August Pregnancy Thread

[valchemist]

I want to start this month to put Terri's name in lights at the top. She just had her baby a couple days ago in case you missed the end of the July thread! Mom and baby are doing great.

Here's what the rest of us look like.

Cab321 - 8/20 - surprise!
Kingwell - 8/23 – boy!
reneeinnorthwes – 9/2 – surprise!
klrickrode – 9/7
Krysia1031 - 9/9 - boy!
salukichic - 9/24 - girl!
MelissaAS - 10/10 - surprise!
nowimcooking - 10/28 - boy!
rmg_CA - 11/30 - girl!
valchemist - 12/30 - surprise!
veschke - 1/2 - boy!
Wallingjan1 – 1/14
Jessica - 1/27
bbpizzapro - 1/29
Delanl - 2/11
Missindi - 2/14

New Arrivals:
Benjamin Charles born to RebeccaT, July 8th. 6 lbs, 5 oz and 19 inches
John-Paul Daniel born to TLee4, August 2nd. 9 lbs, 10.6 oz and 21 inches

Let me know if I missed anyone and I'll try to update the list.

[Bawstinn]

CONGRATULATIONS Terri!!!

[veschke]

veschke, let me know your due date so I can fill it in!

Jan 2. The holidays are likely to be a little quiet 'round these parts... or very exciting, of course, if he's early.

[valchemist]

Thanks, I put your due date in. you are due 3 days after me. I have a history of being late, though, so you may "beat" me. ;)

I am 19 weeks today. My ultrasound is scheduled for this friday. We won't be finding out the sex, but I do look forward to seeing the baby again. We will bring my 5 yo along but leave my 2 yo with her grandmother as she is too young to comprehend.

[reneeinnorthwes]

valchemist,

Thanks so much for getting us started for August. I can't believe I am the third person on the list! Crazy how fast the months have gone by.

The paint smell from Peanut's room is finally gone and I spent the weekend organizing.... folding little clothes and putting away things. There are still so many things I want to do before my due date in 4 weeks. At least I am starting to make more progress around the house now.

I'm looking forward to hearing all the stories this month!

Renee

[cab321]

Congratulations Terri! And welcome John-Paul Daniel!

Thanks for starting us valchemist. Have fun at your ultrasound - your 5 yo should love it.

veschke - Either way you probably won't be sleeping well through the night - so you may as well enjoy that New Year's Eve countdown. ;)

Renee - Glad to hear that you were finally able to get into the baby's room and start doing things. (I think) I've finally finished everything in there.

I'm doing ok. Two weeks ago they changed my due date to the 14th (from the 20th), which puts me at 39 weeks tomorrow. I still think I'm only 38. And I'm still hoping that this baby shows up either right on time (for my dates) or early. That will avoid a fight against induction.

Plus, DH just got a new job! At the moment, his start date is Aug 28th and I want him home with us for at least one week. He's going to request that they push the date back one week, just in case. But still - this baby had better not be too late (they'll let me go 2 weeks over here and I am - at the moment - very opposed to being induced).

So, if you have any labor vibes you could send my way, I'd really appreciate them.

Oh! And I've started my maternity leave today. It wasn't supposed to begin until next week, but you can trigger it by calling in sick at any point in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. I just don't feel like I left myself enough time to get the house clean and properly rest. So I'm calling in sick today...and scrubbing the bathroom...:confused: AND, my mother is all set to arrive next Wednesday for her month with us.

[Jessica]

Congratulations, Terri!!!!

I had a good appointment last week and need to schedule my Level II ultrasound. Am feeling better but still queasy--I had very little sickness with DS but this baby is causing more trouble ;) .

[stomkow]

Hi All,

I for the most part an a "lurker". I also am 22 weeks pregnant - due date December 10th. My first child, a girl.

Here's a product that I thought I read about, but have not been able to find anywhere (I am wondering if I just "dreamt" about this gizmo):

I have a problem with my maternity pants falling down a little, and I read that they make these "garters" that you attach from the sides of your bra to you pants, to help keep them up.

Anyone know of these? any help would be appreciated

thanks!

Susan

[Bawstinn]

Here's a product that I thought I read about, but have not been able to find anywhere (I am wondering if I just "dreamt" about this gizmo):

I have a problem with my maternity pants falling down a little, and I read that they make these "garters" that you attach from the sides of your bra to you pants, to help keep them up.



Aw, no way!! That was one of the *ideas* I came up with to keep my underwear from falling down when I was pregnant!! Someone already had the idea and is marketing them?? :(

;) Honestly though, I was thinking I could make a fortune. You snooze, you lose I guess.

[nowimcooking]

Congratulations, Terri!

I'm still here at just over 28 weeks. I am getting excited and a little nervous about getting everything done. Still haven't selected a pedicatrician, purchased bedding, no paint in the nursery, furniture is still on order....I'm just hoping it all comes together in time.

I think I saw those suspender things somewhere early in my pregnancy, but don't have a clue where. Here's a link I found just by googling pregnancy suspenders: http://www.urbanbaby.com/ub_daily/110206dailynat.html

Hope that helps.

[MISSINDI]

Checking in ... new month, new thread ... hate being on the bottom of the list. :(

Somewhere I read that a part of my body with the pregnancy is now the size of a grapefuit. Which part? Can't remember where the heck I read it. I rarely read anything (too much info not necessarily a good thing ;)), but checked babycenter.com (my only regular check-in) and it's not there, but driving me crazy.

This pregnancy is completely different than Nicholas and the m/c. I'm bigger below my belly button, and above it and my profile has definitely changed. I was never showing this early (12.5 weeks), but wasn't carrying a girl before. She's accounting for the bulge below my belly button, but above it?

Congrats TLee and Rebecca!

[Robyn1007]

Yes, I lurk here in envy. :o

Missindi, your uterus is the size of a grapefruit. :D http://www.webmd.com/content/article/64/72363.htm

[MISSINDI]

Yes, I lurk here in envy. :o

Missindi, your uterus is the size of a grapefruit. :D http://www.webmd.com/content/article/64/72363.htm

Phew. That's not where I read it, but now I know I'm not going crazy. ;) Thanks, Robyn. Now if I can get the bulges to meet in the middle, I'll be all set. ;)

So far this is the easiest pregnancy by far (knock wood), but the sight or talk of ribs, bbq or sushi make me want to hurl. Blech.

[Robyn1007]

Phew. That's not where I read it, but now I know I'm not going crazy. ;) Thanks, Robyn. Now if I can get the bulges to meet in the middle, I'll be all set. ;)

So far this is the easiest pregnancy by far (knock wood), but the sight or talk of ribs, bbq or sushi make me want to hurl. Blech.

I googled "pregnancy size of grapefruit" so maybe if you do that you'll figure out where you read it if you really want to know. Sorry to hear about the desire to hurl. Anywho, back to lurkdom. :o

[MISSINDI]

I googled "pregnancy size of grapefruit" so maybe if you do that you'll figure out where you read it if you really want to know.

Just the fact that I didn't dream it up is enough for me. :) Didn't think to google it, it was such a random fact in my head. :D

[Krysia1031]

Congratulations to Terri! I am sure you have your hands full, but we would love to see some pics if you get a chance! :)

Cab- I am so jealous you are already on maternity leave! My last day here in the office is Aug 29th (only 1 1/2 weeks before my due date). And we still have so much to do at home and I have so much to do at work before I go out on maternity leave! Yikes. I am sure you will be able to take care of everything and don't worry about the due date. Your baby will come when he/she decides the time is right! ;)

Checking in here at 35 weeks (YIKES :eek: ) and still so much to do! I am feeling good although I had another blow out with my in-laws. My MIL is a very nice lady but she is absolutely driving me f$%^%*ng CRAZY!! She is so over bearing and pushy and this past Friday was the last draw. So DH went over there Fri. night & told them they need to back off. Well now of course, I'm the bad guy because I made his mom cry and his dad is angry that I am acting this way. :mad: Is a little space too much to ask?? And no, its not just the hormones talking here. Again, don't need the extra stress but if they are going to be mad well that's just too bad. Life is never boring around here between the kitchen construction & now this drama. :(

Okay, vent over..back to our regular pregnancy thread. Cab & kingwell, I am hoping for wonderful & painless deliveries for you both. Keep us posted.:D

[wallingjan1]

Hi everyone, finally checking in at 17 weeks. We just made the move to Vermont and getting internet hooked up was a challenge. I'm doing well overall. Nausea and vomiting is still ridiculous but I've finally stopped losing weight and have actually had a handful of good days.

I definitely feel bigger this pregnancy than my last one. I've officially started showing now and I know I didn't before. My mom sent a hugely appreciated gift box of shorts and pants so I can give my husband his gym shorts back now:D . I felt the baby kick last night too, I don't think it liked the heavy copy of Joy of Cooking I had balanced on my stomach. But my husband really wants to feel too. I don't remember when kicks were feelable from the outside, can anyone tell me?

I'm glad everyone is doing well and looking forward to cooler fall weather.

Pam

[MISSINDI]

I felt the baby kick last night too, I don't think it liked the heavy copy of Joy of Cooking I had balanced on my stomach. But my husband really wants to feel too. I don't remember when kicks were feelable from the outside, can anyone tell me?

Pam

I don't remember when my dh could feel it when I was pregnant with Nicholas, but my sister is about 7 months pregnant, and her dh is just now starting to feel it. We went to a wedding Sunday and her baby was totally keeping beat with the DJ music. :)

[valchemist]

I am 19 weeks and the kicks are just starting to be felt from the outside. I have been feeling them for about 5 weeks on the inside. I imagine it varies quite a bit from person to person, though.

[salukichic]

Howdy Everyone,

Just checking in, I'm now 33 weeks and am having a really hard time with heartburn and swollen feet. I've been measuring 2 weeks ahead and am having an ultrasound this Saturday, so perhaps they'll be able to tell more. I hope everyone survives this terrible heat and humdity and Congrats to the new mom's and newly preggo's. :D

[TLee4]

Hi to all of you preggo ladies and thanks for all of the congrats! Sorry it has taken me so long to get to the BB..glad I had Val to at least make my announcement for me!

