Total Pregnancy Stat Summary
Weight Gain - 40 lbs
Residual weight 1 week post delivery - plus 15 lbs over pre-pregnancy weight
Length of pregnancy 41 weeks
Labor length - 4.5 hours pushing time less than 1 hour
The big question I know you want answered if you've been following my blog is whether or not I developed pre-eclampsia. The short answer is that I did. The full answer is a little more complex, and maybe in the end more satisfying. Here's the long version -
My blood pressure as I'm sure you've noticed had been trending upwards, in my 40th week of pregnancy it was in the mid 130's systolic. On July 3rd one day before my due date it was 143/98, but I was feeling nauseous and having cramps. As it happens I was in early labor. I dilated to 3 cm and then my labor stalled and everything seemed to go quiet with my body. My blood pressure settled back in to the 130's.
My midwife (Aszani) began doing sequential sweeping of my membranes (also known as stripping). This means that she did it several times (three in total I think). My acupuncturist (Stephanie) did labor points to help me go into labor. We were trying to get things started because it was feeling like a game of chicken - which was going to happen first pre-eclampsia or labor. The monday after my due date I had 1+ protein on my urine dip test. Tuesday I did a 24 hour urine collection which showed 515 mg of protein (anything over 300 is abnormal). My blood pressure was on the border 138/95. The plan as of Thursday morning was to admit me for an induction for pre-eclampsia.
Meanwhile, at my second membrane sweep I had dilated to 4 cm, and on Thursday morning I was 5-6 cm, I also lost my mucous plug on Wednesday morning (eew gross). During the office visit on Thursday Aszani did another sweeping of my membranes. My husband and I went home to wait because the hospital was on a deferral until patients were discharged at 11 am. When we did check-in at 12:30 pm I was transitioning from Early into active labor on my own.
I ended up having my little girl at 2:53 pm. Because I went into labor after membrane sweeping I did not need pitocin. My blood pressure never went above 150 systolic even in labor and I was never started on IV magnesium or blood pressure medications.
I had a beautiful unmedicated vaginal birth for my second child.
In the end I did have pre-eclampsia but I absolutely believe that the things that I did to prevent it played a part in delaying it's onset and lessening it's severity. My second child was born a full four weeks farther along than my first, and I cannot tell you the difference in my body, my baby and my recovery. Everything has gone so much better this time than last time. I'm not sure it would feel as sweet a victory or as important an effort had I not developed pre-eclampsia. If my stubborn daughter had just decided to come when she was due I wouldn't have had it at all - oh well.
I am glad this pregnancy is at an end, and so greatfil to have such a beautiful and healthy baby girl. not sure at this point if I will post a birth story or keep blogging. If you've been following or reading - thank you. Best of luck, health and peace to all my fellow mamas.
Annie
Friday, July 19, 2013
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Post Partum Kit
In my last pregnancy I bought a pre-made kit from a woman who had had a c-section at a discount. I found a lot of the things to be very helpful. Plenty of women I know have told me that their baby's just came sliding out and they did not need ice packs or sitz baths. Great for them, I'm coming prepared for it to be like last time.
What's in the bag this time?
1. Perineal Ice Packs -
after the birth of your baby you may have some swelling and bruising in your perineal area. In the first 48 hours after the baby is born you can use ice to soothe and reduce the swelling. These guys double as an ice pack and absorbent pad. You do not have to buy these, the hospital will give you the option to use baby diapers filled with ice, or you can DIY if you are not at the hospital. I used both options last time and found that these were much nicer than a baby diaper filled with ice. It made me feel more like a woman and a mother to use a pad than a diaper.
2. Sitz Bath -
What's in the bag this time?
1. Perineal Ice Packs -
after the birth of your baby you may have some swelling and bruising in your perineal area. In the first 48 hours after the baby is born you can use ice to soothe and reduce the swelling. These guys double as an ice pack and absorbent pad. You do not have to buy these, the hospital will give you the option to use baby diapers filled with ice, or you can DIY if you are not at the hospital. I used both options last time and found that these were much nicer than a baby diaper filled with ice. It made me feel more like a woman and a mother to use a pad than a diaper.2. Sitz Bath -
I honestly don't remember if they had these at the hospital or not. I'm sure they must. At any point you can use warm water to soothe swelling and bruising. Your midwife or doula will likely encourage you to take 3 baths a day. When you are sleep deprived with a new baby it is unlikely you will have time to fill and sit in a tub three times a day. Also I found getting in and out of the tub difficult in the first few days after my son was born. This you just fill with warm to hot water and sit - presto.
3. Sitz Bath Herbs -
Add these to your sitz bath and it becomes a spa treatment for your butt. Honestly it's fabulous. The trick is getting the herbal without the herbs - those will stick to your backside and cause trouble. I used a sun tea pitcher to "brew" a sitz bath. I know your thinking that by this time you could have taken a bath, but it was much easier and nicer to do it this way (at least for me).
4. Butt Balm - to put on after your sitz bath and make it last. I also had hemorrhoids really bad after my son was born and this stuff was like magic.
5. Maternity pads - I preferred to use these with mesh panties vs adult diapers. Diapers are made with plastic, they itch, they make you sweat, they don't breathe. The mesh pants were not noticeable when I had them on. I would recommend maternity pads over regular maxi, they cover more ground. You don't have to buy fancy pants natural ones, I did because I want to pamper myself.
And that's all really. Like I said a fair number of my friends never needed this stuff. Maybe I won't either and I'll end up giving a lot of it away or throwing it out. Meanwhile it's nice to feel prepared and to know that whatever happens my perineum is taken care of.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
9 Month Pre-Natal Visit
36 week OB visit summary
Overall weight gain 30 lbs
In the last month 8 lbs
Fundal Height 36 cm
Fetal Heart rate normal 130-150's
Blood pressure 125/85-112/80
I can hardly believe it's here. This is my last planned entry to this under the heading of Pre-Natal Visit. I will do a separate post on my post-partum kit. I am currently seeing my midwife Aszani Stoddard every week but I won't bore you with weekly updates, and I am grateful there is not that much to say.
- Blood Pressure - for those of you who have been watching the stats you will notice there has been a gradual increase in my blood pressure over the past 6 weeks or so. Apparently this is normal in later pregnancy within limits. Increased blood volume and fluid retention can result in a little elevation of blood pressure. I have started checking my blood pressure at home and it tends to be better when I am at home. I am confident that my omron blood pressure cuff is accurate, and am surprised to see that I too might have a little white coat hypertension. I am still seeing my acupuncturist Stefanie Beniek regularly, and she has me taking some chinese herbs - called quiet contemplative three times a day. All I can do at this point is pray, and be thankful. At least at this point if I do develop pre-eclampsia my baby is full term which a lot to be thankful for.
- Weight - well I did not meet my goal of 25 lb weight gain for this pregnancy. However at the end of my last pregnancy I think my weight was about 210 lbs (or more) so I am 20 lbs under that, which I think is something to feel good about. According to Aszani's charts I am still within the norms for pregnancy weight gain. I guess the main thing is how my body feels afterwards. I will let you know when I get there.
- Hip Pain - I had this at the end of my last pregnancy, and here it is again. It as not as bad as I remember. I feel like last time I had pain in my hips even just walking, and this time around it only seems to happen at night. My chiropractor Amber says it has to do with my pelvis wanting to shift forward. Other possible explanations could be pressure from a growing fetus and the effects of relaxin on the pelvis and hips. What to do about it? I sleep with a pregnancy pillow that also doubles as a nursing pillow after baby's birth - this is a leftover from my last pregnancy and I love it. It goes between my knees and I don't sleep without it. Also chiropractic adjustments and prenatal yoga help a great deal. Topical arnica, and calms forte help to reduce crampy pain during the night as well. I wonder if this is a predictor of another hip pain centric labor like my last one - my poor doula must have spent five hours squeezing my hips god bless her heart.
- Kegels - I bring this up now because I have failed to do so before (I think). I learned all about the ultimate importance of Kegels at my bradley class in my last pregnancy. I will say I was proud when the nurses exclaimed over my ability not to wet myself after my son's birth. I started work on these guys early in the pregnancy when I began having stress incontinence whenever I would sneeze or cough. Since I have become more regular with Kegels the incontinence has disappeared. Like everything in this second pregnancy there is less time to do them, I do mine at stop lights and stop signs while driving. My husband jokes that my car is the Kegel-mobile, ha-ha.
- Drooling in my sleep - also known as sialorrhea - I know TMI right. No one ever told me this could happen during pregnancy, but it does happen. I wanted to put it out there so other women can know that this is normal. Number of reasons why this is happening - heartburn or reflux, nasal congestion, increased salivation in pregnancy. It mostly bothers me because having a wet cheek and pillow wakes me up during the night. Nice soft hand towel on my pillow and problem solved.
- Heart burn - This has not been as bad this pregnancy as it was in the last one. This related to relaxation of the esophageal sphincter, increased intra-abdominal pressure from growing womb, and increased production of gastric juices. My symptoms did show up later on in my pregnancy I believe thanks to improved diet. I choose to treat with 150 mg of Ranitidine or Zantac as needed, you can also try papaya extract, and usually it's okay to take a PPI which will provide more lasting relief. I am trying to take as little Zantac as possible and try to look at my reflux as a behavior modification tool.
- Fatigue - being pregnant when you already have a kid makes you even more tired that being pregnant alone. I love my son, but being his mom can be exhausting. I can't nap when I feel like it, I can't go to bed when I feel like it, and I can't sleep in as long as I want to. I have scaled back on my work schedule to 60% full time this last month (Using saved PTO). This has helped a lot. I sleep when I can, but this is not sleep deprivation - it's fatigue. That is to say sometimes more sleep is just more sleep and the fatigue will still be there when you wake up.
- Snoring - this also happened in my last pregnancy. My freak out flags are all up, because my theory was that it happened because of venous congestion in my face - ie a symptom of my preeclampsia. This time I feel like my nasal allergies are acting up, and it doesn't happen every night. Snoring in third trimester pregnancy is very normal. Can you imagine my poor husband his wife is sleeping with a pregnancy support pillow, drool towel, and is also snoring - tres sexi!
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Birth Plan or Letter
Dear Hospital Staff:
Thank you for working as a team to care for our family during and after the birth of our daughter. We would like very much to have a vaginal birth with a minimum of medical intervention. We understand that certain circumstances may require various approaches to care. Our request is that in these circumstances you engage us in making decisions about our care and be open to discussing whatever options are available to us. Thank you in advance for your care and support during this time.
Sincerely Annie and Jeff
We prefer that no students, interns, residents or other non-essential personnel be present.
*** will take photographs
Labor Do not ask Annie to rate her pain.
We request not to have Annie’s cervix checked unless the information is critical for decision making. If an exam becomes necessary please advise us of the findings.
Annie would like to labor and deliver in whatever position is most comfortable and natural
Annie will stay hydrated by drinking liquids, and will eat lightly for energy.
Please do not put any medications or fluids into Annie’s IV without her full knowledge and consent.
We prefer intermittent or hand held fetal monitoring if possible.
Annie will push when she feels the urge to push
Annie will receive labor support from Jeff, Amber or Nicole, Aszani or Carrie
Medications We would prefer not to artificially augment labor with pitocin or other medications.
Please do not offer medications that are not necessary from a clinical standpoint. If Annie desires any form of pain relief or pharmaceutical intervention she will discuss this with her care providers.
Delivery Annie would like to catch the baby if possible
Do not clamp the umbilical cord until it has stopped pulsing
Jeff will cut the cord
Immediate Post-partum Immediate skin-to-skin contact between Annie and the baby
Baby to be held by Annie or Jeff at all times unless separation is clinically necessary
Please delay the newborn assessment until we are ready, we will advise staff when we are ready to separate for assessment.
Baby care Do not offer the baby artificial nipples of any kind
We waive antibiotic eye ointment
We waive hepatitis B shot – we will do this at the 2-month well child
8 Month Pre-natal Visit
32 week OB visit summary
Overall weight gain 22 lbs
In the last month 10 lbs
Fundal Height 32 cm
Fetal Heart rate normal
Blood pressure 120/80
ARRGH! I accidentally deleted by 7 month pre-natal post! I was using my iphone and trying to select my heading details and somehow managed to push cut with my fat finger instead of copy, there was no undo, no saved version. It is gone. *sigh*
So this post has been much delayed due to dismay and aggravation over losing my 7 month post.
At the time I am writing this I am actually almost 9 months pregnant.
What's new?
- Swollen ankles - it must be some cruel cosmic joke that as soon as the weather got nice enough to wear shorts and skirts here in minnesota my ankles decided to turn into cankles. Luckily for me it has been a very late and cool spring here so I haven't roasted to death with my compression stockings.
Are compression stockings really necessary? No. Will they prevent varicose veins? If I had thigh high stockings they would but mine are only knee high. I wore them in my last pregnancy and I have a little bit of spider veins on one of my legs from that. So why wear them? Swollen ankles and feet makes me uncomfortable in a way that is difficult to describe, also one day it was bad enough that it made my toes a little numb. I just plain don't like having swollen ankles. The recommendation is for 20-30 mmHg of compression. The socks are expensive $30-40 a pair. My insurance did cover half of one pair, but who is going to wear the same pair of socks every day -ew.
Last pregnancy I had three pairs that I washed with soap and water at night and wore each one twice with one day off on laundry day. This pregnancy I filled in with three more pairs, so I have a wealth of compression stockings. You know you're jealous.
- Weight gain - my weight gain has been exponential these last 6-8 weeks. I am outside of my goal of 25 lb weight gain now. I try to focus on protein, and foods with low sugar and saturated fat. However, despite my best efforts I have had a return of some days (evenings really) where I am so unendingly hungry that I eat the equivalent of two dinners and two snacks. I don't really feel bad about this. I don't eat when I'm not hungry, and when I do eat I try to choose things that are healthy for me and my baby. I'm not going to go hungry, and that's final. So I guess it is what it is. And I'm still a good 20 lbs under what I was at this point in my last pregnancy so there.
- Anemia - my hemoglobin has remained low but stable at 10.7. I have upped my iron to twice daily (with a nice dose of senna for constipation). My family has made some effort to eat more red meat and dark leafy greens as well. Hopefully it will come up a little more before I deliver.
- Doulas - we have had our first and second meetings with our Doulas Amber Kay and Nicole Strekker. We have ironed out our birth letter which I will post for those who are interested. We are also working on packing our bag for the hospital - all information for the 9 month post.
All in all I'd say things are going along well. Thanks for following, the end is near!
Monday, March 25, 2013
6 Month Pre-Natal visit
25 week OB visit summary
Overall weight gain 12 lbs
In the last month 6 lbs
Fundal Height 25 cm
Fetal Heart rate normal
Blood pressure 111/74
Now more than half way through this pregnancy and I'm starting to get a little tired of this gig. I have to keep reminding myself that this is the easy part and in four months I'll have a new born, a toddler and a post-partum body to deal with so I should really just sit tight.
My belly is getting bigger although pictures reveal it is not as big as it feels. It is roughly basketball sized. I find I can't really wear most of my pre-maternity pants with much comfort anymore. Even with the belly band the zipper itches and my pants are in constant plumber butt mode. I hated my maternity pants that are still serviceable, and the ones I wore did not live. My maternity clothes were sold cheap and made cheap. So it's off to find some new ones.
My appetite has definitely increased. I am at times experiencing moments where it seems I can't get enough to eat. I am sorry to say that I have been giving in to temptation and regularly eating baguettes with butter and jam - bad, bad, bad. I was a little surprised by the weight gain of the last four weeks none-the-less. To make up I am re-upping the protein, and cutting back on the carbs with renewed zeal. Favorite protein snacks include beef jerky that is locally made low salt organic blah, blah, Cheese, nuts, hard boiled eggs, tofu chocolate mousse (see problem of raw cocoa post).
Plus of this point in the pregnancy is regularly feeling the baby move. My girl likes to dance and do somersaults. Her dad has not really been able to feel her kicks from outside yet, still too light, or too infrequent, or aimed at my back or butt.
Sad symptoms this month include fatigue and anemia. The one pro of fatigue is that it is a really good empathy building exercise for me as a medical provider. Fatigue is depressing, and it's debilitating. Just walking up the stairs makes me short of breath. A trip to the grocery store leaves me washed out. It is difficult to make myself use my treadmill but I am making myself do it for at least three hours a week.
I did find out at my recent visit that my hemoglobin is 10.8 (11.5 is low normal for women). This can commonly happen in pregnancy, your blood volume has to increase by 50% as much, that's a lot of red blood cells to make. If you're like me and you surf a line of being normal and anemic there's nothing like being pregnant to push you over the edge. One of the main symptoms of anemia is fatigue. So I have been trying to increase my intake of iron rich foods.
List of iron rich foods 1. Mollusks 2. Liver 3. Squash seeds/pumpkin seeds 4. Beef or lamb 5. beans legumes 6. dark leafy greens
I am also full into night time charlie horses again. These are also known as nocturnal leg cramps, and are common in the second half of pregnancy. I have heard or read several theories as to why these occur including pooling of increased blood volume, shifting pelvis, and low calcium and magnesium. I definitely notice an increase in severity and frequency of cramps if I forget my liquid magnesium before bed. Chiropractic care also seems to help. But man oh man they sure are painful, and the last thing my tired self needs is to be woken up by leg cramps during the night.
In the next four weeks I am planning to have a 3D ultrasound, for fun, and so my son can see the baby (he has not been allowed in to any of our insurance covered ultrasounds). I am hoping to go for more walks outside as the weather here in Minnesota warms up. I am also committed to doing pre-natal yoga at least once a week, although I have yet to start. Wish me luck in sticking to my diet and exercise goals.
Now more than half way through this pregnancy and I'm starting to get a little tired of this gig. I have to keep reminding myself that this is the easy part and in four months I'll have a new born, a toddler and a post-partum body to deal with so I should really just sit tight.
My belly is getting bigger although pictures reveal it is not as big as it feels. It is roughly basketball sized. I find I can't really wear most of my pre-maternity pants with much comfort anymore. Even with the belly band the zipper itches and my pants are in constant plumber butt mode. I hated my maternity pants that are still serviceable, and the ones I wore did not live. My maternity clothes were sold cheap and made cheap. So it's off to find some new ones.
