@DuchessOfCambridge as of birth recover it really does depend individually. For me I had an episiotomy and had stitches so for the first week it was a little uncomfortable but nothing Motrin can't help. I delivered my DD 'sunny side up' and I had a lot of internal bruising too so the first couple of weeks was a tad uncomfortable.
@kissthesky32 I wish that had worked for us! My girl is a ninja and climbed out of her crib at 20 months old, in a sleep sack. Sleep has never been the same.
@heatherdubrow Nooooo! I had been counting on this working forever! My oldest climbed out the very first time we didn't put her in a sleep sack - around 22 months. My youngest is still in a sleep sack and has never even thought about climbing out.
With my oldest though, we just put a child lock on the doorknob and counted being in her room as "sleeping". I have some wonderful pictures of the ridiculous places I found her asleep once she had free rein in her room.
@kissthesky32 my oldest never climbed out and to this day she's great about staying in her bed! my 2 year old is a lovable little monster who needs a gate in her doorway... its crazy how different they can be!
I have a question if there any of you were plus size during your previous pregnancies... I'm really nervous about the first apt at my 8 weeks and am scared they won't see anything. Can anyone share their experiences? Thank you!
@DuchessOfCambridge it took me about a week to be able to go out in public. We took my lo to church a week after he was born and I was fine. I had a 2nd degree tear and lots of stitches. I actually wasn't cleared for sex until 8 weeks after, but I didn't have it for a few months just because I was super dry and scared it would hurt. But once I got over that it was actually better than before! My advice: take the pain meds they give you! I got an epidural and thought I was fine because it took awhile to wear off, but once it wore off I was in so much pain! They just give you extra strength ibuprofen which works wonders.
@photogal1317 they'll most likely do a transvaginal ultrasound that early so your size won't matter! (I honestly don't know if it even matters for a regular ultrasound, but definitely not when they are going on the inside!)
@DuchessofCambridge -After my first delivery, it took a maybe week to feel good going out and about. I had a 2nd degree tear and stitches. While that wasn't terrible by itself, they told me I was on the cusp of a mandatory blood infusion due to bleeding and opted not to do it so I felt a bit weak for a while which made it harder to feel "normal". In terms of sex, I found that I had this one little spot pretty far in that hurt - OB's guess was that it was some sort of scratch or little tear or something and it took until 8-12 weeks(I'm so foggy as to exactly when!) for that to not be irritated anymore. 2nd time around I didn't tear during delivery and no big blood loss. I was feeling great shortly afterwards and was out and about quickly. Sex happened much sooner as well.
@photogal1317 I am plus size. With my last pregnancy, I was much earlier than I thought I was so although they could detect the yolk sac and baby there was no heartbeat. They did a transvaginal and there he was...just fine and happy This was at about 5 weeks. I will not be going to the doctor until 8 weeks this time.
My second is still living in sleep sacks. They have the added bonus of making the kid unable to climb out of the crib
THHIIISSS!!!!!
#sleepsacksforlife! DS is 2 and I just bought bigger sleep sacks because he's wearing them until college. Because he'll be in a crib until college too
April Siggy Challenge: April Showers
About me:
29 y/o Married 6.26.11 BFP 12.23.13, EDD 9.2.14 - baby girl, born too soon at 22w6d due to a placental abruption on 5.5.14 BFP 8.4.14, EDD 4.15.15 - rainbow son, born at 30w4d due to a placental abruption on 2.8.15, healthy 3 y/o now! BFP 2.28.17, EDD 11.8.17 - baby girl, miscarried at 11 weeks on 4.21.17 BFP 11.28.17, EDD 8.8.18, delivering in July - another rainbow baby boy!
I've seen maternity underwear but is it really necessary? Were you able to keep wearing your own underwear?
Not necessary, but super comfy! I never stopped wearing mine. Since they are bigger than my other underwear around the top, the don't give me any underwear-squishing-my-squish lines when I wear tighter pants or leggings.
I stretched out and ended up throwing out a decent amount of my non-pregnancy underwear. But I'm also a ginormous pregnant lady.
I've seen maternity underwear but is it really necessary? Were you able to keep wearing your own underwear?
