April 2019 Moms

Week 1 Check-In w/o 2/18

Due date: 

Any appointments? Questions? 

Rants/Raves? 

How are you feeling? 

Did you do anything to prep for baby this week? 

GTKY: How different was your life one year ago?

Re: Week 1 Check-In w/o 2/18

  • Due date: 4/5

    Any appointments? Questions? Appointment tomorrow. I'm starting to think about labor - I had PROM last time and I'm hoping I'll be able to labor at home more with this baby. 

    Rants/Raves? I feel like we got a lot done this weekend and am starting to feel less panicky about baby getting here. However, I feel like I did too much so I feel kinda useless at work today.

    How are you feeling? Tired, heartburn is getting worse, one of my ribs feels numb 

    Did you do anything to prep for baby this week? Worked on the nursery, deep cleaned both bathrooms, made a to-do list which still feels long but we'll get a lot of it done in the next 3 weekends (hopefully).

    GTKY: How different was your life one year ago? I had MAJOR baby fever and really wanted to get pregnant but knew it wasn't quite time to start trying yet due to a number of things. 

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  • Due date: April 7

    Any appointments? Questions? Had a chiro appointment today, and have a prenatal one next week.

    Rants/Raves? Big baby shower out of the way, a smaller one coming up this weekend. Super annoyed that several people got me off-registry items that weren't thoughtful/sentimental, just what they assumed I needed and provided no gift receipt. Drives me nuts. Conversely, I did also receive a bunch of unexpected cash, which will be super helpful for purchasing our stroller and figuring out the crib.

    How are you feeling? Good, only bc I'm eating a piece of leftover chocolate cake, lol jk, but yea pretty good. Might be having more Braxton Hicks contractions

    Did you do anything to prep for baby this week? Cleared our spare bedroom of junk, and sorted baby shower gifts. Next we need to figure out what we're going to donate because as useful as blankets are, I'm assuming we don't need over a dozen *eye roll*....did I mention that I didn't even register for blankets?

    GTKY: How different was your life one year ago? Just looked into my e-mail (sad) to see what I was doing exactly a year ago. Apparently I was frantically writing a proposal for a project and preparing a presentation for the next day. I remember it being semi-hectic, but both turned out awesome, good memories. I do recall wanting a baby but also being thankful it hadn't happened yet with the chaos from that year and the year before.

  • Due date: April 3

    Any appointments? Questions? 

    Need to go for a blood test to get my hemoglobin levels rechecked this week.  My OB says I will most likely be getting an iron infusion for labour because my anemia won’t handle the blood loss and post-delivery very well, so that’s exciting! 

    Rants/Raves? 

    2 weeks till mat leave begins. Is it too soon to start counting down the hours?

    How are you feeling? 

    Well enough. Starting to slow down and also need help from DH occasionally with leggings or skinny jeans. Still waking up for an hour or so each night but then I just crunch a big glass full of ice and watch an episode of something while sitting in the dark in the guest room/LO’s room  

    Did you do anything to prep for baby this week? 

    I got a good deal on a used Mamaroo, so that was fun.  Also washed all our used baby gear, either in the washing machine or with vinegar + water, so things will be ready to use if baby decides to come a bit early.  Also, we are SOCLOSE to our savings goal for our minivan fund that in a couple of weeks we will be able buy a newish van in cash! 

    GTKY: How different was your life one year ago?

    A year ago we were already TTC and dealing with the monthly stress of that, so I’m glad that’s over!

  • Due date: 4/1 

    Any appointments? No appointments this week.  

    Questions?  I'm looking for some cheap skirts to wear when I'm in the hospital.  Last time I was in labor I had a really cheap cotton skirt that I wore that I had no problem getting rid of once I was done.  I'd like to do the same thing this time. DS was an late summer baby so it was an easier shopping tasks.  Any suggestions about where to look?

    Rants/Raves? 

    How are you feeling? Feeling pretty bad today.  I'm really tired and I just hurt.  

    Did you do anything to prep for baby this week? Finished knitting a hat and am almost done with the quilt.  Let's ignore the fact that the bedroom is still a complete disaster.  

    GTKY: How different was your life one year ago?  Last year I was traveling internationally a lot more and had a lot of responsibility in my last job.  Now I'm starting my 5th week at a new job and it's hard to get up to speed when you're physically run down.  I also didn't think that we were going to actually try for a 2nd this time last year.  

