AUGUST 2008 ~ BUMP BUDDIES

[tinaO]

Rebecca - Sorry to hear your possible news. Hopefully it all works out. I am hoping to hear my results tomorrow....

[sharishu]

Tina,
At my 23 week u/s, I was also told that my baby's head was big. The perinatologist also told me that it was fine, nothing to worry about. Of course, I am going to use this information to tell the hospital staff delivering me, "Listen, we have a big head situation here, get me an epidural STAT!". I am also short- only 4'11", so I hope my baby is a good weight, but not too big, please! I am not really worried about delivery. I figure it's one day of my life, and I will get through it. I think after going through the cyst removal/laparoscopy and the whole IVF procedure, I figure I can take on anything. We're strong ladies, us IVFers!

Rebecca,
I was smiling reading the conversation you had with your mom. Cute. Tell her if she REALLY wants to surprise you so badly, she can get something from the registry + a surprise! My mom hardly ever sees me, so she will probably be bringing me lots of goodies from America. However, it's not gonna be heavier items like car seats, crib, etc., for obvious reasons. But, we should have some time to go shopping here in Israel together, it just might be after the baby is born. As far as your glucose test, if you have to go in for the follow-up, I wish you the best of luck. Hope it's nothing!

Sounds like a bunch of you are already deciding on day care centers. Where I will be living, there are women who run small day cares from their houses, accepting about 3-4 babies at a time. I want to find an english speaker, since he'll get plenty of hebrew at home from dad, and I want him to speak english really well. My cousin who lives here has 8 kids, some of whom can't even communicate with their grandma, which I think is sad. English will be a big priority in my home. Of course, a day care offering a warm, nurturing, and stimulating atmosphere is the MOST important, and I've already gotten some recommendations to go on. I am not registering just yet, as we are trying to sock away money on the side to avoid day care for as long as possible. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Have a great day ladies.
Shari

[2ndtimer]

Hi Tina,
I don't think you are being overly hormonal about your neighbor. Some people are just rude. I don't like constantly hearing "wow, are you sure you don't have 2 in there? You're huge!" either. Most people are really nice & the attention you get being pregnant is pretty cool most of the time BUT there's also lots & lots of thoughtless unwanted comments too.
I actually had a woman last weekend say something along the lines of "Honey, you're going to be able to squirt breast milk across the room with boobies that big." I'm serious, a complete stranger said that to me in front of my 13yo SD. I just looked at her and walked away.
Take care,
Rebecca

[tinaO]

Rebecca - Ok, I so needed that this morning. Your e-mail just cracked me up!!

[MBG]

Wow!!! I can't believe people are sooo stupid and insensitive!!!

TinaO: I do not think you are being overly sensitive....I would speak to your friend and tell her exactly how her comments make you feel and you would appreciate her keeping her thoughts to herself during your shower! It is your day to be happy and celebrate the arrival of your new bundle of joy...you don't need unwanted comments bringing you down!

It was so exciting getting all of our goodies! I really could not believe how generous everyone was!!!

Rebecca: Wow!! I seriously cannot believe a complete stranger said that to you!!! That is the rudest thing I think I have ever heard!!!!

That is funny about the conversation you had with your mom....I don't understand why some people just don't get registry's....we register because these are things we really want...OH well!! What do you do...just go with the flow!

I am sorry to hear about your glucose test..I hope you don't have to go through all the additional testing! Keep us posted!

Shari: I am so glad you had such a wonderful weekend!!! The hotel you stayed at sounds fabulous!! Did you get to see the president, or did they have him fully surrounded? Glad to hear your mom is going to be able to visit you!! It is such a special time to be able share your mom!!

I am doing well.....getting bigger and bigger...although now I haven't grown out so much as I have grown up and down...the boys are really filling in!!

It is getting harder and harder to get out of bed....I have to hold on to the bed post and hoist myself up...hopefully it will hold during the remainder of the pregnancy!!

Belly rubs!

Marybeth

[2ndtimer]

Hi Guys,
I got some bummer news. My blood sugar was 161 so I have to go back in Tues for additional testing. More bummed out about the 4 blood draws & missing time from work than I am about the possible gestational diabetes, since it's so easily treated. Anyway, I'm still grateful that the pregnancy has been going as well as it has been. I just don't really get it though, because I watch what I eat and I exercise regularly. I guess baby is just using up too much of my insulin.
Karen, did you get back results from the 3 hr test? How are you doing?

