I had a prenatal check-up yesterday, and the big topic was Braxton Hicks contractions. I've been having them since about 15 weeks this time, and they've really increased in frequency between yesterday's appointment and the one before (at 24 weeks). They're also getting more uncomfortable, but they don't hurt. I counted 30 of them on the day before yesterday, and I was literally having one every 4 minutes on the 50 minute drive to my appointment. Talk about anxiety. Some days are better than others, though, and yesterday morning I walked with Harper's class on a field trip and was out in the hot sun. Not a good combo for this pregnant lady. Luckily the doctor checked my cervix and it's not doing anything, so they really are just 'practice' contractions. He prescribed me some medication to calm my "irritable uterus" down and take as needed, but unfortunately I had a slight reaction to it so I don't think I'll get to use it.
Side note: he prescribed me Procardia (well, the generic), which is a medication for the heart and it lowers blood pressure. The smooth muscles of the heart/blood vessels are similar to those of the uterus, so it relaxes uterine muscles, too. I took one last night, then about half an hour later I tell Glenn "my legs feel funny." They felt tingly, like my skin was crawling. I decided to change out of my clothes and put some PJ's on, and I looked down and my legs were bright red and hot! My cheeks were flushed, too. I laid down on the couch, elevating my legs, and it seemed to get better. I also noticed that my contractions weren't so bad...I was still having them but my belly didn't tighten up as much, and they didn't last that long. So basically I get to enjoy a few more months of pre-labor, unless my doctor says that it's a normal side effect and I can choose to endure it or just not take the medication (the paperwork for the prescription said 'flushing', among other symptoms, were 'common side effects', and there were others listed as 'severe side effects' that I was not experiencing. I hate taking medications while pregnant anyway, so I'd rather be safe than sorry!). For now his instructions (via the nurse I talked to this morning) were to stop taking it, stay hydrated, and to relax and stay off my feet as much as possible. We'll see what the final verdict is...it's a Saturday so I'll have to wait a few more days to discuss it with him.
Anyway...I've gained ## pounds so far (haha...not sharing!!! I will say that it's more at this point than it was with Harper. Oops!), and my belly measured at 30 centimeters yesterday, so I think we have a big Christensen boy in there. He moves and kicks like crazy, and Glenn has gotten to experience some of the action lately. It's fun sharing it with him. Right now I'm getting kicked in the ribs and the pelvis at the same time...so he seems to be taking up his entire space!
Oh, and you might remember with Harper they discovered that I had "marginal placenta previa" from my 18 week ultrasound, that supposedly grew to a safer position by week 30. I asked with this time and the placenta seems to be in a more normal position - yay! One more factor for premature labor ruled out!
I have about 5.5 weeks until I'm at the point that Harper was at when she was born, so I think once I get to 34 weeks I'll be able to breathe a little easier. Obviously I want to make it farther than that, but I've seen first hand how well a 34 weeker can do. Plus anything after Harper's arrival timeline will be a win in my book! But like I said, the doctor thinks the first time was a fluke...but only time will tell. Knowing my luck I'll be OVERDUE this time. :)
Otherwise I'm experiencing the normal pregnancy symptoms, but I'm amazed at the difference the cooler weather seems to make. The last few days have been hot and they've kicked my butt. I love the cold mornings!! I sleep with a crazy amount of pillows, but it helps my back and with congestion. I've had a little heartburn, but like with Harper, it only lasted a day or two and hasn't come back. My feet are sore (I love my hard floors but I wish we had wall-to-wall carpeting these days), but slippers help. The foot/ankle swelling sucks, but it went away on cooler days, and a cool soak in the bath helps (I just stick my feet under the faucet...aaahhhhh...). Otherwise I am feeling pretty good for the 3rd trimester! Why didn't anyone tell me that being pregnant in the summer is the dumbest idea ever?!?!?! Even in the early days it sucks...spring babies are the way to go! Not that I need to make a note of it...as this little guy will most likely be our last baby. :)
And because I can't post anything without a photo...here we are back in the Spring at Blue Lake. xoxo
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