1st Pregnancy

[nikkihoi]

Hello Mamma's!
I thought I would start this thread for those of us who are pregnant for the first time and at a loss as to where to begin. There are so many books, to do's and not to do's. When to tell family, etc.
Also, how do we help our DH or DP's prepare as well. I believe my DH is still :bigeyes but he's being very sweet.
I would love to hear from the 1st timers as well as the experianced Mamma's out there.
Thank you!

[sanguine_speed]

Congrats on your first pregnancy! I had a great first pregnancy; I worked retail and was on my feet up until the last day with no discomfort. I felt great! Except for the intermittent gallbladder attacks. I hope you have the same kind of pregnancy (minus the gallbladder issues!).
Two things I had wished I had known with my first:
1. preeclampsia is more common with the first than subsequent pregnancies and has been loosely correlated with excessive weight gain (I had this and was induced at 38 weeks).
2. if you have sharp pain at the bottom of your ribs on the right side, it might *not* just be baby's feet. It's not uncommon for women to get gall stones during pregnancy. This was overlooked even though I had reverberating back pain to the point of sobbing and being hospitalized for potentially being in early labour! My mother had the same thing. It wasn't until after delivery when I still had the pain that they investigated and I had my gallbladder removed. Again, gallbladder disease is also associated with high fat intake and weight gain.
I gained about 50 pounds with my first, and was not overweight to begin with. I would have been more conscientious about my eating and activity levels if I'd have known that these things might have been prevented.

[dctexan]

This is my first too. Can someone guide me to a list of pregnancy no-nos? I don't have any books yet. I did figure out (a couple of days after my :+) that SweetNLow is BAD...ooops. Any other things like that I should be avoiding?

[sanguine_speed]

This is a tough one. I have forgotten a lot of stuff. I would totally recommend finding a good reference book for that stuff.

In general, the stuff I remember is:

-avoid certain fish like shark, tuna, swordfish and others with high mercury levels.

-certain types of tea (?).

-chemicals in general (so artificial sweeteners, food additives like artifical colours and flavours).

-luncheon meats and soft cheeses (nitrates and listeria)?

-definitely hot dogs (all kinds of cr*p in those including nitrates).

If I find a good reference book I'll let you know.

I also heard on MDC that green tea can inhibit folic acid absorption so to reduce consumption or use the tea as far as possible away from your prenatal.

[Sabo]

I think that americanpregnancy.org (http://americanpregnancy.org) has some information about foods to avoid. Unfortunately, I just went to check, but I couldn't access the site right now.

ETA: I just looked at their website in the pregnancy wellness section there are food tips. I think they tend to be a bit more liberal in what they allow than we would be, but it gives some useful info.

So, what books would be best for a 1st time mom? Any other tips?

[nikkihoi]

Yes, which books? There are plenty of 'birthing' books and I want to read them but it seems a little premature. Any suggestions would be great!

[sanguine_speed]

So, what books would be best for a 1st time mom? Any other tips?

The book I have is called "Your Vegetarian Pregnancy". It's great for non-meat stuff, but obviously doesn't talk much about meats.

[arelyn]

The book I have is called "Your Vegetarian Pregnancy". It's great for non-meat stuff, but obviously doesn't talk much about meats.

I totally forgot that I found this book at a library used book sale and bought it on a whim a couple summers ago. I'll have to go find it now that I need it!!

Go find the Mothering magazine pregnancy issue (Sept/Oct). I checked it out from the library and loved it. It has a great article on eating right and is so user friendly that DH even read it!!

[beckyphry]

Another first timer here!

I have the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy and I think it's great so far!! What I like are the charts that list common ailments and what to call the doctor/midwife for, since I'm sure I'll be like "oh no! What was that little twinge!" all the time. :eek :rolleyes

[kristen1978]

A great reference book to look for is Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year by Susun Weed. There is a LOT out there on foods, herbs, vitamins, etc, but probably not enough (at least in the mainstream) on environmental hazards, so I suggest looking into these as well (household cleaners, hair dye, paint) -- or at just use only the botanical stuff.

