@perrybaby25 This has been the roughest pregnancy for me so far symptom wise, too. It’s also my fourth, which might explain it. My symptoms have started easing up as well. I’ve also read they can start getting better around week 9, so I think we are good. It also makes me nervous, but I’m trying to enjoy the moments when I’m not feeling so nauseous. Looking forward to the second trimester!
@perrybaby25 this is also my 4th and worst symptom pregnancy so far, and I was feeling very little in the way of symptoms for a few days to a week, but the nausea just came back strong today. I think it's normal for it to get better around now or to come and go.
Just gonna come out and say it. I have been terrified to have sex since we found out we were expecting. I know it’s okay to do, and our doctor assured us as well. But I have this mental barrier in my head that’s making it hard for me to even think about it- let alone want to do it. My husband is so supportive and is not pushing or pressuring AT ALL but at this point it’s been a solid 2 months. Any advice? This is my first pregnancy so I think that has a lot to do with it too.
@prettylittleowl I think that that’s totally normal! It’s my first pregnancy too and I also was a little nervous! I think ripping the bandaid off is a good way to go about it! I think just take it super slow. Remember it’s totally safe and you can always stop if you’re uncomfortable!
@prettylittleowl definitely have a bit of the same mental block for it... And then it doesn't help that when mentally I'm feeling better, some physical symptom seems to pop up that makes me not feel up to it!
@prettylittleowl I am in the same boat. I know that spotting after sex can be normal in pregnancy, but I’m terrified that I’ll start spotting after sex and then get really anxious that something is wrong with the pregnancy. I talked to my partner about it and told him why I was anxious and he completely understood and that somehow took the anxiety away a bit. I also felt less nervous about oral sex so we started with just that for a few days. I also just try to remind myself that my hormones are changing, I’m growing a human inside me, I’m not feeling 100%, and so it makes total sense that I’m feeling more anxious about it. Try to give yourself a little grace.
@prettylittleowl Totally normal what you’re feeling!! During my first pregnancy, I think my husband and I had sex maybe…twice? One of the times I could feel the baby kicking and it was just way too weird for me. In speaking with other moms, it seems common that once you have kids your sex life does kind of take a hit. No real advice on that front, just solidarity 🙃
@prettylittleowl I feel you. If I'm mentally feeling it my body is like lol NOPE with extra nausea and I'm not trying to shake up things and start puking during. We've been focusing more on just being intentional even in other ways. Hand holding, cuddling, back rubs, even if it doesn't lead to anything, we can still be intimate
Has anyone had their NIPT bloodwork done? My doctor has me scheduled to do it but I’m nervous that my insurance might not cover it based on a conversation I had with the company. Does anyone else have/ has had previously Anthem BC/BS for insurance? Did they cover the testing or did you have to pay solely out of pocket?
@brittanny21 we've been talking about this some in the 12/16 thread. From what I can tell, I don't think my insurance will be covering any of it (but my insurance is pretty crappy as a whole). The kit thing my OB gave me basically says it's about $250 if insurance won't cover, so I'm just going ahead with it next week and hoping that's all correct.
@butterflyhunny thank you, I’ll go ahead and check out that other thread. My OB said pretty much the same thing, and she did have me contact the genetics company that will be running the tests but they said pretty much the same thing. My insurance seems to be pretty good but the lady I spoke to said it would be covered but then back tracked and said it wouldn’t be and that I need pre authorization but the genetics company said that I need to do the testing first and then they will send out for an estimate (which doesn’t make sense). I have a feeling we will be footing the whole cost.
@brittanny21 If you get the code from your OB, you can call your insurance and find out what your coverage is. (This is also helpful because then if they deny it later after telling you it is covered, you already have a record of it.) My NIPT was not covered for my first pregnancy because I was under 35, but I got the out of pocket cost from my OB's office and decided to do it anyway. I think it was around 200 then. I didn't check this time, but I'm pretty sure it is covered now that I am over 35.
If anyone is doing the NIPT through Natera, they will send you an estimate of what the cost will be based on your insurance coverage. If it’s higher than $250, you can bypass insurance and do Natera’s cash pay price instead ($250 for Panorama). This is how it worked with my son in 2022, and my husband (who works for Natera) confirmed it’s still the case in the employee guidelines. This is from their website:
I got my bloodwork back (just general work up not NIPT) and I have HIGH liver enzyme levels. Anyone have this in a previous pregnancy? Everything else was normal
Anyone have Covid during pregnancy? I just tested positive this morning and I’m trying not to panic. I’m 11w4d and have an inquiry out to my doctor. My youngest is 7 so this is whole new territory for me.
I haven’t had COVID during pregnancy, but I hope you feel better soon. And I’m glad you were able to call! I am sure all the offices have their own unique policies but my dr office said to always test for COVID if I feel sick at all and to call right away if I test positive so they can talk about steps to keep me and baby safe. They said their protocol in general is to take a baby aspirin every day for the remainder of the pregnancy after testing positive for COVID, which gave me reassurance that there is something I could do to help and that moms and babies can come through it without issue. Well I know that doesn’t answer your question but I’m wishing you well!!
Also to the other question, I would also like suggestions on maternity bras in general if anyone knows! I looked for them at Target bc my normal bras feel uncomfortable but they only had nursing bras?
Thank you! I just got off the phone with my doctor and she said the same thing about the baby aspirin. Off to the store my husband goes! I hope no one gets this - it’s awful!
Regarding maternity bras: I’m not sure if there are many options for strictly maternity bras. Usually they are sold as combo maternity/nursing bras. I bought some nursing bras from Kindred Bravely during my last pregnancy, and even though I ended up formula feeding, I still wear the bras because they are so comfortable! They also have regular sports bras that I love. Their maternity clothes are also super comfortable. A bit pricey, but good quality!
@perrybaby25 I had COVID during my last pregnancy, and everything turned out fine. Definitely talk with your Dr, and make sure you keep any high fever down. I was told to take baby aspirin for the rest of the pregnancy just in case then as well. Feel better soon!
@bigworldlittleg did you use any other maternity bras? I literally processed a return for kindred today and sent them back. The quality is good but I’m not a bra clasp girlie- I prefer a good bralette. Has anyone looked into the skims maternity bras?
@redseawitch Absolutely start looking into daycares. It can be hard to secure a spot these days. When we started looking for daycares for my son (early second trimester), we looked at 4 and there was only 1 that had a spot for us. The others we would have had to go on a waitlist and hope a spot opened up. So I’d say make that a priority right now!
@redseawitch echoing the above, but I would 100% recommend starting the daycare search now. With my first pregnancy I was shocked when I started calling places and everywhere was full. I am doing visits and putting us on multiple wait lists in the areas now to get calls when they transition the classes around August.
Anyone else having issues with this app? It keeps randomly signing me out and claiming my account doesn't exist, but then randomly fixes itself. Super weird and annoying...
Has anyone had an increase in thick discharge? Dr tested me for an infection. It came back negative and I don't have an STD. Sometimes when I wipe, there is gobs of yellowish colored discharge. Dr said it's normal but it has me nervous! 12w2d
Hi all! Anyone concerned about weight? I’m 13w3d and haven’t gained a pound. I know it’s normal to potentially lose some weight in the 1st trimester but I’ve been able to eat like normal for the last few weeks. My biggest concern is that I’m not eating enough but I also don’t want to overdo it. Any advice? I only gained 20-25lbs with my 2nd and 3rd babies but I had diabetes so I was on a strict diet. I have a healthy BMI. Thanks!
I'm the same way. Didn't gain much with my first two either (severe nausea in 1st trimester with all 3 of them). I just try and eat nutritious food as much as possible and try not to worry about the numbers. I get a monthly ultrasound because that's what's standard in my country, and baby has always been a normal size for development age.
So as long as you are eating steadily and trying to choose nutritious options I'd say try not to worry. Though that's easier said than done from my experience. 😅
Hi! What’s the deal with lunch meat? I’ve heard you can’t have any unless it’s heated, but I want a cold turkey sandwich soooo bad. Oscar Meyer makes a mesquite smoked turkey and it doesn’t say anything about it being uncured. I haven’t eaten anything on the “no-no” list thus far. I’m 15 weeks now!
@knottie200940eb12d5e55f my OB said I could have it (just not in excess or like every day sandwich)! I’ve had the same craving. I’ve also heard you can just zap it in the microwave. I’d ask your doc in your next appointment!
Are any of you at the point of considering childbirth classes, doulas, or even those Fresh 48/newborn photo sessions? How are you feeling about it?