John-Paul's birth didn't go exactly as planned, but whose does, right? ;)

I was due on 8/10 but had been having some signs of early labor all last week. On Thurs I had the u/s in the morning. By afternoon I felt a bit dizzy and crampy, and I decided to go find my doctor (I work at the hospital where I was delivering) to make sure nothing was happening before I embarked on my hour drive home. My blood pressure was high (hadn't been high in the past) and she informed me that we were having the baby that night! (I was still dilated to about 4cm).

They started Pitocin at 5:30, broke my water and gave me the epi at 7, and by 10:30 we were pushing. He was born at 10:41pm. Unfortunately during that short period of pushing, John-Paul's big old shoulders got stuck and it was quite an ordeal for the doctors to get him out (or get me to get him out, really!) But from my point of view it was a very easy labor and delivery. Miraculously enough, I have NO TEARS or STITCHES. I feel better already than I felt 8 weeks after having Joey. It's like a miracle. (Especially considering that the boy weighed 9 lbs, 10.6 oz!!)

So far life with 2 babies is easier than I thought (even though I'm typing this at 5pm and counting the minutes until DADDY arrives!) Joey (14 mos) is too busy to notice John-Paul all that much. And JP is a very sleepy baby. Last night he even gave me a 2 hour and a 3 hour stretch of sleep! So I can't complain.

Hope everyone else is doing well. Here's a pic.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p9f8756f5a3f5436f035c325d8ec3a2f9/e832d73d.jpg

Terri

[nowimcooking]

Terri, JP is the cutest baby I've seen in a while! :D Enjoy your 2 little ones! You are making me even more excited for my little guy's arrival!

Jen

[reneeinnorthwes]

Terri,

Congrats! Thanks so much for sharing your story and posting the photo. John-Paul is super cute. He is a big baby!

Even though it didn't go exactly as you planning it sounds like you did a great job and are doing remarkably well! Any idea why you feel better so quickly the second time around? Do you think that is typical?

Enjoy every minute (especially that extended sleep time)!

Renee

[Krysia1031]

Terri, what a little cutie! Thanks for taking the time to post. Congrats again to you and your new expanding family!! :)

[LaraW]

Any idea why you feel better so quickly the second time around? Do you think that is typical?


I remember feeling better after my 2nd was born much more quickly than after my 1st was born. I think its probably a combination of a lot of things - that your body has been through it already and you know physically and mentally what to expect, you have another child to take care of who still needs you, and I think probably a big part is that you're already in baby/kid mode instead of going from a life with 2 adults to 2 adults and1 baby, you're going to 2 adults and 2 children.

Congratulations, Terri! He's a cutie! Such a big boy!!

[MelissaAS]

Terri- What a beautiful boy! Glad to hear it about the quicker recovery this time, I am hoping for no stitches/tear as well with #2, but we'll see what happens.

I am now 31w and had an uneventful appt. yesterday, all is well. I can't believe I'm 6w from full term (37w). I am really slowing down, but just trying to be grateful to have time to continue to grow this baby, since I have a friend in book club who just delivered at 28w, which is not of course the ideal outcome (though mom and baby are doing well so far). So, strange as it sounds, I have to remind myself that "getting out of this" is not a great alternative, at least for a few more weeks...

On a lighter note, the topic for the group prenatal session was S-E-X and I found myself blushing, believe it or not, at my advanced age. It was a bit fun to hear about everyone's concerns, attempts, non-attempts, etc. We also talked about post-partum contraception and I learned quite a bit about IUD's, which I've never had but are apparently quite popular now. Last time I went on the mini-pill while breastfeeding, which is not supposed to decrease milk supply, but I found that it did so I'm not going to go that route again this time. Have to think about this one some more. I tell you, this group care is pretty educational for me :D .

Take good care everyone!
Melissa

[TLee4]

Thanks, all! :)

My mom was in the delivery room, and she said that the doctor (a different one than last time) really made an effort to hold my butt up (or something like that..sorry for TMI!) so that I wouldn't tear. I guess it worked! I am going to send that woman flowers! Really, I was dreading this recovery part and it is just so much better.

Terri

[Delanl]

Congrats Terri! John-Paul is a little doll! Thanks for sharing your story. I am glad everything went well!

I am hanging in at 13w5d, nothing much going on besides some new found energy this week. Yay! So I am hoping the "I am so exhausted all I want to do is lay on the couch" phase is over! :D This time two weeks ago, I would be fast asleep already!

My shipment of baby books arrived from Amazon yesterday, so DH and I have been busy reading those. I got the infamous "Baby Bargains" and "Happiest Baby on the Block" and a breastfeeding book, but the name is escaping me right now. Baby Bargains is GREAT, so much information! I really need to right everything down and keep it in my bag with me.

Hope everyone is feeling good!

Leigh

[bbpizzapro]

Congratratulations Terri,

Your baby is beautiful.

I always forget the thread changes each month...what a dope I am.
Today I am 15 weeks 3 days.

I feel great.
I feel the same as always aside from the looks people give me wondering if I am pregnant or just have a belly.
I guess I am a few weeks from feeling anything different, right?
I loved having ultrasounds each week during early pregnancy it was very reassuring. Now I just have to trust everything is well.
Glad to see everyone is doing well.

[Kingwell]

Hi everyone. Checking in at 38 weeks.

I've now had three people tell me I'm going a week early...I told all three of them pretty much "thanks for your opinion, but come back when you have a new date in mind!" Thankfully my doctor says she thinks I'll hang around until my due date.

I'm one of those people that doesn't get ready for something (vacation, exciting events, etc) until it is actually happening, so my mind is all prepared for 8/23! Not only that, but my doula doesn't get back in town until 8/18, so please, everyone, think August twentysomething thoughts for me!

Other than that, this week has been better than last...still having various pains (rib, back) and discomfort, but hanging in ok.

Just a note for stomkow--bella bands and similar products should help with that. They are simply an elastic band that go around your waist. I will say suspenders from my bra sound pretty uncomfortable!

Here's a touchy subject to discuss...anyone know much about or tried perineal massage? Doesn't appeal to me really, but if in fact it helps prevent tears, sounds a little better.

[cab321]

Here's a touchy subject to discuss...anyone know much about or tried perineal massage? Doesn't appeal to me really, but if in fact it helps prevent tears, sounds a little better.

I tried it, but it was just too much work with my big belly. I read that there haven't been many studies to show its effectiveness and the one larger scale study found that the rate of tears was the same, but the rate of the worst type of tears was reduced.

[reneeinnorthwes]

Kingwell,

This is my first baby... so I don't know (personally) the long-term results of the massage. I've read a lot about it and also talked to my doctor. Scientifically, not enough studies have been done to determine if it actually helps.

I'm at 36 weeks (will be 37 this weekend) and haven't tried it yet but am planning to do it starting next week. Perhaps someone is lurking that has had a baby before and can tell us if it worked for them.

At this point, I figure it can't hurt things. If it doesn't help...at least I tried. I have heard that it doesn't work for everyone... but part of me also wonders if it is a qualifier they say since the research just isn't in yet. Though, research doesn't necessarily support everything that is done in childbirth... but that is a whole different topic.

I have found several articles on the internet about how to do it - in case you are looking for that type of information. I just used google and babycenter.com.

Renee

[Jessica]

I tried perineal massage but found it too awkward. I barely tore with DS even though I was 35 and he came rather fast--19 minutes of pushing (20 hours active labor). I honestly think a lot of it is luck--how the baby is positioned, etc. I do think it helped that I did a zillion kegels through my pg and I am trying to do that again this time.

[valchemist]

then again, terri had a 9 lb 10 oz baby and did zero kegels and didn't do perineal massage and didn't tear at all. so, as you say, Jessica. it is mostly just luck. I guess!

my doc was cut-happy so she did episiotomies on me both times. I am pretty small and my babies were very big, though. so there was probably good reason. she probably saw I was going to tear and so did them. strange as it may sound, I didn't even feel them (that I recall) even though she told me when she was about to do it and I had no pain killing meds. so, although I didn't particularly want episioitomies, it was probably the way to go in my case. at least they healed better than tears would have (in my case, since in my case the tears likely would have been big).

[cab321]

I can't remember who was discussing posture and positioning with me. But here's an update for you - I have been diligent about not slouching or reclining and spent almost all of my time leaning forward. Last Wednesday my baby turned around to a back-to-back position! :mad: I'm so very, very unimpressed. I've tried using the stupid positioning techniques to flip him/her back over (kneeling on all fours, crawling, making a pillow nest and laying on my front). It's not worked. It all makes me wish I'd just spent the past month being comfortable, instead of trying to get the baby into the best position for labor.

Any tips on back labor out there? My modified due date is tomorrow :eek: and I don't see the little fellow flipping around before I go into labor. Although, having said that, I can't see myself actually going into labor either - I've not had any "signs".

[bbpizzapro]

Good morning all!!

Not to be too gross...
Anybody have any info or experience with extrs discharge?


Thanks for any replies!
bb

[Krysia1031]

Cab - I am so sorry to hear that your baby is in the back-to-back position. I hae no helpful tips although a very good friend of mine just had a baby who was in the same position. This was her 2nd and she said is was a little more painful than the first, but otherwise had no problems delivering a healthy little baby girl! I will keep my fingers crossed for you so that maybe the little one turns yet again and everything goes smoothly for your delivery. :)

As for me, checking in here at 36 weeks. I am starting to feel very tired and crabby and my house is still not finished. On top of all that, I found out over the weekend that my DH has somehow got the shingles and can pass on the chicken pox to folks who haven't had it! :eek: Good news: I had the chicken pox, so I should my doc said I should be fine and not to worry. Bad news: It can take up to several weeks to get rid of the shingles and with my due date only 4 weeks away, if DH still has it he can't be around the baby. He is loaded up on medicine & vitamins and al types of creams, but its a virus and unfortunately has to run its course.:mad: Please include us in your prayers so that this stupid thing goes away and he can be with me & welcome and hold our new baby boy into the world when its born!

