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I hadn't heard of doing the GBS test on yourself. I know the midwife does it and I'm pretty sure she's going to do it at my 36 week appointment on Tuesday. After that do the weekly appointments start? I don't know what I'm going to do with DS if they do internal exams every week. My mom is babysitting next week but he usually comes with me because appointments last like 5 minutes. Anyone else have the same issue?
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@Beebug: It grew back?! I did it years ago on my underarms (about 6 sessions) and thankfully it has not grown back. I also did my bikini line but only around 3-4 sessions. Still, it's not bad. I'd be severely pissed if it grew back!
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@Beebug: It grew back?! I did it years ago on my underarms (about 6 sessions) and thankfully it has not grown back. I also did my bikini line but only around 3-4 sessions. Still, it's not bad. I'd be severely pissed if it grew back!
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@Glitter: I found laser hair removal really hurt but totally worth it!
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@Beebug: Ugh that is annoying it grew back! I've been wanting to get it done in some areas but always have something more important to spend the money on.
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@cookie_dough: I am so sorry about your father in law
@Glitter: oh I hear ya! Its getting very challenging to do things around
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@iluvpink: My understanding is that the stuff we are talking about (pineapple, garlic, walking, sex, yoga ball, tea, etc) don't make you go into labor prematurely/earlier than your baby is ready to. If they're comfy/cozy-- they are staying. Which is why no one ever says "make sure not to walk and eat pineapple while you're pregnant!" lol. But some of the things (maybe) help once you are already in labor by helping your cervix dilate better and/or helping your uterus work more efficiently. And some things help encourage LO a little bit if they're ready but haven't quite made the leap. Still I'm sure your doc can answer any questions you have about whats safe v. not safe for your specific condition!
@glitter: understandable! You've had a rough go of it. My most ideal birth would be 39w4d because thats just about on time and my BFFs birthday. I won't ask about membrane stripping until close to 41w probably, and even then I don't know if our midwives will do that. I know they are very about letting baby come when she's ready.
re: grooming--- meh? lol I do a rough job with a mirror but I'm not THAT concerned about it to be honest. I've never had a brazillian and this seems like a scary time to try. When I was first pregnant I mentioned to a few (mom)friends I was thinking about getting one right before I was due because being hairless for recovery seems ideal, and they were like OMGNOOOOOO. They all said brazillians hurt worse when you're pregnant anyways and doing your first one + 40w pregnant would be the worst idea ever lol.
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@Glitter: Yay for a pedicure! That sounds fantastic. I'm going to have to settle for the at-home variety because my husband has become super overprotective again and doesn't want me leaving the house, being subjected to chemicals, etc. if I make it to 36 weeks I think he'll be less freaked out though. So maybe after that!
I had the GBS swab done at the hospital the other day, but I don't actually know the results. They ran a lot of tests and said all came back normal so I'm hoping that means it was negative?
Also I've had pants off at all my appointments so far! Really just for the vag. ultrasounds, which I had every time to check my cervical length. But I've also had a couple exams when my dr suspected I had a yeast infection. Then my last appt they checked my cervix at the dr and the hospital to see if I was dilating. At least I don't have any qualms about preserving g my dignity at this point in the game, haha. It probably also helps that I went through IVF so even the conception was a huge group event.
My contractions today are still kicking my butt, grr. At least they aren't getting worse or closer together!
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@twodoghouse: my husband is paranoid about me going anywhere as well.. and i'm not even on strict bed rest and pregnant with twins! I drove myself to and from and walked around the mall a week ago and had all sorts of aches and pains after and he decided that's it for me
Luckily this lady does pedicures at home so that worked out great! Maybe you could try to find someone who would do house visits. Would probably add a little excitement to being in the house all day, without putting you at risk.
