Baby on the Mind

I had my last ultrasound today.  I’m not sure how I feel about Maternal Fetal Medicine.  First they were concerned about the baby having a large belly.  At the last u/s they decided the belly was fine, but they were worried about having too much amniotic fluid.  Today, the amniotic fluid was fine, but they were worried about the belly again.  The belly was in the 95 percentile.  They said they are usually concerned about the ratio between the head and belly.  They don’t like the belly to be larger than the head because there is a risk for shoulder dystocia.  The ratio for my baby is fine, but the belly is measuring large.  I’m not sure they have a good measurement.  The tech was having a lot of difficulty getting measurements of things because of the way the baby was positioned and the lack of room to move.  She took too different pictures of the belly because she couldn’t get a really good one.  She said the doctor would take an average of the two.  Part of me is concerned and a little scared of shoulder dystocia, but the other part of me knows that this really doesn’t mean anything.  These measurements aren’t exact.  The belly was fine at the last u/s, and now the level of amniotic fluid is fine.  I think the baby is fine… they might be trying to covering their ass… and their business is to look for problems.  At least they don’t want to see me back, which isn’t a surprise since I’m 37 weeks!  I’m feeling a little tired, and I’m fighting a cold- yuck!  I’m hoping to get some rest and feel better soon.  This last month of pregnancy has been rough so far!!!!

I had another prenatal test.  The non-stress tests are getting boring.  I still have a few more to go until this LO decides to be born!  My daughter really doesn’t like the test.  She stops moving whenever they strap the doppler on me!  They gave me some juice to get her moving.  It didn’t really help- she just doesn’t like it!  It takes the nurse forever to get her heartbeat, and once she does, the baby moves away just as the nurse attempts to leave the room!  DH was able to come today.  I was happy to have the company while I pushed the buzzer when she kicked.  He loved how she kept messing around with the nurse!  It’s adorable to see him excited or loving with the baby.

I met a new doctor today.  She was great.  She actually asked me if I had any questions!  Most of the doctors try to rush me out while I scramble to get my questions answered.  She knew a little about hypnobirthing.  I didn’t tell her I was doing hypnobabies since the two are so similar.  She felt the office that kept recommending these ultrasounds was being ridiculous, which made me feel better since it seemed like every time I went there they found something else for me to worry about!  There isn’t much I can do about the carpal tunnel- except have the baby.  I don’t have any of the early signs of labor, so I’m thinking I’ll be in this for the long haul!

To start off with, I passed the glucose test with flying colors!  I’m very happy that I don’t have gestational diabetes.  Whew!  One less thing to worry about.  Last Wednesday I had my fourth ultrasound.  It was great to see how much she has grown.  The 4D images are so much amazing now that she is bigger.  I really can “see” characteristics of my husband in her face!  I was so happy to hear all the organs are developing normally.  She is a little over 3 lbs., which is good.  She’s head down, so I’m happy about that.  I’m trying to sit on my birthing ball to keep her in the right position.  I also use a wedge pillow in the car.  I’m hoping it helps.  Yoga and walking seem to be good too.  

The only concern was that her belly seemed big to the doctors.  They asked me if I had taken the glucose test for gestational diabetes, and I told them that I had passed.  I asked them what would cause a “big belly,” and they said all babies are different.  I’m trying not to worry about it… or worry that I’ll have the infamous “big baby” scare later in the pregnancy.  I am really hoping for a natural birth without any unnecessary intervention like c-sections or being induced.  They want to see me again in 6 weeks for another ultrasound.  I didn’t expect to have another one.  At least I’ll get another look at her, and maybe will have the “big belly” thing all cleared up.  I would have pressed for more information from the doctor, but he didn’t have the best bedside manner.  I get my ultrasounds at a different place then my typically OB.  When I have my next prenatal visit I will ask the OB or midwife for more information.  On a happy note, a friend of my husband sent me a gift certificate to a spa!  I was so surprised that I cried.  I’ve been wanting to go to this spa, but I always thought of better ways to use the money.  He’s such a great friend!  I think I’ll make an appointment for sometime after 30 weeks to celebrate.  I can’t believe I’m 29 weeks already.  I found my first stretch marks- oh dear!  The time is going by so fast!