3rd Tri Check-in: week of June 19

Colleen0516 · June 2017

This is a weekly check in for the mamas who have made it to the 3rd trimester!!! If you are in week 28 or past, feel free to join in on the weekly fun.

If you're just joining us please post a:
•Mini synopsis in your first post with your EDD
•How many babies you are pregnant with
•If you know the gender(s)
•How you have been feeling in your 3rd tri
•Any upcoming or recent appointments you may have had

Feel free to share pictures of your bump, nurseries, baby gear, and of course those babies when they arrive!

QOTW:
What questions do you have about motherhood? Ask your own question and people can give you advice or explore that question themselves (maybe it's soemthing they haven't even thought about yet).

3rd Trimester mommies and their little bundles:
@kdanjou EDD 6/19/17 with a little girl
@mjacks16 EDD 7/8/17 with a little boy
@nellin-2 EDD 7/8/17 with a little girl
@Colleen0516 EDD 7/12/17 with boy/girl twins
@MicronesianMamma EDD 7/21/17 with a little boy
@byrneme EDD 7/25/17 with a little surprise bean
@ARB425 EDD 7/30/17 with a little girl
@persnickity EDD 8/5/17 with a little girl
@JWatt5 EDD 8/13/17 with a little boy
@Stars2016 EDD 8/24/17 with a little boy
@oxinfree EDD 9/3/17 with a little boy
@omarismyhomeboy EDD 9/8/17 with a little girl
@latershrader EDD 9/12/17 with a little boy

Congratulations @rmarble23 on the birth on her beautiful daughter, Emily Renee!!

omarismyhomeboy · June 2017

Hey everyone! I'm so thrilled to be joining the 3rd trimester boards! My EDD is September 8.

I am 28 weeks + 3 days with 1 baby girl. I just had my 28 week scan and she has already turned (hoping she stays!) and has a very big head

Unfortunately, I ALSO had my 1 hour glucose test and I failed. My OB does not do a 3 hour test- she treats it like GD and now I am on a no-sweets diet

I mostly feel bad that it could affect baby girl, but I'm hoping she'll be just fine. She's in the 49th percentile, so definitely not oversized.

Feeling crappy about that outcome, but trying to stay positive....

Other than that, I am just dealing with some back pain and restless leg syndrome. 11 1/2 weeks to go!

kdanjou · June 2017

Well well well. Today is my due date. Had a checkup earlier today. Still no progress, no dilation, nothing. Baby is estimated at least 8.5 lbs so she is pretty big.
I'm honestly just so discouraged right now that I'm almost crying. I really want to have a VBAC, but with nothing happening this late in the game I feel like it's going to be another c-section for sure. I have an OB consult in a couple days and they are setting a c-section date for me. If this baby doesn't come this week, I don't get a VBAC.
QOTW:
I have a 5 year old DD so I guess I've been through the new motherhood thing already. I am hoping the transition to two children goes well and my daughter adjusts without too much trouble to being a big sister. She is super excited and anxious about it.

@omarismyhomeboy Welcome to third tri! Sorry about the GD. Good luck with your diet. The things we do for these babies...

byrneme · June 2017

Hello ladies! @omarismyhomeboy, welcome!! So glad to see you over here. I'm sorry about the GD and even sorrier your OB doesn't do the 3 hour! I've not heard of that but you've got this.

@kdanjou happy due date day! I'm sorry your LO isn't cooperating. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you get your VBAC and all speeds up in the next couple of days!

AFM - just cruising along, nothing exciting to report. I'm 34w6d and had an appointment on Thursday so nothing this week. Baby is head down (stay there PLEASE) and what I thought was feet is actually his/her butt nestled up under my rib cage LOL. My DH was on a boy's trip this weekend so went into full nesting/organizing mode. I'm lucky enough to have been given bottles by friends and a BUNCH of extra breastfeeding supplies so I did a bunch of sanitizing and putting away this weekend. Well, at least of the bottles, which leads me to the ...

