She did do a vag ultrasound, but I bled way too much the first time I feel like it wouldn't have done that. Then again I don't really know. They actually had me go in for a check up and everything seemed to be fine, they're not sure what caused the bleeding but the baby was okay and I had no tears or anything. I also felt my baby move!! That gave me closure and helped calm my nerves!
I decided to do the nipt and carrier screen. The nice thing about the carrier screen is that you do it once and then you don't have to repeat on subsequent pregnancies. (Your genetics are the same forever) For me, the peace of mind was worth it, but it's totally up to everyone to decide for themselves what they need! Regarding being scammed: definitely ask what lab they use and what the price is without insurance! My ob's office is in-network and my insurance covers the tests so I thought everything would be fine. AFTER they mailed my blood I found out that the lab it was sent to is out of network so I would have had to pay ~$1600 per test. Yikes! However, the price without insurance was $349 per test, so I just told them not to bill my insurance.
@poppyseed314 I wonder if we had the same test. I still had them check with my insurance because I didn’t know whether or not it was out of network. I got my EOB from my insurance company and they said it was out of network and I would owe about $1800. I called the company (per the instructions of my Dr’s office) and they said they would only be sending me an invoice for $349. But BONUS: my insurance company did send me a check for $110 to help cover the out-of-network cost!
@poppyseed314 so the carrier screening is hardly ever covered by insurance from what I hear. The Lab I was sent to was in network but it didn't matter for my Nipt either because the diagnosis code was such that it would still not be fully covered by insurance. The ridiculous thing was that to bill insurance they wanted $360 and the out of pocket cost was $99. I think it's insane and again it still really bothers me that there is no transparency whatsoever.
Apparently my previous OB used a high risk diagnosis code for my NIPT and it was covered but at the fist appointment he had deemed me low risk so... nothing about healthcare in the US makes sense to me anymore. I'm expecting the same process for the carrier screening (I ended up doing it, and waiting results).
The rehab clinic where I work at as an SLP is allowing us to wear scrubs to work due to COVID so I want to purchase some. I only work 1x/week plus weekend coverage 1x/month so I’m not working that much, but It would be nice to have a dedicated work outfit.
So... Those of you who wear scrubs for work, do you have a preferred brand for maternity scrubs? Or can I get away with wearing regular scrub pants since I can tie them below my bump and what about scrub tops, are maternity specific ones necessary?
This is a little TMI: So I finally was able to order a maternity bra and it came today. When I was changing into the bra it rubbed my nipple a bit and I noticed it was sore when it got rubbed on. I looked closer and I see a tiny white ball at the very tip that definitely is sore if I try to rub my finger across it, and what could possibly be a crack in my nipple. Has anyone ever experienced this? Now that I know it’s there I can feel the soreness.
@mamahosch the tips of my nips were cracking and sore a few weeks ago. I’ve been making sure I put Aveeno on them as necessary and it helps. Not exactly your same issue but maybe just some extra moisturizer would be helpful or even some nipple cream.
@mamahosch When I read the description of your issue, it immediately reminded me of when I first started breastfeeding. I had nipple cracking and what looked like a tiny cyst or blister on my nipple. The lactation nurse confirmed for me that it was a common issue caused by too much friction against the nipples that usually resolves with nipple cream. She had recommended that I start using Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream. It fixed the issue. I assume a bra rubbing against the nipples could cause a similar issue. I cannot definitively say that this is your issue, but it sounded similar.
@carrotsandpeas3 bummer, I wish target had it in store! Amazon won’t deliver it for another week even with prime. I may just end up doing a target drive up since DH doesn’t sound too thrilled about getting me nipple cream 😂
@westslopemama I wear Cherokee maternity scrub pants. I like the ones with the higher ribbed panel. I’ve never worn my regular scrubs under my bump so I don’t know if that would be comfortable. I feel like they would fall down. I also wear a maternity t shirt rather than a scrub top. I felt like a scrub top was a waste of money. But my hospital doesn’t care if I do that.
@westslopemama I wear normal scrubs tied below the bump, but it is not comfortable. Tied that low, the pants were way too long so I would have to roll the waist and it would cut in when I sat down. I was stuck since I have to use surgical scrubs though and not outside scrubs. I was much happier in regular clothes when I could get away with it. Haven't had to deal with it this pregnancy yet since I've mostly still been working from home for now. If you can use maternity scrubs, I would go that route.
@calliah and @carrotsandpeas3 thanks for the advice 😊 I can wear any type of scrubs and have to wear a scrub coat over them (that is provided by the clinic) so I think I will just get the maternity scrub pants and use a regular maternity shirt.
