~*~ PgAL/PAIF check-in week of May 7 ~*~

[muscari]

Welcome to the PgAL and PAIF check-in!

This is a weekly check-in for those of us who are pregnant after loss and/or infertility. Feel free to jump in any time!
The check-in is a safe place to share all things that come with being PgAL and/or PAIF. Use this thread to ask questions, share your excitement/rage/worries/whatever, or to ask for support!

Please come on in and let us know how you're doing, and know you are always welcome to come back throughout the week whenever you need to!! ♥

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PgAL Mantras
www.goodbyecb.proboards.com/thread/1034/pgal-mantras

PAIF Mantras
www.goodbyecb.proboards.com/thread/57254/welcome-paif-read-before-posting


**Loss/trigger warnings are not necessary here**

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Weekly check-in:

How far along are you?

How are you feeling (physically/emotionally)?

Any appointments or milestones coming up this week?

Do you need any thoughts or prayers?

Anything else you'd like to share?

QoTW: Are you having a baby shower? Will it be themed? Tell me all about this foreign-to-me-thing (not a tradition here) that is babyshowers!

[muscari]

How far along are you? 25+3

How are you feeling (physically/emotionally)?
I'm doing okay on both fronts, actually. After having been so quiet earlier last week, baby has been rather active again these past days so I'm feeling less anxious about something not being right. Sometimes I do still get overwhelmed by anxiety and fears, but it's not as often as before. I seem to have struck a balance when it comes to what/how much to eat at a time and haven't had such bad reflux and indigestion as before. It was really bad, so I'm quite relieved. Sleeping is becoming more of an issue, but with a proper nap in the afternoon I usually make it through my day alright.

Any appointments or milestones coming up this week?
Not unless I manage to reschedule my MFM appointment, which I do plan on doing. My cardiologist is strongly advising me to go back on my heart meds, and I'm starting to believe he's right. I've tried without, but even with extra rest and what not it's not fully managable. Before I start taking them again I have some things to discuss with the MFM though, as it is unclear to me what they plan on doing monitoring wise for the baby especially after birth.

Do you need any thoughts or prayers?
No thanks, I'm good.

Anything else you'd like to share?
So we finally announced more publically this weekend (clicky for a piccie). It's insane how much anxiety writing then posting that pic&bit of text costed me! We're pretty open about our loss and IF struggles but mostly to those closer around us, and I wanted to incoorporate our struggles into the announcement without being too obvious. I think I succeeded pretty well but it took me days to finalize those what, 4 or 5 lines of text haha. Responses have been really sweet and awesome and I'm glad we finally announced, but I still find it a little difficult at times. Also, what is it with people taking your announcement as the perfect moment to let write "congrats but hey oh...", they too are expecting (one lapping me for the second time, another basically just started trying, etc). I'm happy for them, but at the same time it just stings a little. But I know that's something I need to deal with, cause in itself they of course didn't do anything wrong and just wanted to share their happiness and excitement. But it's still a little rough and bums me out (which in turn makes me feel even more bummed out cause I feel I shouldn't be feeling bummed out... vicious circle hard to break heh).

[muscari]

Ohh and I forgot the QoTW! Baby showers aren't a tradition here.. so nope I won't be having a shower! But am intruiged and want to know all about yours if you have one:)

[muscari]

Also, thinking of you and much love to you all today on International Bereaved Mother's Day.

[therealbug]

muscari, thank you for the check-in. I hope you can get in with your MFM quickly so you can get your questions answered.

How far along are you?

24+3

How are you feeling (physically/emotionally)?


Mostly tired. Between the alarms for my meds and H's work alarm and the continual need to pee, I can't seem to sleep in more than two hour blocks. Add to that a nice bit of insomnia if I wake up at3AM and I just feel tired.

Otherwise, I feel pretty good. Some discomfort when I lay on one side too long but not too bad.
Any appointments or milestones coming up this week?

Do you need any thoughts or prayers?

That Baby B's fluid level has gone up, that she is still not in any distress, and that we have a good scan for both on Tuesday.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I'm trying to get everything pre-packed and organized in case I get admitted to the hospital at Tuesday's appointment. H has to work that day so I want to make everything as easy as possible for him in case the MFM or OB admits me and he has to pack up on his own.

QoTW: Are you having a baby shower? Will it be themed? Tell me all about this foreign-to-me-thing (not a tradition here) that is babyshowers!

Any chance of a baby shower went out the window once I was put on bedrest. We moved a couple years ago and have no family in the area so the odds of having one were already pretty slim. I think a co-worker was planning on doing one for me at work but . . .

I did have one of our PgAL grads tell me she looked at my Amazon registry and she is sending me some NB sleep clothes from her rainbows!

