Couldn't have asked for a better appointment

We had our check up with the specialist today, which included a growth ultrasound and another cervical length check.  Good news on all fronts:  My cervix is unchanged from last time (still 2.3-2.5cm), and baby girl is still measuring around 1 week ahead.  She is no longer breech (thank you, prenatal yoga), and they are estimating her size to be 3lbs 9 oz!  We also got a small sneak peek of her face....I'm so in love, even though I really can't tell what we're looking at.  The tech confirmed once again that Baby Girl is still a "she" and we even got to see her gulp some fluid again.  The estimated due date based on her measurements is now July 19th, but they won't officially move my due date from the 27th because there has to be a 14 day difference to do that.  And the best news:  because I've been unchanged for a month now, I can stop seeing the specialist!  I still have to remain on the progesterone until 35-36 weeks, but she sees no reason for me to come in for checks unless I start feeling contractions again.  It's always great to hear that what you're doing is working.  I'm still at risk for a preterm delivery, so my restrictions are the same, but NO BEDREST!  Yay! 


My OB saw me for my regular two week check-up right after, and everything is looking good on that front too. Blood pressure, weight, etc. is all right where she wants them to be.  I celebrated with an Egg Mcmuffin right after....gosh I love those things.  :)

Time is flying by

I cannot believe how quickly the time is passing.  I am so excited to meet this baby girl that's been growing in me.  Other than increased swelling in my fingers and toes, and being a bit (I'm sure Andrew would say a lot) more emotional, the progesterone hasn't affected me too much.  I've been swimming every other day and going to my prenatal yoga class once a week. I hated yoga before and nothing has changed with pregnancy.  It's so boring!  I feel great though.

 Baby Girl Update
From my weekly email:  

Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

How far along?: 29 w
How big is baby?: The size of a squash
Weight gain/loss?: 26 lbs.
Stretch marks?: Still stretchmark free.  woot!
Maternity clothes?: Yes please.

Sleep?: some nights are great, others not so much.  Poor Andrew.

Food cravings?:  Baby Girl and I are still obsessed with strawberries and I'm happy that they are getting more in season.  I also starting eating Whole Fruit strawberry fruit popsicles.  Healthier than icecream, but. still. awesome.

Gender?: Baby Girl!
Movement?: Some days she is super active and others not so much.  I'm pretty sure she is still breech  and facing my back.  I feel kicks toward my butt now.  So wierd.

Belly button?: Still qualifies as an inny, and I'm starting to think it won't pop out.

What are you looking forward to this week?:  The weather the past 2 weeks has been so beautiful.  I hope it continues for my baby shower!  I can't wait to see all of my friends and family.

Notables:

I'm convinced she is going to be a blonde baby.  Andrew was blonde and so was my brother, so it's not out of the question.  I can't wait to see what she looks like!

Jada is super excited to cuddle with her too:

Boooo Progesterone

I was hoping I didn't see my Dr.'s number come up on my cell phone today.  After reviewing my scans from yesterday with another specialist, they want me to start progesterone injections.  It's more precautionary than anything, but I'm still bummed.  Oddly enough, there was an interesting article in the NY Times about progesterone and pre-term birth.  At least the study shows it works:


http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/03/health/research/03preemie.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=progesterone&st=cse


Wonderful side effects I can expect:  headaches, bloating, irritability, breast tenderness, sleepiness, depression and mood swings.  hahaha ummmm, I'm 7 mos. pregnant, so I'm feeling most of these already!

I'm Dynamic...

...or my cervix is anyway.  Here's an update from my Dr. appt this morning:


Nothing has changed!  Which is actually a good thing at this point.  Apparently the hospital has different perinatologists, so we had another new dr. to meet.  I liked her.  Anyway, during the course of the 45 min. ultrasound, my measurements went from 2cm-2.8cm, meaning that the length changes with pushing, contractions, when I'm standing, etc.  It gets a special name:  dynamic.  She doesn't seem to think I need to start any shots yet, so I'm very grateful for that.  So for now, we just maintain my restrictions (though she did say I could go light swimming...YAY!!!).  I'm happy that our gym has an indoor pool.


I go back in 2 weeks for another length check and also a growth ultrasound to check Baby Girls's height, weight, etc.  The tech at the hospital was so sweet and kept trying to get a picture of Baby Girl's face.  Unfortunately, she is being super uncooperative, still breech, and facing my back.  To be honest, I'm happy that we can't see her face.  I really want it to be a surprise.  I have a lot of friends who have done the 3D/4D ultrasounds and we just don't want to see what she looks like before she comes out.  It's amazing how accurate the ultrasounds are, and we want the surprise!


This is the best shot we got.  You can see the back of her head and her right ear.  Stubbon girl: