September 2008 babies

[LostGirl]

MLB, Congrats on finishing and passing! Fabulous.

Approaching week 23, I am still incurably exhausted, and a bit sad that my happy 2nd-tri days are over. I hope this is just a momentary tough spot, but it has lasted two weeks at this point. No matter of sleep helps me feel better. 3 hour naps. 11 hour nights. Nothing.
Maybe it's time to give in and start hibernating (reading books, writing, and staying closer to home). I had hoped to avoid such behavior till much deeper into the summer alas.

I signed up for childbirth classes that are a mix of Lamaze and Bradley methods with a dollop of "Here what you need to know about pain medications and epidurals." They start in July. I'm totally psyched for them and keep having vivid dreams about being in labor.

Meanwhile the baby is a nut! He or she will not stop kicking. What started as something cute is now so rigorous at times that I'm having a hard time concentrating at my desk.

One night in particular he flipped out. I usually eat healthy. But a couple of nights ago I wanted JUNK FOOD, so my husband made me turkey sausage hotdogs, baked fries with olive oil, and to top it all off, a cream soda. It was my first soda in a while, and to the baby it was like crack! He started jumping and didn't stop moving like mad for at least 35 minutes. A serious workout for him. My dh was bummed he missed it because he was in the other room, but then at bedtime, he did it again, and my husband was shocked at how much the little tyke moved. I think he thought I was exaggerating before he felt it.

I'll definitely mention it to my ob-gyn at my next appt, a week from today.

How are the rest of you ladies?? Lostgirl

[CT_Michele]

MLB- congrats on finishing, it must be such a big relief! I know I have a lot more free time now that college classes are over, and there are only 19 more school days until i am out for the summer, pending teaching summer school...

I went for an ob appt yesterday. Everything seems fine. I actually gained weight for the first time, I went up 5 lbs from last month, but I am only 2 lbs over my start weight. I was kinda shocked to see 5 lbs...it seems like a lot for one month. My next appt in 4 weeks will be around 29 wks and that is when I will do the glucose test for gestational diabetes. They said after that appt I will start going to them every 2 weeks. I will also be signing up for childbirth classes in july, just waiting for the hospitals summer schedule to come out.

Movements are getting stronger, but I don't think more frequent yet. Dh still has trouble feeling, but I think it is b/c I am a bigger girl, and I have more "cushion" to feel through. I am peeing a lot more now, which is really annoying when you are a teacher. Heartburn is killing me...and my mom says it will just get worse from here.

I am really looking forward to the 3 day weekend. I already have 3 parties to go to, which is fabulous, b/c since I have been pregnant, I have loved cookout food more than normal! Anyone else have plans for the weekend? It is suppoed to be beautiful weather here in CT. I hope you all have a good weekend!

[MLB]

Hi Ladies,

Just wanted to check in and move us up on the list a bit. It was graduation weekend and my family (10 people) came from Long Island, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to participate. It was wonderful to see all of them. Many said they were suprised at how big I am already...but I know someone that is a week behind me and she is bigger, so I am not so concerned. The only thing that really bothers me is that I feel like I look like a chipmunk (after being told many times that "you look good, your face looks normal") in all my photos. My siblings and I are REALLY NOT photogenic though we are not a bad looking bunch.

I was really worried about my SIL's reaction to my having some baby stuff and u/s pics since she has tried for a dozen years to have children and has had as many miscarriages. She was really excited, though, and I know that I will have to allow her to participate in her niece/nephew's life as much as she wants...which may be more than I would like but we'll see.

My SIL works for an environmental remediation company (fire, water, mold damage to residences) and reminded me something very important. Studies have found (by exhuming dead babies) that many SIDS deaths have come from parent's using old mattresses. Apparently a mold can grow in them that causes SIDS. I think I will buy a new mattress even though I got one with the used crib I got from someone that has a 1 year old and used the crib for her baby.

I'm still going back and forth about the drug issue during childbirth. In the span of 5 minutes I think, "I can do the natural thing...it is better for everyone", then "why be a hero? I'll enjoy the experience more if I just take the drugs...". Still lots of time to decide thankfully.

