Appointment

Today marked my 23 weeks appointment, and everything was good! 


I actually met with my doctor, Dr. Helmken, and that was great! I thought I was getting a nurse practitioner this time, but I was very happy to see Dr. Helmken walk through the door. 


My weight was fine - no complaints. Yes, I'm up 15 lbs from the start, but for being as far along as I am, I won't complain. Dr. Helmken didn't even say anything. Miss Stella had been all bouncy today, so I was interested to see what happened when Dr. Helmken checked her heartbeat.


Stella's heartbeat came in at 135 - very normal - and she was moving so much it was hard to even hear. Dr. Helmken said, "I'm sorry!" It was like we were making her angry!


I got a prescription for the heartburn - woohoo! - and she says my tailbone pain is caused by muscle spasms. I just need to put mild heat on it, and it will be fine. She also said my lightheadedness is very normal now, and she recommended just lying down when it happens. She said it's caused by all the extra blood - up to 50% more than before I was pregnant - putting extra strain on my body. 


I go back in four weeks, and that's my last four weeks appointment!! Can you believe that? After next time, I will be in there every two weeks! We're currently planning another ultrasound at 32 weeks, just assess where Stella is. 


We had a cautionary chat about preterm labor since there's a slight possibility it could be an issue in the future. Dr. Helmken says my uterus is septate (or heart-shaped) so it may think Stella is ready before she really is. I have to watch for the signs, but she said it looks like my uterus expanded as Stella has grown which is a very good thing. Obviously, that makes me very nervous because as much as I'd like to meet her before her due date, I also want her to be here when she's ready. As long as we make it to 36 weeks, we're good. Dr. Helmken was very positive about it, and she said she just wanted to be cautious since we can never be too careful with something so precious. :)


Here's how I'm looking these days:

Yay!

Clearly, my shirts don't fit anymore! I'm wearing one of Derek's t shirts in this picture, and it's even a little snug! The doctor says I'm measuring perfectly, though! Stella was moving around as the picture was taken, so we thought that was pretty funny :) I'm actually in her room here :) We're working on girl-ing it up some, and I'll post some pictures of it very soon!


Overall, I'm very happy with the appointment - I LOVE my doctor - and I'm happy with Stella's progress. Now, we just wait until Jan. 10 when I have my yucky glucose test (boo!) and then I get to go in every two weeks! :) 


We're moving along!! She'll be here before we know it!