Calling all the Pregnant PS''ers

[Laila619]

I went up and down stairs and picked up my toddler basically as soon as I got home (3 days post c-section). Probably not the smartest idea, but nothing bad happened fortunately!

 

[Niel]

I didn't read anything about c sections because I didn't assume I'd get one. My recovery was OK. My scar still hurts 4 months later. But as mine was an emergency, it might be because of that. I've heard they take less care on the incision when its unplanned. I was mostly shocked by just how weak I was. I can remember my son laying on the floor and he was fussing, I played down next to him on the floor and just couldn't get back up. This was maybe 5 days to a week after he was born. I was stuck on the floor! Lol.

But in general I'd say do all the stuff they suggest. Walk around as much as you can when you're at the hospital.

 

[monkeyprincess]

Thanks, Niel. Those are the kind of issues I'm afraid of. It sort of seems like people who go through labor and end up with an emergency/unplanned have a rougher time because they were already worn out before the operation and get a double whammy. That's one of the major reasons I'm opting for a c-section rather than trying breech extraction with twin B because I'm afraid I'd end up delivering twin A and then needed an emergency section for twin B. Worst case scenario!

Laila, if you're still checking in, I have a completely vain question to ask. Obviously, this is not high on my list of concerns giving the bigger issues we'll be dealing with, but was your body permanently changed from having twins? I managed to avoid stretch marks in my prior pregnancy and things went back pretty much to normal after a couple months. But this time, within the past week, I'm developing stretch marks and my skin seems like it is just stretched to the max right now, so I'm sure there will be more. I also can't imagine my skin has much elasticity left to go back to how it was before. Add that to a c-section scar, and I'm afraid I'm never going to want to look in the mirror again. Like I said, this is a vain concern and having two more healthy babies is certainly going to be worth it, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't depressed when I saw the stretch marks pop up.

JGator, is it the big ultrasound day today? Hoping everything goes great and looking forward to hearing from you.

 

[Laila619]

Hi MP! Well keep in mind everyone's different, but for me, my twin pregnancy was my fourth pregnancy and my stomach was already pretty stretched out from baby number two, a 9 lb 6 ounce baby. That being said, I made it to 36w5d with my twins, and my skin was really stretched. I had a huge torpedo belly. I managed to avoid red stretch marks luckily, but now 8 months post-partum, my stomach skin is still wrinkly and loose. I don't think the loose skin will ever go away without a tummy tuck. So no, I did not avoid the dreaded twin skin, but a lot of it depends on number of pregnancies, genetics, size of babies, how elastic your skin is, age, etc. You might fare better than me. My twins were 5.5 lbs and almost 7 lbs. The C-section didn't help matters, because it created a "shelf" of sorts that happens sometimes with Cesareans. Now keep in mind I am very lazy with exercising and dieting (as in I don't really do it, lol). With 4 kids under 4.5, I don't have a lot of energy at the end of the day to work out. Once my kids are a little older, I plan to hit the gym again and I'm sure that will help tone the tummy up. Even though my stomach got ruined, I am still proud I was able to carry twins and they are so darn worth it!

 

[monkeyprincess]

Laila, thanks for your response! Like I said, it's a completely vain concern and something I'd take in a heartbeat if it means I get to have two more babies (especially because I didn't know if it would ever happen). But it's just kind of depressing to think about, you know? Really though, DH will pretty much be the only one who sees my belly besides me (not expecting I'll be wearing a bikini in public ever again), and I know he won't care (and if he does, well, he's stuck with me ) By the way, I hope things are going well with you and your four little ones!

 

[Laila619]

Thanks, MP! Things are going well but it's still really crazy. My boy twin cries all day long, poor thing. Can't ever put him down. But it's a lot of fun too. I think about you often and I can't wait to "meet" your twins. I know things are stressful and anxious for you with baby girl's heart. Are you almost 35 weeks now? Hubs doesn't care about my wrinkly stomach in the least, he still tells me I'm hot, so I don't let it bother me too much, lol. What can you do right? A tummy tuck would be 8k so not in the cards anytime soon, but maybe one day...

 

[JGator]

MP, hopefully you have good genes and your body will snap back from the twin pregnancy.

April, congrats on getting into the ped who is close to home. Ours is not that close, but they have a great nurse hotline and they are open really late and on Saturdays so we are happy with them.

