Minal's two years of hard work at IBM has paid off. She has been promoted to band 8, which puts her in same band as most of project managers she has worked with. There is at least some reward for those early morning flights, long working hours and being away from home.
Congratulations Mommy!
I know how much Minal loves her consulting job and she would love to continue consulting; only if it did not require traveling. It remains to be seen how things will shape up when, and if, she decides to go back to work. Right now she should be looking forward to a long long vacation and months and months of bonding times with our girl that she so badly wanted.
PS: Daddy got one too!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
20th week update
Prenatal visit at 19 weeks and 3 days
As Minal is cruising around (relatively speaking) in her second trimester there was not much dialog expected during this visit. This was supposed to be a formality (again, relatively speaking) than anything else. Her weight gain is in normal range; something that she does not believe since people keep telling her that she is not showing. Urine test showed everything normal. And we are done!
But wait, there was one that was to be highlight of this visit and one that we were looking forward to. That was results from Sequential Screening Test. We were to know results from Ultrasound and blood work at around 13 weeks combined with results from blood work around 15th week. This was to make sure the baby does not have any genetic disorder or Spina Bifida - abnormalities in baby's spine. The doctor discussed the results in detail and everything, according to the doctor, was normal and there was no reason for any concern whatsoever. We would have loved if she had stopped there. But she was "obligated" to discuss even more. So she started explaining numbers.
Before any tests actually take place pre-test numbers are arrived at based on ethinicity, genetic history etc. And then those numbers are compared with numbers from actual tests. For Spina Bifida, our pre-test numbers were 1 in 900. So far so good. But our post-test numbers indicated our baby had 1 in a 450 chance of developing abnormalities in spine. There goes "everything is normal" out the door. Minal starts gulping air and I start asking questions and trying to prove how those numbers could be wrong. The doctor did say that everything was normal. So what was that based on? Sure enough pre and post test numbers showed that chances of our baby having spine abnormalities had increased but 'everything is ok' was based on Ultrasound that she had 18th week. Ultrasound (visually and based on other measurements) showed that the spine was developing fine and was perfectly normal. Phew!
But that definitely does not do it for the first time expectant parents. The doctor could see the stress and concern on our faces and suggested that we could go for another ultrasound a few weeks later to re-confirm that everything was ok. Sure enough we opted for a second ultrasound.
About the rash
The rash has started to subside and is actually almost gone. Eucerine did it. Although it may take a long while for the pigmentation to give way to normal skin color. No more cream to prevent stretch marks (ouch!). Although she will continue to use Aveeno which help in stretching and hopefully she won't get any marks on her belly. Better than some scary looking rash that we don't know how it will affect the baby.
Boy or Girl
Yes we know! This is actually old news because we found out during Ultrasound at the 18th week. Remember how I had completely brainwashed Minal and led her into believing that we are having a boy no matter how much she wants a girl? Well, she won. We are having a baby girl!!
I do not know how God has been picking up signs but his system seems to be picking up wrong signs. During our long drives I used to pretend to have conversations with our imaginary child. And during those conversations I used to try to turn our child against the mom. And guess what name I gave to our imaginary child. Pinky. So there. Pinky is on her way. This is just like when we said ok, we are ready to have a baby and boom! Sure He is picking up wrong signs. I know what you are thinking. That this guys does not seem to be happy to have a girl. Well, that is not true friends. I am as much thrilled to have a girl as I would have been to have a boy. Just that I was wrong!
Other updates
We are almost packed and move is scheduled for next week. With having lost my right hand (Minal that is) I was thinking of calling movers. But a bunch of friends have offered to help and this week is our last week in Framingham. I am sure we will miss the convenience of all stores, malls and restaurants within a couple of miles from our apartment. But then Royal Crest Estates is a nicer place where Minal will get enough ground for her walks and it will also be a pleasant location for our folks. That reminds me Minal's parents are scheduled to arrive next month. But we are thinking of moving their arrival out by another month since Minal won't stop traveling may be until middle of June.
As Minal is cruising around (relatively speaking) in her second trimester there was not much dialog expected during this visit. This was supposed to be a formality (again, relatively speaking) than anything else. Her weight gain is in normal range; something that she does not believe since people keep telling her that she is not showing. Urine test showed everything normal. And we are done!
