Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Portrait of a Pregnancy After a Preemie: Part 5


There I am as of today! The bump grows... slowly. :)

Well, I am just about 25 weeks pregnant and so thrilled to be at this point!

We got the results of our "big" ultrasound today and were told that everything looks great. Baby is an appropriate size and in good position. I'm measuring dead-on for 25 weeks and the doctor says the baby has dropped some since last visit, which is normal, particularly with subsequent pregnancies.

My blood pressure seemed high to me today, but the nurse and doctor didn't comment on it. I think sometimes I'm so used to having low blood pressure that the numbers that scare ME aren't necessarily all that bad.

I lost 3 lb since my last visit which means I've gained 9 lb so far in the pregnancy. A larger gain would be more typical at this point but, as long as I manage to not LOSE any more, it shouldn't be a problem. As I said, my goal is to gain between 25 and 30 lb like I did with my first pregnancy. We'll see how that goes!

I also had my gestational diabetes test today and should get the results within a week. I don't anticipate any problems. Gotta love that orange glucose drink though- blech. Tastes like Kool-Aid made with quadruple sugar!

I have strict lifting restrictions- nothing over 15 lb- because of my history with preterm labor of unknown causes. This is annoying (since I can't lift either of my children!) but not impossible. I'm still exercising 5-6 days a week and I feel great! Walking on the treadmill definitely eases the minor backaches I've been having. No heartburn complaints right now and I'm grateful for that.

My bump remains rather unimpressive and surprisingly small for a third pregnancy, especially after having had a c-section. :) But, as I point out to all the people who stare at me incredulously and say, "What??? You're six months pregnant???"-- every woman is different. I'm on the tall side (5'7") and that helps. I also just carry compactly. Always have.

I think being past that "24-week mark" has lifted a burden off my shoulders. I feel happy and lighthearted and healthy and energetic. I am delighted to feel each and every movement of this precious child and I look forward to 13 more weeks!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

You're doing great!

Um, what about the hair?! ;-)

Phoebe @ GettingFreedom said...

Cute!

And you are so right--every woman is different. My first 2 pregnancies I showed nothing at all until about 7 months. I'm on the tall side as well--5'11".

You are doing a great job! :)

FishMama said...

You look great! (I like the new 'do, too - but we need a better picture of those big eyes.)

If it makes you feel better, I only gained 18-20 pounds with 4 out of 6 pregnancies. I didn't plan it that way, but all the babies were hefty and I was fine. So you'll be okay, too.

Heather Benza said...

It must be your height because I've gained 9 pounds too but my bump doesn't really qualify as a bump-- it's more like a mountainous boulder! (i'm only 5 feet no inches so I guess it has no where to go but out).