Pregnancy Thread~~~5/5 to 5/11~~~

[DarkSiren]

Hey!! Just getting us started for this week!!
Hope everyone had a great weekend..
My next appointment is on Wednesday. I'll be back then to let you know how it went.
Otherwise nothing new going on here. Gotta run and drop off some paperwork. Take Care!!!!

Dawn
EDD:7/2/03
Baby Boy

[farmgirl_05]

Hi Dawn,
Did your air conditioner get fixed? That would be so miserable to be hot and sweaty all the time....hope it's repaired!!! did you get your walk through the hospital?
I had a fun weekend. DH and I went to St. Joseph, Missouri for a volleyball tournament and to visit my sister. Unfortunately, DH's team of 14 and under girls didn't do very well. However, they did play better than usual. This was the last tournament of the "club" season. Yeah! I will see more of dh now!
As we were getting ready to leave St. Joseph the toranado sirens went off and it started hailing. We watched the weather channel for a bit and decided to take and alternate route home that would not take us through Kansas City. Boy, am I glad we went through Topeka!!! Instead of dodging tornadoes we drove in sunshine most of the way home!
And....here is my excitement.....I felt the baby move last night!!! It was awsome! It was really neat since yesterday was my Mom's 69th birthday...I can't wait to tell her our little punkin was doing a birthday dance for her!
Hope you are all doing well!
Cecilia
16w1d

[Sylv]

Hi Dawn,

My next appointment is on Wednesday too! It's my second and I'm looking forward to it, because I don't seem to "feel" pregnant these days. I hope we hear the hearbeat a little longer this time.

Brian and I have been doing some soul searching and lots of reading, and we've decided to go for an amnio after all. It's going to be about 2 weeks from now, will know the exact date sometime this week. I'm a little freaked out about the procedure but I know it's the right decision for us. Has anybody here undergone this test?

We had a gorgeous weekend here, sunny and warm, yay! We went for a long bike ride by the lakefront. Every time we do this, we wonder why we don't more often. But when summer rolls around, we're generally busy or away every weekend. Besides, my already shaky sense of balance might not make it too safe once I get bigger. At least I'll have my pool to get some exercise.

Have a great week everyone!

Sylv

[Sylv]

Cecilia, how exciting!!! Right on the 16 week mark too, huh? Boy, is this kid going to be punctual or what!

[SusieQ12]

Good morning ladies!

Glad to see that everyone is doing well.

Cecilia ~ Yay for you for the baby moving! I remember the first time I felt mine. It still amazes me even now. Just wait until you're laying down and your stomach starts moving! When my baby girl gets active, my stomach looks like waves in the ocean! It is the best thing I've ever experienced.

And, as you can all see, I am still hanging in there. My actual due date is the 9th (Friday). I am very excited and nervous at the same time. I go to the doctor tomorrow afternoon, so we'll see if I have progressed any. As of last week, I was still 60-70 percent effaced and barely a fingertip dialated.

Well, gotta get back to work. I'll check back later.

Susan

[sjoy76]

Hi everyone!

congratulations Cecilia! I can't wait to feel my baby move for the first time!

Sylv: if you don't mind me asking, why are you getting the amnio...is your pregnancy considered high risk? The only reason I ask is because I have read so many conflicting reports and am not sure what I would do if confronted with the idea but I thought it was more of a doctor recommended test if there was an indication from some other test that something might be wrong?

[Sylv]

Sjoy: The reason for the test is that I'm considered high-risk for chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down's syndrome) due to my age (37). My midwife neither recommended it or discouraged us to do it, she just gave me the facts and some reading material to look over. It really comes down to a personal decision and knowing in your heart what is right for you. I want to do it for peace of mind. We still don't know for certain what we would do if we found out there was a problem, I know that would be a huge struggle for me. I just pray that I won't have to face that situation. I'm going to stay positive though and keep in mind that the odds are still in our favor of having a healthy baby. (The risk of Down's is 1 in 225 at my age compared to 1 in 800 for a woman under 35.)

