The Wait Is Over

A New Beginning

Yael went to her obstetrician for her monthly check-up and an update on the little one she is carrying. With Monday being an off-day for the Breakers, Steph came along so the two could spend the day together after the appointment. After signing in and waiting a few minutes, the expectant mother was ushered back to an examination room to wait for her doctor.

Dr. Sara Fleet (OB-GYN): Good morning, Yael. How are you feeling today?

Yael: Surprising well. No morning sickness the past couple of weeks and my energy levels seem to be up. I do have questions for you following the exam, and I'd like my partner to be in here for that.

Dr. Fleet: Your partner? I thought you were married.

Yael: I am for the time being. Long story, too long to go into now.

Dr. Fleet: We can do that after I make sure everything is good with your child.

Dr. Fleet starts her physical examination of Yael, probing her stomach and looking around her pubic area for abnormalities. Seeing none, she puts some gel on her slightly-protruding belly and uses the ultrasound wand to get a picture of the baby's development.

Dr. Fleet: For sixteen weeks, everything looks good. Do you want to know what you're having?

Yael: Can you save that until Steph comes back?

Dr. Fleet: Sure. Anything you want to ask me in private before we bring her in?

Yael: I don't think so. Steph can hear whatever we discuss.

Dr. Fleet: I'll be back with her in a minute.

Yael lies back after the doctor exits and breathes a sigh of relief that things are fine with the baby as of now. A couple of minutes later, Steph and Sara come into the room.

Sara (to Steph): Yael tells me that you're her partner. How long have you been together?

Steph: About three months.

Sara: That's a relatively short amount to time to have made such a commitment, especially with her having a baby now.

Steph: I know it seems short, but with both of us in our mid-30s, a lot of the learning-about-one-another that takes up time when you're younger and dating was sailed through because of the bumps and bruises and scars from past relationships. Most of the skeletons are out of the closet and we both know what we're getting into.

Sara: I don't doubt that, Steph. Yael, you said you had some questions for me.

Yael: Yes, Sara. First, when do I need to start restricting my travel, since I have a wedding in Chicago the third weekend of October?

Sara: That's cutting it a bit close, but if there are no complications you should be able to fly there and back. Following it, however, you're to be grounded until you deliver.

Yael: When do I need to adjust my physical activity? I still practice at times with the team and do extra sessions with Steph on goalkeeping now and then.

Sara: You play as well, Steph?

Steph: Yes. I was traded to the Breakers in January. Before that, I was with the Spirit and played overseas for a few years.

Sara: Sad to say I never made it up to your level. Stopped after high school for academic reasons. I have to say, Yael, how much I admire your making the adjustment from the middle of the park to the back line just past the peak of your career. I did the same thing when I played, moving from center mid as a junior to sweeper as a senior. Now to answer your question, you should start cutting back as your midsection begins to grow and affects your balance. Also, monitor your exertion, take extra care to stay hydrated, and avoid contact at all costs. If you have no complications, you should still be able to stay active with the team until 20 weeks.