I swear his chest puffs out at the question.
He gives a single nod, then reaches out a hand to shake with her. “Noah Gardner.”
“Nice to meet you both. Why don’t you take a seat for now and we’ll chat a bit before we get to the ultrasound.”
I climb somewhat awkwardly up onto the exam table, paper crinkling beneath me as I settle. Noah grabs the chair from the corner and pulls it closer to me before sitting himself.
Doctor Lee runs through my medical history, taking notes, and then has some family history questions for each of us as well. She tells us the projected due date–based on the date of conception–and gives us a rundown of what we can expect from her office going forward.
“Now,” she says, “do you have any questions for me before we do the ultrasound?”
I’m suffering from a bit of information overload, and shake my head, but Noah pulls out his phone saying, “Yes, I do. I … wrote a few down. I hope that’s alright?”
I don’t know why I’m surprised, it’ssoNoah to have made notes in anticipation of this appointment, but I am. And I’m touched that he took the time … that hecares.
“Of course,” she replies, smiling, “I love to see involved fathers. Let me have ‘em!”
And boy, does hecare. It seems Noah’s been reading up on what to expect during the first trimester and his questions are both thoughtful and informed. He asks all kinds of things I never would have thought to ask, but am thankful to know. His list is long, however, and after a while I find myself checking the time and anxious to get the show on the road.
I’m ready to see my baby for the first time.
“Okay, I think that’s enough, Noah,” I say, interrupting. “Doctor Lee has other patients to see. Plus we should leavesomethingfor the next appointment,” I joke.
“Just one more, please,” he says primly.
The doctor nods for him to proceed.
“I’m concerned about her morning sickness. It seemingly lasts all day and she’s having trouble keeping anything down. I know from my research that the ‘morning’ part is somewhat inaccurate, and that it’s not uncommon for it to occur at other times of the day, but I worry that she’s not getting enough nutrients–for herorthe baby–and becoming dehydrated. I’ve read about something calledhyperemesis gravidarum and …” he trails off when he notices the look I’m giving him.
“Are– are you okay?” he asks me, reaching out a hand, but I wave him off.
His concern for me–for us–has me on the verge of tears.
Damn hormones.
I can only nod, unable to speak. Thankfully the doctor speaks up instead, questioning me about my symptoms and providing the distraction I need to compose myself again.
“Alright, based on what you’re telling me, I don’t believe we’re looking at an extreme case here. You haven’t experienced any significant weight loss, but we’ll certainly monitor it. Most women start to see relief from the morning sickness between weeks twelve and fourteen, so I’m hoping your symptoms will have lessened by the next time I see you.”
“What can we do for her in the meantime? I know she’s tried ginger tea, and mint–soda crackers too–but they only seem to make a mild difference, right Luce?” he asks. His dark brows are pulled together over troubled eyes.
Luce.
Why do I like the sound of that so much?
I nod again.
“Those are all good options, but I agree that they only work some of the time. Keeping a list and avoiding foods and odors that might trigger your nausea should help too.”
“I own a bakery and café,” I volunteer, sighing.
“Ah, so, easier said than done,” she comments. “Well, obviously you can’t avoid all triggers, but maybe try working your schedule around the baking of things that you know will cause nausea, or take breaks to step outside when you need to. Walking is great for you because it’s a lower-impact cardiovascular exercise and can also reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery. It can help prevent diabetes, preeclampsia, and unhealthy weight gain as well, so getting out into the fresh air when you need an escape and maybe doing a pass around the block will help you two-fold.”
I glance over at Noah to find him furiously typing notes into his phone. Fuck, it’s endearing.
“Also, you should try smaller meals more often. Many women find that to be the most effective when dealing with morning sickness.”
“Great, thank you,” I say. “I’ll definitely try that.”
