January Third Trimester (27 weeks to delivery)

[alijac]

Happy new year and happy 3rd trimester! Enjoy the new year as you prepare for your new addition(s). Safe deliveries to all!

[KMCarpeDiem]

Our nursery bead board project is FINALLY finished! Now time to put together furniture and get ready for the girls! I will post pictures soon!

I need some opinions ladies: My mother came by today and I was asking her about her plans to help me after the babies get here. She told me in the beginning that she would stay with me a week so my husband could return to work. Well that changed a bit....she is going to stay at night only now so I will be by myself during the day which is ok as long as I can get some type of routine started and truely my only concern is breast feeding and attmepting to tandem and latch both babies by myself. She also suggested that i set the co-sleeper up in the guest room with HER at night so My husband and I could sleep. She would simply wake me up when they started crying at night...Im really against this. I want them with me. She's thinking of my husband's sanity since he will return to work and need sleep, so the more i think about it the more i internalize and think Im being selfish.....even though I KNOW Im not. My mother and I have always had an up and down relationship and she has this magic talent of being the victim and guilting everyone around her. So opinions?

[praises1139]

KM--you want to make sure each baby can latch well before doing tandem. You will need DH's help for tandem until you get good enough to do it yourself. Where are you going to nurse--the babies' room?
I've heard women do it differently--it is a matter of preference whether you want the babies with you or not. So far for us it has been easier having them in our room. When DH goes back to work, my mom is coming as well to help. I will probably keep the boys in our room--DH has ear plugs-- and will nurse them and then give them to my mom to change diapers while I pump. We might have a feeding where we just do bottles, so she could help feed one. So basically she would be doing what DH has been doing.

[KMCarpeDiem]

I am going to nurse on the couch....that way i will have space to lay each baby beside me while I attempt to get them to latch. The hospital I am delivering at has the best lactation nurses in the state and I plan of getting as much help as possible before I leave and my goal is to attempt tandem ASAP if possible....i know it will all depend on the girls. I am kind of against introducing bottles so soon becasue I want them to be good nursers. I may be setting my goals to high but I can adjust if needed.

Never thought of ear plugs....might suggest it.

[Jillybn32]

Hi everyone! I am at the hospital now, my water broke this afternoon. I will have a c section in a few hours and will finally meet my sweet babies! Will update when possible :)

[Supergal]

Happy New Year everyone!

Jilly- good luck! Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers your way! Can't wait to see ur LOs!

Kmc- I think having ur mum over for nights as much as you can will be great. It will take some patience and adjusting having an extra person there but any sleep you can get will help you deal with the LOs during the day. A friend of mine's LO is 3 months old and she still has in laws come over on the weekend so she can catch up on sleep. I agree with avoiding bottles as long as you can.

We're planning on having LO with us in the bedroom for the time DH is off work (about 2 weeks) then I think I'll be moving to LOs room so DH can sleep at nite. I'm hoping my mum/ DHs mum will be around full time to help.

I'm taking cheap flip flops for me and DH for the shower that I can throw out, an old blanket since I'm always freezing.
Change of clothes for DH including a nice shirt for pics and powerade to keep my energy up!

AFM- nothing new really! Getting more BH now. DH can tell when I have them now and forces me to sit down and drink water :)

[lighthouse830]

congrats jillybn32! :) My twin girls were born at 35w5d.

[KMCarpeDiem]

Jilly!!!! Best of luck! So excited for you!! Keep us posted!!! :)

[MegzyAngel]

jilly - good luck hun. hope everything goes well.

[praises1139]

Jill--yay!!!!!!

KM--definitely attempt the tandem while still in the hospital. For me it was going well and then one of them bit me last wk so I took a break from that side, then got a blood blister, so I took another break (but kept pumping in the meantime). A few issues came up for us right in the beginning that made it impossible to avoid bottles--we tried syringe feeding one but the other baby had to start pooping a lot ASAP because of his bilirubin, so they gave him tons of donor milk with a bottle. hopefully you won't have any of those issues. But if yours have latching issues, use the Medela SNS--it really helps. Stay relaxed and don't put too much pressure on yourself or the girls, but at the same time, if you want to attempt something, go for it. A supportive LC really makes a difference.

[rachelttc]

Jilly: Yay! Congrats! Let us know how it goes.

KM: I would want my babies beside me. The plan my husband and I have is that on nights when we each really need sleep based on our work schedules (Sundays and Tuesdays for me, and Wednesdays for him), the one who needs sleep will stay in the guest room and the other will care for the bean. That won't work if your MIL is in the guest room, but it might help once she leaves. The other nights we'll both sleep in our room, and I'll do the feedings and he'll do the changings/putting it back to sleep. That's the plan anyway, you never know how things will actually work out!

Also, my MIL also knows the best way to do things (and it's always NOT the way we're doing things) so remember that if she is being more trouble than help, kick her out!

AFM: I had 15 braxton-hicks on Sat, another dozen yesterday. I really hope this means the bean will come relatively soon, although I know it doesn't necessarily mean that. I would trade them all for one REAL contraction, just so I could know what it feels like! I am starting to have a lot of trouble sleeping, even with my massive pillow stockpile. I woke up I think ten times last night, including six trips to pee. Mostly I wake up because my hips hurt too bad. I might have to start taking Tylenol PM, but I don't want to take drugs every night, you know?

Also found out that I am group beta strep positive today, so any hope of having a birth without having a bunch of tubes in and out is done. I don't even know if I'll be able to labor in the tub if I have an IV pole dragging behind me all the time. Of course it's not really "bad" news, since it's relatively common and I'm glad they want to protect my baby from GBS, it's just a little disappointing.

[KMCarpeDiem]

Thanks for the opinions everyone. My husband has been helping me feel better about it all. And it's not my MIL....she is perfect!!! She will be the ultimate help.....it's MY MOM im having touble with....sadly.

Anyway....Im just hanging around. Trying to take it easy at work....having trouble sleeping...my hips are killing me! And I go back to the doctor on Wednesday.


Rachel- sorry about the group B strep....sometimes the best plans are foiled just so things can work out the best. GL with everything :)

[karidpt]

Jill - yay for new years babies :)

[readytogo]

Jilly -- congrats! Looking forward to hearing more soon.

Rachel -- sorry about the sleep issues. I am right there with you!

KM -- I am all about limiting the number of people around us when the baby first arrives. I can't imagine that having the babies in another room is going to really make your life (or your husband's life) that much different because you'll still both be facing interrupted sleep any way you slice it.

Regarding introducing bottles, I have had several friends (specifically, the ones with the best breast feeding experiences) introduce a bottle of expressed milk once a day starting between weeks 2 and 3, and they had a good experience having other people involved in the feeding process. A couple books I've been reading also recommend the 2-3 week bottle introduction, provided that BFing is well established at that point. I think that's what I'm going to try, but I guess there's no way to know what will work for each of us until the moment arrives.

Speaking of the moment arriving, today's my due date. Obviously there is no baby! I have my 40 week appointment tomorrow, and my first ever non-stress test and another ultrasound. I hope my doctor can just tell me, "Wow, you're 6 cm dilated!" or something insane like that :) I know that's not really possible, but still, wouldn't that be amazing??!! I've said from the beginning that I thought she'd be late, and I've always had Jan. 10 as her completely made up due date. So, maybe she'll be "on time" after all, based on that maternal intuition. Hope everyone had a great time over the holidays!

[Tink]

Regarding introducing bottles, I have had several friends (specifically, the ones with the best breast feeding experiences) introduce a bottle of expressed milk once a day starting between weeks 2 and 3, and they had a good experience having other people involved in the feeding process. A couple books I've been reading also recommend the 2-3 week bottle introduction, provided that BFing is well established at that point. I think that's what I'm going to try, but I guess there's no way to know what will work for each of us until the moment arrives.

I did this with both of mine and both were able to go between bottle and breast w/o difficulty

[Supergal]

Ready- good luck at your apt tomorrow! Hope you get some idea when LO will be here. Will they induce you at 41 weeks? They won’t let us go over 41 weeks here so that puts me at Feb 29 :P

Ready and Tink- thanks for sharing re bottle introduction. I’ve been quiet confused about it since at the prenatal class the instructor was adamant about strict breast feeding but I think it’s a bit impractical unless you are housebound all the time. Glad to hear one or two bottles won’t affect milk supply.

Rachel- sorry about the GBS! They asked us to be at the hospital at least 4 hours in advance so hopefully you’ll be in there in time for them to give you the meds and you can still labour in the tub. I’ve been taking more baths lately and its heaven! I’ve been having the same sleeping issues with hip pain, peeing, annoying cat and heartburn. Funny thing is the less I sleep the worst the hip pain gets! I’m also trying to avoid taking drugs but that seems to be OBs only solution! DH asked me if I’m feeling heavier since he thinks I’m moving slower the last few days.

KMC- hopefully ur Mom will not be as bad as you anticipate...its hard to be diplomatic without hurting their feelings!

AFM- stretch marks seems to have appeared overnight! Dark red ones below my belly button. Hoping the Palmers and Bio oil will keep more from appearing. Also didn’t sleep at all last nite so of course had a horrid day with migraines, tiredness and heart burn.

[JE1014]

KM - my mom sounds like a long lost sister of yours,....remember...you are a mom now too and you'll know what's best for u and your baby. Anna slept in our room in the beginning and it made life a lot easier. Hubs got used to waking for short periods to help change before a feeding. Yours will adjust too. Its good for mom and baby to sleep near each other....if that's what you want, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You're the boss!

[readytogo]

Quick update from today's appointment (40 weeks):

Doctor scraped my membranes again. This time she really GOT UP IN THERE. Wow. She's a small woman, too, so my husband was just laughing in the politest way possible :)

I am now 3 cm dilated! The non-stress test revealed that I am having nearly constant contractions but no pain. My doctor was like, "Whoa, you just told me a story through a really intense contraction. Are you sure you can't feel that?" No, I can't tell the difference between the baby kicking, which she does a ton, and a contraction. My doctor says maybe I'll be a lucky one in terms of pain. She thinks labor is going to happen any day now, but I will be induced Jan. 12 if she's not here by then (my doc's policy is 10 days past the due date). My doctor doesn't think that's going to happen, but she's been wrong before. I will say I have this feeling the baby is coming sometime in the next 48 hours. Who knows!

[Supergal]

Ready- 3cm dilated is great and I'm glad things are moving along! I hope your DR is right on the pain front! I'm sure you can't wait to meet your LO so I hope she does come in the next 48 hours!

AFM- had my OB apt today. Nothing exciting...gained 2 lbs which he said is right on track...1 lbs a week...so 7 more before I'm 40 weeks. I think I can handle that!

He finally diagnosed the pain I'm having as Pubic Symphysis Diastasis but doesn't think there is anything I can do apart from pillow, pain killers and lots of bed rest. Sigh! I posted on the pregnancy thread re suggestions girdles/ physio etc as I'm sure it will get worst. He was telling me about patients who are using walkers and are on complete bed rest I hope I can avoid that! Can't believe I'm 33 weeks feels like the baby will be here in no time! Oh and my crib came! DH and bro will be putting it together this weekend!

[jenngood]

I finally made it to the 3rd tri.....however it looks like I won't be sticking around. I am back in the hospital because of high blood pressure and pre-e. My little princess is not growing properly....but is still growing. The dr is talking about delivering Friday at exactly 28 wks. I am so scared. Tomorrow we meet with the high risk and neo units to go over the options and find out what we are facing. I am not sure if I will get to update or not....but may a friend update for me. Please keep us in your prayers. Love you all!

[EJ1008]

Jenn - Prayers are being sent!

[rachelttc]

jenn: I'm so sorry! I hope they can find a way to keep her growing inside you a little bit longer, but if they don't, I hope she gets the absolute best care outside you! One of my students this year was a twin who was born weighing 1 lb 10 ounces, and that was 19 years ago, so fingers crossed it turns out just as well for your little one!

Super: I used to wear a strap thing called a mini-cradle, and it really helped my tailbone, but it doesn't sound anything like as painful as your pubic bone problem. Have you tried having your husband squeeze your hips together from the sides? I have heard that can ease pain caused by loose joints and such during pregnancy.

ready: that's very exciting! Especially the "getting to 3cm with no pain" part! sounds like a pretty good gig!

AFM: Tons of Braxton-Hicks. Today I also had back pain during the day, whereas before my back only hurt at night and first thing in the morning. So some of the BH were preceded by lower backache, so I guess it's possible they were real contractions? The backache is weird, it comes and goes. I'm trying not to focus too much on it, because real ones will come when they come I guess.

I got really anxious yesterday because my husband has to move 200 miles away again two days after my due date (I don't know why it only occurred to me now to be nervous about that), so I am terrified about the baby coming on time, or late. I really want it early so that I can have help from him for as long as possible! But my mom (who can only come for two days) told me today that she would be willing to wait until the day my husband leaves to come see the baby for the first time, so that I can have a little help adjusting to not having him here. Which is really nice of her, because I know she would rather see it "while it's still wet" (in her words), so for her to put off visiting until it's most helpful to me is really sweet. Even if it's only a day or two later for her (or a week later, who can predict?), I think it could really make a big difference for me to have an extra two days of help right at the start.

