Questions - Week of August 7

kiki75

npkat

posted this in Random too since there was no question post yet, but here's my question... 

Is a transverse uterus the same as a tilted or retroverted uterus? I ask because on my ultrasound today they said I had a transverse uterus and made a note of it. When I google transverse, tilted and retroverted pop up.  Just wondering if anyone has had that and what it implies? I didn't really think to ask until later.. I was too focused on that little heart beating. Thanks!

newmomtx06

 I just got a call from my nurse telling me that I tested positive as a carrier for cystic fibrosis. My husband is making an appointment to be tested. I'm freaking out a little bit as I've never known of any history of cystic fibrosis and my family. Has anyone else tested positive for cystic fibrosis? How did it turn out?

kiki75

That's where it was! I couldn't remember where I saw your post. For the future, if a thread hasn't been started, you can totally start it.

I haven't heard the term transverse and I found about the same thing you did. Typically retroverted/tilted means it leans to the back but I would think that transverse would mean tilted sideways (since that's what the word usually means) but I couldn't find anything on it. I have been told I have a tilted uterus but for mine, it looks like it leans left in the x-ray I had (HSG). I'm not sure if it leans back as well. What they do tell me is that it's a normal variation, just like if your second toe is longer than your big toe and that it doesn't usually mean much of anything. (Personally I wonder if it did impact my fertility since I did end up pregnant both times I had IUIs. It may also have been the drugs but I also wonder if it was the semen delivery.) Generally once you start hitting second tri or so, it straightens up and pushes into where it should be. A couple things to be aware of if yours is actually tipped back (towards your back), it can put some pressure on your colon so you probably want to be extra sure you're always getting enough fiber. And, if it's tilted back, it may take a little longer to feel kicks or hear the HB on a doppler so don't freak if you go to an appointment and they can't hear it with the doppler.

npkat

@kiki75 thanks so much for your reply! I was kind of wondering the same thing for the infertility you mentioned.. we went through 8 rounds of fertility meds and were about to start injections when we had this shocking spontaneous pregnancy.. I also do not ovulate regularly even with meds though either. And good to know about the constipation.. I've already been suffering pretty bad from it so that could be it, along with all the extra progesterone. And definitely thanks for the heads up on the Doppler HB and kicks. Im putting it in my list of things to ask my doc when I see him again in a few weeks.

chasingroygbiv

@newmomtx06 Hi! I am a carrier as well as my daughter. My husband is not a carrier, at least not in all of the types they checked him for (there are a lot, they checked specifically for the mutation I am a carrier for). This is good information for you to know because even if your husband is not a carrier, your child still could be and his/her newborn screening could come back flagged (meaning they, too, would be a carrier). It's a scary thing to think about, but I think your chances are good that your hubby isn't a carrier. Does this help?

vflux33

@newmomtx06 I'm sorry you got this news. I'm not a carrier for cystic fibrosis but I am a carrier for a rare disease (which we had no idea was in my family either) that works similarly: don't freak out yet (I know that's hard because it is upsetting). Keep in mind there is a really good chance your husband is not a carrier AND even if he is there is a 75% chance any child of yours would NOT have the actual disease. If it turns out he is a carrier you will probably be advised to do a CVS or amnio to see if the fetus is afflicted. Statistics are on your side, and you will get a conclusive answer soon. And @chasingroygbiv is totally right that this is something that is good to know-- you can make your kids aware of it, and I'd also tell any brothers/sisters/other relatives of child bearing age so they can be tested to see if they are carriers. Knowledge is power and you can do your family members a huge solid by alerting them. 

JamieK1882

I apologize if this has been asked in previous weeks (searched but didn't see it), but what are everyone's thoughts on highlighting/dying hair while pregnant?

I was a natural brunette for like 3 years and of course as soon as I got highlights-boom pregnant! Now the roots are coming in and trying to figure out what to do.

pbtoast

newmomtx06 said:

 I just got a call from my nurse telling me that I tested positive as a carrier for cystic fibrosis. My husband is making an appointment to be tested. I'm freaking out a little bit as I've never known of any history of cystic fibrosis and my family. Has anyone else tested positive for cystic fibrosis? How did it turn out?

My SIL is a carrier and my brother was tested and was not a carrier, so their baby couldn't be. Even if they both were carriers, though, there's still only a percentage (that I can't remember) that their baby would be- and a percentage that he would actually have it. It's weird, though, lots of people in my SIL's family are carriers but there's no history of anyone having it! 

StephBrim24

JamieK1882 said:

I apologize if this has been asked in previous weeks (searched but didn't see it), but what are everyone's thoughts on highlighting/dying hair while pregnant?

