Calling all the Pregnant PS''ers

[drk]

Yep, I pump in the car very frequently. I bought the Medela Freestyle pump which is handsfree and tiny, and pump while driving and while at work (in the OR, giving anesthetics). The pumping in the OR gets some laughs from the nurses, but no one really seems to care that I'm doing it. I'm sure the cover is a little conspicuous while pumping and driving, but what do I care?

 

[icekid]

Yep, I pump in the car very frequently. I bought the Medela Freestyle pump which is handsfree and tiny, and pump while driving and while at work (in the OR, giving anesthetics). The pumping in the OR gets some laughs from the nurses, but no one really seems to care that I'm doing it. I'm sure the cover is a little conspicuous while pumping and driving, but what do I care?

Hahaha... a lot of doctor mommies do this! Can't wait... the joys of having a baby and working 80 hour weeks.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Omg, that is too funny about the daycare thing. I toured a couple days cares here in DC and at one place, in a class of 8 infants, 4 were named Henry. I would totally avoid it to for that very reason **Disclaimer: of course if anyone is naming thier boy Henry, I think it's adorable, but I just can't handle all my kids friends being named the same thing**

Oh no! I knew my son's name wasn't uncommon, but 4/8? Seriously? That's crazy!

Holy crap that's a lot!!! My brother was named Henry in '93, well before it became popular. He thinks he has an old man name, I'm sure he'd be happy to hear that it's so mainstream!

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Yep, I pump in the car very frequently. I bought the Medela Freestyle pump which is handsfree and tiny, and pump while driving and while at work (in the OR, giving anesthetics). The pumping in the OR gets some laughs from the nurses, but no one really seems to care that I'm doing it. I'm sure the cover is a little conspicuous while pumping and driving, but what do I care?

Brilliant, I'll have to try this when the time is right!

 

[HOUMedGal]

I got one of those nursing covers the last time they were doing the promo - looks like it'll work nicely!

Another thought re: St. Luke's versus Methodist....at Methodist, they do have a Level II nursery (even though they don't have a Level 3 nursery in-house, those babies go to TCH). This means that if baby needed something minor (which happens with fair frequency) like a little oxygen, or IV fluids because of low blood sugar, or phototherapy lights because of high bilirubin, etc. then they would keep the baby in the Methodist Level 2 nursery to do these. The Methodist Level 2 is MUCH smaller than TCH Level 2, and it's in the same hospital that you'd be recovering in, which would make it easier for you to visit, BF, etc. If you deliver at St. Luke's and your baby needs Level 2 care, then he/she automatically goes to TCH Level 2, which is a huge and probably a bit harder for mommies recovering in St. Luke's to visit (still totally do-able, though).

Now, don't get me wrong...I'm one of the docs that has worked in the Level 2 nursery at TCH, and it's a fantastic place that I wouldn't hesitate to put my baby, but Methodist might win on this aspect since their Level 2 is much smaller, more intimate, and easier to get to if you're recovering in Methodist. Level 2 type care is pretty simple, so I'd trust someone other than TCH to do it. Plus, while the nurses are obviously different at the two places, the neonatologists at St. Luke's and Methodist are all part of the same Baylor Neo group. No difference in baby docs at the two places.

Now, on the other hand, if I knew my baby was going to need Level 3 NICU care, I'd deliver at Luke's, hands down. Methodist is connected to TCH by tunnels, but St. Luke's L&D is literally right on top and next door to TCH NICU (when I was on call in the NICU, it would take me about 2 minutes to get to St. Luke's deliveries if we got paged to them).

Anyway, the attending who told me she delivered at Methodist and loved it, and recommended it, is actually a part of the Baylor Neonatologist group that works at both St. Luke's and Methodist nurseries. Since she knows both places well, I was fairly swayed by her recommendation. I guess I'll talk to Dr. B and see if she can help me decide either way.

 

[CatLuver]

Hello ladies!

I can't help myself from jumping in; I want to join my TTC friends and all you more advanced preggos, and I love how active this thread is! I've been following this thread for a few years now so I'm really excited to join.

I have my NT scan on Monday, and I can't wait. I'll be exactly 12 weeks. I sent in my blood sample so hopefully I'll have the results right away. I think I'll probably tell work soon after because I don't want people speculating "is she or isn't she" (I admit I've done that about other people!). I'm worried about what will happen to my workflow after that though, and also after I get back from leave. How much time are you all taking off? I get 3 months paid and up to 3 more months unpaid. Most people at my firm take 3 months; a minority take longer. Of course I'd love to take longer but I worry about what that would do to my job/career.

I've recently allowed myself to get excited/trusting enough to start researching baby items. The other thread has me almost sold on the Bumbleride Indie but I haven't been to the store yet. Did anyone consider eco/health issues with the crib, like VOC emissions and off-gassing from particle wood? Younghouselove did a post on it and I otherwise wouldn't even have thought of the issue.

I look forward to going through the rest of your pregnancies with you all!

 

[gingerB]

interesting re: the level II nursery point. but still for me, the final point is WHAT IF you end up needing level III? some know ahead of time that the baby is going to be sick -- and sometimes things just go wrong during delivery y'kwim? so many factors, so many scary points where if things don't go the way they should...y'know?

speaking from a pretty conservative, not much of a risk taker, i'd still opt for the safer route, which IMO is stl for its proximity to TCH. in a normal, uncomplicated prenancy, the chances of needing a level III is prob pretty low, but not zero.

again, just my opinion. i'm not a pedi doc -- i do purely adult medicine and HMG does both. and i have a very non-risk taking nature, and that, i think, is what is really played a role in my decision, not the med knowledge i have. and like CC, honestly i did not even notice my surroundings. my whole world had changed and i was COMPLETELY focused on the LO. and i was in way to much pain after the delivery to walk around and enjoy any of the cushy amenities.

 

[Mara]

ginger and HMG, what is Level II or III? our hospital was just a hospital, i didn't look into any amenities or anything..I didn't research, maybe because i don't know too much about hospitals and i figured they were mostly the same. soo much to worry about.

cat...i got a real wood crib and we got an organic mattress and cover (you can google about mattress wrapping to read about mattress gas theories), a lot of this stuff is theories and speculation but since we could do it, i figured why not.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

I posted a review of the Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Bouncer over on the baby stuff thread...

 

[gingerB]

mara - i don't have specifics, prob HMG would be better equipped to answer that, but basically level I is for normal newborns, level II is for those who may need a little medical attention (a little oxygen, phototherapy for being jaundiced, some iv fluids with sugar, etc...). a level III is for the really sick babies that need more care than a level II (intubation, heart defects, etc...)

 

[Mara]

mara - i don't have specifics, prob HMG would be better equipped to answer that, but basically level I is for normal newborns, level II is for those who may need a little medical attention (a little oxygen, phototherapy for being jaundiced, some iv fluids with sugar, etc...). a level III is for the really sick babies that need more care than a level II (intubation, heart defects, etc...)

gotcha!!! the things you learn AFTER you had a baby. lol.

 

[Lynnie]

Hi Mamas!!!

Real quick cause I'm on my way out...

Pupp - He's GORGEOUS!!!! Such a doll!!!! Thanks for sharing your story!!

Lanie - Boo to pelvic rest! That stinks... but all for a good cause, right??

I lol'd at the pumping convo! Too funny! I'm sure I'll be pumping at work, too.

Got the verdict.... I'm joining TEAM BLUE!!! Now we gotta hammer out a name... we really don't have a clue!! We're both so excited, though!!

I'll catch up later. I also got a really cool 4D u/s pic I'll have to upload!

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

YAY! Congrats Lynnie!!!

 

[Loves Vintage]

Congrats on Team Blue, Lynnie! Boy names are hard, aren't they? DH and I agree on Cooper, but not with our last name!!! That's the only boy name suggestion I have right now. Not that you asked for suggestions, but you never know!

Ginger, Love your new avatar! Soooooo cute!

Catluver, WELCOME to the big thread! I still post in both, whenever the mood strikes. Sounds like you have a great firm, if you can take up to 6 months off!!!!!! Wow! I can take up to 16 weeks off under CT FMLA. Only 6-8 weeks will be paid, depending on medical need. I plan to take the full 16 weeks.

I have read about the emissions issue with particle wood, but haven't really given it much thought at all. In fact, I think the only place I read about it was a website that was selling solid wood cribs that were being marketed as safer. I am all over the map when it comes to cribs, so I have no idea what we will do ultimately. Yay for the Indie!

I bet you can't wait for your scan. You will be amazed when you see how much your LO has grown!!

 

[Lanie]

Lynnie -- Congrats on having a boy! Another boy...yay! My OB was just saying how she has a huge influx of girls right now, so she was happy to have my little one balance it out! Things will probably start to get real for you after finding out the sex!!! Is your DH excited?

