Weekly Chat Thread, 2/20 - Page 2 « Back to Group Discussions

[Sol_y_Paz]

Thandiwe, hope we both start feeling regular movement soon! I am also starting to feel so much more normal without the intense all day sickness I sometimes get worried too. 

Newmomjoy, glad to hear you are doing better overall during the 2nd trimester. I take snacks with me anytime I leave the house too.  This is preparing us for our future, I don't think we are allowed to leave the house without snacks for the next 5 years or so.  

Folkgirl, hope you get the help you need soon.

Ithappened, I bet when you do feel movement that will be quite awesome with two.  

[NewMumJoy]

folkgirl - sorry to hear of your symptoms, I can definitely relate to your stress as I had suffered from panic attacks during my 2 earlier pregnancies.  It was scary how worked up I could get and I did end up going to therapy to get things under control.  I'd also recommend acupuncture!!  The hormones were to blame, and fortunately I'm not having those symptoms this time around.  Good luck, I hope that therapy can help you work through the panic/anxiety issues - it's so important to take care of yourself mentally too!  I also think that a chiropractor can be very beneficial for some of those pregnancy aches and pains, I'm always hearing about great results and wouldn't hesitate to see one myself for any physical relief needed.

[Thandiwe]

Originally Posted by ithappened 

I'm actually a bit nervous that I am feeling no movement at 16w with twins.. I dont even know how that is possible.. part of me thinks Ive just been so busy I havent noticed so I am trying not to freak

I wonder if, because there are two, they are slightly smaller each, which given that a singleton pg can be hard to feel prior to closer to 20 weeks, maybe with 2 smaller babies their movements are even more faint each?  Just a guess, no real knowledge.  Does your pregnancy overall seem more intense compared to your singleton pg?

[ithappened]

Thandiwe true..  it seems more intense in the sense that with DS I had NO symptoms except some acne till the very last few weeks and with this pregnancy I have had morning sickness till week 12, and severe exhaustion as well as a few other odd symptoms (hemorrhoids, dry skin etc) consistently.. my stomach also looks about 24-26w at 16w ...

[~Demeter~]

It is absolutely not abnormal to feel no movement prior to 20 weeks in any pregnancy.... You have to take into consideration many things, baby's size and then placental placement (if it's more in the front in the beginning, not anterior necessarily just how it comes up in the beginning weeks) can mute early movement. I wouldn't worry that you aren't feeling movement at all yet. :)

[MsZelda]

It's actually quite reassuring to read that so many of you are still struggling with extreme fatigue. I have definitely been fighting it a lot lately, and especially since the Zofran has eased the nausea, I seem more aware of my need for rest. I have actually been spending way too much of time trying to figure out how I can sneak a nap in throughout the day and truly fantasize about crawling into bed. My desire to be in bed as much as possible is worrisome - in my non-pregnant life, this habit is usually a sign of a growing depression - I have been wondering if I am depressed and that is why I am so bloody tired. In a typical day I will try to get an hour long nap in during my work day (I work at home) and sometimes rest on the couch while DD is playing in the morning or after work. I feel like a slug, really bad about myself. This is not the way I want to be, but honestly, sometimes it's hard to keep my head up sitting up at the table.

[Knitting Mama]

I'm with you, and I wonder about depression too, given that I was on an antidepressant before getting pregnant again. I am actually usually able to sneak a short nap every day (Cece is really good about giving me a little break and playing independently), but it doesn't seem to particularly help.

[rebecca10]

I totally feel you all in the exhuastion department.  Of course, I'm only at 12 1/2 weeks, but there has certainly not been any magical lifting of the exhuastion yet.  I can barely keep my head up today.  And I have so much to do . . .

[sallyrae17]

So I was right in going to the Doctor. Apparently my sinus infection is bacterial. :-( I started taking antibiotics tonight and I have an appointment with my acupuncturist tomorrow. I hope that she's also able to do something for me. I haven't taken antibiotics in years, though. I need to get some probiotics to make sure I don't mess up my gut. The doc prescribed amoxicillan. Would you recommend taking probiotics while on antibiotics or waiting until I'm done taking them?

ithappened - I wouldn't worry too much about movement. I feel like I haven't felt as much movement this time around either. I think it's because I'm busier and not spending as much time thinking about my belly and analyzing every detail. Also, this babe might not be as active as my son. All babies are different!! 

[intime0]

sallyrae, I usually take them together.  Glad you are going to get some relief now.

