Calling all the Pregnant PS''ers

[ellaila]

Glad your daughter is doing OK, MrsS! That must''ve been so frightening -- I can''t even imagine ... Sounds like you kept a cool head though and did everything right though, so good for you! I don''t even know what croup is? I''ve heard the name before but really don''t know anything about it.

Tacori, WOW, your countdown is on, girl!! How exciting is that?! This week we went from the three-digit countdown (100 days to go) to two-digit (we''re 90-something days away now -- from the official due date, that is)

OK, not much else to add really! Hope you all are having a good weekend ...

 

[njc]

MrsS - Wow... that is some excitement. Glad DD is okay and even better that she had a pleasent experience at the hospital! Gah... you make me scared though talking about how you remembered the sound of croup from when Lily was little... am I going to know what this sounds like!?

Tacori - almost full term!

Ella - I remember getting under 100... doesnt seem that long ago! Keep those babies in there!!!

I got nuttin' going on here!

We went to a huge kids consignment sale this morning and picked up a boucey seat and swing for $20, so that was pretty cool! Watched DH lay down cement block to edge out our flower beds in the front yard... he refused to let me help. Really uneventful day! Oh well, I am content waiting... trying to rest up while I can.

3 days to go?

 

[mrssalvo]

njc, you''re so close, it will be soon, hang in there!! as for the croup...it''s mostly described as having a seal like barking sound, the breathing can also have what they call a *stridor* which sounds like a whistle or that something is caught in their throat when breathing in and out, apparently the vocalcords swell making the noise and difficulty breathing. When Lily had it I never knew what croup sounded like but her sound/breathing difficulty was different than any cold/cough i''d ever heard so I knew something wasn''t right. the nurses asked for me to hold up the phone so they could hear the breathing and both times were able to tell it was croup just by hearing it over the phone. the moist air steam/cool air worked with Lily though and we never went to the hospital, just paid a visit to her dr. in the morning.

 

[divergrrl]

Mrs S: Scary! I''m so glad to know she''s ok......

NJC: You in labor yet?

will post more later.............i''ve been napping aTON! D is up every 3 hours at nite.....lol........

i''ve been dropping lbs at a crazy rate....22 so far! 7 to go! but i sweat all nite...soooooooooooo gross. if u dont gave a waterproof cover on your mattress, get one! my duvet stinks now too....my stepmom is washing it 4 me tody...

typing w/ 1 hand...........

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Just checking in ladies...

njc, you are SOOOO close! I bet you can''t stand it. How fun you got some awesome deals. Are you bags all packed?

diver, you sound happy! I am encouraged by your multiple naps (I know I am losing the long stretch but hey, lots of little ones equal a night''s sleep right?) Who am I kidding I haven''t had a good night''s sleep since I was 6 weeks preggo

That is awesome your weight is falling off you. I can ONLY hope for the same results! My family is all shocked by how large my belly is now *shrug*

What do you guys feel about those sign companies? I thought about carving a pumpkin (since its due so close to halloween) but that''s it. MIL wants a stork sign or something of that variety. Seems kind of like a waste of money IMHO. Opinions???

 

[njc]

Still waiting...

I''m doing good though! Being patient...

MrsS - Thanks for the description of croup. Wow. Guess I will know when things just dont sound right!? I like that the nurses seems to be able to diagnose it over the phone... puts me at ease a bit.

Diver - That is FANTASTIC about your weight melting away... I hope I am that lucky too! Nap it up!

Tacori - Bags are packed and ready to go... have actually been for about 3 weeks now! Now I am just waiting for something that tells me its all starting! We arent going to do one of those signs... we live in a little TH and it would take up our whole yard! Was talking with one of our neighbors and she was telling me about someone who tied a ribbon on their door or mailbox or something that let the neighbors know they had the baby and what the sex was (they didnt find out), so I told her I would try and hang a ribbon up somewhere for her. Of course the effortless sign will be when all the weird cars show up (our parents, siblings, etc). I like your pumpkin idea since its so close to Halloween! If you painted it vs carving, you could do it now and then it would last a while. Leave space to add name, weight, and all that stuff if you wanted, but I''d just make one side say ''its a girl!'' and the other ''its a boy!'' with tempra and wash off whichever one I didnt need. I dont feel the need to share with the whole neighborhood how big the baby was or at what time it was born... too much info for the public!

 

[ellaila]

Ohhhh naps!!! Love ''em! Wish I could take more. I''m finding that I''m just as tired now (~27 weeks) as I was in the first trimester -- did/do you guys feel this way too? I''m falling asleep on the couch at like 9 every night now, whereas a few weeks ago, I was fine with staying up late. I feel that fatigue kind of tired hitting me again ...

njc, you''re SO soon!!!

SO exciting!!! And Tacori, you''re catching up!

We took our parenting multiples class yesterday and it was great -- learned a lot! The instructor is the mother of four boys -- one singleton and then a set of triplets (2 id, 1 frat). Yikes! But being in a room with others who are going through what we''re going through was pretty cool, since I don''t know anyone else expecting twins (and I haven''t made it to a mother-of-twins meeting yet). We went through swaddling and diapering and then just lots of listening to good info about feeding, sleeping, etc. I assume it''s the same with regular (non-multiples) classes, but it cracked me up that we were all snacking our way through the three hours -- one girl ate constantly! I thought it was so funny

 

[Kaleigh]

njc, wow any day now huh?? Best of luck to you!!!
Tacori you don't have much longer to wait!!! How are you feeling??

 

[chrono]

For annoucements, hubby tied blue balloons to our mailbox.

MrsS, glad your daughter is all right now. I had no idea croup was contagious and can affect an older child. My son also had croup at around 18 months. It was really scary as he was crying too which just made it more difficult to breathe.

I''m just checking here everyday for news on njc and Tacori.

 

[mrssalvo]

hi ladies..

tacori, our hospital used to give out free stork *it''s a ....* signs which I used with my first. They stopped giving them away when I had Lily so we didn''t do any type of sign. i think the pumpkin idea is cute...

 

[Tacori E-ring]

njc, I thought about just painting them since it would be SOOO much easier. I see people are buying pumpkins already. How long do they last before they rot? I could at least carve out "It's A" early. I do think they would look awesome lite up. I hope you go into labor soon and it is quick! The waiting must be so hard for you knowing that TOMORROW is your due date!!! When do you back to the doc? I am already sick of waiting and I have 3-4 weeks left!!! I can't imagine when it is a matter of days.

Ella, I started getting tired again in my 3rd trimester. The 2nd trimester truely IS the honeymoon period. Sometimes I have good days but most of the time I just want to lay in bed and do nothing.

Lisa, I am getting pretty uncomfortable. My belly is a huge haul to lug around

Plus I started getting headaches. At least the Zantac is helping my heartburn/sour tummy. But I am ALSO getting really excited. I can't wait to meet what is inside me. I know its going to be SO much hard work but I also know it will be worth it. I have ALWAYS wanted to be a mom and can't believe the time is almost here.

Chrono, DH and I were just saying how fast this third trimester is going. Seems like just yesterday I was announcing my pregnancy. MIL was teasing me that DH is not going to put this baby down (except for feeding of course). He has been SO busy with work hopefully he can take a little break once the baby comes. Luckly he does not get grossed out so changing diapers/cleaning vomit won't be an issue with him. He'll probably think ANYTHING the baby does is cute. Good idea about the balloons. Seems like MIL has her heart set on some sort of rental co sign/storks in the yard thing.

ETA: MrsS, that is cool the hospital used to give those out. I bet it got expensive though I am sure you paid for it somewhere. Are you feeling any better? Does this pregnancy feel different than with your girls?

 

[akw94]

Congratulations Diver and Happy belated Birthday! Delaney is beautiful and I''m glad everything went well for you.

Congrats!!!

 

[divergrrl]

omigosh....NJC is still here! Getting close girlie!

