| margysd (Moderator ?) | |
 | Age: 41 Country: USA Province/region: City: Partner: Paul (the love of my life) Children: Yes, 2 Pregnant: No Occupation: Graphic Designer, Animal Facility Manager/ SAHM at the moment |
| Online: 2 days ago. Last updated: 821 days ago. Member since: 1570 days | |
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Friday, June 13, 2008
The birth of my beautiful daughter Elsa Shannon. Her birth story is posted.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Lost my mucus plug
This morning after using the bathroom I noticed that I lost my mucus plug. It was a big glob of mucus with a little brownish-red streaks.
Contractions
Starting on Wednesday (6/4/08), Thursday (6/5/08), and today (6/6/08) I have been feeling very light contractions. They are on and off--not painful, not consistent, and have not increased with frequency.
I know from talking to people and from my readings that after the mucus plug is expelled sometimes labor can begin within hours and sometimes it can take weeks. So, we are just sitting back and relaxing and getting some rest until other labor signs begin.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008: Streptococcus B test results
During today's appointment Paul and I were given the results to the Streptococcus B test and they were negative. Yay!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008: Streptococcus B test
Was given the Streptococcus B test at the doctor's office.
Friday, April 4, 2008: Passed My Glucose Test
Today, I got my results back from the glucose test for gestational diabetes that I took on Tuesday, April 1, 2008. I passed with flying colors. My score was 116-mg/dL. The cut off score is 135-mg/dL, so I was well within normal passing range.
This means that my body has a normal and healthy capacity of assimilating glucose in the body.
Friday, March 28, 2008: Our 6th Ultrasound
Our Appointment
Today we had our last ultrasound appointment, as there is no need to do any until the birth. Our baby is getting bigger, so it was hard to position her in only one screen view. She is also in the vertex position already, with her hands and legs in front of her head, in a position amenable to birthing and won't have to turn around later. It was difficult to get a good view of her head or face due to her hands and feet being so close to her face; it was like she was already being camera shy!
The tech took 4D reconstructed views of our baby, which are shown below. We were very excited to see part of her face for the first time, and we think she looks like her father (Paul). The measurements are also shown below, with everything proceeding normally, and a normal weight. She just has to put on some more weight, then she will be ready to meet her parents, along with the rest of the world!
Our Daughter's Measurements
Tuesday, February 12, 2008: Our 5th Ultrasound
Our Appointment
This is the day of our second “big” ultrasound. It was the second part of the ultrasound that we had on January 9, 2008. The big ultrasounds are for getting the complete measurements of our baby, to make sure that everything is progressing as normally expected, and that our baby is a healthy weight, with a heart rate of 140 beats per minute. The technician said the weight of 1 lb 4 oz corresponds to the 59th percentile class, so she's a little bigger than normal. We are so happy that she is healthy and growing as expected. The people at the ultrasound clinic said there are no more visits required, and that everything will be great!
A Healthy Baby Girl
After the first big ultrasound appointment, they asked us to come back because the tech was not able to fully see the spinal cord development. When we came back today, she said that everything was great. The spinal cord closed exactly the way that it was supposed to. She confirmed from the scan that it was a girl. Based on all of the measurements, she said that everything was great. She said that as much as she likes to see Paul and myself every month, that from now and until the remainder of the pregnancy we do not need any more ultrasound appointments, that we can just go to the scheduled fetal/maternal appointments through my Ob/Gyn. What more or better news could we ask for as parents? We have a healthy baby that has hit all of the milestones.
Our Daughter's Measurements
Aside from being totally elated, and ecstatic that we will be having a healthy baby daughter, Paul and I were thoroughly enjoying watching our daughter on the ultrasound screen. She was very animated and we could see her hands and legs moving. She was making a lot of movements and gestures. It was really fun to watch her.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008: Our 4th Ultrasound
Our Appointment
This is the day of our `big` ultrasound where they take lots of measurements of our daughter's development. Because of the position of the baby we were not able to get all of the measurements that we wanted, and will get the remaining measurements on our next ultrasound a month from this date. But, we did receive the most important news, which is that so far our beautiful daughter is healthy and progressing as normally expected! We have not even met her yet and are already very proud parents!
Our Daughter's Measurements
Thursday, December 27, 2007: Quad Screening Test
During this doctor's visit we had a Quad screening test to provide the risk estimate for Trisomy 18, Down syndrome, and open neural tube defects (spina bifida).
The test detects:
Friday, December 21, 2007: Our 3rd Ultrasound
During our appointment today, we found out that our baby's heartbeat is 150 beats/minute, with all normal anatomy, and no indications of spinal problems, so everything is all smilies!
