Stupid Question Sunday 12/21

karboss

We've done them for a few weeks so I hope it's OK I start on. I have been waiting since Thursday to post!!

No question is too stupid. No judging.

karboss

My left thigh keeps falling asleep. Mostly just the top and outside. Only the left one. It happens constantly: while I'm standing, sitting, walking even. I looked in the What to Expect Book and the only thing I really saw was about sciatica. It's not painful or anything--just annoying and tingly. WTF is this?! I wouldn't think twice if it didn't happen while I was actually active. It makes sense during times of laziness.

ejz98ric02

1. How long does it take for your body to "bounce back" after a vaginal birth? And by bounce back, I mean how long will my vagina be on fire for?

2. Today I am starting my 24th week of pregnancy. This does or does not mean I am 6 months pregnant?

ejz98ric02

3. Tomorrow is my glucose test (1 hour). Nobody said I needed to fast and I called to confirm that. So why does everyone else say I should fast? What would you do? The test is at 1pm.

donnamartingraduates93

ejz98ric02 said:

1. How long does it take for your body to "bounce back" after a vaginal birth? And by bounce back, I mean how long will my vagina be on fire for? 2. Today I am starting my 24th week of pregnancy. This does or does not mean I am 6 months pregnant?

I can't speak to #1 (I would also like to know the answer to this), but for #2, my understanding is that you are in your 6th month, but not 6 months pregnant. This chart has been helpful for me when I can't quite remember

donnamartingraduates93

ejz98ric02 said:

3. Tomorrow is my glucose test (1 hour). Nobody said I needed to fast and I called to confirm that. So why does everyone else say I should fast? What would you do? The test is at 1pm.

I was told I did not need to fast, for whatever that is worth. I would probably pass out if I couldn't eat until 1p.

Ginja85

@Karrunrun‌ hmm, that's a strange one. I'd mention it to the Dr. Sorry I got nothin

@ejz98ric02‌
1) every vagina is different, just like every birth.
2) yes, you're in the 6mo phase, there are a few helpful charts that can explain trimester/months/weeks breakdown
3) older testing did require fasting, every office is different glad you called your Dr to verify

ejz98ric02

@DonnaMartinGraduates‌93, that is the best screen name ever!!!

starshollow

I do not plan to fast for my glucose test. But I also won't have a huge glass of juice and a candy bar for breakfast either.

Last time around I went at 4pm. I tried to stick to high protein and lower carbs for the day.

lindsayanne14

1. Vaginal birth. I really think this depends on the vagina and the birthing experience. I had a tear free, uncomplicated delivery and things felt good down there within a few days. That is until I developed dermatitis from the pad wearing, then I wanted to rip my vag out for a week.

2. Glucose test, I didn't fast for my one with DS and my script for this one doesn't indicate a need to fast.

schwabab

Has anyone shopped online at Pink Blush Maternity? If so, how do the sizes run?

Ginja85

When does the pregnancy induced super sense of smell go away?

fiscally3

1. As others said it really depends on the birth, I had friends with easy recoveries and ones with long painful ones who were on pain meds for the same amount of time as me after a c-section.

3. I didn't fast for either of mine, and totally forgot about the sugar thing with my second pregnancy had fruit loops for breakfast(i love kid cereal when pregnant ). Luckily, it came back negative.

kerimontanye

ejz98ric02 said:

1. How long does it take for your body to "bounce back" after a vaginal birth? And by bounce back, I mean how long will my vagina be on fire for?

2. Today I am starting my 24th week of pregnancy. This does or does not mean I am 6 months pregnant?

After 3 kids, the only vag on fire feeling I remember is when you push out baby's head, so a few minutes but if you're just talking pain from overall birth, I would say the first week sucks then it's tolerable after, I had stitches each time and large babies. The first time you stand after birth, at least for me, felt like all my insides were about to fall out.

donnamartingraduates93

kerimontanye said:

1. How long does it take for your body to "bounce back" after a vaginal birth? And by bounce back, I mean how long will my vagina be on fire for? 2. Today I am starting my 24th week of pregnancy. This does or does not mean I am 6 months pregnant?

