Jan and Feb 2011 - our first babies are arriving!

[jennylou]

Anyone else?

I'm due 1/24 I think. Big surprise for us, getting excited about a new little one to love. :)

[MrsR]

yup, I've been lurking but I am due 1/5/11 . . . jennylou, am I mistaken or is this #4 for you?!?!?

[jennylou]

Yep. Number four, although one is in heaven. But fourth pregnancy.

[MrsR]

yup that's what I thought -- holy cr@p -- I am freaking out at the thought of having 2 -- here you are going to have 3 at home -- wowza!!!!

[jennylou]

Someone told me we'll go from man to man defense to zine defense. Seems about right. ;)

Have you had your first appt yet? I'm switching from my ob who delivered all three of my kids to a group of mws.

[MrsR]

I was being seen by an RE at first so I had a few appointments with him and now have had an appointment with my regular OB.

I am probably going to change to another OB since mine does not seem to support my desire to have a VBAC. I am leaving for an 11 day vacation on the 30th and will see my current OB the day after I return on July 15 (I will be 14.5 weeks) but have a consult scheduled with another OB two days later. I had thought about going the MW route but it appears no MWs are associated with the hospital close to us which are "in network" with our insurance:rolleyes:

[jennylou]

Yay for vbac's! This will be my third.

[LDS Angel 19]

Me, maybe. Had an ultrasound today that was 'inconclusive'. By LMP I should be due 2/15 but going by LMP basically means nothing for me since I've O'd on CD 47 in the past... anyway, I'll know more on Thursday after my repeat beta.

[KK812]

I'm due 1/12/11. Somewhat (irrationally) bummed, because if we were still in the States (we just moved to Guam) it would be 1/11/11. I know most women don't have their baby on their due date, but it would still be a fun one to have. :)

I had ultrasound at 6 and 9 weeks and have my first official appointment on Monday. The thing out here is that the hospital is so small, they only see high risk OB in the OB/GYN clinic. Everyone else goes to family practice, so I'm interested to see how it goes!

[MrsD]

Well, since I've just returned from my 4th ultrasound/NT scan, I'm starting to feel more comfortable with this pregnancy and have been hoping someone would come forward and start a thread! I'm due 1/2/2011, but after 2 previous losses in the last year, this has definitely been a stressful first tri.

[mb1197]

I'm with MrsD. I've had 2 losses in the past 6 months so needless to say, this pregnancy is stressful for obvious reasons. We did see a heartbeat earlier this week though so that is somewhat reassuring. I just really want to get out of the first trimester!

[scout]

I've been going back and forth on whether to join all week. I'm due January 10th, but I lost a baby at 21 weeks last October, and the Feb/March due date thread I was a part of caused me a lot of pain whenever I saw it at the top of the page.

On the other hand, I think I need to believe in this baby.

I might go back to lurking until my NT scan on July 1st.

[MrsR]

Scout -- I am so glad you decided to join -- I have been lurking in other threads (mostly PG after loss -- I had a loss before my DS) and I think it is all about positive thinking -- granted I have never had to deal with recurrent or later term loss but I decided that unlike with my PG with DS, I was just going to throw caution to the wind (at least online). My NT scan is tomorrow and we are going to wait to tell people IRL until after the bloodwork comes back (with me being of "advanced maternal age" I just want to make sure all is well with this one before we tell people IRL).

mb1197 -- sending you positive vibes as well.

MrsD -- yay for a good NT!!!!

KK812 -- I can totally understand your affinity for 1/11/11 -- I hate odd numbers so although I am due 1/5, I am hoping for a 1/2 (or maybe even a 12/30/10) delivery:) If I have to do a repeat c, I guess I get to choose my date:rolleyes:

LDS -- all my crossables are crossed for you that this is a sticky PG.

jennylou -- I am really hoping for a vbac so I just need to find an OB that is supportive -- I wrote about the "drams" with my current OB in the VBAC thread so I won't rehash it here, but I am hoping that the OB I have a consult with will be supportive of my desire to at least wait and see before scheduling a repeat c. . .

[jennylou]

scout I am glad that you delurked. It still sometimes pains me to see the may 2005 thread, I think that's totally normal.

[KK812]

I haven't had to experience a loss, but after TTC for 4 years I can relate to a stressful first tri. I'd wake up every morning and inventory my symptoms to make sure they were still there and had a mini freak out when they started to subside a couple weeks ago. Not trying to compare loss to infertility, but saying that I feel the same hesitation!

MrsR-It's funny, I hate odd numbers, too (got married on a Friday instead of a Saturday so it would be even :)), but I figure it's already going to be an odd month and year and ones all across would be a fun birthday to have.

scout-Thinking good thoughts for your NT scan next week.

[KK812]

How's everybody doing? I had my first OB appointment today(was seeing an RE before, then we moved, then I had to take a dumb new OB class-FYI, don't eat cold lunch meat or scoop the litter box!) and everything looks good. My stomach was in knots over it, but the baby was moving all over the place. It was wild-I expected to see our baby looking like an actual baby, but not all of the movement!

Is it ok to post U/S photos in here?

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs130.snc4/36876_927884000918_5716432_50478215_7874495_n.jpg

Again with my over-the-top nervousness, I was kind of worried when I measured 11w3d instead of 11w5d, but the doc said that was normal!

[MrsR]

We had our NT scan on Friday and Baby R passed the u/s with flying colors (not my words, the doctor's:)). So now we are just waiting for the bloodwork to come back before we tell everyone outside of our immediate family the news (although it is getting pretty hard to hide my pretty obvious baby bump -- I swear, I look like I did when I was 5 months along with my DS).

Anyway, the doctor was also able to make an "educated guess" about this little ones sex and she is pretty sure it is another boy!!!!! If that is the case, I will be over the moon -- I really want DS to have a brother and I know this will be our last baby. Plus, I won't have to redo the nursery:rolleyes:. So now we just wait until August 20th for my 20 week scan. . .

[scout]

kk Of course it's o.k. to post pictures! Your little bean is adorable!

mrsR Congratulations! That's great news!


I had to take a dumb new OB class-FYI, don't eat cold lunch meat or scoop the litter box Don't you hate that? I've had to listen to that five times now (five pregnancies, but two living children), and it gets insulting.

I'm looking pregnant and we announced the pregnancy to my in laws this weekend. They received the news in a lukewarm way and spent more time comparing my sister in law (who is due six weeks from me) and talking about her baby. I guess her baby is more of a sure thing.

How are the rest of you feeling? I'm feeling worse instead of better, lol! I'm still tired and still feel a bit sick. I'm definitely showing. I have my NT scan this Friday, and I'm really nervous. I'm 36, so of advanced maternal age.

[MrsR]

Don't you hate that? I've had to listen to that five times now (five pregnancies, but two living children), and it gets insulting.

Um, yeah, I agree -- I mean, unless something has changed since DS, I don't know why I have to listen to all that cr@p again -- and really, most of it is common sense. . .


I'm looking pregnant and we announced the pregnancy to my in laws this weekend. They received the news in a lukewarm way and spent more time comparing my sister in law (who is due six weeks from me) and talking about her baby. I guess her baby is more of a sure thing.

Yay for showing:rolleyes:. Your in-laws can go f*+k themselves -- I understand that you had a late term loss, but they should be supportive and excited for you no matter what (stepping off of my soapbox now). When I was pregnant with DS, my step-sister was due 5 weeks before me and every time I saw my dad and step-mom, it was all she could do to not talk non-stop about my SS and she basically ignored the fact that I was PG too. Now we had to do IVF to get PG (both times) so I got the feeling that she felt like SS's PG was more exciting since it was "natural" but I got so annoyed and pissed off with her so I (sort of) understand what you must be going through.


I'm 36, so of advanced maternal age.
Me too:rolleyes:

[mb1197]

The morning sickness (aka all day nausea) has set in. Blech!

When is everyone due? I'm due Valentine's Day. :D

[MrsD]

KK812 Congrats on the good ultrasound!
MrsR Great news on the NT scan, and how fun the doctor was able to make a guess on the gender!
scout I also felt worse than better during weeks 10 and it feels like it is only beginning to let up. Sorry about the ILs. Hopefully they'll come around.
mb Valentine's Day would be a fun due date!

AFM: Got up to pee in the middle of the night and was spotting brown on TP. Persisted this morning. I'm hoping it's nothing as I've made it this far and have had 4 good ultrasounds now. Of course it makes me nervous and not what I want to see, but every time I've rushed into the ob's office with brown spotting so far it has turned out fine. I did stop Prometrium cold turkey this weekend, and wondering if it is either that or an irritated cervix again (or both). I plan on taking it as easy as possible today and drinking as much water as I can in hopes it will go away!

[scout]

mrsr That's too bad about your MIL. Grrr. All babies are miracles, no matter how they're conceived. I'm sorry you know the pain of infertility too.

mb What a cool due date! I'm due Jan. 10th.

MrsD I hope the spotting ends very, very soon. I had red spotting on Saturday, and took it easy. So far, it hasn't come back.

[MrsD]

Sorry to hear that you spotted over the weekend, Scout. Spotting is no fun! :( Mine seems to be subsiding, **knocking on wood**, so hopefully if I continue to keep my feet up for the rest of the day/evening, I won't see anymore!

[jennylou]

kk Of course it's o.k. to post pictures! Your little bean is adorable!

mrsR Congratulations! That's great news!

Don't you hate that? I've had to listen to that five times now (five pregnancies, but two living children), and it gets insulting.

I'm looking pregnant and we announced the pregnancy to my in laws this weekend. They received the news in a lukewarm way and spent more time comparing my sister in law (who is due six weeks from me) and talking about her baby. I guess her baby is more of a sure thing.

How are the rest of you feeling? I'm feeling worse instead of better, lol! I'm still tired and still feel a bit sick. I'm definitely showing. I have my NT scan this Friday, and I'm really nervous. I'm 36, so of advanced maternal age.

Scout - I'm lucky that I'm getting out of the new pregnancy appt, only because the new office that I'm going to (midwives) only do them on Monday and Wednesday morning first thing in the morning and I'm in a microbiology class Monday through Friday first thing in the morning, so they are letting me skip this, being as it is my fourth time at the rodeo. ;) Oh, and yeah, I'm showing too. Maybe not showing, so much as bloating way more than I did with the other three at this stage. I'd been losing weight before we found out that I was pregnant and my belly was definitely not bloated! It is now. :o I only don't have to go to maternity clothes because I can wear all the clothes that I was falling out of and because all of my maternity clothes are lent out right now. I'm sure if I put a maternity top on, I'd look close to 20 weeks. I'm also sorry about the reaction that you got, we got a similar reaction from my ILs. We told mil and she just got big eyes and was all "YOU'RE pregnant?", no congrats, no nothing. FIL, who was undoubtedly told by mil (b/c he told bil) still hasn't said boo to us about it.

MrsD - keep those feet up!

KK812 - yay for a good ultrasound.

MrsR - yay for a good scan!

AFM - still feeling yucky sometimes, but much better than I was doing two weeks ago. I'm taking summer courses and am feeling pretty overwhelmed since I constantly want to sleep and I need to study! I have a microbiology test tomorrow and I'm totally not prepared.:o

[MrsD]

Well, the spotting has stopped and I'm hoping it does not come back! However, I celebrated entering my second trimester this morning by throwing up for the first time. Awesome.

[mb1197]

Well, the spotting has stopped and I'm hoping it does not come back! However, I celebrated entering my second trimester this morning by throwing up for the first time. Awesome.

Yay for no more spotting! Boo for throwing up!

[scout]

"YOU'RE pregnant?", no congrats, no nothing. FIL, who was undoubtedly told by mil (b/c he told bil) still hasn't said boo to us about it.
Isn't that lovely? People suck. WE'RE all thrilled for you!

MrsD Way to bring in the second trimester, lol! Hope you're feeling better.

[akacharlotte]

Hi! I'd like to join in the fun. I'm due 1/6/11. This was a shock and a surprise pregnancy. We were planning on going the IVF route this summer so we could do PGD testing(if possible) to try to conceive a baby without the genetic deletion but it seems God had other plans for us. Needless to say we are thrilled, still sort of in shock, nervous, anxious and happy all at the same time.

[scout]

STACEY!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have tears in my eyes. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO, SO happy for you!

[akacharlotte]

Thank you T!

[laura]

Stacey: huge congrats!!! I wondered when I saw your confession today! :D

[krbb]

Stacey - Congratulations!!! :):)

[akacharlotte]

Thank you Laura and krbb!

Laura-Yep, ;). I've been so exhausted and cleaning the house is the last thing I want to do. The heat this summer just zaps all my energy. I feel for any woman in her last trimester now.

[pocahontas]

STACEY! :eek: This is terrific news!! (Now how is this for crazy similarity...as you know my first DS was born exactly one day after your Liam. And my surprise baby was due exactly one day after your surprise baby on Jan. 7! So I guess I should go ahead and make a prediction that your surprise will also be a boy and end up born in December? LOL :D) Either way...I'm so freakin' thrilled for you!

[MrsD]

Congrats akacharlotte! I have been following your story and am so happy to have you join us in this thread!

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!

[akacharlotte]

Poca-Ok well that is crazy. I didn't even think of those similarities but wow! :) DH will be very pleased if your prediction of boy is true. :) I do have to have a repeat c/s so it will most likely be a December birth for this baby so one of your predictions is right on. Thank you so much! We are thrilled. Nervous definitely but so thrilled.

Thank you MrsD! It feels good to join! Congrats to you as well!

[MelissaLovesPugs]

Stacey-- I saw your name in here and I had to take a peek, CONGRATS! :D

[amtaylor]

Hello everyone!

We found out on Father's Day that we'll be having our second child about 2/24. My daughter is 4.5 and is thrilled to be a big sister. She's told everyone under the sun about it so far!

The past two days, I've been so sick and I'm shocked to see that I'm already having trouble hiding my baby belly. Last night my dear sweet husband put his foot in his mouth by telling me "that's not a baby pooch, that's a basketball." Gotta love him so I don't strangle him!

[akacharlotte]

Thank you Melissa!

amtaylor-Congrats!

[mb1197]

It's good to see this thread building momentum! :D

[jennylou]

Congrats Stacey!

Welcome and congrats amtaylor!

I lent all my maternity clothes to a cousin due in September. This is pregnancy number 4 for me. Wondering how in the heck I will make it to September with no maternity clothes. I lost a bit of weight before getting pregnant so I have fat jeans, which is helpful. My new capris I bought in may? Not going to make it. Not sure what I'm goin to do for the rest of summer.

[MrsD]

Congrats and welcome, amtaylor!

Re maternity clothes: I've been in them full time since 11 weeks. I was actually surprised how quickly I needed them and started showing, and I am pretty long wasted. Maybe being pregnant for the third time in a year did it?

