PGAL check in 8/22-8/28

3rdtime_charmed

1. How many weeks are you?

2. How are you feeling? Physically/mentally?

3. Any appointment updates?

4. Rants/raves/questions?

5. GTKY- Favorite ice cream flavor

3rdtime_charmed

1. How many weeks are you?9w6d

2. How are you feeling? Physically/mentally? I think my symptoms are getting just a little bit more manageable but that’s making me worry.

3. Any appointment updates? Counting down the days until next sono on 9/4!!!!

4. Rants/raves/questions?
Had lots of dumb family drama and it’s irritating me.

5. GTKY- Favorite ice cream flavor
coffee but the state fair is coming up and there is this place that makes waffle cones on the spot. I’ve been dreaming about it!!

brookepdavis

1. How many weeks are you?
12w5d

2. How are you feeling? Physically/mentally?
Finally turning the second trimester corner! I'm still bloated in the afternoons, but I've switched to maternity or maternity friendly clothes, so it's much more manageable. Mentally, I think I'm okay now. We got good results to the Counsyl test and started telling people, so it's feeling a lot more real now. I'm mostly struggling mentally with having a boy. I know I'll come around to it, but right now it's very overwhelming. I was 99% sure it was a girl, so I think I'm still in shock.

3. Any appointment updates?
No more appointments until 9/13. 

4. Rants/raves/questions?
Rant: I didn't get enough sleep. I had a friend in labor so I was up all night checking my phone for updates. I need to sleep more tonight. I've finally gotten out the Snoogle, and I love it, but I'm still getting used to it. I roll around a lot in my sleep and the Snoogle makes that harder. Rave: I'm not sure what it is about the Snoogle, but I've only woken up to pee once a night since I broke it out! That's a huge improvement from the two or three times every night that it was. 

5. GTKY- Favorite ice cream flavor
Chocolate chip cookie dough

southerngirlinwi

1. How many weeks are you?
11w2d

2. How are you feeling? Physically/mentally?
I'm actually feeling pretty good other than tired. I know it is normal for symptoms to start to subside as the first trimester comes to a close, but of course it starts ramping up my anxiety. Looking forward to the next US.

3. Any appointment updates?
First trimester screen on 9/6

4. Rants/raves/questions?
I've added pillows to my bed to help me sleep on my side and I'm struggling. I can't seem to get comfortable and keep ending up on my back. Maybe I'll have to buy the Snoogle, but I worry it will be too warm.

5. GTKY- Favorite ice cream flavor
Nestle Crunch Swirl custard from Culvers. I just ran out of my pint, so it's going to be time to stock up again soon!

brookepdavis

@southerngirlinwi I highly recommend the Snoogle. I'm a warm sleeper and it definitely doesn't help that, but I don't find it too bad. I usually just sleep with a sheet over me and the Snoogle and I'm fine. The comfortable positioning makes up for being slightly warm.

mschanandlerbong1214

1. How many weeks are you?
11w5d

2. How are you feeling? Physically/mentally?
Physically I’m still at least slightly nauseous at all time of the day and if I go to long between meals I get gaggy. I was really hoping this crap would be getting better by now especially with the meds. I’m more exhausted lately too. Like I get up to pee and feed my kids and then I have to lay back down because I’m so tired. I’m bloated and constipated too  mentally I’m doing great though so there’s a plus! Haha!

3. Any appointment updates? Getting first trimester screen done on Friday! 

4. Rants/raves/questions? Nope! 

5. GTKY- Favorite ice cream flavor
Omg too many to choose just one! I love this one called panda paws, chocolate chip cookie dough, chubby hubby and just a really good vanilla. 

3rdtime_charmed

@brookepdavis that’s fantastic news about your results!!! I’m sure it will just take time to adjust to having a boy, but I think it’s pretty normal to have confusing feelings about it.

lelkcot

@3rdtime_charmed boo for family drama.

@brookepdavis yay for 12 weeks and starting to feel better! Also congrats on a boy! I definitely took a minute to adjust to the idea of a boy with DS - but they’re awesome (obviously girls are too, but you already know that!).

@southerngirlinwi just remember that the first tri symptoms should be decreasing at this point and try not to stress!

@mschanandlerbong1214 I’m exactly a week behind you and was definitely hoping that symptoms would be improving at this point. Hopefully you’ll be feeling better soon!

1. How many weeks are you? 10+5

2. How are you feeling? Physically/mentally? Ok mentally- although getting anxious about my appointment next week and getting off progesterone at 12 weeks... Physically this dang nausea is persistent. I’m doing a reasonable job of managing it by snacking, but that also means I’ve packed on several lbs already. And I still end up feeling pretty green in the evenings. 

