3rd Trimester Check in | Week of May 21st

TravelingCouple

This is a weekly check in for the mamas  who have made it to the 3rd trimester!!! If you are in week 28 or past, feel free to join in on the weekly fun.

If you're just joining us please post a: 
•Mini synopsis in your first post with your EDD
•How many babies you are pregnant with
•If you know the gender(s)
•How you have been feeling in your 3rd tri
•Any upcoming or recent appointments you may have

Feel free to share pictures of your bump, nurseries, baby gear, and of course those babies when they arrive!

Please let me know if you need to be added to the list below:

@doubleblessings1124 EDD 5/17 with B/G twins
@Hopeful_mom : EDD 6/6 Team Green
@FuzzyDust EDD 6/8 with a little boy
@loverin EDD 6/14 with a little boy
@TravelingCouple EDD 6/19 with a little girl
@Aera11 EDD 6/21 Team Green
@coco305 EDD 7/14 Team Green
@jr102217 EDD 7/15 Team Green
@cseley321 EDD 7/22 with a little girl
@safire3 EDD 7/23 with a little boy
@Irisheyes81 EDD 8/4 with a little girl
@2MomsHoping EDD 8/12 Team Green

Hopeful_mom

Hello ladies!

sitting hear at my stress test and the baby is dancing up a storm which makes me feel like I'm not close to labor at all.  

Im having so much pressure in my lower abdomen that it just makes me feel ill along with my nausea so I'm really feeling like I'm ready to get the show on the road.  Will be 38 weeks Wednesday so I'm hoping to go within the next week.

i see what I'm writing and can't believe I'm talking about me!!  I'm so scared of everything just praying this Lil one is healthy and my body can do what it's suppose to at this point.

So MFM is now and then OB is Wednesday where I guess we go over my birthing plan.

i still haven't packed my bag but I did get a breast pump priorities.

hope everyone had a great weekend!  It was so yesterday good luck to the summer mommies!!

Irisheyes81

@Hopeful_mom mom you are in the home stretch!! Must be surreal to be writing that. Question- what is a stress test?  I feel like I knew everything about infertility and now people say things like stress test and strep test and I have zero idea what they are talking about! You can tell me to google if you don't want to explain.  Did you get the pump from insurance?  If so, when do you request it? Can you get pump parts too? 
That was too many questions.  I'm so new to the 3rd tri.  I have no idea what is going on. 

Speaking of not knowing what was going on, has any one had pain in their sciatic? Last night I was like, "Why is my butt hurting!"  I thought it was just getting bigger or something which wouldn't surprise me  but apparently its my sciatic.  I've been trying to walk today but I look like I'm elderly.  In other news, I went to acupuncture and it completely solved my foot and ankle swelling. I looked like the elephant man and now it can see my ankle bone.  I never believed in eastern medicine before but now I am in awe.  She burned some herb or something on my legs.  You might all think I'm crazy but it worked! 

TravelingCouple

@Hopeful_mom You are so close!! Ahh, so exciting
@Irisheyes81 I'm a total believer in Eastern medicine, it works! Natural herbs helped me regulate my cycles both times I was TTC and acupuncture has been a God-send. I too am having random pains in my sciatic. Random pains all over really.

AFM, 36 weeks tomorrow! I'm going weekly to OB now. I think we're pretty much set..I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting that will come down to the last minute, but that's life! Definitely getting super uncomfortable being in the car. I have a small torso to begin with, so I feel extra smashed and no room to breathe when I'm sitting down. Less than a month until due date; I can't wait to meet this little lady!

cseley321

@Hopeful_mom @TravelingCouple you guys are soooo close. How exciting!

AFM, I have been working hard on the nursery. We converted our home office and it has been such a chore. I still have to put up the new curtains and do some wall decals, but we are almost there! Here are some before and afters!

2MomsHoping

Hi Everyone!  I’m happy and in complete denial to be joining the 3rd trimester board today.  Nice to be reacquainted with some old friends and seeing those beautiful babies! 

•Mini synopsis in your first post with your EDD:  DW and I are a same sex couple so we started the whole baby making process with an RE, my full history is in sigy but the cliff notes version is on our 2IVF we were able to get the PGS normal embryo that we are expecting now, but were able to do a 3rd IVF before transferring to bank some for later.  I'm 28w+1d, baby is due on 8/12. 
•How many babies you are pregnant with:  One
•If you know the gender(s):  Team Green
•How you have been feeling in your 3rd tri:  My friend nausea has been with me from the beginning, 2nd trimester added on insomnia, so I’m only a day into the 3rd trimester so we will see what develops..lol.
•Any upcoming or recent appointments you may have:  I have just a regular check up on Thursday 5/24.  I’m having a little anxiety about it because I have about a million questions I want to ask about the labor/induction/C-section policies and am getting a little nervous about the hospital I’m delivering at. 

 @irisheyes81 I called my insurance company to see what they covered for the breast pump.  They require a prescription from your doc.  They have a company they you buy them through that works with the insurance company.  I think every company is a little different so probably best to call. 

 @cseley321 I really love the quilt in your nursery!  I just adore seeing the nurseries come together!

