Weekly Chat Mar 1-7 - Page 2

[kallyn]

I'm just about 8w today! Had my first appointment with the nurse today to get all the paperwork out of the way. Seeing the doc on Wednesday for the full workup and heartbeat ultrasound thingy. I am so nervous that they're going to find it's a blighted ovum or something. Crossing my fingers for some good news!!

I've been nauseous for 2 weeks but I finally threw up for the first time today. Yay! The nurse today told me about the Unisom/B6 thing so I'm thinking about trying it...I can't imagine feeling like this for a whole nother month. Nothing is getting done around the house and poor DH is subsisting off frozen food.

[Melly24]

Originally Posted by kallyn

I've been nauseous for 2 weeks but I finally threw up for the first time today. Yay! The nurse today told me about the Unisom/B6 thing so I'm thinking about trying it...I can't imagine feeling like this for a whole nother month. Nothing is getting done around the house and poor DH is subsisting off frozen food.

I've been very nauseous for about a week now, and havnt thrown up yet. I can feel it happening soon though! Maybe tomorrow...oh joy

[Eresh]

I had my first full appointment with the midwives today (as opposed to an interview). I love how they spend so much time with you just chatting and answering questions and really getting to know you. We did a baseline hemoglobin (14. yay!), urine dip (everything good), and paperwork. And they gave me a big bag of pregnancy tea

[MrsMike]

Lyndzies - I heard DS with the MW at 9 weeks. I had a brief second of hearing him before that around 7 to 8 weeks with the doppler at work. I also used our doppler at work on a friend to hear her baby at 8 weeks. It's a BP doppler, no bigger than a dime so I don't know the difference in sensitivity.

xtar2003x - make sure you are drinking pure cranberry juice without added sweetener and other additives in it. If you can't stomach plain cranberry juice, try to find one with blueberry. Blueberry also had pH balancing abilities. Do you use homeopathy? Pulsatilla has worked for me (and one of my cats) in the past. There are a few different homeopathic remedies for UTIs as each has a certain remedy picture.

AFM - 6 weeks by LMP. I still have super sore boobs and I'm getting more nauseous. I don't have the energy to make anything for myself, but I feel icky if I don't have something in my stomach. I'm finding more foods that are starting to turn me off. Like eggs. Blech. And I can't stand water right now. I'm drinking a lot of it and I normally don't mind it, but I am needing something with food.

[chely7425]

I am 6 weeks today by LMP too. I think anyway! I can't wait to hear the HB and be more reassured that everything is going like it should.

[xtara2003x]

Originally Posted by MrsMike

Lyndzies - I heard DS with the MW at 9 weeks. I had a brief second of hearing him before that around 7 to 8 weeks with the doppler at work. I also used our doppler at work on a friend to hear her baby at 8 weeks. It's a BP doppler, no bigger than a dime so I don't know the difference in sensitivity.

xtar2003x - make sure you are drinking pure cranberry juice without added sweetener and other additives in it. If you can't stomach plain cranberry juice, try to find one with blueberry. Blueberry also had pH balancing abilities. Do you use homeopathy? Pulsatilla has worked for me (and one of my cats) in the past. There are a few different homeopathic remedies for UTIs as each has a certain remedy picture.

AFM - 6 weeks by LMP. I still have super sore boobs and I'm getting more nauseous. I don't have the energy to make anything for myself, but I feel icky if I don't have something in my stomach. I'm finding more foods that are starting to turn me off. Like eggs. Blech. And I can't stand water right now. I'm drinking a lot of it and I normally don't mind it, but I am needing something with food.

I'm definitely drinking the pure cranberry juice. It's SOO much different than the sugar stuff! WOW! I haven't seemed to find one with blueberry in it...but that would taste soo much better! I've been mixing it with water and ice cubes and I can get it down alright. My MW said to drink an ENTIRE BOTTLE of it today. I seriously can't. I could barely drink half. I don't know what to do. I DO NOT WANT abx..but I can NOT drink an entire bottle in one day of this stuff! UGH!

