22w3d--Still spotting

Today was my last day at work. Tomorrow I am planning on doing nothing but resting to see if this spotting goes away. I can't believe it's been going on for over 1 week already. The strange thing is that they can not find the source. I don't know if that worries me more because the dr's say everything is perfect, but I just think it's strange. I know that there are some women that spot and/or bleed during their pregnancies, but it is still something to worry about. I guess I just don't want anything to go wrong, especially at this point. I love Natalia so much already that I honestly don't know what I would do if things were to go wrong; I would probably go crazy! I pray that everything is well. St. Gerard, please protect Natalia and that she may brought to this world healthy.

22w0d--Maternal Fetal Medicine

I called today in the AM to find out what I should do next. Nurse finally called and said OB recommended I see the specialist because at Thursday's sono she didn't find anything from where the bleeding could be coming from.

I went in to see MFM specialist. He checked baby and checked checked cervix and saw absolutely nothing wrong. Baby is weighing 1 pound 3 ounces and, after checking sex again, confirmed once again that she is definitely a girl.

He said to just relax and rest as much as possible for next couple of days and then resume normal activity. Unless there is sign of red flow, then there is nothing to be concerned about. What a relief. Once again a scare that fortunately was nothing. Thank you God for watching out for us and our beautiful little precious gift from Heaven!

21w6d--Red blood!!!!

The scariest things happened to me again today. I was at my mom's and we were in kitchen making breakfast. Suddenly, I felt a strong cramp/pain/twinge, whatever you want to call it, on my left side. I put my hand over it hoping it would go away. Out of nowhere, I felt a gush come down and I ran to the RR. I wiped and there was red blood! Once again, I freaked out. I wiped and continued wiping and the blood kept coming out! I was terrified. I tried to keep calm, put a liner on and told my mom I was going to lie down for a bit because I was bleeding. She panicked a little and then tried to console me telling me that it was probably just like the last times and more than likely it was nothing. I did absolutely nothing the rest of the day, but lie around. It lasted about 15 minutes and then changed over to brown flow. I was more like a light bleeding, but brown, rather than red. I seemed to be less and less as the day passed. The cramp in my left side continued and that was what worried me the most. I called OB on call and she said to just rest and call tomorrow for an u/s to check everything is okay.

21w4d--ob appt

will update soon

21w3d--spotting

I began having some spotting tonight. Didn't make a big deal out of it since tomorrow is my appointment with OB. It was mostly brownish but only when I wiped with TP. Hopefully it will go away. This always scares me! I didn't tell DH anything. We checked HB with doppler and everything was fine. HB was 144 bpm.

21w2d--Daddy Felt First Kick

It was amazing! I was lying down on the bed and felt the baby kicking continously. I called DH to come and feel and put his hand over the area where I felt her and for the first time he felt her kick. I didn't know if he would feel her yet, but he did! He was so excited.

Belly bump: 20w3d

Okay, I woke up this morning and found a little belly bump. Out of the blue, it's not much, but with the blouse I was wearing you could really see it.

We are going on Saturday to pick up her crib. I am so excited and can't wait to start getting her room ready. I think it's about time to buy her a little something. I have held off and bought absolutely nothing. Maybe just one little cutsie thing!

baby movements confirmed: 20w0d

I came home from work today and lied down to talk to the baby. It was so amazing. She seemed to respond to my voice and I could feel her moving around. It was the best experience.

20w0d

Your baby:
Your baby weighs about 10.5 ounces (300g) and measures about 7.2 inches (18cm) from crown to rump. He still moves about freely in amniotic fluid.
Your baby may respond to external sounds, such as the music you are listening to or your voice.
Your baby has developed some red blood cells already. The white blood cells that your baby needs to fight infections are being manufactured.
He is developing taste buds on his tongue.
His digestive system is sufficiently advanced to absorb water and sugar from the amniotic fluid that he swallows and pass it to his large bowel.
Your baby has lanugo hair on his forehead and upper lip and his eyebrows are thickening.
Vernix (the waxy substance that covers and protects your baby's skin) accumulates on your baby's eyebrows.
Your baby's eyes are still sealed shut.
Your baby continues to grow and develop and his kicking is getting stronger now.

Your body:
In the next ten weeks your weight gain will increase more rapidly as your baby grows and develops layers of fat. This is when you will gain about half of your total pregnancy weight.
You need to eat about 500 more calories per day now to support you and your baby. You will probably notice an increase in appetite during this time to keep pace with your increased needs and metabolism.
Try to avoid unhealthy snacks and try to choose snacks with the most nutritional value for you and your baby. You may experience uncommon cravings. A pregnancy condition known as pica, causes some women crave eating things that are not even edible (such as soil).
Your skin may itch. This is because it has stretched to accommodate your growing abdomen.
The top of your uterus has risen further and is now parallel with your belly button, probably making your belly button flat.
Your lower legs may be swelling somewhat, though this is improved when you are able to stay off your feet for part of the day.
You may experience heartburn or indigestion. Many antacid tablets are safe to take during pregnancy, but check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Quickening: 19w6d

I do believe what I am feeling is the baby moving. Again I felt her move. I was lying down after we came back from my parent's house and it was the same feeling as on Friday.

Quickening: 19w4d

I do believe I have begun to feel the baby move. It was like gas bubbles but they were weird. They moved across my abdomen a little and then stopped. I felt them a couple of time, but not sure if it was from just having had dinner.

OB Appointment: 19w2d

Everything is looking good except for one little thing: OB says I have a gap between my amniotic sac and the uterus. She said it's nothing of concern and she will just keep an eye on it to see what happens. It could possibly disappear. Worst case: baby would not grow appropriately, but as of today she is at perfect size.

After measuring her head, stomach and femur bone lenght, she is weighing at 10 ounces and 19w5d. Just a couple of days ahead of schedule. Length is not measured anymore. Her heartrate it perfect at 132 bpm and she looks beautiful. She put on a show for us today. She turned and twisted, kicked and waved, crossed her legs and even moved and opened her mouth.

I should begin to be feeling her move around now at about 20-21 weeks. Not sure what it feels like. Nurse said it's like gas/bubbles and that I will know when it happens more often.

My blood pressure was at 110/70 and I gained one whole pound bringing me to a total of 5 pounds gained. My belly measured 22 cm, which is right on schedule. Strangely, my cervix is now measuring 3.2 cm (after cerclage). OB says this can happen.

I asked the following questions today:

1. I've been told lifting up and/or stretching could cause the umbilical cord to wrap around the baby. Is this true? OB says it's nothing but a wive's tale. I do recal, though, that my acupuncturist would always tell me the same thing. I guess it's better safe than sorry.
2. Should I continue to take Zantac daily? Yes, continue it (150mg qd) as it will help my acid reflux, which is killing me, allowing me to eat a wider variety of foods without nausea.
3. I haven't gained much weight. Is that okay? The baby is measuring on schedule so it is not a problem. I should now begin to gain about 1 pound per week.
4. We applied for life insurance and my blood work came back with high cholesterol. Should I be concerned? No, all pregnant women have some type of high cholesterol.
5. When I sneeze or cough my lower abdomen hurts. Is this normal? Yes, as my uterus is stretching.
6. I want to begin walking. Is it okay to walk about 2 miles per day? Yes, just make sure I don't over do it and that I keep hydrated especially with the warm weather coming.
7. I am concerned about the baby having hydrocephalus. I know there is a 1 in 2000 chance at week 19 for them to develop this. Should I be worried? No, baby's head measurement is perfect.
8. Should I begin to take extra calcium for the upcoming leg cramps and for the baby's well being? Yes, I can take 500-600 mg every day. Just make sure I take it at a different time than my other vitamins and prenatals.

