Pregnancy Check-In

ATXmommas · November 2013

Weeks and EDD?

Any questions, updates, or anything else you want to share?

QOTD: What are you looking forward to most this week?

ATXmommas · November 2013

3 days away from my due date!!!

Okay, so this may be long because I feel like there is a lot I need to get out/share.

I'm going to start with this past Friday. Friday was a really rough day. Even though I'm actually sleeping well most nights, I had a bad night of sleep on Thursday. I went to the office on Friday and from the moment I got in my car, I was having major pain in my back (same spot in upper back) along with rib pain (approximately the same spot on front side of body). I left around 1:30 to make it to midwife appointment. I completely broke down crying during our appointment. I was just so tired and so achey - perfect combo for a very emotional momma. On the good side, baby is perfect, weighing approximately 7 lbs based on an abdominal exam. Was told to mentally prepare for being pregnant another 2 weeks.

Later that evening, Z's coworker, who is a chiropractor, came to the house and gave me an adjustment. What a lifesaver. Really helped my back. Advice to less pregnant moms - don't wait to get an adjustment if/when you hurt! I started to get achey again yesterday afternoon, but plan to get another adjustment this week.

Had a good weekend. Went to yoga, acupuncture, and took some long walks. First, I want to pass along some unsolicited advice to less-pregnant mommmas - I cannot sing the praises of prenatal yoga highly enough. I did NOT have a yoga practice before becoming pregnant. I started prenatal yoga when I was around 15-16 weeks and it has been so wonderful. I have gone about 3 times a week. It has provided moments during the week to get grounded, go inside, and MOVE - soooo important during pregnancy. It has also brought me breath awareness, which I know will be super-important during labor. I cannot imagine how I would be feeling had I not been practicing yoga this entire time. Ok, off my soapbox.

Second, I went to acupuncture on Saturday morning. She went ahead and did an induction protocol. I felt tons of practice contractions on Saturday. I have said before that I haven't felt any contractions - well, my midwife pointed one out to me during my appointment on Friday. Now that I know what they feel like, I've started noticing them. I felt a lot on Saturday, not as much yesterday. I have another appointment today, so we'll see what happens.

Went on an hour long walk yesterday at the hike and bike trail. Haven't walked there in a while. It wasn't a lot of fun because it was in the high-80s yesterday, but glad to have done it. Was only slightly embarrassed that old ladies were passing me.

We also picked up the birthing pool we are renting. Although we will deliver at the hospital, we plan on spending most of labor at home, so I was very happy to find a birthing pool to use at home. It's been kinda a last minute thing finding a pool to rent, so I just ordered the liner yesterday - and I REALLY hope it arrives before I go into labor!

Next, we figured out a way we can encapsulate my placenta without going through the hoops of a court order (Texas has a weird law that requires a court order for the hospital to release the placenta - or any organ - to the "owner"). The court order is expensive ($250) and a crazy mess to go through. We found out through our "placenta dealer" (as Z has taken to call her) that there is a loop hole in the law that allows you to release your placenta to a funeral home. THere is a woman locally who provides this service. She charges half the amount as the court order. We simply have to sign a release at the hospital. My doula swears by placenta encapsulation, so I'm happy to have found this option. I know it's not for everybody, but I have a history of anxiety (for which I've taken anti-anxiety meds for years), and I think the extra boost of the placenta will be a bonus for me postpartum. Anybody else planning this (@herbabymama?)?

Sooooo, I'm ready. Any time. Even though I feel baby in my pelvis, he still sits very high. My midwife told me that since I'm short-waisted, there is no place for him to go. Just very curious about when he'll choose to come. I have another acupuncture appointment today and another Thursday if no labor by then.

Sorry for the long ramble. Just things I wanted to get out/share/vent.

QOTD: Besides possibly going into labor?!?!?!? I'm most looking forward to wrapping up work. My plan is to work through Wednesday. No more work after Wed regardless if baby has made appearance yet.

ATXmommas · November 2013

Looking forward to reading/responding to everyone else's updates throughout the day - especially my due-date buddies!

Also, I wanted to throw out there that it is time to pass the reigns. For the past few months, I have typically been the one to begin this thread. Even though I might still be pregnant next Monday, want to pass this on to someone else. @KH826 - you are an early poster - can you start this thread next Monday?

