February 4, 2015 12 weeks 4 days, ultrasound

During this 12^th week our baby is the size of a Plum, about 2.1 inches. Im nearly out of the first trimester and doing so well!
I am so grateful to be pregnant and happy, and that myself and babe are so healthy! I am so in love! 

Ultrasound: 

We had our 12 week ultrasound yesterday, February 3, 2015 in the morning at Beddington. The ultrasound went extremely well! I am so pleased, and relieved to see and find out that the baby is thriving. It was magical to see our baby for the first time, on the screen! It was special for me to see Dennis reaction, as he was excited and amazed to see his baby. I think the baby is more real to him now, that he has had the opportunity to see the baby. I think pregnancy is such a different experience for men. Baby was really still during the ultrasound which scared me a little bit, but the heart rate was strong so I’m not concerned. The ultrasound tech also wasn’t concerned. The babies heart rate was 161, it has always been high. Some say a high heart rate is indicative of a girl! I have been checking the heart rate almost daily with my home Doppler, I get a heart rate of around 150 usually, but the sonographer is more accurate. Our next Ultrasound is March 19^th; we will be able to confirm the gender at that time. Meanwhile I have some predictions, see below.

Our ultrasound tech was good, and well experienced but not overly forthcoming. From the assessment we found out that the baby is measuring right on track, and that our risk for any chromosomal abnormalities is extremely low. My risk for down syndrome based on my age was 1/331, and now based on the blood work and 12 week ultrasound results is 1/ 6668! Also, a bonus of having done IVF/ICSI is that we have frozen embryos from when I was 33 years old, so the embryos are younger. Therefore risks will be lower based on the egg retrieval date (provided we are able to use the frozen embryos). This has been a concern for me as we started trying later than I wanted to, and with years of infertility (3) we conceived later than I was ever comfortable with.

Here are some pictures from our ultrasound: 

Update- Midwife appointment:
Dennis & I had our first, official midwife appointment Thur, Feb 6 (12 weeks, 5 days). Carolyn confirm that all appears well and right on track regarding our ultrasound and bloodwork. The only abnormality was my bloodwork. I have low iron. Carolyn has recommended that I take Floradix to supplement, during the 2nd trimester iron levels are expected to drop even more.  This could be related to why Ive been so tired and somewhat lethargic.
The appointment was thorough and informative, for Dennis I think. Dennis asked a lot of questions and seemed engaged.
Our midwife suggested for us to look into Hypnobabies. Hypnobabies is about letting go of fear and negative messages that are brought on by our culture (and from my infertility experience) related to pregnancy and child birth. The theory talks about letting go of fear and re-learning how to embrace birth and childbearing. Im interested. There are some hypnobabies CDs available online which I will look into. You listen to them as you are going to sleep so that the messages delve into and become a part of your subconscious mind. I dont feel that I am overly afraid of child birth, although I acknowledge that in society we are inundated with negative messages about birth.  I feel negatively affected by my infertility experience and future conception. 
Carolyn checked my blood pressure, and the babies heart beat which are both normal.
Our next midwifery appointment is scheduled for March 12th at 3pm. I asked if we could book an appointment after our next ultrasound, on March 19th, but that will be too far away for their liking. 

Symptoms: 
Symptoms such as nausea and fatigue are meant to decrease during the second trimester, and although I haven’t experienced much nausea at all, I am feeling more energetic. In the evenings I was having trouble staying up past 8:00pm, but lately I don’t need as much sleep; so that’s a bonus. Also, I am less hungry, so that too is great, as I feel like I havent been able to sustain myself, I was always hungry. 

The only negative symptom that I have had during this pregnancy has been ocular migraines. I have only had 4 so far and I’d rather that than being nauseous daily! I had another ocular migraine on Monday, as well as Wednesday during a meeting at work. 3/4 times this has happened work during our Rounds meeting (hmm).  Ocular migraines are caused by hormonal and blood pressure changes during pregnancy and are a somewhat uncommon pregnancy symptom. I am grateful to have found out what they are because while it’s happening I feel crazy. I don’t have the headache pain associated with a typical migraine, but rather visual disturbances and from that, vertigo. They last approximately an hour. Here is a visual of what it’s like:

As you can see, super unpleasant. I cant drive during these experiences so Im grateful that Ive been able to hide in my office.

Lately I have experienced night sweats, which is a bit nasty as I wake up in a cold sweat but nothing too bothersome.

Cravings:
None. I like ice chips and cold things, I find that Ive been more thirsty.

Financially, I have paid off our IVF dues which I am proud of. In 4 months I (we) have paid off $11,000! I had some money saved and we have both helped out but mainly I have paid for IVF (which is ok with me). I treated ourselves and bought the most beautiful crib. Dennis wanted a more quality crib, and after he mentioned it it became my goal. Also, I thought it would be convenient for us to have a convertible crib with toddler bed options. 

Here's the crib I purchased: http://www.natartjuvenile.com/safe-kids-baby-furniture-collections/bella-furniture in Cocoa
It will come in, in 10-12 weeks (please dont criticize my choices).

Gender Predictions: 

I have asked on some gender forums online for peoples opinions regarding the gender of our baby. Based on the Ramzi, and Nub theories, results are GIRL! 

I hope so. 

For more information on the nub theory click here: http://www.netmums.com/pregnancy/early-pregnancy/the-nub-theory

Here's info on the Ramzi theory: http://pregnancy.about.com/od/genderpredictions1/ss/Ramzis-Method-To-Determine-Fetal-Gender.htm

Here's feedback: 

12 week photos
This week is the first week that I feel that I have a bump! Im really excited about that, I have (and still do) felt thick all over, and not really pregnant, but I think the bump is on it's way now!