Pregnancy Thread ----> Monday, 1/19/04

[MrsIndpndent]

Name.............Week...............Due Date

Sylv.......................Beca..................B orn 11/10/03!
Epi_Doc.................Jack Thomas.....Born 11/22/03!
Diane24.................Ian Jameson.....Born 12/17/03!
Sjoy76...................Done??................12/7/03
Misbadu.................Samuel..............Born 12/27/03!

Heidi-M...................W37............ 2/9/04.............Boy
Kitimat2000............W37.............2/3/04.............Girl
Allesandra...............W36............2/16/04
Lowcarbinmama.......W34............3/1/04.............Girl
mstigerlily...............W33.............3/5/04.............Boy
3Diva......................W32.............3/13/04...........Girl
Araceli.....................W30.............3/25/04
Looper....................W30.............3/28/04..........Girl
ChristieJ..................W28.............4/11/04
Jefinner...................W28.............4/13/04..........Girl
Sinnrah...................W27.............4/19/04...........Girl
LessCarbsMoreMe....W26.............4/27/04
Sarajewel................W22............5/25/04...........Girl
PFgal.......................W22............5/27/04...........Girl
Cynicalcyn................W22............5/28/04..........Girl
Abbymommy............W22............5/28/04..........Girl
genifire6..................W20............6/07/04
Tracy2.....................W19.............6/13/04..........Girl
Trishagrrl.................W16.............7/07/04.........Boy
SunnieGirl................W14.............7/17/04
KatieN.....................W14..............7/22/04
Redjewel..................W12..............8/04...........Twins
AngelHope...............W12..............8/02/04
bwylde.....................W11...............8/6/04
wari.........................W8.................9/1/04
Trolly........................W7?..............?/?/04
Thininmex.................W6................9/16/04
Teach2Live...............W6.................?/?/04
Mrs. Sarah....................................Trying/Hopeful!!

[MrsIndpndent]

Morning girlies!!!!!!! I'm here at work ! We usually have today as a holiday, but in '04 they took this one and another away, and we get 2 floaters instead. I'd rather have the 2 floaters to use whenever I want, but it sure would have been nice to be off today!

[MrsIndpndent]

Gosh, I'm having such a hard time deciding on a nursery theme!! I really like red a lot, but don't want to do a ladybug theme. They're cute and stuff, but the real life ones freak me out (I'm weird, I know...) just like butterflies do!

I did find this site, though, that links you to a zillion good bedding sites...

Linkie

[3Diva]

Ok, 3rd trimester mommies.

How swollen is too swollen? In the past 3-4 days I seem to have achieved a new new level of puffiness. About 2 days, my feet were really bad (end of day) and did seem to improve after sleeping and some elevation, but my hands and feet do stay puffy all day. My face seems puffy, too.

Like, this morning, when I press my fingernails in my fingertips, the marks stay for around for a 3-4 minutes, and I seem to have devloped a low-level headache that stays with me.

Is this normal stuff? I'm probably going to call my midwife today, I'd just like some comparisons so I can get a sense if I'm just being a clueless newbie mommy or if there's anything else I should be keeping an eye out for.

Thanks

Sarajewel... I saw your message yesterday... Poor thing. I wish some of that wackiness had helped you, but I am glad your DH didn't have a camera. I won't let anyone take a photo of me now, although everyone tells me I'll regret not having a pregnant picture.

[Teach2Live]

Hi there!

3Diva it sounds like you are developing edema, which is major water retention. It happened to me with my last pg. It CAN be an indicator of blood pressure issues, so you do need to contact your midwife or OB. It is pretty normal in late pg, though.

I am still feeling sick as can be, but I guess that's a good thing. Based on when I got pg, I am due about 9/20/04. I'm still having a terrible time actually believing that it's true. I guess after I see the dr. tomorrow and get a referal to an OB it'll be more real.

[MrsIndpndent]

3Diva - Swelling is definitely normal in the latter part of a pregnancy, but should be monitored to ensure your blood pressure doesn't get too high, etc... Sometimes the line between normal swelling and not-normal swelling can be thin. My friend was fine and dandy with normal swelling until her 35th week, and at her appt. that day her BP was so high that they sent her straight to the hospital for induction.

