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@highwire: Humm...not sure that IV environment would do a whole lot of my mental health . . .
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@highwire: I have banned myself from birth stories. I can't always tell at the beginning if it will be a positive or negative version of the experience, and I soo want to avoid anything that is going to make me anxious/scared. If I knew it was going to be a glowing review of childbirth, I'd totally read it, but I don't want to know if it's not encouraging.
Our doula keeps telling me how important it is to be relaxed and as free from anxiety as possible during labor, so I'm working on mentally preparing myself to chill out about the whole ordeal. Doing some hypnobirthing type activities and brushing up on my anxiety reducing/stopping techniques.
I'm also trying to spend time sitting/lying in ways that are supposed to optimize the baby's position. Apparently the worst ways to sit are "lolling back in armchairs, sitting in car seats where you are leaning back, or anything where your knees are higher than your pelvis" -- which is basically how I want to sit ALL THE TIME on bed rest.
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@Mrs. Tricycle: Agh yeah I've heard that as well! I'm really curious if there is some kind of position that allows me to keep my feet elevated (and therefore help with the painful swelling in my ankles) but also promotes good baby position.
After baby being head down for weeks, my chiro said she was transverse on Wednesday! Not what I'm going for as I approach 36 weeks. Might have to prioritize baby position over smaller/less swollen ankles at this point...
The IV/chemo room was mega depressing. But, I made a friend already who was there getting iron also. And I'm trying to send good energy/nice vibes to the chemo patients as well. It is actually inspiring me to try and be as healthy as possible and do all the cancer fighting things I can do for myself like eating well, getting rest, exercising (in small doses), etc.
How's resting treating you? I don't know what people did before internet as far as being productive while not moving. I'm so glad I can still order things online and take care of "business" so-to-speak but still getting to relax at the same time.
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@highwire: Lately I have been prioritizing position over reduced swelling. Although my swelling isn't painful, so I'm not sure how that would impact my decision-making. I've been trying to sit on my exercise ball as much as possible and bouncing or rolling my hips as much as I can. I will also try to sit up straight on the couch with the bottoms of my feet together and my knees out. My work chair is the most uncomfortable place ever these days. If I feel I need to recline I just lay on my left side (or sometimes right) coompletely horizontal with a pillow between my legs.
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@mrsjyw: glad to hear it! i found some red raspberry leaf tea in my office kitchen yesterday and drank some yesterday and today. it tastes like weeds to me!
@lindseykaye: ooh i love that piece of art! please share a pic if you have a chance!
@travelgirl1: funny thing is...i think baby will be in our room for awhile too. nursery won't be used for a few months, at least.
i had my doc appt today, not a lot of progression. but, she did a strip of the membranes and i've kinda felt crampy since then. we'll see what happens. she told me she had a patient due nov 3 and that she delivered last night! le sigh. i know baby will come when she comes, but it is hard not knowing when for a type A planner like i am!
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@Mrs. Tricycle: I've been doing the hypnobabies home study course for the past couple of months. I try to listen to at least one of the tracks every night as I fall asleep. If I was on bed rest then I would certainly need to listen to it more. I find that the busyness of work actually makes me less anxious because I don't have the time or brain space to be anxious. If I'm home, even working from home, then I let myself get more anxious.
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@JessLC: I have an appointment tomorrow and I hope they'll do that too. I'm already 38 weeks and want to get this baby out as naturally as possible. I hope it helps you progress!
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@Mrs. Tricycle: hehe, i've been reading them like no other. i think i'm just curious, and comparing how my experience will be? i've passed the nervous phase (for now)
@highwire: awww HUGGGGGS, hope the treatments are over ASAP!
@travelgirl1: @jesslc: the nursery's all done, but we have the pack n play set up in our room, and i have no doubt LO will be there for the first few months! ... i guess we'll use the nursery for naps?
@jesslc: need to go get some tea and pills and every other "safe" "natural" inducement method out there in the coming weeks! LOL
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Had anyone else's skin started going crazy? I've broken out pretty bad in the past few days. I hope that indicates hormonal changes indicating that labor is soon. My skin hasn't been great throughout pregnancy, but it is so much worse this week.
