Today was the first day I actually saw our baby via a sonogram/ultrasound. I am 7 weeks & 5 days pregnant (gestational) (Ovulatory/Fertilization: 5 weeks & 5 days) !!! This has been a journey full of hope, patience and blessings...we are thankful for this gift from God. As we embark on this new journey of 8 more months of life and development...we ask for your prayers.
September 27, 2005
I heard our baby's heart beat today...like drums in Africa...like the patter of feet performing a ritual dance...like fluctuating voices singing tribal songs...as I listened to the beat of our baby's heart...my heart, for a slight second, paused...to witness the sound of God's glory.
October 4, 2005
DNA Gender Test Result: Congratulations! You will be expecting a baby girl only based on the information obtained from the fetal genetic materials found in your blood specimen. Our assay has concluded that there is no fetus-originated Y-specific chromosome sequence detectable in your sample. In addition, there is a substantial amount of fetus-originated X-specific chromosome sequence detected in your blood, indicating that you are currently carrying a baby girl!
Our second doctor's visit: 11 weeks and 5 days (gestational) (10 weeks and 5 days = ovulatory) I am nearing the end of my first tri-mester...I now weigh 140 lbs!!!! I am blessed to have a healthy pregnancy so far. Gerald and I saw Baby today. She's almost tripled in size, her development is amazing (refer to pictures in photo album). Her heart beats 160 bpm, she's busy growing and maturing. I am so thankful for this experience...God is good.
Second Trimester
November
We decided to choose a Midwife to help deliver our baby in water and have a Doula assist us during labor. Below are website links detailing our choices:
Today we met our Nurse Midwife, Margaret Strickhouser; she will assist us with our waterbirth delivery in May. Nurse Strickhouser is spiritual, mature, humorous, experienced and "down-to-earth". We connected with her and believe that she is perfect for us.
I am now 16 weeks and 6 days (gestational) pregnant. My blood pressure is 102/61 and I weigh 143 lbs. Margaret measured my uterus and performed a "mini" physical. Gerald and I decided to take the AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) exam to test for fetal defects. (For more information refer to: http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/alpha-fetoprotein_test.jsp).
We heard baby's heart beat again...it was the most beautiful music...like majestic mermaids singing spirituals in the deep ocean...so serene.
Baby is growing fast! I now wear maternity clothes and I am finally showing...well...a little! Margaret suggested that I eat very little "sweets", salt and sugary drinks like juices (no more empty calories). I am more conscious of what I eat and how much I eat. I pray for a healthy pregnancy and baby, for this reason diet and exercise are important to us.
I think I am feeling movement...sometimes I feel fluttering and maybe something like gas bubbles in my lower abdomen... well, I'm not sure if this is baby moving, but the thought is quite amusing. As we approach the 5th lunar month, we are excited to learn more and experience my growth and baby's development. We're almost half way there! Keep the prayers coming...
Our next appointments: December 29th, 9:00AM - 21 week ultrasound December 30th, 9:30AM - 5th month pre-natal visit
December 29, 2005
We are at the midway point in the pregnancy...today was our 5 month ultrasound appointment. We witnessed baby dance in my belly...It was moving to see our how big our baby has grown...(of course she's still very small), but the development is amazing. Baby is healthy, happy and active...I often think of the spectacular miracle inside of me, moving and growing...I feel so connected to her and her to me.
I know it's still too early to determine who she looks like more, but I have a "feeling" she looks more like me (based on her profile, refer to ultrasound photos). Gerald thinks baby looks like him, well...we'll just have to wait and see, huh?
Oh, the gender was re-confirmed...baby is definetly a GIRL!
December 30, 2005
20 weeks & 6 days - Today was my 5th month pre-natal visit and ultrasound follow up. Baby was confirmed to be healthy (no fetal defects)... heart beat was normal and baby has all her limbs, fingers and toes...Thank God.
I now weigh 144 lbs. and my blood pressure is 105/58. My due date is confirmed to be May 13th or the following week (no later). I met with the other Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) who may be on call when I deliver; her name is Kay Johnson and she is very caring, holistic and intelligent. She suggested that I look into "labor yoga" to prepare me for water birth. Because I have "O" blood type and the baby may have AB we may not be allowed to leave the hospital the day/night I give birth if the baby has complications (beta strep and/or jaundice). Well, I'm hoping everything works out well so that we may leave the hospital the same day. Anyway, CNM Johnson suggested that I research Pediatricians, she also referred me to meet with Dr. Kute, a wholistic newborn/infant pediatrician and lactation specialist.
Our next appointments are: * Thursday, January 26th at 3:30PM - RE: 6th month pre-natal check-up and screening for gestational diabetes. * Friday, February 17th at 5:00PM - RE: Pediatrician consultation/interview. Chattahooche Pediatrics Vaishali B. Kute, MD FAAP http://www.chatpeds.com
January 19, 2006
We are now approaching our 24th week of pregnancy (6 months) !!!
