FTM Check-in: Week of 7/31

jacksonbears

How far along are you? 

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

Cravings?

Rants/Raves?

Questions for FTM, STM+?

GTKY: What will you miss most about being pregnant? 

jacksonbears

How far along are you? 37 weeks and 4 days...

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? Had one this morning, regular 38 week check-up. It went well, they didn't check the cervix. But said baby is low, her chin was a few inches from my pubic bone. She said she's low and in position, but that doesn't mean much. It can be 2 days or 2 weeks...

Cravings? I feel like some of this is dying down. I was craving lots of sweets, but now, my appetite feels more suppressed. 

Rants/Raves? I'm happy to hear the baby is in position, and I really hope it happens soon! She didn't check my cervix though. I asked if I can get a membrane sweep, she said when we're closer to 40 weeks. 

Questions for FTM, STM+? I'm starting to have lots of cramping and back pains. Yesterday I had 4 contractions about 5-6 minutes apart, then it stopped. Doctor said it was normal. Anyone having these? 

GTKY: What will you miss most about being pregnant? I feel others are catering to me. Which is nice, but will be missed. Once baby's here, it's all about her, and I'm totally happy with that

smallbutmighty77

How far along are you?  39+3 

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? Weds- Since Friday is my due date, I am guessing there will be some discussion around induction/ how long my Dr. will let me go. 

Cravings?

Rants/Raves? Thurs is my MIL bday and she has told me she is happy to share- since my DH starts a brand new job the 14th, with a 1+hr  commute both ways, it would be nice for baby to make an appearance sometime end of this week, so we have a few days at home figuring it all out, but it'll happen when it happens.

Questions for FTM, STM+? Hardest thing about the first week home? I hear the first week or so baby is still really sleepy etc so it isn't as rough, once into the third week it gets tougher. 

GTKY: What will you miss most about being pregnant? I loved that no one judged what I wore. I dressed cute, but there were more repeats than usual, I wore gym shoes toward the end with everything, and everyone understood. I will miss all the kicks and actual baby stuff- but in terms of exterior bonus- that was nice.

littlebug2010

How far along are you? 39 weeks tomorrow 

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? Same ol' OB and US.  I think I am going to cancel my last US becuase On Friday, despite me feeling him move around, he didnt want to move for the tech, and it made both of us nervous, but the second that we left, he was moving all around like crazy (and has been all weekend, so it was pointless stress).  I dont feel like we need any extra stress this close to the due date. 

Cravings? As much as I love ice cream, I really really want a Margarita!!!!! I can not wait until I can have one! 

Rants/Raves? Ive hit the point where everyone is calling to see how im feeling.  I feel pretty good, im not even uncomfortable, and I just tell them fine.  I think they are getting annoyed, but I really dont have any complaints.  Not to mention, all of the people who are calling, are people who will be made aware when its go time, and when he arrives, before facebook, so its not like they are going to miss out on anything.  

My poor parents are facing having to put down our childhood dog, Layla, this week  .  She is 13 and really fading fast. In reality they should have done this a while ago, but I cant imagine having to make that decision.  They called me last night to talk about it, and I could hear her barking in the background, and it made me cry, knowing that I most likely wont hear her again. Im also really glad that they are planning this for before my LO comes, so they wont have to worry about putting her in a kennel while they visit (she cant take long drives).  I know they are heartbroken, but I just hope she goes easily. 

Questions for FTM, STM+? How many sleeping/nursing bras did you have?  I have 3 nursing bras, but they are daytime ones (that I am wearing now too), one sleep one, and one pumping/nursing one.  Ive been debating getting another pack of sleep bras, but then I wonder if I should spend the money on a second hands free pumping bra instead (we plan to pump early on). Or should I just get both?  

GTKY: What will you miss most about being pregnant?  
A LOT!  I will miss the kicks, and crazy positions he gets in, most of all.  However, the fact that I can lay on the couch all day if I want, no judgement when I get the larger ice cream, and the ability to wear flip flops every day!  I really have enjoyed this whole experience, and I can see why some women have a crazy number of kids, but I know for sure, that 3 will be my max, and potentially only 2.  

SouthernMama15

@smallbutmighty77 for me I would say it was the hormones. I honestly thought I would feel like myself again pretty quickly and was quite shocked that I was more emotional after delivering than before.  We had lots of guests and I was mentally and physically exhausted. DS lost a lot of weight in the hospital so we had to be super vigilant about feeding every 3 hours. He slept really well and we had to set alarms to get up and feed him till he was back up to birth weight. It also seemed like we had to change his pack and play bedding multiple times at night till we found out what diapers didn't leak.  I would be up for an hour and a half every 3 hours. 

