How is it going so far?

[dealic]

Wow, it seems the moment I got that result, I began to feel I had to have everything figured out RIGHTNOW! Lol. I had researched a lot before, but it seems, now that I am actually pregnant, I have NO CLUE. Apparently I forgot everything I have learned over the last few years.

My first meeting with the midwives isn't until September 1st, and its a group information session. If, after that, we are interested in using them (and we are!) we will book our first appointment. That seems SO far away and I have questions now.

I don't know what I have to do at this stage, I don't remember what I am supposed to eat or not eat, nothing. I don't know if we should tell our parents now, or wait a while. I can't tell if I am experiencing symptoms half the time, or imagining them to reassure myself. And seriously, how quickly do you get pregnancy brain? Because I think I am already losing my ability to concentrate, and I was only 4 weeks yesterday. Is that possible or am I just so distracted that it seems like it?

So I am just curious, what is everyone else out there doing and feeling so far? I figure if we can compare notes, I will feel more normal, and less like I am losing my mind around here

[chiromama01]

Oh, the anxiety... with my first pregnancy, I was sick before the test was positive.  there was NO question I was pregnant, this time around, however, is completely different.  I haven't had a single symptom... nothing.  it's surreal.  no naseau, no extreme fatigue, no nothing.  so I know, sometimes you begin to wonder if you're just REALLY late...lol.  the first trimester is pretty much survival mode, if your having a rough time with morning sickness or whatever, but I'd say relax, september will be here soon enough.  just make sure you're taking your vitamins and resting when you feel you need to, and otherwise, enjoy!!!

[justKate]

I'm actually feeling really zen about this pregnancy at this point, probably because I'm not sick (knock on wood).   Other than some nausea 6-10 dpo and some intense hunger waves here and there, things are going smoothly.  I've moved twice since DD was born, so I'm sad that i won't get to use my fabulous midwife again, and my first visit with my new ob/midwife group won't be until 10-12 weeks, so I'm trying to just sort of breathe, drink water, and wait!

I'm having trouble remembering foods to stay away from, too--right now I'm thinking deli meat (unless you heat it to 165*?), raw eggs (check labels on caesar dressing), undercooked meat, and unpasteurized cheeses.  Certain fishes in moderation.  I'm sure there's more....

[sunflwrmoonbeam]

Things are going pretty well here. 5w5d and nausea has kicked in, but no barfing yet. I'm exhausted, I pee all the time, and well, I feel knocked up. However 3 days ago I felt great.

This is something like my 5th pregnancy, second child. With my earlier pregnancies I did the best I could to follow all the rules and lost 3 or more in a row anyways (I stopped testing at one point). The one positive of all that is that it gave me time to do a lot of research on pregnancy and safety, and basically most of the pregnancy no-nos are complete b.s. The risk of toxoplasmosis is incredibly rare with an indoor cat, though it's a good idea to not play with their poo. Raw dairy is only unsafe if the cow is sick, and I've been consuming raw milk from a local Amish farm for 5 years now with no problem. Listeria in lunch meat is again incredibly rare, not that I eat all that much lunch meat anyways. I don't eat sushi, so whatever. And as for alcohol, well, you can't prove a negative and there has never ever been any evidence of damage done by mild to moderate drinking (up to 8 drinks a week). I cut back, but I'll have the occasional glass of wine with a clear conscience.

Then again, I'm an Illinois homebirther. That fact clearly means I have a wanton disregard for the safety of my unborn child :)

There's almost nothing to DO in early pregnancy, especially if you don't have a history of problems. My last pregnancy I was getting bloodwork done every day, had an ultrasound at 6 and 8 weeks, and was supplementing with progesterone. This time, I'm just supplementing with progesterone as I've been for months. I've already got my underground midwife hired and I plan on calling a medical CNM in a few weeks to do concurrent care through 20 weeks, assuming all goes well.

If you need something to do, you should read. Pick up any book by Ina May Gaskin, but especially Spiritual Midwifery. Take a look at spinningbabies.com. Stay far away from What to Expect. Start thinking about how you want your birth to go and what preparation that requires. Investigate birthing classes and philosophies, and soon as you feel comfortable attend LLL meetings. But mostly just relax.

[loudmama]

I'm ok. Not too nauseous. A bit tired. I'm more scatter brained, but it's hard to know if it's pregnancy or going off my anti-depressants. My anxiety is effing high, & that is due to being off the meds. Ugh. I want to stay off the meds, but I don't know...