My appetite has definitely increased. I am at times experiencing moments where it seems I can't get enough to eat. I am sorry to say that I have been giving in to temptation and regularly eating baguettes with butter and jam - bad, bad, bad. I was a little surprised by the weight gain of the last four weeks none-the-less. To make up I am re-upping the protein, and cutting back on the carbs with renewed zeal. Favorite protein snacks include beef jerky that is locally made low salt organic blah, blah, Cheese, nuts, hard boiled eggs, tofu chocolate mousse (see problem of raw cocoa post).
Plus of this point in the pregnancy is regularly feeling the baby move. My girl likes to dance and do somersaults. Her dad has not really been able to feel her kicks from outside yet, still too light, or too infrequent, or aimed at my back or butt.
Sad symptoms this month include fatigue and anemia. The one pro of fatigue is that it is a really good empathy building exercise for me as a medical provider. Fatigue is depressing, and it's debilitating. Just walking up the stairs makes me short of breath. A trip to the grocery store leaves me washed out. It is difficult to make myself use my treadmill but I am making myself do it for at least three hours a week.
I did find out at my recent visit that my hemoglobin is 10.8 (11.5 is low normal for women). This can commonly happen in pregnancy, your blood volume has to increase by 50% as much, that's a lot of red blood cells to make. If you're like me and you surf a line of being normal and anemic there's nothing like being pregnant to push you over the edge. One of the main symptoms of anemia is fatigue. So I have been trying to increase my intake of iron rich foods.
List of iron rich foods 1. Mollusks 2. Liver 3. Squash seeds/pumpkin seeds 4. Beef or lamb 5. beans legumes 6. dark leafy greens
I am also full into night time charlie horses again. These are also known as nocturnal leg cramps, and are common in the second half of pregnancy. I have heard or read several theories as to why these occur including pooling of increased blood volume, shifting pelvis, and low calcium and magnesium. I definitely notice an increase in severity and frequency of cramps if I forget my liquid magnesium before bed. Chiropractic care also seems to help. But man oh man they sure are painful, and the last thing my tired self needs is to be woken up by leg cramps during the night.
In the next four weeks I am planning to have a 3D ultrasound, for fun, and so my son can see the baby (he has not been allowed in to any of our insurance covered ultrasounds). I am hoping to go for more walks outside as the weather here in Minnesota warms up. I am also committed to doing pre-natal yoga at least once a week, although I have yet to start. Wish me luck in sticking to my diet and exercise goals.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
The Problem of Raw Cocoa
Here's a problem I've been struggling with - Raw Cocoa tastes awful.
It may have tons of anti-oxidants, and be good for cardiovascular health but it tastes like the most bitter paste imaginable.
Here are some of the things I've tried to bring it into my diet.
1. Adding to protein shake - Consummate Fail. This made the whole shake taste awful and I had to throw it out.
2. Adding to morning coffee - Moderate Fail. The powder falls to the bottom so I had to constantly stir the coffee to make the powder stay in the drink. It also made my coffee more bitter, and drinking it started to feel like a chore instead of a pleasure.
3. Adding to cups of pudding - Moderate success - Two tablespoons of cocoa powder mixed with pudding did not alter the taste of the pudding too much to make it inedible. Problem with this is it was kind-of chalky and I just didn't feel like eating it very much.
Total Calories 150, Protein 3g Carbohydrate 27 g
4. Tofu Chocolate Mousse - this is a recipe that my friend/midwife shared with me before I got pregnant and was trying to lose weight - as a way to get a chocolate fix that would be high protein and low fat. Problem is once you crunch the numbers it's not that much protein and a lot of Carbs. I am trying today with mixing in the cocoa powder to see how it tastes. I used a small amount of cocoa powder the first time because I didn't want to have to toss the whole batch.
It takes the following
1. 2 containers Firm silken tofu
2. 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips/chunks
3. 2 tsp of vanilla extract
And this time 5 TBSP of cocoa powder
Makes 8 servings - each serving 270 calories, Protein 7 g, Carbohydrate 32 g
jury is still out on whether this will be successful.
Other suggestions from friends include mixing cocoa powder with milk and sugar - doesn't sound like it would work to me but I haven't tried it.
And mixing cocoa powder with chocolate ice cream - this sounds delicious but also very bad for you.
I am open to other suggestions.
Oh and another thing that worked but at a high dilution was adding cocoa powder to taco beef and chili, granted it was a very small amount of cocoa - but I got it in there.
Open to suggestions here if any body has some..
It may have tons of anti-oxidants, and be good for cardiovascular health but it tastes like the most bitter paste imaginable.
Here are some of the things I've tried to bring it into my diet.
1. Adding to protein shake - Consummate Fail. This made the whole shake taste awful and I had to throw it out.
2. Adding to morning coffee - Moderate Fail. The powder falls to the bottom so I had to constantly stir the coffee to make the powder stay in the drink. It also made my coffee more bitter, and drinking it started to feel like a chore instead of a pleasure.
3. Adding to cups of pudding - Moderate success - Two tablespoons of cocoa powder mixed with pudding did not alter the taste of the pudding too much to make it inedible. Problem with this is it was kind-of chalky and I just didn't feel like eating it very much.
Total Calories 150, Protein 3g Carbohydrate 27 g
4. Tofu Chocolate Mousse - this is a recipe that my friend/midwife shared with me before I got pregnant and was trying to lose weight - as a way to get a chocolate fix that would be high protein and low fat. Problem is once you crunch the numbers it's not that much protein and a lot of Carbs. I am trying today with mixing in the cocoa powder to see how it tastes. I used a small amount of cocoa powder the first time because I didn't want to have to toss the whole batch.
It takes the following
1. 2 containers Firm silken tofu
2. 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips/chunks
3. 2 tsp of vanilla extract
And this time 5 TBSP of cocoa powder
Makes 8 servings - each serving 270 calories, Protein 7 g, Carbohydrate 32 g
jury is still out on whether this will be successful.
Other suggestions from friends include mixing cocoa powder with milk and sugar - doesn't sound like it would work to me but I haven't tried it.
And mixing cocoa powder with chocolate ice cream - this sounds delicious but also very bad for you.
I am open to other suggestions.
Oh and another thing that worked but at a high dilution was adding cocoa powder to taco beef and chili, granted it was a very small amount of cocoa - but I got it in there.
Open to suggestions here if any body has some..
Thursday, February 21, 2013
5 Month Pre-natal Visit - It's a Girl!
21 week OB visit summary
Overall weight gain 5 lb 9.6 oz
In the last month 2 lbs 9 oz
Fundal Height 21 cm
Fetal Heart rate 145
Blood pressure 122/70
This has been a very exciting four weeks since my last post. Honestly too much excitement.
Let's start with the good stuff.
I'm having a girl! We decided to find out at our 20 week ultrasound the gender of the baby. We didn't find out with our last child, and it just was not as exciting as I hoped. Besides that it was way harder than I could have guessed to find gender neutral baby clothes - even the bottle brushes come in pink and blue! Not that I'm going to run out and buy a bunch of pepto-bismol pink. I would have been happy to have another boy - brothers is great, and plus all of our clothes are boy. I have to admit though that I'm super excited to get to experience having a daughter. And check this out -
Now the not so fun - I had the flu this last month.
And yes it was the flu - I tested laboratory positive
Yes I did get my flu shot - back in september
I wash my hands, I clean my stethoscope, and I wear a mask when patients complain of flu-like symptoms.
The silver lining is I got to the doctor right away and got Tamiflu within 36 hours of the onset of my symptoms. I was only really, really sick for about 36 hours after that. I did end up in the hospital emergency room because I couldn't stop vomiting and had a fever of 103.9. Just Yuck! Not recommended. The only plus here is I think I have the flu to thank for my lack of weight gain. I have been a little bad about diet - eating breads and pasta more than I should. I also didn't use my treadmill for almost two weeks - even though I felt better I was still very fatigued and washed out for about 7-10 days after.
Would I get the flu shot again? In a heart beat. Saying you wouldn't get the flu shot because it didn't prevent the flu 100% of the time, is like saying you stopped wearing your seat belt because you still got in an accident. Any ways from what I've seen in clinic people that didn't get the flu shot got way more sick, and if what I had was not as sick I really don't want to experience the alternative.
I am being pushed out of my pre-maternity clothes. Mostly because my shirts are getting too short. I still have some pants I can button up thanks to how much weight I gained with my last pregnancy I have some extra large regular people pants. I use a thing called the belly belt with my other pants.
This lasted me in my last pregnancy for a long time. I'm really trying to make it till spring because I don't want to buy sweaters and long sleeve shirts that I'll only wear for another four weeks and never again. I also use belly bands to help make my shirts reach but it only takes you so far. These come in a variety of colors.
And that's really it for this month. Trying to persist with my protein shakes and preeclampsia tea. I did not end up getting an exercise video because I realized two things 1. I would have to buy a yoga mat, and 2. I'm never going to exercise at home, I just can't. So plan now is to shell out for pre-natal yoga classes. Still going to the chiropractor and acupuncturist and having no more aches or pains. It's exciting to be half way there, and to be showing - enter the rude and awkward comments from co-workers etc.
