My mom is very adomant on the fact that "all first babies are late" and keeps repeating it to me over and over. She doesn't understand why I don't want to travel 2+ hours to my hometown this close to my due date because according to her there's no possible way my baby will come early. So I guess what I want to know (mainly to prove my mother wrong) is how many people have had their first babies come early, or right on time?
If you check out the birth announcements thread at the top most people said how far along they were when they delivered. My mom said the same thing and sadly she was right since I'm sitting here at 41 weeks :-q
I've kind of just sifted through the birth announcements and haven't fully read all of them, but I should pull them up and be like 'look mom, it is possible'. She just likes to think she's an expert on all things baby.
According to this website I found only roughly 50% of baby's are born on or before their EDD. Not sure how accurate it is, but it looks like the information is based on over 8000 surveys.
so. first off i just want to say that i still have no hospital bag packed.
i actually have a question though for the post birth mamas. how much bigger did the girls get once your milk came in?
I don't know the cup size right now but once my milk came in they were pornstar big. I was a 34B prior to pregnancy, went up to a 36D at the end of pregnancy and probably went up at least another 2 cup sizes (maybe more) when my milk came in. I've had issues with engorgement and oversupply though so other people may not have had such a big increase in size. My breasts were also really hard and a bit misshapen- I looked like I had had a botched boob job! Luckily they are going down now.
Where do you feel your belly tightening during a contraction? Top of belly, bottom, or everywhere?
I think I feel it most at the top, but once I'm aware of feeling it at the top I think I begin to feel it everywhere. Like once my attention is called to it I notice it more. Could just be my anatomy and shape of bump, tho
@JessHeppell I was a 34 C before pregnancy and am a 36D now that my milk has come in. Possibly a DD when I'm really full.
@mvargas12 I felt them down below my belly button in the beginning and when I dilated further I began to feel them all over my stomach and it wrapped around to my back. LO was rolling through and even while I was pushing kept going from back to sunny side up. OBGYN said she had never seen a baby roll like that.
Where do you feel your belly tightening during a contraction? Top of belly, bottom, or everywhere?
With BH, I felt them all over, but most noticeably the top. With real labor, they were most intense across the bottom, like a low bikini line. I never felt them in my back, which I've read is common.
excuse me while i sit here being awkwardly jealous of your pre pregnancy boob sizes while i sit at a 32E pre pregnancy -_- im going to be suffocated by them when my milk comes in..
Was a 36B pre-pregnancy, after my milk came in bought nursing bras in a 38D. After 3 1/2 weeks post partum, my milk volume has increased and I should have went with a 40DD.
Is an increase in movement something to be worried about? Im 40+3 and he pretty much hasnt stopped moving for the past 5 hours. Is it a sign of fetal distress?
Is an increase in movement something to be worried about? Im 40+3 and he pretty much hasnt stopped moving for the past 5 hours. Is it a sign of fetal distress?
Call in. I would guess its nothing to worry about if movements are the same as normal just more often. But call in if you are worried and describe the change. Better to waste someone's time at this point than simmer with stress.
Anyone have contractions/lightning crotch in your Anal? I've been on my exercise ball all evening, having irregular contractions and lightning crotch... And a sudden stabbing pain in my bungal regions.
Anyone have contractions/lightning crotch in your Anal? I've been on my exercise ball all evening, having irregular contractions and lightning crotch... And a sudden stabbing pain in my bungal regions.