Hou -- I just got back from my u/s and visit with Dr. B and I asked her about delivery options. It sounded like she had a bias towards St. Lukes, but said it was my decision. I didn't ask why...she said both were fantastic, but it sounds like the practice has an affiliation with Tx Children's so that might have something to do with it.

Welcome to the thread CatLuver!

Where is Bliss? If you are reading this, I hope you and your LO are doing just fine!

So I had my u/s today. 20 weeks! I'm so excited! The scan was fun, still a boy! Hahaha! I don't have a scanner, so I'll try to post pics tomorrow or the next day. I'll admit my baby looks like Skeletor and isn't as cute as the 4D scans you see bc it's all bone. The frontal shot looks scary bc you see the eye sockets, and it was a little weird for me. But we got a great shot of his junk that my DH was quite proud of. Not even a really good profile shot bc he was moving all around. I think the tech was getting a little impatient and didn't take a good picture. Oh, and he was opening his mouth and swallowing! It was so sweet. And FINALLY my DH could feel him kick...I had been putting his hand on my stomach when he was especially active for about 2 weeks now, and nothing until last night. So I feel like he can share more of the pregnancy with me now. AND...no more pelvic rest! My placenta grew upwards, so we are both very excited about that! Hope y'all are having a good day!!!

 

[icekid]

Bliss- come out, come out wherever you are. Like Lanie, I've been thinking of you! Hope you and your growing bean and doing fabulously well!

Lanie- Yay for the boy confirmation The men are SOOOO funny about their little boys and their junk. Can't wait to see photos from your scan! And congrats on ladyville being no longer off limits hehehe.

Lynnie- Congrats on team blue! And I seriously agree on boy names being so hard. We had a girls name totally set going into our anatomy scan, but obviously our little man is requesting we choose something else. And yay for more photos. love love love teeny baby pics.

Pupp- Nolan is absolutely gorgeous What a little doll!!

CatLuver- Glad you're making the jump to the big girl thread The nuchal scan is so cool. It is amazing how they grow and change. I'm intending to take 12 weeks off; that is really the max that anyone in my residency takes off. Most take less.. my classmate who is currently on leave is only taking 6. Yuck. I just don't think I can stomach leaving my newborn to someone else at that stage.

HMG- Speaking of taking off of residency, any plans for you yet? Being stuck in residency longer sounds unappealing, but really, what's a few extra weeks at this point???

I've been having lots of BH contractions lately. It's kind of intersting!

 

[Mara]

Lanie, our OB told us to wait on the 3D scans until 30+ weeks because baby has much more fat and looks less like an alien and more like a baby. it was pretty crazy at 31 weeks how fatty he looked!

 

[Lanie]

Oh thank you for posting that Mara! I was convinced my baby is weird looking after seeing the pics today. Not what I was expecting!

Icekid--hey there! How do your BHs feel? Do they hurt? How many weeks are you?

 

[brightlight]

Thanks everyone for replying to my question about when I should feel the baby. For the most part, I am not reading any pregnancy related information on-line except for here, so I really rely on you ladies, and you never let me down. Aww!
quote]

LV, I think I remember you mentioning before that you had a tipped/retroverted uterus. You may feel the baby's movements in your tummy later than other women if you do. I think it may depend on when your uterus straightens out. Some women with a retroverted uterus actually mention feeling their babies in their butts first.

Alrighty, back to lurking ...

 

[icekid]

Oh thank you for posting that Mara! I was convinced my baby is weird looking after seeing the pics today. Not what I was expecting!

Icekid--hey there! How do your BHs feel? Do they hurt? How many weeks are you?

Lanie- they are not painful thus dont make me worried! Just a tightening sensation across my belly. I'm almost 23 weeks now but have been noticing them for a couple weeks now. I definitely get more of them when I work all night, shockingly enough. Preterm labor is actually pretty common in residents though.

 

[Lynnie]

Lanie - YAY for no more pelvic rest!!! Now get busy!! haha j/k. And congrats on the u/s, too!! A good day for you, huh?? I was super surprised we got a 4D u/s. I thought it'd be another regular one, but this one was done at a different hospital for insurance purposes.... anyway, it started out normal, then the doc pushed a button, and Boom! 4D u/s. So cool. Ahh = I keep trying to get my DH to feel him kick, too!! But it hasn't worked yet!

