July Mamas - - December thread

[oceanbaby]

Our last thread was getting pretty long, so I thought it might be a good time to start a new one. And welcome to those that have recently joined us!

I don't have the old thread up for reference, but I think it was Snowbaby - you said your spotting had stopped? I'm very happy to hear that!

I've been feeling a little better yesterday and so far today. I also haven't been taking my prenatals everyday, so I'm not sure if that's the culprit or not. I have an appt. Dec 12 and am hoping to hear the heartbeat. I'll be 10 weeks along then.

Ds has been extremely restless at night, so I haven't gotten a whole lot of sleep, but I'm managing. I just can't stay awake past 10pm.

I'm trying to resist the urge to buy baby stuff. I have a feeling this baby is a girl. Not a strong feeling though, so I don't feel justified enough to buy girl things. But even the adorable little boy newborn outfits are calling my name!

We did not find out the sex with ds, and probably won't this time either, although I do find myself more tempted.

[wolfmom]

Well I felt so yucky yest but guess what? I woke up with energy today! This is the first time in weeks that i have had any energy to speak of. The funny thing is that yest i felt awful with a sore throat and everything and now i feel great in spite of taking care of 5 flu victims yest at work! crazy huh? i don't know how long this good feeling will last so i'm trying to take advantage of it. Also yest i was very worried that the baby isn't healthy or growing. sigh. i guess i'll always have that fear now, at least to some extent. anyway, i made an appointment with the mw for next wed but i am going to change it to the following wk. there's no reason to go until i have a chance of hearing the heartbeat. besides, next wed will be the same time i found out about the death of my last baby and i think i need to be pampering myself at home that day. gotta run, 2 yr old needs me!

[Mamma2Addison]

I was wondering why the old thread had suddenly gotten so quiet :scratch.

I'm trying not to buy fabric. I'm aching to sew some body suits and trying to convince myself I only need boy fabric for ds {all that cute fairie fabric is calling to me}. I was in Babies R Us the other day and though, "Gee, I don't really need to buy anything." Of course, with ds I bought a ton of stuff I didn't even need so...

Sadly, it's not even 7 PM here and I'm going to bed as soon as ds does. I'm zonked.

[sunbaby]

oceanbaby, sorry to hear you are having such a hard time getting sleep. sleep is definately the one thing that seems to help me toerate the nausea, so i hope your ds gives you a chance to catch some more shut eye soon.

i have just given up on prenatals. i take folic acid and that is all i can handle for now.

i am gonna find out the gender this time around. dh was strongly against it last time, so i let it go. but this time i still really want to know, so he is compromising. not for planning sake or anything, we try to keep stuff pretty neutral in the early days anyway, but just because i am dying for any clues at all about my little hiding babe. i would like to experience a boy, but i picture us with a family full of girls. we will see. that is the only sonogram i will have, and i am not gonna let them do the whole heart and brain check thing, since whatever is, just is. and all those tests didnt actually do much to ease my mind last time aroud anyway(i worried they were missing something)

wolfmom, glad you had a better day.
still some spotting, but i think it is ok. still running up one hell of a food billl because i have to run out to the store every day because i rarely can eat the same thing twice. i wish i could just have a home iv and skip the whole food dilemma. but mostly i am ok, especially when i hear how much harder some others have it, i cant complain much. i want to send out some :love to all us mommas who are working hard building these babies.

oh my, what a book i have written. can you all tell i took a big nap today? feeling chatty.

[kris1225]

Hi everyone. I am not new to MDC per se, but I rarely have posted. I am recently pregnant with #2 so I have been all over the message boards lurking about for a place to hang. Hope y'all will have me!

I have 1 toddler - Zoie who is just over 2 and nursing away on my ridiculously sore nipples. And this baby is due 7-22-04.

I have a WAHM sling business that I can barely keep up with due to the m/s. I keep thinking, how did I get into this mess? lol.

Kristen :belly

[ChildoftheMoon]

Welcome Kristen:love Glad you joined us!

Finally found the new thread! December sure snuck up on me:D

Brandi:love

[oceanbaby]

Welcome Kristen, I'm glad you found us.

And Sunbaby,

still running up one hell of a food billl because i have to run out to the store every day because i rarely can eat the same thing twice. i wish i could just have a home iv and skip the whole food dilemma.

This is exactly what is going on over here. It's driving me crazy. We have been eating out or ordering in so much because I never want what we have in the house. I'm really getting tired of it.

Wolfmom, I'm glad you're feeling better. I can't wait to have my energy levels back, mainly so I can get this house back in order, start cooking again, and be able to play with ds (and dh, snicker snicker).

Mama2Addison - My mom has already started knitting. I know what you mean about the fabric thing. It's really hard for me not to buy any as well, because I know I won't have time to sew after the baby's born.

Well, I just ate an english muffin, and I'm not nauseous yet, so that's something to celebrate!

[my2girlz]

Welcome Kristen!

So far I feel great! My only "complaint" would be that I'm also having the problem where nothing in the house looks good enough to eat. :rolleyes: I have been wanting bread and butter pickles though.

As of right now I have no symptoms. Is that good or bad? With my first I was nauseous and tired all the time. I would get at least 12 hours of sleep per night and I was still dead tired. When I was pregnant with Saige I had to have a peanut butter sandwich before I went to bed and that help with the morning sickness. They all stopped by the time I was 15 weeks though.

My feeling is that we are having a boy. We already have 2 girls. My 4 year old has been telling everyone for the past 6 months that we are pregnant with a boy. We are finding out this time for sure! I can't wait!

[mamaofthree]

Hi all, I guess you are my group! I am due sometime in july... towards the end of the month.
I am dying here with the m/s! It is all I can do to function. I am so tired and drained, and DS#2 is still nursing, I just want him to stop, it is sucking what little will I have to live! :LOL
I keep calling off of work, luckly the hospital I work at is being understanding, I am just so... UGH!
My other kiddies are being so good. DD is so sweet! Loving on me and all. She is being a good mama to me! :love :love

I am totally with you on the food thing. All I want are beans! Of course no one else does! So we have been eating out a lot! :rolleyes: (not a good thing!)
We aren't going to find out with this one, we did with the boys, and DD we had an ultrasound, but it was early, trying to see how far along we were... I have unpredictable periods! This time NO ultrasound!

H

[youngnhappymamma]

Hi again ladies!!! :D I am feeling a bit less m/s, but I am also having to eat different things everyday...just about every "real" meal I've made since being pregnant I don't think I'll be able to eat for years!!!! I feel awful about our food bill and about going out for food or buying more at the store when our cupboards and freezer are FULL of food....but none of it sounds good!!! And I know if I make it myself it will make me sick!!! Oh well...hopefully just a few more weeks of feeling yucky....
My dd is still nursing frequently during the day, but I have night weaned her and so now when she wants to nurse during the day it doesn't bug me anymore....I am soooooooooooooooo happy about the nightweaning!!! :banana And I actually enjoy the break to just sit and nurse her during the day...most of the time. :)

[spinach]

For all of you who are pregnant and feeling INCREDIBLY tired... how are you managing with your other child/ren? Up until recently, we limited tv to one show per day. Now, I feel like I don't know how to get through the first trimester without lots of tv. How are you managing?

I'm still nauseous. I just want to eat cereal constantly. I can barely open the frig to get food for my dd. Everything looks disgusting. We're getting Chipotle tonight. I will have no problem eating an entire burrito and I can't wait!

Welcome mamaofthree!

[midwifer]

Wow, so many people feeling the same way! I have the exact same eating problem and usually I love everything! Can't get enough mexican right now. Still having such a hard time with the N&V. I am not going to call it m/s because it is all freakin day long. This is only my second, but I am already thinking I can not do this again unless I have a nanny, a housekeeper, and a chef, or an 18 long week vacation in Mexico (that is how long the N&V lasted the first time).
So, I am going to try and discuss something else....How many folks are having homebirths? I did with my first and it was an amazing experience. I am planning on it this time too, but I am more nervous this time around.
Keep up the baby growing...

[Mamma2Addison]

Spinach ~ I've been pretty lucky that ds is good at entertaining himself {rarely sits with me for long to play} but he also loves his books. When I'm too tired to do much else, he's quite content to sit with me while we read books. He also seems to find more amusement in our dog and cat, much to their annoyance.

My huge food aversion is Italian and quite a shock since I am Italian. :eek Absolutely cannot stand the thought of it! But I adore raisin bran which I haven't had in years. I'm going through a box every two days and heaven help dh if he eats any of it, LOL.

[sunbaby]

yesterday i liked beans (pre packaged dip of course :rolleyes:) today i would have killed for pancakes- the fluffy white ones that have 0 value. we dont have the fixins for that here, all our flour is whole grain and i couldnt go out again, we just got our credit card bill and it is so high, and most of it is from my food requirements.

midwifer, we are palnning a home birth.

as for how i take care of dd, well i am not doing very good job. we have pretty much cut out videos, we dont have tv, so i have been reading more, and yelling more :( . crafts keep dd pretty busy, and i am making extra social dates for her since if there is at least one other kid to play with, i can do more siting and less entertaining. also, dh has been a big big help, letting me sleep in till 8 and taking over some afternoons. i could definately tell it is the days he cant help when i feel sickest. i have definately been fantasizing about going to the vid store and just just parking dd for a day, but i wont, unless it gets to the point where i think it will be worse for her to be with just me than veging out. she is a pretty easy kid, so it hasnt come to that yet. also she is in preschool two mornings a week. i dont require ANYTHING of myself except that i do my best to care for dd, all else (housework)is extra, and i only do it if i can.

[youngnhappymamma]

I love cold cereal too!!!!!

My kids watch PBS or some other videos or something most mornings while I doze on teh couch. I feel sort of bad about it, but right now I really don't have many other choices. I am SOOOOOOOOOOOo tired!!! I totally forgot about this aspect of pregnancy!! My dh is totally and utterly busy finishing up his semester at school, so he can't help as much as would be nice, but he does help when he has a spare moment. The house is usually a lot less than *clean*......but this is all I can manage right now, and I'm okay with that. We are going to my parents for a few weeks at Christmas.....I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!

[youngnhappymamma]

Oh, and I half want a homebirth, half want a uc, half want a hosptial birth (wait....that's like one and half total...) We have a really terrific hospital here with the lowest c-section rates and highest natural births in the state. They have really homey rooms with big beds and private jucuzzis and midwives deliver there....I am feeling really torn about it all. I have to admit that I really enjoy the day or so to myself in the hosptial where everything is taken care of and I just have alone time with my new baby....and get to use the jacuzzi!! They also have queen size beds in the recovery room so co-sleeping is easier and comfy. I am just totally torn....we are on medicaid so a hospital birth is free and a homebirth runs upwards of $2000 here......

I'll probably end up in the hospital....which is fine with me. I have had some really wonderful, non-intervention births in the hospital with midwives.....too bad you can't do a uc in the hospital!!! That would be perfect!!!!!

