Weekly Pregnancy Chatter 10/03

TheJerilu

This is the weekend chatter thread to... you know... talk about pregnancy and stuff. Wondering what everybody's opinion on doctors vs midwifes vs doulas? Find a good cure for something that's been ailing you?  Just had one of those "holy smokes I'm GROWING a HUMAN like it's a potted plant or something, but INSIDE MY BODY" moments?  Have a rando ask when the baby is due and you're like, "Wait, I'm not even showing yet, not sure if I should be polite or rude at this point"?   Whatever comments or stories or questions or etcetera you got that don't quite fit into the other organizational threads, this is probably the spot.

elgie

Maternity jeans...

1) Best place to buy them...preferably ones that won't break that bank and will fit a 5'1'' person

2) When did you/will you start wearing them?

BeachMommy2B

@elgie I've been wearing mine for about 2 weeks straight so from about the end of the 8 week mark. I'm a STM and I exploded with my first around 12 weeks, so it didn't surprise me when my clothes were uncomfortable so soon. 

I have been watching Swap groups on FB and trying to purchase as much gently used as possible, but I did break down and buy some things from motherhood maternity the other day. Also target has some good prices sometimes.

Also I just recently found a site caled Swap.com its consignment but through an online 3rd party. I am waiting for my first order. I liked that you could chose the different categories of "like new, gently used, fair condition, etc" and they have pictures of every item actually on the site. 

schef070911

@elgie I found a decent pair of maternity jeans at Goodwill a few weeks ago, but I know that those can be touch-and-go.  Also, I'd look to see if there are any maternity consignment shops in your area - there is a great children's consignment shop in my city that has a large (and awesome!) maternity section.  Old Navy might also be a good option.

As for finding ones that fit your height, I've done this to a pair of regular jeans that I loved but were waaay too long: https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2015/02/shorten-jeans-keep-store-bought-look.html

I am 13w5d and I have worn my maternity jeans several times.  I can already tell I'll need some with a different panel though as my bump gets bigger.  I say if they're more comfy than your other jeans, go for it!! The rubber band trick also works well if you're in a weird between place like I have been recently.

LyssaChap

@TheJerilu
 I just have to know wtf is going on in your signature? LOL!

beemaya83

I buy my maternity pants at Macy's. I love that the jeans don't look like "mom" jeans. As a STM, I been wearing my maternity pants for a couple of weeks now.

LittleChick2

@elgie Have you tried doing a search for petite maternity clothes on Craigslist or Offer Up? I was able to get 7 pairs of pants and 22 shirts for $50 and all the pants are petite length. I believe all the pants are made by Motherhood Maternity or Indigo Blue. I know you can hem pants shorter but they never seem to look right to me when you have to cut off 4 or so inches.

mamadeez

Oh man I haven't stopped wearing my maternity jeans since last pregnancy because they are so freaking comfy and my legs didn't change much during pregnancy, just my belly. DS just turned 1 so its been a while haha. I can still fit my pre-first-pregnancy jeans though, and have actually only just been able to in the last two months, so I'm going to hold out as long as I can before fully switching over to maternity pants. 

I loved my midwives last time, specifically the lady who ended up delivering for me (thank god). I think, like doctors, it depends on the team/practice you're working with. My midwives are open to a hospital birth and interventions at the point that they are required, if I was high risk they'd work alongside a doctor no problem. I loved the extra time in the appointments, as well as the potential that they could come and assist throughout labour. The short hospital stay (we left a few hours after delivery last time) and the at home follow up visits were lovely. As for a doula... If my partner couldn't be with me during labour/ the birth, or if he had anxiety issues that interfered with him supporting me, then I would be more interested in having a doula. I feel like the doula is primarily there for additional support and to advocate for you if you're unable but I could be wrong. I know some doulas offer photography which is sort of cool... and they can range anywhere from free to expensive.

