Post by murphybrown on Jul 8, 2019 19:12:56 GMT -5
1. 12 weeks
2. We had our NT scan today and everything looked really great. Got to see the little one wiggling around. Ultrasound tech guessed girl - hoping she is right!
3. None this week
4. Being reminded that everything is a phase for both pregnancy and parenting really helps me get through the tough parts and embrace the sweet moments. Like when my toddler randomly bites me on the boob for no reason again. Just a phase!
2. Pregnancy-related AW/vents/randoms for the week? I'm suddenly feeling quite big these days. Oye!
3. Questions for the group? No
4. What's the best pregnancy or parenting advice you've received so far?
Take a deep breathe before responding when you're frustrated. I'm not great at this when fighting with my 3-nager but I try to remind myself to do it when I can.
2. Pregnancy-related AW/vents/randoms for the week? So much movement! It’s funny to see my belly move.
3. Questions for the group? Would you be ok with a daycare that has a firearm in the home? It’s in the garage, which the kids can’t access. In a safe with a 10 digit code, stored taken apart and ammo stored separately. Everything else safety-wise seems very responsible/above board but this throws me a little.
4. What's the best pregnancy or parenting advice you've received so far? I got great advice on my post about expectations for DH - the common theme was to have him take charge of some stuff and I think that’s going to work well for us. So thanks!
2. Pregnancy-related AW/vents/randoms for the week?
I'm annoyed that my ob waited until my appointment last week to give me the referral to the fancy ultrasound place because she didn't want me to go in before 19 1/2 weeks because they were booked up and the first available was when I'm 20w 6d. I know that's still in range for an anatomy scan, but it's on the later side and I was hoping to get in the week prior. Petty annoyance probably but I've had so much anxiety with this pregnancy and I was really looking forward to really getting a good look at this baby, especially because I have an anterior placenta and can't feel her move yet. Just like my previous pregnancy with my now 2 1/2 year old. *sigh*
3. Questions for the group?
4. What's the best pregnancy or parenting advice you've received so far?
fairfax I grew up in a home with probably 15+ guns that I never once had access to. My Stepmom runs a home daycare and my Dad still has hunting guns stored securely in a safe in the utility basement where the kids do not have access. I also know the ammo is locked in a tool chest in the garage. My Dad brings out and cleans the guns the night before he leaves for hunting season (deer and moose, one week each). The second he gets home they are cleaned and securely stored again.
I would want to know why the homeowner has the guns and what type they are. In my area hunting is a common pastime, but my family depended on bush meat when I was a kid. It was a major supplement to our grocery bills (and still is in my Dad’s case). I might have more hesitations if the homeowner is a gun enthusiast generally, or if they had assault type weapons or handguns on premises.
In the end this is your judgement call. If everything checks out, I would be ok with the arrangement as described if the weapons are for hunting activities. Do all the residents of the house have a police security check? That might be something else I would inquire about.
2. Pregnancy-related AW/vents/randoms for the week? I am now on a fairly intense dose of iron and fibre and I started taking probiotics as well and holy hell I feel so much better. Which is nice. I was definitely run down from the move but anemia plus a vicious bout of a stomach virus really knocked me on my ass.
3. Questions for the group? Anybody else thinking of pursuing Hypnobabies/ Hypnobirthing? I would like to go med-free this time, and I have one friend who accidentally gave birth at home for their first baby after taking the programs (like she didn’t realize she was at end stage labour). I’m not a big believer in woo generally, but this seems potentially legit.
4. What's the best pregnancy or parenting advice you've received so far? Change the diaper after the night feeding! There is no point in doing it before.
2. Pregnancy-related AW/vents/randoms for the week? They scheduled my c/s for my due date. I'm hoping for a VBAC, but we'll see. They won't induce me. I have a biophysical profile u/s this afternoon. I don't think I had one with DS1. Maybe this is because of the GD? Anyway--2 weeks ago he was head down so I hope he stays that way!
3. Questions for the group? If you've had GD, how many times a week would you say 1 of your numbers was over? I average 1-2 times per week. Usually because I try something new and then realize it doesn't work. Is that too often? Never crazy high, usually just a few points.
