Pregnancy- July 2011

thinking of you maria! Hopefully this is it!!

Julie- We are working on keeping the swearing out of our language as well... it is hard to believe we actually swear so much... but you don't notice until you try to cut it out. It will be a hard decision tomorrow I am sure, I am looking forward to hearing what happens! If they do break it and you go into labour make sure you let us know!!

ron- sorry about your wrist! That sucks!

AFM- Nothing exciting to report from my appt- very uneventful.

So the doula last night was wonderful. She was exactly what I imagined she would be (north of 50, grey hair to her chin, almost hippyish).She was so knowledgeable, I really like her. I am going to do a full write up on my blog and will post a link later for anyone who is interested about doulas.

Ha! I'm not a swearer unless I need a reaction out of my husband. He knows I'm serious then. He on the other hand is quiet fluent in French. He uses the F word as a normal part of most any sentence - as a noun, verb, adjective... He's basically this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rX7-R54-Q8 (if you don't like swearing, specifically the F word, DO NOT watch this!). No chance in getting him to quit - we've already been through the bought of my son using it - probably around 2 1/2. He learned though that he's not supposed to say that or some other words - now when my husband uses them he goes "Dad! That is a bad word!" I figure, there's no way he's not going to hear it all over (we don't really keep him away from hearing the TV if there are movies with language etc) but rather learn that it's part of life any my expectations of his usage, or not usage of certain things.

If anyone has any interest in doulas, please read my article on them

http://ramblingsbyrach.weebly.com/1/post/2011/07/doulas.html

We decided to go ahead and hire the doula we met yesterday. After talking with her for 2 hours last night, I almost can't imagine doing it without her.


Julie- perhaps that means there will be a baby tonight.... :-)

I just got back from my hair apt and had my first "omg I'm huge!" moment. I caught a glance of myself in the mirror and was like oh good lord that's me!? Now i'm depressed. How am I going to last 3 more months! Oh and I had ANOTHER person today tell me how big I am, that it's hot out ( no sh@t) and I have a long way to go. Yuck bad day for me.

Ok, so I had my appointment today. I am at least a 2 cm, not much but definitely progress from the 1 last time. She is still posterior. She is also weighing 8 lb. 5 oz. My mw doesn't want her to be too big to deliver, so if she doesn't come by her due date I will be induced on Monday or Tuesday. They will call me tomorrow with the scheduled date and time. She gave me the choice to or to wait it out. But I couldn't resist. 1- I am sooo tired of being pregnant. 2- My mw will be out of town the rest of next week 3- my dad will be out of town next week and he doesn't want to miss the baby 4- My hubby's b-day is next week and 5- I really don't want to push out a huge baby.

I know ultrasounds can be off. But a co-worker said that with her first they made her wait, she went a week over her due date, her baby was 10 lbs and she had to have a c-section because he was too big. I know a lot of you are against inductions, so I hope you won't judge me. :blushing: :flowerforyou: It just really is nice to have a definite day in mind. I know at least I will not be pregnant past next Tuesday. But I am still hoping and praying she comes on her own this weekend.

I support you! I am also going to be induced if my baby doesn't come by my due date. I was induced with ds and it was fine. My whole labor was 9 hrs and I pushed 3 times and he was out. You need to do what's best for you. We are all here to support each other so I'm sure no one will judge you. :flowerforyou:

Of course we support you, Rachael!

I think especially all of us who are right here at the end can relate pretty well to your reasons. Of course all of our pregnancies have been different but it seems we all have the "I don't give a flying flip how, just get this baby out of me!" mentality at this point. :laugh: A couple months ago I wouldn't have ever considered myself in favor of much more intervention other than a sweep prior to my due date unless it was for medical issues. But the more I think about it the more I'm nearly positive I'm going to let them break my water tomorrow if that's still an offer on the table. Assuming my cervix is still favorable in case induction becomes necessary & all that jazz. At 3 days prior to my due date (when I'm totally positive about my dates) and with as miserable as I've been over the last week, I don't really see the harm in it. It's a bit selfish, absolutely, but not at the expense or risk of my child.

mathjulz - I am mentally worn out (as well as physically). I have been trying hard to do whats best for baby, and do all the natural things to get her to come. I had a lot of contractions Sunday night into Monday night. I was so hopefully and expecting we would be in the hospital on Tuesday but today there was NOTHING. The only reason I am holding on and sticking to the plan is because I have the induction scheduled. We are set for the last day they will let us go.

I spent a lot of my pregnancy setting myself up for what I wanted and hoped my labor would be like. I am right now trying to mentally prepare myself for things like meds and such during delivery. I am so scared that if I am induced it will be more than I can handle in a med-free setting.

After the last two weeks, I wouldnt fault anyone else the desire to be induced. Do whats best for you ladies - and the baby (and only you know what that is!) I am also glad that this group is such that we can let out how we are feeling and get support!