[MaryFaith]

jenn, praying for your little one to continue baking longer

[alijac]

Jenn - I'm also sending prayers for you and your little princess, as well as your doctors to give you both the very best care.

[jlbroyles]

Jenn- saying lots of prayers for you. I know how scared you are. My DD was born at 26 weeks and only weighed 1lb 11oz and was in the NICU for 76 days so if you need to talk feel free to PM. Also, there is a wonderful NICU group on the moms board that offers a lot of support.

[Bec]

Jenn - thinking of you and sending prayers for you and your princess. I've been in your shoes so please let me know if you need anything. My DD was born at 27 weeks with IUGR weighing 1 lb 5oz. Today she is 6.5 years old, healthy and the light of my life.

[Dan'sFran]

Jenn- You & your baby girl have already overcome so many obstacles. You're both so strong, I know everything will turn out right! I'll be thinking of you both & sending you prayers- along with this whole site, I'm sure! You've got a lot of love coming your way!!! xoxo

[praises1139]

Jenn--saying a prayer for you!!

Rachel--wow, I forgot all about that. DH going to school right? I hope your baby comes earlier. That is nice of your mom.

GL ladies!!!

[gatorgirl]

Sending you and your little girl lots of prayers Jenn!!!!

[selo1718]

Jenn- My daughter was born at 32 6/7 days and had a 2 week NICU stay. I will say prayers for you and your baby. If you want to talk or need someone to listen, please let me know.

[Supergal]

Jenn-lots of prayers for your and LO. Will be waiting to hear how you are doing.

Rachel- thanks I’ll ask DH to try that tonite. Kari suggested some adjustments too which I’ll try. Your mum is so nice to be thinking about you. Sucks that DH has to go away. You are a real trooper!

Having more BH today too. Feels like LO is getting squished which he/ she doesn’t seem to like at all! Lots of squirming and kicking!

33 weeks and a honeydew! YEY! Also noticed constipation is gone...TMI warning...had 2 BM yesterday...feels so weird after being constipated for 7 months. This is normal right?

[readytogo]

jenn -- I am really hoping we hear some good news from you. You're in all our thoughts.

Super -- I had a similar experience as you but at 37 weeks. I had 6 BMs in an 18 hour period. I was in shock, thinking labor was about to begin. Well, obvi it didn't. Since then, though, I've had several times of (TMI again) watery BMs, including one today. At least they're happening. I figure the more that comes out before labor the better!!! :)

No progress to report. The nurse at my doctor's office was really funny and said, "Your baby is just too happy in there. Next time you get pregnant you need to put your baby up in a Motel 6 rather than the Ritz Carlton." Thinking of my uterus as the Ritz Carlton is just funny. I am trying to laugh, dance around and generally be happy knowing that I cannot determine when this baby will make her appearance! Happy thoughts to all :)

[rachelttc]

Jenn: I hope no news is good news in this case.

Super: I've had diarrhea today too. Joys of pregnancy!

praises: yeah, he starts grad school again in late January.

AFM: Good news! I found out I can still labor in the tub even though I'll have the IV antibiotics for the group beta strep.

Extra good news: My cervix has softened, it's no longer posterior, and a fingertip dilated! Woo hoo! (That's like 1/2 cm I guess). She said I wasn't very effaced, but didn't give a percentage. I've very excited, I hope this means I will go soon!

[jenngood]

Rachel~ glad you got some good news! I tested positive for group B too....but looks like I will be having a c-section at this point.

Ready~ that made me smile...your baby is comfy in the ritz!!! DH keeps telling me that my incubator is broken again and pretty soon it wont be worth repairing!!!

Super~ yeah for the cantaloupe!!! I have had major constipation since getting preggo. I look forward to having normal BM soon enough!!

AFM~ we are stable!!! Baby girl gets to stay put a little longer...hopefully 2 more weeks at minimum!!! My BP is down and my labs are normal....other than the 24 hour urine. Protein was 646...but unless it gets to 5000, she can continue cooking!! We are set up for hospital bed rest until she arrives...and it could be any day or it could be weeks!!! I am getting daily NST and 2 u/s weekly. My labs are being checked twice per week also. Unless something major happens the team of DR's here are confident for 2 more weeks. Every day is signifigant and a gift from God. I was scared out of my mind, overwhelmed and emotionally drained over the last 3 days. Its nice to be laying in bed right now, feeling her kick and knowing we are both safe. I am sure bed rest won't feel this good for too long!!! Thank you for all the prayers and kind words. I may still PM with questions. I cried through the whole consult with the nicu pedi...and couldnt bring myself to ask questions. I did write some things down and got answers today. I was feeling selfish for getting pregnant and putting this miracle at risk. I feel like my body was telling me for years that it was not cut out for pregnancy...but I pushed the envelope....I wanted this baby more than I wanted anything in life....but at what cost??
Well, I promse to update as things progress!!
Wish you all the best in your deliveries and remainder of 3rd tri!!

[Supergal]

Jenn- so glad to hear from you and know u and baby are ok. Please don’t feel selfish your LO is a blessing and if you weren’t meant to share your life with a beautiful girl you wouldn’t have been blessed. Any one of us would be scared and as emotional as you are so please don’t feel guilty. Do what you need to to keep baking that baby and please try not to stress. Know that you are doing everything you can and your LO will be fine you’ve done a great job baking LO to 28 weeks which is a great accomplishment and I pray you will be stable for much longer than 2 weeks. Take it easy and try to relax (easier said then done in the hospital!) Keep us updated! Lots of hugs and prayers your way! Also keep in mind a lot of babies are born at 24 weeks and are completely fine! My family friend's baby is coming home tomorrow and was born at 24 weeks at 1.5lbs. He's 6lbs now and doing great even though he did spend a couple of months in NICU.

Ready- hee hee re baby being all comfy in the Ritz lol! I must say having normal BM is amazing LMAO! Glad to know it doesn’t mean anything re preterm labour. I think your little girl wants to give u a big surprise!

I feel like my MS is returning :( Spent the whole day feeling nauseous, tired and light headed even after napping...just like first tri! Ugh! I sure hope not I was just starting to check things off my “before LO arrives to do list”

[MaryFaith]

jenn, I'm sorry you are going through all these emotions, but please don't forget that God has given you miracle. The power above knows you are strong enough to handle this situation & I know it is scary, but try to think of the positives. For one you are blessed with a beautiful little girl & 2nd you are at 28 weeks, which is a huge accomplishment. Try to think of healthy thoughts because I really believe the body listens to your mind. Don't stress out & just keep saying I will make it to 32 weeks & beyond. You are so close to holding your little girl & seeing her for the 1st time & seeing her features resemble you or your husband will be the most amazing thing in the world.Your mind may not be ready yet, but your journey to being a mom is near. What you have worked so hard for & the tears you have shed will all be worth it. There are many babies who have been born premature, but are thriving. Have faith in your daughter & God.

[EJ1008]

Jenn - Your determination is a wonderful gift to share with your daughter. It sounds like you two are in great hands with your doctors. I'll be thinking of you.

[gatorgirl]

jenn so glad that your little girl is still baking!!! dont feel selfish! others are right God gave you a miracle and if He did not feel you could handle it He would have not given her to you! I know you will make it over 2 weeks! you are in good hands, rest, relax, and enjoy every little kick!!!!!!!!!! hang in there and sending you lots of hugs and support!

[flutter]

jenn
so so glad to see an update from you!!! I've been thinking about you and baby girl a lot and sending you lots of positive thoughts. I'm so glad that things are stable and that you've made it to the very very important 28 weeks! Glad you're in good hands and being watched closely. Will keep you both in my thoughts, please update us even if it's only to say that your room has 28 ceiling tiles. :p

[amandalisa]

Jenn - I'm so glad to hear things are stable and you're able to bake longer! That's great news!!! You're doing such a great job, keep it up :)

[readytogo]

Jenn -- this sounds like excellent news. I have faith things are going to work out for you. I'll echo everyone's sentiments: you are clearly meant to be a mother, it just took longer for you to get here. I will be so happy to hear news of your daughter's safe delivery, but I'll hope that will not happen for several more weeks. Thinking of you!

Super -- sorry to hear about the morning sickness resurfacing! That sucks. No good way to describe it.

Rachel -- congrats on starting the dilation process! My friend who's a midwife says a fingertip is 1 cm, but who knows. Either way, your body is working with you, which is great, and when you do get to delivery, hopefully it will move a little more quickly. If only I could say that for me right now :) No news here, ah well! :)

[selo1718]

Jenn, I felt the same way. I felt that maybe I pushed my body to far with fertility treatments and that maybe my body just wasn't ready. I felt that my body was betraying both of us. I know logically that's not the case now. Women who have no fertility treatments and are in wonderful physical shape before getting pregnant get pre-e too. Plenty of women go into pre term labor for no apparent reason. Please feel free to message me if you want. Rest lots because in the hospital they wake you up a lot at night. Hugs

[QueenFroggie]

Jenn -- so glad you and baby are safe! And you had know way to know that your body would re-act this way so you couldn't have known that you and baby would be at this risk. As of now you are both safe and that is what matters and if she makes it a few more weeks then she will be doing great! :D Hang in there and enjoy the rest and feeling those kicks!

[alijac]

Jenn - really happy to hear your update. I'll continue to keep you and little one in my prayers!

[jenngood]

Ali~look at your signature....a100 days!!! Almost double digits!!!!

AFM~ we are still hanging on!!! Baby failed NST yesterday but did awesome at her u/s...scoring 8/8!!! I am not used to laying around....and its strange for me to have people waiting on me!!! Its really cool to feel the LO moving so often. I guess being busy, you don't realize how active she is!! The plan for today is NST in about an hour!! DH is here for the weekend and I am sure he is uncomfortable!!! The sleeping chair is not a great option!!! But he is a trooper! My blood pressure has been pretty good, even low yesterday for the entire afternoon!!! So overall, I guess its good news to report today!!!
Thank you for all the support and kind words. I am glad you all understand how I feel....:)

[Dan'sFran]

Yay Jenn! You're doing a fantastic job caring for LO & it shows in all the good results so far. It's all meant to be! :D:D

[gatorgirl]

great news jen!!! way to keep her baking!!!!!

[Supergal]

Just checking in to see how everyone is doing.

Jenn- glad you are feeling better and LO is active and happy in there :)

AFM- crib is put together! It looks great! We also finally got a dining table after looking for ages. I was stressed about getting one before all our guest arrive to meet LO and we walked into Costco and saw the perfect one for the perfect price! Have a great weekend everyone!

[rita3110]

hi girls,
sorry i havent been on here for so long, but but we just came back from miami and its really busy with all this family around...
but i always tried to read all the stories.

@jenn
glad everything looks better now, praying your little one stays in there a little longer....

afm
changed my doc last week...long story,i should have done this a lot earlier,but now im sooooo happy with my new doc and i feel ready to deliver my little boy...
im also already 1cm dilated and hope it will progress more the next weeks, so the baby comes a little earlier than his due date (because my husband will be out of town exact this week :( )...
other than that i feel great,dont feel super pregnant and cant believe time went by so quick and i will get to hold my little boy very soon!!!!!

[rachelttc]

Jenn: I'm so glad you're still baking! I had the same thoughts as you when I found out I have a single umbilical artery, and associated increased risk of all kinds of problems, including stillbirth, heart defects, kidney defects, etc. I thought "Sh*t. This wasn't supposed to happen for me, and I forced it to happen, and now it will turn out horribly and it's all my fault." But that isn't true. Other people don't get pregnant easily because they "deserve" it, and we don't have trouble because we "deserve" trouble. It's just something that happens, and we all do the best we can.

rita: congrats on dilating! I'm a little bit dilated too. I'm hoping mine comes early too. My husband and I are going to go mall-walking on Wednesday and see if that moves anything along. Yesterday we went to Walmart and in the hour we were there, I had ten braxton-hicks! Must be something in the air. Which is funny, because I've always said that a trip to Walmart is like free birth control (because you have to be around so many bratty kids), but maybe it's birth control AND labor induction!

ready: it must be soon! Keep hanging in there! You're much more patient than I would be.

AFM: tons of BH. Maybe 35 today. I'm getting excited for "real" labor to start. Today I noticed that if I lean forward during a BH, I got some pelvic pressure, so I've started trying to lean forward when I notice them to hopefully get some pressure on my cervix. I also keep telling my bean, "That's the way out, down there!"

[codih]

Jenn- I'm glad things are looking up and I hope they continue!

Rita & Rachel- Congrats on dialating! I hope that you get to meet your babies soon!

Ready- any news???

Super- Yay for getting the crib set up!

