30 weeks and 3 days

I had my appointment with the OBS today and all is well. I am measuring 30 cms which is right on track for 30 weeks. The baby's heart rate was 156, which is also great. So, from here on my appts will be every two weeks until 36 weeks, and then they are once a week.

I was a little worried that I didn't seem to be putting on much weight this month. However, I was 174 today (I feel the need to point out this is fully clothed :-)) and last month I was 167. So, I did put on 7 lbs. Must be the pregnancy brain affecting my memory.

My cold is almost gone - now, if I could just get rid of this cough.

And now we have another decision to make. The Ottawa Valley Midwives called this week to say they could now take me as a patient. I had called first when I was pregnant and got put on a waitlist. Then, we had sort of given up on the whole idea when we hadn't heard anything. So, basically you have to pick one primary caregiver. You can go the OBS route or the midwife. Don't panic Dad - it is quite different from the midwives such as Old Mrs. Thoms. These are individuals licensed by the province of Ontario who train for four years. There are lots of different reasons to go with the midwives. There is definitely a lot more support. You're appt.'s aren't as rushed. Today I was in the dr.'s office for 5 mins at most. I had a few questions I wanted to ask, but before I could open my mouth to speak, she had measured me, listened to the baby's heart beat and was on her way.

Also, there are 13 OBS's in Dr. Anderson's circle. Which means I would have less than a 10% chance of actually having her deliver my baby. The midwives work in groups of 4 and although I have one primary midwife, I meet them all. When you go in labour, they come to your house, and if you're feeling up to it you can leave the hospital very shortly after giving birth, since the midwife will monitor you at home. The midwife then comes to your house 1, 3 and 5 days after you give birth to make sure all is well, help you with breastfeeding, answer questions, etc. And they will continue to monitor for up to 6 weeks after. Also, this group delivers at the Queensway Carleton Hospital, so that won't change.

One downside is that the midwives are in Carleton Place, so I'll have to travel about 30 minutes for my appointments.

As it stands right now we have an appt. on Monday, March 6th to meet with the midwives and decide if we want to go with this option. After the meeting, we'll have to decide whether to stick with the OBS or go with the midwives. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

If anyone is interested in reading about the midwives here is their website:
www.ottawavalleymidwives.com

My, How You've Grown!

So, with all our technology I've been forced to resort to buying a disposable camera and getting John to scan the pictures for me. These were taken on February 12th or at 28 weeks along.

I'm now almost 30 weeks along. Not feeling all that great this week. I'm no longer happy pregnant chick this week. I have a cold yet again and have been feeling nauseous all week. I'm hoping the nausea is due to my cold and not the return of the dreaded morning sickness. I'm not even sure if that can happen. Although a lady at prenatal yoga said it happened to her during her third trimester. It feels very much like the morning sickness I suffered in the beginning though. You keep eating and eating, hoping to find something to make you feel better. Than it passes for a half an hour or so and returns. I have an appointment with my family dr. tomorrow just to make sure all is well.

We had our second prenatal class this week. I'm beginning to think that too much information might not be such a good thing. I am now completely horrified by the thought of an epideral and yet completely terrified of not getting one.

On a brighter note, John Jr. is now probably close to three pounds and still very active. Hard to believe I only have about 10 weeks to go ...

Today, I'm just about 28 weeks along. Hard to believe just about 12 weeks to go. I am starting to get a taste of what my sleepless nights may look like after baby comes along. According to "the book" this week he weighs almost 2 and 1/2 pounds and is about 14.4 inches long with his legs extended and he can now open and close his eyes. His kicks are really starting to pack a punch. When he starts kicking now John and I can actually see him moving on the outside of my belly. Very strange indeed. However, it doesn't seem he ever really sleeps. I think he just takes short power naps throughout the day. He seems to be constantly moving all day long, from the time I wake up. After supper, I think he may be doing kickboxing and then when I get in bed it starts again. It's become very distracting at work. I just want to sit and watch my belly all day.

Other than that I went for my routine gestational diabetes test on last Friday. Basically you fast, then drink a super sweet orange carbonated drink and wait an hour before they take blood. Contrary to what many people have told me about this horrible beverage, I actually thought it tasted pretty good.

In general, I'm feeling pretty good. Although, I am finding it increasingly more difficult to get up off the couch. And little things like putting on pantyhose and socks have becomes challenging feats. Thankfully, a few of my previously preggo friends have donated some panel pants to the cause. Yes, as much as I was one point in denial that I would never wear those ugly things, I have to admit that they are the most comfortable thing ever I have ever put on. John says he may wear them after I'm done with them.

The Queensway Carleton called to pre-register me the other night. Which was a bit of an eye-opener. Sort of made the whole thing that much more realistic and is making me panic a little. Too late for that now I guess. We start our pre-natal classes next Tuesday night. Nothing says "Be my Valentine" like practising breathing with a room full of pregnant strangers and their hubbies.

I have a feeling the next few months are going to go by very quickly.