May FTM (First-time Mom) Check-in

mimser

Hey, First-Time Moms! Let's hear it! 

How far along are you? 

Any appointments this month/last? How did it go? 

Any pregnancy related symptoms? 

Rants/Raves?

Questions for FTM, STM+?

GTKY: If you could have one superpower what would it be?

mimser

How far along are you? 13w4d

Any appointments this month/last? How did it go? I had a few last month... 1st trimester ultrasound + NIPT + phone appointment with GP. This month, only an in office appointment with GP.

Any pregnancy related symptoms? Only some sore breasts and maybe also being easily annoyed...

Rants/Raves? I find it sad that this COVID-19 is stealing this pregnancy time from our parents. I'm also jealous about the fact that I probably won't get a baby shower because of it. And I don't think well be able to get a lot of help from our families when baby comes because they're basically all at risk...

Questions for FTM, STM+? Has everybody announced yet? I'm anxiously waiting for my NIPT result to share to other people than our parents.

GTKY: If you could have one superpower what would it be? At the moment, invulnerability.

bserena

How far along are you? 12 weeks & 6 days! Tomorrow is 13 weeks

Any appointments this month/last? How did it go? Had my intake appointment on Wednesday, got an ultrasound and did NIPT bloodwork. Appointment went awesome (even though they poked me three times... after I told her they always poke me a million times and can only draw blood from one spot and she proceeded to try elsewhere) and I was so glad to get an ultrasound. Its crazy how much the baby grows from 8 weeks to 12! Last time he/she was a fuzzy blob and this time I saw a full baby wiggling and moving around! So excited to find out the sex when we get NIPT results next week. Next appointment is on May 27th, when we get to go over the fun financial stuff 

Any pregnancy related symptoms? Insomnia still and RLP (the WORST). Other then that, feeling pretty good now!

Rants/Raves? Not really. Just so grateful baby is doing well and that I was able to get NIPT and an ultrasound! I definitely wish MH could've been there, but oh well. My work has decided to bring everyone back to the office on May 11th, as TN has started reopening. I am super nervous and would like to wait a little bit longer, but they don't know I am pregnant so I don't have a good reason unless I tell them.

Questions for FTM, STM+? Nope!

GTKY: If you could have one superpower what would it be? To be able to heal others (and animals, and myself)... if I couldn't have that then definitely to fly! I feel like that would be so amazing.

@mimser we have told most of our close friends and family, just not our girls (my SD's) because we haven't seen them due to quarantine, plus I wanted to make sure everything was good at my appt which was on Wed. We haven't done like a public/social media announcement or anything though.

achs

How far along are you? 13w1d

Any appointments this month/last? How did it go? Last month I had my regular OB which was great bc I saw the baby bouncing around on the sono. Then I had the sequential screen and it was a little frustrating bc the baby was tucked in a weird angle and hard to get on screen. The tech was getting frustrated and not really communicating with me, so it made me more anxious than necessary 

Any pregnancy related symptoms? Nausea starting to fade but stomach still isn’t 100% ( I compare it to when you’re getting over a stomach flu and you’re ok but you know something could set it off easily). Heartburn is starting now. 

Rants/Raves? I got a pair of maternity leggings. The stomach panel is baggy and unnecessary BUT it’s so nice having the waistband hit below the stomach for a change. 

Questions for FTM, STM+? I keep struggling with “feeling” pregnant. Because of the whole staying home thing and how nauseous I had been, it almost felt like I was just sick. Now I’m not as nauseous but also not really showing, so it feels like a weird in between. 

GTKY: If you could have one superpower what would it be? Mind reading

1sttimemomma98

How far along are you? 9w4d

Any appointments this month/last? How did it go? 