I finally just got brought back to the exam room after waiting an hour. My dr office used to be pretty on schedule, but lately I've been having to wait forever! 32 weeks today! I watched the epidural video a little while ago and let me tell you it made me want to try to tough through labor without one, which was want I wanted to try to do anyway. Something about watching it being done made me really anxious! We're moving this weekend, so I've been super busy, but I've been reading everyone's posts. We don't have anything even started on a house yet so we may still be living with DH's grandma when Lily comes, but I'm holding out hope that we'll have our own place by then. I hope everyone is doing well!

[codih]

Anyone else having a problem with the site? When I logged on this morning, it told me that no one had posted since Rita and upon clicking the thread, a post from Rachel showed up that was done at like 2:45a. I made a post and it says I was the last person to post, but my post isn't showing up. Weird!

Edit: It just magically showed up....now I feel like the pregnancy brain must be getting to me. I swear I'm not crazy! Up until now, it showed only 5 pages of posts. Oh well! It's fixed, lol.

[rachelttc]

Codih: I had the same problem. It kept telling me you had posted, but all I could see was mine. Yeah, I am hoping to do without an epidural, mostly because I'm scared of how much I'm going to tear, and with an epidural you basically have to push on your back, and that makes you much more likely to tear a lot more.

[Supergal]

Codi- I noticed the same thing too with the site! Glad its all sorted out. GL with moving this weekend I hope you have tons of help! Take it easy, rest as often as u can and drink lots of water. Things always work out for the best so maybe it will be better if you can stay with grandma until Lily is a here and ur comfortable taking care of her.

Rachel- I hear ur concerns on the tearing! I'm also paranoid I won't know when to push and will cause LO more stress. Is it u who is doing the perineum massage in preparation? I have no pain tolerance so I don't think I can do it without but I'm going to try my best just to be able to move around and know when to push.

I posted on the Mom's board re how many newborn diapers to buy. Found a great deal so grabbed 90 now I'm contemplating getting more...how many have you guys grabbed?

[codih]

Rachel- I didn't know about an epidural being associated with a higher risk of tearing. I certainly don't want to tear. Yet another reason I want to avoid an epidural!

Super- Thanks for the positive thoughts! I haven't bought any newborn diapers. We bought one combo pack of size 1 and 2 because they were on sale and we had a coupon. I've heard that not all babies can wear newborn size, so I'm not stocking up. I'm having a diaper shower at work in February, and I'm hoping to not have to buy any for a while. I'm hoping that we will get some newborn size and a bunch of other sizes too.

[rachelttc]

super: Yep, I do perineal massage every day, for 5-10 minutes. It's gotten noticeably easier, and I'm noticeably stretchier as well. My husband is kind of awestruck at how much further he can stretch my vagina now! It's pretty funny. I know some women don't have husbands who would feel comfortable with that, but I'm super happy mine is! It's definitely not a pleasant sensation, and sometimes it hurts, but I have to believe it hurts less than tearing wide open into your anus and having horrible burning every time you pee and not being able to sit without a donut for ages, which is what I'm afraid of with my tank I'm going to birth. Even if it just makes me tear less, it will have been worth it for me.

I'm not using disposables (I have fuzzibunz cloth diapers), so I have no idea how much they cost. I've heard newborns can use a dozen a day though, so ninety is about a week's worth?

As for epidurals, since I have to have an IV anyway because of the group beta strep, I'll be more likely to try Nubain or fentanyl first and see if that works since all they'll have to do is plug a bag into the IV and I'll still be able to move around. Of course, that might not be enough pain killer and I still might end up with the epidural! I can't predict since I've never done it before!

AFM: Many fewer Braxton Hicks today (like 10 instead of 40!), and even nipple stimulation didn't make them come. So I don't know what's up with that. We walked the mall and I could feel more pressure in my pelvis, so hopefully something will happen soon? More mall walking tomorrow!

[praises1139]

Rachelttc--good for you for doing the massages! I really wanted to but was lazy and didn't want to deal with the discomfort and I was using those yucky suppositories. Well, I sure paid for that later!!

Ladies--I'm not kidding when I say, get as much rest as you can now!!!!!!! And while your newborn(s) is only a wk or two old and still sleepy because trust me, he/she WILL wake up!!!!!! :)

[Supergal]

Rachel- That sounds great re the increasing stretchiness! Ur DH is a trooper. I'm going to try the massage myself as my DH is more freaked out about me delivering more than I am so I'll spare him the mental breakdown LOL! He's also trying to quit smoking before LO comes so he's not in the best of moods these days! You still have a few weeks to go and u seem to be doing all the right things! Keep up with the walking. The pelvic pressure sounds promising! What about bouncing on a birthing ball?

We don't get any painkillers here before the epidural (local anesthetic only) so its epi or nothing for me...unless I am induced which I pray I won't be!

Codi- yea epidurals can numb u completely so you won't feel tearing or contractions as strongly so its hard for you to know when to push and when to stop. Also it can prolong labour for the same reasons but then again I've spoken with some women who have had nothing but positive experiences and delivered within an hour of being fully dilated. It's really hard to decide so I'm just going to see how it goes. I never knew babies went through so many diapers! I think I should have just had a diaper party instead of a baby shower since I'll probably just end up getting tons of onsies anyways Lol!

Praises- Hope you and the boys are well! I'm hardly sleeping because of the stupid pelvic pain and I'm so brain dead! I can't remember ANYTHING. Can't imagine what I'll be like when LO comes :|

AFM....LO feels so much bigger today almost like an overnite growth spurt! The kicks are hurting me now! I picked up the last 3 packs of the diapers so I have 180 now...I'll give them away to friends if we don't go through all of them. My mum seems to think winter babies pee more than summer babies so she thinks we'll use at least 10 a day...wow!

[KMCarpeDiem]

DH and I have been stocking all sizes of diapers for the twins
we are BIG coupon people so we got them at great prices and several were gifts. My gransmother was also helping to stock.

Newborn around 700 (2 babies.....10-12 daily for 1 so...up to 24 daily??) I got so many becasue i am afraid they will be born early and weigh under 4-5 pounds. If i dont use them I will pass them down to one of the other women in my office who is pregnant (there are 4 of us total). I also can doante them to families through early intervention (my job)

Size 1- around 500-600

Size 2- same as above

Size 3- around 350

[Supergal]

whoa KMC! U didn't lie when u said u are stocking up! good job!

[jth0205]

On the topic of diapers, we go through at least 12 per day. 90 per week seems about right. We use many more diapers than I anticipated. I keep meaning to track how many we use in a 24 hour period.

Two other things that people told me over and over again and they didn't sink in before I had the baby were:

1.) Labor is hard work, and
2.) Get sleep now and sleep when the baby sleeps

SO TRUE! Labor and delivery wasn't painful for me (no pain meds), but it was hard work. Pushing is not for the faint of heart. I busted blood vessels in my eyes from pushing so hard. I'm pretty tough overall, but after an hour of pushing I was wearing down. Thankfully, I only had to push for an hour and 20 mins. But about halfway through, I started asking the nurse about how many more contractions she thought I had to push through before he was here. She nailed the timing btw! And, at one point I felt him slipping back up after I had been working SO HARD to push him out. DH said that's the one time that I got a little vocal lol! He said it was obvious that it wigged me out a little. I remember saying, "He's going the wrong way!!!" It was the oddest feeling. The doc and the nurse said that it's normal and it happens and not to worry. Easy for them to say b/c they were just sitting around waiting to catch the baby! I was the one who had to push him out!

Sleep (to affirm praises) - the first few days after the baby arrived, I decided to do chores and other things while he slept. Plus, we had 4 house guests. So, unfortunately I felt like I had to entertain. That caught up with me within a few days. Now, I nap at least once if not twice during the day with the baby. The house has suffered, but I can function better when I am awake as a result! It takes me a few days to do a few hours worth of chores now, but so be it.

I hope you all get to meet happy and healthy babies soon!

[praises1139]

Jth--I hear ya on the pushing! Omg

To those getting an epidural: you're not supposed to feel anything but don't be surprised if you do! Mine worked great for active labor/ transition but not great for the pushing. Not sure how much of that had to do with them turning down the meds for pushing. I'm going to ask my OB at my 6wk appt. But nevertheless I still had one spot that was not numb at all. I didn't need anyone to tell me when I was having contractions!!
Just hang in there and push that baby out!!!!! Like my OB said, push out your butt!!
To those going drug-free: you are awesome!!! I am a wimp. Lol

[readytogo]

Thanks for checking in, jth and praises! I feel like I am so far behind you when I was, at one point, just a few days behind you!

I started an induction stories thread today in advance of my appointment today because I've been freaked out by it. At this point it appears I'll be induced on Thursday morning, which will be 10 days past my due date. I am trying to just make peace with this. I hope you all deliver at exactly 40 weeks :)

[Supergal]

Ready- thanks for starting the induction thread lots of great info there! GL on Thursday. I hope everything going quickly and smoothly! You'll be holding your LO so soon! I'm so excited for you!

Praises- all u girls seems like superheros to me I would never describe you as a wuss!

Jth- there wouldn't be many nice things coming out of my mouth if LO went BACK UP! Glad your guests are gone! Good news on my front is my in laws decided to come after the babies born instead of 2 weeks before my due date. WOOOHOOO! I feel so much calmer now :)

[KMCarpeDiem]

Ugh... In the hospital again with too many contractions. Increased procardia but I'm not sure it's working. Babies look great. Cervix still closed but may be thinning. She only checked manually not by u/s. Will keep you guys posted!!!

[Jillybn32]

KM hang in there - I've been there and Praises, too. Twins are hard work. Keep up the procardia and bedrest. GL! Your cervix can thin out a lot and dilate and you can still not deliver for weeks (mine was 4mm and I lost my mucus plug and still went six more weeks!)

Hello to everyone else - ditto Praises advice, sleep up!!

[readytogo]

Hey all. In hospital now but arrived here on our own after some intense contractions literally jolted me out of bed. Got here at 1 am. Held out until 7:45 am for epidural but last check I was still only 3 cm dilated so went ahead with pitocin after all. Glad I got epidural when I did because my water broke on its own 5 minutes later. Now I just need my cervix to cooperate ! Please send my stubborn little cervix good thoughts today :) will obviously let you all know the outcome soon!

[KMCarpeDiem]

Good luck ready!!! Keep us posted!

[JE1014]

Stalking here.... Sorry....I think I'm getting the itch again....

Rachel - Thumbs up on the massage! It worked for me. No tears, no stitches! It was soooo worth the discomfort and hassle.

Re: epidural. If you ladies are looking for other means of non-drug pain management - look up hypnobabies.com - It's probably too late for most of you to do the entire home course, but you can download individual relaxation tracs that may help. I did the whole course and managed an induced labor without any pain medication. Also VERY worth the time and effort (sorry if you've heard this soapbox speech from me before.....I swear I'm not a salesperson for it....I just loved this self-hypnosis program so much and the results I got from it)

And yes....just sleep. The hormones will have you so overwhelmed once baby is here, the only thing that helps is trying to keep up on the sleep. Forget about everything else until baby is at least 6 weeks old!!

[Supergal]

KMC- hope the contractions stabalize soon so you can go home and continue to bake!

Ready- yey! GL and have a safe and quick delivery. Will be waiting anxiously for news from you!

Jth- I've heard good things about hypnobirth but keep forgetting to go to the book store!

So tired today! Insomnia is killing me here! Slept from 1 to 4:30 then 7:30 to 8:45...grrrrrr! Really out of it now!

[rachelttc]

ready and KM: good luck in the hospital! Ready, I hope you get your bean out quickly. KM, I hope the opposite!

super: they say that daily naps are ok at the end of pregnancy. I am planning my first today!

AFM: walked four miles yesterday, had about 40 BH during the walking, every 2-3 minutes, very consistent, but not strong. Walked two and a half miles today, had maybe 15-20 BH during the walk. Probably had about 80 BH all together yesterday. When I had my appointment today, I was 25% effaced, 1 cm dilated all the way through, baby at -2 station. So I guess the BH are doing *something*, just not very much and not very quickly, since I was 1/2 cm last week! I'd love it if labor would start soon, but my midwife today said she thinks I'll go late. In which case my husband might not make it back in time for the birth, and definitely won't be here to help me the first few days home. :( C'mon bean, PLEASE make my life easier and come out in the next few days!

[rita3110]

@ ready
good luck !!!!!!hope the birth goes as smooth as possible...

@rachel
im in almost the same position as you, if my little boy comes late or even on his exact due date,my husband will not be here for the birth :(

afm
had another doc appt. yesterday, still 1cm. wow this exam is so uncomfortable :(
my husband and i were thinking about inducing (feb 1 or 2),so he can be present at the birth,but our doc will just induce if the bishop-score is high enough, because the risk of a c-section is to high. well i totally agree with that, a c-section is no option for me. i just wish i wouldnt need to worry so much, because i want my husband there soooo bad!!!!!

oh and after the exam (about an hour later) i had really strong bleeding, i knew that spotting is normal but a period-like bleeding... i called the office again and they told me to watch it and come back if it doesnt stop. thankfully it stopped and now its just a little bit....did anyone experience something like that ?