[sjoy76]

Thanks for your response Sylv...I am sure everything will be just fine. I will keep you and your baby in my prayers! My sister in law is struggling with the same issue as she had a positive result from an AFP test (or something like that...it is something like an Alpha Fetal Protein test?!?) and she and my brother are now agonizing over what to do about the amnio because she read that you can very often have a false positive with that test where nothing actually is wrong at all! Scary!

Take care everyone, I am going to leave work early today...feeling a little lightheaded and yucky.

[Sylv]

I hope the dizziness and yuckiness go away, Sjoy. Yeah, that's why we decided to skip the triple-screen blood tests, because they can produce false positives and have you stressing out over nothing. I'd prefer a blood test to the amnio, but I am told that amnios are now safer than they used to be as they need to take less fluid than before. Thanks for your prayers, though, they're appreciated!

[AvalonGirl]

Hello Everyone~

So much for LC, I just ate a double quarter pounder from McDonalds for the first time in years, and I feel like I'm going to YAK!

Just wanted to let you all know that I went for my first u/s yesterday and they said I am 8w5d (today) and the due date changed from Dec 10th to Dec 11th. (Weird) The heartbeat was 166. It was wonderful. Even though I already have a child, it was still amazing. It's like this time I really know there is a life inside. I knew that last time also, but, well you know what I mean. (right?)

Been feeling great, except the hamburger incident. I haven't had any m/s. Had some heartburn last week, but went back low carb and have felt great. Now I need to stick with it!

[misbadu]

Hello everyone,

I would like to join your thread. I actually just found out I am pregnant last week. This will be my first child. Not a planned pregnancy, but sometimes you just have to ride the waves in life. At first I was really freaked out, being that I just lost 50lbs. However the doctor told me that its perfectly safe for me to continue working out and sticking to this WOE. She said if I keep on plan I should only gain about 15 to 20lbs. So I hope that is true.
Truthfully I just want a healthy baby, that's my main priority. So I figure this WOE has made me healthy why would it not be for my baby as well?

Thanks for any pointers.

[SusieQ12]

Swann ~ I am sending prayers and positive thoughts your way! I have heard that there are a lot of false positives with the AFP test. I know it is easier said than done, but try not to worry until you know for sure that there is something to worry about.

And also, don't ever feel guilty about posting. We are all here to support one another, and I promise you there is no one here that will say anything negative to you for not posting a lot.

Also sending you lots of (((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))).

Susan

[Marye]

Swann- praying...but if it is any consolation- everyone, and I mean EVERYONE I know who has gotten this test and gotten a positive has had it be a false pos. I am sure it will be fine.
Susan..you better be packing your bags! You are due tomorrow right? Praying that you don't have much more to go....
Had my midwife appt. yesterday..I have obviously done MUCH better with carb control- only 2 lbs for hte month and that is very low for me at this stage...I am 35 weeks...starting to lose my appetite, having contractions for a couple of hours every night...taking 3 hours to grocery shop (used to take me an hour)..all in all..all the signs that I am close..I usually don't feel THIS lousy THIS soon so we are hoping that I will only go 40 weeks rather than my usual 43. Seems like i ought to have ONE baby out of all these that is small/on time..don't you think?

[cchavez]

Robert Diego Chavez was born April 29th at 8:33 via c/s. He weighed 6 lbs. 15.8 oz and was 18 3/4 inches. He is doing great and I am recovering quite well from my c/s. Nursing is our biggest challenge right now!!! He is adorable and DH and I are smitten with him!!

[Marye]

Congrats Christine!!! I know that you are thrilled.

[Dawn]

Congrats on your baby boy Christine! I am glad that you are recovering well. I wanted to let you know that I saw your post about pumping, and though I have no info, I am sure some of the other ladies will be able to help you. I hope that your little boy can latch on soon.

Swann, I hope that the results of your AFP testing are just a false positive. I'll be thinking of you.

