Chat Thread February 5-10 « Back to Group Discussions

[rachieface]

So, I'm guessing a bunch of us will be having babies in the next few days. Eeeek! So exciting.

How is everyone feeling?

I feel kind of "meh". I want to have this baby, but I'm just sort of resigned to letting things go today. My constant menstrual crampiness and back pain died down during the night, so I don't think my membrane sweep "worked." Which is fine, I didn't really expect it to unless I was close any way! And I'd rather feel good if my discomfort isn't going to turn into productive contractions.

Today I went to a weekly group I'm a part of and got a lot of "you're still here??" Yes, yes I am. I'm not even 40 weeks yet so not too shocking really.

[rachieface]

Question for you mamas:

As of last night, my two-year-old has a cough, hoarse voice, and no other apparent symptoms (he seems his normal self, no runny nose or fever, etc). Any ideas what that might be? I'm trying not to freak out about it since he seems fine, but I just hope it doesn't develop into something worse...

We are delayed/selective vaxxers so he's not fully vax'd for pertussis, and so even though I know it's unlikely I'm going to worst case scenario in my head.

[lovebeingamomma]

Originally Posted by rachieface 

Question for you mamas:

As of last night, my two-year-old has a cough, hoarse voice, and no other apparent symptoms (he seems his normal self, no runny nose or fever, etc). Any ideas what that might be? I'm trying not to freak out about it since he seems fine, but I just hope it doesn't develop into something worse...

We are delayed/selective vaxxers so he's not fully vax'd for pertussis, and so even though I know it's unlikely I'm going to worst case scenario in my head.

Getting teeth?  My toddler gets the worst symptoms when she's getting teeth in.  It's unlikey that it's pertussis, which usually starts with cold symptoms and than weeks later develops into a bad cough.  I understand the worry though, we don't vax so I always jump to conclusions too.  Could also be croup, which goes around every winter, kids got it last winter, just used a humidifer and hot shower steam with the door closed (I would just hold them sitting on the toilet) during their really bad episodes at night.  For "medicine", I would just give honey at this point.

[Chloe'sMama]

Allergies are bad in my area right now..... maybe something like that?

I am feeling terrible today. Had really loose stool and the chills again and now I am taking a hot bath and am still cold. My throat hurts and I cant stop coughing (and then peeing on myself).

I talked with my ped and mw yesterday and they said no kisses if baby comes.... makes me sad. I want to keep him safe, but newborn kisses are just so addicting.no face or hand kisses at all.

I am anxious to get this all done, but I also think it would be better to wait.

[etsdtm99]

Could be anything, but i doubt its pertussis, Rachieface, just try not to worry! 

I am experiencing something new the past couple days - a stabbing hot knife type pain around/above my belly button (i have a piercing scar there, it radiates from that) my chiro today said i probably tore some scar tissue under the skin .. it really hurts!  i've got new stretch marks in that area so it makes sense but OUCH. i don't FEEL like i'm that much more stretched than with my other 3 kids, but apparently it could just be stretching previously over-stretched skin that hurts so bad..   it feels like fire when anything touches it so wearing clothes today has been a bit of a challenge..  it gets better after a bit but then the clothes move and it starts again..

think i'm going for another walk today - i am starting to feel more and more like i will be pregnant at least another 2 weeks but every day i am more ok with that (39+1 today) of course, i'm ok with that and then i move and feel like i'm being stabbed with a hot knife and i'm back to not being so excited about this.. like what other part of me is going to break/fall apart/tear  before this is done?!

I went to a LLL playgroup today and got a lot of 'next time you'll have the baby!'  but no,  next mtg is monday night - i'll probably still be pg - maybe the one after that :P 

[akemi]

Argh... had another ultrasound today that I was hoping would somehow "correct" the impression that the last ultrasound gave where they said my baby was 9lbs at 37weeks. But I guess maybe he is a big guy in there -- he measured at 11lbs today  I have an OB appointment tomorrow and I just KNOW the doctor is going to urge an earlier date for a section. I was already on the fence about the one scheduled for 41 weeks so now I'm just really annoyed and done with worrying about it and aggravated.

I wish I was zen enough to just believe that my body would be ok doing this without worry that the baby is too big etc, but instead I worry that maybe I have undiagnosed GD or something and the baby IS that big, and a VBAC would be a bad idea etc. I know it's not statistically relevant, but I have a friend who had a baby that got stuck with shoulder distocia, and her tendons got broken during birth, and now at 8 she's had numerous surgeries, but still doesn't have the use of her left hand :( I would hate to have that happen just to save myself the increased recovery time of a section. My other reason for a VBAC is just so that I can have given birth, which also sounds selfish. 

It's hard to deal with all this since everyone in my circle of relationships doesn't really see the big deal with a section at all. They'd probably opt for the section with no angst whatsoever.

