@LJMoon6 I'm a reluctant traveler at the best of times (which pregnancy isn't for me) and so have no real advice, but I do feel I've missed out on some things through not taking up opportunities I've had. I'd agree that as long as your OB has no issues with you going, I wouldn't really weigh being pregnant in too heavily (I probably would take a copy of my medical records with me, though). It does sound like good experience, even if it's kind of a shit show again, but I get feeling intimidated and stressed about it. Would you be presenting this time?
@LJMoon6 Ok, take this with a grain of salt - I am having a bad day at work.
I would do what would make me most comfortable right now. I've busted my butt for my employer to be a rockstar and that only carries you so far. Do what feels right for you and worry about doing a kick ass job when you come back.
I am going to remind you, though, that I am having a REALLY bad day at work. Bitter, party of 1!
Thanks for all the great advice ladies! My supervisor took it out of my hands and said he didn't want me going unless I absolutely wanted to. Another coworker stepped up and is going instead. I'm relieved. I don't see it being beneficial at all and really wouldn't have wanted to go. I also would have had to reschedule a doctors appointment and one of my baby showers was that weekend. It all worked itself out.
*TW* TTC history
Me:32 DH:31 Married: 8/2015
TTC #1: 4/2017 Testing: HSG, U/S, BW, and DH's SA all normal DX: Unexplained 8/2018: Clomid + TI = BFN 9/2018: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN 11/2018: Clomid + IUI + Progesterone = BFN 12/2018: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone \\ Cancelled due to cyst 1/2019: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFP! \\ EDD Sept 30th, 2019 10/7/2019: Healthy baby boy!
What’s the best insect repellent to use during pregnancy???
What’s your opinion of using deet (it looks like it’s safe to use during
pregnancy?) Calling @lillywonderland , our chemistry expert!
*TW* TTC history
Me:32 DH:31 Married: 8/2015
TTC #1: 4/2017 Testing: HSG, U/S, BW, and DH's SA all normal DX: Unexplained 8/2018: Clomid + TI = BFN 9/2018: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN 11/2018: Clomid + IUI + Progesterone = BFN 12/2018: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone \\ Cancelled due to cyst 1/2019: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFP! \\ EDD Sept 30th, 2019 10/7/2019: Healthy baby boy!
@LJMoon6 Is for your camping adventures? Do you have the clothing that is pre-treated with permethrin / insect repellent? I've heard that is really good.
Anywho...so years ago I had heard that bug spray was not good for pre-pubscent for boys to use (and I thought it was DEET in particular) and I've let that simmer in my brain for a few years. Some research done now from the EPA (the study concluded in 2018) has determined that DEET poses no consequence...however they still caution you to use a lesser concentration of DEET for your kids. The higher concentration of DEET you use is only indicative of how long it lasts for, NOT it's effectiveness. So a 10% DEET vs 100% DEET will be equally as effective, the 100% DEET will just last longer. Here's a nice article (and links for more articles) from the EWG.
They go over in good detail a few types of active ingredients to look for, and some brands. Two other active ingredients are mentioned (with very similar effectiveness to DEET and less side effects), IR3535 and Picaridin, and both also pose no safety risk for pregnancy.
@lillywonderland That was actually the website I was looking at, yay! Yes, it's for our camping trips lol. The last trip we went on, the bugs were sooooo bad! Gnats, mosquitoes, ticks... Ugh! I tried an all natural (essential oils) based repellent that did not work at all. I got bit up like crazy. And the poor pups did too. I even had a tick attached on top of my head. Deet has always worked so well. And I think a lot of people are scared of it for no scientifically-backed reason. I haven't looked into it too much tho. Thank you! I'm going to have to go out and get some with less concentration.
*TW* TTC history
Me:32 DH:31 Married: 8/2015
TTC #1: 4/2017 Testing: HSG, U/S, BW, and DH's SA all normal DX: Unexplained 8/2018: Clomid + TI = BFN 9/2018: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN 11/2018: Clomid + IUI + Progesterone = BFN 12/2018: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone \\ Cancelled due to cyst 1/2019: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFP! \\ EDD Sept 30th, 2019 10/7/2019: Healthy baby boy!