We were happy to see our daughter again and say hello at a more advanced stage of development. Also, we could tell that she was really cruising around in the womb, unlike the last couple of times where she was just sleeping and lying still. She was so active, and it made us even more excited to eventually meet our new daughter!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007: We are having a GIRL!!!!!
Great News! I just received the results from the Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) test that was done on Monday and all chromosomes are 100% normal and healthy and we will be having a baby girl. I could not be more happy right now to know that I am at the end of my first trimester, very healthy, with a healthy baby and that it will be a girl.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007: 12-weeks Pregnant Doctor's Appointment
The Rh Factor and the Baby's Blood Type
Today was our third Ob/Gyn doctor’s appointment. We got the results of Paul’s blood type. He is A positive, while I am O negative. This means that I will need a second RhoGAM shot at 26 weeks to make sure that there are no conflicts between my antibodies and the baby's.
Hearing our Baby on the Baby Doppler
During our appointment, we got to hear the baby’s movements and the heartbeat with the baby doppler. It was amazing! We heard a steady heart beat. We also heard the baby kicking, changing positions, and moving around. This was different from yesterday. Yesterday the baby slept through the entire ultrasound scan. It was nice to hear that the baby was up and moving around.
Wonderful, Healthy News So Far
Going to the ultrasound yesterday and hearing that everything is progressing developmentally as expected and hearing at today’s appointment that everything is so far very healthy has been a tremendous relief and has made me feel really good. We are still waiting on the preliminary results of the CVS test, which will come back tomorrow, and another round of blood work at the 16th week; but so far so good. In fact, they even told us at the doctor’s office that they think that things are stable enough for us to begin telling people that we are pregnant.
Gaining Pregnancy Weight
There was something that happened at the doctor’s that I thought was interesting… So far I have been eating so much I feel like I have been inhaling food. I am hungry and eating all of the time. And my pregnancy is starting to show in my stomach. I was concerned that they were going to tell me that I have gained too much weight. In fact they said that I have only gained 1 pound and told me that I really needed to put more weight on! Amazing that they are telling me to eat more and to put on more weight. I do not think it is possible for anyone to eat more than what I have been doing, but never-the-less it did feel good to know that I was not over my limit. So in light of this, Paul and I on our way home from the doctor's appointment held hands and walked to our favorite local bakery, Metropolitan, and got some wonderful baked breads and healthy sandwiches. Yummy!
Monday, November 26, 2007: Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) test, Fragile X test, and Our 2nd Ultrasound
A Healthy Heartbeat and Growing As Expected
Today was our Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) test, blood draw for fragile X test, and our second ultrasound. I am very happy to report that everything with the ultrasound looked totally normal. The heartbeat was 162 beats per minute and the length of the fetus is 55 mm about 1-1.5 oz. They noticed on ultrasound that there was a normal amount of fluid behind the neck of the fetus, which means that there is a much lower chance of chromosomal abnormalities (e.g. Downs syndrome).
Doing the CVS Test: A Small Ouch Factor
To do the CVS test, I felt a pinch where the needle went into my stomach. Paul held my hand throughout the entire procedure. Having Paul's emotional support really helped, plus the doctor and ultrasonographer doing the procedure where excellent. Before I left the doctor’s office I was given a RhoGAM shot, since I am O negative and we are unsure what Paul’s blood type is. We will get the results of his blood type test back tomorrow when we go for our 12-week Ob/Gyn appointment.
When we will Receive our Test Results
On Wednesday, November 28, 2007 we will get the preliminary results of the CVS and fragile X blood tests. The preliminary results will include the chromosome number, which will test us the sex of our baby! We will get the final and complete results 8-10-days from today which will include detection of 99% of any chromosome abnormalities.
Our Second Ultrasound Picture of Our Beautiful Baby
Shown below is our ultrasound picture that was given to us from our November 26 appointment. It is exciting to see the picture looking more like a baby. This time, during the scanning Paul and I could make out the arms and legs.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007: Our 1st Ultrasound
Hi there, I'm the father here....we had our first ultrasound today and the fetus looked completely normal, no problems, so we were really happy! It was 15mm long, 162 beats/minute on the heart rate, so everything is normal. We're soooo excited to see the little bunchkin in less than eight months!
Monday, October 9, 2007: Our 1st Doctor's Appointment
Today was our first doctor's appointment confirming my pregnancy with a blood and urine test. They told me at this point, "You are about a minute pregnant" and within a week feelings of fatigue and nausea should start. They also congratulated both of us and called Paul, "Super Sperm", which Paul says is the best compliment anyone ever gave him.
