Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Pregnancy update

About a month ago when I was sick with a throat infection, I called my OB office to try to get an appointment....only to find out that, as of that day, my OB was no longer at that practice. They didn't give any details, and still won't....and believe me, I've tried to get the juicy details out of them. Everyone gives me the same scripted answer, they don't know why he left, blah, blah, blah...

Yeah, right. :)

So now I'm looking for a new doctor. At least I have a few weeks, right???!

I met one of the new physicians in the practice a couple weeks ago, and she was really sweet. I liked her a lot. She was really engaging and easy to talk to - and I felt more free to talk about certain things because she's a woman (I have gone to a male OB-GYN for a loooong time...why is that again???). The only thing is, because my doctor left unexpectedly, she was asked to start several weeks earlier than she was planning to - because she has a 6 week old newborn at home, you see (her first).

Ummmmmm, I honestly feel sorrier for her than I do for myself. She's not even sleeping right now! (And that begs the question, do I really want an OB who isn't sleeping????)

Oh, and the other thing? I not sure, but I have a feeling that we are about the same age. Either that, or I might even be OLDER than her! Now that is just a bizarre feeling...

So today was my 30 week appointment, and I opted to see one of the midwives in the practice. It was a great visit - and I'm kinda leaning towards staying with her. And she's definitely older than me, so that helps...

On another note, my hemoglobin level was low at my last blood draw (28 weeks), so a few days the office called and told me to buy some iron supplements. Ugh...I am so not taking those. I can't even get down the prenatals most of the time right now. Let's just say my gag reflex is a little sensitive.

So I tried some black strap molasses on the advice from the lady at the health food store. Big mistake. A tablespoon of that nasty stuff is waaaaay worse than a big pill. Jessie, why didn't you warn me???? :)

So today I'm going to research some alternative ways to get more iron in my diet. Any advice for me? It needs to taste good though!

Another fun fact - I measured 32 weeks today ... hopefully I will go early!

16 comments:

Michelle said...

Wow, you've really had a lot going on. Such interesting experiences. I'm sure you would like everything to be settled. I'll be praying for you.

Reagan said...

I like the change up of your layout! I don't know when you changed it but I am just now seeing it without my reader :)

Lynn said...

I had to take iron also. I found iron pills from the Health Food Mart that was all from plant material. You'd have to swallow them, but it's so worth having it - I felt SO much better and the natural supplements don't have the same side effects (aka constipation :) )

Shawna said...

How low are we talking on your iron? I know there are some great things you can do besides taking the pills. Remember Crystal's last pregnancy? She implemented some different stuff this time.

Did you see Kim or Manya?

Rachel said...

it wasn't that low, in my opinion anyway - just 10.2, they want it above 11.

What is the health food mart?

Shawna, I saw Kim.

Shawna said...

I agree with you on the iron. Very manageable.

Glad you liked Kim!

meesh said...

I take a little red pill (much smaller than a prenatal!) called Feosol. It is a slow-release iron, which is alot better on my system! It is a little more expensive than generic iron, but the slow release is nice on the digestive system! Third trimester I take 2 a day, to help prevent anemia after having the baby!

Jessie said...

Ummm iron...a cup of raisins a day, put spinach in a smoothie-or eat a lot of spinach salads instead of romaine or mix it in. Go to Texas Road House on your next date night and have a nice steak :)
How is that? Sorry about the black strap molasses it's terrible all alone-you could mix it in with a smoothie too-I never tasted it in mine.
Praying for you

Anonymous said...

If you make your own bread you can use the black strap molasses instead of honey and use whole grain dark rye flour instead of whole wheat. For two loaves I use about 3-4 cups of rye and then the rest white flour ( it rises better). I also add about 1/4 cup ground flax seeds. (this makes it more moist and more healthy).
But, I think Jesse's idea about going out for a steak is very good. You can't beat beef in iron content. And a good steak is yummy! Love, Mom

Eryn said...

more red meat!

Caleb and Anna said...

Rachel- I am anemic throughout my whole pregnancy and do take the Slow-Fe (slow release iron) when I can manage it. Which is not right now... so for now I am trying to supplement with a big steak whenever I can convince my hubby to take me out or buy one- I ate 16oz on Valentines!

Caleb and Anna said...

Oh, and personally I would go to the OB over the midwife. She may be young but she is still well-trained.

Christina said...

"Let no man despise thy youth..." I'm totally an OB sort of girl. Of course, you can't guarantee that any doctor you see will actually be there for the delivery! You never know who you may end up with...trust me...

Rachel said...

yeah, that's kinda the thing...there is one OB in that practice that I just cannot stand. He totally creeps me out. There are 4 of them in the practice, so it's a 1 in 4 chance.

Something to pray about, that's for sure...I'm really just kinda joking, Anna - I'm sure she's well trained. :)

jenica said...

I'd be skeptical of that young ob, especially with a newborn. I have worried about my docs/nurses being alert and well rested.

Hello! Where's the belly shots? Isn't that part of a pregnancy update?! =)

Praying for wisdom for you.

Beth said...

I have loved my last two births, both with a mid-wife. And, in my experience, if they sense that anything could possibly go wrong, they would get you to a doctor ASAP. They don't want to take chances with you or your baby either. The whole experience just seems more natural with a midwife- at least for me.

As for the iron, I had the same problem, and I just supplemented with foods that are high in iron, as well as foods that are high in fiber (to combat other issues). Almonds, spinach, steaks, etc. are all good! And, Fiber One Cereal for the fiber.