Weekly Check-In w/o Sept 22

aisleofviewtwo · September 22

EDD / Weeks + Days:

FTM/STM/TTM+/it's complicated:

Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green:

Upcoming Appointments:

How are you feeling?

Rants/Raves:

Questions:

GTKY: What is your favorite thing about fall?

thatbaintforbetty · September 22

EDD / Weeks + Days: 12-26 / 26 & 3

FTM/STM/TTM+/it's complicated: 3rd

Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: blue!

Upcoming Appointments: 10/3, 10/17, 10/31, and also regularly scheduled NSTs will start some time soon.

How are you feeling? Huge, tired, achy, itchy. Think I had some braxton hicks today.

Rants/Raves: UGH!!! So we got an exposure notice for my youngest’s class that there was head lice. I have been checking and thought we got lucky but yesterday I found one on the older kiddo. So now we have to do the whole shampoo/comb on the whole family, and clean allllll the things. Because I didn’t have enough going on….

(and yes I called the advice nurse to verify that nix lice shampoo was safe during pregnancy. No idea what I would have done if it wasn’t.)

But on the positive side my new coffee maker will be here today! Our old one had been slowly dying and finally this morning just went off the rails. So new programmable (!) coffee machine for meeee! 🥳

Questions: I probably had one but my brains fried right now.

GTKY: What is your favorite thing about fall?

I would say the temperature but …northern CA fall is not very different from summer. It’s like mid/high 80s/low 90s vs 105. Eventually it will cool off…in like late November.

I hate pumpkin flavoring, and nobody in my house will eat squash with me so fall kinda falls into the meh category. I do love pecan pie and all the apple flavored things but I don’t exactly equate them with fall specifically.

iwantcookies · September 22

@thatbaintforbetty yaaay a new coffee machine!!! I’m not a huge pumpkin person but love a good caramel drizzle and I feel you on the no fall thing. I’m tropical/subtropical so cooler weather won’t show up until January/feb the earliest

EDD / Weeks + Days: 12/7 29w2d

FTM/STM/TTM+/it's complicated: FTM

Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: BLUE

Upcoming Appointments: Just had my biweekly but am now scheduled out weekly for BPP scans on top of my biweeklies and also growth scans every 4 weeks.

How are you feeling? Better. I’ve been walking and swimming a lot more and that has helped some. I’ve been anxious about being diagnosed with mild Polyhydramnios but my midwife said because everything else looks really good I should try to stress less but they understand it adds another level of anxiety, also baby boy is in the 90th percentile 🥴😂. We’ll see how I feel tomorrow as I also got the flu and Tdap vaccines during this visit.

Rants/Raves: I feel the click is ticking FAST now to get things done and I feel like I don’t even know what I need to do at this point. SO feeling unprepared

Questions: at what point are you planning your hospital go bag and any tips from second plus timers on things to bring or not bring?

GTKY: What is your favorite thing about fall?

when I lived in New England it was the cool weather hot apple ciders and fall colors. Now it’s the chance to enjoy the outdoors without sweating my ass off 😂 I’m more of a winter season girly now

knottie252d7dccf1553e22 · September 22

EDD / Weeks + Days: 12/20 27+ 2

FTM/STM/TTM+/it's complicated:FTM

Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: 🧩

Upcoming Appointments: hearing up for weekly OB appts starting next week! Growth scan in a few weeks.

How are you feeling? Leg cramps are gearing up. Tired and winded. Also more flatulence lately. 😩🫠😬😵😮‍💨

Rants/Raves: it’s getting real! Choosing between pediatricians, day care center reviews, hospital tour for big day. What do I really need for the first few months with a tiny apartment? Tons of research, watching YouTube videos and reading Reddit reviews on all things baby. Searches, baby in a budget in multiple forums.

Trying to mindfully nest while leaving co workers a cushion for when I’m out on Mat leave.

Don’t forget to take pics as you’re only pregnant with your first one time.

No family / village to lean in on.

Thankful all the way!

Questions:

What am I even doing?!

GTKY: What is your favorite thing about fall?

