We told our families and most of our friends around 8 weeks. It's hard to keep such wonderful news a secret for long! I think the grandparents-to-be are very excited for their first grandchild. This one is sure to be spoiled. :-)
My first doctor visit was at 11 weeks (11/14). Jim came with me and they took both of our histories and about 5 vials of blood from me. Looks like all that plasma donating back in college paid off - blood just flows from me! We got to hear the heartbeat which was amazing. I could have listened A LOT longer but you know how doctors like to rush you in and out. And I'm sure hearing heartbeats isn't very magical for them anymore either.
15 week appointment
I'm now officially in the 2nd trimester, about 3 1/2 months along. I'm not showing at all, in fact all of my clothes still fit (well the ones that fit before I got pregnant that is - lol) I hadn't weighed myself since my appointment at 11 weeks but I was still feeling like I haven't changed or gained any weight. I was right! I've actually lost about 5 pounds! I haven't been sick at all, but I have been eating a lot less than normal. I guess you could say I'm eating correct portion sizes. ;-) I just get full so quickly, Jim often has to finish my meals for me. That along with cutting out soda and alcohol does wonders. People have been telling me that for years, if only I would have listened sooner. I had enough extra padding before getting pregnant so the baby is perfectly healthy, but it is a bit of relief I'm not blowing up.
I got to hear the heart beat again which was at 165 beats per minute. I'm past the big hurdle of 12 weeks when most things that could go wrong do. Huge relief! The doctor filled me in on 2nd trimester screening for chromosomal defects (like Downs Syndrome) since I have 4 weeks to take the test or not. I think we're going to pass on it since there is no way to have a clear cut yes or no something is wrong. The best they can do is a percentage chance the baby has something wrong. Precents are so variable, we have a clean family history and we're both still young I don't think it's worth the stress and worry.
My next appointment is in 4 weeks when I'll be 19 weeks along - or halfway through! I'll have my first ultrasound and we will most likely be able to tell the sex of the baby, providing he/she cooperates. :-) Time is flying by but I think that is moslty because of the holidays. I'm sure once Jan/Feb/March hit time will go back to creeping along.