KH826 · November 2013

@ATXmommas - I have been anxiously awaiting your post today (and those of your due date buddies)! I am sorry that you are uncomfy and experiencing the joys of "OK, I am ready now - come on baby, let's do this!"... but hopefully once you wrap up work you can get a little bit of rest and before you know it baby will be here! So exciting that your due date is THIS WEEK!

Also, I would be happy to take the reigns on starting this check-in next week. While I am sooooo excited for you, @herbabymama & @mwagner, I am also a little sad that you folks won't be in these check-ins much longer. It will be strange without you!

I am going to wait to post my own update until later this afternoon. I have an OB appointment at 2:15 today, so I will post my official update when I get home after that. For some reason I am insanely nervous for this appointment today (moreso than any other appointment so far)... I think that is because this appointment feels a bit like graduating/passing into the "safe zone" and I am just anxious to get through it. I have become SO attached to this baby over the last couple of months.... OK, now I am rambling...

YBnormal85 · November 2013

I am 17.5 weeks,edd April 24.

I had my first visit with my midwife on Thursday and I simply adore her. We had lots of time to chat, in was so happy with how personal the visit felt.She said baby is super active,which I could already tell as I have been feeling the baby move daily for over a week now. Such a blessing after my miscarriage in May.

DW stained our new bookshelves yesterday so I had to go out for the day. They are still kind of stinky,so despite the open windows and fan in think I need to vacate the premises ,at least for a bit.

I am still not used to not working. For those who don't know,I am a nanny who generally works 40-45 hrs weekly..however in was unable to commit to staying with my nanny family until May because of our peanut so I helped them find a new nanny. I am now just focusing on being pregnant, and the research I feel it entails. I am enjoying the free time more as the holidays approach and have planned many fun things to do with my siblings.( I am the oldest of five girls).

I am most looking forward to seeing the Von Trap children perform on Thurs night, DW is teaching so I am bringing my mother.

YBnormal85 · November 2013

@ATX so excited for you! I can imagine how awesome it must be to know you get to meet your little love soon.

We are planning a home water birth so I look forward to hearing how you enjoy the birthing tub.

YBnormal85 · November 2013

@herbabymama I just replied to your list on the natural birth board asking about your tub lol What kind did you choose? Feel free to add a pic,I'm curious!

mwagner25 · November 2013

Okay, this may come off really crabby but I hardly slept last night. I am 3 days from my due date just like @ATXmommas. I was up most of the night last night having period like cramps in my low back and mild contractions. I feel like I am on the verge of a breakdown/ugly cry. I am so sick of the prodromal labor that has been going on for weeks now. It is such a mind F*. I find myself desperately wanting to have my water break or go into active labor just so that there is an end point. Getting uncomfortable and not having it progress into actually holding my baby is making me nuts.

I have 2 more ER shifts that I am scheduled for Tues and Wed night, so my last shift ends at midnight on my due date. I am still hoping that this baby comes today and I don't have to work anymore shifts but I know the likelyhood of that happening isn't too good. I am looking forward to being done in the ER but at the same time I cannot imaging being at home and just waiting for baby to come. I will feel like I am "wasting" my maternity leave without having a baby at home with me.

Last OB visit we scheduled an induction date for 11/25 at 9 pm. My OB will not induce unless I am dilated to at least 1-2 cm. That would mean my cervix would be condusive to induction and my c-section risk lower. Since I won't be too overdue at that point so cervidil isn't an option, only pictocin to augment labor. If I am not inducable on the 25th, we will re-schedule induction for Dec 2nd ish. I don't want to be induced but at the same time am going slightly crazy with all the pre-labor. I am so sick of all the facebook messages and phone calls asking if I have had the baby yet. I know people mean well but it's not like we wouldn't tell people when he gets here.

Ugh, that was long and quite the rant.....

Afterlater · November 2013

Good morning! I promise to be a better poster than a lurker like I have been recently. 18w5d today and due 4/15. Mind blowing that I'm almost half way there. We have not done a single thing to prepare. I just started researching products that we will add to a registry.
I would love a water birth but in out 800 square foot home that would e chaotic! The hospital we will deliver at has whirlpool tubs in the rooms so we are hoping we can utilize that, we have not even touched the topic of placenta capsulation, I had a friend out hers in her smoothies and it always seem to creep me out. I have not done any research on it so I could possibly change my mind and be open to the idea!
I can't wait to see pictures of new little ones coming soon!