On a more positive note, we finally got the baby's furniture in for the nursery, so we put the dresser & crib together and even started putting some stuff into drawers. So even though I my kitchen still isn't done, at least the nursery will be ready for him! :)

Cab & Kingwell, good luck to you guys. Keep us posted on your progress..and Kingwell, my cousin just delivered a 10 lb. 11 ounces baby boy with no tearing. She didn't do any kegels or any massages, so go figure. Every woman is so different, so try not to worry. :D

[valchemist]

that stinks, carrie. I really feel bad for you. I don't have any experience with back labor thank goodness. my midwife, who is as all-natural as I am, had back labor and ended up breaking down and getting an epidural. not trying to scare you, but just telling you what reality is. I was surprised to hear her say that and it made me wonder if I would have to do the same if I encountered it. I hope you can do it all natural, as you plan, though. how were they able to tell he is sunny side up? just by a manual exam or ultrasound?

bridget, I think the extra discharge is normal. I have had it too and my dr said it was normal.

editing to add: just read krysia's post and that is good news! I guess back labor's can really vary in intensity, so maybe it won't be that bad.

[Laura]

Delurking to say that both my kids were "sunny side up" as they used to say. I had to be induced with both and had an epidural with the first and nothing with the second. Labor was painful, but then I don't know if that was because I had pitocin, back labor, or just the fact that labor was painful. But, I don't consider myself as having a high pain tolerance, and I managed. With my first, I ultimately got the epidural just because my labor was so long. In terms of delivery, I didn't have any difficulty pushing because of their positions. I pushed for about 45 minutes with DD (who was 8lbs. 7 oz) and 20 minutes with DS who was 7lbs., 11oz.. Hope this helps.

[cab321]

I hope you can do it all natural, as you plan, though. how were they able to tell he is sunny side up? just by a manual exam or ultrasound?

editing to add: just read krysia's post and that is good news! I guess back labor's can really vary in intensity, so maybe it won't be that bad.

Just by poking and prodding from the outside. I actually knew it the day he turned - the big baby bum I was used to playing with suddenly became some knobbly, pointy leggy bits. The good news is that the baby was not fully back-to-back at the last appointment - he was still slightly lateral.

The other bits of good news are 1) he's not breech! 2) often the baby will turn in labor so I won't necessarily have to deliver a sunny-side up baby and 3) I have heard from a number of women who had fine deliveries with back labor (like Krysia :) ). A few who have had back and normal labors have said that the back labor was a little more difficult and took longer, but that the biggest difference was just that they felt the contractions in their back not their bellies. I hope I fall into that group if he doesn't spin.

Oh eeek, Krysia!!! I hope his shingles clear up as quick as humanly (virus-ly?) possible and that baby stays put until their gone. I can see how all of that might put you in a less than stellar mood.

[JenZen]

delurking ...

Cab - I had back labor and a natural delivery. Tips: Have someone apply pressure to your lower back ... it helps a lot during contractions. Ada did turn at the very end after I got on my hands and knees during transition. That moment was incredibly painful, but it did the trick. She was 9.5 pounds, and I didn't tear at all.

Preventing tears - I tore a bunch with Gabe, so with Ada, I put in my birth notes that I wanted help preventing tears. The nurses applied warm compresses right before I started pushing, and I think that helped. Also, I had a bit more controlled, effective pushing with Ada. I pushed so long with Gabe that I was incredibly swollen, which caused the tearing. With Ada, I just felt in more control, and I paused at points when I felt I needed to.

[MISSINDI]

OK, so the nurse totally gave me a near-heart attack today. I was in a car accident last night. Luckily my tank was unharmed ... he who drives a beemer and doesn't pay attention to what's going on in front of you has an undriveable car. Aside from a headache and a sore neck, I was ok. Made appointment with the dr today just to be sure all was ok with the baby. I was going to go to do a heartbeat check this week anyway since I'm still a little anxious, but after last night, I called first thing this morning. It took her what seemed like forever to find the heartbeat. I was literally holding my breath, bracing myself for bad news (especially after she said I should have gone to ER last night), but it finally came through, loud and clear, in the 150s. Phew!

[cab321]

Oh Missindi! Thank God you and baby are both ok. I would have been panicking too if it took that long to find the heartbeat.

[helios7]

Hi all...

I've been following this thread for some time now hoping to join soon, and am now seeking your "experienced" advice. We officially "tried" this month... beginning 7/9. I'm late (day 36 of a cycle that is usually 28 days, but in June was 33 days). I took three HPTs last week - all negative. Realized I probably took too early... took one yesterday - had waited 3.5 hours since previous bathroom trip but test still negative. Symptoms - tenderness in the usual area, fatigue, frequent bathroom trips (but not incredibly more frequent), headaches, light headedness when walking, more veiny in the chest area then usual etc.

So - I realize it could be either way. I searched online and found a number of sites where women complained of HPT taking weeks to show positives, so it doesn't seem as unusual as I first thought. Or AF could arrive, although I keep thinking she has but nothing. Got all the feelings, crampy, swollen etc but no arrival which I know can also be a sign of early pregnancy.

Anyone got experience with late positives on HPTS? I'd love to hear it as this waiting game is really getting old.

ALSO - I have made a doctor's appointment, but can't be seen until Sept 5 so I'm going to be playing this waiting for a while longer yet. :(

Thanks and maybe, just maybe I'll be here officially sooner then i think :)

[MelissaAS]

Cab- I had back labor with my first and it was painful, but I didn't know anything different so I made it through naturally. She did turn at the last moment and the delivery itself was fine.

Tears--Now I'm interested in massage! I am hoping to prevent a tear this time b/c I have a feeling it will make all the difference. Keep those suggestions coming!

Now for a scary topic (for me): Post-partum hemorrhage-- Did anyone else have issues with controlling bleeding after delivery? I had a natural delivery but immediately after my bp dropped and they could not control the bleeding. They put me on a pitocin drip (and other things) and eventually controlled it only by doing sort of an ad-hoc d&c in my room 12hr later (with instruments, but without anesthesia= not pretty). I am a redhead and the nurses told me that redheads are known to be "bleeders". Anyway, I am hoping to avoid/control this better this time. My midwife (different practice) suggested putting in a saline lock when I arrive to deliver so they'll have a vein open to start whatever right after I deliver the placenta. Any other experience out there?

Birth Plan--So to be sure they know what I want, I am thinking of doing a written birth plan, which I didn't do last time. Anyone have one they can share to start from?

Thanks!
Melissa (32w)

Editing to add- Missindi so glad everything worked out OK, deep breaths all around!

[veschke]

I had back labor with my daughter, and it was just very sloooooow going, was the main thing--although, as she was my first, maybe it would have been anyway. The biggest problem was that I couldn't lie down, so I didn't get any rest throughout. She eventually turned over, though I have no idea when. Hubby was a big help -- there was a spot on my back where *strong* pressure really helped, as did sitting on a ball and *ICE*. (The hospital did not have ice packs! Next time I will bring some.) Pushing took less than an hour once I finally dilated all the way. Had a pretty wicked tear, so am following that discussion with interest, although mine healed up well (I am really, really hoping it's not worse this time, though!).

I swear, the most annoying thing about childbirth :D is that it's always different! So it's really hard to generalize no matter *how* many stories one gets.

20 weeks on Thursday - halfway there! We have had a couple of name discussions, but are no closer on how to rearrange our living quarters for a new baby. We may just wait until after he's born. :rolleyes:

[valchemist]

I swear, the most annoying thing about childbirth :D is that it's always different! So it's really hard to generalize no matter *how* many stories one gets.



bingo. we (including me) have discussions about "well, this is how it was for my friend" or "this is how it was for me" but really, they mean almost nothing. every person is different and every birth (even for the same person) is different, so there really is no generalizing or predicting. some of the stories can make you feel better or can make you worry, but in the end, they don't mean much.

I was 20 weeks this past sunday. my ultrasound on friday went fine. but it was just a plain ol' ultrasound... not level 2... ie, they aren't able to detect all THAT much. like, unable to tell if the baby has downs syndrome for example. so I'll just have to hope that things are ok. we weren't able to afford any of the extra testing for various things since we are paying for the whole pregnancy out of pocket.

[bbpizzapro]

Missindi, It is so stressful when theu have a hard time finding the heartbeat.

I'm glad you and baby are doing well.
I am 16 weeks today, at around 14 weeks I had to go to the ER for due to extreme pain urinating, I was already on antibiotics but they were not working. As is the pain wasn't enough they couldn't find the heartbeat.
I was freaking out!
They did an ultrasound and all was good but they said at 14 weeks it can be hard. My bladder was so full it covered everything.

Today is my regular DR visit, hopefullt the heartbeat will be easily found! 2 weeks from my next ultrasound.

[bbpizzapro]

Veschke,

I am sure everything will be great!!!

[KathrynY]

Now for a scary topic (for me): Post-partum hemorrhage-- Did anyone else have issues with controlling bleeding after delivery? I had a natural delivery but immediately after my bp dropped and they could not control the bleeding. They put me on a pitocin drip (and other things) and eventually controlled it only by doing sort of an ad-hoc d&c in my room 12hr later (with instruments, but without anesthesia= not pretty). I am a redhead and the nurses told me that redheads are known to be "bleeders". Anyway, I am hoping to avoid/control this better this time. My midwife (different practice) suggested putting in a saline lock when I arrive to deliver so they'll have a vein open to start whatever right after I deliver the placenta. Any other experience out there?

Melissa - fellow redhead delurking to comment here. I had issues with controlling bleeding after DS was born too. I also had a natural delivery, and afterward they ended up giving me some sort of medication in pill form to induce contractions to stop the bleeding (does pitocin come in a pill? I was also on percoct for pain so my memory is foggy), as well as an IV to replenish fluids. That eventually worked, but it took several unpleasant hours. My doctor actually apologized for not putting in an IV right away when I got to the hospital - said she should have known it would most likely be an issue for a redhead. My labor and delivery were pretty quick, though, so there wasn't much time for anything beforehand. It sounds like that saline lock is a good option to prepare for any care that you will need after delivery. Sending good thoughts that things go differently for you this time around! :)

[crt14]

As a reply to Helios' post--I'm 21 weeks pregnant. Because we were actively trying (I was on clomid), I started using HPTs around day 25 (using the early detection tests). I felt pregnant, tired, crampy, achy, but nothing for nearly a week. Finally, after I had nearly completely given up on that cycle, a faint positive, which became a bright positive two days later. Anyways, a negative doesn't always mean a negative, but a positive (no matter how faint) always means positive. Good luck!