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@Mae: you are right, those things cannot be dangerous. Thank you for the input and btw I was told same about brazilians while pregnant. I never thought of getting one anyway, but when my friend was pregnant 5 years ago she did it and called me afterwards and the poor thing was crying and told me never ever get it done while pregnant ouch!!!
@twodoghouse: I am glad you passed your GBS test!
I think I am getting it done in two weeks.
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@twodoghouse: ugh, sorry you are still contracting
I hope he lets you go if you make it to 36! I do always feel bad when I get stuff done but I think I'm generally pretty healthy during this pregnancy so I've let myself go a few times (I have my 3rd pedicure of pregnancy later this week, and i've had my hair done 3 times). Husbands are funny though, the new spiderman movie comes out May 2 and I said I wanted to go see it that weekend if I hadn't had the baby yet. And DH was like "But... you're due that weekend! What if you go into labor?! We can't like... go OUT!" I'm like ummmmmmm I am not going to stay cooped up in the house for weeks waiting for labor. We're going to the movie haha. Speaking of ultrasounds too... has anyone else been a bit surprised by the cost of pregnancy? Maybe I was naive but I didn't really expect much in the way of medical bills until the hospital (if I stayed low risk, which I have). I asked at my first appointment how the finance side of pregnancy works and the nurse told me all my visits were covered at 100% by fed law, so basically I'd only pay for blood work and ultrasounds. I asked how much that was she said "oh a couple hundred max." So I'm like... cool. Yea, no. Between all the blood work and shots, that was like $300 right there. My 8 wk ultrasound I actually didn't get a bill for (I'm guessing bc it was done in office by my doc?), and we opted out of the 12 week scan. But the anatomy scan has to be done by maternal fetal medicine at my practice and we got charged $630 for that (thats our out of pocket cost) and $450 for my 24 week follow up u/s to check my placenta. I was just really surprised it was so much, and really grateful that I haven't had to have more than the three I've had!
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@Glitter: Oh a pedicure at home sounds nice! I wonder if anyone around here does that...
@Mae: It's weird because my husband is usually not at all overprotective, but I guess pregnancy makes us all a little crazy right?
I've had a million ultrasounds (every RE, OB and MFM appointment) so I'm either desensitized to it or it hasn't been too bad with our insurance. We did meet the deductible before I got pregnant last year, so that probably helped. It did suck being pregnant over two calendar years and having to pay the new deductible in 2014 though. Speaking of insurance, have the US bees figure out breasts pumps with their insurance yet? Apparently it's supposed to be very easy with our insurance - get a prescription from the dr, take it to a durable medical equipment place and get a free Medela pump (the pump in style I think?). Hopefully it's that easy in real life! I'm going to ask my dr for the script on Friday but I only get it free 30 days before babies are born and 60 days after. I assume they go by 30 days before due date, even though I won't get all the way to my due date? We'll see though.
I took this (almost) 34 week pic today for my mom and it makes me laugh because it looks like I'm going to fall over from my huge bump!
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@twodoghouse: aw, you are ALL belly! And yes, pregnant in 2 years sucks. Boo to 2 deductibles, we haven't met ours yet this year but I guess once we do things will get cheaper.
Re: breast pump. I emailed my husband's insurance people to figure that out and apparently I can actually order it online, although I haven't done it yet. I was told that you can order it at any time and then they don't ship it until the week before your due date OR until you notify them of the birth (if you go early). It's on my to-do list to order it this week, but I've been waffling between the medela and the ameda.
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Hello ladies, I have missed a lot again! I am not so good at posting when I don't have a computer handy. I do my own GBS test thankfully so pants on! Last time I did get checked at my 40 week appointment but no stripping of my membranes. Just checked to see if dilation had occurred. Last time to prepare I bounced on the yoga ball (because it was fun lol) and walked. Had sex at some point I think. So yea didn't do much to help prepare myself.
