July Pregnancy Thread

[KristaMB]

I think this is our current list:

Jill - 7/11/04 -GIRL!
ChristineW - 7/26/04 -GIRL!
Barb (bmonczka) - 8/3/04 -BOY!
JanetB - 8/04
Jjcoke - 8/6/04
Erin L - 8/25/04 - BOY!
Nori - 8/30/04 -GIRL!
Krista - 9/21/04 -GIRL!
Pat - 9/23/04 -GIRL!
sweetpea - 10/15/04
zippy478 - 10/29/04
Jenn (jb) - 11/7/04 -GIRL!
Lisa (Lrimerman) - 11/15/04
Dahlia - 12/15/04
JenZen - 1/9/05
EmilyK - 3/8/05

And I know someone from the TTC thread belongs over here, she just has to out herself! ;) Any idea on a due date, yet?

Lisa, do you know if you're having a boy or girl this time? Sorry if I missed it in an earlier post.

JenZen, As I was scrolling through the June thread I noticed you had a doctor's appointment scheduled today. How'd that go?

Christine and Jill, from all your contraction talk I have a feeling you both will have new baby girls within the next week. How exciting!

Nothing much is happening here, just trying to get ready for September and counting down the weeks until I can go on maternity leave. With DS I was still working when I went into labor, and I'm hoping to catch a little break this time.

[Jill123]

I'd completely forgotten it was time for a new thread! :o (And you'd think I'd be a little more in tune to when July started!)

I hope you're right, Krista. I can't wait to have this little girl out and in my arms! (That, and work is getting so boring, I can hardly stand it!) But at least it's better than sitting at home, staring at my belly, willing her to come out and show herself! I think I'd go crazy if I didn't have something to distract me. The days go by slow enough as it is!

How's everyone feeling? I'm feeling huge, but that's to be expected, I suppose. ;)

[bmonczka]

I know that every month someone gets a shock when they see where they are on the list....I'm shocked! I'm third! Holy smokes!

I am feeling really anxious as I've expressed in almost every post the last week:eek: Dh is really on edge- I'm not sure if it's the pregnancy or the fact that I get my last paycheck until Jan 17 (due to maternity leave) on Aug. 6! Or it could be the fact that our house is still not done! We're getting closer though!

I am also getting really excited!! I can't wait to meet our son! I think I've been having BH contractions but there's no pain at all so I'm not sure!

Jill I second the feeling. I feel enormous. I am down to a few not so great maternity choices that still fit! I refuse to buy anything else!

Barb

[Lrimerman]

We don't know what sex the baby is. We decided not to find out since we already have one of each and this is our last one.

I had my Doctor appt on Wednesday. Kind of freaked me out because he asked if I was having any contractions. I am only 20 weeks. I guess he was asking because of my history, but I didn't go into premature labor with DS until 29 weeks and DD till 30 weeks.

Everything is great, baby is growing nicely. I gained 5 pounds from the last visit to this one which is good, because the other doctor was making comments about being concerned about my weight. This doctor (we rotate) said not to worry because the ultrasound I had at 19 weeks showed that the baby's growth is really good, so my weight gain is not such a concern. However, the nurse did tease me because I am only 95 pounds (now) and have gained about 9 all together so far.

I have another appointment in 4 weeks and have to do the glucose test (yuck) and then start going every 2 weeks. The doctor said after my next appointment that they want me to be a lot less active and rest more to try and keep from starting early labor again. DH is giving me a really hard time about that, says the doctor's advice is impossible and that I need to tell him to give me real life advice. Men, sometimes they just don't see the big picture.

I am hoping to just hang out at home and get stuff done around here this weekend, we are going to MIL's on Monday for a cookout. DH wants to go up north tomorrow to a family shindig, but I really don't feel like going. It is at least a 3 hour drive each way and although it will be fun, I don't feel like sitting in the sun all day and driving with the kids for so long. I have lots of stuff to do around here!!

Hope everyone has a great holiday weekend. I wonder how Molli is doing now?

Lisa

[zippy478]

Not too much is going on here. Still nesting and cleaning like crazy but getting down to the last of it before I have to go spend some money to organize things a little more. I'm just now starting to pop out a little bit and look more normal wearing maternity clothes.

Couple of questions though. What can I take for an upset stomach? Are Tums okay? I had a wicked stomachache last night and took two Tums to try to calm it down a bit but I am nervous that I can't take Tums.

And, I'm trying to guesstimate how much extra money each month a baby is going to cost - especially for the first 6 months. I'm hoping to breastfeed but I know if I have to go to formula I'm looking at about 100-125/month. What I'm really looking for is cost of diapers, medicines, shots, dr. appointments. etc. I know I'm going to get a lot of clothes at my shower (and already have actually) and a lot of the other stuff we will need but I'm just trying to figure out how much the more everyday type stuff will cost. Any insight on that is appreciated.

Hope everyone is feeling good! :cool:

[christinew]

Just posting to say hi to everyone! I am really over being pregnant and will be 37 weeks on Monday. Last I was in I was 2cm and 60% effaced. I have about one GOOD contraction a day. My bag is packed and we are all ready.

I have an appt on Thursday and my nurse says...oh we won't see you..you will have delivered by then! I can't get my hopes up too high though. How much can they really know? Last time right before delivery I was told-"you have a 7 pound baby in there"..I delivered a 9 pounder.

Barb: I have been depressed to. Feel like a spectacle in public and am over the stares. I know I should feel beautiful but I am very testy with people right now. I will feel immediately better after delivery like I did last time. Happy thoughts to you..you are almost done!

Jill: The days are slow indeed. Every day I think..is this it? Keep us posted!

C
EDD July 26 (should be sooner based on internal exams)

[Jill123]

I'm home today -- my office is closed until after the 4th -- and I'm getting a taste of what it would be like if I'd started my maternity leave earlier. :eek: I've got a list as long as my arm of things I want to do today. I know they say to curl up and take lots of naps, but I just can't get my mind to settle down long enough. I keep thinking of things that I need to get done (I know it's really things I WANT to get done, but in my mind right now, want = need! :rolleyes: )

Since the office won't open up again until the 5th, everyone at work said they didn't expect to hear from me again until after the baby's born. It's a lot of pressure!

I have to gripe a little bit, so feel free to scroll down if you don't want a taste of pregnancy hormones. :D DH has been really good with the pregnancy -- being there when I need him, helping me out with things that I can't do, etc. Lately, however, there's a big deal going down at work ($1M+ deal) and the deadline has moved around quite a bit, from mid-June to late June, now it's July 12th! (my EDD is 7/11!) Needless to say, DH hasn't really been "around" lately. (He comes home at reasonable enough hours, but he's exhausted and "not there" mentally.) I don't want to be selfish, because this is important to his career, especially if I want to stay home after DD is born, but I can't help but feel ... conflicted about the whole darn thing.

Anyway, just wanted to get that out. I feel better just having written it. Thanks for bearing with the hormones! :o

[EmilyK]

I suppose I need to transition over to this board now... :) I just found out that I'm pregnant last Sunday, and I don't go to see my midwife until next Tuesday (the 6th). From what I can figure, I'm due sometime in early March. Babycenter.com says March 8th, so I guess I'll go with that until the midwife tells me differently! :D

I don't really feel any different, so it hasn't really "clicked" in our heads that this is really happening. (this is our first) I felt pretty gross on Tuesday (woozy stomach), but otherwise I'm feeling good so far... we'll see how long that lasts!