QOTW - after looking through all the breast feeding stuff I think I'm kind of freaking out about how it all works. I'd like to breastfeed exclusively for the first few weeks and then go to a mixture of breast feeding and pumping. I did NOT take the class (based on a lot of people's feedback) and, now I'm realizing, maybe I should have (of course, they are all full up to my due date - I may call to see if I can get in anyways) because I feel clueless.

Colleen0516 · June 2017

@omarismyhomeboy welcome!! I will add you to our list. Sorry to hear about the 1 hour test. Why does he refuse the 3 hour? That's kinda strange to me.

@kdanjou I'm sorry! I would be bummed too.
When will the doctor let you go to before he does the c secion?
I took @marissy8 off our list since she was due in May. You are now the top!! Hope that give some your LO a little push

Colleen0516 · June 2017

@byrneme I plan to do the same. I took the class and found it interesting but I think breastfeeding is something that is more hands on to learn. When you havethe baby, the nurses and lactation consultants in the hospital should help!
What I did learn tht was helpful is that you should not pump for the first 4 months unless u have to. Allow your body to produce wht it needs to for the baby and allow the baby to take what he/she needs. Then start pumping to create a storage bank.

byrneme · June 2017

@Colleen0516 - thanks

Um, did you mean 4 weeks vs. months? I have heard the 4 weeks one but I'm going to be back at work before 4 months!!

Colleen0516 · June 2017

Yes WEEKS lol whoops! 4 weeks!

persnickity · June 2017

@omarismyhomeboy Welcome to 3rd tri and sorry to hear you failed the 1 hr. I'm surprised your dr doesn't do the 3 hr, it seems like a lot of offices do. Hopefully the diet isn't too much of a change!

@kdanjou We're all rooting for you to start labor! Time to start with all the old wives tales. Fingers are crossed for you this week.

@byrneme doesn't it feel good to get the organization done? I'm sure it won't stay that way, but I love feeling organized. As for breastfeeding, I heard the same thing as @Colleen0516. Honestly the class felt pretty basic. There wasn't a lot of information about what to do, just information on why you should try it and how to get help.

AFM, 33 + 2 weeks today. Got an appointment tomorrow morning, but otherwise just cruising like @byrneme. I'm always impatient at the end of things (like car rides, I'm the one along are we there yet). I'm trying hard not to get impatient with pregnancy. She needs to keep cooking.

ARB425 · June 2017

@omarismyhomeboy Welcome to 3rd trimester! Sorry to hear you failed the 1hour test, I'm surprised that your OB doesn't do the 3hour test since the 1hour isn't all that accurate(about 65%).

@kdanjou We are rooting for your vbac! Is your OB willing to sweep your membranes to attempt to get things started? I agree, I would start busting out the old wives tales and walking/sitting on an exercise ball to open your pelvic floor. Fingers crossed for you!

@byrneme I would try to get into the breastfeeding class if possible but if you can't it's not the end of the world. I would highly suggest watching some YouTube videos on effective/ineffective latching techniques. That was the #1 thing I took away from the class but overall I did feel the class was beneficial for positions, latching, and when to start pumping. Otherwise it is a lot of trial but there are nurses and LC in the hospital who can help. Check if your hospital offers lactation support groups as well. The pediatrician may offer a LC as well.

I'm just cruising along here at 34weeks due with our little girl July 30th. We had our birthing class this weekend which was definitely a help. We worked a lot on birthing positions, breathing exercises and using a birth ball. I went into full on panic mode last night at about 1am when I woke up from a terrible dream and then realized the baby wasn't as active as normal before I went to bed. I got out my Doppler and started doing kick counts. Of course everything was fine, I think I was slightly dehydrated and the dream threw my anxiety over the edge! Oh the fun times of the infertility journey!

Our goals for this week is to get our hospital bag packed and to install the car seat. I have to organize the dresser drawers in the nursery but we will see what we can get done.

QOTW: I think we are as prepared as we are going to get at this point. She needs to cook a little longer but overall I'm just ready to meet her and have our little family.

