External Cephalic Version

(9 months)

Today is my due date but I read somewhere that only about 5% of women actually give birth on their due date. So to help pass the time, while I have it, here is my update. I left off with my baby being in a breech position. I tried some “home remedies” like inversions, swimming, handstands, etc. I have heard acupuncture can help flip a breech baby but for the cost I decided I would wait and if she didn’t flip on her own, I would have an external cephalic version.

                Time passed by and she didn’t flip. At 37 weeks I went in for my ECV appointment. The first thing the nurses did was put two monitors on my belly, one to monitor the baby’s heart rate and another to monitor contractions. They also checked my heart rate. The monitors had to be on my for at least 15 minutes so they could see that the baby was doing fine. The nurse asked me if I had any contractions and I told her no, just little Braxton Hick’s here and there. Then she told me I was currently contracting. Weird! I didn’t feel anything but there it was on the monitor. She told me this was (most likely) due to the fact that I hadn’t been allowed to eat or drink since midnight and being dehydrated can cause contractions. Guess it goes to show just how important staying hydrated during pregnancy is!

                The nurse then put a needle thing in my arm in case I would need an IV in the event of an emergency c-section. The first try didn’t work so the nurse called in an anesthesiologist and she got the IV in no problem. My arm was sore and bruised for over a week from the first attempt. It still slightly hurts to the touch! Then I got a shot of tocolytic (I think) that helps relax smooth muscles, i.e. the uterus. My “contractions” stopped. The Doctor did an ultrasound to confirm the baby was still breech and that I had plenty of amniotic fluid. Everything looked great on the monitors and the Doctor, with the help of a midwife, was ready to start the procedure.

                He told me to try to relax my stomach area as much as possible. So I closed my eyes, focused on my breathing and relaxed. Levi stayed at the bottom of the bed to rub my feet. Every two minutes the nurse would check the baby’s heart rate to make sure it didn’t drop. It never did. To start the Doctor picked up on the baby’s feet and moved her out of my pelvis. The midwife then held the baby in place. He then slowly began to turn the baby. I could feel his muscles tensed but it was not painful for me. Levi told me the Doctor was working hard but he wasn’t pushing hard on me. He just had to be very steady while moving the baby. I guess he closed his eyes too to get a better feel. He stopped two or three times for the heart rate monitoring and then he did an ultrasound and said it worked.

                That was awesome. The whole “flipping” procedure took about 5 minutes. This Doctor was highly recommended and I can see why. We called him the “baby whisperer.” He was very skilled at his work and made sure the baby’s health was the number one priority. He told me beforehand that he wasn’t there to “win.” If the baby didn’t want to move one way he would try another and if she still didn’t want to move then that would be it. It was very reassuring. He and the nurses all complimented me on how relaxed I looked and stayed. The procedure was a bit uncomfortable but nothing unbearable, so I am going to say that all of my races over the years have helped teach me how to be relaxed in uncomfortable situations. Let’s hope labor can be that way too! 

                I received a shot of Rhogam since my blood is RH negative as a precaution in case any of my blood and the baby’s mixed. You don’t want your body to create antibodies against a different type of blood, for instance if our baby’s blood is RH positive then my body would create antibodies against this and conceiving in the future would be difficult.

                I was then placed on the monitors for an hour. I ordered in some food and watched TV to pass the time. The baby’s heart rate was steady the whole time and never dropped. She did great. When it was time to go I definitely noticed a change when I stood up. There was a lot more pressure in my pelvis from her head! The nurse gave me this girdle looking thing to wear 24/7 to supposedly help the baby stay in her new position. I did a great job of wearing it for 3-4 days then I caved. It was itchy, hot, and uncomfortable. I asked my midwife and they said I didn’t need to wear it anymore. It was more important to wear the first couple of days. Whew!

                The whole procedure was pretty neat. It is amazing to me that the Doctor was able to move a baby from the outside! She is still cooperating in her head down position as well but who knows when she will decide to make her grand entrance into this world!

Weddings, Ninja Competitions, and a Stubborn Baby

The summer is flying by. I can't believe we are almost into August which for me means the addition of a new member to my family. Before all of that craziness begins here is my latest update on what I have been up to over the past few months. 

 

(With my beautiful sister Joy at her wedding)

My sister got married the middle of June and I had the honor of being her matron of honor. The hardest thing for me with the wedding was getting my bridesmaid dress to fit. The dresses were purchased before I was pregnant so it was quite the ordeal trying to find fabric, which I ended up having to order directly from the company upon which they sent me the wrong color and finally sent me the correct color 2 days before I left for the wedding, then trying to find someone who could alter the dress affordably for me. Luckily one of my friends' mom had a lot of experience with alterations and fixed the dress for me. It looked amazing and I was so thankful for her help with such a short time frame to get it done. To date I have been in three weddings this year, which any other year would be a piece of cake but being pregnant it is a lot more work just in the attire let alone the tiredness. But each wedding I have been in the brides were more than understanding and accommodating. I spent time with my family over Joy's wedding weekend then flew back to Seattle on a Sunday evening.

