OB Appointment – Week 19

December 1st, 2009

Yesterday I had my monthly check-up with my OB, Dr. W. It was the first time Shelton was able to go. It was a pretty uneventful appointment, and I felt bad when afterward Shelton said he thought we were finding out the baby’s gender, but I’m still glad Shelton was able to be there and at least put a face with a name of our doctor.

The nurse quickly found the heartbeat, which was a solid 140bpm. There was a lot of “background noise” on the fetal heart monitor indicating that the monster is moving quite a lot. And that’s not news to me. This baby has decided to start dancing! For most of last week it was very sporadic movement, only lasting a second or two. But yesterday and today it’s been almost constant. It’s fun, and I have to admit it’s pretty amazing to finally “hear from the other side.” I feel bad that Shelton can’t feel yet, but I’m sure soon enough we’ll have our hands full with more than we know what to do with.

I had to weigh-in, of course. And I saw on the scale the highest number I’ve ever seen in my life – 152 pounds. Sigh. I know, I know, it’s going to happen. I’m a tad worried that I’ve already gained 20 pounds since my IVF started, and 35 pounds is the recommended gain. So I’ve only got 15 pounds of wiggle room. I’ve definitely been getting my diet back on track and hoping that will help. However, the doctor said my weight is normal and of no concern.

Dr. W and I had a long conversation about the tetra screen blood test (to screen for birth defects like Downs Syndrome) and the amniocentesis. He agreed and supported my decision not to proceed with either procedure. There’s no risk involved with the blood test, but if it comes back with positives for any issues, then we’re almost forced into an amnio, which I am adamantly against. It’s far to risky and I haven’t come this far to start being risky.

The best news to come of the appointment is that we got to schedule our sonogram! YAY!! It’s scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday 12/2. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. This time tomorrow, provided the monster cooperates, we’ll know what we’re having. I’m likening the anticipation over here to Christmas Eve.