Like last time, I'm going to be sharing a few posts about my current pregnancy.This post is a large wrap-up for my first trimester. I revealed my pregnancy a few weeks ago on FB, but haven't said anything here. So I guess this is my big post. I'm going to try and keep the pregnancy info to a minimum but still making sure to share.
Last week of January
I'd been feeling super off and weird for a few days. After checking my calendar and seeing my period was almost a week late, I decided to take a pregnancy test. It was unmistakably positive. Of course, I told J and immediately called Kaiser to set up my first appointment. They usually like to schedule the first visit for sometime between 7-10 weeks. So we set an appointment for February 23rd. They also scheduled my intake phone call. This one was new for me. I did not do this last time, but instead had to go to the medical offices for a "class" that went over medical history, personal info, Kaiser's services, and genetic screening options. I don't know if Kaiser has completely switched to the phone call or if I got one because this will be my second baby with Kaiser. Either way, a 15 minute phone call is way easier than an hour long in person appointment. I also popped into Kaiser for my initial labs. Pretty simple and painless. Now I just have to wait until Feb. 23rd for my appointment.
February 17th
It wasn't time for my appointment, but I decided to try and get in early due to some weird pain. For the past week I'd been having burning/stabby pain localized near my right ovary. After checking online, I became convinced that I have an ectopic pregnancy. From hearing stories, those can go from some pain to serious damage at any time. I dealt with the pain for a few days, but J convinced me to call and get it checked out. I called and got an appointment for the next day. On Wednesday, Arthur and I trudged into the medical offices and were seen by another doctor (not my assigned one as she was off on Wednesdays). After explaining my reason for the visit, the doctor opted for a ultrasound to see what was going on. A few tense moments later and he declared that there was no fetus in my uterus. That left three options: 1) My dates are wrong and I'm only 4 weeks pregnant. In this case, they wouldn't be able to see anything on the portable ultrasound machines. 2) I had a miscarriage. But I had't had any bleeding so that seemed unlikely. 3) I have an ectopic pregnancy. To rule this out, I was being sent to radiology for a more comprehensive scan. If it was an ectopic pregnancy, I would be put into ambulance and sent to the hospital for immediate surgery. Reminder that I had the toddler with me. Once this was said, I immediately started trying to get ahold of J. He was interviewing potential employees all day. 45 minutes later, I was ushered into radiology for the big scan. I had finally gotten ahold of J and he was thoroughly concerned. The tech completed the scan and sent me to the waiting room until the radiology doctor review the scan. 20 minutes later, the tech popped out and told me that I could go home. Um... what? Is that good news or bad news? She couldn't tell me, but stated that the OB doctor would call me in 20 minutes. So weird. I called J and he decided to head home just in case. Arthur and I drove home and waited. Almost an hour after I left the medical offices, the OB called me. His first words "Did they tell you the good news?" Um, no. They didn't tell me anything. Apparently everything is fine. The fetus is where it should be. They detected a heartbeat. I'm measuring 6 weeks, 7 days. The pain is likely due to my previous scar tissue. His advice: take some Tylenol... So crazy day with a lot of stress, but everything's fine.
February 23rd -- First official appointment
I met my midwife (she's awesome!), got an ultrasound just to be safe, and discussed my plan. All very routine and normal. After hearing my crazy story about the emergency visit last week, the midwife was appalled that they didn't tell me anything before I left and stated that they should have read my chart and immediately noted the scar tissue. It's in there. I guess no one really decided to look before freaking me out. Thankfully the midwife was very supportive and comforting. My next appointment isn't until April 5th. Standard procedure. I also need to visit the lab that same day for my first trimester genetic screening blood draw. Perfect timing as Arthur and I are in Indiana March 16th-30th.
End of February - Beginning of March
The nausea is strong. Some days it lasts all day. Some days it comes and goes. I've been trying to mitigate the effects with ginger beer and ginger candy. Sometimes I do notice that it helps. After a bit of discussion with J, I decided to deal with it until my next appointment. If things don't improve, I may ask for a prescription for anti-nausea meds. Hoping to avoid it this time, but sometimes the nausea is so bad that I am incapacitated for hours. Sleep is sometimes good and sometimes bad. In general, I am very tired all the time. All standard symptoms of the first trimester, but ugh!
March 5th
It's my birthday. We had Ityam over for a cookout. I missed enjoying wine for my birthday, but I did get a couple of sips from J's glass. And I enjoyed an amazing 7-layer chocolate cake. So good!
March 10-13th
This weekend was the biannual MVPA mom's retreat. It rained all weekend, but that was a blessing in disguise. I had a great weekend of resting and relaxing. Definitely needed that.
March 16-30th
Arthur and I visited Indiana for the twins' Spring Break. I also announced my pregnancy to family and friends. Now everyone wants to know if it's a boy or girl. Hold your horses everyone! We won't know until sometime in May.
April 5th
Had my 13 week doctor's appointment. I'm really loving my midwife this time around. She's relaxed and friendly, but very efficient. She's actually read my chart multiple times and doesn't lecture me about crap that doesn't pertain to me. We discussed my continuing nausea, and she offered medication, but I decided to hold off for now. She put it out there that I would just need to email to get a prescription. Loving having the option without the hassle of making another appointment. But so far, the nausea is every present yet not as bad as with Arthur. I'm going to see if I can't manage it with ginger chews and sparkling water. We also got the big ultrasound scheduled for May 2nd! So excited about that one.
As of this posting, I'm officially into my second trimester of pregnancy. I'll have another update after the anatomy scan and as I near my third trimester. Wish me luck!