Happy Friday!!

[krystee]

Post your randoms or questions here! I have questions:

Is there any way to estimate how much total weight I'll gain based on what I have already gained? I really wanted to gain only 10-15 pounds or so (size 18/20 before getting pregnant). I'm halfway done and I've gained 4.5. I assume I will gain significantly more than that in the second half, but I am really hoping to stay under 15.

My anatomy scan is Tuesday and it's a 90-minute appointment with MFM (high risk pregnancy due to lifelong high BP). What on earth takes 90 minutes?

[christy082]

I'm not sure about the weight gain, but I also assume I'll gain more towards the end. I've only gained 6.5 pounds at 27 weeks. It's the one time in my life people tell me I'm tiny, lol!! As long as baby is growing, though, I'm not complaining! I was overweight pre-pregnancy as well.

Re: the AS, maybe they just allow that much time in case baby doesn't cooperate? I was there a long time with my first AS and they just couldn't get baby to move into position to see all the views of the heart that they wanted. I had to have 3 scans before baby cooperated! If baby cooperates, I don't think it would take quite that long.

My random: today I had my first bout of low BP. I mean, I didn't check it, but I started feeling woozy and my vision got a bit funny and I had to lay in the floor on my left side for it to pass. Fun times!! I feel fine now thankfully.

[sunshine239]

Its so hard to estimate on weight gain. With my first I had horrible morning sickness, finally "broke even" at about 15 weeks, then had a Second trimester growth spurt, gained like 10 pounds between 15-25 weeks, then in the third trimester return of morning sickness, heartburn, etc, slowed me down a bit but gained another 10 between 25-40 weeks. So I ended up with a total gain of 20 lbs even though I had only gained like 5 pounds by week 20.

[sunshine239]

On the anatomy scan they are probably counting the regular doctors appointment too (?) I had pretty cooperative babies each time and I think we were probably still in there for 30ish minutes each time, so maybe they are adding in some cushion also.

They measure/look at everything, print out pics, etc.

[sunshine239]

Sorry for the multiple posts! Here is my own random - I'm only 5 weeks but have almost no symptoms and its freaking me out. With my first I was puking my brains out prior to even a positive pregnancy test, with my second I had much much more subtle symptoms but still felt them.... now with #3 I really haven't felt that much of anything except maybe tired and some twinges (which worry me more than they do reassure me)...this is normal right?

[626]

I don't think there is.
My weight gain has slowed a bit, but to be honest I wasn't expecting much of a weight gain at my last appointment because I'd been eating less (kid's been pushing up against my stomach), but there was still a decent amount.

I weighed in at 30lbs at my 32wk appt.

My mom said she lost about 8lbs at the end of her pregnancies.
My SIL gained nothing until her last month (and even then only 6lbs).

[626]

Nov 21, 2014 9:34:57 GMT -5 sunshine239 said:

Sorry for the multiple posts! Here is my own random - I'm only 5 weeks but have almost no symptoms and its freaking me out. With my first I was puking my brains out prior to even a positive pregnancy test, with my second I had much much more subtle symptoms but still felt them.... now with #3 I really haven't felt that much of anything except maybe tired and some twinges (which worry me more than they do reassure me)...this is normal right?

Yes. Normal.

I had no symptoms at all in my first trimester.

[christy082]

Nov 21, 2014 9:34:57 GMT -5 sunshine239 said:

Sorry for the multiple posts! Here is my own random - I'm only 5 weeks but have almost no symptoms and its freaking me out. With my first I was puking my brains out prior to even a positive pregnancy test, with my second I had much much more subtle symptoms but still felt them.... now with #3 I really haven't felt that much of anything except maybe tired and some twinges (which worry me more than they do reassure me)...this is normal right?

From what I hear every pregnancy is different. I didn't have a lot of symptoms in the beginning either, mostly just sore breasts. There were multiple times I felt so good, I was sure something was wrong! But everything is fine. Pregnancy sure messes with your mind!

