Yesterday was a good day! We had our official ultrasound at the clinic. The baby's heartbeat was up to 139 beats per minute, which is excellent! Baby measured at 7 weeks 2 days, which moves our OFFICIAL due date to July 17, 2011!
The surface layer of Punkin's skin will be formed during this month; the tongue is recognizable; the nasal pits are beginning to form; the lymphatic system, which filters out bacteria and other foreign particles, is beginning to develop; the arms and legs look less like flippers and more like paddles. The hand plates will appear by today and the foot plates are beginning to form. The elbow and wrist regions on the arm are becoming identifiable. Punkin's body cavity now contains all the tissues needed to develop his/her reproductive structures, beginning with the ovaries (if Punkin is a girl) or testes (if Punkin is a boy). The mammary gland tissue is beginning to develop into breasts, in both females and males.
The spleen, the organ that produces antibodies and removes worn out red blood cells and bacteria from the blood stream, is beginning to develop. The liver is now large enough to produce a bulge in Punkin's abdomen.
During the next week, Punkin's brain, body, and head will undergo a period of particularly rapid growth. The head grows faster than other organs, mostly because of the rapid development of the brain and face. Punkin's brain has organized into the 3 main parts possessed by all human brains: the forebrain, the midbrain, and the hindbrain. The hindbrain contains regions that help regulate heart rate and breathing and coordinate muscle movement; the midbrain is a relay station (routes "messages" to their final destination in the brain) and contains emotion centers; and the forebrain has specialized structures called lobes that translate input from the senses, play a role in memory formation & storage, and engage in higher-order processing like thinking, reasoning, and problem solving. By now, the division between the cerebral hemispheres, the right and left halves of Punkin's brain, is well marked. The cerebellum is beginning to develop. The pituitary gland is beginning to form in Punkin's brain. It produces growth hormones and other hormones that regulate the function of other glands, especially the thyroid, adrenal glands and gonads. The olfactory bulb is beginning to form in the brain.
Punkin's hypothalamus-a structure critical to the regulation of thirst, eating, sexual behavior and temperature-has begun to form. Cups are formed that will cradle the eyeballs. The pigment is beginning to form in the retina of the eye, making the eyes easy to spot. A primitive version of the mouth appears. The mouth looks large in relation to Punkin's clearly defined jaws. The primitive version of the palate is forming on the roof of Punkin's mouth. No skull plates are in place yet. The esophagus has started to develop. The trachea, larynx and bronchi and tooth buds that will be the baby teeth are beginning to form.
It takes 5 weeks for the main organs and systems in Punkin's body to get their start. Ribs have begun to project from the tiny backbone to protect the developing organs in the chest. By the end of this month, the embryo in Amy's womb will look like a tiny baby!!! And Punkin's body reflexes to touch. This means that Punkin's developing nervous system is communicating with the primitive muscles and the muscles are beginning to contract in response to the systems commands. All of Punkin's behavior, both in Amy's uterus and after birth, originates from the basic capacity to form reflex responses.
The muscles that will surround the bones of Punkin's arms and legs begin to migrate into those regions sometime this week. Nerves also grow into the developing limbs. And the muscles that control Punkin's eyes are forming.
Punkin's nasal pits are now prominent. His/Her heart can now be seen through the chest wall. The kidney's have been formed.
Amy has only gained 1 lb so far, which is good. The goal is not to gain more than 5 lbs in her first trimester. She's still been emotional (the Dr informed her that Progesterone shots will increase the "hormonalness" of being pregnant).
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Not "Getting Fat"; Growing a Baby!
There is a tiny depression on either side of Punkin's head marking the location where his/her eyes are forming. Punkin's arm buds appear as swellings on the side of his/her body and his/her leg buds will be more visible in a day or two. Punkin is shaped like a C, and his/her tail portion is becoming less prominent as his/her body growth catches up to his/her spinach cord growth.
Today marks the end of Amy's first month of being pregnant! Tommorrow will be the first day of our 2nd month! Only 8.5 more months to go (or 238 days)! And needs to keep in mind that she's not "getting fat"-she's building a baby. It's hard at this stage, since you only feel and look bloated.
Today marks the end of Amy's first month of being pregnant! Tommorrow will be the first day of our 2nd month! Only 8.5 more months to go (or 238 days)! And needs to keep in mind that she's not "getting fat"-she's building a baby. It's hard at this stage, since you only feel and look bloated.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Livers and Gall Bladders and Stomaches...Oh My!
By now, Punkin's tiny liver has formed. Punkin's gall bladder, stomach, intestines, pancreas and lungs are also beginning to form.
We are getting excited for our u/s on Monday!!!
Amy has been feeling more tired and achy/crampy and bloated today. She also feels like she might be catching a cold.
We are getting excited for our u/s on Monday!!!
Amy has been feeling more tired and achy/crampy and bloated today. She also feels like she might be catching a cold.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Sharp Pains on Left Side
Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving! And I hope those of you who braved the crowds today were safe!
