weekly update, 6/18

[FastHands]

What's the haps?

[FastHands]

28 weeks tomorrow. I wish this kid moved a bit more. He makes me nervous. It's getting HOT out and I'm doing my best not to panic, lol. My swelling in the ankles is out of control! I've accepted defeat. I wrapped them in ace bandages yesterday and felt soooo much better at the end of the day. I'll do that again today and see if I can get some legit compression socks at target at lunch. If not, I'll order some on amazon. I know they'll make me hotter, but I'll just have to suck it up.

[Deleted]

29 weeks. No swelling so far, but I am sure it is coming. It is HOT today. Yesterday was bad too, and I had to go out for errands at lunch. None of that today, my ass is staying in my air conditioned office.

Baby was moving around a lot last night and DH wasn't even home to witness it. I went to bed like 20 minutes before he came home, apparently, and was already asleep by the time he came upstairs. First time in a long time that's happened.

Our birthing class is this weekend. I haven't told DH it's from 9-5 on Saturday, just that we have to be there by 9 and should probably take the dog to camp for the day. WOTY.

[bk1]

6 weeks 2 days.

I feel like shit, which I guess is a good thing. Every morning I have felt nauseous and dizzy. Once I am able to eat something I always feel better. I've also been napping.

First ultrasound next Monday! Because of my previous two losses, my doctor wants me to go to the hospital to get an internal ultrasound done. I've only had those done to confirm my miscarriages :/ So I hope I don't let that put me in a funk when I go up to do it. Really excited to get the first ultrasound done though!

[FastHands]

Jun 18, 2014 7:27:20 GMT -5 bk1 said:

First ultrasound next Monday! Because of my previous two losses, my doctor wants me to go to the hospital to get an internal ultrasound done. I've only had those done to confirm my miscarriages :/ So I hope I don't let that put me in a funk when I go up to do it. Really excited to get the first ultrasound done though!

Aww, I'm sorry that you have a bad association with the internals. To put a positive spin on it, know that the resolution of the internals is SO much better than external. I had had a bunch during IF testing and never actually had an external until my 2nd round of u/s after I got pregnant. And when we switched to external I was actually really bummed! It was so much harder to see details. I know that isn't a whole lot of consolation after everything you've been through, but maybe it'll give you a positive to think about, and hopefully you'll get a beautifully clear picture of a healthy/growing little one!

[bk1]

Jun 18, 2014 8:43:31 GMT -5 FastHands said:

Jun 18, 2014 7:27:20 GMT -5 bk1 said:

First ultrasound next Monday! Because of my previous two losses, my doctor wants me to go to the hospital to get an internal ultrasound done. I've only had those done to confirm my miscarriages :/ So I hope I don't let that put me in a funk when I go up to do it. Really excited to get the first ultrasound done though!

Aww, I'm sorry that you have a bad association with the internals. To put a positive spin on it, know that the resolution of the internals is SO much better than external. I had had a bunch during IF testing and never actually had an external until my 2nd round of u/s after I got pregnant. And when we switched to external I was actually really bummed! It was so much harder to see details. I know that isn't a whole lot of consolation after everything you've been through, but maybe it'll give you a positive to think about, and hopefully you'll get a beautifully clear picture of a healthy/growing little one!

This is the best way to look at it! I keep thinking of it that way. My doctor wanted me to do an internal so we can confirm heart activity as soon as possible.

I just keep thinking everything has been good so far! Beta has been good, progesterone has been good, everything is on track!

[dana2006]

35 wks +1. Baby dropped off the chart during the last growth scan a wk and a half ago, and MFM is recommending that he be delivered b/w wk 36 and 37. I've had twice wkly BPP monitoring and so far those have been good. Next growth scan is this coming Monday. My OB said she'll induce me that day if MFM calls for it, or if there're improvements then she'd push back a week, but most likely this baby is coming in the next 2 wks. I'm hopeful that he'll hold out until 37 wks, just based on the BPPs so far.

My CW's wife made chocolate chip cookies and packed a small bag for him and a big bag for me. It's awesome! I already chowed down five cookies and it's not even lunch time yet.

