Weekly Chat Thread Oct 9th-the 15th [Archive] - MotheringDotCommunity Forums

chiromama

10-09-2005, 01:25 PM

Thanks Amy!

I stayed in bed late today, my hubby went fly fishing with some buddies today, but finished the laundry last night, and did all the grocery shopping... so all I have to do today is run some errands and go knit with my girlfriends.

I'm not sure how much I'll actually do, but I think it will be nice to get out of the house, since tomorrow I have to go back to work! I want to start exercising again, so I'm going to pickup a prenatal yoga dvd. i dont' know how much i'll do today, since i feel pretty nauseated but we'll see.

So... I was thinking we should do a Question of the week. Instead of just talking about how crappy we feel, what do you all think?

Ok.. dizziness is setting in.. must lie down. :D

doulanichole

10-09-2005, 02:28 PM

Thanks for starting the thread, Amy!

chiromama- I agree about having a question of the week. Otherwise I don't really know if I can participate...I don't feel all that bad. And I am just so thankful to be pregnant (like I know many others are) that I just don't want to complain about it! What shall the question of the week be?

coco4cloth

10-09-2005, 03:16 PM

I. am. always. hungry.

It's out of control!!! :p

Me too :LOL I am sooooooooo scared to get on the scale because I have eating like crazy!

I am 5 weeks 4 days and still feel pretty good. Only sometimes I feel a little sick. I am really worried that the m/s will hit about 7 weeks.

Amys1st

10-09-2005, 03:35 PM

Nicole- after having a few kids, God realizes you have plenty to do and gives you a reprieve on yucky symptoms. Or you're so immune to it, you just do not notice. Or thats why you have a few- you do prgnt well. :scratch

But yes- agree fully, lets come up w a question and/or topic. Then next week someone else can start this and come up w another. but if we get off topic thats ok by me.

Question-

How are you medically monitoring you prgncy??

When I say that, Do you have an OB, midwife etc. Are you going already, is your medical provider u/s happy (like some of my friends' obs) etc.

Also, are you going to do prgncy prescreening for any genitc anything.

To answer- We have an OB practice. With skyrocketing premiums for malpractice the way it is in Ill, its almost impossible to find a midwife or do any sort of "alternative" birthing choices. When I say alternative- I mean the way it was done for thousands of years before 1915 and OBs started to rule the world.
If you want to do a water birth, pray your own water does not break, because in this state, you cannot then have a water birth.
Epiderals are done in most births unless the mama is very upfront about it. Vbacs are almost impossible to do unless its at a handful of hospitals in this area. Some OB practices will not even let a mother deliver naturally if she already had a Csection which really irks me a lot.

We investigated midwifes in this area and the one practice we feel comfortable with is at a hospital 15 miles away and 45 minutes in light traffic.
Also, I am not a cadidate for homebirth w my history. But the homefirst people around here, I do not hear good things about.

So we will go to our OB practice, who we really love. Since we have already delivered we can talk to them about what we want this time around. Also, they are not ultrasound happy like some practices. They will ask if we want to do the triple screen which we will not do. Also if I was over 35, they would want to do an amenio which I would also not want. My feeling is- what would I do with these results if I had them?

But thats IMO, everyone else is different kwim?

Twilight

10-09-2005, 04:29 PM

Thanks for starting the thread Amy :)

I am just tired a lot. And thirsty, and peeing a little more than usual. I feel a little icky from time to time but don't really feel like throwing up. If anything my appetite is less than normal.

All of this is totally opposite my last pg which really throws me off. I'm kind of insecure about it, like maybe there is something wrong with me and I"m not really pregnant!

But all that should be answered soon... I went in today for my 2nd blood draw and will get the beta hcg results tomorrow... I won't be thinking of much else till then.

I'm seeing an OB... last pregnancy we didn't do much "medical monitoring" other than checking heart tones at each appt and getting an u/s at 20 weeks. And the usual, you know. AFP screen at 16 weeks, glucose screening, Group B strep, blah blah blah. This time I got the blood draw for beta hcg's because I was spotting (that seems to have stopped... knock on wood). I don't expect an early u/s or anything unusual as long as the numbers look good and I don't spot anymore.

What a mess in Nevada. :( More and more states are following that lead unfortunately!

I need to go grade some papers... I really want a nap but suppose I should do work. :) I will update tomorrow with my results!

chiromama

10-09-2005, 06:46 PM

good question, Amy!

Well, how we choose to birth this baby(ies) will be discussed after we know how many are in there. If it's twins, I'm not sure I'll want a homebirth. I'd like to think I will, but we'll see.

My husband isn't 100% sure about homebirth - but i think that if it's the right choice, he'll see the light. :) If we do choose a hospital setting, we will go with hospital midwives, at the one local hospital that I know doesn't push you toward C-sect.

My perfect experience would be a home water birth, in my big lovely tub. :) with a laymidwife, my hubby and a doula. But twins may change that scenario!.

As for 'medical monitoring'... also depends on how many are in there. I don't plan on having the quad/triple screen, or an amnio. I do plan on monitoring my own glucose, as both of my sisters had gestational diabetes (although, I don't have blood sugar issues, and they both had some mild ones). But I can do that myself, as we keep urinalysis strips at my office. Unless I have reason to, I don't plan on doing a GD screen. I plan on having this upcoming US, and unless the RE sees a need to do another, I don't know if we'll have anymore.

When you've had a high tech conception, it seems hard to 'un-hightech' your pregnancy... but I really would like to do just that. Just because it was hard to get me pregnant, doesn't mean we can't grow a healthy baby, or have a non intervention birth.

However... I can't wait till thursday to see how many are in there!!!

mimid

10-09-2005, 08:01 PM

We're going with an OB. I am slowly pushing DH into understanding my desire for a natural birth, but I realize there are some things he won't budge on. So I figure I'll pick my battles.

We've already discussed genetic testing because our RE recommended it, but we decided against it because we wouldn't change our plan of action with the results so why bother?