Colleen0516 · June 2017

I am still pregnant... 36+5 days with B/G twins; 1 cm dilated as of Friday. I have a biophysical sonogram on Wednesday and a regular OB appointment on Friday (hoping to not be pregnant by then, but if I am, hoping for more dilation).
I have a bad feeling I will be preggo until my csection date. But I'm going to discuss the possibility of inducing me since he was considering natural birth at last appointment. We will see!
I have a lot of pressure down there and still feel like I am so huge; Hard to move these days but I've been pushing through and walking a lot to try and get these babies going. My husband has to officially help me off the couch at night and out of bed, I can't roll and get up anymore haha so pathetic but comical at the same time.

ARB425 · June 2017

@colleen0516 glad to hear the babies are still cooking but I'm sorry you are so uncomfortable! At least you can find the humor in it all otherwise we all would probably be crying all the time! Hopefully the pressure down there are the babes getting more into position! Sending good vibes your way for progress when you go into the OBs office or even before then!

A word to the wise, I tried eating some dates based on a NIH study that says eating 4-6 dates 4 week(i know I have 6 weeks but I figured that I would try them) prior to your due date helps with cervical dilatation and reduces need for induction. Whoa not a flavor I like at all. I managed to eat 3 before I said the heck with this! I'm going to try them in a green smoothie to see if it makes them easier to get down. In the end if it didn't do anything for my labor it would keep me regular!

Colleen0516 · June 2017

I'm starting dates tomorrow!!! @ARB425

ARB425 · June 2017

@colleen0516 Look into the
pineapple(with the core) and date smoothie! The pineapple contains bromelain which acts like prostaglandin to help soften or "ripen" the cervix. Lots of walking and if you have an exercise ball you can look up some exercises that help to open the pelvis. I've started to increase my walking and started with the exercise ball on Saturday. Honestly my hips feel better and I'm not having as much pelvis pain when I walk so I think it's helping to realign things. Ahhh I can't wait to get an update that your babies are here!!

nellin-2 · June 2017

I'm 37 weeks 3 days and just had the best scan/appointment in months. They haven't picked up any ectopic heartbeats in over a month, my amniotic fluid is now down to within a normal range and growth looking normal (measuring 7.5lb already!).
The specialist is happy for me to just see my midwife weekly until she arrives or 41 weeks and as long as nothing seems off I can labour at the birthing centre which is where I really want to be but still 2minutes from the hospital.

@byrneme I haven't done a specific BF class but we did talk about it in our antenatal class. The biggest thing I learnt was how far in to their mouth your nipple needs to be - it looks like they'd choke but it's important to encourage your milk and minimize pain (you want your nipple beyond the ribs on the roof of their mouth). I think the most important thing is to ask for help after baby arrives and ask for it early. Your milk supply should match demand so if you top up with formula you won't produce enough and a vicious cycle starts. Obviously you don't want to starve your child but they need a tiny volume of milk in the first couple of days before your milk comes in.

@omarismyhomeboy Welcome! That sucks about your glucose test but I guess a low sugar diet isn't going to hurt even if you might have passed the longer test.

@kdanjou @Colleen0516 wishing you both labour inducing thoughts!

kelrauh · June 2017

@byrneme - I didn't have any classes on breast feeding. I exclusively pumped for the first 5 weeks. Then randomly decided to breastfeed in the middle of the night because I didn't want to get out of bed. My girl latched right away and havent had any issues my not took a few days to learn but eventually did. I now exclusively breast feed at night, they are now 10 weeks old. You'll do great

latershrader · June 2017

Good morning everyone. I'm joining the 3rd tri as of today and I'm super excited! I'm 28 weeks with one baby boy due on Sept 12. I'm feeling pretty great so far but I know that might not last. Little one is kicking and stretching a lot and I'm loving that I can feel him move more. I have a regular OB appt today and I will do my first glucose test as well. Fruit punch flavored, blech. Oh well! I also have my monthly MFM appt to check growth and placental flow. I have HBP so they are mostly worried about pre-E, with good reason. So far my BP has been phenomenal, so no worries.

