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Calling all the Pregnant PS''ers

Hm, that''s interesting.
It seems I am very vunerable to the flu when I am pregnant - and it really hits me really, really hard.
However, I did have a shot earlier this year, so I guess I''m covered.
Nonetheless, I will wait and watch the reponses to your question with interest!
Did you say you are a nurse? Surely a few of your workmates would have an opinion on this?
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Pandora, did you say you were still to have your first ultrasound?
Take the tissues!!
You may well find that the experience of observing your child will change your feelings about the pregnancy.

Also, don''t be concerned about your mixed feelings about pregnancy. To be honest, I was quite surprised at the lengths my body required me to go, just to grow and produce a baby! Sometimes it seemed like an imposition! You do grow into ''mother''s love'', it doesn''t ''just happen''. Well, it does... but nature gives you plenty of time, it gets stronger over time. Just like falling in love!

Labour is kinda interesting. Working with the labour contractions is interesting. Pushing the baby out is - OMG - interesting! For the first three weeks afterwards you are walking around wondering why it''s not on the news every night, but it''s all kinda cool.

It''s a big event, even a ''war survival story'', in a way. It''s confronting, but makes you feel good that you can do something so amazing. Once the feelings start it''s an incredible roller coaster ride - an adventure! If your mum is telling you to hold off the drugs, it may be because of these feelings she has about your own birth. The main thing is to have confidence in your own ability to control your response to the cramping feelings. Stay on top - it takes concentration.

Although when I saw a woman on a TV documentary, having a baby with an epidural - I felt ANGRY! Because she looked sooooooo comfortable. So there is that.
but there is an increased risk of having a caesar if you have an epi and then your contractions are weak. Mine were weak. If I had taken an epi, I would have had a caesar because I took so flecking long. Ask your doctor about it.

I might be having a caesar this time, because my second baby stopped breathing at the moment of birth, being a bit stuck. (he''s fine) I have mixed feeligns about a caesar, we have to monitor this baby''s growth. But, yes, all sorts of thoughts do flash through your mind when the big (crowning!) moment comes! Like: ''I want a caesar'' haha and then it''s all over.

they reckon natural birth helps with bonding with your baby. I reckon! It''s an awesome little adventure you have between the two of you. And your man, too. Mine was very helpful.

Ultimately, at that last moment, your body says this to your personality: ''just get out of the way''. So, there''s no arguing at that point!! It really is like sh*ing a watermelon at that last moment. That was surprise to me, I thought surely not with ''bottom'' muscles. But at the last moment, yes.
You probably already know all this.
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It is heartening to hear you have genetics where the women are strong as oxes and give birth without problems. That is good for you to know!

I would take a moment to write a birth plan - just a list of wants and do-not-wants, just for yourself to refer to, and, if you are lucky, for your delivering doctor and nursing staff to also have to hand. Helps with the little things, like negotiating episiotomies, stuff like that. But don''t be surprised if things don''t go to your plan, you have to be flexible, and the safety of the baby must always come first.

Sorry if this is not helpful for you.
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Thank you all for your lovely comments and helpful advice. I''m going to trust you all on the birth thing - I''m prepared to be very flexible when the time comes as far as interventions and caesars etc, but the antenatal class people round here are VERY pro-natural birth and home births and I''ve heard can be rather aggressive and disparaging to people who just want a safe, pain-free as possible birth.

I went to see my GP this morning which was wonderful. He is so nice.

The long and short of it was that he is unhappy about my m/s and about my mood being so volatile.

He''s also very keen for me to cut my Lamotrigine down again if I can for the next 7 weeks. The main defect it can increase the risk of is cleft palate and as that is around now that it starts forming he wants me to do my best to avoid. I''m going to have another go and if things really are bad we will do one day at 25mg and next day at 50mg.

I discussed my having the private scan and he thought it was a brilliant idea and would totally do the same.

He has signed me off work for 10 days and given me a Rx for some promethazine. I''ve taken one and think I might feel a little bit less queasy - but very sleepy. He wanted to sign me off till I''m 14 weeks, but I didn''t think I''d be popular with work if I then disappeared.
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It meant I had to tell work today - who have all been very nice and good about it.

My psychiatrist called today and I now have an appointment on the 10th October rather than end of November. Hooray.