That woman that made that horrible comment to me last weekend just came up & said that to me. We were out a big arts festival downtown and we were walking up to sit down at a seat where she was getting up. She might have been drunk. Everytime I think about it I just laugh -what a freak. I've always been a weirdo magnet.

I finally found baby's heartbeat with my stethoscope yesterday( I haven't been worried because my stethoscope with the bell attachment is really old -plus I've never been good at finding fetal heart rates). I kept trying to count his pulse but the little bugger kept moving around on me.

Hope everyone enjoys the Memorial Day long weekend! No travel plans for us. Sheri -doubt they have Mem Day in Israel but I hope you have a good weekend too!
Marybeth, has the MD told you how long he expects you to go to? 36 week? 40 weeks?

Take care,
Rebecca

[sharishu]

Hello ladies,
I don't think I mentioned this, but a few weeks ago my ob found that my bp was slightly raised- 130/90. So he told me to have it checked each week. I have been, and so far it's been 128/88, and today, 128/89. Oh and my pulse last week was 109, but this week was 101. My bp has always been very normal, even in my pregnancy up until a few weeks ago. Does anyone know if this is normal at this stage in pregnancy? I certainly hope everyone's bp is normal, but if anyone has experienced this, what did you find out? I am watching my salt intake and diet much more since learning about this.

Marybeth,
Thanks, it was a lovely weekend. We did not see the president at all. There is probably a separate entrance to the hotel for guests requiring a lot of security. Yes, I am VERY glad my mom is coming here, she is wonderful. My sister will also be coming, but probably a few weeks after the baby is already born. BTW, I KNOW what you mean about getting out of bed. Even with my one guy, it's a struggle. I always let out a few grunts during that process .

Rebecca,
Sorry to hear about your having to go for the follow-up test. I don't like blood tests either, and 4 on the same day does not sound like fun. Treat yourself gently that day. I am sure you will be fine, still I understand you being bummed about it. LOTS of luck with the second test! Oh, and you are right, Israeli Memorial Day was actually last month, but I still have a long weekend what with my work week being shorter now . Enjoy the holiday!

BTW, anyone suffering from constipation... have you tried witch hazel? I am going to buy some, as it's supposed to bring 'relief' if hemorrhoids develop. If you have tried it, does it work?

Well have a good day everyone.
Shari

[tryw8]

Hi Pregnant Buddies,

Sorry that I've been so incognito. Just been busy and tired. I'm wearing maternity tops at work now. My boss said it's okay and just wear a lab coat/jacket over it. I'm afraid that my belly may not fit my pants any longer, though. The matching scrubs at work that we wear wouldn't get around my ever growing belly. The girls at work were telling me that from this point on, baby will grow bigger, and so will my bump. Oh, geez ... (still holding @ 8lbs gained in total).

Shari: Sorry to hear about your constipation. I've also dealt with that problem. My OB/GYN recommended Colace 2x/day. That did the trick. I didn't have any problems with hemorrhoids, though. Regarding BP, mine has been fluctuating from 124/72 to 140/90. Depends on the time of the day and stress from travelling into town with traffic and finding parking. I've been told that I suffer from the "white coat syndrome".

Tina: I'm doing fine. Sometimes, I forget that I'm pregnant. I'm reminded when I see the baby bump or feel his/her movements. My DH laughed when I explained sometimes the movements feel like one farting in a bathtub filled with water.

Rebecca: I had a weird feeling about my first glucose test so I made sure that I called them when they told me when my results would be in so that I could easily schedule the 3-hour marathon on my next day off. Unfortunately, my body failed that one too. (I'm a little disgusted with my OB/GYN at the moment. I followed his instructions and I get this results?) Well, I have a consultation next week at the Fetal Genetics center and I'm supposed to take a 4-hour class called "Sweeter Choice". I've spoke to others about it. The class actually teaches you how to eat. Others who have chosen not to take it met with a nutritionist/dietician and was placed on insulin ... going that route.

Well, this is it for now.
-Karen

P.S. - The only nice things that are occurring now, is that friends new and old are dropping by to say "hello" and they are giving my DH and I things (i.e. burp cloths, wash cloths, nursing drape, diaper pail, baby wash/powder/lotion, blankets, bottles, and etc.) that we sure could use for our baby. My DH is actually thrilled. I didn't realize that there are people out there who really care. The one that really surprises is the kindness and generosity of my patients. I have to wait till this weekend. One of my friends will be dropping by to have us look at their stroller/infant carrier combo. It's a year old. Anything to keep our costs down.

I keep telling my husband that we have been blessed.

