@kandos yeah, as with most percentiles what the doctors really want to see is that they follow a trend. Some babies are small babies, others are big but unless they are in danger of failing to thrive (usually in the single digits) they just don't want to see a sudden jump or drop.
DD1: June '16 DD2: March ‘19 :::: Married since 2011 :::: USN Wife ::::
Any mom’s on anti-depressants in pregnancy? I got started on Zoloft today (never been on one before) because my anxiety has been so awful. I broke down crying in the OB office, I’m waking up to panic attacks, and I have no appetite. According to my NP, it’s the most well studied drug for depression/anxiety and while there’s some conflict about taking serotonin, she’s confident in its use in pregnancy. I don’t have an opinion of it yet as I just started but I’m just looking for anyone with experience.
@tfraz2016 I take Buspar. I’ve been on it for about a year and half and my dr. specifically suggested it because she knew we would be trying to get pregnant soon. It’s category B and it been a godsend for me.
@purpleteacher82 Zoloft is a category C I believe, which makes me a bit nervous but she said that it’s been around for years and women are volunteering for studies with it because they’ve been on it for so long without bad side effects. I tend to lose weight when I’m anxious and I’ve lost 10 pounds so far (baby is 20 weeks now) so I think that’s why she went with putting me on one. That being said, I’ve looked at the research and it looks like being out of the first trimester would reduce risk of birth defects and that there is a slight risk of complications but it hasn’t always been statistically significant. I also don’t think my ongoing stress and anxiety is good for him either.
@tfraz2016 I don’t have experience to share on this, but I have been medicated for anxiety at other points in my life (non-pregnant). I just wanted to say good for you for seeking the support you need. Hormones do super weird things to our mental state, and I know for me the hardest part was taking that first step and admitting out loud that it was too much for me to deal with alone. I know it takes a few weeks for drugs like that to reach full effect, but I really hope you will be on your way to feeling better really soon! Hugs!
@tfraz2016 I’m not on Zoloft, but anecdotally my good friend was for the duration of her pregnancy. Her baby is one now and perfect. I’m also a nurse practitioner in primary care and I’ve prescribed Zoloft for several patients through their pregnancy, never with a negative outcome... the pregnancy category thing can be tough, as often the barrier to moving the drug to a better classification is lack of research, but few drug companies want to pay for studies in pregnancy due to liability. But like your OB said Zoloft is being used increasingly and they’re starting to get the data to back it up. I hope you start to feel better soon!
@maggiemadeit *cue pregnancy tears* Thank you! I agree that asking for help was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I’m sure I’ll question whether being medicated during pregnancy is the right thing, but right now, my husband and I decided that it’s our best option.
@tfraz2016 I'm glad you're getting the help you need and I would trust your doctor, even though I understand the worry associated with taking drugs during pregnancy. I've known women who have taken antidepressants (though I can't remember which ones) during pregnancy and they have happy, healthy children. Taking care of yourself should be a priority and I hope you find something that brings you some relief.
Like @maggiemadeit, I'm not currently on anxiety/depression medication but have been several times in the past and it's always helped me through particularly challenging times. There were times when I was desperate to dig myself out of a mental pit and, despite severe anxiety, I would sign up for therapy and get on medication and I think the combination of medication, therapy, and desperation for relief always got me through the rough spots. Have you considered therapy? I never particularly liked the therapists I've seen, but I still found it helpful to have a space to talk about the thoughts running through my head. Saying them out loud to an impartial person who is trained to not respond inappropriately helped me tease apart rational and irrational thoughts. Therapists trained in cognitive behavioral therapy were always the most useful for me because they offer concrete actions you can take to help fight the negative thoughts.
I'm planning on talking to my doctors about depression because my brain has never dealt with hormonal changes very well (I'm amazed I made it through middle school alive..) and I'm probably at a high risk for postpartum depression. I've also been dealing with situational depression/anxiety lately due to my partner taking a new job that involves way more travel than we thought and if I don't adjust and get out of this funk soon then I'll probably be thinking more seriously about options to help me cope.
