***Chit chat thread for Dec 11-31***

[Ursula Rose]

Hi all. I thought I'd start this thread for general check-in talk.

I just picked my midwives. It was hard because (luckily) where I live there are dozens of qualified midwives.

My first prenatal meeting is next week. All of the visits are at my house. I'm really excited about this because I don't like medical offices.

Tomorrow we are going cross country skiing again. I wonder how long I'll feel like skiing.

[Robynee]

I set up an appointment with a midwife for next week but it looks like I am going to have to slip in there earlier than that because I am spotting. I am trying to stay really positive about it.(The fact that I spent half the night tossing my cookies is reassuring.) I had bleeding with ds too. It's still really scary and now I really want to try and see that heartbeat. Hopefuly they can get me in over the next couple of days.

[Ary99]

Hye Ursula, I noticed you mentioned something about cross country skiing. That sounds like quite the endurance challenge. I get out of breath just thinking about it.

I think as long as you feel comfortable doing it, go for it. I wish I had been more physically active when i was pg with DS because labor is like a marathon. I would have been more prepared.

Greta news on the midwives, you guys. That's so exciting. Robynee, fingers crossed. If you had spotting before and are having a lot of pg symptoms, you are probably doing just fine.

[Ursula Rose]

Hil, how are you feeling after your last beta?

i don't feel like there is much going on with me other than waiting and worrying.

[Ary99]

I felt relieved for about a day. I've convinced myself this is a blighted ovum because entertaining the thought that there's a real baby in there, I feel, sets me up for an emotional vulnerabilty I can't deal with right now. Even if I see a heartbeat on the 20th, I won't relax a bit until the first trimester is over. So, yes, waiting and worrying I can relate to.

And yes, I realize I sound like a crazy person.

[peilover010202]

Morning e/o! Everyone has been busy posting over the weekend!

Ursula Rose and Robynee - glad you pick out your midwives. Robynee, I'm sure the mw will set your mind at ease about the spotting and I hope you can see that hb!

Ary - I hope you see your baby's hb soon and that this first trimester flies by so you can feel better about your pg.

Nothing new with me really, betas came back great 319 and 798. u/s is scheduled for 12/23 and I'm hoping that I'll be far enough along to see the hb too! No yucky symptoms yet, just a little queasy off and on, a few food cravings, and VERY grumpy with dh. Hopefully the grumpiness will leave soon! :)

[Ursula Rose]

My DH doesn't want to do a beta b/c he doesn't think it's necessary. I kind of want to sneak one in. When is your first trimester over? I have yet to start counting down the days. Tomorrow I am 7 wks. Does the first trimester end when you make it to 12 weeks (fetus age) or 12 weeks (from last lmp)?

[Robynee]

Ursula Rose- That's a good question. I believe it's 12 wks from lmp.

I saw my midwife yesterday. She thinks everything is fine.(big sigh of relief) I will be getting my u/s next Thursday.

[peilover010202]

Robynee - that's good! Right before Christmas! My u/s is next Friday :)

Ursula Rose - I think Robynee is right 12 weeks from lmp.

I will be 6 weeks tomorrow by lmp, but I o late, so the baby is more like 5 weeks, I'm gonna guess.

[jenmk]

The first trimester ends 14 wks from lmp, because that's actually fetal age of 12 weeks/3 months. (You're not through the first month of pg at 4 wks from lmp, because fetus is only 2 weeks old.) This measuring of weeks from lmp is really dumb! I don't know why they add on the 2 extra weeks when you aren't actually pg.

I'm off to see my doc tomorrow afternoon for a pre-visit. I'll have to schedule my 8 week visit when I'm there . . . which should be the first week of January (I'll actually be 8 weeks on 12/30). But since I'm old (35) there are a battery of tests that are possible to do, and we need to discuss that. Not sure what I will do and not do. Haven't entirely decided yet. But I'm happy to get the ball rolling, and hopefully see a little heartbeat tomorrow. She's not sure that there little u/s will pick it up this early (I'm 5 wks, 5 days tomorrow), but I'm still hoping.

[KarmaChameleon]

HI everyone, just subscribin' :bouncy


I just got an email back from the midwife at The Birth Cottage --- I said I wanted to make an appt. but it feels so early, is it silly to come in so soon...she said COME ON IN!!! They do GYN care too so she said even if something were to happen, they would be there "to care for me" in any case. Isn't that sweet? I just love this place.

So she is going to call me when she wakes up (she said she was just cjhecking her email after a whirlwind of births and was headed to bed) so I can make an appointment.


:love

[mimi!]

Its so nice to see so many familiar names! I recognize some of you from the One Thread which I have been on and off of for some time, and of course the mommas from the Nursing Mommas ttc thread. Congradulations to you all, I know for many it was a long wait!

I just got a + a few days ago, making the edd 08/22. Wow, I can't believe I just typed that, but the nausea is confirming it!
I am trying to be calm and not stressing. I had a m/c in Aug. and I don't want to relieve that trauma again. So I'm focusing on the positive most of the time and praying for a healthy 9 - no 8 more months! and a wonderfully healthy babe. I look forward to getting to know you all!

[Ursula Rose]

Welcome Mimi!

I think it's kind of funny to start visiting with the midwives so soon, but mine wanted to start meeting in month 2. So my first appointment is on Thursday.

I have a feeling they'll go over alot of diet stuff since they are NDs as well as midwives. I have serious food allergies and usually eat pretty well. However, for the past two days all I've wanted is ZUCCHINI BREAD. I've been thinking about it hourly. I am not a baker so I just have to salivate all day and night. I hope this will pass.

I kind of had a feeling that the 1st trimester ends 14 weeks from LMP. Oy. Just more time to wait and worry.

[Robynee]

Mmm... Zucchini bread sounds good. I am dying for some pizelles. I called the in-laws last night and begged them to make an extra batch for me. It's all I've been able to think about for days. :lol

[nfbmom]

MMMM, Zucchini bread does sound good. Maybe I will make some today! Whats a pizelle?

[an_evans]

I am going to call and make an appointment soon. I am using the same team of midwives but a different one will be my main. Mainly becuase since the birth of my son a year ago tommorow.....we have become really good friends.

The only thing thst is keeping me sane is cheese and crackers. It has always been a mainstay while pregnant. I struggle with blood sugar issues while preggo so it is a good snack ...very carb-protein balanced.

Mostly I am craving red meat...can't stand chicken or fish. I always crave firm meat when I am preganant.

[Robynee]

Pizelles are thin Italian cookies shaped like snowflakes. They are so yummy!

[Glittergal]

hi mammas, i'm still nervous too but i'm starting to have nausea when i have an empty stomach and yesterday i collapsed for a 2 hr nap when dh got home. in a few weeks, we'll all be moaning about how sick we feel. :lol

when is everyone telling their families? we're flying home for new yrs weekend, which will make me 9 wks. it seems like a good time to tell them but i also would kind of like to hear the heartbeat first. i probably wouldn't tell them if i had a m/c.

so, anyone work outside the home? i'm trying to figure out clothes. my last pregnancy, i lived in hosp scrubs, so as i grew, i just checked out a bigger set. :) this time though, i have to dress pretty profressional and i want to hide it until at least 14 wks. the prob is i typically wear form fitting clothes, so it may be suspicious when i switch to bulky. plus i can't decide if i just buy regular clothes a size bigger or find little maternity clothes. obviously i'm obsessing about this. i'm REALLY nervous about work's reaction, even though it is a BIRTH CENTER. you'd think it i'd be excited about telling them but i'm dreading the b*ing and moaning that will inevitably happen as summer vacations are "ruined". not to mention i'm not telling them until quit late that i'm not coming back pp. oh well, trying to remind myself to get through the first trimester and then worry about this stuff. hard to not think ahead though :)

[Kindermama]

Ugh....night-nursing! I'm seriously losing it...sleep I mean! DD woke me up NINE times last night to nurse and I tried to give her a pacifier and rocking her and she had tantrums. I wish I could pump but I only get one ounce at a time!

My nipples are sore and I'm so tired! :zzz

Please someone tell me again why supplementing with formula is not the way to go....I'm really really considering it out of desperation here. :(

I'm nauseous too when my stomach is empty...I feel it before I even get the growling...I feel like I eat all day as it is!

We were going to tell our family on Christmas...but it's not definite yet.

[zimmee]

An_evans~ I hear you on the red meat. I made spaghetti last night and after I browned the hamburger, I wanted to eat it all! I do still love chicken and fish, but raw chicken revolts me. It did with my son too.

[secretresistance]

Hi all-

Time is marching right along, albeit s l o w l y. I made my first appointment to see a midwife for January 9th. Why am I so nervous to meet her? I'm also dealing with sorting out the enormous mess that is insurance. Not my cup of tea, not even a little bit.

We're getting ready to start sharing our news a little bit, as of right now, only a few close friends know that I'm pregnant. I'm not sure how my family is going to react, honestly, and it's not a good feeling. DP's family lives halfway across the country, so it's hard to know if we should wait to tell them until we see them, or just do it over the phone. Yikes.

Also, I might as well ask:

Anybody here have any experience with chiropractors? I'm thinking it's way past time for me to see one. I've had a nagging backache for going on three months now, and it's not something I want to deal with throughout my entire pregnancy, nor when I have a newborn to take care of. I just don't know anything about the cost, what I should look for, what questions I should ask, any of it! If anyone has advice there, please feel free to shout it out!