I got kefir, yogurt, garlic, and I'm drinking a ton...my urine is definitely clear now. I am really really trying here...but it is just nearly impossible to drink that much of this stuff for me! *sigh* I'm also doing the D Mannose powder...and I may go to the HFS and get the capsules once the powder my friend gave me is gone.

The hard thing for me is I FEEL normal. I'm not sick, it doesn't burn when I pee, etc. I DO notice a different smell down there and there seems to be discharge, but that seems to be normal for me in pregnancies. Ugh.

How likely are you to be positive for Group B Strep if you have a UTI? I have heard many women seem to test positive for both at the same time? I wasn't planning to get a group b strep test at all this time as I'm having a HB. I haven't talked to my MW about that though.

And I am the same way about the m/s.....I need something in my tummy at all times or I feel sick! I wake up in the morning and I just NEED FOOD!

[FtMPapa]

Lyndzies - you should be able to hear it by now! I heard a friend's at her first m/w appt at 8/9 weeks.

I am doing the n/t 11-12 week scan, but mostly just so I can get a really good luck a the baby, I'm not really worried about a trisomy or a neural tube defect, I just want the u/s.

I'm 9 weeks tomorrow, maybe I should get a doppler. . .apparently the U/S sounds like a train bearing down on the fetus and the doppler sounds like a car. That's kind of scary to me, but really, I would like more reassurance please!

Likely, I'll get a doppler, but I would get my own personal u/s machine if I could.

Mistymama - Great news! I loved seeing that little flicker!

Calihannah - I had really, really scary bright red with a few clots spotting right about where you are now. It was terrifying but everything was just fine in the end.

[MrsMike]

xtara2003x - how was your UTI confirmed? Was this by a dipstick or an actual sediment? If diagnosed by dipstick, I would ask for a sediment to be done to look for actual bacteria, RBCs and WBCs. Dipsticks can be wrong when it comes to testing for WBCs.

[xtara2003x]

Originally Posted by MrsMike

xtara2003x - how was your UTI confirmed? Was this by a dipstick or an actual sediment? If diagnosed by dipstick, I would ask for a sediment to be done to look for actual bacteria, RBCs and WBCs. Dipsticks can be wrong when it comes to testing for WBCs.

It was with a dipstick. The one she had had like 10 things that it tested for. Each thing was a square on the test and then you had to compare it to a color chart to see what color the square was and what it means.

My MW doesn't do a lot of testing per say....so part of me wonders if I should go in to an OB to get an actual test done and see what it says. Do you think that would be worth it? I'm having a HB so I didn't really plan to use any hospitals or anything, but I could go to the CNM in the hospital that delivered DD. I'm not sure how she would like the idea of me having a HB though....

[calihannah]

Originally Posted by xtara2003x

I'm having a HB so I didn't really plan to use any hospitals or anything, but I could go to the CNM in the hospital that delivered DD. I'm not sure how she would like the idea of me having a HB though....

So this is a question I keep running up against -- if you're planning a HB but also have another care provider (whether for dual care or just for early on), how do you broach the subject of the homebirth with your other care provider?

I'm seeing my OB from DD's birth right now for the first tri because I'm a nervous wreck and need the interventionist care early on that I absolutely DON'T want later in pregnancy. I do know that I don't want to birth with her again, though.

So...how do you broach this topic with your care provider, or do you just wait until you're ready to break up with them, so to speak?

[mistymama]

Originally Posted by calihannah

So this is a question I keep running up against -- if you're planning a HB but also have another care provider (whether for dual care or just for early on), how do you broach the subject of the homebirth with your other care provider?

I'm seeing my OB from DD's birth right now for the first tri because I'm a nervous wreck and need the interventionist care early on that I absolutely DON'T want later in pregnancy. I do know that I don't want to birth with her again, though.

So...how do you broach this topic with your care provider, or do you just wait until you're ready to break up with them, so to speak?