Emily

[bmonczka]

Originally posted by zippy478

Couple of questions though. What can I take for an upset stomach? Are Tums okay? I had a wicked stomachache last night and took two Tums to try to calm it down a bit but I am nervous that I can't take Tums.



My doctor actually gave me samples of Tums in my first little goodie bag when my test came back positive (way, way, way back in November:p ). If it wasn't for Tums, I would have been really miserable the last two months- I've had (and have) really wicked heartburn. Try the Smooth Dissolve Tums, they are actually kind of yummy! They were in the sample packets I had (I had never tried Tums before) and when I went to go by a big bottle they didn't have the Smooth Dissolve so I got the regular- they are horrible!!! The next day I went right out to get a bottle of the Smooth Disolve!

Barb

[nori]

Congratulations EmilyK!! Good thing you're feeing well at this point. I really hope it'll go that way for you. Morning sickness is nothing fun and if you don't have to, you don't want to know how it's like.:D

Jill, sorry to hear about your frustration. I totally understand it, too, and it's hormone thing. (At least that's how I'd conclude everything nowadays.:o ) You're almost there!! Hang in there!

Christine, sounds like you're getting very close, too. Wow!

zippy, as for doctor's appointments, we had to pay copayment of 15 bucks each visit. Usually they have 1-week, 2-week appointment after birth and after that (if I remember correct) 4-week, then monthly until 6 months, then 9months, 12 months. But sometimes it varies with doctor. Shots were included in my case. Of course, other than those, if the baby's not looking good, you may want to take him/her in because you'll be so paranoid you just need some assurance that it'll be okay.

Well I was supposed to see my doctor last week but I had a false-alarm car trouble (which turned out to be nothing:rolleyes: ) and had to reschedule it. Since they told me my doctor'll be available in 2 weeks, I decided to see someone else before that...Last appointment was beginning of June, and I was supposed to see her in 3 weeks but couldn't because she was out of office that week. Now I missed the last one, I didn't feel comfortable not seeing anyone in 6 weeks when you're in trimester. I also had a list of stuff to ask her, so I was so bummed about that cancellation. Oh well. My new appointment date is this coming Friday. Hope I can make it this time. Seems like I have bad luck when it comes to doctor's appointment lately.

[JenZen]

Good morning, everyone.

Wow. Feels like I've been gone for a month! We closed on our house last Wednesday, and then spent the rest of the week and weekend moving. What a job! And, I am so thankful for our relatives who helped during the move. There was no way that I could have done all that work myself. I was told to "sit down and rest" many times over the weekend, which I guess I needed to be told. I think I overexerted myself on a few of the days, and I paid for it with some severe tiredness and some dull headaches. My mom was such a godsend in the process. She spent two days moving, and then traveled two hours again on Sunday night to clean our duplex for check out. She didn't want me inhaling cleaners.

So, my 12-week appointment went well. I heard the baby's heartbeat again, which the Dr. found right away. I also gained 5 pounds. :) The Dr. was in a hurry this time because he had another patient near to delivering, so he was needed over in the hospital.

Next appointment isn't until Aug. 2, and then at our Sept. appointment, we get to have an ultrasound.

I think I've started feeling the baby a little. Little flutters, but I'm not positive if it's the baby or gas or just a growing uterus.

Emily, - So glad to see you over here!

[AmyO26]

Well I think I'm ready to join this thread :) Emily, I think we're going to be due around the same time! My first appointment isn't until the 26th, though..my ob-gyn group doesn't schedule an appointment until you're between 6-8 weeks. As soon as I called them, though, they sent me prescriptions for pre-natal vitamins and iron (I had already been taking folic acid supplements).
So far, so good with the morning sickness...I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
When is the best time to tell our families? I was thinking after the Drs. appt, but DH has a hard time keeping a secret :p. Three of our best friends know only because we went to Atlantic City together for a few days, and they kind of figured it out (I ordered a "virgin" daquiri, didn't go in the hot-tub at the health spa, ordered plain juice/water from the casino waitresses :p )...and we have SWORN them to secrecy.
Well I have rambled on long enough, I hope everyone is having a good day
Amy

[christinew]

Welcome to Emily and Amy!! Congratulations to you both. Pregnancy can be a wonderful time. Enjoy. I am 37 weeks and 1 day today!!

Lots of movement from our baby girl and she seems pretty strong. Sometimes the movements take my breath away.

Back to work for me for now but I am still anticipating to go into labor on my own this time before my due date of July 26. With Christopher I was induced on my due date and all went fine. Would be neat to have either my water break or major contractions start happening....since this is our last.

Nori-How far along are you??


Have a great day all of you!!!

C

[Jill123]

Hi all --

Getting really tired of all my coworkers saying, "You're still here!" Trust me -- the first sign I get of labor, I'm outta here! :D

39 weeks and 1 day...

I'm still relatively comfortable, for being 6 days away from my due date, that is. I'm just getting anxious and want to meet this little being that's been moving around so much!

We're feeling pretty ready -- got the car seat in my car, I've started driving in to work instead of taking the commuter train, our bags are packed, laundry's washed and folded, all baby "paraphernalia" has been assembled and is awaiting occupancy...

Now all we need is a baby! :rolleyes:

[christinew]

You are there...so excited for you. This your first? You are all set.

I am right after you.

Best of wishes to you.

C

[EmilyK]

Amy, glad to see somebody else is going to be due right around the same time I am! :) We have told a couple of friends so far, but we will wait until we see our families in person to tell them. DH and I will not be telling anybody at work until we hear a heartbeat. My midwife's office apparently wants to see you ASAP after you find out you're PG. When I called, I told her I just found out the day before. She scheduled me in the first available appointment spot.

Jen, congrats on the house! That has to be so exciting for you guys! How far along were you when you heard the heartbeat the first time?

christinew, thanks! You're getting awfully close, aren't you! I'll cross my fingers that everything happens on your own!

[JenZen]

Emily, I was 9 weeks, 6 days when I first heard the heartbeat. When we had our 8-week appointment, the Dr. couldn't find it, so don't be too disappointed if you can't hear it right away. (Although I was, even though everyone told me the same thing I'm telling you. :) )

Congrats and welcome, Amy!

And to all you moms that are close, good luck with everything. Keep us updated!

Jen

[MrsReber]

JenZen- I felt my babies around 12-14 weeks. The doctor said I was crazy, but I knew better! It felt like a fish swimming around in there. Brings back not so distant memories.

[JenZen]

Mrs. Reber, that's a great description! The nurse asked if I felt "flutters," and the best way I could think to describe was of "rolling." But you're right, "fish swimming around" is a good analogy. :)

[EmilyK]

Well, my official due date is March 6, 2005. My next appointment is on 8/3 - I'll be just a little over 9 weeks at that point, so I'm hoping we'll be able to hear a heartbeat!

Thanks, Jen and very exciting for you to be feeling the baby move already!