[Ary99]

You should ask chiromama (she posts in the infertility grad due date club among other places) because she is a chiro and she's pg and could probably give you some really good info!

[secretresistance]

Thank you for the tip! Even the thought of doing something about this pain is making me feel better! :twothumbs

[leurMaman]

I went to a chiropractor during the Fall. I had to quit because I got viral meningitis and my spine became weakened after that. I also didn't get a good vibe from the chiropractor. He seemed more like a personal trainer than someone with a gift for healing. I didn't notice a tone of difference either, but it might just have been that particular person. Good luck finding a good practitioner. I know they are out there.

I get a hollow feeling until I eat, but no real nausea to speak of. I didn't get morning sickness with DS either. My big concern is that I am feeling twinges or little pains in my uterus. I didn't have that with DS. I was up during the night worrying and imagining the worst. In fact, I'm trying to call the midwives' office this morning to see if they'll let me come in - even though I'm only at the end of week six (and they prefer to see me at week 8). BTDT moms, is this normal? What kinds of uterine aches and pains are normal?

My DS got me up early this morning - augh. Fatigue will definitely be an issue this trimester.

Mandi

[zimmee]

Sarah~ I saw a chiro for a while and it was wonderful. I have a friend that saw him through her pregnancy and loved him. He is great. He is very supportive of bf and natural birthing. He is inexpensive and he also does kids free if the parent is seen there. Just do your research walk into alot of offices (if you have time, yeah right) to get a feel for the place and ask questions of the receptionist. It is a good idea to have your back in shape for pregnancy! Good luck!

Mandi~ My first pregnancy I didn't know I was pregnant until I was about 8 weeks (I was on birth control) and the reason I went into the doc was cramps but no period. This pregnancy we were trying, so when I started getting cramps before my period should start, I knew it was pregnancy. Long story short, cramps are okay. Even sharp cramps. Extremely sharp pains occopanied by bleeding, and you should call your practitioner. Hope you are doing well! Keep us updated!

[Ursula Rose]

my first midwife visit is in less than an hour. i'm excited and a wee bit nervous.

[the_lissa]

That is exciting. My first appt is on January 10th. I am so grateful I got into a midwife since they have huge waiting lists here and I was on a waiting list at first with baby number 1.

[Ary99]

Waiting to hear about your appointment, Ursula.

[beemama]

Waiting to hear about your appointment, Ursula.
Me, too!!

Mine is the 30th, they'll be doing an u/s then... nervous... nervous... symptoms fluctuating(glad to read that I'm not alone)....

I'm looking for a good chiropractor, I had pubis symphasis disorder w/my dd & it was excruciating/disabling... I can't have that w/a toddler in my care. I'm also doing prenatal yoga & extra cat pose/pelvic tilts to try & avoid another bout of PSD.

I'm so excited to be here!! I really hope & pray we all have plenty of time to get to know eachother!
Kelly

[leurMaman]

Zimmee - thanks for the encouragement. Maybe I'm just feeling the uterus growing. I'm not seeing any immediate warning signs, so I'll try to take it easy. I did schedule a midwife appointment for tomorrow - which is two weeks earlier than originally planned. I hope she doesn't think I'm nuts for coming in at the start of week 7.

My husband is negative about chiropractors since I had the meningitis. The doctor said it was a cold virus that somehow infected my spine and then caused inflamation in the cerebrum (sp?). My husband had a cold that week, and I had just started to get a sore throat when I went to the chiropractor. He put some sort of machine that pulsed on my neck and the base of my skull, and the next morning I felt the first signs of meningitis. Not to scare anyone - I have no proof that the two are connected, but it seems a little suspicious. I may wait until I'm out of cold season and then hunt for a nice chiropractor that seems more in harmony with me.

[SlingWearin'Mama]

I can't wait until my first appt. not until Jan 4th.. and I still have to get around to interviewing Homebirth Mws...

We are telling the family soon, our stockings will go on the mantle soon so whoever comes over and realizes we have four stockings will get to know :wink

Kindermama-Be strong! I'll list a few lactogenic foods that may help with pumping. Oatmeal, almonds, sesame seeds, flaxseeds, all whole grains or grain water (the water the grain cooked or soaked in) should help if you want to pump a little more or at very least help with a supply that may start dwindling soon, good luck mama, I know I like my sleep a whole bunch!

[LisaMcB]

Our family's seeing a chiropractor & he's great! Not expensive, very laid-back & we love him. He does NET, Brimhall Method, etc. He's also a certified massage therapist, Reiki Master, etc.

