June 6, 2012 is the Day

I got a call from my OB's office yesterday morning and told me that they already have a schedule of my C-section—6th of June. Hospital has been booked on the said date.

So, that is the scheduled day for us to see our precious little one and hold her in person! It's presumed that June 6 is going to be her birthday. That if she doesn't come earlier than June 6. At least now, we have a date to look forward to. But everything still depends on the Maker. He's the only one who knows when.

OB's Third Appoinment

It was my third time to go back to my OB's office last Wednesday. We were inside the building for more than 2 hours. Glad we took Evie to her grandparents, or else she'd get so bored and become whiny.

I had my Level 2 ultrasound. Everything looked so great. Baby was moving a lot inside the tummy, giving the technician a hard time. There was a time when she wanted to get a picture of her hand open, but the baby kept her fist closed. That took a while. Also, the baby let the technician sweat when it came to confirming the gender. She won't open her legs at all. I got a lot of poking on my tummy (which I didn't really mind). Well, the second ultrasound confirmed that she's a GIRL! Glad to get the confirmation. That way, I can finally keep some of Evie's clothes for her little sister.

I was so happy to know that this time, I do not have placenta previa which I had in my first pregnancy. Having the placenta previa, I was prohibited to carry a certain weight and sexual activity was halted for a few months. Glad to know that this time, I can still pick up and carry my 30+ lbs energetic girl and my husband and me will continue to enjoy each other in our intimate moments.

After my ultrasound, I got to meet my OB, Dr. Shelly Messer after 2 and a half years. She was the one who conducted my C-section with Evie. She's a nice doctor. But I still don't feel the warmth I am looking for in a doctor. There's no personal connection. I honestly feel more connected with their nurse practitioner, Michelle Carnes. She is very warm and I can see she cares for me more of as a person and not just a patient. It's also weird because I met a doctor before in their office for the first time and immediately, I felt the care she had for me as her patient. I believe that doctor was Dr. DeAnna Bullaro-Anderer. She left Oasis few months before I gave birth. Well, what can I say. People have different personalities.

Dr. Messer told us that they usually schedule the C-section a week before the estimated due date (EDD). Since my EDD is June 12, she said that most probably they will schedule my operation on June 5. But this has to be coordinated with Banner Gateway Hospital (of which I was just told that they already scheduled the date on the 6th of June with the hospital).

All in all, our little girl inside is doing great (thanks to God who takes care of her inside). Nothing more gives me peace of mind than to know that the precious life I am carrying inside is perfectly well.

12th OB Appointment: Anxious, Worried, Confuse

(39 weeks, attended by Michelle Carnes, RN)

Gained 2lbs. Blood pressure is good. Baby's heartbeat is good. Cervix, 1% effaced.

As what the nurse said, the progress of dilation is not like what they (medical practitioners I supposed) expect at 39 weeks. So, we discussed about induction. We were told that waiting for the baby to naturally come out at least one week late is fine. Later than that, the placenta gets older and might not be able to supplement the baby's needs.

We were asked if we want to schedule induction in case Evie does not come next week or the week after. I really didn't think nor ask about the pros and cons of induction. Since the subject was opened, all I could think is that, it must be the best for the baby, because if not, why would they ask our thoughts about inducing me after a week or so.

We were told that we have to make a schedule a week before the planned date because the hospital might be filled by then if we scheduled later. I do not want to be on that situation, so, my instant impulse was to decide for a date. Their schedule for induction is only from Monday thru Thursday. We have our Immigration interview on the 18th (Tuesday), so we could not go on the said date. The 19th, and the 20th are open. She asked if I would care which doctor would I want to attend me during the delivery. While she went out to check the schedule and which doctor is on call on the possible dates, my husband and I decided that we will go for Dr. Messer. When the nurse came back, she informed us that Dr. Stephens is free on the 19th and 20th. However, Dr. Messer can take care of me on the 21st (Friday) if I want to. To conclude, next Friday is the day we expect to finally see and hold Evie.

