Pregnancy Thread.....Monday, 1/10

[metroames]

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................????????????.............. ....Born 01/06/04

Viki............................W38............... .01/22/05......Girl
Shandril105...............W38............... 01/23/05......Girl
Nyanchan..................W38................01/31/05......Girl
metroames................W37................02/08/05......Boy
MadameX...................W37................02/09/05......Girl
JennPayton................W31................03/13/05......Girl
blueyedgrl..................W30................03/26/05
kimism........................W30................0 3/26/05......Girl
Heather123................W29................03/30/05......Boy
shelly..........................W29............... .04/02/05......Boy?
Sassy Frass................W28................04/07/05......Girl

Marthad......................W27................04/11/05
Dar20..........................W26................ 04/16/05.....Girl
Jefinner.......................W26................ 04/16/05
GoJackets....................W24...............05/03/05
mom2twoboys.............W24...............05/07/05
chels_hoff....................W23...............05/15/05......Boy
Ravenly74................... W23...............05/15/05......Boy
Denise85.....................W22...............05/22/05......Boy
tekla............................W22.............. .05/23/05
azktycat.......................W20...............0 5/30/05
michigangrad...............W20................06/01/05
Vixendrop....................W17................06/18/05
naerenaenae...............W17................06/18/05
ChristieJ.......................W17............... .06/19/05
Alibarbar......................W17................ 06/20/05
jehcekah......................W17................0 6/22/05
gilbabe75.....................W16................0 6/25/05
Miss Gigl.......................W16................06/26/05
rooney..........................W16............... .06/30/05
Acutepenguin...............W14.................07/10/05
allibaba........................W14............... ..07/12/05....Twins
kclynn...........................W13.............. ...07/18/05

Tbugs...........................W12............... ..07/21/05
Mandyhoward..............W11.................07/30/05
SmileyAmy....................W10.................. 08/08/05
takahirakoshino...........W9...................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!

Got another midwife appointment today....boy did that week fly! I'm going to stop at the grocery store after work and hopefully get in to get a haircut before my appointment. I'm way overdue for the haircut. It's been about 6 months! I'm sure I've got terrible dead ends since I put it up all the time....oh well, if it takes me more than 5 minutes to do my hair it's too long....Praise the Lord for hair clips and ponytail holders!

Well, everyone have a great day!

Ames

[GoJackets]

Ames - I've been watching you climb that list.....you are soooo close! We've been spoiled having you here every morning!!!

Heather123 - Boppy sounds cute!! I have a picture of the material we are using....need to see if we can find it.....it's a pale blue fabric with bees and daisies.....I was only able to get my hands on 5 yards so I have to use it sparingly.....we are mixing it with a pale yellow plaid, and pale blue plaid. My mother actually made my boppy pillow and put pockets on the outside for stuff. She's going to be making my crib set. We are starting with bumble bees, and then intergrating into yellow jackets!!

Vixendrop - Did you start the massages before giving birth? I read you could start them at home about six weeks before your due date. I will massage whatever I have to to help avoid tearing!!

Well, we sucked it up and bought baby furniture this weekend. What an ordeal. There is a nice baby furniture store in Atlanta....a little pricey, but they have a clearance center for older models. We couldn't decide if we wanted to get convertible furniture, or just baby furniture that we would put up and use the next time. But, DH didn't want flimsy furniture regardless, so we upped our budget a little and decided to get just baby furniture. We figured we would use it two or three times, and then if his sister needed it, she could borrow it. There is NO baby furniture on either side, so we figured we'd start it. We ended up in the clearance center and found a beautiful changing table (I'd use it in a dining room if I didn't have to associate changing poopy diapers on it). And we found a matching crib. It's all in pine. Pretty sturdy stuff. We went ahead and bought the mattress.....it was as expensive as the furniture!! I also bought a Dutailier glider rocker on eBay. I found those to be very comfortable. It is only two years old and got it for half what the current models are going for.

So we got the bigger items out of the way, we will probably register for the rest. Still not ready for that. Probably wait another month. It was fun shopping. Like Chelsea said it would be. It was a much better experience than I thought it would be.

[GoJackets]

kimism - I know you've been through a lot.....have you noticed any symptoms with the diabetes?

[Dar20]

Morning everyone! Very busy today since I have to take a day to fly to Miami Wednesday... ugh... Hopefully they don't think I'm 'packing' in my belly. A co-worker just flew through there yesterday and they wanted her to strip out of her dress, which was actually loose silk slacks. Once they learned they were slacks, they let her move on. What the?

Has anyone else's DH complained about snoring? My DH swears I'm snoring every night.. and I don't usually snore. So, not only do I have to get up a few times a night to pee or re-arrange myself, but DH is waking me up to tell me to stop snoring!