4. What's the best pregnancy or parenting advice you've received so far? If baby is fed and dry it's ok to put them down and let them cry/fuss for a bit. You will not damage them.
Post by farfalla2011 on Jul 9, 2019 8:12:47 GMT -5
1. How far along are you? 29+3
2. Pregnancy-related AW/vents/randoms for the week? I'm really starting to feel quite large on a regular basis. And, I'm so tired. I'm also on an iron supplement and I've felt great this entire pregnancy until now. Now I have nagging nausea most of the morning that I'm 99% sure is being caused by the iron. It's supposed to be taken on an empty stomach, but I've been eating with it which seems to help a little bit.
3. Questions for the group? None really I don't think?
4. What's the best pregnancy or parenting advice you've received so far? Nothing really comes to mind other than maybe that the first month or so will be really rough, but that it will pass and things will get better. I don't have a ton of people with babies in my life, so I've avoided a lot of advice. Plus, I'm more wanting/needing teenage boy (15) advice these days because that's been a blast.
Post by stellelinds25 on Jul 9, 2019 8:13:46 GMT -5
1. How far along are you? 23+6
2. Pregnancy-related AW/vents/randoms for the week? I had a fetal echocardiogram yesterday and everything looks perfect and he’s growing right on schedule. I also found out that because of my weight loss surgery, I don’t have to do the normal GTT...they’ll do a fasting blood sugar and then another 2 hours after I e eaten. I’m so thankful because I’ve had some issues with my blood sugar dropping after a high sugar/carb meal and I pass out.
3. Questions for the group? How bad is it to sleep on your back? I’ve tried to sleep on my sides, but I’ve always been a back sleeper and I cannot fall asleep on my sides. At this point it doesn’t bother me to sleep on my back (I know that may change as I get bigger) but is it bad for baby?
4. What's the best pregnancy or parenting advice you've received so far? I honestly haven’t gotten a ton that I haven’t asked for. Breast feeding scares me because I have no idea what I’m doing, my best friend helped ease my mind a bit, so I’d say that.
2. Pregnancy-related AW/vents/randoms for the week? After my second son I had major hernia repair done. I had a ventral and bilateral inguinal. They used mesh to repair the ventral. Now that I'm pregnant again my stomach won't stretch where the mesh is causing terrible pain. I feel it more when laying down because things shift, especially when I'm laying on my side or go to roll over. There isn't anything that can be done other than to just suck it up until the end. 16 more weeks to go.
3. Questions for the group?
4. What's the best pregnancy or parenting advice you've received so far? Don't compare yourself to other families with babies/kids. What works for them may not work for you and that's ok. Find your own groove and adjust as needed. I have found that finding things that work for me, as unconventional as they are, is what keeps me sane and able to tackle single parenthood. On the outside it looks like I have it all together (I get a ton of compliments) but inside I'm just in survival mode.
Post by stellelinds25 on Jul 9, 2019 8:20:08 GMT -5
fairfax I would be ok with it for the reasons you stated (the safety measures). However, DH has several guns and will take the proper safety measures as well to keep them away from little hands. I think it ultimately comes down to your comfort level with the idea of guns in the area.
Post by farfalla2011 on Jul 9, 2019 8:29:19 GMT -5
fairfax - The gun thing is so much personal preference AND going with your instinct. From the information given, I'd be okay with the situation since they are locked up and inaccessible, but I'm in TX and guns (and responsible ownership of them) are a part of the culture here. But, if it makes you nervous I'd ask questions similar to what aprilsails mentioned to get an idea of how the use them and how often to assess the risk of the situation.
aprilsails - I have the hypnobabies book, but I haven't had time to sit down and read through it yet. I have read through part of Ina May's Guide to Childbirth which I found somewhat encouraging. Although I haven't gotten to any coping suggestions yet. I also would like to go med-free if possible, but I'm also planning to go in with an open mind.
Post by chocolatepie on Jul 9, 2019 10:43:02 GMT -5
1. How far along are you? 23 weeks tomorrow
2. Pregnancy-related AW/vents/randoms for the week? I was supposed to receive iron last week; picked up my overpriced Panera lunch to take with me, parked at the hospital, yada yada. They finally got me in a chair and I casually asked if they were doing a Benadryl premed first, they asked why, and I told them I had reacted to this particular iron before and typically needed Benadryl prior to help offset it. Panic ensued. They wouldn't touch me without my GI's approval, and of course trying to get a hold of a specialist during the day is hard. So I sat there for 3 hours as they waited on his call. He finally called back and said he was not comfortable moving forward and I needed to consult with my OB.