I'm also de-lurking to join the thread. After a miscarriage in January, I'm due to deliver a girl in December.

[cab321]

Birth Plan--So to be sure they know what I want, I am thinking of doing a written birth plan, which I didn't do last time. Anyone have one they can share to start from?


We wrote a birth plan, working from a sort of outline we were given by the midwife. Obviously, you can include as much detail as you want, but she recommended that we write down only what was REALLY important to us. Or make a parred down version to give to the delivery staff, and a more detailed one to help you and your partner plan your birth. She said that your wishes are more impactful this way and it makes it easier for a lot of women to go with the flow - since you never know what birth will throw at you anyway.

Here are the "Topics to Consider" in our outline:


Where to have your baby
What to bring
Who will be present
Induction (may wish to leave this until you are overdue)
Methods of assessment during labor - of mother, of baby, of progress
Posture during labor and birth
Pain relief - natural methods, drugs
Caesarean section - planned or emergency
Assisted vaginal birth - ventouse, forceps, breech
Perineum - tear, episiotomy
Third stage/delivery of placenta - natural or managed


We had a chance to discuss everything and I decided I only have strong opinions about where to have the baby (at home, possibly in the birthing pool), tearing/episiotomy (do NOT cut me unless it is medically necessary for the baby's health), and 3rd stage (natural). I also wrote down that I would like the midwives to advise me on different postures to use during the birth.

Given the home birth, a lot of things were decided for me already - no drugs available, mobile and periodic monitoring of contractions/bp/baby's heartbeat. If I go into the hospital it will be because there is an emergency, in which case they can do whatever they need to do. There are also a number of things that they just do here, unless you specifically request otherwise - skin to skin after birth for 30 min to an hour before they take the baby away and clean it (they'll perform all essential checks with the baby on your chest), breastfeeding before they take the baby away to do things, etc. So you may want to think about including those in your plan.

[nowimcooking]

Welcome Kim, and Congratulations!

I'm expecting a boy, too, just 2 months before you! Is this your first baby or do you have other little ones at home?

Welcome to the group,

Jen

[reneeinnorthwes]

Hi everyone,

I'm at 37 weeks now... which is a wonderful mark because our little Peanut is fully cooked! :) I have no sign of going into labor early but it nice to feel relaxed in case it does happen.

Melissa,
If you go to Baby Center.com, they have birth plan options that you can play with and alter. In the end it generates a form for you. I wasn't fully happy with the form but just took the template it created, cut and pasted it in Word and modified it a bit more. It worked really well for us.

Krysia,
You seem to be in a much better mood than I would be if my husband couldn't participate. Good luck and hopefully he will get better before the baby arrives!

Cab321,
I'm very confused/conflicted about tearing vs cutting. I know this is a pretty fundamental issue but tearing doesn't seem like a great option either. Would you mind sharing your ideas behind it? I've done a ton of reading on the issue and am still 'torn' (no pun intended... well... okay... maybe just a little one). :)

I saw my doctor today and told her I really didn't want to get an IV as a standard routine measure. She actually asked me "Why would you be giving birth in a hospital then?". She is not helping to instill confidence in me but after reading about Melissa and Kathryn's experience I wonder if I should just break down and get the IV lock. I'm hoping to have a natural child birth but am trying to remain flexible in the event that it goes on for a crazy amount of hours and I am losing energy.

Anyone have opinions about getting an IV lock vs. not getting one? Of course, I'm sure Melissa and Kathryn support it after their situation. Why can't they just put one in when it is needed? Will doing it in advance really save that much time?

I hope everyone is doing well this week! It is good to hear that they found the heartbeat for Missindi's little one! Darn those cars that aren't paying attention!!!

Renee

[bbpizzapro]

Welcome Kim and congrats!!!


Renee,
I have no experience in child birth but have been in the hospital and through surgery plenty. I would have the lock done. It is not painful just a bit annoying and I can imagine any timed saved will be precious!!

bb

[MinEaston]

Anyone have opinions about getting an IV lock vs. not getting one? Of course, I'm sure Melissa and Kathryn support it after their situation. Why can't they just put one in when it is needed? Will doing it in advance really save that much time?

delurking...

I had a very quick delivery with Anna (woke up at 7:30am with contractions, went to midwife office for 10am appt, sent me straight to birthing center at 5cm and fully effaced, Anna was born at 11:40am). When the midwife arrived at the birthing center she found the staff starting to prep me for an IV, as a routine thing. I was fully in labor by then and could hardly keep still, so the midwife stopped them (it was too late for any drugs, anyway).

However, later, my brother, who's a internist, chastised me because he said that if anything had happened, and my blood pressure had dropped, it would have been really, really hard for them to get an IV set because my blood vessels would have been constricted. I can see his point. Nothing happened to me, but if we ever have another one, I'll probably reconsider.

[Krysia1031]

Hi everyone,
Anyone have opinions about getting an IV lock vs. not getting one? Of course, I'm sure Melissa and Kathryn support it after their situation. Why can't they just put one in when it is needed? Will doing it in advance really save that much time?
Renee

Renee,
I was also told that the IV was a routine thing even if you want to have a natural childbirth. If any complications arise or as MinEaston said, your bp drops, they could have trouble starting on IV on you and sometimes even a minute or two can make a difference in an emergency situation.

As for me, had a doc's appt. yesterday. We had the works..an u/s, a stress test & bacteria test. Our little guy looks good, just under 6 lbs. The tech said his stomach is measuring small, slighlty below avg. Doc said its still in an acceptable range so not to worry. Yeah, easier said than done. DH's response was, "we're skinny people, so we'll probably have a skinny baby". :o

As for him, it looks like we stopped his outbreak of shingles. He hasn't had any new bumps appear since Sunday morning and some of the existing ones are turning a dark purple color, which means they are starting to dry out. :D He is taking medication, all kinds of vitamins and I have set up a small pharmacy station at home. You should see me putting on the surgical gloves and applying all these creams and mixtures on him. He seems to be doing much better and if he keeps going at this rate, we will be fine and long done with these stupid shingles before the baby comes! :D :D :D

Missindi - I always loved/hated when the doc looks for the heartbeat. I tried not to hold my breath, but sometimes it took longer than I think it should have and it was scary. What a relief!!

Kim - Congratulations and welcome to the group! :)

[Jessica]

Checking in at 16.5w. Nausea is mostly gone, replaced by headaches, fatigue, tummy cramps and horrid allergies. yay! But I felt our Snowflake move this weekend :) We chose to do an amnio and it is scheduled for Monday morning.

Kim--Welcome! We have a DS who is 14m and I am due in late January. I think it is another boy, although we don't know for sure.

Renee--I didn't have an IV lock and I did a natural birth in a hospital. I needed pit afterward for bleeding and got a shot, which hurt. I am not saying you shouldn't have the IV but your doctor's comments disturb me--that seems rude and inconsiderate of your feelings. My OB told me I would need to do things I didn't really want but he explained why.

Cutting v. tearing--Everything I've read, and I read at least six birth books and took a Bradley course, says it is better to tear unless the baby or mother is in distress and the baby needs to be born immediately. My OB concurred. I had a 2nd degree tear but did not need stitches for it. I would be interested to know what others think about this.

Melissa--I have pasted my birth plan below. I hope it is helpful. The allergies and info about episiotomy were in bold. My OB read my first draft, suggested some things and signed off on a final draft. HTH--feel free to ask me any questions about it.

LASTNAME BIRTH PLAN

Mother: Jessica Doctor: NAME/PRACTICE
Father: DH Doula: NAME

Jessica is allergic to sulfa drugs. Her blood type is O+.

DH would like to announce the sex of the baby.

Thank you for reading our birth plan. We are incredibly excited to meet our son or daughter (it’s a surprise!) and welcome him or her into our family. In the absence of a medical emergency, Jessica would prefer to labor and deliver without drugs, and we appreciate your help and support with our birth goals.

We recognize birth is not a scripted event. Should drugs or emergency care become medically necessary to preserve the baby’s health or Jessica’s health, we trust the expertise of the medical staff at United.

We would like to give birth in United Hospital’s Birth Center if available. We would like access to a squat bar and private shower/bath.

Should we experience a birth without medical emergency, it is our wish to have the following preferences respected for labor, delivery and postpartum care:

First Stage (Labor):
• Jessica would like to be able to walk and change positions during labor.
• Jessica would prefer to avoid medication. Please don’t offer pain medication; she will request it if she wants it.
• We would prefer not to have continuous monitoring. When you use the EFM, please allow Jessica to sit up or rest on her side, not her back.
• Please keep vaginal exams to minimum.
• If IV port is required, please put it in Jessica’s arm rather than her hand.

Augmentation:
• We would prefer to avoid Pitocin or other medications to augment labor.
• Jessica would prefer to try less invasive ways to augment labor before medical intervention.

Second Stage (Pushing/Birth):
• Please do NOT perform an episiotomy. Use compresses and positioning. Jessica would prefer to tear.
• Do NOT administer Pitocin shot right away. Allow the placenta to deliver naturally if possible.
• DH would like to announce the sex of our baby and cut the umbilical cord.

Baby Care:
• Please allow for immediate skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. Conduct newborn assessment on Jessica’s chest. We would like to delay the eye medicine so please do not administer it immediately after the birth.
• Please do not provide the baby pacifiers, glucose water or formula.
• Please do not separate mother and baby. If the baby must go to the nursery for evaluation or medical treatment, DH will accompany the baby at all times.


Unexpected Events

Caesarean section:
• Please allow DH and doula to be present during the surgery.
• Please allow DH to hold the baby as soon as possible.
• Free one of Jessica’s hands to touch the baby as soon as possible.
• Please allow breastfeeding as soon as possible and do not provide pacifiers, glucose water or formula in interim.

