[BennyPai]

<p>I definitely get some of the irritability with pregnancy, but I've associated mine with being "hangry."  It happens also during the first year of breastfeeding, every time baby has a growth spurt and increases my milk supply, until I am able to adjust my calorie intake and the sudden hunger/anger recedes.  It is exactly the same during pregnancy.  The more frequently I eat (and the more protein I eat) the less instances of rage/irritability.  It's probably hormonally influenced as well, but regular snacking is so helpful for me.  There is a tea out there</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm thinking about the Mamas with car issues.  I have had my share!!  *Knocking on wood*</p>
<p><a data-huddler-embed="href" href="/community/u/9041/amyrobynne" style="display:inline-block;">@amyrobynne</a> There are so many things that drive me crazy about sending the kids to school.  It has been helpful while I've been taking classes at the university, but yes all of the extra obligations are exhausting. </p>
<p><a data-huddler-embed="href" href="/community/u/237349/Michelle-Murphy" style="display:inline-block;">@Michelle Murphy</a> <img alt=":grouphug" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/grouphug.gif" style="">  So many pregnant women (myself included) experience stress & anxiety.  They even have a special tea for it:  <a href="http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/pregnancy/peaceful-mama-tea.html" target="_blank">Peaceful Mama Tea</a>.  A lot of people have good results from <a href="http://www.bachflower.com/rescue-remedy-information/" target="_blank">Rescue Remedy</a>. I remember how intense it was for me during my first pregnancy - I told DP I wouldn't be a.  ble to handle worrying about a baby through another pregnancy. </p>
<p>This is my fifth pregnancy, and I'm much more relaxed, but still I love the reassurance of hearing baby's heartbeat.  I just received my blood pressure monitor and urine test strips in the mail so I can be more involved in my care this time around.  Fetoscope is next...  I will feel better being able to monitor this for myself, and for other reasons I like to feel in control to an extent.  My MWs do respond to phone calls, but they can't always be reached right away and their office is 45min. away.  Two days a week are office days.  My first MW was so accessible; I miss her.<img alt="" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style=""> </p>

 

[Sihaya]

<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11/0_100#post_17542297" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Dandy Lion</strong> <a href="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11/0_100#post_17542297"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif"></a><br><br>
One thing that was really crazy, is this baby didn't like the ultrasound at all. There were a few times when he/she whacked the transducer and I jumped because it hurt--especially towards the end. I kinda feel like I should have said at that point that I wanted the ultrasound over with. But, I could tell she was wrapping it up so I kept my mouth shut. Anyone else have a baby get really impatient with an ultrasound?</div>
</div>
I haven't had an abdominal ultrasound yet, but every time I listen with the doppler, baby lets me hear the heartbeat for about 20 seconds, then seems to turn around and drum on the thing with its hands and feet until I stop. I can't feel it, but I can sure hear it and baby definitely is not a fan.

 

[onetwoten]

<p>Yeah this baby swims away from the doppler pretty quickly, so we keep the sessions very short. It's nice that our MW is fine with that too. She turned it on today, found the hb, and literally listened for like 10 seconds and then was like "ok, we're good!" </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Second MW appt today. Another relief, still like her so much. She trained in New Zealand, and she's just... so low key, and relaxed, and just innately trusts birth in ways that I haven't encountered in anyone I dealt with during my first pregnancy and labor.  She asked again if DH was ok with catching the baby, and if I wanted a water birth. It's funny that things I mourned SO BADLY last time are actually becoming a reality. I keep feeling like I have to pinch myself. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Belly is measuring on track, right around 17 weeks (I'm 17.5), which is good, because when we found the hb at home the other day we both totally heard an echo, and couldn't determine if it was echo, or multiple beats. But I've only gained 6lbs, and fundal height is right for singleton at my gestation, so I'm feeling good. Ultrasound should be somewhere between 20-24 weeks. I hope towards the early end of that! I SO badly want to find out the sex. I want to start preparing but feel like I can't until we find out. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ordered the carseat replacement for our damaged car. More andmore we look at it, DH thinks they're going to write it off. Which SUCKS because we've taken immaculate care of that vehicle. There's no way really to get a comparable car. Not with how dedicated my husband has been to maintenance and fixing the tiniest problem. So that's sad. I think if we do have to replace it, we'll wait until closer to June, and then we'll buy a smaller 4 door commuter car, a civic or focus or something else like that that is really fantastic on gas. Owning the van is KILLING our gas budget. lol. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>DH and I get to go out to the annual Gala event at my work this Saturday. I'm excited to dress up and go on a "date" even though we'll be surrounded by work people. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Jenny- My DH is totally an angry hungry person. There's a meme that says "I'm sorry for the unkind words I spoke out of hunger" and we say that that is TOTALLY him. </p>

 

[Michelle Murphy]

<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11/20#post_17542311" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>BennyPai</strong> <a href="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11/20#post_17542311"><img alt="View Post" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br>
 