3. Any appointment updates? Next one is 8/28

4. Rants/raves/questions? Ready to start feeling more like myself- come one 2nd tri! 

5. GTKY- Favorite ice cream flavor Hummmm, this is tough... maybe eggnog, or moose tracks! (And now all I want in life is some ice cream!)

beachbaby0523

Hi!! My apologies for being quiet on the threads recently. I’ve been anxiously awaiting (and extremely nervous about) my U/S and OB appt on 8/20. Thrilled to report all went super well and I’m almost 2 weeks further along than I thought! 

1. How many weeks are you? 11w2d based on LMP and 10w4d based on measurements. I think the latter is more accurate because I have irregular (about 41 day) cycles, but because it is within the 5 day window, my OB is going to keep it at 11w2d for now and we’ll reconsider my EDD following my U/S with the NT testing next Friday. 

2. How are you feeling? Physically/mentally? Physically, I’ve been feeling pretty crummy the past couple weeks, but after the great appt on Monday, mentally, I’m feeling amazing! 

3. Any appointment updates? Saw my LO for the first time on Monday moving around with a strong HR of 157!! Happy tears, so many happy tears!! 

4. Rants/raves/questions? On cloud nine following our appt and looking forward to our vacation (and now babymoon!) to Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos in Sept.!!

5. GTKY- Favorite ice cream flavor - Oh, there are so many! I love mint chocolate chip, cookie dough, birthday cake, coffee, vanilla with warm chocolate chip cookies, the list goes on! Ice cream is by far my fav dessert guilty pleasure.

Wishing y’all a wonderful week and sending all my love and positive vibes to those of you with appts and/or testing coming up! 

Kenneylynn3

1. How many weeks are you?
10w4d
2. How are you feeling?
Still all day nausea and or vomiting. It seems to have gotten worse since my 8 week apt.
3. Any appt updates?
Still waiting to hear from my new ob to schedule my 12 week appt. Probably will call them later today.
4. Rants/raves/questions?
See above 
5. GTKY- depends on my mood. Either coffee with chocolate covered espresso beans or rainbow sherbert.

bluebell08

1. How many weeks are you?12w 5d
2. How are you feeling? Nausea is starting to get much better. It has only happened after dinner this week. Mentally go much better. Got to hear the heartbeat for the first time this morning. 
3. Any appt updates? Next one Sep 19th but might have to change bc DH cant make it with work or I'll see if my mom wants to go. 
4. Rants/raves/questions? Question: is it normal not to have an ultra sound at 12 weeks appt?? Dr said it wasnt needed and heartbeat sounded great but I thought for sure we would get to see baby again. 
5. GTKY- Grooms cake by blue bell is my all time fav! but I will pretty much eat any ice cream 

3rdtime_charmed

@bluebell08 if they heard a good heartbeat, then it’s normal not to do a scan. I’m sorry you were disappointed.

westslopemama

1. How many weeks are you? 
10 weeks, 1 day

2. How are you feeling? Physically/mentally?
I'm feeling good. My symptoms have been mild all pregnancy which has been stressful, but after seeing the baby yesterday I'm feeling better. I've been able to get in modified exercise and that makes me feel good, but I do wish I could run. When I try and run I feel weird pains/stretching in my abdomen so I've had to stop because it freaks me out. 

3. Any appointment updates? I had a follow-up appointment to check my TSH level yesterday and was luckily able to see the baby on u/s after the midwife could not hear the hb. My next appointment is 9/11.

4. Rants/raves/questions? I'm thinking about telling people about the pregnancy in 2 weeks, but I'm still so nervous about it. 

5. GTKY- Favorite ice cream flavor. Chocolate peanut butter, moose tracks, cookie dough, peanut butter cup! Basically anything with chocolate and/or peanut butter! Now I need ice cream! 

bluebell08

@3rdtime_charmed Oh I was so excited to hear the heartbeat I dont want to sound disappointed! Just made me nervous not to do a scan do to previous loss being at 11 weeks. 

Lbloom

1. How many weeks are you? 12ish weeks

2. How are you feeling? Physically/mentally? Good, but I was just thinking this morning, that I'm really looking forward to having a bit bigger bump and get to where I can feel those baby kicks every day. There's no reassurance like that!  