[Snowbaby]

Hey there - found you all. Didn't log on at all yesterday since I had such an exhausting day. I went to visit my mother and the traffic was so bad, it took me over two hours to drive there even though it's usually a little over 45 minutes. I thought I could die from exhaustion, not to mention that I had to pee so bad by the time I got there that I ended up having some weird kind of pain the rest of the day from holding it in. But today all is well and back to ordinary excruciating exhaustion!

I had my first appointment with the OB today and she was really sweet. I thought I would want to find out the gender later on but turns out DH would like it to be a surprise - I figure, at least for the first, if we don't both agree to find out, then we'll keep it a mystery until the delivery. I have to say it will be very hard though!

So glad to hear that everyone is ordering out!! :D Not because it's a good thing but because I thought I was the only one who was being very capricious about her food.

Talking about tired: I've been so exhausted that I basically wake up, do a few chores and errands and crash. By the time I'm up again I manage a few more things (which hopefully include dinner if we make it at home or picking up the order if we don't) and then I crash again. Is anyone exercising?! I keep seeing these specials on tv with pregnant women doing yoga, pilates, aerobics, etc and I feel soooo guilty that I'm not doing any of this. If I manage a short fastpaced walk outside (have only managed it a few times since pg) I feel accomplished. Am I the only one that can't seem to get this stuff in?

Well, hope we all get some more energy soon and for those with m/s.....feel better :love

[ChildoftheMoon]

ugh, food here is a problem too. I don't want to make anything! I am getting sick of Thanksgiving leftovers too. I ate well today because I was at a friend's house and she was such a dear and cooked for me. I have no problem eating oranges and chocolate pudding though :p

Entertaining the kids is not too hard, though the tv watching has come back, we were tv free for a while, but that all changed when we moved and I had a ton to do. They play together really well, and keep each other entertained. Right now they are sitting behind me at the kitchen table singing and coloring:love

I am so tired, it is almost 6 pm and I would really like to go to bed, I still need to feed my family though. Dh works from 7 am to 9 pm so I am pretty much a single parent most of the week. My pants felt tight today, but my friend says I look the same. Well she has not seen me fresh out of the shower, I am noticing I am thicker already. Wondering how much I will gain this time........first time I gained over 60, lost it all in the first three months, second time I gained over 70 and lost it all in the first 6 months. I even walked 3 miles a day, four to five dayse a week and did tae-bo! I am very slender and make big babies, so I think gaining a lot must be normal for me. It is still a strange thing to go through.

I am planning a homebirth again. Playing around with the idea of a uc, not sure, as I love my midwife, and I will be seeing her through my pregnancy anyway because starting in February I will be her assistant. She is pretty laid back anyway, guess I will just see how I feel throughout this pregnancy. I have not had an appointment yet, probably will wait until after the holidays.

Hope everyone is well!
Brandi :love

[Artisan]

I am constantly thinking about food -- how hungry I am, what I want to eat, what I definitely don't want to eat. The NEED for food is really overwhelming. I just finished a GIANT bowl of Kashi Good Friends cereal and am sitting here thinking, "What else is there to eat?"

Does anyone else's refrigerator suddenly smell like death? I hate it!

Is anyone planning on cloth diapering? Have you already started buying diapers? I switched my DS to CDs at 12 months and have been CDing him ever since. I love it. And I already have 6 diapers and 2 covers for the new baby! I need to cut back a little, I think... :)

[my2girlz]

I definitely will be cloth diapering this baby. I started when Saige was 4 months old. I have a bunch of diapers already that I've picked up within the last year. My only question is do I want to start using cloth in the hospital or when we get home?

[Mamma2Addison]

Sharonal ~ We're going to cd this baby. We started with ds at 7 months, but will start as soon as the meconium passes this time {and hospital won't do cloth :angry} . I haven't gotten any diapers. I think I'll be making my own {hence my fabric cravings} and using FBs at night, although still not really sure. It depends on if I get a serger for Christmas. :wink

But, as I'm thinking about this, I may have to at least order one newborn diaper just so I can marvel at how tiny and cute it is. Hmm, wonder how much I have on paypal...

[spinach]

I will be cloth diapering as well. I used a service when dd was just a babe but then bought toddler cpfs. I'm probably going to buy infant kissaluvs.

[Snowy Owl]

Wow. I can't believe people are buying diapers already. Now I feel like I should go out and buy some too! Actually, I don't mean to sound superstitious, but isn't it bad luck to buy baby things in the first trimester? :confused:

[spinach]

I won't be buying anything in the 1st trimester. I'm a little too nervous for that.

[ebethmom]

Hi all! I'm due on July 19, by my calculations. I have an appointment with my midwife next week, so I'll see what she says.

I'm so excited to have a midwife for this pregnancy. I rotated through 9 or 10 doctors with my last practice. I never even met one doctor. I want more personalized care with this pregnancy.

The queasies aren't nearly as bad today! I think I was just tired yesterday. I didn't even get dressed until 6 PM. I thought we might go to the Y last night for an easy work out, but I was hit with a wave of exhaustion after supper. I HAD to sleep right that minute. But ds was wiped out, too. He went to sleep at 8:00 and slept until 8:00 AM (he was up to nurse twice).

CAN'T BUY DIAPERS YET! But it's SO tempting! I keep going to my favorite sites. But I have a long list of Christmas gifts to buy, and very little money.

Here comes ds. "I need to NUHSE!" Ouch.

[ChildoftheMoon]

We will be cloth diapering as well. I started when my second was 4 months old. I do have some small covers and dipes already for the new wee one. Bought them earlier this year from the tp here. Couldn't pass them up. I am tempted to buy more, but I know I will be inheriting a bunch from a friend soon, so I don't need to buy. (Buying is so much fun though:p ) Begininning to feel a lot more nauseaous and oh so tired. I woke up ready for a nap this morning. Nights are so long. I have been waking up for two hours every early morning unable to get my mind to stop and sleep. And the peeing 5x a night has started as well. I can't wait to start showing, and not just be thick in the middle. I can't wait to feel this baby move either, I feel like that is when I really begin to connect with my baby. I am getting teary just thinking about it. This week my emotions have really kicked into high gear. Oh won't the holidays be fun!
Brandi :love

[Mamma2Addison]

I've heard that it's bad luck too. I don't need anything this go round {unless I have a girl}. I've got loads of clothes from when ds was a newborn that aren't gender specific, a fully outfitted nursery {not that it got much use in the beginning}, and every other known contraption a first time mom is convinced she must have. :rolleyes:

I'm hoping to get away with a bunch of one-size dipes for ds and the baby to share {hoping 36 is enough!}, hence the starting early b/c I'm a really slow sewer and he's about out of the premium cpfs.

Went in for an "official" test this morning. Next in for a nutritional consultation since I had gestational diabetes last time. No sign of it yet and am checking my numbers faithfully, but I want to be prepared just in case. Not likely to have anything else til January since I'm oddly not in any hurry to see a doctor.

[Snowy Owl]

:crap
:sick
well, I just had my first big barf this afternoon. The first trimester has officially begun. Ughh. I shouldn't be surprised, I was gagging all morning and had no appetite. Let that be a warning...when tummy says no, tummy means no.
Eat at your own risk.

[my2girlz]

I hope you feel a little better. And please don't send it my way. :D

[ChildoftheMoon]

WahPuhKahLoo-:hug

Had my first food aversion today. The girls wanted popcorn, and I just could not stand the smell :gross When I was in town today I broke down and bought myself a mocha-I never drink coffee like that! I must say it made me a new woman, I actually felt like doing things around the house. I don't drink caffiene much, never during pregnancy, but I just could not help myself today. I guess one day won't harm my wee one. I know small amounts of caffiene are supposed to be ok during pregnancy, I just don't like to give it to my babe, as can I see how it affects my nursling. Blah blah, caffiene:p
Brandi:love

[Snowy Owl]

mmmmmm....mochaaaaaaa :p

[Snowbaby]

LOL, WahPuhKahLoo, my thoughts exactly!! Some mocha would suhr be nice right about now .... I'll have to settle for a nap!

I'm surprised so many are planning on CD -- what are the benefits and the disadvantages. I hadn't really thoughts about this. Must be a first time mom thing - I don't even know what I'm supposed to be planning for :)

[spinach]

Snowbaby - Oh, my. Pop into the Diapering forum and hold on for dear life! There is a lot of great info about the advantages of cloth diapering as well as strategies and products that work. There are some very enthusiastic diapering mamas in there and if you totally get into it in that way, that's cool. Otherwise, you can just cloth diaper because it's better for the environment, it saves money, and is so much better than the chemical disposable diapers on your little sweetie's body.

[Snowy Owl]

Snowbaby,
I'm sure everyone will be falling all over themselves to tell you about cloth diapering, but I will jump in first (edited to add: second). Of course there is the diapering forum, but I've never actually been there. All I wanted to say is that we had a diaper service for the first year of dd's life and it was AWESOME. The service just took the poopies away and brought fresh stacks of clean diapers. They even supplied the pail. I personally think the plastic diapers are nasty and smell toxic, but I did use them when we went out etc. Some brands are more 'cloth-like' than others. Anyway, I feel like I'm not even supposed to be talking about it because it's the wrong forum, but apart form the whole environmental debate etc. cloth definitely increases quality of life for an infant...we wouldn't dress them in those itchy fire resistant polyester sleepers, would we?

[kris1225]

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading everyone's posts about food cravings/aversions. It made me feel so normal! I am mostly a vegetarian and I never eat fast food and all I've wanted is stuff like sandwiches from Schlotsky's or Subway. And I craved Chipotle too! I felt so GREAT after eating there the other day. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it. It just sucks that they're owned by McDonald's.

And my fridge grosses me out and grocery stores are almost unbearable! So what the heck are we supposed to do?

Oh, and breakfast tacos from Taco Cabana saved me yesterday morning. :p

[sunbaby]

we used cloth diapers on dd from week 1 to potty- and will do it again. esp easy since we saved all our gear. we wash at home, because we are lucky enough to have a washer- it is so easy to just drop em in the wash-with breast milk poop, you dont even have to rinse.

snowbaby- i am not exersizing at all right now, and i usually am a fanatical exersizer- i know i will start again when i feel better in the next trimester, as i did in the last pregnancy. right now it is just survival, and exersizing makes the nausea worse for me. so i guess i would just say, if you arent up to it, its ok to skip the guilt, just know youll get back in the groove once you feel better. i am gonna guess that a lot of people are couch potatos in the beginning.

sorry about all you who are feeling really awful. i am doing a lot better and i hope this good feeling keeps up for me and starts soon for those of us who are doing less well. i will feel really bless if i get to be a normal person who is only sick the first trimester, as opposed to being sick for nearly 6 months, as i was with dd.

blech. a mocha? really? that sounds awful. (i may be feeling better, but the aversions and disgust at food smells is still big) funny, because if i wasnt pregnant, i'd be all over that mocha idea. anyway, glad you enjoyed it.

[oceanbaby]

Well, the nausea seems to be getting a bit better, but the heartburn is more persistent. And does anyone else have a bad taste in their mouth that just won't go away? It's like this constant film of yuckiness that I can't get rid of, and it's driving me crazy.

