Loyal readers may recall that I commented on my generations attention span in my last post. Finally, someone has taken all of the complicated advice, dos and don'ts and best practices of childbirth and pregnancy, and distilled them into sound-bite sized chunklets. They even went so far as to illustrate them with cartoons, which, given the proliferation of adult swim and the 18 plus year run of the Simpsons, seems to be a great choice. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you, the only pregnancy resource you will ever need:
http://www.officialdatingresource.com/pregnancy-tips/
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Baby Monitoring for Millenials
SBefore anyone points it out in the comments, I am aware that Gretchen and I are actually the last days of Gen X (the very last in my case) and thus not technically Millenials. However, since we're on the edge, we exhibit trends of both groups.
One interesting trait of our population segment is that we're used to a lot of information flow. One potential negative aspect of that is that, as a generation, we have a touch of ADD. Baby development and monitoring has adapted to this; so far we've had a heartbeat monitor and an ultrasound and we'll have more ultrasounds, tests, scans, monitors and information as we proceed towards the actual birth then any other time in history. Even finding out you're pregnant happens far earlier, with greater accuracy and without having to see a medical professional. We think its really neat, older people sometimes seem surprised at how much we know and think that its strange to have so much monitoring.
Where does the tendency towards ADD come in? Gretchen would really like to be able to see things now, to be able to hear the heartbeat at home or take her own ultrasounds. Ideally, she'd probably like status emails and twitter posts from or about the baby. As fast as we get information, and as much as we get, it seems like a slow pace if you're used to digital markets and constant, user generated content. Like blogs. Wait a minute...
One interesting trait of our population segment is that we're used to a lot of information flow. One potential negative aspect of that is that, as a generation, we have a touch of ADD. Baby development and monitoring has adapted to this; so far we've had a heartbeat monitor and an ultrasound and we'll have more ultrasounds, tests, scans, monitors and information as we proceed towards the actual birth then any other time in history. Even finding out you're pregnant happens far earlier, with greater accuracy and without having to see a medical professional. We think its really neat, older people sometimes seem surprised at how much we know and think that its strange to have so much monitoring.
Where does the tendency towards ADD come in? Gretchen would really like to be able to see things now, to be able to hear the heartbeat at home or take her own ultrasounds. Ideally, she'd probably like status emails and twitter posts from or about the baby. As fast as we get information, and as much as we get, it seems like a slow pace if you're used to digital markets and constant, user generated content. Like blogs. Wait a minute...
A Heartbeat!
Today we met with our OB/GYN, Dr. Debbie Hebb, for the first pre-natal appointment. After getting through a pile of paperwork (seriously, you need my insurance information how many times???), we actually got to do things related to the baby. The exam was normal (and Ted looked thoroughly awkward), but the best part came last -- we got to hear the heartbeat. Considering we discovered our miscarriage in January because we could not find a heartbeat, this was the moment of the most anxiety for me. But as soon as she placed the machine on my stomach, we could hear the heartbeat, strong and clear. Ted and I both think it sounded like a washing machine (which my mom says means it's a girl), and the heart rate was 170 beats per minute, perfectly normal for the age.
We also got the official due date of November 15, 2008.
Currently, I'm sick to my stomach, and looking forward to the fabled health and energy that comes with the second trimester.
Weird craving: Limes and deviled eggs.
Next step: Genetic counseling and screening on May 5th.
We also got the official due date of November 15, 2008.
Currently, I'm sick to my stomach, and looking forward to the fabled health and energy that comes with the second trimester.
Weird craving: Limes and deviled eggs.
Next step: Genetic counseling and screening on May 5th.
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