As for u/s I'm having one on Friday at 7 weeks and then it will depend pretty much on what is needed. I'm pretty vocal in what I want and my OB is very nice and helpful so I really don't feel like I'm going to get a bunch of pressure.

bohemama

10-09-2005, 08:16 PM

Twilight~ are you in Nevada? I am. I'm worried because none of the hospitals here (that I know of) are allowing vbacs and that's what I want. I'm going to set up some consultation appointments with the two Midwifery practices (again that I know of) in the area to see if I'm a candidate for a hbvbac. I'm so thankful that DH is ok with that!

simonesays

10-09-2005, 08:24 PM

My sister is my OB so I will see her throughout my pregnancy. She has been very cool about my homebirths so that is what we are planning on again. I will probably have an early u/s around 8 weeks in sis's office just to check things out and will have a level II u/s at 18-20 weeks. I do have a fatal genetic issue in my family and even if something shows up on the u/s we will continue the pregnancy but I would like to be prepared. I am also one of those people that say I'm not getting off the table until I know what gender the baby is. I know it is horrible to say but I cried when I found out the twins were both boys. I was really hoping for a girl and I think I needed to get over wanting a girl before they were born. Of course I still want a girl and even though I will adore another little boy I'm sure I will be a little sad at not having a daughter. Anyone else have a gender preference?

chiromama

10-09-2005, 08:29 PM

Personally, i have no gender preference. We just want a baby. :D

Amys1st

10-09-2005, 08:53 PM

I'm looking for 10 fingers, 10 toes. We have a wonderful little girl and if we got another little girl, my DH would still be King of his castle. Except of course when we are all pmsing :LOL But if we got a boy that would be fine too. DH thinks we will eventually have 3 daughters. He calls us his two girls.

We are still on the fence about finding out what kind of baby is in there. We did not w dd and it was fun.

jentilla

10-09-2005, 09:43 PM

Well we had a homebirth with dd and only 1 US at around 20-24 weeks. I only want to make sure there isn't an apparent problem that could be fixed beforehand or that needed medical attention right after birth. I won't see a midwife until 12 weeks and we are still trying to decide uf we want to use the same one. We had the glucose, triple screen done since they aren't invasive, but other than that dd has only been to the dr 4 x's in 2 years, we don't vax. So I will likely do the same this time. I had complete say the last time. I am going to try to have this babe in the water since last time the tub got cold since I was in labor for 18 hrs!

I have been a little weird with buying extra pg tests from the DT and taking them at random. :LOL

My pg with dd was smooth sailing and so far this one seems okay, not sick or too tired, but a little yucky occasionally and my sense of smell is taht if a super hero. Oh, and BIG nipple pain with dd nurses. :(

mimid

10-09-2005, 10:11 PM

DH and I are both happy for a baby but if we got to pick, it would be a boy.

seekermage

10-09-2005, 10:26 PM

Sooo why is it that when your dr tells you that you have to "watch your carbs, no junk food and no sugars" thats immediately what you crave? I do have a sweet tooth but not to the point I want to eat it all the time, and yeah I love carbs....but sheesh....the minute you are told not to do something its a MUST HAVE! ARG!!! I really need to start some kind of a diet...or have a plan of something healthy atleast part of the time. I was borderline GD last pregnancy but I had a HUGE sweet tooth all the time....like daily goodies and thats all I wanted.....sooo I was amazed it never did turn into GD. Sooo this time around I want to be good, especially since I still have the extra weight from the first pregnancy....but I only gained 20lbs...so its not like it was a whole lot...but considering Im already several lbs overweight to begin with...Im basically screwed!

Any suggestions for diet/excersice plan?

I think that Im going to try and do daily morning mall walks while older DD is in school. I can let Lil'bit run around the mall and play on the playground until the mall opens. It would be a good hour or more that we would have. I think it would be a start atleast right? Any other suggestions?

Oh...and as for gender...I would love another girl, but a boy would be nice too. Since its a totally different season from my first two its really doesnt matter. New stuff all around Yippeee! DH of course is leaning towards a boy. I also had a psychic friend tell me about my first DD down to the dark hair and dark eyes, and she mentioned my next one would be a boy. So Im dying to see if she was right! Anyone wanna place a bet?
:bouncy

Ok well Im rambeling, I have the late night giddyness and munchies but im trying to be good! If it werent for the munchies I wouldnt know I was pregnant. Fun Fun fun! Anyone else get the munchies?

Twilight

10-09-2005, 10:47 PM

No, I'm not in Nevada... I'm in Colorado. It doesn't seem as bad here but I'm sure it's just a matter of time. Malpractice rates are increasing but so far all that's meant to us is outrageous health insurance premiums.

Sadiebug

10-09-2005, 11:33 PM

I'm going to an OB/GYN. I would love to do a homebirth, but I just don't know yet. I am so thirsty and tired all the time :( Thank goodness I'm able to be a stay at home mom so I don't have to really do anything. I also can't believe this is my third baby! I'm very excited about it. I have a few cravings here and there, but mostly food makes me what to run to the bathroom. I have to force myself to eat. I haven't lose or gained any weight yet and I usually lose in the 1st tri because I'm sick all the time. I knwo it will get better though :thumb

Beansmom

10-10-2005, 12:26 AM

How are you medically monitoring you prgncy??

Well, I discovered Friday that my OB is no longer on my PPO plan. So, I left a message asking her to join again. Otherwise, I don't know what I'll do. Her partner is on the plan still, so I guess I could go to him, but I would prefer her. Also, the hospital they deliver at is not on my plan, so I have to see if they are willing and able to deliver the baby at the hospital in this town (there office in the next town over). If they won't do this it looks like I will have to go to a doctor and hospital on my plan that is 60-70 miles away. I hate insurance!

I would have a homebirth, I looked into it with dd, but I have NO support from DH or other familiy members. Especially now since I had some complications with dd and ended up with a c/s. In the area I live in I don't have a clue how I would find a midwife, my doula moved to CA, so I just don't think there is any way to get around going to the hospital and having another c/s.

I got all the routine tests with dd, so I guess I'll do the same this time. My OB only does ultrasound if there is some medical reason to do it.

