As always happens with us, everything kicked off at the last minute this holiday season. I'm taking two posts to cover everything. This one deals with pre-Christmas and there will be another later today or tomorrow to bring everything up to date.
December started out as pretty uneventful. I took walks to stay limber, worked on getting the flat set up for baby's imminent arrival and kept up with the housework. I even found time to get us ready for Christmas: baking gingerbread, sending out the cards and putting up decorations. We couldn't believe what an easy, healthy pregnancy I was having.
Then the other shoe finally dropped.
The day after our last appointment with the midwife, I called to set up a tour of our first choice birthing centre. The consultant had signed off on the low-risk-only midwife led unit, pending the results of one final test, my maternity notes were filled with printouts of great lab work and normal blood pressure and I was feeling good; healthy, happy and ready to go. At the midwife appointment, the results of the final draw had come in and whilst they were slightly elevated, she had told me they were within a normal range for me and had suggested booking in on the tour ready for the big day.
But at the same time as I was booking in on the tour, the antenatal clinic left a message on my phone. Because the results of the last draw were elevated from their baseline reading, they wanted to repeat the test.
I went on the tour anyway. It was three weeks to my due date and I had every reason to believe it would work out. It had taken a whole week after the results were made available for them to call me and so I figured it was never that urgent. Whilst I was visiting the unit, I spoke to one of the midwives about my history, the monitoring during my pregnancy and the most recent results. She called up my results from the system and said that whilst they were a little elevated, she saw no reason it should cause a problem.
Feeling relieved, I went back to the antenatal clinic a couple days later. The consultant was happy with my health and said that, short of the results turning topsy-turvy, I was good to go. She even wrote in big letters in my notes that I was good to go. We did the draw just before I left and she said she'd marked it as express and would call me with the results later that day.
It actually took four days for her to get back to me with the news that my creatinine levels had risen further. Thirteen days to my due date and the word 'induce' had started creeping into conversation....
Showing posts with label tests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tests. Show all posts
Monday, 5 January 2015
Monday, 29 September 2014
Stepping out with our baby (Bump!) - 26 weeks 2 days
Week 26, and our baby is now the size of a head of lettuce (or, since she's measuring small, maybe a large cauliflower) By the end of the week, we will be rounding into third (trimester, that is) and we will have entered into that magic phase where baby's chances of survival, should she be born prematurely, raise to a very acceptable 80 - 95% (depending on various factors)
As to me, I'm feeling a little more sluggish recently. I've been sleeping in a little more, running around a little less during the day and often falling asleep in my chair towards the end of the evening. This week, I have been experiencing hot flushes more often, which are certainly no fun when I'm stuck wearing a fleece to protect baby from the cold atmosphere of our store. And I've had frequent moments of light headedness during the day, despite my blood pressure raising to more comfortable levels. At this stage, I'm feeling very grateful that I have such a supportive partner and for the care and consideration of my colleagues.
Finally got in our consultant's appointment on the last day of week 25. I went on my own for this one, since it was mainly to do with my health and less about the baby's. We had a short discussion about the reasons I had been referred (namely my kidney and the family history of diabetes) and I had blood drawn to assess kidney function. It will be another week before we know the lab results but when I mentioned that we were hoping to transfer to the birthing centre, she [the consultant] didn't say anything discouraging. In fact, she was quite enthusiastic about the experience there, with only a minor mention of transfer times if medical intervention should become necessary and the fact that epidurals are not an option there.
Obviously, we can't say for sure what the birth experience will be like for us. I know that it's possible to get some idea by looking at my mother's birth experiences (the ones that were delivered naturally, anyway) and on the whole, it looks promising if genetics are any indicator. All my mothers pregnancies were strong and healthy (which is good, since my first seems to be mirroring hers) As far as girls are concerned, both I and my sister were significantly smaller than average (approximately the same as little Felix is estimated to be) and were delivered in under an hour on gas and air. In ideal circumstances, I would most like to have a home birth (although A prefers the idea of having medical assistance close to hand) The NHS is very discouraging of home births for first time mothers - and I can understand their point of view, I'm not completely without common sense - but still, I would feel much more comfortable with an experience as close to a home birth as we can get. And that is why it means so much to us, me in particular, to get that transfer. The birthing centre is a home from home. They even have beds available for partners to stay over. The transfer time is currently under 30 mins, if medical intervention were required - which we both consider acceptable - and as to epidural...I'm pretty squeamish still about epi, spinal block and the like.
