STUFF!

Well, for all of you who have been poked and prodded, this blog's for you. I just got back from my doctor's appointment. It is 3:30, and my appointment was at 10:40. I had to do a lot of "stuff" (I always tell my students not to use this word, but, hey, I'm the boss here).

Good news first - from my last appointment three weeks ago, I have lost 6 pounds. No concern about that, because I had a bit of extra padding.

Bad news - my blood pressure was up and there was protein in my urine. My doctor is concerned that I am developing preeclampsia. So, now I have to collect my urine in this big orange jug for 24 hours. The jug needs to be refrigerated. I know this is serious, but it really just cracks me up, especially since it looks kind-of like an orange juice jug!

Next bad news - I have developed severe itching all over my body in the past two days. Not just little itches. This is scratch-yourself-raw itching, which I am trying not to do!! Apparently, there is a condition called cholestasis that some pregnant women develop. It results from bile salts building up in your skin, and is a bit of a problem with the liver. So, I had a lot of blood work to do today. I'm hoping my "itchies" are just from this dry, cold weather. If I have this condition, she will need to be delivered very soon from what I have researched, because there is a risk of stillbirth. It's very rare though. Think positive!

Next, I had to drive up to the hospital to start NST testing (not sure what that stands for). Basically, they hook you up for about 15 minutes to monitor the baby's heart rate and any contractions. During my appointment with the doctor, the baby's heartbeat was a bit on the high side, so she is having me do this testing twice weekly now.

Lastly, I had a quick ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid, which is fine. The nurse did say that the baby's head has dropped really low into my pelvis. I guess our little Mia did not get the message that she does not get to come out that way!

So, that's it! Oh, yes, and the doctor still wants me to stay on the meds and on bedrest. I forgot to ask her if I could go get my hair done (I'm desperate), but I'm pretty sure that doesn't qualify as bedrest. Nor does that "Fit Mama" DVD that I never got around to doing. Oh, well, this isn't about me....