DH and I are trying to buy a new house (has been going on for 3 months now) and it''s been pretty stressful. I found out yesterday that the house next door - which is identical in every way except that it has a brand-new kitchen and ours would need replacing - is now on the market for $50k less than we offered on ours
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, it was $40k more when we put our offer in so it''s dropped $90k in 3 months. We can''t afford to take a hit like that on our equity - so we will have to hit the vendors with a new much lower offer the day we exchange - which must be the 8th October as our mortgage offer expires then and in the current climate the bank won''t extend. I HATE these kinds of situations. Right now I would say it''s about 80% certain that the deal will fall through...
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Oh, and did I mention that our lawyer is useless and driving me up the wall.

On the up side, if it does fall through I don''t have to change doctors...

Best of all DH is home and is looking after me. Yay!
 
Flu shots are actually recommended throughout the entire pregnancy according to the CDC.

I had 2 shots while preggo last time.

Thanks Indy for the detailed data and Blen too! (BTW was the specialist in CA? Pasadena to be exact? or Florida? Just curious I''ve heard of those 2 laser ablation guys)

I like using the 13.3 number as well.
 
Thanks Lisa!
I did read that on the CDC''s website. I''m just not sure I believe them. They also claim that thimerosal is fine but now individual states are banning it.

Pandora I''m glad you are feeling a tiny bit less queazy! That house situation sounds stressful for sure. Hopefully it will all work out for you!
 
oh pandora all of this is too stressful for sure. I''m really happy to hear that you have gotten on a path to feeling less queasy and that you can take some time off work to feel better and focus on you. That is a relief at least. hang in there...
 
Greetings from the doctor''s office (aka, my home away from home)! Hurray for wi-fi.

Blen, about your clothing traumas, have you got a bella band? Some folks don''t like ''em, but I use mine nearly every day and LOVE it. Basically, it holds your too-loose maternity bottoms up and even better, you can use it with unzipped regular bottoms to convert them into maternity bottoms. That should solve your in-between issues, if you find them comfy. I think it''s just bellabands.com

Lara, So sorry to hear about the c-section... maybe you should get a second opinion? Do all docs insist on a planned c-section in your situation? Re your comment to Pandora...I wonder if I''m a freak. I''ve heard this from so many people, that they fall in love with their embryo. But I didn''t find the ultrasounds - any of the...10? that I''ve had to be "moving" sentimental at ALL. More scientifically interesting. To me, the blastocyst was a bundle of cells, the embryo was a more interesting bundle of cells, and the fetus is a fetus. It was only at about 13 weeks when I first felt my uterus that I started to feel a real emotional connection to the proto-babies. Maybe it''s just a protective mechanism? But even before I knew it was dangerous twins, I couldn''t bring myself to be all "Awwww! Look honey! Our fetal pole! Isn''t it cute?"

OK, probably I am freak!

Pandora, funny, childbirth doesn''t scare me any more at all. All the doctors and machines freak me out a bit, but the actual birth seems like peanuts, worry-wise, compared to this pregnoidcy stuff.
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Tiffany, I''d take your doctor''s advice on this one. The flu may be WAY more likely to kill your baby than thimerosol, in which case, it would be nuts to worry about the thimerosol at the expense of protecting against the flu. I''m pretty sure you can insist on getting the shot without thimerosol. Also, it''s important to make sure you get the shot and NOT the nasal mist, as the nasal thingy has live virus. But ask your doctor about all this.

And re states banning it. Often, a legislature will ban something by popular demand even if it''s totally unscientific and irrational. They just bow to public pressure. So that doesn''t necessarily mean anything.

Lisa, there is someone in CA who does the laser surgery, but this guy who invented it is in the midwest. I think there are now about 6 or 7 places that do the laser surgery, including one about 90 minutes drive from here. But hopefully I won''t have to make use of it!

OK, where is that doctor?!
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I''m on contraction #6 since I got here.
 
Greetings from the doctor's office (aka, my home away from home)! Hurray for wi-fi.