L

[justKate]

loudmama, I'm tapering off now.  During my last pg, I went down to 1/2 of the lowest dose, but never got completely off.  My midwife at the time felt that because it was a Class C and because the research was questionable, it was fine.  And DD did not have any problems as a result.  Now, it's been moved to a Class D, and I'm not sure what to think.... Going to try to taper down and we'll see what happens I guess.

[RosieL]

SFM - We're at the same point, I'm 5w5d. At this point, my brain is starting to settle into the idea of pregnancy. This is my first one, and I got knocked up right after we started infertility workups. I peed on a stick today (hadn't for a while), and man, that test line came up SO much darker than the control. It's silly, but it made me giggle. 

[lightheartedmom]

Originally Posted by sunflwrmoonbeam 

Things are going pretty well here. 5w5d and nausea has kicked in, but no barfing yet. I'm exhausted, I pee all the time, and well, I feel knocked up. However 3 days ago I felt great.

This is something like my 5th pregnancy, second child. With my earlier pregnancies I did the best I could to follow all the rules and lost 3 or more in a row anyways (I stopped testing at one point). The one positive of all that is that it gave me time to do a lot of research on pregnancy and safety, and basically most of the pregnancy no-nos are complete b.s. The risk of toxoplasmosis is incredibly rare with an indoor cat, though it's a good idea to not play with their poo. Raw dairy is only unsafe if the cow is sick, and I've been consuming raw milk from a local Amish farm for 5 years now with no problem. Listeria in lunch meat is again incredibly rare, not that I eat all that much lunch meat anyways. I don't eat sushi, so whatever. And as for alcohol, well, you can't prove a negative and there has never ever been any evidence of damage done by mild to moderate drinking (up to 8 drinks a week). I cut back, but I'll have the occasional glass of wine with a clear conscience.

Then again, I'm an Illinois homebirther. That fact clearly means I have a wanton disregard for the safety of my unborn child :)

There's almost nothing to DO in early pregnancy, especially if you don't have a history of problems. My last pregnancy I was getting bloodwork done every day, had an ultrasound at 6 and 8 weeks, and was supplementing with progesterone. This time, I'm just supplementing with progesterone as I've been for months. I've already got my underground midwife hired and I plan on calling a medical CNM in a few weeks to do concurrent care through 20 weeks, assuming all goes well.

If you need something to do, you should read. Pick up any book by Ina May Gaskin, but especially Spiritual Midwifery. Take a look at spinningbabies.com. Stay far away from What to Expect. Start thinking about how you want your birth to go and what preparation that requires. Investigate birthing classes and philosophies, and soon as you feel comfortable attend LLL meetings. But mostly just relax.

This. Good advice, all of it. :-) I personally don't drink during pg, but I rarely drink anyway aside from a glass of wine once or twice a month.
I wish someone had told me this stuff the first time. :-)

For first time mamas - I strongly recommend Ina may gaskins guide to childbirth. That book was like a gateway drug for me. :-) it made such a huge impact on the birth of my second daughter.

Drink your water, take your vitamins (or don't ;-)), eat protein and enjoy bonding with the new little human growing inside you. You're the only person who will ever have this particular connection to that baby - savor it!

[dealic]

Thanks everyone :)

This thread was exactly what I needed. I have read (and own) Spiritual Midwifery, and have read several others that were recommended with that one years ago. I am pulling them out to reread, and its helping. I am kinda OCD normally though, so its hard to just relax and wait I know to stay away from the "what to expect" books.

So far I have sore nipples, sensitivity to smells (very noticeable because I have a bad nose usually), occasional feelings of nausea, and a desire to have nothing tight on my stomach. I am very tired. Mostly I just feel pregnant though.

I never drink, so that's good, and I don't drink coffee either. I do have tea occasionally, but often herbal, so I don't have much caffeine either. I don't eat deli meats except rarely, I haven't ever had unpasteurized cheese, and I don't like sushi. I've never had raw milk, its not easy to find here. So on all those counts, I am good. I usually eat pretty well, so I will just keep doing what I am doing.

[nelson]

I am wanting really bad to just enjoy this early part of pregnancy (it's our last) and I mostly am, but unfortunately, I am feeling a little anxious.  I am already wondering about birthing options etc.  Last pregnancy, I had a really tough labor (posterior facing baby) and I just don't want a repeat of that experience again, although I keep thinking that this one will be much better.  I am feeling a bit nauseous and instead of vomiting, I have been having loose stools .  I have still been craving coffee, but even if I have a sip of decaf, I get sick, so I guess that's out.  I have been slightly more sleepy, but have really made it a priority to get plenty of rest this pregnancy. 