Dena, good luck with registering. I'd plan to do it in a couple trips. We went there once, and registered for a few things and looked at alot of other stuff. Then we went back and registered for more.. too much if you ask me. We were there for 4 hours! I think we could have been done in 2, but DH has the shopping/browsing gene. I do not!

[vixendrop]

Originally posted by GoJackets
Vixendrop - Did you start the massages before giving birth? I read you could start them at home about six weeks before your due date. I will massage whatever I have to to help avoid tearing!!

I did start about a month before... and then during labor I was in the water so that helped as well, but if I hadn't been then I would've used warm compresses whih are shown to improve the elasticity down there and help things stretch without tearing. One of the important things though is to not rush during pushing... a lot of doctors have you push the baby out as fast as possible, but that's not needed unless the baby is in danger... have your doctor/midwife ease the baby's head and shoulders out gently... the shoulders are actually when most tearing occurs.

[vixendrop]

Here are a few sites with more info about (and instructions on doing) perineal massage

http://www.parentsplace.com/expert/m...ival_freqCap=2
http://www.birthingnaturally.net/cn/.../perineal.html
http://www.activebirthcentre.com/pb/...lmassage.shtml

[GoJackets]

Thanks! I'll check out those sites.....I'm not sure if I will be in a bath or not...with regard to the warm compresses....just keep them on it regularly during contractions?

Or is that information in the sites as well?

Off to look.......

[vixendrop]

The warm compresses help the most during the actual pushing, but using them during late contractions is good too... usually it's done by a midwife, but some doctors are starting to be open to it too from what I understand... basically take a wet cloth, nearly hot but don't burn yourself (or your baby's head) and the midwife applies it to the perineum while the baby is crowning. It helps make the perineum stretchier so it doesn't tear.

[GetNSlim]

Good morning ladies...*yawn* I was up almost every hour last night...! I can't handle it when Jonathan does that and I have to get up to take care of my other two and Jonathan gets to sleep during the day!! Man, their are some things that are hard to get used to when it is your first...but taking care of two other little ones and a newborn sure is challenging!! Atleast I know I can nap when they do in the afternoon!!

Ames-Wow...I didn't realize how close you were!!! It will be your time before we know it!

GoJackets-So you're planning on more!!

Vixen-Good morning!

Dar-My husband sleeps so sound I don't think he would have even noticed if my snoring increased!! I have to wake him up if I want him to rock Jonathan back to sleep after I feed him!

Hope everyone has a great day!!

[GoJackets]

Originally posted by GetNSlim


GoJackets-So you're planning on more!!

Well, maybe I should wait and see how the first one goes, huh?

As far as husbands.....mine wears hearing aids....so when we are in bed, he has them out!!! LUCKY FELLOW! He doesn't hear much while we are sleeping. I, on the other hand, listen to him snore while I am tossing and turning.

[Dar20]

You guys are lucky! DH was really annoyed with me last night. I'm hoping it's just due to him starting a new semester today and perhaps he was just stressing over it. It's no fair that his class isn't until 11 when I have to be at work at 8, and he's griping about me snoring. Men...

I have to say that, for me personally, that whole massage thing creeps me out. I had read about it before and I just can't see myself doing it. Hopefully, since I'm having a girl (we think.. I keep dreaming of a boy, though), baby won't have DH's shoulders. I guess because I've avoided reading the horror stories and my friends have had good experiences with episiotomies that I haven't started to fret over them yet. And, this is my first.. I'm sure I'd have a different perspective on the whole birth thing if I'd been through it before.

I'm really feeling pretty crappy today. I'm having a sharp pain in my tummy.. I can't tell if it's my tummy or what (since everything's moved), but I just took some Tums hoping it helps. And my shoulder and neck really ache. At least on the up side, I don't feel as bloated today as I have the past couple days! LOL... what a wreck I'm becoming. The next three months are going to be a pain!

I hope Martha makes it back home safely and joins us again.

I just pre-registered with my hospital online and called about classes. I guess I need to get my butt in gear and sign up. What a frightening thought.

[GoJackets]

Originally posted by Dar20

I have to say that, for me personally, that whole massage thing creeps me out. I had read about it before and I just can't see myself doing it. Hopefully, since I'm having a girl (we think.. I keep dreaming of a boy, though), baby won't have DH's shoulders. I guess because I've avoided reading the horror stories and my friends have had good experiences with episiotomies that I haven't started to fret over them yet. And, this is my first.. I'm sure I'd have a different perspective on the whole birth thing if I'd been through it before.

I haven't been through it before.....but I have to tell you one of my biggest phobias is tearing, and I don't want an episiotmy (sp). So for me personally, it's worth a little humility. I already sent the sites to DH, and told him to read up that he was going to have homework in about 10 weeks!!

