When pregnant with my second, I kept a weekly journal of my experience. For non-pregos, it might be sort of tedious. And, it definitely falls into the TMI category. Still, I figured some of you might appreciate it. I wanted the post to be as authentic as possible, so I did not do any editing. Pardon my ramblings and grammatical errors.
Week 8- So, much to my surprise, I am, in fact, pregnant! I’ve been feeling run down and nauseous for a majority of the summer, but the late July period and negative pregnancy test had me close to heading to the doctor for a mono test. When the hangover from my 30th birthday hadn’t quite subsided, I figured it was time to take another test, and, boom, that pink line showed up almost instantly. Since finding out, I have been to the OB for all the typical early pregnancy “stuff”-- blood draw, vitals, and many questions about our family’s medical history. As an added bonus, I got a sneak peak of the little bean. He/she really looks like a little kidney bean! Heart is beating strong at 158 beats per minute, and they were able to measure the 1.44cm little nugget to determine that I am 8 weeks pregnant and due April 1st. Is that a crazy coincidence or what? The same due date I had for Chace. Although, Chace came in February, so let’s hope this one stays put until fully cooked.
I went back to work this week, which I was very nervous about. My nausea has been even more extreme lately, and muscle aches are already plaguing me. Not to mention, my freaking boobs hurt! Luckily, my doctor prescribed me an anti-nausea med, which has been a complete lifesaver. I fell asleep at 7:45 on Friday night, so I’m definitely still fatigued, but getting through the day has not been a problem. A much needed back-to-school shopping trip with Mom (my pants are already soooo tight), a new hair cut, and a fresh mani/pedi made week 8 not too shabby!
Week 9- This week I started thinking about what I need to get done before the baby arrives. I know I have quite a while, but I was definitely working on a mental list. Items on the list are all over the spectrum--unpack maternity clothes, go through closets, teach Chace to sleep in bed, move baby toys from basement to playroom, etc.-- this is where my mind has wandered. Now, did I accomplish any of these tasks this week? Hell no!
Week 10- The best part about this week is that I have not needed my nausea meds twice a day, everyday. In fact, I even went three whole days without them. It might be small, but it’s a triumph nonetheless. My wardrobe is shrinking by the day, so it is definitely time to locate those maternity clothes. I tried on a pair of khakis this morning, and, had I left them on, I surely would have shot the button across the room at some point today with my bulging stomach. I feel as large at 10 weeks as I did at 20 weeks last time, but they say you get bigger with each pregnancy. Grrrreeeaaattt… :) In more exciting news, the little bugger is now about an inch long.
Week 11- Maternity clothes are out of the basement, and, while I can still wear some of my regular clothes, they are a welcome addition to my wardrobe. I’m definitely not minding the lovely red marks from where my pants were digging into my skin. My nausea has subsided quite a bit, and I’m starting to get my energy back. Woohoo!
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| Feeling and looking huge with Chace in York, Maine. |
Week 12- This week felt really good. The weather cooperated, and Chace and I were able to take a few walks around the neighborhood. This worked wonders for my constantly fluctuating moods as well as my energy level. My twelve week appt was an experience in and of itself. First, they had the hardest time getting a vein for my glucose test. Next, the baby’s heartbeat could not be detected using the doppler, so an ultrasound needed to be done to check. Everything was fine, 164 beats per minute, and I didn’t freak out too badly since something similar happened when I was pregnant with Chace. After this, the doctor discussed how my care would be different this time around because of my premature rupture. Apparently there are progesterone injections I can have to help me produce stronger membranes and a stronger cervix. They are painful, weekly injections, but they seem to work. I am concerned, however, about the cervical strengthening since I had a verrrry long induction the first time around. The shots wouldn’t begin until week sixteen, so I have four weeks to do my research and make a decision. The silver lining is that I will have at least one extra ultrasound this time around at 23 weeks.
