Calling all the Pregnant PS''ers

[ljmorgan]

Date: 3/12/2009 8:16:03 AM
Author: Sapphire_Cutie

Date: 3/11/2009 7:43:22 PM

Author: *Lindsey*

Saphire I have Federal BCBS ''Standard'' (the higher level PPO, there is a ''Basic'' option as well.) 100% of my maternity care is covered wherever I go, I don''t even have co-pays. I pay a hospital admission fee ($100 or $200, can''t remember) when I have the baby but that''s it. I have not paid for any of my ultrasounds.

Lindsey: My Fiance has put me on his plan. its the Standard Family plan. He already did all the paper work etc and its effective as of this up comming Tues (WERE GETN MARRIED!) So I wasnt sure if they only covered 1 to 3 U/S''s like some companies. So I wanted to make sure. If you dont mind my asking...approx how many have you had done so far? I just want to squeeze in as many as I can get away with lol. And make sure that I dont get screwed by them saying ''oh we only do such a such amount do to insurance coverage'' Any info would be great. THANKS

Sapphire BCBS should cover everything. However, it''s not like you can walk into your OBs office and ask for an ultrasound every time you go in and have them oblige you

Most will due an early U/S to check viability (check to see a heart beat, etc.) and most will offer a neuchal translucency U/S at 12-14 weeks. Then there is a big "anatomy scan" around 18 weeks where you can often find out the baby''s sex and they make sure that everything is right on track. Each doctor''s office is different.

I have had 14 ultrasounds this pregnancy because of medical issues. I now have one a week from now on and they''re all covered. However, that''s because they''re medically necessary. If your doctor''s office offers 3D scans just for fun, I don''t know of any insurance providers that cover that. BCBS will cover medical expenses. I second neatfreak in calling BCBS if you have any questions even though we have the same plan.

 

[peonygirl]

Hey guys, I was just wondering if you experienced any cramping or lower abdominal ache in early pregnancy? It worries me, but I haven''t had any spotting or anything yet.

 

[fieryred33143]

Sticky dust Sunkist

Congratulations

Peony-I had the lower ab pain from about week 5 to week 9. It wasn't painful just very uncomfortable, especially when I tried to go to sleep.

As for preferences (I'm skimming through), I honestly didn't have one. I know what it's like to be a girl

and I feel like I raised 2 boys already (my brothers). The only time I had a preference was when it came to stuff. For nursery, I prefer girl bedding. For clothing, boy. I learned yesterday that I prefer "boy" carseats but "girl" strollers

lol.

We found this baby store that is so awesome. Well, we didn't find it but we had never been in one before. It's called La Ideal Baby Store. The entire back section of the store is dedicated to bedding. They actually painted the walls in different colors and laid out entire nurseries. It was cool to be able to grab a bedding that we liked and put it up against the yellow walls to see what it would look like. And each room had a cherry/light wood crib and a white crib.

He loved this set mostly because we can paint the walls a nice cream color to go with the rest of the apartment. I liked it too but it kind of screams "we're having a baby" to me (and it looks more for boys, right?)

 

[cdt1101]

Peony - I had it a lot the 1st month of pregnancy. For me mainly on my right side. Funny, now that I''m bigger, I still feel most of the round ligament pain in that area on my right. I also feel the baby mainly on my right.....hehehe....weird!

 

[ChinaCat]

Sunkist- Congrats again and WELCOME!

My skin was great on BCP and terrible went I went off. Then when I got preggo it cleared up again. I mean, I have noticed a difference and it''s not perfect, but it''s much clearer than when I went off BCP.

Peony- I didn''t have any cramping at first, but a ton of girls here did. It''s normal, as long as no bleeding or spotting. I did have some weird feelings later that I thought was cramping, but really is just ligaments and uterus stretching. It feels weird! I''m so excited you are joining us!

Fiery- Umm, you ARE having a baby!

I like that bedding- I don''t think it''s screams "boy" at all, especially b/c of all the pastel colors. Maybe you could play up with pale pink accents a bit.

Robbie- Thanks for updating the Preggos in Waiting list!

 

[E B]

fiery- That bedding could totally work for a boy or a girl! Animals are pretty neutral. And I like that it has a bunch of colors so you aren't limited to a strict color scheme.

