One Step at a Time- Our Journey through Unexplained Infertility : 17 weeks, 6 days. March 13

This week baby is as big as an onion, or a pear (which sounds nicer than thinking of the baby as an onion).

Everything is going very well. However, I was sick earlier this week, for 2 days with a migraine and some unknown bowel issue (not diarrhea but just not right in my belly and bowels). Prior to pregnancy I never had migraines (except for the optical aura migraines that I was having earlier in this pregnancy), I can empathize with those who do. I dont think that this sickness was related to pregnancy, maybe just a bug or a cold.

I feel like my belly is starting to pop out. Ive been feeling so thick, so it's nice to actually see my belly growing into a baby belly. Now Im starting to feel and look pregnant, I feel happy about it and I like the changes in my belly.

Ive been pretty uncomfortable for the past few weeks, because my regular clothes dont fit, and maternity clothes are too big and awkward without a protruding belly. I am going to start wearing maternity clothes more often, and just start growing into them. So far, I have only been wearing maternity jeans on Friday for "jean day" at work. I appear much more pregnant when I wear maternity clothes.

Yesterday, March 12th I had a follow up appointment with our midwife, Caroline. Dennis wanted to come to the appointment but it was earlier in the afternoon and not a very important appointment, so he stayed at work. The appointment went well, and was mostly about me. Caroline completed a physical, as I cant remember the last time I had one done. She heard a bit of an unusual heart beat for me when she was checking. For the first minute she heard my heart skipping a beat every once in awhile (every 3 beats, one was missed), but for 2-3 minutes thereafter, didnt hear that happening at all. I will mention it to my GP, but she said that as it wasnt continuing to happen, she doesn't think it is an issue but still, worthwhile to mention. Everything else regarding my physical exam was perfect.

Caroline checked our babies heart beat, it was around 145-150, perfect and strong. She found the baby immediately when she put the Doppler on my belly. She also showed me where my uterus currently is, it's higher currently than I realized, around my belly button! Baby is moving up!

Caroline asked if I can feel the baby yet, I dont think that I can, although I dont really know what to expect or notice and at this point I think it would be subtle.She indicated that most women start to feel their baby around 17-20 weeks, so I expect to start feeling flutters, and movement soon which I am excited for! Sometimes it feels unreal that I am pregnant as I spent so many years barren, and with my absence of symptoms sometimes it just doesnt seem real (but it so is, and is wonderful!).

Caroline informed me that when you are seeing a midwife, you do not need to see your GP at all. She can look after my general health needs, for example, if I require a prescription, she can prescribe that- I didnt realize this. Earlier this week when I was ill, I made an appointment with my GP to check in. There weren't any available appointments until next Tuesday, so I will go in then. I would like to still see my GP periodically throughout this pregnancy so that he is up to date on how things are going for me and babe, as he will be our consistent family doctor (and I like him quite a lot, I've been seeing him for years).

Tomorrow, Saturday, March 14th I am going to Bragg Creek to attend the 2nd of 3 maternity yoga workshops. Unfortunately, Steph will be out of town and unable to attend with me. I really enjoyed the last one and am looking forward to it. I find it spiritual and relaxing.