PGAL Check-In, Week of 11/14

realgoodthing

This thread is for July moms who have previously suffered a loss (miscarriage, stillbirth, etc).

First time posting here? Introduce yourself!

How far along are you?

How are you doing?

When is your next appointment?

Rant/Rave/Positive Vibes:

GTKY: What's your skincare routine?

lilyaster

I'm not sure if this is my first time posting here, but this is my 7th pregnancy.  I have 3 kids and have lost 3 pregnancies.  Hoping this is our last.

I'm 6 weeks, 1 day.  So far, so good.  I have an u/s Wednesday and am looking forward to it.

The nausea is kicking my butt, but that's a good thing.  I'm still able to eat, and I've figured out if I eat slowly and constantly I don't feel so bad. 

GTKY: Right now I'm just washing my face with Cetaphil and water.  I normally have acne, but it goes away with pregnancy.

realgoodthing

How far along are you? 5+3

How are you doing? Not sure if it's the switch to Week 5 or the progesterone supplements I started on Friday, but sure feeling a lot more pregnant! Not necessarily super-nauseated, but just feel sort of listless and out of sorts and sleepy (and a little nauseated). My boobs hurt like nothing else. PGAL-wise, feeling hopeful after my positive scan/starting progesterone on Friday, but still a little nervous since they took blood at the appointment. I'm always scared the betas will not be good. Trying to remember that trauma thinking is not always correct!

When is your next appointment? Going in for another blood test on Friday and then another ultrasound at 7+4.

Rant/Rave/Positive Vibes: Taking a week break from social media because it's adding to my post-election anxiety. Gotta motivate my sleepy first-trimester self to do work on a pitch! 

GTKY: What's your skincare routine? So, I've been going hard for the past year with a Korean ten-step routine, but I've had to cut out a few since I got pregnant. Right now, in the morning, I use toner and then this amazing face oil I get off Etsy (plus sunscreen, of course) and in the evening, I do: eye makeup remover, a cleansing oil, a regular cleanser, an exfoliating powder 3x/week, toner, "essence" (I literally don't even know what this is, but it makes my skin look nice?), serum, eye cream, and a heavy night cream. 

Runner313

How far along are you? 4 weeks, 3 days. Newly pregnant. EDD July 21st. 

How are you doing? Overall, I think I am doing well. I am still grieving the loss of my twins in August, so I am finding it hard to be excited. I am trying to distract myself by keeping busy. 

When is your next appointment? I just had my second beta drawn today at the lab. My progesterone was normal at the first draw, but I am still taking progesterone pills. I see my OB again on 11/29- I will be 6.5 weeks and he will order my first scan then. 

Rant/Rave/Positive Vibes: Rant: Pregnancy announcements on social media still feel like a punch to the gut. (See above, still having a hard time ). Rave: Looking forward to Thanksgiving! 

GTKY: What's your skincare routine? I wash my face twice a day and use Clinique moisturizer with SPF 15. I use their eye cream sparingly, when I remember. I am very fortunate to have good skin. 

chiquita928

First time posting here? Introduce yourself!  Hi, second pregnancy for me!  I am a hs math teacher in NY.  DH and I have been married for 7 years, but together since we were 16. DS was born 7/14/13 and now EDD is 7/16/17. 

How far along are you?  5W 1D

How are you doing?  Sore boobs and fatigue.  And I've been so cold!  I was lucky enough to avoid nausea last time, so I'm hoping that will stay the same.  But I couldn't eat meat for most of my pregnancy last time, so I haop that part changes haha.

When is your next appointment?  First appt 12/9 around 8W

Rant/Rave/Positive Vibes:  Super excited right now!

GTKY: What's your skincare routine?  St. Ives!

flipflopped

How far along are you? 4w5d

How are you doing? Fine. I want to be positive and excited. I'm not letting the fear overcome me, but until I at least get past the point of loss I'm just waiting for something to go wrong.

