November Third Trimester (27 Weeks to Delivery)

[carries2011]

Ladies, we're into a new month!! Hard to believe it's already November!! My has this year flown by! Hope everyone is doing well! I heard that Praises is not available right now to start the November threads so I thought I'd get them going in her absense.

Here's to a happy road to delivery for all of you in the final stretch!!

[praises1139]

Carrie--thanks! My bad, just remembered these 3 are not stickies. Sry to confuse you!

[readytogo]

Tiffany -- congrats on the little one!

Praises -- hoping you're going to continue to hang in there.

Lauren -- loving the nursery pics! Very cute theme!

Kate and jth -- how are you guys holding up?

AFM, I am starting to feel my first true pregnancy discomforts, seeing as I have had a rather easy pregnancy up to this point. Specifically, I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with this, but apparently I have a hernia (or so my OB suspects) in my right upper thigh. I've heard a little about hernias, and although mine (if that's what I have) does hurt some, it is by no means a bulge of any kind. It really just looks like a spider vein. Any experiences with this?

Also, constipation! OMG. Make it stop. Stool softeners all the time, trying to get fiber, but still feeling like nothing I do will really solve the problem and dread going to the bathroom. Sorry for the TMI!

Hope everyone enjoyed Halloween!

[Kate23]

ready-sorry, i had no idea you could get a hernia in your leg, so i can't tell you anything about that. what did your dr say about it? the constipation i do have experience with, however. for me drinking insane amounts of water and eating fiber cereal or bars helps. today i'm having kinda the opposite problem though, so i'm thinking that's a sign baby is coming soon. of course soon could mean two weeks from now!lol

i'm feeling so much pressure in my pelvis today! lots of contractions too, but they aren't getting any closer together. everything i feel makes me wonder if it's the beginning of labor, if he decides to wait til the due date, it's gonna be a long 2 weeks.lol my best friend just had her baby last week, and i finally got to talk to her today. she sounds so happy, and so in love with her LO. it just makes me even more excited to meet my little boy

[lmaguire]

ready - that hernia sounds terrible!! I'm so sorry you have to deal with that on top of pregnancy symptoms! As for constipation, like Kate said, LOTS of water, and high fiber foods (I really like the Fiber One Oats and Chocolate bars and the Fiber One poptart things - PS I wrote "poop tarts" at first and laughed so hard I about cried when I caught it!!). And thanks about the nursery, we're happy with the way it turned out.

Kate - I sure hope this is the start of things for you! I feel you on the BMs. I was lucky to go once a week before being pregnant, and pregnancy only made it worse, but the last couple of days have been 3-4x per day. Kinda hoping it's a sign that things are moving along. Do you have a dr appt this week? are you going to have the dr check for progress or hold off?

jth - hows the spotting? did it stop for you?

praises - hope you're still doing well! still the plan for you to head home tomorrow?

megzy - any luck finding the exercise ball? any progression?

selo & zinnia- how are things going for you?

[MegzyAngel]

YAY for November. Birth Month no matter what!!!!!!!!!!

ready - I'm the same as Kate. I had no idea that you could get hernia's in your leg either.

praises - Glad to see your still hanging in there

Kate - Congrats on your friend having her baby. Sounds like your getting what i'm getting. I figured the gym ball (YAY DH found it lol) has moved her down more and I have been cramping ever since. Will wait and see.

AFM - Pretty much summed up above whats been going on here. DH found my gym ball which i was bouncing on quite a bit last night. Seems to have moved LO down more which is making me cramp and pee lots. Not to mention feeling heavier down there. Hopefully it gets something moving along soon. Antenatal appointment tomorrow so we will see. Hopefully we get the good nurse prac and not the b***h we got last week so then maybe we can get a sweep done :D.

[praises1139]

No, can't go yet. They will cut off the mag at 9am so I can get through the night without issue and then monitor for 24 hrs. If the contractions go crazy with cervical change, then its back on the mag but only to get me to 32 wks,Sat. If the contractions come back milder, no cervical change, then I will go back on the Procardia. At this point I will only go home if I'm back to how I was before last night.

[rachelttc]

Good grief. Yesterday the water main outside my house exploded, so I haven't had water. I took a shower at a friend's house, but it's amazing how many things you want to do, like flushing the toilet, washing your hands, brushing your teeth, etc. that just need a *little* water, and you still don't have it. They tore up the whole street and my yard, and parked their back hoe on my bushes. :(

I think the stress of the water problem has upset my uterus, because I had about FIFTEEN braxton-hicks today. I normally only have one a day. They kind of feel like a knot in the back, but it's like a knot in my uterus. Hopefully I can learn to chill out a little bit. Also, it doesn't help that my DH and I fought last night, because we haven't done the deed in 3 months. :( He loves me so much, but he just doesn't want to sleep with me now that I'm pregnant, and it really hurts my feelings. Also, I have HELLA sex drive (and have for the past few months), so I really notice it! So he agreed we would try it this weekend, to see how it goes, and if he could get into it if we just started. Ugh. I know so many of you aren't ALLOWED to DTD, but I am and really want to!

Megzy: So glad the bouncing is doing something!! Yay!

praises: Keep us updated! I hope you can avoid all those nasty mag side effects. Although of course it would be worth it to keep your beans baking.

ready and imaguire: I am concerned too about my BMs, but I'm concerned because I haven't had ANY constipation through my whole pregnancy, even now. Does anyone have any idea if not having constipation, or even having a little of the opposite, could mean I have GD? I'm so nervous for my glucose test on Thursday!!!

[MegzyAngel]

rachel - I havn't had much constipation either. Sometimes I will go 2 or 3 days without a BM but mostly been normal. Except past week or so where it has been loose and slowly getting looser. They did say for a while that I have GD but then they discovered that my results had been mixed up so was only borderline/insulin resistant which i knew already anyway. You might be one of the lucky ones who doesnt get constipated.

I hope those BH settle down for you and I hope you and DH sort things out. He might be worried he's going to hurt the baby or something. My DH was worried for a while that if he hit my cervix that it would send me into preterm labour. The doctor reassured him though that unless we are told otherwise it is fine to DTD.

[rachelttc]

Megzy: I don't want to gross everyone out, but I think it's more psychological than that, because if he were just worried about the baby, he would still be interested in hands or mouths, you know? It's just like some part of him thinks pregnant ladies don't have sex or something.

Yeah, I wonder if loose BMs are a sign of insulin resistance. I'm eating peanuts right now to keep myself from eating carbs! I guess I'll find out for sure on Friday.

[readytogo]

Rachel -- what time of day is your glucose test? My friend who's a midwife recommended for me that (because I had a 4 p.m. appointment) I only eat the lightest of lunches at least 4-5 hours before my appointment and then have nothing but water leading up to the appointment. So I had Greek yogurt, some almonds, and some cheese before my test and then enjoyed an early dinner that night right after the test. You've probably heard this advice before, but if not, it might also make you feel more in control when you go in for the test. Being on a low/no carb diet for the week leading up to my test and eating light that day led to me passing with flying colors. Hope that helps! (And hope you get your water back! And, for what it's worth, my DH and I also haven't had sex for months, but that's more me than him because I spotted the one and only time in my pregnancy after the last time we had sex, and that was more than enough for me to close down the shop.)

[praises1139]

I totally recommend glucose tests in the am after fasting! Cuts down on false positives for the glucola


I called the nurse because they were supposed to stop my mag at 9. Sorry to be pushy just this once but I want to have more.energy and 2 hrs later I can take a shower!!! (Seated). OB checked me and there has been no more dilation! And she thinks I'm not 2cm yet either. I rarely feel a.contraction now, so.we will see.what happens. So today they will do an u/s of the babies.to check positioning. I told her that the peri has my due date as two.days earlier, according to all his scans, so.she was happy about that. He didn't recommed changing the date because it was only two days but now it makes a difference!

[lmaguire]

praises - agreed about the glucose test. SO glad you stopped dilating! I hope everything continues to go well for you. Let us know how the u/s goes! Did you say tomorrow (hopefully) they'll send you home?

rachel - I agree with praises - I would most definitely do the glucose test as early in the morning as you can (did mine at 8am) and fast beforehand (just waited to eat breakfast until after the test). Also, be aware that it may make your intestines a tad upset. (TMI alert - I had diarrhea and a stomach ache the rest of the day) Good luck!
I hope they fixed your water problem and your BH decreased or went away. How are you doing today?

megzy - glad DH found the ball & Sophie is moving down for you! Can't wait to hear that she got here!

ready - good idea for items to eat if you have a late glucose test!

afm - didn't sleep well last night. Hope this isn't TMI, but my intestines just ache. Lots of gas and occasionally able to "go" every now and then (more than I normally do, but not as much as I feel like I need to), but it feels like I need to go constantly. Maybe he's moved down and is pushing on my intestines more now?? I've stayed in bed all morning resting, drinking water, napping periodically, trying to make it tolerable. Needed to go to the grocery to get some stuff for our church's Thanksgiving food drive, some rice for dinner tonight, and Publix has turkey burgers BOGO, but I don't think I can do that right now. Sometimes the pain has me doubled over or curled up in fetal position (or as close to it as I can get right now). If it doesn't go away soon, I'm calling the doctor. =(

[Kate23]

lmaguire-i do have a dr appt on friday this week. not sure if i will be checked, i'm thinking i will hold off, unless the curiosity just gets to be too much for me! i'm sorry you are in so much pain, i would say if it is that bad give your dr a call.

MegzyAngel-hope the appt goes well, and sounds like the gym ball is doing something!

praises-that's good news, hope the u/s goes well too.

rachelttc-that sucks! you don't realize how much water you use during the day til you don't have it. hope you are feeling better today and got your water back on.

last night i was walking to the bathroom, and my right hip completely went numb just as i was stepping with that leg. it wouldn't hold my weight and it happened so fast i fell forward onto my knee and was barely able to stop myself from falling on my belly. it wasn't that bad of a fall, but it really scared me and i was crying when DH called a minute later. he was freaked out and came home from work to check on me, so i felt bad for scaring him. i know baby wasn't hurt, he is moving around normally and no other problems. but now i'm worried my hip will go out again every time i walk! i'll have to mention it to dr on friday

[jth0205]

Ready - sorry about the potential hernia. Constipation is no fun! Like Kate and Lauren said, lots of water helps me.

Kate - hope you get to meet your little boy really soon! Sorry about the scare you had with the fall.

Lauren - very sorry to hear that you are in pain. What did your doc say? I hope you find relief soon.

Meagan - so happy you get to meet your LO this month!

Praises - glad you have stopped dilating! hang in there!

Rachel - sorry about the water issue. What a pain! Just b/c I can't DTD doesn't mean a strong desire isn't there! It is frustrating! Good luck with your glucose test.

afm - spotting did stop! Luke is moving around more yesterday and today - yay! We had an infant CPR class last night. We got there and waited and waited and waited and the instructor never showed. Turns out she had a family emergency so it has to be rescheduled. Hope they get it rescheduled b/c the next one isn't until January. We got to meet a couple with a two-week-old and he was precious! They were funny. She didn't want to go to the hospital too soon, so she labored at home until she couldn't take the pain anymore. They got to the hospital at 2:30 a.m. to find that she was fully dilated! The baby was delivered at 3 a.m. partly b/c they had to wait for a doctor to arrive! He was 6 lbs. 9 oz. She said it hurt, but it wasn't the end of the world. They also told us that the week before they delivered their son, another couple came in and the lady had the baby on the elevator on the way to L/D! YIKES! Today we met with another pediatrician. We are going with the first guy and have peace about it! I'm relieved b/c I really wanted to go with him. And, tonight I'm heading to a breast feeding class. Marking things off the to-do list!

[shan3401]

We had Sophia on 10-27-11, I posted on the pregnancy thread. She is almost a week old now. She is such a good baby :) Hope everyone is doing well and can't wait to hear everyone's birth stories!!

[MegzyAngel]

Congratulations Shan- I'm glad everything is going well for you.
Hopefully we can post our birth story soon also :)

Kate - I hope you have no more issues with your hip. That would have been scary.

jth - Glad to hear that the spotting has stopped. I hope they can reschedule the CPR class for you. They were telling us about a lady at our antenatal classes. She left going to the hospital until the last minute then decided the stairs would be faster than the elevator to get up to the labour ward. No idea what made her think that. She ended up giving birth half way up the stair case. So they had to somehow move her the rest of the way up the stairs.

praises - Great to hear you have stopped dialating.

Lauren - I have found since Sophie moved down that I have needed to BM more and gas gets painful. Although I think everything hurts at the moment. Oh and I see your full term now YAY. :)

Rachel - I definately agree with having the glucose test in the morning. I had to fast 8 hours for mine so was more convenient since I could just skip breakfast rather than multiple meals.

AFM - I thought laying on your side was supposed to be better an more comfortable. I found last night laying on my back more comfortable although I can't stay there long since my hips ache. I couldn't lay much on either side last night because I was getting horrible cramps. It didn't help that LO was moving around lots either. Needless to say I got not much sleep.
Will post more later after my appointment. Will see how that goes.

[rachelttc]

Thanks for the tip, ladies! I'll get up early and go in the morning, instead of waiting until after work. In case anyone's interested, I found some research showing that YES, morning GTT values are lower than afternoon, in childbearing women.

Observations on morning and afternoon glucose tolerance: differences between sexes.
Kalafatas P, Kafkas P, Lyberatos C, Karayannis S, Kranidiotis A, Papaevangelou G.
Abstract
One hundred non-obese and non-diabetic individuals, 50 men and 50 women, were submitted to oral glucose tolerance tests performed in the morning and in the afternoon on different days. Although great individual variations were noted in both sexes, in men the mean blood sugar (BS) values did not significantly differ between the two tests; in women, however, the mean values after glucose loading were significantly higher during the afternoon test. By dividing the test population into those aged 50 and below and those over 50 it was found that only the group of younger women showed significant differences between the two tests with higher mean BS values during the afternoon test.

[selo1718]

Imaguire- I get pressure like that too. It hurts so bad. It has gotten better since I started eating raisin bran. I didn't realize that the cereal was helping that much until I ran out and was eating something else. It just seems to keep me very regular.

Kate- I hope your hip doesn't go out again. I hope you are feeling all right after your fall.

jth- I'm glad the spotting stopped. I hope you learn a lot tonight and your CPR gets rescheduled soon.

Megzy- I'm actually more comfortable on my back with a pillow under my knees. I know you aren't suppose to lay on your back for too long so I try not to but if I can't sleep that's what I tend to do.

rachel- definitely go in the morning after fasting for 10 hrs or so. I still didn't pass the 1 hr that way but everything I've read said that's the best way to do it.

Praises- It sounds like the boys are going to stay put a while longer!

AFM- My boobs have started to hurt again. They just feel heavy and ache. I took a benadryl to sleep last night after 3 nights of not sleeping. I'm hoping I won't need it tonight.

[praises1139]

Still at the hospital. It's going ok being off the mag. I feel so much more alert and energetic now! Guess the mag was really weighing me down. I got to take a quick shower today( I wasn't allowed to shave..ugh..but I quickly did my underarms!). DH helped me and I feel so much better. Tomorrow AM I will go back on the Procardia. We are just taking it one day at a time as we get to 32 wks, then we will see where we are at. Fri we will do a repeat u/s just to check Baby B's fluid because today it was on the low side of normal but my OB said it could've been because his bladder was full and I told her the tech actually made a comment about that! So I am not worried. It took FOREVER to do the scans because the boys are so squished together, its hard to get accurate measurements but the hospital requires full scans if they are your first in the hospital, even though my peri just did them last wk!!! They came up with 4lb3oz and 4lb2oz and I was like, what the heck, how could one baby gain a pound in a week? They said we have to take it with a grain of salt because their heads are hard to measure now. They are both head down. So I was gone from my room for 3 hrs, but part of it I was waiting around, so by the end I started crying when the nurse brought me back to my room. Lol. Once I could lie down and drink water, I felt so much better. Anywho, for the most part its not bad being at the hospital..I feel safer here! I have pretty much everything I need and DH spends the night. It's actually closer to work for him. :)

[MegzyAngel]

praises - Glad to hear both babies are head down. Unfortunately with the ultrasounds the weight measurements arn't always accurate. I could imagine it would be more out being twins. Also its great that DH gets to stay with you in the hospital.

selo - Great idea about the pillow under knees. I will give that a try. Hope it doesnt restrict my movement too much.
Sorry to hear your boobs are hurting again. Hopefully thats a good sign that they are starting to produce colostrum :). Mine get sore on and off sometimes then they start leaking.

