Calling all the Pregnant PS''ers

[jas]

Hello Mamas and Mamas-to-Be...

I''m a curious sort of cat, and please direct me to the right thread if it exists already, but what were your early signs of pregnancy (aside from the classic sore bbs and the rather telling missed period)...weird breakouts maybe, or, I dunno, howling at the moon, or growing a third hand outta your forehead?

 

[mrssalvo]

HI jas,

i''m not sure if there is a thread on here about the early signs, i''m sure there have been many discussions in this thread though. it would probably be much easier for you to check out www.babycenter.com, if you haven''t already. I think there is even a section with info on the early signs. I think most women though have signs and sympoms very close to the same one''s they have right before their period making it somewhat hard to tell anything really, until you find you are a few days late. morning sickness doesn''t usually start until a few weeks after a missed period so sore boobs, acne, etc could very well be early signs.

 

[dani13]

Early signs of pregnancy include missed period, fatigue, breast tenderness, frequent urination, dizziness...Mrssalvo is right about nausea not settling until a little bit later (after a missed period) when the pregnancy hormones start to rise....

 

[TravelingGal]

Jas, if you look at your husband and he''s missing a head because you ferociously bit it off...you''re pregant.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Jas, my VERY first symptom was greasy hair. It never felt clean (even after I washed it). I noticed this really early before I even THOUGHT I might be preggo (maybe 1-2 weeks pregnant). Plus I was SOOO tired! My cycles were messed up from going off the pill so my missing period didn''t really clue me. Then my upper back and the sides of my boobs started hurting a little. That is when I took a test.

Tgal, surprisingly enough I never got moody. I only yelled at my DH ONCE during labor but he deserved it!

 

[jas]

Date: 1/6/2008 8:45:47 PM
Author: TravelingGal
Jas, if you look at your husband and he''s missing a head because you ferociously bit it off...you''re pregant.

Yeah, see, at my house we call that "Tuesday."

Thanks all for replying! Great site Mrs. S!

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 1/6/2008 8:58:01 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring
Jas, my VERY first symptom was greasy hair. It never felt clean (even after I washed it). I noticed this really early before I even THOUGHT I might be preggo (maybe 1-2 weeks pregnant). Plus I was SOOO tired! My cycles were messed up from going off the pill so my missing period didn''t really clue me. Then my upper back and the sides of my boobs started hurting a little. That is when I took a test.

Tgal, surprisingly enough I never got moody. I only yelled at my DH ONCE during labor but he deserved it!

LOL...I''ll bet he did Tacori!

TGuy said I wasn''t moody. But I definitely felt in the first tri that on some days that it was harder to get a grip than others. I think it was a bit tough for me to accept that I was pregnant...I simply did not expect it to happen that fast!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

TGal, my mom said I was really quiet during labor (and pushing). She was surprised. Anyways the nurse will massage your belly during labor (not sure if it helps push the baby down or what, Dani???) and your belly does start to flatten (I guess it *is* kind of cool) well DH thought it was sooo amazing and started pressing on my belly. Well, that was just too annoying and distracting so I did yell at him "stop touching me!!!" He did. The second and only other time I yelled was in the final pushes. Tessa was crowning, I was tired, in pain, wanted her out so bad, so I was really trying to push hard and the blood pressure thing went off. I yelled "can''t someone take this off of me?!!?" again too distracting plus my arm got sore after having it on me for 18 hours (they put it on the night before). I pretty much slept the rest of the time (I barely remember getting examined!)

 

[TravelingGal]

LOL, guys are so funny. I actually can see TGuy doing the same thing.

And now, here you are...your girl''s such a doll!!!

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 1/6/2008 9:35:31 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring
Anyways the nurse will massage your belly during labor (not sure if it helps push the baby down or what, Dani???) and your belly does start to flatten

I''d be interested to see what that means too. The nurse didn''t do that to me in either of my other deliveries. I would yell at my DH too though if he tried to do that too during labor. I was always pretty quiet too, nothing like they show on tv shows and in movies, but the drugs are a wonderful thing, who knows what i''d be saying if I went drug free

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Date: 1/6/2008 9:47:35 PM
Author: TravelingGal
LOL, guys are so funny. I actually can see TGuy doing the same thing.


And now, here you are...your girl''s such a doll!!!

Yeah, I guess he didn''t see how annoying it was! All in all of course everything I went through was worth it. I love my little girl! Can''t wait to find out what you are having!!!!

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 1/6/2008 10:10:38 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring


Yeah, I guess he didn''t see how annoying it was! All in all of course everything I went through was worth it. I love my little girl! Can''t wait to find out what you are having!!!!

