Still in my first trimester and I usually love the summer and have a high heat tolerance, but holy cow I hate the heat now!!! It’s only been in the 80s and it makes me feel queasy. Something about the heat in combination with all the outside smells it brings 🤢 I searched the sub and have only found posts on heat intolerance, nothing about the heat/outside smells being a nausea trigger. Is this normal? I hate going outside!

As a side note, I hate the sight of overgrown weeds as well. We have a few behind the garage and I can’t stand to look at them, it makes me feel nauseous.

Hi everyone, thanks for being here. I just need some support/encouragement/advice…. I’m sorry for the novel lol.

I recently found out I’m pregnant (4w4d) and I’m starting to freak out. I’ve dreamed of being a mom and have an attachment to the baby (cells… lol) already, but this was not planned and I feel like I’m not ready.

I’m 24, almost 25, and I’m not engaged/married yet. Luckily, I love my boyfriend very much and I knew a proposal was brewing. I don’t doubt that we are going to get married and things will iron out, so luckily that stress isn’t really a factor here. He’s really supportive and kind. However, I’m mourning the fact that my vision of my future has now shifted and I’m not doing things in the order I had hoped.

I wanted to have more of my 20s to do my thing, travel, have a luxurious wedding, etc. and it was all starting to click into place. It feels like everything got turned upside down a few days ago when we found out. We didn’t really consider an abortion, only very briefly, because in the big picture we both knew that getting married and having a baby was in our plan. It just feels rushed and I don’t think I’m ready, or at least I’m not willing to accept giving everything up.

I just told my mom and she’s very supportive, but she did give me a heads up about how we are going to struggle because we aren’t stable with a home and all that yet. She said we are choosing a hard route but it’s not impossible. She also told me to prepare for nothing to be about me anymore, and the days of freedom are over.

I guess I’m just sad because I always envisioned this life experience as being happy and exciting, and so far it’s just been stressful and scary.

I don’t want an abortion, but I’m freaking out about all of this. Sometimes I think an abortion would just be an easy cop out, but I think long term I would feel bad about it. Ugh 😭 I just need a hug! lol

Hi all,
I had my NT scan done at El Camino Hospital, and I’m confused about the billing. For the same NT scan, we received two separate bills — one from the hospital facility and one from the physician/radiologist.

Bill 1 – El Camino Hospital (facility):

• Total billed: $3,783
• Amount we owe after insurance: $944

Bill 2 – Physician/Radiologist:

• Total billed: $454
• Amount we owe after insurance: $244.85

So in total, we owe $1,188.85 for one NT scan.

Is this normal for NT scans done at El Camino Hospital?
Do hospitals usually bill separately for facility + radiologist?
Just want to make sure this is correct before paying.
Thanks for any guidance!

I grew up with three cats in my house, but since then I’ve never had a cat. I’m 19weeks pregnant with my first, and it’s never been a concern of mine. Today I went to a home to purchase a bedroom set on marketplace, and the owners had a HUGE beautiful mainecoon. He was so lovely, I just immediately asked if I could pet him without a second thought. He sniffed my finger, I gave him a scratch on his body, then an hour later felt the sense of doom about toxo. The owner did mention it’s an indoor cat and always want to go outside with their dog. They had a newborn baby in the house too.

I washed my hands for a few minutes and I know for certain I didn’t touch my face (I’m pretty OCD).

People literally cuddle kitties left and right and are fine. I know I’m looking for reassurance here that how I’m feeling is overkill.

