Monday, December 14, 2009

The 20th Week With Baby #2

Yes, all pregnancies are different. Half-way through my second pregnancy, I recall how this pregnancy is the same as the first and how it is different at the same time.

Was I nauseated in the first trimester?
Matthew - Yes. Very tired too. I also experienced some heartburn but it wasn't bad.
#2 - More nauseated and seemingly more tired but thankfully I still managed to keep my food down. There were a few close calls though. The heartburn was constant. It was bad.

When did I start showing?
Matthew - Not til the 2nd trimester.
#2 - I started showing in my 3rd month and I felt very bloated too so I was wearing maternity pants much sooner.

When did I start to feel the baby move?
Matthew - Around the 17th week.
#2 - Approximately in the 16th or 17th week.

What food did I crave in the 1st trimester?
Matthew - Kentucky fried chicken, McDonald's pancakes, vegetarian sushi, french fries, mandarin oranges.
#2 - same food cravings as when I was pregnant with Matthew. I wanted anything salty and I couldn't stand pickles.

What other issues did I have in the 1st trimester?
Matthew - my TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level was low, which meant I had an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroid), while my T4 level was within normal range. My OB explained that it may have been my hCG (a hormone) interfering with the blood test and that I would only need medication for it if my TSH level did not normalize in the 2nd trimester after the follow-up blood test. By the 2nd trimester, an endocronologist concurred that I did not need medication. My TSH level had normalized.
#2 - my TSH level was low when I was initially tested around the 12th week. After the follow-up blood test 4 weeks later, my TSH had still not normalized. Another blood test was done at my 20th week appointment (last week) and I expect the results this week. If my TSH level is still low, I would need to see an endocronologist to help determine if I need to be on thyroid medication.

The 20th week is also when we have the gender-revealing ultrasound as well as checking on the baby's overall development. Baby #2 looked good overall, weighing 11 ounces, and actively kicking, punching and doing somersaults. I'm going to need another ultrasound in January to check on the location of the placenta. Apparently the placenta is a little too near my cervix at this point in time but thankfully it is not blocking the cervix, a condition known as placenta previa, which would indicate that the baby may have to be born via c-section. Another ultrasound is necessary to monitor whether it shifts upwards away from the cervix as my OB is predicting.

I'll have a separate post to announce whether baby #2 is a boy or a girl. Stay tuned!

6 comments:

Windmills and Tulips said...

Ria, it's so exciting. I'm very happy that all is well.

Keep me posted.

Many blessings,

Jasmine @ Windmills and Tulips

Julie said...

No fair! I want to knoooooow!

Brandie said...

Glad everything is going well! I had low TSH with my 2nd pregnancy. If I remember, it was 8 yrs ago, the same hormones that caused the really bad morning sickness can stimulate your thyroid so your body doesn't need to make as much TSH. This time around it was normal. HTH.

Debbie said...

Hey there!!! Glad to see you back!! Glad you're feeling ok and doing well with baby #2. Can't wait to hear if it's a girl or boy.......I'm voting GIRL!

Monica Crumley said...

So happy for you that all is going well. For me, #5! means that I started showing the second I conceived LOL. Nothing is staying in place where it ought! Oh, well... I can't wait to find out if you're having a girl or boy! Don't keep us waiting!

To Love Endlessly said...

I'm excited to know what you'll be having. it's interesting to compare the 2 pregnancies. thanks for sharing your journey with us!