Sleep difficulties: well, with a newborn, sleep is at a premium....they wake up every 2 to 4 hours to feed...so I''m tired, but the upside is that I''m SOOOO comfortable in bed. Ah, sleeping on my back, not having to futz with 14 pillows. That makes up for it--I am much more comfortable not being pregnant. Plus, I get the goofy faces all to myself in the middle of the night. There is a reason babies are cute, you don''t mind so much.

I''ve compiled a list of "must-haves" for NJC and Tacori (for right now) and everyone else later on.

1) Stool softeners. Ask your pharmacist for the generics -- much cheaper -- and take them daily for the first week. Big help. Lifesaver.

2) Peri-bottle. Take yours home from the hospital--they''ll show you what to do with it.

3) Cloth diapers. They make great urp cloths, clean up towels, bleach easily.

4) Flannel receiving blankets. You seriously cannot have too many. urp cloths, "tarps" (since Delaney likes to do a big urp all over me every so often), can be used for swaddling, etc. I prefer the Koala baby brand at BRU...its the only one big enough to do a proper swaddle.

2 things I forgot I hate about the postpartum period...lochia & night sweats. ewww.... the first is finally tapering down, and the second is getting better, but its ucky to wake up drenched. But between those 2, there aren''t enough showers or soap to feel clean.

Ok...I have to go to bed...I''m supposed to be napping.

later!

 

[somethingshiny]

Diver~ I''m so happy for you! It''s amazing how messed on one person can be!

 

[ephemery1]

Just wanted to chime in quickly... this is probably a bit alarmist, but I remember reading that some people aren't doing "stork signs" anymore because of kidnappings/break-ins. Apparently people have used the signs to identify homes with a new baby, and either kidnapped the child or burglarized the home (before the couple got home from the hospital). I tried to google it just now to see if there's any factual info backing this up, and found this: Yard sign played role in kidnapping of Baby Abby Anyway, just something to think about!

ETA -- Excerpt from article above: "Colorful yard signs, balloons, and banners are a common way for a new parent to express their excitement in announcing the arrival of a new baby. However, hospitals, police departments, fire departments and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) discourage providing such private information for public view."

Another good article: Should new births be advertised/promoted?

 

[somethingshiny]

For the same reason, our community advocates NOT using those "tot finder" fire signs that you put on your child''s window. They say it''s like advertising the easiest way to get in.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Diver, thanks for all the advice (I need it!!!) Were your stool softeners over the counter or do I need to get the doc to write a script. I have at least 8-10 flannel recieving blankets so I am good on that front! My dad is going to snag me some cloth diapers from the hospital he works in. I have heard they are GREAT.

ephemery, I have heard of that too. I like in a small subdivision and our house is at the end of the cul-de-sac (sp?) so we don't get a lot of traffic. But it is obviously something to think about. Plus I think it is kind of a waste of money. I rather have something useful for the baby. I still think my pumpkin may be the best bet. That way it is only obvious when it is lite and probably only will be for halloween (and DH will be home with me as well as my mom).

 

[chrono]

Tacori,
I used OTC stool softeners: colace. It is a god send for the first few days.

The cloth diapers were mainly for me. I used them to wipe baby spit up, soak up my milk leaks (I would leak from the unused side when I nursed for the first few weeks), dry my sweaty self (I still sweat when I nurse), etc.

 

[mrssalvo]

I used the same OTC ones that chrono did. highly recommend them too. also, ask your dr. about this foam they can give you at the hospital, you use it along with tucks to make sort of a coldpack and it kindof numbs everything down there. The little bottle lasted me a week or so and it was heavenly right after giving birth and those first few days at home.

i think the security thing is one of the reasons the hospital stopped giving out the signs.


tacori, to answer your earlier question. so far this pregnancy doesn''t really feel any different. The horrible morning sickness has been the only thing along with what seems like quicker weight gain which i hope evens out. once the baby is bigger it will be interesting to see if i carry differently. i thought for sure Lily was a boy though and was shocked at her ultrasound when they said girl. so i''m no good and noticing or recognizing anything.

speaking of weight gain, my new maternity clothes arrived. the xs jeans are big but have room to grow which is good and are so comfy I can''t wait to wear them. the shirts i got are really cute too but when I wear them it''s much more obvious that i''m preggo, it''s like phantom baby, the shirts just puff making me look bigger than i am. i can still wear a cute babydoll shirt and not look preggo at all but put on a maternity one and bam i look 6 month. it''s still fun getting some new things and i''ve still got a way to go to complete my wardrobe they way I want it. hope you all are feeling well and have a great tuesday.