AFM, we had our 20 week ultrasound today. Everything looked good, and the baby is measuring ahead a few days. The ultrasound tech could not get a good picture of one side/ventricle of the heart so she recommended we get a fetal echo. So, we called and got an appt for Friday afternoon. The doctor said he is not worried, but better to rule it out. My husband is worried, and thinks there is a reason that the ultrasound tech referred us to the specialist. Fortunately, we only have to wait another 2 days for some news this time. Also, my doctor said he doesn't like his pregnant patients to travel internationally, and we were planning to visit the in laws this summer in Europe. So, now I am not sure what to do. I was taken aback - I thought he was joking at first, but he was dead serious. He said it's not a third world country, but do you want to deliver in a foreign country?

 

[emeraldlover1]

MP. I totally understand your concern, vain or not. I gained 60lbs with my first and avoided the marks, I think in part because she was always so high. I started getting them with this pregnancy at 20 weeks. I followed the same skin regimen and gained less weight but it didn't matter. I can't really comment on the twin skin but I do have a ton of water weight so I'm also concerned what my tummy will look like. I've always been in shape and my waist/stomach was always my body part I wasn't self conscious of. Now that there are marks there, I'm not exactly sure what my bathing suit wearing will be like in the future. I do know this....Regardless...I don't wear crop tops or spend a ton of time in a bathing suit anyway. So, if I can get my body back in reasonable shape...I'll just wear a cover when walking around in a suit. I'm not sure if that helps you feel better but it has given me some piece of mind. And yes...I have cried about it a few times.

 

[monkeyprincess]

JGator, keeping my fingers crossed they are just doing the echo out of an abundance of caution and it's nothing to worry about. And if they didn't see anything wrong and just couldn't get a good picture, at least you'll get peace of mind that everything is okay. I'm glad you don't have to wait long this time, but I'm sorry that once again, you have to worry! Let us know how it goes. FYI, it's good you're doing it now. Apparently, it's harder to get a good picture later on because their ribs are more defined and they are less able to get a good view of things. We did echos on both babes, and it took like 1.5 hours to get the pictures they needed.

Emerald, thanks for commiserating! I feel foolish worrying about it, but it is what it is. My stretch marks were hiding on the bottom of my belly, and I kept thinking they were veins or just marks from my clothes, but they've been there long enough that I know a few of them are the real deal, and apparently, they show up more once your belly is deflated. I've been diligent about using Palmers every day, but I guess it is no match for the massive belly! And you're right, I'm not one to parade around in skimpy workout clothes or swimsuits or anything anyway, so I shouldn't worry so much.

Laila, I'm sure it is overwhelming with so many little ones all so young, and you're such a champ for managing it. My son was also one who really insisted on being held all the time when he was really young, but at least he was my only child at that point. I'm 35 weeks now, and they should definitely be here by July 7, so not too much longer. I am ready to not be pregnant anymore, but I feel so much safer having them inside. Baby girl's heart is working just fine now, but that won't be the case once she's born I just can't wait until the surgery is over and they are both safe at home.

 

[BrightSpot]

Thanks, Niel. Those are the kind of issues I'm afraid of. It sort of seems like people who go through labor and end up with an emergency/unplanned have a rougher time because they were already worn out before the operation and get a double whammy. That's one of the major reasons I'm opting for a c-section rather than trying breech extraction with twin B because I'm afraid I'd end up delivering twin A and then needed an emergency section for twin B. Worst case scenario!

Yes, that is what I understand as well (that women with scheduled c's do pretty well but women who have to go through a long labor then end up with emergency c's have a much tougher time. I think you're wise to schedule the c section as it seems likely you would wind up with one anyway for at least one of your deliveries.
Also maybe it would be slightly reassuring that you could know what to expect.

My situation was similar to Neil's & I had a rough recovery (& still have pain at my incision site 8 months postpartum) but I think that's uncommon. I'm not a very good/quick healer in general. (And I'm old!) But the scar is very low--not something anyone would see except for me & DH even in a bikini. (Me, not him.)

Hugs to you.

 

[emeraldlover1]

Regarding the C-section experience... I will now be having my second on Tuesday unless this baby has other plans which seems unlikely at this point. Anyway, I will let you know how it goes. I may be in the minority here but I didn't think that my recovery was that bad. I was induced a week over with my first as the placenta had started to deteriorate and I literally had no water. It never broke but I didn't have any (never got an answer on that one). Anyway, after 24 hours and only progressing to 4cm...I opted for the section. I was up and moving as soon as they would let me and pretty much back to normal activity within two weeks. Obviously not working out but I was able to walk and carry the baby in the carrier. Did it hurt...yes, but I assumed a normal delivery would as well. This time... I am pushing it as long as my doctor would allow to schedule the c section but knowing that I went overdue with the first there is a high likelihood this one would come later as well. I am a huge proponent of minimally invasive options first and have seen first hand what the recovery looks like for all types of surgery. That said, if you don't have a reasonably good alternative in this instance than you have to look at the positives. In the end...you will have two beautiful new babies to care for and the scar/incision will be a really minor concern. For what its worth, all of my feeing came back to my skin within 6 months. My scar is really low, you would never be able to see it. I did work out once my doctor gave me the go-ahead and I never got the over the scar pouch some seem to get. I did where a binder for 8 weeks or so and I thought that really helped the integrity of my skin. Granted that was the winter and the extra layer was fine by me. I plan on wearing it again this time around but I'll let you know how it goes in the heat.