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@Mrs. Tricycle: @highwire: this sounds silly but i was traumatized by a picture in ina may's guide to childbirth (in the birth stories part), so i've been avoiding any birth stories =/
@ChelseaRose: good luck tomorrow! i hope that you've made some progress too
let us know!@mrsjyw: i've also been eating pineapple for the past three days straight! DH also found a recipe for eggplant parm that is supposed to have sent over 300 pregnant women into labor after they ate it. we're going to make it this weekend if i still haven't gone yet!
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@JessLC: yummmmm i can't wait to find out if you'll be 301!
then i'll have to make it in a couple weeks! LOL
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@JessLC: thanks! There's a restaurant around here that has a salad that is known for sending women into labor. I may ask someone to get it for me over the weekend. It couldn't hurt.
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@JessLC: Ina May traumatizes me on multiple levels.
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@Mrs. Tricycle: LOL! seriously, there is a pic in that book that disturbed me and I haven't opened it since.
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@lindseykaye I did a piece of art like that too! I like how mine turned out - share a pic!
@highwire that sounds a little awkward, though the chemo patients are probably happy to see someone new & glowing, maybe?? hope they go quickly
I read birth stories but don't feel affected by them one way or the other (so not sure why I read them now, lol). More it reaffirms that I have no control over what my body will do and that I shouldn't plan for anything and set myself up for failure!@jesslc why did your OB tell you that about the 11/3 patient, LOL, how frustrating! hope you get some progression soon, I totally empathize as a fellow type A
I had my GB test and first cervical check today.. fingers crossed its negative and the check wasn't awesome but I'm more worried with how uncomfortable I was with pressure down on my tailbone. I broke my back in two places (including my tailbone) and ripped a bunch of ligaments in college, so I'm anxious about how it will affect labor.. and it felt like my tailbone was going to snap when she checked me today! 1 CM & 50%, which is better than nothing wahoo!
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@scg00387: yikes! Sorry it was so uncomfortable. That sounds pretty scary about your back. Do you still have a lot of problems with it or anything? Yay for being dilated and effaced though!! Its that much less work that your body will have to go through to get the baby out!
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I'm also at that point where I'm trying really hard to prioritize baby positioning vs. reduced swelling. Definitely not as comfortable as laying back on the couch with my feet up!
And, by the end of the night for the last few days I have been having what feels like constant pressure on my cervix. That sharp pain that takes my breath away along with lots of braxton hicks. Once I lay down to go to sleep though they taper off.@chelsearose - my skin has taken a dive for the worse too. I actually had really great skin (for me) all through this pregnancy but in the last week or so I've had breakouts. I'm with you in hoping that it means hormones are changing and things will move along sooner than later! Otherwise - no fair.
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Anyone else having radiating low back pain? That just started for me over the last couple of days (nothing frequent or measurable, just randomly).
@ChelseaRose: Yes the devil office chair!! It doesn't do me any favors. As for skin stuff, my skin has actually been relatively clear the last week or two which is a welcome change (but my due date is way later in the month)
@JessLC: I'm sure everyone is like on top of you with symptom spotting so I will just say that I hope you are having a good day so far
@scg00387: Ack! Hope your back injury isn't aggravated by labor.
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@highwire: of course! ME! ugh, can't even stand driving now.... i just had a prenatal massage yesterday... and my low back pain is horrible today
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@mrsjyw: It is totally different from any back pain I've ever had before. It is like sharp, radiating pain...ha I'm guessing I'll get to experience that oh so lovely back labor people talk bout.
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@jesslc I have diminished mobility turning, like to back into a parking space and am lopsided from the way it made my spine curve and get sore there.. none of which are a big deal, I feel fortunate that I wasn't paralyzed or something awful! But yes, I am pumped for progress!!
