I chose a strip at random and opened to the spot, which was all about safety dos and don’ts, such as exercising (do) and coloring your hair (don’t). On a sticky note, Madison had jotted a little message, with a smiley face at the end:Remember the baby’s health—no more highlights in your hair!
I scoffed in surprise.
I started flipping through the marked spots. They were all reminders of the countless changes I needed to make in my life.
No more sushi!was on one page. Another note in the “sugar and caffeine” section read:Time to cut back on the sweets—like the milkshakes!I frowned. How did she know milkshakes were my new pregnancy vice—or was it just a lucky guess?
Do you know how hot your shower gets?was next, on a page about avoiding certain activities like hot tubs (or anything above a hundred degrees) and rollercoasters.
Make sure whatever brand of vitamin you are taking includes the proper amount of folic acid and iron!she instructed in a section about important nutrients.
Finally, in the physical activity section, she noted,I found a great prenatal yoga class that meets at 7pm three times a week, not far from your apartment! My treat! You and the baby need the exercise! I’ll even come do it with you!
I snapped the book shut, feeling like I’d been punched in the stomach.
I leaned back on the couch, staring at the ceiling.Am I really doing that many things wrong? Am I screwing up this whole mother thing before my baby is even born?I covered my face in my hands as emotion rose, tightening my throat.Why did I ever think I would be any good at this? Guess I can’t blame Jason for wanting out of this mess.
Another wave of nausea reminded me that I’d never found the section I actually wanted to read, about morning sickness. When I finally found it—sans helpful notes from Madison, thank God—it recommended Saltines, certain herbs, and more protein. Apparently during the first trimester, the baby’s brain was forming, and my body needed all the protein it could get. Poultry, fish, eggs, and beans could all help keep nausea at bay, while also helping to increase my energy. Okay,thiswas actually helpful.
I made a mental note to go to the grocery store soon and stock up on protein. In the meantime, I was going to be late to the Monday morning team meeting if I didn’t get moving. I gulped down the rest of my rapidly cooling tea and headed for the shower, trying to push Madison and all her “helpfulness” out of my mind.
CHAPTER5
AWEEK LATER,Iwas sitting in the conference room with Meredith, Sam, the Sampson reps, and a couple other associates, when my phone dinged with a text. Several heads at the table turned in my direction.
“I’m sorry, let me put that on vibrate.” I glanced briefly at the message—it was from Madison.
Savannah—have you scheduled our 12-week appt yet?
I frowned as I flipped off the volume and set my phone back down on the table. I turned back to the group. We were chatting about competitors’ social media campaigns.
Bzzzzzz.My phone vibrated loudly against the table. I quickly picked it up and placed it in my lap, but couldn’t resist a glance.
Savannah? Hello? It’s Madison.
In a meeting at work. Talk to you later,I typed back. I put my phone back on the table, face down.
It vibrated again.Dammit!I snatched it into my lap again, avoiding a pointed look from Meredith.
Of course. I just wanted to check and see when the appt is?
Savannah? Are you there?
The messages kept coming as my blood pressure kept rising.
By the way, I’ve been reading this great pregnancy blog I wanted to share with you.
Here it is:(link)
Look at this section, with simple exercises you should be doing:(link)
And here’s a link to the recipe section. Many of them are very simple, even you should be able to make them!(link)
Why don’t I come over tonight and show you how to cook one?
Savannah? Hello?
It’s time to start taking your nutrition more seriously. It’s important for the baby.
