Body issues - Scared to get pregnant

mrswolter

Hi ladies! Newbie here to The Bump! Me and my hubby just got married in November of 2013. And we're in the process of building our first house, it's going to be our dream house...we're so excited!!! So naturally...I've started thinking about babies as the next step and we've been talking about it. We stopped using condoms during intercourse even though I'm still on the pill. But I've been thinking I'm going to get off of the pill soon after we move into our new house.

Anyway, my question is...I have a few body issues that make me hesitate to get pregnant yet b/c I know if I didn't have these things going on, I KNOW we would already be trying WITHOUT any protection or I'd probably already be pregnant. Anyway, my issues are...for about 4 years I have a lump under my left rib that hurts everyday that is either costochondritis or Tietze's Syndrome. I have been to 2 different thoracic doctors for this problem and neither would really help me, I have even tried acupuncture recently. My bras kill me and I am forced to sleep on my back! And I know during pregnancy, you have to sleep on your left side b/c that is what is best for you and the baby but I CANNOT sleep on that side whatsoever, it is literally impossible!

Other issues I am dealing with are (although the one above is the main one) is I have migraines which I have to take preventative meds for everyday and I know I'll have to cut out all meds when I get pregnant therefore, I'll have a VERY painful pregnancy. One more thing, I am already a 38 DD and my bust size will only get larger when I become pregnant and afterwards and then once I breastfeed, they will SAG!!! Oh jeeze, that freaks me out big time! I'm sorry, I know I should not be whining and freaking out but I am only 27 yrs. old and my body already goes through so much hell that it shouldn't be. So, let's just say I have a lot to be worried about. But, me and my husband are already discussing having a baby and I know it will all be worth it in the end. The main thing I am freaked out about is my rib issue I discussed in the beginning. I don't know how I am going to get around that or avoid that pain.

Any input or tips you ladies can give is much appreciated.  THANKS!!! ♥

tdana83

I slept on my right side with my son mostly & left with my daughter. Both healthy babies!!! There are alternative meds for prego ladies. If you are serious, talk to your OB. She can suggest best route for both major concerns.

DebateThis

1. You don't "have" to sleep on your left side while you're pregnant. I slept on my back til I was ~ 34 weeks or so without issue. I would consider seeing a physical therapist to figure out some sort of a PT plan prior to pregnancy, though. Pregnancy w/o your inflammation issues can be painful so you definitely need to have some resources at your fingertips.
2. You don't "have" to give up all migraine meds while pregnant - talk to your doctor about finding some that are pregnancy safe.
3. Not everyone has boobs that get huge and then sag after pregnancy. And if they do, so what?

You have some real issues to deal with and some that you're really overreacting about - take some deep breaths, get a pain management/physical therapy plan in place, and figure out your next steps.

Helenahhandbasket

DebateThis said:

1. You don't "have" to sleep on your left side while you're pregnant. I slept on my back til I was ~ 34 weeks or so without issue. I would consider seeing a physical therapist to figure out some sort of a PT plan prior to pregnancy, though. Pregnancy w/o your inflammation issues can be painful so you definitely need to have some resources at your fingertips.
2. You don't "have" to give up all migraine meds while pregnant - talk to your doctor about finding some that are pregnancy safe.
3. Not everyone has boobs that get huge and then sag after pregnancy. And if they do, so what?

You have some real issues to deal with and some that you're really overreacting about - take some deep breaths, get a pain management/physical therapy plan in place, and figure out your next steps.

ALL OF THIS.

 

-T-

Yeah my boobs sure as heck didn't get any bigger. bummer. Your boobs are going to sag with age no matter what. 

Don't have to sleep on your left side necessarily. I prefer sleeping on my back, but during pregnancy I just couldn't. Imagine sleeping with a bowling ball on your tummy - awful. Side is the most comfortable. 

I can't help with your lump or migraines, but I'd suggest visiting with your doctor regarding both, or just finding a new one that will be able to help.

jnnfrrose6

I'm sorry, I had trouble getting past "We stopped using condoms during intercourse even though I'm still on the pill."  You know you don't need to use condoms when you're on the pill (if you're taking it correctly), right?

