Category: Pregnancy

June 18th, 2009

My pregnancy week 15

Well another week has passed and not sure where its gone, had some blood test on Tuesday and midwife today, it turns out that I had my kettering blood test done too soon… oh no only means that it will be blood test again next week, everything was ok until the midwife started to check for the heartbeat, she was probing around and nothing Oh My God, I think my heart stopped beating, then suddenly just like that there it was, what a relieve, I could see the relieve on my midwifes face, smiles all around she had a good feel and assure me that the little one is growing fine so thats all good as im still feeling fine in myself, although had bit of a clothing dilemma on tue, just seemed that every top i put on it had shrunk but the reality is my tummy is growing, guess its time i head to the shops and get a bit of retail therapy yippee!!  Have had some brilliant weather so been spending time with sophie in the garden playing in our little water park we made together, she loves the outdoors.

So whats happening with the little one, well the head and body is in proportion, the skin is starting to cover with the soft downy hair called lanugo,this will disappear before birth also has started to suck and swallow and grasp on.

Are you pregnant or trying to get pregnant? why not share your experience with us

Melanie

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June 16th, 2009

Screening Blood Test

Its seems blood tests are a major part of pregnancy, going on week 15 and already had the second lot, at least they are for good reasons, I hate it being done all the same, the phlebotomist wasn’t as nice this time, no conversation at all, doesn’t make it pleasant when your not looking forward to it, anyways today was all about taking blood to be tested so that you have an indication of risk of abnormalities to the baby such as spina bifida or Downs syndrome.  The test check certain ‘risk markers’ in your blood.  The three most commonly tested are hCG- human chorionic gonadotrophin, same hormone your pregnancy test detected.  Oestriols – A type of oestrogen hormone produced by the baby and the placenta.  AFPAlphafetoprotein, a protein substance produced by the baby.

Unless you’ve had a nuchal translucency scan, then a screening blood test is carried out between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.  Most hospitals test for two or three markers  this is why the test are called the Double or Triple test, other hospitals will test for four or more, the more markers, the more accurate the test.

The results – remember these tests cannot tell you if your baby definitely have or have not got a problem, many factors can affect the results, such as weight, race (Afro-Caribbean women have higher levels of AFP and hCG than Caucasian women), whether your carrying more than one baby, age, insulin-dependent diabetes, uncertainty about dates.  The test simply tell whether there is a high or low chance of a problem.  So now fingers crossed in 3 weeks or so I will get my results.  Until then I will continue to enjoy the lovely summer weather while it last which if the weather report is anything to go by is not long rain seems to be on its way AGAIN!

Are you due some blood test?  Are you waiting for results?  Share your thoughts and feelings with us.

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June 10th, 2009

My pregnancy weeks 13 & 14



pregnant-woman2Due to my busy schedule, I’m sorry but missed week 13 so hopefully i can squeeze it along side of week 14 and keep everyone up to date, so whats been happening? had some blood test done, these were for my blood group, rhesus factor, hepatitis B and haemoglobin levels, I don’t mind having my blood taken I just cant stand to watch it being done.
Week 13 – You might find that any morning sickness will start to fade as the placenta takes over producing the pregnancy hormone, I was rather lucky to escape this, your clothes might start to feel a little tight around the waistline, wear loose comfortable clothes, again thanks to the pregnancy hormone I’m off chocolate if only it lasted, so I’m still OK in the clothing department for now, cant say the same for my skin, my face is starting to look like a teenager with acne i guess there are down sides to everything.
Your little one at 13 weeks is growing well, still tiny about 7.5cm but starting to look like a baby even though only the size of an egg, kicking and turning although it will be too soon for you to feel this.

Week 14 up to date made my appointments to see the midwife and screening blood test which is next week, the screening blood test needs to be carried out between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, also this week you might become forgetful, feeling what some women call the ‘fog’ of pregnancy, at least i have some excuse now.
Baby still growing well measuring around 8-9cm about the size of half a banana and also have unique fingerprints in place.  Isn’t it amazing how quick they develop, cant believe that I’m already into my second trimester, where is the time going?

Are you Pregnant? Why not share your experience with us

until next time

Melanie

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June 2nd, 2009

My 12 week Pregnancy Scan

My 12 week pregnancy scan, what an exciting time this is, not only is it the first chance that you get to see your baby but its also a reassuring time too.

The 12 week scan is sometimes referred to as the dating scan, it will give you a pretty accurate estimate of how far along in your pregnancy you are and when your baby is due, as well as  how well your baby is developing.

This scan also detects how many babies you are carrying so if there is more than one this will be the time that you find out!

This is also a good opportunity to take you partner along so that you can both experience the excitement together, and don’t forget to ask for some photos.  You will need to have a full bladder for the scan, the sonographer will apply a gel to your tummy and then press gently unto it with the scanner, this can sometimes be a little uncomfortable.

It was such a pleasure for us watching my little bundle of joy bouncy about, a right little acrobat, wouldn’t keep still for anything, the sonographer reassured us that this was all normal, she pointed out the little arms and legs and when the baby keep still for a second or two she pointed out the tiny little beating heart, this just made our hearts melt, just knowing that everything was OK was great to hear.  Next she took some measurement of the baby so that she could give us an estimate of my due date this worked out to be the 10th December what a cracking Christmas present this will be.  She managed to get a few pictures when our little acrobat calmed down for a minute, see below and let us know what you think.

mylittle acrobat

mylittle acrobat


Have you had a scan recently, leave your comments and if there are any pictures e-mail them to me @ gagagiggles1@googlemail.com and i will do my best to show them here.

Melanie

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May 28th, 2009

Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

Definite signs and symptoms to look for if you believe that you might be pregnant.

  • Missed menstrual period
  • fatigue
  • breast changes and tenderness
  • frequent trips to the loo
  • nausea with or without vomiting

What did you notice first?

Its different for every woman,  when your menstrual period does not begin, this might be the first sign of pregnancy.

What was Yours?

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