Another book to look for: The Expectant Mother's Guide to Prescription and Non-Perscription Drugs, Vitamins, Home Remedies, and Herbal Products by Donald Sullivan, PhD

Hope this helps! :o

[hazeleyes]

The book that I really liked when I was pregnant was "Conception, Pregnancy & Birth" by Dr. Miriam Stoppard. Hope this helps...

Congratulations Ladies!!

[multiplemomma78]

Congratulations!

1. go to www.blueribbonbaby.org for information on what your diet should look like and how to avoid Preeclampsia.

2. Stay active. brisk walking, yoga and swimming are great types of excercise.

3. Don't bother with "What to expect....." There are much better books out there that are focused on a more natural pregnancy and birth (if that's what you are looking for). The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth is a good one by Henci Goer.

4. Get a doula!!

5. Pick the doctor that has the same views on pregnancy and birth that you do. You need to have absolute trust in your care provider-and if you don't you can change docs at ANY time. I did at 36 weeks. no big deal and your doc will not call you and ask you why you left.....blah, blah, blah. You are not hurting his feelings. He/she works for you and you have to be comfortable.

6. See a chiropractor early and often, if possible.

7. Take a childbirth class-and not the one offered by the hospital. If you can't take a class or there is not one offered by you like Bradley, or Hypnobirthing, get "The Pink Kit Method for Birthing Better" amazing.

8. Get a friend who already has kids to go with you and your hubby when you register. You need someone to tell you what you really need and how much and what "gadgets" work in practical application and which ones are only cool in theory. :lol

9. speaking of "gadgets" go to www.onestepahead.com very cool things to make life easier. A lot of them are invented by parents.


10. And the most important piece of advice of all.....Don't allow people to scare you with their horror stories!!! If they start in on that nonsense just put up your hand and say, "Only positive birth stories, please". Not that some people did not have a good birth experience-but the reasons why have nothing to do with you or your situation and you don't need any negativity right now. Not that you should be unrealistic as to what pregnancy and birth is really like, but don't set your self up for a horrible experience because your best friend, or sister or mother had one. again-get a doula!!! :lol

11. Spend some time reading about what motherhood is really like. It's not all smiles and lullabys (sp?). It is the most selfless thing you can ever do-be someone's mother. Don't get so focused on the pregnancy and birth that you don't spend any time thinking about what kind of mother you want to be, and how to do just that. It's work. Anything worth doing is.

12. ENJOY YOUR PREGNANCY-EVERY MOMENT OF IT! Even at the end when you are feeling "So done!" Don't rush to get it over with. Your baby knows when it is time to be born. Be informed and trust birth. Trust your body-it was made to do this. This is the only time that you can honestly say that you are assisting God with a miracle. Relish as much as you can with it and enjoy the great honor that you have been given. Again, even when it is hard-there are women out there who would kill for morning sickness and baby kicking all night long and heartburn and will never have it.


13. Realize what an amazing and beautiful being you are and take time for your self. Never underestimate your power or your intelligence or your beauty. Don't let anyone-including yourself-take those things away from you.

14. And last but not least, take time for your marriage. Parenthood is hard sometimes and you will face challenges. Everyone does sooner or later. Realize that your marriage is the foundation of your family and it needs to be solid or your family will crumble. Go on dates with each other and don't talk about the kid(s)-have s*x even when you are tired-you will be happy you did.

Congratulations on your pregnancy and good luck!!

[its_our_family]

Good advice!!

I haev to second the chiropractor! Find one and make them your friend! You will be thrilled. I mean, think about it. Subluxations cause pain just about everyday, even if you dln't feel it. But you are adding how much weight to your lower back? Then think about delivering your baby. You want to be aligned as possible. You don't to have a bunch of vertebrae getting in the way of a smooth descent!

Yes, do realize that it will not be all smiles and giggles and cute baby farts :lol I was expecting it. The first year for us was absolute hell. I'm not saying yours will be but I wish I had prepared for that and the peripartum depression that hit at about 20 weeks. Realize that ppd does happen and it is ok. (I dont' want to be negative...jsut realistic.)

DOulas are also a great thing. My first birth would have been much different with more knowledge and the help of someone who knew what I wanted and was experienced in birth.

If you are not comfortable with your care provider find a new one. I made the switch around 35-36 weeks with my second. My hubby hated our midwives...or should I say MEDwives!