Yes! Ouch! It's awful! I'm not having contractions yet but lighting striking my back side with a vengeance along with lighting crotch. I'll pass on that one please! b-(
Anyone have the fear of dying while giving birth? I hate this feeling so much. I haven't had any complications or health issues. I am 39 weeks and 5 days pregnant and I either fall asleep and have a dream about dying or my mind runs at nighys before sleeping and I wonder if I will die during labor. It really freaks me out and makes me hate going to bed/sleep. If any moms can put my mind at ease that would be great. This also makes me fear going into labor even more. Im crazy
Anyone have the fear of dying while giving birth? I hate this feeling so much. I haven't had any complications or health issues. I am 39 weeks and 5 days pregnant and I either fall asleep and have a dream about dying or my mind runs at nighys before sleeping and I wonder if I will die during labor. It really freaks me out and makes me hate going to bed/sleep. If any moms can put my mind at ease that would be great. This also makes me fear going into labor even more. Im crazy
Yeah...It's hard to overcome these fears, so I don't have great advice. What I try to do is acknowledge the fear, recognize it's probably irrational, and then I imagine tucking it into a corner of my brain and closing the door on it. Conversely, or before, you may want to talk it out with your partner. Share your fears, discuss scenarios in which you think it might be a risk, and tell him your preferences (eg, my DH was under strict orders to tell them I preferred a c-section to an episiotomy. Knowing he was clear on that took away my worry about an episiotomy).
You will make it through with flying colors, I have no doubt! Big hugs, lady
Anyone have the fear of dying while giving birth? I hate this feeling so much. I haven't had any complications or health issues. I am 39 weeks and 5 days pregnant and I either fall asleep and have a dream about dying or my mind runs at nighys before sleeping and I wonder if I will die during labor. It really freaks me out and makes me hate going to bed/sleep. If any moms can put my mind at ease that would be great. This also makes me fear going into labor even more. Im crazy
My way for dealing with fears like that is similar to Virginiaunicorn's. I acknowledge it, take a look at it so I can see what its made of, then just firmly put it aside. The mental equivalent of finally donating that pair of jeans you've been hanging onto but haven't worn for five years because 'one day you'll be able to wear them again'. I know, the thought keeps coming back. Can't help this, but if you have taken what precautions you can (discussed your fear and plan with your SO), remind yourself you've done all you can and that modern medicine is super awesome, so the likelihood of that happening is really small.
Be stubborn about it. Put on your bitch face, shake your head no, and point that idea back into the corner where it belongs, with its face turned away from you. You put it there for time out, and its going to finish its time out, damnit.
Anyone have the fear of dying while giving birth? I hate this feeling so much. I haven't had any complications or health issues. I am 39 weeks and 5 days pregnant and I either fall asleep and have a dream about dying or my mind runs at nighys before sleeping and I wonder if I will die during labor. It really freaks me out and makes me hate going to bed/sleep. If any moms can put my mind at ease that would be great. This also makes me fear going into labor even more. Im crazy
Besides talking with your SO, I'd also talk to your OB so they understand what you're going through. They can also help reassure you, but I found that talking about my fears out loud helped, and having my doc take my concerns seriously helped the feeling of being a total crazy person. Which I wasn't, and neither are you. Best wishes!
Thank you all so much. I've talked to my husband and he knows I worry too much as is. He did feel bad that my anxiety has lately gotten to that level. He reassures me all the time that I'll be fine and that everything will go smoothly. So I am glad though that I'm not the only one who has had these fears. Thank you mommas so so much for being kind and giving me advice. *hugs*
I really am anxious and ready to meet my baby girl and have my son, husband and the rest of the family meet her also.
@3llisboc I'm 40+2 and had the exact same thing - the baby has moved today so much more than usual and also feels stronger. I called my midwife and she said it's fine. Years ago they worried about increased movement but not any more, so there's some residual scary stuff on the internet. She said a moving baby is a happy, strong oxygenated baby and nothing to worry about. As I type this my little one is going beserk in my tummy - can't believe how powerful the movements are.
I feel silly asking this but with contractions,what's more important: regularity + timing or pain + inability to walk or talk through them? I know what I'm feeling isn't the real deal but I worry I should be timing them any way. When do people start timing?
@Mommaswizz I'm not a medical expert, but when I was timing mine they generally were around 45 seconds, not the 1 minute they say to look for. But the pain level and consistency told me that I should go in. I got to L&D at 5 cm and an hour later was at 10 and ready to push.
