*somehow this entry was posted without any text, let's try that again...
Well it's back to bed rest land for me. It was nice while it lasted (1.5 weeks) but it's all over. Oh well, the couch has missed me I'm sure.
So what happened, you ask? What did I do to land myself such a prize? It's because I'm a winner really. A winner of the "everything that can go wrong, will" pregnancy award. (Of course I realize things could be far far worse). After another high blood pressure reading at my last OB appointment, Dr. M. ordered non-stress tests (twice a week) at the hospital. The first one went fairly well. Husband was able to come with me since it was on a Saturday. There was a moment there where the less than forthcoming nurse failed to find Little Man's heart beat, but eventually she got her crap together and there it was. Other than having to sit there for an hour listening to the sound of drills and hammers as they remodeled the staff office, it wasn't that terrible of an experience. Thankfully my blood pressure was normal and our little one was doing just fine.
So today as I prepared for my second non-stress test (NST) I expected a similar experience, hopefully minus the heart beat scare and the hammering. No such luck. As I waddled through the L&D wing (no really the waddle is bad, it hurts to walk) I prepped myself for an hour of boredom. As soon as I checked in they led me back to my own personal room. No hammering. Whew! I got all hooked up to the monitors, woosh woosh woosh went baby's heart and I was happy. All ready to settle in. Then she took my blood pressure. Instead of telling me what it was she smiled and said we would just keep the cuff on and take it again a little later. Uh oh. Not what happened last time. My blood pressure had been perfect so they took the cuff off right away. Fabulous.
A half hour later the friendly nurse returned and checked me once again. Still high. I was also contracting pretty regularly and the baby wasn't being terribly active. Unfortunately that's what they are looking for, an active baby. In an effort to get him moving they brought me a gallon of ice water to drink and turned me on my left side. It was like magic. Within minutes my blood pressure dropped considerably and the bug began hopping around. What a good little boy! The friendly nurse decided she could go ahead and contact Dr. M. Before she left she asked how I was feeling. At which point I was forced to admit that I had a slight headache and upon further questioning revealed that I had had a headache on Monday as well. Not a good sign in the pregnancy world, but not unusual in my world. Off she went to update Dr. M. and I sat, still connected to the monitors.
Eventually the nurse returned. I was all set to be released (I had been there about an hour at that point) when I noticed something that looked oddly like a hospital bracelet. What is it for? Another patient I'm sure. I'm sooo out of here! "We're going to go ahead and run a blood panel and urinalysis before we release you. Let's just get this little bracelet on..." She then asked if I felt like I needed "to go." Um, lady, you just made me drink a gallon of ice water and I'm almost 38 weeks pregnant. What do you think?? Rather than fully removing the fetal monitors from my belly, she decided to leave them on and disconnect the wires from the machine. So there I am, waddling off to the bathroom to pee in a cup with big monitors attached to my belly and the long cords draped around my neck with the nurse waiting patiently by the bed. Let me tell you, peeing in to a cup with a huge belly, monitors and wires wrapped around me like octopus tentacles, is not an easy thing to do. If you think I got away with not getting pee on my hand you are sadly mistaken. Oh joy! Pregnancy is such a glamorous thing.
Once I return to the bed (hands thoroughly washed!) I find a vampire waiting for me. Or a lab technician. Whatever, same difference. Before sucking my blood she uses a hand held scanner to scan the barcode on my bracelet. I resist the urge to ask her how much I cost. She takes her two vials and my cup-o-pee and baby blue and I are left to enjoy my book and another gallon of ice water. One thing I've learned about L&D, they really like to force the water on you. After about forty-five minutes my bladder reached maximum capacity and I was forced to buzz the nurse to let her know I needed to be disconnected once again. Instead of my friendly nurse, Glenda the Good Witch came in and perkily removed the monitors for me. Yay, no octopus tentacles! After relieving the intense pressure I returned to the bed and Glenda gasped "Oh my! Are you feeling all these contractions??" Why yes Glenda, I am! She batted her big eyes at me and with an eerie grin proceeded to tuck me in to bed. "Why don't you just lie down and take a little rest?" Actually, I'm... "It will be so nice. Here we'll just recline the bed." But my book... "And here, we can turn out the light." Click. There go the lights. She covers me in a blanket and then tells my friendly nurse that I'm going to have a little rest. The friendly nurse proceeds to tell me that they are still waiting on my urinalysis, but that my blood work looks good. Then they leave me there, all tucked in and ready for a nap.