@highwire that stinks
Have you ever tried one of these http://www.amazon.com/Angel-Sales-PosturePro-Lumbar-Support/dp/B000AP0HY4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351262280&sr=8-1&keywords=lower+back+support+chair ? I know they have them at Walgreens and similar places. I'm not in an office chair but former coworkers swore by them 
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@highwire: my thoughts exactly. i'm sitting in an ergonomic chair right now. and i'm still bent over and arched, to give myself some sort of relief. it's a buzzing pain that is not normal to me!
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@scg00387: I might have something like that laying around the house actually! The chair isn't really uncomfortable, it just has me sitting tilted kind of backwards which I'm trying to avoid to keep the baby in a good position. So, I've been sort of sitting on the far edge to try and keep my pelvis tilted down...and that's where I'm getting into rough waters LOL
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@mrsjyw: Yes, the buzzing!
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@highwire: thanks! I am really crampy/contactiony following my sweep yesterday. Nothing regular though but very uncomfortable. I had my bloody show this morning too - so gross yet exciting at the same time!
@scg00387: im glad that the long lasting effects are manaheable but im sorry you had to go thru that. when you say lopsided, do you mean scoliosis? I have a semi bad case of that (just born with it) but it doesn't really bother me too much. I have read that it can be a little hard to get the epidural in the right place though.
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@JessLC: Exciting!!!
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@JessLC: ahhhh so crazy!!! so exciting!!
I feel like I was just stalking the Oct mama threads for the same signs/symptoms/stories and now it's starting on our boards!!!
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@highwire gotcha! i feel like i am way behind on this baby positioning thing - this is what i found with googling.. " A woman can assume a knee-chest position (knees, head and chest on the bed, with buttocks up in the air) for 20 minutes, three times per day. " http://www.pregnancyandbaby.com/pregnancy/articles/938043/tips-for-altering-your-babys-position
I know our baby is currently where he's supposed to be since I saw him on the ultrasound but in case he moves.. are yall seriously doing this for 20 minutes, 3 times a day?! I think I'd fall asleep and fall over, LOL
@jesslc thanks! sledding is dangerous, lol. its basically the same as scoliosis, and my OB said the same thing.. and that it might not work due to scar tissue. i'm trying to not freak out about that possibility - i'd be so mad if i caved and got an epidural, and then it didnt even work!!
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Anyone interested in a new survey?
Due Date: 11/23
Plans for induction: Nope! Doc tried to set up an induction before he leaves for Thanksgiving vacation but I declined.
Weeks along, weight gained: 36 Weeks today! and up a lovely 40 lbs
Boy, Girl, or Surprise: Girl, although it has been so long since we have had a sonogram, I keep worrying she might have sprouted a penis between then and now (jk)
Name(s)?: Still going with Charlotte Rose
How many contractions away is the hospital?: Depends on how close together they are, I suppose! But if they are 5 minutes apart, then hospital is 5 contractions away.
Any anticipated labour/delivery complications? Nothing so far, but we haven't started any checks so no idea on how fluid levels are, baby positioning at this point, etc. Hoping to have a better idea on Monday at my next OB appt. But no Group B strep or preeclampsia or placenta previa or anything else that would warrant any extra monitoring at this point
Most recent appt stats: Will know more on Monday! He said baby was head down at last appointment but she has been really, really active so I'm wondering if she changed positions at all.
Next appt? Monday, 10/29
Guesstimated Birthweight of baby: Doctor said he would take a guess at the next appointment. Last time he said baby didn't feel too big which was good since my weight gain has been so insane lately.
Will baby have hair? Hope so! But if not, I'll stick a headband on little ms. baldy
Anything left to do?:Oh yes. Lots. LOL. Hoping to get a bunch done this weekend!
Most anxious about: Getting enough money saved up for my leave. We had a bunch of unexpected new expenses ($900 car repair, $600 doula that we just decided we wanted, etc.) that was all supposed to go into savings and now it isn't. Money is so tight right now I haven't even been able to got to the grocery store in weeks because I'm trying to save up as much as I can.
How are you feeling?: Mentally okay. Physically I am totally shredded.
Aside from baby arrival being safe, and baby and Mom being healthy, what are you looking forward to once your baby is here?: Just hanging out at the house with close family and our little girl all bundled up like a little burrito.
