Pregnancy after Long Term TTC - November 2008

[Gigi1]

Hey Girls,
Shannon, Oh hun, so sorry you have had a bit of a tough weekend. It is just so incredible to know that this weekend coming you will be all loved up with your bubbas. You sound on top of things despite the infection and drama...hope you feel yourself again soon.
Good luck for friday!
HM oxoxox

[Kahlan]

Hi ladies,

Just finished one assignment and I thought I would reward myself by going onto the forum .. one more to go

Hey Ladies, was so tired last night and didn't get a chance to post....BUT... The Scan was awesome!!!

Kahlan, all the best on your 2 assignments...what are you studying??

Yay! Nicole, did they give you a picture of the scan?? I have been taking pictures (yeah took photos of the +HPT) and keeping a journal. Really hope that I could get some memory of my littel Ducky Junior at the 8 weeks scan.

I am currently doing a doctorate of Public Health and working at the same time... Don't ask me why but after so many failed cycles, just thought to do something to keep my mind active and.. thinking of other things beside being a mum... think I might defer next year though.

am off to first antenatal appointment tomorrow - and am stressing about the car trip. its 40k's away, and the car makes MS sooooo much worse. DH leaving for work again pretty much straight after appointment too, so i'll be recovering solo. am hoping to at least hear the Gremlins heartbeat tomorrow - have never seen this doc (the one i was going to use up and left a few months ago!) so i have no idea what the set up is seeing it will be GP shared care... if not, we have our NT scan in another week...

Good luck BG. Almost reaching the 12 week mark now... hopefully MS will be gone by then... I am starting to feel a bit queasy... not sure because I am generally run down or is it the begining of MS. I just feel full and after a meal (I've been eating alot!) I feel like burping and as if the food want to come out. I can manage to hold it down though... Is that how you feel?

Oh wow Congrats Mon in the twinnigans!

Will be back later to catch up, have spent a very long weekend in hospital with high blood pressure and then they were going to do a c/sec yesterday when some results came back that i have a really bad infection so they canceled that and put me on bed rest and finally released me this morning we see the OB tomorrow and then induction on Friday! 5 sleeps to go!

Wow Shannon... what an awful weekend you had.. so close now.

AFM, feeling a little sick and tired. Had been having mid afternoon nap over the last two days. Don't know who I will manage at work though. Not sure if the sickness is actually MS because I am not throwing up as yet but feel full (as if I've got indigestion with no stomach pains). Went to GP yesterday with the hope of organising OB referral and a shared care arrangement. Didn't tell GP that I want through IVF. Do you think I should tell her? Anyway, she said to come back in 2 weeks for further testing and follow up. She scared me when she gave me info on listeria infection (you would guess that in doing Public Health I should know!). I know it generally but didn't realise how dangerous it is and that food left over night in the fridge could also be contaminated! I freaked out because I had been eating left over food in the past week!

anyway off to bed for me. Will try and find some time at work tomorrow for some more chats.

[Bel]

Evening All,

Hope everyone has had a relaxing weekend. Sorry I've been MIA but we don't have internet at my inlaws house and am ringing up my sister's mobile wireless bill..oops!!

Nicole- So glad the scan was amazing..I can't wait to be able to make out our little ones on the screen.

Shannon- Sorry you have had such a bad weekend, but you are doing such amazing job and you must be beside yourself with excitement now.

All my other friends...am thinking of each and every one of you. Going to get this internet organised so I can gossip lots!!

AFM- Scan again tomorrow morning. DH is going to be home, so it'll be the 1st time he has actually seen the twins besides our 1st photo!! Am excited to hopefully see the heartbeats tomorrow.

Night all

Hugs Bel

[Gigi1]

Bel, good luck for scan tomorrow. How lovely for Hubby to be there too. Enjoy every moment and hope those little two shine for their mum and dad.

Kahlan, Hope you are feeling better soon hun. not a nice feeling the indigestion. Hun, I would think it is important for them to know you went through IVF. I don't now...but i would say. I reckon don't get too stressed about the listeria etc..just be really careful with yourself...don't keep anything more than the next day and really heat really really well....not a microwave though babe as they heat unevenly besides they are horrid things...only my opinion. And just do what you would normally do...don't eat things that are out of date, watched preserved sliced meats etc etc (that stuff goes off really quickly anyway), wash and clean your hands and chopping boards and foods etc...utensils really well.... Hun, I am a chef...but a new pg woman myself...so not a big expert on the pg side of things...but i know food. Keep hygienic!...and nothing for you to worry about.
Love HM xoxox

[Nixon]

Kahlan - I too am quite wary of Listeria (outbreak in NSW recently - or so I am told). All you can do is follow the instructions.

I have stopped eating sliced meats (ham, turkey etc) although I believe that ham on the bone is ok.

For work lunch break - I have got one place that I trust for sandwiches and salads. I know that they re-wash the lettuce when it comes in and I have told them I am pregnant and explained my fears of Listeria - they are very understanding and reassure me that they take all precautions.