Hopefully next month is decidedly less exciting.
Overall weight gain 5 lb 9.6 oz
In the last month 2 lbs 9 oz
Fundal Height 21 cm
Fetal Heart rate 145
Blood pressure 122/70
This has been a very exciting four weeks since my last post. Honestly too much excitement.
Let's start with the good stuff.
I'm having a girl! We decided to find out at our 20 week ultrasound the gender of the baby. We didn't find out with our last child, and it just was not as exciting as I hoped. Besides that it was way harder than I could have guessed to find gender neutral baby clothes - even the bottle brushes come in pink and blue! Not that I'm going to run out and buy a bunch of pepto-bismol pink. I would have been happy to have another boy - brothers is great, and plus all of our clothes are boy. I have to admit though that I'm super excited to get to experience having a daughter. And check this out -
Now the not so fun - I had the flu this last month.
And yes it was the flu - I tested laboratory positive
Yes I did get my flu shot - back in september
I wash my hands, I clean my stethoscope, and I wear a mask when patients complain of flu-like symptoms.
The silver lining is I got to the doctor right away and got Tamiflu within 36 hours of the onset of my symptoms. I was only really, really sick for about 36 hours after that. I did end up in the hospital emergency room because I couldn't stop vomiting and had a fever of 103.9. Just Yuck! Not recommended. The only plus here is I think I have the flu to thank for my lack of weight gain. I have been a little bad about diet - eating breads and pasta more than I should. I also didn't use my treadmill for almost two weeks - even though I felt better I was still very fatigued and washed out for about 7-10 days after.
Would I get the flu shot again? In a heart beat. Saying you wouldn't get the flu shot because it didn't prevent the flu 100% of the time, is like saying you stopped wearing your seat belt because you still got in an accident. Any ways from what I've seen in clinic people that didn't get the flu shot got way more sick, and if what I had was not as sick I really don't want to experience the alternative.
I am being pushed out of my pre-maternity clothes. Mostly because my shirts are getting too short. I still have some pants I can button up thanks to how much weight I gained with my last pregnancy I have some extra large regular people pants. I use a thing called the belly belt with my other pants.
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| Link to buy |
Hopefully next month is decidedly less exciting.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
4 month Pre-natal Visit
Stats:
Total weight gain 3 lbs
Total in last month 1 lb
Fetal heart tones 150's
Fetal movement present during exam
The big news for me at this visit is I get my week back! Woot!
At the nuchal translucency they estimated the baby's age to be about a week less than I had thought by dates, which might not seem like a big deal but it really was to me. Now my midwife says that likely my conception and period dates are far more accurate than the ultrasound and we should stick with that. So I am officially 17 weeks.
The constipation of the first trimester has resolved - thank god. I do still have some back aches but these are minor compared to what they were before. I am under regular chiropractic and acupuncture care.
I have been waiting for my second trimester energy spurt - maybe that comes later the second time? I find myself going to bed at 8:30 sometimes. To be fair I am not as tired as I was last month.
Also I am starting to show which is nice. I love a pregnant belly, can't wait for it to get even bigger.
Exercise has been somewhat dismal - maybe 2 hours a week at best. I know I need to do better.
Excited to find out the baby's gender in three weeks. We didn't find out last time but this time I want to know.
Otherwise everything is routine and run of the mill - just the way you want it to be.
Total weight gain 3 lbs
Total in last month 1 lb
Fetal heart tones 150's
Fetal movement present during exam
The big news for me at this visit is I get my week back! Woot!
At the nuchal translucency they estimated the baby's age to be about a week less than I had thought by dates, which might not seem like a big deal but it really was to me. Now my midwife says that likely my conception and period dates are far more accurate than the ultrasound and we should stick with that. So I am officially 17 weeks.
The constipation of the first trimester has resolved - thank god. I do still have some back aches but these are minor compared to what they were before. I am under regular chiropractic and acupuncture care.
I have been waiting for my second trimester energy spurt - maybe that comes later the second time? I find myself going to bed at 8:30 sometimes. To be fair I am not as tired as I was last month.
Also I am starting to show which is nice. I love a pregnant belly, can't wait for it to get even bigger.
Exercise has been somewhat dismal - maybe 2 hours a week at best. I know I need to do better.
Excited to find out the baby's gender in three weeks. We didn't find out last time but this time I want to know.
Otherwise everything is routine and run of the mill - just the way you want it to be.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
The Constipated Pregnancy
Re: Constipation.
Wow! I do not remember being this constipated in my last pregnancy!
It finaly seems to be easing now that I am stepping firmly into my second trimester.
I do eat a lot of whole fruits, and a midling amount of steamed or baked veggies. Also everything we eat is whole grain or whole wheat. Of course one can always get more fiber - I could chew lettuce topped with grapenuts, but let's talk about what's realistic here.
Here are the things that I tried for treatment:
1. Fiber Powder: Metamucil mixed with 12 ounces of Water
-effect - overall increased feeling of bloatedness, and increased stool bulk, no relief of constipation
-tolerability - very tolerable - the orange taste is actually kind of nice, and it gets me to drink more water
- pregnancy safety - 4 stars - not absorbed
2. Walking - no less than 30 minutes per day
-effect - increased sensation of urge to defecate, no relief of constipation
-tolerability - moderate - it's hard to get on that treadmil when you're tired and you've had a long day and your back hurts, but in the end it actually increased my energy
- pregnancy safety - 5 stars - moderate to mild exercise always recommended in pregnancy
3. Switching to liquid Calcium Magnesium Supplement
- effect - decreased muscle cramps and back pain, no relief of constipation symptoms
-tolerability - moderate - the stuff I have tastes like vanilla but it's still a thing I have to take
-pregnancy safety - 5 stars - calcium and magnesium are recommended in pregnancy - see vitamins and supplements post
4. Aloe liquid
- effect - none discernable
- tolerability - low, this stuff tastes fairly awful although I have had worse
- pregnancy safety -2.5 stars - unknown
5. Senna 17.6 mg at bedtime
- effect - over relief of constipation or no effect - ie diarrhea
- tolerability - very good - just throw it on the pile with the other pills
- Pregnancy safety - 3.5 stars - Short-term use of senna is generally considered safe during pregnancy*
5. Colace - Docusate Sodium 100 mg Oral Three times daily
- effect - fair relief - easier bowel movements although not as soft as could be desired
- tolerability - fair/moderate- easy enough to swallow these but hard to remember to take something three times a day
- pregnancy safety - 3 stars- Short-term use of docusate is generally considered safe during pregnancy*
* Mahadevan U and Kane S, "American Gastroenterological Association Institute Medical Position Statement on the Use of Gastrointestinal Medications in Pregnancy," Gastroenterology, 2006, 131(1):278-82
Wow! I do not remember being this constipated in my last pregnancy!
It finaly seems to be easing now that I am stepping firmly into my second trimester.
I do eat a lot of whole fruits, and a midling amount of steamed or baked veggies. Also everything we eat is whole grain or whole wheat. Of course one can always get more fiber - I could chew lettuce topped with grapenuts, but let's talk about what's realistic here.
Here are the things that I tried for treatment:
1. Fiber Powder: Metamucil mixed with 12 ounces of Water
-effect - overall increased feeling of bloatedness, and increased stool bulk, no relief of constipation
-tolerability - very tolerable - the orange taste is actually kind of nice, and it gets me to drink more water
- pregnancy safety - 4 stars - not absorbed
2. Walking - no less than 30 minutes per day
-effect - increased sensation of urge to defecate, no relief of constipation
-tolerability - moderate - it's hard to get on that treadmil when you're tired and you've had a long day and your back hurts, but in the end it actually increased my energy
- pregnancy safety - 5 stars - moderate to mild exercise always recommended in pregnancy
3. Switching to liquid Calcium Magnesium Supplement
- effect - decreased muscle cramps and back pain, no relief of constipation symptoms
-tolerability - moderate - the stuff I have tastes like vanilla but it's still a thing I have to take
-pregnancy safety - 5 stars - calcium and magnesium are recommended in pregnancy - see vitamins and supplements post
4. Aloe liquid
- effect - none discernable
- tolerability - low, this stuff tastes fairly awful although I have had worse
- pregnancy safety -2.5 stars - unknown
5. Senna 17.6 mg at bedtime
- effect - over relief of constipation or no effect - ie diarrhea
- tolerability - very good - just throw it on the pile with the other pills
- Pregnancy safety - 3.5 stars - Short-term use of senna is generally considered safe during pregnancy*
5. Colace - Docusate Sodium 100 mg Oral Three times daily
- effect - fair relief - easier bowel movements although not as soft as could be desired
- tolerability - fair/moderate- easy enough to swallow these but hard to remember to take something three times a day
- pregnancy safety - 3 stars- Short-term use of docusate is generally considered safe during pregnancy*
* Mahadevan U and Kane S, "American Gastroenterological Association Institute Medical Position Statement on the Use of Gastrointestinal Medications in Pregnancy," Gastroenterology, 2006, 131(1):278-82
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Protein Shake
Let's take a minute to talk about our friend's protein shake.