Later this day, I heard not-so-good stories of two friends who went through induction and both of them ended in CS because of fetal distress (and maternal distress). The experience left emotional and mental scars. Hearing these stories made me question myself if making a quick say to be induced next week is the right decision. I can really wait for a week or two after the due date. But I am concern of the baby's health and safety while she's inside me and that's what matters of all.

I solicited the opinions of mothers on my Facebook network about the plan. Their support, advices and suggestions should help me decide what move to do next. Most of all, I need my husband's understanding, opinion, and support.

This is the hardest situation I have to deal with my pregnancy. Though my pregnancy is almost over, I feel all the emotional and mental pressure on me. I am scared something bad happens because of making the wrong decision.

11th OB Appointment:: 1 CM!

August 6, 2009 (38 weeks)

Had my weekly OB appointment yesterday. This time, I gained 2lbs (153lbs to 155lbs). I was being attended by Michelle Carnes, she's the one we see often during our OB visits.

It took her a little while (than usual) to check Evie's heartbeat. We can hear her heart beating, but Michelle wanted a more clearer sound and she was pressing the doppler heart monitor on my tummy. Later, we heard this very loud pounding noise within my belly. Evie's heart rate is perfect. When the nurse took off the monitor on me, our little one made a big waving move which amused us. We thought she didn't like being pressed that hard. When we were at my husband parent's place he said that he was a little bit annoyed of how the nurse pressed the monitor on my belly specially when he saw that my skin was getting reddish, and left a dent after it was done. Oh well, he's just being protective of me and the baby :)

This is the third time that my cervix was checked. Unlike the last internal exam, I was feeling relaxed this time. Thanks to my husband who gave me massages on my back and shoulder and reminded me to relax before the nurse came in. Michelle was also considerate and gentle in doing it. She even asked if I had an unpleasant experience of the examinations I had lately. So, I told her about what happened the last time.

My cervix is not that dilated yet. It is only a centimeter open. Baby is not that ready yet. However, Michelle reminded us that my water might break anytime, so, if ever that happens, we need to go to the hospital immediately to prevent infection that might affect the baby and me. She added that we can discuss for the induction procedure in case we wanted the baby out a few days before her due date. She also told us that they typically induce one week after the due date if the baby is still not coming out on the expected date because by then the placenta gets old and will not be able to supplement the baby's needs.

Well, we still have 2 weeks until the due date. I wonder if Evie is waiting until my husband and I is done with our interview with the Immigration officials which is 2 days before her due date. Well see. I have faith that God sets the PERFECT TIME for everything, and I lift up everything to him.

10th OB/GYN Appointment: 1lb Heavier!

(37 weeks)

I had my 10th OB/GYN appointment this morning. Surprisingly, I only gained 1lb, yahooooo! -- from 152lbs to 153lbs. Oh, I was delighted about it! Actually the pregnancy book that I read stated that during the last month, a pregnant woman's weight could either slow down or stops as the BIG day approaches. Gaining just a pound is good news to me :D

Dr. Stephens took care of me today. Among the three doctors I've met in Oasis OB/GYN, she's the one I see more often. Besides, the one that I like has left the company and started her own private practice.

Physical Exam & Stuff

My Group B Strep Test turned out to be negative. That's another good news! Evie is in perfect condition -- her heartbeat is normal, my belly measures perfectly, and she's still moving as crazy. When the doctor measured the height of my fundus, she commented that I am such a cute pregnant woman and my belly shape and size is perfect! Oh well, I am petite, I think that makes me a cute preggy girl :) The baby's position is head's down which is a good sign. She did an internal examination of my cervix to see how far I am. This time, it was unpleasant. Maybe because I was not too relaxed. Glad my husband was there to remind me to just relax, I would have forgotten and the unpleasantness could have been worse. She said that my cervix is still hard. Well, I've got 3 weeks more to go. Although she informed us that at 37 weeks, anytime, I could be on the go!

Physical Discomforts

It's almost 2 weeks now that my hips, specially on the lower back, as well as my buttocks feel heavy and achy. I can feel that Evie moves a lot on the cervix area, which is a bit uncomfortable. She is still moving a lot on random time of the day. Sleeping at night is getting tougher. Now that she's heavier, shifting positions becomes more difficult specially when I have to get up to go to the bathroom. Walking from laying down has changed too. The joints between my butt and upper legs are sore which makes me waddle on my way to the bathroom. However, the soreness does not stay that long. When I am sitting down, I need to get up every now and then to avoid getting that achy feeling on my joints.

