Kathleen sat in the waiting room of her gynecologist's office, who would also now become her obstetrician. She looked down at her phone as she was waiting for Luke to text her that he was outside. He was hoping to take a lunch break and make the appointment but it would all depend on the cases that came in today. She had been seeing Dr. Johnston since she was about 16 and had started dating her first serious boyfriend.
Barb was also her mother, aunt and cousin doctor. She was the one who had delivered her. She knew that she also had a team of midwives that she worked with. She had explained to her two-weeks ago that most of her primary care would be through Anna Dexter, her midwife but she would stop in during each appointment and go over any concerns that they would have. She had the blood results from her last appointment and wanted to run the ultrasound to double-check to see if Kathleen was carrying twins.
She feels her phone buzz and quickly looks at it. She quickly shoots a text out as she waits. She notices a few other women in the room at different stages of life and pregnancy. She noticed a few teenagers that looked scared, a pregnant woman who looked exhausted and a young couple whispering to each other as their hands on her belly. She smiles as she sees Luke appear in the office.
He looks around the office before spotting her and sitting next to her. He quickly places kisses on her lips. "Hey," he says as he looks at her. "How are you feeling today?"
"No morning sickness," she says as she looks at him. "How was work?"
"Slow day," he says. "Most of the cases are going to Barber. So I'm just going over my notes for a few cases I have to testify in next week."
"I thought you start nights next week," she asks.
"Kathleen Boyd," a young nurse calls as the two stand up and follow her into the doctor's office. She leads into one of the exam rooms. "Any new symptoms or changes?"
"The morning sickness has subsided," she says as she sits on the exam table. "I've also put on about a pound in the last two weeks."
"That's quite normal after morning sickness stops," she says as she types the information in. "So today we are doing a pelvic exam, pap smear, going over your results as well as doing a second ultrasound."
"That is correct," Kathleen says as she watches the nurse.
"Okay, if you want to change into a gown," she says as she hands Kathleen a gown. "I'll let Anna know you're ready. Shouldn't be more than a few minutes."
"Thanks," Luke says as the nurse leaves and Kathleen steps behind the curtain to change. "You did an ultrasound at your last appointment?"
"Barb and Anna wanted to make sure I wasn't carrying twins," she says as she changes. "I told them I wanted to wait till this appointment with you to see the baby. They are also supposed to tell us when the baby will be born."
"Ahh, so it was more for them to gather information," he says as she comes out of the curtain area and takes a seat on the table.
"Exactly, I told them that I wanted both of us to see the baby for the first time," she says as she looks at him. "Plus I was scared at the possibility of carrying twins."
"True," he says as he watches her. "Was it bad last time?"
"Not too bad," she says as he looks at her. "It was giving a blood and urine sample, answering what seemed like a thousand questions. Going over options for care. I didn't need a physical because I got one a few months back."
"Ahh, sounds like the start of a case."
"It really was, today it is about making sure I'm healthy, seeing and hearing the baby, going over the results and keeping things on track."
"That doesn't sound too bad."
"You're not the one being poked and prodded," she says as the door opens and a middle-aged woman walks in.
"Was I that bad last time," she asks as she turns and sees Luke. "Ah you must be Luke, I'm Anna Dexter. I'll be Kat and the baby's primary healthcare personnel."
"Nice to meet you," he says as he shakes her hands. "She just doesn't like hospitals, doctors, or any type of procedure. Getting her to get a flu shot every year is a bit of work."
"Ah, yes that reminds me, you are due for one," Anna says as she turns to Kathleen. "It won't hurt and it protects you and the baby."
"I need it for work," Kathleen says as she looks at Anna. "Can you make sure it is updated on my immunization card?"
"Deal," she says as she moves around the exam room and gets the stuff ready. "What about you, have you gotten yours yet?"
"Next week," Luke says as he looks at them. "I usually do it around the same time as I donate blood. A group of us go from the Division and do both at this time of year."
"Excellent," Anna says as she gives the shot to Kathleen. "Now, I know everybody hates the evil annual pelvic exam but it is a must. Now, I am going to need you to slide to the end of the table and put your feet in the stirrups. If you feel any discomfort or pain, I need you to let me know, okay."
"Sure," Kathleen says as she moves in the position.
"Did I tell you about the new bet between Shaw and Swarek," Luke asks as he sees the look on her face? He turns to Anna, who nods at him to continue.
"Do I really want to know," she asks as she turns to look at him as Anna starts the exam.
"Shaw was complaining that he didn't have any extra cash to go out. Swarek brought up that Shaw was always going out to eat and snacking during his shifts," Luke starts. "So Swarek bet Shaw that he couldn't go a week worth of shifts that he couldn't give up his eating out habits."
