Questions week of 10/4

spartan4life

What questions do you have this week??

texas_t

Hi y'all. So, I got a call from my OB yesterday and he said my progesterone was low (10.9 on at 8w3d). He called in an rx of oral progesterone and I'm supposed to go get it checked again on Wednesday. Of course I immediately googled all the things and they weren't really awesome so I started getting nervous. Then, I got to thinking about it and logged into my old OBs portal and looked and I don't even think he tested my progesterone at my first appointment. So, all this to say, if you are having a normal pregnancy up until this point, has your progesterone been tested? Also, any stories on progesterone supplements? Thanks!

mimser

@texas_t I know my GP never tested it and last time, I asked if we could and she said she wouldn't know how to interpret it... I have my OB intake on Tuesday and I'm curious to see if she will test it.

texas_t

I wonder if this is how it's been with previous pregnancies and I didn't even worry about it bc I didn't know? Everything looked good in the ultrasound, so I think it's fine?

spartan4life

Flu shots--has anyone asked your OB when to get a flu shot? I will be asking this week, but curious to know what others have learned. I have to get one every year for work, and I plan to get it, but wasn't sure if you're supposed to wait until a certain point.

gusgus14

@spartan4life mine went ahead and did mine at my first appointment a couple of weeks ago.

mkc3888

@spartan4life My Ob's office said to wait until 12 weeks and I have to get one for work too.  I'm waiting to see if they require documentation from a dr for not getting it or not.  I haven't been pushed yet. 

ec1212

@spartan4life my OB wanted me to get one ASAP and I did in week 6. I've actually never gotten one before because I've historically had a great immune system - pre-covid I was flying every week for work so was probably micro-exposed to everything anyway. But I did it for baby and because I wanted to reduce the "flu or COVID?" issues that may pop up as we get into the season. Hubby went out and got one too.

I asked her if it mattered which shot I got and she said it didn't, but that if I got it administered at their office it would be the preservative-free one. Their office ran out immediately so I wound up getting it at the local "urgent care for everyone" type place and all they were using was the preservative-free one so I lucked out.

spartan4life

@gusgus14 @mkc3888 @ec1212 thank you! I will see what my OB says Thursday...sounds like it's int an issue either way. I have until Nov 30th til work will start sending notices, but I always like to get it sooner rather than later because I always know flu season starts earlier here than most people think. 

ckmb_1250

@spartan4life I’m getting mine at my OB office at 12 weeks for my own peace of mind, but my Dr said it’s fine even earlier. 

I know I’m one of the earlier due dates on here, but has anyone had luck yet with a home Doppler?  I know it’s possible by 9 weeks depending on baby’s location, etc, so we’ve been giving it a shot every few days. No luck yet!

ec1212

When will I stop hating plain water? Hope this symptom isn't one that lasts all pregnancy!

texas_t

@ec1212 One pregnancy I hated cold water or anything fizzy, I could only drink room temp still water.  One pregnancy I couldn't drink still water, and this one it just depends on the moment on what I can stomach to drink.  Hopefully some of that will start easing up soon! I think I was back to normal drink habits by about 12 weeks?

ruby0902

What's your guys' thoughts on using At Home Dopplers? I know the internet is all doom and gloom on them and that they should only be used for entertainment purposes, not to medically diagnose anything. My friend enjoyed using one throughout her pregnancy- she's due to deliver any day now, so she gave me hers to use if I wanted. 
If you're for them, how early were you able to start finding the heartbeat and what are your tips/ tricks for using them?

texas_t

@ruby0902 I'm feeling really negative about this pregnancy for some reason and have come very close to ordering one.  I've actually watched a couple of youtube videos that have good advice!

asf0613

@texas_t i hear you and sorry youre feeling that way.
@ruby0902 i was thinking of getting one but decided (for now) that i dont want another thing to obsess over.  im just trying to trust my body a little more.  easier said than done.

that being said, this leads to my Q about private ultrasounds.  im hoping it doesnt come to this, but when i go to my appointment tomorrow, i will be asking for an extra ultrasound between then and 12wk scan since TW/ thats when i had my loss last time /end TW.  im hoping doc OKs it (ive heard of some that would in this case), but if not, i might need to look into private options.  anyone have any experience with these?

texas_t

@asf0613 I decided against a doppler as well because I coudln't NOT obsess over it.  I hope your doc ok's it, but if not, I think it's fairly easy to get a private one.  We have tons of places in the Dallas area and it runs about $75.

ruby0902

@asf0613 - I have a private scan scheduled for my 12 week since I'll be getting genetic blood testing instead of an ultrasound and it was super easy to set up! We have several in my area and all of them have really good customer ratings. A basic 2D u/s runs about $70, so very affordable in my opinion (I've paid hundreds of dollars more for "insurance covered" medical ones!)  I went with a friend before to a private one and it was great. They don't try to medically diagnose anything but they'll show you the fetus through an abdominal ultrasound and let you see and listen to the heartbeat. The room where they performed the u/s was very comfortable and cozy. I also hear you can find out the sex of the baby as early as 9wks through a blood test they offer 😯

texas_t

@ruby0902 SneakPeek! That's what I did except I did the home version! The one they offer there is great because less risk of male dna contamination!

queen_frostine

@ruby0902
I have an at-home doppler I bought during my first pregnancy. You have to have the ability to take it calmly - sometimes you can find a heartbeat, and it's magical, but sometimes you can't, and that doesn't mean that there's something wrong. It can be nice to check in during those long periods between doctor's visits, especially if they're less frequent during covid. The other issue is that you can get a false sense of security, so you also have to be willing to contact your doctor if you have other signs of problems and not wave it off just because the doppler works. If you think you'd just be obsessive and more stressed, pass it by. If you have good self control and can get in the right headspace, go for it.