I was a natural brunette for like 3 years and of course as soon as I got highlights-boom pregnant! Now the roots are coming in and trying to figure out what to do.

Typically they say don't dye your hair but highlighting is fine since technically it's not supposed to really have contact with your scalp. I am due for a highlighting appointment too. This summer was the first time I started doing highlights too - I've always kept it natural brunette. 

muggle621

JamieK1882 said:

I apologize if this has been asked in previous weeks (searched but didn't see it), but what are everyone's thoughts on highlighting/dying hair while pregnant?

I was a natural brunette for like 3 years and of course as soon as I got highlights-boom pregnant! Now the roots are coming in and trying to figure out what to do.

This was one of the first questions I asked my doctor and he said it was fine to dye my hair in a well ventilated room. 

newmomtx06

@chasingroygbiv @vflux33 @pbtoast thanks for the reassurance ladies! I was panicking a bit but seeing the actual statistics helped a lot. My husband is getting tested on Thursday and we should hear in a week. I'll keep you all updated!

hullabalou

JamieK1882 said:

I apologize if this has been asked in previous weeks (searched but didn't see it), but what are everyone's thoughts on highlighting/dying hair while pregnant?

I was a natural brunette for like 3 years and of course as soon as I got highlights-boom pregnant! Now the roots are coming in and trying to figure out what to do.

Everything I've read is that it's perfectly fine. Some doctors say to wait until after first tri out of an abundance of caution, but there is no evidence that there is any risk from hair dye at any point of pregnancy. Hair stylists are able to work throughout pregnancy with no issue. If you dye at home, make sure it's a well ventilated area and wear gloves (which is what you should do whether you're pregnant or not.)

I lightened my hair a few weeks before my BFP and my roots were horrible. I just dyed it back last week to my natural dark brunette so I won't deal with touch ups the whole pregnancy.

ETA: I have heard that hormones can make the hair dye turn out a different shade than intended. I'm not sure how true that is though.

ivfgotthistwice

What cramps are normal and what kind of cramps are concerning? 

[Deleted User]

ivfgotthistwice said:

What cramps are normal and what kind of cramps are concerning? 

I think it's only a problem if they are huge, and really painful.  Like think of the worst period cramps you've felt.  If they are that level for an extended period of time then I would call your RE.  

But if it's just little nudging cramps that sort of come and go then that's just your ute growing larger and making room for baby.

ivfgotthistwice

Thank you @antoto I never had them with my first so it's all new! 

Ktjennks

@newmomtx06 Does this mean that the baby carries the gene for cystic or that baby could possibly have it? My 1st born is a carrier of sickle cell (spelling?) but the doctors have said that she only carries the gene and that it usually just means that if she has a child with some one who also carries the gene then their child could possibly have sickle cell. (She got the gene from husband's side of the family, he does not carry the gene but his mom said that his granddad carried the gene) 

edit for specification..

GG620

Just curious - anyone else having a mixed race jelly bean? I have not seen any threads mention it.

I'm white (irish, german, dutch, french-canadian mutt) and DH is asian (vietnamese and chinese). I am so crazy curious what our little one will look like! Also gets me thinking about how we will incorporate things from both cultures into his/her life.  

[Deleted User]

GG620 said:

Just curious - anyone else having a mixed race jelly bean? I have not seen any threads mention it.

I'm white (irish, german, dutch, french-canadian mutt) and DH is asian (vietnamese and chinese). I am so crazy curious what our little one will look like! Also gets me thinking about how we will incorporate things from both cultures into his/her life.  

I'm having a hapa baby too!  I'm white (European mutt) and H is full Chinese.

Also I have only recessive traits (red hair, blue eyes, freckles, etc) so I'm SUPER curious how this will play out.

DDRRT1982

GG620 said:

Just curious - anyone else having a mixed race jelly bean? I have not seen any threads mention it.

I'm white (irish, german, dutch, french-canadian mutt) and DH is asian (vietnamese and chinese). I am so crazy curious what our little one will look like! Also gets me thinking about how we will incorporate things from both cultures into his/her life.  

We are not mixed race, but we are two different religions.  My husband is Jewish and I am Christian.  We pretty much celebrate all holidays and holy days.  My husband wants to primarily raise them Jewish, but my belief is that we can expose them to both and they can choose when they are older.

crossfitbabybump

GG620 said:

Just curious - anyone else having a mixed race jelly bean? I have not seen any threads mention it.

I'm white (irish, german, dutch, french-canadian mutt) and DH is asian (vietnamese and chinese). I am so crazy curious what our little one will look like! Also gets me thinking about how we will incorporate things from both cultures into his/her life.  

