These pictures were taken on the same day. Isn't it interesting how different clothes make you look bigger or smaller? This is my 8 month picture. Only 8 weeks left until we get to meet this little baby.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
I received several wonderful gifts for Christmas this year. The most surprising one was from my unborn child. As many of you know my sciatic nerve has been bothering me for about four weeks now. I have been limping around grimacing in pain from time to time. I noticed on Tuesday that it didn’t really hurt anymore it just felt slightly uncomfortable (big difference trust me) Today I don’t feel anything. I am not sure why it is gone I just hope it doesn’t come back.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Posting Early For Week 32 (Because of Christmas)
Your Baby: Nearing The Finish Line
By the eighth month, your baby is becoming her own little person. The baby weighs around 4 pounds (1800 g) and measures about 16 inches long (40 cm). She is almost ready to make an appearance. The baby has red, wrinkled skin but would likely survive easily outside the uterus at this point in time. The baby will still continue to grow inside your uterus with every body part still maturing.
Your Body: Tips And Tricks To Get Through The Workday
It's a toss up as to what wears on you more - being pregnant or working 9-5. It's no wonder that when you put the two together, you're worn out by noon and ready for bed by 7 p.m. If your bulging belly is affecting your ability to work, you may consider some of the following suggestions to help cope with your day a little better:
Take frequent short breaks during the day.
If certain times during the day seem to be worse for you, consider asking to rearrange your work hours so that you are more comfortable and productive during that period of time.
Be comfortable while at work -- wear comfortable clothes and make sure if you sit at a desk that the chair is adjusted properly for support of your lower back.
If you are on your feet working all day, consider resting one foot on a stool or something low (to relieve some of the pressure off your back) at frequent periods throughout the day.
For stress relief, use some of the relaxation techniques that you have learned in childbirth classes. This helps to relieve stressful periods during your pregnancy as well as during labor and delivery.
You may need to modify some of your activities at work later in the pregnancy if the activity requires you to lift or maintain balance because your weight change may affect your ability to perform certain activities. (It could also be dangerous to you and the baby.)
You may consider changing some of your routine activities after work to be able to take a short nap or at least rest.
Solicit help from your partner or outsource various tasks that you normally do, such as housecleaning and grocery shopping.
Take care of yourself by listening to your body. It is very important if you continue to work to recognize that you have to get enough rest and relaxation. Find solutions and you will be able to continue to work and remain healthy and happy too!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
I passed…
As you may know I failed by glucose screen last month at the doctor’s office so I had to go back for a 3-hour test.
I arrive at the office at 9:00 fasting and have my blood taken, then I drink a sugary beverage and have a seat in the lobby. After one hour I have more blood taken and again at two and three hours
I passed with flying colors.
Results
Fasting blood sugar 73
1-hour post 103
2-hours post 97
3-hours post 45
45 that is right!!!! That is pretty freaking low. I had packed a lunch to eat in the car but I forgot it. Luckily I had my emergency apple juices in the car and a granola bar to eat and I went straight to Mr. Goodsence for a delicious Sammie.
Read the blow remarks on low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
-Symptoms of low blood sugar, however, usually begin at a level below 60 mg/dL. Some people may feel symptoms before this level. A level of 50 mg/dL is thought to affect brain function.
What are symptoms of hypoglycemia, and how low is too low?
The body’s biochemical response to hypoglycemia usually starts when sugars are in the high/mid 60’s. At this point, the liver releases its stores and the hormones mentioned above start to activate. In many patients, this process occurs without any clinical symptoms.
While there is some degree of variability among people, most will usually develop symptoms suggestive of hypoglycemia when blood glucose levels are lowered to the mid 50’s. The first set of symptoms are called neuro-genic (or sympathetic) because they relate to the nervous system’s response to hypoglycemia. Patients may experience any of the following;
nervousness,
sweating,
intense hunger,
trembling,
weakness,
palpitations, and
often have trouble speaking.
In most patients, these symptoms are easily recognizable. The vast majority of patients with diabetes only experience this degree of hypoglycemia if they are on medications or insulin. Patients (diabetic or with insulin resistance) with high circulating levels of insulin who fast or lower their carbohydrate intake drastically should also be cautioned. These patients may also experience modest hypoglycemia. http://www.medicinenet.com/hypoglycemia/article.htm
As you may know I failed by glucose screen last month at the doctor’s office so I had to go back for a 3-hour test.