AFM - Just got back from my appointment. It went well although I didn't get the sweep done. Was told next week I could get one (Yeah we shall see. depends who I get) if I make it that far. I hate it when they feel for babies head since they squash and press my pelvic area. Now i'm cramping heaps. Aparently i'm only 1/5 engaged now... Baby doesn't want to stay down there.
Thinking of going to the Zoo this weekend if the weathers good and i'm up to it. Do some walking around.

[lmaguire]

praises - glad you're doing well and that the babies are doing well and head down. it's nice that the hospital lets DH stay with you. i can imagine that you'd feel more comfortable about the babies being there since everything you could ever need medically or otherwise is there. keep hanging in there!

kate - sorry about the fall! had the same thing happen to me about a week ago, but I managed to catch myself on the couch so I didn't fit the floor. feeling ok today?

selo - thanks for the reassurance. i was able to go a little more last night and that seems to have relieved some of the pressure. maybe i was just super constipated, and baby was really low? I understand about the boobs too. mine have been hurting on and off for a couple weeks now, and have gotten a tad bigger (i was hoping that wasn't possible since I have no bras that fit anymore).

shan - congrats!! can't wait to see pictures!

megzy - glad your appt went well! hopefully a little walking will help move things along this weekend.

afm: had a LONG night. little man hadn't been moving much yesterday and I started to get concerned around 9pm, since he's usually quite the active little guy. I drank a glass of cranberry juice, and got 5 kicks in 40 min (VERY unusual), and decided maybe he needed more sugar, so I ate some frozen yogurt (had an ulterior motive here - speed things along in the intestinal dept), and still only got 3 more for a total of 8 in an hour and a half. (I usually hit my kick count in 10-15 min). I started poking him, and grabbing both sides of my belly and kinda rolling him back and forth (he usually HATES this and freaks out - nothing. DH said my belly felt "limp"). I called the after hours # and my doctor called me back about 5 min later and sent me to triage. We prayed the entire drive to the hospital. Soon as they hooked me up, and we heard the heartbeat, DH and I both started crying. I haven't been that scared in a while. He REALLY hates the monitors so he started his usual routine pretty much as soon as they strapped me up. Had a TON of contractions, so they kept me a little longer, but since I have an appt today, they said she could check me tomorrow, and let me go home.
Also, during all the madness of this, our cat, who has kidney issues started screaming from the litter box - something he used to do when he had his kidney stones. Ugh - no rest for the weary. So I have to call and get him a vet appt today to make sure that isn't starting up again. All we'd need with a new baby - a screaming cat with kidney stones.
It's time for another nap. Only got a few hours last night since I was having a bunch of contractions and trying to get the cat to calm down and stop screaming so DH could sleep.

[praises1139]

Lmaguire--oh no, I hate having a sick kitty, makes me so worried. Sorry for your scare, I got nervous myself the other night because the babies were so still but it must've been the mag because sure enough with the monitors, they are doing fine and baby B for sure hates it! He tries to run away from it.

Megzy--u r brave to go to the zoo!! I hope your LO hurries up!


Rachel--GL!!!!

Shan--yay, congrats!!

Kate--careful!! Sounds like a pinched nerve. DH's co-worker's wife, who is also preggo, had to.go to the hospital the same night as us because she.busted her elbow--horrible!!! The last thing I need is a fall.


Going home on Sat. If after that I have contractions/dilation again, we will do the mag a 2nd time since I'm not 34 wks, but won't do it a third time.

[rachelttc]

I failed. :(

F*CK.

I'm really sad about this. Now I feel like it's all my fault my fetus is so ridiculously huge. I can't believe I'm already a bad mother, and I haven't even had the kid yet.

My number was 157, and it's supposed to be under 130. Poop poop poop.

I have to go do the 3 hour now, and I'm sure I'll fail that one too.

Crap crap crap. :(

Edit: Ok, I'm going to go to the drugstore tonight and start testing my blood sugars four times a day, like diabetics do. Does anyone know what the numbers are supposed to be before/after meals and before bed/after waking?

[carries2011]

I know I don't belong here, but I follow all three threads just to keep in touch. And there have been a few things on here lately that I must comment on. So forgive me.

rachel - There is no way that anyone in their right mind would ever call you a bad mom for this! You are being way too hard on yourself. This is just one little part of being pregnant and one little part of doing the best you possible can for that little baby in there. If you look at the whole picture...I'm sure you'd still get an A! And you don't want to stress yourself out about it because that isn't good for baby either. You're doing great now and you'll do great with your baby after delivery (regardless of how big that baby is). And I know this isn't a laughing matter, but your post was so funny!! I know you're disappointed by the results, but the way you posted it on here was so stinkin cute! Keep your head up and just do the best you can. I didn't fail those tests and I still made big babies. My son was 9 lbs and my daughter was 8 lbs 11 oz. And I'm petite. I was 105 lbs when I got pregnant with my son. Both my kids are just fine. Your baby will be fine, too. Remember you're still an A quality Mom!

There have been a lot of talk about falls on here lately. I can't recall at the moment who fell. Whoever it is, I hope all is better now! It just reminded me of my last pregnancy when I had a fall at about 37 weeks. At work we bring in snacks one day before Christmas and just snack all day. So here I am HUGE and pregnant bringing in my cookies. I just happened to park my car over the only patch of ice in the parking lot (which happened to be in the coveted end spot). I gathered all my things (a container of cookies, my purse and I don't know what else it felt like a lot of stuff), step out of the car onto the ice and WHIFF!! Down I go. I belly flopped on an asphalt parking lot. My cookies flew out of the container all over the parking lot! Some douchebag from another office drove by, made eye contact with the large pregnant lady lying belly down in the parking lot and just kept on driving! I was so shaken up that I gathered up my things (separated the cookies that spilled from the clean ones of course) and went inside. I ended up going to the doc and everything checked out fine, but she freaked me out and told me all these things to watch for. As soon as I noticed one of the symptoms she had me back in the hospital being induced. Man I wish I never had to be induced. Going into labor naturally is WAY better. Anyway, that is my fall story. That was almost 6 years ago. My daughter is happy healthy and anxiously awaiting her 6th birthday coming up in December.

I know the falls can be scary so I hope that all you third tri gals can avoid anymore of them until delivery!! Take care of yourselves gals!!

[praises1139]

Rachel--I agree with carrie, please do not beat yourself up!! I remember Tiffany was quite upset too but then she got used to the diet and it wasn't so bad. There is no way this means you are a bad mom. There are risk factors for GD, but there is also an element of luck I think. It just happens. Hang in there.

[MegzyAngel]

Rachel - No way are you a bad mother. If you were you wouldn't be so concerned. I think your a great mother for being even a little concerned. Its not your fault about the results. You can have a perfect diet and exercise and still end up with GD, Unfortunately theres no way to really avoid it. Also there are a lot of women that fail the 1 hour but go on to pass the 3 hour with flying colours.
I'll see if I can find a conversion for my levels chart. Its all different here in Australia (All metric). I still have all my information (And the blood glucose monitor etc) from when they thought I was GD.

praises - Yay for going home sat. Hoping you don't need the mag again.

Lauren - Glad it turned out LO is ok. You certainly did the right thing by going in. I hope your cat is ok also.

AFM - DH tried to give me a heart attack this morning by coming off his motorcycle. Hes ok. Just a little grazed up and sore. Think more in shock than anything and now he thinks hes stupid because he came off. I told him not to beat himself up over it because it happens. Luckily he wasn't going any faster otherwise who knows what would have happened.
Not much else to report here Been quiet other that DH's crash.

[chelseaf]

Rachel, don't worry yet until you do the 3hr test. I failed my 1hr, but passed my 3hr with no problems at all. Just take it one day at a time and it will be ok!

[MegzyAngel]

Rachel - I have those levels for you.

Fasting is <5.5mmol/l which converts to 99mg/dl
1.5-2 hours after eating is <7.0mmol/l which converts to 126mg/dl

the mg/dl numbers are the American conversions.

They are the numbers I have but they could be different where you are. I think it really depends on the hospital to what the levels are.

[rachelttc]

Hi everyone, thanks for your supportive words. I get really upset when I get bad news, and then I usually calm down afterwards. I remember how upset I was about the single umbilical artery!

chelseaf: Do you know how badly you failed the 1 hour? I failed with a 157, even though I took the test in the morning, fasting like the research said was best!

megzy: thanks for the numbers. How many hours without food counts as fasting? I was planning to try to eat smaller meals more often, to keep the sugars more stable, so maybe I would only have one fasting number per day?

[esarah]

Rachel- Your fasting blood glucose is the one when you wake in the morning. My doctor liked it below 95. Then 2 hours after meals they liked to see it 120 or below. 1 hour after meals needed to be 140 or below but they had me testing 2 hours after.

I have known people that failed the 1 hour test with 180 and still passed the 3 hour test, so you never know. 157 isn't all that high. I had GD with three out of my four pregnancies. I failed the 1 hour with anything from 135 to 195 those times. You just never know what will happen with the three hour. Even though I failed with three pregnancies I never had a high blood sugar after the three hour test so my doctors are not 100% convinced I ever had it even though I just barely failed the three hour test with three pregnancies.

If you have anymore questions let me know. I did the whole GD thing too many times and know a good deal about it!

Praises- Ultrasounds can be so off and I am sure it is harder to measure with twins, like you said. Your little guys would be decent sized for 32 weekers, twins or not if they are really that big. My 33 week singleton was 4 lbs 9 oz and and 34 weeker was 4 lbs 7 oz. Hang in there! You are doing great. 32 weeks is a big milestone!

[lmaguire]

rachel - sorry about the test results, but like everyone has said, just because you fail the 1 hr does NOT mean you will fail the 3 hr. My friend who had a baby in March failed the 1 hr. with a 170-something. Then passed the 3 hr a week later. She told me that she tried to eat a lower carb diet in the meantime, but didn't change anything else. So don't be too upset, because you can still pass and be just fine! =)

Megzy - I'm so glad DH is OK! That's terrifying, and just what any 9 mo. pregnant woman needs! Hope you all can kinda take it easy until Miss Sophie makes her debut!

praises - yay for going home Sat!! I sure hope things go well from here on out. You need a bit of a break. 32 weeks is a big deal, and you've done such a great job! =)

afm - went to my appt this afternoon, but my dr called me around 9am and asked me if I had gone to triage because the nurses had never called her! she was so mad! Baby is moving around much more today and back to his normal self. She did a cervical check (I have grown to REALLY hate these since they REALLY hurt nowadays) and I'm 2cm and 60% effaced. Moving along. Will be induced on the 21st if he hasn't come by then so my doctor can deliver him - i'm not complaining, and I'm really hoping it isn't an issue and he's already here by then. (Really hoping for a week from tomorrow 11/11/11) Oh, has anyone else has any issues with boobs leaking? I had had a few days where I saw some colostrum after a shower, but it never wet my clothes! Today, I had spots on my t-shirt that I changed into once i got home from the dr. Ridiculous!
Huge weight lifted today when I realized that I made it to full term!! With the way things were going in September, I wasn't sure I would, but I feel so accomplished knowing that we made it!
Oh, also - the kitty has also been better today.

[selo1718]

Megzy- I hope the pillow works for you. It's the only way I can get comfortable sometimes. I hope you can go to the zoo and walk around. I'm glad DH is ok. That would really scare me.

Praises- I'm glad that you are doing well. I would feel more comfortable in the hospital if I were you right now too. I'm glad DH gets to stay with you.

Imaguire- I'm glad you got checked out and that everything is fine. I'm glad your cat seems better today. I haven't had so much leaking that it's gone to my shirt. I seem to have it most during DTD and after the shower. I'm sure the day is coming. I am an infant teacher at a day care and I figure someone is going to cry and I'm going to leak all over and I will have no prior warning.

rachel- Don't be so hard on your self. It's not your fault that you failed the 1 hr and it won't be your fault if you fail the 3 hr. It's just a new piece of info that will help you better care for your baby. Try eating less carbs and more protein and eat smaller meals more often. You are already an amazing mom already just because you care so much.

AFM- Baby has been quiet today. She did make her after dinner kick count fine but was quiet most of the day. It's almost like she has her back to my front and I'm just not feeling as much, just little taps here and there.

[Kate23]

rachelttc-sorry about the bad test results, i hope you are able to pass the 3 hr test. but even if you don't, that doesn't in any way make you a bad mother!

MegzyAngel-oh no! so glad DH wasn't badly hurt

lmaguire-sounds like you are making progress. i hate the checks! that's why i've been declining them. congrats on making it to full term, that's a good feeling isn't it?

i'm feeling fine after my fall, thanks for asking! no more issue with my hip so far, i guess he was just pressing on something. i'm definitely being more careful now though.

[rachelttc]

Thanks so much for all the kind words. I'm sorry I'm so self-absorbed today.

I went out and bought a meter and test strips (about $60, the test strips are the killer!), and decided to do a before meals test and an after. So I tested before dinner (six hours since my last food) on my finger, and got a 55. Then I tested on my forearm right after and got a 75, so I'm not sure why there was such a difference between arm and finger. Then I ate a very carb heavy dinner (like 1000 calories, all carbs) to try to simulate a heavy carb load like I will have in my 3 hour test. I tested 2 hours later, and got 175. Yeesh. Big time fail.

So I'm pretty sure I will fail the 3 hours now, since it's supposed to be under 120 after two hours. :(

[esarah]

Rachel- It's supposed to be 120 after two hours of eating a meal with about 45g carbs and with some protein too. Basically, it's supposed to be 120 or less after two hours while eating a diabetic diet. The cutoff is much higher on the test where they load you with carbs when you are fasting and have no protein with it. The cutoff at my doctor's office was 155, two hours after drinking the drink with 100g of glucose.
So 175 isn't that far off and since it is a very controlled amount of glucose, you never know.
Now 55 is pretty low even for a fasting glucose though. When my blood sugars were below 70 in the mornings the dietitian was worried I wasn't getting enough to eat. That was with GD and being on metformin though.

The following are the values which the American Diabetes Association considers to be abnormal during the 100 g of glucose OGTT:
Fasting blood glucose level ≥95 mg/dl (5.33 mmol/L)
1 hour blood glucose level ≥180 mg/dl (10 mmol/L)
2 hour blood glucose level ≥155 mg/dl (8.6 mmol/L)
3 hour blood glucose level ≥140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/L)

[rachelttc]

I am completely baffled. I took my blood sugar this morning: 122 on the finger, 107 on the arm. I don't understand why they're so far apart! Then I ate breakfast (bacon and strawberries, so that I would have a balance of fat, protein, and healthy carbs) and 90 minutes later I got a 111 on my forearm! So on the one hand, that's good that my sugars aren't too high after eating this morning, but I don't understand why they were over 100 overnight. The internet seems to say that if your blood sugar gets too low overnight, your liver will start pumping glucose into your blood, so maybe that was it? I will have to remember to try eating a protein snack before bed to see if that will stabilize the overnight blood sugars.

Does anyone know if being on insulin means you become high risk and can't use a midwife? I would really like to use midwives, but obviously I also really want to use insulin if it will help me have a healthier baby.

Megzy: I'm glad your husband is ok! I see people whipping through traffic with no helmets and always think, "Thank goodness that's not anyone I know!"

Imaguire: Congrats on full term! Are you getting antsy?

selo: maybe she's just kicking into your placenta? I have heard that if they kick in the placenta, it's like they're kicking a pillow and you can't really feel it. Maybe she'll roll over today and kick your other side.

[praises1139]

Megzy--wow, that is scary about the crash!


Going home tonight instead. The repeat scan showed their fluid is fine. They were more cooperative today, so we got to see their faces! And one of them hardly has any hair on his head while the other has a lot. I was wondering if that would happen because DH was born bald and I had a full head of hair! My OB thinks they will stay head down at this point and we'll make it at least a couple more wks. If I had been 4cm dilated, that would've been a different story. My cervix supposedly lengthened a little. I'm cautiously hopeful and thinking "Thanksgiving dinner, here I come!!!"

