Week 28

So I'm feeling a lot better overall this week.  The bad news of my Gestational Diabetes diagnosis has settled over me and I'm proactively changing what I need to change to keep everything controlled (hopefully).  I'm moving forward with my head up and embracing whatever I need to do!  It also helps that we had our monthly growth ultrasound with our perinatologist this morning and everything looks GREAT with our little one.  Whew!

How far along: 28 weeks, 1 day
What did baby do this week:  Baby is about the size of a large eggplant at roughly 14.8” from head to heel.  Our baby measured in at 2 pounds 11 ounces this morning, which puts them at the 55th percentile compared to other babies of the same gestational age.  The brain continues to develop and baby is adding layers of fat to its body.  Muscle tone is also improving so kicks and movement might be getting stronger.  And Baby can blink his or her eyes!  Today our little one was sideways (not really head down or up) and the Dr. said that they'll keep moving around until close to 36 weeks.  By that point we hope the head is down and the feet are up, 'cuz if not - it could likely mean a C-section.  But these days they can move up and down multiple times a day.  And I think this particular afternoon my baby IS moving back and forth - cuz my entire midsection keeps feeling giant jolts!
Total weight gain: 24.2 pounds.  My Diabetes dietician said she wants me to gain 30 pounds total this pregnancy...um - we shall see about that.  I hope she was rounding down.  That's only a half pound a week for the next 12 weeks!  However, I have only gained a pound over the last month...
Symptoms: Super thirsty all the time - this is a symptom of gestational diabetes though.  I *think* my feet might be getting a tiny bit bigger?  Or maybe just a little swollen?  But I'm still wearing all the same shoes and making it work.  I've mentioned before that I was pretty sure I was losing hair at the same rate I was pre-pregnancy, but for the last month or so there's definitely a lot less hair coming out when I shower.  Like maybe only 1-2 strands!  My hair doesn't feel incredibly thick and lustrous, but it's pretty fine and thin to begin with so...I think I won't get THAT lucky.  It's definitely thicker overall.
Queasy or Sick: Nope
Sleep:  Still sleeping very well, but it seems like the middle of the night/super early morning bathroom visits are returning.  I was sleeping all the way through the night for a long time but if I remember correctly, I've gotten up in the middle of the night to pee, the last 2-3 nights.  Oh Little Baby, thank you for taking up more space! (but no really, it's okay - I WANT you to get bigger!)
Best moment this week: How about moments: plural?!  For sure seeing our baby on ultrasound this morning and getting word that all is GREAT.  A good friend who was 10 weeks ahead of me had her baby this week too!  That was exciting - but means we're up next!!  It's also been nice seeing that my blood sugar levels are within the right range since I started testing a couple days ago - it means that the diet changes I've made are HOPEFULLY going to work okay.  I just hope they continue to stay that way and I don't have to start insulin shots.  However if that happens, I'm okay with it.  Shots in the belly with a tiny needle?  Oh, I think I can handle that... ;)
Hardest part of the week:  Tracking my food, meals and finding the time to test my blood sugar (1 hour after a meal is not always a convenient time.  I tested at a long stoplight this morning on my way to the Dr's office!)  Coming up with meal and snack ideas is also a little challenging, but I know this will all get easier as I go and I'll start getting used to it.
Looking forward to: Starting to assemble the nursery.  I remember Week 16, when I felt like I was buying the nursery furniture too early.  But I'm NOT complaining now.  The furniture should be ready for delivery next week and I'm more than happy to start getting that room set up in the first part of my 3rd trimester as opposed to the end of it!  By the way, the store told me 6-8 weeks for delivery and by next week it will be 13.  Yes indeed, glad I ordered when I did.