 

[ellaila]

Good info about the signs -- scary though, huh? What a crazy world we live in where people would take something so fantastic as a baby being born and turn it into something bad!

MrsS and Diver, you''re teaching me all sorts of things I''ve never heard about! Lochia? (had to look that one up!) Peri-bottle? (no clue!) Foam the dr. gives you? (no clue!) Ahhh, I remember the days when XS maternity clothes were too big on me ... not anymore!! I''m scared to see what size I actually go up to!

Tacori, I was thinking about you b/c a family friend just had her baby yesterday -- two weeks early!! And you said you were three weeks early, right? Do you have everything all set in the house and car for the baby in case s/he arrives early? I won''t even ask if you''re mentally prepared

 

[Jas12]

Ella--i had to look up Lochia as well--i knew about the bleeding/other stuff postpartum but didn''t know the technical term.

Funny story....
I remember reading in one of my pregnancy prep books that women should stock up on panty liners b/c they could experience up to 6 weeks of discharge. I was SO mad. I was thinking okay, so mother nature makes women go through pretty much EVERYTHING (the periods, the PMS, the breasts, the trillions of unpleasant pregnancy symptoms, labor, body changes, weight gain menopause etc.etc.) I was happy that despite all the icky stuff i was feeling in the first Tri--at least I didn''t have to have a period for 9 months--but then i read this and thought, of COURSE--isn''t that just grand....may as well have Lochia for weeks---gotta make up for the lack of bledding for 9 months--woulnd''t want the women to have a real break from that

Despite all my bitchin---have to say I am glad I am a women b/c I love having another human being grow inside me--it''s just too cool.

 

[njc]

Ella – Yup, I’ve been more tired in the third trimester… second is heaven!

Tacori - Whole, uncarved pumpkins last a long time… like 2 months. Once you carve it, I think you’ve got 2 weeks tops and that’s if you keep it in the fridge or its cool outside before it starts going down hill. What about one of those plastic/foams ones they sell at places like AC Moore and Michaels? I don’t know how you light them up, but you can carve that just like a regular pumpkin!

Diver – Thanks for the list! I’ve got everything but the stool softeners and the peri bottle. Yeah, not looking forward to the lochia… believe it or not, this will be the first time I have ever used a pad… I am SO a tampon girl and know I am going to hate it… oh well, I will have a baby to keep my mind off it right?!

Cloth diapers – My mom got me a 12-pack of the nice thick Gerber ones to make a diaper cake for my shower. I washed them up with the ones I ordered online and wow… the “real” ones I bought to use as actual diapers are SOOOOO much nicer. Gerber’s pilled up and feel so rough… my others are still smooth and so soft. I got mine here if any one is interested: http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info.php?cPath=28&products_id=89 I got a ton extra though and planned on using them for both diapers and misc things.

I have a doctors appt in the morning, so unless I go into labor tonight, I guess I will have a better idea of what the next step is then. I think I get a non-stress test and then based on those results they figure out an induction date.

 

[ellaila]

Tacori, maybe you could do a little pumpkin but instead of saynig "it''s a boy" or "it''s a girl" you could put either a little pink or blue baby hat on it? That way, people that know that you were having a baby would know what it means, but strangers wouldn''t necessarily know that you just had a baby -- they''d just think you may be kind of weird for putting hats on pumpkins.

njc, good luck at the appt! And I don''t need to say this, but ... Keep Us Posted!!

Hey have any of you tried those maternity belts? I am uncomfortable no matter what position I''m in (sitting, standing, lying down), and those are supposed to be great, according to reviews. Anyone know firsthand?