Blen, about your clothing traumas, have you got a bella band? Some folks don't like 'em, but I use mine nearly every day and LOVE it. Basically, it holds your too-loose maternity bottoms up and even better, you can use it with unzipped regular bottoms to convert them into maternity bottoms. That should solve your in-between issues, if you find them comfy. I think it's just bellabands.com

Lara, So sorry to hear about the c-section... maybe you should get a second opinion? Do all docs insist on a planned c-section in your situation? Re your comment to Pandora...I wonder if I'm a freak. I've heard this from so many people, that they fall in love with their embryo. But I didn't find the ultrasounds I've had to be "moving" or sentimental at ALL. More scientifically interesting. To me, my blastocyst was a bundle of cells, the embryo was a more interesting bundle of cells, and the fetus is a fetus. It was only at about 13 weeks when I first felt my uterus that I started to feel a real emotional connection to the proto-babies. Maybe it's just a protective mechanism? But even before I knew it was dangerous twins, I couldn't bring myself to be all "Awwww! Look honey! Our fetal pole! Isn't it cute?"

OK, probably I am freak!

Pandora, funny, childbirth doesn't scare me any more at all. All the doctors and machines freak me out a bit, but the actual birth seems like peanuts, worry-wise, compared to this pregnoidcy stuff.
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Tiffany, I'd take your doctor's advice on this one. The flu may be WAY more likely to kill your baby than thimerosol, in which case, it would be nuts to worry about the thimerosol at the expense of protecting against the flu. I'm pretty sure you can insist on getting the shot without thimerosol. Also, it's important to make sure you get the shot and NOT the nasal mist, as the nasal thingy has live virus. But ask your doctor about all this.

And re states banning it. Often, a legislature will ban something by popular demand even if it's totally unscientific and irrational. They just bow to public pressure. So that doesn't necessarily mean anything.

Lisa, there is someone in CA who does the laser surgery, but this guy who invented it is in the midwest. I think there are now about 6 or 7 places that do the laser surgery, including one about 90 minutes drive from here. But hopefully I won't have to make use of it!

OK, where is that doctor?!
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I'm on contraction #6 since I got here.
 
I second the Bella Band. I bought one because of my bloat - and it''s been great at hiding my undone top button
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Well, I''m back in the waiting room waiting for a higher resolution u/s to make sure nothing else is going wrong. But my cervix is now 5mm. My understanding is that anything under 20 is a problem. At 19 weeks... i dunno. So needless to say, it''s bedrest for me. And progesterone. I don''t think these kiddos are gonna make it.
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Oh ladies, I am such a drama queen! This pregnancy has been so crazy, and usually I NEVER health any health problems, I never get sick!

This morning I went to work, sat down to check my e-mail, and felt my heart flutter, I got dizzy, then I could feel my heart pounding away. FAST. Luckily we have a health clinic at my job (a real one, not a place to get bandaids) so I went downstairs thinking I just needed to lie down for a minute, that maybe I needed to relax. So I went downstairs to check in, and a nurse there felt for my pulse. She agreed that it was very fast (she couldn''t even time it) so she took me to a room right away and hooked me up to an EKG. Well my heart was pounding away all right -- at 216 bpm!! I freaked out. They hooked me up with oxygen, and told me I was having supraventricular tachycardia. I can''t remember exactly how to explain it, but that somehow your heart goes off beat, and is doubling back, so it beats very, very quickly. They tried some maneuvers to make it stop, then called an ambulance for me. While we waited it stopped on its own, but was still about 120 bpm. Since I''m preggo they didn''t want to take any chances, and sent me to the hospital anyway. At the hospital they kept me hooked up to the EKG, gave me IV fluids, did some tests, etc. They released me a few hours ago and I''m home now in bed. It was all very scary! They told me that anything can cause it, that it could be pregnancy hormones or stress, etc.

So now I''m kicking back in bed, eating a donut, and watching Dr. Phil. No going back to work for me today, but they said that I can go back tomorrow if I want. It''s not like I have a stressful job or anything, so I have no clue what happened. But hopefully it won''t happen again. I swear, things have been so crazy lately! I hope everyone is doing well, I''m exhausted...
 
Date: 10/1/2008 3:11:11 PM
Author: Independent Gal
Well, I''m back in the waiting room waiting for a higher resolution u/s to make sure nothing else is going wrong. But my cervix is now 5mm. My understanding is that anything under 20 is a problem. At 19 weeks... i dunno. So needless to say, it''s bedrest for me. And progesterone. I don''t think these kiddos are gonna make it.
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oh Indy! oh my god. what do you mean you don''t think these kiddos are gonna make it? Did the Dr say that? My heart is pounding for you....

...in related news...


Lindsey - very scary about your pounding heart. um, maybe take the day off tomorrow for extra caution.

Man oh Man, it''s like an episode of ER in here!
 
