In Loving Memory of Brianna Lynne McComiskey-McFadden, August 30th, 2003 - August 30th, 2003

The Labour Story

On August 29th. I had just arrived home from work around 6:30pm and decided that I would like to update this web page. I knew how noticeable it was that she had dropped and I wanted everyone to see. I put a picture on the website and stood up. At that very minute this warm clear liquid started running down my leg. My water had broke!

I called Sandy and we packed and headed to the Hospital. The contractions had not started yet, but soon after I arrived they begun. I was put on the external monitor. Two belts were wrapped around me measuring fetal movement, heartbeat and contractions. They had me on my side and then I could finally feel the contractions. It was very good to watch them on the monitor though because I could see when they were decreasing in intensity. My contractions were about 5 minutes apart right away. They were really not painful at that point. They felt like my uterus was squeezing itself really tight and then relaxing.

After hours of being monitored they decided I would stay the night as it appeared that labour would continue to progress. I went to the birthing unit and a few hours later they measured my cervix. It was about 1 cm but had thinned out 100%. I had a demerol shot for the pain hoping that I would be able to sleep. I was awake through each contraction. By the time the demerol wore off I had been in labour for about 12 hours. I was measured again and this time I was 5cm. From that point I used the gas and it worked very well! Shortly after I was measuring 9cm, which I was very excited about!

The last cm was the hardest, not because of pain, but because of the strong urge to push. After some tough contractions I was finally measuring 10cm. It was time to push! With basically 5 sets of pushes Brianna entered this world. Sandy was amazing! He held my leg and encouraged me the whole time! I only needed 1 stitch but I think that was worse than the pain of labour!

Brianna was taken to the special care floor immediately as they determined what could be wrong. She was unable to breath on her own and they had to give her medication to keep her heart pumping and her blood pressure at a normal rate. She was not getting the proper amount of oxygen and they were concerned about brain damage. She was also not able to clot which was causing some severe problems with her organs. Brianna passed away later that evening on August 30th.

An autopsy was performed and in December of 2003 we found out that she had a vascular tumor in her liver. The IWK had heard of such a thing but had not seen it first hand. They are still determining a cause, but as we all know cancer is very hard to pin point. At this point we are relieved to have some closure on this sad, but beautiful story.

Week 34!

Well I guess some baby's just don't want to wait 40 weeks to come out. I think ours definitely falls into that category. We had our baby shower on Sunday and it was a great day only I found myself with a lot of pain and aches. From that day on sleeping is something I am getting very little of. Apparently the baby has dropped and is readying itself for birth.

On Tuesday I lost my mucus plug. Basically that is the plug that seals the baby into the uterus. Once the cervix starts to change and open the plug comes out. Usually once this happens the baby is not too many weeks away. So needless to say I felt I was pretty early for all this to be happening.

I went to the doctor today and she was quite amazed at how my shape has changed and how much bigger I have gotten. Last week I explained the measurements and how from the top of the uterus to the bottom should equal how many weeks you are. Well I am 34 weeks and measuring full term! Yep you heard it right. This baby is huge and starting to appear like it is ready to make its big entrance.

My doctor is booking an ultrasound because chances are given all the current changes my due date will be moved up a lot. For now I have an appointment 2 weeks away which she feels I will meet. Once she gets the measurements she will have a better idea of how far along I really am. So much for a small baby. Looks like this one will take after me after all!

I must say that I am happy that the baby is starting to make things progress, especially if it is big enough to come now. Definitely a lot better than being over due, which doesn't look like it will happen to me!

Week 33!

I think the "having no signs of being pregnant" has finally caught up to me. After months of not feeling sick, weak, or any of the other symptons I feel like I am starting to pay the price. The past week has been very tiring and I just feel totally warn out. For some reason when I wake up in the morning all of my joints are very stiff and achy. I sleep much better now but I think it is because I am exhausted all the time. Very different from the rest of my pregnancy.

Last week we had a prenatal class and learned more about different styles of breathing and labour. We also had a tour of the Grace/ IWK on the 13th and were able to see every area we would be going to once admitted. I must say I am very pleased that I will be having the baby there. It is an amazing hospital with very advanced equipment.

I also had my doctors appointment last week. Everything went well. I gained 3 pounds and my belly measurement is exactly where it should be. I am 33 weeks and my belly is 33 cm from the top of the uterus to the bottom. I had no idea that is how they judge how many weeks you are until recently. My blood pressure is still nice and low and everything else checked out well.