Yeah, I'm still feeling pretty tired.  I seem to recall reading an article that said pregnancy can help improve symptoms of depression. Don't quote me. 

Demeter, I'm sorry you arent feeling up to telling everyone yet.  I know your situation is a little different than mine, but I was worried too.  I was pleasantly surprised when we had happy vibes from family.  I mean, what can they do?  I wanted to send an email, but DH called.  LOL

I dont feel a lot of movement either.  Occasional flutter. But from previous pregnancies, I know I dont even notice it unless I'm sitting still.  If I'm up and about, I think the baby is sleeping.  But at night I really bonded with the baby. I "played" with it in the womb.

I dont bring snacks when I go anywhere, so I can purposely order from the food stands. They have delicious pastries everywhere adn I cannot get enough.  But every 2 hours is about my limit.

[Sol_y_Paz]

MsZelda, I am not depressed and still constantly feel so darn happy about this whole baby and being pregnant thing (still one very happy pregnant person here) but I really can relate to what you wrote about sleep and about the desire just to go to bed and sleep as much as possible.  C's mama and Ms Zelda I do hope it isn't a sign of depression for you but glad you are on top of it if it goes there.  Rebecca, hope you get some energy soon.

Sally, so sorry to hear about your infection, glad you are getting it taken care of.  I have taken probiotics in the past with the antibiotics at the same time but I think it was Intuitive Jamie who said it is better to take the probiotics after your antibiotics are finished?  Hope you feel better soon!  

Intime0, That is great they have delicious food available that you love so much to snack on while out and about.  Not a pastry person but I bet the fresh fruit is awesome there.  

[Thandiwe]

Originally Posted by MsZelda 

It's actually quite reassuring to read that so many of you are still struggling with extreme fatigue. I have definitely been fighting it a lot lately, and especially since the Zofran has eased the nausea, I seem more aware of my need for rest. I have actually been spending way too much of time trying to figure out how I can sneak a nap in throughout the day and truly fantasize about crawling into bed. My desire to be in bed as much as possible is worrisome - in my non-pregnant life, this habit is usually a sign of a growing depression - I have been wondering if I am depressed and that is why I am so bloody tired. In a typical day I will try to get an hour long nap in during my work day (I work at home) and sometimes rest on the couch while DD is playing in the morning or after work. I feel like a slug, really bad about myself. This is not the way I want to be, but honestly, sometimes it's hard to keep my head up sitting up at the table.

I would look honestly at the whole picture.  Sleepiness is sooooo normal in pregnancy.  I'm exhausted too!  But I know I'm suffering from prenatal depression, which really has encompassed so many more symptoms than just exhaustion.  For me, a hopeless, unmotivated, pervasively sad feeling, along with a sense of "numb" instead of happy and joyous or even angry at other times.  Anxiety about going into public (not wanting to leave the house "because it's too much effort" when it really makes no sense), and just a gut feeling that these blues are not going away.  I think recognizing it for what it is is largely the biggest first step.  Good for you for examining it!  I was on an anti-d before this pg and stopped rather quickly (faster than I wanted) when I found out I was pg.  I've toyed with the idea of anti-d's while pregnant, and I'm watching closely.  I just want to feel like me again.  But overall, for right now, I'm choosing just to keep communicating with my husband and best friend, working on the guilt (when I don't clean the house, get outdoors, make a dinner, I've experienced this all consuming guilt), and trying to get as much exercise and fresh air as I can muster is it for right now for treatment.

  as you explore this.  Prenatal depression is a very serious problem, and I think so few people understand why you could possibly be feeling so sad.  Most days I don't get it, but I do know that there are so many hormonal changes, not everyone can weather them smoothly.

Edited by Thandiwe - 2/21/12 at 7:55am

[Thandiwe]

Originally Posted by Sol_y_Paz 

Sally, so sorry to hear about your infection, glad you are getting it taken care of.  I have taken probiotics in the past with the antibiotics at the same time but I think it was Intuitive Jamie who said it is better to take the probiotics after your antibiotics are finished? 

If you continue taking probiotics while taking an antibiotic, take them at opposite times.  Like if you take an antbx 2x a day, say 6am and 6pm, then take them halfway between the doses.  Otherwise, you run a greater risk of the antbx killing the probiotic.  Otherwise, start up with a probiotic in the last couple of days of antbx and continue for a week-10 days, though ideally taking one every day should be a part of your supplemental routine at all times, especially in preparation for delivery (and the GBS test for those who get it at 36'ish weeks). 

