Total Weight Gain/Loss: -8 pounds.
Symptoms: Nausea, food aversions, tiredness. We're still in bed by 8:30 more often than not. Loss of sex drive. I feel really bad for Keegan, but its honestly the last thing in the world I want to do. I've also noticed that my skin has been super dry. Every time I use lotion, even the kind meant for dry sensitive skin, my face breaks out. I've heard good things about Lush products since they're "all natural," but I don't want to spend $24 on 2 ounces of lotion if it doesn't work. Anyone have comments on Lush products or something similar?
Maternity clothes: Not yet. Still using the hair tie trick on my size 16 pants, or wearing my size 18 pants normally. As soon as I get home, I'm either in yoga pants or PJ pants. Thinking about getting some maternity pants this weekend, my tummy doesn't like having anything touching it.
Stretch marks: Nothing new. I have a few on my stomach from when I gained weight in the past, but they're really light.
Sleep: Sleep is....ok. Waking up more often throughout the night to reposition myself. Still trying to become a side sleeper, but waking up on my tummy more often than not.
Best moment last week: We "came out" on Facebook using the picture below:
Movement: Too early.
Food cravings: I don't know if it's a craving, but I've been wanting a Coke or Pepsi more than anything in the world. I think it's more habit than craving, through. I've been able to go this entire time without having one, and my plan is not to have one the entire pregnancy. I've also wanted CiCi's mac n' cheese pizza like none other, but the closest restaurant to us is 45 minutes away and I haven't been able to convince Keegan to go yet. I've also been craving cake donuts. Not ones with glaze, but just regular, plain cake donuts. We typically watch Good Eats before bed (stupid idea when you're pregnant) and Alton Brown was making donuts during an episode. I rolled over and told Keegan he either had to make me some, or find somewhere that makes them.
Gender: Don't know yet, though I have my suspicions. Still having dreams that I'm pregnant with twin girls, but as far as we know, there's only one in there. Friend on Facebook apparently sent our ultrasound picture from our announcement to her ultrasound tech friend who said based on the "ramzi method," we're having a girl, though I'm not sure how much I trust that.
Labor signs: Zilch, thank goodness.
Belly button? In, no change
What I miss: Nothing, really. Maybe not waking up so often during the night? Oh, and being able to eat. This constantly nauseous feeling is for the birds.
What I am looking forward to: Seeing Breadcrumb again at our appointment with my OB on Thursday.
Baby Buys: We're going to cloth diaper this little one, so I've been slowly building up my stash. I purchased two covers this week while Kelly's Closet was having an awesome coupon deal.
Milestones: Making it to 9 weeks and telling Facebook!
--------
Like I said above, we're having our first OB appointment on Thursday. I'm of course worried that Breadcrumb is ok, but I'm also worried that this OB isn't going to work for the style of delivery we'd ultimately love to have. When I imagined myself pregnant, I always imagined working with a midwifery program, but there are no programs within an hour drive of our small town, only midwives working out of their homes which I'm not as comfortable with for my first birth. We decided to go with a highly recommended OB that is in Dr. B's practice (our old OB that was helping us get pregnant before we went to our RE,) and I'm going to lay it all out during our first appointment. There are certain things that I'm ok with budging on like not having a water birth, but there are things that I really don't want to happen such as pitocin or being made to have a c-section after 12 hours of labor. I'd also really love to have a doula present if possible.
Has anyone tried out multiple OBs or midwives before finding one they really meshed with? Is it wrong of me to see this first appointment as somewhat of an interview? I don't want to be a difficult patient, but I really want to push for my dream birth if at all possible. What questions did you ask your first appointment with your OB?
You HAVE to be comfortable with with your OB - you are going to have SO many appointments and ultimately they can make or break your birth experience. I didn't try out multiple practices when it was time for our choice - so many people spoke so highly of my practice but I will tell you what - had my first appointment been anything other than sunshine and rainbows I would have left them and never looked back. So definitely treat it like an interview and make sure it's the right fit for you. I will however put out there as much as you have the idea of what you want for birth unfortunately there is a lot you cannot control. Doula present doesn't sound unreasonable and there are some things you can try to do to prevent the use of pitocin but I am finding that c-sections are such a way of life now during birthing. But these are all great things to bring up during your first appointment: ask about alternate/more natural ways to bring on labor, ask what they do when labor stalls, ask under what circumstances would they recommend a c-section. If you are looking to avoid a c and/or pitocin, I would ask what their philosophy is in terms of doing late ultrasounds (some OBs do an ultrasound in third trimester to get a sense of how big baby is and then push mommies into inducing or getting a C because baby is so big), and ask when they start doing cervical checks in third trimester (in my opinion, you want an OB who does them late - mine start at 38 weeks). Gah...I could go on forever but I think I will call it a day with that. Email me today if you have any questions. :)
ReplyDeleteThose question suggestions are exactly what I needed, thank you so much!
DeleteOf course the first appointment is an interview! The OB may not see it that way, but it's the truth. You have to be in agreement about your medical care. Ask for stats on how many of her patients have needed c-sections or inductions. I think there's a website where you can compare and see if it seems like a high percentage. Ask if she has worked with doulas in the past and whether she finds it to be a positive experience. Also pay attention to her body language and tone as she answers. If she seems put off, guarded, or insulted by your questions, she may not be the right doctor for you, even if she seems to be saying the right things.
ReplyDeleteBody language is a good suggestion for sure, thank you!
DeleteAw what a cute announcement!
ReplyDeletei know everyone has a dream birth - but i would suggest not holding on to that very tightly. ABSOLUTELY be your best advocate and never afraid to speak your mind, fears and feelings but know there is wiggle room and it may not turn out to be your dream birth. because if its not, it can be really hard on you and create some horrible feelings afterwards. something i do not want for you! just remember to be easy on yourself and open minded :) xxo
ReplyDelete