As for me, I am 31 weeks now, and definitely starting to feel it. I have had sore hip joints for a few days, a bit of sciatic neerve pain going on. I am now having new pains that are for lack of better terminology on my part, in the crotch/pubic area. It is mostly pressure, and I will be asking my OB about this on Tuesday.

We pretty much have the nursery all set up. I got my glider yesterday, but the cushions were the wrong color, so I am having to reorder/exchange them for the right color. Oh well, we still have time, so I am not worried about it. I have my first shower this weekend. It is just a small one with a few of my close friends and former co-workers. The other shower will be more of a family shower, and it isn't until June 8th.

I hope everyone is doing well. I am really looking forward to some more birth stories here soon.

[Sylv]

Hi all!

Swann, you and your baby will be in my thoughts for sure. You and I are the same age and the same concerns have been weighing on me too. My midwife assures me that amnios are routine now and safer than ever, so I'm trying to keep a positive outlook. And there's nothing wrong with lurking and popping in when you feel the need. You're welcome anytime.

Christine, congratulations!!! I do hope you solve the feeding problem quickly. Happy to hear you and Robert are doing fine.

Misbadu (cool name ), welcome and congratulations both on your pregnancy and on the great weight loss! Are you planning on switching to the maintenance level? Dr. Atkins warns against being in ketosis while pregnant and breastfeeding.

Marye, maybe this one will give you a break and decide to come out sooner. Here's hoping!

As for me, we just had our second appointment today and it was a turning point for me. After hearing the heartbeat loud and clear for more than a few seconds this time, I finally *do* believe there's a little person inside me! It was awesome! Brian and I were grinning from ear to ear. She said I measured 15 weeks instead of 14, but that's probably because I have a short tummy and trunk. And I gave her a few week's worth of my daily menus and she was very impressed. Thank you Dr. A for getting me to drop those nasty eating habits! To add to the good news, we were just offered a crib yesterday from my FIL's chiropractor. As long as it's sound, I don't really care what it looks like, I'm just so happy that a man who doesn't even know us would be so generous.

Well, I've fallen behind my work in a major way so I'd better stop daydreaming. Take care everyone!

Sylv

[DarkSiren]

Hello Everyone!!!
Well, my appointment was today. Everything is well and the weight gain was normal so I'm happy about that. The little one has been acting like he's trying to turn around and he's already head down so we've been massaging the tummy trying to get him to relax and stay where he is.
We finally got the A/C fixed yesterday. And now I'm a very happy mommy. LOL
Swan- {{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}
Susan- Hopefully not too much longer for you!! Good Luck!!
Christine-Congrats on your baby boy!!!
Marye-I'm 32wks today so I'm not too far behind you. I couldn't remember how long it took before I started slowing down while preggo with DD. So, I felt kind of weird having to take so long to do grocery shopping and what not. LOL It's nice to know that it's pretty much normal.
Dawn- I've had the pain that you're talking about for a while now. I don't know how severe yours has been but mines been pretty horrible. I finally looked it up and found a site that has some info on it. www.plus-size-pregnancy.org
Look under pregnancy discomforts and it'll describe it as well as give you ways to deal with it. And this isn't just for plus size pregnancy it affects all sizes. Hope it helps you a little!!! I'm going to be doing a chiropractic adjustment as soon as I can to see if it helps a little.
If I've missed anyone I sincerely apologize but I've gotta go put my feet up before they explode. Take Care!!!