OMG, that lochia lasts for up to six weeks?!

 

[chrono]

I used the belt with my first for additional support when I played tennis. With my second, I had to wear the belt pretty much all day and night long since he was so heavy. It helped ease my back pain because the belt took some of the weight off my back.

As for lochia, yes, mine was about 6 weeks long but in reality, it tapered off at around 2 to 3 weeks. It was pretty light by then, enough for light protection. The first 2 weeks were really messy and heavy though.

 

[ellaila]

Chrono, so did you sleep in the belt too? Also, what kind/brand did you have? One of those full-body types (like the prenatal cradle) or just a belt that goes below the tummy/around the waist? Thanks!!

 

[chrono]

I bought mine from a maternity store. It's just a very wide belt that cradled the bump. Yes, I also slept in it. The type that goes over and under the belly does a better job (provides much more support) but it's harder to hide under your clothes, doesn't feel as comfy for 24 hour wear and is more difficult to wear. I goes I would only go that route if my back pain became unbearable. It was really bad for me during my second pregnancy but my twice weekly therapy saved my sanity - the pain was so terrible that I could not sleep a wink at night and could not concentrate at work.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Hey ladies,

Just got back from my docs. Good news is I only gained a pound even though my belly grew a lot (my uterus is 3 cm larger in two weeks) so now I am back on track. Baby''s heart rate is good (145) and still head down

I felt some *really* strong movement a few days ago so I was worried it flipped again.

He said if I delievered today the baby would be just under 6 lbs. Bad news (well not really bad) my cervix is completely closed and long. Baby''s head is NOT in position. I feel so much pressure NOW I can''t imagine what I feel once the baby drops

So doesn''t look like I am going anytime soon. He said you just never can tell. I asked him if the fact I was born early was any indication he said no. I am now on weekly appointments. I get my strep B results next week. I am a little sore from my internal (in that normal???)

26 days to go!!!

 

[chrono]

Sorry for the "bad" news, Tacori. I too was born a few weeks early but my first came 2 weeks late. If it's any consolation, my 2nd came right on his due date.

It's always good for the baby to "cook" a little longer to give him/her time for the internal organs to mature. Yup, internals are uncomfortable and can leave a person sore for a day.

 

[sasa]

I''m currently 21 weeks pregnant. Before I was pregnant, I can walk for 30 minutes as daily or every other day exercise. But since I got pregnant I feel like I''m paralyzed by it. I couldn''t walk more then 10 minutes and I will be out of breath, if I push myself I feel like I''m gonna pass out.

Family member keep telling me you''ll get better by 2nd trimester, which I''m in right now. But I still can''t walk more then 10 minutes and spend most weekend lying in bed or couch because I still feel ill and unable to do much.

And I''m achy all day, feel like i''ve been run over by a truck. Any you ladies feel like that?

 

[ellaila]

Congrats on a good appt, T! I hear you on the pressure "down there" -- I can't imagine what it'll feel like later on either!!

So is that just an old wives' tale about your labor being similar to your mom's?

Bobo, I've been taking the elevator instead of the stairs at work since I was about 15 weeks pregnant (am now 27) because I would get so winded -- and that was just one flight up (though a long flight!). I did feel better in a lot of ways in the 2nd tri than in the 1st tri, but the shortness of breath never got better! Good info here: March of Dimes site

You said you feel "ill" -- like what? Have you mentioned to your doctor? Maybe you're anemic?

As for being achy .... see my previous post!! My back is constantly hurting and I get a lot of pressure on my tailbone too. I also get sciatic pain at night. So the answer for me at least is YES! But overall I've had a good pregnancy, so despite my complaints here to you guys, I really try to take it all as it comes and not bitch too much about it. I'm very lucky

Chrono, I'm going to go to a maternity store after work and check out their belts. Unfortunately, it's a rather high-end store so I don't know if they have any of the less expensive ones ... I may have to order online.

EDD: 1.2.08 (b/g twins)