Week 25

Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

So the saga still continues with my breast cyst.  I have to say this pregnancy is flying by because all my attention has been on my son and my breast. I went in and they cleaned it out and put a wick in it so it drains. I have to change it every morning. I saw another doctor on Friday because I couldn't take the wick out to change it. They told me to come in to the breast center.  The doctor that was there said she wouldn't remove it until after I was done with the pregnancy and breastfeeding. I think that is what I am going to do. When I told my OB that my doctor wanted to remove it and put me under to do so he was like UMM lets take one step at a time.   I could tell he was not happy with that.
So I am just taking one day at a time with it. Hopefully it heals quick and closes and I can concentrate on the pregnancy.

My son is an absolute doll with me being pregnant. Every night we sit in the glider and sing songs after we read. He has to see my belly and kisses and hugs it. The other night he asked if he could hold the baby.  "Luca hold the baby?". 15 more weeks to go!  I can't believe I will be a mom of two kids! I cant wait!

Week 24

Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

Week 23- Preparing for Christmas

Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.

We are preparing for the Christmas. Luca is so fun this year.  He is really into Rudolph, Frosty, Caillou Christmas and Christmas lights.  Every day I just feel more blessed that he is in our lives.  He amazes me everyday with what he says and just what he does.
I feel blessed this Christmas and soon another blessing will be in our lives too.  17 more weeks!

22 weeks

At 11 inches, the length of a spaghetti squash and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment.
 
If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.

I am still dealing with this breast abscess.  I actually got referred to go to the breast center. I spent Thursday there all day.  Its an infected sebaceous cyst that is there.  I am on more antibiotics and have to go back next week. My main concern is breastfeeding when the baby comes. I really want this all taking care of before then. They said they have to remove it but they wont until the infection is gone.  From what I heard they do it surgically.  Not sure how that is possible with me being pregnant.  What is a sebaceous cyst?

Sebaceous Cysts of the breast

Sebaceous cyst are caused by a blockage of the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands secrete 'sebum', which lubricates the hair and skin. There are sebaceous glands in many areas of the body, but they are most abundant on the face and scalp. A sebaceous breast cyst is a type of epidermal cyst, which forms as a collection of keratin-like material. Normally, a sebaceous breast cysts will have a small opening to the skin, but which may not be easily visible. Sebaceous cysts are most common on the face, back of the ears, and back, but also occur on the breast. Sebaceous breast cysts often appear as small bumps or lumps just beneath the skin. You can think of them as small, closed 'sacs', that contain keratin, which is a foul smelling 'pasty' buildup of protein.

 

 

Mammography and ultrasound show a round, well-circumscribed shape

On a mammogram a sebaceous breast cyst will likely appear as a well-circumscribed, round lesion close to the skin's surface. Usually a suspected breast cyst will be followed-up with ultrasound as this is one of the best ways to distinguish a liquid lesion from solid. (cysts are fluid-filled, cancers are solid). On ultrasound a sebaceous breast cyst appears as a small and hypoechoic round or oval shape, close to the surface of the skin. It is usually dark because it is fluid-filled allowing through-transmission of the ultrasound waves, and will show no evidence of vascular flow.

 

Treatment of breast sebaceous cysts

Sebaceous breast cysts do not have to removed unless they are undesirable cosmetically, or, if they are infected. When a sebaceous breast cyst is infected it will look swollen and red, and be quite painful. Sebaceous cysts are usually first treated with antibiotics to bring the inflammation down, and then surgically excised. When removed surgically, it is important to remove all of the cyst wall, or there is a high likelihood of recurrence. And of course, sebaceous cysts on the breast have nothing to do with breast cancer and do not increase the risk of breast cancer in any way.

21 weeks

Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long, a length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.

Week 20- Halfway there!!

Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)

He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery).
We are halfway there!  I have to admit time is going by fast. I can't wait to hold my little angel in my arms and for Luca to meet his brother or sister!
I am also now feeling baby.  Each day its more and more.  Its the best feeling in the world to feel the baby squirming around.  It gives me peace of mind that all is ok.

Week 19

Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.


Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

I am still trying to deal with this abscess on my breast.  My OB now gave me Keflex.  Its 4 times a day for 10 days.  If it doesn't improve I need to go back. It doesn't hurt has bad but still trying to get it to drain on its own.
I am also dealing with not being able to feel the baby due to my anterior placenta.  I remember with Luca always feeling him and putting my mind more at rest.  This time its hard.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Week 18-Its been a busy week

Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.


A few things happened this week. We had the huge ultrasound.  We don't want to know the sex so its still a surprise.  All the measurements looked good. They did find the baby had 2 Choroid Plexus Cysts.

The choroid plexuses are structures in the ventricles (spaces) of the brain that produce the cerebrospinal fluid. Each plexus is made up of a network of capillary blood vessels covered by transporting epithelial cells.


