1st Doctor's Appointment

Yesterday, I had my first doctor (midwife) appointment. They did the usual stuff that you would expect including a family history check. She was really nice and said that all was well so far. I lost 2 lbs, which was unexpected because I haven't had morning sickness. The last week or so I haven't been able to eat, so perhaps it was from that.

The midwife said that usually in the first trimester, they want you to gain 3 lbs, so I think she's hoping I'll at least gain one back. She said that based on my current health, etc. that I should gain no more than 25 lbs, which I agree with. Somehow she could tell by checking my pelvis that I couldn't deliver a baby over 7 lbs. We'll see about that!

Other than that, my only bad experience was having to get my blood drawn. I'm a baby about it b/c doctors never really forced me to do it before. It wasn't too bad, but they just took a lot of blood (or at least it seemed). They have to type my blood, check for RH, and run a bunch of tests to see if I am a carrier for any diseases. They check for cystic fibrosis now and then at 20 weeks they will do it again and check for diabetes and down syndrome. Steven and I don't have a history of these diseases, but so long as the tests are free I am more than happy to get them done. I'll do anything to check for any potential complications.

Anyway, obviously they won't give me an ultrasound now. They will only give me one at around 20 weeks to determine the sex of the baby among other things. This particular doctor's office offers the 4D ultrasound. I really want to do it, but it is very expensive so I doubt we will. My midwife even discouraged me from getting it done. She said that since you have to wait till you are so far along to get it done that we should just wait to see the baby and put the money into a college fund for the baby. That makes sense, but the ultrasound just seems so cool. I'd love to do it, but like I said we probably won't.

I'll be going to the doctor every month until the third trimester and then twice a week after that. So, my next appointment is on September 15th or 16th. This is when I will meet the midwife who will be staying with me throughout my pregnancy and delivering me at the hospital. This last lady was a CNM, but she is no longer working the full labor/delivery. She is just working as an ARNP (I think). She was nice! I think at the next appointment I'll get to hear the heart beat. That will be cool. I'll be in my 2nd trimester at that point.

That's about it. I came home with a bunch of brochures and free stuff that they gave me, so I'm still sorting through it all. I wasn't expecting a bag full of free stuff. Some of the things were even free Similac formula (which I don't really intend to use, but you never know) a newborn-size pacifier, a pregnancy journal, and a travel bag. Cool, huh?

Until next time...
Steven and Jill