Cloth diapers - I switched to cloth when ds was about 1yo, and plan to use cloth from the beginning this time. I still use disposables occasionally - mainly when I get really lazy about laundry and then we go out of town for the weekend, or something like that, but it is rare. In the past year and a half I've probably bought 3 packs. I really do love cloth, but using them on a newborn will be a new experience for me. I have already bought 2 newborn cloth diapers, just to marvel at.

We are still undecided about a homebirth. I am seeing my regular OB until we get around to interviewing midwives. I have to say that the only reason I really want a homebirth (although it is a big reason) is that I don't want to have to worry about being separated from ds. I really want him to feel like this is an inclusive thing, not something that is separate from him, you know? Oh, and another reason would be so that I could get some friggen rest this time after the baby's born! That was my only complaint last time - they kept coming in every 2 hours and waking me and ds up to take our vitals. It was exhausting. But I was very happy with my OB, and had a good hospital experience, so I'm a little torn. I think it will depend on if we find a midwife that we really love.

And being pregnant with a toddler, well, is hard. I don't get to lay down whenever I want to, which is really difficult. I'd say he watches a little more tv than usual (maybe an extra video), but not that much. Probably because he gets bored after too much, and won't sit there all day even if I tried. Lucky for me, actually, because there have been some days where I've been so wiped out that I may have tried to put him in front of the tv all day. We've been going to the playground less because I just don't feel good enough to keep up with him as he sprints all over the place, wants me to pick him up, chase him, play basketball, climb up to the big slide, etc. So I feel guilty about that. And I feel bad when I don't have the energy to play run, tackle and tickle for 30 minutes every morning. I have noticed that he's been a tad more whiny and quick to cry lately, so maybe he's reacting to my lack of energy, or my feeling bad, or maybe it's just a coincidental stage he's going through. I'm not sure.

We're going out of town tomorrow for the weekend, so I'll check back in Monday. Hang in there - the end of the first trimester is within sight!

[Threefold]

Hey everyone!
I'm still here, just feeling really crappy and having comp. problems (something with our cursor, it takes about 10 minutes to type a simple message online!)
I'll keep reading and post whenever I can.

[gigismom]

WOW, I missed you guys!! Somehow I did not find the new thread until today...wondered where you all went. I just spent about 1 hour catching up with everyone. Eyes are crossed and have to sleep soon so will keep this short.

I am very worried lately about weight gain. I gained 50+ lbs with my first baby. Lost it all and more within 6 months then slowly regained about 15. Just before getting pg I had lost 10 by doing Atkins. I seriously felt better than ever before in my life and looked great, too. Then, I got pg, could no longer loose wieght and the reality of 1st trimester cravings set in. Anyway, I am now 10 weeks and have gained all of the 10 lbs back:( I know that much of that 10 lbs was water esp since i lost it on Atkins....but I'm already feeling heavy, lethargic, hard to move around. I am not seriously over weight, maybe I could loose 20 lbs to be at ideal weight. Maybe I just feel crappy because I am in 1st trimester. Has anyone else gained weight yet? Help give me some perspective on this issue please. I also sense that maybe my body is meant to gain a lot of weight during pg. With my first I ate healthy most of the time (occasional Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia!) and still gained 50 lbs. I was so ravenous when bfing her that I could not eat enough and still lost it without a problem. I have to stop reading about food cravings because everything you all suggest I feel I must have!! MOCHA...HERE I COME!!

jen

[Artisan]

Bad news. :( I went in for an u/s yesterday. By my calculations, I was 6w4d. The gestational sac was measuring 7 weeks, which was fine. But the gestational sac was empty -- no little embryo or beating heart. :crying I go back in a week for a followup u/s just to make sure, and will be getting my hCG levels checked next week as well. But at 7 weeks, they should have definitely been able to see something, so it doesn't look good for me.:crying :crying :crying

I feel so bad for getting so excited and sharing my news with nearly everyone. I guess I was blinded by a false sense of optimism because I've never had a miscarriage and already had one healthy baby. I have already bought a bunch of great maternity clothes for the summer time -- way on sale -- some diapers, etc.

I don't know if we'll try again right away. This baby was a surprise, and the timing was bad in terms of our work and living situations.

I also sort of wish this hadn't happened on a Friday afternoon. I stopped by my midwife's office, but they were already closed. I've done some reading on this topic, and it appears as if it can take a while for your body to take care of this problem (called a blighted ovum or anembryonic gestation), because your body still thinks you're pg and keeps producing the hormones. This is also a very hard time of year to have this happen...

Give your bellies a pat for me, OK?

[Snowy Owl]

I'm so sorry to hear this, sharonal. My condolences. I had a surprise miscarriage at eight weeks a couple of years ago...it was very painful emotionally. It takes a while to heal, but you do.
best wishes.

[Mamma2Addison]

:hug

I'm so sorry, Sharon. I'll be thinking of you.

[my2girlz]

I'm so sorry!!! I'll be thinking of you!

[Michelle Leigh]

from: www.herbshealing.com
Herbal Allies for Pregnancy Problems
By Susun Weed

Wise women believe that most of the problems of pregnancy can be prevented by attention to nutrition. Morning sickness and mood swings are connected to low blood sugar; backaches and severe labor pains often result from insufficient calcium; varicose veins, hemorrhoids, constipation, skin discoloration and anemia are evidence of lack of specific nutrients; preeclampsia, the most severe problem of pregnancy, is a form of acute malnutrition. Excellent nutrition includes pure water, controlled breath, abundant light, loving and respectful relationships, beauty and harmony in daily life, joyous thoughts and vital foodstuffs.

During pregnancy nutrients are required to create the cells needed to form two extra pounds of uterine muscle, the nerves, bones, organs, muscles, glands and skin of the fetus, several pounds of amniotic fluid, a placenta and a 50 percent increase in blood volume. In addition, extra kidney and liver cells are needed to process the waste of' two beings instead of one.

Wild foods and organically grown produce, grains and herbs are the best source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients needed during pregnancy. All the better if the expectant mother can get out and gather her own herbs: stretching, bending, breathing, moving, touching the earth, taking time to talk with the plants and to open herself to their spiritual world.


TONICS DURING PREGNANCY

Wise women have recommended herbal tonics for childbearing for thousands of years. These herbs are empirically safe and notably effective. Tonic herbs improve general health by balancing and sustaining energy flow and focus in the body.

Tonics allay annoyances and prevent major problems. They can boost the supply of vital minerals and vitamins, increase energy and improve uterine tone. Some uterine tonics are contraindicated during pregnancy or are restricted to the last few weeks of pregnancy.

The tonics indicated for pregnancy need to be used regularly; a tonic is to the cells much as exercise is to the muscles: not much use when done erratically. Of course even occasional use of tonics during pregnancy will be of benefit, since they do contain nourishing factors. Better benefit will come from using them 5 times a week or more.

Some simple suggestions to get into the habit of' using tonics: pregnant women could replace the morning cup of coffee with a rich Nettle infusion. Or she could brew up some raspberry leaf tea and put it in the refrigerator to drink instead of soda, wine, or beer. Wild greens can be added to the diet. Women in many cultures have used the following herbs for centuries to have a healthier pregnancy.


RED RASPBERRY LEAVES (Rubus spp.)

Brewed as a tea or as an infusion, raspberry is the best known, most widely used, and safest of all uterine and pregnancy tonic herbs. It contains fragrine, an alkaloid which gives tone to the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus itself.

Most of the benefits ascribed to regular use of Raspberry tea through pregnancy are traced to the nourishing source of vitamins and minerals found in this plant and to the strengthening power of fragrine - an alkaloid which gives tone to the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus itself. Of special note are the rich concentration of vitamin C, the presence of vitamin E and the easily assimilated calcium and iron. Raspberry leaves also contain vitamins A and B complex and many minerals, including phosphorous and potassium.

The benefits of drinking a raspberry leaf brew before and throughout pregnancy include:

~ Increasing fertility in both men and women. Raspberry leaf is an excellent fertility herb when combined with Red Clover.

~ Preventing miscarriage and hemorrhage. Raspberry leaf tones the uterus and helps prevent miscarriage and postpartum hemorrhage from a relaxed or atonic uterus.

~ Easing of morning sickness. Many attest to raspberry leaves' gentle relief of nausea and stomach distress throughout pregnancy.

~ Reducing pain during labor and after birth. By toning the muscles used during labor and delivery, Raspberry leaf eliminates many of the reasons for a painful delivery and prolonged recovery. It does not, however, counter the pain of pelvic dilation.

~ Assisting in the production of plentiful breast milk. The high mineral content of Raspberry leaf assist in milk production, but its astringency may counter that for some women.

~ Providing a safe and speedy pariuntion. Raspberry leaf works to encourage the uterus to let go and function without tension. It does not strengthen contractions, but does allow the contracting uterus to work more effectively and so may make the birth easier and faster.


NETTLE LEAVES (Urtica Dioca)

Less well known as a pregnancy tonic but deserving a kinder reputation and use, Urtica is one of the finest nourishing tonics known. It is reputed to have more chlorophyll than any other herb. The list of vitamins and minerals in this herb includes nearly every one known to necessary for human health and growth.

Vitamins A, C, D and K, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, iron and sulphur are particularly abundant in nettles. The infusion is a dark green color approaching black. The taste is deep and rich. If you are blessed with a nettle patch near you, use the fresh plant as a pot herb in the spring.

Some pregnant women alternate weeks of nettle and raspberry brews; others drink raspberry until the last month and then switch to nettles to insure large amounts of vitamin K in the blood before birth.
The benefits of drinking nettle infusion before and throughout pregnancy include:

~ Aiding the kidneys. Nettle infusions were instrumental in rebuilding the kidneys of a woman who was told she would have to be put on a dialysis machine. Since the kidneys must cleanse 150 percent of the normal blood supply for most of the pregnancy, nettle's ability to nourish and strengthen them is of major importance. Any accumulation of minerals in the kidneys, such as gravel or stones, is gently loosened, dissolved and eliminated by the consistent use of nettle infusions.


~ Increasing fertility in women and men.

~ Nourishing mother and fetus.

~ Easing leg cramps and other spasms.

~ Diminishing pain during and after birth. The high calcium content, which is readily assimilated, helps diminish muscle pains in the uterus, in the legs and elsewhere.

~ Preventing hemorrhage after birth. Nettle is a superb source of vitamin K, and increases available hemoglobin, both of which decrease the likelihood of postpartum hemorrhage. Fresh Nettle Juice, in teaspoon doses, slows postpartum bleeding.

~ Reducing hemorrhoids. Nettle's mild astringency and general nourishing action tightens and strengthens blood vessels, helps maintain arterial elasticity and improves venous resilience.

~ Increasing the richness and amount of breast milk.


CALCIUM

Of course calcium is a mineral, not an herbal tonic, but it is so important during pregnancy and throughout our woman lives that I consider it a tonic. Lack of adequate calcium during pregnancy is associated with muscle cramps, backache, high blood pressure, intense labor and afterbirth pains, osteoporosis, tooth problems, and preeclampsia.