[GoJackets]

I hope you feel better too! I'm having issues with my hip, and I am wondering if it is from a problem I had when I was an infant......I was born with a dislocated hip. It was corrected, but now that my bones are shifting a little, I wonder if that is why I am hurting.....it goes beyond a little ache, and I am afraid it is going to get worse as I get bigger.

I called my mom to find out what hip it was.....see if my theory is correct....haven't heard back from her yet!

[Dar20]

Dena, I hope you feel better soon, too. My hips have been hurting me at night. If I keep the pillow between my legs, it helps, but I always kick it off the bed about 10 times a night, so they start to ache. It must be from the widening and loosening that makes them ache.

Does your dr. know about your hip problem? A friend of mine had hip problems, so it was decided early on she'd have a c-section.

[GoJackets]

Originally posted by Dar20
Dena, I hope you feel better soon, too. My hips have been hurting me at night. If I keep the pillow between my legs, it helps, but I always kick it off the bed about 10 times a night, so they start to ache. It must be from the widening and loosening that makes them ache.

Does your dr. know about your hip problem? A friend of mine had hip problems, so it was decided early on she'd have a c-section.

Haven't mentioned it yet.....keep hoping it goes away. It's most noticeable when I am getting up after sitting a while. I usually have to let out a groan while stretching it out....once I walk on it a little bit, it's better....but obviously worse than the right side. I still seem to be spending a lot of time sleeping on my back. Not sure why, unless I'm afraid of making my hip worse by sleeping on it. I may mention it when I go back at the end of the month.

[GoJackets]

My mom replied and said that if she remembers correctly, it was both hips. My leg bones would slip out of my hip socket so they immobilized both hips until the socket formed around the bone or something like that.....so that may not be it.....I wonder if it is weight related, but not sure why it is on one side....but I've never had this kind of pain until pregnant...so I would think it would have to do with the bones shifting. On very rare occasions, the hip would pop and send pain through my body, but it was very brief. Who knows.....just see what the doctor says.


ETA - The more I read about it, I think it is due to the changes going on and some women experience more pain than others.

What causes pelvic pain?
Your body undergoes many changes during pregnancy, and the loosening of the ligaments in your pelvis in preparation for labour is one that causes problems for some women. A survey carried out by Leeds General Infirmary found that as many as one in 36 women experience pelvic pain to some degree in pregnancy.


The two halves of your pelvis are connected by a joint at the front called the symphysis pubis. It's job is to hold the pelvis steady during any activity which involves the legs. In pregnancy a condition called symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) can develop, which means the joint is not working properly and causes pain when you move or walk.


The extreme version of this condition is called diastasis symphysis pubis (DSP), in which the symphysis pubis joint loosens and leaves an abnormally wide gap between the two pelvic bones. The average gap between the bones in a non-pregnant woman is 4-5mm and during pregnancy it's normal for this gap to widen by 2-3mm. If the gap is 10mm wide or more, DSP is diagnosed.

Why does it happen in pregnancy?
During pregnancy the hormone relaxin is produced by the placenta to soften the ligaments and joints of your pelvis in preparation for giving birth. 'We don't know why, but in some women relaxin causes the ligaments to soften and stretch too much and cause pain,' says Angela Lambert, founder of the British SPD Support Group and an ex-sufferer herself during both her pregnancies.


'It seems some women are more prone to it than others — if you've had a previous injury to the area you may be more at risk. Women who've done lots of stretching over the years, such as gymnasts and dancers, also tend to have a higher risk of SPD,' says Angela.

When does it happen?
SPD doesn't usually appear before the twelfth week of pregnancy, and is most common from mid-pregnancy onwards. It can also start during labour or after the birth. If you develop SPD during one pregnancy, there is a high chance of it recurring in subsequent pregnancies, although you won't necessarily suffer again. If it does recur, symptoms may be better or worse than the last time. Experts recommend a gap of at least two years between pregnancies for women who experience SPD. This gives the musculo-skeletal system time to recover fully and lessens the risk of SPD recurring.

What are the symptoms?
Pain in the pubic area and groin are the most common symptoms, as well as lower back pain, hip pain and pain which radiates down the inner thighs. You might also notice a clicking sound and feel a grinding sensation when you walk or move. All weight-bearing activities, such as lifting and carrying, and lifting one leg at a time, for example, when walking upstairs, can be painful. You may find it difficult to open your legs, for example, when getting in and out of cars.

[BrattyChelle]

Morning Ladies....just checking up on ya!

Dar....sorry but I had to giggle at the snoring thing. Sometimes hubby's amaze me how they make a big deal over something bothering them that we do when pregnant. HELLO....you carry this baby for 9 months and let me complain about what you do!

Dena.....you might wanna mention your hips to your doc. You never know and your joints do get "looser" the further along you get. My hips used to kill me simply from laying on my sides too much. I tell you, I definitely appreciate sleeping on my back and stomach more now!

