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SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

Bahunter22 posted:

Has anyone experienced extreme rage during their pregnancy? I'm a pretty even tempered person, pretty happy for the most part, however for the last few weeks I've been experiencing unbelievable amounts of rage. I try to keep as calm as possible but its getting to a point where my blood pressure and heart rate are constantly up and I know its got to have an effect on my baby. I'm just wondering if anyone else had this and what they did about it?

I seriously have it at the moment. I'm only 9 weeks, but every little thing makes me crazy. So far only the husband has been at the receiving end of my rage. I usually sit there and seethe or make sarcastic remarks. Since nobody knows I'm pregnant they probably think I'm a big fat grumpy jerk. The other day I got murderous rage because someone was blowing bubble gum on the train and it stank. I gave them awful death stares.

I don't know what you can really do about it. Your heartrate is up during pregnancy anyway. I'm thinking of doing some meditation or yoga to try and calm myself a bit. Remove yourself from the situation and have some herbal tea?

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SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun
So I had my first scan today. I thought I was nearly 12 weeks, but it turns out I'm only 10. Sounds weird but it worried me slightly. What if the baby is just growing slowly or something? Is it really possible to mess up the dates by two whole weeks? drat my irregular cycles.

All seemed fine other than that. It was cool to see the heartbeat. So the question is, should we tell people? I know that 12 weeks is the golden rule, but some people seem to tell everyone after the first scan. Do I need to keep this big ole juicy secret for two more weeks?

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun
This post is probably going to make me sound a bit crazy. But do you think it's possible to have a phobia of breastfeeding? I've always been a bit grossed out by it, but now that I know it's something I'm going to have to do it terrifies me. I'm pretty chilled out about the labour, looking after my baby etc. But I can't even look at a photo of a baby latched on a boob without feeling sickness and dread.

I'm in the UK, and the NHS are really militant about getting women to breastfeed. I've been offered free classes, help breastfeeding when I'm on the hospital ward and there are drop-in clinics with lactation specialists. Yet all this support just makes me feel even greater pressure. I'm at the point where I'm finding it hard to enjoy my pregnancy and get excited about the baby, because it's like a big cloud looming over the horizon. Goonettes, how do I feel better about this? Did any of you manage to get over the fear of having a giant lamprey attached to your nipple?

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun
Wow, thanks for all the kind words. It's hard for me to talk about this issue, but it's so encouraging to know that other women have gone through the same. And it's nice not to hear "you'll get over it" or "once the baby arrives you'll feel differently."

Fire In The Disco posted:

Netally, you might want to see if you can speak with a psychologist or counselor during pregnancy. It sounds to me like this issue is something you would need help working on if you are going to breastfeed (which, militant NHS or not, is still your choice at the end of the day).

Not a bad idea at all. I have had CBT in the past for general anxiety issues, but I will see if there's anything else my Doctor can refer me for.

MoCookies posted:

I'm curious though - does it gross you out to think about how you're already feeding your kid with your body during pregnancy, or is it specifically the nipple-boob-mouth aspect of breastfeeding that bugs you?

It's probably the boob/mouth thing. I probably have some issues with my breasts in general. They've always been large, and now they're sore, gigantic and uncomfortable all the time. I also hate getting them out in front of anyone, so going to classes would be pretty embarrassing. I have looked at things like nipple shields to try to minimize the weirdness, but for some reason people seem against them.

Chandrika posted:

Even if your issue isn't really the same as mine, please consider expressing milk if you find you can't bring yourself to breastfeed. It's initially a little daunting, but my daughter is almost 2, and I am still pumping for her, so it can be done.

In addition to talking to a doctor, I'd recommend talking to a sympathetic lactation consultant before the birth, so you can talk about strategies, and what you'll do in the hospital (assuming that's where you'll deliver). If the first one you talk to sucks, keep trying.

Good luck! You are not alone.

Thanks! I have thought about pumping, and it doesn't freak me out nearly as much, even if some of the pumps seriously look like something from a dairy farm. It would be a shame to miss out on the bonding, but it's certainly an option if I can't get over this. Plus, I think my husband likes the thought of being able to feed the baby too.

VorpalBunny posted:

netally, I breastfeed exclusively and I still think it's gross. We feed him a little bit of solids at 9 months-old, mostly table foods for dinner, but otherwise he's a boob-fed baby. I don't pump or anything, just boob. For me there's still a disconnect - when he's latched, I don't see the milk oozing from my body into his mouth, therefore the ick factor is reduced quite a bit for me. I have never expressed milk on purpose, just accidentally leaked a few times during the first few months and that was pretty gross.

So, if you ask me, your phobia sounds normal and reasonable but you can still breastfeed your kid. Good luck!

It's nice to hear that you got over your ick factor. And it's refreshing to hear that not all women find it a beautiful, profound experience. Congratulations on making it to 9 months!

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

Gumby Orgy posted:

I'm not showing, I'm just... I can't describe it other than my pants are too tight now. I'm uncomfortable. I'm thinking about getting a belly band because I can't loving stand my pants being buttoned right now. Ugh.

I was bloated at that stage too. My belly was huge, wobbly and uncomfortable. However, at 15 weeks it's turning into a cute little bump rather than an ugly mass of flesh.

Goonettes... Am I crazy to be looking at cloth diaper sets when I don't own a dryer? I usually dry my clothes outside, but will be giving birth in March and the weather will be poo poo. During the winter I usually dry my own clothes inside using a crappy device from the shopping channel, but those diapers look a lot thicker and heavier than my usual laundry. I definitely don't have the space to fit a dryer anywhere. Any advice on brands that are perhaps a little less bulky?

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

Gumby Orgy posted:

My CNM's nurse is calling me in some Zofran. She also made me feel like I was wasting her time by saying that all my symptoms are early pregnancy symptoms and "completely normal". :bang:

Am I really just insane? Why are medical professionals treating me like that?

Is this what I can expect as a pregnant lady? Are people just going to treat me like I'm crazy?


Have any of you guys experienced anything like this? What can I do to make them see this from my perspective? I'm not being treated all that great by the people that are supposed to help me.

I've been on the receiving end of this attitude too. I've been having the worst migraines ever. Every couple of weeks I've had to stay in bed for two days at a time, unable to move my head because of the pain. Doctor just told me to 'drink plenty of water and get some rest' and was horribly condescending. I got a vague explanation of 'hormones' and zero sympathy. I understand that with certain problems there's not much they can do, but at least act like you're listening!

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

Bodnoirbabe posted:

The problem is people giving me things. My best friend is giving me a bunch of her old baby clothes. She's had three boys and so has plenty to give. But she also bought me some things from a yard sale in her neighborhood. A swing thing, a vibrating bouncy chair, and a bathtime baby washer thing. They all looked a bit ratty and weren't anything all in the style I would want to get. I told her thank you of course, and I'm going to take all of it, but it really started getting me down.

I know this feeling. My mother-in-law has loads of baby stuff at her house from her other grandchildren. She keeps trying to give us stuff, but it's kind of dirty and used. A lot of it has been in her garage for a while and smells pretty bad. I think she's got hoarding tendencies, because she constantly buys things from car boot sales that she thinks are 'useful' that are just crap.

I've just started using the excuse either 'thanks so much, but we already have one of those' or 'my mum is planning to buy us one of them, and we don't want to offend her'. Unfortunately, before we thought of these excuses my husband had already accepted some crappy baby bath thing, so I think that a mystery relative is going to happen to buy us a new one.

People are well-meaning. Perhaps they struggled to buy stuff for their first born and just assume that you're in the same position. It's not meant to be a comment on your ability to provide for your child. Plus they probably feel kinda emotional about throwing their old baby stuff away, and this makes them feel better. Someone needs to write an entire book on pregnancy etiquette damnit.

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun
I hate how gender-specific baby clothes have become. I found out today I'm having a boy, but until now have really struggled to find anything neutral. It's strange because I live in the UK where it's not as common to find out the sex of your baby. Most of the gender netural stuff is pretty tacky too. It's either slogans "50% Mummy, 50% Daddy" or branded stuff like Winnie the Pooh or Disney.