I''ve been dreaming more and more that it''s a girl. I said though to TGuy the other day that I think we''re having a boy. He said he believes we are having a girl. The funny part is that we both kind of sounded resigned when we said it. Hee.

 

[dani13]

Date: 1/6/2008 10:10:04 PM
Author: mrssalvo

Date: 1/6/2008 9:35:31 PM

Author: Tacori E-ring

Anyways the nurse will massage your belly during labor (not sure if it helps push the baby down or what, Dani???) and your belly does start to flatten

I'd be interested to see what that means too. The nurse didn't do that to me in either of my other deliveries. I would yell at my DH too though if he tried to do that too during labor. I was always pretty quiet too, nothing like they show on tv shows and in movies, but the drugs are a wonderful thing, who knows what i'd be saying if I went drug free

HMMM.....massaging your belly during labor? I would say that the nurse was most likely palpating your abdomen to feel the contractions (to assess their strength and to make sure there was adequate relaxation of the uterus between contractions-very important). Also during pushing we palpate the belly often so that we could instruct you on when to push....

Tacori- that is so funny about the bp cuff. I have to say, almost EVERYONE complains about it. I know its annoying, especially when patients are pushing, it doesnt know to stop inflating, so it practically cuts off their circulation! I always feel so bad!!

 

[Mrs Mitchell]

My earliest inkling that I was pregnant was when I just couldn''t get enough to eat! I''ve spent the last two years steadily losing weight and had become quite self disciplined about food, then suddenly it was deep pan cheese feast all the way!

I was hungry beyond belief for the first three months!

Did anyone here decide not to go with the epidural? How was it? I must admit I''m not so scared of giving birth or of being in pain, but I am terrified (waking in the night, cold sweat, crying from nightmare kind of terrified) of an epidural. Although as Kayleigh and Tacori pointed out, that might all change when I''m actually having contractions! I probably have a lot to learn!

Jen

 

[mrssalvo]

i have a few friends that decided against and epidural. One of them had her baby at home with a mid-wife. she said it was painful and awful, she kept passing out etc. that she wouldn't do it again. she had her second kid in the hospital with an epidural. i have another friend who had an epidural with her first and wanted to go natural with her second. at about 9 cm's she changed her mind and asked for the epidural but of course it was to late. All in all she was glad she did it, but wasn't sure she'd opt to do it again. my step-mom however had all 3 of her kids naturally and said she'd do it all again in a heartbeat. T-gal is planning on going natural too. I if ellen pops in over here, I think she mentions going natural with a couple of her kids. I guess my advice would be that if you want to go natural b/c of the experience etc. then make sure you read up and take the childbirth classes to prepare yourself mentally. If the only reason is fear of the epidural, I'd much rather figure out a way to not worry about that needle

seriously, the pain of the needle is so tiny compared the pain of contractions, there just isn't any comparison.

you know what's funny, my biggest fear is getting to the hospital to late where I can't get the epidural...lol..

 

[ellaila]

Jas, my first symptoms were the typical ones -- late period and aching boobs. Deep down, I think that I knew something was a little different though ...

Jen, like everyone says, the first needle you get is to numb you, and the "pain" of that is totally insignificant in the moment, trust me!! And then you won''t even feel the epi or spinal needle go in once you''re numb.

Tacori, loooooove the photos of Tessa in her Xmas stocking!! You''re right -- she is pretty darn cute!

TGal, we decided on a Bob based on reviews (incl. Diver''s) and since BRU carries the Bob''s, we were able to register for it (not that we got it

) and figure we could use gift cards for it. If we don''t go for a Bob''s, I am also interested in the Phil and Ted''s or just a Graco DuoGlider -- not superfancy, but my friend who is a stroller queen (has 7 I think) said the DuoGlider was actually her favorite double stroller. I shouldn''t even be thinking of spending $500 on a Bob or P&T when I can get a Graco for like half the price ... but well, sometimes I''m just shallow and materialistic, what can I say.

Any belly or u/s photos to share, ladies?? I''ve got some new photos of the babies that hopefully I can upload later today once they''re both fed and sleeping ...

 

[Mrs Mitchell]

Thanks for the replies, I feel a bit more confident. Mrssalvo, if someone who already has kids is telling me to be scared of not getting the epidural in time, I think I need to rethink lol! I''m not scared of pain from a needlestick, I know they don''t hurt, I just have a horror of needles. I actually managed to have blood taken at 12 weeks though, which I''m pretty amazed about! (I wasn''t that impressive now I come to think about it - they got the blood while I was passed out!).