[chelseaf]

Rachel, it almost seems like it's just your insulin resistance that's giving you troubles. You blood sugar bottoming out at 55 before dinner is a sign of that. Here is what my 3hr test looked like.
Fasting 83 (range 65-94)
1 hour 138 (range <180)
2 hour 137 (range <150)
3 hour 138 (range <140)

They'll also check your hga1c to get a better idea of what your numbers have been averaging at. Mine was 5.2. They like it below 6.0. You'll get a more accurate reading of what your blood sugars are with the blood test rather than the monitor.

I had to repeat my 3 hour at the normal time since this one was done at 14 weeks. I remember my numbers broke down better that time, but I can't find the paper.

[lmaguire]

rachel - I agree with chelsea, I think it's the insulin resistance. my mother had GD with my brother, and while diabetes runs in our family, He numbers mirrored yours instead of a true diabetic's. (She may have had PCOS and been lucky enough to conceive anyway - but she was also 40 when she had my brother). My friend who is a L&D nurse said that the insulin doesn't make you high-risk and you should be just fine to use a midwife, but to talk to your doctor. =)

praises - Yay for going home!!! SO happy you and babies are doing well!! Weird that one has hair and one doesn't, but kinda cool. You're doing such a great job!

kate - how are you doing? feeling like he may be coming soon??

selo - hopefully little one will pick it up today and be a bit more active for you.

megzy how are you and DH doing today?

I'm SUPER crampy today. I think it's just from the cervical exam yesterday, but ugh! And I'm spotting pretty bad (dr. said to expect that though). I had plans to take the cat to the vet today, but I don't want to try to do that and overdo it. DH is like " Just sit there today and do nothing!" LoL. He REALLY doesn't want this baby here before Monday afternoon. So far I'm listening.

[esarah]

Rachel- I think it depends on the midwives but I know that the ones in my area send you to an OB if you have GD at all.
I also agree with Chelsea that it sounds like you have classic symptoms of insulin resistance. The drop down to 55 is fairly indicative of that. Try to relax and not stress too much. I know it's easier said than done though. If you do have GD there should be people to help you know what you need to do to keep it under control. It may just be diet or diet and oral meds and you may be able to avoid insulin altogether, if you do indeed have GD. When do you go in for the 3 hour test? Hang in there!

Praises- So glad you got a good ultrasound and things are looking good enough for you to go home tonight. Getting a couple more weeks would be great! Let's hope that happens for you. I am glad it is looking like a good possibility. You are doing a great job keeping them in there. It's hard to be on bedrest but it is worth it to keep them in there as long as possible. It sounds like they are doing so well!

[rachelttc]

praises: Are you home? How are you feeling?

My blood sugar levels today have been between 71 and 111 all day, always below 85 before meals. So I just need to figure out how to get my morning levels down, and hopefully I can pass.

Tonight I tested my ketones though, and they were through the ROOF. So I called the on-call midwife, and she said based on my sugar levels, it was likely because I wasn't eating enough, and I shouldn't try to cut my carbs too low. I feel completely helpless, because if I eat carbs, my sugars will go up, and if I don't eat carbs, my ketones will go up.

The good news is that she said as long as I am not on insulin, I can keep with the midwives even if I have GD. So fingers crossed I can get those morning levels down and stay off insulin because if I use an OB, they're definitely giving me a Csection because of the size of the fetus, and I don't want that unless I can't get it out myself!

[Tiffany1]

Rachel,

Have you tried eating a bedtime snack before bed? I found if I eat a bowl of shelled peanuts and then about 30-45 grams of carbs with it, my blood sugar reading would be much better in the morning. By doing that every night, I got my morning readings to be upper 60s, low 70s, but it took I think a couple of weeks for it to happen. I know GD is frustrating, but it is definitely worth it to try to stick with the diet. Good luck!

[rachelttc]

Tiffany: Thanks for the tip. I tried a bedtime snack last night (cheese and a piece of fruit leather, so carbs protein and fat) and my sugars were 83 this morning! I'm going to try to do the same snack every night, and hopefully that will keep my sugars in the low 80s in the morning. Then I will at least pass ONE of the four numbers in the 3 hour test!

My midwife seemed concerned that my numbers were too LOW actually. She said that low 70s is low for fasting (under 70 is hypoglycemic), so to be getting low 70s before my meals she thought indicated some kind of "pre" diabetes. Apparently before your body can't make enough insulin, it tries to work harder and makes TOO much or something. I didn't really understand what she meant.

[praises1139]

Rachel--I hope your levels stay under control so you can stay with a midwife!
Yeah I'm home. Last night I was stressing because I counted 4-5 contractions/hr for 3 hrs before they finally calmed down. But since then I've been ok.

They put me on stricter bedrest--bathroom privileges only-- so I really need DH to work from home the next couple wks but his boss only approved 2days/wk. Time to set up the mini fridge! My SIL can come on Wed so we will figure out something. I so wish I could go sleep upstairs in my bed because after one night on the couch it already feels like someone took a hammer to my hips. I might end up giving in and staying upstairs. I think I could survive this last little bit in the grand scheme of things, plus its the only way to get a shower.

[rita3110]

hi girls,
sorry i havent been on alot lately, but i have visitors over and never get time to go online anymore...but they will leave soon...

just wanted to say hi...jipi im in the 3. trimester now!!!!:p

@tiffany
congrats on your little one!!!!!!!

@praises
wow, i hope time goes by quick and you make it fast to 34 weeks...you have already done such an awesome job!!!!!

[jth0205]

Shan - congrats! Welcome to the world Sophia!

Meagan - sorry about DH - glad he's not too bad off. How was the zoo? Does it feel like she's dropped any - and stayed that way?

Sarah - My LO has not been very active the last week or so. He picked up a little yesterday. Guess there just isn't as much room in there now?

Praises - Hope you don't have to do the mag a second time. So sorry you had another scare with contractions last night. Glad they stopped or slowed! How exciting that you got to see the babies and see that one has hair and one doesn't! I hope you get to stay home for weeks now without incident.

Rachel - what a frustrating predicament when it comes to carbs for you. I'm sorry you failed the glucose test. I really hope you've stopped beating yourself up about it. Our bodies are jacked up when we're knocked up - that's all I know! You aren't maliciously doing things in order to have issues. At least now that you know this could be a potential issue, you can make a plan and deal with it. When do you go in for your extended glucose test?

Lauren - how are you doing? DH's test isn't that far away now - think you got it?! :) Very sorry to hear you had a scare that landed you at the hospital. Thankful your baby boy is ok! Hope the cat finds relief soon. Congrats on the full term milestone!

Kate - glad you are feeling better after your fall. Hope that was just a one-time thing for you.

Rita - welcome to the third trimester! Love the name you have chosen! Benjamin has always been one of my fav names.

afm - feels like there is something stretching my stomach from the inside out, specifically from my right rib area! It's a little uncomfy! He's been super mellow the last week or so, which I didn't like one little bit. Yesterday, he decided it was time to duke it out with my ribs! AND we are FINALLY making noticeable progress on the guest suite today! Thank God! We will be moving - or DH will be that is - some of the guest room furniture out of the baby's room today. After the furniture is moved, we can start on the baby's room! I made a to-do list and posted it on the fridge earlier this week - think that did the trick! We are honestly running out of time and I can't stand it. One downer - DH tried laying floor today in the guest suite bathroom and it didn't go so well. Apparently, he doesn't have the right stuff. So, that's not going to get done today - maybe tomorrow (fingers crossed). I thought at least that bathroom would get done this weekend so I could clean it, stock it and then mark that off my list. At least the guest bedroom should get done this weekend and we can start on Luke's room!

[rachelttc]

jth: I am kind of excited for my first rib kick! I'm sure it won't be nearly as exciting once they start to hurt, but I'm a little jealous. Enjoy your time with your bean inside you!

AFM: Huge ketones again today. 4+ on the scale used at my hospital's labs. I feel so screwed either way. My midwife said I need to eat more carbs to get the ketones to go down. So I had 120 g of carbs for lunch (which is like 3 time as much as the gestational diabetes diet calls for) and my sugars were still pretty good! (128 after an hour, 114 after two hours). But my ketones are still up. So I don't know what to do. I just want to take a sick day on Monday and go into the hospital and tell them I'm not leaving until they can tell me what I should be eating to keep my fetus healthy. I probably won't, because i need every sick day I have, and I already have an ultrasound and a midwife appointment on Tuesday, so I might as well do it all on Tuesday. One more day of ketones won't hurt the fetus, I hope.

[BabyDreams]

Wow...been a busy week. I have lots to catch up on here.

This has been physically a horrible week for me. Spent Monday afternoon getting an NST and ultrasound due to decreased fetal movement. Thankfully, all was fine and she has been moving good since then. Not really kicks but rolling, hiccups and such. By Wednesday night I was catching my DH's cold. Yesterday I had to leave work early since I was just getting worse. This morning I wake up to a horrible sore throat and my left neck gland swollen out past my face. I didn't have a temperature but called the OB's office and spoke with on call Dr. She had me go to a local walk in for a strep test. It came back negative...but my blood pressure was 138/82. Due to the protein in my urine, I have already been told when my bp reaches 140/90 I will be on bed rest until 37 weeks, then induced. So, I am home resting on the couch. Dh finished last things in nursery. We are packed for the hospital. I am thinking I may stay home Monday. I have my weekly check, but need to do my best to get on the road to recovery and pray my bp goes back down. Will post pics of her room later tonight. ;)

Best wishes to everyone!

[rachelttc]

Hi all,

Hope everyone's having a great weekend and enjoyed an extra hours of sleep! It's been really quiet on the boards.

BabyDreams: I'm really sorry about the BP. I have heard that potassium rich foods can help lower BP. Might be worth a try?

praises: I know you might like this suggestion about as much as the Depends suggestion, but have you considered a bedpan? Just for the urine? Then you could just go to the toilet every other time, and empty it and rinse it out. It would be more appealing to me than sitting in a wet diaper, which I wouldn't want to do either!

rita: Yay for the 3rd tri! It's awesome. My bean has started kicking SO much harder!

AFM: For those of you who are curious, here are my blood sugar results. Also, my ketones finally dropped last night, from 4+ down to 1+. So that's a relief. Results are yesterday's first, then today's. I'll edit later to include more of today's values.

Fasting: 83, 94
After breakfast: 83, 93
After lunch: 113, 99
Before dinner: 72, 81
After dinner: 89, 92

So although I think I will probably fail my 3 hour, it appears that I will be able to control this with just diet. Those numbers all look great to me! They're supposed to be below 100 except after meals, when they should be below 120. Which they always are! I should also add that my lunch yesterday was a carb load of 120g (more than twice what a diabetic should eat) and my sugars STILL weren't high afterward.

[praises1139]

Babydreams-- sorry about the sickness, that sounds awful. I hope your BP goes back down. I think taking Monday off would help. You're pregnant AND sick!

Rachel--well even at the hospital they only made me use a bedpan when I was on the mag sulfate. Then they let me switch to a bedside commode and then finally I could use the bathroom. Switching didn't make me have more contractions. I really think it was the showering/up getting ready to leave the hospital and the drive home. And using a bedpan is not that easy, its really a two person job. As clumsy as I am, I'd have pee all over the couch!

[Jillybn32]

Hello ladies,

Well I know I am on and off and have been MIA for some time. But I am finally to the 3rd tri and 27 weeks and so happy! I just got home yesterday from my second admit to the hospital for frequent contractions and got 2 doses of steroid shots. It has been h*ll this past month and I am doing all I can every day to get these babies to stay inside. I am on the highest dose of procardia I can be, and vistaril (muscle relaxant and antianxiety) to help calm contractions but I still feel anywhere from 3-8 an hour.

I read all of your posts and keep up with what is going on even if I don't post as much anymore with the craziness going on. Hope everyone does well :)

[praises1139]

Jill, I was wondering about you last wk!!! Preterm labor sucks, that is for sure!! Maybe I need a higher dose of Procardia too. But I wonder if that would make me have low BP. So they let you go, you must've been less than 4cm dilated? I am less than 2cm. Did they give you mag sulfate?

[Jillybn32]

Hi Praises,

I'm glad you are doing better but once you have PTL scares it never goes away I know. I am on 20 mg procardia every 4 hours, so I take a total of 120 mg per day. It seems to be helping a little but I still act up at times more than others. I was monitored for bp the whole time and it did not make me too low. The docs don't seem very worried about it doing anything to my bp. I was going to get mag but then when I was admitted after a few hours things calmed down so they decided not to. Luckily at that point I was not dilated, last check Wednesday so at that point the contractions were not opening my cervix but still coming every few minutes. My length is relatively stable but a little less (1.3 cm with a contraction - we caught it on the u/s) so I'm hoping I can hold out. What dose of procardia are you on? I am nervous to wait until my next appt later in the week to see if I am dilated. I have asked my doctor for terb but he says he doesn't prescribe it anymore due to adverse side effects. Has your doctor mentioned anything to you about it?

[rita3110]

@jilly
i was also thinking about you...crossing all my fingers that your two little beans stay in there as long as possible!!!!!

@rachel
your gucose-levels look really great...im sure your will pass the three hour test...think positive!!!!

@jth
thank you, we were also thinking about the name luke, because i really liked both a lot...

@afm
my friends finally left (they stayed for about 3 weeks)...its nice to have the apartment for ourselfs again :p the only thing thats really weird is that while they were here my bh slowed down so much, and now that they are gone i fell like they got stronger and more again...so weird, maybe because im paying to much attention to them now ???
another question , how much did you guys gain already ? i didnt gain anything the first 12 weeks and by week 24 i all of a sudden gained 19 pounds started with 115 pounds)...since my last appointment im trying to not eat to much and to unhealthy, because im afraid im going to gain to much in the end...

[praises1139]

Jill--so glad you are not dilated! I hope it stays that way. My OB said when I can feel 9 contractions/hr, she knows they are really closer together because there are a lot I can't feel. So just keep a close watch and go in asap. mine started out of the blue and I counted for 90 mins, then went in. I couldn't believe they kept coming! im on 60mg Procardia, once a day (the extended one). I did get mag since I started to dilate. When they told me I had dilated, I cried. The nurse was very reassuring about having meds to stop it and that helped me calm down. I knew all about it from books and this forum, but hearing her say it was different. The nurses told me they don't prescribe terb with mag, its either one or the other,and from what I was reading, the mag does have fewer side effects (for the babies as well). Same with Procardia. With mag I felt flushed, weak and sort of out of it. I knew what was going on, but physically you don't feel alert/clear-headed till its out of your system. What did they give you the first time you went in? For me they just gave me Procardia because at the time it was enough.

[Tink]

Jill & Praises- I heard that terb is no longer given for PTL. The side effects scared me since I had it with Owen...didn't know 4 years ago :(

[lmaguire]

They gave me terbutaline both times I had to go in for PTL. First time, 1 injection; 2nd time 2. They said they only ever give you 3 at max. They wouldn't give me magnesium since i wasn't dilating.

Oh well, now I just want him to come on out!! Hopefully not much longer now!! Lots of back pain, cramps, and while I didn't think I had any mucus plug left, I apparently did because I had quite a bit with pink streaks through it this morning.

Come on little one!! (Just after 12pm tomorrow)

[MegzyAngel]

Jillybn - I hope those babies keep baking for you.

Lauren - Sounds promising that LO will be coming very soon

rita - Your friends being here possibly slowed the BH's down. I know when we have friends over or are doing something we enjoy or is relaxing i find i dont get as many.

babydreams - I hope you start feeling better soon.

afm - Anyone been craving iceblocks? Like just plain water ones. I read somewhere that its a sign of low iron but mine is fine so guessing maybe just the heat doing it. Thought was a rather strange thing to crave.
Didn't end up going to the zoo over the weekend since DH hasn't been able to walk much with his leg. Ended up going to the speedway again since could sit down and watch and DH could take his shoe off (His big toe is bruised so cant keep his shoe on for long periods). Ended up with some rather uncomfortable backache and more contractions on the way home on top of other cramps while we were there. Was hoping it would develop into something but settled down not long after got home.
So at the moment i'm still waiting on LO to decide shes going to come. In the mean time gotta finish getting the house ready since my family is arriving wednesday and DH family is arriving thursday. Thank goodness they all staying at a caravan park otherwise be an over crowded house. We don't have the room anyway....unless they stay in tents in the backyard....But then they get to deal with the crazy dog.