I am referring to the woman who inspired me to write this blog, and my friend in my head Brittany Susan.
This shake is a direct steal from her blog.
Her recipe reads as follows
" 3 scoops soy protein powder from Trader Joe's, plus a splash of juice, greek yogurt & some fruit & spinach"
Like any good groupie I ran out and bought the protein powder and tried to make the smoothie. Here is what I have come up with that works for me
1. 1 cup partially thawed frozen fruit (no sugar added)
2. 1 banana
3. 1 cup total greek yogurt 2-0%
4. 1 tbsp of steamed pureed kale
5. 2 scoops of trader joe's soy protein powder dissolved in 4 oz 1% milk
I could not get 3 scoops of that protein powder to liquify with a "splash" of anything, I wanted to stay away from juice since it's basically liquid sugar which is why I went with milk. This is a good breakfast and holds me for about 4 hours.
This is when I have a handful of nuts to get me that last hour to lunch.
Cheers!
I am referring to the woman who inspired me to write this blog, and my friend in my head Brittany Susan.
This shake is a direct steal from her blog.
Her recipe reads as follows
" 3 scoops soy protein powder from Trader Joe's, plus a splash of juice, greek yogurt & some fruit & spinach"
Like any good groupie I ran out and bought the protein powder and tried to make the smoothie. Here is what I have come up with that works for me
1. 1 cup partially thawed frozen fruit (no sugar added)
2. 1 banana
3. 1 cup total greek yogurt 2-0%
4. 1 tbsp of steamed pureed kale
5. 2 scoops of trader joe's soy protein powder dissolved in 4 oz 1% milk
I could not get 3 scoops of that protein powder to liquify with a "splash" of anything, I wanted to stay away from juice since it's basically liquid sugar which is why I went with milk. This is a good breakfast and holds me for about 4 hours.
This is when I have a handful of nuts to get me that last hour to lunch.
Cheers!
Second Pre-natal Visit
Stats Weight +2.5 lbs
Fetal Heart tones 155-161 bpm
Crown Rump Length Measured by Ultrasound 5.79 cm
Gestational age estimated to be 12 weeks today, so due date is now officially July 10th.
So far so good. Although the holiday eating combined with a lack of exercise has contributed to a bump in my weight.
It is hard to exercise with back pain. Lately however my pain has been much improved and I am back on the wagon doing my treadmill. This weekend I am going to buy a pre-natal workout DVD and try it at home. I can't find a way to rent one, and I guess I can risk the $15-20 it will cost to buy one.
My midwife's advice to me today - eat 6 small meals a day with protein and vegetable
Avoid caffeine and drink water
She also said that I need to do some processing to release some of the trauma surrounding my previous birth. It was nice to hear her say that because sometimes I feel like such a winer complaining about my beautiful, vaginal, optimized birth experience. It's nice to have someone empathize with you.
Such a good provider (cascading hearts).
nuchal translucency was all normal - my risk of a down syndrome baby is now 1 in 8041, and of trisomy 18/13 1 in >10,000
I'm not at all sure what we would have done with a negative result, and it is nice not to have to really figure that out. And it was nice to see that little person swimming around.
Fetal Heart tones 155-161 bpm
Crown Rump Length Measured by Ultrasound 5.79 cm
Gestational age estimated to be 12 weeks today, so due date is now officially July 10th.
So far so good. Although the holiday eating combined with a lack of exercise has contributed to a bump in my weight.
It is hard to exercise with back pain. Lately however my pain has been much improved and I am back on the wagon doing my treadmill. This weekend I am going to buy a pre-natal workout DVD and try it at home. I can't find a way to rent one, and I guess I can risk the $15-20 it will cost to buy one.
My midwife's advice to me today - eat 6 small meals a day with protein and vegetable
Avoid caffeine and drink water
She also said that I need to do some processing to release some of the trauma surrounding my previous birth. It was nice to hear her say that because sometimes I feel like such a winer complaining about my beautiful, vaginal, optimized birth experience. It's nice to have someone empathize with you.
Such a good provider (cascading hearts).
nuchal translucency was all normal - my risk of a down syndrome baby is now 1 in 8041, and of trisomy 18/13 1 in >10,000
I'm not at all sure what we would have done with a negative result, and it is nice not to have to really figure that out. And it was nice to see that little person swimming around.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Prenatal vitamins and supplements part 2
Now we get to the crazy stuff.
The stuff that may or may not have a lot of science behind it. Things that probably can't hurt and might help, and I'm grasping at any straws I can when it comes to preventing preeclampsia.
There have been no conclusive research studies showing any concrete evidence that any thing prevents preeclampsia.
Be advised the craziness increases as you go down the page
1. Aspirin 81 mg per day - As my midwife will tell you this is not a vitamin or supplement it is a drug. More specifically an anti-platelet drug which may increase your risk for bleeding. So DO NOT take it without talking to your medical provider. I began this only after I found out I was pregnant because I didn't want to bleed a ton during my periods.
There is mixed evidence - in my opinion - on aspirin for lowering the risk of pre-eclampsia, some small studies showed a good benefit, while other larger studies which included more lower risk women did not. In the end it did not show any harm, and I feel the possibility of a benefit is worth it if the risk is low. *
2. Selenium 100 mcg per day - why am I taking this? Because my mentor pregnancy blogger took it. She posted about a tiny tiny itsy bitsy study that only contained 166 patients. Three of the women who did not take the selenium developed preeclampsia, and none of the women taking selenium did. Is it a scientific conclusion that taking selenium will help - no. Will it hurt, no. Am I taking it - yes I am. *
3. Vitamin B12 - I actually found out from my doctor that my vitamin B12 level was about 200 ng/dL. While this is not considered deficiency, I believe I was having symptoms of inadequate vitamin B12 (tingling in my fingers which has disappeared since I started on B12). Most studies have not shown a correlation between B12 levels and preeclampsia. There is some evidence that deficiency may relate to development of HELLP syndrome which is related to preeclampsia.*
Recommended daily intake during pregnancy is 2.6 mcg per day.*
4. Turmeric - More specifically I take Meriva which is made by Thorne. I work with some naturopathic doctors who are renowned in the twin cities and I talked with them about ways to reduce the inflammatory response. This is my own thinking that since preeclampsia is an inflammatory autoimmune condition that I can therefore lessen or prevent it by lowering my own inflammatory response. Turmeric contains curcumin which is an antioxidant that lowers the presence of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation. At the very least it has helped with my back pain. *
5. Raw cocoa powder - okay yuck, just yuck. If it tastes bad it must be good for you right? I disguise this by mixing it with my morning coffee. And no this is not a caffeine free pregnancy - I work full time in family practice and I have a 2 year old okay. Raw (non-dutched) cocoa powder is high in flavanoids which are a kind of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory. There have not been many well done studies on the use of cocoa, however there does seem to be a great deal of evidence that it promotes cardiovascular health. When your blood volume is increasing by 50% and you are at risk for a disease which is mediated by endothelial factors what could be better- and once again it certainly can't hurt. *
Besides this I also take Cranberry extract 400 mg per day because I had some trouble with urinary tract infections in my previous pregnancy. I am also taking Zinc to reduce the frequency and severity of viral infections. I work in primary care and sick people cough in my face at least twice a day. I read a study in clinician reviews earlier this year that showed an effect of zinc on lowering frequency and severity of colds, and I can tell you from my n of one, that it works.
One of my co-workers asked me if all these pills and supplements make me feel full, and the answer is maybe? I am a great taker of pills, I have no problems swallowing them although the omega 3's give me the fishy burps. It's not forever it's just until July, and really I can do this for as long as that.
The stuff that may or may not have a lot of science behind it. Things that probably can't hurt and might help, and I'm grasping at any straws I can when it comes to preventing preeclampsia.
There have been no conclusive research studies showing any concrete evidence that any thing prevents preeclampsia.
Be advised the craziness increases as you go down the page
1. Aspirin 81 mg per day - As my midwife will tell you this is not a vitamin or supplement it is a drug. More specifically an anti-platelet drug which may increase your risk for bleeding. So DO NOT take it without talking to your medical provider. I began this only after I found out I was pregnant because I didn't want to bleed a ton during my periods.
