katherinec's profile

katherinec
katherinec has 25 days to go and is now in week 36
	Age: 27 Country: Private Province/region: Private City: Private Partner: husband who is in the running for best husband of the year! Children: Pregnant: Yes Due date: 11 Jun ,2008 Occupation:
	Online: 8 hours ago. Last updated: 87 days ago. Member since: 107 days
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I'm pregnant with my first. We don't know what the sex is, so with 19 more weeks to go I am getting pretty impatient to know! I am planning a home birth with midwife, plus paediatrician doctor sister in tow if she manages to arrive on time. I may end up not telling my parents in law, or my mother about the home birth - they think it is a terrible idea. I think it is none of their business! Feel free to tell me about your home birth experiences...

So I am full of moans and groans, very tired, putting on weight obviously on the stomach and seemingly everywhere else too! Not to mention cranky and sensitive! but after reading some women's stories I realise quite how lucky I am that this pregnancy is going so well and so easily. Thankfully we had no problems conceiving, after ten years on the pill, and 9 months off it I got pregnant the first month we tried.

the only thing which has freaked me out so far has been being given a fright by an over enthusiastic ultrasound technician/doctor. I'm writing this up so other women who also get frightened this way can be reassured. I went for the extended scan at about 17 weeks, and the doctor saw two spots on the heart - they are called echogenic foci. They are little calcium spots on the heart. They are not birth defects, but they are considered a soft marker for Down's syndrome. However just by themselves they are the very last on the list of markers in terms of importance. The doctor checked and double checked for any other signs of Downs but found none. But he still told me I should get a heart scan for the baby, have another extended scan at 21 weeks, and that it could mean the baby had Downs.

I of course freaked out but when I went to my normal doctor he said the first doctor was completely over doing things. He said he had read up on these echogenic foci, when seen by themselves they are not considered important at all. We don't know if people used to have them 30 years ago, because ultrasound technology was not what it is today. I found another link which had a thread with three years worth of scared women discussing the topic. Of all the posts, only one had come back to the thread to say her baby had been born with Downs, and I think it had other markers too. The rest were freaked out for the majority of their pregnancies, but then had healthy babies.

Another scan at 21 weeks showed one of the spots had disappeared, and a friend said her ultrasound man said often they prefer not to do early ultrasounds for this very reason, that often these sorts of things resolve by about 22 weeks, so there is no point freaking the mother out unneccesarily. I wish my ultrasound doctor had felt the same way!

13th FEB 2008

So I've pretty much decided I want to do a homebirth. I've found a midwife who is great (although not cheap!), and my husband is fine with the idea, despite initially being skeptical. Now I just have to stop my mother freaking me out with stupid horror stories, and try to not tell my mother in law until just before the time (she will probably drag me kicking and screaming to the nearest hospital). And I need to stop telling strangers about it because they are usually completely ignorant and like to tell me nice horror stories without actually knowing a damn thing about the topic.

18th Feb

Really feeling like I want to murder my mother in law. She is driving me mad! Anyone else having this problem?

20 Feb

24 weeks! Yee ha! I so want this to be over, and at the same time I want another year or so to get ready mentally. Aieee!

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Comments 1-25 of about 53 to katherinec
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june08mamma - 35.3 hours ago
thanks for the reply - i called my doc and she said it's normal as long as i don't get headaches or blurry vision. i guess i'll just keep an eye on it.

aderyn3 - Monday, 5 May
Thanks! Actually, he does pretty good at night, if we can get him to sleep. He doesn't seem to like the bassinet much. Last night he did real well and slept for 4 hours straight! How are things going with your MIL? Mine just came over yesterday to see the baby. They didn't hold him, gave us grief about his name....oh well, at least my FIL didn't drop my other son on his head like he did when they were down for my hubby's b-day 2 weeks ago!

MamaMay10 - Tuesday, 15 April
I understand what you are saying, but my husband filled and emptied the pool by water hose, we just let it run into the street--but if you can't do that, you can always put the hose in your bathroom tub and drain it. Just a little FYI before you make a final decision about the tub! Best of luck!

