Hand That Rocks The Cradle

10 weeks, 4 days. Instead of going to the new doctor that was referred to me, I decided to try and find my own doctor at a different hospital that I liked better. I was blown away that there were very few high risk docs at the top notch hospitals (well, that took my insurance at least). I found one and made an appointment. Unfortunately, this was my first male OB-GYN. I was not excited about that part. (Anyone seen The Hand That Rocks The Cradle?? I think I was scarred for life after that! Haha.) How shall I describe my first visit was my new doctor? Uncomfortable. Strange. Not going back. He barely said two words to me and put me in the strangest contraption I have ever been in!

So, I am once again looking for another doctor at yet another hospital. Please pray for me. This is starting to stress me out a bit. He did schedule me for a First Trimester Screening though, which I am going to on August 13th. It's supposed to happen before 13 weeks, so I really could not wait until I found another doctor to do the tests. They'll be testing for Down Syndrome and other potential birth defects.

I continue to be very nauseous and tired.

Week 10: Bones and cartilage are forming, and the start of knees and ankles. Tiny buds of baby teeth are forming under the gums. The baby is about the size of a prune!

Week 11: Hair follicles are forming and fingernail and toenail beds for forming. The baby is around 2 inches now!

The Last Hurrah?

9 weeks. This doctor visit was supposed to be only for blood work, but it was for everything except! My doctor ended up asking me lots of questions (which had been neglected from the 2 previous visits) and then wisked me into have yet another ultrasound. I was not expecting it, I was thrilled. I'd do anything to see my baby on the big screen. :)

So, this time I got to see a baby that actually looked like a baby! It was no longer a "pod", but our baby was growing fast and taking shape. The photo is not the best unfortunately, so you'll have to look really hard. The heart was beating wildly, and I could not have been happier! Well, until my doctor gave me the news.......

She was dropping me. Nice. She said she no longer will do any "high risk" deliveries, and she is actually getting out of the baby business altogether. [I am automatically considered high risk because of my weight and being hypothyroid.] I had been with her for 4 years, so I was a bit disappointed as I had grown to like her and felt very comfortable with her. So, she referred me to another doctor.

I have had nausea every day now for most of the day. No vomiting though, thankfully. Also very tired.

Week 8: Looking less reptilian and more human, lips, eyelids, legs and back continue to take shape. The heart is beating at the rate of 150 beats per minute!

Week 9: Official graduate from embryo to fetus! Approximately an inch long and the size of a green olive. It's possible to hear the heartbeat with a doppler.

A Heartbeat of Joy

6 weeks, 5 days. I had my second doctor visit on Thursday, July 3. I was finally able to see the heartbeat, and let me tell you I have never been so relieved. I hugged the monitor.

My doctor scared me to death the day before by calling (finally) with my blood results. She thought my hormone levels were a little low and non-chalantly said that I could have miscarried. Uhh... hello? Yes, she is a bit blunt and thinks it's her job to "prepare me", but I thought that was a bit much. I told her never to do that again to me! I had to work the rest of the day upset and crying, thinking the worst. Not the best scenerio.

So, I was elated to see the heartbeat!!! You can kind of see a slightly different shaped "pod" this time and a small white spot where the heart was beating. Now I can't wait to hear it!

Week 6 & 7: Arm and leg buds are being formed. The baby's jaw, cheeks and chin are being formed. Small black dots on the face will form eyes. Kidneys, liver and lungs take shape and the tiny heart is beating around 80 beats her minute! The baby is about the size of a blueberry.