Calcium assimilation is governed by exercise, stress, acidity during digestion, availability of' Vitamin C, A and especially D, and availability of magnesium and phosphorous in the body and the diet. Getting 1000 to 2000 mg of calcium every day is not hard with the help of Wise Woman herbs:

~ The best food sources of calcium are fish dairy products, but there is controversy about the assimilability of calcium from pasteurized, homogenized milk. My preferred food sources include goat milk and goat cheese, salmon, sardines, mackerel, seaweed (especially kelp), sesame salt (gomasio), tahini and dark leafy greens Such as turnip tops, beet greens and kale.

~ There are roughly 2(X) grams of' calcium in two ounces of nuts (excluding peanuts), one ounce of dried seaweed, two ounces of carob powder, one ounce of cheese, half a cup of cooked greens, (kale, collards and especially dandelion) half a cup of milk, three eggs, four ounces of fish, or one tablespoon of molasses.

~ Most wild greens are exceptionally rich in calcium arid the factors need for calcium absorption and use. lambs quarters, mallow, galinsoga, shepherd's purse, knotweed, bidens, amaranth and dandelion leaves all supply more calcium per 100 grams than does milk.

~ Bones soaked in apple cider vinegar release their calcium into the acidic vinegar. A tablespoon of this vinegar in a glass of water supplies needed calcium and relieves morning sickness too.

~ Many fruits are rich in calcium (though not as rich as the above foods). Dried dates, figs raisins, prunes, papaya and elderberries are the best source.

~ Raspberry leaf infusion contains calcium in its most assimilable form. Assimilation is further enhanced by the presence of phosphorous and vitamins A and C in the raspberry leaves.

~ Fresh parsley and watercress are available in most grocery stores year round. They are both good sources of many minerals and vitamins, including calcium, phosphorous, vitamin A and vitamin C.

~ Nettle Infusion supplies calcium and phosphorous, vitamin A and the vital vitamin D, in a readily assimilable form.

~ Foods that are thought to interfere with absorption of calcium should be avoided: spinach, chocolate, rhubarb and brewer's yeast.

~ Do not use bone meal or oyster shell tablets as sources of supplemental calcium. They have been found to be high in lead, mercury, cadmium and other toxic metals.


TONICS TO USE WITH CAUTION

Squaw Vine (Mitchella repens), Blue Cohosh (Caulophyflum thalicotroides), and Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) all should be avoided until the last 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy. Even then, they should be used only when indicated, and under the supervision of someone experienced in their use. Some midwives report that the Cohoshes must be used together (not interchangeably). Others have reported premature labor when Blue Cohosh was taken in combination with Pennyroyal. False Unicorn Root (Helonias dioica), Dong Quai (Angelica spp.) and PN6 capsules are considered too strong for use during pregnancy.

I harvest the flowering stalks when they are fully formed; and I am careful to use the cultivated garden comfrey, which grows very tall and has purplish, pinkish, bluish flowers. I avoid wild comfrey which stays rather small, even when flowering, and has cream-colored, white, or yellowish flowers.

Some people feel that comfrey is not safe to use during pregnancy. Some people feel comfrey is not safe to use internally at all. I disagree. The roots of comfrey do contain compounds that are best avoided during pregnancy. (As do all parts of the wild plant.) In fact, I rarely use comfrey root because of the possibility of liver congestion, and I strongly caution those who have had hepatitis, chemotherapy, or alcohol problems to strictly avoid comfrey root. Yet even these people can benefit from use of comfrey leaf infusions.

* Another important herbal ally for women over forty who desire a child is chaste tree (Vitex agnus-casti). It has been used in Africa and parts of Europe for several thousand years to discourage the male libido. In women, the effects seem to be the opposite! It may also be a fertility enhancer. Most importantly, chaste tree is a strengthening tonic for the pituitary gland, the master control gland for the endocrine system. Daily use of the tincture of the berries (1 dropperful/1 ml 2-3 times daily) had been shown to increase progesterone--the hormone of pregnancy--and luteinizing hormone--which promotes conception. Because it can lower prolactin levels, chaste tree is best discontinues during the last trimester of pregnancy.

* Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is not recommended for women over forty. In general, this herb promotes blood flow to the uterus and surrounding tissues. This can promote the growth of fibroids and increase the risk of post-partum hemorrhage. Ginger is a better warming tonic; motherwort is better at relieving pain; and raspberry is better at preparing the uterus for birth.

[Michelle Leigh]

:crying With my first birth plan, I asked my ob gyn to not do an episiotomy. He did. I think it was the worst part of the whole labor, delivery, recovery, etc. for me.

This time, I really don't want to have an episiotomy.

I've read about vbac (vaginal birth after c-section). Is there any such thing as perenium stretching after episiotomy?

Has anybody experienced delivering naturally without an episiotomy on a subsequent birth (after having a previous episiotomy)?

I read on a posting on another web site that a lady used a
"massage blend of hypericum, rose, clary sage and wheatgerm oil to my perenium -- on the outside!" which she feels, in collaboration with a great midwife guiding the delivery and heredity, helped her to not tear. :hippie

Any other suggestions on not tearing? increasing elasticity, etc? (no ob gyn this time. that'll help.)
Thank you!!:)

[butterflyma]

Sharon~:hug :crying I am sooo sorry. What a nightmare. I'm sending you healing and nurturing vibes. Take care of yourself.

[wolfmom]

I'm so sorry to hear your news sharon! I just had the same thing happen to me this summer and it was very hard on me emotionally 'cause i too had one healthy baby and am a generally healthy person. Be very kind to yourself and give yourself all the time and love possible! and be patient with your recovery!

I am feeling better this afternoon. both hubby and i have been sick since around thanksgiving and i have had some yucky m/s. in addition to that i have been very stressed about my grandfather's impending death after complications of open heart surgery. but his doctor is wonderful and is now doing his best to help him transistion from this world to the next and i know that he is getting good care and lots of love.
of course it helps that my hubby took care of ds while i went back to bed for several hours this morning and he went out and did all the shoveling! i love him. now my only worry is getting past this wednesday which is the time that i started spotting with my last pregnancy. i will see the midwife a week from monday and hopefully get a heartbeat for this babe.
peace,

[butterflyma]

Michelle, thanks for sharing the info. I love Susun Weed :D This is my first babe, so I don't have any helpful info.

I went in to the doc this week, and found out that due to the "nature" of my pregnancy (attained through fertility treatment) I am still considered high risk for another 3 1/2 weeks and need to stick with that practice until I am safely to that point. I'm going to get all lined up with a midwife now, but I will stick with this dr, as advised until the point where the placenta kicks in and I can quit taking progesterone.

I'm sorry to hear so many mamas are feeling really sick. I have felt like my nausea's getting more "containable", there are a few major triggers, some avoidable, some not. But, since it's not too severe, I'm able to go into my head and say "no, I'm going to be fine and this will pass." Which makes me look pretty crazy in the middle of the grocery store :LOL Oh well.

Blessings to all!
:D Brandi (the other one)

[Michelle Leigh]

My condolences to Sharon.

I've been reading this group's messages for awhile, but I don't think I've posted... hadn't felt like it. (I started reading Mothering Mag. when I was pregnant with dd and first went to the forums to learn about cd for her.)

Now I have energy (today). I'll have to contain myself.

I agree about the food: don't want to eat repeats of anything. don't want to cook. don't want to smell cooking food or anything! fast food sounds awesome. had papa johns pizza last night at 11:30! You know how out of the norm that is for me? We live 100 miles from papa johns; dh picked it up on his way home from a trip.

My dh has taken dd to a birthday party, and I'm home alone to read & chat, and type, type, type. :love :

Thank goodness for supportive dhs!! Alan has been such a help! Dd is 4 and still likes attention.

We still haven't told dd that I'm pregnant, as we want to keep it a secret (surprise) for as long as possible. We weren't planning to have a baby until sometime late in '04, so nobody has a clue. (or so I think):thumb

She's been requesting a sibling for several months, so I think she's ready. She'll be 4 years 9 months at the time of this delivery.

I was also hesitant to write because I had a weird thing happen last Wed: major pain inside and had to lie down. Then I had fresh bright red blood on my underwear and shorts. Nothing since then.

I went to a naturapath who said it was from a urinary tract infection.

I talked to a medical intuitive who said that something was a little off with my hormones and that I needed to get something to help to balance them.

One of my spiritual mentors said that this is a difficult time for women, menstrual cycles, pregnancies, etc. because of the recent solar eclipse... and that what's happening out there is happening inside us.

So, the last time I was pregnant (99), I didn't have any thoughts about miscarriage. This time, because of the bloody episode during week 7, I am somewhat concerned. But, I am thinking positively...

I'm doing my best to get up in the morning before sunrise to breathe the fresh air, think happy thoughts, appreciate the beauty in nature, visualize a newborn baby nursing right after birth, etc.

I have to admit that I went onto www.underthenile.com and ordered some new clothes for the baby. Couldn't help it. I'm really tempted to go to www.livingarts.com and order a new nursing chair and a water fountain for the nursery.

I'm planning to order Spiritual Midwifery and another book by Ina May. Any other suggestions for homebirths? I think I'd really like a water birth. And, I just heard of a lady not too far away who assists with them! I think that sounds delightful. I really want to have a beautiful birth. :)

[my2girlz]

Michelle Leigh~ I had an episiotomy with my first. She was 6 lbs 12 oz, but didn't want to come out! I pushed for over 3 hours before they used the suction cup to help me. Now, my 2nd delivery was perfect. No episiotomy since I only pushed once! I'm hoping this one will be just as smooth.

[Mamma2Addison]

Michelle Leigh ~ I didn't do med-free with ds but I was allowed to tear rather than having an epi. I also only pushed for about 45 minutes, after a really long labor. My ob {a woman} prefers to allow women to tear in the belief that it does less injury to nerve endings and is easier to heal. I can say that my recovery from the tearing {minimal stiches required/7 lb 8 oz babe} was quick and with little problems compared to ladies I know who had the episiotomy. I pray pray pray that I get the same ob to deliver {or the midwife} since she almost never does it as compared to the other ob's in her practice, men, who do as more of a matter of routine.

Welcome!

[kris1225]

Sharon, I am so sorry! It's such a sad thing to have to deal with. I had one 10/00 and it was pretty devastating, but it passes with time....

Michelle Leigh, My midwife told me that their birth center has a 90% intact perineum rate due to the fact that they don't force the woman to push in an unnatural way. I had an episiotomy with my first in the hospital (unwanted) and the midwife said that it shouldn't be a problem with #2.

I am already sick of being sick. Everything makes me sick. I ate an apple earlier and I felt icky afterward. C'mon, an apple? I basically can't eat any fruit or drink juice, although OJ sounds and smells divine. I dread every meal. I dread between meals. I keep thinking, why didn't we use a condom? (joke)

[Saralynn]

Hi ladies! I haven't felt much like writing lately but have been keeping up with reading. I am just starting to get some energy back and it really feels good. :love

Sharonal - my prayers to you. I know my biggest fear is that I will lose this child, well, embryo and it is my first pg ever so I am perhaps overly nervous. Keep us posted.

