvic bone aligned during pregnancy become too relaxed and stretchy. This, in turn, can make the pelvic joint — aka the symphysis pubis — unstable, causing some pretty strange sensations and sometimes pain.

What causes symphysis pubic dysfunction during pregnancy

The culprit behind SPD is the aptly named hormone relaxin. Its mission is to make your ligaments stretchy so your baby can ease his or her way into the world. But sometimes relaxin does its job too well, making the ligaments around your pelvic bone during pregnancy too loose too soon (way before baby is ready to come out), and that causes instability (and unfortunately, pain) in the pelvic joint.

What you need to know about symphysis pubic dysfunction

While your legs won't actually fall off (promise), it may seem like they're going in opposite directions from each other (and the rest of your body). Walking, standing, or rolling over in bed can really hurt as one side of the joint shifts more than the other, throwing everything off-kilter. In very rare cases, the joint may gape apart noticeably, a condition called diastasis symphysis pubis, which can cause serious pain in your pelvis, groin, hips, and buttocks (truly, a pain in the rear!).

What to do about symphysis pubic dysfunction during pregnancy

Try stabilizing those floppy ligaments by wearing a pelvic support belt (readily available online), which "corsets" the pelvic bones back into place during pregnancy. And be religious about doing your Kegels and pelvic tilts, both of which strengthen the muscles of the pelvis. More tactics to try: Sit down to get dressed, and avoid heavy lifting and pushing (which you should be doing anyway).



I hope this helps anyone else who is experiencing this kind of pain. It definitely sucks, and I'm glad I made an appointment with the chiro. Scott also found some interesting information online about swelling feet can be caused more severely by your legs not being the same length. Which is true in my case. My left leg is slightly longer--you cant notice it at all, but sometimes if I'm walking a lot, I will notice some pain.) Anyways, this all ties together. If I truly have SPD, then it is messing with my alignment, and so my normal stance is all out of whack, which can cause more swelling. Hopefully going to the chiro will straighten out all of these issues, or at least improve them!

Thats all for now, enjoy your week!
Nikky

Pregnancy Week 26

So much for being on time...sigh. Oh well...


How far along? 26 Weeks

Weight gain: unsure, my 28 week appointment is coming up soon

Stretch marks: Of course :)

Maternity clothes: I finally switched to my maternity work shirt, and everyone noticed! haha. here's a picture of it. It's the one in the upper left hand corner. I tired to link the actual product, but apparently they arent carrying it anymore. Boo! I'd have to say, though, that it is nice not to have to tuck my shirt in anymore. lol

Sleep: It finally hit, fitful sleep! Waking up 4-6 times a night. It is also getting more difficult to turn from side to side. Although I find it most comfortable on my side now :)

Best moment: Birth class was a blast! More on that later. Click here for the post. Also, my family coming over for pizza and ice cream cake for my birthday! What fun! I love entertaining, and it is so nice when we are all together. So natural.

Miss anything? Alcohol and coffee. Gosh, I must sound like a drunk and caffeine addict. I really didnt drink all that often before since I was gluten free, and many alcohols are grain distilled. But you always miss what you cant have. Especially with St. Patrick's Day!!

Cravings: hot ham and cheese on a deli roll with dijon mustard! and cuties (clematine oranges)

Anything make you queasy or sick? nothing out of the ordinary.

Gender: Boy

Belly button: In

Wedding rings: Off this week--mostly to help moisturize my hands--this Wisconsin weather has been brutal!!  My rings were on last week.

Movements: oh yes!!!

Symptoms: the waddle has set in!! Wahhh! I am definitely getting worn out easier, I am hungry all the time, and the start of some serious back pain. Boooo! 3rd trimester--here I come!

Mood: Pretty good, being that I get worn out so easily, I can get cranky too.

Looking forward to: our last childbirth class--newborn care and breastfeeding! :) Fun!!!

Pregnancy Week 24

This week, work has been insane, and I've been pretty exhausted at home. Monday was my 24 week appointment with my midwife. I brought my parents along so they could ask all the questions they wanted. Since my Mom watched The Business of Being Born and Pregnant in America, she has definitely flipped a new leaf. She is all for me birthing at home, and understands many of my reasons behind wanting to. Yes, there will always be concerns and the possibility of complications, but with a healthy pregnancy, there is no reason to go to the hospital for birth. Anyways, my appointment went great! My blood pressure was perfect, baby was head down already, his heartrate was a strong 130. I was also measuring at 26 weeks, which my midwife told me was normal for short waisted women. I also gained more weight, which I feel is definitely true. My belly sure has popped over the last few weeks, and even more so since my appointment. Also I got my new prenatals in the mail, and started using them this week, I love them! They have an interesting smell. Not like a supplement, but like food! Since that is what they are! They almost remind me of the protein bars I've eaten in the past. The best part is you can take them on an empty stomach, and I can pronounce every ingredient--most of which are actual veggies or fruits!