For the ladies planning to deliver vaginally, are you going to partake in perineal massage before labor? It was recommended to me to prevent tearing but I didn't do it since it hurts. I recall the midwife doing it during labor and I did not appreciate it then either
Thought I'd mention it for those braver than myself. How I can deliver med-free but still be a total wimp is beyond me. As for the breast pump- when I saw a lactation consultant at the hospital she ordered one for me.
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@Mae: I ordered mine on Friday and it came yesterday. Although I already own quite a few, I figured I would take the benefit and try a new brand that I haven't tried before.
@cheesetomywhine: I had a tear and an episiotomy last time, so I've been doing the massage this time around. Not awesome.
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@cheesetomywhine: I have heard of it, but I don't fully understand how/when to do it. And it sounds unpleasant. So I will probably not do it unless my midwives suggest I do. My 36 week appointment next week is the big labor discussion one, so I'm assuming any of that sort of stuff they might talk about then?
@junebugmama: do you have a favorite? I did a poll when I first saw my options for a pump and it seems like medela is most popular, but people who had the purely yours also really loved it. Also, I wouldn't object to a post some time when you have time about stuff to do when you go into labor (your mentioned yesterday you had suggestions!
). Also I had a dream last night that I had Fiona in my bed! In the dream I woke up and she was already crowning and just basically fell out (oh if only lol) and I was like what the---? AWESOME! And she was awesome. Except then I went to target with my mom and realized the placenta never came out so I had to go to the ER and it turned into a thing... but started as a very cool dream haha
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@twodoghouse: That bump is way too cute!
Here's my 33 week/4 day bump...I look seriously awful in the pic...but it's the best I could get...especially with a little munchkin running around wanting to steal my phone!
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@Mae: I've been having ridiculously weird dreams lately too! None about a baby falling out of me yet though
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@twodoghouse: It actually was that easy for me to get my free breast pump. I called my insurance to make sure I do qualify for a free one, they confirmed it, they gave me a bunch of places/facilities that work with my insurance, I picked a facility near DH's place of work and then he went to pick it up (it can also be mailed) and now I have my free Medela breast pump
@cheesetomywhine: interesting you mentioned that. I heard of it, but I am not quite sure how to do it. Is it really that painful?
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@cookie_dough: aw, super cute bump and LO!! Also my weird dreams have really amped up. Night before last I dreamed that I got pregnant with twins. While I was pregnant with LO. I was 35 weeks with LO (as I really am) and also 18 weeks with twins. and this all seemed super normal to me.
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@cookie_dough: looking good mama!! and your LO is super adorable
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@twodoghouse: so cute definitely wouldn't guess there were twins in there
@cookie_dough: so cute you and the munchkin
@Mae: that dream is hilariousI can order a breast pump online from one of 3 companies 30 days before my due date. I have the Medela pump in style so I will probably stick with Medela so hopefully the parts will be interchangeable. I plan to keep one at work and one at home. Just typing this reminds me how much I hate pumping
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@Mamasig: @skipra: It did grow back. It sucked. I bought the initial leg sessions on a groupon type thing pre-wedding, the place was amazing, did extra sessions for me for free, and really wanted to make sure I was happy. I then paid for underarm full price (wow $$$!) and was then going to wait it out to ensure it worked before getting my lady area done. SO glad I waited. The short term results were amazing, and it would have been so nice to not have hair there any longer, but that's just not my luck! Thennnn we got preggo and they were very upfront with hormonal stuff like pregnancy can whack it out, so I wouldn't have a leg to stand on two pregnancies later to justify paying for it all over again.
I have one scar from a spot they burnt me though. It was over top an old scar so we think that's why it happened, oh the pain from that was so bad.
Onto more preggo related things!! I was GBS positive last time with DD and I guess there aren't any odds for or against it with subsequent pregnancies, just test again and see what we get. I didn't know any different, but it didn't seem like it was a big deal?