Last week we were all about painting the nursery, and this week, we're all about NOT painting. I think we're just tired from the move, but paired with the fact that our landlord seems kind of uptight, we may just not paint at all. What am I going to do with a white nursery? Curtains, I guess, and lots of artwork. I'm thinking of hanging some colorful paper lanterns in a corner, maybe above the glider for some added interest. Is anyone else working with a white nursery?

23 weeks today!

ETA: Who has put together a registry? If not, when do you plan to?

 

[ChinaCat]

Ebree- I haven''t decided yet whether we are painting or not. I''m leaning towards it, simply b/c the room we plan to use just seems SO white to me for some reason. Also, I am pretty minimalist, so if I can get color on the walls, then I don''t really have to use a ton elsewhere. But I have been thinking about it, and may stick with white. Some of the bedding and stuff I''ve been looking at has color, so I don''t want blue overload. You can always hang a quilt on the walls, or do a series of framed pictures on the wall to add some color.

As for registering: It still feels early to me (19 weeks on Sunday) but I think I am going to start looking at stuff and try to register by the end of March/beg of April. I was speaking to a friend who is 3 months ahead of me and she told me to do it NOW while I am feeling great and have energy. She is trying to register now (she''s due in May) and she said she''s just so tired it hasn''t been fun. Problem is I am not sure where to start!

 

[mela lu]

Congrats Sunkist!!!!!!!!!!

Peony - mild cramping is normal. Anything really painful with bleeding (Red and flowing) is not normal. The majority of us had some ''version'' of cramping early on. Rest up, try not to worry

my quick update - before I get back to my busy day

Middie appt went well. Baby is still head down, still measuring perfectly. Heartrate is still below 140, so middie is betting on a boy. lol. Who knows.

Mela
29w6d

 

[E B]

Date: 3/12/2009 1:07:44 PM
Author: ChinaCat
Ebree- I haven''t decided yet whether we are painting or not. I''m leaning towards it, simply b/c the room we plan to use just seems SO white to me for some reason. Also, I am pretty minimalist, so if I can get color on the walls, then I don''t really have to use a ton elsewhere. But I have been thinking about it, and may stick with white. Some of the bedding and stuff I''ve been looking at has color, so I don''t want blue overload. You can always hang a quilt on the walls, or do a series of framed pictures on the wall to add some color.


As for registering: It still feels early to me (19 weeks on Sunday) but I think I am going to start looking at stuff and try to register by the end of March/beg of April. I was speaking to a friend who is 3 months ahead of me and she told me to do it NOW while I am feeling great and have energy. She is trying to register now (she''s due in May) and she said she''s just so tired it hasn''t been fun. Problem is I am not sure where to start!

Good idea about the series of photos- I just have to find a series I like! And I kind of want to do a silk dupioni curtain in a soft blue...I wonder if it''d be cheaper to buy them or just have them made.

If you want some help with your registry, check out this awesome thread. It helped me put things down in a word document, so now all I need to do is make a registry!

 

[nycbkgirl]

Sunkist- congrats congrats! Sooo happy for u
My skin was great pre-prego..now I have so many pimples...never had this in my life! I was on yasmin for yrs and skin was nice.

 

[ChinaCat]

Ebree- Thanks for that link! I will definitely check out that thread. One idea for pics is if you had a favorite children''s book or something, I am sure you could find framed prints. I really think if you did a non-white crib, the blue curtains, and added color in your bedding, you could totally get away with the white walls.

For new to medium mamas-to-be: My friend recommended this book that I just got and since I am not naturally organized but really want to be, it''s been helpful. It''s an "essential pregancy organizer" and it''s slim and easy to read. It has a 40 week calendar where you can check off the things you''ve done, it has recommended questions to ask an OB if you are interviewing or a pediatrician or a nanny; it has websites at the back for everything and it has places to record info about your pregnancy. It''s pretty cool. It''s like $20.00 or something.

I got it online at http://www.pregnancyorganizer.com/ if anyone is interested.

