First Trimester Check In- Week of 8/6

JamieH2000 · August 2018

This is a place for those who got their BFP after IF and are in their first trimester to introduce themselves to other PAIFs and get some support!

How far along are you? / EDD

How are you feeling?

Any recent/upcoming appointments?

Thoughts/Concerns?

Questions:

JamieH2000 · August 2018

How far along are you? / EDD I will be 12 weeks on Wednesday! Itching to get to second trimester- mainly to feel better but also just for that hurdle.

How are you feeling? I think I am starting to turn the corner on the nausea...still not great, but some better days. I also have been feeling really bloated by end of the day and LOOK very pregnant. but then I wake up and its mostly gone and my weight is steady. SO thats good I guess, but I must just be retaining a lot of fluid throughout the day. I do notice I wake up pretty thirsty and dehydrated each morning. I'm sure the fans on with the summer heat doesnt help. Anyone else?

Any recent/upcoming appointments? I have my NT scan on Wed! A little nervous, but hopefully its fine since we used DE and my husband is young too. After that, I don't have an appt for 3 weeks which makes me nervous. I'm wondering if its time to try a doppler. But I'm also worried I wouldn't be able to find it, even at 12-13 weeks, and then I would panic.

Thoughts/Concerns? Not really- just hoping things keep progressing and the NT scan looks good. I can't do the blood work part b/c of the vanishing twin.

Questions: Anyone else have a doppler and tips/websites on tricks to find the HB?

mag1cbeli3ver · August 2018

@jamieH2000 I'm still finding that my bump is a lot bigger by the end of the day than it is in the morning. And yes to being really dehydrated when I wake up. For the last few weeks I've been drinking some gatorade as soon as I get up to help rehydrate me and it does make me feel a lot better. As for the doppler, I have one, but I didn't get it until after I was 19 weeks (I had wanted one on and off since about 8 weeks, but DH always talked me out of it). His biggest argument is what you mentioned - I would totally lose it if I was unable to find the HB! And even my OB had trouble finding the HB with the doppler, so I didn't get one. Once I had my AS and found out I had an anterior placenta though, I knew I was finally getting one b/c I couldn't feel baby to have that reassurance (still don't feel him very much). It's been relatively easy for me to find the HB so far. I don't know if it's because baby is so much bigger than 1st trimester or if I'm just lucky! I can say that it's important to have some gel (I use aloe vera) to quiet the background noise and to move the doppler very slowly over your stomach. I started with the same place the tech always put the wand for my ultrasounds, b/c I figured that's where baby bean would be, and he was. Honestly, I was a little disappointed in myself that I needed to have the doppler, but my mental and emotional well-being have improved a lot since getting it, so I would totally recommend it! Sorry for the long response! I hope that helps!

kristimh80 · August 2018

@JamieH2000 So exciting...you're so close to 2nd tri! Hopefully your nausea is about to be completely over with! I'd definitely do the doppler. I've already been looking at them for fun. I read that they won't pick up until 10-12 weeks, so you should be fine. Even if you don't find it right away, just know the baby is still so little, so may take a minute

How far along are you? / EDD
6wks 4 days / March 28

How are you feeling?
Feeling pretty good! So far, I feel lucky not having much it he MS department.

Any recent/upcoming appointments?
Friday is our 1st ultrasound. Finally getting excited. I'm sure I probably won't open my eyes until they tell me they see what they need to!

Thoughts/Concerns?
Thankful for you ladies! After a weekend with a single gf in town, I realized not everyone will understand your pregnancy or acknowledge it as much because you don't have a huge bump!

Questions:
Anyone been told not to have soft cheese, quest, etc? My crazy self made the mistake of googling that while out with friends this weekend and read we shouldn't. Though I probably ate enough queso for everything this weekend. lol My nurse gf said she had never heard that and it's probably only if you over do it...like any food.

mbradfo2 · August 2018

@JamieH2000
I got my doppler at about 12 weeks and was able to use it successfully right away. It took about 15 minutes or more to find the first couple times, but after that it was much easier.