Occasionally fluid becomes trapped and forms pockets in the choroid plexus. These pockets of fluid are called choroid plexus cysts (CPC). Choroid plexus cysts are seen during 1% to 3% of all mid-trimester prenatal ultrasound examinations. The cysts may be seen in one or both sides of the brain, and generally have no effect on fetal development. However, choroid plexus cysts do have a weak association with fetal chromosome abnormalities.

What Causes Choroid Plexus Cysts?
Choroid plexus cysts are believed to be caused by abnormal folding of the epithelium lining of the choroid plexus which traps fluid and debris.

Does it Need Treatment?
More than 90% of choroid plexus cysts resolve spontaneously by 28th weeks' gestation . Once resolved, the cysts do not recur. The finding of isolated choroid plexus cysts is not associated with delayed infant or early childhood development . Rarely very large cysts may cause obstruction of the cerebrospinal fluid which may need treatment after the infant is born.

What is the Risk of Chromosomal Abnormality?
Choroid plexus cysts are most strongly associated with trisomy 18 (Edward syndrome). Trisomy 18 (Edward syndrome) is a disorder characterized by severe mental retardation and multiple abnormalities, such as cleft lip and palate, small jaw (micrognathia), low set ears, club feet, clenched fists, intrauterine growth restriction, single umbilical artery, elevated amniotic fluid ( polyhydramnios), and kidney abnormalities. More than 90% of fetuses have a heart defect. The condition is not compatible with life, and only 5% to 10 % of infants survive the first year after delivery.

In the presence of an otherwise normal ultrasound examination the finding of an isolated choroid plexus cyst is not likely to be of any clinical significance. When an isolated choroid plexus cyst is detected on examination the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends amniocentesis is necessary "only if serum screening results are abnormal or the patient is older than 32 years at delivery"

So I am going to go for another ultrasound at 26-28 weeks.  I feel confident they will go away. I had a harmony bloodtest that tested for abnormalities and it came out perfect.  The more I talk about it the more I hear how common it is. Two of my co workers kids had it and my cousin.

I saw my OB yesterday and I have an  abscess on my breast.  It was a pimple that got infected. He put me on antibiotics for 7 days.  He wants me to come back if it doesn't get better.

Week 17- 4 months pregnant

Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.


We have our big ultrasound tomorrow.  We still are not going to find out what we are having. We loved it so much last time that we want to keep the surprise again.
I am a little nervous though.  With Luca I felt movement already and this time I have not. I know every pregnancy is different, but it makes me kind of nervous.

Week 16

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of ab avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.

I went to my OB last week. They have watching my cervical length and my placenta is low. Well length is good and the placenta moved up. I was so happy with that.
My only complaint I have is my legs hurt, I have varicose veins. My OB said I should think about getting support stockings.
I am still tired at night but do have more energy during the day. I feel pretty good.

What varicose veins during pregnancy are:


The large, swollen blood vessels found predominantly in the legs, but that can show up almost anywhere in the lower half of your body. (In fact, hemorrhoids are nothing more than varicose veins in the area around your rectum — but at least you don't have to look at those.) When they swell above the surface of the skin, they create those distinctive purplish bulges women love to hate.

What causes varicose veins during pregnancy?
The extra volume of blood you produce during pregnancy is essential to support two growing bodies. It does, however, put extra pressure on your blood vessels, especially the veins in your legs, which have to work against gravity to push all that extra blood back up to your heart. Add to that the pressure your burgeoning uterus puts on your pelvic blood vessels, and the vessel-relaxing effects of the extra progesterone your body is producing, and you have the perfect recipe for varicose veins.

What you need to know about varicose veins during pregnancy?

You may not like the way varicose veins look (who would?), and they may itch or ache, but they're unlikely to put either you or your baby at any risk. The good news is that in most cases, if you didn't have them before you got pregnant, your varicose veins shrink or disappear altogether within a few months after you give birth. The not-so-good news? If you have another baby, there's no way of preventing varicose veins that time around (the same veins are likely to pop out again). And like many other pregnancy symptoms, including stretch marks, varicose veins tend to be hereditary. If your mother had them during pregnancy, you're more likely to have them, too.

There is some remote risk that a varicose vein could become inflamed, possibly indicating a blood clot, so be sure to keep your practitioner informed and aware of your varicose veins.

What to do about varicose veins during pregnancy?

Preventing varicose veins isn't a perfect science, but these tips can definitely help:

Keep the blood circulating. Get off your feet whenever you can, and keep your legs elevated when sitting. When standing, put one foot on a low stool and alternate legs. Flex your ankles every so often, and break the habit of sitting with your legs crossed (this strategy will also help keep spider veins at bay).

Exercise is key in preventing varicose veins. Take a walk (or even better still, several walks) each day, or do some other form of low-key, circulation-increasing exercises.

Make sure you wear clothes — including underwear — that fit well and don't bind, especially around the tops of your legs. Don't wear tight belts or socks with tight elastic tops, and stay away from tight-fitting shoes and stiletto heels (as if you could balance in them anyway).

