Thursday, August 30, 2007

None of the Pleasure, Double the Guilt

Yesterday, I had an appointment with one of my TWO doctors providing care during this pregnancy. My OB/Gyn referred me to Maternal Fetal Medicine because I am old. It's funny, I never thought 36 was old until I got pregnant...annywhoo...I was there for (yet) another targeted ultrasound, this time a detailed echocardiogram on the baby's heart. It was necessary because of "early exposure." To alcohol, that is. (Sigh. This mama guilt is really setting in early.) I didn't have the first inkling that I was pregnant until Iwas already 15 weeks along. Until that point, my dinners usually included wine and there was a VERY fun weeklong vacation in the Florida Keys. I'm no alcoholic, not by any stretch of the imagination. Still, when I saw the pink line in the window of the home pregnancy test, I shuddered with fear of fetal alcohol syndrome. I'm happy to report the doctors saw "no funny stuff" during the hour-long ultrasound, much to my relief. Just when I thought I was in the clear, ready to check out, pay my $25 and run straight home to frame the newest pictures (in 3D!) of my little one, the doctor sternly admonished me for having lost three pounds since my last visit (just one week prior.) I nearly threw my Gatorade at him, but I thought better of it since Gatorade is the only liquid I've been able to tolerate while suffering through a stomach bug this week. I guess the bright side is, I can eat that Chocolate Haagen-Dazs in my freezer AND even top it with my current craving for marshmallows.

4 comments:

LMP said...

Since you're new and all, I'm willing to throw you a point here for not instantly sensing the shift in the universe when your little angel was conceived and took up residence in that most magical spot, your own uterus (OK, the second most magical spot). But I don't know...having to endure admonishment for LOSING weight while preggers... Ladies? I don't know about you but I DEFINITELY don't feel her pain.

*pal said...

Uh huh. In my defense, the weight loss was not deiberate. As a matter of fact, I've been very happy with my growing roundness! Despite the aches and pains of the bug, and despite the every-10-minutes trips to the bathroom, I actually worried about LOSING weight. :)

Chaotic Joy said...

I think the point was generous because I am having trouble knowing what it is you actually did wrong. Was it drinking before you knew it was pregnant? Or having a stomach virus? I will cut you slack though since your baby is still in utero. Once she gets out though, you are going to have to do better than that.

karen said...

I agree - WME points are for full knowledge acts. Accidentally being awful doesn't count.

Now, then, you might pull out a point for losing weight against doctor's orders once you knew you were pregnant. The Best Mother would eat anyway, stomach bug or no!

In light of your delicate condition, I might be willing to award a second point if you can assure us that you ate the entire pint of Haagen-Dazs, with at least three big marshmallows. Vegetables? Protein? What?