[mrswaz]

Jill- hang in there sweetie! You're almost there. (You too Christine!!) I hated people at the end. I really loathed every single person who asked how I was doing. Did they really expect me to have a positive answer to that. I stopped answering the phone entirely, and if DH felt like picking up, if someone wanted to talk about me, he had to go somewhere else to talk- I didn't want to hear it. SO feel free to hate people!!!(Until of course, the baby comes, and you're eager to show off, and hopefully get a little help;) )

[christinew]

I am 37 weeks and change today and feel kinda blah. Shopping doesn't even inspire me. I feel restless like I am ready to get this show on the road.

Jill you feel the same?

Glad I have my weekly appt tomorrow since I've been having a few contractions here and there with crampiness. Nothing regular to report however.

C

[erinl]

Hi all,

Well I had a little scare the other day. I had just gotten Hanne up from her nap and we were cuddling on the couch. My vision got all spotty like I'd been looking at bright lights. It lasted for over a half hour, so I finaly called the doctor. I had to go into the hospital, which meant calling MIL and having her come pick me up and drive me downtown. Two hours later I was in a L&D room by myself because Hanne wasn't allowed back there. (DH is out of town for work.) My blood pressure was fine, but it turns out I was kind of dehydrated. This may have caused the vision issues, but it also was making me contract, so they hooked up an IV. FIL ended up coming to take Hanne home, and MIL and I didn't get home until after 12:30 am. Everything is fine. Well, except for the fact that MIL is staying with us until DH gets home tomorrow. She wants to tackle unpacking boxes that I really don't want to get into. I'm supposed to be taking it easy for goodness sakes! Well, she took Hanne to the park, so I should go get a shower and try to get a few things done while they are gone.

Oh, and I'm 1cm dilated, but they said that that is pretty common at this point for second kids.

[KristaMB]

Yikes, Erin! I'm glad to hear that everything worked out okay, but what a bummer that Paul is out of town. I know you would be much more comfortable if he were there with you instead of your MIL.

Welcome, Emily and Amy!

JenZen, isn't it great to feel your baby moving?

Christine, sorry you are feeling blah. Perhaps it is sign of impending labor? I have a friend who went into what she called "hermit-mode" the day or two before she went into labor, so maybe this is a sign? Hang in there!

Jill, how are you doing? I'm sure you're more than ready to meet your little girl.

Like Erin, I had some weird things happening over the weekend. On Monday morning I was really dizzy and almost fainted, even though I had eaten and was just relaxing on the couch. I had my mom (a nurse) come take my blood pressure, and it was pretty low. I felt strange most of the day, but my mom stayed with me to monitor my blood pressure and force fluids. Her take, and that of the nurse of my doctor's office, was that I was dehydrated from not drinking enough on the 4th. I started feeling much better about 8 p.m.

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday. He wasn't worried about the low blood pressure, but he is concerned about the location of my placenta based on the sonogram results from last month. Is anyone else being monitored for low-lying placenta? (It's not covering the cervix, so it's not placenta previa, it's just closer to the cervix than he would like.) I have to go back for another sonogram after 33 weeks to see if it has moved any. At this point, I'm not really worried about it- I figure until I know for a fact what is going on, then I shouldn't think about it. Also, there's nothing I can do about it, so worrying won't help! But still, it's just one more thing to have floating around in my mind...

[christinew]

Went for my appt and I am 37 weeks and 3 days. Still 2cm but now am 70% effaced instead of 60%. Head still in a -1 station. All my OB says is that I will go before my due date..doesn't know if it is tonight or two weeks.

I am in prodromal labor with cramps, pangs, pinches, and a few good contractions. I am growing weary and know I don't have a right to especially since I am not overdue but all of this is very distracting and daughter dear is so active.

WHA!

C

[JenZen]

Wow, sounds like we're going to have some more babies around here pretty soon.

Erinl, glad to hear that everything is OK.

ChristineW, hopefully, things will start happening soon!

KristaMB, I hope everything sorts itself out. I was telling DH that the weirdest thing about being pregnant so far is that I don't know how to interpret my body anymore. It's doing things that I have no control over, and I don't know how it's going to react to stuff. Sounds like you had a similar experience. :(

Well, I can't keep the tears away these days. I cry for no good reason. Last night, I think I was just feeling sorry for myself. DH was good about it. He made me get up and do something with him to get my mind off of things. We went out for chicken wings at a local grill and pub. Sort of refreshing, although all of my clothes smelled like grease when we got home. :)

Clothes are getting tighter. This weekend is definitely maternity-clothes shopping time. I was hoping to make it to the end of the 4th month, but I don't think that's going to happen. I was laughing at myself this morning, because I look so funny in all my old clothes.

That's all from here,
Jen

[erinl]

Jen, your ability to control your tears will never be the same! I don't remember getting too hormonal until after Hanne was born. Since then, though, I cry at the silliest things. I told DH I knew that I was pregnant this time when an episode of JoJo's Circus made me tear up.:rolleyes:

Christine, hope that baby comes soon! Granted I'm 4 weeks behind you, but I am so not ready for this baby to come. I'm a lot more comfortable this time around.

Krista, sounds like you were only a little bit away from where I was. Moral of the story ladies: Drink your water! I've noticed that I've gotten lightheaded frequently this pregnancy. It's so much harder to drink my water when I'm not sitting at a desk all day.

My parents have declared that my sister and I are not allowed to travel to Ohio anymore when we are pregnant. Last fall, Sis and I were both expecting (sis:27.5 weeks, me:6.5 weeks). The day that we left, I started miscarrying and sis ended up delivering. Now this little episode occurs the day after I get home from another trip. Hmm...maybe Becky and I just can't be in Ohio at the same time. This was the first time the whole family has been together since last October.

[MrsReber]

Ditto what Erin said. My kids are 2 and 3 and I cry over everything. I NEVER cried like this in my whole life. I cry because I'm happy, because I'm sad, because my kid said something great, etc. I wish it would stop! Oh, you're in for it :D :D !

[zippy478]

Surprisingly, I haven't been too emotional. I actually expected to be but there have only been a few "out there" episodes as DH likes to call them.

On Sunday, I slipped a little bit getting out of DH's truck and I think I twisted or slightly pulled something in my back because it's been bothering me every once in a while the past few days. Yesterday though I started doing the "pregnancy waddle" as a friend of mine calls it because my hips and upper thighs were so sore. Today the soreness has gone away - I slept with a small pillow between my knees last night and I think that helped a lot.

Have to get back to my yoga DVD today - I always feel better when I do that.

[Jill123]

2 more days until EDD!

Had my 39-week appointment on Wednesday. I'm at 3cm and 70%-80% effaced. Just waiting for some major contractions or my water breaking and we're ready to go!

Started having some painful contractions last night, but none were close enough to "mean" anything. I woke up with a pretty bad backache, but decided coming in and keeping busy was better than sitting at home, waiting on the baby.

Question for you: I know most of the old wives' tales don't mean a thing when you're trying to start labor (eating spicy foods, having sex, drinking castor oil), but I was curious about nipple stimulation. Anyone had any success with that?

Nice thing is, I haven't picked up the "pregnancy waddle" yet. (Well, maybe a little bit, when I'm particularly tired!) I've surprised a few people when they're behind me and then I turn around our they come around and they see this giant belly. (I've been told that you can't even tell I'm pregnant from behind -- I don't know if they're being kind or telling the truth -- either way, I'm glad to hear it!)