My next appointment is in two weeks to check on separation of sac from uterus. Praying everything will be just fine.

19w0d

Your baby:
Your baby weighs about 9 ounces (260g) and measures about 5.6 to 6.4 inches (14 to 16cm) from crown to rump.
Her skin is thickening and developing multiple layers- the epidermis and the dermis, the deeper layer where it will form fat. Your baby is now also developing a waxy protective coating for her skin called vernix caseosa. The vernix protects your baby's skin which is continuously submersed in amniotic fluid. Vernix, which is particularly thick around the eyebrows is held in place by tiny downy hairs called lanugo.
Your baby can now grip with her fists. Toenails and scalp hair are growing.
At this point, it may be possible to determine the baby's sex by ultrasound, if the baby cooperates, but the ultrasound technician will rarely guarantee the sex based on the ultrasound results as mistakes are sometimes made at an early ultrasound.
You can hear the baby's heartbeat with a Doppler ultrasound device or a stethoscope.

Your body:

Congratulations! You are now halfway through your pregnancy!
You may have a strong sense of well-being. You should be able to feel your baby moving in your uterus several times in a day.
Your bellybutton may become flat or may even actually pop outwards. It will probably continue to darken also, but will return to its usual pigmentation after birth. The top of your uterus (the fundus) is just below your navel.
As your uterus expands, you can expect it to put increased pressure on your lungs, kidneys and stomach. This increased pressure can result in breathlessness when you exert yourself physically. It may also cause indigestion and the need to urinate more often. Your expanding belly may also cause stretch marks on your belly. The stretch marks will probably fade considerably after your baby's birth and even more as time passes.
You may continue to have mood swings and anxiety, but this may begin to decrease. If you have been experiencing absentmindedness, it may continue.

18w0d

Your Baby:
Your baby measures about 5.2 to 6 inches (13-15cm) from crown to rump and weighs about 7 ounces (200g).
The buds for the permanent teeth are forming behind those that have already developed for the first teeth.
Your baby's nervous system and brain development continue at a spectacular pace. By this week, your baby's motor neurons, which connect muscle to the brain, have grown into place so that your baby can consciously direct her movements. Millions of neurons inside your baby's brain are growing and forming connections and the nerves in her body are being covered in a fatty substance called myelin.
Your baby's ears are now placed on the sides of her head and her limbs are now in proportion. Your baby's tiny foot is just one inch long, but is in perfect proportion to the rest of her leg.
Your baby can hear your voice and recognize it.

Your Body:
You have probably gained between 8 and 14 pounds by now, though your own experience may be different.
You may continue to feel fatigued and dizzy at times and you may continue to have a backache and round ligament pain.
People are probably beginning to comment on your pregnancy as it becomes more obvious.
You may have felt movement, or "quickening" as it is sometimes called at this point. You have probably heard your baby's heartbeat by now with an ultrasound device and you may have even seen your baby's heart beating on an ultrasound. Feeling, hearing and seeing your baby in your body can be an important bonding time for you and your baby as you begin to feel the reality that you are carrying a new tiny person inside of you. You may already be feeling strong maternal attachment to your baby. You may enjoy talking to your baby (who can hear and recognize your voice and may even be stimulated by it) and encouraging your partner to do the same (if he is comfortable with doing so) as a way of connecting with him.

17w6d--Was that the baby?

It was a really weird feeling that I had today. I kept feeling a sharp pain under my left rib cage. It happened several time throughout the day, but it was not consistent. DM said it was possibly the baby moving and that when she was preggo she felt a pain under her left rib where the baby was getting her. I will be looking for this to happen again, otherwise, I'm guessing, it was just air or something.

17w5d

Today was my follow up appointment with OB after cerclage. She checked baby's h/b and everything seemed to be perfect. I gained 1/2 a pound since my last visit for a total of 4 pounds. I told her I've been having some difficulty eating since when I take a bite of anything I feel nauseous and don't eat it. If it's the only thing I have, I just don't eat. She told me to take Zantac 150 mg every day because it probably has to do with the indigestion and/or heartburn and my stomach needs something to coat it and make it easier for me to eat.

She said she didn't want to go in and check the cervix in order to minimize the risk of infection to it. Since I have had no sign or bleeding or spotting, then it looks like everything is moving along just fine. Otherwise, I will return in 2 weeks at which point she will check my cervix and double check the baby to confirm the sex.

Other than that, she said everything is looking great! I will not have to do the progesterone shots at this point since my cervix was shortened due to cone biopsy and not dilated at time of cerclage.

17w0d

Your Baby:
Your baby weighs about 5.25 ounces (150g) and now measures 5 to 5.6 inches (12.5 to 14cm) from crown to rump. He is practicing breathing by gulping amniotic fluid into its lungs. This helps the lung's development so they will function at birth. Your baby may also be sucking his thumb.
Meconium is present in your baby's bowels. There is hair present on your baby's scalp and sweat glands are developing.
Your baby is becoming more sensitive to the outside world and is moving around, kicking and punching. As there is still plenty of space in your uterus, your baby can move around a lot, sitting cross-legged, reclining or even turning somersaults!
He can probably hear by now as the ossicles (the bones that pass sound to the inner ear) have hardened and the portion of the brain that receives signals from the brain is under development. Your baby is getting used to the sound of your heartbeat and blood passing through the umbilical cord, but may be startled by loud noises. Your baby is aware of some things in the outside world, including sounds and light. If you let the sun shine on your belly, your baby may be able to perceive a warm red glow.

Your Body:
Your uterus is a little bigger than a cantaloupe. Average weight gain by this point is between 5 and 13 pounds (4.5-5.8kg) but your own experience may be different.
Vaginal secretions may increase.
You may begin to experience back pain if you haven't already as your center of gravity begins to shift. You may feel dizzy at times, especially if you get up very quickly.
Your increasing belly size and the pressure of your baby bearing down on your rectum may also cause hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids usually disappear after delivery, but you can ask your doctor or pharmacist for an ointment to bring you relief.
With increasing symptoms, your pregnancy probably has begun to feel very real. This can be a very exciting week, since you might be able to start feeling fetal movement at this time. It's not time to worry if you don't yet feel this though. You may not feel movement for another week or two or maybe more, especially if you are overweight. While some women feel movement by the 14th week, most first-time moms begin to feel movement between the 17th and 20th weeks. Early fetal movement feels more like fluttering than kicks, so you may not be able to identify them or distinguish them from other rumblings in your belly until about the 26th week.