Amy's been experiencing some sharp pain on her left side for about a week now. When her sister did the ultrasound she did see some small cysts on Amy's left ovary. They were only about 1 cm. It's been especially bad today, so Amy called the on-call physician at her Dr's office. The Dr was happy to hear that we already had an u/s to determine a "viable" pregnancy (I hate when they use that word!) because that way we know it's probably not an ectopic pregnancy. Dr said since there is no bleeding with it, we should be able to just hold off until Monday for our next u/s. She said if it gets too severe, to go into the ER. She said it could be scar tissue from my surgeries just causing me pain (I was assured it was nothing to worry about when you're pregnant) or gas or something else. Please be praying around this.
I also asked her if there was any truth to the saying that once you hear a heartbeat your chances of miscarriage go significantly down. She said, "I wish I could say that was true, but I can't. You really need to get past the 10 week mark." So, please be praying specifically around this as well.
Punkin's aorta, the largest artery of his/her body, is forming. In addition, the tissue that will form Punkin's eyes is present, and a tiny depression now marks the place on either side of the head where Punkin's ear canal and inner ear will form. Yesterday or today, top top end of the tube that forms around the spinal cord closes to protect it. Punkin's body now has a curved shape, with a prominent bump representing his/her head and a temporary tail-like structure. Punkin should now measure about 3-5mm.
This week marks a critical period in the development of Punkin's gastrointestinal tract - his/her intestines are beginning to form from a portion of the yolk sac. The stomach is such an important organ that a slight swelling in Punkin's gut already marks its appearance.
Amy's mood has been up and down, to say that least. She can be laughing one minute and crying the next, for no apparent reason. Her energy is good, but she starts to lose steam about 5 p.m. Her appetite has been good with no more significant cravings. She tends to feel a bit nauseous at nighttime, but nothing significant at this point.
Amy's been experiencing some sharp pain on her left side for about a week now. When her sister did the ultrasound she did see some small cysts on Amy's left ovary. They were only about 1 cm. It's been especially bad today, so Amy called the on-call physician at her Dr's office. The Dr was happy to hear that we already had an u/s to determine a "viable" pregnancy (I hate when they use that word!) because that way we know it's probably not an ectopic pregnancy. Dr said since there is no bleeding with it, we should be able to just hold off until Monday for our next u/s. She said if it gets too severe, to go into the ER. She said it could be scar tissue from my surgeries just causing me pain (I was assured it was nothing to worry about when you're pregnant) or gas or something else. Please be praying around this.
I also asked her if there was any truth to the saying that once you hear a heartbeat your chances of miscarriage go significantly down. She said, "I wish I could say that was true, but I can't. You really need to get past the 10 week mark." So, please be praying specifically around this as well.
Punkin's aorta, the largest artery of his/her body, is forming. In addition, the tissue that will form Punkin's eyes is present, and a tiny depression now marks the place on either side of the head where Punkin's ear canal and inner ear will form. Yesterday or today, top top end of the tube that forms around the spinal cord closes to protect it. Punkin's body now has a curved shape, with a prominent bump representing his/her head and a temporary tail-like structure. Punkin should now measure about 3-5mm.
 |
| Izzy is holding a lentil to represent the size of her brother/sister |
Amy's mood has been up and down, to say that least. She can be laughing one minute and crying the next, for no apparent reason. Her energy is good, but she starts to lose steam about 5 p.m. Her appetite has been good with no more significant cravings. She tends to feel a bit nauseous at nighttime, but nothing significant at this point.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Ultrasound Results!
Sorry to leave you hanging with the ultrasound results. Life has been a bit hectic lately! Here you are! Just in time for Thanksgiving! :)
Everything looks great! It will be interesting to see how the next ultrasound on Monday the 29th will have changed. :)
For now, we are thankful for what appears to be a healthy, growing little Punkin!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
 |
| Baby had a nice heartbeat of 106 beats per minute |
 |
| The large "C" in the middle of the black oval is 1/2 of the yolk sac. The other half can't been seen in this photo, but it's there. |
 |
| From the "cross-like-dot" to the other "cross-like-dot" is the measurement of Baby Brand!!! |
For now, we are thankful for what appears to be a healthy, growing little Punkin!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Ultrasound #1
Tomorrow morning Amy will be going in for an ultrasound with her sister. No worries; nothing is wrong. Amy just wanted an ultrasound and her sister just wanted to do one. :) It may be too early to hear a heartbeat still, but we'll be able to see if the sac looks normal. With baby #3, we never saw a normal sac or a heartbeat, so we have some anxiety about this ultrasound. Please say some prayers around this.
As far as Punkin goes... at this point, he/she has no visible arms or legs, but within a few hours, the tiny buds that form the arms will suddenly appear. Punkin's spinal cord is beginning to form and his/her liver and pancreas buds are also present. Punkin's gut is also beginning to form.
By the end of this month, Punkin will have completed a period of growth that involves the greatest size and physical changes of his/her lifetime. In 5 days, Punkin will be 10,0000x larger than the fertilized egg; though, in actuality, not much bigger than a grain of rice!