@Mae: Ignorant Canadian here to cost of pregnancy, I have no idea. The only thing "we" have to pay for is at the hospital if we want to upgrade to a semi-private or private room from a ward room (4 ladies to a room). My work fully covers up to semi, DHs coverage bumps us up to private.
My benefits cover 90% of pump as long as it's required by doctor, I didn't know that with #1, but may take advantage for #2, and see if I end up pumping some more this time, build up a stash that I wish I did with DD but everyone was all "don't pump" at the beginning and in hindsight I think I should have so when I wanted to quit I had a stash.
I had a few contractions last night! 4 as I was laying in bed, and then fell asleep, I was like "uh oh", but clearly nothing came of them.
@twodoghouse: yay bump pic, love it!!!
@cheesetomywhine: no perineal massage over here with #1, and just a tiny 1-stitch tear, won't likely "go there" for #2!
@cookie_dough: yay bump pic, and photobomber!! Love the shirt!
My dreams have been so weird lately too, I told DH about two in one night from a few nights ago and they were so different, and both so weird, and in the same night? Oye!
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@Mae: I ordered my breast pump yesterday. The insurance covers it 100% but the only option is the Ameda Purely Yours. They gave me the name of a distributor I could use. They needed my insurance info and a prescription from my doctor. They said I should have it in 2 weeks. We'll see. I also have a me deal from last time. Breastfeeding didn't last long for me so I don't have an opinion on whether it was a good pump or not.
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@Mamasig: I mean honestly either of them is probably fine! From the responses I got to my poll, it seemed liked medela is more common and some people say you get slightly more out of it. But people who use the Purely Yours love it and say it is way easier to clean (which is a huuuge plus for me).
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@cookie_dough: Love your little photobomber in the pic! Your bump is super cute too!
@Mae: Ha, love the weird dreams! I like how you gave surprise birth to her and then headed to Target like no big deal before realizing about the placenta. My dreams haven't been too crazy lately, but earlier in pregnancy they were super vivid and emotional.
Last night it stormed like crazy here and my poor dog was frantic over it. We stayed up all night soothing and cuddling him until he fell asleep around 4 despite the thunder and lightning. For some reason it made me really emotional - 1) because I felt like this is what it's going to be like to be a mom and maybe I really can do this! And 2) because I kept thinking in the future he's not going to be the only baby in the house for us to dote on. What if next time it storms like that we have babies and we can't spend all night soothing him?? The thought makes me want to cry! Ah, hormones!
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@twodoghouse: aw, poor pup! I feel you on the anticipatory pet guilt though. I've been extra cuddly on our troop lately because I feel like--- "don't worry I still love you even though I'm having a baby!" I am a little worried about maintaining their current level of cuddles once LO arrives, but hopefully they don't feel too neglected
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I think our dog has it better when I am on mat leave. Home all the time? He is in heaven. His life definitely got better since baby, obviously the kiddo's are #1, but DH and I were/are very big on not letting our dog fall off the radar either as it drives us nuts when we see it happen with others.
@twodoghouse: Poor guy on the storm! Have you ever tried a thundershirt? Do you have a room in middle of house with no windows? Or there's rescue remedy, lol. My parents Golden was so awful with storms we locked him in a bedroom and laid all the towels we had over him, it was weird, but helped. We are lucky with Fin to not have issues as it is so tough on them, and hard to know what to do.
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@twodoghouse: @Mae: My dog is already acting needier than usual. She knows something is up, I'm sure of it. I'm torn though - the advice says to acclimate your pet to getting less attention than they're used to before the birth so it isn't such a shock and there is less potential for jealousy... but that seems counter-intuitive to us (basically because she's totally our boss) and all we want to do is give her extra love! It makes me want to cry too when I think of her feeling like she isn't important anymore. I cry at the drop of a hat these days.
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@gingerblonde: I know! I've heard that too about giving them less attention but I just can't do it. I sort of hope things won't change too much though for them though? I mean there are 2 of us and we both are always trying to get any/all of the pets on us any time we are lounging. So if one of us has the baby the other is still available for pet loving. And esp with the cats, baby on chest, cat in lap. I think/hope it will be okay.
