Life as LawWife

I had my 18-week checkup yesterday with the midwife. Ah, I love to go see her. It's just refreshing. And the fact that she thinks I'm funny doesn't hurt.

I've gained 11lbs since the start of the pregnancy, so I'm right on target there. My blood pressure is perfect. My uterus is the right size. And Baby's heart rate was 145, also perfect.

We have to start thinking about childbirth education now. Do we want to take a class with a group? Would we prefer a one-on-one session? Or would we rather read a book? Our midwife recommended I read Birthing from Within, especially since I have a habit of overanalyzing and overthinking and birth just won't work well with that sort of strategy. She said that there are some pretty out-there ideas, but overall she thinks it would help me. I shall have to purchase it, no? :)

We have about a week until the "big" ultrasound to see how Baby is developing, and we also hope to see the sex. Woo-hoo!

I'll close with my 18-week belly shot. Prepare to be stunned.

We had our first midwife appointment today. Well, we were supposed to. Hannah wrote us down for the 18th instead, but being flexible as midwives are, she just did an abbreviated appointment today. Hooray!

When I lay on the exam table for the heartbeat check, she mentioned that it might take a little longer than I'd like, just because it's still pretty early and stuff. But she smeared the gel on the doppler, put it on my lower abdomen, and thump-thump-thump immediately started coming out of the doppler speaker. How cool!!! Baby's heartrate was 160bpm, which is at the upper end of normal. Just perfect, since he's obviously an overachiever.

I go back in three weeks for a more detailed intake and for more info on proper nutritional choices, etc.