So, despite the panic in my previous entry, this pregnancy has been smooth sailing. Suffered a touch of morning sickness in the first trimester, some food aversions and narcoleptic tendencies throughout these seven months. But overall, not too bad.
Well, that's not entirely true. Just at the start of my second trimester, I had a reoccurrence of a "soft tissue" injury in my right leg (just under my knee) from when I was running pre-pregnancy. Basically - super bad shin splints. The kind that make you unable to walk. Unfortunately, my lifestyle dictates that I walk. Often.
The pain usually lasts from 1- 2 weeks and is very debilitating. I limp around like an old lady while sitting and standing is excruciating. Sleeping isn't much better. And, not like I have drugs at my disposal. So, the second time it came back, I went to my doctor who basically said I was screwed (paraphrasing) because of my condition, and then suggested a cane. So yes, every other week or so, you'll see a pregnant lady on a cane lumbering towards you. It's just as attractive as it sounds.
Meanwhile, I also have terrible round ligament pain. I had this with Annika, so it doesn't concern me, but in addition to the leg pain it makes me sad. Luckily my body shifts the pain from one area to another, depending on whatever is flaring up so generally only the leg hurts or the round ligament pain does...woo hoo! Not really.
I'm ok with the pain since the kid is healthy and that is what matters (said without a drop of irony). But the whole thing is a bummer when trying to play with Annika, taking a walk or sleep. I swear this isn't a 'pity-me-post' but really just an explanation for if I seem a little grumpy...more than usual at least.
Otherwise, we'll hit the 30-week mark next week. Oh, and I love buying newborn clothes! Damn, they are small.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Monday, February 02, 2009
Don't do that again!
The subject is a message to my unborn son: Don't scare me like that again! 
Early last week, I took a routine glucose tolerance test to determine whether I had gestational diabetes. I didn't have it the last time with Annika and I don't have any of the markers commonly associated with a higher risk. Of course, there's a first time for everything so I was nervous about the test.
Of all the things that can go wrong with pregnancy, this one was the one that scared me the most. Now, I know that there are so many others serious things and - knock on wood - we've been blessed not to have to really worry about any of them with both pregnancies. I think that's why I was scared of gestational diabetes - it felt like the one thing I really could have. Not that I had any symptoms or predilections, but well, it just felt real.
The other thing about gestational diabetes is that if it's managed well, everything is very likely to be fine. But as someone who educates herself to the fullest about this thing called pregnancy, I also know there are a lot more risks associated with a pregnancy marked by gestational diabetes. I tend to be "dramatic" (I put that in quotes, because it's not really true) and think about the "worst-case scenarios" and so, I was pretty scared.
I didn't pass the first test. It sucked. I spent 5 days waiting to take the follow-up test. One other wonderful thing about testing for gestational diabetes is that the first test is one hour (you take a super sugary drink and then get your blood tested after an hour to determine how your body processed the sugar) and the second one is three hours. Thank goodness our hospital's lab is open on the weekends. Who has the time for this stuff?
So I went early in the morning by myself to the lab which was ok - I read a book, a magazine and played some games on my iPhone. It was almost relaxing. Again, our health care provider is pretty great and they can usually get results to you within 24 hours (or less) and send them via email! How great is that?
So I checked my email about 400 times yesterday while watching the SuperBowl (Sorry John...but I was rooting for the Cardinals, so though it was an exciting game, it ended in a bummer) and tried to eat healthfully...at a SuperBowl party. Not easy. Sort of a glimpse into my future. (Oh, and I won $155 in a SuperBowl box pool...woo hoo!)
I checked one last time before we went to bed and went to sleep knowing that my fate was sealed and that I had the support of my friends and husband if this were to become real. Chris has been great - agreeing to go on whatever diet they put me on and to encourage us both to eat better...no matter what the results.
Well, the results came back this morning and I passed the test. I can't tell you how relieved I am and how appreciative that this baby boy is so far very healthy. I thank God every day for both of our healthy children and a health scare even as minor as this serves as a reminder of how good we have it. But...baby boy: Don't do this to me again!!!
Early last week, I took a routine glucose tolerance test to determine whether I had gestational diabetes. I didn't have it the last time with Annika and I don't have any of the markers commonly associated with a higher risk. Of course, there's a first time for everything so I was nervous about the test.
Of all the things that can go wrong with pregnancy, this one was the one that scared me the most. Now, I know that there are so many others serious things and - knock on wood - we've been blessed not to have to really worry about any of them with both pregnancies. I think that's why I was scared of gestational diabetes - it felt like the one thing I really could have. Not that I had any symptoms or predilections, but well, it just felt real.
The other thing about gestational diabetes is that if it's managed well, everything is very likely to be fine. But as someone who educates herself to the fullest about this thing called pregnancy, I also know there are a lot more risks associated with a pregnancy marked by gestational diabetes. I tend to be "dramatic" (I put that in quotes, because it's not really true) and think about the "worst-case scenarios" and so, I was pretty scared.
I didn't pass the first test. It sucked. I spent 5 days waiting to take the follow-up test. One other wonderful thing about testing for gestational diabetes is that the first test is one hour (you take a super sugary drink and then get your blood tested after an hour to determine how your body processed the sugar) and the second one is three hours. Thank goodness our hospital's lab is open on the weekends. Who has the time for this stuff?
So I went early in the morning by myself to the lab which was ok - I read a book, a magazine and played some games on my iPhone. It was almost relaxing. Again, our health care provider is pretty great and they can usually get results to you within 24 hours (or less) and send them via email! How great is that?
So I checked my email about 400 times yesterday while watching the SuperBowl (Sorry John...but I was rooting for the Cardinals, so though it was an exciting game, it ended in a bummer) and tried to eat healthfully...at a SuperBowl party. Not easy. Sort of a glimpse into my future. (Oh, and I won $155 in a SuperBowl box pool...woo hoo!)
I checked one last time before we went to bed and went to sleep knowing that my fate was sealed and that I had the support of my friends and husband if this were to become real. Chris has been great - agreeing to go on whatever diet they put me on and to encourage us both to eat better...no matter what the results.
Well, the results came back this morning and I passed the test. I can't tell you how relieved I am and how appreciative that this baby boy is so far very healthy. I thank God every day for both of our healthy children and a health scare even as minor as this serves as a reminder of how good we have it. But...baby boy: Don't do this to me again!!!
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