How far along: 24 weeks

Weight gain: +4 for the week, +9 for the pregnancy

Stretch marks: Yes, mostly on my upper belly

Maternity clothes: yes! My new jeans are amazing!! I feel so much more comfortable in them!!

Sleep: good! I can definitely feel the relief when I turn on my left side. I think I am finally getting to the point where I am getting uncomfortable sleeping on my back.

Best moment: my parents hearing Liam's heartbeat :) <3

Miss anything? Coffee still.

Cravings: orange juice again, tangy fruit things--blueberry, raspberry, etc

Anything make you queasy or sick? Not really

Gender: Boy

Belly button: In, I really think it will stay this way.

Movements: All the time! He's definitely getting bigger in there, his movements are getting stronger and more pronounced.

Symptoms: back ache, sleepy, out of breath

Mood: pretty good, moments of crabbies :)

Looking forward to: My birthday! Thursday is my 27th birthday, we aren't doing anything special on Thursday since I have to work all day and then we have birth class, but Sunday my parents and brother are coming over for a pizza party :)

We were predicted to getting more snow this week, but luckily most of it missed us. I am SO ready for spring!! Every morning the birds are chirping and teasing me that spring is on its way--and then is snows... Daylight savings is starting next week. Another thing to be excited for! We are also beginning to plan my baby shower, which I am so excited for! We are doing a little monsters theme (of course). I have brightly colored paper lanterns of different sizes that I used for my wedding shower and I plan on using the teal, yellow, and lime green ones again. Also I will probably stick with solid color table cloths and plasticware, and decorate with fun monster cut outs as well as a monster cake made by my sister in law. Blog to follow...

Also don't forget that I am updating my Childbirth Class blog every week to add the new week's information. Week 5 will probably take me a bit to complete, we covered a lot of information. Stay tuned :)
N.

Pregnancy Week 22

This week I have finally begun to feel preggers. I mean, I've definitely gotten used to my growing belly, and my incessant need to pee, but the last 5 days or so I have been tired randomly, and I feel like a whale...which I know both will only get worse. LOL, also I think my uterus is definitely getting bigger and smooshing my stomach a bit. So I'll eat only a little, but full, and then in an hour be hungry again. oh well, more snacks it is...

How far along: 22 weeks

Total weight gain: +3lbs, I'll get weighed in again in a week.

Stretch marks: no new ones

Maternity clothes: oh yeah! I've been toying with the idea of buying this sweater at Target.com I love it!







Sleep: I have been sleeping deeply once again! I usually wake around 6 to pee and then fall back asleep to have some crazy crazy dreams until I have to get up for work. But at least my sleep is more restful!

Best moment this week: feeling Liam move more and more! I love it!

Miss anything: alcohol and coffee

Cravings: fruity things

Anything make you queasy or sick: not really

Gender: Boy

Movements: Yes yes yes!!! :) even as I type this.

Symptoms: strange dreams, tons of fetal movement in predictable times throughout the day, peeing a lot, hungry more often, out of breath, tired often!

Mood: wonderful!

Looking forward to: planning my baby shower. I know it's a ways off yet (may 5th) but I'm excited for all the registry stuff and the fun things we get to put on it! Also a week from Monday is my 24 week appt. I'm just so happy to be 6months!! I can't believe it!

Until next week...N.

Our Childbirth Classes

We decided to take our childbirth classes with our doula, Rachel. I cannot explain how wonderful these classes are!! I will add a bit to this post every week to mention a few things about what we learned. They way I can always come back for reference and you can see what an "out of hospital" birth class is like.


I am not claiming that these techniques are that of my own, or that I am certified in anything on this topic. I am just passing along knowledge and ideas for you to research on your own and with your care provider you can decided if this is what is right for you.

Week 1: Nutrition

We learned about the Dr. Brewer's Pregnancy Diet and why we should use it. There were so many aspects to this, but the things that stood out the most to me was salt intake. On the website it explains it in depth, but here is a paragraph from their page on salt intake.

As pregnancy progresses, the placenta needs a great deal more blood flowing through it in order to work efficiently. In normal pregnancy, the mother's blood volume must expand by more than 40 percent to meet this metabolic need. Salt is a chief element in maintaining this dramatically expanded blood volume. One of the properties of salt is that it causes the body to retain fluid which, under normal conditions, is retained in the bloodstream for use in placental perfusion. Salt restriction during pregnancy limits the normal expansion of the blood volume. A blood volume below the level needed to service the growing placenta produces disastrous consequences. (Including toxemia, perinatal deaths, c-sections, abruptio placenta)


Nutritional Deficiency in Pregnancy

Complications	Control Group (750)	Nutrition Group (750)
Preeclampsia	59	0
Eclampsia	5	0
Prematures (5 lb. or less)	37	0*
Infant Mortality	54.6/1,000	4/1,000

--Adapted from Winslow Tompkins. Journal of International College of Surgeons 4:417, 1941.
(*Smallest baby weighed 6 lb. 4 1/2 oz.)