3. Any appointment updates? Next Appt is Sept. 10th, really looking forward to hearing that heartbeat again!

4. Rants/raves/questions? Between getting up to pee in the middle of the night and now, tossing and turning; I'm about ready to bust out my big pregnancy pillow. It takes up a lot of space in the bed, though! Sorry, DH! 

5. GTKY- Favorite ice cream flavor I will eat any ice cream flavor, but I do like Baskin Robins Jamocha Almond Fudge (that chocolate ribbon/coffee combo is awesome with the crunchy nuts), and Ben & Jerry's makes a ridiculous Chocolate/Peanut Butter combo that is just bursting with those two flavors... drool. 

batmama31

1. How many weeks are you? 8

2. How are you feeling? Physically/mentally? physically: holy bloat! also, a bit of morning sickness has started to kick in, but I stay ahead of it by having small snacks. mentally: fine, I guess. I think I've come to terms w/ my condition, and the unknown. I'm finding it easier to be joyful.

3. Any appointment updates? first appointment tomorrow. no lie, nervous AF

4. Rants/raves/questions? rant: getting personal here- my husband came to bed breathing alcohol breath straight into my nostrils w/ physical expectations, despite my multiple outcries in the (at least) 6 months of how he hasn't spoken MY love language in ages and how in the f*** can he expect me to fill his cup when mine has been bone dry for so long??! I couldn't sleep last night w/ all that shit, so I took my pillow and joined my 3yr old in his bed. husband is still fucking clueless. I cried myself to sleep last night. 

but this all could just be hormones, too. 

5. GTKY- Favorite ice cream flavor? neapolitan 

catlady2015

1. How many weeks are you? 9+1

2. How are you feeling? Physically/mentally? Currently have an upper respiratory/sinus infection. Breathing is so hard right now. So super tired on top of the sick. Mentally feeling well, I’m past all my milestones. 

3. Any appointment updates? Next appt Monday for the long nurse intake and u/s with the good equipment. Will feel really good after Monday when I have a scan past the last milestone. 

4. Rants/raves/questions? DH has been a bit of a pill. He’s been super hands-offy (like hardly touched me when we’re awake) and just when I’m about to go to sleep he’s pulling at my boobs wanting sex. @batmama31, I feel your pain! I don’t want sex like that! At least touch me before we get in bed. I refused to sleep with him last night because he’s been just pulling at me and everything is sore and hurts. 

5. GTKY- Favorite ice cream flavor. Cookies and cream for a real flavor, but I usually default to vanilla. Good vanilla is amazing! 

3rdtime_charmed

@batmama31 I’m sorry you were so sad. You should talk to him! 

My husband is super nervous to touch me and I’m feeling a little bummed about that but I didn’t really feel good enough to care until yesterday so I guess it’s better than getting mauled!

bluebell08

@batmama31 yeah definitely talk to him in the morning or after you have both had cool off time. I'm sorry your not getting the support/ type of attention you have been wanting. 

@3rdtime_charmed I think the relationship dynamic changes are fascinating. Prob my psychology background but that is super sweet that he is so caring! 

mschanandlerbong1214

I don’t know where else to put this so I’m putting it here. We had our 1st trimester screen today. Everything looked great, HB was 168bpm, waving at us and everything. The us tech left and the dr came in and after doing another look he told us that they can’t see the baby’s nasal bone which is a soft marker for Down syndrome. So we got the NIPT to find out more. Depending on those results we may be getting a cvs or amnio in the future. We’re now considered high risk and I’ll be seeing and MFM every 4 weeks until 20w or we’re cleared. I’m freaking the EFF out. I will love this baby no matter what but this isn’t something I was expecting at all. We get our initial results in up to 2 weeks and we have another ultrasound in 4 weeks. Depending on those results we move from there. I don’t know what I want out of this post, just needed to vent somewhere. 

mamakate1616

@mschanandlerbong1214 *hugs* Ug, I’m sorry you got such uncertain and upsetting news. I hope your test comes back postively.
FWIW with my DD’s 11ish week ultrasound there was a “bright spot” on her heart and they were worried about several complications. Besides the waiting periods between scans during my losses, those were the hardest two weeks. It ended up being a fluke that was resolved at the follow up scan. 