[Supergal]

Rachel- I hope you enjoyed your nap! I'm a bit embarressed to say I've been napping A LOT since I got my BFP. I just wish I could sleep thought the nite and be productive during the day instead of walking around zombie like!

Rachel and Rita- I hope you LOs come soon. I can't imagine not having DH there I would be so sad :( I guess I'm lucky DH is around full time or I'd be a bigger depression puddle than I already am :P

Rita-I heard spotting is normal I'm not sure about period like bleeding. I'm glad it stopped! Hope we can all avoid the C sections but DH said something yesterday that put it in perspective..."if you need to get one u need to get one think of it as another party of having a baby" I hope none of us need one!

[KMCarpeDiem]

Thanks again for the thoughts and well wishes! I am home now with an increased dose of procardia. We are continuing with weekly NST's and appointments and are just taking it 1 week at a time. It's kinda nice that the docs office is next door to the hospital so I didnt have to go far. I have permission to work but need to talk to my boss about 'light duty'/half days until delivery. I also have permission to go to my shower on Saturday as long as I sit and people bring stuff to me....I am REALLY not good at this.

Babies looked great the whole time....they really could care less what is going on. My petite frame has just had enough I think....

Rachel- Hope little one listens and makes his debut soon! :)

[rachelttc]

rita: What did they say about your cervix at your exam? That could make a difference in explaining the bleeding. For some women, having an exam (just having someone pushing on the cervix) bursts enough blood vessels to cause bleeding that then stops. But since you were already a little dilated, and then they put their finger inside the cervix, then the blood could actually be coming from the membranes inside the cervix, which would give you a bigger chance at going into labor soon! (It would be like they "accidentally" swept your membranes a little.) I hope that it helps you get going early enough for your husband to be there!

super: Don't feel bad. I napped everyday in the first tri (until week 14 actually)! I had to, because I had to stuff progesterone suppositories up my hoo-hah for an hour twice a day so if I wasn't lying down, it all just leaked out.

KM: glad you're home and that your beans didn't seem to notice. I hope that's true for all of us, that they are just oblivious to the drama outside!

[rita3110]

@rachel
my doc told me that hes going inside the cervix and it felt so uncomfortable, hurt a little bit, so im sure he was more agressive than last time. since that exam im still having some spotting and pain now when i walk (lower abdomen), actually my whole uterus feels kinda sore. im so glade the next exam is just in a week, so my cervix can rest for a while :p, but i also wouldnt mind starting labor....
oh and he said im still about 1cm dilated and my is staring to thin a bit(he didnt say more than that). i was so concentrated on the exam that i totally forgot to ask more questions.

@km
good you are home again...hope your beans stay in there a little longer!!!!!

@supergal
i like what your husband said!!!!:p

[rachelttc]

Just realized that I am now NEXT at bat on the pregnancy thread! (Meaning my due date is now the closest, since ready had her baby girl.) Please please please let it be soon!

[Supergal]

Rachel- I was just thinking that! Come on baby! Do you know what you are having? My preggos brain can't rem if you found out or not?

Just got back from the salon and the girls there were saying I look like I'll having the baby soon...I guess I should start packing my hospital bag...

OB apt on Tuesday...should I prepare myself for a cervical check? I'll be nearlly 35 weeks then....ahhhh!

[rachelttc]

Super: We just know it's human, that's all we want to know. My midwife practice doesn't check you until at least 36 weeks, and then only if you ask. But maybe if you ask, they'll check you at almost 35? I've had my bags packed (one for labor, one for recovery) for a couple weeks now. They're just sitting there, waiting to be used. . . (hint hint bean!)

[jth0205]

Super - my OB didn't check me until 36 weeks. Then, at 37 weeks I went in expecting to get checked and the nurse told me that they don't check every week. I asked to be checked at that visit and while I hadn't felt the contractions, I had made progress. If I were you, I'd ask to be checked. Maybe tell them you've felt a lot of contractions to prompt them to want to check you?!

[jth0205]

KM - I hope the babies stay put for a while longer for you.

Rita - if you had a rough exam, beware! That's what did it for me. I had my baby less than 24 hours later!

Rachel - good luck! I see you are "next at bat"!

I really, really miss being pregnant and am ready to do it all over again:)

[Supergal]

Rachel- we didn't find out either :) I was annoyed at DH for not letting me but now like you I just want a healthy baby who I can spoil!

jth- Maybe I should wait until my Jan 31st when I'll be getting the GBS swab and checked for sure...? Although I'd love to meet LO and I know its unlikely the check will lead to LO coming early my baby shower is next weekend! I'm seeing a new OB since mine is on vacation so I think I'll leave it up to him. I understand u missing being pregnant! I feel like I can protect LO from anything right now and will really miss feeling him or her moving around all the time despite all the other horrid symptoms! I see how pregnancy can be addictive! I keep wondering when I'll be ready to try for another one great to see u are ready already lol! I got offered a job with 1 year full maternity benefits so basically my whole salary so I'm so tempted to take it and get pregnant again!

Good news is the pelvic pain has lessened but still can't sleep and feeling quiet a bit of pressure when walking. Excited and nervous about getting closer! Finally ordered a car seat and stroller and of course its back ordered! SIGH! I picked out another car seat for DH to pick up in case LO comes before the car seat does :) DH is hilarious he said "hey right now ur the car seat, stroller, crib all in one"...well I found it hilarious...must be the preggos giggles! We were thinking of S names and he/ she has been moving so much Squirmy came to mind LOL!

[rachelttc]

Quiet day here today. I am really wanting the kid out today. My feet swelled up so badly this morning that I couldn't bend my toes and it hurt to walk on them. So I put on compression socks and wrapped ace bandages around them really tightly, and now I can walk. Also my back is still hurting.

I had some bloody show on Friday night (just a smear of stringy mucus with some pink in it, not a whole plug like you see in photos on the internet), but then NONE since then!!!! I really had hoped that might be the start of something.

I had my husband check my cervix today (yes, he scrubbed his hands with soap and very hot water, and he has no fingernails) and I was 1 1/2 cm. He could get one finger in easily, and not really quite get two in. I'm so tired of waiting!

[Supergal]

Rachel- how are you feeling today? Sounds like you are about 2cm then? Bloody show is promising. Hope LO makes some moves soon!

It really is quiet here! Hopefully everyone had a great weekend.

Nothing new on my end! Bought PJs for my hospital bag and looking forward to my OB apt tomorrow. I think I will ask to be checked just for my peace of mind since I haven't had an internal check since about 20 weeks.

I was reading some of the info they gave us at the prenatal class and they recommend having the baby sleep within arms reach for the first few months. I was going to have the crib in our room but about 4 feet from the bed. What r u guys doing?

[KMCarpeDiem]

Super- We are using a standard size co-sleeper that will be next to our bed. However, when i wake to nurse I most likely will move to the couch (a suggestion from out breast feeding class becasue of multiples) so i can prop each girl in a boppy on either side of me and now wake DH or end up taking up the entire bed. During the day while he's at work I might just stay in the bed :)

Nothing new for me. Up'ed procardia seems to be working as far as intensity of contractions but at times I still feel like Im having a lot. We had a lovely shower this weekend and I had a great time with my friends from grad school. They helped me get so much stuff done! I ended up going back to BRU and target and buying the big essentials we didnt get so I am actually feeling like we are ready!! I will take pictures of the nursery now that it's done and post soon. I am so pleased with how it turned out and it makes it SO much more real to me now!

Quick and random question: Any one have cats that already has had one or more babies? Just curious how the cats reacted and how baby reacted (allergies).

Have a great day!

[alijac]

Hello, ladies - guess I'm officially joining you! (Supergal, that'll teach you to say it's quiet in here! Ha!) Hard to believe it's been 27 weeks already. Oh, and it's exactly three months til my due date. Wow.

Super - we're getting one of the Arms' Reach mini co-sleepers for the first few months in addition to our crib. I'm hoping it will make nighttime feedings easier on us all.

Rachel - As I was updating the pregnancy thread, I noticed you're up next! Sending good thoughts your way. :)

Looking forward to catching up with the rest of you in the weeks to come.

[EJ1008]

KM - We have a cat, and it has gone surprisingly well having a cat and a baby. Now she might say that she doesn't get as much attention (which is true), but she and DS love each other. Once DS was home, she wanted to sit with me so we let her and showed her the baby. I think she already knew him from sitting on my lap during pregnancy. When DS was a month or so, I would show the cat to him and hold out his hand and show him how to pet the cat. If I leave DS on a blanket and leave the room, my cat almost always sits all "mother hen" near him watching him for me. She loves play with us on the floor, and DS has been grabbing at her for months. Starting at 5ish months, when she comes into his view, he lights up and squeals. He loves to grab at her fur and legs and tail, and she mostly just tolerates it. My cat is an older cat (about 12 years) and I've had her for 9 years. She probably wouldn't have been as patient with him when she was younger. No allergic reactions noticed with DS. I've heard that when kids are raised with pets in the family, they are less likely to develop pet allergies. Hoping your girls will be best friends with your kitties, too.

[rachelttc]

Super: I was going to do a cosleeper, but then I thought that maybe a pack and play would be almost as good, and a lot cheaper. Then I found this one:

http://www.target.com/p/Graco-Newborn-Napper-Pack-n-Play-Kinsey/-/A-12327398?reco=Rec|pdp|12327398|ClickCP|item_page.a djacency&lnk=Rec|pdp|12327398|ClickCP|item_page.adjacency

Mine's a different fabric, but I think it will work FANTASTIC. We have it set up right next to my side of the bed, so I can literally reach into the newborn napper and pick the kid up without sitting up. That is has a little changing station means we don't have to use up any other space in our bedroom for changing diapers in the middle of the night. So the plan is that I will wake up, feed the LO, then lay it in the changing part, and my husband will come change the diaper and put it back to sleep in the newborn napper. The napper works up to fifteen pounds (which is maybe 4-6 months old, depending), and then we'll use the bassinet part of the pack n play. The newborn napper has vibration, music, nature sounds/white noise, and a nightlight, all of which will help us not wake it up too much and get it back to sleep.

Of course, I haven't had the kid yet (c'mon kid, come out!!!) so I can't say for sure, but I am very hopeful that this was the right choice for us for those first few months.

alijac: welcome to the third tri! I hope you don't mind me saying that I don't want to be here much longer.

AFM: I keep thinking something is going to happen, and then it doesn't. Last night I could feel the head pushing on my cervix, and I thought, "Ooh! Maybe this will start labor!" But no dice. *sigh*

[chelseaf]

KM, we have three cats and they have done pretty well with the baby. I have heard that if they are around the animals from birth they are less likely to have allergies. Cora does have food allergies, but none to the cats. One of them doesn't really like her, but the other two are great with her. It's kind of funny because the cat that I was most worried about is the best with her!

[Supergal]

KM- glad you had a great time at the baby shower and the meds are working somewhat. I hope those contractions lessen. Rem to take it easy hons my tummy is rock hard if I walk or stand for too long! You are so organized can’t believe u already bought the rest of your stuff from BRU! Did you get a coupon or additional discount for completing your registry? Mine is this weekend and I’m really excited! A friend who can’t make it dropped off some gifts this weekend for us and I was SO excited just to see the cute little baby things. DH found it hilarious that don’t care what I get and got excited over receiving blankets lol! From what I’ve heard most cats will be very maternal and protective of the baby and like Beth said they seem to already know the baby. My cat lives with my mum but when we visit she sleeps right up next to my stomach. I don’t have the heart to push her away although LO does kick her constantly lol! I’m sure they’ll love each other as LO grows up. I’d love to hear about developing allergies too as we would love for kitty to move in with us but thought we’d wait until LO was older. Twins do complicate feedings quiet a bit ey?

Ali- welcome and congrats on graduating to the third trimester! Didn’t the 2nd feel sooo long...well the third starts off feeling long then rushes by!

Tnx guys! Adding a co-sleeper or bassinet to the list then. I guess the crib can stay in LOs room for now. I feel like a dork for rushing and buying it but I did get a good deal so it’s all cool!

Rachel- I've been eyeing those for a while now they seem SO functional and it would be nice to be able to do changes and everything in the bedroom. The only thing is I wanted something I can move easily into the family room and downstairs while we're in the kitchen so i'm thinking maybe a bassinet would be better? Or I could just get a swing that I can move around and a pack and play for the bedroom that I can take to mom's etc when needed...what do u guys think?

[rita3110]

just came back from the doc... 2cm dilated and 80 % effaced !!!!jipi!!! :p we decided now that if he doesnt come before, we will induce on feb1st, so my husband can be with us... im so excited!!! cant believe that our little boy will be here in almost 2 weeks...

