The Great Big Question Thread

velvetblue88 · January 2022

@sunshineandlemons I tested positive for covid over a week ago, and it knocked me out for a full week. Fever, headaches, coughing... Still fighting runny nose/sneezing/headaches, but my OB said Tylenol for fever and Mucinex or Robitussin DM for cough.
Also, she said take a baby aspirin, vitamin C, vitamin D, and Zinc to help with fighting covid. Best of luck in your recovery!

sunshineandlemons · January 2022

@velvetblue88 hope the headaches ease up on you some! That’s been my most annoying symptom so far.

rubyrose_0919 · January 2022

Ughh @velvetblue88 @sunshineandlemons the headaches 😩 the WORST! I've been living with an ice pack on my head for weeks!

runnergirl2018 · January 2022

@sunshineandlemons @tuxielove93 no ibuprofen during pregnancy.
HOpe your OB calls you back soon - tylenol, fluids, and rest. Hope you feel better soon!

kd0811 · January 2022

So interesting, I had a bad 3 day headache a couple weeks ago. Assumed it was pregnancy related but wondering if it was COVID…I also never get headaches.

as a side note — how many ultrasounds has everyone had? This is my first pregnancy - they don’t give you one at every apt, right? But is there a way to check for proof of life? Lol - thanks from an anxious FTM!!!

tuxielove93 · January 2022

@kd0811

Typically, there is a dating ultrasound done between 8-10 weeks and you can get a nuchal translucency screening ultrasound between 11-13 weeks. And then they do an anatomy scan at 20 weeks. Rarely they will do an ultrasound late in the third trimester, in a typical pregnancy, to check baby size. But just keep in mind that trying to measure a baby on ultrasound (especially a particularly squished baby) is difficult and often results in inaccurate numbers.

There are also elective ultrasounds you can get if you want to.

Also something to keep in mind: once you hit the second trimester, if you are fine, and there is no bleeding or severe pain, there is no reason to worry. The risk of miscarriage at this point is extremely low.

Your doctor should use a Doppler to check babies heart rate. That’s your proof of life. Plus, if you’re due in July you should start feeling baby kicks any day now (between 16-22 weeks) That’s your daily reminder of proof of life

Eventually , you can do kick counts if you want to feel even better (or suspect there might be something wrong). I personally am sensitive to baby kicks and have very active babies so I never did traditional kick counts because it just wasn’t necessary. I feel them a lot! But a wide range of kicks is very very normal.
Formal kick counts (once you hit third trimester NOT right now) basically go like this: lay still, and count how many baby kicks you feel. Every movement counts. 10 movements in 1 hour is what you’re looking for. If it’s less, drink something sugary and do it again. If you still don’t get ten, then call your doctor and go from there.

inthewoods23 · January 2022

@kd0811 I'm a bit of an outlier with 5 in the 1st trimester

but that was for a reproductive immunologist to confirm proper growth and that my body wasn't preventing the pregnancy from progressing.

I don't know any reason why you'd get an ultrasound beyond the 20 week anatomy scan. I'm also a FTM so I'm only guessing here, but presumably at some point you're not going to be able to measure baby on an ultrasound because of their size so that's where the fundal height comes in to confirm growth is progressing as it should. STM+ moms can correct me if I'm wrong

ETA: also, I doubt a symptom of only a headache would mean covid.

stardustskies · January 2022

@kd0811 My OB gave me a dating ultrasound at 9 weeks and I don't get another until the anatomy scan at 20 weeks. I asked if I could have a nuchal translucency scan at 12 weeks and was told no because I had genetic testing with NIPT and everything was normal and the NT scan looks for the same stuff. There is a place nearby that does ultrasounds if you pay out of pocket so I'm doing that.

kd0811 · January 2022

@tuxielove93 @inthewoods23 @stardustskies thank you!! I’m almost 15 weeks - I had an ultrasound @ 6,10, and then my NT. However I have 2 prenatal apts before my 20 week anatomy scan so was just wondering what they do there. The Doppler sounds like what I was looking for!

tea_and_biscuits · January 2022

Ok I have a question that I'm sure will seem silly when I'm a few weeks further along (I'm only at 14 now - late July due date!)... How do you feel the kicks to count them? Do you need to put your hands on your belly or do you just lie there and count movement you feel in your abdomen? Sorry... FTM, everything is new

I have no idea

stardustskies · January 2022

@knottie_name kick counts are more for later on in pregnancy when they are more reliable. This early, you may not even be feeling movement yet. (I'm 14 weeks and this is my second, I haven't felt baby move yet.)

runnergirl2018 · January 2022

Is a nursery furniture spotlight thread appropriate to start?

I’m a planner and am anxious about all the supply chain issues 🤣

sunshineandlemons · January 2022

@kd0811 My OB must be out of the norm. I get three ultrasounds- 8 weeks (dating), 20 weeks (anatomy), and ~37 weeks just to see how big baby is measuring. It’s not exact of course but it gives the doctor an idea of how big the baby is +/- a lb or two. With my first, they flipped it to 4D for a shot and we got a great picture of my daughter’s face but they didn’t do that with my second daughter. Regardless, it was still nice to see her.