AFM: Doctor's appointment in the morning. Why am I still getting nervous at 14 weeks? We ended up touring day care centers last Friday. It felt like I'm too early to be picking a daycare, but on the other hand, the best ones fill up really fast around here and it needed to be done ASAP. As it is our first choice is already filled up and we are only guaranteed a spot starting next June, so we had to reserve a spot at our second choice who only had one remaining spot for mid-February left. We are considering if all goes well tomorrow ordering the crib next weekend, as we have heard it could take 12+ weeks to be delivered for some of the models we are considering. DH is chomping at the bit to finally announce this pregnancy. Personally, I could go on at least a couple more weeks without telling extended friends/family. But it is pretty obvious for anyone who sees me that I am pregnant, so I guess if we don't do it soon, the secret will be out anyway (if it isn't already). So, if all goes well tomorrow morning, I promised DH he could make it public. For some reason I'm very nervous about doing that!

[melandtim]

Congratulations Stacey!! I am so happy for you!

[akacharlotte]

jenny-Hopefully your pre-weightloss clothes will hold you over until September. Congrats on your weightloss BTW. :) Do you think your cousin is still wearing all of your maternity clothes? Maybe there are a few items she wouldn't mind giving back if they aren't her style or she has outgrown them?

MrsD-I'm still nervous and I just hit 14w today. How was your doctor's appointment? Did you spill the beans to everyone? We held off for awhile but it was getting harder for me to hide this belly. I pop out high up quite early. We told family at 12w1d and friends one week later.

amtaylor-I can't remember if I said congrats and welcome so Congrats and Welcome! :)

Mel-Thank you!

[MrsD]

We did end up announcing it to extended family and friends yesterday, and in the end, the anxiety leading up to it was way worse than actually doing it for me. My doctor's appointment was very uneventful yesterday but we did hear the heartbeat which is always reassuring. I was very concerned about my blood pressure reading yesterday, but at the hematologist's office this morning it was 25 points lower and more of my normal, so I'm thinking the nurse may have made a mistake yesterday.

[nattygyrl]

Hello and congrats to all the mommies! I'm going to add myself to all the excitement brewing. My husband and baby comes then, it will be a heck of a New Year! This is our first child (we were expecting triplets last year, but we lost them during the first tri). We are super excited and thrilled as are most of our family and close friends!

I still get nervous from time to time, but as someone said earlier you must have faith. I'm looking forward to the journey and finally being in the "honeymoon phase" of the pg. although I still have all day sickness and I've started to have headaches, but it will all pass;)

Take care everyone!

[scout]

I had my NT scan, where a nasal bone was found and a measurement of 1.8 was given, which is great. My OB called me today to say that my risk was on the high side of normal. 1 in 287 based on my age and 1 in 280 after the scan. She recommended an amnio.

Now I'm all upset and worried.

[MrsD]

scout I'm sorry that you are worried and scared. :( I don't have much experience with amnios and the like. But, the high side of normal is still a normal, and 1 out of 280 are still pretty low odds. I hope others can chime in with more input for you. Big hugs!

[jennylou]

Thinking of you scout!

[MrsD]

How are you doing today, Scout?

[mb1197]

I'm sorry you're worried Scout. :( When is your amnio scheduled for?

[scout]

mrsd Not great. I'm kind of in a bad place. Rationally, I know that my risk for Downs is less than 1%. However, I've been on the losing side of stats before, and I very easily could be that "one" in 280. It's made me think about things I don't want to think about. My best friend was appalled when I mentioned my worry about raising a child with extreme special needs and said she'd adopt the baby and "nobody would need to know". I wasn't saying I would terminate. I doubt I could. But it's something that had to be considered. It's just in territory that I don't want to venture into right now.

I just don't understand how the nasal bone was seen AND the nuchal fold was 1.8, yet my risk is so high. 90% of babies with Downs have no nasal bone, and nearly all have a thickened neck fold. Obviously something in my bloodwork was off.

mb I don't know if I'm having an amnio. Because I've had PPROM before, I'm hesitant to have a needle in my amniotic sac. I need to meet with the fetal medicine specialist to find out more. This quad screen test makes no sense to me. I've read that there is only a 5% false positive rate, but how can that be, when the test is a screening test that gives you a percentage? Everyone getting a "positive" test isn't having babies with abnormalities. Is my 1 in 280 considered "positive" or is a 1 in 2 chance considered "positive"? Even a one in two chance is still only a fifty percent chance. I don't understand it, and I really need to talk to the specialist. After googling, it seems that thousands of women get a positive screen, and so far, I've only read about one that actually had a baby with birth defects. The American Pregnancy Association's website says that this test is famous for false positives, so why is the test touting a 95% success rate in determining a Downs fetus?

:stressed:

[MrsD]

Scout I'm sorry that you're worried and even more sorry that you were given these results.

The American Pregnancy Association's website says that this test is famous for false positives, so why is the test touting a 95% success rate in determining a Downs fetus?
I could be wrong on this, but I think when they say this test catches 95% of all Down Syndrome fetuses they mean they only miss 5%--or that in 5% of cases a woman is told everything is great but ends up having birth defects anyway. That doesn't mean there isn't another large percentage of women who take the test and are given a high risk rate but go on to have totally healthy babies. If you think about it that way, of course they can boast about a 95% rate of catching it early--because they also "catch" a lot of fetuses who have nothing wrong at all!

You're right, this test gives a ridiculous number of "false positives" (not quite the right terminology in this case--but you know what I mean) that cause a lot of undue stress for no reason. I'd tell you not to panic yet, but I know you will anyway. What I will tell you is that I've seen countless stories of women who have received results like yours that have gone on to do further testing and find out they were having a healthy baby. Very good friends of ours gave birth to a perfectly healthy baby girl last month and they had originally received the same kind of odds you were given.

Definitely speak with the specialist, decide what you feel you need to do to make you the most comfortable to enjoy the rest of your pregnancy. But know that your chances of having a perfectly healthy baby a very, very good.

[scout]

Thanks, Mrs. D!

[mb1197]

MrsD pretty much summed up everything I would have liked to say. Please keep us posted after you speak with a specialist.

[scout]

Thank you. I think the specialist will give me more information and possibly do another ultrasound. Somebody pointed out that my risk for Downs is actually only .3% and when you look at it that way, it seems silly to worry about it, but I have to wonder why a year ago my risk was 1 in 22000 and now it's 1 in 280. I'm praying that the specialist calls me Monday so I can set up an appointment and some of this worrying can stop.

I'm always doom and gloom in these due date threads.

How are the rest of you doing?

[amychris03]

delurking because I'm not ready to join...
Scout I just did the whole over 35 screen because we are high risk for a bunch of stuff, and one of the options, prior to an amnio was a Sequential Screen. The Nuchal Translucency and the blood work were the same at the beginning but then they do more blood work at 16 weeks and that helps you get a more certain result. Not definitive by any means, but it may give you a better idea of whether or not you want to do the amnio. Maybe you could ask about that?

[scout]

amychris Thank you! I wasn't told about any of that by my OB. She just jumped to "have an amnio", so I will definitely bring that up with the fetal medicine specialist. Thanks so much! I hope your results come back with great numbers.

[MrsD]

How's everyone doing?

I actually went ahead and ordered a crib and dresser for the nursery. I know it is a little early, but the crib we liked apparently is notorious for taking forever, and I'm a planner, so we felt we needed to get it done. Managed to sign up for childbirth, breastfeeding and baby basics classes for this fall. We also met with our financial planner to start putting together college savings plans and increase our life insurance last week, so I feel like we've ticked a few big things off of our list!

[akacharlotte]

Wow MrsD! You are on the ball. I feel like a total slacker. :) Did you set up a 529 for the college fund? I think that is the route DH and I will take for this little one.

The nursery furniture we ordered for Liam took the entire 12 weeks to arrive so I don't think you are ordering too early. I think we ordered around my 16/17th week last year.

Scout-I'm thinking of you.

AFM: My amnio is Thursday and I am a nervous wreck. I haven't been very worried about it but last night I just started freaking out and getting upset about the what ifs. I just don't know. No I do. I'm scared. I'm afraid we are going to have a negative result and find out this baby is not healthy.

[scout]

MrsD Hooray for getting to do fun (and practical!) stuff for the baby!

Stacey I'll be thinking of you Thursday. I really can imagine how nervewracking it is for you, since I'm likely in a similar boat. I know with your history you're even more worried. I've been reading so much about the oddest things throwing the bloodwork off. Another interesting thing is that women who have had a loss and then get pregnancy soon after seem to have a particularly high false positive rate on the screening. Will you get the FISH results? I read that they are available within two days with 90% accuracy. Something to ease your mind so you don't have to worry the full two weeks. Thinking of you.

AFM I talked to the fetal medicine nurse today, who reassured me that my numbers from the scan were better than based on my age alone. She asked if I wanted an amnio, and I said I needed more information. She had the doctor look at my chart, and I'm scheduled for an u/s next Tuesday. If soft markers are found, and the doctor recommends it, I'll have the amnio. Because of my previous PPROM, I REALLY don't want to have a needle anywhere near my sac, but if it turns out to be a fatal trisomy, I need to have all of the information. I'm really pissed off that I'm robbed even more of enjoying this pregnancy.

[MrsD]

akacharlotte I'll be thinking of you as you mentally prepare for the amnio, and pray you receive great results.
scout I know it's hard to get past the worry, but I really think your conversation with the specialist sounds very promising! You had a great NT scan and the chances are very, very good that you will not see any soft markers on Tuesday nor will you have any issues with this baby. Remember, even the odds you've been given make it incredibly unlikely that anything is wrong. Please keep telling yourself that.

I wish neither of you had these issues to deal with but I have faith that everything will be okay.

[akacharlotte]

Scout-That is good news from your doctor. I'm praying your u/s is totally normal and you don't even have to worry about having the amnio. I can understand your fear considering the PPROM. It is scary to think about and I'm praying so hard everything goes well for you! I understand you being pissed. I haven't been able to fully enjoy this pregnancy either. I'm so scared something is going to go wrong. I look at my belly in surprise all the time.

We are definitely getting the FISH results. I cannot take 2 weeks of torture. I need to know ASAP. We are also getting a growth/level II u/s Thursday before the amnio so hopefully that will ease my fear. The geneticist we spoke to after our NT said the same thing about the bloodwork. It can easily be thrown off due to body chemistry etc. It reassured me then but now as the appointment looms....well you know how I feel. I read one thing online about the false positive is normally from the actual NT u/s not the bloodwork and that threw me into a tailspin. Do you know where you found the info on the net about the bloodwork being thrown off?

[MrsD]

BTW, scout: I've found more than one place that says any odds over 1:200 are considered "negative" and anything under 1:200 are considered "positive." With that, you received a negative result.

Question re movement: I was under the impression that you can't really feel movement until somewhere between 16-20 weeks. However, another pregnancy board that I just lurk in seems to have a ton of women as early as 10 weeks and more commonly during 12-14 weeks claiming they are feeling the baby move/kick regularly. I've felt a couple of weird feelings here and there a few times in the last two weeks, but nothing I'd confidently say have been baby. Is this true? Should I be feeling something more? I usually don't pay much attention to claims on this board because I've found most of the women are, ahem, seem to have a bit less education/common sense than I find here and other places. But SO many women have claimed they feel this!

[akacharlotte]

MrsD-Is that the BBC boards? I ask because I've been over there and your opinion seems to be pretty on track with what I've found. Honestly I don't necessarily think what those women are feeling is the baby. I've had a few questionable moments where I stop and go hmmm but I'm not going to say it is the baby because frankly I'm not sure and I've been through this once before. It is the same as the umpteen threads determining gender early on via u/s.

[MrsD]

aka I'm glad to hear you say that. I'll go back to reading them for my own entertainment and remind myself it is not the best place for accurate information. Actually I think the BBC Boards might be more intelligent overall than the one I'm referring to (FF)--today someone had to post the question of whether or not there is caffeine in lemonade and someone else recently complained women shouldn't even touch deli meat b/c doctors say the only way to get rid of the bacteria is to microwave the meat and you can't microwave your hands!

[akacharlotte]

Oh dear heavens! Microwave your hands? Does she believe doctors microwave their hands prior to performing surgery? She would be horrified to learn the truth. ;)

The BBC boards are filled with a lot of teens/early 20 somethings who fail to use punctuation, capitalization, and love their text speak. I often have to read things numerous times to understand what in the hell they are trying to say. DH told me to stay away because I was getting so irritated over certain topics.

Oh and the Jerry Springeresque family dramas are so very entertaining.

[jennylou]

I am laughing at the other boards. People ask the strangest things.

Thi is my fourth pregnancy. I think I started feeling movement around week 20+ with number one. New what to look for with #2 and felt movement at 16 weeks or so. #3 was around 14 weeks. Here's the thing, I think once you've been there done that you do get better at recognizing movement. But, there are other things that go into it like where your placenta is.

[scout]

Stacey I've been barraged with information about the NT scan lately, but I'll try to find the source that talked about the bloodwork. Thinking of you and praying for you on Thursday.

MrsD Thank you. In California 280 is considered negative too. It's just all so confusing.

Movement I actually feel a little. It's like bubbles popping or little flutters. I have for awhile...BUT BUT BUT it's most likely because I have a tilted uterus. With my last two pregnancies I felt it really early too, and I felt it during an u/s and my doctor said it is possible if you know what you're feeling and if you have a retroverted uterus, or the placenta is in a certain place. Everything else I've read says this is very rare to feel it this early (and it's certainly not regular), and most movement happens at 18-20 weeks, and even then it's not regular. So nobody should worry if they don't feel anything yet, especially with a first baby. I also agree about the BBC boards. Babycenter can get a little wacky too sometimes. There's a mix of sane and crazy. :)

Is anyone else feeling normal? My symptoms have pretty much gone away except for my enormous boobs. I stopped the progesterone three days ago, so a lot of that might be due to that, but I have more energy and the yucky feeling is almost gone.

[amtaylor]

Good luck today Stacey!

I wish I was feeling normal again! I'm behind most of you - 8 weeks today - so hopefully I'll start to feel better soon. This pregnancy has been tougher than my first by far. My husband teases that it's because it's twins, I think it's because I'm 5 years older now!

[mb1197]

Movement I actually feel a little. It's like bubbles popping or little flutters. I have for awhile...BUT BUT BUT it's most likely because I have a tilted uterus. With my last two pregnancies I felt it really early too, and I felt it during an u/s and my doctor said it is possible if you know what you're feeling and if you have a retroverted uterus, or the placenta is in a certain place. Everything else I've read says this is very rare to feel it this early (and it's certainly not regular), and most movement happens at 18-20 weeks, and even then it's not regular. So nobody should worry if they don't feel anything yet, especially with a first baby. I also agree about the BBC boards. Babycenter can get a little wacky too sometimes. There's a mix of sane and crazy. :)

Is anyone else feeling normal? My symptoms have pretty much gone away except for my enormous boobs. I stopped the progesterone three days ago, so a lot of that might be due to that, but I have more energy and the yucky feeling is almost gone.

I have a retroverted uterus as well. Mine points towards my back. Is your's the same? Did your's affect how long it took for you to start showing?