[nmosrob]

Nov 21, 2014 9:25:02 GMT -5 christy082 said:

My random: today I had my first bout of low BP. I mean, I didn't check it, but I started feeling woozy and my vision got a bit funny and I had to lay in the floor on my left side for it to pass. Fun times!! I feel fine now thankfully.

I wonder if that's what happened to me yesterday. I was very dizzy/woozy, just felt like if someone pushed me I would definitely fall over, and my vision was funny as well. I also had a pounding headache, not sure if that had anything to do with it. My bp has always been normal, but could that have been it? Low bp?

[christy082]

Nov 21, 2014 9:44:51 GMT -5 nmosrob said:

Nov 21, 2014 9:25:02 GMT -5 christy082 said:

My random: today I had my first bout of low BP. I mean, I didn't check it, but I started feeling woozy and my vision got a bit funny and I had to lay in the floor on my left side for it to pass. Fun times!! I feel fine now thankfully.

I wonder if that's what happened to me yesterday. I was very dizzy/woozy, just felt like if someone pushed me I would definitely fall over, and my vision was funny as well. I also had a pounding headache, not sure if that had anything to do with it. My bp has always been normal, but could that have been it? Low bp?

Could be! Could also be low blood sugar. I don't think that was it for me because i had breakfast 90 minutes before this happened.

Although, headache with visual changes could also be high BP. Hard to know for sure without checking the BP. If it happens again I'd just mention it to your OB. That's my plan. =)

[tacocat]

It's my last Friday of working! Over the next couple of days I have to show the people in my office what my job entails because they have not hired my replacement yet.

I'm getting excited for Thanksgiving. We've had so much other stuff going on, I haven't really had time to think about it.

[Deleted]

krystee I used this pregnancy weight gain calculator back when I cared about my weight. I'm now up 42lbs, so I'm avoiding all thoughts related to weight.

[achi]

I posted this on another board I participate in, but I figured it doesn't hurt to ask here as well..

Both my MIL and FIL are smokers. FIL does it outside of his house so I'm not worried about him. MIL and her SO both smoke and smoke inside the house. MIL knows it bothers me, so while we're there she will smoke outside but her SO is not super sensitive and/or doesn't give a shit. Historically this hasn't been an issue since MIL and her SO lived separately and she smoked outside of her own house. Now that they live together, and especially now that I'm pregnant this is an issue for me.

For Christmas we've always gone to MILs on the evening of the 25th. I'm assuming she will want to have us over this year as well, which is when we plan to announce the pregnancy to them. I'm thinking the easiest way to get around this is going to be inviting them to our place (where they know they have to smoke outside). I'll be 10 weeks at that point and *hopefully* not feeling like death and able to host.

Dealing with the smoking issue after the baby is born is going to be another battle altogether, but for now how do you deal with smokers during pregnancy?

[christy082]

neener, good luck on your upcoming tests!

My H helped me do some research on some items, after I told him it was overwhelming me and I needed help. He went with me twice to register so we could both decide on the big things, like the strollers and carseats.

[christy082]

achi, that's tough, especially in their own homes. You could mention your concerns to them. Thankfully those in my family that smoke actually go in their garage to do it because others in their home do not smoke.

I am worried though about after baby is born. Cigarette smoke on clothing can increase risk of SIDS. So I guess I'm just going to have to make the smokers use a clean blanket over their clothes to hold the baby, so he/she doesn't have to breath in the third hand smoke off their clothes.

[achi]

Nov 21, 2014 10:31:31 GMT -5 christy082 said:

achi, that's tough, especially in their own homes. You could mention your concerns to them. Thankfully those in my family that smoke actually go in their garage to do it because others in their home do not smoke.

I am worried though about after baby is born. Cigarette smoke on clothing can increase risk of SIDS. So I guess I'm just going to have to make the smokers use a clean blanket over their clothes to hold the baby, so he/she doesn't have to breath in the third hand smoke off their clothes.