Sf-mama - Monday, 14 April
Thanks for the advice. I go in next week and if she hasn't turned on her own I will try acupuncture. Thanks!

MamaMay10 - Monday, 14 April
You can purchase a kiddie pool for a homebirth, as long as it is deep. That is what I am doing this time, my midwife tells me they work well. The only disadvantage for you may be that if this is your first baby, you could take a few hours to labor, and it could get annoying to keep adding hot water to the kiddie pool. Good luck, hope this helps

2RUSure - Sunday, 13 April
Yay! Thanks for letting me know, I feel better.

aderyn3 - Wednesday, 9 April
Thanks! I've given up on the bathroom....this baby too! It's still holding tight. I begged it to come out today, but it looks like it will be another no-show (today is my grandma's birthday, and I didn't mail her card yet...thought a great-grandchild might make up for it...lol) DH's b-day is Sunday. He doesn't want to share his birthday. I hope it comes that day to spite him for not getting my bathroom done! ;0)

jcody777 - Wednesday, 9 April
Yes it would be nice to get a trial sample!
Thank you again!

jcody777 - Tuesday, 8 April
Have you tried them? If so, do they give the the fish burps?

jazmenflower - Sunday, 30 Mar
thank you so much where do i buy omega 3-6

angelbabies14 - Saturday, 29 Mar
I think a concern for using a kiddie pool would be temp of water and maintaining it seeing as every women is different in the time it takes to have a baby and keeping it sanitary...with tubs at least you can let water out and fill again if you needed a break and cleaning up afterwards just seem like it would be easier. I wanted a waterbirth so bad, I still do but there are no birthing centers around my area and I fear if I went to one many miles away I wouldn't make it anyway..I would love to do it at home but it being my first I don't want to be 'alone' my boyfriend is alittle squimish when it comes to things like this. I still have a little time to think this over. Let me know how things go and what you decide. hugs to your belly...

aderyn3 - Thursday, 27 Mar
lol...let's just say, I'm not holding my breath! I've heard that the shower can be helpful, too, just letting the warm water run over you and kind of rocking in it. We're the exact opposite. We only have the tub, and now shower (though it would make it SO much easier for my girls to get ready for school with washing their hair and things.)That's one of the other hang ups on the bathroom. He doesn't know if he's going to put in the shower or not, and that will affect if we get a surround or do bead board the whole way. I think it's all just to stall. If it doesn't have 4 wheels and an engine, he has no desire to work on it, and even then his favorite part is the cutting it up...it's the putting it back together that he drags his feet on. Oh, well, he's a good cook, so I guess I'll have to keep him around...lol

aderyn3 - Thursday, 27 Mar
See, my husband doesn't have any concern about the baby drowning....he just doesn't want to be 'uncomfortable' sitting on the floor in the bathroom or the hallway! He started to renovate our bathroom in January...it's still not done! I know he's doing it on purpose so I won't be able to relax in there and won't want to stay in. I swear, men!

aderyn3 - Wednesday, 26 Mar
Hi there! I've always just used my regular old tub to labor in. I usually clean when I'm in labor, so I scrub it out really well before I get in (my husband gets pretty dirty at work, so I try to disinfect it extra well.) I've never actually given birth in it, though. I've always felt more comfortable in my bed to deliver. I might try an actual waterbirth this time, because it will be my last, but I'm not sure. Whatever feels best at the time is what I'm going with! I'm with you on the cost thing, though for renting the tubs.

shrinky9 - Monday, 3 Mar
Not sure what the rules are in your part of the world but medical pain relief is not an option for homebirth in New Zealand. I just focus on breathing through each contraction, not letting my breath come too fast. Also staying upright through the whole labour and birth is a must in my books. Ive never tried waterbirth but I do like the idea so may give it a go this time. Even though I've had 6 homebirths, each one is unique and different and I still have to focus on not getting nervous or anxious as the time gets close. This time I have opted for a hospital birth for 2 reasons. Firstly my age, nearly 43, and secondly I think it might be nice to have 2 or 3 days rest afterwards before I come back to being full time mum.