And being the hormonal wreck I am, I burst into tears in the infusion center :/ Thankfully my OB was responsive and they took precautions with the meds (I have to get 5 instead of 1 big one) and I had my first of those yesterday at one of their infusion centers. With no reaction!
The downside is that they eat up my entire workday and the Benadryl makes me so loopy it's hard for me to actually work remotely.
3. Questions for the group?
4. What's the best pregnancy or parenting advice you've received so far? Hmm. I'm not sure, actually!
Post by dreamcrisp1 on Jul 9, 2019 11:28:59 GMT -5
1. 33 weeks 1 day
2. Baby is growing and healthy! He weighs 5 lbs. He is already half engaged, which is crazy. I’ve been told to ease up on walking and the stairs and rest more until 36/37 weeks. I’ve been super sick since yesterday and couldn’t keep anything in but I seem to be on the mend since I had lunch today around 3.
4. Remember that the baby stage doesn’t last forever.
icedcoffee, yes. I think it’s fine if it’s not consistent and you can recognize what triggers it. I’ve been sick so my numbers have been high after eating.
aprilsails, I’ve done some reading on hypnobirth and like it. I know others who have done classes and stuff but I didn’t want to do any classes. I’m also going med free with a likely water birth.
dock I worked up to my due date with DD since in my anecdotal family and friend experience that seems to guarantee that you won’t go super overdue. It worked for me. I lost my mucous plug and started early labour that night (DD born 3 days later).
I am planning the same this time, but I do have the benefit of a desk job and it is literally 3 minutes to the hospital and 1 minute to my midwife’s office so probably more convenient if something happens than 30 minutes away at home.
dreamcrisp1 I hope you’re able to take it easy and get a bit further along. I know you’ve got a lot to do before baby comes!
2. Pregnancy-related AW/vents/randoms for the week? I was supposed to receive iron last week; picked up my overpriced Panera lunch to take with me, parked at the hospital, yada yada. They finally got me in a chair and I casually asked if they were doing a Benadryl premed first, they asked why, and I told them I had reacted to this particular iron before and typically needed Benadryl prior to help offset it. Panic ensued. They wouldn't touch me without my GI's approval, and of course trying to get a hold of a specialist during the day is hard. So I sat there for 3 hours as they waited on his call. He finally called back and said he was not comfortable moving forward and I needed to consult with my OB.
And being the hormonal wreck I am, I burst into tears in the infusion center :/ Thankfully my OB was responsive and they took precautions with the meds (I have to get 5 instead of 1 big one) and I had my first of those yesterday at one of their infusion centers. With no reaction!
The downside is that they eat up my entire workday and the Benadryl makes me so loopy it's hard for me to actually work remotely.
3. Questions for the group?
4. What's the best pregnancy or parenting advice you've received so far? Hmm. I'm not sure, actually!
How did you react to the iron infusion? I had one after my csection and had an anaphylactic reaction. They gave me a crap ton of Benadryl afterwards and I wasn’t able to have the second infusion. I’ve been nervous about my next csection but sounds like maybe I could have Benadryl beforehand to offset the reaction? I’ll be asking my dr!
Post by dreamcrisp1 on Jul 9, 2019 13:27:44 GMT -5
aprilsails, thank you! I know it can mean nothing and I’ll prob go to 40 weeks like this haha but still. Luckily I’ve been making lots of progress on my to do list but also able to work from home a lot.
2. Pregnancy-related AW/vents/randoms for the week? I am uncomfortable. Sleeping is SO HARD. I am in serious nesting mode, but it's tough because I spent all of DS's nap time doing a SUPER deep clean of our master bathroom, and I was SO SORE afterward. Waaah.
I have my first appointment with MFM this week - Thanks a lot, GD. BUT the good news is I get an extra ultrasound out of it Friday so I can see baby girl again!
3. Questions for the group? Not yet.
4. What's the best pregnancy or parenting advice you've received so far? I'm too tired to hear anything. I mostly zone out when people give me parenting advice because I just have to deal with shit as it comes.
