Weekly Check-in, w/o October 7th

kamays54

Name:

Location:

Age:

EDD / Weeks + Days:

FTM/STM/TTM+:

Baby is the size of a (an):

Team blue/pink/green: 

Upcoming Appointments: 

How are you feeling?: 

Rants/Raves: 

Questions: 

GTKY: Are you superstitious about anything?

kendyb77

Name: Kendall

Location: Southern CA

Age: 28

EDD / Weeks + Days: 25w0d

FTM/STM/TTM+: FTM

Baby is the size of a (an): cauliflower

Team blue/pink/green: 💙💙

Upcoming Appointments: 10/21 OB follow up, although I think I'm going to go in for the glucose test this week.

How are you feeling?: I feel like I hit a bit of a wall this past week...I'm getting really fatigued and been having some on/off pain in my ribs on one side that just really hurts. I'm getting frustrated by my inability to keep going at full speed, but want to recognize my need for increased rest. Got a prenatal massage over the weekend which was incredible, but only helps so much unfortunately.

Rants/Raves: it's been really fun having more people be able to feel the babies kick and move as they're getting bigger and stronger. Definitely the highlight of this stage of pregnancy.

Questions: Anyone else have back/rib pain and any recommendations of ways to help it?

GTKY: Are you superstitious about anything? I'd say no, not really!

jaclyn-ak

Name: jaclyn

Location: NJ

Age: 34

EDD / Weeks + Days: jan 20/25w

FTM/STM/TTM+: FTM

Baby is the size of a (an): cauliflower

Team blue/pink/green: blue

Upcoming Appointments: had a check up this morning, now nothing until november

How are you feeling?: pretty good, but still tired all the time. My doctor is concerned about my iron levels and is making me take an iron supplement now, so I'm hoping that will also help my energy levels 

Rants/Raves: I've said it before... but feeling baby boy kicking is the greatest feeling on earth. It instantly brightens my mood and puts my mind at ease every time I feel it.
I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed lately. Our wedding is coming up in three weeks (after a 4 year engagement), and i still have things left to do for it at least I am starting to feel like good progress is being made with the nursery and getting everything ready for the baby's arrival. It's just a lot to handle at one time and work is pretty busy for me now to make things more difficult 😞

Questions: None right now 

GTKY: Are you superstitious about anything? I think I was much more superstitious when I was younger.. in recent years, not as much but it still pops up now and then, especially when it comes to my obgyn appts

jaclyn-ak

@kendyb77 i had horrendous rib pain 2 weeks ago.. it lasted for about two days and stopped. I don't have any helpful tips unfortunately in my case, my body just desperately needed to make a little more room for baby and could feel my organs smashing up against the rib cage. I just laid in bed as much as I could, had small frequent meals (if I ate too much at once, the pain got even worse) and it went away on its own with time. I'm so sorry you are dealing with it now!

kmtz89

Name: Kelly

Location: Tanzania
 
Age: 35

EDD / Weeks + Days: 27 w 5 d (jan 2) 

FTM/STM/TTM+: stm

Baby is the size of a (an): bunch of bananas

Team blue/pink/green: blue

Upcoming Appointments: nov 6

How are you feeling?: Carpel tunnel is literally the worst. I also went for a massage this last week to try and get some relief and it did help but also only so much. 

Rants/Raves: Third tri is so close! 9 months is so long but so quick at the same time? 

