"Just Barely" Pregnant PS''ers

[NewEnglandLady]

Re:

Prana, just wanted to chime in to tell you that some docs don't do an early ultrasound unless there is a reason. My practice doesn't do early ultrasounds unless requested, so I'm not sure when the first ultrasound would be--possibly the fetal anatomy scan if the parents opted not to an NT scan. My cycles were long--I didn't ovulate until around day 28 in my cycle--so the doc wanted an ultrasound to get an accurate due date. And my doc didn't want to do the ultrasound until 8 weeks, though I think I got in at 7 weeks (according to my O date). I can see why it's better, especially for people like me with long cycles where they might think something is wrong if they don't see a heartbeat.

Anyway, you may need to request one and if they don't want to give you one, lie and tell them you're not sure about the date of your last period so that they have to do one

Haven, thinking of you today!

And congrats to all the JBPers!!

 

[Haven]

Re:

Hey, ladies!

MonkeyP--Ha! Yes, I don't think I'll ever learn, either. The *thought* of the burrito before I ate it was heaven. I'm sure I'll fall into that trap again, unfortunately. It's not the first time I've felt terrible after eating Chipotle.

JGator--Yay for everything looking good!

Andi--I can't remember if I told you yet, but I LOVE that bedding. It's adorable, and totally worth it IMO.

AFM, the ultrasound was so surreal. Everything looks good, the baby is 1.27 cm, which they said is right on target. They confirmed my EDD of 12/18/12. There's only one bean in there, I totally thought we were going to have twins because there are so many fraternal twins in my family. AND, we saw and heard the heartbeat! That was the craziest moment! The little flutter was amazing to see, and then the US lady said, "Sometimes we can hear it," and we could! It was so fast. She didn't tell us how fast, but she said it was just where it needs to be. DH just stood there, mouth agape. It was really, really amazing.

I also learned that I'm blood type B+, which is something I never knew, so it's nice to know now.

The only bad thing about today is that my doc told me he stopped delivering babies on January 1st of this year. He's been in practice for 44 years, so I completely understand and I knew he was transitioning into semi-retirement, but I am so BUMMED. I'm not sure we'll stay with his practice because while I adore him, I don't know any of the other doctors and I'd be delivering at Northwestern's Prentice hospital. Prentice is gorgeous, but it's not exactly around the corner from our house, and the only reason I was going to deliver there was because I love my doctor so much.

Oh, the other thing is that we're reconsidering our trip to Spain in three weeks. I've been feeling pretty horrible lately, and we're not sure we're totally comfortable being out of the country right at the end of my first tri. We love to travel, and we take one big trip every summer, but I'm just not sure going away is the right thing to do. We'll see. We may see about going somewhere later on in the summer when I'm into my second tri. I'm kind of sad at the prospect, but I don't want to regret spending all that money to go to Spain if I'm feeling as ill then as I do now. BUT, this is an awesome problem to have, of course!

I hope everyone else is doing well!

 

[monkeyprincess]

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Yay Haven, so glad to hear you had such a great first ultrasound! Hopefully you're breathing a little easier now because it sounds like everything is right on track. Sorry to hear you might have to cancel your vacation. It's just so hard to predict how you'll be feeling in three weeks, and it would be miserable to be over there and not be able to enjoy it because you're sick. Anyway, what a great way to start the weekend. Congrats again!

 

[sunnyd]

Re: Re:

Hello JBPers! I just got my BFP last night and couldn't be more thrilled! I think it's a bit too early for me to jump in over here just yet (only 4weeks 2 days according to my pregnancy tracker(yes I already have one)), but I had a question for you all.

I called this morning to make a Doctor's appointment, and they aren't taking me until May 24th, which will put me at 7weeks 1 day, I believe. That is fine, but I asked what they do at this appointment, and they said it will be with a midwife and it will be just to go over information and give me some paperwork. They said they wouldn't be doing an US.