Premature or Sick Baby:
• Please allow breastfeeding or expressed milk feeding as soon as possible.

Stillbirth or Newborn Death:
• We would like to keep our baby with us for as long as desired.
• We would like a “Gabriel’s Box” to preserve mementos.
• Please allow Jessica to recover away from the postpartum floor and discharge her as quickly as possible.
• We would like an autopsy performed.
• Please contact (someone we knew) on the nursing staff. She has worked with Jessica in grief counseling at the hospital.
• Please contact the rabbinical staff at (our synagogue, with phone number).

[Delanl]

Wow, this thread has been busy busy!

Not much going on here. I have kind of a silly question to ask. I am a bit small in the chest area and I haven't seen much change yet. I had the usual soreness and tenderness in the beginning of my pregnancy, but no real growth yet. So I was curious, when did you all start noticing your breasts change? I am so excited to finally have some real boobage :o , but so far nada! I asked my doctor (while my DH cracked up) and he said don't worry in a few months you will be asking me when they will go back to normal again!

Welcome to all the newbies! And Missindi I am glad to hear everything is ok! Hope everyone else is doing well!

[krhm]

Delurking...and apologizing because I'm only addressing two posts...

Missindi, I'm so glad you're okay! I was also in a car accident when I was pregnant with DD1 and that was scary stuff!

Also wanted to say that I'm a redhead and had no issues at all with bleeding during either of my two deliveries, and no one ever mentioned that it could be a possibility.

[valchemist]

I am small, too, and never see too much change til after the baby is born and my milk comes in. there is a little growth when I am pregnant, but not really noticeable.

[bbpizzapro]

I am no expert but at 8 weeks my breasts staring getting larger. Now at 16 weeks I am over a full size bigger. I started an A and am a b+ now.....
My DH loves it.

[crt14]

On the breast growth issue, I'm 21 weeks and have gone from a 32A to a 34C. I officially outgrew my bras around 10 weeks. I had a friend who went from a 32A to a 32D during her pregnancy, but then I've had other friends who went up barely a cup size or not at all until their milk came in, so I guess it's different for everyone. FWIW, I also started gaining weight right away, so that may be part of it. It is nice to finally have some cleavage.

[BlueMoose]

Hi,
I've been lurking for a few weeks. I'm only 8 weeks...due on March 25. I have my first appt. on Aug 27th. I have 2 kids...a girl who will be 10 on Saturday, and a 6 year old boy. I'm not sure how they're going to react to this!

Chrisi :)

[valchemist]

oh wow, chrisi, that is so cool. welcome!! your kids are at such a great age for this. they'll love the baby to pieces and be a great help to you. I know that is how julia will be. (kate, not so much!)

welcome, also, to Kim. we have almost the same due date! I don't know about you but I am hoping for the baby to come after christmas but before new years. not that I have a choice!

[bbpizzapro]

Congrats and welcome Chrisi!!

[chefbecky]

Just wanted to delurk to add myself to the group -- I'm due Feb. 14 with my second. I have a little boy who just turned three on Monday. I think the next one is probably also a boy, but we don't know yet. I was nodding in agreement earlier in this thread when someone said every woman and every pregnancy is different. I'm only 14 weeks, and this pregnancy has been SO different from my first. (And not in a good way either!)

We had our NT ultrasound last week, and it was so different for me than the ultrasounds in my first pregnancy. I think when it's your first, the whole thing is more conceptual -- yes, that looks like a baby, but what does that MEAN? Now that I have one, I looked at the little image and started thinking all of these things: "Will he have the same hair as Jake?" "Will he wear glasses like Jake?" "What will his personality be like?" I'm not explaining this very well, but hopefully those of you who are pregnant for the second (or more) time know what I mean. It was very strange to me. And a lot more emotional too, which I didn't expect.

Also, to Delanl, I'm sorry to say that I'm a small-chested woman who never got any larger. Sigh.

So glad to join you!

[BlueMoose]

Thanks for the welcome! I didn't tell the whole story though. My divorce from my kids' dad was final only about a year ago. They've done quite well with the whole divorce, but I know this will be too soon for them. This baby wasn't planned, but I want to be happy about it. The father is very excited and we're planning to get married this fall. We'd get married now, but I know the kids need more time. I'm also worried about how my family will react...I'm supposed to be old enough to know better. I'm sure they'll come around, but I know they won't be jumping for joy at first. I'm planning to tell them after I hear the heartbeat. But...sometimes life takes a turn that you hadn't planned.

[MelissaAS]

Jessica- Thanks so much for the Birth Plan example, I appreciate it. I plan to talk to my midwife about it next visit.

Thanks for all of the input (everyone) on the IV lock- this was never suggested in the first delivery (which was a planned natural delivery) but now I guess there's a reason.

Welcome newbies! Not much to report except feeling like I'm really slowing down, oh well :( .

Take care, Melissa

[Jessica]

Chrisi--Nice to see you, and congrats!

Re: breast size. I start big and get bigger and it is total misery to find bras that fit and are comfy. I would pay cash to be a B! In fact, I may do that when I am done nursing #2. ;)

[reneeinnorthwes]

Regarding the breast issue... I am typically on the smaller 'b' size. Around week 22-25ish I needed to move from a 34 bra to a 36 bra.. but didn't get to move to a 'c'! I'm 37 weeks now and proudly sporting my 'new girls' in a size C. It is really fun but now that my belly is bigger my breast don't look as big. :rolleyes:

I'm guessing the will get bigger once my milk arrives. Though, I hoping they don't get too much bigger. This experience is teaching me appreciate my smaller breasts! :)

Renee

[MomofMooch]

OK, I can't believe I am posting on this topic (I am typically a rather shy lurker), but I am cracking up about the breast growth discussion. Sorry to say, Delanl, that I am another representative of the "start-small, stay-small" camp. When I was pregnant (with "Mooch"), I was lucky to finally, barely, fill out my B-cups. :( Incidentally, when I was breastfeeding, I didn't come anywhere close to filling out the C-cup nursing bra I had been told to buy. Sadly, some of us who want to grow, just don't. But I wish you luck and hope your doctor's prediction is right.

So, I am feeling awfully tempted to out myself on this thread, now that I am actually posting on it for the first time rather than lurking. But ... nope, still too chicken to take the plunge. Maybe in another week or so ... (still a little superstitious). But in the meantime, does anyone have good stories about good prenatal nicknames (you know, when you don't want to call him or her by its future real name but also get tired of just saying "the baby")? With my first, everyone always cracked up when we told them our baby's prenatal nickname was Mooch because it sounded a little nicer than "parasite," and Mooch stuck for a long time even after he was born and given a real name. Any thoughts? Any good stories? Any recommendations? I might be needing another one soon ... :)

[klrickrode]

But in the meantime, does anyone have good stories about good prenatal nicknames (you know, when you don't want to call him or her by its future real name but also get tired of just saying "the baby")? With my first, everyone always cracked up when we told them our baby's prenatal nickname was Mooch because it sounded a little nicer than "parasite," and Mooch stuck for a long time even after he was born and given a real name. Any thoughts? Any good stories? Any recommendations? I might be needing another one soon ... :)

This is our first baby and we wanted the sex to be a surprise. My MIL came up with the nickname "shim". Not the most attractive nickname but it has stuck. :)

[Krysia1031]

Just wanted to pipe up on the breast size issue and say for those of you with smaller breasts, the grass is not always greener on the other side.

I started off pre-pregnancy with a full 36D and am now almost outgrowing my 38DD. My doc also said not to be surprised if "the girls" grow more when I start to BFeed. SO in addition to all of the back & rib discomfort, I am now lugging around more weight on my chest (no fun!). I would give anything to have a smaller chest. :o

[aprilbride]

Okay, so I'm finally ready to come out of the closet:-))

EDD: Feb.3.....We had a 16 week ultrasound yesterday and it looks like DS is going to have a sister:-) No "boy parts" to be seen. Not the most cooperative bean since she was breach and face down and showing us her butt for the first 15 minutes, but she came around towards the end and we got a good look at everything...All looks great and I'm measuring right on target. I do get to go back in Sept. for another ultrasound because some of her itty bitty parts were still to tiny. They did say she looks healthy and there are no markers for Down Syndrome.

Claudia

[Jessica]

Claudia--Congrats!!! Remember when we started the first TTC thread way back when? How fun to be here with our second babies. I am due 1-27 but we are not finding out the sex.

Krysia--I am with you on the bbs. I also went from a D to a DD in pg and then an F while nursing. Blech.

Nickname--We are calling this little one "Snowflake" because he or she is due in the middle of a MN winter. Not very creative...

[Delanl]

Thanks for all the replies on boobage question! I feel better that there are some others like me. I was getting concerned that it might effect my chances of breastfeeding. I am always worrying about something! :o I am still not giving up hope that one day I will wake up with some nice cleavage though! :D

Welcome Claudia!

MomofMooch--As for nicknames, our little peanut is officially going by "Baby K" (our last name starts with K) or my DH refers to it as the "bun". When I talk to him as I am leaving work he always says "get my little bun home safe". So cute.

[MISSINDI]

Just wanted to delurk to add myself to the group -- I'm due Feb. 14 with my second.

Yay! Someone else with the same due date. I think a Valentine's Day baby is very cute. :D Though my sister was born the day after and her husband always has it rough ... good present for Valentine's Day and then smack! birthday the day after.

I have my monthly check-up today. I'm at 14 weeks, 4 days. So far have only gained a pound. Only thing I care about is hearing the heartbeat. From here, I have to last until early September for another u/s, unless I cave (most likely!) and make an appointment just to hear the heartbeat again. Before the miscarriage in March, I never gave pregnancy a second thought, and now with this one, I am definitely anxious. It was better this past week though -- the further I get away from 12 weeks, the more I feel I can relax. I think once I cross 16 weeks (a week from Thursday), I can relax more.

As far as symptoms, this one has managed to give me my first zit in 37 years (nice!) and doesn't like me to eat breakfast, although only for the past two weeks, which is strange. No matter what I eat, it doesn't agree with my stomach (or her) and it's getting old.