[cali]

muscari, your announcement is beautiful! I loved it! Weird that people responded by announcing their own pregnancies to you though. I'm not sure how I would take that.

therealbug, I have everything crossed for your for Tuesday. It sounds like you are very prepared though if you do need to be admitted.

[cali]

How far along are you? Week/baby size?
24w3d/eggplant

How are you feeling (physically and/or emotionally)?
Emotionally, I feel her moving a lot more now, which does help my anxiety and having a good u/s last week helped too.

Physically, I've been having a lot of sciatic nerve pain if I do too much walking or standing. Other than that I feel good.

Other updates? Thoughts, vents, baby preparations, etc?
We are on vacation this week but when we get back we really need to step up the baby prep. We're going to start the nursery for sure (MH promised)!

Upcoming milestones or appointments? We had an OB appointment and growth u/s last week and all was well, so we don't have to go back for 4 more weeks.

Do you need any thoughts or prayers?
No, thanks!

QOTW: Yes, I am having a baby shower for family at the end of June. My mom and SIL are throwing it. I don't really know any of the details as far as whether it will be themed or anything but I'm sure it will be beautiful and I'm excited for it. Invitations went out last week and I've already had a couple gifts delivered off my registry from people who won't be able to make it to the shower. It feels so weird to have baby stuff in the house.

[king26]

I'm mobile but my students are taking the state test and I'm bored so I'll try to answer now.

How far along? I'm 24+5

How are you feeling? Good for the most part. I am having awful acid reflux and my fert are swollen. At the end of the work day but if that's all my problems I'm good to go. Emotionally I've been feeling good since I feel him several times a day now.

Appointments? Today. I have a 4 week appointment and my repeat a/s. It might be my last ultrasound which I'm sad about.

Thoughts and prayers? Not for me but my friend at work who is the same age as me just found out she has cancer and has to go through chemo.

Qotw: both of my showers are scheduled and I'm really excited. One is may 25 at work then my mom is giving me one June 17. I'm hoping to have the nursery finished by the end of June so this is perfect timing.

[elliecat17]

How far along are you? 24+5, an Atlantic Puffin

How are you feeling (physically/emotionally)? My back is a little sore, but otherwise good on all accounts.

Any appointments or milestones coming up this week? None until mid June. I am a little annoyed that I have to wait 7 weeks between appointments this time.

Do you need any thoughts or prayers? That my kitty's leg is finally healing.

Anything else you'd like to share? Baby had been kicking like crazy. Also I had my first of 2 finals today. I thought I did terrible, the questions were so hard! But I got 99.99%!

QoTW: Are you having a baby shower? Will it be themed? Idk. Since we aren't finding out baby's sex we may wait. Plus isn't someone else supposed to throw it for me? I know nothing about them. I've only ever been invited to one and I couldn't make it.

[cravingchocolate05]

How far along are you? 24w 3d

How are you feeling (physically/emotionally)? Okay. I have seasonal allergies but don't want to take anything so have a constant hacking cough. I hope it goes away before August. I bought one of those sinus-rinse bottles in desperation, but when I sanitized it in the microwave like the directions said, it melted!! Emotionally, I'm feeling better because he's moving more than before. If he stops for a long time, I can usually get him going by eating chocolate or drinking cold cranberry juice.

Any appointments or milestones coming up this week? 4 week ob appt end of the week and then monthly growth scan in two weeks.

Do you need any thoughts or prayers? Sending those to therealbug

Anything else you'd like to share? I'm so starving all the time. Anyone else? I'm trying to eat avocados and low-sugar yogurt versus carbs but I feel like it's a constant stream of eating. Does anyone have a go-to healthy snack that fills you up?

QoTW: Are you having a baby shower? Will it be themed? My wonderful SIL asked if she could throw me a sprinkle. I feel bad because she threw me my shower for DS almost three years ago, but she really wanted to. She's the best--so supportive during our mmc as well. I don't think there will be a theme.

[king26]

A/s is finished and all looks well. Baby is measuring 1 lb 12 oz and a week ahead. He did not want us looking at his face and had his arms up in front of it. We did get a partial face on the 4d scan and it's so stinking cute.

[yellowcat]

How far along are you? 28 weeks, starting the 3rd trimester!

How are you feeling (physically/emotionally)? A bit more tired and achy in general but otherwise I am good. I was at a party for one of my nephews and started playing bad-minton with the kids, it didn't occur to me not to until I dove for the birdie once and realized my center of gravity was way-off. Luckily I didn't fall, but I stopped after that. Today you could not have paid me to even go fora walk, these energy fluctuations are so weird!

Any appointments or milestones coming up this week? I passed my GT test on Friday

Do you need any thoughts or prayers? Nope

Anything else you'd like to share? We are starting to clear out our office to make a baby room. I am also starting to work on other organizational issues in the house. It just hit me how fast this baby is coming!

