Hello,I've been reading these boards for two months now (it's been helpful!) so I thought I would join and share my experience. Any feedback/support or similar experiences would be appreciated

As of today, July 4th 2014 I am 38 weeks and 2 days! This pregnancy has been a whirlwind...I found out I was pregnant at aproximately 22 weeks (has anyone found out when they were already that far along??) That may sound like total ignorance to find out so late but to avoid judgement I'll explain, my symptoms were ALL explained away by previous medical issues.I've always had an irregular cycle and as of January in 2013 it had completely stopped, not even the slightest spotting. I was told by my Dr that this was normal for thin, stressed women so i didn't really worry, and obviously not having a period was no indication when i DID get pregnant (approximately Nov 2013).
My "morning sickness" was also explained away. Due to gastritis, ulcers and acid reflux i had spent the previous two years of my life vomiting daily. So when my vomiting and stomach upset increased in November 2013 (apparently during my first trimester) i was told that i needed to see a Stomach specialist because the lining of my stomach was possibly eroded. I had also just experienced a death in the family so stress was again blamed.
I also suffered intense lower back pain november 2013 to January 2014 but due to having scoliosis i was again told by my dr that this was normal for my body.
It wasnt until March of 2014 that i noticed any weight gain, and realized it was focused on my hip and stomach area. This worried me because ovarian cysts have been common in the women in my family but i decided to take a pg test just in case, which came up positive.
An appointment with my obgyn the next week confirmed my pregnancy but my boyfriend and i were shocked to learn that they estimated the baby from 21-23 weeks!!! I've never felt such a strong combined mixture of guilt and excitement.
Im 23 years old and was not living the lifestyle a pregnant woman would live. This breaks my heart because if i would have known sooner i would have done so many things differently. I recall drinking beer on occasion, a few mimosas and mixed drinks during my 1st and 2nd trimesters as well as smoking medical marijuana (im in Cali) daily. According to all the tests done our baby girl was a tough little one and appears very healthy and well developed but as her due date nears my anxiety grows.
I just want her to be healthy and happy, she's the biggest surprise of my life but I already love her more than my own life.
If anyone has gone through something similar with a positive birth and healthy baby i would love to hear! Also I'm planning for a natural hospital birth, she's due this July 16th
Re: First pregnancy and I found out very late. my experience so far.
second, I was in the middle of trying to figure out health issues (includes a lot of cross over symptoms too) when we conceived, every single doctor and specialist asked if there was any chance I could be pregnant. Since we were trying, I was very aware of where I was in my cycles and actually had a Dr. refuse to xray because it was around my time to O and I couldn't be CERTAIN either way. I'd be a little concerned that your docs didn't think to ask that.
Third, just sit back a read without expectations of what ppl will say. Take it in, reflect, and appreciate or ignore. It's a public forum, you've likely picked up on how it operates by now, It'll work a lot better that way. unless you crave drama and MUD, then have fun.
You will be just fine. I had drinks in the first tri, simply not knowing. I was nursing and still wasn't getting my monthly cycle of course.
Don't beat yourself up, all will be good. I'm due July 31 and doc says baby is doing great! Good luck OP!
We have our "Irish Twins"
DD born 8/7/2013
DS born 7/28/14
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