@creamcheeseplease that's awful of your medical staff to say anything about your decision for an epidural. I certainly hope you get a more tactful and understanding L&D staff this time.
@emeraldcity1214 that sounds like an awful epidural experience and one of the reasons I don’t want one, I also just don’t like the way anesthesia feels, I know it’s localized but I just hate feeling numb it freaks me out so much. It’s nice to hear from someone who’s had both that without was preferable.
@creamcheeseplease omg I can’t believe a medical professional would judge you for getting an epidural!
@gumby22c that is the exact boat I’m in, the idea of an epidural freaks me out more than the pain of birth, which I have not yet experienced. So I’m expecting to go in saying I don’t want it and maybe asking for one if it gets too unbearable and maybe it’s too late then and I have to deal
@kopp5988 I highly recommend The Bradley Method. The techniques in that book have helped me cope with the pain a ton. Honestly, nothing prepares you for transition. It is extremely painful but pushing relieves that pain so transition is the shortest part.
I’d love to go med free this time. I tried last time and made it to 10cm and transition when we almost had a emergency c/s, so they did the epidural and it luckily slowed everything down and helped my son’s heartbeat get back up. I personally was not a fan of the epidural (my fingertips on my right hand were numb for a few weeks after) and could feel everything anyways, I wish I would have been able to move around but obviously couldn’t walk. I had a pretty bad labor experience and hope that this isn’t a repeat! My sister, on the other hand, said that she’d love to have an epidural and a catheter every day just for life😂
I really appreciate all the different stories and opinions on these topics. I am extremely open to what ends up feeling right for me in terms of delivery and breast-feeding with no strong opinions either way so this is super helpful!
I had an epidural and it was the best decision I made. You moms who do this med-free are amazing, but I couldn't handle the pain! I had a super supportive nurse and anesthesiologist who made me feel calm, and I never saw the needle. It immediately helped, and I was so relaxed while pushing. It started to wear off by the end, but I'm glad I had something to take the edge off while the doctor stitched up deep tearing afterwards. I recommend doing your research and making the decision that feels right for you.
I just found out that my Ob/Gyn doesn't normally do ultrasounds at the monthly visits, just bloodwork and measurements. She did one for my first visit so I was a little surprised (and disappointed) to find this out today. Is this standard? Just one ultrasound at the first appointment then an anatomy scan at 20 weeks?
Thanks @emeraldcity1214 . Wow, it's going to be harder to wean myself off the weekly ultrasounds (w/IVF clinic) than I thought. Already looking into local imaging centers ... wish I could just let go of this and feel OK that everything is alright now.
@mimigarden I'm not sure it is best to keep getting a ton of them. My OB said they don't know the risk of having repeat US for long periods of time. That was one reason I agreed to space mine out.
@mimigarden, you may want to consider a home doppler. You’ll have to wait until like 18/20 weeks I think for it to work reliably, but it’s like $40 and was worth it to us w/ #1 to get to check in when you want to. Plus it’s a fun way for your partner to get more involved.
@mimigarden and @jjacobsen14 You shouldn't have to wait that long to hear the HB. I have been listening to my baby's HB since week 8. Early on it was hit or miss on whether I would find it but now it is easy to find and usually in the same area so I can go straight to it. Just for reference, I'm 13+4.
As far as reassurance, I totally agree that it is worth the investment. It definitely helps me keep my anxiety low about what is going on in there.
Oh wow @jjacobsen14@emeraldcity1214 I hadn't even thought of that!!! What a great idea. I'm definitely going to get one. Thank you so much for the suggestion!!
My doc does a quick ultrasound at every appointment (he did with my last two as well), and honestly, it just makes me feel better. He’s a little extra proactive with everything he does, but it helps with my anxiety.
I bought a doppler and I love it. There have been a few times I couldn't find the heartbeat, but I just try again in a few days. As for ultrasounds, I am getting one at 16 weeks at a clinic to find out gender. Then at my doctor's office at 20 weeks. However, since I'm 41 and considered high risk I will get one weekly starting at 32 weeks.
@mimigarden once you feel baby consistently, it gets a lot less nerve wracking! The longest span without ultrasound is after 20 weeks, so if you’re going to spring for one at a clinic I’d wait until sometime in that time. My sister did that with her second daughter after getting monthly ones with her first baby due to complications. But I second (third?) the doppler, it’s given me tons of reassurance after all of the IVF monitoring.
I listen to baby's heartbeat every few days with my Doppler, it's a great reassurance when I need it! Have been using it the last 3 weeks and I'm 15 weeks in two days 💗 @mimigarden I got mine used off Craigslist, it comes with two headphone jacks for you and your partner!
Hi ladies, not sure if this has already been brought up but I'm wondering what everyone is doing for basic household cleaning and hygiene products. Some of the articles about birth defects from ingrediants in common items has me on the hunt for new everything...