[lovebeingamomma]

Originally Posted by akemi 

Argh... had another ultrasound today that I was hoping would somehow "correct" the impression that the last ultrasound gave where they said my baby was 9lbs at 37weeks. But I guess maybe he is a big guy in there -- he measured at 11lbs today  I have an OB appointment tomorrow and I just KNOW the doctor is going to urge an earlier date for a section. I was already on the fence about the one scheduled for 41 weeks so now I'm just really annoyed and done with worrying about it and aggravated.

I wish I was zen enough to just believe that my body would be ok doing this without worry that the baby is too big etc, but instead I worry that maybe I have undiagnosed GD or something and the baby IS that big, and a VBAC would be a bad idea etc. I know it's not statistically relevant, but I have a friend who had a baby that got stuck with shoulder distocia, and her tendons got broken during birth, and now at 8 she's had numerous surgeries, but still doesn't have the use of her left hand :( I would hate to have that happen just to save myself the increased recovery time of a section. My other reason for a VBAC is just so that I can have given birth, which also sounds selfish. 

It's hard to deal with all this since everyone in my circle of relationships doesn't really see the big deal with a section at all. They'd probably opt for the section with no angst whatsoever.

VBAC's are not just for "selfish" reasons!  If I was going for a VBAC, it would be because it's healthier for the baby, period.  I know it's hard to be comforted by this, but ultrasounds truly can be VERY off, and shoulder dystocia IS rare even if he were big.  I hope you can feel peace with what you decide!

[HouseofPeace]

Originally Posted by rachieface 

Question for you mamas:

As of last night, my two-year-old has a cough, hoarse voice, and no other apparent symptoms (he seems his normal self, no runny nose or fever, etc). Any ideas what that might be? I'm trying not to freak out about it since he seems fine, but I just hope it doesn't develop into something worse...

We are delayed/selective vaxxers so he's not fully vax'd for pertussis, and so even though I know it's unlikely I'm going to worst case scenario in my head.

allergies?  we've had a bunch of allergens pop up since all our snow melted.  my kids have had a few things like that too, and i always figure if they don't actually feel bad, then they're fine.  and just give them extra citrus, rest, and let them get through it.  

so far, no pertussis over here!!!

[typebug]

My ribs hurt! I feel like my pillow fortress beat me up in my sleep.

[Dia]

Hey ladies,
I haven't been posting a lot in this group, but have been silently following along the chatter. It's so exciting that our babies are starting to be born! I'm hanging out at 37 weeks and some change and feeling pretty good.

I wonder if anyone else, in this very final part of pregnancy, is suddenly dealing with a lot of fear. Especially first time moms. I woke up wide awake last night thinking, oh god why did I imagine I could have CHILD? I have no business parenting a person!! Our life will NEVER be the SAME!! Stuff like that.

I have this sense that fears such as this could inhibit my going into labor, so I'm really trying to acknowledge nd work through it now. Is it a normal way to feel?

[Gillmoro]

Typebug-  Same here, I my ribs feel that way pretty much everyday.  My baby is still not engaged and keeps floating into my ribs at night so I think that is the cause.

Dia-  I had a lot of those same feelings last time around and also about being able to go through labor and give birth.  IMO it sounds pretty normal but some meditation on this subject sounds like a good idea.  I will say having gone through and come out on the other side it is totally worth it and all those fears melt away when you see your sweet baby for the first time. 

I am sooooooo ready at this point and feel like I am going to be pregnant forever.  I'm only 38+3 so I'm trying so hard to be patient but I just feel done.  DD came at 39 weeks but I wasn't as sure about her dates so maybe it was later or maybe this baby will want to stay in until 41 weeks?  I have all baby stuff prepared, I have meals set-up, I have stopped worrying about school work, DH has lightened his work load to be available for when the time comes, I did my belly cast and belly pics, I even painted my toe-nails (BY MYSELF!).  Just add baby!!  Everytime I get up to pee or have a BM I wish for my water to break.  Everytime I get a "real" contraction I pray for more and more.  I know when I hit transition I will want to take it all back but I am so ready to meet this baby.  Kudos to all you mamas out there who go to 42 weeks: teach me your ways:-)

I am looking forward to seeing more babies on our board and hearing more sweet birth stories to keep my spirits up. 

I hope everyone is recovering from illnesses quickly and that you are all in a nice peaceful frame of mind for labor and birth!

[rachieface]

So, I've been having bloody show since like 2:30 this afternoon, but I don't know if it's "real" bloody show since I had my membranes swept yesterday morning. But I hardly had any blood in the 30 hours between that and this afternoon, so maybe? Hmmm. Haven't had any painful contractions really, just some cramps and the ever present BH contractions. 

Would bleeding from a membrane sweep randomly start more than a day later? This is definitely bloody thick mucous, not spotting.

Dia, I have random fearful moments and this isn't even my first. I think it's totally normal to suddenly be like "OH! This kid thing is happening. What did we do???"

Akemi, those kind of stories are so hard to hear/think about this late in pregnancy. You are NOT selfish at all for wanting to have a VBAC. Your baby would probably prefer that too. :)

Staci and Typebug, sorry about the pain. That just sucks.

[lovebeingamomma]

I can't reach my cervix now.. I wonder if that means baby head has come down more??  So sick of these braxton hicks!!

