MAY we start our countdown?? ***Chat thread for May*** The babes are almost here :) - Page 5

[calynde]

I don't think i had any noticeable braxton hicks with my first pregnancy...don't worry at all! I had a few more with the second, and now with the third...whoa!

[erigeron]

AAAAAHHHHH. I was supposed to go to a meeting with the supervisor at my externship that started super-early, and asked hubby to set the alarm and he said he did but screwed it up, so I missed it (woke up 10 minutes before I would have had to be on the other side of town). I love the guy, but some days I swear I just want to drop-kick him! I'm trying to make a good IMPRESSION here and this kind of stuff does NOT help.

[tracymom1]

Wow, Jenni, awesome!! How exciting! I love visiting with old friends and then to get all that great gear on top of it - :joy:joy

Yep - I remember my first - hardly any braxton hicks compared to now. The ones I had were so mild that I didn't even really understand what they were. (I did go into PTL at 34 weeks,though, and that I KNEW!!!) I feel like I am always contracted now, despite the gallons of water I drink. Maybe chasing after 2 toddlers and trying to get all the housework done, all the weeks pulled and the "lawn" ripped up, and being on my feet all. day. long. have something to do with it, LOL!!!

As a totally strange side note, does anyone think that your pets know you are pregnant? Are they acting any differently towards you? DH's cat, who usually HATES me (and I mean hate) has recently begun sitting on my lap (or what's left of it), rubbing up against me, following me around, etc... you know, normal cat behavior. Its just that for the last 10 years he has acted like I am the demon sent to destroy him and this change in behavior is freaking me out!! I was wondering if it is because of the pregnancy, or if he is just getting soft in his old age...

[Mommy2Austin]

Originally Posted by LLtheTinkerbell 

I have had no BH (currently 34.5 weeks)...should I be worried?? The only time my uterus has contracted is when I have an orgasm! 

No worries :) Just be blessed! LOL

I've been in a considerable amount of uncomfortable since two nights ago. Yesterday was spent trying not to pass out where ever I went. All that talk of cold sweats and weakness, that was me! Add on the BH and hip pain and I was a big mess. I forced myself to go grocery shopping last night because I was NOT content saying we'd do it later. We always say that and then NEVER go fully shopping and waste it all buying convenience foods. So my pantry is stocked (still have to get meat and all the WIC stuff from the closer grocery store) if nothing else. I'm hoping to get some freezer meals done up for when baby is here. At least some of the convenience-esque type snacks that will be easy to make (read microwave!)

[BarefootScientist]

I can NOT keep up with you guys!

Sarah Lynne

I didn't notice very many BH contractions with my oldest either, so I think that's normal. I think you usually have way more with subsequent pregnancies. I haven't been having all that many BH but a lot of general crampiness on and off throughout the day. And I have lost a couple of pounds and I think my baby has dropped, which surprises me because that's not supposed to happen yet with second babies, but maybe he/she has just shifted in there in some other way so as to make me feel like he/she is lower. Other than that, I've been feeling great. Not really getting the nesting urge yet though...I was nesting like crazy a few weeks ago and now I'm just lazy. I kinda wish it would come back. My crazy libido (we're all different, huh?) has dropped off somewhat, which is fine because I've kind of cut DH off until 37 weeks or so. Last Friday I was 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced, and DS came at 37 weeks so even though I know I could still have weeks left, I want to do what I can to keep the baby cooking a little longer! I'm 36 weeks now.

I've also switched plans from a homebirth to the hospital due to being GBS+. I know many of you probably won't agree with that decision, but that's just my and my DH's comfort zone. I have a family doctor that I really like so far that will be attending, and I have an appointment with her today where I will ask her lots of questions about her usual protocols for births and stuff.

[heathenmom]

I'm feeling pretty crummy today; don't know if I'm trying to get a cold or what, but I just want to curl up somewhere and take a nap.  The leg cramps had slacked off for a bit, but they're back in full force:  I was up at 2AM, 3AM & 4AM ... wonder why I couldn't get up when I was supposed to at 5AM?!  LOL

RE "taking one for the team" ... I have had ZERO libido this pregnancy and it hurt so much the 6 weeks or so (not the actual act itself, but the pressure it was putting on my hernia repair) that I just flat-out refused.  I know it hurt dh's feelings badly, but the one time we tried I just ended up crying in agony.  Not worth it. :/  Anyway, after my 1st visit with the perinatologist on Tuesday, it was made pretty clear to me that they WANT the baby out by 40 weeks ... sometime in my 39th week if possible, due to the diabetes.  I generally carry until 41 weeks, so this is a problem.  :/  (This is all related to taking one for the team ...)  So, I talked with my doula and have started all the measures we could come up with to encourage this baby to come earlier than my girls.  Including sex every night.    So, last night I took one for the team, and while it was weird and uncomfortable, it didn't HURT anymore.  Yay!!  And although I think I'm coming down with something, I AM walking better today. 