<p>I definitely get some of the irritability with pregnancy, but I've associated mine with being "hangry."  It happens also during the first year of breastfeeding, every time baby has a growth spurt and increases my milk supply, until I am able to adjust my calorie intake and the sudden hunger/anger recedes.  It is exactly the same during pregnancy.  The more frequently I eat (and the more protein I eat) the less instances of rage/irritability.  It's probably hormonally influenced as well, but regular snacking is so helpful for me.  There is a tea out there</p>
 
<p><a data-huddler-embed="href" href="/community/u/237349/Michelle-Murphy" style="display:inline-block;">@Michelle Murphy</a> <img alt=":grouphug" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/grouphug.gif" style="">  So many pregnant women (myself included) experience stress & anxiety.  They even have a special tea for it:  <a href="http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/pregnancy/peaceful-mama-tea.html" target="_blank">Peaceful Mama Tea</a>.  A lot of people have good results from <a href="http://www.bachflower.com/rescue-remedy-information/" target="_blank">Rescue Remedy</a>. I remember how intense it was for me during my first pregnancy - I told DP I wouldn't be a.  ble to handle worrying about a baby through another pregnancy. </p>
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>Lack of food is definitely a factor, but I don't feel hunger much (well, until I'm starving!) and food is still often a somewhat gross concept so I try going by a mixture of time and need. <br>
For example, had a bowl of cereal just a little bit ago because I needed something STAT, but I know it won't last long.  Just waiting for the interest in something else to kick in. <br>
I think I have Peaceful Mama Tea here.  For some reason it never seemed right at the time it was presented, but I will put it give it another shot. <br>
I think I have some Rescue Remedy around here, too.  I have stress mints in my purse that I sometimes use.<br>
Thanks for the heads-up during breast-feeding.  I'm anticipating it being a bit of a challenge because of the food sensitivities issues.  I'm eating things I wouldn't have eaten before in some ways in hopes it will help decrease sensitivity for her. <br>
I've been mostly worried about what these additional stressors are doing to her.  I grew up in a hyperactive, stressed out family and I'm sure we're a little genetically predisposed (or epigenetically susceptible), too, so for all our sakes I want the new family dynamic to be as zen as possible.  With so much going in the opposite direction at the moment, it is taking everything to find those moments.  Making one of those moments today, I think.  This afternoon I finally had a moment of peace and tried for decide how I wanted to spend it.  I think I'm still deciding and that's good.  That means I'm just hangin' out. </p>

 

[berrypavlova]

<p>So thankful to be feeling pretty awesome here! Not all of my energy is back (but with 3 age 4 & under this is probably just life for right now), but I'm hardly feeling sick at all which is awesome! We all got a yucky four day bug right after Christmas, so everyone being healthy is awesome. Without the hectic holiday schedule or sick feeling, right now feels like auto pilot. I actually had time to read the past two days, clean the house, make meals, and spend time with the boys.....and it felt easy! This might be short lived but I'll soak it up for all it's worth! <img alt=":joy" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/joy.gif" style=""></p>
<p> </p>
<p>My MW texted me over the weekend to say we need an appt this week. Oh ya, baby #4, I guess we didn't set another appt. Whoops!  I was an over anxious mom with #1 so I'm also enjoying being much more relaxed this go around. I love that I have to check the calendar to remember how many weeks I am. Lots of baby squirming going on, and constant stretching feeling in my lower abs. Now I'm just waiting for some pregnancy boobs to show up <img alt=":2whistle" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/2whistle.gif" style=""> anytime now girls, really.</p>

 

[JohannaInDairyland]

<p>So, we are home from our big winter trip and school started this week for me, so we're pretty crazy around here! <img alt=":flipped" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/wild.gif" style=""> My spouse's employer pays for a sabbatical every five years of employment, so we were very lucky to spend the holidays in much warmer climes. It was hard to come back to Wisconsin and get back into our routine when it was literally 100*F colder here than it was there!! We finished interviewing local midwives this week, and I am so excited that we have found one who we want to hire! I have my QuadScreen and ultrasound scheduled through my primary care clinic in the coming weeks, and as long as there is nothing that risks me out, I am excited to proceed with a home birth. Huge relief, except for the money aspect. I'm trying to rustle up more work as a postpartum doula and childbirth educator, just to build up the "Babby Starbuck" (what DH has nicknamed the baby ...) fund so I can pay the midwife. Of course, our HMO that is 90% awesome (covers dental care for kids under 12, no copays for office visits or tests, super cheap Rx, and a wellness reimbursement that can be used for CSA memberships or doula care) specifically states that it will not cover midwifery care ... grr.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Also realizing, now that I'm 15+ weeks, I still haven't told a lot of my friends, or made a Facebook announcement, or told most of my classmates ... I will at some point, but I'm kind of enjoying the secret. May just wait until after the 20 week ultrasound.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Feeling mostly good, but with CRAZY cravings for salty carbs. Trying to eat nuts to satiate it, but not quite working ....</p>