 

[BrightSpot]

MP, I second the binder recommendation. They gave me one in the hospital, which I wore for months, then switched to a belly bandit.
It really helped my mobility tremendously & I imagine it also helped by skin bounce back & uterus shrink so quickly.

Also, cosmetically my scar looks fine. (Low, flat, no keloids). I don't have a pouch over it & didn't get stretch marks either.
I was back to my pre pregnancy weight very quickly. I'm sure that might be harder with twins but it looks like you're all baby.
So don't worry about that stuff.

 

[monkeyprincess]

Emerald and Bright, thanks for the belly binder recommendation. I was wondering about that and will ask the doctor/nurses about it. Like I said before, my biggest concern is that I'm able to physically and emotionally handle the trips back and forth to the hospital to be with baby girl while she's in the hospital and to also have the stamina to care for baby boy and be available to my toddler. I'm already worried I'm going to fall apart emotionally, so I was bummed when baby girl turned breech and I knew I'd need a c-section and take longer to recover physically on top of everything else. But I'm doing my best to think positively and not psych myself out and become a self-fufilling prophecy. The cosmetic stuff is just something I know I need to put on my big girl pants and deal with - whatever happens. I'll likely have wrinkly, stretched mark skin hanging over my c-section scar, but God-willing I'll have two healthy babies once baby girl recovers. Wouldn't trade that for anything.

Hope everyone else is hanging in there. Wonder if Happybear or Choro have any news yet?

Emerald, you're so close!!! Very exciting!

 

[emeraldlover1]

MP - I know this is easier said than done but you really can't worry about the stuff that you can't control. I'm the worst at it and I say this to myself every day because I know it is true. You will have the strength to deal with whatever comes your way. I am not saying it won't be difficult at times but you can do it! Hang in there and try and focus on the good things that are happening. Your son will have siblings and you will with have three!! Amazing!

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

MP I know this may be a stretch but can you hire a baby nurse? Even if it's only for a few weeks it may be well worth the expense if you can manage it.

 

[April20]

MP: My SIL texted me the other day to tell me that the compression wrap she bought was hands down the best item she brought to the hospital with her, especially after her c-section. She bought her wrap from www.upspringbaby.com She said it's $39.99 but that you can google for a coupon code for 20% off. She says it has back reinforcement and is really sturdy and solid.

 

[aviastar]

A word of caution: don't get a stomach flu when pregnant, it's the worst.

On the plus side 5 days of clear liquids only and my knees don't look fat anymore.

Ugh.

 

[monkeyprincess]

Aviastar, oh no. Being sick during pregnancy is the worst. Feel better and keep yourself hydrated!

April, thanks for the recommendation! Hope your SIL and baby are doing well. And you too of course!

Asscher, I will have my mom spending at least a few weeks with us after the baby comes, so I'm sure we'll manage. Plus, DH is a pretty awesome helper with childcare, and I know he'll do his best to help with overnight duties, etc. I'm more concerned about just being emotionally and physically able to deal with everything. I had baby blues and sleep depriviation/insomnia issues with my firstborn, and that was just with one baby and no medical issues. But I do feel like I learned a lot from last time and will do what I need to hold up better this time. We shall see how it all goes!

JGator, I'm thinking of you today and really hoping the echo shows baby boy's heart is just fine!

 

[Dandi]

mp, I had a caesarean with O, and although it was an emergency it was very smooth and my recovery was easy peasy. I didn't need any pain killers at all after day 5. Your body will let you know when it's time to stop and let others take over for a bit. My scar area would ache if I overdid housework or walking, but that was about the extent of it. My scar is barely visible either. This time around I'll likely elect for another one. And I totally hear you on the blues/anxiety front, I had a similar experience with O, but can't help thinking it was mostly adjusting to our new life with baby, and that I'll adjust much quicker this time.