[Mommy2Austin]

Originally Posted by BarefootScientist 

I can NOT keep up with you guys!

Sarah Lynne

I didn't notice very many BH contractions with my oldest either, so I think that's normal. I think you usually have way more with subsequent pregnancies. I haven't been having all that many BH but a lot of general crampiness on and off throughout the day. And I have lost a couple of pounds and I think my baby has dropped, which surprises me because that's not supposed to happen yet with second babies, but maybe he/she has just shifted in there in some other way so as to make me feel like he/she is lower. Other than that, I've been feeling great. Not really getting the nesting urge yet though...I was nesting like crazy a few weeks ago and now I'm just lazy. I kinda wish it would come back. My crazy libido (we're all different, huh?) has dropped off somewhat, which is fine because I've kind of cut DH off until 37 weeks or so. Last Friday I was 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced, and DS came at 37 weeks so even though I know I could still have weeks left, I want to do what I can to keep the baby cooking a little longer! I'm 36 weeks now.

I've also switched plans from a homebirth to the hospital due to being GBS+. I know many of you probably won't agree with that decision, but that's just my and my DH's comfort zone. I have a family doctor that I really like so far that will be attending, and I have an appointment with her today where I will ask her lots of questions about her usual protocols for births and stuff.

Everyone has to make the best choices for them :) Out of curiosity does your midwife not have the ability to administer the antibx? I was GBS+ for DS2 and she administered them in my dining room (hung it from my chandelier lol) although we didn't have enough time to get through the entire amount because he wanted out right then! I'm glad you have someone you trust to attend you in the hospital :) I trust NONE of the OBGYNs here...especially the ones that work with the inmates at the prison. I've heard multiple horror stories from inmates and officers who were supervising the inmates...ugh.

[Mommy2Austin]

Originally Posted by heathenmom 

I'm feeling pretty crummy today; don't know if I'm trying to get a cold or what, but I just want to curl up somewhere and take a nap.  The leg cramps had slacked off for a bit, but they're back in full force:  I was up at 2AM, 3AM & 4AM ... wonder why I couldn't get up when I was supposed to at 5AM?!  LOL

RE "taking one for the team" ... I have had ZERO libido this pregnancy and it hurt so much the 6 weeks or so (not the actual act itself, but the pressure it was putting on my hernia repair) that I just flat-out refused.  I know it hurt dh's feelings badly, but the one time we tried I just ended up crying in agony.  Not worth it. :/  Anyway, after my 1st visit with the perinatologist on Tuesday, it was made pretty clear to me that they WANT the baby out by 40 weeks ... sometime in my 39th week if possible, due to the diabetes.  I generally carry until 41 weeks, so this is a problem.  :/  (This is all related to taking one for the team ...)  So, I talked with my doula and have started all the measures we could come up with to encourage this baby to come earlier than my girls.  Including sex every night.    So, last night I took one for the team, and while it was weird and uncomfortable, it didn't HURT anymore.  Yay!!  And although I think I'm coming down with something, I AM walking better today. 

Ugh...I'm sorry you're being rushed to have your baby! Hopefully baby will come out good and ready and earlier than your others!

[BarefootScientist]

Originally Posted by Mommy2Austin 

Everyone has to make the best choices for them :) Out of curiosity does your midwife not have the ability to administer the antibx? I was GBS+ for DS2 and she administered them in my dining room (hung it from my chandelier lol) although we didn't have enough time to get through the entire amount because he wanted out right then! I'm glad you have someone you trust to attend you in the hospital :) I trust NONE of the OBGYNs here...especially the ones that work with the inmates at the prison. I've heard multiple horror stories from inmates and officers who were supervising the inmates...ugh.

Nope, midwives here can't do IVs. I wish they could!

[jshannyn519]

Originally Posted by LLtheTinkerbell 

I have had no BH (currently 34.5 weeks)...should I be worried?? The only time my uterus has contracted is when I have an orgasm! 