Movement: There were a couple days where I felt like there wasn't a lot of movement and it worried me a little bit.  But there was definitely SOME movement, even if it was small, so I didn't start banging on the emergency room door or anything.  Usually a day or two of low movement (which could also be attributed to my moving around too much and not noticing) is followed by a day or two of LOTS of movement.  So I've gotten a little used to this pattern and don't freak out too much.  There are times when my belly seriously jolts.  I find myself staring at my midsection sometimes and holding my breath - to see if I can see my belly moving.  And I usually can!!  It's so nutty!  Today specifically the little one is moving A TON.  Maybe it's cuz we prodded them so much at the ultrasound this morning that they can't settle down.
Food cravings: Other than carbs and desserts, nothing really specific.
Happy or moody: Feeling much happier this week
Labor signs: No
Maternity clothes: All the time.  Bummed that most of my order from asos.com (last week) isn't gonna work out for our maternity photo shoot.  But I have some new items coming from Motherhood that might work.  Whew - maternity clothing almost all has to be ordered, tried on at home and then sent back since so few stores have a large inventory.  What a chore!
Belly button in or out: In, but looking more "pulled" on at the edges.
Wedding rings on or off: On, but it's snugger for sure
Stretch marks: No
Learnings from the week:  I've been thinking a lot about all the stuff we're trying to have on hand before the baby is born - the items I've registered for.  A lot of these things we may not even end up using depending on how well Baby likes them, how well I like them, or how quickly Baby may change their mind about liking something.  Like a baby sling/carrier or swing or bouncer, etc.  The more I think about how much everything is going to cost, the more I've been thinking about (ssshhhh!  don't tell any of my friends and family coming to my showers) looking for these items for sale on Craigslist and if I find a good buy on a gently used item I received for my shower, buying that and returning the gift we got.  Yes, it's a bit more work but could really save us a ton of money - which I'm going to need for things like...college around the year 2032.  :-|
Final Thoughts:  So to sum up where I'm at right now (in addition to avoiding Halloween candy tomorrow night.)  I think I've mentioned in passing before (most recently in Week 24), but I had elevated blood pressure going into my pregnancy (thanks to my mom).  My blood pressure would average around 115/92 where the lower number (diastolic) is on the high side.  Not high enough for my regular doctor to ever feel the need to put me on medication though.  Especially since I'm quite healthy overall (I was a runner before pregnancy, pretty active overall, ate healthily...)  But the tolerance for blood pressure when pregnant, is lower.  They don't want to see your diastolic higher than the 80's.  So for this reason, I've been taking a very low dose of Methyldopa (250mg twice a day) and my blood pressure has been very low all through pregnancy.  This is also the reason we've been doing the monthly growth ultrasounds with the perinatologist.  They want to track Baby's size since high blood pressure can sometimes cause the small blood vessels in the placenta to tighten, which allows less blood and nutrients to get to the baby, leading to smaller sized babies.

HOWEVER... I now have this joyous gestational diabetes to deal with as well (thanks to my dad - sheesh THANK YOU PARENTS!!!)  So I have the double whammy!

Gestational diabetes also requires monthly growth ultrasounds, but for the opposite reason.  Due to those lovely pregnancy hormones (and in my case, a healthy dose of genetics) a woman with gestational diabetes requires A LOT more insulin to regulate sugar than a non-pregnant woman.  The pancreas works overtime to produce more insulin, but the insulin just can't lower the blood sugars.  This causes glucose to build up and it does not leave the blood (to be changed to energy), as it should.  This extra glucose can go through the placenta to give the baby high blood glucose levels, which causes the baby's pancreas to make extra insulin to get rid of the blood glucose.  Since the baby is getting more energy than it needs to grow and develop, the extra energy is stored as fat, leading to larger sized babies.

small baby

LARGE BABY

Whew!  Just what I always wanted - complications!  Fortunately, I truly believe that I'll be able to control both the hypertension and the GD.  My perinatologist also commented that since both of these items are due to genetics as opposed to my leading a very unhealthy lifestyle (poor diet, obesity, no exercise, etc.) that we will be just fine as long as we continue to monitor and do what we need to do.  I'm feeling good about everything.  And Baby looked so good today!  Yay!  Happy Halloween to all of you - will you please eat some candy for me?  :)

Week 27

So Wednesday was the first day of my 3rd Trimester!!  And I spent all of that morning kinda marveling at this milestone and celebrating getting to this point.  I've been feeling so good across the board that I really felt like celebrating.  So I was in a particularly jovial mood that day; and just as I was rounding the final corner of my 3rd trimester victory lap, waving my clenched hands in the air...I got the call from Dr. R's office that afternoon, that I failed my 3 hour glucose test.  2 of the 3 hour tests, to be exact (in order to pass, you must fall within range on 2 of the 3 blood draws and I only passed 1).  So this means that I have officially been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).

I asked the nurse what causes this and she basically said "nothing really specific."  It sometimes just happens.  That's why they test EVERYONE and not just women that fit a specific criteria.  I guess I feel a little better about that - like there's almost nothing I could have done differently?  But I feel like there's SOMETHING I could have done differently!  Exercised even more?  Eaten even better?  When you're such a hard worker and trying to just do the right things, it's very disappointing to discover everything ISN'T going as you'd want it.  But I can take this challenge.  I mean heck, we stared down infertility and now I'm pregnant!  Yesterday, when talking to another pregnant friend she was so happy at my attitude, 'cuz I was talking about how for the past couple weeks, I've already cut back so significantly on carbs/sugar (though now, looking back I might not have been doing it correctly) and exercising even more than we were before.  So I was thinking if I can do that for a couple weeks, then I can certainly do it for another 10-13 more.  Not to mention by changing my diet and exercising more I probably will gain even less weight in my pregnancy which will make recovering all the easier (silver lining)!  No Debbie Downers here!