Holls214

@Irisheyes81 We got our pump handed to us during an appointment with our doctor. I would ask your doctor at your next appointment how it works with your insurance. The Strep B Test is done I believe after 32 weeks to make sure you don't have something that you need IV antibiotics during birth for. It is a vaginal and anal swab. The Stress Test is being put on the monitor to track movement and heart beat as well as having an ultrasound to check 8 points of things the baby does. I think the Stress Test is typically done at 36 weeks, but we have been getting them twice a week due to reduced fetal movement. I have also had really bad back pain/sciatica for a long time now. Nothing really helped me, they said my body creates too much relaxin and that my pregnancy just sucks. I hope you can find some relief!

@Hopeful_mom You are getting so close!! You need to pack that hospital bag. We have ours all ready in the car since we have been having some complications lately and kept getting kept at the doctor for monitoring. I feel you on the lower abdominal pressure. It is a strange feeling and I keep feeling like I need to poop (sorry TMI).  

@cseley321 The nursery is looking great! Love the decor.  

@TravelingCouple It is crazy how uncomfortable things are now... argh. Only a month left Yay!!

@2MomsHoping Welcome! Hopefully the nausea and insomnia will calm down for you. My nausea did thankfully, but the insomnia didn't. I figured out what shows were on TV at 3-4am unfortunately haha. 

AFM- We will be 37 weeks later this week. We have another Stress Test tomorrow to see if the babes will be moving around. I am hoping I don't get kept there again for extra monitoring and that we make a plan for moving forward since this keeps happening. My doctor on Friday said I was 3cm dilated, 80% effaced and a cervix like "butter". They were so surprised this is our first kiddo as most people I guess are at a 0-1 at 36 weeks. We got our carpets shampooed over the weekend and cleaned the house. I am also off work now, so I guess now we just wait to see what the doctors plan is. We also ordered a bunch of snacks and drinks off of Amazon, so when we had visitors after the baby we had some stuff. I am feeling huge and everywhere I go people ask when I am due or questions about the baby or they just stare at you... It is very interesting lol. 

Holls214

Question for you ladies- Who are you having at the hospital when you give birth? So I love my family and don't mind AT all if they are there, but my husbands family can get on my nerves sometimes. I know all of our family plans on coming to the hospital and being there once the baby is born. Most of them plan on hanging out waiting while in labor as well. This is his side's first grandchild. My husband's sister and I get along, but she thinks she knows it all and is kind of strange. I think if she were around me a lot while in labor I might lose it. Also his Dad drinks a lot and I swear if he even drinks I will flip out. My 2 great friends also plan on coming, which is great because one of them I was in the room when she gave birth and the other I visited before birth since she had a c-section. 
How do you ladies plan on handling the hospital/birth situation? 

Irisheyes81

@holls214 thank you so much for the information about the strep b test.  Sounds really pleasant   I get an ultrasound at 36 weeks because of my age. You think they will still do a stress test?? Sorry about the sciatica.  I can’t believe how annoying it is and I’ve had it for less than a day.  Pregnancy is no joke. GREAT idea on the snacks. I am going to have my husband and sister in the room.  My mom and/or mother in law can come in as well if they want. I’m sure my mom will want to be in the waiting room.  I get annoyed by everyone too so who knows how it will go.  Sometimes I think about being in pain and would rather be totally alone so, just like all birth plan stuff, it could change.

@travelingCouple 36 weeks!! So sorry about the car. Do you have a long commute?  I’m glad you are an eastern med believer too

@cseley321 I love the nursery! That chair rail is so classic and beautiful. What a transformation from the office!! I love before and after. What did you do with your office?? What curtains are you getting? I’m on the hunt.

@2momsHoping YAY!!! It was a really hard week without you  Sorry you are still nauseous.  Hopefully the 3rd trimester will bring some relief from that.  

TravelingCouple

@Holls214 The only people I'm having in the room with me are my hubby and Doula. As far as visiting afterward, I don't mind my immediate family coming after she's born. Depending on the time she's born, maybe not that day, but the day after. I think what matters most is what YOU want. It's your birth, your body and your baby. And even if you end up changing your mind the day of, that's your right.
@Irisheyes81 I own my own business so I work from home, although I've taken a huge step back altogether as of late. So luckily I don't have to be in the car too much! I've been keeping it to short trips, less than 20 mins away.

Holls214

@TravelingCouple I agree about it being my day or our day but does it make me look like a B if I kick his sister out and let my best friend stay? She’s already tried to give me labor advice and has never been pregnant lol. 

safire3

@Hopeful_mom you better pack that bag mama, you are almost there! So exciting! You will be bringing home your LO before you know it.

@TravelingCouple wow you are in the home stretch too. So excited for you!

@cseley321 I love your nursery, it is so beautiful. Still working on ours, hoping to get somewhere this weekend. 

@2MomsHoping yay for hitting 3rd tri! Welcome to the last lap!

@Holls214 My hospital only allows 2 people in the delivery room with you. The rest can wait outside in the waiting area if they want. I plan to have my husband and my mom in with me. I don’t even want people waiting around outside, I’d rather call the in-laws and close friends to come visit once baby is here but it’s the first grandchild and I know they are very excited so they will likely wait around. If you are feeling pressured just tell them only 2 or 3 people are allowed in the room with you. Unless they work at the hospital they won’t know the rules. 


AFM I’m 31 weeks, not much going on, no appointments this week. Just trying my best to hang in there, I want to keep working up to 36 weeks but the fatigue is ridiculous at times. Waiting impatiently for my next MFM appointment so we can figure out the birth plan (I may need a c/s if my placenta previa has not improved). Also getting ready for the baby shower in 3 weeks so that is fun. 