I'll keep you all posted -- and Christine, you do the same!

[KristaMB]

Originally posted by Jill123
Question for you: I know most of the old wives' tales don't mean a thing when you're trying to start labor (eating spicy foods, having sex, drinking castor oil), but I was curious about nipple stimulation. Anyone had any success with that?
Jill, my friend and her doctor actually swear that having sex will start labor. With her first child, her doctor instructed her to go home and give it a try, and she went into labor a few hours later. I'm not sure if it was just a coincidence, but her husband was feeling mighty proud of himself. :rolleyes: ;) She's due in three days with #2 and thinking that this might be her ticket to get labor started again. Also, with this pregnancy my doctor told me that semen has something in it that can cause labor, and suggested that we may want to to abstain until I was out of the first trimester. (I had a miscarriage before, and she was being extra cautious. Other doctor's in the practice thought this was overboard.) So I'm not entirely sure if the sex thing is an old wives tale.

[bmonczka]

Hi everyone!

Well at this week's appt (36 weeks) there is no sign of dilation or effacement. I'm actually relieved! We move back in our house next
Friday and then this baby can come anytime he wants:) Moving day couldn't come any sooner, my mom is driving me insane (we've been staying with her for 5 months)! She has an opinion about everything..we do too much laundry, we want the air conditioning on (well it is in the 80's) which she refuses to do b/c she claims she is "freezing" code word for "cheap"! Dh works until like 9 pm every night now to avoid the conflict!

The heartburn has picked up pretty intense lately and I definitely have the pregnancy waddle:p Good news is the carpal tunnel is getting better slowly!

Today I finally finished all the thank you notes from our second shower- I am so glad to be done with those for a while.. I know more will be in the future but as long as I get a little break! I feel like writing them has become my part-time job!

Barb

[mrswaz]

Jill-
I'm not an expert on it, haven't tried myself, but I remember reading that nipple stimulation can cause extremely unbearable contractions, making labor much more intense and difficult.

I swear by walking for labor. Up-hills especially. The up and down bouncing movement may coax your system into getting going. At the very least, walking can increase the diilation- hey who wouldn't want that!

[Jill123]

We've tried (almost) all of the old wives' tales -- hiking, exercising, eating spicy foods, sex, fireworks (watching them, not shooting them at me! :D ) I did NOT, however, use the castor oil!!

So far, Baby is still resting comfortably.

I guess it's just one of those things that happens when it happens. (darn it)

[erinl]

Sex worked for me the first time around, and a friend had success with castor oil.

Barb, I hope your house gets done on time! I'm so glad I only lived with my in-laws for 6 weeks. I'm sure things would've gotten strained had it lasted much longer. Of course, we also had Hanne to buffer things. They loved having her around so much, Paul and I couldn't do much to annoy them. :D

Oh, Jill, have your husband massage your ankles. There is a pressure point back there that is supposed to cause contractions. Any good spa won't give you a full foot massage with a pedicure while you are pregnant because of this.

[christinew]

Erin: I am going to have my husband do my ankles tonight now!! Thanks for the info.

Going to walk tonight as long as I can and push my 20 month old also.

Sex is a bit uncomfortable right now and awkward. How long does it take to start things if it does work? We did the dance last night. I'd really like to see a mucus plug or have my water break since this is our last pg.

Jill-great to hear how beautiful you look in pregnancy- and I am sure you are being told the truth! I did better this time than last with only 21 pounds gained. First pg I gained 35 but I almost immediately went back into my normal clothes after delivery. I am sure I gained less this time since I am chasing a 20 month old around!!

Have a great Friday evening everyone. I am off to the other board to find a marinade for chicken on the grill.

C

[erinl]

Originally posted by christinew


Sex is a bit uncomfortable right now and awkward. How long does it take to start things if it does work?

A bit uncomfortable? Either your husband has some moves that mine doesn't or you're being nice. Anyway, here's way too much info: we fooled around on a Thursday night. My mucus plug was out within an hour, but my water didn't break until 3:30 the next day. Noticable, regular contractions started about 2 hours later.

[christinew]

OK Erin. I needed that humorous post!!

OK...things were more than awkward!! No special moves by the hubby.

:)

[karen w]

Delurking...
I could not resist sharing my experiences with some of these old wives tales, in particular, sex. It worked for me 2 of 3 times. With DS#1 as soon as we rolled over after completing the..uh hum..act:D , I got my first contraction. Basically I went from nothing to 10/10 contractions every 2 min. apart immediately. With DS#2, we had sex the night before(10-11p.m.) and I went into labor the next morning at 8-8:30a.m. Another fast labor, too. However, with DD everytime we tried to get her out with...uh hum...sex...well, my contractions would stop. We even tried it in the hospital!! DH felt that was a good thing...his little girl was not interested in sex! Easy for him to say. He did not have a big belly and an aching back! Anyway she finally did decide to come in her own good time, and she was the quickest of all...1/2 of a push!!!:)

FYI: They say it is the prostaglandins in the semen that can precipitate labor, if anyone is curious.

Back to lurking...
Karen

[christinew]

HMMMM. Wonder if I can talk hubby into it again Karen? Sex is almost circus like (acrobatics- and I am the elephant on the ball) right now however. heehee

When your first two were born were you 40 weeks or more?? I am 37 weeks and 4 days.

Do tell.

[karen w]

Christine,
With all three of my kids, I went into labor right around 40 weeks. DS#1 was 2 days after due date; DS#2 was 3 days before due date; and DD was 3 days before due date. With the first I passed a noticeable mucous plug 2 weeks before he was actually born while with the others it was much more subtle(little pieces over more time...I know, yuck!). And with the 2nd and 3rd, I walked around for 2 weeks 3 cm. and 80% effaced. I hope things work out for you tonight!:D

Karen

[erinl]

Things are rather quiet around here. Jill and Christine, did those labor inducing tips work?

I had a doctor's appt yesterday and everything is fine. I'm starting to swell a little, but that is to be expected. I go again in two weeks. My scheduled c-section is officially less than five weeks away now! Yikes!

[christinew]

Hi Erin: How many weeks will you be when they induce? Exciting....5 weeks will fly by.

Nothing new to report here and I am 1 week and 6 days away from official due date. We may induce 5 days prior so that will mean I am 8 days away!! I have had pains, cramps, some contractions but nothing regular so here I sit.

Feeling less blah as I realize I am in the homestretch.

Looking forward to hearing from Jill.

C

[erinl]

I'll be a couple days shy of 39 weeks when they do the surgery.

[bmonczka]

37 week appt today and the doctor said she doesn't anticipate this baby is going to show up anytime soon. My cervix is completely closed and he hasn't dropped at all yet. I'm a little relieved, that will give us time to move back in to the house and assemble the 8 million baby gifts we have in my mom's basement right now and get the nursery ready as well as unpack all our own stuff!

My doctor said she is going to be out of town for my due date but she thinks he won't show up until after my due date. Anyone had an on-call doctor deliver their baby? I guess it's not a big deal since it seems as though the nurses do most of the work and the doctor shows up for the "catch". The only worry I have is if something did go wrong and I needed a c-section but I guess if you have emergency surgery in any other example, such as appendix, etc.., you would have whomever was on-call at the hospital.