But wait, there was one that was to be highlight of this visit and one that we were looking forward to. That was results from Sequential Screening Test. We were to know results from Ultrasound and blood work at around 13 weeks combined with results from blood work around 15th week. This was to make sure the baby does not have any genetic disorder or Spina Bifida - abnormalities in baby's spine. The doctor discussed the results in detail and everything, according to the doctor, was normal and there was no reason for any concern whatsoever. We would have loved if she had stopped there. But she was "obligated" to discuss even more. So she started explaining numbers.
Before any tests actually take place pre-test numbers are arrived at based on ethinicity, genetic history etc. And then those numbers are compared with numbers from actual tests. For Spina Bifida, our pre-test numbers were 1 in 900. So far so good. But our post-test numbers indicated our baby had 1 in a 450 chance of developing abnormalities in spine. There goes "everything is normal" out the door. Minal starts gulping air and I start asking questions and trying to prove how those numbers could be wrong. The doctor did say that everything was normal. So what was that based on? Sure enough pre and post test numbers showed that chances of our baby having spine abnormalities had increased but 'everything is ok' was based on Ultrasound that she had 18th week. Ultrasound (visually and based on other measurements) showed that the spine was developing fine and was perfectly normal. Phew!
But that definitely does not do it for the first time expectant parents. The doctor could see the stress and concern on our faces and suggested that we could go for another ultrasound a few weeks later to re-confirm that everything was ok. Sure enough we opted for a second ultrasound.
About the rash
The rash has started to subside and is actually almost gone. Eucerine did it. Although it may take a long while for the pigmentation to give way to normal skin color. No more cream to prevent stretch marks (ouch!). Although she will continue to use Aveeno which help in stretching and hopefully she won't get any marks on her belly. Better than some scary looking rash that we don't know how it will affect the baby.
Boy or Girl
Yes we know! This is actually old news because we found out during Ultrasound at the 18th week. Remember how I had completely brainwashed Minal and led her into believing that we are having a boy no matter how much she wants a girl? Well, she won. We are having a baby girl!!
I do not know how God has been picking up signs but his system seems to be picking up wrong signs. During our long drives I used to pretend to have conversations with our imaginary child. And during those conversations I used to try to turn our child against the mom. And guess what name I gave to our imaginary child. Pinky. So there. Pinky is on her way. This is just like when we said ok, we are ready to have a baby and boom! Sure He is picking up wrong signs. I know what you are thinking. That this guys does not seem to be happy to have a girl. Well, that is not true friends. I am as much thrilled to have a girl as I would have been to have a boy. Just that I was wrong!
Other updates
We are almost packed and move is scheduled for next week. With having lost my right hand (Minal that is) I was thinking of calling movers. But a bunch of friends have offered to help and this week is our last week in Framingham. I am sure we will miss the convenience of all stores, malls and restaurants within a couple of miles from our apartment. But then Royal Crest Estates is a nicer place where Minal will get enough ground for her walks and it will also be a pleasant location for our folks. That reminds me Minal's parents are scheduled to arrive next month. But we are thinking of moving their arrival out by another month since Minal won't stop traveling may be until middle of June.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Is it a boy?
Since the day we found we were pregnant Minal and I have been debating whether we should find out sex of the baby. I have always wanted to know. And all this time I have only been pointing her to signs that will lead her to thinking it is a boy. I think I have succeeded in making her believe we are having a boy. Truth is I have no clue but I am hoping for a boy. Not that I prefer boy to a girl but only because whenever I think of a baby of our own I can only see a boy. Does not matter that Minal has had a picture of a baby girl above her desk at home and that she also hopes for a girl. I just can't see a girl.
Up until yesterday Minal kept saying that I should find out if it is a boy or a girl and she will still want to be a surprise. Only because she thinks I will be able to bond more with the baby if I knew baby's sex. And I believe she is right. But doctor isn't going to tell us only because I want to know. It is her word that counts when it comes to whether or not we want to know the sex. In fact only her word counts throughout pregnancy unless when she is incapable of making decision. So all I need to do is prove that is not capable of making this decision. Hmmm how do I do that?