mrsstuessy

@mamadeez Doula here! Actually currently on call for a client who was was due on Friday, so getting a little antsy and excited! You are correct in saying that a doula is there for additional support and as an advocate. A doula (probably, unless you are a nurse or doctor or something) has a LOT more experience than you do when it comes to childbirth and delivery babies. They have also spent a LOT of time just researching, reading, watching videos, attending conferences, etc. about childbirth and babies. So, they are there to offer their expertise to you in the form of suggestions to speed up a labor, slow down a labor, deal with a tricky or complicated labor give suggestions for help you avoid pitocin or an epidural, if that is what you want. Help you to push effectively if you are struggling. Also, it is super helpful to have a team of people because labor can be long and arms get tired quickly when they are squeezing hips, supporting you in a squat and rubbing your back and switching out with someone is necessary sometimes. It is totally a personally choice. I didn't have a doula with DD and probably won't with this baby either. But, there are some pretty huge perks to get a doula. 

HarryPotterandCats

@elgie , If you can find something to hold you over until black friday, I know last year Kohls had half off all maternity clothes and of you opened a credit card with them you saved an additonal 20%. Not sure if thats something you can do/would want to but thats an option. 

cafedisco

I second trying thrift stores first - usually maternity clothes are barely worn in so it's a good deal.  Once Upon a Child has a small section and then you can also get some baby clothes too!

For new, my fave maternity jeans are H&M.  They were cheap and they are super cute.  The ones I have look like skinny jeans.  I've been wearing them a ton already this time around.  I have a couple GAP ones I got at Goodwill and the band slips a lot. 

mrsstuessy

@cafedisco I am curious about H&M maternity. There are like 3 stores around here that have maternity. It sucks. The only option ever is ordering online, which means you can't try them on, obviously. Do you mind telling me what size you normally wear and what size fits in the maternity at H&M? In general their sizes always run crazy small. So, curious how maternity runs. 

Virginialeigh

My SIL keeps bringing me her old maternity pants which would be great except she's 6'2" and I'm 5'5". She shows up every other day with another pair but has only given me 1 shirt.

mamadeez

@mrsstuessy being a doula must be such an interesting life. After having my first baby I was really impressed with people choosing to be present & act as supports for a process that can be so long and sometimes crazy. Now that I think of it it'd probably be more ideal to have a doula at a home birth instead of just a midwife (& untrained support people). We are thinking home birth this time around and I hadn't even considered a doula until reading your post.

I didn't realize h&m had a maternity section. I am going to have to check that out!

M&Max

@elgie I've really liked Target's maternity jeans - not crazy priced.  Not sure on if they offer a petite section for maternity but would definitely be worth a shot!

TheJerilu

LyssaChap said:

@TheJerilu
 I just have to know wtf is going on in your signature? LOL!

Not my signature, I always pick a weird picture to get the conversation started on threads I open.

KirstinH88

I have to share this cute picture that DS drew of his family at preschool! The teacher said he was so excited, but she didn't believe him at first because sometimes little kids just make up things or copy other kids. Sorry if it's massive.

Omie_Wise

@mrsstuessy or anyone else with Doula experience:
My plan is to hire a Doula as a compromise because I wanted to go to The Farm. Do you have any suggestions or advice as I begin the process of finding someone to work with? I am a FTM so any thoughts would be super appreciated. 

BeachMommy2B

Is anyone else have the feeling of really tight stomach muscles at night when you are trying to sleep?

For the past week and a half I'll wake up while rolling over because my stomach muscles feel like they are pulling. I didn't really experience that with DD so this is new to me. I'm hoping it doesn't' last the entire pregnancy. 

Lovable Bump

I've been fighting the urge to throw up since this morning. I've been trying saltines, goldfish crackers, and other light foods without success. The only thing that I can think about eating is nachos. Only in the world of pregnancy can a plateful of nachos in all their messy and delicious glory soothe an upset stomach. 

nienot

I cannot freaking quench my thirst the past week or so. I am drinking water CONSTANTLY (which of course, makes it feel like I spend half my workday in the restroom) but I'm never satisfied and always have dry mouth/feel thirsty.

