First OB Visit Today

I had my first visit with the OB's office today. If I had to sum it up in one word, I would have to choose "overwhelming." They gave me a huge folder with all sorts of info, and then a nurse sat down with me and went over everything. That's when I realized how much is involved with this whole having a baby thing. I have to go to the doctor every few weeks??? There are childbirth AND Lamaze classes? And I have to sign-up for them by 24-weeks? That's so soon! And there are infant CPR, baby care, and breastfeeding classes? All I’ve done so far is read the first few chapters of WTEWYE. And we have to buy so much baby stuff and plan a nursery. OMG! I must order Baby Bargains now so I can start the planning!

I will admit, though, that I got all mushy and excited when I opened up my free gift from Similac and there was a pacifier in there. Aw, my first baby item is in the house! I cannot wait to meet this little one!

I also got weighed when I first arrived - I've already gained three pounds :/ I think I need to cut back on the cheesy poofs. (For some reason, m/s has me wanting only food that is really bad for me, like Cheese-its and Smart Food.) Thanks to the extra pounds, (and the few that I gained before I got pregnant due to drowning my IF sorrows in two glasses of wine each night), I am already very uncomfortable in most of my pants. I've been using the Be Band and the rubber band trick, but most of my shirts are not long enough to cover the band or hide my unzipped fly. So, I made my first maternity purchases today – I bought a long black maternity tee and another regular, long, flowy tee at Target. I also had some new bras, (because my boobs are already huge), and bigger pants on my shopping list, but I was tired and hungry, so instead, I came home and ate lunch and half a bag of Smart Food, and then took a nap.

So, back to my OB visit. I also got my flu shot, which is making me feel like crap right now, (as it always does the evening after I get it). I also asked if they would be getting any H1N1 vaccine once the shot version comes in, because, being in two risk categories, I really want it. The nurse said she didn’t know. Hopefully at least CF clinic will get some.

The appointment lasted almost an hour, and then I had to get some blood drawn. I go back in two weeks for an exam with the doctor.

Oh, and one other thing: I haven’t taken Colistin in 4 weeks because it’s been my “off” month. I am scheduled to go back on it this weekend, but I am nervous about taking a Pregnancy Category C medicine in the first trimester. I know it’s important to weigh the risk of Colisitin with the risk of not taking it and then having a lung exacerbation, I just don’t know what those risks are. I’ve heard that, because it’s inhaled, the amount that reaches the fetus is small. But, the baby is only the size of a grape and is currently developing some vital organs, so, couldn’t even a small amount have an impact? I haven’t cultured PA in two years – so, does this mean it shouldn’t be a big deal to go off it for another month, or would I be taking a huge risk of the PA coming back if I don’t continue it? I have no idea. My OB wants me to discuss this with my CF doctor (she called me after the appointment to talk to me about it). I need to call clinic tomorrow.

Lastly, I got the bill for all my OB stuff from today through childbirth, (not including extra visits, lab work, or hospital charges): $584 after insurance, which has to be paid in full in two weeks. (the before-insurance cost for vaginal delivery is $3,200). I didn't see that one coming. As much as I hate my job, I must say it's a good thing I am still working!