[dctexan]

multiplemomma78 - Thank you for taking the time to write down all of that really good advice!!!

[daceysmomma]

Congrats! And what great advice from everyone!

It sounds like you have lots of great pointers on pregnancy and birth. For after baby gets here, the only book you really need is Sears's The Baby Book. :) Well, let me back up. I *wish* that were the only book I had read. It would have save me so much angst and worry. Also, we really liked the techinques from Happiest Baby on the Block. But if you only read one, read Sears.

[jinetemx]

Congratulations! I am far from an expert, but I am pregnant with my second and this is what I would pass along as "advice." Take it for what it is worth!

1. The Sears Baby Book is great to have, and also the Sears Pregnancy Book was helpful. I also enjoyed and benefitted from Ina May Gaskin's books on Midwifery (various) for filling my head with really postive birth stories and a really positive outlook on the birth process. Even if you don't go the MW route, I think the positive light she sheds on pregancyand birth is worth it's weight in gold.

2. I agree with the other poster that your relationship will change with your SO after the baby (some for the better, some for the worse IMHO), so do some work on that beforehand to make sure you have a great base.

3. Don't go overboard buying a bunch of baby stuff. People are gonna get you a ton of stuff. I have very few friends and family here, and I swear I did not need to buy ANYTHING clothes-wise for the first 6 months, maybe even year. And other stuff, people will probably get you, bibs, towels, thermometers, etc. etc. I didn't realize this would be the case beforehand. Because I wanted to, I bought two sleepers, easily could have not bought any.

4. Consider co-sleeping. I was totally against this before having the baby, but my DH talked me into it. I swear, I missed almost no sleep with the infant. (okay, besides the first week of thinking I might roll over on her or something) Feeding was a breeze, no getting out of bed to go to a crib to feed, just roll over! Now I am the world's foremost co-sleeping promoter! It is great! The BEST moments of having an infant are when they first wake up in the morning. It is really spectacular. Don't miss out on it!

Okay, that is my two cents!

[daceysmomma]

Oh yes! I totally second the co-sleeping thing! I was so against before Dacey arrived . . . had this weird "sacred marriage bed" thing going on . . . but like pp, my DH talked me into it and I am SO THANKFUL! We co-slept full-time until Dace was 6 months old, then she began to show us she needed a little more space . . . so we went part-time after that. Shared sleep doesn't have to be all or nothing. Follow baby's lead and you will find a great solution for your family.

[hazieluna]

So does it seem real to any of you first timers yet? I catch myself realizing that I'm pregnant 100 times a day and it just makes me want to burst! I'm so excited I want to tell everyone but on my Doctor's advice because of my age she's suggested we wait until the 2nd trimester, just in case, you know....

But still I wish I somehow felt more pregnant - whatever that means. I'm really tired but for me this doesn't seem like pregnancy. I've had some nausea but again it all seems kinda surreal.

I'm wondering how you other first timers are feeling?

[Sabo]

So does it seem real to any of you first timers yet? I catch myself realizing that I'm pregnant 100 times a day and it just makes me want to burst! I'm so excited I want to tell everyone but on my Doctor's advice because of my age she's suggested we wait until the 2nd trimester, just in case, you know....

But still I wish I somehow felt more pregnant - whatever that means. I'm really tired but for me this doesn't seem like pregnancy. I've had some nausea but again it all seems kinda surreal.

I'm wondering how you other first timers are feeling?

I'm with you on this. I'm glad that I don't have horrible m/s, but on the other hand, I only really feel pg when I'm nauseous or my uterus is cramping. The cramping uterus makes me nervous, so I'd prefer the nausea. Its kind of crazy when I think of how big my little one is already (about the size of a large olive) and that she/he officially becomes a fetus next week and starts to look less like an alien and more like a teeny-tiny human.

I'm not even crazy tired anymore and feel hungry all the time. Really, anytime I see or hear of food, I want it. I think of one food and then any recipe that can be made with it pops in my head and I want it all. I have only gained about 2 pounds, but I have to go eat now; this seems like a lot of hunger for a baby who is the size of an olive. Once he/she gets bigger, I'll be eating so much that my butt will get so wide that I am not going to be able to fit through doors.

