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Update on the pregnancy so far...
I thought I'd let y'all know how the pregnancy is going so far. I'm at 33 weeks, and I'm definitely starting to feel pregnant now. Oddly enough I haven't gained any weight. I started out weighing 228, and I've stayed at that weight so far. Every once in a while I'll weigh in at 230, but I've also weighed in at 226.
This might be due to my carefully controlled thyroid. I had my thyroid out last year, and my doctor's been proactive about making sure my levels are exactly right. I haven't been eating any less - quite the opposite! I've had more burgers and steaks in the last 7 months than I've ever had... or at least it seems that way.
I've also been feeling great, at least until I hit that 32 week mark. I'm starting to have fatigue and a bit of cog fog. It's nothing like the MS fatigue or cog fog, so don't think I'm complaining!
My only issues have been bladder and bowel. Pregnancy has made me so constipated that I have to resort to manual disimpaction several times a week. This is gentler and better for me than taking laxatives, but it's still awful. I practically cheer when I can go to the bathroom like a normal person. My bladder has also been totally useless the last two months. I have a neurogenic bladder anyway (stress incontinence and retention) and with the pressure of kiddo, a cough or sneeze will make me wet my pants. I've been wearing pantiliners and mini pads. If I don't get up and go to the bathroom two times a night, I'll leak when I get up in the morning. Yuck.
Kiddo is developing normally and has all the usual amounts of fingers, toes, and heads. I go to see the high-risk doctor on Thursday and we'll take a peek to see how he's doing. He's been kicking, and I can finally feel him. I guess he's gaining some muscle, because the kicks are getting more enthusiastic. Today he walloped me on the inside and it actually rocked me a little. He does seem to have four legs - I'll feel kicks below and above my belly button.
My MS doctor over at UTSW has prescribed steroids for after the birth. I'm to take 16 tablets 2 times daily at 6 weeks after birth, and 12 weeks after birth. With any luck this will head off any relapse activity. I'll still have estrogen in my system for a few weeks, so I think it'll be okay - we'll see!
This might be due to my carefully controlled thyroid. I had my thyroid out last year, and my doctor's been proactive about making sure my levels are exactly right. I haven't been eating any less - quite the opposite! I've had more burgers and steaks in the last 7 months than I've ever had... or at least it seems that way.
I've also been feeling great, at least until I hit that 32 week mark. I'm starting to have fatigue and a bit of cog fog. It's nothing like the MS fatigue or cog fog, so don't think I'm complaining!
My only issues have been bladder and bowel. Pregnancy has made me so constipated that I have to resort to manual disimpaction several times a week. This is gentler and better for me than taking laxatives, but it's still awful. I practically cheer when I can go to the bathroom like a normal person. My bladder has also been totally useless the last two months. I have a neurogenic bladder anyway (stress incontinence and retention) and with the pressure of kiddo, a cough or sneeze will make me wet my pants. I've been wearing pantiliners and mini pads. If I don't get up and go to the bathroom two times a night, I'll leak when I get up in the morning. Yuck.
Kiddo is developing normally and has all the usual amounts of fingers, toes, and heads. I go to see the high-risk doctor on Thursday and we'll take a peek to see how he's doing. He's been kicking, and I can finally feel him. I guess he's gaining some muscle, because the kicks are getting more enthusiastic. Today he walloped me on the inside and it actually rocked me a little. He does seem to have four legs - I'll feel kicks below and above my belly button.
My MS doctor over at UTSW has prescribed steroids for after the birth. I'm to take 16 tablets 2 times daily at 6 weeks after birth, and 12 weeks after birth. With any luck this will head off any relapse activity. I'll still have estrogen in my system for a few weeks, so I think it'll be okay - we'll see!
I have constipation due to chemo and having my rectum taken out. I really hate what laxatives do to me to. They made me sick all the time and then I had diarrhea.
Congrats on the pregnancy. I am so happy for you.
Alex
Congrats on the pregnancy. I am so happy for you.
Alex
Congratulations! So happy to hear that you are feeling well and that the baby is active and healthy!! Hope the rest of the pregnancy treats you well and look forward to the news of his arrival!! =)
It is great to hear you have been feeling good and your MS is taking a break. It's so exciting to hear he is developing well and I imagine that high risk doctor is going to be very pleased. Too bad about the constipation - maybe the doctor can suggest dietary changes that could help?
The steroid routine after delivery is interesting - I'm going to research that idea. It makes sense to me.
keep feeling good! - Laura
The steroid routine after delivery is interesting - I'm going to research that idea. It makes sense to me.
keep feeling good! - Laura
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