Calling all the Pregnant PS''ers

[msb700]

yay DD!!! that truly is wonderful news

 

[Kay]

Jas, thanks for sharing your birth story. As usually, you had me laughing and choking up at the same time – I will buy your book when it comes out. It sounds like your L&D went really quickly. Yay for an awesome anesthesiologist!!

(I want that guy.) Your story of the water breaking makes me think I need to drape my bed and the path from the bed to the bathroom in towels for the next 6 weeks!

It sounds like your boys had really good weights for twins – yay for no NICU time.

I’m sorry you had to suffer more in-law craziness during your recovery. How are you feeling? Does the C section cause a lot of pain in recovery? I can’t wait to hear the story of the doggy-napping and ransom.

 

[Kay]

Jen, oh no, not another trip to L&D. Glad to hear the girls are staying put. Pets do add so much to our lives and it is so hard to let them go – my thoughts are with you and your family.

Ivana, it sounds like it has taken a lot for you to get to this point. The m/s is no fun, but it will pass – the second trimester is great. I ate a lot of Saltines to help with the nausea. Also, drink as much water as you can.

LIA, congrats on reaching the 30 weeks mark!

Blen, your cooking fest sounds amazing – now I’m really hungry!

Littlelysser, glad to hear you and DH are making it through this difficult time and taking good care of each other. His line about version 2.0 is hilarious. I trust you will be back here again very soon.

Curly, yay for 36 weeks!

Where is the time going? That’s great that you are not nervous about L&D.

Pave, glad to hear your initial fish results are good.

Erica, your belly looks great (way better than mine at 0 weeks), but I am still waiting to see a bump. You may be one of the lucky ones to not show until late in the game.

Snlee, sorry to hear you have to do more time on bed rest, but in the long run an extra week or 2 is worth it for a healthier baby. It sounds like your weight gain is going well.

Dreamer, great news about the class! It’s wonderful she had everything so well prepped that you can step in easily. 12 months leave sounds amazing.

I am at 34 weeks and 2 days today. My next Dr. appointment is tomorrow. I am amazed at how much my belly has changed in just the last two weeks. I had been carrying pretty high, which made it easier to fit into pants, but my belly is definitely leaning south now. I had gotten 1 or 2 small stretch marks on each side (just above the hip) early on, but nothing new for months, then last night I noticed a couple of faint marks starting at the base of my belly – I ran for the cocoa butter (although it probably won’t help). I have a light brown line running from my sternum to the pubic area – I hope it will not get any darker. I was staring at my stomach in the mirror last night, and I just cannot believe it will get larger over the next 6 weeks – it feels like it is already stretched to the limit. When I stand up, I can feel the lower ab muscles straining to support my belly – I feel so heavy. Physically, I am ready to be done, but at the same time I do not want her to show up early because I really need another 4-5 weeks at work to finish projects before I go on leave.

Wow, that was one big, long complaint list! On the plus side, DH is being very sweet. I’m supposed to keep my feet up as much as possible when I am home, so he brings me food and drinks, rubs my feet and rubs cocoa butter on my belly. He also tells me almost daily how beautiful I am, which is nice to hear (if not quite believe) when I feel like Godzilla. He is definitely a keeper, and I think he will be a great daddy. My rocker/recliner arrived last Friday, and I am loving it! It is so comfy. My shower is on Sunday, so I am looking forward to that, especially since my parents will be in town so my mom can go to the shower too.

 

[Kay]

Date: 9/3/2008 8:31:39 PM
Author: snlee

Date: 9/3/2008 4:27:57 PM
Author: mela lu
Thanks Snlee!

As an aside, when I read your username, I waiver between pronouncing it ''Suh-neh-lee'' or ''S.N.L.-ee''. How do you say it?

I''m curious how people say my username. It''s interesting how we all see it differently. At PS GTG''s people always say it ''Suh-neh-lee''. I really like ''S.N.L.-ee'' but I''ve never thought of it that way before.

Snlee, I''ve always wondered about your username. In my head, I pronounce it all run together, like the sn sound in snail followed immediately by lee. But I wondered if it should be pronounced S. N. Lee, like first and middle initials with a last name. How did you intend it to be pronounced?

 

[Kay]

Date: 9/3/2008 9:44:59 PM
Author: snlee
Baby gender ratios in the office/in groups are interesting. My department has nearly 300 people, with lots of people in their 20''s and 30''s so it''s not that surprising that many babies are being born each year. A total of around 24 babies will be born (mostly to women who work there) and only about 8 are girls this year. There are tons of BOYS! They outnumber the girls 2 to 1!