(Levi flying up a warped wall)

(Staying cool in the pool)

(Spending time in Vegas with Levi)

By Wednesday I was back on a plane this time heading to Las Vegas to watch Levi in a competition. All I can say about Vegas is that it was hot! It wasn't even the hottest month for them but at that time I was about 7 months pregnant and I am always hot, even when it is 70. But Vegas was in the triple digits so I spent most of my time at the pool or in our air conditioned room. It was nice having those days to spend and relax with Levi without any real obligations. I savored the trip because we won't have many of those moments after the Baby comes. 

(Look matching bellies!)

I volunteered at The Meet of Miles that my brother and another club teammate spearheaded to help support Olympic hopefuls in our club. The meet was a success and I was very impressed with how well it turned out. John did an amazing job announcing and organizing everything. We had tons of prizes to give away and it seemed like everyone who was there had a great time. I definitely see this event growing year after year. 

July 19th I was in another friend's wedding and had a great time. It was amazing how much changed for me physically in a month. I didn't even realize things had changed until I started dancing. At my sister's wedding I was jumping around and dancing just fine. I stayed up pretty late and didn't feel totally exhausted. Well a month later I stepped out on the dance floor at the July wedding and went to "bounce" around and whoa, was I in for a surprise. I felt like my feet were cemented to the ground. Was gravity playing a mean trick on me or was I really just that much larger and more cumbersome? Well I am sure you know the answer to that one. By 10 p.m. I was wiped out and had to head home. As I was getting ready for work today I pulled out one of my work shirts from the closet that I had just washed. I put it on and thought, "Oh no! I shrunk my shirt! Oh wait..." I had probably worn that shirt 3 days before, a week earlier max, and in that amount of time I grew enough to think it had shrunk. Yikes. 

(At my friend's wedding)

The rest of my time has been spent going to my midwife appointments, then scheduling more appointments, work, "craigslisting" to find deals on baby items, and trying to work out. I say trying because it is getting harder these days. I think a big part of it is mental. I am pretty certain my pregnancy running days are behind me. I ran once last week and this week will be surprised if I run at all. I know physically I can do it so long as I keep my paces slow and stay cool but it's really not comfortable anymore. Things just feel awkward and mentally I don't have the drive to go for a run. I have been walking with friends up to 5 miles at a time as well as spinning and elliptical for other cardio oh and swimming if you want to count me paddling around the lakes to keep cool. I still am "lifting" anywhere from 1-3 times per week. I probably do "cardio" three days a week now. I could do more but to be honest I am "lazy" right now. Plus I get so hot these days it's quite uncomfortable. I am nearing the home stretch and the guilt of not exercising every day (like I used to have) is long gone! My mind is pretty much all baby focused and I feel relatively good. 

I have been having more appointments than usual as well due to the fact that I apparently have a rebel inside me. About a month ago she was in her head down position, ready to greet the world. The midwives commented about how ready she was! Well three weeks ago we discovered she didn't like it down there and instead is now sitting breech inside me. The appointment where I found out my midwife was checking my belly to feel her position. I could see she was having trouble finding the head down low and even mentioned that maybe she was too low for her to want to feel. To try to get a visual of the bumps I have been feeling in my belly I then asked my midwife what part of my baby was this hard round spot up near my right ribs. The midwife felt it then said, "How would you like to see your baby today?" I knew right away something was up because they had never done an ultrasound at these appointments and I was told after 20 weeks the next time I would see my baby would most likely be in person. My midwife rolled in this portable ultrasound machine and placed it on my belly. She then said, "That's her head." To which I exclaimed, "No!" Getting to see my baby this far along was pretty cool though because she looks much more like a baby than the last time I saw her. She is getting her fat which makes her look more plump and human rather than the skinny alien baby I saw in the second trimester. 

My midwife gave me some exercises to try to help turn the baby. She was not very concerned as her baby was breech at 34 weeks and eventually flipped. I have been going in for appointments weekly now and at each appointment the baby has stayed in her breech position. I have another appointment tomorrow then next Tuesday (when I am 37 weeks and considered full term) I am scheduled for an aversion to manually flip the baby. I have my “ideal” birth plan but I also know it is not set in stone. My main goal is to have a healthy baby however she decides to enter this world.

Finding Your Inner Strength

(Out enjoying some trails)

          The weather here in the Pacific Northwest seems to be getting nicer and nicer, which means the Meet of Miles is fast approaching.  I don’t know about you but it is so much easier for me to get outside and exercise during these warmer months. The sun is shining, your body feels good, and you can’t help but smile. Right now is the perfect time to start prepping for the Meet of Miles. I’m not talking about putting in an elite level of training (but if that’s your goal then great) I’m simply saying, sign up for one of the races, or two if you are feeling ambitious, and you will have even more motivation to get outside and seize these beautiful days.
          I was at one of the Club Northwest All Comer track meets recently and a lady approached me and began talking to me about the Meet of Miles. Her biggest fear? She said she would never run a mile in front of all those people. This got me thinking why that is a concern for many people. In a road race you feel as if you can blend in and hide amongst the masses but on a track it may appear that all eyes are on you. There is no hiding or blending in. To this I would have to disagree.
          Yes, on a track, there really isn’t anywhere to “hide.” But I can reassure you that the eyes that might be on you (friends, family, maybe even a stranger) will not be that of judgment but more respect for what it is you are doing. Embracing your fears and doing something outside your comfort zone is brave and commendable. You may even inspire someone watching without realizing it. “But I am not fast.”  To this I say it is not just the fast “elite” runners who can serve as inspiration. In fact, I believe to the non-professional runner the times these athletes run can seem impossible. It is fun to watch but a harder sell to the non runner who thinks, “I can never be that fast.” Or, “I will never look like Shalane Flanagan.”

