Is there anything we would want in a sticky note?

[IFinTN]

We never had one before but just throwing it out there. Glossary of some of our PAIF terms? Anything else like resources for being PAIF?

[turquoisequeen]

I think that would be a great idea! Terms like a/s and v-day come to mind but I know there are many more.

I don't know if there are good links or info for some of the common early PAIF symptoms. I didn't experience this but I've seen a ton of questions about early bleeding/spotting which almost always has turned out to be okay or an explainable thing.

[viola]

Maybe a frequently discussed topics? Spotting, round ligament pain, light/disappearing first tri symptoms, and ending the PIO all come to mind

A list and schedule of check-ins might be nice too

[lilyharper]

I know PGAL (CAR?) has mantras. Maybe we could have something similar?

[amshark]

I was trying to think if a list of FAQs would work - are there enough FAQs around here?
We could include the types of check-ins run, like viola suggested (I wouldn't include the day, as that may change). Also some feedback on common experiences with how long ladies are on progesterone (I see this question surfacing periodically), and maybe a short note acknowledging IF brain, for all of the noobs who don't realize what great, paranoid company they are joining here.

[IFinTN]

Anyone want to take a crack at it first? amshark this could be a good distraction (translation, I'm pawning off the hard work onto someone else:)

[amshark]

Feb 2, 2015 14:32:31 GMT -5 IFinTN said:

Anyone want to take a crack at it first? amshark this could be a good distraction (translation, I'm pawning off the hard work onto someone else:)

I can give it a try - but I'll be attempting to remotely attend board and committee meetings through the weekend.  
So, I probably won't get started until after the meeting series ends - beginning of next week?

In the meantime, keep the suggestions coming, ladies!

[anchovies]

Frequently asked questions:
How soon did you stop progesterone?
When did you graduate from RE?
Maybe a link to beta charts bc that's another common Q
That's all I got for now

[amshark]

My very next post will be a draft that I've worked out for a possible sticky note. I've tried to incorporate all of the suggestions here. I like the idea to include mantras - but I have not done that yet. I wonder if we can borrow some from Carrying a Rainbow, or if we'd like to generate our own? I also captured some of the FAQ's suggested, but realized I don't have the actual answers for these - and many do not have a set answer. Do we want to keep these? Perhaps present them in a different format?

Either way, check out my next post. Note: I've also saved this as a public, editable document on Google drive. If you'd like to edit the text directly, CLICK HERE to link to the document.

[amshark]

Welcome to the Pregnant after Infertility (PAIF) community. If you find yourself here, then you’ve struggled through at least 1 year TTC, or 6 months TTC (for the lovely 35+ yr old ladies), and you’ve finally made it to your BFP. Congratulations, Mama! Today you are pregnant, today you are a mother, today you are a part of our community, and we embrace you!
Here are some handy things to know, to help you navigate these threads.

PAIF Glossary Here are some common terms and acronyms, and their definitions:
a/s – Anatomy scan (aka. Level 2 ultrasound, or Anomaly scan); A detailed ultrasound performed in the 2nd trimester, usually between 18 & 22 weeks. During the scan, the baby is thoroughly measured to confirm development is on track, and to identify potential anomalies.
BFP – Big fat positive; a positive pregnancy test.
GTT – Glucose Tolerance Test; A screening test used to diagnose Gestational Diabetes, usually performed between 24 & 28 weeks.
HH9M – Happy Healthy 9 Months; a common phrase used to welcome new members to PAIF.
IF brain – Infertility brain; A commonly shared nervousness felt by pregnant women who previously struggled with infertility (more on this later).
IUI – Intrauterine Insemination (aka. Artificial insemination)
IVF – In Vitro Fertilization (literally “In glass fertilization”); The process of manually combining sperm and egg in a laboratory, and transferring the embryo to a uterus.
n/t scan – Nuchal translucency screening; A diagnostic screening performed in the first trimester, between 11 & 14 weeks. The ultrasound measures the clear space in tissue behind the baby’s neck. The test is used to indicate increased risk of some chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down syndrome) as well as congenital heart defects. NOTE: The test diagnosis risk, or tendency towards these diseases, and does not confirm presence of the disease itself. If higher risk is indicated, it is likely that additional tests will be recommended.
VBAC – Vaginal Birth After Cesarean;
V-Day – Viability Day, 24 weeks, the gestational age at which a baby’s chance of survival outside of the womb reaches 50% or greater.