This time around I've already bought a size bigger in underwear but honestly I've gained some weight overall and I just needed to in general. These will be perfectly fine for the duration of the pregnancy.
~Mom to an amazing Jan 2011 boy~ ~EDD Nov 18, 2017 with my IUI success story~
Curious on clothing accessories that allow you to stay in non-maternity pants (like belly bands).
I know it's early now, but my doctor's office gave me a prenatal pack that has "gift card/coupon codes" for some products. I noticed one called "Hot Hips" that is having a sell today for 20% off and the gift card promo code is for $60. So I could buy 3 of the items for at total of $16 (basically only pay shipping). So I am contemplating buying it now because it would be cheap...but not sure.
This is what Hot Hips are, essentially a faux shirt bottom that allows an extra bottom to extend jean size:
I have never heard of these and obviously never used any similar products. What are other's experiences with belly bands or similar things?
RE: belly bands/hip huggers - I found them annoying. My pants don't stay up if they're not closed. Having another loop of fabric around my hips just made it harder for me to notice how stupid my falling down pants probably looked. When my regular pants weren't comfortable, I just switched to underbelly maternity jeans, which look like totally normal jeans with a stretchy waistband that is totally covered up by my shirt.
That said, a lot of people use the belly bands, so I think it's a YMMV thing. Some people really like them, I just found them (and basically everything else during my first tri, tyvm hormones) irritating.
~Mom to an amazing Jan 2011 boy~ ~EDD Nov 18, 2017 with my IUI success story~
I have belly bands but agree with @pawcall that they are pretty annoying. I ordered some maternity jeans and as soon as they arrive I will be rocking them.
@dragonfly87 I didn't use them long last time but they were good for the days you were really bloated and could unbutton your pants and that band keeps them up without falling.
Agree about the belly bands. I have 3 and dislike them. I would rather wear a long shirt and a hairtie on my pants button. Or just switch to maternity pants.
Agreed that belly bands are annoying. This time around I'm not waiting to switch to maternity once my clothes don't fit (or even sooner because comfort)
Regarding belly bands, I always hated them. I tried to stay in my regular pants for the longest time with my first and the belly band always rolled up and I was always adjusting it. By the time I got to my 2nd and 3rd pregnancies, I was in maternity pants by 10wks. You never realize how comfy maternity pants are until you have them on!
I don't have much experience with belly bands. But I just wanted to chime in and say I hate underbelly pants. I found them so uncomfortable. I always suggest trying a pair or two of each style before really investing
I don't have much experience with belly bands. But I just wanted to chime in and say I hate underbelly pants. I found them so uncomfortable. I always suggest trying a pair or two of each style before really investing
This. Except - I love underbelly pants! I hate the panels and find them itchy and claustrophobic. Definitely try the different styles and see which works best for you.
When, if ever, did you use belly balm or butter? I have dry skin just on my stomach right now and I know part of it is needing to drink water, but it made me think about it!
It's funny how it's the little things in life that mean the most...not where you live, or what you drive, or the price tag on your clothes... There's no dollar sign on a piece of mind, this I've come to know! *ZBB*
@kissthesky32 I admit that sometimes the full panel can be claustrophobic. That's why I'm not wearing them yet. My sensitive, bloated belly cannot handle much touching it right now. But the otherwise appropriate size of underbelly pants always felt too tight. Full panels are at least soft and not very tight. Have I just not tried the right underbelly styles/brands?
When, if ever, did you use belly balm or butter? I have dry skin just on my stomach right now and I know part of it is needing to drink water, but it made me think about it!
I did it once a day during my first pregnancy. During my second I don't think I ever used it, or maybe once a week. If your skin is dry, definitely go for it - I really liked the burts bees mama belly butter - but if you're trying to prevent stretch marks, unfortunately those are genetic and if you're predisposed to them, you will most likely get them no matter what you do! The best way to know about that is ask your mom if she got belly stretch marks in pregnancy.