16w6d

I am so excited. On friday we got our fetal doppler and have been listening to the baby's heartbeat daily. Today I recorded it for the first time and I just can't stop playing it over and over again. It is like music to my ears. Her h/b today is 144 bpm. I love her so much already. I was kind of worried today since we went to eat with some friends and rode with them from their house to the restaurant (Texas de Brazil--way over priced, BTW, and it wasn't all that). The ride was so bumpy that I almost hit my head on the top on one of the bumps.

16w3d: NT Scan--2nd part bloodwork results

Results from bloodwork are back and everything is perfect, according to the nurse. I am still at home resting and will return to work tomorrow, Thursday. I am not looking forward to it, but I guess I have to do it.

16w0d

Today was my cervical cerclage at 12:30 pm. I was terrified that something was going to go wrong, even though I tried to keep positive and I prayed and prayed and prayed. Thankfully, everything went well and the baby is fine. Dr. E said she didn't have much cervix to work with but cerclage was in. I had no bleeding nor pain afterwards, but am relaxing at home. Mom is here to take care of me. I love it when she comes over.

Your Baby:
Your baby now weighs more than the surrounding placenta. She measures about 4.4 to 4.8 inches (about 11 to 12cm) from crown to rump and weighs about 3.5 ounces (100g). She is positioned halfway between your pubic bone and your navel.
Fat, which is important for your baby's metabolism and heat production is beginning to form around this time.
The placenta, which will weigh more than a pound at full term, is also developing rapidly. It is now a large and well-established network of blood vessels responsible for exchanging nutrients and waste to support your baby.

Your Body:
Your pregnancy is showing more and your lower abdomen probably looks larger. Your uterus can now be felt between one and a half to two inches below your navel. You may also be gaining weight on other parts of your body, such as your thighs, hips and buttocks. It's normal to have gained between 5 and 10 pounds by now, but your own rate of weight gain may be different. Ask your doctor if you think you may be gaining too little or too much weight.
Your body's increased blood supply may give you nosebleeds or may just make your nose feel congested. It can also cause bleeding gums.
You may be sweating more than usual because of your increased metabolic rate. You may experience round ligament pain because your growing uterus stretches and pulls these ligaments. It can be uncomfortable but is not normally a cause for concern.
You may feel the baby moving this early.

15w5d: NT Scan--2nd part bloodwork

Today I went in to see Dr. Weiss for the 2nd part of the bloodwork for NT results.

Afterwards, I went in to see Dr. Elmquist. She said cervical cerclage had to be put ing NOW because cervix was too short and the risk of it dilating was greater since I had had a cone biopsy in the past. From her office we went to the hospital pre-admissions to pre-register. I am to come back on monday at 10:00 am to prep for surgery at 12:30 pm.

15w0d

Your Baby:
Fine hair called lanugo covers your baby, who now measures about 4.3 to 4.6 inches (10.8 to 11.6cm) from crown to rump and weighs about 2.8 ounces (80g).
Fingernails are well formed and the arms and legs may be seen moving on an ultrasound. Your baby already has his own unique fingerprint pattern!
Your baby can hold his head erect and he can also make faces with his slightly developed facial muscles. Your baby may practice squinting, frowning and opening and closing his mouth.
Your baby's bones have enough calcium deposits to show on an X-ray. If your baby is female, her ovaries will be in place in her pelvis and more than five million ova (some of which may be fertilized to become your own grandchildren in another generation!) have formed.

Your Body:
Your uterus is increasing in size and so is the amount of amniotic fluid it contains- about seven and a half ounces right now. You should be able to feel your uterus in the lower part of your abdomen.
A small portion of pregnant women are able to feel the baby move this early. When your baby moves, you may feel it like a slight fluttering in your stomach. Don't worry though if you haven't felt this yet as it is still very early.
Your breasts are changing. The milk glands in your breasts may start production, which can cause swelling or tenderness in early pregnancy. The blood flow to your breasts also increases, making the veins more visible and the Montgomery's tubercles more pronounced. Montgomery tubercles are the tiny oil producing glands which appear as bumps scattered around the areolae. They are said to both lubricate the breast to keep the skin healthy and elastic and to prevent the growth of bacteria. They will remain enlarged throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

14w4d: OB appointment

Went to see OB today. Everything looking good. Baby is getting bigger and now weight a mere 3 oz and is about 4 in long! That is so exciting to me! DH begged for an u/s because he said he wanted to see the baby already because he missed him. OB gave in and gave us one or two, really.
(1) The first was to measure my cervix. Looks like cervix measures 2.3 cm rather than 4 cm, which is what they usually expect. She says that is not unusual since I did have a cone biopsy in the past so she will monitor me closely. I will be back for another cervix check in two weeks. Also, she will call Dr. Weiss (Maternal Fetal T) on Monday to find out if he had measure the cervix when I saw him 3 weeks ago so she would have something to compare to. I have another appointment with him next Friday, but I believe he will only do bloodwork.
(2) The second was to see the baby and find out if we could determine sex. As it turns out, sonographer said she was 90% sure that baby was a girl! I'm so excited! In all honesty, I would be happy with either, so long as he/she is healthy, but knowing it's a girl just gave me chills all over. She took some pictures.



I will finish post later.

14w0d

Your Baby:
Your baby measures about 3.7 to 4.1 inches (about 9.3 to 10.3cm) from crown to rump and weighs about 1.75 ounces (50g).
Your baby's bones still consist of soft cartilage but they are now beginning to harden and the development of the bones and the marrow continues. Her ears are developing into a more recognizable shape and any hair already on the head and brows will become thicker.
Your baby may already be sucking her thumb.
Her skin is thin and translucent and all her blood vessels can be seen through it.
Her hair continues to grow on her head and her eyebrows. If her hair will be dark, the follicles will start to generate pigment to color her hair.
Your baby is moving more now and is becoming increasingly flexible. She can bend her arms at the elbows and wrists and she can make tiny fists with her hands.

Your Body:
Most of the discomforts of early pregnancy, such as nausea and fatigue are behind you for now and you are probably feeling better. The pregnancy is probably feeling like a reality. Any dark pigment on your skin (such as moles and freckles) may become even darker, and you might develop a facial pigmentation known as chloasma which will fade after the birth.

13w0d

Your Baby:
Your baby measures about 3.2 to 3.5 inches (7.6 to 8.9cm) from crown to rump and weighs about 0.9 ounces (25g). Your baby is now nourished by the placenta.
His face is developing and his cheeks and the bridge of his nose are appearing. His ears are moving from the sides of his neck to higher on his head and his eyes are moving closer together. Your baby's external genitals are now distinct and may be recognized on an ultrasound. Your baby will move away from stimuli near your tummy, such as noise and light.
Your baby's eyebrows have formed and a small amount of hair, called lanugo, has appeared all over his body. Lanugo, which will be shed before birth and replaced with the hairs with which your baby will be born, is thought to have a protective function.
Insulin is present in your baby's pancreas. Some bones may be well outlined. Your baby's thyroid gland, already developed by this week, begins to make hormones.
Baby boys begin to develop the prostate gland at this time and the ovaries of baby girls descend from the abdomen into the pelvis.