This week I'm excited for the weekend! Friday we will get our civil union, meet with lawyers and hae out a/s ultrasound. We will be finding out the sex of this little

then my family and soon to be DWs families are coming to town for a big thanksgiving celebration dinner

GoaliesWife123 · November 2013

ATXmommas said:

3 days away from my due date!!!

Okay, so this may be long because I feel like there is a lot I need to get out/share.

I'm going to start with this past Friday. Friday was a really rough day. Even though I'm actually sleeping well most nights, I had a bad night of sleep on Thursday. I went to the office on Friday and from the moment I got in my car, I was having major pain in my back (same spot in upper back) along with rib pain (approximately the same spot on front side of body). I left around 1:30 to make it to midwife appointment. I completely broke down crying during our appointment. I was just so tired and so achey - perfect combo for a very emotional momma. On the good side, baby is perfect, weighing approximately 7 lbs based on an abdominal exam. Was told to mentally prepare for being pregnant another 2 weeks.

Later that evening, Z's coworker, who is a chiropractor, came to the house and gave me an adjustment. What a lifesaver. Really helped my back. Advice to less pregnant moms - don't wait to get an adjustment if/when you hurt! I started to get achey again yesterday afternoon, but plan to get another adjustment this week.

Had a good weekend. Went to yoga, acupuncture, and took some long walks. First, I want to pass along some unsolicited advice to less-pregnant mommmas - I cannot sing the praises of prenatal yoga highly enough. I did NOT have a yoga practice before becoming pregnant. I started prenatal yoga when I was around 15-16 weeks and it has been so wonderful. I have gone about 3 times a week. It has provided moments during the week to get grounded, go inside, and MOVE - soooo important during pregnancy. It has also brought me breath awareness, which I know will be super-important during labor. I cannot imagine how I would be feeling had I not been practicing yoga this entire time. Ok, off my soapbox.

Second, I went to acupuncture on Saturday morning. She went ahead and did an induction protocol. I felt tons of practice contractions on Saturday. I have said before that I haven't felt any contractions - well, my midwife pointed one out to me during my appointment on Friday. Now that I know what they feel like, I've started noticing them. I felt a lot on Saturday, not as much yesterday. I have another appointment today, so we'll see what happens.

Went on an hour long walk yesterday at the hike and bike trail. Haven't walked there in a while. It wasn't a lot of fun because it was in the high-80s yesterday, but glad to have done it. Was only slightly embarrassed that old ladies were passing me.

We also picked up the birthing pool we are renting. Although we will deliver at the hospital, we plan on spending most of labor at home, so I was very happy to find a birthing pool to use at home. It's been kinda a last minute thing finding a pool to rent, so I just ordered the liner yesterday - and I REALLY hope it arrives before I go into labor!

Next, we figured out a way we can encapsulate my placenta without going through the hoops of a court order (Texas has a weird law that requires a court order for the hospital to release the placenta - or any organ - to the "owner"). The court order is expensive ($250) and a crazy mess to go through. We found out through our "placenta dealer" (as Z has taken to call her) that there is a loop hole in the law that allows you to release your placenta to a funeral home. THere is a woman locally who provides this service. She charges half the amount as the court order. We simply have to sign a release at the hospital. My doula swears by placenta encapsulation, so I'm happy to have found this option. I know it's not for everybody, but I have a history of anxiety (for which I've taken anti-anxiety meds for years), and I think the extra boost of the placenta will be a bonus for me postpartum. Anybody else planning this (@herbabymama?)?

Sooooo, I'm ready. Any time. Even though I feel baby in my pelvis, he still sits very high. My midwife told me that since I'm short-waisted, there is no place for him to go. Just very curious about when he'll choose to come. I have another acupuncture appointment today and another Thursday if no labor by then.

Sorry for the long ramble. Just things I wanted to get out/share/vent.

QOTD: Besides possibly going into labor?!?!?!? I'm most looking forward to wrapping up work. My plan is to work through Wednesday. No more work after Wed regardless if baby has made appearance yet.