Week 13- This week was my screening ultrasound. Daycare was closed for the day, so I had to bring Chace with me to the doctor’s. Not only did he escape from the stroller twice, but he also managed to unplug the ultrasound machine and scream his head off in the waiting room. It was the first time he’s ever misbehaved in public, so I was pretty beside myself. Needless to say, it was nap time for both of us when we got home. Also this week, I made it back to the gym for the first time in ages and am continuing to walk. I’m feeling pretty awesome overall except for some back and hip pain. It seems to be most painful after sitting down for an extended period of time. Going to try to do more stretching to keep my muscles from getting too tight. Hope it helps!
Week 14- I know this journal is supposed to be about my pregnancy, and I swear this digression will eventually get back to just that, but this week marked a big first for our family. It was Chace’s first time attending the fall foliage festival as well as our first time spending the weekend in Groton, VT. To be honest, I wasn’t sure how I would feel. Tired? Cranky? Relaxed? Nostalgic? Tired? I spent the weekend in VT when I was pregnant with Chace, and I had a great time with my friends and family, but this time I was going with a toddler in tow. Toddlers are great, but they can be exhausting. Happily, the weekend went really well. Aside from a mini-meltdown due to lack of sleep, we had a great time. Sitting by the fire, watching the kids at the parade, chowing down on snacks and chicken pie, laughing with family and friends--it was just what I needed. I think the little nugget enjoyed as well; he/she gave me 8 pee break free hours of sleep on Saturday night! Unheard of lately.
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| It's a ginger ale. |
Week 15- I was tired this week! I know that the second trimester is supposed to bring more energy, and it definitely has, but this week I found myself having bursts of energy followed by exhaustion. I’m sure it’s one of those strange pregnancy symptoms or my body getting used to an earlier sunset, but it’s short-lived. Okay, time for bed…
Week 16- Had my monthly OB visit. This month’s visit was fairly routine. Weight, blood pressure, flu shot, second blood draw for sequential screen, and, the best part, baby’s heartbeat on the doppler. So far, so good with this pregnancy. My blood pressure was normal, baby’s heart was beating at 155 beats per minute, and my sequential screen came back negative. Yay! This week was also special because I am starting to feel some movement. It’s so light that at first I wasn’t sure if I was making it all up, but there’s definitely a little critter moving around in there. I can’t wait to find out if it’s a boy or girl. November 5th is the scheduled date for my anatomy ultrasound, so only a few more weeks. Then my type A personality can really kick into overdrive. Random pregnancy symptom for this week… my gums are bleeding like crazy every time I brush my teeth. So not refreshing!
Week 17- I’m continuing to feel pretty good this trimester, so I’ve been trying to take advantage of my newfound energy and spent lots of time with friends and family. Spent the day with my girlfriends on Saturday, and it was just what I needed. A little “me” time.
Week 18- I’ve been feeling a lot of weirdness in my stomach lately. Random little jabs of pain (baby’s kicks aren’t that intense yet), aching in my lower abdomen--it turns out that even those these symptoms don’t sound good, they are actually very common. Some cramping and some short, sharp pains can actually be attributed to ligament pain caused by the expanding uterus. Seems like everything is expanding, I’m really starting to show now. Seems much earlier this time around.
Week 19- It’s a boy! Yes, I have already washed the 0-3 month clothes and organized them. I was nervous to find out the gender of the baby because I was afraid that, if it wasn’t a girl, I would somehow feel disappointed. Not by having another healthy little boy to love, but about the awesome mother-daughter bond, and how I would not have that experience from the mother’s perspective. Sure, I love to paint nails and I would love to help my daughter pick out a wedding dress, but I didn’t feel bummed at all when the ultrasound tech told us we were having another boy. So so excited to meet the little guy-- Andrew Scott Lesage.
Week 20- I’m starting to feel Drew (it’s fun to use his name now) a little more frequently now. The movements are still pretty faint, but they are definitely movements, which is cool and exciting. It makes the pregnancy feel more real. That and my constantly expanding stomach. I’m definitely starting to feel, and look, pregnant. The silver lining of getting larger and eating non-stop… at least now I have an excuse!