To quickly let you know about the 3 hour glucose test - it was certainly more painful than the 1 hour.  Not so much physically (I mean, I've gone through IVF - I have no great fear of getting my blood drawn) but it makes you really stir crazy.  I had to fast for 8 hours this time (no fasting with the 1 hour) so I made an early appointment.  But this also meant that everyone else who had fasting blood testing to do was at the lab that morning.  Meaning, it was CRAZY packed.  Good thing I had an appointment.  My visit started with a fasting blood draw, then they gave me the same glucose drink as I had with my 1 hour.  Except this one was orange flavored.  It really just tasted like super sweet, flat, orange soda...

This time though, I couldn't leave the lab.  I guess some women do get nauseous or have problems tolerating the glucose liquid on an empty stomach, so they want you to stay in the waiting room for them to keep an eye on you.  I couldn't even sit in my car.  Good thing I brought 3 magazines, a fully charged phone, and a book.  I spent a lot of time on each item.  And I felt fine by the way.  Maybe not perfect - it was stuffy and warm in there, and did I mention how PACKED it was?  Like standing-room only.  So that made the experience a little more painful (plus I was really tired cuz I'd made a very early appointment and got up much earlier than usual).  1 hour after I drank the orange soda drink was my 2nd blood draw of the day.  Then back to the waiting room, more reading and an hour later a 3rd blood draw (this is now 2 hours after drinking the glucose).  Finally an hour after that I had my 4th blood draw.  I had them switch arms each time.  Seriously no problem with the needles.  It's fast.  So 4 blood draws, 3 hours and a bottle of glucose syrup later I could finally be on my way.  I left my magazines at the lab since I'd read them cover to cover and really that waiting room needed them!

And this is how it all turned out:
Fasting blood draw: range they want 65-94, mine: 78 mg/dL
1 hour blood draw: range they want 65-170, mine: 208 mg/dL
2 hour blood draw: range they want 65-150, mine: 189 mg/dL
3 hour blood draw: range they want 65-139, mine: 130 mg/dL
To not be diagnosed, you need to pass 2 of the 3 blood draws after drinking the glucose syrup.  I passed 1, but you can see I was still on the high side...

As for the GD diagnosis, remember last week I mentioned how I've been SO THIRSTY lately?  I've read more and more that this can be a symptom.  No wonder I had that sneaking suspicion... Next step for me is to meet with a dietician at my local hospital who specializes in diabetes.  I have that appointment next week.  But until then, I've been SCOURING the web for information on what and how to eat to get me through the weekend.  Fortunately for me, I have a friend who is a dietician (used to specialize in diabetes!), plus I was able to chat briefly with the dietician who called to schedule my appointment for next week AND I happened to have my monthly nurse call (something offered through my insurance that I've been doing through my entire pregnancy) this morning.  All of these sources combined have greatly helped me to understand what and how I'm going to need to eat.  Which thankfully, is not even going to be a huge shift for me since we really do eat rather healthy at home.  I think it will be mostly cutting out sugar/desserts.  And watching exactly HOW MUCH I eat (I've never counted grapes before.)  But sadly, do you realize what this means?  Closely watching what I'm eating plus cutting out desserts THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS!  Um.  Yes.  *sob*  But as I'm sure you'd agree - anything for my baby.

See you next year, desserts...