  • @saucentoss I would recommend thrift stores and a "sanitary wash" cycle after you buy
  • Due date: 4/2

    Any appointments? Questions? Shots! Also, DD has a NICU follow up appointment.

    Rants/Raves? Next week, for the first and last time, my shot will be at the same appt as my prenatal visit. 

    How are you feeling? Easily overexerted. I’ve been off my keeping house game for the better part of a week and it shows, but my back hurts. Yesterday, FIL (dementia) walked out of the house without telling anyone and DH and I had to search on foot and in cars to find him. He was probably missing for 30-40 minutes and only found because he had a bright orange hat on that DH spotted in the door of a shop. I got home thinking “I really need to clean up so there’s less for him to trip over and/or fuss with” but ended up on the couch with swollen ankles and a painful back. I think my new strategy will be to get DH to help with DD’s morning routine while I deal with chores for the day. 

    Did you do anything to prep for baby this week? I made a checklist of things to finish before then? I also got into a computer to actually add some things to the registry. My sense of urgency is not in place.

    GTKY: How different was your life one year ago? Not very - winter is a stressful time for our finances because our primary income is seasonal, and DH likes to explore his entrepreneurial ideas in the winter. Happened last year, happening this year.

    @suchagoodone absolutely not too early to start counting down the hours and yay savings goal!

    @saucentoss amazon for the skirt?

  • @saucentoss why a skirt? I've never heard of wanting a skirt for labor. 

    @suchagoodone I have low iron too, I think they are checking my levels in a couple of weeks to see if I need an infusion or not.

    @lyse01 I'm glad you found your FIL and that he's ok. Definitely ask DH for more help!
  • @mighty_montgomery I don’t think my ancient washer has that setting so I was planning to let the hospital staff throw it out. 

    @lyse01 I am currently hunting Therese many items.    I’m glad your FIL was found.  Caring for a loved one with dementia is so difficult. 

    @mrstmoose I wore one last time I was in labor too. I am pretty short and find that hospital gowns tend to not stay on me well and also make walking difficult. I’m hoping to have a minimal intervention birth again and being able to move freely was a big part of that for me.  Comfy pants don’t work for obvious reasons so that’s how I ended up in a skirt. 
  • Due with a baby girl 4.2, but we wouldn't be upset if she came a week or two early!

    Any appointments? Questions? 34 week appointment is tomorrow.

    Rants/Raves? Baby is breakdancing in the middle of the night. I rave about how calm and gentle she is during the day, but have recently realized it's being made up for in the middle of the night, and that's exactly what I can expect when she comes. 🤤

    How are you feeling? Pretty good! There's more pressure on my cervix, like a pinching feeling, and plenty of heaviness down low. I don't think she has "dropped" yet though because she feels like she spins at night so there must be plenty of room for her still. 

    Did you do anything to prep for baby this week? MIL and I bought many more items off my baby registry. And I am currently washing diapers. :-) Happy to have today off work to get that done.

    GTKY: How different was your life one year ago? One year ago DH and I were dealing with infertility and all the heartache that comes with it. We prayed every night for the one we are 6 weeks away from finally meeting! On Feb. 27th last year, I had my HSG done. June is when I had enough of the fertility meds and we decided on a TTC break. And then hello positive!

    Our work was the same and our social lives were the same as well. Although I think the closest DH and I have ever been in our marriage was while going through infertility together.

  • @suchagoodone that’s awesome on paying with cash! That’s our goal too. We paid for our car in cash when we needed a four door for DD’s car seat, and then started putting money into savings immediately for the next vehicle. Probably a minivan this time too. 

    @lyse01 I’m glad you found him unharmed! And I feel you on the housework. My parents are coming this weekend and I don’t know how I’m going to have the energy to prepare the guest room, especially since that’s where we moved all our junk from DD’s new room so DH could paint. 
  • Due date: 4/2

    Any appointments? Questions? Had an appt last week, fundal height was measuring off, 29 cm instead of 33... esp weird since two weeks prior it was measuring 30 cm... it was a different midwife doing the measuring this time, but it got me nervous. She said maybe baby in different position, and said we should just keep an eye on it. I’ve googled a ton and it seems like it can sometimes mean nothing, sometimes be a sign of an issue. Lmk if you have had or heard of a similar issue. 


    Rants/Raves? Riding the train when no one will make eye contact or give up their seat... so annoying. Today I got to sit down after someone left and was so exhausted I thought I would fall sleep on the train...

