AUGUST 2008 ~ BUMP BUDDIES

[seltzer]

WOW have all of you been very busy! I have missed a lot...took me a while to read everyone's posts. Glad you all liked the pics of my son Nate. Thanks for the compliments on him. He's been such a cutey lately. Sorry to hear of everyone's struggles with GD...that said, I am SURE you all and your babies are going to be fine since you are all doing a great job of following your regimens and getting the necessary care. As for me, I feel SOOOOOO incredibly pregnant and huge and uncomfortable. The 3rd trimester sucks! Like Marybeth, I am up multiple times per night peeing, trying to rearrange my position, feeling exasperated with being preggo, you name it. My latest thing is being nauseated all the time again. And my back is stiff and achy. I too have my shower this weekend, on Sunday, and am really looking fwd to it. Things in our house are coming along. Our addition is done, the furniture is here, etc. I bought three little outfits for the wee one. I have 2.5 weeks of work left (7/11 is my last day). I went to the OB today and will now be going weekly. Had an ultrasound...OB said everything looks perfect. The amniotic fluid is good, the placenta's good, and the biophysical profile is perfect. Yay! The baby is measuring right on and they estimate its weight to be 5 lbs. (feels like 25!). It has already dropped into my pelvis somewhat..which I've been suspecting lately since I've been getting some strange pelvic pains/sensations and shock-type feelings down the inside of my right leg. Can you all believe we are almost done?? I can't wait to see all the pics of everyone's babies. And speaking of pics, I need to find my photobucket login info so I can see Rebecca's picture.

Shari - you asked me a while ago about where I live. We live outside of Boston, Massachusetts...I think you said Brooklyn. We live on a lake. Today my son threw his favorite ball right off our deck into the lake and it floated away. He screamed, of course. So DP ran down to the lake and jumped into the canoe, and paddled out to the ball and brought it back. Well, my son was PISSED because he wasn't down by the lake w/DP. When she got back up to the deck with the ball and gave it to him he was still having a major tantrum. Tears and snot everywhere, flailing limbs, you name it. So when DP handed him the ball he gave us a look and immediately pitched it right back into the lake! LMAO, the kid has quite the personality!

OK, gotta run, am exhausted. Hang in there everyone, we are almost done!

[sharishu]

Hi Ladies,
I had an u/s yesterday, and it was quite a traumatic appointment. The doctor was just a horrible man. (Never met him before, and never will again. He is part of the high-risk clinic). It began when I showed him my belly burn, asking him if it was a problem re:doing the U/S, and he responded "Yes, a big problem". (It was not a problem at all in the end). Then I mentioned the few borderline BS results, and he told me that was not good and it will probably just get worse (it got better yesterday after a few dietary changes). During the ultrasound, he said "Oh, the femur looks small compared to the head and belly which are big", so I asked what the problem was with that, and he told me he wants me to go for an amnio (at this late stage) because it could be a sign of Down's. He just kept feeding into the negative and stating all the reasons why it could be Down's (my age, the shortness of the femur). I am, by the way, 4'11", and my father-in-law is about 5'1". There is major shortness on both sides of the family. But he didn't mention this as a possibile explanation until he tortured me with diagrams, statistics, and dumb analogies for about 20 minutes. He had the gall of telling me that it was his 'responsibility' to go over all this with me, even in this late stage, and he cited as an example a woman he treated in her 39th week who found out her baby was Down's and decided to end the pregnancy (I got sick to my stomach when he told me that, and I couldn't imagine it being true or legal!). I left in tears, and it took a while for DH to calm me down. Since then I read a number of posts from women who were told about the femur and everything turned out fine. I also read that some doctors don't even consider femur length to be a significant marker for Down's. I can't say I'm not still freaked out and scared. He just got me worked up, and it's hard for me to shake the scary thoughts. He told me "well you're not doing anything about it anyway, so put it out of your mind". I told him (no joke) that when HE becomes pregnant, have some doctor talk to him the way he talked to me, and see how easily he could just put it out of his mind. and .

