Baby Update

Posted by Rachel in Uncategorized (Wednesday March 23, 2005 at 1:51 pm)

I had an unexpected visit from my midwife today. Apparently, she thought that we had an appointment today, but just as she drove into our driveway, she realized that she hadn’t confirmed it with me. It didn’t make any difference because I was home and free anyway. My blood pressure is 88 over 48. Sadly, that’s higher than it was last time. The baby’s heartbeat (which sounds strong) is 170. It’s amazing how fast it is. Also, my midwife told me that a lot of the reason I’ve been so sick is because my uterus is tilted back. I already knew this a couple weeks ago when we went to the doctor’s because it took a few minutes to find the heartbeat, but I didn’t realize that people with tilted uteri (is that the plural?) tend to have more morning sickness because the uterus is pushed against all the nerves. It might have even played a role in my fainting episode a while ago. Anyway, it straightens itself out throughout the pregnancy, which is part of the reason that I’m feeling so much better. She was amazed at how transformed I looked from the last couple visits. I have more color in my face and I’ve gained some weight, and I’m actually cheerful. The sick me compared to the healthy me is a huge contrast. She’s also quite jealous that I’m going to Spokane (seeing as how she’s from Spokane). Hehehe. Spokane here I come.

6 Responses to “Baby Update”

  1. scott cunningham Says:
    March 23rd, 2005 at 2:22 pm

    Rachel, were you sick all day or just the mornings? My wife is sick all day (12 weeks along), and often wakes up in the middle of the night extremely nausous. Was yours limited just to the morning or did it also show up throughout the whole day. Either way, I forwarded your post to her, as I wonder if she also has a tilted uterus (we’ll definitely ask).

  2. Mommy Says:
    March 23rd, 2005 at 2:59 pm

    Rachel- I’m pretty sure that Grandma Nancy had a tipped uterus, too. I remember that she told me that it was harder to conceive with that problem, also. Anyway, you conceived! And that tipped uterus problem explains a lot about your sickness and fainting. Does the midwife think that maybe your blood pressure is on the extrememly low side??? Could that be contributing to those faint feelings?

    anyway—Can’t wait to see you! I guess Forrest and Rebekah are going to pick you up on Friday night and you’ll spend the weekend at their home. We’ll hopefully see you on Saturday sometime!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can’t wait! Maybe we could get Heather to bring her doppler so we can all hear baby’s heartbeat!!! Love you

  3. kristen Says:
    March 23rd, 2005 at 3:48 pm

    If your uterus is tilted back, you’ll get to wear regular clothes for a lot longer. I’m sure it’ll be annoying if you are 24 weeks and still don’t look pregnant, but trust me, maternity clothes get really boring!

    I’m glad things are getting better!

  4. Rachel Says:
    March 23rd, 2005 at 8:58 pm

    Scott:
    I was sick all day. At about 12 weeks, it got slightly better. Now, at almost 15 weeks, I feel great. I still throw up occasionally, but only if I don’t eat often enough. Make sure your wife eats lots of protein AND carbs - I’ve found that fruit helps boost the blood sugar, then protein helps sustain it.
    Mommy:
    Tell her to bring her doppler! That’d be fun. And yes, my low blood pressure just means that it’s even more important for me to get lots of food in me. It’s not anything to worry about, but it definitely contributes to feeling weaker.
    Kristen:
    Well, I think I’m starting to show just a little, but that might have to do with the fact that I’m kinda thin so basically anything will show up. Plus I’ve gained a lot of non-baby weight. My midwife says that’s my body making sure I get the reserves I need to maintain the pregnancy healthfully.

  5. hollie Says:
    March 25th, 2005 at 10:13 am

    Glad to hear that you’re feeling better and the baby is healthy. I have my first appt in a few weeks…can’t wait to hear that little heartbeat.

    Hope y’all have fun in Spokane.

  6. Christopher Witmer Says:
    March 27th, 2005 at 5:25 pm

    If it makes you feel any better, Ralph Smith’s mother-in-law had morning-noon-and-night sickness until the baby was born. All four times.

    On the other hand, I have a friend who not only had no morning sickness, her first delivery went like this: Feeling some slight discomfort, she went to the hospital and told the nurse, “I think I might be in labor.” “Okay, get up on this table and let’s have a look at you. Good grief, I can see the baby’s head!” (A few minutes later) “Nurse, how are things progressing?” “What are you talking about? The baby’s born already!”

    Anyway, as a male I am not in much position to comment, but having lost our first child (we now have seven) through miscarriage, we are grateful for the constant reminder that morning sickness gives the expecting mom to be extra careful in the early stages of pregnancy. (Not that all miscarriages can be prevented, of course.)

    May God continue to bless your growing family!

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