One kind of tight that's helpful though: support hose, which can counteract the downward pressure of your belly and give the veins in your legs a little extra upward push. Put them on before you get out of bed in the morning to prevent the blood from pooling. (Okay, not your sexiest pregnancy moment!)

Keep your weight gain during pregnancy down to what your practitioner recommends. Extra poundage only increases the demands on your already overworked circulatory system.Sleep on your left side to avoid pressure on your main blood vessels, and keep circulation going strong.

Don't strain. Heavy lifting or straining on the toilet can add to vein visibility.

Get your daily dose of vitamin C from your balanced diet, which keeps veins healthy.

If the veins don't go away after the baby has arrived, you can think about having them medically treated or surgically removed then — but not during pregnancy.

Week 15

Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")

Week 14- Officially in maternity clothes!

This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.


In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active.

So I have broken down and broke out the maternity clothes. I was in them at 12 weeks with Luca. So I feel pretty good.  I am still staying active. I am teaching 2 days a week a muscle class and walk on the other days.
I am waiting for the second trimester to really hit and for symptoms to lift a little.  I am still really tired and I go to bed when Luca does.  
All in all I feel pretty good.

Luca's 2nd Birthday- Caillou theme.

We celebrated Luca's 2nd Birthday. He loves Caillou.  All he kept saying was "Caillou Birthday!".  My mother in law made the cake and my sister in law decorated it.  It was a huge success! 
We again cleared out out family room like we did for his first birthday and set tables up.  We had pasta, salad, coldcuts, sausages and onions, and calzones.  He loved it and the weather ended up being ok to have the pinata outside. 

Week 13- Hello Second trimester!

At this point of your pregnancy, there is a steady flow of pregnancy hormones in your bloodstream. Your body will adjust to the changes and morning sickness might stop and other early symptoms will begin to ease. Because the second trimester is approaching, feelings of anxiety or nervousness may also diminish. You have probably gained some weight by now. You are losing your waist and your clothing is probably fitting snugly.


There is a milky membrane that surrounds your baby. It is pierced by the umbilical cord and is made up of two layers, which are fused together. Your placenta provides most of the nutrients and oxygen that your baby needs. By this week, the placenta is well formed and ready to take over hormone manufacture from your ovaries. The placenta will produce progesterone and estriol. These hormones will be crucial in the maintenance of your pregnancy. Tissue that will form your baby's bones is being laid down, especially around the head and limbs. The nose and chin are becoming more prominent. Your baby's eyelids meet and fuse together and they will not open again for nearly four months. The eyes started out on the side of your baby's head and they are now moving closer together on the face. The ears come to lie in their normal position on the sides of the head. If examined outside of the womb, you will be able to distinguish male from female at this time.

The sockets for all twenty teeth are formed in the gums, and vocal cords are beginning to form.

I have to say I'm pretty happy to be in the second trimester.  I remember with Luca feeling so good and it was the easiest trimester.  This time around chasing a 2 year old I think its going to be a little challenging.
My baby turned 2 and we had a Caillou Birthday party. I will post pics in next post.

Week 12- Last week left in the 1st trimester!

The most dramatic development this week: reflexes. Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder.


Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously. His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.

I am pretty excited this is the last week of the first trimester. I am looking forward to getting my energy back and just enjoying the honeymoon trimester.
We are getting ready to celebrate Luca's 2nd Birthday this Saturday.  I can't believe my baby is going to be 2.
He is such a great boy and he amazes me every day.  We turned his car seat around facing forward and he couldn't be happier. He is excited to get in his "cool car seat!".
He is in love with Caillou so I asked him what kind of birthday he wants and he says "Caillou Birthday!".  So that is what he is getting!

Week 11

Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden.


She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccuping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming.

This is a huge week for me. With my second miscarriage I found out I had a missed miscarriage at 11 weeks, 5 days. My ob appointment was today and I am 11 weeks, 5 days today.
I was praying that history wasn't going to repeat itself. 

My second miscarriage was very traumatic for me. The baby died at 6weeks but I didn't know. I hemorrhaged, was rushed to the hospital, needed an emergency d&c, needed a blood transfusion,  and took 6 weeks to recover because I lost so much blood.

At the ob appointment I had to wait because he had a delivery. There was no way I was rescheduling.  Everything looked great and I heard the heartbeat on the Doppler. A strong 171!

So now I am just going to enjoy this pregnancy. I vowed I would. This is most likely my last pregnancy and I was a barrel of nerves with my son.

Positive thoughts.  I will be 12 weeks on Friday and my chance of miscarriage are 1%.

Luca will be a big brother. I just know it!

Week 10

What's Baby S up to?
Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.


He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.

If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.

In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.