 

[phoenixgirl]

peony, I''ve had weird twinges/sensations since the night before I tested (when I was 4 weeks, 2 days) off and on, and I''m 8 weeks today. Only once did it feel like a cramp in the sense that it was alarming and felt wrong. I shifted positions and the feeling subsided. Otherwise it''s kind of a pulsing, an aching, a throbbing, a swollen/gassy feeling . . . sometimes I think little elves are at work in my uterus. It''s perfectly normal to feel "stuff" going on in there, but I admit I wouldn''t know what m/c cramps feel like. Unless (and even if, possibly) I see blood, I''m not going to worry. Otherwise I''d drive myself crazy worrying, and that doesn''t serve any purpose.

I really hope what you''re feeling is just the baby elves at work.

 

[natalina]

Sunkist- not really much change in my skin since preggo. Still okay, a break out here or there once in a while, but not much change yet.

Peony- I had very consistent period-like cramping until about 2 weeks ago (so 8 about weeks). When it went away, I was so used to it that I was convinced something was wrong, which was why I was so anxious to hear the heartbeat Tuesday. I''m sure everything is fine. My doc said as long as there''s no spotting, all is most likely going well.

Fiery- I love that bedding! I think it''s great for a boy or girl! I saved the website b/c it looks like it has lots of goodies!

Ebree- I think white walls would be fine. We are planning on painting, but a very neutral "cappucino" color that we have in a lot of our house. If we do much color, it will be in the bedding and accessories, but I''m really liking the idea of a very organic tonal nursery. I like the idea of hanging a quilt or pics for color.

Okay, guys! I''m a nut! I had a Gap friends and family coupon for 30% off so I ordered our carseat

. DH is going to kill me! I figure, there''s a 45 day return policy, so if something goes wrong or if he really gets upset, I can always send it back. It''s the Maxi-Cosi Mico in phantom (black). List price is $170 so I got it for $119 with free shipping. Was this a bad idea? Can you think of any reason I should cancel the order? Give it to me straight, I can handle it

.

10 weeks today!

 

[ljmorgan]

Date: 3/12/2009 5:16:43 PM

Okay, guys! I''m a nut! I had a Gap friends and family coupon for 30% off so I ordered our carseat

. DH is going to kill me! I figure, there''s a 45 day return policy, so if something goes wrong or if he really gets upset, I can always send it back. It''s the Maxi-Cosi Mico in phantom (black). List price is $170 so I got it for $119 with free shipping. Was this a bad idea? Can you think of any reason I should cancel the order? Give it to me straight, I can handle it

.

10 weeks today!

Natalina, if you''re pretty sure that''s the car seat that you want, I think that you''re fine. I also bought my Maxi Cosi car seat from Gap''s website in December when they had a sale and I had a gift card. Do you know what stroller you''re getting? Maxi Cosi has superior safety ratings, but the brand is not as popular in the US because it''s not as compatible with many strollers here. I actually have a Bugaboo which does have adapters for the Maxi Cosi Mico. I know that a lot of parents swear by having a stroller that you can snap the car seat into, but I''ve read articles and even got a sheet in the welcome kit from my pediatrician saying that a full recline is best. So for us it''s not an issue at all, and I love the safety of the Maxi Cosi.

 

[Blenheim]

Drive by post, sorry.

Natalina, I''m in A2 so not toooo far away. Cool!

Sunkist - congrats again!

I registered at like 18 weeks, but we also had a family shower really really early at 20.5 weeks.

I feel like I''ve hit a wall. I''m just so tired and sore and swollen and hot. As of two days ago, I felt 90% fine and was wondering if/when the end of pregnancy miserableness would happen. And then I about smacked a woman at work today for looking at me and then turning and loudly telling her friend, "I should get pregnant so that I can get some time off work!" I asked her if she wanted my swollen ankles and sore hips too.

We have newborn care class tonight, which I really want to take, but I also really want to sleep and sleep and sleep.

36 weeks today

 

[Dreamer_D]

Blenheimhang in there, it isn''t much longer! I wish I could tell you that it will get better again, but the last 4 weeks are just plain ol''tough for everyone I think. It''s nature''s way of forcing every woman, no matter how scared or nervous, to be READY to birth that baby! LOL!

 

[Mrs]

Hi ladies! I hope you’re all well today!

Nothing new to report on my end except that I have gotten much more comfortable with the idea of the Cesarean birth next week. And I’ve been realizing that I am very fortunate in some respects that this baby has been breech for so long: since her head is up on my right side and not pressing down below, I really haven’t had to pee non-stop like I know many women do at this stage in the pregnancy. So too, without that pressure, it doesn’t feel like I’m walking around with a bowling ball between my legs which is another uncomfortable sensation that I understand most women get towards the end. Also, I’ve very little sciatic nerve pain. So I’m able to work right up until the end which means that all the time I get off for work will be spent with the baby which is such a blessing!