Trends in groups are always interesting. I am fascinated by the twin ratios here and in Jen''s neighborhood.

 

[janinegirly]

Hi everyone,

I''m still here at 36 1/2 weeks! I got an internal during my last dr''s appoint and she said the baby dropped a tinsy bit, is head down, but basically nothing else is happening. So looks like it''s going to be a few weeks at least!
I got the ok to work from home the last 2 wks (woopee--expect more regular posts from me

)), so next week will be my last week trekking in and out of the office.

Mostly I''m in wait and see mode, but having some last minute freak out moments. Like I''ll realize how incredibly different things are about to be and that DH and my relationship will never be exactly the same. Not to sound dramatic but I think about that sometimes.
I also am starting to think about all the unknowns and have some irrational fears. I''m starting to wonder agaiin if the baby''s ok and will come out healthy etc (had these same fears in 1st trimester). Plus still scared of labor!!

I have a question for some of you 3trimester preggos (or in later stages like me): what are your movements like now?

Anyway, glad to hear all the updates:

DD: that''s awesome news and what a relief!
Pave: I''m so sorry to hear about your LO, but keep your head up until more conclusive tests come back. Please keep us posted!
Erica: your belly looks like mine....10 years ago!!! Seriously, you''re looking great.
Sk8r: how''re things going?
Kay: wow your DH is sweet. Mine might need a talking too, I want belly and foot rubs!
Snlee: things sound good with you! Funny that you asked your Dr. about ''relations'' while DH''s back was turned (hehe). My DH has said he thinks it''s not a good idea anymore, too uncomfortable for me. Thanks alot!! I''m thinking he''s not enjoying it as much, but ahh well. Pregnancy makes things hard sometimes.
Curly: yay for my preggo twin at 36 wks! Please check in weekly---because the way things have been going, I seem to be mirorring you, so if you go in, means I won''t be far behind!

 

[lisa1.01fvs1]

Firstly, LL so sorry about the crappy numbers. Recently, during all our IUI torment I got pg. but my 1st beta was ridiculous like 4.7 miu. Then I got AFF 4 days later with a vengeance! When I spoke to the Dr. about it he was like "great, you can get pregnant!" Um, I guess that''s one way to look at it. I was pretty crushed. But he had a point - a reproductive endo''s point. He was right in the end and a couple of short months later we''re on the ride again! Take care of yourself and be confident in your body''s ability to get pg. and stay pg. again.

For all the bedresters: I can sorta commiserate w/ you guys now that I''m sicker than a dog for 5 wks now.........Sometimes I can''t even muster the energy to shower. And everything smells awful - bathroom, opening the fridge, diapers especially........

The home stretch mommas: I was sifting through some photos of my home stretch 2 yrs ago and I can''t believe how big I was! Please take pics now b/c you will treasure these memories in the future. I wish we had taken more pics of the belly then. I''ve got a few funny ones (well maybe not the epidural pic) in the hospital in various stages of pain and throwing up - priceless!

The second trimester pregnoids: are you guys getting that pg. reprieve? Perhaps I can live vicariously through your renewed energy. What r you guys able to do now that youv''e entered the pg. "honeymoon"?

The L&D scare-a-thoners: Pls. keep going to L&D whenever and as often as you feel is necessary. Better to catch the beg. of a prob. than be in the midst of it when you go.

To Jackie: Steri-strips? Your OB (bless him) used steri-strips to close the incision? I want to use that guy. Hmm, now you''ve made me add that to the list of requirement for next c-sect. How are they holding up? Yeah and why was that RN stroking your head? Don''t get that either but it was.....nice. The chills and shakes, mine lasted like 1/2 hr. and I too thought I was going to hurl on the table while they were stiching me up!. The anesthesiologist gave me something that quelled it on the spot. Are you breastfeeding the gangsta boys? If so are they suckling (ha suckiling) off both breasts at the same time (seems so impossible but poetic)?

As for me, the depression thing well, sucks. I''ve been on anti-depressants for over 14 yrs and w/ last pg. the peri and I decided to switch to Wellbutrin based on a couple of good studies but now everything has been upgraded in severity to Cat. C''s including Wellbutrin. I''ve decide to abstain until 2nd trimester or if it gets really awful. So far I''m in a holding pattern but extremely irritable and no-energy. I am pg. afterall and watching a toddler. Hard to parse out what is responsible for what these days.