[linz]

Jun 18, 2014 7:27:20 GMT -5 bk1 said:

First ultrasound next Monday! Because of my previous two losses, my doctor wants me to go to the hospital to get an internal ultrasound done. I've only had those done to confirm my miscarriages :/ So I hope I don't let that put me in a funk when I go up to do it. Really excited to get the first ultrasound done though!

Internal are good early on too because sometimes you can't hear the heartbeat from the outside. I had internal until 12 1/2 weeks when I had my NT scan. It's so nice to not have to get undressed anymore  My external have always been fine and now that they're bigger we can see a lot more movement.

[linz]

16+5. No Dr appointment till next week. My belly looks like it popped more and it's getting harder - esp at night. I felt a little movement the other night but nothing since. This morning it felt like one of them was snuggled up against my side but it went away. I can't wait till I feel from the outside!

I've also been so exhausted this week too. And it's been in the 90s so no jogging outside for me.

[bk1]

Jun 18, 2014 10:44:26 GMT -5 linz said:

Jun 18, 2014 7:27:20 GMT -5 bk1 said:

First ultrasound next Monday! Because of my previous two losses, my doctor wants me to go to the hospital to get an internal ultrasound done. I've only had those done to confirm my miscarriages :/ So I hope I don't let that put me in a funk when I go up to do it. Really excited to get the first ultrasound done though!

Internal are good early on too because sometimes you can't hear the heartbeat from the outside. I had internal until 12 1/2 weeks when I had my NT scan. It's so nice to not have to get undressed anymore  My external have always been fine and now that they're bigger we can see a lot more movement.

I am excited for that part. I had seen heart activity on my previous two pregnancies, but I have never heard the heartbeat.

[orangeglow]

12+1 today.  I am finally getting some relief from the all day morning sickness.  I've even put on 2 of my 15 lbs lost!  Monday we have our NT scan and first meeting with MFM.  They had to reschedule me from Wednesday because apparently the doctor wasn't going to be there when they scheduled it and since no one listens to me when I tell them I can't see anyone but the doctor...

And my jiggly belly is getting hard.  It's weird and cool.  Since this is our one and only we are trying to enjoy and take notice of all the little things.

bk1 - I've only had internals so far.  I have a tilted uterus so it was that or nothing to see our baby.  Who doesn't like a little dildo cam action?   (hot)

[FastHands]

Jun 18, 2014 10:08:35 GMT -5 dana2006 said:

35 wks +1. Baby dropped off the chart during the last growth scan a wk and a half ago, and MFM is recommending that he be delivered b/w wk 36 and 37. I've had twice wkly BPP monitoring and so far those have been good. Next growth scan is this coming Monday. My OB said she'll induce me that day if MFM calls for it, or if there're improvements then she'd push back a week, but most likely this baby is coming in the next 2 wks. I'm hopeful that he'll hold out until 37 wks, just based on the BPPs so far.

My CW's wife made chocolate chip cookies and packed a small bag for him and a big bag for me. It's awesome! I already chowed down five cookies and it's not even lunch time yet.

Remind me again -- if HR is good, why is it such a concern that your little guy is small? Do they worry that he could go into distress before you would realize it or something? In any event, you've done such a great job of cooking him this long! I'm sure the last month+ has been stressful. I have my fingers crossed that he'll hold out till 37+, but I know you're in excellent hands either way!

[dana2006]

Jun 18, 2014 11:12:42 GMT -5 FastHands said:

Jun 18, 2014 10:08:35 GMT -5 dana2006 said:

35 wks +1. Baby dropped off the chart during the last growth scan a wk and a half ago, and MFM is recommending that he be delivered b/w wk 36 and 37. I've had twice wkly BPP monitoring and so far those have been good. Next growth scan is this coming Monday. My OB said she'll induce me that day if MFM calls for it, or if there're improvements then she'd push back a week, but most likely this baby is coming in the next 2 wks. I'm hopeful that he'll hold out until 37 wks, just based on the BPPs so far.

