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I used to like how I looked pregnant...and then I hit about 8.5 months, and I no longer looked cute. Now, I just feel gigantic and ugly.
I'm also somewhat insecure normally, and I think I definitely needed reassuring from Paul a lot more often since I've been pregnant. I'm surprised he doesn't get annoyed! He's very patient with me.
As far as my pregnancy goes...I'm nearing the point where I'll try anything to get labor started. The only thing holding me back is that my doctor is out of town until Sunday. I hit 39 weeks tomorrow. I had no idea how painful the last little bit of pregnancy would be!
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I love the way I feel about my body when I'm pregnant, though. Even when I'm huge and waddly, my body image is better than it ever is when I'm not pregnant.
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quote:Originally posted by Katarain: I asked about how they feel about birthing plans, and the lady told me to try to keep it to 5 main points. I got the impression, although she didn't say it and was very polite, that they don't like them very much.
I've heard nurses say they just plain ignore it. I'm not sure if they think the woman who use them are too picky, too paranoid, or something else but I wasn't impressed by the attitude. I can understand the need to keep it as short and simple as possible, though. Many hospitals have lots of patients and if they all come in with 3-page birthing plans written in paragraph form there's no way they're going to read any of it, let alone remember it.
I guess that's part of why I'd rather have my husband speak up for me on the few things I think are important. He can put my wishes in their face if need be. A piece of paper is more passive.
My birth plan was basically ignored by the hospital, but I had a doula on hand, and that REALLY helped. My husband would have just let the staff do whatever they wanted, but Emily stood up for every decision I made.
When the L&D nurse told me to put on a gown and I flatly told her "no" Emily graciously explained my preference for my own clothes, especially since I was concerned with staying warm. I got very chilled during Mini-Bee's birth, and it made me very tense and increased the sensation of pain for me, so I really wanted to avoid getting chilled during BeeBoy's birth.
When the nurse tried to get me to give her a urine sample and I started to feel panicky, Emily whispered to me to just forget about it and keep concentrating on relaxing. I never did get that sample for her, but Emily was right. It didn't matter a whit.
When the nurse wanted to put a fetal heart monitor on me and I told her point blank that I would not sit or lie down on the bed, Emily suggested having me sit on my birthing ball and rock to keep me relaxed.
My doula was my saving grace. We became really good friends, too.
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I felt more insecure about my body because people didn't realize I was pregnant (I was 9 months and people were surprised I was pregnant). Since I have fought my weight for a while, I felt like people were looking at me and thinking, oh, well, I guess she is failing at her diet. If I ate a larger portion at lunch, I thought people were using it as confirmation that I had no self discipline.
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quote:Originally posted by scholar: I felt more insecure about my body because people didn't realize I was pregnant (I was 9 months and people were surprised I was pregnant). Since I have fought my weight for a while, I felt like people were looking at me and thinking, oh, well, I guess she is failing at her diet.
Oooh, been there.
One particularly charming acquaintance actually told me when my daughter was two weeks old that she hadn't realized I was pregnant and just thought I'd put on some weight.
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Yeah, it's probably a good thing I was both shocked and exhausted enough that I didn't react by slapping her. Posts: 32919 | Registered: Mar 2003
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When I walk or turn over in bed, I've been having bad pain on the very top of the inside of my left leg. The pain is much less (perhaps almost gone) in my right leg. It kinda feels like maybe I pulled a tendon or ligament. It's worse when I try to walk after sitting for a longer period of time. It gets slightly better as I continue walking, but it still hurts quite a bit. It's very sharp and painful when I first start walking.
This doesn't feel pregnancy related, but I suppose it could be--I certainly don't know everything about pregnancy-related ailments.
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I have pain that sounds just like what you're describing except on the other side. It's been quite severe today. *ouch!* At the prenatal class I took, they said pain like that could be caused by the ligament that attaches to the uterus being pulled tight towards the end of pregnancy. (It's at the very very top of the leg, right?) I'd ask your doctor if it's worrying you.
I had my 39 week appointment today. The doctor said I'm 3 cm. dilated and 80% effaced. This is up about 1.5 cm from last week, so I guess that's progress. I also gained four pounds this week, which is more than I think I've gained in any single week of my pregnancy up to this point. Most alarming, however, is that my uterus is suddenly measuring 41 cm. 41!!! Last week it was still 37. I wonder whether the baby was just all stretched out this week or if he had a huge growth spurt. I sure hope he's not some giganto-baby!