On a positive note, starting a probiotic in the morning and taking Monolaurin throughout the day, along with magnesium spray and switching to a liquid prenatal has helped my morning sickness considerably. It's still there, but not as much throwing up and I'm able to function better than before. Highly recommend! 

jennielynn+

@elgie I highly recommend invest in Zella live-in leggings. They are so comfy but, also very structured and thick. I bought two pair and wore them with long tops and booties all fall/winter my last pregnancy. They are expensive but, if you are jeans shopping probably similar prices. I also loved Gap maternity. Gap tends to be what I wear for jeans non-pregnant. They have outlets everywhere and you can shop Gap outlet online too. I tried thrift store last time and they all seemed stretched in the stretchy band part. 

@mrsstuessy I am curious if you know much about laughing gas during delivery. It is something new our delivery hospital is offering. I have never had that at the dentist so, I am not sure it would be for me. Sounds interesting though.

I hope everyone is feeling good! It will allergy season in my climate soon. The leaves are changing and my dog is itchy. Poor guy. 

mylittleirvz

@loveable bump, that is too funny, chips and queso were the one thing that tasted so good while I was queasy!

shaunessa

@BeachMommy2B

I mostly feel them in the morning.  

@mylittleirvz

Yes!! Chips and queso!  However, after I'm done eating them, the smell of greasy chips linger in my hair/clothes.  

bww_0331

@wpatx  I get that too sometimes!  Feels like I just can never drink enough.  Eating a popsicle usually helps me, at least for a while.  Or maybe my mind just wants to believe it does so I don't feel guilty eating popsicles

Blueberry85

@jennielynn+ I'm not @mrsstuessy (obviously), but I have several friends in the UK who used gas and air (as they refer to the nitrous oxide/oxygen combo used during labor), and they all rave about it. I would definitely try it if I had the chance. I think it just takes the edge off the pain, but with few, if any, side effects. It only really works while you're breathing it in, so no lingering issues, and if you don't like it, you just stop using it, and the effects quickly fade. Here's a little bit about it from the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/pain-relief-labour.aspx

It's so commonly used during labor in the UK (and maybe Canada, too? I'm not sure.) that I'm surprised it has taken so long even to just get a foothold over here.

ladameperdue

So as of tonight, I suddenly and officially cannot button my pants. Thank god we're going to get my maternity clothes and bellaband out of storage tomorrow. 

ladameperdue

@blueberry85 My friends in the UK say the same. I can't believe we don't offer something so beneficial but non-invasive here.

cafedisco

mrsstuessy said:

@cafedisco I am curious about H&M maternity. There are like 3 stores around here that have maternity. It sucks. The only option ever is ordering online, which means you can't try them on, obviously. Do you mind telling me what size you normally wear and what size fits in the maternity at H&M? In general their sizes always run crazy small. So, curious how maternity runs. 

I don't remember, mine are from my last pregnancy!  I'll check the size out today though and let you know!

Lovable Bump

My food aversions are seriously getting out of control!  I was CRAVING a ham and cheese hot pocket, so I went and bought one. I cooked it and took a bite and nearly threw up on the spot. Why?  Because the ham was cubed and not sliced.  Same with pasta, I will crave a certain shape. If it's not the specific shape I have in mind, it's no good!

On another note, I told my husband that I want my "push present" to be a big fat roast beef sub with mayo. I've been craving one every single day since I got my bfp haha.

nienot

@wagnerw Funny you say that, because I had a really good smoothie during lunch today, and I noticed that it seemed to quench my thirst better than water, and I'm usually a water only gal. Maybe I need to incorporate some juices or popsicles into my day (no complaints from me)  

nienot

@Lovable Bump I mean, that cubed ham is pretty gnarly lol. I think the cube-ness of the ham just feels so unnatural and maybe your body is telling you no way, this can't be good.

