*Warning Boring Doctor's Report Ahead. Cute Husband Mentioned.*
So yesterday was the eagerly anticipated first doctor's visit. Freak took off work, because you know, he doesn't want to look like a slacker in the gestational department. Off we went, clutching our P__ journal filled with questions, to navigate the mass of construction and confusing parking situation. A sherpa, a llama, and two energy bars later, we finally arrived at the hallow doctor's office.
Where we were immediately confronted with Paperwork #1= "Hi! This how much we estimate the next nine months will cost!". Even with insurance, Beta will cost us $$$. Without insurance Doctor's Fees = $3800. With Insurance = $400. Labs, hospital, etc not included. Seeing as how discussing delivery seemed rather presumptious, I drew a lot of dirty looks when I asked "What happens if things don't . . . you know . . . continue."
After evil billing person released us to the waiting room, Freak read a pamplet on hypnobirthing class and I knitted socks. I'm sure more than one pregnant teenager (there were several) was completely freaked out by us. Heck, my cane alone is pretty freaky.
Then we got, Paperwork #2, otherwise known as Scary Medical History. "Good news, all these horrible things? You're at very low risk! Would you like screening anyway?" At which point, I was just like, "Hey, um can we get to the ultrasound now, please? Cause, uh, you're starting to freak me out?"
Perky Paperwork Nurse looked slightly stunned and said, "Oh, low risk pregnancies don't get an ultrasound till 18 weeks." Freak grinned broadly at hearing that we are low risk. I had to admit, it was kinda cool to be lumped with "everyone else" and not the PCOS/Diabetes cool kids anymore. This joy lasted about 5 seconds until I realized that she meant I might have to wait something like ELEVEN MORE WEEKS just to make we're really in business here.
As steam poured forth from my ears, Freak gently explained how I have "anxiety issues and read too many blogs where bad things happen." They shared a knowing smile, and I got my ultrasound. NEXT WEDNESDAY. After we see the heartbeat next Wednesday, I promise to chill the frak down and throughly enjoy my low risk status. I'm going to try to enjoy the next week too. And not stew. She says everything looks "perfect" and "right on track." So I suppose, I have to use my really weak patience and trust muscles and just WAIT.
We also learned that six weeks, five days IS too early to hear the heartbeat on doppler (she didn't even try). Not that this will stop us from running to Baby Beat to pre-order. Hell,the six month subscription is sounding pretty nice. The nurse said how a lot of people "really wish there was a window down there." I was all like, "Yes, how do I order one?"
So the real fun came when I got to give five vials of blood. I got to skip vial six because I've got a free pass from the glucose tolerance exam. Which is nice because I didn't even have to stomp my foot to get it.
Finally, we got a big totebag filled with free Pregnancy magazines, resource guides, The Pregnancy Book, a guide to our hospital, and all manner of prenatal vitamin samples. Free stuff! Okay. Maybe the visit wasn't COMPLETELY useless.
And maybe I do need to chill out. I'm working on it. A wise person told me yesterday that my "biggest risk is of having a healthy baby." And she's right. And it is just so completely terrifying and amazing and wonderful. And completely routine to my clinic. Cause you know, women do this everyday. I still think it's pretty spectacular though.
So, until proven otherwise, I'm just going to assume--We're having a baby. Freak called himself "Beta's Daddy" before he left for work this morning and I just melted. Big puddle of goo. Estimated Due Date: September 15th. Gender: To remain a surprise (yeah there was a form for that too!). Plans" To be made, tentatively, but joyously. And I STILL WANT THAT ULTRASOUND. Ommmmmmmmmm. Ommmmm.