This week we have another prenatal class and next week will be the end of them until the breastfeeding class in Sept. I will have another doctors appointment next week.

Week 32!

It is amazing that there is less than 2 months before baby is due to arrive. Lately sleeping is becoming more difficult. I only have 2 options at this point, left or right side. Lately at night the baby will sneak its little toes into my left ribs. So basically I am down to sleeping on my right side, which makes nights rather interesting. The body pillow is helping though!

Last week Sandy and I went to the first of our last set of prenatal classes. It was great to see everyone and how the bellies have changed. Each woman was carrying a different way and it was so interesting. The nurse went through the stages of labour and we did some practice relaxing techniques. We also learned the deeper style of breathing. We have a class every week until the end of August.

I have noticed more movements this week than last. I think mainly because I am trying harder to notice them and push a little get the baby moving. The baby has hiccups almost every day now. They never usually last more than 5 minutes or so but they are too cute.

This week I have another doctor's appointment and hopefully will make it through without the panics of the last visit ;o)

Week 30!

The beginning of my 30th week has been really interesting. I feel well and everything seems to be going ok and I have officially hit the 3/4 mark, unless the baby later decides differently!

Today I had my doctors appointment and my blood pressure is still nice and low. I had no gained any weight at all in the last 2 weeks. The babys heart beat was very strong as well. She asked me how often the baby moved and I told her that I feel it about 5 times a day, which I thought was normal now that I am a lot larger. She did not like the sound of that and explained that I should feel movement anywhere between 30-40 times a day.

At that point she gave me a fetal movement sheet where I have to track the movements each day. She said I should feel 10 movements every four hours. She also wanted me to go straight to the Graces Fetal Assessment unit for some monitoring and an ultrasound. I went to have lunch first since she said that was #1 and then went to the Grace. I was able to pre-register for a private room and get all the paperwork filled out in advance, which will save me the time when I am in labour.

From there I went to the the 7th floor Fetal Assessment. They put me on a fetal monitor for about an hour and monitored the heart rate of the baby. By that time Sandy had arrived and we headed over to the next bed for an ultrasound. The nurse had to be sure that the baby moved 3 times and she also measured the fluid around the baby. Right away she spotted why I do not feel as much as some moms. My placenta is sitting on the top of my uterus, so on the belly button part of my belly. This is not abnormal, it just makes movement harder to detect. Most of the time the placenta sits on the side or back part by the backbone. So i have to work a little harder to feel the movements. Everything looked great though and I received a 10/10.

It was awesome to see the baby again and how much it has grown. The profile of the face is so clear now, and she said she could tell it was already doing its "practice breathing". I have felt hiccups this week which she said was another sign it was getting ready to breath on its own.

So in the end everything is great at this point. I still have to keep track of the movement, but at this point they said they should not need to see me again!

Week 28!

I had my visit to the doctor today and everything is going really well. Now that I have entered my last trimester I have to go for my appointments every two weeks until I get close to delivery, then it will be every week.

In the last month I have gained 7 pounds and at this stage the baby will be putting on a good amount of weight every week as well! The doctor is now measuring my belly and she explained today that the baby is situated right where it needs to be at this point. So I was happy to hear that.

My blood pressure has dropped even lower than the last visit and now stands at 100/60 so there are no worries there. And of course at the end of the visit I was able to hear the ever so strong heart beat. It is amazing that every visit it becomes so much stronger and clear.

I still feel very well. Sleeping is getting a little more difficult as my belly grows. I have always experienced back pain throughout my life, but it is definitely getting worse now. I bought a body pillow and it seems to help me get comfortable, so it was definitely a good investment. Lately I have been getting leg cramps at night which I guess is common at this stage. It seems to be only when I am in bed and I have been getting a few each night! Definitely not much fun!

I am still free of tests for now, but I know they will be starting up again shortly. At this point everything is going well and I am looking forward to the end! ;o)

Week 27!

Well I am about to enter the third trimester. I still can not believe that I am in the final stage of this pregnancy. This is also the stage where everything seems to start up again. I begin the last stage of my prenatal classes soon and after I meet with my doctor next week I start the tests up again.