We don't have a gender preference, another girl would be nice since I have all the girl stuff already, but I wouldn't mind a boy either.

MyLittleWonders

10-10-2005, 01:20 AM

I am seeing the same ob I had with both boys. I really like her; she is very calm and not at all in your face about anything. I also loved that she immediately put each boy on my abdomen and encouraged nursing the moment she got them out. :D Each boy was on the breast within seconds. I won't see her, though, until the 8th of Nov. Before then, I'll go see the nurse practitioner next Monday for the "new-ob" appt; that's where I get to refuse the formula gift bag (though I'm debating taking it for my friend who foster's babies ... she can definitely use it). Given what she's done in the past, I'm expecting my ob will do an u/s when I see her next month to confirm due date (I'll be 12 1/2 weeks by then ... I wonder if I can talk the n.p. into it instead ... I'm really curious if I'm right with my dates), then I'll have the "regular" u/s at about 20 weeks or so. That one I don't like because my insurance contracts out to an u/s place and they have the worst bedside manners. Maybe in the last 2 1/2 years they've changed.

I'm debating declining the glocuse tolerance screening this time. Both boys came up fine; I have really low blood sugar to begin with, and frankly I don't like introducing that much glocuse into my system all at once on an empty stomach (right now the thought makes me ill). I'm also going to decline the triple screening.

As for how I'm feeling ... my sense of smell is overwhelming and can pick up yucky smells from a mile away. It makes going in the kitchen hard; I had dh move the kitchen trash outside on the stoop so I don't have to walk past it to do laundry. I have no appetite except for a few things (and not very healthy either), but I'm hungry all the time because I'm not eating much. Sometimes I feel queasy, but never like I'm going to throw-up, just yucky. I never had this with either boy, so it's a new experience. So far today I've had two bowls of chocolate lucky charms, a baked potato, and some chicken tenders. Oh, and a sliver of orange. ;) I had such visions of eating well ... I was going to do as much of the Makers Diet and Nourishing Traditions as I could ... sprouted, fermented, raw, whole food ... but the thought of it is sickening. So, I'm back to my cereal, pasturized milk, and processed mac & cheese! :LOL At least it's something.

Oh, someone mentioned yoga. I bought last week the Gaiam Prenatal Yoga ... I really like it. There are three women on the screen all at once - one from each trimester of pregnancy, so you can see how the poses are modified throughout. It's a good stretch and pretty calming ... my boys like to try to do it with me! :love The goal is to do that 3-4 times a week and continue to walk 2-3 miles a day (though I haven't been doing that as much ... it got very hot and dry here the last couple weeks). My goal is to be in better shape this time than I was last time, which was better than the first time. We shall see ...

mountainsun

10-10-2005, 05:44 AM

After my ds birth at the hosp w/ an OB last time, we are changing it up and going to see a midwife and either birth at the Birth Center or at home :D
I am soooooo excited, our hospital birth was good, but I think for us, the birth center or home birth will be much better. We are very private people and I did not like being a "number" at the hospital......and strangers tending to me.
I didnt do the triple screen last time - I had read over and over that there is high chance of false-positives and I didn't want to go through that - so we opted to not do that. We did do u/s and the glucose test - they also checked me iron levels at EVERY visit b/c I am veggie........

If anyone has any good links on homebirth, pass em on! Also thanks for the rec. on the prenatal yoga - I think I may have to pick that up.

Keeta

10-10-2005, 05:58 AM

Any suggestions for diet/excersice plan?

I wanted to pass this link on that I found yesterday, for anyone who is interested. My DH and i are both veggies (we do eat seafood very occasionally, and yeah, I know, a fish isn't a vegetable). Anyway, I've been wanting to keep track of my protein intake because I'm always worried I'm not getting enough.

http://babyfit.com

This site allows you to enter what you've eaten throughout the day, and it keeps track of all the nutrients you need while preggers. I have to guesstimate quite a bit, but it at least gives you a rough idea of where you're at for the day.

I don't know about the site as a whole, but it's pretty neato for reminding you to eat right, drink water, exercise and take your vitamins! :D

mommy2boys

10-10-2005, 07:33 AM

Dh and I have two boys and I am secretly hoping for a girl but I would not be disapointed at all if we had another boy. I am seeing an OB. I could see a midwife in this area but I haven't heard the best things about the two that are here. Plus dh is trying for a another job so if that works out I will get to deliver at a great hospital, we can't afford a homebirth there are no homebirth midwives in our area and insurance wouldn't cover it. As much as I want a home water birth it probably won't happen. But I do plan on having another unmedicated birth.

We probably will try and find out the sex so we can plan but I'm not all that worried about finding out either, I am just so excited to be having another baby.

Amys1st

10-10-2005, 08:04 AM

MArcy- where in IL do you live? I can see how you would have trouble finding a solution for delivering a baby.

mountainsun

10-10-2005, 09:11 AM

http://babyfit.com

thanks for that site - it looks cool!

p.s. Keeta, I was completely lacto-ovo veggie for my last pregnancy and we did fine! I think I worry more about my iron intake than my protein.......
GL!

StacyL

10-10-2005, 09:27 AM

Amys1st - Check out Dr. George Elvove in the Chicago area - he's a homebirth doc. I lived in Peoria for two years until August.

I had very little med attention with my first. I had my first OB visit at 13 weeks and had a Doppler listen to the hb. Then I had a blood draw at 17 weeks for the triple screen. Then I had an u/s at 24 weeks. That was it. Other than that, I just took my bp every month and weighed myself and measured my fundal height.

This time we are stationed where our hosptial is a MTF (military treatment facility) so it's a little different. I have to go to an initial visit ASAP with my assigned family practice doc in order to get the referral written for the homebirth midwife that is covered under our insurance. I will likely not have many of the tests (don't see the point) and certainly would never have an amnio. Ironically, my dh is a med student, but he and I think pregnancy is best left alone. We might even go with no u/s this time.

We have no gender preference.

Amys1st

10-10-2005, 10:07 AM

Amys1st - Check out Dr. George Elvove in the Chicago area - he's a homebirth doc. I lived in Peoria for two years until August.
.