On the birth plan we've started to draw up, we've decided to have an open mind on the subject of pain relief. We've stated that we are willing to follow medical advice wherever necessary for the health of myself and the baby but that we would rather pain meds not extend to procedures which restrict my movement. I've never liked being on my back and feel something close to anxiety if I'm in that position for more than a moment or two. I also believe that this is certainly not the most effective position for birthing. We are currently researching active birthing classes in our area.
As to me, I'm feeling a little more sluggish recently. I've been sleeping in a little more, running around a little less during the day and often falling asleep in my chair towards the end of the evening. This week, I have been experiencing hot flushes more often, which are certainly no fun when I'm stuck wearing a fleece to protect baby from the cold atmosphere of our store. And I've had frequent moments of light headedness during the day, despite my blood pressure raising to more comfortable levels. At this stage, I'm feeling very grateful that I have such a supportive partner and for the care and consideration of my colleagues.
Finally got in our consultant's appointment on the last day of week 25. I went on my own for this one, since it was mainly to do with my health and less about the baby's. We had a short discussion about the reasons I had been referred (namely my kidney and the family history of diabetes) and I had blood drawn to assess kidney function. It will be another week before we know the lab results but when I mentioned that we were hoping to transfer to the birthing centre, she [the consultant] didn't say anything discouraging. In fact, she was quite enthusiastic about the experience there, with only a minor mention of transfer times if medical intervention should become necessary and the fact that epidurals are not an option there.
Obviously, we can't say for sure what the birth experience will be like for us. I know that it's possible to get some idea by looking at my mother's birth experiences (the ones that were delivered naturally, anyway) and on the whole, it looks promising if genetics are any indicator. All my mothers pregnancies were strong and healthy (which is good, since my first seems to be mirroring hers) As far as girls are concerned, both I and my sister were significantly smaller than average (approximately the same as little Felix is estimated to be) and were delivered in under an hour on gas and air. In ideal circumstances, I would most like to have a home birth (although A prefers the idea of having medical assistance close to hand) The NHS is very discouraging of home births for first time mothers - and I can understand their point of view, I'm not completely without common sense - but still, I would feel much more comfortable with an experience as close to a home birth as we can get. And that is why it means so much to us, me in particular, to get that transfer. The birthing centre is a home from home. They even have beds available for partners to stay over. The transfer time is currently under 30 mins, if medical intervention were required - which we both consider acceptable - and as to epidural...I'm pretty squeamish still about epi, spinal block and the like.
On the birth plan we've started to draw up, we've decided to have an open mind on the subject of pain relief. We've stated that we are willing to follow medical advice wherever necessary for the health of myself and the baby but that we would rather pain meds not extend to procedures which restrict my movement. I've never liked being on my back and feel something close to anxiety if I'm in that position for more than a moment or two. I also believe that this is certainly not the most effective position for birthing. We are currently researching active birthing classes in our area.
Friday, 23 August 2013
CD 3
We had to let go of that last thread of hope on Wednesday morning.
I've been sleeping a lot the last few days: getting up at 8, taking three hour naps at least twice a day and so glad to get to bed by ten that it's starting to alarm poor A. Thing is, I've felt my energy falling since Saturday and now I just don't have the energy for anything more than light to moderate housework (and only out of necessity) A insisted we get an appointment at the health centre on Wednesday just to make sure it's not a sign of anything physically wrong with me before we try again.
It doesn't help that ever since a work mate was diagnosed with type two diabetes in the spring, she's started getting concerned over any diabetes-like symptom she observes in me. Part of me feels special at how much attention she's showing and in the interests of household peace, I went to the appointment.
As you can guess, once I mentioned that we had been TTC (because it's always relevant) I got the stress talk. I'm booked in for bloodwork at the start of September but until then I just have to find the energy to keep going with daily life.
On Thursday, I got sent home from work after almost passing out. I'd forgotten my uniform (something that never happens to me) and whilst waiting for a spare shirt to be dug out, I started getting dizzy and had to sit down. Having a long history of passing out in public, I've learned to hate those moments of loosing control. As it was, I must've looked pretty rough because the manager offered to pay from petty cash for a taxi (and it had to be one of the bigger ones to accommodate my bike) It was bad enough that I did this in the office with every Tom, Dick and Harry looking in to see what was going on. The crowning glory came when the manager escorted me himself through the store and to the taxi rank - ten feet from the entrance!
It may not seem so but I used to really struggle with anxiety. The worst thing anyone can do when I'm not feeling my best is draw attention to me. I felt so weak and shaky, just from having everyone witness this that It only seemed to confirm to C that I needed fussing over.