[rachelttc]

rita: OMG that's a lot of effacement! I hope it comes soon for you, but please please please don't go before me or I will cry! :)

Super: We have one basic pack n play (without the newborn napper) downstairs and the fancier one upstairs, plus we have a crib in the nursery. So hopefully we won't be moving a bunch of stuff around. I have heard that people like having a swing in the kitchen so that they can keep the kid sleeping while they cook and do dishes. Babies aren't supposed to sleep overnight in swings, so make sure you have another option in your bedroom.

[codih]

Hi ladies! Sorry I've been MIA. We moved this weekend and it was crazy to say the least.

Rita- Congrats on being dilated and effaced! I hope he decides to come on his own so that you don't have to be induced, but it's nice that your Dr will allow you to do it so DH can be there.

Super- We're getting a bassinet to keep in the bedroom and a pack-n-play for the living room. The one we have picked out has a changing table too. We figured that would be easier than trekking to the nursery all the time.

Rachel- I'll join you in the talking to your baby...Come on, Rachel's LO, come out!!! I hope you get to meet your little girl or boy soon!

Ali- Welcome!

KM- I'm concerned how our dogs are going to react to the baby and how the baby will react to them, as far as allergies go. Sounds like you have a plan for double feeding. You ladies with twins that can make that work are superwomen!

AFM- Move #1 is out of the way. Move #2 will hopefully occur in the next 6 weeks. We're getting closer to having our financing secured, so that's good. For now, it's chillin at Grandma's. Lily kicked me really hard in the ribs last night, so much it made me kind of yelp. My feet and wrists have started swelling some. I can't wear my watch anymore :( One of my good friends is being induced today. I can't wait to see her little girl, and I am so excited for her!

[rita3110]

@rachel
i will try my best :p but i feel like its still gonna take a while till my baby makes his appearance, my contractions are still very weak, hes probably not gonna come before the first (even though im just hoping he would come by himself, instead of being induced)... by the way, i love that your husband checks your cervix :-))))) hihi. i tried it myself the other day, and its just so hard to reach, my babys head is kinda in the way (if that makes sence)...maybe i will ask my hubby next time, but i doubt he would do it, he already freaked out last time, because he could feel the head while bding...

afm
again bleeding after the exam..my doc was so careful today, i didnt even feel anything,my cervix is just so sensitive :(
well, now im just waiting, waiting , waiting...!!!!!!! also on family from germany and brazil arriving next week. so maybe i should just try to relax as much as possible, before there will be a full house :p

[Tink]

The only thing is I wanted something I can move easily into the family room and downstairs while we're in the kitchen so i'm thinking maybe a bassinet would be better? Or I could just get a swing that I can move around and a pack and play for the bedroom that I can take to mom's etc when needed...what do u guys think?

Check out the Fisher Price Rock N Play ....it is awesome and was a total lifesaver with my dd since she needed to be in a reclined position instead of flat. She slept in our room in the swing for a few weeks before we found the rock n play....rock and play I think is exactly what you're looking for!

[Supergal]

Tink and everyone- I think the rock and play is perfect for us! Esp going up and down the stairs and if we travel! I showed DH and read the reviews on the Moms thread and I think we'll start with the crib and rock and play and grab the pack and play, swing or basinette if we need it! He thinks I'm getting carried away and doesn't want to have all this stuff we never use. I just reminded him that whatever we don't get now he will be shopping for once the baby gets here as I don't plan on running around for a while :D

Rita- that's great news! Hope LO makes and appearance soon! My DH won't check anything either for me lol! We DTD after weeks and he was so careful! Hope your guests will be nice and helpful and give you some time to relax!

Codi- glad the 1st move went ok. I hope u r being spoilt there! Did you try a warm bath with bath salts? Seems to work well for me when my legs start to get swollen. LO has been kicking me in the ribs tons too! When LO moves suddenly it hurts a bit and surprises me now! DH is having a great time playing with him or her :) GL to your friend!

Rachel- how u feeling today? Come on baby we are all waiting for u!

AFM- apt with temp OB was...a bit of a waste. He just checked the heart rate and his secretary checked my BP with one of those at home machines. I missed the nice nurse at my OB who takes the time to talk things through and address my concerns! I didn't ask for a cervical check as he kept dismissing everything I said since I'm not 37 weeks yet. I honestly didn't really want him checking me anyways after reading some of his reviews online! Hopefully I'll be nicely efficed and dilated at 37 weeks like Rita!

[carries2011]

I have not been on here in FOREVER!! So sorry. I will do my best to check out everyone's updates. I'm sure many of you that I used to follow up on have had your babies and some of those from the second tri have moved up to the third tri boards.

I'm sitting here at almost 31 weeks and can't believe it! I'm very excited! A lot has been going on with us lately...not so much with the pregnancy, but with everything else. I was let go at my job. They've been such asses about it since they let me go, too. My husband and I used to work together so he felt extremely awkward at work. He started looking for another job actually before they let me go. He wasn't happy with the level of compensation and respect that he was getting from our employer. The whole situation got even more messed up when they let me go. Anyway, he landed a GREAT job, but it is an hour away. He's been traveling there (which even when you factor in gas this job pays WAY more than his other job), but isn't that excited about having to miss out on that much extra time with his son. I can understand that. I'm still looking for a job, but not really having much luck. We just built a house and LOVE the community, neighborhood, schools, etc that we live in. We're in the process of finishing the basement so that we can move my two older kids down there and have an upstairs bedroom for baby. We have all these ideas and dreams for this house that are so amazing to think about. But now with the realization that he's going to miss out on so much with the older kids and with the baby my husband is thinking that we should move closer to his new job. Especially since I don't have a job or anything else really tying me here anymore. My older kids have moved several times over the past few years including switching schools once. I really don't want to have to uproot them again. Especially when we all really really really love it here. This all just sucks. Anyway, that is what we've been dealing with. Since the basement is still a work in progress and will most likely not be done by the time baby is here, we can't even decorate a baby room in our dream house. I have learned a lot about finishing a basement though. I've helped frame walls, put up electrical boxes for outlets and started drilling holes for wiring. I think we'll start pulling wire in the next few days. It has been fun to learn from my husband. He did all the plumbing though. It's more of a one man job than the rest of it.

We have also not made many purchases for the baby. With our financial situation taking a significant hit we're watching our spending more carefully than ever. This was supposed to be my baby to spoil and do everything the right way with. With my older there were just circumstances that didn't allow me to do everything the way I wanted to. So here I am AGAIN in that boat. Just going to make do with what we can instead of how we want. Oh well. Sorry, I'm just throwing myself a little pity party over here.

Everything is great with the pregnancy. We had one final ultrasound to check on the fluid in baby's kidneys and it has all gone away. There isn't even enough to require a follow up after birth. So that is good news. I have extremely easy pregnancies and this one has actually been better. It has been different than my other two, but better in some ways. Baby moves around like crazy. Which gets old when you're trying to sleep or just relax. They say they get more active when you aren't and boy is that true with this one. I have not had the cramping calves like I did with my first two, however, I do have the restless legs. So when I'm trying to fall asleep, my legs feel like I need to run a marathon. I spent many nights up late just waiting until I was so drop dead tired that my body had no choice, but to fall asleep. I have had a lot of nasal congestion which contributes to my restless nights. But my dad recently gave me some free Breathe Right strips. I have slept like a dream ever since I started wearing those. What a difference. I recommend them if you're having trouble sleeping. I don't wake as easily so the restless legs don't impact my sleep as much. Who would have thought? Anyway, I tend to have my babies early so I'm hoping for less than 8 weeks left. But who's counting??? THIS GIRL!

Hope you're all doing well. I've got a lot of exploring to do on this website to get caught up with everyone again. Best of luck to everyone!

[KMCarpeDiem]

Went back to the doctor today. Everything is looking good. Still having contractions although less intense. I still have to be mindful and if they get more intense or I have 6+ in an hour I have to call. Cervix still closed and long. SO no bed rest for me!

Next week I'll be there forever! NST followed by US for growth and then see the doc!

[rachelttc]

Ugh. How depressing. I had two appointments today: an ultrasound appointment with an OB, and a midwife appointment.

The ultrasound sucked. The baby wouldn't move, and it wouldn't practice breathing like it's supposed to. They also mistyped the measurements into the computer, so when the OB gave me the results, she was like, "Abdominal circumference was 37th percentile", and I was like, "Umm, that can't be right." And she didn't get it, and I was like, "I was watching on the screen, it said the abdominal circumference was 40 weeks 6 days, so it can't possibly be below average percentile." She finally realized that what I said made sense although at first she just was saying, "Look, this is what the computer says." So she went back and talked to the u/s tech, and the ultrasound tech TYPED IT IN WRONG, so like AN HOUR LATER they came back finally and told me instead it was >90th percentile. :(

Then my midwife checked me, and get this: she said I was LONG AND CLOSED AND BABY WAS STILL HIGH IN THE PELVIS. I flipped out and started bawling. I explained that last week the other midwife told me I was 30% effaced and 1cm and baby was at -2 station, so that I was upset that I had moved *really* far BACKWARDS in how far along I am. That combined with finding out how giant the baby is, and that I'm now further from giving birth than I was a week ago really freaked me out, and I sobbed for like ten minutes.

So the kid is pushing 9 pounds already, and I asked the midwife if it was going to slow down growing now, and she said it will still grow about half a pound a week, which would have meant 10 pounds before they would induce labor. :( I started bawling *again*, and I told her how frustrated I was that everyone knows how big it is, but no one will help me, they're just going to wait until it's SO big I have to have a C-section. She was a little like, "What do you want me to do?" And I told her I just needed to know when and/or under what conditions they would induce me. And I know all about Bishop's scores, and I also know that I went from a 4 (which is almost inducible, 5-6 is inducible) to a 1 (definitely not inducible).

Anyhow, after over two hours in the OB/midwives offices, and a lot of crying and kleenex, I have cervical ripening scheduled for NEXT Friday night. Which is still a long ways away, but it is better than waiting two more weeks to induce me, which is what they wanted to do.

I'm still really upset and emotionally drained at the same time, but at least I know that eventually they're going to try SOMETHING to help me.

[rita3110]

@rachel
i can imagine how frustrating this must be... but maybe this midwife was wrong, did anyone else check your cervix today? didnt your husband also check?
hope the cervical ripening helps on friday!!!!!
im not sure, but i think my doc wants to do an membran sweep next tuesday (before i left he was mumbling something about that).
maybe that would help you as well...
crossing my fingers for you...

[Supergal]

Rachel- :( That really sucks! I hope the cervix ripening will help get things going. Try not to be too upset *hugz* You need a nite out to take your mind off things!

KMC- yey for no bed rest! Hope things stay calm and u get to bake the LOs for while! GL next week.

Carrie- glad you are doing well and sorry about the job loss :(

[rachelttc]

rita: My husband checked me two days ago, and I was 1 1/2 cm. Which made sense to me, that at 37 weeks I was fingertip, that I was 1 cm at 38 weeks, and then at 39 weeks I was 1 1/2. I have no idea how it went backwards, I'm not even sure it's possible to go backwards. I hope she was just wrong, but I don't know. I was also already upset because of the baby size news, so it really hit me harder than it would have to get more bad news. Anyhow, if you're getting swept on Tuesday, and I'm not getting cervical ripening until Friday, it looks like you'll go first!

They can't do a membrane sweep, or a foley catheter, because I'm group beta strep positive. :( Before I found out, I was really excited about getting my membranes swept at 39 weeks, but they won't do it at ANY point (even 41 weeks) because they don't want to get sued if my baby catches group beta strep. I've talked to my husband about doing it for me, because it doesn't really sound much more complicated than a cervical check, which he already can do, but he's pretty hesitant. I figure, he's already got his fingers in my cervix, what's the difference?

Super: Thanks. I took a nap, that seems to have helped.

AFM: I went mall-walking today, only had a few braxton-hicks. I told my mom about the induction date, and she told me that they won't be able to come until five days later because my dad has a doctor's appointment. Which upsets me. I think everything is upsetting me today, and I know it's childish of me to expect everything to go the way I want it, but could I have SOMETHING go the way I want it to today?

I really need to work on my attitude I think. I need to try to focus on all the things I have to be grateful for. Wishing everyone good news from their doctors this week!

[Supergal]

Rachel- u've had a lot of disappointing news today I think any of us would react the same way. Don't feel bad for feeling down. Just take it easy and see what happens over the next few days. U never know LO may decide to come before ur induction date! One way or another you will be holding your LO very soon! Maybe your dad can postpone his apt? Not sure if DH will be able to strip the membrane I've never heard/ read of anyone doing it themselves? Keeping my fingers crossed for you! *hugz*

[KMCarpeDiem]

I officially have some nasty swollen ankles with pitting edema....Im going to teach my hubby how to do a certian massage (retrograde) to get some of it out.