[scout]

mb I think mine points toward the back too, but I'm not sure. The doctors always just say, "Wow. Your uterus is REALLY retroverted." I don't think it had any effect on when I start showing. I'm popping out now, but I can hide it with big shirts. I usually really start showing around 18 to 20 weeks.

Stacey Thinking of you a ton today. Update when you can.

[nattygyrl]

After numerous calls, I finally received my NT scan & bloodwork results. The nurse said everything looks great. I also had bloodwork done for inherited chromosonal defects and those results are good as well. Such a relief in a way. I know how I was on pins and needles waiting for my results so for those with unanswered questions, I'm thinking of you and wishing for the best.

I'm so glad someone asked the movement question. I'll be 16wks in a few days and I don't think I've felt a thing. During our last u/s, we saw the baby moving around, but I didn't feel anything. I've been reading and reading what to look for so I hope baby just lays one on me so I know for sure;)

During my last post, I said I was having all day sickness. I think it is FINALLY starting to subside. Unfortunately for me, I've started to have a lot of headaches. I have an appt. next week so I'm hoping my OB will say that's normal. I'm also curious if we'll get to hear our little one's hb again. Does anyone know if we will hear the hb at every appt. from this point out?

[MrsD]

scout Funny, I've always heard a retroverted uterus can mean it will take longer to feel movements. I guess it all depends on how it tilts? I've been told I also have a retroverted uterus, but no one has said much other than commenting that it is.
amtaylor Sorry this pg is rougher on you!
nattygyrl I still get the ickies daily, some days more severely than others. I also am getting headaches, but am noticing my eyesight is getting worse so I think it is from straining to see the computer screen all day. It is my understanding the doctors get the doppler out for every appointment, but really, I've never had a baby before so I'm not one to rely on.
aka Hoping everything goes well for you today!

AFM: I think I experienced my first bout of sciatic nerve pain last night. Ouch! Nothing I did made it better!

[akacharlotte]

Hi ladies. Thank you for the thoughts and prayers! Amnio and u/s went well today. Our little one was quite active. At one point while trying to get a profile shot the baby turned face down and wiggled his/her butt in the air. LOL. It was awesome. We got great shots of the heart/bladder/kidneys etc. Even the tech was impressed and said she wished her textbooks had had photos that clear. I'm not sure why but I'm grateful we were able to see what we did.

The amnio was uncomfortable! I had an amnio drain with Liam because my AFI was 53cm around 33/34weeks. I don't remember it hurting like it did today but perhaps that was because I was so huge and my stomach was nice and hard. It pinched/stung and I cramped up. I'm feeling fine now which is good. They checked the baby afterward and we got the profile shot. The u/s was pretty reassuring. Now to just maintain that feeling until we get the FISH results early next week.

I also participated in a research study one of the doctors in the practice is doing. He is trying to develop a new blood test that would eliminate the need for an amnio. I wholeheartedly agreed to give up 4 vials of blood for the greater good. I so hope he is successful.

Movement-I definitely felt the baby yesterday and surprised the heck out of me. It was brief but yesterday just before lunch I felt two pops just left of my belly button which is where this baby is positioned. I felt a couple more last night as I was settling into bed. I was very surprised but it was definitely those pops/bubble sensations I felt with Liam too. It is making me looking forward to feeling those movements regularly once I get past 20 weeks. Although the baby's legs look very long in the u/s so I may regret typing that when I have a foot stuffed up in my ribcage.

Scout-No rush on the info. If you come across it again I would love to read it.

Feeling normal-Getting there. I feel like I'm starting to get my energy back somewhat. I'm still throwing up in the morning. My boobs just started to get sore last week and still are but it isn't painful sore. I'll take it.

amtaylor-This pregnancy has been different and in a way tougher for me as well. I did not throw up this much with Liam. Nausea-yes, throwing up every morning-no. I'm just grateful that didn't start until later.

nattygrl-I'm so happy your genetic results were normal. That is a huge relief. My standard OB appointment requires a weight/BP check, a urine sample and the doctor listens to the baby's heartbeat. Later on she does the fundal measurement at each appointment.

MrsD-I'm so sorry you are dealing with sciatica pain. I got that after I delivered Liam. I got lucky becauase two days before I was going to go see a chiropractor the pain went away. It was weird and I questioned whether I had or not but my doctor seemed to think that was the pain I was experiencing. It sucks.

[MrsR]

MrsD -- I peruse the FF boards on and off and sometimes almost have to stop myself from responding to some of the absolutely stupid sh*t some people say on there. . .

movement --I feel a little off and on -- my pelvis is tipped too but I can't remember which way. . .

scout -- yeah, other than porn star boobs:eek:, I feel pretty much normal these days -- I do go to bed pretty early but I am one of those people who needs 8 hours of sleep when I am not preggo and about 10 or so when I am.

nattygyrl -- glad your NT came back ok. For my DS I did get the doppler every appointment and it has been the same with this PG.

aka -- thinking about you today!

As for me, I bit the bullet and switched OBs today. My new OB was so sweet and just so nice and reassuring. She basically said that while there are a few reasons why I may end up with a repeat c-section (big baby, etc.), she saw no reason why right now we can't try to have a VBAC:D

[MrsD]

aka So glad your u/s went well and that you got so many great shots of your LO! I will continue to think of you while you wait for your results and hope you can find as much peace as possible during your wait.
MrsR Glad you like your new OB!

AFM: My hematologist's office called me out of the blue around noon and told me that my test results all came back in from the appointment last week and that the doctor wanted me to come in for more tests. No explanation was given as to why my bloodwork signaled the need for further testing. Both my ob's and hematologist's office is a 2 minute drive from my office, so I went right after lunch. I asked again why more bloodwork was needed, and the only response I got was that things "needed to be double checked." There's never really much explanation of what they're testing for originally, but obviously if they've asked me to come in for more tests based upon what they saw something doesn't look right. On the other hand, I can never understand what the heck they are talking about when they do discuss tests with me, so I'll continue to roll with the punches and wait and see what happens.

[scout]

mrsd I'm sure that was nervewracking, but it's great that they are keeping such a close eye on you. I hate when they don't give direct answers. Let us know what you find out.

Stacey I thought of you all day! I'm so glad it's over and that you got great shots! I bet it was amazing! I'm sure you'll be on pins and needles waiting for the results. I hope the time passes quickly.

natty Glad your NT results were good!

mrsR Hooray for your OB being supportive of a VBAC :)

I'm nervously waiting for my u/s on Tuesday. I hate not knowing what's going on and not having answers.

[MrsD]

Thanks, scout. At the end of the day, I'm just so sick and tired of needing more and more tests without many definitive answers or discussions about it. Oh well, I've been doing this for several months, so what's one more round going to do?

I hope the time passes very quickly until your u/s on Tuesday, where I'm confident you will see great results! Plan something fun this weekend to keep your mind off of it as much as possible!

[taffers]

Ok I'm kind of a stalker, but OMG, I had no idea some of you were pregnant!! CONGRATS to all of you!

MrsD- I just saw something you posted in the irritation thread, and thought, "is she pregnant?" so I stalked your other posts and found this thread...CONGRATS!!!

Scout- I had no idea! Yay!!!

Stacey- I'm so happy for you...and no ivf!!!

Clearly, I need to be checking these pregnancy threads. ;)

[jennylou]

Mrsd - I can't imagine needing mire blood to double check. Maybe they dropped the tube or something. Hopefully, it all is okay.

Scout - I'm sorry you're still in limbo.

AFM - I think I'm 14 weeks. Was supposed to see the mw on Friday, but they rescheduled to this coming Wednesday. Get ocassionally queasy, am constantly tired and am gassy. I popped out, guess that happens on the fourth go around, lol. I lent a cousin my maternity and asked her for anything back that she's nor wearing and she's supposed to bring the tub back today. I'm so excited because I feel like most of my shirts have turned into belly shirts and only have a few options right now.

[scout]

Taffers Thanks, lol! I think a lot of us are flying under the radar!

[MrsD]

Thanks taffers!
Good that you're getting your maternity clothes back, jennylou!

A girlfriend and I went shopping for more maternity clothes over the weekend. We lucked out and A Pea in the Pod had a huge sale going on. Still managed to spend too much money, but feel I things that are closer to work appropriate now.

[akacharlotte]

Thank you Taffers!

Jenny-That is great you got some of your maternity clothes back!

MrsD-Hope everything comes back normal with your bloodwork!

[scout]

Stacey?? I was going to bed tonight and realized I hadn't heard about the phone call today. I hope you got good news.

[jennylou]

The cousin never called or emailed so I still haven't gotten my maternity clothes back. Annoying.

[akacharlotte]

Scout-Nothing yet. I called yesterday but the results were not ready. Hoping they will be today. My stomach is in knots.....again.

Jenny-That sucks. Can you just show up at her place to pick them up?

[MrsD]

jenny Ugh. How annoying!
aka Thinking of you today!

[MrsD]

scout Didn't you have your u/s today? I hope everything goes well!

[akacharlotte]

Amnio results are in! The baby has the correct # of chromosomes based on the FISH results. We are still waiting on the chromo 16 deletion results which take another 7-10 days but we feel really good based on what we've seen via u/s plus the reassurances we received from the geneticists.

We are also most definitely having another boy! Our u/s tech last week guessed right. :)

[MrsR]

Amnio results are in! The baby has the correct # of chromosomes based on the FISH results. We are still waiting on the chromo 16 deletion results which take another 7-10 days but we feel really good based on what we've seen via u/s plus the reassurances we received from the geneticists.

We are also most definitely having another boy! Our u/s tech last week guessed right. :)

YAY Stacey -- that's great (both the amnio and the second boy)!!!

[jennylou]

Yay Stacey! :)

[scout]

Stacey SO happy for you!

My scan went well today. The doctor didn't notice any red flags, but did notice that there is a two vessel cord instead of three. He said sometimes babies with certain abnormalities have these types of cords. He said the baby looked great structurally. I think I am going to still have the amnio. I'm going to worry and worry and worry, and the risk of the amnio are less than my risk of Downs. It's scheduled for Tuesday.

[MrsD]

aka Yeah! Congrats on your BOY!
scout Sounds like the two cord finding is slightly worrisome, but it is very promising that everything in your u/s looked good today. I quickly consulted Dr. Google, and it sounds like a finding of a 2 cord vessel in and of itself doesn't mean much in terms of risks. I'm hoping that your amnio comes and goes quickly and that it brings you the best of news. I'll continue to think great thoughts for you!

[amtaylor]

aka - that's great news! I'm very happy for you!

Scout - I'll keep you guys in my thoughts. I hope the amino is scheduled quickly

[scout]

Jenny That is annoying. You did a good deed--it would be nice to have the clothes back.

I shouldn't have googled. I wasn't worried about the two cord vessel until googled. I read some encouraging things and some scary things. Mostly scary things, actually. I had a freak out tonight and a big crying jag. In any event, it clinched my decision to definitely have the amnio with no regrets. It looks like I'll be monitored pretty closely as well. The amnio is scheduled for Tuesday.

15 weeks.....not sure if I can handle this roller coaster for 25 more weeks.

[MrsD]

scout Sorry! I shouldn't have said anything about Google!! I'm hoping Tuesday comes as fast as possible for you. Just remember in a lot of cases the two cord vessel doesn't mean anything, and I'm hoping your amnio will tell you just that. Thinking good thoughts for you.

I did receive a voicemail from my hematologist's office stating my tests came back negative. I'm a little annoyed because I don't know what the tests were and no one discussed with me what raised the need for the additional unknown tests. Part of me wants to call and insist someone call me and give me the information I should receive as a patient. The other part of me is so sick of dealing with this stuff I don't want to bother.

[scout]

MrsD Don't be sorry! I would have definitely googled anyway. It's kind of like with the NT scan. The official literature is scary scary scary, but the personal anecdotes aren't. From what I've read, as long as the baby is structurally o.k., the risk of an anamoly is very low. I'm still worried, so the amnio is a good decision for me. If the baby is chromosomally normal, then the baby will be checked weekly to make sure the growth is o.k. I'm high risk anyway, and I was looking at a ton of appointments, so this will just be another thing to have watched.

I'm glad your tests were negative, although it would be nice to know what was negative!

[akacharlotte]

MrsD-That is good news about your blood tests. It would be nice to know what you were negative for.

Scout-Thinking of you!

[mb1197]

Long time no post! I hope everyone is doing well. I haven't had much to report so I've just been reading along when I have time and am keeping you all in my thoughts.

I'm going to be 12 weeks this coming weekend finally. Other than the nausea that has now pretty much subsided completely, I feel great and really don't feel pregnant at all. That in and of itself is a little scary. While I hated feeling sick all the time I also felt reassured by my pregnancy symptoms. Now that they are pretty much gone I feel nervous again. We saw a beautiful strong heartbeat at 6 and 9 weeks so I don't know why I still feel so stressed out, but I just can't help it. I am not gaining weight or showing yet even though this is not my first pregnancy. Everyone I know that has been pregnant 2 or more times has been in maternity clothes by 10-12 weeks. I feel like I should be showing and because I'm not then something must be wrong. What an awful way to think about things.

Anyway, I have my NT scan on August 3rd so I look forward to having that done and out of the way. Other than that I am trying my best to go with the flow, treat my body well and think positive thoughts as much as possible. :)

[MrsD]

mb Hoping the time passes quickly until your next u/s!

AFM: Started spotting Saturday morning, just brown on the tp, but quite a bit. It was still going strong after lunch, so we called our ob. She said she figured everything was fine, but due to my history I should meet her at the hospital to be sure. Spent a lovely afternoon in a hospital room and had another insanely painful internal exam at the hands of a nurse (it is supposed to be that painful when you're pg or is it because the last two I've had were done by nurses??? I've had my share of exams and none have felt like that!). Turns out I have a UTI causing blood in my urine. Awesome. We did hear the hb and were reassured at that, so just have to take more pills for a while and back on pelvic rest.

[mb1197]

Sorry to hear you're spotting MrsD! I hope your UTI clears up quickly!

[scout]

mb Don't worry about not being in maternity clothes yet. I'm not either, and I'm 16 weeks along (and have two kids). I could probably get some and be more comfortable, but I'm still wearing my regular clothes.

My amnio is tomorrow at 12:30. Send good thoughts, please!

MrsD Ugh. Always something. Grrrrrr. It's really good that they caught the UTI, though. My internals have always been a bit painful too, and they've been done by doctors.

[mb1197]

Thanks for the reassurance scout! Best of luck on your amnio tomorrow!

[akacharlotte]

MB-I'm so glad you are doing well. I'm going to second Scout by saying don't worry about maternity clothes yet. I'm 16w4d and don't need my maternity clothes yet either even though I am showing. I carry high up. I haven't even had to break out the bella band yet and I was already in it for my first pregnancy by this time IIRC. I still look down at my belly in disbelief that I'm pregnant. GL at your NTscan!