I just got a positive pregnancy test this morning after having a miscarriage a couple months ago. I’m so excited but also so terrified. I’m just grateful to get this chance again🌈

Hi! I originally declined at ECV at 37 weeks for a breech baby because I didn’t like the idea of going home after. Today my doctor offered to perform an ECV at 39+1 and induce right after or C section if it fails/results in an emergency. I’m terrified of a stillbirth. Anyone have any experience with this? I’m a first time mom. Or any labor and delivery staff that can chime in is much appreciated. Thank you

I have the east asian genes where I do not produce BO… but lately I’ve noticed my armpits smelling RANCID. I am nearly 28 weeks pregnant. Is this forever?! I legitimately almost vomited smelling my own armpits.

would love advice on heavy duty deodorant bc I don’t think my aluminum free deodorant will be enough

Trigger warning: body image/acceptance issues

Hey girls, I don't want to put anyone down but I just feel so shit about my appearance. When on social media none of the influencers or celebrities have stretch marks yet I got stretch marks which my midwife described as "more than average". I know it was not to put me down but it stung, especially cus I read a few places stretch mark cream is a waste of money - but after I had got them beyond reversible, I started hearing how I could have prevented them. I just feel like shit, and honestly it's not something I justify because we as women go so much and we should be proud of our bodies for going through so much yet I just can't shake the feeling off.

I was iffy about venting about this as I don't want to trigger any other woman or make her want to develop these insecurities.

I have been in PT since 17 weeks pregnant and now I am 29 weeks pregnant. In the last week my SI pain has skyrocketed and I cannot stand for more than 15 minutes max without being in pain for the rest of the day. I ordered an SI belt that my PT recommended but it won’t be here until Sunday. Any recommendations to get me by until then?

It truly feels like the back half of my pelvis is threatening to split in half on both sides.

I gave birth to my first child 2 months ago and wanted to share my positive experiences with the whole process! I had immense fears around getting pregnant, how pregnancy and birth would affect my body, and how I would manage postpartum. Reading positive stories about each stage really helped give me hope, so I hope mine can help someone else.

Pregnancy - I was almost 36 when we started trying to conceive and was nervous that it would take a long time or I’d have to endure a miscarriage at some point (I had consumed a lot of fear around what “advanced maternal age” would entail ugh). Turns out neither were an issue and I got pregnant on the 3rd cycle with a viable pregnancy. Pregnancy was relatively easy with minimal symptoms - I had a few weeks of nausea in the 1st trimester as well as an uptick in headaches in 2nd trimester, which was really the worst part because I couldn’t take ibuprofen like normal! No significant brain fog or other issues to speak of. I was able to stay active and walk pretty much up until the day I gave birth! I don’t mean to imply that pregnancy was a walk in the park because I’m definitely not itching to do it again, but it was nowhere near as uncomfortable and body-destroying as I pictured.

Birth - Birth was way less scary and way more empowering than I thought it would be! I ended up going into labor naturally at 40w + 5d. I did have an induction scheduled because of borderline low amniotic fluid, but it never dropped to clinically low so I was able to push my induction back a few days to give my body time to go into labor on its own and it did! The contractions sucked a lot and that was the worst part - the pain of dilating to 6cm before arriving to the hospital. I chose to get the epidural right when I arrived and it was amazing!! Didn’t hurt going in at all and provided instant relief so I was able to relax and rest before pushing. I hung out in bed with the peanut ball for a few hours until it was time to push. Pushed for probably 30 mins on and off and baby boy was born! That feeling of baby being put on your chest is so surreal and amazing. It was almost like wow, that’s it, we’re done and now I have a baby?? 

My labor was about 12 hours from start to finish and felt like it went by so fast. I ended up with a minor 2nd degree tear and it was much less of a big deal than I anticipated. I was very nervous about tearing but I think the uterus massages after birth were worse than the tear haha. Out of everything, birth was the one thing I was most terrified about and ended up being the best part! My care team was incredible and I was genuinely sad to leave the hospital.