I am feeling absolutely enormous today- we have hit a humidity high in Michigan today- after my scheduled afternoon nap:p I might need to sneak off to the movies and the a/c:D

Erin- I agree it has been awfully quiet around this thread lately! Even those due quite a few months from now haven't checked in to much- everyone must be getting in those "last" vacations before they have their babies!

[tbb113]

Delurking for a minute.

My second child was sort of delivered by the 'doctor on call'. Like you my ob was on vacation when I went into labor. The difference was that he had already made plans for a specific doctor to cover for him. However, I went into labor prior to meeting this doctor. I had a planned c-section (but 2 weeks earlier than I was planning :rolleyes: ). Surgery went fine, baby was healthy, and the delivering doctor even called later to check on me after we went home.

[EmilyK]

I'm still around, I just don't have very intersting or new things going on! I'm officially at 6 weeks now! :)

I go to a midwife and found out at my first appointment that I will see all the doctors at the practice at some point during my pregnancy, because they don't know who will be on call when I go into labor. This is fine, but why have a midwife on staff if you can't choose to have her? They are hiring another midwife in August, so I will have a 25% chance of getting a midwife... It just didn't make sense to me. (I'm not complaining, just confused)

I haven't had any morning sickness yet, though I've been kind of queasy when I'm eating my breakfast... And the intermittent cramps seem to have dwindled.

Oh yeah, we tell my parents this weekend... this is the first grandchild, so it should be exciting!! :D

[KristaMB]

Emily, how are you going to share the news with your parents? Do you have anything special planned?

Barb, I'll keep my fingers crossed that you can get settled in your new home while you still have a little bit of energy left!

[zippy478]

Like Emily, I'm still around too and don't really have anything interesting to share. I had my 24 week appt today and all looked/sounded good.

You know, it seems to me that having a baby is kind of like planning a wedding where there's a flurry of activity at the beginning in that you tell everyone, spread the news and then you have the seemingly long wait to the end where you get the nursery ready, have your shower (if there's one for you) and then have the baby...another flurry of activity. One big difference between a wedding and a baby is that the wedding is just one day really but the baby is around forever and you can't give it back! :D

DH is working with his sister and mom to try to figure out a shower date for me. It's supposed to be a surprise but DH can't keep anything from me and scheduling options are somewhat limited so I have a pretty good idea of what's going on with it...especially since I'm facilitating part of the discussion with the out-of-town family members to see what will work for them! But, as with my wedding shower, I will be the dutiful DIL and act surprised. :p

[EmilyK]

We decided that we would get them each a gift that says something like "I love grandma/grandpa" on it, then have them open the gifts at the same time. (we plan on telling them they are late mother's/father's day presents) We found a really cute mug for my mom that is all white with colorful butterflies and other little decorations on the rim and handle, and then it has a little pocket on the outside that is for your tea-bag when you're done with it! On the pocket, it says "I love my Grandma" (or something along those lines). For my dad? We have had a terrible time finding something for him! My sister found a bib that says "I love Grandpa" on it that she picked up for us. She also found a book "Mr. Brown goes Moo Too" (my dad's last name is Brown) and thought it was too cute to pass up. I'm kind of at a loss here. Where else should I look for a mug? We've been to 3 different Hallmark stores, all the cutesy little stores in the mall... any other ideas for an item that would be good?

We bought another Grandma mug for DH's mom, but we won't see her until late August to tell her the news. (our parents do not communicate with one another at all) We are doing the same thing with her as we will with my parents.

(funny side note, my sister also got a bib that says "I love my Auntie" and then babbled about how many cute things were at the store)

[bmonczka]

Emily what a cute idea! let us know how they react! I'm sure they will be very excited. It's exciting to have people to share your secret with- all though we started to enjoy being the only ones who knew after a while:D

[KristaMB]

Emily, I did the bib thing for my parents at Christmas a few years back when I was pg with DS. He is the first grandchild so it was really fun! I have seen picture frames at Hallmark type places, and I think Babies R Us might have T-shirts. If there is BRU near you maybe you can call and ask if they have a "Grandpa" mug. It's funny how you can't ever find that stuff when you want it, but when you aren't looking for it, it's everywhere!

Zippy, I like your wedding analogy. It does seem to really lag during the middle of the pregnancy doesn't it?

Editing to add that my exciting news for the week is that my plan for maternity leave was approved. I'll be taking a full 6 months off. Wahoo!

[paula]

Just an idea... a large bookstore like Border's or Barnes and Nobles is likely to have a cute book or two in the children's section or pregnancy/baby section about being a grandpa and/or grandma.

Paula

[Jessica]

Delurking to say I know there are grandma and grandpa books because that is how my SIL told her parents. She wrapped up a book for each of them and had them open at the same time. Very cute!

[sweetpea]

hi emily! just thought i would share another idea for telling your parents (in case you can't find what you want for grandpa!)..my sister is due next february and for father's day this year she told my dad (and mom) by taking a plain picture frame and printing out a piece of paper that she cut to fit that said "Happy Father's Day. Save this picture frame to hold the picture of my baby brother/sister." and it had a picture of her one year old down in one corner (it was supposed to be from my nephew, not from her per se, but you get the idea). so you could make your own little insert for a picture frame and do it that way. just fyi! :)

i guess i should check in here while i am at it..just been lurking since i am being boring in prego land these days. i am now 26 weeks and had my last midwife appt last week--all is well, measure 26 cm which i am told is perfect and wt gain is right on target too--little under the average curve but i have been all along so i am gaining steadily! i can't imagine where these 17 lbs. are though--i do have quite a little belly now--no denying being pregnant anymore! :) i start going for my appts now every 2 weeks (which stinks b/c they take about 5 minutes to do and 30 minutes to drive to one way!). next week i go to the lab (locally since the birthing center doesn't do those things) to do my glucose test. i have to eat 17 large jelly beans (or i can drink oj with added sugar, etc. lots of options!) before i go, etc. but i am thankful i don't have to do the glucola--yech. so anyway, all is well and can't believe that october is only 3 months away! :) oh and the charlie horses at night have raised their ugly heads--so now i eat a banana before bed which has seemed to help or at least convince me it is helping! :)

[erinl]

Okay, Jill or Christine MUST have had babies by now, right?

Everybody must be really busy. We're tackling potty training this week. So far so good.

Four weeks and counting. I can't wait. My belly just feels SO stretched. I'm also finally starting to retain water and I'm just generally achy. I don't remember feeling this lousy with DD...

[christinew]

Quickly popping in!! And we are inducing Wed if I don't go sooner. I am miserable at 3cm 70% effaced and daughter dear is in a 0 station in my pelvis. Will update everyone with the stats next weekend!!

I have this grand illusion that my water still has time to break or my mucus plug to fall out since I have really progressed. I'd like either or both of those to happen since this is probably our last baby.

Hope everyone is having a great week.

