Weekly Check-in week of Sept. 11 - Everyone!

[duskymonkey]

Now with new babies this weekend! we’re going to change up check-ins a little bit here. If you think of anything you like add/discuss/omit about, feel free to suggest and we can add/omit each week.

I am pregnant check-in

How far along are you?

Any concerns? How are you feeling?

What kind of appointment?

How did it go?

Any feels/vents/etc?

Learn anything new?

Next appointment:


I am a new mom check-in

How many weeks PP/How old is baby?

How are you feeling? Any concerns?

How is baby in general doing?

How is baby eating & sleeping?

BF or FF? How is that going?

Milestones? Both baby and mom.

[duskymonkey]

How far along are you?
36+1

Any concerns? How are you feeling?
Pretty good actually. With babies showing up, I am nervous!

What kind of appointment?
Routine OB and had a MFM last week which I forgot to update.

How did it go?
Both well. Got a GBS swab. NST was also good. Bubs is back on track for growth. Estimated 5lb 5oz (+ 12oz ) and at 17th percentile which was consistent with DS. OB also cleared me for BG monitoring so I am glad I no longer have to prick myself at random times. I still need to stay away from refined carbs since that's my trigger for spikes.

Any feels/vents/etc?[/b
Arranged the removal of cerclage next week and I am afraid I would start contractions/or my membranes would rupture during or shortly after removal. Logistically it would not be ideal since I'll be having the procedure in another hospital about 1.5hrs ( more with traffic ) away and it will be added stress of dealing with DS and hubs but it will be what it will so we'll just have to hope for the best and roll with the punches.

Learn anything new?
Nope

Next appointment:
Early next week for routine OB and the next day cerclage removal.

[mkrupar]

How many weeks PP/How old is baby? 3 days

How are you feeling? Any concerns? I'm a mess. Still working on getting my BP in order. It's come down some, but not where it needs to be for discharge. I didn't get to go to the NICU all day yesterday, so I'm in a glass case of emotions because I've only been able to hold DS once since he was born. I'm waiting on my next dose of pain meds, and the doc finally cleared me to go down for a visit.

How is baby in general doing? Baby's doing great! He's off the respiratory therapy and they're feeding him now.

How is baby eating & sleeping? As far as I know he's doing well.

BF or FF? How is that going? FF. I made the decision early on to go right to FF this time around and given everything that's been going on, I'm glad I did. I'm worried enough without having to stress about pumping every 2-3 hours.

Milestones? Both baby and mom. Baby has reached most of his milestones. We still have to sort out my meds and get me stable before I can leave.

[moonandback141]

I am pregnant check-in

How far along are you? 33w2d

Any concerns? How are you feeling? Feeling pretty good but getting really bad insomnia now (preparation for functioning on little sleep perhaps?) plus really bad heartburn and more BHs.

What kind of appointment? Had my appt yesterday --growth ultrasound and regular routine with OB afterwards. Baby weighs 4lbs 14oz and measures in the 55%. Everything was measuring normal.

How did it go? See above.

Any feels/vents/etc? I made the rest of my appointments through my due date and that reality really sunk in that she's almost here!!!!

Learn anything new? Head down, has a little hair

Next appointment: 9/22

[littleowl913]

How far along are you? 33 Weeks

Any concerns? How are you feeling? Just hoping this baby doesn't come early or need to come out early. All these O17 babies have me a little nervous. I have to move on Sunday and close my apartment on Monday.

What kind of appointment? Yesterday it was NST, Sono (BPP only) and doc.

How did it go? Okay. The nurse looked at the NST and was like uh this baby just doesn't want to wake up and went to show the OB but OB said it was okay b/c she saw 2 spikes. Now she wants me to come in twice a week.

Any feels/vents/etc? I'm so uncomfortable. Sciatic pain is back and now both sides of my hips hurt when I sit. I keep having to get up from my desk and walk around every few minutes.

Learn anything new? Still head down so VBAC is still an option.

Next appointment: Thursday.

[CoachTsWife]

How far along are you? 37+2 or 38+1 according to my OB.

Any concerns? How are you feeling? Feeling good today. I had lots of back and hip pain over the weekend and yesterday, but today I feel a lot better.