When is your next appointment? December

Rant/Rave/Positive Vibes: I have been exhausted, good as that is normal, but it isn't as bad in the past 24 hours. Never would I have wished for all the symptoms.

GTKY: What's your skincare routine? clinique 3 step with the acne bar...once at day. nighttime showers so in the am I just go.

@leilac 10 steps is impressive!!

stokesm21

First time posting here? Introduce yourself!  I'm 28 and my husband is 30.  We've been together for over 12 years now, married for ... 5?!  Haha.  I have a 12 year old step-son (if you're wondering about the math, he was born a few months before DH and I got together) This will be my first pregnancy.  

How far along are you?  6w3d

How are you doing?  Sore boobs and tired as hell but otherwise I'm doing great.  Super excited.  

When is your next appointment?  First ultrasound at the end of November.  Next Dr's appt is the second week of December I believe.  I have TSH issues so I have to go in for blood draws every 4 weeks.  

Rant/Rave/Positive Vibes:  I am frustrated by this waiting 3 months to tell everyone rule.  I'm also an "eco-Mom" and I'm right p!ssed off at how expensive everything is.  

GTKY: What's your skincare routine?  Not much.  Wake up and if I'm not showering I just slap on moisturizer and then light layer of mineral foundation.  My current moisturizer of choice is Lush.  At night I remove make-up with a make-up remover cloth, moisturize again.  Cleansers dry out my skin.  Generally I have pretty nice skin.    

realgoodthing

Hey guys!  Just a heads up that, while we're happy about everyone's pregnancy, this thread is for people who are pregnant after loss (miscarriage, stillbirth, etc.). It seems like a few of you may not have realized this. No harm no foul (I'm going to update the first post to make it clearer), but in the future, please only post here if you're pregnant after a loss. Thanks!

chiquita928

Oh sorry! all these acronyms!

ladipale

How far along are you?  6 weeks today

How are you doing? Really up and down. I felt great last week after I finished my betas and they looked amazing, but then I started spotting a little bit.... ugh. Even though I spotted with both my girls and they were fine, it reminded me of my loss earlier this year that started with spotting. I ended up going to see my friend who is an OB and she did a scan and everything looked right on track! But more light spotting has me on edge. I'm so nauseous - I thought I was going to have to run out of the room and throw up while I taught today. I didn't! The symptoms are helping me emotionally a bit

When is your next appointment? Tomorrow! With my OB. Hoping we see a heartbeat. feeling anxious. My loss was at 13 weeks so I have a while to go to pass that threshold.

Rant/Rave/Positive Vibes: My husband is a rock start - helping with a majority of taking care of our 2 girls

GTKY: What's your skincare routine? I use Rodan and Fields - LOVE IT! Right now I use the Reverse Regime (with a few parts taken out because of pregnancy)

ThePecks

How far along are you?
7+2 today

How are you doing?
Smells are really getting me lately. Luckily nausea hasn't been much of an issue, but I feel like it's lingering in the background as my stomach seems mildly upset (plus lots of indigestion). Seems like as long as I keep eating a little bit all the time it stays at bay. Boobs are less sore than they have been which is a nice change. Lots of uterus stretching going on lately though so tugs and uncomfortableness all around coupled with some bloating. Plus, I'm having a hard time getting comfortable at night! Unlike my last pregnancy, I haven't been nearly as exhausted, so I'm probably not getting as much sleep as I should, but seemingly enough for the most part. 

To top it all off I have a serious headache today which I think is allergies/sinus related, ugh. 

When is your next appointment?
11/23 follow up U/S with the specialist, if all goes well, hopefully just hanging with my regular OB from now on!

Rant/Rave/Positive Vibes: 
Got to see the bean and heartbeat last week - still amazing since I didn't get to last time
Can't wait until next appt. to make sure it's still so amazing!
Still have to take progesterone vaginal supplements for the next 3 weeks, so not able to be as intimate as I'd like with DH!