Sweaters! Leaves changing, cider (virgin of course), cool air! Time for everyone to slow down with the weather (where 4 seasons exists) and the holidays even if it’s just my husband, new baby and I!

caffeinatedandtired · September 23

EDD / Weeks + Days: 12/18, 27w5d

FTM/STM/TTM+/it's complicated: FTM

Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: Pink!

Upcoming Appointments: Glucose screen this week

How are you feeling? Anxious for the glucose test this week, hoping all will go smoothly. Excited to be entering third tri - where has the time gone!

Rants/Raves: We traveled for my nephews birthday this weekend and I, as expected, slept horribly in a different bed. I feel like I'm still recovering because no night is a full nights rest anymore. Baby girl is growing so fast! I'm sad because I think it is about time for me to give up reformer Pilates, which has been huge in helping me stay connected to my core and glute muscles, but involves too much laying flat on your back.

Questions: None, just seconding @iwantcookies question about hospital bag!

GTKY: What is your favorite thing about fall?
Cooler weather without the spring time allergies, I do love pumpkin flavored treats in moderation (surprisingly don't love pumpkin pie), and soup / stew season!

thatbaintforbetty · September 23

@iwantcookies @caffeinatedandtired

I have seen several videos of people packing everything and the kitchen sink and honestly I think that’s crazy.

I had an outfit or two for me,(maxi dress for the win, wore it home after both) I ended up with a short stay with my second and was in the gown the whole time. I think I stayed in the gown with my first too but that’s because I didn’t want/feel up to changing with all the blood loss until it was closer to leaving time. Nursing bra and pads.

I packed basic toiletries but I have never showered at the hospital. Charger and/or cords. Headphones/speaker. Slippers/slip ons. Maybe some wipes, like general freshening up ones. I don’t wear make up so that was never on my radar. Chapstick is a yes.

For baby: outfit or two(i will probably have preemie and newborn)
a swaddle or two.
if you are going to use formula bring whatever kind you think you want to use if that is different from what’s provided.

Same with pacifiers.

Didn’t need: diapers, wipes, pads, peri bottle. I liked the mesh underwear but if you think you want different then grab that.

DH: a change of clothes (probably 2), cords/chargers, toothbrush, deodorant. Snacks.

Pack snacks! You may or may not want/can eat. I didn’t bring a water bottle, they have cups.

anything you bring you have to remember to grab so I opt for minimal. They will also give you a bunch of stuff. So maybe an extra tote bag?

I wouldn’t bring a pump or anything related to it unless you plan to exclusively pump.

Possibly cash for vending machines. Differs depending on hospital.

I don’t know what/if any differs for a c-section so bear that in mind. But remember that birth is slightly unpredictable, do you have anyone who knows where things are at your place and can grab them in the event you stay longer/forget something?

I will say given I know I’ll be “early” ish and both the girls were in preemie, I have already talked to my mom about if he ends up being smaller than anticipated and she will grab some more preemie clothes and do a load of laundry with my soap for me so I don’t have to do it as the first thing when I get home.

I am slowly starting to gather things together but if I wasn’t so high risk/full of complications probably would have it packed 32/34 weeks.

nopegoat · September 23

@iwantcookies my college BFF is a FTM and due a month before me. She just asked me this question. This is what I sent her.

Hospital bag

-outfit for after birth (hospital will provide gowns I just prefer to wear my own clothes. Something loose because they will be coming in to check bleeding, push (hard🥴) on your uterus and see if any big clots come out)

-outfit for going home

-robe

-slip on shoes

-my own pillow

-toiletries and makeup

- long charger cord. Most of the outlets are a few feet away from the bed so 6-10ft cord.

For my husband

- something to sleep in

-change of clothes

- toiletries

-pillow and blanket

- Everything now basically takes cards, but we try to keep some cash on hand just in case for vending machines and so forth for snacks if the cafeteria and other stuff is closed later at night. Labor and postpartum will have some stuff on hand available always but they can be a bit more stingy with it when it comes to dads... 😑

Baby

- nursing pillow (this is also good for any unstable visitors like older family, young siblings, etc.) Ive also have seen mom's use it as a donut to sit on if they are super sore after birth.

- any special outfits, hats, blankets, signs, etc for pictures and for coming home

- they will provide a little shirt or onesie, hat, and blankets that are standard.

- they provide wipes and diapers too usually pampers.

-they also provide a nose sucker bulb, and I believe baby wash and lotion like small samples. We refuse baths in the hospital.. so thats up to you if you want them to do it and if you want to bring your own soap for that.

some extra things

- snacks and drinks

- any keepsake books for hand and foot prints, baby books etc

-any extra pain coping things for birth, birthing combs, birthing balls, tens machine, music (ask your hospital too for what they provide)

- any movies, books, entertainment while waiting on labor

I know many say bring your pump and pumping supplies. I never have. The hospital will have some you can use if absolutely necessary or you can send Clint back home to get yours if you have one and need it.

Depending on time we check in, we don't bring a lot of our stuff, like his bag, nursing pillow, etc up until we get to our postpartum room unless we get to the hospital late at night or I need it during labor. Its a pain to bring it up to labor and delivery and then have to pack it all up and haul it over to a postpartum room.

nopegoat · September 23

EDD / Weeks + Days: 12/23 27wks

FTM/STM/TTM+/it's complicated: #8

Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: Pink

Upcoming Appointments: Next midwife appt is 10/8

How are you feeling? Exhausted. Huge. Super sore.

Rants/Raves: I'm struggling. I'm just so ready for December and to be holding my baby. My husband has been home and he has been amazing taking over as much as he possibly can. Dinner, cleaning, kids. All of it. I truly don't deserve him and not being capable to do things this early in pregnancy is driving me crazy!!
Raves- Did I mention my husband is home and is absolutely amazing?! Literally why we are on baby #8.

Questions: Na.

GTKY: What is your favorite thing about fall? We are in Texas. Fall doesn't truly come until like December.... But I do love all the easy access and excuse to all the good spices, apples, pumpkins, cranberries, etc!

rebecksah · September 23

EDD / Weeks + Days: 29+5

FTM/STM/TTM+/it's complicated: 3rd

Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: 💚

Upcoming Appointments: none this week except for my 15 month old to get his shots.

How are you feeling? tired, and honestly am so sick of my wardrobe. I hate everything I own!! also starting to think about packing my hospital bag, picking up NB diapers, picking out baby's outfit to come home in. everything feels so close but so far. this app says 10 weeks but I know it's more like 8 since I'm scheduling a c-section, but there's so much to do between then and now! which only makes the days go faster!

Rants/Raves: I had to start physiotherapy for my PGP. it shifted to my glutes and makes most tasks a struggle. the only time I have any pain free moments is on my hips. otherwise, there's a constant pain in my ass (LOL) and I just wanna be able to walk or sit up without feeling pain.

Questions: n/a

GTKY: What is your favorite thing about fall? the weather. though with my thyroid condition I'm not even sure I'll be able to fully enjoy it because I'm constantly overheating.

virginiaham · September 24

@thatbaintforbetty oooh a new programmable coffee machine sounds clutch heading into newborn life! Also I’m with you, eating all the squash alone in my family.

@iwantcookies I’m sorry for the extra anxiety with the mild polyhydramnios. Glad your care team is on top of it, and I know the appointments are a lot, hopefully you’ll get some extra reassurance week to week with the frequent check ins.

@nopegoat Mr. Nopegoat sounds like a gem!

@rebeksah ugh I hope the physiotherapy helps give you some relief.

EDD / Weeks + Days: 33w tomorrow — def needing to get my bags packed and things ordered 🙃

FTM/STM/TTM+/it's complicated: 3rd

Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: 🩷

Upcoming Appointments: 34wk appt next week

How are you feeling? Big and slow. But MH is home from his deployment and just thankful to not be doing this all solo.

Rants/Raves: I had my first appt/assessment with pelvic floor PT last week and glad she was able to identify some concrete things for me to work on, both to strengthen and tight areas to loosen.

Questions:

GTKY: What is your favorite thing about fall? It’s my husband’s favorite season ever, and he utterly delights in making it special with small things. I surprised him last week with a fall beeswax candle (that doesn’t aggravate my lungs) and our house has been smelling amazing in the evening. I personally love the couple of weeks where the temp is perfect, and then my wardrobe shift to leggings and cozy sweatshirts.

brookejay06 · September 25

EDD / Weeks + Days: 30+2

FTM/STM/TTM+/it's complicated: third

Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: boy

Upcoming Appointments: opted to wait until 32 weeks

How are you feeling? I feel great actually. Getting larger by the second so I walk slower lol but overall I have good energy! I have noticed my appetite decrease lately. And unrelated, big increase in all kinds of vaginal fluids. Fun.

Rants/Raves: someone said to me at the gym, “I’m surprised that a woman of your age is still working out this far in pregnancy!” (I’m 32 lol) I was not offended by this, the elderly gentleman meant well. But I got a good laugh out of it bc.. yeah, women are freaking awesome and we do really hard shit.

Questions:

GTKY: What is your favorite thing about fall? Getting this baby out lol. I like 70 degrees and I like baking.

knottie252d7dccf1553e22 · September 25

I do have a question about C-section pre and post tips for an AMA FTM.

What to do before a c-Section, helpful tips for recovery at the hospital and at home.

Any advice is welcome!

bridgiebee82 · September 26

EDD / Weeks + Days: 12/6 29w6d

FTM/STM/TTM+/it's complicated: IC

Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: 🩷

Upcoming Appointments: i had my 3 hour glucose test on Wednesday, waiting for results. Next appointment is 10/8 for a checkup, then MFM on 10/27 starts my weekly NSTs

How are you feeling? Meh. I went to Abbeyfest this last weekend, which is a Catholic music festival and it was awesome, but I got dehydrated even though I drank water like it was my job. I also got stung by a bee for the first time in like 30 years while there. I ended up at L&D on Sunday for the dehydration and I'm on antibiotics for a bladder infection. Hooray. Insomnia has kicked in big time. I've been awake since 2:30am and I know I'm going to be exhausted by noon.

Rants/Raves: I don't remember being this out of breath this early on last time. I also wasn't chasing a toddler all day and working so that could add to it.

Questions: n/a

GTKY: What is your favorite thing about fall? When the mosquitoes finally go back to hell where they belong. And apple cider and pumpkin pie. Soups and stews. The smell of the leaves on the ground, being able to sit outside and not sweat my face off (this has yet to happen this year). Watching all the leaves change color from green to red and orange and yellow.

@thatbaintforbetty hooray for a new coffee machine! I'm sorry about the lice! As a former teacher, it makes my head itch just thinking about it. There's this rosemary shampoo called fairy tales that my brother uses for his kids when there is a lice notice at school. Thankfully, they've never had it. So I'd say it works as a preventative.

@iwantcookies I'm sorry for the extra anxiety, but glad that your midwife seems to be on top of it and making you and baby are priority.

@nopegoat your family is truly blessed to have such a wonderful husband and father.

@rebecksah I have had a diagnosed thyroid condition for over 20 years. Why am I just now realizing that I could be overheating due to that, too?! 🤦🏻‍♀️

As for my hospital bag, I am going to pack one this weekend. I had to have an emergency c-section at 34 weeks last time and I was totally unprepared. I'll be bringing a change of clothes for myself. I'm fine with the gown because of all the pushing on my belly and checks and all that. A nursing bra because holy crap my boobs were killing me when I didn't have one! Phone charger. Laptop and charger for Netflix shows (Great British bakeoff!) And now that I use a CPAP I'll be bringing that, too. My own toiletries. For DH: he will have to pack his own clothes, a pillow, and his phone charger. Snacks on snacks on snacks. And drinks like body armor (i hate gatorade and powerade). For baby: a preemie outfit, a newborn outfit, and a 0-3 outfit. Who knows how big she will be? Lol I'm also bringing a boppy pillow for nursing and for visitors that might have trouble holding her, depending on how long we are there. And an empty tote bag to bring all the open diapers, wipes, mesh undies, pads, etc. from the hospital. If they're open, they toss them. So bring them home!!

thatbaintforbetty · September 26

@bridgiebee82 we have the fairy tales spray! And just got the shampoo/conditioner. I love that stuff. But I think because DD2s bff was the one that had it initially and triggered the exposure notice there was just no way we were going to escape. I’m thankful we made it this long without catching it.