He's very un-crunchy looking but with the spirit of a true healer. He's helping DH with a ton of allergy issues right now. I'm seeing him for adjustments & NET.

[Ursula Rose]

Hi Kelly and Hil! It's so good to see you here. :)

My appt: It was good. We went over medical history, nutrition, dos and don'ts. There was nothing that new or interesting that was said. She drew blood and took a urine sample. She said she wasn't going to do a beta unless we really wanted one. We declined even though I wouldn't have minded one.

I like the midwives we picked. They work as a team. They are mature, solid, over educated and little wonky. (DH and I are a little wonky ourselves.) They have each attended more than 1,000 births over the past 20 years. They are both liscensed NDs and CNMs.

My feelings: I got my first total wave of major nerves after she left. HOW DO WE KNOW THAT THE EMBRYO IS VIABLE??? She said the next check up will be at 12 weeks. I'm at 7 now. If we do a doppler and hear the heart beat at 8 or 10 or 12 who is to say that it will KEEP BEATING???

I'm sure most if not all of you have thought this before. Wow. What strikes me most is that there are no guarantees. It's just amazing.

So, DH and I must decide when we want to listen to the heartbeat. My first thought is AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. But then who is to say that it will keep beating.

Anyhow, my mantra has been pregnant until proven otherwise. Right now, it's not working for me so well.

My panic/anxiety will subside somehow, sometime. I just hope it's soon.

I've been developing another affirmation. It is something like, "Our embryo is resilient."

Peggy O'Mara has one in her book that is similar: Our child is growing as he or she should.

Hmmm. It is going to be a long 5 weeks until my next appointment women.

[KarmaChameleon]

HI UrsulaRose -- stay strong, tiger mama. All of these thoughts are valid, true, scary and real.

There are no guarantees about our marriages (who says that just because my husband is devoted to me this week, he will still be that way next year?) OR our babies (I still worry about my 4.5 year old!!!!!! There are no guarantees she will outlive me and it terrifies me), but when I get in that spiral of thinking I have no choice to 'change the channel' because there is no POINT!!!!!

I hope you are able to hypnotize yourelf to change gears when those bad thoughts enter your mind. It's the only way around them, IMO.

[Ary99]

Ursula, I can get myself worked up about all kinds of stuff but Karma is absolutely right. Anything can go wrong if you think about it. I prefer to think anything can go right, but it's an effort for me.

Also, about your mantra: I told a friend about it because I've been sort of using it too. She was concerned about dwelling on the "UNTIL" aspect of it, thinking it was more negative than positive. I didn't go that deep into it, but maybe she has a point. Maybe is does sound like we are waiting for the other shoe to drop.

[CatskillMtnMama]

Hi All-

I have a couple of questions. I thought *I* was up on the tests /details of preg but you guys are awesome!

1. What is a beta?
2. JenMK -what are the tests for women over 35? What are our options?

I'm going in after Christmas, when my husband has off from school. I've got an appt with the practice I used before. I like them lots.

3) Should I make an appt for an ultrasound, too?
At the same time, as a matter of course? I guess we will be able to see a heartbeat at that point...
Does everyone get one so early?

Thanks, Ladies!!!
Liz

[CatskillMtnMama]

Oh --
and Hugs Ursula Rose about the worries related to "is the baby alive?" Very natural! I worry, too. I just say, I'm "cautiously optimistic."

Love
Liz

[nfbmom]

All of the Dr's I've been with wouldn't have normally done an u/s so early but we have to make sure there is a viable embryo before I go through the trouble of surgery to get a cerclage put in.

Well, I say that but the Dr I am going to this time automatically brought in an u/s machine before I'd even talked to him so I'm thinking, at this office, it is routine.

[Ursula Rose]

hi all. karma, thanks for the wise, spunky words. it helps so much to hear from your experience.

hil, i hadn't thought about the "until" word. you are totally right.

my panic has passed. phew. perhaps the affirmation of the day is "Pregnanat! Yay!" i definitely know i'm pregnant today because i feel terrible, nauseous, tired, etc.

i'm really much more of a morning person. after 5pm, i always feel a bit more down and anxious.

i think a part of my experience is learning to be pregnant at all. it's my first time!

peace and thanks for the support and guidance.

[reiterin]

Hi everyone!

Well, I need to make an appt for a pg test at the clinic. (Navy health plan - must go POAS there before they'll make any appts). I think the earliest they'll see me is at 3 months, but I'm not sure. I'm wondering how it's ganna be going to my monthly appointments dragging my kiddo (he's 11 months old now and does NOT sit still). Eek!

How is everyone feeling?

[rebeccalizzie]

Hi All-

I have a couple of questions. I thought *I* was up on the tests /details of preg but you guys are awesome!

