Baby Update

I realized this morning that I haven't included much about my pregnancy on our blog so I thought I would give an update to everyone.  As of today, I am 19 weeks along and the past couple of weeks have been pretty stressful for our family.  Two weeks ago I went in for my four month check up and happened to have very high blood pressure.  The doctor took it several times and each time it was high.  So.... this meant that some lab work needed to be done (which I am NOT a fan of) and that I needed to have my blood pressure checked each day so that it could be monitored and recorded.   Of course, I followed the doctor's orders and completed my lab orders and went to Safeway each day to check my blood pressure.  This became exhausting after a few days and so I decided that I would go out and purchase my own blood pressure machine.  I thought it was going to be a great investment but when I returned to the doctor a week later, turns out that my machine wasn't callaborated as closely to the doctor's blood pressure cuff so my readings were off.  Darn!

In the meantime, Dr. Whitaker also suggested that I have an appointment with the chiropractor to help with some headaches that I had been having.  I went to my appointment and then had an enjoyable conference weekend.  Unfortunately by Sunday afternoon I began having difficulty keeping food down and by Monday morning had a MIGRAINE!  The migraine was accompanied by vomiting and although I went to see the chiropractor again that afternoon, it did little to alleviate my severe headache and I was still unable to keep food down.  Tuesday was a bit better for the headache but was still throwing up.  I saw my OB that day and because I hadn't had any nourishment for three days, she diagnosed me as being very dehydrated.  So..... this meant that I needed to spend a few hours up at Labor and Delivery having an IV with some good fluids given to me.  Although my headache was somewhat better, I was still pretty miserable on Tuesday night and unable to sleep but by Wednesday morning I was much better.  I saw the chiropractor two more times during the week and as of today I am feeling pretty good which makes me grateful.  The other good thing is that my blood pressure seems to have calmed down a bit for the time being and doesn't need to be treated.

Pregnancy has never been easy for me.  I have been ill with all three of my children but this particular pregnancy has been especially difficult and I find myself having a hard time being positive and excited about the coming months.  I keep hoping that each day will bring added energy and less pain.  I know that I am driving my husband looney with my endless complaining but thankfully he is a trooper and does so much for me.  On a lighter note, last night I could really feel this little one kicking away and moving around - even Mark could feel it when he put his hand on my tummy. 

We have a milestone coming this Friday - we will have our ultrasound to find out what we are having and we just can't wait!  The girls are hoping for a little brother so badly but will be very happy with a little sister, too.  We'll let you all know just as soon as we can!  Thanks to a wonderful family and great friends who have been so supportive and added extra prayers on our behalf!