I''m also, inconsistenly, taking progesterone to support the pg. This can totally mess w/ your head. So I think I''ll just hide under the covers for the next few weeks. By my calculations I''m 8.5 wks so I have 4.3 wks to go...........seems like forever.

I may even feel physically better once the second sac absorbs. Those placentas do a number on our bodies.

Guys, explain to me why all I can think about is travelling. The obvious answer is escape but I can''t stop watching the Travel Channel. And I am hooked again on the cooking shows.

What do you think about taking a 17 month old to Hawaii? Is that ludicrous? Which island would be better suited for a preggo and toddler combo? The "Island of the Insane" no doubt.

 

[Kay]

Hi Janine, working from home sounds great -- congrats! I am having some freak out moments too – both about L&D and how much our lives are going to change. I also have occasional weird morbid flashes of something going wrong with the baby. I feel completely unprepared for labor, especially since the earliest birthing class (2-day weekend class) we could get into is still 2 weeks away, when I will be at 37 weeks. People on PS are talking about birth plans, and no one at my Dr’s office has mentioned that – is there a form I’m supposed to fill out?

I am scared about trying to do a vag delivery, especially since some friends who gave birth recently had really long labors and then a couple had to do emergency C sections at the end, so they had the worst of both worlds. I am considering doing a planned C, since surgery does not scare me at all, but I worry about whether my stomach will ever be the same between the scar and the cut muscle tissue. I asked my Dr. for the pros and cons of each. For the baby, it sounds pretty neutral – she’ll come out with less bruising and trauma (temporary) with a C section, but they’ll have to vacuum fluid from her lungs (no problem). For me, the Dr. said the recovery from a C can be better than a rough vag birth, but a bit harder than an easy vag birth – basically, I’ll just hurt in different places, but they’ll give me pain meds. I didn’t think to ask him about long term recovery of the stomach muscles after a C. He essentially told me it’s the patient’s choice and they’ll respect whatever decision I make, blah blah blah – I really wanted an opinion about which is better. (I take it for a given they’ll follow my decision, but I need some help with the decision process).

The baby’s movements are pretty strong, especially after I eat, or if I lean over or do something else she doesn’t like. She’ll be quiet for hours, then all of a sudden there will be several movements in a row. I usually get small jabs on the right side, where the last u/s showed her hands and feet were (she is head down). Every once in a while, there is a big movement on the upper left side, and I wonder if she is wiggling her butt.

 

[lisa1.01fvs1]

Date: 9/4/2008 12:41:23 PM
Author: Kay
I am scared about trying to do a vag delivery, especially since some friends who gave birth recently had really long labors and then a couple had to do emergency C sections at the end, so they had the worst of both worlds. I am considering doing a planned C, since surgery does not scare me at all, but I worry about whether my stomach will ever be the same between the scar and the cut muscle tissue. I asked my Dr. for the pros and cons of each. For the baby, it sounds pretty neutral – she’ll come out with less bruising and trauma (temporary) with a C section, but they’ll have to vacuum fluid from her lungs (no problem). For me, the Dr. said the recovery from a C can be better than a rough vag birth, but a bit harder than an easy vag birth – basically, I’ll just hurt in different places, but they’ll give me pain meds. I didn’t think to ask him about long term recovery of the stomach muscles after a C. He essentially told me it’s the patient’s choice and they’ll respect whatever decision I make, blah blah blah – I really wanted an opinion about which is better. (I take it for a given they’ll follow my decision, but I need some help with the decision process).

Hi Kay we laugh about it now but I almost had a "vaginal c-section" and I know of many women who go vag. and have "issues" later. The tearing and episiotomies are the culprit for the long recoveries w/ vag. deliveries but I''ve also heard women complain that they "leak" after diff. vag. births from urethra trauma.

I was one of those who labored (with drugs) and went to 8 cm and stalled. The c-sect. was a breeze. It is considered a complication though as you know. I was sent home on percoset and had discomfort for about a week (the worst of it was the constipation but take a stool softener daily). I will be opting for repeat c-section as we had several complications during labor that scare the bejeezus out of me. I also don''t want to deal with the uncertainty of VBAC although very safe.

I didn''t have any sagging muscles or weirdness afterwards. Just a little numb on incision site.