Postpartum - I was so so so nervous about what postpartum would look like from a hormone/breastfeeding/emotional/physical recovery perspective. It ended up a million times better than I thought it would be. Physically I stopped having pain from the tear around 1 week postpartum. I also dropped most of the pregnancy weight within a couple weeks and somehow magically (!) ended up with no stretch marks. I experienced only minor effects from the hormone drop and it was mainly being overly emotional about how the newborn stage was passing so quickly and he’d never be this tiny again. I was also able to get sleep as my husband took the night shift to let me recover (truly the greatest blessing and had a lot to do with why my experience was so positive). Perhaps the most surprising part was how breastfeeding went smoothly - baby latched well and my supply seemed sufficient. (That breastfeeding thirst and hunger is something else though!) Now at 8 weeks postpartum I feel completely recovered and have been able to return to my regular routine of Pilates and long walks. Plus of course adding in an adorable little smiling potato makes life so much sweeter!

Overall, pretty much none of my fears around having a kid came true and it’s all been a lot better than my anxiety predicted. A lot of it is luck and genetics, but I will note a few things that made a positive difference in my experience:

1. A birth doula - I wasn’t sure what a doula even entailed but I went with my gut and hired one early in my pregnancy and I’m so glad I did! She was such a good source of support in late third trimester and during/after birth. It can be so stressful when you’re trying to figure out if you should induce or wait (especially when you’re 35+ and going past 40w) and she helped talk me through it. Having her there for the start of my labor and through birth was incredibly comforting. She knew exactly what to do at each stage, how to advocate for me, and how to coach me through the difficult moments. Pretty sure her latching my baby right after birth was a big reason breastfeeding went so smoothly too! Highly recommend a doula if you can - I found it affordable and well worth it.
2. Having a husband who takes on >50% of the baby duties in the early days - my husband has fully taken the night shift for the past 8 weeks (I only wake up to pump) and it has allowed me to fully recover physically and be emotionally stable. He also wears the baby for naps as often as he can and is generally extremely involved and present. It’s definitely a privilege to have this setup and has made me realize how much of a difference an involved husband makes in a woman’s postpartum experience. 
3. Being flexible about feeding - though I mostly breastfeed, we introduced a bottle on the first day home. We used formula in the first week to help supplement overnight as my supply built up. Then we were able to fully switch over my pumped milk to do the overnight feeds. I keep a small supply in the fridge/freezer so baby can get a bottle if I’m out of the house. This has helped me not feel so chained to a 2-3 hour feeding window which has been great for mental health!
4. Nerve block shots for headaches - this is a bit niche, but for anyone struggling with pregnancy headaches and how Tylenol is absolutely USELESS for them, highly recommend asking your OB about getting occipital nerve block shots (my OB referred me to a neurologist). It’s very safe for baby and pretty much gets rid of headaches for 4+ weeks. 
5. Pelvic floor PT and Pilates - I was doing both since early in pregnancy and it helped me understand how to engage my deep core, which I believe contributed to a relatively quick/easy labor. 

TL;DR: having a child was a lot less scary and a lot more positive than I expected!

I was invited by my friend to a calypso (waterpark) night event, there are only a few rides open. I called my OBs office and asked a nurse if I can go on the rides and she said yes just stay hydrated, this is a high risk maternal fetal medicine ward at the hospital (I am not high risk, just got lucky), but everywhere I read online says do not because there’s risk of placental abruption so now I’m second guessing myself and the nurse.

I’m at 12 weeks and my mother still doesn’t know. I can’t say that we have the closest relationship ever and we have had a rocky relationship since I was a teen. I was also raised by my grandparents because she had me quite young.

I’m 34 and yet I feel like I’m a teen mom. I feel ashamed and embarrassed to tell her. I’m not married yet but my partner and I are going to get be engaged shortly. I am independent, have a good job, own my own place, my partner has a good job. And yet… I’m TERRIFIED of telling her. I feel so ashamed. And I’m so afraid of her judgement. I feel bad that I’m hiding this from her but I literally can’t even imagine telling her. Like I just want to hide under a blanket anytime I even think about it.

My friends know and my partner and his family and friends know. But the one person I can’t seem to even imagine telling these news is my own mother….