2. Pregnancy-related AW/vents/randoms for the week? I was supposed to receive iron last week; picked up my overpriced Panera lunch to take with me, parked at the hospital, yada yada. They finally got me in a chair and I casually asked if they were doing a Benadryl premed first, they asked why, and I told them I had reacted to this particular iron before and typically needed Benadryl prior to help offset it. Panic ensued. They wouldn't touch me without my GI's approval, and of course trying to get a hold of a specialist during the day is hard. So I sat there for 3 hours as they waited on his call. He finally called back and said he was not comfortable moving forward and I needed to consult with my OB.
And being the hormonal wreck I am, I burst into tears in the infusion center :/ Thankfully my OB was responsive and they took precautions with the meds (I have to get 5 instead of 1 big one) and I had my first of those yesterday at one of their infusion centers. With no reaction!
The downside is that they eat up my entire workday and the Benadryl makes me so loopy it's hard for me to actually work remotely.
3. Questions for the group?
4. What's the best pregnancy or parenting advice you've received so far? Hmm. I'm not sure, actually!
How did you react to the iron infusion? I had one after my csection and had an anaphylactic reaction. They gave me a crap ton of Benadryl afterwards and I wasn’t able to have the second infusion. I’ve been nervous about my next csection but sounds like maybe I could have Benadryl beforehand to offset the reaction? I’ll be asking my dr!
That's terrifying!! Thankfully, the reaction to Venofer was just burning/swelling of my arms and legs (around 4x normal size) that took a few days and a lot of Benadryl to get rid of. The fear is that the reaction would get worse each time after so they pulled me off it (until now).
They typically like to do the Venofer in one big dose but they broke this up into 5 smaller doses, with Benadryl 30 min prior and then a 20 min test dose after that, and then a sloooow drip, and it (hopefully) did the trick. Your doc might be willing to do that!
There are also a few different types of iron, though Venofer is definitely their go-to it seems.
aprilsails I did the Hypnobabies home study course last time. I found listening to the daily tracks very relaxing and I seemed to fall asleep every time. Supposedly that’s ok since my inner mind would hear it and get it any way. I’m not sure how much it helped me, I didn’t feel like I reached hypnosis during labour but maybe I did. All my labour attendants did say I was good at relaxing (but I’ve been told that before during regular pelvic exams and during my egg retrieval so who knows). I should say I had a pretty short and intensive labour (went from 3 cm to pushing in 30 minutes) so maybe that’s why I didn’t feel the hypno-thing worked.
I was planning to redo the course this time but I’ve found it really hard to find the time to do the daily exercise/listening with DS around. The few times I’ve done it it’s been instant sleep again.
2. Pregnancy-related AW/vents/randoms for the week? H and I spent the last 5 days on a little babymoon in Kauai. It was his first time to Hawaii and my first outside of work. It was so nice to get some time away to just relax and recharge together (I realized this was our first trip longer than 3 days in the past 1.5 yrs which is very unlike us). It felt so nice to relax in the water and be a bit weightless. Before this trip I was right on track for weight gain but I absolutely overdid it on the ice cream and eating out, and was up 8lbs when I got home this morning. Ooops! Time to mega reel that back in. My feet also got super swollen and painful on the flight home too so perhaps that is part of it. I also finally ordered a pregnancy pillow and can't wait for it to arrive!
3. Questions for the group? Any recommendations on birth/breastfeeding classes? Our hospital has a set that is birth (6hrs), labor coping (2hrs), breastfeeding (2hrs), infant care (2hrs). Or there is a combined one put on by a private company and advertised at my OB's office that is 6 hours for all of that. I am all for being prepared and believe knowledge is power, but 12 hrs of classes also feels like a bit overkill. Do these seem like topics that could be all covered in 6 hrs? (I will likely take a separate 2 hr class on breastfeeding regardless b/c I'm nervous about that).
4. What's the best pregnancy or parenting advice you've received so far? So far the advice directed at me specifically has been minimal, which I am thankful for. Many of my friends have already had kids so they give pointers or recommendations when I ask. The most helpful was from a friend that had PPA right after birth, she was good at saying to set expectations low, which I knew already as I was there to help her through, but was nice to have reiterated.