As for maternity coats, I'm going to look for one of those cape styles. I have seen plenty of cheaper non-maternity ones, but they still have plenty of belly room. It should also cover my post baby belly quite well.

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun
Dear God, the hip pain. I was pretty ache and pain-free til Thursday night, and suddenly my right hip has decided it hates me. I have spent three days in complete agony and have been unable to put any weight on my right hand side. It also feels like I've been kicked in the crotch right now, a horrible dull pain. I'm guessing this is most likely PGP/SPD? Am planning to see the Doctor tomorrow, but worried about what their most likely course of action will be. I know there's no magic cure for this, but anyone managed to find relief beyond the usual pillows and hot water bottle tricks?

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

OneSizeFitsAll posted:

My beautiful daughter Amelia was born on Thursday morning, 10 days overdue. We were booked in for an induction on Sunday, but labour began while we were out walking the dog. My wife had a midwife-led birth using only gas and air and a birthing pool. She's a doctor and her birth plan was the most detailed the midwife had ever seen - 'twas like a bloody essay. Personally, my own birth plan would have simply consisted of the word "epidural", but relatively speaking she didn't seem to have too rough a time of things with the route she went.

Sounds pretty chilled out. I'm a Britgoon as well, and hoping to go for the gas and air/waterbirth route. Big congratulations to you both!

I am slightly confused about birth plans. If you're not in the medical profession, how exactly do you go about writing one? My midwife is fairly useless and always rushed during appointments, and my lovely NHS antenatal classes aren't til I'm 34 weeks pregnant, which seems late to be planning this stuff. Do I just need to figure this out for myself?

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun
The C section posts are making me pretty miserable, as I am tempted to plan for one myself.

I have severe SPD. I have trouble walking and can only open my legs a few inches before the pain sets in. Although SPD on it's own isn't a reason for a C section, I found out at the 28 week scan that my baby is in the 90th percentile for all measurements. It may be due to hypoglycemia, but my blood results were messed up and I'm having to wait for them to be redone or to be called in for another GTT. Plus all the babies in my family seem to have been giant 9lb+ monsters, so the chances of me having a large baby are high.

As much as I'd LOVE to have a waterbirth and minimal drugs, the whole thing is petrifying. I have heard so many horror stories of women with SPD being left permanently injured because of doctors having to resort to forceps and stirrups. I absolutely hate the thought of surgery, but feel like I'd have more control over things. My husband has a month of paternity leave after I give birth, so I would have support for the really bad days of recovery.

The trouble is; I would feel a massive amount of guilt for 'choosing' to have a C section. Would I feel the same bond with the baby afterwards? Would recovery stop me from being a good parent? Am I putting myself at a massive risk of infection or permanent damage? I'm finding this decision so hard.

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

Awesome Kristin posted:

Has anyone been through a similar situation? Do I just have to power through this and deal with the ups and downs? It's driving me crazy.

I previously had a miscarriage at around 8 weeks. I'm now 30 weeks pregnant, and it hasn't been easy. In the UK, they generally don't do the first ultrasound til about 12 weeks, so my first trimester was pretty hellish. I had to constantly reassure myself that every cramp and ache wasn't me losing the baby. I had weird paranoia that the tests were wrong and that I nothing would be there on the scan. In a way, I found my early pregnancy symptoms comforting. Morning sickness meant that the baby was growing. Sore boobs meant that my hormones were fine.

It does get easier, especially when you start to feel movements. Also, with every day that goes past you're getting closer and closer to the 'safe' zone. The cliche about millions of women going on to have normal pregnancies is true.

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

ChocNitty posted:

I'm not sure this is the appropriate thread for my question, but here goes:

Is it possible for a woman to get pregnant by sticking a just disposed condom up her vagina so she can get pregnant and trap her boyfriend into a long term relationship?

I know most condoms have spermicide, but is it enough? even for a huge rear end load?