[MBG]

Rebecca: My Ob is pretty relaxed and told me from the beginning we would take this pregnancy step by step.....he told me I would more than likely give birth between 36 and 38 weeks....again depending on how everthing is going. His wife had twins and did not give birth until 39 weeks 5 days!!!! Although she had a physician at her beck and call!!!

I am shooting for August 6th...that would be 38 weeks....if they stay in longer than that all the better!!! Just have to wait and see....
Sorry to hear about your upcoming marathon of shots. Hang in there!!

Karen: Sorry to hear about your gestatinal diabetes....do you feel any different, can you tell you insulin is running low? Just wondering...since I have 2 little bambino's I wonder if my chances of getting it is twice as likely?!

Marybeth


Temp here today is 93 degrees!!!! Not sure how i am going to feel when we reach the 100's!!!! UGH!!! I was hoping for a cool summer....not looking like that is going to happen!!

[tinaO]

Hello all!

Rebecca/Karen - I am so sorry about your results on the blood tests. I was paranoid about mine and thankfully found out yesterday that I passed by a significant margin. They did check to see if I was anemic and although I am not, they stated one of the tests showed a 33.7 and they want to see anything above 34, so I was close. She said not to worry about it, but suggested some foods rich in iron. I don't eat red meat, so that might contribute slightly. Oh well, one of the food options is peanut butter - which I love!

Marybeth - Bless your heart! I am sure carrying twins has got to be crazy - esp if they are both moving at the same time!! Wow! Noah kicked a foot up at me the other night and I could almost grab it - it came that far out of my belly. I was mesmerized. I was on conf calls today and I kept wanting to laugh because he was just kicking so hard. I just love it. I can't stop staring at my belly when he kicks like that - it is amazing. I can imagine with twins what that must be like! Oh - and I think it was almost 100 degrees here - it is going to be a long, hot summer!!!

Shari - Thank God I still have not had the constipation problems. I think my back troubles are all I can handle! I think I read somewhere that 80% of women or something end up with constipation problems during pregnancy. As my boss told me his wife told him whe she was pregnant, "Pregnancy causes EVERYTHING"!

As for my life, still working way too hard. I am taking tomorrow and Tuesday off for Memorial Day weekend. Noah's curtains are going in tomorrow. I can't wait to see how they are going to look. I hit the road against next week for a trip to North Carolina and from there to Phoenix and then back home. The next week I am in Dallas Mon and Tues and then my husband I and I fly to Denver for the weekend for his friend's wedding. I think I am going to "ground" myself after that. I believe the travel is going to come to an abrupt halt after that unless it is a short day trip. I just don't want to do it anymore. Too much for me!

Take care everyone - we are all safely in the 3rd trimester. What a blessing!!!!

[seltzer]

Hey everyone,

There's a lot going on w/everyone--I was just catching up w/the posts. Where to begin?

Rebecca - I cannot BELIEVE that freakish woman who made that inane comment. Truly a freak, for sure. I had a woman at work tell me when I was about 10 weeks: "Look at your boobs! Wow, you never had boobs before." Gee thanks. I welcome the day that my A/B cup returns. Good luck w/your second GTT by the way.

Tina - definitely ground yourself! You should be relaxing and pampering yourself as much as possible. Similar to my statement above, I cannot BELIEVE that "friend" of yours and her comments. Help! She's probably jealous of you for something & so is saying bitchy things. Next time just say, "At least I'm not a whale like you" ha ha. It's ridiculous for her to say your bump is huge. I've seen your pics, and it's completely normal sized. Some people!

Shari - welcome back. Glad you had a nice time in Jerusalem. I would love to see the Holy Land. And, by the way, it is so cool that your son will be bilingual. I am envious! Sorry to hear about your constipation. It is the worst. I am the QUEEN of pregnancy constipation and diarrhea, which I've had literally since Thanksgiving morning 2007 (3 days before I got my BFP). I think it's from the massive quantities of progesterone in our preggo bodies. Throughout this pregnancy I've been taking Peri-Colace for the constipation...try that if regular Colace doesn't work. Citrucel is good, too. It doesn't bloat you like Metamucil does and it tastes better. Good luck...try eating lots of fruit too.

Marybeth - Ditto what Shari said. I cannot IMAGINE carrying two babies. Really! You are a trooper, and you look great in your pics on Photobucket. I bet you will carry those boys to 38 weeks. To answer your question, we decided to put on our addition since we want to sell our house. We wanted to improve the marketability of the house so we're adding the bedrooms (plus now we will actually have space for the baby, which is a plus). It's going to be great, but I am sick of all the construction and painting and all that crap. It's a pain. When they paint I stay somewhere else overnight b/c I don't want to breathe it in.

