Appointment #3

Today I had a doctor's appointment, and this time I brought a book to read. (Last time I had to wait an hour and by the time the doctor came in I had memorized the ads for cord banking and posters about girl disorders before falling asleep. I kid you not.) This time I was in and out of the office within 45 minutes.

I haven't gained any weight since my last visit, which is funny to me because I can see my midsection growing. My BP was normal, uterus measurement was normal. (Mary the NP measured from my pubic bone to the top of the uterus which is now at my navel. Fascinating how she can do that!)

And for you old wives, the baby's heart rate was 141, barely into the girl range. Last time it was 152. And yes, Mary had to try a few times to get a reading because the baby was moving around. Speaking of movement, I'm at 17 weeks today so I should be able to feel flutters of movement soon. I have a feeling I'll be like, "Oh, THAT. I thought it was just bubbles."

Other symptoms... I'm into my second trimester, and right on cue I've been able to sleep through the night without getting up to pee. (So nice.) I'm easily winded, but that is likely because I have bronchitis. My cough never went away, so now I'm on Z-pack antibiotics.

Another thing I have noticed is the small mammal that normally appears in the shower drain has now reduced in size to a reasonable lump. I am told my hair will stop falling out and be nice and thick during pregnancy (a foreign concept to me - thank goodness I have curls for body) and then the accumulated hair will fall out postpartum. I may even get a haircut for once, just to enjoy the thickness. I should be measuring the diameter of my ponytail. (So far I've gained 1.5" around my waist.)