Sunday, November 7, 2010

Traveling while PG

I am bummed that I haven't kept up with the daily blog for the 30 posts in 30 days, but the problem with being pregnant is that you really can't predict your energy level on any given day. We had a dog with digestive issues last week that seemed to peak between the hours of 1am and 5am. I was so tired every night. In some ways, it is a preview of what is to come in 26 weeks, but I'd like to get some sleep now!

That said, instead of dreading my trip East for business this week, I looked forward to it--and the promise of six nights of uninterrupted sleep. A lot of friends have been concerned that I continue to travel for work, but I am trying to do it with more common sense than I ever have. I am developing new rules for the road--all designed to keep stress and strain down:

1. Have food with you at all times. I keep myself stocked with energy bars, plus assorted other foods. You can't rely on the airline food carts--they often run out of food before they get to your row.

2. Have water with you at all times. We all know how important hydration is during pregnancy, and when you get on a plane, your needs almost seem to double. Again, you can't rely on the airlines. Bring a very large bottle on the plane. Today, beverage and food service didn't begin until two hours after takeoff.

3. Check your bag and ask someone to pull it off the luggage conveyor. Ask the rental car folks to lift it in the trunk. And even if you are staying at a minimum service hotel like the Hampton Inn, they will almost happily help you if you ask.

4. Arrive early to the airport, minimize your connections. Airlines don't make it easy to keep your stress levels down, but you have keep your passenger in mind.

5. Because you are drinking so much water, you should need to get up every couple hours. If not, do it anyway. Blood clots are always a potential threat and even more so during pregnancy.

6. Take some real time for yourself. Read a book. Watch a movie.

Time for me to catch some ZZZs.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

The Week 14 Update

I should have posted our Nuchal Fold scan last week, but I needed some time to cool down about the CA Dept. of Health.

The good news is that if you squint really hard, you can see a well-formed neck on little #3. The theory behind the Nuchal Translucency screening according to BabyCenter is that it helps "assess your baby's risk of having Down syndrome (DS) and some other chromosomal abnormalities as well as major congenital heart problems. The NT test uses ultrasound to measure the clear (translucent) space in the tissue at the back of your developing baby's neck. Babies with abnormalities tend to accumulate more fluid at the back of their neck during the first trimester, causing this clear space to be larger than average."



In addition to the scan, I had also taken a panel of blood for the early genetic screening. Unfortunately, those results will not be made available to me. Despite a line in their 24 page booklet that says that patients have a right to their records, not me. Evidently the loss of #25 after week 8 means that my genetic screening would be invalid. So, why didn't they tell me before the extracted several vials of blood and $162? You would think that in their 24 page book, they would have one page dedicated to who shouldn't take this test. Evidently, my ob's office had not experienced this either.

And to further add to it, we most likely will not be able to do any genetic screening the entire pregnancy because of the vanishing twin. We are flying blind as we move forward. The only good news is that we used twenty-three year old eggs which does decrease our likelihood of any issues.

Then, on top of all that frustration, my ob told me I didn't need another ultrasound until Week 18. After being closely monitored all these weeks, it's time to just have a normal pregnancy. That's a little disconcerting, but as long as my stomach continues to expand, I am just going to believe that #3 is doing alright.

Monday, November 1, 2010

A Year of Miracles

I still owe a post on my most recent scan, but as a long time San Francisco Giants fan we interrupt this blog for a celebration!

I have been a Giants fan for 43 years [well, maybe consciously for 38 years], never to experience the thrill of a World Series Victory. Tonight I had tears in my eyes as I saw the dreams fulfilled for millions of fans. The greatest thing about this accomplishment was that it was a team effort. No superstars, just a bunch of guys who didn't stop believing in themselves--even though the experts predicted a victory for the other team.

I know that #3 is doing a high five right now inside because "he" more than anyone can appreciate what a team effort can lead to. I am pregnant right now because there was a team of folks who believed that with a little science and a little luck I could be on the path to motherhood. Getting here has been filled with wins and losses, but the victory sometimes is sweeter when it is hard fought and unexpected.

Today's post is dedicated to all those who are batting against infertility. In those immortal words of Journey, "Don't Stop Believing."

And, thank you, San Francisco Giants. Enjoy your miracle.



Grandpa to Be, Me and #3 at Game 1 of the 2010 World Series against the Texas Rangers