~*Weekly Chat Thread for Jan 4th - Jan. 10th*~ - Page 5 « Back to Group Discussions

[porcelina]

Originally Posted by emily11megan 

Hope the week gets easier for us all.  I really do despise the winter.  Am I the only one looking forward to being hot and waddling to the pool this summer?

I'm with you on that one!! My son is DYING to see snow -- we missed the one time it has snowed this season. Me, well, I'd rather be in sunny weather. With DS2 I was due in September and it was one of the hottest summers on record, but I survived! I am looking forward to sipping that ice water next to the pool to keep the heat at a tolerable level!

As for the AFP and nuchal, I haven't done them before because I was always disappointed with the odds of a false positive -- it was more likely I would get a false positive than the likelihood of baby actually having a problem. So, what's the point? Plus, it's all about these risks and odds and everyone I've known who has done it has freaked out with their numbers, even if they weren't that high risk (like 1 in 100). I have always feared miscarriage and never wanted an amnio or cvs, which is the only way to get a real answer. But, now there is this materniti21 test which tests maternal blood and is supposed to have about 99% accuracy. I have been leaning towards doing this one -- tests for 3 trisomies (including downs and 2 others).

[planegreen]

Hi!  I go tomorrow for my early u/s.  I am 7w today.  The appt will be at my RE's office and if everything is good, I'll be released to his regular OB office.  (My RE is my OB as well.)  I'm really, really, really hoping to see a heartbeat.  I have m/s so I am thinking we will.  With my miscarriage, there was no little blinking light (heartbeat) so I am very nervous.  Still crossing my fingers all is well in there! 

[carmen358]

Originally Posted by emily11megan 

Wow, this thread has been busy!  I've been dealing with snotty, feverish kids and a snotty, feverish husband (which is worse!!??)
 Also, my own m/s, which has thankfully not become actual vomit, and I started Quantum Midwifery School this week, HOORAY!
ANyway, I don't think I can respond to each post that I skimmed over, especially directing it to the right person.  Sorry, ladies.
It sounds like many of us have had a hard time this last few days, I guess this is one of the hard parts of pregnancy.

Was it Heather who went to a birth?  I feel your pain.  I did some looooooong births pregnant while I was apprenticing at a homebirth practice, and it really took a toll on me during certain stages of pregnancy.  Those 24+ hr births are hard, all the meals you've got to piece together, the lost sleep, the squatting!  The beginning was hard, got easy around 15 weeks, then the end.  I had to quit at 34 weeks after doing two births back to back, and my boss had to make me a sandwich while I was staring at the oxygen tank trying to figure out how to get it apart (which I did 50+ times before this).  Anyway, to make my rambling short, hang in there!

I have seen my midwife, I had to find a new one (sniff, sniff) since I moved to a new state.  I wanted to make sure I hired someone early, so I could get someone I  meshed with.  We had a 2 hour consultation visit and I hired her.   I'm 8 weeks, and will see her again in 2 weeks to use the doppler and hear that little drumbeat.

I have a question for y'all:  Have you done a nuchal transparency scan combined with afp bloodwork?  I've never done it with my other pregnancies, but for some reason I feel compelled to look into it this time.  If you've done it (or decided against it) can you please share your experience with me, to help me decide what I'll do?
Thanks in advance.

Hope the week gets easier for us all.  I really do despise the winter.  Am I the only one looking forward to being hot and waddling to the pool this summer?

I did the nt scan and bloodwork with some other testing - nasal bone and something else - with my DD. I am scheduled to do it again for this pregnancy. My bloodwork is next week at 11 weeks and u/s is right before 13 weeks. I felt very reassured by the test. I'm not actually sure what we would do if we had a positive result. We'd go for amnio to confirm and then deal with it. We get the results immediately after the scan.