Week 21- This week, I am starting to feel the nesting urge. It’s not the random intense burst of energy close to the end of pregnancy, but a definite desire to start prepping the house for our new family dynamic. I just wish my energy level would keep up with my brain. Don’t get me wrong, I am truly feeling amazing during my second trimester, but I still have nights that I’m ready for bed at 7 and other nights when I’m mopping the floor at 9:30. The scales are tipping in favor of bed at 7 lately, but I’m managing to keep up with all of my normal tasks. It’s just those extra projects--moving Chace’s dresser to his bedroom, painting Drew’s room, going through the baby toys, etc.-- that I can’t seem to get done. Still, I remind myself that it’s pretty early. I think we’ll wait until after the holidays before rearranging the furniture.
Week 22- We celebrated Thanksgiving this week. Drew must being absorbing all the food I’ve been mowing this week because his kicks are getting stronger, and I can now feel him moving around. He’s still too small for me to see him through my skin. Plus, I have a very good layer of padding, so I doubt a hand will coming poking through. We spent most of this holiday weekend relaxing at home, which has been nice. I’m feeling very rejuvenated, and we’re spending this fine Sunday putting out my miniscule collection of Christmas decorations and setting up the Christmas tree. Cheers!
Week 23- Had a doctor’s appointment this week. A general monthly check up, and, in addition, an ultrasound to check cervical length. I was a little disappointed that I did not get a peek at the baby, but it was very reassuring to find out that my cervix is nice and long and closed-- the trifecta! There is no indication at this time that I will go into preterm labor. As I said before, this is comforting, but I did not go into labor the first time either, yet I still had Chace early due to my water breaking. When all was said and done, Dr. Meinz (the doctor who delivered Chace) told me that she does not see why I would not carry to term this time. My uterus is measuring appropriately, I gained a very acceptable 2 pounds this month, and my blood pressure is 120/76. My next appointment, right after the new year, will be another test for glucose and anemia (I was anemic during the third trimester of my last pregnancy). Hopefully those screens come back normal, and then we are on to biweekly appointments until delivery time. I cannot even believe how fast it’s going. It seems so much faster than it did with baby #1, and I’m completely fine with that. :)
Week 24- This week was a bit of a test. I had my first very busy weekend in quite a while. Friday night, I hosted a Favorite Things party for four of my girlfriends then left early on Saturday morning for the annual overnight shopping/Shalimar trip with mom, Auntie Ava, Marissa, and Katie. Just to add a little something extra to the mix, Saturday night we were expecting, and received, a pretty decent snowstorm. Despite all the craziness, I had an awesome weekend. I didn’t feel too tired, and it was nice to take a little time for myself to hang out with the important ladies in my life. I was also able to get the majority of my Christmas shopping done!
Week 25- So, all of that enthusiasm and energy I was feeling last week… Yeah, it has definitely disappeared. I’m not sure if it was the pre-vacation craziness at school, stressing over my holiday to-do list, or the previous weekend’s activities, but I was freaking exhausted all week. Thank goodness for vacation. I caught up on some rest over the weekend, and am starting to feel normal again. Well, as normal as can be expected at this stage in the game. Not only am I feeling Drew’s kicks more distinctly, but I am also feeling him move and shift around in there. A gentle reminder that my third trimester is right around the corner, and I will more than likely be exhausted, I am trying to get as much done as possible while I have off from work.
Week 26- Vacation this week--woohoo! My energy levels have been up and down. One day I’ll be cleaning the house like a mad woman and the next I need multiple naps to function properly. That’s to be expected at this stage, I guess. I bought new bedding for Drew’s room this week. Bedding is one of those things that I don’t think is easy to pass from child to child. Chace’s spare sheets all have pee stains on them, even after multiple washes. Plus, we wanted Drew to have something that was new to him. The kid will have plenty of hand me downs, so I figured he deserves his own sheets, blankets, etc. I’m excited to get his room together. We just need to paint and switch the cribs and then I can pretty much get ‘er done.
Week 27- I had my twenty-eight week appointment this week. No, this is not a typo; I realize it’s only week twenty-seven, but I am a few days off with my appointments, so they will be on odd weeks now and not evens. I will see the doctor every other week until week 36, or 35, when we will likely move to weekly appointments. This appointment went well. I had my glucose screening, and it came back normal. I also had my blood checked for iron, which was low. I have to take a lovely iron supplement. As if pooping isn’t hard enough already, now it will be even worse. At least we’re getting to the final countdown.