I was doing some reading and realized that it seems like many people book these services kind of early in the second trimester (along with daycare waitlists…and starting prepping for the baby supplies…and really saving up for an unpaid maternity leave….yikes).
My dr recommended checking into doulas and childbirth education beyond what the hospital offers. She mentioned the Bradley Method (it’s 12 weeks of classes)…. since personally I am interested in avoiding an epidural if possible (I get really scared of numbness and needles, etc)….
It’s all a little overwhelming to me (and adds up $$ which might just price us out anyway)! I’ve been trying to just get through the nausea and not forget my prenatal vitamin too often, but now suddenly feel like I need to make a spreadsheet to start organizing all these TASKS 😂😂
@watermelonsunshine I did not personally have a doula, but people I know that did have one absolutely loved having their doula there. They can definitely be pricey (see if your insurance will cover some of the cost), but if your hope is to go without an epidural, a doula could absolutely be worth the money. They will know various positions and strategies to help with the pain and progress labor (FWIW I was also terrified at the thought of an epidural and being numb, and then when I was actually in labor that fear disappeared - it was really nice to have a break from contractions and be able to rest, and it wasn’t nearly as bad getting it as I had imagined). Birth can be unpredictable and overwhelming, and the doula is there to help you and advocate for you, and you only.
I did a virtual class on hypnobirthing through the positive birth company (it’s pre-recorded and you watch at your own pace). I found it very helpful, and another thing I would recommend if you’d like to avoid the epidural: https://thepositivebirthcompany.com/digital-pack
And definitely if you’re interested in a newborn photo shoot, book that asap!
@watermelonsunshine We did a birthing class through the community college as it was the only in-person option in our small town. It was helpful to get good information about how to prepare for birth, techniques for birthing without intervention, information on the various interventions for various issues that come up during pregnancy, and information on nursing. I do think some of the best advice I walked away with when it comes to a birthing plan is to have a plan and to hold it loosely. (Probably good parenting advice, too!) So much can happen. It’s the wildest ride. We didn’t use a doula either. (We have had friends that have used doulas and birthed at home and loved the experience.) Our OB clinic has such amazing doctors, midwives, and nurses. Some are very hands on and were helpful with different positions and techniques during the laboring process. I didn’t feel like I lacked support or help during any of my laboring experiences and each was such a different experience. There are a lot of good options that it can make it overwhelming. It’s funny, my close group of friends all made very different choices about birthing plans (and continue to with parenting) and it’s helped me see that there are a lot of good options. And it’s important to sort through to figure out what is best for you and your family. Everyone’s doing the best they can with what the resources they have (time, money, capacity, skills, information, etc.). (Sorry to write so much and get so philosophical, I have been sorting through this and trying to remember what I’m learning when I question myself or parenting decisions I make, which is more often than I’d like to admit. 🙃)
First time mom here! I’m 16 weeks and 3 days. I’m just wondering what do kicks feel like? I read on here that you might be able to feel them at this point.
@knottie200940eb12d5e55f I honestly didn’t feel them until closer to 20 weeks and they were KICKS. I never got flutters (and still none this time!). I definitely knew once I felt it that it wasn’t gas.
Re: The Great Big Question Thread
Also to the other question, I would also like suggestions on maternity bras in general if anyone knows! I looked for them at Target bc my normal bras feel uncomfortable but they only had nursing bras?
@perrybaby25 feel better mama!
Any suggestions for keeping things organized when setting these things up?
I'm the same way. Didn't gain much with my first two either (severe nausea in 1st trimester with all 3 of them). I just try and eat nutritious food as much as possible and try not to worry about the numbers. I get a monthly ultrasound because that's what's standard in my country, and baby has always been a normal size for development age.
So as long as you are eating steadily and trying to choose nutritious options I'd say try not to worry. Though that's easier said than done from my experience. 😅
I was doing some reading and realized that it seems like many people book these services kind of early in the second trimester (along with daycare waitlists…and starting prepping for the baby supplies…and really saving up for an unpaid maternity leave….yikes).
And definitely if you’re interested in a newborn photo shoot, book that asap!
I honestly didn’t feel them until closer to 20 weeks and they were KICKS. I never got flutters (and still none this time!). I definitely knew once I felt it that it wasn’t gas.