Dawn
EDD:7/2/03
Baby Boy
DD 3.5yrs

[jeaniebearstill]

cchavez-Congratulations!!!
Marye-Has your mid-wife done a weight guess on the baby yet? Mine did and she said it is a small baby about 5#. I am 38 weeks . I'm thinking that low-carb has made the difference in the weight. I hope you see the same results.
I am feeling like things are starting to get ready here. I finally prepared my birth room and made it off limits to the rest of the family,I'm tired of recleaning it. And I actually have all of my supplies ready to go. I have had contractions off and on for a week now, so I know things are getting close.
misbadu-Welcome
swandryk- I will keep you both in my prayers.
Jeanie

[Marye]

Marye-Has your mid-wife done a weight guess on the baby yet?
No..she stopped guessing with me a few babies ago...She guessed Nick was smaller and he was 11 + lbs!!!!
I AM measuring smaller though..I am measuring 32 at 35 weeks and usually measure about 36-37 at this point. I am hoping...I have also been having lots of strong BH Contrax..they will go on for a couple of hours every evening...and I usually don't start that for a few more weeks so I am hoping and praying but not expecting if that makes sense. God knows when babies need to come. If mine need an extra 19 days to "cook" then so be it! Actually, this time I could use the extra time to get a bit more settled in to the house!
I tried the keto frosted flakes..they were o.k..I am still really hooked on my toaster egg sandwiches for breakfast though...
Susan- you better get with it..today is YOUR day!

[ReeseLite]

Hi---My name is Reese and I have been sort of in and out the past few weeks and just wanted to add something regarding the amnio situation. I am 20 weeks pregnant and a few weeks ago my AFP came back a little on the low side--meaning I had about a 1 in 181 chance of having a baby with Downs. I had decided before I took the test that I would have the amnio if need be for two reasons. If our baby was going to have Downs, then I would want to have a chance to learn everything we could about it before I delivered. I knew that there would be support groups and people to turn to to help us later on. Also, our hospital is a little on the rural side, so if I was determined to be "high risk" then I was going to make sure I delivered at a nearby facility that specializes in "high risk" delivery.

The main thing to remember is that the AFP is only a statistical test....it only gives you odds. I was confused at first and thought
that an abnormal gene had been detected when that wasn't the case at all. It also helped to know that if I had a 1 in 181 chance of being high risk, then that also meant that I had 180 in 181 chance of everything being just fine.

I had the amnio and it didn't hurt at all. It felt like someone drawing my blood. I never looked at the needle and instead kept my eyes on the ultrasound screen and watched my baby kick and turn and put his foot in his mouth.......it was a good distraction.

My results came in last Friday (about 2 weeks) and everything it detected was normal.

Sorry this is so long.......I just wanted ya'll to know what my experience was. I hope that this helps. Below is some information that might help as well.


The Bottom Line Did you know that there is absolutely no way to get a "false positive" result on the AFP/triple screen test? Even though your friends think it happened to them!

"Oh, I'd never take the AFP test!" my friend said. "I've known so many women who had false positives - they had abnormal test results and went on to have perfectly healthy babies!" She assumed their test results were "wrong," but she was the one who was wrong.

Should you take the AFP test? This is a question that many pregnant women will have to answer. But many, if not most, pregnant women cannot make an informed decision because they do not understand how the test works and what it tells you (and what it doesn't tell you). For example, though you've probably heard stories of women who had a "false positive" test result, you may be surprised to know that you cannot get a "false positive" result from this test. Why? Read on.

What is it?
The AFP (alpha-feto protein test) measures the amount of AFP, a substance produced by the placenta and fetus, in a pregnant woman's blood. The AFP is often part of a group of tests called the "triple screen," which also measure human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and unconjugated estriol (UE3).

What does it do?
Based on the amounts of these substances in your blood, the AFP and triple screen test can give you the statistical risk of having a child with certain disorders (Down syndrome, neural tube disorders, etc.) The test can not tell you if your unborn child actually has one of these disorders, it can only give you the odds. If your test indicates an increased risk, you will probably be offered further testing, such as amniocentesis or a detailed "level 2" ultrasound. These tests can further narrow down the likelihood that your child will have any particular disorder (and in fact, usually rule it out - most women who have an abnormal result on the test go on to have a normal baby).

So why is there no such thing as a "false positive" result?
Because the AFP and triple screen do not give you a positive or negative result. An abnormal result is not a positive. All they can do is indicate your level of risk.