About me:
I have had a pretty good week. I thought my nauseous was over but I seem to get it in the afternoon. All and all I have no complaints. Still tired, but still keeping up with my little Luca. He is so funny and just amazes me every day.  He is pretty smart and talks up a storm.  His new thing is he loves to wash the dishes, "cook" with mamma, and clean the windows.  I give him a spray bottle with water and he washes the windows. Too cute. We are getting ready for his 2nd Birthday. I can't believe it! He wants a Caillou Birthday.  He is in love with Caillou.  We watch Caillou, read Caillou, and sing happy birthday to Caillou. 

Week 9

Your baby, now the size of a green olive, has grown about an inch since last week. Tiny muscles are beginning to form, so while he might not be ready to pump iron, he's gearing up to move his arms and legs. It's still too soon to feel anything in your belly, but you might be able to hear something at your next checkup. Try listening for your baby's heartbeat via a Doppler device — that welcome sound should be audible anytime now.


Chances are you've never felt so tired in your life and for good reason: Your body is working overtime preparing for motherhood as it develops the placenta, your baby's lifeline. At the same time, your metabolism and hormone levels are surging, which triggers a decrease in blood sugar and blood pressure. The result of all this: pregnancy fatigue. Relief is around the corner as your energy level increases (and morning sickness decreases) over the next few weeks once placenta construction is completed.

I had my first prenatal appointment yesterday.  When I got there they told me the doctor had a delivery and it was too late to call me.  I would be seeing the nurse practitioner who is wonderful.
Basically it was a nice checkup, she answered questions I had. She said just keep on doing what you are doing.
I asked her if she will be using the doppler today. She said its early, she can try but would it stress you out if we cant get anything. I said no I know its early. She did it and I couldn't hear it but the doppler picked up the heartbeat. 168!

She said you can come in next week if you want.  I have an appointment with my OB in two weeks since I didn't see him. I said I was fine to wait a few weeks.

I will then have this new test that is out.  Its going to be replacing the amnio and CVS test. Its called the harmony prenatal test. Its 99% effective for detecting trisomy.

http://www.ariosadx.com/

Week 8

Webbed fingers and toes are poking out from your baby's hands and feet, his eyelids practically cover his eyes, breathing tubes extend from his throat to the branches of his developing lungs, and his "tail" is just about gone. In his brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another, forming primitive neural pathways. You may be daydreaming about your baby as one sex or the other, but the external genitals still haven't developed enough to reveal whether you're having a boy or a girl. Either way, your baby — about the size of a kidney bean — is constantly moving and shifting, though you still can't feel it.

I am really happy I kept a blog and wrote down each week what I feeling and what was going on. I looked back to week 8 when I was pregnant with Luca. I have the same symptoms last time that I did this time. I was getting some cramps and pulling yesterday and I had those same feelings. It’s the round ligament pains.


They say every pregnancy is different and that is the truth. With Luca I never was nauseous, and this time I was. It has gotten better. This time though I have been getting pains in my legs. They have been feeling heavy and crampy. They are worse when I am home with Luca. By the end of the day they are killing me that I can’t wait to go to bed to put them up.

So this is most likely varicose veins.

What varicose veins during pregnancy are:

The large, swollen blood vessels found predominantly in the legs, but that can show up almost anywhere in the lower half of your body. (In fact, hemorrhoids are nothing more than varicose veins in the area around your rectum — but at least you don't have to look at those.) When they swell above the surface of the skin, they create those distinctive purplish bulges women love to hate.

What causes varicose veins during pregnancy:

The extra volume of blood you produce during pregnancy is essential to support two growing bodies. It does, however, put extra pressure on your blood vessels, especially the veins in your legs, which have to work against gravity to push all that extra blood back up to your heart. Add to that the pressure your burgeoning uterus puts on your pelvic blood vessels, and the vessel-relaxing effects of the extra progesterone your body is producing, and you have the perfect recipe for varicose veins.

What you need to know about varicose veins during pregnancy:

You may not like the way varicose veins look (who would?), and they may itch or ache, but they're unlikely to put either you or your baby at any risk. The good news is that in most cases, if you didn't have them before you got pregnant, your varicose veins shrink or disappear altogether within a few months after you give birth. The not-so-good news? If you have another baby, there's no way of preventing varicose veins that time around (the same veins are likely to pop out again). And like many other pregnancy symptoms, including stretch marks, varicose veins tend to be hereditary. If your mother had them during pregnancy, you're more likely to have them, too.

There is some remote risk that a varicose vein could become inflamed, possibly indicating a blood clot, so be sure to keep your practitioner informed and aware of your varicose veins.

What to do about varicose veins during pregnancy:

Preventing varicose veins isn't a perfect science, but these tips can definitely help:

• Keep the blood circulating. Get off your feet whenever you can, and keep your legs elevated when sitting. When standing, put one foot on a low stool and alternate legs. Flex your ankles every so often, and break the habit of sitting with your legs crossed (this strategy will also help keep spider veins at bay).

• Exercise is key in preventing varicose veins. Take a walk (or even better still, several walks) each day, or do some other form of low-key, circulation-increasing exercises.

