AUGUST 2008 ~ BUMP BUDDIES

[seltzer]

momma2be - I am so, so sorry for your loss and the disappointment and sorrow you must be feeling. I was really rooting for you and hoping for the best. I am truly sorry this pregnancy didn't progress. I do believe it's a matter of time for you, though, and before you know it this will all be a distant memory and you will have a baby in your arms. And you'll be sick of hearing it crying, LOL. Please feel free to post in this forum and to PM me anytime. Hang in there.

[squeezan]

2ndtimer - my hair's not falling out but it feels really greasy on top even about an hour after washing it. I asked my hairdresser if it could be because of pregnancy but she said most people find their hair is in better condition.

tina - I'm like you, not really getting many symptoms at all. I had a few days of nausea at 6-7 weeks but that's gone and was really tired over xmas and new year but I now think that was more due to the bad cold I had as I'm now not so tired even though I'm back at work.

I'm so relieved to hear others talking about their clothes being tight. I thought maybe I was imagining it as I keep weighing myself and have only gained about 1 pound. I thought it was too early but I guess if we're all feeling the same it must be ok, plus I'm about 1 - 2 weeks ahead of some of you.
I had to go and buy new bras today as all of mine were getting tight.

As for exercise - I used to go to the gym regularly before I started treatment but I've been so bad during the last few months. It was hard as whilst stimming I felt too crap to bother exercising, after the iui I felt I should take it easy, then I'd have AF and be back to stimming again. I am trying to get back to swimming and have been a couple of times. I'd also like to get back to doing pilates but am a little wary as it works the stomach muscles, but its supposed to be good in pregnancy. I guess I've just got out of the habit of exercising and its hard to get back to it.

The other weird thing I've noticed is that my tastes have changed. I'm now wanting savoury food much more than sweet which is unusual for me. Also, I've really gone off chocolate and I'm usually such a chocaholic

[seltzer]

squeezan - you and I have the same due date, huh?

Like a lot of you are saying, I too am extremely bloated and my pants have not fit since before the ET (I hyperstimmed after egg retrieval so I'm still waiting for all that to resolve, although it's much better). I have to wear my partner's pants, which are a size bigger than mine. I wore maternity pants one day to work, and it was so much better. I have got to get out there and buy more pants. My nausea has remitted a little, but it's acting up here and there. And my boobs! Ugh, I've gone up one size already, and still growing. I always thought I wanted implants but after this, no thanks. I'll take my small boobs any day. I have been exercising, which has been difficult due to the fatigue and bloating, but worth it. My OB said I can do abdominal exercises unless they cause me discomfort. I've also been using resistance bands and walking on the treadmill 3-4 times/week. I do feel like I'm as a big as a house, nonetheless.

[2ndtimer]

Good Morning everyone
The weather here has suddenly turned beautiful and I'm feeling pretty good this morning. Last week we had some very cold weather for here, highs in the 30's & nights in the 20's. I hate the cold, that's why I live in the South. Today it's supposed to get up to the 70's. The school kids have been walking past on the way to school in their shorts & T shirts. It makes it feel like spring, which I love because I love to garden.
I've been increasing my exercising for the past couple of weeks. DH makes me walk and when it's too cold I've been on the elliptical machine. MGB -was it you who said the nurse told you not to use it because of bouncing? You may want to give it a quick run. I was able to use the elliptical throughout the stimming phase when my ovaries were about to burst without problems. It doesn't feel as if it's bouncing me too much, but I go pretty slow on it.
I am also getting bigger. I wore size 6 pants before my cycle, then went up to size 8 during the stims. I woke up Saturday & the size 8's dont' fit at all. Very weird because they did fit on Friday although very tight. So I went shopping & size 10's cut into my belly very uncomfortably! So I guess I'm wearing sweats & loose dresses until I actually look pregnant & can go maternity. Seltzer, I got mild OHSS my first cycle in 2004 and looked about 6 months pregnant by the time of the pregnancy test. It was so painful, I really sympathize.
DH made the comment during our shopping trip: "I cant believe your belly is getting so big already. My ex didn't show at all until 6 months." Of course, that did not go over well, getting compared at all to the ex not to mention unfavorably. Every now & then, I think I need to send him to sensitivity training.
Hope everyone is having a good Monday.
Rebecca
PS. I think my hair stopped falling out too much, but it is really oily. So's my skin, just like a teenager.

[sharishu]

Rebecca-
Glad you're enjoying warm weather especially for your walks. You and all the women are really inspiring me with your exercise talk. Did your doc tell you the elliptical is okay? I have one, and I'd go on it even for 15-20 minute intervals which is I think all I could take right now. I'm feeling soooo exhausted all the time. Did I tell you I ended up having my thyroid checked? All was well at first reading, TG, and I had another big blood test today which included my TSH levels.

