So I finally felt her move this week! In pregnancy lingo the first sensation of fetal movement is called "Quickening". Was getting a bit concerned as I felt my first baby at 16 weeks and was told that you usually feel the second sooner. Well she's definitely making her presence known.......what an amazing sensation. It's like a fluttering in the belly. A reassurance that life is growing within me.
I finally put on a few pounds. I had only gained 2 lbs at 15.5 weeks and my doc was not too happy! I think this past week alone I put on 2lbs. Crazy appetite! The baby is making tremendous leaps and bounds in the growth department. Supposedly in the next 4 weeks the baby will increase it's weight by six times. Hopefully not the same for me! At 17 weeks (which I will be this Monday) the baby weighs about 5 oz and is 5 inches long. Still seems so tiny as I look down at my ever growing belly. Truly a miracle......
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
It's a Girl!
I am now sixteen and a half weeks along (4 months). Almost two weeks have passed since our visit to the Perinatologist (high risk OB and prenatal specialist), where we had the structural ultrasound. It was truly an eyeful and earful to see and hear all about the growing baby inside of me. The ultrasound was in depth and probably lasted about 30 minutes. We were able to see our very "active" baby.......the tech said it would not stay still. Saw the brain, the spine, the heart ventricles and even the little mouth gulping amniotic fluid. Heard the heartbeat and saw the vascular system working. It was mind blowing!
The most exciting part of our visit was that we found out that we are having another GIRL!!!! I was so sure that it was a boy even though the gender was inconsequential to me......the health of the baby is all that mattered. We also got positive feedback on that. So far so good, she looks healthy....... the doc is not even recommending an amnio for me! There is still one second trimester blood screening result that we are waiting on that will determine further testing. They integrate the first trimester blood work with the second trimester, as well as the findings on the structural ultrasound. We should have the results within a week.
Our two and half year old is over the moon that she is going to have a baby sister and actually asked me the other day how the baby will get out of my belly! Didn't think I would have to deal with that question just yet! I told her that the baby had to spend a long time in mommy's belly before she we would be ready to enter the real world.....then she would come out the same way that she had. That seemed to suffice for the moment, so I am going to leave it at that until the question arises again. She seems content to talk to her baby sister through the belly and loves to give "raspberries" to her through my belly! After all she is an expert raspberry giver! Something she takes great pride in!
Feeling good as my belly grows and also feeling blessed to have the family and friends that I do. Keeping up with my exercise and eating well. Next post I will be talking more about my fitness regimen and planning on posting some "YouTube" exercise videos for those interested.
Happy Spring to all!
The most exciting part of our visit was that we found out that we are having another GIRL!!!! I was so sure that it was a boy even though the gender was inconsequential to me......the health of the baby is all that mattered. We also got positive feedback on that. So far so good, she looks healthy....... the doc is not even recommending an amnio for me! There is still one second trimester blood screening result that we are waiting on that will determine further testing. They integrate the first trimester blood work with the second trimester, as well as the findings on the structural ultrasound. We should have the results within a week.
Our two and half year old is over the moon that she is going to have a baby sister and actually asked me the other day how the baby will get out of my belly! Didn't think I would have to deal with that question just yet! I told her that the baby had to spend a long time in mommy's belly before she we would be ready to enter the real world.....then she would come out the same way that she had. That seemed to suffice for the moment, so I am going to leave it at that until the question arises again. She seems content to talk to her baby sister through the belly and loves to give "raspberries" to her through my belly! After all she is an expert raspberry giver! Something she takes great pride in!
Feeling good as my belly grows and also feeling blessed to have the family and friends that I do. Keeping up with my exercise and eating well. Next post I will be talking more about my fitness regimen and planning on posting some "YouTube" exercise videos for those interested.
Happy Spring to all!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Body Affinity Baby
Body Affinity Baby Blog
May 5th, 2011
We made it through the first trimester! Feeling so much better now. The nausea has subsided although I still crave the carbohydrates!
We went for our first trimester ultrasound and screening on April 20th. We did what is called the NTC test (Nuchal Translucency Fold). They measure the space between the vertebrae and the skin fold in the neck area along with taking blood work from the mother. These two tests together are supposed to give an 85% accuracy rate for possible Down’s Syndrome. We just found out at the top of the week that our test came back normal and everything looks great. Big sigh of relief!
Now take into mind that this is not 100% accurate and those mom’s whose tests may come back with an abnormal read, it does not necessarily mean your baby has Down’s or any other birth defect. An acquaintance of mine had both her children come back with abnormal tests and she has two perfectly healthy babies. So the important thing to remember is that these are markers. In today’s world the doctors and hospitals have high liability so they need to tell you every possible indicator or marker that may show up.
Now take into mind that this is not 100% accurate and those mom’s whose tests may come back with an abnormal read, it does not necessarily mean your baby has Down’s or any other birth defect. An acquaintance of mine had both her children come back with abnormal tests and she has two perfectly healthy babies. So the important thing to remember is that these are markers. In today’s world the doctors and hospitals have high liability so they need to tell you every possible indicator or marker that may show up.
I am off to my structural ultrasound tomorrow afternoon to determine if an amnio is necessary. In the past couple of years they have loosened their grip on every one over 35 is at risk so you should get an amnio. Tests these days have evolved so that they can rule out many things prior to jumping onto the amnio bandwagon. I had an amnio with my first and I would be more than happy to abandon the prospect if the doctors feel it is unnecessary! Of course if there is a need to I will do so. The goal is I would like a healthy child.