I prefer maternity scrub pants with the stomach panel. I hate feeling like if I lift my arms my bare stomach will pop out lol. For tops I always end up wearing T-shirt’s and a scrub jacket once I outgrow my regular scrub tops.
I second Motherlove nipple cream. I exclusively pumped with DD2 and never had a single crack or issue.
So I’ve been having some pain in my right lower abdomen this morning. It’s been mostly dull and achy, but it’s been sharp at times. It’s pretty concentrated to a small area. Getting up and walking hasn’t helped, so I’ve just been lying on my couch all morning. Already called my OB office and left a message, but wondering if anyone else has experienced this. I’m concerned it’s appendicitis because of the location, but I haven’t had any other symptoms so far.
Current pregnancy - First BFP on 1/4/22. Due date 9/13/22.
Four prior losses, no living children - 1 first trimester miscarriage, 1 blighted ovum, 1 chemical, and one extreme premature live birth daughter who died at 15 days old.
I’ve had round ligament pain before, for me it’s usually more spread out, goes away after a few minutes, and feels like light period cramps. This was a concentrated ache in one small area that didn’t go away for hours. I’m not having it as frequently anymore, just felt different than all the round ligament pain I’ve had before.
@ccstlln1 yeah my round ligament pain is usually more brief for me as well. You could have easily pulled something as everything is moving and stretching down there as well. I also had some cysts on my ovaries during my prior ultrasounds so they warned me those could cause some discomfort in that region, not sure if that's a possibility for you. If it continues to worsen and causes nausea/vomiting or fever, then I would be much more suspicious for appendicitis. Without either of those things, I would probably just watch it. Fingers crossed it ends up being nothing!
Is anyone growing a beard? I've always had blonde baby hair under my chin and neck and a couple of black hairs that keep growing no matter how many times I remove them with the tweezers but now that baby hair is growing longer under my chine and turning slightly darker!
Beard may be exaggerated here but it's how I feel. I know that it's normal to have hair and nails growing faster and stronger but I would have never imagined that I would get a beard.
@glupglup More hair growth is normal. I haven't noticed it on my face, but last time and this time I have way more/longer/darker hairs on my stomach. They went away after delivery last time so I know they won't stay forever!
After a few phone calls with the OB, right now they think it’s just round ligament pain or a muscle strain. Said to call if it gets worse or if I develop other symptoms. Luckily my AS was already scheduled for Tuesday, so if it is a cyst they should see it then.
@ccstlln1 when I was around 33 weeks with DD1 I had the exact same sounding pain. It got to the point that I couldn’t walk without pain or stand upright and obviously went to L&D. They ran tests and it ended up being RLP as well from being dehydrated. IV fluids fixed me right up.
Anyone else not allowed to bring DH to the anatomy scan? Mine is next Wednesday and the OB office called to remind me he isn't allowed. I was aware of that, but she was really rude about it and it hasn't sat well with me. I asked if we might be allowed to video chat during and she said no. She said they have been "super accommodating" about writing the sex down and putting it an envelope so we could find out together.... I thought that was something they did for people anyway so I don't know why that's special?? I am sure they have been dealing with a lot of angry/rude people about this policy so I don't want to get upset at them, but it really sucks with this being our first pregnancy and after dealing with two years of infertility I just wish my husband could be there. It's his pregnancy, too and I feel like he has just as much of a right to experience it. Additionally, if there is something wrong with the baby who the hell is going to support me if I'm in there alone? Am I am expected to go out to my car and tell MH the issues by myself? That sucks. Honestly, if I'm required to wear a mask I don't see why his additional presence with a mask is more hazardous to anyone. We live together and if one of us had covid-19, so does the other. It's not like he will be wandering the hallways during my scan???
Any suggestions for not being so stressed about this? I know I'm being a little over emotional, but my mind keeps wandering to what's next? Will you keep him out of the delivery room, too? 😔
@ginevere oh my gosh that was rude of her. My birth center told me that my partner isn't allowed in the ultrasound room, but he can be in my regular appointment room, and I am mad, it doesn't make any sense to restrict partners when you live together and already wear a mask.. I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress too, it really sucks. Anatomy scans are a big deal medically, none of us should have to go out to the car and tell SO bad news if we get any it just such a horrible thing to have happen. I really sympathize. My strategy is just to push my scan back as much as I'm able in the hopes that the end of the month or June will see restrictions loosened, but I'm only 17 weeks so I have the time to do that.. They should really let you video, so many hospitals are doing that, there's no reason for them not to let you.