Q: This is my second so no shower, but my first was around Easter so my sister's threw a peter rabbit themed one. I am not sure if this is the norm, but for us the bridal party (if you are married and had a full wedding) also takes care of your baby shower.

[yellowcat]

muscari, I hear you on announcing. This is my second and it was still so stressful, I never post online so I ave some friends who still don't know.

therealbug, insomnia is awful! FX for your appointment tomorrow!

cali, glad your scan went well!

king26, I am sorry about your co-worker. But more movement with your baby is great!

elliecat17, I hope your kitty is better soon!

cravingchocolate05, I never heard of cranberry juice to get a baby moving!

[cali]

king26, congrats on a good scan. My LO did the same thing and cvered her face so we couldn't get a pic on the 3d, I was bummed! At least you got a partial.

elliecat17, yeah, usually someone throws one for you. In my family, it's always the mom and/or sister but everyone is different. Lots of times friends or co-workers throw one. Although I don't see anything wrong with throwing your own little party after baby comes. Congrats on such good grades!!

cravingchocolate05, I definitely feel hungry a lot more now. My go to has been the triple zero Greek yogurt by Oik.os or fruit because I find those fill me up for a bit, but I'm definitely always craving carbs!

yellowcat, congrats on passing your gtt! I hope third tri goes smoothly for you!

[addymac]

muscari - I hope you get to talk to your MFM soon about your questions r/t your heart meds and if they will affect the baby. I know it must be frustrating to have to go back on them, but healthy mama is important for baby!! I hope you get clarity on whether the meds will be passed in the breastmilk. FX they don't.

I *LOVE* your wording for your announcement!! It works so wonderfully! As I mentioned in the other thread, other than texting some friends that bowtie pic, I haven't announced on social media yet. 50% because I don't want to trigger someone else, and 50% because I don't know how to say what I want to say. I wanted to get a "You're looking at a rainbow tshirt" and get a pic with my DH in it sort of casually, (like this one ), which I got, but it doesn't sit right on my belly, so you can barely read what it says, and it just made me mad. I'm hoping I can wear it when I am farther along and my belly gets bigger. We will see...

I would be so irritated if someone announced their pregnancy as a comment to your announcement. I got really (irrationally) irritated when I started telling people at work and they were like "OMG! *Coworker* is ALSO pregnant!" Like, ugh! let me have my moment! This is her #2 AND she gets pregnant within a month of trying each time, so make her go away!! I was so mad. Of course I didn't actually say anything, but I was secretly so huffy lol...

therealbug - all my positive thoughts for your appt today. FX everything shows improvement / stays the same so you don't have to be admitted just yet. 

cali - hope vacation is fun! Are you guys going anywhere? Hopefully somewhere warmer than it has been here in Chi/IL lately.. brr!! I hope your sciatic pain is lessening. 

king26 - I hope your reflux is getting better / controlled. I think I am starting to get reflux / heartburn and I am not a fan I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. my thoughts are with her. YAY for a good u/s! what a little stinker, hiding his face!

elliecat17 - I would be annoyed at having to wait 7 weeks too- not cool... CONGRATS on your amazing final!! That's so awesome! You are a superstar! Etiquette-wise, yes, someone else is supposed to throw one for you. But if no one offers, you could always host a meet-the-baby hang out for after the baby is born and you feel up for an afternoon of visitors. I was considering doing that if no one offered me one. I don't live near family, so I never got a bridal shower or anything outside of a small work thing, so who knows. 

cravingchocolate05 - omg, I would have been so annoyed that the thing melted! Sorry I love eating something sweet and then feeling him move within a few min, haha. Im also constantly hungry but cannot find the right combination of food to make me not hungry or not nauseous. 

yellowcat - 3rd TRIMESTER ALREADY!! Wow!! I think you're (obviously) one of the first for our month, but wow! Time is FLYING! The energy levels fluctuating is no joke. I keep telling myself I shouldn't be getting this tired b/c I'm still in 2nd tri, but woof- some days I just cannot deal. 


AFM...

How far along are you?
25+3


How are you feeling (physically/emotionally)?
okay physically. I think I'm starting to get reflux/heartburn. I keep having throw up burps (so gross!!) and feel really full with the feeling of food lodged in my throat after eating. I need to stop eating so much - but I'm hungry!! My DH does not understand my feeding times anymore. He is just constantly like what? Food? Again?? YES!!! again!! 

Emotionally - Pretty good right now but I'm pretty sure Mother's Day is going to send me for a bad loop. I'm trying hard not to think about how I should have a 3 month old in my arms and be on maternity leave from work, but instead... And I know I'm a mom to loss baby, and to this baby, but people view pregnant moms so differently and rarely acknowledge loss moms, so it's just gonna be a shitty day for me, I think. And I have to work, even though I just want to stay under the covers. I don't think DH even realizes it's going to be a hard day for me. I could be wrong, but I don't think it will click for him. 