Aera11

@Hopeful_mom I can't believe how close you are!  definitely time to pack that bag

@Irisheyes81 so glad acupuncture helped your swelling; I definitely think it helps.  I haven't gone a ton during pregnancy just because it's expensive & I haven't felt the need to go more than once a month if that, but I do enjoy it!

I feel the same way when sitting @TravelingCouple!  I'm only 5'3" & I can't sit for long or this baby feels like it's pushing my lungs into my throat.  We are hopefully going up north this weekend & it's a little over two hours in the car, but I am sure we'll need to stop so I can pee & breathe haha.

nursery looks great @cseley321! we have that same large ikea hemnes dresser & love it.

welcome to the third tri @2MomsHoping

hopefully everything looks good tomorrow @Holls214 & you can just keep takin' it easy at home we are not having anyone else in the room with us at any point.  I could probably handle my mom, even my dad just popping in, but I think it'll be easier to just have DH with me.  My siblings will all come visit at some point except my sister who lives out of state & maybe one or two friends, but I don't want more than that.  I want our time spent focusing on the baby, hopefully breastfeeding & bonding.  I know DH will be on information overload because he's never taken care of a newborn so I don't want to overwhelm him.  My in laws moved back to Savannah last summer (woohoo!) so they will not be here, thank goodness.  They want to come in 'the minute' I am in labor...but we aren't going to tell them until baby is here.  I don't want to deal with them being in town when we get home from the hospital.   If they want to waste a trip up here to just come to the hospital, that is fine, but I was adamant that that is all we'd see of them if they chose to do that.  They stress me out & I want to spend the first few days or even weeks just enjoying our baby & figuring out what is working for us.  I'd prefer if they could wait a month, hahah but we'll see if that happens.  It's your body, your baby, you just have to do what is right for you & your DH.

*edited to add

AFM, I can't believe I will be 36 weeks on Thursday.  Whaaaa? it's crazy to think about.  I have an ob check up tomorrow & will get my strep test, no idea if we'll do a stress test too but I am thinking no unless there's a reason to.  I tested positive two years ago so I am expecting to be positive again.  

I am starting to get that shortness of breath from the baby being up in my lungs.  I try to shift around & push him/her down but he or she likes stretching out & staying like that.  We had our shower on Sunday & it was so nice!  We had a really good time, received a lot of things we needed & it was fun to see some friends that live out of town.  I am going to wash some stuff this week & pack our hospital bag, then try to get the nursery a little more organized.  Our carseat is in, so things are feeling real!  We're still debating on cord blood & names, but otherwise I am feeling ready.

cseley321

@Irisheyes81 thanks! My husband moved his work station to the bedroom and I moved mine to this nook by the stairs. It's working out well so far.  For the curtains I am just using a valance. I want to keep the nursery as child proofed as possible so panels are out for me. The valance I ordered is by Tadpoles on amazon. It resembles a pink tulle. I wanted to match the blue color but had no luck

Hopeful_mom

Its amazing how many of us are so close, 9 months really means it can be anyone's time  

@TravelingCouple u kno I feel like I'm squishing the baby all the time.  I have to start putting my seat back in the car too! Today eating out I couldn't lean over the table I was in too much pain, I had to take my napkin and bring the fork to me.  Luckily I get full fast so it was over fast   

@cseley321 Your nursery came out great, well done!!

@2MomsHoping Welcome to the party lady, nice to have u  

@Holls214 I was literally going to say what @safire3 said just say Your hospital only allows 2 people in the delivery room with you...which for me is true, and if it's a csection there's only one person in the room.  It's your day and should be comfortable.  I laugh cause there's still sooo many that don't even know I'm pregnant so I think I should be safe.  My mom is so sick right now that I'm asking the baby to sit tight so she can be with me!
how are u feeling? So glad baby boy is staying put and out of the hospital! Hope ur appt goes well!!  Yay for being done with work!!
people r reallybthat rude? Ur last bump pic looked normal to me

@irisheyes81 looks like you've got all the questions answered.  My OB explained the strep test as the same they do for ur throat as they do for your vagina, it reminded me of a pap.  Mine was negative but if it wasn't he said they treat it with Meds and it's simple. Because I'm older and ivf baby and paranoid my MFM does the NST, non stress test starting at week 36.  It should take about 20 min and it's all about the babies heart rate.  Today I think they forgot I was having the test so right away I thought something was wrong! 
I did get my pump through insurance.  Best advice is call your insurance company and they'll tell you the places that accept your plan etc.  I checked online of what they had and made my selection. I probably called 3 different places as ones processing was longer then another. Only one needed/wanted a a prescription from the dr which isn't an issue but since I waited so long I went with the quickest one and I already have it.  Parts were included, u can always add on and pay the difference but I rather make sure my boobs will actually work!!
im laughing as I felt the same way on not knowing anything through each trimester and what to expect at appt.  I felt like a pro during ivf and finally getting to the other side I felt like such an idiot!! Ask away, I'm still learning new things!! 

@Aera11 so glad u enjoyed ur shower that's great!! I feel u on the shortness of breathe I've been like that since last trimester and I literally feel like that right now, it's not cute.  Can you believe how close we are??? I still remember you thinking about starting ur next cycle and here u are, it's so awesome!!