Looking forward to post-pregnancy? Not being a big, puffy mess of a human being. Can't wait to get back into a normal body.
Post-pregnancy fitness goals? (If any!): Anything and everything. I miss working out. Yoga. Walking. Group exercise classes. Workout DVDs. Dancing. Whatever.
What do you anticipate will be the most difficult part of learning to parent or the hardest adjustment to being a parent?: Staying mentally healthy and not getting depressed.
Return to work date (if returning!): February 2013.
As of now, how many children do you think you will have: While getting my iron IV yesterday I texted DH and told him "NO MORE BABIES'. And he said "one more".
It is better not to ask me right now LOL. I'm sure I'll come around to the idea again once this phase is over.
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Due Date: 11/18
Plans for induction: Nope! I hope he comes naturally and not past the due date!
Weeks along, weight gained: 36w5d, up 37 lbs!
Boy, Girl, or Surprise: Boy!
Name(s)?: Finalized! We just got the PBK personalized chair in, and I’ve already started filling out his baby book; so I really hope he doesn’t look NOT like the name we picked!
How many contractions away is the hospital?: Haha, the hospital is only five minutes away, so 1 contraction? Doc said to go when contractions are five minutes apart!
Any anticipated labor/delivery complications? Nothing out of the norm so far. Had a cervical check at just past 35 weeks, baby’s been engaged and cervix has thinned, though I don’t know what % effaced. Skipped cervical check this past week and I’m hoping not to have one until past 38 weeks, just so I don’t drive myself crazy thinking the babe is coming early!
Most recent appt stats: head down, engaged, cervix effaced, 148 bpm, ~6.5 lbs.Next appt? Tuesday AM, 10/30
Guesstimated Birthweight of baby: ~7.5 lbs is what he told me this week.
Will baby have hair? I’m sure if he’s like mama, he will!
Anything left to do?: Just made a list of “things to do” the first week we’re home: soc security, call my maternity leave in, health insurance on DH for baby, schedule pediatrician appt, etc. I have to finalize packing the hospital bag and make a list of “people to call/text.”
Most anxious about: getting through the pain/discomfort of the next two weeks, not as nervous about labor as I was last week, but still worried about ability to BF; and also- adjustment to life with nb with a husband who’s never changed a diaper!
How are you feeling?: mentally strong, physically I feel completely helpless and deteriorated from my nonpreggo self.
Aside from baby arrival being safe, and baby and Mom being healthy, what are you looking forward to once your baby is here?: QT as our family of 3 (5 including our furbabies) and enjoying our first Christmas together!
Looking forward to post-pregnancy? Getting my body back and being able to move around like pre-pregnancy!Post-pregnancy fitness goals? (If any!): Anything and everything. I’m going to start C25K, get back to my yoga class, and workout dvds. If all else fails, I will hire a trainer to keep me on my toes!
What do you anticipate will be the most difficult part of learning to parent or the hardest adjustment to being a parent?: Mental health, sacrifice, worrying, etc.
Return to work date (if returning!): Late February 2013.
As of now, how many children do you think you will have: It changes every week. Yesterday, I was like “No way in hell can I do this again.” Then another day, I was like okay – two more times after this one!
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@mrsjyw: Oooh did you like the prenatal massage? I keep toying with booking one...
@JessLC: Oooh that's exciting! Getting closer!
@highwire: My name's Charlotte! Good choice for a girl : ) Did you say your baby is sideways at the moment? Did they offer you the manual turning? I'm obsessed with these since I declined one!
So are you all doing all the old wives tricks to induce labour? I must be the only prego on the planet who wants her baby to stay put until later! So much still to do to prepare for her...
Due Date: 11/05
Plans for induction: Baby is breech so have a planned c section scheduled for November 6.
Weeks along, weight gained: 38 weeks 4 days. Ha I have no idea about the weight but it's a hell of a lot for sure. I think it started early in the first tri when all I could stomach was cookies and ice cream. So swollen too, I'm hoping it's mostly water weight.