PAIF Check-Ins
The following regular check-in threads are run o this board on a weekly basis.
** First Tri Check-In **
** Second Tri Check-in **
** Third Tri Check-in **

Resources/Useful Links
Beta doubling calculator: perinatology.com/calculators/betahCG.htm
Caffeine intake during pregnancy, guidelines: americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/caffeine-during-pregnancy/
Fetal Viability (Wikipedia entry & chart: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetal_viability
Is it safe during pregnancy, American Pregnancy Assoc. guides: americanpregnancy.org/is-it-safe/

FAQ:
Needs updating & feedback from PAIF
Disappearing 1st Tri Symptoms:
Progesterone: How long to continue progesterone treatments after BFP
Round Ligament Pain:
Spotting:
When did you graduate from RE?:


PAIF Mantras
Mantras? Member input needed from PAIF


IF Brain – Learning to Relax and Enjoy Pregnancy
You’ve tried so hard, and struggled for so long to get to this point. So, why can’t you just relax and enjoy your pregnancy? Many women find that their anxiety about their infertility does not diminish after they get their BFP. Instead, they find themselves wondering if and when their pregnancy will end. Many women on PAIF have experienced loss first hand, and those that have not have supported their IF sisters through their times of loss. The feeling that the pregnancy is too good to be true; that celebrating or announcing your pregnancy will “jinx” it; that you are just waiting for the other shoe to drop is so common, we’ve given it a name.
IF brain can be a scary thing to experience. Know that you are not alone. Others have walked in your shoes , and have come out on the other side, holding their infants. Know also, that while IF brain may not completely go away, for most people it diminishes over time, little by little, with every milestone you reach – a 2nd beta, a good 1st u/s, hearing the heartbeat, reaching the 2nd tri, having a clear NT scan, reaching V-day, feeling the baby’s movements – all of these things help in their own way.
It is true that not everyone on this board will have a happy and healthy 9 months. Some will suffer complications, some will go on bed rest, some may lose their baby. Whatever the ultimate outcome, if you’ve made it this far, you are a mother now. Try, if you can , to embrace that feeling and cherish it for all that its worth.

[ProfessorChaos]

Great start amshark! I added some text to the FAQs (on the Google doc--seems best to edit there) and did minor editing. I put the new text below.

[ProfessorChaos]

Welcome to the Pregnant after Infertility (PAIF) community. If you find yourself here, then you’ve struggled through at least 1 year TTC, or 6 months TTC for the lovely 35+ yr old ladies, and you’ve finally made it to your BFP. Congratulations, Mama! Today you are pregnant, today you are a mother, today you are a part of our community, and we embrace you!
Here are some handy things to know, to help you navigate these threads.

PAIF Glossary Here are some common terms and acronyms, and their definitions:
a/s – Anatomy scan (aka. Level 2 ultrasound, or Anomaly scan); A detailed ultrasound performed in the 2nd trimester, usually between 18 & 22 weeks. During the scan, the baby is thoroughly measured to confirm development is on track and to identify potential anomalies.
BFP – Big fat positive; a positive pregnancy test.
GTT – Glucose Tolerance Test; A screening test used to diagnose Gestational Diabetes, usually performed between 24 & 28 weeks. There is typically a 1 hour initial screen (has a high false positive rate) followed by a three hour test.
HH9M – Happy Healthy 9 Months; a common phrase used to welcome new members to PAIF.
IF brain – Infertility brain; A commonly shared nervousness felt by pregnant women who previously struggled with infertility (more on this later).
IUI – Intrauterine Insemination (aka. Artificial insemination)
IVF – In Vitro Fertilization (literally “In glass fertilization”); The process of manually combining sperm and egg in a laboratory, and transferring the embryo to a uterus.
n/t (or NT) scan – Nuchal translucency screening; A diagnostic screening performed in the first trimester, between 11 & 14 weeks. The ultrasound measures the clear space in tissue behind the baby’s neck. The test is used to indicate increased risk of some chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down syndrome), congenital heart defects, and other problems with the placenta and fetus. NOTE: The test diagnoses risk, or tendency towards these diseases, and does not confirm presence of the disease itself. If higher risk is indicated, it is likely that additional tests will be recommended. Also note that this test may be skipped these days in favor of blood tests like Panorama, MaterniT, Verifi, and Harmony, although some doctors may order both.
VBAC – Vaginal Birth After Cesarean;
V-Day – Viability Day, 24 weeks, the gestational age at which a baby’s chance of survival outside of the womb reaches 50% or greater.