How far along: 27 weeks, 2 days
What did baby do this week:  Baby is the size of a rutabaga (have you eaten a rutabaga? cuz I don't think I have.  And honestly, is it really larger than a head of lettuce?  I'm not sure about these vegetable comparisons...)  Baby is about 14.5" from head to feet, and weighs a little over 2 pounds.  Brain tissue is developing rapidly and the brain waves are working like newborn brain waves.  Baby's eyelids have begun to open!
Total weight gain: 23 pounds (same as last week; which was down .2 from the previous week).  This means I basically haven't gained any weight in almost a month.  It makes sense since I was so confused about what to eat that I found myself just not eating much.  But I've since learned that that's not a good plan.  I still won't complain about not gaining weight though.  My belly has definitely gotten bigger - which is the important thing.
Symptoms: I've been taking the Colace (for constipation) for just over a week now and it's definitely helping.  Things aren't quite like they were 1-2 months ago (when I was not constipated at all) but it's better.  I noticed the box said to not take it for longer than a week, so I called my doctor who told me to scale back to 1-100mg tablet at night (instead of 2 a day).  I'll be in to see her next week so I'll check on how long I can continue it.  No other symptoms I can think of!  I feel like they're just on the horizon though.  Or maybe Mother Nature will give me a break since she blessed me with Gestational Diabetes.  :-|
Queasy or Sick:  Not really, though I might be getting a tad nauseated about 20-30 minutes after taking all my pills/vitamins at night.  Colace, baby aspirin, blood pressure medication, calcium, prenatal and fish oil.  I've just been noticing this the last week-ish, so maybe it has to do with the Colace?
Sleep: Great!  Though I seem to be going to bed late and waking up early.  Maybe averaging about 7 hours.  I just can't fall back asleep in the mornings!  I should probably try to go to bed earlier, but there are so many books on my nightstand I'm trying to get through (all baby/pregnancy related.)
Best moment this week:  Feeling so accomplished at hitting my 3rd trimester!  AND - I'm still wearing heels to work!  I don't feel off-balance at all and my feet really haven't been hurting me (unless I stand for long periods of time) so I'm happy to report that I can still wear my high heels.  I don't have very far to walk between my car and my desk so it's quite doable.
Hardest part of the week:  Obviously - the Gestational Diabetes diagnosis.  I'm not much of a crier (tho I HAVE been so much more emotional since getting pregnant) but I almost felt like crying after I hung up with the nurse who told me.  I don't want to put my baby at risk and I don't want to have a complicated pregnancy.  It's just so frustrating!!!  But I'm trying to think back to where we were a year ago and... really I'm just so happy to BE pregnant.
Looking forward to:  I hate to say it, since I was looking forward to enjoying/experiencing my 3rd trimester (and the last few months of time Hubby and I can just have together) but because of the GD diagnosis, I'm finding myself looking forward to my pregnancy being over.  I'm sure I'll get used to the diet, exercise, testing, etc.  But it's got me very frustrated right now.  Obviously.

Movement:  Lots!  There were a couple days where I was a little worried I wasn't feeling Baby move a lot, but I might have been extra active those days too - in which case I wouldn't notice movement as much.  But yesterday and today have been very busy days for Junior.  I guess Baby is practicing their dance moves!  Hubby and I sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "The Alphabet Song" to the baby every night (did you realize those are basically the same song with different words?)  And it could be my imagination, but I swear even if Baby isn't super active right then, I start feeling some movement once we start singing.  I love this because it makes me feel like we're interacting with the little one!
Food cravings: Chocolate chip cookies, chocolate cake, fruit pies, blueberry muffins, noodles, waffles, ice cream...do you notice a theme here?  Can't indulge in a single one!
Happy or moody:  Frustrated, a little down, but I know everything will be fine.
Labor signs: No
Maternity clothes:  Yup yup - and just ordered some dresses from asos.com in anticipation of our maternity photo shoot coming up in 3 weeks!
Belly button in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off:  On
Stretch marks: No
Learnings from the week:  We visited the daycare center at my company on Friday.  We were very impressed and I think I'm ready to register and hold a spot for next June.  Speaking of things I'm trying to get done while I still have the energy (and time!)  Here's a quick checklist, in case you want to give thought to getting on top of any of these items yourself:

• paint nursery (last week)
• solidified maternity/newborn photographer (yesterday)
• newborn care class (next week)
• pediatrician consults (next week)
• nursery furniture delivery (next week)
• finalize maternity leave (next 1-2 weeks = 6-8 weeks before leave is to start)
• breastfeeding class (2 weeks away)
• check into whether we want to increase our life insurance, or buy more (in the next month)
• create a living trust with guardianship directives (prep as much before Baby as we can so it's easy to solidify once they arrive)
• childbirth class (1 month out)

Final Thoughts:  Managing Gestational Diabetes (and I suppose, Diabetes in general) is really confusing when the only nutritional information I've ever studied in my life has been fat/calories.  And that's pretty straightforward - just try to avoid as much as possible in order to lose weight.  With tracking carbs, there is a careful balance.  We NEED carbs since that's where our energy comes from, but we can't have too many at once nor too many through the course of a day.  If I find the time, maybe I'll throw an additional post in here just about GDM.  I'll wait until after I see the dietician next week to feel more thoroughly informed (though I've been reading a lot and getting so much good info from my friend who is the diabetic dietician!)  But you know me...when I have information to give - I want it to be as well vetted as possible.