Lurking from the TTC check in but I had to say I'm thinking of you! I also wanted to say that my chiropractor has talked a lot about regular adjustments when you are pregnant, as well as for the baby! She adjusts babies that are just hours old and has me convinced of the incredible benefits.

Also, I know someone who did the placenta encapsulation and she could not speak more highly of it. She said she would definitely do it all over again, so I think you will definitely see some major benefits.

ball.and.chain · November 2013

6w1d, EDD 7/13/14.

Back from vacation and not much has changed. I had a blood draw this morning to test my HCG levels; they normally do 3 betas close together but because of my vacation, the last one got pushed out to today. I usually calculate ahead of time what the number "should" be but between the fact that I don't know the exact number of my second beta and the fact that doubling slows at some point, I really have no idea what a "good" number would be. Otherwise I have my first ultrasound next Wednesday (11/27) and my first OB appointment scheduled for 12/11.

Not too much going on in terms of symptoms. I've had occasional mild gagginess but nothing that would be particularly noteworthy if I didn't know I was pregnant. My skin is super itchy, which happened in my first pregnancy. Otherwise, just trying to get some exercise while I can and ward off anxiety with Circle + Bloom. I'm doing OK, but also kind of just waiting to get bad news...it's hard to envision anything else.

QOTD: Honestly, I don't have a lot going on this week. Just settling back in to work. I have a PT appointment scheduled but I'm supposed to call him tomorrow to discuss because he isn't sure he can do anything else for me. My foot is doing fine (though I am still not cleared to run) but my hip isn't too happy and I'm kind of concerned about what pregnancy could do to it. Anyway, I guess I am most looking forward to hearing from my RE's office to make sure the 3rd beta is good! I hope they call earlier rather than later...I'll update you.

I'm sorry to hear that all you November mamas are so uncomfortable. And I can't believe you're all so close! Hopefully your babies will be here very soon. I haven't looked into placental encapsulation a lot at this point...at some point I forced myself to stop researching pregnancy stuff until I had a viable pregnancy. I'm fairly certain my wife will look at me like I'm insane if I even bring it up. I am on Prozac though, and am expected to continue it throughout and after pregnancy, so although I am high risk for PPD and PPA, I think that should help ward it off. Of course there are other reasons to do it, but it's going to depend on how complicated it is. I am planning on doing prenatal yoga, though, and have a recommendation nearby from a friend...just need to get far enough along that I feel like I "belong" there!

redrockmama · November 2013

6w3d today (I think) EDD is July 10th. My EDD changes if I use LMP or ovulation date. What method do you all use?

@ATXmommas, I am leaning very strongly towards placenta encapsulation. My wife, J thinks it is absolutely repulsive and can't talk about it at all, but I've done some research and figure why not.

Not much going on this week at all. Hoping that my stepmom gets to leave the hospital and we can plan some sort of thanksgiving as it will likely be her last. We get to go see our nieces tomorrow. We don't see them a lot because of my sister's work schedule so that will be fun. We finally picked a midwife, now we just have to wait and make sure it's going to work out. I hope we get to have an ultrasound soon (in the next couple weeks). I know that I'm pregnant, but seeing a heartbeat would be very reassuring.

ball.and.chain · November 2013

Beta is over 39,000. RE is happy with it and I get to go down to every other day on PIO (still on Endometrin 2x a day).

KH826 · November 2013

Just got back from the OB's office. Everything looked great! So today I am 11w6d (12 weeks tomorrow!) and my EDD is 6/3/14. Baby was measuring ahead at 12w3d and heartbeat was strong

Next OB appointment is 12/23 and my dr thinks she will probably be able to tell us the sex of the baby at that appointment if baby cooperates. Baby was moving around like crazy today, so the only pic we got was pretty blurry, but that's ok. I am hoping for a good pic on Thursday at our NT scan!

ATXmommas · November 2013

Glad to hear there are others considering placenta encapsulation. @ball.and.chain - if we had not figured out how to get the placenta without the court order, I would have felt comfortable knowing that I have my rx meds to rely on. Since it is a possibility, I figured it sure can't hurt. Z thought it was kinda weird at first, but once our doula explained the benefits, Z was completely on board. A happier L makes a happier Z!

I would be happy to report back on this adventure at a later date.