PAIF Check-Ins
The following regular check-in threads are run o this board on a weekly basis.
** First Tri Check-In **
** Second Tri Check-in **
** Third Tri Check-in **

Resources/Useful Links
Beta doubling calculator: perinatology.com/calculators/betahCG.htm
Caffeine intake during pregnancy, guidelines: americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/caffeine-during-pregnancy/
Fetal Viability (Wikipedia entry & chart: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetal_viability
Is it safe during pregnancy, American Pregnancy Assoc. guides: americanpregnancy.org/is-it-safe/

FAQ:
Needs updating & feedback from PAIF
Disappearing 1st Tri Symptoms: Don’t worry! Symptoms come and go and don’t really mean much. You may vomit every day for a week, then feel totally fine for a couple of days. Don’t ruin this lovely respite by worrying, as chances are good you’ll be praying to the porcelain gods again soon. Some women experience almost no symptoms during their first trimester, even with twin pregnancies! Most women will also find that their first tri symptoms abate at some point, sometimes as early as nine weeks, sometimes much later.

Progesterone: How long to continue progesterone treatments after BFP? Doctors seem to be all over the map on this one. Women here have been told to stop cold turkey at 8 weeks, or to wait to begin slow weaning at 13 weeks. If you’re uncomfortable with your RE’s suggestion, talk to your OB (or other care provider) about testing progesterone levels or continuing the meds longer. Also note that progesterone cessation cause result in some spotting, but that doesn’t mean a miscarriage is imminent (see below).

Round Ligament Pain (RLP): Round ligaments are connective tissues that have to expand a lot as your uterus grows. Sharp shooting pains on either side of your uterus are extremely common, especially on the right side. You’re especially likely to feel this in the second trimester and if you make sudden movements (standing up quickly is especially risky! Better stay put on that couch.). Pulling your knees into your chest will help relieve this pain, as will rest. Talk to your doctor if it’s really bad.

Spotting: Many of us have had spotting at various points in our pregnancies, ranging from small amounts to period-like bleeds with large clots. While it’s often as simple as an irritated cervix (especially likely if you’re using progesterone suppositories), it’s always a good idea to call your doctor. Remind them if you’re Rh negative that you might need the antibody shot (they will likely not remember this on their own, and it’s very important!).

When did you graduate from RE?: As with stopping progesterone, this seems to vary a lot. Most commonly people seem to graduate to an OB or other care provider around 8 or 9 weeks, but this can vary. This can be an emotional time, especially if your OB doesn’t appreciate the anxiety that comes with infertility and/or losses that many of us have experienced. It’s a good idea to put a call into your new care provider before you leave your RE so that you can ask when they would first see you and answer any questions you might have about your medications or other continuity of care issues.


PAIF Mantras
Mantras? Member input needed from PAIF


IF Brain – Learning to Relax and Enjoy Pregnancy
You’ve tried so hard, and struggled for so long to get to this point, so why can’t you just relax and enjoy your pregnancy? Many women find that their anxiety about their infertility does not diminish after they get their BFP. Instead, they find themselves wondering if and when their pregnancy will end. Many women on PAIF have experienced loss first hand, and those that have not have supported their IF sisters through their times of loss. The feeling that the pregnancy is too good to be true, that celebrating or announcing your pregnancy will “jinx” it (it won’t!), and that you are just waiting for the other shoe to drop is so common we’ve given it a name.

IF brain can be a scary thing to experience. Know that you are not alone. Others have walked in your shoes and have come out on the other side, holding their infants. Know also, that while IF brain may not completely go away, for most people it diminishes over time, little by little, with every milestone you reach – a 2nd beta, a good 1st u/s, hearing the heartbeat, reaching the 2nd tri, having a clear NT scan, reaching V-day, feeling the baby’s movements – all of these things help in their own way.

It is true that not everyone on this board will have a happy and healthy 9 months. Some will suffer complications, some will go on bed rest, some may lose their babies. Whatever the ultimate outcome, if you’ve made it this far, you are a mother now. Try, if you can, to embrace that feeling and cherish it for all that it’s worth.

[amshark]

Feb 9, 2015 11:15:10 GMT -5 ProfessorChaos said:

Great start amshark! I added some text to the FAQs (on the Google doc--seems best to edit there) and did minor editing. I put the new text below.

Thank you, ProfessorChaos - Nice work on the FAQs.  Looks like we're almost there.  Do you think we need a separate entry (maybe in the glossary) dealing with Rh factor?

Now, we'll sit back and see if we have any more contributors.  I love a good collaborative effort on a forum.  It makes me so happy.

[IFinTN]

Should we mention swamp crotch? The amount of vaginal discharge can be surprising! Also, perhaps a word on how they determine if you are leaking amniotic fluid if you think swamp crotch is something more?

[IFinTN]

And maybe a word about low or not perfectly doubling betas and how it does not always mean the worst...