There is mixed evidence - in my opinion - on aspirin for lowering the risk of pre-eclampsia, some small studies showed a good benefit, while other larger studies which included more lower risk women did not. In the end it did not show any harm, and I feel the possibility of a benefit is worth it if the risk is low. *
2. Selenium 100 mcg per day - why am I taking this? Because my mentor pregnancy blogger took it. She posted about a tiny tiny itsy bitsy study that only contained 166 patients. Three of the women who did not take the selenium developed preeclampsia, and none of the women taking selenium did. Is it a scientific conclusion that taking selenium will help - no. Will it hurt, no. Am I taking it - yes I am. *
3. Vitamin B12 - I actually found out from my doctor that my vitamin B12 level was about 200 ng/dL. While this is not considered deficiency, I believe I was having symptoms of inadequate vitamin B12 (tingling in my fingers which has disappeared since I started on B12). Most studies have not shown a correlation between B12 levels and preeclampsia. There is some evidence that deficiency may relate to development of HELLP syndrome which is related to preeclampsia.*
Recommended daily intake during pregnancy is 2.6 mcg per day.*
4. Turmeric - More specifically I take Meriva which is made by Thorne. I work with some naturopathic doctors who are renowned in the twin cities and I talked with them about ways to reduce the inflammatory response. This is my own thinking that since preeclampsia is an inflammatory autoimmune condition that I can therefore lessen or prevent it by lowering my own inflammatory response. Turmeric contains curcumin which is an antioxidant that lowers the presence of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation. At the very least it has helped with my back pain. *
5. Raw cocoa powder - okay yuck, just yuck. If it tastes bad it must be good for you right? I disguise this by mixing it with my morning coffee. And no this is not a caffeine free pregnancy - I work full time in family practice and I have a 2 year old okay. Raw (non-dutched) cocoa powder is high in flavanoids which are a kind of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory. There have not been many well done studies on the use of cocoa, however there does seem to be a great deal of evidence that it promotes cardiovascular health. When your blood volume is increasing by 50% and you are at risk for a disease which is mediated by endothelial factors what could be better- and once again it certainly can't hurt. *
Besides this I also take Cranberry extract 400 mg per day because I had some trouble with urinary tract infections in my previous pregnancy. I am also taking Zinc to reduce the frequency and severity of viral infections. I work in primary care and sick people cough in my face at least twice a day. I read a study in clinician reviews earlier this year that showed an effect of zinc on lowering frequency and severity of colds, and I can tell you from my n of one, that it works.
One of my co-workers asked me if all these pills and supplements make me feel full, and the answer is maybe? I am a great taker of pills, I have no problems swallowing them although the omega 3's give me the fishy burps. It's not forever it's just until July, and really I can do this for as long as that.
Prenatal Vitamins and Supplements part 1
What a mis-nomer, since you not only take it before you become pregnant but all through your pregnancy and breast feeding!
Before I became pregnant I only took 1 mg of Folic acid per day.
Folic acid is necessary to prevent neural tube defects, and the fetus' neural tube forms in the first four weeks after conception - which is before most people know they are pregnant, thus the reason to start before.
I have a beef with combination pre-natal vitamins, they have way to much of things you don't need like vitamin A (which can cause birth defects if taken in excess) and not enough of other things like calcium and vitamin D.
Since I found out I was pregnant I began to take the following
1. DHA-EPA 1 gram per day: These are the omega-3 essential fatty acids in fish oil—are crucial throughout life, but especially during pregnancy, when a woman's demand for DHA in particular increases substantially. DHA comprises approximately 20% of the fatty acid in the brain's cerebral cortex. That's why DHA is among the most important nutrients for pregnant and lactating women. The DHA consumed by expectant moms sets the foundation for her baby's developing brain, eyes, and nervous system.*
2. Calcium 500 mg twice daily - Calcium is a nutrient needed in the body to build strong teeth and bones. Calcium also allows blood to clot normally, muscles and nerves to function properly, and the heart to beat normally. Most of the calcium in your body is found inside your bones.
A growing baby needs a considerable amount of calcium to develop. If you do not consume enough calcium to sustain the needs of your developing baby, your body will take calcium from your bones, decreasing your bone mass and putting you at risk for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis initiates dramatic thinning of the bone, resulting in weak, brittle bones that can easily be broken.
3. Magnesium 400 mg daily - This is a vitamin that works in conjunction with calcium. It reduces the likelihood of preterm labor, and is important for baby's bone and teeth development. There is also some indication that magnesium may reduce nausea in the first trimester. I started taking magnesium years ago to reduce the frequency and severity of my tension headaches. It also works to calm leg cramps and round ligament pains in pregnancy
Recommended daily allowance in Pregnant women, 19 to 30 years of age: 350 milligrams (mg) of magnesium per day *
4. Vitamin D 5000 Units daily - I live in Minnesota where six months out of the year you would have to stand outside naked for three hours at high noon to make enough vitamin D, so I was already taking this before pregnancy. It is more important though during pregnancy and lactation. Vitamin D supports immune function and is needed to absorb and store calcium for bone growth and nerve function. The previous recommended daily allowance of vitamin d was 400 Units a day, but you should get your vitamin d level checked by a medical provider and discuss appropriate supplementation based on your blood level.*
I defy you to find a pre natal vitamin that contains all of these items at their recommended allowance and less than 4000 units of Vitamin A.
If you have an interest in taking your vitamins and supplements to the next level of craziness please see part 2 of this post.
Before I became pregnant I only took 1 mg of Folic acid per day.
Folic acid is necessary to prevent neural tube defects, and the fetus' neural tube forms in the first four weeks after conception - which is before most people know they are pregnant, thus the reason to start before.
I have a beef with combination pre-natal vitamins, they have way to much of things you don't need like vitamin A (which can cause birth defects if taken in excess) and not enough of other things like calcium and vitamin D.
Since I found out I was pregnant I began to take the following
1. DHA-EPA 1 gram per day: These are the omega-3 essential fatty acids in fish oil—are crucial throughout life, but especially during pregnancy, when a woman's demand for DHA in particular increases substantially. DHA comprises approximately 20% of the fatty acid in the brain's cerebral cortex. That's why DHA is among the most important nutrients for pregnant and lactating women. The DHA consumed by expectant moms sets the foundation for her baby's developing brain, eyes, and nervous system.*
A growing baby needs a considerable amount of calcium to develop. If you do not consume enough calcium to sustain the needs of your developing baby, your body will take calcium from your bones, decreasing your bone mass and putting you at risk for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis initiates dramatic thinning of the bone, resulting in weak, brittle bones that can easily be broken.
- The U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (USRDA) for calcium is 1200 milligrams (mg) per day for pregnant and lactating (breastfeeding) women over age 24. The USRDA for women under age 24 is 1200 to 1500 mg. of calcium per day.
Pregnancy is a critical time for a woman to consume more calcium. Even if no problems develop during pregnancy, an inadequate supply of calcium at this time can diminish bone strength and increase your risk for osteoporosis later in life.*
3. Magnesium 400 mg daily - This is a vitamin that works in conjunction with calcium. It reduces the likelihood of preterm labor, and is important for baby's bone and teeth development. There is also some indication that magnesium may reduce nausea in the first trimester. I started taking magnesium years ago to reduce the frequency and severity of my tension headaches. It also works to calm leg cramps and round ligament pains in pregnancy
Recommended daily allowance in Pregnant women, 19 to 30 years of age: 350 milligrams (mg) of magnesium per day *
4. Vitamin D 5000 Units daily - I live in Minnesota where six months out of the year you would have to stand outside naked for three hours at high noon to make enough vitamin D, so I was already taking this before pregnancy. It is more important though during pregnancy and lactation. Vitamin D supports immune function and is needed to absorb and store calcium for bone growth and nerve function. The previous recommended daily allowance of vitamin d was 400 Units a day, but you should get your vitamin d level checked by a medical provider and discuss appropriate supplementation based on your blood level.*
I defy you to find a pre natal vitamin that contains all of these items at their recommended allowance and less than 4000 units of Vitamin A.
If you have an interest in taking your vitamins and supplements to the next level of craziness please see part 2 of this post.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Preventing Pre-eclampsia First trimester
This is the second post regarding my quest for pre-eclampsia prevention
Back story can be found in an earlier post from this date.
The first trimester is over! Woot!
So far I have met my goal of not gaining any weight in the first trimester and actually lost two pounds.
I have had two visits with my Midwife so far. We are now planning to deliver at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital. The reason for this is that is where my midwife Aszani Stoddard now works. Wherever she goes so follows my uterus, I wouldn't dream of going to anyone else.
Apart from that I miss Health Foundations. They had such a nice warm welcoming atmosphere, and a much more kid friendly waiting room and exam room, that my son had he been there ex-utero would have loved. That said Aszani is now at Park Nicollet, and it will be nice to bill our care to our insurance instead of paying out of pocket. I have zero complaints about the staff, the scheduling, the parking, anything about the park nicollet clinic. It's just not my cushy ritzy birth center.
We also had our nuchal translucency scan. As it happens the baby was 1 mm too short to do the test but I got to see the kiddo. Really neat since I can't feel the baby move to see confirmation that there is a little person cooking in there.
First trimester symptoms have included mostly fatigue, and in the past three weeks upper back pain. I have not had any nausea really (don't hate).
I had some aches in my arms with my last pregnancy while trying to paint the entire interior of my home, nesting anyone (?). This was speedily fixed with chiropractic care. I had never been to a chiropractor before and grudgingly went after begging my midwife to let me take ibuprofen. She flicked my wrist and the pain was gone. Just like that. I went to her for my entire pregnancy and had very little in the way of aches and pains as a result.
This time it took me about two weeks or so to realize that it was pregnancy related and not just your run of the mill back-ache. I do have a 33 lb toddler who always wants his mommy to carry him everywhere. I finally got it together and went to the chiropractor. She was able to fix my shoulder right away, but my mid back has persisted in being a problem. two more visits to the chiropractor and to the acupuncturist and it seems to be getting better. What a relief! I have new found sympathy for those who suffer with chronic back pain.