I arrive at the office at 9:00 fasting and have my blood taken, then I drink a sugary beverage and have a seat in the lobby. After one hour I have more blood taken and again at two and three hours
I passed with flying colors.
Results
Fasting blood sugar 73
1-hour post 103
2-hours post 97
3-hours post 45
45 that is right!!!! That is pretty freaking low. I had packed a lunch to eat in the car but I forgot it. Luckily I had my emergency apple juices in the car and a granola bar to eat and I went straight to Mr. Goodsence for a delicious Sammie.
Read the blow remarks on low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
-Symptoms of low blood sugar, however, usually begin at a level below 60 mg/dL. Some people may feel symptoms before this level. A level of 50 mg/dL is thought to affect brain function.
What are symptoms of hypoglycemia, and how low is too low?
The body’s biochemical response to hypoglycemia usually starts when sugars are in the high/mid 60’s. At this point, the liver releases its stores and the hormones mentioned above start to activate. In many patients, this process occurs without any clinical symptoms.
While there is some degree of variability among people, most will usually develop symptoms suggestive of hypoglycemia when blood glucose levels are lowered to the mid 50’s. The first set of symptoms are called neuro-genic (or sympathetic) because they relate to the nervous system’s response to hypoglycemia. Patients may experience any of the following;
nervousness,
sweating,
intense hunger,
trembling,
weakness,
palpitations, and
often have trouble speaking.
In most patients, these symptoms are easily recognizable. The vast majority of patients with diabetes only experience this degree of hypoglycemia if they are on medications or insulin. Patients (diabetic or with insulin resistance) with high circulating levels of insulin who fast or lower their carbohydrate intake drastically should also be cautioned. These patients may also experience modest hypoglycemia. http://www.medicinenet.com/hypoglycemia/article.htm
What a Pain in the BUTT
I am starting to get a little uncomfortable. It isn’t too bad and I don’t think it would be bad at all if my sciatic nerve wasn’t hurting 24/7. I feel like I am getting bigger everywhere. I had the guts to get on the scale and it is the same as the last time I weight in 12/4/06, but I know that I am growing because some of my tops are too tight now.
I had my three hour blood glues test Tuesday I should get the results today, just incase I do have gestational diabetes I had pizza for dinner last night. But, it wasn’t that good because we got “The Square beyond compare” and it cost $33 for 2 medium pizzas. I told Shane we could go out to eat for that price. It was his turn to pick so we got it, don’t worry it I managed to get a few slices down.
Also we found out that Shane’s sister Chantel and her husband Ryan are expecting a little boy. Gee imagine that one of the Weatherholt girls are having a boy. Happy Birthday Chantel, Erik and Justin.
I am starting to get a little uncomfortable. It isn’t too bad and I don’t think it would be bad at all if my sciatic nerve wasn’t hurting 24/7. I feel like I am getting bigger everywhere. I had the guts to get on the scale and it is the same as the last time I weight in 12/4/06, but I know that I am growing because some of my tops are too tight now.
I had my three hour blood glues test Tuesday I should get the results today, just incase I do have gestational diabetes I had pizza for dinner last night. But, it wasn’t that good because we got “The Square beyond compare” and it cost $33 for 2 medium pizzas. I told Shane we could go out to eat for that price. It was his turn to pick so we got it, don’t worry it I managed to get a few slices down.
Also we found out that Shane’s sister Chantel and her husband Ryan are expecting a little boy. Gee imagine that one of the Weatherholt girls are having a boy. Happy Birthday Chantel, Erik and Justin.
Friday, December 15, 2006
I am off work next Monday, so I am posting early.
December 18th
Your Baby: Eye-Opening Developments
The third trimester is a time of rapid growth -- for you and your baby. You might gain a great deal of weight -- and for good reason. (What great timing for Christmas)Only 31 weeks, your baby weighs in at about 3 pounds 5 ounces (1590 g), and measures over 18 inches (46 cm) tall. Thanks to the deposits of white fat underneath the skin, the baby's color is changing from red to pink. At this point, the baby's irises dilate and contract in response to light, and his fingernails may extend to the end of the hands.
The organs are also in a growth period. Don't worry: Even if your lungs (and heart) make you feel breathless when you climb a flight of stairs or walk around the block, your womb mate is getting plenty of oxygen from your placenta.
