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Turns out that since I was using a 3rd party template for this blog (the cute baby/kid theme), it made commenting not work at all.

Now it's a little less colourful, but is more functional.  Don't worry...you're still on the right blog :-)

The Joys of Maternity Clothes

I went shopping with my mom yesterday, hoping to get some new dress pants, as my current ones are getting a little tight at the waist... We try Fairview Park Mall first, thinking that the Bay or Sears would have a maternity section.  Wrong.  How about Wal-Mart?  Wrong.  WTF?

Luckily, there's a maternity store down the road from the mall (where I bought those tummy shapers, or whatever they're called).  Even more lucky is that they are very affordable (Only $35 or so for pants). Plus, in the dressing room, they put a stuffed pouch on an elastic belt in the waist band to be able to mimic a big preggy belly.  I tried it on for kicks, but it almost gave me a heart attack.  LOL

Anyway, I picked up 2 pairs of maternity dress pants, and let me tell you, they're SO comfortable!  But they don't hold anything in, so everything is hanging out a little more than normal.  I also got 2 blouses, one of which I can wear now.  It's one of those tops that are in style, even though they make great maternity tops.  The other one I'll have to wait until I show a little more.  It's stiffer fabric and is a little less conspicuous.

I feel very fortunate that maternity clothes look just like normal clothes these days...

A Well-Balanced Pregnancy Diet

This was on the sheet with the protein counter...

Every day of the week you and your baby should have:

1. One quart (4 glasses) or more of milk. Any kind will do: whole, low fat, skim milk, buttermilk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream
2. 2 eggs (hard boiled, in French toast, or added to other foods)
3. One or two servings of fish/seafood, liver, chicken, lean beef, lamb or pork, beans or any kind of cheese
4. One or two good servings of fresh green leafy vegetables: mustard, collard, turnip greens, spinach, lettuce or cabbage
5. Two - three slices of whole wheat bread, cornmeal, cornbread or tortillas
6. A piece of citrus fruit or glass of juice of lemon, lime, orange, tomato, or grapefruit
7. Three pats of butter
8. Other fruits and vegetables

Also include in your diet:

1. A serving of whole grain cereal (oatmeal or granola)
2. A yellow or orange-coloured fruit or vegetable 5x/week
3. Liver once a week (if you like it, I don't)
4. Whole baked potato 3x/week
5. Plenty of fluids, water, juice, etc
6. Salt food to taste for a safe increase in blood volume

My first midwife appointment

It worked out nicely that Ryan was able to come with me for my first appointment.  I saw my backup midwife, Anne (my primary doesn't start until June).  I'll be seeing one of the midwives once a month until 28 weeks, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, then once a week until delivery.  She seemed nice (maybe a little weird).

Anyway, I started off peeing in a cup and weighing myself.  I'm up to 165lbs, which means I've gained 5lbs since my last doctor's appointment.  I asked Anne if that's normal (to me it sounds like a lot), but she said that's in the acceptable range.  She told me that I'll be producing twice as much blood now, which makes me feel hungrier, but not to indulge in too many foods that turn to sugar (fruit, bread, pasta, potatoes, etc).

I explained my recent weight loss with Weight Watchers, but said that I'm now craving foods that are pretty far from program, so she told me to eat more protein.  She also gave me a "protein counter", which shows how much protein is in certain foods.  She said that if I get 100g of protein in every day, I'll start craving less carbs after the 4th day, so I'm going to do my best to stick to that.

At one point, I told Anne I wanted a hospital birth, which is totally fine, as they have special privileges at Grand River Hospital.

She explained the Integrated Prenatal Screening (IPS), which consists of two blood tests and an ultrasound.  This is a screening test that can determine whether our baby has Down Syndrome or Spina Bifida.  The trouble with this test is that there's a 15% chance of a false positive, after which there would probably be an amniocentesis, which has a 0.5% chance of miscarriage... Regardless of the risks, Ryan and I have chosen to go ahead with the IPS. I've scheduled my ultrasound for May 6.  I need to schedule the two blood tests still.

Anne also tried to listen to the baby's heartbeat, even though she said it might be too early.  We didn't hear anything. Ryan and I were a little disappointed, but she said there should be no problem next month.  Oh well.

I guess that's all for today...