We are very excited about being pregnant. This is our first pregnancy so we are going through everything together for the first time.
We are looking forward to the completion of our first trimester and the completion of advanced maternal age (AMA) testing to make sure everything is ok.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007: "Big Fat Positive" Pregnancy Test
Wednesday, September 19, 2007: Success!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007: LNMP
Day 1 of Last Normal Menstrual Period
Comments on *** Pregnancy Blog ***
| 10-5-2008 - *** Pregnancy Blog *** |  My mood while writing this blog:introspective |
Friday, June 13, 2008
The birth of my beautiful daughter Elsa Shannon. Her birth story is posted.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Lost my mucus plug
This morning after using the bathroom I noticed that I lost my mucus plug. It was a big glob of mucus with a little brownish-red streaks.
Contractions
Starting on Wednesday (6/4/08), Thursday (6/5/08), and today (6/6/08) I have been feeling very light contractions. They are on and off--not painful, not consistent, and have not increased with frequency.
I know from talking to people and from my readings that after the mucus plug is expelled sometimes labor can begin within hours and sometimes it can take weeks. So, we are just sitting back and relaxing and getting some rest until other labor signs begin.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008: Streptococcus B test results
During today's appointment Paul and I were given the results to the Streptococcus B test and they were negative. Yay!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008: Streptococcus B test
Was given the Streptococcus B test at the doctor's office.
Friday, April 4, 2008: Passed My Glucose Test
Today, I got my results back from the glucose test for gestational diabetes that I took on Tuesday, April 1, 2008. I passed with flying colors. My score was 116-mg/dL. The cut off score is 135-mg/dL, so I was well within normal passing range.
This means that my body has a normal and healthy capacity of assimilating glucose in the body.
Friday, March 28, 2008: Our 6th Ultrasound
Our Appointment
Today we had our last ultrasound appointment, as there is no need to do any until the birth. Our baby is getting bigger, so it was hard to position her in only one screen view. She is also in the vertex position already, with her hands and legs in front of her head, in a position amenable to birthing and won't have to turn around later. It was difficult to get a good view of her head or face due to her hands and feet being so close to her face; it was like she was already being camera shy!
The tech took 4D reconstructed views of our baby, which are shown below. We were very excited to see part of her face for the first time, and we think she looks like her father (Paul). The measurements are also shown below, with everything proceeding normally, and a normal weight. She just has to put on some more weight, then she will be ready to meet her parents, along with the rest of the world!
Our Daughter's Measurements
- head circumference: 25.7 cm
- heart rate: 152 beats/ minute
- weight: 2 lb 12 oz
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Tuesday, February 12, 2008: Our 5th Ultrasound
Our Appointment
This is the day of our second “big” ultrasound. It was the second part of the ultrasound that we had on January 9, 2008. The big ultrasounds are for getting the complete measurements of our baby, to make sure that everything is progressing as normally expected, and that our baby is a healthy weight, with a heart rate of 140 beats per minute. The technician said the weight of 1 lb 4 oz corresponds to the 59th percentile class, so she's a little bigger than normal. We are so happy that she is healthy and growing as expected. The people at the ultrasound clinic said there are no more visits required, and that everything will be great!
A Healthy Baby Girl
After the first big ultrasound appointment, they asked us to come back because the tech was not able to fully see the spinal cord development. When we came back today, she said that everything was great. The spinal cord closed exactly the way that it was supposed to. She confirmed from the scan that it was a girl. Based on all of the measurements, she said that everything was great. She said that as much as she likes to see Paul and myself every month, that from now and until the remainder of the pregnancy we do not need any more ultrasound appointments, that we can just go to the scheduled fetal/maternal appointments through my Ob/Gyn. What more or better news could we ask for as parents? We have a healthy baby that has hit all of the milestones.
Our Daughter's Measurements
- abdominal circumference: 18.54 cm
- femur length: 4.13 cm
- head circumference: 20.60 cm
- heart rate: 140 beats/ minute
- upper arm length: 3.94 cm
- weight: 1 lb 4 oz
Aside from being totally elated, and ecstatic that we will be having a healthy baby daughter, Paul and I were thoroughly enjoying watching our daughter on the ultrasound screen. She was very animated and we could see her hands and legs moving. She was making a lot of movements and gestures. It was really fun to watch her.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008: Our 4th Ultrasound
Our Appointment
This is the day of our `big` ultrasound where they take lots of measurements of our daughter's development. Because of the position of the baby we were not able to get all of the measurements that we wanted, and will get the remaining measurements on our next ultrasound a month from this date. But, we did receive the most important news, which is that so far our beautiful daughter is healthy and progressing as normally expected! We have not even met her yet and are already very proud parents!