Welcome to all the newbies!

[rmg_CA]

Hi everyone,

Time for my rare, but novel-like check-in...

I'm coming up on 26 weeks this Thurs, so at the end of my 2nd trimester. I'm starting to feel it, but still feeling pretty good. I do my glucose screen next Tues so hopefully I'll pass that w/no problems. I wasn't diabetic last time either.

It's nice to see some of the other moms from when I had DS #1. I guess we're similar in when we want our #2s (or 3s)! It's also nice to see so many mom's getting NT scans. I never even heard of that in 2004-5 when I had #1... of course I wasn't an "advanced maternal age" mom then either :rolleyes:

So here's a question I have, what works best to prepare your #1 child for #2? I have a dillema about my #1s bedroom. He will be 2y7mo when #2 arrives, so I figure I'll use his crib for #2. We got him a twin bed set that's going to arrive on Friday and picked up the mattress this weekend, but he started saying he didn't want to sleep on the big boy bed, but didn't say he wants the crib either. (It might be because he has a little bit of a cold right now and I could probably pick a better time to do this whole transition!) Anyway, I'm pondering whether I should move his room to the guest room (which is bigger) and change his furniture, or put the baby in the guest room and his new furniture in his same old room. I just don't want to make Nicholas feel displaced by the baby. Oh decisions, decisions. I think I'm over-analyzing!

Another question... what are the 2nd time moms doing (if anything) for daycare while you're home w/#2. I have fulltime care for DS1 because I work, but want to spend some extra time w/him while I'm on leave, but don't know how much extra I'll be able to manage w/an infant and recovering from a C section. I'm thinking after my hubby goes back to work and my family help evaporates, I'll do 3d week daycare so he doesn't get out of the swing of things and gets time w/his friends there, but some relief for me too from chasing a very active 2 year old. Any other thoughts/ideas?

Jessica- Thanks for sharing your birthplan. You had some stuff in there I hadn't thought about, even as a 2nd time mom. I'm going to give my Dr something now. I also want to give them some advice on how to make me not have so much anxiety during my c (i.e. talk to me, tell me when you're nearly done, what's happening next, etc.).

Delani- When I nursed DS1, I heard there's two issues to breastfeeding, production and storage capacities. I've known lots of girlfriends with huge production capacities and low storage capacity (i.e. small boobage) and they can pump way more than their babies need and fill a freezer, and some (me c-boobage) who have more storage than production ability so always felt under-supplied.

I can't believe I'm the only November due date here! Actually my date is Thanksgiving day (11/22) since I'm a planned repeat-C, but I'm going to try to stretch that to 11/25 to get regular hospital staff back from the holiday break!

Welcome newbies and newly "out" preggies!

Robin:D

[aprilbride]

Thanks for the welcome:-) It's great to be here again with some of you from "way back when":-)....

Robin, the only difference is that this time around there's no chance we'll have our babies on the same day! We're actually pondering the same questions you are in our house at the moment....Elliott's room won't change, we just got through painting and decorating for him since we just moved in, but I am planning on getting him a different bed in the very near future. For purely selfish reasons, I'm trying to determine the best time to do it. He's a great sleeper and I'm not looking forward to the interruptions we're sure going to experience in the transition. And I need to find a bed I like...but it's on the radar, probably for fall.

In regards to care, I'm planning on doing the same thing you are....between DH, my parents and FIl coming to visit after the new baby we should be covered for a while but I also don't want to completely change Elliott's schedule, so three days a week of school seems like a good compromise. I'm planning on taking the full 12 weeks off, and maybe even fit a Germany trip in there since it would be good timing. We'll see. My boss has already said it's up to me what I want my schedule to look like after I come back (i.e. I could work from home full time at first, or 3 days a week, whatever works), so I'm grateful for that and it takes the pressure off.

Anyway.....that's it from here!

[cab321]

I have a baby! Eveyln Delyth was born on the 15th at 12:56pm. She weighed 7lb 8 1/2 oz. We think she's just the prettiest baby ever and are having a great time with her.

http://bp3.blogger.com/_Og5FkU3XF6I/RsNYMsu0csI/AAAAAAAAABc/LM3Moe1gm5M/s320/Carrie,+Gavin+and+Evelyn.jpg

http://bp1.blogger.com/_s6aa1sYM0Wg/RsXqFXJtXCI/AAAAAAAAALw/tZd-joUzr5s/s320/IMG_1722.JPG

I ended up with a far more varied birth experience than I'd planned. I started getting contractions at 9pm and my waters broke at 3:15am. She was back-to-back, but I really felt all the contractions in my stomach still. I laboured at home - on my ball, in the bed, in the pool, on the stairs. I used a TENS machine (transdermal electrical nerve stimulation) and nitrous oxide as pain relief. My mother arrived from the US right in the middle of my labour.

Evelyn's heart rate kept dropping super low (94 bpm was the lowest) during and just after my contractions. They tried moving me to my left side, right side, kneeling, etc, etc. But it didn't change (and I was not being all that cooperative). They started talking about whether to transfer us. I was 7 or 8cm when this started happening. Then I starting having to push, even though it wasn't time. I asked to go to the hospital for an epidural so I wouldn't keep pushing. I was scared and wanted the pain to stop and wanted her to be ok and just couldn't stop pushing - plus I figured I had another 3-5 hours left before I'd be fully dilated. I just couldn't do that at home. They called the ambulance.

It took ages (30-45 min) for the ambulance to show up because all of the ones in our area were already busy. During that time, they got me downstairs. And discovered that I was fully dilated. Meaning no further pain relief, even at the hospital. Bastards! This was around 11:30.

Made it to the hospital. Tons of people in the room. They had me push and push and push. And her heart rate just wasn't stable (it said we were transferred due to fetal distress in my notes). So they decided to do a ventouse delivery. It looked like I would stretch enough for her head, but they wanted her out faster. They thought my contraction had ended and were getting ready to cut - I thought my contraction hadn't ended. And pop! My baby was born. I tore rather badly.

I got to hold her while they checked me out, then DH took her and I had to go to the operating theatre. I had a spinal block and they fixed me up.

Once she got out she was just fine. She scored a 9 on her 1min apgar. But there was no way to know that while I was in labour.

The labour, which seemed so traumatic to me in the day afterwards, now seems like a great success (those hormones rock!). I'm really proud of all the work I did and being able to talk things over with the midwives has been fabulous. They think I may have been flipping her over when I was pushing before dilation - because she was not born sunny side up. I'm healing so quickly and will be taking the dog for a 30 minute walk today.

Someone had asked about my feelings about tearing and cutting. The reason I didn't want a cut was that studies have shown that cuts and tears of equal size heal equally well. But when they cut you, I don't think they usually don't *know* that you're going to tear. I wanted to take that risk unless they really thought it was a bad idea. In my case, they were going to cut because they needed Evelyn out ASAP. That was fine with me. If they hadn't needed her out right away, they think I would have stretched (even with the ventouse delivery) through the breathing instructions they were giving me. I gave a massive push without any instructions - hence the problems.

[reneeinnorthwes]

Cab321,

Your little one is so beautiful!!! Congrats to you on a very successful birth. Even though it was different than you planned, it sounds like you handled things wonderfully.

This now means Kingwell and I are next on the list. Oh my. :) Thanks so much for sharing the details. You should feel so proud of yourself!

Best wishes as you adjust to life with your little one. Make sure to get lots of nurturing from family and friends for you!

Warmly,
Renee

[valchemist]

congratulations carrie! I love the pictures. enjoy your baby!!

[Krysia1031]

Cab- CONGRATULATIONS!!! :D :D :D
She is adorable and you guys look great in your new family photo. Sounds like your delivery didn't go exactly as planned, but life doesn't usually go as we plan it ;) . The most important thing is that Evelyn (BTW beautiful name) is healthy and you feel good as well. I am sure it will help now that your mom made it too! How wonderful. I am so happy for you. Best wishes for you & your new little buindle of joy!

Hopefully we'll hear from Kingwell & reneeinnorthwes soon with some great delivery stories as well! :) :)

[bbpizzapro]

cab,

Congrats on the beautiful baby. I too think your labor and birth story was a great success.

Checking in at 16 weeks 6 days.
Getting bigger, feeling good and waiting to feel the baby move....

I read between 16 - and 20 ......first timers such as myself take longer...

I keep thinking any day , any day

[nowimcooking]

Carrie, Evelyn is absolutely beautiful! Congrats on a successful, albeit different than planned birth! Enjoy the new member of your family.

PizzaPro, as a fellow first timer, I think I first felt the baby move between 16 and 17 wks. It didn't feel like people had described to me, it felt more like someone was bouncing a rubber ball around in a really padded uterus. Not sure if that will help or not, but that was my experience.

Hanging in here at 30 weeks. We've got bedding, a crib mattress and lots of clothes, but not a lot more. Furniture is still on order and we STILL don't have a name! My shower is not for another month and I'm getting stressed about having to buy all kinds of stuff! I'm now really hoping he doesn't come early!

How's everyone else doing?

Jen

[chefbecky]

Evelyn is adorable -- congrats!!

Missindi -- I'm so excited to have a due-date buddy. DH thinks that if it's a girl (which I am 99% sure it's not), and she's actually born on the 14th (which I'm 99% sure she won't be -- DS was a week late), she'll be scarred for life because she'll never get birthday presents and V-Day presents. Anyway, as I said, I'm not concerned.

Robin, this is #2 for me, so I can't speak from experience about care for #2. But a friend/colleague of mine just had her second, and there was a long thread about this on the working moms listserv that I am part of in my city.

Concensus from both my friend and the moms on the list is that you should keep the older one in daycare for several reasons. One, because you really don't know yet what it's like to take care of an infant and toddler, and most moms said it wasn't easy! Two, to keep the older one in his routine, because his world is being turned upside down by the baby. My friend was on leave all summer, and she often picked up her 3-year-old from preschool early, only to be chastised because he was missing something fun at preschool! By the end of the summer, she didn't even try! And finally, some moms said they were eager to have that time alone with the baby, just like they did with the first time around. Also, I don't know about where you live, but I'm in a major city, and I would lose my spot at the center if we left for 3-4 months.