@safire3 good luck on working as long as u can I swear I feel like I need a nap after walking up a flight of steps it's ridiculous   

TravelingCouple

@Holls214 I don't think it makes you a B at all!! Your choice

Man I've been up since 3am  

cseley321

@holls214 as others have said, there is usually a limit of who can be present during labor and delivery. With that being said, trust me, you don't want a crowd. My husband was the only person in the room with me and tbh I yelled at him to shut up or leave at one point. (I was in labor for over 30 hours with no working epidural, no food, and he wouldn't let me eat the ice chips because he was convinced for some reason the ice was making my labor harder....)

Anyway, be sure that you have clear expectations of who is in the room and what their role will be so you don't have a lot of unnecessary fighting. 

2MomsHoping

@holls214 In the labor/delivery it will only be DW and our Doula.  If it were totally up to me I wouldn’t allow anyone in the hospital for our entire stay, but I have come to a compromise on this one.  We will be allowing close family (my parents, my in-laws, my sister-in-law, and niece to come see the baby 2hours or more after it is born).  I want to my my “golden hour” alone with baby and DW and then another hour to at least rinse off and put an ice pack on my lady bits in peace!  My MIL doesn’t really respect boundaries so I’m trying to convince DW not to call her until after the baby is born, ensuring we get at least an hour of privacy.  My parents live about 3.5hours away so they will get a call when we are sure I’m in labor where they will immediately hop in the car and head over.  (My mom has joked that I need to get on the ball because her, my dad’s, and their dogs baby bag is already packed and next to the door).  They will go to our house and await the call that baby is arrived, and come to the hospital 2 hours later.  They will probably stay with us for a couple weeks after baby is born to help out (or drive me crazy) time will tell.  No friends or coworkers are coming to the hospital PERIOD.  It will be too tricky for us to draw lines without hurting feelings.  I’m very thankful our friends are so excited to see the baby and I’m sure how we are going to tackle this one but we think we may do a “sip and see” to offer people instead of dropping by all the time.  DW thinks its insane to host a party with a newborn so I am still working on convincing her but to me it seems better to me to mentally deal with 2 hours of someone passing around my newborn than weeks of visitors coming at all hours.  I also like this idea because we can put out an invite for a couple weeks past the due date and word it since we are requesting no visitors while we get adjusted to our new family we want to take this opportunity to invite you all and celebrate so you can see the new baby.  It’s kinda a backdoor way of drawing your line in the sand without being rude.  I feel it would go over better than what I want to say which is get out of my space and if you show up I’m going to pretend to not be here…lol

@irisheyes81 last night for dinner I had a brief relationship with half a bowl of chicken soup and one cracker which DW nearly force fed me.  Then there were tears and whining that I hate ALL food and I don’t WANNA be sick.  It’s kinda like a toddler lives at our house only it’s me.  I swear it’s getting worse.  These last couple weeks are feeling more like the first trimester where I was always sick only I have a worse attitude about it.  I'm glad I have an ob appointment on Thursday I think I’ll have to go back up to my 4x/day diclegious or add in the Zofran. I’m just happy baby is ok.  It amazes me that even though I’m like a nutritional waste land of rented broths, toast, and bagels the baby is always measuring on target and as far as we can tell doing great.  I’m able to keep enough fluids down to manage so as long as that keeps up no real concern, so I’m still trying to consider myself lucky in the grand scheme of things.

Hopeful_mom

@TravelingCouple I first fell asleep at 5a I think it gets tougher to sleep as time goes on. 

@2MomsHoping I'm considering doing a come and see, sip and see whatever it's called as well.  I think ur wishes are valid for sure!! Im
laughing ur parents r ready to go and I'm not  I still think I might wait wait 2/3 months before doing it though.  It's all up to baby and how baby comes into the world so I'll first decide then. 

Holls214

Thanks for all the advice ladies. It’s much appreciated. I’m definitely going to have my hubs say I only want such and such in the room and it doesn’t include her. That way he can be the bad guy. I just feel bad even though I know I shouldn’t.... 
Babes cooperated enough today to get sent home thankfully. Still no plan on induction or just waiting so we shall see. I have another stress test on Thursday. The stomach is getting so tight it is so uncomfortable. I also just got a couple stretch marks argh! 
@2MomsHoping I took nausea meds for a long time. I say take them so you don’t feel miserable all the time. Feeling that way sucks and the meds are safe. 

TravelingCouple

@Holls214 glad baby is still staying in there!!

Aera11

@Holls214 so happy baby cooperated today & you don't have to be induced! FX that continues

afm, had my check up & strep test today. Baby is measuring a week ahead & my ob said I lost a few pounds since last week which is weird bc I'm feeling large. She said she's not concerned since the baby is still growing. I guess I can have another creamsicle 

Hopeful_mom

@Holls214 yay for a good checkup boo for stretch marks!! I was a road map before from yoyo dieting however I did get a few more but more in my back, go figure!!

@aera11 I could use a pop right about now this nausea is annoying me!! The scales for me are so strange I'm always a few lbs less at my OB then my high risk doc! I just had some chocolate hips cookies let's see what will happen tomorrow at the OB! 

Too bad we didnt start a pool pool to see who's really up next  I know I want the baby to cook a Lil more but with Memorial Day approaching I am getting a bit nervous...

Hopeful_mom

Anyone doing cord blood banking?