Hope everyone is having a great holiday weekend.

Melissa

[LostGirl]

Hi,
I agree the drug or not to drug question is one I'm flipflopping about too. I think I'll only be able to decide in the moment. I have been preparing mentally for the pain. Runners often use a mantra to distract themselves from the leg burn and butt burn that sets in on long treks, so I'm coming up with a mantra. I also plan to keep moving as much as possible during early labor so I'm walking a lot to build my endurance for the big day.

Can't wait to start labor classes in July, but before that we get to go abroad on a trip to Iceland. I can't wait! I plan to hike some, but generally to just chill.

I also have strong faith that my husband can calm me down in the worst of situations. He puts his hand on my head and it's as if my blood pressure drops and I suddenly get calm . I'm thinking that will help a bunch during the downtime between the pain. And once the pain comes full bore well hell, that means the end is near, and it's almost time to push. Something about having something to actively do will help me I think at that point.

I can't wait to see what it's like for me! But I'm trying to get it into my head that October 1st is my due date instead of mid-sept so that I won't be bummed if/when the baby is "late."
lostgirl

[MLB]

Lostgirl - what did I miss? Since you are an IVF'er....you know exactly when the baby is due - you could get 40 weeks down to the hour probably. Are you just assuming that baby will be late because you are a 1st time Mom??

Melissa

[CT_Michele]

I was told by my ob, that as an "ivf'er" I will not be allowed to go past my due date. They said they would induce by my due date, I still don't really know why. Since my originally date was sept 1, I am expecting late august, but I know what you mean about being bummed if it doesn't happen early.

I am going to take my childbirth class in July. Unfortunately, my hospital does not offer weekly classes during the summer, but rather does it all on one day, so dh and I will have to due a marathan saturday of 9-5 at the hospital. I would have preferred if they were over a period of weeks, but I have no control over that, and don't want to miss the opportunity to be better prepared.

Our nursery is coming along nice! It's painted, crib is built, changing table is built, just some minor details I need to do in there. I am glad it is done and out of the way and I was able to help. I didn't want to wait until I was so big I couldn't help at all.

So at just over 26 wks, I am still not showing significantly. Heartburn has been on the rise and recently I have felt like something is lodged or stuck in between my lungs. Dr says that is normal of course, and will probably get worse...other than that, I have felt pretty good, starting to get tired again. But it is now countdown until school is out for the year...only 14 school days left, and that includes 5 half days! Woohoo!

I hope everyone else is feeling good, and hope to hear from you all soon!

[LostGirl]

Yes, MLB, I assume I will be late because it's my first.

I have never heard that IVFers should be treated differently and induced. I would press your doctor as to the logic, and ask her/him to refer you to studies in the literature that have proven the reasoning.

I will fight tooth and nail NOT to get induced, because women who do get induced have higher rates of C sections, and I don't want one. I want a vaginal delivery preferably since C sections take so much longer to recover from.

It's amazing to hear Michelle that your area only has only all-day childbirth class. Here, in Manhattan we are spoiled for choice. Ultimately I ended up going for a 5-week every Monday night course that mixes Lamaze, Bradley and gives a dollop of advice about epidurals and pain meds available to women.
I'm hoping it will be highly educational and frank about how to deal with the pain. I don't want to pussyfoot around. Labor is going to hurt like hell, and I want to have the courage to remain calm when my belly feels like it's going to burst. I start in July too.
Lostgirl

[CT_Michele]

Lostgirl- I do have some choices here, but I wanted to take the classes at the hospital I will deliver at, since they also give tours of the hospital and I will be able to meet a lot of the staff for my all important day. Normally they spread the classes out over 4 weeks, 2 hours on each week. That is what I would have preferred, but for the summer months, it is one-day sessions only.

I tried to research the past due date issue and I am having trouble. All I can find is that there is a higher risk in ivf babies for premature births and problems with delivery, but no specifics. I will ask at my next appt. I remember her saying that especially with ivf patients, it is important to know what is a regular movement and what is not close to the end of the pregnancy. I will try and find out more.