[somegirl99]

Originally Posted by emily11megan 

I have a question for y'all:  Have you done a nuchal transparency scan combined with afp bloodwork?  I've never done it with my other pregnancies, but for some reason I feel compelled to look into it this time.  If you've done it (or decided against it) can you please share your experience with me, to help me decide what I'll do?

Thanks in advance.

I did the NT scan + bloodwork last time with DS (I was 38 then).  I will be doing it again this time along with the MaterniT21 test (I'm now 41).  I asked my CNM why she was recommending both, and she said that the MaterniT21 test is still so new that they are trying to get more data verifying it against the other screen.  Seems a bit overkill but as long as insurance covers it I'm ok with it. Going for bloodwork next week (11 weeks) and then the u/s the following week (12 weeks).  My CNM's office can do the u/s so it will just be combined with the next prenatal.  Much easier than last time where I was sent to some special genetic screening center. 

Last time I came out as low risk with the NT/bloodwork, so we didn't have any worries or follow-up work from it.

[Banana731]

Stormi - that sounds really difficult. I'm sorry! Can you buy some non-perishable foods (or at least things that can sit out of a fridge) and keep boxes stashed where you spend most of your time, to help stave off the m/s without so much movement?

Originally Posted by carmen358 


Is it true that you feel movement earlier with subsequent pregnancies?

I started feeling movement between 12-14 wks with my second and third

Originally Posted by Tarynosaurus 

So has everyone here seen their doc/midwife yet regarding this pregnancy?

I won't see my MW until closer to 12 weeks, probably. Though I called her a couple of weeks after my BFP and told her to pencil me in! Lol She knew we were trying though. I had exactly one cycle to get pregnant in because of a unexpected possible move overseas in the fall, and since it put my EDD right smack in the middle of prime vacation time, I made sure my MW was available before even trying

Originally Posted by cardigan 


What can I do? I'd like a female doctor. In theory, I'm fine with a resident, but certainly not that one.

Request the doc you want when you make the appt. the office staff can do that for you, even if they don't offer it. You may find that no matter who you see in the office, it's whoever is on call that day for your birth, though. That usually how it works in multi-doctor practices. You should ask the OB you like what the policy is in that regard. If you form a relationship with a certain provider they may offer to attend your birth and put a note in your file to be called when you go to the hospital. It's not the norm, but it does happen sometimes. The only way you'll know though, is if you ask.

Originally Posted by Tarynosaurus 

. I'd be willing to make peace with the BC if it saves us a pretty penny. But there's only ONE in all of Houston that takes our insurance. So it's not like I have options. So frustrating. rant over

Any HBMWs in the area that will take your insurance. Or will your insurance pay an out-of-network provider % for a MW or different BC? That could still save you some money.

Originally Posted by Jillgayle 


I really want to switch to a local midwife practice attached to a Birth Center. I have been holding off until i at least have more confirmation that all is well. maybe I should just call them sooner rather than later and do a meet and greet.

I don't know what is worse, the 2ww to get a BFP or the wait to know everything's ok?

Do it! You're not going to get any happier with providers you don't like by waiting

AFM: dh left today. It's also my bday. I think that those two things combined are getting to me a little more than I anticipated. I am a little low

[LeighPF]

I saw my midwife at 6.5 weeks, mostly for a get to know you and answer all the preliminary questions (on both side) she did get a few heartbeats which was quite impressive. I go back next week (10.5 weeks) and scored an appointment when I will be able to go all alone, no kids to help her.

My brother and his girlfriend decided to come visit us and are going to be here for two weeks next month, which is a huge visit. We do a lot of pintrest together and she suggested painting my kitchen cabinets while she is here (with her doing all the baby unsafe priming) which is great, but will be a lot of work. They will both be a big help with the kids, it just means lots of energy going out too.

I had my first meeting for co-chairing a local charity kids clothes/gear consignment sale at the beginning of March. I hope I feel better. The real fun will be doing it again in September.