So like I said, that's only secondhand reports, but I plan to keep my older one in daycare. He will be 3.5 when baby comes, and is incredibly active (and doesn't nap), so I am tired just thinking about taking care of him and a baby!

[JenZen]

Delurking for comments on handling and preparing DC No. 1 ...

What we did in preparation: I read Gabe books about being a big brother, and we talked about the baby in mommy's tummy a lot. I got his new room ready when I was 7 month along, and I had him moved into a big-boy bed at the end of August (Ada arrived mid-October). The transition to a regular bed was actually quite easy because it took him a few months to figure out that he could get out of bed when he wanted. I had to keep telling him that the nursery was "the baby's room." He was actually pretty excited about the new room so we didn't have a problem with him wanting to go back to the nursery. The kids' rooms are right next to each other, btw.

Daycare - I weaned off of it. For the first week or something, I sent Gabe to daycare every day. Then, I sent him three days a week ... or was it two? Because I was planning to be a SAHM at the time, I eventually had him home every day of the week. Then, I decided to come back to work, and everything changed and I had to find a new sitter. Good times.

Anyway, it was good to have the time alone with Ada, and it was the only time I could sneak in naps. (Yeah, remember with your first baby when you napped when the baby napped? That doesn't happen when you have a toddler, too.) And the transition to two was really hard, so I was glad to have daycare a few days a week. That said, I was also really happy to have Gabe home once we settled into a routine. Just think of it as a transition time ...

Note: Because I'm the oldest in my family, I have the most memories of this ... my dad would take the older kids somewhere special when the new babies came along. When I was 2, I remember going to McDonald's with dad when my brother was born. When my next brother came along, we went to a movie with dad. When my sister came along, we went to Little Mermaid. It was always a treat (and, knowing what I know now about parenting, I bet it was a way for my dad to deal with being alone with the kids!) So, when Ada came along, DH took Gabe to McDonald's and did something with him while I was in the hospital.

Whew ... this is turning into a HUGE post. Let me know if you have any questions about preparing for the baby!

[Jessica]

I had my amnio Monday. It went well, not counting the 3-hour visit to the clinic because they had several emergencies and my amnio was not a priority. It hurt during the procedure and I was sore for a few hours, but mostly I was just tired. Not sure if my body was working harder or what. DH stayed home Monday because I was not supposed to lift DS and then he worked from home Tuesday to give me something of a break. I felt exhausted Tuesday but am fine today. Results by late next week, probably.

I am 17.5w and feeling OK--v. tired and I had some terrible allergy attacks so they put me on zyrtec. I love being a mom but I do not love pregnancy and that doesn't make me a bad person.

Cab--Congratulations. Evelyn is beautiful and I love the name. Your birth story is amazing; you rolled with the punches and that is all you can do once labor starts. You did FABULOUSLY. Enjoy your new baby girl.

BBPizzaPro--I felt my DS around 18w but it was a few more weeks before I felt him consistently. I've been feeling this little one since 16w but I think that is because I knew what to look for this time. Also, both times, my placenta was posterior. If the placenta is in the front, it can take longer to feel the baby.

JenZen--How old was Gabe when Ada was born? Adam will be about 19.5m.

Daycare--We are starting Adam in two days of daycare next month. I will keep him there through my mat leave (which is unpaid, since i work for myself) and then we will figure out what to do. I think it will give him some stability, plus I can have two days with just the baby and that is a luxury most 2x moms don't get. Also, if we pull him out, we lose our spot.

BTDT 2x Moms--Thanks for all the tips.

[MISSINDI]

Congrats, Carrie! Beautiful baby!

OK, so every night for the past two weeks I get woken up with pins and needles in one of my hands, usually the right hand. It's the strangest thing. I meant to ask the doctor about it on Monday at my check-up, but I was their last appointment, and they were trying to get out the door. This happen to anyone else?

[bbpizzapro]

Missindi,
Are you sleeping on your right side?
Sometimes I wake up with that in the hand or arm of the side I am sleeping on. I was a stomach sleeper.....

[MISSINDI]

Missindi,
Are you sleeping on your right side?
Sometimes I wake up with that in the hand or arm of the side I am sleeping on. I was a stomach sleeper.....

I'm definitely a stomach sleeper. I usually start on my left side, and switch to my right. Strange that it only started a few weeks ago, but it is consistently every night, and enough to wake me up. Between that and having to pee around 3-4 am, ain't much sleeping going on! ;)

[Delanl]

Congrats Carrie! Evelyn is such a cutie!

I am having sleep issues here too. I sleep on my left side and I keep my right arm folded up close to me and its been killing me lately during the night. I guess I need to straighten it out from time to time, but I don't know where to put it!:rolleyes: I think it may be time to invest in one of those pregnancy/body pillows. And I'm with you Missindi, getting up to pee 3x during the night certainly doesn't help either!

For all the ladies that are further along, when did you all start your baby registry? I was thinking about October, I will be 6 months by then.

[Jessica]

Missindi--I had that in my third tri with Adam. I was told it was more pressure on the wrists or something--I think pg women are more susceptible to RSIs, too. It was really weird.

[Kingwell]

Wow, lots of action on the thread of late! Welcome to all the new folks on the thread!

I am checking in at what I am calling 39.9 weeks...due date is tomorrow. At last count I was 1 cm dilated and 80% effaced, and since that appt. I have felt a few contractions and know I've had many more Braxton-Hicks. I have an appt. tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. and we are up in the air whether we will have her sweep the membranes or not. As no medication is involved, I'm seriously considering it, but a bit leery about hurrying mother nature along at all. Then again, my doc is on call the next four days and I'm ready to not work past this week (although I'm not at that point I'm so miserable I'm begging to get him out either! But do I want to be that miserable?) Anyone have any last minute experience with this procedure to share? Talk fast...I've got less than 12 hours to decide!

Carrie--Many congrats! I'm so glad you see the event as a success, whether it went your way or not. I was confused at first when I saw what appeared to be a hospital in the photo as I thought you were home-birth bound, but safety is key so glad everyone is healthy.

Jessica--your birthplan was so detailed, it made me second-guess some of mine, which is pretty basic, but hopefully it will serve us well. I did request a heplock (spelling/terminology on that?) instead of a full IV (since that was asked earlier) and asked for skin-to-skin contact & an attempt at feeding before the eye goop is applied.

Renee--did you find a doula?

Just a note on my chesty experiences--I miss my 34B bras. I have some really nice ones, and just can't make myself spend $40 on Victoria's Secret bras at 36D or 36DD, which is about where I am at. I may break down and do it though because the cheaper ones I've settled for just aren't doing the job. Of course now I'll move on to even less appealing nursing bras. Doncha hate spending $$ on a clothing purchase that is functional and not the least bit exciting to wear? :mad:

I actually have lots more to say (I am always guilty of a novelette) but my ribs are just hurting too much. One thing I will throw out there--I read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth about a month ago and it is the best thing I laid eyes on my entire pregnancy for easing my fears. I still have some of course, but it gave me much more peace of mind than any other books or even our classes.

Think happy thoughts for me with a minimal amount of tearing and no episiotomy...my other main fear...of course something I've not even considered might end up being at issue instead, but it is out of my control at this point. I'll post when I have news!

[bbpizzapro]

Has anyone been treated for Bacteria Vaginosis with Metronidazole gel?

I have just been presrcibed this and have been reading some things that have scared me!!

[MinEaston]

delurking for bbpizzapro...

I found this information (http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-78017-Metronidazole+Vagl.aspx?drugid=78017&drugname=Metronidazole+Vagl) on WebMD, my go-to source of medical information and drug information.

According to the site, "This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Oral antibiotics have been used to treat vaginal infections during pregnancy, especially high-risk pregnancies (e.g., risk of early childbirth). Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the risks and benefits."

So, I would presume that your doc prescribed it for a good reason?

[rmg_CA]

Just a quick note about tingling fingers and falling asleep hands. It's probably carpal tunnel syndrome that's because of the extra blood and fluid volume in your body right now. I had it really bad 24-7 with DS1 and I'm starting to get it more and more at night now with #2.

What helped for me last time was making sure you don't sleep in the wrong position where you have even the slightest potential of things "going to sleep" because your hands will, and it hurts. Last time I bought a set of wrist braces from Walmart that had metal braces in them that don't let you bend your wrist into the wrong position and I wore them to sleep in every night. They worked to help keep things straight and not so painful for sleeping, but my middle, ring, and pinkie fingers on both hands were pretty much asleep all the time towards the end.

Nice thing is that it did completely go away after I delivered DS1, but took a few weeks to completely go so don't expect relief while you're at the hospital. :rolleyes: Once you deliver though, be careful about how you hold your baby, there were a few positions when I was first nursing that made my hands go to sleep pretty badly.

This time, I haven't resorted to the braces yet, but might have to in another month or so. Just remember, no Advil, that's one that's off limits right now even though it's the only antiinflamatory that gives me any relief!

-cab, that's one cutie-pie baby! Love the family picture. Your delivery sounds like a success in my book anyday!

-Thanks for everyone on the info on what you're doing for daycare. I think the 3/d wk plan sounds like a good compromise and I don't feel like a bad mommy if other moms are doing it too while they're at home! Definitely don't want to lose our spot where he is right now either.

-Jessica, good luck on your amnio.

-Kingwell, sounds like you're next!! :-)

-Robin

[Kingwell]

So I started my day with a 7 a.m. phone call from my mother.

It has improved since then, I am happy to report.

Ended up that I couldn't see the doctor until 1:30 this afternoon. Did have her sweep the membranes a bit--she said it essentially took me from 1 to 3 cm dilated, and I'm already 90% effaced. She said she thinks the baby will make his appearance "sometime this weekend" but just in case we have an ultrasound appointment for next Tuesday so if he's still hanging around at that point, she wants to check the amniotic fluid.

All the news from here...DH is keeping the overanxious family at bay and doing a great job.

[reneeinnorthwes]

Kingwell,

Wow... great news about being 90% effaced already! Did it hurt when she swept the membranes? That means they did not break your water... right?
It is so fun to think your little one could be here this weekend.


