Latest Midwife Appt

[ste_noni]

First, while I was there, this girl who looked about 14 came into the clinic and asked for a pregnancy test. I tried very hard not to stare at her, but she looked SO young.

Anyway, I waited my standard 45 minutes before I talked to the midwife. She said I am "carrying the baby well" which I think means that I'm still fairly comfortable and haven't gained too much or not enough weight. We listened to the baby's heartbeat and the blood moving through the chord. It was pretty cool to hear the difference.

She told me that the achiness I've been experiencing is the pubic symphasis stretching and that the waking up with my heart racing is likely from sleeping (occasionally) on my back. The hands falling asleep is apparently also pregnancy related although I forget exactly why. She told me to sleep on my left side, which I try to do already, but it gets uncomfortable after a while. Also, she suggested rather strongly that I start swimming or running in the pool. I've been thinking about this since I gave up walking longer distances a few weeks ago, but hadn't made any steps towards making it happen. However, I just so happen to have ordered a swimsuit yesterday and today I stopped by the gym to see when the water aerobics classes are. I guess once my suit gets here, I'll rejoin the gym and make a real effort to go. Everyone keeps talking about the physicality of labor and how much better it will go if I"m in shape, so that is fairly motivating.

Finally, they sent me home with some orange stuff to drink before my next appt in three weeks. I'm excited that I've graduated to 3 weeks instead of just 4.

Comments

[casperflea.livejournal.com]

I found that using small pillows tucked under my belly and my knees helped with sleeping comfort. I spent the last six weeks sleeping on an air mattress directly under the air conditioner (in the dining room), but then, it was August.

I have a pregnancy yoga tape if that sounds like it would appeal. I only did it once, but I wished I'd done it more.

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

I'd love to borrow the tape if we can work it out. I have a yoga/exercise tape, but I don't like it much.

[casperflea.livejournal.com]

I'll email.

[cindywrites.livejournal.com]

Like flea suggests, experiment with pillows. I had a bit large one (pillow for a king sized bed) and when I slept on my left, I had the pillow under the inside of my right leg. I couldn't sleep on the back--for the same reason that's bothering you.

Orange stuff? The blood sugar test. Ahhhh.

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

It's funny - I hadn't really thought of the heart pounding as being related to pregnancy. I had been sleeping on my back with a pillow udner my knees, but I guess that's out now.

[aimeejmc.livejournal.com]

I got a body pillow at Bed Bath and Beyond for 10 bucks. I named him Bill. He was awesome. I miss him.

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

I actually have one of these pillows. (My) Joe got it for me for Christmas. I haven't used it much yet because I didn't really think I needed it and my dogs absolutely love it. I guess it's time to reclaim it. This is one of the few good things about not having to share the bed with another person - plenty of room for me and my huge pillow.

[aimeejmc.livejournal.com]

That would have been nice! I had to share the bed with (My) Joe, the dog and both cats. Not easy.

[calligrafiti.livejournal.com]

My mom had problems with her hands falling asleep during one of her pregnancies. I believe she took a cake decorating class as a form of hand exercise and it helped a bit.

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

That's interesting - maybe I'll have to get some of that silly putty or one of those executive stress reliever toys (although cake decorating sounds more fun).

[aimeejmc.livejournal.com]

Plus?

CAKE!!