Lbloom

@mschanandlerbong1214 - This is only my experience, but maybe it can bring some calm to you. It wasn't discovered until our 20 week scan, but my DD3 showed 3-4 soft markers. (I think one was a short nasal bone, a tiny calcified particle on the heart, and a sandal-toe gap.) It was recommended we do the Harmony test, which we did and it took an agonizing 4 weeks to hear back (thanks 4th of July holiday!) but it all came back with ridiculously low odds of her having Downs. She does not have Downs but has the cutest wide gap b/w her big and 2nd toes (just like me) and a cute little button nose (also from me). The calcification on her heart cleared up on it's own. I was referred to an MFM and had a high risk scan around 3rd trimester but it was mainly to check because of my having unexplained high amniotic fluid levels (also cleared up mysteriously on its own - I had that with DD2 as well). I had weekly non stress tests in the last month or 2 of my pregnancies with both DD2 & 3 but that's also bc of my stillbirth history with DD1.

I understand your fears. All these tests are very hard but just take them one at a time and before you know it, you'll be at the end. It's also worth noting that maybe it's good that you and baby get all this extra attention and care, it just makes you all the more prepared and each one you go through you'll be more confident in yourself when delivery time comes. I had no extra testing with DD1 - and that turned out not good for me. My PG with her was "textbook" healthy. As I said, it's just my experience, your baby is lucky to have all this TLC and a mama who loves him/her so much already!  

P.S. I know a lady whose DD is in the same class as mine and her little boy does have Downs and she had absolutely no idea. She wishes she would have known ahead of time so she could be more prepared. Food for thought.

mamakate1616

1. How many weeks are you?
10+5

2. How are you feeling? Physically/mentally?
Physically fairly decent. Still get the occasional “afternoon malaise” and have starting getting regular headaches, but symptom wise things seem to be getting better. 
Mentally feeling conflicted. I’m taking a daily blood thinner via stomach injection as a treatment for unexplained RPL/protein s deficiency/potential for blood clotting, and obviously I don’t love it. I want to ask my hematologist about stopping once I’m past the first trimester because it’s totally possible I’ve just had “bad luck” 3x and there’s not actually something wrong with me (textbook pregnancy with DD)... BUT I don’t know how I would live with myself if I stopped and something went wrong.  
 
3. Any appointment updates?
Next is on 9/18, have a script for another US that I will probably schedule for 9/4

4. Rants/raves/questions?
Rant: got massive medical bills in the mail yesterday, called my insurance to find out what’s up and turns out all 3 of my dumb-F OB, imaging center, and pediatrician submitted claims as out of network. So I had to call all of them and get their claims voided and resubmitted for 100% coverage. SO annoying.

Rave: DH went to pick up some heirloom tomato salads from this fancy place we went to last weekend for date night. We have both been craving them since then and I am so excited. Probably the yummiest thing I’ve eaten all summer. 

5. GTKY- Favorite ice cream flavor
either mint chocolate chip or coffee or Halo Strawberry if I’m being good. Favorite toppings are cherries/cherry juice and mini m&ms 

purpleteacher82

@mschanandlerbong1214 Hugs to you! News like that is never easy and I think it is even harder for us PGAL ladies. I hope more testing brings you reassuring news! 

lelkcot

@mschanandlerbong1214 hopefully further testing will give you clear and more reassuring results. All the testing we have access to these days is wonderful as we have so much more information, but can also add stress. Thinking of you and your lo.

catlady2015

@mschanandlerbong1214 - I have no experience with this as a ftm, but hoping the extra monitoring and scans show there’s nothing to be concerned about. All the hugs, lady. I know this is scary and unexpected. We’re here anytime you need to vent! 

oneday2019

1. How many weeks are you?
12 weeks today!

2. How are you feeling? Physically/mentally?
Feeling more normal.   I have a 3 yr old and it has been super hard to parent him with all these hormones.

3. Any appointment updates?
Seeing my OB every other week. 

4. Rants/raves/questions?
Any other preterm momma's here?  I start baby aspirin today and progesterone shots weekly at 16 weeks.  Anyone else in a similar boat?

5. GTKY- Favorite ice cream flavor
I love the chocolate extreme at DQ.  After reading all the responses, I know want ice cream for breakfast!

bdesterhouse

1. How many weeks are you?
12 weeks! 

2. How are you feeling? Physically/mentally?
today so far I feel great. A little tired and nauseous but it will go away once I eat breakfast. 

3. Any appointment updates?
12 week anatomy scan this Tuesday I’m excited to see our little Gremlin. 

4. Rants/raves/questions?
We went to a parade yesterday and my 7 yr old is being a freak about his candy. Tried sneaking out of the house this am to go get it from my truck. Then cried when we said no not till later. 

