@pennyandzooey Everyone is different I wouldn't panic. Also, I really really love the app called "Pregnancy+" it always tells you about this kind of stuff and has such great info every day. Download it!
@pennyandzooey My first pregnancy too, so I'm definitely not an expert on this, but I think belly growth is different for everyone, and I don't think it's always steady--what my doc is more concerned with is weight gain. She's looking at me gaining anywhere between 20 and 30 pounds over the course of the entire pregnancy. As of today, halfway through 11 weeks, I've put on 4.5 (I was told anywhere between 1 and 5 pounds for the first trimester is normal). I found this calculator online, so it shows what your healthy weight gain is per week based on your week/pre-pregnancy weight/height/current weight: https://www.calculator.net/pregnancy-weight-gain-calculator.html
But, everybody's body is different. I'd definitely recommend talking to your doc if you're concerned. They should help, and should be able to tell you what to expect that's specific to YOU, not just what a calculator says. Pretty sure mine is sick of me already, haha. I've only had 2 appointments, and have brought a list each time...and then have called the office a few times with more questions that I forgot to ask at the appointment, lol.
@pennyandzooey@rjgmcmanus I am in my third pregnancy right now and with my first two my belly didn't really start to grow and pop til week 25. I have only gained around 16lbs with both babies, and most just being their weight. I have never had a high risk birth and had a normal pregnancy and delivery. They kept close eyes on baby weight and they both have come out healthy 7lbs. Everyone is different and how their body changes, as long as your ob says your fine and the baby is progressing as it should. Hang in there, first babies are the hardest with worrying.
*lurking* @LM1007 I have no personal experience, my boys were both natural births, but I am #4 and all of us were c-sections. My mom is a very private person, so I've never asked for details, but I know that my sister (the oldest) was an emergency c-section due to pre-term labor (she was born at 32 weeks, and now 35 years later is perfectly healthy) and my mother did not want to risk a VBAC (they were much less common then) so she had 3 RCS. Also, I have a friend who has had 5 c-sections. Her first was due to failure to progress, and again she did not want to do a VBAC. She told me that after her first four were girls she asked her doctor if they could try again because her husband really wanted a boy. Her doctor told her that while she did have quite a bit of scaring she could try for one more, but after that they would have to re-evaluate. Her fifth was a boy, and as far as I know they are done. (He just turned one.)
Does anyone else have little squishy lumps in their armpit? I’ve been reading it’s pretty common in pregnancy but mom brain I honestly can’t remeber if I had this last time around.
Ok weird question (and definitely #firstworldproblems) but not sure who else to ask...
My aunt wants to host a baby shower for me in my hometown. So sweet, except that I haven’t spent much time there in 8 years and have only maintained a small handful of friends....so I’m actually not sure who I would invite/who would come. I tried to make a list, and it was VERY short.
i don’t want to disappoint her because it’s so nice that she offered, but I also don’t want to a) expect a bunch of people who haven’t seen me in years to buy me gifts, or b) have a party no one comes to... What should I do?
@midgeroseftm can you do co-Ed, that’ll add more people to the list, or maybe do a small brunch at a restaurant? This way you can catch up with everyone and have real conversations, where as at a big party it’s harder to have that one on one time with anyone.
@mrosek91 thank you for your response! I actually found out yesterday I am having my third boy, and I really wanted a girl, still do. So I mayyyyy just may go for the forth in the future lol if my doctor doesn't see anything harmful with it. I had to have c-sections for my two previous because they both happen to be breech so I wasn't eligible for a vbac.
@ale9687 are they tender? I had a spot in my right armpit with ds and again with this baby. My first pregnancy, before we knew I was pregnant, I actually had an u/s which confirmed it was a clogged milk duct.
@midgeroseftm how far is it from where your current friends are? Within a distance that they'd be willing to travel to attend as well? Otherwise I like the idea of having a small brunch or something to keep it more intimate intentionally. Plus who doesn't want to attend brunch?
@k_mama91 they are tender. I had a few in the right armpit, those are gone and now it’s my left. They move around if I rub them and are squishy. I’ve been trying to rub them out and it seems to help.
@ale9687 I'm definitely not an authority on the topic in any way, but I do know that there are lymph nodes in the armpit area, which could become swollen/tender if your body is trying to fight any sort of infection. Even something as minor as razor burn can cause swollen lymph nodes!