Our Daughter's Measurements
- arm length: 2.53 cm
- head circumference: 14.78 cm
- heart rate: 150 beats/ minute
- upper leg (femur): 2.79 cm
- weight: 5 oz
Thursday, December 27, 2007: Quad Screening Test
During this doctor's visit we had a Quad screening test to provide the risk estimate for Trisomy 18, Down syndrome, and open neural tube defects (spina bifida).
The test detects:
- 80% of pregnancies with open neural tube defects
- 70% of pregnancies with Down syndrome or Trisomy 18 in women under 35 with a false-positive rate of 5%
- 89% of pregnancies with Down syndrome or Trisomy 18 in women over 35 with a false-positive rate of 5%
Friday, December 21, 2007: Our 3rd Ultrasound
During our appointment today, we found out that our baby's heartbeat is 150 beats/minute, with all normal anatomy, and no indications of spinal problems, so everything is all smilies!
We were happy to see our daughter again and say hello at a more advanced stage of development. Also, we could tell that she was really cruising around in the womb, unlike the last couple of times where she was just sleeping and lying still. She was so active, and it made us even more excited to eventually meet our new daughter!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007: We are having a GIRL!!!!!
Great News! I just received the results from the Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) test that was done on Monday and all chromosomes are 100% normal and healthy and we will be having a baby girl. I could not be more happy right now to know that I am at the end of my first trimester, very healthy, with a healthy baby and that it will be a girl.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007: 12-weeks Pregnant Doctor's Appointment
The Rh Factor and the Baby's Blood Type
Today was our third Ob/Gyn doctor’s appointment. We got the results of Paul’s blood type. He is A positive, while I am O negative. This means that I will need a second RhoGAM shot at 26 weeks to make sure that there are no conflicts between my antibodies and the baby's.
Hearing our Baby on the Baby Doppler
During our appointment, we got to hear the baby’s movements and the heartbeat with the baby doppler. It was amazing! We heard a steady heart beat. We also heard the baby kicking, changing positions, and moving around. This was different from yesterday. Yesterday the baby slept through the entire ultrasound scan. It was nice to hear that the baby was up and moving around.
Wonderful, Healthy News So Far
Going to the ultrasound yesterday and hearing that everything is progressing developmentally as expected and hearing at today’s appointment that everything is so far very healthy has been a tremendous relief and has made me feel really good. We are still waiting on the preliminary results of the CVS test, which will come back tomorrow, and another round of blood work at the 16th week; but so far so good. In fact, they even told us at the doctor’s office that they think that things are stable enough for us to begin telling people that we are pregnant.
Gaining Pregnancy Weight
There was something that happened at the doctor’s that I thought was interesting… So far I have been eating so much I feel like I have been inhaling food. I am hungry and eating all of the time. And my pregnancy is starting to show in my stomach. I was concerned that they were going to tell me that I have gained too much weight. In fact they said that I have only gained 1 pound and told me that I really needed to put more weight on! Amazing that they are telling me to eat more and to put on more weight. I do not think it is possible for anyone to eat more than what I have been doing, but never-the-less it did feel good to know that I was not over my limit. So in light of this, Paul and I on our way home from the doctor's appointment held hands and walked to our favorite local bakery, Metropolitan, and got some wonderful baked breads and healthy sandwiches. Yummy!
Monday, November 26, 2007: Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) test, Fragile X test, and Our 2nd Ultrasound
A Healthy Heartbeat and Growing As Expected
Today was our Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) test, blood draw for fragile X test, and our second ultrasound. I am very happy to report that everything with the ultrasound looked totally normal. The heartbeat was 162 beats per minute and the length of the fetus is 55 mm about 1-1.5 oz. They noticed on ultrasound that there was a normal amount of fluid behind the neck of the fetus, which means that there is a much lower chance of chromosomal abnormalities (e.g. Downs syndrome).
Doing the CVS Test: A Small Ouch Factor
To do the CVS test, I felt a pinch where the needle went into my stomach. Paul held my hand throughout the entire procedure. Having Paul's emotional support really helped, plus the doctor and ultrasonographer doing the procedure where excellent. Before I left the doctor’s office I was given a RhoGAM shot, since I am O negative and we are unsure what Paul’s blood type is. We will get the results of his blood type test back tomorrow when we go for our 12-week Ob/Gyn appointment.
When we will Receive our Test Results
On Wednesday, November 28, 2007 we will get the preliminary results of the CVS and fragile X blood tests. The preliminary results will include the chromosome number, which will test us the sex of our baby! We will get the final and complete results 8-10-days from today which will include detection of 99% of any chromosome abnormalities.