But in happier news, here are the pictures from the nursery. We worked SO hard to hang all that bead board and I am so in love with the girls room. The ribbon wreath on the door was made by my sister-in-law and I cant wait to take it to the hospital to hang on the door. Also check out that wardrobe and all those diapers. The last pic is their going home outfits with first pair of shoes! :)

4868

4869

4870

PS- I know all the crap in the crib's gotta go....my mother in law wanted to put it in there so I let her to make her happy. And those are the breathable bumpers.

4871

4872

[rita3110]

@rachel
i think its also the hormons going crazy, excitement and fear (what to expect )that makes us so sensitive right now...but dont worry about it to much, just think about,that no matter what happens in same days you will hold your little miracle in your hands and thats all that matters!!!!!
well, im also strep b pos., so maybe my doc forgot about that, so im going to asked him, before he does anything. but i dont understand, how could the membran sweep infect the baby, mhh???
i dont know why, but im pretty sure my baby is not gonna come before feb 1st (induction date)...so dont worry , yours will be first :p
oh my gosh,the last days just wont pass.... so crazy :(

@km
love your pictures....the nursery is so beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Supergal]

KM- love the nursery! The bead board looks amazing and I love the colours. We're also doing light green but with wall paper and a chair rail. We'll be adding accent colours once LO comes :) Love the coming home outfits too and all the clothes in the wardrobe are SOOO cute!

[codih]

I have a quick question. I will respond to personals later, since I'm at work.

Re: cervical self-checks

First, I decided to check my cervix and have done it a few times in the last few weeks. It's very soft and has been that way for about a week. Today, I checked it and it felt open. It's too early for that, right???

Second, I've read mixed reviews about doing the checks yourself. There are concerns about infections and starting preterm labor. What do you all think? What have you heard or been told by dr's or midwives?

[praises1139]

Codih--I wouldn't do that, especially with the cervical issues I had. But remember they use a glove and there is still chance of infection. The nurses and doctor told me they really don't like to check down there unless the benefit outweighs the risk. Rachel should be fine but u are less than 34 wks.

[codih]

Praises- You're probably right. The thought of harming myself or baby and going in to labor too early is scary enough to make me not want to do it anymore. I think I will just let my doctor handle all of that.

[alijac]

Codi - I'm happy to leave that kind of thing to the pros - no point risking pre-term labor, and I'm not confident enough that I would recognize the accurate status of things anyway. Do you have a doc appointment soon where you could ask for input?

KM - love the photos! The work and love that went into the nursery is evident.

Rachel - hope things begin to look up for you. If the OB won't do the membrane sweep, is there any chance your midwife will? (I think you're seeing both, right?)

Rita - you're getting so close! How exciting!

Codi - good luck getting the financial stuff squared away for your home purchase - that's always a hassle, but I hope it proceeds smoothly for you.

Carrie - sorry about the job loss and associated stress. I'll pray that you and DH can figure out how to make things work with your home and his job.

Super - what's new with you?

AFM - Not much new. I'm feeling pretty good, but I'm starting to stress over getting more of the essentials (the bassinet I picked, and the travel system, specifically), but I know I should wait till after my shower to do too much. I'd heard BRU does a registry completion discount at some point - anyone know when that happens? I'm doing my 28wk glucose test (1hr) on Tuesday then heading to NYC for work on Wednesday. Not delighted to be flying, but this should be my last trip till LO arrives.

[Firedancing]

KM: What a beautiful nursery! I love it! And where did you get that wooden sign from?? I'm trying to find something similar for my nursery too!

Ali: try not to stress too much about getting everything together - you still have time! I'm like you...I'm going to wait until after my baby shower to do much shopping of my own for the essentials. Make sure you put everything you want on your registry (even if its something you know someone else wont most likely buy for you) because i have heard the same thing about getting a discount for buying things off your registry after your shower. I would assume they would offer that discount very shortly after your shower is over! Do you have a rewards card with them as well?

AFM: I can't beleive I've made it to the third trimester! Is it crazy that I still feel like this is so surreal...and still so thankful to be where I am right now?! Quick update with me: failed the gestational diabetes screen but passed the 3 hour GTT! :) other than that, things have been relatively uneventful and we have been spending our weekends getting the nursery together and buying furniture. It's still a work in progress! Also, will be making a baby registry soon. Are there any threads going of things/essentials that should be included in your registry? I'm sure they have that stuff online if not! Also...random question, what is everyones opinion on the likelihood of me delivering before my due date? This is my first child and my EDD is based on the date of my IUI...

Can't wait to catch up with all you 3rd tri ladies!!

[KMCarpeDiem]

Fire- my MIL got that sign at a small boutique in Georgia. I can see if there are any markings or names on the back though. :)

[rachelttc]

Codih: I wouldn't suggest doing a bunch of cervical checks before it's time (36-37 weeks or so), so you don't aggravate the tissue and put yourself in labor (you could inadvertently strip your own membranes if you poke around too hard) but not because you're going to get an infection. I think there's less risk of infection than people think. Your amniotic sack and mucous plus are both still sealed, and they really protect your baby from infection.This is going to sound gross, but if I compare the nastiness of a hand that has been scrubbed with soap and hot water, and the nastiness of a penis, that was last washed quite a while ago, and has since had pee come out of it and been touched by dirty hands, and has sat in a pair of underpants full of ball sweat, and think about which I would rather have touching my cervix, the hand wins no problem. So if your doctor/midwife is telling you it's safe for you to have sex, then it's safe for you to check your cervix!

ali: I see the OB for the single umbilical artery defect and macrosomia, but all of my exams are done by the midwives. But I've actually asked both, and neither would do membrane sweep on a woman with group beta strep. Good luck on the glucose test!

Fire: I had the same as you, failed the 1 hour, but passed the 3 hour. You didn't ask for my advice, but I'm going to give it anyway. Pretend that you have gestational diabetes. I bought a glucose monitor and have been using it since I failed the one hour, and found that if I eat a carby meal, my blood sugar goes higher than they recommend. So even though I didn't get diagnosed, my pancreas is still obviously having some trouble keeping up, and yours might be too. So try to keep under 30g of carbs per meal, and no fast carbs at breakfast to be on the safe side.

As for due dates, just know that 40 weeks is CRAP, and was a number that was basically made up in the 1800s. A study done in 1990 found that the average gestation for first time mothers is 40 weeks + 8 days, and 40 weeks + 3 days for later births. That's WAY past your due date! So assuming you don't get induced for some reason, you're much more likely to go PAST your due date than to go early. Sorry for the bad news!

AFM: Tons of braxton hicks again today. Walked two miles at the mall, and had a lot of pressure of the baby's head against my cervix, and a lot of braxton hicks, but no contractions that feel crampy, which is what I'm waiting for. I'm much more at peace about it now, because at least I know that if it doesn't come by Friday, they'll do something about it.

[Supergal]

Rachel- hope the week flies by or LO comes soon! My mum is convinced I won't deliver until after my due date BLAH!

Ali- I'm doing well...getting nervous and excited! Don't worry you have TONS of time. We just ordered our travel system now and I'm still figuring out the basinette/ bouncer/ pak and play thing. The hardest part for me was deciding WHAT to get. Once you know that you end up buying stuff quickly :) Hope your last work trip is relaxed and goes by quickly!

Fire- WELCOME! Congrats and so happy you are in the final trimester! We put some expensive stuff and a lot of lower price stuff on the registry thinking most people wouldn't want to spend too much and hoped we could pick up the rest with the completion discount. Surprisingly we got 90% of the expensive stuff and someone actually commented that they went late and were a bit upset all the good stuff had been taken already! BRU has a list on their site of stuff you will need.

AFM- had my baby shower yesterday! It was tons of fun but sooooooo tiring! We got so much stuff and not a lot of repeats (apart from washcloths...I counted 67 altogether lol!) Everyone was so generous and excited for us we are so grateful!

Question: how many newborn onsies, sleepers, pants, t-shirts, socks, mits, hats do you think we'll need?

[rachelttc]

Super: I think it depends how much of a neat freak you are. Since it will be winter when I give birth (I mean, really, it can't possibly stay in there until spring, right?) I'm planning having it in a onesie inside a sleeper most of the time. And I'm planning to change anything that gets pee or poop on it, but I'll be more relaxed than some people. I'll change the onesie more often, but since babies don't really sweat, there's no urgent need to change the sleeper super often. Like say a sleeper gets a little spit up on it? I'll probably just wipe it off and not change the clothes. My mother is the opposite, she changes outfits if it gets milk, spit up, medicine, diaper cream, whatever on it, so she changed clothes 5-10 times a day! The other way to get away with fewer clothes (which you want to do, because they outgrow them in about 5 minutes) is to do laundry more frequently. You won't have a full load of baby clothes every day, but you could add some towels or something and do laundry more often, and then need fewer clothes.

[Tink]

Super- like Rachel said, it's going to depend on you but also on your baby. If you have a spitter or one who likes to explode out of their diaper with every poop, you'll need to change or do laundry more often. My kids weren't spitters, but when they did I changed them if it got on their clothes. But that was because I can't stand the smell of sour milk and I don't want my kids to smell like that! :p Generally, I was able to do one or two outfits a day (I preferred onesies and pants to sleepers for my kids during the day as infants...I found it easier to change their diapers) and then the sleeper for night time. I never did mitts or hats with either of my kids (but they were spring/summer babies). Socks you may need one or two a day. FWIW, my favorite outfits for my kids at the infant stage were a long sleeve onesie and then separate pants that had the feet built in like in the link below...
http://www.carters.com/carters/4-Piece-Outfit-Set/V_121A458,default,pd.html?cgid=carters-baby-neutral-new-arrivals

[Firedancing]

KM: let me know if you find any markings on the sign!

Rachel: I love advice! Thank you!! Since my dx of PCOS I've always felt as though I've had insulin resistance issues so I was really worried when I failed my screening...especially since my LO has been measuring big all along! Can you give me some recommendations on "good carbs" that you've found do not raise your blood sugar too much? What are some things that you've found really raise it, apart from the obvious like candy?? And actually I'm glad to hear that I might be a little late! As crazy as that sounds, long story short, we have planned a family vacation at the end of july and my work said if it doesn't fall within my maternity leave they can't grant me the time off :mad: anyway....you must be getting so excited! You will get to meet your LO this week!!

Super: it sounds like you had a great baby shower!! What would you say we're your top five registry items? And I've heard a lot of people say, don't get a lot of newborn stuff! I've heard that they typically wear newborn for 1-2 weeks or between 9-10 pounds. I have heard to invest in some plain long sleeve (or short sleeve depending on the weather where you are) onesies like 3-6 months because that is all they will wear! Ive heard people say you aren't as likely to dress them in all the fancy cute little outfits all the time when they are still so young.

AFM: had a little scare with DH yesterday and was at the ER from 7-10:30pm. I was trying really hard not to let myself get too anxious, worried, or stressed but it was hard especially with all these hormones. I've been feeling him move around a lot already this morning. Do you think I should call my doctor and just let them know that I sorta went through a stressful experience and want to make sure LO is ok? I know there are mixed reviews as to whether stress can really affect the baby negatively (physically at least)...

[KMCarpeDiem]

Back in hospital with contractions. Procardia every 4 hours. Antibiotics just in case. First steroid shot for fetal lung development. Cervix is thinning. Waiting on ultrasound and I'll be here tonight. If/when i get to go home I'll be on bedrest. I've been so positive so far but now I feel I'm falling apart. I sent Dh to work so he can save his days for when the girls actually get here and he was throwing up from nerves which just makes me worry. Long night and I'm exhausted.... Will update later

[Firedancing]

KM: I am so sorry you have to go through this again! Just trust that the doctors will do whatever they can to make sure those babies stay in there for as long as possible. Try your best to relax and rest. Sending positive thoughts your way!

[QueenFroggie]

KM -- hope that the meds help! Sorry you are having to go through this, but your little girls are already 33 weeks, and with the steroid shots they will be doing pretty well!

Super -- for me, I used newborn stuff for maybe 2 weeks with DD 1, and not at all for DD 2 (she was nearly 10lbs at birth). I personally would buy 2-3 onesies and sleepers, and if you need more send DH, or family member out to get more. It really depends on baby's size, and as someone said if they are a spitter.

Fire -- You could go before you EDD even though they are almost exact with IUI date. I had DD 1 at 38 weeks (still full term), but DD 2 at 39.5 with induction. And we were pretty sure about gestational age, from early u/s. Also check out my blog thread for registry ideas. http://www.wowupsidedown.com/2011/12/16/the-list-baby-gift-registry/

[alijac]

Fire - sorry about the emergency trip with DH! Since you've felt LO moving a lot, I don't think you have a lot to be worried about. However, if you're still a ways away from your next OB appointment, no harm in calling to talk to someone. Oh, and when it comes to registry lists, I would NOT go with the ones from the stores - they have too much stake in you getting extra stuff you don't need. Check lists on The Bump or Baby Center (or other similar ones) - they'll be more realistic since they don't profit from your purchases directly.

KM - hugs and prayers and general good thoughts to you! Keep us posted as you can.