A word about chiropractors and acupuncturists in pregnancy. Don't go to just anybody, go to a provider who specializes in women's health and pre-natal care. Just like you wouldn't ask your orthopedist to treat your stomach pain, not every practitioner knows everything about everything.
I see Amber Moraveck for chiropractic
and Stefanie Beniek for acupuncture
both are highly recommended
For exercise I have been doing the treadmill desk (see treadmill desk post), I went to one pre-natal yoga class but felt silly for being only eight weeks at the time. I am currently considering whether to get a yoga or work-out DVD to save money. The fear being that I will lose the money spent on the DVD and never use it. I have NEVER done a work-out at home.
I think I'm going to create another post about supplements this is getting long.
Cheers.
Back story can be found in an earlier post from this date.
The first trimester is over! Woot!
So far I have met my goal of not gaining any weight in the first trimester and actually lost two pounds.
I have had two visits with my Midwife so far. We are now planning to deliver at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital. The reason for this is that is where my midwife Aszani Stoddard now works. Wherever she goes so follows my uterus, I wouldn't dream of going to anyone else.
Apart from that I miss Health Foundations. They had such a nice warm welcoming atmosphere, and a much more kid friendly waiting room and exam room, that my son had he been there ex-utero would have loved. That said Aszani is now at Park Nicollet, and it will be nice to bill our care to our insurance instead of paying out of pocket. I have zero complaints about the staff, the scheduling, the parking, anything about the park nicollet clinic. It's just not my cushy ritzy birth center.
We also had our nuchal translucency scan. As it happens the baby was 1 mm too short to do the test but I got to see the kiddo. Really neat since I can't feel the baby move to see confirmation that there is a little person cooking in there.
First trimester symptoms have included mostly fatigue, and in the past three weeks upper back pain. I have not had any nausea really (don't hate).
I had some aches in my arms with my last pregnancy while trying to paint the entire interior of my home, nesting anyone (?). This was speedily fixed with chiropractic care. I had never been to a chiropractor before and grudgingly went after begging my midwife to let me take ibuprofen. She flicked my wrist and the pain was gone. Just like that. I went to her for my entire pregnancy and had very little in the way of aches and pains as a result.
This time it took me about two weeks or so to realize that it was pregnancy related and not just your run of the mill back-ache. I do have a 33 lb toddler who always wants his mommy to carry him everywhere. I finally got it together and went to the chiropractor. She was able to fix my shoulder right away, but my mid back has persisted in being a problem. two more visits to the chiropractor and to the acupuncturist and it seems to be getting better. What a relief! I have new found sympathy for those who suffer with chronic back pain.
A word about chiropractors and acupuncturists in pregnancy. Don't go to just anybody, go to a provider who specializes in women's health and pre-natal care. Just like you wouldn't ask your orthopedist to treat your stomach pain, not every practitioner knows everything about everything.
I see Amber Moraveck for chiropractic
and Stefanie Beniek for acupuncture
both are highly recommended
For exercise I have been doing the treadmill desk (see treadmill desk post), I went to one pre-natal yoga class but felt silly for being only eight weeks at the time. I am currently considering whether to get a yoga or work-out DVD to save money. The fear being that I will lose the money spent on the DVD and never use it. I have NEVER done a work-out at home.
I think I'm going to create another post about supplements this is getting long.
Cheers.
Pregnancy Blogging - Preeclampsia History
Rather than just blog about places to eat and things to do with your kids I have decided also to blog about my current pregnancy. I have been inspired by a blog that was recommended to me by a friend.
It is all about a mom who had pre-eclampsia with her first two pregnancies and how she prevented it in her third pregnancy.
http://pregnantafterapreemie.
Her blog inspired me and made me realize that it is time to get serious.
This post will be about the history of my first pregnancy:
After this I intend to talk about what I'm doing for prevention, symptoms that arise and how I manage them.
Here is my story in brief. With my first pregnancy I had an easy time of it. I had hardly any nausea, and some fatigue that all evaporated after the first trimester. I went to pre-natal yoga at blooma (thanks to a chinook coupon) at least once if not twice a week, and starting in about week 20-25 I began following the Brewer diet. It was during a pre-natal yoga session that I noticed that my ankles were swelling. I rushed to my midwife's office, they checked my blood pressure and reassured me that everything was ok.
Disclaimer: I am a family nurse practitioner and can tend toward over-self-diagnosis sometimes
The swelling in my legs increased and I began to wear compression stockings from morning till evening which was easy to do considering it was the fall-winter. Next I noticed my hand was swollen, and I had to go to a Jeweler to remove my ring. I proceeded to wear this lord of the rings style for the next four months or so. I also began to measure large for dates by about an inch or so.
After 10 hours of active labor I managed to give birth vaginally to my son who weighed 7 lbs 7 oz, and was spot on 37 weeks gestation that day.
So far so good, except then I had a retained placenta which had to be manually removed - ouch.
Following this I lost about 2 liters of blood.
Ok now, I'm good with my supportive husband and newborn baby right? Except that by day four post partum my milk has not come in and my little boy has lost almost a pound - not to mention he looks like an oopa loompa because of neonatal jaundice.
And I am swollen up like the michellin man from all the IV fluids I received in the hospital. Nothing like cankles to make a new mom feel sexy.
As it turns out being intravascularly dehydrated with a hemoglobin of 6.2 (low normal is 12) makes it hard to produce breast milk.
So it's back to the hospital for 2 Units of packed red blood cells, that is after they stick me 12 times (last three with ulrasound and a PIC nurse - not only is it hard to make breast milk it is also hard to find your veins) and mull over the fact that I have a positive antibody screen (because I just received rhogam duh).
While this is going on we've started giving our son supplemental feedings with an S&S tube. We are using donor breast milk because I just cannot give him formula. If you asked me now if I thought a little formula was the end of the world I would say no, but at that time in my life when I felt so out of control and so lost I just could not bear it. With nursing 10 minutes on a side, and pumping for 10 minutes, and feeding with S&S tube, and changing diaper etc each feeding takes 90 minutes - that's every two hours.
Also I still have high blood pressure so I have to go on bed rest and continue taking Labetalol for an additional two weeks. Minor deal considering this is my first baby and I don't have other duties to perform.
Six weeks later thanks to a lot of Lactation support and donor breast milk and a post-partum doula, and domperidone I have established a healthy breastfeeding relationship with my son.
I also gained about 25 pounds that would not go away - it's hard to know how much I gained during the pregnancy since after I began retaining water I stopped paying attention. Also my midwives' scale would blank out after 200 lbs (ouch!).
On the whole although I had a very wonderful birth experience almost everything that happened afterwards was deeply traumatic for me and I would like to prevent it if at all possible this second time around.
It's a double edged sword that pre-eclampsia is a disease of first timers, but also the number one risk for pre-eclampsia in a subsequent pregnancy is a previous history of pre-eclampsia. It is still a poorly understood phenomenon but is thought to be caused an autoimmune reaction to the placenta (read allergic to your husband). I'm still married to the same guy, and I'm older now (another risk factor). So here we go. If I get it so be it, I just want to feel I did what I could to prevent it.
for More information on preeclampsia go to http://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/1215/p2317.html
It is all about a mom who had pre-eclampsia with her first two pregnancies and how she prevented it in her third pregnancy.
http://pregnantafterapreemie.
Her blog inspired me and made me realize that it is time to get serious.
This post will be about the history of my first pregnancy:
After this I intend to talk about what I'm doing for prevention, symptoms that arise and how I manage them.
Here is my story in brief. With my first pregnancy I had an easy time of it. I had hardly any nausea, and some fatigue that all evaporated after the first trimester. I went to pre-natal yoga at blooma (thanks to a chinook coupon) at least once if not twice a week, and starting in about week 20-25 I began following the Brewer diet. It was during a pre-natal yoga session that I noticed that my ankles were swelling. I rushed to my midwife's office, they checked my blood pressure and reassured me that everything was ok.
Disclaimer: I am a family nurse practitioner and can tend toward over-self-diagnosis sometimes
The swelling in my legs increased and I began to wear compression stockings from morning till evening which was easy to do considering it was the fall-winter. Next I noticed my hand was swollen, and I had to go to a Jeweler to remove my ring. I proceeded to wear this lord of the rings style for the next four months or so. I also began to measure large for dates by about an inch or so.
Still everything seemed fine and normal until my check up at 35 weeks - suddenly my blood pressure was 135-140/90. My midwife told me to go home, rest, and not worry (Ha!), come back the next day for a blood pressure re-check. At that point my blood pressure was 140-145/95. The inevitable 24 hour urine protein collection was a sad affair with less than 1000 cc's of urine and greater than 900 of protein.
I transferred out of Health Foundations birth center and to Dr. Hartung at Hudson Hospital in Wisconsin. He works with the birth center midwives and is renowned for being the most midwife friendly doctor in the area.
I had a foley bulb induction with pitocin and the requisite magnesium, as well as large doses of labetalol and hydralazine to keep my blood pressure to 160 systolic.
So far so good, except then I had a retained placenta which had to be manually removed - ouch.