I have unfortunately been to my OB 5x and the ER once! Long story short they couldn’t find the babies heart beat originally so I had to come back for labs 2x bc of that. Then had a full intake apt, then had a check up after the ER. Was in the ER this past weekend after severe pain, throwing up, shaking/sweating and low heart rate. Thought we lost the baby for sure, but everything checked out! They said they don’t know what happened, I don’t have a low pain tolerance but I was having trouble breathing the pain was so severe. So far this pregnancy has been a rollercoaster, so hoping it’s smooth sailing from here on out! 


Any pregnancy related symptoms? Nausea, pretty much all day. 

Rants/Raves? Being young and pregnant has definitely taken some of the joy out of the experience. I get more lectures than happy responses, which is understandable, but definitely a little stressful considering how rocky it’s been so far. Just wish I could feel happy about it for a bit!

Questions for FTM, STM+? Are you participating in testing for Down Syndrome? My doctor’s office offers the nuchal translucency ultrasound and I’m still on the fence.

GTKY: If you could have one superpower what would it be? Shapeshifting!

mimser

@1sttimemomma98 I'm having the tests for Down Syndrome yes. I had a blood test and nuchal translucency done. I can't tell you that waiting for the results hasn't been stressful, but think in the long run it was the right decision for us.

bserena

@1sttimemomma98 I got the NIPT blood test which is a genetic screening for Downs Syndrome and the Trisomys. I didn't get the NT scan just because my OB does one or the other. We definitely wanted to know that way we can be prepared regardless of the results, but it is totally a personal decision!!!

achs

I got the test (Nuchal) because even if it didnt impact my decision to continue pregnancy, it’s still something I’d want to know and prepare for. There are many resources you would need and having that time to access them can be extremely helpful 

1sttimemomma98

@bserena @achs @mimser okay thank you ladies! I still have to check with my insurance to make sure it’s covered but as long as it is I’m going to get it done. 

name1109

@1sttimemomma98 I wanted to say people are super judgmental. I get judged for having for having four (can you afford it? Are you too old? The world has enough mouths...another girl? You must be so disappointed...hell no im pumped!!!), for working, for using daycare at 6 weeks (helps me balance! Her teachers love her too!), for letting them dress themselves (they’re so proud!).  And by judged I mean my mother continually tells me my oldest needs therapy (everyone does!), I need to quit working and homeschool....that way of life is not my cup of tea so no. I’ve been publicly shamed for decisions I think are completely fine (why are you here with three kids and two dogs...I would NEVER have done that...that was a stranger last month). People are nosy, obnoxious and not respectful. I just wanted to share to encourage you to find your people.  Don’t go at it alone. I’m sorry the last weeks have been so difficult. 

1sttimemomma98

@name1109 thank you for your kind response 😊 this app has been super supportive and helpful these last few weeks about reminding me that people can be kind of shitty, but that it will be okay!! I’m still working on finding my people, but until I do I’m excited to lean on all of you for support. 

lovelee3

How far along are you? 12W5D 

Any appointments this month/last? How did it go? I only had one in-person appointment for the dating ultrasound at 8W. I was measuring ahead, but my midwife kept my due date. I've had 2 phone call visits for PMH and then general info. @1sttimemomma98 I'm going for NIPT tomorrow. They will do the blood draw and NT screen U/S. I had to get it pre-approved by my insurance which was a hassle, but I figure if anything is different then I would want to be prepared early.

Any pregnancy related symptoms? Honestly haven't had any of the big ones except sore/heavy boobs. I did deal with a 2-day headache/borderline migraine last week. I think it was my body's way of dealing with the hormones. I finally had to take 325mg acetaminophen because naps, water, food, hot packs, NOTHING was making it go away. OH! I get short of breath pretty quickly. DH always asks me why I'm breathing so hard when I come up the stairs in our house

Rants/Raves? State parks in WA are opening back up tomorrow, so I'm hoping to get in some socially distance'd hikes. I started insanity back up last week with DH while impatiently waiting for gyms to open back up. It's nice to have a routine workout, but I'm struggling with taking it slower and making some modifications. Staying safe and healthy though. 

