Grrr...RANT...warning!UPDATE--Pg2

[zulaya]

Gayle---

Congrats! I highly recommend you buy a copy of What to Expect When You're Expecting . It's a straighforward book that tells you month to month how your baby grows, how your body changes, how your emotions may be at a given time. I found it very informative.

 

[dcgrumpy]

It also explains why I've been totally exhausted all the time for the last couple of months or so

How pregnant are you?

 

[Toby'sFriend]

If you're that far along they probably won't need to schedule a blood test to confirm your pregnancy. They will be able to confirm by the size of your uterus and by the appearance of "things inside" during your exam. They will want to do a full scale blood work-up though to check anemia and other things. I hope you've been taking folic acid and a good multi-vitamin, if not I would suggest you start taking a daily vitamin even before you get to the dr. It can take a couple of weeks to get an appt. with some OB's.

You are also probably very close to the time where you will need to decide on whether or not you want the AFP/and or Triple Screen testing done so I would recommend you start reading up on those in order to make an informed decision.

 

[ahutton]

I'm so happy for you! And there are plenty of us here to offer advice and suggestions for you when you want them - Just ask! In our "Community" we've dealt with about every baby issue there is... and then some!

 

[Piglet]

Congrats Gayle -- I think you will do great as a Mom. Anyone that loves their pets can easily love and take care of their child. DH and I's first baby is a cocker spaniel - my DD even calls him her brother and he is always looking for his "Sissy".

It is a shock at first and very overwhelming, but soon enough (and it sounds like you are already getting there) you will be so excited and very busy preparing for the baby. It will definetely change everything about you, but in a good way. Just communicate with your DH about your fears and plans and involve him in your decisions. You will need to support each other so much. Remember he will be experincing some changes and emotions too, so understand that he has fears too.

Not sure if you are intersted in Attachment Parenting but a great website to check out is www.mothering.com. They have wonderful discussion boards and are very supportive. There are people there that practice many different degrees of AP. I am not into a lot of it, but it is very helpful to get info and make some decisions how you want to do things.

Good Luck to you and DH and enjoy your time together experiencing this miracle.

Melinda

 

[maleficent1959]

Congratulations Gayle!

I say don't tell your boss yet. Some bosses are really supportive, like mine was, and then some are like my sister's boss, who started passing her over for projects and development because of her pregnancy. She thought my sister would be less driven in her career and often made snide comments about the "mommy track" and how she expected her to let the company down. Your boss doesn't need to know until you start to show.

BTW, Target has started carrying some really cute maternity clothes as part of the Liz Lange line. The days of tent-like polka dot caftans with giant bows are over

 

[damo]

Congratulations!!! I started reading the thread at the beginning and realized that the date was from August. I quickly jumped to the end of the thread to hear the good news.

Here's to an easy and healthy pregnancy and baby!

 

[UrsulasDaBomb]

Well, grumpy, my best guess is that since I've missed two periods, I'm somewhere between 6 and 8 weeks along. DH will call me later on his lunch or wh atever to tell me when the dr's visit will be. He has to go to Target on the way home to pick up kitty litter and a new scoopie, so I"ll ask him to pick up a multivitamen and folic acid for me too, while he's there.

Toby--what is the Triple test and AFP???

zulaya--I was planning on heading to Barnes and Noble later this week for a copy of the "Girlfriend's Guide to Expecting".


I know when the dr confirms it, I am definatlely getting a dr's note detailing what I CAN and CANNOT do at work from now on, including something about me HAVING to eat when I am hungry. My boss (and my shift mgrs) have this really bad habit of scheduling people for 8-10 hr shifts and most people don't get to eat during that time, not even a 15 minute break. There have been a couple of times in the last month and a half or so where I thought I was gonna pass out because I was so tired, hot, sweaty,hungry and dehydrated because of how things are 'usually' done at work. I know my boss won't want to order an XXL shirt to cover my bulging belly, cuz he's so damned cheap, but he won't get a choice. Those ugly blue Smurf shirts are part of the required uniform.

Gayle(UDB)

 

[Paperina]

Congrats! Make sure your DH cleans the cat's litter box - pregnant women are not suppose to handle used litter.

 

[skuttle]

Congratulations!