MrsD-I'm so glad(this sounds weird) that it was a UTI and that your baby is fine. I haven't had painful pelvic exams, uncomfortable yes but not painful. We are more sensitive during pregnancy so it totally makes sense that it is more painful for you. It could also be the nurses you've had are just plain rough.

Scout-As you know I'm sending prayers and positive thoughts your way all day today and tomorrow and beyond!

Nothing new here. Still dry heaving in the morning because of sinus drainage. I can't win. I'm either overly dry or producing too much sinus mucus. I can't find a happy middle ground. It's annoying but I can deal with it. I would rather not do this the entire pregnancy. I'm really hoping part of it is the heat and humidity and once that begins to subside I will start to feel better.

DH took off this week to work on some small projects around the house including some in the baby's room that we never finished for Liam. We are searching for paint colors and bedding. I would like to get the room done as we never got to finish Liam's room all the way. I still have bags/folders/boxes of Liam's stuff from his funeral and NICU stay to organize and put away. I want to start and finish his scrapbook/baby book. I have a stack of thank you notes I wrote and never sent to deal with. Do I send them now or not bother 8 months later?

[MrsD]

Thanks everyone. The UTI isn't too big of a deal, just wish it would have shown itself on a weekday to avoid the time and expense associated with going to the hospital! Good to know others have had painful exams. Guess I better learn to suck it up. I've always thought I was fairly tolerant about pain, but as big as a baby as I was with the exam, I'm worried how I'll be during labor! I did manage to order our custom upholstered rocker/recliner yesterday, so now all three nursery pieces have been ordered. Now that those items are taken care of I kind of feel like I can sit back and wait quite a while before needing to do anything else.

mb Yeah, don't worry about showing or not showing. Everyone's baby belly develops at a different pace.
scout Still thinking of you. I hope it is as quick as it can be and that everything brings you wonderful news! Are you going to find out the gender?
aka I'd go ahead and send the thank yous. They always say late is better than never with those things. Sorry you're still feeling sick, I'm right there with you! Where are you looking for bedding?

[akacharlotte]

MrsD-Thanks for your input.

I've lost track of how many baby bedding sites I've visited. I haven't found anything that blows me away yet but I also don't want to spend a fortune on bedding this time. Right now I just need some inspiration because if I can find fabric I like my MIL will sew something up for me. We went dark and kind of bold last time so this time I'm leaning towards softer colors.

[scout]

Stacey Sorry you're feeling wretched. No fun at all. I think I'd go ahead and send the thank yous as well.

MrsD Isn't it weird that there are no UTI symptoms in pregnancy when you have a UTI? Mine was the same way.

Thanks for the prayers, support and positive energy. I really appreciate it. I'll update tomorrow afternoon.

I actually already know the gender because of my last u/s. It was pretty clear and the doctor confirmed.....BOY!!!

[MrsD]

scout Congrats on your BOY!! Did I miss your post where you announced that before? If so, I'm so sorry I skipped over your news! Thinking of you today lots.

[mb1197]

scout - thinking of you today and congrats on your BOY!!!

[akacharlotte]

Scout-GL today and I hope the procedure goes well. I've been thinking and praying for you this morning.

[scout]

Thanks, everyone! I'm home and in bed. It went o.k. It was pretty much everything I expected after reading posts by others who had an amnio. It was crampy and uncomfortable, but it's over. The doctor said it went great, and he didn't think I should have any complications. My parents are here to help and my DH took off work, so I'll be on bedrest today and take it easy the next few days. Now, I wait. Results should be available to 24-48 hours.

MrsD I don't think you missed that I was having a boy--I looked, and I don't think I posted it!

[mb1197]

Glad to hear you are home and resting scout!

[MrsD]

So glad everything went smoothly! Rest up and keep your mind busy! I'm confident you'll be getting great FISH results in a couple of days!

I don't think you missed that I was having a boy--I looked, and I don't think I posted it!
Whew! I was befuddled as to how in the world I could have missed that!

[scout]

The results are normal. I'm pregnant with a chromosomally normal baby boy!

[MrsR]

The results are normal. I'm pregnant with a chromosomally normal baby boy!

YAY Scout -- so very excited for you!!!!!!!

[nattygyrl]

Scout - that is terrific news. Congrats on your boy.
AKA- I'm glad your results came back positively as well.
MrsD- It sucks you have an UTI, but I'm glad you have no painful symptoms. Take those lovely pills so it can clear up quickly!

I'm almost 18wks now. That is so crazy to type! I just returned from a week long conference and I feel pretty good. I had 2 days when my stomaching was queasy, but I'll take it! My last OB appt. went well. The dr. reassured me that the headaches were normal, she also advised me to keep something on my stomach as hunger may be triggering some of them. Well, I think she was right. Now that I eat more regularly I haven't had them to that extent. I head back to the fetal specialist in a couple weeks for the gender analysis. I've said time and time again that I don't want to know, I just hope I can hold out during that appt.

Random question for those of you who are already mothers, when did plans go in motion for your baby showers? I have friends that keep asking me for dates, but making plans for a shower seems really early at this point and it makes me super nervous since I've m/c before.

I hope everyone is doing well and I look forward to reading your updates.

[MrsD]

scout I said it in the other thread, but it's so great I have to say it twice: Hooray! So, so happy for your great news!
nattygyrl Glad you don't have as many headaches anymore! I'm a first-time mom myself, but I will say I have one shower date already planned. I was pretty uncomfortable scheduling it this early, and the shower itself will be too early IMO (@29 weeks) but here's why:

My BFF is super excited to throw me a shower. She's due with her second child November 15th, so we needed to schedule something before that time. She thought two weeks in advance was enough time, I thought that was too stressful for her. So we went with mid-October. Add to the mix her other BFF is due the first part of December, and she's offered to throw a separate one for her as well. So she's added a lot to her plate and I wanted to cooperate in setting a date so she has plenty of time to do this as stress-free as possible. This shower will be very small, probably less than 15 people, so I'm hoping it isn't too much trouble for her. She's really cute and is already brain storming themes and menus.

I'm assuming DH's family will offer to throw me one, but others in the family have held the showers after the baby is born. I don't personally want that, but then again, if they're nice enough to throw me something I guess I shouldn't complain. DH's family isn't the most organized group, so it will likely be thrown together at the last minute without much input from me (I didn't know the date/time of my own bridal shower they hosted until I received the invite in the mail like everyone else). DH's sister in law is to be induced tomorrow, and as of yet they haven't set a date for her baby shower. I imagine if there is any talk of throwing me something it won't be discussed until sometime much later (somewhere between November and never).

My mom has decided someone should throw me one in my hometown and hinted she's hoping a friend will do so. This doesn't sound like a good idea to me for a lot of reasons, so I'm hoping we can just invite whomever she's thinking of to the shower already being planned. If something additional was to be planned, I honestly don't see anyone discussing this until late September/early October.

In a perfect world, I would have preferred to wait until September/October to even discuss showers, and have one sometime in November. It won't work that way, so I'm sort of going with the punches on this one.

[scout]

natty I had my baby shower with my ds a month before he was born.

I went in to the OB today because I suspected I had a UTI. I did. Ugh. I'm on antibiotics, but I hope they caught the UTI in time. I know it can cause problems if not treated soon enough.

[akacharlotte]

nattygrl-Keeping a full stomach seems to be the way to keep most of those pesky symptoms at bay although when your nauseous the last thing you want is food. I'm glad your headaches are not as bad. Hopefully they will diminish entirely as you progress.

RE: Shower. I had mine in September for two reasons. My SIL was due 7/8 weeks after me and I did not want our showers close together. Second, I was due Dec 8th and did not want people being bombarded shopping for a baby gift and their normal Christmas shopping so close together. I also wanted time to buy anything that we still needed and did not receive. I think my BFF started planning around June/July.

Scout-You know how thrilled and relieved I am for you!


AFM: DH and I went to a large kid consignment sale last night. I scored a used Medela Pump in Style for $50. It came with new horns/tubing, new nipple guards in the original packaging, a box of freezer bags, 2 Doc Brown bottles and I think something else but I can't remember. I hope it works. We also picked up 4 outfits/sleepers, 3 books, and a pair of Titans socks. The next sale is in November so I'll definitely check it out again. The only downside is they do a pre-sale for the consignors and volunteers so the really good stuff goes quick. The group posted pics on FB of the set up and there was a ton more there at the start of the sale. I'm going to try to register as a FTM for the next sale and try to hit up the pre-sale next time.

[jennylou]

Scout - woohoo, glad to hear that all is right chromosomally with your little guy. :)

nattygirl - I think my mil started planning it in Februayish, we had the shower in August. In our family, it's perfectly acceptable to have ILs plan your showers, thankfully. ;) My BFF was at that point not equipped to pay for a shower, though I think her name did go on it as a contact person and she did help with certain items. The bulk of the work was done by me and mil.

akacharlotte - Many people purchase used pumps, but you should know that they're not recommended and the Medela PIS are not recommended as multi-use pump. The only non hospital grade pump recommended as a multi-use pump is the Hygeia (and you actually have to change a filter for it to be "safe" as a multi-user pump). Just an FYI, in case you didn't know.

ASM - I have another appointment next Friday b/c the CNM could not find the baby's heartbeat. Not unusual, as I'm fluffy and I have a tilted uterus, but they wanted to bring me back in two weeks, rather than four for a recheck. I'm still pukey at times, mainly triggered by smells. I'm on my way to my final for microbiology and am praying that I pass. Being pregnant, taking this class in half the time as normal has kicked my butt (throw in me being sick for a week and the kids being sick for two weeks and you can sort of see how glad I am that it's over, but I still need to pass the final to be done).

[akacharlotte]

Jenny-I did not know that. Thanks for the info. I'll have to look into it more.

GL on your exam. Do you have any more classes between now and your EDD?

[scout]

jenny I have a tilted uterus and have the same problem with the doppler.

I'm feeling achy and crampy. It's likely related to the UTI (I'm on antibiotics), but it's still worriesome. I'm nearly 72 hours past the amnio, and most problems are supposed to present themselves by then.

[MrsD]

aka Sounds like you made out with some great stuff!
jenny Good luck on your final! Sorry you've been sick.
Scout I've been feeling achy, too, so I'd attribute it to the UTI.

AFM: Spent a good portion of my evening last night on my feet making some casseroles for DH's brother and wife who are having a baby today. As a consequence my feet are killing me and my entire lower back hurts. I definitely must have popped more or something, because I put on an old standby t-shirt last night I usually wear around the house, and it doesn't have much more give left to it. Feeling huge and worried what it's going to be like four months from now! I'm probably going to have to give up heels soon, which makes me sad because I look terrible in flats and will have to alter all of my pants (stumpy legs).

[jennylou]

Stacey - yes, but next semester I'm taking all online classes. And they're mainly fluff, just passing time taking things that will count for my BSN later on as I wait for my spot to open for the ADN program. :)

scout - make sure you're drinking enough water too, since that can cause some cramping.

I'm so excited, I picked up my maternity clothes today! :D Now, I let her keep whatever she was wearing, which coincides with some of my favorites, lol! :)

[KK812]

Scout-SO happy to hear about your good test results!

Glad you got at least some of your clothes back, jennylou. Good luck with your appointment on Friday.

AFM, I started feeling the baby kick this week. Super awesome and surreal. He's actually been really active the last few days, and DH was able to catch the tail end of his kicking last night. :) I wasn't expecting to feel it so early but I'm glad that I am-it's definitely reassuring.

I feel useless right now! I'm not working right now since we just moved out of the country and I plan on being a SAHM, so I don't realize how much pain things cause. We went to a new friend's house last night for dinner and games and by the time we left I was aching all over. I think going to the gym regularly would help, but we only have one car and DH leaves for work EARLY. Once we're out of temporary housing we'll be in a neighborhood with a lot of sidewalks so I can at least go for walks.

My next appointment is on Tuesday, so I'm hoping for an ultrasound even though it's kind of early for a gender check (17 weeks).

[mb1197]

Well, I feel like I've made it to the first of many magic numbers. I have my nuchal scan on Tuesday and I'm really looking forward to seeing the little bean again, although I'm terribly nervous about the testing. I pray that everything is normal.

I found out last week I have a UTI. Currently taking antibiotics for that. The nurse told me I have GBS again so they won't need to do a swab to test for it at the end. They automatically will put me on antibiotics during labor.

Now that I've made it to 12 weeks I can finally tell my mom in Ireland. She is VERY superstitious and didn't want to know anything until I made it to the 12 week mark so I plan on skyping her tomorrow with my daughter and will have my daughter wearing a "I'm gonna be a big sister" t-shirt. Should be fun :)

I'm beginning to feel very uncomfortable in my pants. Certain capris that sit lown on my waist hurt when I sit down so I've started using the old rubber band thought the button hole trick. ;)

[mb1197]

Well, the day of my Nuchal Scan is finally here. I'm really nervous. I didn't have this done with DD because it wasn't offered to me at that time. I'll be 35when I deliver this time though so I'm assuming that's why the additional testing is offered. I hope and pray for a heartbeat today and I pray that everything comes back normal. The anxiety is overwhelming really. I'm crossing all my fingers and toes!

[amtaylor]

Good luck today!

[MrsD]

mb Good luck today! I'm sure everything will be great! What's with all of us getting UTI's? It stinks!
KK Yay for feeling kicks!
jenny glad you finally got your clothes back!

AFM: Starting to get uncomfortable while trying to sleep. I have my next appointment in 2 days and I'm anxious to hear the heartbeat again! I think we'll be scheduling the big u/s in the next couple of weeks! I think I'm feeling kicks sporadically, but am not 100% positive.

[scout]

mb Good luck today! I know how nervewracking it is. I'm sure the heartbeat will be nice and strong. Sorry about the UTI. That's three of us. Grrr.

[mb1197]

I'm back from my appointment. I had no idea it would take 2 hours but they really took their time with the genetic counseling as well as the scan itself. They said anything under 3 was good and my measurement was 1.5. Of course we still need to wait for the cloodwork to come back before determining if we will proceed with the amnio. I'd really really really like to avoid that if at all possible! Anyway, baby is active and kicking. It was definitely reassuring to see the heartbeat.

MrsD & scout - these UTIs stink!!!

[MrsD]

mb Yes they do! Luckily mine has cleared up and I hope yours does too!
I hope your NT scan went well!

Pretty much the same update from the PG After a Loss thread, but: Had my routine check up today. Second appointment in a row where we've gotten a nice, but giant dud of a doctor. I'm glad we'll be rotating back to one of our favorites for next appointment. UTI is gone, heartbeat 150 bpm. I'm especially happy I have gained only about 5 pounds so far this pregnancy. I started off too heavy so I've been working at keeping that increase to a minimum. Biggest news is that the big ultrasound is scheduled for two weeks from now!

[mb1197]

Yay for a great appointment MrsD!

I'm really not sure where I should be posting. It seems we have more activity in the pregnancy after loss thread so maybe I'll do both.