I try not to eat leftovers, but sometimes I can't help myself.

Avoid the soft cheses - even though in Australia the cheese has to be pasturised (unpasturised is the baddie you REALLY want to avoid).

Wash your hands, fruit and veges really well before eating them raw. (like HM said - the basics you would do anyway).

High temps will kill it, but storing at 4 degrees or below will not prevent it growing like some other bacterias.

And I really think you just have a bit of heartburn, morning sickness or indigestion - I don't want to scare you, but you probably won't know if you have been effected by listeria.

Try not to stress. I'm slowly starting to own the fear and let it go - Slowly.

X

[buliej]

Nixon - how exciting about your scan.

A question - about scans - did you have one at your first OB appointment (which I guess is typically around 10 weeks) and then another one at an ultra sound place at 12 weeks? I have my first OB appointment next Tues (10 weeks) and they also have had me pre-book for a 12 week ultra sound. I'm wondering what to expect at my first OB appointment at 10 weeks - will they check for a heartbeat again? will we see anything?

Also - I'm freaking out about the listeria - I've been careful but not obsessive and I think I should have been obsessive (I've had re-heated food that maybe wasn't quite hot enough and I've also have had fresh squeezed juice which I think is a no-no). I had horrible gastro last night into this morning and I'm convinced it's because I've eaten something really bad for baby. Can an OB check for listeria? How common is it to get listeria? Nixon - I think it was very smart of you to speak to your sandwich place - I wish I had done the same.

Question for others - do you tell restaurants that you are pregnant when you order and ask about salad preparation etc. or do you just trust that they do things properly?

I hope everyone else is going well and that morning sickness is staying away.

[Nixon]

Buliej - I used to be a chef (feels like a previous life, but no only 8 years ago) and as apprentices we are taught about "at risk" clients - the elderly, the very young and the pregnant. Coeliacs etc are a different kettle of fish.....

A properly trained chef will be aware of the risks of listeria and other bacterial problems, how they are caused and how to prevent contamination etc. In saying that - some chefs are just plain lazy.

I would certainly mention it. If you are out for a meal - ask to speak to the chef (obviously if it is a place that is packed to the rafters and flat out - he/she probably won't have time to speak to you. However - when you make the booking - ask to speak to the chef. Explain you are pregnant and that you wanted to ensure there would be appropraite food prep & cleaning. I tend to make out like I'm a little bit crazy just so they don't think I'm attacking their standards as a chef. Something like:

"Hi, look I'm really sorry, but I'm pregnant and my GP has scared the cr*p out of me about listeria and the recent outbreaks and I just had to check if you could maybe wash my salad just before it gets served. I'm really sorry - I know I'm super paranoid, but we had to do IVF to get here and I'm scared I'm goign to do something to hurt the baby...." usually by the time I have stopped rambling on they have agrees like 15 times.

Other option - don't eat anything out that could be conmtaminated - ie: only order cooked items - a steak and mash or pasta and avoid salad and uncooked meats. So sad - I love an antipasto plate *sigh*

As for the scan - my forst Ob appointment we went thru the usual - any allergies, operations, family history etc. He then scanned the bub (unexpected) and put the dolper on (unexpected) so it was the first time we heard the HB. He gave us some pics to take home. It was the first time we'd seen the bub since the 7 week scan and I tell you what it was amazing - it looked like a bub instead of a blob. DH said the 10 week scan hit him hard (harder than the 12 week scan) - the bub was moving arms and legs all over the place.

12 weeks scan went for much longer for the NT test. Didn't hear the HB that time - just saw it and got the BPM.

Good luck - let us know how it goes...
X

[Janie71]

Hi all - its been busy in here again over the weekend! I feel like it takes me a couple of days now to catch up on everything.

Shannon - I hope you are feeling better and that your BP has come down. Can't believe that you will be meeting your little one's this week!

Buliej - Ring your OB and have a chat to them about your worries... I had one night where my body seemed to clear itself out from both ends when I was about 7 or 8 weeks pregnant... It must have been something that I ate and my body just got rid of it. Didn't do the baby any harm though. At my first OB appointment I had a scan in the OB's office.

Bel - hope your scan went well today - can't wait to hear about it!

Hi to Nixon, HM, Kahlan, Megan, LS, TL, BG, Nicole, and anyone else I have missed!

AFM - had our 20 week scan today... every scan continues to blow my mind! Anyhow, baby is bang on 20 weeks in all measurements, all organs are functioning perfectly - in fact all in all we are carrying a perfect baby (I know biased already)! Current weight is 328 grams and EDD has remained the same at 30/03/2009 (give or take 3 days). Our sonographer knows what sex our baby is, but we have chosen to have a surprise on the day. OB measure fundal height at 18cms - again right on target and BP is perfect. So after all the difficulties of getting pregnant it seems that we are carrying a little angel who is behaving very nicely for us. What an amazing day - oh and today is my DH's 30th birthday! Isn't life grand!