Isn't 7 weeks when the first US (in the United States, for reference) is typically done? When was your first US done? What was your first appointment like?

Thanks gals!

Congrats Prana! I think at the first appointment they just want to talk, make you pee in a cup to confirm that you're pregnant, and do the paperwork thing. Our first ultrasound was the week after the OB. It's hard waiting, but you can do it!

Bright, I'm sorry to hear! I'll sending sticky vibes your way, because it ain't over till it's over!

 

[sunnyd]

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Congrats on the great ultrasound, Haven! Bummer about cancelling the vacation, but you're totally right, better to feel good while on it!

 

[Prana]

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MP-Thanks again for your support! I'm not going to worry too much about it right now, although if they tell me they don't do US until the anatomy scan, I'm outta there!

NEL-If only I could lie about my LMP. But alas, my doctor knows I track and I've been to see her a few times the last few months because we had not been having success. Again, I hope they offer to do an 8week US for us. If not, I'll see if I can request it.

Haven-Glad your US was so eventful! That's wonderful news! I would be so reluctant to cancel that vacation. I think no matter how bad I felt, I would force myself to have a good time . I've heard that Spain is very beautiful! I hope you can at least reschedule.

Sunnyd- Thanks for your response as well. Again, I'll be happy if they offer to do one the following week. I just would like to see it around that stage.

 

[BrightSpot]

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JGator, so glad your appointment went well & even if you didn't get an u/s, glad you were able to hear the hb.
Did I tell you I just discovered that I have 50% co-insurance for ultrasounds? So annoying, especially since it seems I have one every week these days. I'm racking up quite a bill.

Haven, sounds like you had a terrific appointment! Glad all is well & hope you can relax a bit.

Prana, after my experiences, I would say if you can wait until 7 weeks for your first u/s, you're probably better off than trying to get in too early.

Sunny, thanks. I'm trying to be cautiously optimistic, but it's hard. Thanks for the sticky vibes.

Hi to everyone else! (Retreating again like I promised...)

 

[amc80]

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Prana- My doc does an u/s at the first appointment- somewhere between 7 and 8 weeks. That's standard for them, but I know of other places that don't do one until closer to 10 weeks. It really does vary quite a bit between practices.

 

[Dandi]

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OMG Prana!!! Congratulations hon, I am so thrilled for you!!! I know it's been a pretty long road for you up until now, so YAY!!!!!!!! I found out about my BFP at 4 weeks, and my first appointment wasn't until 9 weeks, when they did an ultrasound, and my OB talked about testing, lined up my next few appointments, talked about general pregnancy and delivery stuff, and checked my overall health. I think alot of practices are different (I am in Australia). Exciting times ahead for you!!

Haven, isn't it just the most amazing thing, seeing that tiny heartbeat?! I'm with you on the twin thing, I wouldn't have been at all surprised to see two on our scan! I was pretty happy just to see one, admittedly Aw, what a shame your OB doesn't deliver anymore! Other than that, I'm rapt that everything is going so well for you sweetheart!

Bright, still thinking of you and sending dust and good vibes your way, my dear!
Hello mp, sunny and JGator!! And anyone I may have missed!

Thanks everyone for the lovely comments on the quilt set, I just love it! It's so sunny and cheery.

So DH and I finally told my parents this morning! I bought a frame with 'Baby's Scan' written on it, and put the picture of the ultrasound in it. DH and I are going away for the weekend, and we dropped into mum and dad's on the way under the pretence we were just saying goodbye before we head off on our trip, and that we had bought them a present for looking after our dogs while we are away.

Mum opened the frame (and bless her, her diabetic eyes aren't all that great ). The 'c' in 'Scan' has a little smiley face in the middle of it, so she thought it was an 'e', and she looked at it sideways and said 'who's Baby Sean?!' DH and I laughed and mum twigged pretty shortly after that, and started to cry. And cry... and cry! Dad came into the room and worked it out straight away, they are both over the moon! First grandchild and all. Dad doesn't think he'll be able to keep it to himself, but I asked that they just keep it quiet until my 12 week scan in 2.5 weeks, and if that is all good then it can be public knowledge!