Your Body:
By now your uterus is about the size of a large grapefruit. If your due date has not already been predicted, an ultrasound measurement of your baby's head can be used to make one.
Your pre-pregnancy clothes are probably too tight by now. If you haven't already got some maternity clothes, now is probably the time to get some. You'll be most comfortable in loose-fitting clothes. Make sure you really like your maternity clothes- you'll be wearing them a lot. Friends, family and thrift shops can be a great source of maternity clothes.
You may feel less exhausted than you did earlier in your pregnancy. Some women even start to experience a rejuvenating surge of energy at around this time. Many women report that the second trimester is the best time of pregnancy as the morning sickness of the first trimester has usually passed, and the discomforts and weariness of the third trimester have yet to begin. If you would like to take a last holiday before your baby arrives, the second trimester, with your doctor's approval, is probably the best time to do so. This could be a good opportunity for you and your partner to connect and share some couple-time before the baby arrives.

12w3d: OB Appointment

I had some questions for OB:
(1) CAN I START CALCIUM TO HELP WITH LEG CRAMPS? not necessary yet since those don't appear until 3rd trimester
(2) DOES BEING INDUCED END UP IN C-SECTION? not necessarily. it all depends on cervix. if it is alread softened it usually isn't a problem. by 38 weeks it should be at least a little softened. problems arise when cervix is not ready.
(3) WILL I HAVE TO COME IN FOR CERVIX CHECK UPS B/C OF CONE BIOPSY I HAD? yes, but those won't start until about week 21. usually, but not always, this biopsy will results in shortened cervix too soon. if this does happen then cerclage will have to be done, but this is very unusual.
(4) WHEN IS LAST DAY OF E2V SUPPOSITORIES? use last one on last day of week 12 (sunday, march 30).
(5) I SEEM TO HAVE A RASH ON LEGS. not sure if it's from heparin shots, but change back to belly for a while to see if that will make a difference
(6) STILL HAVING CONSTIPATION ISSUES. take miralax. this can be taken every day. continue bran mix and can also use colace if necessary. try not to use MOM too often b/c body will get used to it.

BABY'S HEART RATE SOUNDS GREAT. OB FOUND HEART RATE ON LEFT SIDE BELOW MY BELLY BUTTON.

EVERYTHING IS LOOKING GREAT!
NEED TO RETURN IN 2 WEEKS FOR CERVIX CHECK.

NT scan results

I received a phone call today from Dr. Weiss's office. All results from NT scan were great! No problems. I will be back next month for the 2nd bloodwork test.

12w0d: 2nd Trimester

Your Baby:
Your baby is about the size of a peach and is growing rapidly. Crown to rump, your baby measures 2.6 to 3.1 inches (6.5 to 7.8cm) and weighs 0.5 to 0.7 ounces (14 to 20g).
Your baby's legs are longer than her arms and her skin is red and transparent. Her eyelids are fused together and won't open for about four more months. Her arms are long enough to reach her mouth and she may begin to place her thumb in her mouth. Her sucking reflex, however, is not yet developed.
The tissue that will become your baby's bones is being laid out, especially around her head and her arms and legs. Some ribs may be distinguished at this time. The nose and chin are more prominent now.
Your baby will begin to practice breathing in the next few weeks as her chest rises and falls in mock breathing motions. She will also swallow small amounts of amniotic fluid which will be passed as urine.
Your placenta is providing all of your baby's needs for nutrition, oxygen and waste disposal, though the amniotic fluid will become more important later on.
All major components of the body are formed and now must grow and mature. From now on, your baby's development will consist primarily of organ maturity and growth and body refinement.

Your Body:
You are beginning your second trimester of pregnancy.
Your uterus is growing rapidly and is filling the pelvis and moving up into the abdomen. If you are still having morning sickness, it may stop around this point.
Some women will get stretch marks on the breasts, hips and buttocks that may show up this early. They will later fade but will probably not disappear altogether. Some women experience itching around this time but it is more common later in pregnancy.
You probably have noticed changes in your breasts. They are becoming larger and heavier and the areola is probably darkening. They are preparing to secrete milk for your baby!
Your placenta is now well developed and is responsible for hormone production which was previously manufactured by your ovaries. Estrogen and progesterone are the primary hormones which are now being produced. These hormones are necessary for maintaining your pregnancy and inducing the changes necessary for it to progress.

11w4d: NT Scan

Today I had a sono and some bloodwork drawn for the NT scan. I should get the results back next week. Again I got to see my beautiful angel from heaven. Dr. Weiss woke him up because he was peacefully sleeping and he couldn't take the proper measurments. HB was about 154 bpm.

11w0d

Your Baby:
The end of the twelfth week of pregnancy marks the end of the first trimester. Your baby is now almost 2.5 inches long (6.1cm) when measured from crown to rump, and weighs between 0.3 and 0.5 ounces (9 to 13g).
Your baby's fingers and toes have separated and are getting longer. Your baby can open and close its mouth and drinks amniotic fluid which it passes out as urine. Its head is becoming more rounded, though it is still large in proportion to its body. It has eyelids.
You can now hear your baby's heartbeat with a Doppler Ultrasound device!
Your baby continues to grow rapidly and has doubled in size in the last three weeks alone.
The face is beginning to look more human, and all body structures are present with a few refinements still in progress. Fingernails and toenails begin to develop this week.
Your baby's muscles are sufficiently developed to allow for involuntary movements at this time. The messages which control your baby's movements are sent from the spine, rather than the brain, which is not yet sufficiently developed.

Your Body:
Your uterus has now enlarged so that it protrudes above your pelvic bone. You may have begun to "show". It may be time to buy some maternity clothes!
Your doctor or midwife can feel the baby by external examination around this time.
Your heart is working harder to pump the increased volume of blood around your body and as a result your body temperature has risen. Your heart rate may have increased by a few beats per minute to cope with the increased blood volume circulating throughout your body.
Morning sickness may decrease and you may not need to urinate as much as in early pregnancy. You may become constipated, however, as bowel movements slow down in pregnancy.
You may notice a dark line, called the linea nigra, running along your abdomen from your navel to your genital area. The linea nigra shows where your abdominal muscles are stretching to allow for your uterus to grow. The linea nigra may remain for a little while after the birth of your baby, but over time it will fade.

10w3d: Bleeding Scare

Again last night I had another episode of bright red bleeding. When we called OB on call she said unless I was quickly filling a pad, then she really didn't see a reason to go to ER to waste my time for hours and hours just so they can do a sono. She recommened we wait until today and come in to the office.

Thank God everything was fine. Baby was doing great and they could not see where the blood was coming from. OB said it was possibly from an injury to the cervix since I switched over to E2V suppositories b/c PIO shots were killing me.
Here's our little gift from heaven:

10w0d

Your Baby:
Your baby is growing incredibly rapidly right now. She is approximately 1.75 to 2.4 inches (4.4 to 6cm) when measured from crown to rump. She will double her length in the next three weeks. Your growing baby weighs about 0.3 ounces (8g).
The neck is developing and the chin lifts up from the chest. Fingernails are also present. While your baby's sex was already determined at the time of fertilization, male or female genitalia are now visible. Essential organs are formed and most have begun to function. The blood vessels in the placenta are increasing in number to meet your baby's increasing nutritional needs. Her ears are moving towards the sides of her head, away from the neck. Your baby's head is still not in proportion with her body. Your baby's head accounts for about half of her body length.

