Let me start be saying thank you for your prayers and encouraging words. I have received so many e-mails and Facebook messages telling me that you are praying for our little baby and it has meant more than you'll ever know. Truly, we are grateful for every prayer you lift up on our behalf.
The last few weeks of knowing that I am pregnant have been a mixed bag of emotions. But somewhere in the process of being scared of the unknown, joy crept in and has taken residence in a small place within me. It's still a small part of me, but it's there nonetheless and that feels good.
Some of you have asked what I am doing this third time around to help keep this baby safe and well and I don't mind sharing if might help any one of you. First, I am taking progesterone twice daily - I won't get into the how part of how I am taking it, but it should help raise my levels that were on the low normal side. Second, I am doing a series of weekly iron shots to boost my iron levels. Pregnant women should be in the range of 100-150 and I was only at 43 as of two weeks ago. I am also eating red meat (something I have not done up until now) to help boost my levels. And last, I have increased my vitamin D intake and am now taking 10,000 i.u.'s of it each day. Progesterone, iron, and vitamin D are all very important in helping maintain a pregnancy and it is my intent to stay on top of my intake of all three.
Also, I only had my hormone levels checked twice- the week that I found out I was pregnant and then 6 days later. At that time, my HCG levels were doubling every two days like they are supposed to. I opted to not go in for weekly blood tests to keep having those levels checked; it's an act of faith and trust for me.
Let me take this opportunity to say that if you are under the care of a doctor who is not listening to you and shows little to no concern for anything that you are concerned about, find a new doctor. I have heard one too many stories about a doctor giving someone the run-around or making them feel like their concerns aren't valid or worth looking into. I am fortunate to have a doctor who has journeyed with me since my first miscarriage and has been proactive in helping my body get healthier and stronger with the hopes of carrying a baby to term. Each time I leaver her office I cry on the bus because I feel so thankful to the Lord for giving me such a compassionate and talented doctor. Seriously, get out of your bad doctor relationship if you can and find someone who will listen to you and give you the kind of care you need and want.
We have our first ultrasound for this baby on Tuesday, September 28. I can't help but think of what my friend Melissa says about ultrasounds- "It's us taking an early peek at something that God is in the process of doing." How true that is! I feel conflicted about taking an early peek because ultrasounds can be scary and they can unnecessarily fill you with worry.......but they can also fill with you excitement and love for your baby. I am hoping and praying for the latter, naturally.
I am asking for prayers of peace and reassurance that the Lord is in full and complete control and that whatever news befalls on Tuesday is in His control and because of His perfect plan.
Assuming we get good news, I'll share pictures on my next post!
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