Monday, February 28, 2011

Pregnancy Update: Week 19 & The Kick Inside
















So much has transpired in the past 9 weeks. I don't quite know where to begin...

When I announced my pregnancy on my blog two months back I was merely 10weeks along. When I learned of some of the things that were going on with my body, I knew I would be facing a lot of challenges as the weeks and months unfolded. I couldn't have foreseen just how challenged every aspect of my life would become. I've been in some measure of pain since week two. The first three months of my pregnancy were spent in bed for the most part. One morning I woke up experiencing the worst pain followed by contractions I had ever felt. The contractions eventually subsided, but the pain persisted for days afterward. I was wrong when I thought it couldn't get much worse than that.

Come the arrival of week 14 I noticed myself become less fearful and more confident that, despite the abnormal amount of pain, everything was going to be okay. This would be helpful as I approached week 16 when the baby begins a three week growth spurt. Ouch! Weeks 17 and 18 were by far the worst. I was rushed to the hospital twice, the second time by ambulance. After days of what can only be described as horrifically excruciating pain, an inability to sit and lay, or stand without collapsing or upright at all, I found myself in the emergency room. Thank God for Dr. Melanie Smith!

My body had become so septic I remained very sore, weak and exhausted for several days after returning home. After everything the baby and I had been through, I was eagerly looking forward to making my 18 week ultrasound appointment; What's considered your first "official" ultrasound, where I'd hopefully learn the sex of the baby. There were several attempts, but finally the ultrasound tech announced: It's a boy!
Two doctors came into the room and looked mystified as they reviewed the poor shape I'm in internally, and this active, jumping, kicking, punching baby boy that continues to thrive and defy the odds. Of that, I had no doubt. Doctors still have no explanation for the pain I'm in. Or why my body is reacting the way it is to pregnancy. Or how it's possible I've been able to feel the baby move and flutter distinctly since week 7 or 8. Daph says the baby and I have a rare and unique connection. What I can tell you for sure is that this remains my greatest blessing and the most rewarding experience I've ever encountered. And if I vow to never do one thing in my lifetime, it would be question the existence of miracles and their ability to happen to you.

February 24th "official" ultrasound picture.

11 comments:

  1. Ree I am so pleased to hear that you are OK (if in pain) and that the baby is kicking. I was really getting worried as I knew you were expecting some problems.

    Thank you so much for all you lovely comments on my blog, it is very sweet of you.

    I return to the Charente 27 March and then I look forward to 15 April when Nigel will be coming over for 3 weeks.

    I am thrilled that you plan on moving to Paris in September. Your baby boy will grow up speaking fluent French :-) I just wish I could make sensible conversation!!!

    Take care and look after yourself and the baby. Hugs Diane.

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  2. So sorry to hear you are having such a rough pregnancy. I'm sure your little bundle of boy joy will be well worth it in the end. Hang in there and take care of the two of you!!

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  3. Dear Im happy to know about you, take care!! xx gloria

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  4. oh so sorry about the pain, but congrats on the baby I am expecting number two so happy for you

    Rebecca

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  5. I'm so sorry that you have to go through all this pain. He must be a very busy active boy :) It'll be worth it though for sure. Yeah I could feel my daughter kick very early on, she even kicked with the rhythm for the music I listened to :)

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  6. Oh Ree...I hope you are feeling slightly better now...baby is active and good, then everything is good. Thank you so much for sharing such a precious moment with us.
    Angie

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  7. i love hearing the updates and hope you're able to rest!

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  8. Glad to hear that your baby's doing well, and sorry that you're having such a rough time! That baby boy will be worth it though, in the end. Prayers for you and your baby! :)

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  9. How did I miss your announcement!?!?! Congratulations, fellow prego! I'm so sorry to hear about all of your pain, we never know how our bodies are going to react to certain things...but it sounds like you're incredibly strong and are handling yourself like a champ. I'm so happy to hear you're doing better, and that it's a boy!! Boys are wonderful. Best of luck with everything, and if you have any questions...drop me a line.

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  10. So sweet of you to share the pics. Congrats!!

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  11. Congratulations, wishing you all the best ♥

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