FTM Check-in Week of 4/3

jacksonbears

How far along are you?

Any appointments this week or last week? How did it go?

Cravings?

Rants/raves?

Questions for FTM, STM+?

GTKY: What's on your DVR right now? 

jacksonbears

How far along are you? 20 weeks and 4 days

Any appointments this week or last week? How did it go? Last week had the a/s, and loved every second of it. Next appt won't be for three weeks. 

Cravings? Just a bigger appetite 

Rants/raves? Have a friend's wedding on Saturday, can't wait! My sister's getting married in September, so we're doing her trial Saturday AM, looking forward to a fun weekend! 

Questions for FTM, STM+? If I'm having "popping" feelings down there, is that the baby kicking? Felt it a few times last night...

GTKY: What's on your DVR right now? I would say Vanderpump Rules, catching up on this season. Also, Big Little Lies, if you saw last night's episode, don't say anything! 

littlebug2010

How far along are you? 22 weeks tomorrow! 

Any appointments this week or last week? How did it go? Nope not until the 27th. 

Cravings? Nothing new.  Ive been hungrier than usual, and I have really had to make sure I space my eating out throughout the day.  I have a stash of mini cereal boxes in my desk at work, so I can have cereal and my usual smoothie! 

Rants/raves? Things are kicking into high gear with baby stuff.  We got into a day care, booked our childbirth/hospital tour (they book up super fast), started our registry and got our car seat and stroller this past weekend. Things are moving a lot faster now! 

Questions for FTM, STM+? None at the moment 

GTKY: What's on your DVR right now? Too Much! I have a lot of baking shows, and cooking shows, Once upon a time, Scandal, Greys.  I know there are more, and some are entire seasons, that we just havent caught up on.  We watch a ton of TV. 

@jacksonbears From what I feel, I would say "popping" might be baby.  However, I have learned that everyone feels something different.  My mom told me it would feel like fluttering, and my MIL said it was more like gas.  I didnt feel anything like that, I have felt pops and distinct rolls.  So I say that if it is something that you don't normally feel, and in the area where baby might be, then its very possible that its baby! 

mrsjqg1024

How far along are you? 19 +2

Any appointments this week or last week? How did it go? We have our AS this Thursday! So excited to see baby again. Hoping everything looks great and I'm excited to finally learn the sex. 

Cravings? Still sweet stuff. I went gangbusters for a while fulfilling all my craving, but I'm trying to back off a bit and not eat so much sugar. 

Rants/raves? Work has been so stressful recently. I cried twice at the office last week. I feel like every time I step into the building my blood pressure immediately goes up. Not sure how to make it better but I just keep thinking about August and having 3 months off when baby finally arrives. 

Questions for FTM, STM+? I feel like the baby is still sitting really low. I can literally feel the baby kicking against my bladder and I have to pee every hour it seems. I thought the baby would have moved up some by now. Anyone else have this?

GTKY: What's on your DVR right now? This Old House, and lots of random movies that we've recorded from Showtime. 

JWatt5

How far along are you?   
21w, 1d

Any appointments this week or last week? How did it go? 
Nothing this week - regular appt next week.

Cravings?  
Cucumbers, chocolate milk and smoothies. 

Rants/Raves?   
We've ordered furniture for the nursery and I've gotten started on the decor. Researching circumcision and delayed cord cutting to prepare some questions for my appt next week. I've gotten on two out of three preferred Day Care lists for 12 month/infants which awesome because it isn't easy around here now (this new 18 month leave here is making it so hard & expensive to get daycare at 12 months or earlier).

Questions for FTM, STM+?
Nothing for right now

GTKY: What's on your DVR right now? 
Nothing, I should learn how to use it. If I was using it then Grey's Anatomy and Scandal from last week cause I didn't get to watch it (but I usually use the CTV app/Apple TV to catch up on those!)

imwithbaby

@mrsjqg1024  we have our AS on Thursday as well!! Can't wait!