What I would always do:

Lay on a flat surface with as little give as possible but that is also comfortable.
Have the u/s gel or aloe gel accessible -- you may need to reapply. **aloe == I used this after going through my first couple u/s gel bottles and it worked just as well. I got the clear colored gel that you use on sunburns.
Put a little dollop of gel in the center of your lower abdomen, a bit below the belly button. Baby is still pretty low pre-20 weeks!
Put a little more gel on the head of the doppler probe and press it gently against the abdomen.
Make swirly/circle motions as you move the probe around.
Listen for the WHOOSH-WHOOSH sound of the placenta vessels -- this means baby should be nearby! Note: There are major blood vessels of your own along the lower abdomen so you may occasionally stumble upon these when baby is very small. You'll know it's your heartbeat based on the sound (a lower thudding noise with a bit of a whoosh to it) and speed -- your heart is about half as fast as baby's.
In the area where you found the placenta vessels, search around using progressively smaller and smaller circles. You'll know baby's heart when you hear it -- it sounds like a horse galloping! It does -not- have a whooshy or thudding noise. It is very clear and fast. There are good youtube videos where you can hear the sound.
If you are unsure if you found baby's heart or your own heartbeat, just compare your pulse to the sound on the doppler -- baby's heart will be about twice as fast as yours.

Also, always keep a towel on hand -- the gel gets messy!

This will take alot of trial and error so it's probably best done immediately following a good scan/appt so you don't freak out too much if you don't find it right away.

You could bring in your doppler to one of your visits and ask one of the nurses to help you try it out, if you like. I don't think all OBs are OK with home dopplers, but mine was fine with it since it gave me peace of mind. I was actually faster at finding baby's heartbeat than he was! Maybe just ask about it and see if someone in the office can give you a lesson

darkstar42 · August 2018

How far along are you? / EDD 12w5d, EDD is 2/13

How are you feeling? Physically I’m feeling pretty good. Almost no nausea at this point, so that’s been nice. Otherwise I’m still struggling to come to terms with having a boy, which makes me feel really guilty, especially after going through IF. I know I will love this baby like crazy when I meet him, but the disappointment is rough. I have a therapy appointment later today though, so I’m hoping that will help me sort out my feelings.

Any recent/upcoming appointments? Next appointment is not til 8/24, which feels like ages!

Thoughts/Concerns? I’m overwhelmed at all the choices for baby- related products. How are you all going about making choices?

Questions: Ummm... silly question. Second tri starts when you hit 13 weeks, right?

darkstar42 · August 2018

@JamieH2000 I’m definitely way more bloated in the evenings! FX for your NT scan!

@kristimh80 With regard to cheese, you just want to make sure any cheese you eat is pasteurized so that you aren’t exposed to listeria. Soft cheeses are somewhat less likely to be pasteurized, but most are ok. The recommendation is also to avoid cold deli meats because of listeria risk. At your appointment Friday they’ll probably give you a list of does and don’ts for food.

mbradfo2 · August 2018

-i apologize for lurking but baby's sleeping and i don't want to do work!

-

I believe all cheese sold in US grocery stories should be pasteurized so as long as you are not buying cheese from a farm or green market directly (or if the cheese is labeled 'raw'), it should be OK. I would stay away from spreadable cheeses at restaurants or fast casual places -- there have been at least one or two outbreaks of listeria in the past couple years associated with cream cheese in these kinds of establishments (Panera last year).

kristimh80 · August 2018

@mbradfo2 We were at a wine bar and they ordered a cheese / meat platter. Which prompted me to "google" and it was spreadable cheese, so glad I didn't mess with it! In search is said no "queso" which was a bummer! Living in Texas...it's everywhere! Figure in small amounts it was fine. Thanks for your response, I figure maybe staying away from cheese would probably help with the weight gain part lol

@darkstar42 Awe I'm so sorry you're having such a rough time. Hopefully, as time goes on you'll start coming to terms and feel better overall. We wanted a boy 1st, but after pgs testing, were only left with girls to choose from which was a bummer. Least when your little boy gets older, he won't be stealing all your clothes / makeup, etc.

I always here boys are so much easier from friends with them. Plus, if you do a FET again, maybe it'll be a girl and she'll have an awesome big brother to look up to

wildrainbow · August 2018

@darkstar42 second tri starts at 14 weeks

mayflower513 · August 2018

@kristimh80 that's so weird about no queso, I wonder why!

@jamieH2000 I think you'd be ok to get a doppler.. I don't remember, did your OB do the doppler? When I do it I lay flat, use lots of aloe, and start in the center above your pubic bone. You can then start moving it very slowly in all directions. Look it up on youtube, you'll get some ideas. I used it all the time with DS and found it at about 9.5 weeks this time, but around 10 I had a scare and coudn't find it, baby was just super low down. By the 12th week you should be safe to try!