Your Body:
Many women who have suffered from morning sickness find that their nausea begins decrease from this week on. (Unfortunately, for some it may continue).
You may have noticed you have more (or less) hair than usual, which is thought to be linked to the increased amount of blood circulating through your body as well as hormonal changes.
You are probably anxious to feel your baby move, but it is still a bit early. You may notice an increase in cervical fluid and you may also notice a darkening of your labia around your vagina and the areola area around your breasts due to hormonal changes.
During pregnancy, the cervix usually feels firm, but it will soften during labor to allow the baby to pass through. Your cervix is protected by a mucus plug to protect your baby. The mucus plug will be expelled shortly before or during labor.
Your body is burning calories faster than it did prior to pregnancy and your metabolism may increase by up to 25%. The quantity of blood pumping through your body will also increase, making you feel warmer than usual. The increased blood flow can also give you a rosy "blooming" feeling.
You may notice that you have an improved skin condition during pregnancy. For some lucky women, pregnancy hormones can cause skin to appear to "glow" and appear smoother. You may even have shinier hair and brighter eyes. Some women develop a "pregnancy mask" (chloasma) caused by deeper skin pigmentation. This can cause irregular patches of brown skin to appear on your forehead, cheeks, neck and nose. Exposure to sunlight can exacerbate chloasma, though sunscreen can reduce its effects. Chloasma usually disappears after birth as your hormones return to their pre-pregnancy levels.
Elevated estrogen levels and increased blood pressure can cause the dilation of your skin capillaries which can in turn give rise to spider nevi (raised red marks surrounded by spidery lines) and palmar erythema (redness of the palms) during pregnancy. Both conditions are considered minor and fade after the birth of your baby.

9w0d

Your Baby:
The crown-to-rump length of your baby is about 1.25 to 1.68 inches (between 3.1 and 4.2cm). He weighs about 0.18 ounces (5g).
The placenta is now producing progesterone which helps to make nutrients for your developing baby.
Your baby has passed the stage when he is most susceptible to damage. By the end of this week, the danger zone for congenital abnormalities has passed.
The plan for your baby's body has been completely laid down by now. Further growth and cell division will build on this plan.
Taste and tooth buds have appeared.
Your baby has recently developed fingers and toes which are now well-formed. Ankles, wrists and the inner ear have formed. Your baby's nose is flat and his eyes are far apart. His eyes, ears, mouth and nose are all recognizable. The tail is disappearing.
Your baby is moving around the amniotic sac, and moving his feet and ankles. You still will not be able to feel these movements but you may be able to see them on an ultrasound.
Blood is circulating through the arteries and the vein of the umbilical cord.
The brain of your baby is developing at a phenomenal rate. About one quarter of a million new neurons are produced every single minute at this stage in your pregnancy.
If your baby is a boy, his testes, though they are not even clearly visible, are already producing testosterone.
Your baby is no longer called an embryo, but rather a fetus.

Your Body:
Your uterus is now about the size of an orange, but you still don't "show". However, you probably have noticed an increase in your breast size.
You may be having mood swings, feeling happy and elated one moment, crying the next. This is perfectly normal, caused by the changing hormones in your body as well as all the hopes and fears you have and the realization that your life will be forever changed by your pregnancy.
There is little increase in abdominal size during the first trimester, though you might be starting to see some weight gain. Hormonal changes, however, especially the increase of progesterone and relaxin can cause your joints and ligaments to soften as your body begins to prepare for birth.
The joints in your pelvic bones are widening now. This may cause you to feel unstable at times, even sometimes dropping things or bumping into things.

8w2d: We heard the Heartbeat!

Today we went in for our 2nd OB appointment. Today I had a sonogram done and we actually heart the heartbeat! It was the most amazing and beautiful sound I've ever heard. It was so moving that I cried.

8w0d

Your Baby:
Your baby measures about 0.9 to 1.2 inches (2.2 to 3cm) from crown to rump.
Your baby's arms and legs are longer and her hands are flexed at the wrist. The head is growing more erect and the neck is more developed. On an ultrasound, you may see your baby moving, though you still can not feel this.
The organs are forming. Ears are developed and the eyelids have begun to cover up your baby's eyes. Hands and feet appear as well as small buds which will become fingers and toes. The paddles of your baby's hands have clearly defined finger ridges now, with the tissue between them (which previously made them look webbed) reducing to leave separate fingers.
Your baby's back has started to straighten slightly and the tail is now shrinking. The head still seems large and is curved forwards on her chest. Your baby is starting to look like a tiny person!

Your uterus is enlarged and your waistline may have increased slightly by now. The pregnancy hormones in your system have increased the volume of blood in your body.
Your skin may have improved (the famous "glow" of pregnancy) or you may be experiencing skin problems. Your gums may be softer. The thyroid gland in your neck may be more prominent. Your hair may also be less oily. Your breasts may feel fuller and more tender. You may notice increased creamy vaginal secretions.our Body:

7w0d

Your Baby:
Your baby's crown to rump measurement is about 0.56 to 0.8 inches (14 to 20mm).
Your baby's face has a recognizable shape with eyelids and the tip of a nose with formed nostrils, though his head is still very large compared to the rest of his body.
All major organs are now formed and in place, though they still need to mature.
A tongue has already formed. The ears are forming both internally and externally.
The arms and legs extend forward and shoulders, elbows, hips and knees are detectable. Knees and elbows have begun to form on the limbs. Tiny fingers and toes are starting to appear at the tips of your baby's developing limbs and the arms may be slightly flexed at the elbows and wrists. All major organs are in place.
Your baby is moving around a lot, moving his legs and flexing his spine, but you are unable to feel it at this point.
Your baby's genitals have begun development, though they are still difficult to identify.

Your Body:
You may feel some cramping as your uterus expands. You are still not showing, but you may have noticed that some of your clothes are beginning to feel tight.
Due to the hormones associated with pregnancy, the follicles in the ovaries stop maturing. Your uterus has begun to swell and its lining has thickened considerably.
You may have cravings for certain foods and find others completely unappealing. The smell of cigarette smoke and the taste of alcohol may make you nauseous.
Some women experience sciatic nerve pain which is an occasional severe pain in the buttocks, back or side of the legs. If you experience sciatic nerve pain, lying on your opposite side may relieve the pressure on the nerve.

6w3d: First OB appointment/Valentine's Day

After my horrible nightmare of bleeding on monday, we have since been to Dr. S's and we got to see the baby's heartbeat. So on monday I walked out of Dr. S's office crying b/c I thougth I was losing the baby and on Tuesday I walked out of there crying b/c I saw the heartbeat. Everyone there was just so happy and hugging us and congratulating us. Unfortunately (but fortunately) I am officially graduated from Dr. S and he said he can no longer see me. So I must move on to OB. I chose one at Medical City, recommended by Dr. S, and saw her today. Wonderful, along with her staff. Everyone was so sweet and caring and just great. We were there so long, though, I was getting really frustrated. I didn't know the 1st appt took sooooooooo long. Anyway, I was happy to be there. She did not do another u/s since we just had one 2 days ago, but our next u/s will be in 2 weeks (8th week). By then they said they can measure the heartbeat.