[beckyphry]

Natalia and Sabo, I feel the same way -- it's still not quite real. I barely have any symptoms at all, knock on wood!! I check out those sites that tell you how the baby is developing at each week, though, and it's interesting to me to realize how fast that little baby is growing!!

[hazieluna]

Sabo -So the size of a large olive!!! Haha... I think mine is the size of a grain of rice. I try to keep that in mind as I ransack my kitchen looking for something that will taste good. How can a grain of rice sized baby be making me so hungry? I completely agree about the cramping, it scares the crap out of me... the queasiness is just fine.

Becky I'm checking those sites all day too. I've read pretty much everything there is for week 5, I can probably recite it all back. I've run out of stuff to read and I don't want to read ahead because what am I going to do next week? I know I should relax and just try to enjoy every second but I'm so impatient, I feel like I'm in a time warp and everything is just going sooooooooooooooooo slow....!

I'm fantasizing about buying maternity clothes. I've looked at some websites, I think there's another thread about that, geez everything is so expensive!!! 80 bucks for a shirt seems really expensive to me. I haven't bought anything yet. Have anyone yet?

Btw Becky and Sabo - can I love your siggie ticker. Would you mind if I did something similar?

[beckyphry]

Natalia, I think we all stole the signature ticker thingy from someone else anyway! :) Go for it!

I know what you mean about maternity clothes. I'll confess -- I did get some comfy looking pants from Old Navy online, we'll see how casual they are when they get here, I just really want something comfy for work. I'm not showing or anything, I just feel a bit bloated and all my pants feel tight. Motherhood has tons of nice, inexpensive stuff, I looked at their site today and could really go crazy if I let myself. I don't want to get too ahead of myself, though!!

[Sabo]

Natalia, yeah, I got the idea for the ticker from seeing other ladies' tickers. Go ahead; its nice to see how far along everyone is in relation to me.

[hazieluna]

Thanks I've added my ticker...! I'm already at 6 weeks, wow! I've got my first midwife appointment in 2 weeks. I have a feeling maybe after that appointment it will seem more real. I think after that we will start telling people outside our intimate circle or as I call them my support system.

I just found out my best friend is pregnant too! She's due a day before me. I'm so excited, it's just so lucky. Both my sister and my best friend are pregnant with their second. They have a very different feeling than I do, I'm fretting about everything and they're both like, it's normal, don't worry. I guess kind of like old pros. :lol

[beckyphry]

Wow Natalia! How lucky you and your best friend are to get to go through this journey together! That's so wonderful!

[amberbella]

Hi all! I'm new to all this too. My first pregnancy and I'm nervous as can be. I don't even know if I should be in here yet...I'm only 11 DPO and just got my first positive..AF's not even late yet...but my Digital HPT said Pregnant, so I'm believing it.

I'm so glad there is this support system here for us. I have the feeling I'm really gonna need it.

OH, according to FF I'm due September 30th...now if the Dr. tells me my Due date is October 1st, I suppose I'll have to move over to the October due date club?

[beckyphry]

Hi amberbella! :) The due date thing is weird. I'm due 9/02, and feel like I should hang out on the August board a bit, but I'd be way too confused keeping up with 2 due date clubs! So I'll just hang here and hope that it's cool if I go early and end up being an August mama!

I think the FF due date is most accurate since it goes by your ovulation date, not LMP. Most doctors go by LMP, though. It's possible your doctor will tell you 10/01 since you ovulated on CD15 (me too), but I'm cool if you hang here with us! :)

[hazieluna]

Whoa.... the morning sickness has kicked in... and it's really yucky! I'd been feeling queasy off and on for the last 2 weeks, but in the last two days everything is making me nauseous. I opened the dishwasher to stick some stuff in and ewwwww! The smell at the train station of all the fast food frying oil and stuff just makes me want to run home and hide my nose.

I called my sister from work at lunch (she's also pregnant but already in her 2nd trimester) and she was eating pancakes for lunch. So I fantasized about pancakes all afternoon. When I got home this evening I just went straight to the kitchen and whipped up some pancakes, first thing, I didn't even take off my work clothes! Boy did they hit the spot, with organic butter and real maple syrup.... yummy!