Questions: natm

GTKY: Are you superstitious about anything? oh man, Tanzania has SOOO many superstitions and what not, definitely amplified by traditional witchcraft which is still normal practice. Personally, I wouldnt say I'm that superstitious but it's funny how things we hold on to for no reason. Like would I open an umbrella in the house? or walk under a ladder? no because its bad luck, but I know that's nonsense. 

jaclyn-ak

I just remembered one thing I've been very superstitious about and wanted to share. I still cannot get myself to remove tampons from my purse. I've actively thought that if I remove them, something will go wrong with the pregnancy. I know it's a completely ridiculous thought... but at this point the tampons aren't going anywhere.

peacefuladventures

Name: Kaycee

Location: D.C. area

Age: 43

EDD / Weeks + Days: 27 weeks

FTM/STM/TTM+: FTM

Baby is the size of a (an): Lettuce

Team blue/pink/green: boy

Upcoming Appointments: 10/10 w/ new OB group in D.C. area

How are you feeling?: pretty good! I believe I'm 1 more week until I officially hit third trimester. I hear the last month can be really uncomfortable, so I'm prepping for it mentally and physically. Now that we're starting to settle back in the Continental U.S., new state, new city, new home  . . . I'm going to start re-incorporating a lot of my daily routines I started in my first trimester, primarily around movement and strength building. I kept up with my other routines I do in the evening - which is some stretching, breath work and meditation. It's help me get through a lot of movement and transition with stability.

Rants/Raves: Keeping on the same thing of how I'm feeling - I have gone back and forth with hiring a doula. When we found out the pregnancy was viable, I was pretty set on hiring a doula since this is my first time giving birth and I'd want as much support as possible to be well informed, prepared, and to have someone help translate the medical talk during labor and delivery (and more). I started my search and talked to doulas starting in Hawai'i, but did not connect with anyone, and my time and attention was moved away from pregnancy during most of the move. However, I recently connected with two potential doulas that I like, one in particular, that I'm excited about. I feel like she can be a valuable member of my birth team and I hope to make a decision soon and secure her as a doula to begin support services with her.

Questions: STM, TTM+ worked with a doula before? My mom friends are split 50/50 - some did not hire a doula, and others did. Ironically, those who didn't hire, had pretty decent experiences (however, a lot had close access to immediate or extended family members who are in the medical field) and those who did hire a doula had nothing but great things to say about their experience.

GTKY: Are you superstitious about anything? Good question! I wouldn't say I'm superstitious, but I do try to stick to daily intentions. I also believe in karma and the energy one puts out in the world and what they receive.

kamays54

Name: April

Location: Arizona

Age: 39

EDD / Weeks + Days: Jan 3 / 27w 4d

FTM/STM/TTM+: STM

Baby is the size of a (an): Lettuce

Team blue/pink/green: Blue

Upcoming Appointments: Oct 18 but I still have to do my 3 hour glucose test which is a walk-in.  I just have to figure out when to go.

How are you feeling?: Like @kendyb77 I hit a wall this week.  I have pain by my ribs on my right side on and off too.  Sometimes it feels like I pulled a muscle and other times it feels like really bad gas pains.  I haven't found a solution so just solidarity at the moment.  I also pushed myself a little too much this weekend and my back was killing me Sunday night and I also had some round ligament pain, also on my right side.  I didn't do anything crazy but because I had the energy I just did too much.

Rants/Raves: My rant is also going to be part of how I'm feeling.  I am exhausted.  I haven't been able to get much sleep the last 2 nights.  The indigestion/heartburn/acid reflux (whatever it is) is killing me.  I found Gaviscon and started taking that last week.  It seemed to help for most of the night the first few days.  I would still wake up around 4 or 5am and need to take more but at least I was getting some sleep.  The last 2 nights it hasn't seemed to work.  I was constantly getting up and after the first 2 hours last night I took more and it still didn't seem to help.  I'm going to bring this up at my next appointment (or maybe sooner).

Questions: When are you having your baby showers (if you are having one)?  We are just having a small one mostly to just celebrate this new baby but we also need a few things.  We are planning on having it November 9th and we were talking to my MIL about it on Sunday and she said she was surprised we were having it so early.  I'm due Jan 3rd but have a feeling he might be early.  We were also trying to be aware of the holidays and pick a time that wouldn't cause any issues or stress.  