[MrsIndpndent]

I had a TERRIBLE dream last night!!! The doctor had sent me to the hospital for induction this week and we both forgot that I'm only 21 1/2 weeks pregnant! I had the epidural in and everything, and then remembered that I wasn't far enough along to deliver the baby. I called the doctor in and she was like, "Yeah, I guess you are only 21 weeks. Well, it's too late to stop now!!" I just knew the baby was going to die from MAJOR prematurity. What an awful dream!! Ugh!

[Jefinner]

Hola! Sorry I've been MIA, but OMG... BLECH!

Wednesday, my bottom wisdom tooth decided to erupt... Painfully erupt. So, Thursday, I went to the dentist, and they told me all they could do is refer me to an oral surgeon... Fine... He won't be able to see me until the 2nd. WTH??? So, the stupid tooth is killing me, and I GO BACK on Friday, because the dentist said there was no infection (I knew there was, but didn't argue), but now my stupid gums around that tooth were all swollen. UGH! I demanded antibiotics after talking with Molly (my midwife - I consult with that woman about everything... LOL!)... I usually am pretty anti antibiotic (I think they're WAY overprescribed), but I guess they were necessary. (GAWD I HATE THEM...) So, they finally give me some Amoxicillin, and I'm doing better now. I mean, I was living off of Atkins shakes, chicken broth, and the occasional egg salad (even that hurt) for three days. I couldn't clamp my teeth down, because of the swelling. You should've heard me "thpeaking with my lithp"... LOL!

I'm so glad I can eat now though... The in-laws made homemade pork and deer sausage! FIL built a smokehouse, after he killed a couple deer on their land. (They have 20-something acres...) I'd never seen link sausage made. They have this old iron sausage maker thingie (It stuffs the meat into the casing), and they used some old family recipes. Wow! That stuff was so good! We have about 6-7 pounds of the regular pan breakfast sausage, and about 10 large links in our freezer now! WOO HOO!

LAUREN - I'm having a hard time too, but we don't have much money to work with, so that is actually a good limit setter for us! I'm going with general pink. (I love girlie pink anyway!)

3DIVA - Take some dandelion root... That always helps me. I don't know how bad you're swelling, but definitely ask your midwife for remedies. Dandelion root is just what has helped me TONS!

TEACH2LIVE - Welcome!!!! Yep... The sickies don't feel good, but it is a completely normal part of your pregnancy right now... Poor thing!

[trolly]

Morning Guys,

I hate to complain because I'm sooo ecstatic to be pregnant, but bring on the second trimester! I feel like I have permanent PMS--grumpy, emotional, irritable and craving every fast food known to man. I want to feel like a normal person again! At least I haven't had much m/s, just a generally quesy feeling that comes and goes. In other news, my first OB appt. is tomorrow morning at 9! Woo hoo! DH will be joining me since they're doing an u/s. I'm kinda worried that insurance won't cover the u/s this early on but the reassurance will be worth what it costs. Does anyone have an idea what the charge is?

Pfgal--I'm working today too, so don't feel too bad. I'm a contract employee, so I want the hours!

3diva--Wow, I'm already so puffy now and I have THAT to look forward to! Hope you deflate soon.

Teach--I know what you mean about it not seeming real yet. Tomorrow will be a serious reality check for me.

Jefinner--I have a wisdom tooth that may need a root canal but thank goodness it quit acting up. Can they do a root canal when you're pg?? If you're getting one (and dreading it) it's really not that bad. I got myself all worked up when I first had one and it didn't hurt at all. (Plus I had the gas...WEEE! )

[MrsIndpndent]

Oh Jennifer - how awful!!! The 2nd must seem so far away at this point! At least you got some meds and are feeling better for now!!!

Homemade sausages are great, but NOT deer ones, lol!! I can't stomach deer in ANY form!

Trolly - My insurance covers whatever my doc says I need, and I'm just dealing through an HMO. I'd be surprised if yours trys to charge you. I got a tiny U/S early on to see the heartbeat and confirm pregnancy, and then my big U/S at 19 weeks.

[Jefinner]

Yeah… You can have a root canal while pregnant… I had to have two while pregnant with Allison. This one won’t need a root canal… It needs to be cut out, which IS kinda scaring me. I’ve never had any teeth pulled, so maybe it’s just the fear of the unknown… Yaknow? I knew I’d have to have it pulled one day, but really avoided it, since my top two came in just fine. I have some other dental work that needs to be done too, but I’m definitely waiting until the baby’s born. That way, they can safely dope me up… LOL! I have an okay from my midwife for a local anesthetic, but I (selfishly) wish they could just put me out.