It feels weird setting rules for other people in their own homes. MIL has already said multiple times that once we have kids she wants to be able to take them for a weekend here and there, but now that she and her SO live together that will not be happening if the smoking continues.

When they are at our place visiting the baby I will ask them to wash their hands and give them a clean blanked to put over their clothes. Alternatively, I may ask them to keep a shirt at our place that I know is clean, has been washed by me, etc. that they will change into when then come over.

[bluelikejazz]

@astrid - I wish someone would tell me I've dropped But alas, I have not. Baby is still up high and not showing any signs of wanting to come.

achi - Once the baby is born, could you talk to the pediatrician about spending time in a home with smokers? Maybe your MIL will understand more/not take it out on you if it's coming from the Dr? And I think you're plan about hosting Christmas dinner is a great one (but I wasn't really sick, so that's coloring my opinion)

My Question: What is everyone's plan for informing family about labor/delivery?

We really want to keep it secret until we're in the recovery room. I know my mother will show up uninvited to the hospital if we tell her I'm in labor (even if we tell her not to come). She'll stay in the waiting room, but I really don't want the pressure of knowing she's right there. And while DH's parents are far more respectful and will wait until they are invited, I know they really want to be there as soon as possible, as this is the first grandkid for them. DH and I really want labor/delivery, and that first hour or so as a new family as just us without anyone else.

[estrellita]

krystee they told me my a/s would take an hour but baby must have been good because they didn't take nearly as long. I think they plan extra time to make sure they can get everything they need in one appointment. Plus if you're high risk, they may have other things they need to check or will want to see things more in depth?

I'm annoyed because a pair of my mat pants ripped. They ripped where the seam is connecting the band to the pants (like, the band part ripped, it didn't rip the seam out). Hoping my mom can fix them! I don't want to buy more!

[krystee]

I feel like I am going to spend a boatload of money on maternity clothes, and I don't like it. Right now, I have one pair of black pants, one pair of jeans, one pair of yoga pants, one skirt and two dresses, plus about nine tops and a coat. Just those things were around $300 and I obviously need a few more pairs of pants and some dressier tops for work. I also need a maternity support belt for my trip and maternity tights for the dresses now that it's winter. I think we are only having one kid, so I hate to be spending this much money!

[Deleted]

Nov 21, 2014 9:34:57 GMT -5 sunshine239 said:

Sorry for the multiple posts! Here is my own random - I'm only 5 weeks but have almost no symptoms and its freaking me out. With my first I was puking my brains out prior to even a positive pregnancy test, with my second I had much much more subtle symptoms but still felt them.... now with #3 I really haven't felt that much of anything except maybe tired and some twinges (which worry me more than they do reassure me)...this is normal right?

Totally normal. Every pregnancy is different. This is my first, but I had almost no symptoms early on besides being tired and having sore boobs. 

The next pregnancy could be a pukey horrible mess. You just don't know!

[Deleted]

Nov 21, 2014 11:19:59 GMT -5 krystee said:

I feel like I am going to spend a boatload of money on maternity clothes, and I don't like it. Right now, I have one pair of black pants, one pair of jeans, one pair of yoga pants, one skirt and two dresses, plus about nine tops and a coat. Just those things were around $300 and I obviously need a few more pairs of pants and some dressier tops for work. I also need a maternity support belt for my trip and maternity tights for the dresses now that it's winter. I think we are only having one kid, so I hate to be spending this much money!

Watch Gap and ON sales on mat clothing, and I highly recommend maxi dresses. Very comfortable and easy to wear.

[cheeseandcrackers]

this pregnancy has gotten out of control.. last night i had horrible heartburn, it just felt ON FIRE and I couldn't stop farting in bed no matter how hard I tried to hold it in. "You're farting again" my poor husband.

[Deleted]

Nov 21, 2014 11:02:25 GMT -5 bluelikejazz said:

My Question: What is everyone's plan for informing family about labor/delivery?