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@Mae: And, who are we kidding, corgis are not into being ignored! They won't let it happen..
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@gingerblonde: lol so true. Have you seen this? Can. Not. Wait. http://www.buzzfeed.com/lindseyrobertson/this-corgi-and-this-baby-are-bffs-and-it-is-everything
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@gingerblonde: @Mae: I don't think I could ignore my dog if I tried! He's pretty persistent when he wants attention! I'm hoping things will be more fun for him once the babies come since we'll have a lot of visitors. My MIL is his favorite person (she spoils him rotten!) so I think he should be ok at first? He is pretty protective though (herding dog!) so I don't know if the babies will make him more anxious. I am just determined not to be one of those people who pushes their pets out of the family just because we have kids!
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@Mae: Cue crying session #1 of the day... That is the sweetest thing I have ever seen! Thank you sooo much
@twodoghouse: Hopefully he becomes protective of the baby rather than territorial over you! I bet he will... especially if he still gets lots of love in the beginning and sees the baby as a new friend and not a threat.
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@twodoghouse: I used to think the same thing. I won't ignore my dogs once I have kids - I can't believe people do that! Well, I ate my words! The dogs ranking in our household plummeted after DS was born. They get fed and have water. But they do not get 5% of the attention they used to. Who has time? I do feel bad but that's just the way it is. And I know I'm not the only person this has happened to. I'm hoping that once DS is old enough, he'll play them more. I have large breeds so right now it's hard for him to play with them without getting knocked down. I will say that they adjusted smoothly to him and we're never mean or territorial.
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@gingerblonde: I'm more worried that he'll be anxious about keeping track of where they are than territorial! He likes all his people to be together!
@Mamasig: Realistically I know there will be major changes and as long as his basic needs are met, that's the most important thing. But shoot it makes me emotional to think of him getting bumped down the totem pole!
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@twodoghouse: I know. Trust me, I felt major guilt. And honestly some days I still cry about it. I see them and think about how there life changed and it makes me sad. I think to myself how I haven't petted them in forever. And then I feel guilt and cry! But then I remember that they still have it pretty good! As a working mom, my day is devoted to my child, husband, and work. Something had to give a little
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@twodoghouse: what kind of dog do you have? Corgis are herders too, although I've heard that doesn't become a problem so much until the kids are toddlers and running around and the dog tries to herd them. He isn't a nipper though, so honestly they might be great play pals if she likes being chased haha.
@gingerblonde: no prob, a friend posted that on my fb wall and I was like omg... the cute to come! hah
@Mamasig: aw, at least you have 2. I think dogs are a lot of company for each other. We just have one so I think he relies on us a lot. I think it will help though that I work at home. So I mean... I'm home all the time now and I will be through leave and after I start back to work. Also we don't really spend a lot of time "playing" with him now anyways. Walks (sometimes) and mostly just cuddling at night. He's like 9 so he doesn't require too much activity. So I think as long as he can still lay near us he'll be pretty happy (I hope).
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@Mae: I think those 2 our my top 2 picks. I ordered the hygiea because I've heard a lot of good things prior. I slightly favor Medela only because I think the setting (on the PISA for instance) are easier to mimic actual sucking patterns with less manipulation.
I will get the list too. I had my last doula client give birth last night. So after this week I'm technically on maternity leave.
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@junebugmama: awesome! I just ordered the medela. I decided it was time to stop debating and just order something already haha. Also yay for maternity leave!
Luckily this lady does pedicures at home so that worked out great! Maybe you could try to find someone who would do house visits. Would probably add a little excitement to being in the house all day, without putting you at risk.
Thought I'd mention it for those braver than myself. How I can deliver med-free but still be a total wimp is beyond me. 
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