[HippieIncognito]

I see my mw at 10 weeks so I still have 3 more to go. I am really excited to see her again. I felt such a strong bond with her after my daughter's hb :)

[bdoody11]

Originally Posted by mellybelly 

Well girls, I got the stomach bug that my son had... I hope... Oh God, please let this not be the beginning of even worse morning sickness. Blech. I guess I'll know in a day or so.

I had the stomach flu over Christmas. I was 7 weeks and it was awful! I was truly sick for one day and then super nauseous for the next three days. I thought I was getting really bad m/s, but it went back to "normal" after a few days. Hang in there!

Originally Posted by Banana731 

I'm sorry for your loss, aphel

Melly- that sucks!

Crunchy- that sucks!

Afm: my dh took me out for Thai and a movie last night AND let me sleep in today I'm still in bed. Tomorrow is my bday but dh is leaving for a 4 mo trip to Switzerland. So yeah for my treats, but how am I going to deal with all these kids???

My Dh travels 4 days every two weeks and I really struggle. Sending you good vibes, mama!

[quote name="Tarynosaurus"
url="/community/t/1371468/weekly-chat-thread-for-jan-4th-jan-10th/60#post_17225702"]So has everyone here seen their doc/midwife yet regarding this pregnancy?
[/quote

I see my midwife next Thursday. I'll be 10 weeks.

[somegirl99]

Originally Posted by Banana731 

Afm: my dh took me out for Thai and a movie last night AND let me sleep in today I'm still in bed. Tomorrow is my bday but dh is leaving for a 4 mo trip to Switzerland. So yeah for my treats, but how am I going to deal with all these kids???

Originally Posted by bdoody11 

My Dh travels 4 days every two weeks and I really struggle. Sending you good vibes, mama!

My DH works swing shift and I work day shift so I barely see him during the week. 

This is a new position for him and is an improvement over the previous one, where he would frequently disappear on 4-6 week long business trips.

Before I had DS, I used to travel a lot as well, and we'd kind of see each other passing on our way to and from the airport (just had to make sure one of us would be home for the dogs).  Luckily my travel has since been cut down to almost none.

So anyway, I know how challenging it can be on your own.  Big hugs to both of you!

[askew]

Had my first appointment today, had a dating u/s and saw the hb. I've been sort of in denial that there is a baby in there- and that really brought it home. lol 

[thecoffeebean]

Congrats, askew! That's great news.

[LeighPF]

Love is when  your husband gets home from an extra long day at work, turns around to walk to the store to get you ginger ale (asking first which kind you want), bring it home, pouring it in a glass and putting it in the freezer because you asked for it cold, before delivering it. Then putting the crazy baby to bed.

[cardigan]

Originally Posted by LeighPF 

Love is when  your husband gets home from an extra long day at work, turns around to walk to the store to get you ginger ale (asking first which kind you want), bring it home, pouring it in a glass and putting it in the freezer because you asked for it cold, before delivering it. Then putting the crazy baby to bed.

That is excellent!

Askew: So exciting!

[carmen358]

Originally Posted by askew 

Had my first appointment today, had a dating u/s and saw the hb. I've been sort of in denial that there is a baby in there- and that really brought it home. lol 

yay! congrats!

[HeatherB]

I saw my MW today and, despite being only 10.5 weeks when I have a hard time hearing an early heartbeat, WE HEARD IT! The kids and I all got to hear it for several seconds (10?). It took her time to find it but it was there!

AND we survived the rest of the day with visits from MIL and other friends without them spilling the beans!

[Stormikris]

Originally Posted by HeatherB 

I saw my MW today and, despite being only 10.5 weeks when I have a hard time hearing an early heartbeat, WE HEARD IT! The kids and I all got to hear it for several seconds (10?). It took her time to find it but it was there!

AND we survived the rest of the day with visits from MIL and other friends without them spilling the beans!

So the kids all know now? Did you tell them today?