[rachelttc]

jilly: Ugh. I am sorry for your ptl! I'm glad they got the steroids in, just in case.

rita: I gained only 1 pound in the first 17 weeks, but then they found ketones in my urine, which showed that I wasn't eating enough and was burning fat to feed the fetus, and those ketones are bad for the fetus if there are enough of them. So then I started eating more, and I had gained about 14 pounds by week 26! Now I'm in week 28 and am down to 11 pounds gained. They wanted me to gain 10-15 pounds, but after the ketone mess, I think 20 is fine for me, although it's probably unlikely that I will gain 9 pounds in 11 weeks. I think the weight I have lost this week is mostly water weight due to watching my carbs more closely for the glucose tests. My ketones were high two days ago, but now they are back down to 0 or 1 (0 is best, but 1 is totally fine).

I am so nervous about tomorrow morning! I want to pass, but a big part of me thinks it won't happen. And since I'm already testing my blood sugar and watching my carbs, I guess it doesn't really matter whether they write it on their sheet as a diagnosis or not. I just know that when doctors get told a women has GD (whether or not she has it), they do more C-sections. Same with big babies. As soon as you tell a doctor a big baby is coming, you get a higher C-section rate, even if that was just a lie they told in a study. I think those studies are really interesting, because they show how much doctors are interested in covering their own butts even when there aren't signs of fetal distress.

I'm going to test myself during the test with my monitor, so I should have a pretty good idea if I passed by the time the test ends, or even sooner if I fail two right away!

[selo1718]

jth- It sounds like you are making great progress on the room. How exciting about the 1st rib kick. I hope you don't get it to often thought lol.

Rachel- It sounds like you are getting everything under control. I hope you pass the 3 hr gtt. You are making great choices for you and your baby.

baby- I'm sorry you have been having trouble. I hope you BP goes down and you can avoid bed rest.

praises- I hope you can find a place for the mini fridge and someone can come visit you during the day. It might be better to go upstairs so you can shower. I hope the procardia keeps working and the boys keep baking.

Jilly- I'm sorry you are having such a hard time. I hope that the babies stay put a while longer.

rita- I'm sorry the contractions seem to be increasing. I've started gaining quickly all of a sudden, my OB says it's because I'm starting to retain fluid.

Megzy & Imiguire- It won't be long now!

AFM- Baby had the hiccups for the first time today. It made me laugh and felt really funny. We didn't get as much as I wanted to get done today around the house. We spent most of the day fixing the dogs invisible fence (the most important "to do"). It will be a busy week for me. We have our 1st child birth class tomorrow. We meet with a DR practice for her on Tuesday morning. My shower is a week away. My grandparents will stay the night with us that night. They live about 1.5 hrs away and I don't want them to drive in the dark. My dad and sister +family will come have dinner after the shower so everyone can visit. It will at least motivate me to "find" my dining room again.

[praises1139]

Jill--this site talks about the different drugs
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/582761_12

[ellebelle]

Hi ladies!

Welcome to those of you just joining us!

Lauren - I hope you are feeling well!

I woke up this morning with mild, period like cramping and a killer back ache. I laid in bed until it eased up some. I really need baby belle to wait until at least next week before she makes her grand entrance. I am going to try to drink a lot of water, stay well hydrated, this week and see if that helps. I go back to the Dr. on Thursday and we'll see what he says.

[rachelttc]

Well, here I am in the lab. They've already drawn the fasting and the 1 hour blood. I tested myself on my finger and got 93 and 178. Both of which are just barely under the cutoff.

But the blood from the vein could be quite a bit different, since finger meters are only accurate to within 20%. So I could have as high as 120 and 220 on their draws, in which case I already failed.

But at least I know that I still have a chance of passing. The other good news is that I didn't feel nauseated at all! And I have been getting lots of work done, so I don't feel like I'm wasting my time being here. Three hours of work at a three hour lab draw means I don't have to use any sick time!

Have a happy Monday everyone!

Edit: My next two finger pokes were well under the limits: 133 and 88. So fingers crossed!

[MegzyAngel]

Rachel - Glucose levels peak around the one hour mark so that would be why they are higher then. Fingers crossed that all is well. Even if it turns out that you do have GD at least you will be able to control it and there are ladies here who will be able to support you. Those numbers do look ok to me though.

Selo - Looks like you have a busy week. Try not to over do it and have some rest time,
Are those invisible fences any good? We were looking at getting one for our dog to keep her out of certain parts of the yard but didn't know anybody who had actually tried them to see if they are worth it or not. We wern't keen on spending a lot of money on something if it doesnt work lol.
I still laugh when LO gets hiccups too. Unless shes up under my ribs since she makes my whole tummy jump.

ellebelle - I hope LO keeps baking for a few more days at least for you. Only a few more days until your full term. :)

praises - How are you travelling with the bedrest? I don't know how you do it to be honest. I would be going insane.

AFM - This heat here (and possibly doing to much in the heat) hates me. My right foot swelled right up last night to the point that it was actually uncomfortable to walk on. Its ok now since I had it elevated last night. Going to be annoying if it decides to keep doing that since theres still plenty to do around the house before guests arrive. Will be taking regular breaks i think.
Also think im nesting since i have heaps of energy. Also yesterday seemed to be hungry all day which is unusual for me. Hopefully its a sign that labour isnt far away.

[rachelttc]

Megzy: I wear compression hose (they are like trouser socks, just a little tighter) every day to work, and they do WONDERS for swollen ankles. My ankles don't swell at ALL anymore! You can get them at walgreens for about $15-17. Pricy, but totally worth it. Don't get the weird white athletic sock diabetes ones, the ones that look like pantyhose but only go up to the knee are much better in my opinion.

I'm terrified of invisible fences, because I have heard they only keep the dog in if it approaches the boundary slowly. If it is sprinting, it gets zapped but its momentum carries it THROUGH the boundary, and then there's no zap anymore and they keep running. And my dogs are speed demons who love chasing rabbits, so I'm pretty sure they'd happily exchange the zap for a chance to chase! We use two metal stakes (they screw into the dirt about a foot deep), one on either side of the yard, with a line in between. Then we clip them to the line on long leads. So they can go a certain number of feet either side of the line, and they can slide their leads along as well. Works like a fence (better, because they can't dig under it) and cost us about $10.

ellebelle: take it easy! Use it as an excuse to really relax.

AFM: I had breadsticks for lunch (carb city!) to celebrate finishing my glucose tolerance test, and my blood sugars an hour later were 106 (should be under 140). I don't understand how I will maybe be diagnosed as diabetic when I can eat carb heavy meals and not have elevated blood sugar. Ah well. I should find out within the hour.

[rachelttc]

Woo hoo! No diabetes for me!

Passing grades are: fasting<95, 1 hour after drink <180, 2 hours after <155, 3 hours after <140

Mine were: fasting 78, 1 hour 165, 2 hour 104, 3 hour 68

The nurse actually wouldn't tell me I passed right away because the last one was under 70, but the midwife called later and says that's fine, and it happens a lot, and it probably just means that I was hungry and hadn't eaten in 3 hours!

I am very happy. I'm going to keep testing my blood sugar off and on just to make sure nothing weird is happening. Also, in case others on this board have to take a three hour in the future, here's my advice:

Follow your doctors' instructions about what to eat before the test. Mine said nothing after midnight. But your fasting values are likely to be better if you eat a protein snack before bed (I had cheese last night at 11:45). The internet will tell you to do crackers with PB, but for me, my fasting values were worse the morning after that than with the cheese. I think there's just too much carb in the crackers. Make sure you are hydrated, you want all your organs working at their best when you take the test.

[rita3110]

@ rachel
yeah!!!! awesome, was crossing my fingers for you today!!!!!!!!!

[praises1139]

Rachel--very happy for you!

Megzy--traveling? What do you mean? DH drives me to Dr appts

My friend had her baby tonight, Grace Ariella....so happy for them!!

[MegzyAngel]

praises - Oops. I meant how are you hanging in there with the bed rest. I write things in crazy ways sometimes.
Congrats to your friend having her baby.

Rachel - Yay for no diabetes. That must be a relief.
I think i have some of those compression hose things in the cupboard somewhere from when i had really bad sunburn up my legs a few years ago. Hopefully they still fit. My legs were very swollen so could be a bit stretched.

[Kate23]

rachelttc-congrats on passing the 3 hr. test!!!

my internet service has been down, so i haven't been able to check in on you guys! i have a lot of catching up to do. baby is still inside, doing well. i'm analyzing every feeling all the time, driving myself crazy wondering when he's gonna make his appearance. lol DH is off work today so we are going to go walk around somewhere and see if that helps get anything started. i think he is more anxious for this little boy get here than i am! hope everyone has a lovely day

[rachelttc]

The good news just keeps coming! I had whined to my mom a few weeks ago, "Can't I just have ONE appointment where they don't tell me something's WRONG with my pregnancy?"

And today was the day! My growth tracking ultrasound went great. It went from >95th percentile in abdominal circumference and femur length to approximately 75th percentile in both. I can totally handle pushing a 75th percentile baby out my vagina, but I was scared of the whopper!

The OB told me to keep watching what I eat, that that will really help keep it from getting too big. So that's the plan.

I also FINALLY (this is the fourth ultrasound of my pregnancy) got a photo of its face! It's frowning really hard (because I had to push it around a bunch to get it to take its arms away from its face), but it's SO cute!!!

How is everyone else doing? How are you all feeling?

[selo1718]

elle- I hope she stays put for at least another week for you. Try to rest as much as possible.

rachel- I had a feeling you would pass the 3 hr! Congratulations! I'm glad baby's growth seems to has slowed down and you are more comfortable with everything. Keep taking great care of yourself and the baby!

Megzy- Our fence has been totally worth it. My dog is pretty mellow. Once I trained him we have not had any problems. There is a warning zone where he gets beeping then a shock zone where he gets zapped. He has only been zapped a few times and typically stops before he hits the beeping usually. When his battery is dead or something is wrong with the fence he does push his limits and we don't leave him out alone. We have a dog run in the back yard in case we have problems. We installed the fence our selves so it didn't cost much. We installed it so he can go around the whole house. There are directions to put it around gardens ect, but we didn't bother. You may have to buy more wire then what comes in the kit if you do it that way because you have to have a continual loop. You twist the wire together to go across areas and the dog won't get a zap when you twist it. 500 ft of wire is $25 at home deopt, so not a huge expense.

AFM- We had our 1st child birth class last night. It seems like we are going to get a lot of info. I am resting the rest of the night. We meet her pediatrician this morning before work. I really like her and the practice. All their nurse practitioners are also lactation consultants. They will take my stepson as well and will do his medication checks and Rxs (he has ADHD). His current DR who I've never liked won't do them at all. We have to go to the childrens hospital for them right now and it's a pain. We had calling hr for a family friend tonight. The rest of the week I plan to slowly clean the house before my grandparents come.

[readytogo]

Rachel -- so happy that you passed your test! Really glad that worked out for you.

Praises -- glad it sounds like you're hanging in there despite the extended bedrest.

Kate -- I can only imagine how much you must be analyzing everything. I feel like I'm still educating myself about labor and delivery, so I'm not quite sure what to even expect.

Lauren -- how's everything with you? Baby still in place???

Welcome all the newcomers to the 3rd tri! It's great to be in the final stretch....

AFM -- I am doing well, really. The thing that my doctor thinks is a hernia in my upper right thigh is still bugging me off and on, but overall I'm trying to just move between standing and sitting and to not do either for too long.

Thanks for the advice on the Fiber One bars for constipation. Going to the bathroom now is at least a little more pleasant.

Finally, I think the baby may have dropped. I am feeling a lot more pressure on my vagina (and a ton of those vagina kicks...what do people call them, lightning crotch?? or did I just make that up?). Anyways, I feel like the shape of my stomach changed in the last few days, and the baby has been moving more than ever. Also, just today no fewer than four women told me I look like I'm about to give birth or asked if my doctor miscalculated my due date. They weren't being mean, I think it's just the way I'm carrying. Either way, it's kind of funny.

Keep on cooking those babies!!!

[praises1139]

Very thankful for a calm uterus! Just needs to stay that way. I really think the strict bedrest is making a difference. DH has to work super late tonight so luckily if anything were to happen, I could call my FIL till 1pm, my SIL in the afternoon or my MIL in the evening. We only have one friend that lives nearby and she just had a baby, so I don't have many options. I'm so glad this week is going by fast. I'm excited to sleep in my bed tonight and take a shower for my appt tomorrow! Been remembering to enjoy having these guys in my belly because I know I will miss the kicks and hiccups. They are good so far--they don't keep me up at night...yet!


So excited for you ladies that are sooo close!

Rachel--glad you had a great appt!! Awesome photo!

[jth0205]

Jillybn - welcome to the third trimester! It is so nice to make it to the home stretch! I think I started relaxing more around 28 weeks b/c I felt like I'd really turned the corner. I am enjoying pregnancy a lot more now. And, I've allowed myself a few treats the last few weeks - things that I avoided like the plague before (chocolate, decaf coffee, decaf soda). I don't over indulge, but it's nice to have those treats again every now and then! I can't imagine how exciting it is know know that in just a few weeks you will be welcoming both a baby boy and a baby girl into your home!

Rita - I had a jump in the weight gain area around the 17ish week (I think - it was around that time, not certain) mark too. I barely gained anything and then boom - I gained 8 pounds all at once - well, within 4 weeks. Now it seems like I gain one to two pounds ever two weeks - YIKES! Though, I've still only gained a little over 20 total. I was told that I could stand to gain 25 to 35 total. At first I was worried, I'd balloon up. Then, I was worried b/c I couldn't balloon up! I just wasn't gaining weight no matter what - though I had rough m/s until 23 weeks. I figure it's going to be what it's going to be at this point. My doc seems happy with where I am and the baby is healthy. If I gain 35, so be it. If I only gain 25, so be it!

Lauren - hope you are doing ok and DH is happy to have his exam behind him! Here's to 11/11/11!

Meagan - I love ice these days too. I had heard about the iron deal as well. However, like you, my iron levels are fine.

Ellebelle - hope she hangs in for you. Sorry you had cramping earlier this week.

Sarah - good luck with your full schedule! I hope you have fun with all the upcoming things.

Rachel - congrats on the much-earned good doc visit!!! And, congrats on passing the second glucose test! So happy for you:)

Ready - those kicks are something else. I know I've had a few and it's a unique feeling!

Praises - hope you're holding up ok and having a great day!

afm - lots of movement and more contractions today. Totally self-induced. I have done way too much. But, now I am done moving and shaking for the day (big event at work at the end of the week - lots to do and I should have asked for help, my bad - so used to just doing it all myself). I am going to sit still for the remainder of the day and put my feet up on the makeshift footstool under my desk. We have solved our flooring issues in the guest apartment and are well on our way to having the basics completed in the baby's room! I couldn't be happier:) I am so enjoying being pregnant! It's amazing! I love it when he moves and try to remember to tell him every day how thankful we are for him and how excited we are to meet him! To think of where we started: being told I might not be able to have a baby, to all the scares and issues along the way, to now feeling like we are out of the woods and we really are going to welcome a baby in a matter of weeks!

[jth0205]

Rachel- I forgot to comment on your sonogram picture! How precious that you have a full face image! That little face is adorable!!! Those cheeks are just so sweet! I would love to see what my baby looks like right now:) For all you've been though, you really needed something special like that sono pic!