And we confirmed yesterday that R is abroad for the first two weeks of September. Unless we stalk him to Spain, it looks like we'll have to sit this one out.
I've taken today off as well, since I failed to keep my dinner down last night. To be honest, I'm hoping it's just stress. Stress and I are old friends and I know his habits.
So the plan for this month is exercise, eat well, hopefully drop the three or four pounds I've put back on and relax with friends. Here goes ...(?)
I've been sleeping a lot the last few days: getting up at 8, taking three hour naps at least twice a day and so glad to get to bed by ten that it's starting to alarm poor A. Thing is, I've felt my energy falling since Saturday and now I just don't have the energy for anything more than light to moderate housework (and only out of necessity) A insisted we get an appointment at the health centre on Wednesday just to make sure it's not a sign of anything physically wrong with me before we try again.
It doesn't help that ever since a work mate was diagnosed with type two diabetes in the spring, she's started getting concerned over any diabetes-like symptom she observes in me. Part of me feels special at how much attention she's showing and in the interests of household peace, I went to the appointment.
As you can guess, once I mentioned that we had been TTC (because it's always relevant) I got the stress talk. I'm booked in for bloodwork at the start of September but until then I just have to find the energy to keep going with daily life.
On Thursday, I got sent home from work after almost passing out. I'd forgotten my uniform (something that never happens to me) and whilst waiting for a spare shirt to be dug out, I started getting dizzy and had to sit down. Having a long history of passing out in public, I've learned to hate those moments of loosing control. As it was, I must've looked pretty rough because the manager offered to pay from petty cash for a taxi (and it had to be one of the bigger ones to accommodate my bike) It was bad enough that I did this in the office with every Tom, Dick and Harry looking in to see what was going on. The crowning glory came when the manager escorted me himself through the store and to the taxi rank - ten feet from the entrance!
It may not seem so but I used to really struggle with anxiety. The worst thing anyone can do when I'm not feeling my best is draw attention to me. I felt so weak and shaky, just from having everyone witness this that It only seemed to confirm to C that I needed fussing over.
And we confirmed yesterday that R is abroad for the first two weeks of September. Unless we stalk him to Spain, it looks like we'll have to sit this one out.
I've taken today off as well, since I failed to keep my dinner down last night. To be honest, I'm hoping it's just stress. Stress and I are old friends and I know his habits.
So the plan for this month is exercise, eat well, hopefully drop the three or four pounds I've put back on and relax with friends. Here goes ...(?)
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
Preconception checkup
I have always had more interest than A in being a biological mother, so there was no difficulty in deciding which of us would carry baby (aka 'Felix'). However, I did have concerns over how easy it would be for me to conceive, on account of my irregular cycles.
In September, we set up a consultation at our local health centre to see where we stood preconception. Dr D ordered some very basic blood tests: thyroid, iron, FSH, etc. She speculated that I may be a little anaemic.
At the following visit, roughly a month later, Dr D showed us the readings taken and whilst my thyroid and iron results came back normal, my hormone levels indicated that I had not ovulated that cycle. No biggie, I thought, lots of women don't ovulate every cycle. The doctor, on the other hand, explained that based on my blood work and what I had described of my cycles, she would like to order an ultrasound to see if I have polycystic ovaries (PCO)
Doctor D has become our first point of call for fertility related appointments and so far, our experiences as a soon-to-be ttc same-sex couple have been pretty positive. Whilst she seemed a little hesitant with her vocabulary in regards to A and I at first, she was more comfortable in following appointments. At our last appointment she actually said that whilst she wasn't sure where we stood in regard to fertility treatments on the NHS as a same sex couple, she would be looking into it before our next appointment.
In September, we set up a consultation at our local health centre to see where we stood preconception. Dr D ordered some very basic blood tests: thyroid, iron, FSH, etc. She speculated that I may be a little anaemic.
At the following visit, roughly a month later, Dr D showed us the readings taken and whilst my thyroid and iron results came back normal, my hormone levels indicated that I had not ovulated that cycle. No biggie, I thought, lots of women don't ovulate every cycle. The doctor, on the other hand, explained that based on my blood work and what I had described of my cycles, she would like to order an ultrasound to see if I have polycystic ovaries (PCO)
Doctor D has become our first point of call for fertility related appointments and so far, our experiences as a soon-to-be ttc same-sex couple have been pretty positive. Whilst she seemed a little hesitant with her vocabulary in regards to A and I at first, she was more comfortable in following appointments. At our last appointment she actually said that whilst she wasn't sure where we stood in regard to fertility treatments on the NHS as a same sex couple, she would be looking into it before our next appointment.
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