Holls214

Creamsicles and chocolate chip cookies. Yummmm. Makes me think of those little orange and white ice cream cups. I’m still awake I had a nutrigrain bar to help with heart burn. I’ll have to have one of those tomorrow.
Glad baby is measuring great! So do they think you might go early if baby is measuring ahead?  
We should have started a pool lol. I’m not doing cord banking and don’t know anything about it. Are you? *sorry tags aren’t working. A sip and see sounds fun! 

Aera11

@Hopeful_mom I've had a few McDonald's sprites this pregnancy & they're so good! So we had been on the fence about cord blood banking...I asked my ob about it months ago & she said she views it like fire or flood insurance on your house.  Will you most likely ever need it? Probably not, but if you had a fire or flood you'd wish you had it. Really helpful response, right? Haha - it's so expensive but I found two banks she referred me to that do allow you to do payments instead of paying everything up front. Let me know if you want me to link them! Our hospital doesn't bank cord blood so we'd have to outsource.

@Holls214 omg I totally remember those cups!  Any dessert is sounding good these days. And I'm with you on the sleep, I think I got three hours. I can't shut my mind off!  No, it didn't seem like I'd go early but at least not at this point.  I wasn't dialated but I guess that could change quickly.  We should have a pool going

Irisheyes81

@travelingCouple that’s great you own your own business! Driving is so hard and uncomfortable.  I have been canceling trainings and meetings where I have to sit for long periods of time too.  It’s hard to sit comfortably! Sorry you aren’t sleeping.  It’s so hard to sleep.

@holls214 I think your sister in law can be in the waiting room.  You don’t need advice.  I feel like child birth is about as personal as anything ever.  There is a lot of body parts and smells and fluids and things and you don’t want to have to feel embarrassed or annoyed.  Plus, from what I’ve heard, it hurts… How are you feeling today??? Taking it easy?? Glad that baby is staying put but boo for a tight tummy and stretch marks. Those cup things are delicious!! I totally remember them.

@hopeful_mom I had a dream last night you didn’t have your bag packed and your water broke.  Haha.  Thanks for the awesome breast pump advice! I’m so clueless and appreciate your support! I am not cord banking because it’s super expensive but I am going to ask about delayed clamping.

@safire3 31 weeks!! Hopefully the shower is a blast and you get a lot of cute stuff.

@aera11 36 weeks tomorrow!!!! Crazy. How was the strep test. Sounds like you are totally ready.  I hope you’re feeling as good as you can with feet on your lungs all day.

@cseley321 I never even thought of curtains being a hazard! Shoot.  I took the closet doors off in the nursery and was going to replace them with some curtains but now I’m rethinking because the baby will totally pull on them.  Ugh.  Your nursery is so adorable! Sounds like you worked out having two work spaces for you and your husband.

@2momshoping You poor thing! I can’t believe you are still so sick. It is pretty amazing the baby is still getting everything and growing on track.  Hopefully the doctor can help you with some relief.  I bet you don’t want to eat knowing you will be sick. That totally sucks! Maybe it will randomly and spontaneously go away.  I sure hope so! I bet you haven’t gained a pound.

AFM I get an ultrasound today! I can’t wait to see this little girl.  I haven’t seen her in 10 weeks and feel like she’s going to look so different. Fingers crossed everything is going well. 

Hopeful_mom

@Irisheyes81 10 wks wow I could
never go that long! Most I ever went was 3wks and I'm still a paranoid mess!! Hoping u have a great appointment!! 
And my mom is with u she's coming to pack my bag if I don't get a move on!!! I'm still in disbelief I guess.  Maybe I think if I pack it that then it'll never happen...

@Holls214 @Aera11 push pops from the ice cream truck is where I would get the cream sickle from, yum!!  I first fell asleep around 5am and the baby has Been having a party at night and the morning! I don't think they have any intention on coming out.  

TMI  I did have diarrhea last night which I have been constipated this ENTIRE pregnancy some mom was like this is it.... 

Went to my OB and cervix is still closed for
business! BUT he didn't say I have progressed since last week and the baby is further down so I guess we shall see....

heres some info no one knows, my exs bday is coming up so I'm kindly asking baby to skip that day, can u imagine, this kid better listen!!

I feel the baby so far up they think the exit is through my mouth! Not being able to take that deep breathe truly is so annoying!!

Bump below! I laugh how small my boobs keep looking! These jugs better have some milk in them 

As far a source weight gain goes it says been wacky!!! First trimester I lost weight, second trimester I still had sickness but I packed on the pounds from not even eating so much.  Last few weeks not too much so I'm hoping the baby is gaining weight. 

My last weight check was at 36wks for the baby, anyone else get a baby check weight after week 36?

2MomsHoping

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome so surreal to be part of the group where actual babies are born!  So crazy I still don’t think I’ll believe it until I’m actually holding him or her. 

 @aera11 yay for creamsicles but personally at this point I would say if that’s what you want that’s what you should have regardless of the scale! 

 @hopefull_mom  I think it’s hilarious you told baby to skip that day.  I’ve been telling baby it’s ok to be a little early or late and come on the 8/8/18 or 8/18/18 because I have a bad memory with dates it would be something even I could remember.  I also lost in the first trimester but I gained it all back in the second and I have NO IDEA how because there is no way I’m eating anywhere near what I used to.  It must be one of those pregnancy mysteries. I think I’m about neutral now, but I don’t have a scale at home and its been 4wks since my last appointment so we will see what tomorrow’s numbers say. 