Deciding which one is better is entirely personal and sometimes you don''t get a choice in the matter (like me). You could try vag. and change your mind. Who knows you may have a fast labor?

They don''t always have to vacuum the baby w/ a c-sect. I personally like the planned aspect of what is already a completely uncertain and anxiety-riddled event. But then again this is my second delivery and we had problems with the first one.

 

[janinegirly]

Kay,
Even t hough I''m scared to death of labor, I"m giving it a try. I assume if things don''t work out, they''ll give me a c-section, but I guess that means risking the "worst of both worlds." It just seems that with the baby head down and everything proceeding normally, I should at least try.
A friend of mine had a c-section (due to baby''s position) and said she would not recommend it as recovery time was tough. She said wtih a c-section, the having the baby phase is easier (for obvous reasons) but you feel much worse afterwards. Plus she has some kind of scar and skin hanging which she says is a result of the operation. However, I guess each person is different.
Oh, and we never signed up for childbirth classes, just bought "Laugh and Learn about Childbirth" which is as good as classes in my opinion. We''ve only watched 1/2 so far.
My baby moves in shifts, rolls, jabs, and a strong kick here and there. It''s not constant though, most often at night and when laying down. Today has been quiet. I just hope it''s normal, I''m getting worries about if everything''s ok in there!

 

[curlygirl]

janine, my preggo twin!!

Pretty crazy that we're in the home stretch!!!! How are you feeling? Besides the heartburn and hot flashes, I'm doing well!!! I think this kid is dropping fast though. I still walk at least 2 miles every day and go to the gym at least twice a week and haven't really had any issues until lately when I can feel the pressure in my nether regions! Plus everyone and their mother tells me I've dropped and they're still convinced that I'm having a boy even though I had an amnio so I know it's a girl!

It's totally normal to have the freak out moments. I would be surprised if you didn't have them!!! Honestly, your life never will be the same again but it will be different and better!! The first few months may be tough on your relationship with DH but once you get past the sleep deprivation and get into a routine, you'll be ok. And then you'll be saying that you can't even remember your life before your daughter!! Just know that you're not alone and you can always vent on the mommy thread. And maybe you and I can even plan a little gtg with our girls!!!!

Regarding L&D, yeah, it's scary. The worst part is that it is just so unknown and everyone has such different experiences so it's not even fair to compare yours to someone else's. All you can do is trust your doctor, your nurse (hopefully we all get Dani clones!) and your body. For me, I just went into automatic pilot mode. Once I was in the moment, in labor, having massive contractions, getting an epidural, joking with my doctor and nurse in between pushes, actually pushing out my daughter, it was as if it was an out of body experience! I really didn't even think about pain or fear (I didn't have any, thank you epidural!) or complications or ANYTHING. I was just going through all the motions and I don't think I really understood what I was actually doing until I saw my baby for the first time. That's when the real emotions kicked in and the reality hit me. Just keep an open mind and whatever happens, happens. If you have to have a c-section for your safety and the safety of your child, you'll do it. Don't go in with any expectations and hopefully you won't be disappointed.

I was really lucky to have an easy experience the first time around and I'm hoping for the same this time but I just have no idea and I can't control it so I'm not even going to think about it. As I've mentioned, my biggest issue this time is what I will do with Lily when the time comes. I just hope this baby is as cooperative as she was and makes her appearance when she's "supposed" to--over the weekend!

In terms of movements, this girl is still fairly mellow. She definitely has her awake moments like after I eat chocolate, while I'm watching tv during the 10 pm hour (she LOVED Obama's speech and is a big fan of Mad Men!) or when I poke at her to make sure she's ok! She's also had the hiccups a few times but not as often as Lily did. I think at this point, they are getting so smooshed in there that the movements are more deliberate and molasses-like. I've had to push in an elbow (maybe?) from time to time because she will just poke it out and leave it there! But she's definitely not a gymnast!!! I think as long as you're getting a decent number of movements each day, you shouldn't worry but of course call your doctor if you're really concerned. At least we're on to weekly appointments now so hearing that heartbeat more often is very reassuring!

We'll definitely have to start checking in with each other more often--it's getting really close now!!!

Let me know when you're ready to discuss hospital bags! I'm not packed yet...

