Hellobee Boards

Has anyone started thinking about Maternity leave yet? I'm being pressed to decide what length of time I want to take in the next 2-3 weeks here. Since this is my first baby, I have no frame of reference. Of course "as long as possible" would be nice, but I also have medical school loans that will still be due, so going unpaid for long is difficult. Also, DH and I work at the same place, and we are restricted to 12 total weeks between both of us in a 365 day period. I'm leaning towards Me 8 weeks, him 4, (simultaneously) or probably less likely me 10 and he 2 weeks. I just don't want to have any regrets. Can anyone provide some guidance or perspective?

@yellowbeach: when my son was born my company offered 6 weeks paid so I did that and used a week of vacation to do half days for two weeks (btw this was a terrible idea) I think something like a 8/4 or 9/3 split with your husband would be good. The last weeks alone were really isolating for me so I would have liked more time with DH home. I didn't feel like I had to go back too early either, but everyone's experience is different.

@littleblessings: So sweet, I'm sure it felt great to share!

Are my feet swollen at 4 weeks or did I wear the wrong shoes all week? Ouch! I am really hoping to not be as swollen this time around- had preeclampsia with my first and my blood pressure never returned to pre-pregnancy normal (Almost 3 years between pregnancies).

DDs birthday party is tonight at the skating rink. Sadly it'll prolly be my last time on skates for a while. It's kind of bittersweet although I did skate til 34 weeks pregnant with my son.

Location: NYC

EDD: April 14th

How far along: 5 weeks, 2 days

First child? Second. I have an 18 month old son

First doctor appointment: Sept 1st

Any symptoms so far? Super tired

Who have you told? My Mom and sister, in-laws and my husband

@littleblessings: That's exciting - bummer you have to wait until 8 weeks though. I guess that's maybe the only perk of IVF is the 6 week US and appointment rather than 8. How psyched was your DH???

Wow, glad to see so many more people join this board! Congrats to everyone! I was on vacation last week so was away for a bit.

My first ultrasound is this Thursday, 8/18. I'll be 6 weeks then, even though my doctor still has me down for 8 weeks. My blood test results when I first found out I was pregnant clearly showed that I was about 4 weeks and not 6 weeks at the time, but it doesn't seem like they are going to believe me until they see the proof on the ultrasound. I'm nervous, I hope it goes well.

Cautiously tiptoeing into this group....

Location: Boston

EDD: 04/21

How far along: 4w, 3d

First child? no, LO just turned 2

First doctor appointment: TBD... apparently they call you back and pre-screen at my new doctor's office and then let you make an appointment. Kind of annoyed by that. I don't really get it?

Any symptoms so far? Tired, but I have a toddler so basically normal!

Who have you told? Just DH so far!

Happy to be joining you ladies! Congratulations to all!

Location: New England

EDD: 4/15

How far along: 5w2d

First child? No, third! I have two daughters, ages 2 and 1.

First doctor appointment: 9/8

Any symptoms so far? Plenty... nausea, heartburn, fatigue, dizziness, tender boobs, bloating, mild cramps. Although my symptoms have been milder compared to previous pregnancies.

Who have you told? Only told DH so far. He's hoping for a son this time. We are careful not to mention it in front of our 2 year old because she'll spill the beans.

Team Green? We found out with our first and were surprised for our second, so we've done both ways. DH and I both want to find out this third time around.

Cautiously jumping in here...been feeling a bit anxious! Congrats to all you mamas

Location: Northeast

EDD: 4/15/17

How far along: 5w3d

First child? 2nd! I have a sweet 15 month old daughter!

First doctor appointment: 9/7

Any symptoms so far? On and off nausea, mild cramping (especially at night), sore boobs, and just so so tired. Everything comes and goes though which I think it's contributing to my anxiety!

Who have you told? Just DH and the OBs office!

@Mamag511: Glad I'm not alone! I swear I'm doing more symptom spotting than I did during the TWW

@MOMTOLITTLEB: Ugh, that sounds like a lot for the rest of the day! My commute is about an hour, but my husband's commute is 1.5 hours. Long commutes are draining, especially when there's traffic.

I'm always tired, but seem to be a little more tired than usual now that I'm pregnant. No nausea yet though, but my mom and my sister didn't have morning sickness so I'm actually thinking I may not end up with it. I have other symptoms though - sore boobs, cramps, bloated, digestive issues, peeing a lot.

I actually decided to push my first ultrasound back a week to 8/25 so that I'll be about 7 weeks at the appointment and can hopefully hear the heartbeat!

Has anyone experienced any dizziness so far? Mine comes and goes but had a few bad spells over the last two days where I just had to sit down and wait it out!

@JennyPenny: @Mamag511: I have dizzy spells too. They are brief but noticeable. I also had them with my previous pregnancies. I do have low blood pressure and the OB said that can contribute to it.

@MOMTOLITTLEB: Hang in there mama! The first trimester is the toughest because that fatigue is brutal. At least for me, I tend to get a bit of energy back in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters to chase after my LOs.

@PeaceLily: It's so hard to wait an extra week for an ultrasound but hearing that heartbeat will make it all worth it.

@mrswilson2012: Congratulations!

@Mamag511: I have here and there but I remember it more last time. Totally normal, and shortness of breath too. For me, it was worse as I got bigger and the baby crowded things!

@JennyPenny: that would be nice!

@littleblessings: wow! already!? I'm still mostly symptomless (for better or worse)

@JennyPenny: woke up with a bad headache and this is just the beginning. Lol. Going to a place near home today because they give free pregnancy tests and give verification papers stating you're pregnant. I'm so excited!!!!!

Location: PA

EDD: April 19th

How far along: 5 weeks and a day

First child? Second child

First doctor appointment: This Monday, August 22nd

Any symptoms so far? Just fatigue with little to no nausea

Who have you told? DH, my son's godmother, future baby's possible godparents.

@JennyPenny: hahah I'm pretty much symptom free and it's freaking me out a little bit. But with my first I was sick starting right at 6 weeks so I should probably enjoy this last week of not feeling hungover permanently.