The Crying Bridge

The Crying Bridge--Chapter 32

 Del sat on the exam table trying to keep the paper drape covering her legs from slipping to the floor. Evan sat expectantly in a chair next to her. She had been weighed when she first arrived and she had been surprised to learn that despite the morning sickness, poor appetite and daily exercise she had gained three pounds. She wasn't upset by the weight gain, just surprised.

Evan tapped his foot nervously as they waited for the doctor to see them. He was slightly distracted by Del, nearly naked except for the paper drape. They had so far honored their agreement on no sex until their wedding night and he was reminded of just what he was missing.

"You look really sexy," Evan told her. "This paper ensemble is really doing it for me."

Del grinned at him. "You have a one-track mind. Today and tomorrow, Evan, that's it. Then we'll be married and can resume our sex life."

Evan stood and stroked her breast through her t-shirt. "Sure you want to wait that long?"

Del shoved his hand away, laughing. "Stop. Only you could make a trip to the gynecologist into something sexy."

Just then, Dr. Parson's walked in. She was in her early forties and stunning. She had short, wavy ash-blond hair, startling blue eyes and was nearly six feet tall. She smiled warmly at Del. "Ms. Granger. It's good to see you again."

"Hi, Dr. Parsons," Del said. "This is my fiancé, Evan Drake."

Dr. Parsons shook Evan's hand. "Well, let's see, the last time I saw you, we fitted you for a diaphragm and then last month, we started you on birth control pills and you conceived while on the pills. Is that correct?"

Del nodded. "Yes, and I'm worried about having taken the pills after conception occurred. I had no idea I was pregnant and continued with the pills for about three weeks. Not to mention a little bit of alcohol."

"Well, there is conflicting research, but this happens a lot and more often than not, women go on to deliver healthy babies. Have you had any pain? Any cramping or spotting?"

"A little, about two weeks after I conceived. Nothing serious," Del said.

"It's not abnormal to experience both around the time you'd normally expect your period." Dr. Parsons checked her records. "Okay, so according to the first day of your last period, you are exactly six weeks pregnant today. You understand that means the embryo itself is only four weeks along?"

Both Del and Evan nodded. They had done their homework.

Dr. Parsons confirmed that Del was taking a good prenatal vitamin and that she was still exercising regularly. "Exercise is really healthy during pregnancy. It will help you with a lot of the typical pregnancy complaints, especially later on. It's fine to continue running for now, but after the fourteenth week, I would change to brisk walking or swimming. Yoga is great and light weight training is very beneficial, as well.

"And sexual activity is absolutely fine as long as it's comfortable for you. There's no need to refrain as long as there's no complications. Do you have any questions for me before we take a look?"

Del and Evan both shook their heads, eager to get the first glimpse of their child.

"Okay, Janet will give you a big pile of information on your way out, what to eat and not to eat, etc. If you have any questions, you can always call us. Let's lay you back."

The doctor helped Del get her feet into the stirrups. Since she was so early in the pregnancy, this ultrasound would be done from an internal perspective. Evan held Del's hand as the doctor inserted the ultrasound probe.