Randoms - Week of October 3rd

dragonfaerie

Have any thoughts, questions, feelings, fears, etc.? Spill them here!

This is a good place to ask questions to a broader audience than the weekly check-ins, so ladies in other trimesters with experience may chime in and help you out!

ADRIANAC1982

Can someone tell me what happens, or what is supposed to happen at your FIRST ob appointment post IVF. 

I FINALLY have my appointment this Friday, and apparently it is a long appointment but I have no idea why

Any ideas would be great  

AandDM2014

@ADRIANAC1982 I think it varies from OB to OB, but here is how my first one went last time, and why it lasted so long. When I first went to let them know I was pregnant, I did a pee test, then was sent for bloodwork. For the appointment that was scheduled for a few weeks later, I had to meet with a nurse first so she could do all the intake questions like drug use, family history of problems, stuff like that. That was probably about 15 minutes. Then I had to go wait for the OB, where I was taken back for blood pressure and weight, and had to give a urine sample. Then DH was allowed back and we went to our room to wait. Doc came in and talked to us for a bit, then did an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy. I think all in all we were there for about 1.5 hours, with all the waiting room time. This time around I was able to do my intake when I first went to confirm the pregnancy. Then my first visit with the OB was much shorter, maybe about 10 minutes in the room with her.

ADRIANAC1982

Thanks @AandDM2014!! I really hope there is not a ton of forms, shes been my Dr for a while so im hoping I can avoid at least that. 

Im still a little iffy on whether or not to switch though, I loveeeeeeeeeee my doctor but it took forever to get an appointment because she is so busy, so Im wondering if at this point its worth a switch!!! My own RE was shocked when I told him how long I had to wait and even tried to get me in sooner but they where like you havent had issues so far so its fine! So I just went with it. 

ZoeFer

My first appointment started with u/s to confirm pregnancy and decide on the due date (even though I had 2 u/s at RE before). Then I met OB for a pelvic test, pap smear, urine test and the doctor talked to us about many things and answered our questions. Then he ordered so many blood tests, I think they took 10 vials of blood for the first blood screening. 
I think it is very important to be able to get an appointment quickly. Towards the end of the pregnancy, there are way too many appointments and you would like them to be flexible so the appointments would fit your schedule. Also, you would want the Dr could see you in emergency situations (most of the time they are not really emergency but you are worried and really want to see the doctor).

AandDM2014

@ADRIANAC1982 I'm pretty sure I've been with my insurance since I was like 5, so they should know all this stuff too, but I think they have to ask anyway. Also, you may get the super weird question about if your DH abuses you. I was asked that at both my nurse and ob appointments, even though they were like 20 minutes apart. I too had to wait a little extra longer to see my OB, but I loved her, so it was so worth it! Once you get started, you should be able to schedule appointments well in advance and not have to worry so much. 

Tulips29

@ADRIANAC1982 my first OB appointment was split in a few different things and places and seemed overwhelming when it reality it was not so bad. With the OB it was just a urine check, pap smear and I had a list of questions for him that he answered. Since he doesn't do blood work or ultrasounds in his office, he sent me to a lab for blood. Then for ultrasounds I go to a local hospital near me that he works with and they send him the reports after each one. My first ultrasound with them was the NT scan at 12 weeks, I also did bloodwork there and they did tests for down syndrome. My OB also have me an outline of upcoming tests, ultrasounds, etc. After that initial appointment I've been seeing him once a month where he just does a urine check, weight check and doppler check. I still go to the local hospital for ultrasounds and he just gets the reports and we discuss them after. I would suggest to come prepared to the OB with a list of questions. Some doctors have different protocols for IVF pregnancies so inform them of it as well. 

Griffin5413

@ADRIANAC1982 - My 1st ob appt was pretty similar to everyone elses. We didn't do an ultrasound b/c I had already had a few with the RE. We did urine sample, blood pressure, weight, pelvic exam/pap smear, blood work and we went over any questions I had. They also had a whole packet of information they gave me. If you really like your doctor, bring up your concern when you meet with him/her about time constraints and the ease of getting an appointment. We always schedule out my next appointments when I go in though. After my last appointment, we scheduled all the way into December b/c I start my every other week appointments in 2 weeks. 

ADRIANAC1982

Thanks ladies, I guess only time will tell! 

Eagerly awaiting this appointment! It feels so weird not having been to a doctor in over a month!!! 

ultratomato

So this week I have my glucose test on Thursday so I'm a little nervous about it. I was told to have the fruit punch flavor of the drink. What was everyone's experience who has had it done?