What kind of appointment? Regular OB

How did it go? Fine. I was anticipating a cervical check, but my dr was very breezy today (unusual for her) and said we could wait until next week.

Any feels/vents/etc? Feeling a little less pressure that my OB will want to induce based on her 9/25 EDD.

Learn anything new? She wanted to add an ultrasound to my appt in two weeks to check fluid levels, etc.

Next appointment: Next week

[danvers]

How far along are you? 35w 3d

What kind of appointment? Normal OB

How did it go? Everything's good. They checked my BP twice and looked at my legs/calves. This was the point with DD things started to go downhill quickly. BP was low both times and my legs look as fantastic as a 35 weeks pregnant woman's legs look!

Learn anything new? They are starting me on every week appointments. I know this didn't start with DD till later so I'm not sure why am coming in every week because they said everything was great...

Next appointment: next week - GBS swab and normal OB stuff

[mommabakes]

I am pregnant check-in

How far along are you? 36+3

Any concerns? How are you feeling? Feeling pretty decent, no real concerns.

What kind of appointment? MW appt, GBS swab

How did it go? Pretty good! My bp was on the low side, after being highish last week. Typically it's spot on what it should be.

Any feels/vents/etc?

Learn anything new? Baby is posterior currently, which Google tells me can cause lots more issues at birth for both of us. Hopefully he twists around yet!

Next appointment: next Tuesday afternoon.

[rachydc]

I am pregnant check-in

How far along are you?
35+2
Any concerns? How are you feeling?
No concerns. Feeling tired and worn out. My daily walks are starting to slow down, I can definitely feel all of this 5lbs or so baby! Work hasn't been helping since this is my busiest time of year, but what can ya do?
What kind of appointment?
Regular check in
How did it go?
Quick and easy. Measured a week ahead again. I know it doesn't mean anything, but still has me kind of excited
Any feels/vents/etc?
I scheduled my last 4 appts, it's definitely starting to feel more and more real!
Learn anything new?
Nope.
Next appointment:
The 20th. GBS swab and weekly appts start up. 

[trinitrotoluene]

I am pregnant check-in

How far along are you? 35 weeks

Any concerns? How are you feeling? No concerns, just ready to not be so sore all the time.

What kind of appointment? Midwife

How did it go? Nothing exciting

Any feels/vents/etc? I can't get over the idea that he really could come any day now. I'm not emotionally equipped for this.

Learn anything new? Baby is head down and in a great position.

Next appointment: Thursday of next week

[gamergirl]

How far along are you? 36+6

Any concerns? How are you feeling? No concerns, feeling pretty good. She's just getting super heavy, lol

What kind of appointment? Regular OB w/cervical check

How did it go? Good, HR in upper 150s and is BP normal.

Any feels/vents/etc? OMGosh I'm going to have a baby anytime in the next 3 weeks. I'm ready/superduper nervous at the same time.

Learn anything new? Cervix is 75% thinned, and she said I'm at a 1 almost to a 2.

Next appointment: Next Thursday, 9/22

[cougarette]

I am pregnant check-in

How far along are you?
36+2

Any concerns? How are you feeling?
Just starting to wonder if I'm feeling cramps vs contractions. There's no pattern and they aren't too intense, so I'm going with cramps.

What kind of appointment?
OB with the GBS swab

How did it go?
It went well, had an impromptu ultrasound to check the fluids for my sanity. All is looking awesome.

Any feels/vents/etc?
Feeling relief about his growth and the fluids. I'm tired of the stretching and pain.

Learn anything new?
Since they're phasing out the ob practice they don't have any of the tdap, so I need to go by a pharmacy or minute clinic. I'll get the flu shot the same time.

Next appointment:
Next Wednesday

[seventythree]

How far along are you? 38+2 today

Any concerns? How are you feeling? Just normal end-of-pregnancy stuff: feeling large, SPD pain, back ache, constantly peeing. A little on edge because I was induced last time, so I guess I'm feeling like a FTM re: the possibility of going into labour before my scheduled induction (9/26)

What kind of appointment? Regular OB + NST

How did it go? Pretty well, for once there was no drama with the NST and my fluid and BP still look good. Doc checked my cervix because she was curious (lol), she said I'm 1-2cm.

