Questions -- Month of September

lurvleybunchococonuts

@josie12367 soooo many pads in my life already

wildrainbow

@josie12367 almost every time I cough, I pee a little. I've heard that wide stance squats can help, but I dunno. I know if I attempt them, I will be stuck, so I won't. 

emjohn517

Josie, I do pelvic and core exercises everyday, but still brace myself when I sneeze lol. And fall is terrible for my allergies. I think there’s just so much pressure on that bladder, it’s gonna happen. Also dealing with hemrhoids now, too. 

josie12367

@lurvleybunchococonuts OMG....Thank goodness I'm not the only one! My pelvic floor is destroyed at this point! Plus baby is so so low right now. 

lifesabeach85

@josie12367 my yoga teacher also recommends both wide squats and chair squats plus kegels. But like everyone else I still leak... 

I remember Gwenyth Paltrow recommended walking around with a jade egg in your coot but shockingly that was BS...

lurvleybunchococonuts

@lifesabeach85... Oh darned if only we ALL had jade hoohaa eggs

millerbear56

@josie12367 I don’t know how to prevent that more than what you’re doing but I can tell you I didn’t have issues after my DS was born and before this baby got pretty big. I have heard other moms say it does happen here and there for the rest of your life but shouldn’t be as bad as it is while you have a baby squishing your bladder. Chuck it up to the the long term effects of growing a human. 

iheartbooks

Omg I’m dying... if only I had my jade egg handy it would solve my leaking problem. 

Eveinshock

I would fully wet myself when I had morning sickness in the beginning.  So far even with a giant baby in there I haven't had that problem with sneezing...

So I had an US today and baby is currently 7 lbs 1 oz at almost 35 weeks.  They are a bit concerned about the size so I go back in 3 weeks for another one and then see how early I need to go. 

mockingjay1

@josie12367 - No advice for exercises, but you are not alone! I don't even notice when I pee, but it's noticeable in my pantyliner every day so I obviously do. 

josie12367

Thank you ladies so much for making me feel like I'm not alone! Thankfully I've only soaked myself at home, and the pads have been enough so far while out. I'll start up the wide stance squats,  but the hoohaa jade egg is just so weird! Gwenyth has always struck me as odd! 

purelex

@josie12367 and @offtoneverland.. Thanks for your insight.  I think I will get the Spectra S9 and keep it at home for occasional use/travel and leave my S2 as my primary at work so I don't have to lug it back and forth.  Sorry for the almost-drive-by-question...  I am definitely in the unprepared category and barely keeping up with work and home right now.  Hard to believe this LO will be here in less than 8 weeks!

And at the jade egg... Gwyneth is definitely odd!  Each to their own, I suppose!

cpow18

So FTM - no idea what BH or contractions feel like...but every once in awhile I get a sharp pain in my pelvic area that goes up halfway to my belly button. Is this just stretching or could it be something else?

it doesn’t stop me in my tracks or anything but it does catch me off guard sometimes

emjohn517

@cpow18 could be BH, sometimes they feel
different for different people. But sounds more like round ligament stretching/pain. Or possibly lightning crotch. All that fun stuff lol. 

cpow18

@emjohn517 that’s what I figured! Thanks!

booksandcoffee

Eveinshock said:

Thoughts on early induction due to size? I was induced a week late with my son and he was absolutely gigantic (10 lbs 12 oz).  I was a mess afterwards.  I needed pelvic floor physical therapy and my back pain was excruciating apparently due to the pelvic floor muscles being so damaged. The doctor at last appointment mentioned inducing a week early to hopefully avoid having such a little tank this time. I get another US next week to check on size but with my son they only estimated a 9 pounder.   I told the Dr. my gut says this one won't be as big.  She seemed to think that was wishful thinking.....

Has anyone done this? I always felt weird forcing out a not ready baby but it seems like it probably doesn't make much difference?

I’m in this boat. I just had a growth ultrasound and even though I’m 34 Weeks, baby boy’s head is measuring 40 weeks. My son was 9 and a half lbs and my daughter almost 9 lbs but this baby is measuring bigger than what they were at this point. 

My doctor said it’s possible I will go early. Or they can induce at 38 weeks (based on my next growth ultrasound at 37 weeks.) He’s thinking I will need a c section. I’m pretty emotional about it all but obviously want baby and me to be safe. 

booksandcoffee

iheartbooks said:

Omg I’m dying... if only I had my jade egg handy it would solve my leaking problem. 