Rachieface I hope labor is on it's way for you very soon!!
 

[Teles]

I'm not sick anymore! Admittedly, I'm still a little iffy on occasion with a runny nose and occasional dry cough, but I feel strong enough to be able to have a baby anytime now.

I'm due on Thursday but I'm feeling a whole lot of nothing over here in terms of labour signs. I guess I should be thankful that I feel fine but I'm very much over maneuvering around this giant body and my belly is really starting to itch so I'd like to have her asap. I'll be officially overdue if I make it to my next doctor appointment on Friday, so I think I'll consent to a membrane sweep.

Dia: I'm a FTM and have moments of "my life is going to change forever" every now and again - I think it's quite normal. It's the "I'm going to be somebody's mom" thoughts that really trap me most of the time because the concept of this is so bizarre to me.

I'll be spending tonight watching scary movies while bouncing on my birth ball, drinking RRL, eating dates, and pressing on SP6.

[Dakota1235]

Originally Posted by akemi 

Argh... had another ultrasound today that I was hoping would somehow "correct" the impression that the last ultrasound gave where they said my baby was 9lbs at 37weeks. But I guess maybe he is a big guy in there -- he measured at 11lbs today  I have an OB appointment tomorrow and I just KNOW the doctor is going to urge an earlier date for a section. I was already on the fence about the one scheduled for 41 weeks so now I'm just really annoyed and done with worrying about it and aggravated.

NOt sure if this helps, but my hospital based midwives don't do u/s to measure size, because of how unreliable it is. One midwife told me about a client who was using one of the OBs at the same hospital and had an u/s that estimated a fetal weight of 11 lbs and she ended up vaginally birthing a 7 something pounder.

Really I think you just have to trust what you feel.

[LadyCatherine185]

Rach- a membrane sweep can cause you to lose your mucous plug/have bloody show.. which of course means you could start labor anytime in the next few days/weeks.. ;)

[loveandgarbage]

akemi, do you feel like you're carrying a large baby? My first was close to 12 lbs and I definitely "knew" he was gigantic. And then carrying his 8 lb brother two years later really made me realize how large my belly had been the first time. And yeah, late US can be sooooo off. What's your gut saying on this?

So today is my due date. And it will most likely pass without a baby! Yesterday I cleaned/organized from 8 am until 10 pm so maybe that was a last nesting burst? I'm totally paying for it today though. Can hardly keep my eyes open and it feels like I sprained my crotch.

I also have birth fears, even though this is my third. It's natural. I just try to replace them with positive daydreams.

[akemi]

Thanks for the reassurance everyone :) I've been of the opinion that ultrasounds are not very good at measuring weight, especially this far along, but I was having some moments of doubts today.

I've decided I'm going to let the dr sweep my membranes tomorrow, and maybe even go in on Friday to have it done again, then twice next week, but I'm not going to give up my VBAC hopes until I go past due at least.

I've felt a little crampy today with possible contractions, but I'm not really sure that's what they are. Sometimes I think what I think are contractions is just the baby stretching out.

Dia: My first is 7 now and she's wonderful. Such a help and a joy to have around for the most part... So it's twofold - we're definitely in for some hard, trying times in the next few years, but really... it's all worth it. I'm sure when she hits puberty it's going to be hard again... probably even HARDER than toddlerhood and sleeplessness. I liken this whole getting pregnant thing to getting on a roller coaster... you make the decision to get on, then when you're going up the hill you're like... what was i thinking?!?! but you've committed... and it's too late. But once you're flying along you know it was the right decision.

[akemi]

Originally Posted by loveandgarbage 

akemi, do you feel like you're carrying a large baby? My first was close to 12 lbs and I definitely "knew" he was gigantic. And then carrying his 8 lb brother two years later really made me realize how large my belly had been the first time. And yeah, late US can be sooooo off. What's your gut saying on this?

That's a good point.. I don't really feel like I'm carrying a large baby. Not any larger that DD and she was only 9lbs 10oz. Probably about the same... but I would be surprised if he was over 10 lbs.

12lbs... wow!!! You have my admiration :)

DH is very big - 6'4" and 300lbs with a slight pot belly, but very muscular and just overall solid otherwise. His 8yo daughter is also quite large, and I'm not small by any means, so it would make sense that this baby is not tiny.

[kellybeth]

Originally Posted by loveandgarbage 

akemi, do you feel like you're carrying a large baby? My first was close to 12 lbs and I definitely "knew" he was gigantic. And then carrying his 8 lb brother two years later really made me realize how large my belly had been the first time. And yeah, late US can be sooooo off. What's your gut saying on this?

So today is my due date. And it will most likely pass without a baby! Yesterday I cleaned/organized from 8 am until 10 pm so maybe that was a last nesting burst? I'm totally paying for it today though. Can hardly keep my eyes open and it feels like I sprained my crotch.

I also have birth fears, even though this is my third. It's natural. I just try to replace them with positive daydreams.

about your first- my husband said "ouch!" you have his admiration, too.