35 Weeks

Today was my 35 week (almost, technically it is really 34wks 6days, but who's counting) appointment with my oh so fabulous midwife. The appointment went well for the most part. The positive first...I am now measuring right on at 35cm, whereas the past two visits I was measuring 2cm smaller than I "should" be. So that is good, I was glad to hear that since I really don't want to cook this baby any longer than I have to and a smaller baby might mean it would want to stay in there longer......not part of my plan. I have only gained 3lbs since my last visit, guess that means I can keep on keeping on with my level of ice cream intake! ;) And no I am not willing to share exactly how much weight I have gained, let's just say it is enough! I am 2cm dilated, there are a few other positive details to go along with that, but might fall into the TMI category so we will just leave it at that.

Now for the not so positive. Apparently I have a problem with iron absorption. My midwife checked my iron levels today and to quote her "your iron levels stink" I think she was just as disappointed as I was. It was really disheartening to hear since I (along with Neal aka the "Iron Police") have been so diligent about taking all my supplements to boost my iron intake along with cooking everything possible in our cast iron skillet. My iron levels dropped this appointment and typically at this point in a pregnancy is when the iron levels should start to increase again, not the case for me. This happened with Jonah which explains my inability to bounce back very quickly, I felt depleted for weeks after his birth and I do not want a repeat this time, so I think that is why this time I am so determined to bring my levels back up. So we will continue to supplement with any and every herb that we can and do it with natural supplements, none of that nasty artificially man made stuff that your body has no idea how to process not to mention constipates the heck out of anyone who looks at it!

My thyroid........ahhhhh my lovely little friend who just likes to mix it up and give me grief. I received a letter from my Endocrinologist the other day stating that my levels remain elevated at this point, but he is still not pursuing any course of treatment, since the baby's thyroid is functioning all on it's own and is in no danger. The levels that are elevated (TSH) he is really not concerned about, my Free T4 levels are fine which are what he would be alarmed and seek treatment for if they had been abnormal. I am very aware that my "not so positive" issues could be a lot worse and there are many women who have a lot greater issues than I do, I am just thankful that my issues are what they are...........this too shall pass.

Suffice it to say that with super low iron levels, a thyroid in overdrive, two kids running around and a mini acrobat growing inside of me..............I AM EXHAUSTED!