How far along are you? // 19+6

Any appointments this week or last week? How did it go? // AS on thursday, but we have to meet with an OB tomorrow. We are having a homebirth, but because I'm medicated for depression (mild), FL law says that we have to have an OB "ok" our homebirth. Pretty nervous about this, since not a lot of OBs are open to home births (even though statistics are on our side) and I'm worried she won't be open minded. Just kind of a frustrating situation since it feels like other people are making decisions about my body and birth without me. (Even more so since she has no clue what my mental health status is! Only a therapist would really even be able to make that assessment.) Positive thoughts for this would be so appreciated!

Cravings? // Chocolate!

Rants/raves? // Just reallllly want to feel this baby move! I *think* I felt some bubble-like sensations this morning but it's so hard to tell and then it goes away! 

Questions for FTM, STM+?

GTKY: What's on your DVR right now? // We don't have a DVR! But if we did it would be Southern Charm on bravo. Such great reality drama.

smallbutmighty77

@mrsmatt1212 sending good thoughts your way!! 

How far along are you? 22 + 3

Any appointments this week or last week? How did it go? Last week-fetal echo went well...this week=None!

Cravings? Fruit- which I prefer to all the salty I had been craving. 

Rants/raves? This weekend=couch and heat blanket because my lower back is a tense disaster. Not fun. 

Questions for FTM, STM+? When did you talk to a photographer for newborn shots? I know they say to get them in the first 10days if possible, but when did you 'book' someone? 

GTKY: What's on your DVR right now? My DH has is stocked on Walking Dead, some car show, and his other stuff. I cleared a lot this weekend during my back pain induced couch time. 

megaroo42

How far along are you? 20 weeks and 6 days! Time is flying by...

Any appointments this week or last week? How did it go? A/S this afternoon (so excited and nervous!) and then my OB check-in tomorrow morning. I have so many questions about our local birthing classes that I'm starting to feel bad for my OB tomorrow, haha.

Cravings? Meat, mayo-based salads (gross I know), sugary things

Rants/raves? Currently debating whether it is worth it to spend $100+ on a pair of maternity jeans. None of the ones from H&M Mama or GAP Maternity fit well, but I also can't believe I have to spend so much for a nice pair.

Questions for FTM, STM+? When does the line from your pubic bone to belly button start appearing? I don't have one yet, and I'm curious when it may show up so I don't freak out

GTKY: What's on your DVR right now? This Old House, some PBS shows and some British shows. I love the BBC and DH thinks he's the next carpenter, haha.

imwithbaby

@megaroo42 are you fair skinned? I am and just read this weekend that it might never show up on fair skinned people! 

SouthernMama15

@megaroo42 I got it at the very end of my first pregnancy,  within the last few weeks. Not everyone gets it, just like not everyone's belly button pops,  mine never did.

PinkPrincessPiper

@megaroo42 This is pregnancy #4, and I've never had the linea nigra. 

@smallbutmighty77 We've always had whoever the hospital contracts with take our newborn photos. However, I wasn't happy with the ones from our last LO, so I'm considering hiring photographer too. Delivery dates can be so varied, it seems like the photographer would want to know the EDD at least a couple months in advance. We are having a repeat c/s, so the date should be nailed down, and I am planning on booking someone by the end of the month. 

jacksonbears

@megaroo, i've always had a light line from my belly to pubic bone, and it's gotten darker, and now it's extended above my belly to midway through my stomach. If you've never noticed a line before, you probably won't get it. 

littlebug2010

@megaroo42 If you haven't tried motherhood maternity for pants, you should.  They are the only ones that fit me well, and they always seem to have good deals.  I have two pairs from the Jessica Simpson collection, and I got them for less 75 total! 

PinkPrincessPiper

littlebug2010 said:

@megaroo42 If you haven't tried motherhood maternity for pants, you should.  They are the only ones that fit me well, and they always seem to have good deals.  I have two pairs from the Jessica Simpson collection, and I got them for less 75 total! 

I second the Jessica Simpson collection at MM. She has some great maternity dresses as well. 

megaroo42

Thanks everyone for all of the help!!!

@mrsmatt1212 - I have an olive-toned complexion, so we'll see what happens!

@SouthernMama15 and @PinkPrincessPiper and @jacksonbears - I never had a line before pregnancy, so I'm thinking that maybe this will be the one thing that I don't get? Haha, now that I've said it I'm sure I'll be eating my words in a few weeks. I'll post if one decides to show up. 