Other things I am stressed about are...  Three family members have all separately, almost died, within the past two weeks, which has put everyone on edge, and DS and I just realized that I don't work enough hours to qualify for FMLA, so telling my boss about this pregnancy might be interesting.  I think I just need to breath...

On the upside, DS has been amazing lately and really excited about being a big brother.  DH just got a raise today and two of my best girlfriends are also newly pregnant!

[NCMtnMama]

So far, so good. I'm get very tired sometimes, and today I was ravenous by 11am. Time to add in some more protein to breakfast, I guess. Luckily no nausea yet, or really any other symptoms to speak of. I guess that's good, but it sure is easy to forget sometimes- I almost signed up for hang gliding lessons this weekend before I stopped myself thinking "Hey, that might not be a great idea, Preggo!". I'm sure I'll be more hyper aware of it all next week when I meet with the midwife.

I know I want a different birth experience this time around (last time was all doctors and interventions and other people's rules!), which is why I'm with a midwife practice. Home births aren't technically legal in North Carolina, so none of the wonderful midwives in town could assist me if I chose to go that route. And we live way out in the Boonies and it makes me nervous to think about what if something went wrong. But then again, I do love the idea of a birthing tub here in my living room, overlooking the mountains. It just seems so serene. Argh! Luckily I've got some time to really think about it.

And on the what to do/not to do thing: I'm still having a glass of wine or beer in social settings, just to not immediately draw suspicion and questions. I don't really drink it, just mostly carry it around. I just don't want my friends to know yet; I like having a little secret that only me and my husband (and you guys!) know for a little while. I'd forgotten about the lunch meat thing, but I dont think I was  particularly careful about it last time. I have one cup of coffee/tea in the morning, but I'm sure if I start feeling sick in the mornings I'll cut that out.

Also, I'm jealous of you guys knowing exactly how pregnant you are. My periods have been so irregular since my daughter stopped breastfeeding that I have no idea when I was late or anything. Looking back, my cycles have been an average of 24 days, but never the same from cycle to cycle. The websites say I'm due April 1, but I really have no idea if that's true.

[sunflwrmoonbeam]

NCM: I would recommend getting an early ultrasound if you're not certain of your dates. As someone who likes going overdue, being "allowed' every day I can get is important. I had DD at 42+3, I expect to at least see 41 this time.

[holz]

My goodness! Last pregnancy, I had to make myself eat during the first trimester- I didn't feel sick often, just had no appetite. This time, I can't get enough! I'm sure it has to do with the breastfeeding, though :)

I don't see my doctor for another 3 weeks, and I'm so impatient! I'm a lot less anxious this time around, but I just love seeing the little bean on the screen and hearing the heartbeat.

We're not telling anyone aside from my best friend and DH's brother until after DS turns 1 at the end of the month (which works out, because his birthday's the day after our appointment, and I'd rather wait until then to tell the world anyway)... I have a weird notion in my head that he shouldn't have to share the spotlight, though he'd have no idea. But the not telling is killing me!

Other than that- the smell of cigarettes makes me nauseous and angry (totally yelled at a young teenager for smoking in front of my baby... oops) and I'm exhausted, and I can't sleep at night thinking about what we're going to do with DS while I'm in the hospital, or how we're going to fit another dresser into this house, and how we're going to configure the carseats- all things I don't need to be thinking about right now :)

[justKate]

Quote:

Originally Posted by holz 

Other than that- the smell of cigarettes makes me nauseous and angry (totally yelled at a young teenager for smoking in front of my baby... oops) and I'm exhausted, and I can't sleep at night thinking about what we're going to do with DS while I'm in the hospital, or how we're going to fit another dresser into this house, and how we're going to configure the carseats- all things I don't need to be thinking about right now :)

Funny, that's the stuff I've been thinking about too.  I'll probably end up hiring a doula as a "back up" to my parents to take care of DD--in case they don't get here in time.  Last labor was 32 hours, so I'm sure they'll make it (they live 3 hours away), but I also have this vision of this baby falling out on the kitchen floor because I don't think it's time to go to the hospital yet.   Which would be fine, too! 

[Hillaryblaire]

I'm 4w 3d and I don't feel a single thing. The occasional nipple sensitivity but other than that things are pretty normal for me. This is my first pregnancy so we'll see how it goes!  I'm still in shock, I pee on sticks to just see the BFPs after all those BFNs lol 

I emailed a midwife we're interested in using. I'm going to call her next week to set up a meet & greet. There's another set of homebirth midwives I'd like to meet with too so my goal is to email and set something up with them as well. 