@ale9687 I’ve noticed some odd sensations under my left arm primarily- it comes and goes- I’ve been thinking it’s something with lymph nodes like @blueskychicago12 said. It flares up for maybe 15-30 minutes at a time, with a really pinpoint zing of tenderness that comes and goes in waves. It’s sort of what I imagine a needle going into the underarm would feel like? Maybe it’s a milk duct issue, too, my chest is much bigger than normal. Keep me posted what you find out!
@ale9687 yes, it could be a lymph node too. I get these when I’m sick as well. I’d ask the doctor to be sure but if they’re going away with massage or warm compress I wouldn’t worry too much. Keep us posted!
Had my first doctors appointment yesterday where I finally meet my OB. I do like my doctor, he is very easy going but answered all my questions and asked good ones himself.
However, he basically said my specialist (treats endometriosis and PCOS) had me scared for no reason. I know people with either or both are at a higher risk for miscarriage. But he thinks a lot of the pills they put me on (progesterone and a thyroid pill) are them being extra careful. He wants me to keep taking the progesterone until week 14 and the thyroid pill until the end of pregnancy. But he made it seem unnecessary.
When I asked about first trimester screenings he told me I don't need them. Said I was "young and very healthy" so he isn't going to do anything until my triple/quad screening.
Is that normal? I don't feel dismissed or anything, he comes highly recommended and I really believe he isn't worried. But most people on this app seem to have had all the tests around this time. He doesn't even plan on running a NIPT unless something comes back funky on the triple/quad. Should I have pushed for more tests? Or do I just trust his knowledge and experience?
@mrszoobear This is my first pregnancy, so I’m not an expert by any means, but here’s what my doctor (general practitioner, not OB,because I live in a rural area) said when I asked about genetic testing and NIPT: She said that my age isn’t a risk (I’m 30), neither my husband nor I have a history of abnormalities in our family, and I’m healthy, so there no “need” to do the test. However, she also said that there’s no right or wrong answer (in my case) as to whether I should take it or not, so if I wanted to, I should go for it. Like you, I was nervous because it feels like all the mamas on this board are getting the test. I do really trust my doctor, and I talked things through with my husband (mainly: why would we be doing the test, and if it were positive, what would we do?). We decided to skip the NIPT. 🤷🏼♀️ Sorry for the long post, but I hope that helps a little.
@mrszoobear I second what @ninrms said about NIPT. It seems like lots of people get it, but not everyone. My doctor told me it was an option but I didn't have risk factors that made me need it. I'm 28, reasonably healthy, no history of serious genetic diseases in either side of our families. I didn't get the testing with my last kiddo either. My SIL did get the testing, but she's PGAL and the doctor wanted to be safe.
@mrszoobear is it possible for him to maybe do a NT scan first? Im 30, ftm, both husband’s family and mine doesn’t have any history of abnormalities but my recent NT scan showed possible risks of downs or abnormalities due to a thick NT (average 5mm). We’re now undergoing NIPT to get a piece of mind (or rather it’s making us very anxious while waiting for results)
@mrszoobear I agree with the them ☝️ My doctor did offer to do the testing if I wanted but also said there was no reason given our ages and health. If you want it done I would absolutely request it. I’m sure your doctor wouldn’t mind doing the NT screening as an alternative to the NIPT.
@mrszoobear I do think that's a bit out of the ordinary to not do any kind of first trimester screen in today's world of technology. But I also know you have the right to deny screening if you know that an indicator of a diagnosis would not change your thoughts on carrying your pregnancy.
I will echo @ninrms@nothingbuttherain and @k_mama91 that my dr did not push NIPT at all. I'm 31, will be 32, husband 32 going on 33 and we have no health history in our family of any genetic issues.
That being said I am a numbers gal. Per our genetics counselor the NT scan only has a 85% accuracy, and a 5% false positive. Whereas NIPT is 99% accurate and has a 1% false positive. It can also screen for more things. It just made more sense to me to do NIPT, am I bummed I missed out on a 12 week sono and I won't see baby again until end of July - yes, but I'm happier with the test we did. It's a decision 100% up to you, your partner and your dr.