Anyway, Monday is fast approaching and I’m very excited. DH is getting nervous about the surgery since he has gotten a little squeamish when we’ve seen c-sections on TV shows. He’s also worried about dropping the baby… He’s looking forward to bringing her home though and I know he’ll do just fine in the hospital!

I can’t believe tomorrow is my last day of work! Any ideas regarding how DH and I should spend our last weekend as non-parents??

Blen – you’re soooo close! I know these last few weeks are no fun but it will all be worth it in the end! Virginia Juliet is a great name – I think I like Juliet the best in terms of middle names for your baby (if she’s a girl!). And congrats on your DH’s job offer! That’s great news!!

nycb – I’m sorry you’re in such pain! I hope it’s gotten better! As for your hard belly – mine gets hard on a very regular basis with BH contractions.

Pandora – I can’t believe you’re already at 30 weeks! Very exciting! I feel like one middle name is better than two but Xanthe is a beautiful name and it will sound great however you choose to use it.

Sabine – Congrats on the fun shopping spree you had last weekend!

Mela – Luna is such a pretty name – I love it. We wanted to go with a unique name too. I’m glad your middie apt went well!

Mandarine – congrats on the twins!!! I am a twin myself and have an amazing relationship with my twin brother. I can only imagine how scary it would be to be pregnant with twins but it’s an incredible blessing! I hope that all progresses well!

EBree – Henry is a great name! We have a white nursery and don’t plan to paint since we’re renting. We honestly haven’t done anything in terms of decorating but I’m sure you can find ways to make a white nursery beautiful. Perhaps you could look into those removable wall stickers / decals to liven up the room?

cdt – sorry you’re struggling with names for the little one – we struggled too. You’ve got time to figure it out! Your story about fighting with your bro had me cracking up since me and my bro did the same thing! We were awful with one another!

Robbie – you look great in that dress (now and then)! Don’t worry about the weight gain right now. I’ve put on 50+ pounds since my wedding and 10-15 of those have nothing to do with the baby!

Fiery – sorry you were feeling kinda crabby the other day – I was very irritable last night myself. It stinks when you know you’re just peeved because of the hormones.

SoCal – How are you doing?

Peony – I’m still sending sticky vibes! I hope you’re well! Sorry you had to tell your lab profs so soon. I think you can be vague with your classmates and not worry about it since you probably wont even be showing by the time your class ends. As others have said, cramps are normal early on in pregnancy so try not to worry about it!

Phoenix – I’m glad the Zofran is helping with your M/S!!!

Natalina – I’m glad you were able to hear the HB at your last appointment!! And congrats on the car seat purchase.

Sunkist – congrats on the BFP!!! Sticky dust comin your way! My skin was great before pregnancy (when I was on the pill) and was fine when I went off the pill but it’s been a mess since I got pregnant.

China – Congrats on finding out you’re having a boy!! I like the names you’re considering! I hope the house inspection went well!

Lindsey – I hope you’re feeling well!

Sapphire – good luck figuring out your insurance stuff.

Courtney – you still around? How are you??

DD – I loved your story about Hunter’s delivery and forgetting to ask what gender he is! Too funny!
Everyone else:

Mrs
38 weeks, 6 days

 

[so cal girl]

Mrs - Thanks for asking about me. It must be so nice to know you will be having your little on soon!

Well, I am officially 12 weeks today, so I guess I can stop lurking and actually start contributing. I still don''t really feel pregnant, other than some weight gain, so I guess I have been hesitant to tell people and talk about it. We did have an ultrasound last week, though, and we could see the baby moving around in there. It made it a lot more real!

I dragged DH to Babies R Us last weekend so that he could actually understand what some of the baby stuff is. It was an experience, to say the least! We have started talking about names, so that is starting to make me excited.

Good luck to all of you soon to mommies who are near the end (Mrs and Blen). It must be so exciting to know that your little ones will be here soon. It still seems so far away for me, which it is, but I''m wondering if the time will just fly by.