Appetite is unpredictable. There are times I do not feel like eating. But when I get hungry, I see to it that I fill my empty stomach. Feet, ankles, and hands are still slightly swollen.

I am in the final stretch, yepeeeyy!!!

9th OB/GYN Appointment: Group B Strep Test

July 23, 2009 (36 weeks)

Evie is exactly 36 weeks on my 9th appointment with my OB/GYN. I am 152lbs from 148lbs. Gaining 4lbs from the last visit. For the second time, we had Dr. Messer attending my prenatal care and needs. She looked fabulous! LOL. I think it's how she dressed herself. She had this sexy black, sleeveless dress which made her look stunning :) Pardon for my noticing her appearance, after all it's a compliment!

It's amazing how the heartbeat monitor captured our baby's heartbeat a few inches away from my belly. It was just so loud, active, and normal. My doctor commented what a happy baby Evie is when she heard her heartbeat. My belly measures 37 inches this time, which is absolutely perfect!

I was scheduled for a Group B Strep Test (GBT) on this visit. I had to strip off my clothes, from waist, down. I only had that big, wide, some-kind-of-a-tissue paper to cover my half naked body. Anyway, GBT is typically administered when the pregnant woman is already on her 35th week. It could be between 35 and 37 weeks. I did not have an appointment schedule on my 35th week that's why we had to do it when I was already on my 36th. Accordingly, GBT is a bacterium that lives in the vagina of some healthy women. "Some" means, not all women have this kind of bacteria. This bacteria does not do any harm at all in women who carry it. However, some newborn babies whose expectant mothers are GBT carriers and didn't undergo the test can pick up the bacteria while passing through the mother's opening during delivery. This could cause serious infections to the baby. So, to fully secure the baby's health, doctors conduct this test.

Well, it was an easy and quick procedure. The doctor used a vaginal swab (Q-tip) and took samples in the vagina and the rectum. That was a little bit unpleasant, but glad the procedure took only like 5 seconds. The result will be a week from the day the test was administered, so, we will know on my next appointment (July 30).

I was told that if I am infected with the said bacteria, I will be given antibiotics during the labor to make sure that our baby will not get it.

8th OB/GYN Appointment

July 9, 2009 (34 weeks)

I'm on my 34th week. Weight is 147lbs from 143lbs during my last visit two weeks ago. Ms. Carnes who attended me commented that my belly looks great since she did not see any stretchmarks. I think the lotion with shea butter really helps. It was a cheap kind, so I do not know what's the difference with the expensive one because mine works pretty well. Anyway, she asked me if I thought of using epidural and my answer was "NO." However, she assured me that anytime I want it, I am so welcome to request and they will give it to me right away as long as it's not yet too late to use it. I do not know if I would be able to tolerate the labor pain. As much as possible, I want a natural delivery, free of any medication. I am praying that God will give me the pain tolerance and strength that I need on that day, and that, Eve will cooperate, hoping that she will not give Mommy a hard time. I talked to her about it. Hopefully, she will grant Mommy's request.

We will probably have another ultrasound on the 38th week instead of the 37th. Ms. Carnes said that even if the baby will be too big, they cannot induce me earlier because by then, the baby's lungs are not fully developed yet. I really do not want to be induced, so, I hope that our girl will not be too big for me so that she will be delivered in her own time.

6th and 7th OB/GYN Appointment

June 12, 2009 (29 weeks)

It's my 6th appointment with my OB/GYN appointment. I was given a sweet drink prior to my meeting with Ms. Carnes. It was for my glucose test, to find out whether I have a gestational diabetes. My weight was 139lbs, which made me gain 5lbs from my last visit (not bad). An hour after the drink, a vial of my blood was taken for the test. At least this time, it's not more than one vial of blood. I remember the last time when blood samples were taken out from me, I was shocked of the quantity they took. It was like 3 or 4 vials of blood. But I am just thankful that everything in my previous blood tests turned out with good results.