• Make sure you wear clothes — including underwear — that fit well and don't bind, especially around the tops of your legs. Don't wear tight belts or socks with tight elastic tops, and stay away from tight-fitting shoes and stiletto heels (as if you could balance in them anyway).

• One kind of tight that's helpful though: support hose, which can counteract the downward pressure of your belly and give the veins in your legs a little extra upward push. Put them on before you get out of bed in the morning to prevent the blood from pooling. (Okay, not your sexiest pregnancy moment!)

• Keep your weight gain during pregnancy down to what your practitioner recommends. Extra poundage only increases the demands on your already overworked circulatory system.

• Sleep on your left side to avoid pressure on your main blood vessels, and keep circulation going strong.

• Don't strain. Heavy lifting or straining on the toilet can add to vein visibility.

• Get your daily dose of vitamin C from your balanced diet, which keeps veins healthy.

• If the veins don't go away after the baby has arrived, you can think about having them medically treated or surgically removed then — but not during pregnancy.

We have a heartbeat!

Its just one!

I went to the ultrasound this morning. I was up most of the night with anxiety of this morning. I kept on repeating my mantras. "I had one full time pregnancy, I can do this again, They picked the best embryo, I am on progesterone and estrogen and I wasn't before with my losses." I just repeated these sayings over and over again.

This morning my son got my mind off things for a while we were driving down. He sings at the top of his lungs. I did my relaxation on the way to the clinic after I dropped him off at my mothers and again repeated my mantras.

My doctor came in when they did the ultrasound. He said how far were your losses? I said the well 12 weeks, but the baby was lost at 6 weeks. I never made it past 6 weeks.  He said well you have a strong heartbeat there at 7 and 1/2 weeks. heartbeat was 163! So from what I read after seeing the heart rate on the ultrasound, my risk of miscarriage goes down to 10%.  I just like to think of it as 90% of pregnancies are ok! 

I am released to my OB and see him in a few weeks. I continue the progesterone for another 4 weeks and estrace for another week.

I am really enjoying this pregnancy and my son. I am taking it one week at a time.

Pregnancy and Exercise

I hear so many pregnant women ask about pregnancy and exercise.  They want to continue to do what they did before they got pregnant.  Which is some cases is probably fine, but you really need to listen to your body.  Some women should really tone it down. Like myself, having 4 miscarriages, I am considered high risk, so I don't do what I did before. I do not run, do high intensity training or lift heavy weights, like I was doing before.  I modify.  Walk, lift lighter weights, do prenatal dvds, prenatal yoga and I feel great. 
With my pregnancy with my son, I didn't workout for the first trimester because of a sub chronic hematoma I had.  Second and third trimester after the hematoma was gone, I exercised until the day I delivered.
I contribute my active lifestyle before I got pregnant to my fast labor, quick recovery, and back wedding weight in 4 months after delivery to this.
This time should be about you and the baby.  What is healthy for you and baby.  Please consult your OB.

Below is my fitness regimen now:

Sunday:  Walk Luca outside or OFF
Monday: Walk 3 miles on lunch hour.
Tuesday: Prenatal fitness DVD (Summer Sanders prenatal workout or Perfect pregnancy workout)  and walk Luca outside.
Wednesday: Total body muscle
Thursday: Walk 3 miles on lunch hour
Friday: Prenatal yoga DVD (Crunch Yoga Mama)
Saturday:  Teach a muscle class

I came across this article I wanted to share with you.

Maintaining a regular exercise routine throughout your pregnancy can help you stay healthy and feel your best. Regular exercise during pregnancy can improve your posture and decrease some common discomforts such as backaches and fatigue. There is evidence that physical activity may prevent gestational diabetes, (diabetes that develops during pregnancy), relieve stress, and build more stamina needed for labor and delivery.


If you were physically active before your pregnancy, you should be able to continue your activity in moderation. Don't try to exercise at your former level; instead, do what's most comfortable for you now. Low impact aerobics are encouraged versus high impact.

The pregnant competitive athlete should be closely followed by an obstetrician.

If you have never exercised regularly before, you can safely begin an exercise program during pregnancy after consulting with your health care provider, but do not try a new, strenuous activity. Walking is considered safe to initiate when pregnant.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise per day on most if not all days of the week, unless you have a medical or pregnancy complication.

Who Should Not Exercise During Pregnancy?

If you have a medical problem, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes, exercise may not be advisable. Exercise may also be harmful if you have a pregnancy-related condition such as:

• Bleeding or spotting

• Low placenta

• Threatened or recurrent miscarriage

• Previous premature births or history of early labor

• Weak cervix

Talk with your health care provider before beginning an exercise program. Your health care provider can also give you personal exercise guidelines, based on your medical history.


What Exercises Are Safe During Pregnancy?

Most exercises are safe to perform during pregnancy, as long as you exercise with caution and do not overdo it.

