FiRsT vIsIt

Last week, the hubby and I had our first visit to the Birth Center (a.k.a. TBC) we are using for our prenatal care, ob-gyn, and delivery services. I was so excited about our first visit that we showed up the day before our scheduled appointment. Of course, it was accidental. However, it worked out cause I was able to take my time and fill out all the necessary documents needed for my real appointment the next day. They would have seen us if they weren't already booked. None the less, we returned the next day.

As soon as we checked in they handed me my file, which has never happened. Usually, doctor offices like to keep the file in the back and you only ever get a glimpse of your file the whole visit. Apparently, TBC likes you to be involved in your treatment/care every step of the way. So, having easy access to your file is the first step. Then, you are to provide a urine sample at every visit but you are to test it yourself prior to giving it to them and your are to weigh yourself. Seems like no big deal but you feel a little more involved in the visit rather than "sit here and give me this" type of visit that most are accustomed.

During my hour long visit, we discussed background medical history and they reviewed my blood work in detail with me that was done last month (that my previous gyno ordered and never cared to explain). Everything was normal and my blood type was O positive. (Good to know). She then performed a regular exam and since I was about 11 weeks at that point she decided to see if we could hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time. Hubby was really excited.

At first, she couldn't find it and said maybe he/she was too small for the size Doppler she was using so she got another one that they usually use for smaller babies. A couple seconds later (along with the look of worry all over hubby's face) we heard the softness noise of our baby's healthy heartbeat for the first time. WOW! Hubby and I just looked at each other and smiled.

This weekend, I'm approaching my second trimester as I'll be 12 weeks. It still hasn't hit me yet. Maybe after week 20 when I will get my next ultra sound to determine the baby's sex it will slap me in the face with the reality of I'm really pregnant.