@darkstar42 technically it's 13 weeks 3 days that tri 2 starts...my doctor said between 12 and 13, a lot of people say 14. I considered myself second tri at 13 weeks.

scikap · August 2018

How far along are you? / EDD
5 weeks 6 days

How are you feeling?
Great - not much in the way of symptoms yet

Any recent/upcoming appointments?
Met with my family doctor last week to talk about pregnancy do's and dont's, etc. Can't wait for first u/s on Aug 15!

Thoughts/Concerns?
We told our parents this weekend. They all knew we were doing IF treatments and we're comfortable with them knowing so early. It was so great to share the news!

@kristimh80 My doctor mentioned the queso thing too - turns out that queso is particularly likely to be contaminated with Listeria because of the process by which it's made. (Though It's still very unlikely overall).

kristimh80 · August 2018

@scikap Thanks for letting me know. I'll add that to the "foods I need to stay away from" list. I don't typically eat it a lot, just this weekend entraining an out of town guest, it seemed to be around a lot!

halips · August 2018

Hi everyone!
How far along are you? / EDD
11w2d, 2/24/19
How are you feeling?
ok! still pretty tired, and a little constipated but ok otherwise
Any recent/upcoming appointments?
next appt is Monday Aug 13. Doing NIPT and doppler
Thoughts/Concerns?
I can't wait for 2nd tri to be here! it feels like 1st goes on forever lol
Questions:
OK, seriously. Constipation. Anyone else have it? What do you do to help? I've always been very regular, except during pregnancy. I eat a lot of fruits and veggies, drink a lot of water, go for walks etc. But none of those things seem to help. I'm at the point where I may have to drink or take some kind of Metamucil or something lol Dr. says it's normal, but the bloating is not fun.

@JamieH2000 good luck with your NT scan tomorrow!
@Kristimh80 friday will be here before you know it! Good Luck!
@darkstar42 There are so many choices! I've read a lot of recommendations from people on here, also various blogs etc. I also avidly read reviews on Amazon. But most of all, I've been asking friends and family that have kids. What did they like or not like etc. My SIL is 28w today and she and I text a lot about what shes choosing and why.
@scikap so happy you got to share the news!!

kristimh80 · August 2018

@halips I have the same issue!!! Hurts to go! I guess it could be worse and we could barely be making it to the bathroom! lol I take probiotics and fiber every night, but I always have. I can't imagine what it would be like if I didn't! I'm excited for you for your doppler appt!! Are you planning on getting a home doppler? I feel like I will and it will be an obesssion lol

halips · August 2018

@kristimh80 Well not that I'm happy you have this issue, but at least I'm not alone? lol I also take a probiotic fiber supplement and always have. But I swear it's stopped working!
I actually have a home doppler from my first pregnancy. I found that I couldn't regularly find a hb until after 14w though, so I have been holding off using so far, so I don't make myself crazier. Once the Dr. finds hb with his doppler, I'll probably start trying. It was definitely nice having once my appt frequency slowed down!

kristimh80 · August 2018

@halips I feel the same way...like it just stopped working! And every time I have salsa, it makes it worst and I feel like I'm on fire LOL

mbradfo2 · August 2018

@darkstar42 and @halips

My sister has two little girls (her youngest is about 1.5 yr) so I just asked her what she used and what was good. Saved me alot of legwork. I just ordered the same carseat she had, etc. I like her high chair so we'll probably go with that one as well. She's been also handing down alot of her baby things to me -- her pouch-making station, leftover disposable pouches, spoons, burp cloths, swaddlers and blankies, toys, baby bjorn bouncey seat. It's super helpful.

Drove2u · August 2018

How far along are you? / EDD 7 weeks

How are you feeling? Pretty good. Don’t really feel preg so who knows whats going on.

Any recent/upcoming appointments? US tomorrow.

Thoughts/Concerns? Even though it’s still early, I feel like I’ve come a long way and just worried that something is not right or something will go wrong even later.