GTKY: Are you superstitious about anything?  I'm loving these answers.  I feel like I'm a mix of all of them.  Like @kmtz89 there are certain things that (when I think about them) I wouldn't do because of "bad luck" and because of the habit of doing it when I was younger, but I also know it's nonsense.  I also think embracing some of them dispels that "energy" or "bad luck".  I don't think 13 is unlucky and I actually use it as a favorite number.

@peacefuladventures I absolutely believe in karma as well.  I think this is a great interpretation of the question.  I think a lot of superstition has to do with energy and what you put into it.  So like @jaclyn-ak there are things that I know might be ridiculous but always think why risk it.

strongishmom

@kamays54 Pepcid worked well for me to control acid reflux, and it works differently from Gaviscon. Maybe that will help?

kamays54

@strongishmom thanks!  I'll try that.  Back in May my doctor gave me a list of all the over the counter medications that are safe to take while pregnant.  There are 8 for heartburn and 3 for indigestion.  I didn't want to have to buy a bunch of different meds and trial and error it.  I was also hoping that it wouldn't become an every night thing and that I could just treat it as it happened but that doesn't seem to be the case.

fk18

I’ve had similar benefits from Pepcid as @strongishmom, @kamays54! Make sure you take Pepcid before gaviscon and have you used Gaviscon Advance, specifically? Regular gaviscon has never really worked for me 

fk18

Name: Fiona

Location: Greater Seattle area

Age: 34

EDD / Weeks + Days: 1/20 (25w1d)

FTM/STM/TTM+: FTM

Baby is the size of a (an): cauliflower 

Team blue/pink/green: 💕

Upcoming Appointments: 10/14 for glucose test! 

How are you feeling?:  still pretty decent, though I seem to be struggling with blood circulation issues in my legs and probably pushed my legs too hard running today. A little nervous to fly this Thursday; hoping compression socks help 

Rants/Raves: excited for my husband’s and my last trip as just us! Kind of like a babymoon, we’re headed to AZ to visit friends 

Questions: anybody else tried and found benefit from compression socks? 

GTKY: Are you superstitious about anything?
not really. I do believe in self-fulfilling prophecies, but I’m also very logical (to a fault) so not super superstitious haha 

jojosesame

Name: Jo

Location: So Cal

Age: 42

EDD / Weeks + Days: Jan 7/ 27 weeks + 2 days

FTM/STM/TTM+: FTM

Baby is the size of a (an): Large milkshake with whipped cream and a straw!

Team blue/pink/green: blue

Upcoming Appointments: Thursday scan with MFM

How are you feeling?: Good and bad and everything in between! Closing out the second trimester is bitter sweet! I enjoyed it so much more than the first trimester and based on what I am experiencing, going to miss it in the third trimester - it’s rough! 

Rants/Raves: Too many to even note but high level - I am so grateful to be able to have this experience and I have an amazing support system. At the same time, this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done and it’s messing with me in ways I didn’t anticipate and I’m so tired of not being able to function in the way I want to! I’m excited and terrified and exhausted but mostly this week - just very tired and honestly very down. I’ve struggled with some antenatal depression and I’m working on it. I may resort to a small dose of med to help lift me out of this fog because it seems to be getting worse and the normal things that give me joy, just don’t work.

Questions: This is more rhetorical than anything but “Why do we (as women) feel
like we have to put on a brave face and push through a struggle?” It’s so engrained that admitting we are having a hard time is frowned on, I know things have improved around mental health but I still feel it. The pressure to have a “perfect pregnancy.” Sigh.

GTKY: Are you superstitious about anything? Not particularly. I used to be when I was younger I suppose but now as an adult - I don’t really think about it much.

kamays54

@fk18 I think it's regular Gaviscon.  It says extra strength but not advanced.  It seemed to work for a few days but then completely failed Sunday and Monday night.  My husband got me Pepcid Complete which I guess is basically Pepcid and Tums together.  I didn't realize though that you should take it 60 minutes before you eat so I took it after I ate and about 30-45 mins before bed.  I woke up around an hour and a half later and had to take a Tums.  The rest of the night seemed to go better but I am still so tired this morning.  I'll try again tonight and take it the right way.  Thank you and @strongishmom for the suggestions!