Mommy has been experiencing more symptoms... tiredness, cramping, irritability, tearfulness. And today her gum's started to hurt. While some of these feelings may have a psychological basis, most of the time they are just natural reactions to a woman's body changing levels of hormones. (Did you read that Daddy? Mommy really CAN'T control it!) :)
As far as Punkin goes... at this point, he/she has no visible arms or legs, but within a few hours, the tiny buds that form the arms will suddenly appear. Punkin's spinal cord is beginning to form and his/her liver and pancreas buds are also present. Punkin's gut is also beginning to form.
By the end of this month, Punkin will have completed a period of growth that involves the greatest size and physical changes of his/her lifetime. In 5 days, Punkin will be 10,0000x larger than the fertilized egg; though, in actuality, not much bigger than a grain of rice!
Mommy has been experiencing more symptoms... tiredness, cramping, irritability, tearfulness. And today her gum's started to hurt. While some of these feelings may have a psychological basis, most of the time they are just natural reactions to a woman's body changing levels of hormones. (Did you read that Daddy? Mommy really CAN'T control it!) :)
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Busy Little Punkin & Food Cravings Galore!
After further investigation, everything is saying that I have the same amount of days left in this pregnancy (243 days). They just differ on what week that means that I'm in. So, like I said before, for simplicity sake, we'll just go with what my pregnancy journal says. Which means, I'm 6 weeks and 1 day pregnant today. Woohoo!
The development that began yesterday continues today: Punkin's jaws are appearing, his/her lung buds are forming, circulation is being established in the mesoderm and yolk sac, the lining of the placenta is developing, and 4 more pairs of somites have formed, bringing the total to 12 pairs! Right now, stem cells are migrating from the yolk sac to the back wall of Punkin's body, where they will form the reproductive tract.
Amy's been cravings these week included: mashed potatoes and gravy, grape pop, cupcakes and sour cream & onion chips. Cravings are usually due to changes in taste and smell sensitivities and are unrelated to real physiological needs. A woman who craves pickles or chips is not likely to need salt in her diet, for example. Amy has also found that certain foods aggravate her heartburn/reflux more.
The development that began yesterday continues today: Punkin's jaws are appearing, his/her lung buds are forming, circulation is being established in the mesoderm and yolk sac, the lining of the placenta is developing, and 4 more pairs of somites have formed, bringing the total to 12 pairs! Right now, stem cells are migrating from the yolk sac to the back wall of Punkin's body, where they will form the reproductive tract.
Amy's been cravings these week included: mashed potatoes and gravy, grape pop, cupcakes and sour cream & onion chips. Cravings are usually due to changes in taste and smell sensitivities and are unrelated to real physiological needs. A woman who craves pickles or chips is not likely to need salt in her diet, for example. Amy has also found that certain foods aggravate her heartburn/reflux more.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
6 WEEKS
According to my new pregnancy journal, I'd be 6 weeks pregnant today! (Personally, I think it's off by a couple days, but we're just going to go with it for now).
Punkin's facial features have begun to develop and will continue to do so for the next 2 weeks. Punkin's spinal cord is beginning to form and so are his/her chest and abdominal cavities. Our baby's urogenital ridge is formed, which will give rise to the urinary and reproductive traits. Tissue from which the lungs will form appear in the chest cavity now.
Circulation is beginning to develop in the middle layer of tissue and in the lining of the placenta as the tiny muscles of Punkin's heart begin to beat sometime today!!! Punkin's heart measures only .1" long. This seems impossibly small, but in proportion to his/her body, our baby's heart is 9x as large as an adult's heart!
Punkin's facial features have begun to develop and will continue to do so for the next 2 weeks. Punkin's spinal cord is beginning to form and so are his/her chest and abdominal cavities. Our baby's urogenital ridge is formed, which will give rise to the urinary and reproductive traits. Tissue from which the lungs will form appear in the chest cavity now.
Circulation is beginning to develop in the middle layer of tissue and in the lining of the placenta as the tiny muscles of Punkin's heart begin to beat sometime today!!! Punkin's heart measures only .1" long. This seems impossibly small, but in proportion to his/her body, our baby's heart is 9x as large as an adult's heart!
The Catch-up Post
Depending on who you talk to, they will tell you that are at different times of your pregnancy. My Dr in NE said my due date is July 22. Using this information, BabyCenter.com claims I'll be 6 weeks on Wednesday; another site says I'll be 6 weeks on Thursday; my sister's chart says I'll be 6 weeks a different day. It's all so confusing. When we were pregnant w/Izzy, we used a daily pregnancy journal called, "The Pregnancy Journal: A Day-to-Day Guide to a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy" by A. Christine Harris, Ph. D. We've decided to use this same journal (revised) this time around, so we'll be going by whatever the journal says as far as how far along we are, until we get our "official" ultrasound on the 29th to determine our true due date. Therefore, today we are 22 days pregnant. I'll be recapping everything we've missed below.
DAY 1
*Conception took place.
*Did you know that it actually takes the sperm about 12 hours to reach the egg?!