The safest and most productive activities are swimming, brisk walking, indoor stationary cycling, step or elliptical machines, and low-impact aerobics (taught by a certified aerobics instructor). These activities carry little risk of injury, benefit your entire body, and can be continued until birth.

Tennis and racquetball are generally safe activities, but changes in balance during pregnancy may affect rapid movements. Other activities such as jogging can be done in moderation, especially if you were doing them before your pregnancy. You may want to choose exercises or activities that do not require great balance or coordination, especially later in pregnancy.

What Exercises Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy?

There are certain exercises and activities that can be harmful if performed during pregnancy. They include:

• Holding your breath during any activity.

• Activities where falling is likely (such as skiing and horseback riding).

• Contact sports such as softball, football, basketball, and volleyball.

• Any exercise that may cause even mild abdominal trauma such as activities that include jarring motions or rapid changes in direction.

• Activities that require extensive jumping, hopping, skipping, bouncing, or running.

• Deep knee bends, full sit-ups, double leg raises, and straight-leg toe touches.

• Bouncing while stretching.

• Waist-twisting movements while standing.

• Heavy exercise spurts followed by long periods of no activity.

• Exercise in hot, humid weather.

What Should a Pregnancy Exercise Program Consist Of?

For total fitness, a pregnancy exercise program should strengthen and condition your muscles.

Always begin by warming up for five minutes and stretching for five minutes. Include at least fifteen minutes of cardiovascular activity. Measure your heart rate at times of peak activity. Follow aerobic activity with five to ten minutes of gradually slower exercise that ends with gentle stretching.

Here are some basic exercise guidelines for pregnant women:

• Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes as well as a good support bra.

• Choose shoes that are designed for the type of exercise you do. Proper shoes are your best protection against injury.

• Exercise on a flat, level surface to prevent injury.

• Consume enough calories to meet the needs of your pregnancy (300 more calories per day than before you were pregnant) as well as your exercise program.

• Finish eating at least one hour before exercising.

• Drink water before, during, and after your workout.

• After doing floor exercises, get up slowly and gradually to prevent dizziness.

• Never exercise to the point of exhaustion. If you cannot talk normally while exercising, you are probably over-exerting yourself and should slow down your activity.

What Pregnancy Changes May Affect Exercise?

Physical changes during pregnancy create extra demands on your body. Keeping in mind the changes listed below, remember that you need to listen to your body and adjust your activities or exercise routine as necessary.

• Your developing baby and other internal changes require more oxygen and energy.

• Hormones produced during pregnancy cause the ligaments that support your joints to stretch, increasing the risk of injury.

• The extra weight and the uneven distribution of your weight shift your center of gravity. The extra weight also puts stress on joints and muscles in the lower back and pelvic area and makes it easier for you to lose your balance.

Warning for Pregnant Women

Stop exercising and consult your health care provider if you:

• Feel chest pain.

• Have abdominal pain, pelvis pain, or persistent contractions.

• Have a headache.

• Notice an absence or decrease in fetal movement.

• Feel faint, dizzy, nauseous, or light-headed.

• Feel cold or clammy.

• Have vaginal bleeding.

• Have a sudden gush of fluid from the vagina or a trickle of fluid that leaks steadily.

• Notice an irregular or rapid heartbeat.

• Have sudden swelling in your ankles, hands, face, or calf pain.

• Are short of breath.

• Have difficulty walking.

• Have muscle weakness.

How Soon Can I Exercise After Delivery?

It is best to ask your health care provider how soon you can begin your exercise routine after delivering your baby.

Although you may be eager to get in shape quickly, return to your pre-pregnancy fitness routines gradually. Follow your health care provider's exercise recommendations.

Most women can safely perform a low-impact activity one to two weeks after a vaginal birth (or three to four weeks after a cesarean birth). Do about half of your normal floor exercises and don't try to overdo it.



Article from Webmd.com

Yep I'm pregnant all right!

Today I had my 3rd beta and it was 8,492!  They went up awesome.  Looking back my 3rd beta's with Luca were in the 3000's.  Oh boy I wonder if there is two in there. 
We go for an ultrasound in a few weeks. 

I fell great, just very tired. Its alot harder with a toddler.  Poor kid is watching more tv than he usually does.  I just need to lie down sometimes!

I am still cautious and taking it just one week at a time.  Today I'm pregnant and love my baby or two!  LOL.

Cautiously happy

Well I'm pregnant again!  My first beta was 149 and my second was 393!  We are happy but we are cautious. 
I am feeling good, but just very tried and I have to eat every couple of hours or I get dizzy, lightheaded and shaky.  I get like this when I get pregnant.
I decided to take this pregnancy one week at a time and enjoy it.  I think when I was pregnant with Luca I was a barrel of nerves I never really got to enjoy it.
I vowed if all progresses well and goes well, I want to really enjoy my pregnancy.
I go next Sunday for another beta.

Today I'm pregnant and love my baby.  I want to give Luca a brother or sister.  I want to give him a lifelong friend.