P.s. Following all your posts has helped me keep my sanity. Two days until the big wedding day. Between the pregnancy ups and downs and the wedding stress I told my fiance one of his groomsmens might get punched by Friday. Now I would never ever do that I am too chicken to even yell at someone but the thought has crossed my mind. I am trying to remain calm and remember what the day is about. Oh and I love the last minute 3 days before the wedding a month late phone call rsvps. Especially my uncle who said, "I thought you knew I'd be coming?". Am I a mind reader?

Maria -- I agree with Anne, you better hope you have a baby to report today (or tomorrow, or as soon as you feel like MFPing)!

Jen -- Yep, the people are the stupid. I lost 80 pounds pre-pregnancy and had VERY few people at work comment on my weight loss (which is *fine* wit me!). I've gained 38.6 pounds with pregnancy (yikes) yet people just can't stop themselves from commenting on how "small" I am so close to my due date. I'm about the same size now as the last pregnant woman in our office was at about 20 weeks. Every day I heard someone tell her how huge she was. Just shut up about it, people, really. And most of the comments are from women -- are they seriously that oblivious to what's rude and what's appropriate? Do they not remember when they were pregnant or had a friend who was pregnant?

Elizabeth -- "Ball rolling" :laugh: Good one for that early in the morning. Yay, wedding! Anyone who can plan a wedding and stay sane has my utmost respect. There's no way I could've handled it. Hubby and I eloped (much to the dismay of my mother, of course ).

Anne -- Yay for your brother doing well in the tournament!

Maureen -- I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for everything not going the way I'd prefer during labor as well. I don't really feel like I've set myself up with any real expectations but I don't feel super prepared, either. I'm definitely in go-with-the-flow mode but I'm pretty sure I'll lose my cool if they even suggest a c-section may be the best option. No matter how much I don't want to acknowledge it, I really need to prepare myself for that possibility.

julz -- I know what you mean about being a ninny about getting into a pool! When I was a kid and even now, I have to jump in instead of going gradually!

Man, it was so much easier to respond to everyone when I had 2 computer monitors at work. :laugh: I couldn't sleep last night. I'm way too excited/nervous about my appointment this afternoon and my mind will not shut up. My supervisor texted me this morning to see how I'm doing. It's funny, I feel like such a slacker telling her there's still no baby. :laugh: Like I'm laying out of work for no reason.

I called my OB yesterday because I had a question about medicine I could take for my wrist. She said she could prescribe me sometime stronger than Tylenol if I wanted but it sounds like a pregnancy related carpel tunnel not a sprain. She also said it could be delayed pain from the way I slammed my hand into the Harry Patter sign at the movie theater. After wearing my brace all day yesterday I have no pain now, but I’m going to keep wearing the brace at work for a few more days just because I’m at a computer all day.

Glucose test was fine. I got really worried because I talked to a few people who got really sick and dizzy during the test, but I had no problem at all. The people who got sick are also ones who had gestational diabetes, so my wishful thinking is that since I didn’t feel sick than I don’t have it. Pregnancy logic at its best! :laugh:

I'm sorry guys I had taken the rest of the day after my post to try to get some rest and walking in but nothing. Still having contractions but they've spread out again Although last night I didn't get much rest cause I kept feeling some crazy painful contractions. I really hope it's soon but i'm guess that i may be 2cm and stuck there right now. Going to work up til 1pm today then i may just leave after this.

Julie: I hope your visit goes well today and hopefully have your LO very soon.

Anne: That's so cool about your brother. I hope he keeps doing well also!

Re. the topic of swearing I think kids will be exposed regardless esp if they're in a public school and it's just up to the parents if they decide that it's a big deal or not. I didn't swear much growing up or as an adult just don't think it really fits my personality i was more of one that would make up funny little fake bad words just to make ppl laugh. I think i'll talk to my LO if I ever hear it but sometimes i think as a child if you're forbidden it makes it more fun to rebel.

Elizabeth: I hope everything goes well at your wedding and most of all you enjoy every minute.

Racheal: That's great! You have my support for the induction I hope you have your LO in your arms very soon.

Edit:
Ron: I experienced a really bad pain w my thumb after opening too many water bottles just after 24 wks and it hasn't gone away. The doctor thinks its pregnancy related (hormone relaxin) so she just gave me a stint which made my wrist sore and just made it worst so i'm just having to deal w it until baby comes. Hopefully yours goes away I know it's not only painful but also annoying when you can't do things like you normally would.

welcome to new people btw!

And julie ... I am so worried I am gonna flip out and get very hysterical at being told I need a c-section. I havent even tried to mentally prepare myself for that.

Elizabeth - good luck with your wedding!

Maria - sorry about your contractions. I noticed I have really bad/painful ones at night but they never last super long.