As I lie there trying to rest it suddenly occurs to me that I am not tired. I do not want a "little rest," I want the light on and I want to read! How the heck did Glenda the Good Witch get me to do that? Defiantly I click the light back on and find my book. I'm pretty sure at 28 years old I don't need to be put to bed. Something about a perky nurse telling you that you need to makes it seem like you have no choice.
After another hour my friendly nurse returned and told me the baby is doing beautifully, that my blood work and urine were fine and I am free to go. The catch? Dr. M. is concerned about the elevated blood pressure combined with the headaches and I am now back on modified bed rest until further notice. She also briefly mentioned my white blood cell count was slightly elevated which could be an indication of a UTI but honestly at this point that is the least of my concerns. So, until my appointment tomorrow I am here on the couch. Back in bed rest land.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
37 Week Survey
How far along: 37 weeks!! I'm officially full term.
Total weight gain/loss: I'm up 31 lbs.
Maternity clothes: Yes, definitely. The belly just keeps getting bigger.
Stretch marks: Still no stretch marks.
Sleep: Still bad, but Benadryl helps a little.
Best moment this week: Getting the baby's room all set up.
Movement: He still moves a lot, but the feeling has changed. I don't get the quick sharp jabs anymore. Now it's more like full body movements.
Food cravings: Nothing really.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Still having contractions and now I'm having a lot of cramping to go along with that.
Belly Button in or out: Still mostly in, but it's definitely a very shallow hole.
What I miss: Coffee.
What I am looking forward to: Baby shower tomorrow!
Other Updates: I went to my 36/37 week appointment and still have high blood pressure so now I have to go over to the hospital twice a week for non-stress tests. I start today.
Total weight gain/loss: I'm up 31 lbs.
Maternity clothes: Yes, definitely. The belly just keeps getting bigger.
Stretch marks: Still no stretch marks.
Sleep: Still bad, but Benadryl helps a little.
Best moment this week: Getting the baby's room all set up.
Movement: He still moves a lot, but the feeling has changed. I don't get the quick sharp jabs anymore. Now it's more like full body movements.
Food cravings: Nothing really.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Still having contractions and now I'm having a lot of cramping to go along with that.
Belly Button in or out: Still mostly in, but it's definitely a very shallow hole.
What I miss: Coffee.
What I am looking forward to: Baby shower tomorrow!
Other Updates: I went to my 36/37 week appointment and still have high blood pressure so now I have to go over to the hospital twice a week for non-stress tests. I start today.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Evolution of a Nursery
We're almost there! After my ten week stint on the couch, I have finally been able to make progress on the nursery. The ideas in my head have slowly started to become a reality. Although there's still work to be done, I am ready to share some of our progress.
It all started with the crib. A beautiful Jenny Lind crib that I slept in as did my niece. From early on I somehow got it in my head that I wanted a yellow crib and once I get something in my head that's it, it has to be done. Don't bother arguing with me. Luckily we were offered the use of my old crib. Perfect for touching up with some yellow paint! Although I did encounter some resistance from the men in my life - Dad: "It's going to be too hard. It's going to drip everywhere!" Husband: "Are you sure you don't just want to leave it the way it is??" Hello?! My whole design for the room hinges on this yellow crib. I'm sure. There was no way out of it. The crib was destined to be yellow.
This is what we started with - unfortunately I don't have a great before picture, at this point Husband had already treated it with TSP to try to get the glossy finish off.