DAY 2
*The first cell division takes place today. A 2-cell ball is formed from the single cell created by Amy's ovum and Ben's sperm. This cell ball floats freely into the uterine tube, pushed along by gravity and the movement of the cilia that line the tube. How cool is that?!
*Amy was already starting to notice that she was more emotional than usual.
DAY 3
*In the last 24 hours, two cells became four, four cells became eight, and eight cells became 16 and they took the shape of a tightly packed, solid ball.
*Punkin's cells are manufactured now by relying on the nutrients-called the yolk-stored in the ovum Amy produced.
*Amy noticed today that her breasts were so sore, but she chalked it up to getting her period soon.
DAY 4
*The 16-cell uterine ball has reached the end of Amy's uterine tube. It will enter Amy's uterus either today or tomorrow.
*In addition to sore breasts, she was experiencing an achy low-back, bloating and nausea. Again, she chalked it up to getting her period soon.
DAY 5
*An important change took place today in the cell ball. Fluid secreted by the cells passed into the center of the ball and divided the cells into 2 groups: those on the outside will support the pregnancy, and those on the inside (called the embryonic disc) will form Punkin.
*If the cell ball hadn't already entered Amy's uterus, it did so today.
*In addition to all the symptoms listed, Amy is very sensitive to smells and is beginning to get suspicious about possibly being pregnant. However, she still doesn't take a pregnancy test.
DAY 6
*The fluid-filled cell ball is resting on the sticky surface of Amy's uterus. It now contains several hundred cells, some of which group together to form a bump on the inside of the ball.
*Implantation begins today. The cells resting on the surface literally fuse together with the cells on the surface of Amy's uterus. Implantation protects the cell ball and provides it with oxygen and nutrients from Amy's blood stream.
*Amy took a pregnancy test today, but it turned up negative!
DAY 7
*Punkin is 1 week old today!!!
*Implantation is continuing. The actual size of Punkin is .004 inch or 0.1 mm.
*Amy took another pregnancy test today and it turned up POSITIVE!!!
DAY 8
*Amy & Punkin are officially intimately joined and Amy's body has begun to mobilize to support Punkin's growth.
*Implantation is finishing today and the "ball of cells" is now referred to as an "embryo".
DAY 9
*By now, Punkin or "the embryo" has actually sunk beneath the surface of Amy's uterus. The amniotic sac & amniotic cavity have begun to form. It will take the next 6 days to complete their formation. The yolk sac has been emptied of its nutrients and a primitive version of the umbilical cord, call the umbilical stalk, appears.
*The placenta has started to form at the implantation site. The main exchange between Amy's blood and Punkin's blood takes place through these walls.
*The yolk sac fills up again, this time w/fluid and eventually gives rise to Punkin's digestive tract. (Punkin is just 9 days old is recycling already!)
Day 9 is when Amy started this blog, so you can go back and re-read the posts leading up to this one to see what was happening each day w/Amy and with Punkin!!!
DAY 1
*Conception took place.
*Did you know that it actually takes the sperm about 12 hours to reach the egg?!
DAY 2
*The first cell division takes place today. A 2-cell ball is formed from the single cell created by Amy's ovum and Ben's sperm. This cell ball floats freely into the uterine tube, pushed along by gravity and the movement of the cilia that line the tube. How cool is that?!
*Amy was already starting to notice that she was more emotional than usual.
DAY 3
*In the last 24 hours, two cells became four, four cells became eight, and eight cells became 16 and they took the shape of a tightly packed, solid ball.
*Punkin's cells are manufactured now by relying on the nutrients-called the yolk-stored in the ovum Amy produced.
*Amy noticed today that her breasts were so sore, but she chalked it up to getting her period soon.
DAY 4
*The 16-cell uterine ball has reached the end of Amy's uterine tube. It will enter Amy's uterus either today or tomorrow.
*In addition to sore breasts, she was experiencing an achy low-back, bloating and nausea. Again, she chalked it up to getting her period soon.
DAY 5
*An important change took place today in the cell ball. Fluid secreted by the cells passed into the center of the ball and divided the cells into 2 groups: those on the outside will support the pregnancy, and those on the inside (called the embryonic disc) will form Punkin.
*If the cell ball hadn't already entered Amy's uterus, it did so today.
*In addition to all the symptoms listed, Amy is very sensitive to smells and is beginning to get suspicious about possibly being pregnant. However, she still doesn't take a pregnancy test.
DAY 6
*The fluid-filled cell ball is resting on the sticky surface of Amy's uterus. It now contains several hundred cells, some of which group together to form a bump on the inside of the ball.
*Implantation begins today. The cells resting on the surface literally fuse together with the cells on the surface of Amy's uterus. Implantation protects the cell ball and provides it with oxygen and nutrients from Amy's blood stream.
*Amy took a pregnancy test today, but it turned up negative!
DAY 7
*Punkin is 1 week old today!!!
*Implantation is continuing. The actual size of Punkin is .004 inch or 0.1 mm.
*Amy took another pregnancy test today and it turned up POSITIVE!!!
*Amy & Punkin are officially intimately joined and Amy's body has begun to mobilize to support Punkin's growth.