QOTW: Breastfeeding, like lots of others, is a big question. I really want to exclusively BF for the first month or two then start pumping. I have to go back to work after 3 months so he'll have to take a bottle. But I don't want to lose that bond. I'm also really worried about being induced or having a c-section. I've never been hospitalized or had surgery before so I have some fears.

persnickity · June 2017

@nellin-2 That's fantastic news!! Sounds like everything is working out. I can only imagine your relief right now.

@ARB425 I started walking each night as well. It does make a big difference. Also gotta love the things we are willing to try on this whole journey. We try anything to get pregnant, stay pregnant, and now to be able to deliver how we want.

kdanjou · June 2017

Thanks for all the good thoughts ladies. I've been trying everything but nothing is helping me dilate at all. My doctor didn't even offer to sweep my membranes because there is no way to do it, I am too closed up. I'm just kind of wishing for it to happen all at once one of these days. I have until Monday I think but my OB consult is this afternoon so we'll see what they think.
@colleen0516 Good luck and I hope those twins cooperate for you!

To everyone with BF questions/worries, I totally get it. I EBF my daughter for almost two years. It was surprisingly easy for us (we were lucky) but she was a snacker so she was very demanding. I think it was every hour for the first six months at least (except at night she would go a little longer). I got engorged the first couple of weeks and had to pump a little before nursing just to take the pressure off so she wouldn't choke. When her teeth came in I got mild mastitis from the sharp little things rubbing on me, but we worked through it. I HATED pumping and it never worked for me after those first couple weeks of engorgement. Honestly, everyone is different but try to EBF for the first month at least to get your supply going.
@latershrader I get the worries about surgery too since I had a c-section with DD. You will be in very good hands if it comes to that and they will take good care of you. It is very routine for them and don't be afraid to ask questions. My c-section went so well that I went home a day early.

mjacks16 · June 2017

Hi ladies! I'm 37w3d - where has the time gone! I'm also cruising along and everything looked good at my weekly checkup on Friday. Fluid was good, heartbeat was good, still no dilation. I have another checkup tomorrow afternoon. I just want him to stay put until after we close on our house and move. The movers are set to pack on Monday and we move on Tuesday! Then it will be full on nesting, get everything sorted and ready mode. I made Friday my last day at work before mat leave, so hopefully I'll have the time to get the house mostly setup before his arrival. My mom is coming up this weekend to help with the move and will stay until after he is born and then help another few weeks if we need it.

I don't have any burning questions at the moment. Just hoping breastfeeding works out.

Colleen0516 · June 2017

Welcome @latershrader! I added you to our list of mama's to be!!!

This Monday will be my last week (csection date= next Thursday!) hopefully babies come sooner though lol
So I will start the thread post for Monday but will need someone to take over the board for the following week (7/3)... any takers??

@ARB425 trying pineapple too!!

@nellin-2 congrats! Love good appointments where you walk out smiling!

@mjacks16 I give you so much credit to have this all happening at one time. I wasn't just told I have to move my classroom at school and that has me stressed out. How are you moving houses? You are truely SUPERWOMAN! Praying you're LO cooperates for you!

oxinfree · June 2017

Oh my, feel so late to the party...
@omarismyhomeboy already saw this on Insta but again so sorry ☹️. I know you'll do amazing with the diet as tough and annoying as it is.

@kdanjou so sorry about the likely csection. I'm sure that's incredibly dissapointing.

@Colleen0516 hope your twinsies start progressing for a natural birth. That'd be so wonderful!

@persnickity I totally feel you on the impatience. I've never been a patient person. I have a feeling the last 10 weeks are going to crawl by. Oh well.

@nellin-2 that's fantastic news about being able to birth at birth center. The fact that the one decent one is far from the hospital made me way too nervous, so nice yours is so close.

