Pregnancy Thread.....Tuesday, 1/4

[metroames]

ThininMex..............Brianna Irish....................Born 10/05/04
little bear...............Aiden Xavier................... Born 10/06/04
aphexacid..............Bethany Erin....................Born 10/08/04
lizzyd.....................Henry Stewart.................Born 10/15/04
Mrs. Sarah.............Tanner Christian..............Born 11/12/04
ChristinaK..............Joshua Vincent................Born 11/18/04
karatejen...............Murphy Archie.................Born 11/27/04
Surfdol...................Catherine Emily Jean.......Born 12/21/04
BrattyChelle...........Elana Marie.....................Born 12/23/04
GetNSlim................Jonathan Charles............Born 12/31/04

Kay&Lydi...................W38................01/18/05
Viki............................W37............... .01/22/05......Girl
Shandril105...............W37............... 01/23/05......Girl
Nyanchan..................W37................01/31/05......Girl
metroames................W36................02/08/05......Boy
MadameX...................W36................02/09/05......Girl
JennPayton................W30................03/13/05......Girl
blueyedgrl..................W29................03/26/05
kimism........................W29................0 3/26/05......Girl
Heather123................W28................03/30/05......Boy
shelly..........................W28............... .04/02/05......Boy?

Sassy Frass................W27................04/07/05......Girl
Marthad......................W26................04/11/05
Dar20..........................W25................ 04/16/05.....Girl
Jefinner.......................W25................ 04/16/05
GoJackets....................W23...............05/03/05
mom2twoboys.............W23...............05/07/05
chels_hoff....................W22...............05/15/05......Boy
Ravenly74................... W22...............05/15/05......Boy
Denise85.....................W21...............05/22/05......Boy
tekla............................W21.............. .05/23/05
azktycat.......................W19...............0 5/30/05
michigangrad...............W19................06/01/05
Vixendrop....................W16................06/18/05
naerenaenae...............W16................06/18/05
ChristieJ.......................W16............... .06/19/05
Alibarbar......................W16................ 06/20/05
jehcekah......................W16................0 6/22/05
gilbabe75.....................W15................0 6/25/05
Miss Gigl.......................W15................06/26/05
rooney..........................W15............... .06/30/05
Acutepenguin...............W13.................07/10/05
allibaba........................W13............... ..07/12/05....Twins

Tbugs...........................W11............... ..07/21/05
Mandyhoward..............W10.................07/30/05
SmileyAmy....................W9................... 08/08/05
takahirakoshino...........W8...................08/15/05

Green12........................................... ...Trying!
2BFitHourglass.................................... Trying!
lil miss.............................................. ...Trying!
Nicole133......................................... ....Trying!
jeepifer.......................................... ......Trying!
StrawberryGirl.................................... ..Trying!
AnnieO............................................ .....Trying!
speckle........................................... ......Trying!
Alissaliz......................................... ........Trying!
Aediekins......................................... .....Trying!

[metroames]

Good morning ladies!

Congratulations Surfdol! So glad you and baby are doing ok now. Sorry you had some complications.

Aediekins! You will find lots of support and friendly gals here. It's become a home away from home here for several of us.

Well ladies, it is official......I am now under the care of a midwife! I love it! Everyone was so nice there and welcomed me warmly. No criticisms or grouchiness anywhere. I felt so at ease the whole time. The midwife answered all my questions thorougly and basically said after reading my birth plan that it was like reading their protocol. I can't believe we overlooked this place! I am so thankful that we switched.

Originally posted by SmileyAmy
Ames ~ Speaking of hospitals...how far away from your homes is your hospital?? My doctor insists that it is quite normal, but my hospital is about an hour away! It's a really good hospital though.

Well, the one we were going to go to was about 20 minutes away. The one that we will be going to now varies. It can take as few as 15 minutes....BUT, it is across a river with only two ways to get there and they are doing construction on one of them. If we have to go to the hospital during afternoon rush hour on a week day the ride could get lengthy and we would probably have to take the "longer" route (maybe 30-45 minutes depending on traffic) to get there so we don't get stuck in traffic on the "shorter" route. That was the reason we discounted this hospital in the first place, because traffic can get really bad. Basically, it is 4 lanes funneling down to one lane over the bridge because of the construction...you can imagine how bad it can get at rush hour. Anyway, that's only 5 days out of the week and only from about 2 to 7pm.....so let's hope I need to go to the hospital at a better time.