@bug_hunter I've not dealt with depression, but as a military wife whose husband is gone a lot, I fully understand the struggle of doing things alone, as well as getting used to them being gone and having to readjust all over again when they get back. If you ever need anyone to talk to regarding that my inbox is always open.
DD1: June '16 DD2: March ‘19 :::: Married since 2011 :::: USN Wife ::::
Hi I’m a first time mom and very anxious about everything. I had my 20 week scan and everything looked perfect and healthy, there was just one tiny tiny cyst found on her head. My docotor keeps reassuring me that there is no need for worry and this is still considered a normal finding. Naturally I’m freaking out and assuming the worst. She says my little girl has no increased risk of anything being wrong because of this. My husband and I are both young and healthy and we have no history in our families of any genetic/health issues. I am still freaking out. We will go in for a scan at 28 weeks to make sure the cyst hasn’t grown or has gone away all together. Has anyone gone through this? I need some peace in mind to get me through the next two months.
@tfraz - I’ve been in a lot of therapy over the years and wound up on a prophylaxis migraine med (amitriptyline) a few years ago that was also a tricyclic antidepressant and honestly I felt the best I had in years being on that. Granted it was before ttc, and I had to wean off before trying b/c it’s contraindicated for pregnancy. I’m really emotional right now and will be talking to my ob next week about an anxiety med. I’m concerned about depression now and postpartum. I hope I can get this under control before it spirals on me.
Zoloft is the most commonly recommended ssri for pregnancy, but you need to feel comfortable with any meds you take. Consider a therapist like bug hunter recommended, especially to help with the stress/anxiety if you decide against the Zoloft. It’s not good for anyone involved for you to be stressed/anxious. I know how hard it is to navigate this and I’m sending you all the good thoughts and hugs. My inbox is open if you need to talk!
@mamaoftwomonkeys Thank you for your insight! I’m a physical therapist so I have a little research background and all the studies I’ve read all show slight to no difference. And I know studies have to be taken with a grain of salt because it’s so hard to control for everything and most everything is a case-control at this point. Thanks @bug_hunter for your support! You ladies are wonderful!
Also, @bug_hunter, I have definitely thought about pursuing counseling. I’m near a research university that has some community counseling services-I might look into them. I also have had a fear of post-partum depression and assumed I would have to take something during that time, but unfortunately, the symptoms have flared up a bit earlier.
@kt2019mom i know that finding has to be scary, but if you’re doctor is assuring you that everything is fine and this isn’t a cause for concern, then that is mostly likely the case. Most doctors wouldn’t give false reassurance. Assuming you like and trust your doctor, I would try and have faith in their diagnosis. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this stress.
@kt2019mom We were told the same thing at our 20 week scan. Sounds like my dr said basically the same thing and explained if she was worried we would be sent in for more testing but there was absolutely no need. My dr mentioned its fairly common and even more common with certain ethnicity's (i thought that was super interesting). Its hard to keep the little thoughts from running wild but try to think of all the positives of seeing your baby's body grow. Its what I've been trying to tell myself everything a negative thought pops up.
@kt2019mom I learned today that my baby has some extra fluid in one kidney. Not the same exactly, but like your situation, it will more than likely turn out to be nothing. They will monitor it by ultrasound a few more times before the baby comes, and he will have an ultrasound before we leave the hospital after he is born. The doc told me not to loose any sleep over it.
I know it it can be scary to think that something could be wrong. The ladies above already gave great advice about trusting your provider and their medical opinion.
I also suggest to focus on what you can control in this situation. Keep doing your best to stay healthy, and to grow the baby big and strong. Keep eating well, exercising, and treating yourself kindly.
I’m not sure if this is a symptom or a question, but is anyone else experiencing a leaky bladder? It started out with the occasional “sniss” but it seems to have escalated a little beyond that. I definitely did not have this issue last time.