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Boon
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My pain usually occurs after I've been laying (lying?) down for a while, but it's not in my thigh. Sorry if it's TMI, but it feels like my crotch is being simultaneously pulled apart in six directions and stabbed repeatedly with a many-pronged icepick. I mean, like the pubic bone. Yeesh. Other than that and the lovely hemorrhoids, I'm feeling pretty great this time.
hansenj - I also gained about 4 lbs this week. I think it's completely normal, especially when you consider the hard work your body is gearing up for. I just figure that, besides the baby fat, I'm probably retaining some water to help stave off dehydration during labor. As far as measuring big, it could just be how the baby was laying. If the butt was poking out or something, you'd measure bigger. I wouldn't worry, especially if your doctor isn't.
We're due pretty close together, aren't we? Feb 1 is the date my OB corrected to.
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The sharp leg pain you describe sounds like the charlie horses I got frequently during both my pregnancies. They happened lots in the calves of my legs, but sometimes they were in those groin muscles. I felt a few of them during contractions when I was in labor with BeeBoy, as well. The first time I talked to my midwife about them, she recommended eating more potato skins (I did, and I never noticed it helping at all).
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I had my appt. today, and I had gained exactly 0 lbs. since last month. Which is good-- I had been gaining a little faster than I probably should have and had started eating a little more healthily and "nutrient-densely" and so I probably burned off some of that fat and put it toward the baby. Plus I cheated and slipped my shoes off this time.
I also had my GTT. (The doc addressed my concerns and let me do it today-- pulled strings with the lab so I could get in-- and I had come fasting, "just in case." As I told my doctor, I have done this before.) Then I came home and ate because by that time I was starving! Bridey was very good in the dr. office and while I waited in line to get my prescription refilled at the pharmacy, so I let her get a baby in a backpack, which she adores. It came with a bottle, brush, comb, bear and elephant. She played a little with the animals, isn't too interested in the bottle (except when she pretends it's some kind of hair product and dabs and spritzes the baby's hair) but loves combing and brushing the hair. And it entertained her while I got my blood drawn. Mostly. (She was mad I didn't let her sit in my lap while they drew it.)
I have now gone to every two week appointments. My mom is not going to have a free day off until this babe is born, I'm afraid.
I got/get sharp leg pains like that all the time round about the second trimester, all the way through. I suggest a chiropractor or prenatal massage therapist, if you can get to one or the other.
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quote:Originally posted by ketchupqueen: I suggest a chiropractor or prenatal massage therapist, if you can get to one or the other.
Definitely. And many insurance carriers will (partially) cover it.
Some of those pains sound like sciatica (especially Boon's), some like round-ligament pain, and some just general pregnancy discomforts. But massage/adjustments can help with all of the above.
And while I doubt you have a blood clot, Kata, it's always a good idea to mention new symptoms, especially painful ones, to your doctor.
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I have an appointment with a chiropractor (covered by my insurance) next week. I'm hoping she'll be able to help.
I was happy to hear that so many other pregnant women have pain exactly like mine, and it does feel like a ligament. I didn't know there was one there connected to the uterus. Makes sense to me!
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Good luck with the chiropractor. The one I went to made a huge difference with my sciatica -- I hope you have similarly positive results.
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My cousin's wife is 4 months pregnant. She was scared when she found out because she was in and out of the hospital for pre-term labor, put on bed rest and delivered 6 weeks early with her first baby. She definitely did not plan on getting pregnant right now; she wasn't ready. She moved to LA since her last pregnancy, so she has a new doctor. Her doctor has been telling her that he'll probablysend her to a specialist sometime and only now did the blood work and pap smear stuff that usually gets done at my first appointment. Needless to say, she hasn't been happy with her doctor.
She found a new doctor that is also a specialist and had an appointment this week. She's already 1 cm dilated and had her cervix stitched up today. She been ordered on bed rest for the remaining 5 month of pregnancy and the doctor told her she can't take care of her 2 1/2 year old daughter.
I can't even imagine how she's feeling right now. My aunt is going to stay with her for a month, but she's leaving on a mission and can't stay longer. Her mom said she'd take the 2 1/2 year old, but in Utah. My cousin and wife don't want to be away from their daughter for 5 months! I'm really hoping she had a good Relief Society to help her through this.
In any case, prayers and good wishes would be welcomed and appreciated. Thanks!
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Dang, that's awful. I sure hope the RS comes through. This is the sort of thing RS is for, after all.
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Yeah, that's really rough. I know my RS has stepped up in similar situations, hopefully hers will do the same.
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I just thought of something else-- I know someone who was in a similar situation-- no close family, hospital bed rest, had small children at home-- and her insurance company paid for $100/week in child care expenses. I think she found someone in the ward who was willing able to take her children during the day for that amount of money, and the RS also helped with two or three meals a week and occasional cleaning so it didn't ALL fall on her husband.