As to the rest, I agree with PPs.  Talk to a doctor about your concerns.  You don't *have* to sleep on your left side and there are alternatives to pain medications.

mrswolter

Thanks everyone for your replies! They're much appreciated!!! Yes...I have known for a while that I need to find good doctor(s) I like, am comfortable with and trust. I do not like my current OBGYN, she does not seemed concerned about my migraine issues or rib issues whatsoever. And...she does not talk to me longer than 3-5 minutes, she's always rushing out the door! It's very rude and I obviously have concerns I want to discuss with her!

And I have YET to find a doctor that can properly cure/medicate/help with my rib issue. So, as you can tell, I have a lot of stress/worries going on in my life right now. What is a "rib doctor" called? I need to find one of those. Lol.

DebateThis

mrswolter said:

Thanks everyone for your replies! They're much appreciated!!! Yes...I have known for a while that I need to find good doctor(s) I like, am comfortable with and trust. I do not like my current OBGYN, she does not seemed concerned about my migraine issues or rib issues whatsoever. And...she does not talk to me longer than 3-5 minutes, she's always rushing out the door! It's very rude and I obviously have concerns I want to discuss with her!

And I have YET to find a doctor that can properly cure/medicate/help with my rib issue. So, as you can tell, I have a lot of stress/worries going on in my life right now. What is a "rib doctor" called? I need to find one of those. Lol.

From some quick reading, it sounds like both conditions are linked to autoimmune diseases, so I'd find a rheumatologist plus a PT. And a midwife instead of an OB, but that's my personal preference.

12chachacha

34FF over here. I'm not sure if they will get bigger or if they will sag but if they do... well, there's nothing I can do about that. I already have big boobs anyway so it's not like this will change a lot! And as for the sagging, well, that's what good bras are for. There's nothing I can do about that. 

eevieemariee

I would say deal with the mystery lump first. Once that has been reasonably managed you can move on to weaning of your migraine meds and with alt pain therapies. And if your boobs are that big of a concern you could look into reduction prior (pregnancy and/or breastfeeding might be an issue with this option) or reconstructive surgery after (once you're done having kids/breastfeeding - again, do your research). Welcome! And enjoy building your home!

jcsangelpen

Here's what I would say: it is completely your choice whether to pursue pregnancy or decide to wait. While, yes, it is ideal to have health situations under control and being treated, sometimes waiting on doctors is...a frustrating experience that can have mixed results. I have a chronic illness and currently they are re-evaluating my situation and medication. For that reason, I want to wait until early next year to try to conceive. But there is no guarantee that my health will be "all figured out" by then. It is so hard to wait, and I really don't want to, but that's how it is right now. However, if I were to end up unexpectedly pregnant before then, we would rejoice and deal with it as it comes, regardless of health issues. You have to weigh your options and figure out, alongside medical professionals, what suits you best. Best wishes to you!

alysonmh

You will just have to come to term with the fact that you are going to be uncomfortable when you are pregnant and your body is going to change and not for the better. My personal opinion is that if you are this worried about these things you aren't ready to have a baby yet because it will be hard and you don't want to resent your pregnancy.

I'm also 27 and had some health issues before getting pregnant and it has only made them way worse. I don't regret my decision to become pregnant because I knew what I was getting myself into and accepted those challenges. I wear the same size bra as you so I assume we are both overweight. I would recommend losing weight before getting pregnant and it will make your pregnancy a lot more comfortable. I didn't realize being overweight would make me as uncomfortable as I have been while pregnant. Mainly my biggest tip is to get as healthy as you can before trying to get pregnant because it will make things so much easier.

Lastly I don't know what medication you take for your migraines but not all medications have to be stopped once pregnant. I highly recommend making a pre-conception appointment with your OB-GYN to talk about your health concerns and medications. This is an appointment you have before getting pregnant and you can ask all these questions and they can tell you what to expect if you become pregnant. Don't make an uneducated decision about becoming pregnant because it will be the biggest decision you ever make.

Good luck!

mrswolter

Thanks again everyone for all of the helpful, informative and honest replies! A lot of this I NEEDED to hear! I am definitely going to do my research (such as looking into a new OB doctor, a rheumatologist and get my butt into gear about losing weight - I'd be healthier if I lost about 20 pounds).

I think I still have a good year and a half to two years of doctor appointments and research to heal myself body and soul before I can I have a baby. Because...my husband and I are mentally ready to have one but we both know that my body isn't ready so I have a lot of work to do.

Thanks ladies for your help. Now I just have to start finding doctors I can trust, which is the hard part. I go to so many doctors' appts. as it is! Okay, I'm done complaining.