(Running is fun with friends on the track)

           These runners are inspiring but their times can be intimidating. And this is where you can serve as inspiration, not by being “average” as you might think and to which I can assure you, you are not, but for embracing your fears and not letting what other people think stop you. Someone may be sitting in the stands watching and see you out there having a blast. They will see you as strong, independent, and brave and may think, “If she can do that then maybe I can too!”
          You will find the running community to be a very open and encouraging group and you may even make some new friends who will serve to see your potential and offer you encouragement and reassurance when you begin to doubt.
          I will close with this. At the same CNW All Comer’s track meet I saw an elderly man racing in the 200m, 400m and several other events. No he did not win. But watching him race and push himself was very inspiring to me. He didn’t have impeccable form, his breathing was louder than those around him but he was challenging himself. One of my fellow teammates looked at him and said, “I hope I can still be racing when I am his age!” He was very inspiring and I was amazed by his ability.
          Strength is not always found on the winner’s podium but it can be found in the everyday achievements of everyday people setting goals for themselves, conquering their fears, and celebrating their victories. Don’t be afraid to embrace your inner awesomeness. 

(Monkeying around)

Meet of Miles

            2013 is a very different year for me. At this point in my season I typically would have already traveled to California a few times to race and would be gearing up for the end of my season and USA’s. I have yet to do a single track meet and I do not plan on traveling to any big meets to race. My plan this year is all about staying healthy and doing some fun runs and then next year try to get back to my previous form. This may seem strange to some who do not know me as last year was my most successful year in my running career culminating with my making the Olympic Trials. But this year I am gearing up for a completely new challenge, becoming a mother.

            I am enjoying the process but I would be lying if I told you I do not miss racing. I love competing and watching my friends and family race is keeping me fired up and eager to jump into a race where I can get my “fix,” the runners high if you will. I love road racing, don’t get me wrong, but there is something about the track that makes me feel fast, something magical that happens when I step on it.

            Some of you may be reading this thinking, “Yeah right.” Round and round and round with only left turns and not much change in scenery may not sound very appealing but believe me it is! The problem is there are not many opportunities for runners to lace up their fast shoes and test themselves on the track.

            This is where the Meet of Miles (M.O.M.) comes in. July14th at the West Seattle Stadium in Seattle, you have the unique opportunity to experience the thrill of track racing by testing yourself in the mile. You can even see how you stack up against the elite athletes who will be putting on a show later in the evening by pitting themselves against each other to see just how fast they can go.

(Roger Bannister breaking the 4 minute mile)

The mile is the premier event in track and field, not too short and not too long. Just enough suspense to leave the audience captivated as the story unfolds in just over four laps. The perfect combination of speed and stamina, the mile is exciting. At tracks earliest beginnings the mile was the race that brought the crowds, testing whether or not athletes could break the once deemed impossible 4 minute mile. Since the era of Roger Bannister and John Landy who were some of the first to break the barrier, the current mile record is an astonishing 3:43 held by Hicham El Guerrouj. But the event is not contested as much in track and field. Now athletes will typically run the 1500m but for fans that can be hard to relate which is why Club Northwest’s elite athletes are working to bring back the mile and get fans excited about track and field again.

Club Northwest is putting on the M.O.M. and like the name says, it is a meet full of mile races on the track. People of all ages and abilities are encouraged to come out cheer, have some fun and see just how fast they can race this distance. The event will have a barbecue, goodies, t-shirts, fun events for the kids, and of course racing, lots and lots of racing.

I plan on being a part of this fun event whether that is in me trying to waddle my way to a “pregnant mile PR,” or volunteering. I am eager to being a part of the excitement and world of track and field again and I encourage all of you to give the mile a shot. It is a fun race and I bet you will come away from the event full of new memories and smiles.

It has taken me many years to develop into the runner that I am today and I could never have reached my goals alone. I have had lots of support from friends, family, and various sponsors including Club Northwest and I know next year and the years leading up to the 2016 Olympic Trials I, along with my teammates, will need all the support we can get to reach our goals.

The Meet of Miles is being put on to help support your local Olympic hopeful athletes. The event is nonprofit and the funds will go to help these athletes with travel and competing costs throughout the year.  Many of Club Northwest’s elite athletes balance their time between work, training, coaching and volunteering and the M.O.M. is a way for you to be a part of their Olympic pursuit.

So come join us this summer for an event you are not soon to forget!