I feel silly asking this but with contractions,what's more important: regularity + timing or pain + inability to walk or talk through them? I know what I'm feeling isn't the real deal but I worry I should be timing them any way. When do people start timing?
I have asked myself this question more than a couple of times this last week or so. I don't know the answer, but I'll tell ya that I didn't bother to time them because I didn't consider them the 'real' deal since they weren't painful and doing what the 'classic' contraction is supposed to do (go from abdomen to Virginia or start in the back or go towards the back). Of course, mine also lessened or went away if I stood up and moved around, too (mine usually only come like that when sitting)
@mellymar I started timing when I noticed they were pretty close. However they were not that intense (as I later found out) because I was only 4cm even though they were every 2 minutes for over an hour (well into when you "should" go to the hospital). I would've stayed home had I been able.
TTC: 1/2014
BFP: 9/24
EDD: 6/8/2015
Sorry for the poor man's siggy...ticker won't load regardless of how many tips I read.
Thank you @SarahBaby87@mellymar and @dancegurl1118 they're currently happening several times an hour but with no regularity and I'm able to easily talk through them with very very little pain so I know I'm not in labor. I just worried that since there may have been 5-6 an hour that I should be keeping better track. I just keep thinking of my mom friends who assure me that "I'll know for sure when it's real labor" . Hopefully it will be obvious. I think I'm just wishful thinking right now lol
@Mommaswizz that's what I was thinking, that it would be more obvious. In my case they were just practice, as I was having them last week before my appt on Thursday (I think Tuesday night?), and at that appt I was still only 1cm. You're farther dilated than I ever got, tho, and 'each pregnancy is different', so maybe its the start of something! Fingers crossed for you!
From your lips to gods ears @mellymar ! It's crazy though how the same day I finally hear my internal "stats" I fear I'm going into labor... It's such a mind f*#% lol I'll have DH help me time them just in case but I'm guessing I'm just getting myself all excited and trying to keep up with all my buddies gearing up for babies!!
Eta:stupid autocorrect
@Mommaswizz I'm not a medical expert, but when I was timing mine they generally were around 45 seconds, not the 1 minute they say to look for. But the pain level and consistency told me that I should go in. I got to L&D at 5 cm and an hour later was at 10 and ready to push.
I was repeatedly told I wasn't in active labour (and couldn't have anything for pain) because my contractions were irregular and I wasn't having 4 in 10 minutes. When I finally got them to check again (I was in alot of pain and starting to feel a bit pushy) they found I was 7cm! It's not typical, but human bodies don't always follow the script.
Thank you @aliciaspinnet ! I wish labor had a more universal set of symptoms and experiences so we'd all know what to expect! We'd all be a lot less crazy if we knew what the eff was going on lol
@Mommaswizz thanks for asking that question. I've been using the Contractions app. It was free and it is really easy to time them. I'm having 45 second contractions every 8 minutes for the last 3 hours but they aren't super painful. I'm just hoping they stop like they did last night so I can go to bed.
@elizab14 i'm glad i'm not the only one who's been confused about contractions! I have the app too and it seems they're completely irregular in duration and frequency and relatively painfree so i'm in the clear but it really can be confusing!! I hope your contractions subsided and you got some rest!
yeah.. whats a contraction feel like? ive had the period cramp feeling, and the random minorly uncomfortable bump tightness.. but no idea what a contraction is..
is it because the baby hasnt dropped yet? does baby need to drop to start feeling them?
Yes...I need some contraction clarification, too. Everyone says, "oh, you'll KNOW when you're having a contraction!" Well, if that's the case I'm either an idiot or haven't had any. There's gotta be some middle ground here!