January 26, 2006 I love being pregnant! Every day as I realize the uniqueness of this vessel... carrying life... I am thankful for each moment. This temple...a host of God... creating a miracle...marvelous and wonderful. Although I am gaining weight...I embrace this evolution of body and spirit, as I feel her flow in my belly, I am reminded of a soul within me. I love being with child, because she is with me...a red...red rose slowly budding. Like a caterpillar in its cocoon, she's metamorphosizing into a graceful butterfly...preparing to mesmerize her mommy and daddy...to glorify God.
Other Notes: Midwife Margaret said I'm healthy and I look great. We heard baby's heart beat and she also showed me how to feel baby's head. After measuring my uterus, we pressed on my belly and there it was...small, hard and round...similar to a firm orange. What an amazing journey...life forming and growing in my belly. Baby's head is near the top left corner of my navel and her "butt" is near my cervix (she's upright). Margaret said baby should rotate (downward) at the beginning of the third trimester. Other Information: Weeks: 25 Weight: 152 Blood Pressure: 103/60
Next Steps/Appointments: * Saturday, February 25th @ 11:00AM - 4D Ultrasound Appt. @ Prenatal Experience:http://www.theprenatalexperience.com * Week of 2/27 - Pre-register for water birth at North Fulton Hospital * Thursday, March 2nd @ 3:30PM - 7th Month Prenatal Appt. - CNM, Kay Johnson * Thursday, March 16th @ 7:00AM - Tarece's Pre-Natal Dental Appt. - Dr. Lisa Chatman * Thursday, March 23rd @ 4:30PM - Pediatrician Interview - Dr. Joyce Lovett
1/30/2006 Results of gestational diabetes test: NORMAL We're so happy that I do not have gestational diabetes!
2/5/2006 I have been very ill since Wednesday, 2/1. Unfortunately, I contracted a bacterial infection, bronchitis. (Bronchitis is basically a less severe case of pneumonia and it is from this infection that pneumonia usually develops from. It is an infection brought about by inflammation of the bronchial tubes). I also have an ear infection. (Adult ear infection is caused by infection in the Eustachian tube, near the inner ear. The Eustachian tube connects the inner ear to the nasal passages in order to drain fluid from the ears and equalize pressure between outside and inside of the body, but when fluid or mucus builds up in the Eustachian tube, it is an easy target for infection. A cold/flu can cause fluid build up an infection in the Eustachian tube).
I visited a general practicioner, Dr. James Short on Friday, and was prescribed AMOX/K Clav - 875 mg (twice daily w/food). I must take this medication for ten days and both infections should be gone. Gerald and I were initially concerned about the medication and its effects on our developing baby, but Dr. Short reassured us that the medication is a Class A (FDA: Class A: Of the substances that do reach the fetus through the placenta, controlled human studies have demonstrated no risks to the fetus). Therefore, I am faithfully taking the medication and hoping to get better very soon.
Today, I feel better, but I am still not feeling well or my usual self. I hope to return to work soon. I have already lost three pounds (I now weigh 149 lbs.). Please pray that I get well and that the baby is healthy and strong. Thank you.
Third Trimester
February 15th
I am well now... although I have a slight cough, I feel great! Today was an exciting day for us... Gerald and I purchased our first house together! We look forward to bringing baby to her new home. Today was also a landmark day for us because we made our first purchases for baby. We visited Babies-R-Us and purchased baby's basic newborn layette needs. http://babyproducts.about.com/od/preparingforbaby/a/basiclayette.htm We are grateful and truly blessed...
February 25
Today Gerald and I saw baby in 4-D! It was such a magical experience to see this miracle we created together in movement and expression... she yawned, frowned, opened and closed her eyes, wiggled her toes and put her fingers near her mouth. It was amazing to see how much she has grown and to compare her features. When we returned home from the doctor's office, we watched the DVD video of the 4-D ultrasound... seeing her in "life" really strengthened the bond and deepened the love we have for her. We're so blessed.
To witness these beautiful moments and to see who you think she may resemble, you may refer to the Photo Album to view the 4-D ultrasound pictures.
March 2
Seven month pre-natal appointment:
I am now 29 weeks pregnant and baby is steady growing. She measures 29cm (average size of a 29 week fetus). Nurse Midwife Kay Johnson said that baby is in the vertex position (head down). She also noted that baby is pressing against my lungs and back, for this reason my stomach may seem smaller than other pregnant women, but because my abdominal muscles were very tight, she noted that I am carrying baby differently. She also noted that the size of my stomach is a good indication of my physical health and ability to recuperate soon after giving birth (if I continue to be physically active).
My blood pressure was higher than normal... 100/70. I now weigh 159lbs! (To date, I've gained approximately 25 lbs.)!!! My prenatal appointments will now be every three weeks instead of once a month. My next prenatal appointment is Friday, March 24th at 9:30AM.