Anyway, I received my results from the first trimester screening today. It came a little early which was nice. Due to my age I had a 1 in 276 risk for downs. With teh screening I am now at 1 in 607 which is about a third of a percent making it less than the risk of the amnio. For Trisomy 13 and 18 I was originally at a risk of 1 in 501 and after the screening my risk is less than 1 in 10,000. So, our decision is to move forward without the amnio.

I also had another OB appointment today where they couldn't find the heartbeat with the doppler so they scanned me. Baby is active and has a strong heartrate of 175. :D

[jennylou]

Had a midwife appt today. My last appt was only two weeks ago, but they couldn't hear the heartbeat (tilted uterus and extra fluff over here, lol). Today we could hear it. :) Yay! I have another appointment in September (which the midwife said would be between 16-18 weeks, only I'll be like 19 weeks) and then the big scan sometime thereafter. I think that everything is off with this pregnancy for their normal timelines. I started with them a bit later, so I think that's why. The big u/s for us is only to check on things, as DH and I like surprises in the delivery room. :)

[scout]

mb Hooray!

Jennylou Great news! :)

I had some cramping this week, and the OB was able to get me in last minute. Cervix closed, no signs of any problems. It continued, so I was getting worried and had an irritating conversation with the OB on call (who, coincidentally, sent me home after my rupture last year). She was very dismissive and told me I :could: come to labor and delivery to get checked, but she wouldn't put me on the fetal monitor or check contractions, because it isn't done at 17 weeks. I told her about my history, and she sighed and said I could come in for a cervix check, and heartbeat check, but that was all. The baby is moving around quite a bit, and women of PPROM births shouldn't really be having a bunch of cervix checks because of the chance of infection. I spent a worriesome night at home. Then, my P17 shots that my peri ordered for me came. I got one shot (I need them weekly) and the cramping went away in a few hours.

So that's what's going on with me. I hate having to balance my worry of another PPROM birth with the possibility that I'm just having normal pregnancy symptoms. Full term can't come soon enough.

[MrsD]

scout Sorry you're worried and even more sorry your doctor was dismissive of your concerns. I had been having cramping on and off around weeks 16-18. It is very, very hot lately and I wonder if that could have anything to do with it? That's weird your doctor said they wouldn't do the fetal monitor at 17 weeks. When I went to maternity triage and treatment at the hospital at 16w6d that's the first thing they did (despite it only being a UTI). I do hope the P17 shots do the trick and keep that cramping away!

AFM: Not much going on. My crib and dresser came 8 weeks earlier than I'd expected. The store is going to have to hold it for a while for me, because there's no way I'm even remotely ready for it! The room is pretty much cleared out, except for a desk and a bookshelf we borrowed to stage it when we were going to try to sell our house. We did pick up some closet shelving to install, since the room is very, very small yet has a decent closet, so we need to maximize storage space. I'm hoping once we find out the gender we'll both feel more bonded with this baby as we're able to really start making nursery preparations, etc.

[jennylou]

Scout - the oncall ob sounds like a tool. :(. I too have had more cramping this go around. Trying to remember to drink my water.

[akacharlotte]

x-posted with pregnancy after loss:

Anatomy scan today was fantastic! Our baby boy is structurally healthy!! Yahoo! It was a huge relief for us. Organs, spine, brain, stomach, limbs etc are all within the normal range. The tech gave us some 3D/4D photos of his face with his ARM(so exciting to see) up by his head. One picture has his thumb sticking out, then another with a closed fist and another it appears he is about to open his hand again. He kicked me and I didn't feel anything. LOL. We have a DVD but I'm not sure if she took video or if it is just a slideshow of photos. I can't view it at work. Bummer!

DH commented over and over again how different these u/s have been from the many we had with Liam. It is incredible. We are seeing our baby boy's hands and arms outstretched or open etc. Not to mention just how much more active he is in utero. I feel so very blessed and so very happy. It is surreal. I keep waiting for the bad news which is sad that I even feel that way.

[jennylou]

Fantastic news. :)

[MrsR]

So great stacey!!!!!

[MrsD]

Cross posted from other thread: I went to the bathroom this morning and found bright red blood. We went in the doctor's office, where my urine sample had blood in it, so they had to insert a catheter to re-check. Not comfortable and totally awkward. The doctor did find just a small amount of bleeding on my cervix so cauterized it again. I'm not dialated and no signs of infection. I had to do a quick u/s because they wanted to check my placenta and cervical length to be sure. We were able to get some good pics and the placenta looked good, but the LO was covering up my cervix so we had to switch to transvaginal. Once she did that she was able to tell my cervix looked good. We then also saw plain as day that it is a BOY!! That made the whole sucky morning worth it! So we're still going back for my scheduled level II next week b/c they didn't have time today, and hopefully no more bleeding!

[mb1197]

Awesome news MrsD and I'm glad to hear that the bleeding stopped!

[scout]

Stacey HOORAY! You can now ENJOY pregnancy! :)

MrsD Ugh. I had bleeding with all of my other pregnancies, so I know how scary it is to see that bright red blood. So glad all is well, and SO happy for your BOY! :) :) :)

That makes three boys and one girl now! Anybody else going to find out what they're having?

[jennylou]

We aren't finding out. Are there any others going for the surprise?

My next appt is sept 3, so I have awhile to wait. Then we get to schedule the big us. I have always had a dozen or so by this time. Odd to not have had any yet, nice, but odd.

[akacharlotte]

Thank ladies!

Scout-Doing my best. :D

MrsD-Oh my gosh how scary but I'm glad your cervix looks good and no dilation. Congrats on your boy!

Jenny-I think it is great you can wait. I thought about keeping the sex a surprise but DH wanted to know and he wasn't sure he could keep the secret if he knew and I did not.

I'm wondering if Monday's ultrasound will be my last. It will be weird to not have any more the rest of this pregnancy as I had them either monthly or weekly with Liam. It will be strange to not have anymore but I agree, nice and hopefully I can be relaxed without worrying.

[scout]

Jenny I didn't find out the gender with my dd, and it was an awesome experience. I had no inkling she was a girl, and it was so cool to hear my DH say, "It's a GIRL!"

For this baby, I had to know gender because one of the kids was going to have to share a room, but mainly because my ds was wishing for another baby brother (he had a rough time after we lost Daniel last year), and so I wanted to be able to prepare him either way.

I'm 18 weeks, and my water broke at 20 weeks last time and I delivered at 21 weeks, so these next few weeks are going to be nervewracking for me. I have a fetal echo scheduled along with the anatomy scan at 20 weeks because of my two vessel cord. I'm really hoping these next few weeks pass quickly and safely, so I can finally relax a little and start doing the fun things (announcing the pregnancy to everyone, start thinking about names, etc.)

[MrsD]

aka I'm excited to hear about your u/s next week, and that your pregnancy should be smooth sailing from here!
scout I know these next few weeks will be tough, and I'll keep you in my thoughts and hope they pass quickly for you.

AFM: More bright red bleeding this morning. Went back into the ob's office, more ultrasounds and another exam. Everything still looks good, and they suspect it is just the outside of my cervix some more, but aren't really seeing much evidence of it. They did cauterize it with more silver nitrate to see if that helps, and will check again in a week. In the meantime, not supposed to do anymore than I have to. I must say, even though everything looks good, the stress of repeat bleeding is really getting to me.

[mb1197]

MrsD - I am so sorry you're still dealing with the bleeding. That is beyond stressful and I hope that it stops soon for you. :(

[MrsD]

Still bleeding. Getting very stressed.

[scout]

MrsD Ugh. It's absolutely stressful to have bleeding in pregnancy. I've been through it and it sucks. I'm going to talk you down, though. With my first ds, I had a massive bleeding episode complete with clots at 18 weeks. With my dd I bled pretty much every day until around 19 weeks or so. Every time I'd go in, the baby was moving and my cervix was closed. You're past the point of a "miscarriage", and so the bleeding isn't from that. It's from your cervix, and you probably have what's called a "friable cervix" meaning that it gets irritated very easily. As long as you're not cramping or having any fluid leakage with your bleeding, it's likely fine. If it was a hematoma or not coming from your cervix, my advice would be different. My doctor told me that some women bleed in pregnancy and while we're always taught that blood means trouble, it's not always the case--especially if the doctor says it's not uterine related.

I know it's SO hard, and I hate that you have to deal with the bleeding. :(

[jennylou]

Scout - I totally understand. The only one that we found out with was Nora, and that was because it was fresh off of our loss and I needed time to prepare myself.

MrsD - I'm sorry that you're still spotting.

[MrsD]

Thanks, Scout. My doctors have assured me it is nothing but a friable cervix, but everytime I use the restroom and see more blood it sends me back to panic. Thanks for telling me what I need to hear. I have had some occassions of more mucousy discharge with the blood, but I keep telling myself I've had 2 trans vag ultrasounds with tons of lube and/or rubbing foreign chemicals on my cervix could possibly cause it create more mucous in response (?) My cervix is closed, very long, no funneling even when pressed, placenta looks good (although anterior) and fluid levels looked good, too. I just need the bleeding to stop! I took the day off to stay off of my feet and to regroup a little bit.

[MrsR]

That makes three boys and one girl now! Anybody else going to find out what they're having?

I will be next week. . .

last night DS told me I had two babies in my belly (he was *very* adamant about it -- he said "two babies" and when I said, "no just one baby" he replied "no mommy, two babies, dos bebes" (as if I didn't understand he meant 2, he had to repeat it in Spanish (not that I speak Spanish:rolleyes:))

[MrsR]

any clearly I can't do anything right today, I meant to also say I am so sorry about your bleeding MrsD -- I also had a few bouts of bright red blood when I was pregnant with DS and I know how scary it can be.

[akacharlotte]

MrsD-I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. I really hope some rest and time will make it stop completely.

MrsR-Love that your son drove the point home in Spanish. Too cute. How surprising would it be if he was right. That would make quite a story.

[MrsR]

MrsR-Love that your son drove the point home in Spanish. Too cute. How surprising would it be if he was right. That would make quite a story.

Well that would be quite a story -- although someone has already asked me if this is twins (a question I got regularly with my pregnancy with DS), since we did IVF again for this kiddo, we have had 3 u/s which clearly showed only 1 baby so I think we are in the clear;)

[scout]

MrsR That's adorable!

Is anyone else just.....pissy? I find myself so irritated and annoyed at people. My SIL commented on my Facebook post today and what she wrote has been irritating me all day. I should just let it GO. A flaky friend is also making me pissier than normal.

Pregnany hormones or just me being a bitch, lol?

[scout]

er...just me then, lol?

[MrsR]

er...just me then, lol?

Nope, I am right there with you -- trying really hard to keep it in check with DS, but it is HARD. . .

[akacharlotte]

er...just me then, lol?

Nope, me too. Totally irritable over the dumbest crap. It sneaks up on me too. I'll be totally fine one second and a big bitch the next.

[MrsD]

scout I don't think I've been too irritable, but DH may have another opinion on that ;)

AFM: bleeding finally stopped Saturday morning. *knocking on wood*. I did go in for a third time on Friday and they did another u/s, and I was able to see my regular ob that's been with me since my last m/c. She basically told me that this wasn't like the others, that nothing looked wrong, and that although there was a chance there could be something wrong but if there was, there's not much they could do. She said in the meantime I needed to sit tight, keep my feet up, no activity, pelvic rest (I've pretty much been on this for my entire pregnancy) and if I wanted to come in every other day and have an u/s, that's what they would do to keep me calm.

We decided to keep our plans for the weekend and try to go back and enjoy everything. So we met my ILs over at my MILs house for lunch and brought a special cake I had ordered earlier in the week. It was frosted white with Baby (Lastname) and had blue and pink question marks all over it. We let MIL cut into it to reveal a blue cake on the inside. It was fun! I also sent my parents who are long distance a cookie bouquet to announce the gender.

[akacharlotte]

MrsD-I'm so happy the bleeding stopped. I hope that was the last of it for your pregnancy. You deserve to relax. Your doctor sounds great and quite on top of things to keep you relaxed and as worry free as possible.

What a cute way to announce the gender!

[scout]

MrsD Glad the bleeding stopped! Such a cute idea for announcing the gender!

This is the only time in my life that I've actually looked forward to January.

[MrsD]

This is the only time in my life that I've actually looked forward to January.
Tell me about it! Everyone keeps telling us how fast a pregnancy goes, and to us, it feels slower than molasses.

Also can't take credit for the cake idea, totally stole it from the Duggars. Probably one of the very few ideas that family has that I'd like to copy ;)

[akacharlotte]

Scout-Ditto! I'm about to hit the halfway point and I already feel like I've been pregnant much longer than 20 weeks.

MrsD- Cute idea nonetheless. :)

[jennylou]

I think the second half will go quickly. Fall is my favorite season and there is thanksgiving and Christmas after that.

[MrsR]

MrsD -- glad the bleeding stopped.

Scout -- me too -- January (or maybe December) cannot get here fast enough!!!

Well we had our *big* u/s today and I can confirm I am joining team blue. Baby looked great and we decided not to do an amnio. He is also measuring 1 week ahead (I need to go back and see how far ahead DS1 was measuring at this point) so my hopes for an average sized baby are quickly disappearing.

Happy Friday!!!!

[scout]

MrsR Congratulations on your BOY! :) I'm measuring a week ahead, if it's any consolation. I don't think it means a whole lot at this point.

[jennylou]

MrsR - congrats on your healthy boy! :)

My next appointment isn't until next month, that's when we'll set up the big ultrasound. Although, we're not finding out the sex, so not as exciting as some of yours!

[scout]

I head back to work (teacher) tomorrow and it's pretty obvious that I'm pregnant, since random strangers have asked when I'm due. I posted on FB, which was huge for me. The next few weeks are scary, since I'm at the point where my water broke and lost the baby last time. I know lightning can strike twice, so I just need to get past these next few weeks. Big u/s on the 31st with the fetal echo being done because of my two vessel cord.

[jennylou]

Scout - good luck on your first day back!

BTW - if anyone is interested in having a fancy thread with a group name and all that jazz, I'm totally not offended if you start that up. :p I'm just a bit too busy to do it myself at this stage of the game.

Classes start again for me today. I'm taking a full load, but I'm taking internet courses, which will be way easier for me (love online classes), as I won't have to do as much juggling with the kids. They'll still go to the sitters a few times per week, so that I can continue with my IBCLC mentorship and so that I'll have a bit of study time with no kids. Today should be busy as I have my mentorship at the hospital all day, need to go buy books and then have DDs preschool orientation tonight. DD (4) starts back at preschool on Thursday - I'm super excited! :)

[akacharlotte]

Scout-GL today! I hope the next two weeks go by quickly for you and are as uneventful as possible. I also am sending as many prayers and positive thoughts your way. I know this is going to be so tough for you. I'm thinking of you!

Jenny-I'm ok with what we have now. But if anyone else would like something fancier I'll get it together. Ladies just let me know.