ZoeFer

@ultratomato I guess you are having a 1 hr test ? For my 1 hr test, they asked me not to fast. But I think it is better not to east too close to the test and do not eat carb heavy breakfast. Other than that 1 hr test was not too bad for me, but 3 hour test was a torture. I hope you pass the 1 hr test and do not have to take the 3hr one.

AandDM2014

@ultratomato I had always heard to go with the orange colored one. I personally will ask about alternatives I can do, such as home finger pricking or an actual real food with 50 grams of sugar (which just typing that is beyond absurd as I try to stay below 25 for the entire day!).

ultratomato

@ZoeFer it is the 1 hour test and I have the appointment at 9 so I'm not sure if I will eat beforehand. I heard the drink is really sweet and I hate things that are too sweet

erica0901

@ultratomato I had the fruit punch flavor which really wasn't too awful. I was told to just have an egg or some almonds for breakfast. I will say that the worst part for me was how I felt the rest of the day. Good luck!

capps42613

I had the orange drink for my 1hr & fruit punch for 3hr. I thought the fruit punch would taste better but it didn't. This may also be because it was 100g of glucose (3hr) vs 50g (1hr).

teebric

Hey ladies, I posted in the first tri board, but wanted to know if anyone further along had this problem:
last night I woke up with excruciating back pain, it was sharp and intense pain that took ages to calm down. I then woke up twice more with similar but not as intense pain. Painkillers didn't seem to do much. 
I did have a small fall earlier in the evening which may have caused the pain? Maybe? 
If it happens again I'll ask my nurse but just wanted to know if anybody had had a similar experience.. 
TIA

tvh1982

We can't choose flavours, we just get regular surgery water @ultratomato.
I had two hours (we don't have one or three) and we are not allowed to eat anything after the evening before. So the tests are early mornings. 
We have to bring something with us to do (read, knit, ... anything to keep us sitting still but not being bored)
It wasn't too horrible as everyone told me. I was worried a lot as I was still having trouble from my HG that I wouldn't be able to keep it down. But it went well, just a little nausea afterwards and happy when I could eat (so bring snack for after your last bloodwork, you'll want it!)

I haven't experienced backpain like that @teriulbricht. Hope it was a one off or that other ladies have tips!

ale9687

@ultratomato good luck! Before pregnancy I had to do a 5 hr glucose test bc I was getting light headed so often and my sugar levels were really low. my labcorp keeps the drinks room temperature and I think that makes it taste even worse. A friend of mine was able to go to the lab the day before and pick up the juice so she could refridgerate it at home. She said that helped a lot. 

ADRIANAC1982

Anyone have any gender premonitions!! 

Im convinced we are having a BOY! DH and I call the baby he, him when we talk...and 2 nights ago I dreamt we delivered a baby boy with spikey hair ~ 

ADRIANAC1982

Super excited about this purchase!!! My KATE SPADE baby bag also very excited I got it during their 75% off sale  

Tulips29

@ADRIANAC1982 there are so many old wives tales that you can test out for fun. I did a few and got a split answer. But I had a gut feeling we'd have a boy and I was right. There's a urine baking soda test you can do, I never tried that one but read that people get accurate results from it. Oh and nice bag! I love a good deal/sale

wifeinraleigh28

@ADRIANAC1982 OMG I love that baby bag!!!!! Kate Spade is my fave!

ale9687

@adrianac1982 I saw a study that said mothers intuition is right 70% of the time. It would be fun to do our own study to see how many of us guess correctly. 

teebric

Yes @ale9687 that would be a bit fun! I also think I'm having a boy @ADRIANAC1982 but I'm not sure if it's because I've always wanted a girl first so I'm trying to let myself down easy lol - although I should say after everything I've been through I am just happy to have a healthy baby of either gender... 

vssbrm

I was completely convinced we were having a girl, I always wanted a boy first. I was wrong, it's a boy!

tvh1982

I thought it was a boy...but it's a girl...unless she grew something since her 20 week scan...and I'll end up with lots of useless pink stuff

ADRIANAC1982

All these comments make me smile!! Gotta love pregnancy But yes id be happy either way as long as baby is healthy!!! 

