Weekly chit-chat December 6th-12th - Page 3

[Larissa]

I've never tried this before, but I have heard that chiropractors can help alot with the carpel tunnel. It would be worth a try to mention it if you see a chiro on a regular basis. We don't have the extra funds for that right now.

And I am not going to be exempt from the pain . . . last night was my first night with the pain. Not fun at all. I did go out walking last night at the mall, and had more swelling than usual, though, so that could be the culprit.

[Everrgreen]

MomtoXane - I'm glad to hear you're feeling better! I hope it lasts til the end for you (the feeling good, obviously ). I can't imagine having been sick for that long.


I had an issue arise last night that I wanted to ask about. While dtd (actually it started right when I was o-ing) I got what felt like a muscle cramp or huge tightening along the top of my belly. It actually hurt and lasted for several minutes. I'm not sure if my orgasm caused me to have a contraction or what. I also may have been squishing my belly a bit - could this have caused it? Has anyone else experienced this?

[Queen of my Castle]

Originally Posted by MomtoXane

I am very pleased to announce that it's been a whole week and I haven't been sick!! Seven months of morning sickness is entirely too long, lol. Finally got my blood sugars managed as well.

70 days to go!!

I fired my OB! I mentioned how she wants me to start BPP/NSTs twice a week at 32 weeks. I got a few recommendations from the LLL leader and I see the new OB in two weeks.

Way to go! So glad you're feeling better, and that sounds great that you're finding a new OB! Way to be proactive- sounds like a really wise decision. HOpe your new ob is much more in sync with you.
\

Originally Posted by Gillian28

I had an issue arise last night that I wanted to ask about. While dtd (actually it started right when I was o-ing) I got what felt like a muscle cramp or huge tightening along the top of my belly. It actually hurt and lasted for several minutes. I'm not sure if my orgasm caused me to have a contraction or what. I also may have been squishing my belly a bit - could this have caused it? Has anyone else experienced this?

Have you experienced Braxton Hicks contractions yet? Usually that's just what they are- after we dtd or I 'o', I always get a long, strong one that's quite uncomfortable... There should be no cause for concern, it's good for you!

[cagnew]

Gillian- Yeah, like Queen said, it's normal. What I would like to know is how these contractions compare to real contractions... I have never felt a real labor contraction and would like something to compare them to.

[Jenivere]

Originally Posted by MomtoXane

I am very pleased to announce that it's been a whole week and I haven't been sick!! Seven months of morning sickness is entirely too long, lol. Finally got my blood sugars managed as well.

70 days to go!!

I fired my OB! I mentioned how she wants me to start BPP/NSTs twice a week at 32 weeks. Well today she told me how she prefers inductions and c/s for her "at risk" patients. I heard some very concerning reports about her at a BF support group meeting this weekend. One being that she only delivers in the lithotomy position! That was more than enough reasons for me to just switch. I got a few recommendations from the LLL leader and I see the new OB in two weeks.

Wow, from what you described I'm glad your switching. She doesn't sound like a good Dr. to me.

I forgot to add in my list of things to do that I have two birthdays between now and this baby's birth. My daughter's is Dec. 29th and my son's is Jan. 13th. They will be five and seven so I need to plan a birthday party for them. We do them together for now since their birthdays are only two weeks apart. We celebrate each on the day with just us and then the party that involves inviting others is combined. If this baby comes a week before it's due date like it's brother did then it will be two weeks after his birthday. I know how to space them don't I?

[Mal85]

I got a breast pump! Yay! This was an item I was fairly certain I would not get as a gift so I was wondering how in the world to come up with the money to get a pump. I've heard bad things about manual ones, so I really wanted an electric one. I will really be in need of a pump considering I'll be in school three days a week for two more months after this babe is born.