Christine

[mrswaz]

Christine- I just wanted to wish you luck! You might want to ask your doctor if they can just try breaking your water first. If you're already at 3 cm, breaking the water may get things going- eliminating the whole induction process (pitocin, IV's, etc.). I had my water broken with DS- and that's all it took- he just needed a little encouragement. If breaking the water hadn't worked, they were going to try the cervidil as a second choice. Anything to avoid an actual induction. But good luck! We'll be thinking of you, and sending calming thoughts your way.:)

[christinew]

Hi there! IV will have to probably go in anyway due to the fact that I am getting an epidural at 4cm. I induced with my first pregnancy and had absolutely no problems. It was a fantastic experience. I bet you are right in that I will move along nicely without the pitocin and may recommend trying without but if they decide to use it I am fine with that also.

Looking forward to meeting our daughter and having another good delivery. With Christopher from start to finish it was 10 hours (induced at 40 weeks). Just had a few tears as he was 8'13" but really pleasant otherwise.

I will post back over the weekend to let you guys know.

Looking forward to hearing from Jill. She probably had her baby!!

Christine

[erinl]

Good luck, Christine!

[JanetB]

I'm heading down the road to induction myself - big baby (already over 8lbs with two weeks to EDD.) Not thrilled about it - but what are you going to do. I have a good amount of fluid - so the doc thinks that the kid is floating - and hence not really going to progress. So - it will likely be next week. Great.

Kind of nervous about the entire induction thing. I really would like to avoid a C-section - and it does increase the chances. Then again - I would also like to avoid a 9.5 lb child. . .

[christinew]

I feel certain that I will avoid a C section again with this second induction since I have been "ripe" both times with either 2cm or 3cm and 50-70% effaced both times. I think the chance for C section is there is you are not favorably presenting. I am also 0 station which is helpful and Dr. says my cervix is anterior!! She is ready to be born.

I hear great things about Cervadil also or the gel/cream they place on the cervix to get things started.


Can't wait to tell you guys all about it over the weekend.

C

[leebee]

Janet, I had a situation that sounds somewhat similar to yours. A LOT of fluid (8 hours before DS was born, he was still floating up & going horizontal just for fun!). I had an ultrasound that morning, and they determined he was at LEAST 9+ lbs, so my doctor really wanted to get things going. She said if I didn't make progress after the Pitocin, we'd be looking at a C-section. Well, apparently he decided he was ready, because I delivered him just fine vaginally--all 7 lbs, 12 oz of him! They based the weight estimate on the size of his feet & the size of his head (among other things, I'm sure). So I had a perfectly little baby with really big feet!

[christinew]

leebee-your experience sounded great. thanks for sharing!!

[nori]

Christine, good luck!! I'm jealous for those who are almost there. I feel huge myself, and my due date is Aug. 31st. I had my first a months earlier so from this point, I really feel like I'm totally novice about everything.

Janet, sorry you're heading for induction, but I"m sure everything is going to be alright. I know you want to avoid C-section, but it's not that bad.;) Well except the recovery, but I'm still tempted to go for c-section this time. What is the most important is to do what's the best for your baby. If the baby is well, all is well.

Jill, how are you doing???

I'm going in for my 34 weeks appointment tomorrow. After this, I guess I'm seeing her every week?

I had a terrible night with leg cramping last night. Seems like whenever I was awake or half asleep and concious, the legs were cramped. Ouch! Plus my feet started to swell a bit I have only a big sandal to wear right now. Good thing it's summer time and I really don't need to wear anything else. I feel so huge, too...but I've read that last 4 weeks you can still grow? Yikes! I can't even imagine!!

Keep cool, everyone!

[bmonczka]

Good luck Christine!

Nori- sorry to hear about the awful leg cramps. I've only had them a few times over the past two months and that was bad enough. I tried increasing my calcium, recommended by dr, and that seemed to work really well. Worth a shot?

We are FINALLY in our house!!!:D There is still a lot left to do, the carpenter is putting our upper cabinets back up in the kitchen today. The painters finished the interior yesterday and start the exterior next week. The worthless electrician is coming today hopefully (he's not shown up the last 3 days!) It's all moving along. The baby has a place to sleep so that's about all I care about at this point!

38 week appt and not much happening still. Dr said I'm about 50% effaced but only dilated about 1/2! I had a lot of Braxton Hicks last night and am basically really uncomfortable and HOT! I got my hair done yesterday (figuring it's going to be awhile once the baby is born) and I felt like I was going to explode in her chair I was so hot.

I go in one more time next week to dr and then twice the week after for fetal monitoring if nothing has happened by Aug. 3 and then she'll induce on August 9th. I'm not nervous about the inducement, I'm more anxious about if labor starts before that on its own!

I feel like I have been pregnant forever!!! It's been a really easy pregnancy but man would I love to sit outside and have an ice cold beer right now (not right this minute its only 9am but you get the idea!) or a wonderfully icey margarita!

Hang in there everyone;)
Barb

[leebee]

Happy Day! I got to see my baby today!

I am 18 weeks, and had a LEEP procedure about a year ago and had a significant chunk of my cervix removed (I know, ewww!). Anyway, I am scheduled for 5 "serial ultrasounds" starting today to measure my cervical length. So the tech measured the length & said, "That went fast, let's sneak a look at baby." So, I got a good picture of baby & a measure of the heartbeat. And the good news is, my cervix is measuring between 3.4 & 3.7 cm--Dr. said she'd be happy w/ a 2.5-3.5 measure, so I feel pretty good so far. No early bed rest! I know it'll thin as I get bigger, but it's a good place to start.

Anyway, just feeling good, & on cloud nine after seeing my little Christmas present wiggling away!

Hope everyone is feeling well & some are getting this nice break from the heat!

[JenZen]

leebee - what great news! you're just a little bit ahead of me. i won't get to see our little one until september. :( seems such a long time away.

not much new here. i found some good deals on baby stuff. one of my friends from work is getting rid of her infant stuff, so i bought their carseat for $25. she originally paid $80 for it, so i feel like i got a good deal. it's sort of fun to see the baby stuff accumulating in our extra room. :)

have a good weekend, everyone.

jen

[leebee]

Yep, Jen, my EDD is 12/21/04, so I'm just ahead of you (& my belly is MUCH bigger than yours, but it's my second). Actually, my official baby-viewing ultrasound is in about a month, so not too far from yours. I just had to go in for this other peek, and had a nice person who let me see the baby. It's been hard to get too excited with the thought that this might be a really difficult pregnancy, but I feel a little more like celebrating now!

I have to go thru all my old baby stuff to see what I got rid of. I have the big stuff, but not so sure on the onesies, booties, that sort of thing. I just have to drag the high chair, stroller, etc, out of our scary basement. Ick!

Everyone have a lovely weekend!

[paula]

Jen (and others contemplating the purchase of a car seat),

A word of caution - carefully consider the history of used car seat. Many baby guides warn against used car seats, especially when you don't know their history. Car seats are worthless/dangerous if they have ever been involved in an accident, but it is not always immediately obvious if the seat was used during a collision. Moreover, the technology is constantly improving, such that car seats more than a couple of years old do not offer the protection of a newer model. I'm sure yours is fine, because you know well the person from whom you purchased our seat. She can tell you the age and history of the seat, but due to the two reasons above, I would be very leary of yard sale "bargains."