I am in the same boat, I do not want a c-section, but I am sure when the time comes, I will deal with what ever cards I am dealt. I go for my glucose test on June 19, and after that I will see my ob every 2 weeks, so I am sure we will be talking much more about labor and delivery.

[MLB]

Hi Ladies,

Hope everyone is feeling better than I am! My back is killing me - which could be from sitting at a computer all day, not sure. I am going to start going to prenatal yoga this week and see if that helps. I could go to a chiropracter, but I am not sure I want to get involved in that! Any ideas?

Also, I have massive pain where my ribs come together at night before and after dinner. Could that be heartburn?

I don't understand why people say it is so wonderful to be pregnant. I feel isolated from all the hobbies I love to do and the friends that I do them with and NOW my stomach and back hurt quite a bit. Not to mention the insomnia.

That said, I am still nervous that I won't make it full term (for no good reason except I was such a tiny preemie at 26 weeks) and this baby will be in danger. So, guess I am willing and anxious to put up with it for 14 more weeks....

Melissa

[CT_Michele]

MLB- I have had heartburn the whole way through this pregnancy. If it is a burning pain you are getting, it is most likely heartburn, which is completely normal especially at this stage. You can take pretty much anything over the counter for heartburn except pepto bismol. If it is not heartburn, maybe it is the baby. I have felt like something is lodged or stuck in that same spot you speak of for about a week now.

We are going to have to fight through this 3rd trimester together girls. Everything I have read is gearing me up for a tough journey the rest of the way, and whenever I tell someone I am due in September, they feel bad about the heat I will have to deal with so close to the end.

I have been sick with what I think is a cold the past couple of days. I really hope it is gone soon. How is everyone else feeling?

[washingtonda]

Ct - I have been taking pepto bismal. I have only taken it about 3 times but I haven't read that you can't take it. I sometimes get upset stomach with certain foods and that's what I take it for. No heartburn yet.

Had a doc visit on Friday and all was fine with the baby.

Is Pepto Bismal a no no?

[LostGirl]

WashingtonDA,
Pepto Bismal wasn't on the list my ob-gyn gave me of things that are safe to take. She suggested I eat Tums for an upset stomach. But I'd just ask your doctor... Lostgirl

[LostGirl]

Oh ladies, I forgot to post a question about movement. The baby is moving a ton these days. I've taken to calling him/her a maniac, a psycho and lots of other endearing terms due to the mad kicking. For 15 minute blocks, he just won't sit still... anyone else experiencing this?

I'm starting to wonder just when the baby sleeps, if at all! My dh has trouble sleeping so I often wake to find him holding my belly amazed at what the little one is doing as I sleep.

I think how much you feel has to do with where your placenta is, and well just chance, but I guess I wonder if it correlates at all to a newborn's wakefulness. If so, we are in trrroubble! Anyone know?

Lostgirl

[CT_Michele]

Washingtonda- I was told no pepto bismol b/c it is aspirin based. I would ask your doc, since they all seem to have slightly different opinions.

Lostgirl- I was starting to wonder about activity too. I know my dr said drinking something cold will stimulate movement. I wonder if my baby is moving b/c of something I am eating, drinking or what I am doing at the moment. I wonder how much she is affected by outside noise, or if she likes it when I am relaxing or laughing. I bet all babies are different, and I bet it is not necessarily a predictor of activity to come outside of the womb. My movements are getting stronger and more frequent too. I think I saw my belly move for the first time, so that must have been a hard kick. I am also peeing at unbelieveable rates.

If anyone has the diabetes screening coming up before me, please let me know how it goes for you and instructions you were given for the test. Thanks.

I will talk to everyone soon!

[LostGirl]

I saw kicks for the first time yesterday. It was uncanny. And yes, I hear you that the kicks are getting stronger. It's an ongoing joke between my DH and I that I would love to give birth to an Olympian. Jokes of this nature kept us going through IVF.

But now I'm a little freaked out about what the next month will be like with a kung fu fighter in my belly. I suppose it's divine justice, I was born at 23 inches - yes you read that right! - and spent weeks kicking my mother in the ribs once I was head down.

She still mentions it 35 years later.
Lostgirl