I don't think I ever noticed BHs with my first pregnancy either. They tend to be more noticeable with each subsequent pregnancy. Along with the afterpains getting more intense as well.

Originally Posted by erigeron 

AAAAAHHHHH. I was supposed to go to a meeting with the supervisor at my externship that started super-early, and asked hubby to set the alarm and he said he did but screwed it up, so I missed it (woke up 10 minutes before I would have had to be on the other side of town). I love the guy, but some days I swear I just want to drop-kick him! I'm trying to make a good IMPRESSION here and this kind of stuff does NOT help.

Oh no!! I hope you'll be able to reschedule! I would be so upset if that had happened to me! I didn't even bother trying to get an externship or a summer job this year because I'd be there for all of a month before having to quit anyway. I hope it works out for you.

Originally Posted by tracymom1 


As a totally strange side note, does anyone think that your pets know you are pregnant? Are they acting any differently towards you? DH's cat, who usually HATES me (and I mean hate) has recently begun sitting on my lap (or what's left of it), rubbing up against me, following me around, etc... you know, normal cat behavior. Its just that for the last 10 years he has acted like I am the demon sent to destroy him and this change in behavior is freaking me out!! I was wondering if it is because of the pregnancy, or if he is just getting soft in his old age...
 

Yes!! I joke around that I'm like Dr Doolittle lately because I have this trail of dogs and cats following me around the house and yard all the time. Our old kitty meows at me constantly, which makes me crazy, and every time I lay down he's right there ON my belly. He likes to lay on my belly so that all 4 of his legs kind of hang down the sides. And it doesn't seem to bother him when the baby kicks him either. Our other cat, who is a half-wild Siamese named Sam, has been inside a ton and he's been sleeping in the armchair in my bedroom for the past couple of weeks. It's really weird.

Originally Posted by BarefootScientist 

I've also switched plans from a homebirth to the hospital due to being GBS+. I know many of you probably won't agree with that decision, but that's just my and my DH's comfort zone. I have a family doctor that I really like so far that will be attending, and I have an appointment with her today where I will ask her lots of questions about her usual protocols for births and stuff.

I support whatever birth choices you feel most comfortable with. :)  I will say though, that a hibiclens wash during labor can take care of the GBS, which is what the CPMs here do since they can't do IVs either. Also, sex (and semen) can kill the GBS. So that might be worth a try, even though you're trying to not have sex, it could be worth it.

Originally Posted by heathenmom 

RE "taking one for the team" ... I have had ZERO libido this pregnancy and it hurt so much the 6 weeks or so (not the actual act itself, but the pressure it was putting on my hernia repair) that I just flat-out refused.  I know it hurt dh's feelings badly, but the one time we tried I just ended up crying in agony.  Not worth it. :/  Anyway, after my 1st visit with the perinatologist on Tuesday, it was made pretty clear to me that they WANT the baby out by 40 weeks ... sometime in my 39th week if possible, due to the diabetes.  I generally carry until 41 weeks, so this is a problem.  :/  (This is all related to taking one for the team ...)  So, I talked with my doula and have started all the measures we could come up with to encourage this baby to come earlier than my girls.  Including sex every night.    So, last night I took one for the team, and while it was weird and uncomfortable, it didn't HURT anymore.  Yay!!  And although I think I'm coming down with something, I AM walking better today. 

I'm sorry you're feeling the pressure to get baby out by a certain time. I'm in that boat too because I'm VBACing and it sucks! But yay for sex not hurting and double yay for no pain with walking! It sounds like your hips were loosened up and stretched out a little bit from the sex! It probably doesn't hurt that sex releases natural painkillers too. :)

[Mamatoabunch]

Originally Posted by jshannyn519 

I support whatever birth choices you feel most comfortable with. :)  I will say though, that a hibiclens wash during labor can take care of the GBS, which is what the CPMs here do since they can't do IVs either. Also, sex (and semen) can kill the GBS. So that might be worth a try, even though you're trying to not have sex, it could be worth it.

Yes, the hibiclens wash is commonly used in Europe instead of antibiotics. I tested positive my second pregnancy and always assumed I was positive in subsequent pregnancies. I have done various things over the years, but w/ my last baby and will w/ this one I will do the hibclens wash.

[MaryElizabeth]

Wow, lots going on with everybody! 

