The Great Big Questions Thread

inthewoods23

Hi all, let's keep all our general questions in one place. That way you can look back in this thread to see if your question has already been asked/answered instead of trying to search back in weekly threads that may get lost.

@BumpAdmin @rosesareblue242 please sticky this thread!

Maggie1202

First of all, @inthewoods23, LOVE the Moira GIF!

Here's my question - Fitness is a big part of my life. I workout every day and I would really love to continue to do that (as much as possible) throughout my pregnancy. Of course, I plan to talk to my doctor at my appt on 10/27, but until then, can anyone tell me what I should be avoiding in the first trimester? I currently mix weight lifting and cardio (some HIIT and barre type workouts at the moment).

TIA!

klj0228

@Maggie1202 absolutely speak with your provider, but in general it is safe to continue exercising the way you were before. You should not decide to pickup some new awesome exercise, but doing what you normally do is TYPICALLY safe. It is recommended pregnant women are active in pregnancy. 

Maggie1202

Thank you @klj0228! Honestly just can’t wait for my first appointment! I am hoping it will just help me relax and enjoy the ride. 

inthewoods23

Thought I would add in the questions that came from the randoms thread yesterday:

Q: Nail polish. Is it true that you shouldn’t get your nails done while pregnant? 
A: The risk is about the fumes in the salon and the acetone to remove polish. If you have a well ventilated place, I would go for it personally. My OB has never given me any directions to stay away from nail polish while pregnant, but I know OBs have very different opinions.

Q: Is using salicylic acid okay during pregnancy?
A: There are apps that can tell you what is and is not safe during pregnancy.

inthewoods23

Ok new question - how many of you are getting an US in the 10-12 week range? The place I just called to set up appointments does not do an US (just the doppler for heartbeat) then. The first one isn't until the 20 week anatomy scan. I'm kinda bummed about this because I wanted to use an US as part of our announcing to family and now we might not be able to!

Is it more or less common to not have an US around then?

(FWIW, I can't complain too much since I'm getting an US next Monday through my RE)

DH has me a bit POed right now because he said to just get an US pic off the internet! HECK NO.

pickle-chips

@inthewoods23 we don’t have an ultrasound until the 20 week anatomy scan here. But I’m in Canada and that’s the norm in my province. Unless you are high risk or have no idea of EDD. But otherwise nothing until 20 weeks! I was super disappointed when I found this out, because I assumed like everyone else on my BMB I would be going in much earlier. Are there any private u/s places in your are? I’ve had friends go get a private scan done earlier at those 3D places. Possibly an option if you can’t get in any sooner? 

klj0228

@inthewoods23 my OB does it sometime between 8-12 weeks for dating purposes. There are a lot of inconsistencies though around what one OB does/recommends vs what another one does/recommends. You will find as you continue to progress we will all have similar but different experiences. That’s what is great about these groups. Because of the experience of others it may prompt you to ask questions you wouldn’t think to ask on your own. 

Maggie1202

@inthewoods23 I am getting one at 7w4d and I'm kind of nervous that it will be a bit too early to hear a heartbeat. They wanted to schedule me for 8-9 weeks but there wasn't availability so they pushed it a few days earlier, rather than later.

inthewoods23

@pickle-chips Not sure about private places. I don't know if I would trust one. I have an appointment to discuss a ton of stuff with a nurse on the 22nd. She goes over all the testing stuff around the 12-14 week mark which we will likely do just to be sure everything is good. With all that I'm satisfied about not having an earlier US. I know those 12 week USs are weird semi-human looking blobs anyway. Less is better right?

@klj0228 I would think they would at least want to date it too! The tests can tell you if you're measuring behind right? There's some long questionnaire I need to fill out before the appointment with the nurse so maybe some of those questions they ask will answer my own questions. They know my LMP but maybe they also ask if we have an idea of when conception occurred? I never ovulate on CD14 so I don't want them thinking I'm behind in growth.

@Maggie1202 I asked on the PAIF board and some have seen HBs during the 6th week (might be on the weaker side). I would think past 7 weeks you should hear something.

DoubleUp8

@inthewoods23 With DS, I had an ultrasound at around 13-14 weeks for the NT measurement. I don't know if all doctors do this, but since I am AMA I am guessing they will want to do that this time around since AMA makes you more prone to certain genetic defects.

inthewoods23

@DoubleUp8 they did mention the nuchal scan which I guess is kind of an US right? I was like, well, as long as I can see inside my uterus before the 20 weeks I'm happy  I'm much more at ease after speaking with that nurse.

ramzlau

@inthewoods23 My old one (switching to a new OB this time, and haven’t called him yet) did one at 8 weeks last time. Like others have said every OB has their process though and every type of insurance covers different things. I am glad your RE is doing your ultrasound and betas even though it wasn’t a medicated cycle! At 6 weeks there won’t be much of an ultrasound photo unfortunately. There are tons of cute ways to do announcements though! 