After 3 kids, the only vag on fire feeling I remember is when you push out baby's head, so a few minutes but if you're just talking pain from overall birth, I would say the first week sucks then it's tolerable after, I had stitches each time and large babies. The first time you stand after birth, at least for me, felt like all my insides were about to fall out.

Reading this as a FTM, this sounds absolutely terrifying. 

karboss

ejz98ric02 said:

3. Tomorrow is my glucose test (1 hour). Nobody said I needed to fast and I called to confirm that. So why does everyone else say I should fast? What would you do? The test is at 1pm.

A few weeks ago on SQS this came up. I called my doc and asked because I wasn't given any directions. She said eat normally but be smart about it don't drink a coke on your way to the doctor.

Swoon13 said:

Karrunrun said:

My left thigh keeps falling asleep. Mostly just the top and outside. Only the left one. It happens constantly: while I'm standing, sitting, walking even. I looked in the What to Expect Book and the only thing I really saw was about sciatica. It's not painful or anything--just annoying and tingly. WTF is this?! I wouldn't think twice if it didn't happen while I was actually active. It makes sense during times of laziness.

Warning: this is my opinion, not fact.  I loathe What to Expect When You're Expecting.  It has no real information in it.  Just hair-on-fire fear-mongering and condescension.  I HATE that book.

As an alternative, get a book that is actually medically based.  I have the Mayo Clinic's Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy and it answers ALL my questions when my body is doing something weird.  Which is pretty often. 


I totally forgot h too you mentioned it--my sister lent me a copy of the Mayo Book. Thanks for the reminder. I'll check there.

taahira

ejz98ric02 said:

1. How long does it take for your body to "bounce back" after a vaginal birth? And by bounce back, I mean how long will my vagina be on fire for?

2. Today I am starting my 24th week of pregnancy. This does or does not mean I am 6 months pregnant?

1. With my first I had third degree tear. I was still taking pain killers 3/4 weeks later. I still felt raw.
Second delivery. No tear, I felt great after 2 days.

2. I'm also starting my 24 week. I'm just counting down. So I say I have 16 weeks left.

Ginja85

@lovemymuttzillas‌ I'd invite her, you've both been to each others major life parties. I know 90% of the people I'm inviting won't be making the trip but, they'd be hurt if I didn't invite them.

PinkDahLia44

@Karrunrun‌ : still sounds like a pinched nerve to me. May or may not be your sciatic nerve that's pinched, but with all the extra blood flow, it's easy to have that happen.

@Ginja85‌ : if it hasn't gone away yet, it probably will stick around until after pregnancy.

bmblebea

ejz98ric02 said:

3. Tomorrow is my glucose test (1 hour). Nobody said I needed to fast and I called to confirm that. So why does everyone else say I should fast? What would you do? The test is at 1pm.

My 1 hour glucose is this Wednesday. Mine is at 10:30am and they told me not to eat before I come in. They said it didn't have to be 12 hours of fasting or anything but just not to eat immediately before. My friend who just had her 2nd baby said the same thing when I asked her about it, for the 1 hr just don't eat right before and for the 3 hr you have to fast.i thought no you'd be fine eating breakfast when you get up and maybe a snack but maybe don't eat right before your go in?


Here's my stupid question- I want to try to not get an epidural- not bc I'm against pain meds, but bc I'm more terrified of not being able to stand up and walk than of the pain lol may change that feeling when I'm having full blown contractions. But I was wondering if you tear and they have to stitch you up do they numb it or give you anything before or do they just go to town??

lexyraejay

lovemymuttzillas said:

Do you invite people you know cannot come to your baby shower?

I have a good friend that lives in TX and I live in NY. We travelled for each other's weddings and she had a baby shower here that I went to. I certainly don't expect her to travel for my shower but I don't want her to think I'm leaving her out either. What to do?