Thanks for the lead but like I said, I cannot do homebirth. Most practices that do that in IL would not even touch it because I would be considered high risk. Where is the Dr located though?

StacyL

10-10-2005, 11:28 AM

He's in Libertyville.

here's his site:
http://www.elvovemd.com/home.htm

Paddington

10-10-2005, 12:09 PM

subscribing for now, will be back to answer questions...

doulanichole

10-10-2005, 02:09 PM

I live in a state with a lot of issues surrounding homebirth midwifery which makes it not exactly legal and definitely not paid for by insurance. However, neither of these is an issue for me and I have to birth where I feel most comfortable - home! Payment arrangements are always available and I am so thankful for midwives willing to take a chance on getting paid!

So, I will rock the boat and say that I do prenatal care a little differently. I prefer to do dual care where I see my hb mw for care in addition to the OB/MW practice (incidentally, ins. will cover 100% of my OB appts and hospital birth). Do to the legal issues in this state, the local hb mw's do not have hospital/OB back-up so I choose to have dual care in case of transport, I will have an established relationship with someone. I have also worked with this practice on numerous occassions and totally trust them with my care in case of a transport, but they are unaware that my last hb was planned or that I will be planning one this time as well.

As for testing, other than the doppler, u/s and some of the initial blood work (I even start out difficult), I refuse all else. I will not have the CF, AFP, glucose or GBS tests done.

Amy - I normally do pregnancy pretty well, but I am feeling a little more tired and nauseous this time. After the 1st trimester I usually love being pregnant. Of course, every year makes a difference and I am several years older than when I had my first so maybe that's the different too.

TryingMommas

10-10-2005, 02:31 PM

Wow - there are lots of second & third time mamas on here!
This is my very first pregnancy, so I am just barely even starting to think about what I will want and not want, as far as intervention goes. DP & I have been completely wrapped up in the *getting pg* part of the process!! At this point in time, we're thinking we'll have a hospital birth with as little intervention as possible, with a doula or layMW with us (and probably my mom &/or sister, too).

I just changed insurance carriers, so I have never even met my OB yet. I just took the lab pee test at the medical center today (drop-in) so once they get the + results tomorrow, they'll schedule me for my first appt. (being Kaiser - it will be a group "class" type-appt so they can give us all our lab slips at once to save money). Then after that I'll *finally* be able to get in with my OB ... so I'll meet her for the first time at my first prenatal physical exam. I have no idea when they'll want to do the first u/s or other tests yet.

Since I can't get a blood test, I am tempted to keep taking HPTs just so I have some outside reassurance that I'm really staying pg! So far I have few symptoms, but also no spotting or anything to worry about. It is just starting to sink in...

Beansmom

10-10-2005, 04:50 PM

MArcy- where in IL do you live? I can see how you would have trouble finding a solution for delivering a baby.

I'm in Sterling. I heard back from the Dr. today and they can't do a c/s at the hospital on my PPO plan and there are no Drs. in my plan for that hospital, makes a lot of sense. So, I left a message at the hospital my OB works at to see if they will add my insurance plan. If they won't it looks like I will be driving to Rockford, 70 miles, to see a Dr. Grrr...

Paddington

10-10-2005, 06:19 PM

tryingmommas, congrats on your first. i have kaiser as well. there are something things that make it seem harder sometimes, some things that make it easier. just find the kaiser in your area where you are most comfortable with the place.

the one we ended up going was not the one where i had all my prenatal visits, but rather another one that i had to drive 60 miles too--but i got to keep my baby with me the entire time, he never went to a nursery and the let us use the other bed so my dh could stay with us. for the most part (other than the night staff and the cut happy midwife...) it was a really good place to birth.

Amys1st

10-10-2005, 06:36 PM

He's in Libertyville.

here's his site:
http://www.elvovemd.com/home.htm

Thanks Stacy! He is two hours north of me in traffic and an hour 1/2 on a good day.

Homebirth in the Chicago area had some shakeup about 10 yrs ago when a midwife was delivering a foot breach birth being video taped by the husband at the couples home. Of course there is a very sad ending but the couple backed the midwife up 100% even though on the video after the baby's death she said- I need to pack up, I am not supposed to even be here.

Couple that along with some botched up deliveries in the area you are looking at astronomical insurance premiums for OBs. My OB's practice its about 250K per Dr. Also in Illinois there is no cap on court settlements/lawsuits for malpractice which is why the fees are so high. In another 5 years it will be impressive if there is even 100 Drs in this area for OB.

But, there are a few homebirth options- Homefirst as one but they are a bit loopy so to speak. I have heard that even from Mamas here in the find your tribe section. Most hospital midwife practices by Ill law are connected to another Dr's practice. So if soemthing was to go wrong, the Dr could come in- this is done in most other countries. But again a lot of midwife practices had to close because of the high cost of insurance.
If you do a homebirth in my area, most of the midwifes are not connected w any hospitals around here so you have to call 911 and either deliver in the ER or if for some reason you need a c/s, its the house OB or another ER Dr. Not the best way to deliver. I know 2 girls in this area who had to do this. They had no advocate w them either since the midwife was not on staff at the hospital.

So I live about 10 minutes from 5 different hospitals. 2 trauma one centers so we have our pick of the litter. The hospital we will give birth at is a smaller hospital and DH is also on staff there. In fact our L& D nurse was treated by
him so we had a great experience. Since its a samller hospital, if something went wrong we would airlift to the larger hospital a mile away. When I say smaller hospital I mean not a teaching one. Since its our second time, they pretty much let you do what you want and so does my OB- she did that last time as well.

BundleFishMama

10-10-2005, 07:57 PM

Hi everyone! Great idea for a "question of the week" - I like it! :thumb

My first two, I delivered in a small-ish hospital outside D.C. where we lived, with an OB practice that I just adored - they were amazing, so wonderful - very open to my needs and wants as a patient, and respectful of my wishes - unfortunately though, I still ended up with a more medical birth than I would have preferred, since with dd1, my water broke first and I never had any contractions on my own (they did let me wait like 9 hours before starting Pit) and with dd2, same thing, not progessing, leading to Pit, leading to lying on my back with constant monitoring and IVs, leading to an epidural, leading to pushing problems, leading to instrument delivery, you know, how one intervention leads to more.