Staying extremely active. Teaching a lot and keeping fit with my own little program that I would love to share with you. Of course I have had to tone down almost all that I usually do but I still feel that keeping my body moving has been so beneficial in making me feel stronger and better throughout my first pregnancy and this one. The key is moderation, not stopping!!! Unless of course you are under strict orders from your doctor and you are deemed high risk. No exercise regimen should be undertaken while pregnant without checking in with your physician first. Every women is different as is every pregnancy. So the best advice I can give is to listen to your doctor as well as to your own body.
An Idea of my daily workout:
An Idea of my daily workout:
My regimen: 30-35 minutes daily of some cardiovascular exercise. Either walking or doing the elliptical or stationary bike are all great ways to get your cardio workout in. You want to keep your heart rate under 140, stressing once again that a moderate level is key. After the first trimester abdominal exercises as well as lying on your back for any lengthy period is not recommended. There are many modifications for exercises that you normally do on your back and the use of a wedge pillow can be beneficial.
Below I have an explanation from an obstetrician in regard to sleeping on your back. I found this on Babycenter.com
Below I have an explanation from an obstetrician in regard to sleeping on your back. I found this on Babycenter.com
obstetrician
If you typically sleep on your back, it's safe to continue doing so through the first trimester. But as the uterus gets heavier in the second trimester, it's best to choose another position.
When you lie on your back, your uterus presses on the vein that returns blood from your lower body to your heart. Lying on your back for an extended period of time could interfere with the flow of blood and nutrients to the placenta and your developing baby.
This is potentially unsafe, particularly if you have a condition like high blood pressure that affects how much oxygen and nutrients the baby is getting. If you have such a condition, your doctor will advise you to sleep on your side.
Don't be alarmed if you go to sleep on your side and wake up flat on your back. It happens all the time and shouldn't have any serious adverse effect on your baby's health.
Nonetheless, try to train yourself to sleep on your side or sitting propped up. If you need to, place a pillow between your legs, under your hip, or behind your back to make your sleep position more comfortable.Russell Turk
obstetrician
If you typically sleep on your back, it's safe to continue doing so through the first trimester. But as the uterus gets heavier in the second trimester, it's best to choose another position.
When you lie on your back, your uterus presses on the vein that returns blood from your lower body to your heart. Lying on your back for an extended period of time could interfere with the flow of blood and nutrients to the placenta and your developing baby.
This is potentially unsafe, particularly if you have a condition like high blood pressure that affects how much oxygen and nutrients the baby is getting. If you have such a condition, your doctor will advise you to sleep on your side.
Don't be alarmed if you go to sleep on your side and wake up flat on your back. It happens all the time and shouldn't have any serious adverse effect on your baby's health.
Nonetheless, try to train yourself to sleep on your side or sitting propped up. If you need to, place a pillow between your legs, under your hip, or behind your back to make your sleep position more comfortable.
Happy Sleeping! More to come soon!
Big News
Body Affinity Baby Blog
April 8th, 2011
Welcome to the first installment of the Body Affinity Baby Blog! I am so excited to be sharing some news with you and hopefully along with it an exciting journey for the year ahead!
I have been dragging my heels about going public with this as I wanted to make sure things were progressing in the right direction. Well, last week we went for the first ultrasound and yes folks, there is a little baby inside my belly. My husband and I could not be more thrilled! I find myself quite the anomaly to be pregnant naturally at the ripe old age of 45..........which in the field of Obstetrics is considered “Geriatric”.
Today I am ten and a half weeks pregnant, nearing the end of my first trimester. We have an auspicious due date of Halloween, October 31st! For our household this day not only celebrates the traditional holiday but the birth of my mother-in-law, who passed away in the summer of 2005.
With the news that we were pregnant (actually found out on the eve of my 45th Birthday) along with it came mixed emotions. After all we are no spring chickens in the parental unit department and our 2 1/2 year old daughter just got out of diapers as of Christmas. We were welcoming a little freedom and the extra savings from not having to purchase diapers monthly!!
We were simultaneously in somewhat of disbelief and extreme elation at the news! Wow, a sibling for Hudson, my daughter. Always dreamt of it but never thought of it as a reality. We were blessed as well to have Hudson naturally at the age of 42!
So after the positive home pregnancy test on the eve of my birthday I went to my doctor the next day and took a blood test to confirm that I was indeed pregnant. And so the journey began!
My intention with this blog is to document my pregnancy at 45 and to share with you my experience and my approach to health with nutrition and exercise in regard to my pregnancy. After all healthy living is my business. I am the owner of Body Affinity and a certified Gyrotonic/Gyrokinesis instructor. Check out my site at www.bodyaffinity.com. I was also a professional dancer for 22 years both in Ballet (American Ballet Theater with Mikhail Baryshnikov and the San Francisco Ballet) and Broadway (Carousel, Phantom of The Opera, On the Town, Contact and Movin’ out), so I have a lifetime of experience challenging my body to reach beyond it’s normal capacity.
In today’s society so many women are having babies after 35 and into their 40’s and many turning to fertility specialists immediately as they are told that the percentages of woman able to conceive naturally after the age of 44 are less than 1%. There are ways to enhance and improve your chances of conceiving naturally in your 40‘s and I’d like to share advice with you that I have leaned through experience and extensive research through my own journey. And for those of you who have decided to go forward with other means to attain their dream of carrying a child know that age is not the only factor in the fertility game. Bear in mind that there are many young women who are struggling with infertility as well. So for all those trying the natural route as well as those who who are working with fertility specialists there are many things one can do to prepare your body for the miracle of creating a new life and once that seed takes root there are very simple yet powerful ways to stay healthy throughout your pregnancy that can help to ensure a healthy baby and mom alike. I’m not a doctor nor do I claim that what works for me will work for everyone. I just want to share my personal journey and experience in creating my family in my 40’s so if you’re up for it, let’s go on that journey together!
It is possible!
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