JamieH2000 I’ve never had a Doppler. I’ve heard it can cause more worry. Plus, after being discharged from an RE, last time, I only had to wait 2-3 weeks to see my OBGYN for the 12 week appt…and then shortly after I would hear the baby kick so that always gave me reassurance. PS I meant to tell you this last week but it slipped my mind. I was totally stalking you on the AMH board and I am just so thrilled you are preg right now and wanted to send over my congratulations to you!! You've been through a lot, girl and you totally deserve this!

kristimh80 I was reading your posts on your friend visiting. I totally feel your pain. I would’ve felt the same way as you. We have a party this Friday. It’s kinda far, in a nightclub, from 7pm-12am. I’m just not in the mood for that lol. As far as cheeses: as long as its pasteurized its fine. You’re also not supposed to eat cold cuts but I still do. As long as it’s from a trusted deli and you’re not eating it at a buffett where its been standing out for hours, it’s fine. I have a friend who ate a cold cut turkey ham and cheese sandwich every day of her pregnancy because that was her craving lol. And she has two beautiful daughters.

darkstar42 this is my second baby so if you need any help with baby related things feel free to PM me or I can give you my email and we can chat. I’ve found things that are a MUST for everyone and then things that worked or didn’t work for me. We can discuss.

JamieH2000 · August 2018

@mag1cbeli3ver- thank you for the thoughts and tips on the doppler! Glad to know I'm not the only one with a "night" bump haha. Just shows how much is really bloating right now vs baby. Kinda crazy!!

@kristimh80- so excited for your u/s on Friday! I am the same way. I can't really stand to look until I know things are ok! Glad you aren't having MS yet, hopefully you will be a lucky one that doesnt get it. Tho I am hoping you have some other symptoms for reassurance! I have also been eating cheese and just make sure its pasteurized. Glad that most cheese in the U.S. really is pasteurized! I have been staying away from deli meat for now, but not sure I will keep that up throughout the whole pregnancy!

@mbradfo2- wow, THANK you for the detailed tips!! I am definitely going to reference that if I get a doppler, I am still a little on the fence given my retroverted uterus. We will see

@darkstar42- I totally get the boy disappointment, and that is why we are finding out too. I just need time to adjust my expectations if its not a girl as we were hoping for. Trying to remind myself that boys can be much easier in their teens years and can have a real close relationship with their mom when they are little and older/adult. I also always wanted an older brother, so I think its kind of nice to have a boy first in that aspect. Boys also still don't have to deal with some of the discrimination and limitations that women still face around the world. Of course there are lots of pros to girls, but thinking about the pros of having a boy helps me.

@mayflower513- thanks for the tips! Congrats on getting to the second tri!

@scikap- excited for your ultrasound in a week! I hope it goes fast!

@halips- I go back and forth between diarrhea and constipation

soo not fun. Hoping its evens out soon for all of us! Not sure what else you can try, sounds like you are doing it all!

@drove2u- you are so sweet, thank you! so glad you are here with us again too! I know the feeling of waiting for something to go wrong. I'm sure its just IF PTSD and not a real gut feeling or anything. IF has totally ruined my gut intuition on stuff related to this!

Drove2u · August 2018

@jamieh2000 totally IF ptsd. And the scary thing is that that was two years ago and I’m still not over it apparently. I mean I still can’t be positive.

kristimh80 · August 2018

@Drove2u I feel your pain, I don't really feel pregnant either besides little things here and there. I keep telling myself its a blessing not to have MS. Best of luck with your party!! Least it's only for 1 night! My gf had us out til 2am last Friday, but my DH put his foot down as the weekend progressed. I'm just glad it's over! lol Thanks for letting me know about cheeses. I'll still to shredded and the hard kind. Luckily, I don't eat meat so won't be tempted

It's always something!

@JamieH2000 Thank you! I do have other signs, the usual sore chest and more tired than normal. Bloating comes and goes. Least in the mornings I feel skinny and some times the evenings are a different story lol

Drove2u · August 2018

@kristimh80 oh were not going to the party lol im too old for that.

kristimh80 · August 2018

@Drove2u Smart!!

JamieH2000 · August 2018

@drove2u- ya I don’t think any of us will really ever get over IF

I just hope the next few weeks go quickly and you can get lots of scans to help you feel more confident! What’s your schedule for scans?