DJ Tom Leykis recommended pouring tabasco in the condom to prevent this kind of situation, but I really don't feel like messing with hot sauce after sex.

I want to just flush the whole thing down the toilet, but i'm afraid it will screw up the plumbing.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

Recommendation: try the vasectomy thread. Or stop loving crazies.

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun
For those who have already had a baby, which of these would be more useful? These aren't the exact ones I'd go for, but it's easier than describing them:



Baby bouncer chair, possibly with vibrations / lights / sounds



Cosy play nest thingy

My husband, who is a sucker for hoarding baby stuff, wants to buy one of each. I think that they basically serve the same function, and it'd be a waste of money. I just want something I can keep the baby in while I do stuff round the house (keeping a close eye of course!)

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun
I've started packing mine (34 weeks), but my list is waaaay too long. It's ridiculous as I only live 15 mins from the hospital, so my husband could just nip home and get me stuff. I feel slightly embarrassed about bringing my giant pillow and birthing ball too!

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

b0g posted:

No sex and it wad pink not bright red according to her. It looks like it wad an isolated wipe though. She went to the bathroom about 5 more times and nothing on the tissue. She's been feeling fine but she did mention she wad sore diem there like she did a bunch of splits.

Sounds stupid, but I managed to scare myself with it a couple of months ago. I was wiping and must have scratched myself internally with my fingernail and it bled pretty much the way you described. Is it possible she was just a bit rough with herself? Also, pregnant women have more blood and a faster heartbeat, so a little cut can bleed quite nastily.

As for the 'doing the splits' feeling, it could be mild SPD. Tell her to keep her legs closed!

Of course, you should always see a doc if you're concerned.

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun
Goons have the cutest babies. Welcome home Aurora! I'm glad to see she's doing so well.

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

car dance posted:

I am 35 weeks pregnant now and I can actually feel my hips shifting, widening and pulling apart when I move. I actually feel sometimes like they're going to snap, though I know it's probably normal. Is this related to anything that may be a sign that I'm going to go in to labor soon or can this happen way before birth?

I'm a 35 weeker too and have had loose, clicky hips since around week 18. Its gotten to the point where I can't roll in bed or get up without feeling like they're dislocating. My physio said it's supposed to happen a few weeks before birth, but some people are unlucky and the hormone surge that causes it happens earlier.

Any tips from goon mommas about how to cope with this stage in pregnancy? I'm not bored, I have plenty of college work that I'd like to get done before the baby arrives. I'm just so sick of being pregnant right now. There seem to be zero options for going out and I'm so uncomfortable and irritable. Who are these crazy women who enjoy being pregnant?

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun
Thanks for all the advice. I'm just one of those annoying people who isn't good at relaxing, but I will try to get in lots of bath and naps when I can! I think I'm mostly sick of the hip pain. I'm usually pretty active, and lately its been hard to even go for a short walk without pain. I should enjoy being lazy and fat while I can!

Mangue posted:

I'm 37+5 now and completely over being pregnant. I think it has more to do with the fact that I'm still working a very physically demanding job than it has to do with the pregnancy itself. Just the thought of having to go back to work tomorrow with how pregnant I am is so depressing. My hands are swollen and numb, my feet are swollen, my back has finally started to hurt, I'm completely exhausted all the time...The only saving grace is that I love my job and my co-workers are awesome.

That's awful. You're my hero right now for being able to do this! Aren't work concerned about you going into labour on the job? I hope you're not at risk of injury.

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

Mangue posted:

Had me a baby a week ago! Mallory was born at 0635 on February 7th. I developed preeclampsia and was going into HELLP syndrome so I was induced. The Pitocin sucked rear end but luckily my labor was only 3.5-4 hours long so I was still able to do it without an epidural. Minimal tearing too!

Congratulations! I love the name. I hope you get better soon.

Where do I start when looking for breast pumps? I'm not bothered about getting a totally fancy one, but is it worth the extra money to go electric? I will probably only use it for a couple of feeds a week, but I want something that's going to be comfortable. Are they as scary as they look?