Your Body: Planning For The Birth
Most first-time moms have mixed emotions and endless questions when it comes to labor and delivery. You may wonder how you will know when you're having a contraction, or when you should go to the hospital. You may be worried about what you can take for the pain. One of the easiest ways to get answers and ease your fears is to arm yourself with knowledge: Read books on childbirth, take notes during your childbirth education class, consult your health care practitioner, and ask friends and family to share their experiences.
Many women put together a birth plan to delineate their wishes for labor and delivery. It’s probably better to think about your “birth preferences,” because the inherent unpredictability of labor and birth makes it hard to have a plan.
So what’s to prefer? Births are a little like weddings – you’ve probably been to weddings that you think are lovely and tasteful and elegant, and you’ve been to others that you thought were vulgar and tacky. But the bride and groom chose to spend their day with that cake, those flowers, and that DJ – and it was right for them. Similarly, some women want to have a birth without any pain medicine and minimal medical intervention, and want to hold and bond with their baby immediately after birth, amniotic fluid and all. Other mothers would happily have an epidural placed before the first contraction, and would like their baby washed, with lots of soap, diapered, and dressed before touching him or her for the first time. Within the realm of what’s safe, there are lots of different “right” ways to have a birth. You and your partner should think about what works best for you.
The following are some of the key issues to think about what your preferences are, then ask your practitioner or talk to the hospital to learn about general policies. Discuss the risks and benefits of the various options. You may have to fill out specific forms or releases concerning many of these items ahead of time.
How do you feel about using medication for pain relief in labor? Do you want to try to go without pain medicine, or would you prefer to have anesthesia as early as possible?
Would you like to be able to labor in a tub or shower, if one is available at your chosen birthing center or hospital?
Is there anything you want to bring to the hospital? Check the hospital's guidelines about video cameras, music, pillows, lights, etc. Some hospitals may have rules regarding video taping the birth.
Who do you want to be present during labor? During delivery? Is there anyone you specifically want kept out of the room?
What is the role of your coach?
Is there a particular delivery position or procedure you would like follow? How do you feel about the use of stirrups to brace your legs? If you do not want to use stirrups, who will be with you to help hold your legs when you push?
Would you like to have a mirror in the room when you are pushing, so you can watch your baby emerge?
Do you have strong feelings about assisted delivery methods (forceps, vacuum extraction) or cesarean delivery?
Would you like to avoid an episiotomy, if possible?
If you have a cesarean, would you like your partner or coach to be present during the surgery?
Who do you want to cut the umbilical cord?
Do you want to hold your baby immediately after birth, or do you want her washed and swaddled before you meet her for the first time?
Do you have specific desires about a bonding period with the baby after birth?
Do you have strong feelings about receiving a routine IV to replenish your fluids?
Are you planning to breast feed? If so, how do you feel about having your baby stay in your room after delivery? Would you like to avoid pacifiers or supplements, unless ordered by your baby’s pediatrician?
Do you want anyone from the hospital to help you with breastfeeding, or to explain bottle-feeding or other baby care issues?
Do you want a male baby to be circumcised?
Some other issues routinely come up in books and web sites about birthing plans, but are rarely used at hospitals today. Check with your health care provider to make sure, but generally, you won’t be offered an enema, nor will your pubic area be shaved, unless you specifically request it.
December 18th Your Baby: Eye-Opening Developments
The third trimester is a time of rapid growth -- for you and your baby. You might gain a great deal of weight -- and for good reason. (What great timing for Christmas)Only 31 weeks, your baby weighs in at about 3 pounds 5 ounces (1590 g), and measures over 18 inches (46 cm) tall. Thanks to the deposits of white fat underneath the skin, the baby's color is changing from red to pink. At this point, the baby's irises dilate and contract in response to light, and his fingernails may extend to the end of the hands.
The organs are also in a growth period. Don't worry: Even if your lungs (and heart) make you feel breathless when you climb a flight of stairs or walk around the block, your womb mate is getting plenty of oxygen from your placenta.
Your Body: Planning For The Birth
Most first-time moms have mixed emotions and endless questions when it comes to labor and delivery. You may wonder how you will know when you're having a contraction, or when you should go to the hospital. You may be worried about what you can take for the pain. One of the easiest ways to get answers and ease your fears is to arm yourself with knowledge: Read books on childbirth, take notes during your childbirth education class, consult your health care practitioner, and ask friends and family to share their experiences.