@ginevere ugh I’m sorry she was rude to you! Unfortunately my husband can’t come to my anatomy scan either, and it’s not even until June 3rd. She said things could change but it’s doubtful 🤷🏼♀️ But we are allowed to FaceTime! That’s strange that they won’t let you at least do that... she just told me no recording. I totally get how you’re feeling and I know DH is pretty sad that he won’t be there in person since this is our first pregnancy too.
Thanks @kalesix3 I'm glad I'm not alone. That is rediculous that they will let your partner in one room and not the other! What!? I know the ultrasound room at my clinic has a window and is on the first floor so couldn't they just like let him stand at the window, even??
My appointment is earlyish, I will be 18+7 weeks but I guess my OB prefers to do the scan at 19 or 20 weeks and doesnt have any openings the following week otherwise I would try to push it back, too. I am also anxious to have it done on one hand because I haven't had a visit in two months and I am so eager to know that everything is okay. I know I'll feel better when it's over and done with, but I really want to just feel excited about it and not anxious/angry!
@ginevere DH isn't allowed at any of my appointments either. But in our case, even if he were my daughter probably wouldn't be so he'd have to stay home with her anyway. I was really only thinking about finding out the sex and then had the thought of what if something is wrong and I have to find out alone? It's scary, and this being your first pregnancy I'm sure makes it 100 times harder. I understand the policies but I still feel for all pregnant women dealing with this. And your doctor's office should not have been rude to you about it!
@ginevere no one allowed at my anatomy scan either. It's in a completely different department from OB - OB will let us do videochat but anatomy scan people will not.
Current pregnancy - First BFP on 1/4/22. Due date 9/13/22.
Four prior losses, no living children - 1 first trimester miscarriage, 1 blighted ovum, 1 chemical, and one extreme premature live birth daughter who died at 15 days old.
@MJDsquared It definitely helps to realize most, if not all pregnant women are dealing with this same thing. I have been so concerned in making sure MH feels included in everything and I am lucky that he is so easy going and supportive. I can't imagine how I would feel in his position right now if it were me.
I was laying in bed earlier with my hand on the lower left side of my abdomen when all of a sudden I SWEAR I felt the baby's heartbeat - maybe 140 beats a minute. It only lasted maybe 5-10 seconds, then I guess she moved and it was gone. I double checked my own heartrate just to make sure I wasn't running really fast, but it was at its nice steady 65 or so.
So has anyone else ever experienced this? I'm pretty psyched if it was indeed the HR - no ultrasound for me since the NT and I'm very neurotic about things being wrong because of my previous losses (I figured getting a Doppler would just make me more anxious if I couldn't find the HR).
Current pregnancy - First BFP on 1/4/22. Due date 9/13/22.
Four prior losses, no living children - 1 first trimester miscarriage, 1 blighted ovum, 1 chemical, and one extreme premature live birth daughter who died at 15 days old.
@ginevere my husband hasn’t been allowed at any of my appointments or ultrasounds. TW: Loss Mentioned I’ve had the terrible experience of learning about a loss twice during an anatomy scan so I’m absolutely dreading it. I’m making my husband sit in the car, at least I know he’s there if something goes wrong and if things go well I can show him the pictures right away.
My husband has been sitting in the car for all of the ultrasounds so he isnt too far. It's our first and it sucks that he cant come in, but it makes us both feel better having him close. Poor dear sat around for 3 hours last time. Luckily ours lets is video chat so he can see and still feels like he's there for me.
I must be super lucky! While my husband isn’t allowed at any OB appointments he can attend all MFM appointments. I start ultrasounds every two weeks beginning next week in addition to progesterone shots. He’s got them all on his work schedule so that he can attend them all.
My H is also not allowed, but I'm going to double check now. California has been obviously slow in reopening. But I'm wondering if they might change the rule by the 19th which is when my appointment is. I have not asked about video but I'm assuming we'll be able to (fingers crossed).
@kboydbowman that's the first time I heard about it, but I guess it's possible? No idea tbh! I have been feeling the baby move more and more and H gas been able to feel from the outside which is good!
@morethanamama the interwebs research I did said no, not possible, but I have no other way to account for a pulse of 120+!
Current pregnancy - First BFP on 1/4/22. Due date 9/13/22.
Four prior losses, no living children - 1 first trimester miscarriage, 1 blighted ovum, 1 chemical, and one extreme premature live birth daughter who died at 15 days old.
MH isn't allowed at my AS next Monday, either. I didn't even think to ask if I can video it, but I'm thinking that'll be a no since it's at a military hospital radiology department. I, too, have the fear of finding out about a loss by myself, but I try to remain optimistic, especially since I can feel her moving around in there pretty much every day. I also bought an at-home fetal doppler so that MH could hear her heartbeat, so that even though he can't come to my appts, at least he has that. It's a small consolation, but it's the most we can do right now given the restrictions in our state.