Any appointments or milestones coming up this week?
nope


Do you need any thoughts or prayers?
No, I send mine to bug and king's friend. 


Anything else you'd like to share?
I'm good!


QoTW: Are you having a baby shower? Will it be themed? Tell me all about this foreign-to-me-thing (not a tradition here) that is babyshowers!

So I get one at work, because they always do something for any life event, which is nice. But my sister who lives in San Fran, called me up and said she wants to visit and possibly throw a shower  in July. Except I don't have many friends here in town, because most of our friends moved away in the last year or so after finishing the grad school program they were in with my DH. So I would have about 5 friends to invite, including my BFF who is moving away at the end of June. And two of the 5 would be my friends from work who are throwing the work shower, so I feel bad, like they have to do double baby shower stuff. And I also feel like having 6 people at a baby shower is lame. We have no family around us, so I just feel weird about it. I don't know. And throw in the fact that my sister does not have much money (like, was sleeping on an air mattress b/c she didn't have enough in savings to buy a mattress since she just moved to SF in January for a job after being unemployed for 6 mo) and I don't think realizes that a shower will cost more than $50... so I just don't know. 

[therealbug]

Update on today's appointment (XP from CAR):

Baby B's fluid looked better than last week. The tech measured two different pockets on B and one came in just over 2 which puts it in the normal range. Blood flow on both babies looked good. Per the MFM, if next week's scan is as good as this one then we can delay hospital admission and possible go to twice a week appointments instead. Next week we check blood flow, fluid level, and growth.

I had an OB appointment right after where I had a cervix check. Per the OB, cervix felt better than it did two weeks ago. She was a bit annoyed that the tech did not check the actual AFI (amniotic fluid index) and instead only did the deepest vertical pocket. Instructions are to continue with home bedrest as that seems to be working.

[addymac]

therealbug so glad to hear that update!!! 💛💛💛

[yoshijo28]

cravingchocolate05 somr of my snacks are: wheat english muffin w penaut butter, special k protein cereal, granola, pumpkin seeds or soy nuts, hummus and crackers, cheese and crackers, oatmeal honey and a banana, egg whites and cheese bites (baked in a muffin tin). I've also been craving smoothies but try to limit because of the sugar. I've been too lazy but have plans to make my own.

[elliecat17]

therealbug I'm so excited that you got good news!

[king26]

therealbug, Sounds like a good appointment!!

[yellowcat]

therealbug that is awesome news!

[muscari]

therealbug oh I am so glad to read your update!

[muscari]

Sorry for the slow late response, been one of those weeks..!

cali & addymac I thought that maybe I was just being difficult when I thought it odd that some people took our announcement as a moment to announce their own pgs as well but I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought it was a lil weird! *g*

cali I hope you had a wonderful trip to california! I love reading you're so excited about your shower! And wow, mustbe so weird and awesome at the same timeto have gifts delivered already!

king26, glad to read yellowcat,that your repeat A/S went well. We have another scan at 28wks and I'm curious whether it'll be the last or not. I think we'll get at least one more closer to 36weeks but not sure. If not, I think I may request one for my own peace of mind cause I don't think I'll manage otherwise. 3 months is just too long. Would you be able to request an extra one, or go for a elective scan privately?

elliecat17, I had to wait almost 8 weeks between appointments at some point and it was doing my head in! 2 weeks before our A/S I had a real panic moment and luckily they offered me an extra doppler check (which ended up being a quick U/S) I am glad we are now on a schedule of every 4 weeks (and I think we'll go to every 2 weeks before too long as well). I hope the weeks in between your appointments fly by - and don't hesistate to contact them for an in between appointment if you're worried or anxious orotherwise just feeling off! Also, congratz on scoring such awesome grades on your finals!!

cravingchocolate05, I've been soo stuffed from allergies lately, but don't dare taking anything either. OOps at the melted sinus rinse bottle!! How odd! I used to be hungry alllll the time but lately it's gotten less so luckily. How sweet that your SIL likes to throw you a sprinkle - will that be like a smaller shower?
 
yellowcat, yay for passing your glucose test! The badminton dive made me giggle *g* I keep wanting to organize around the house as well but ugh I just don't have the energy for it. Am contemplaiting perhaps asking for some outside help to get the heavy stuff done

addymac, thanks for your sweet words on my announcement It's hard to find a balance between not wanting to trigger/hurt others and being able to share your own excitement etc. I love that shirt and I hope it'll soon fit you well enough so you can wear it nicely - and perhaps use it as an announcement of sorts after all.  As for all the emotions and feelings surrounding mother's day **big hugs coming your way**. I don't think MH realizes how it is for me either as he himself isn't bothered at all (or at least he never showed if he was) by Father's Day and I guess he just has a hard time imagining my feelings.