Ok now, I'm good with my supportive husband and newborn baby right? Except that by day four post partum my milk has not come in and my little boy has lost almost a pound - not to mention he looks like an oopa loompa because of neonatal jaundice.
As it turns out being intravascularly dehydrated with a hemoglobin of 6.2 (low normal is 12) makes it hard to produce breast milk.
So it's back to the hospital for 2 Units of packed red blood cells, that is after they stick me 12 times (last three with ulrasound and a PIC nurse - not only is it hard to make breast milk it is also hard to find your veins) and mull over the fact that I have a positive antibody screen (because I just received rhogam duh).
While this is going on we've started giving our son supplemental feedings with an S&S tube. We are using donor breast milk because I just cannot give him formula. If you asked me now if I thought a little formula was the end of the world I would say no, but at that time in my life when I felt so out of control and so lost I just could not bear it. With nursing 10 minutes on a side, and pumping for 10 minutes, and feeding with S&S tube, and changing diaper etc each feeding takes 90 minutes - that's every two hours.
Also I still have high blood pressure so I have to go on bed rest and continue taking Labetalol for an additional two weeks. Minor deal considering this is my first baby and I don't have other duties to perform.
Six weeks later thanks to a lot of Lactation support and donor breast milk and a post-partum doula, and domperidone I have established a healthy breastfeeding relationship with my son.
I also gained about 25 pounds that would not go away - it's hard to know how much I gained during the pregnancy since after I began retaining water I stopped paying attention. Also my midwives' scale would blank out after 200 lbs (ouch!).
On the whole although I had a very wonderful birth experience almost everything that happened afterwards was deeply traumatic for me and I would like to prevent it if at all possible this second time around.
It's a double edged sword that pre-eclampsia is a disease of first timers, but also the number one risk for pre-eclampsia in a subsequent pregnancy is a previous history of pre-eclampsia. It is still a poorly understood phenomenon but is thought to be caused an autoimmune reaction to the placenta (read allergic to your husband). I'm still married to the same guy, and I'm older now (another risk factor). So here we go. If I get it so be it, I just want to feel I did what I could to prevent it.
for More information on preeclampsia go to http://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/1215/p2317.html
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Longfellow Grill and Associates
Longfellow Grill
Rating 4 1/2 stars
Prices: $5-18 per plate
The Longfellow grill and similar Highland grill, and Edina grill are awesome places to eat out with your kids.
They almost always have tables available and will bring you a high chair, they offer outdoor seating in season. Their bathrooms are clean and offer changing tables in both men's and women's bathrooms. They offer a nice selection of healthy meals for adults. But here's why they really get 4 1/2 stars - they offer healthy meals for kids too! It's not all chicken fingers with french fries, spaghetti, and pizza. They will serve your little one grilled chicken, vegetables, and fruit. These come on a kid-friendly plastic tray nicely divided for your military style eaters. They also will bring a kid sized drink in a plastic cup with lid and straw.
The wait for food is fairly standard of blue plate dinners, not too long, but it isn't a fast food restaurant. They will do take out orders.
Why 4 1/2 stars? They frequently offer what I find to be some very weird and unappetizing food combinations on their menu, like pancakes stuffed with pretzels.
Favorite dishes include - black bean salmon with asparagus and faro, taco salad with beef, and turkey cobb salad
Rating 4 1/2 stars
Address: 2990 West River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Phone:(612) 721-2711
Hours:
| 7:00 am – 10:00 pm | |
The Longfellow grill and similar Highland grill, and Edina grill are awesome places to eat out with your kids.
They almost always have tables available and will bring you a high chair, they offer outdoor seating in season. Their bathrooms are clean and offer changing tables in both men's and women's bathrooms. They offer a nice selection of healthy meals for adults. But here's why they really get 4 1/2 stars - they offer healthy meals for kids too! It's not all chicken fingers with french fries, spaghetti, and pizza. They will serve your little one grilled chicken, vegetables, and fruit. These come on a kid-friendly plastic tray nicely divided for your military style eaters. They also will bring a kid sized drink in a plastic cup with lid and straw.
The wait for food is fairly standard of blue plate dinners, not too long, but it isn't a fast food restaurant. They will do take out orders.
Why 4 1/2 stars? They frequently offer what I find to be some very weird and unappetizing food combinations on their menu, like pancakes stuffed with pretzels.
Favorite dishes include - black bean salmon with asparagus and faro, taco salad with beef, and turkey cobb salad
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
No Coast Craft-o-Rama 2012
The No Coast Craft-o-Rama is coming around again!
This will be my third year going and I am psyched.
This event takes place at the midtown global market next friday and Saturday 12/7-12/8.
Check their website for details.
http://nocoastcraft.com/
I would say in past years I have been able to get 75-80% of my holiday shopping done at this thing.
They feature local artists and craftspersons selling their wares. Items are mostly things like t-shirts, scarves, mittens, baby clothes, small toys, jewelry, tchatchkes, and the like. Last year a guy was selling guitars he made out of boxes that were fully electric. You never know what you might find.
The best thing is it's all local, and they do not play christmas music!!! Which for those of you who don't know is awesome for those of us who like to give but don't celebrate christmas, and/or can't stand christmas music.
I can't tell you enough how great this is.
Very kid friendly, they may have a band playing, there are big bathrooms with changing tables and a comfortable place to nurse in private.
Also the excellent cuisine of the global market is at your disposal.
See you there?
This will be my third year going and I am psyched.
This event takes place at the midtown global market next friday and Saturday 12/7-12/8.
Check their website for details.
http://nocoastcraft.com/
I would say in past years I have been able to get 75-80% of my holiday shopping done at this thing.
They feature local artists and craftspersons selling their wares. Items are mostly things like t-shirts, scarves, mittens, baby clothes, small toys, jewelry, tchatchkes, and the like. Last year a guy was selling guitars he made out of boxes that were fully electric. You never know what you might find.
The best thing is it's all local, and they do not play christmas music!!! Which for those of you who don't know is awesome for those of us who like to give but don't celebrate christmas, and/or can't stand christmas music.
I can't tell you enough how great this is.
Very kid friendly, they may have a band playing, there are big bathrooms with changing tables and a comfortable place to nurse in private.
Also the excellent cuisine of the global market is at your disposal.
See you there?
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Italian Pie Shoppe Review
Review for
Italian Pie Shop on Grand
Two and a half stars
Price for a family of 2.5 $25 dinner
Food: Pizza and pasta. Pizza was fairly good, nice stringy cheese, sweet tasting sauce, and nice crust. Toppings are definitely fresh not from the can. Pasta don't bother - you could do better with a box of cremette and a bottle of ragu, my toddler who loves all pasta was perfectly happy. Milk was available for kids although served in a large mouthed canning jar - which is probably someone's idea of a joke (what's the worst possible container you could serve a drink to a toddler in - heavy, glass..)
Service: Indifferent and slow. Do not show up hungry. I think they had to go milk the cows to make the mozzarella or something. We were there over an hour. Maybe I'm a spoiled New Yorker but I've been to plenty of pie shops that make great fresh pizza and don't take that long.
Price: Ridiculous. A basic pizza is roughly $15, each topping is $2.50, so if you like to add veggies or meat tack on an extra $5-10. What? When did mushrooms become so expensive?
Kid Friendliness: Medium to moderate. It was noisy so no one will notice your noisy kid. Requisite crayons and coloring menu provided. Usual children's menu choices of high carb, high fat, high protein meals, no healthy options at all. They do have high chairs. NO CHANGING TABLE. Also they play sports on TV so my son was squirreled around in his chair half the time trying to see the TV instead of paying attention to his dinner.
In summary - would I go out of my way? no. Would I go back if I was in the area and felt like a slice of their pizza instead of PUNCH? yes.
Italian Pie Shop on Grand
1670 Grand Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55105
(651) 221-0093
Two and a half stars
Price for a family of 2.5 $25 dinner
Food: Pizza and pasta. Pizza was fairly good, nice stringy cheese, sweet tasting sauce, and nice crust. Toppings are definitely fresh not from the can. Pasta don't bother - you could do better with a box of cremette and a bottle of ragu, my toddler who loves all pasta was perfectly happy. Milk was available for kids although served in a large mouthed canning jar - which is probably someone's idea of a joke (what's the worst possible container you could serve a drink to a toddler in - heavy, glass..)
Service: Indifferent and slow. Do not show up hungry. I think they had to go milk the cows to make the mozzarella or something. We were there over an hour. Maybe I'm a spoiled New Yorker but I've been to plenty of pie shops that make great fresh pizza and don't take that long.
Price: Ridiculous. A basic pizza is roughly $15, each topping is $2.50, so if you like to add veggies or meat tack on an extra $5-10. What? When did mushrooms become so expensive?
Kid Friendliness: Medium to moderate. It was noisy so no one will notice your noisy kid. Requisite crayons and coloring menu provided. Usual children's menu choices of high carb, high fat, high protein meals, no healthy options at all. They do have high chairs. NO CHANGING TABLE. Also they play sports on TV so my son was squirreled around in his chair half the time trying to see the TV instead of paying attention to his dinner.
In summary - would I go out of my way? no. Would I go back if I was in the area and felt like a slice of their pizza instead of PUNCH? yes.
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