Anyway, last night Minal said that we should find out because she can't wait either. Knowing what we are having will only double the joy. So I think we are going to find out. Monday is our big day. She will be around 19 weeks and 4 days into her pregnancy and ultrasound is scheduled for that day. Stay tuned!!
Up until yesterday Minal kept saying that I should find out if it is a boy or a girl and she will still want to be a surprise. Only because she thinks I will be able to bond more with the baby if I knew baby's sex. And I believe she is right. But doctor isn't going to tell us only because I want to know. It is her word that counts when it comes to whether or not we want to know the sex. In fact only her word counts throughout pregnancy unless when she is incapable of making decision. So all I need to do is prove that is not capable of making this decision. Hmmm how do I do that?
Anyway, last night Minal said that we should find out because she can't wait either. Knowing what we are having will only double the joy. So I think we are going to find out. Monday is our big day. She will be around 19 weeks and 4 days into her pregnancy and ultrasound is scheduled for that day. Stay tuned!!
She now has a buddy
Minal has never been one of those people who believe friends are a must in life. So I am not surprised to find that she has not made friends with many. I mean she is friends with my friends and my family friends but I am talking about friends-friends. But everybody likes a pregnancy buddy right? And I did not think she was going to find one since none of my friends were thinking of starting a family yet except M and P; but they had a baby girl a few weeks ago.
Last weekend brought pleasant surprises. B and V paid us a visit and we thought this was because we had not met since we shared the news of our pregnancy. But that was not that. They are going for another baby and B is 14 weeks pregnant! Boom, there is Minal's pregnancy buddy. I could already hear them talking pregnancy. I know they probably won't be on phone with each other everyday but at least they know they can talk to each other knowing that the person on the other end knows exactly what she is talking about. You would think that is a husband's job and you may be you are right but we can only provide moral support. We can't relate to being constipated or to pain caused by sciatic nerve!
Last weekend brought pleasant surprises. B and V paid us a visit and we thought this was because we had not met since we shared the news of our pregnancy. But that was not that. They are going for another baby and B is 14 weeks pregnant! Boom, there is Minal's pregnancy buddy. I could already hear them talking pregnancy. I know they probably won't be on phone with each other everyday but at least they know they can talk to each other knowing that the person on the other end knows exactly what she is talking about. You would think that is a husband's job and you may be you are right but we can only provide moral support. We can't relate to being constipated or to pain caused by sciatic nerve!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Updates
Belly Rash
Hydrocortisone was working at an amazinginly slow pace. Or so we thought until Minal started getting itchy around her lips. She thought it could be a side effect from the cream and she went online to check if there were any side effects. Not only she found that that could be one of the side effects she also found that Hydrocortisone had a FDA rating C and was not recommended for use by pregnant women without consulting their doctors!!! This is because it contains steroids that could potentially pass through the skin into the placenta and can be harmful to the baby! She got so mad. I mean here we are trusting our doctor and she goes on suggesting something potentially harmful to our baby without even mentioning side effects. I was pissed off too and I called immediately to get an appointment with a Dermatologist for Friday.
At the Dermatologist we found that her skin being sensitive was reacting very quickly to steroids and was depositing pigments very quickly. Which is why all affected areas were getting all brownish. Basically her entire belly. But the rash apparently was an early break out of PUPPP that usually is seen after 30 weeks of pregnancy. The nurse suggested using natural alternatives such as Aveeno Oatmeal bath and/or Eucerine. She assured that use of steroids so far is not going to affect our baby in anyway.
Minal has been using Eucerine for a couple of days and that seems to be taking care of the rash. But we are afraid that brown color from pigment deposits is going to stay for a long long time.
Lesson learned: no matter how trusting you want your relationship with you gynaecologist to be, you always have to explicity ask about the side effects of anything that he/she suggest. And, do not use anything in pregnancy withough Googling on it.
Is the baby moving?
Probably not. Although she has felt those exact movements a couple of times on different days it is probably not the baby moving. We will have to wait and watch for obvious (or mysterious) signs of baby moving. Probably a feeling of bubble floating around in the belly? Or may be we will have to wait until skin has thinned enough and baby is big enough for us to see his moving elbow making running impressions on her belly. I guess we just wait.