My CW's wife made chocolate chip cookies and packed a small bag for him and a big bag for me. It's awesome! I already chowed down five cookies and it's not even lunch time yet.

Remind me again -- if HR is good, why is it such a concern that your little guy is small? Do they worry that he could go into distress before you would realize it or something? In any event, you've done such a great job of cooking him this long! I'm sure the last month+ has been stressful. I have my fingers crossed that he'll hold out till 37+, but I know you're in excellent hands either way!

Distress and stillbirth are the biggest concerns for IUGR babies. The MFM doctor said that sometimes even after the baby is born and all sort of tests are done, they still could not figure out what exactly is causing the growth restriction. So far the cord blood flow, amniotic fluid level, baby's HB and muscle reflexes have all been good, yet he's not gaining weight. They've ruled out serious problems, but there could be some minor issues at play. At this point it feels more like art than precise science figuring out the optimal time for his delivery.

Thanks for your kind words. I'm at peace with the situation and we're mostly ready for his arrival. H was like, this is our last child-free weekend? I said, dude, we've had 8+ months to mentally prepare for this stage. lol.  

[bk1]

orangeglow I didn't think about that but I have a tilted uterus too. We should get to see so much more. Unfortunately to get the internal we have to go to the hospital because the office doesn't have one.

[catscatscats]

First check in! 4+4 I think. Taking it easy and trying to keep stress levels low. I have acupuncture today, and I'm looking forward to that. First ultrasound scheduled for 7/2 to look for early heart activity. Grow baby, grow!

[FastHands]

Jun 18, 2014 11:34:23 GMT -5 dana2006 said:

Jun 18, 2014 11:12:42 GMT -5 FastHands said:

Remind me again -- if HR is good, why is it such a concern that your little guy is small? Do they worry that he could go into distress before you would realize it or something? In any event, you've done such a great job of cooking him this long! I'm sure the last month+ has been stressful. I have my fingers crossed that he'll hold out till 37+, but I know you're in excellent hands either way!

Distress and stillbirth are the biggest concerns for IUGR babies. The MFM doctor said that sometimes even after the baby is born and all sort of tests are done, they still could not figure out what exactly is causing the growth restriction. So far the cord blood flow, amniotic fluid level, baby's HB and muscle reflexes have all been good, yet he's not gaining weight. They've ruled out serious problems, but there could be some minor issues at play. At this point it feels more like art than precise science figuring out the optimal time for his delivery.

Thanks for your kind words. I'm at peace with the situation and we're mostly ready for his arrival. H was like, this is our last child-free weekend? I said, dude, we've had 8+ months to mentally prepare for this stage. lol.  

Well I'll keep thinking good thoughts for you guys! And LOL at your H! Too funny.

[FastHands]

jewel, where you at, yo? Haven't seen you around. Hope all is good!

[orangeglow]

Jun 18, 2014 13:11:06 GMT -5 bk1 said:

orangeglow I didn't think about that but I have a tilted uterus too. We should get to see so much more. Unfortunately to get the internal we have to go to the hospital because the office doesn't have one.

Ugh that sucks.  My OB's office was able to whip that bad boy out on site.  DH was all "what is THAT??"  He wasn't with me at the RE when I had my internal.  I was all like "it's cool babe, just the dildo cam."  The nurse cracked up laughing.

[azurely]

18w3d

All is well. I've started feeling movement more, but only when I'm sitting still or laying down. My H was able to feel a little kick or punch last weekend... so so cool. I'm definitely starting to show more now too, there's no hiding this belly

Tomorrow is my anatomy scan and I'm so excited to see the baby again, make sure it's healthy, and find out if are having a boy or girl.

[FastHands]

Jun 18, 2014 15:40:52 GMT -5 azurely said:

18w3d

All is well. I've started feeling movement more, but only when I'm sitting still or laying down. My H was able to feel a little kick or punch last weekend... so so cool. I'm definitely starting to show more now too, there's no hiding this belly

Tomorrow is my anatomy scan and I'm so excited to see the baby again, make sure it's healthy, and find out if are having a boy or girl.