So that went well! Still not telling MIL just yet though, she'll tell the world

9 weeks 3 days

 

[lliang_chi]

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Haven, saw you're planning on delivering @ Prentice. I wanted to post this pic of our view from the L&D room. We jokingly asked for a room with a lake view for delivery. It's really luck of the draw but I suppose there's no harm in asking. And FYI, recovery (where you'll be post-delivery and overnighting) is not as nice.

 

[Prana]

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AMC-Thanks! I'm hoping that at my 7 week appointment we get to schedule an appointment for the following week for an US. I won't be thrilled if they make me wait until 10 weeks.

Dandi-Thank you! Yes, we got pregnant on our 9th month of trying. How did you wait until 9 weeks? I never like to wish time away,but I just want these next few weeks to get over with so I can be further along and have some information other than +HPT's. Not that I don't like seeing those every morning. (Or a few times a day ), but I'm too excited for waiting!

Lliang_chi- Nice view!

 

[Dandi]

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Hehe Prana, I don't know how! I actually really liked having our tiny little secret. Although telling is so much fun, I think the wait makes it moreso, plus having to wait for the u/s for what felt like an eternity was all the more exciting when we finally got see our bean, I feel! Hang in there love, you'll be amazed how quickly it goes!

 

[JGator]

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Dandi, sounds like you had a great reveal to your parents!

Prana, is it starting to sink in? I know it can be quite hard to believe until you get that first ultrasound!

Haven, glad you had a great ultrasound on Friday. I hope you find a new doctor you like who delivers closer to home. Maybe your friend can recommend someone.

Hi, everyone. We told our parents and sisters about the baby over the weekend. They were all excited. My mom is coming to visit us for Mothers Day weekend so I called and asked her what she wants to do while she's in town. I asked if she wanted to go baby clothes shopping and she said, "sure, for who"? And, I said for our baby. She was totally shocked and happy. She wants to tell the whole world now. I told her to hold off until we can tell our friends first without them finding out on Facebook from one of the people she tells. I spoke to her again yesterday and she asked - "does everyone know yet and why not?". She's quite impatient! I'm hoping to reach my close friends today on the phone.

Also, my maternity clothes from Gap arrived. I got both the full and demi panels in jeans and black dress pants. I am not sure which I like better so I'll have to try them again when I get bigger. And, we got our doppler and used it for the first time yesterday. It took my DH a while to find the heart beat, but it was very cool. It will be great to have the reassurance as the appointments are pretty few and far between now. My next one is just for blood work in 2 weeks and the next ultrasound is not until 20 weeks, I think.

14 weeks and 1 day

 

[Prana]

Re:

Dandi I hope you're right about the time flying. Once these next few weeks pass it can slow down again, but now I just want to get out of the danger zone and into more comfortable territory!

JGator It's sinking in a bit! My very good friend and I went to dinner last night, and she guessed. She said when she talked to me the other day she could tell I was holding something back, and last night she totally called me out on it. So now she is the only one who knows. But our secret is safe with her!
Glad your reveal went well! That really makes it feel more 'official', no?

 

[Haven]

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Wow, that is quite the view LC! Very nice. Thanks for posting that!

JGator--Thanks! I'm really upset that I'll have to find a new doc, so much so that I haven't really looked into it at all yet.
Your mom sounds so excited, it's cute! Can't wait to hear what you think of the new maternity clothes.

Andi--It was exciting. Crazy and exciting! I get flashes of extreme fear every once in a while now, so I think the US made it all seem more real. Baby Sean, that's hilarious! Ahahahaha, I'm laughing out loud here.

Bright--How are you doing?