GL with your classes. I'm sure the online classes make life easier as far as juggling study time and your kids. I'm sure I've asked this before but what are studying?

MrsR-Congrats on your healthy boy!!

AFM: We've narrowed down nursery paint colors to 3 different combos. I still have yet to go to a fabric store to find nursery bedding. I told DH yesterday that the baby really only needs a sheet(and we have 3 or 4 sheets), the rest is for me so I'm not overly concerned about it. We do want to paint though. I don't know what we were thinking when we picked out Liam's nursery colors. Orange and cream and neither of us really like it. We were frustrated trying to find a paint color by that point so I was like whatever just paint the wall.

[MrsD]

scout Thinking of you. I'm glad you felt comfortable to announce on FB, and I hope the next few weeks pass very quickly for you.
jenny Good luck with your new classes.
aka How fun to pick out paint colors!

Re: new thread. I'm fine with what we have. I wouldn't mind if posters put how far along they are in the posts, because we're all fairly spread out and I have a hard time keeping track of who's where in their pregnancies.

AFM: Just sort of maintaining. I'm getting a lot of unsolicited comments about how I look so much farther along than I am at this point which makes me feel like crap. Yes, I'm freaking huge, thanks for pointing it out.

[jennylou]

MrsD - excellent suggestion on posting how far along we are. :) I'll probably have to check my ipod pregnancy tracker each day. First baby I always knew down to the day, but I forget now.:p

[MrsD]

I'll probably have to check my ipod pregnancy tracker each day. First baby I always knew down to the day, but I forget now.
Now that I'm halfway the only thing that keeps me thinking about it is posting on here :p

So here's my TMI question for the day--It appears I am leaking something from my nipples. What is it? Is this normal? I thought I noticed a weird stiff patch of dried "something" on my t shirts near my nipple after waking up a couple of mornings in the last several days, but this morning I woke up to a huge patch of something on my shirt over my nipple this morning.

[jennylou]

Colostrum. It is completely normal to leak and it's normal not to leak.

[MrsD]

Thanks Jenny. It appears this is becoming a nightly thing, so I guess I will be purchasing some sleep bras and nursing pads soon.

[jennylou]

I suggest reusable pads, just because it'll be cheaper in the long run. :)

[scout]

I had my 20 week (although I'm 21 weeks) anatomy scan today with fetal echo because of the 2 vessel cord. It went really well. My fluid level is good, cervix is long and the heart looked great. The only concern was that the blood flow wasn't coming through as fast on the left side of the cord as the right, so I'm on baby aspirin as a "just in case". I'm relieved, but I still have a few weeks to go before I'll feel more at ease.

Is anyone else having headaches? I had a migraine last night--possibly triggered by the heat (our air is broken at work), and stress, but it was so bad, I was in tears.

[jennylou]

Scout - I'm glad that everything looked (mainly) good and that the baby asprin is a just in case. :)

I have a mw appointment on Friday. Then we should schedule my big u/s. I'm 19 weeks now.

[MrsD]

scout Yay for a good u/s! Welcome to the baby aspirin club ;)
jenny Are you going to find out the gender? I can't remember.

AFM: I can never remember what thread I've updated in. We're definitely gearing up to be in busy planning mode this fall. Will order the bedding and crib mattress this week, have the crib and dresser delivered hopefully in a week or two and start planning to decorate the nursery. We purchased our travel system and extra car seat base over the weekend, too. Now we're starting to read up more on breastfeeding, infant care, etc. I now officially have 3 baby showers in the works (1 small one where we live, 1 small one in my hometown and 1 larger one in DH's home town--all spread across the state). We're actually going to have to register in the next couple of weeks as the invites for shower #1 will be going out soon, but it just seems so early!

[jennylou]

MrsD - we're not finding out the gender. Just a check to make sure everything is a-okay with babe. :)

As for already purchasing your car seat....take them back! Buy them a few weeks before you need them. They expire in six years and you might find yourself in the situation that I'm in. The dang thing will be expired before this baby even arrives, as the DOM was 1/5/05. The extra base lasts a bit longer, until April. We bought everything in May of 05, seats often sit on the shelves for a long time before people even buy them. Your seat now could have been produced this spring, which means you'll only really have about five years to use it.

[MrsD]

jenny That's a good point, I should double check the expiration date on the seat tonight when I get home. Honestly, if the seat lasts around 5 years from now, I think I'll be good. If we hadn't been able to have our second infant before then we'll probably be ready to throw in the towel! Or at least feel we deserve a new car seat ;)

Is anyone else having horrible insomnia? I sure am. I bounce between not being able to sleep, and when I can, having such vivid dreams it ends up disturbing my sleep! Last night I must have dreamt spiders were falling on us from the ceiling and I woke up thinking it was real. I made poor DH turn all of our lights on and thoroughly inspect our bed for spiders before I could go back to sleep. :o

[mb1197]

Looks like we're joining team blue. It's a boy!!! :)

[scout]

mb Congratulations on your BOY! :)

MrsD I've had insomnia on and off this whole pregnancy, and my dreams have really kicked up lately. They're very real and pretty disturbing sometimes. I had a particularly skeevy one that involved Micheal Jackson and whenever I thought about it during the day, I felt a little sick. Shudder.

[MrsD]

23w2d

Congrats mb!
scout Ick, that does sound disturbing!

Hope everyone had a good weekend. We managed to get a lot of stuff around the house accomplished, so we were left with a lot of time on our hands yesterday and ended up registering for gifts. It feels way too early for me, but shower invites for my first small shower are going out in a couple of weeks, so I guess it had to be done. Crib and dresser are being delivered and set up tomorrow!

[mb1197]

Last Friday we had our anatomy scan and it very clearly indicated that we are having a baby boy. I am feeling a mixture of excitement and terror at the same time. This will be a whole new adventure. I know how to deal with a girl. I have no clue what to do with a boy and to be honest, when people find out you're having a boy some are not so cool about it. I've gotten responses ranging from "oh great, now you'll have one of each" to "oh wow, you're screwed" (from my BIL) and "are you sure? could they have made a mistake?" (from my step mother). Some moms have warned me numerous times to prepare myself for the craziness that will ensue with adding a boy to my household and others have told me they love their little men just as much as girls. So, for those of you with boys of your own or in your families, will I survive? Am I crazy to think that my little boy will be sweet and in control or should I just prepare myself for the little hurricane that will soon take over my home? I personally believe it's all in the way you raise your little one. I know boys are different than girls regardless, but I want to believe that this journey will be just as amazing. Why are people so negative? Did anyone else experience this?

Anyway, baby is measuring a week ahead but my doctor can't seem to understand why I'm not gaining weight. I went for an office visit on Thursday and I was still 2 pounds less than pre-pregnancy weight. In 17 weeks I've gained back 2 of the 4 pounds I lost in my first trimester. As long as baby is measuring fine I'm not going to worry about it though.

Also, AFP and first glucose screen are negative. Yay!

[akacharlotte]

MB-Congrats on your boy! Welcome to Team blue. :)

I haven't had any crazy comments. Perhaps because my family is stoked we are having our second boy. My mom and sister both had all girls so this is cool for them. I wish they were closer to really share the experience with me. I'm very excited to be giving birth to my second little boy. I think I'll relate better to being mom to a boy versus a girl. I think the comments come from peoples own expectations of the sexes and of course their own experiences. I've seen such a lot of sex disappointment on another birth board I'm on and I can't quite understand it but I have to remind myself I'm not a normal second time mom.

I'm happy your screenings came back normal!

I'm with you on weight gain. I'm very curious as to what today's appointment will bring for me. I haven't gained a pound so far this pregnancy. My doctor wasn't concerned last time but said if I'm still not gaining at this appointment we need to figure out why. I'm definitely not starving myself and trying to stuff myself makes me feel sick.

[mb1197]

Thanks for your input aka. I've seen a lot of sex disappointment as well and I find it sad. I am just thankful that so far, this baby is appearing healthy. Everything else is secondary.

Isn't the lack of weight gain confusing when you have a belly and baby is measuring fine? I'm not complaining though!

[akacharlotte]

You're welcome and me too!

It is. I clearly have a pregnant belly so I don't know what is going on. I'm not starving. I eat when I'm hungry. I know my snack choices should be better BUT I'm still eating. I'm very curious to see what the scale says today!

[mb1197]

I won't even talk about my snack choices. Let's just say that carrot sticks and celery are not exactly on the menu these days!

[akacharlotte]

mb-LOL. I hear you!

****
Well I had a 6lb gain which is great! My doctor was happy. I was a little worried about my BP. It was 128/70 which is the highest it has been so far. I was verging on pre-E at 34/35 weeks with Liam and IIRC my BP started creeping up in the second tri. However, my doctor said it is not a concern yet. My glucose test is set for next month. She is also going to see what she can find out about our genetic tests since we still do not have final results.

[jennylou]

We had our big u/s and we're still on team green. ;) I went to an imaging center so the tech doesn't tell you that things are okay, but the kidneys are there and functioning, bladder is working, heartbeat strong, etc. I'm taking that all as good signs until my next midwife appt next month. :)

I'm amazed when people get upset about gender, but I probably have that same POV that you do Stacey.

I definitely have a baby belly at this point (20w here). From my first midwife appt I have not gained any weight. Woot, woot! I'm eating plenty, and would prefer to gain between 15-20 tops, since I'm overweight to begin with.

[akacharlotte]

Great news Jenny! Will you not find out the results of your u/s until your next appointment? Oh my gosh, how are you able to wait? I would have no fingernails left. :)

[jennylou]

Well, we're not finding out the gender until birth. I'm fairly certain by what I saw and what the tech was pointing out that things look good. And if they don't, I'll get a call within a few days as it only takes a few days for the report to reach the midwives. :)

[MrsD]

Sounds like you had a great u/s, Jenny!

This insomnia is killing me. I'm so exhausted! This is supposed to be the time I'm enjoying my sleep before the baby comes!

[MrsR]

I've gotten responses ranging from "oh great, now you'll have one of each" to "oh wow, you're screwed" (from my BIL) and "are you sure? could they have made a mistake?" (from my step mother). Some moms have warned me numerous times to prepare myself for the craziness that will ensue with adding a boy to my household and others have told me they love their little men just as much as girls. So, for those of you with boys of your own or in your families, will I survive? Am I crazy to think that my little boy will be sweet and in control or should I just prepare myself for the little hurricane that will soon take over my home? I personally believe it's all in the way you raise your little one. I know boys are different than girls regardless, but I want to believe that this journey will be just as amazing. Why are people so negative? Did anyone else experience this?


Sorry to be coming in late on this (I've been away since the 1st in Florida, don't get me started. . . ) Anyway, I LOVE my little boy -- yes he is crazy at times, but I think it is not a "boy/girl" thing, but rather a toddler thing. . . When we found out #2 was a boy, I got a ton of "oh, sorry" and "you are going to try again for a girl, right", um no, we are done after this and I could not be happier that Jack will have a little brother.

I think sometimes people just feel like they need to give their 2 cents (and usually it is not even worth a penny;)).

As for me, my 1st glucose test is tomorrow -- so in honor of the fact that I bet I will fail it, I had a cookie and some peach cobbler at lunch:rolleyes:

[scout]

Count me in as another one who doesn't get all of the boy hate. There is nobody in my house that loves me more than my son. He is incredibly sweet and caring. He won't let me lift anything because it might hurt the baby and he is my cuddler. Girls are great too! But I agree that it's not a gender thing...it's a personality thing.

There's another board that I go to and is full of angsty posts whining that they didn't get the gender they wanted. Another poster pointed these people into the direction of www.in-gender.com, and I checked out the forums. They made me sick to my stomach. Signatures on the posts said things like "Completely devastated to be having a boy". I get being disappionted that you might not get to dress a little girl, but to be devastated over a healthy baby is just mind boggling to me.

[MrsR]

but to be devastated over a healthy baby is just mind boggling to me.

ITA and I want to hit some of my friends who had no trouble getting pregnant, super easy pregnancies, etc. who are so upset about not getting the gender they want -- way to look a gift horse in the mouth is the way I feel about it -- just be glad at the end of it you get to take home a healthy baby!!!!!!

[MrsD]

Re Gender debate: It always makes me sad to hear certain people only wanting one gender over another. It boggles my mind those who actually try for one gender over another. Like you can somehow guarantee the kind of person your child will be by gender?? Total ignorance IMO. I think it's funny that so many have experienced negative comments about having a boy. With my in-laws, it is the little girls that are considered second class. It's disgusting, really.

How's everyone feeling these days? I'm getting really, really huge. Just cleaning the house makes me feet, back and everything else ache and I'm wiped for hours! I'm starting to get really worried about how big I'll be by the end. I've received so many comments about my belly size that I'm really worried I actually am measuring too large, even though last month the u/s showed he was right on target for size. My next appointment is this Thursday (thought it was last week, darn pregnancy brain!) and I'm terrified to get on that scale! I also have my glucose test and am super terrified of failing it!

[scout]

I'm huge too. I'm kind of small to begin with, so babies show quickly on me. I'm achy and tired when I get home from work too. It's a struggle for me to get up out of bed too. Being big definitely doesn't mean you'll fail your gluclose screening! :) I know people that guzzle five sodas a day that pass and other people who exercise and eat healthy (me!) who fail.

[akacharlotte]

I feel huge too although DH reassures me I'm not. My biggest concern is excess fluid. I could careless about the weight. I finally gained at my last appointment and was relieved because my doctor said if I didn't we'd have to do something about it. But I'm feeling pretty good still. Sitting at work all day tends to make my hips/groin area ache a bit especially when I first get up after sitting for an hour or two straight.

My glucose test is next month. I really do not enjoy this test but I know it is necessary. I just hope I pass.

I'm in Florida on vacay. Last night we went to dinner and I had a non-alcoholic daiquiri and seafood. I checked to see what was safe before we left for dinner. Thumper hated it evidently because I had severe indigestion and heartburn the rest of the night and ended up throwing up. I called my doctor today to see if I can take Prilosec OTC as my FIL is with us unitl tomorrow and told me he'd leave some for me. Tums did not help at all last night. I really hope to avoid anything similar tonight. Last night was rough.

The weather here is great though and the pool feels divine. The beach and gulf are clear, no worries about the oil spill here. It is very relaxing. Whenever I'm in the water Thumper is quiet so I guess my floating belly feels good to him. :)

[mb1197]

Gender - I don't care how many comments I get. I am completely thrilled to be having a baby boy. All I've ever hoped for is a healthy baby who will be loved no matter what the gender. People are STILL making stupid comments and at this point I just shrug my shoulders and chaulk it up to ignorance.

AFM - I'm feeling good for the most part. I feel movement once in a while. A little tap here and there but nothing regular. I still use the doppler just until I hear a steady heartbeat and them I'm satisfied.

I have had this very strange pulling in my upper abdomen when I move or twist too quickly which I need to find out about. It usually happens when I'm rolling over in bed. I don't know if it's my stomach muscles stretching or something but it kind of startles me when it happens. Does anyone else experience this?