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun
I lost my plug last weekend, and asked my midwife about it at my appointment yesterday. Her attitude was that it didn't really mean anything, it just shows that the cervix is getting itself ready. I've never heard of the not having baths thing before!

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun
Ha, weirdly I had the same conversation with my MIL. She was going on about the good old days before people had travel systems and said "Oh we just used to lay him in his moses basket and put it on the back seat!" I asked if she used to strap it in or anything and she was like "No, I didn't need to do that. We drove slower back then." Mid-70s parenting was very chilled out!

On that topic, I really like this lady's blog: http://freerangekids.wordpress.com/ I'm trying to take the chill-the-gently caress-out approach to pregnancy/babies and a lot of her stuff is really reassuring.

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

car dance posted:

I'm sorry if this has been answered somewhere I couldn't find it, but does anyone have a good list of things to bring to the hospital? I've seen huge lists all over the internet with things like makeup that I know I won't care about or need. I'm 38 weeks now with no sign of labor starting and I keep putting it off. I'm just looking for things I will definitely need that I may not think of myself.

I packed mine at the weekend, I'm also a 38 weeker (due 9th March, EEK!). Tried to keep mine pretty basic, as some of the lists are ridiculous and after the birth my husband can always fetch me stuff anyway. A lot of it depends on what your hospital will provide. Mine fits in a small wheelie suitcase:

For me: Hospital notes/birth plan, dressing gown, slippers, couple of old t shirts, comfy pyjama bottoms, nursing bra, couple of pairs of big panties, big socks to wear in labour, maternity pads, mini toiletries, lip balm.

For baby: 3 babygros, cardigan, hat, small pack of diapers, wipes, blanket for when he comes home, small cuddly toy.

Healthy snacks for during labour, mini cartons of juice, phone charger, list of contacts for husband to call after birth, change for car park.

I keep feeling like I've missed something, but I guess it's not the end of the world if I do. I'm in the UK, so the majority of women only spend one night in hospital if they have a vaginal birth.

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

Helanna posted:

Anyway, reading the last bunch of posts I noticed something that kind of surprised me; does each session of breast feeding really take 45 mins or an hour? I always assumed (perhaps naively!) that I could wake up, feed baby for like 10 or 15 minutes, and go back to sleep!

It surprised me too! I'm glad I have six months to stay at home, because sounds like I'll spend most of it with the baby attached to me.

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

rangergirl posted:

I am almost 16 weeks into this and I am still throwing up 4-5 times weekly and am nauseous on a nightly basis. I can't really eat and I'm actually down almost 10 pounds. At the last doctor's appointment, last week, he assured me I would start feeling better very soon. This whole time everyone has been telling me the 2nd trimester is much better and I will feel awesome. At this point I'm very frustrated...Has anyone else gotten to 16 weeks and actually gotten better or am I doomed to be one of those sick until the kid is born people??

My sister in law had terrible morning sickness up til 18 weeks, then it disappeared pretty much overnight. She said she felt great for the rest of the pregnancy, so hang on in there! I haven't heard of many people being sick for the entire pregnancy, not even on those crazy baby forums. If you're worried about weight loss, can you stomach some meal replacement shakes or soups?

Has anyone here been through an induction? It's my due date on Friday, and thanks to my SPD, I am almost completely immobile. I have been on crutches for a few weeks, but they barely help at all now and I can just about drag myself between bed, couch and bathroom. In the UK, it's policy to induce if you get to 40+12, but I honestly don't think I can cope for that long. I am thinking of begging my midwife to induce me ASAP, but the procedure sounds horrible. Oh, and the baby's growth is in the 90th percentile, so I'm already terrified about it getting any bigger. Do I suck it up and just cope with the pain or argue that they need to get this baby out NOW?

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun
My babby is formed!



Robert came out weighing 8lb 10. Total labour time: 1 hour 45 mins! The whole experience was pretty insane. They were going to send me home for not being in established labour, next thing I know I am being wheeled down to the delivery room. Didn't have time for any pain relief except gas and air which is freaking awesome stuff. Had some tears, but nowhere near as bad as expected. So... I'm a mother. Scary!