Paula

[JenZen]

Hi Paula,

Thanks for the advice, but in this case, we know the couple very well. They only have one child, who just turned 2, and they didn't use the car seat that long. To makes matters even better, they're research freaks, so I know they spent a lot of time picking the car seat out. I'm very confident that it is in good shape.

Leebee, are you going to find out the gender? DH and I are still debating, but we have a whole month to think about it yet.

Jen

[Jill123]

Olivia Rae!!

She was born on July 13th!! (I know...I should have checked in sooner, but...)

I went in on the 12th for my "past due" appointment and my OB scheduled us to go in the next morning to induce.

We went in on Tuesday at 6:30 a.m., got settled into my room, and my OB broke my water at 7:45. Olivia was born at 1:12 p.m.! She weighed 6 lbs. 10 oz. and was 20 inches long.

She's a very good baby, and has been a joy. She's eating really well (she was already 6 lbs. 11 oz. at 4 days old!) and pooping like a machine! :)

Sorry to keep all of you in suspense, it's just been a blur of days! Thanks for all the good thoughts while I was "gone" -- I hope things went as well for Christine!

[erinl]

Congratulations Jill! I was starting to get worried about you! July 13 is Hanne's birthday--she just turned 2. Anyway, welcome Olivia!

[JenZen]

Congrats, Jill, and welcome to little Olivia (that's my niece's name!).


Jen

[bmonczka]

Congrats to Jill and family!!! I love the name Olivia- it was at the top of our girl name list:)

Don't worry about not checking in sooner- you probably have a lot going on;) You might be just a little busy! I'm glad to hear everything went well and it sounds like pretty quickly too-lucky you!

Don't forget us over here on the still waiting thread! Post pics when you have some spare time (ha- spare time,that's a joke huh?!):D

It's weird that all these people having babies just disappear from our thread after so many months! I guess we'll all see them on the other side...the new mom's thread that is eventually!

Barb

[nori]

Congratulations Jill and welcome Olivia! (Love that name!) Glad to hear that you're doing well. Enjoy your little one!

Barb, I didn't know calcium might help the cramped legs...yes it's worth a try. I just want to get comfortable, but it is so hard nowadays. We have this aspen bed which is waaaay higher than normal bed but I'm not sleeping there anymore. It's so much pain to get up and down at night when I have to go to the bathroom that often. I'm sleeping in guest bedroom. Sometimes DH joins in me, but I toss and turn so much that he'd leave in the middle of the night.:rolleyes:

I don't know what to do with this pressure on my bladder. I was tested for infection and it was negative, so it's just baby pressing against my bladder.:o I can't even go out for an hour without stopping by the bathroom. And as you can imagine, most of the time it's just a "feeling", not exactly I have something to get out of the system.

I am still deciding if I should go for anotehr c-section or vaginal birth. The doctor said I can always change my mind, and having second c-section is the most reasonable reason to ahve scheduled c-section so insurance won't be a problem. Anyone here experienced VBAC?? So far most of people I know of have had (or will have) scheduled c-section after the first one. I know it has more risk than vaginal, but knowing when the baby's coming exactly is so attractive (especially with a little one at home).

Hope everyone is doing well!

[tbb113]

Nori:
I had two unplanned/planned c-sections (neither son wanted to wait until their scheduled dates to be born) :D I will say that I thought the recovery was fairly easy both times. At least the OB I used, reused the same surgical incisions so I don't have multiple scars.

Its really a personal choice...if you feel that the reasons that caused Noah to be a c-section will not be there for this baby (I have herpes...so I had the same reasons both times) and your doctor wants you to try a VBAC, I would go ahead and try. But if you think you are going to end up a c-section, I would just schedule it

[nori]

Tyra, the reason I had c-section before was because of placenta previa and bleeding from the placenta abruption. And I don't have that problem this time and the doctor thinks I can handle it. So...guess I'll probably give it a try, but I'm a bit nervous going through all the labor and delivery!!

Well about this period of pregnancy with my first one, I started to have bleeding and hospitalized, and had a baby a few days later. That means my baby right now is about the size of Noah when he was born. (6lb, 20 inches):eek: I guess from now on she'll just get bigger and bigger, huh?:rolleyes: I kind of feel like she's probably ready to come out now....well at least I hope she is.:p

My friend is giving me a baby shower this Saturday. I declined first, since I had Noah here just 2 years ago and I had 2 nice showers, plus we have all essentials. Sure, we could use some new nice stuff, but at least we have what we need. But she insisted I should have one, especially because this one is going to be a girl. And it's fun to get together anyway. So I invited several friends and seems like it'll be about 6 or 7 people coming. I'm excited.:)

[paula]

Nori,

As someone who had a vaginal delivery and an emergency C-section on the same day, I found the C-section much easier from which to recover. (DD is two hours older than DS.) Yes, the first time out of bed was extrememly painful, but the incision healed very quickly and never interfered with breastfeeding (two) either physically or emotionally. However, I was still sitting on an inflatable donut two weeks later... I had a normal, uncomplicated delivery with DD, but for me, there were normal, uncomplicated things that took months to recover.

Just my two cents, but when and if we have additional children, I will probably elect for a second C-section. I previously have had a good experience with surgical delivery and recovery, and I would be concerned about the potentially serious risks that come with VBAC. Added incentive is being able to plan the timing...

Paula

[bmonczka]

Nori- I know what you mean about the bladder pressure. I thought I had another urinary tract infection but it's just the baby jabbing and pressing on my bladder. It can be kind of painful at times. I now know where every restroom is around town!

Can't help with the c-sec/v-back debate from a personal perspective as this is my first, all I can offer are two perspectives from friends! A friend of mine desperately wanted to do a v-back her second child, she really wants to experience pushing a baby out (sounds insane to me!) but her doctor talked her out of it b/c she was due to have a 10 1/2 lb baby. She still regrets not standing up stronger to her doctor. On the other hand, my cousin just had her second through a scheduled c-sec and she couldn't have been happier- someone asked her didn't she want to try to deliver vaginally and she replied, "Nope, I had labor for about an hour with my first before the c-section and I didn't like it at all! This way I can avoid the labor all together!" It really is a personal choice I guess and everyone feels a little differently about it. Good luck with your decision, either way you will end up with a beautiful new addition to your family:)

Barb

[Dahlia]

...but I HAD to check in and share our experience with our last ultrasound (warning: gushing mom-to-be ahead):

Unlike my technician for the first ultrasound, this time, our technician was wonderful. I laid down and she put that cold, goopy stuff on my tummy, DH and I held hands (and our breaths), and the ultrasound started. Our jaws just dropped.

There was our baby on the screen.

Before today, I felt movements in my tummy, but they were always subtle, and I’ve always wondered if it was “baby” or just digestive movements. But as DH and I stared in awe at the screen, there was the baby, more alive than I could ever imagine. It was waving its arms, kicking its legs like there was no tomorrow (picture a child in the bottom bunk-bed kicking the bed on top as if to try to knock that kid on top off the bed – it was THAT dramatic). It was flipping and flopping, and at one point, even TURNED OVER. The little booger was doing summersaults in there! And yet, I couldn’t feel a darn thing!!

After taking measurements, the technician moved around to various parts of the baby’s anatomy. She pointed out the heart, the stomach, the spine. The baby waved (I swore it did); we could even count every single one of the five fingers!