There was so much information that I don't know if I remember all of it. I do remember her saying that with my blood disorder, she likes to deliver at 38 weeks rather than 40 weeks. She said she will be taking extra care of the baby and me throughout the entire time. I just know that we made the perfect choice and that we are in great hands.

DH and I did absolutely nothing for V Day. We are just ecstatic that I am preggo. He did buy me roses and I gave him a card, some shoes and 2 sweaters. We decided to do dinner another night.

6w1d: We saw Heartbeat!

Good news today. At US we saw the heartbeat and we are so very, very excited. We have never made it this far before. Baby is measuring at 6 weeks and my EDD is set for 10/6/08. I have officially graduated from RE and am now looking for an OB (since my gyn is not an ob). I have to be on bedrest since there is a small tear in my uterus but RE said not too worry, just to not do any lifting of any kind. We are just ecstatic! Well, I'm off to bedrest.

6w0d: Bleeding Scare

I had another scare today. This time my bleeding was bright red and I felt it gushing out ! OMG! I thought I was having a m/c! I had a couple of little itsy bitsy clots of blood and some minor cramping.

I thought I was going to go crazy. I immediately called RE and went in and prayed and prayed the entire way. It was just so awuful. I couldn't stop crying. Poor DH, he left work to meet up with me and I know he was upset because he wants this as much as I do. Everyone at his job was praying for us. I know bleeding can happen in early pregnancy, and sometimes throughout the entire pregnancy, but it is not something I want to experience again. Dr. Saleh said not to worry because my Hcg levels had been so high in the past, he thought it was just a normal episode of early pregnancy bleeding. I just couldn't talk to anyone without the tears wanting to come out. Mitzy drew for a beta and they said they would call me back around 1:00pm. Michelin walked out into the hallway with us and said something to try and comfort me, but I just started bawling on her shoulder.

2:16 pm Lila, my nurse, called back and said the hcg numbers are still over 5,000, which she said was really good. I am scheduled for another u/s tomorrow to check on baby at 9:00 am. I'm still having some brown spotting, but not much.

Your Baby:
Your baby is 0.16 to 0.2 inches long (4-5mm) when measured from crown to rump. It is now identifiable as a human baby.
The limb buds are growing rapidly, developing into little fins with nodules at the ends which will eventually become fingers and toes. The arms have already differentiated into hand and shoulder segments.
The cerebral hemispheres of the brain are growing, and the eyes and nostrils are appearing. Your baby's heart bulges from its body and the heart chambers are divided and formed. Blood vessels now circulate blood throughout the whole body. The head looks large and is bent on the chest.
Your baby's face is forming, but its eyes are on the sides of its head and are still sealed. The discs that will become your baby's eyes will move over to the front of the face over the course of the next few months.
Bone cells are beginning to develop and the outline of the baby's nervous system is complete. The pigment in your baby's eyes can be seen under the skin overlaying them. By this point there is also a pancreas and an appendix. The tail is still visible, but it will soon fade. The umbilical cord is growing and the placenta is maturing as well.

Your Body:
Your nipples may feel sensitive. Small nodules, called Montgomery's tubercles, may appear on the areolae.
Your blood pressure is lowered by pregnancy hormones, and as a result you may sometimes feel dizzy or faint when you stand for a long time.
Morning sickness may continue.
Cervical mucous coagulates to form a plug in your cervical canal to keep it closed and protected throughout your pregnancy. It will be expelled prior to giving birth.

5w2d: U/S #1

My u/s went great today. We got our little picture and I am so excited. It looks like we only have one.



I was a bit disappointed, but RE said sometimes another one will show later. He really thought it would be twins since my first beta was so high. Either way, so long as it's one healthy baby I am very content. It was still a bit too early, RE said, but we were able to see the gestational sac clearly. The yolk sac you can see if you really look into the light, but he said usually that is not clear until 5W4D and I am at 5W3D (would it make that big of a difference?).

It was so funny. After the RE walked out of the room, DH was wondering why he didn't get a picture. So he's checking out the u/s machine and finds a button that says "print" and presses it. OMG, I ran out of there as quickly as I could. I just knew he would break it! So the picture comes out and he tears it off and walks out like no big deal. It was hilarious.

Anyway, I am scheduled for my 2nd U/S on 2/14 and a 3rd one the week after. He said we should be able to see lots of growth within the next 2 weeks. It's like another 2ww for me!

Tomorrow, I"m off to IVIg, so hopefully the little guy will stay stuck and grow quickly and healthy.

5w0d

Your Baby:
Your baby is now about the size of an apple seed. That's about 0.08 to 0.16 inches (2 to 4mm) from crown to rump. It has formed a distinct head with the first stages of eyes and ears. The spinal column and cord are formed. Buds that will grow limbs have also formed. The heart is starting to beat and at this stage its beating may even be detected by sensitive ultrasound equipment, though, it's still very early. The kidneys, liver and nerve cells have also begun to develop. Ten dental buds are growing in the jaws. Blood circulation has begun and primitive red blood cells circulate. The neural tube has closed over along your baby's spine. The optic vesicles, which resemble tiny discs of pigment set in cups along the sides of your baby's head will develop into your baby's eyes. A distinct tail is still present. The body is shaped like the letter "C".

Your Body:
By now your pregnancy should have been confirmed. You may be experiencing morning sickness (not necessarily only in the morning). You will have begun to notice changes in your body: you may have gained a few pounds, or you may have even lost weight if you've been suffering from morning sickness. Your uterus is growing, although it is still smaller than a tennis ball and you do not "show". Your metabolism has likely increased to deal with the changes taking place in your body. Some women begin to suffer from heartburn and constipation. You may also be feeling tired and irritable sometimes due to the increase in levels of the hormone progesterone. (This is the same hormone that can make you feel irritable before you get your period).

4w6d: The scare seems to be over!

Well, it seems yesterday's scare is all over. I had absolutely no spotting today at all. My caring RE e-mailed me to check up on me. He's so sweet. Anyway, he said a possible reason for the bleeding could have been the progesterone suppositories that I use vaginally. I was thinking that maybe when I inserted it I pushed it too far in and hit the cervix and that caused some bleeding. They say it is very sensitive.

Other than that I have been feeling great. A little fatigue here and there and a little hunger here and there, but I seem to be doing well. I have been trying to switch my u/s for wednesday instead of thursday because DH can't go to my Thursday appointment. He has something he can't get out of. I hope they can change it for us. I'm crossing my fingers that we will be able to see a heartbeat (or two!).

4w5d: What a scare!

Well, I had a bit of a scare last night and I thought it was all over. I went to rr and when I wiped it was blood. I could see it in the dark so I turned on the light, and yes, it was, even when I wiped a second time. I freaked out! I went back to bed and prayed that everything would be okay and that it was just a bad dream. Well, fortunately, that was the end of that, although I did have some very light brown spotting a couple of times throughout the day. I e-mailed my RE, and he e-mailed me right back (within minutes; I love him) and he assured me that it was nothing to worry about and that a lot of women have bleeding throughout their entire pregnancy and it is nothing of concern unless it is bright red.