Good question - I may start a new thread on this throwing out ideas. I really like this new OB I found (he was honored at a local birth convention for supporting natural birth and believes in midwives, etc) - he would not freak if I decided to have a HB. But I really like him and part of me wants to just try to birth naturally in the hospital with him. But then I tell myself that's crazy, I'm going to need a doula and to fight off hospital staff I'm sure the whole time.... It's a hard choice because I need his interventions right now , plus I'm a vbac with history of a premature baby. *sigh*

[CherryBomb]

Originally Posted by FtMPapa

I am doing the n/t 11-12 week scan, but mostly just so I can get a really good luck a the baby, I'm not really worried about a trisomy or a neural tube defect, I just want the u/s.

Me, too! I used to work with adults with Downs Syndrome and the possibility of having a child with it does not phase me in the least, but I reaaaally want to get a good look at baby. Especially since the NT is done around the gestation that my son died, I'm all ready feeling half crazy, I'm sure by 14 weeks I'll be hysterical. NTD worries me more, though it's unlikely, but if the baby was anencephalic or something I'd want to know so we could choose a mode of delivery that would give the baby the best chance of surviving birth, so that we could have some time together.

I just got one too! I got this one

I should get it in about a week! I'm so excited! My MW said she thought I'd be able to hear the HB around 8 weeks or so because of how big my uterus is already! That would be AMAZING!!

That would be awesome! I'll definitely try to hear the hb when I get it, but I'm fat and I'll probably only be like 9 weeks so I'm not anticipating being able to pick it up. That would be awesome, though

[Eresh]

xtara2003x: For drinking the straight cranberry juice, you can also try mixing it with club soda. That doesn't have sugar and the carbonation really helps me at least dealing with the strong cranberry juice. You really don't need to go to an OB to confirm a UTI if you have a regular GP that you see or a family doctor.

If you do want to switch from an OB to a MW during your pregnancy, there is no reason you need to bring it up with the OB before you ask for your records and cancel your future appointments. You can if you want, of course, but there's no real medical reason to do so. And they have to release a copy of your records to your new care provider (without charging). If they hassle you, your MW can give you a records request form that you can give to the OB.

I switched from an OB practice to a practice of CNMs last time at 30 weeks and, other than not having the time to get to know everybody in the practice, I didn't have any issues. And actually I never told an OB, I just gave the records request to the receptionist and told her I was canceling my appointments because I was switching care providers.

[CherryBomb]

[xtara2003x]

Originally Posted by Eresh

xtara2003x: For drinking the straight cranberry juice, you can also try mixing it with club soda. That doesn't have sugar and the carbonation really helps me at least dealing with the strong cranberry juice. You really don't need to go to an OB to confirm a UTI if you have a regular GP that you see or a family doctor.

If you do want to switch from an OB to a MW during your pregnancy, there is no reason you need to bring it up with the OB before you ask for your records and cancel your future appointments. You can if you want, of course, but there's no real medical reason to do so. And they have to release a copy of your records to your new care provider (without charging). If they hassle you, your MW can give you a records request form that you can give to the OB.

I switched from an OB practice to a practice of CNMs last time at 30 weeks and, other than not having the time to get to know everybody in the practice, I didn't have any issues. And actually I never told an OB, I just gave the records request to the receptionist and told her I was canceling my appointments because I was switching care providers.

Thanks Eresh!!

I ended up going in to a walk in clinic last night because I had pink spotting and I couldn't tell if it was due to my UTI or coming from my vaginal area. I think it was coming from both areas....

Anyway, they tested my urine and sure enough, I have a pretty big infection (even though I have no symptoms). They gave me a generic version of macrodantin which is very commonly used in early pregnancy for UTI's.

I really didn't want to have to take it..but I did try that D mannose powder and it did NOT work. I think had I caught it early enough it may have...but because mine is bad, and I've had it for well over a week (probably much longer) that I don't reallly have a choice.

Anyway, I called the CNM that delivered my daughter, and she called me last night. I asked her to do an order for HCG and progesterone. She agreed but said she can't really read the progesterone results, so I'd have to get an OB to read the results to me and she is out of the office tomorrow. She gave me the name of an OB to read me the results so that's good....I am hoping later today they tell me the results are nice and high for being like 6.5 weeks pregnant. I go back on Friday to get another test done and then to compare the two.