And then…

“See there?” She pointed. “This spot right here … means that you are having a (drum roll please….) GIRL.”

Ohhhh…. A girl!!

I squeezed DH's hand as his smile flashed from ear to ear. A girl! A girl! A girl!!!.... “How sure are you?” He asked. We’ve all been told that ultrasound readings might be unclear, depending on the skill of the technician, the cooperation of the baby, etc… But she seemed pretty adamant about it. She moved the camera around to other anatomy points, and came back to “the spot” from a different angle.
“Yup!” She insisted. “Still a girl.”

A girl! A girl! A girl!!!....
The rest of the day was a daze. Images of the ultrasound kept flashing through my mind. The little wave of the baby! The little kick! The little summersaults! The little legs!

Our tiny little baby girl!!

Hello precious little baby! Mommy and Daddy met you for the first time today!!!

[erinl]

Congratulations, Dahlia! Girls are so much fun.

[MandMs]

Delurking...

Dahlia, your post brought tears to my eyes! What a beautiful moment. I have very vivid images of the ultrasound where I found out I was having a girl. She was sucking her thumb and opening and closing her fist (like you, I SWORE she was waving)

Congrats on your baby girl! Now the fun part of picking girl names!

(back to lurking....)

[bmonczka]

Dahlia- How wonderful! The ultrasound is truly amazing especially when you can share it with dh. We had several before they were able to identify the sex so we watched him grow bigger and bigger every month, so the changes seemed more subtle. How exciting that she had so much movement and you were able to watch:) Everthing seems to get much more vivid from this point forward- you will be feeling her doing those somersaults all the time soon:)

Barb

[nori]

Dahlia, sounds like you and your DH had a wonderful experience with your ultrasound. Isn't it amazing?? My first one was a boy and he split his legs apart so before the technician could say anything, we knew it's going to be a boy.:o We could see the "thing". They never say "100% sure" for anything from what they see in the ultrasound, but it sounds like pretty much you're having a girl! How exciting.

Barb, wow 10 lb baby!!:eek: I'm not sure if I'd even want to try if I knew the baby is that big. Sorry your friend could not make her wish come true, though.

Paula, vaginal and c-section at the same day! That's amazing. So c-section was faster to recover than vaginal, huh? I guess it's case-by-case...most of my friends swear that vaginal is easier to recover than c-sectoin. But I don't have any bad experience with surgical procedure so I don't have any fear of that. You're right, the advantage to schedule the time and date is so tempting, especially with a little one already in the house.;)

I don't want to sound like I'm wimpy and complaining all the time, but my back started to hurt when I'm standing too long...like preparing dinner.:( It's not that long time, and I never had any back problem but I feel like very old person when I sit down to eat at the dinner table! I know there's nothing much I can do about it...just have to suck up and go through this phase!! I wish I could have more energy back. I thought I would by now, but I"m still tired.

[AmyO26]

Congratulations Jill!

I just had my first appointment yesterday, and my due date is March 6. :)

[erinl]

Nori, a friend of mine has had both c-section and VBAC. She said the pain was just different. She wouldn't qualify one recovery as any easier than the other. That said, she was shocked that I'm scheduling the c-section as opposed to trying VBAC. I went through the whole trial of labor and I don't feel like I'm missing anything by skipping it this time. I ended up with an infection last time that wiped me out more than anything. My doc said that the chance of infection increases if you labor first and then have to have surgery.

I'm wiped out, too. I don't want to cook dinner. I don't want to pick up after Hanne. My back aches and there is just a lot of pressure down there. The next three weeks will not be fun...

[EmilyK]

Amy, we're due the same day!! How was your appointment?

[AmyO26]

Emily,
That's so cool! I knew you were due at the beginning of March, but I didn't remember your exact day.
The appointment went well, but it was so long! I met with a nurse for the first part to go over paperwork/family medical history, etc. She was very thorough and easy to talk to. She also took my BP (on the low side..same as always), and weighed me (I have already gained 5-6 pounds :eek: ). I then had to wait awhile to see the doctor...the place was packed! He reviewed my chart and I had the pelvic exam. After that, I had blood drawn for the prenatal bloodwork (which I HATE...just thinking about having blood drawn gives me chest pains, thank God DH was there to hold my hand :) ). My next appointment is on the 23rd.
Since I am an "older" :rolleyes: mother (I just turned 35 in April), both the Dr. and the nurse discussed options for additional testing (to check for Down's Syndrome, etc.), neither one of them was pushy, though, and they said that it is totally up to me and DH. You should see the extra pamphlet that I received in my bag o' stuff..."Later Childbearing" with the most awful sketch of a fuddy-duddy couple on the cover. The woman is wearing a mumu with her hair in a bun!!!:eek: :eek: :D . Of course DH was teasing me about it once we got home. After the appt, we went to dinner to celebrate.
Sorry this is so long!
Amy

[EmilyK]

Amy, I went to the doctor when I was at 5 weeks, so they did all the lovely paperwork and med. history stuff with me then. My next appointment is a week from today (9 weeks), where I'm guessing I'll have the rest of your appointment stuff to do. Does DH stay in while they do the pelvic? Makes me giggle a little to think of him in there. I'm hoping they will try to listen for a heartbeat... we're waiting to tell most people until we have some more "solid" information that things are going well.

The midwife I went to discussed those diagnostic tests with me when I was there the first time, but after discussing the whole thing with DH, we decided not to do them... I am a worry wart, so I'd rather not know that there may be a "slight" chance and worry. Just our take on things. Of course, I'm also 25, so I didn't get the fuddy-duddy pamphlet! :D That's a riot...

I think I've gained a couple pounds as well, but that's probably due to me trying to cram food down my throat 24/7 to avoid the nausea!! :D

Emily

[AmyO26]

Emily,
DH was there for everything except for the pelvic (he was allowed to come in, but I could tell he really didn't want to!) The nurse said he wouldn't miss anything at the first exam since it's more like a regular gynecologist appt. The doctor said that 8 weeks is a little too early to hear the heartbeat, and that we would listen to it at the next appt. (12 weeks)
I think we're also opting out of the tests..I am also a HUGE worrywart, and my mother puts my worrying to shame! I would be a nervous wreck the whole time.
The pamphlet is a riot, especially the illustration on the cover. The overall tone is very cautious, but the copyright date is 1992 :rolleyes: !!! I'm sure newer resources would be a little more positive!
Amy

[leebee]

Amy, I'm an "old" mommy, too. I just turned 36 & am due in December. DH & I chose to opt out of all the testing--my doctor was very clear that the odds of abnormalities & the risk of miscarriage were pretty even at this point, so I decided I'd rather not risk a miscarriage just to ease my mind. There is nothing in our history to indicate genetic problems, so right now we're just going on faith. Sigh. You worry if you do, worry if you don't.

It's funny, my doctor said that at my age, she really doesn't consider me in any higher-risk category, based on her own experience (which seems pretty vast, considering her bulletin-board-o'babies in the waiting room). I trust her, and she is very plain-speaking and up front. She talked to me quite a bit about the options for testing, what they can detect and then what decisions we would have to make.

This is my second child, so it's not all new to me, but I will say, I understand why people do this in their 20s! Best of luck!