Getting excited!

I am so excited and just can't wait. It will be on Thursday along with my IVIg.

BETA #2

Second BETA (12dp5dt) = 1032. I have my ultrasound scheduled for next wednesday or thursday and IVIg again next thursday.

It seems my numbers are doubling every 34.46 hours. Could it be more than one?

OMG! Moment of Truth: 1 or 2. I am sooooo hungry. I eat, and I still feel hungry! I wake up in the middle of the night and I'm hungry! I wake up in the morning and I'm hungry!

On pins and needles

Tomorrow I'm off to my 2nd beta. If all goes well tomorrow then I will schedule my second round of IVIg for 2/7. I continue to pray that everything works out for the best. Right now I've just been trying to beat out this tiredness. I can't sleep at night and continue to toss and turn and wake up a lot and then I get so hungry, but of course I don't eat. This causes me to be so tired at work so I come home a take a nap, after I eat, of course, because I can't believe how hungry I feel.

BETA #1

I went in this morning for my beta. The nurses automatically asked me if I had already tested. I told them no because it was too much torture for me. I will see what the results are!


OMG! I got a positive beta !!!! Is this really true? After 6 1/2 years of trying! hcG is 400. Not POAS'ing was so worth the wait.I go back for another blood test on wednesday and hope to see doubling numbers.

9dp5dt

Well, I decided no more Brazil nuts for me. It seems I have developed an allergy to them altogether. I ate some again yesterday (by themselves) and my throat started swelling up again, although not as bad as it did when I drank the green tea.

So here I am; still no POAS, although I want to now, with one day left for BETA. I'm getting so nervous. My BETA is tomorrow at 8:00 am. I've been trying not to think about it too much, but my bb's are still really, really sore and I have been so hungry. I wake up hungry, eat and am still hungry. I'm hoping those are good signs. I feel as if I'm on pins and needles right now. I continue to pray that this will be it for us, but I'm still nervous.

7dp5dt

The weirdest thing happened to me a while ago. I have been eating Brazil nuts for the past 10 days. I have also been drinking Lipton Green Tea for the past couple of weeks to try to avoid caffeine and sugar from sodas. Well, today I decided to do both of them together and all of a sudden my throat started to swell up and I felt little blister all down my throat. It was so scary! The more I tried to wash it down with the Green Tea, the more swollen it became. Finally, DH brought me some water and slowly it began to go away. I was really scared. I will definitely not be mixing both of them together!

I had so much trouble sleeping last night. I continously wake up at night and toss and turn. Bottom still hurts from PIO shots and bb's hurt when I flip the other way. I get hot; I get cold. I get up, then I can't fall back asleep! I went to sleep early last night because I was feeling kind of tired. It must have been around 9:00 pm. Also, I woke up starving at 6:00 am. That was weird because I'll usually grab something fast before work and eat my breakfast/lunch at 10:30 am when my students have lunch. Other than that, I've been having some mild cramping and beginning lower back pain. Still keeping up the positive vibes going and still have no intentions to POAS. Come on Monday!

6dp5dt

I'm still here waiting, waiting, waiting............It seems like Monday will never be here for my beta. I'm pretty relaxed, but I still think about it. I keep saying to myself that I AM PREGNANT and trying to keep myself positive, but I will just hate to have another disappointment. Last night bb's were so sore. I know it's probably because of progesterone, so I've been sleeping with sports bra. Although, last night, I was lying on my back and I could feel my bb's hurt, even with the sports bra, and especially when I would roll to the side. I've also been having stabbing pains in them. The other day it was on the right and today it was on the left. I've had some minor cramping, like AF, but hoping it's not. I come home tired and ready to go to bed, but I wonder if that's just because I rested so much this weekend that my body wants more, or it could be this nasty weather we are having here in Dallas. I had an episode of spotting yesterday, just brown, but a little worrisome. Possibly from progesterone? Anyway, it's gone.

4dp5dt

I've been giving my PIO shots in the upper right quadrant of the gluteus, icing beforehand to not feel the needle or the medication going in. I still feel the medication going in sometimes, but not too bad. I warm the shot a litte in a warm rag and then DH gives it. Is he giving it maybe too fast? Afterwards, he massages the area and I have been using a warm compress. I am having so much trouble sleeping at night because I have these lumps that just won't go away, and they are on both sides, so I have a difficult time turning either way. I massage and massage and even the warm compresses don't seem to help.

I got lots of suggestions,

3dp5dt

Well, other than some twinges here and there on Saturday and Sunday, and feeling very emotional yesterday, I have had no signs/symptoms. I am feeling really relaxed and calm and trying not to think about every little thing I feel, but I'm sure it will get harder as next monday gets closer. My meditation has helped so much. Now I am on "post transfer meditation" part. It's amazing how well it works in keeping me relaxed.I have to say, I am beggining to get so sick of pineapple and brazil nuts! I'm sure after the 2ww I will not even want to look at them, but if they will help, then I will eat them!

2dp5dt

I've been eating my pineapple and my Brazil nuts. As for symptoms, I haven't felt much of anything but I've been trying not to think about little things. I've been pretty calm about it. The only thing I remember is some mild twinges last night and earlier today, but nothing more. My beta is on January 28. I've been lying around doing absolutely nothing. That should have given at least one of them a chance to find a cozy spot in there for the next 9 months! I am really upset right now. DH would not go to church with me and said he had a lot of work to do. So I went alone and when I came back he had barbequed and EATEN without me! I was so upset that I just started bawling! I don't know why that bothered me so much.

FET

Hi everyone. ET went well. We transferred 3 expanded blasts level 2.

RE said it was more like trasnferring 2 & 1/2! I guess the third one is not all that. Plus, some snow fell this morning, although very, very light. I was imagining that in there were my 3 snowflakes coming down to find their home! I think that was a very good sign! . I've just been resting a lot so hopefully everything will go just fine. Feeling pretty relaxed and not worrying or even thinking about any symptoms I may be experiencing or feeling or even thinking I'm feeling. My beta is on 1/28 so I am almost in my 1 week wait (about 8 days). I'm a bit worried because I started my E2V/Progesterone suppository last night. Well, today I looked at my calendar and it says I should have started it tonight. I sure hope I didn't mess anything up! I also started my Heparin shots today. I hate those. It gives me bruises.

About the PIO, I have been having such a hard time with it. My butt is sooooooo tender and I have some hard lumps. At night I can't sleep because every time I turn over, it hurts. Lila told me it is normal and that I can have DH massage the area afterwards to help the medication spread out since it is so thick. I don't remember experiencing this the last time!

I've been eating my pineapple and my Brazil nuts. As for symptoms, I haven't felt much of anything but I've been trying not to think about little things. I've been pretty calm about it. The only thing I remember is some mild twinges last night and earlier today, but nothing more. My beta is on January 28. I've been lying around doing absolutely nothing. That should have given at least one of them a chance to find a cozy spot in there for the next 9 months! I am really upset right now. DH would not go to church with me and said he had a lot of work to do. So I went alone and when I came back he had barbequed and EATEN without me! I was so upset that I just started bawling! I don't know why that bothered me so much.