So this time, since we moved away from D.C. last year and I had to find a new health care provider anyway, I'm going to go with CNMs at a Birth Center and finally :fingersx: get the drug-free birth I want!! It's located near a hospital (basically one street over, so that makes my DH feel better!) but it's completely midwife-owned and operated (check out the website if you want, it looks really cool: www.thebirthcenter.com ) I had my annual GYN exam there a few months ago, so I'm excited to start prenatal care there....of course, I am only 4 weeks and they really don't need to see me until 7 or so, so I have to wait!

As for tests, right now we plan to do an early u/s at my first appt (although the more I read about the possible dangers of u/s, the more I wonder if I should....) and we will do the level 2 u/s at 18-20 wks, just because if, God forbid, there were something wrong that could be fixed/prepared for, I'd want to know. We also want to know the gender - we were surprised the first time, which was exciting, but last time we found out and it was nice knowing. I would be thrilled with either, as long as s/he is healthy, but if I had the choice I think I would like a boy just because I know DH is secretly hoping for one, and my 3 y.o. dd is *insisting* it's a boy bc she wants a baby brother so badly! We want a big family, so it's not like we *have* to get a boy this time, and I looooove being a mama to girls, but you know, it would be nice to experience the difference. We decline the triple screen, and I might decline the GBS, but we usually do the glucose screen because diabetes (type I and II) run in my family and I was borderline with dd1.

As for exercise, I am continuing my usual, I work out at Curves 3-5 times a week, which they say is still safe during pregnancy, and I enjoy it. It's circuit training, a mix of low-impact aerobics and weight training, so you get your cardio and your muscle-building in one efficient workout (I lost 20 pounds in the 4 months before conceiving by working out there!)

Outofmymindyo

10-10-2005, 08:58 PM

Well, since it's my first I am more comfortable being with an OB in the military hospitals (since I'm familiar with policy and all). My first OB appointment is Thursday, and I am not sure what they're going to have me doing.

As for tests...the only thing I will be getting checked is ABO/rh differences. I don't want to be wrongly told that I'm having a baby with down's syndrome simply because of the statistics of how wrong the test is. I'll be refusing anything that I feel I don't need or am uncomfortable with.

I'm waiting to move to Japan at the moment, and I actually can't wait to get there and deliver so the baby can grow up in Japanese culture before we come back to the US. My personal preference is a boy, but I had an easier time picking out a girl's name (had it picked before we even got pregnant) so I'm being weird and I'm going to guess that's a sign.

I'm going to be breastfeeding (which my family has actually never done, but thankfully my husband and my wonderful mother fully support) but I wanted to make sure I knew that in case of problems there are alternatives.

I'm in the process now of trying to learn to sew onsies so that I don't have to pay for brand name and I can make all of the clothing for the baby. It will also let me pick out whatever fabric I want and let me choose exactly what the baby wears. I thank MDC for making me think twice about going brand name for everything. I still have a fetish for Pooh and Friends when it comes to decorating...but that's another hurdle lol.

Amys1st

10-11-2005, 07:52 AM

outofmymindyo: Welcome! and Japan sounds exciting! Congrats on doing the right thing and breastfeeding but no need to worry about us thinking otherwise.
Just on this June Board alone you have about 50 years of bfeeding experience. So please question us away! Before you do your big move, consider investing in a few =key tools to get you off to a great start.
LeLEche meetings - in Japan and in your area
Read- the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. If you cannot find a copy, I would be glad to mail mine along to you.
Talk to other bfeeding mamas especially since no one in your family nursed.

TryingMommas

10-11-2005, 10:41 PM

got my pee test results from Kaiser (call-in) and the are of course positive!
I should get a call for my first appt tomorrow ... no idea how soon I'llactually get in, though.

Still not much for symptoms, though my boobs are definitely starting to grow. I wonder when it'll be enough for other people to notice (I'm only a B cup normally). I'm kinda worried about that part, because my mom went from a C cup to a HH (yes, you read that right - bigger than she could find in maternity stores) with me and I was her first pregnancy. Anybody else had monster tit growth in the past? Anything you can do to help/slow it down?

hotwings640

10-11-2005, 11:22 PM

I had a homebirth with my last pregnancy and plan on doing the same with this one. We just moved cross country, so I haven't decided on a midwife yet. It will probably be a few weeks before I have an initial exam. Oh, and I don't plan on doing any screenings or testings unless there seems to be some sort of problem.
I really don't have a prefference if this baby is a boy or a girl. I have one of each and they are both so wonderful! I do get the feeling that I am carrying a girl though.... but we won't find out until June :)
Erika

Amys1st

10-12-2005, 08:19 AM

Anybody else had monster tit growth in the past? Anything you can do to help/slow it down?

I did not see an increase right away in my last prgncy- took about 8 weeks. But this time they get bigger everyday incl the nipples. DH finds it appealing and since I'm normally 36B, I think its amusing. Don't worry- they go back to normal size and in some cases, get smaller if you small chested.

If you do in fact find yourself needing a bra to fit a car, :LOL check out
motherwear.com
they have nursing bras, but I think they do maternity as well. Also bravado bras now make a non nursing bra. I just got one and I love it. They got me thru 30 months of nursing last time.

loudmama

10-12-2005, 09:54 AM

We just found out I'm pregnant today. I've been pretty sure I was, but I didn't want to get my hopes up too much. My breasts are definitely feeling bigger already, & I'm just 4 weeks along. I'm doomed. My breasts are normally a DD. When I was nursing DS they were up to an F/G. Oh well. Can't do much about nature sometimes.

I'm going with a Family Practice Dr. this time. I had a CNM at the hospital last time, but due to the fact that I had a c-section last time, I can't go with them again. Bastards. I like my Dr, but really wish I could have the midwives again. The OB's overseeing them won't "let" them attend VBAC's.