[HeatherB]

Yes, they do. I told them last night. I had mentioned that my MW was coming, as well as my MIL and other friends, over the course of the day. So my keen 10yo asked WHY my MW was coming. She's also a close friend so we do see each other outside of being pg , but I wanted to tell them so that worked well. They are over the moon excited! And it was so cute because the 2yo already knew. I asked her where the baby is and she said, "In your tummy!" and pointed to it. So they got to jump and dance around the house last night, talk all day today, hear the heartbeat, and THEN were able to contain their excitement with other folks around.

[HeatherB]

Originally Posted by Tarynosaurus 

Makes me feel better askew. I'm 9 weeks tomorrow, and actually havent even found a midwife yet. I've been contacting a birth center here, and they have yet to get back with me (been over a week!). I had two previous homebirths, and dont even want to birth at a BC, but i now have insurance, and DH and I would really like to take advantage (we paid out of pocket for the first two). I'd be willing to make peace with the BC if it saves us a pretty penny. But there's only ONE in all of Houston that takes our insurance. So it's not like I have options. So frustrating. rant over

Have you talked to your MW? Is it someone you want to use again? I'm also in Houston and will be seeing the same HB MW I've used 3 times already. My insurance has paid portions, as long as it's al billed correctly (which is, of course, difficult to do ). I think the best thing is to pay ahead and get reimbursed, but it may also be possible to just bill insurance after the fact. Definitely call around and talk to MWs about what their experiences are with your insurance and what they can offer. Birth centers will be able to offer similar information.

Originally Posted by emily11megan 

Was it Heather who went to a birth?  I feel your pain.  I did some looooooong births pregnant while I was apprenticing at a homebirth practice, and it really took a toll on me during certain stages of pregnancy.  Those 24+ hr births are hard, all the meals you've got to piece together, the lost sleep, the squatting!  The beginning was hard, got easy around 15 weeks, then the end.  I had to quit at 34 weeks after doing two births back to back, and my boss had to make me a sandwich while I was staring at the oxygen tank trying to figure out how to get it apart (which I did 50+ times before this).  Anyway, to make my rambling short, hang in there!

I have a question for y'all:  Have you done a nuchal transparency scan combined with afp bloodwork?  I've never done it with my other pregnancies, but for some reason I feel compelled to look into it this time.  If you've done it (or decided against it) can you please share your experience with me, to help me decide what I'll do?
Thanks in advance.

Yep, that was me! I've been assisting my MW with home births, too, but due to various circumstances (personal and pregnancy), I'm not currently being called. I told her that I *really* want to go, though. I need to figure out better childcare arrangements, though. That's the hardest part!

I have never done AFP/etc. testing, primarily because I would not terminate. Also, major issues are generally visible via ultrasound, especially the later you get it done. Last time, I didn't even get an u/s until 32-34 weeks. At that point, everything is big and clear, so I'd be prepared if there were major issues, but I don't risk false positives.

[mellybelly]

Hi all!

This page has been so busy recently!

Emily and Porcelina, I can totally see both sides of the winter argument.  Several years ago, I decided that I live in New England, we have seasons, and I can't just keep complaining about two of them (summer AND winter) :)  So I decided to stick with winter complaining.  But since I've started staying home with my kids, I'm trying to take a more zen-like approach:  we've got it, might as well try to make the best of it.  So I've been trying to stock up on warm clothes and gear up for sledding :)  But right now, we just have some left over ice and it's not fun - can't go sledding and can't really play at the park.  So...  I'm torn :)

And Emily, I will be getting the NT scan.  I did with both of my other pregnancies and now I'm technically "AMA" (35), so I'm sure by Ob will recommend it and, as importantly, my insurance will pay for it.  I am someone who will be calmer knowing earlier rather than later about anything.

Tarynosaurus, I haven't seen my Ob yet (I'm seeing an Ob through the first trimester for insurance reasons, then am switching to a MW).  But I go on Monday.  I will be 9.5 weeks.  I can't wait!  It seems like it's been such a long wait!

