Thursday, May 10, 2012

19 weeks!

How far along are you?  19 weeks 1 day
 
Baby's Growth:  The baby is the size of a mango. (Man that sounds really good right now) He was measuring a week ahead of schedule as of Monday at our last ultrasound. =)
 
Symptoms:  Restless legs and leg cramps.
Cravings?  Food Aversions?  Lots of frozen fresh fruit. And Frozen yogurt. I've also been craving fish and chips.
Maternity Clothes?  Most definitely. I "popped" according to my mom. To me this just means that I can't see my feet and that nothing is seeming to fit. UGH.
What I'm looking forward to....  Our daughter is getting dedicated on Sunday! (What an awesome Mother's day gift) My husband is the worship leader at our church, so he gets to announce the gender of our baby to the congregation then. =)
Medical Stuff:  I had the anatomy ultrasound on Monday, and the baby is growing really well. =) We also found out that we are having a boy. I feel kinda proud that my "hunch" has been correct for both babies now.
Discussion Question:  I talked to my doctor and found out that she and the hospital I was planning on delivering at don't support natural childbirth. I felt so out of control with my daughter's birth (I had an epidural and a really bad reaction to it) that I don't want to experience it again. So I am using a midwife this time around.I have never had a natural childbirth, so I'm a little scared of the pain, and that I won't be able to handle it. I've been praying for peace, as I know this is the path that the Lord wants me to take for this pregnancy.

6 comments:

  1. I found you through the joy-filled link-up. Congratulations on your baby boy!! Having 3 boys myself I can tell you that they have such a special way of wrapping their Momma around their little hearts. :)

    As for your natural birth. I HIGHLY encourage you to read Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth. You can even borrow it from your library. (She has a newer version out too but I can't remember the title right now. It's a little less hippy-fied though. haha) Anyway, you will feel really encouraged and less fearful as you read birth story after birth story and learn 'tips of the trade' from experienced midwives. It really built my confidence before my natural birth!

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    1. Thanks for reading my blog! We're really excited for a boy. I've always wanted one of each. =)

      I will totally check out that book. It sounds super helpful. Blessings!

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  2. Annika- Thanks for linking up again! Congrats on a baby boy! That's exciting news! And how fun and exciting your Mother's Day is going to be!

    I can totally understand your desire for a natural birth. I had 3 inductions and 3 epidurals before I got my natural birth (and it was with a midwife, the first 3 were with doctors). I was a little fearful with my 4th because I didn't know what it would be like going into labor on my own (or if I even would); I was afraid of being able to handle the pain. I was completely amazed at the difference between an induction and a natural birth; like night and day; the "pain" was so tolerable (the end was a little harder), and I would do again in a heartbeat. My most peaceful birth yet! Christ Centered Childbirth by Kelly Townsend was a huge help to me to prepare for that birth. It really helped me realize that my body was made for this and I could do this with God's help!

    Can't wait to read more of your updates!

    Blessings,
    Sarah

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    1. Thanks for reading! I will totally check out that book! I've been reading a lot about natural childbirth lately on the internet, and they all seem to say the same. I'm excited to take a look at a different non-hypnobirthing look at it. Blessings!

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  3. Enjoyed reading another update. Congrats on your boy!! We are super excited to be having a boy too. :)
    As for the natural childbirth fears I can totally relate since my first was with an epidural which caused me to have no idea what it would feel like not having any meds with our second. I agree with Sarah though that going into labor on your own is way better than being induced. But then again the end is always harder for me as well. I still somewhat dread that part of it to be honest but after 2 natural births I know it's something I can get through and it is SO much better in alot of other ways. (including no side effects to the meds which were horrible for me afterwards!) Reading natural childbirth books, watching videos, etc really helped me in realizing that if other women could do it then I could too! Prayers for you to have peace about it. The not knowing part of it is definitely the worst thing but just remember that no matter how bad it hurts you will quickly forget about that once the baby is here! :)

    Tyra

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    1. Thanks for the encouragement Tyra! I really appreciate it and totally needed it today! Blessings!

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