 

[Dreamer_D]

Kay I really think you should do what makes you feel the most confident and comfortable. Sometimes I think we do not give enough credence to our emotional and psychological state, which in many ways is as important as the physical state we are in. If a mother is extremely apprehensive about vaginal birth (which is normal!), then the worries/fears/anxieties would likely affect the progress of her birth and the whole experience, and could possibly result in extra interventions and c-section anyway! Such apprehension could also have effects after-the-fact. I have a friend who had a vaginal birth even though she was very scared and worried about it, she dreaded it for her entire preganancy, and in the end she found the whole thing so traumatic that I think it contributed to her PPD and affected her bonding with her baby to an extent. She jokes about doing a planned c-section next time, but I really hope she does for her sake. I am definitely not an advocate of unnecessary medical intervention, but I am a big advocate of supporting mothers as best we can. If you are feeling extremely anxious about a vaginal birth, then I think a planned c-section could be a very good option for you. There are complications to a c-section that are not present when delivering vaginally, including *possibly* having a more difficult time establishing breast-feeding or perhaps taking longer to bond with the child (due to the drugs etc), but in some cases those complications are outweighed by other benefits to the mother. Only you know how you really feel, and if you truly in your heart of hearts think that going through labor will not be good for you (and by extension your baby), then don''t feel guilty. The most important thing is that you are healthy, assured, and emotionally ready to care for your child after she is born.

 

[lisa1.01fvs1]

Oh forgot to tell you guys that there is a new adjusted amnio m/c risk profile and it is so good!

1/700 vs. 1/200 of yesterday.

CVS is not far behind this.

 

[sbde]

jas...great birth story! hope you''re enjoying this new time with the babies!

littlelysser...so sorry to hear the news - please stay strong - we can''t wait to see you back here soon!

ivana...welcome to the preggo thread!

lisa...i can tell you - it DOES get better. i was in a nausea/fatigue fog for a good 10wks and i haven''t taken an anti-nausea pill in a week now. just try to get through this time, i hope it gets better for you soon! i don''t think i''ve gotten that *burst* of energy that everyone talks about, because i still tire pretty easily but i''m definitely thrilled to be in the 2nd trimester.

dd...great news on the new course!

curlygirl...i can''t believe you walk 2 miles everyday - that is so awesome!


no real updates from my end...all went well at the dr''s appt. i''m 20 wks tomorrow (yay!) and have gained a total of 7 lbs.

 

[snlee]

dreamer, that is great news! I am jealous you''d be able to take a full year off. I get so sad when I think about leaving my 4-month-old baby at home when I have to return to work.

kay, big props to you for working still. I can''t imagine! My belly looks similar to yours with the stretch marks and linea negra line running from my sternum to the pubic area. My skin looks so tightly stretched and I can''t imagine getting any bigger too! Your DH sounds so sweet. I am glad he''s treating you nicely.

jen, thinking of you and hope you are doing okay.

 

[lover in athens]

hi girls!
quick check in...
drs appt yesterday was good. things are status quo and i don''t seem to be dilating anymore. yay!! snlee, i was kind of thinking i''d be done with the bedrest around 34 weeks too, but talked to ob yesterday, and she said that at that point, i can get up a do a little more, but she really shoots for 36 weeks. UGH UGH UGH. someitmes it seems never-ending.

today, i''m about to blow my brains out! we have all these workmen doing things to the house, and one of them has been jackhammering a pillar all morning. we added a pillar to the backyard to match the stacked stone ones in the front of the house and they applied the wrong stacked stone!! so now they are taking off the old stuff. SUCH a pain. and the dogs are going CRAZY. bedrest today is NOT relaxing!!!!!

anyway, i''m so excited to meet all the soon-to-born little ones! i can''t believe how close you are all getting! curly and janine and kay...i guess you guys are next and then snlee. man, these months have just flown by!!

sbde...congrats on 20 weeks. such a great feeling to be at that 1/2 way point!
dd: AWESOME work news. i''m so happy for you!!
jen: hope you''re ok.
lisa: hang in there. there is a lot of depression in my family, and it can be so debilitating. i think your plan for 2nd tri sounds like a good one if you can hold out, but otherwise, LOTS of people take cat C drugs throughout pregnancy and babies turn out fine... (as you well know!!).
kay: i totally know what you mean on the elective c-section. it''s something that i would def consider, but dh is very against it. i''m pretty tiny through the hips, so i won''t be tooo suprised if i end up needing one though!!
indy: hope you''re feeling good. when will you get the confirmation on the two boys??
nf: hi!! how are you??
jen; hope you''re doing ok!!

xo,
lia (30wks, 2 d)

 

[snlee]

janine, glad to hear you'll be able to work from home soon! You are also amazing for working so close to your DD. I can't imagine! I am having those last minute freak-outs too. If we do decide to DTD, I'm sure my big belly will pose a problem. We have not thought about that...just how long it's been!