So, a woman in one of my classes said she still has the one she used for her two y/o son and isn't planning on having anymore kids. She didn't use it for long and sold it to me for $50! It's a Medela Pump in Style double electric pump, which I've priced before and they are pretty expensive. Yay for me! One less worry

[AllyRae]

Sorry it took me so long to update on the appointment today... It was LONG! I thought I was going in for a nonstress test...I ended up having to go in for a nonstress test, ultrasound, regular appointment, and consult with the anesthesiologist. It took over 3 hours for it all! Sheesh! And so I got home right in time to instantly go back, pick up Brandon, and take him to his social skills therapy. I'm a bit sleepy right now obviously, so I don't have the pictures scanned from today's ultrasound yet. There's only 2 of them though because she is breech and facing backwards, so there wasn't much interesting to look at. LOL!! One is of her foot, and the other one is the funniest picture I have ever seen. It's the back of her head, and you can see a head full of spikey hair! : It's hilarious, because I've never seen hair on an ultrasound, but you can clearly see that she has a lot of spikey hair.

So anyhow, in order of the visits... Nonstress test--there was actually another lady in the room at the same time having a NST as well, and her machine was up very loud, so I couldn't hear Amelia at all. But apparently she actually had a long run of great heart beats--a couple PACs but NOTHING like the ugliness last week. She was also reactive, which is good! Other than that, I'm not too sure about what happened since like I said, I could only hear the other baby's heartbeat.

Ultrasound...she's breech and has a head of spikey hair. LOL! Other than that, I'm pretty sure the ultrasound tech last week was wrong, because today she is 2 ounces smaller than she was last week (3 lbs 11 oz)--obviously she's not dieting in there, so last week the tech probably measured her a little big. But, since 28 weeks, she's gained a full pound, so that's good. She's right on target for being about 6 lbs 8 oz at 36 weeks (So, when Brandon was 6 lbs 15 oz at 40 weeks, that makes it slightly funny. LOL!) She is measuring 30w6d now, so exactly on target. Her head...it's measuring almost 33 weeks though. Hahaha...she's got the same big head as the other kids. And she didn't have ANY PACs on the ultrasound! So, it looks positive that she just had a virus or some weird stressor last week that made her heartrate look odd. We still see the fetal cardiologist next week just to be sure.

And Amelia has a birth day...the c-section is scheduled for January 14, 2009 at 8:00 AM! So, 34 days from today (well, in a couple hours...) Since we'll have to be there really really early, Brandon's probably going to play hookie from school that day to play with Jocelyn in the waiting room.

And then we went to L&D to see the anesthesiologist since the peri wanted to make sure the anesthesiologist wouldn't freak out about the platelets. We went through all of my information and signed consent forms, and so we're all set.

So, that's it from today.

[mama-aya]

Allyrae- I'm so glad things are sounding better. And she has a birth date! Yay!
Jenivere- Excellent timing! My first two were both due 2/26, six years apart (born 1/26 and 2/15). This one is due 2/24, and I'm really hoping to make it, but not that hopeful that we will! Btw- DH is 1/30 and I'm 2/26!
My apppointment today was normal and good. Now I have to go to the hospital and get the rhogham shot- I still don't understand why you have to go to the hospital in this state- in Ohio they did it at the office. Oh well. The hospital is about 4 blocks away and the kids like getting frozen yogurt in the cafe there.

[starling&diesel]

So good to read your update, AllyRae! Sounds like you and baby are being well taken care of.

[Nillarilla]

AllyRae so glad to hear that things are going well.
Momtoxane I hope you continue to feel better.
Nighten chocolate always makes me happier lol!
I am so tired. DH and I spent the day shopping and I am pooped. I meet my prospective doula in 20 or so minutes. I am excited but wish it was another day where I wasn't so exhausted.
Ds has pinkeye so i have to take the day off tommorow as he can't go to daycare with it. I hope I don't get it. I have a sore throat though. I am so tired of being sick.
I ordered my birth kit yesterday. Just a few things left to get to prepare and then furniture rearranging after xmas.
I get a shower this time which is exciting.

