The Liassides Clan: August 2011

Tomorrow morning I have a routine doctor appointment to check on the baby. Typically I look forward to going to my doctor appointments because they aren't very frequent right now and I either get to see the baby, hear his heartbeat, or find out how he's doing and how he's growing. With that being said, I am NOT looking forward to tomorrow's appointment!

At the mothers 10 week checkup they do a blood draw to check for symptoms like anemia, diabeties, etc in the mother. At the 16 week checkup they do a second blood draw to run a screening on the baby. This screening will tell the doctors if your baby has increased risk for things such as spina bifida, or down syndrome (which Kayden screened 3x more likely to have). You would think my reasoning for not wanting to go to this appointment would be because I am nervous to find out the results of the baby's blood test (which of course I am). But unfortunately I have a bigger worry first! I guess I should explain what happened at my 10 week appointment for you to better understand.

The first appointment with the doctor is typically scheduled when the mother is 8-10 weeks pregnant. Waiting a couple of months before seeing the doctor allows the baby enough time to grow that the doctor is able to hear his/her heartbeat. I was super excited to listen to it at my 10 week appointment, and know the baby was healthy and doing well. But first, I had to give blood for the mother screening. Joy. You would think that with having two previous pregnancies and births I would be accustom to this sort of thing, but for some reason even the thought of giving blood makes me very qweezy! On this particular day I was feeling extremely nervous and anxious. As I walked back to the room with the nurse I told her that I was already feeling light headed even thinking about it. She decided to stick around just to make sure I did ok. What a smart lady!

I sat in the chair and took a few deep breaths. Then, I closed my eyes so that I didn't have to watch the needle go in. For some reason I tend to have dehydrated veins. Without fail even the best of blood drawers typically aren't able to succeed the first time they attempt to hit a vein. As usual the nurse attempted to prick my right arm, and the vein rolled. As the nurse placed a cotton ball and bandaide on my arm, I continued to breath deeply in the chair. The world had begun to spin. We waited a few minutes to allow me time to relax, and she tried once again. Now it was time to try the left side. Luckily this time we had success!

I'm sure the needle wasn't in my arm much longer than about 30 seconds, but to me it felt like forever! I finally told her "ok, you have to stop now" as I could feel the dizziness getting worse. Luckily she had collected enough of a sample and was able to remove the needle. I was very hot and clammy at this point, and it was as if my ears had filled with air. Things were fading in and out and after talking with the nurses they decided it was best that I lay down. This has happened a few times in the past, and laying down with a cold rag on my head always seemed to help. I knew there was a small room just around the corner so I stood up and began to head that direction. That's the last thing I remember.

It was like being in some sort of dream when I finally came to. I felt tingly and my entire body was in a cold sweat. I found it odd that I wasn't standing anymore. It took me a moment to realize where I was and recall what I was doing last. My head and my upper body were propped up against something (the nurses legs that caught me), and she gently laid me down flat to the cold ground. I didn't speak for quite some time because I wasn't sure what was happening. As things began to get a little clearer I remembered I had been in the doctors office. Then I realized what had happend and I asked "I passed out didn't I?". The two nurses looked at each other and grinned. The kind nurse that had laid me down replied "Yep out cold!". The other nurse then turned around and smiled "but you went down gracefully". :)

After spending some time on the floor I found out that I had been out cold for over a minute, had had a mild seizure, and they had to use amonia to wake me up. My face was a greenish gray color for about 45 minutes while I laid in a room and sipped on ice water. I think I even had my doctor worried because he decided to do a quick ultrasound and check the baby. Luckily the baby was fine, and eventually so was I.

It still doesn't feel quite real, almost like it was a dream. So, tomorrow I guess we try this again! I've been reading today on tips to "not faint while giving blood". Hopefully these little pointers will help me out, and having Marcus there is bound to make the experience better. Cross your fingers for me and wish me luck!

I can't believe I am nearly half way done with this pregnancy! Although I was sick the first 4 months or so, it really has gone by quickly. I'm just starting to show this week at 17 weeks pregnant. Although I don't look pregnant, I most definitely feel it! I have been able to feel the baby move for quite some time now, and it makes me smile every time. I really enjoy being pregnant, from start to finish. What an incredible experience. I feel so blessed that I have been able to do this three times now.

We found out a couple of weeks ago that we are expecting a little boy. Although I was really hoping to give Marcus a little girl, I am just super happy this baby seems to be healthy and growing just fine - a week ahead of schedule in fact. I am really excited to experience having a baby with Marcus. It truly makes the bond between two people unique. Marcus is such an amazing father to his boys, and treats my children like his own. I know he is going to be incredible once this little guy arrives! Here are some recent photos: