18 Week Check Up

I had my routine 18 week check up today and it was the first time I've seen a doctor since becoming pregnant (other than Dr. Beazley that I saw at LGH on Friday when she checked out my ultrasound). I got to see Dr. Galvin at Women's Health in North Chelmsford - I believe he is the head of obstetrics there and I loved him! He was very personable, smart, and took the time to listen to and thoroughly answer my questions.

The updates:

1. I have gained 3.8 pounds total so far (I gained 2 pounds since my last visit on September 19th). I was really surprised by this. I don't feel bigger, but I still don't have a very good diet. I'm not gorging (is that a word?) myself, but as I tell people I'm on a mostly all carb diet. I exercise almost every day, for at least a half hour, and I know that no alcohol has really helped me as well. The doctor was happy that I gained and all my stats were good. My blood pressure was 114/70 and the baby's heart rate was between 158 and 163.

2. In talking to the doctor, I chose to cancel the fetal echocardiogram I had scheduled for Friday. He said where the specialist from Tufts saw no issues with my ultrasound, the only real benefit of me having the echo was to give the doctor's at Tufts more money (I appreciated his honesty). He will review the ultrasound when he gets it and tell me if he feels any differently.

3. I was laying on my back when he examined my stomach, but Nick said he was pushing and mushing it all around and it looked pretty funny - but the doc said everything looked and felt just fine.

4. He talked to me about 5 important things

-Finding a pediatrician - I have a few in mind and have gotten advice from friends, so now I just have to make the phone call which I will do this week.

-Breast feeding - this I found really useful. I really appreciated his tips and he talked very candidly about it. I plan to breast feed, and I will be committed to it, so I hope it works out for me. He basically told me the first two weeks are horrible and mentioned cracked skin, pain when you become engorged, you're engorged when the baby's sleeping, etc., but try to be committed for 3 weeks minimum before giving up. He also said to not use a breast pump the first month, because the baby has to work at getting milk from your breast, if you give him the bottle which is much easier, he is less likely to take to your breast. This made sense to me and it was not something I had thought of before.

-Birthing classes - Nick and I will definitely be doing this (I'm sure Nick has the sweats just thinking about it...you know...since he's the one giving birth and all)

- Parenting books/classes - he said you can never really be prepared for when you bring your infant home, but reading up a little bit can only help you - I thought this made sense and plan to get a book or two and do some reading, and avoid the ridiculous internet (suggestions mommies?)

- Flu shot - I was on the fence about getting it, but chose to get it because the NP and doctor both recommended it. I told Nick he was off the hook this year, even though I wanted him to get it, but he'd definitely be getting it next year. As we were leaving the doctor asked if Nick had gotten one, and he told him he better get it...so Nick will be going to the doctor soon :)

I had a few questions for the doctor - I have an app on my phone where I get weekly updates from "What to Expect" this week it talked about Vitamin D, B12, and Iron. It stated most women do not get enough Iron, even if they eat meat. I do not eat red meat at all, and was instantly concerned. I asked the doctor about these three vitamins as well as if there was any benefit to soy v. cow's milk. I was drinking soy milk and then switched to organic cow's milk because I though there was more calcium and protein in cow's milk. After I read the label, I found they are actually the same, except cow's milk has more fat & calories (which doesn't bother me, I'm just pointing out the differences). He said a few things that I really liked. As far as Vitamin D, Iron, and B12 goes, he told me no, there were no need for the supplements. My Iron will be tested at 28 weeks (I'll be tested for anemia) and we will discuss a supplement then if needed. Same goes for D and B12, I get it from my multi vitamin so no need for "extra". As far as the milk goes, this is what I really liked - obviously I do not know much about babies and pregnancy, and he told me the baby will take what it needs from me. The only person who might "lack" some nutrients will be me, but the baby will basically take what it needs. That is really all I care about - If I was told to eat red meat every day for my baby, I would do it - I just want to make sure I'm doing the right, or best, or healthiest thing for my baby, and he made me feel comfortable and confident in doing so, so I am happy.

This was a long one...thanks for reading. :) I welcome any comments!

xoxo