Brazil nuts?

OK, I found this on the Brazil nuts:
"Roasted red peppers, mini crab cakes and Brazil nuts can all help to increase fertility. . . . Brazil nuts and mini crab cakes are both excellent sources of selenium and required for sperm motility. Without adequate selenium, sperm tails kink and break off. Selenium also minimises the risk of miscarriages."

I will be eating a handful or so every day.

One of the ladies from Fertility Friend sent me this and I just love it:
"Norma, very excited for you. Tomorrow you will be officially pregnant... or so my RE says it, right after a transfer.... "

I am so ready!

PIO shots

My butt hurts from the PIO and the E2V shots! When I have to do both I just have DH give both on the same side. I have so much trouble sleeping at night because it is so tender. I'm hoping I don't have to do another E2V on Friday, but not sure. I called nurse yesterday and told DH and I had decided to transfer 3. Since there are 2 per straw, I'm not sure exactly what the process is on that. She was supposed to e-mail Stephanie & Doug from the embryology lab to let them know, but I have not heard anything back from either one of them. My FET is officially set for Friday, 1/18 at 1:30 pm. I will get there about 1:00 pm because they are going to give me a Valium and they wouldn't let me bring it home!

My acupuncturist told me that the important part of eating the pineapple is the core and it should be fresh pineapple since the canned ones are full of extra sugars and has been processed. I was told to cut the core into 3 equal parts and eat 1 part each day. She never told me not to start too early. I started eating it 3 days ago. It’s just fruit, although it makes sense about the acidic pH on the vaginal and cervical mucus. Well, my FET is set for Friday at 1:30 pm. I can't wait!

CD9

Well, my lining at my CD9 on Friday was 10.4 mm (RE wants at least 9) and he said that everything looked great. I stopped Lupron and started PIO. I can't believe it's almost time! I have another E2 test tomorrow and I should know for sure when my ET date will be. It is tentatively set for Friday or Saturday and I am looking forward to it was a very, very positive attitude. I pray that this will be the cycle that will finally take me on the long awaited journey of Motherhood after 6 1/2 years. I think I will be asking the office for Valium. It wasn't offered to me the last time, but I was told that you can get it if you ask for it. The nightly meditation has done wonders in keeping me so calm and relaxed, but it doesn't hurt to have a little extra help for relaxation.

Has anyone been doing or will do any good luck rituals? Here is the list of what I have been doing: (1) I started eating pineapple (especially the core) yesterday and I'm sure that I will be sick of it by next week, but I will do anything that might work. (2) I have prayed a Nine Day Novena to Saint Gerard (3) I say the Prayer for St. Gerard for Motherhood (4) I wear the Saint Gerard necklace and medal every day (5) I have a statute of St. Gerard that was given to me (6) My mom gave me a Japanese beckoning cat (maneki neko), which is a little ceramic cat like the ones displayed in Japanese shops and restaurants, to help me sustain a healthy pregnancy. (7) Has anyone heard of feng shui? The fertility bull? The fertility vodoo doll? Any other fertility charms or amulets? What about eating pomegranate? It's supposed to be a symbol of fertility. I have a Conceive magazine with good luck charms to help conceive. Very interesting!

Time is flying by!

Yes, time just seemed to have flown by. I can not believe tomorrow is already my CD9. OMG! I should know by tomorrow the exact date of FET for next week (keep fingers crossed). If all goes as planned, my FET should be either Friday, 1/18 or Saturday, 1/19. I have already asked for Friday, 1/18 off so I am set and ready to go. My headaches seemed to have subsided. I had a little one today, but it went away pretty fast and without Tylenol. I am so excited for all of us.

Headaches Continue

I talked to the lady today about the baby and she said that the mom did sell the baby for $200. She said baby is still under CPS care in Foster home and more than likely, the daddy will be getting him at the next court hearing next week. Birth mom signed over all her rights to him and I'm just glad to know he will finally be home rather than in foster care. Poor sweetie.

I have had the worst headache since yesterday after IVIg. It will not go away for anything even with Tylenol. I think I'm going back to bed with some more Tylenol. Friday is CD9 and hopefully then I will know when FET will be. It is tentatively scheduled for next friday or saturday (1/18 or 1/19) so I hope it stays that way. I just hope it means good news for baby!

IVIG w/Intralipids

I had the IVIg today and it went well. As soon as they gave me the Benadryl, it knocked me out! The infusion time depends on my weight! Soooooo, I was there from 9:15 until 12:30 so it was not too bad. It seems the infusion runs faster with more weight! I've managed to put on plenty of weight over the holidays!

Afterwards, I have had the worst headache (one of the side effects) and even Tylenol will not make it go away. I was told to drink 4 liters of water today and tomorrow, so I have been visiting my friend the toilet a lot today. I have to go back to work tomorrow, so I don't know how I will
do it then.

As of today, I was told to stay on the same dose of 8mg (0.4mL) for the E2V. Not sure if it's because my estradiol level is either not high enough yet, or they're trying to maintain the level. I failed to ask my nurse. During my last FET in September I only used 0.2 mL, but I also did acupuncture, which I am not doing right now. I considering going the day of my ET. Anyway, my next E2 level check is Friday and if all is well, we're hoping for FET next Friday (1/18).

Staying Calm

Now I have just been having lots of drainage! Do you know if that's normal? I'm thinking it might be from the E2V! It really sucks. It's like AF/spotting all over again!

I think I have been staying pretty calm throughout. I have been meditating nightly. Also doing lots of praying that I will be blessed with motherhood this new year. Looking forward to IVIg tomorrow because it's one step closer to FET.

I have another E2 tomorrow, so we'll see where I stand as of then. Hopefully my FET will not be re-scheduled. IVIg is not painful and it doesn't tell me anything about my cycle. It is an infusion that RE recommends I have since I have a clotting disorder. When embryo attaches, my body forms a clot at site of implantation and prevents embie from receiving oxygen. This medication prevents that from happening. I get hooked up to an IV and then it does its work. They give me benadryl so that I don't experience any allergic reaction to the med, but it just knocks me out so I sleep most of the time. It takes about 4 hours to complete.

I have to share something I have been really sad about. I don't know if I had mentioned back in december that we would possibly be adopting a newborn last month. Well, supposedly the mom changed her mind and didn't want to put the baby up for adoption, but it turns out that now CPS has custody of the baby because the mom sold him for $200.00! It was a big deal here in Dallas and was all over the news. Isn't that just awful? To think that if we would have adopted him, he would have spent his first x-mas with us and not with strangers in a foster home. I just can't get over that and secretly pray that he will end up with us somehow. His name is Nicholas. Please keep him in your prayers! I will find out more details on this situation later this week.

Diet

I have to say I have not been watching my diet at all because of the holidays. I have already bought some veggies and fruits so I will begin my healthy habits again tomorrow. Fresh veggie/fruit juice for breakfast from now on! Also, does anyone know how soon before ET you should start eating the pineapple core for implantation?

We must have faith that this will be the cycle for us.