Lisa, I am so sorry about the m/s and depression. It sounds worse than bed rest! I hope it's over soon! Hang in there!

kay, I used this to help me create a birth plan.

vaginal delivery vs c-section - I'm definitely trying to do vaginal. I won't do a planned c-section because it's surgery. I didn't attend any classes and am reading the book "Active Birth." Sure, having 20 hours of labor then ending up with a c-section would suck and scares me but having a vaginal delivery is worth a try IMO. I like what curly said about L&D. The unknown part is the worst! I think your mindset is key - keep an open mind and don't think about the pain, fear, or complications.

baby movements - I noticed the movements have slowed down compared to just a week or two ago. At 31 weeks, I'd felt tons of jabs on my right side where you could see his foot popping up (I took a few videos of it). Now I feel lots of wiggling, some kicks on the right or left side of my belly depending on what side he's turned to, some punches down low that sometimes tickles, body parts popping up on the sides like his butt or foot, sometimes movements on the top of my belly, and sometimes a really strong sudden movement, like the baby is starrtled. At around 30 weeks, I started feeling hiccups too. He gets them several times a day now! janine, as long as the baby is active and you feel 10 movements within 2 hours, baby is ok.

 

[snlee]

curly, you are amazing for working so close to your DD, plus taking care of Lily, working out twice a week, AND walking 2 miles a day!! I am tired just thinking about it! Sounds like you are doing well! I plan to pack my hospital bag at 35 weeks. That way I''ll be prepared if anything should happen right away after I''m off bed rest and medicine.

Lisa, yay for the new adjusted amnio m/c risk profile! That is good news!

sbde, congrats on making it to the halfway mark! It''s definitely exciting!

 

[Kay]

Lisa, it sucks you can’t take the anti-depressants. I’ve dealt with mild to moderate depression off and on for years, but hated the drugs so I am stupid and leave it largely untreated. Oddly, pregnancy hormones have been mostly like uppers for me. I am so sorry it is hitting you in the other direction. I did feel a real surge of energy around week 13 when the nausea subsided, and from then until about one month into the third tri I felt great (except for grossly swollen feet and cankles). I’m glad to hear you did not have problems with sagging muscles after the C section. I am such an anal over-planner in general, that I love the idea of knowing exactly when the baby will be born and exactly when it will happen. (And skipping the embarrassment and mess of my water breaking at the office.)

Thank you all for the advice and support re the C section. I am not scared about the earlier stages of labor, as I plan to have an epi as soon as the contractions get bad. Between the drugs and a DVD player, I can get through a long labor if I have to. My real concern is the end, when the baby comes out. I am scared of internal trauma/tearing in the vag canal, tearing and/or an episiotomy at the entrance, and potential incontinence issues. I already have a lot of trouble holding it in when I have to pee (God help me if I laugh), and I worry about that getting worse.

My mom had a fast and relatively easy L&D (less than 10 hours from when she first started feeling contractions at home – she said it would have been faster but she took a nap in the middle of it). It probably helped that I was a small baby – 6 pounds, 4 ounces and 16.5” at full term. I will probably attempt a vag birth for a few hours at least and see how it goes. I just worry that a last minute C section will not go as smoothly as a pre-planned one, and I’ll end up with a worse scar because the Dr. is in a hurry. Isn’t it sad that my only real concerns with a C section all have to do with vanity (scar and not being able to get my stomach flat again with crunches because of muscle damage)?

 

[snlee]

LIA, sorry to hear about the loud workmen and that you''ll have to be on bed rest till 36 weeks! That sucks! Good news that you are not dilating anymore though! Hang in there! I am here to commiserate with you!

Question about pimple creams. I have a big zit that hurts so I''d be lovely if it went away sooner rather than later. I heard salicylic acid is not safe for pregnant women to use. How about benzoyl peroxid? I looked up benzoyl peroxid on safefetus.com and it gave it a C. I wanted to get your opinion. Thanks!