GTKY: What's your skincare routine? 
Nothing special in general - though I'm feeling extra greasy the last couple of weeks, eww!

irishrose54

@Runner313 I am still too grieving my loss from August. It was my second loss this year and I found it especially difficult after hearing a heartbeat multiple times. I find that not being over the loss is really impacting any enjoyment about being pregnant again.  I hope we can both start to feel confident about our pregnancies.


How far along are you? 5 W 4 D

How are you doing?
I am having trouble imagining a scenario where things go well for me. Like the idea of a baby bump is so far off to me....I wish I could imagine it but it just feels really hard. So yeah, I am not doing so well. I have a lot of sadness still about my previous loss and I am anxious being pregnant again. Trying really hard to take it day by day and to remind myself that I will, at some point, feel bonded to this baby. 

When is your next appointment?
First scan on Thursday with the RE. I told them how awful I was feeling about everything and they offered that if I wanted to come in before Thursday, I could. I didn't go for it though bc I would not be 6w yet so there really wouldn't be a chance of a HB. I still know that I may not hear anything Thursday but I am hoping to. 

Rant/Rave/Positive Vibes:
I miss wine. A lot. lol.

GTKY: What's your skincare routine?
I was using products with hylouronic acid in them for anti aging but you can't use that during pregnancy. So, I am using Dr. Hauska products and I really love them. Plus I know they are all natural so that makes me feel like I am doing something good. I do a simple cleanse and moisturize routine, with a revitalizing mask 2x a week. I miss my night serums though. Have to find a new one. I also like Jurlique so I may look into one of them for nighttime. 

caribbeanmama-2

Far along - I am either 7 weeks 5 days or 6 weeks and 6 days.  My dating ultrasound is tomorrow!!!! I'm terrified!!!!!  Hubby is coming though so I won't be alone.

Feeling - I'm exhausted.  I'm still in hyperalert mode, doesn't quite feel real, expecting the worse, tense as a dead horse etc. etc.

Next appointment - I see my midwife at the end of the month.

Not really a rant more of a dear diary share - Last pregnancy I had major spotting and cramps so I went in to Triage - I saw the baby and the heartbeat was 120, it was my birthday and I lost the baby later that day/s.  This was just this past June.  I'm trying really hard to be positive and just focus on today and distract myself by bumping but am emotionally all over the place yet still a bit numb.  I'm trying to tell myself that if we see a baby tomorrow with a good heartbeat I need to let some of this anxiety go!  Not getting too attached or too excited is not going to let it hurt any less if things don't work out again heaven forbid!

@ThePecks I find myself wishing I had a good medical reason for turning down DH. I don't even know who I am any more!  He did everything on the honey do list this weekend and was hoping for a reward lol!  Poor thing!  I can't even have a glass of wine to take the edge off my anxiety so I could help him out - I am just NOT in the mood!

skincare - oh man I don't have time for elaborate routines anymore.  Just remove makeup and wash with a cleanser at night, wash with a cleanser in the morning (Aveeno foaming wash).  For moisturizing, I use Hope in a Jar by philosophy -been using it for like 10 years I could probably do with an update/upgrade now that I have more 'mature' skin.

ThePecks

@caribbeanmama
early in my last pregnancy I was too tired to want to do anything so I feel ya!
I'm not going crazy or anything, but it's more of a mental block than anything: since I can't I want to!

MrsN092714

How far along are you?  
4/3

How are you doing?
I am feeling good about things today.  I had beta draws done last week at 3/5 and 4 weeks.  My first draw was done at about 1230 Wednesday and my HCG was at 153, Fridays draw was done a time 1030.  And was at 417!   The nausea arrived on Saturday (super early for me!) and as much as I hate feeling like shit it's reassuring. 

When is is your next appointment?
My dr is pleased with how my numbers are rising and said as long a second things keep going good for me not to com either back until Dec 9 at 8 weeks.  I am also going to call and book my dating scan today!