In the final stages of my prenatal class we will be taking a tour of the IWK Grace and I will be also attending a breast feeding class. I am really looking forward to both. I do regret however enrolling in a lamaze based class and I think with our next child I will seek a "Bradley" method style class. It is a popular style of birthing in the US and it is based on different styled breathing and meditation techiniques. Apparently 93 Percent of mothers who use this style have medication free deliveries. Now a lot of you may think I am crazy but unless something drastically changes this will be the delivery I am aiming for.

As far as the baby is concerned :o) he or she is definitely continuing to grow. Supposedly at this stage the baby weighs 2 lbs and is 14 inches long. Still amazes me that something so large is growing inside of me. Bending is becoming more difficult and even the slightest bend just feels impossible. Luckily I have made sure that I do not have any shoes that need tying, so that I will not need any assistance in that area.

Everything is going well and besides trying to get comfortable all the time I am feeling really great. Last week I began feeling the "Braxton Hicks" contractions, but they are so light that this week I barely notice that they are there. No strange cravings, just eatting up fruit like crazy. It still feels weird not to crave chocolate. After all it was the love of my life for years and now I can barely look at it. I sure hope that changes once the baby is born.

This week I will be attempting to start pregnancy yoga on my own. My friend Cheryl must have been tired of me telling her that I hate not being able to be active and exercise, so she brought me in her tape. I will definitely keep an update on my progress with that. :o)

Next week is my doctors appointment and I will write more once I have my next months assignments!

Week 25!

Well another week is almost gone and shortly I will be at the 3 months left mark. I still cannot believe how fast the time has passed. I think I am now entering the stage where the next 3 months will crawl right along. Summer has to be my favorite season, but it is not easy to enjoy when your belly is in the way :o)

I do not think that the heat is getting to me yet. I know that it is getting really hot up here and clothing is definitely becoming a burden haha. I find the nights are harder to get through mainly because of the lack of sleeping options I have. For those of you who have never been pregnant try sticking a half inflated basketball under your belly and go to sleep. I am sure you will figure out what I mean quickly ;o)

I have been lucky in that I am still not in maternity clothes although I feel that it is not far off. I have tried to just increase the size of the clothes I buy. Most of my clothes now are size 11 and I find it is much cheaper to buy them that way then pay for maternity clothing. It is funny how much more something costs just to make the belly bigger.

I have been very lucky with my weight gain because it has been very gradual. I have managed to stay away from the stretch marks and knock on wood... I do not have any yet. I still lather myself with the cocoa butter lotions though.

There are a lot more people touching my belly now as well which I am still getting used to. Sounds funny to say but it is weird walking along or standing there and someone just reaches over and rubs your belly. Kinda sets you back for a second. ;o)

Well week 26 is fast approaching and as much as I enjoy summer I am really hoping it flys by so that October arrives very soon!

Week 24!

I had my 4 week doctors appointment today. I am 24 heading into 25 weeks and I still cannot get over how time is flying by. The baby is kicking stronger and more often every day. I know there is not a day that goes by that I feel him or her.

At this doctors appointment I was weighed and I only gained 3 more pounds. She said that this was normal and I appear to be only gaining baby weight which was very good to hear. The doctor also moved my due date back to October 10th based on the baby's size right now. My blood pressure has gone back to normal for me. 110/60. She wants me to be sure and keep it low as these next few months are crutial because if it is going to rise this is usually when it will happen.

My results came back on the diabetes test and everything is completely normal, so that was a relief as well. I was able to listen to the heart beat again and she said it is very strong and everything is going perfectly! She said my belly was perfect too because it was not too small or too big, just right.

I do not have to go back to the doctor for another 4 weeks and luckily I do not have any tests during this month. I guess after my next visit the blood tests start up again. So this is my month off! :o)

Sandy was able to feel the baby kick for the first time last week. It actually came at the most perfect time as it was Fathers Day. It was almost like the baby was waiting for that perfect time. He was able to feel quite a few nice strong kicks!

Well that is about it for now. All is going well. I am having crazy cravings for fruit though. I think it has to be the best thing to crave, but I feel like no matter how many different types I try I cannot beat the craving. I am hoping once the strawberries come out I may be able to beat it then! :o)

Week 22!

Wow! Another week is almost gone and in a few days I will be into week 23. Hard to believe that exactly 4 months from today is my due date! The time has just flew by.