Don’t worry about complaining either… It’s normal! Pregnancy is a real blessing, but it’s NOT easy! Not emotionally or physically…

[MrsIndpndent]

Jenn - I've never had a tooth pulled either, and would DEFINITELY want to be knocked out. If I could wait until after baby to do it, I would, lol! I have all 4 wisdom teeth in w/no issues, thank GOD! The one broke in early December but with some local anesthetic the doctor was able to quickly fix it - yeah!! I was afraid it would need pulling, but luckily it didn't!

[Jefinner]

LAUREN – I want to wait too, but I know that I won’t be able to… I AM going to wait on the other stuff though, because I know that I’ll need the other bottom wisdom tooth taken out, and the two root canals that were done earlier… I need those teeth pulled. Plus, I want to get my teeth straightened. Hank says it isn’t noticeable, but my front teeth have overlapped just a tad over the past few years.

Oh, and I forgot to mention… I did call and get a different appointment for the 26th. I was hoping for even sooner than that, but it is a week earlier… I shouldn’t complain! I just can’t believe they’re so booked.

[MrsIndpndent]

Sarah - Any news for us?? Is TOM still missing in action? Do you have an appt. at the doctor yet?? {{{{SARAH}}}}

[MrsIndpndent]

....starting today!!

I've been eating like a HOG lately, and really need to do a bit better. I can tell I've been eating too many sweets b/c my body doesn't even want to look at them today, lol!!! I've done well so far today and am back to logging my meals in fitday!

[3Diva]

I talked to Natalie, who pulled my chart, and said my last B/P check was really excellent (about a week ago).

She said as long I felt the baby move, wasn't having severe headaches or visual disturbances, it was probably normal edema, but that I could come in for a check if I wanted to.

I think I'm going to wait until next Monday to go in (my reg. appt) unless things get worse, but I might go over to Wally World or the drugstore and do a blood pressure check. Maybe even get one of those cheapie home ones so I have something to play with.

Plus I'm going to splurge on asparagus and dandelion root?!? Is that in a capsule form? (I hope! LOL)

Thanks for your responses, everyone. I feel a little better. Now all I have to figure out is how to wear shoes. Egad!

[Jefinner]

Dandelion root is in capsule form... (It's also in tea form, but my mom said she didn't like it...) I've never found it at Wal-Mart, but always find it at any health food store place... (Whole Foods Market - Vitamin Shoppe, etc...) I will still wake up swollen, but as long as I take a couple with each meal, I'm good.

[abbymommy]

3Diva

In case you haven't gone yet, be careful with the blood pressure monitors at Wal-Mart

My last pregnancy I was concerned about my BP too, so I marched into Wal-Mart, sat down and it read 159/80 something!

Of course that is way high, so I called the Drs office and they had me come right in. When they tested it it was much lower, and nothing to be concerned about given how nervous I was.

I don't know if it was their machine or the fact that I wasn;t sitting down for 5-10 minutes before taking it. If you want a more accuracte reading, sit down for a while before taking it. I wouldn't want you to worry yourself

You could always just call the Dr and say you want to drop by for a quick blood pressure check. It only takes a nurse a second and at least if it is high you are in the right place!

Lauren I have been a major hog too, back to better eating today!

You are doing so great though with your weight gain so don't be too hard on yourself!

Any news from Mrs Sarah?

[wari]

Hi Everyone -

Work was hectic last week and very stressful. Stress & Morning Sickness to not mix well together! I am still feeling absolutely horrible.

I had my first U/S last Wednesday and saw the hearbeat! They gave me two pictures of my little jellybean DH went with me and was so excited to the our little one. We showed DD the picture that night and she just smiled!

The next day (Thursday) I went to my Dr. Appt for a pap and all that lovely stuff. I had lost two lbs between my 1st two visits. She wasn't concerned with the loss, but definitely wants me to try and get in small meals every 2 hours. I jumped on the scale this morning, and I am showing another 3lb. loss! I am having such a hard time stomaching anything. I have basically been eating Cheerios and Ritz Crackers with cheese!

Some exciting news is that my best friend of 23 years is also pregnant. This is her first and we are about 4 weeks apart. She is due 8/8 and I am 9/1. It is so cool to talk to her about our pregnancies.

