Pregnancy in Brazil-Part 3

Wow, I cannot believe I'm at 33 weeks! Only 7 weeks to go! Sometimes it seems like it's going so fast, and other times not-so-much (like when it's hot and miserable out). I'll try to give the best update I can....or can remember. My pregnancy brain isn't working too well these days. :)

For the most part, everything continues to go smoothly. I say "for the most part" because while in the US and then again in early Dec., I had a lot of pain in my back, under my right shoulder. I couldn't sit up right, I couldn't lay down at all (so sleeping didn't really happen), and it was awful to be in pain and not have anything help it. I went to my Chiropractor when I was in the Springs, and he said there was nothing wrong with my back or neck, but he had a hunch it was my gallbladder. I of course started doing research and it sounded like that was what was wrong, but I never went to the Dr. in the States because I didn't have insurance coverage there. So when the pain started again here in Brazil we went to the emergency room and they did an ultrasound, and sure enough...my gallbladder is full of gallstones.

The stinky part about having gallbladder problems when your pregnant (and actually they are more prevelant when you are pregnant), is that there isn't really anything they can do. The only time they could do surgery to take out the gallbladder is in the 2nd trimester and I was already beyond that. But I can regulate my diet to try to avoid another painful attack. So it kinda stinks that I can't eat dairy (I do eat a little cheese), red meat, greasy or fatty foods of any kind.....so no fun. :) Actually it hasn't been too bad. I would like to eat some ice cream, but I know that's what set me off on the attack the 2nd time, so I'm not touching it with a 10-foot pole! And we just wait until after Dawson is born for surgery to remove my gallbladder. I'm just so thankful that I have no pain right now. Those two weeks were AWFUL! I pray that I don't have any more attacks either!

One thing that is different again here in Brazil is that they don't do the "end of the pregnancy" tests....like a glucose screening or more bloodwork. They just watch for problem signs and then order the tests if they think there may be something wrong. They do have one more ultrasound though late in the pregnancy. I have one scheduled for the beginning of Feb. I'm not sure why they do this one, but I'm all for getting to see Dawson again, so I won't argue! :)

Other than the 2 gallbladder attacks I'm feeling pretty good. My feet have swollen up though from traveling and the hot weather, but they aren't swollen all the time. I can also tell I've begun the "waddle"...yes all you women who have had babies know what I'm talking about. I don't so much "walk" anymore, it's more of a "waddle". :) Dawson sure is an active little guy. I can't remember Camden ever moving and flipping and kicking sooooo much. It's so much fun though....I love watching my tummy contort and move around!

I have more to write about with what the Brazilian hospitals are like here, but I'll save that for another day. Both Dawson and I are healthy and are doing well. Camden gives my tummy "Dawson" kisses and hugs almost everyday. I know he'll be a great big brother!