     How are you feeling? I’m super tired lately. Finding it hard to be productive at work. Want to nap every day. My iron levels were low at an appt a few weeks ago, and wondering if the fatigue is connected. Also having restless legs. I’ve upped my iron intake, the fact that caffeine and calcium reduce iron absorption is forcing me to be a lot more thoughtful about meal planning. I’m so tired I want my one cup of coffee, but know it limits iron absorption, which may be the source of the fatigue to begin with! 


     Did you do anything to prep for baby this week?
    This past weekend my husband and I spent many hours on our budgets- for each stage of our family leave, and once we return to work... it feels good to have a plan, though a bit hard to look at post work return budget with childcare costs factored in...

     GTKY: How different was your life one year ago? Well, that cheers me up to think about, I had a miscarriage on Feb 15th last year, so was really sad and wanted to be pregnant again more than anything. Feel grateful to be getting near the end now!
  • @laurainoakland someone else (@kbirchtree 90% sure) is talking about fundal height measuring behind in the high risk thread. She may have some better info about what it may/may not mean. 

    Also I would totally play up the hands on belly pregnant lady stance in order to get a seat on the train at this point. Inconsiderate (or unobservant) jerks, all of them, for not helping you out!
  • @laurainoakland I don't think fundal height has to exactly match your weeks but can be within a +/- 2cm range. Also, I think it would need to be consistently high or low to indicate an issue. Sounds like your midwife will monitor it and let you know if you need to feel concerned.  Easier said than done, I know, but try not to overthink it either. 

    If the randoms thread is any indicator, we are all fatigued lol. I definitely think it's wise to up your iron intake and be thoughtful about your meals. I feel you on the caffeine, I'm only taking 1 cup of decaf coffee now. 
  • @laurainoakland I had fundal height measurements off earlier and then later they went back to measuring on track.  My midwife also said the same thing about a different position.

    Which train are you riding?  I'm assuming you're in the Bay Area so is it Bart or CalTrain.  I've been doing ok getting people to give up their seat on CalTrain for me.
  • Just got back from my 34 week appointment. All my vitals are good and baby's healthy too. For the first time, my weight stayed the same over the course of 2 appointments! Not sure if it's coincidental or if 2 weeks of diet change can make that big of a difference (I've consistently gained 5lbs between appointments).
    In other news, next appointment marks the first of several cervical checks. 😦 Is it really necessary??
  • saucentoss I'm riding on bart. I did ask for a seat today, inspired by @lyse01 advice. It worked, and was worth it, even if I felt like I was being awfully demanding...

    Thanks for the reassurance on the iron and the fundal height! I def feel my belly stretching today- so that is good! I started taking floridix (food based iron supplement) after recommendations and do feel a bit better too.

  • @laurainoakland Good job stepping up for yourself! I'm glad you asked for a seat and were given one!
    I can't imagine a pregnant woman wanting a seat being seen as demanding in the perspective of any right minded person. You go Laura
  • @mighty_montgomery what's your diet change?  Trying to eat fewer carbs/less sugar after my most recent weigh in, but it's tough 
  • Due? 4/3.  I was hoping for an April fools birth since that was my grandma's birthday and she was always so cute about it. But after this week's visits with my parents, I am hoping baby will come two weeks late so that their visit is much shorter.  My mom is generally helpful but my dad is needy and super stressful. Also, my toddler's behavior is much much worse when they are here because they have no limits for him and continually give in to his toddler whims/whining/negotiation/tantrums. It was exhausting to host them this week and I can't imagine doing that with a newborn. 

    Appts/questions? 
     34 week appointment was today. Happy to see that baby is head down, facing the right way.  Got my group B strep test as well.

    Rants/raves:  just the one about my parents who mean well but make life harder 

    How are you feeling?   A lot worse at this point than my first pregnancy, which it sounds like a lot of other second time moms are experiencing.  Had a Cold since Christmas, stomach bug this week courtesy of toddler, heartburn, peeing my pants, low cervix, fatigue, yadda, yadda. Also stressed because it looks like our car's transmission is on its way out.

    did you do anything to prepare for baby this week?  thought up a list of ways I can ask my parents to be helpful when they come for a visit after baby. 