@mjacks16 yay for moving. We're just finally settled (still working on nursery) but you're a champ for doing it this late in pregnancy. So glad you'll have some help!! Hope all goes well and smoothly

Colleen0516 · June 2017

Okay, so here is a big question:
Vaccinations! We met with our pediatrician a today for the first time. They talked about the DTaP shot (which I think is whooping cough) and the flu shot after six months and the obvious big immunizations.
I know this is a touchy subject for some, but I'm curious how every feels about it.

My husband said he is okay will all except for Flu and DTaP. I honestly don't know how I feel about that.
I am okay with all vaccines and immunizations. I know there are articles that link it to autism and other harmful things, but there are just as many articles tht say it hasn't no link at all. Now that I'm having babies, I don't know what I want to do!

Let the discussion begin!

JWatt5 · June 2017

@Colleen0516 - we'll be doing that all too. We're going to follow the vaccination schedule here in Ontario Canada.

32w2d here with our little boy. For the first time I can't say I feel great. I'm wondering if I'm getting a bug or something. I'm exhausted, irritable, sore all over and feel like I've been kicked in the crotch haha. He seems to always be moving which is good but I'm literally sore from it. @Colleen0516 - you are amazing for doing this with two babies. I'm hoping maybe I'm just feeling a bit under the weather and will feel better soon. I have a big weekend ahead of me with a girls day Friday, hosting over night and my shower Saturday.
I'll respond again to everyone a bit later on!! Some of you are sooooo close and welcome to others!!!

ARB425 · June 2017

@colleen0516 we are still in a great debate about vaccinations. We are currently reading the vaccine friendly plan which is a book written by pediatrician that goes over both sides of all recommended vaccinations. So far the book has been very helpful but I'm only on the chapter about vaccinations at 2 months. My biggest issue is I don't want her getting multiple vaccinations at one time so we are trying to choose which to delay and when.

persnickity · June 2017

This is a big topic for me. I need others to vaccinate their kids in order to protect mine from these diseases. My baby will be born with a suppressed immune system and isn't allowed to get anything that's a live virus vaccine. I need the "herd" mentality in order to protect her. If everyone else who can vaccinate does, then she's protected by that. If others don't get the vaccines, she's more likely to be the one getting sick.

Also, there is no link to autism. That was disproven by the same scientist who made the claim.

kdanjou · June 2017

Please please please vaccinate! It is so important, especially to those like @persnickity who can't and for little tiny newborns. There is no link to autism. Yes, it is very hard to see them in pain after a few needle sticks when they are so tiny. Believe me, tears were shed all around. BUT, knowing they and others are protected is so wonderful.

omarismyhomeboy · June 2017

The autism "link" has been debunked numerous times. Whooping cough (against which DTaP protects) is very very dangerous for babies.

byrneme · June 2017

I work in health care and hear the horror stories of what can happen to your child if you don't vaccinate (or others don't). I am in the camp of please do it for the health of your child and the ones they are around! To @omarismyhomeboy's point, it came out several months ago that the 'research' done by the doctor who linked autism to vacc's was forged. The TDaP shot is imperative for you, your baby and any other care givers! I would think, of any of them, flu is the only one you'd be 'safe' skipping.

wabash15 · June 2017

Lurking***
Please vaccinate! The study by the researcher that first linked vaccinations and autism was a poor representation of science and has long since been discredited. There are rare cases when children can't get vaccinated and that is why it is so important that the rest of the population is because it will help protect them from exposure to diseases.
as for spreading out vaccines I come from an animal background and there is the possibility that giving a ton of vaccines in a short period can increase the risk of a vaccine reaction. So in my twins I spread the vaccines out by a few weeks (though kept them fairly on schedule) After being at a conference discussing vaccination with pediatricians, infectious disease and public health doctors I learned that in humans they actually have improved response to vaccines when given multiple vaccines at the same time. So after researching it and talking with some super smart people I am going to go with the CDC recommended vaccine schedule for this baby.

persnickity · June 2017

This is why I love this group. We can talk about a very sensitive topic in a productive, helpful manner!