I am so relieved that so many of you also have cravings for beans! There is this fabulous Mexican man who comes to my office everyday with homemade burritos and I find myself living for those. Meat and sweets have been my biggest aversions, and fruit in the morning. But I have felt so wasteful, like I should be saving more money for our baby ( I won't be working for a while) but I can barely enter the grocery store and want burritos all the time - that someone else has made. I don't know how I pulled off Thanksgiving this year. I don't know how I'm going to pull off Christmas dinner and New year's...

Anyway, I am already getting the guest bedroom ready because my mom and parents-in-law are coming for the holidays. I am so excited to tell them I'm pg! They will all be surprised and tears of happiness will be shed. I'm sure they will think it somewhat unusual that I want to have a homebirth, but then again they have always known me to be an independent thinker! :p PLus, it helps that DH supports this decision. After seeing pictures of my newborn niece in an incubator under glass - there's just no way...

Best wishes to everyone for a great week! I'm starting to enjoy my pg more - I feel more myself again and less like my body has been taken over by aliens! :D

[spinach]

Sharon, I know it's so hard to deal with the loss and the shock of it all. My heart goes out to you.

My nausea has kicked up a few notches. I eat quickly while reading or doing something else I can concentrate on. When I'm done, I flee the scene. I have to keep away from the smell of dh & dd's food. Bleh...

I find myself pretty paranoid about every little twitch, pain, etc I'm feeling in my body. I'm so nervous about a miscarriage. I'm a week and a half away from my uc and the days are passing so incredibly slowly. BUT, I'm reading a great book that is helping me keep positive and get inspired: Baby Catcher: Chronicals of a Modern Midwife by Peggy Vincent. What an amazing book!

[sunbaby]

sharon, i am so sorry to hear that.

wolfmom, i will think of you on wednesday.

i have had a couple of hard days w/o enough rest, and sure enough, feeling crappy again.

[williamsmommy2002]

Sharon, I'm so sorry. I am so afraid of something going wrong with this pregnancy.

I just got over the flu. I was so sick. Right now the morning sickness is pretty mild and i'm feeling pretty good. I'm hoping the morning sickness will go away completely in a few week.

We plan on using cloth for this baby. We use cloth on our 13 month old. We started at 2 months and sold most of th smaller ones off because he hs sensitive skin, so I get to buy new dipes for the baby.

[gigismom]

Sharon, I am so sorry to hear your news. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.


Someone asked for a book suggestion. I am reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. It was published in 2003 and I got that one from the library b/c they did not have Spiritual Midwifery. It is really great. Lots of beautiful birth stories to foster positive thinking and visualization...and lots of practical, factual information. I'm not done with it yet but I'm sure I'll start from the begining again when I am.


As many of you have expressed I too am worried that something might go wrong with this pg. I am supposed to go in for a heart beat check sometime this week. My midwife said I can pop in anytime this week. I was 8 1/2 weeks at my first appt and could not hear a heartbeat. Today I am 10 weeks 1 day. If I do pop in I will wait until Thurs or Fri so I will be well into my 10th week. I am so nervous and torn to go for this though. On one hand, if I hear the hearbeat I'll will be much relieved and able to relax. On the other hand, if I don't I will be very worried. Maybe it is just too early and everything is fine. I know that if I don't hear it I could have an ultrasound to "see" the heartbeat and make sure eveything is on target. However, I'm not crazy about ultrasound either so don't know if I would choose that route. My next regular scheduled appt is Dec 23. I could wait until then...but the anticipation is killing me. Damn technology!!! Being pg must have been much less anxiety prone before we had the ability to peak inside so early in so many ways.....

No matter what I choose, I just keep trying to remind myself that what will be, will be. I pray that I can relax and enjoy the moment because all of us mommies know that it's the moments that go by so quickly


Jen

[Saralynn]

Spinach, I too have been reading Peggy Vincent's Book, Baby Catcher and it I love it! She is so candid and human and by learning about other women's birth stories, it is helping me to be more clear about what I want and the questions I will need to ask in advance. I hope to find a midwife as wonderful as Peggy Vincent...

[Snowy Owl]

here is a nice link:
http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101021111/

check out the 'actual size' chart....the baby seems to double in size from day 40 to day 42...

it's so neat

:love

[butterflyma]

WahPuhKahLoo,
That is such a cool link- thanks for sharing it! I brought dh in to show him the actual size and he was really interested, too. Thanks!

I was wondering where everyone is in their pregnancy. I'm 8w6d and the baby is 6w6d: EDD July 14 :love

If people wanted to post their EDD, where they are, or any other info I could compile it and make one post for us all- just to "keep track" or each other.

I've yet to read any birthing books- I'd been interested in Ina May's books, now I'm curious about Peggy Vincent, too :p I think I'm going to have my own library by the time the baby comes.

I plan on cding too. Right now I'm looking into getting a sewing machine and perhaps making a few of my own. And finishing a baby blanket I started a few years ago. I'm going to ask relatives who inquire about what to get (I've already got 3 people wanting to throw showers:eek :)) for a month of diaper service, that way I won't have to do as much laundry the first month.

[my2girlz]

I'm due 7/19 so that makes me 7weeks and 6 days.

[Snowy Owl]

I'm at a bit more than six weeks, and I've decided to just post a sig..I resisted for awhile, but they seem convenient.

[Mamma2Addison]

Using my edd, I'm due 7/10 and am 9w1d. It will likely change once I see the doctor, but that's what I'm going by right now.:)

[Michelle Leigh]

WahPuhKahLoo,
thanks for the awesome link! That was exactly what I was needing.

My EDD: July 21, 2004

[Threefold]

I'm due 7/31 and am 6w1d
My HMO won't even see me until after the new year, I'll be 12 weeks at my first appointment! But that's good b/c to me the interventionist attitude of all the appointemtns really bugs me and makes it hard for me to stay relaxed! By then I'll be good and strong in this pg (hopefully!!!) and will be grounded enough to resist all the hoopla.

[williamsmommy2002]

I'm 9wks 4days and am due 7/8. I have my 2nd appointment with the ob tomorrow. I am anxious because my uterus was measuring small 3 weeks ago. My ds always measured small so I'm hoping everything is ok.

I have just finished reading Spiritual Midwifrey. I enjoyed it and the stories were very encouraging. I won't have a homebirth, but plan on using it for strength in having a unmedicated hospital birth.

[Saralynn]

I am 9wks 3 days (7wks 3days from our date of conception) and due on July 7th...they say babies at higher altitudes always come earlier though. I guess we'll have to see!:D

[ChildoftheMoon]

Sharon:hug I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you.

I too have been having the m/c fear. All of the women in my family have had at least two, I have not had one. Alas, it is not in my hands and I have love for this child regardless.

My m/s is getting much worse. I feel SO nauseaous! And I sleep horribly at night, just cannot get things off my mind at night. I worry about the silliest things.

butterfly-I am due July 16th(my birthday! :D ), 8 wks 3 days today, if you click the link in my sig it tells you how far along I am each day.

Michelle Leigh-I too had an episiotomy against my wishes the first time around. The old school of practice doc was impatient, and did not like that I was having a big baby vaginally (he thought it was an 8 pounder) I was only pushing for forty minutes, not quick enough for him, hello first baby here! BTW-my dd was 9 lbs 5 oz, and would have been fine without the episiotomy! Anyway, with my second I opted for a water homebirth. I expressed my concerns to my mw about tearing and stretching due to a previous epi, she said no worries. I did not take any special preparations for my perenium other than regular exercise and a few kegals. I birthed my second dd (over 10 pounds) in the water with no pushing (in about 15 minutes) with no tears or abrasions. I was so much more relaxed the second time around and the water was wonderful!

Good thoughts to you all!
Brandi:love

[oceanbaby]

AAAAHHHH - I just lost my big long post, and don't have time to rewrite.

Sharon - I am so sorry to hear about your bad news. I will be hoping for a miracle. And please don't feel silly about having told people, although I know it must be hard to tell them about your loss. We thought about now telling people too early in my pregnancy in case something happened, but then we decided that if I miscarried, I would tell close family and friends anyway, so we might as well experience the joy of sharing the news of a pregnancy. I hope your healing goes well.

I've been worried this pregnancy as well, and am hoping to hear the heartbeat at my appt. on Friday to convince myself that I really am pregnant and that the baby is okay.

The all day nausea is better, although I do still feel sick every time after I eat. It's incredibly annoying.

And if the old wives tale about girl babies stealing your beauty, well then I am definitely having a girl! I look like I've been run over, even with makeup on. Circles under my eyes, blotchy skin, puffy weight gain, etc. I don't remember this with my first pegnancy.

Oh, I am 9weeks, and my due date is 7/12/04.

[youngnhappymamma]

hello everyone!! :) My m/s is getting better!!! Which I am thrilled about (hang in there everybody!!) but I am still sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo freak'n tired!!!! Which I hate!! It is so hard to motivate myself to clean and do all the things I need to to keep my house up and running and kids happy. Right now to keep myself and kids happy we are munching on the kid's halloween candy and they are watching pbs kids. I am so looking forward to being at my parents for Christmas and not having to worry about all the cleaning!! Our house is a pig sty!! My dh is insanely busy trying to finish up his semseter of school so we can leave for our trip. But, at least I don't feel like barfing all the time. :D Man, I feel like such a wimp and I just totally do not remember first trimester being so hard!

so basically almost everyone has seen their practitioner for this pregnancy already? I haven't even made an appointment so probably won't see the midwife until after we get back from our trip and I'll be like 14 or 15 weeks by then.....do you think that's too long to wait for the first appointment?

[Snowy Owl]

I haven't seen any practioners or midwives yet, youngnhappymama. I haven't even made an appointment. I am planning a midwife assisted homebirth, like before, but at this stage in the game I'm not in the mood for being poked, prodded or tested by anyone. I think I will make an appointment soon though.
Candy and PBS, huh? Well, I'm pretty much there too...I just give her a jar of blackberry jam and stoned wheat thin crackers and say, go nuts, kid! Big bird is gonna take care of you for a little while... :rolleyes:

[my2girlz]

I had my first "confirmation" appt this afternoon. Just saying that I am pregnant and to fill out paper work and to fill out a medical release form for my other 2 pregnancies at the other OB/GYN. We just moved to another suburb about 30 min. away so I found another dr. She seems really nice and is younger (mid 30s) plus I'm thinking of having her as our primary family dr instead of taking the girls to the pediatrician. I know my girls would love her. :D I'm making my actual "poke and prod" appt tomorrow.

[williamsmommy2002]

We heard the heartbeat today at my ob appointment. I didn't really like the ob. She just seemed to be in a bad mood. I'm a pretty happy person. I figured if I still don't like her after the next appointment, I will switch.

I have been so hungry lately. All i want is mexican food. At least i'm not craving sweets.

[my2girlz]

williamsmommy2002~ I'm sorry you had an icky appt with your OB. I hope you can find one that you like!

Your mexican food got me wondering what everyone else has been craving.

So what have you been craving lately?

I've been wanting bread and butter pickles.