-Household cleaners -Shampoo/ body wash -Face and hand wash -Makeup
It seems like everything has something bad in it...any recommendations from the more experienced mama's out there?
@maenot123 look up the app think dirty - you can enter various products (makeup, household etc) and it will give it a score based on the ingredients. I’ve really cut down my hygiene/makeup products. For shampoo/body wash they’re Canadian brands that you likely wouldn’t have in the states, but for makeup/skincare I like cocokind, Schmidt’s (deodorant), and I’ve heard lots of great things about primally pure and beauty counter.
@maenot123 check out this site: https://www.ewg.org/. They have a lot of information on clean ingredients and I like using their “skin deep database” to check body care and cosmetics. They rate products on a number scale based on how clean they are. I made the switch a few years ago and this helped me a lot! Don’t overwhelm yourself, it takes time to switch everything over and find good replacements.
For makeup/face care I love Drunk Elephant and First Aide Beauty as well as a few Tarte products. Household cleaning I use the Method brand and Seventh Generation for dish soap and laundry. For shampoo aim for stuff without sulfates, parabens, etc. Right now I’m using Loma shampoo and conditioner and I like it so far, but I tend to switch it up!
@maenot123 I have never changed my make-up products, hygiene products, or cleaning products. I have never had an issue with any of it harming my babies.
I don't use things like CLR or other chemicals like that while pregnant but I think that is common sense. For makeup, as long as you aren't using retinol you should be fine. For face cleaning stuff, stay away from acne medicated products. Other than that, you should be fine.
Also, I have heard those apps get paid by companies to rate their products so I'm not sure how much I would trust it. <<that is strictly what I have heard from other people so I have no evidence of it. I have heard it enough that it makes me not want to use them.
@maenot123 have you ever used the website Grove Collaborative? I was pretty suspect Bc it wants you to sign up for a monthly membership and that is not (usually) my thing, but you don’t have to sign up (disclaimer, I did). They have a good selection of all different products focused on sustainability and natural ingredients. Before I sound too much like an ad, I’ve found some really clean products that I’m really happy with. Might be worth checking out if you’re trying to find new products.
Vent/question...I woke up with the chest cold, my son and husband have bad, but I have my ultrasound and MFM appointment in three hours...should I cancel or still go 😩? I’m planning on taking a Mucinex (approved by my ob), and I really don’t want to push this off. What would you do? Help me!
@emeraldcity1214 you said what I was afraid to say re: home and beauty products, thought I'd get some side eye lol but definitely use common sense and if you do use something a little harsher such as in bathrooms make sure you have it well ventilated, wear gloves, etc.
@rogro118 oh no I hope you feel better soon!! It would suck to miss an US but also you wouldn't want to spread anything to other MFM patients just in case
So I’ve been reading so much about car seats and strollers and really have no idea what I’m doing (FTM with no friends with kids yet).
So I know I need an infant car seat. Do I buy a stroller separately that I attach said car seat to? How long can I typically use an infant car seat? Do I need a separate stroller situation (like with a bassinet) if I’m out chilling at the mall? Will I need a new stroller once the baby no longer fits in the infant car seat? I’m really petite and really need everything to be lightweight.
Im sorry for being so clueless, but I don’t really understand wtf I’m supposed to be looking for. 😭😭😭
@mc0303 you can get an infant seat and stroller combo. I did that when I just had 1 kid in a stroller. Personally, I prefer wearing my babies and just keeping my diaper bag in the stroller. Or you could get a backpack style diaper bag and wear it on your back. Whatever stroller you get will work until you no longer need it or need to upgrade to a double. You don't need a stroller with a bassinet unless that is the style you want.
For carseats, you could skip the infant seat and just get one that works for infants all the way to a booster. I don't like those because I feel the incline isn't good enough for a newborn. *TW* I'm always worried about my newborns dying from positional asphyxiation. It happens more often than you think. In fact, I just read an article about a 1 year old who died from napping in his carseat at a daycare. Carseats aren't reclined the same when they are just sitting on the floor vs in a carseat base in the car. Just food for thought. *TW*
@mc0303 look at systems that include an infant seat, I found that to be easiest! We have the UppaBaby Vista and love it, it comes with a bassinet and seat that is good up to kid size, then if you have more children you can buy an additional seat and fit that along with the seat it came with, the infant car seat, or the bassinet. We have their infant car seat, the Mesa and I was a big fan. We kept him in the infant car seat until about nine months when he started to get too heavy in the seat and it was warmer out so easier to transfer form car to house. We only put the car seat on the stroller when running into stores and what not if he was sleeping, otherwise babywearing during errands was easiest for us.
@rogro118 thank you!! I’ve heard such great things about the vista. I’m going to look for a place where I can test things out in store bc I feel like it’s all too theoretical for me lol
Is anyone losing weight during their pregnancy? I’m 14 weeks and I got on the scale this morning and I’m down 2 lbs from last week, for a total of - 6 lbs since I got pregnant. I was carrying a bit of extra weight to begin with (thanks IVF meds!). Common? Or something I should bring up to my doctor?
