Week 25

According to a 38-week lunar pregnancy calendar, week 25 starts the third trimester and month seven. By the end of week 25 baby will grow a half-inch longer. Most women will be checked for gestational diabetes between weeks 24 and 28. An extra 300 calories a day is what is recommended during the last three months of pregnancy.

My health insurance is through my husband’s work and they just switched insurance companies. My doctor is not covered by the new plan. I am at week 25 based on a due date of October 20th, but my ultrasound shows I could be due later than that. Either way I didn’t quite meet the requirement of being in my last three months of pregnancy in order to keep my current physician.

I was so stressed and frustrated trying to figure out what to do. I do not want to change doctors! I spent hours on the phone, filling out paperwork, and crying. My mom was helpful and comforting. She sells insurance and gave me some ideas. The human resources person at Andrew’s company was great, too. After a couple of days I found out that my “transition of care” was approved!

Friday was my monthly check up. I canceled my appointment and then rescheduled. The nurse was nice enough to squeeze my appointment back into the schedule when I explained my insurance issues. I was so happy to see my doctor. She is wonderful. Everything was normal at my appointment. I’ve now gained 15 pounds.

I asked my doctor about my persistent heartburn. She told me that in addition to the well-known triggers, chocolate and mint could aggravate heartburn. I was told that if I was taking Tums more than once or twice a day I should take Pepcid or Zantac instead. I’d rather not if I don’t have to. I’ll see if changing my diet is enough.

On the plus side, the last few weeks I’ve been less tired and going to the bathroom less frequently. I’m sure that will change again soon.

I went to a cookout Saturday night. My friend is an excellent cook. Despite the warning on chocolate, I had to have some of the chocolate cake. It just looked so good. Baby kicked like crazy after that. He always kicks a lot after I have chocolate.

During the third trimester some health care providers may ask you to start “counting the kicks.” Individual recommendations may vary, but a good rule of thumb is as follows: Sometime in a 24 hour period baby should kick 10 times within two hours. Try counting in the evening, when baby is most likely to be active. My boy kicks ten times in ten minutes, several times a day. I’m told movement may lessen when he has less room to do summersaults.

Another thing that mothers should keep in mind is pre-eclampsia symptoms. Usually this isn’t a concern until after 37 weeks, but you should know what to look for. High blood pressure and protein in mother’s urine characterize pre-eclampsia. Call your physician if you experience swelling in the face or puffy eyes, excessive or sudden swelling of the hands or feet. If you gain more than four pounds a week, have unusual headaches, vision change, pain in the upper abdomen, or vomiting, call your health care professional right away.

Please view my other blogs:

• Terra’s Own Birth Day
• Our wiggle worm
• Crafting, sports, pilates and…waddling?!
• Things are a’changing!
• It’s a boy!
• Communicating with your big belly
• Keepin’ it all straight
• Terra’s Announcement
• Terra’s Trip to the Midwest
• My Little Secret
• Terra’s First Few Weeks

Please view my profile on Mommy.com here .

Week 8

I can never seem to get enough to eat. I have always been known for my healthy appetite, despite my 24-inch waist. My husband, Andrew really wants to wait until three months before we share the news. Today though I almost screamed, “I’m pregnant! Feed me!” On the plus side my skin has been really clear and the girl at the gym told me my nails looked really healthy.

I feel like myself for the most part except for a little “pregnancy brain.” I don’t know if it is my thoughts or hormones that are distracting me, but I’m a little less organized than my usual, orderly self is. Some of my pants feel just a little tighter than usual.

I went to the doctor and had my pelvic exam and check up. They also took blood and urine samples. I was given a due date of October 20th. The nurse gave me lots to read. I was very nervous. My heart rate was very high (for me) at 96 beats per minute. I’ve had so much on my mind. I’m trying hard to relax and take care of myself.

By week eight the embryo responds to touch. The baby’s heart is beating strongly now. There is some stomach, liver, and kidney function. The baby is between .87 and .94 inches. Your weight gain should be about a pound a week during the second trimester.

Read my previous blog: Terra’s first few weeks

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