April Siggy Challenge: April Showers
About me:
29 y/o Married 6.26.11 BFP 12.23.13, EDD 9.2.14 - baby girl, born too soon at 22w6d due to a placental abruption on 5.5.14 BFP 8.4.14, EDD 4.15.15 - rainbow son, born at 30w4d due to a placental abruption on 2.8.15, healthy 3 y/o now! BFP 2.28.17, EDD 11.8.17 - baby girl, miscarried at 11 weeks on 4.21.17 BFP 11.28.17, EDD 8.8.18, delivering in July - another rainbow baby boy!
@NYTino24 I used palmers coco butter with both of my pregnancies. I got a few stretch marks (my second was a week late and 10lb) but it's nice and thick and moisturizing.
@kissthesky32 I admit that sometimes the full panel can be claustrophobic. That's why I'm not wearing them yet. My sensitive, bloated belly cannot handle much touching it right now. But the otherwise appropriate size of underbelly pants always felt too tight. Full panels are at least soft and not very tight. Have I just not tried the right underbelly styles/brands?
I think it has to do with body type and the cut of the pants. I'm very pear shaped - so the underbelly was loose on my belly, but tight enough on my hips/butt to keep them up and comfy. Conversely, the panels seem to always ride down and I end up with panel covering the top of my butt, instead of pants. That said, I do have some panel yoga pants and panel dress pants that are fine. But the panel still itches after a while.
@NYTino24 Stretch marks are definitely genetic. I never used any lotion for my belly and never got stretch marks, even though my second was (like @heatherdubrow) a week later and 9.5lbs. My mom also didn't get stretch marks. My belly did itch like crazy sometimes though - and I just used normal body lotion when that happened
Never used lotion and got minimal stretch marks. I did get a wicked Linea negra that showed up at 11 weeks and took for-ev-er to go away.
I hate belly bands and prefered full panel pants. I've lost 5 pounds since my BFP (thanks food aversions) and already can't button my pants at 7+4 so I'm already breaking in to my maternity pants. Might give the under belly ones a go again.
I just got a pair of side panel pants in and they practically fit me perfect now. I need a belt for the time being since there is no bump but there's no obvious gaps. I think it's that they're low rise and I'm used to mid rise (which irritates my belly now). I got the side panel pixie pants from Old Navy when there was a 30% off sale.
I wasn't even thinking about stretch marks... I think 1 or 2 of my sisters got them, but I don't think my other sister had them and the fourth hasn't had kids yet. I believe my mom may have gotten some with us twins, but not in her other 4 pregnancies.
It's funny how it's the little things in life that mean the most...not where you live, or what you drive, or the price tag on your clothes... There's no dollar sign on a piece of mind, this I've come to know! *ZBB*
I actually liked belly bands- but only with jeans. I did the hair tie trick (loop around button and through button hole) so I didn't have to button my jeans and then the belly band helped hide it. For any other pants though I totally hated the belly band.
I've seen maternity underwear but is it really necessary? Were you able to keep wearing your own underwear?
Definitely not necessary!
Agreed BUT by granny panties 1-2 2 sizes too big for after delivery.
Also as for recovery. It is all individual. I had a vaginal birth and was walking the halls the day we left the hospital. Moving around helped me feel better. I was up to 1.5 mile walks within 2 weeks. I just made H push the stroller. Same as other, you feel sore and achy for a good week or so. I was able to fit into normal pants within a month that were a size bigger than where I am now. But I think it takes a good 6-9 months to be no longer puffy if you BF. I didn't feel like "me" again until about a year.
Re: FTM questions for STMs 3/11
With my oldest though, we just put a child lock on the doorknob and counted being in her room as "sleeping". I have some wonderful pictures of the ridiculous places I found her asleep once she had free rein in her room.
my 2 year old is a lovable little monster who needs a gate in her doorway...
its crazy how different they can be!
@photogal1317 I am plus size. With my last pregnancy, I was much earlier than I thought I was so although they could detect the yolk sac and baby there was no heartbeat. They did a transvaginal and there he was...just fine and happy
This was at about 5 weeks. I will not be going to the doctor until 8 weeks this time.
About me:
Married 6.26.11
BFP 12.23.13, EDD 9.2.14 - baby girl, born too soon at 22w6d due to a placental abruption on 5.5.14
BFP 8.4.14, EDD 4.15.15 - rainbow son, born at 30w4d due to a placental abruption on 2.8.15, healthy 3 y/o now!