ruby0902

@queen_frostine - thanks for your perspective! I think I could handle it and def understand the lack of finesse I'd likely have which may or may not lead to me actually finding the hb. I think I'll try it a little later this week, around 10.5w and see what happens -- and I basically have my OB on speed dial, so nothing will stop me reaching out there if I have concerns 🤣
@texas_t - will definitely also check out YouTube!

brynn_mamaof4

I had my first ultrasound today, everything is looking great but she said I have an anterior placenta (placenta is growing in front of baby). Has anyone had this? This is my 4th so I was a little surprised. She didn’t seem too worried, just said it would be harder for me to feel baby move because it has a “pillow” against my stomach. If it migrates down id be at risk for placenta previa but she acted like that wasn’t likely. Curious!

mrosek91

@brynn_mamaof4 I had that with my third. I definitely felt less movement on that one compared to the other two, but I kind of appreciated it on days when he was extra active. It didn't migrate down, and that wasn't even a risk my doctor mentioned.

ckmb_1250

@ruby0902 I was talking about dopplers just above your comment! I loved having mine last pregnancy and also got a fetoscope after learning about belly mapping. I haven’t had luck finding the HB yet but my husband and I are trying every few days. I was never able to find it myself last pregnancy, but my husband always could. I just can’t wait 4 weeks between ultrasounds without having some reassurance. 

mimser

@brynm_mamaof4 it's super early it will most probably migrate to the side. I was told that during my last pregnancy at my 12 week ultrasound and at 17 weeks, we got a strong heartbeat on the doppler right in the middle of my uterus so my doctor said the placenta had for sure migrated to the side. I did feel baby move only at 19 weeks though.

kiki047

@asf0613 I just asked basically the same question in the US thread, but for a slightly different reason. MH isn't allowed to come with me to my US so I found a private clinic that will do it and allow us both to come in. It sounds like it's 100% worth it for a relatively low cost and for the peace of mind. I know they can't offer any actual dx there but if your Dr won't order you an US in between it's certainly an option! 

mimser

How fast are you STMs showing? I'm 8 weeks pregnant and I feel like I look like myself at 15 weeks last time around... 

TW loss mention in spoiler

Unfortunately, I only carried that pregnancy to 20 weeks and then got pregnant 2 months later so I wonder if it's my body remembering right away how to place things in there since it's been so little time...

ckmb_1250

@mimser I feel like im showing now and wasn’t at all until like 18 weeks last time
😂

mimser

@ckmb_1250 ok! Well that's it last time I started showing during week 16 ...

spartan4life

@mimser with my first I started showing around 14-15 weeks but with this one I feel like it really depends on the day. Some days I feel like I'm already showing a little and my pants are tight, but other days I feel like it's less lol so probably mostly bloat!

SkilledSailor

@mimser I have a short torso so I showed around 12/14 weeks last time (can't remember exactly). I'm definitely getting a bump now at 8.5 weeks. It's a consistent bump throughout the day so I don't think it's bloat for me. 

mimser

@SkilledSailor I have a short torso too! But for some reason I still showed later last time. TMI but I haven't had a BM today so I'll see if the bump is still there post that...

ckmb_1250

@mimser for me I think it’s partially that Ive already broken out some maternity pants cause I’m just not dealing with being uncomfortable, and they kind of accentuate it 😂 & last time I didn’t even buy maternity pants till much later. 

texas_t

I'm working on baby #3 and I think I started showing the second the pink line showed up, lol. My body has given up on me, lol

yellingbanana

Definitely showing here too. It’s almost embarrassing. I can’t believe how big I feel already. 

@ruby0902 I had an at home Doppler with my 3rd, and it was great! I started using it around 20 weeks? I can’t actually remember when, a cousin gave it to me. 

brynn_mamaof4

@texas_t I know you haven’t been feeling well like me - just wanted to let you know I purchased some acupressure wrist bands, and some preggo pop candies (sour lemon and sour raspberry) and peppermint “tummy drops” and I really think they are working! (Knock on wood). I kept the wrist bands on all night last night and I feel good this morning, haven’t had to take a zofran yet. 

Sounds crazy, I had horrible HG in my last three pregnancies putting me in the hospital with each one (I lost 28 pounds at 6 months with my 1st). So.. I was super skeptical. But desperate because my body refuses to let me go #2 on zofran 😆😆🤦🏼‍♀️. Maybe worth a try! 

texas_t

@brynn_mamaof4 Thanks! I think I might actually have some squirreled away from a previous pregnancy! I'll have to look for them!

sienna221

Does anyone else deal with psoriasis? I have mild flare ups every so often and usually use a steroid cream to clear it right up. But OB said not to use the steroid cream while pregnant. Of course dealing with a small flare up now but have no remedy for it. Anyone else dealt with it and have something that works/helps while pregnant? 

texas_t

@sienna221 I'd look for eczema/psoriasis creams for baby from Mustela.  They have great products and I'd think if it was safe for baby it'd be safe for pregnancy!

kiki047

@sienna221 my eczema is awful right now too. Look for creams that have ceramides (like Cerave), colloidal oatmeal (like Aveno), or as texas_t mentioned Mustela makes a great emollient balm that will help replenish the moisture barrier. It's not a perfect solution but it's better than nothing. 

yellingbanana

I have eczema and light psoriasis, these help a lot:

ruby0902

Anyone else have acne just randomly popping up? For the first 10 weeks, my skin seriously could not have been clearer. Now all of a sudden this weekend, I have a cluster of zits on my right cheek that came out of nowhere.  Any effective recommendations for dealing with acne during pregnancy? Hoping this is an isolated incident 😁