shrinky9 - Saturday, 1 Mar
Hi there, Just been reading your comments on homebirth. I've had 6 homebirths and I can highly recommend them. I wish you all the very best. Blessings!

aderyn3 - Monday, 25 Feb
Good luck with your mother in law! Thankfully, my in-laws live about half an hour away, so we don't have to see them too often. I think they think we're crazy too, but luckily they've learned to keep their mouths shut about our decisions. (My husband has chewed them out before on different things they've commented on.) It really is an awesome experience though. It makes all the rude, unwanted comments more than worth it to be able to go through such an awesome experience.

pregoteacher - Sunday, 24 Feb
Godivas are my fave. I get them every year for V-Day, and sometimes just because. Since I had my 4-D on V-
Day this year, my baby was very active, maybe because of the chocolate.

nikki82 - Sunday, 24 Feb
Hi, I guess conveniently I am studying to be a primary school teacher!! I am in my 3rd year with a little less than a year to go (we have a 10 week intermship in 4th year!) however, I dont know how long it will take me now. I am studying full time which is about 36 hours per/week and semester doesnt finish till I am 39 weeks! Next semester I will probably go part time but both my family and my partners live far away so we will have to find an alternative carer. hope you are feeling well and everything is going ok!

aderyn3 - Friday, 22 Feb
Hi there! I just read your comment on the homebirth page. I'm pregnant with my 4th baby, and this will be my 3rd homebirth. My mom is still not supportive of the idea! I just brush it off. There are so many reasons why having a baby at a hospital is detrimental to the baby's health! There is a MUCH higher risk of baby getting an infection. The more interventions you have, the higher chance for a C-section, which is a higher chance of baby having breathing problems because all of the excess fluid that is squeezed out during vaginal delivery is left in their poor little lungs, let alone all of the babies that you hear in the news that get kidnapped or sent home with the wrong parents! One of my aunts finally seems to be pretty supportive this time. My husband and I are happy with our decision, our kids are healthy, smart, and beautiful, and the younger 2 definitely have better sleeping patterns than my poor oldest daughter who was taken from my room by the nurses against my wishes at bedtime. I usually just tell my mom to not start with me, and I tell others who comment that it's the right decision for us and I let it go at that. As long as you and your husband are confident in your decision, that's all that matters. Besides, I know my midwife has more experience than most of the OB's in the area. She's been delivering babies for almost 30 years now. Most of the OB's are fairly new doctors because we have quite a shortage of OB's where I am. We had been going back and forth on trying for a 4th baby or not when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, so we decided to go for it because we didn't want to risk waiting and not having her here down the road if we decided to wait. You could also tell people to check out Ricki Lake's movie about homebirth. I haven't seen it yet, but I've heard good things about it! Hang in there. This is just the start of unwanted advice and criticism people will throw at you regarding your child. Take it all with a grain of salt. As long as it works for you and your husband and child, it's the best decision for you! Good luck!

featherweight - Thursday, 21 Feb
Wow - that must have been so difficult - at least I speak the language! I don't have family here either (apart from my husband's) which is sad - particularly with the little one on the way. I miss them so much. I have been here roughly 5 years now and, like you, have days where I feel settled and happy and days when I don't. Ah yes, the life of an immigrant!! Take care...

nikki82 - Thursday, 21 Feb
You are a lovely reasurance!! although we may not be in the same radius - you at least make me feel that I am not alone in the compelling struggle being a pregnant woman in a mans world!! What are you studying? Is this your final year? I so agree with you - my heart is also torn between wanting this to be over but also needing more time!!! Your encouragement is much appreciated. Happy Week 24!

yogamommy - Wednesday, 20 Feb
I'm sorry that I scared you... I didn't mean too - really! I'm sure things will work out just fine either way, but I do think it will be better for you to move it up if you can. I guess I am a bit of a realist sometimes. My sister had her first baby a few years ago and I laid it on her too. She got mad at me, until the end when she realized I was the only one who really was speaking honestly to her. Then she thanked me... Anyways, good luck to you and enjoy the time now when we are feeling fairly good. Keep me posted on how things progress.

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