 

[synepona]

<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11/20#post_17542485" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>berrypavlova</strong> <a href="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11/20#post_17542485"><img alt="View Post" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> I love that I have to check the calendar to remember how many weeks I am.</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>I put an app on my phone, and every weekend it reminds me how many weeks I am, along with a little icon on my homepage of how big baby is/how many weeks along ... w/o that, I'd have lost track a hundred times already. People keep saying "so you're ... so many months ... now?", and I just say, well I'm X-weeks, b/c keeping track of both months & weeks is too much mental effort lately!</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11/20#post_17542858" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>JohannaInDairyland</strong> <a href="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11/20#post_17542858"><img alt="View Post" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br>
Feeling mostly good, but with CRAZY cravings for salty carbs. Trying to eat nuts to satiate it, but not quite working ....</div>
</div>
<p>I have super low blood pressure, and find that it's worse during pregnancy, so when the cravings for salt hit .. I just go with them Or I eat 30 other things while trying to avoid eating the one thing I really wanted. Pretzels w/ Nutella is a nice combo, just the right bit of salt + sweet. But don't dip in the jar, you'll end up eating way too much! Just put out a reasonable bit into a small bowl </p>

 

[JohannaInDairyland]

<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11/20#post_17542864" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>SynEpona</strong> <a href="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11/20#post_17542864"><img alt="View Post" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a>
<p> </p>
<p>I have super low blood pressure, and find that it's worse during pregnancy, so when the cravings for salt hit .. I just go with them Or I eat 30 other things while trying to avoid eating the one thing I really wanted. Pretzels w/ Nutella is a nice combo, just the right bit of salt + sweet. But don't dip in the jar, you'll end up eating way too much! Just put out a reasonable bit into a small bowl </p>
</div>
</div>
<p>Augh, pretzels+Nutella, my kryptonite!! <img alt=":eat" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/eat.gif" style=""> I gotta go get some! That's interesting about low blood pressure though - I've always been a salt fiend, and I always run in the low range of normal for BP. </p>

 

[shenanegans]

I had a late u/s in my first pregnancy, so my belly was already big and the baby completely moved as far away as possible from the device. My belly morphed into the strangest shape and it was obvious that my son hated it. I heard that during the u/s its like a very loud noise for the baby. Anyone else hear that?

 

[BennyPai]

<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11/20#post_17542864" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false">
<p>Pretzels & Nutella:  YUM!<img alt=":yum" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/yummy.gif" style="">  I may be in trouble ... Luckily, my little pretzel sticks are too small for efficient container-dipping.   </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Also, anyone have a favorite site to track weeks, other than mobile apps?  I like Mothersnaturally.org, but they don't have a weekly pregnancy tracker.</p>
<p>Quote:</p>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>SynEpona</strong> <a href="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11/20#post_17542864"><img alt="View Post" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br>
 
<p> </p>
<p>I put an app on my phone, and every weekend it reminds me how many weeks I am, along with a little icon on my homepage of how big baby is/how many weeks along ... w/o that, I'd have lost track a hundred times already. People keep saying "so you're ... so many months ... now?", and I just say, well I'm X-weeks, b/c keeping track of both months & weeks is too much mental effort lately!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Pretzels w/ Nutella is a nice combo, just the right bit of salt + sweet.</p>
</div>
</div>

 

[BennyPai]

<p>P.S.  Going to my therapy session for today.  I started seeing my therapist almost two years ago, while I was dealing with PPD.  Looking back, she has helped me in so many ways.  My confidence is much stronger now than it was then.  I have confronted family/childhood issues, had some productive couples sessions, living with ADD, and we're even working on my dog phobia.  I am so excited to be seeing her today. Too bad she doesn't practice midwifery.  <img alt=":lol" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/lol.gif" style=""></p>

 

[synepona]

<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11/20#post_17543643" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>BennyPai</strong> <a href="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11/20#post_17543643"><img alt="View Post" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br>
Also, anyone have a favorite site to track weeks, other than mobile apps?  I like Mothersnaturally.org, but they don't have a weekly pregnancy tracker.</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>I like <a href="http://www.pregnology.com" target="_blank">www.pregnology.com</a> for checking dates, and seeing week by week development. I haven't actually joined or made an account/login, so I just have to input my EDD each time I want to see the info, but <a href="http://www.pregnology.com/Pregnancy/pregnancy.php" target="_blank">http://www.pregnology.com/Pregnancy/pregnancy.php</a> this part shows a short summary of weekly development, and this part <a href="http://www.pregnology.com/faralong.php" target="_blank">http://www.pregnology.com/faralong.php</a> shows how far along, and has dates with weeks, so you can look ahead to a long weekend or vacation time and see how far along you'll be -- I find that useful w/o having to do any math or guesswork! </p>