5 more days!

I will be going for my blood work on Friday. I am trying to keep busy and not think it much.
I refuse to test before blood work this time. I cant take the roller coater ride of emotions that I went through last time.  So excited I got a BFP, then having the blood test and having them call me to tell me its too low, then it decrease it was an early miscarriage.

I took it easier alot more this time.  Tuesday was the transfer and my mom came over to help with Luca Tuesday and Wednesday.  I went back to work on Thursday, which I am mostly sitting at a desk and Friday, Saturday and Sunday I mostly just stay home and layed low with Luca.  I just enjoyed being with him. 

He is a lovable little boy. Each day I love him more and more.  He stops when he is playing, runs over to me and kisses me.  My heart melts when he says "LUV YOU MOMMA!".  
I just want to give him a little brother or sister. He will be an incredible big brother.

We have a new plan

We went to see the RE yesterday and talked about what our next step was.
Our plan is to do the FET (Frozen embryo transfer) cycle next month (July cycle). Which is defrosting the 2 embryos and putting them in my uterus. Its alot easier, no needles, just progesterone and estrogen to thicken the uterine lining. He suggested assisted hatching also. Hopefully my insurance covers that.

What is Assisted hatching?
The most common reason for an IVF cycle to fail to produce a successful pregnancy is because the embryos don’t implant in the uterus. There are many reasons why this might happen, but most likely there is something wrong with the embryo. The embryo could also have difficulty breaking through its outer protein coating, called the zona pellucida, from which it must hatch before it can implant into the uterus. Assisted Hatching (AHA) is a procedure to help an embryo release from the zona pellucida.

Who should consider AHA?
Assisted Hatching has been suggested for infertile couples if:
The women is 38 years or older;
The woman has a high FSH level;
The woman has poor egg quality;
They have had poor embryo quality
They have failed to become pregnant in prior IVF cycles;
They are using frozen-thawed embryos in a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) cycle
How is it done?
Assisted Hatching is performed by holding the embryo with a special pipette and using either an acidic solution to dissolve a small hole in the zona pellucida or a laser to make a similar small hole. The embryo is then washed and placed back in culture in the incubator for a short time prior to embryo transfer

We have 2 frozen embryos that are grade A and made it to 5 days, which is good. He said we did put the best two in you but these look better than my first IVF and I got Luca so who knows.
I asked if it was anything I did. Like maybe lifted Luca and he said no absolutely not.

He said if this doesn't work he wants to be more aggressive and treat me as if I was a 40 year old. He also would do the PGD testing since I have had 4 losses now. We cant be sure if my septum before caused my previous losses and he wants to also maybe look in my uterus again to make sure there is nothing going on in there, maybe take a biopsy.
He said we will get a baby. My embryos fertilize and look good.

All in all I am pretty happy with the appointment. I am glad he is being aggressive with me and I am happy they want to do the PGD testing. I just think maybe there is more to why I miscarry.

So we wait for next cycle which is July 3rd.

4th Miscarriage

I took a test on Saturday, it was positive. I was so happy but cautious. Sunday I went for my first beta and they called to tell me my numbers were very low. Only a 22.  Today I went for the second beta and it was a 10.  The doctor called to tell me that it was an early miscarriage or a chemical pregnancy.  I am to stop taking progesterone and estrace and I will start to bleed.

A chemical pregnancy is the clinical term used for a very early miscarriage. In many cases, the positive pregnancy test was achieved before the woman’s period was due but a miscarriage occurred before a heartbeat was able to be seen on an ultrasound.


Chemical pregnancies are unfortunately very common. 50 to 60% of first pregnancies end in miscarriage very early in pregnancy. Most occur without the woman even knowing that she was pregnant.

What Causes a Chemical Pregnancy?

Most chemical pregnancies are due to chromosomal problems in the developing fetus. Other possible causes are inadequate uterine lining, uterine abnormalities both congenital or acquired like fibroids, low hormone levels, luteal phase defect or certain infections.

So my next step is to make an appointment with my RE and prepare for my FET cycle, maybe in a month or two.

Good news is I guess they implanted.  Hopefully, the frozen embryos are the superstars!

Now we wait...

We went on Tuesday morning for the transfer. We had 4 embryos left. All grade A! The RE said this time they look better than last time. I only had one grade A last time. They picked the best 2 and transferred them in me. My RE said with my history and age he suggested I put two in. Same as last time. They will tell me if the others are OK to freeze in a few week.
It was definitely harder to rest for two days like they wanted me too. Last time I didn't have a little one to take care of so I was a coach potato for two days. This time I tried but Luca wanted him Mommy.  Crazy, I think he knew something was up.

I know Luca will make an incredible big brother. He is so sweet with his baby cousin. He kisses her and does "nice" and pats her. He is such a sweet little boy.  He says everything. The night before the transfer I was in the chair in his room reading and singing to him.  This was our conversation.