  

linz36

Man...the jade egg thing lol. I think she just settled the lawsuit.

So quick question for you STMs...

I have almost constant BH. My doc says my uterus is irritable because of the twins and it’s normal. She started doing cervical checks this week just to be safe and I’m good so far. But how do I know when it’s not a BH contraction. Pretty much right now my whole belly gets super hard, I get short of breath and occasionally it’s mildly painful (like super uncomfortable and crampy). In the morning the contractions are less often but at night by belly can be rock hard for hours and resting/drinking water/etc doesn’t help.

I know that when I do go into labor the contractions won’t lessen in the morning hours. But do they feel different.

I should also mention that I also get a weird aching in my buttocks and perineum as well. 

So many of my friends/family members never had BH so they don’t understand what I’m talking about. But if anyone has any experience with this it could help put my mind at ease. I just don’t want to be in labor and not know...especially because I’m only 32wks.

offtoneverland

@linz3 I had BH when I was pregnant with DD. Just felt like my abdomen was balling up and got really hard. My water broke before I went into labor and I distinctly remember my first real contraction. I felt that same tightening sensation, but I also felt a pain in my cervix with it. I never felt BH near my cervix.
I'm not sure if that's typical or what, and it may have been slightly different for me since they say contractions feel different after your water breaks because there's less cushioning.
I'm sorry you have so many BH. I've been getting a lot too and it's really nerve wracking. 

lifesabeach85

@linz36 yes they feel different. I know we have all heard stories where people didn’t know they were in labor (or seen I didn’t know I was pregnant) but MOST people who have had a baby will tell you that when it’s real you will KNOW. I was also skeptical but as soon as labor started I was like I get it now! Truly if you get much into active labor unsure of what’s happening that would be really unlikely. 

For me BH feel like a hardening like your described that can definitely be uncomfortable. Labor contractions (even in the early stage) felt much more distinctly like a squeezing/tightening that became increasingly painful and then a release of the squeeze at the same rate. 

runningyogimama

@linz36 This pregnancy is the first time I’ve had BH - it just feels like my entire belly tightening. Real contractions felt to me like menstrual cramps in time-able waves, and then like I had to poop, as they got more intense. 

pelorunningmama

@linz36 I’ve been lucky in that my water has always broken so I knew it was labor, but I will say there is a noticeable difference for me in contractions. BH for me are uncomfortable, my belly is hard, but they are manageable
pain with no real pattern. My real contractions come on like a wave and wrap themselves around my entire torso. The are hard to imagine being able to stand through. They also have a very recognizable and timeable pattern.

BabyBoyH92016

31+3 days and still no Braxton Hicks. Is it weird that I’m slightly jealous of those who get them? I never got them with my son either and ended up getting induced at 41 weeks. 1 cm dilated was as much as I dilated on my own. I just feel like my body does not know how to go into labor or something. I’m really really hoping that this time around it will happen naturally and i don’t have to get induced again. 

linz36

Thanks everyone for the input...I feel a bit better. I’m just overthinking everything at this point. And honestly, these BH are annoying and exhausting (and I feel bad for the babies because it can’t be comfortable for them either). I keep telling myself that my body is just practicing for the big day lol. 

offtoneverland

@linz36 it's so easy to overthink things these days. I catch myself doing it all the time. Every time I get a few BH in a row I'm like "is this it?" even though I know it's not. 

iheartbooks

Is anyone planning a fun costume for Halloween? Don’t laugh but I’m thinking of being Pooh Bear with a big belly (I love Pooh in case you can’t tell from my profile pic lol), but I’m wondering if that’s super unoriginal.

stitchnz

@linz36 what you’re describing sounds exactly like what I’m going through too. I’m a first timer as well so unsure of how normal this is. It’s so easy to worry!

josie12367

wannaflickone said:

@linz36 I’ve been lucky in that my water has always broken so I knew it was labor, but I will say there is a noticeable difference for me in contractions. BH for me are uncomfortable, my belly is hard, but they are manageable
pain with no real pattern. My real contractions come on like a wave and wrap themselves around my entire torso. The are hard to imagine being able to stand through. They also have a very recognizable and timeable pattern.