Anyway although I'm not really enjoying the morning sickness, because in fact it feels like a real sickness, I am enjoying satisfying my cravings. I am usually so rigid about eating properly, I'd normally never allow myself to just eat pancakes for dinner. So anyway just wanted to share. I feel lucky to be pregnant and still a bit in disbelief. When my DH got home he just started cooking a proper meal since he knows that in a couple of hours I'll be grazing again.

[hazieluna]

Btw I'm happy you're both here, Amberella and Becky! Stay in the Sept DDC, the more the merrier!

[~minnow~]

Hi ladies! It's my first time too and I'm just about to order some books.

I concur, everyone stay around. I like the company. :loveeyes:

[dctexan]

Amberbella - Congrats! (again) As someone who just barely made it in to the Aug DDC (EDD is Aug 30), I hang out in both Aug & Sept. It is actually really cool because the Aug DDC lets me preview what I am about to go through while in the Sept DDC I get to lead the way. Kinda the best of both worlds, you know?

Becky - You know you will be Aug if you are preggo with twins (any update for us on that?). My DH is actually freaking out about twins right now because I am already showing (even though it is minimal showing...I don't really feel like it's twins) and he thinks 8 weeks is just waaaayyy to early to be showing if there were only one baby in there. Of course it doesn't help that the only pregnancy he has ever observed up close was one of his friends who was a marathon runner who basically gained only 20 lbs during her whole pregnancy. Very unrealistic for the rest of us normal pregnant women.

Natalia - Sorry about the m/s honey. :hug I know how much that sucks. Mine was really, really really bad week 6 but I managed to learn a few tricks to make it more bearable. For me I cannot have an empty stomach. This means I actually set my alarm for 4:45AM, get up and force myself to eat before going back to sleep. I hate it, but it has made going to work SO much better. I also discovered that no matter how thirtsy I am, I cannot drink big gulps of water on an empty stomach. Once I figured those two things out, life became much more bearable. OH! And my dishwasher makes me sick too. I actually run it every other day now (even if it isn't full) because I cannot stand opening it otherwise. I also poured bleach in there and ran it empty just to give it a good cleaning. Made me feel much better. DH just stayed out of my way and let me do my crazy preggo lady thing :lol

[beckyphry]

Oh, Emily, no twins in THIS uterus! U/S on Monday showed just one little baby. PHEW!! :)

Natalia, sorry about the nausea! :hug Get thee some ginger!

[hazieluna]

How do you eat ginger? Like in ginger snaps or do you make a tea? I'm willing to try anything within reason. I am really put off by sweets at the moment.

Emily - can you post your first ultrasound? Maybe we can do a gallery or something along those lines so that we can all look at the each others US. Okay maybe no one else is interested but I am!

I have my first midwife appointment in two weeks. I'm not sure they will do an ultrasound at that appointment but if they do I will try to add it to my signature! I know I'm so cheesy!

Emily - I am so tired lately that now that I have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the toilet and it's such an ordeal, I can't imagine then going to the kitchen to eat something. Anyway nothing - absolutely NOTHING - in my kitchen appeals to me. Basically I'm force feeding myself because afterwards I feel better. That is except for the pancakes I ate yesterday!

[hazieluna]

Btw Minnow - first of all :w

And I wanted to ask you which books you're going to order? I have What to Expect When Your Expecting and The Mother of All Pregnancy Books. Either one is enough since they basically go through the same info. I kind of like the Mother one better.

What about baby journals? Anyone thinking that far ahead? Or even a pregnancy journal? Does anyone have a good suggestion? I prefer the ones that prompt you with specific questions instead of providing blank sheets!

[ATD_Mom]

Oh my - So many comments to respond to. Where to begin?

I don't really feel pregnant, either. I sort of feel as though I have mono - I get very easily whipped and cranky. Yesterday I went out running errands with DH, and after the first stop I pretty much just shut down. I could barely stand up, I was so weak and tired. Couldn't get the frown from my face, either! Came home and laid down, didn't help. DH made me some potatoes, and I suddenly perked up. For about 1/2 hour.