@mrszoobear my doctor offered me the nipt yesterday but acted like I didn’t really need it. I am 32, not overly healthy (autoimmune disease) and have had up to 6 miscarriages (2 unconfirmed)
@mrszoobear part of the reason it might seem like everyone’s getting NT screenings is that they’re basically “mandatory” in some states — not actually required, but completely covered by insurance regardless of your personal risk factors, and unless you explicitly don’t want one your OB will order it. that’s how it is in California. Not the case for NIPT screenings (aka cell-free DNA testing), although those are also very common, and in my case my OB recommended it because my SO is 50 and older fathers are more prone to chromosome abnormalities. I say trust your gut, and be assertive with your OB about what you want...you can be sure you are not being high maintenance if you decide to get more testing, and you are not being irresponsible if you don’t.
Wow ladies this really really gave me some peace of mind! I thought I was going crazy, and now debating my decisions to go forward with the NIPT. I feel a little uneducated when it comes to all this pregnancy screening stuff....so it is very refreshing to hear that your doctors also acted as if it wasn't a MUST. After reading stuff on the threads here, and speaking with friends, I felt as if everyone got these tests...but when I had my appt two days ago, my doctor didn't even act like I needed it at all. ( I was under the impression that they were sort of just apart of the process and were basically mandatory). Thank you all for discussing this as I thought I was crazy for not being too worried about them..this is so helpful .Now I'm second guessing if I should just tell them to forget it and not put in a reference for me anymore......I feel like it would be very nice to be prepared if anything came back abnormal, but also would stress me the EFF out throughout my entire pregnancy.
@ktmaesim NT is a sonogram done at 12 weeks. They also take blood to look at two things, depending on the measurement at the neck on the sono and the blood it can be an indicator of downs, trisomy 13 and/or trisomy 18.
NIPT is a blanket name for a blood test (companies for ex Natera Panorama, Harmony, MaterniT1) with Natera Panorama there are 2 options. One screens for downs, trisomy 13 and 18 and extra sex chromosomes. The other option screens for the same as above plus other microdeletions.
Is your OB referring you to the genetics department at the hospital they are affiliated with? You’re in a major city like me so I’m assuming that’s what they would do. The geneticist should be able to answer questions you have.
@ktmaesim welcome! While we were the first in our friend groups to get married, we are pretty much the last to get pregnant. So I’m lucky to have learned a lot between friends and my SIL.
We didn't have an NT or NIPT done. Our midwife gave us the option but said it wasn't required based on our ages, family history, and previous healthy pregnancy. We didn't even have a 12 week scan done, nor a vaginal exam done at my first appointment (which I was completely ok with!) She said my 6 week u/s from the RE looked great and I've had enough imaging and looking at my vagina/cervix/uterus over the last few months that it was fine to skip at that point.
@ashorkey thank you for your input as well. Are you FTM as well? Im now thinking I don't want it done at all, but I think I'll wait for the call from my Genetic Counselor dude and ask him if he thinks it's necessary..I just dont want the extra worry!
@ktmaesim STM and we opted out of it last time as well. I'll be 32 at the end of this month and my husband is 35. While I understand the purpose of them and the benefits of knowledge and peace of mind for some, we decided less "intervention" is personally better for us.
It's standard in Ontario to do an Enhanced First Trimester screening, which is the NT along with some blood work. It's optional, but is covered by the government. The NIPT is only covered in the event that the NT comes back screen-positive, of if you've had a previous pregnancy with Down's Syndrome. We could pay ourselves to get it done, but we didn't with the first pregnancy, and aren't going to this time either. We'll do the NIPT if the NT comes back as high-risk, but otherwise we're skipping it.
@ashorkey your practice sounds like mine. No exams at all, just check vitals. No u/s until 20 weeks. I did have the nipt done as I'm 37. They did listen to heartbeat at wk 11. I'm happy with this level of intervention.
@CapricaAndrea I'm in Ontario as well, and OHIP will cover NIPT if you're AMA. I didn't have it done with my first three babies, paid OOP for my fourth, and had it covered for my last pregnancy and this one. It's nice that they'll cover it as well, as you said, if the NT comes back with worrisome results, or if a previous pregnancy had a chromosomal issue.
@CapricaAndrea that's interesting, in the states it's covered by insurance for people over 35.