Week 26

Ugh...feeling pretty bummed this week.  I just got the results yesterday that I failed the 1 hour Glucose Tolerance test.  I know this isn't the end of the world, and it doesn't mean that I do have Gestational Diabetes, but it's still nerve-wracking.  I was hoping I was borderline fail, but I was 168 mg/dl which is like 30 mg/dl over where they want to see you (~135 mg/dl).  The nurse I talked to didn't seem overly concerned, but I still am.  Like I mentioned a couple weeks ago, I don't know why I just have this bad feeling about it.  There is definitely some adult onset diabetes in my family, including my dad.  Plus I've been SO THIRSTY lately and I've read that's a "symptom".  Now, a lot of women fail the 1 hour and pass the 3.  But usually these ladies are closer to borderline, so we'll see.  But I still have this bad feeling.  I go back next week for the 3 hour test.  Silver lining - my perinatologist had sort of joked that because I have elevated blood pressure and that can sometimes cause small babies, if I have gestational diabetes, which can cause larger babies, our baby will probably be totally fine and perfectly sized.  Yes - here's to silver linings!

Feeling kinda bummed this week...

Now about the test itself...THAT was totally NOT a big deal.  I showed up at Labcorp with a giant book in hand.  They handed me this bottle of fruit punch, told me to drink it within 5 minutes and then let them know.  So I drank the fruit punch (which by the way, just tasted like fruit punch.  It wasn't gross.  It didn't make me sick.  It was like Hi-C) and let them know when I was done.  And they told me to come back in an hour.  What?  I can leave?  So I went to Target and did a little browsing around, then went back.  They did the blood draw which was like any other blood draw (2 vials) and I was outta there.  So yah.  Totally not a big deal.  I don’t know what people are so worried about?  Are they just worried about the results?  People can't deal with getting blood drawn?  I even read on some board about someone needing someone to go with her...HUH?  Does this same lady need someone to go with her to hold her hand at the dentist?  Seriously….

How far along: 26 weeks, today!
What did baby do this week: Baby is the size of a head of lettuce, around 13.5-14.5" from head to heel and should be weighing just under 2 pounds.  Baby has eyelashes!  And I've noticed my belly shuddering rhythmically occasionally which I'm pretty sure means: hiccups.  So crazy!!  Baby's lungs and brain are more developed and baby can definitely hear Hubby and I talking, even over the loud noises of the womb.  His/her eyes are completely developed and eyelids will open soon.
Total weight gain: 23 pounds (down .2 from last week - guess it's the diet)
Symptoms: Still constipated.  Up until now I was just drinking tons of water and taking in extra fiber, but I started the Colace Dr. R recommended, last night and am hoping it will do the trick.  I *think* my feet are a bit bigger/swollen too.  I ordered some shoes (SO comfy, by the way) a half size up at the website's recommendation.  They're a LITTLE big, but I think my regular size would have been snug.  I still have a trimester to go anyway so I figure the shoes will fit perfectly in due time.  I'm still wearing heels to work and feeling very proud of myself because of it.  My goal is to wear heels into my 3rd trimester.  Since that's only a week away, I think I’m gonna make it!  Speaking of swollen, I think my ankles might be a little too.  I noticed that the ankle bone which is usually pretty prominent is not as "bony".
Queasy or Sick: Not really, though sometimes if I let myself get too hungry I start to feel a little off.  Not quite nauseated, but almost.

Sleep: Still really good except I'm such a night owl!
Best moment this week: I'm still making it up/down the flight of stairs at my office which makes me feel very accomplished.  Every day I'm loaded down with my (heavy) purse, my laptop, my 22 ounce bottle of water and sometimes a lunch, IN HEELS.  I still manage to hold onto the rail the whole time - cuz that'd just be dumb not to.  But taking the stairs is a much faster/more direct path to my desk than having to wind around to get to the elevator.  So I'm feeling pretty proud about this - and keeping my quads and core strong!
Hardest part of the week: Obviously the bad news about failing my 1 hour glucose test.  Seriously bummed about that...
Looking forward to:  This might sound crazy but, my Third trimester!  I can't believe how far I've come.  And I'm excited to get closer and closer to meeting my little one.  I've been feeling so good too that I feel like I can handle the 3rd.  Bring it!!
Movement: I was surprised by a HUGE kick that I felt on the inside and outside of my belly this past weekend.  Maybe they’re this strong when I’m up and about too, but it felt really huge probably cuz I was lying down.  I mentioned above that I'm seeing my belly move in time with baby hiccups too which is really amazing!
Food cravings: Nothing really.  But have definitely been trying to eat more protein/vegetables over carbs, for obvious reasons.
Happy or moody: Overall happy.
Labor signs: No
Maternity clothes: Yup, yup.
Belly button in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off: On
Stretch marks: No
Learnings from the week: I've been getting a decent amount of exercise overall - my weekly prenatal yoga class and going for walks 2-4 times a week.  And I feel REALLY great.  I feel really strong and have great balance and core strength.  I would highly recommend yoga or Pilates for all pregnant women.  I really think it is making a huge difference.  When we go out walking (usually about 1-2 miles at a time) I've been trying to hold my hands a bit elevated so they don’t get swollen.  A couple weeks ago I mentioned how my hands got so swollen during a long walk we took and it was quite annoying.
I just ordered this and am going to iron it onto a black Gap long sleeve T-shirt I have.  Hilarious!!  What is YOUR Halloween costume?  You've only got 2 weeks!
Final Thoughts: This is likely WAY TMI but I’ve been noticing that it’s harder and harder to see my own lady parts.  Not like I usually stare at them daily - but I do like to keep things a little “tidy” down there and I have no idea how I’m going to accomplish this in another month or so.  Dare I ask Hubby for some help? (talk about a trusting relationship) Or just grow it out like it’s 1975?  Or try holding a mirror with 1 hand and the clippers in the other?  Oh gosh.  And really, I can’t believe I’m talking about this...