 

[snlee]

Question to those in late pregnancy or have experienced this -

I''ve been feeling sharp, stabbing pain inside my vagina lately. I read it''s normal to have during late pregnancy. I asked my doctor about it yesterday and she also said it''s normal. I just read that it''s probably linked to the cervix starting to dilate, which can happen weeks, days or hours before labor begins. Last time I had an internal exam at 31 weeks, my cervix was soft, 2mm, and fingertip dilated so it makes me nervous that I''m feeling it so early (started around 32 weeks). I want to make it to at least 37 weeks!

Any of you feel this? Do you remember how long before you went into labor? I know it differs for every women but I''m just wondering what your experiences have been like.

 

[Dreamer_D]

snlee Sometime round ligament pain can also cause shooting nerve pains in the cervix, labia, and general genital area. Could it be this? Just wondering... It is a much less worrisome possibility! My midwife laughed when I asked about my lighting-bolt cervix and said it''s a funny side effect of rlp.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 9/4/2008 5:56:25 PM
Author: snlee
Question to those in late pregnancy or have experienced this -

I''ve been feeling sharp, stabbing pain inside my vagina lately. I read it''s normal to have during late pregnancy. I asked my doctor about it yesterday and she also said it''s normal. I just read that it''s probably linked to the cervix starting to dilate, which can happen weeks, days or hours before labor begins. Last time I had an internal exam at 31 weeks, my cervix was soft, 2mm, and fingertip dilated so it makes me nervous that I''m feeling it so early (started around 32 weeks). I want to make it to at least 37 weeks!

Any of you feel this? Do you remember how long before you went into labor? I know it differs for every women but I''m just wondering what your experiences have been like.

First, your question about pimple cream...

I didn''t have many while I was pregnant, but the ones I did have, I didn''t bother with. I just didn''t care to chance it. I didn''t check into what was actually safe, however. But it seems weird to me that a tiny dab could do any damage. *shrug*

I didn''t feel any pains, but I was fingertip dialated for a few weeks and look what happened to me....I couldn''t get to 10. It just stayed there and never budged. You''ll make it!

 

[lover in athens]

hi snlee!!
regarding the pimple creams, i don''t think there is anything wrong with using a little bit of benzoyl peroxide. we actually will even prescribe it in pregnancy! and especially now (3rd trimester) and in one small area, i wouldn''t think twice about it...

and i know what you mean about the sharp vaginal pains. i''ve had a few of those myself (although not for a little while now). i also was worried about possibly meaning dilation, but wasn''t able to find too much info on it. when is your ob planning on checking you again?? have you noticed that the pain is worse after you get up and around at all?? hopefully it''s nothing!

and for what it''s worth, kay, i don''t think there is ANYTHING wrong with a little vanity after delivery!!! i am TOTALLY with you on that. i am also very little and tight "down there" (ahem), and am TERRIFIED about all the tearing, incontinence, etc... of course i know it''s all worth it in the end to have a healthy one, but geez, if there''s a way around it (ie c-section), then what''s so wrong with that???

 

[Kay]

Janine, I am thinking about buying or renting "Laugh and Learn about Childbirth" so I feel more prepared now. If the video is thorough enough, we might cancel the class and save $75 and 12 hours.

Curly, I probably won’t go in with too many specific expectations, since I have no idea what to expect. Oh man, I guess I should start thinking about what to put in a hospital bag.

Dreamer, it sounds like your friend had a tough time of it. I am still weighing my options – I just don’t feel like I have collected enough data yet. Of course, everyone’s experience is different, which is why the decision is so hard – I hate making decisions with inherently inadequate data.

Sbde, yay for a good appointment and making it to the halfway mark!

Snlee, I’m trying to keep working as long as I can. I get 12 weeks of leave, and I want to use as much of it as possible after she is born. Plus, if I can hold off until Oct 6, I won’t have to come back until after the weekend following New Year ’s Day. The end of the year is usually horribly busy for me, and I often only get 1-3 days off for Christmas, if I am lucky. I am looking forward to actually enjoying the holidays this year. Thanks for the birth plan link! I have had good luck dabbing tea tree oil on zits, but I have never checked safety stats. Also, plain old paste toothpaste is supposed to be a good acne remedy, though I’ve never tried it. You can also make a paste out of baking soda and water and let it dry in place.

LIA, it’s great news that you are not dilating any more. We lived through months of remodeling, so I can sympathize. It has to be so rough on you to not be able to get away from it. Hang in there – you will soon have a beautiful home and baby for all your trouble.

