Pregnancies can be such a fun and joyous time. For instance, my first pregnancy could not have been more perfect: I was completely symptom-less the entire time (with the exception of a strong sense of smell the first trimester), I stayed very small and carried high with little aches and pains, I never had an increased appetite or weird cravings, I worked a physical-labor job up until almost my delivery, and my son was born perfectly healthy through a normal vaginal delivery. I was 28 and full of energy. Things were great! My house never stayed more spotless!
This year, in contrast, could not be any more the opposite.
After having the Mirena IUD for over two years, my husband and I decided it was time to have it removed and start trying for another. It took several months, and lots of let-downs before I finally became pregnant. Only, I couldn't be excited about it. I was non-stop drowsy. I slept for 12 hours a night and continually napped throughout the day. Work was a nightmare to make through without passing out and constant cramping. After 4 weeks, I knew something was wrong. I woke up on Labor Day morning bleeding. The next day, I saw my doctor with the result of a confirmed miscarriage. We were completely devastated, and I still couldn't keep my eyes open for more than 10 minutes for another couple of weeks after that. So we decided to give it a rest for a while. Then, a month later, I still hadn't had my period. I noticed a very keen sense of smell. I felt extremely nauseated and couldn't keep any food down. BAM! Just like that, pregnant again. My first appointment with my OB was at 6w4d with a very strong fetus to sonograph. The implantation date (my doctor does not go by last cycle) was dated exactly one week after my miscarriage. None of us understand how that was even possible, but it stands to be correct thus far. So we were understandably scared to get too excited. We even waited until the mark of the second trimester to announce our news.
I should be so elated at my fortune, right? Well, it's a bit hard to. I started showing signs of severe depression again, and my OB put me on Lexapro, which worries me for the baby's development. I have had severe morning sickness (Hyperemesis) from only one week until a little over 13 weeks. I couldn't keep any food down. I'm always tired. Then, I started showing at only 8 weeks. I mean weight-gain-maternity-pants-are-the-only-things-that-fit showing. At 11 weeks, I looked about 4 - 4.5 months pregnant. EVERYONE noticed, before I even made the announcement. Then, the sickness got new add-on symptoms: food aversion to every single thing, severe diarrhea all day, every day, and lots of mucous and itching (sorry if TMI). I've lost an additional 6lbs. since my pre-pregnancy weight, and 8lbs. from that weight gain at 8 weeks. My doctor started to notice the scale going backward in the 2nd trimester, which isn't completely unheard of, but not common. This is typically the time I'd maintain weight. Also, I noticed since a little before 13 weeks I no longer looked pregnant. My stomach started to flatten back out and my old skinny jeans fit again. Fast-forward to Sunday night. I was washing up my "nether bits" in the shower when I fell a protrusion between my vulva. I had to wait to even be seen until yesterday (Tuesday) and with another doctor in the office. It turns out, at only 32 years of age, and only 2 pregnancies carried to at least 2nd trimester, I have a prolapsed cervix/uterus. This is the reason I no longer look pregnant; my uterus is practically between my legs >_< So I pee every 10-30 minutes, I have severe diarrhea, still off-and-on nausea, I'm always cold in a tropical climate, and constant cervical mucous. There is a chance I'm losing my mucous plug at only 14 weeks. I have to wait until my well-visit next Tuesday to find out the next step.
On top of everything else, my co-workers aren't too understanding. There is another girl there who is 32 weeks pregnant, and still moving around ok. So whenever I'm looking tired or not feeling well, I get to hear "what's your deal? ______ is doing just fine and she's 7 months pregnant!" Well, for one thing, she just turned 21. She also doesn't have an extremely active toddler at home and husband to tend to full-time, as well as a full-time job. She's built like a brick house, and she's carrying practically up in her ribs. I could never get away with saying these things, but it's how I feel. Our pregnancies are very different.
I just keep waiting for the day my OB puts me on bed rest and says I can no longer work, leaving us to struggle to financially survive. Fact is, I'm scared. I'm always worried.
Is anyone else going through difficulties? Please, feel free to air your grievances here. I'm more than happy to listen and sympathize. And please, no mean comments. I've been through enough, and don't care for haterade.
Me: 32, DH: 35
Married to DH: 11-13-10
DS #1: EDD: 9/25/12, Born 10-9-12DS #2: EDD: 6-19-16, Born 6-14-16
Re: Not an ideal pregnancy
I just want to say I'm sorry it's been so rough. It sounds awful and you are amazing for what you've dealt with.