[Kate23]

rachelttc-love the pic! that frown is so cute

readytogo-that sounds like baby has dropped, or is maybe on the way down. don't know what those "vagina kicks" are called but they hurt! my boy's head is way down there right now and every time he moves it sends sharp pain through my cervix!

praises-that is great that you have a calm uterus! I hope it stays that way, are you still doing well today?

jth0205-be careful, hope you were able to rest up. i know what you mean, i have really enjoyed being pregnant as well. even with all the challenges that come with it! i've even thought i would be sad to not be pregnant anymore. but in the last couple of weeks i have gotten to the point where i'm ready for the next step, being a mom and meeting this miracle that i've been waiting for so long.

i'm still waiting! kinda hoping i go into labor before saturday. my brother is visiting that day and i would love for him to be able to meet my son. he lives so far away, i don't know when i'll be able to see him again. i have a dr appt tomorrow, DH wants me to get an internal check so i guess i will. he says he's curious to know how far i have progressed, but i think he's hoping the dr will say "you'll probably go into labor this weekend", though i've told him already that he can't know that

[jessicaileen]

Kate - If you are dilated, ask the doctor to strip your membranes. It's painful but quick procedure and almost always guarantees that you'll go into labor. I had mine stripped on July 6 at 10:00am, water broke July 7 at 2:30am, and delivered at 8:10pm. Good luck!

[lmaguire]

Hey ladies. Still here. Still pregnant. And now grumpy & miserable!! I've missed too much to do personals for everyone but...

rachel - glad you passed the 3 hr. See, no reasons to worry!

kate - hope you're good and far along progression wise. I know you must be getting uncomfortable too.

megzy - hope you're doing well and little Sophie makes her debut soon for you!! You must be SUPER uncomfortable.

praises - glad you're still doing well. bake those boys!

ready - sounds like baby may have dropped, or have shifted to where nerves are being pressed. If you check out the bump pictures, mine dropped and then decided to come back up. ugh! glad the Fiber One bars helped you, I'm not as lucky anymore.

selo & jth - glad to here you guys are doing well!!

sorry to anyone I missed.

afm - I am SUPER constipated. It's probably the worst it's ever been in my entire life. I think the baby may be blocking things or something because things were going well and then all of a sudden NOTHING. I have horrible back pain, I can only assume from it since I'm not in labor, and my sciatica has gotten MUCH worse. I'm lactose intolerant and usually if I eat anything dairy that will clear me out, so I had a milkshake the other day - NOTHING. Ate tons of spicy food because that will usually do it, but again NOTHING. Been chugging water like it's my job - NOTHING. Sorry to vent, but I'm just SO uncomfortable. The dr told me to use glycerin suppositories, so DH is picking them up on his way home. Anyone have any other ideas?? I'm desperate!!
Also, thought I was going to be induced the 21st, but apparently I'm on waiting list for the 21st AND 22nd. I'm not actually scheduled until the 23rd!!!! I cried. I think most of my discomfort and moodiness stems from the constipation issue, but still.
Again, so sorry to vent, but no one else really understands being pregnant, moody, and the associated issues. =)

[praises1139]

Lmaguire--u poor thing!! Constipation is the worst. I just read on another forum today that this woman said getting constipated was worse than natural childbirth. Ive had a couple of instances, even when not pregnant, where I thought, OMG this must be like having a baby. I heard it's bad after delivery so take stool softeners! I'm using Colace because my system has slowed down a lot the last few wks. Kind of embarrassing but I called my OB the other day because I had crazy rectal pressure-- it scared me enough to not want to sit on the toilet! Felt like a baby was gonna come out! I had never felt that before with constipation. Figured out its probably hemorrhoids and pressure being put on them because it eventually went away and I had a couple BMs. Lots of fun! Drink lots of warm water like herbal tea and use Colace!!

Afm, today went by fast. My in-laws came over to mow the lawn and clean the bathrooms--so nice! And my MIL took me to my OB appt. My Dr was very happy that I've made it this far. My blood pressure was up (130/80) which is really unusual AND I'm on Procardia, so that makes no sense to me, except that I think the ride to the appt stressed me a bit, since my uterus is irritable in the car!!! It is very uncomfortable for me, so is walking around. Plus, whenever I go to the Dr, I never know if I'm going back home or not. So I'm hoping and praying the blood pressure thing was a fluke. My cervix hasn't dilated any more in the last week.

[BabyDreams]

Lauren..I have tried stool softners and miralax. Miralax works the best every time. My sister in law is an ICU nurse and also said miralax works wonders. I take it now every other night since I have to take an iron pill. Keeps everything moving, without it I would be a mess! You are so close to the end!! Keep up the great work!

Praises...so nice that your in laws are there to help you! I hope your bp was a fluke! Do you have any protein in your urine? I sure hope not! You are doing so great keeping those little boys baking away!!

[BabyDreams]

I have an ultrasound to check baby's growth tomorrow. Also going to turn in my 24 hr urine test I am doing today. I am getting anxious to get all this out of the way and go back to the Dr Monday to see how we are going to proceed. I started a new thread and have gotten a lot of really interesting information. Makes me actually hope that I just get induced next week when I hit 37 weeks. Then I can quit worrying about the protein in my urine and waiting for my blood pressure to go thru the roof...and know that the baby and I are both healthy!

[praises1139]

Babydreams--I don't know...didn't get a call about my urine. I hope yours is ok.


This is embarrassing...I clogged the toilet but the plunger of course was upstairs. So when my SIL came over, I asked her to bring me the plunger but she wouldn't let me plunge it, told me it was no big deal, just go lie down. Then to make matters worse, our plunger sucks and she couldn't unclog it, so she called my in-laws so they could bring their plunger over. So of course I start crying because I'm embarrassed and frustrated that I can't even plunge my own poop. With nurses, I don't care, but my in-laws???? My SIL tries to comfort me by telling me how she pooped the bed in the hospital while her friends were in the room. That did make me laugh.
The weird thing is, it happened to her while she had a horrible reaction to Pitocin. It gave her a 104 temperature. They tried everything to get her fever to break but it wouldnt, so they put her IVs on ice packs, which she later found out couldve killed her!? (Her baby was stillborn so that was why she was induced in the first place.)

[lmaguire]

Baby Dreams - hope your u/s went well today and the protein in your urine goes down. Keep us posted.

praises - how embarrassing! I can only imagine! How terrible for your SIL. =( I'm so hormonal that made me cry!

afm - still not feeling so hot. did a glycerin suppository last night and again this morning. Didn't get much of anything. Called the dr. and she said try an enema or milk of magnesia. I decided that an enema would probably work faster, so went to store and got that and some prune juice (and some grape juice to mix with it). Came home and tried the enema. Couldn't even get half of the saline in! Triggered a little bit, but definitely not enough. Starting to seriously worry about impaction, and thinking this baby has to come out for things to get any better. I think because I'm petite, that there just isn't enough room for baby and my intestines anymore, and the only way for things to return to "normal" is him to come out. I'm praying so hard now that he comes out this weekend. I'm not sure how much more of this I can take.

[Tiffany1]

Lauren, I'd try the milk of magnesia. They had me on 3 different stool softeners/laxatives in the hospital and I felt the milk of magnesia worked the best. In their words, they wanted my stool to be the consistency of pudding, which is was if not thinner. They still want me taking stool softeners and I'm always forgetting! Hoping not to rip a stitch or anything.

[lmaguire]

Thanks Tiff!! Hope you and Layton are doing well!! Can't believe it's already been 2 weeks!! When does DH get home?

Took a break from all things bowel related to let things kinda cool down. Had horrible back pain last night and thought it could be labor (just back labor). No such luck. Went to the mall just to walk around (walked almost every square inch) then had lunch, then went to Sam's and Wal-mart to walk. SO sore, but hopefully it'll be worth it. Have had a few contractions since we started, so here's to hoping it's the beginning of something. I won't hold my breath though. He seems to be content to stay in there for the long haul. =(

[selo1718]

imaguire- I hope your bowel issues are resolving. I bought some of the fiber 1 bars to try and more raisin bran since that seems to help me.

Praises- How terrible for your SIL. Your toilet situation would embarrass me too. I'm glad they got everything fixed for you.

Babydreams- I hope that you and baby remain healthy. Good luck with all the tests.

AFM- My shower is tomorrow and I'm super excited. My feet have started to swell quite a bit. I go to the OB Tuesday and will ask her then. I am trying to keep my feet up and have frozen peas on my foot.

[praises1139]

Finally my ticker changed today to a honeydew melon!!!! Less than 2 wks till Thanksgiving!!
Just got the list of charges from the hospital...4 days there cost 18k! Thank God for insurance!!!!

Lmaguire--how long has it been since you had a BM?

Selo--have fun at your shower...definitely rest with your feet up beforehand. My friend had bad swelling while pregnant so she had to rest before and after activities.

[lmaguire]

YAY for BMs!!! lol. How sad is it that I get that excited about it? Sorry if it's TMI, but I'm just SO happy! Feeling quite a bit better now. Still not perfect but better. Also, lots of contractions, some of which have been a tad painful, and a LOT of back pain. Here's to hoping it's the start of something productive.

selo - hope your feet stop swelling! Have fun at you shower tomorrow!! Hope the Fiber One bars work for you. They worked for me for a while, but stopped for some reason. Prune juice mixed with grape juice is my new thing to try (well, that and eating fresh spinach).

praises - before today it had been over a week and a half, probably two weeks. (pretty badly backed up). Yay for melons! It's always exciting when the ticker changes. Wow 18K is a LOT of $$$!!

[praises1139]

Heading back to the hospital!!! Darn.

[BabyDreams]

Oh my goodness Praises....hope everything turns out okay. Let us know how you are doing! I will keep you and your little men in my prayers!

[praises1139]

Ok we were only there a few hrs. I was having contractions but they seemed to slow down a little by the time I got hooked up! No cervical change, so my Dr just had me drinks tons of water and sent me home. I don't like the idea of having contractions every 8-10mins but I guess if they are not doing anything to my cervix, there's not much we can do.

[lmaguire]

praises - glad you & the little ones are OK!! I think your uterus enjoys messing with you.

selo - hope your baby shower went well!!

Today, DH & I went to church, went to the other mall that's close to us and walked it, and went to the grocery for some odds and ends. Then, we came home and talk about nesting! I have cleaned both bathrooms, washed our sheets, bath mats, towels, shower curtains, swept, mopped, dusted, scrubbed, etc. everything in the house! On my 4th load of laundry now, but taking a little break since my back was hurting a bit (cleaning the tub will do that to you). Dh just has to vacuum, and the house will be spotless! Come on little one! We want to see you! (Plus I want to be able to spend as much time as possible with him before I have to go back to work January 17th).

[lighthouse830]

praises- I've been in the hospital back and forth for the last few days with contractions too. Mine are consistently 3 minutes apart for hours on end. Then they might become 5 minutes apart for a long time. They are always no more than 7 or 8 minutes apart. They gave me three terbutaline shots to get them to slow down, but it didn't last long. They decided as a precaution that they would give me an antibiotic for in case I had a uti, and anti-yeast in case it was a yeast infection. My urine looks fine every time, and I drink enough water to choke a fish, so they can't figure out why. I'm home and just waiting to see what will happen, but the contractions are still pretty regular. I had this with the twins from about 28 weeks and on until they were born at 35 weeks. I hope my little man stays in until at least 37 weeks. My cervix hasn't changed at all, and they did an FFN that came out negative, so they aren't overly worried right now for the next 10 days. We'll see what happens! Hope your little ones stay baking longer too!

[lmaguire]

lighthouse - that's exactly what happened to me, and I'm at 38 weeks, so there's definitely a good chance you can make it to 37 weeks. You should ask them about Procardia. That did wonders for me. The terbutaline didn't do much for me for long either.

[rachelttc]

Ugh! I'm so sorry about the contractions! I would be so stressed out. But the silver lining is that none of you are dilating further, right?

praises: have they talked about giving you steroids for their lungs? I think you said they'd be able to stay at the same hospital as you, even if they come this early, right?

selo: I know I've recommended this to others before, but the compression hose (knee high) from Walgreens worked WONDERS for me on my swollen ankles!

Imaguire: congrats on the BM. ;) I have noticed that my farts have never hurt worse in my LIFE than they do now! Probably related to all the intestine compression that you're having!

AFM: I think I just leaked a little pee when I sat down a few minutes ago. And a few minutes before that, I attached the mobile to the crib we assembled this weekend and felt a little bit of wetness. I'm hoping this is not a permanent thing now! Because I had expected to maybe leak a little when I sneeze or laugh or cough, but seriously, all I did was SIT DOWN. I put on a panty liner, and (oh my gosh this is gross) I will smell it if it happens again to make sure it isn't amniotic fluid. Anyone else experiencing this, or have suggestions?

This weekend, we cleaned the house, I finished a quilt for the baby, we assembled the crib. I feel like I nested even though it's way too early for that.

[praises1139]

Lmaguire--- that is some serious nesting! I'm jealous

Lighthouse-- I'm drinking tons of water now, I'm sure its more than I need, but I feel like its the only thing I can do! I agree with Lauren, you should try Procardia.

Rachel-- nope, no more dilating yet. I got the steroid shots last week. Not sure when they expire exactly..my Dr said they used to give them weekly but I think now they only do it if you have PTL again and it has been a couple wks. If I get through this week though, we won't need it.
I've had painful gas too...I can feel it moving around, trying to make its way to the exit! I'm surprised it can.
Never too early to nest! I did a lot in the first half of the pregnancy because I kept reading about the possibility of bedrest.

Edit--oops I meant the shots were the week before last.

Just got stretch marks...very faint ones near my bellybutton. I'm guessing they will get worse. Some women don't get them until their belly deflates and some don't get them at all. I figured i would because my mom did. Oh well! I will try to like my mommy marks.

[MegzyAngel]

hey all. thought i would do a quick check in.
Family is up so havnt been on for a bit.

Still waiting on Sophie's arrival although they seem to think sometime this week since my cervix is favourable (Whatever that means). I had a sweep done on Thursday which dialated me 1cm as well. I was already 1cm so was 2 afterwards. Have been getting increased amounts of contractions and cramps but nothing has evolved into proper labour as yet. Had some bloody show the other day so hopefully not to far away.
If she doesnt come by friday i have an appointment where they will monitor bub and me for a couple of hours and will get given an induction date.

praises - I wish there was something that could be done to avoid stretch marks. I have them really bad on my lower abdomen and pelvic region. They get itchy too. I just think that stretchmarks are just a reminder of the beautiful child I carry inside me.

Hope everyone else is doing well. :)

[readytogo]

Rachel -- wow, sorry about the peeing. I have not had that happen ...yet (that's what I say about EVERYTHING). I hope it's just pee, nothing else.

Lauren -- sorry about the constipation. Total TMI, but here I go: I had to go so far two weeks ago as to....ahem....use my hand to guide some problematic stuff out of my body. Totally, totally gross. Then, to add insult to injury (and to show my support of Praises in this regard) I ALSO clogged the toilet...IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. I somehow did not wake up my husband (so he does not know this story), but I did start crying as poopy water started slipping all over the bathroom. It's a new low. So, I feel you on the pain, annoyance, embarrassment, etc. Somehow taking stool softeners and eating Fiber One bars has been working now, but I know you said those are not working for you. Have you tried fiber supplements? My guess is that's not going to be strong enough for you, but that's what my doc recommended for me. I still need to pick some up.

Praises -- Glad the latest hospital episode was short! Let's keep you away from there for a while. Wow, bills are expensive. Thank god for insurance.

Selo -- yay for your shower! I just had mine this past weekend, too, and it was so awesome to have everyone gathered together. My friends did an amazing job, and I felt so fortunate. We also got lots of gifts. Wow. Need to start organizing everything and writing thank you notes!

Tonight we're headed to a baby-ready pet class so we can learn some strategies to handle our giant dogs when the baby arrives. Then Wednesday night we're headed to a baby care class. I think that one will be especially helpful. I'm excited to learn some new info. Currently I am reading a breastfeeding book. So, I'm just trying to do some finishing touches work at home to get ready for baby and spend more and more time now really mentally preparing for what having a baby will be like. It's getting really, really, real, you know? Can't believe how close so many of us are!

[BabyDreams]

Just got home from the Dr. My blood pressure is great...and protein in urine went up but not a huge amount...so no inducing this week. I got my first cervix check and I am 1cm dilated and 70% effaced! Baby totally dropped over the weekend and pressure has increased. Guess I know why now!

[praises1139]

Fell down today, it was kinda scary, but I think the way I fell was probably a good thing. I'm wearing these big pajama pants and I have to roll up the waist because I kept getting my foot caught in them and tripping. Well today I tripped and landed right on the arm of the couch. My chestbone landed right on the corner with my knees on the floor, so it freaked me and DH out but I guess it was better than hitting my belly or falling completely to the floor. My chest is a little sore now. The weird thing is that in the hospital they asked me if I had fallen at all during the pregnancy and I said no, probably because I've been on bedrest so long. So much for that!