[Mamma2Addison]

I haven't seen my ob yet, although I did speak with the nurse practitioner today. I won't be going in until the middle of January. She didn't see much need for it and neither did I, to be honest. I have had a consult for gestational diabetes, but that's it. Her opinion was that, since I've been through this before, I have a pretty good idea of what to do. "Take your vitamins and watch your diet, and we'll see you in January." She was pretty darn excited about this pregnancy though.:D

So far I'm craving pretzels {the soft kind}. They seem to help with the morning sickness which is horrendous. Two days I'm fine, then I'm sick for three. I'm thinking constant m/s, just a bit more mild, would be preferable to this.

[troymama]

Hi ladies!
longtime lurker, EDD 7/11/04 with baby #2, but i'm having an issue that's bringing me out of the closet...

Is anyone else just plain sad?
I feel so sad. I can't seem to get my mind up and back into happiness. Last night I was even dreaming I was depressed, which made it worse when I woke up this morning.

I haven't had my doctor's appointment yet, and I think that's contributing to my depression. For some reason, even though all the signs are there and I've peed on the stick more than enough times, I'm not convinced I'm pregnant until my doctor tells me that its true. Plus, bunches of my symptoms have gone away. Except, of course, for the sad.

As for cravings, I'm craving chocolate cake. Really rich dense chocolate cake, preferably refrigerator cold, with sweet sweet chocolate frosting. MY DH brought me a sara lee frozen cake from the grocery store yesterday, but it wasn't quite right.

[Michelle Leigh]

I haven't met with an ob/gyn at all and hope to avoid that whole seen this time. I really loved my ob/gyn and was thrilled to see him for the first time in 3 1/2 years at Target!

He was sweet and gentle and a wondeful person, but I had to go in every 4 weeks and be weighed and measured and hear about how big the baby would be, how drugs would make it better, how an episiotomy would make sex life better, etc. etc.

Then he wanted to induce for weeks, but I was strong. I waited until my little princess was ready to come, and she did! 3 days before the EDD.

So, this time, I want to weigh when I want to weigh. (I gained 25 pounds with dd, and I'm 5' 9" 140 # and healthy. You would have thought I'd gained 125# by the way they acted at the ob/gyn's office. I was constantly being talked to about my weight gain.)

I want this pregnancy to carefree, happy, healthy, beautiful, poke free, prod free, technology free. Plus, I live in the country and don't want to drive 1 1/2 hours to get to the city.

As soon as I feel better, I'm going to seek out women to assist with a water birth at home. It just feels right for this baby and me and my dd--and dh who wasn't allowed to be with me at the hospital because I had a doula and could have only 1 person assisting--until my ob/gyn got there and said it was okay.

So, here, at home, we'll all be comfy and I can rest with the new baby and not have to deal with the nursery (dd was whisked away for 6 plus hours sadly--no bonding or nursing--they said due to low body temp.) It was an overall good experience, but I am choosing to simplify this time. :hippie

[Snowy Owl]

troymama,
about feeling sad, I would say that often at night I have feelings of anxiety and sadness, but not so much in the day. There have been many nights where I have cried uncontrollably before falling asleep...everything seems bleak. I don't know what I would do if I felt like that all the time... :crying I do hope your depression is just temporary...

Also, I realized that I am more than half finished the first trimester. Wow. If all goes as it should, the end of the most debilitating phase of pregnancy is drawing to a close, and here comes the super fun trimester number two! It really helps to break it down into manageable chunks. Oops.... :Puke
I mean, one day at a time.
:)

[Jennifer H]

Can I join you?

I'm Jennifer and I'm due with baby #3 in late July (officially July 29 according to my conception date). My other two babies were born at 41 weeks without induction, so I figure we won't actually see a baby until the first week of August.

This baby was, um, planned but not timed. He or she was supposed to come sometime in the spring of 2005, but sometimes things are out of our control. We're quite happy now and feel blessed.

I have had very few pregnancy symptoms, except being sooooo tired and moments of nausea here and there. I had the flu right after Thanksgiving and am a little worried about the effect that might have had on this little one. The advice nurse told me to try to keep my temp below 102 which I think I managed to do, so keeping fingers crossed that the neural tube closed okay.

Between being pregnant, work being quite stressful right now (huge accreditation survey in January - JCAHO for those in healthcare- that I am in charge of) and Christmas, I feel a little nutty!

Sharon - keeping fingers crossed that you have a miracle. I have a friend on another board who was told that she had an empty sac at 8 weeks - couldn't go through with the D&C (jsut felt something was wrong) and ended up with a healthy, viable pregnancy. Baby Claire is three months old now and perfect! My wish is that you will have the same good fortune!

I look forward to sharing this time with all of you!

[wolfmom]

alright ladies - i'm feeling much better! m/s is almost gone for now and i have a smidge more energy which suprises me since i didn't think it would get better for another 2-3 weeks. anyway, i just want to ask you all for good thoughts/prayers for the next few days. tomorrow i will be 9wks 2 days and that was the day that everything started to go wrong with my last pregnancy. i will feel a little better tomorrow if there is no spotting but i don't think it will actually get much better emotionally until 11 wks and after i hear the heartbeat 'cause that is when i acutally miscarried last time. i just hope my midwife can find the heartbeat next week. i am going in on monday when i will be 10 wks. sigh. such anxiety this time around! anyway, i am trying to just take it easy and enjoy. i will be so glad when i can acutally feel my uterus and the baby move - maybe then i will actually 'feel' pregnant!
peace and health,

[Mamma2Addison]

Good luck, Jenny! I hope everything goes well. It's so hard not to worry! Sounds like you've gotten a reprieve with m/s ~ still waiting for one here, LOL.

[Snowbaby]

Hello everyone - good to hear some of you are feeling better. I think I've been a bit less tired in the past three days but need a few more days to confirm that it's real since it's been so subtle.

I am 7 weeks, 4 days and have been craving cream cheese! (I could eat crackers and cream cheese all day long - of course, I keep worrying about if cream cheese is a "soft" cheese and obsessing about everything I eat).

I had an OB appt already and have an U/S to see the h/b on Thursday -- feeling anxious about this and crossing my fingers that all will be alright.

Sharon, my heart goes out to you.

Danielle - I wouldn't say that I'm depressed but I'm definitely having lots of blah-ness. I don't know if it's hormones or the horrible weather we've had in the Northeast this year, seems like there's barely been any sunlight. I say that if you need some reassurance from your MW/doc that all is ok to feel better - you should definitely go in, anything to regain your peace of mind.

Jennifer, Welcome!

Jenny, it's understandable that you're worried given your past experience but I'm sure things will be okay. Will be thinking of you as you get through this phase.

Misty, what a pain about your OB. It's always so dissapointing when your doc is not up to par.

[butterflyma]

Here's what I've got. lemme know if there's anything I should correct. I decided just to do usernames and EDD.

sharonal 7/24
oceanbaby 7/12
wolfmom 7/12
Mamm2Addison 7/10
sunbaby 7/?
Kris1225 7/22
ChildoftheMoon 7/16
my2girlz 7/19
mamaofthree 7/?
youngnhappymamm 7/4
spinach 7/29
midwifer 7/05
snowbaby 7/24
WahPuhKahLoo 7/26
ebethmom 7/19
the_dalai_mama 7/31
gigismom 7/03
Jennifer H 7/29
Michelle Leigh 7/21
williamsmommy2002 7/8
SaraLynn 7/7
troymama 7/11

[spinach]

Just when I was already feeling nervous... I started to spot last night. It's all tannish-brown but there has been a decent amount. I'm going in for an ultrasound tomorrow.

Glad to hear some of you are turning a corner in the m/s and energy department.

Welcome to the new posters!

[Snowbaby]

Fingers crossed that all is well, Shannon. I've had two episodes of spotting at 4w and 5w and both went away and all is well so far so I don't think spotting's necessarily a sign of something wrong with baby. Good luck - let us know how u/s goes.

[my2girlz]

Shannon, I hope everything is fine at your ultrasound. I remember when I was pregnant with Saige I started spotting around 6-8 weeks. If it's brown or tan that means it's old blood. I know that sporatically (once every few weeks) I would spot. I believe that lasted till I was about 27 weeks or so.

[ebethmom]

I had forgotten how gassy I get when I'm pregnant. Ugh.

The chicken and dumplings soup that hit the spot last week is utterly disgusting now. The smell of it just turns my stomach. Yuck.

Whoops - crying toddler. . .

[oceanbaby]

Shannon - please let us know the results of your ultrasound. I'm sure everything is fine, but it is reassuring to know for sure.

Gassy is right! I actually don't remember this from last time, but geez. And I so hear you about food being great one minute and gross the next. It's why I never have anything in the house that I want to eat.

I've got a bit more energy, and am now only nauseaous after I eat, rather than all day long, which is good. It's still the worst at around noontime and then around 8pm or so.

I had a little cold yesterday, so dh stayed home from work and took ds for the day and I got to lay in bed and watch crappy tv. HEAVEN! I could use a week of that right now.

[Snowy Owl]

butterflyma, my edd is July 26
(but I think it is more likely to be the 28th on the full moon)

I think I have the flu or something...really sick today. Can't hold anything down.
I almost didn't feel like checking MDC...now that's sick! :LOL

[ChildoftheMoon]

Shannon-:hug sending good baby thoughts. Please let us know, I am sure everything is fine, spotting is normal. :sticky :sticky :sticky
Brandi:love

[gigismom]

Hi everyone.

I went in for my heartcheck appt yesterday since I did not hear the hearbeat at my first appt. I am 10 weeks 2 days and was very nervous about going. I knew that it was early still to hear the heart on a consistent basis and was worried that if I did not hear it at that moment I would be more worried and would then want to have an u/s to check on this babe. Well.... I went and did not hear it. I was upset and my midwife suggested that rather than worry about it she could do a quick u/s so I could see the baby and be reassured and relaxed. So, I did it. Immediately when she put the wand on my tummy there was my little peanut!! I couldn't believe it. I have experienced this before with my dd but it seemed to mean more this time. I guess b/c I have more appreciation now for what it means to have a baby. I saw the heartbeat. The baby was moving around alot and stretching arms and flipping over. Maybe this is why we had trouble getting the heartbeat in the first place. I am so torn about interventions such as u/s but glad I did it this time b/c I would be a wreck right now if I hadn't. I guess I really am pregnant!!!

btw my EDD is 7/3/04

jen

[Snowbaby]

Congratulations, Jen! I'm glad you got the reassurance you needed and that your little peanut is doing fine.

I'll be going in straight for an U/S tomorrow and am a little anxious about it but also excited to see my little bean - praying all will be well.

[spinach]

Great news, Jen!

Snowbaby, I'm going for my u/s tomorrow too. I hope we both come back with good news. Good luck!

[butterflyma]

Ugh~ I've got a cold. I was already tired and brain-fogged before....now I'm like a zombie! (okay, probably an exaggeration, but I feel like it.)