We really want to keep it secret until we're in the recovery room. I know my mother will show up uninvited to the hospital if we tell her I'm in labor (even if we tell her not to come). She'll stay in the waiting room, but I really don't want the pressure of knowing she's right there. And while DH's parents are far more respectful and will wait until they are invited, I know they really want to be there as soon as possible, as this is the first grandkid for them. DH and I really want labor/delivery, and that first hour or so as a new family as just us without anyone else.

All of this! I tried telling my husband from the beginning that I really didn't want to 'sound the alarm' when I go into labor. He didn't get it, and said we should still tell people...it's up to them if they feel like waiting around. I'm sorry, but after laboring for god knows how many hours, I want alone time with the baby and my hubby. I don't want to feel pressured to cut that time short, knowing that people have been waiting for a while to see the little guy.  Not to mention, I'll probably need some time to get myself together before seeing everyone. 

At our L&D class a couple of weeks ago, they stressed the importance of *not* having your familing holed up in the waiting room.  I'm so glad they brought it up, because J gets where I'm coming from now.

[christy082]

Nov 21, 2014 11:02:25 GMT -5 bluelikejazz said:

My Question: What is everyone's plan for informing family about labor/delivery? 

Well, I still need H to inform his parents that we don't want visitors while I'm in labor. My parents are aware and are supportive. First labors take on average 12-24 hours and I don't need the added pressure of knowing there are people in the waiting room, nor do I want any visitors when I'm scared and in pain.

If H's family seems supportive of that then I'm sure we'll let them know when we are in the hospital. If they give us a hard time, then I have no intention of letting them know before baby is here and we are ready for visitors.  I'll definitely be letting my parents know when I am admitted.

I plan on skin to skin time and breastfeeding so it'll be probably 2 hours or more before we are ready for visitors.

[sarahsas]

I'm not sure what I want to do about family when I go into labor. I have no problem with them being there in the waiting room and I may want my mom with me. Haven't talked to them or h about it yet but they don't stress me out at all so I'm sure they will be there.

[MrsAggie]

neener I registered online and H had zero to do with it lol. Once we got lots of things at our shower I explained what everything was for and he asked questions and was involved then.

[krystee]

H is very into the registry.

My mom reeeeeallllly wants to be in the delivery room. Honestly, she is a nurse who would probably be really good at keeping me calm, so i am going to allow it.

His family is out of state and my dad and brothers would have no desire to be in a waiting room for hours, so she's the only one who would be there.

[estrellita]

neener My H is kinda into it. Probably not quite as much as I am, but he does have opinions. Mostly when I ask of course, lol.

achi Being a former smoker, I know both sides. Luckily most of my friends/family either have quit smoking, never smoked, or only smoke outside/in the garage. I think with second hand smoke, I'm not quite as concerned about it being on the clothing vs. being around actual smoke. I'd probably prefer if they didn't JUST have a smoke before holding baby, but hopefully it will only be on their jacket and not their clothing underneath since baby will be born in winter. I would try to steer clear of smoker's homes as much as possible and voice your concerns to those you feel comfortable enough to talk to about it. I know how hard it can be to not smoke but I think a good middle ground would be for the smoker to wear a jacket or something, and maybe use a blanket or something. I think that's a reasonable request.

bluelikejazz I think we will text/call our parents and just ask them not to spread the news anywhere else until we do. My parents live an hour and a half away, so some notice would be good in case they need to leave work or anything. I probably won't tell them to leave though until baby is here because I do want some time just us before visitors start. Obviously it depends on the time of day too!

[achi]

Thanks for your input @estrellita, that's helpful.

[spankswife]

I didn't want anyone in the room, but my mom and sister were there while I labored. I ended up having a c section and when they brought DD back, my sister got beautiful pics of DD being weighed and measured and holding DH's finger (before I was back to the room).

I am so thankful for those pictures and so glad my sister was too stubborn to listen to me.