10 Weeks & First Prenatal Visit

Kyle and I went to Tripler Army Medical Center yesterday for my first official prenatal visit. It was a little disappointing because we had been hoping to hear the fetal heartbeat. Unfortunately they do not do fetal heartbeat checks at 10 weeks at Tripler, so we didn't get to hear that long-awaited "swishing" sound. Since I get emotional at EVERYTHING these days, I had to hold back my tears of disappointment. But I did get my lab work done and got to pee in another cup - so we did accomplish something. I think a part of me just wants to hear the heartbeat to confirm that this is all real, and that there really is a little kidney-sized baby growing inside of me. It is all so far-removed and surreal, that hearing that heartbeat will make it all more concrete for me. 

What IS concrete, however, is my persistent nausea and (new this week) headaches. The nausea has lessened somewhat since I began taking a half-tablet of Unisom in the evening. Thank goodness. The headaches are bearable and hopefully won't last too long. My understanding is that hormones peak during Weeks 9 and 10, then begin to subside as the placenta takes over that job. So hopefully after this week things will begin to improve. I'm becoming more optimistic as I near the end of my first trimester! I still wear my Sea-bands Kyle bought me - and while I might be imagining it, I think they actually help with the nausea!

This week, Week 10, our little guy or gal is just over one inch long. He/she is kicking his legs and moving his arms - as well as swallowing amniotic fluid. Tiny fingernails and toenails are beginning to form, and peach-fuzz hair is growing on her skin. All the webbing is gone from between the fingers and toes, as well. Most of his vital organs (liver, kidney, brain, etc.) are beginning to function this week as well! Amazingly enough, the little guy will actually respond to poking and prodding at this point, as well!