*Implantation is finishing today and the "ball of cells" is now referred to as an "embryo".
DAY 9
*By now, Punkin or "the embryo" has actually sunk beneath the surface of Amy's uterus. The amniotic sac & amniotic cavity have begun to form. It will take the next 6 days to complete their formation. The yolk sac has been emptied of its nutrients and a primitive version of the umbilical cord, call the umbilical stalk, appears.
*The placenta has started to form at the implantation site. The main exchange between Amy's blood and Punkin's blood takes place through these walls.
*The yolk sac fills up again, this time w/fluid and eventually gives rise to Punkin's digestive tract. (Punkin is just 9 days old is recycling already!)
Day 9 is when Amy started this blog, so you can go back and re-read the posts leading up to this one to see what was happening each day w/Amy and with Punkin!!!
A Catch-Up Post to Come
Thank you all for the prayers for yesterday. My blood draw went well. I should get the new results on Mon or Tues. Please keep praying that they reveal that I no longer need to take these shots! I had another (what I hope to be my last) shot yesterday. It's sore again, but it happens to be on the same side that it was on the last time it hurt. My left side just might be more sensitive then the right. Anyway, they gave me my levels from my blood draw 2 weeks ago and I'm glad I didn't know the actual number or I probably would've been more freaked out. Low is 8, High is 48. Mine was 10. A little too close to that low line for my liking!
Ben went out today and got me the same pregnancy journal that I used when I was pregnant with Izzy, except this is the revised version. So, I'll be posting daily what is happening with Punkin. We are 22 days pregnant today, so that's a lot of catching up!
Amy's been still having more cramping, bowel issues and her most favorite (can you sense the sarcasm) the crying for no reason completely out of nowhere. And her cravings continue... mashed potatoes w/gravy, more grape pop, etc.
Today mark's the start of our 6th week. This is approximately the time we found out we were going to lose Haven, our 2nd miscarriage. An ultrasound revealed a blighted ovum. So, we're a little scared of our ultrasound on the 29th, but also didn't want to wait until after Thanksgiving to get it. So, Amy may be going in to see her sister (an ultrasound synographer) this Tuesday. We'll keep you posted.
Ben went out today and got me the same pregnancy journal that I used when I was pregnant with Izzy, except this is the revised version. So, I'll be posting daily what is happening with Punkin. We are 22 days pregnant today, so that's a lot of catching up!
Amy's been still having more cramping, bowel issues and her most favorite (can you sense the sarcasm) the crying for no reason completely out of nowhere. And her cravings continue... mashed potatoes w/gravy, more grape pop, etc.
Today mark's the start of our 6th week. This is approximately the time we found out we were going to lose Haven, our 2nd miscarriage. An ultrasound revealed a blighted ovum. So, we're a little scared of our ultrasound on the 29th, but also didn't want to wait until after Thanksgiving to get it. So, Amy may be going in to see her sister (an ultrasound synographer) this Tuesday. We'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
5 WEEKS!!!
Thank you so much for the prayers for my progesterone shot last night. It hurt for a second, but I don't feel a thing today! Next one is scheduled for Friday. And so is my next blood draw. Please pray that Friday's blood draw will determine that my body is producing enough progesterone on its own, so I no longer need to take these shots. P.S. I'm CERTAIN that these shots are what's causing my cramping. No cramping for a couple days, then I get the shot, then bam, the cramping is back. Yet another reason to not want to take these shots anymore!!!
Amy is 5 weeks pregnant this week!
This marks the first "milestone" for us. The first miscarriage we had was around 4 weeks. The second one was at 9 weeks, but we knew that we were going to miscarriage around 6 weeks when an ultrasound showed an abnormal sac and no heartbeat. The ultrasound is scheduled for Monday, November 29th. Please be praying for a heartbeat and that everything looks normal!
Deep in Amy's uterus our embryo is growing at a furious pace. At this point, he/she's about the size of a sesame seed, and he/she looks more like a tiny tadpole than a human. He/She is now made up of three layers — the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm — which will later form all of his/her organs and tissues.
The neural tube — from which Punkin's brain, spinal cord, nerves, and backbone will sprout — is starting to develop in the top layer, called the ectoderm. This layer will also give rise to his/her skin, hair, nails, mammary and sweat glands, and tooth enamel.
Punkin's heart and circulatory system begin to form in the middle layer, or mesoderm. (This week, in fact, his/her tiny heart begins to divide into chambers and beat and pump blood.) The mesoderm will also form your baby's muscles, cartilage, bone, and subcutaneous (under skin) tissue.
The third layer, or endoderm, will house Punkin's lungs, intestines, and rudimentary urinary system, as well as his/her thyroid, liver, and pancreas. In the meantime, the primitive placenta and umbilical cord, which deliver nourishment and oxygen to Punkin, are already on the job.
How our life's changing:
Amy notices some pregnancy-related discomforts already. Many women report sore breasts, fatigue, and frequent urination starting in the early weeks. No nausea yet, though it's more likely to show up in the coming weeks.
The outside world won't see any sign of the dramatic developments taking place inside Amy — except that shhe's turning down that glass of wine with dinner.