 

[Blenheim]

So evidently today is the last day that we can withdraw from the class and still get our money refunded. The actual class itself is next Thursday. Yay us.

And thanks for all of the name feedback - it really does help.

DD - LOL! I''ve told baby that it needs to stay in until Saturday (I''m having a massage) and then it come out any time it feels like. Although I suppose that I should hope for it to be after 37 so it''s at least full term, but I really don''t expect it to decide to come sooner than that.

Mrs- I can''t believe it''s basically time for you! I''d go to a nice dinner out. And do a last minute cleaning of the house, laundry, grocery shopping, doing your taxes if you haven''t already, etc.

So Cal - congrats on 12 weeks! That''s a big milestone. And the time really does just fly by. I can''t believe that I''m as far as I am.

Robbie - you look amazing.

Pandora - I agree with everyone else who said that Daisy Pandora Xanthe flows better.

Ebree - I LOVE Henry!

 

[peonygirl]

Oh my gosh, this thread is going so fast I can hardly keep up! Thanks SO much for all the reassurances about the transient achiness. I didn't have any cramping with my miscarriage so I'm too worried, or at least trying not to be. My 6 week appointment is March 27th.

Just for fun, I took this picture this morning. I'm so happy with how my tests are looking because last time they were incredibly light and never got any darker.

P.S. China, you're having a boy! Yay, I guessed right on that one!

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 3/12/2009 9:04:47 PM
Author: peonygirl
Oh my gosh, this thread is going so fast I can hardly keep up! Thanks SO much for all the reassurances about the transient achiness. I didn''t have any cramping with my miscarriage so I''m too worried, or at least trying not to be. My 6 week appointment is March 27th.

Just for fun, I took this picture this morning. I''m so happy with how my tests are looking because last time they were incredibly light and never got any darker.

P.S. China, you''re having a boy! Yay, I guessed right on that one!

That''s the cutest pic ever peony!!!

Congrats SoCal!!

Blen, it''s your time next week. I''d go out for a romantic dinner. That''s what we did, before my C section although I didn''t know at the time, I was going to have one. Get everything in order, but go have a nice dinner for sure...

 

[Dreamer_D]

Peony Only 3 more days and then you are in the clear for early m/c

THEN hopefully you can really breath a sigh of relief! I know I felt much better when I hit that mark...

 

[qtiekiki]

Congrats Peonygirl!!! Sticky dust to you too.

I should stop reading this thread... give me the itch.

 

[sunkist]

Thanks Fiery, China, Mela, NYCBK, Blen, and Mrs!

And thanks for all the sticky dust too!

Peony I have small crampies too. They come and go. Oh! and yesterday I was changing my clothes and I looked down and my tummy was all bloated!! It''s never like that. I couldn''t suck it back in either! I was thinking, man that happened fast! But it went away. It just feels like things are starting to change down there. Weird!

Thanks for all the comments on skin breakouts and stuff too. I guess it can go either way. I hoping my skin clears up like on BCP, cause TTC was not a pretty time for my complexion.

 

[cdt1101]

Hey ladies! Happy Friday!!

Blen - sorry to hear you''re feeling uncomfortable!! But the end is near!!!

Mrs - Good luck Monday!!! Can''t wait to see pics of your little lady!

So Cal - congrats on 12 weeks! I was so relieved once I got to that point! Enjoy the next 28

We have our 3D u/s tomorrow afternoon! Can''t wait! I''ll post pics sometimes this weekend. I hope the baby is facing front, last u/s he was facing my back so we didn''t see much of his face. We''ll see!!

Here''s my Friday belly shot pic!!

26w1d!!! I start the 3rd tri next week!! WOOHOO!!!

 

[swimmer]

Hi, there is so much info here! Still catching up

but wanted to say "Hi." I''m only 19dpo, but so far so good.

Reading back pages and learning your stories is just heartening and inspirational. Makes me feel like this is possible. best, swimmer

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Mamas to be, please look here if you have any Infantino infant toys.