March 24
Eight Month Prenatal Appointment:
32 weeks and feeling GREAT! Today I visited one of the Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) Kay Johnson. Baby is still in the vertex position (her head is buried low in my pelvis). Baby is growing and is predicted to weight approx. 7lbs. (well, we'll just have to wait and see). I was strongly advised that it is neccessary for me to drink more water (at least 10 8oz. glasses per day). I also officially registered to give birth at North Fulton Regional Hospital in May.
Other Info: Baby Measures (Height): 32 cm. (Head to rump) My Weight: 163 lbs. My Blood Pressure: 110/60 My next prenatal appointment is Thursday, April 6th at 3:15PM. (I will now visit the CNM every two weeks.)
March 25 Today, Gerald and I started our childbirthing course with our Doula, Teresa (Birthing from Within). We are enjoying learning about labor and delivery...we watch videos, draw, share, read, write and listen. We even have homework! This 6 week course is very insightful... we're learning about labor positions, natural childbirth, prenatal exercises, breathing, birthing from within, etc. It is exciting to understand the power of birth and being present to the miracle of birth...
April 6
35 Weeks Kay (CNM) said that I am healthy, baby is healthy and my pregnancy is progressing perfectly - no issues. Baby is still in the same position as she was at my last appointment on 3/24.
Prenatal Appointment Info: Weight: 168 lbs. Blood Pressure: 101/61 My next prenatal appointment is Thursday, April 20th at 4:00PM.
Final Month of Pregnancy
April 20
37 Weeks
I finally met the third Certified Nurse Midwife at North Pointe...her name is Emilie. She is young, gentle, experienced and very excited to work with the infamous Margaret. I look forward to getting to know her better.
Today I took the Beta Strep test... I will get the results at my next visit to the midwife. For more information regarding this test, please refer to the following link: http://www.obiakorobgyn.com/medical/crs/groupbst.htm
I am well and my pregnancy is progressing perfectly - no issues. Baby is still in the same position as she was at my last appointments on 3/24 & 4/6.
Prenatal Appointment Info: Weight: 171 lbs. Blood Pressure: 101/60 Baby's Heart Rate: 127 Height of Fundus: 35 cm My next prenatal appointment is Thursday, April 27th at 4:00PM.
Other Notes: I was advised to call the Midwives when my contractions are 10 minutes apart and again at 5 minutes apart. They will then determine the best time for me to arrive to the hospital (based on my voice, breathing, etc.)
Prenatal Classes: Labor of Love: Birthing in Awareness - final two weeks 4/22 & 4/29 North Fulton Regional Hospital: Better Birthing Course - 4/23 & 4/30 (12PM - 6PM)
THREE MORE WEEKS TO GO until I'm 40 weeks (May 13th).(It is possible that I may go into labor anywhere between 38 - 42 weeks).
April 27
38 Weeks
I am now full term and can give birth at anytime to a healthy baby. Gerald is becoming increasingly nervous, anxious and excited. I am looking forward to labor and experiencing a "rite of passage" into motherhood.
Baby has dropped more (deeper in my pelvis) and I am experiencing cramping and sharp pains (Braxton Hicks contractions) at least twice a day. Baby is now in the posterior position and I was advised by Midwife Margaret to review the following webiste http://www.spinningbabies.com to try to rotate baby in a more ideal birthing position (this will help me have a shorter, more productive labor).
I already have my labor/birthing bag packed and in the trunk of my car. Hannah's car seat is by the front door...we're almost ready!
Prenatal Appointment Info: Results of Group Beta Step Test: Negative (Thank God) Weight: 173 lbs. Blood Pressure: 103/65 Height of Fundus: 36 cm Baby's predicted birth weight: 7 lbs. 6 oz. My next prenatal appointment is Wednesday, May 3rd at 2:35PM.
We are joyful about the near birth of our little butterfly...Hannah. Keep us in your hearts and prayers.
TWO MORE WEEKS TO GO!!!
May 3
39 Weeks
Prenatal Appointment Info: Weight: 171 lbs. Blood Pressure: 98/64 Baby's Heart Beat: 155 My next prenatal appointment is Thursday, May 11th at 4:00PM.
May 11
40 Weeks
Prenatal Appointment Info: Weight: 173 lbs. Blood Pressure: 100/63 Height of Fundus: 37 cm. Dialation of Cervix: 2 cm.
May 13 Predicted due date
Started contracting at 2:00AM (20 minutes apart) Lost MP at 10:25AM Stronger - more intense contractions started at 11:38AM (10 minutes apart - duration = 30 seconds).
(We plan to call our midwife and doula when my contractions are 5 minutes apart with a duration of over 60 seconds.)
To Be Continued...
8:34PM... contractions are now 5 minutes apart 9:06PM... contractions are 4 minutes apart lasting for more than 50 seconds 10:00PM... contractions are 3 minutes apart lasting for approx. 30 seconds 10:02PM... We contacted our Doulas & Midwife 10:06PM... We're preparing to go to the hospital
To Be Continued...
To read about the details of our labor & birth, please refer to Hannah's Birth Story.