Post by chocolatelove on Jul 9, 2019 18:31:52 GMT -5
1. How far along are you? 15w4d
2. Pregnancy-related AW/vents/randoms for the week? Got to hear the heartbeat today! It was a little stressful because the doc couldn’t get it on the Doppler. She said she could hear him moving so she knew he was ok, but she did a quick ultrasound for my peace of mind, which I am so appreciative for. Still didn’t get a great view, but heard a distinct heart beat💙
I also had my cardiology appointment today and the palpitations and swelling I’ve been experiencing are normal and expected. Phew. Of course, if they get worse, we need to talk about other things, but for now, all is normal.
3. Questions for the group?
None really today.
4. What's the best pregnancy or parenting advice you've received so far?
Very little unsolicited advice. DH has had 3 babies from previous relationships, so he is my main source of knowledge right now. I was so afraid I’d be resentful of his past experiences, but I am so grateful for it now.
Post by murphybrown on Jul 9, 2019 20:09:43 GMT -5
dock, I worked until the very end with my last (was a teacher). So I totally sympathize with not wanting to be on your feet. I say if you can take off any time before hand, do it. Better to be rested up when the baby arrives!
2. Pregnancy-related AW/vents/randoms for the week?
3. Questions for the group?
4. What's the best pregnancy or parenting advice you've received so far?
1. 17w3d 2. H finally told his boss, turns out she’s also pregnant, close to my due date haha. Posted on FB, went back and forth whether to do so. My bump is definitely becoming more pronounced. My supervisor was off last week and when she saw me this week she said I’m definitely bigger. 3. Not today. 4. No one has really given me much advice yet, aside from telling us we’re in for it, just wait, blah blah. Thanks y’all. 🙄
Post by humpforfree on Jul 9, 2019 20:32:33 GMT -5
1. How far along are you? 15w5d
2. Pregnancy-related AW/vents/randoms for the week? Had an OB appointment today- she found the heartbeat instantly with the Doppler today 🎉 then told me I need to do a 16w GD one hour bc my last baby (Vbac) had shoulder dystocia. Of course I’d brought my 5 & 3.5 year olds to the appointment with me thinking it’d be quick in and out. They had their tablets with them, but the WiFi wasn’t working & they have like 2 non-internet games on there. It was a long hour, but luckily (for once) they did really well.
Also, my friend suggested a sprinkle bc this baby is 4 years after my last kid (& almost 6 years since my shower) & I need a few new big ticket things. I feel... kind of weird about it I guess? We have most everything, but need a new infant car seat and sleeping device, plus some smaller things that are nbd to buy. I feel AW-y about it, but it may be fun? I’m undecided.
3. Questions for the group?
4. What's the best pregnancy or parenting advice you've received so far? From my friend before my first- don’t be expecting this lovely family bonding experience with your newborn baby. Go in planning for the first 6-8 weeks to be like boot camp that you will power through. It will probably have a lot of sucky moments, but you WILL come out on the other side. Keep expectations low. Lol
Post by sunflower17 on Jul 9, 2019 20:39:18 GMT -5
1. How far along are you? 9 + 5
2. Pregnancy-related AW/vents/randoms for the week? Overall my only symptoms are fatigue and some indigestion. I was pretty sick with DD and I’m thankful I’m able to eat at this point.
I’m also having some occasional intrusive thoughts and worries about my pregnancy which are uncalled for. I hate it. I’m on Zoloft same as last pregnancy (safer for pregnancy than my usual medication) and I feel generally happy and well adjusted as I typically do, so I don’t know why my mind goes in weird directions sometimes.
3. Questions for the group? Not today.
4. What's the best pregnancy or parenting advice you've received so far? No one really knows what they’re doing. And whatever you choose is the best choice for you and your family.
Post by dreamcrisp1 on Jul 10, 2019 0:54:18 GMT -5
WinterWine, I did a 1.5 hour breastfeeding class/information session, which was amazing. I also did a 1.5 hour information session on birth and it was great to learn about the process here and get the information. That’s it. I’ve looked into other birthing classes but they’re too long. I really want to just go with the flow and just let my body do it’s thing so I’m not doing a longer class.