Then the painting process began. When it comes to many things in life Husband and I tend to differ in our approaches. While I tend to be fairly meticulous, seeking near perfection, Husband takes more of a do it as quickly as possible approach and deal with the results later. This makes things in our life interesting to say the least. So when it came to this painting process, I was determined to do it my way. I didn't care if it took me a week longer to do it, I wanted it done "right." Unfortunately, Husband is still not quite trusting of my release from bed rest and inserted himself into the project. In some ways I was appreciative of the fact that I didn't have to crawl around on the floor at 8.5 months pregnant, but my comfort came at a cost. Drips. Many drips. I found myself wrestling with the same problem I frequently find myself in. Do I praise Husband for his hard work and effort and pretend I don't mind the drips or do I give in to my perfectionism and point them out? Tough decision. I am somewhat embarrassed to say that I gave in. As gently as I could I pointed out some of the drips and requested he put lighter coats on all the while praising his efforts. Knowing my fragile state he just smiled and told me he would try his best. Drips. More drips.
Then, finally after some swearing we got the crib assembled. Too bad it was assembled outside... After some more swearing the crib was taken down and reassembled in the nursery. While the nursery isn't quite done (still have a wall decal to put up and a few DIY art pieces to put up) we are almost there. So here is your sneak-peek! (In case you wanted a reminder of the "before" go ahead and check out this blog post).
An adorable lamp we got at Target.
The changing table area.
His drawers all organized.
His closet.
I am so excited about all the progress that has been made. With just a few details left we are almost done. The last big piece is to get the bedding in. The bedding is inspired by this fabric:
And it is being made by my wonderful Mom. :) I can't wait to see it all together!
It all started with the crib. A beautiful Jenny Lind crib that I slept in as did my niece. From early on I somehow got it in my head that I wanted a yellow crib and once I get something in my head that's it, it has to be done. Don't bother arguing with me. Luckily we were offered the use of my old crib. Perfect for touching up with some yellow paint! Although I did encounter some resistance from the men in my life - Dad: "It's going to be too hard. It's going to drip everywhere!" Husband: "Are you sure you don't just want to leave it the way it is??" Hello?! My whole design for the room hinges on this yellow crib. I'm sure. There was no way out of it. The crib was destined to be yellow.
This is what we started with - unfortunately I don't have a great before picture, at this point Husband had already treated it with TSP to try to get the glossy finish off.
Then the painting process began. When it comes to many things in life Husband and I tend to differ in our approaches. While I tend to be fairly meticulous, seeking near perfection, Husband takes more of a do it as quickly as possible approach and deal with the results later. This makes things in our life interesting to say the least. So when it came to this painting process, I was determined to do it my way. I didn't care if it took me a week longer to do it, I wanted it done "right." Unfortunately, Husband is still not quite trusting of my release from bed rest and inserted himself into the project. In some ways I was appreciative of the fact that I didn't have to crawl around on the floor at 8.5 months pregnant, but my comfort came at a cost. Drips. Many drips. I found myself wrestling with the same problem I frequently find myself in. Do I praise Husband for his hard work and effort and pretend I don't mind the drips or do I give in to my perfectionism and point them out? Tough decision. I am somewhat embarrassed to say that I gave in. As gently as I could I pointed out some of the drips and requested he put lighter coats on all the while praising his efforts. Knowing my fragile state he just smiled and told me he would try his best. Drips. More drips.
Then, finally after some swearing we got the crib assembled. Too bad it was assembled outside... After some more swearing the crib was taken down and reassembled in the nursery. While the nursery isn't quite done (still have a wall decal to put up and a few DIY art pieces to put up) we are almost there. So here is your sneak-peek! (In case you wanted a reminder of the "before" go ahead and check out this blog post).
An adorable lamp we got at Target.
The changing table area.
His drawers all organized.
His closet.
I am so excited about all the progress that has been made. With just a few details left we are almost done. The last big piece is to get the bedding in. The bedding is inspired by this fabric:
And it is being made by my wonderful Mom. :) I can't wait to see it all together!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Where To Go From Here
Celebrating the end of my bed rest has been exhausting to say the least. Ten weeks of sitting around doing nothing hasn't exactly been great for my muscles. So while the mind and heart are ready to go, the body has been giving UC Berkeley students a run for their money when it comes to staging protests. Still, so much has been accomplished over the last few days and slowly the tension that has been building has started to fade away. Ahhh, nothing like finishing a few projects to ease my mind.