@runnergirl2018 It took us over 6 months to get a couch so probably a good idea!

inthewoods23 · January 2022

@runnergirl2018 check the Read This First thread. We've got the list in there of product spotlights. I'm sure furniture is coming up soon.

tuxielove93 · January 2022

@knottie_name Kick counts aren’t until third trimester (28 weeks) By then you can feel the kicks without touching your stomach (although rubbing the stomach can get baby active once you’re further along and feeling kicks) . It’s kind of hard to accurately describe to someone who hasn’t felt it. But it very literally feels like someone is kicking you from the inside. Sounds awful. Is actually wonderful. It’s the only thing I like about pregnancy. You should start feeling kicks between 16-22 weeks. Some women feel it earlier, but that’s the average. At first it will probably feel like little bubbles or butterfly flutters.

thegeekymom · January 2022

I had ultrasounds towards the end of both of my pregnancies, one just to measure and see baby's position and the last time it was because I grew too much in two weeks so they wanted to make sure there wasn't too much extra fluid.

@tuxielove93 I'm probably a weirdo and completely dreading the kicks, my baby's are active giants and it gets so so painful. It's nice at first, but then they turn into something out of a sci Fi movie. 😅

courtneyqdk · January 2022

@thegeekymom my son was the same way! Like he was doing flips and somersaults and it was quite hilarious (but painful - and annoying in the middle of the night) so hoping this baby might be a little calmer hahaha

tuxielove93 · February 2022

@thegeekymom I have super active babies too but it never hurt. That sounds uncomfortable.

Although my first son did shove his foot into my ribs and basically hang upside down like a monkey for a month at the end of that pregnancy. That was painful.

inthewoods23 · February 2022

Are any of your still sleeping on your backs? I've woken up a few times on my back but that's been more often than not because my alarm went off or the cat started walking all over me and not because baby is crushing my internal organs. I wouldn't say I feel uncomfortable when I wake up like that so am I still okay to sleep or lay on my back?

mamadino_ · February 2022

@inthewoods23 I wake up on back all the time lately and have been wondering this as well. I see my dr Thursday and I’ll try to remember to ask her.

inthewoods23 · February 2022

@francesgs I saw my OB last week but didn't think to ask at the time. But also I thought I'd be given the opportunity to ask questions to my OB and not just the nurses. I'm not sure how I'm feeling about my OB considering she didn't even end the appointment with "anything else you wanted to ask or touch on that we haven't talked about". It throws me off a bit being a FTM that they wouldn't try to be a little more handhold-y during my appointments. But I get it, things are presumed to be fine if I'm not having severe cramping or bleeding. Ok... end rant lol

mamadino_ · February 2022

@inthewoods23 I feel like since it’s something they see with everyday over years they dismiss or forget how big of a deal and how nerve racking it can be for moms. I forget to ask questions also.. my ob likes to use a chunk of our time together to talk about her past pregnancy and her symptoms and then my brain goes blank 😑

stardustskies · February 2022

@inthewoods23 @francesgs I make a list of questions on my phone in between appointments and go down the list once I see the doctor so I don't forget to ask stuff.

feather_heather · February 2022

@inthewoods23 - I wake up on my back a lot too. My OB told me last time that if laying on your back is cutting off oxygen to the baby you will likely know it - as you will get dizzy/lightheaded. Towards the end of my pregnancy with DD, I would get lightheaded during ultrasounds while laying on my back, and would have to lay on my side for them!

sjb2215 · February 2022

@inthewoods23 and @francesgs I think it's pretty normal to roll around and change positions in sleep. I think as long as you aren't uncomfortable or short of breath you are good

tuxielove93 · February 2022

@inthewoods23 It depends on the doctor. My midwife is actually over hand-holdy right now. But that's just because this is my third and I already know the drill. I would have loved her as a first-timer. You can always shop around.
As for sleeping on your back, it would probably wake you up before it would really cause issues. But, I have been rolling a towel and sticking it behind me so that if I roll back at night, it catches me. It's more because it's painful for me to sleep on my back than for any real concern about anything getting crushed. My abs and round ligament joints have had it at this point. But it's not comfortable anymore to be fully on my back during the day, so I would rather not end up there.

runnergirl2018 · February 2022

@inthewoods23 i'm back sleepign some. its funny because usually a side sleeper but sometimes that is uncomfortable lately. From what i understand/have read, it is fine until the 20 week mark, and its okay if you wakeup during the night on your back then just turn on your side. Our bodies are really smart at alerting us to issues

runnergirl2018 · February 2022

Question - does anyone have an at home doppler? I know they are totally unnecessary and can be tricky to use and cause some people issues because they can't find a heart beat and stress out even though everything is totally fine but i'm considering getting one. Sneak Peek has one that is $50 and the ones on amazon are $80+, so just curious if anyone has one that they like/recommend?