Prana--I'm struggling with the whole Spain thing. My doctor was surprisingly firm on his belief that we shouldn't go, and he's usually very diplomatic, so that has me worrying a bit. We have some time to decide, and I keep going back and forth over whether I want to go or stay home.

How is everyone doing? How are you all feeling?

I'm chugging along over here. This is finals week for me, and I've been slammed with meetings every day, so I've been exhausted. My legs ached so much last night, felt like I was experiencing growing pains all over again. All good things, though, right?

 

[Prana]

Re:

Haven-Uf. I would definitely listen to your Doc. If he seems to think it's a bad idea, then I would hold off. I hope you don't lose a lot of money!

I hope your week slows down a bit. Sorry about the leg pains. And the exhaustion. Work for me has been busy too. I work 12 hour shifts, and I can barely get home with my eyes open

How far along are you now? I'll be 5 weeks on the nose tomorrow. I can't wait to be past 6 weeks, then I think I'll be a wee bit less nervous. I'm still taking 2 pregnancy tests a day. I like seeing the dark lines. They put my mind at ease!

Hope everyone else is doing well!

 

[BrightSpot]

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Hey, haven. Thanks for asking about me. I'm doing ok. I found a website called "misdiagnosed miscarriage" which has lots of stories of women who didn't see much on early u/s scans but went on to see babies on 7-8 week scans. So I'm holding out hope that maybe I'll have similar luck at my 7w scan on Thursday. 
No m/s yet but I've been super oily of face & hair with monster breakouts plus sore bbs & gas. And I seem to have randomly have hurt my neck. Yuck. 
How are you? Glad it's feeling more real. I hope you can get through finals week then relax a bit. Where would you be in your pregnancy during the trip to Spain?

Jgator, glad your reveal went well! Have fun baby clothes shopping with your mom!

Prana, glad it's feeling more real for you. So excited for you!

Dandi, thanks for the positive thoughts. So glad your reveal went well. Sounds like your folks are super excited!

Afm, my body seems like its falling apart (see above) but I'm trying to think positively. I hope nobody noticed I wasn't drinking at dh's party over the weekend. I ordered a virgin mojito, which I thought was really slick of me until everyone else ordered mojitos "too" & theirs came out in highball glasses (mine was in a pint glass). MIL asked why they were different sizes & I said I ordered a double. Not sure if that was convincing or not. I sure don't want to be starting rumors since this situation is so tenuous. 
Hi to everyone else. So much for staying away from this thread. 

 

[canuk-gal]

Re: Re:

I'm chugging along over here. This is finals week for me, and I've been slammed with meetings every day, so I've been exhausted. My legs ached so much last night, felt like I was experiencing growing pains all over again. All good things, though, right? [/quote]


Wow--I have just read this Haven and am thrilled for you and your H.. Congrats!!!

cheers--Sharon

 

[Prana]

Re:

Bright Gosh I'm so sorry you're going through this. I'm still positive for you though. And it seems like you are having some positive signs. Keep reading the good stories. They will help you get through the next couple of days. And I pray for you every night, and I devote my yoga practice to you and my fellow TTC'ers who are struggling.

 

[Haven]

Re:

Thank you, Sharon! I'm so touched you stopped in this thread! We are so thrilled. Cautiously thrilled, of course. It's so early still, I'm just 8 weeks today.

Bright--I agree that your symptoms sound promising. I think about you often, and I really hope that you get some very good news soon. I found that website and it does sound like misdiagnosed miscarriage is something that happens more than it should. I'm okay, just counting down until the weekend when I can relax! (Well, I'm going to LA for my sister's graduation, but at least I won't be working.)

Prana--Yeah, I am so torn. He's very conservative in general, so I'm going to call him and talk to him about it. We'll lose the entire cost of our plane tickets, which is just under $2,000, so that is going to hurt! But if he really thinks we should stay home, we will. He said that it isn't that traveling might cause anything, more that it's just better to be in the states *in case* something goes wrong. I literally go back and forth every single day, so I have no idea what we'll do.