I am fortunate to not have any further pregnancy issues at this stage, other than the GI stuff that I've had all along (and the mood swings and exhaustion and nausea, can't forget those lovely symptoms). Actually I am anemic, and I started taking iron pills a few weeks ago (Fergon). Well, well, well, wasn't that a total nightmare! For 1.5 weeks I had the worst, most incomprehensibly painful diarrhea and abdominal bloating and pain. I was literally crying and depressed every day. I finally thought maybe it's the iron...my OB said to stop it & see what happens. Voila, I feel better. I'll take the anemic route over the painful diarrhea route any day!! I don't have any edema or anything or any other aches and pains. I'm fine except for my pathological, dysfunctional GI tract. Otherwise things are all right I guess...work is crazy and stressful. I am at my wit's end w/people there and am close to telling certain individuals to shove their friggin' reports up their asses (pardon my French). I have decided to leave work on 7/11 or 7/18 so I have a few weeks to nest and be anal retentive about getting everything ready. I have also ordered a hypnobirthing book and CD to theoretically help myself with the pain and anxiety of L&D. Not that I plan on going totally natural, but I am worried I'll be intolerant of the experience and I just need something to help me chill out. DP and I are taking our son to Maine for the long weekend...should be fun. It'll be great to be by the ocean and eat fried dough and French fries, go on some kiddie rides, etc. Hope you all have a safe & relaxing weekend.

[seltzer]

One other thing--very bizarre/personal question here, but hey that's what we all discuss on this board. Has anyone heard of perineal massage? It's supposed to help prevent tearing and the need for an episiotomy. A midwife or doula sometimes does it, but you can do it yourself from like 36 weeks on (maybe 34?). Is anyone doing it? I am going to try it since I am afraid of blowing out my entire pelvic floor during delivery. Just curious as to others' thoughts on this...

[2ndtimer]

Hi Seltzer,
I'm very jealous about the thought of a long weekend in Maine with the beautiful cool, crisp weather. We went to Maine about 10 yrs ago for a 2 week camping trip in Acadia & it was wonderful! I've always lived in the south and when I'm not pregnant I much prefer hot weather in the summer to cold weather in the winter. In fact, I hate the cold & tend to get depressed when it snows. BUT since I've been pregnant my internal thermostat seems to have shot up and now I get really overheated easily. It's going to be a miserable summer.

About the perineal massage, when I first heard about it I thought it was maybe a dirty joke. Then my sister, the L&D nurse, explained that it is a real thing. I don't know if they've done enough studies to show that it really works, but it can't hurt. I'm planning on trying it myself -if I can't reach then OH WELL, I'm not paying someone else to do it. I've also been really stepping up my Kegel exercises. That's probably more highly recommended than the perineal massage. The other thing that I considering is going back to the acupunturist around my last month. It's supposed to help get you & your body ready for delivery.
All that probably sounds like a lot of preparation for someone like myself who wants an epidural asap & preferably would like to be pre-medicated before the epidural but it's just that I'm really not into the whole natural childbirth thing having witnessed several births. I feel like I've already been through a lot just getting pregnant, so I'm hoping for a birth that is as efficient & painfree as possible with hopefully a really fast recovery. Anyway, that's the plan.
Take care,
Rebecca

[MBG]

Hello everyone!! Well we had our 28 week appointment today. The boys are getting so big! It was hard to really see them on the ultrasound, you could see body parts but not whole baby. Sullivan currently weighs 2lbs 4oz and Miles Weighs 2 lbs 6oz...both boys are a little ahead of schedule! YEAH!!!

My next appointment is in 3 weeks and then we begin the 2 week cycle.

I drank the lemon/lime drink for my glucose test. It was not near as bad as I had expected. It wasn't great but at least I didn't gag or feel nauseated! It was really cold and kind of tasted like a low carbonated sprite. Anyway....hopefully I will not hear anything back from the office regarding that test!!!!

Hope all is well with everyone! I will have dh take a belly shot soon so you all can see how big I am !!!! I say that....I have gained 19 lbs so far....not bad.....I feel as though I have gained 30!!!!

belly rubs!!!

Marybeth

[tryw8]

Hi Marybeth:

Glad to hear that you're doing okay. Not much here to report. I'm still going for my weekly OB/GYN appointments. I can't wait till week 30, then I can stop the 2cc Progesterone injections. YUP, you read right.

I've only gained abou 10-11lbs in total. But my doctor says that everything is okay.

Hope everything is okay with your glucose test.

Karen