My DH is white and I am what I like to call "Cubic" a mix of Cuban and Spanish! We both have agreed to teach the child Spanish though

I can't wait to see what LO looks like! So cute!

vflux33

@Ktjennks Unless there is a chromosome linked genetic mutation, here is how it plays out: 

1 parent who is carrier + 1 parent who is not carrier = 50% chance baby will just be carrier, 50% chance baby will not be a carrier, 0% chance baby will have disease

Both parents are carriers = 50% chance baby will also just be a carrier, 25% chance baby will not be a carrier, 25% baby will have disease

IF both parents are carriers and pregnancy has not yet occured, IVF + PGD embryo testing can drastically reduce chances of conceiving an afflicted baby. If MH had been a carrier for the disease I'm a carrier for, we were probably going to go this route (we were doing IF treatment anyway though and not everyone would choose to do this if they're not having trouble conceiving on their own). 

vflux33

@DDRRT1982 Us too, but reversed! I'm a Jew and MH was raised Baptist. Neither of us are super religious, but we're planning on incorporating both into our home. We kind of already do this. We did a Christmas tree, but we put a star of David on top. We had a Jewish wedding with a Ketubah, Kiddish cup, rabbi, and all that. I don't think our kids will get a bar or bat mitzvah (sorry mom!), but we're gonna make sure they're comfortable and very familiar with both worlds. 

bb3vj3n

so I'm just going to ask... has anyone out there had sex in the last month or so? I'm pretty sure the last time we did the deed was when I actually got pregnant. I am just NOT feeling it. I can't stand to be touched right now because I am uncomfortable all the time. My poor H is completely attention starved...I hope this doesn't last the WHOLE TIME

HappyMonkey817

bb3vj3n said:

so I'm just going to ask... has anyone out there had sex in the last month or so? I'm pretty sure the last time we did the deed was when I actually got pregnant. I am just NOT feeling it. I can't stand to be touched right now because I am uncomfortable all the time. My poor H is completely attention starved...I hope this doesn't last the WHOLE TIME

Barfing, sweating, hemorrhoids, etc... NEWP. lol

[Deleted User]

bb3vj3n said:

so I'm just going to ask... has anyone out there had sex in the last month or so? I'm pretty sure the last time we did the deed was when I actually got pregnant. I am just NOT feeling it. I can't stand to be touched right now because I am uncomfortable all the time. My poor H is completely attention starved...I hope this doesn't last the WHOLE TIME

Once so far.  I was just irrationally terrified the whole time and when I spotted afterwards I was again irrationally terrified.  But since I know my fears aren't based in logic I'm going to keep trying.  Sigh.  Maybe I'll give it a go tonight.  

ETA - another problem is that I'm exhausted by like 8:30 pm.  So we would have to do it earlier and I'm rarely in the mood for day time sexy times.

becausescience

@bb3vj3n Add me to the nope group too.  First tri is tough - you'll probably (hopefully) feel better second tri.

Possible TW

I'm in the nope group because I'm too scared to DTD until I know the baby is ok.  Do I realize this is completely irrational PGAL brain talking?  Yes.  

SP128

@GG620  We will be having a what we call a Hasian.  Half Asian, half Caucasian.  I'm Chinese and DH is white. We are super curious too of how the baby will look!  

LiveNLove44

bb3vj3n said:

so I'm just going to ask... has anyone out there had sex in the last month or so? I'm pretty sure the last time we did the deed was when I actually got pregnant. I am just NOT feeling it. I can't stand to be touched right now because I am uncomfortable all the time. My poor H is completely attention starved...I hope this doesn't last the WHOLE TIME

Yes and totally worth it. I didn't do a great job with it during pregnancies 1 and 2, but I've come to terms with how much better it is for me, for him, and for us. While that isn't necessarily the case for everyone, I can speak from experience on both sides. I was totally body conscious with my first--like bawling about the changes. DH is a personal trainer and we're both active, and pregnancy just made me feel so different in my own skin. I wasn't ready for that. With our second, I was better emotionally, but still not a lot of zest This time it's just about the right timing and what feels good in connecting with DH and our marriage. Everyone makes that time differently, but for us, it's been a great shift! Do what works best for you, and don't let anyone make you feel like you aren't doing right by your H or marriage if you feel otherwise!

DDRRT1982

vflux33 said: no

@DDRRT1982 Us too, but reversed! I'm a Jew and MH was raised Baptist. Neither of us are super religious, but we're planning on incorporating both into our home. We kind of already do this. We did a Christmas tree, but we put a star of David on top. We had a Jewish wedding with a Ketubah, Kiddish cup, rabbi, and all that. I don't think our kids will get a bar or bat mitzvah (sorry mom!), but we're gonna make sure they're comfortable and very familiar with both worlds. 

