Pregnancy: Week 5, Appointment 1
We had our first baby appointment on Tuesday. Very exciting and kinda humbling.
I'm now signed up for a battery of first tests. Saturday I have all my blood work tests. On Monday, April 5, I have my first ultrasound where we get to do exciting things like hear the baby's heart beat, size, and officially date the baby. So far, the due date is November 21.
Highlights aside, the appointment started by talking to Pam (Pat?), the nurse practitioner. She asked us all sorts of questions, focusing on me, what I do for work, heredity, family history, etc. She was a little concerned by mental retardation occurring on both sides of our families, and referred us to a genetic counselor. Said to see them if we wanted to after the 11-14 week nuchal translucency test (which we should schedule after the 1st ultrasound). This test examines the fatty tissue behind the baby's neck to predict issues or healthy development.
After the interview, we were taken to an exam room, where Jason settled in, the quiet observer there to experience the awkwardness that is of a female exam. So I was asked to pee in a cup, this was my "official" pregnancy test. She made no comments about the results, so I assume it was positive. She then asked me to undress for the exam. A little poking and prodding later (with some giggles between me and Jason), and we were done. Results to come back in two weeks and no news is good news.
Next appointment is Monday, April 26 at 7:30 AM. Early appointments are exciting because it means NOT telling the boss I'll be in late. They said this will be a quick appointment, check up. Hear baby's heartbeat and check in.
Personally, I'm still getting use to the news. At the end of Week 5, it hardly seems real. The book says baby is the size of an orange seed this week. Nope, not feeling pregnant, just moody and tired. Tiredness could be a result simply not enough sleep. Only other symptom I've had is tender breasts - they were the first to let me know something was developing - about a 8 days before my period was scheduled to start, and they're nearly never a symptom of menstruation for me.
That brings me to another note, not to jinx myself, but so far, I'm about half way through the first trimester and there are no signs of morning sickness! Hurrah! With all I've read, I kinda feel like I dodged a bullet on that one. According to "What to Expect.." 75% of pregnant woman experience morning sickness. I am very happy not to be one of them.
I'm now signed up for a battery of first tests. Saturday I have all my blood work tests. On Monday, April 5, I have my first ultrasound where we get to do exciting things like hear the baby's heart beat, size, and officially date the baby. So far, the due date is November 21.
Highlights aside, the appointment started by talking to Pam (Pat?), the nurse practitioner. She asked us all sorts of questions, focusing on me, what I do for work, heredity, family history, etc. She was a little concerned by mental retardation occurring on both sides of our families, and referred us to a genetic counselor. Said to see them if we wanted to after the 11-14 week nuchal translucency test (which we should schedule after the 1st ultrasound). This test examines the fatty tissue behind the baby's neck to predict issues or healthy development.
After the interview, we were taken to an exam room, where Jason settled in, the quiet observer there to experience the awkwardness that is of a female exam. So I was asked to pee in a cup, this was my "official" pregnancy test. She made no comments about the results, so I assume it was positive. She then asked me to undress for the exam. A little poking and prodding later (with some giggles between me and Jason), and we were done. Results to come back in two weeks and no news is good news.
Next appointment is Monday, April 26 at 7:30 AM. Early appointments are exciting because it means NOT telling the boss I'll be in late. They said this will be a quick appointment, check up. Hear baby's heartbeat and check in.
Personally, I'm still getting use to the news. At the end of Week 5, it hardly seems real. The book says baby is the size of an orange seed this week. Nope, not feeling pregnant, just moody and tired. Tiredness could be a result simply not enough sleep. Only other symptom I've had is tender breasts - they were the first to let me know something was developing - about a 8 days before my period was scheduled to start, and they're nearly never a symptom of menstruation for me.
That brings me to another note, not to jinx myself, but so far, I'm about half way through the first trimester and there are no signs of morning sickness! Hurrah! With all I've read, I kinda feel like I dodged a bullet on that one. According to "What to Expect.." 75% of pregnant woman experience morning sickness. I am very happy not to be one of them.