 

[Prana]

Re:

Haven Hmmm. Sounds like he might just be a cautious kind of guy. I'd get a second opinion $2000 does hurt though. That's what our plane tickets to Scotland cost, and I was so nervous about it because we didn't purchase travel insurance. You'll do what is best for you though. And the safety of your pregnancy might outweigh the 2K. I hope that you are able to come to a decision that makes you both happy!

 

[BrightSpot]

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Prana, thank you for keeping me in your prayers. Yoga does a nice job of clearing the mind & cultivating peaceful thoughts, doesn't it? 

Thanks, haven. I'm hoping for the best too. Hope you have a great weekend at your sister's graduation. Will work slow down for you next week?

 

[mia1181]

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Haven- Jumping in to give my not-pregnant opinion, but if I were you, I would do some research on your own and/or get a second opinion before cancelling your trip. I have never heard (and I am definitely not an expert) of there being that great of a risk of traveling in the first trimester. I always thought the risk was at the end of a pregnancy when you could go into labor at any time. Was your doctor's concern more about whether you'd actually enjoy the trip because of morning sickness, etc.? We once went on a trip to Vegas with another couple and two hours into the trip she had to come clean that she was pregnant because she was so sick. I don't think she enjoyed most of the trip, so that is something to consider. That said, I think if I were you I'd still be inclined to go because $2k is a lot of money and it's probably not likely that you will be TOTALLY incapacitated the whole time. But then again it is in my nature to want to make the best of things and I LOVE traveling! I do think if you go, you should make sure to get up and walk around during the flight because of your blood volume and increased risks for clots. I have also heard about radiation from flying (not just xrays at security) so maybe look into that? Anyway do your research and decide what you feel comfortable with! Going back to the stagnant TTC thread now... (miss you!)

 

[JGator]

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Haven, I think you should hold out until closer to the date of your trip before canceling (if you won't lose any more money by deciding later). You may start feeling better by then. I am going to Europe at the end of the month for about 10 days to see my DH's parents, and we were told I can travel up to 36 weeks. I did get instructions to walk around a lot on the plane and possibly take a baby aspirin to avoid clots. I'm going back to the doctor in 2 weeks (which is before our trip) so I'll confirm the instructions for the flight/travel at that point.

Bright, I bet no one noticed you weren't drinking at the party. 1 more day for you. Holding out hope and sending truckloads of sticky dust your way.

Prana, how are you feeling? How is your countdown to the ultrasound going? Still POASing?

Dandi, how are you doing? Any new baby purchases? My DH bought the baby a t-shirt which says - I'm the Princess..that's why. And, I got her a sleeper set at Costco over the weekend. The big shopping trip will be this weekend with my mom.

AFM, I'm telling my manager today. I'm sure she'll be happy for me as she has 2 kids herself. She is a very driven career woman though. So, I doubt her knowing will have any influence on my work load which is fine with me for now.

 

[Haven]

Re:

Thank you for all the advice, ladies! I'm definitely agonizing over this decision. After hearing from you, I think I'm leaning towards just going and hoping for the best. (I had a terrible back injury during our entire trip to Europe last summer, and I did a pretty good job of sucking it up and making the most of it, so at least I know I CAN!)

JGator--The 36 week-mark is what I've read elsewhere, too. I'm thinking my doctor is just a bit overly cautious. The other thing I keep thinking is that if something's going to happen, it's going to happen. Regardless of where we are.

Mia--Hey, lady! I can't wait until you're a regular in this thread! I think you're right, we should just wait until the last-minute to decide. It's not like we're going to lose any less money by deciding early. My one fear is that I'll be very sick and I'll ruin the trip, but then another part of me thinks that going away might be really good for me. I always feel so much better when we're away.

Bright--Thank you! I am DONE TEACHING as of tomorrow, and my last official work duty is to attend graduation on Tuesday. After that, I'm a free woman until late August. I'm very much looking forward to this break!
How are you feeling?