As for me... I'm at the tail end of my 38th week with just over a week until my due date. I'm feeling lots of BH which feels like a nice practice even though I know the 'real' ones will be much stronger. It is nice to have an idea about how they may feel.

In the end, we decided not to go with a doula. I called several and had a hard time finding one that wasn't already booked. I've pretty much come to terms with it and my husband and I have been doing a lot of talking about the process.

I agree that Ina May's Guide to Childbirth book is one of the best ones I have read. It really helped to calm me about the process and it helped me to see some things in a different way.

Over the last few days I have started swelling. Up until now... I didn't really swell much. My wedding rings are off and my ankles look large! Oh well... with such little time left I really can't complain.

I hope everyone else is doing well.

Good luck this weekend Kingwell!

Renee

[Jessica]

Good luck, Kingwell. I hope you are holding your baby soon.

No real news here at 18w. Feeling some kicks and waiting for amnio results.

[JenZen]

Jessica, Gabe and Ada are almost 22 months apart.

Pins and needles in hands - It's probably carpal tunnel. I had it in the third trimester with Gabe ... can't remember if I had it with Ada. My dr. said you can wear splints if it gets bad ...

Sweeping membranes - My experience wasn't good. I was 2 cm and somewhat effaced when my membranes were swept. It threw me into false labor for several days, which was so not fun. I would seriously consider not having this done if we get pregnant again. However, I know how desperate I was at the time, so maybe it's worth the gamble. :)

[Krysia1031]

Kingwell - I hope to hear so good news from you soon. Maybe the stork already arrived this weekend! ;) If you get a moment, please keep us posted on how you are doing.

Checking in here just over 38 weeks. I can't believe my DD is less than 2 weeks away! I am happy to report though that my kitchen & the baby's room are both complete and I have started to put everything back into cabinets and re-stock my fridge. :)

Had an appt. on Friday and my doc said that my am. fluid level is on the low side, so I am having another u/s on Thursday to check the level. If it goes below a certain threshhold, she said I may have to come in early & get induced and get the show on the road (which would probably be sometime next week). :( I was a little disheartened by the news, but she said our little guy looks great otherwise and no need to be concerned at this point. Other than that I am feeling o.k. & my last day at work is Wed. and then I am on maternity leave! :D :D :D :D

[reneeinnorthwes]

Krysia1031,

Good luck with the u/s on Thursday. If the baby does have to come a bit early... at least you are ready. Plus, I'm sure it is a relief that the baby is 'fully cooked'! I was so happy at the end of my 37th week... it felt wonderful to know our little one could come any time and be fine.

As for me... I had a Dr. appt. on Friday and had my first check. It wasn't too bad but was a bit uncomfortable. She told me I was more than 1 cm dialated (she said I was closer to 2 but not quite there yet) and 80% effaced. I have 6 days left until the due date so I'm excited that my body is moving along. Two appointments ago she felt my belly and told me she was pretty sure our Peanut was head down... but wasn't 100% sure. During my exam on Friday she felt the head! Very bizarre but Yahoo!!!

I've been having a few contractions but they aren't regular yet so I'm guessing they are just really strong BH's. This is our first child though so I'm not 100% sure but the pain doesn't last very long and isn't really in a pattern so I think we have a little more waiting ahead of us.

Kingwell - If you are lurking... I hope you are doing well and that your little one is safely in your arms. I'm looking forward to hearing about your experience.

Renee

[MISSINDI]

Thanks all for the advice on the pins and needles - nice to see I wasn't the only one with this problem. Never had it with Nicholas.

Bought a stethoscope yesterday to see if I could hear the baby's heartbeat (medical store said I should be able to), and I can't even find my own! :D Has anybody rented a doppler from bellybeats.com? For only $25/month, sorely tempted, free shipping too! Have appt on Thursday for blood work, and Friday just to hear the heartbeat. This week is 16 weeks so I'm going to try and relax. ;)

[rmg_CA]

Hi All,
Checking in at 27 weeks. Just had my glucose test today and passed with flying colors. Yipppeee, no gestational diabetes! However I'm VERY anemic now, even though I'm taking the prenatals pretty regularly. I tend to be on the anemic side though, something about my genetics. I'm not tired or anything, but my RBCs are way low.

Baby's lying in the transverse position, giving me an inner-tube hug. I think that's funny. No wonder I'm getting kicks all over the place.

Missindi, I rented a doppler from Belly Beats in 2004-2005. It was one of the best things I did for piece of mind with DS#1. I had a miscarriage just before him and being able to find him whenever I wanted was so nice. Once they really start kicking though, I used it less. This time with DD#2, I didn't rent one. It was very painless, I think they did autodebit each month and they send you a return box to send it back in when you're done. Totally convienent. One thing I'd recommend though is if you rent one, to get one that has the heartbeat counter so you can be sure you're not just listening to your own heartbeat (which is very easy to do for us untrained folks!). You'll want to find the one about 140-160bpm to be sure it's your baby. Also, I think I found a discount code on the internet for renting it a few bucks cheaper. It was either on the net or in the back of a pregnancy magazine.

-Robin:D

[MISSINDI]

was one of the best things I did for piece of mind with DS#1. I had a miscarriage just before him and being able to find him whenever I wanted was so nice. ... One thing I'd recommend though is if you rent one, to get one that has the heartbeat counter so you can be sure you're not just listening to your own heartbeat (which is very easy to do for us untrained folks!).

That's exactly why I wanted to rent one - for the peace of mind, at least until I can start feeling her move regularly. I debated about the non-digital versus the digital. I ended up cheaping out and going with the non-digital. I'll give it a shot, and if I can't hack it, will get the other one. Can't wait 'till it arrives!

[chefbecky]

Just checking in at 15+ weeks. I had my OB appointment on Friday, and heard the heartbeat, which is always comforting at this point, before you can feel them moving regularly. My "big" ultrasound will be Sept. 14 -- I hope this little one cooperates so we can find out the gender. (Though, as I mentioned, I am convinced it's a boy.)

Had a bit of a scary experience this morning -- while waiting for the subway for work, I started to have severe pain/cramping. It didn't feel like regular cramps or contractions, but it was extremely uncomfortable, bordering on unbearable. By the time I got to work, it was really bad, I was sweating profusely and felt like I was going to pass out. I mean, seriously, this rivaled my early contractions when I had DS. Fortunately, I was supposed to talk to my OB anyway to get the results of my glucose test (normal), and he called just as the pain was subsiding a bit.

After we talked about it a bit, he said it was severe intestinal cramping, which happens because of the stretching and pulling that is going on in there. (There were more details, which I've already forgotten.) After he asked me some questions, I realized it definitely did not have anything to do with my uterus/the baby. Anyway, he said the sweating is what really makes him sure that's what it is, and that it can be extremely painful. He said when he does surgery, people are often surprised that it is the post-op gas pain that is the worst part, and that's basically what this was. He suggested I look at my diet, but I'm not sure what it was. It could have been a salad that I had yesterday -- raw veggies have not been agreeing with me this pregnancy.

So, scary for a little while, but fine in the end.

MISSINDI, you referred to "she" -- do you already know the gender?

[MISSINDI]

MISSINDI, you referred to "she" -- do you already know the gender?

I had my nuchal u/s done at 12 weeks and she said there are two indicators that can possibly tell what the sex is, and both pointed to a girl. I have told everyone from day one that I was convinced this was a girl. My "big" u/s is the end of September, so we'll see then, but I'd be shocked if it wasn't.

Glad to hear your pain went away - scary when you have no idea what it is and thoughts always immediately turn to the baby.

[Kingwell]

Hi everyone. I've been quiet because I've been busy...

William McKenna was born at 10:53 a.m. on Sunday, August 26. He arrived weighing 7 pds, 9 ounces, with a good set of lungs. He appeared face up, which made for some rough pushing and an unfortunate-shaped head, but it is already normalizing nicely. I think he's beautiful--clear, pale skin, blonde peach fuzz, and 10 fingers and 10 toes. I haven't figured out how to post photos yet, but I will when I do.

My labor started at 6 a.m. Saturday morning, got really regular contractions starting around 3 p.m., and the doula joined us at home at 6 p.m. We headed for the hospital at midnight, got an epidural around 4 a.m., and started pushing around 8:45 a.m. No episiotomy and one minor tear. My husband, doula, and two labor and delivery nurses made an invaluable team.

I came home yesterday after 48 hours in the hospital where I received outstanding care, and now we're battling with a hungry boy and a slacking milk supply so far.

However, when it does come in, I want to get a shirt that says "Kentucky Dairy Producers." It feels appropriate. ;)

[reneeinnorthwes]

Kingwell,

Congrats on a job well done! Yahoo!!! It sounds like a major success with everyone nice and healthy. I love the name you selected... it is beautiful!

Here to hoping my experience is as good as yours! Only 4 days until my due date - though I know this little peanut will make an appearance when he/she is ready.

Renee

[valchemist]

congratulations, kingwell. sounds like everything went well for you. enjoy your little one!

[Jessica]

Kingwell--Congratulations, and welcome to little William. I am so glad things went well. Enjoy your munchkin.

Chefbecky--Sorry you had such a scare. I had a couple of similar episodes with this pg and don't remember that happening with DS. Fortunately, I was at home because it came with awful (TMI) diarrhea and hours of cramps. Both times were around 14-15w and it hasn't happened since (I am at 18.5w).

I had an OB app't yesterday. I am planning to change providers and it makes me sad because I really like my OB, but his practice only delivers at one hospital and we did not have a good experience there with DS. Long story short--they did not want to deal with an unmedicated mom and also the pp care was less than stellar. I came home so tired I was hallucinating and I am not going back there.

So, my plan is to switch to the midwives at my primary care clinic. It is closer and they deliver at a hospital with a great reputation for its birth center and a Level II nursery.

We are waiting for amnio results (Friday or Monday) and my Level II ultrasound is a week from today. Despite all these tests, we want to NOT learn the sex. It was so fun to wait with DS.

[chefbecky]

Welcome to the world, William! What a great name. Sounds like things went well. Enjoy your little man!