Any feels/vents/etc? I received a follow-up call that they want me to have another growth scan, I guess the possible implications of that make me nervous, esp since I keep hearing that a) the further along you get and b) the fatter you are, the less accurate the ultrasound measurement tends to be.
ETA: I'm also annoyed that this cold I'm currently fighting means I wasn't able to get my flu vaccine. Blah. I'll get it as soon as I can, but the countdown to baby is on and I'd rather pass on some of the immunity if possible.

Next appointment: Same thing on Friday, seems like overkill but they want me in twice weekly so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[seventythree]

cougarette, I've been having the cramps vs contractions debate as well. Some have been pretty intense, but they last too long to be considered contractions so I'm calling them cramps. I keep reminding myself that if I DO notice a pattern I can always begin timing them, it probably won't matter in the great scheme if I miss the first 2-3.

[blackmamba]

I am pregnant check-in

How far along are you? 36+4

Any concerns? How are you feeling? Feeling huge and concerned that my dreams of a vbac are going out the window.

What kind of appointment? OB

How did it go? Baby and I are doing well. When I went to the MFM for a growth scan at 34 weeks they were estimating that the baby was 6lbs 7oz. Today the doctor did a quick us and the baby is still breech. The doctor said that based on the size of the baby ("gigantic"), the location of the placenta, and the amount of fluid, he thinks it is very unlikely that the baby will flip. Trying to get into the right frame of mind for a RCS.

Any feels/vents/etc? I'm really nervous about having another csection. Last time was traumatic and I want a different experience. Trying to be positive and set myself up for success, but I'm anxious. Also, not ready yet.

Learn anything new? Not really.

Next appointment: Next Friday.

[CoachTsWife]

blackmamba, are you a candidate for any of the techniques used to try to flip babies? I'm sorry you're feeling anxious about it; I can understand that! I'll be sending 'flipping' vibes to baby Mamba!

[chitownsully]

I'm so sorry, blackmamba. Was your first a scheduled c-section?

[mkrupar]

I'm sorry blackmamba. I know how much you want a VBAC. Anecdotally, I can tell you this c-section was 100% better than the first one. I knew what to expect. I voiced allllll of my concerns and questions with the doc before hand (it helped it was my OB who happened to be on duty when the decision was made) and it was just a much better experience. I've also been better prepared for recovery since I knew what to expect.

I'm still sending you all the baby flipping vibes!!

[thatgirlrachel]

How far along are you? 37+3

Any concerns? How are you feeling? No concerns. Feeling fine other than it being hard to breathe bc baby is taking up all the room in there.

What kind of appointment? Growth scan and midwife check up.

How did it go? Great! We learned that baby is measuring 8lbs 4ozs at this point. Cervix is at a 1.5, almost 2, and I'm 50% effaced. Baby is at station -3.

Assuming I make it to my appointment next week, they will talk about inducing me at 39 weeks. So I'm looking at having a baby in 10 or so days!

Any feels/vents/etc? Excited to know that my body is making progress toward labor! So ready to have an outside baby.

Learn anything new? I have a grade 3 placenta so they want me to do kick counts just to monitor the baby and if I make it to next weeks appointment, I'll do an NST just for monitoring.

Next appointment: Next Thursday. Checkup, NST, & scheduling an induction if baby doesn't come first.

[cythe]

Aww man, I want a baby in the next 10 days or so :: kicks rocks ::

[parma986]

How far along are you? 35+1

Any concerns? How are you feeling? My pelvic pain is worsening and I get SOB when laying at the slightest incline. I guess I can't complain too much compared to some people but I'm just uncomfortable and tired.

What kind of appointment? Normal OB

How did it go? She sent me for blood work because my BP was slightly elevated and I had one protein in my urine. I also didn't drink a bunch of water today so that may be why, but she wanted to check my kidney/liver function. Baby is still transverse.

Any feels/vents/etc? I really hope my blood work comes back okay. And I'm also continuing to hope that she flips to head down.