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Pregnancy made me feel remarkably unattractive, but people always told me that I looked really good (I've always struggled with body-image issues anyway, so I guess my not feeling good combined with that to make me think I looked awful). I still feel pretty unattractive (I feel like I'm constantly covered in some sort of body fluid) but I look pretty good when I actually manage to shower and get dressed. I was thrilled to already be down 22 lbs at only 4 weeks post-partum. Now if I just wasn't a fluid covered zombie, I'd feel pretty great.
Kat - I hope the pains will resolve themselves quickly! I know my round ligament pain sometimes extended down the insides of my legs (near my groin), especially if I laid with my legs straight.
kq - Yay for getting your GTT done with little rigamorale!
div - Oh dear! I hope her ward will be able to help her through the next few months!! I know how hard that kind of situation can be. When I was a teenager, I worked for a woman who was on bedrest. I'd go over after school (just before her other kids got home) and help them/prepare dinner/housekeeping/etc. until her husband got home.
I still can't imagine how anyone takes care of a newborn with other kids. I have my mom come over during the day to help me with Jess, and I still feel really overwhelmed. I'm starting to get more used to being a mom, but it's still a challenge. That probably never changes though, does it? At least I've been healing really well (IMO) from the c-section (though I've never had surgery before, so what do I know). I'm so blessed to have my mom here in town to help me and to have a really good baby. Posts: 5879 | Registered: Apr 2001
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My mom has been coming to help a lot, too--she lives about 90 minutes away, so she's been coming down here for a few days a week, although I think that's about to stop. When she comes, she doesn't actually do much baby care (except when she takes care of him while I get out of the house)--she cooks and cleans and does laundry. I'm getting really spoiled!
That really is difficult to go on bed rest so soon, and with a toddler already! I know that my 10 days of bed rest was hard enough, with no other kids to deal with. My prayers are with her...update us if you get a chance.
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I woke up today sore all over, with a cough to boot, and every time I cough, I have EXTREME ligament pain in my lower right (and sometimes left, too) abdomen. I have to seriously splint or support my tummy when I'm about to cough, or it hurts like the dickens. Posts: 21182 | Registered: Sep 2004
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Remind me...how far along are you? I know I had some wicked round ligament pain at around 20 weeks or so.
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I went shopping for maternity clothes again this weekend. It's always so depressing. I tried Target this time. I am pretty sure I have now hit every store in the area and all I've come up with are 3 pairs of black sweat pants. All I want are some jeans. Or some slacks. It's a really good thing I work at home because I feel like I'm wearing pajamas and I just don't know what I'd do if I had to go into an office. I guess wear skirts. I've had some moderate luck with skirts.
I think part of the problem is that I've gained a ton of weight both during and just before this pregnancy and a lot of it is in my legs. At 23 weeks, I have now gained 17 lbs and that doesn't count the 10 pounds I gained feeling sorry for myself back in August. (Is there an emotional eaters anonymous somewhere?)
All in all, I feel pretty fat. At least my doctor hasn't harassed me about it..yet. We'll see what he thinks on Thursday when I'm up another 7 lbs in 4 weeks.
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Does anyone else get the saggy butt thing with maternity pants because they just won't stay up on your stomach no matter how tight you buy them? I hate saggy butt.
Christine, can you remind me of your due date? Mine is May 31, so I think we're really close.
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I had lots of problems with my maternity pants just plain not staying up (when you have no waist, there's no natural place for the pants to sit). I finally gave up and wore a pair of suspenders on my pants (under my shirts).
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My maternity pants only fall down when I'm wearing the slidy garments (which, unfortunately, is all the maternity garments.) I've found tucking a shirt or camisole into them helps them stay up-- something better to grip. (Since I'm often wearing camisoles anyway since the maternity shirts now are usually cut SO low in the neck, it's not hard to just tuck the cami in.)
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quote:Originally posted by Brinestone: Does anyone else get the saggy butt thing with maternity pants because they just won't stay up on your stomach no matter how tight you buy them? I hate saggy butt.
Christine, can you remind me of your due date? Mine is May 31, so I think we're really close.
I'm officially going with May 25th, because that was the date we got at our early u/s, but I know when I conceived/ovulated and that would push it back to the 27th and the 20-week u/s said June 1st.
Looks like we may be delivering at the same time!
As for pants not staying up...that's the biggest reason I simply haven't bought them. When I find the ones that fit my legs the belly is way too big. Maybe I should try the suspender idea or something. Feels kind of weird, though, and some of them aren't just a little bit, they're tents! I don't think I'll grow into them at 9 months.
I hate saggy butt, too!
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I'm still wearing my maternity pants! I'm gonna have to be dragged kicking and screaming back to regular waistbands.
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Boon
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So far, I've had the best luck with fit if I buy the stretchy pants without panels. Just over the tummy coverage with no extra seams.
