AMA

AMA.... stands for "Advanced Maternal Age." So fun. So "politically correct." In the obstetrics world, I'm old. I get to see a perinatologist in addition to my OB/GYN. It doesn't help that I had ONE visit in my records (from the fall of 2013 when I had a major life change and quit my job to become a stay-at-home mom and had a minor breakdown as I adjusted to my new normal) where my blood pressure was a bit elevated during a routine doctor's visit. Now, in addition to my AMA status, I'm also flagged as hypertensive.... lovely. With that said, I haven't had a doctor's appointment SINCE that single visit in 2013 with an elevated BP reading, but they are still closely monitoring me. 

So.... what does that mean for me? Up to this point, not much. I had a few extra ultrasounds along the way- which has been kind of fun. With Maggie, I only had a single ultrasound at 20 weeks, so I am enjoying all the extra "glimpses" at baby this time around. Plus, my perinatologist is great- he is so laid-back and easy to talk to, which helps a ton. This past Monday, I had to go for a routine "maternal-fetal medicine" ultrasound appointment, where they simply check baby's heartbeat and take some simple measurements (FYI: Baby is weighing in at a whopping 4lbs 3oz) It also happened to be my mom's 65th birthday, so I brought her along! Baby was super cooperative (happy birthday, Gramma!) and we got the BEST ultrasound picture ever! It was so clear... and for the first time in four babies, I have an ultrasound picture that looks like a BABY- not a Skeletor-like version of one. Chubby cheeks, plump nose, and (gramma swears!) a head of wispy hair. 

I think baby might have been super cooperative, too- because he/she knew that the best was yet to come. Starting next Monday, I get to go for TWICE weekly non-stress monitoring. Can you say, "Yay?" (NOT!) Weekly, I will get a quick ultrasound to check baby, then get strapped to monitors to watch baby's movement and heart rate for 20-30 minutes. And... as a working mother of three OTHER children, finding time for all of these appointments isn't supposed to raise my blood pressure. HA! But... it is what it is... and with only seven weeks left (give or take) I'm just going to go with the flow and enjoy laying in a dark, quiet room for 20 minutes twice a week. Maybe I can take a little nap???