I was going to wait to write this after my birthday tomorrow, but I thought since it was only 4 months away I would write today. The baby is definitely growing and getting stronger. The little kicks that used to be flutters are definitely giving me a nice little jolt. I can only imagine how they will feel once the baby has added some weight on. :o)

I realized today that this will be my last birthday as just Jen. It is something that probably few of us think about, but for some reason it popped into my head today that for the last time I will be celebrating alone. From here on in I will be "Mommy Jen". I guess sometimes it can set you back in your seat that from here on in you are responsible for developing this baby into a wonderful human being! Really quite amazing!

Next week I have my doctors appointment and I will be able to find out the results of the diabetes test. I am pretty sure that is the end of my trips to the hospital for a little while anyway. I have still had no odd cravings, no sickness and I have not had a headache in over a month. I find some nights I am very sleepless but for the most part everything is going really well.

I went to the maternity shop the other day, because my clothes are starting to get uncomfortable. There was not much that fit me at this stage because it was more for bigger bellies. So I decided to go to the normal shops and buy bigger sizes. This should hold me over for a month or two!

Still find it so hard to believe I am over half way there...

Week 21!

I figured since I was almost into my 22nd week that I should make an entry! It is truly amazing how time seems to be flying, but I am sure that will change once I can no longer tie my own shoes ;o)

This past week I went to have the diabetes test at the Grace. The yucky orange pop was not as bad as I expected. But during this pregnancy I have stayed away from pop so the fizz took a bit of getting used to. I am not sure how many of you are fans of orange pop, but at least the real thing has sugar. This was definitely lacking and I only had a few minutes to get it down. Then I had to wait an hour for the blood work. Alex was with me so we found 3 different play areas at the IWK so it went by fast. She was definitely a lot braver than I was. I cant look at the nurse while getting a blood test. She was right there watching reassuring me that it would be ok.. haha.

I have noticed a change now in the babys movement. It moves A LOT now. And it is funny but now I notice different things that can trigger it. The baby definitely takes after me already and my love of heat. If anything warm is near my belly I can feel the baby moving all around. Also if there is any pressure at all on my belly the baby loves to kick it away. Alex was on my lap the other day and I think the baby kicked her in the back a good 10 times! Amazing how that little being is already responding in its own way!

My belly is definitely starting to feel like a watermelon. I cant feel it getting any bigger at this point, but it is definitely getting a lot harder. I rolled over on my belly the other night and it woke me up pretty fast. Felt like I had rolled over onto a pumpkin or something, haha... didnt take long for me to change positions.

Well I think that just about covers this week! Soon it will be week 22 ;o)

Week 20!

Well I am finally a little over half way there!! The first half has gone by so quickly, but I have a feeling that the second half will be much slower ;o)

I am feeling the baby move a great amount lately. Usually every day for a few hours I can feel that little being moving around. I think that has to be so much more greater than hearing the heart beat, just because it is a feeling unlike any other.

I had my doctors appointment this week. I went in and she had the results of the blood test and ultrasound. Apparently I am rubella negative which means that the immunization that I had when I was younger was rejected by my body. SO that means that I have to stay clear of anyone with German Measles, which shouldnt be too hard I think! My parents were down visiting, so mom was able to come in and hear the heart beat. She was so impressed with how strong it was! I think she talked about it all afternoon, what a proud grandmother!

The rest of my blood test results came back good and she said the ultrasound was perfect. The baby came back very very heathly and I am exactly where I should be. So I was very releaved to hear that! My blood pressure has gone down 10 points and is heading toward normal, but I still have to keep an eye on it!

Well I was back on the scale when I was there and I was very relieved. The last visit I had, I had gained 5 pounds in 2 weeks, so I was worried that I was gaining too much too fast. In this last month I have only gained 3 pounds, so it has tapered off a bit and I am right on track with my weight gain too! So all is well.

During the next few weeks I have to go and have the diabetes test done at the Grace. So i get to go and drink some orange drink and then wait there for an hour! So it should be fun. But at least it will determine if I have become diabetic during the pregnancy.

Well I think that just about somes it up for now. We are still continuing to buy things for the baby even though we are not quite sure what it is. My mom bought a beautiful pooh crib set that I think the baby will love. So we are having lots of fun! Will write some more in a week or so!

Week 19!

