The Third Trimester
I just returned from my doctor's appointment. Everything is continuing to go well. I've gained a total of 18 pounds - which is on target. The doctor started measuring my belly last time to help determine how I'm progressing. I measured this time at 29 weeks - tomorrow I start my 29th week so I'm looking good here too. His heartbeat was hard to listen to because it kept fading since he is so darn active! I was also tested for gestational diabetes (a form of diabetes that hits some pregnant women but goes away after the baby is born). I will get results this week. My next appointment is in 2 weeks on June 6th. Brian and I started our Childbirth/Lamaze classes last Thursday. They run every Thursday night for eight weeks. We have a fairly large class, consisting of 11 couples. Everyone is really diverse. There are several first time parents but there are three couples that are on their second or third pregnancy - so it's nice to have their input too. We learned about the three stages of birth and looked at some pictures (the kind that are drawn not real people) - to give us an idea of the process. The best part of the class is the last 1/2 hour. The women get to lay down in a comfortable position while the partner rubs them and helps them relax. We learned about the different kinds of breathing and finding what works for us. This "relaxation" time is the last 1/2 hour of every class - so I really look forward to going just for this! I was doing some more reading last week (yes, there are actually things I haven't read yet about pregnancy and childbirth). The information I was looking at talked about different medications and procedures that occur during labor and delivery. It mentioned that women with blood-clotting problems (I have a slight one) should not receive epidurals. This was enough to concern me - I always assumed I would get as much pain-killing support as possible! I made an appointment with a hematologist right away and I will be going in next week. I happen to have a mild form of Von Willebrands disorder and my blood doesn't clot as well as it should. Now - it may mean all I need is a shot to help it clot well during delivery or it could mean no epidural for me. I'll find out when they run some tests at the appointment. I am also working to get an appointment with a neurologist. I want to make sure that the epilepsy will not be a problem during labor and delivery. I don't know if immense pain or immense medication can be enough to trigger anything. I have been fine for six years and have been without any hint of any kind of epilepsy problem during my pregnancy but it's better to plan. So - we'll see how that goes. As for the nursery. As I mentioned before, Brian and my mom painted it a lovely light blue (Martha Stewart Ice Water Blue) about a month ago. The room has stayed barren until this last weekend. Brian and I built a bookshelf for the room. We actually did a project together and it was great. The design is actually for a plate rack but I saw it used as a bookshelf in a Martha Stewart magazine and loved how it used the books as an accessory for the room. My friend, Denise thought it would be a great idea and pointed out a great place in the room for it (between the windows) and several weeks later Brian and I have managed to build it. We are going to be painting it an Antique White color. My mom is working on making the curtains and when she visits in June she will hopefully have those with her. The crib and changing table/dresser have been ordered and they should be here by this weekend. So - everything is coming together well. We are both very excited and can't wait for the next 12 weeks to pass. Brian purchased a digital video camera a week ago and we are working on taking pictures. I look forward to sending pictures of the finished room and eventually of baby Alexander!
May 25, 2000
My doctor just called to let me know that my test results from the diabetes testing came back. Everything looked great. My protein and sugars were good and I'm not anemic.
Still feeling great! Have a wonderful three-day weekend.