I just hit the 13 week mark yesterday and if anything I'm MORE tired than I was before. My first 12ish wks were smooth sailing but the past few days I've been exhausted. This doesn't seem normal but I guess a lot about this pregnancy isn't (no weight gain, no 1st trimester fatigue, no nausea)
Re: QUESTION Thread
But, everybody's body is different. I'd definitely recommend talking to your doc if you're concerned. They should help, and should be able to tell you what to expect that's specific to YOU, not just what a calculator says. Pretty sure mine is sick of me already, haha. I've only had 2 appointments, and have brought a list each time...and then have called the office a few times with more questions that I forgot to ask at the appointment, lol.
@LM1007 I have no personal experience, my boys were both natural births, but I am #4 and all of us were c-sections. My mom is a very private person, so I've never asked for details, but I know that my sister (the oldest) was an emergency c-section due to pre-term labor (she was born at 32 weeks, and now 35 years later is perfectly healthy) and my mother did not want to risk a VBAC (they were much less common then) so she had 3 RCS.
Also, I have a friend who has had 5 c-sections. Her first was due to failure to progress, and again she did not want to do a VBAC. She told me that after her first four were girls she asked her doctor if they could try again because her husband really wanted a boy. Her doctor told her that while she did have quite a bit of scaring she could try for one more, but after that they would have to re-evaluate. Her fifth was a boy, and as far as I know they are done. (He just turned one.)
My aunt wants to host a baby shower for me in my hometown. So sweet, except that I haven’t spent much time there in 8 years and have only maintained a small handful of friends....so I’m actually not sure who I would invite/who would come. I tried to make a list, and it was VERY short.
i don’t want to disappoint her because it’s so nice that she offered, but I also don’t want to a) expect a bunch of people who haven’t seen me in years to buy me gifts, or b) have a party no one comes to... What should I do?
I actually found out yesterday I am having my third boy, and I really wanted a girl, still do. So I mayyyyy just may go for the forth in the future lol if my doctor doesn't see anything harmful with it. I had to have c-sections for my two previous because they both happen to be breech so I wasn't eligible for a vbac.
However, he basically said my specialist (treats endometriosis and PCOS) had me scared for no reason. I know people with either or both are at a higher risk for miscarriage. But he thinks a lot of the pills they put me on (progesterone and a thyroid pill) are them being extra careful. He wants me to keep taking the progesterone until week 14 and the thyroid pill until the end of pregnancy. But he made it seem unnecessary.
When I asked about first trimester screenings he told me I don't need them. Said I was "young and very healthy" so he isn't going to do anything until my triple/quad screening.
Is that normal? I don't feel dismissed or anything, he comes highly recommended and I really believe he isn't worried. But most people on this app seem to have had all the tests around this time. He doesn't even plan on running a NIPT unless something comes back funky on the triple/quad. Should I have pushed for more tests? Or do I just trust his knowledge and experience?
@mrszoobear I do think that's a bit out of the ordinary to not do any kind of first trimester screen in today's world of technology. But I also know you have the right to deny screening if you know that an indicator of a diagnosis would not change your thoughts on carrying your pregnancy.
I will echo @ninrms @nothingbuttherain and @k_mama91 that my dr did not push NIPT at all. I'm 31, will be 32, husband 32 going on 33 and we have no health history in our family of any genetic issues.
That being said I am a numbers gal. Per our genetics counselor the NT scan only has a 85% accuracy, and a 5% false positive. Whereas NIPT is 99% accurate and has a 1% false positive. It can also screen for more things. It just made more sense to me to do NIPT, am I bummed I missed out on a 12 week sono and I won't see baby again until end of July - yes, but I'm happier with the test we did. It's a decision 100% up to you, your partner and your dr.
NIPT is a blanket name for a blood test (companies for ex Natera Panorama, Harmony, MaterniT1) with Natera Panorama there are 2 options. One screens for downs, trisomy 13 and 18 and extra sex chromosomes. The other option screens for the same as above plus other microdeletions.
Is your OB referring you to the genetics department at the hospital they are affiliated with? You’re in a major city like me so I’m assuming that’s what they would do. The geneticist should be able to answer questions you have.
Edit: grammar
I just hit the 13 week mark yesterday and if anything I'm MORE tired than I was before. My first 12ish wks were smooth sailing but the past few days I've been exhausted. This doesn't seem normal but I guess a lot about this pregnancy isn't (no weight gain, no 1st trimester fatigue, no nausea)