Many women put together a birth plan to delineate their wishes for labor and delivery. It’s probably better to think about your “birth preferences,” because the inherent unpredictability of labor and birth makes it hard to have a plan.
So what’s to prefer? Births are a little like weddings – you’ve probably been to weddings that you think are lovely and tasteful and elegant, and you’ve been to others that you thought were vulgar and tacky. But the bride and groom chose to spend their day with that cake, those flowers, and that DJ – and it was right for them. Similarly, some women want to have a birth without any pain medicine and minimal medical intervention, and want to hold and bond with their baby immediately after birth, amniotic fluid and all. Other mothers would happily have an epidural placed before the first contraction, and would like their baby washed, with lots of soap, diapered, and dressed before touching him or her for the first time. Within the realm of what’s safe, there are lots of different “right” ways to have a birth. You and your partner should think about what works best for you.
The following are some of the key issues to think about what your preferences are, then ask your practitioner or talk to the hospital to learn about general policies. Discuss the risks and benefits of the various options. You may have to fill out specific forms or releases concerning many of these items ahead of time.
How do you feel about using medication for pain relief in labor? Do you want to try to go without pain medicine, or would you prefer to have anesthesia as early as possible?
Would you like to be able to labor in a tub or shower, if one is available at your chosen birthing center or hospital?
Is there anything you want to bring to the hospital? Check the hospital's guidelines about video cameras, music, pillows, lights, etc. Some hospitals may have rules regarding video taping the birth.
Who do you want to be present during labor? During delivery? Is there anyone you specifically want kept out of the room?
What is the role of your coach?
Is there a particular delivery position or procedure you would like follow? How do you feel about the use of stirrups to brace your legs? If you do not want to use stirrups, who will be with you to help hold your legs when you push?
Would you like to have a mirror in the room when you are pushing, so you can watch your baby emerge?
Do you have strong feelings about assisted delivery methods (forceps, vacuum extraction) or cesarean delivery?
Would you like to avoid an episiotomy, if possible?
If you have a cesarean, would you like your partner or coach to be present during the surgery?
Who do you want to cut the umbilical cord?
Do you want to hold your baby immediately after birth, or do you want her washed and swaddled before you meet her for the first time?
Do you have specific desires about a bonding period with the baby after birth?
Do you have strong feelings about receiving a routine IV to replenish your fluids?
Are you planning to breast feed? If so, how do you feel about having your baby stay in your room after delivery? Would you like to avoid pacifiers or supplements, unless ordered by your baby’s pediatrician?
Do you want anyone from the hospital to help you with breastfeeding, or to explain bottle-feeding or other baby care issues?
Do you want a male baby to be circumcised?
Some other issues routinely come up in books and web sites about birthing plans, but are rarely used at hospitals today. Check with your health care provider to make sure, but generally, you won’t be offered an enema, nor will your pubic area be shaved, unless you specifically request it.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
Your Baby: Filling Out
Your baby continues to grow taller and fill out as you near the end of your pregnancy. By now, he weighs approximately 3 pounds (1400 g) and measures about 17 inches (38 cm) in total length. Your baby is continuing to grow rapidly now. In preparation for the journey to the new world, the baby is taking deep breaths of amniotic fluid. Sometimes at this point the baby may get hiccups and you may feel that happen!
Friday, December 08, 2006
After talking with the doctor and living with this lower back pain I think I know what is going on…. Sciatic Nerve Pain. That is why the acetaminophen isn’t helping at all and when it hurts down my butt sometimes. The pain isn’t coming from muscles in my back it feels like my spine. So, I think that is what is going on. My doctor said to stretch at least two times a day. The pain is caused by the baby’s location so maybe he or she will more over a little so I can function normally. Seriously by the end of the day (really after lunch or even earlier) I am DONE I just want to lie down or not move to make the pain stop.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
My back is freaken’ killing me. That is right the fun has started. Don’t get me wrong I am still loving being pregnant. At this point in time I think I might even miss it after the baby is born. But, I don’t think I will have enough time to worry about that. My back started hurting last night after a 12-hour workday (and that made since to me). It is still hurting today and has been since I got out of bed. Tonight when I get off work I think I am planting myself on the couch.