Sorry, I really had to rant.
Have a great day all.
Shari

[2ndtimer]

Hi Seltzer,
glad to hear you are hanging in there, even with all the discomfort. My sister assures me that once you have the baby you start feeling better right away.

Shari, I'm so sorry that you had such a rotten experience at the u/s. Sounds like you had a real ogre doing the test. If I were you I'd probably disregard everything that horrible man said. Sounds like he has mental problems & probably hates women. What an a-hole, excuse my language. And I don't know how things work in Israel but in the US we can refuse any treatment we don't want, so I wouldn't let them bully you into an amnio at this stage. Just focus on all the positives & try not to let this awful experience ruin the rest of your pregnancy with worry. Your baby is just fine & you are doing great, too! Here you are at 33 weeks -you're into the home stretch and soon you'll be holding the little guy.

PS -it's always OK to rant.
Take care,
Rebecca

[sharishu]

Hi Ladies,
Just a bit of an update. I went to my regular ob today, and he made me feel TONS better (and he told me NOT to return to that other doctor). He said that he would not have jumped to the conclusion of Down's based on those u/s results, and also, he said that the doctor who did my u/s the week before measured the femur at 33 weeks (ahead of term), which is larger than the 32.2 that was measured yesterday. He said "well it didn't get smaller... just forget about the whole thing". So slowly, I am. After answering each of my questions, he looked at me and said "okay?". He is really wonderful, and I thank G-d that I had an appointment with him this morning.

Seltzer,
I don't know why I thought you live in Brooklyn. Well trust me, living on a lake sounds a lot prettier! That was a cute story about your son throwing the ball back in the lake. Kids are the best .

I am going to lie down now, I didn't sleep very well last night.
Shari

[MBG]

Shari: I am soooo sorry you had such a horrible appointment!!! I swear some people should not be doctors and he sounds like one of them!!! I have never heard of femur measurements being used to detect down syndrome!!! I have a girlfried whose partner is shorter in stature....probably about 5'1-5'2....their little boys legs were smaller/shorter than the measurements of his head and he is perfectly normal!!! I know it is easier said than done, but try to relax and let that doctor roll off your back or belly!! HA!! Your little boy is going to be just fine and I think you are doing a brilliant job at monitoring your GD!!!
I do have a question for you...what did you mean by belly burn?

With that said....when do you go back to see your regular doctor? Do you have to continue to see a high risk doctor? If so, can you request someone else?

Hang in there honey!!!!

Seltzer: That is such a cute story about nate and the ball! He sounds like he can be quite the little devil!! If my boys are anything like their daddy, I am sure we are going to have 2 little devils running around!!!! Glad to hear all is well with you! I do not feel like the boys have dropped yet, but I have been feeling more shooting pains down my legs! It can be rather disturbing at times and almost bring me to my knees! I think little Sullivan is rolling around on my syatic nerve sometimes!!!

Tina: Sounds like you have really been buisy!! So glad to hear you had a good time at your shower this past weekend!! I am hoping for an August 6th delivery. That will be 38 weeks. I do realize that anything can happen between now and then! It still seems crazy to think that I have about 6 weeks left!!! I have been so focused on keeping them in until 38 weeks that I haven't put much thought into them not wanting to come out by 38 weeks. I will discuss everything again with my doc this monday when I have my 32 week appointment!

Belly rubs!!

Marybeth

[tinaO]

Shari - OMG!!!! What an idiot that doc was!!! Put that crap out of your mind!!! He sounds like that nut job we went to when we were having those screens done and they consider it their job to tell you everything that could be wrong even if nothing does look wrong - it is like "shut the hell up"! That doc told me I was old and my eggs were old. It pissed me off! I am sure there is nothing wrong with your baby. My kid had a big head at 26 weeks (head was measuring 29 weeks and a few days) and I thought - "Hmmm...isn't that a little weird"? The ultrasound tech was like, "OMG - don't worry about it. The baby looks perfectly healthy and his head is really not that big". We all ended up laughing about it because then we noticed his legs were bigger, too...and well, he just looked like a big baby. I may only be 5'2, but my dad was 6'3, my brother is 6'4, and my husband is 6'0. You are short and others in your family are short - that probably just means your baby will not be super tall. IGNORE THAT GUY!!!!