@littlebug2010 - I'll have to check them out! I wasn't impressed by the quality of the MM tops/dresses, but I'm hoping their jeans may do the trick. Onto the online shopping hole!

littlebug2010

@megaroo42 I can agree that some of the stuff from MM is not as comfortable, but I love their stretchy shirts, and the Jeans I have are amazing.  I also found two sweatshirts on sale as well (I get super cold in AC, so I need them year round).  The sale and clearance is awesome.  

knottie0d8cc4d43bacc09f

@megaroo42 Good luck at the A/S today!!

@mrsmatt1212  Fingers crossed for you! Hope they aren't too strict and let you have the birth experience you really want! Worst case... if the OB says no, maybe you can get a second opinion?

@littlebug2010 Our hospital was the same! I called super early (like 16 weeks) to ask about the prep classes, and most spring class dates were already full.

How far along are you? 21 + 5

Any appointments this week or last week? How did it go? None - next appointment is at the end of April. 

Cravings? Still reaching for those salty foods... loving popcorn. 

Rants/raves? Rant: People in my office are driving me nuts today. I can currently hear one guy chomping on a bag of chips 4 rows away from me. And this morning, a guy next to me sneezed maybe 20 times in a row. People were saying "bless you" and then after his 5th sneeze everyone stopped. Gross. 
Rave: It's supposed to be 50 and sunny today! Going for a quick walk after lunch. 

Questions for FTM, STM+? STM+ - I feel like I know the answer to this question... but do you ever stop feeling like you have to pee every 30 minutes?! I've heard it only gets worse in 3rd trimester and I'm scared to think about that haha. 

GTKY: What's on your DVR right now? DH and I love Modern Family. Also started watching Sherlock Holmes which is awesome. 

littlebug2010

@secicc12 My hospital has signups on eventbright, and all of the late May ones were sold out weeks ago, so I knew that if I wanted to get the weekend that worked the best (its a 9-5 class, but just one day), I had to do it once the sign up went up.  I stalked the page all day April 1 to see when it came up.  I went in and 5 spots were already gone, but we got in! Its sold out today! BTW this class is for June 17!

LSP87

@jacksonbears -- It more than likely is. At first it feels kind of like flutters, then a bit of gas, then picks up to more of a popping type of feeling. It can take you by surprise like whoa whats that?! Everyone feels things a little differently, but I'm betting you are feeling baby.

@mrsjqg1024 -- In my experience, both my babies have liked to hang out pretty low and kick the hell out of my bladder. My son stayed low and got into position very early on. So far, my daughter is hanging low as well but is breech as of my AS last week.

@smallbutmighty77 -- I spoke with my photographer about 2 weeks ago. Last time, I booked her way in advance because we did a pregnancy / infant package of photos every 3 months until my son reached a year. At the time, it sounded great but I hated going every 3 months. I'd say to contact your photographer no later than..3 months before you're due? I am a procrastinator at heart so went in the totally opposite direction when it came to that because I was scared I would be too late.

@megaroo42 -- I never got a dark line. I expected that I would because I've had a slightly visible light line going all the way down the middle whenever I tanned ever since I was a kid. I'm of Mexican descent, kind of on the pale side.

imwithbaby

@secicc12 your rant makes my skin crawl and I'm no where near your office. People are so annoying. 

cmmiller531

I third the Jessica Simpson maternity!

LSP87

@secicc12 I'm sorry but it never got any better for me. The combination of a heavy baby (that likes to use your bladder as a punching bag) and uterus along with all the water we have to drink..just doesn't mesh well. 

SarahBethBR

How far along are you? 20 weeks today!

Any appointments this week or last week? How did it go? Surprise appointment last week after I called about vaginal pressure/pain.  Cervix was good, no signs of infection, and got to hear both heartbeats!  It was a nice surprise since I was in the longest stretch so far without an appointment.

Cravings?  Anything sour, especially lemon flavored.  And CARBS.

Rants/raves?  I JUST replaced my windshield wipers, like 2 or 3 weeks ago, and I noticed the rubber strip is coming off of one of them today.  So annoying.

Questions for FTM, STM+?  I have the same question about newborn photography.  Also, studio, or in home?  I'm totally torn.