BFP 2.28.17, EDD 11.8.17 - baby girl, miscarried at 11 weeks on 4.21.17
BFP 11.28.17, EDD 8.8.18, delivering in July - another rainbow baby boy!
I stretched out and ended up throwing out a decent amount of my non-pregnancy underwear. But I'm also a ginormous pregnant lady.
~EDD Nov 18, 2017 with my IUI success story~
[spoiler]
I know it's early now, but my doctor's office gave me a prenatal pack that has "gift card/coupon codes" for some products. I noticed one called "Hot Hips" that is having a sell today for 20% off and the gift card promo code is for $60. So I could buy 3 of the items for at total of $16 (basically only pay shipping). So I am contemplating buying it now because it would be cheap...but not sure.
This is what Hot Hips are, essentially a faux shirt bottom that allows an extra bottom to extend jean size:
I have never heard of these and obviously never used any similar products. What are other's experiences with belly bands or similar things?
~EDD Nov 18, 2017 with my IUI success story~
[spoiler]
~EDD Nov 18, 2017 with my IUI success story~
[spoiler]
Married: 11/2013
"Q" DS1: 3/2011
"T" DS2: 10/2012
"A" DD: 1/2014
EDD #4: 11/26/2017
TTC 9/2016 BFP 12/9/16 EDD 8/21/17 NMC 1/8/16 at 7w6d
TTC 2/2017 BFP 3/6/17 EDD 11/17/17 DS born 11/25/17 via ECS
TTC 12/2018 BFP 6/2/19 EDD 2/12/20 NMC / BO at 7 weeks, low progesterone
TTC 7/2019 BFP 8/21/19 EDD 4/22/20 CP at 5 weeks
TTC 8/19 IUI #1 w/ Clomid + Ovidrel + progesterone BFN, IUI 2 and 3 w/ Letrozole + Ovidrel + progesterone,
IUI 4 Follistim + Ovidrel + progesterone BFP 1/9/20 EDD 9/18/20
AMA, ITP in pregnancy, vWD type II - low Factor VIII, unexplained RPL and secondary infertility
About me:
Married 6.26.11
BFP 12.23.13, EDD 9.2.14 - baby girl, born too soon at 22w6d due to a placental abruption on 5.5.14
BFP 8.4.14, EDD 4.15.15 - rainbow son, born at 30w4d due to a placental abruption on 2.8.15, healthy 3 y/o now!
BFP 2.28.17, EDD 11.8.17 - baby girl, miscarried at 11 weeks on 4.21.17
BFP 11.28.17, EDD 8.8.18, delivering in July - another rainbow baby boy!
I hate belly bands and prefered full panel pants. I've lost 5 pounds since my BFP (thanks food aversions) and already can't button my pants at 7+4 so I'm already breaking in to my maternity pants. Might give the under belly ones a go again.
TTC since August 2018
TTC 9/2016 BFP 12/9/16 EDD 8/21/17 NMC 1/8/16 at 7w6d
TTC 2/2017 BFP 3/6/17 EDD 11/17/17 DS born 11/25/17 via ECS
TTC 12/2018 BFP 6/2/19 EDD 2/12/20 NMC / BO at 7 weeks, low progesterone
TTC 7/2019 BFP 8/21/19 EDD 4/22/20 CP at 5 weeks
TTC 8/19 IUI #1 w/ Clomid + Ovidrel + progesterone BFN, IUI 2 and 3 w/ Letrozole + Ovidrel + progesterone,
IUI 4 Follistim + Ovidrel + progesterone BFP 1/9/20 EDD 9/18/20
AMA, ITP in pregnancy, vWD type II - low Factor VIII, unexplained RPL and secondary infertility
Also as for recovery. It is all individual. I had a vaginal birth and was walking the halls the day we left the hospital. Moving around helped me feel better. I was up to 1.5 mile walks within 2 weeks. I just made H push the stroller. Same as other, you feel sore and achy for a good week or so. I was able to fit into normal pants within a month that were a size bigger than where I am now. But I think it takes a good 6-9 months to be no longer puffy if you BF. I didn't feel like "me" again until about a year.