Rant/Raves/ Postive vibes:
@irishrose54 I am with you, I miss my drinks!  And I might really wondering how I can avoid everyone realizing I'm not drinking while on holidays with my parents for 4 days... they know I like my beverages and know about our loss and know we are trying, however I'm not really to spill the news until after that scan.

GTKY: 
Skin care routine?  I wash my face in the shower with whatever is in there for facewash.  I don't wear make up often but I forget to wash it off before bed about 70% of the time when I do....

irishrose54

@MrsN092714 a friend asked me last night if I was pregnant again. She said "this is the second time I've seen you and you aren't drinking" she also knows we were doing a round of IUI. I thought I would have no problem telling people again but I couldn't do it. I lied to her and just said "no, I am just not drinking bc I am trying to increase my chances of it working" - I think that when I finally do tell the news she will understand why I didn't say anything. 

MrsN092714

@leilac I am so happy they got you on supplements.  I hope you see all your numbers keep rising!

@ladipale Spotting is a cruel mind game.  I spotted with my first and when it started again with my second pregnancy I tried so hard to be okay with it, burn it didn't end well that time.  I am terrified to see red this time, even knowing it can end fine.  I hope you are handling it well. It's so nice that you have a friend that's an OB that you can turn to!  Wishing you luck with you scan tomorrow, let us know how it goes!

@thepecks So happy you got to see a heartbeat!  Seriously one of the most amazing things ever!

MrsN092714

@irishrose54 I think that's probably the route I'll try I find anything is said.  Just tell them that I am doing my best to be healthy so when it happens I'll feel that I've done all I can.  I think they will have a feeling but I'm hoping they don't push it.  I feel it was completely up to me I'd probably spill the beans but my husband really doesn't want anyone to know... fair enough.  He also loves his beverages so I'm hoping I can't convince him to drink less while we are visiting, that way it's a combined effort!

BabyBump2

Now that I can use my brain correctly and post in the right thread. 

How far along are you? I am not sure anymore. I go tomorrow for another blood draw and maybe an ultrasound. 

How are you doing? Not so good. I'm stressing out, I'm exhausted, I'm crabby. This whole being in limbo sucks. 

When is your next appointment? I have to go to OB triage tomorrow morning. Then I'm supposed to have an intake appointment Wednesday if all goes well. 

Rant/Rave/Positive Vibes: I am honestly being the biggest b*tch. I can't even help it. I feel real bad for everyone. 

GTKY: What's your skincare routine? I honestly don't have one. I just have some cheap soap that I use to wash my face. 

MimoCa

How far along are you?
7 weeks will find out exactly tomorrow.

How are you doing?
I'm alright, very mild symptoms which as me a bit worried.

When is your next appointment?

Next app is tomorrow, I'm nervous because the last time I had an US was when they discovered I had an ectopic or PUL.

Rant/Rave/Positive Vibes:
Sending myself positive mantras everyday.

GTKY: What's your skincare routine?
I used shiseido before but now I just use Burts Bees wash and moisturize with Jojoba oil.

MrsN092714

@mimoca FX your ultrasound today goes well!  Let us know!

mrs35

How far along are you?

5+4
How are you doing?
Alright. I had a Mmc before so that is still really messing with me. Even when I am feeling symptoms I know it doesn't always mean everything is ok and then when I'm not feeling many symptoms I worry. 
When is your next appointment?
12/5 but it is just the nurses visit. 
Rant/Rave/Positive Vibes:
I am a teacher and we had a half day Friday and then yesterday and today off from school! I live in a very rural area so we always get a school break for the opening of deer season. I don't hunt so I used the time to go visit my sister. 
GTKY: What's your skincare routine?

I use Rodan&Fields soothe line. It helps a lot with my dry skin. 