Lauren - That was a very weird dream. It is amazing the dreams you have when you are pregnant!!!! I definitely bright and cheery for babies room. In our DD's room her ceiling is painted like the sky and colors our yellows, reds, oranges, greens, blues. etc.

3Diva - Sorry you are so swollen. With DD I never got swollen until my last week of pregnancy and it wasn't too bad! Good idea to call your midwife!!!

Teach2Live - Welcome and Congrats!

Jeniffer - How painful!!!!! At least you could up the appt. by one week!!! Not to sure about deer sausage. The way I am feeling right now, the smell would probably make me run to the bathroom

Trolly - Don't worry about complaining! I am right there with you.

Abbymommy - Hi There!!!

Hope everyone has a great day!

Take Care!
Wendy

[MrsIndpndent]

Good to hear from you, Wari!! Awesome to hear about your friend...having a buddy is REALLY nice!

[Suzanne]

Hi Ladies,

Wari, Trolley, I really feel for you with the M/S. Last time I had it so bad that I lost 10 lbs during the first trimester. So far, I haven't had any! Knock on wood!

3Diva, I was pre-eclamptic last time and your sypmtoms sound very much like what I had. I would get it checked just to make sure. Hope it turns out well. I am hoping that starting out thin this time will help with BP issues farther down the line.

PFgal, I am having lots of cravings too but managing to stay on maintenance. I have stuff like frozen black berry and yogurt smothies when I needs something sweet. Yesterday I had 73 gms of carbs and 2005 calories. No weight gain and I quit smoking, too. Knock on wood again--I'll probably gain 10 lbs next week.

Have a good day everyone! I'll pop in later.

Suzanne

[MrsIndpndent]

Originally posted by ThininMex
I have stuff like frozen black berry and yogurt smothies when I needs something sweet.

Speaking of which...I just had a fruit & yogurt parfait from McDonalds!

[mstigerlily]

3Diva: I'd be most worried about the pitting edema and the mild headache. Some swelling is normal, especially after being on your feet, in the extremities. But yours seems like a lot, I'd keep a close eye on things. I have heard dandelion is a diuretic so maybe dandelion tea or herbs could help but I would consult an herbalist to be sure.

Jenn: I had an abcessed molar that I had pulled when I was about 28 weeks pregnant with Charlotte. It hurt like hell all weekend till I could get in there. I could hardly stand it. I bought some clove oil at the drug store, mixed it with cinnamon mouthwash and swished that around for awhile whenever I had pain. Also warm salt water helped some too.

They pulled my tooth with just a local, no need to be knocked out for something that takes 2 minutes! Seriously, the recovery from the general anesthetic would be worse than anything else. For just a simple extraction it's silly to be knocked out cold unless you have serious dentist anxiety.

The key is to see a very good oral surgeon - that's what I did. They are doctors AND dentists both, trained, experienced surgeons - much better than just having a regular dentist do it. He pulled my tooth out smooth as butter. Took literally two minutes. The worst part was the pain BEFOREHAND - once it was out, I felt great. But also the swallowing blood afterwards was icky. and made me a little woozy. You will do a lot of spitting with cotton in your mouth the next day if you get a tooth extracted. The dentist and oral surgeon told me that at that point in pregnancy that the local anesthesia used had little, if any, effect on the baby.

Tigerlily

[trolly]

For any of you guys that are paying for prenatal care out-of-pocket (or if you've looked at the bills) do you have any idea what a typical prenatal visit costs? I know the first visit is going to be more because of all the tests and u/s, etc.

I don't have the best insurance, so I'm just trying to figure out how much I'm going to end up paying over the 9 months.

[MrsIndpndent]

Originally posted by trolly
For any of you guys that are paying for prenatal care out-of-pocket (or if you've looked at the bills) do you have any idea what a typical prenatal visit costs? I know the first visit is going to be more because of all the tests and u/s, etc.

I don't have the best insurance, so I'm just trying to figure out how much I'm going to end up paying over the 9 months.

You should call your insurance and see what they pay. If it's not much, your doctor may be able to work out a payment plan with you. My insurance pays everything after a $25 copay, which was nice!

[trolly]

Thanks Pfgal. I know that they only pay $1,000 in outpatient fees. This includes lab work and doctor's visits. I'm sure I'll reach that limit quickly!