Sunshine, Rainbows and Bananas

Yesterday we had our 26 week check-up.  It was a longer-than-expected one because the night prior I had a little bit of bleeding that we needed to address (huge scare, don't EVER want to see that again for the next three months!).  Good news first though...I've gained 11 pounds total, which puts me right on par for what the doctor hoped.  I was a bit surprised because my appetite has increased so much, but I suppose making health"ier" choices is what is keeping things steady.  I got my glucose test kit for when we return from Florida, which included a goodie bag of samples and magazines!  And, I get to be seen every two weeks now as we enter the third trimester.  Unfortunately, that's where the good news ends....

First up, pee in a cup.  They think I have another UTI and my D levels are actually too high now...fantastic.  Next, blood pressure....through the roof.  Nurse called in the doctor who checked me for swelling and symptoms of preclampsia.  Great.  Then we talked about the spotting I had the night prior and things I can do to help.  We listened to baby boy's heartbeat...which was unusually high (high 150s and not very steady).  They asked me if I was stressed, if I had eaten any sugar, and if I was exposed to second-hand smoke at all on a daily basis (fantastic...insert sarcasm).  They aren't too worried about it, just want to monitor him next time and may order an ultrasound.  Finally, they measured me, and he is still measuring about two weeks ahead.  Either we have a really big baby on our hands, my due date was miscalculated (not possible...unfortunately, I wish it were that easy), or there is more than one in my tummy (also very NOT possible...we hope. haha).  We had to talk about how I may deliver earlier than expected, especially if my blood pressure remains high and does not improve, the baby keeps growing at this pace, and the swelling gets any worse.  After addressing all of these things...the two (what I like to call "bad words") came out of her mouth...BED REST. 

Of course I told her there was no way I could go on bed rest at this point in the pregnancy, with over twelve weeks left.  We simply cannot afford for me not to work, and do not have any options for supplemental income.  Obviously, we are going to take my health and the baby's seriously as the number one priority, so I opened up the conversation for our "options".  We do go to Florida next week (which luckily they did keep me in the clear to fly since it is a direct flight!!! yay!)....so I will be away from my normal "routine" for a week and possibly less stressed (that's the point of vacation, right!?! haha).  They agreed to revisit everything when we return from Florida, check my levels again, and then make the final orders for bed rest, limited work/activity, or resume normal.  I am praying that it falls somewhere in the middle...because at least that would be manageable.

Daniel and I had a long talk with baby G...which isn't unusual...but this time it was praying with him, instead of just praying separately.  Hoping the BIG man upstairs has BIG plans for our BIG baby. :)