MimoCa

Poasible tw*******


@MrsN092714 my appointment didn't go as well as I hoped. Baby measured 6 weeks which is fine since I didn't have a date but also the heart rate is on the slow side at 96bpm. I have to go back in 2 weeks to reassess. My MIL thinks it's all fine though, and she's a retired OB so I'm hoping but I can't help googling everything and freaking myself out lol. Typical ;/

Edited for typos....

realgoodthing

@MimoCa Stepaway from Google!! Sending you good vibes for your next U/S!

MimoCa

@leilac thanks! I'm trying to keep away but google, you know how it is....just can't lol. I'm a super masochist.

MrsN092714

@mimoca Great that you saw a heartbeat!  From what little reading I have done right around the 100beats per min is totally normal for 6 weeks.  It's still very early and 2 weeks from now you'll see so much more.  Try not to stress over the next couple weeks and just look forward to getting to see your babe again.  

MimoCa

@MrsN092714 thanks! I will keep a positive thought for the coming weeks

flipflopped

@MimoCa gah...nothing like a little more to worry about hopefully hb is juston the low side and normals out soon!! hugs!

MimoCa

@flipflopped I know. I hope so too. I feel bad too because the heart beat was low  that made me  totally negated the fact that this is the furthest I gotten as last time I saw nothing at the ultrasound and that didn't end well.

flipflopped

@mimoca this might be the perfect time to keep a list of the positive. like you got further than before, there was a heartbeat, etc. something you can reference for when the negative thoughts start to take over. I have been keeping a mental one, but need to actually put pen to paper.

MimoCa

@flipflopped that is a great suggestion! I will keep a mental note but I should try to write it down too.

GG620

@mimoCa I am hoping for hte absolute best for you! Positive thoughts your way

Today I went to the bathroom and when I wiped had very, very light tinge of brown. I am now a total wreck of concern. I called and left a message with my OB's office and hoping they call back. I know it can be normal, but sigh...

MimoCa

@GG620 thank you.
Also I am told it's very normal to get some brown spotting which o is not bad since it denotes old blood. I know PGAL brain makes us all worry warts though! Urg. Sending good vibes your way too!

Runner313

Trigger Warning...(potentially)



Hi Ladies, I just wanted to post an update and I don't have it in me to start a new thread. My betas came back and it looks like this pregnancy may be a no go. The doubling time was 3.5 days and as most of you know, it should be 48-72 hours. My OB isn't throwing in the towel yet. He is claiming that they can lag at the beginning and then catch up. With my history, I know better. This will be my 4th miscarriage (5 babies since the last loss was twins). I don't know if I can go through yet another pregnancy if this one doesn't work out. I have two daughters and I am super grateful. 

MimoCa

@Runner313 I hope a miracle happens for you! Sending you positive thoughts!

realgoodthing

@Runner313 I'm so sorry. Truly truly hoping for the best for you!

flipflopped

@runner313 That has to be so tough to hear. Hugs and best wishes for a slow but steady start!! It doesn't matter how many living children you have you want this one too.

MrsN092714

@runner313 I am so sorry you are going through this.  Hoping for the very best for you.  FX

ladipale

@runner313 - I'm so sorry  

@MimoCa - at 6 weeks the heartbeat often mimics yours... it doesn't take off and get very fast until closer to 7 weeks. I agree with PP that you should keep a list of positives!

@GG620 - glad you called OB. spotting is awful  

** TW (all is good but involves PGAL brain stuff) **
As for me - on Monday I had a crazy bleed and passed a very large clot. Of course, I panicked. It ended as soon as it started. Went in for ultrasound yesterday and everything measuring right on track with a fetus and a heartbeat. OB couldn't find source of bleeding - thinks it was from cervix. she started me on progesterone - mostly because i asked to be on it. I go back next week for another check in because PGAL is awful and my OB is awesome.

realgoodthing

@ladipale So glad your OB is so awesome and the clot turned out to be nothing!

GG620

@runner313 I am sorry to hear this news, but am still hoping for the best for you. Be kind to yourself.

@ladipale I am so happy to hear that it was nothing and that you are progressing!