Growing baby bump, week 18

Hello again! Just thought I'd show you more of the growing belly. I can still definitely pass for NOT being pregnant. However, those that know me can see that my bump is just starting to become noticeable if I'm wearing clothes that accentuate it.

Things have still been fine with the pregnancy. 'No dramas' as they say here in 'Stralia. I'm enjoying returned energy this trimester, as well as an increase in appetite. I have been craving & drinking loads of milk as well as bananas with an almond, brazil & cashew nut spread (since I can't have peanut butter).

The biggest news is that I am finally feeling the baby moving and kicking! Well, I'm finally recognizing it. I've actually been feeling it for a good few weeks, but wasn't positive what it was. Mark has been able to feel it as well =) Next week we go for the ultrasound, and we are very excited about that. We'll keep you updated.

Below I've thrown in some photos of our adorable cats. Bucky is holding her favourite today, a little tiger finger pupper that my mom sent for the baby. Oh well. It's Bucky's now! She's the baby of the family at this point anyway.

Week 16

Hello everyone! I can't believe I'm 16 weeks already (check the recently posted blog below for new belly photos). I have a midwife's visit this week, so that should be good. Then our ultrasound is in less than 3 weeks! Someone asked me why we've chosen to get only one ultrasound. Well... (segments taken from "Well Adjusted Babies" by Dr. Floreani)

Ultrasounds carry with them inherent side-effects and dangers. Many people say the risks are minimal and perhaps this is true, but the reality is that no one can definitely say what the effects of ultrasound are for a developing baby. The level of safety and efficacy of ultrasound has long been debated, although it seems to me that women are not made aware of this. They simply assume that ultrasounds are completely safe. I thought so until I did some reading on the subject. The World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology and the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine have issued statements that "women should NOT have scans WITHOUT CLINICAL REASON." Why?? Ultrasounds use sound waves or electric fields to produce the picture of the baby. A sound wave is capable of making a change that is either thermal, vibrational or mechanical in nature. It causes heat to be generated in body tissues and the tiny bubbles inside the tissue may vibrate in reaction to sound waves. Research shows that, "sound waves cause interference to nerve transmission with resultant pathology (tissue damage). This occurs in the presence of sound waves or electric fields in the frequency of 0.5 mHz to approximately 70 Hz. Concerns are therefore raised for ultrasound which has a frequency of 3.44 mHz, measured in watts or megawatts per square cm of tissue exposed. Ultrasounds are especially dangerous in the first trimester when cells are rapidly dividing and are undifferentiated. It is the thermal, vibrational and mechancial changes that occur with ultrasound that may potentially cause a mutation of these rapidly dividing cells, resulting in retardation or damage to foetal growth. Studies suggest ultrasound may cause an increased incidence of miscarriage, neurological deficits, developmental delays including delayed speech, and dyslexia. The International Childbrith Education Association has maintained that "Ultrasound is most likely to affect development (behavioural and neurological), blood cells, the immune system and a child's genetic make-up."

Now, having said this, I completely realize that ultrasounds can serve a good purpose, if used in moderation. Of course they are helpful in determining things like a multiple pregnancy, to confirm foetal viability, imminent misscarriage or death of foetus, to detect foetal abnormalities, to detect foetal masses or placental abnormalities, and to identify any other possible problems. What I do not think they are healthy to be used for are 'just to see the baby another time'. I'm sure it's amazing, and I'll let you know how ours goes. Like I said, we're getting ONE to determine the sex and any foetal abnormalities (so we could prepare our hearts and minds).

Now to some more lighthearted updates-

How my baby's growing:
At 4 1/2 inches long (head to bottom) and 3 1/2 ounces, my baby is about the size of an avocado. In the next three weeks, she'll go through a tremendous growth spurt, though, doubling her weight and adding inches to her length. Her lower limbs are much more developed now. Her head is more erect than it has been, and her eyes have moved toward the front of her head. My baby's ears are close to their final position, too. Some of her more advanced body systems are working, including her circulatory system and urinary tract. Her heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, circulating her total blood volume through her body many times. (By the end of my pregnancy, this will increase to about 190 quarts.) The patterning of her scalp has begun, though her hair isn't recognizable yet. Although closed, her eyes are moving (slowly), and she's even started growing toenails.