SouthernMama15

@littlebug2010 I would honestly wait until baby is born, your boobs will most likely get bigger as your milk comes in and you may need a larger side. I stocked up on multiple kinds when I found them on sale, but my milk never came in. I can't use most of them this time because I gained weight between pregnancies and my boobs are even bigger. I did see bravado has an accessory that allows you to convert most of their nursing bras into pumping bras 

https://www.bravadodesigns.com/ca/products/clip-and-pump-hands-free-nursing-bra-accessory?variant=30139027149

BlackNYellow

How far along are you? 36+2 

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? Weekly appts start tomorrow 

Cravings? I just want to eat everything in sight  

Rants/Raves? I still have a rash on both arms that is spreading. The itchiness is under control at least. I'm going to ask my OB about it tomorrow. 

Questions for FTM, STM+? When do you recommend getting an epidural? Is there a right time to get one? My hospital will do a straight cath for urinary distention. How often will they do that? I've heard having a full bladder can stall labor progress and I don't want that to happen. 

GTKY: What will you miss most about being pregnant? Feeling the baby move inside of me! 

littlebug2010

@SouthernMama15 Thanks.  I bought the bravado ones becuase my only bras that fit, broke, and I needed something, so I bought with room.  The sleep one I have and the pump one are both the largest size, and they both have room for some growth. I am just concerned that I will have a crazy amount of bra laundry to do, and IF I buy more, that might relieve some of it, but then again, maybe not. 

SouthernMama15

@littlebug2010 that was what I was worried about, but then I wound up pissed because I didn't need them and I felt like I wasted money. I think you can get the bravado ones on Amazon so if you have prime you could get them pretty quick.  Tanks would probably be ok to go ahead and order as they are not so specific. There are some pretty inexpensive multipacks on Amazon 

brookeelyse527

@BlackNYellow I had epidural in for about 4 hours and was straight cathed only once. I'm not sure the protocol. While she was stitching me up, I had no control of bladder and out everything went. Seemed to pee buckets. Embarrassing.
Regarding timing, I waited til I couldn't take the pain anymore. I had pitocin and it was awful. The epidural actually helped me progress from 4-10 in 3 hours.  

knottie0d8cc4d43bacc09f

@smallbutmighty77 I'd echo what @SouthernMama15 said.  That first week for me was pretty easy because DD would sleep so well since she was still sleepy from the jaundice. We also had to set alarms to wake her up. Then once she started to get stronger around weeks two and three, it became a little less easy. She was waking on her own and eating way more. The baby blues are also very real. I would randomly burst into tears those first few days and have no idea why I was crying. It sucks!  But don't worry, everything levels out eventually and that feeling randomly just disappeared for me. I also think the lack of sleep isn't so bad the first week, but tends to catch up with you the second and third. Thank God for my mom who stepped in and took over one of the night feedings with a bottle so I could sleep longer than 2 to 3 hours at a time. 

WineAndDogs

How far along are you? 

37+2

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

Have one coming up on Wednesday

Cravings?

Pizza, at the moment. 

Rants/Raves?

Rant: I still don't have a diaper bag. I can't pick one I like, don't really know what I want, and the one I do kinda like it way too much money. 
I'm also just getting tired. I really still do feel good overall, but the lack of sleep and worry about getting everything ready is starting to catch up. I know that in the scheme of things it doesn't matter than the nursery is done, I just don't want to be organizing and taking care of a newborn at the same time. I can get help from my mom and friends, I just wish I didn't need it. 
Rave: Shower was yesterday, it was very overwhelming to come home to so many things without a place to put them at the moment, but it was a great day. 

Questions for FTM, STM+?

Probably, none that I can think of. I post again if I remember them. 

GTKY: What will you miss most about being pregnant? 
Definitely the movement as well as having the babe all the myself.

kvh22

Shoutout to @bumpybump, @SouthernMama15, @secicc12, @Nxy, @brookedeyo and all the other STMs+ who consistently come here to answer our questions. You ladies have been one of the most valuable resources during this experience. THANK YOU!

How far along are you? 37 weeks

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? Last Friday - went well. My dr. doesn't do cervical checks until 39 weeks for FTMs unless you have contractions. Next appt on Wednesday.

Cravings? Ice cream. Ate way to much of it on Friday and Saturday so trying to cut back and have smoothies instead.

Rants/Raves? Rave: I think the baby dropped! I am most excited about this because I am feeling so much relief from the excruciating rib pain I had for the last 2-3 weeks.
Rant: baby dropping also means my bladder capacity is at a new low. Honestly, this hadn't been bad for me at all this pregnancy until the past few days so I won't complain too much.

Questions for FTM, STM+? Any recommendations for books or websites that outline good milestone and things we should be doing for development like tummy time - looking for something a little more comprehensive than an article on TB or a similar (click-driven) site.

GTKY: What will you miss most about being pregnant? Definitely feeling the baby move in my stomach, like other ladies have said.

knottie0d8cc4d43bacc09f

@kvh22 FTM here...of 3 weeks  just wanted to finally be able to answer questions while I'm right in the middle of the experience. I totally agree our STMs have been amazing at answering questions. And I'm finding their advice was spot on. 

mrsjqg1024

How far along are you? 36 + 2 

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? Had an impromptu one today because of being up all night with pelvic pain/pressure and lower back cramps. OB checked me and baby is SUPER low. Prolly why I'm feeling like I am. Still not dilated or effaced though. 