Well, I guess that is all for now ladies! Have a great day!

Ames

[chels_hoff]

Ames ~ You are very lucky to have a MIL that is going a bit overboard. So glad to hear that the appt with the midwife went so well, I know how you where stressing after the encounter at your last Dr. appt.

Michelle ~ So I am in need of an Elana "fix".... will be impatiently waiting to hear your latest stories & see the newest pics!!

Kelley ~ You start your sewing yet?? I think I will tackle the extreme feat of clearing out the room first...gawd it is a disaster in there, I pulled everything out of the closet. So it looks like my closet just decided to spew out everything. Where does hubby go to on biz?? I saw more stuff for your little girls room, the girl in the store said they have an online store and gave me a card with a discount code for January 20% off the code is #JAN0520 http://www.littlestarkids.net/ there is a cute clock & a sign that says "Hitch your wagon to a Star" she said that it is a new site and are adding more item all the time.

Dena ~ Where the heck are you??!! Hope all is ok and that you are just busy!!

Amy (smiley) ~ I defiantly think your mom is the wacko one, does she really think that you will let your little one go up there alone that young let alone for a month!!

Dar~ Seeing how much you in-laws stressed you out makes me wonder, who is planning on staying with you after you have your baby?? Mmmm french fries, Love the fries at the BK closest to my house, Jack in the Box it always pretty good to. The outfit and blankie hubby got is SO cute, wo-ho on him doing that it is SO sweet!!

vixen ~ Claim Jumper fries rock!! Makes me want to go there soon!! Glad your appt went well!!

Meg ~ Glad to hear that you house is back in order, isn't hubby lucky missing all of that!!

GetNSlim ~ Thanks for sharing your story, hope my birth goes as smoothly as yours!! Cant wait to see more pics!!

heather123 ~ I love my digital cameras, cant wait to see pics that you post!!

Dierdre ~ Glad the soda came up, that’s one reason why I love my granite colored carpet in my living room!!

Trisha & Aedie ~ Welcome to the board!!

Mandy ~ Hope you have fun with hubby!!

Kristee ~ Congratulations & glad that you are both doing better!!

Shandril ~ Sounds like your little one will be here sooner than later!!
Sarah ~ Hello, glad to see you pop in!! We miss you!!

Hello to Viki, Alli, Shelly, JennP, karatejen, Emily, Martha & Jenfinner (if you peek in) and anyone else that I missed!!

Payton has been kicking up a storm, at least I *think* that they are kicks. It is so weird to lay in bed and watch my tummy move, and I am sure is will just get weirder. Still not showing and EVERYONE pointed this out to me on New Years. Since I couldn’t indulge in booze I ate a ton of sugary & carby things, and had myself a little sugar high going...LOL. The first time I have any of that kind of food in a long time. I sure paid for it the next day I felt like I had a hangover, it was awful. So back to my good choices way of eating I go, but hey everything in moderation!! If you want a site with some cute things see my response to Kelley, the site is brand new and still adding items. And just a little FYI while shopping a few months ago at the Walnut Creek Nordstrom's I ran into Christie Yamaguchi and she had the first diaper bag on the diaper bag page, and told me she got it at this store. Had a serious bout of heartburn last night at 12:30 am I think the fact that little man is taking up my room instead of making his own is the reason why. Well all I had was Pepcid Complete in the house, the website said to contact my Dr. and the advice line said no way but told me what I could take. That was great and all but I was not feeling like going to the store to buy any of them so I searched the net for natural ways to help. One of the suggestions was pineapple because of an enzyme that it contains. Well I just happened to have a whole Maui gold pineapple that I got a few days earlier and it worked!! Hope everyone has started off there New Year on the right foot, looking at our list 2005 sure is going to be welcoming a bunch of LC babies!!

xoxo Chelsea
*Pregnant with Our First*
It's a Boy!! Cant wait to meet you Payton Wayne !!