Week 28- Third trimester started this week. I can’t even believe how much faster this pregnancy seems to be moving than my last. In addition to moving like crazy and doing a number on my bladder, this little guy seems to be responding to certain noises, activities, etc, which is a pretty neat feeling. This past weekend we set up Drew’s room. My dad came over on Friday and painted. We moved Chace’s current crib, which has a changing table attached into Drew’s room. We put the new attachment-free crib in Chace’s room since he is too big for the changing table. The storage in the changing table will also be good for the baby’s onesies and such. I will admit that I did begin to feel a little anxiety looking at two cribs upstairs. Shit’s getting real!
Week 29- Had a very uneventful trip to the OB this week. Weight, blood pressure, urine-- all checked out fine. On second thought, it was an uneventful appointment minus giving my pee sample and sitting in the waiting room. Disclaimer: some of you may find the following to be gross or unnecessary, but I’m sharing anyway.
So, I was sitting on the toilet emptying my very full bladder, when I peed a little bit on my hand. This happens fairly often, so I was not shocked. Honestly, to all the ladies out there who can give a urine sample without peeing on your hand, bravo! When attempting to remove the cup from between my legs, it slipped from my grasp and splashed into the toilet. After a couple four letter words, I reached into the toilet and removed the plastic dixie cup. Now, I didn’t want to waste the last few drops of pee, which I was desperately clutching onto, on a contaminated container. So, I shuffled, pants around my ankles, out of the bathroom and to the doctor’s sink to retrieve another cup. I hurried back in the room and gave my pathetically small sample. How embarrassing! Even though no one saw, I was still mortified. Of course, this was all after sneeze-peeing (peezing?) while waiting in the lobby, causing a dark stain on the microsuede chair I was sitting on. Oh, and my damp pants left another lovely wet spot on the paper lining covering the table in the examination room. Thank goodness the actual appointment was a piece of cake.
Week 30- This was certainly an eventful week. I did not experience Braxton-Hicks contractions during my first pregnancy, but this week I began to notice myself having some small contractions. Upon further research, it is fairly common to feel these “practice” contractions more intensely the second time around. It is also common to feel them around this stage of pregnancy. That being said, I got very nervous Friday night when I was heading out with my friend Katie. As we were driving to The Canvas Roadshow in Bedford, I began having contractions. They were so intense that I felt myself white knuckling the steering wheel. I wasn’t even sure we would make it to the painting class. Luckily, they subsided after about twenty minutes, but I felt super nervous, especially considering I delivered early last time. I have been noting my contractions so I can share with my OB at next week’s appointment.
Week 31- I mentioned the contractions to my doctor at this week’s appointment. He seemed a little bit concerned at their intensity, especially given my pregnancy history. Because I am a teacher and have a toddler, I spend a lot of time on my feet. At this stage of pregnancy, I need to find a way to chill out and put my feet up as much as possible. I was advised to sit down and drink fluids whenever I begin feeling contractions. I was also gently encouraged to take it easy, or as easy as possible, at work.
Baby’s arrival is definitely getting closer, and I’m feeling anxious about all of the unknowns and all of the change that is about to take place. I feel very prepared in most aspects. Andrew’s bedroom is all ready for him, and we have a plan for when I go into labor. Still, I feel like I’m dragging my feet. I have not yet packed my hospital bag, put batteries in the mobile, etc, or dug out my baby feeding supplies. I am hoping to focus on that stuff during week 32. I would love to assume it is safe to tackle these last-minute to-dos during my February school vacation week at the end of the month, but you just never know, and I want to be as prepared as possible.
Week 32- I’m still chugging along! I am finding, at this point, that I cannot seem to sleep for more than an hour and and half to two hours without needing to shift positions and use the restroom. Luckily, I am typically able to fall back asleep pretty easily. Got a few more baby related chores finished this week thanks to a mid-week snow day, so that was a plus. Work has been going well. My students have been really wonderful about picking up things that fall on the floor for me and helping with random errands and deliveries. I have been feeling a little anxious about being out for eight weeks. We are currently working towards aligning our curriculum with the Common Core, so I’m worried about all the work that will await me when I return, yet I’m trying to stay positive and am looking forward to the eight weeks I will get to spend with my new son.