Cravings? I made chocolate chip banana bread yesterday and it's been really hard to not eat the entire loaf in one sitting. 

Rants/Raves? Rave: Glad that baby has dropped. Hope he stays that way! I know it could still be weeks before anything happens but that's ok. I'm definitely uncomfortable but want him to come when he's ready. Rant: Only getting 3 hours of sleep last night has put me in zombie mode right now. I'm just hoping I can get more sleep tonight and that this isn't the start of a trend. 

Questions for FTM, STM+? For our new FTM and/or STM- how long did your labor begin after baby had dropped? I've read it could still be weeks away or it could be fairly quickly. Just wanted to see what other's experiences were! 

GTKY: What will you miss most about being pregnant? Feeling the baby move and knowing that he's safe with me the whole time. 

Kathryn0903

@BlackNYellow if you have a hard time with pain or doctors, I recommend getting the epidural early. I have white coat syndrome and was having a hard time being comfortable with the cervix checks, but contractions were no big deal for me at the time. I was only 1-2 dilated, but because of how uncomfortable I was with the cervix checks, my doctor had me get the epidural early. I had a catheter immediatelyg then, but I really didn't mind.

SpotConlon

@kvh22 I met our pediatrician last week and they gave us a booklet that outlined a lot of newborn baby stuff and advice. It's short and sweet. I don't know if your pediatrician would have something similar?

jacksonbears

@mrsjqg1024 i'm wondering the same thing. The baby dropped, and is low right now. My doc said her chin was a few inches from my pubic bone, so the head is further in. My doctor said it can be a couple of weeks. Would love to hear any experience from others..

SouthernMama15

@kvh22 thanks! I know how scary the unknown is and I figure why not help in any way I can.  

kvh22

@secicc12 haha oops! I knew that, too...just doing too many things at once. Still really appreciate you answering our questions now that you've had your little one!!

imwithbaby

How far along are you? // 37 weeks tomorrow!

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? // Prenatal tomorrow, childbirth ed on Thursday. Got results back that I'm GBS negative so that's helpful!

Cravings? // Same as @jacksonbears

I feel like they're dying down, along with my appetite

Rants/Raves? RANT this effing ringworm that is getting worse and spreading. It's all over my belly and chest. Had to go to the dermatologist today to get something more powerful, since I'm nervous about having it when baby arrives (it's contagious) and doing breastfeeding/skin to skin. She confirmed its ringworm and I got two prescriptions to hopefully knock it out. Also, why are ALL dermatologists really pretty??! She walked in all glowing and beautiful and I'm like "here look at my rashy belly" 

Questions for FTM, STM+? // Same as @mrsjqg1024, how long until your labor after baby dropped? LO dropped last week and I've heard 2 weeks for FTMs.

GTKY: What will you miss most about being pregnant? // I get bloated really easily when I'm not pregnant, which makes me LOOK pregnant. So I'm going to miss actually having a distended belly for a reason 

bumpybump

@jacksonbears contractions coming and going are totally normal. My rule is if they don't go away after I walk or lay down and drink water, pay more attention and time them. 

@smallbutmighty77 based solely on memory for me, recovering from a csection brought some "fun" things. General pain and slow movement along with getting in and out of bed. Also, that first poop was horrible for me (different for everyone though). 

@littlebug2010 I have four nursing bras total (two for day and two for night) and two hands-free pumping bras. 

@BlackNYellow when to get an epidural is up to you and your pain tolerance. I remember saying to my husband, "it hurts but is it really bad enough for me to get the epidural already?" Then I remember saying, "Why not? It's available and I'll take it." I just read DD's birth story yesterday and I got it around 5 or 6 cm. I plan to make it at least that far this time too. Epidurals can help people relax and thus progress more too. But discuss it with your medical staff. 

@kvh22 thanks for the shout out!  Glad to help. 

I'm no help on your question though as I'm a go with the flow mom and never even read a book to prepare to be a mom. 

Dropping wise, I'm zero help. DD never fully dropped and this kid isn't budging either. 

littlebug2010

@bumpybump thanks!  I think I'll hold off, and see what I need after he is here. 

bumpybump

@littlebug2010 something to note on the hands-free pumping bras...I always managed to get breast milk on them every time. Basically, the suctioning of the pump would "trap" some breastmilk in the flanges so once done and I removed them, milk would get on the bra. So I definitely recommend two of them. 

littlebug2010

@bumpybump Thank you!  I never even thought about that! 

lovemy3plus

I would say it's always nice to have a second one for the same reason. But you can always order a second one if you need it quickly enough nowadays on Amazon. I like the Pump Strap because it adjusted. I lost 19 lbs after my 2nd one and it still fit me.