1. What is a beta?


3) Should I make an appt for an ultrasound, too?
At the same time, as a matter of course? I guess we will be able to see a heartbeat at that point...
Does everyone get one so early?

Thanks, Ladies!!!
Liz
A beta is a hcg test. Hcg is the hormone that you produce when you are pg, and the levels of it should approximately double every two days. My doc ordered one for me (well, actually two--one Wednesday and one today) to make sure everything is going okay because of the spotting I had around ovulation this month. The number means nothing by itself, but the number I had on Wednesday should have doubled by today. I'm really anxious about it, and trying not to stress too much.

As for the early ultrasound, if your doc thinks you need one then that is one thing, but I'm not getting one unless mine has a *really* good reason to do so (like the cerclage thing). Some docs do them routinely, some don't. I'll probably get the usual one at 5 months or so, though...I can't resist the idea of early pictures of the baby :) I'm switching to a very intervention-free MW anyway once these tests are done, so it's kind of a moot point.

nfbmom, I have a question for you. I also had a LEEP done about 5 years ago, and I'm a bit concerned, but up until now my doctor has said I shouldn't have a problem carrying a pregnancy to term, that my cervix healed very well. Should I think about a cerclage anyway, or is that just for massive scarring? I don't want to chance losing this little one because of my LEEP, and I am thinking maybe I should go to at least one appt with my ob before switching to a MW if that's a possibility.

I'm just telling the baby (repeatedly) that it will have a wonderful loving set of parents if it will just stick it out for 9 months. I guess that's my affirmation--talking to the baby :innocent

[rebeccalizzie]

Oh, and Ursula I'm doing the same thing--I swing back and forth between scared witless and incredibly excited and happy. :hug

[beemama]

I like Karma's advice... change the channel!

My first pg was a blighted ovum... I kept feeling like somethign was wrong & they would say it's normal to feel that way, everything was fine... so when pg w/#2 I just wouldn't allow myself to believe I was going to have a baby at the end of my pregancy... I just couldn't. I spent the whole time assuming the worst was going to happen, esp. in the beginning. I've been TTC for over a year now and I would always look back on that time w/ regret... that I didn't embrace it as the miracle it was.. I promised myself to stay positive. (I need to remind myself sometimes, okay... several times a day)

[PrinceE&LsMom]

Same here...they won't see you until you are 12 weeks so that won't be until early Feb. for me. All I want to eat is MEAT!!! So not in the mood for anything remotely sweet and my daily Starbucks peppermint mocha sound absolutely repulsive but that is good because I will save a ton of $. :lol

[nfbmom]

rebeccalizzie

The only way you can know without losing the baby is to have your cervix checked via vag u/s often, like weekly. Even that isn't a guarantee but they can catch problems earlier. If after the first few times you have a nice long cervix you probably have nothing to worry about. As for me, I am always dilated to a one and have a very short cervix every time the stitch is put in, and that is about 14 weeks.

The only other thing you can do is go by instincts. You would be surprised how many women just know there is a problem and either their dr ignores it or the Mom ignores it because there isn't any specific symptoms. They just suddenly feel funny or the day before they lost the baby they start feeling like something was going to happen. Also watch for ANY lower cramping or heaviness. That can also be a strong indicator.

Other than those two things many dr's will not diagnose you with ic until you have actually lost a baby.

I know, not very specific but that is the problem with i/c. There are very few indications, if any at all.

HTH

[mimi!]

rebeccalizzie

The only other thing you can do is go by instincts. You would be surprised how many women just know there is a problem and either their dr ignores it or the Mom ignores it because there isn't any specific symptoms. They just suddenly feel funny or the day before they lost the baby they start feeling like something was going to happen. Also watch for ANY lower cramping or heaviness. That can also be a strong indicator.

Other than those two things many dr's will not diagnose you with ic until you have actually lost a baby.

I know, not very specific but that is the problem with i/c. There are very few indications, if any at all.

HTH

I totally agree with nfbmom. Trust your instincts! The last time I was pg. I was totally nervous and felt something was wrong. I also kept thinking about twins and wondering how the heck I would manage night nursing 2 and thinking I was not strong enough to sling 2. I also told dh several times what if there are 2 (which he always dismissed)? I also kept staring at twins at the playground. My instincts ended up being right. However, I didn't find out there were two sacs until an emergency u/s after I started bleeding. The babies had stopped developing at 7 weeks, and my body really tried to tell me something was wrong at that point: I was having severe allergic reactions (it was July) and my eczema was totally haywire and I was itching all over my body. I also really felt like I could not connect with the baby.