Three days later from the appointment, I received a voice message from the doctor's office informing me that my glucose test result was normal. So happy for that because by then I don't have to undergo another test that will take for hours.


June 26, 2009 (32 weeks)

My 7th appointment. Weight was 143lbs. I gained 4lbs after two weeks! By the way, starting this visit, I will be seeing my doctors/nurse every two weeks until the end of July. After that, I need to see them every week since the due is getting so close from then. This time I met Dr. Stephens again. It's been a while since the first time I saw her. She was the one who attended me during my very first visit. She had a practicing student who measured my belly and operated the heartbeat monitor. Everything was doing great since our little Eve is healthy and strong!

We asked about the follow-up ultrasound mentioned by Dr. Bullaro, and Dr. Stephens suggested to conduct it when Eve is already in her 37th week because usually, insurance companies do not cover the fee prior to that age. Anyway, the purpose of another ultrasound is to find out the baby's size. I was told that if the baby would be too big for me, I might deliver her earlier than the due date by inducing me. My husband and I just hope and pray that the baby will come out by how nature works and not by any medical intervention.


Changes Observed

My feet are already swelling; a normal occurrence for pregnant women as the doctor said. I was a bit upset when it started. I told my husband that my feet looked like a "piglet's feet" (he he). There came a time though that it went back to normal and I wished it would stay that way in the whole duration of pregnancy. Hence, it is very unlikely.

Baby moves and kicks are much stronger now. I feel that each week, she's getting bigger and the weight is making my lower body ache. It's getting harder to move while laying down specially during night time to get sleep. She becomes more active in the evening and sometimes wakes me up with hard kicks! (ouch!)

Fifth OB/GYN Appointment: Placenta Previa Free!

May 14, 2009 (25 weeks)

Had my pelvic ultrasound in Oasis OB/GYN. It was exciting to see our little Eve again. This time, she's bigger and making a lot of movements. Her mouth was even blabbering, ha ha. I wonder what she's saying. Maybe, "Hi Mommy! Hi Daddy! I'm here!!!" She was also stretching one of his arm. It's very cute. Her heartbeat is perfect and she weighs 2 lbs and 5 ounces. I was so amused of the printed picture given to us because Eve had a very cute sideview posing. It looked like she's telling us "Here's your Miss Universe!" LOL. I love staring on that picture. Can't wait until I can have her in my arms.

Actually the main purpose of the ultrasound was to find out if the placenta which was seen near my cervix during my previous ultrasound had shifted. My husband asked about it, but the sonographer didn't give him a thorough explanation. She only said that everything looked good. So we had to wait to know the exact result on our next appointment with the doctor. That will be the next day.

May 15, 2009 (Friday) 8:30AM

I was not emotionally feeling good at all when we went to the doctor. I had some concern regarding my family at home (Philippines) specially my mother when I talked to her over the phone last night. My husband was wondering about my silence and we were not really talking that much inside the OB/GYN's office. My sense of independence was overwhelming me, so I thought to myself that I can do it alone.

Anyhow, I gained 6 pounds from my last weight: from 128lbs to 134lbs. We met a new doctor this time. Her name is Dr. Deann Bullaro Anderer. She's quite enthusiastic and I felt at ease with her presence. The good news she told us was, my placenta have completely shifted and is no longer positioned near my cervix. Praise be to God! My wish of having Eve be born naturally is now a big possibility.

One thing Dr. Anderer was concerned about was the baby's growth. She's already 90% in growth and to think I still have three more months to go. She said that the baby is big and even asked my husband how big was he when he was born. They will monitor the baby's growth and I may even have another ultrasound to make sure that our baby girl will not be too big for me to deliver the natural way or else they will induce me a week or weeks earlier from the due date (August 20, 2009). Eve's heartbeat was checked and everything about it was perfect. She advised me to go plunging and swimming in the pool because it will help reduce the swelling on some parts of my body.