Amy is also continuing to go to yoga a couple times a week. Exercise helps Amy develop the strength and endurance she'll need to manage the extra weight she'll be carrying. It may help prevent some of the aches and pains of pregnancy, and many women find that it's a great stress-reducer. Exercise can also help Amy get ready for the physical rigors of labor.
Amy is 5 weeks pregnant this week!
This marks the first "milestone" for us. The first miscarriage we had was around 4 weeks. The second one was at 9 weeks, but we knew that we were going to miscarriage around 6 weeks when an ultrasound showed an abnormal sac and no heartbeat. The ultrasound is scheduled for Monday, November 29th. Please be praying for a heartbeat and that everything looks normal!
 |
| Izzy is holding a sesame seed to represent the size of her brother/sister |
Deep in Amy's uterus our embryo is growing at a furious pace. At this point, he/she's about the size of a sesame seed, and he/she looks more like a tiny tadpole than a human. He/She is now made up of three layers — the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm — which will later form all of his/her organs and tissues.
The neural tube — from which Punkin's brain, spinal cord, nerves, and backbone will sprout — is starting to develop in the top layer, called the ectoderm. This layer will also give rise to his/her skin, hair, nails, mammary and sweat glands, and tooth enamel.
Punkin's heart and circulatory system begin to form in the middle layer, or mesoderm. (This week, in fact, his/her tiny heart begins to divide into chambers and beat and pump blood.) The mesoderm will also form your baby's muscles, cartilage, bone, and subcutaneous (under skin) tissue.
The third layer, or endoderm, will house Punkin's lungs, intestines, and rudimentary urinary system, as well as his/her thyroid, liver, and pancreas. In the meantime, the primitive placenta and umbilical cord, which deliver nourishment and oxygen to Punkin, are already on the job.
How our life's changing:
Amy notices some pregnancy-related discomforts already. Many women report sore breasts, fatigue, and frequent urination starting in the early weeks. No nausea yet, though it's more likely to show up in the coming weeks.
The outside world won't see any sign of the dramatic developments taking place inside Amy — except that shhe's turning down that glass of wine with dinner.
Amy is also continuing to go to yoga a couple times a week. Exercise helps Amy develop the strength and endurance she'll need to manage the extra weight she'll be carrying. It may help prevent some of the aches and pains of pregnancy, and many women find that it's a great stress-reducer. Exercise can also help Amy get ready for the physical rigors of labor.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Irrational Fears
Amy heard back from the doctor today: decaf tea is ok, continuing w/her Miralax is ok, yoga is ok, lifting weights... NOT ok.
Amy's progesterone shot is tomorrow night. She's worried since the last one is STILL hurting! We didn't do anything different, so not sure why it hurts so much. Please pray for NO PAIN!!!
Amy's also been experiencing some irrational fears. Today, a new family started in the daycare. They have a 2 year old girl and a 2 month old boy. I (Amy) forgot how hard things are with a baby! It makes me worry... am I going to be able to do it with Izzy AND another one?!
Then Izzy and I (Amy) had a date night. We had so much fun and I just kept snuggling with my baby girl (who's almost 4!) It made me sad, thinking it wasn't just going to be us anymore; wondering if we ruined a good thing w/just the 3 of us; and worrying about whether I could possibly love another child the way I do my Izzy. Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it (damn hormones!)
Am I insane or are these irrational fears NORMAL???
Amy's progesterone shot is tomorrow night. She's worried since the last one is STILL hurting! We didn't do anything different, so not sure why it hurts so much. Please pray for NO PAIN!!!
Amy's also been experiencing some irrational fears. Today, a new family started in the daycare. They have a 2 year old girl and a 2 month old boy. I (Amy) forgot how hard things are with a baby! It makes me worry... am I going to be able to do it with Izzy AND another one?!
Then Izzy and I (Amy) had a date night. We had so much fun and I just kept snuggling with my baby girl (who's almost 4!) It made me sad, thinking it wasn't just going to be us anymore; wondering if we ruined a good thing w/just the 3 of us; and worrying about whether I could possibly love another child the way I do my Izzy. Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it (damn hormones!)
Am I insane or are these irrational fears NORMAL???
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Prayers Please
Not much new to report. Amy's been feeling a few new symptoms like food cravings (bacon & grape pop) and having to breathe harder. Yesterday's progesterone shot is leaving her extremely sore today. :( Next progesterone shot is this Tuesday evening. Then Friday Amy has another blood draw to determine her progesterone levels. Please say some prayers that the next progesterone shot doesn't hurt. And that the blood draw determines that her body has taken over making enough progesterone on it's own, so she doesn't have to do the shots anymore. Amy's rear-end thanks you. :) And we'll leave you with something super cute: This morning, as she was talking to Amy's stomach, Izzy says, "Hello little baby! Can you hear me? I love you!" Aww....
Friday, November 12, 2010
Crampy McCramp-ums
Amy's taken 6 home pregnancy tests! Yes SIX!