Me: 30 DH: 31 Married: 2012 BFP #1 Sept 2014, MMC Dec 2014 | BFP #2 May 2015, DD Jan 2016 | BFP #3 May 2017, MC July 2017 | BFP #4 Jan 2018, MC Feb 2018 | BFP #5 July 2018, fingers crossed
@mamakate1616 I do sometimes when I’m exercising or if I sneeze. If it’s at other times too, you may want to mention it to your doctor. I’m sure it’s nothing , but they always ask me if I have any leaking.
@catlady2015 Thank you for the support as well! I’m day 2 on medication and while I’m still a bit jittery, I have great hope it will help. I’ve probably had undiagnosed anxiety/OCD for years and pregnancy hormones pushed it to the edge. My inbox is always open to any of you ladies as well!
Anyone opting for a body pillow? Suggestions which one is good - C shaped , U shaped, straight ones? They are pricey for sure. Having stabbing back pain during day time at my desk job right in middle of spine and have to use pain balm. Not sure if it is because I have been sleeping on my back instead of sides.
@kandos I got a u-shaped pillow so I could more easily take pressure off my achy hips with slide sleeping by either putting it between my knees or leaning backwards against the other side or both. I did stop using it for a few weeks because it takes up a huge chunk of the bed and have been using a regular pillow between my legs but I'm guessing I'll go back to the u-shaped pillow at some point. It is getting increasingly more difficult to roll over and keep dragging a pillow from one side to the other of myself.
I had a U shaped pillow with my last pregnancy and loved it. It is huge though and I got a C shaped (snoogle) one this time. I wish I got the U shaped because it is annoying not having the support on both sides. Last time I was at the motherhood maternity store the snoogle was on sale for $40.
@chocolatelemons thanks for the response, I’m going to try to keep track but it’s usually when I sneeze/cough or am walking toward the bathroom. It just seems ridiculous, I thought this was only linked to vaginal deliveries. I’ve been breaking the cardinal rule and googling what the deal is.
Me: 30 DH: 31 Married: 2012 BFP #1 Sept 2014, MMC Dec 2014 | BFP #2 May 2015, DD Jan 2016 | BFP #3 May 2017, MC July 2017 | BFP #4 Jan 2018, MC Feb 2018 | BFP #5 July 2018, fingers crossed
@mamakate1616 I did have a vaginal delivery, but I didn’t know it was linked to that- even though it makes sense. I think even with a c section, though, your pelvic area is still weakened. I think it can be pregnancy symptom regardless, especially if it’s mostly happening when your bladder is full.
@mamakate1616 I think that the pressure babies put on your pelvic floor muscles, regardless of how they come out (although I agree the muscle workout/stretch of pushing out a babie probably doesn't help) could be to blame. Our bodies also are producing relaxin and the shape of our hips are changing. I know mine are already wider than they were. I've had some bladder leakage, mostly under stress like sneezing/coughing with a full bladder. But I've also sneezed immediately after going to the bathroom and peed myself. I've been trying to focus on doing kegels to help strengthen those muscles, if nothing else so they can hold on a little tighter when I do have to sneeze. After delivery last time I had a lot of leakage that I didn't notice and couldn't control and had to wear panty liners for a few weeks even after I stopped bleeding. More so I wouldn't have to keep changing my underwear due to the smell.
I've also had a lot of vaginal discharge, which can sometimes look wet although it rarely soaks through my underwear.
DD1: June '16 DD2: March ‘19 :::: Married since 2011 :::: USN Wife ::::
@mamakate1616 I really have to be cognizant while doing jumping jacks and running, but nothing significant. I had a c-section the first time around (no labor) so I think that probably helps. If I am able to have a successful VBAC this time I will push to be referred to a PT for my pelvic floor rehabilitation afterwards.
That said, I'm only 20 weeks so who knows what's to come in the leakage department!