Woo! Any guesses as to the sex?

[azurely]

Jun 18, 2014 16:09:39 GMT -5 FastHands said:

Jun 18, 2014 15:40:52 GMT -5 azurely said:

18w3d

All is well. I've started feeling movement more, but only when I'm sitting still or laying down. My H was able to feel a little kick or punch last weekend... so so cool. I'm definitely starting to show more now too, there's no hiding this belly

Tomorrow is my anatomy scan and I'm so excited to see the baby again, make sure it's healthy, and find out if are having a boy or girl.

Woo! Any guesses as to the sex?

I have no idea. My H thinks it's a girl, and a few friends have guessed girl too, but we'll see tomorrow!

[KaraOrNot]

23w5d

Things are going well. I have been feeling the baby more and more and I think I even felt a faint outside kick last night!

[orangeglow]

Jun 18, 2014 16:37:27 GMT -5 azurely said:

Jun 18, 2014 16:09:39 GMT -5 FastHands said:

Woo! Any guesses as to the sex?

I have no idea. My H thinks it's a girl, and a few friends have guessed girl too, but we'll see tomorrow!

I expect a report tomorrow.

[jewel]

Jun 18, 2014 14:42:41 GMT -5 FastHands said:

jewel, where you at, yo? Haven't seen you around. Hope all is good!

Helllooooo

All is good here. I'm 28.5 weeks, and feeling like my pelvis is being ripped in two. Otherwise, I'm excellent. I just passed my GD test, which for some reason, I was unreasonably worried about.I've also been really anemic, and the doctor is starting to talk about iron infusions. I'll do whatever I have to do (obviously), but it doesn't sound very fun. Anyone have experience with getting iron infusions?

My doctor gave me a birth plan checklist at my last appointment. For the first time, I really thought seriously about the fact that this (real) baby that took so much effort to GET IN, somehow has to get out

[MrsAggie]

12 weeks on Friday. I'm getting what I presume is my NT scan on Monday and I'm just excited to see the baby on US again. I'm also feeling like I'm moving past the nausea, THANK GOD.

[picksthemusic]

31w5d here. Had my OB appointment yesterday, and baby is good, growing appropriately by fundal height, and doc could tell I look better just from taking my iron.

We leave tomorrow morning for Victoria BC, and I don't want to go. I'd rather be moving into my new house (which we closed on yesterday!!!). I know it'll be sort of fun, but I'm huge and pregnant, and we're going with my M/FIL, two sets of B/SILs, myself, DH, and DD. I'm not looking forward to my FIL wanting to take DD 'sightseeing' and taking her out of our sight. I'm sorry, yes, it's just Canada, but she is my child and in a foreign country. She will not be leaving my line of sight. I don't care who she's with. Granted, we're staying at the Empress and doing High Tea on Saturday, so that will be fun. I'm just also not looking forward to my feet aching because we'll be walking most everywhere, and the swelling, and just... UGH I DON'T WANT TO GO!!

My OB actually suggested getting my placenta encapsulated for breastmilk production/baby blues yesterday, and it turns out one of the midwives that works for the hospital does it! I was (not really) shocked. She is so amazing and supportive and fairly 'crunchy' as OBs go. I really love her. We have a good plan in place for my VBAC and now BFAR (breastfeeding after reduction). She even had a Chinese herbalist to refer me to for supplements and such for galactagogues.

It's going to be a busy couple of weeks for me, but hopefully the fly by.

[FastHands]

Jun 18, 2014 19:52:42 GMT -5 jewel said:

Jun 18, 2014 14:42:41 GMT -5 FastHands said:

jewel, where you at, yo? Haven't seen you around. Hope all is good!

Helllooooo

All is good here. I'm 28.5 weeks, and feeling like my pelvis is being ripped in two. Otherwise, I'm excellent. I just passed my GD test, which for some reason, I was unreasonably worried about.I've also been really anemic, and the doctor is starting to talk about iron infusions. I'll do whatever I have to do (obviously), but it doesn't sound very fun. Anyone have experience with getting iron infusions?