Super - seriously?! 67 washcloths?! Ha, i love it. Glad your shower was great, though. Not sure what to tell you about numbers of newborn stuff, etc, but I'm sure I'll have a post-baby trip to BRU to adjust for actual vs. planned needs anyway.

Rachel - glad you're finding peace about the timing. Continuing to send you good thoughts that things progress quickly and perfectly!

AFM - Busy weekend! DH assembled the crib (with a little help from me!) and hung the valance/curtain rod. I washed the bedding and put it on the crib (I know it's early, can't help it.) My MIL ordered our travel system for us, which makes me really happy! At least if LO shows up early, I'll have a car seat for him so they'll let me bring him home. I'm 28 weeks today, which means another glucose challenge test tomorrow. If I pass, then no 3 hr, so I am really trying to hydrate and eat well today. Then I'm off to NYC on Wednesday for work, and home on Thursday. Not delighted to be flying right now, but at least my OB officially grounds me in 4 weeks, so work will have to deal with it~!

[KMCarpeDiem]

Quick update: babies look great on ultrasound and NST. cervix still closed. Baby a weighs 5 lbs 2 ounces, and baby b weighs 5 pounds 4 ounces give or take some ounces. Staying overnight again and will get another steroid shot. Hopefully can go home tomorrow if we can keep contractions under 6 an hour. It seems the closer me get to another dose if meds they ramp up or I sneeze and have one... LOL. I am officially on bedrest and we are still shooting for 36 weeks!!

[Supergal]

KMC- that's great news! Glad ur cervix is closed and babies are weighing in nicely! I'm sure you will make it to 36 weeks. I'd not do anything at all for the next few weeks if you can help it.

Tink and Rachel- I'm not that much of a neat freak. 5 to 10 changes seems crazy! I was thinking 3 at most! LOL! I decided to just get a few 3 to 6 month sleepers and some 3 to 6 month onsies. I don't think baby will be very small so that might work best for the first month. I'm sure we'll be getting more clothes as people visit.

Rachel- how r u doing?

Queenie- U are right I will just send DH and my Mom if I need more clothes I really don't want to be stuck with hardly used N stuff not knowing if I will have another LO...

Ali- I think a few trips to BRU are going to be in order! yea seriously I counted 67! A few will go back of course I hope BRU doesn't make a big fuss. Anyone know about their return policy for registry items? Yey for putting the crib together! It feel so real now doesn't it! Have a good trip!

Fire- I'm not going to buy any fancy stuff since I figure LO will only wear that when we go out and I'm not planning on going anywhere for about a month while the weather gets better. I agree with the onsies and sleepers. I think LO will be living in those! My top 5 items...I kinda focused on stuff I knew I'd need for sure:
- bibs
- bath tub
- hooded towels
- wash cloths
- burping cloths
- crib sheets
- receiving blankets
- changing pad and covers
- comforter set (and some matching stuff)
- diaper pail
- aveeno stuff
- carrier
- car seat cozy cover
- feeding stuff (a few sensitive tummy bottles, 1 pacifier, microwave steralizer)
- nursing cover
- activity mat
- sleep sheep
- diaper bag
- brushes, thermometer, grooming kit
- nursing pillow
- breast milk storage containers
- teething toys
- sippy cups

I didn't put any clothes on since I figured people will get that anyways and the prices at BRU are a bit over the top for clothing unless its on sale.

The more expensive stuff we put on not really expecting to get it:
- swing, bouncer, high chair, stroller, video monitor, jumper, basinette

I'd also put anything cute you like as people seem to like to buy that like stuffed animals, car seat/ stroller toys etc. I took DH with me and told him what I needed and let him pick some of it. He is so excited to get stuff he picked hee hee!

I called BRU and they said they will be sending a $10 off $50+ purchase coupon to complete the registry...kinda sucks! I was hoping it would be a percentage so we could get a whole bunch of stuff. Purolator guys has come everyday for the last few days bringing us gifts from people who didn't make it to the shower. I'm really surprised how generous people are! DH also got a bunch of stuff at work from random people. I wonder if he'll be getting a work shower he didn't think they did that. LO has been ALL over the place lately my stomach is constantly changing shape and people are noticing the shifts and twitches. Also been super tired! Wish my OB was in town I'd love to know how LO is doing and if I'm moving any closer. Less than a month to due date!

[esarah]

KM- I am so glad things are looking good. I had my last baby at 33 weeks 5-6 days depending on who you talk to. Anyway, he was a singleton and he was 4 lbs 8 oz and did very, very well. It sounds like things should go very well for you and hopefully you will make a couple more weeks! :)

[KMCarpeDiem]

Thanks for all the positive vibes. Current update: staying another night. Had a rough night last night. At some ppint contractions were 10 an hour (6mins) so they gave me Demerol and phenegran so i slept through the rest but by 5 am they were 3-4 mins apart. Blah... All day they have been 2-3 an hour but I think they are ramping up again tonight. Last night they said it was from the steroid shot but I won't get one tonight so who knows. Will keep you all posted. Oh yea... Babies still look great!!

[rachelttc]

KM: I hope they slow down even further tonight. I will send my "slow-down" vibes your way!

Speaking of slow-down, I've got that in spades. I had 11 contractions in an hour, so I called my doula to let her know, and started thinking I was in labor. This hour. . . . 3, maybe 4 if one of them was weak. Gah! I thought something was starting. Bean is just trying to drive me crazy. It must have known that tonight is not a good time for labor (I have my last important day at work tomorrow, which of course I would still be happy to miss if it meant getting labor), so it thought it would tease me!! Not a funny joke, bean.

[esarah]

KM- Sorry your contractions are so frequent. :( I went through that with all four of my kids starting pretty early. I started early labor before 24 weeks with my last little one and we really thought that he was going to come at 26 weeks. I was dilated 2-3 cam at 26 weeks and 80% effaced. We were able to make it to just shy of 34 weeks though. I know I was Lucky. I have had a 33 weeker and a 31 weeker also. 34 weeks is great, especially if you have had the steroid shots. I had two rounds of two shots with my last baby and he had no breathing issues at all until he got RSV at 17 days old and then at that point he would have had breathing issues if he was a preemie or not. My 33 weeker (a girl and they tend to do a little better) didn't need any assistance breathing at any point either. You've done a fantastic job keeping those babies cooking! :) I can't wait to hear how things go but hopefully not for a little longer.

Rachel- You never know! Early labor can be sporadic like that. Sounds like your body is definitely preparing and things can happen pretty fast at the end (you never know how it will go). I hope baby decides to come on their own very soon!

[alijac]

Rachel - happy due date!!! Maybe you'll go into labor right after finishing your work day - wouldn't that be cool?

KM - glad to hear babies are doing well, and they sound like they're a healthy size. Hope the contractions slow down and you get some rest, but sounds good that they're keeping a close eye on you.

Super - I thought it was supposed to be a 10% off completion coupon? Also, I read on another board that if you want to get it before they send it, you can go in the store and ask for them to print you one. I did hear it's not guaranteed (some stores will do this and some won't), but if you're anxious to get done, maybe it's worth a shot.

AFM - OB appointment yesterday was good. I chugged the glucose drink like a champ and only had to get stuck twice before they got what they needed. Baby's heartbeat continues to sound good, but it seems like his movements are less frequent and not quite as strong. Have others experienced phases like this during their pregnancy? I've also cut out my evening sweet treat, which I used to have before doing kick counts - maybe that has something to do with it? Trying not to worry unnecessarily, but I've definitely been battling anxiety the past week (and flying today/tomorrow isn't going to help!) Any input is appreciated!!!

[Tink]

Baby's heartbeat continues to sound good, but it seems like his movements are less frequent and not quite as strong. Have others experienced phases like this during their pregnancy? I've also cut out my evening sweet treat, which I used to have before doing kick counts - maybe that has something to do with it? Trying not to worry unnecessarily, but I've definitely been battling anxiety the past week (and flying today/tomorrow isn't going to help!) Any input is appreciated!!!

Ali, as soon as I read this I thought, "I bet she's 28 weeks" and lo and behold that's what your ticker says ;) It seems around that time movement slows and isn't as strong. Mostly because they baby is getting bigger and running out of space. If you're ever concerned, drink some orange juice and lay on your left side for a while.

[Supergal]

Rachel- aww ur little bean loves baking too much! Friday is so close u must be excited!

Ali- I have days where I'll feel just a few movements but the next day LO will be going crazy. I think it's just growth spurts. I had a bit of a scare when I went to bed one day and nothing...I got kinda freaked and poked my belly a few times to wake him/ her up :) I'm going to BRU today to return a few things so I will ask. 10% would be sweet since I'll def be spending more than $100.

kmc- hope the contractions have calmed down and u and LOs are getting some rest.

[QueenFroggie]

Km -- glad things are good even if you are still in the hospital! Hope you get to go home soon!!

Alli -- I agree, they tend to start getting bottle up and have no room to move. Stretch out as best you can to give baby more room (or my mom had to scrunch up to feel the movements, so you might try both), and drink some juice or something sugary to get baby moving! :)

[KMCarpeDiem]

Well everyone, we are home for now. Docs think I am one who is just going to contract more at night. I am to take my procardia 20 mg every 4 hours. I must call if my contractions get too intense/painful on a consistent basis OR if they become 5 mins or less apart for over an hour. My doc still wants me to make it to 36 weeks and even 38 if we could but realistically she thinks I wont make it to 38 and rather my water will break and I'll go into labor. SO....we are truly day by day.

Modified bedrest which is going to be really hard for me...She said go from bed, to couch or recliner. Up for bathroom, shower and meals only.

I follow up on Monday and as always I'll keep you lovely ladies updated!

Thanks for all the encouragement and positive thoughts!

[Tink]

KM- glad you're home! Modified bed rest isn't too bad, and you don't have long to go! I did modified for 4 months with my second and strict for 4 months with my first. The modified was a breeze compared to the strict! Just take it easy and concentrate on baking those babies! :) Good luck!

[Supergal]

Great news KMC! A lot of ladies on the boards have baked well into the third tri with twins and bedrest. Sending you lots of positive vibes :)

AFM- heartburn is killing me the last few days. Caved and took Zantac last nite. How many is safe? MS seems to be back too...ugh! Been having lots of BH in the evening so most likely I`ll go into labour in the evening right?

[KMCarpeDiem]

Question about effacement: Ive read about it and seem to understand it. Before I left the hospital, my doctor checked me and my cervix is still close but thinning...she said 80%. Does that seem normal or a lot...I was thinking a lot considering when I got there sunday night they said "thinning slightly" Any thoughts?

[Tink]

It varies. With my second I was 80% for 3-4 weeks.

[Supergal]

Not feeling too hot today. Threw up twice last nite and feeling really weak with a headache that comes and goes. Also my shoulders are really sore and having slight back pain and cramping. Lots of muscle pain. LO is bouncing around though. Feeling really nauseous. Should I go to L&D? Anyone have experience with HELLP? I don't have too much bloating just a little and my BP has been consistently 120/80 at my apts. OB is away on vacation so I can't call.

[esarah]

Supergal- It may just be normal end of pregnancy miserableness. A lot of people experience a lot more nausea and discomfort at the very end. The headache would make me nervous though. Are you getting enough fluids? If you are getting dehydrated that could cause a headache and muscle aches. If you aren't feeling right about it though, go with your gut and go into L&D for sure. They always told me it was better to come in and be on the safe side then to wait and have something go wrong. You are really close to full term so it may just be your body preparing but if you are dehydrated they could hydrate you and they can check your BP and urine and everything to make sure there isn't anything else going on. Can you call L&D and see what the nurses there think?

KM- I was effaced 80% dilated 2+cm for 8 weeks with my last one. It really just depends. My water did break early though with my last three and it was because I was dilated and effaced so much.

[QueenFroggie]

Supergal -- I agree, could just be end of pregnancy nausea, you could also be getting sick. I wouldn't say you are in labor, if anything you would be sick so your family dr. But if you feel something is off, better to be on the side of caution. Try drinking a ton of water and eating a little snack and see how you feel.

Also, you can take Tums too, if that helps. I know my dr. told me I could take at up to 4 at a time if I needed to, but usually stick to 2. and there was a certain amount not to go over in 24 hours, but I don't remember what it was.


KM -- so glad you got to go home! Take it easy! as for the effacement, 80% is a lot, do you think she meant it was 80% still there? But I agree with Tink, you could still go several weeks with 0 dilation and effacement. Esp. if you are taking it easy on bedrest.

[Jillybn32]

KM I was also 80% effaced for about 6 weeks and on strict bedrest. Yes 80% is a lot of effacement, I have heard before to assume 4cm in length for a cervix so 50% effaced would be 2cm, and 80% you could do the math on but I don't know how accurate that really is. Effacing and dilating this far in your (twin) pregancy is normal, that is what my doctor told me. But trust what your doctor says is normal or concerning for you.

