I could entitle this:
“23 weeks, but feels like 33 weeks”
Maybe it is the heat. Maybe it is my size. Maybe it’s because I just want to be holding this little one on the outside! But, I gotta keep cookin’ this little one, so I’ll keep truckin’ on.
After a couple of excruciatingly itchy days last week, I did a quick Google search and discovered something I never knew…anemia can make you feel like your skin is “crawling.” THAT is precisely what I feel! So, I ordered some Floradix tablets (not a chance can I get the liquid down) and started taking them with a glass of Emergen-C to help absorption.
I am always severely anemic in pregnancy, but I thought with the addition of a B12 with Folate to my regimen, I would possible overcome that. (Back in 2009, a hematologist confirmed that my anemia is caused by a B deficiency, and more specifically, Folate). I don’t have the blood test to confirm my suspicion of anemia, but if I can rid myself of the itching, it will be a Godsend, and the Floradix won’t hurt me in the process. (By the way, Floradix is a non-constipating formula – hallelujah!)
I am loving feeling baby move! Whenever I feel this little one wiggle around, I stop what I’m doing so I can talk to baby. Makes me smile.
My 3 year old understands that my belly has a baby in it, but my 18 month old is still pretty clueless. She knows what a baby is, but the concept of my belly being a baby – not happening. However, my belly IS a pillow in her world. I wonder what she will think when the pillow disappears and a real live little dolly takes its place?!
My next doctor’s appointment is in a little less than 2 weeks. I travel 2.5 hours to go the my OB. Some people think that’s madness, but my husband and I both agree going to this particular doctor is well worth the drive. She advocated for my VBA2C (vaginal birth after 2 c-sections) when no one else in the city would, she is very low-key and non-interventive unless she has to be, and I knew when she said we have to do a c-section with my last child’s birth that it wasn’t without cause. This will be my first birth as a planned c-section, and I cannot imagine any other doctor performing the surgery and caring for me postpartum the way she does. She has become a friend – and I would not give that up that relationship unless I had to.
By the way, I will be writing more about the planned c-section as it gets closer to time, and eventually, I’ll add to my Birthing Journey posts, but until then, if you’d like to read about my first 8 births, you can find them here:
And if you’ve struggled with the aftermath of an unplanned c-section, here’s a post I did last year entitled: Was my Cesarean necessary? It took me a long time to heal from that first c-section and get to the place I am now.
Tamara says
I love reading your pregnancy updates Amy! Our due dates must be very close together. I reached the week 23 mark on Wedsnesday. I’m 43 and this is baby #9. For the first time, I’m the only one pregnant of all of my friends or peers, so it’s fun to hear from you.
Sheila says
Considering your personal history and how early you are in the pregnancy, your self diagnosis is probably right. But I just wanted to share this link with you as I have a friend who had to be induced 3.5 weeks early a few months ago.. Her itchiness was a symptom of something much more serious, and alarm bells went off in my head when I read your post..
http://www.parenting.com/pregnancy/complications/itchy-skin-during-pregnancy-should-not-be-ignored
Praying all is well with you and your little one!
Amie says
Amy, I am new to your website and am enjoying it very much! As soon as i read about your itching I also became concerned about the condition Sheila linked above as I’ve heard of a few cases recently. After having so many little blessings you know your body best and are probably correct about anemia!
Teressa says
Amy, I have been severly anemic for years especially when pregnant & sometimes when nursing. I used to make an herbal iron tea daily with dandelion & nettle to keep my iron levels up & for years took Floridex. Since I started to cook primarily in cast iron for our family my iron levels have completely normalized. It has been really nice to not have to spend the extra time & money to keep my iron up & a relief not have such low iron levels that I can’t even open my eyes. Cast iron cookware cooks beautifully. Blessings to you.
Amy says
Thanks, Teressa! I actually switched to cast a few years ago to see if it would help, but it didn’t. I’m glad it worked for you!
raisingcropsandbabies says
I love planned C-sections! Everything is so much more calm, in place, etc. I’m having my 5th C-section (6th baby) in January and enjoy being able to plan sitters for the kids, plane flights for my family, prepare myself, etc. Last baby, I got a pedicure the day before because I knew I’d be staring at my feet a lot during recovery. 🙂 I also drive 1-1/2 hours to my wonderful doctor… I told my husband that I can’t imagine having a baby without him! haha.
Tess says
Regarding the itching, consider looking into chlolestasis of pregnancy, a liver condition which causes itching in pregnancy. A friend of mine has it during her pregnancies, and the only noticeable symptom for her to have it diagnosed was the unbearable itching.
Savannah says
We drive 2 hours one way to our midwife. When you find good care, it is so well worth the drive!
Christina says
MTFHR mutation. Definitely research it. Tongue ties and cleft palates are caused in part by it.