My plan is to refuse most tests this time as well. I will do the GD test just because it runs in my family & because I a larger gal. I may have an ultrasound this time just to find out where the placenta is. We didn't have one last time.

L

Paddington

10-12-2005, 12:09 PM

i am doing the morning nausea thing. and i plan on waiting to tell everyone until after the first trimester so i'm hoping throwing up doesn't give me away.

with our first we had a hospital birth, at kaiser actually. for the most part things were fine but i didn't progress as fast as they wanted, even though i was having wicked pains (baby was turning....) and so they decided i needed pictocin and oxygen and i was tied to the bed... and so, i would like to avoid that again. so i think we are going to start searching for a birth center--anyone know one in the antelope valley, ca area? and probably a midwife. i discovered, that midwife at the hospital doesn't make much difference from a dr as she still insisted on cutting me....

i plan on waiting to go to the dr til the end of the first trimester--as i went early with the first and they ignored me until i was through the first trimester.... we are not going to find out the sex (if i can stand it! i don't want to form an opinion and be disappointed one way or the other... though i can't really say i want another boy or a girl, i used to care but now i'm just excited to have my new baby!!--but my dh wants a girl). we will still have regular appointments though in terms of check-ups.

mimid

10-12-2005, 01:32 PM

i am doing the morning nausea thing. and i plan on waiting to tell everyone until after the first trimester so i'm hoping throwing up doesn't give me away.

:LOL That's my problem, too! We are waiting for the end of the 1st and I've been nauseas and peeing up a storm. (not :Puke yet) I wear the sea bands and always have to tug down my sleeves so people won't see.

6 more weeks...

Paddington

10-12-2005, 01:45 PM

:LOL That's my problem, too! We are waiting for the end of the 1st and I've been nauseas and peeing up a storm. (not :Puke yet) I wear the sea bands and always have to tug down my sleeves so people won't see.

6 more weeks...

mimid--i haven't actually thrown up yet either. the worse is brushing my teeth. i always gag on the toothpaste... and i just have to be careful for what i actually take in during the morning until i have enough in my stomach to take my vitamin. upon the recommendation of someone on here (sorry, i can't remember which one it was...) i got the rainbow ones. they seem to be working very well. i'm just afraid to take them on an empty stomach...

BundleFishMama

10-12-2005, 02:35 PM

Well I got some good news today - my hcg jumped from 18 to 198 in 4 days!! So I'm relieved (I had posted a separate thread about it, I was really scared when my midwife told me my levels were low!) Anyway I'm staying on the progesterone supps just in case.

Unfortunately though, my midwife also told me that she reviewed my chart and remembered that I have a thyroid condition, and that may mean I can't deliver at the Birth Center after all! :( Personally I think that's ridiculous....my thyroid levels have been normal for a while now, and they actually tend to be their best when I'm pg! She said she's going to talk it over with their consulting OB. So we'll see.

I don't know how you all wait until the end of the first trimester to tell people...I am lucky if I can even put the pee stick down before I get on the phone calling everyone I know!! :LOL

Twilight

10-12-2005, 02:42 PM

Mahvelous news BundleFishMama!!!!!! awesome! Love to see those hcg levels going up! Sticky baby for you. :)

Paddington

10-12-2005, 03:13 PM

I don't know how you all wait until the end of the first trimester to tell people...I am lucky if I can even put the pee stick down before I get on the phone calling everyone I know!! :LOL

i told right away with the first but my father was ill and i wanted to make sure he knew before he passed--since it was his first grandbaby. and he passed before meeting my ds but he was really excited and happy.

so yeah, this has been tough--i keep wanting to say something!--but just in case of mc.... BUT i have all of you guys! :LOL

Smithie

10-13-2005, 12:54 AM

I birthed in a freestanding center with an LM last time; this time I'm birthing at home with the same midwife.

I had all the non-invasive tests last time, and plan to do it this time as well. I'm not really interested in carrying to term if there are serious problems with the baby, although I guess you never know what you'll do until you're faced with it. Last time around, the 20-week ultrasound really reassured me and made the rest of the pregnancy a non-stressful time. I have a ds born 05/30/04, I'm hoping for a daughter this time.

Still nauseous and having lots of indigestion. Hope it clears up soon.

Amys1st

10-13-2005, 08:02 AM

I don't know how you all wait until the end of the first trimester to tell people...I am lucky if I can even put the pee stick down before I get on the phone calling everyone I know!! :LOL

Me too. I emailed out a picture of my first response w two lines to my closest friends and family members. I also posted a picture on another board of mamas who I talked to thru dd's prgcy and now we discuss our children. They knew we were trying and I had to tell them.

But the negative side:
DH told his brother I was expecting like he did two of his brothers who are close to him. Coming from a very big family, we usually share our personal stuff with just a few. So 4 of his 9 siblings know. We will tell the others as we talk to or see them over the next few months. But this particular brother is married to the daughter of my parents' best friends. (They met thru us of course). She of course knows- we thought he would tell her. But she in turn told her entire family incl her parents I presume. I got a card in the mail yesterday from her sister who I have seen at least once a year over the years but have never really spoken to. I don't mind them knowing since I am nausuas and exhausted etc so its a healthy prgcny but those "Your expecting" cards really bother me. What if something happened and then I received the card??? etc. I think my parents wanted to tell them when they saw them in a few weeks too. But oh well.

KnittingKara

10-13-2005, 10:01 AM

Hi :lurk: I've been lurking for a bit but finally feel like this is for real and it's safe to peek in and introduce myself.