^^This! Contractions are hard to describe, but when you're having them, you'll definitely know. Watch out for something called" bloody show" as well. It's spotting, bright red,  but it happens during active labour and is a sign the cervix is dilating 

offtoneverland

Has anyone gotten a prenatal massage? MH surprised me with a gift card yesterday to a place that does prenatal massages because I've been complaining about how sore I am. How sweet of him! I don't understand how prenatal massages work though. How am I supposed to get a massage if I can't lie on my back or stomach? Do they have a special table so you can sit up a little? 

linz36

@offtoneverland I haven't gotten a prenatal massage but I have been looking around to get one and it varies depending on the place. A few places I've looked at have a special table that has a hole cut out for the stomach and other places state that they lie you on your side and support you with pillows. Either way, if you go let me know if you like it. I'm trying to decide if it's worth the money.

linz36

@stitchnz sorry you are going through this too.

@josie12367 after reading everyone posts I feel better. I've just read too many "I didn't know I was in labor" stories that I was freaking myself out. But really, I'm probably too neurotic not to notice when I'm in labor lol. 

runwmusic

@offtoneverland @linz36
I have had two types:
a bolstering system that you lie face down on and it cushions around your belly.
Or starting face up with a wedge behind your back where they do you shoulders, neck, arms and legs. Then remove the wedge and you have a pillow for your head and body pillow between your knees as you lie on your side for your back.

I would say they are very much worth it linz36! I find so much hip and back relief and would go more often of they weren't so expensive. 

BabyBoyH92016

@offtoneverland I haven’t got a prenatal massage this pregnancy, but I used to get them all the time with my first. Yes, they have like a special donut thing you lay on so you aren’t on your belly, but I usually would lay on my side and then switch sides. They also put folded towels and stuff under your legs and back to prop you up. Basically anything to make you feel comfortable. Enjoy! I keep telling myself I should at least treat myself to one this pregnancy. 

lifesabeach85

@offtoneverland yes! I’ve had a few. Gift cards for massage pedicure etc is all I ask for for my bday mother’s day anniversary etc... Like others have said some spas have a special table with a hole for your belly, but I don’t think it’s super common. Usually you lie on one side for half and the other side for the rest of the time. They should have lots of pillows to put under your hips, between your knees etc so you’re super comfy. 

Im definitely gonna try to get one more this month! 

tessiesmom26

@offtoneverland @linz36 I had one earlier this year and I did one side for half and the other side for the second half. They had a huge body pillow for me to rest my belly and put between my legs. It was like twice the size of a normal body pillow and so comfy. I would highly recommend!  

Eveinshock

booksandcoffee said:

I’m in this boat. I just had a growth ultrasound and even though I’m 34 Weeks, baby boy’s head is measuring 40 weeks. My son was 9 and a half lbs and my daughter almost 9 lbs but this baby is measuring bigger than what they were at this poin. My doctor said it’s possible I will go early. Or they can induce at 38 weeks (based on my next growth ultrasound at 37 weeks.) He’s thinking I will need a c section. I’m pretty emotional about it all but obviously want baby and me to be safe. 

OMG that head is 6 weeks ahead!!!!!!  Wow. At least they keep checking and are willing to go to 38. My dr said they don't really induce before 39 bc of size except in extreme circumstances. Which in your case, sounds like it might be the case.

Mine has a small head.  So did my son actually, at least compared to his gigantic body. This baby measured 87% yesterday and they aren't concerned until 90%. BUT the tech said that most of the body measurements were 93-95% but the head was 77% so it dragged the total percentage down under 90.  I go back in 3 weeks for another one too...

wildrainbow

Has anyone used a belly binder type thing after c section? Im Thinking about getting one to help with support, but also for protection since ds won't understand why he can't always sit with me. 

firsttimespartanmom

@offtoneverland I will be the odd one out and say that I had one and didn’t love it. I laid on my stomach and one of those donut things and then on my back propped up on pillows. The baby moved like crazy and I was constantly worried they were doing something that was affecting the baby (irrational, I know, but I couldn’t relax). Granted, I was only 15 or so weeks along so was more worried about things happening to baby but I personally just couldn’t get comfortable and relax. 

pelorunningmama

@wildrainbow When I was preparing myself for a C-section because baby was breech, ALL my friends that have had them recommended a binder immediately after. They said the hospital can provide them. Sometimes your doctor has to write a prescription for it, but most hospitals will have something they can give you. It sounds like the extra support is very beneficial.

linz36

@wildrainbow regardless of whether I delivery vaginally or by c-section I plan to use the postpartum binder thing by mamastrut. It’s made to be worn right after birth and holds pads/ice packs in place. It was developed by a nurse and has great reviews!

https://www.mamastrut.com/