[nighten]

AllyRae, that's great news! Congrats!

Doula's coming up tomorrow and we're reviewing my huge tome of a birth plan

Hopefully she can help me hone it a bit. Lord knows I need to.

And Thursday I've got a meeting with the pediatrician to start the ball rolling on waivers and whatnot. He's not the same ped we had when Winnie was first born, so I'm hoping the experiences (both the meeting and post-partum) are better than last time.

Still haven't heard from the midwife's office about the gallbladder thing. I assume the radiologist didn't get back to them today. Hopefully tomorrow I'll know something. I ate some Kashi pizza for dinner (yum!) and then had a Very Bad Pain afterward. Uh oh. Crap.

We'll see. I'll cry if I have to give up cheese. Seriously.

[Mamato2]

I had my mw appt today, 30 wks. Everything was good except my belly hasn't grown much in the last few weeks, still measuring 28 wks so hopefully that isn't too much of a cause for concern. My next appt isn't until about a month away because of Christmas and travelling. Baby is kind of laying against the side of my belly with lots of poky bits out front. Ideally it should be a little more centered and forward I think. Anyways, nothing major, still time to change. But man these little toes or knees right in the front are getting strong! Dh came today for the first time to meet the mw which was nice. We talked a bit more about my expectations and hopes for the birth. Its getting closer!

[Vegan Princess]

I had my diabetes test yesterday. I ate a meal and a bag of m&ms and then they were supposed to draw my blood 2 hours later. They ended up drawing it after an hour and told me my reading was too high - thankfully my DH remembered they had said 2 hours and sure enough they have different thresholds for 1 hour and for 2 hours and I was above the 2 hour threshold but it had only been an hour. So thankfully I do not actually have diabetes!

Someone brought an extra unopened bouncy seat to birth class last night that I ended up claiming. Yay! They also brought in an extra brand new graco stroller but it wasn't what we need so someone else took it. This couple really raked it in at their showers!!

Cindy

[Everrgreen]

Originally Posted by Queen of my Castle

Have you experienced Braxton Hicks contractions yet? Usually that's just what they are- after we dtd or I 'o', I always get a long, strong one that's quite uncomfortable... There should be no cause for concern, it's good for you!

Not that I know of. I definitely haven't had anything like that before. But I'm glad to hear it's normal!

Originally Posted by cagnew

Gillian- Yeah, like Queen said, it's normal. What I would like to know is how these contractions compare to real contractions... I have never felt a real labor contraction and would like something to compare them to.

I know! I'm so curious about this too. It's kind of exciting to get a sense of what a 'contraction' is although I have to assume that labour is much more intense.

[chaoticzenmom]

It sounds like we're all doing pretty well. I had a great week too. I had an ultrasound on Monday and baby is head down and about 3lbs 4oz. He's really cute.
Then, on Tuesday, I went to a consignment shop and there were newborn cloth diaper covers! So, I got 5 of those to complete my newborn "stash." Then I went to another consignment store (I'm looking for a papasan swing) and found a didymos wrap, in box, brand new for 12 dollars!!! Yep, you read that right.LOL I also found a cute coat and some stuff for my other children. I actually got to thank my 3 kids for being so awesome in the store.

I have a midwife appt today and if my blood pressure continues to be normal, I'll have had a really great week.

Oh, and to top off the great week, my 8yo wasn't sleepy last night, so he came into bed with us while we were reading silently...he read silently with us for 5 chapters of a book! He's a homeschooler and hasn't ever gotten into silent reading, so this makes us very happy.

Lets hope we all continue to have a great week.

Oh, and about contractions vs. Braxton hicks. They're different. For me, they get really intense at around 7cm and for others, they're intense at 3cm. They'll get more and more intense as the pregnancy progresses. Walking around might bring them on more and more frequently and you won't be able to deny that they're there. They can get intense way before labor. Intense doesn't really mean painful. I don't have any pain until the contractions are real. They just get more and more uncomfortable.