Awesome news, askew and Heather!  So exciting!  I can't wait for the next few weeks to see more and more of these types of updates popping up!

Leigh, so lovely to have a wonderful husband!

Jillgayle, do I remember that you're looking at the BC at Beverly Hospital?  I don't know about up there, but definitely at Cambridge, they will see you starting in the very beginning.  I just went to an info session on Monday and was actually surprised at how "mainstream" everything was.  It was basically just a hospital with queen sized beds, a relaxed attitude toward intervention, and loose rules about who you can bring with you to the birth.  What I mean by that is that they definitely can do everything that the hospital can do, so if you're not high risk (and if you don't have any whacky insurance issues, like me!), going there now is almost certainly an option.

Banana, how are you holding up?
 

Fortunately, REALLY fortunately, the stomach bug was not as bad as it could have been.  Phew.  The day before it hit was really the low point, psychologically.  I thought for sure that my m/s had taken a turn for the worse and I was feeling really glum, but then I got sick and it actually wasn't that bad.  Yesterday, I was in recovery and today I feel basically back to normal.  Thank goodness!  (As an aside, the radio personality that I listen to every morning--and am listening to now--sounds like she has a wicked cold.  It's making me sad for her and simultaneously glad that I'm not her...)

Has anyone else been waking up at ludicrous hours?  I keep waking up to pee at like 4:45 and not being able to fall back asleep.  So today I laid in bed for like an hour.  Then started browsing real estate on my iPhone in bed (wow - that sounds like something I should be taking to confession!), and then got up like half an hour later.  It's nice to have some time to myself, but it means I'll be WRECKED by the time DH gets home from work.  On the upside, I got to read through the mothering.com website :)

[bdoody11]

Originally Posted by askew 

Had my first appointment today, had a dating u/s and saw the hb. I've been sort of in denial that there is a baby in there- and that really brought it home. lol 

Congrats!

Originally Posted by LeighPF 

Love is when  your husband gets home from an extra long day at work, turns around to walk to the store to get you ginger ale (asking first which kind you want), bring it home, pouring it in a glass and putting it in the freezer because you asked for it cold, before delivering it. Then putting the crazy baby to bed.

That is an awesome DH! There are nights when I've looked at DH and said," I'll give you a $100 to do bedtime".

Originally Posted by HeatherB 

I saw my MW today and, despite being only 10.5 weeks when I have a hard time hearing an early heartbeat, WE HEARD IT! The kids and I all got to hear it for several seconds (10?). It took her time to find it but it was there!

AND we survived the rest of the day with visits from MIL and other friends without them spilling the beans!

So exciting! I'm hoping we'll get to hear next week at 10 weeks. I want to record it on my iPhone so DD1 can hear it later.

Originally Posted by HeatherB 

Have you talked to your MW? Is it someone you want to use again? I'm also in Houston and will be seeing the same HB MW I've used 3 times already. My insurance has paid portions, as long as it's al billed correctly (which is, of course, difficult to do ). I think the best thing is to pay ahead and get reimbursed, but it may also be possible to just bill insurance after the fact. Definitely call around and talk to MWs about what their experiences are with your insurance and what they can offer. Birth centers will be able to offer similar information.
Yep, that was me! I've been assisting my MW with home births, too, but due to various circumstances (personal and pregnancy), I'm not currently being called. I told her that I *really* want to go, though. I need to figure out better childcare arrangements, though. That's the hardest part!

I have never done AFP/etc. testing, primarily because I would not terminate. Also, major issues are generally visible via ultrasound, especially the later you get it done. Last time, I didn't even get an u/s until 32-34 weeks. At that point, everything is big and clear, so I'd be prepared if there were major issues, but I don't risk false positives.

We will not be doing the nuchael for the same reason. Also, DH doesn't want to do any testing that might cause miscarriage (cvs, amnio) and I don't want a high probability result or false positive without the option of further testing. I don't want to be anxious about what ifs for 7 months.