You ladies sound so close--it really is exciting!

Megzy--can't believe she is past due--I can't imagine what that feels like! I hope she hurries up!

[esarah]

Praises- I am glad you are ok! I hope your chest feels better soon.
I slipped and fell on ice when I was pregnant with my youngest, I already had a partial placental abruption so it was really scary. I was on bedrest at that point too. It was at the doctor's office parking lot. Fortunately everything was ok but it's scary! I pulled ligaments in my belly and groin and it was SO painful. Fortunately that was at 30 weeks and he didn't come for 4 more so I wasn't in pain for labor and delivery.

[ellebelle]

so I'm just checking in and saying hi.

Still no babybelle, but I made it through the weekend which was a priority for me and DH.

Babybelle has dropped some and I did have some full contractions Sunday night, not enough to go to L&D about through (3-4, 13 minutes apart).

Now I am just trying to work through the week and hope that this weekend might be the perfect time for her to arrive :) I may even start trying some "natural" ways to induce labor *except castor oil ICK*

[Jillybn32]

Hi ladies- lots of action!

Babydreams - Glad the blood pressure hasn't gone up and thingss are getting ready to deliver. Not much time left!

Praises - So sorry about the fall, thank goodness it was not all the way down or on your belly. I almost fell at the hospital getting out of the shower and it is so scary. Hope it doesn't happen again. Also glad your contractions aren't changing your cervix. Stupid contractions!

Ellebelle - Hope baby comes for you this weekend. GL with your labor inducing activities :)

Ready - What a great idea for the pet readiness class for babies. I have a little dog that is 9 pounds but she still is the center of our world and I'm not sure how she'll react to the babies. Share tips if they give good ones.

Megzy - A sweep sounds painful but good if it dilated you another cm. Hoping for delivery soon for you too!

Rachel - sometimes I leak too. Haven't found anything to stop it, just a joy of pregnancy :(

Imaguire - Glad you had a bm! Constipation is the worst, I can't imagine how much pain you were in. Soon it will be over.

Lighthouse - I am so encouraged by you saying you had such frequent contractions with the twins from 28 weeks on. That is what I am having and am scared to death that I will deliver soon.

AFM - I have an appt tomorrow for a ffn, cervical check and u/s. I am nervous, I haven't had my cervix checked for 2 weeks and I have contracted soo much, often every 10 minutes or more frequent, and sometimes less. I am so scared I will be dilated :( For those of you who monitor contractions, do you put a hand on your belly for a whole hour or just record the ones you feel? I just record the ones I feel, put a hand down to confirm, and write it down, but I know I have a lot more than that because sometimes I'll randomly put a hand down and it'll be hard without me knowing.

[praises1139]

Jill--so glad you have made it this far! I hope your appt goes well. I have one tomorrow too. I'm finally at the point where I don't have to worry, although I'm still worried about going into labor and no one answering their phone!
I only count the contractions I feel from the inside, then confirm from the outside, like you said.

[QueenFroggie]

praises -- so glad you are fine, and the way you fell was probably the in could have been since you didn't hit your belly! I can't believe you are already 33 weeks!


Jill -- yay for being almost 30 weeks!! you ladies are so close!

I can't wait to read everyone's birth stories soon! (not too soon of course)

[praises1139]

Thanks Queen! My Dr and I are very happy that I've made it.


Well my blood pressure was even higher this time, so I got bloodwork done. It was 138/80. I refuse to believe it! Yeah I am in denial. But I swear, when I have to go to the Dr, its a frickin workout! I get tired just from getting dressed. I get out of breath and I can feel my heart pumping. So I guess we will see what the results are. I really don't want to be induced.
My Dr said I could stop taking Procardia this weekend but I can take it longer for comfort. I want to take it just a few days longer.

Edit: Dr called me and said the labs were fine (how'd they get the results in 2hrs??) But my sodium is low, so she wants me to cut back some on drinking water. I had increased my water this week because of the contractions Sat night-- the nurse had told me to keep drinking and peeing. I'm so confused!!!!

[JE1014]

Praises - Had to chime in on the BP topic. I had BP trouble at the end of my pregnancy. Do they retake your bp after you've been resting a while at the dr? They would always take it whe i first walked in the door and it would be up, but it would go down some when i rested on my left side for a while. Mine was always crazy high at the midwifes office, but much better at home. I tracked it at home and was able to convince them to hold off on inducing me until my 39th week because they were not up at home, and I didn't have any other signs of pre-e. If you are already on bedrest and there are no signs of pre-e otherwise, keep those babies cooking! Do you know any nurses that could check your bp when u are at home? Then you'd have a better idea of what your bp is like most of the time.

[selo1718]

praises- I'm glad you didn't have to stay at the hospital too long. I'm glad your blood work came back fine. I hope you can find a happy medium with the water. You're lucky about the stretch marks. I have quite a few. I just keep trying to put lotion on my belly as often as I can. I'm sorry about your fall.

lauren- It sounds like you are nesting! I hope the baby comes soon.

lighthouse- I hope the contractions stop. Keep resting and drinking lots of water.

rachel- Thanks for the suggestion. I have felt like I'm leaking a bit of urine here and there...usually when I sneeze thought.

Megzy- I hope she comes soon! It sounds like you are getting close.

AFM- My shower was great. My sister, mom, and MIL did a great job. I got a lot of clothing for her. The sizes are pretty spread out. There are still somethings we need that I will have to take care of. My DRs appointment didn't go so well. My BP is up more and I had protein in my urine. I had a NST today and baby looks good. I'm also doing the 24 hr urine test and will drop that off at the lab tomorrow morning on my way to work. I'm hoping to not have to go on bed rest but also know that it's probably going to happen. I'm suppose to watch for pre-eclampsia signs in the mean time.

[lmaguire]

selo - Sorry about the BP & protein! =( Even if they put you on bed rest, it isn't the worst thing in the world, as long as little one gets to bake as long as she needs. Yay that your shower went well and you got a nice spread of clothes! (We didn't at the shower, but friends have given us the larger sizes and will continue to as their little boys outgrow things).

praises - sorry about your BP issues and the fall! How scary! glad you're OK. I agree with JE, see if someone can take your BP resting at home and see if it's as elevated as it is in the office. I don't blame you for wanting to stay on the Procardia a little longer. At least your dr is letting you - mine refused after 34 weeks.

elle - good that little one has dropped! Beware though, that doesn't mean she's ready to come out. My little man dropped then decided to come back up! Never heard of that happening, but it did. I've tried ever old wives tale except castor oil and gotten a few good contractions here or there, but nothing that progressed. I'm starting to think that anyone who has had luck with them, it was mere coincidence and they were going to go into labor anyway.

jill - glad to see you've made it this far! you've doing great!! keep up the good work! Hope you had good luck with the appt, and let us know how it went! We're all thinking about you!

megzy & kate - how are you all doing? any more progression? inductions? thinking about you guys!

afm - still having some bowel issues, but my dr doesn't think any of it will get better until he's delivered. Things have been better lately though. Thank you all for letting me vent about that. It was very uncomfortable and painful for several days. Also, still no baby! UGH! For all the issues we had, even my doctor said last week she's surprised he hasn't come yet. Have another appointment tomorrow - 39 weeks! NEVER did I think we'd make it this far. Nurse called me to confirm my appt tomorrow and told me that we are back to the original induction date - 11/21, so if he doesn't decide to come out on his own before Monday, I'll go in and be induced Monday morning. At most, 5 more days! Hopefully home for Thanksgiving then, assuming no C-section, with our turkey!

[praises1139]

Jen--thanks...my Dr asked me last week if I had a BP cuff but I dont and I'm not buying one to use for a couple wks unless its a decent price...my BP is normally like 110/68. This weekend it was 122/76 at the hospital, lower than it was 2days before, so that made me feel better. So far my b/w says it's not high BP.
I did think about them rechecking it after but then I forgot! My friend who has chronic high BP said there are a lot of times when she checks it at home, it's fine, but at the Dr's office it's high.

Selo--well my stretch marks have gotten worse already! Glad you had a great shower. Sorry about the BP though!

Lmaguire--wow, Monday, how exciting!!!!!! I googled the Procardia and it appears that some OBs say 34wks and some say 36? I don't know but I'd rather not stay on it too much longer.

[Tink]

I googled the Procardia and it appears that some OBs say 34wks and some say 36? I don't know but I'd rather not stay on it too much longer.

I was on it until 36w. I think it's a dr preference thing.

[praises1139]

Tink--I'm thinking 35 wks right now...by then I might not want to stop the contractions!! At times I'm like, ok I'm done!!! (Usually when I have to go to the Dr). Then other times, I'm like, I'm not ready!!

That might change here soon because today is my 2nd to last day of strict bedrest!!!!!!!!
Then I can switch back to modified. So getting up more is gonna wear me out.

[Tink]

You've done a great job praises! It will wear you out to have restrictions lifted, but it's a good thing. Make sue you try and do a bit more (without over-doing it) so that hopefully you can gain a bit of strength back before the babies arrive. I had 2 weeks back on my feet after my strict rest before Owen was born and I definitely got winded quickly!

[Jillybn32]

Well, my appt did not go well at all. I had a positive ffn and only 4-5 mm of cergix left. By the time I was admitted I was 1 cm dilated and am on mag now. It is calming things down but things are very scary and with a non existent cervix and a positive ffn I am trying to prepare myself. Please pray for dh and I.

[EJ1008]

Jilly - prayers are being sent your way. (((Hugs)))

[jessicaileen]

Praying for you and babies Jilly!!!! Please hold on hope to get through the next minute, the next hour, the next day, whatever you need. Every minute does count.

[esarah]

Jilly- I am so sorry. I am praying for you and hoping that you can make it a while longer.

[jth0205]

Just checking in.

Jilly - so sorry to hear your news. Praying for you, DH and the babies.

[praises1139]

Jill-- :( definitely praying! Hopefully the mag will buy you more time!! I've read several stories of women in your same position who ended up making it several more wks...I hope u can too

[rachelttc]

Jilly! I'm so sorry! That must be really scary. Fingers crossed for you.

[Lucy256]

Jilly - I've been checking in to see how you're doing. Sorry you didn't get good news at your appointment. Sending prayers your way and hoping those babies stay in there longer!!

[Supergal]

Jilly- sending lots of prayers and positive thought your way! *HUGZ*

[lmaguire]

Jill - so sorry your appt didn't go well. Hopefully the magnesium will keep things at bay for a while. Thoughts and prayers headed your way! Keep your chin up though, a positive attitude always helps! Regardless of what happens, you've done a FANTASTIC job!! =)

praises - make sure you gradually increase your activity so you don't overdo it too quickly. When I came off bed rest (and mine was not restrictive) I got winded very easily, walking anywhere took a lot of effort, etc. Take it easy this weekend! And make someone else cook next Thursday! =)

Appt went well today. He is measuring well, and she said based on u/s measurements he looks to be 6lbs 9 oz. Well we all know how accurate those are, so she said she expects he won't be more than 8 lbs. She said she felt sorry for me since I'm still having contractions (and am, as a result VERY sore, but nothing is progressing. I asked if it was because we stopped everything for so long, and she said quite possibly. He's obviously inherited my stubbornness - lol.
Will be induced on Sunday now since they really didn't have room on Monday or Tuesday, and Wednesday my dr will be heading out of town. Dr said she expects to come in about 10 - 10:30am and break my water. I'm kinda hoping it takes a while and he comes out Monday. The OCD weirdo in me likes 11/21/11 better than 11/20/11. But if we have him Sunday, then Christmas Day will make him exactly 5 weeks old. SO excited to see him, but still kinda hoping he comes out on his own this weekend. Other good news - we should be home for Turkey Day!! Pumpkin pie for me please! =)

[karidpt]

Just being nosey ;)......

Jill, hope you can bake those babies longer! Prayers your way!

Lmaguire, so soon! Seems like yesterday that you got your BFP!

Rachel, how is the little one? Was everything else okay other than the umbilical artery? Is the baby doing okay even with the single artery?

Praises, you have done great so far! So glad you have made it this far!

Hope everyone else and the babies are doing well!

[selo1718]

Jilly- I'm sorry your appointment didn't go as well. I hope they get labor stopped for you and that you can keep the twins in a while longer.

Lauren- I'm sorry the contractions are making you sore. Sunday will come quick!

Kari- Nice to see you :) I hope your BFP comes soon!

AFM- I turned in my 24 hr urine collection this morning. Hopefully I will hear something about the results of everything tomorrow before I take my lunch break.

[BabyDreams]

Jilly...sorry that your appt didn't go well. Hope he mag helps things. Hugs and prayers to you, DH and babies.

Update: I was dilated to a 1 and 70% effaced on Monday. I felt great theblast two days...but today I have had a massive increase in contractions. Some were 2 minutes apart. This would last for 30 minsutes then stop. Of course, she was doing this while I was in back to back meetings at work. Nothing like trying to focus when you are wondering if this is labor! Any have advice on how to decide when to be done working? I mean, I prefer not having my break at work. Lol I work for Boeing, so they have a medical clinic on site, aid cars everything...but to leave once in labor would be so difficult because the parking lot is a long ways from my office. Anyways, hoping everyone else is hanging in there.

Menzy must be having baby..haven't seen her on here in a couple days.

[lighthouse830]

jilly- I was 1cm and effacing at 28 weeks too and they kept me in the hospital a week and sent me home on bedrest & the twins came at 35 weeks when my water broke- there is still hope!

Hope everyone else is doing well!

[praises1139]

Lmaguire--no cooking for me!! Going to my in-laws'. So looking forward to it! I will try to increase my activity slowly. 2 more days for you!!!!!! Can't wait to see your baby pictures!

Megzy--I hope everything is going ok!!

Kari--thanks!!

Selo-I hope your results are ok.

Babydreams--who would drive you if you went into labor at work? I'd say you might need a break from work if you are having lots of contractions.

[lmaguire]

Just had to share how unlucky I am. Broke my right arm this morning. Tripped over my own feet. Little one is good, still active as can be. As of now still being induced Sunday. Waiting to hear back from my OB. Ugh!! Can I catch a break please?!

[codih]

Lauren- Bless your heart! You're going to have a newborn and a broken right arm...I hope that DH will be available to help you out. Glad to hear LO is ok. I hope you're not in too much pain. Just wanted to pop in and let you know I'm thinking about you.

[praises1139]

Lmaguire--omg that sucks!!!!!!! I'm so scared of falling again, I'm walking super slow like an old person!! I hope your arm heals super fast!! Make sure to keep taking your prenatals after baby is here and even an extra calcium supplement, especially if you are breastfeeding.

[Jillybn32]

Hi ladies,

Thank you so much for the support and encouraging words. I am off the mag now and stable so that is good. I was lucky and didn't have any side effects from it except I was hot when I first had the bolus. I did start to lose my mucus plug this am but they said since my cervix is so thin that they are surprised it didn't happen earlier - still don'r feel great about it or like it :( They don't know how long I will go - days, a week, more? But they are certain I am hospitalized til the end which sucks but is good so when something happens we can be on it and the NICU is right here. They keep telling us it is really good to have made it to 29 weeks since the first time I was in here we were 25 weeks. I'll continue to update as I can and I always read everyone's posts. GL to everyone delivering soon!!!

[praises1139]

Jill--so glad you handled the mag ok. Yes, 29wks is way better than 25. It's good that they are keeping you. I felt safe in the hospital. 32 wks is a big milestone, hopefully you can make it with the hospital bedrest and mag, if you need more of it. Even if they come before that, they should be ok, although I know that is not what any mother wants. Every wk we can make it through brings some comfort.

[QueenFroggie]

Jill -- praying for you and your sweet little ones!!! And yes, 29 weeks is great, it is amazing the difference a couple weeks can make!! Hang in there, and stay positive! Staying positive will do a ton for you and can help your body tough it out a little longer. And loosing your mucus plug doesn't necessarily mean labor is close....it can still be weeks away!

Lauren -- oh my!! I can't even imagine breaking an arm days before induction!! You poor thing!! Did they have to cast it?