I actually got it from amazon...great reviews. I am trying to remember why I did the picaridin instead of the deet..I’ll update post! I didn’t get a single bite which is rare for me
Okay ladies....no matter how many 'you're about to pop' questions I get, I still love my bump and I'm so proud of it. It's the only time in my life that I haven't been self conscious.
However....I just noticed stretch marks galore. I've been using lotion daily since I found out I was pregnant. These popped out of nowhere...lower stomach. Upper legs/butt. This hit me really hard but perhaps I'm being ridiculous? I just keep thinking where did they come from so quickly and what's it going to look like in another 3 months if I've already gotten this many.
So I'm looking for any advice on what I can do about them to prevent them from getting worse, will they get worse, will they go away after birth, and simply how to handle it. I know pregnancy is a beautiful thing despite some of the not so beautiful things that come with it but this is really bothering me. I know there s probably a lot of non ftms laughing at me over this but idk....i can't help that it hit me like a ton of bricks. Seriously how long have they been there...they couldn't have developed over night....
@nightdreamr13 You’re feelings are so valid! I didn’t get them horribly, but what I did get I assure you quite literally popped up over night. I cried when I found them. I hate to say it but I don’t think there really is anything you can do to prevent them, but they do fade with time and there are creams you can get to help fade them. In the spoiler there’s a pic of what mine looked like. I didn’t use anything and now 3 years later they’re practically non existent. I know it’s such a hit to your confidence, but they will fade and so will your feelings about them!
@nightdreamr13 totally valid feelings! It's so hard having how much our bodies change be completely outside of our control. I used lotion and stuff last time and got a bunch of stretch marks on my hips and butt, but none on my stomach. This time I have a feeling I will get them on my stomach since I'm so much bigger and I'm struggling with the thought. I have body image issues and this will make things even worse.
*TW*
Me: 32 │ DH: 35 Married 8/16/13 BFP#1 DS 11/13/16 BFP# 2 MMC dx @ 13w 10/30/18 BFP# 3 Preemie DD born at 38w (IUGR) on 8/28/19 weighing 5.5lbs. Our little miracle
Thank you @duewithpu2 and @zuuls_mom . I've always had body issues, surprisingly until I got my baby bump. Mine are red and purple and look like I got attacked by a cat or something. I know my baby boy is so worth it, I do. But I also feel like any hopes of having a decent looking body is out the window.
@nightdreamr13 they will definitely fade a lot. But my big piece of advice is DO NOT SCRATCH if you get itchy. It'll create more micro tears in the skin and make them way worse. So keep moisturizing!
*TW*
Me: 32 │ DH: 35 Married 8/16/13 BFP#1 DS 11/13/16 BFP# 2 MMC dx @ 13w 10/30/18 BFP# 3 Preemie DD born at 38w (IUGR) on 8/28/19 weighing 5.5lbs. Our little miracle
@nightdreamr13 I totally get it. I haven’t gotten any on my belly but I had some real ugly ones appear overnight on my inner thighs and I feel like an obsessed crazy person always touching them and observing how terrible they feel. Long and deep and dark dark red. Ick. I guess I’m lucky they’re in a spot that I can’t personally see them? 🤣 I wish I had a solution for you!
@nightdreamr13 I’m completely with you on the body issues thing. I’ve always struggled with body image (I think I have years of ballet to thank for that), and it’s so freeing to finally not have to worry about what my stomach looks like. In the beginning, I totally had to train myself not to suck in my belly haha. No advice here on the stretch marks, but don’t feel guilty about feeling bad about getting them. I’m a FTM too and also worry about these things.
@nightdreamr13 totally feel you! I’m pregnant with my second and I literally just discovered some small stretch marks on my hips. Not going to lie, I teared up a bit when I found them. 😭 I didn’t get any when I was pregnant with my son, so this was a surprise. I have no advice just wanted to say I can relate. Scared what the next few months will bring. 😔 I know it will all be worth it in the end but man oh man it’s tough the body changes!
@cheshyre319 TBH, I’d be a little concerned about swelling after I just woke up. End of the day seems like it’s not as big of a deal since you’ve been moving and on your feet all day. It could be that you just slept wrong, or one of your kids is just in the wrong spot. Give a call to your Dr just in case.
Quick question. Some baby clothes just say 6 months. Is that really 3 to 6 or 6 to 9. Trying to figure out what sizes I should get swimsuits which will be work around july....