Otherwise, I do not feel pregnant. I don't feel any attachment to the little fetus in my belly - does anyone else? I don't call it anything, we don't really talk about "the bean" or anything like that. I have this feeling I'm waiting around until week 12 to start actually becoming attached and thinking of him/her as a baby.

I haven't been hungrier at all yet! Luckily, I guess, because it scares me to look at the weight gain charts in my book (I have Sheila Kitzinger's Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth, and I love it). She mentions 25 - 35 lbs is a good weight to gain. And then goes on to show what percentage of weight you should have gained by which week. By this chart, I should only gain 1.5 pounds between conception and week 12! I have no idear how much, if any, I've gained. But 1.5 lbs in 3 months sounds impossible to me - especially in the winter!

I don't understand how anyone is supposed to eat everything you're supposed to eat. Here's an example of diet recommendations: http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/159_823.asp I could eat one recommended group a day and be more than stuffed. There's no way I could eat all of that! Halfway through one single banana and I'm stuffed.

It's all so overwhelming to me right now - making sure I eat and exercise properly, trying to track down a midwife, trying to rent a house 3.5 hours away for 6 weeks this fall so I can actually have a midwife, trying to figure out how to talk my OB into not performing unnecessary tests at my first appt (in two weeks), trying to convince my DH to not tell his parents (they're really odd - I just don't feel comfortable telling them. If it were up to me, I'd wait until about 8 months!), trying to figure out why I have completely lost any sense of humor I have ever had ... Smiling used to be my signature, now it's impossible for me to muster one up! If this is what pregnancy hormones do to me, I don't like it!

Phew. I think that was a vent, and I didn't intend for it to be!

[nikkihoi]

I'm in a simmular boat, in terms of not feeling pregnant mentally. It's still an all too surreal concept. However, physically is a whole other story. Like you, Kristin, I'm soooo tired, I can barely do one errand without wanting to take a nap or needing to eat and then take a nap. I have no desire to cook ( I was just getting so into cooking and learning how to cook), I snap at DH or take things too seriously, the list goes on. Not much quizziness though, unless I don't eat. I want to eat but I don't want to make the decision what to eat then I get too hungry and have to eat!
On top of this, I can not WAIT until my first appointment with the birth center on Monday afternoon! They almost didn't take me b/c I'll only be a few days into being 8 weeks (8 weeks today) and they don't start to see folks until 8 to 11 weeks. Anyhow, I've had on and off brown spotting for a few weeks now. It's been driving me crazy and I'm always waiting for the worst. I feel like I'm on pins and needles. I just want to know for sure everything is as it should be.
Perhaps this is all part of the experience of a first timer.
Thanks Ladies for allowing the ventilation.:o

[Sabo]

nikkihoi: My first app't is this monday too. I'm 8 weeks 2 days today and my midwives' office starts seeing mothers between 8-10 weeks.

Book recommendations: I have The Pregnancy Book by the Sears couple. It seems good and very informative. I also have The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy and I quite often find it annoying and tell my dh how annoying it is.

So quick question: Have your partners been helping out around the house? I don't sleep all the time, but I have no energy. My home has turned into a disaster and while dh is not saying anything about the mess, he's not doing anything either. My dad is coming into town tomorrow, so we have to do some serious cleaning tonight, but by the time I get home from work I am beat. Its like he doesn't comprehend how exhausting nourishing a new life is.

[beckyphry]

Natalia, a friend of mine swore by ginger snaps during her first pregnancy, but I think there are teas you can get. I've also read that putting a clove under your tongue, and sucking on lemons can help. I'm sorry you're feeling so sick.

Thanks for the suggestion on showing u/s pics. I linked my FF homepage in my signature, which is where I'll store all my pictures. My u/s pic from 7w1d is up there!

ATD_mom, sorry you're feeling crappy, too. On not feeling attached, I guess it's still early... we're not showing, not feeling movements, etc. Most of us just feel like crap. Seeing and hearing the heartbeat this week definitely made it more real for us, but we're still not really talking about "the bean" or anything.

Sabo, my husband isn't really helping out more, but I don't have any problems with my energy levels, so the house isn't all that bad right now. He's been very sweet lately, though, and every day he thanks me for carrying his child! :lol It cracks me up!