So last night while at my moms house i was talking to family and popped a squat instead of sitting in a chair. (i was offered a chair but an older family member-in her 60s- was sitting and i didnt want to make her stand out of respect). i was down in that position about 5-10 mins and once i stood up, after about 5 mins i started feeling very light headed, heart beating fast, and dizzy. I had to go sit down and get my sis to get a fan, a cold towel for my neck and an ice pack. i was also sweating pretty bad. I read online that it has something to do with blood pooling in one part of the body...after i left my moms house i went home and laid down the rest of the night and took it easy....i feel a little better today, but on the way to work was feeling a little nauseated. i drank some grape juice this morning and i think it may have been too sweet? i'm just wondering if i need to check with my docs office on anything, or if thats a normal reaction and why all the books say to not get up too fast LOL. if that is the case, i have definitely learned my lesson and will be taking all seats offered from now on!
@zionsmama85 Take it easy! The first incident you described sounds like a drop in blood pressure, which can be triggered by changing positions (such as from sitting to standing) too quickly. In my experience (I have had several episodes like this pre-pregnancy), the effects do not continue to the next day. Worth bringing up to your doctor for sure. Maybe they are unrelated incidents or or maybe the first thing you described was not low BP. Hope the nausea stays away and you feel better!
@zionsmama85 I'd say the immediate feeling dizzy and needing to sit down sounds normal, but for it to last into the next day sounds unusual. If I kneel or squat down and stand up too fast I usually have to hold a door frame or something until everything normalizes. I did read that around now is when people tend to experience low blood pressure, so it might be worth a call to the nurses.
DD1: June '16 DD2: March ‘19 :::: Married since 2011 :::: USN Wife ::::
@meggyme@mayoduck thank you for the replies! i called the nurse line a lil bit ago and she said its called "postural hypotension"...she said blood pools in one part of the body, so from now on to get up in sections, like if laying down, sit up on side of the bed for a min and THEN stand up, or if in a chair to scoot to the edge and rest and then get up...so that is added to list of things i will be doing. she checked my chart and said my bp is normally good so if it happens again today where i feel dizzy to come get checked out. i gotta keep it together. My sis wedding is tomorrow and im a bridesmaid and we have the rehearsal tonight...i would hate to mess up her wedding by being the one sitting in a chair during the ceremony *eye roll*...so i will definitely be taking it easy!
@zionsmama85 I have low blood pressure to begin with, so it’s even lower when pregnant. I get dizzy a lot after sitting, squatting, or laying and then standing up. Like others have said, the effects only last for a minute or two- definitely not into the next day. To me, it sounds like two separate incidences. I would probably mention it to your doctor to be safe, but I’m sure it’s nothing.
@zionsmama85 I’ve got low blood pressure, and more so when pregnant. Definitely agree that getting up slowly help prevent dizzy spells. And hopefully it won’t be an issue a time you’re sisters wedding this weekend! Just remember not to lock you’re knees when you’re standing up there!
@zionsmama85 I have normal BP normally too, it's just certain things that tip it from normal to low. Make sure to drink plenty of water as dehydration can trigger low BP.
@zionsmama85 Like the others said, it does sound like textbook low blood pressure. Like them, I usually have blood pressure on the lowest end of normal. But it got so low in last pregnancy that I was fainting frequently.
This time it’s made me feel terrible for weeks on end: all the symptoms you listed but consistent throughout every day. I’m doing everything that is recommended: eating lots of salt, staying hydrated, getting up in stages, even drinking V8 daily. Nothing really helps.
Low blood pressure has very similar symptoms to low blood sugar & low iron levels. If the grape juice seemed too sweet to you then your instincts are probably right & it’s likely not low blood sugar. But I’m no doc so I’d encourage you to definitely see yours to follow up, have them check your pressure, sugars, & iron/ferritin levels. I hope you feel better soon & can fully enjoy your sister’s wedding!
@chocolatelemons I have! They started around 20 wks with my first, but more like 16 wks this time. I know they're supposed to be nothing to worry about, but I'm concerned about preterm labor, so I always stop to rest when I'm feeling them!