It's been a bit of a roller coaster this time. Ugh. I think I'm gonna schedule an appt with the CNM too, and talk to her about an early ultrasound. She mentioned we could do it if my HCG levels were high enough. At this point I need some kind of reassurance or I'm going to go insane. I'm so emotional and weepy it's just NOT fun. *deep breath*

Anyway, thanks for the suggestions. I'm still doing the pure cranberry juice and drinking a crap ton of water.

[CherryBomb]

I think the macrodantin is a good idea. My friend is 14 weeks pregnant and just had to be hospitalized for 2 days because of a nasty UTI. she didn't have any symptoms either, other than her m/s got a hundred times worse, which is what prompted her to go to the ER (she was severely dehydrated).

Good luck with the hcg check and the u/s! I'm going to ask for another u/s on Monday, the first one baby was so tiny we could barely see a heartbeat. I'll feel better if I can get a better look.

[AmBam]

Hi Mamas. I'm way behind in the last few days. I'm still kindof in limbo land. I "think" I'm still pregnant, but not 100% sure, so I'm not really sure where to be...ya know? We'll go back to the mw sometime next week to see if she can get a heartbeat then I'll know for sure what's going on with me.

I'm still feeling pregnant. I'm nauseous, although it's not near as bad as it was, which is a relief. We're finally getting over our colds which is also a relief. We really felt horrible for a couple days.

Yesterday I took the kids to where our horses are and they were able to ride for a bit and play in the snow. It was a beautiful day and I think they really enjoyed themselves. It was nice to get out of the house. The weather is warming up and the snow is starting to melt. I CANNOT wait for spring. I'm so ready for the snow to be gone!

Hope all is well with everyone else.

[mistymama]

AmBam, I've been thinking of you - it's a good sign you are still having symptoms and feeling pregnant. I'll keep sending good vibes your way and really hope you get to hear the heartbeat at your appt.

Tara, hope your UTI clears up quickly - I'm like you - the more natural treatments just don't work for me. I've had several UTIs in the recent years and each one came on hard and fast - I needed major meds to clear them up. Hope yours goes away quickly and you get some answers as well. Sending good vibes to you as well!

[FireWithin]

I am feeling depressed and weepy all day. all I want to do is computer stuff. I feel like a lazy bum.

I might be low on some vites, so maybe I will check that out.

This can be so tiring. ugh.

[MrsMike]

Originally Posted by xtara2003x

Anyway, they tested my urine and sure enough, I have a pretty big infection (even though I have no symptoms). They gave me a generic version of macrodantin which is very commonly used in early pregnancy for UTI's.

I really didn't want to have to take it..but I did try that D mannose powder and it did NOT work. I think had I caught it early enough it may have...but because mine is bad, and I've had it for well over a week (probably much longer) that I don't reallly have a choice.

I'm glad you're taking the macrodantin and I hope everything clears up soon.

I am very much against dipsticks being used to diagnose UTIs as they are VERY variable. They are fine for testing for glucose, ketones and blood and usually pH. However, the other things on the strip can be falsely positive or even negative because of the presence of certain things in your urine. A sediment is needed to determine severity of the infection, the type of bacteria causing the infection, changes to the bladder and kidney involvement. I don't know if your HB midwife can order tests, but a CNM can always order a sediment as can any doctor or nurse practicioner. When I was pregnant with Ds I started having cramping at 17 weeks. No sign of UTI. My midwives were both at births and unable to see me so the one midwife told me to go to the local ER. She told me to make sure they test my urine and do a COMPLETE urinalysis (dipstick and sediment) as she was convinced that I probably had a silent UTI. I did and the ER doctor treated me like an idiot. He made comments about seeing midwives and whether or not I was going to deliver my baby behind an outhouse. He did not agree with my request for a complete urinalysis and only did a dipstick. He said my dipstick was clear and sent me home, stating that I was just a worried first time mother. UAV. Two days later, I started getting back pain. I did my own damn urinalysis at work and found that I had a RAGING infection that now involved my kidneys. I called my midwife who was beyond pissed at the doctor and prescribed me abx based on my own urinalysis.

Ok...sorry for the pee rant. They call me the urine queen as I do urinalyses alllllllllllllllllllll day at work and give lectures on the subject to peers. I'm a sad case.