Date: 10/1/2008 3:11:11 PM
Author: Independent Gal
Well, I''m back in the waiting room waiting for a higher resolution u/s to make sure nothing else is going wrong. But my cervix is now 5mm. My understanding is that anything under 20 is a problem. At 19 weeks... i dunno. So needless to say, it''s bedrest for me. And progesterone. I don''t think these kiddos are gonna make it.
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I''ll be keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you, honey.
 
Indy what''s going on gal? Sending lots of prayers your way
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.....I''m speechless over here.
I keep refreshing for more info. Indy?
 
Indy, you and the cubs are in my thoughts and prayers. Be strong!
 
Indy, stay strong and positive...I know it''s hard...I''ll stay positive for you. HUGS and let us know if/when you want.
 
What in the world is goin on here ladies!?! Im devastated here thinkin pregnancy is such a beautiful natural thing and kinda lookin forward to it...and then I read these horror stories!...just so upsetting what goes on..

Indy- u better update asap freaked out by ur last comment...u probably just need to be on bedrest til due date!

Linds- so freaky and strange what happened..well I hope its nothing serious and doesn''t happen on the regular!

Be strong ladies!
 
Indy -- I''m here (thanks for asking about me!) -- what the heck is going on with you??! There''s SOO much they can do for you and the cubs, so I''m a bit nervous since you know that and are sounding panicked anyway!! (((hugs))) please update us ASAP!!

I''ll wait to catch up until after we hear from you...

jen
35 weeks
still preggo
 
oh phew - glad to see you''re okay jen
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and I agree. Let''s not jump to any conclusions until we get all the facts.

I''m being strong for you too Indy!
 
Lindsey -- sorry I missed your post -- sending heart-strong healthy vibes to you, too!
 
Indy,
I am praying for you and the cubs. I hope the docs get this under control soon.
 
Date: 10/1/2008 3:11:11 PM
Author: Independent Gal
Well, I''m back in the waiting room waiting for a higher resolution u/s to make sure nothing else is going wrong. But my cervix is now 5mm. My understanding is that anything under 20 is a problem. At 19 weeks... i dunno. So needless to say, it''s bedrest for me. And progesterone. I don''t think these kiddos are gonna make it.
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Click to expand...
OMG Indy - check in as soon as you can.

Keep thinking positive - I''m sure you''ll all make it.
 
Date: 10/1/2008 4:44:30 PM
Author: Kaleigh
Indy,

I am praying for you and the cubs. I hope the docs get this under control soon.
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ditto!!
 
indy: omg i hope everything is ok - please take care of yourself and let us know how it goes. you and the cubbies are in my thoughts and prayers!
 
Indy please keep us posted and I am sending all my best vibes your way. Modern technilogy is great and I am optimistic about the outcomes!

Lindsey I had the SAME experience when I was around 20. This is what happened... I had a little skip-beat thing like you (I get them fairly often, it is common, they called it a "lazy left venticle"
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) and then that worried me so much I tensed up and had what I believe to be a panic attack. I think if you focus on your heart doing odd things it actually stresses you out and makes us skip some more beats. So that anxious feeling could have excalated it. Now if I feel it I just breath deeply and relax and it goes back to regular beats almost immediately. But I firmly believe that if you get anxiuos it will set it off into a panic/escalating effect. So if you have it again, try to relax and breath and it will clear up!
 
Indy We''re all here for you girl. I am sure we are all glued here waiting to hear that you and the cubs are ok. I''m so sorry that you are having such a rough time.
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Indy, I am so sorry to hear. My heart aches for you. I am thinking of you and the cubs. Please update us when you can. Stay positive!

Lindsey, I am glad things are under control now and you are home resting. Take good care of yourself. Thinking of you and baby.
 
Indy- I am thinking of you. I hope both you and the cubs are safe.
Lindsey-Glad they got the SVT under control.
 
Indy, I''m so sorry. Have you learned anything new about what''s going on? I have my fingers crossed for you guys.

Thanks for the Bella Band suggestion, but they keep riding up and I can''t get them to stay covering my pants. Plus the unbuttoned flap of my pants istarts to irritate me for some reason.

Lindsey, that sounds scary. Glad to hear you''re doing okay now.

And thanks, everyone, for the kind words re: my body. Exercising yesterday evening helped, as did wearing mat pants today (even though I had to keep pulling them up) - I felt less sausage-like.

Has Erica been on lately?
 
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