Above is a table I snagged from the same page that is on salt intake. This clearly shows how important great nutrition is in pregnancy! If that's not enough proof, I don't know what is!

One other thing that stood out in my mind from week 1's class was if you are nauseous or have acid during your pregnancy (I am lucky enough not to be...yet), do not take tums or rolaids for relief. If taken in large quantities, they can calcify your placenta! When you placenta has calcification spots it functions at a decreased rate (which doesn't help the baby at all). It will try to overcome this by growing larger. While this may not be a life or death issue, it may cause your baby to not get the nutrients he/she needs. My doula suggests taking papaya enzyme tablets instead of tums or rolaids. Papaya enzyme tablets are found at many drugstores, and natural food stores. They are cheap and tasty too! Papaya has been eaten for hundreds of years as a fruit and to help aid in digestion. Even if you are not feeling sick, but you've eaten a large meal you can take papaya enzyme to help digestion. You cannot take too much papaya.
You can usually find it in either a papaya flavor or a mint flavor. I've had both, and enjoy them both. 



Week 2: Labor Stage 1

This class was so amazing!! We watched a video that was computer generated to show us what is actually happening inside our bodies during labor. For me, I always do tons of research and can read about something until I'm blue in the face. But, it always solidifies my knowledge when I can see it as well. For me, when I fully understand something frightening, I no longer have fear of it. (kinda like when you know how a haunted house is run, it no longer scares you) Of course there are many unknowns that can me scary, but for the general overview of what is happening and why, I have definitely left much of the fear behind with this class. 
This video was not the one we watched in class, our's was much more indepth, but this is kinda an overview to give you an idea of what we saw.

We also started talking about relaxation techniques that our partner can do to help us get through stage 1 of labor. We talked about stroking. This is where your partner starts at a high point in your body, say your shoulders, and gently strokes downward toward your fingertips. Rachel mentioned that you always should start at the top and work you way down. It seemed similar to reiki and engerywork where you are sorta directing the flow of energy downward to relax the body. Your partner could also start at your back (if you are laying down) and make their way to your feet. Always top to bottom.



Week 3: Dad's Role

This class Scott took notes the entire time! It was so cute to see him scribbling everything down! Rachel's husband joined our class to give his perspective on some things, which I think helped the Dads in the class. The class basically went through what a dad or other birth partner needs to do while mommy is in labor. Keeping her hydrated and using the bathroom regularly, making sure she is eating, helping her relax, being her mental, emotional, and physical support. 

We also played a great game where we had double sided cards with different labor/birth choices on them. We first set them out to our ideal birth plan, and then had to change 4 of them. So which 4 were we willing to give up? And is this birth still acceptable? And then we did 4 more, and eventually 2 more. So of course we picked ones like "birth out of hospital" "no pain meds" "freedom of movement" "no episiotomy" "vaginal birth" etc. And you end up with your close to least acceptable birth. This just really helps you think about the things you want, and the things you would be willing to sacrifice for the health of your baby and yourself. She also told us about a great free birth plan from the Earth Mama Angel Baby website. Birth Plan. She recommended printing 2 birth plans. The first being your ideal plan, and the second being your "Plan B". If you had to transfer to hospital, what would your wishes be. The great thing about this site for your birth plan is that when you go to print it, it only prints the options you chose on the first screen. So there is nothing else any care providers see or get confused by. 









 Week 4: Stage 2 and 3 of Labor

Basically stage 2 is the pushing and delivery of the baby, and stage 3 is delivery of placenta. 

We learned about some different positions to push in: standing, side-lying, sitting upright in bed, sitting on the toilet, semi sitting, hands and knees, squatting, lap squatting, supported squat, and dangle. 
Here are a couple of videos I found on Youtube that I found interesting. For both home and hospital births. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkzRTS6IdQo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yreizEBmwHs

 
 
We also discussed some things to do after the birth occurs. Sitz baths and ice pack pad for perineum comfort. Rest, rest, rest! Keep drinking fluids, eat something that wont bind up your digestive tract (no pasta, bread, cheese, etc) You want to be able to have a bowel movement easily. Enjoy your new family member!



 I am going to combine weeks 5 and 6 since they sort of go together. 

Week 5: Variations of Normal & Week 6: Induction and C-sections

(I am going off of my husband's notes--which can be difficult to read from time to time, so hopefully I get it correct--as always do your own research.)