"I bet Zoe is going to love this," she interrupts.
"Oh, she would have till the reward," he proceeds. "If Shaw wins, Swarek has to spend a month buying Shaw's lunches and snacks. If Swarket wins, Shaw has to pay his tab at the Penny for a month."
"Uh oh," she says as Anna continues her exam. "I've seen Sammy's bar bills. Where does Jerry sit with all of this?"
"Barber is trying egg both of them on," he says. "Best and Williams are attempting to stay out of it but we both know it's a matter of time till they are in on it."
"What if someone buys Oliver lunch," she questions as she looks at him. "Does that count as him eating out?"
"I'm not sure if they included that," he says as he thinks back. "I'll mention it to Barber and see what happens. Technically he is still eating out, but he is not paying for it, which is the true problem of him eating out."
"All done," Anna says as she begins to seal the samples. "Everything looks and feels good, no abnormal masses or fibroids. If you want to get dressed, I can set up the ultrasound and you can see your little one."
"Thanks," Kathleen says as she gets off the table and steps behind the curtain area as Anna walks out of the room. "Thanks for that, I'm usually not that bad with those exams."
"I thought it might have triggered a memory from the hospital," Luke states as he waits. "I didn't want you to get upset or start hyperventilating on me."
"I keep thinking everything is the same," she says as she walks out of the changing area. "Most things are though."
"That's normal," he says as she gets back up on the table. "You know what Jenna said. Triggers can appear out of nowhere and at any time. Though I just see how far you have come in three months. You're back at work, we're here and nothing is going to stop the progress."
Kathleen just smiles as she shakes her head before saying, "I love you."
"I love you more," Luke says as Anna and another lady come back in the room, wheeling in the ultrasound machine.
"Who's ready," she asks as she moves the machine over to the side of the bed. "Debbie this is Luke and you met Kat two weeks ago."
"Hello," Debbie says as she sets up the machine.
"Luke if you want you can move next to Kat. Kat, I just need you to lift your shirt. I apologize this gel is always cold," Debbie says
"It's okay," Kathleen says as she lifts her shirt and Luke moves to stand next to her.
Debbie places the gel on her stomach before grabbing the wand and turning the screen towards them. "Now we are going to be able to see the baby's heart, feet, head, arms, and all of its organs," Anna says as she moves the wand over her abdomen. "If you look at the screen, you will see your little one."
"Oh, my," Kathleen and Luke say as they take in their little one.
"Looks like this little one is sleeping, sometimes we can see them move," Debbie says as she hits buttons on the machine. "Your baby is about 1.2 inches in length and weighs about 4 grams. If you think of a strawberry, that is how big your little one is."
"So tiny," Luke says as he watches Kathleen entranced by the screen.
"This is your little one's heartbeat," Debbie says before a galloping sound fills the room. "Everything seems to be going along smoothly."
"No second one hiding," Kathleen asks as she looks at the screen.
"Just a single baby," Debbie says as she scans the rest of the abdomen. "The placenta and amniotic sac are all where they should be. We placed your due date around April 24 of 2010. Now that doesn't mean you won't go into labour sooner or later."
"Okay," Kathleen says as Debbie turns off the machine and hands her some tissues to wipe off her stomach. Debbie begins to pack up the machine and leaves the room.
"Now, all the testing came back good," Anna says as she looks at the file. "I do want you to continue to take your iron supplement as your numbers are on the low side. I also want you to increase your B12 supplement."
"Okay," Kathleen says. "Though my vegetarian eating habits won't be affected?"
"No, but this is why we want to watch your iron and B12 levels," she says as she looks at her. "Try looking for products that are enriched with B12 and iron. Also, choose nutrient-rich foods and keep snacks on hand. We also want to make sure that you are staying hydrated, which may seem hard as your bladder is constantly making you go."
"Tell me about it," Kathleen mutters.
"How much should she be looking at gaining," Luke asks as he looks at the ladies.
"Throughout we want about 30 pounds," Anna mentions. "We don't want to gain weight that is not necessary but at the same time, if we don't gain enough it means for a smaller baby. Now we are looking at another appointment in six weeks and you will have another ultrasound done in about ten weeks. Do you know your schedule for then?"
"Yup," they both say as they look at each other.
"Okay, if you stop by and see Jackie at the front desk she can book your appointments and she will give you copies of the ultrasound," Anna says. "Remember to enjoy this time, I find people who prepare themselves throughout have a much smoother pregnancy and delivery. Make a guideline of things you want to do but don't feel the need to stick to it."
"Okay, thank you," Luke says as he shakes her hand again and she leaves the room. "Ready to head out?"
"Definitely," Kathleen says as she takes his hand and leaves the room.