Week 33- We had some Valentine’s Day excitement this week. First off, I had my 33 week appointment, and everything looked great. I was advised to call the doctor if any of the contractions I had been feeling lasted longer than an hour or were coming closer than every 10 minutes. That appointment was Wednesday. Thursday we had a snow day from school. I was happy because I was feeling pretty good, and it gave me an opportunity to get some pre-cleaning done for Chace’s birthday party next week. I spent the day dusting baseboards and ceiling fans and cleaning my upstairs pretty thoroughly. My back was hurting a bit around bedtime, which I anticipated, so I took a couple of tylenol and went to sleep. At about 3 am, I woke up with back pain, but it was a strange type of back pain. Instead of muscle stiffness and soreness, I felt a tingling pain radiating from my back. I remembered this feeling as back labor, but assumed it was from all of the activity. Still, I was not able to fall back asleep. Friday brought another snow day and my back pain continued but seemed to be wrapping around to the front of my stomach, almost like a belt. I obviously knew I was having contractions and started timing them. They were coming every 15-20 minutes and seemed to die down around lunch, so I tried to drink lots of water and relax as much as possible. When Dave got home from work, he suggested I try laying down for an hour or so. I was unable to sleep due to the pain of the contractions, which were now coming every 10 minutes. Since they had lasted more than an hour, I called the doctor, and she asked me to meet her at the hospital. Given my history, they wanted to check me out.
I took off for the Elliot feeling like a silly hypochondriac, but when they hooked me up to the monitors, I was having strong contractions every 2-3 minutes. Apparently, I had only been counting the really painful ones. I did not feel anxious heading to the hospital--I even encouraged Dave to stay home unless things progressed-- but once I got there, I started to feel a little bit scared. The nurses immediately had me change into a johnny and were asking all of the basic admitting type questions: Has your water broken? Do you want your baby circumcised? What is your plan for pain management? This made me think that I would not be going home. I was worried about not having my things with me and not saying goodbye to Chace. To top it off, my phone was down to 20% battery. I was also obviously concerned about having another premature baby and what that would entail in terms of NICU time. Just as my thoughts were getting the best of me, my doctor showed up. She explained that they were going to run a few tests to determine a course of actions. First, they would check my cervix to see if there were any changes that indicated that the contractions were progressing labor. Second, they would test me for a hormone that women secrete two weeks before going into labor. Next, they would give me an IV of fluids to try to slow down the contractions. And lastly, they would continue to monitor the baby via ultrasound and the already running heart monitor.
My ultrasound looked great. Andrew was head down, but not yet approaching the birth canal. He also looked like a big, strong little boy, which was reassuring in case I did have to deliver early. My cervix had softened slightly, but dilated only a centimeter, so this meant that labor had not progressed very much and could likely be stopped. I also tested negative for the labor hormone, which was a good sign that the contractions were not a sign that I was destined for an early delivery. The IV had already begun to make my contractions less intense, but they were still coming at 2-3 minute intervals. The doctor recommended keeping the IV fluids coming and adding a drug to stop labor. The drug can either be administered in pill form or through a shot. Because I was so exhausted, Dr. Stapp opted for the pill, which makes patients less jittery than the shot. I took two pills and another bag of fluids and my contractions had slowed to nearly a stop. I was told that the medication is a one time deal and that if anything acts up to that level again, I need to call the doctor. Otherwise, they would see me at my next appointment. A relieving end to an eventful week 33!
Week 34- I’ll keep it short and sweet this week since the last entry was so long and probably bored many of you. Andrew’s movements are still strong, but slowing down as he has less and less room to maneuver in the womb. I am definitely feeling fatigued and very sore, especially in my hips and lower back. I’m still working, and I’m not finding work to be as physically taxing as being a mom to a toddler, which makes it pretty easy to get through the day. There was a lot of outside stressors happening this week. I organized a field trip for the whole eighth grade, which was nerve wracking. In addition, we celebrated Chace’s second birthday, so party preparations kept my nights pretty busy. I am looking forward to school vacation next week for a chance to unwind a little.