Condition
Risks to baby and mother
Options if condition is present

Pre-term labor
insufficient lung development of fetus, baby may have to stay in NICU
hydrate! get a snack, rest!, take a epsom salt bath (3+cups of epsom salts in bath water) Soak 1 hour.

Post term labor (after 42 weeks)
Post maturity of fetus, respiratory distress.
wait, induction by pharmacutical and non-pharm methods--castor oil, sex, nipple stim, etc

PROM (Premature rupture of membranes)
Likelyhood of infection increases--especially with the more vaginal exams you recieve, Labor clock begins.
Avoid vaginal exams

OP, Posterior, Face up, Sunny side up
Longer labor, more painful back labor
Optimal fetal technique, movements, avoid artificial rupture of membranes.

Breech Birth
Cord prolaps, providers are not trained in vaginal breech birth techniques
chiropractic maxiobustion, (and a bunch of stuff i cant read lol)

Transverse, Laying sideways
This is a true emergency if in active labor
C-section

Arrested Labor --labor that stops
None if bag of waters is intact, frustration and maternal exhaustion
Unwavering encouragement, position change, wait, nap if able. augmentation.

Failure to progress
None of bay of waters is intact, furstration, and meternal exhaustion
change positions, augmentation.

Meconium
may indicate fetal distress, meconium aspiration
Deliver in water, suction, intubation with suction

CPD (baby too big)
Very rare today inspite of high rate of diagnosis.
patience, change positions, tire from pushing, c-section

Shoulder dystocia
pelvic muscles can trap blood in babys head
gaskin manuver, mcroberts postion

Cord prolaps
baby deprived of oxygen
lay head on floor and lift bottom to reverse gravity--taking pressure off the cord. Lift cervic to hold cord away. Instant C-section.

retained placenta
hemmorage
pitocin, cydotech, extraction, hysterectomy

***Like I've mentioned above, these are the notes we took from our classes, please research conditions on your own.                                                                                 


 Class 6 notes: 

Analgesics--demeral, stadol, fentanyl, etc 
Delivered: via IV 
Effects: Alleviates prectption of pain.
Risks: mother--loopy, spacy, out of control, sleepy after birth Baby--sleepy, poor suck reflex, respiratory depression, seperation from mother, no bonding immediately after birth.
Labor: constant monitoring, limits mobility, may lead to augmentation. 

Anesthesia--epidural or general
Delivered: via IV
Effects: loss of sensation or conscious 
Risks: Mother-- lowers blood pressure, fever, itchy, 10% will not work, urinary catheter, reaction to drugs up to 6 weeks postpartum, clots, needle can break off in your spinal column, spinal headache, dizziness, seizures, life support, respiratory and cardiac failure, paralysis, death. Baby--drugs reach baby in minutes, fever, labor more painful for baby, breastfeeding difficulties, fetal distress, increase birth interventions.
Labor: can slow down or stop labor, requires augmentation, limits mobility, constant monitoring, relaxes uterus, fetal positioning, greater chance of episiotomy, ineffective pushing,greater chance of intervention and c-section.

C-Sections
Types: planned (no labor), Planned (in-labor), Emergency in Labor
"good" Reasons: Hemorrage, placenta previa, abruptia placenta, cord prolapse or compression
 questionable Reasons: Electronic fetal monitors "shows" distress, times up, fetal presentation, failed induction, previous c-section, elective.
Effects from ansethesia: groggy, sleepy, nausea, itchy (see above anesthesia risks to mom and baby)


Class 7: Labor rehearsal! yay!

This class was so much fun! Rachel set up stations in her house and we traveled through our "labor" and tried out different positions and techniques to help us cope with labor. She had dimmed the lights, and played soft music. Here are some of the positions we went over.


 The Supported Squat Positon:

 

 Here, Dad is sitting at the edge of a couch/chair and Mom is nestled between his knees. His arms are under her armpits, and she is in a full squat. This position helps open up your pelvic bones and brings baby down further.


Supported Stand Position:

Here, Rachel suggested that Dad leans against a wall for added support. Dad's feet should be spread widely apart and one foot more forward than the other to give a wide supported stance. Same arm position are going on here, and Mom is just dangling with knees apart. This position also helps baby to move down.


Hands and Knees Position:

As seen above, this is pretty self explanatory. You can however, do this position in bed, on the floor, on the floor with pillows under knees and arms, or with a birth ball for added support. This position helps take the weight of baby off your spine.



Resting on Birth Ball:

 

Many women enjoy bouncing slightly in early labor, this position helps with posture and balance. You can do figure 8's and hip circles with the birth ball to help position baby.


Sidelying Position:

This position can ease hip pain. Also Dad can give gentle massage or stroking during this time. Very relaxing!


I hope these help! Just remember to keep moving, swaying, rocking, and squatting!