Boy, Girl, or Surprise: Girl
Name(s)?: It's a surprise since we only agree on that name and have no backups if people don't like it.....
How many contractions away is the hospital?: If I feel any I have to go straight to the hospital since it will be an emergency c section for breech
Any anticipated labour/delivery complications? Just the breech issue - everything's great otherwise!
Most recent appt stats: Saw my doc today, everything great, but had blood tests done for pre eclampsia just because I've been getting headaches, worse vision and more swelling. Am sure it's fine though, just been a busy week!
Next appt? Next Friday
Guesstimated Birthweight of baby: I'm not sure... but we only do big babies in my family : )
Will baby have hair? I hope so, I want some headband action!
Anything left to do?:OMG an insane amount! We only just started sorting stuff out this week. Please stay put till your due date, baby!
Most anxious about: Baby being healthy, her staying in till her due date so I can finish up my last week at work, write my freelance articles and get everything ready for her. And my DH getting a job - he was laid off last month and it's screwed up our work permits.
How are you feeling?: Sooo tired! I must be getting three hours sleep a night and then busy every night. Insanely excited though!
Aside from baby arrival being safe, and baby and Mom being healthy, what are you looking forward to once your baby is here?: Seeing my DH with his daughter, snuggling up on the sofa all three of us, watching the snow fall and drinking hot chocolate, our first Christmas all together.
Looking forward to post-pregnancy? Losing the weight!!!! I don't even think my arm would fit through my skinny jeans now!
Post-pregnancy fitness goals? (If any!): Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred, , walking...
What do you anticipate will be the most difficult part of learning to parent or the hardest adjustment to being a parent?: Being all alone out here. All our family and friends are in England.
Return to work date (if returning!): Will start looking for a new job after six months. I'm temping right now and although they're very interested in having me back, I feel like I might be better off doing freelance journalism from home and not shelling out for day care.
As of now, how many children do you think you will have: Well he's one of seven so guess how many he wants!!! No freaking way!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm one of four and I can stretch to that - I think! But I have PCOS so we'll have to see what nature intends for us.
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So, remember how we were talking about hiring maids? DH (who is not a fan of paying someone to clean) talked to his mom about it and now my MIL is driving up 2 weeks before my EDD to clean our house because she doesn't want us to spend the money. I had a freak out for about 5 minutes (NO OMG. No one I know needs to be responsible for cleaning my dirty house), and then I got over it because I don't want to have an argument with her or DH about it. And I can stick that $150 in the bank instead. I'm going to spend the day cooking freezer meals and DH and my MIL can tag team on the cleaning. And I will try not to feel uncomfortable about it lol.
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@highwire: Ha I wouldn't like my MIL doing it either but, you're right, you can save the money. That's really lovely of her to offer!
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@travelgirl1: I've been getting them pretty regularly since 20 weeks! My first at 20, another at 26, and then 1x a week for the last month! (since week 32?)... I have one more scheduled for 11/6 (38 weeks) n one left unscheduled...
it's been so relaxing and i can't even imagine what my body would be like without them!
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@travelgirl1: It is! And we are actually really close and get along great, so it isn't a big deal at all, really. She's really like another mother to me.
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My morning was kinda eventful/stressful. Had my 38 weeks appointment and bp was high again and urine tested at +1 for protein (usually it is negative or trace only). I had a cervical check and was not dilated or effaced at all. My OB sent me to the hospital for monitoring for me and baby. Baby looked great the whole time. My bp lowered, but still wasn't great. I had labs drawn, which all came back fine and my bp was down enough to get discharged. I have to go back to the OB on monday though and was told not to go to work first. I may actually be done working now, but I don't know for sure yet. My instructions were to get plenty of rest this weekend and spend time laying down on my left side. I'm not officially on "bed rest" but it sounds pretty damn close. I may try to fit in a pedicure and dinner with my husband, but that's about it.
I'm relieved that they didn't want to induce me today, but I feel like it is just a matter of time and I'm working on accepting that. My appointment on monday is only 9 days before my due date, so either way he will be here very soon.