My name is Kara (formerly nearlykara and k4kara here on MDC) and I'm 31 years old. After trying for almost two years, we're finally pregnant with our second child due I *think* around June 10th. I'm still in the "pinch me, is it real?"stage. The first hpt I took I got an "error" message :irked: , then two negatives, and then finally on Tuesday I got a positive! :heartbeat It's kinda silly, but every morning I pee on another stick just to reasssure myself :wink

Last friday I accidently left a sink on and flooded 6 rooms in our house. It's nice to know that wasn't just me being stupid, but was actually a sign of pregnancy brain :D

A little background on me: I'm the daughter of a "retired" doula and childbirth educator (trust me, they never really retire) and my best memory from childhood was being there when my little sister was born at home - my Dad was the "catcher" and I was the "coach" and I love being able to say I've known my sister for every second of her life! I also have lots of memories of big bellied women being in our living room while my mom taught Lamaze classes. I grew up around birth and pregnancy. My Dad is a wildlife biologist so you could say I was raised in a very "crunchy" way and we're raising our family much the same as I was raised. It's wonderful to have that support of family. My husband is Christopher and he is my soul mate. We married in July of 2000 and our daughter, Jillian, was born in November 2001. We're planning on homeschooling her. She was breastfed for almost 3 years and I'm really looking forward to having another nursling again.

Jillian's birth was in a hospital with an obgyn I loved, but due to hospital policy once I hit the 48 hour mark of labor I was started on pitocin because they felt I wasn't progressing. My water broke, on it's own around 2 am, pit was started around 4 and she was born just before 8am. I've always wondered how the birth would have been if I had just been given a little more time to do it on my own. I know it's probably silly, since I have this beautiful daughter to show for it, but I've always felt a little robbed of that birth experience - I went for two days on my own and then in those last few hours it was taken out of my body's control because of a hospital policy. I've been working in letting that go, but we are hoping for a birth center birth with midwives this time around so that I can give my body the time it needs and not have to follow the hospital's clock. I've heard second babies come faster. Let's hope so!

Anyway, I'm looking forward to making this journey with you all. I see many familiar names :hug and I'm SO excited and feel so blessed to finally, at long last, be able to post on a due date board :throb

VBMama

10-13-2005, 12:03 PM

Hi everyone! I just tested pregnant this morning. :banana I had two negative tests previously, but I had a feeling it wasn't just an irregular period and I was right. I had one m/c before ds, so I'm crossing my fingers that everything will be all right, but I decided to go ahead and post anyway.

I will be looking for a mw for care, and maybe a doula. I had an OB/hospital birth with ds, and it didn't exactly turn out to be the natural birth I had hoped and planned for - big surprise, huh? I'm not sure what my options will be, as we have Kaiser for insurance now, but I'm pretty sure they have mw's on staff. I would like a homebirth, but dh is not comfortable with it, mostly since we live in a rural area and if there was an emergency we would be at least 30 minutes away from a hospital.

So far I've only had one day where I felt a little nauseous, and I had one pretty bad dizzy/faint spell a few days ago. Other than that I feel okay. I'm nursing ds (20mo) and don't have sore nipples yet. I haven't made the decision yet whether I will keep nursing ds and try tandeming, it feels like a very intimidating prospect to me, but when I think about weaning him it makes my heart sad.

Haven't told anyone yet, but I think I will share with a few friends & family members!

KnittingKara

10-13-2005, 01:50 PM

Okay, I wrote a novel all about myself a little bit ago, so here's a few personals:

Amy - that's a great idea about making ahead and freezing some meals! I'm feeling okay now, but if this pregnancy is anything like the last I know the queasy days where I don't want to be near the smell of cooking food are coming.

Korin - Sooooooo, just how many are in there, anyway? :LOL Hope you're having a better day today :hug

Miriam - it is awesome to see you over here! I love seeing so many familiar faces! :D Let us know how your u/s goes tomorrow.

Outofmymindyo - Japan! Wow! Can I ask what's behind the move? work? just a change? Best Wishes to you!

Simone - That is really cool that your sister is your OB. I think that would make the whole experience really that much more personal. I mean, you *know* you're in good hands.

TryingMommas - I hear you about the boob thing. I'm pretty flat-chested normally and enjoy having actual boobs during pregnancy and nursing. I hope that, for your sake, no HH's are in your future tho! :eek Yowza!

acp - Oh, the smells ... certain things are just really getting to me, too. Like our dog just smells so much doggier ... and I was making a pb'n'j for Jillian and even the peanut butter just seemed like it was 100x's smellier than normal. :sick

Bundlefishmama - whew! so glad that numbers are climbing and things are looking good!:thumb

VBMama - Congrats and welcome to the June 06 club :love

Best wishes, mamas! I'm off to change my siggy and then go find something to eat (surprise, surprise)

Simplicity

10-13-2005, 02:24 PM

Hello everyone!

I'm Lisa, 31 year old newlywed and mother to an 11 year old boy! My husband and I have been TTC since about June of this year. Yesterday I tested positive, and today I tested positive. I'm only 3 weeks and 6 days? into it all? I think!, Very Early! We're very very very excited. Our families know but also know it's very early and anything could happen. We have yet to tell my 11 year old son Ashton. I'm alittle torn on telling him so soon just in case something happens. He's wanted a brother or sister for YEARS! We'll figure out the right time. We're thinking he's old enough to understand? He is wise beyond his years.

Anyway, That's me! We're super excited and I'm happy to be here!

chiromama

10-13-2005, 05:10 PM

Folks.... we have a heartbeat. Yep... just one. :D It was so awsome. I think we're gonna go celebrate tonight. :)

Paddington

10-13-2005, 05:12 PM

congrats chiromama! it must have been awesome to hear for the first time!! :love

Keeta

10-13-2005, 09:04 PM

Yay, Chiromama! That is soooo cool! Congratulations! :D

VBMama

10-13-2005, 10:39 PM

Twilight

10-13-2005, 11:05 PM

Chiromama! Yayyyyy! Wonderful news! You deserve to celebrate! :D

Welcome to the newbies!

mimid

10-13-2005, 11:30 PM

Yay Korin!!! What great news!