I've got to say, I'm surprised at the number of people who have had non-pregnancy related low blood pressure. I've always thought it was terribly uncommon because it's so hard to get good information about what to do if you have low blood pressure. Many medical professionals only seem to care about high blood pressure and I've always found this frustrating. Not that I wish dizzy spells on anyone but it's nice to see that I'm not alone in trying to manage this condition.
I just happened to have bad heartburn today with the food I ate and got tempted to eat few fennel seeds however just read that one should not consume fennel seeds during pregnancy at all. I am worried sick if everything will be ok. I have loved having some small amount of fennel seeds after every meal but recently I came across to know that it isn't safe.
@mayoduck I think LBP gets rolled up with “normal symptoms” whereas HBP is often a signifier of more serious issues like pre-e. Obviously either extreme isn’t good, but that might be why there is less information.
DD1: June '16 DD2: March ‘19 :::: Married since 2011 :::: USN Wife ::::
Re: Question? Need help? ***POST HERE***
Like @maggiemadeit, I'm not currently on anxiety/depression medication but have been several times in the past and it's always helped me through particularly challenging times. There were times when I was desperate to dig myself out of a mental pit and, despite severe anxiety, I would sign up for therapy and get on medication and I think the combination of medication, therapy, and desperation for relief always got me through the rough spots. Have you considered therapy? I never particularly liked the therapists I've seen, but I still found it helpful to have a space to talk about the thoughts running through my head. Saying them out loud to an impartial person who is trained to not respond inappropriately helped me tease apart rational and irrational thoughts. Therapists trained in cognitive behavioral therapy were always the most useful for me because they offer concrete actions you can take to help fight the negative thoughts.
I'm planning on talking to my doctors about depression because my brain has never dealt with hormonal changes very well (I'm amazed I made it through middle school alive..) and I'm probably at a high risk for postpartum depression. I've also been dealing with situational depression/anxiety lately due to my partner taking a new job that involves way more travel than we thought and if I don't adjust and get out of this funk soon then I'll probably be thinking more seriously about options to help me cope.
Zoloft is the most commonly recommended ssri for pregnancy, but you need to feel comfortable with any meds you take. Consider a therapist like bug hunter recommended, especially to help with the stress/anxiety if you decide against the Zoloft. It’s not good for anyone involved for you to be stressed/anxious. I know how hard it is to navigate this and I’m sending you all the good thoughts and hugs. My inbox is open if you need to talk!
Married: 2016
BFP #1 4/23/18, blighted ovum 5/29/18
BFP#2 7/14/18, DS 4/5/19
I know it it can be scary to think that something could be wrong. The ladies above already gave great advice about trusting your provider and their medical opinion.
I also suggest to focus on what you can control in this situation. Keep doing your best to stay healthy, and to grow the baby big and strong. Keep eating well, exercising, and treating yourself kindly.
Married: 2012
BFP #1 Sept 2014, MMC Dec 2014 | BFP #2 May 2015, DD Jan 2016
@chocolatelemons thanks for the response, I’m going to try to keep track but it’s usually when I sneeze/cough or am walking toward the bathroom. It just seems ridiculous, I thought this was only linked to vaginal deliveries. I’ve been breaking the cardinal rule and googling what the deal is.
Married: 2012
BFP #1 Sept 2014, MMC Dec 2014 | BFP #2 May 2015, DD Jan 2016
I've also had a lot of vaginal discharge, which can sometimes look wet although it rarely soaks through my underwear.
That said, I'm only 20 weeks so who knows what's to come in the leakage department!
Hope the nausea stays away and you feel better!
This time it’s made me feel terrible for weeks on end: all the symptoms you listed but consistent throughout every day. I’m doing everything that is recommended: eating lots of salt, staying hydrated, getting up in stages, even drinking V8 daily. Nothing really helps.
Low blood pressure has very similar symptoms to low blood sugar & low iron levels. If the grape juice seemed too sweet to you then your instincts are probably right & it’s likely not low blood sugar. But I’m no doc so I’d encourage you to definitely see yours to follow up, have them check your pressure, sugars, & iron/ferritin levels. I hope you feel better soon & can fully enjoy your sister’s wedding!