If you’ve been reading the other posts in this series, you know that I have four sons. I have learned something from all of my sons, but one of them has taught me more than all of the others. My youngest son was born five years after the last one. My husband and I went back and forth for some time and finally agreed we would like to have one more baby. By this time our two oldest children are in Jr. High and we have a 2nd grader, 1st grader and another about to start kindergarten. We bought a van that would seat 6 and we were ready! This was my first truly planned pregnancy. I was looking forward to another baby!
Looking back, there were signs. I started spotting early. I hadn’t even had my first doctor’s appointment when it began. I was on vacation and called the doctor to get advice because in all of my previous pregnancies I had never had any problems. This was new to me and a little scary. The nurse told me to take it easy and if it got worse or persisted, to call back or go to the emergency room. I rested that afternoon and the bleeding stopped. I continued with my vacation and had no further problems prior to my first checkup.
A couple more months into my pregnancy, I spotted again. This time I was really frightened. I was about 5 months pregnant and it was the second time during this pregnancy. I called the doctor and again was advised to go home and stay off my feet for the rest of the day. If it persisted, I was welcome to call back and schedule a visit with the doctor. I went home (I was at work) and went right to bed. I believe I stayed home the next day as well just to be safe.
Dressed for Work (safety orange and boots) Andy at 4 yrs.
I need to mention something else. I fell a LOT during this pregnancy. I don’t really know why. I would be walking along and then just fall. Almost as if I had twisted my ankle. My ankles just gave out I guess. I hadn’t really gained a lot of weight-about 40 lbs total. Although that was more than I had with my four previous pregnancies.
I should also point out that this was my most enjoyable pregnancy (aside from the seeming medical issues). I was approaching 40, and I think that the stress of weight gain, etc. just didn’t bother me this time. I was fairly financially secure and was able to eat how I liked, dress how I liked, and with my kids being a little older, I was able to rest often as well. I was happy. I knew this was my last time and I really enjoyed myself and the growing baby.
It was my best and worst pregnancy.