Cord banking is a tough one.  We ultimately decided to do delayed chord clamping, though if our hospital doesn’t do delayed clamping we will donate the cord blood for public use. To me cord banking has always seemed like it was talked up to be more useful than it is.  It’s wonderful when used, but from my experience it’s rarely used, primarily because with technology today it there isn’t much you can do with it (primarily pediatric blood disorders).  If it is needed, but no cord blood is available stem cell transplants are used for treatment and it’s actually pretty easy to find a match for that (more complex than finding a blood type match for a transfusion but far less difficult than finding a matches for solid organs like lungs, heart, etc.).  I always felt the sales pitches from these companies were a bit over the top.  Now if over the next few years they find a way to turn the cord blood into solid organs it would be SO worth it and to be fair they are really working hard to make this happen.  I’m no expert but in my opinion it still seems like a ways off.  Of course the benefit is you bank now and if that tech comes out later you have your cord blood there to use it for new technologies where less alternatives exist.  The experience at my hospital is kids can get stem cell transplants if they need them from donors, they don’t die waiting like they unfortunately do for the solid organs.  I really would never tell anyone to NOT bank their baby’s cord blood and honestly if we had a history in our family of blood disorders (sickle cell anemia, leukemia, or anemia) we would bank.   I was even slightly tempted because there is potential for solid organs but in the end we felt like the possibility for use was just so small compared to the cost we rather use the cord blood for immediate benefit to the baby for a delayed chord clamping. 

@irisheyes81 how did the ultrasound go?  I’m so curious if I’ll get another one.  LO seems to hate them so we never get good pictures.   

I’ve been wanting to make a little hat to go with this gnome swaddle I bought for the baby.  My dad used to buy these little figurine gnomes for me when I was little so it’s just one of those things my heart had to have.  Anyway I finished up the hat and it looked way to tiny so I did the obvious thing and tried it on my dog.  I tried to wrap her in the swaddle but not even with DW's help could I get her to stay still enough for a picture with that.  As you can tell she LOVED it. 

coco305

@hopeful_mom you're so close!!!!! And omg please pack your bag! 

@travelingcouple I think the weekly appts is when it all gets really real. & +1 to acupuncture, it also helped me regulate prior to starting IVF

@holls214 glad to hear the US went well. Damn that relaxin making you dilate & stress. Also who you have in the room is 100% your choice. Don't get guilted into letting anyone in. Plus I think BFF trumps SIL. Remember you're the patient, not DH. 

@irisheyes81 I would love to cure my swollen feet and ankles, but I haven't been to acupuncture in so long. How did you lay? On your side? Did they poke your legs? I also feel lost about pregnancy, especially at the start of each trimester, but you learn as you go along. Heck I just learned about the strep test here also for the pump, you can check out Aeroflow, they go through your insurance and give you all your options, no prescription necessary. Bonus is you can do it all online instead of calling. Otherwise you call your insurance, they'll give you phone #s for providers and you call them, then they'll verify for you. I was supposed to get a RX, but between the time I called and my next appt, the provider had already verified me and I didn't need it anymore. Still haven't ordered my pump, as my Insurance changes in June 1, and I'm hoping I get better coverage for an upgrade. 

@cseley321 love the nursery!! You did a great job turning that office into a beautiful girly room. I'm so behind on mine. Crib and dresser are built. Just waiting to buy mattress and glider. 

@2momshoping welcome!! I think our dogs are twins, mine is just a bit more tri-colored but same face and attitude about being the test subject for baby gear. Also I'm with you on the cord blood banking. Not sure if it's worth the money to privately bank. I will be donating mine though, hoping someone can put it to great use. 

@safire3 when is your mfm appt? Hopefully the placenta previa resolved itself. And +1 to fatigue. Holy moly this is worse than the first tri. Plus all this rain and humidity we've had lately has got me hurting all over, not to mention sluggish

@aera11 yay to 36 weeks and the baby shower! Thanks to you I went to the store for creamsicles, sadly they were out! Wahhhh! 

AFM: 32w4d had an US and my 32 weeks appt...baby is measuring GIGANTIC! Ok I exaggerate, but the kid has a big head and is weighing in at 5lbs. About a pound over what is average, and mainly the head is huge. Also baby is breech. So as a precaution, I'm scheduled for a c/s at 39w, obviously baby can still turn around, and if so we cancel the c/s and let nature take its course. I'm 1000000% ok with a c/s. I've always wanted to experience pregnancy and I've always wanted to be a mom, but that bridge to get from pregnant to Mom has never interested me. AKA labor and natural delivery have always freaked me the eff out. But if baby turns, I will face my fear and try to delivery my giant-head baby naturally. I need a creamsicle to deal. 

Other than that, I've been exhausted lately, like worse than the first trimester. Like I'm so tired and drained I feel like crying, mainly because I keep wanting to do more and more and I physically can't. Also I gotta learn to just chill, I'm stressed that I'm not ready for baby's arrival, still so much to do at home, etc. Gotta remind myself to take it easy, and that the baby won't judge me if our home is not in perfect shape.  

