Pap Smear or No Pap Smear?

Eight weeks: I just phoned Jane, my OBGYN. We had that second Pap Smear appointment due this week. I told her I was pregnant and was concerned about doing a Pap. She agreed she didn’t want to do a Pap so early in the pregnancy. So we scheduled it for when I was 12 weeks along.

But now I’m thinking. Should we do the Pap, and the test says Cin 3 again, what will I do? Certainly a biopsy would be out of the question as it would endanger the pregnancy. And then how would that information affect me during the pregnancy? This feels like a bit of a quandary. I’m going to do some more research. Mothering magazine’s forum is always a great read—it’s like hanging out with girlfriends and having a good chat about things. It’s a good place to start, before researching the serious stuff. Soon Kindred will launch their own forum. Check out the thread about Pap Smears during preganancy

PS – I miss my Corona with a twist of lime.

Dealing with Morning Sickness

Six weeks: I’m already becoming thicker around my waist and so amazed that the changes happen so fast. Morning sickness fell upon me today. I experienced very intense morning sickness (…er, all day sickness) during my last two pregnancies. But now I have much more support—acupuncturists, herbalists, and a husband who loves to keep me fed on protein. Kindred’s March 08 edition (Vol 25) featured a short piece on morning sickness in the Health & Wellbeing department (page 44). In it they mention the importance of maintaining blood sugar levels by eating lots of small regular meals that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates. This seemed to work for me immediately. I also, upon suggestion by my naturopath, began taking a liquid herbal blend with black horehound as the main ingredient. So far, it’s working like a charm. Thankfully. As well I have to make sure I eat breakfast early, upon waking, rather than waiting an hour or so…a challenge as I rarely wake up hungry!

I’ve made phone calls to two midwives. Neither one has returned my call. I’m noticing that it is bothering me—more than something usually bothers me. Is it a sign that they are not the ones? Should I call them again? Should I move on? It’s playing in my mind and creating doubts and insecurities. I’m noticing how vigilant I must be now with my mind and emotions—as they are playing out more intensely. To support myself in this I sit and meditate often during the day, and even take mini-moments whenever the need arises, to just meet uncomfortable feelings or thoughts and let them melt into ‘nowness’.