Baby Keoni Isaac is here!!

Tuesday, 22nd, I went to my 38 week checkup and turned out I had high blood pressure 150/86, they waited an hour and rechecked it was up to 152/92. OB sent me labor & delivery for blood pressure observation, well turned out it didn't want to go down (160/90 7 161/98) so I was admitted to have my baby boy. After a night on Cervadil, Mag Sulfate and some Stadol, I felt so drugged up that it scared to me so all I could do is close my eyes & sleep. The next morning (Wed. 2/23) they took out the Cervadil and I was only 1cm 40% -4. OB walks in and breaks my water and we discuss shoulder dystocia (since Evan has shoulder dystocia -stuck in birth canal) and the risk involved as well as risk in c-sections. Mel & I decided to go with the a c-section. I really didn't have time to call any of my family to let them know I was having a c-section because they told me I had 15 minutes til my c-section but of course I got 1 call into my mom.

During the section, I thought I would feel something but I didn't. That spinal they gave me was AWESOME, I couldn't feel anything when the anesthesiologist said lots of pressure & pulling. I was also kinda out of it. I was falling a sleep and the anesthesiologist kept saying 'Deep Breaths' over and over again. They told me I was so tired because of the mag sulfate I had been taking. After the c-section, my blood pressure was normal and stayed that way so I didn't have to be put back on mag. sulfate, thanfully!!!

Keoni Isaac was born at 10:11am, weighing 8lbs 8oz and 20 in. (Ultrasound tech measured him to be 8lbs 6oz. She was off by 2oz, very accurate tech, she told me to tell her his weight so she will know how accurate it can be. During the ultrasound, I asked her about her accuracy and she said she didn't know and that measuring babies this large is hard to measure & get accurate)

We are doing well and were sent home on the 2nd day which everyone was kinda surprised at but I am feeling very good for getting cut open!!

38 Weeks : Q&A + Pregnancy Update

Today's date: February 22, 2010

How far along:  38 weeks

Total weight gain: 12lbs

Maternity clothes:  Yes, of course. 

Sleep:  I'm NOT!!

Food cravings/aversions: ANYTHING I can get my hands on! I'm always hungry!

Morning sickness:  NONE

Symptoms: Cankles, intense pelvic & tailbone pressure...feels like they're breaking in two :/

Labor signs: NONE and sucks

Belly button in or out: Flat

What I miss: sleeping through the night and on my tummy

What I'm looking forward to: holding my new bundle of joy!


Pregnancy Update:

Ready for Baby Isaac!! Today at 3pm is my growth ultrasound to determine how big this little guy is and if c-section or not. If I do need a section, I've come to terms with it!

If c-section, here is the reason for it...if he is 9+ lbs then c-section   I can not vaginally birth a baby over 8lbs. due to a small pubic/pelvis bone. My last baby (Evan) was 8lbs 6oz at birth and he had shoulder dystocia (shoulders got stuck in the birth canal)  I stopped trying to induce naturally because Avery was diagnosed last week with the flu so now waiting on ultrasound to determine baby Isaac's birth plan. WISH ME LUCK!

Week 36 - Q&A - Pregnancy Update

Today's date: February 9, 2010

How far along:  36.1 weeks

Total weight gain:  4 lbs

Maternity clothes:  Yes, of course. 

Sleep:  Taking Benadyl to help sleep but it's not really helping anymore.  I switch from couch to recliner between pee time which is like 5-6x a night.

Food cravings/aversions: Chips and salsa

Morning sickness:  No more, it's all COMPLETELY GONE!

Symptoms: swollen feet & ankles.  Feet look like a blown up rubber glove

Labor signs: Nope, sucks!

Belly button in or out: Almost flat

What I miss: sleeping through the night

What I'm looking forward to: trying to induce myself to get labor started.

Pregnancy Update:

Went to my 36 week OB appt. yesterday and have made no progress.  I'm still posterior, no dilation and cervix is very soft.  Looks like I need to get on the ball and induce myself.  I started taking the EPO and gonna walk, have sex to see if this helps ripen me up to go into labor.  Trying to avoid a c-section.  See below for the reason.

The plan is to get another growth scan at 38 weeks (Feb. 22) and see what his weight is then...if he is 9+ lbs then c-section but she isn't happy about it like me because I've had 3 previous vaginal births and would hate to give a c-section on my 4th but what can we do.  They will not induce or do c-section until 39 weeks.  She said since I went into labor on my own with Owen at 37 weeks w/ my water breaking (he was 7 lbs 14 oz at 37wks), that would be a great thing this time around...but only time will tell.  I told Mel looks like he will get quite lucky in the month of Feb...tons of sex..starting after 36 weeks...LOL

How To Induce Naturally

As for trying to induce labor to avoid c-section since I MAY have a big baby, I am NOT gonna try castro oil....now I did try w/ Evan & took half a dose...it would have worked if I took the whole dose..I didn't have poo at all, just contractions but they were not consistent enough to go to the hospital.

Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)

I am planning on starting the EPO (Evening Primrose Oil)  (or this EPO link) at 36 weeks orally & vaginally at 37 weeks I believe.

• The use of evening primrose oil to start labor has been around for a long time, and many midwives swear by this technique when helping pregnant patients prepare for delivery. Evening primrose oil does not directly trigger the start of labor, but works by softening and ripening the cervix. This allows the baby's head to engage in the pelvis, thereby encouraging dilation. Not everyone agrees that evening primrose oil will help to soften the cervix.

* I'll talk w/ my OB at my 36 week check up about the use evening primrose oil orally & vaginally and make certain my membranes are intact.

I'd take two 500mg capsules of evening primrose daily, as soon as I'm 36 weeks.
Start vaginally at 37 weeks.

Raspberry Leaf Tea

Also plan on getting Raspberry Leaf tablets or tea tomorrow and start taking it now which helps your uterine muscles for shorter & smoother births.  My longest labor was w/ Evan at 9 hours but that is due to his size & getting stuck.  My shortest was w/ Avery at 6 hours.

• Tablets - Take two 300mg or 400mg tablets with each meal (three times a day) from 32 weeks.
• Teabags - 1st trimester- one cup per day -2nd trimester - two cups per day -3rd trimester - up to 4 to 5 teabag cups throughout the day.
• Loose leaf tea - Bring one cup of water to the boil. Remove from heat and add one teaspoon of the herb. Stir, cover and let sit for ten minutes (do not boil the herb), strain and sip. Adding sugar or honey many improve the taste. 2 to 3 cups per day is often recommended especially after 28 weeks of pregnancy. 

History on my last pregnancy & birth experience, I was induced at 39 weeks per my request & OB since I had Group B Strep and wanted to make sure I got all my antibiotics in before delivery.  My labor was very slow due to dilating.  I was kinda stuck at 7 for about 2 hours.  When I was finally 10, I started pushing and Evan shoulder's got stuck (shoulder dystocia) which they had to press on my stomach and manveur my hips to get him out.  (I was told Owen, my oldest,  the biggest baby my pelvic/pubic bone could handle and he was 7lbs 14 oz at birth and was born at 37 weeks.)  Evan ended up being fine but he weighed 8 lbs 6 oz....to big to fit.

You can read my history with this pregnancy here at 28 weeks & here at 32 weeks about my ultrasounds regarding the big baby.  

What do you guys think?

Week 32 - How Big is Baby w/ Q&A

About our lil Munchkin:

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (per ultrasound today, he weighs 5 lbs15 oz...YIKES)  and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week (if that, I'm plus size so I have gained a total of 4 lbs so far) and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. (umm, he is already measuring BIG)  He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

 
Baby is the size of an Honeydew

Today's date:January 11, 2010

How far along: 32 weeks

Total weight gain: 4 lbs

Maternity clothes:Yes, of course.  They are sooo comfortable too.  Don't know why I waited so long to buy some.

Sleep:Taking Benadyl to help sleep...recommend by my OB. Tossing & turning...waking to use the bathroom at least 3x a night. I sleep on the couch & recliner now.

Food cravings/aversions: Hostess Chocolate Frosted donuts, mexican food & cheeseburgers STILL

Morning sickness:  No more, it's all COMPLETELY GONE!

Symptoms: more stretching instead of kicks

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: Stretching out, almost flat

What I miss: sleeping on my stomach

What I'm looking forward to: getting everything ready for Baby Isaac, gotta go shopping for some more onesis, sleepers & side-snap t-shirts, oh yeah the most important thing, CAR SEAT!

Pregnancy Update:

I'm 32 weeks today and  had an OB appt and little one (baby Isaac) is measuring 35 weeks and weighing 5 lbs 15 oz already but remember give or take a pound on u/s.  Everything looks great (fluid, placenta, etc) except measuring, he's BIG!  I did have traces of sugar in urine but like she said I don't have gestational diabetes and passed w/ flying colors..just have a big baby!