My pregnancy was also a surprise. DH and I wanted children, just not quite yet. I was about 7 weeks pregnant when I found out...thought I was late, tired, etc due to stress from my final exams...boy was I wrong! It took me about a week to finally get a test and take it...and when it came out positive, I also laughed and cried...I was happy, in shock....every emotion out there I was feeling!

I was lucky and never had morning sickness, but I was VERY tired during the entire first trimester. Second trimester is the best...when you have the most energy and feel like a normal person...also when you start feeling the little baby move, which is just amazing.

Your doctor should give you some info regarding all of the tests they can do. I forget exactly which test tests for what...I know it includes Downs, spina bifida and some other things. We didn't get any of the "extra" tests done since we were young, low risk, and wouldn't change a thing even if our baby would have been diagnosed with one of those things. It's up to you and your DH.

I hang out on babycenter.com a lot...I've found some pretty good info there. They also have TONS of message boards, including ones for people due the same month as you...those are the best, IMO. You can also sign up to receive emails each week which give you info about what you and your baby are doing that week. I always looked forward to those...and still do for DS!

I wouldn't change a thing. DS is the best thing to ever happen to me aside from marrying my DH.

If you ever want to chat, I'm just a PM away.

allison

 

[UrsulasDaBomb]

I've already explained that to him and he promises to do the boxes for me. He's such a sweetie.


Gayle(UDB)

 

[browneyes]

Congrats.

 

[shortbun]

Congrats! BTW-no more kitty litter for you. I can't remember what you can get from it but it's very bad for the fetus.
Take care and keep us up to date!
I agree-don't tell the boss or anyone at work until
you are showing. It's weird the way decent folks get
all goofed up over pregnancy in the work force.
Glad you don't have to go to any more fertility message boards!
mimi

 

[Toby'sFriend]

if you've missed 2 periods you are most likely more around 10 weeks if not more. Pregnancies are usually dated from the first day of your last known menstrual period. If you are that unsure of your dates, the OB might want to schedule an ultrasound to try and date the pregnancy.

An AFP test is a blood test which measure amounts of Alpha Fetal Protein in your blood. These can be used as a predictor of genetic anomolies such as Down's Syndrome. While the blood tests are fairly non-invasive and not dangerous to the fetus, there are issues of high false positive and false negative results which can be worrisome. You really need to research the issues of all the tests that are available and decide for yourself which ones you want done. The Triple Screen is very similar to the AFP, but it also factors in your age and another hormone test. Most good pregnancy books as well as most of the "mommy sites" out there can give you good info on these tests.

 

[UrsulasDaBomb]

Okie...now I have to write that down so I can ask the doc. He's gonna try and schedule the blood test for Weds, my next day off and he'll take a personal day to do all this for me. THis is so exciting!


I know it'll get worse before it gets better tho. DH said, "The baby won't come out as easy as it went in."


Gayle(UDB)

 

[Minnesota!]

Congrats!! I have to agree, if you have missed 2 periods, you are closer to 10 weeks.

Toxoplamosis is what you can get from the litter, FYI. Stay away Eat you veggies, take your vitamins, drink enough water. I wish you all the best in the coming months.

 

[dcgrumpy]

Silly question, does your husband always make your gynecology appointments?

 

[UrsulasDaBomb]

The way our insurance is set up, we have to see our 'general care practioner' (SP??) first and then he/she can recommend a specialist (a gyno in this case).

Besides...I know I probably sound like I"m begging for trouble, but I don't go to the gyno. Ever. I've only been ONCE in my whole life and that was shortly before we got married so I could get the Pill. Haven't been since.


Gayle(UDB)

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I'm pretty sure that's not true Ursula. State Law in Texas (at least as of 2 years ago) requires Insurance companies to allow women direct access to GYN/OB care without referrals.

You might want to call your regular doctor's office and just ask for a list of recommended OBs. You'll need to start calling to see who has openings for new patients.

 

[GladysK]

Originally posted by UrsulasDaBomb
I don't go to the gyno. Ever. I've only been ONCE in my whole life and that was shortly before we got married so I could get the Pill. Haven't been since.


Gayle(UDB)

You can't renew the Pill without a yearly scrip.
And you don't get a yearly pap smear-not smart???!!!