Keeta

10-14-2005, 06:56 AM

Keeta, OT, but where are you doing your grad work? What kind of librarianship do you want to do? I finished my MLIS just before ds was born in 2004. I just started working on-call at the children's desk at a nearby public library, and will start on-call at the reference desk at my hometown library soon. I'm not ready to work full- or even part-time, but man, it's been great to get back into the library just a little bit, I forgot how much I love this job! :)

VBMama - I'm at the School of Information at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. I've been mainly focusing on academic library work, and I'm particularly interested in digital libraries and preservaton. I'll be done in late April (thank god! Ever since the positive preg test, my enthusiasm for school has, well, waned quite a bit! I'm trying to get refocused.) That's so great about your job - that's exactly what I can see myself doing in few years - just get back in the library world a little! Too bad there isn't more freelance library type work, right? :D

Also, I am soooo envious that you are in Oregon! What part of the state are you in? DH and I can't WAIT to move back to the Portland area. Alas, for now, his well-paying job and my school are here, so stuck in the midwest are we.

KnittingKara

10-14-2005, 11:22 AM

Lisa - Congrats! Both on your recent marriage and on your pregnancy! :balloons

Korin - awesome news! :heartbeat Hooray! So, how was your celebration?

VBMama & Keeta - as a frequent library patron, can I just say I Love librarians! They are some of my favorite folks :love

Me? Well, I think we can officially say one of my pregnancy symptons is hunger. I wake up, I eat. I eat breakfast. I eat an after-breakfast snack. I start thinking about lunch ... have an after-breakfast-pre-lunch snack whil deciding what to make for lunch ... :wink My favorite things right now are perogis, applesauce, and cheerios. I think pregnancy has turned me into a toddler, or at least my appetite!

Keeta

10-14-2005, 11:35 AM

Me? Well, I think we can officially say one of my pregnancy symptons is hunger. I wake up, I eat. I eat breakfast. I eat an after-breakfast snack. I start thinking about lunch ... have an after-breakfast-pre-lunch snack whil deciding what to make for lunch ... My favorite things right now are perogis, applesauce, and cheerios. I think pregnancy has turned me into a toddler, or at least my appetite!

I know, I'm starting to feel like a hobbit! Breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea, etc...I'm hungry all the time! But i've found that if I eat when I'm hungry (small meals is key) that I'm not as fatigued as I've been feeling previously.

coco4cloth

10-14-2005, 11:56 AM

KnittingKara I'm in the midwest too! So do you knit wool soakers :LOL :wink

akmeg

10-14-2005, 02:19 PM

Hi everyone......
Looks like there's lots of knitting mamas on this board, I just got some nice soft yarn last month to knit a friend of mine a soaker and I never got around to it, so now I guess I have an excuse to knit one for myself! :)

I'll answer the question of the week since I'm in Canada and health care is a little different here. I'm seeing my family Dr. through the whole pregnancy, and he'll probably be there for my birth at the hospital, he was there for my first dd. He's really a great guy, very young and very laid back. I actually teach his daughter suzuki violin as well! I wasn't planning on having an appointment until after the first trimester, but since I'm not 100% this is real yet, I'm going to see him next week.

In Canada, everything is covered by the provincial health care, except for a private room at the hospital, which is 34$ a night unless you have supplemental insurance. I would LOVE to birth at home with a midwife, but it costs around $3000 and there's only one midwife in our area. I'd rather not go into debt and just use my Dr. who I like, even though my birth may not be quite as wonderful as it could be at home.

I'm secretly hoping my labour and delivery go as fast as my first one and that I'll be able to have an "unplanned" UC! A really good friend of mine who lives down the street just had a UC last week, but my husband is not too sure he wants to take that route. But who's to say I won't just have my nice quiet solo birth late one night in the bathroom, and then call him in to see our little one! :) Wouldn't that be awesome!

TryingMommas

10-15-2005, 12:46 AM

Hi all
I am feeling really lucky that I still have no m/s or food aversion-type stuff. The main thing is I've been feeling totally drained/tired like I've pulled an all-nighter even when I get a full night's sleep. And the less I eat, the crappier I feel, so I'm pretty much snacking constantly like lots of you said. I feel like my "love handles" have doubled in size already! I feel kinda thick & chubby, even though I know I'm not showing at all yet. Thank goodness my boobs haven't doubled! They're growing, but not that fast.

I am pretty bummed about having to wait so long to get confirmation of my pregnancy, other than the pee test. No blood test available for me with Kaiser since I'm not high-risk. I won't be able to get a physical exam until Nov 11th! I'll be like 9+ weeks by then! It's like the 2ww all over again, only longer. I *know* I'm pregnant, but for some reason I feel the need for some outside verification that everything's cool, you know?

Hope everybody's having a good weekend ... I have to work.

PancakeGoddess

10-15-2005, 07:40 AM

Hi,
Visiting from TTC but wondering if anyone has any nausea/MS solutions to share. There's a thread in the main pregnancy forum for posting them, if you care to.

VBMama

10-15-2005, 01:18 PM

Hi folks,
I hate to post this and drag down the positive energy, but since I posted here before I thought I should tell you I'm leaving. I started cramping and bleeding heavily yesterday & through the night, it doesn't look like this pregnancy is going to stay with me. I'm disappointed but will stay hopeful for the next time...

Wishing you all happy & healthy pregnancies!

chiromama

10-15-2005, 01:28 PM

:hug Julie. I'm so sorry for your loss. :hug

Amys1st

10-15-2005, 04:07 PM

Julie- I am so sorry and I hope you're ok.

KnittingKara

10-15-2005, 05:18 PM

Julie, I'm so sorry :hug Will be thinking of you and sending prayers and good vibes ...

KnittingKara

10-15-2005, 05:24 PM

Keeta - feeling/eating like a Hobit, good analogy :D

Chris was asking me today if I'm craving any certain thing today. "nope, just everything!" :p

coco4cloth - would you believe I've never knit a soaker? :blush J was a disposable baby (we didn't have our own washer/dryer in the apartment we were renting and it intimidated me to attempt to do cloth w/o a way to clean them daily) When we moved and got a washer, dryer J was almost potty trained so we went right from diapers to undies. I've actually only been knitting for two years (my husband got me my first needles and yarn for my birthday and later I inherited my great-grandma's knitting needles - I was hooked!) so I haven't made any baby things, just toddler and little kid stuff. I'm really eager to make some wee baby knitted things! :love

Hmmmm ... perhaps I should be lurking on the cloth diaper thread and picking up some pointers for next summer?