I'll let you guys argue the semantics of whether or not this is actually ironic. My little brain is addled enough, and now that it is also full of even MORE snot (which I didn't think was possible) plus a Sudafed (drowsy formula), I'm going to hope that I don't pass out mid-sentence. I'm certainly not going to worry about whether or not my little situation is truly irony, or just a weird unexpected twist.
I went to the doctor yesterday. (That's not the ironic part). He measured my belly, said it was a good size, poked around a bit to be sure the baby's head was downward in a preferred launch position and that the butt was up by my diaphragm. All was well, he said. And then he looked at my chart and said, "I need you to schedule another ultrasound." "Really?" I thought. This late in the game, they want another ultrasound? I've seen this kid like four times already and he hasn't even been born yet! I'll be over 39 weeks by then (a reminder to those non-parents out there... gestation is normally 40 weeks, so D-Day is imminent.)
Yes, indeed, he wants an ultrasound. Turns out I have only netted seven pounds this pregnancy. Most women are supposed to gain at least 15... and if you are one of the beautiful people who is always at an ideal or lower weight, then you should aim for 25-30 (mainly so those of us not so fortunate as to always look like Barbie dolls can make fun of you for at least nine months.)
Personally, I haven't been aiming for anything, weight-wise. I eat, therefore I live. I have always had problems with weight, so by golly why would I change anything I do as far as eating goes when I am suddenly SUPPOSED to gain weight. But (and herein lies some of the irony), apparently, when I am TOLD to gain weight, I lose it. It happened when I was pregnant with Athena too, although by the end of that pregnancy, I think I netted closer to 15 pounds.
So... here is the REALLY ironic part. Why do they need an ultrasound? Why, to be sure the baby isn't too SMALL, of course. After all the conversations I have had with these doctors about fearing the baby would be too large based on my size and the size of my first-born, now they are testing to be sure he's not too small.
To the doctor's credit, he told me that he doesn't believe for a minute that the baby is too small. Quite the opposite, actually. However, we live in a litigious society that is also run by insurance companies, and if, for some reason, I birth a runt of a child, then someone will look at the doctor and say, "Well, DUMMY, didn't you notice she only gained seven pounds? Didn't you see this coming?" *sigh*
Of course, it's no biggie, really. Just a trip across town and another chance to get a look at He Who Must Not Be Named. I can think of worse ways to spend my time.
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8 comments:
I actually do think that is ironic.
I feel your pain! They ran me all over the map for testing and ultrasounds when pregnant with Jubilee. Thinking of you LOTS in these last days!!
I can't imagine how much they will see with an ultrasound at 39 weeks, as it's quite CRAMPED in there!!! But better be safe than sorry, and getting one more look at your baby boy before the "real thing" is exciting, I think. As far as the weight gain, 7 pounds does sound low, but I would think it would hurt you more than the baby, meaning, he's been leaching off of you and taking what he needs, and your body may be the one who suffers the consequences later on. But isn't being a parent all about sacrificing yourself for their precious smiles? Look at it this way, you'll have a lot less baby weight to lose once he's born :) Good luck, and please keep us posted on when HWMNBN emerges into the world :)
Wow, your delivery is so immenent. I can't believe it.
And maybe after the ultrasound, you'll tell us his name? :)
I think we'll be ready to tell you his name when we finally give it to him. heh.
Ultrasounds are considered quite safe now. I think Staci had them almost weekly! They say the baby may actually be able to hear the sounds, but it doesn't damage their hearing in any way. And currently, it's the most accurate way to determine the size of the baby before birth. They can estimate to within a half a pound with an ultrasound, where a "poke and feel" test is VERY unreliable.
For example, about 5 hours before I went into labor with Athena, the doctor who later delivered her estimated her weight at about 6.5 to 7 pounds. She weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces. BIG difference.
And as far as weight gain with her, I don't really remember what it was, although I think it was around 15 pounds. All I remember is that when they weighed me later that morning (after I had given birth), I weighed 35 pounds less than I had at conception. So she was definitely taking what she needed from me. And I had PLENTY to spare, so there were no concerns there.
She gained 15 lbs. with Athena and I believe Athena weighed 8 lb., 12 oz. (if I remember correctly).
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