As you can imagine, after years of infertility and enduring 2 miscarriages, we are on pins and needles waiting for the "clear" that this pregnancy is going to be sustained. We are terrified of another miscarriage. Please pray in agreement w/us that this is NOT going to happen!
Whenever anything happens that makes Amy a bit anxious, she takes another pregnancy test. Ben worries about expensive they are! :) But it's the only concrete physical evidence at this point that can give us peace of mind that we are, indeed, still pregnant.
Amy's been experiencing some cramping, and while she had this w/Izzy, too, it was so long ago that she doesn't remember what's normal. However, all the websites and her friends have reassured her, that this is normal. In fact, one website even said that many women still don't know they're pregnant at this stage, because they swear they're going to still get their period, from the cramping they are experiencing.
So, last night, we took another test, after a day filled w/cramps. It immediately turned positive and now the line is just as dark as the "test" line. That's a good sign! :)
Today has brought very little, if any cramping. Yay! Just some tiredness (from being on her feet from 7-1 today) and some achiness.
All is well in the Brand world! :)
As you can imagine, after years of infertility and enduring 2 miscarriages, we are on pins and needles waiting for the "clear" that this pregnancy is going to be sustained. We are terrified of another miscarriage. Please pray in agreement w/us that this is NOT going to happen!
Whenever anything happens that makes Amy a bit anxious, she takes another pregnancy test. Ben worries about expensive they are! :) But it's the only concrete physical evidence at this point that can give us peace of mind that we are, indeed, still pregnant.
Amy's been experiencing some cramping, and while she had this w/Izzy, too, it was so long ago that she doesn't remember what's normal. However, all the websites and her friends have reassured her, that this is normal. In fact, one website even said that many women still don't know they're pregnant at this stage, because they swear they're going to still get their period, from the cramping they are experiencing.
So, last night, we took another test, after a day filled w/cramps. It immediately turned positive and now the line is just as dark as the "test" line. That's a good sign! :)
Today has brought very little, if any cramping. Yay! Just some tiredness (from being on her feet from 7-1 today) and some achiness.
All is well in the Brand world! :)
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Week 4
How Punkin's growing:
This week marks the beginning of the embryonic period. From now until 10 weeks, all of Punkin's organs will begin to develop and some will even begin to function. As a result, this is the time when Punkin'll be most vulnerable to anything that might interfere with his/her development.
Right now Punkin is an embryo!!!, consisting of two layers: the epiblast and the hypoblast, from which all of his/her organs and body parts will develop.
The primitive placenta is also made up of two layers at this point. Its cells are tunneling into the lining of Amy's uterus, creating spaces for her blood to flow so that the developed placenta will be able to provide nutrients and oxygen to our growing Punkin when it starts to function at the end of this week.
Also present now are the amniotic sac, which will house Punkin; the amniotic fluid, which will cushion him/her as he/she grows; and the yolk sac, which produces Punkin's red blood cells and helps deliver nutrients to him/her until the placenta has developed and is ready to take over this duty.
How our life is changing:
The next six weeks are critical to your Punkin development. The rudimentary versions of the placenta and umbilical cord, which deliver nourishment and oxygen to our baby, are already functioning. Through the placenta, Punkin is exposed to what Amy takes into her body, so she's making sure it's good for both of them.
Belly Laughs:
Five things Amy can stop worrying about now that we're pregnant
• Tampons
• New thong underwear
• Birth control
• Trying to get pregnant
• Having a flat tummy
*Information was taken from Babycenter.com
This week marks the beginning of the embryonic period. From now until 10 weeks, all of Punkin's organs will begin to develop and some will even begin to function. As a result, this is the time when Punkin'll be most vulnerable to anything that might interfere with his/her development.
Right now Punkin is an embryo!!!, consisting of two layers: the epiblast and the hypoblast, from which all of his/her organs and body parts will develop.
The primitive placenta is also made up of two layers at this point. Its cells are tunneling into the lining of Amy's uterus, creating spaces for her blood to flow so that the developed placenta will be able to provide nutrients and oxygen to our growing Punkin when it starts to function at the end of this week.
Also present now are the amniotic sac, which will house Punkin; the amniotic fluid, which will cushion him/her as he/she grows; and the yolk sac, which produces Punkin's red blood cells and helps deliver nutrients to him/her until the placenta has developed and is ready to take over this duty.
How our life is changing:
The next six weeks are critical to your Punkin development. The rudimentary versions of the placenta and umbilical cord, which deliver nourishment and oxygen to our baby, are already functioning. Through the placenta, Punkin is exposed to what Amy takes into her body, so she's making sure it's good for both of them.
Belly Laughs:
Five things Amy can stop worrying about now that we're pregnant
• Tampons
• New thong underwear
• Birth control
• Trying to get pregnant
• Having a flat tummy
*Information was taken from Babycenter.com
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Ouchy Wow-Wow
Amy woke up this morning with a terrible migraine. The only thing she could take was some Tylenol, which didn't seem to help. It's moments like these that she says, "I'm praising God for being pregnant, yet feeling like throwing up at the same time." :) After a nap with the kids this afternoon, the migraine finally subsided and allowed Amy to get some time to catch up on her scrapbooking with a good/old friend this evening.