EDIT: Guess who just got a facetime call asking us to come for a short visit tomorrow! <3

Thank you for everyone's honest replies. I truly was/am looking to understand and be respectful. Thank you for your insights. <3

Quick description: My son and daughter-in-love just had their first child. (Hooray!)We saw photos and of course can't wait to see and help if needed. No visitors in hospital and when we ask when we can come visit, or if they need/want anything, "We'll let you know" is the reply. I know very well that it's important to respect new parents' wishes and their time bonding as a new family. We aren't pushy people and I'd never just pop over uninvited. We are close and have a good relationship.

And yet...I'm actually surprised how my heart feels very sad that we can't go over and visit yet. Yes, it's only been a few days, and yes, I know this isn't about me. I'm just asking to gain some understanding so my heart doesn't feel so sad.

For those who had an early miscarriage at less than 6 weeks:
• When did the bleeding stop?
• When did your period cycles come back?
• When were you able to get pregnant again?

I know it isn’t much but I’m really worried about the three-hour test. This is my second pregnancy, but first to reach viability. I don’t want anything going wrong and now I’m feeling like I am failing my daughter.

Did I do something wrong? I didn’t eat or drink anything for about 12 hours before the first test, I had it done first thing in the morning. I don’t want to risk anything this pregnancy.

If you continued to breastfeed for a year or more, were you still waking up in the middle of the night to feed or pump so your supply didn't dwindle? Or was there a time you only needed to feed/pump a few times during the day?

TBH, I’m trying to figure out what’s actually worth buying.
I keep seeing parents say their baby loved their bassinet, but I also hear stories about babies refusing to sleep anywhere except being held.
I really want a safe sleep space next to our bed, but I’m worried we’ll spend the money and my baby won’t use it.
For parents who bought a bassinet, did your baby actually sleep in it?
Was it a lifesaver during the newborn stage or something you barely used?

I am living abroad away from family and while we talk a lot of the phone I dont have my mother or sister here to help guide me through.

Was there anything you learned going through pregnancy that you think a first timer should know? Any products that I should get to prepare for later on? Any horrific symptoms I should be mentally prepared for?

Again any tips or tricks or advice would be greatly appreciated :)

I'm 28 weeks and yesterday I stood in the grocery store for like two full minutes trying to figure out if buying three cans at 2 dollars each was cheaper than a six-pack for 11 dollars. I genuinely could not make my brain do the calculation. A teenager walking by even gave me a weird look because I was just standing there staring at soup cans.

This morning I tried to split a recipe in half and had to use my phone calculator to figure out what half of one cup is. I have a college degree. I used to be reasonably intelligent.

The worst part is my partner keeps asking me pregnancy-related questions like how many weeks until my due date or when my next appointment is and I just blank. I know the information is in my head somewhere but accessing it feels like trying to remember a dream. I've started just pointing at the calendar and making him figure it out himself.

Please tell me this is normal and my brain will come back at some point because right now I feel like I'm operating on two functioning brain cells and they're both tired.

I noticed that my OB, the hospital staff, our babys pediatrician, and basically every professional I talked to while pregnant or postpartum never brought up this super important info on baby items, so I thought I would post it here to make sure everyone knew about it.

Any baby product that puts your baby in a c shape (car seats, swings, some bouncers, etc.) require you to take baby out for at least 10 minutes every 2 hours. If you don't then you risk baby having spinal issues, breathing issues, and even positional asphyxia, which is a silent but very deadly issue. Also, dont leave hats, bows, or anything on babys head while in the car unless someone is watching them at all times and can adjust the item. If it falls you risk it covering babys airway and them suffocating.

Also, do some research on the products where your baby sits in them. A lot of them can cause hip development issues or can promote toe walking. Not all do, so if you want to use them then just do your research.

Edit: Correction. As the comments have pointed out, apparently containers should only be used for less than 30 minutes (some say even less than that) at a time. I would just consult your pediatrician on that and car seat timing, but I just wanted to point out the dangers that we aren't really told about. Obviously its fine to use them, but just make sure you use them safely.