GTKY: What's on your DVR right now?  We don't have cable so no DVR.  But I'm currently tearing through Gilmore girls.

britvahok

@secicc12 peeing gets so much worse in the 3rd trimester. I didn't stop feeling like I had to pee every 30 minutes until after delivery. 

knottie0d8cc4d43bacc09f

@LSP87 @britvahok Yayyyy for peeing. 

lewliv

How far along are you? 20 +2

Any appointments this week or last week? How did it go? A/S on Wednesday. So excited to see the baby. 

Cravings? Ice cream everyday! 

Rants/raves? I finally felt the baby moving last week. I laid on my belly at the beach and the baby decided that it was not a good position 

Questions for FTM, STM+? When do you start feeling "uncomfortable"? I'm trying to figure out when to stop traveling for work. I know I can travel until pretty late but I want to stop while I still feel good. 

GTKY: What's on your DVR right now? Walking Dead, Grey's Anatomy, and Homeland. 

LSP87

@SarahBethBR - We opted for in-home for newborn pictures last time and we will do the same this time as well. She brought a choice of a few different set ups as well as a very hungry caterpillar outfit which we used. Nothing super fancy or ornate, but I was happy with the pictures. I did not want to deal with going anywhere with a newborn yet.

LSP87

@LivLew - That's so hard to gauge because everyone is so different. I;m already very uncomfortable and find walking pretty difficult. I would check to see when your OB or midwife suggest you stop or limit traveling.

kvh22

@megaroo42 They sell MM and JS maternity jeans at Macy's too. You can order them online and do BOGO 50% off (not sure if MM has better deals).

@jacksonbears I would describe the first movements I felt like fluttering but I'd say it's progressed to something similar to popping now that baby is a bit bigger.

How far along are you? 20 weeks

Any appointments this week or last week? How did it go? A/S on Friday and everything looked good Regular 20 week OB appointment this upcoming Friday.

Cravings? Just hungry, starting to think I'm just never going to get my desire for meat and chicken back.

Rants/raves? Rant: I have tiny red bumps on my stomach, maybe a dozen total but it wasn't that bad until about a week ago. It honestly only bothers me right now because DH and I are going to hawaii in a week and I'm planning to wear 2 piece swimsuits. Otherwise, I wouldn't really care. Rave: Can't wait for our vacation!

Questions for FTM, STM+? We got a profile shot of the stomach and head at the A/S but no larger pic out of the 70 total taken. So glad everything is good with baby and that was the main concern going into the appointment but had been thinking we'd get a more zoomed out view and pic. We are team green so wondering if that was why we didn't get a full view? or is it normal because the baby is so big by that scan that they can't fit it in the view? Again, don't want to minimize how thrilled we were to hear and see that baby is doing well, just curious about other people's experiences.
Also, anyone else feeling pain or discomfort on internal organs? They aren't sharp, super intense, or for very long, but I am wondering if the baby is potentially hitting things in there? It's total different than any gas or indigestion discomfort but it seems early for it to be baby on my organs, although I can definitely feel lots of movement. I'm planning to ask my doctor on Friday but interested if any other FTMs or STMs have had the same and know what might be.

GTKY: What's on your DVR right now? We use on demand and don't have DVR. We have last week's John Oliver to catch up on but just got up to speed on The Americans, Billions, and Big Little Lies which had all been on the list for a while.

Kathryn0903

How far along are you?
22 weeks 5 days

Any appointments this week or last week? How did it go?
nothing till glucose test next Friday 

Cravings?
Donuts and I never liked donuts before

Rants/raves?
Rant - I went 12 days without throwing up and it came back today. So sick of this!

Questions for FTM, STM+?
Are hot flashes a thing? Literally got so hot the other night. It was 40 and I had the window down in the car!
How did others deal with acclimating the baby to any pets? I only have cats, so not too concerned, but am slightly worried my one cat might jump into the crib.

GTKY: What's on your DVR right now? 
No DVR, but love Greys Anatomy, reality TV(survivor, amazing race), and anything off of HGTV or Food Network.