[sharishu]

Marybeth,
Re: the belly burn- On Friday I was leaning over to open a cabinet above our kitchen table, and I didn't account for my big belly which leaned right against the nozzle of the hot water urn. A stream of hot water was released and I got a pretty bad belly burn. I think I mentioned it briefly in an earlier post. Thanks so much for your kind words. I was certainly in a state yesterday, but starting to feel much better today.

Tina,
Yes! It is exactly comments like "your eggs are old" which can put our minds in a bad place. I really do detest doctors like that, and I am never going to him again. He is NOT the doctor who is following my case, just someone who did an ultrasound. My dh was so mad he told me he was gonna go punch him out . Thanks for your support, it definitely helps me 'recover' from this blow.

Thanks again!
Shari

[tinaO]

Shari - Ok, just saw your other post. Glad you went back to your regular OB!!! I am also glad you are feeling better!!! Some docs just have terrible bedside manner. It sucks!!

Marybeth - wow - I guess you are right around the corner as far as delivery! But then again - who knows - we all might be! I keep thinking that you just never know when it will happen. I feel like I have had such an overall great pregnancy that I will surely go full-term, but who the heck knows? I go back on Mon to my OB and will get an ultrasound. I am dying to see how big our little guy has gotten. I feel huge! Thank God I am still sleeping pretty well. However, right after I told you guys that I don't get up to use the bathroom at night, I have now gone for the past two nights - just once a night - but still!!! I don't know how you are all doing it multiple times. I have to take down my fortress (that is what my husband and I call my mound of pillows!!!) to get out of bed - what a pain! I admire you all that are doing it multiple times a night. So, do you have everything for the nursery????

Seltzer - your story about your little boy cracked me up. Boys sure are funny! That was such a cute story! Sounds like your baby is getting ready to make their grand arrival pretty soon!!! Can't wait to know what you are having!!!

Am I the only idiot that is going to work up until the day I go into labor??? Maybe I need to reconsider my plan!!! I guess I feel so good for the most part so far that I think I should be fine, but who knows what the next 8 weeks will bring!!

Tina

[2ndtimer]

Tina,
I'm also planning on working right up until I go into labor BUT I am a telecommuter, so it's a lot easier for me. Basically I just roll out of bed & turn on my computer. I'm still getting the "4:00 afternoon pregnancy brain" when I get so sleepy I find it hard to think, but I figure there's plenty of people in the office that aren't productive all the time either.
I think just take it day by day, but make sure your FMLA paperwork is all turned in just in case you need to start your leave early. Plenty of women work up until the labor, so it's a perfectly reasonable goal. Just see how it goes.
Rebecca

[sharishu]

Rebecca,
I did not see your earlier post. Thank you so much, also, for your support. I am feeling a lot better, especially after a much needed nap. How is everything going with your diet? Hope it's all going well, you sounded a lot better about it this week. Yesterday I had a full day of good readings. Your idea of cutting out carbs and loading up on more protein worked! I was full, and my BS was normal an hour after dinner. BTW- being a nurse you may know this, but my doctor gave me a 'heads up' today that I thought I'd share (You too, Marybeth!). He said that for GD women, they take the baby pretty soon after birth and hook them up to IV and also monitor their BS. I think he said it was for about the first day. He told me 'they probably won't tell you that it's just standard, so don't be alarmed that something is wrong.' I am glad he said something, because I need to be prepared for that. Barely born, and already with the needles! Well, just thought I'd mention it.