Being prepared is probably the key - I booked a midwife and some one to one classes, so I''ll have the support in place. I''m thinking about a midwife led maternity unit rather than hospital (both are available here). Has anyone here experience of a midwife delivery? I''ve heard good things, and I''m optimistic. My cousin is having her baby at home, due date tomorrow

so I''ll be able to get a first hand account of a non epidural delivery any day now (whether I want it or not!)

Ellaila, looking forward to seeing more photos of your twins. They are sooo precious!

Jen

 

[Jas12]

Tacori--i think the snap and go would be great for the plane--since they are affordable so I may get one just for that purpose alone--it''s great that they are so light!

Moms- in general, do you think a 6 month old will be comfy in a car seat for extended periods of travel?

I finished booking my trip yesterday--i am nervous about it already--we are flying from Toronto to Paris, travelling around the city for 3 days, then flying to Barcelona--going on an 11 day cruise, then spending 2 additional days in Spain--all with baby

....am I insane?! The good part is DH, Mom, sister and sister''s boyfirend are all coming along too--we will have help, and we have a suite on the cruise so that includes a bath tub, living area etc. Still, I know it will be nutty. We wouldn''t have planned something like this prior to baby''s arrival, but the trip is essentially free for DH and I (based on our honeymoon cruise that was cancelled this past summer) we have to use this trip-credit by Dec. and I am not one to pass up free travel!

MrsMitchell--I am not planning on having an epidural (but of course, u know what they say about the best laid plans) --I just read an interesting book on this topic and it really helped me in understanding what my body will be going thru, why pain is present in birth and how to be more confident in your body etc. But I don''t think anything can prepare you for the real thing. My mom had long, difficult labors (46 hrs with me!) --both at home and drug free--she''s the wrong person to talk to b/c despite this she thinks it is all wonderful and the ''best challenge'' etc. etc. so it''s been nice to hear a variety of birth stories from woman all over to get a better general idea of what''s in store! I''ll let u know in approx. 11 weeks what the outcome of my ''plan'' is hehe

 

[Mrs Mitchell]

Thanks Jas, I wish you all the best with your drug free labor! I really hope that you have a positive experience. Fingers crossed for you. I agree, it is helpful to hear a range of experiences.

My mother had me under general anaesthetic (really!) so she hasn''t been the best person to discuss this with either! On the other hand, my best friend had a totally drug free labor and said that there was nothing so bad about it after all. A bit like terrible period cramps was how she described it. (this is the woman who wanted morphine for a sprained ankle last week lol). I guess everyone''s experience and reaction is different!

Could you tell me what the book that you mentioned is called? I''d like to track down a copy.

Thanks

Jen

 

[TravelingGal]

Hello ladies!

Monnie, forgot to mention earlier - thank you for the nice words. TGuy and I joke that the kid will be nice if it takes after me (shocking I know!) and not so much if it takes after him. In actuality, my guess is that he was the easier child!

Epidurals freak me out too. But I''m going into labor with an open mind. For some reason, L&D doesn''t scare me with the exception of two things...epidural, which just makes me a bit nervous because of needles, and an episiotomy, because healing from that doesn''t sound like fun. I should I know be more anxious about contractions and what not, but so far it doesn''t faze me.

Jas, I didn''t know you were considering not having an epidural. I was considering it as well, but my guess is that I''m going to go, "ow ow ow! pain relief, please!"

My mom also had a drug free labor...over 30 hours with me...and then did it again epidural free with my brother. I almost think it was because maybe it wasn''t an option in Korea and then when my brother was born in the US, she may not have understood English well enough! But she said they offered...she just didn''t want it for some reason. She didn''t exactly say it was a walk in the park though...

Ella, I have been reading up on baby gear, now that I have to buckle down and register. Most of the reviews say that with Graco, you get what you pay for. With doubles, I''d fork out the money and get the better stroller...especially because it will be safer for them and easier for you to drive the thing. It''s not shallow and materialistic...it''s practical!

Nah, you''re not nutty Jas...I wouldn''t pass up an excuse to travel either! The baby will just be well traveled at an early age!

 

[Mrs Mitchell]

Tgal, good to know I''m not the only one, thanks! Episiotomy, though. Hmm. A new thing to freak about! Pregnancy has really made me into a worrier. I can lie awake for hours fretting about stuff these days. Big stuff or trivia!

I may also decide as soon as it starts to hurt that I can live with needles afterall!