@kbbtah I said the same thing...and I didn't figure out that some of what I was feeling was a contraction and not movement until I did my NST at 41 weeks and they hooked me up and told me I was having contractions. I was like, "Oh THAT'S what that is!" I basically get this weird like, "butterflies"/anxiety feeling in my chest, a weird tightness in my bump, and then period cramps. Haven't had anything worse than that yet, so I don't know what the "real thing" feels like.
Also, this article with descriptions about what they feel like is HILARIOUS. And also scary.
@SmashJam that's helpful. I'll have the NST next week, so I'll look forward to hearing what they have to say. It doesn't appear that your article posted.
I feel silly asking this but with contractions,what's more important: regularity + timing or pain + inability to walk or talk through them? I know what I'm feeling isn't the real deal but I worry I should be timing them any way. When do people start timing?
This question just kicked my ass on Sunday when I went into labour. For months I've had regular BH that's would come in intervals of 8, 5 or 3 minutes apart. I assumed labour would be similar, so when I woke up to mild BH and cramping I didn't think it was the 'real thing' at 4am, because this was completely different.
Over the next hour, after having a shower and trying to relax I realized I was wrong and it was in fact baby day. It wasn't because contractions were consistent, but because of the pain. The pain started stopping me in my tracks, would last about a minute and then I felt ok again. But they were increasing in intensity. Luckily we made it to the hospital by 6am, and I was already 9 3/4 dilated. He was born at 7:21am.
I told the nurses after he was born I still had a feeling they might be sending me back home telling me it's 'to soon' and to come back later. Lol
But don't worry that you might not know it's the real thing, if it is, your body will let you soon enough!
@MurLindzz your response is very helpful. Since I've posted I've had them every 5 minutes or so- definitely hurt but...they make me feel like I gotta go poop? It's one of those feelings right now, like a bad stomach ache and you know it'll be ok after you go!
Re: FFFQ - Flame Free Friday Questions! No question too silly, ask 'em all!
According to this website I found only roughly 50% of baby's are born on or before their EDD. Not sure how accurate it is, but it looks like the information is based on over 8000 surveys.
https://spacefem.com/pregnant/charts/duedate13.php?w=40&d=O
I think mine grew extra but yeah expect at least some increase.
I was a 34 C before pregnancy and am a 36D now that my milk has come in. Possibly a DD when I'm really full.
@mvargas12
I felt them down below my belly button in the beginning and when I dilated further I began to feel them all over my stomach and it wrapped around to my back. LO was rolling through and even while I was pushing kept going from back to sunny side up. OBGYN said she had never seen a baby roll like that.
excuse me while i sit here being awkwardly jealous of your pre pregnancy boob sizes while i sit at a 32E pre pregnancy -_- im going to be suffocated by them when my milk comes in..
I don't know how you do it. I feel like mine are causing back pain with the new weight already
You will make it through with flying colors, I have no doubt! Big hugs, lady
Be stubborn about it. Put on your bitch face, shake your head no, and point that idea back into the corner where it belongs, with its face turned away from you. You put it there for time out, and its going to finish its time out, damnit.
Truly tho - you'll do great. You got this
I really am anxious and ready to meet my baby girl and have my son, husband and the rest of the family meet her also.
ive had the period cramp feeling, and the random minorly uncomfortable bump tightness.. but no idea what a contraction is..
is it because the baby hasnt dropped yet? does baby need to drop to start feeling them?
help what am i doing.
Over the next hour, after having a shower and trying to relax I realized I was wrong and it was in fact baby day. It wasn't because contractions were consistent, but because of the pain. The pain started stopping me in my tracks, would last about a minute and then I felt ok again. But they were increasing in intensity. Luckily we made it to the hospital by 6am, and I was already 9 3/4 dilated. He was born at 7:21am.
I told the nurses after he was born I still had a feeling they might be sending me back home telling me it's 'to soon' and to come back later. Lol
But don't worry that you might not know it's the real thing, if it is, your body will let you soon enough!
Is this normal?? Haha