The plan is to get another growth scan at 38 weeks (Feb. 22) and see what his weight is then...if he is 9+ lbs then c-section but she isn't happy about it like me because I've had 3 previous vaginal births and would hate to give a c-section on my 4th but what can we do.  They will not induce or do c-section until 39 weeks.  She said since I went into labor on my own with Owen at 37 weeks w/ my water breaking (he was 7 lbs 14 oz at 37wks), that would be a great thing this time around...but only time will tell.  I told Mel looks like he will get quite lucky in the month of Feb...tons of sex..starting after 36 weeks...LOL

Week 28 - How Big is Baby w/ Q&A

About our lil Munchkin:

By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.  Baby's lungs are mature enough that, if born right now, he has a pretty good chance of surviving (with help from medical technology). His skin is still pretty wrinkly (one byproduct of living in amniotic fluid) but will smoothen as fat continues to deposit.  Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin.  Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- which I've noticed -- they don’t always coincide with mine but pretty close. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

 
Baby is the size of an Squash

Sorry everyone, I'm a week behind on my pregnancy update.

Today's date: December 14, 2010

How far along:  28 weeks

Total weight gain: 4 lbs

Maternity clothes:  Yes, I am NOW in maternity clothes.  They are sooo comfortable too.  Don't know why I waited so long to buy some.

Sleep:  Tossing & turning...waking to use the bathroom at least 3x a night.

Food cravings/aversions:  Hostess Chocolate Frosted donuts & cheeseburgers

Morning sickness:  No more, it's all COMPLETELY GONE!

Symptoms: LOTS baby movements (kicks, wiggle worm)

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: Stretching out, almost flat

What I miss: sleeping on my stomach

What I'm looking forward to: eating tons of Christmas food and watching my kids faces opening their Christmas gifts!

What's going on this week: My family is laying my uncle to rest, his burial is Dec. 15 and my birthday is the 16th.  My cousin's wedding is Sunday the 19th..

Pregnancy Update:  I failed my 1 hour glucose test on Thursday, Dec. 2 and had to take my 3 hour screening on Tuesday, Dec. 7!  I did have to stay the full 3 hours due to me failing the fasting by 4 points. They almost didn't let me drink my drink but since it was by 4 points they let me and thought FOR SURE I was gonna fail...so I was prepared.  Needless to say, the nurses were shocked I passed the 1 hour with such a low reading.  I mainly watched movies on DH iPod.  Switching from Trapped In Paradise to Life. 
My OB office sugar level ranges
Fasting below 105 -  I was at 109
1 Hour below 190 -  I was at 145
2 Hour below 165 -  I was at 145
3 Hour below 140 -  I was at 116

The nurses were not liking that my 2 hour numbers didn't drop from the 1 hours so that is why I stayed for the 3 hour one.


My 28 week check up appt & growth ultrasound was Dec. 14.  I was called back for the financial part and my vag del will be $2373 but my insurance is 80/20 so I owe $474 which is $79 every month for 6 mos which I will pay each time I go to the docs office.

I am 28 weeks as of Dec. 14, Yay, 3rd trimester!  Come to find out at the u/s, LO is measuring 30wks 2days & weighing 3lbs.  My doctor that was a little shocked at how big he is.  They of course already ruled out GD.  He is just BIG.  She believe's I'll have to have a c-section if he keeps growing like this but I hope not.  Hopefully, he just went thru a growth spurt..lol.  Still a BOY, you could really see that sucker.  He's HB was 132 and he is too cute.  It was odd how close he was to the wand to see his face in 2D.

My little Isaac...you can see him up close in this pic

One not so close up

I go back for another Growth Ultrasound on Jan. 11 so lets hope he is measuring right on time.

Wordless Wednesday - Baby Bumps

25 Weeks on 11/23

27 Weeks on 12/7

Week 24 - How Big is Baby w/ Q&A

About our lil Munchkin:

Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop. Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.

 
Baby is the size of an Eggplant

Today's date: November 16, 2010

How far along:  24 weeks

Total weight gain: 1 lbs - lost a pound

Maternity clothes:  Yes, my maternity clothes came in yesterday.  I got 2 pairs of jeans & 3 long-sleeved shirts from Motherhood online.   The jeans fit great & are sooo comfortable but the shirts were way to big.  I exchanged them today in the store for a size smaller.  Good thing they had the exact same shirts.

Sleep:  It's been better now that I sleep with a pillow between my legs.  I keep waking up on my stomach though.

Food cravings/aversions:  Hostess Chocolate Frosted donuts, I actually bought 2 bags today!

Morning sickness:  No more, it's all COMPLETELY GONE!

Symptoms: baby movements (kicks, wiggle worm)

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: Still in

What I miss: sleeping on my stomach

What I'm looking forward to: eating tons of food on Thanksgiving!!