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@ChelseaRose: sorry that your morning was stressful! i'm glad everything is ok though, just sounds like you have to take it really easy this weekend.
@travelgirl1: treat yourself, book the massage! i had one a few weeks ago and it. was. heavenly. my back felt so loosey goosey and good afterwards, and it stayed like that for days.
@highwire: that is awesome that your MIL will do that! also, i love surveys! so thanks for finding this new one
Due Date: 11/1
Plans for induction: one week from due date, so 11/8
Weeks along, weight gained: 39w1d, 25 lbs even! i gained 2 lbs in the last week...more room now that baby has dropped and i've been chowing down on sugary cereals.
Boy, Girl, or Surprise: Girl
Name(s)?: 90% set on the first name, the middle name is def my mother's name.
How many contractions away is the hospital?: Depends on traffic! 4 contractions with no traffic, maybe 6-10 with traffic? ugh. that would be horrible.
Any anticipated labour/delivery complications? i have a spine problem and i've read it can cause difficulties with finding the right spot for the epidural. Read some horror stories about women being stuck 8 times before they find it, or it just not working at all.
Most recent appt stats: everything was normal. baby's heartbeat was a little elevated, so they put me on the monitor for about 10 minutes and it slowed down to just under 150, which is normal.
Next appt? Monday.
Guesstimated Birthweight of baby: sizing scan extrapolated 7 lbs at 37 weeks, so i'm guessing 8-9 lbs. yikes.
Will baby have hair? if the heartburn i've had this pregnancy is any indication of hair, she should be quite a hairy one.
Anything left to do?: have the baby.
Most anxious about: having the baby. haha, it is consuming me right now! i can't stand the antsiness! oh actually, i live in the Northeast and we are expecting a gigantic storm this weekend, so i hope baby comes before that. also, i get really nervous when baby doesn't move around too much, like what if something were to go terribly wrong now, when i'm so close?
How are you feeling?: dead tired, crampy/contractiony, uncomfortable, miserable, everything. woe is me! i'm just mopey today, sorry ladies.
Aside from baby arrival being safe, and baby and Mom being healthy, what are you looking forward to once your baby is here?: hmm. well i can't wait to start our lives as a family of 3 and spending time with our families during the holidays.
Looking forward to post-pregnancy? being able to see my feet and my lady parts, not waddling, having a gigantic glass of red wine.
Post-pregnancy fitness goals? start going back to pilates classes and maybe some running.
What do you anticipate will be the most difficult part of learning to parent or the hardest adjustment to being a parent?: Being able to function on less sleep and keeping my bitchiness in check.
Return to work date (if returning!): feb/mar. kinda not sure yet.
As of now, how many children do you think you will have: at least one more...maybe 2.
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@JessLC: I have scoliosis too. I never had surgery for it, but it was recommended when I was younger. I don't have any back pains or problems from it, but I've always been worried about how it would impact getting an epidural (should I desire one). I asked my OB about it and she wasn't too concerned, but she's not an anesthesiologist and did not really examine my back. That was part of the reason that I decided to do hypnobabies because I was not sure if I could even get a successful epi.
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@ChelseaRose: wow, it is more common than i thought. i was borderline eligible for surgery as well, and never got it. i wore a brace for a few years, but i was terrible about it and so my spine is still quite crooked. i don't have a ton of problems with it either, fortunately. when i asked my OB about it, she gave the head anesthesiologist a call and he basically said it is kind of a decision they have to make when i'm there and in labor. it would be helpful to have x-rays, but i keep forgetting to request them.
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Just made one last order online at BBB and Target for the rest of the odds and ends for baby! So excited to check that off the list. There are a few items on the registry that didn't get buy and that I didn't wind up buying. But we definitely have the basics covered. And if there is something we wind up needing that we didn't get in advance, we will just buy it as we go.
let us know!
I read birth stories but don't feel affected by them one way or the other (so not sure why I read them now, lol). More it reaffirms that I have no control over what my body will do and that I shouldn't plan for anything and set myself up for failure!
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