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I have sagging problems with maternity pantyhose. The regular ones start to feel too tight before my tummy is big enough to hold the maternity ones up.
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I don't know which are worse: too-big, over-the-belly maternity pants with a belly panel in a different color (WHY? WHYYYYYYYY??) or trendy, under-the-belly low-rise maternity pants that you have to yank up after you've been sitting or squatting and end up displaying your panties for the world to see.
What I love are empire-waist maternity tops in pretty patterns and comfy skirts in stretchy fabrics, although both times I was pregnant in the summer so I never had to deal with maternity pantyhose. So glad.
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The maternity kind are surprisingly comfortable, once your tummy is big enough to keep the crotch from slipping down to your knees.
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I think in my last month I didn't have to use the suspenders with the one pair of pants I still wore (by then I was so uncomfortable, I pretty much wore the same dress every time I left the house).
I'm so glad I didn't have to try maternity pantyhose. The crotch in pantyhose always slips down to my knees anyway, so I can't imagine the horror of trying it with a pregnant belly.
Anyone heard from hansenj? She's about ready to go anytime now, right?
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Still here. I have my 40-week appointment (due date's tomorrow!) in a half hour though, so I'll update later.
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I wear knee-highs until the maternity pantyhose fit right. I just ordered some more-- the knee-highs are finally becoming too uncomfortable, and my previously-worn maternity pantyhose are among the casualties of my Maternity-Clothes-Which-KPC-Lost-And-Is-Still-In-Trouble-For-Losing (along with my favorite pair of all-over stretch pants and most of my maternity dresses. )
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Well, I'm back from my appointment. Everything still looks good, and despite the fact that I feel puffy all over and gained two more pounds, my blood pressure is staying low. I'm 3+ cm dilated and 80% effaced. Doctor says that conditions are highly favorable if we wanted to induce. She stripped my membranes (now that's a violent procedure!), so we'll see if anything comes of that. Otherwise, my husband and I decided to schedule induction for Friday.
I have mixed feelings about the possibility (probability?) of being induced. I definitely feel ready to not be pregnant anymore. There's no question about that. I'm just struggling because I feel like the baby will come when he's ready. We decided to go ahead and schedule it for this Friday because I've been very worn out in these last couple days and hurting quite a bit. Also (and more importantly), the doctor told us that since my body is progressing on its own the chances of me needing a c-section is only minutely bigger if I were induced than if I went into labor naturally. Do any of you have experience with being induced?
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I've been induced twice! Both times after I was contracting, and had started dilating and effacing at least a bit (more the first than the second time-- the first time I was close to where you are at-- 70-80% and 3+ cm.)
I was induced with pitocin only, since my cervix was already ripe. First time, it was awful until I got the epidural (pitocin contractions are really rough-- especially when they put you on 14 units-- and I don't progress if I'm in pain.) Then it whipped right along. Second time I got an EARLY epidural (as soon as my contractions were regular, before they started hurting) and it was perfect. I'm planning on doing it again this time if the same thing happens (the every ten minutes, constant contractions start-- happened each time before, the first time for two weeks.) I'd much rather be induced than suffer through three weeks of contractions-- but that's just me. Posts: 21182 | Registered: Sep 2004
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That's good. I like hearing positive stories.
I just talked to my visiting teacher who was induced with both of her girls, and she said she's glad she did it as well. She was allowed to get the epidural as soon as she wanted, which she said was the best part.
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I hated being induced w/ #1, and fought it (successfully) with #2 and #3. I'd much rather be able to get out of bed and move around, and you can't do that at all while on pitocin.
#3 was two weeks late (after we thought she was going to be 2-3 weeks early), and I was exceedingly uncomfortable for the last 6 weeks. I'd still go through that again in preference to being induced -- unless the induction were medically necessary, of course.
posted
Really, if you're that ready to go and the baby is in a good position and everything, I don't think an induction raises your risk of c-section that much (especially if you don't have a section-happy doc.) I think it's more the people who have to have all kinds of stuff to ripen the cervix and all that are more likely to go to c-section from the induction. So it doesn't scare me, and I'm always kinda happy to know exactly WHEN it's going to happen, KWIM? You can plan better and stuff (well, we especially have to have childcare lined up and it's much easier when we know what day I'll be induced. I've already been talking dates with my mom, in fact!)
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Most alarming, however, is that my uterus is suddenly measuring 41 cm. 41!!! Last week it was still 37. I wonder whether the baby was just all stretched out this week or if he had a huge growth spurt. I sure hope he's not some giganto-baby!
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As far as measuring big, it could just be how the baby was laying. If the butt was poking out or something, you'd measure bigger. I wouldn't worry, especially if your doctor isn't.![[Frown]](frown.gif)