I totally feel you on the aversions, though. I will think about and obsess over something all morning and finally go get it at lunch and then just stare at it while it sits on my desk and try to convince myself to eat it so I don't waste $10 on lunch.

Taylor72

I feel....nothing. And that has me worried. I have seen baby 3 times. the last time was 3 weeks ago when I was 10+1. I have an appointment next Tuesday morning but I hate "not feeling pregnant" 

anyone else still feel that way? 

nwshay

@taylor72 I definitely feel that way!  It freaks me out. I know I should be thankful that I'm feeling great... but it scares me! 

Ekzerr

@taylor72 I totally feel that way too...I do feel symptoms but mentally I still feel not pregnant. Doesn't help that I'm 11 weeks tomorrow and finally have my first appointment tomorrow morning. Maybe once we hear the heartbeat that will help?!  It just doesn't feel real 

ashleym112

@BeachMommy2B I get them at night now too.

I always get my clothes from Old Navy. It sucks to have to order online, but I've never had to send anything back yet. I got my maternity jeans from there last time, and my work pants were from Target. The prices are pretty reasonable and they usually have good sales. 

kitkat8387

This is pretty random, but what are people's opinions on going through the TSA scanners? Based on my research, the ones currently in use (millimeter wave scanners) seem to be safe as they use radio frequency waves - but the ones they rolled out back in 2008 (backscatter scanners) did expose people to x-rays and therefore were not as safe (even though the TSA claimed they were at the time). In any case, those are no longer in use by the TSA, just the millimeter wave scanners. Based on this information I feel that it is perfectly safe to go through them, but every time I travel, I see pregnant women opting out and getting the pat-down. After going through one at 10 weeks pregnant and seeing other women opting out, I started questioning myself. I am flying again in 3 weeks and plan on going through the scanners, but I just wanted to see what others are doing. Am I missing something?

rachelgreene-2

@kitkat8387 my midwife says that the ones they use now are safe. She said as long as I don't go through an x Ray machine, it's fine. She said if I didn't feel comfortable doing it then to just opt out. 

I actually fly out on Monday. I will probably walk through the scanner, if I panic at the last minute I'll opt out. 

cafedisco

kitkat8387 said:

This is pretty random, but what are people's opinions on going through the TSA scanners? Based on my research, the ones currently in use (millimeter wave scanners) seem to be safe as they use radio frequency waves - but the ones they rolled out back in 2008 (backscatter scanners) did expose people to x-rays and therefore were not as safe (even though the TSA claimed they were at the time). In any case, those are no longer in use by the TSA, just the millimeter wave scanners. Based on this information I feel that it is perfectly safe to go through them, but every time I travel, I see pregnant women opting out and getting the pat-down. After going through one at 10 weeks pregnant and seeing other women opting out, I started questioning myself. I am flying again in 3 weeks and plan on going through the scanners, but I just wanted to see what others are doing. Am I missing something?

I opt out.  2 reasons.

1.  I don't trust that what they say is safe is...they don't have long term research on them, how could they really know?

2.  #1 may be wrong and there is long term research, but I have zero interest in becoming an expert on airport scanners and finding out.  I just don't have the time.

Since I already have a kiddo, I usually babywear her anyway through the gate which means you bypass the scanners (usually) so I don't worry about it.

herewegrow

I have avoided scanners each time I've been pregnant. I agree with PP about there not being enough research to know if there are side effects. The pat down is annoying and I could see how that would be a trigger for some, but I'm okay with it. 

elgie

M&Max said:

@elgie I've really liked Target's maternity jeans - not crazy priced.  Not sure on if they offer a petite section for maternity but would definitely be worth a shot!

Thanks for all your suggestions ladies!! I ran out to Target and bought a pair to tide me over, but I will definitely be checking consignment shops and Goodwill!!

I was also able to grab a pair of $10 maternity leggings at Destination Maternity...if you haven't already, sign up for their emails...they have tons of sales and quite a few decent priced things.