Even if you're pretty sure they can't attend, I'd still extend the invite as a courtesy. I have a few close friends and relative who've moved away and even though it's unreasonable for them to travel to my baby shower, they were still invited and seemed to appreciate the gesture. I guess, just ask yourself if you'd like to be invited if you were in their shoes.

kerimontanye

bmblebea said:

ejz98ric02 said:

3. Tomorrow is my glucose test (1 hour). Nobody said I needed to fast and I called to confirm that. So why does everyone else say I should fast? What would you do? The test is at 1pm.

My 1 hour glucose is this Wednesday. Mine is at 10:30am and they told me not to eat before I come in. They said it didn't have to be 12 hours of fasting or anything but just not to eat immediately before. My friend who just had her 2nd baby said the same thing when I asked her about it, for the 1 hr just don't eat right before and for the 3 hr you have to fast.i thought no you'd be fine eating breakfast when you get up and maybe a snack but maybe don't eat right before your go in?


Here's my stupid question- I want to try to not get an epidural- not bc I'm against pain meds, but bc I'm more terrified of not being able to stand up and walk than of the pain lol may change that feeling when I'm having full blown contractions. But I was wondering if you tear and they have to stitch you up do they numb it or give you anything before or do they just go to town??

I had epidurals and they always gave a shot of local anesthetic and started. But with all the chaos and being with baby finally, I never paid any attention to them fixing my parts.

Shadeauxe

ejz98ric02 said:

1. How long does it take for your body to "bounce back" after a vaginal birth? And by bounce back, I mean how long will my vagina be on fire for? 

For me, the amount of time where you feel fine sitting/peeing/just hanging around was only a couple of days. For sex though, it takes me several weeks before it doesn't feel like I have shards of glass in there. I had tearing with both births.

Shadeauxe

bmblebea said:

3. Tomorrow is my glucose test (1 hour). Nobody said I needed to fast and I called to confirm that. So why does everyone else say I should fast? What would you do? The test is at 1pm.

 Here's my stupid question- I want to try to not get an epidural- not bc I'm against pain meds, but bc I'm more terrified of not being able to stand up and walk than of the pain lol may change that feeling when I'm having full blown contractions. But I was wondering if you tear and they have to stitch you up do they numb it or give you anything before or do they just go to town??

I think they can numb it locally using a shot of something.

canadianttc1st

I also found it took a week or two to recover from my vaginal delivery. The first week was worse and peeing hurt a lot. I was nervous about having sex so I waited till after my six week post partum appointment.

I know I was stitched up afterwards but I don't remember really feeling too much pain while they did it.

My question is how long did you ladies take to feel better after a c section? I know everyone will have a different experience with this just curious what you found were the hardest parts and when you felt back to your normal self. Also what could you take for the pain while breastfeeding?

RNmama2b

schwabab said:

Has anyone shopped online at Pink Blush Maternity? If so, how do the sizes run?

I have ordered a few things from Pink Blush! I love me some Target and when comparing the things I have ordered from Pink Blush, they fit similar to Target's maternity clothes depending on the style! I loved all of the more form fitted tops I ordered but the more flowing ones were a little short and I'm not that tall of a girl, 5'5" and short torso! I don't know if that helps you out any or not?!

schwabab

Thank you, that helps a lot! Were the same height! @RNmama2b‌

MitoRachel

shortskirtlongjacket said:

When does the pregnancy induced super sense of smell go away?

I wonder this, too. If it doesn't go away, LO will have a hard time getting way with anything in his teenage years.

For me it went away as soon as I gave birth. I don't know what typical is though.

Megdowntheshore said:

So, do babies need to drink water? Or just breast milk? I'm thinking about the fact that our little ones will be little in the summer. Do they need to drink water to stay hydrated?

They just need breast milk, but might need to drink more frequently if it is quite hot. I want to say I read somewhere that your milk actually changes in the heat to be less calorie dense so they can drink away without feeling too full.

starshollow

canadianttc1st said:

I also found it took a week or two to recover from my vaginal delivery. The first week was worse and peeing hurt a lot. I was nervous about having sex so I waited till after my six week post partum appointment. I know I was stitched up afterwards but I don't remember really feeling too much pain while they did it. My question is how long did you ladies take to feel better after a c section? I know everyone will have a different experience with this just curious what you found were the hardest parts and when you felt back to your normal self. Also what could you take for the pain while breastfeeding?