[amshark]

IFinTN - What were you thinking - swamp crotch as a glossary entry? And Doubling betas under FAQs?
I can write something up on leaking fluid - either a glossary entry on PPROM or an FAQ along the lines of "Am I leaking amniotic fluid"?

Thoughts, PAIFers?  Provide your feedback in this thread.
Or, if anyone wants to write up the swamp crotch or doubling betas entry, you should be able to edit the Google Doc directly. (Don't worry about messing is up. We have a history printed here, and G-docs creates an easy to follow revision history - but you're NOT going to mess it up).

CLICK HERE for Google Doc link.

[ProfessorChaos]

FWIW, I don't think we need to address everything in this. E.g., Rh questions don't come up frequently, so I don't think they need to be there (although I thought it was important to have the note about Rh factor and spotting. The doctors didn't tell me that, so I had to find out and request the shot after consulting Dr. Google!)

But IFinTN, I agree about doubling betas, and I seem to remember yours didn't double exactly right, so perhaps you would like to write a bit about that?

Should we set up a mantra suggestion thread?

[IFinTN]

Yep, I can do a section about wonky betas and how they can be ok in the long run. I don't want to give false hope but we've all seen those with greater than 48 hours doubling times and/or a very low start end up being ok.

[IFinTN]

I feel like the mantras for PAIF and PGAL would be very similar, if not identical?

[ProfessorChaos]

Feb 10, 2015 18:39:57 GMT -5 IFinTN said:

I feel like the mantras for PAIF and PGAL would be very similar, if not identical?

Probably, but let's see if folks have new ones. Creating a thread anon....

[turquoisequeen]

What about a list of questions to ask about L&D whether at a childbirth class or on a tour? I've started a list and I'd be happy to share it and then others could add to it.

[amshark]

Feb 11, 2015 8:40:24 GMT -5 turquoisequeen said:

What about a list of questions to ask about L&D whether at a childbirth class or on a tour? I've started a list and I'd be happy to share it and then others could add to it.

turquoisequeen, I like this idea.  It reminds me of the sticky we had on IF for questions to ask your RE before IVF or at your WTF appointment.  I found those stickies extremely helpful.

[IFinTN]

We can make as many stickies as we want!!

[IFinTN]

I gave it a shot at revisions in the Google Doc, text below. Thoughts?

"Welcome to the Pregnant after Infertility (PAIF) community. If you find yourself here, then you’ve struggled through at least 1 year TTC, or 6 months TTC for the lovely 35+ yr old ladies, and you’ve finally made it to your BFP. Congratulations, Mama! Today you are pregnant, today you are a mother, today you are a part of our community, and we embrace you!

Here are some handy things to know, to help you navigate these threads.

PAIF Glossary Here are some common terms and acronyms, and their definitions:
a/s – Anatomy scan (aka. Level 2 ultrasound, or Anomaly scan); A detailed ultrasound performed in the 2nd trimester, usually between 18 & 22 weeks. During the scan, the baby is thoroughly measured to confirm development is on track and to identify potential anomalies.
BFP – Big fat positive; a positive pregnancy test.
GTT – Glucose Tolerance Test; A screening test used to diagnose Gestational Diabetes, usually performed between 24 & 28 weeks. There is typically a 1 hour initial screen (has a high false positive rate) followed by a three hour test.
HH9M – Happy Healthy 9 Months; a common phrase used to welcome new members to PAIF.
IF brain – Infertility brain; A commonly shared nervousness felt by pregnant women who previously struggled with infertility (more on this later).
IUI – Intrauterine Insemination (aka. Artificial insemination)
IVF – In Vitro Fertilization (literally “In glass fertilization”); The process of manually combining sperm and egg in a laboratory, and transferring the embryo to a uterus.
n/t (or NT) scan – Nuchal translucency screening; A diagnostic screening performed in the first trimester, between 11 & 14 weeks. The ultrasound measures the clear space in tissue behind the baby’s neck. The test is used to indicate increased risk of some chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down syndrome), congenital heart defects, and other problems with the placenta and fetus. NOTE: The test diagnoses risk, or tendency towards these diseases, and does not confirm presence of the disease itself. If higher risk is indicated, it is likely that additional tests will be recommended. Also note that this test may be skipped these days in favor of blood tests like Panorama, MaterniT, Verifi, and Harmony, although some doctors may order both.
VBAC – Vaginal Birth After Cesarean;
V-Day – Viability Day, 24 weeks, the gestational age at which a baby’s chance of survival outside of the womb reaches 50% or greater.