Jen~that's wonderful. Your story had me totally anxious and then teary-eyed :love It's such an emotional event when you get to see that lil baby. I can't wait to feel movements!

shannon~I'm sending you healthy, calm vibes. I've had spotting also, and everything turned out fine, so far. :sticky I'll be crossing my fingers for you (mentally) until I get to see your post after work!

Off to work I go! I sure wish there was a way to "turn off" my sense of smell until this nausea went away- it's hard not to gag in front of my students and coworkers!

[ebethmom]

That's great news, Jen! I find myself worrying more about this pregnancy than I did my first, too. Two of my friends had recent miscarriages, and they've been on my mind.

I don't think we'll go for an early ultrasound with this baby. Our out of pocket expenses were over $3000 with ds (sorry insurance!) We can't afford that again!

Send healthy thoughts my way! Ds is sick today with a stomach bug. Poor guy! He's asleep on the family room floor with his pillow and blanket. He fell asleep holding his sippy cup. Whenever he's about to throw up, he says "Mommy! I'm going to choke!"

I hear him stirring.

[wolfmom]

sigh - i spoke too soon. for the last 2 days i have been slightly queasy, gagged a couple times, and am utterly exhausted! but at least i'm not spotting and all those other things are indicative of a healthy baby! only another week and a half until i past my m/c date. i know it doesn't really mean anything but i'll still feel better. i am just anxious for monday now. thankfully, i have a lot to keep me distracted this weekend. my son turns 2 tomorrow! i can't believe it - it makes me want to cry! i hope every body's u/s go well. i have to go nap so i can work tonight.
thanks for the well wishes!

[Mamma2Addison]

Good to hear m/s is passing for so many! It seems to be on the outs right now for me. Haven't been sick, just slightly queasy, for the last three days. I'm cautiously optimistic.

Is anyone out of regular clothes yet? My clothes are snug, but wearable. However, everything from the waist down looks kind of lopsided, LOL. I've taken to wearing my old maternity tops {those that are somewhat stylish, aka the early ones} with regular pants. I have put on maternity pants, though, and marvelled at how comfy they are in comparison.

Still exhausted and going to gather up ds for a much needed nap. I made the mistake of going Christmas shopping this morning and I feel positively done in.

Oh, and I have my first official appt with the midwife scheduled for Jan. 14th! :thumb Provided I don't have any complications this time, I'm going to stick with her for labor and delivery. I should be having an u/s on the 29th, though, when I get my diabetes test. Looking forward to seeing the blip blip of the heart on the screen, too. I'm feeling anxious as the first trimester draws to a close.

[spinach]

We saw the heartbeat! I'm soooo relieved. Thanks for all the well-wishes. I don't know exactly what the stats are on miscarriages after you see a heartbeat but I know it would be much less likely. Both of my other miscarriages were at week 6. I'm now week 7 so I'm feeling really positive. Well, I'm starting to crash from my HIGH so I think I'll take a nap w/ dd.

Hang in there, wolfmom. Sorry you got tricked.

ebeth, your son being sick is such a sad (but sweet) image. Take care.

butterflyma, sending healthy vibes your way.

[Snowbaby]

Spinach, Congrats. I had a good result too and saw and heard the heartbeat. It was so sweet!

However, I also had a stressful day and have a question for you all. My OB called me this morning because she had done a bunch of bloodwork when I went in. She was acting very alarmist saying that my Rubella IGM test came out positive (this one deals with current exposure though they do another one that shows antibodies from prior exposure, like a vaccine). Anyway, she totally freaked me out ... though I have NOT had any Rubella symptoms AT ALL. She wants to make me have a consult with a perinatologists (sp?) and is talking about how (to be safe) the perinatologists will do another U/S (level II?) at 18 weeks, etc. etc. I was very confused with all she was saying and very upset that she wants to send me to some high risk fetal expert to stress me out! I don't need that right now. I asked her if the test could be a false positve and she's like yeah, it's also very likely it's picking up something else (like a cold?) so I'm like well, why don't we just do the test over before we get drastic and she said, sure but either way I want you to see a specialist.

I AM MAD. I haven't been sick. I don't want to see a million doctors and I don't want to be stressed out. My little bean is fine and even if she/he isn't they have no way of knowing that right now and they can't do anything about it so JUST LEAVE US ALONE. Suddenly I'm understanding why so many of you are seeing midwives instead of doctors and why so many are waiting before rushing in to the doc and why there are so many homebirths! This woman was freaking out and AS THE MOTHER I totally feel like everything's fine -- don't poke us!

Should I switch to a Midwife? How do I get out of seeing this doc and seeing the specialist she's insisting I go see?

[Snowbaby]

Spinach, Congrats. I had a good result too and saw and heard the heartbeat. It was so sweet!

However, I also had a stressful day and have a question for you all. My OB called me this morning because she had done a bunch of bloodwork when I went in. She was acting very alarmist saying that my Rubella IGM test came out positive (this one deals with current exposure though they do another one that shows antibodies from prior exposure, like a vaccine). Anyway, she totally freaked me out ... though I have NOT had any Rubella symptoms AT ALL. She wants to make me have a consult with a perinatologists (sp?) and is talking about how (to be safe) the perinatologists will do another U/S (level II?) at 18 weeks, etc. etc. I was very confused with all she was saying and very upset that she wants to send me to some high risk fetal expert to stress me out! I don't need that right now. I asked her if the test could be a false positve and she's like yeah, it's also very likely it's picking up something else (like a cold?) so I'm like well, why don't we just do the test over before we get drastic and she said, sure but either way I want you to see a specialist.

I AM MAD. I haven't been sick. I don't want to see a million doctors and I don't want to be stressed out. My little bean is fine and even if she/he isn't they have no way of knowing that right now and they can't do anything about it so JUST LEAVE US ALONE. Suddenly I'm understanding why so many of you are seeing midwives instead of doctors and why so many are waiting before rushing in to the doc and why there are so many homebirths! This woman was freaking out and AS THE MOTHER I totally feel like everything's fine -- don't poke us!

Should I switch to a Midwife? How do I get out of seeing this doc and seeing the specialist she's insisting I go see?

[Snowbaby]

Spinach, Congrats. I had a good result too and saw and heard the heartbeat. It was so sweet!

However, I also had a stressful day and have a question for you all. My OB called me this morning because she had done a bunch of bloodwork when I went in. She was acting very alarmist saying that my Rubella IGM test came out positive (this one deals with current exposure though they do another one that shows antibodies from prior exposure, like a vaccine). Anyway, she totally freaked me out ... though I have NOT had any Rubella symptoms AT ALL. She wants to make me have a consult with a perinatologists (sp?) and is talking about how (to be safe) the perinatologists will do another U/S (level II?) at 18 weeks, etc. etc. I was very confused with all she was saying and very upset that she wants to send me to some high risk fetal expert to stress me out! I don't need that right now. I asked her if the test could be a false positve and she's like yeah, it's also very likely it's picking up something else (like a cold?) so I'm like well, why don't we just do the test over before we get drastic and she said, sure but either way I want you to see a specialist.

I AM MAD. I haven't been sick. I don't want to see a million doctors and I don't want to be stressed out. My little bean is fine and even if she/he isn't they have no way of knowing that right now and they can't do anything about it so JUST LEAVE US ALONE. Suddenly I'm understanding why so many of you are seeing midwives instead of doctors and why so many are waiting before rushing in to the doc and why there are so many homebirths! This woman was freaking out and AS THE MOTHER I totally feel like everything's fine -- don't poke us!

Should I switch to a Midwife? How do I get out of seeing this doc and seeing the specialist she's insisting I go see?

[Mamma2Addison]

Snowbaby, the only advice I can give you is that if you don't feel comfortable with your doctor and he/she isn't listening to you, then switch. A midwife may be what you want/need or maybe it's a doctor. I felt fine with an ob the first time around, and do this time too but I'm more on the same page with the midwife now and have a better idea of what to expect. But you are never locked into seeing anyone. The Finding Your Tribe section may be a good place to get referrals from other people in your area. Do an interview, if you like, just to make sure your ideas and theirs gel, kwim? This is such an important time in your life that you deserve the treatment and care you want.

So sorry you've got all this to deal with, but it sounds like you've got a good grasp of what is right for you and, unless they can really give you a better reason than they have, stick to it! She can refer you to a specialist, but I don't see why you can't insist on retaking the test. I'm sure your insurance company would prefer to fork out for a new test before a specialist's fees anyway.

[Snowy Owl]

Snowbaby,
I hope you are not too freaked out by all of this, remember, everything is probably fine. Here is a link you might want to check out regarding rubella and pregnancy:
http://www.whale.to/m/butler1.html
I found a lot of 'scare tactic' sites and this is one of the few I found that was interesting. Also, your whole pregnancy is going to make you a nervous wreck if you stick with a doctor like this, in my opinion. It definitely doesn't have to be...
Maybe talk to other knowledgable people/professionals about whether you should see the specialist right away or not.

Good luck!

[ChildoftheMoon]

Snowbaby-:hug I would definately look into another care giver if you are not comfortable with this one, and feel as though you are not being heard. Pregnancy is not a disease to be treated. As far as your bloodwork, I would first ask them to double check to make sure there was no mix-up (this happens fairly often) or even ask to be retested just to be sure. Stay calm, it will work out. What is most important for your babe is for you to be stress free and send good endorfins to your wee one. :hug

Spinach-so happy you saw the heartbeating!

butterfly-hope you feel better soon!

wolfmom-:hug Hope the sickness passed soon!

I am exhausted today. Went to LLL meeting and then ran errands. Drove by our old house to see if they made any changes. It is still for sale and looks the same, feel bad for the woman who we rented from, she wanted us out because she was so sure it would sell right away and now she has an empty house making no money. I miss the house and so do the girls, but the house we are in now is wonderful, it is just hard to settle in it because we know we can only be here for two years and then we have to move again. Feeling very sentimental today, and highly emotional. No sickness today, had it bad all week though. No vomiting thank goodness, just nausea. I am still having trouble staying asleep at night. I just want to be able to sleep. I think I have too much on my mind. Dh gets laid off after Christmas and that makes me worry. Ah, just go with the flow, things will work out!
Thanks for letting me ramble. Hope everyone is well.
Brandi :love

[Jennifer H]

Spinach - glad you got to see the little one's heartbeat. Isn't that a wonderful feeling?!

Sorry so many are sick. I have been having rough mornings and evenings and am sooooo tired at night. My toddler is the worst sleeper and by 10:00 I'm ready for bed, but he is still wanting to be up. We also need to work on getting him out of our bed so the new baby has a place to sleep, but I know it will be some work on dh and my part and neither of us is up for it right now. My dh did most of the transitioning of our first son into his own bed and it worked really well. I have to remind him of what a great job he did with Lars!

I had been quite worried about miscarrying and spending a lot of time meditating and praying for strength and peace and all of a sudden I am feeling like everything will be okay. Maybe it won't be, but I all of a sudden feel like it will!

[Artisan]

Just to give you all an update...

My hCG level on Monday was 62,000, which was good. I had it taken again on Wednesday, and it went up to 80,600. It didn't double, but it was a significant rise. Tomorrow is the big day for me -- I will get my blood drawn again and have my followup u/s to see what's really going on.