I personally like this doctor. Maybe because she's very approachable and she encouraged me to speak up the things I worry or I'm concern about. We may even choose her to be the one to take care of me during the labor and delivery day. We'll see. We still have to meet the other two doctors again and see which one we are most comfortable dealing with.

I am very happy that God has answered our prayers regarding my condition with placenta previa. He is always faithful and He knows what is best for me.

Fourth OBGYN Appointment: + 11 Pounds Accompanied With Stronger Kicks!

April 17, 2009 (21 weeks)

My fourth OBGYN appointment last Thursday (April 17) was a blast! Yup! A blast in pounds. Surprisingly, I gained 11 pounds, from 117 lbs to 128 lbs. I didn't expect to gain that much weight. Although I know I had been eating twice (or sometimes thrice) the amount of food than the previous month.

This time, I was attended by Michelle Carnes, a registered nurse practitioner working in Oasis OBGYN. It was our second meeting. She was also the one who checked me during my second prenatal visit. Both my husband and I like her too. She's nice, vibrant, approachable and easy to talk to.

We got to hear Eve's heartbeat again. It's 150 bpm. According to Michelle, our baby is strong and healthy; any expecting parents would love to hear. I was advised to drink at least a gallon of water everyday. Arizona is getting hotter, specially that summer is coming.

One of the concerns I asked was the intense tightening of my belly which I sometimes feel. I was told the baby is growing and that caused most of my internal organs to get squished, being pushed up towards my ribs. No wonder, because everytime I have the feeling, I experience shortness of breath.

Again, we were admonished not to have intercourse because I am on pelvic rest due to my placenta previa. I was also advised not to lift things heavier than 25 pounds because it will affect the placenta's state. So from now on, I am forbidden to carry my husband's nephew who weighs the weight that is not advisable for me. But I am just glad I am not on "bed rest." That will not make me happy.

Eve will be six months by the end of this month. She has been kicking a lot now compared last month. Her kicks are getting harder that sometimes she surprised me a blow. Unlike the first weeks where I can only feel her moving on the bottom part of my belly, I can already feel her moving on the upper part too, occasionally. It is a cool feeling. Lately, I observed watching her move with my eyes in the absence of my touch. Well yes, I can already see my belly moving everytime she makes a leap. However, it's not that visible yet specially if I watch it move without a shirt covering my tummy.

Another observation I have is that, she has this time of the day where she moves a lot. I wonder if babies in the womb have body clocks? Her first movements were scheduled in mid-afternoons and early evenings. Recently she changed her schedule. It's during our bedtime (11 PM) and in the mornings. Although she has her own fixed time of high energy and successive kicks,
I can also feel her moving in random time of the day lately.

Baby kicks are exciting and sometimes surprising. It's one of the developments I enjoy in my second trimester.

Third OBGYN Appointment: Placenta Previa

March 20, 2009 (17 weeks)

I had my third appointment with my OB/GYN last Friday. By the way, my health provider is Oasis OBGYN. The doctor who attended me this time was Dr. Shelly Messer. I like her. She seemed nice and friendly. She's soft-spoken, and smiled often (which I like). I felt at ease with her.

Anyway, they got my ultrasound result submitted by Dr. Russell Carnes from the Fetal & Women's Center of Arizona. Everything looked great when it comes to the baby's health and development. My husband and I couldn't be more thankful that we have a healthy baby.

On the submitted ultrasound report, they found out that my placenta is blocking my cervix. This is going to be a problem because it will cause as a roadblock for the baby to come out during delivery. My husband and I were advised not to have intercourse, until the 26 weeks where I will have another ultrasound. Dr. Messer said that during my next ultrasound, they will find out if my placenta have shifted (which usually happens as the uterus grows), then, everything will be alright. She added that if the placenta doesn't shift and remains blocking my cervix, I am going to have a CS delivery (God forbids!).

Today, I researched online what was the complication all about. I found out that it is called placenta previa. It can cause light or severe vaginal bleeding. A pregnant woman who has "total placenta previa" undergoes CS delivery. Usually pregnant women with this complication is advised for a bed rest or abstain from sexual intercourse. So far in my case, the doctor did not advise me for a bed rest. Just the latter.

See illustration of placenta previa.