5. GTKY- Favorite ice cream flavor
This is a hard one. Either cookie dough or twist from our local ice cream shop. 

bdesterhouse

@oneday2019 I’m not a preterm momma, but I take a daily baby aspirin bc we hope it will help prevent any issues. We don’t know why my second baby passed and it was a possible clotting issue so we are trying to make sure that doesn’t happen. 

brookepdavis

@mschanandlerbong1214 I’m sorry you had a tough appointment. Need like that is never easy to hear. Fingers crossed all the other tests come back normal!

oneday2019

Im sorry youvdont have answers.  That makes pal so hard. We also don't know why our second baby passed so they are treating us preterm in hopes this may have been our issue.  

Morningstar80

1. How many weeks are you? 11 + 2

2. How are you feeling? Physically/mentally? physically: Lots of nausea and the runs. It´s so cruel that when I eat to quell my nausea I have to run right after to the bathroom to poop mentally: I´m crying a lot. Hormones are a bitch. 

3. Any appointment updates? I have a dr´s appt and ultrasound this Thursday. I had spotting from 8 - 10w while I was visiting my folks in the States and went to see an OBGYN at my mom´s dr´s practice to make sure everything was ok. I had an ultrasound done and everything looked fine but I´m anxious to see the baby again and know that everything is progressing as it should be. After that I´m going to schedule the blood draw for an NIPT.  

4. Rants/raves/questions? Nope. 

5. GTKY- Favorite ice cream flavor? Breyer´s Mint Chocolate Chip 

diaphena

1. How many weeks are you? 10 tomorrow which means I'm past my milestone! 

2. How are you feeling? Physically/mentally? Physically, very tired and nauseous on and off. I can tell I'm on the upswing though. Mentally I'm doing much better today! Been nervous on and off, especially with that milestone getting here, but I've been managing. 

3. Any appointment updates? I saw the midwife at my OB's practice today for a "just for reassurance" appt. Original plan was another ultrasound, but she ended up being able to find baby's heartbeat on the doppler so we just stuck with that. Baby was wiggling around (or that's what she said the scratchy noises were, haha) and heart rate was ticking along at 167! I go back in just over 2 weeks to see my OB and get the NT scan done.

4. Rants/raves/questions? Nothing today, just wanted to thank you all again for your support on last week's check in. I'm grateful for all of you especially on certain days when I feel like I can't really relate to ladies who haven't been through this before.

5. GTKY- Favorite ice cream flavor? Anything with chocolate and caramel! I love Ben and jerry's imagine whirled peace and americone dream.

diaphena

@mschanandlerbong1214 I'll be thinking of you while you're stuck in this waiting period... It's so hard. FX for good results!

FX for everyone with appts coming up!

mschanandlerbong1214

Thank you everyone. I really appreciate all the positive thoughts

@Lbloom thank you for sharing that. It really helps to hear from someone who has gone through it too. 

bdesterhouse

Hugs @mschanandlerbong1214 I hope you get good news. 

LilLambie

@mschanandlerbong1214 I'm so sorry you are going through this. I have everything crossed for good results for you.

1. How many weeks are you? 12+3

2. How are you feeling? Physically/mentally? Physically, still nauseous and vomitting. Everything aches. Mentally, the pgal anxiety is off the charts and I'm barely functioning. My nt scan was supposed to be the 27th, but got moved to the 30th at 8am and has now been moved to the 30th at 1pm. This is my big milestone, and I just need to see the baby is ok. Every time the scan gets moved I feel like I lose the ability to breath for a bit. 

3. Any appointment updates? Scan on Thursday at 1pm. It was originally supposed to be at the MFM department at the hospital but the sonographer is sick. It's been moved to a private clinic that has a high risk obstetrician. It just happens that this private clinic is the ultrasound place we went to when we found out about DS1'S issues. So doesn't feel like the best omen.

4. Rants/raves/questions? Nothing at the moment. I'm just praying I'm still pregnant at the end of the week.

5. GTKY- Favorite ice cream flavor. I love rocky road flavour. It's the best of all the world's

mschanandlerbong1214

Just got my results back! Everything came back normal! So the likelihood baby has Down syndrome is very low. I’m so relieved! 

Lbloom

@mschanandlerbong1214 - YAY! That's fantastic, I'm so happy to hear this news! I wanted to tell you earlier that "soft markers" are called soft for a reason, they are certainly not definitive!  I'm so thrilled you got good news, I've been thinking about you!:)

brookepdavis

@mschanandlerbong1214 YAY!! So glad to hear it!

beachbaby0523

@mschanandlerbong1214 thank you for sharing the good news! I’ve been thinking of you and am so happy to hear this!