Baby's Web Page
Mom & Dad's Website

[BrattyChelle]

Surfdol.....congrats and Catherine! She's absolutely beautiful.

Chells....I'll try to take care of your "fix" later, I'm pooped from being up every 2-3 hours LOL. So glad I rested when I could, Elana's definitely pushing the boundaries of how much "mommy time" she gets overnight. Hubby's been awesome tho, so I'm off to hopefully catch 2 more hours of sleep since she just got quiet again.

Just wanted to pop in to say congrats to GetNSlim and Surfdol and hi to all of you sleeping who will be in later *waves*.

[GoJackets]

Not much to report on my end. Had an appointment yesterday, they weighed me (gained 11 pounds total), listened to the heartbeat, measured my tummy, asked me if I had any questions, gave me glucose for the next appointment and sent me on my way.

I told DH I was bored being pregnant....we are in that "calm before the storm" phase, and I was reading one of my chapters last night and one of the first "what she may be feeling" symptoms was "boredom". Oh well. It's nice to feel normal.

DH is desperately trying to see, hear, feel the baby. So Chelsea, I'm jealous of you!! I can feel it quite a bit, but can't "see" any of the movements yet. I think Darlene was able to see hers move early too.

Aediekins!!

GetNSlim! Congrats! I'm so happy for you....Jonathan is gorgeous! Can't wait for more pictures. Thanks for sharing your birth story. I was reading it to DH green with envy and remembered this was #3 with you! Did that make a difference, or can I hope my first one will go as well?

Surfdol! Glad to hear everything is better. Your baby girl is beautiful.....more pictures from you too!!!

Ames - You are coming down to the wire! I'm so excited for you!!!

BrattyChelle - I agree with Chelsea, need more pictures of your sweetie!!!

SmileyAmy - Hey sweetie! Hope all is well. Read about your mom, I just had to laugh. Tell her she can come down from Canada to see the baby for the Summer, and she can help you too while she's here.

Mandy - read about your visit with DH, I'm sure it wasn't long enough - but I'm glad you got to see him.

We went looking at cribs for the first time yesterday.....UGH! Too many choices. I wanted to keep it simple, but I think DH is wanting to spend more because "he's not putting his baby in that". I thought I was a sucker. It was an eye opener because I had everything picked out online, went and looked at it in person and HATED IT! We are totally changing our furniture. Friends and families are starting to ask about showers.....I don't know what to tell them.....they say "let me know when you are having a shower".......I don't know when. I'm not a good receiver of gifts and I hate getting any kind of attention so this is going to be tough for me. We figured there will be five showers (mostly DH's family and friends). I guess they will let me know when they are, and then I can tell others. I don't know how this stuff works!

I'm missing tons of folks....try to be back in later.

[Dar20]

Originally posted by chels_hoff
Dar~ Seeing how much you in-laws stressed you out makes me wonder, who is planning on staying with you after you have your baby?? Mmmm french fries, Love the fries at the BK closest to my house, Jack in the Box it always pretty good to. The outfit and blankie hubby got is SO cute, wo-ho on him doing that it is SO sweet!!

I miss Jack in the Box!!! I looove their sourdough burgers and ultimate cheeseburgers. They don't exist in FL. I used to have a Jack antenna topper when we lived 'up north'.

NO ONE is going to stay at my house!! That's our compromise, anyone can come down, at least a week or two POST delivery and NOT stay at the house. It's too stressful. I'd like to have my parents there, but for the sake of fairness, we'll just say that no one can stay.

Chels, sorry to hear about the heartburn... Tums works for me. I bet you are going to have a it a little more often since he's taking up so much room upwards instead of out. Typical boys.. just shoving their way around. I'm so glad you can see baby on the outside, too... isn't that cool! I was in a meeting yesterday and one of our interns was staring at my belly. Baby was doing her post-lunch dance and you could see it. Too funny...

Aedie.. this is a personal. Personals are when we address each other's posts individually. It's not a requirement, you don't have to respond to everyone.. just post when you can and what you feel like posting.

SmileyAmy.. you're mother is crazy. How can you expect to leave a 10 month old up there without you? What if you are still breastfeeding? That's just unrealistic. Tell Mom she can visit.