I was brave enough to get on the scale today…. Up 16 pounds…. I thought it was going to be more like up 20 from the way I have been feeling. But, it looks like I might not gain the 40 pounds I thought I would.
I was brave enough to get on the scale today…. Up 16 pounds…. I thought it was going to be more like up 20 from the way I have been feeling. But, it looks like I might not gain the 40 pounds I thought I would.
This week is Week 29. I was off work last week so I wasn't able to post week 28 until yesterday. Look how big that kids is. The face looks like a newborn baby.
Your Baby: The Inside Story
Your baby is growing taller and fatter by the day. This week, he measures over 16.7 inches tall and weighs about 2 pounds 7 ounces (1250 g).
Amazingly enough, your baby's organs are beginning to self-regulate. The baby is filling out with layers of fat and everything is growing and maturing. Over the next three months, the baby will double in size, so this is when the baby will have a big growth spurt!
At this late date, you may feel a change in fetal activity as your baby's movements become smaller due to the increasingly cramped conditions. The kind of movement isn't as important as the frequency. Talk to your doctor for instruction on how to monitor your baby's movements.
Your Body: Problems Sleeping?
For some women, falling -- and staying -- asleep at night can be a real challenge. Between the leg cramps, the anxiety, the extra weight, and the occasional kicking, it's no wonder you feel like an insomniac. But rather than lie in bed awake and fret about losing precious sleep, you might want to consider some of these suggestions to make nighttime dreamy:
Sleep positions: Generally, pregnant women find it much more comfortable to sleep on their side once they are further along in their pregnancy. This helps to take pressure off your back and also helps to relieve pressure from your uterus on the main vein that brings the blood back to the heart from your legs and your feet. Consider putting a pillow between your legs and under your abdomen for support.
Relaxation Techniques: Some women seem to have their wheels spinning all night thinking about labor and delivery, and all the new things that are getting ready to happen. You can start using some of the tips on breathing and relaxation from your childbirth classes. Not only will it serve as good practice, but it will also help you to relax and get some sleep.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Week 28 (7 months)
The picture would not download for whatever reason.
Your Baby: Seeing Is believing
By now, your baby is approximately 15-16 inches long to (35 cm) and weighs about 2 pounds 4 ounces (1100g) - just a tad over 1 kilo! You can see changes in your baby from head to toe. At this time, the baby's brain is developing more fully. Hair on your baby's head is growing more and more and your baby is truly looking like a baby now!
If you're carrying a boy, his testicles are on the move, making their way down from the kidneys via the groin en route to the scrotum. In a girl, you can make out the clitoris, but the labia aren't yet big enough to cover it.
Your Body: Counting Down To Your Due date
Welcome to the third trimester, which goes from week 28 to 40 -- or until you give birth. By now, you may be feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension as you approach the end of your pregnancy. Some women sail through the whole nine months symptom-free, while others watch their bodies grow and change in ways they never thought possible. On the other hand, some women may have some discomforts that may creep up during this trimester. Some of those discomforts may include:
Shortness of breath -- from the decrease in the space your lungs have to expand due to the growth of your uterus.
Problems sleeping -- usually due to not being able to find a comfortable position with the size of your belly, excitement, and, sometimes, a baby who decides to be active while you are trying to sleep!
Minor aches and pains in your hips, buttocks, thighs -- usually due to pressure from your uterus on the sciatic nerves.
Minor vaginal pain -- sometimes this pain is thought to be from your cervix slowly starting to dilate or getting ready to dilate.
Skin discomforts or changes -- such as dry skin on abdomen that itches, worsening stretch marks, varicose veins and vascular spiders (all from the growth of the baby and pressure from your uterus enlarging).
Bouts with leaking urine -- from the pressure of your uterus on the bladder.
Hemorrhoids -- sometimes worsen in this trimester due to the pressure from your uterus.
Breast colostrum leaking -- this is normal, and it signals that your breast are preparing for breastfeeding.
To top it off, you may have a 10-mile long to-do list that includes finding a pediatrician, buying baby gear, preparing a birth plan, registering at the hospital and packing your bag, among others. No matter how you feel, however, remember this is a special time for you and your partner. So try to enjoy as you begin the final countdown and wait for the day when you and your baby finally meet face-to-face!
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