PAIF Check-Ins
The following regular check-in threads are run o this board on a weekly basis.
** First Tri Check-In **
** Second Tri Check-in **
** Third Tri Check-in **

Resources/Useful Links
Beta doubling calculator: perinatology.com/calculators/betahCG.htm
Caffeine intake during pregnancy, guidelines: americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/caffeine-during-pregnancy/
Fetal Viability (Wikipedia entry & chart: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetal_viability
Is it safe during pregnancy, American Pregnancy Assoc. guides: americanpregnancy.org/is-it-safe/

FAQ:
A Note about Betas: Typically, the rule of thumb is that your beta HCG should double approximately every 48 hours. However, many clinics now suggest that as little as a 60% risk in 48 hours is acceptable. Many women here have had less than perfect doubling betas and have gone on to have a successful pregnancy. Additionally, betas have to start at some level, so even if your first beta is a low number, it does not mean you are automatically out! Again, many women here have started with very low betas (in the 10s and teen) and have gone on to have a successful pregnancy.

Disappearing 1st Tri Symptoms: Don’t worry! Symptoms come and go and don’t really mean much. You may vomit every day for a week, then feel totally fine for a couple of days. Don’t ruin this lovely respite by worrying, as chances are good you’ll be praying to the porcelain gods again soon. Some women experience almost no symptoms during their first trimester, even with twin pregnancies! Most women will also find that their first tri symptoms abate at some point, sometimes as early as nine weeks, sometimes much later.

Progesterone: How long to continue progesterone treatments after BFP? Doctors seem to be all over the map on this one. Women here have been told to stop cold turkey at 8 weeks, or to wait to begin slow weaning at 13 weeks. If you’re uncomfortable with your RE’s suggestion, talk to your OB (or other care provider) about testing progesterone levels or continuing the meds longer. Also note that progesterone cessation can result in some spotting, but that doesn’t mean a miscarriage is imminent (see below).

Round Ligament Pain (RLP): Round ligaments are connective tissues that have to expand a lot as your uterus grows. Sharp shooting pains on either side of your uterus are extremely common, especially on the right side. You’re especially likely to feel this in the second trimester, and if you make sudden movements (standing up quickly is especially risky! Better stay put on that couch). Pulling your knees into your chest will help relieve this pain, as will rest. Talk to your doctor if it’s really bad.

Spotting: Many of us have had spotting at various points in our pregnancies, ranging from small amounts to period-like bleeds with large clots. While it’s often as simple as an irritated cervix (especially likely if you’re using progesterone suppositories), it’s always a good idea to call your doctor. Remind them if you’re Rh negative that you might need the antibody shot (they will likely not remember this on their own, and it’s very important!).

Swamp Crotch: Get ready, you may start to experience an unusual amount of vaginal discharge with your pregnancy! However, if you ever feel like the discharge has increased or is more watery than usual, please consult your OB to make sure that you are not leaking amniotic fluid.

When did you graduate from RE?: As with stopping progesterone, this seems to vary a lot. Most commonly people seem to graduate to an OB or other care provider around 8 or 9 weeks, but this can vary. This can be an emotional time, especially if your OB doesn’t appreciate the anxiety that comes with infertility and/or losses that many of us have experienced. It’s a good idea to put a call into your new care provider before you leave your RE so that you can ask when they would first see you and answer any questions you might have about your medications or other continuity of care issues.


IF Brain – Learning to Relax and Enjoy Pregnancy
You’ve tried so hard, and struggled for so long to get to this point, so why can’t you just relax and enjoy your pregnancy? Many women find that their anxiety about their infertility does not diminish after they get their BFP. Instead, they find themselves wondering if and when their pregnancy will end. Many women on PAIF have experienced loss first hand, and those that have not have supported their IF sisters through their times of loss. The feeling that the pregnancy is too good to be true, that celebrating or announcing your pregnancy will “jinx” it (it won’t!), and that you are just waiting for the other shoe to drop is so common we’ve given it a name.

IF brain can be a scary thing to experience. Know that you are not alone. Others have walked in your shoes and have come out on the other side, holding their infants. Know also, that while IF brain may not completely go away, for most people it diminishes over time, little by little, with every milestone you reach – a 2nd beta, a good 1st u/s, hearing the heartbeat, reaching the 2nd tri, having a clear NT scan, reaching V-day, feeling the baby’s movements – all of these things help in their own way.

It is true that not everyone on this board will have a happy and healthy 9 months. Some will suffer complications, some will go on bed rest, some may lose their babies. Whatever the ultimate outcome, if you’ve made it this far, you are a mother now. Try, if you can, to embrace that feeling and cherish it for all that it’s worth.