That's awesome.  It's fun doing a little of both.  We have run into a few problems with me not converting since my husband's childhood Temple is more Orthodox.  We have had to use a Rabbi and Mohel outside of his Temple to do our son's bris, so I am curious if we will run into issues when we seek out Hebrew school for them.  Oops, posted too early.  I hope not.  I would love for them to have that opportunity too.  

vflux33

@bb3vj3n In my moments of not feeling too symptom-y it sounds good, but in reality it has only happened once since we got the news... and I'll be 9 weeks tomorrow. I did not spot or have distressing symptoms after, but between the pregnancy and all the nerves and some stuff with MH's work situation stressing him out, it's just not happening. *TW Oh and then there's the thing I read in a pregnancy book about how if he blows air into your vagina it can cause a miscarriage... (????) So me telling him that was a fun conversation that did NOT lead to the bedroom. *End TW He is sick too so he's not interested ATM anyway. I think part of us also got burnt out with all the forced intimacy that happens with IF and now that we know we don't "have" to we don't want to push it unless we really want to... I don't know. I have heard that libido goes up in second tri so hopefully we can all make up for it then.  

bb3vj3n

I should add that my dear dear H has not spoken one word about it. No complaints - he's been very understanding. It's just something that I can't seem to even put on my radar right now and I have zero desire to try. 

SP128

@bb3vj3n  We have done it twice since we found out I was preg.  I'm so bloated and feel so gross.  Also since we needed the wonderful science of IVF I am on progesterone.  It's just gross and it's making me dry.  Hoping that once I stop the progesterone we will be better.  I'm also terrified that I'll spot and I'll freak the f out.  

vflux33

@DDRRT1982 Oooooohh, yeah Orthodox is a whole other thing. Because I'm a woman by Jewish rules the kids are Jewish whether we have them practice or not (and even though I'm technically a Hebrew school drop out lol). 

I'm not surprised you had to go outside an Orthodox synagogue to get a Rabbi. They're just really strict like that. For our wedding we had an interfaith rabbi who herself had converted and was not born Jewish (also our rabbi was a woman which really freaked out some of my more old school relatives...) I'm interested to hear whether the Hebrew school poses a problem for you. It may depend on the school. If you have trouble with an Orthodox one and YH is cool with trying another, a Reformed one would probably work. 

kalawa

@bb3vj3n Twice, then I was put on pelvic rest until further notice. 

justkeeptrying

@bb3vj3n, I'm normally a very limited sex person during first trimester because of horrible MS. We hadn't DTD since TTC either. But this weekend I said I needed to fulfill my wifely duties. Well. The plan was for a quickie to satisfy DH. But then I started getting into it. BEST. SEX. EVER. I don't know if it's my raging hormones or what. But oh my goodness. Sorry for the TMI but it was like multiple orgasms. 

Now I'm totally back in MS don't feel like it mode. 

kiki75

@bb3vj3n I'm in the no column. I was anxious about it the first time around and this time it's still that plus PGAL brain. I am going to ask at my appointment this week if there's any real reason to be on pelvic rest or if we're free to d as we please. Plus, like someone else mentioned, the (awesome) damn progesterone swamp situation. It's not sexy. And, like @vflux33 said, the IF took some of the joy out of it. So, so, so sick of grinding it out when the wrong time was the right time. I semi wish we had kept track of the miles traveled to make the timing work. It's easily over 10,000. 

SP128

@kiki75  "Progesterone swamp situation"  Couldn't have said it better myself.  I really hope it clears out soon after I stop taking it.

sarabeth5678

@newmomtx06 I got that same call on Friday. I'm new to my city and have an HMO plan so getting my husband set up with an urgent appointment as a first time patient has been a nightmare. On the phone for 3 hours today trying to find someone. I was staying so cool about the CF, and then it was waterworks. 

Really, I'm anxious to find out because CF is a painful and heartbreaking disease. It's so unlikely that he'll also be a carrier, so trying to focus on a healthy baby. That's all I can do while we wait. Let me know how it goes. Thinking of you!

pbtoast

Is anyone else already having symptoms of carpal tunnel? I did with my son but not until probably third tri. I'm already having pain and tingling and I'm only 7 weeks!

justkeeptrying

@pbtoast, I've never experienced it. But a friend of mine always has it as her first pregnancy symptom. With all 3 of her pregnancies. It's what caused her to test. With one of them it got so bad she had to go on disability from work.