I'm still feeling crappy, which is no fun at all (as many of you know), but the thought of going through all of this for naught is distressing. I'll let you know what I find out tomorrow.

[spinach]

Snowbaby, your OB's approach sounds horrible. Any reasonable OB or midwife would calmly inform you of what's going on and suggest pursuing more information, not treat you like a high risk freak case. That is unacceptable. I would definitely change care-givers. You want someone who you can understand and who will understand you (and be reasonably sensitive). I'm so glad you saw the heartbeat. That must make you feel wonderful, despite your OB's alarmist info.

Good luck tomorrow, Sharon.

Jennifer H, I'm so glad you have peace of mind. That is so important in the bonding process. I was so anxious that I was not enjoying the pregnancy properly. I'm glad you are.

Childofthemoon, sorry you're not sleeping. I hope you're able to nap a little. It sounds like your family has a lot going on. Sending peaceful vibes your way...

Mamma2addison, I am currently wearing jeans two sizes up from my norm. I find anything even remotely binding makes me more nauseous.

[oceanbaby]

Sharon, I'm so glad to hear encouraging news. Please let us know what happens tomorrow.

I have an appt. tomorrow, and am hoping to hear the hearbeat for the first time. My best friend is coming with me, and she cries at everything, so it should make for a good emotional day!

I bought a pair of jeans two sizes up from my normal size, and besides stretchy pants, those are all I can wear.

I think I may be turning a corner with the nausea. I still feel a little queasy after I eat, but at least it's not constant, all day, like it was before. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[Michelle Leigh]

Dear Friends,

I am sending peace and love and healing to all of your little ones.

Yesterday I was in terrible pain (low back, knees, legs, headache) and couldn't hold down anything. I suddenly started a terrible cough.

Last night I couldn't take it anymore and went to the ER. They said I have the flu. DD has it, too, along with bronchitis & earaches. They gave me a liter (iv) which helped me make it through the night.

I'm better today, but hoping and praying for a miracle. I'm resting on the couch, sipping on ice, and just felt like reading all of your posts!

Sending all of you the best

[williamsmommy2002]

Spinach- that's great news.

Sharon- I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. I hope everything goes well.

Snowbaby- I think your ob is just trying to cover his butt. Having a previous vax to rubella doesn't always mean you are immune.
I was vaccinated against it and wasn't immune to it until I got it. My mom doesn't stay immune to it and has gotten it several times. Maybe you had just been recently exposed and didn't get it. Anyway, it doesn't matter. If you feel everything is ok, tell your ob that you wouldn't do anything to end the pregnany anyway so there is no need to go through with all of this. If your ob still doesn't listen to you, then you should switch.

My nausea is getting better. It never got that bad except when I got the flu. Otherwise i'm feeling real good. I can't believe i'm already 10 weeks. It goes by a lot faster when you have a toddler to run after.

My pants still fit but are getting tight. I bought some new maternity clothes because last time I was in maternity clothes at about 15 weeks. I wore maternity pants yesterday because i had to travel 3 hours for my work. I wanted to be comfortable.

[youngnhappymamma]

Hey everyone. Glad you hear about the positive u/s and people starting to feel better from m/s. I feel less nauseous these days...except in the evening when it is still really yucky. I have only one pair of pants I can still wear and they are starting to get a little tight. I wore my maternity overalls the other day and they were SOOOOOOOO cozy!!! I think I'll probably be completly into maternity pants in the next month. We are going out of town for Christmas and I plan on bringing maternity pants with me. I so can not believe I am almost to the second trimester!!!!! I am getting so much more exited!!! :D

The only thing I've really craved is cold cereal.

Anyone else having baby dreams? Last week I had a dream I gave birth to this baby and it was soooooo easy and fast and painless (the exact opposite of my last birth) and it was a girl (I feel like it's a boy). Then last night I had a dream that the baby was like a few weeks old and I was at a church party or something and I misplaced my baby!!!!!!!!!!!! :jaw It was freaky!!! Luckily when I woke up this morning and thought about it I realized that could never happen since the baby will be in the sling all the time. So that made me feel better. :) Although there was a few times when my dd was a tiny baby and I had her in the sling and I was watching my boys I would suddenly freak out and think "oh no, where's the baby!!??!!" and then look down and remember "oh yeah, in teh sling!" :D

[ChildoftheMoon]

Just a quick note to say hi and let you all know I am thinking of you. Sending good vibes to all those that need them! I had a horrible migraine all night long and still have it this morning. My migraines are hormone related (I always get one around ovulation) I also remember getting them around this time with my other two pregnancies. Hopefully this will be the only one. Off to recoup.
Brandi:love

[butterflyma]

Hello lovely ladies:love Thanks for all of the healthy thoughts!

Aaaah, I have today off! I felt like I really needed it. I slept in until 8:45 :blush But, I think I might as well enjoying sleeping to my own clock when I can now, I know everything will be so difference once the baby is born.

I'm a bit of a whack job, methinks. I've started to feel better, but I'm worried about it. :rolleyes: One of the pg books (that I don't read anymore) said if your symptoms suddenly get better contact your health provider. I have ANOTHER u/s on tues. so I will know if everythings okay then... I wish there was some kind of homeopathic, pg safe "chill pill". I'll be trying yoga and meditation today.

Snowbaby~Congrats on seeing your baby's heartbeat! :hug I agree with what everyone else has said to you. For peace of mind I'd probably ask my new care provider for a blood test. A friend helped me to feel better about switching health care providers when she said to me, "If you didn't like the food and service you got at the grocery store you go to, you'd try another grocery store." Good luck!

Sharon~ wow- I'm hoping for a little "miracle" for you. You're in my thoughts, can't wait to hear what you find out.

spinach~Yay!! I checked in to see how it went last night (too tired to post) and was so thrilled for you! Seeing that little baby's flickering on the screen is so ....amazing.

ebethmom's ds & Michelle Leigh~ healthy thoughts your way :)

youngnhappymamma~ I have has vivid and strange dreams, too. Most have been work related, for the past few weeks. But they're so real I find myself remembering them later in the day and wondering "where did I see that?"

I have wanted to wear maternity clothes FOREVER, like as long as I've wanted to be pg and have children. For some reason, I feel if I start wearing them this early people will think I'm silly. Who really cares if they did?...but. I think today I'm going to look at some any way, I need some new clothing, I might as well get something I can wear for awhile. Does anyone else feel like it's not quite "real" that they are pregnant?

Brandi~:hug I'm sending mega healthy and anti-migraine vibes your way. What a year you've had! I'll be hoping that the outcomes you are worrying about will soon become clear.

I suppose I'll end this little novel now! :LOL It's amazing what a few hours of extra sleep can do.

[ebethmom]

Well, ds is feeling much better today. He slept all day yesterday, and was feeling better by the evening. Then when he woke up at 3:30 AM, he was ALL the way better and ready to go! He didn't go back to sleep until 8:00. UGH!!!!

Getting ready to pack to go to Mom's for a few days. It's a working weekend - Mom is going to watch ds while I play 2 concerts and a rehearsal. Glad she can help - dh will stay home and get some rest. I'm not looking forward to the 2 hour drive, then the half hour back through traffic to get to tonight's concert.

I haven't felt nearly as sick these last few days! I know that's good news, but it makes me a little uneasy. As long as I feel a little bit sick, I at least feel pregnant.

Time to go get ready. I'd really like a NAP!

[wolfmom]

hey guys. and here i was hoping things were getting better -- today was the worst yet! i almost threw up so many times! i have a bit of a cough and every time i coughed, i gagged. yuck! i finally feel better after a long nap and some peanut butter but i also feel so bad for my son. it's his birthday today and mommy's been out of commission for most of it! anyway, my exciting news for the day is that i have finally realized that my pant really are tight, it's not wishful thinking! yay! i gotta go with my baby!

[Snowy Owl]

sharonal....good luck tomorrow...
To others who are also sick...do you feel like this?What is going on? I can't tell where the virus ends and the pregnancy begins! :confused: I have been in bed as much as possible the last three days, unable to eat almost everything (I had half a potato for supper last night) because all food looks and smells disgusting and won't stay down, and what does stay down...how shall we say... :inthet
I actually threw up ginger tea this afternoon....that's not supposed to happen...
And this terrible stuffy nose...and headaches...and tummy aches....
and I feel like passing out when I stand up...
But I haven't had a fever...so I don't even know if it could be the flu or if I have some weird unknown disease that is potentially fatal....

I hope that's not too much complaining.....
Unfortunately, there's no smiley with a thermometer and hot water bottle.
:D

[Snowy Owl]

wolfmom,

I totally hear you....about the coughing and all that. I though for sure I would be better today too....and about the pants....my pants were getting tight, and now they are really quite loose! But I can see the womb bulge above my pelvic bone better now.

[Artisan]

OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH!

We saw a baby today with a strong heartbeat! I am so shocked, as was the radiologist. He said, "We saw NOTHING last time? Not even a yolk sac? Wow, I guess it pays to be conservative!"

The heartbeat was 164, clearly visible, and I am FLOORED. I've been waiting all week for the worst to happen, and it doesn't look like it will!

YAY FOR ME! :D :D :D

[Snowbaby]

Sharon - I checked in tonite just to see what happened with you and I can't even begin to tell you how utterly HAPPY I am for you!!!!! That's just really the best news. Glad you and your little bean are hangin strong.

WahpuhKahloo, Wolfmom and all other sick mamas -- FEEL BETTER!!!

Butterflyma - I know what you mean about feeling a bit silly about maternity clothes so early on but I really would love to be wearing those so I could look pg instead of bloated and fat. I feel like I'm exploding out of my skin I'm so bloated.

Called the CDC this evening after OB called to upset me again. The gentleman I spoke to was as thrown as I was. Apparently, there were only like 10 cases of Rubella in 2002 in the US and they were in elderly or immune-compromised people. He also said there was only a fraction of a percent of a chance that someone who's been immunized to it and showed immunity as late as this summer could possibly contract it, especially with no symptoms. He seemed to think it sounded like a false positive and suggested I get re-tested. My OB (though admitting chances are it's nothing) insists I go to perinatologist ASAP (so they can "educate" me on the possible consequences of Rubella in first trimester - arghhh!!) but refused to retest for the moment. I'm hating her! Since I don't need a referral for my insurance, I'm heading to a different doctor on Monday to have them retest.

[butterflyma]

:clap Woo-hoo!!! :balloons OMG Sharon! That is so fantastic! I am teary eyed and sooooo happy for you. Wow! :thumb

Snowbaby~good for you, for finding a new more respectful doctor. Yeah, I broke down today :D I bought some maternity clothes and they are so cute. I don't care if people think I'm nutty. I probably am a little :LOL I just felt so "right" in the maternity tops and pants. Non-pg women are missing out, maternity clothes are so comfortable....

WahPuhKahLoo~ ITKWYM, about not knowing what's due to pg and what is "sickness". I do believe you are entitled to as much whining as you've got left in ya (after the vomiting) :D

wolfmom~happy birthday to your ds! I hope you are soon feeling better.