What's going on this week: nothing exciting really except shopping for Christmas and possibly the baby too...oh I forgot, I bought a used Best Bottom in Mint Chocolate Chip w/ 6 Hemp & 4 Stay Dry Inserts...all for $35 (saved $20)!  I got it from another mama on my Cloth Diaper Swap board at BabyCenter!!

Pregnancy Update:  Today was my 24 week OB check up. Everything is normal and fine...his heartrate was 150-160...high for a boy, right, well at least for me anyway!!  I got my glucose drink (I choose Lemon-Lime instead of the Orange & Fruit Punch) and have to go in Tuesday for my glucose test.  Wish me luck.  I am scared to death that I will have gestational diabetes since I am overweight to begin with.  She told me not to worry since my other previous pregnancies were fine.  Also, since my youngest, Evan's shoulders got stuck during delivery due to him being a big baby for my frame, she is going to be giving me an ultrasound every 4 weeks to check his growth...so I get an ultrasound at my next appt. on Dec. 14.   I'm looking forward to that!!

1st item bought for baby boy, Isaac!

Sunday, my older sister and I went shopping.  Now, I haven't been out shopping for the new baby at all.  Everything I see for a little boy, I don't like or they don't have any baby boy clothes, period.  We went to Kohls and we popped into the toddler section first so my sister could get my niece some winter clothes.  After that, I was like, I haven't bought this little boy anything yet so my sister and I jet across the floor to the baby/newborn section.  Low & Behold, there are TONS of baby boy newborn sets.  My sister found one I just fell IN LOVE with. 

Wanna see.............

What do you think?   His crib bedding will be this monkey theme so I thought this was fitting.  This will be one of the outfits I take to the hospital. 

Well this is the first item of clothing I have purchased.  I know I bought him some GroVia cloth diapers but I am not counting those.

Week 20 - How Big is Baby w/ Q&A

Baby is the size of an

Cantaloupe

About our lil Munchkin:
I'm at the halfway mark---YAY! My baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now and also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system.  His digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed, yeah I know, we are having a BOY!

I had my anatomy ultrasound today and little munchkin cooperated and showed HIS private parts! 

His name will be Isaac Keoni!

Today's date: October 19, 2010

How far along:  20 weeks

Total weight gain: 2 lbs

Maternity clothes: Still using my Maternity Band to hold up my pre-pregnancy jeans.  Highly recommend it.  Next week, I plan on buying some maternity jeans & shirts.

Sleep: toss and turn all night, feels better to sleep in my recliner

Food cravings/aversions:  Cheeseburgers & fries...yummy

Morning sickness:  None, Yay!!  I puke occasionally due to certain smells

Symptoms: ache, puke occasionally

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: Still in

What I miss: sleeping on my stomach

What I'm looking forward to: shopping for my new lil man next week!!!

What's going on this week: had the anatomy ultrasound today and going to start shopping for the baby now I know he is a HE!!

Week 17 - How Big is Baby w/ Q&A

Baby is the size of an onion!

About our lil Munchkin:
About five inches long and more than three and a half ounces  — the size of your open hand.  Baby's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. The umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, and those little fingers and toes are now topped by one-of-a-kind prints.

Baby is almost certainly listening up by now. In fact, loud noises — the dog barking, the doorbell ringing — will actually startle the baby (and also get him or her used to such noises; for instance, fetuses who regularly hear a dog barking will become babies who sleep right through Fido's outbursts).  Baby's eyes (which have fortunately finished their migration  to the front of his or her head) are making small side-to-side movements and can even perceive some light, though the eyelids are still sealed.  And since practice makes perfect, baby is sharpening his or her sucking and swallowing skills in preparation for that first (and second…and third) suckle at your breast or bottle. In fact, most of the survival reflexes that your baby will have at birth are being perfected in utero right now. 

Today's date: Sept 28, 2010

How far along:  17 weeks

Total weight gain: 0 lbs as of now, I go for my check up today so this may change..

Maternity clothes: Haven't brought any, wearing the Maternity Band to hold up my pre-pregnancy jeans.  Highly recommend it.

Sleep: toss and turn all night, feels better to sleep in my recliner


Food cravings/aversions:  Chili Dogs...yummy

Morning sickness:  None, Yay!!  I still have the gag reflex & puke occasionally due to certain smells

Symptoms: gag reflex & puke occasionally

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: Still in

What I miss: nothing really, I still drink 1 soda a day

What I'm looking forward to: Hearing the baby's heartbeat today at my appt. & finding out the gender of our lil munchkin in about 3 weeks.

What's going on this week: Going to the OB today for my appt. and also seeing my gastro doc Thursday.