JWatt5 · June 2017

Agreed @persnickity
It's really nice to have you all to talk to so openly!

byrneme · June 2017

I'm sure this wouldn't go quite this way on a BMB... Very grateful for you ladies!

Colleen0516 · June 2017

We are def vaccinating! My hubby and I both agree on that! But he doesn't want to do the flu shot at 6 months (so I said we will discuss it again in a few months lol)
then his friend said they didn't do the DTaP one and he was researching that shot. But for me, that vaccine is a must too!

i lovethis group too for the same reason! We're able to discuss big important things, in a mature way!

Colleen0516 · June 2017

Making decisions for your children is going to be the hardest part of parenting. It's already difficult and they aren't even born.
I can't imagine how protective you feel after their birth!

I want to be respectful of my husbands fears for his children, but without compromising my children's health. I get why he doesn't love the flu shot. I honestly don't get the shot bc I feel they never get the strain correct (I also haven't gotten the flu in years thankfully)
so no flu shot, is something I am willing to compromise on. I just told him I will be over protective during flu season. Washing hands, less public places, etc. unless he changes his mind.
But all other vaccines and shots are a must, I will not risk that, and he is good with that!

persnickity · June 2017

@Colleen0516 I can understand him questioning the flu shot, but did he say why he was questioning the Tdap? Did you both get it or will you both be getting it?

latershrader · June 2017

Thanks for the welcome all! @Colleen0516 Thanks for adding me. Hoping for your twins to come this weekend or a very smooth c-section on Monday! If absolutely NO ONE ELSE wants to take over the board, I'm happy to do it.

@omarismyhomeboy It's so good to see a familiar face over here! I've missed your updates! Sorry about your GD diagnosis

Hope you can manage without sugar for a few more months!

@kdanjou Hoping you have some progress too! Fingers crossed for your VBAC!!

@byrneme My OB said the class is not REALLY worth it and to buy The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League. That book + lactation consultants after birth are probably the best combo.

@ARB425 Did you take the one-day birth class? That's what we are doing and I'm hoping we get all the good info, despite the limited time.

We plan to vaccinate. I have a lot of healthcare professionals in my family and we all advocate for vaccinations. Especially for kids like @persnickity's!!I understand why people are scared of them but the science proves that they are helping us stay healthier

Colleen0516 · June 2017

@persnickity His friend swears it is linked to autism (I know it's not!) but he's just a new first time scared dad! He listened to his friend and now is playing Google doctor.
I honestly don't know if I got the DTaP shot yet? I don't think I did, which concerns me. I heard you're supposed to get it while prognabt so the baby gets it through you. But I don't think I did. I go tomm so I'll ask. If I didn't, then what do I do? I'm kinda nervous about not having it sooner.
I my getting it def. He said he isn't one wo th he get it too, he just worries what he puts into his baby. (Total new dad worries)

persnickity · June 2017

@Colleen0516 If you're in the states, then there's a really good chance you got it already, likely around 28 weeks. I know in Canada @JWatt5 mentioned that it's not required. I'd ask and see what your dr says. As for him being concerned about that one specific vaccine and not the others, I assumed if you're worried about one, then you'd be worried about all. Interesting that that's the one his friend called out specifically.

ARB425 · June 2017

@latershrader ours was a one day class. It covered a lot of information from birth methods, stages of labor, postpartum, exercises to do get your body ready for labor etc. The hospital we are delivering at also meets with you separately to develop a birth plan. It helped my husband understand the whole process because he was pretty clueless! Overall I've been really impressed considering we are delivering at a small community hospital. I live close to 3 HUGE nationally ranked hospital systems but we opted for a different experience.

Colleen0516 · June 2017

@persnickity I agree! I was shocked about it too- very strange.. Who knows? lol
and I don't remember getting a shot. I only remember the steriod shot for their lungs. Im 100% asking tomm

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