In the midst of birthday celebrations and baby shower planning, we had our third prenatal visit with our midwife. At eighteen weeks and five days, I am feeling really good and aside from my growing midsection, I feel like I am back to my old self with lots of energy and motivation.
Our every-three-weeks visits seem to come quickly and meeting fairly often has many advantages. In three short weeks lots of things happened: I added vitamin D3 to my diet, I adamantly exercised five times every week without fail, I gained three pounds, I ate lots of protein, and I drank lots and lots of water. The results of my efforts were clear at our third prenatal appointment.
Thanks to my diet and water intake, my urine was perfect. No signs of dehydration and no signs of sugar or protein in my urine. It was perfect! My weight gain so far has been on target. I had no swelling or aches and pains out of the ordinary (aside from feeling my ligaments loosening etc.) and my energy levels have been great. In the last three weeks the only headache I had was minor and easily quelled with some relaxation and breathing techniques (no painkillers!). My blood pressure was great and my external uterine measurement was right on target … textbook! The baby’s heart beat was clear and strong (and apparently my abdominal muscles are still good and toned!)! So far so good!
At every appointment we talk about what I am eating, drinking, and the vitamins I am taking. It is nice to have the reassurance that I am doing well and the reminder to stay on track. The midwife asks about exercise and reminds me of the types of movements I should avoid ( e.g. no downward dog!) She encourages me to sweat but to watch my heart rate (if you cannot talk, you are pushing it too hard!). She gave me some tips for cutting out sugar if I feel like a gaining too much in the three week period between visits (more than a pound a week). We visit a little longer about water birth and our visit comes to a close. Now it is time to head to the ultrasound clinic!