Hydrocortisone was working at an amazinginly slow pace. Or so we thought until Minal started getting itchy around her lips. She thought it could be a side effect from the cream and she went online to check if there were any side effects. Not only she found that that could be one of the side effects she also found that Hydrocortisone had a FDA rating C and was not recommended for use by pregnant women without consulting their doctors!!! This is because it contains steroids that could potentially pass through the skin into the placenta and can be harmful to the baby! She got so mad. I mean here we are trusting our doctor and she goes on suggesting something potentially harmful to our baby without even mentioning side effects. I was pissed off too and I called immediately to get an appointment with a Dermatologist for Friday.
At the Dermatologist we found that her skin being sensitive was reacting very quickly to steroids and was depositing pigments very quickly. Which is why all affected areas were getting all brownish. Basically her entire belly. But the rash apparently was an early break out of PUPPP that usually is seen after 30 weeks of pregnancy. The nurse suggested using natural alternatives such as Aveeno Oatmeal bath and/or Eucerine. She assured that use of steroids so far is not going to affect our baby in anyway.
Minal has been using Eucerine for a couple of days and that seems to be taking care of the rash. But we are afraid that brown color from pigment deposits is going to stay for a long long time.
Lesson learned: no matter how trusting you want your relationship with you gynaecologist to be, you always have to explicity ask about the side effects of anything that he/she suggest. And, do not use anything in pregnancy withough Googling on it.
Is the baby moving?
Probably not. Although she has felt those exact movements a couple of times on different days it is probably not the baby moving. We will have to wait and watch for obvious (or mysterious) signs of baby moving. Probably a feeling of bubble floating around in the belly? Or may be we will have to wait until skin has thinned enough and baby is big enough for us to see his moving elbow making running impressions on her belly. I guess we just wait.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The baby moved, she thinks
Minal called me this morning and asked 'What does your reading say about how it feels like when the baby moves?'. I said is this a test or something? Yes I have been doing my part of reading books but I do not remember everything I read. But I had to know this one since we are in our 18th week and baby's first move can be anytime between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. The problem is that books don't clearly describe how it feels when the baby moves the first time. Women who have been pregnant before can easily tell baby's first move from gas bubbles but not the first time pregnant women.
Anyway, so I told her it feels like gas bubbles moving inside your belly. And she goes - but the gas bubbles are supposed to be inside stomach while the baby is in uterus. Isn't it? And I am like 'ummm... feels like gas bubbles'. She has been feeling what she calls small kicks or pats from inside on the right side below her belly button. That is where we also expect the uterus be at this time. And she has felt those a couple of times since morning. So yes it could be the baby moving!!!
Lets wait and see if the feeling persists through tomorrow and we will definitely know.
Anyway, so I told her it feels like gas bubbles moving inside your belly. And she goes - but the gas bubbles are supposed to be inside stomach while the baby is in uterus. Isn't it? And I am like 'ummm... feels like gas bubbles'. She has been feeling what she calls small kicks or pats from inside on the right side below her belly button. That is where we also expect the uterus be at this time. And she has felt those a couple of times since morning. So yes it could be the baby moving!!!
Lets wait and see if the feeling persists through tomorrow and we will definitely know.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
About the rash
We showed Minal's belly rash to the doctor on our second prenatal visit last week and the doctor did not think it was any serious rash. It is probably an allergic reaction from the cream to prevent stretch marks and she suggested that we apply Hydrocortisone cream for a week and see how it goes. If that doesn't do it then we may also want show it to a dermatologist.
It has been three days of applying Hydrocortisone and the rash seems to be fading away. But it is working at an unbelievably slow pace and my concerns are not completely gone. We will wait and watch for a couple of days more before I call our Primary Care Physician to get a reference for a dermatologist. May be I should get an appointment anyways for next Friday/Saturday so that we have when Minal returns Thursday night.
It has been three days of applying Hydrocortisone and the rash seems to be fading away. But it is working at an unbelievably slow pace and my concerns are not completely gone. We will wait and watch for a couple of days more before I call our Primary Care Physician to get a reference for a dermatologist. May be I should get an appointment anyways for next Friday/Saturday so that we have when Minal returns Thursday night.
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