MommytoAustin--- I am totally there with you about the grocery store and food. I MADE myself go shopping a few days ago and it felt nice to have a kitchen/pantry full instead of making random meals out of what so happens to be in there ....  I have been trying to research some recipes to make freezer meals. I really am not good at freezer cooking! I can't bake either. This is no bueno haha

Barefoot- I think that if you feel more comfy with being in the hospital-- go for it! You can still have a totally natural birth, just not necessarily in your own bed haha A girlfriend of mine had a similar situation and she said that when she found out that she "had" to be in the hospital, she was actually relieved. She must have been having some reservations about being at home and now she had an "excuse" to be in the hospital. It ended up really relaxing her AND her hubby, and she had a beautiful drug free birth!

Well..... I had a weird convo with my OB today. I knew that she had been doing research on my previous c-section and all that went into it. My scar has always been "crooked" and they pieced me together very badly. She wanted to get all the records and speak with the OB who preformed it to make sure that everything on the inside didn't look as bad as the outside <-- Turns out, that there was a lot of damage done and blippity blobby medical stuff that I couldn't catch...  the scar on my uterus may need repair and there are some scar tissue issues....  I always KNEW that there were a ton of cosmetic problems with my c-section (it looks like they pulled the bottom skin up way too tight and left the top skin too loose so I have a "flap" of skin that just hangs----it's terrible!) but, when I spoke to a Dr at my 6 week checkup (not the one that performed the surgery) he said that I would have to have that looked at on a later date.... I kind of just figured it would be a -- if I wanted to have it fixed sort of thing. ANYWHO..... My OB told me that if this is going to be our last baby (which is our plan) that she would really like the opportunity to fix it now instead of me having to go back and have reconstructive surgery later. 

I kind of just sat there. I always knew that another c-section was possible (me and spontaneous labor are not friends ) And that a VBAC was going to be a blessing, but I never considered that I would just go ahead and make the decision. We ultimately compromised on scheduling the surgery for as late as possible - 2 days before my due date, and agreeing that if I go into labor before then, that I would go full on for the VBAC and if a C-section is necessary, we would also try to fix the damage from the last surgery. 

I feel guilty! I feel like I am choosing to fix something that (to my knowledge and comprehension) is cosmetic.... instead of giving my baby a chance to be born naturally(after 40 weeks). I went almost 43 weeks with DD and nothing.... so I was expecting this little guy to take that long too. The OB said that with all my BH being so strong and consistent, losing a large part of my mucous plug, and the baby already being SO low... that she would expect me to go at or before 40 weeks anyway with this one. So, I suppose I can rest a little easier about forcing him out of his little womb at 40 weeks....  I am NOT thrilled about surgery again and the recovery. BUT, a perk is having a set date--kind of. 

What would you ladies do? I'm kind of conflicted 

[Mommy2Austin]

Originally Posted by MaryElizabeth 

Wow, lots going on with everybody! 

MommytoAustin--- I am totally there with you about the grocery store and food. I MADE myself go shopping a few days ago and it felt nice to have a kitchen/pantry full instead of making random meals out of what so happens to be in there ....  I have been trying to research some recipes to make freezer meals. I really am not good at freezer cooking! I can't bake either. This is no bueno haha

Barefoot- I think that if you feel more comfy with being in the hospital-- go for it! You can still have a totally natural birth, just not necessarily in your own bed haha A girlfriend of mine had a similar situation and she said that when she found out that she "had" to be in the hospital, she was actually relieved. She must have been having some reservations about being at home and now she had an "excuse" to be in the hospital. It ended up really relaxing her AND her hubby, and she had a beautiful drug free birth!

Well..... I had a weird convo with my OB today. I knew that she had been doing research on my previous c-section and all that went into it. My scar has always been "crooked" and they pieced me together very badly. She wanted to get all the records and speak with the OB who preformed it to make sure that everything on the inside didn't look as bad as the outside <-- Turns out, that there was a lot of damage done and blippity blobby medical stuff that I couldn't catch...  the scar on my uterus may need repair and there are some scar tissue issues....  I always KNEW that there were a ton of cosmetic problems with my c-section (it looks like they pulled the bottom skin up way too tight and left the top skin too loose so I have a "flap" of skin that just hangs----it's terrible!) but, when I spoke to a Dr at my 6 week checkup (not the one that performed the surgery) he said that I would have to have that looked at on a later date.... I kind of just figured it would be a -- if I wanted to have it fixed sort of thing. ANYWHO..... My OB told me that if this is going to be our last baby (which is our plan) that she would really like the opportunity to fix it now instead of me having to go back and have reconstructive surgery later. 