We are 4 weeks pregnant this week!!!
Punkin is about 1/8" and still the size of a poppyseed. Punkin's brain, spine & circulatory system have started to form! The ultrasound was officially scheduled for Monday, November 29th at 3:10 p.m. We'll be sure to post something as soon we hear!
The progesterone medicine finally arrived in the mail today, so Amy's cousin, Sarah - a Medical Assistant - came over to administer it. Here's a glimpse of what Amy endures...
Another cousin of Amy's, Jen - an RN - suggested numbing the area first with ice. Thanks Jen! Amy didn't feel a thing! PTL!
Next progesterone shot is scheduled for this Saturday.
We are 4 weeks pregnant this week!!!
Punkin is about 1/8" and still the size of a poppyseed. Punkin's brain, spine & circulatory system have started to form! The ultrasound was officially scheduled for Monday, November 29th at 3:10 p.m. We'll be sure to post something as soon we hear!
The progesterone medicine finally arrived in the mail today, so Amy's cousin, Sarah - a Medical Assistant - came over to administer it. Here's a glimpse of what Amy endures...
Another cousin of Amy's, Jen - an RN - suggested numbing the area first with ice. Thanks Jen! Amy didn't feel a thing! PTL!
Next progesterone shot is scheduled for this Saturday.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Our Miracle
Since December 2008, we have been on 2 different fertility drugs, monitored daily temperatures, had monthly blood draws, tracked Amy's cycle, had sex on the “right” days, got painful progesterone shots in the rear-end, on and on... It wasn’t until this past June that we decided that enough was enough. We completely quit trying.
God has quite the sense of humor. :) We took a test last Friday, November 5th and to our surprise, we are pregnant!!!
Since this is a high-risk pregnancy, they had Amy come in immediately to have a blood draw to check her hcg levels and progesterone levels. Progesterone is the hormone your body uses to sustain a pregnancy. We just received the results yesterday and while Amy's hcg was consistent w/an early pregnancy, her progesterone was a bit low. Dr Goralski (we'll be following 3 different Dr's) said it could just be because we tested so early, but she wanted to be conservative/safe, so Amy's cousin will be administering 200 cc of progesterone via intramuscular shot. Amy will have another blood draw in 2 weeks to re-evaluate her progesterone levels. Her first ultrasound is scheduled for the week after Thanksgiving.
Join us in praying that Amy's body produces enough progesterone to sustain this pregnancy and that it absorbs and uses the progesterone that is
being injected. That we see a heartbeat on the ultrasound and that everything looks like it should.
Our due date is estimated at July 22, 2011. For now, the baby will be referred to as "Punkin" until we find out what it is. :) Izzy is convinced she's having a little sister. Everyone else seems to think it's a boy. Right now, little Punkin is the size of a poppyseed and rapidly growing into the embryo and placenta.
Amy's been feeling well, for the most part. She's been experienced the usual early pregnancy symptoms that she experienced w/Izzy... sore chest, tiredness, headaches... and a few she didn't have with Izzy, too... low backache, frequent urination. She's already had her first food craving... last night I (Amy) made Ben go get me onion rings at 8pm! When he walked through the door I couldn't eat them because the smell made me so nauseous! haha
No matter how unpleasant, we are celebrating each and every symptom that comes, because that means WE ARE PREGNANT!!!
God has quite the sense of humor. :) We took a test last Friday, November 5th and to our surprise, we are pregnant!!!
Since this is a high-risk pregnancy, they had Amy come in immediately to have a blood draw to check her hcg levels and progesterone levels. Progesterone is the hormone your body uses to sustain a pregnancy. We just received the results yesterday and while Amy's hcg was consistent w/an early pregnancy, her progesterone was a bit low. Dr Goralski (we'll be following 3 different Dr's) said it could just be because we tested so early, but she wanted to be conservative/safe, so Amy's cousin will be administering 200 cc of progesterone via intramuscular shot. Amy will have another blood draw in 2 weeks to re-evaluate her progesterone levels. Her first ultrasound is scheduled for the week after Thanksgiving.
Join us in praying that Amy's body produces enough progesterone to sustain this pregnancy and that it absorbs and uses the progesterone that is
being injected. That we see a heartbeat on the ultrasound and that everything looks like it should.
Our due date is estimated at July 22, 2011. For now, the baby will be referred to as "Punkin" until we find out what it is. :) Izzy is convinced she's having a little sister. Everyone else seems to think it's a boy. Right now, little Punkin is the size of a poppyseed and rapidly growing into the embryo and placenta.
Amy's been feeling well, for the most part. She's been experienced the usual early pregnancy symptoms that she experienced w/Izzy... sore chest, tiredness, headaches... and a few she didn't have with Izzy, too... low backache, frequent urination. She's already had her first food craving... last night I (Amy) made Ben go get me onion rings at 8pm! When he walked through the door I couldn't eat them because the smell made me so nauseous! haha
No matter how unpleasant, we are celebrating each and every symptom that comes, because that means WE ARE PREGNANT!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)