Catluver - Looking forward to your NT pics!!! And welcome to the 'big girl" thread!! I think I'll be taking 3 months off... 6 weeks is paid, and the other 6 I can suppliment with vacation time (though I'll only have about 4 weeks of vacay saved by that point, so I have to figure it out).

Icekid! Wow, BH already?? What are you, 24 weeks now?

LV - Cooper's cute! I can't help but think of that TV show "Mr Cooper" though!! And the jingle that went with it... Cooper, Coooooper! haha. Nathaniel is actually up there on the list for us.

The u/s was so fun today. The doc seemed straight out of a TV show... a tiny Asian guy, with a thick Asian accent. His way of speaking was so sing-songy!! "Heeeeere's Babyyyyyy!! Awwww lookit himmmmm.... Don't kick mommy, now!!!!!" And he was sooo nice! So the baby (HE!!) was smushed up against the placenta, and the doc had me lie on my sides to try and get a full face shot. He was basically sleeping (he looked so comfy), but we did see him suck his thumb for a minute. The doc was still trying to get *the* shot, when a lady came in and told him he was needed in delivery room 5. A little disappointed, but a delivery is def way more important!!

Let's see if I can attach three pics.

 

[CatLuver]

Thanks for the welcome ladies!

Icekid, I think only taking 6 weeks would be so hard too. I doubt I’d even feel recovered from the birth by then, and would be getting so little sleep. I can’t believe you’re so far along already! Awesome!

LV, technically I think I can take 6 months off, but I’m not sure what would happen to me after I get back (no work, phased out, not taken seriously anymore, taking too long to ramp back up)…so I’m not sure yet. Actually, I still worry about the same things even if I only take 3 months. I wish I didn’t worry about this.

Lynnie, congrats on your baby boy! That’s so cool that you got a 4d scan.

Lanie, that’s so exciting about the kicking and yay for no pelvic rest!

Mar, by real wood do you mean solid wood? I think most cribs are wood but some have some or all particle wood components. I plan to get an organic mattress as well.

So I probably shouldn’t have done this, but I was reminded of miscarriage risks when I posted on another website for advice about telling your boss that you’re pregnant. I didn’t ask “when” to tell but a lot of people chimed in saying to wait until after you see the heartbeat (which I agree with of course). However, a few then said they lost their babies after they saw the heartbeat, one was at 11 weeks. So now I’m silly worried. Oh well, only 5 more days til my scan.

I was also in a car accident today, luckily it was extremely minor and no one was hurt except for the cars (the other driver got cited). But I just thought about what could have happened if I were more pregnant, and the impact were harder and my airbag had gone off (it didn’t). Yikes!

 

[Mara]

Cat, Sorry yes I meant solid wood. I also didn't want anything made in China, I called and asked and they said our crib was made in Canada so I bought it, then when it got here it said China. I was like WTF! Oh well.

re; miscarriage--I believe that my OB said it was about a less than 1% chance of miscarriage after you see the baby's heartbeat. Of course there is that 1% but it is extremely low. I really tried to not read much online or even in books most of my pregnancy, it's too easy to freak yourself out and think about all the what ifs. I did it ANYWAY even without reading a lot.

 

[CatLuver]

Thanks Mara. Good point on the made in China thing.
I'm trying not too read too much either. I worry enough already too and I read a lot before TTC. It can be hard though like when things are linked here or on other blogs I read re certain baby tragedies. I remember the pertussis tragedy with the baby girl; that did bring the issue to my attention though.

Sorry - didn't mean to bring gloom to the thread!

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Ladies, just reminder, BHs are totally normal in the second and third trimesters and do NOT mean PTL is imminent! I get them mostly at night when I'm laying down. For me it almost feels like LO is turning from one side of his body to the other, like we would in bed. But it's not him, it's the uterus. They can also come with some minor cramping so don't freak if there's a little pain or discomfort. The important thing is that they're sporadic. My doc says if you get more than 6 in an hour to call. I usually have 1 or 2 and that's it. I've been told you will know when it's a real contraction because you'll essentially have it happen and say WTF was THAT?!?!?! And it's much more of a "full body" experience.

ETA: I can definitely see how residents have a higher chance of PTL. Between being stressed, tired, on your feet for 12+ hours a day and dehydration it could be the perfect storm.

 

[split_shank]

Oh thank you for posting that Mara! I was convinced my baby is weird looking after seeing the pics today. Not what I was expecting!