[Fridaxsky]

First timer too! I'm not feeling very pregnant either. Other than sore boobs, no symptoms at all. Today I have the flu and for the first time, I'm not just worried about what it's doing to me, but how it's going to affect the baby. In a weird way, that is making me feel a bit more attached.

I'm with all of the pp on the feeling overwhelmed. :dizzy: I feel like we have SO much to do and just want to get it all done. I'm such an organizer but it feels like right now, I can't do anything but wait until we get furter along. So frustrating! Any suggestions for things I could be doing now to prepare??? I have a midwife and am going in a week to check out a birthing center nearby.

The good news is, dh and I get to tell our parents this weekend. We live about an hour away and wanted to tell them in person so we make the trip tomorrow. Of course we told all of our sisters over the phone - I would have burst this week if we hadn't!

[hazieluna]

Becky, I'm glad you realized I was talking to you about the US and not Emily. I'm just out of it! I HAD to check out your US! I'm so excited for you! I think once you see the baby or hear the heartbeat then maybe it's more real.

I'm with everyone else about feeling both overwhelmed and then a bit surreal about being pregnant. To be honest we haven't started calling the baby anything or even really talking to her (or him I guess). Every night I ask DH if he wants to say good night to the baby and he just laughs like I'm cuckoo.

And Sabo and ATD, I'm soooo tired these days that everything is falling on the wayside. And I don't think my DH has quite realized just how exhausted I am. I guess I'll have to have a chat with him to let him know he needs to start doing more. I'm not super grouchy but I am super emotional, I'm crying two, three times a day... I have to add I NEVER CRY! I don't know if pregnancy is somehow unleashing some pent up sadness I've got or if it really is just hormones, I can't tell.

Oh and I also have The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy, but ugh, it's irritating!

[SweetTexasgal]

Hello Ladies

Another first timer here. My symptoms are pretty much nil. I am somewhat queasy in the morning, but a bowl of cereal usually takes care of that.

This morning I scheduled my first Dr. appt. I am going to meet with the nurses Feb 8th and then with the Dr. for an ultrasound on Feb 27th. I am anxious to have the ultrasound...because I cannot wait to see the heartbeat and know that eveything is where it should be.

Waiting anxiously

Michelle

****:heartbeat ****10****15****20****25****30****35****40

[Sabo]

Oh and I also have The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy, but ugh, it's irritating!

I know! I would recommend this book to women who constantly have the urge to smack their girlfriends upside the head whenever their friends offer advice. Its odd though, I just keep reading it, hoping that it will get better, but no it doesn't. When I got it, I was hoping for a kind of cute, educational, but funny book like the one I bought for my dh.

Fridaxsky: I'm telling my dad when he comes to visit this weekend too. He's bringing his gf along who I'm not crazy about. She made a bad impression on me years ago and I hardly ever see her. They've been on & off for about 7 or 8 yrs now. Its weird sharing such important info with a woman that I've only talked to about 5 times in all the years they've been together.

[beckyphry]

When I got it, I was hoping for a kind of cute, educational, but funny book like the one I bought for my dh..

Are you talking about Be Prepared?? I love that book. I started reading it before I even gave it to my husband. He was reading it a bit last night and this morning he gave me a hug before I left for work and said "the book said that soon your boobs won't be mine anymore" all pouty-like. :lol

[nikkihoi]

I've been meaning to post this question for a while. I may x post it in "I'm Pregnant".
My DH doesn't like the men are clueless stuff but he loves to read informative/non fiction stuff. Don't get me wrong, he has a great sense of humor, just being brought up by women who male bashed a lot.
I'm in need of giving him something that might help him get it b/c he's :cuss me off. He thinks he's being funny but I'm so super sensitive, I take it as being picked on. I don't know how else to tell him that I feel horrible :gloomy: most of the time dispite the miracle inside me.
Anyway, good books for the DH. Any suggestions?

[Sabo]

Becky and nikkihoi: Yes, the book I was referring to is Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads, by Gary Greenberg and Jeannie Hayen. My dh loved it. Its smart and funny and my dh says that it kind of converses with the new dad in a "buddy way." As Becky mentioned, its fun for mom-to-be to read too.