My doctor gave me a birth plan checklist at my last appointment. For the first time, I really thought seriously about the fact that this (real) baby that took so much effort to GET IN, somehow has to get out

Glad things are mostly good! Pelvic pain is no bueno! I have it somewhat, but it's not nearly as bad as a lot of women get it I think. It's enough that I can appreciate how lucky I am that it's not worse.

No experience with iron infusions, but it defintiely doesn't sound fun! I'm hoping you can avoid that! How did they find out you were anemic, the GD blood draws? I've always been borderline in normal non-pregnant life, but it hasn't come  up at all for me.

And I know, right?! I spent so long just surprised that I got pregnant.. then another stretch terrified something would go wrong.. and now that we're beyond the viable point, I'm like "oh right.... labor." LOL. We actually just finished a "prepared childbirth" 3-week class this week. I initially wanted to do one much later, like early August, but we had conflicts with all of the other offerings. I ended up really glad I did it this early, though, because it was definitely an eye-opener just about what to expect, and I feel like I am way more undecided about some things than I thought. So in the end I'm glad we did the class now so that I have plenty of time to figure things out. Though, let's be real, I'll hem and haw and not decide till like we're on the way to the hospital. heh

[anna7602]

34 weeks. Had a great, uneventful ob/gyn appointment today. Everything looks good, my weight gain is fine, HB is great, fundal height is perfect, no swelling, and on and on with the good stuff. This is so different than my first pregnancy when my doctors were doing growth u/s at the end and freaking me out about every last thing.

I'm off to Philly next week and I think that's my last hurrah before the baby gets here. Oh, and HALLELUJAH- DH is letting me keep the fan on when we sleep. Besides having to map out in my head where all public restrooms are when I am out and about, I'm dealing okay with the heat and am making sure to keep super hydrated.

[jewel]

Jun 19, 2014 15:33:57 GMT -5 FastHands said:

Jun 18, 2014 19:52:42 GMT -5 jewel said:

Glad things are mostly good! Pelvic pain is no bueno! I have it somewhat, but it's not nearly as bad as a lot of women get it I think. It's enough that I can appreciate how lucky I am that it's not worse.

No experience with iron infusions, but it defintiely doesn't sound fun! I'm hoping you can avoid that! How did they find out you were anemic, the GD blood draws? I've always been borderline in normal non-pregnant life, but it hasn't come  up at all for me.

And I know, right?! I spent so long just surprised that I got pregnant.. then another stretch terrified something would go wrong.. and now that we're beyond the viable point, I'm like "oh right.... labor." LOL. We actually just finished a "prepared childbirth" 3-week class this week. I initially wanted to do one much later, like early August, but we had conflicts with all of the other offerings. I ended up really glad I did it this early, though, because it was definitely an eye-opener just about what to expect, and I feel like I am way more undecided about some things than I thought. So in the end I'm glad we did the class now so that I have plenty of time to figure things out. Though, let's be real, I'll hem and haw and not decide till like we're on the way to the hospital. heh

Between the pelvic pain at the sciatic nerve issues, my nether regions are basically always in pain. I was just telling my husband last night that childbirth almost sounds like sweet relief. My husband so graciously offered to massage my taint. I was like....um, no.

I've always been slightly anemic. The RE had me start taking iron before IVF, because my levels were pretty low then, and I've just stayed on it. I think the OB adds a CBC to any regular bloodwork they do, and every one during the pg has been lower than pre-pg, despite the iron pills. This last one, which they did at the same time as the GD draw, was the lowest so far. I could probably get more iron in my diet, but I sort of think that keeping cookie dough as a snack is worth a few iron infusions...LOL.

My birth plan has always been very basic - healthy baby, healthy mom, pain management. I think it's nice that the hospital is offering all sorts of options, but I feel unprepared to make any of those decisions now. I'm still perfectly content to just see how it goes, and make changes in the moment.

And a flameful - the GD drink was pretty good It tasted just like flat sprite. When the nurse asked, I told her the same thing, and she said I was the first person who ever said it was good. So, I guess I have really low standards.