It’s still hard to believe I’m actually 19 weeks pregnant. Our IVF journey has not been easy, but it’s been worth every single moment leading up to this pregnancy. I feel so blessed that this little baby is growing inside of me. I wanted to share earlier bump updates with you guys, but my energy has literally been slim to none to say the least. I’m still throwing up every day. The morning sickness is REAL. Except some days I’m throwing up at 2pm or 5pm or 9pm… so I never call it morning sickness. I was really hoping the nausea and getting sick would go away after the first trimester, but I’m still going strong. I’m not going to lie, being as sick and as tired as I’ve been, some days I feel a bit depressed. I feel lazy, since I spent most of the first trimester on the couch and in bed. Luckily now I’m getting a bit more energy with each passing day, yet the “morning sickness” stays.
(Maternity/nursing shirt from Pink Blush)
What fruit are you? A mango! The baby is about six inches long, and weighs about 8.5 ounces.
Due date: May 30th, 2017. We believe I’ll be delivering early via c-section, but I’ll know more this week when I meet with my MFM (maternal fetal medicine doctor/high risk pregnancy.) I have to see an MFM at a hospital in Boston. Basically, I have a gene for a syndrome, but we’re not 100% sure if I have the actual syndrome. Women with this syndrome have reported uterine rupture while giving birth, so I don’t think they’ll want to risk anything with me having the gene for it. I just want a healthy, happy baby, no matter what the cost!
How far along? 19 weeks today!
Gender: It’s a girl!! Layla Jean. We found out at about 12 weeks with our family and friends. There is a blood test you can take at 10 weeks that determines the gender from the DNA in your bloodstream. It was so awesome to host a gender reveal party, which I’ll share more about later this week.
Total weight gain: My weight has fluctuated so much this year because of fertility treatments and now 2 pregnancies. But I believe I’ve gained around 10 pounds or so since right before I was pregnant.
Stretch marks: A little one that I had before is growing! I was curvy to start, so I had some small ones on my breasts and tummy.
Maternity clothes: Luckily I’m still fitting into my stretchy jeans from Target. I also wear tons of leggings and sweatpants since I’m lucky enough to work from home now. I did buy a belly band to fit over my jeans when I need to.
Swelling: Not yet!
(Maternity dress from Pink Blush)
Belly button: In, but each day I feel my stomach getting larger and larger, so we’ll see when it starts to push out!
Sleep: Not too good! I wake up about 3-4 times a night to pee. I also got a pregnancy pillow for Christmas, which has been helping me with getting comfortable. I’ve been diffusing lots of essential oils at night and spraying my pillow and sheets with a homemade linen spray to help me sleep at night.
Food cravings: I literally have an apple every morning. Sometimes two apples a day. But only pink lady or honey crisp, because for some reason the skin on other apples has been bothering me, haha. I also have been obsessed with making my own popcorn on the stove.
Symptoms: Oh man. Lately I’ve been getting headaches, heartburn, and this yucky metal taste in my mouth. And obviously the morning sickness and fatigue.
Movement: Yes! I felt Layla first move about 2 weeks ago. They are small flutters that sometimes resemble gas, but it’s my little girl moving around in there!
Best moment this week: We get to go to our anatomy ultrasound scan this Thursday! Even though we’ll have to drive to Boston in a blizzard, I’m so excited to see her on screen again since the last time I was 11 weeks. Also, this was shared on my social media a few weeks back, but my best friend and I are pregnant together! She is actually due 3 days before me. It’s been a blessing to go through this journey together so far.
Words of wisdom: This one is for my infertility warriors, hang in there. I know this battle you’re going through is a tough one, but hold on to every bit of hope you can. God is with you in your season of waiting, and when you finally become a mama, your journey will make much more sense. And never forget that I’m here for you if you ever want to chat or have any questions about our IVF journey.
xoxo,
I can’t wait for every step of your journey! I’m so excited for you and your hubby. And for Layal Jean because she’ll have the best mommy!
I can’t type! I mean Layla Jean!
We have been following your story and are so happy for you. Glad you are starting to feel better. I have 3 girls and was so sick with each of them.
We have an Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/OccasionalGoods. We sell extra large swaddle blankets and quilts. We love to create blankets and quilts in unique fabrics. We make custom banners and decor. We are excited about our new line of boho bibs and bandana bibs coming soon. We would be happy to create something with you!