@kalesix, mine was due to my two preterm deliveries. I’m in a Facebook group (Incompetent Cervix Support Group) for women who have an incompetent cervix and generally it seems that you find out by experiencing a second tri loss or delivery, short cervix discovered at your anatomy scan, or start having preterm labor symptoms.
It’s not something that is looked for in normal pregnancy besides the cervix measurement at your anatomy scan.
Me: 27 DH: 27 Married 6/15/13 BFP #1 5/8/16, EDD 12/31/16- DD born 9/10/16 at 24 weeks ~In our hearts forever~ BFP #2 10/14/17, EDD 7/1/18
@profmcgonagall that's horrifying.. I'm sorry. My cervix keeps thinning, but that's all I know, I'm not sure how much might be normal or not.. I'm going to ask about it at my appointment today but I wasn't sure if it's something they'll check to humor you.. I feel like it should be though.
Re: The Great Question Thread
Apparently my previous OB used a high risk diagnosis code for my NIPT and it was covered but at the fist appointment he had deemed me low risk so... nothing about healthcare in the US makes sense to me anymore. I'm expecting the same process for the carrier screening (I ended up doing it, and waiting results).
So I finally was able to order a maternity bra and it came today. When I was changing into the bra it rubbed my nipple a bit and I noticed it was sore when it got rubbed on. I looked closer and I see a tiny white ball at the very tip that definitely is sore if I try to rub my finger across it, and what could possibly be a crack in my nipple. Has anyone ever experienced this? Now that I know it’s there I can feel the soreness.
Probably harder to find in store though so lanolin cream might be your best bet if you are sending DH out!
I second Motherlove nipple cream. I exclusively pumped with DD2 and never had a single crack or issue.
First BFP on 1/4/22. Due date 9/13/22.
Beard may be exaggerated here but it's how I feel. I know that it's normal to have hair and nails growing faster and stronger but I would have never imagined that I would get a beard.
DD - 12/28/17
TTC #2 3/2019
BFP 5/2019 || MC - D&C 5/2019
BFP 2/2020 || EDD 10/10/2020
Any suggestions for not being so stressed about this? I know I'm being a little over emotional, but my mind keeps wandering to what's next? Will you keep him out of the delivery room, too? 😔
Anatomy scans are a big deal medically, none of us should have to go out to the car and tell SO bad news if we get any it just such a horrible thing to have happen. I really sympathize.
My strategy is just to push my scan back as much as I'm able in the hopes that the end of the month or June will see restrictions loosened, but I'm only 17 weeks so I have the time to do that..
They should really let you video, so many hospitals are doing that, there's no reason for them not to let you.
My appointment is earlyish, I will be 18+7 weeks but I guess my OB prefers to do the scan at 19 or 20 weeks and doesnt have any openings the following week otherwise I would try to push it back, too. I am also anxious to have it done on one hand because I haven't had a visit in two months and I am so eager to know that everything is okay. I know I'll feel better when it's over and done with, but I really want to just feel excited about it and not anxious/angry!
DD - 12/28/17
TTC #2 3/2019
BFP 5/2019 || MC - D&C 5/2019
BFP 2/2020 || EDD 10/10/2020
First BFP on 1/4/22. Due date 9/13/22.
I was laying in bed earlier with my hand on the lower left side of my abdomen when all of a sudden I SWEAR I felt the baby's heartbeat - maybe 140 beats a minute. It only lasted maybe 5-10 seconds, then I guess she moved and it was gone. I double checked my own heartrate just to make sure I wasn't running really fast, but it was at its nice steady 65 or so.
So has anyone else ever experienced this? I'm pretty psyched if it was indeed the HR - no ultrasound for me since the NT and I'm very neurotic about things being wrong because of my previous losses (I figured getting a Doppler would just make me more anxious if I couldn't find the HR).
First BFP on 1/4/22. Due date 9/13/22.
@kboydbowman that's the first time I heard about it, but I guess it's possible? No idea tbh!
I have been feeling the baby move more and more and H gas been able to feel from the outside which is good!
First BFP on 1/4/22. Due date 9/13/22.
Due with baby #2: Feb 2022
Married 6/15/13
BFP #1 5/8/16, EDD 12/31/16- DD born 9/10/16 at 24 weeks
~In our hearts forever~
BFP #2 10/14/17, EDD 7/1/18
My cervix keeps thinning, but that's all I know, I'm not sure how much might be normal or not.. I'm going to ask about it at my appointment today but I wasn't sure if it's something they'll check to humor you.. I feel like it should be though.