Questions for FTM, STM+? Nada really. I like reading other people's questions though.

GTKY: If you could have one superpower what would it be? I hate this question because I want ALL the superpowers!  The ability to control time maybe...and teleportation or flying...basically I want to be Doctor Strange 

lindz42

How far along are you?  15w2s

Any appointments this month/last? How did it go? Last appt was last week of April. NT scan and NIPT screening. Everything went well. Got results back-- all is normal (low risk) and baby is a boy. 

Any pregnancy related symptoms? Not much. I was nauseous a lot first trimester and now that's mostly gone. I'm always feeling nasal congestion though and exercising is more difficult. I get short of breath and struggle with walking hills.

Rants/Raves? I feel like I'm so out of shape and like I'm just getting fat. My family thinks I'm showing, but I think I just look fat... My husband seems to be expecting the worst with everything and it worries me. I wish he could go to the appts with me and that we could socialize more right now with our friends and family with kids. It's hard trying to talk to him about it because he says I have a completely different perspective here.  

Questions for FTM, STM+? Any advice for how to help significant others feel more connected right now, especially first time parents? 

GTKY: If you could have one superpower what would it be? Teleportation. My best friends are halfway across the country and I would love to visit more often. 

laurenmicheley

How far along are you? 15w+1

Any appointments this month/last? How did it go? God, Like a million appointments until now. Last one was on 5/1. We conceived with a medicated cycle at my RE so we have had very close monitoring 1st trimester starting at 5w.

Any pregnancy related symptoms? Constipation! Still some nausea (although not nearly as often or as bad as 1st tri). Nothing fits (duh)! Stuffy nose and I am winded just by walking around.

Rants/Raves? I'm not huge yet, but honestly maternity clothing is so darn comfortable. I highly recommend ASOS to everybody - their clothing is relatively inexpensive and stylish (I am anti-ruching, but I won't judge if you aren't).

Questions for FTM, STM+? WTF are nipple shields and why would I need to use them? As a follow up, I have atopic dermatitis, so would they help the skin of my nipples not get totally irritated? I'm confused!

GTKY: If you could have one superpower what would it be? Flying would be cool.

@warmwinter I feel you so much on the feeling fat. I can't even take a bump picture because I just feel icky. As a side-note, I have worked so hard at losing weight and maintenance for a long time, so seeing my belly grow without a distinctive baby bump forming quite yet, is extremely triggering for my body image issues.

lindz42

@laurenmicheley Sounds like we've had the same symptoms too. I was trying to lose weight before I got pregnant and had finally been keeping up with a consistent exercise routine. With pregnancy and now working from home, I'm definitely not as active and my appetite has completely changed. Two weeks ago my doctor said my weight gain was normal, but still self conscious about it. Now that the nausea is diminishing, at least I'm able to maintain a daily 30 min exercise. 

crizz13

@laurenmicheley STM+ lurking here. Nipple shields can be used either short term or long term and especially if you have flat or inverted nipples. They can also be helpful in the beginning if your baby is having trouble latching and/or transferring milk effectively. I'm guessing a nipple shield would help with cracking/irritation/blisters, but that's not usually the primary purpose. 

landonsmami

How far along are you? 13wks and 1 day

Any appointments this month/last? How did it go? I had a genetics testing appointment and should get the results back towards the end of the week, beginning of next. I got to hear my baby's heartbeat, it was 158 💕🤰🏾

Any pregnancy related symptoms? Morning sickness is hitting me like it's trying to get revenge for something I know nothing about 😂😷

Rants/Raves? I wish I had a more supportive partner through this, everyone around me seems to be super emotional, so I'm not getting my chance to be an emotional wreck like a pregnant women should 😒😂

Questions for FTM, STM+? What are essential things to put on your registry besides all the big furniture?

GTKY: If you could have one superpower what would it be? I'd like to either be invisible or be able to teleport far from here 🙄🤣