Janie xxx

[Shannon22]

Oh Janie how exciting bubs sounds absolutely perfect! Congrats you are halfway now and the second half will fly!

Had another check up this morning and now 2cm dialated so induction full steam ahead for Friday!

[buliej]

Thanks everyone.

I just rang my OB - waiting for a call back - I feel a bit ridiculous but am glad that I called and her receptionist was super nice. Also, my husband just called to say that he too has gastro - as silly as this is, I'm very glad because this means it is probably just gastro and not listeria as he most likely wouldn't get listeria.

[tiggerlinda]

Janie wow hun I am more excited now So gald things went well

Shan - Ohhhh I am so excited bubbas are on thier way

[BB73]

HI Ladies

Just wanted to share a little story with those of you that are worried about Listeria. About 2 months ago I accidentially ate some raw chicken. Freaked out overnight and went to see GP the next day as it was a Sunday and OB wasn't available. He assurred me that in his 25 years of practice he had never seen a case of listeria in a pregnant women. Having come from a nursing background I am a little neurotic when it comes to these things and I insisted on a course of antibiotics just to be safe. Rang OB first thing Monday morning and told him of the incident. He wasn't at all concerned and actually told me that salmonella was something that was easier to pick up than listeria. I do remember that early on in my pg I did have a couple of times where I did have gastro, but I am sure it has got to do with all the hormones running around in our systems. Alot of women will have a bout of gastro like bowel movements (TMI I know) on the first day of AF, so I wasn't really worried. As many of the ladies have said here, just follow the guidelines on eating that are given to you by your OB/Midwife and you shouldn't be putting you or your baby at risk.
Wishing you all a very H & H pg!!
Belinda

[Janie71]

Shannon - I'm so exicted for you! Ooohhhh you meet your babies on Friday

TL - The scan is truely amazing - much more detailed than even the 12 week one. You get to clearly see the 4 chambers of the heart and the blood flowing through... the brain... the umbilical cord arteries, the bladder, the kidneys, arms, legs, feet, face... everything! You will absolutely love it! And if you are finding out the sex, they will show you that too...

Janie xxx

[Possums]

Janie- wonderful news re the scan...what a happy time for you and DH

shannon- wow!...so close now..sending all the best your way

[curlygirl]

Just a quick hello,

I'm a newbie in this thread, just got my week 5 blood test this morning and hoping everything is fine with the little one. Whew, can't stop worrying as we have waited for this one for soooo long!!

Does anyone know what the hcg level should be at week 5?

Will try to write more later, have a healthy and enjoyable pg everyone!

[tiggerlinda]

Curly Girl Congats on the BFP and

Janie thanks for all the feedback on your scan I am glad DH is coming to this one

[Gigi1]

Curly GIrl...love the username- we used to call our steel wool that. Tee hee. Welcome hun and Congratulations. Hope the BT goes well. We are here if you need anything.

Janie...You are wonderful, completely acceptable to be bias hun. Your bubba sound like the the order we put in...fingers crossed. What an angel! Congratulations hun.

So sorry everyone for not saying hi to each and every one of you lovely ladies. I have got so much to do today. Belly rubs to you all and will catch up soon.

AFM- all going well, Nipples are starting to change, trying not to think too far ahead, 5wks 3 days now and thrilled we have past our first milestone. Hubby took me out to dinner yesterday and it was lovely...i feel so spoilt and loved.
Go to go. Love to all
HM xoxox

[on tra_k]

LNB, Bel - good luck with your scans tomorrow ... only one more sleep
Shannon - 4 more sleeps ... hope it all goes well ... I'm so pleased and impressed that you have an obs who's going to let you deliver twins ... rare in this day and age! Cheering for you
HM - nice to hear you had a lovely evening out with DH ...
curlygirl - glad to see you in here ... my "snap" buddy ... I had my wk5 BT today too ...
Belinda, Nic - thanks for all the great info on food safety ... when I read on the info sheet the nurses hand out that listerosis doesn't produce symptoms in normal healthy adults I freaked out a bit. I've always figured that my food hygiene must be OK because I've given myself food poisoning "zero" times , but if there are no symptoms it's a bit scary! However, I survived OK last time by being sensible but not OTT so I'll do the same again .
Janie - your scan sounds like it was awesome, for reaching the halfway mark ...
Tiggerlinda - I guess your 20 week scan is coming up too ... I look forward to hearing all about it ...
Mon - hope you're recovering OK from the shock of your miracle twins!
Kahlan - I'm interested that you're going to your GP for care, isn't your FS an ob/gyn as well? I guess not because it sounds like you're looking for an ob/gyn?
buliej -
BG - hope the ms eases soon ...
Nicole, Megan, LS, scooby, BW - hi to you all, hope you're healthy and happy and that everything is progressing as it should ...

AFM - 5 week BT today, results tomorrow, still no symptoms yet My Mum asked how I knew I was pregnant if I didn't have any symptoms, WHAT THE? Maybe the multiple stab wounds in my veins have yielded some useful information ????