Week 25

Ahh the changing/growing pregnant body.  I am seriously getting a big belly.  Not like this is surprising or anything, but it's for sure happening.  And while it can be hard to watch it all happen in the mirror, at least I know that it's normal.  My belly is now sticking out farther than my boobs.  When I park my car and there isn't a ton of space between me and the car next to me, I essentially give the side of the car a good cleaning with my belly as I make my way out.  Oh and can we talk about how I should basically wear a smock everywhere I go?  I drop food on myself like a giant fat dude.  I couldn't even drink my [decaf] Starbucks without getting dirty the other day - big fat drop of coffee (escaped somewhere near the straw) right in the middle of my belly.  UGH.  By the way, Maternity Spanx Are Awesome.  I bought this one just before our trip to Hawaii and was a little worried I'd be hot in it.  But I wasn't and really - it felt SO NICE under my thin dresses that it just made me so happy.  The belly panel is very thin - almost like pantyhose material.  But I think that allows it to breathe and also grow over time.  Everything else is very supportive.  I love knowing that my bootie isn't jiggling all over the place when I'm wearing thin summer dresses and carrying around 23 (!) extra pounds.  Makes me feel a little more pulled together.

How far along: 25 weeks, 1 day
What did baby do this week: Baby is the size of a cauliflower at around 13.6 inches from head to heel.  Baby fat is continuing to fill in Baby's wrinkled skin and his/her skin is becoming less translucent and more opaque.  Primitive memory is also beginning to develop, implying that music and voices will be leaving an impression on Baby's brain.  I've been reading that my uterus is the size of a soccer ball which seems SO HUGE at this stage of pregnancy.  I believe it was about the size of a pear before I got pregnant.  So when I'm 37 weeks pregnant how big will my uterus be?  The size of a piece of carry-on luggage?!
Total weight gain: 23.2 pounds
Symptoms: Still with the constipation.  A week+ of more water and the fiber powder supplement and things seem only MARGINALLY better.  Like I said in past weeks, I can still "go".  But it's just unpleasant.  A girlfriend who had the same issue with her [now 4 month old] daughter said that she had the exact same problem, but it did go away before Baby was born.  OMG I hope?!  I've complained before that my hair (which is usually rather fine and thin) is supposed to be much fuller during pregnancy, and yet I'm not noticing this.  However I don't think I've noticed as much hair on the shower floor in the last couple months.  So maybe I am holding onto more hair?  But it's not super noticeable.
Queasy or Sick: Nope!
Sleep: Continues to be great.  No trouble falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night.  Funny enough, I've been noticing that I don't need as much sleep lately.  Like I haven't been super tired at night and am repeatedly going to bed after midnight - usually 1am!  Then getting up around 8am.  My best friend (who has a 23 month old) thinks I'm nuts and is ALWAYS telling me to go to bed - I think because she can't get enough sleep ever.  I should really try to take advantage of this time I can sleep, but there are so many things I feel like I need to get done in the evenings!
Best moment this week:  We had dinner with Hubby's friends this past weekend.  They have a 2 year old and aren't planning on having any more kids.  And they gave us a ton of hand-me-down things!  A handful of the items are even on my registry list (and like-new!)  I would highly recommend you let it be widely known to your friends/family that you are willing to take hand-me-downs.  Most baby items are barely used before baby grows out of them (can we say the word "bassinet"?) and it's just so much money to buy all these things.  Hand-me-downs for babies are AWESOME.  Well, they are as long as you don't get a pack 'n play that smells like sour milk like my friend did...
Hardest part of the week: Nothing really bad, except I have noticed this occasionally cramp or pain in my pelvis that seems to only show up when I'm lying in bed about to go to sleep and then I either cough or laugh.  It's like a spasm or cramp and I find that to make it go away, I have to turn over onto my side and get a little more in the fetal position.  Weird!