[lightheartedmom]

Anyone else having outrageous dreams?
I keep having nightmares about not being able to handle the two kids I have. I took a nap this afternoon and dreamt that I was walking with the girls across this really bouncy wooden bridge (and trying to juggle a bicycle too - I haven't had a bicycle since I was 13) and the girls kept slipping off the bridge. We finally made it across and I called my husband sobbing that I needed help and he needed to come and rescue me. (also: being behind the wheel and totally unable to control my driving?!). Lol.
Subconscious anxiety much? Totally ruined my nap. :/

[Hillaryblaire]

Originally Posted by lightheartedmom 

Anyone else having outrageous dreams?
I keep having nightmares about not being able to handle the two kids I have. I took a nap this afternoon and dreamt that I was walking with the girls across this really bouncy wooden bridge (and trying to juggle a bicycle too - I haven't had a bicycle since I was 13) and the girls kept slipping off the bridge. We finally made it across and I called my husband sobbing that I needed help and he needed to come and rescue me. (also: being behind the wheel and totally unable to control my driving?!). Lol.
Subconscious anxiety much? Totally ruined my nap. :/

YES! Mine are just super VIVID. Right before I found out I had a dream that my sister (19) had a baby. It was SO insanely real that I woke up and texted her to make sure she wasn't pregnant. (little did I know, I was the pregnant one!) 

Then a few nights later I had a nightmare. It involved my sister and some paranormal stuff. I woke up and didn't want to go back to sleep because I was so freaked out. 

I've had a couple other vivid dreams since I found out. I don't normally remember my dreams so this is weird for me! 

[azohri]

I did a ton of research in my first pregnancy.  I think others have given good advice to try to relax, enjoy your pregnancy, read some Ina May.  In terms of the stuff I remember that could be relevant for things to "do" though:

- first, I try especially hard during pregnancy to avoid all of those bad chemicals that try we avoid anyway.  try to get rid of plastics (*never* microwave plastic!), if you're going to paint your nails get the ones without formaldehyde and other nasty things, etc.  I check shampoos, soaps, lotions, etc. on environmental working group and try to get ones that have less bad stuff.  furniture is another area that can be tough.  buying used furniture that has already off-gassed is one option, ikea is better than a lot of other choices, and we wanted to make sure that our sleeping areas were as clean as possible since we spend a third of our lives there!  We opted for latex mattresses.

- there is some controversy over whether green tea blocks folic acid absorbtion

- as far as I know, there is no consensus on whether eating certain things in pregnancy increases risk of food allergies.  Some studies suggest that eating peanut butter, for example, increases the allergy risks, while other studies concluded exactly the opposite - that eating PB while pregnant and even introducing it early in a babies' diet reduces the risk.  They just don't know, so I don't avoid it, but I don't eat it every day either.

I'm sure there was other stuff, I'll post if I remember more. :)

[dealic]

I will avoid peanut butter, only because my sister is highly allergic, as well as 2 uncles. So if there is anything genetic, I am at an increased risk of having a child with an allergy, and want to avoid exposure until I can safely gauge reaction.

[tatsu15]

Originally Posted by azohri 

I did a ton of research in my first pregnancy.  I think others have given good advice to try to relax, enjoy your pregnancy, read some Ina May.  In terms of the stuff I remember that could be relevant for things to "do" though:

- first, I try especially hard during pregnancy to avoid all of those bad chemicals that try we avoid anyway.  try to get rid of plastics (*never* microwave plastic!), if you're going to paint your nails get the ones without formaldehyde and other nasty things, etc.  I check shampoos, soaps, lotions, etc. on environmental working group and try to get ones that have less bad stuff.  furniture is another area that can be tough.  buying used furniture that has already off-gassed is one option, ikea is better than a lot of other choices, and we wanted to make sure that our sleeping areas were as clean as possible since we spend a third of our lives there!  We opted for latex mattresses.

- there is some controversy over whether green tea blocks folic acid absorbtion

- as far as I know, there is no consensus on whether eating certain things in pregnancy increases risk of food allergies.  Some studies suggest that eating peanut butter, for example, increases the allergy risks, while other studies concluded exactly the opposite - that eating PB while pregnant and even introducing it early in a babies' diet reduces the risk.  They just don't know, so I don't avoid it, but I don't eat it every day either.

I'm sure there was other stuff, I'll post if I remember more. :)

I didn't know about the peanut butter part. I had peanut butter during my first two pregnancies and my daughters love peanut butter lol. Thankfully they're not allergic. They also like almond butter.