Glucose Anyone?
Someone please tell me why they put pregnant women through these glucose test? I mean yes I get it, its a vital part of ensuring the health of the baby and the mother. But really, there’s no better way to do this?
Last week, I have to do the 1hr glucose test. You come into the office, they draw your blood and then give you the most nastiest drink that you have to finish in less than 5 minutes. And they have the nerve to offer flavors for this drink, as if that makes it any better. After you finish the drink, you have to wait 1hr for another blood draw and then you’re out the door. Easy enough right????
Nope because the next day the doctors office called to say, you didn’t fail but the numbers were elevated and so my doctor wanted me to return for a 3hr glucose test. Wait- I thought this was a pass or fail kind of test!!!! If I didn’t fail, that means I passed right LOL.
And that leads me to this week, the 3hr glucose test. Now that was a test of my faith, patience, and stamina. With this test, you come in to do a blood draw first. Then they give you the same nasty drink and continue to do blood draws each hour for 3 hours straight. My appointment was at 9:20a and I didn’t get out of there until almost 1:00p. To prep for this test, you can’t eat or drink after 12:00a the night before, which of course caused nausea and severe headaches. But the first thing I did when I left that office was to find FOOD!!!
2nd Trimester
Wow! Time is really flying, we are moving into the 2nd trimester already. Let’s see what is notable about this trimester….
2nd trimester honeymoon has started in some cases. Overall, I have less symptoms and that sometimes scares me. At least with the horrible symptoms, it was evident that I was pregnant. So during this time, I have had to do a lot of positive pep talks to remind myself I am capable of a healthy pregnancy.
The sickness has subsided some. At least I am not feeling nauseous all day, every day! It only comes late night and early morning. I am not rushing to the bathroom 20x day (although I hear that comes back later). I also found an increase in appetite which is not always a good thing. Sleep has gotten a little worse! I already can’t find a comfortable position and that scares me because we’re only 15 weeks. I’ve spent the last week feeling exhausted and being tired due to my inability to sleep. It does not always make for positive days.
Skin stretching is a real thing! I already have dryer skin and hives on my back. So now that is exasperated. My stomach and back are constantly itching during the day and night. I have started using Cocoa Butter for stretch marks and it is phenomenal. The massage cream and skin oil works the best
Changes
There have been so many changes happening to me over the past 12 weeks. Yep thats right, almost out of the 1st trimester! But some of these changes seem so ironic and kind of perfect timing…
I recently changed schools for my job and now work with high schoolers. And with them I’ve definitely noticed a reoccurring theme: they hate the way they look whether it’s pimples on their face, their size or even their hair. Wearing the oversized hoodie just to hide themselves. And I find myself daily reminding them how beautiful they are and that beauty is more than just what’s on the outside.
So what makes it so ironic, is that I now find I have to give myself the same speech I gave to them. Pregnancy acne and some weight gain has recently caused me to be really hard on myself and sometimes even feel like my high schoolers. If I could get away with the oversized hoodie and baggie pants right now, I probably would lol.
But that’s just another thing for young people to know, sometimes even as adults the journey to being authentic and genuinely satisfied with yourself is hard but often so worth it. Not only do I have to remind myself of my beauty inside and out, I clearly have to remember that I’m pregnant and this is just the beginning!
Heartbeat…
Had my first official appointment with my OB, Dr. Bangura! I was ever so glad to have the support of my doula today who gave me encouragement and reinforcement. The appointment was thorough with questions, medication review, pregnancy plans, ultrasound, and blood work. If you know me, you know I came prepared. I didn’t take my color coded binder but I did have my folder with documentation, medication lists, and questions. Overall, the appointment went well but was also a little overwhelming. I actually got to hear my babies heartbeat and once again the surrealness of this journey became evident.
Morning Sickness???
These might very seriously save my life! I am not sure why they call it morning sickness because it definitely doesn’t only last in the morning. Nausea is taking over my life on a daily (all day) basis. It seems to be worse in the morning and late at night but lingers all day.
I’ve had 1 of each today and already feel a little better. Amazon to the rescue
A Letter To My Unborn Child…
Dear Baby Parson
You should know that I have been yearning to meet you for a long while. Its been a tough fight and I’ve wanted to give up but meeting you is so much more important.
As long as there is the slightest bit of hope, I won’t give up. Seeing that pregnancy test say pregnant, learning about increasing HCG levels, and finding out you’re on the way have been the happiest moments of my life. During this journey, I can’t wait to hear your heartbeat, feel you move around, or hold you in my arms. Most importantly I can’t wait to give you all the love I’ve been storing up. And honestly you’ll have more love than you will ever need because your support system that is patiently waiting your arrival is ready to love you too.
I know that you are worth every second and heartache on this journey. This world is a little crazy right now, do take time and mature properly. Because I know you will be one strong black child and a total game changer to this world!
All My Love, Your Mother
First Ultrasound
Honestly I am still in shock. And seeing my child on the ultrasound still seems so surreal. I held it together during the appointment but as soon as I got to the car, I couldn’t hold back the tears. Happy tears of course but they flowed until they couldn’t flow anymore.
I measured at 6 weeks 5 days, which is about the same as my phone apps. Currently I have been switching between two apps- Flo and What to Expect. And according to them we are looking at an Aries April baby and I am here for it. I was glad I was able to record this moment and share it with the people that mean the most to me.
Onward and upward with these pregnancy symptoms…
First Baby Purchase
Guess I can say, I have officially bought my first baby item and for a great deal. A coworker was selling this baby bouncer seat for $13. I mean, how could I pass this up knowing that these usually cost $50-$100! I also got some swaddles and a baby wrap. It’s getting more real each day
Oh We Pregnant, Pregnant….
It’s been a week since I officially found out and wow this has been a world wind of emotions, excitement, discomfort, and reading.
First let me just say, I’ve stopped trying to figure out how far along I am or when the due date might be. It’s absolutely so confusing because they go by the first date of you last period. Since the initial beta blood work which HCG was 160, I’ve had 2 other beta blood work which HCG was 470 and 3943. Next up is the first OB ultrasound
Early pregnancy symptoms are real. I have experienced exhaustion, cravings for pizza, and way too much nausea for one person. Nausea often first thing in the morning and late at night. I have also had extremely tender breasts, which became a major problem because I am a stomach sleeper 🤦🏾♀️. I broke down to purchase a pregnancy pillow to hopefully make side sleeping easier. I 100% recommend this pillow and while it is the best purchase ever, I now have to figure out how to side sleep without my arm going numb.
I initially tried to not let myself get excited and allow those around me to hold all the excitement. But someone told me, just because you don’t allow yourself to get excited doesn’t mean it will hurt any less if something happens. And that is so true, so moving forward I am going to enjoy every moment of it. I’ve waited a lifetime for this and we are just getting started!
Cautiously Optimistic
Well it looks like IUI #2 worked. Even though the science doesn’t back it up, I guess there is something to those old wives tales 🤔.
The few persons I told are ecstatic but I am definitely holding back excitement. I will allow them to be excited for the both of us. Now don’t get me wrong, I have prayed, fasted, and dreamed about this for a long time. So of course I find myself grateful and happy. But there is this gut feeling that wants to get through the follow up blood test later this week and honestly the first trimester.
Its been a long road coming, so I think more than anything I will allow myself to be in the moment, celebrate a little, and enjoy each day. One step closer to Gods promise and a dream fulfilled!