[lmaguire]

Queen - not yet. The swelling is still pretty bad, so they put me in a splint that I'll stay in for the next 2 weeks. Then I'll go to the orthopedic and get a real cast that I'll wear at least 4 weeks. Managed to not take any pain meds until about an hr ago. Just got too bad - worse than when they had to set it. Surgery isn't out of the picture yet, but I'm going to try my best to avoid it.

Jill - glad you're doing ok. Keep us posted!!

[QueenFroggie]

Lauren -- ugh! :( Becareful not to grab with that arm during labor! :) But I hope you are able to avoid surgery! At least once you get the cast you will be able to use your arm to help support baby if you need to!

[selo1718]

i am just poping in real quick. My tests weren't good so I am in the hospital. BP is 160/97 ish. Baby is doing well. They will watch me over night and then decide if I have to be induced. i will update more in the morning....

[praises1139]

Selo--I'm sorry! I hope everything goes ok

[QueenFroggie]

Sarah -- hope they are able to get your BP down! Being at 32 weeks is great, but hope your little one will hold out a few more weeks.

[rita3110]

@imaquire
ohh, you poor thing, broken arm sucks, especially now...:( hope it doesnt hurt to much

@jilly
was thinking about you lately a lot... you did an awesome job already!!!! but still hoping your two little monkeys are going to stay a little longer in there...

@selo
im sorry, hope everything will be fine...

@praises
wow, you made it soooo far, thats amazing!!!!

afm
nothing really new, just having crazy pregnancy insomnia...but other than that i feel great!!! i know im still so early, but im so ready to meet my little boy...10 weeks are still so long :p
im just super excited for this best day in my life !!!!!!!

[lighthouse830]

jilly- glad to hear that you are still hanging in there. Like the other girls said, the mucus plug loss doesn't mean that you are going in to labor- a lot of women lose it weeks before their delivery. I hope everything continues to go okay.

imaguire- that's terrible luck! I hope it heals quickly!

selo- I hope the BP goes down. It's great that you're at least at 32 weeks though if they need to induce.

rita- I'm with you on the insomnia!

[selo1718]

Lauren- I'm sorry about your arm! I hope it heals quickly.

Jill- I'm glad you are still hanging in there. It might be weeks before you go into labor even if you lost your mucus plug.

AFM- My BP went up pretty high during the night. They started me on Labetalol and that seems to have lowered it. They are keeping an eye on my labs to make sure my liver and kidney functions stay OK. I officially have preclampsia. I have had the 1st steroid shot for her lungs and will have the second tonight. I will be in the hospital on bed rest until she comes. I'm hoping to keep her baking for a few more weeks but I've also been told I could need to be induced anytime. Poor DH is at babies r us exchanging the booster carseat we got at our shower for the infant seat and picking up some other things we will need.

[CUZUCO]

I have A question for those that have had spotting. I started spottig this am (after dtd), I k know it can be normal, or can be a sign of mc. My question is when you girls had spotting how long did it last??

My spotting is brown, started out fairly heavy, then got lighter and now is a bit stonger. My lower back hurt some this am, and I have felt a bit of light cramping (not quite as strong as pre af).

I can't see the dr until Tuesday, so any imput is welcome.

[lighthouse830]

cuz- I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through the stress of spotting. When I had ivf for the twins, I did have spotting around 6 weeks I think. I was FREAKED out because of all the m.c I had. They told me that because of the ivf process I could have had spotting. I also got cramping with my pregnancies (with or without spotting) in the first trimester on and off that felt like AF cramps. Brown spotting is okay they said because it's old blood. Even pink is okay they told me. It's the heavy red that is a warning sign. I hope it goes away & doesn't increase!

[esarah]

Cuz- I am so sorry you are going through this and can't see the doctor until Tuesday.

I will say that I have had a lot (16) of miscarriages and none of them have started out with brown bleeding.

I bled for weeks (red blood) with my last pregnancy in the beginning. Everything did end up being ok though.

I would say with it being brown and with it being after DTD that DTD may have knocked some old blood (and that's why it's brown) loose and that is what you are seeing. That would not have caused any harm either if that is the case.

Keep resting and try and stay calm. I really, really hope that it is just old blood and everything looks great on Tuesday!

[CUZUCO]

lighthouse-Thanks for the imput. Right now it's just brown, but the light cramps worry me. They're not strong, but I haven't had cramps for two weeks now, so I figured I was past
that.

esarah-that's very reassuring that Noe of your mc's starts with brown blood. I remember when you were on the ttc and AARP thread. Your strenght has been a motivation for me to keep going.

[praises1139]

Cuz- you can have cramps during pregnancy that are not related to m/c. I had some in the first tri. There is a lot going on in there. Hopefully it just means healthy embryo.

[CUZUCO]

Thanks for the info praises. That's good to know.

Spotting seems to be a bit lighter. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

[jth0205]

Lauren - I am so sorry about your broken arm. And the right arm of all things! That's horrible. I hope and pray your induction goes really well tomorrow!

Sarah - sorry about your BP issues. Hope and pray that levels out for you and your little one stays put for a few more weeks.

Jilly - hope you are doing ok.

Praises - so sorry about the toilet issue. I'd be mortified! However, I was in a similar situation once. I was taking care of a relative and they stopped up the toilet. Honestly, I didn't mind cleaning up after them one little bit. I bet your in-laws feel the same - they are happy to help.

Rita - I'm with you, I'm ready to meet my baby!

Cuz - I've had spotting off and on my entire pregnancy - all shades. I also had very heavy bleeding at 16 weeks. It is ALWAYS scary to see any blood while you are pregnant. I'm sorry you have seen spotting. My bleeding has been unexplained - well, the issue at 16 weeks was from intercourse. So, I've been on pelvic rest ever since. Spotting can come from something as simple as straining for a bowel movement or even from being slightly dehydrated. For peace of mind, I hope you will call your doctor and be seen. My doctor has been very understanding each time I've called.

afm - still spotting here and there, but it's not that much. He is back to moving around after taking a bit of a break and scaring me for about two weeks. For that I'm thankful. We FINALLY have a nursery as of today! It's lacking bells and whistles, but the furniture is in place. I am so happy. Now, I can start decorating. The guest area is just lacking some flooring and being cleaned and then we are good to go, which is good because people will be invading us soon!

[praises1139]

Selo--sorry about the pre-e. :( glad u have time for the steroids. Are you getting mag for the pre-e or did they give you something else? I hope it helps!

[readytogo]

Wow, so much going on here!

Lauren -- I'm thinking of you this morning and sending you good vibes. I cannot believe you broke your arm, what horrible luck. But, your day has arrived, and I hope everything goes smoothly today (and maybe tomorrow? who knows) and you meet your little man without incident.

Selo -- so sorry about everything you're dealing with. Hang in there.

Jilly -- glad the mag worked and hope those babies stay put!

Not much to report here, other than a cold. Got a cold over the summer that lasted for a month, which is not normal for me. Doctor said it's normal during pregnancy, though, but I'm hoping this one will go away quickly (perhaps wishful thinking). The issue is that if I get in my comfortable position for sleeping the snot goes down my throat, so then when I prop myself up so snot is not an issue I can't get comfortable. I guess this is just what we do! Hang in there everyone.

[selo1718]

Cuz- I had some spotting around 9 weeks. It was just brown and only lasted about a day. My OB wasn't concerned because the spotting started after an u/s and it was only brown. She told me to call the next morning if it was still happening. I also cramped a lot during my 1st trimester.

jth- I'm glad that you are not spotting as much and feeling baby move more. It's nice to have progress made on the nursery.

praises- I've just been taking the Labetalol and the steroid shots. I had the second shot last night.

ready- When I got a bad cold. I had my head propped with throw blankets on top of my pillows. It wasn't the most comfortable but I could at least sleep.

AFM- I slept OK. It's really dry in here and my nose is all stuffy. It gave me a sinus headache. MIL went with DH to get the last of the baby things yesterday. She stayed at my house and worked on getting shower gifts put away and I think she's washing all the new born clothing, towels, and blankets. My BP has remained stable, so I'm really just hanging out.

[CUZUCO]

Thanks to eveyone for your feedback. Spotting is a bit lighter today, but I will definitley be going in to the RE to get it checked out.

[praises1139]

Selo--glad DH and his mom are taking care of things so you can relax mentally as well as physically...makes a big difference

Ready--sorry about the cold, that stinks.


Afm, my stretch marks have been starting to hurt. Putting lotion on them kinda helps temporarily. I do not like the feeling though--its like a reminder that my skin is stretching like a big balloon that could pop any minute. I seriously have no idea how the octuplets' mom Nadya survived. I mean really, how long was she on bedrest and how early were they born? How could she even breathe with all those babies in there? And eat enough calories for all of them??

[MegzyAngel]

Hey all.
Sorry to keep all your hopes up but i'm still waiting for LO's arrival :(
I'm getting a cervidil (T-bag looking thing that contains prostoglandins) implanted near my cervix tomorrow if needed (Since I was 50% effaced and 2cm dialated I may not need it.) Then on Thursday I will be induced if she hasn't arrived by then.
Still been getting cramps and increased discharge etc. Also been getting nausea and this morning woke up with a sore throat so hoping thats a sign.
Not to mention the dogs been a pain in the *ss to lol.

Lauren - Sorry to hear about your arm...I hope it heals quickly. Good luck with the induction..I hope everything goes well.

jilly - Hope those babies keep baking for a whle longer.

praises - I found rubbing a bit of ice on my stretch marks has helped a lot. Might be a bit cold there though. Don't think theres much else I could suggest other than keeping putting lotion on them. I hate clothing rubbing on them. I hope you can find some relief from them.

I hope everybody else is going well as well.

[selo1718]

praises- the best lotion I've found is Curel Pregnancy and motherhood lotion. It's super thick with out being overly oily. It seems to take the itchys out of my belly and back.

Megzy- I hope she comes soon!

AFM- My actual OB is oncall here at the hospital today so I got to talk to her. She agreed the plan is to keep me here and pregnant for as long as she can. She'd like me to get until at least 34 weeks so we just take it 1 day at a time. My sinuses are still bothering me and DSS has a cold now to so I feel we probably have the same thing. They are going to order my some musenix. I took perkaset? last night because I had a terrible back ache that I hope doesn't come back.

[ellebelle]

Lauren - I'm sending good thoughts your way this morning!!!!

AFM - I have still been having BH and some that are true contractions, but at the Dr. last week they said I was 1cm but not very effaced. I'm really hoping that the increased BH and cramps are thinning that sucker out....OY. I go back to the Dr. on Wednesday afternoon. I'm a little excited that wednesday is also my last day of work before I go on leave!

[Supergal]

Hi guys,
I'm unofficially joining you guys since I'll be in the third tri in a few days. I'm really excited...it's like time is flying now! Been following your stories on and off for the last few months. Sending positive thoughts your way and lots of prayers for a safe delivery to those close to meeting their LO(s)! *hugz*

[praises1139]

Super--welcome!!!

Thanks for the stretch mark tips, ladies.
OMG I had 2 Dr appts today so of course I did more walking than usual and my knees hurt!!! They are not happy with my 49lbs of weight gain. On a positive note, the babies are pretty much newborn size. :)
they are 4lb11oz and 5lb3oz!!! I asked the peri about what the tech said at the hospital--that the weight measurements could be off by a pound because its hard to measure their heads and he said he uses a different formula so that is not a concern for him. He was very happy I made it this far.
Talked to my OB about my birth plan (I kinda have two, one for vaginal birth, one for c-section) and I feel better now that I asked more questions. She said for vaginal, I only need the IV right away if I have GBS, which she will test next wk. And she said I won't deliver on an OR table, they will wheel me in on my bed and I can stay in it unless they have to do a c-section. I had heard from others that they had to push while on a table, not sure why.
For the epidural, an MD would be doing it because its a private, non-teaching hospital. Yay!
Didn't get a lot of sleep last night because of the babies kicking and contractions. I kept thinking, hold on, we are so close to Thanksgiving!!! Can't come out yet. :)

[rachelttc]

Holy moly, I know I don't post much, but please know that I am keeping you all in my thoughts.

I can't believe the string of unfortunate circumstances! Preterm labor, pre-eclampsia, broken arms! I hope you are all doing as well as can be hoped under such stressful times.

praises: I use the palmer's cocoa butter formula cream for stretch marks. I like it, but mine have never itched, so I don't know if it helps for that or not.

super: welcome!

AFM: At my last midwife appointment, which was Thursday, I measured 35 weeks at 30 weeks. So it looks like this kid is still growing! And I didn't help matters today. It was like my brain/self-control just took a vacation. I had a bagel for breakfast, rice krispie treats for snack, two slices of pepperoni pizza for lunch, a GIANT bowl of mac and cheese for dinner, and then some candy after dinner! That's like four days worth of carbs, and zero days worth of protein. And I can tell my body didn't like it, because now it's four hours since I last ate, and my blood sugar is STILL at 133. Even though I'm not diabetic, I bet anyone with PCOS who eats that way would get diabetic blood sugar levels! I really have to do better. I was incredibly stressed today (I had to work ten hours, take care of the dogs, then work two hours from home, get the christmas cards in the mail, and clear out our entire great room (except for the heavy furniture, which I hired someone for) of stuff for workmen to come tomorrow. Who knew how much CRAP I had everywhere! I know stress can make your blood sugar higher, so I'm hoping that five days in a row without work (starting Wednesday!) will help me chill out a bit.

I'm thinking of you all! Can't wait to see those baby pictures once those beans are as baked as they possibly can be!

[praises1139]

Rachel-- wow, what a crazy day! How did you survive on carbs? Id be so hungry! Pizza and m&c were on my menu yday too....lol
I don't know if you like Snickers but I saw on one of those Dr shows that they are better for u than some other candy because they have some protein and fiber--slows down the sugar. I've been snacking on the fun size ones lately.


We eat Thanksgiving 'dinner' at noon tomorrow...we always eat early because DH's dad works 2nd shift. This is is good for me because I can space out my eating throughout the afternoon. I want to eat everything but I don't think I can eat it all at once.
I hope Lmaguire is ok! can't imagine giving birth with a broken arm. :( Wishing safe deliveries to everyone!

[ellebelle]

Cross your fingers for me everyone, I go back to the Dr at 4pm this afternoon. I am hoping for at least change in dialation and effacement. Hoping even more for news of babybelle's imminent arrival :)

[readytogo]

Megzy -- thinking of you. Sounds like you'll be induced tomorrow??? Wow, you have really made it to the end. I am wondering if I'll be like you. My mom was late with all her babies, and so far my pregnancy is following my mom's pregnancies almost identically.

Elle -- I hope you get good news at today's appointment. You're so close!

Praises -- amazing news with the babies' sizes. You have done an amazing job keeping those babies in place.

Selo -- hope you make it to week 34. I have faith you'll get there or beyond.

Rachel -- I get the carb binge. They can be hard to resist!

Afm, not much news. Had my 34 week appt. yesterday and it went well. I gained two pounds in two weeks and two more centimeters, too, so I'd say in terms of growth and weight gain this is all rather textbook. My doctor was really impressed with my blood pressure. I can't say I have done anything in particular to keep it down, other than I am less and less concerned about work these days though still chugging along :) I'm counting my blessings this Thanksgiving and hoping that in my final stretch of pregnancy I continue to have good news. Happy Turkey day to everyone in the States!

[Supergal]

Thanks for the welcomes!

Lauren- I hope you are doing ok. I can’t believe you broke your arm!

Praises- Hope you and the boys are doing well. Have fun munching on all the Thanksgiving treats! I love having holiday dinners early then having my favourite left over a few hours later. I got a sample of palmer’s cocobutter too and I like it. I used bio oil for a while too but found it absorbed a bit too fast before I could get it spread around.

Ready-I hope the rest of your pregnancy is uneventful!

Elle- how did your appointment go? Hope you are closer to meeting your little Belle.

Rachel- wow you always amaze me with how much you do in a day! Had to take two naps to make it through the day. I have some very carby days too but try to balance it the next day with as much protein as possible. I just can’t help myself when I’m out and about or stressed a lot. Hope you have a few days of relaxation.

Megzy and Selo- hope you are both doing well.

