10 Week Update

Here we are, in week 10!

According to the email newsletter I get from Welcome Baby Home (which is wonderful - I highly recommend it for new mama's), we are out of the "danger zone", for the most part. Most congenital defects occur before week 10, and miscarriage is only 2% instead of 20 now. Out of the embryonic period, and into the fetal period now, the critical part of baby's development is behind us.

Now there is the question of testing...

My midwife made me aware of a couple of screening tests last week, and - of course - told me it's entirely our decision, whether or not to do which, if any of them. Michael and I need to discuss this further, but from where I stand (and from some of the things I've read), I don't think they're necessary. First of all, the screenings only indicate a "likelihood", from which it may then be recommended that other tests are done. The tests that can be done after that are still not accurate enough for me to accept the unnecessary stress. Besides, what's the use?

Termination is apparently an option, should we find out there are birth defects like Spina Bifida, which can be fatal, and if we were to get the test results in time. But, termination is not an option for me. I'm not opposed to abortion in general - it's an individual choice and a choice one has to live with. But, just as I don't (personally) view abortion as a means of contraception, I don't think I could live with terminating a baby on a "possibility".

Amnio is reportedly dangerous (though, they say if miscarriage happens due to amnio, it was probably going to happen anyway), and finding out if the baby has Downs could enable us to prepare for what's to come. But, there again - adding undue stress on the pregnancy based on a "what if".

They aren't 100% accurate, they merely give you "odds". So why all the worry and stress, only to find out that the baby is just fine once he/she arrives in the world? Why not let nature take its course and not "play god". Sure, if the baby comes along and there are problems, it will be difficult, but nothing we can't handle. We're not living in biblical times, and society isn't going to "shun" my baby because it's "defective", and neither are we.

Since I'm under 35 (phew!), and we both have good health and family histories, the likelihood for a birth defect is low - very low. That's not to say that something couldn't happen, but the odds are good enough that I prefer to keep my pregnancy a peaceful one, and wait to meet this beautiful little person, in all his/her glory, when he/she arrives!

(btw: I realize the he/she thing is going to get old, but I don't want to find out the gender. I prefer that to be a surprise as well!)

So, to end this blog, just a quick note on how I'm feeling (because everyone asks, and I might as well put it in writing here for everyone to read, than repeat myself 20 times):

-The nausea is getting better - much better! If I feel it, it's overwhelming, but it's not all day, every day, and it seems to be set off by an empty stomach or stinky odors. I seemed to have found my rhthym for keeping food in my tummy, and eating the right foods in the right amounts to keep the constipation at bay too. Either I'm getting smarter, or the baby is just giving me a break. Either way, it's been much more pleasant these days. Some of our friends who haven't seen me in several weeks may finally start seeing my ugly face again soon!

-Other than the tummy stuff, the only issue I seem to be having these days is hormonal. Something was said to me the other night that hurt my feelings, and I cried on and off all day yesterday. Of course, it's all hitting me now too, I think. Now that we're far enough along that I'm truly accepting that "this is going to happen!", there has been a rush of different feelings and it can be a bit overwhelming. But, I'm taking it in stride, and I have a wonderful partner to lean on.

-Still up in the night, every two-three hours, peeing. I'm either getting used to it, and accepting that this is practice for the nights to come, or I'm in sleep-deprivation-walking-zombie mode and all should beware! Either way, I'm not doing too terribly bad. I feel worse for Michael, who has a difficult time getting to sleep as it is, and then if I get out of bed in a hurry, it wakes him, and he has to try to get back to sleep again. I guess he's getting his practice too!

-Tummy hasn't "popped" yet. It may be that it would be noticeable if I didn't have any fat on my tummy, but I guess it isn't uncommon to not "look" pregnant yet. Soon enough!

There's a lot to read here as it is, so I'll sign off now. Thanks, everyone, for reading and for the comments! It means a lot to me that folks are interested, and paying attention to what's happening in our world!

Be well:)

PS: Michael found this really cool video, so I had to share!