I felt good enough to drive myself to my 2 week follow up. It was my first time driving post c section. I had other complications, but by the end of the first week, I was feeling pretty good.

The hardest part is living in a house with more than one floor.  Stairs were really hard for the first few days after I came home.

They gave me Vicodin in the hospital.  I took prescription strength ibuprofen for a few days when I came home. 

Wearing the belly support really helped.

specialsn0wflake

My sternum hurts. Typically I associate this pain with lifting weights, which I haven't done in weeks because of the pain.

It hurts to breathe and my chest feels tight. Is this normal or should I call my doc? I feel perfectly fine physically otherwise.

DPandMB

CaterinaC said:

Here is my stupid question of the week, once again it is movement related.

As I mentioned last week, I haven't really felt any kicks or defined movement yet. The last two or three days I have started feeling like something is bumping into my cervix and pelvic areas. Should I assume that is baby headbutting or punching me? It happens quickly, doesn't hurt and will happen several times in a row in the morning and at night.

Yes this is most likely your sweet LO.

lexyraejay

specialsn0wflake said:

My sternum hurts. Typically I associate this pain with lifting weights, which I haven't done in weeks because of the pain.

It hurts to breathe and my chest feels tight. Is this normal or should I call my doc? I feel perfectly fine physically otherwise.

Always call your doc if you're worried, but it sounds like your bump is putting more pressure on your lungs and ribcage, which is completely normal. My bro, in OBGYN residency, said that your ribcage widens while pregnant. With my dd, it helped to wear one of those wide, elastic fashion belts over my tops - it put counter pressure on my ribs.

xuxachi

starshollow said:

canadianttc1st said:

I also found it took a week or two to recover from my vaginal delivery. The first week was worse and peeing hurt a lot. I was nervous about having sex so I waited till after my six week post partum appointment.

I know I was stitched up afterwards but I don't remember really feeling too much pain while they did it.

My question is how long did you ladies take to feel better after a c section? I know everyone will have a different experience with this just curious what you found were the hardest parts and when you felt back to your normal self. Also what could you take for the pain while breastfeeding?

I felt good enough to drive myself to my 2 week follow up. It was my first time driving post c section. I had other complications, but by the end of the first week, I was feeling pretty good.

The hardest part is living in a house with more than one floor.  Stairs were really hard for the first few days after I came home.

They gave me Vicodin in the hospital.  I took prescription strength ibuprofen for a few days when I came home. 

Wearing the belly support really helped.

I also felt good enough to drive to my 2 week appt. after my cs. I went off the prescription meds a few days after coming home from the hospital (they really stop you up) but I think I was taking motrine for some time after that. Honestly, I don't think I really felt back to myself until about 6 weeks.

Cliffhaven

Karrunrun said:

My left thigh keeps falling asleep. Mostly just the top and outside. Only the left one. It happens constantly: while I'm standing, sitting, walking even. I looked in the What to Expect Book and the only thing I really saw was about sciatica. It's not painful or anything--just annoying and tingly. WTF is this?! I wouldn't think twice if it didn't happen while I was actually active. It makes sense during times of laziness.

According to this pic anything that interferes with the nerves in/near your spine at L4 or L5 could be causing the numbness where you describe it. So that can include all kinds of non-pregnancy related stuff like disc issues, swelling in the muscles where the nerve roots exit the spine etc. but all of that can be aggravated by pregnancy. I would ask your doc to have a look and maybe you might need some physio etc. good luck!

specialsn0wflake

lexyraejay said:

specialsn0wflake said:

My sternum hurts. Typically I associate this pain with lifting weights, which I haven't done in weeks because of the pain.

It hurts to breathe and my chest feels tight. Is this normal or should I call my doc? I feel perfectly fine physically otherwise.