10 weeks tomorrow!

For the most part, this week went by pretty smoothly.

No morning sickness, really, but I had some trouble sleeping a few nights, where I didn't get to sleep until 1am or so, then I'd still get up 3 times during the night to  pee, leaving me with maybe 1 1/2 hour sleep increments.  That does not make me feel great the next day.  But last night I slept a lot, so this morning I feel pretty good.

Midwife appt on Thursday.  Hopefully they'll schedule that first diagnostic ultrasound for me.

Talk About Pregnancy Hormones...

Ryan and I went to Philthy McNasty's for dinner tonight since I was in the mood for a burger.  I order a Mozza-Mushroom burger with a side of spicy curly fries (not the healthiest choice, I know, but very tasty).

I eat about half the burger and a little more than half the fries and then I decide to stop.  The waitress comes by and asks if I want it wrapped up, so I say yes please.  I think to myself, do I say pack the fries too?  But she seems smart, so I don't say anything.  A few minutes later she comes back with a small container and I think, "crap."

I open it up and sure enough, just the burger.  Now, normally (aka when I'm not pregnant), I would just get pissed off and leave a not as good tip.  But I'm pregnant, so I'm almost in tears for 5 minutes at the fact that she threw out my fries.  WTF?  I hope this emotional side doesn't take over... LOL

Poor Ryan...

The last 2 nights, Ryan's slept in the basement on the futon since I get up whenever to pee, then can't get back to sleep.  I either toss & turn or the light from my iPhone (at the dimmest setting) wakes him up. :(

He said he's slept better the last few days, except he awoke this morning at 6:30 or so to the sound of a raccoon scratching at the window...the one under the deck.  ?!?

Anyway, I've much less nauseous the last few days.  Thank goodness.  My boss is constantly asking me (or my co-worker) if I'm happy or if I'm ok... I can't wait until next month when I can finally say something to get him to shut up.  LOL

Had a nightmare...

Woke up at 3:45. Had a nightmare that I was pregnant with twins. Now I'm full of anxiety and can't get back to sleep...

Oh, I caved and bought one of those tummy shapers last night. It lets you wear your pre-pregnancy jeans unzipped (and virtually unnoticed) and really relieves pressure on your growing belly. A+!

Midwives

I cancelled my next appointment at the doctor's office, since my first midwife appointment is the following week.

For those of you that do not know, I've decided to see a midwife (http://www.kwmidwifery.ca/) instead of an obstetrician for the pregnancy.  It was my choice. I had input from friends who had dealt with midwives and friends who dealt with OBs.

They start to care for you immediately, throughout the rest of the pregnancy, during labour & birth, and for the following 6 weeks after birth.  I liked the idea of the consistent, personal care that I'll get with a midwife, plus I've heard nothing but good things from my friends who have also used them.

I was reassured that they are able to order all the appropriate diagnostic tests and ultrasounds, and if something happens that moves the pregnancy out of being "low-risk", they transfer you to an obstetrician who will then work with you throughout the remainder of the pregnancy.

In all honesty, I was lucky to get a midwife.  I spent two weeks debating whether I wanted an OB or a midwife.  When I decided on the midwife, I called the St Jacobs Midwives, and they had NO available midwives for my labour month!!  They said I was supposed to call as soon as I took one pregnancy test.  WTF, it took some time to weigh the pros and cons and decide... sheesh!

So I tried calling the KW Midwifery and the only reason they could accommodate me was because they were hiring more midwives!  I'll be seeing my backup midwife for the first few appointments, then my primary midwife will take over.

I've decided that I'm definitely going to go to the hospital for the delivery, and am on the fence still about using an epidural or any other kind of birth drugs.  Luckily I have lots of time to research and decide.

Fetal development - 8 weeks pregnant

Fetal development - 8 weeks pregnant

Conditions are improving

So no more nosebleeds, which is great.

Also, the antibiotics and cranberry juice I'm drinking is working for the UTI.  How do I know, you ask?  Well, let me tell you.  I'm back to being a veritable PEE MACHINE.  I'm talking super frequent trips to the bathroom including multiple at night now.  Yikes.  Oh well...at least I'm healthy :)

I'm totally enjoying the weather, relaxing on the couch with the windows open, with capri pants and a tank top.  I love summer weather in April!