Still the question remains, what should become of this blog? If I'm off bed rest, what happens to the great bed rest blog? Do I continue to prattle on about my daily mishaps with the end of pregnancy and then parenting? Do I give the blog a face lift and rename it? Or do I just scrap it all together? No idea. Will it be interesting to read about a crib restoration complete with swearing and dripping paint? Will you want to know about my labor and delivery (I promise not to make it too graphic)? I really don't know. Feel free to leave your suggestion in the comments. Unless of course you plan on telling me I suck, in which case you can just keep that to yourself.
Where do we go from here? To be continued....
Possibly the worst song/musical ever, but funny nonetheless. Especially for my fellow Buffy fans.
Still the question remains, what should become of this blog? If I'm off bed rest, what happens to the great bed rest blog? Do I continue to prattle on about my daily mishaps with the end of pregnancy and then parenting? Do I give the blog a face lift and rename it? Or do I just scrap it all together? No idea. Will it be interesting to read about a crib restoration complete with swearing and dripping paint? Will you want to know about my labor and delivery (I promise not to make it too graphic)? I really don't know. Feel free to leave your suggestion in the comments. Unless of course you plan on telling me I suck, in which case you can just keep that to yourself.
Where do we go from here? To be continued....
Possibly the worst song/musical ever, but funny nonetheless. Especially for my fellow Buffy fans.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
36 Week Survey
How far along: 36 weeks!! Less than a month to go and one more week until I am full term!
Total weight gain/loss: Ugh, supposedly I'm up 31 lbs. I'm pretty sure I'm going to stop taking note of my weight since it is seriously stressing me out and who needs extra stress?
Maternity clothes: Yes, definitely. Although I just got a nice dress from Marshall's that was non-maternity.
Stretch marks: Still no stretch marks. Shocking.
Sleep: Still TERRIBLE!! I feel as though I might as well not sleep at all.
Best moment this week: Being told I am officially released from bed rest. Woohoo!
Movement: He still moves a lot, but the feeling has changed. I don't get the quick sharp jabs anymore. Now it's more like full body movements.
Food cravings: It's all good.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: In addition to having contractions my cervix is now soft/effaced.
Belly Button in or out: Still mostly in, but it's definitely a very shallow hole.
What I miss: Sleep, especially sleeping on my back and stomach.
What I am looking forward to: Hospital tour today, baby shower # 2, finishing the crib and then hopefully bringing a beautiful healthy baby home.
Other Updates:I'm off bed rest and I don't have preeclampsia!!!!!!!
Total weight gain/loss: Ugh, supposedly I'm up 31 lbs. I'm pretty sure I'm going to stop taking note of my weight since it is seriously stressing me out and who needs extra stress?
Maternity clothes: Yes, definitely. Although I just got a nice dress from Marshall's that was non-maternity.
Stretch marks: Still no stretch marks. Shocking.
Sleep: Still TERRIBLE!! I feel as though I might as well not sleep at all.
Best moment this week: Being told I am officially released from bed rest. Woohoo!
Movement: He still moves a lot, but the feeling has changed. I don't get the quick sharp jabs anymore. Now it's more like full body movements.
Food cravings: It's all good.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: In addition to having contractions my cervix is now soft/effaced.
Belly Button in or out: Still mostly in, but it's definitely a very shallow hole.
What I miss: Sleep, especially sleeping on my back and stomach.
What I am looking forward to: Hospital tour today, baby shower # 2, finishing the crib and then hopefully bringing a beautiful healthy baby home.
Other Updates:I'm off bed rest and I don't have preeclampsia!!!!!!!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Let Freedom Ring!
Ten weeks and 1 day later I have officially been released from bed rest. Ten weeks of sitting on the couch watching tv and coming up with ridiculous things to Google. Ten weeks of Husband being responsible for all the chores and unpacking. Ten weeks of sitting and staring at the mess and not being able to do anything about it. It's all over!!! I can move. I can get off the couch and jump up and down. I can frolic in a field or run down the sandy beach. I can do anything I want and I won't have to endure the disaproving glare of Husband or Dr. M. Oh how I wish I could tell you I was having a dance party to celebrate... sadly, it turns out that at (nearly) 36 weeks all I want to do is sit on the couch and watch tv. How's that for ironic?