That said, I am still nervous this time, only because I've had a loss, but I somehow feel this baby is fine, and I keep looking and smiling at little girls, so I think this one is a girl. With my first pg. we really wanted a girl and I kept telling everyone that the baby was a girl, but after 4 or 5 months, I knew in my heart that it really was a boy, and I was right!

I don't think enough can be said about a mother's intuition :lol Somehow, you just know, and you may have to sit and listen for awhile, pushing your fear aside, to *really* listen :love

[sarahkjack]

My first appointment is this Thursday! I'll be 7 1/2 weeks....although I told the nurse I couldn't remember LMP :blush because I was afraid they'd schedule me AFTER Christmas, when I was 8 weeks or more, and I wanted reassurance BEFORE the holidays.......I gave her a guesstimate date that was a few days early and put me at exactly 8 weeks on my appointment date.

We have told some friends and family...my sister & parents, no one on dh's side yet. We are being on the cautious side this time around because of the loss I had over the summer.

[rebeccalizzie]

Thanks for the thoughts. I agree, I need to listen to myself more. I'm going to ask my doc again--he's not the same doctor that did the surgery, and according to him (I asked at my last Pap) my scarring is minimal and shouldn't cause any problems. So I'll ask one more time to be sure, and then try not to worry.

Speaking of worry, my test results came back and they are great! My hcg was 117 on Wednesday and over 300 on Friday, so very good there; and my progesterone was 23. He said over 15 is good, over 20 is great. So it looks like the baby is healthy and growing so far! I feel *very* relieved!

Question...I'm going to have a midwife for this birth, so I probably won't be seeing my ob/gyn again for prenatal care. Should I call and let them know or anything? Since he ran the tests for me, he obviously knows I'm pg and wants to see me in two weeks. Or when I make the appt with the midwife (who works under a doctor) will they request my records from my ob/gyn, which would tell him what is up? I do plan to go back to him for gyn care after the baby, so I want to stay on good terms with the office. I feel kind of idiotic calling just to tell them I'm having someone else do my prenatal care and birth, especially after he's been so nice and helpful. But I don't like one of his associates, so I definitely don't want to chance having the doc I don't like be the one deliver this baby!

[Ursula Rose]

Rebeccalizzie, it sounds like it might be nice to let your doctor know, but I am often a little too polite sometimes.

[hannahmom]

Wow! I recognize a lot of names from the One Thread! I was a drop-out around october - convinced I'd never be here.

nfbmom and rebeccalizzie: I had both a leep and a cone biopsy prior to getting pg with dd. I had an initial vag ultrasound to measure my cervix and when it came back fine, they didn't feel the need to do any more. However I did have a lot of scarring. So my problem wasn't in that my cervix was incompetent, it was Fort Knox! You may want to ask your mw or OB how they handle scarred cervixes -even if it is minimal. Mine had hte back up doc take care of the scar tissue prior to labor - I know some will break it up manually as you labor since it can inhibit dilation.

[Kindermama]

it's herrrrrre......morning sickness :sick :sick :sick

I'm 6 weeks 2 days and it started yesterday. DH is going to stop and get me some Morning Sickness Magic from a local maternity store...I sure hope it helps...I feel nauseous constantly.

[the_lissa]

Between my sea bands and diclectin, my ms has got considerably better.

[secretresistance]

Picture this: I wake up. Feel slightly queasy, but have had that feeling numerous other times over the past two weeks-nothing had ever come of it.

I step into the kitchen. My eyes land on three blackened bananas sitting on my kitchen shelf. I sprint to the bathroom and just barely make it.

:inthet

I know I'll curse myself in a couple of days if this is more than a one time event, but I'm actually kind of excited! I have this silly feeling of accomplishment. Ah yes, look at my mothering skills, I've thrown up! :bouncy

[CatskillMtnMama]

Rebeccalizzie:

I had a leep (or a cone biopsy, I am not sure which one) and they told me that I would have to check my cervix a lot. We did, and it never shortened. So I didn't need a stitch. I carried my first baby to term, and all dilation, etc. went fine. So be reassured. Having had the surgery doesn't mean that you will have problems.

My surgeon at the time told me that her patients that had *multiple* surgeries needed a stitch, but not a single surgery. I don't know what the wisdom is today (15 years later), but perhaps that will also reassure you.

:)

Congrats on the great hormone numbers!!

Liz

[surf mama]

I don't have much time to chit chat right now but just wanted to say I'm here and I'm looking forward to chatting with all of you! I see so many familiar faces :love (I'm due August 31st)

I still can't believe I'm really here.

[Ursula Rose]

oh my! SURFMAMA! WELCOME!

:bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy
:jumpers: :jumpers: :jumpers: :jumpers: :jumpers:
:bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy
:jumpers: :jumpers: :jumpers: :jumpers: :jumpers:
:bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy
:jumpers: :jumpers: :jumpers: :jumpers: :jumpers:

[beemama]

:throb :love :happyt: don't have much time , but SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU HERE surf mama!!!! Oh my! I'm crying again! :bouncy :D :bouncy

[Ary99]

:clap :twothumbs :clap

Welcome Surfmama!!!

[surf mama]

Ary, Ursula Rose, & beemama- I am so excited to get to keep hanging out with all of you! :love

hannahmom-hi! Congrats! I recognize your name from the one thread...I was a one thread drop out too.

I feel like I'm a little behind everyone....morning sickness hasn't really set in yet, not that I'm complaining! I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you :D

[hannahmom]

Yay surfmama!!!! So glad we can hang out here together -- at the tail of end of the ddc, right?

[jenmk]

Haven't been on the computer for the last few days. The whole family has been sick . . . and I gotta tell you that a cold and morning sickness are not a good combo. I've felt so wretched that I've had trouble being upright. Thankfully I'm feeling better. Last night I also took some B6 to help with the m/s and today I'm feeling less nauseaus today. It's at least manageable so that I can be up and doing things with the littles rather than lying on the couch moaning, running video after video to keep them entertained while I'm incapacitated. Hopefully the B6 will continue to work. And I just got fresh ginger from the store today, so some good ol' ginger tea should help too.

I know some of my nausea comes from not eating enough . . . but I'm so not interested in food! Nothing sounds good. It's not that most things sound bad, but nothing sounds good. I'm having trouble coming up with enough to eat to keep the nausea at bay.

[Ursula Rose]

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Happy Solstice to all of you.

Peace!

[SlingWearin'Mama]

Yay surfmama!!! I am so glad to see you here from the one thread! :bouncy :bouncy

[surf mama]

Jenn- :D hi! I'm glad I get to be in this ddc with you and so many other nice mamas!

[KarmaChameleon]

Merry Christmas Eve mamas!

I am at my sister's house with a houseful of kids and my family and it's been tough watching the wine get passed around but otherwise I am hanging in there :)

I got to lie on the couch with the men and watch football, even closed my eyes and caught some much needed zzzzzzzzzzs....a pregnancy privilege in my family -- while my sisters and mom cooked and watched the kids.

Anyways, thinking of you all and celebrating our good fortune with our August babies,

~mandy

[rbeaufoy]

I know some of my nausea comes from not eating enough . . . but I'm so not interested in food! Nothing sounds good. It's not that most things sound bad, but nothing sounds good. I'm having trouble coming up with enough to eat to keep the nausea at bay.

Are you me??!! Seriously, what sort of twisted bit of evolution is this that the one thing that can help with nausea is the one thing that makes me gag just thinking about it! I'm jealous (but happy) that B6 works for you......made no difference here. Sigh......

[SlingWearin'Mama]

I finally heard back from my Mws office and here are the HCG results:
Tuesday's pull 28,327
Thursday's pull 49,275 doubling time, 59.5 hours

Those numbers are perfectly within normal, I feel being as good as can be without being "too" good (too high can sometimes signal a problem too) so I am just beaming ear to ear over here! Yay!


Steph- haven't heard from you recently how are you?

[surf mama]

Jenn- :D glad your numbers are good. Must be nice to have that extra assurance!

[Glittergal]

SlingWearin'Mama, your numbers are great!
The mamma in me would love to get my HCGs drawn or have a sono but the midwife in me keeps telling myself how ridiculous I'm being...what will be will be.

The past few days though, whoa. I was worried about not being able to eat holiday meals/treats. All I do is eat! The carbs really seem to keep the nausea at bay, as does lemon water. I had a huge veggie salad last night (trying to redeem myself) and felt so sick afterward. I swear I never ate like this with DD. I'm not sure if it is because I'm nursing, so I'm extra hungry, or if it is just a different pregnancy. Nursing is driving me nuts. All of a sudden, I cannot stand the groping, tweaking, etc that I've always found so endearing. :(
Although I slept in the spare room for 3 night to try some "nightwearning" and last night, dd slept till 5 am without nursing, with me in the bed! Who knows if it was a fluke or the real thing, but it sure was nice to get a long stretch of sleep for once.

[SlingWearin'Mama]

Hey glittergal congrats on the possible successful nightweaning while co-sleeping, impressive!

I also am finding this pregnancy a lot different, more sick so far in the four weeks of being pregnant than I was with my daughter's whole pregnancy!

Oh and they only did HCG testing because I spotted a bit, otherwise they wouldn't have either, it was really helpful to put my mind at ease!

[peilover010202]

Jenn - great news on your #'s! It's such a relief isn't it?!