Michelle, I'm so glad Elana's home and doing well. Something interesting my friend told me (most of you non-first-timers probably know this)... if baby wakes alot during the night, she may not be hungry, but if she smells mom she will want to eat. So make sure DH visits her during the night as well, she may just need a change or comforting. I never thought of that, but very interesting!!!

Dena, we totally changed our furniture as well. We hated what BRU had, so we registered for furniture at Baby Depot. We went with a Sorelle convertible. It's more expensive, but very nice looking and more versatile, IMHO.

Regarding showers, now that the holidays are over I was wondering the same thing. Our families are over 1000 miles away. I don't even know if there will be a shower. Do I ask the mothers if they've talked about it? Is that rude? I'm thinking I'll send a note to my mother, at least.

Ames, glad to hear all went well with the midwife. My hospital is about 30-45 mins away, with good traffic. Yikes... but it's the best woman's hospital in Tampa, and all of my friends with babies have delivered there, even those on Michelle's side of the bay... which is a long drive for them.

I think I felt the baby roll over last night. It was after dinner, and I had my hand on my stomach and instead of thumps, I felt real movement. It was like a sweeping movement across my hand. It felt really weird from the inside, too.

My friend brought over a device that helps listen to the baby and play music or talk to it. I'm going to start using that for a small amount of time each night before bed.. playing music for her.

Ok, I really should get to work.. later!!!

[Dar20]

Oh, and congrats to Kristee!!! and welcome Catherine! What a beautiful girl and beautiful name!

[blueyedgrl]

Hi All~

Well, I had my 3-hour GTT yesterday & haven't heard from them yet, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything comes out ok. We also had another u/s (I'm having them 5 weeks apart now to monitor the growth of the baby because of my high blood pressure.) The tech did confirm that he's "still a boy" & that he is really big - 3lbs, 3oz! My midwife will get the u/s report by Thursday, so we'll see what she has to say about that (my next appt isn't until the 26th.)

Ames ~ I'm so glad you were able to get things worked out to switch your care to a midwife! I'm assigned to a midwife at the Army hospital here right now & she is wonderful. They follow the "normal" pregnancies with a midwife & then send you next-door to the OB clinic if any complications develop. We're really close to the hospital here, since we live on the base where the hospital is - it's only 5 minutes away, I've already timed it!

Chels ~ Glad you had a good New Year! Such cute stuff on that website!

Chelle ~ How wonderful to hear that Elana is home! Hope you're able to catch some sleep while she's sleeping. I could never sleep when DD did when she was tiny because I was always sneaking up on her to make sure she was breathing. (I was a very nervous first-time mom!)

Dena ~ Glad you had a good, uneventful appointment!

Dar ~ Good for you for putting your foot down about people staying with you after the baby is born! After my DD was born, my MIL & SIL (along with 2 kids) came to visit 2 days after I was released from the hospital. DH asked them to stay in a hotel near our home & they didn't like it, but it was much easier, especially with Mackenzie up at all hours & the irregular sleep patterns.

[vixendrop]

Two questions:

1. Do you guys know if there is any place that sells extenders for the lumbar support straps on front baby carriers? Dh and I love a carrier we saw, but the lumbar strap isn't big enough for either of us. I don't like the carriers that only have the criss-cross back straps, those hurt my back SOOOO bad.

2. Do you gyus go to any pregnancy forums? I frequent one, but quite honestly I'm a little put off by some of the stuff there... it's still nice, but, I don't know... just rubs me the wrong way sometimes.

[Dar20]

Originally posted by vixendrop
2. Do you gyus go to any pregnancy forums? I frequent one, but quite honestly I'm a little put off by some of the stuff there... it's still nice, but, I don't know... just rubs me the wrong way sometimes.

I used to, but a) there were just too many people and too many posts to keep up or get to know anyone and b) the bashing would just drive me crazy. I don't have a problem with folks having different opinions (we all do!), but those people who feel their way is the ONLY way drive me nuts.

Sorry I can't help with 1. I removed the carrier from my registry.. I just don't think I'd use it.