@kristimh80- you are such a trooper for staying out with your friend!! Idk how you did 2am! I can’t do that even when I’m not pregnant ha. This weekend we are going to an outdoor concert and I’m worried how late it’s going to be. I’m the DD obviously but it’s gonna be a long night. Not sure how fun concerts are sober lol. Glad you have some symptoms! Maybe we should start posting morning and night “bump” pics to give us a good LOL.

kristimh80 · August 2018

@JamieH2000 I'll pray for you!! LOL It wasn't bad for the first few hours...lots of people watching. Are you going with a big group? If just your hubby and a friend, maybe you can get away earlier before the concert is over. I know outdoor concerts here usually have to be done by 11, so hopefully that's the case for you

Those morning / night pics would be hilarious!

Drove2u · August 2018

@jamieh2000 my scan schedule is pretty great. I go every week until 9 weeks and then I see obgyn at 12 weeks. Usually at that point I feel a little more comfortable.
My next scan is this morning!! I’ll update you all after.

kristimh80 · August 2018

@Drove2u Can't wait to hear how it goes!! I'm hoping Friday they tell me to come back weekly...least for those days I don't feel pregnant.

mayflower513 · August 2018

@Drove2u GL with the ultrasound! I had them weekly until week 12 and still get paranoid. But other than RLP and being insatiable I have had no symptoms. I do think I’ve been been feeling movements but it’s so subtle I can talk myself into it being something else.

Drove2u · August 2018

@mayflower513 is this your first or second child? With my first I felt these tickles around 12 weeks before the kicks came.

Scan went well today. Heartbeat is good and he or she is measuring right on target. My RE wants me to make an appt with my OB already.

mayflower513 · August 2018

@Drove2u second! With my first I had an anterior placenta so I didn’t feel a thing until I think 18 weeks. So this is pretty early to me!

I’m so glad it went well - hopefully your OB doesn’t make you wait too long!

Drove2u · August 2018

@mayflower513 I thought it was your second. How old is your first now? Mine is 19 months. I do have to wait a while to see my ob because I work full time but work from Home Friday’s and that’s the only day I can go and apparently they don’t have a lot of availability. So I’ll be seeing the ob at exactly 12 weeks.

mayflower513 · August 2018

@drove2u I had an appt for 12 weeks with mine but they got me in at 8 weeks when I found out I had the sch.

mine turned 3 in May and is such a handful. I’m nervous! Luckily he’ll be almost 4 so hopefully he’s a little better?

Drove2u · August 2018

@mayflower513 do you know what you’re having this time?
we have a girl and she’s been so great. Active but a really good kid. I hear girls are easier at this age and nightmares as teenagers where boys are harder younger and easier later. So at least you’re getting the hard part over with now.

mayflower513 · August 2018

@Drove2u another boy. Part of me was disappointed because I wanted a girl and the other part is scared shitless of 2 terrors!!

Drove2u · August 2018

Oh man!! Hahaha well congrats on a boy!! And hang in there and know it’ll get easier later.
Were not sure what we’re having yet. Will find out at the end of next month. I secretly want another girl but I know DH really wants a boy so I want him to have that too. Basically I’ll be ok with either one.

mayflower513 · August 2018

Thanks

I mean we’re happy with a healthy baby so I’ll take it, I just had to let go of my girl name and buying all the girly things! And that’s good, being happy with either. They’re all blessings

edited for spelling

JamieH2000 · August 2018

@drove2u- so glad your scan went well! Its always such a relief (for a day at least)!

I had my NT scan today and it looked good! I was able to do the first tri blood work (with the dots on the paper) since my twin "demised" more than 4 weeks ago. So just hoping that all comes back good. My insurance wouldn't cover the Free Cell DNA test, so I will have to wait until 20 week AS to find out the gender. Its gonna be a long 3 weeks until my next OB appointment now!

kristimh80 · August 2018

@JamieH2000 Good to heart your NT scan was good today!! FX for good bloodwork news. I'm sure you're good to go

In a way kind of wish I didn't know and had to wait. Some times knowing right away takes the fun out of it all!

JamieH2000 · August 2018

@kristimh80- when they did bring up doing the Free cell test today, i was almost like, maybe I don't want to know the gender this early or at all! I think 20 weeks will be a good compromise for us- a nice surprise in the middle and still enough time to plan the nursery. I have been waiting years to do that, so i definitely want to take me time and decorate alot!

kristimh80 · August 2018

@JamieH2000 Totally!! I've been looking at nursery ideas myself, so I get what you mean! I keep telling myself how I still have a million months to go, but my husband already tells me there will be elephants. All the sudden, he's coming up with his own themes lol

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