Glittergal - hoping this is the beginning of something good for you! A whole night's sleep! :)

jenmk - my m/s sounds like yours - but all I do is eat! :) Seriously, I have MAJOR cravings and they aren't very healthy ones. But, I know that I wouldn't be able to tolerate anything I wasn't craving at this point. I've found cold lemon water is especially helpful for me (like 1/4 to 1/2 lemon in a full glass of water.) Think I need to go buy some lemon again! :)

Mandy - what a nice tradition your family has in letting the pregnant women have a break! :) I got lucky this Christmas too! :)

I'm doing well. Battling constant m/s, but thankfully grazing all day has really helped keep it at bay. But, all the eating is sure doing a number on the way my pants fit :lol I'll blame it on the babe who is 1cm long right now :wink

[Ursula Rose]

Hi all. Grazing gives me relief from m/s, but it is causing me to gain more than the "1 pound a month in the first trimester" that i read about.

Have any of your drs/midwives given you weight gain guidelines?

[surf mama]

Last time I was told to gain 40 lbs and I did exactly without trying. This time I am 10 lbs heavier to start with so I'm going to aim for 35. I eat pretty healthy but I do have the occassional goody and as long as my weight doesn't sky rocket I'm going to try to relax. I'm only 5 weeks along now and I haven't gained anything yet and I'm eating so much. Dh worries that there are twins because I am so hungry and thirsty.

Is anyone else moody? I have been so angry the last few days and a little teary too. Napping and eating seems to take the edge off. Just wondering if anyone else can sympathize with my moodiness.

[SlingWearin'Mama]

I've found that anything on TLC, discorvery health or the country music radio station can have me in tears so yes a touch more weepy than normal ;)

I am having a real problem with eating, I will eat a reasonable amount, even less than I used to and I am _so_ uncomfortably full it is crazy! And I stay full like this for hours... Is this normal?

[beemama]

Up until about a week ago, EVERYthing would make me cry... it could be anything, like my dd patting me on the back or the kitties snuggling up to eachother.
Now I'm a total grouch and am a little surprised that dh puts up w/me. He even defends me & says "well, you are pregnant"... good dh :mischief

SlingWearin'Mama~ could it be that your digestion is slowed by the hormones? I vaguely remembering feeling like that last time, and I was really constipated then.

[snuffles]

Joining in..

I am expecting baby #5 sometime mid-August. My LMP was October 31, but I am nursing and know I didn't ovulate on time. I think I ovulated between 1-2 weeks later than normal (normal for my is CD 16) soooooo.. I think I will probably get an ultrasound to date the pregnancy in a few weeks simply because I always go overdue and want to be pretty sure on my dates.

I didn't have morning sickness at all with my last pregnancy, and it had gotten increasing less with each of my pregnancies-- however, this pregnancy I have been feeling really nauseous the past 4-5 days. Someone mentioned lemon water-- and that is the ONLY thing I have been able to do to keep the nausea at bay. I also am soooooooooo hungry all the time and feel like I need to eat every couple of hours-- but NOTHING sounds good! Every once in a while, something will sound great, but then I eat it and it just doesn't taste right.

I am still nursing my 16 month old dd and my nipples are suddenly SOOOOOO sore.. but I am not ready to wean her yet. She is still my baby...

Anyway, I hope to get to know some of you throughout our pregnancies!

[KC in KS]

Seven weeks today, and the raunchy dreams kicked in last night! Whoa! :blush At least they all starred DH this time. :wink

You'd think this would be a positive thing, but it ends up making me feel I've had my fun already, so I don't need the "real thing". Frustrated DH no end. :lol

On a less-fun note, the shortness of breath as kicked in as well. I know it's due to one of the hormones (not baby taking up room yet) but it still seems early. I'm going to have to look up the name of the hormone again and remember to ask my OB about it next month.

2.5 weeks to go before I see my doctor (my choice) and it still doesn't seem real. Maybe after we hear the heartbeat...

[KarmaChameleon]

Can somebody remind me when you can hear the heartbeat? I have an appt. at the Birth Center on Jan. 12 (I will be about 10 weeks I think?!) and I was hoping to hear it.....

And I am going to drill them about making a homebirth happen instead of at the birth center -- the midwife is going on vacation for 3 weeks in August and I might be screwed. Then I will have to go find another midwife...I am having strong visions/fantasies about building an outdoor birthspace in my yard.

Sorry I've been MIA -- my 2 year old had croup and wound up in the ER on Tuesday gasping for air, and then both the kids got strep poor little things. This week has sucked the big one.

~mandy

[the_lissa]

It is pretty rare to hear the hb at ten weeks, but it can happen depending on how the baby is laying, your weight, etc.