Icekid--hey there! How do your BHs feel? Do they hurt? How many weeks are you?

Lanie- they are not painful thus dont make me worried! Just a tightening sensation across my belly. I'm almost 23 weeks now but have been noticing them for a couple weeks now. I definitely get more of them when I work all night, shockingly enough. Preterm labor is actually pretty common in residents though.

__________________________________
GOOD TO KNOW!!! I was wondering the same thing, since I 'think' I've felt these too a few times this week. Kinda got freaked out that it was too early for BH's. Especially since the first one was when I was working out (not exerting myself too much, but still got me worried), and then again after I got up from sitting in a meeting. Whew!! I have my 24w appt tomorrow so I was going to ask her about this anyways. Thanks for the reassurance in the meantime!

Sorry I've been MIA lately, all is well, just really busy. I still try to keep up with you all and am glad to hear all good things lately on your sides!

 

[CatLuver]

Yoga

Hou, you bought some prenatal yoga dvds, right? Anyone else? I'd like to buy a yoga DVD or two to help with stretching and stress relief and I've read about certain yoga poses being unsafe during pregnancy so I think I need a prenatal version. Normally I like more strenuous yoga but I don't think that will work while pregnant. Any recommendations? Thanks!

 

[Bliss]

Hey Ladies!!!!!!!

Big big apologies for not posting as much as I used to - the new PS makes it more difficult to respond to everyone so I keep putting it off and putting it off like a bad bad preggo! I miss the old PS. It was so much easier.

Icekid! Wow, BH contractions! Ooooooooh!!!! Were you freaked out the first time it happened? How exciting! Time flies so you're getting closer and closer! Thanks for the shoutout and to Lanie as well! Ma sistas!

Lanie! YAY for your 20 week scan!!!!!!!!! So exciting that your husband can feel the baby kick! Ohhhh, I just know I will freak out when that happens. I've been waiting for it - how special and how wonderful for him to share in this experience!!!!

Lynnie!! Your ultrasound images are so cool! Your little one looks like an angel! Too funny about the doctor! YAY FOR TEAM BLUE!!!

Hey Split_shank!!!! Glad to see you're still doing wonderfully!

CatLuver! Super hugs!!!! How are you doing?

Loves Vintage! Wow, you are an amazing pregnant mommy! Can't believe you're so far along! And then I remember that I'm right behind you! Time flies! Too funny about the names. I love the name Willow! Now, if you were suggesting the name Zilpah... LOL, that would be an eyebrow raiser!

Hola dcgator and drk! Drk, thanks for the nursing cover deal! I tried to click on that website but it didn't work! Maybe the super high demand shut it down temporarily? I'm going to try again today!

Hey Hudson! How are you feeling?

HOU!!!!!!!!! I'm so happy things are going so well for you!!!! Big big hugs!!!!

Sorry if I missed anyone!

******************
So we're chugging along at 16.5 weeks today. Our next scan is next week at 17 weeks followed by our 20 week scan. Lots of scanning! I really miss seeing the baby and felt like this 3 week stretch between OB visits took FOREVER...

The great news is, the nausea and fatigue have definitely been dialed down! I can live! I can walk outside! Hallelujah! I can eat (not with great pleasure yet) but at least I can chew without gagging! Progress! Some days are fab and then other days I'm like, "Oh my goodness, this is SO hard. Did the baby grow something new today???! Whew!"

At our next visit, I'm going to talk to the OB because I am not gaining any weight yet and this concerns me a little. The baby's been measuring a week ahead each visit, but I wonder if I'm eating enough. I try to eat as much as I can and choose nutritional foods but gosh, I just don't *feel* like eating most of the time. I'm at 115 and not budging; yet my tummy feels a lot bigger so what is shrinking to compensate? My brain? Clearly, it must be my brain that is disintegrating. I am SO forgetful these days!

I had my first baby dream today! I dreamt I was BF and was SO happy and amazed at the miracle of it all... woke up feeling like I just can't wait to meet this baby! I just can't wait to see him/her! Do you think the OB can guess the sex at 17 weeks? If not, we'll find out at the 20 week anatomy scan but we would love love love to know!!!! Ahhh, I am ready to give birth already! Anyone else feel this way?