Week 35- Had a doctor’s visit this week. I will now have a visit scheduled every week until delivery. My appointment went very well. I tried to take it easy this week. My friend Jean from work was awesome, and she took Chace on two separate afternoons to play with her grandson, and my friend Alicia’s son, Jackson. This gave me a chance to rest and prevented me from feeling guilty about not having a ton of energy to entertain him alone for five days straight. The extra rest paid off, and I was still not dilated when the doctor checked me. I’ll now have weekly visits to keep a better eye on things.
Week 36- A rather mundane week. I am definitely feeling more and more uncomfortable, but my doctor’s visit this week was very status quo. I am not dilated. Blood pressure, weight, and urine were ok. Feeling lots of pressure, but my doctor says that he is still not “engaged in the pelvis.” He also said the extra pressure is likely being caused by a pretty big baby. Gulp!
Week 37- Started having contractions again this week. Not for as long of a stretch as last time, but definitely noticeable. I feel sort of guilty saying it, but I am so done with being pregnant at this point. Trust me, I know the easiest time as a mom is having your baby on the inside, but I want my body back. I want to be able to get out of bed without grunting, see the dog when he’s at my feet, and sleep on my stomach if I want to. I’m also really wanting to meet Andrew! I’m not sure how much longer I can take work and being a mom to a toddler while being this huge and uncomfortable. Okay, I’m done complaining now. Pregnancy is beautiful, and I am thankful for my children. I’m definitely thankful for my kids, but the first half of my statement is making me gag.
Week 38- Today, Monday, I experienced something I think every pregnant woman experiences at some point during pregnancy, the should I call the doctor or not dilemma? Personally, I’ve had this happen to me three times. Once, when I had early bleeding during my first pregnancy. The second time was during my week 33 early labor. And then, there was today. I had regular contractions (about ten minutes apart) on Friday of last week. They never sped up and died down on Saturday. Yesterday (Sunday), they picked back up again after lunch. They weren’t excruciating, so knew things weren’t rapidly progressing, but they were coming every 5 minutes for about twelve hours. This morning, I was up at 4, and they were still coming. I also noticed that my normally nocturnal baby had not moved much through the night. Since the office wasn’t open yet, I headed to labor and delivery to get checked out. They were able to verify that my contractions are coming every 3-6 minutes and that I was effaced, but my cervix had only begun to dilate. After checking on the baby (who is fine, by the way) it was determined that I could wait at home until my dilation progresses or my water breaks. They will keep checking me daily or twice daily to keep an eye on things, but it is much more comfortable waiting it out at home. I am now officially on disability, so I’m done work. Which is relieving, but weird at the same time. Come on, Andrew!
Week 39, Days 1-4- No baby yet… ugh! I am getting more and more uncomfortable by the day. I should probably stop writing until I go into labor because I don’t have anything positive to say right now. My body aches, my sciatica is acting up, and I need a damn drink. I was told I could be induced at 39 weeks, but when I mentioned that at my OB visit, the nurse practitioner set up an appointment for an ultrasound on my due date. At that point, we could arrange for an induction. I guess it’s better than nothing, and it does give me some sign that relief and Andrew are coming.
Week 39, Day 5- My water broke at 5 o’clock a.m. Contractions began an hour or so later. I progressed very quickly to 6 cm and received an epidural as the pain got more intense. I continued to dilate as the day went on, but Andrew’s head was not coming down into the birth canal. After an ultrasound, which determined he was face up, and a catheter to test the strength of my contractions, it was determined that I was having very strong contractions, but Drew’s head was too large to fit through my cervix. My doctor recommended a c-section.
There was no way I wanted the c-section, but at that point, I was in so much pain that I just wanted to hold my baby and rest (I was soooo exhausted at this stage.). I was wheeled into the operating room 20 minutes later and back into the delivery room about 30 minutes after that. The c-section was not pleasant, and I won’t lie. What shocked me was that I thought the actual incision and surgical piece would be the worst, but it was actually the side effects of the meds that made it most unpleasant. My nose felt stuffed, I was nauseous and dry heaving, the room was spinning-- I’ve actually never felt worse. But, it was over quickly, and once I held him, it didn’t seem quite as bad. Still pretty freakin awful, but the result was totally worth it.