@herbabymama - looking forward to hearing your updates later!

@YBNormal85 - so happy you found a midwife you connect with. For anyone researching baby products, I would highly recommend the latest edition of Baby Bargains by Denise Fields. Helped me so much to narrow down what I wanted. I will report back about the birthing pool. Z and I are wondering how it's going to go with the animals…. I'm sure it will be fine while we're at the house and we'll cover it before we go to the hospital. Just hope it's in one piece when we return! Z and I have joked about coming home to see Bama doing the backstroke in it. But, actually, I think we'll have a friend pick Bama up once labor starts. Anyway, since you are planning a home birth, you don't have to worry about that so much.

@mwagner25 - get it out, lady! This is a safe place to vent, for sure. I have broken down emotionally a couple of times in these last couple of weeks and can relate to some of what you are going through. I really, really hope that your little one comes before your induction date. If he doesn't, then you know what is best for you - both physically and emotionally - and I wish you a smooth and healthy delivery. And, I get you with the comments. An acquaintence at work (just somebody who works on the same floor) said, "you haven't had that baby yet?" Um, no, obviously. And, it's not even my due date. Just annoying.

@Afterlater - A/S is exciting! Ditto what I said about Baby Bargains above. Also, I feel you with the small space. We have a little over 1000 sq/ft. I think many hospitals are trying their best to mimic home environments these days (although my hospital does not have tubs, only showers - boo). And congrats on the impending civil union.

@kaysa2 - are you 11 weeks and change or 14 weeks and change? Your ticker says 14.

I guess 11 makes more sense since you are about to go in for NT scan. Anyhow, maternity pants are the best! Although there is that awkward stage when you are too small for maternity pants and too big for your regular pants. Sounds like you found some that are comfortable for you, so yay!

@ball.and.chain - great news about the beta! I didn't start having many symptoms until about 6.5-7 weeks. And, of course, everyone is different. I'm glad you are planning on prenatal yoga. I relate to you not wanting to research pregnancy/baby things and holding off on yoga. The reason I waited until 15 weeks or so to start yoga was because I was waiting on Mat21 results (which I received around 14 weeks). It completely and totally sucks to feel robbed of the joy you should be feeling during the first trimester because of your losses. I wish I had some magic words for you. In the meantime, I think you know how many people are rooting for you and your little one! I can't wait to read all about your pregnancy over the coming months.

@redrockmama - My RE based EDD off of IUI date and my OB does it off LMP. Since they were only a day apart, we stuck with my IUI date. With home ICI, I don't know. LMP is pretty standard and is probably what your health care provider will use. Hope you get your U/S soon. Yes, seeing and hearing a heartbeat makes it all seem real - and it is so amazing. Also, so sorry to hear about your stepmom. Will keep her in my thoughts.

@KH826 - wonderful to hear! And, you get to see noodle again so soon! Double fun! Are you feeling any better?

ball.and.chain · November 2013

ATXmommas said:

The reason I waited until 15 weeks or so to start yoga was because I was waiting on Mat21 results (which I received around 14 weeks).

Yeah, I will probably use my Mat21/Harmony results as my green light for a lot of things...prenatal yoga, FB announcement, telling people at work (my immediate supervisor and co-worker know). I am getting that damn test as early as they will let me! (I think my midwife said 10w last time).

ATXmommas · November 2013

@ball.and.chain - I hope you can get it at 10 weeks! If I had known I could get it that early, I would have demanded it. We were offered at our NT scan, which was at 11w5d (the earliest they would schedule it).

@kaysa2 - wow, that is confusing! Keep us posted!

Jazibel · November 2013

@ATXMommas - I've never encapsulated my own placenta - but I was trained and have done the encapsulating part for someone else. Pretty cool experience. I donated Kadens to someone who needed the benefits (he had a very healthy placenta) and was also an artist. She made prints of the placenta which are now hanging in Kaden's room. Strange I know - but they look like the "tree of life" its pretty cool.

16 weeks and 6 days, due 4/29/14. Feeling terrible heartburn lately and its driving me crazy. I take aloe juice for it back in the States and its a godsend. Can't wait to get back tomorrow night! Sigh... Other than that - doing well. Looking forward to feeling baby move. My next appointment and A/S scan is in early December. I used my doppler last night (I had left it in Roatan) and it was great to lay there and listen to the heartbeat for a few minutes. Very reassuring.