Well today was an amazing day. Sandy and I had the ultrasound this morning at 9:30am. The whole thing took almost an hour and had to be one of the best experiences in my life. The nurse that did the ultrasound was so amazing and as she went over each part she would explain what she was doing. The baby is very healthy and we were even able to see the profile of the baby's face. A very active one in there as he/she was moving their hands and feet all around.

She said that everything was fine and the baby weighs 11 ounces right now. I am 19 1/2 weeks along which is what we expected so everything is right on track. We were able to see the brain, heart, spine, both the hands and the feet and all the little organs. She also allowed us to hear the baby's heartbeat which was a treat for Sandy because he had missed the dr's appointments. She said they had a very strong heart ;o)

It is still just so amazing to me that this little being is living inside of me and growing sooooo quickly. I am starting to get very anxious to meet him/her. And yes as you can tell they did not give us the sex of the baby. At the beginning I swore i saw a little boys part, but then it disappeared, so we are really unsure which it is. Either way we will be very happy with outcome ;o)

I have a dr's appointment next week where we will get the results of the blood tests and the ultrasound. I will write more then ;o) Almost half way there!!!

Week 16!

Wow has it been 2 weeks already? Well during this past week I went to my first prenatal class. It was a lot of fun and I felt much better about everything. I was able to meet about 8 other girls that are expecting around the same time as myself. And i was very happy to notice that I was one of the smaller ones ;o)

That first night was basically a "breaking the ice". We did learn a little from the nurse Pam, but we mainly talked about how things were so far and we watched a video on the development of the baby throughout the nine months.

I went for my second doctors appointment on Thurs. I gained another 5 pounds! AHHHH!! That was a little scary, but they say it will taper off! I guess we will see in a month or so. My blood pressure had also jumped so I am to watch my stress levels for the next month when i go see her again. Hopefully by then all will be ok.

As for changes within me. I notice my belly getting a bit harder. I go to the washroom less at night which is a big bonus. Other than that I feel great! I guess I just find it hard being in the middle stage, where people are just starting to be able to tell and yet my clothes still fit, just tight. I think this would have to be the uncomfortable stage. Some days I just wish i were bigger so I could get some more clothes ;o)

Well in a few weeks i have the ultrasound and another doctors visit! Will write more then ;o)

Week 14!

Weeks seem to be going by very quickly. But i am sure that will change once I look like I have swallowed a watermelon haha. I had my doctors appointment the other day and I was very happy that Auntie Jess could accompany me. I met my obgyn for the first time and she was very nice. She asked me about a million questions about my history and our families history. Once we were through that part she told me I need to read the book "What to expect when you are expecting." So right after the appointment I went out and bought the book. I will start reading it tomorrow and then I am sure I will have tons of questions!

Ok now to the best part. I was able to hear the baby's heart beat! And all I can say is WOW. People told me that it was a great experience and until you hear one I don't think you can ever imagine what it is like. Jess started crying, which was so cute. I teared up pretty good but I think for that minute I was lost. Everything in the world was so unimportant at that very moment and this baby was the most amazing thing!

I have gained 10 pounds at this point. Which is fine considering myself and the doctors were unsure if I would gain enough. So all is well so far. I am going for more blood work this week and then another doctors appointment in a few weeks! I will write more then!

Week 12!

I probably should have started this journal back a month ago, but I think I was just a walking ball of confusion! What have the past 7 weeks been like? Well I missed out on the first 5 because I had no idea I was pregnant. Once I found out I think it took me a few more just to actually start believing it. Now I think I have finally accepted what is coming and I am getting excited and scared.

During the 6-10th weeks I experienced a lot of menstrual cramps. They were very brief and would only last about 30 seconds, but I would have them about 10 times a day. I never had any morning sickness at all. I rarely if ever felt nausea and for the most part felt completely normal.

Now at week 12, I notice that things are getting a little tighter. I have not been to a doctor so I have no idea what I weigh at this point. BUT I still fit in my old clothes so I am happy.

I have little to no pain or discomfort. I have no cravings at this point. Basically my main focus at this point is dousing the cocoa butter lotion in hopes that those nasty stretch marks will stay far away ;O)

I have been reading a lot lately about all of the stages of pregnancy and labour. And soon I will be coming up with a birth plan that I am sure will change. But I figure it is easier to start sooner than later. My doctors appointment is on April 10th during my 14th week so that will be my next journal entry!