Holls214

@coco305 I’m literally so afraid of labor as well. My baby is totally head down and the doctor can feel it so unless something goes wrong this baby will be coming out of the vjay. I actually had a friend who was so terrified of labor that somehow she convinced her doctor to let her do a csection with her first... it really is hard just to chill and do a lot
less. I have truly been trying to soak in some relaxation time the past week but then also get bored too. Everyone says to rest and relax while you can though.  
Got another doctor appt tomorrow for another stress test and possibly ultrasound if babes doesn’t cooperate fully again. I tested my bp today at the store because I wasn’t feeling very good and it was borderline high so hopefully it will be okay tomorrow. 
@2MomsHoping Okay your dog and hat are beyond adorable! I have gained about 40 pounds and the doctor said something once but hasn’t said anything again. I gained a lot in the second trimester which was strange because I threw up all the time. I think everyone carries it differently and gains differently too. My grandma today was shocked to here I had gained 40 pounds. 
Hopefully we will all just be those lucky women who bounce right back.  

TravelingCouple

@coco305 fwiw, they were super off on my DS measurements in utero, by almost a full pound! So take the estimates with a grain of salt.

Hopeful_mom

@2MomsHoping stop the cuteness hi pup!!  It's so true how much less u eat with pregnancy I've never "eaten for two" I should eat this way when the baby comes out and maybe I'll lose some weight 
@Holls214 right there with u on throwing up yet still gaining weight so rude I'm quite scared of labor too!! Especially natural and I think my OB might be down with just doing the csection.  I'm quite torn about it!! 
@coco305 my baby was measuring a full week ahead and was on the larger side as well being 4/11 at 32wks why I was concerned at 36wks baby was 5/12 thought in the 8th month baby would've grown more so u just never know.  I'm very curious how much babe is now! 

Hate not sleeping!

whats everyone's must have to bring to the hospital?

Hopeful_mom

Oh and some bump for u all! These cute shirts r just for show, couldn't get home fast enough to take it off! My skin is so sensitive!!!

coco305

@Hopeful_mom I was thinking about the hospital bag this morning. I'll start a new thread, that way we can get input from our new mommies as well. 
@TravelingCouple oh for sure measurements are always off.  I know I'm definitely not breaking any world records. Even though my belly is big, it's not heavy...YET! 
@Hopeful_mom good luck today, hopefully your bp goes down. 

Regarding weight gain, I was so good in the first and second, then suddenly I'm gaining like crazy, like 6-8 lbs every two weeks. I'm guessing there are various factors, my appts used to be at 9am, now they're at 3pm, and I'm not as regular anymore, my digestive system is slow....so hopefully it's not a 30lb gain thus far, but I can't do anything as it is. Also with food....I'm not a huge eater. And I'm definitely not wanting junk, I just want fresh fresh food. So I don't get the crazy weight gain. 

coco305

@Hopeful_mom regarding cord blood banking, I called one of the bigger companies yesterday for pricing and info. Basically how it works is that once you sign on, they send you a collection kit to your home and you take it with you to the hospital and give it to your L&D nurse, after delivery the nurses should be in charge of filling it up with the cord blood and they send it back to viacord of CBR or whoever. Once you give birth, that's when the company charges you, and they have payment plans. The price I was given was about $1500 for the collection and first year storage, then $175 a year for storage there after. They also have the option to collect cord tissue as well, at an added cost. 
Definitely ask your doctor if your hospital does collect for private banking. I know mine collects for private banking and public donation as well. For public donation I was told that it's no cost to us, and the hospital takes care of the collection, all we have to do is provide the placenta. I'm still not sure what I'm doing, but I'm  asking the pediatrician for their POV when I go meet them in a couple of weeks. 

Question for anyone doing delayed cord clamping...1) what are the benefits?
2) can you still bank cord blood if you do delayed cord clamping?  

Aera11

@2MomsHoping totally agree! This close to the end, I'm indulging in whatever sounds good & trying to soak up these last few weeks.  I actually just heard about cord clamping a few weeks ago too! And it's free right? After IVF I feel like cord blood banking fees shouldn't phase me but it's a hefty price.  The hat is so cute!

@coco305 do you live by a Kroger? I bought a 12 pack of their brand & they're really good. I want like all popsicles! I saw a kid yesterday with a bomb pop (the red white & blue ones) and was like I HAVE TO HAVE IT. hopefully you can rest & take it easy I'm trying to too but it's hard when I feel like there's lots to do.  I'd totally be okay with a c/s too, I don't care how this baby comes out as long as it does! And I think you can't bank if you clamp but I could be wrong. I got the same payment info too, and it's not bad if you do monthly payments.  

@Holls214 I have a friend who is asking her obgyn about a scheduled c section before she gets pregnant bc her anxiety is so bad about delivery.  Hopefully today goes well, keep us posted!

it's finally so nice here, I just want to sit in the sun but I feel like there's so much to do still.  We also have our maternity pics tonight; I kind of waited til the last min bc I was on the fence but I think I'll be happy we have them.  Has anyone else done them or scheduled newborn pics?

*eta

safire3

Ugh it took me so long to get back here this week. Work is crazy. My boss’ mom is very ill and they are asking me to work extra to help out. I really want to help but afraid of overdoing it and getting sick again so close to the end. I barely make it through my work days as is. 

@Holls214 I hope the stress test goes well today. Sorry about the dreaded stretch marks. I already got some on my hip so at this point just waiting to see some on my tummy.

@2MomsHoping you and your wife’s interactions make me lol but sorry you are still dealing with this nausea. The good thing is these babies are very resilient and will get what they need from you no matter what. Really hoping you get some relief in these final months.