Just wanted to tell you not to feel bad about dh's comment. Mine (always well meaning and loving) has said some things since I'm pregnant which to him seemed innocuous, but which had me blubbering away like a baby. I'm sure he only wants to see a smile on your face, but they have a 'foot in mouth' problem, especially with our hormones that they have a hard time dealing with. Always feel free to vent over here, we can all understand, as I'm sure you know.

Health and hugs to all.
Shari

[sharishu]

Rebecca-
Glad you're enjoying warm weather especially for your walks. You and all the women are really inspiring me with your exercise talk. Did your doc tell you the elliptical is okay? I have one, and I'd go on it even for 15-20 minute intervals which is I think all I could take right now. I'm feeling soooo exhausted all the time. Did I tell you I ended up having my thyroid checked? All was well at first reading, TG, and I had another big blood test today which included my TSH levels.

Just wanted to tell you not to feel bad about dh's comment. Mine (always well meaning and loving) has said some things since I'm pregnant which to him seemed innocuous, but which had me blubbering away like a baby. I'm sure he only wants to see a smile on your face, but they have a 'foot in mouth' problem, especially with our hormones that they have a hard time dealing with. Always feel free to vent over here, we can all understand, as I'm sure you know.

Health and hugs to all.
Shari

[2ndtimer]

Hi Shari,
I had to LOL when I read your reply because you are SO right about DH -He doesn't know if he's coming or going because sometimes I laugh about stuff he says and other times I get mad & cry. I have to admit he just seems to have a bewildered look on his face most of the time now. I can tell he's trying to be cautious around me, but that's not really in his nature and sometimes he really sticks his foot in his mouth.
Last night he did it again when he started talking about HOW MUCH OLDER I am than he ex was when she was pregnant. I got really mad at him again.
He thought that all these years later I suddenly mad at him for having a child 13 years ago years before I met him. I had to explain that wasn't it at all. I just don't like to be compared unfavorably to his ex and also he doesn't have to constantly bring up his ex all the sudden. I think he got it, but who knows.
Rebecca[/i]

[tinaO]

Hello ladies! All the jokes about the husbands are funny. Thankfully, mine is very sensitive and knows what "not to say" most of the time. Although - I have not been very emotional or anything. I just feel happy about the baby! My husband had a harder time when we were trying to get pregnant and I did break down when everyone seemed to call in the same 2-week time span to tell me they were pregnant. He could not figure out why they upset me so much. Uh - hello?? Men just don't get it. He said, "Well, what are we supposed to do? Not talk to anyone who is having a baby"?!?! I hated to tell him that at the time, that sounded like a great idea!!!

He also thinks I am crazy to worry right now, but I am still worried. I did make a bold step last night and went and bought a few things for the baby. Since I have been reading that book "The Secret", it states that you have to believe something is already yours and start acting like it is for it to truly come true. So, off I went and came home with some little boodies, onesies, and burp cloths!! I also got a stocking in the mail from my college roommate for the baby for next year. That was really sweet.
So, there you have it - I have now officially bought stuff, so this baby is going to have to stick around!!!!

I am pretty lucky in that I am really having a pretty easy pregnany so far. I get the occasional aches and pains, headaches and last night had the most severe heartburn I had ever had in my life (it actually burned deep into my heart - which I have never had before!!!), but other than that I seem to be doing really well. I am struggling a little with the weight gain. I was a size 2 before stimming and then somehow grew to a size 4 through all that madness and now I seem to be quickly moving out of that size. I have already gained about 3-4 pounds - which is a lot this early! I just don't get it. I did go out during lunch (I work from home several days a week) and went for a nice long walk. I just hope that this will counteract the weight gain that appears to be taking off. I have always struggled to keep my weight down and gain very easily. I think that is what scares me - it is very hard for me to lose weight, so whatever I gain is probably not going to come off easily after the baby!! Oh well.

2ndtimer - where do you live in the south? I am in Texas and our weather has been gorgeous!! I am dreading next week when I have to head up to Hartford, CT to my company's home office because it so cold up there!!!

When are everyone's next u/s's? My next one is Friday - can't wait! I always feel better after I get through another appt. Tomorrow I will be 8 weeks!

Tina

[squeezan]

Hi Ladies
Its funny but I actually feel lucky not to have a dh to say the wrong thing. The down side is that I have to keep asking my BIL or Dad to come and help with things. I'm still waiting for one of them to put my xmas tree back in the loft for me and today I had some flat-packed furniture delivered. They put it in the shed as I was out but now I can't get it into the house as its too heavy. Maybe I'll have to open the box and bring it in bit by bit. See, men are useful sometimes

BTW what are boodies and onesies? Just been having a hilarious chat on the 'awaiting treatment' thread about different phrases used in England and America - looks like it could move over to here now.

tina - I've started getting a little heartburn too. I like your theory about buying stuff for the baby so you truly believe its happening. I was reading the secret during treatment but had forgotten about it recently. I think I'll have a look at it again and start taking some positive action.