[Nillarilla]

Met the doula last night. She was sent to me especially I think! I'm so excited, for one thing she has 2 kids both born at home. Very pro homebirth which is excellent. She is AP and uses a lot of natural and homeopathic remedies. She really gets us and our lifestyle which is fabulous. Also she is in the certification process so she is Free!! I just have to fill out a bunch of paperwork when all is said and done. If anyone could up my chances of having this baby HBAC I think she can.

On another note I think I am getting sick again. I have a sore throat and the aches. I have been sick on and off for the last month or more. What are some pg safe tips for boosting immunity? I swear I have scrubbed and sanitized this place a thousand times. Ds keeps bringing home a new germ every week with daycare. I'm usually never sick so this is very trying for me.

[nighten]

Nilla, get some Zicam nasal swabs -- they're zinc-based homeopathics and the nasal swabs are the easiest (the oral stuff tastes awful). That will help, as will dramatically increasing your vitamin C intake. I started taking cranberry daily along with my iron (for added vit C plus it helps keep UTIs at bay and may help prevent GBS growth). Probiotics are also good.

Washing your hands -- sing Happy Birthday twice -- with regular soap and water. Not the antibac stuff, and using your sleeve instead of your hand to open doors, etc., can all help too. Boiron makes some homeopathics that you can take at the first sign of illness (like Oscillo for flu, etc.) that are safe in pregnancy.

And getting lots of sleep is the last thing I can think of.

Sorry you're not feeling well, but I'm glad you found a doula who's a good fit!

---
Regarding the BH versus actual contractions, for me, they feel nothing alike, as I recall. BH are like one of those blood pressure cuffs tightening up around my abdomen -- a pressure mostly, and uncomfortable, but not painful.

Initial contractions were very internal and bearable -- BH are more external if that makes sense, at least for me. And my BH tend to be all in front. Actual labor contractions were inside and back. At least for me last time. It can be different each time so who knows what this time will be. Hopefully easier.

Later contractions were vastly different from anything I'd ever felt though. They were not at all like menstrual cramps or BH. Highlight if you really want to know what they felt like (not pretty):

They felt like someone was sticking a sharp pointed knife or screwdriver in my lower back and twisting it as they were shoving it into the bone. It was horrendous. It wasn't internal around my cervix or womb. It was all in my back -- but she wasn't posterior, so I guess it's just how she was positioned or how my body's built. It was all back labor and it was hell.

I think it's more common for women to compare labor contractions (at least early ones) with menstrual cramps than BH.

[Mal85]

This morning I woke with a sore throat. I thought it was just dry at first, but it hasn't gone away yet. Now, DH just came home for his lunch break and said he's not going back to work because he has a sore throat and is pretty sure he has a fever. I don't have a fever but my throat is killing me and I just feel very sluggish... Any suggestions for the throat? I'm not sure what's okay to take or if there is anything natural that will work. I've been drinking plenty of ice water and ate some soup to see if that would help soothe it. It helped for a little while but hurts again....

On top of that, I have finals this week so there is no option of missing school unless I want to fail my finals. And last night I went after my cat when she was messing with our Christmas tree and stubbed my little toe on the table REALLY hard. I seriously thought I had broken it at first. It bruised under the nail within seconds and I've been limping my way around ever since... Ugh... is it Christmas break yet??

[JenLove]

Whenever I have a sore throat, I drink lots of lemon tea with honey. It's soothing to me. Take care!

[nighten]

Gargle with warm salt water. Hold the water in the back of your throat for a couple seconds before gargling/spitting out. It helps with swelling and irritation. Not sure how but it does (if you can stand to do it).

Honey and lemon in hot water is good too.

There are lots of natural remedy type things that are okay -- homeopathics especially.

Sorry you're not feeling well.