15 weeks, 5 days...

Well, I'm almost 16 weeks now, almost into my 5 month of pregnancy, but you couldn't tell. I'm getting a little belly, but I haven't gained any weight. It seems crazy that in 3 1/2 weeks we'll be going in for our first (and only) ultrasound! Yes, we decided to get just one, to determine the sex of the baby and to find out if it has down's or any other disorder/disability. We're excited to know the sex of the baby to mentally and physically prepare, and to make it easier on all you folks that might be sending gifts from overseas (as we couldn't easily return anything). Also, if the baby should have something out of the ordinary I would especially love the time to mentally prepare for that. A friend of a friend didn't have an ultrasound, and her baby did have down's (it was her 3rd child) and when the baby came out she was confused because she knew it didn't look right. And then it was just a bit of a shock. She still loved the baby, but it was difficult as she was unprepared for it.

Here's the baby at week 15:

About my baby... he or she 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 I shine a flashlight at my tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for my baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if I was to have an ultrasound this week, I might be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! Although, like I said, we're waiting a few more weeks.

Enjoy the pics below of my growing belly...

Notice it's a nice sunny autumn day here!

OK, I am SUPER excited about these jeans (as seen in all the photos above as well). They are my first official item of maternity clothes I have bought. I know many of you are thinking, "She's still so small, how could she need maternity jeans of all things?!" Well, I can still fit into my other pants, but they were getting snug. Everytime I sat down I would unbutton the top bottom and then akwardly and sneakily try to fasten everything back up when I got up in hopes that no one would notice. Enough of that. We went to an outlet store in Melbourne last weekend (with our new-found car freedom!) and I decided to just try some maternity jeans on. Well, when I put these on I seriously felt like I was in Heaven. OK, not really, but you get the drift. They are that much more significantly comfortable. The price tag said $70 and although I never spend that much on clothes, I was prepared to for these jeans because they are just that much darn comfortable. When we got to the check out, they rang up $20!!! I was ELATED all day. I love a good bargain =) I'm also pleased I bought them now instead of waiting until I really really needed them, because I'll get that much more wear out of them (I've worn them everyday since!).

Notice you can wear the strechy fabric bit at the top over your tummy as a tummy warmer (which I love) or you can stylishly fold that bit down.

Hooray for comfy pants =)

Just paperwork.

I had my appointment at the mid-wives clinic this afternoon.

Mid-wife: "Who is your GP (General Practitioner/Doctor)"
Me: "I don't have one."
Mid-wife: "Who is your Obstetrician?"
Me: "I don't have one."
Mid-wife: Blank stare.

Yes, at some moments I felt unprepared for my situation. I know it's understandable considering we've only been in Ballarat since December, but maybe I should've sorted these things out sooner. The reason I'm going through the Primary Mid-Wife Program is because I want as natural a birth as possible and I figure they are the safest way to do that. They agree with that and are fine that I don't already have a GP/Obstetrician, they were just suprised.

The big hang-up came when I found out that this program is solely a public program, and to be in it you have to be eligible for public healthcare. I wish I was... it's FREE, but I'm not and I won't be until I'm a permanent resident. Pray this happens soon! In the meantime they're sort of letting me in it as a private patient (PTL) which Kate and I were praying they'd do. The rest of the appointment was just paperwork.

I now have another appointment this coming Wednesday. It's an 'anti-natal' appointment with a doctor where they assess my pregnancy, and if it's low risk I can (hopefully) be in the program. I should have more baby news for you then.