Kathryn0903

@megaroo42 I have a slight linea nigra now. Very light currently so I definitely barely notice it. 

littlebug2010

@kvh22 I had a strange rash in November that went into December (got my BFP right in the middle).  Mine wasnt really bumps, but red splotches.  They itched like crazy, and DH had to put calamine lotion all over me (super sexy).  My Dr just told me to wash everything in fragrance free stuff (which we already did) and change my soap out.  They eventually went away, and I still have no idea what they were. . .  I would suggest doing the same, but also call your Dr, so that they can give you any other ideas.  

@Kathryn0903 I dont know a lot about introducing baby and animal, But I have seen crib "tents" that you can put over the crib when baby is sleeping so that your cat cant jump on baby and suffocate them.  I think DH and I plan to send a blanket home from the hospital with my friend who will be watching our dog, so he gets the smell, and then when we come home, trying to act as normal as possible with him.  We already have some of the stuff out for him to get used to (the stroller being the big one).   Also, hot flashes are totally a symptom.  I get them as well.  From what I have read is that the heat starts off as flashes, but then you eventually can just feel a lot warmer than usual.  My mom told me that when she had my sister in NOV (in Maine), she had the windows open all the time becuase she was so hot! 

lewliv

@LSP87 Thank you for your input! Midwife said I could travel in the US until 36wks. I feel like I'll not want to travel before that. I'm just having a hard time telling my boss when I'm done. I guess I'll stop at 30. 

@Kathryn0903 my friends with cats are not having any issues. The cats are pretty chill around the babies but they do keep the nursery door closed when the baby's sleeping. 

imwithbaby

@kvh22 I would look up PUPPS and see if that's similar to what you're experiencing with the red bumps! Usually it's more common in the third tri, but could ease your mind

knottie0d8cc4d43bacc09f

@Kathryn0903 Noooo to the vomiting! I'm sorry to hear it's back...that seriously sucks.

LSP87

@Kathryn0903 Hot flashes are totally a thing! Thanks a lot, hormones. Night sweats are the worst. Mine got better ones my hormones went back to normal a few months after my son was born..In fact, I believe they were the worst after delivery.

As far as your intro to pets question, we were very careful. We had a big dog (pit bull mix) and several cats when my son was born. We first allowed them to smell his clothes and carrier, then progressed to allowing them to see him, then allowing them to approach him in his carrier or in the swing. I was extremely cautious with that as I didn't want to put my child or my pet in a stressful situation where the pet might get scared and accidentally hurt the baby out of fear. They could sense I did not want them near and pretty much steered clear other than to sleep near him on the floor while he was in his pack n play or swing until he got older. I never had an issue with any of them trying to climb in with him--I had 5 cats--although they did sneak into his pnp and bassinet when he wasn't inside. I don't think they're usually very interested in a loud, small creature anyway lol.

**edited for clarity**

LSP87

@kvh22 I have felt sharp, stabbing pains as well (last pregnancy as well as this one). It's worse when I lay in certain positions until it passes. In my experience though, it's constipation pain.

knottie0d8cc4d43bacc09f

@LSP87 Bless you for having 5 cats, a dog and a newborn in your house all at once. 

LSP87

@secicc12 Trying to save the world...thanks a lot, Sarah McLachlan! 

BlackNYellow

How far along are you? 19+2 

Any appointments this week or last week? How did it go? A/S not for another 2 weeks  

Cravings? ice cream as of the last week FML 

Rants/raves? I just started developing pubic symphysis pain. Is this lightening crotch because it really does feel like it sometimes. 

Questions for FTM, STM+? Going off the random thread...did you buy yourself anything from your registry? 

GTKY: What's on your DVR right now? I'm so boring and don't watch TV much but DH and I save Amazing Race for Sunday nights (like it used to be). The first episode was this past week and I like it so far! 

smallbutmighty77

@LSP87 I can NOT handle that commercial. We have a rescue pup and every time I see that, I start crying about how we aren't doing enough to save the animals.
Meanwhile severe cat allergies=No cats, and our 'she will be 50lbs' rescue ended up 80lbs. That is all I can handle right now, but that commercial makes me feel like a failure. Just rip my heart out. 

@Kathryn0903 We were advised on the smelling clothes before baby comes home, never leaving them alone for a long time, and since my DH is alpha in our house and my pup is very much a pack dog, we were told he is who should bring the baby in when we bring her home. That way our dog associates baby with something her 'alpha' wants protected, instead of just another member of the pack to play with.