@Hopeful_mom I’m still on the fence about cord blood banking and I guess time is running out. To be honest the main reason we haven’t looked more into into it is because it’s so expensive and we are still paying off IVF debt plus getting ready for this baby. 

@coco305 my MFM appt is all the way on June 5th. Seems so long to wait to find out our delivery plan. Don’t stress about having everything ready for baby. I keep telling myself they don’t need much initially and they are happy as long as they are changed and fed and have somewhere safe to sleep. You can finish everything else after baby is here if need be.

@Irisheyes81 I hope your ultrasound went well yesterday!


I have a question for those of you who have had a baby shower. How do you acknowledge those who buy gifts online and have them sent to you? I have been calling and thanking people as I receive gifts. One of the girls who is helping with my shower said people don’t open gifts at showers anymore and we are not having a traditional shower (coed and more like a party but we will have shower games). The shower is not at my home so I would hate to lug everything there and back but some people that I have called to thank seem surprised that I didn’t wait until the shower to open the gifts. Then there are some who I can see on my registry have bought gifts but must be holding on to them to carry to the shower. I feel like those people will be disappointed if I don’t open their gifts at the shower?

mtpbadger

@safire3 I had quite a few people send me shower gifts that were purchased online. I didn't bring them to the shower but waited until after the shower to just send out thank you notes all at the same time. Honestly, half of the things that were sent weren't wrapped so it was very obvious what it was as soon as I saw the box, lol. 

2MomsHoping

@coco305 poor dogs we torture them so!  Mine gave me the cold shoulder the rest of the evening but she forgave me by bedtime.  I second other’s sentiments about how sometimes those weight estimates are way off this has happened to many of my friends thinking they were having a large or small baby and it not actually happening. 

 @coco305 and @hopeful_mom I think I’m the complete opposite of you I’m super scared to have a c-section.  Though I admit any route of exit for a baby is a bit intimidating.  I’m totally drinking the kool-aid with all the hypnobirthing and med-free stuff which sounds like not fun but to me less scary than the c-section.  No matter how it goes I’m confident we will all get through it and your right it’s the mom part at the end that is fun, the rest is just means to an end as far as I’m concerned.  One of my friends gave me great advice.  She told me to think of the wimpiest, whiniest person I know who has a kid.  Then just think to yourself if that one can survive it I can totally rock this no matter which way it goes.  In related news she’s now my favorite in the world because she didn’t scare the hell out me with some train wreck birth story and she actually made me feel better that this whole birth thing is actually kinda a normal, maybe not for me but in the grand scheme of humanity.  We get through it. 

 @holls214 it sounds like you are so close.  I’m placing my bet on you to be next.  It will be so exciting to see your and @hopeful_mom babies coming so soon!  I’m overweight to begin with so my doc wanted me to stay around 15lbs for weight gain.  Frankly I can’t eat less than I am now so if weird mystery pregnancy weight comes on I DARE them to say something.  I’m really starting to second guess those science classes that say matter cannot be created or destroyed because I’m pretty sure this pregnancy body is making weight out of thin air.

 @coco305.  You sorta can do both but not really.  Basically you let the baby get a little of the cord blood and bank the rest.  The baby doesn’t get the full benefit and you don’t have all the cord blood if you need it.  It’s like splitting the difference but you don’t really get anything substantial on either end.  When you delay chord clamping for a few minutes the umbilical cord keeps pumping blood from the placenta to the baby.  So basically the baby gets more blood in their system and the benefits that go with that basically less of a risk of amemia, blood transfusion.  There are other touted benefits for immunity but studies are conflicting.  Delaying cord clamping seems to have the most benefit to pre-term babies who would beifit from a boost.  There really isn’t a significant difference in outcomes for full term healthy babies since they are in good shape anyway they don’t really need the boost, but there practically no risk associated so I figure what the heck.   

 @aera11 I shocked myself with not wanting to pay it just in case!  I guess the shock of daycare to our budget has put me back in frugal mode J  Have fun at your maternity photoshoot.  I’m not doing one because my baby bump freaking still just looks like a muffin top to me, though people who know are finally commenting that I’m showing now.  I may let DW take some just for us but I’m not feeling particularly photogenic right now.  We have our newborn pics scheduled.  Lol we booked that in the first trimester.  My priorities on my to-do list may be a bit off. 

 @safire3.  That stinks about work and you are being great for pitching in but remember to take care of yourself and know your limits.  DW and I have been having a blast with this pregnancy granted there are the rough times but the last 2yrs of infertility have been so tense and difficult it’s nice we are able to get back to what feels like “ourselves.”  We’ve been having so much fun even with me being sick all the time.  I’m a little nervous how LO will change the dynamic but I’m glad we have had some time to find ourselves again before having to make this big adjustment.  I just heard that thing about not opening gifts at showers.  I’ve never been to one where they didn’t open gifts.  I would not lug gifts to a shower that someone sent to my home.  I haven’t ever seen people acknowledge sent gifts but I also may have zoned out at that point in the shower.  Personally I would just send a thankyou, and if I mentally remembered and someone was at the shower I would thank them in person.  Though in reality I doubt I would remember in the moment. 

coco305

@safire3 if you do end up opening gifts at the shower, maybe you can  say something before you start unwrapping to acknowledge the online gifters, like "we've gotten so many beautiful gifts in the mail from some of you and we're  so thankful and overwhelmed by the love we've been shown for our little one"