@wifeinraleigh28 I also LOVE KS, shes my fave!! and at 75% off I love her even more!

pdbird

When are you or when will you be setting up your baby's room? I'm in my 2nd tri and don't want to wait until my 3rd as I know I won't be comfortable and able to help as much. But at the same time, I'm not very motivated to get moving on setting up the crib. This is our second kid, so I know the drill/energy/work that goes into rearranging and moving things. Maybe I can muster the energy between Halloween and Thanksgiving before life gets crazy!

ADRIANAC1982

@pdbird I agree I think earlier is better if you already have the space.  Im exhausted now, so I can only imagine later

For us, however we will have to wait, I tried to be nice and allow a cousin to stay at my house and shes like the house guest that never left. So now that she knows she needs to hop-to I can clear that room out 

dragonfaerie

@pdbird We have been working on our nursery for over a month now because I want all paint dried and everything set up long before Wee Boy shows.

AFM - I talked to my boss today and gave him my notice. It's a big relief to have it all taken care of. He was very understanding and supportive.

tvh1982

I still haven't started @pdbird and am 35 weeks on Friday.
Im waiting to get the key to my new house to get started.
Although it's tough now as I really really have the need to get everything into place for the last two weeks. 
Is say start when you can/feel like it.

Glad you got to tell your boss @dragonfaerie. Bet a whole load got liftet of your shoulders!

ultratomato

I have been working on the twins room since i have been on leave. The rooom is painted and the cribs are set up no mattresses yet because they are on the registry. Closet is full of clothing for these girls already lol 

Tulips29

@pdbird haven't started yet either. We have the room ready just need to clear out the closet and take out the boxes as we've been using it as a storage room. I'm thinking to start This weekend. I've been delaying mainly because I can't make up my mind if I want to repaint the room or not. It's currently a sunflower yellow color and we are getting grey furniture which is all neutral and would work for our boy. I also don't want to delay anything longer as I'll just be uncomfortable and crabby. 

@dragonfaerie I'm glad your conversation with the boss went well! 

AandDM2014

I'm glad talking to your boss went well @dragonfaerie!

Griffin5413

@pdbird - we haven't started b/c we are moving into our new house hopefully by Thanksgiving. That will put me at 36 weeks so I am definitely not looking forward to waiting that long. I can't even buy a crib b/c I don't have anywhere to put it right now. 

@dragonfaerie - glad your meeting with your boss went well. I bet that's a huge relief!

Rachnan

To all of you concerned about the rooms, don't be!!  My DS didn't even sleep in his room until he was almost 7 months, you have plenty of time!

Also, the one product that was a life saver was a rock n play.  This is what he slept in and hung out in until he was 7 months.  It's slightly reclines and was soooo worth it!

dragonfaerie

Thank you everyone! It definitely is a big relief to have that done and now I can just focus on what I need to for the remainder of my time before I get to be home and nest! I'm so excited!

AandDM2014

Any advice for how to help with a headache? It's been pretty nonstop since Monday afternoon, and if it is still hanging around tomorrow I will definitely email my doc. I've just taken two tylenol (like those will help any!) and have been icing my head for about 20-30 minutes, but I can still feel it there beneath the ice pack. I also already napped in a dark quiet room, and it didn't help at all.

Tulips29

@AandDM2014 headaches during pregnancy are the worst. When mine started Tylenol did nothing for me at first. Then it started working eventually so I'm hoping it will kick in for you soon too. Natural remedies don't work for me at all, so I just stick to Tylenol when I get them. That's the only thing my doctor allowed also, but I'd say speak to your as well. 

mskeenan

@aanddm2014 I had the WORST headaches in my first and second trimesters . I went in to the doc they were so had and they basically said the only thing I could do was Tylenol or class c medications which I wasn't comfortable risking. I almost took them because it got so bad I was missing work and vomiting from the headaches .    I tried everything ... But the only thing that really made a difference for me was seeing a chiropractor . I had never seen one before and was scared but it has made a tremendous difference . I was having headaches 4-5 days a week and I'm down to maybe one less severe one every 2-3 weeks . That could be from hormonal changes though , who knows !! I am convinced the chiropractor has helped with other physical complaints other than headaches though as well (back and hip pain ) . 

Some me things that did provide some temporary relief were putting peppermint oil on my temples (be careful not to get it in your eye ) , standing in the shower and letting hot water run down my neck, and doing some yoga stretches for my neck and shoulders . You can find some on YouTube . I hope you feel better soon !!!

AandDM2014

Thanks for the advice @mskeenan! A hot shower definitely helped me feel better. I hadn't thought of seeing a chiro, maybe I should consider it.