Jen

 

[Jas12]

Mrs. Mitchell--the best book i''ve read so far --that isn''t overly technical is : Creating Your Birth Plan: The Definitive Guide to a Safe and Empowering Birth by Marsden Wagner. I think i posted it before (it definetly leans toward a midwife-assisted hospital or home birth--but even if you are not having this type birth--and this includes me--it''s really informative)
also--Episiotomy used to be quite routine in North America, but thanks to a lot of research it is pretty well established now that they are not a good practice and should only be used when absolutely necessary (there is tons of research on this topic out there)--From what I have read they are more common when a woman is induced b/c contractions come hard and fast due to the drug and the woman''s body does not have time to naturally stretch. It''s also more common when a Dr. decides to use forceps or vaccum. Midwives (maybe nurses, i am not sure) will do perineal message to warm/stretch the tissue and it is very rare that a cut should be needed if your body is given time to stretch naturally and slowly. That''s sometimes a problem in hospitals--women are not always given the time they need--which can lead to unnecessary intervention.



Tgal--forgot to mention that i luv your idea for the bugapoo--that''s so funny! Scary thing is, you might be onto something... i am sure there is a huge market for a posh pooper

Get marketing
and also, I was sure you would understand my decision to travel -hehe. This baby has been to 7 countries in utero already so I am hoping it developes good travel genes by osmosis or something

-ha, that''s wishful thinking

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Dani, you are right. It was more like her pushing down than massage. It is hard to describe. Glad I am not the only one who got pissed about the BP cuff. It only bothered me at the end when I just wanted her out! 2.5 hours of hard pushing is tiring. Besides that I was quiet. Didn''t scream more grunted I guess.

MrsM, I had INTENSE contrax for a few hours before I got my epi. It was the WORST pain of my life. There is NO way I could have handled 5 more hours of that. No way! But people do it. I think MsF went drug free. More power to you if you can. Also I did have to have stitches...that would hurt without an epi. They probably do some local numbing first though. The worst thing that can happen when getting an epi is that it won''t work right (only numb one side for example) but that is an easy fix. They really are VERY safe. I think I had 2 contrax in the time it took for him to put it in. So like someone else said there is NO WAY I was even paying attention to the needle. I think getting an IV was worse (at least my second IV). IV tip, for me the least painful is on the side of the wrist. If they can find a vein there go for it. I HATE hand IVs.

Jas, another benefit to traveling with the snap ''n go is your good stroller won''t get all dirty and possibly injured in travel. Also I know with international travel some airplanes have a bassinet (in bulk head row). Inquire about that. Would make life easier! We are going to Cabo for a wedding when Tessa is 6 months. It is a LOOONG flight from NC. I think 7 hours. I am hoping our plane has one of those bassinet things. If not, we''ll manage.

Ella, thanks. We need more pics of the twins! I think I told you my neighbor is having twins. I feel so bad for her. She has been on bed rest for months (and has a 3 year old.) I guess she is having health problems (she is due in Feb). You are so lucky everything went well!

 

[Mrs Mitchell]

Thanks, Jas. I''m going to have a look online for that book after work. I''m booked into a midwife led maternity unit for the birth - no medical intervention unless things are going wrong and then I can transfer to the hospital ward.

I''m optimistic that it will be positive - the unit has a good reputation.

Tacori, I read your birth story and it sounds like you had a really tough time! Tessa is beautiful though, so I keep telling myself it will all be worth it for me too!

Jen

 

[ellaila]

got around to making our birth announcements! we''re just going to print them ourselves on photo paper -- hope they come out ok ...

 

[ellaila]

hmm. that didnt work. ok then, here are the photos were using - heres the big g.

 

[ellaila]

and li''l ms. k!

 

[Mrs Mitchell]

Such sweet little darlings, Ella!

 

[flutterby]

Date: 1/7/2008 5:43:13 AM
Author: Mrs Mitchell

Did anyone here decide not to go with the epidural? How was it? I must admit I''m not so scared of giving birth or of being in pain, but I am terrified (waking in the night, cold sweat, crying from nightmare kind of terrified) of an epidural. Although as Kayleigh and Tacori pointed out, that might all change when I''m actually having contractions! I probably have a lot to learn!

Jen

I didnt have an epidural. I really wanted natural childbirth and went 14 miles to UCLA because they have a midwife group (14 miles doesnt sound like much inless you live in LA and know you have to take the 405 to give birth!). I took Bradley classes--they lasted 10 weeks and really taught me alot about childbirth. I started having contraction after 5 hours of contractions I went to the hospital and was only 2cms....so I went back home, I knew if I stayed there i would want drugs. I stayed at home for another 9 hours of labor, when I got back up to UCLA I was 8cm. My midwife didn''t even ask me about pain relief as she knew I didn''t want it. I just got through the labor, I actually had more problems with them stitching up the tear then the birth. But i knew I wanted to do it on my own, and I think that determination helped!!

 

[flutterby]

Ella, your twins are adorable! seriously, adorable!!!

are you getting any sleep? I cant imagine having two!! although it must be so AMAZING!!