[Jillybn32]

Super - Hope you are doing well. Go to L and D if you are worried. I would so often feel crappy and be like uh oh this is it, and low and behold would go another week. That happened so often! Hope you feel better though :)

[rachelttc]

KM: glad you're home! They wouldn't have let you go home if they didn't think you could go longer. Good luck with bedrest!

Super: Even if YOUR ob is on vacation, every hospital has an on-call OB! I mean, what if you went into labor? They would have someone to deliver your baby! So I say call and talk to the on-call OB, just to be safe!

AFM: I can't believe that I will be spending tomorrow night in the hospital! And hopefully have a baby by Saturday! It's so weird because I've waited so long, but somehow it still doesn't seem real that I will be coming home with my peanut in my arms instead of my belly. Less than 24 hours before they start ripening my cervix!

[jth0205]

Good luck Rachel! Can't wait to hear how it goes for you.

[Supergal]

Hi guys,
I called L&D and they asked me to come in. Spent the evening there. LO was doing great and kicked the monitoring thing constantly it was funny. I was severely dehydrated so they gave me IV and gravol and monitored me for 5 hours The gravol knocked me out and I just woke up. They said I was having minor contractions but didn't seem worried. My BP was slightly higher than usual but no protein in urine sample. Seeing my OB on Tuesday for GBS and cervical check. Man I feel so groggy from the gravol but was able to keep some soup down and a bagel this morning. LO is kicking away. Tnx for the advice and I'm glad LO is staying put for a few more weeks! I'll be packing my hospital bag today though.

Rachel- sending lots of positive thoughts ur way! Come on LO we're all waiting for u!

[EJ1008]

Supergal - Glad you got checked out at L&D. Dehydration can lead to early labor, so it's a good thing you got the IV. Hope you're feeling better. Your LO must have been really cute last night during monitoring.

Rachel - Hope everything goes smoothly and you get the labor and delivery you've been hoping for!

[esarah]

Supergal- Dehydration was my guess. I am glad you went in and had it taken care of. It definitely can lead to preterm labor. Hopefully you are able to keep hydrated at home. I hope your appointment goes well. Take care!

[Supergal]

Ej- it was adorable since I got a bit worried he/she wasn't squirming around as much that afternoon. The kicking was hilarious and DH and I couldn't stop giggling.

esarah- DH got me some gatorade so I'm sipping on that with water as well. Since the vomiting and (TMI) diarhea stopped I should be ok.

The visit also help me get over my hospital anxiety a bit :) I'm such a woos!

[esarah]

Supergal- Glad that things seem to be settling down some for you. It's also a plus that having a visit to L&D helped calmed your nerves some! :)

[rachelttc]

Thanks for the good wishes everyone! I lost my mucous plug today and am having some contractions, so I'm thinking that's a good sign that things will go easily tonight!

[RebeccaNC]

Yay, good luck Rachel!!

[Supergal]

Rachel- Wohoooo! Go bean! maybe u won't need any induction meds! Will be waiting news :) *hugz*

[alijac]

Rachel - sending good wishes to you for a smooth delivery!

Super - wow, good thing you went in and got that dehydration taken care of. Hopefully that means the headache is gone, too, right?

Thanks to everyone for the comments re: movement changes at 28 weeks. I was traveling Weds and yesterday, so just now had a chance to respond, but the reassurance was much appreciated. He's been bouncing around quite a bit - probably because I am enjoying a little sugar again now that the glucose test is behind me! I think I have my last pregnancy flight behind me - praying nothing comes up before 32 weeks. Happy weekend, everyone!!!

Oh, has anyone heard from Fran lately? Don't think I've seen anything from her in a week or so.

[Dan'sFran]

Ali- Thx for asking -I'm here- barely! I haven't been sleeping great & I've been busy at work so my eyes pretty much start to flutter everytime I log on. I keep thinking- tomorrow I'll do personals!

I'm starting to feel overwhelmed! Hospital bag, wash baby stuff, pre-register at hospital... I know they're all pretty small tasks, but I feel like time's racing by & I'm so darn tired! And I know I haven't been drinking enough water either. I've been having several contractions a day.

Tomorrow we are meeting with the pediatrician we've chosen, so I'm excited for that. But then we have a black tie event in the evening & I just want to be home. I think I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed & I want to stop the clock!

Wow that's a lot of complaining! :p:p I know I sound really ungrateful right now. I think it's just my OCD tendencies kicking in & I'm panicking a bit! Sorry!

Rachel- Good luck! Looking forward to updates!

Hope everyone else is doing well & has a nice, relaxing weekend lined up!

[KMCarpeDiem]

Since this is my first rodeo with pregnancy, if the babies drop how long before labor usually happens? Rough estimates?

Im not sure if babies have dropped but things do feel different. Less under my ribs and more 'weight' or pressure lower in my belly but not necessarily my va-jay-jay.

Just curious.

[rachelttc]

22 hours at the hospital so far and no baby yet. Not even active labor yet! I did get preeclampsia instead. F*ck. After one hour at the hospital my BP was 185/110. Now I also have a cracking headache from the anti-hypertensive meds they gave me. Labor appears to be slowing down. I have no idea when I will give birth. I hope my next update has better news!

[jth0205]

Rachel - I've been checking in today in hopes of learning whether you had your baby! Sorry to hear bean isn't here yet. Also sorry to hear about the preeclampsia. I hope active labor starts soon for you and you get to meet your precious little one.

[codih]

Rachel- So sorry your birth is not going anywhere and you've developed pre-e. I hope that you get somewhere soon so that you can meet your little one!

KM- I'm not sure. I've heard you can go up to a month after baby has dropped. I feel like my belly is lower too and I haven't felt her in my ribs as much today.

Fran- I feel you on feeling like there are a ton of things to do in so little time. You're way ahead of me. have yet to set up an appointment with the ped or send in my registration paperwork. I'm hoping to get to that this week. Relax...you have plenty of time :)

Super- I'm glad that everything is better now. I hope you're feeling great (as much as you can) and that the next few weeks are easy! You're up nextafter Rachel, right? EDIT: just looked and you still have a few in front of you, but you're getting sooo close :)

AFM- We finally got our financing in order and have put in an offer on a house. We are about 80% sure that they have accepted it, but no final word as of yet. It looks like our projected closing date will be during the week before my due date. Nothing like cutting it close! At this point, as tired as I am of being pregnant and as ready as I am to meet my lovely Lily, I want her to stay in there until her due date (or even a little after) so we can be ready for her arrival. My first shower is a week from tomorrow and I have two more within the week. I'm still excited and can't wait even though I won't get to lay it all out and look through it a million times in the next month :p I hope everyone is doing well!

[rita3110]

@rachel , so excited to hear from you !!!!!!!! :p

[Supergal]

Rachel- ugh! Sorry to hear labour is not going smoothly. I hope you are holding your little one right now. Been checking in frequently to c how u are.

Codi-3 weeks to due date...still have tons to do! DH and I spent the weekend cleaning the house and painting the nursery. Since I work at a slower pace now things aren't moving so fast! Now I have constant back pain and the leg pain and tons of pelvic pressure! Sigh! I'm such a complainer :p Hope you have fun at your showers and good luck with the offer! That really is cutting it close but you'll be bringing LO to the new house which will be amazing!

KMC- i feel and look like I dropped too! From what I've read online there really is not timeline. Could be 2 weeks to 6 weeks so no predictability like everything else pregnancy related!

Fran- I know how you feel! Don't worry you'll get it all done. Just prioritize and try to do one thing a day. Whatever doesn't get done doesn't get done. I am with u on being exhausted all the time. I think I got 3 hours of sleep last nite...hey at least we'll be prepared for not sleeping when our LOs come.

Ali-thanks! I'm feeling much better compared to last week. Hope you can get more rest now!

Rita- hope u are doing ok! U're next!

Apart from my complaints above I'm doing ok. Just exhausted! OB apt tomorrow so looking forward to reporting back with good news. LO feels so much bigger and my tummy so much tighter!

[alijac]

At the doc's office now trying to have our 3D u/s done. Upon first look, he isn't cooperating (has his face turned in). Waiting to try again in a few minutes. Wish us luck!

Will catch up with everyone later!

[Supergal]

Ali- hope you got some good pics!

Picked up some maternity bras. The girl suggested getting 1 cup size larger...I've kept the receipts but I can't imagine getting any bigger! I've gone from 34C to 36D and bought 38D. I think I'm all set for LO!

[KMCarpeDiem]

Super- I too have gone from a 34C to a 38D. I was a late bloomer growing up and always wanted to be like the other girls and have boobs....well be careful what you wish for!

Well I had an interesting afternoon at the docs office. Baby A weighed in at 5 lbs 7ounces and Baby B at 5lbs and 2 ounces (which is 2 ounces off from last week). She's not concerned with the weight difference...she says there is only a 6% difference and it's only bad if it's a 20% difference. My blood pressure was 140/90 and no good explanation why....we were kind of all surprised. I have no protien in my urine, didnt gain any weight, and my swelling is the same. Ive also been taking procardia since December, AND im on bedrest...We did get it to go down slightly while in the office (around 130ish/ 79-87 ish) but now I have to monitor at home and go back on Wednesday. Needless to say, I narrowly avoided a hospital stay today. If it goes up again and gets to high I'll be hospitalized and will get magnesium (which we have tried so hard to avoid) I just have this feeling these babies are coming sooner than everyone thinks!! How long can you do mag before it's detremential? or before they decide to just take babies?

[Jillybn32]

Super - My boobs got so huge after I delivered. I am normally at 34C and now I am a 36DD at least. It is scary! Definitely go up at least a cup, and don't buy too many and keep the receipts because you may be different than you think!

KM - Good luck with the BP. I don't think mag is detrimental at any point in pregnancy but my hospital only let you be on it 48 hrs max. My doc told me if I showed signs of pre-e after 35 weeks he would have taken the babies no questions asked since it was far enough along. GL!!!

Hope everyone else is doing good and Rachel you have your bean. Miss you all!

[MaryFaith]

hi ladies, hope all is well : )

Has any1 heard from rachel? I would think she has had her baby by now, especially with the preclampsia. Wishing you well rachel.

[Supergal]

Mary- no I don't think anyone has. We're all waiting and hoping she's just too busy with her LO to log on.

[MaryFaith]

supergal, thanks for replying. Congrats to her.

[rachelttc]

Wow, I'm so sorry I haven't gotten back on here!

It was all kind of a disaster. My pre-eclampsia, which appeared basically out of nowhere 1 hour into labor, developed into really severe pre-eclampsia. (300 is preeclampsia, 600 is severe pre-e, and I had 922).

So instead of a minimally interventioned induction (just a mild cervical ripening), everything snowballed one thing on top of another, and pretty much everything I didn't want to be part of my birth experience were part of it.

But it ended happily, because after 36 hours, they did an emergency C-section, and I got a healthy baby out after all. An 8 pound, 6 ounce, beautiful amazing baby girl. She is a champion nurser, in fact today she has wanted to nurse more than I can really stand! She also sleeps for 3 hours at a time at night (so far), so I have been able to get some good rest, which was very necessary after 36 hours of labor and the c-section, and the stupid side effects of the magnesium sulfate to keep me from having seizures.

[alijac]

Rachel, she is BEAUTIFUL!!! Congrats, Mama (and she wasn't giant, either!!!) So happy for you - are you sharing her name? Happy all worked out for you despite the severe pre-e, and hope your recovery is quick and easy.

[jth0205]

Congratulations Rachel!! I'm so glad you posted. I've been checking in hoping you would. I'm sorry your birth experience wasn't what you wanted, but I'm glad you got a healthy, gorgeous baby girl out of it!

[amandalisa]

Congrats Rachel! She's adorable!

[codih]

Congrats, Rachel!! She's precious! I'm glad she's healthy and wasn't too big. Enjoy snuggling her.

[Jillybn32]

Yay Rachel! I am so excited and happy for you! Congratulations :D

[EJ1008]

Rachel - Congrats on a beautiful, healthy daughter! I'm sorry your birth experience did not go to plan, but so thankful your daughter is safely here.

[MaryFaith]

she is so sweet. Congrats! All that matters is you & the baby are safe & healthy

[RebeccaNC]

Congrats, Rachel!! So sorry your birth experience didn't go as planned, but it's awesome to hear she is healthy (& of course so are you). She is so sweet!!

[Supergal]

Rachel! Congrats I'm so happy! She's is an angel! Sorry things didn't go as planned and you had to deal with 36 hours of labour. So glad you and LO are ok we were worried! Congrats to you and DH again!

Rita then me...right? AHHH!

[Dan'sFran]

Congrats, Rachel! Sounds like your LO is making up for the delivery by being a sweet angel now! Enjoy every moment!

[karidpt]

Congrats Rachel! She is perfect!

[praises1139]

Rachel-- congratulations!!!! Sorry you didn't get the birth u wanted. BUT that is awesome that she is healthy and nursing great. Glad you're ok after that crazy pre-e!!!