I kind of just sat there. I always knew that another c-section was possible (me and spontaneous labor are not friends ) And that a VBAC was going to be a blessing, but I never considered that I would just go ahead and make the decision. We ultimately compromised on scheduling the surgery for as late as possible - 2 days before my due date, and agreeing that if I go into labor before then, that I would go full on for the VBAC and if a C-section is necessary, we would also try to fix the damage from the last surgery. 

I feel guilty! I feel like I am choosing to fix something that (to my knowledge and comprehension) is cosmetic.... instead of giving my baby a chance to be born naturally(after 40 weeks). I went almost 43 weeks with DD and nothing.... so I was expecting this little guy to take that long too. The OB said that with all my BH being so strong and consistent, losing a large part of my mucous plug, and the baby already being SO low... that she would expect me to go at or before 40 weeks anyway with this one. So, I suppose I can rest a little easier about forcing him out of his little womb at 40 weeks....  I am NOT thrilled about surgery again and the recovery. BUT, a perk is having a set date--kind of. 

What would you ladies do? I'm kind of conflicted 

Coming from the person who hates hospitals to the nth degree:

I ,personally, would seriously consider the section. *Cue the thunder and lightening!* Especially if my stomach was that botched. My worry would be that my internal scars in the case of a crummy sew job (which from your description wouldn't be a far-fetched idea) would cause complications with my VBAC in the first place. Not to mention if I did decide to have more kiddos down the line (which I know isn't your plan) I'd rather the job inside (and less importantly outside) be done up properly.  It's definitely a rock and a hard place. Don't feel bad no matter what you decide to do, mama!

[painefaria]

Originally Posted by Mamatoabunch 

Yes, the hibiclens wash is commonly used in Europe instead of antibiotics. I tested positive my second pregnancy and always assumed I was positive in subsequent pregnancies. I have done various things over the years, but w/ my last baby and will w/ this one I will do the hibclens wash.

This is what our midwife just talked to us about. She stated that they are having better results with the wash than with the IV's... She will do a wash (not a douche/not under pressure) ever 4-6 hrs with a solution of 30parts to 1 Hibiclense.

[Bald_Bull's_Mama]

Could someone link to the hibiclense protocol? Is this something that's worth doing before a GBS test? Or better to just wait and see, then cleanse and ask to be retested? I was negative with DS, but this is still a worry for me. I don't want to end up on abx. I currently take GSE extract tablets (which someone said were helpful in staying GBS -) and I plan to have intercourse the night before the test (did that last time on a recommendation).

[Mamatoabunch]

Originally Posted by Bald_Bull's_Mama 

Could someone link to the hibiclense protocol? Is this something that's worth doing before a GBS test? Or better to just wait and see, then cleanse and ask to be retested? I was negative with DS, but this is still a worry for me. I don't want to end up on abx. I currently take GSE extract tablets (which someone said were helpful in staying GBS -) and I plan to have intercourse the night before the test (did that last time on a recommendation).

http://mountainviewmidwives.com/documents/HibiclensFlushProtocol.pdf

I also take GSE and echinacea from 34 weeks and garlic vaginally from 36-37. 

[Smokering]

OK, I feel kind of stupid for admitting this, but I have no idea what "GBS positive" means. My midwife hasn't mentioned it, so I assume I'm... not? Is it Group B Strep? Should I have researched this? :p

[Bald_Bull's_Mama]

Smokering, yeah, it's Group B Strep. With DS, they did a swab (not internal) at, um, 36 or 37 weeks? It was later than I am now (33). It hasn't come up with my midwife, but, being a hospital midwife, I'm sure it will.

[tracymom1]

MaryElizabeth, as Sarah Lynne said, I too hate hospitals and would never 'volunteer' for another c-section, but in your case I would be more worried about the internal scarring situation and might opt for the surgery. If it looks like a mess on the outside, it very may well look that way on the inside. The good thing is that if you go into labor and get to the hospital and attempt a VBAC, they can monitor you and immediately get you in for a section at the first signs of rupture. I think it is quite unlikely that you would have any issues, but being in the hospital environment would probably be safest. Hugs, mama!

I think I am going to do the hibiclens wash, too. I was not GBS+ with my other 2, but I would rather be safe than sorry.

Annabelle, thanks for the link!

[Mommy2Austin]

Bah! I'm bored. I was all set to go sew and then remembered DUH! You have to wash all the fabric before you can sew it. So I have a big batch in the washer and as soon as it's dry I'm on a mission to make some Mama cloth and bibs!!