I'll try to keep it short of all the crazy details... But I'm a first time mom. We've had 3 miscarriages before this pregnancy. In fact, our last one, we got to see baby moving like crazy at the 9 week ultrasound and by 12 weeks i spotted a little, went to the doctor and baby wasn't alive. She had stopped growing just over 9 weeks. Doctor felt a D&C would be best and since this was miscarriage 3, wanted to do genetic testing to see if our chromosomes were off. So we went in for an emergency D&C that same day. We were heartbroken (every loss is heartbreaking). Found out baby was perfect, no chromosomes were out of place and my placenta was perfect too. That's also how we found out we lost a girl. Needless to say, some weeks later I still hadn't gotten a period, took a home pregnancy test and it was positive.
We went to the doctor to confirm, who was convinced it was left over hormones from our previous pregnancy. Blood test was positive so we scheduled an ultrasound a few weeks later. Hubby and I thought "maybe" we would be 5 weeks along. Turns out the ultrasound showed we were 7 weeks 2 days: which means we got pregnant exactly 4 days after our D&C (the first time we were together). Honestly, I wasn't even through the grieving process and not ready. But here we are.
So in between all the doubt and anxiety of it happening again... You still get excited! And yes, we are excited for this baby! Fast forward... The week before thanksgiving, I had unexplained bleeding (not spotting, but bright red, completely filled the toilet when I peed) bleeding. We thought the worst and went straight to the doctor. Baby was perfect! And they couldn't explain the bleeding or even find where it was coming from. So I was put on bed rest. 3 more appointments, 3 ultrasounds, including seeing the specialist and bed rest was lifted with a "take it easy" diagnosis because they still couldn't explain it and the bleeding had stopped.
December 2nd, it happened again. This time, it looked like a crime scene in our bathroom. I lost a pint to two pints of blood within minutes. Back to the doctor and again, baby is perfect! But they saw a tear in the placenta, back on bed rest yet again. They can't explain why the tear happens. And in monitoring me on a weekly basis it got bigger. Bleeding finally stopped last week but I will likely be on bed rest through the end of our pregnancy.
At the end of the day... We just want a living, breathing, baby to term! And yes, it's terrifying! Unlike you, I feel great! I've never had morning sickness, only the exhaustion. So I can't imagine going through all of this and being sick all the time.
Every pregnancy is different... Every woman is different. It's unfair to compare one to another. And sucks that your office compares you to the other lady.
My advice... Try not to stress (it's not good for you or baby), and take it easy. If your doctor won't put you on bed rest, ask him/her for written restrictions for your office. Like reduced hours, or keeping your feet up all day. This also makes your FMLA paper work go through easier as it "builds" a case for the HR department. Don't tough it out or be a hero. Be safe for you and baby! And you have support here! I hope your baby makes it to term also, and that you have a healthy delivery!
I'm hoping for you guys, that this baby is carried to full-term so you can experience what you rightly deserve to. I know bed rest is like the most aggravating thing ever, and it's a scary thought for me (financially, with 3 already to support, it's not the most ideal), but I guess if it happens, it happens. I'm glad you're feeling well, and hopefully the bleeding is over with. Just sit back, read some great books, and enjoy your first. Once you meet that baby for the first time, your hearts will never be the same again
DS #1: EDD: 9/25/12, Born 10-9-12
I know financially bed rest can be a burden... Depending on your benefits through your job though, short term and long term disability benefits cover at least part of your salary, which does help. As opposed to nothing. Most states short term disability lasts up to 6 months and covers 60% of your salary. And there are often tasks you can do from home to still assist your office (depending on what kind of work you do or what departments your office/company has) for example; collections (accounts receivable) if they can send you home with a laptop and a list of past due accounts, it's as simple as making phone calls all day. And logging your attempts on a spread sheet. Get creative with your boss and what CAN be done from home to help your office. Even sales calls and setting up meetings for your colleagues could get you a paycheck from home!
I've lost about 15 pounds and have hypermesis. I'm at 16w5d and still sick as a dog. All I want to do is sleep all the time. I'm a nanny for two very active kids in the afternoons/evenings and I hate having to go to work because all I want is to sleep then.
Sending many thoughts and prayers your way. Keep us updated on your situation! Good luck mama.
(Also, screw your coworkers. People can be so insensitive when it comes to pregnant women!)
DS #1: EDD: 9/25/12, Born 10-9-12