For example, let's say that because of your age you have a 1 in 500 chance of having a child with Down syndrome. Does that mean it will or will not happen? Neither. It simply indicates the likelihood of it happening. Your test results do the same thing. If your triple screen test indicates a 1 in 80 chance of having a child with Down syndrome, it may be an abnormal result, an increased risk, but it is still not a positive or negative result. You still have a 79 in 80 chance of having a normal child, and if you do, it doesn't mean the test was wrong. For the same reason, there is no such thing as a "false negative" result. The test cannot guarantee you are having a healthy child.

Then why take this test?
Women with an abnormal result often find that the next step is amniocentesis. Amnio carries its own risks, and is not recommended for every pregnant woman. The AFP and triple screen can "screen out" those women who would be less likely to benefit from amnio and "screen in" those who might need it. Some women know they would refuse amnio under any circumstances and therefore might not benefit by the AFP/triple screen. But other women need the information. Some may plan to abort a severely disabled child. Others want to be prepared, emotionally and practically, for the birth. For example, a child with a neural tube defect may require a c-section delivery or may need surgery immediately after (or even before) birth, which would affect your birth plans.

So what should I do?
Only you and your partner can make that decision. But you should ask yourself if the benefit is worth the risk. Are you at risk for any of the disorders that can be detected? If you get an abnormal result, would you undergo amnio or would you refuse it? If you're only going to spend the next 20 weeks worrying about the result, you might be better off skipping the test altogether. But make that decision based on the facts, not the myth of the "false positive" result.

[ReeseLite]

Ok, first I don't say anything for weeks, now I won't shut up.....

My husband ordered/rented a doppler from Bellybeats.com
It's a stork radio doppler and we were able to hear the baby heart beat at 10 weeks. I think if you want to buy the thing it's like $500.00, but you can also rent them for $29.00 a month.

It's just like what they use in the doctor's office, and it has been nice to listen to the baby every day....

I don't think we will keep it the entire pregancy, but probably for another month or two.

Ok, now I will shut up....

Have a great day!

[SusieQ12]

Hi ladies.

I know I've been MIA for a couple of days, but I'm still here. Today is my due date, but so far.........nothing. At my appt Tuesday my doctor said I was completely effaced, but still just a fingertip dialated. She did seem confident I would have her either before today or today, but it looks like she's gonna be wrong. I was hoping she was gonna be here before Mother's Day, but it doesn't look like it.

I'll check back in later on. My hormones are out of control right now and I have just been very sad and weepy today. I think DH is gonna try and make me walk the mall tonight. Oh boy, how fun.

I'll catch you ladies later!

Susan

[smiley]

Hi Girls!
Nice to see the new members! Thanks for joining us!

Congrats Christine!
Susie: Maybe you will have a mother's day baby. That might be nice. Good luck.

Please forgive me for not posting more often. I actually may never post again, two kids are incredibly difficult to contain. Right now I feel like I'll ever have another free moment in my life. I'm incredibly sleep deprived and falling behind with all my "to do" lists. Other than that, I'm in heaven with my two girls. Kids are amazing gifts!

Good luck to all the ladies that are due soon. And for those of you who need prayers, I'll be sending up some prayers for you.

[ChristmasCandy]

Hello ladies! Goodness...it's been a while! Congratulations to all the new members here!!!

Just thought I'd check in and see how you all are doing. I'm 31w5d and still on bedrest (incompetent cervix). I haven't gone anywhere hardly since 20 wks except my weekly OB appts on Weds. The baby is doing well...measuring right between 31 and 32 wks and weighs approx. 4 lbs 4 oz as of this past Weds. I'm getting so excited...I can't wait to see her!

My Dr gave me a presciption for Brethine about 3 wks ago. I think it is normally used for asthma but it is supposed to help stop premature contractions. Thankfully I haven't had to take any. Has anyone else here ever been given this?

Well, I'm off to read some more of your posts. Wish I could have been here more often over the last few months...hopefully I'll get a few more chances before I deliver.

Take care!