Oh and @fk18 get ready for the heat!  It's "cooling down" but as far as I know we are still breaking heat records.  It can be draining so give yourself some grace if you don't seem to have as much energy as you are used to.

@jojosesame I know you said your question was rhetorical but I literally had a conversation yesterday with 2 of my co-workers about the "brave face" and "push through" thing.  One of them was having a rough day with PMS and we started to discuss how it's not really viewed as an acceptable reason to miss work or if it is acceptable at your job how you feel like you have to still go in because it's not a good enough reason.  I think because a lot of the stuff we are going through during pregnancy is not visible, we feel the need to act like we are fine all of the time. Or we feel guilty when all we want to do is sit on the couch and not move so we end up pushing ourselves too much.  I know it's hard but try to cut yourself some slack.  There is no perfect pregnancy and everything you are feeling is valid!  Also, I know there is some stigma about this but it's ok to not enjoy being pregnant while also being happy/grateful to be pregnant.  It's not an easy thing (especially when we are "geriatric" lol)

bcml

Name: Becca

Location: Kentucky

Age: 34

EDD / Weeks + Days: Jan 6, 27+2 (last week of second trimester!)

FTM/STM/TTM+: FTM

Baby is the size of a (an): cabbage

Team blue/pink/green: girl!

Upcoming Appointments: 10/15 - glucose test

How are you feeling?: I am feeling pretty good! I have been wearing a belly band anytime I am standing/walking for very long - it has been helping with round ligament pain, back/hip pain, and pubic symphysis pain. The last week was very first trimester symptom-y - super emotional & crazy fatigue. Thankfully I was able to cry a lot and nap a lot and I am feeling much better now!

Rants/Raves: work is still nuts, we are now hoping to hire three people before I go on leave and I am not sure how that is going to work out.
Another rant - no one talks about all the hidden costs of pregnancy. One example from this week is that my feet have gotten SO MUCH wider that my shoes don't fit anymore. My old shoes were making my toes go numb. So I had to buy new tennis shoes and I am probably going to have to buy some new boots too for the winter. Just more expenses that I didn't consider! But I got these from the brand Kizik. They are hands free slide-ons and they come in wide sizes! I love them so far!

Questions: natm

GTKY: Are you superstitious about anything? not really. I think I might be too ADHD to remember to be superstitious.

bcml

@jojosesame I am so sorry you are struggling right now. I struggled with antenatal depression in first trimester. It was the hardest thing I have ever faced. So incredibly scary (I feel vulnerable and teary just thinking about it now). Thank goodness for my spouse who is an incredible partner and works in the field of mental health - he kept me alive. I am so glad you have a support system. When I finally started talking about my experience and asking for help - my support system was amazing. I ended up feeling better after my hormones seemed to stabilize at the end of first trimester. But I am planning on starting on a low dose of an anti-depressant a month or so before delivery in case I have PPD post delivery. I am hoping the low dose will help me weather through the hormonal fluctuation that happens. I have been really open with my midwife team, husband, therapist, and a close friend about my risk for PPD so we are also putting some other safety measures in place. I had never heard anyone talk about antenatal depression before I experienced it so that made it harder for me to understand what was happening, definitely increased my shame, and delayed me reaching out for help. I think telling people to "stay strong" or "enjoy the experience" is bullshit. But I do think it can be helpful to compare yourself to where you were before. So for me, I have been thinking about how I have gotten through dark days before and how I can get through them again, I have been reminding myself I have better coping skills than I used to have. And I have been reminding myself that it is okay not to be okay, but we don't have to stay not okay. I am so sorry you are going through this - send me a message if you want to talk more off-line. 

strongishmom

Name: Isha

Location: Colorado

Age: 38

EDD / Weeks + Days: January 15/ 26w

FTM/STM/TTM+: FTM

Baby is the size of a (an): kale 🥬  or a VHS tape!

