Journal - June 2005

My Journal - June 2005

LOVE was all she ever knew!!!

My Journal - June 2005

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Thursday - June 9th

9 weeks

A few weeks ago, I received a questionnaire from my Doctor asking about our pregnancy history, health history, family health history, family history of disorders, ethnic backgrounds, and more. I completed this and brought it with us to our first appointment.

I went into the exam room by myself. I do not remember a check-up, but that must be why I was by myself. Before she called Glenn into the room, she checked for a heartbeat. She was moving the microphone-thingy around for awhile. Just as she was saying “you have a deep pelvis and we might not be able to hear the…” We heard it! She quickly ran out of the room and into the waiting room to get Glenn. “Hurry, Hurry, Hurry.” I could hear them crashing down the hall as they ran back to the room. It was funny. Hearing the heartbeat was incredible. We both had happy tears.

Our First Baby!! Incredible!!

All was perfect! She determined our due date was January 11, 2006, exactly what I thought. So, we were on the path to all of the pre-natal check-ups, testing and ultrasounds. She told us she did not do ultrasounds in her office. So she would refer us to Dr. Blake. And, IF we wanted to know if we were having a boy or girl.... do not tell her. She wants to be surprised.

She gave us a booklet to read. And asked us to make an appointment with Dr. Blake for our Ultrasound and Debra a Genetic Counselor. I remember hearing, “Be sure to have the Doctor not a Technician do the ultrasound.” I am not sure what that means.

She wanted to be sure we received loving care by her during our pregnancy. So, if I have cramping or spotting or other problems try to wait until the morning, and then call her. She also did not want us to go to the emergency room, if possible.

Friday – June 10th

We went to the Del Mar Fair today with my mom and our nephews. I felt nauseous looking at the foods and the rides. We all learned how to throw horse shoes, how to make paper and how to pretend to be hypnotized. We walked a lot and I was super tired. As we were leaving the fair grounds, I had some bad cramps. We stopped a few times to rest, before we made it to the car. But, we did have a great time. Next year we will have our baby with us.

Wednesday - June 15th

10 weeks

I had super bad cramps tonight. So, I curled up on the floor in the hallway. I could hardly talk. Glenn had no idea what he could do for me. When I felt a little bit better I scooted next to the bed. When I was able to, Glenn helped me climb onto the bed. I asked Glenn to call Mary (my friend, and a Mom of 5) and ask her what to do. Poor Glenn, he was so worried. There was no answer, so he left a message. It was a very scary time. We thought I was having a miscarriage, but I had no bleeding. But, 45 minutes later, the cramps were gone completely. We have no explanation.

FYI: Since we can home from Seattle… I have been having ALL DAY SICKNESS. I take my showers sitting on the floor of the tub. Even worse… every time I brush my teeth (morning & night), I gag and dry heave and cough. Fortunately, I have not “gotten sick” while at work. YET! When I get a bad feeling… It is time for a break. And just in case, I did borrow a few “barf bags” from our airline trip to and from Seattle. I carry them with me, in between my lesson plans. At work, the bathroom is a long way away.

Tuesday - June 28th

12 weeks

Today was our first doctor’s appointment with Dr. Blake and Debra, our Genetic Counselor. We met with the Debra first. She asked us about our health and family history. Similar questions to the original questionnaire I had completed for my OB-GYN. I wish we had a copy of that form. But, the information was easy to remember, because we did not have any major health concerns in either of our families.

She also explained to us the reasons to get a diagnostic test if our screening test results were high (screen positive). I told her, I really do not think I would terminate our pregnancy no matter what the outcome of our screening tests, so I was not interested in the diagnostic tests. She explained to us why the diagnostic test would be more important, especially if we would carry the baby to term. Because the amniocentesis or CVS can 100% diagnose a baby with a birth defect, we would be able to prepare for our life with a special needs child.

I mostly did not want an amniocentesis because of the risks. The process could cause early contractions. As I understand it, the needle is inserted through your stomach muscle, which could cause the muscle to contract, leading to an early labor. I had read about CVS testing in the “Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy and I was not too interested in that diagnostic test either.

We had time to think about the diagnostic testing. Because, first we had to complete the screening process, and the diagnostic testing is usually between 16 – 17 weeks. Ultimately, after discussing our health and family history, the counseling part of the screening was good.

Next, we went into the room to have our Ultrasound. Dr. Blake put some cool jelly on my belly and moved a round-thingy around. Glenn and I were holding hands and trying to figure out what we were looking at. It was an emotional experience. The Doctor did his part of the Screening Test. Using the high-tech computer screen… he measured the skin fold at the back of the neck. Apparently, this neck fold tends to be thicker in babies with Downs Syndrome. He told us our babies neck appeared to be of average size. But, Debra would call within the next few days with the results. So far, our screening tests are good.

Wednesday – June 29th

Today, our Genetic Counselor Debra called with the first part of our screening test results. Good News… The chances of our baby having downs syndrome is 1:550.

FYI: On average… 35 year old women (at the time of delivery, like me), have about a 1:384 in having a Downs Syndrome baby. But, it is important to remember the Screening Test is never 100% successful in detecting Down Syndrome and Neural Tube Defect pregnancies. Only the Diagnostic Tests will find 100% of them.

Learn More... Information

go to ... JULY

find out about... our 4th of July... our Imperial Beach Sand Castle Weekend...

our 5th Wedding Anniversary... and more Doctor appointments with the Q&A's

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