@nightdreamr13 if you're talking about the Carter’s brand, I believe it’s up to 6 months. For example, if they’re labeled as 9 months, I think the maximum age would be 9 months. Someone please correct me if I’m wrong, but I’ve come to this conclusion based on looking at the size chart with weight included.
@nightdreamr13 Ehhhh, if you want something that specific I would honestly prolly wait until closer to July 2020 to buy it. You never know how quickly your kid is grow (and how they grow, also). Depending on the brand (and how many washes), some things DS wore "age appropriately" and other things he was waaaaaaaay off on. I found Carter's to be pretty spot on for the time frame - 6 mo clothing DS wore when he was 5-7 mo, etc. HOWEVER, he always fit into the onesies WAY before he fit into the matching pants (and sometimes they never overlapped, LOL). Gerber was always on the low end - DS was busting out of their 3-6 mo onesies at like a month old, lol.
Honestly depends on the brand for sizing. I feel like carters can run small in length with footies and what not. I like Gap and Old Navy for baby clothes more.
Every brand is so different! DS was always 3 months ahead of his age in sizes too. I’d wait for something that specific, but I have been buying a few 6-9 month things that will most likely fit. Just like @lillywonderland said DS was always fitting shirts and onesies way before pants and shorts. To this day he is 3 and in 5t tops and 3t shorts
Echoing what everyone else said. Baby clothing sizes are all over the place. I found that 6M worked well around the 6M mark and 9M at the 9M mark, etc., but different brands could be way off (Gerber, Garanimals run super small and Carter's, Gap, Cat & Jack are more true to size). But definitely wait on stuff like that since kids grow way differently. DS has super short legs and a really skinny waist, but a really long torso so he always grows out of shirts first. Pants he can wear forever. He was in 12M pants until he was almost 2 and now still fits comfortably in 2T with the waist cinched tightly.
*TW*
Me: 32 │ DH: 35 Married 8/16/13 BFP#1 DS 11/13/16 BFP# 2 MMC dx @ 13w 10/30/18 BFP# 3 Preemie DD born at 38w (IUGR) on 8/28/19 weighing 5.5lbs. Our little miracle
Thanks guys. Just trying to figure out clothing for the registry. I want to feel somewhat prepared. Perhaps buying summer clothes ri ght now isn't a good idea. :-/
@nightdreamr13 I didn’t put any clothes on my registry so people could get whatever they wanted. It was fun to see what everyone picked. Annnnnnnd if someone got something I didn’t like I just returned it and got something I liked or ended up needing instead.
eta - unless someone bought something so specific and custom, no one will remember what they bought you for your LO. I have a great memory (usually) and got my niece some outfit with a fox on it for her 1st birthday and like 2 mo later my sister sent me a pic of it and I was like “aww, such a cute outfit! Mommy has great taste” and she told me I had picked it out...🥴
@nightdreamr13 I wouldn’t worry about clothing on the registry—people will get you tons of stuff anyways! ALSO! Keep any and all tags on everything and immediately tape receipts to any boxes/tags/etc. There is so much stuff you think you need and then don’t or get and then want to change—so much easier to just keep the receipt taped to the item until you use it!
@nightdreamr13 yeah definitely don't waste your time registering for clothing. You'll get a ton of clothing regardless and everyone will go rogue and totally not go based on what you register for. But I guarantee you will get some really cute stuff!
*TW*
Me: 32 │ DH: 35 Married 8/16/13 BFP#1 DS 11/13/16 BFP# 2 MMC dx @ 13w 10/30/18 BFP# 3 Preemie DD born at 38w (IUGR) on 8/28/19 weighing 5.5lbs. Our little miracle
I would definitely wait until closer to the time you actually need clothes for next summer. I love buying things at the end of one season for the next when it is on sale. However I have a giant child who is in the 98th percentile. She is 14months and wearing 18-24 months clothes. You never really know how big your baby is going to be. We have so many clothes we passed on to our friends that she didn't even wear.
I want to echo not buying seasonal clothes ahead of time. Your newborn could be in premie, newborn, or 0-3 months to start with. They will all grow at different rates and speeds so although they may be in 3m at 3 months, they could be in 6m by the age of 4 months and 9m before they turn 6 months. Or they could be in those same 3m clothes until 9 months. You just never know!
Me: 30 DH:31
Married 9/2010 TTC 10/2013 RE Help from 10/2014-10/2016 (11 failed IUIs, a corrective surgery, and a donor embryo cycle) 9/2016-transferred two donor embies BFP 9/29/26 EDD June 11
I think if you live somewhere with a pretty typical climate you may be okay buying ahead. Here in Phoenix, it's so extreme that I have no idea and pants and long sleeves when it's still 100 degrees in October just does not work. We've always bought as we go.
@nda_roxybabe as a side note, I’m gonna be in Phoenix for a bachelorette party this weekend and I pretty much want to die just thinking about it. Someone mentioned buying squirt guns and that they’ll be chasing me with one all weekend and I was like “where the hell do you think I’m running too, except for the bathroom or tacos line?!? My butt will be in the pool ALL DAMN WEEKEND!” We’re also doing the salt river tubing and I’m slightly concerned about that in my current state but we shall see... I’ve done it twice before but not while pregnant...
@LJMoon6 you are having a case of imposter syndrome. Don't sell yourself short. I wish someone had told me the same thing. I'm also an engineer in a competitive work place and often doubt myself. It's really tough, being a mom in an industry full of dads that are likely the breadwinners with trophy wives or wives who have given their career the back seat to accommodate their husband's and raise their family. I constantly felt like I was being judged or I had to keep up with the guys or that i was incompetent because i couldn't run to the top of the evaporator at 8 months pregnant to check controls or think straight at the conference i flew across the country to. But guess what, they admired that I still tried. If you truly doubt want to go because you're uninterested and it will in no way help your career and just stress you out, then don't. Otherwise, giving up opportunities for your baby before they are even here already creates room for resentment and what if's. You've got this! Don't worry about what anyone else thinks and follow your path to mom/ career success.
@LJMoon6 just saw your later comment - glad you have a supportive supervisor who can help with those decisions and that it's a relief for you to not go.
Re: The Great Question Thread!
I would do what would make me most comfortable right now. I've busted my butt for my employer to be a rockstar and that only carries you so far. Do what feels right for you and worry about doing a kick ass job when you come back.
I am going to remind you, though, that I am having a REALLY bad day at work. Bitter, party of 1!
DS: 18 months
Dx DOR AMH .2
<a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Pregnancy"><img
Married: 8/2015
TTC #1: 4/2017
Testing: HSG, U/S, BW, and DH's SA all normal
DX: Unexplained
8/2018: Clomid + TI = BFN
9/2018: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
11/2018: Clomid + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
12/2018: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone \\ Cancelled due to cyst
1/2019: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFP! \\ EDD Sept 30th, 2019
10/7/2019: Healthy baby boy!
TTC #2: 12/2020
2/2021: Letrozole + TI = BFN
3/2021: Letrozole + TI = BFN
4/2021: Surprise! Natural BFP! \\ EDD Jan 6th, 2022 \\ Chemical, betas not rising
8/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
9/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
10/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
11/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFP! \\ EDD July 29th, 2022
What’s the best insect repellent to use during pregnancy??? What’s your opinion of using deet (it looks like it’s safe to use during pregnancy?) Calling @lillywonderland , our chemistry expert!
Married: 8/2015
TTC #1: 4/2017
Testing: HSG, U/S, BW, and DH's SA all normal
DX: Unexplained
8/2018: Clomid + TI = BFN
9/2018: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
11/2018: Clomid + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
12/2018: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone \\ Cancelled due to cyst
1/2019: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFP! \\ EDD Sept 30th, 2019
10/7/2019: Healthy baby boy!
TTC #2: 12/2020
2/2021: Letrozole + TI = BFN
3/2021: Letrozole + TI = BFN
4/2021: Surprise! Natural BFP! \\ EDD Jan 6th, 2022 \\ Chemical, betas not rising
8/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
9/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
10/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
11/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFP! \\ EDD July 29th, 2022
Anywho...so years ago I had heard that bug spray was not good for pre-pubscent for boys to use (and I thought it was DEET in particular) and I've let that simmer in my brain for a few years. Some research done now from the EPA (the study concluded in 2018) has determined that DEET poses no consequence...however they still caution you to use a lesser concentration of DEET for your kids. The higher concentration of DEET you use is only indicative of how long it lasts for, NOT it's effectiveness. So a 10% DEET vs 100% DEET will be equally as effective, the 100% DEET will just last longer. Here's a nice article (and links for more articles) from the EWG.
https://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents/what-to-look-for-in-a-bug-repellent
They go over in good detail a few types of active ingredients to look for, and some brands. Two other active ingredients are mentioned (with very similar effectiveness to DEET and less side effects), IR3535 and Picaridin, and both also pose no safety risk for pregnancy.