Team blue/pink/green: boy

Upcoming Appointments: tomorrow, follow up with the MFM doctor (just as a precaution, hopefully). 

How are you feeling?: I’m getting glute cramps most nights now 😂 it’s not as excruciating as a calf cramp which thank god I haven’t had those yet, but it’s pretty uncomfortable and makes me toss and turn a lot at night. I keep forgetting to stretch more though, maybe that will help. Emotionally I’m all over the place, negative emotions are stronger and harder to shake. I’ve been feeling really overwhelmed with all of the things yet to do for baby on top of work stress and a busy couple of months socially, so I’m trying to focus on what I can control. 

Rants/Raves: I am grateful that our parents (baby’s grandparents) are getting the necessary vaccines before coming to visit next year without any fuss. I didn’t expect any push back but… you never know. 

Questions: none atm

GTKY: Are you superstitious about anything? Not really - I like symbolism, and sometimes I say that I don’t want to jinx something, but at the end of the day I don’t really believe in that kind of cause and effect. 

strongishmom

@fk18 I've been on a few flights so far during pregnancy and I've been using compression socks for them. I don't know if they're working, but I haven't had any issues, so... they aren't NOT working? lol. I bought a few cheap pairs from Amazon and honestly they aren't the coziest - the material isn't that soft and the ribbing on the feet starts feeling a little uncomfortable after a few hours - but they do the job.

strongishmom

@bcml oh my gosh yes, the clothing costs! I've been avoiding buying many maternity-specific clothing items because I don't want to spend money to wear things just once, but I'm running out of things that fit. I've thought about going to secondhand shops but I haven't made the time (and frankly don't have the energy to shop in person) so I wear leggings most days. We're going to Puerto Rico later this month for a week and I have no idea what to wear because none of my shorts fit and I only have like three warm-weather dresses. I hate to buy things for so little use but I don't know what else to do!

babywiik

@strongishmom do you plan to breastfeed? Sometimes you can find maternity/nursing friendly clothes and it feels easier to justify buying them. But other than leggings and pants i pretty much wear my same clothes. I like swing dresses (though im probably beginning to look like a tent😂) and leggings. Everything is loose fit and then i throw a crop sweater on top if im cold. 

babywiik

Name: Nancy

Location: Norway

Age: 28

EDD / Weeks + Days: jan 1/ 28w+1d

FTM/STM/TTM+: ttm

Baby is the size of a (an): eggplant

Team blue/pink/green: blue

Upcoming Appointments: nov 7

How are you feeling?: overall im feeling pretty good. I’m starting to get more sciatic pain if i sit in a relaxed position. My midwife said sitting on my tail bone rather than my sit bones can cause it and it checks out. Annoying though cuz now i cant sit in my favorite chair unless i want to be in pain. Last night was the first night i had to roll over multiple times in the night because of hip pain. As long as i keep moving i do ok but if i stop i start to get super stiff.

Rants/Raves: not really a rant but at my appointment yesterday my fundal height was again measuring bigger than average. My midwife isn't super concerned since my last baby was also big (measurements were average though). She did say that if I’m measuring big at my next appointment she’ll refer my to get another ultrasound to check weight but that even that is super unreliable as it can be off by half a kilo either way. I feel like id rather not know but if they think the baby will be really big they will highly encourage me to birth at a bigger hospital and that means leaving the island just days after Christmas in potential bad weather to wait up to a few weeks to birth. I know this birth will go exactly as it’s meant to go and i trust my midwife but still lots of feelings about the whole situation.

Questions: natm

GTKY: Are you superstitious about anything? No. I believe God has a plan and whatever happens is his plan or how he has allowed it to go.