Luca, do you want a baby sister? he said, ya!

Do you want a baby brother? he said, Ya!

Do you want both a sister and brother? he said, Ya!

He either says Ya! or No! when I ask him questions. Hopefully we can give him a little buddy soon!

Is history repeating itself?

I had the egg retrieval on Saturday. I got 7 eggs. Same as last time.  I got the call today that only 4 matured and all 4 fertilized. Also same as last time.  I will be going in on Tuesday for the transfer.
I am not sure about the grades yet. They will let us know on Tuesday.

So I am hoping the outcome is the same as it was last time. I will keep you posted.

The retrieval itself was nothing. Again, was put to sleep. This time I was a little more crampy but today I feel so much better.

I started the estrace and the progesterone injections are stating tonight. One of the major hormones of pregnancy, estrogen helps maintain the endometrial lining of the uterus. While some early studies have shown that patients taking both progesterone and estrogen supplements during an IVF cycle after the egg retrieval  have higher clinical pregnancy rates.

Mother's Day

I had such a great Mother's Day. We went for a picnic with my family. My brother took pictures of Luca and I.  This is my second Mother's Day and I couldn't of been happier. Luca is the light of my life and I don't think I could love someone as much as I love this boy. He amazes me every day and I thank God every day that he came into my life and made me a Mother.
We are trying to give him a brother or sister. I am in the middle of my IVF cycle. I am just waiting for the medication to work  and go to the clinic for monitoring every other day now.  I went today and I had some but they need to get bigger.
So we wait.

IVF for number 2!

So here we are again. I have started my first IVF cycle to give Luca a little brother or sister. I had a goal set up in my mind to try on our own until I was 37.
They had me do Lupron and no birth control this time. My RE feels it suppressed me.  Today I went for day 2 bloodwork and ultrasound. I will be starting the meds tonight.
I will be blogging again as I go through this IVF process. To help others who are going through it.

I have to say the second time around is a little tougher. Not with the medications.  I wasn't overwhelmed this time.  Had no problem giving myself the shots. Sadly, it seems like an old habit.
Its a little tougher because of the little one.  My clinics hours are 6am to 7:45 am for bloodwork and ultrasounds. With IVF you have to be monitored alot.  I live about 45 minutes from the clinic so I have been staying at my parents when I need to go to the clinic the next day, so they can watch him.

All in all, its been going well.  Last time Lupron gave me massive headaches. This time it wasn't as bad. 

I will post keep you all posted.

For those going through the infertility journey, stay strong. 

Great podcast and book!

I wanted to share with you a great podcast and website I found on dealing with infertility and adoption. I love listening to the podcast in my rides to and from work. This website also has great resources on how to find a therapist in your area that deals with infertility and also how to find a reproductive endocrinologist (RE).

http://www.creatingafamily.org/

http://www.creatingafamily.org/radioshow.html

In one of the podcast she was interviewing a woman who wrote and book called Fully Fertile. She is also co founder of Pulling Down the Moon. Another great website as well.
I received the book last night and I am enjoying it. It really explains how yoga can be helpful and eating right as well. I have been working on my fertility yoga that I have mentioned in the past. Although I have been eating right since pregnancy and after I have been more conscious on what goes in my body and my sons body as well.

http://www.pullingdownthemoon.com/

Another aspect I am doing again is meditation. I have talked about this as well in the past. I did continue through pregnancy but have not practiced in a while. I am coming back to that now.
I found great meditations also on podcasts.

http://www.learnoutloud.com/Podcast-Directory/Self-Development/Prayer-and-Meditation/Meditation-Station-Podcast/18820

I enjoy the morning kicker in the morning and the ZZZZ one before I go to sleep.

I hope these help you. I know they are helping me. Infertility is hard journey to endure. I hope these make it a little easier.

Here we go again

Hello Everyone!
I am sorry I have been such a bad blogger. Luca keeps me very busy.He has turned into a little comedian and there is a never a dull moment in our house. He is so smart, says about 30 words. We just had his 15 month appointment and he is in the 50th percentile for weight and 97th for height!
I am still breastfeeding, just morning and night. I love it. I love the feeling of being so close to him.
We are trying for number two and we have been for a while. I did see my RE in November and we were all set to do IVF again. I had to stop breastfeeding because of the medications. I called up 1 week before I was supposed to start Lupron and said I needed to cancel it. I couldn't bring myself to stop breastfeeding. I wasn't ready and he wasn't either. He gets very excited when he nurses.
I gave myself a goal. If I don't get pregnant by April I will see my RE again. Luca will be a year and half.
Although I have to admit, it tough and a huge disappointment every month I don't get pregnant. I am trying to stay positive but its so hard. I do question myself if that was the right decision I made. But I think I am doing what is right for my son right now.
I used to see people with a child and think, what do you have to be sad about you already have a child. Your lucky!
I have learned, infertility at anytime, whether you have a child already or not, its still hard to deal with.