[MrsD]

I feel huge too although DH reassures me I'm not.
LOL, your DH is kinder than mine! When I complain about being huge, his response is along the lines of "You're supposed to be, you're pregnant!" Gee, thanks! Have a great time on your vacation, and I hope that heartburn stays under control!

Scout Thanks for the encouragement. I guess it's not really up to me if I fail or pass! I'm having a hard time getting out of bed, too.

mb Yay for feeling movement! I'm just baffled you're getting that many comments about having a boy. I just don't get it! I'm not sure I've had that exact pulling feeling you're describing, but I've definitely felt all kinds of weird sensations that I'm sure has to do with RL stretching.

AFM: My movement is definitely coming more regularly, although that just makes me freak when it stops! DH still can't feel him (darned anterior placenta!), although last night when he told the baby he'd give him $30 if he kicked, wouldn't you know it, I got a pretty hard kick!

My DH's company makes us do these stupid health assessments every year to keep our ins premiums down. They include BP checks, cholesterol, etc. It's entirely self-reporting, but one category is waist measurement. I think it's really stupid they're making me do these while pregnant, but they are. So I guess I'm going to look like a VERY high risk category when they see my waist measurement this year!

[KK812]

I haven't been in in a while but I do get the email updates and I wanted to say that mb1197, I, too, get the muscle pulls if I don't use my arms to push myself over. It worried me a bit at first but I've just chalked it up to stretching. I also got the ignorant comments when we first found out it was probably a boy. It got to me at first, but I'm super excited to have a son and the comments have since died down.

AFM, I've been feeling the baby for a while now, and most days he's really active. Problem is, on the days he isn't I, of course, freak out. I can usually poke a kick or two out of him and my doctor tells me that I shouldn't count on consistent movement until 26-28 weeks, but it's still nerve wracking!

We live overseas and our store here had a baby sale this past week, so we bought a bunch of stuff-a PIS, a bouncer, swing, carseat, boppy and pack and play. It was fun. :D We were going to go ahead and order furniture since it may take a bit to get here, but we missed that sale by a few days and DH wants to wait to see if it goes back on sale. I'm not so sure about that, though

I kind of wish I was feeling huge! I know I'll kick myself for that in a couple months, but I've gained 15 pounds already (ACK!) and when I'm dressed I still just look like I've eaten too many cheeseburgers. I'm pretty tall and have wide hips in relation to the rest of my body, so I guess he's hiding in there. Hopefully I'll pop soon.

[MrsD]

KK812 Yay for little baby kicks! How exciting to start getting all of your gear!

AFM: I passed my 1 hour glucose test this morning! I was super nervous about how awful it would be after reading other's comments about it, but really, it wasn't that terrible. Not that I'd want to take the ucky 3 hour, though! Up 12 pounds, baby measuring right on target (so everyone commenting that I'm having a huge baby can suck it!). Hopefully I can slow down the weight gain a tad. My only worry is my blood pressure, even though the doctor's aren't. My bp seems high everytime I go in, but when checked elsewhere, it's much better. Also seem to be getting pink eye. I'm debating whether to just try hot compresses for awhile or break down and get some antibiotic drops that I know will be category C. I know the drops would clear it up so much faster, but worried about taking a cat C drug.

[MrsR]

Yay MrsD!!!

Well no news is good news -- looks like I too passed my 1 hour test, but since they think I *might* have had GD with my first PG, I get to take it again at my next appointment:rolleyes:. Not really sure how much weight I have gained since I changed OBs and it appears they don't have the records from the beginning of my pregnancy:mad:. I would guess I am in the 12-15 pound range:o. .

DH and I ordered DS1's big boy furniture today and it should be here around the first or second week of November. At that point we will move DS1 out of the nursery and then do a few things to get it ready for DS2 (change the name on the wall (if we ever decide on a name. . .) and change out the clothing in the dresser and the closet). . . I can't believe how fast this PG seems to be going . . .

[KK812]

Glad you both passed the one hour! I won't have mine until almost 29 weeks due to being out of town for 3.

MrsD, I'm right with you on the category c drugs. This past week I had something awful wrong with me-my OB still doesn't know for sure what it was, but whatever it was resulted in me not peeing for a good 12 hours despite drinking about 100 ounces of water in that time. I ended up having to get cathed, which was horrible, but it seemed to get everything working almost perfectly again. My OB prescribed Motrin for the pain I was dealing with, and while she and my husband, who does anesthesia, assured me that it was ok, I just stuck to Tylenol. I hope the heat compresses do the job for you.

Is anybody doing a labor playlist? RO-Did you do one for your other births? I understand I might not care about it at the time or might not get the opportunity to use it, but I've started putting one together to add to over the coming months in case I want it. If you're doing one what do you have on it? I need ideas. :)

[jennylou]

I'd check my itouch to see if it was that, but I ran through the ILs yard last week while the ILs and my husband watched because my son was almost to the street and it popped out of my pocket. I didn't realize my itouch was missing until late, and by then it was too late to head back out there and look (I checked my own yard though!). MIL found it the next day but the touch screen is broke. Good thing I have the two year Best Buy warranty - it's going back today or tomorrow. I usually check in here on my itouch as well, so I feel like I'm behind on everything!

Glucose test - they made me take one early and I'm going to tell them to shove off if they bring it up again. I'm on pregnancy #4 and have never been GD and the damn drink makes me sick for the entire day. I never eat that much sugar (even in the form of carbs, added sugar, fruit, etc).

Movement - definitely feeling stronger movements now, and not just butterfly feelings.

Muscle pulls - yes, if I flip too quick in bed it happens. They're ouchy!

Feeling huge - um, this is baby #4, let's just say that you pop and you pop early. I'm sure I'll get bigger, but yes, I am definitely pregnant at this point.

Our weather has cooled down and I'm loving it. I wish it would stay fall for far longer than it actually will. I love everything about fall - the crisp weather, the trees, etc. My favorite season. :) Our trees are starting to change, but the best tree changing comes in mid October.

[scout]

24 weeks for me today. This is a big milestone for me. While I don't want the baby to be born this early, I know that there's a 50% chance of viability. I'm taking my progesterone shots once a week and they are heinous. Ugh. They hurt, I get headaches from them and just feel out of sorts for the first few days. If they help take me to term, though, I'll take it.

Movement: Lots of movement!

Glucose: I didn't have GD with my ds, but I got it with my dd, despite not having any risk factors. I've been checking my blood sugar, and today is the first time I got a reading over 110, so I'll see if it was just a fluke (we ate at a restaurant with a bread basket that I indulged in), or if I'm starting to get GD. It was easy to control it with diet and exercise last time and my dd was only six pounds, and I ended up only gaining 15 pounds after diagnosis, so if I get it, I get it.

I love fall too! Pumpkin farms, apple picking, cooler weather, warm weather foods!

MrsD Are you still on the baby aspirin? If so, when were you told to quit it?

[mb1197]

scout - Making it to the 24 weeks is wonderful :)

KK812 - My DH made me a CD to use during labor for DD. I never did get to use it but I liked having it just in case and will do the same this time around.

Movement - I'm starting to feel more movement which is wonderful. I would imagine that my doppler use will taper off as it becomes more regular.

AFM - Still having a muscle pull once in a while, but I'm being more careful when I turn over in bed which is helping. I never had this when I was pregnant with DD so the sensation is completely new to me. Hopefully it doesn't continue.

Is anyone doing anything in particular to keep in shape during your pregnancy? I was into pilates prior to getting pregnant this time around and had fully intended to keep it up after getting pregnant. However, between bleeding from weeks 5 through 9 and then dealing with morning sickness and running around after a 3 year old, well, let's just say I haven't kept up any routine. I feel like a slug at this point and really need to motivate to work out. I just can't seem to get myself into gear and I'm wondering how the rest of you manage to do it.

[scout]

Is anyone doing anything in particular to keep in shape during your pregnancy? Before I got pregnant, I was a three to four times a week gym goer. My RE told me that I can't do spinning or step aerobics anymore because of my history, and so I had to stick with walking or water aerobics. I did water aerobics in the summer, but once school started back, I haven't had time. I'm going to try to start walking after dinner. Working out is one of those things that's good to do, but it's hard when you're energy level is low, you don't feel well, and you feel like a baby whale.

[MrsD]

scout Congrats on this wonderful milestone! Sorry the progesterone shots are making you feel awful. And yes, I'm still on baby aspirin. There has been no conversation about when I should stop. My hematologist never thought I should be on it in the first place, but didn't think it would hurt so doesn't care I'm taking it. My ob wants me to stay on it for fear of developing a clot, but hasn't said when I should stop. Additionally, my hematologist wants me to start Lovenox sometime before delivery. My ob wants to wait until after delivery, and then depending on which ob, it will be either Lovenox or Heparin. Both sides think they know more than the other about treating my clotting disorder. It is very frustrating and so far I just haven't had the energy to deal with it.

Labor Playlist Honestly haven't thought about it! I guess one more thing to add to the to-do list?

Exercise I've been horrible about it. I'm basically reduced to walking because of my previous bleeding episodes, but lately too much walking around has led to cramping and tightness in the abdomen, so I'm taking it pretty easy.

AFM: I'm usually such a frugal person, but something about pregnancy has turned me into quite the spender! Ordered curtains for the nursery and bought some super-cute wall hangings, too. I also got the invite for my first shower! :) I'm also definitely starting to feel the fatigue creep back in, and too much physical exertion gives me minor cramps, so I spend a lot of time on the couch downing water.

[akacharlotte]

Hi ladies!

Vacation was relaxing which in my world equals perfect.

Muscles pulls-Yes those are occurring frequently when rolling over in bed or sometimes just getting up off the sofa/chair.

Exercise-Haven't bothered but I wasn't exercising prior to conception very often. It was way too hot here this summer to do anything outside. It's getting cool in the evenings now so we'll probably start walking the dog around the block at least.

Labor playlist-As I'm a repeat c/s I won't bother because I won't get to use it.

MrsD-I feel the same. I'm not a big spender and I have been spending more than normal lately. It's ok though...it is for the baby. :)

Scout-Yay for hitting the 24 week milestone! I'm so sorry you are dealing with the awful side effects of your shots.

MrsD and MrsR-Congrats on passing your glucose test!

jennylou-So glad you found your iTouch!

AFM: Had an ultrasound this morning. Finally got the remaining results of our genetic tests and this baby also has the chromo 16 deletion. However, his measurements are right on track, his movement is great, he gets the hiccups(which we got to witness today) and that is a great sign. Our geneticist does not feel the deletion is a big deal as I have the same deletion. She is going to do more research and speak with a geneticist at Baylor as well as the geneticist my OB deals with as both have also expressed their opinion that the deletion was not the direct cause of Liam's medical condition. DH and I feel quite happy and positive regarding this little one. Right now he appears very healthy. Our geneticist has compared all of the baby's u/s photos thus far to Liam's and they are world's apart. She commented that this baby's limbs are quite long, slightly longer than average whereas Liam's were very short. His brain is developing normally and his cerebellum is measuring where it should. Liam's did not. The list goes on. Of course this doesn't mean there may not be something that may turn up but we'll watch him closely for the rest of the pregnancy(more ultrasounds and an echo as a precaution) as well as once he is born for any sort of delay so we can obtain early intervention if and when necessary.

My AFI is also normal. Measuring at 17.75cm. Baby is measuring approximately 1lb 14oz.

[scout]

Stacey I think the comparison of the ultrasounds and how much different these ultrasounds have been are very telling. Doctors don't mince words and if they were concerned, they would have expressed it (like they did last time). I really do feel that things are fine, and I know you do too. I'm so glad your fluid is fine. :)

MrsD That's frustrating that so much is wait and see. I feel like I don't get straight answers either. In any event, whatever is being done is working! VERy exciting about your shower invite!

So many of us were in the pregnancy after loss forum. It seems fitting that we're all in this thread together! :)

[MrsD]

aka I posted in the other thread, but basically I agree with everything Scout said. It sounds like everything looks so good with this baby, so I'm glad you're feeling positive about this as you should!
scout Yes, it is frustrating, but with the losses, then getting pregnant and now staying pregnant and dealing with my clotting disorders I'm getting used to medicine being a guessing game instead of a science. A year ago I might have been really stressed about the lack of consensus, but now I'm more or less just rolling with it. Don't know how I'll feel come December, though!

AFM: I'm jealous of those whose DHs can feel (and see) kicks on the outside. I think this darned anterior placenta is to blame. I can feel him quite a bit, but still can't share it with DH :(

[scout]

kk8 I missed your post where you said you had something wrong with you and couldn't pee for 12 hours. That sounds terrible! :(

[MrsD]

Hope everyone is feeling well!

Well, only a day after I complained in here DH still couldn't feel any movement, he finally caught our LO in the act! He was super-excited, and hopefully he'll get to feel him much more from now on. As this third tri seems to be quickly approaching, I'm struggling more. I've definitely been wearing out faster, and the last few nights I'm exhausted by 8pm. Last night I had such horrible indigestion and other icky stomach issues that I just could not sleep. I'm so tired today!! I'm also getting hot flashes in the mornings now. They're not as bad as my Clomid-induced hotflashes, but still no fun!

Anyone else getting their nurseries ready? I was ahead of the game, but am quickly losing steam. I had hoped to at least get all of my decor done by the end of this month, so I felt ready to move on to the actual essentials. Life seems to be getting in the way lately and I just can't seem to find the time to accomplish anything nursery related!

[akacharlotte]

Thanks ladies.

MrsD-I'm so glad your DH was able to feel your little one move! DH gets such a thrill out of feeling our baby move.
I'm also starting to get tired again more frequently and oh dear the indigestion and heartburn. I have to now take a Pepcid before I eat dinner and then I normally need Tums or Rolaids during the day.

Nursery-It is painted, we have the crib, dresser, and glider. We are trying to narrow down decor and room configuration. We need curtains and new bedding as well.

[mb1197]

Nursery - Not yet. We have moved DD out of the nursery and into her new bedroom with her new furniture though so I guess that's a start. I've also returned our recalled crib and need to pick out a replacement. I've chosen the decor for the nursery and need to order that. So, I guess all in all things are moving along. :)

[MrsD]

Things are sure getting quiet in here. I guess this means we're all having boring second trimesters? Hope everything is going well with everyone!

I was having some menstrual-type cramping on and off all day the other day which had me a bit worried. Felt no tightening of my belly or anything that seemed like contractions, though. I stayed off of my feet and pushed water until I thought I was going to explode, and they seemed to have gone way. I think I'm finally starting to see my belly actually jump on a few occasions with the kicks. Now if he would just do it when DH is around! DH ended up buying a new daddy-mobile yesterday. We both were driving sedans, and would have liked something larger but wanted to make what we had work for awhile. Well, lately his car has been experiencing problems that we cannot seem to fix, so I suppose our hands were forced a bit. We ended up getting a crossover SUV, and while I'm not crazy about spending the extra money, I'm happy to have something to lug the stroller and other gear around.