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun
Seriously, what's with these stupid post-pregnancy hormones? My baby is only 2 weeks old, I'm exhausted and my stitches are killing me, but for some reason I feel like a horny teenager at the moment! I'm glad to hear that others went through it as well.

Another embarrassing hormone related question: did anyone else get really hairy during pregnancy? My stomach got covered in some lovely thick, dark hair when I got pregnant and it's sticking around. The only advice I seem to get is not to shave it off, as I'll then be dealing with stubble for the rest of my life. I know it's only been a couple of weeks, but can I expect it to shift soon?

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun
Put me down as another one who is having issues with breastfeeding. My son is 3 weeks now and fed well for the first couple of days, but developed jaundice and became a lazy bastard on the breast. He latched perfectly, would suck for a minute then fall asleep. He'd get himself so hungry that he would scream and go rigid, meaning trying to get him back on the nipple was nearly impossible. After a few days of constantly fighting to feed him, he was dehydrated and started throwing up bright yellow vomit. We had to take him to the ER because he was so floppy and yellow, and he hadn't had a proper wee for hours. I was genuinely terrified by this point. We were given some formula while they ran tests, which I fed him whilst in tears, but after a couple of really good feeds he looked so much better.

Trouble is I now can't keep up with him so have no choice but to top-up with formula. I'm having to pump because he's still really useless at the breast, and as many people have said, pumps are poo poo. My nipples are killing me, and pumping, sterilising and feeding just seem to have taken over my life. He's having a growth spurt, and I was up pretty much every hour last night feeding. I barely get an ounce from both breasts, but I don't feel engorged or sore if I miss a pump and I have never leaked. It just feels like my milk never really came in properly.

The only advice I got from my midwife and lactation consultant was "pump more often" (owch, I can't) or "just stop giving him formula and he'll soon take the breast". I'm going to try some of the suggestions made here, because I would love the convenience of being able to breastfeed. I just feel so frustrated with it and wish I could just pack it in, but I really want him to have the health benefits.

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

Bodnoirbabe posted:

It is literally the worst feeling and this is literally the hardest decision I've had to make and I haven't even made it yet.

I'm so sorry to hear you're having a bad time of it. Breastfeeding is supposed to be this awesome experience, yet look at all the women on this board alone having problems with it. You sound really down, and it can't be nice to be that stressed about feeding when you're supposed to be enjoying your little bundle. The guilt I felt when I gave my son his first bottle was overwhelming, and I cried my eyes out, but I have resolved to start enjoying the freedom of combination pumping/formula. I'm even going to have some wine tonight and let my husband take over for a few hours!

One blog that really helped me is the Fearless Formula Feeder: http://www.fearlessformulafeeder.com/ It's full of stories from mums, many of whom tried to breastfeed, but switched to formula for different reasons. It also debunks a lot of the bad science behind the "ZOMG FORMULA IS MADE OF RAT POISON" type news stories.

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

Helanna posted:

For myself, I just got told today that I have PGP (Pelvic Girdle Pain) or SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) and as usual the information I was given was very limited. I saw a physiotherapist who manipulated my hip joints etc and poked around at my muscles for a while. I didn't get given crutches or pain killers or anything - bit annoyed that today was a "good" day, because I don't think she really understood just how cripppling a "bad" day has been lately. On Tuesday I could barely walk at all without terrible pain, and even laying in bed I couldn't find a position that didn't hurt, which reduced me to tears pretty quickly because I was exhausted and paracetemol does nothing for me.

Sorry to hear about your SPD. I had it pretty bad and ended up on crutches from about 26 weeks. I listened all the physio's advice, took paracetemol, brought the ridiculously expensive SPD belt, yet still felt like someone had hit me in the crotch with a hammer. It improved slightly when the baby went from being transverse to head down, as I was less wobbly on my hips. My maternity pillow helped a little when sleeping, as I could put it between my legs which is supposed to help. Pelvic floor exercises are supposed to be good, and my physio showed me a couple of positions I could do on a birthing ball to help, but again the relief is limited. I don't feel that it gets taken seriously enough. A friend of mine had it so badly that she ended up in a wheelchair at the end of her pregnancy, yet people just dismissed it as a 'normal' part of having a baby.