I've got my gp appointment tomorrow. Not sure what it involves but I guess I'll be referred to a midwifeand booked in for the 12 week (dating) scan and blood tests.
Hope everyone is well
Su

[seltzer]

tina - I can empathize about the weight gain and body issues. I am having a lot of trouble w/it too. Normally I am a size 4 or 6 (depending on the clothing). The hyperstimming thing bloated me to no end and I had to start wearing my partner's pants (size 8 ). Now I am starting to bust out of those in the waist. It is really freaking me out, because what will I look like in 3 months? I am struggling w/it. My nausea is a little better, though, whew! My next u/s is on 1/18 - the nuchal translucency.

squeezan - onesies are one-piece undershirts with snaps in the diaper area. And booties are just tiny slippers for tiny feet! What do you guys call them?

[gori]

Hello everyone! Looks like I can join you guys. Just had an u/s today - touchwood, we saw one heartbeat!! We are so........excited & nervous at the same time [I had one m/c last year]. Trying to be cautiously optimistic. My due date is 8/28/08.
Regarding weight, I have also put on quite a bit. On top of that, today's u/s revealed some swollen ovaries, which seem to need rest. I have been advised short of bed-rest, since I also had spotting/bleeding last 3-4 days. It has stopped now but I have been advised: no intercourse, no heavy-lifting, no exercise at all. So, trying to lose weight certainly does not seem like an option for me, at-least in the near term.
Baby's is measuring great but the yolk sac is on the smaller side: 1.9mm, they have suggested another u/s in 7-10 days. Progesterone & hcgs are looking fine though!
Hope everyone else is doing great. We can exchange some valuable info - this is wonderful!

[2ndtimer]

Good Morning everyone,
Welcome Gori & congrats on seeing the heartbeat!
I have my next u/s on Jan 16th and can't wait. I still need to make an appt with a regular OB doctor. For some reason, just picking one has stressed me out and I've been procrastinating. I guess I should just jump in & do that today.
I too have gone from a six 6 before treatment to now a size??? I'll be very happy when I actually look pregnant & not just bloated.
Squeezan, I'm glad you have good family support. As far as DH & some of his "boneheaded" comments, my sister has advised me to just stop talking to him about anything I'm insecure about. So I'm going to try that for a while. He's really quite sweet most of the time, then turns around and says something dumb.
Tina, its very inspiring that you went out & bought onsies already. I love that attitude. I'm waiting to find out the sex. If I'm having a girl I probably dont need to buy anything. By the way, I live in NC. I grew up in TX and still have family there.
Shari, hope you got the PM from me.
I better get back to work now,
Rebecca

[squeezan]

squeezan - onesies are one-piece undershirts with snaps in the diaper area. And booties are just tiny slippers for tiny feet! What do you guys call them?

Ah I understand booties, it was the spelling that got me
onesies are called bodysuits here

Welcome gori. Isn't it amazing to see that heartbeat! Take it easy

Had my GP appointment this morning which was mostly just paperwork. She booked me in for my first midwife appt tomorrow Didn't expect it that soon. I should get a date from the hospital for my next scan in a couple of weeks. That's the dating and nuchal translucency scan but I think I may opt out of the screening.
Its beginning to feel very real now, its' been so long since my last scan at 6 weeks but things are starting to happen again now

[seltzer]

Welcome, Gori, and congratulations on the heartbeat. Rest up...it has taken time for my ovaries to get smaller and rest is the best thing. Glad to know I am not the only one who feels like a beached whale (not that I am glad you ladies feel like that, too, but you know what I mean).

[MBG]

Hello ladies!!

Gori: Welcome to our group! The more the merrier!!
We all seem to be in about the same boat when it comes to weight gain!! I was a size 4 prior to IVF...I can still wear my clothes but they are definately getting tighter! I mainly feel like I have a gut! I can't wait to get past the gut stage and move on to the bump stage!

I had a bit of a scare...I have started to get this yellowish/brownish discharge over the past few days and this morning I blew my nose and blood came out of my vjj (sorry tmi )

I was out of town and freaking out!!! I called my nurse and she told me not to worry, but If I wanted to come in for a scan I could....Well I called in sick, drove home and went in for a scan......Everything was perfect! The baby is now measuring 7 wks 4 days and has a heartbeat of 175 BPM! She showed me how the placenta was forming and said everything looks great!! Oh what a relief it was to see my little baby doing so well!
The sad thing is they went ahead and released me....I have my first ob appt next wednesday and they did not see a need to see me again....it was actually really sad They have been so wonderful to me....I wish they could follow me all the way through the pregnancy! OH well.....I should probably be estatic, I am now considered a regular pregnant woman!!
Take care everyone!!

MBG