 

[fieryred33143]

China-LOL. Alright fine. I am having a baby

Ebree-I like the idea of wall decor, especially cute decals. Do you know what color crib you will be buying? I haven''t put together a registry yet. It''s too overwhelming. Every time I think about something to add, I start doing research and feel lost. I was going to add a carseat yesterday since we know we''re getting Chicco Keyfit. I was very proud of us for choosing a carseat...but then what style? Do I want neutral? Do I want girly? LOL And let me tell you...the other day I was looking at bottles, I figured I could start with something "easy." Yeah, bottles I''m leaving for last

Mela-You''re 30 weeks

Time flies. I kind of feel like you are having a girl. Maybe its because you remind me of sunny, happy places.

Natalina-The store is pretty great. I had never been in since it was in a part of Miami that I do not like going to. But they opened up a store right by my house and since we were searching for carseats, we popped in. I''m going to take photos of the various nursery ideas they have and share with you guys. I''ll probably go tomorrow. I say keep the carseat. I got a new bassinet (as a gift from a coworker) when I was about 8 or 10 weeks. It felt kind of weird accepting so early but I just put it away and forgot about it. I''m really glad I took it (she had offered it to me first before offering to a friend).

Blen-I''m sorry you are feeling so achy. But wow 36 weeks. I can''t wait to meet your baby

Mrs-I''m so glad to hear you are feeling better about the c-section!!! So wait...it''s this Monday??? I don''t know if you''ll be on this weekend at all but I wish you all the best. I''ll be thinking of you guys!

Socal-Yay 12 weeks

Peony-Your tests look great!!

CDT-You look wonderful as usual

Enjoy your 3D u/s tomorrow! I need to schedule mine.

Swimmer-Welcome

Tacori-Thanks for the info. T is looking sooooooo beautiful. I love her hat

~~~~

Nothing exciting over here. I got a little paranoid yesterday because I hadn''t felt her kick all day so when I got home I drank fruit punch and laid on my tummy. Not one minute later she was kicking away. Then she wouldn''t stop...all night. I pictured her thinking you want me to kick you, fine. Take that and that! If I could pick out a patter now so early I would say that during the day she''s very quiet and at night she''s very active. I really, really hope this isn''t a habit LOL Oh and I think she switched positions. She was on my left side when we went to our appointment 2 weeks ago. Last night while feeling her kicks, I noticed that my left side didn''t feel as hard anymore but the bottom of my tummy did. I wonder if that''s where she is now.

23 weeks tomorrow!

 

[cdt1101]

Fiery - you look great!!

As for registering...we did it early. Like when I was 16 weeks...hehehe.....I''m an uber planner by nature and just had to get it done. Our nursery is already painted too

I''m psycho like that!! hehehe.....

We definitely started w/ the big items first because it seemed easier. We chose our stroller first, then car seat because I wanted to make sure the car seat would snap in. So we decided on the City Mini Jogger w/ the Graco car seat.

And Fiery I agree bottles were overwhelming!! I''m hoping to breastfeed, but still registered for some bottles because I figured I''d need them regardless. We went w/ Born Free.

 

[Pandora II]

Hi all,

Have gone to stay with the ''rents for the weekend, so no belly shots I''m afraid - plus have still lost the cable to download from my camera. According to my mother I''m tiny - which since I have been feeling HUGE made me feel rather better.

Saw the midwife and the neonatologist yesterday...

Midwife was very happy with size, heartbeat etc and we sorted out most of my birthplan: mine is very short: If I ask for analgesia I want it now not in three hours, otherwise you can all do what you feel is best but please explain everything beforehand. Please write on my notes in big letters NO NAXOLONE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES so no-one gives that to the baby after birth by mistake (they give it if the mother has opiates during labour to reverse it in the baby after birth, but if you give it to an opiate dependant baby they will have seizures). I have to definitely go to the Hospital Unit but they may be able to sort out something if I''d like to try a water birth - really nice of them as it''s not normally an option there.

Then I spent an hour with the neonatologist who was lovely and did everything possible not to make me feel bad or guilty. I have to stay a minimum of 7 days in hospital after the birth (even with a c-section you normally escape after 3) which isn''t exactly joyful news, but at least I have a definite minimum now and we can try and rearrange DH''s paternity leave to start when I get out.

He went through all the potential problems, worse case scenarios and treatments which was very reassuring and they won''t send the baby to NICU unless there are very severe problems. If she''s having bad withdrawal they will put her on Oramorph - oral morphine - and as long as she is stabilised I can take her home and do the weaning off myself with their help.

Feel a lot happier and more confident about things now I''ve seen them.