Monday, June 2, 2008

A **Normal** Pregnant Woman

Thursday was my last visit at the clinic.  I've been going there on a very regular basis for 8 months now -- it's strange not to go back -- at least not for a few years.

The ultrasound went well, the baby measuring at 8w1d and the clinic having me at 8w0d.  The heartbeat was up to 168 and everything else appeared to be on schedule.  I spent awhile debating with Dr. H about what OB to choose, and in the end, am choosing one he didn't recommend.  Go figure.  Dr. H said I could stop the progesterone cold-turkey, so I did, and all is well.

Suddenly I am a **normal** pregnant woman.  I don't get any more special treatment (like weekly ultrasounds), don't go to a special doctor, and don't have to do PIO injections.  This is so strange!  I called up my new doctor and have an appointment next week.

From here on out, I am a regular, low-risk pregnancy.  The chance of miscarriage has dropped to 3%, which means that it isn't actually the first trimester that is the risk -- it's getting to the point where normal growth and heartbeat are established at about 8 weeks.  It's just that most women aren't seen for their first prenatal appointment until around the end of their first trimester.  Go figure.

Since nobody who would point out that I am complaining reads this, I feel sick all-day, every day, and it is starting to get wearing.  I try to accomplish for my family what they expect, but it is taxing, and all I really want to do is lay around.  I'm grateful for the medicine which makes getting some things done manageable, and that I don't have to work.  I'm also glad to know this doesn't last forever, and looking forward to the decrease of nausea in the next 4-8 weeks.

While I'm not "showing," my tummy doesn't return to its normal, almost-flat state anymore, and I may have gained a pound or two.  I'm excited to go through this journey, although looking more forward to the part where I don't feel like throwing up all the time.

I don't know if I'll continue to post or not, but if anyone reads this, have faith -- it can work!  It is a tough journey, but definitely worth it!

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