I will admit that for the last couple of days I have been cheating. Yesterday I went to Home Depot, Marshalls and Petco. Gasp! I know, how horrible of me. I may have felt a slight amount of guilt, but I honestly knew this moment of freedom was upon me. I didn't think it would make too big of a difference if I started just a tad early. Plus, I NEEDED to get paint brushes to paint the crib (I'll post pictures of the progress later), and I NEEDED to get a fabulous dress for my shower next week, and I NEEDED to get Nature's Miracle to try for the thousandth time to get the cat pee smell out of my recliner. No really, I did need to do that. The smell of cat pee is completely nauseating.
Oh, and also all my blood work came back normal, so I do not have Preeclampsia. Woohoo! To celebrate Baby Blue and I are are doing a little dance. Since I have major round ligament pain it's more like a funny pregnant lady wiggle around my living room. Feel free to join us.
It's a fun song. Don't judge.
I will admit that for the last couple of days I have been cheating. Yesterday I went to Home Depot, Marshalls and Petco. Gasp! I know, how horrible of me. I may have felt a slight amount of guilt, but I honestly knew this moment of freedom was upon me. I didn't think it would make too big of a difference if I started just a tad early. Plus, I NEEDED to get paint brushes to paint the crib (I'll post pictures of the progress later), and I NEEDED to get a fabulous dress for my shower next week, and I NEEDED to get Nature's Miracle to try for the thousandth time to get the cat pee smell out of my recliner. No really, I did need to do that. The smell of cat pee is completely nauseating.
Oh, and also all my blood work came back normal, so I do not have Preeclampsia. Woohoo! To celebrate Baby Blue and I are are doing a little dance. Since I have major round ligament pain it's more like a funny pregnant lady wiggle around my living room. Feel free to join us.
It's a fun song. Don't judge.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
What Is Preeclampsia?
I am now taking requests for blog topics! Well, not really, but my lovely friend did ask what preeclampsia is and requested I address it in my blog, so here it goes... Preeclampsia: in short it is a form of pregnancy induced hypertension or high blood pressure and is dangerous for both mom and baby. Severe forms of preeclampsia most often lead to early induction or c-section. As my Dad so cleverly pointed out, preeclampsia is the thing that comes before eclampsia. :) Eclampsia involves seizures/strokes during pregnancy. Exciting stuff huh? Please keep in mind when reading what comes next that I am in no way a doctor and anything and everything I say is exactly what it appears to be, thoughts from someone who was given small bits of information from an OB and is also good at consulting with Dr. Google.
Preeclampsia is a disorder that happens only during pregnancy, so if you're not pregnant yay you! You're not at risk. Although it does occasionally show up right after birth as well. It usually doesn't happen until after the 20th week in the pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Additional symptoms include chronic headaches, swelling, pain in the chest, blurred vision and nausea. It is also possible to have no symptoms other than the high blood pressure and protein which is why most OB's routinely check your blood pressure and ask for urine samples. So if you're planning on getting pregnant get ready for the joy of peeing in a cup regularly for nine months.
If you are diagnosed with preeclampsia one of several things could happen. If you just have a mild case it is possible your OB will put you on some medications and confine you to bed rest woohoo!). With more moderate to severe cases, you will either be induced immediately or undergo an emergency c-section. I believe these cases usually come with a blood pressure reading in the 200's and several of the other symptoms. Either way, prior to treatment, whether it be with medication or delivery, you will undergo a Non-Stress Test (NST) to evaluate the health of the baby. As the name implies, this is a pretty simple, non-stressful test. For about an hour, you and baby are monitored via blood pressure cuffs and fetal monitors. If the baby seems to be in distress from the Preeclampsia you will most likely deliver.