Always call your doc if you're worried, but it sounds like your bump is putting more pressure on your lungs and ribcage, which is completely normal. My bro, in OBGYN residency, said that your ribcage widens while pregnant. With my dd, it helped to wear one of those wide, elastic fashion belts over my tops - it put counter pressure on my ribs.

After I posted this I thought it might be stress related since I've been under much more stress than normal but you're right, I should still call. Thanks for the belt tip, I'll give it a try.

PinkDahLia44

For the cat/baby gate question: my 8 year old cat has no problems getting over the baby gate to her litter and cat food. She can also jump on top of my dresser with no problem, and that's probably almost twice the height of the baby gate.

babynica

Any advice on how I can get DS to respect my belly and stop being so rough? He's 2.5

We've trained him to say that baby sister is in there but I know he doesn't understand. I've tried to calmly tell him not to. There was even an instance where it was a little too rough and I yelled at him (felt like shit afterwards). Is it hopeless at this age?

Cliffhaven

Lilzeezee said:

I've got two!

Boobs question: as of yesterday, I've noticed my left boob is noticeably bigger than the right. By a lot, like by a whole cup size. I'm sure it's "normal", since the human body is weird. But does anyone know what causes this? Will the other one catch up eventually?  

I am having the same issue!! My left boob is currently bigger than my head whereas the right is lagging behind by more than one cup size! Weirdness!!

Scarlettg

Karrunrun said:

My left thigh keeps falling asleep. Mostly just the top and outside. Only the left one. It happens constantly: while I'm standing, sitting, walking even. I looked in the What to Expect Book and the only thing I really saw was about sciatica. It's not painful or anything--just annoying and tingly. WTF is this?! I wouldn't think twice if it didn't happen while I was actually active. It makes sense during times of laziness.

I haven't read all of the comments, so forgive me if this has been answered, but here goes.  I've had the same problem, only in my right thigh.  Same spot.  I did some late-night googling and it seems this isn't unheard of during pregnancy.  It has to do with the baby sitting on a nerve, but not the sciatic nerve.  I'm still going to mention it to my doctor, but it doesn't seem to be anything worth calling the doc during off-hours.

miracle4x

ejz98ric02 said:

1. How long does it take for your body to "bounce back" after a vaginal birth? And by bounce back, I mean how long will my vagina be on fire for? 2. Today I am starting my 24th week of pregnancy. This does or does not mean I am 6 months pregnant?

With my first, I was super sore for at least a week. It got so bad at the end of the week that I thought I had an infection from my stitches, but the next day it felt much better. I would expect to be pretty sore for a week. And I was still tender during sex for a whole year.

With my second two, it was only sore for a couple days and was way less sore overall. So the first will probably suck, but with subsequent babies it's much easier to recover. Good luck!

Edit: I should mention that with my first baby, I had a third degree tear along with the episiotomy, and I'm not sure how bad the tears were on my second two. Probably not as bad.

ChanStew

redbluepurple said:

Lilzeezee said:

I've got two!

Boobs question: as of yesterday, I've noticed my left boob is noticeably bigger than the right. By a lot, like by a whole cup size. I'm sure it's "normal", since the human body is weird. But does anyone know what causes this? Will the other one catch up eventually? 

Baby gate question: BTDT moms with cats, how did you deal with baby gates? Eventually I'd want to prevent the baby from toddling into the litter box/bathroom area, but I still want the cat to be able to get in there. Is there a way to configure this? 

@Lilzeezee

We have a baby gate that is raised off the ground enough that the cat can get under it but the toddler can't. Our cat is 15 so I wouldn't make her jump over. This may not work as well with a chunkier kitty I guess, ours is pretty slim. 

Ooh, great idea!  We have a gate right now with a kitty door in it that won't work once we have a crawling baby (right now it keeps the dog out of the kitty litter).  I know from experience one of my cats is too precious to jump over the gate, even though he's perfectly healthy and capable.  I was worried about how to deal with this too.  Cats can get UNDER just about anything!

ETA: I"ve also considered adding platforms to the wall so the cat has "stairs" to get up and over the gate.