 

[Kay]

Ok, this is embarrassing, but being pregnant has literally become a pain in the butt for me. I have had trouble with tail bone pain off and on for a while now. Sometimes it just gets really sore after I have been sitting for a while, and sometimes it happens unexpectedly when I try to sit and I get a shooting pain in hte tailbone as soon as my cheeks start to hit the chair. The last 2 weeks, I have also been getting a different pain in my right cheek. Sometimes when I sit down, there is a very sharp pain like there is a needle deep in my cheek and when I sit down it gets pushed in. It is always in the same spot, so I assume it is some kind of shooting nerve pain. Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[snlee]

Date: 9/4/2008 7:50:42 PM
Author: Kay
Ok, this is embarrassing, but being pregnant has literally become a pain in the butt for me. I have had trouble with tail bone pain off and on for a while now. Sometimes it just gets really sore after I have been sitting for a while, and sometimes it happens unexpectedly when I try to sit and I get a shooting pain in hte tailbone as soon as my cheeks start to hit the chair. The last 2 weeks, I have also been getting a different pain in my right cheek. Sometimes when I sit down, there is a very sharp pain like there is a needle deep in my cheek and when I sit down it gets pushed in. It is always in the same spot, so I assume it is some kind of shooting nerve pain. Has anyone else experienced this?

Does the pain radiate into the back of your leg and low back? It sounds like sciatic pain to me. I''ve had it and it''s no fun! Do you sleep with a pillow between your legs? Try that. It may help.

 

[snlee]

Thanks TGal and LIA for your input. I usually leave my pimples alone but this one hurts! I trust you LIA so I will use a dab of my pimple cream.

LIA, I usually have the sharp pains when I am standing so I guess it's good I've been staying horizontal. Last night I was standing for a minute and it felt like a knife was stabbing me inside.

My doctor didn't seem concerned when I asked her about it so I'll try not to worry. It's just unpleasant!

I don't know when I'll get my next internal exam. I forgot to ask. Maybe at my next appointment at 35 weeks?

kay, be careful with tea tree oil. I used it early on in my pregnancy until I read that pregnant women should avoid it.

 

[Kay]

Date: 9/4/2008 8:02:37 PM
Author: snlee

Date: 9/4/2008 7:50:42 PM
Author: Kay
Ok, this is embarrassing, but being pregnant has literally become a pain in the butt for me. I have had trouble with tail bone pain off and on for a while now. Sometimes it just gets really sore after I have been sitting for a while, and sometimes it happens unexpectedly when I try to sit and I get a shooting pain in hte tailbone as soon as my cheeks start to hit the chair. The last 2 weeks, I have also been getting a different pain in my right cheek. Sometimes when I sit down, there is a very sharp pain like there is a needle deep in my cheek and when I sit down it gets pushed in. It is always in the same spot, so I assume it is some kind of shooting nerve pain. Has anyone else experienced this?

Does the pain radiate into the back of your leg and low back? It sounds like sciatic pain to me. I''ve had it and it''s no fun! Do you sleep with a pillow between your legs? Try that. It may help.

No, the particular pains I was talking about stay localized right in the tail bone or in a very small area of my butt cheek. I do have lower back pain sometimes, but it seems unconnected. I have had terrible problems with cramps in my calves and feet in the middle of the night -- I sometimes wake up screaming. Since I started sleeping with a giant pillow that supports my back and tucks between my knees, the night cramps happen much less often and the back pain is better, but the pains in the a$$ remain.

 

[Kay]

Date: 9/4/2008 8:18:11 PM
Author: snlee
Thanks TGal and LIA for your input. I usually leave my pimples alone but this one hurts! I trust you LIA so I will use a dab of my pimple cream.

LIA, I usually have the sharp pains when I am standing so I guess it''s good I''ve been staying horizontal. Last night I was standing for a minute and it felt like a knife was stabbing me inside.

My doctor didn''t seem concerned when I asked her about it so I''ll try not to worry. It''s just unpleasant!

I don''t know when I''ll get my next internal exam. I forgot to ask. Maybe at my next appointment at 35 weeks?

kay, be careful with tea tree oil. I used it early on in my pregnancy until I read that pregnant women should avoid it.

Hmm, good to know. I have only used it a few times in very small quantities, so I am not worried, but I will avoid it for the rest of the pregnancy. Have you read anything bad about witchhazel?