@megmac2010 I've fluctuated throughout this pregnancy. When my food aversions/morning sickness was at its worst, I lost about 5 lbs. I've slowly worked my way back up to my original weight now that my appetite is back. If you are still having any sort of morning sickness or issues eating right now, that would explain the weight loss. But the progesterone/estrogen would have caused some weight gain as well, so stopping the extra IVF meds could explain a couple of those pounds.
If you are concerned you can bring it up, but for only 6 lbs it wouldnt concern me yet. You will be weighed at your appts, so your doctor should see the weight change and mention it if its concerning I would think.
@megmac2010 I’ve been losing some serious weight from vomiting and a general food aversion. I’ve lost over 10% of my body weight now My doctor brought it up at my last appointment and we’re cycling through different meds to help keep down food. I’m really nervous, but glad the doctor is on top of it. I would mention it to the OB if they don’t bring it up.
I wouldn’t be concerned about weight loss if you’re eating and drinking enough. Last pregnancy I would gain/lose 5 lbs over the course of a day or two so 6lbs wouldn’t worry me. It’ll come back in 2nd tri! My sister lost 12lbs 1st tri then gained no problem the rest of her pregnancy. But if you feel it’s abnormal for you or have other symptoms, I’d call just to see if they want to run any bloodwork.
@megmac2010 I'm fourteen weeks today, and have lost a little over fifteen pounds (I had a normal BMI when I got pregnant). My first pregnancy I lost around seven pounds, before starting to gain weight near the middle/end of my 2nd trimester, and ended up gaining around ten pounds total (after gaining the lost weight back). My doctor wasn't thrilled with the weight loss, but it didn't cause any complications, and my son was born at a normal weight. I think losing weight is pretty common, but your doctor will probably bring it up at your next visit. (One small bonus from this for me was that I was back in my pre-pregnancy clothes and at my pre-pregnancy weight the day after I delivered!)
Since this is a Bump message board, I'm wondering if anyone else is using the Bump app for their pregnancy. I'm a bit of a nerd, so I just went through all the baby size estimates to plot size by week of pregnancy, and found a really strange result:
What is that odd jump at week 20? It can't be real. Does anyone know a better resource for fetal growth?
Re: The Great Question Thread
@creamcheeseplease omg I can’t believe a medical professional would judge you for getting an epidural!
@gumby22c that is the exact boat I’m in, the idea of an epidural freaks me out more than the pain of birth, which I have not yet experienced. So I’m expecting to go in saying I don’t want it and maybe asking for one if it gets too unbearable and maybe it’s too late then and I have to deal
As far as reassurance, I totally agree that it is worth the investment. It definitely helps me keep my anxiety low about what is going on in there.
-Household cleaners
-Shampoo/ body wash
-Face and hand wash
-Makeup
It seems like everything has something bad in it...any recommendations from the more experienced mama's out there?
For makeup/face care I love Drunk Elephant and First Aide Beauty as well as a few Tarte products. Household cleaning I use the Method brand and Seventh Generation for dish soap and laundry. For shampoo aim for stuff without sulfates, parabens, etc. Right now I’m using Loma shampoo and conditioner and I like it so far, but I tend to switch it up!
I don't use things like CLR or other chemicals like that while pregnant but I think that is common sense. For makeup, as long as you aren't using retinol you should be fine. For face cleaning stuff, stay away from acne medicated products. Other than that, you should be fine.
Also, I have heard those apps get paid by companies to rate their products so I'm not sure how much I would trust it. <<that is strictly what I have heard from other people so I have no evidence of it. I have heard it enough that it makes me not want to use them.
@rogro118 oh no I hope you feel better soon!! It would suck to miss an US but also you wouldn't want to spread anything to other MFM patients just in case
So I know I need an infant car seat. Do I buy a stroller separately that I attach said car seat to? How long can I typically use an infant car seat? Do I need a separate stroller situation (like with a bassinet) if I’m out chilling at the mall? Will I need a new stroller once the baby no longer fits in the infant car seat? I’m really petite and really need everything to be lightweight.
Im sorry for being so clueless, but I don’t really understand wtf I’m supposed to be looking for. 😭😭😭
For carseats, you could skip the infant seat and just get one that works for infants all the way to a booster. I don't like those because I feel the incline isn't good enough for a newborn. *TW* I'm always worried about my newborns dying from positional asphyxiation. It happens more often than you think. In fact, I just read an article about a 1 year old who died from napping in his carseat at a daycare. Carseats aren't reclined the same when they are just sitting on the floor vs in a carseat base in the car. Just food for thought. *TW*
If you are concerned you can bring it up, but for only 6 lbs it wouldnt concern me yet. You will be weighed at your appts, so your doctor should see the weight change and mention it if its concerning I would think.
What is that odd jump at week 20? It can't be real. Does anyone know a better resource for fetal growth?