September Third Trimester (27 Weeks to Delivery)

[praises1139]

Congratulations! May your 3rd trimester go smoothly. Happy & safe deliveries to all. Looking forward to hearing about the arrivals of your LOs.

[Tiffany1]

Ouch! This heartburn is brutal! I already take Zantac twice a day, so I can't take it for another couple of hours. It normally isn't this bad as long as I remember to take my Zantac, it must just be a bad acid day. I'm finally starting to recover from that 3-hour(or should I say 5-hour)GTT test yesterday morning. Other than that, things are going well here. I feel like my stomach is really starting to get big. I'm excited for the baby shower that the jazzercise people are throwing me next week, I hope people come, it's hard to know how many people will show up. I'm still on track to finish school by my goal, so I feel really good about that.

Alright, question for you guys. I will first say, I like my mother and law, she is fine, and nice. She emailed me today asking if she could stay with me for a few days in October. Now, I don't care if she does or not, but is it bad that I'm hoping that she doesn't? The reason she is coming out is because her father won this thing for them to fly him to see the WWII memorial, and understandably, she wants to be there with him. The last I heard I was going to go down and meet him at the memorial(he has dementia and wouldn't recognize me, but still, I can get pictures, etc.). I'm also afraid of how tired I'm going to be by the beginning of October. I am already exhausted on a daily basis, and then having to try to entertain someone...I guess I'd rather her come now than after the baby is born, so it will be what it is, whatever happens. When she wants to come though is also my birthing and lactation class(it's a 9-5 class on a Sunday). I'm slightly worried that she'll come out and want to go with me. Like I said, I like her just fine, but I want to go to this class by myself. They will obviously be talking about things that are very personal to me, like the childbirth part and especially the breastfeeding. I don't want to feel like I have to hold back any questions or my interest because she is there. So, here's to hoping she can't make it(terrible of me, I know).

[Kricket]

Quick update....

First congrats to all of you who delivered!!! I hope you all are doing well and your babies are thriving!

I haven't been on the boards much as I'm so busy but thought I would give you my update on delivery. I am scheduled to be induced Wednesday evening. I'll go in for cytotec and they will start pitocin in the am. Less than a week away!!! I'll be like 37 weeks and 2-3 days!

Good luck to everyone we are all in the homestretch.

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[MegzyAngel]

YAY welcome to September.

Cant believe im 30 weeks already. Now where has all them weeks gone.

Tiffany - I know what you mean about Inlaws comign to stay...I would personally find it weird them staying here while DH is away....Like you I like my inlaws and get along with them fine so wouldnt be a problem there. As for the Classes, Maybe say to her that the hospital only allows partners in the class with you? So then she can't go. Actually there are some hospitals here that do that. I went to an info session earlier on for their birthing centre (which i didnt get into anyway cause aparently im to high risk) and they wouldnt even let partners in because of limited space so poor DH had to wait out in the waiting area. Luckily got heaps of stuff he could read.

Kricket - Good luck with the induction. I can't wait to hear the news that LO is ok and everything went well. So exciting :D

AFM - Not all that much to report here. Except DH will be home from his trip tomorrow YAY. Got my next Antenatal appointment on Thursday so hopefully they schedule my next scan to check my placenta and I get my GTT results since i'm still waiting...Figured they must be fine since I havn't heard from them at all.
DH got LO a nice Topaz Birthstone in Thailand. Since November's birthstone is Topaz....Just gotta hope now that she doesnt come in October or turn out to be a boy hehe. Stay in there LO.

[Tiffany1]

Well, I think my fingers aren't going to go down from this swolleness. They are just getting worse. Last night, they have gotten to the point where when I bend my fingers, the pads of my fingers can no longer touch the 3rd segment in my finger. At least this goes away after birth! Anyone have any tips on how to decrease swelling? My ankles actually seem to be looking better lately. I'm pretty good about putting my feet up :)

Heads up for anyone interested. Target seems to be having a great sale this weekend. The travel system I have been eyeing for a long time was $209, it is on sale just this weekend for $188! I also somehow got another $5 knocked off of it and the online bank I go with will give me 3% back on the purchase, not bad! If it didn't go on sale, I was buying it on October 1st, so I'll just get it a little earlier than first planned. I originally had it on my registry hoping that maybe a group would go together and get it, but with such a great deal, I can't risk that!

My doctor told me to do the kick count after I eat a meal and then lay on my side. But he kicks more than 10 times in an hour randomly in the day, is that fine for my count or does it have to be after a meal? Crossing my fingers I pass the 3-hour GTT test! Have a great weekend everyone! I keep forgetting it is Labor Day weekend. I haven't even brought it up to my husband in case he forgot, since he doesn't get any days off while he is out there. Someone was complaining on their facebook status last week that they are scheduled to work for the next 2 weeks straight, I had to hold back that my husband has been scheduled to work for the next 365+ days straight. I have to remind myself that everyone goes through their own thing and everyone experiences their life differently, and that is fine. Going to the pool today and working on school. I might stop at the consignment shop after the pool. My husband laughs when I tell him that I'm freaking about how much stuff I need to get for the baby yet, he thinks it is funny and that I don't need that much stuff, I'm hoping he is right. After my showers, I'm going to sit down with "Baby Bargains" and go through what I think I really need yet, make a list, and then buy it.

[lilly08]

Hi Everyone... Happy September and yay for another day/week/month down. I guess my doc wants me to go to 40wks... but i feel like she will come out any day now... like many girls here I am having soo much pelvic and back pain... I guess it comes with the territory.

Kriket~ Yay for meeting LO this week!!

Tiffany~ I hope your MIL realizes how uncomfortable you can possibly be... I hope things work out for you.

Megzy~ Yay for DH coming home... I don't know how you do it.

[dawndalebout]

Hellooooo ladies! And Congrats to all of those who have delivered beautiful babies already! I haven't been on much lately, different things going on so here's the brief 4-1-1 how I'm doing. Well, still pregnant havent delivered yet (darn) but only a little over a week left to DD (the 14th). My sugar's (GD) have been getting higher so the doc up'd my Glyburide to 5mg a day.So that's been bringing them down.However I'll admit I have been slacking taking the meds and taking my sugar's for the past week :( I know, I shouldn't.. I need to get back on track with it again. I only got checked for dialation once this week and that was Monday. I was still 3cm, and 80% effaced.. Still been having some contractions on and on. Some pretty good ones too, and frequent b ut then when I go to keep track incase I should go into L&D they slow down/stop. Ever since I went into L&D 2 weeks ago because of contractions (when I first f ound out I was dialated 3cm) while on the NST the baby's accelerations weren't the greatest.. they were going to keep me to monitor but since I had an app the next day anyways they let me go. That next day (again, 2 weeks ago) they were a little bit better, but still not the greatest and I was having contractions. Surprised the doc didn't do anything, she was even surprised as I had ab out 20contractions within about 1/2hr.. maybe they weren't strong enough contractions is why she didn't do anything? Then Thursday's app this week baby's accelerations weren't great in the begining, but then she started getting more active (probably was sleepy in begining) and then they picked up and there were a few good accelerations. So, that's a good thing. I was sort of getting worried.. esp how one of the docs I seen when I asked her to explain the whole "acceleration thing" made me think there could be soemthing wrong with her, development wise or something..Man, I sure hope not. I pray to god that everything will be okay with her. She said it doesn't always mean that there are abnormalities or anything just sometimes they're brain isn't developed all the way or something.. so.. I'm going to do a bit of research so I know exactly what it's all about.
Any of you ladies ever had any issues with the baby's accelerations? Where there any problems? Does/can it mean if they don't have good accelerations that there could be abnormalities/development issues? Oh, I pray that doesn't happen... :(
Anyways, oh and not this past Thursday, but last Thursday when I had my weekly u/s they "guessed" the baby to be 7lbs 3oz.. which is good. But, like I've heard u/s can be way off too so. But I won't go on and on, as many of you know I can write some pretty lenthy posts hehe :D I just hope she comes out soon! 1st and 2nd Tri were fine but this ending ohhhh man, SO ready to NOT be pregnant and hold our baby in our arms! How many of you are ready for it all to be over with!?
Again, CONGRATS to all you ladies who delivered already.. and hopefully I'll be in that catagory soon enough!

[ellebelle]

Yay!

I am officially in the third tri!!!!

On the home stretch now.


BTW....are any of your ladies experiencing a return of nausea?

[jamiec0326]

Congrats to all of you joining us in the third tri!

Dawn - I am right there with you! So ready to get this pregnancy over with! Even knowing this is my last one. I feel awful! Just ready to hold her and know she is ok. Kailyn is not near as active as Bean was and some days she doesn't move much at all. It worries me some days. Just so ready for the next 3-4 weeks to be over with!

[Tiffany1]

Well ladies, I got the official call this morning. I failed 2 out of the 4 blood draws on the 3-hour GTT test, therefore now categorized as having GD. She said the ones I failed weren't super high, but still in the abnormal range, which is enough for me to believe her. So tomorrow morning I pick up my supplies(which she told me are the tester and stuff) from the pharmacy, thank goodness it's all free thanks to the military, and I go to a GD class at 9am. I really hope they focus on how to eat properly, because I could really benefit from that. I eat terribly, and I've always known it. I need professional help in that department. If I feel like I need more guidance, I'm going to ask to get an appt with the nutritionist. I want to take this very seriously, as it is my health and my baby's health I have to think about. I was also told that I will no longer be seeing the NP and will have to see a doctor. I'm hoping that's a good thing for me, maybe I'll get a little better care then? With the NP, I always felt so rushed.

Anyway, I was pretty worked up about that this morning and called my mom crying, but I'm okay with it now. I just want to know what I can and can not eat, and all that good stuff. My doula should be arriving in about 10 minutes for our 2nd meeting. Tomorrow is the baby shower the jazzercise ladies are throwing for me, so that is exciting. If there is anyone with any support with this whole GD thing or tips for a better diet and meals, I'm all ears! I'm looking forward to starting my finger pricking tomorrow to find out how I'm doing.

[jamiec0326]

Tiffany - It will all be ok. I promise. Glad you are going to some classes those should help you out if they weren't to high then you can probably control yours with diet. That is a great thing! Good luck to you! Hope your second meeting with the doula goes well!

[Tiffany1]

Thanks Jamie! The 2nd meeting with the doula actually went incredibly well. I told her about my diagnosis I got this morning and she actually talked to me about it for over an hour. Sure, I might have to get rid of a bit of things in my kitchen, but that's okay. Also, what I can eat will some some trial and error as I just have to see how I respond to certain things. She went through portion sizes and what I should be eating and how often. I feel like this is doable now. Sure, I have to give up all that stuff I really love, the junk, but I can have it every once in a while after the baby is born. I'm taking this as a challenge and a task, I'm just going to have to write out meal plans. Plus, I can have eggs and turkey bacon for breakfast! How awesome is that! This is actually as she said "a blessing in disguise." Not only am I at more risk of developing diabetes later in life because of BD, but also because of PCOS, so learning a proper diet now could really impact my life a great deal! Also, I wanted to start eating healthy around teh baby to be a good example and this provides the perfect opportunity to learn! Because I have to! I am really trying to pull all the positive out of this diagnosis. I am actually really happy with my doula also, I think she is a really good fit. I was nervous about her because the 1st time we met it seemed a little iffy, but I'm totally happy about it now :) Tiffany - It will all be ok. I promise. Glad you are going to some classes those should help you out if they weren't to high then you can probably control yours with diet. That is a great thing! Good luck to you! Hope your second meeting with the doula goes well!

[jamiec0326]

Glad it went really well!

[lmaguire]

Tiff - sorry you have to deal with the GD stuff, but I love and admire your outlook on it. I really need to try to get to more of a GD friendly diet. Like you said, we are already at a higher risk due to PCOS, and I have a family history. I'm so glad you like your doula! I remember you saying you weren't sure about her, but I'm happy it's going to work out. Have fun at your baby shower!

jamie - can't believe how close you are! so jealous! I want to see my little one too, but I have a heck of a lot longer to go - ugh!

elle - some days I do feel a little more nauseated. i think it's where my baby is located though. he's breech right now, and I can feel pressure up by my rib cage almost 24-7, so I think he may be compressing my stomach.

I hope everyone had a good long Labor Day weekend! I had my second level II u/s on Friday, and my placenta has moved up a little so no placenta previa anymore! Little one looks good and is right on schedule. He is breech right now, but he still has plenty of time to turn, which he will hopefully do sooner rather than later. Also, got my blood work back, and my liver enzymes were high, and my iron levels are low. I'm taking iron supplements already, so I'm trying to increase my iron levels from food. We'll see how it goes. I have to repeat it in two weeks. Hopefully it'll be resolved. Sorry I've rambled on enough - hope everyone's having a good day.

[lmaguire]

Oh, and I forgot to mention - the woman that was going to watch our son for us when I go back to school backed out this weekend, so I have to find child care again. It's a never-ending battle!

Here's one of our u/s pics! She did a few 3D shots for us!

[shan3401]

Elle-welcome to the third tri!!

Tiff-sorry about the gd dx. In my class we talked to a nutritionist. Mine has been contrallable with diet so far.

Imaguire-Yay for no placenta previa!!

Afm-yeah also looking forward to the end of pregnancy. Just a little sad everyonce in a while cause this is the last one, but counting down the days to meet this little girl :)

[Jillybn32]

Tiffany,

I just got diagnosed with gestational diabetes last week. I too failed 2 of the 4 draws. Best thing to do is meet with the dietitian in the clinic. They'll teach you how to count carbs and give you your exact carb amount to aim for at each meal and snack and what times to eat based on your schedule. Make sure to emphasize protein foods with each meal and snack as well as fat sources too. I am keeping a detailed food log so I can tell which carb foods my body handles better than others. Also we seem to be more insulin-resistant in the morning, so morning carbs may need to be lowered and focus on whole grains then for sure (and always).

When I got my meter I had the hardest time getting blood from the finger prick! I've found that running my hands under warm water and putting a rubber band around my finger before I prick helps (weird I know).

We'll be here to support each other! I cried too when I got the call, and I'm slowly getting better about it. Hope your appointments go well. If you need help carb counting or anything feel free to ask, I love to analyze my diet :)

[Kricket]

Hi all. Just a quick update that I was admitted yesterday to Labor and Delivery. I was scheduled for induction this evening but the doc and peri wanted me to come on in for an echocardiogram and EKG for me. I am scheduled for my first cytotec at 7pm!

I am 37 weeks and everyone is very happy I made it this far. By tomarrow night I'll be relaxing with Caden Thomas in the post partum ward!!!!

I can't wait. Thanks to everyone for their support and please say a little extra prayer for us. I feel a sense of peace right now. I hope it's not the calm before the storm!

Take care.

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[jamiec0326]

Lauren - Babysitters are a constant worry. Sorry you are back on the look for one. Yours will be here before you know it too! My pregnancy has really went by fast but the last couple weeks have drug out some. I think it is cause I am sooo ready! lol

Shan - I am a little sad cause this is my last one too but I am more excited to get it over! lol!

Kricket - Can't wait to read your story! Hope everything goes smoothly for you today!

[MegzyAngel]

Tiffany & Jillybn - Sorry to hear about the GD diagnosis. I just got back from my check up and just found out that I too have GD (Still trying to work out why they didn't call me about it since i had the GTT 2 weeks ago. I hope we can all support each other through this. Everything will be ok.

Kricket - Good luck to you and i hope everything goes well...Cant wait to hear the news of LO's arrival. :)

lmaguire - I'm glad your placenta moved up. I don't get to find out if mines moved until week 34. Fingers crossed it has. Sorry about your Iron levels being low also...Aparently Vitamin C can help with Iron Absorption so maybe worth a try. And I also hope you can find someone to look after your son while your at school.

Jamie - I know what you mean about the pregnancy going fast. DH even commented saying this one has flown along. Kind of starting to get scared actually. Some times I just want LO to be here and other times i'm like no stay in there cause im not ready yet. Still got 9ish weeks to go though.

AFM - As I said above got diagnosed with GD this morning. I really wasn't surprised since I was warned prior that I'm high risk due to PCOS and a family history of diabetes in general. Not to mention my healthyish diet going down the drain as soon as MS hit. I have a class next thursday with a dietician and i think an endocrinologist to go through a diet plan and other things. Then i'm on weekly appointments from here on in. They also said that I will need more ultrasounds too (Suppose thats a good thing as get to see LO more). She's measuring fine at the moment though so thats looking good there.

Anyway some good news....Finally got our Veggie patch sorted out and some seeds n seedlings planted. Can't wait to have fresh home grown veggies again. Also got some more rose bushes and a couple of other plants in as well. Think I did a little to much though since my back is sore and so are my hips.

[jamiec0326]

Megzy - Don't over do yourself! But there is nothing like fresh home grown veggies!

[Tiffany1]

I am so grateful to have my blood glucose reader! I am trying to follow the diet, and today is the 1st full day I'll be doing it, but I started last night. This morning my fasting was 86, which I thought was a little high considering I hadn't eaten in at least 9 hours, but I know it isn't really high. So for breakfast, to stick with the 15-30 carb limit, I had 3 strips of turkey bacon, a couple servings of scrambled eggs, and a piece of toast with butter(the toast was my carb). I tested 2 hours later, my reading was 89. I just love the feedback though! Now I know that I can maybe add a little more carb to my breakfast. As I told my husband though, honestly, I will be happy when the baby comes out and I don't have to follow a strict diet and can just live a healthy diet and splurge every once in a while. The doctor explained it to us as a class though how important it is not to splurge while pregnant with GD. So anyway, I just felt like I had to share my experience this morning since it seems like a lot of us are being diagnosed with GD lately. My lunch plans include rice and beans and then whatever else I can fit in there for the carbs recommended. Is it weird that I'm sort of finding this fun? It is interesting to see how my body reacts to what I am eating!

Otherwise, nothing else new going on pregnancy wise. I had a baby shower yesterday, I got a lot of great things, and a few things where I'm hoping no one saw the look on my face where I was thinking "what were they thinking?" But really, I am happy with everything I got. I feel so grateful to everyone that thought of me and the people that came. I just felt so touched, I couldn't believe everything! I've never had a shower before, but it was just absolutely wonderful :)

The baby moves around still a ton, enough where I don't have to sit down and do kick counts. He also HATES it when I go to bed. He kicks my stomach on the side that is touching the mattress, it is quite comical. I also have my first appt with a "real" doctor on the 19th. The hospital I go to you just see an NP if there are no problems, but with the GD diagnosis, I'm now considered a no problem patient, boo!

My husband's grandfather(and I say my favorite grandfather) had a stroke yesterday. He is not doing well at all and they are trying to decide if they should pull the plug or not, so I've been crying it seems like way too much.

I am so close to finishing school and it just seems like one thing after another has been happening to throw a wrench into finishing on time. I'm still trying to stay positive that I will finish, but at least today, I'm having a difficult time. At least my blood glucose is on track so far today, so that is a positive. It is really hard for my husband to deal with this grief he has about his grandfather being so far away, I'm just trying to be there for him as much as possible. I'm sorry for the scrambled post, the pregnancy brain seems to be getting worse and I can't stay on any kind of track it seems.

[jamiec0326]

Tiffany - Your readings are great! Sorry to hear about dh grandfather!

[Tiffany1]

Thanks Jamie! They told us it will be a lot of trial and error, so I went with 64 grams of carbs for lunch to see how my body would react. I'll let you know the reading in a couple of hours. I think I need to start buying low carb stuff so I can fit more in. I had a tuna sandwich(I even measured the mayo I put in it!) and a yogurt(more because I need to eat them before they go bad. The sandwich was about 39 carbs and the yogurt 25. I will have more things to choose from next time I go to the grocery store, but I want to see what I can do with what I have around the house during this trial period.

[Jillybn32]

For us with GD, I found a great website to plan and track your meals. Myfitnesspal.com. It is free to sign up and you build your meals and it has EVERYTHING in its database. Seriously, even my brand of fish oil is on there! It is a weight loss website so it asks for you height/weight age and goal weight, so I just put those in and ignored their calorie/carb goals for me and use it to track my food. It breaks down your calories, carbs, protein, and fat by meal.

[Tiffany1]

Alright, so after eating those 64 grams of carbs for lunch, my 2 hour reading was 109. Is that decent? I know I'm supposed to be 120 or below at 2 hours after a meal, but I have no idea if that is a good number or if I should be concerned.

[jamiec0326]

109 is fine! As long as it doesn't get over 120 and some drs are not real concerned around 120. You are doing great!

[Tiffany1]

Thank goodness Jamie! I feel like I can barely eat. I'm actually concerned I am going to start losing weight. At least supper is when I like to cook meat, so supper is always much more filling. I won't say I'm so much hungry, just so not satisfied. For lunch I was like, all I can have is a tuna fish sandwich and a yogurt. I couldn't even have milk, because then I would be way over the 60 grams I was aiming for. I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to stay on the diet because I can't think of anything I can eat and stuff that is simple! I can't live off of eggs and turkey bacon. I actually feel like eating a meal I would normally eat, just to see where my reading would be, just because I'm curious, but I don't want the doctor to put me on meds just because I was testing the waters either.

[jamiec0326]

If you are curious one higher reading I don't think would justify medicines. Don't over do it, and log it.

[Tiffany1]

Oh geez. I just found out I've been testing at the wrong time. It took me about 1/2 an hour to eat my supper tonight and for some reason I thought they told us to start the 2 hour clock when we started eating. I was just looking over the directions, they clearly say to start the 2 hours when you are finished eating the meal. Those extra minutes might make a difference...

[BabyDreams]

Hi ladies! Today I officially get to join you over here! Sorry to hear so many are coming down with GD. I test again for it in a week....

More personals later when I get caught up! Glad to be here with you all!

[dawndalebout]

I'm 39w2d and went in for my ultrasound/nst/doc app yesterday (as I go twice weekly due to having GD) well.. got some "not so great" news.. First, ultrasound came back showing I have more amniotic fluid then there should be, I guess the doc said because of my GD and my sugar's have been a tad on the high side lately (my fault as I have been slacking.. :( ) Well, besides that, doc measured my belly like they do at every app and apparently I "should only be" around 36 or 38 and I'm measuring a 49!! Now, 2 weeks ago the ultrasound guessed her weight at 7lbs3oz. The doc strongly, strongly thinks I'm going to have a fairly large baby. Between the u/s (if it's correct), having GD, and then measuring my belly.. I've also been having ALOT of pain, pressure and very strong intense frequent contractions the past few days. Bad. A few times I was going to go into L&D but I figured I'd wait, or I fell asleep, or the pain subsided so I didnt.. Doc also checked me and I FINALLY moved from 3cm(been stuck there for over 2 weeks) and I'm not at 4cm, fully effaced and she said baby's at a -1? what does that mean? I know she did say baby was engaged and ready....

Anyways, the issue I'm having is besides being in alot of pain and such.. I'm technically due wednesday.. but because of all the pain/contractions and the baby's size they're saying if I don't have her naturally by Monday, they're going to induce. The issue is I've ended up seeing 3 other docs in my primary OB's office.. 2 other OB's and a midwife. I seen the midwife yesterday who then called in one of the OB's to discuss things. Both of them strongly think it's going to be a large baby girl, and both of them even think I'll have to have a c-section. When checked and seen I was dialated more, and engaged and such they both agree'd I could try naturally, but at the same time both of them think that I'll end up with c-section. They also gave me the option of skipping labor all-together and go right to a c-section.. I dont know what to do! So, they both told me to come in Monday if I hadn't had her naturally over the weekend. And me, the midwife and the other OB who I seen yesterday are going to sit down with my primary OB and discuss induction either for that night, or next day ect ect..

I'm so nervous and scared right now.. well, since yesterday. I knew this was comming but I didn't know it was going to be like THIS. I have no idea what the "mearsuring of the belly means" excpet the doc says it shows possible how big the baby is and it measures big.. I'm nervous about having more amniotic fluid than I should... I'm nervous about if I try vaginally to deliver (which was my goal to avoid a c-section in the first place) if I'll have complications esp due to her size and then have to have c-section anyway... I dont know if I should take docs advice and skip it all-together and just get a c-section done.. what to do what to do.. what would you do????????? :( It's really starting to sink in and hit me... and I dont even know how I feel about this except very..very.. overwhelmed!!!! help!!!

[jamiec0326]

Tiffany - In my experience it usually drops in 30 min just start testing 30 after you finish. I don't think you will see a big diffrence.

BabyDreams - Congrats on making it to the thrid tri!

Dawn - I hate that you are having to try and make that decision. I don't know what to tell you. If you want to try to have her naturally I would do that. Unless they think it will cause you or the baby any problems. Then if you had to have a c section you know you tried.

afm - Having a lot of bh contractions. They are starting to get more intense. Not hurting but if I am walking and have one and try and take another step in gets stronger. So I have to stop and breath until it lets up. I never had them with Bean so this has been really diffrenet for me!

[lighthouse830]

dawn- just popping in over here :) I wanted to say that I'd try to have her naturally first, and have an epidural put in so that if necessary you can get taken away for a c-section right away (instead of having to have general anesthesia for a quick c-section in an emergency), in my opinion it is much easier to have a vaginal birth than a c-section. My first two were vaginal, then with the twins the first was vaginal and the second was c-section. The recovery from the surgery was difficult and I hope that I can deliver this one vaginally as long as he/she is head down. Just my two cents :)

[JE1014]

Dawn - First things first.....let go of your fear. Too much fear in your mind can prevent your body from doing what it was made to do. Whatever way your baby is born - you're going to be fine! I can't tell you what is right for you, but if I were in your shoes, unless they were telling me that baby or I was in danger, I would try to give birth vaginally first. It may not sound appealing to labor for a long time and then end up with a c-section, but in the HIGH likelihood that you birth vaginally, you'll be so happy you tried.

Women give birth to big babies all the time. Your question about -1...That refers to the babies station (meaning baby's head position in relation to your ischial spines). Station goes from -5 to +5....-1 this early is good. (negative #s mean baby is still above the spines) It means that the baby is very close to the birth canal (0 is when the baby passes the spines and first enters the canal, +5 is when baby is crowning and you can see baby's head just inside)

Given what you posted about your effacement, dilation and station, you most likely have a good bishop score (which is a tool to help decide whether induction will be successful or not) Have they ever commented on whether you cervix is soft or not or if it is positioned anterior (lined up with your birth canal)? If your cervix is soft & positioned anterior you have a great chance at delivering vaginally if you are induced. Even if it isn't yet....it doesn't mean it won't change when the time comes.

I agree with lighthouse - if you choose to labor, have the epidural placed just in case they have to do a quick c-section.

You have every right to attempt to birth vaginally if that is what you want. Keep a cool head and don't let the doctors or midwife pressure you into jumping straight to a c-section if you're not comfortable with that. If you find out that you or baby is having complications that require a c-section - know that IT WILL BE OKAY!! Many many moms here have had c-sections and the majority of the time everyone was happy with their results. Yes, you'll heal more slowly, but if you follow your doctors instructions you'll be just fine in 6 weeks or so....and it gives you a great excuse for extra help in those first tough 6 weeks of mommyhood!

Don't be scared! You're so close to starting the best part of your life! Be excited! You're little girl is almost here!!!!

Good luck! I'll be thinking of you!

[dawndalebout]

Thanks ladies.. Oh and there's no way I can get an epidural.. my hospital DOES NOT deal with epidurals, only SPINALS. So.. my options for pain management is very limited haha. Only IV meds, and Spinal block.. No epidurals. Which, from what I hear the Spinals are easier, faster, and less painfull. However they only last 1-2hrs.. and are given once. However when I had a consult with anestheia last week, they said they can give it more than once (I think she said that,if I remember correctly.. anyways). So yeah, that's another thing that worries me IF I try and deliver naturally, and it fails and I have to have a c-section.. And if I've already gotten a spinal shot, I'm wondering.. are they able to give another for c-section, or am I going to have to put knocked out. I hope not, because either way even if I do have to have a c-section I want to be alert for my baby. I don't want to miss out on such a blessing of my child being born :/

[Supergal]

Dawn- just wanted to say that I agree with the others to try naturally first after a few hours the DRs will advise you if they think you should move to the Csection (or if you feel its too much then u should bring it up). I've never heard of them knocking you out for the C section so I don't need you need to worry about that but I'd check with the DR.

Hope you don't need to be induced. You probably are but just though I'd add power walking really helps push thing along. Good luck and keep thinking about the little girl in ur arms at the end :)

[dawndalebout]

NEW UPDATE!!!!! Well.. I'm more at ease and relieved now! Long story short, I've been having ALOT of discharge today so I called my doc, she said to come in just so they can check to make sure it wasn't amniotic fluid leaking.. it wasn't thankfully. ANYWAYS I actually got to see MY primary OB doc and we discussed what happened yesterday about that damn mid-wife.. well, I'm effin upset!! FOR ONE I never liked that midwife anyways, and two my doctor couldn't believe that she told me all that crap yesterday! -
- No I'm not having a very large baby, my doc thinks right around 8lbs but of course could be off slightly
- The reason why my belly was measuring extremely big yesterday is because of the extra amniotic fluid this week, NOT because the size of my baby
- She should have NEVER told me not to try naturally, or to skip laboring and go straight to c-section. NOt only was my goal plan to deliver naturally, but MY doc said there's no reason why I can't. I'm dialting nicely, my cervix is soft and very favorable. She said (unless something comes upa nd I have to have a c-section) she thinks I should ahve no problem delivering naturally! And that, that friggin midwife should have NEVER told me all of those things!

Well, that just proves my point of hating midwives. (don't mean to offend anyone who uses/likes them, but my experience with this one is been nothing but horrible!). Now I know that they should NOT tell a patient, let alone a pregnant one things that just aren't true. No wonder all they have is a dimpy certificate instead of a PHD, they're not qualified to make those calls as a real DOCTOR is!!

anyways, so that's my mini vent. I'm feeling alot more comfortable, and at ease now that I got to speak and see MY doctor. That being said, she cancled my app for Monday as we were going to dicuss induction anyways. And it's all set up. If I don't go into labor naturally this weekend, then Monday morning, 6 am I'm being induced! Lab work and then IV started!!!! I have so many mixed feelings.. nervous, scared, excited.. So I guess by the latest, Monady we were be parents of a precious little girl.. I will be a mother.. there will not be 2 of us anymore, but 3 of us... Wow.. am I REALLY ready for this! :)

[ellebelle]

so I got a phone call today that I failed my one hour glucose test with a 170! Boo!!!!

I have to go Monday and take the 3 hour test.

So has anyone ever had a score that high on the one hour and still passed the three hour?

[karidpt]

so I got a phone call today that I failed my one hour glucose test with a 170! Boo!!!!

I have to go Monday and take the 3 hour test.

So has anyone ever had a score that high on the one hour and still passed the three hour?

I did, apparently it took my body to long to break it down for the one hour, but fast enought for the 3 hour. Mine 1 hour was 167....

[Tiffany1]

I had a 141 on the 1-hour and failed the 3 hour. Though that doesn't mean you won't pass. I think the 1 hour has a lot to do with what you ate recently and the 3-hour is more of a test of how your body actually deals with your blood glucose.

so I got a phone call today that I failed my one hour glucose test with a 170! Boo!!!!

I have to go Monday and take the 3 hour test.

So has anyone ever had a score that high on the one hour and still passed the three hour?

[MegzyAngel]

ellebelle - I actually never did the 1 hour test....My hospital doesnt do them...I just did a 2 hour GTT which i failed...So really can't answer...Didn't want to ignore the question though. There are heaps of ladies that failed the one hour and passed the 3 hour though. Good luck and i hope all goes well.

Dawn - I'm glad the doctor sorted things out for you and you feel more at ease. Good luck for Monday and I hope all goes well for you. Can't wait to hear your birth story. :)

AFM - Not much to report here. Been some aweful weather here so havn't been able to get out and do much. We did get a new freezer so can stock up on things for when bub arrives. Then we don't have to go out to the shops as much. Also looking at making some casserolles and freezing them too so we can make things easier that way as well.

[Tiffany1]

So I've got something for everyone. My sister is 16 weeks pregnant. I will give you all the background I can think of. Her at home pregnancy test was really dark when she took it(but she maybe have taken it after a missed period). She has been sending me pictures, and she is larger in each picture than I have been, though everyone grows at different rates. She is a 1st time mom, just like me, but is 5 years older than me. So this past week she went to the doctor, she hasn't had any ultrasounds yet. The doctor found the heartbeat again on the left, where she found it last time. My sister brought up to her about how her and her boyfriend have been joking that maybe it is twins, because of all the stuff I pointed out above. So the doctor put the Doppler on the right side, found a heartbeat on the right side, but told her that could still be the heartbeat she had already found on the left. Her uterus is already almost measuring 20 weeks, so they are doing an ultrasound early. What do you guys think her chances are of having twins knowing this information? There is no history of twins in either family. She has a normal cycle and got pregnant naturally. I am awaiting impatiently for her to find out. She isn't telling anyone but me about the possibility of twins and it is so hard to keep in.

The bad part, they will have a really hard time affording 2 babies. They were already going to have a hard time with 1, but they were going to make the budget work. For that reason, I really hope it is only 1 in there. I'll make sure I keep everyone updated. So interesting though!

[rachelttc]

Tiffany: I don't know how old you are, but I know the odds of twins naturally goes up a LOT once you're over 35. Sorry I can't be more help!

[praises1139]

tiffany--hmm that is a tricky one. if she wasn't temping/keeping track of O, then it's hard to say when she POAS. family history doesn't help either if it's identical twins. it's so weird to me that a lot of women don't have ultrasounds till way later! even with an u/s though, a twin could be hiding. is she a thin/average/heavy person? sounds like her measurement is a red flag. guess we'll see!

[Tiffany1]

I think she temped a couple of months leading up to them trying and then stopped and just guessed. I am so interested to find out what happens. She is about the same size as me(you all have seen the pictures of me), but she is a little more fit than I am. She also told me she has only gained 5 pounds so far. I'll let everyone know as soon as she lets me know, I don't know when the appt is for that ultrasound of hers. She originally was only supposed to get the 1 ultrasound for the anatomy scan, it's just the way her insurance works. Oh, she is also 34, I am 29.

tiffany--hmm that is a tricky one. if she wasn't temping/keeping track of O, then it's hard to say when she POAS. family history doesn't help either if it's identical twins. it's so weird to me that a lot of women don't have ultrasounds till way later! even with an u/s though, a twin could be hiding. is she a thin/average/heavy person? sounds like her measurement is a red flag. guess we'll see!

[MegzyAngel]

Evening Ladies :)

Tiffany - Not sure what to say there about your sister. I think at this stage an ultrasound would be the way to go. Good luck to her.

Hello to everyone else...Sorry its a quick one today.

Had an ultrasound this morning since my GD diagnosis they monitoring me more closely.
They confirmed we are definately on team pink :D and shes measuring right on 31 weeks give or take a few days. The ultrasound tech was really good and was telling us stuff as he went. He said its good shes not measuring big at this stage. Weighs approx 3.7lb's at this stage
Also my placenta has moved so no more worries about that. :) Only thing need to worry about now is her turning since shes still in breech and facing the wrong way and also make sure i get my glucose levels under control.

[lmaguire]

wow - it's been a while. Had a busy weekend. We went to Tallahassee for my husband to help his old boss who had to have quadruple bi-pass surgery. well we made the mistake of not stopping at all on the 4 hour trip up there, so I swelled up like crazy! It was SO painful! My feet, calves, and thighs all swelled up so badly that I had to sleep with 4 pillows under them!!! Thank God they were normal when I woke up, but it was scary for a while. Needless to say, we stopped several times on the ride home, and I alternated keeping my feet on the dashboard and down. No swelling then.
A little bummed out tonight. DH has to work late for the foreseeable future. He's already told me to go to bed without him tonight, which kinda sucks. I didn't see him much this weekend because he was working, and I don't get to see him tonight either. I know I shouldn't complain, since I actually can see him and he isn't deployed, or out of town, I guess I'm just not used to it, and wasn't really expecting it. =(
Ok, I have a couple questions for ya'll:
Question 1 - has anyone's little one discovered that he/she can kick you "down there"? Mine sure has and it is most unpleasant. It doesn't always hurt, but it certainly isn't comfortable. He also seems to have decided that he likes to sit a bit higher, particularly on my stomach, so I haven't been terribly hungry today. I've made myself eat, but it hasn't been very much since I feel full after two bites.
Question 2 - has anyone's belly button "popped"? Mine has completely yet, but I can tell it's getting close. I really hope it doesn't because the thought of it grosses me out, but it isn't looking good.

I hope everyone had a good weekend. I'm sorry for no personals, but I've tried to go back and read everything.

[MegzyAngel]

Hey lmaguire - It sucks about DH having to work late. I hope he doesnt have to work like that for too long...I hate it when DH is on night shifts as well. Sometimes doesn't get home 'til about 2am

As for your questions... Our LO kicks down there all the time...I swear she wants out sometimes she kicks so hard. Or she sits on my bladder. Also find she jams limbs up under my ribs so i need to adjust the way im sitting otherwise its uncomfortable there too.
My belly button hasnt popped yet...DH has been saying since about 26 weeks though that its going to pop any day. Good thing is not everyones belly button pops. I don't want mine to either since i heard it can get sore from rubbing. I dont think mine will pop anyway.

[Tiffany1]

Lauren, my baby has been moving in the very far right below the ribs. It is really creepy and almost hurts sometimes. It is almost like he is going to come out of the side or something, just very strange. My belly button is getting shorter and shorter. I hope it doesn't pop out, but I'm sure it will flatten, as we have 10 weeks left and a lot of growing to do!

My sisters ultrasound is on Thursday so I will keep everyone updated!

I, myself, am feeling kind of down today. My husband didn't have much chance to talk to me today, and I really hate burdening him with things since he is so far away and shouldn't have to ever worry about me. But I feel downright blue. It doesn't help that his grandfather(who I considered the best grandfather I have had) passed away suddenly on Friday. I still think I haven't quite grieved about it. I find myself picturing him in this house I live in all over the place and hearing him, though he has never been in this house. I just can't believe he is gone. I'm terrified that when I go visit my husband's grandmother and stay at her house next week for a night I'm going to cry in front of her, and she is hardcore braveness.

Also, my dad called this morning. He was all upset and felt terrible because they don't have a baby shower put together for me on this last trip home before I have the baby. Since I'm terrible at ever letting anyone know how I feel and I tend to accept things for what they are, because seriously, nothing can be done about it anyway, so why make parents or anyone feel any worse? So I told him that it was fine. That I really just wanted to get together with family anyway(which is actually true, though I meant my whole extended family) and that we can all just go out to eat when we are together. Deep down, I am incredibly disappointed and upset(not mad, just upset). They have known about this trip and me coming home for the past 3 months, and they still couldn't manage to put anything together??? My mother wouldn't put it together because she says it isn't proper etiquette for the mother to host a shower, so she was waiting for my sister or sister-in-law. Well, my sister lives 5 hours away from my parents and expecting a child of her own. And my sister-in-law, I just don't expect her to put something together. I know they really mean the best, but they couldn't even do this for me? My husband has been away for 3 months now and we are expecting him to be gone another 9-10 months, I wasn't asking for much! Alright, so maybe I am mad. I don't want to come off *****y or anything, I really appreciate the things family and friends do for me, but come on!

I feel stressed out because I need to finish school by Monday, which I should be able to do, but I keep putting off working on the final test. I'm tired of being alone all day. I'm just tired of everything. The house clutter is really starting to get to me. I think, I'm just in a quite terrible mood today. It was even worse before I ate lunch! Having gestational diabetes freaks me out and makes me terrified. I don't want type II diabetes when I get older. But I also don't want to have to watch everything I put in my mouth. I can manage that for the next 10 weeks, but honestly, pregnancy would be a lot more fun if I could just do what I want and not constantly remember the next time for when I have to test. I am truly sorry about this rant, I feel so incredibly emotional today, like I just can't get a grip.

Oh, also, get this. I have a guy that used to be my husband's supervisor come to mow the lawn, but he hasn't gotten back to me about doing it this week yet. Anyway, the lawn needs to be mowed, I know this. Yesterday, my travel system came, which I am super happy about, I love it! I was putting together the stroller and noticed the neighbor was mowing his lawn, well, then he passed into mine and started mowing mine. I thought to myself, how sweet of him. So I waited for him to shut off the mower to thank him. When he did, I couldn't find him, so I figured I would do it later or go over to their house, no biggie. Well, he only mowed 1/2 of the front yard! Our yard isn't all that big in the front and now it just looks silly with 1/2 of it mowed. He didn't run out of gas or anything, because then he went to his backyard and mowed it. I guess as nice as it is to have 1/2 of the front yard mowed, I am confused to why he even did it if he wasn't going to finish the job, you know? I talked to my husband, the lady I work for, and my parents about it and they think he did it as like a, "hey, your lawn needs to be mowed" kind of thing. If that is what he was doing, that is incredibly rude.

I promise I'll be in better spirits tomorrow and will post a much happier post. On a good note, I'm actually feeling more comfortable this 3rd trimester than I did the 2nd, go figure! Thanks for letting me vent everything out.

[shan3401]

My lo definately has figured out she can kick all over....lol. She goes way up top and then later will be bouncing on my bladder. I think she really stretches sometimes :)

[Kricket]

Hi girls. I wanted to let you all know that Caden arrived safe and sound at 2:05pm on Sept 8th. I will post full details later but wanted to give you all a brief update.

I entered L&D last Tuesday for testing on me prior to induction. I was 37 weeks exactly. On Wed night I was given 3 doses of cytotec and Thurs am they started pitocin. The doctor broke my water at 9am. I had polyhydramnios with 30cm of fluid. The doctor said she had never seen that amount of fluid. I felt better after she ruptured my membranes. I became very active and at 2:05 Caden Thomas made his way into my arms. He weighed 5lb 13oz and was 18 3/4 in. Apgars of 9/9. He is sooooo precious and beautiful.

He is 6days old today and things are going well. I will post more details later but wanted to let you all know.

Thanks to everyone!

[EJ1008]

Congrats, Kricket! I'm so happy for you and your family! I know it was a long road for you and am so glad that Caden is here and perfect.

[Tiffany1]

I'm still tearing up over here. My husband and I send letters to each other every Thursday, we call it "Snail mail Thursday." The one I received today was absolutely the sweetest yet. My husband is known more as the intellectual funny guy, not the romantic. Anyway, in his letter he talked about how I'll save all these letters(which I will) and how he hopes that if our son ever reads the letters, that he knows how much he loves his mother. It was so incredibly sweet. I miss my husband terribly, even more so lately with our little guy being so incredibly active, but that's okay.

On another note. I just realized today, I haven't had to take my Zantac in about a week, which seems to coincide with my lower carb diet! I am very curious if my better diet is making it so I don't have heartburn? That would be amazing! Nothing else new going on with the pregnancy. I have an appt with the OBGYN instead of the NP on Monday. I'm a little nervous and I wonder what will be discussed. I also wonder if I'll be getting ultrasounds now at every appt because of the GD diagnosis? I hope my stomach is measuring on target.

I went to a class that the military put on this morning called "Budget for Baby." It seemed to be more informational, giving us information, and at the end they gave us this huge care package, with what I estimate to be about $75 worth of baby stuff I still needed to get! Also, it came with a homemade crotcheted baby blanket that is just absolutely gorgeous, I wish I knew who made it so I could thank them personally! My mood has turned around a bit today, still not perfect, but much better than it was. Only 4 more days of school left, then I leave for my last trip home, and then I get to come back and relax!

[praises1139]

congrats Kricket!!!!!

tiffany--if that's why your neighbor mowed 1/2 the lawn, that is rude. i would seriously go say something! of course, not accusingly, but asking what happened. sorry about your family not planning anything to celebrate. your mom should know that for baby showers, that etiquette rule is long gone!! i think people only use the rule now for bridal showers since it's tradition that the bride's parents pay for the wedding, so they don't want to make it look like they are asking guests for gifts. as for baby showers, anyone can throw it.

[lmaguire]

Kricket - Congrats on the arrival of Caden!!! Can't wait to hear all about it!


Tiff - I agree with praises. My mom, MIL, an Aunt in law, and a family friend all got together and are throwing one of my showers. My mom picked out and is paying for the place, my MIL is in charge of making and mailing the invitations, and the others are in charge of food and decorations. And I would ask your neighbor if he minds finishing your yard for you. People have a hard time turning down pregnant women - especially those that are really showing and close to the end.

afm - leg & foot swelling is become a normal almost everyday thing now. gotta come home from school everyday and prop my feet up. if i have any other errands to run, forget it. NOT fun at all. also, I think little one got a foot or hand or something caught in my right lower ribs last night. It hurt so bad to breathe or move all night and most of the day today. ugh - here's hoping for better sleep tonight. lastly, dr appt tomorrow (and 30 weeks!!!). Not sure what to expect except uterus measurement, weight (ugh), and talking to the dr.

[MegzyAngel]

Yay Kricket...Congrats on the arrival of little Caden. I'm glad everything went well and I can't wait to see pics. :D

Got my Glood Glucose test kit today and a food plan. Going to be fun trying to measure everything since I failed miserably in the past. Had a 2 hour class this morning which went through everything, which helped a lot.
Also Bub discovered she can kick harder this morning and it actually hurts. I could feel her head yesterday arvo as well. Kept moving it forward so maybe she was trying to flip or something?

[jamiec0326]

First things first! Congratulations Kricket! Glad you and Caden are doing great!

Hey everyone I am a couple days behind but I have been busy! Sorry it has taken me so long!

Mom and I both had dr's appt Tuesday. So we were on the road all day cause they are in different cities then yesterday I had to take Bean to Little Rock to the dr so I was in the road all day. Work all day today and tomorrow, shower Saturday. I am already tired! lol!

Kailyn Rae will make her appearence Sept 30 if I don't go into labor before hand. I am so ready to hold her. She weighed 6lbs 13oz Tuesday. I have my shower Saturday and I sooo can't wait! lol! Have so much going on over the next 15 days! At least it should help make the time go by faster!

[lmaguire]

Been a rough morning so far. At L&D now, since I think I passed part of my mucous plug this morning. Hope this isn't TMI- but it was like thick, snotty, bloody mucous. Yuck! Called the doc & she told me to go to triage. Been here for almost 2 hrs. Having what I assume to be Braxton Hicks contractions since they aren't really hurting. Just uncomfortable. She's going to do a test to see if I'm at risk for pre-term labor (can't remember what it's called). Hoping it's nothing and I don't end up on bedrest. Will keep u gals updated. It's weird how comforting it is to post on here.

[jamiec0326]

Lauren - def keep us posted! Will be thinking of you!!

[ellebelle]

So I took my 3 hour glucose test on Monday and recieved good news yesterday...I passed at all three hours!!!!

YAY me!

My husband even brought home flowers and cupcakes for dinner last night.

Is there anyone else who feels like suddenly time has sped up??? I can't believe I only have 11 weeks to go and SO MUCH I want and need to get done.

[Tiffany1]

Lauren, I hope the best for you, how scary! I have heard of losing part of the mucus plug though and then it will regenerate, so maybe that is what will happen to you! What has happened to you reminds me to slow down a little though.

Today for me has been a pretty great day. I managed to buy a cheap tool at the hardware store that helped me unclog the drain in the bathtub, yay! I came home from the consignment store and the neighbor across the street was mowing my lawn, which was very sweet. I met his wife last night and found out she had GD with all 3 of her pregnancies. I'm going over to their house this weekend hoping to get some tips, tricks, or menu options for the next 10 weeks. They are also done having children and had 3 boys, so they may have some things they can give me :) The landlord came over and gave me the new lease to sign, yay! Sure am glad he never raises the rent, we are coming onto our 3rd year living here and honestly, I think we already pay too much, but we do pay on the low end of what rent is around here for a house, so I can't complain.(rent in this area for a small house like ours can be $2500, we pay $1800) Also, he thought about it and is going to get some rat poison for outside to try to take care of the rat problem! YAY! This makes me so happy. I really don't want those gross things getting in the house. I found a pair of jeans at the consignment store today for $4, they are a little tight, but they fit, so hopefully they work for this pregnancy, if not, I'm considering sending a care package to my sister of maternity clothes that I can't wear. Now all I have left to do today is right after I post this vacuum(in hopes of making sure my blood glucose levels go down), work more on the test I am handing in on Monday, and write up a quick resume to turn in so I can graduate, which shouldn't be hard because I just have to add to the one I already have.

One frustrating thing. I was looking at the car seat and I cannot for the life of me figure out how to make the straps longer. I looked the instructions, they were no help. I'll have to tackle that when I get back from vacation. I hope everyone else is doing well and I hope everything turns out just fine for you Lauren!

[lmaguire]

update: false alarm. I lost a little of my mucous plug, but the pre-term labor test came back negative, and my cervical length is good (5.3 cm). Gave me an injection of something to calm my uterus down since I was having BH like crazy. Was told to really start taking it easy and drink more water since my urinary tract bacteria count was a little high. U/s revealed he is now head down though with his feet in my ribs (explains the pain the past few days). But anyways, no baby for a while here! Phew. OK, time to rest.

[jamiec0326]

Lauren -So glad that it was a false alarm. Hopefully things will calm down for you! Take it as easy as you can.

[MegzyAngel]

Lauren - I'm glad to hear everything is ok. I have heard the same thing as as Tiffany that you can lose part of it earlier but then it builds again. Still a scary thing though especially when theres heaps of contractions.

Tiffany - Thats sweet of the neighbours to finish mowing your lawn for you. Hopefully you get some good tips off them for the GD. Is that rent Monthly or Fortnightly? I thought rent around here was expensive. Think its cheaper here although im not sure how it works over there, Rent generally works off how much the house and land costs. We got our house appraised last year before we did some minor renovations (We paid $250,000 initially for the house and land), they recon we could get $280,000 if we sold it, so in that case over here it would be $280 per week. Hope the landlord doesnt increase rent any time soon. Sorry about the ramble on...I seem to do that a lot lately lol.

AFM - Started my food Diary that I have to do until my next appointment on Wednesday, today. I'm finding it hard to get up to my carb minimum for each meal...Breakfast was easy its just other meals...Certainly wont be hungry any time soon. Glucose levels are all in range though which is good :D Although i think my fingers will fall off by the end of this pregnancy...I feel sorry for those with diabetes normally having to test several times a day every day.

[Tiffany1]

The rent is monthly and is based off of whatever the person that owns the house wants to charge. I have a hard time staying in the carb range, I always want to eat more than I'm allowed! It must be the american way, we are used to eating a lot, at least that is what I will go with. Well, it's super late and I must get to bed, jazzercise in the morning.

Lauren - I'm glad to hear everything is ok. I have heard the same thing as as Tiffany that you can lose part of it earlier but then it builds again. Still a scary thing though especially when theres heaps of contractions.

Tiffany - Thats sweet of the neighbours to finish mowing your lawn for you. Hopefully you get some good tips off them for the GD. Is that rent Monthly or Fortnightly? I thought rent around here was expensive. Think its cheaper here although im not sure how it works over there, Rent generally works off how much the house and land costs. We got our house appraised last year before we did some minor renovations (We paid $250,000 initially for the house and land), they recon we could get $280,000 if we sold it, so in that case over here it would be $280 per week. Hope the landlord doesnt increase rent any time soon. Sorry about the ramble on...I seem to do that a lot lately lol.

AFM - Started my food Diary that I have to do until my next appointment on Wednesday, today. I'm finding it hard to get up to my carb minimum for each meal...Breakfast was easy its just other meals...Certainly wont be hungry any time soon. Glucose levels are all in range though which is good :D Although i think my fingers will fall off by the end of this pregnancy...I feel sorry for those with diabetes normally having to test several times a day every day.

[dawndalebout]

Well ladies she's here! Kaydence Marie has arrived! She was born September 11, 2011 at 11:48am at 8lbs 11oz and 20inches long. She's absolutely amazing,healthy and beautiful. She's quite the little chunky monkey esp her chubby cheeks and double chin hehe. And she has a FULL head of dark hair that's curly and wavy. Her hair and eye brows also have some blonde.. she looks identical to what I looked like when I was a baby. And when I was born I had full head of dark hair that fell out and turned totally blonde. So we'll see! She'll also have blue eyes as Jason, me and both of our parents and families have blues. Labor went alright but after that there were complications..

Saturday night I started having real bad contractions so I went into L&D around 11pm. I was already 3cm that I had been for the past 2 weeks. Anyways I went into a 4.. and contracting bad but not progressing, they then started teh Pitocin around 2am. I managed to stay med-free until 7cm (I WAS IN MASSIVE PAIN!!!) and then got the spinal, and she was born at 11:38am with about half hour of pushing. However she had malconium (spelling? buts he pooped before born) so her breathing and respiration weren't the best. And she was breathing too heavy, fast or too slow. So they hooked her on monitors, and oxygen. THEN... I got some heartbreaking news that she had a heart murmor.. I was hysterical.. because we live in a small town, they wanted to transfer her to another hospital which was 3hrs away. They did.. they took her that night. And the hospital wouldn't let me laeve, but I managed to talk my doc into letting me go the next morning.. no pain meds.. nothing. (oh and I did tear a bit while giving birth and got stiches). I wasn't about to stay up here while our daughter was 3hrs away and not knowing what was going on with her.. ANYWAYS while she was in the NICU there they did a cardio-echo.. x-rays..and tons and tons of all different tests... well, finally everything came back great and she got off oxygen after a day or 2. We finally got to come home yesterday! She's doing WONDERFULL. It's so good to be home and with our new precious little one with us. My milk if finally starting to come in, only ab out 2-3oz a time but I need to pump more consistantly so I'll start that routine today. I try and breastfeed, but it's gonig to take time as she's used to a bottle now and useds to the flow on demand... but we're working on it :) but at least I'm able to produce for her! Sorry about the long story thought I'd share!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AND CONGRATS TO ALL YOU OTHER LADIES THAT HAD YOUR BABIES!!!!!!!! I was going to be induced Monday the 12th but I guess baby Kaydence had plans to be born on 9-11 !

[jamiec0326]

dawn - Congratulations! She is beautiful! Sorry about the scare! Bean was airlifted the morning after he was born and I couldn't leave til the next day because of the csection but my mom and his dad went and was with him. It was really hard! Glad she is home and doing well!

[Tiffany1]

Oh my goodness, how adorable. Last night I woke up to a heart beat like thumping in my stomach, thought it was weird, but I must have fallen back asleep. Now it just happened again for like a minute, looked it up, and the baby has the hiccups! How incredibly adorable! I bought some more baby stuff today. I think I may have 1 too many sleepers, I have A LOT! Thankfully some of them are good up to 9 months. It suddenly got cold outside and now it's 66 degrees in the house, brr...I'm sort of chilled and sort of not and I refuse to turn the heat on! I'll wear socks first and I hate wearing socks. My blood glucose numbers get better and better every day, it is so crazy. I wonder what the doc will think of it. I think it means I'm doing a good job at taking care of myself :D And on that note...I shall eat some supper!

[lmaguire]

Tiff - aren't the hiccups cute!! In fact, mine has them right now! He seems to get them at least once a day lately. And, awesome job with your blood glucose!! I admire all your hard work!!

dawn - Congrats on the arrival of little Kaydence! She's so cute - love the chubby little cheeks!! I'm sorry you had to deal with that scare, but I'm glad everything is OK now. =)

afm - been an interesting week this week. The scare on Thursday was an eye-opening experience. Working on packing my hospital bag now after that fiasco. Have had quite a bit more discharge the last couple of days, which the doctor told me to expect as the plug repairs itself. (Doesn't make it anymore pleasant though). I have been drinking more water than I think any human should the past few days, and I'm still cramping quite a bit. Lots of BH, and I really haven't been doing that much. Hoping it's just from the stress of this week.
We got our glider this week, a gift from DH's grandparents. Put it together yesterday and I LOVE it!! So comfy! I could sit in it and nap all day! I highly recommend Shermag gliders for those of you who haven't bought one yet.
Also, anyone else having rib kicking issues?? during the ultrasound on Thursday, we saw he's head down, and his feet are in my ribs. I can't lie, my ribs hurt so badly!! He kicks them all day and night. Doesn't seem to matter if I switch sides or push back against him gently. They actually hurt to the touch and it hurts to have a bra on because it pushes on them just enough. Does anyone have any suggestions, or anything that can make the next 7-10 weeks more bearable?

[Tiffany1]

Lauren, I haven't had any problems with kicking of the ribs. For some reason, I think my baby is still sideways. When he moves and kicks it seems I can feel him on both sides of my belly. I also feel a lot of body parts that feel pointy or maybe feet around my belly button sometimes. I'm curious to see if I get an ultrasound tomorrow, if I do, I don't know if they'll tell me his position. I really just hope I'm measuring right on schedule. I look in the mirror now and think my stomach looks too big, but then I look at other pictures at babycenter.com for reference of 30 weeks, and then I think I look small compared to those pictures, go figure. Well, I better get moving, today is a big day! I need to do 3 loads of laundry, go get food for me to take on the airplane(because I'm not about to try to figure out what I can eat at the airport!), put away baby stuff, turn in my final test(yikes, I should probably spend 3-4 hours making sure it is as good as I can get it), and I need to make a box out of a larger box so I can ship out bedding that I sold on e-bay. Tomorrow is also a busy day, doctors appt which will take about 4 hours of my time, that's the journey there, the waiting, the pharmacy waiting, and the drive back(it is 4 miles away). Then I have to pack for my week-long trip, and in the evening I have my 2nd to last day of work! Tuesday I leave my last trip to Minnesota to visit family before the little one arrives and I have to walk the mile to the metro with my luggage because no one is available on Tuesday to drive me, boo! I can't wait until I get back, then it is me time for a whole month!

[shan3401]

Congrats kricket and dawn :)

[jamiec0326]

Tiffany - Hope you have a great trip! Let us know how your appt goes! I just love it when they get the hiccups. It is so sweet!

Lauren - Hope you are feeling better! I understand about the bh! I have been having them alot! Not sure of an answer about the rib issue. Kailyn stayed up in my ribs too and it is painful.

afm - Had an awesome shower Saturday! Had sooo much fun! Have everything I can think of if she were to come now I would be ready. Have had a crap load of contractions this morning. Very tired cause I am now not sleeping well at all. Just knowing the end is in sight kind of makes it bearable, but just wish I could sleep better. My bones have been hurting so bad. Bones all over my body like it would if you have the flu. Not sure what is causing that!

[Tiffany1]

An update about my appointment today. First, the doctor said she would give me a gold star on my blood glucose readings, she actually thought I was on medication already they were so good! That made me feel good. Unfortunately, they have noticed an increase in my blood pressure each doctor visit and are concerned about me to develop preeclampsia. This terrifies me. I don't want to lose the baby or myself :( From what I've read, it is important to relax, so I'm going to try my hardest just to take time for myself and stop stressing about everything! The positive, my blood pressure does go to a more normal level usually after the appt when they test me again, but they don't tell me how much it lowers, and they still seem concerned, so that is enough to concern me. They are having me come in every 2 weeks now because of it. They also took blood today to check my liver function and urine to check to see if there was any protein. I just want me and this baby to be okay! Trying not to stress about it though...

[Supergal]

Tiffany- can you get a home blood pressure monitor and take some readings at random times during the day? Keep a log and hopefully that will be a better reflection of your bp when you are not stressed about the apt. My mum has high BP and it sky rockets when she goes to the dr but it's normal during the day. We kept the log and it helped the dr decide against doubling her meds.

Glad your sugar level were low! Great job!

[jamiec0326]

Tiffany - I am with Supergal, I would get me a monitor for home and keep a check on it a few times a day, maybe the same time you do your blood sugar. That way they can have more than that reading to go on. You have had a lot on you lately anyway. Try and relax.

[rachelttc]

Tiffany: I agree with everyone else. Shell out some cash and trade it in for peace of mind with a BP monitor! Either you will discover that your BP is lower at home, and higher at the dr. (when you're probably nervous), or you'll find out it's higher all the time, and then you will definitely know you need treatment. Either way, you can be more confident about the decisions you and your doctor make. Here's hoping you find out that those appointments just make you nervous!

[lmaguire]

Tiff - bummer about the high BP. I agree about getting a home BP monitor. It certainly can't hurt anything. But, I hope you have fun on your trip!! Take it easy and relax! You deserve it! Oh, and yay for your doc acknowledging your awesome blood glucose levels! =)

It's been a rough few days for me. Had the scare last week, and then I was up all night last night with a stomach virus or something. So then early this morning I had BH from hell - I assume due to dehydration. I can't seem to catch a break right now! ugh! Plus my ribs and stomach hurt so bad from him kicking them. Ok, vent over - tomorrow is a new day and it will be better than the past few.

[lilly08]

Update :) I am currently 39 and 3 days, have dropped am in pain and my doc will not examine me and refuses to induce. ahhh well. the wait continues. g/l to all waiting to make it from week to week :)

[jamiec0326]

Dr put me on bedrest today. Feet are really swollen. Kailyn weighed 7 lbs 6 oz today. Don't go back now til Friday when I have her.

[praises1139]

GL ladies with your deliveries and health issues!

Lmaguire--wanted to say coconut water is a natural gatorade, without all the sugar, so drink up!

[BabyDreams]

I need to go back a few days and get caught up on everyone. Hope everyone is doing well...and those so close to delivery....good luck with everything! Vant wait to hear news of babies being born!

I had another ultrasound today, followed by a OB appointment. I have to get my ultrasounds at a high risk clinic, because i will be 35 when baby is born. Ultrasound was great...last one 10 weeks ago and they wanted to watch her continued growth. Baby looks great! She was waving and tapping her face! All her measurements looks good, said she weighs 3 lbs above average. The Dr in charge at this office said my blood pressure was good, no swelling, baby is fine...they don't need to see me again! Then went across the street to my OB....gained 3 lbs in 3 weeks. (I have officially put back on 8 of the 12 lbs I lost since getting pregnant) passed my glucose test too!

So, now onto what I have a question about. I saw a mid wife, as my OB was in L&D was a paitent. She said 3 weeks ago I was measuring at 27 weeks and now I am measuring 32 weeks! Um....what does that mean? Anyone have any idea? Baby weighs more than average for 29 weeks and I am measuring ahead too?? Should I read into this? Back to reading and catching up on everyone....

[Kate23]

hi everyone! i haven't posted in soo long, i've just been really busy. after what happened today though, i will be taking it easy! had my regular ob appt this morning and mentioned that i have been feeling more contractions than usual the past couple days. at one point i even had 5 in one hour. so she checked my cervix and i was 1cm dilated, sent me directly to labor and delivery. they hooked me up to monitors and did a fetal fibronectin test. the test was negative and my contractions were irregular, 1 or 2 an hour. the doc seemed pretty confident that i would not deliver in the next couple weeks, and after 34 weeks they allow labor to progress, won't intervene. so i was sent home with a list of symptoms to look out for. it was such a scary day, i was so afraid for my little boy! i'm feeling better now, but still worried about him coming too early. i'm anxious now to get the last minute things done, doesn't look like i will have the 8 weeks i was planning on before he comes!

tiffany-congrats on the good readings, looks like you are doing a great job with your diet

lmaguire-hope you are feeling better, sounds like you were having a bad day. i've had the rib kicking too, that can get pretty painful!

lilly-hope you don't have to wait too long! good luck

jamie-you are so close, hope everything goes well Friday!

babydreams-glad everything went so well today, great news! can't really answer your question though, every appointment i have measured right on track.

[rachelttc]

babydreams: I am hoping you made a typo when you said it's measuring 3 POUNDS ahead!!!!

As for the measurements being ahead, I wouldn't worry too much. I measured 17 weeks at 16 weeks, and then two weeks later, I measured 21 weeks!!! So two things to keep in mind there: 1) It depends which direction the fetus is laying how big your stomach measures, and 2) those measurements get less and less accurate the further along you get. Then when I got my ultrasound, the fetus measured at 80th percentile or something, which is equivalent to 2 weeks ahead. So it could just be that your baby is above average. But remember, 50% of babies are above average weight! And 20% are above 80th percentile!

My best friend measured 40 weeks at 37 weeks, and by 39 weeks she had "shrunk" to 38 weeks! Of course she hadn't shrunk, it's just that those measurements aren't super-accurate.

Also, if your doctor/midwife were concerned about the measurements, they would have scheduled you for a growth monitoring ultrasound to make sure it doesn't get too big. If they haven't, that means they aren't worried. And if they have, that means they're keeping an eye on it and won't let anything bad come of it.

Best of luck!

[MegzyAngel]

hey ladies. Been busy on here :D
Had appointments yesterday and got some good news. Aparently my GTT results where mixed up (Put into the system in the wrong order or something) and I dont have Gestational Diabetes...Just borderline...Bit annoyed that they stuffed up and wasted my time but more relieved since im not diabetic. I think I would be more annoyed if they were mixed up the other way and was diabetic and said I wasnt. I'm still going to watch my diet more since i'm borderline and don't want to push it. Baby has a nice strong heartbeat....Unfortunately is still in breech but they giving her until 27 weeks. Then we have to decide whether to try to turn her or what we want to do. Our hospital likes to try a normal breech delivery if possible before c-section. (Unless of course shes feet first instead of bum first. Feet first can cause the cord to come out before baby which is why most breech births are delivered via c-section)

Baby has been very active the past few days as well. Woke up early this morning and DH was there with his hand on my tummy feeling baby play. She was having a good kick and moving around lots. Makes me wonder if she does that every night since she was going crazy. DH thought it was great timing getting home from work and getting into bed to that.

Tomorrow will make it 7 weeks to go until my due date. Starting to feel BH contractions more often now too

[shan3401]

Megzy--Yay for no GD!!

Babydreams--I have been measuring two weeks ahead almost my entire pregnancy and the dr never seems concerned.

Jamie--can't wait for the birth story :)

Imaguire--definately hear you on the painful kicks! My lo had me doubled over yesterday she kicked me so hard, it felt like someone kicked me from the outside of my stomach! But it just means they are strong little babies!


AFM--Everything is mostly going well, just normal aches and pains, getting anxious(seems like it is taking forever for baby to get here), 5 weeks as of today :) We had an appt on Tuesday, and dr told me I would not be getting any extra monitoring due to the gestanional diabetes diagnosis, since I am not on medication. Which seems weird to me, I would think I would have some extra monitoring. I am not even having weekly appts yet, still bi-weekly :confused: Whatever, maybe since this is my third and we have a scheduled c-section she thinks I will be just fine :rolleyes: I was really hoping for at least one more ultrasound before baby comes, I am soooo freaked out that this is going to end up a boy when we are all prepared for a girl. I guess if it is a boy he will be wearing alot of pink :D

[lmaguire]

Kate- I hear you on the scare. I'm a little nervous because ever since last Thursday, my BH have been super frequent and they are getting more uncomfortable. Yesterday and today I've counted between 5-7 per hour. They usually start in the late morning and last until almost 6 or 7 at night. Is that normal and I'm overreacting or should I actually be concerned?

Jamie- sorry about the bedrest, but at least it isn't too much longer! The last couple days have made me want to do a couple days of self-inflicted bedrest to see if I can get things calmed down.

Praises-I hate coconuts, but maybe the water doesn't taste as much like them?

Sorry if I missed anyone else. I'm on my phone and it's hard to read back too far. I lost another part of my mucus plug yesterday and another bit today. I know it can replenish itself, but I'm a little worried that I'm losing it at a quicker rate than it can replace itself. Stresses me out a lot. I'm getting super stressed out a lot these days. I have zero energy despite the iron and B12 I'm taking, my feet and legs (i mean my whole leg- thigh down) swell everyday, and my BH are increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity. In falling behind on grading and it's so hard to not be able to teach the way I'm used to. It's been a rough week. Really looking forward to resting this weekend and my OB appt tomorrow.

[esarah]

lmaguire- With your bh contractions so close together and more intense and loosing mucous plug so much, you could definitely be dilating. I would get in to see your doc ASAP to make sure or even go in to Labor and delivery to make sure everything is ok. I have had three preemies and those were all things that happened when I was dilating. Not trying to scare you but they say if you have 6 contractions of any type in an hour you definitely need to be checked out. You are pretty early to be loosing mucous plug, especially if it is coming often. I would go to the doctor or L&D today!

[BabyDreams]

Rachel....I meant that baby is 3 pounds, which is above average for 29 weeks. ;)

[lmaguire]

sarah - thanks for the concern. I decided to wait it out and upon getting home this afternoon, they have slowed quite a bit (down to about 1-2 per hour). I'm thinking the stress of work is certainly not helping the situation any. This past week I've done nothing but sit and lecture,which I hate because that's not my style of teaching, but apparently that's not helping enough. I have an appt tomorrow morning with the OB - thank God. Would it be unreasonable for me to maybe ask for a week of bed rest to get things settled down? Am I being a hypochondriac?

[esarah]

Lmaguire-
I would just tell the doctor everything you said here. They may want to check your cervix. I would mention that work is taking it's toll and that you are having a lot of braxton hicks contractions and working certainly isn't helping. If you start having 6+ again I would say go in to L&D and they can monitor you.

With my first preemie I really didn't want to overreact. I didn't want to bug the doctor or the nurses and have them think I was just overreacting and a hypochondriac. I did end up in L&D 3 times before she was born but 2 of those times were when I was being monitored and they wouldn't let me go home until I was monitored and checked in L&D. I was dilating and effacing and had to be on moderate bedrest. I would not have been able to work though. This was at 29 weeks. I was fortunate with her and made it to 33 weeks but 33 weeks is early and she had to stay in the NICU for 3 very long weeks (and we had it easy with her). I was not at all prepared for my water to break prematurely and go into labor just a few hours later and have her a little less than 2 hours after I went in to labor! After that, I didn't care if I looked like a hypochondriac and I don't think anyone thought I was either. Even the first time. I had a 31 weeker and a 34 weeker as well. My first was born at 37 weeks exactly.

Just know the doctors are used to people calling or coming in with concerns and it's much better to be safe than sorry. I don't think that calling or going in when you are having those symptoms is overracting or being a hypochondriac at all. It's better to know one way or the other.

Good luck and keep us posted on how things go at the OB. Take care and good luck getting many more weeks! :)

[Kate23]

lmaguire-my doc was very concerned when i told her i had 5 contractions an hour at one point. she checked me right away and i was dilated 1 cm, she sent me directly to labor and delivery. i think 5-7 an hour is definitely something to be concerned about, that could mean you're dilating. be sure to tell your ob tomorrow, but if it happens again before then or if you have any other signs of preterm labor go to L&D. it's always better to go in and have nothing wrong than the other way around

[BabyDreams]

I agree with Kate and esarah. My cousin was having contractions like that and thought it was not "real" labor because it didn't fit the criteria to go into l&d. By the time she finally got there she was admitted, she was not dilated far enough, but because that many contractions for that long (hers was on and off 36 hours) put the baby into stress. At one point the baby's heart rate dropped too low and they were scrambling to get it back up. I was in the room and it was a scary scene. At home you dont have those tools to know what the contractions are doing. Better safe than sorry. Good luck lmqguire...hope things settle down and good luck tomorrow!

[lmaguire]

Thank you all for your concern, and any thoughts, etc. you sent my way. Went in for my appointment and when I told her everything, she did a cervical exam (still good and long, just very soft now, and LO's head is down low), and then sent me down to triage to be monitored. I was having contractions almost every two or three minutes but they were only lasting about 45 seconds. They couldn't repeat the fetal fibronectin test since the did one last week. They gave me a bag of IV fluids, 2 shots of Terbutaline, a prescription for Procardia, and I asked for a week of bed rest. The doctor made it seem like once we get to 34 weeks she won't worry as much. Hopefully this helps and it'll be more than 3 weeks before he makes his debut. I'm not ready! (and neither is he)

[esarah]

lmaguire- So glad you appointment went well. Three weeks would be great if you can make it that far. My 34 weeker was in the hospital a month but is just fine. 34 weeks is definitely a big goal to hit but a NICU stay is still very likely at that stage. It sounds like you should be good for a little while though. Take care and get lots of rest!

[Kate23]

lmaguire-I hope it helps too and you can keep him in there until he's ready! my doctor also said there would be less concern after 34 weeks, but i'm really hoping to make it longer than that. got kinda worried tonight, been feeling 3 contractions an hour. trying not to stress though, that would only make things worse.

[lmaguire]

Kate- I hope you can keep your LO in there too!! We are only a week apart, so I understand your situation. Be careful and don't hesitate to go to L&D. Better to be safe than sorry.

sarah - thanks for all your support and addvice. i really appreciate it. it's nice to hear from someone who's been through pre-term labor.

I'm just really hoping this works. Kinda terrified that he may be really early, and I haven't had a childbirth class yet. Missing my work baby shower this week, so I'm kinda bummed about that too . Just bummed out in general. Was hoping I was going to be a lucky one with no real complications. =(

[jamiec0326]

Lauren - hope this works for you. Keep that little one in there as long as you can. Bean was born at 37 weeks and 5 days and we still spent a week in the NICU. His lungs were not developed enough. I am hoping that Kailyn doesn't have any issues because she will be here at 38 weeks and 3 days. Keep me posted on how it is all going!

[esarah]

lmaguire- You've done fantastic! It's hard when things don't go as you pictured it. I have had 4 complicated high risk pregnancies. 34 weeks has been my goal with my last three since I had preterm labor that started with all of them well before 30 weeks. With my second I started dilating at 28 weeks when preterm labor started. I was 2 cms dilated and 50% effaced and made it 5 weeks! My 33 weeker was in the NICU 3 weeks exactly. She came home at 36 weeks exactly.

With my third I went from 23 weeks to 31 weeks slowly dilating and effacing. I started the preterm labor at 21 weeks. So scary! He was born at 31 weeks and was in the NICU 6.5 weeks.

With my little guy (4th) I had a partial placental abruption at 26 weeks and that's when we found out that I was also dilating and effacing. I was on strict bedrest from 26 weeks until my water broke at 33 weeks 5 days and he was born 10 min shy of 34 weeks (little stinker!). He would have come home after 18 days but got RSV in the NICU! Just when I thought I couldn't take anymore. I collapsed when they told me. I was so exhausted from taking care of my older three (5 and under at the time) and being at the hospital the 24 hours before having to feed him every three hours round the clock and not sleeping well in between. Gosh, It's been 6 months and I am still exhausted!

Anyway that was just to say you can go a while after preterm labor stars and even after dilating but you have to be careful and go in or call when ever you are having contractions regularly or other symptoms of dilation and labor. Also, my baby who was 34 weeks could have been home in just over 2 weeks if he had not had RSV so at 34 weeks with your cervix still holding pretty well, you are doing great! My 37 weeker was 7 lbs and went right home with zero problems. You just never know though, you could be like my friend and have a baby at 35 weeks exactly and take them home or you could be like me and have a baby doing really well and in the NICU for a fairly short time and then have something completely turn around. You are doing great though and I am hoping at least 37 weeks for you! :)

[lmaguire]

sarah - thanks so much for all your advice and sharing your experiences. It's reassuring to know that he will be OK if we get to 34 weeks. I just know that I personally am not ready for him to be here that soon. My baby showers are scheduled for right around that time, so we won't have anything until then. (I wanted to have them earlier, but I won't even go into that).

Today I've had a little more mucus and a couple intense contractions, but they weren't close together (one was after I sneezed), so I'm not too concerned.
I was so upset yesterday - my mom came over to help out and stopped to pick up our bedding that we special ordered back in JULY that was supposedly FINALLY in. Well, it was the wrong bedding, but my mom didn't check it, so we found out once she got here. So the store is calling Nautica to see when it's supposed to get in. I'm to the point now where if they can't overnight it and get it here this week, then I just want our money back. Over 2 months to wait for bedding that we could have just gone to another store and bought and had that same day is more than ridiculous. (We got it at this particular store because we had store credit and giftcards so we didn't actually have to spend any money). AND we bought a changing table at Target a month ago for $20 but it was a spiced color and everything in our nursery is white, so we were just going to paint it. Well, that didn't work at all - it looks pretty terrible and will require a polycrylic coat once you finish at least three coats of paint. Not worth the time and energy since it won's be super durable. So now we are looking at buying a dresser style changing table.
Bed rest is difficult. I'm used to doing everything myself and I like things the way I do them, so it's hard to watch someone else do something for you. I'm really hoping it's only a week, and then my plan is to work again until 34 weeks and then probably stop. I want to kinda put myself back on moderate bed rest until probably 37 weeks to try to keep him in there and baking as long as possible. is that crazy?

[esarah]

Even my 31 weeker is doing great! It was just so hard to have him in the NICU so long and not be able to bring him home. Especially with two other kids at home.

I had my baby shower with my second (33 weeker) scheduled for right about 34 weeks. So, a week after she was born I went to the shower (one of my friends insisted that she throw one for my second) while she was in the NICU. It was kind of a nice break and I still had all the stuff from it two weeks before she came home.

Hopefully you won't have to worry about it though and will make it even further!

Bedrest is hard but so worth it. It is not relaxing at all though! Hang in there. You are doing great. I know it's rough. If you have any questions for me or need anything pm me as I am not always checking the pregnancy boards. Hopefully I won't be hearing from you on the mom's board for several more weeks!

[ellebelle]

I have a question.....

have any of you ladies had pain in the groin area. I joke with my husband that after sitting a long time I feel like someone has kicked me in the groin. Once I get up (boy does that hurt) and walk around a little it eases considerably.

It's not cramping or any kind of pain like that, more like really sore muscles around the entire groin area.

[lmaguire]

elle- YES! I definitely have those pains as well. I asked my doctor a couple weeks ago when I started having them and she said its ligaments and the uterus stretching due to baby growing. She said they are no cause for concern and I was able to ease them a bit with prenatal yoga & stretching. Hope ths helps! =) Other than the pain, how have you been lately? I see they changed your due date to December?

[praises1139]

Lmaguire--just getting caught up on this thread...I was wondering with everything going on why you were still working??!! Sounds like you need to lie down the next few wks. It sucks, I can relate. But the sooner you accept not being able to do stuff, the sooner you can relax for your baby. Stay positive, you're going to do great. my friend is in the hospital today, she's almost 32wks and they are trying to stop the contractions. She had her 1st a month early and now this one's trying to come sooner. She's been doing progesterone shots and I think she should've been on bedrest too because her BH started earlier this pregnancy.

Elle--I sometimes feel someone kicking me down there! It does not feel good

[lmaguire]

Hey praises! Long time no see! How are things with you & the twins? Later this week you join us here!! =)
Ya, I think being home is probably best, but that certainly doesn't mesh well with the independence factor. It's been hard to have everyone else do things for me that I want to do. I'm still lesson planning, but from home, and hoping whoever is in my classroom is executing them the way I want. ugh. Part of me is hoping to go back after this week until 34 weeks (only 2 weeks) and then stay home after that, trying to keep him in as long as possible since my doctor has said that once we hit 34 weeks, she won't stop the progression anymore. So far the Procardia seems to be working pretty well. Only had a couple contractions yesterday and they were pretty far apart and didn't last long - what I assume normal BH are like? I just really hope I can keep him in until 37 weeks. That's my goal.

[ellebelle]

I am doing GREAT! Counting down the days until D-Day :)

They did move my due date from November 25 to December 3 but everytime they measure her she measures somewhere between the two. My husband is hoping for her to be born around the 29th :)

I am so releaved to hear I am not the only one with this pain! I've had to sit and ride in a car a lot in the last couple of days and it has made me really sore. I've been walking at night with my DH and the fur baby and that helps ease it some too.

The mornings suck though! Anyone else finding it harder and harder to get up in the mornings :) I am not a morning person anyway, but the last week or so, I just want to sleep a little longer than I should.

[Kate23]

ellebelle-i've had those pains too. and my bones feel all out of place! i try not to sit for too long, i get so stiff. i'm finding it harder to sleep at night so it's almost a relief to get up and move around, no matter how little sleep i've had! but i do love my afternoon nap

lmaguire-glad things are going well!

i have still been having lots of contractions, but no more than 4 an hour. they always slow down and go away, so doc is saying he isn't concerned. at my appt yesterday he said to make sure i'm eating enough, drinking enough water, eliminating stress, resting, and no DTD, to help with the contractions. i am measuring perfectly, heart rate was good. my belly is getting so big though! i've got stretch marks now on the lower part of the belly, and i didn't realize how much they would hurt!!! feels like my skin is being ripped open

[Tiffany1]

A quick update before I head to bed(it is 2:33am) and I just got back from my last week-long trip in Minnesota. I was able to manage my blood glucose levels quite great while on vacation, I even ate out almost every day! My numbers actually were much better on vacation than at home, which makes me wonder if stress has anything to do with my higher numbers? I've been having BH also and they are so uncomfortable! I don't have any increased mucous or anything though and there is no pain associated with the BH. Also, I took my blood pressure at Walmart the first night I got home 4 times, yes 4 times, and it was slightly elevated. So the night before I left I took it again while at Walmart, in the normal range! I am starting to think the higher blood pressure has to do with stress also, which is great, because I really don't want to develop preeclampsia, it sounds so scary. My doula reassured me that if I develop it though, that it has nothing to do with how relaxed I am or anything, and that there is nothing I can do to prevent it, which actually helped me a lot. My little boy likes to stretch, a lot, uncomfortable. He also gets the hiccups 2-3 times a day. He has also decided to settle near my cervix or something, because when he moves, it definitely doesn't feel good "down there." I will update more later, but I really should try going to bed, if the cat will let me...oh, also, my sister got the results of her special ultrasound back, though she is not a PCOSer, the test found she only has 1 baby and it looks normal, but her placenta is over the cervix and if it doesn't move by her next appt in October, she will likely need a c-section. So I'm crossing my fingers it moves for her. Alright, off to bed!

Edit: Also, I have this strange gut feeling he is going to come in my 37th week, which my husband also has the same gut feeling(all the way in AFG), and apparently goes along with what my mother thinks, go figure.

[jth0205]

Hi all! I hope you are having a great day. I'm finally graduating to the third trimester and was excited to post here. Looking forward to catching up on personals later.

[lmaguire]

jth - Congrats & welcome to the third trimester! Glad you and little Luke are doing well!!

Tiff - SO happy you're back! Glad you had a nice trip to MN and were able to control your glucose level so well! I feel you on the stretching and possible cervix punching. Definitely not fun, but it's reassuring that he's ok given everything that's happened in the last couple weeks. Bummer about your sister! I had the same issue though, and mine had moved by the 20th week, or shortly there after. (Not sure how far along your sister is, but there's a good chance it'll move).

Kate - sorry about the stretch marks! I understand the drinking as much water as humanly possible, trying to eliminate stress, resting, and no DTD. It kinda sucks, but very much worth it for little one's sake.

afm - I AM BORED OUT OF MY MIND!! Finished my lesson planning for the remainder of the week, and have been shopping online for my hospital bag stuff. Figured I should probably get it together given all that's happened lately. Anyone have any suggestions for stuff to take and not take? I've read several articles, but it's always nice to hear from people firsthand.
While bed rest has been kinda difficult, and I must admit I go downstairs three times a day, I can tell it's helping. My stress level is much lower. If I start to get stressed out about anything, the contractions start up again. So while I'm sure the Procardia is also helping, I'm wondering if being home is helping more. Kinda nervous about my appointment tomorrow. I'm sure she'll check my cervix again, and I think I'm kinda hoping she tells me to stay home. I'm afraid going back to school will just set it off again. Plus I'm a little more bummed today because today was supposed to be my work baby shower, and we canceled my shower in Tallahassee. So as of right now, the only shower I'm going to have is in Melbourne Oct. 8th. I have to ask my doctor about that shower to make sure I can still go. ugh. sorry about the rant, but the cat isn't exactly the best bed rest buddy. he needs to learn English.

[praises1139]

lmaguire--hehe about your cat. mine naps all day! every time i look at him, he's in a new position, but still asleep. sheesh.
i'm nervous about you going back to work too. my OB and peri said walking causes more contractions. i think stress does too because i was very stressed after they first put me on bed rest and that is when my contractions became more obvious. with the progesterone/bedrest and being less stressed, my contractions have calmed down.
here is a list i'm using!! it's from Twinstuff.com, so just modify it for a singleton :)

HOSPITAL BAG
Mom:
nightgown
slippers & socks
robe
nursing bra, pads & cream
underwear
toothbrush, toothpaste
deodorant
chapstick
shampoo, conditioner
makeup, moisturizer
lotion
going home outfit
blank journal or computer
hair clips
pillow
books
towel
eye mask
ear plugs
squirt bottle for tepid water
flushable wipes/soft toilet paper
bobby pillow (great for siblings who want to hold the babies!)

Babies:
going home outfits (2 each)
diaper bag
diapers & wipes
blankets
car seats
stroller
hats
booties/socks
hand sanitizer
baby books (for footprints)
pacifiers
mittens

Dad:
list of phone #'s
video camera, tapes & charger
camera, film & batteries
snacks
change
cell phone & chargers
change of clothes
toothbrush & deodorant
deck of cards

[EJ1008]

Thought I'd weigh in on the hosptial bag list. You'll need less than you think! If you don't mind, Praises, I copied your list below and added some thoughts to the items:

HOSPITAL BAG
Mom:
nightgown - not needed; just use the hospital gowns. Not at all glamorous, but you don't have to worry about bleeding on your nightgown
slippers & socks - definitely bring! I couldn't wear shoes until ds was 8 days old due to fluid retention & had to wear slippers home.
robe - not necessary but nice to have. If you don't bring one, just ask for an extra gown and wear it backwards
nursing bra, pads & cream - I only wore my bra home; your milk may not come in until after you leave the hosptial so pads may not be necessary
underwear - wear the hospital mesh panties. Again, not glamourous but you'll be bleeding
toothbrush, toothpaste - YES
deodorant - YES
chapstick - YES
shampoo, conditioner - YES
makeup, moisturizer - make up only if you're the type of person who feels naked w/out
lotion - YES
going home outfit - YES. Bring your most comfy maternity clothes. E.g., yoga pants and t-shirt. You'll look abou 5 months preggo.
blank journal or computer - Good idea
hair clips - Good idea
pillow - I forgot one & did all right w/out
books - You won't have time to read
towel - Use hospital's
eye mask
ear plugs
squirt bottle for tepid water - hospital will provide
flushable wipes/soft toilet paper
bobby pillow (great for siblings who want to hold the babies!)

Babies:
going home outfits (2 each) - bring newborn & 3 month size
diaper bag
diapers & wipes - hospital will provide & should let you take home
blankets - yes
car seats - must have to bring baby home
stroller - not needed unless dad does not have help taking twins to car
hats - esp. for winter babies
booties/socks - yes
hand sanitizer -yes
baby books (for footprints)
pacifiers - hospital will provide
mittens - may not be needed

Dad:
list of phone #'s
video camera, tapes & charger - yes
camera, film & batteries -yes
snacks -yes
change -yes
cell phone & chargers -yes
change of clothes -yes
toothbrush & deodorant - yes
deck of cards - no time

You can also use the hospital pads; no need to bring youy own.

[praises1139]

EJ--yes! thanks for the feedback. i keep hearing about how awesome the mesh panties are, so i Googled it. lol this is also a good website for packing the hospital bag!
http://blog.hospitalbag.org/archive/2009/01/20/why-on-earth-do-i-need-mesh-underwear.aspx

there are other things i would add to that list like contacts and glasses.

[praises1139]

i heard you should sit on a towel in the car in case your water breaks

[lmaguire]

Thanks for the feedback on what to pack. Hoping to get to go shopping after my appt tomorrow for hospital bag stuff. Really want to have that bag ready with everything going on. Passed a little more mucus tonight and am having more contractions than I have in the past couple days, but trying not to freak out, since that'll just make it worse. (~2/ hr compared to the 1-2/ day I was having). I keep talking to him asking him to please stay in until week 37, and asking my uterus to stop being so irritable. Ugh!

[karidpt]

Just wanted to add some input for the pack list:
Candy: life savers, chocolates, etc. For snacking
Cards: great for my out of town family who wanted to hang out a lot and only oneperson had the baby.
Books: i brought 2 baby books and read to her sometimes
Baby outfit: i would pack one premie outfit incase you go early or have a tiny baby, newborn (obvious), and 0-3 month in case of a large baby....i just bought a clearance premie outfit from TJ Maxx for like $3.... Didnt need it so i regifted it later.
Boppy: i left her sleep in it next to me on the bed
Diapers and wipes: you may want your diaper bag to be all organized, but the hospital uses theirs and they give you all the left over and even sometimes a whole case.....so dont bother bringing yous, you will have a ton to take home, and if you dont just ask them for it.
Mittens: good so they dont scratch their faces, the fold over hand onsies are great for that too
Hand sanitizer: hospital should have a diapenser in each room

Everything else looked good! Hope you ladies are getting excited!

[Kate23]

i finished packing my bag yesterday, but am gonna add a few things. can't believe i didn't think about a phone charger! the hospital gave me a list of things that they provide, and i plan on taking advantage of all that. as for the diaper bag, the hospital is providing diapers and wipes and clothes while in the hospital, and we get to take home any extras. the nurse suggested bringing my own pillow, theirs are terrible. and she said to bring my own pads if i want, and underwear, basically anything that would make me feel more comfortable.
speaking of comfortable, i'm having a terrible time finding a comfortable nursing bra in my size. they had a nice one at target but not in my size. i'm a 38DD right now, don't know what i'll be when milk comes in. can anyone suggest a place with a good selection of nursing bras?

[lmaguire]

Kate - does your hospital have a nursing or supply kind of store? I'm lucky enough that the hospital I plan on delivering in does. My plan after my appointment today is to go downstairs and get them to help me figure out what size I need. Otherwise I would suggest going to Motherhood Maternity and have them measure you and see what they think you should do size wise. My friend swore by their bras, but they don't make many in my size (not that I'm sure what size that is right now, but pre-preggo I was a 32D/DD). Yay on getting your bag packed! I'm hoping to do that today too!

I had a rough night last night. My mom called and was telling me stressful family things and within an hour of talking to her, I had 6 contractions in an hour. They started off at about 2 min apart and then spread out a little, but it wasn't comforting. I've had a couple more this morning, but I think that's anxiety about my appt this afternoon. Lately, I feel like all I do is talk/complain on here - sorry ladies, I think it's just cause I'm bored out of my mind being home all day alone.

[praises1139]

Lmaguire--don't worry about us...this site is therapeutic...lol. at least, it has been for me at times because everyone is so encouraging.
I know its hard not to stress about loved ones, but this is one time in your life when you have to put yourself first for your baby's sake. So next time just tell your mom you care about what is going on but you can't talk about family problems because the stress makes you physically react with contractions, plain and simple. She should understand.

[Jen0653]

Praises, I had to laugh at your comment about sitting on a towel in the car in case your water breaks! That was totally me!!! I worried all the time that I would be in the car or in the store and my water would break like you see in the movies. Mine did end up breaking but not at all like that. Actually I was at home and thought I peed and went and sat on the toilet and realized that I wasn't controling it and couldn't stop. I was more so leaking though. Some people do get the gush, but from what I remember, most people end up having their water broke at the hospital.

About the hospital bag, I agree with EJ you won't need as much as you think. For me, I wanted to be in my own clothes. People are visiting and I wanted to feel as much like myself as possible. I just brought stretchy pj pants and a shirt though. Bring your things to get yourself ready in the morning, that first shower makes you feel a thousand times better! I used the things the hospital provided and make sure to take things home as well. The mesh panties are amazing, they should provide you with pads, a squirt bottle, and any type of pain meds / sprays you should need. I also brought clothes, hats, blankets and socks to keep my little girl in while we were at the hospital. They provide them, but I wanted to use cute little girl things as opposed to the basic hospital white stuff. I would bring a nail file for baby's nails - Kelsey came out with long nails and the hospital didn't have anything for us to use. Boppy pillow is wonderful, especially if you plan to breastfeed. Plus holding baby is easier with the pillow. And bring pillows from home! DH got to stay the night with me and had an awful time with the pillows they provided. Plus you may want an extra one or just one that is more comfortable.

[lmaguire]

Ok - appt went well. BP was 104/63 (good and low - as it should be while taking Procardia, which is actually a BP med). Didn't even have to have a cervical exam (which kinda surprised me), and she listened to little one's heartbeat for a long time. (He REALLY hates the doppler and was kicking the crap out of it may be the reason). She did tell me that she wants me to continue on bed rest, which I'm not upset about it. I think it's best for both of us. Told my principal and she didn't freak out like I thought she might, but I think she'll want me back after the 34 week mark. The doctor made it sound like she may let me go back then, but I think I've decided that I'm done until January. We'll cross that bridge when we get there though.
Afterwards we went to Target to get some hospital bag materials. Got some slippers, a button down PJ set, some of those fuzzy socks, a nursing cami, and an outfit for little one to wear just in case he comes early. It's not evrything but it's at least a start!

[BabyDreams]

Can't believe September is over! Starting to feel like I have a lot to still do! How's everyone else doing?

[jamiec0326]

Kailyn Rae is here! Weighed in at 7lbs 13oz and 20 1/2 inches long. Other than the itching from the spinal block I am doing great and she is doing wonderful too!

[codih]

Yay Jamie!!!! I was thinking about you and wondering how you are were doing with your sweet girl. She is precious!!! Congrats!!

[lmaguire]

YAY Jamie!!! So happy for you! She is so precious! Can't wait to hear all about it!

[jth0205]

Congratulations Jamie! She is beautiful and I really like her name!