[vixendrop]

I guess I just got fed up with the pregnancy forum I go to the most when I saw most everyone encouraging a woman to try and induce labor at 33 weeks! WAAAAAY to early! And not for any medical reason, just because she was tired of being pregnant.

I know I'll use a carrier, I did with my daughter... but thigns have changed so much in the last 8 years... the carrier I had for her killed my back, but it was so nice to be able to carry her and still have my arms free.

[vixendrop]

Here's an interesting page about the dangers of inductions when not truly medically needed

http://www.birthlove.com/free/induction.html

[MadameX]

Surfdol! Congratulations on the birth of beautiful baby Catherine. Lovely name, BTW! I hope any complications are behind you.

Chels~What a cute site! That silk diaper bag is darling. I didn't even know Kristi Yamaguchi had a baby! Does she live in the Bay Area? My hubby travels to San Francisco a lot. It's only about a two hour flight, and there are so many each day, that's why I don't worry about going into labor if he's away...I can get to the hospital, and he can hop on a flight.

Martha~Are you back yet?????

Dena~Bored is better than anxious, hon!

Smiley~Yep, your mom is crazy. Tell her I said so. Follow your instincts.

Michelle~Are you getting your sleep? I fell into the deepest sleep last night, I worried that if the baby needed something I wouldn't be able to wake up if I sleep like that. Is the Family still there?

Dar~I had no idea that babies can smell us, but it makes sense! Someone told us last night that the best child-rearing book they ever had was a dog obedience training book, LOL. Thought I'd pass that along to you!

Ames~Yay on the switch to the midwife practice! Your new hospital is still closer than then one we're going to. Did they care about the positive GB strep test? I get tested for it next week.

Vixen~Uhhh, induction at 33 weeks? I would hope that no doctor in their right mind would agree to that! I'd leave that board too. If that mama thinks being 33 weeks PG is an inconvenience, how will she respond to a crying, needy baby? Scary. Especially when you think of complications that can come with having a preemie sometimes.

BlueEyedgrl~ Good luck on the 3-hour! Let us know.

Hi Aediekins! This is a "personal". Some ladies (like Chels Hoff) are soo good at them they go back days and remember every comment and topic, and reply to that person. I am lucky if I can even remember what each person said that day, and that's WITH scrolling back! Ah, preggo brain...

I have had feet in the ribs for the past two days! Not kicking so much as just THERE. Plus heartburn. Plus being REALLY hot all the time. I am normally always cold, especially in the winter. DH said our bedroom felt like a meat locker; I thought it was just right! I remember Mrs.Sarah posting about being too hot this Fall...never thought it would happen to me. Anyone else feel like a perpetual science project?

Kelley

[heather123]

Hi guys!

Congrats Surfdoll, your little one is adorable!

Michelle-I can understand how hard it would be to get sleep when you formula feed. I think I'd opt for a mini fridge and microwave on my night stand! I breast fed so I just whipped it out and went back to sleep! Hopefully she'll start sleeping longer for you.

Vixendrop- I don't know where you'd find an extender, mine fit with DD but I was too self conscience to where it public.

Blueyedgirl-I hope your test comes back ok. I have my glucose test this monday.

Does anybody know why the GTT is done in the 28th week? If its so dangerous to have GD, then why don't they do it sooner?

[MadameX]

Originally posted by heather123
Hi guys!


Does anybody know why the GTT is done in the 28th week? If its so dangerous to have GD, then why don't they do it sooner?

Heather~ I think because it can only be passed to the baby during birth. I will not be tested till next week (36 weeks), and I was wondering what would happen if I went into labor early. I guess they just give you an antibiotic IV to protect the baby.

Edited to say~~I thought you were talking abouty Group B strep! I am a dummy. About the GTT...maybe it doesn't manifest till about 28 weeks?

Kelley

[GoJackets]

Originally posted by heather123


Does anybody know why the GTT is done in the 28th week? If its so dangerous to have GD, then why don't they do it sooner?

Good question....I have mine in a few weeks. So far, all I found is that if it is going to develop - it will be between 24 and 28 weeks. I guess there is no early threat typically.