Learn anything new? She gave me the name of a chiropractor she has sent people to if I want to try it to turn her head down. I'm undecided. She also told me that if I go into labor I need to tell them when I call that baby was transverse/breech at my last appointment and they will bring me in right away for an US. If she is still not head down at that point they will try to turn her before they would do a c-section. I guess baby is very mobile in there, she was able to get some good movement from her so she said a version may not be too hard.

Next appointment: 9/25- US to check positioning, GBS swab, routine OB.

[Taitai]

I am pregnant check-in

How far along are you? 35 weeks

Any concerns? How are you feeling? I feel so huge. Still shuffling like a geisha from the SPD pain. Just hoping my waters hold for 2 more weeks so I can get to full term - my big goal!!!

What kind of appointment? MFM

How did it go? Really well! Baby got with the program and turned himself head down. Now he just needs to stay that way. He is clocking in at 2.44 kg (about 5.4 lbs), which puts him right on track to be a similar size to DS (was born at 38 weeks at 7lbs 1 oz).

Any feels/vents/etc? I'm still worried about the retained placenta and hemorrhage risk, but we have blood banked at the hospital and the doctors are well aware of the need to monitor me closely for hemorrhaging/retained placenta. There has been so much internal bleeding in my uterus this whole pregnancy, that my doctor thinks it will be quite "sticky" in there from all the dried/clotted blood. Just hoping the placenta comes out on its own...pretty pretty please.

Also - the cord is looped around baby's neck. Just 1 pass, but it still makes me nervous. I'm being really cognizant of kick counts and movement.

Learn anything new? Baby turned head down! Wohoo!

Next appointment: Next Thursday to make sure head is still down and GBS swab.

[blackmamba]

Sept 14, 2017 11:34:16 GMT -6 CoachTsWife said:

blackmamba , are you a candidate for any of the techniques used to try to flip babies? I'm sorry you're feeling anxious about it; I can understand that! I'll be sending 'flipping' vibes to baby Mamba!

Thanks, lady. They won't do ECV due to prior csection. I've been seeing the chiropractor, he's Webster certified. I haven't asked about or tried anything else. I'll see what my options are, but the doctor didn't sound optimistic.

[blackmamba]

Sept 14, 2017 13:26:22 GMT -6 chitownsully said:

I'm so sorry, blackmamba . Was your first a scheduled c-section?

Not scheduled. I was induced at 41 weeks and after 24 hours I was still only at 5 or 6 and things just weren't progressing.

[blackmamba]

Sept 14, 2017 13:34:53 GMT -6 mkrupar said:

I'm sorry blackmamba . I know how much you want a VBAC. Anecdotally, I can tell you this c-section was 100% better than the first one. I knew what to expect. I voiced allllll of my concerns and questions with the doc before hand (it helped it was my OB who happened to be on duty when the decision was made) and it was just a much better experience. I've also been better prepared for recovery since I knew what to expect.

I'm still sending you all the baby flipping vibes!!

Thanks, mkrupar! I'm hearing from a lot of people that the second one was better than the first. I've been focusing on the good stories I've been hearing. I will say that it is nice to really be able to plan for child care and visitors, especially since we don't have family that lives close to us.

[Taitai]

blackmamba My cousin had a situation kind of like yours. She was induced and not progressing, which required a CS and she said it was a difficult recovery. However, her second CS was scheduled and she said it was like night and day - quicker recovery, not so traumatic, and she felt a lot better after the second one than she did with the first. If you end up with a CS for this baby, I hope your experience is like my cousin's!

[mkrupar]

blackmamba I was actually just thinking this morning how surprised I was at how good I feel less than a week out from surgery. I don't remember how long it took to feel normal again the last time, but I remember it was well after my incision check a week after discharge.

[August Blooms]

blackmamba +2 stories of friends who have had C section with their second after a similar situation to yours with their first. Their recovery was so much easier and the overall experience was a lot better.

Taitai Sounds like you've got a good plan in place and hopefully the baby is a ninja and moves the cord too.

[chitownsully]

blackmamba, echoing Taitai - hopefully, if you need a c-section, this one will be a lot smoother since you know it's coming. FX for you and thinking about you!