Ames...I'm with you on the hair!! Lord I can't even remember my last haircut. Living in Florida and with a hubby who would kill me if I cut it, it is often up and out of my face. Maybe I should splurge and go get it cut/styled before returning to work.

Vixendrop....good advice on the massage/tearing. Good friend of mine had her baby on Saturday and she tore from one end to the other simply because the baby came so fast that they couldn't do any more to help her. She literally labored only a short time before pushing twice and *pop* little one arrived!

GetNSlim.... seriously, I don't know how you're doing it with a newborn and 2 little ones. I commend you!


We're doing good here! Elana's now been home a week and is sleeping in her CRIB as I type this. She's eating like a lil piggy girl and I'm anxious to see what her weight is up to when we go to the pediatrician on Wed. We've finally relaxed and stopped hovering over her after all that occured after her birth and begun to notice her little personality emerging at times. Her newest trick today was shooting formula out her nose while sneezing....wonder who she got that from

Hopped on the scale today and happy to see I'm only 2 pounds away from pre-pregnancy weight. While I'm happy to see it, I also know I didn't do it the way I should have as I didn't eat well with all the stress/emotions we were under. But, I'm relieved to say that now that I've had my 2 day "emotional breakdown" having realized what exactly we dealt with....I'm eating healthy and more often

Have a great day everyone.....I'm glad to see ya'll doing so well!!

[Dar20]

Hi, Michelle! (where's a little waving smiley when you need it?) I'm so glad to hear you guys are doing well and WTG on the weight loss. I bet that feels great.

Dena, you probably are just experiencing pain from loosening joints, but I'd mention your history to your doc just to be sure. Considering the trauma your hips are going to go through at birth, it's probably better to let him know in advance. I do have some days where I wake up in quite a bit of pain, and have experienced the pops you talk about. Sorry yours is so severe.

I'm with you guys on the hair, too. A couple months ago I went and had mine chopped and styled. I loved it at first. However, since I started having little hot flashes.. I hate it. It's not long enough to pull back and I know have bangs that I can't easily pull back, they're too long and get in my eyes but not long enough to pull back. I can't wait until it grows back out. My usual style is a ponytail.. yeah, it's boring but it's what I like. It works for our weather.

[Dar20]

I had to share this.. my DH, ever the comedian (he's always been the clown), wants to get a camcorder. He also has a tendency to spend way too much over our budget and of course he falls in love with a $2500 one. I'm thinking we'll spend less than $1000, right? So, through instant messages today he's sending me links to various ones he likes. I, of course, say no to the big one (not that he was expecting me to say yes). Here's his response..
"Robert says:
but it's our first child...so precious...you don't want to remember her first walk as a grainy blair witch nightmare do you?"

Just the fact that he throws in the word "precious" has me .... since when is that word in a man's vocabulary? Only when they want something!

[vixendrop]

Hey everyone... just popping in real quick... I'll be back later for personals.

But right now, a quick question... has anyone been playing music to their bellies? I know they say there's no point in doing it until at least 24 weeks, but I figure why wait... after all, the people sayng that aren't in there, how do they know the music isn't heard (or felt)?

Anyway... I've started playing music to my belly through headphones (boy do I feel silly sitting here with headphones on my belly!) and I've noticed something... everytime I play music through the headphones I feel a tightening... nothing painful, totally normal, but why ALWAYS when I have headphones on???

[Dar20]

VixenAmy, I started playing music this past weekend. I noticed tightening, too! I have no explanation for it, either. I know she's listening because she moves around when I play it.

The paperwork I have says to be sure to change the music around. Don't replay something over and over.. have several days worth of music to alternate through. And don't play for more than 10 minutes at a time.

What kind of music are you playing? I grabbed some of my classical music and Disney cd's to play.. hubby wants me to play stuff like Bare Naked Ladies, AC/DC, Guns N Roses, etc... LOL...

[BrattyChelle]

I can't recommend playing music while pregnant enough!!! As a music therapist I played guitar, piano and sang throughout both of my pregnancies....plus had music going all the time from all sorts of genres. Elana is doing just as my son did as an infant, and immediately ceasing crying when I start singing or if she hears music. Plus the music activates brainwave activity!!

Speaking from a personal standpoint....you will be shocked how they will respond to music and the sound of you and your spouses voices. When Elana was in the NICU with tons of people, babies and monitors going off around her....she would instantly turn to our voices and become a different baby.

Music and talking to your baby is a MUST DO!! Enjoy it

[Dar20]

Thanks for the insight, Michelle! I'm ALWAYS singing in the car and wonder if baby can hear it/appreciate it.

<---- Like my new avatar? Yeah, I'm a proud mama...

[BrattyChelle]

heck yeah she can hear it!!!

I LOVE the pup pic!!! Nice to see her "in action"!