Oh! And I remember there being a discussion about DTD either in this thread of the JBP thread. Too funny! DH and I have not been DTD for 2 months (crazy, I know!). We read a study showing that pregnant women emit a pheromone that LOWERS testosterone significantly in their mates. So it makes sense that men would be less interested in sex, other women (evolutionarily speaking) and be softer and less aggressive. Fascinating! It also helps them bond with the baby once he/she is born... The human body is an incredible thing, no?

Well, we finally broke the dry spell last week... DH opened up to me and said that he felt like an unwanted alley cat lately because I won't snuggle in bed anymore (watch the tummy, buddy!) and we haven't DTD in so long. Awwwwww! Also, the first three months all I did was lie on the couch and I did not want to be touched most of the time. Yep, the first tri was rough! The funny part is, I have wanted to DTD again lately - but DH has been the one terrified of hurting the baby. So we kind of took things slowly and it was great! DTD is a funny thing because we're normally an every day or every other day couple but now that pregnancy is here... it all changes. But then once you jump in again and DTD, you're so glad you did. It's just the initial inertia that has to be overcome but once you're off, it's wonderful again. Pregnancy is really a humbling, funny and crazy journey!

Lots of hugs and love to my pregnant PS sisters!!!!

 

[somethingshiny]

I'm glad to see you all doing well!!

Pupp~ Nolan is absolutely adorable! And, wow to your birth story! So quick!!

Everything is going pretty well here. I just have a PSA...if you have a c-section, LISTEN to what the dr says!! Don't think that you should be lifting, moving, etc before you're healed. I have a pulled muscle in my abdomen from overdoing it and let me tell ya, it hurts!!

For those of you who are abstaining from DTD---you have my sympathies. Preggo sex is actually really great. It just takes some practice to find the right positions. But, the increased circulation to the nether regions only makes things better!!

I've been having dreams that I'm pregnant with another baby. I wake up terrified! lol! In the dreams I'm always so confused because we haven't DTD since I gave birth!

Have a great weekend, mamas!

 

[noelwr]

20w6d

yay! Today is my last day in Singapore. Tomorrow I fly home via London to be reunited with DH tomorrow night. Can't wait. I look so big and my ankles and feet are really swollen that I told DH when he meets me at the airport I'll be so ugly that he won't want to take me home, but he said that would never happen. I didn't use my swimsuit once here. I know that's really bad, but I've just been so tired. tomorrow I will be 21 weeks. I have slept without a bra the whole time during my trip, so I am happy to confirm that the bbs soreness has disappeared. my anatomy scan is on Tuesday, and I am getting nervous about it. our 17 week scan showed that our daughter is developing/measuring well, so hopefully we won't get any surprises. I have purposely not bought many baby things until we get a green light from the anatomy scan (though we have already decided that we will go with the Stokke brand for furniture and buggy).

regarding conversations that took place, I actually like the name Hudson for a girl. I think the longest we went without DTD is 3 weeks, poor DH. regarding BHs, I didn't know about contractions so early. I get sore at the end of the day, but don't think I am experiencing that (then again, I spend all day sitting behind a computer, not walking around a hospital).

Bliss - the OB should be able to "guess" the sex 99% accurately after 16 weeks. this all depends if your baby works with the OB and s/he can get a good shot from below, between the legs. we went for an additional scan at 17 weeks just to find out the sex of the baby. I'm really curious to find out if you'll get your Michael or if he will be a she: Mykela?

Catluver - I will be taking 18 weeks paid maternity leave and then I have either the option to take 13 weeks unpaid or spread that unpaid leave over a long time. so I will discuss with my boss if I can come back working 4 days a week (which I think lasts somewhere from 1 to 1.5 yrs) and get paid 80% (which I think is better than having 13 weeks unpaid). alternatively I can use my leave days and take one day a week off and still get paid 100%, but then I'll use up all my leave days and won't be able to go on vacation.
don't worry about bringing up m/c. I still think about it a lot. I am worried about my 20 week scan. I know my daughter has a hb because she's quite active, but what if something is wrong with her health and we have to end the pregnancy ? very unlikely, but I still worry about these things.
did you tell work, yet? I shared the news right before the NT scan. I would have liked to wait until after, but I was already "showing", and I thought that if I was going to m/c again or would end up with any complications, I wanted people to know what I was going through.

Lanie - I'm glad you're bed rest has come to an end. I'm going for my 4D scan at 24 weeks. I would have liked to have it at 26 weeks, but the place where I have it done is shutting down for a vacation break (private practice).

Lynnie - congrats on Team Blue!