The only real relief for me came at about 32ish weeks when I went on leave and could pretty much sit on my rear end all day. It's so tempting on a 'good' day to do housework and get out and about, but I found that the next day I would be back to square one. Rest really does seem to be the best thing for it. You're going to get heavier and it's going to get harder to move around, so you really need to take the time off and take care of yourself.

It's not much comfort, but it's only a few weeks and for most people it does clear up straight away. After the birth, the relief of the weight being gone meant that I felt instantly better and just wanted to run up and down the ward!

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

Bloody Cum Fart posted:

If a woman hasn't had sex in a long while and then becomes sexually active again, could this cause cramping and possibly an earlier than normal period? I'm 14 days from my period (52 day cycle) and I'm getting some cramping, painful breasts and I've been moody as if I have PMS. I really hope I'm not pregnant as I just started seeing this guy about 2 months ago and only became sexually active with him about 2 weeks ago. I'm hoping my period is just going to arrive early.

Weirdly, sex has kind of 'triggered' my period before. I'm really irregular, so not sure if it was early or not, but I guessed it was either the motions or something in semen that set me off.

Unfortunately, I can't offer you much reassurance as my early pregnancy symptoms felt a lot like PMS. If you don't get your period soon, then some pregnancy tests can be used in the week before your period is due, though they may show a false negative if you take it too early. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

Cathis posted:

Is my round ligament kind of at my underwear line, below my belly button? I have this obnoxious ache there today, that every time I rolled over last night I could feel. I have to go get blood drawn today so I might swing by my doctor's office anyways.

Yep, definitely sounds like round ligaments. Speak to the doctor if it's getting really uncomfortable, but it is totally normal. It scared the crap out of me the first time I felt it and I managed to convince myself something was wrong. drat uterus, it hurts stretching out and it hurts when it shrinks back down!

So my baby has reached 6 weeks today, and I would love to get into some sort of routine with him. I am trying to teach him the difference between night and day in the hopes that he will start sleeping for longer at night. What people keep telling me is that when he wakes in the night, I shouldn't change his nappy unless absolutely necessary. I agree, in theory, because nappy changes wake him right up and it's hard to settle him once he's felt the cold air on his bits. But after a couple of nights of leaving them, I have noticed his nappies in the morning are absolutely soaked through. It doesn't seem to bother him, but surely laying in his own urine all night is bad for his skin? I feel terrible for leaving him in a mess.

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

buttzilla posted:

Do you happen to have a wipe warmer? That might help when changing him at night. Are you trying to get your 6 week old to sleep entirely through the night? Why not change him after one of the times you're feeding him through the night?

Ha, I have never heard of a wipe warmer. They look awesome!

I'm not trying to get him to sleep through the night, I know that's impossible at this stage. I would ideally like his night time wakings to be shorter. A feed, then back to sleep. If I change him, that means he's wide awake and can easily take another hour to settle back down. But it's not about me, I just want to do what's best for him.

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun
I couldn't really find any decent maternity jeans. I ended up buying some cheap stretch jeans a size bigger. These lasted me til about 6 months, and they were also useful post-birth when my stomach was still big and saggy.

For the last 3 months I alternated between leggings with long tops, and a couple of black dresses with thick tights. Anything else just felt really uncomfortable on my belly.

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

Axiem posted:

That said, I'm to the point where I want to start attempting to track contractions. There are a bunch of apps for it for the iPhone, and that'd be a nice way to do it. Anyone have any recommendations? How'd y'all keep track?

I missed this post before, but a small warning for you. My husband downloaded some free contraction timer for his iPhone which seemed to work ok. Halfway through my labour a window popped up saying his free trial had run out, and that he'd have to pay 69p for the full version. We ended up just using the stopwatch that's on the iPhone anyway.