LJMoon6 · February 2022

@runnergirl2018 I just picked up a doppler this weekend from our "buy nothing" FB page. I still haven't been able to find the heart beat

. I'm not too worried about it since even my OB couldn't find it at the last appointment. But I'm pretty sure that's why I can't sleep lately. I would suggest not getting one. I sorta wish I wouldn't have lol.

inthewoods23 · February 2022

@runnergirl2018 I had considered getting one after my 16 week appointment when they used the doppler on me for the first time because how nice would that be to check on baby that way. My OB found the HB in less than 10 seconds so shouldn't be that hard right? lol. But after DH and I had a conversation about it we nixed the idea since I think I've felt very subtle baby movement a few times in the evening when I'm laying on the couch. Soon enough I should feel something more definite and that's my reassurance that things are okay with baby so I'd really only need the doppler for a few weeks max at this point and don't think it's worth getting one now.

I chuckled to myself that the doppler my OB had looked old AF. I expected something a little more sleek looking haha

tuxielove93 · February 2022

@runnergirl2018 Like inthewoods mentioned, you should start feeling baby kicks really soon (16-22 weeks). And that's an easier way for you to check on baby than trying to use a doppler.

feather_heather · February 2022

@runnergirl2018 - I have this one and like it. I use it maybe once every two weeks. I've never had trouble finding the heartbeat - usually have to go really low (near my c-section scar) and then about an inch over [to the left of my belly button] (maybe a helpful tip for @LJMoon6).

thegeekymom · February 2022

I've found myself sleeping in my back, I don't think it's worrisome until after 20 weeks when your uterus is heavier. At that point I wedge myself between a Boppy wedge and a regular pillow to prop myself on my side and support my belly, I get up to pee way too often to use something huge like a body pillow or pregnancy pillow. I might have to buy a new Boppy wedge though, I really squished that thing with my last pregnancy. 😂

blf2072 · February 2022

I am a back sleeper, so this has been rough trying to train myself to stay off as much as possible. I ordered a pregnancy Pillow off Amazon, it helped but still find myself on my back.

For the FTM, how much/little are you feeling baby movements and how far are you? I’m about 18+ weeks. I feel the baby here and there but not a ton yet. How much is expected around this time? I have my anatomy scan in a couple weeks, so will find out more but figured I’d ask.

Also, I do have a Doppler. I have backed off using it a lot for multiple reasons. I can find the heartbeat pretty easy; but if you aren’t sure what you listening for or have a hard time finding it, it can just cause more anxiety. I’m not sure how safe the sound waves are for frequent use, I’ve read mixed things so that scared me enough to back off!!

inthewoods23 · February 2022

@blf2072 I had super faint hints of what could have been baby movement about a week and a half ago when I wasn't even 16 weeks. I'm 17 weeks tomorrow. Wasn't really sure if it was gas bubbles or not but I had never felt something like that in the lower abdomen area. We've always had to press down a little to have any chance of feeling something. I've had a couple of those rolling feelings across my lower abdomen area too which I couldn't think was anything else but baby movement. DH can even feel him a bit but it's super super light tap feelings. Between the first time we possibly felt something and the second time was a couple days. I haven't noticed anything significant while not having my hand on my abdomen. My understanding is that it's pretty normal to not feel them consistently or for a couple days at a time.

I might actually be feeling flutters right now. I'm having some kind of weird tingly feeling but I'm not sure if that's just the pressure of my sweats cutting into me a little or baby.

LJMoon6 · February 2022

@blf2072 I didn’t start feeling any movement with my first until somewhere around 22 weeks. But I also had an anterior placenta that kind of masked the movements. This time I swear I’ve felt some flutters and I’m only 14w. I can only feel them when I’m laying on my back though. Who knows. Maybe it’s just gas lol.

blf2072 · February 2022

@inthewoods23 @LJMoon6

yea, I felt some strong baby movements in the night around 17 weeks and I was like woah, the baby must have got super strong over night to feel it so pronounced, but ever since then it’s been more subtle and hard to detect if it’s gas or not 😂and I have to really stop to think about it. I usually am on my back when I’ve felt it also!

tuxielove93 · February 2022

It’s pretty normal to only feel them a little bit and for there to be a couple days between right now. I feel my babies a lot, but I have super active babies and I seem to be one of those women that just feels them earlier and a lot. Nearly any amount of movement is normal at this point. It won’t get consistent until third trimester (28 weeks)

flikyerbik · February 2022

Anyone else planning to sidecar a crib? I'm nervous I will do it wrong 🤣 but I'm nervous all the time anymore

mamadino_ · February 2022

@inthewoods23 I remembered to ask my dr today and she said we can lay on our back just not laying flat on it. She recommended getting some extra firm pillows to wedge behind your back and that’s ok but to make sure they’re extra firm so you don’t end up flat lol

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