Our Second Ultrasound Picture of Our Beautiful Baby
Shown below is our ultrasound picture that was given to us from our November 26 appointment. It is exciting to see the picture looking more like a baby. This time, during the scanning Paul and I could make out the arms and legs.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007: Our 1st Ultrasound
Hi there, I'm the father here....we had our first ultrasound today and the fetus looked completely normal, no problems, so we were really happy! It was 15mm long, 162 beats/minute on the heart rate, so everything is normal. We're soooo excited to see the little bunchkin in less than eight months!
Monday, October 9, 2007: Our 1st Doctor's Appointment
Today was our first doctor's appointment confirming my pregnancy with a blood and urine test. They told me at this point, "You are about a minute pregnant" and within a week feelings of fatigue and nausea should start. They also congratulated both of us and called Paul, "Super Sperm", which Paul says is the best compliment anyone ever gave him.
We are very excited about being pregnant. This is our first pregnancy so we are going through everything together for the first time.
We are looking forward to the completion of our first trimester and the completion of advanced maternal age (AMA) testing to make sure everything is ok.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007: "Big Fat Positive" Pregnancy Test
Wednesday, September 19, 2007: Success!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007: LNMP
Day 1 of Last Normal Menstrual Period
Comments on *** Pregnancy Blog ***
Photos
Children
Latest blogs
14-5-2009 - My Contact Information
13-7-2008 - Tips for Increasing Your Breast Milk Supply
13-7-2008 - Elsa's birth announcement
10-5-2008 - *** Pregnancy Blog ***
28-4-2008 - Hospital Bag
27-4-2008 - Excellent books for pregnancy
27-4-2008 - Margy and Paul's Pregnancy Calendar
27-4-2008 - Our Baby Registry
26-4-2008 - Meeting our birth partner/Doula
26-4-2008 - Pregnancy beads and tension relievers
26-4-2008 - New Maternity Clothes...Yay!!!
21-4-2008 - The movie: The Business of Being Born
12-4-2008 - Labor prediction quiz results
08-4-2008 - Paul ordered a camcorder
14-5-2009 - My Contact Information
13-7-2008 - Tips for Increasing Your Breast Milk Supply
13-7-2008 - Elsa's birth announcement
10-5-2008 - *** Pregnancy Blog ***
28-4-2008 - Hospital Bag
27-4-2008 - Excellent books for pregnancy
27-4-2008 - Margy and Paul's Pregnancy Calendar
27-4-2008 - Our Baby Registry
26-4-2008 - Meeting our birth partner/Doula
26-4-2008 - Pregnancy beads and tension relievers
26-4-2008 - New Maternity Clothes...Yay!!!
21-4-2008 - The movie: The Business of Being Born
12-4-2008 - Labor prediction quiz results
08-4-2008 - Paul ordered a camcorder
Polls
- How long did it take for your baby to be able to sleep through the night without...
Date: 13-7-2008 Votes: 91 Comments: 8 - How long did it take for you to recover after giving birth...
Date: 1-7-2008 Votes: 66 Comments: 7 - After using the breast pump to put milk in bottle, is it challenging to have you...
Date: 22-6-2008 Votes: 39 Comments: 3 - After giving birth, how long did it take for you to stop bleeding?...
Date: 20-6-2008 Votes: 78 Comments: 7 - Is it still a good idea to use sex to induce labor even after you loose your muc...
Date: 6-6-2008 Votes: 57 Comments: 2 - After loosing your mucus plug, how long did it take for active labor to naturall...
Date: 6-6-2008 Votes: 47 Comments: 3 - Has anyone tried to switch hospitals at 37 weeks pregnant? Do you know if it is...
Date: 21-5-2008 Votes: 26 Comments: 0 - I recently found out about a local hospital that has a natural birthing facility...
Date: 21-5-2008 Votes: 17 Comments: 1 - In what week did you go into labor naturally?...
Date: 22-4-2008 Votes: 35 Comments: 1 - How long did it take to get your period back after the completion of breastfeedi...
Date: 12-4-2008 Votes: 23 Comments: 3 - How long did you breastfeed your baby?...
Date: 12-4-2008 Votes: 53 Comments: 1 - At which phase were you more tired?...
Date: 7-4-2008 Votes: 49 Comments: 0 - What do you think of the name Elsa for a girl?...
Date: 7-4-2008 Votes: 62 Comments: 1 - What do you think of the name Elsa Shannon for a girl?...
Date: 30-3-2008 Votes: 44 Comments: 2
Agenda
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