In order to be diagnosed with Preeclampsia you must undergo a series of tests. In addition to monitoring your blood pressure and checking for protein in your urine, you will also be given blood tests. How can a blood test help, you ask? Well, if you indeed do have preeclampsia, the high blood pressure will begin to affect other internal organs like your liver and kidneys. By taking a sample of your blood they will be able to tell if those organs have been damaged. If those results come back positive you will then be given some sort of 24-hour urine test. I'm not entirely sure what is involved in that, but I imagine it has something to do with taking several urine samples over a 24 hour period. Lovely!
Why is Dr. M. concerened that I have preeclampsia? Good question. I honestly just think she is being extra cautious, but that's what I like about her. I would much rather have my arm stabbed with a needle than risk having a stroke or any other number of awful things that could happen. Plus, like she said,, "If anything is going to happen, it's going to happen to you." As awful as that might sound, it is so true. Just ask my mom. My whole life has been a string of random health problems that no one would ever guess I had. Why just last summer, after much convincing on my part, the good DR. M. finally agreed to do a laparoscopy to look for Endometriosis. She seemed reluctant to do so and told me on numerous occasions that the chances were small. What did she find? Endometriosis! AND... a fibroid tumor as well as some ovarian cysts just for good measure. After that, the whole failing the 1-hour glucose test debacle, and pre-term labor scare, she's apparently learned that my body does the unexpected. So, when I came in three times in a row with borerline high blood pressure she figured she better test me. Smart lady. :)
Preeclampsia is a disorder that happens only during pregnancy, so if you're not pregnant yay you! You're not at risk. Although it does occasionally show up right after birth as well. It usually doesn't happen until after the 20th week in the pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Additional symptoms include chronic headaches, swelling, pain in the chest, blurred vision and nausea. It is also possible to have no symptoms other than the high blood pressure and protein which is why most OB's routinely check your blood pressure and ask for urine samples. So if you're planning on getting pregnant get ready for the joy of peeing in a cup regularly for nine months.
If you are diagnosed with preeclampsia one of several things could happen. If you just have a mild case it is possible your OB will put you on some medications and confine you to bed rest woohoo!). With more moderate to severe cases, you will either be induced immediately or undergo an emergency c-section. I believe these cases usually come with a blood pressure reading in the 200's and several of the other symptoms. Either way, prior to treatment, whether it be with medication or delivery, you will undergo a Non-Stress Test (NST) to evaluate the health of the baby. As the name implies, this is a pretty simple, non-stressful test. For about an hour, you and baby are monitored via blood pressure cuffs and fetal monitors. If the baby seems to be in distress from the Preeclampsia you will most likely deliver.
In order to be diagnosed with Preeclampsia you must undergo a series of tests. In addition to monitoring your blood pressure and checking for protein in your urine, you will also be given blood tests. How can a blood test help, you ask? Well, if you indeed do have preeclampsia, the high blood pressure will begin to affect other internal organs like your liver and kidneys. By taking a sample of your blood they will be able to tell if those organs have been damaged. If those results come back positive you will then be given some sort of 24-hour urine test. I'm not entirely sure what is involved in that, but I imagine it has something to do with taking several urine samples over a 24 hour period. Lovely!
Why is Dr. M. concerened that I have preeclampsia? Good question. I honestly just think she is being extra cautious, but that's what I like about her. I would much rather have my arm stabbed with a needle than risk having a stroke or any other number of awful things that could happen. Plus, like she said,, "If anything is going to happen, it's going to happen to you." As awful as that might sound, it is so true. Just ask my mom. My whole life has been a string of random health problems that no one would ever guess I had. Why just last summer, after much convincing on my part, the good DR. M. finally agreed to do a laparoscopy to look for Endometriosis. She seemed reluctant to do so and told me on numerous occasions that the chances were small. What did she find? Endometriosis! AND... a fibroid tumor as well as some ovarian cysts just for good measure. After that, the whole failing the 1-hour glucose test debacle, and pre-term labor scare, she's apparently learned that my body does the unexpected. So, when I came in three times in a row with borerline high blood pressure she figured she better test me. Smart lady. :)
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