[scout]

MrsD Maybe you're having Braxton Hicks or some round ligament pain?

I've noticed a big growth spurt this week. I'm feeling a lot of movement. My kids are getting really excited, and I'm starting to get to the point where I think this baby actually could come home with me. We set the crib up. It made me panicky, but it felt hopeful too at the same time.

Names?

Have any of you thought of names yet? Boy names are always so hard for me. My Dh doesn't like anything and shoots down anything I like.

[mb1197]

MrsD - BH sounds like a possibility to me. Glad to hear it subsided though.

scout - How far along are you now? I'm sure the hope and excitement is building for you :)

Nursery - I ordered my replacement crib today. One more thing out of the way!

Names - We've decided on a name but only because we had it picked out before I even got my BFP.

[scout]

How far along are you now? I'm 25 weeks and 4 days! I think once I hit 28 weeks, I'll relax more. I'll have a growth u/s next week to check on the two vessel cord and then find out how many times I'll need to go back. It's going to be hard to schedule appointments so often because I'm a teacher and so when I'm gone for an hour or so, I need to find coverage. I can't schedule anything after school, because I have to get my five year old off the bus. I'm going to try and not stress about it, though.

[akacharlotte]

Nothing new here really.

I have a maternity photo session scheduled for Sunday but I'm going to try to reschedule for later in the pregnancy. I don't feel big enough yet. LOL.

Names: We have two boy names picked. I'm still not sure although DH evidently is leaning more towards one than the other.

I'm having a hard time remembering how far along I am. :) I had an appointment yesterday for an u/s for my own kidneys and the tech asked me how far along I was. "Um, today is Thurdsday so that makes me 27 weeks." I got back to the office, looked at my calendar and realized I just hit 26 weeks yesterday. I think I'm wishing time away. The good thing is less than 100 days to go. I'm into double digits now.

Scout-Hoping you reach that moment of relaxation with your pregnancy just so you can truly enjoy the time left until you deliver.

[jennylou]

23w4d

Names - lol, it's going to be a long few more months! We debate every so often, but have not come up with anything conclusive, for either gender.

Had a midwife appt today and have to go for a follow up ultrasound in two weeks because the first tech was unable to see part of the head. Then, at my next appt, I have to schedule my Rhogham shot at the hospital, and I'll also do another glucose test (passed a one hour early on, but they do them early if you're BMI is not normal range because they won't oversee GD patients).

[MrsD]

Re Names: We've had our names picked out before this pregnancy. Actually, our name is one we tossed around for years and really the only name we can agree on for a boy. If we are blessed with another son after this one, he may just have to have a girl's name because I seriously don't think we can come up with anything else!

aka I have to stop and think pretty hard about where I'm at, too. I was religiously reading my pregnancy books, but I'm getting bad about that, too. I've really got to get my act together!

scout I thought about BH too, but I'm not sure what those would feel like and when I look them up, they description doesn't seem to match what I've experienced. I did have more cramping over the weekend, but it always stopped within an hour or so. I am wondering if it could just be intestinal issues, too. Something to bring up at my appt next week, I guess. And yay for getting the crib up!

kk8 Ouch! I hope you're feeling better!

mb yay for ordering a new crib!

jenny Good luck on your next glucose test, although it sounds like you've never had problems with it.

AFM: Still not much new here. Plugging along very slowly at decorating the nursery. I've actually gone 2 nights in a row sleeping fairly well, which makes me so much more functional! Called the insurance co today and found out I have no coverage for breast pumps, so add that to my list of upcoming expenses!

[MrsD]

Quick question: where is a good place to pick up some nursing bras?

[scout]

I've always bought mine at Target, but I'm sure there are probably better places out there. I know Motherhood Maternity carries them too, but I've never tried them.

[akacharlotte]

MrsD-I was wondering the same thing this morning. Plus, what size? I have no idea if my boobs will get much bigger or not. With Liam my boobs never got huge and I was able to keep wearing my regular old bras even during the two weeks I pumped. In fact my supply was dried up within 48 hours of giving up pumping and I never felt or got engorged. I leaked a little while I slept but that was it.

Scout-Are they in the lingerie section at Target or back with the maternity clothes. I can't recall seeing them with the clothes but I've never noticed them in the lingerie section either. :confused:

jennylou-I hope you pass your second GD test.

[scout]

Stacey I've always found them in the regular bra section. I would get a size up from what you're wearing now.

[jennylou]

Wait until your third tri and get whatever size you are then. You don't get much larger than that and most bras are pretty forgiving these days if you do get get fuller.

[scout]

You don't get much larger than that That's a pretty good rule of thumb, but I ended up getting bigger than I was in my third tri. My boobs got enormous once my milk came in.

[jennylou]

In my experience that doesn't normally happen, though there are plenty of exceptions to every rule of thumb.

[akacharlotte]

Thanks ladies. I remember last year Motherhood Maternity told me to come in a couple of weeks before my EDD for a bra fitting. I never went of course since I delivered early.

Another BF related question. Are nursing tanks/shirts etc necessary?

[MrsD]

Why do I always forget about Target? That's a great suggestion, thanks Scout!

Stacey I was just planning on getting one or two in my third tri, since most of my normal bras aren't really doing the job anymore. I'm going to probably visit the hospital's lactation boutique after labor, where they will fit you for a nursing bra right there per my breastfeeding class suggestion.

AFM: getting sick and it is no fun :( Of course, it also makes me paranoid that it will affect the baby, too.

[scout]

In my experience that doesn't normally happen, though there are plenty of exceptions to every rule of thumb.
That's true. It doesn't usually happen. It didn't happen to me with every baby, but it did with my first.


Another BF related question. Are nursing tanks/shirts etc necessary? I never used them, because I could never get the hang of them really. I usually just lifted my shirt and latched the baby on under it. I rarely nursed in public, and if I did, I went into a nursing room or something similar. (Not that I didn't think women shouldn't nurse in public....quite the contary....but because I always felt self-conscious).

MrsD Hope you feel better soon. I always get paranoid too, but that baby is well protected in there! :)

As an aside, I love that we're now talking about nursing. It means we're getting closer to our due dates! Also, the two due date threads after us read "first tri" and 'second tri", which means we're almost in our third! :) :) :)

AFM: I have another u/s on Tuesday to check the baby's growth due to the two vessel cord. I feel much bigger than I did last time, but it will be good to have the reassurance. I'll be 27 weeks and the website I go to says that the baby will have a 75% chance of survival if he comes that early. While I want to go full term, that bit of info is reassuring.

[looch]

Is it okay if I pop in here about a maternity bra suggestion? I am a December 2010 mom to be and my due date thread is really quiet!

I found two great bras at Target. One is a sports bra type that is also a nursing bra that I am actually wearing right now, I use it as a sleep bra because it doesn't have underwire. I also bought one at Motherhood/Pea in the Pod at Destination Maternity. It's the pricier Pea in the Pod one, but it's lovely. It comes in S, M, L etc. I got the L because the XL is just too lose, even on the tightest setting. I will probably get a second one of that style after the baby is born.

I haven't gotten any nursing tanks yet, I tried the Glamourmom ones in the store and they feel strange on. Not sure what to do about nursing tops in general though. I know I want something that keeps my stomach covered, rather than lifting the whole shirt, so i might modify a couple of my maternity tanks to do the job by cutting the straps and replacing then with ribbons and snaps.

[jennylou]

The moms that I work with love the target tanks the best.

[MrsD]

Having a cold while pregnant really sucks! Finally starting to get back into preparations mode little by little. We hung some wall hangings in the nursery and picked up an end table to sit next to our rocker/recliner. I need to order one more set of wall hangings and wait for our curtains, which are currently on back order. We've attended our breastfeeding class and will be taking Baby Basics (How to Keep a Baby Alive 101) in a couple of weeks. First baby shower is this weekend! It will be a small crowd (probably only 10 of us) but this is the one I'm looking most forward to because I know my BFF has worked so hard--at 36 weeks pg!--to make it special.

Still have to get pretty much all things practical for baby. Also need to check out nursing bras at Target. Probably need a winter coat from somewhere, too. I hate our local Motherhood store with a passion, as it is always a disaster zone inside. However, not sure where else I can get a decent, yet not overly expensive winter coat.

Hope everyone else is doing well!

[scout]

MrsD Hooray for a baby shower! So fun!
Looch of course you can post in here! :)

Well, I failed my one hour GD test, which I expected since I had GD with my last pregnancy. It does kind of irritate me because I'm at a normal weight, am careful about what I eat and exercise, while some of my pregnant coworkers guzzle their 32 ounce Cokes and eat crap and end up passing, but it is what it is. I refused to take the three hour because I know I'll flunk it, so I'm just putting myself on the diet. Last time, I actually felt amazing on the diet, I only gained 15 pounds, and my baby was six pounds and labor was a breeze. I was even able to have her without pain meds, so I'm trying to look on the bright side. I'm completely sad about not being able to have pumpkin bread or all of the yummy things that fall brings.

[MrsD]

Sorry about the 1 hour test results, Scout. The good news is that in less than 6 months, you can have all of the pumpkin bread and all other bad for you foods your heart desires! And to top it all off, you'll probably be in a much better position weight wise than some of us non-GD'ers!

Oh, and looch, didn't mean to ignore you! Post away in here. I'm due 1/2, so I'm straddling either month myself.

[scout]

The good news is that in less than 6 months, you can have all of the pumpkin bread and all other bad for you foods your heart desires Less than six months is right! THREE months! :) :) We're getting close.

I had my growth scan today for the two vessel cord. Everything looked great. They'll see me back in four weeks to do another check. The baby is already two pounds five ounces.

[akacharlotte]

Looch-Thanks for the suggestions! You are welcome over here anytime you wish. :)

jennylou-Good to know so many women love the Target tanks.

MrsD-The hopsital where I'm delivery at also has the lactation boutique and they also do nursing bra fittings. I have a feeling I'm going to be in there a lot.

I hope you are feeling better! I've also been wondering about a winter coat. At this point I'm going to try to make mine work minus using the buttons and possibly get a nice thick, long scarf that will drap towards my belly. I would steal my husband's peacoat but it will be way to big in the arms and I know that will drive me crazy. I saw a few options on Old Navy's website around $70.

Enjoy your baby shower!

Scout-I hope your doctor will just let you keep doing what you are doing with your diet and not try to force you to take the 3 hour.

AFM: Took the 1 hour glucose test yesterday and will have the results by Thursday. Went ahead and got my flu shot. DH got his the weekend before last so now it is one less thing for us to worry about with the baby. I gained 4 more pounds so I'm up to 10lbs thus far. My BP was 112/60 thank goodness. Last time it was a little high so I'm glad it was back to a more normal level for me. My doctor advised she'll see me every two weeks now which surprised me that I'm at that point of the pregnancy already We have an ultrasound next week to check growth as well.

DH hung up the faux plantation shutters in the nursery so now we have privacy. We removed Liam's crib skirt and bumper from the crib last night. I also threw away the balloons we had received after Liam's birth. They've been laying, deflated, in his stroller since last year.

We don't have too much more to buy at this point for the baby.
-Swing
-Bassinet/co-sleeper
-a caddy for the changing area
-baby shampoo/lotion
-sleep sacks/gowns/receiving blankets
-plain, white baby socks
-a few more sets of sheets

We haven't decided on crib bedding and at this point I'm not overly concerned. A crib skirt would be nice but it isn't a necessity so if we get it done, great. If not, no biggie.

I'm wrestling with how many outfits he will need. I don't want to over buy but I don't want to be doing laundry every other day either. A co-worker told me yesterday to be prepared to change his outfits several times a day due to spit-up or diaper accidents.

DH and I have decided we are not stocking up on diapers at this point. Thankfully Target and Costco are within a 5 minute drive of our home so it will be easy for one of us to jump in the car and run to the store for our needs. I just don't want cases of diapers that don't fit the baby well, or he has blowouts continuously in a particular brand, or they leak, or whatever.

[MrsD]

Scout Glad to hear your u/s went well!
aka I'm also wrestling with the question of how much clothing, and in what sizes. I'm thinking of staying away from most of the NB stuff and going right to the 0-3 months, because hopefully I'll get more use. But do I need to start purchasing bigger than that? I keep thinking I need to wait and see how he grows and when. We are also not stocking up on diapers, probably just purchase a couple of different boxes to get us started and see what we like. We also live within 5 minutes of 2 Targets, a Wal Mart and a Costco, plus have a local grocery store and a Walgreens two blocks down the road. So I think we can manage!

[looch]

Thanks guys! No worries, I wasn't feeling ignored or anything like that. I just need to discuss a lot, because my DH is getting tired of hearing it!

For clothing sizes, we have a lot of one piece sleepers in the 3 and 6 month sizes. I have a handful of stuff in newborn because it's for 5 to 8 lbs and I really think I may only be able to use those for a short time (I was over 8 lbs and DH was 9 lbs). I figure if I deliver early, I can make do with what I have until the baby grows.

For diapers, we have no choice but to stock up because we need to hit a good sale. I plan to get one box of newborn and one box of size 1 Pampers and call it a day for now. We also need to get some wipes, so I have to look around and see where I can find them for a reasonable price. After the baby, we will probably go to Germany like everyone else around here to get them.

Lastly, for a coat, I decided that I would go to TJMaxx while on vacation in the US and see what they had in a large size. I found a water resistant jacket with a fleece liner for $25. I ended up getting a size 2X. I couldn't beat the price and it looks fine for the purpose.

[scout]

For clothing, with my past babies, the 3-6 month got used more. The "newborn" barely got used at all. My ds was nine pounds when he was born, so he didn't even fit into the newborn items, and my dd was only six pounds, but she was only in newborn sizes for a couple of weeks.
plan to get one box of newborn and one box of size 1 Pampers and call it a day for now That's what I've always done. You can always send somebody out for another box if needed.

Does anybody want to share the names they're discussing? :) My DH has vetoed every boy's name so far for me.

[MrsD]

Scout Did you get any use out of 0-3 month sizing? I worry that the 3-6 month could be too big, depending on what size he ends up at. I hate all of this guesswork!


Does anybody want to share the names they're discussing? My DH has vetoed every boy's name so far for me.
Ours is top secret ;) However, DH is getting so accustomed to calling the baby by name around the house, I really think he could slip up in front of others and totally blow it, if he hasn't already. We had both boy and girls names picked out prior to getting pregnant this time, and our boy name was the ONLY one we could agree on. For some reason, men are ridiculously picky when it comes to boy names and it is so frustrating!

[scout]

Did you get any use out of 0-3 month sizing? I worry that the 3-6 month could be too big, depending on what size he ends up at. I hate all of this guesswork!
I got a bit of use out of 0-3--definitely have some on hand. It was the "newborn" that my ds didn't fit into at all. I remember my dd swimming in it for that first week, though because everything was so big. She grew into everythig really quickly, though. They just grow so fast.


Ours is top secret I'll be excited to hear it in January!