We will be having a baby join our family next year and we are so excited!
Expected due date is June 8, 2011.
This pregnancy has already been some what of a roller coaster ride. After trying for a couple months, a test finally came back positive. Based on my last period, I estimated to be about 5 1/2 weeks along. However, a week or so later, I began bleeding after having been sick over the course of the weekend. I even threw up for the first time in........I can't even remember when the last time was. So, I called my doctor and he set up an appointment for an ultrasound and lab work to test my HCG levels. In a normal pregnancy, HCG levels are expected to at least double every 48 hours. The ultrasound showed that I was measuring nearly two weeks behind where I should have been. On top of that, after testing my HCG a few times, my levels were not increasing at nearly the rate they should. Over the next couple of days, my bleeding became worse. Against the advice of my doctor, I accessed the results of my tests online so that I could read the actual medical notes. They indicated that my levels were low and that the baby may have stopped developing. At this point, it seemed as if all signs were pointing to a miscarriage. Naturally, I started preparing myself for the idea of losing the baby. And honestly, I felt from the very beginning that it might happen. However, my doctor kept in contact with me and remained positive at all times. He was in no way convinced that a miscarriage was actually happening. He suggested testing my levels again to verify if they were still increasing. Although they were not doubling, my levels were still increasing. He ordered another ultrasound. I was expecting to see that the baby had not developed any further, but I was wrong. The baby was developing consistent with the findings of the first ultrasound. We were even able to hear the heartbeat! What a great feeling that was! I was so overwhelmed with emotions. It was nothing I imagined would happen.
The doctor was satisfied with the ultrasound and didn't feel the need to test my HCG levels again. He planned on seeing me in 2 weeks unless anything changed or got worse. My bleeding actually stopped and things were feeling normal. After the visit with him 2 weeks ago, he determined that I must have ovulated late and that is why the ultrasounds were showing a different measurement than it would be if we went off my last period. He doesn't have an explanation for the bleeding or the HCG levels and said he doesn't really care since there is a baby with a heartbeat! He scheduled another ultrasound, which was yesterday, to make sure things were ok and developing as they should. Things were great and the measurements were right on with the other ultrasounds, 10 weeks 1 day.
I feel so incredibly blessed to be having this baby. For me, being able to get pregnant and have a baby is such a privilege and blessing. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan and that His will is happening. I have learned so much through this experience and appreciate all the support I have received. Scott has been so wonderful and positive, my mom has called me almost everyday checking on me and the baby, my mother-in-law has dropped everything for me when I needed her and I had a great friend to talk to that had, unfortunately, experienced her own miscarriage recently.
I love being pregnant. I am looking forward to this pregnancy and meeting our sweet baby next year. Cam will be such a great big brother and I can't wait to see his face when he meets this baby. I pray that this baby will be as healthy, easy and as good of a baby as Cam has been.
(I know that is not likely, but it could happen, right?)