Take it easy, ladies.
Shari

[tryw8]

Tina:

You're not the only one who will be working up until the day you go into labor. I'm a dental hygienist. My tentative last day of seeing patients is August 14th and my tentative due date is the 15th. If I go out any sooner than I do have another hygienist that will cover for me.

Will have another u/s, nonstress test tomorrow. Will check in again after that is done.

Karen

[MBG]

Shari: Thanks for the heads up on the baby being hooked up to an iv...I had no idea! Glad to hear you are feeling better! I must have missed that about your belly. I am so sorry...sounds a little painful..I miss judge my belly every day and I swear I drop everything!! Which in turn requires me to bend down and pick it up!! It is not such an easy task getting up from a bended position these days!!!

I too will be working until my doc tells me I can work no longer. I really have been feeling good, considering I am carrying two human beings inside of me!! I sit when I need to and drink lots of water.

Tina: I am still waiting on......the topper for my dresser (to change it into a changing table...it was on back order), the artwork for above the changing table, the hanging lamp for above our recliner and the second crib. Hopefully all will arrive before the boys do, but if they don't it is not that big of a deal....I don't think they will mind much!! I have been waiting to take pictures until at least the artwork is finished!! Will keep you posted!!

Will get dh to take my 32 week photo this weekend. stay tuned...

Marybeth

[seltzer]

Shari - OMG, was I ever horrified when I read your post about that a-hole doctor. I am so glad you are doing better after seeing your OB. I cannot even imagine how freaked out you were...you've been struggling lately anyway, and to have a doctor scare the crap out of you for no good reason is just reprehensible. You would think as an OB he might be somewhat concerned with maternal mental health! I am sorry you had to go through that, esp. given everything else - the bed rest, the belly burn, the GD. You are almost there. Keep hanging in there! You are doing great.

Marybeth - I must say you are doing such a great job carrying your two boys...I am sure you will make it to 38 weeks. Your attitude is exceptional (some of it would help me carry my one, LOL).

Tina - I too was planning on working right up to when I went into labor...then I decided against it since I have been so tired and sick throughout this pregnancy. I need to prepare both mentally and physically for the L&D. The last thing I want is to go into that feeling beaten down.

Can anyone give me the username & password for photobucket? I can't find mine. Thanks!

[sharishu]

Hello Ladies,
Just wrote a whole post and then closed the page before sending! Anyway, just wanted to say thank you again to all you wonderful ladies who've been so supportive as I went through my ordeal. I don't know how I'd get through this pregnancy without your collective support. Feeling loads better, and 99.9% positive about everything.

Seltzer,
I feel your pregnancy pain! I also still get nauseous, so you are not alone in that. If you feel the need to rest your body in preparation for L/D, I think that is a wise and responsible decision, especially with all the pain you've gone through until now. I think it'll help with the stress of it all. Here's the photobucket info: username: august08babies, password: august08

Marybeth,
Just one thing regarding the IV- when I wrote that, I was assuming it was the same procedure in the states. Still, if they whisk your babies away and hook them up, just know that it is standard procedure for babies of GD moms, and not something 'serious'. I definitely want them to monitor his blood sugar and ensure that he is perfectly healthy. My doctor said that as long as I am dealing with the GD responsibly now, there is no reason to think that everything shouldn't be fine at birth. He is wonderful, and I am lucky to have found such a compassionate, down to earth doctor. After my nightmare appointment, I appreciate him all the more. BTW, I second Seltzer's comment about how well you are doing with your twosome. If your doctor is not suggesting bedrest, you must be doing really well .

Gotta go start to cook for the Sabbath. Have a great weekend!
Shari

[2ndtimer]

Hi All,
I just wanted to add about the GD babies -thanks to Shari for the head's up, but she's right. Protocals are different in different areas. I don't think it's standard here to keep the baby on an IV unless his BS's are too low. At the least, you can expect for the hospital to monitor your own BS throughout the labor & check the babies BS frequently for the first day or so.
Rebecca