AFM- I’ve given up on having more energy! I feel like I’m not sleeping at all. I could honestly stay in bed all day. Baby also seems to be kicking all day and nite now. He/ she has found my ribs and loves wakes me up with some nice strong kicks there. 27 weeks tomorrow! Yey!

[ellebelle]

Well the good news is I am almost 2 cm dialated and 50% effaced. I came home wednesday night and lost my mucus plug yesterday. I am hoping that baby girl is coming soon! Now we are just watching closely and hoping.....

I hope you all had a fabulous holiday!!

[BabyDreams]

Sure is quiet here....hope everyone is doing great.

I am looking forward to going to the Dr tomorrow and seeing what's happening down there. I have been getting stronger contractions and increased pressure.

Excited to hear if we had any thanksgiving babies this weekend!!

[rachelttc]

Hi all, hope everyone had a good weekend.

It has been super quiet here this weekend, so I thought I'd chime in!

I just yelled at my husband like I haven't yelled in years. He's a terrible driver (most recent accident was only three weeks ago) and he was staying up super late even though he has to drive three hours in the morning. I really have ZERO desire to be a widow, but he stays up late pathologically. That he has fallen asleep while driving on the freeway and totaled our car seems to have no effect on his bedtime, and I completely flipped out.

Over the weekend, one time I got up in the middle of the night to pee, and then when I went back to bed I had 4 contractions in about 20 minutes. They felt the same as braxton-hicks (which just feel like tightness in the front of my stomach), but they also hurt in my lower back. Do those sound more like real contractions? I think I was dehydrated that day, because I drank a big glass of water and they went away.

I am getting much more uncomfortable. I am worried about how I will handle the next eight weeks given how *tight* my tummy is. Not like it's contracting, but like it is all so packed together that everything is as stretched as it possibly can be already. How will I have room for another 4 pounds of baby? Yesterday the bean got its foot caught under my ribs for the first time, and it wasn't very nice.

So I've been looking up ways to induce labor, for once I get to 38 weeks. Have any of you thought of using castor oil or sex or nipple stimulation or anything to get things moving along?

[MegzyAngel]

Hey all,
Just wanted to announce that Sophie Meagan arrived on 23rd November at 11:53pm weighing 8lb 4oz.
Will put up some pics and a birth story shortly. :)

[karidpt]

Rachel, don't use castor oil. My best friend did and she went into false labor. Doesn't sound bad but it really is. She had all of the horrible painful contractions like 2 minutes apart, then 5, then 1, etc. (basically no rhyme or reason to them) and she wasnt dilating either.....so she went through the painful labor contractions for 6 hours for nothing. Then the contractions stopped and she decided to do it again the next weekend (not the smartest friend I have) and the baby swallowed its poop from the forced contractions.

It is best to just let things take it's natural course. If the baby is in there longer, it's usually for a reason and and they need more time in there to develop. But I guess if you are going to try anything "natural" a safe way is to insert evening primrose oil gel tabs by the cervix to help soften it.

Megzy, congrats!

[praises1139]

Megzy-- yay! Congrats!!!

Rachel--if I don't have these babies this week, I will definitely be trying something!! I don't know what yet though...I'm trying to increase my activities this week. DH and I worked a little bit in the babies' room until I was pooped and could do no more.
Sometimes I get BH with lower back pain. If they go away easily, then they are not real but 4 in 20 mins definitely gets your attention.

Babydreams and ellebelle-- let us know what happens!


I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving here in the states. I had a great time seeing family and eating, although all I could do was lie down the whole time. I caught someone's cold but only have a sore throat. But it was definitely worth it. :)
I have an appt tomorrow AM. Hopefully my BP will be good. My contractions have been so calm that now I'm worried about not going into labor. Haha. But increasing my activity level and stopping the Procardia soon should help. I quit the progesterone this weekend--so glad to be done with those things!!!!!! Ugh. My OB is back in town today so I am relieved. I'm hoping to have early Dec babies!!! Can't live like this much longer.

[ellebelle]

So..... I spent time in L&D last night until 3am! I was having contractions 5-7 minutes apart. They monitored me then sent me home... No progress!!! I am heading back to the dr this afternoon, and am still having some contractions. We'll see what they have to say, although i dont expect much to be different in 12 hours :)

[QueenFroggie]

Rachel -- never did castor oil, didn't want to. Heard it is terrible and that it can make your contractions really strong. But I have done just about everything else (spicy food, walking tons, dtd, nipple stimulation, etc). With those, generally yes they can jump start contractions but if your body or the baby isn't ready then it won't turn into real labor. with DD #1, it seemed to help, with DD# 2 nothing did and I got induced at 39.5 weeks.

ellebelle-- hope you get real labor soon! With our first I had non consistent contractions that lasted all day, till I finally got admitted and put on pitocin because I was in active labor, but not "good" active labor.

[praises1139]

Anyone heard from Kate23? Her baby was due on the 15th and she last signed on 11/10

[Supergal]

Elle- glad you are home and things are progressing although slowly Come on Baby Belle!

Rachel- Ugh! My DH is a impatient driver who hates to sleep too. He deserves to be yelled at that’s so dangerous! I hope you got through to him. From what I’ve read sex, being active, bouncing on birthing ball and generally anything that will relax you should bring on labour. A friend swears by trying to go for a run. She did that and had both her babies the next day but I don’t know if I’ll be doing that in the middle of winter. Hope those contractions stay away! I get them with back pain as well and they’re so uncomfortable! Relaxing is the only thing that seems to work to get rid of them.

Megzy-Congrats! Hope you and LO are doing well!

BabyD- hope things move along quickly!

Praises- can’t wait till LOs to get here! I bet u are more the happy to stop the prog! GL at the apt!

AFM- I’ve been avoiding Metamucil but I finally caved and bought it as I think I might be getting a hemroid...blah! Hope it works as prune juice and bran haven’t been helping too much. Nothing much else going on. DH and I started looking at strollers, cribs etc.

Anyone have a Hauck stroller? They're german made and look really good plus come with a bassinet and stand which I think will be handy. I'd have to buy a separate car seat though. Most of my friend have Gracco travels systems which include the car seat.

[ellebelle]

I'm being induced on Wednesday!

I will be admitted tomorrow night for Cervadil and if needed, pitocin on Wednesday morning. My Dr scraped my membranes today.

[BabyDreams]

I am so jealous ellebelle!! Good luck with everything!

Just got home from my Dr appt. I am still 2cm dilated but now 80% effaced. She scrapped my membranes today....so we'll see if that helps at all!

[praises1139]

Yay! Babydreams & ellebelle--u r so close!!

Yeah after being off progesterone for a couple days, Ive realized I have more energy!! I've been doing some stuff around the house today and it feels great. I just have to take breaks.

[readytogo]

BabyD and Elle -- I'm so glad you're both so close. I can bet that by this point you are ready to be done! I can't wait to hear about the arrival of your little ones.

Rachel -- I'm with Kari. Let nature run its course. The time will hopefully by more quickly than you realize, and if the baby needs to stay in and develop, it seems best to let it happen.

Praises -- Looks like your countdown is on!

I had a great Thanksgiving, going back to work was hard. I am so over work right now, but I only have 17 days left until I am not going back. I will not be upset to stop working.

[praises1139]

Ready-- yeah I feel for you...I.don't know how you ladies can keep working!!!


Wellllll, my OB thinks I can go another 2 wks!!!! My cervix hasn't changed at all since my PTL. I had a feeling this would happen! I quit the Procardia today and I'm gonna keep increasing my activity. I don't really want the babies to come till they're at least 36wks but 37 sounds rough and I've already gained 51lbs as it is!! Looks like we are having December babies afterall, yay!!!!

[ellebelle]

Praises - hoping you make it to at least 36 or more!!! Keep those babies baking :)

Babydreams - keeping you in my thoughts!!!


So I can share with all of you that I am super nervous about being induced. I know that this is what is best for me and my family (timing, my grandfather has chemo on Thursday - hoping babybelle is here before his treatment, work, etc) but that doesn't mean I am not SUPER nervous about it all. I've been having contractions most of the night , although not painful really, I still hope they have been a little productive. I would love to go in tonight at a 3.

I'll keep you all updated!

[BabyDreams]

Good luck ellebelle! You will do great! I can understand being nervous..can't wait to hear the good news!

[Supergal]

Good luck u guys! You're all so close!

Elle- try not to worry about the induction. I know it can be painful but they will help you deal with it. Just focus on meeting Belle!

BabyD and Praises- u guys are so close! I'm so excited! Praises I hope u don't have to wait too too long :)

AFM- doing ok. Raining today so woke up with a migraine. Was hoping to be productive but maybe not!

[jth0205]

I'm so behind! The holiday threw me!

Supergal - welcome!!! Sorry about your migraine. I hope you feel better soon.

Ellebelle - hope induction goes well tomorrow!

Praises - way to go on making it this far!

BabyDreams - I hope you are currently in labor, or are currently holding your precious baby!

afm - I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We had a nice Thanksgiving, it stunk not being able to travel home to our family. I did make a mini meal with the foods we are used to having each year. That was nice! And, I had a baby shower! I didn't think I was going to have one, but my office threw me one yesterday. It was awkward being in the spotlight, but it was fun:) And, we got a few practical things. I seriously don't have enough storage for the amount of blankets we have received! Mercy! This pregnancy and preparation for our first baby has changed my perspective on how to give a good gift. Diapers and gift cards will always be a hit! I really wanted some no scratch mitts and it hit me this weekend that I could knit some. I found an easy pattern and plan to make a few sets. We still have a lot to do to prepare for Luke's arrival, but we are getting there. I go to the doc on Monday. I'm hoping he says that some progress has been made - but not too much! I have a few intense deadlines at work through December 16. After that, I don't much care when he decides to come! In fact, it would be wonderful if he decided to show up on December 17, but knowing my luck he will stay put until the doc plans to induce me (Jan 4)!

[BabyDreams]

I so wish I was holding my sweet girl....instead she is in a stalling pattern. Contractions are far apart :( I am still having cramping...and the bleeding/spotting has stopped. Hoping things pick back up, but ibam not holding my breathe. Lol I am beginning to think she really likes it in there. I even went and did some Christmas shopping today thinking that would stir things up.

[readytogo]

BabyD -- sorry you're still not there yet, but no matter what happens, it can't be that far away, right? Hang in there!

Elle -- hope you're making it!

Praises -- wow, you are just chugging along! After all you've been through hearing you could make it to 37 weeks is amazing.

JTH -- I know what you mean about gift giving. Thankfully we have received really great gifts, but there are important items on our registry (like crib sheets) that no one wants to give us. I think it's weird to not want to give practical gifts. I like to give something practical as well as something cute to balance it out. Also, surprisingly, we did not receive a single newborn clothing item, so I went to Target and TJMaxx and bought a couple items because I have a feeling my baby is not going to come out over 8 lbs. and is going to need something to wear at first.

[jth0205]

Ready - Like you, I have many cute things, but have yet to receive a crib sheet! Even though I don't have gift receipts for any of it really (accept a few of the practical things - a diaper genie and a bottle of Dreft), I'm pretty sure some of the things I got at my shower came from Target. So, I think I'm going to try to take back three blankets and a toy I got for extra cash to get the practical things we need.

TMI alert and question - for many months now I've not been having BMs regularly. I was happy to have one about every 3 or 4 days. However, the last week I have been super regular BMs- like 2x per day! That is so unusual for me. My diet has not changed - even Thanksgiving was really no different b/c I can't eat a lot these days - there is simply no extra room to eat big meals so I graze throughout the day when I can.

Has this happened to others later in pregnancy? Having more frequent BMs vs. sporadic ones every few to several days? I did learn that right before you go into labor your body usually naturally cleans itself out, but I didn't think that would start happening now. I figured that would start happening a day or so before I went into labor.

[praises1139]

Elle-I hope your induction goes well...I.would be nervous too. My friend really didn't want to be induced a few wks ago and tried to avoid it but it went fine.

Super--sorry about your migraine!! Yucky. :(

Jth--I hope you get your work projects done and out of the way so you can relax. At Target they let you return $70 worth of stuff per yr without a receipt. They track it with your drivers license.

Babydreams---hurry up, LO!

Ready--wow, we are swimming in newborn clothes...I guess because people expect twins to be little. Weeks ago I was even trying to get preemie outfits just in case and my MIL found some for me. Now I'm getting nervous that these babies will be too big for newborn clothes or at least not get to wear them for long!!! My friend said she has to change her newborn 4x/day ,so maybe I will get to use all the outfits. Well, they are not really outfits, just onesies and sleepers.


I cannot tell you how awesome it is to have energy and do some little chores now! We put up the Christmas tree the other night. It's annoying to wash dishes though because I have to turn sideways!! The counter is right at the biggest part of my belly, lol. I wish I could bend down/over to do stuff too.

[Kate23]

hi everyone! so sorry to just disappear on you. i ended up being induced on november 20, and Elijah Miguel arrived at 1:40pm. he was 9lb 11oz, 22 in! he is absolutely beautiful and perfect. he's keeping me busy right now, but i will try to post birth story and pics soon! hope everyone is doing well!!!

[BabyDreams]

Congrats Kate!! That is awesome!

Praises- I know! She is playing games...i am wondering if she is ever going to come out! Lol Of course I had a lot of hard contractions last night, would wake me up...but not often enough to go in. :(

I feel like a stuffed sausage! My stomach is so hard and uncomfortable....just trying to tell myself not much longer!

[Supergal]

Congrats Kate!

BabyD- hope its not too long for you now!

Praises- that would be amazing if you get to 37 weeks! I know u are tired of waiting but baking them a bit longer will be worth it right?

[QueenFroggie]

JTH -- yes, your body does start to usually go more regularly toward the end because of the pressure on your intestines and because your body knows that you are about to give birth and wants to stay more empty (not always the case, but yes it happens, and it can last a couple weeks before you actually start laboring)

Praises -- For us, our girls outgrew Newborn at about 8-9 lbs and 23-24 or so inches. They probably would have fit a little longer, but it was a tight squeeze.

[ellebelle]

She's here!!! 6 lbs 6 oz, 19.5 inches long.

I'll post more details later but the induction went REALLY well. I was given cervadil at 5:30pm and they started Pitocen at 6am. She was born at 10:39am!!!! I got my epi at 8:30am after a rough and painful night on the cervadil.

We should get to go home by lunch as long as my bloodwork comes back ok. I was positive for gbs but luckily the started my antibiotics at midnight just to be safe so i was able to get 3 bags before she was born.

[BabyDreams]

Congrats Ellebelle!! Glad everything went so well! Hope to be joining you on the other side soon! Good luck and enjoy your little girl!!

[praises1139]

Congratulations Kate and ellebelle! Looking forward to hearing your stories!

Super--you're right, I know it would..that's 9 more days, its just hard to be patient! Especially knowing they wouldn't induce till 38!

Queen-- thanks.. I guess they definitely won't be that big!

[jth0205]

Kate and Ellebelle - congratulations! Looking forward to hearing more and seeing pictures!

Queen - thanks! Good to know it can happen in the weeks leading to labor vs. just days before.

BabyDreams - hope you don't have much longer to wait!

[EJ1008]

Congrats, Kate and Ellebelle!

Jth - Thought I'd let you know that my body began the "cleaning out" process as I went into labor. I got it all out in the first few hours of labor and was done by the time I went to the hospital. It actually took me a couple of hours to realize I was in labor because I thought that this was a sign that labor might start in a few days.

Looks like all of the December babies will be December babies. Won't be long until you're holding your little babes.

[codih]

Congrats Kate and ellebelle!!!!!

Good luck, babydreams! I hope your little one comes soon!

Praises- You're getting close!! Hope those boys make an uneventful appearance!

[praises1139]

Omg I can't believe I'm one week away from a watermelon popping up on my ticker!! That is crazy.
Trying to get our last visits in with friends before babies..DH is having a few over tonight, my friend is bringing lunch tomorrow and then we are supposed to attempt going to our friends' house tomorrow night to make a gingerbread house (not sure how much I can do..lol) but they have a newborn and this stupid cold is not gone yet so we're not going if I'm still sneezing/coughing. I never expected it would be a cold that would keep me from doing stuff at this point. I'd also like to try going to church on Sunday. We have been watching the service online but haven't seen anyone in 3 months and with the babies we won't go anytime soon!