@ball.and.chain I know its still early for you but having a doppler with Kaden was great, I started hearing the heartbeat around 10 weeks. Just having the reassurance, having also suffered a loss. I don't know if you've considered getting one. (I found mine online for $50, I think some places rent them too)? EV and I debated the health risks, but really my sanity came first, I limited myself to 1x2 per week. ;-)

@ All the November mammas - good luck in the coming hours/days/weeks. Can't believe you are so close. Hope there is time for a little relaxation before baby comes :-)

Greysmom13 · November 2013

I am posting late due to a crazy busy work day! I'm still trucking right along and my little guy is poking me left and right! I love feeling him and feel like we have a special thing together when I touch his various lumps and he responds

I am more fatigued lately and work being busy doesnt help. I'm about to start six days off and then I'm not sure how much further past that to be sure of anything. Not due for four weeks but you never know when they are ready to join the big ol world! Everything is going well!

ball.and.chain · November 2013

Jazibel said:

@ball.and.chain I know its still early for you but having a doppler with Kaden was great, I started hearing the heartbeat around 10 weeks. Just having the reassurance, having also suffered a loss. I don't know if you've considered getting one. (I found mine online for $50, I think some places rent them too)? EV and I debated the health risks, but really my sanity came first, I limited myself to 1x2 per week. ;-)

Yeah, I've been debating it. I can't decide if it would make me more or less anxious. I have a few weeks to decide...

ATXmommas · November 2013

@jazibel - doesn't sound strange, sounds beautiful!

@greysmom13 - when do you learn if baby flipped? You're getting close too!

YBnormal85 · November 2013

Jumping in to the Doppler chat. I have one as well. L wasn't totally sold on the idea because she was concerned about a risk to the baby,but I told her I thought having a momma that was less paranoid would help the baby in the end. It really made me feel much better to hear our little love after loosing the last one. I don't use it much now that I can feel the baby, but it most definitely helped me until I made it to that point.

Greysmom13 · November 2013

@ATXmommas I go in Thursday and they will do an ultrasound to make sure he's head down. Sometimes I think he is and sometimes I'm not sure. I would think at this point it would be to tight in there to keep flipping around but apparently they can. I also do the test for staph B and she's going to see if I'm dialated at all. From now until he makes his entrance I go to the dr every week. I hope you have your baby before another two weeks! I keep thinking that he will come when he's ready but I'm ready! I can't imagine how ready you are!! I've been thinking about you and know that any day could be your day!!

@kaysa2 I know what you mean! I don't look straight to begin with and I interact with a lot of different people with work. I have this woman that I see every once in a while that tells me she bets me and my husband are SO excited lol. I just go with it because it's easier. Never before has anyone assumed I have a husband until now. Others that know I'm a lesbian have been confused (thinking I slept with a guy and got knocked up) but I tell them the process and they are intrigued and think its awesome! So long story short I didn't think anyone would think I'm straight that I've never straight out confirmed I'm a lesbian. But it's happened and I have let it roll off my back.

Greysmom13 · November 2013

@kaysa2 I imagine that it would be very difficult to have to come out every day to people who make assumptions about your life. And yes after it is so hard coming out the first time it would feel like a constant battle to maintain the progress you have made.

Amber&Reva · November 2013

Posting late but I still don't know if I belong in this thread but since I got my BFP no longer trying (although I still feel like I am trying)

I will be 6 weeks tomorrow. I go in for my first ultra sound on 11/27 and made an ob appointment for 12/2. I am so nervous that everything won't be okay. But I think once I hear the baby's heart beat everything will feel more real.

I have yet to experience any real symptoms other then I am more belchy. I am almost looking forward to symptoms just so I can say I am pregnant and know why this is happening to me. I haven't had a beta since my first two. I don't know why they didn't give me a third.

ATXmommas · November 2013

@Amber&Reva - Of course you belong here, although we can all probably relate to your hesitation. I hope 11/27 is here before you know it! I didn't start feeling yucky until closer to 6.5-7 weeks, and some women never do! But, yes, even though it's not pleasant it's a nice reminder that you're pregnant. Hope this week flies for you.

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