I think she might now have pink eye though so really I’d love to catch a fucking break. 🙄

aisleofviewtwo · September 26

Oof, sorry y’all, I’ve been good about starting these weekly check-ins on Mondays but less good about making time to sit down and actually check in!

EDD / Weeks + Days: December 24, 27w2d

FTM/STM/TTM+/it's complicated: FTM

Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: 💚

Upcoming Appointments: glucose test next Monday 9/29, then growth scan with MFM on 10/22

How are you feeling? Starting to get out of breath faster while jogging, I think my lungs are starting to get crowded out, but that’s fortunately been the worst of it. Feeling a little anxious we’re not farther along in prepping for baby, but planning to paint the nursery this weekend and get the major furniture items in place next weekend, and hoping that’ll be all the big stuff done and enough to quell the anxiety.

Rants/Raves: Everyone keeps telling me to let them know when I want them to come help after the baby is born, and it’s stressing me out (probably more than it should). I know this is them wanting to be thoughtful and supportive, but as a FTM with a crazy independence streak, I honestly have no clue when or even if I’ll want helpers around. I wish they would just tell when they’re interested in coming or able to visit.

Questions:

GTKY: What is your favorite thing about fall? Temps cool enough to snuggle under mounds of blankets, no guilt about turning the oven on to bake all the things, and, after the first freeze, no more weeding the yard until next spring!

aisleofviewtwo · September 26

@virginiaham I bought a little 50-cent bag of chips at the grocery store check-out yesterday. Mine were Ruffles, not Cheetos, but man did they hit the spot!

@thatbaintforbetty Oof that sounds like a rough stretch. Hoping the lice and possible pink eye situations get sorted quickly and then life gives you a bit of a break here soon! You've more than earned it.

@caffeinatedandtired How did the glucose test end up going for you? I've got mine Monday and I'm kind of dreading it.

@nopegoat Hang in there! December feels simultaneously so close and so far away, but I'm sure it will be here before we know it. Glad you've got your husband there to lighten the load where he can.

@bridgiebee82 I'm so glad you were able to get support for the dehydration. That's scary. Idk if it's just something about third tri but I've noticed recently I'm having a much harder time drinking as much water as I know I should. Sounds like you were doing everything you could, though, so I'll just take this as my reminder to be better. Also ugh, insomnia sucks. I've had to train myself to not look at the clock, stay in bed, and the best trick I've found has been to just count breaths until I can manage to bore my brain back to sleep.

bridgiebee82 · September 26

@thatbaintforbetty nooooooo not pinkeye! A teacher's worst nightmare combo! 🙃

@aisleofviewtwo are you taking the glucola drink from your doctor's office? If so, refrigerate it and be ready to want to puke when you drink it. This time I almost pooped my pants as I was headed out the door for my blood draw. It was awful and I almost missed the time window. The 3 hour test was not as bad.

aisleofviewtwo · September 27

@bridgiebee82 Yeah just planning to drink whatever they give me, but I thought they’d give me it when I arrive at the office? Def haven’t had the logistics explained to me in advance, and it’s too late to ask now since the appointment is Monday morning. Guess I’ll just show up at my appointment time and see what I get 🤷‍♀️ I bet refrigeration would have helped, tho

caffeinatedandtired · September 27

@aisleofviewtwo I was really anxious about the test in the couple of days leading up, but here to report that I didn’t think it was too bad. My OB office keeps the glucola drinks refrigerated and gave it to me right after taking my vitals. Now… I do like juice / Gatorade / sweet things, it did taste like a flat soda. A little syrupy, but the worst part was getting it down in under 3 mins because I’m not a chugger. It’s like the consistency of a room temp Gatorade, but my glucola drink was chilled.

After that, I saw my OB while waiting for the hour. Only once I felt a little sick during the wait, but I just tried to breathe through it. Treat yourself to some food right after the visit! You got this!

aisleofviewtwo · September 29

@bridgiebee82 @caffeinatedandtired Update: Just chugged my glucose drink and joke’s on me, the brain freeze I got from how chilled they had it was the worst part 😭

bridgiebee82 · September 30

@aisleofviewtwo oh nooooooo

I'm going to be honest. I'd rather have brain freeze than what I had. I hope you pass your test!

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