I love that little buttface babygro! I'm not usually into novelty baby clothes, but saw this on a babygro the other day and love it:

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun
Things I couldn't live without:

- Dozens of vests and babygros. If you think you've brought too many, you're wrong! It's good to have extras and not have to do laundry several times a day.

- Changing table. Mine is nice and high up so I don't have to bend over to change his nappy or clothes. Plus nice organised storage for nappies, wipes, creams etc.

- Moses basket - He hated his crib at first as it was too big. This fits next to the bed and is nice and cosy. Also useful for dragging them round the house.

- Lots of muslin cloths and bibs. Useful, otherwise you'll be changing their outfit ten times a day. Plus, my baby has acid reflux, so I'm constantly cleaning up spit-up.

- Vibrating/bouncy chair. AWESOME during colic time.

- Microwave sterlizer. If you're formula feeding or expressing, it's so much easier than those big bulky steam sterlizers. Plus better for travelling.

- Nappy disposal bin - So much better than using those annoying little bags.

Things that we didn't really use:

- Adorable little baby outfits like jeans and dungarees. Look cute, but far too annoying to get them in and out of. Stick with simple items.

- Baby nest. He prefers his chair for playing and moses basket for sleep.

- Baby bath. He prefers to be in the bathtub with me or my husband. (Just make sure you don't add any products while they're in with you!)

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun
Boys are easy enough to clean. At least it's all hanging out there and easy to see if you've missed a spot. The fountains aren't too bad. As someone said, you can usually tell when they're about to pee, and when he does it usually goes all over the changing table and floor, so easy to clean up. Can't help laughing at his baby boners though. Hope he doesn't need therapy in future.

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

rangergirl posted:

I had an ultrasound done today because I've been measuring big, this kid is almost 4 1/2 pounds already and I'm at 31 weeks on Monday. The doctor seems fine with this, I however am terrified this is going to be a 12 pound baby. How accurate are these estimates?? I know there is some leeway, but my books all say he is about a pound over average already. Am I going to have to get a Sumo wrestler costume for his first halloween??

I'm pretty sure my kid was supposed to be 5lb at my 32 week scan, but they really aren't accurate. He was in the 90th+ percentile for weight at most of my scans and was apparently going to be short and fat. He came out at a respectable 8lb 10oz, long and thin. I don't think I know anyone whose estimated birth weight was close to accurate.

SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

I had pretty bad SPD and ended up on crutches about midway through my pregnancy. Firstly, massive sympathies, because it hurts like a bitch and there's not much you can do except rest.

Are you seeing a physiotherapist? The benefits aren't massive, but mine taught me a few exercises and tricks to ease the pain. Basically, keeping your legs shut as much as possible, don't balance on one leg etc. Stairs are a bastard. Do you have anywhere you can sleep downstairs if it gets worse?

As for the birth... Some people have suggested that SPD can make your labour easier. Yeah, it could be a load of poo poo, but your body is producing too much Relaxin, and this could speed things up. Anecdotally, my boy came out in under 2 hours.

I don't know what the local advice is, but in the UK they're very much against women giving birth on their backs. Apparently this can slow things down. Personally, I stood up and leant on the bed while I pushed. It's not the most comfortable thing, but that was the least of my worries anyway! Hands and knees or a birthing ball position could work too.

The only real problem was when I had to get stitched up afterwards. I had to make sure the midwife didn't pull the stirrups too far apart, and because my tear was in a weird place, it got pretty uncomfortable for a while. She suggested I could lay on my side with a pillow between my knees while they sticthed me, but that seemed a bit awkward.

Also, it's a UK site, but http://www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk/ is a useful resource with lots of practical tips for pregnancy and birth.

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SEX BURRITO
Jun 30, 2007

Not much fun

Mr Darcy posted:

Respectfully, bullshit. We let mums give birth however they feel comfy. Mrs D. gave birth on her back about a month ago here in the UK, I know people who've done it standing up, on all fours or whatever.

Fair enough, I'm sure it does vary from place to place. My midwife was fairly insistent that I don't lay on my back, and who was I to argue? Anyway, my point was just that with SPD it's a good idea to try alternative positions.

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