Married: 8/2015
TTC #1: 4/2017
Testing: HSG, U/S, BW, and DH's SA all normal
DX: Unexplained
8/2018: Clomid + TI = BFN
9/2018: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
11/2018: Clomid + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
12/2018: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone \\ Cancelled due to cyst
1/2019: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFP! \\ EDD Sept 30th, 2019
10/7/2019: Healthy baby boy!
TTC #2: 12/2020
2/2021: Letrozole + TI = BFN
3/2021: Letrozole + TI = BFN
4/2021: Surprise! Natural BFP! \\ EDD Jan 6th, 2022 \\ Chemical, betas not rising
8/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
9/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
10/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFN
11/2021: Letrozole + IUI + Progesterone = BFP! \\ EDD July 29th, 2022
https://www.rei.com/product/887628/sawyer-picaridin-insect-repellent-lotion-4-fl-oz?sku=8876280001&store=135&cm_mmc=PLA_Google_LIA|404_197595|8876280001|none|_kenshoo_clickid_|pla-459207281244&lsft=cm_mmc:PLA_Google_LIA|404_197595|8876280001|none|_kenshoo_clickid_&kclid=_kenshoo_clickid_&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzPr31trx4gIVxUGGCh2idwL3EAQYAiABEgLqK_D_BwE
I actually got it from amazon...great reviews. I am trying to remember why I did the picaridin instead of the deet..I’ll update post! I didn’t get a single bite which is rare for me
DS: 18 months
Dx DOR AMH .2
<a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Pregnancy"><img
However....I just noticed stretch marks galore. I've been using lotion daily since I found out I was pregnant. These popped out of nowhere...lower stomach. Upper legs/butt. This hit me really hard but perhaps I'm being ridiculous? I just keep thinking where did they come from so quickly and what's it going to look like in another 3 months if I've already gotten this many.
So I'm looking for any advice on what I can do about them to prevent them from getting worse, will they get worse, will they go away after birth, and simply how to handle it. I know pregnancy is a beautiful thing despite some of the not so beautiful things that come with it but this is really bothering me. I know there s probably a lot of non ftms laughing at me over this but idk....i can't help that it hit me like a ton of bricks. Seriously how long have they been there...they couldn't have developed over night....
Married 8/16/13
BFP#1 DS 11/13/16
BFP# 2 MMC dx @ 13w 10/30/18
BFP# 3 Preemie DD born at 38w (IUGR) on 8/28/19 weighing 5.5lbs. Our little miracle
Married 8/16/13
BFP#1 DS 11/13/16
BFP# 2 MMC dx @ 13w 10/30/18
BFP# 3 Preemie DD born at 38w (IUGR) on 8/28/19 weighing 5.5lbs. Our little miracle
@nightdreamr13 I usually have 64oz as my daily minimum for water intake. But with it being summer, I wouldn't be surprised if that is what I'm told.
Married 8/16/13
BFP#1 DS 11/13/16
BFP# 2 MMC dx @ 13w 10/30/18
BFP# 3 Preemie DD born at 38w (IUGR) on 8/28/19 weighing 5.5lbs. Our little miracle
eta - unless someone bought something so specific and custom, no one will remember what they bought you for your LO. I have a great memory (usually) and got my niece some outfit with a fox on it for her 1st birthday and like 2 mo later my sister sent me a pic of it and I was like “aww, such a cute outfit! Mommy has great taste” and she told me I had picked it out...🥴
Married 8/16/13
BFP#1 DS 11/13/16
BFP# 2 MMC dx @ 13w 10/30/18
BFP# 3 Preemie DD born at 38w (IUGR) on 8/28/19 weighing 5.5lbs. Our little miracle
TTC 10/2013
RE Help from 10/2014-10/2016 (11 failed IUIs, a corrective surgery, and a donor embryo cycle)
9/2016-transferred two donor embies
BFP 9/29/26 EDD June 11
1st Baby 5/12/17, Henry
1st Baby 5/12/17, Henry