@Maggie1202 If you are doing a transvaginal ultrasound, they should be able to see the heartbeat around 6 weeks, though it would be later that you can hear it with a Doppler. I am hoping we see heartbeat at 5+4 next week! (I know that it may be too early!) 

sgrn18

@inthewoods23 My last pregnancy was a shit show from about 11 weeks on so I had an ultrasound at almost every appt from then on.  My first US was just about 8 weeks which is standard at my practice.  

mamakate2011

@Maggie1202 - I run, do HIIT and barre/Pilates workouts on the Openfit app...I’ve kept everything the same so far, even the ab and core work. I won’t change that up until more towards the end of the first tri. As long as it feels good, keep doing it is my mantra! And thus is my 4th baby and I worked out the entire 40(plus) weeks with all three of them!

Maggie1202

@mamakate2011 ahh! This is what I am hoping for! Thank you for giving me hope!

ellieemc26

Wondering what people's thoughts are on cleaning products.  I ran across something the other day that was saying you needed to switch to natural cleaners, avoid bleach, always wear gloves, etc.  It seemed a bit excessive, can you clean with regular products but wear gloves and that's fine or do I really need to start driving all over town to try and find a store with natural cleaning products in stock?  Plus with Covid not sure I really want to totally get rid of my clorox wipes!

pickle-chips

@ellieemc26 I think the key here is minimizing your exposure. Wearing gloves, make sure the room is well ventilated (open windows, run exhaust fans in bathrooms, etc) things you might do already! If someone else is able to take on some of the chores, that could be a good idea, again to minimize exposure.

btate01

I’m just wondering what other vitamins/supplements everyone is taking besides a prenatal vitamin.  I had my gallbladder removed a year ago so I currently take a bunch of probiotics/fiber to try and help my digestive system.  I also take magnesium and B-Complex to help with migraines, fish oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, and vitamin D.  I’ve googled everything I take and it all seems to be safe during pregnancy, so that made me curious what everyone else uses!

inthewoods23

@btate01 current I'm taking a prenatal, prenatal DHA, and vitamin D. I know they say taking iron is important to prevent anemia. My prenatal doesn't include iron so I will ask at my first intake appointment with the nurse if I should add an iron supplement.

btate01

@inthewoods23 I’ve been curious about iron as well.  I didn’t take anything separate for iron in my first pregnancy but was wondering if I should this time around.  My poor midwife is going to get bombarded with so many questions at my first appointment 😂

ellieemc26

@btate01 I'm taking prenatal, vit d, fish oil, and magnesium calcium pills.  the magnesium is to try to help with digestive issues and I figure the calcium certainly won't hurt as I don't eat much dairy!  Everything else is as recommended by my RE.  The prenatal I take is pretty complete so I don't think there's anything else I will need to supplement with but I will definitely ask the OB when I get to that point.  

klj0228

I take a prenatal with DHA and folic acid plus vitamin D. As the pregnancy progresses and constipation becomes more of an issue I will drink a little Calm, magnesium supplement, each day to help with that. 

ramzlau

I am taking folate, PNV, Vitamin D and baby aspirin. My doctor had me stop the CoQ10 I was taking. I need to check if my PNV has iron, but I am not normally anemic. I remember constipation being bad the first trimester last time around, so I am trying to make sure I get lots of fiber already. 

DoubleUp8

I am taking a pre-natal vitamin that has the recommended amounts of DHA, folic acid, and iron. 

btate01

@ramzlau did your doctor say why you couldn’t take the CoQ10 while pregnant?  Is there just not enough research on it?

ramzlau

@btate01 It was my RE, so it might be as simple as not enough research to advocate for it, but was taking it prior to improve egg quality/quantity. I didn’t ask. Although I may ask my OB when I transfer since I see some studies are saying it may reduce chances of preeclampsia? 

ramzlau

Question: Talk to me about bras ladies! I am going to need some new ones for this pregnancy and would like to get them sooner than later so I don’t ruin my good ones by stretching them out. What are your favorites? I had some off of Amazon last time around and they were functional, but would like ones with more support, look good, and grow with me through the pregnancy. 

kristah2

@ramzlau if you plan to breastfeed I would invest in some nice breastfeeding ones you can wear now and during your time feeding! My last pregnancy I exclusively wore my bf’ing bras and I’m not far off that again already. 

ramzlau

@kristah2 Yes! That is what I did last time, but they were like Mrs Doubtfire type of bras, looking for something that doesn’t make me feel so blah. 

Livvyloo87

@inthewoods23 @btate01 last pregnancy, I had a blood test around 7w and that came back with an iron score.  Because mine was within certain parameters, my midwife suggested that I take an iron supplement as evidence showed people within that parameter go on to require iron transfusions if untreated.  But if your iron is ok, then presumably you wouldn't need to take a supplement.   I can try dig out my results to get the rating. 