Looking forward to: My baby shower(s)!  Both a family and friend one coming up in mid November!  My registries are just about completely finalized - just in time since invitations for the family one go out next week!
Movement: Movements are getting bigger.  I’ve noticed that once in a while, when I’m resting my arm against my belly, maybe while watching TV, or working on the computer, I’ll sometimes see my arm almost jump cuz a little kick is bumping it!  Wow!
Food cravings: Um well, craving carbs and sugar since I've been holding back a little more than I'd normally.
Happy or moody:  Again - very even keel I think.
Labor signs: No.  They say I might start feeling Braxton-Hicks contractions around this time, but I don't think I've felt any.  Unless the cramp I talked about above is a BH contraction, but I don't think so since it seems to be triggered by a laugh or cough...
Maternity clothes: Always.
Belly button in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off: On
Stretch marks: No
Learnings from the week: I talked a lot in the first half of my pregnancy about how STRONG my nails were and how they would not break and grew so fast and I was always having to trim them.  OK well that has totally changed in the last month.  I was trying to figure out why and I think it MIGHT actually be my prenatal vitamin!  For the past year+ I've been taking Stuart Prenatal Vitamins, but I noticed they were getting harder and harder to find.  Then I couldn't find them anymore but was able to find these Stuart One which replaced their original ones.  I started taking those around 1-1.5 months ago...  You'd think they're better right?  But my fingernails are telling me no.  Now they are breaking, chipping and peeling quite frequently.  What gives?!  Not a big problem, but something I've definitely noticed.  (aaaaand now I'm having a hard time finding the Stuart One vitamins so I'm just gonna switch to Nature Made.  GAH!!)
Final Thoughts: Glucose test is tomorrow morning.  OMG wish me luck!  I've been trying to keep the carbs and sugar to a minimum this week, though of course the goal is not to "trick" the test.  The test is to ensure you and Baby are healthy if you DO have elevated blood sugar levels.  But it's not like I'm totally fasting and only eating protein and vegetables.  I definitely can't lie about that small piece of pie I ate a couple nights ago... so yah.  Nothing extreme.  If anything I'm hoping that by limiting my carbs and sugars, it might only keep me in a "passing" range if I happen to fall around the borderline.  More on that next week!

Week 24

I don't know if this is a thing, but I'm starting to think I have "gestational hypochondriasis".  You know, like being a hypochondriac about everything that could go wrong in pregnancy...

I have this... and definitely this... and probably that... for sure!

With week 24 comes the start of a timeframe in which we pregnant ladies are supposed to get tested for gestational diabetes.  It starts with the 1 hour glucose test where you have to drink this sweet liquid, hang-out for an hour, get your blood drawn and then you go home and wait to hear back from your doctor.  If the reading is more than 135-140 mg/dl, then you *MIGHT* have GD and will have to go back for a more thorough 3 hour test.  This 3 hour test is basically the same as the 1 hour, except blood is drawn after 1, 2 and 3 hours and if 2 of these 3 are abnormal (high) then you have Gestational Diabetes.  I have yet to do the test - planning on doing it next week.  But I'm like CERTAIN I have GD.  Why, do you ask?  Oh, 'cuz that would just be my luck.  I read somewhere that there aren't really any symptoms, however some may notice increased thirst (um, I'm always thirsty) and if you have a relative with diabetes you're at higher risk (my dad - adult onset.)  So now I'm sure of it.  Cuz...that all makes perfect sense.  I think it's just a part of being a worrying pregnant lady.  I have that role down PERFECTLY.