[folkgirl]

This is my third pregnancy and I am JUST learning about prenatal depression (which I think I have in addition to the anxiety/panic disorder that has developed). I'm not sure if I am open to taking medication or not. The clinic I'm going to is one of the leaders in research on the subject, which is encouraging. I am trying really hard to balance my desire to have a safe and healthy pregnancy with my desire to function and be a good mother to my current children. I'm so thankful for my friends who have been open about the subject with me, because I don't feel so weird or alone and I also knew what to look for and knew that it could occur with pregnancy. Weird stuff for sure.

[Ninetales]

Extreme fatigue has consistently been my only real pregnancy symptom.  If it weren't for that and the lack of a period I honestly might not know I was pregnant.  I do better getting more sleep at night rather than a nap, so I've been trying to get to bed as early as possible.  I still want a nap most days but when I do nap I tend to sleep over an hour and then I have trouble going to bed.

I tried to play with my new Beco but I think Elsa's forgotten what it's like to be worn.  Since she could walk she pretty much eschewed being worn.  I tried to put her in it and she kept screaming "Skeered!  Skeered!"  Guess I have to wait for the baby to try it out.

It was much easier to catch the heartbeat at my appt yesterday.  155, which is so nice to hear.  Between the lack of symptoms and the lack of movement (only a few isolated incidents so far) I've taken to calling the baby Little Matthew McConaghey.  A conch necklace and a pair of tiny bongos and this mellow kid is all set.

My new jogging stroller is arriving today.  Not that I intend to jog with it until like, ever, but I needed that type to get along my neighborhood's crappy sidewalks.  Someday I may power walk with it.  I'm hoping that a better stroller will get me out walking more once it's nice out, with Elsa and later the bub.  I probably shouldn't have splurged but it was a good deal, and I figured I may as well spend a bit more and get something top of the line that will last.

[ithappened]

I was on an anti-d before this pg and stopped rather quickly (faster than I wanted) when I found out I was pg.  I've toyed with the idea of anti-d's while pregnant, and I'm watching closely.  I just want to feel like me again.

This was me as well. I plan on starting them again once I give birth. I made the mistake of not taking them while BFing with DS and its actually amazing I came out of that. In hindsight I have extreme depression but because its not really accepted in Austria, I just assumed it was 'normal' once I got on meds, everything cleared up and suddenly I was sad to realize how long I had really been horribly suffering without help.

MsZelda- I have been EXHAUSTED this pregnancy- most days I have fantasizes about going to bed around 2 or 3pm and at night sometimes I am so exhausted I just dont move from the couch. I can't tell if its the pregnancy or if its being sick or if its having a toddler or some combination of all those things.. I also am suffering from really bad insomnia which I will talk to my OB about at my appointment next week. . It sounds like what you are experiencing is totally normal. I found when it shifts from exhaustion to depression is when, like Thandiwe said I suddenly feel totally hopeless, unmotivated, pervasively sad and sadder.. I isolate myself etc.. The major red flag for me is when I start to think about running away (not literally but in my head) because nothing seems manageable.

[NewMumJoy]

Wow, ladies..... I'm surprised to see how many of us have battled depression/anxiety in some form or another (pre/during/post pregnancy).  I'm glad that everyone is able to recognize what's there and step back to see the big picture (like Thandiwe says).  We need to continue nurturing ourselves in any way possible (with therapy, meditation, diet, exercise, acupuncture or even meds) and stay strong!  Keep talking, communicating and vocalizing your feelings....Lean on your partners, family and friends.  Leverage these online forums to get things off your chest without worry of judgement or consequence.  Hugs!  I hope you start feeling better soon!!

[Sol_y_Paz]

Originally Posted by Ninetales 
My new jogging stroller is arriving today.  Not that I intend to jog with it until like, ever

LOL this comment made me laugh but glad you already have your stroller.  That is way awesome, sounds like a good one too. 

Great the HB was easy to catch and was good at your appt. 

[LilyTiger]

There's a depression thread running around here somewhere (probably got bumped to the next page of our DDC page) if people want to share experiences/treatments, etc. It really does seem to be pretty common.  I'm very surprised I'm not suffering anything so far, since when I was on birth control pills two years ago (my first time on hormonal bc) I was a freaking disaster.  Crying fits, flat affect, etc.  I kept thinking to myself "this is what pregnancy is going to be like".  Fortunately, it's the exact opposite.  But man does it suck while it's happening.

[Knitting Mama]

I just started one-- is there another one too? Oops.