This past week I've finally started feeling bigger in the stomach. I don't necessarily look it, but I feel it and that makes a difference to me. I'll take a new belly shot in the next few days. I'm noticing I feel great when I go to bed nice and early, and I feel just sick when I don't (and that's happened too many nights this week). Also, please pray that I don't get sick... a few of my colleagues have had chest infections/coughing colds and I started feeling like I was coming down with something yesterday. It actually started really worrying me because I know I can't have medicine when I'm pregnant. Strangely I drempt about it and in my dream a mid-wife told me I'd be fine and that did and has made me feel better.

11 weeks, and we heard the heartbeat!

I am 11 weeks already! My how time flies when... you're pregnant. It seems like only yesterday I was 6 weeks along. So far I have to say it hasn't been too bad for me. Week 9 was probably the worst with feeling nauseous (I have a little dictionary right beside my computer for words like that!), and I've definitely been very tired the past few weeks, going to bed at ridiculously early hours and napping when I can. That's about it though.

So... Mark brought his stethoscope home last week and we decided to try to hear the baby's heartbeat, and we could! We first listened to my heartbeat and the sounds of my gurgling stomach, so as not to confuse the noises, and then we heard the fast beating of our baby's heart. It was strange and unreal, but good. I then read today that it is a very good sign if you can hear the baby's heartbeat at 10 weeks, as we did, and that we now only have a 2% chance of miscarraige. So that's a relief. I'm looking forward to hearing it again this week at my appointment with the midwife.

My baby is just over 1 1/2 inches long and is now almost fully formed. It is about the size of a fig. 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, although I can't feel her yet, but I'll let you know when I do!

This is what she looks like...
And this is what I look like!



Oooo, and isn't this exciting... we've bought our first baby furniture items! I found them at a garage sale, $50 for the pair. We just have to find some cute drawer knobs for the dresser. The top is a changing table. We'll have to buy the pad thing from a baby store.




Since we don't know if it's a boy or girl, I've just been collecting items for both. I figure I can just give away what I don't need, as I have lots of pregnant friends right now.

This was the very first baby gift we received from our friends Kim and Paul. The lamb is so soft and cuddley and cute. Thanks guys!

And this little bunny is another favorite of mine, from my mom.

Thanks for all your comments and prayers and support. They mean a lot!

Belly Shot #2

My cousin Melissa asked for another belly shot, so here it is! This was taken at 9 weeks and 5 days. Yep, still not looking pregnant. What's your guess as to when I'll start showing??



So... last night, while Mark was away in Horsham, I had my first vomiting experience. I didn't throw up very much at all, but it was as yucky and uncomfortable as vomiting always is. It strangely happened after I went to bed. I decided to stay up very late besides being very tired since I have the day off today. I think that made my body feel all the worse and before I had drifted off to a sound sleep I was visiting the toilet. I feel much better this morning.

My first visit to the midwife is on Thursday, April 24. Mark will actually be away that day, but thankfully a friend from church, Kate, will be joining me at my appointment! I am very happy about that as I am the sort of person that wants to share every experience with someone else. She came over last night. We baked rasberry scones and started making 'affirmation cards' for myself. I still haven't finished any, but I hope to today. When I'm feeling rotten, or tired, I try to remember some of the positive phrases.

My baby this week-- 9 weeks!

How my baby's growing:

My new resident is nearly an inch long — about the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She's (?) starting to look more and more human. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: my baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do her tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. My baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. Her eyes are fully formed, but her eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. She has tiny earlobes, and her mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones. Now that my baby's basic physiology is in place, she's poised for rapid weight gain. Hooray!

I've been pretty tired, and have felt nauseous a bit, and have wreched/dry heaved some BUT overall I've been OK. I've cut my work back by about 10 hours a week for the next 3 weeks to see how I go with that. I just haven't had the time or energy to do anything around the house or cook or make lunch, so hopefully I can play a bit of catch up. I'm still not showing at all. My stomach probably even looks smaller than that first photo! Thanks for your thoughts and prayers...