How far along: 24 weeks, 2 days
What did baby do this week:  Because I have (very well controlled) hypertension, we started doing monthly ultrasound appointments with the perinatologist to check Baby's growth.  Sometimes babies born to mommies with hypertension are smaller because the small blood vessels in the placenta tighten, allowing less blood and nutrients to get to the baby.  So after our 20 week anatomy scan (also done with the perinatologist) we're going back every 4 weeks for growth checks.  One of these happened to be on Tuesday.  These checks are perfectly fine with me - more opportunities to see Baby!  And since my blood pressure (which was not very high pre-pregnancy anyway, just higher than they like) has been quite low I'm not overly concerned.  Sure enough our baby was perfect - clocking in at 1 pound 8 ounces which puts them at 52%.  Baby is ever-so-slightly above the average size of other babies at the same gestational age!  Whew!  Heart-rate was 148 BPM and everything measured great.  Too bad Little One was feeling shy and had their hands in front of their face - no good 3D pix.  At this stage Baby's ears/hearing, fingernails and fingerprints are all done forming.  Baby's respiratory system is also rapidly growing.  Lungs are developing in preparation for breathing, by moving amniotic fluid in and out.  They are also producing a substance called surfactant that helps to keep the lungs from collapsing or sticking together during exhalation.
Total weight gain: 22.2 pounds. I hate this - however, Dr. said "good".
Symptoms: Like I mentioned, I've been more thirsty lately and also seem to have a bad taste in my mouth by the end of the day.  I think I noticed this a bit in the first trimester and it's not as bad, but I feel like I have to brush my teeth multiple times a day.  I'm also continuing to have some constipation which is annoying.  I'm "going" but it's not pleasant.  I asked my OB about this and she suggested drinking more water (10-12 glasses a day which is OMG SO MUCH) and trying this fiber supplement.  I'm doing both and haven't noticed a ton of improvement since starting about 3 days ago.  But we'll see what happens after a week or so.

Queasy or Sick: No thank goodness!  Though with all the water and fiber I'm consuming I've been feeling a bit uncomfortably bloated (and gassy! like a pregnant woman needs more gas!!)
Sleep:  Still awesome.  No problems.  Not waking up in the middle of the night.  No problems falling asleep.  No extra pillows needed.  Not to mention I love feeling Baby moving around before I fall asleep.  I always feel the little buggar most when I'm still and quiet and that's usually right as I go to sleep.
Best moment this week: Hubby felt Baby move for the first time on Friday night!  We try to spend some time every night talking/singing to Baby and he usually will rub my belly.  Friday I noticed that Baby was even MORE active than usual - like if I looked closely, held my breath and concentrated I could see my belly move!  So I had Hubby rest his hand where I was feeling the movement most and sure enough he felt a couple nudges!!  So incredibly cool.
Hardest part of the week:  Not that this was "hard" but it bothered me when we went out for a walk this past week, and by the time we got home I noticed my hands were super swollen.  So swollen I had trouble getting the door unlocked.  It was a longer walk than we usually do and it was a warm night, plus I notice even when I'm not pregnant my hands sometimes swell a little with exercise.  But it still bothered me.  I did some Googling and determined that I was probably a little dehydrated.  Another recommendation is to periodically swing your hands above your head to let gravity pull retained water down.  I haven't noticed it as badly since.
Looking forward to:  Just a few more weeks out and Baby's chance of survival will be greater than 90%!  I actually know of a friend's cousin who had her baby at 24 weeks and while he has some slight vision problems now, he's a thriving 5 year old.
Movement: Definitely feeling it even though it does still sometimes feel like gas.  Or having to suddenly pee...and then suddenly NOT having to pee.  It's much different than I thought it'd feel like, but I love feeling Baby move.  The days of worrying if everything's okay in there between doctor appointments are greatly diminished!

Not just a slice, but a whole (small) cantaloupe!

Food cravings: Nothing specific, though I've started trying to sort of limit my carbs and sugar in light of the glucose test next week.  Carbs is definitely a tough one!
Happy or moody:  Mostly happy!
Labor signs: No
Maternity clothes:  All the time.  When I first started shopping for maternity pants, I had no idea whether I'd like full panel or demi panel better.  Since it's been primarily summer (hot) during my pregnancy I figured I'd prefer the demi panel which doesn't cover as much of your belly.  But I'm finding that I do actually prefer the full panel.  I don't notice it to be more hot and I think it looks nicer/smoother under clothing.  Maybe I'm not yet big enough, but sometimes the demi panels cut into my belly in a weird spot.  Anyway, just my 2 cents!
Belly button in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off: On!
Stretch marks: No
Learnings from the week: I made my way to our local Destination Maternity store a few days ago.  Um - YOU MUST GO.  It is awesome.  I can't believe it's this huge store just full of maternity clothing!  Now, maternity clothing is still not always the most fashionable.  But it was HEAVEN to just get to try things on in the store.  I've become so accustomed to ordering online (multiple sizes of the same item), trying on at home and then returning.  Ugh.  So finding this giant store was wonderful.  You might not know, but Destination Maternity is the parent company for both A Pea in the Pod and Motherhood, so you'll find both brands in the store (A Pea in the Pod being quite a bit more pricey.)  But in browsing around, I was also finding all sorts of designer brands: 7 Jeans, BCBG, Isabella Oliver, J Brand, Nicole Miller.  All maternity!!
Final Thoughts:  I've talked a lot here - I think I'll give you a break from anything more.  Not to mention I'm already late on getting this posted.  See you next week!