PS - you look beautiful

All you ladies look just gorgeous!! Makes me excited about having a belly again

 

[April20]

We went to see my new nephew this weekend. I forgot how tiny newborns are! And at the same time I thought "my god, something that big as to COME OUT OF ME". Heaven help me. Ha ha. At any rate, he's adorable. Full head of dark hair and he has hair on his arms, legs and shoulders. He gets it honest. My brother was like that when he was little.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

 

[JGator]

MP, I wanted to check in and let you know the pediatric cardio appt went well on Friday. It was long and uncomfortable, but the doctor said there are no major defects. All major systems and the heart function are working fine. There is a small chance of VSD/holes but likely not - there are few areas he couldn't see clearly but thinks it is nothing to worry about. So, I will not worry. He said we should just get the baby checked after birth and to confirm things are okay. Huge relief.

 

[monkeyprincess]

JGator, great news! I assumed all would be well, but thanks for updating me. Most small VSDs close up on their own, so even if your baby has one, chances are it will close up before or shortly after birth and not be an issue at all. Unfortunately, our baby's VSD is pretty large, and that's why, combined with the aortic coarctation, she would have major problems if she didn't get medication to keep her PDA open after birth and have surgery shortly after birth. I still wish it was all a bad dream, and we were looking forward to a normal birth and bringing home baby experience, but it is what it is. Hope you are doing well!

Thanks, Dandi! Hope things are going well with you! How far along are you now?

April, ha ha, my friend's baby was born really hairy not too long ago. Only a baby can make that look cute And yes, you'll be amazed when your baby is born that she was actually insided of you just moments before. It truly is a miracle and just so amazing when you think about it.

 

[BrightSpot]

Hey MP. A friend of mine's little boy had to have a couple of surgeries to correct heart issues shortly after birth. (The baby is doing beautifully now!) My friend also happens to be a cardiologist. Would you like me to see if he'd be willing to talk with you offline?

JGator, I hope all is ok with baby boy!

 

[April20]

I'm going to kill DH. I bought a snoogle body pillow weeks ago- at his suggestion mind you- so that I can try and be comfortable in bed. In the last few days, I've really started to get uncomfortable at night. It's an act of congress to find the right position to sleep in. Every single night, at least once, I wake up to find that he's completely stolen the body pillow. As in, it's between HIS legs. He got super pissy this morning because I got up to pee around 630 and when I came back to bed, I pulled the body pillow back. Apparently I "woke" him up. He had to get up right around then anyway and this just in: the damn body pillow is MINE. He's not pregnant. He's not uncomfortable. Why in the hell does he need my pillow? I'm thinking of just giving him the damn pillow and telling him that obviously he needs it more. I'll figure something else out. I'm tired of fighting for it.

 

[aviastar]

I know it's not funny, April, but I had to giggle at your post! We have the same struggle; to be fair DH is often trying to snuggle with me and ends up co-opting half my preggo pillow, but I'm hot, uncomfortable, and I need that pillow! I just push him over and reclaim it, but if he got testy with me about it, there would be words!

 

[monkeyprincess]

Sorry, April, I had to laugh as well. I shouldn't admit this, but DH and I haven't been sharing a bedroom for several months now. I'm a light sleeper the way it is and am constantly tossing and turning and going to the bathroom 4-5 times a night. It just wasn't pretty when he accidentally woke me up (I'm the testy one at night!). I do feel bad that he has been relegated to the basement, but he says he doesn't mind and likes having his big tv and the ability to get up early and get on the treadmill, etc. I'm worried I'm going to have a hard time sharing the bed again once the babies arrive. Kidding. Mostly.... Also, I'm using two big body pillows on either side of me along with like 4-5 regular pillows to prop my head up. It's quite the production, but you do what you have to do to get sleep! And once the babies arrive, sleep will be an even more precious commodity!

Bright, I'm so glad to hear your friend's little one is doing well. The success rate based on what they expect the procedures will be (assuming the echo they do after birth confirms what they believe her defects are) is very high, something like 98% at our hospital, so I know the prognosis is very good. And a family member put me in touch with a cardiologist who assured me we are in good hands and that the treatment plan is the correct one. It's truly amazing what they can do. Because I haven't met her, I'm imagining this hypothetical baby, but I know once she's born and I get to see what she looks like and her little personality, it's going to be so much more real. I just wish I could wake up and have the procedure be over and know the baby is going to be okay.

 

[monkeyprincess]

Emerald, I assume you probably have had your baby by now! Hope everything went well!

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

Just go buy your DH a $10 body pillow from target or Walmart at reclaim your snoogle! My DH and I both sleep with six foot long feather and down body pillows from cuddledown. It's a very fluffy bed

 

[April20]

Zulily has ergos back in stock. It's a great deal if you're in the market for one. I snagged the gray/pink chevron one.

http://www.zulily.com/e/[email protected]&tid=RetEM_FaveBrandsNotify_GIF_01092014

 

[April20]

Oh, and I wanted to report that my husband is still alive. He left my body pillow alone last night!!!!