Prana--Oh, I was gunning to go to Scotland this summer. Big time! We went to Ireland in 2010 and I still dream about it, and I so very much want to visit Scotland. Have you gone yet? Was it amazing?
DH says what you said--that 2K isn't that much if it's to protect the growing bean. Now I just need to figure out if that's what staying home will really do!

Thanks for all of your input, everyone. I know this is a pretty awesome dilemma to have, so that's not lost on me at all. Right now, I'm thinking we'll go.

 

[Prana]

Re:

Haven Yeah, I want to echo Mia1181. I never would have thought travelling during the first two trimesters, unless my pregnancy was high risk, would be a problem. Women do it all the time! I don't want to pressure you into dangerous territory, but I would research it a little more. I think I'd be really bummed if I had to cancel a trip to Spain, unless there was a medical reason. I would get more info and a better explanation from your doctor, and then sit down and think about it. You've got a lot of considerin' to do!

And Scotland was beautiful! I love that whole area over there- Ireland and Scotland. It's my perfect mix of mountains, cliffs, ocean, lakes, green land and gray skies. Just like you, I dream about being there. I can't wait to go back to Scotland, and to show my husband Ireland. I'd like to spend more time in England as well. And I'd also love to go to Spain! My friends went to Spain for their honeymoon and they fell in love.

JGator Thanks for asking about me! I'm 5 weeks today. I have little bouts of nausea here and there, my boobs are pretty sore, my mood is terrible when I'm at work (it's fine every other time), and I'm pretty sure that I don't really like chicken right now. I feel like it's too early for some of this stuff, and maybe some of it's in my head. I forced myself to eat a spinach and chicken breast salad yesterday (trying to eat healthy!), and it just didn't taste good. The spinach tasted like dirt and grass, and the chicken was just...rough. I'm very happy and thankful for all of my symptoms though. I love the sore boobs and the nausea. It makes me happy. Is that weird?

Hope it goes well with your manager!

 

[mayerling]

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Haven, I'm just jumping in to comment on the travel issue. In the UK, I've never been given any negative advice regarding travel in the early weeks. In fact, when I was 8 weeks I flew from the UK to Italy (back when I was 9 weeks) and took a one-week cruise from there. The day after I flew back from Italy, I flew to the West Coast of the US. While in the US, I flew to Vegas and back. After 9 days in the US, I flew back to the UK and on the same day flew home for two weeks. I flew back to the UK when I was about 13 weeks. Everything was fine and nobody said I shouldn't do it. As far as I know, travel in the early weeks isn't an issue. It only becomes an issue in the third trimester and even then you can still travel if your doctor clears you.

 

[Haven]

Re:

Thank you, ladies. You're making me feel much better about taking this trip.
I haven't spoken with my doctor yet, he'll be in tomorrow. It looks like he's just very conservative on this point.

Prana--Oh, Scotland sounds wonderful! I hope DH and I go in the next couple of years. We're definitely going to Italy next summer, we've been planning to take my mom there for a while, so perhaps 2014 will be the summer of Scotland for us.

Mayerling--You are a traveling mama! Okay, now I do feel much better.

I guess my biggest fear is that I'm going to feel awful and regret spending all that money to go on the trip. DH was so amazing last summer when I had my back injury on our trip, and we still managed to do and see a lot, but of course it wasn't the same. My nausea is a bit better today, so I'm hoping maybe it will start tapering off. Brushing my teeth in the mornings is pure torture, though, and this morning I really considered skipping it altogether. I didn't, but I thought about it.

 

[mayerling]

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I had nausea while I was on my extended travels. Thankfully mine only kicked in in the afternoons and lasted until I went to bed. It made for a few early nights but other than that it didn't bother me too much. I have to admit that I did skip brushing my teeth on many occasions because the second I would put my toothbrush in my mouth I would gag.

 

[Puppmom]

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Bright, just popping in to say I'm thinking of you and hoping for the best today.