There can be some uncomfortable side effects from iron tablets so maybe it's not something they recommend unless they have to.  

kristah2

@ramzlau some bra stores are actually carrying them now! I know here we have la vie en rose where the bras look like a normal bra but snap down. They made me feel less “mom” and still more myself. I’m a fan! Motherhood carries some like that too. 

Alternatively go find one you like and ask to have it made to a breastfeeding bra! 

I’ll be stocking up soon I think. 

And I only went bra shopping a couple months ago. Ack. 

inthewoods23

@Livvyloo87 good to know. I remember from the few times I've donated blood that my iron was always just barely above the lower limit. That was 10 some years ago so maybe it's different now.

jaztastic

@inthewoods23
outside of your RE ultrasounds, you should have a NT scan (by13weeks) and  anatomy scan around 20wks. Those two are standard. If you are AMA or need to see MFM you will likely get more scans. 

Because of my age and pregnancy history, I see MFM along with my OB care and I got scans about every 4-6wks with my last pregnancy. 

Omie_Wise

@ramzlau My boobs get really big when I’m pregnant. I have some underwire bras I can wear once I get big but I mostly just use something that’s stretchy. I’m planning on getting Skims bras. I have some that fit now and they are so comfortable and supportive for what they are. My last two pregnancies I’ve used coonie bras from Amazon. My favorite nursing bras are Cake but those won’t fit me when I’m pregnant or right after birth, they take a month or so to work once everything is settled. In my experience the bras I wore when I was pregnant and the bras I wore once I was breastfeeding were just different sizes because I was bigger pregnant...but everyone is different so that might not be your experience. 

011sammie017

Scans: its standard here to get a scan done at 6-8w for dating viability, 12w for Nuchal screening (unless you do the DNA blood test). At 19-20 for the anatomy check and then every few weeks after that. I’m in Aus though. 

Supplements: Vitamin D, Folate, Iron, Calcium. I also take aspirin daily to help prevent preeclampsia. @btate01
I find Ferrograd-C to be okay for iron. Not a lot in the way of terrible symptoms

Bras: I agree, invest in a couple of good breastfeeding bras but I wouldn’t spend a lot of money till after birth. Your size might change a bit between now and after birth. A friend of mine went up 4 cup sizes. (For FTMs)

@ramzlau
I’m assuming you’re located in the US, we have a store in Aus called Bonds and they make the comfiest singlet breastfeeding bras ever, they’re not ‘pretty’ but they look and feel normal. Not sure if that helps any considering location 😬

mrs_massie

inthewoods23 said:

Ok new question - how many of you are getting an US in the 10-12 week range? The place I just called to set up appointments does not do an US (just the doppler for heartbeat) then. The first one isn't until the 20 week anatomy scan. I'm kinda bummed about this because I wanted to use an US as part of our announcing to family and now we might not be able to!

Is it more or less common to not have an US around then?

(FWIW, I can't complain too much since I'm getting an US next Monday through my RE)

DH has me a bit POed right now because he said to just get an US pic off the internet! HECK NO.

If your OB doesnt do scans that early, there are places you can go to have US done voluntarily. You have to pay for them out of pocket, but they arent usually very expensive. There's a place I've gone to with both of my pregnancies and its been $50-$80 depending on the package I chose. 

ramzlau

@Omie_Wise Yeah I get super big boobs (F/DDD is my normal without pregnancy or BF). So I like something with more support. I have heard a lot of good things about Cake, but good to know they are better for later for BF. I have one from Target that I liked for BF, and have heard of Hotmilk and the ones at Motherhood, but wasn’t sure what to actually try out. 

@011sammie017 yes in the US! Last time around I listened to the wait and buy later advice and ended up with 2 that I didn’t love but were functional enough that I didn’t want to spend more money. I would rather buy now and be comfortable and get about a years use out of them and then invest in good nursing bras for BF after because that was another 2 years for me. 

lizalovespasha

Cinnamon to control blood sugar and prevent gestational diabetes, iron and calcium. Its important to take the iron at least 4 hours after other stuff you need to fully absorb, such as prescription pills. Same for calcium, so I end up taking them throughout the day. Also an extra folate even though prenatal includes folic acid.

mrs_massie

My SIL had a MMC in March at 9 weeks. Had a D&C at the very beginning of COVID and spent recovery completely isolated. I sent her a gift everyday for a week to help cope, which included tea for cramps, seed packets of Forge me Nots, a weighted heart pillow, a book, a serenity candle and a few other things. She has been trying to conceive again for the last few months without success and her due date would have been later this month. I want to get her something to help her on that day, but need some ideas. Can you guys drop me some inspo? 

jaztastic

@mrs_massie very sweet of you to want to do something. 

I dont have a lot of suggestions because it really just depends on the person and the relationship dynamics. Perhaps a comfort food/snack pack goodie basket. I know Amazon has some premade. Just some junk to binge on and maybe a box of soft facial tissues. Its going to be an emotionally charged day, and while she may not want something commemorative, comfort items maybe just the trick.