For those of you considering different pain management - i'd recommend you ask your dr / hospital if they offer nitrous. Especially those in early preg because there's the chance they might implement it by then. I'd recommend you bring it up to your Dr no matter if you intend to use it or not, because the more people that ask about it the better chance it will be offered wide spread in the states again. I would 100% do it that way again if we ever have more kids. It doesn't do much for the active labor part - you have to make it through that, but that pain (for me at least) was very manageable. It hurts a lot, but it's not excruciating. (I did get a shot of something, but it was for the migraine and helped a little with overall pain for a little while, i wouldn't have though if it weren't for the migraine). nitrous isn't good for active labor because it takes a little while to kick in and is right back out of your system in seconds, so there's not enough time for it to kick in and help too much as contractions come and go. It's great for the end though because you can pick to do a little or a lot - anything from "take the edge off" to "can't really feel anything" - it doesn't take all the pain away, but let's just say, during the pushing phase (i started nitrous right before pushing) I couldn't even tell when I was having a contraction! I could feel mild to moderate pain from pushing and crowning, but you also get the joy of not really being able to remember all of it (if you choose to go heavy on the nitrous - which I very much chose to do! :laugh: ) The only possible downside to it is if you want heavy pain coverage you have to give up a little of the awareness - you are not knocked out - you are very aware of everything that is going on, but you're a little slow to communicate things and it is a little hazzy. It wears off right away though. You can also lower your intake to be less drugged, but I didn't really want to because I didn't want to feel the pain and I was afraid of how much it would hurt! I am sure i could have easily lowered it a little. :laugh: I'd just recommend requesting in advance that your provider walk you through everything that is happening. You're probably a bit confused as to exactly what is going on in any first delivery (this was technically my first) so it helps to have them really explain what is going on - and with nitrous - because it's new to the drs an nurses - to know that you are very aware but have a delay in responding. They were unsure if i could hear their instructions etc since they never had anyone use it before. I at one point, after some hard pushing and pain had to ask if the baby was born yet or if I had to keep pushing :laugh: (unfortunately, the latter!)

Anyway, that's my avocation for nitrous! I remember afterward telling my husband "that's some good ****!" And like I said, even if you dont think you'll do it, you should ask about it because it needs interest to pick back up in popularity here. Maybe by time you have kids next time it will be more readily available and you can try it! I am sure our UK mamas here can vouch for it as well!

For those of you considering different pain management - i'd recommend you ask your dr / hospital if they offer nitrous. Especially those in early preg because there's the chance they might implement it by then. I'd recommend you bring it up to your Dr no matter if you intend to use it or not, because the more people that ask about it the better chance it will be offered wide spread in the states again. I would 100% do it that way again if we ever have more kids. It doesn't do much for the active labor part - you have to make it through that, but that pain (for me at least) was very manageable. It hurts a lot, but it's not excruciating. (I did get a shot of something, but it was for the migraine and helped a little with overall pain for a little while, i wouldn't have though if it weren't for the migraine). nitrous isn't good for active labor because it takes a little while to kick in and is right back out of your system in seconds, so there's not enough time for it to kick in and help too much as contractions come and go. It's great for the end though because you can pick to do a little or a lot - anything from "take the edge off" to "can't really feel anything" - it doesn't take all the pain away, but let's just say, during the pushing phase (i started nitrous right before pushing) I couldn't even tell when I was having a contraction! I could feel mild to moderate pain from pushing and crowning, but you also get the joy of not really being able to remember all of it (if you choose to go heavy on the nitrous - which I very much chose to do! :laugh: ) The only possible downside to it is if you want heavy pain coverage you have to give up a little of the awareness - you are not knocked out - you are very aware of everything that is going on, but you're a little slow to communicate things and it is a little hazzy. It wears off right away though. You can also lower your intake to be less drugged, but I didn't really want to because I didn't want to feel the pain and I was afraid of how much it would hurt! I am sure i could have easily lowered it a little. :laugh: I'd just recommend requesting in advance that your provider walk you through everything that is happening. You're probably a bit confused as to exactly what is going on in any first delivery (this was technically my first) so it helps to have them really explain what is going on - and with nitrous - because it's new to the drs an nurses - to know that you are very aware but have a delay in responding. They were unsure if i could hear their instructions etc since they never had anyone use it before. I at one point, after some hard pushing and pain had to ask if the baby was born yet or if I had to keep pushing :laugh: (unfortunately, the latter!)

Anyway, that's my avocation for nitrous! I remember afterward telling my husband "that's some good ****!" And like I said, even if you dont think you'll do it, you should ask about it because it needs interest to pick back up in popularity here. Maybe by time you have kids next time it will be more readily available and you can try it! I am sure our UK mamas here can vouch for it as well!

Hmmm interesting. I personally don't do well on that stuff. I had it for a tooth once and FREAKED OUT. :noway: So I'll stick with my epidural again. That was awesome. I had a great dr. put it in so I was only numb from my stomach to the top of my legs. I could still feel pressure but not pain. I also could move my legs. It gave me a chance to relax and I got it at midnight and I was pushing by 2am. Good stuff. Anyway, glad that you found something that worked for you. I didn't like the "out of it" feeling I had with nitrous but glad that it worked for you!