How will diabetes affect my baby?
As gestational diabetes usually develops around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy, the baby’s development is not affected. As glucose crosses the placenta, the baby is exposed to the mother’s high glucose level. This high level of glucose in the baby’s blood stimulates the baby’s pancreas to produce extra insulin. The extra insulin causes the baby to grow bigger and fatter. The result of this may be a large baby that may need to be delivered early but may not be mature enough.

Another problem is that once the baby is born and no longer exposed to high glucose levels from the mother, low blood glucose may result shortly after birth as the baby’s system is immature and unable to adapt to this change.

When gestational diabetes is well controlled, these risks are greatly reduced.

[GoJackets]

Originally posted by MadameX

Dena~Bored is better than anxious, hon!

Just you wait until I do get anxious! My family has been laughing about this for years because of my constant lack of patience! They said they just can't see me waiting nine months for anything.

[vixendrop]

Heather, may I ask how big you were when you had the carrier? The only ones i've seen with the lumbar strap just look so dang small! What brand did you have?

I think the GTT is given so late in pregnancy because, like preeclampsia, it generally doesn't manifest until about that time. I'm sure you've been having urine tests, right? If any sugars were spilling into your urine prior I'm sure they would have done a test sooner.

MadameX, no, it sounds like the doctor wouldn't do the induction... so they were telling her to use primrose oil, sex, nipple stimulation, castor oil, black and blue cohosh, etc... some of which can be VERY dangerous!

[GoJackets]

Here's some more saying basically the same thing:

Since gestational diabetes most often exists with no symptoms detectable by the patient, and since its existence puts the developing baby at considerable risk, screening for the disorder is a routine part of pregnancy care. This screening is usually done between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. By this point in the pregnancy, the placental hormones have reached a sufficient level to cause insulin resistance. Screening for gestational diabetes involves the pregnant woman drinking a special solution that contains exactly 50 grams of glucose. An hour later, the woman's blood is drawn and tested for its glucose level. A level less than 140 mg/dl is considered normal.

[Dar20]

Originally posted by MadameX
Dar~I had no idea that babies can smell us, but it makes sense! Someone told us last night that the best child-rearing book they ever had was a dog obedience training book, LOL. Thought I'd pass that along to you!

<snip>

Anyone else feel like a perpetual science project?

Me me me!! I get hot flashes in the afternoon. Problem is some dummy in the office thinks that 60 degrees in the am is cold, so they turn on the heat. Sheesh.. just put on a sweater until it warms up! It's almost 80 out now.. this building can't cool down fast enough. In that meeting yesterday I was burning up... A co-worker looks at me and I said, "yes, I know, it's not hot in here, it's just me." Ugh... I didn't expect getting hot to start this early.

Cool about the dog obedience book. There's a great book called "Don't Shoot the Dog" by Karen Pryor. It's the 'bible' at many dog training facilities. She talks alot about the evolution of positive reinforcement vs. negative reinforcement, rewards, etc. Oddly enough, she also wrote a book about breastfeeding!

[Dar20]

Regarding these glucose tests... any advice on how to pass? I know some folks have said protein meals beforehand help. How much in advance? Any examples of what worked? When is the best time to take them?

I was supposed to have a dr. appt. this week, but it got moved to the 17th. I'm about due for my first glucose attempt, huh?

Dena, I forgot to ask, has your dr. been measuring you all along? Mine has never measured me, which I thought was curious.

[vixendrop]

Originally posted by Dar20
Dena, I forgot to ask, has your dr. been measuring you all along? Mine has never measured me, which I thought was curious.

My midwife hasn't measured me either. But that's not a big deal really. Fundal height isn't an exact science and can actually be very midleading. Depending on how your body is shaped, where you carry your padding, where you gained weight during pregnancy, etc it canreally mess with the measurements. Right now I'd probably measure about 24 weeks pregnant because of the fact that my tummy has extra *cushion*. So don't worry about it.

[heather123]

Thanks Dena for the info! I just assumed you'd have GD from the get-go.

Dar-I don't think you can actually "tweak" the test, that wouldn't be safe anyways, you'd still have the diabetes, even though the test said you don't, then it would go untreated. My doctor said to do at least a 2 hour fast before testing. My appt is at 3pm, so I will probably just have a late breakfast around 11am of scrambled eggs and water and call it good.