
(28-week baby belly)
Wow! Am I ever behind. If I don't get these written down, they will be lost forever! Here goes:
***
My 24-week check-up included my gestational diabetes test. I have to say, this was probably the worst prenatal appointment I've had to date. First of all, the appointment was at 8 a.m., which come to find out means that my nurse isn't there yet, and more importantly, neither is my phlebotomist.
You have to drink the sugary sweet drink an hour before your appointment, and there is a 15-minute window when they can take your blood. When I only had about 8 minutes left in that 15-minute window, I had to go find the nurse and tell her that I needed to get my blood drawn. She should have been on top of that, as I told her as soon as I got there what time the draw needed to be. Well, she then proceeds to stick me not once or twice, but FOUR times. She was finally able to get a vein in the top of my right hand. Needless to say, I was pretty much in tears by the time I finally got away from her. (She was also terrible at taking my blood pressure, and it was completely wrong. dr. k. took it again and it was fine.*)
The actual appointment was quick and to the point. I did complain to dr. k. about the nurse. I also told her had I known that my regular nurse and phlebotomist wasn't there until later, I would have gladly made the appointment later. We talked again about the likelihood of me failing the 1-hour test and having to come back for the 3-hour again. I was prepared for that, but then my nurse called the next day and I had passed the 1-hour! Yay!
Appointment: 24-week
Blood pressure #1: 128/88*
Blood pressure #2: 100/70
Weight: +4 lbs. (+4 lbs. total for the pregnancy)
Baby's heart rate: 140s
***
I don't remember much of anything about my 28-week check-up. I did see one of the other doctors in the practice to begin making my rounds to see everyone for this pregnancy. The chances of going into labor and one of the other doctors performing my c-section aren't very high, but they still want you to make your rounds. dr. w. is my second favorite in the group.
Question I asked, Answer dr. w. gave:
Q: I'm having pelvic pain all the time and hip pain during the night. Is that normal?
A: Yes. All normal. I can heal you in about 12 weeks!
Appointment: 28-week
Blood pressure: 110/78
Weight: +7 lbs. (+11 lbs. total for the pregnancy)
Baby's heart rate: 140s
Measuring: 28 cm.
***
You aren't supposed to have a 29-week appointment, but I was feeling really bad at work one morning and ended up having to go in that afternoon. I was dizzy, my chest was tight, my belly was tight, I had cramps and pelvic pain, just overall feeling bad. I thought it might be due to dehydration, and that's what it ended up being. I drank lots of water, and I felt amazingly better later in the evening. Imagine that. Drink water!
Appointment: 29-week
Blood pressure: 112/60
Weight: +0 lb. (+11 lbs. total for the pregnancy)
Baby's heart rate: 140s-150s
***
My 30-week appointment was super quick. I was in and out in about 20 minutes.
Questions I asked, Answers dr. k. gave:
Q: Would sitting on an exercise ball at work help with some of the pelvic pain I'm having?
A: It might help a little. You will probably have to alternate between the ball and your chair because the ball might make your back hurt. You can order a maternity belt and that might help some too. (I ordered one, we'll see!)
Q: I have a work trip in October, and I will be 36 weeks. Is a 4-hour car trip to Nashville okay?
A: It should be fine. Let's talk closer to 36 weeks, and I will check your cervix and make sure you aren't going into labor or anything right before you go.
Q: My hips are super painful at night, and I'm barely sleeping. Can I sleep propped up on my back?
A: As long as you aren't having any shortness of breath or headaches when you're on your back, it's fine.
Appointment: 30-week
Blood pressure: 100/60
Weight: -3 lbs. (+8 lbs. total for the pregnancy)
Baby's heart rate: 140s-150s
Measuring: 30 cm.
***
And that's how the past four appointments have gone! I'm writing this at 31-weeks, and I'm a bit in denial that a baby is coming in 9 weeks. This pregnancy has flown by, and I'm sure the next 9 weeks will be a blur as well. We are all super excited to meet her though, so I'm okay with it going by quickly (especially since I know I'll be able to sleep better once she gets here!).
Next appointment: 32 weeks!
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