    GTKY:  how was your life different one year ago?   Life is much better now. Last year I was eight months into fertility treatments, working a full-time job for part-time pay, and wishing I was home more with my son.  it's been almost a year since I quit that job and went into private practice part time. A much better fit for me as a mom with a toddler!
  • Due date: 4/4

    Any appointments? Questions? I have my 34 week appointment tomorrow and an ultrasound. Kind of nervous because my doctor elected for one after telling me months ago that they don’t usually do them at this point. So, fingers crossed. 

    Rants/Raves? Okay, so I definitely started bleeding after having sex and called my dr office emergency line and I am so fed up with the nurses that work there. They really make it seem like it’s such a hassle for you to check in and make sure everything is okay with your baby. I’m so over them at this point. 

    How are you feeling? My body is slowly chugging to the finish line. I’m so grateful that everyone around me is so encouraging because I’m ready to hang up the gloves LOL.

    Did you do anything to prep for baby this week? I woke up four days ago with the sudden need to knit baby girl a blanket. I’ve never knitted before in my life. Let’s see how this goes.

    GTKY: How different was your life one year ago? Last year I was knee deep into a bottle of wine cramming for my last set of midterms and worrying about LSAT scores. 

    Hope everyone is doing well this week❤️

  • @laurainoakland Definitely glad you asked for a seat.  Hopefully people will start getting up for you more!

    @rccw  It stinks that they make you feel bad about calling in. 
  • @sister_c To begin with, I wasn't being mindful of how much I was eating, every day for lunch I was having 1 or 2 pb&js, a hot chocolate on most days, and drinking only a couple cups of water a day (admittedly). So the change is to add a lot more water in, more vegetables into my snacks, being mindful of my portions, swapping the sandwiches for salads, and eating whatever DH and I want for dinner except now controlling how much I eat (not having 2-3× what I need) and swapping something healthy for things like potato chips as a side to our dinners.

    It's a lot of change! I definitely have been eating chocolate every day still lol but swapping my lunches I think has been the biggest positive change I've made. And drinking more water, once I make that a habit (if I can).
  • saucentosssaucentoss member
    edited February 2019
    @mighty_montgomery  Do you have a trick for getting yourself to drink more water?  I am also not drinking enough. 

    Congrats on those diet changes. They sound very healthy. 
  • @mighty_montgomery  Do you have a trick for getting yourself to drink more water?  I am also not drinking enough.
    I bought a new Contigo water bottle that I'm enjoying. 
  • Liking the cup makes all the difference for me.
  • I love that idea. Plus I can try to justify it to myself by getting a cup that actually keeps my water ice cold for longer. 
  • @mighty_montgomery Thanks- and good for you for making those healthy changes.  It sounds like they're really paying off.  I'm not ready to give up chocolate either :) , but I think a good start for me would be replacing my sugary granola breakfast with eggs and veggies, and adding protein to lunch or dinner.
  • HGRichHGRich member
    edited February 2019
    @mighty_montgomery you can decline cervical checks as long as you want. With DD they gave me the option at 35-37 weeks, and 38 is when they said they would really like to check, but even then you can say no. For me they were all quite painful except for one, so I plan to decline this time until 38 weeks, maybe 39. 

    ETA +1 for liking my drinking bottle. It does help. Plus knowing it’s a 20oz bottle means I know I have to drink at least four a day. It’s floral and comes with a rubber straw. Love it. 
  • aggie0812aggie0812 member
    edited February 2019
    @mighty_montgomery I heard you can decline cervical checks, too.
    Also, I definitely agree with the water bottle--I notice that having a straw encourages me to drink more! So it makes sense that the bottle helps lol. I need to work on that too xD

    I'm a firm believer that you shouldn't have to give up chocolate--you just have to eat the right kind of chocolate b/c chocolate itself in moderation isn't bad, it's the sugar. I found this and now I feel justified lol:  https://www.womenfitness.net/eat-dark-chocolate/

    I make a breakfast-y smoothie about once a week that I really enjoy and has no sugar--just fruit sugar:
    1 banana
    1/2 avocado
    1 scoop pea protein powder (I get the original kind, where it's literally just protein powder)
    1 tbps unsweetened cocoa
    handful of spinach
    1-1.5 cups of milk--probably almond or coconut milk works better but I just regular milk b/c it's what I have

    To me, it tastes AMAZING and the banana does enough to sweeten the smoothie.
  • @aggie0812 Ooh I had forgotten about chocolate smoothies.  Thanks :smile:
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