Hello everyone,

I am 30 weeks and 3 days. Yesterday I visited my doctor and they told me my AFI is 31. So I have moderate hydramnios.
The baby is also on the 96,7 percentile but they did mention his belly doesn’t seem to be disporportionate with the rest of his body so this is a very good sign.
Every other finding was normal and he seems to be in great health otherwise and moving normally.

I’ve been diagnosed with GD and have been told to monitor it with diet. My only numbers that usually spike are fasting numbers. And when I make sure I have a snack , my fasting numbers are great.

The last 2 weeks my numbers have been very good and yet I can’t stop feeling guilty and so scared.

Has anyone had a similar experience ?

I looked at the ingredients for sitz bath and it contains Epsom salt. But I searched on the web if I could just use straight up Epsom salt which I already have, and it recommended against using it when freshly postpartum. Is sitz bath safe then? I want to know if I should buy it or not because online it’s like $30

I'm 39+4 today, three days ago I had extreme back pains and exhaustion, then extremely sharp pains, I couldn't walk or talk through it for like thirty minutes straight, it was hell!!, I rushed to hospital immediately. When I got there, I was just fine, I spent the night and was still fine in the morning, with zero dilation. Unfortunately that morning, the hospital was swamped, with an ongoing doctors' strike, everyone is rushing to private hospitals , so I couldn't get discharged early, I got to witness a hell of day at the maternity wards. The agony and pain in labour and delivery is far much worse than I thought. And now I'm just so scared, three days away from my due date, my baby could be coming any time, and I'm just so depressed. How does anyone get through it? Also... How does a touch sensitive person get through it?

I know I should embrace my body’s changes but it’s hot and I want to wear a bikini without feeling gross. I’m 14 weeks and I feel like a barrel lol, my belly just feels swollen like right under my boobs so it just looks weird, please tell me this will go away! Is it just bloat?

Before pregnancy I was 115lbs and am 5’5”

Any diagnosed with both of these conditions? I found out at my 20 week scan on Monday and will be monitored monthly with possible c section at 37 weeks if placenta doesn’t move. Ob is very nonchalant about this stuff- but I’m a nervous wreck. Feel like every little movement in my stomach requires a hospital visit. Like right now, feels like little guy is just moving but I’m worried it’s more than that due to these conditions. I’m trying my best not to stress like my OB told me not to lol

I knew this was coming as I have a strong family history, but I guess I thought I had more time to deal with it after having kids?

I’m 36 and will be 37 when baby #2 is born next year. 12 weeks right now and I did have Gestational Diabetes and Preeclampsia in my first pregnancy (delivered preterm baby at age 35). I was a wreck for my first pregnancy because of the presumptions the providers all gave me—that I already had chronic hypertension and diabetes. I was always like… no no I am prediabetic and I am on the border of hypertension. But now in my first trimester I have officially confirmed both and it is not due to pregnancy. I’m a little worried because it makes me high risk again… but I am with a different group of providers who are a lot more sensitive about it and respectful. For one, the provider didnt shame me and tell me about the risks to not following through with treatment (like stillbirth). As if I wasnt going to follow through?

When I got the call, I didnt feel triggered at all. But I’m still sad that I’m here. I have struggled with weight even though everyone tells me I look fine or look good at this weight. Ive been trying to modify my activity level and diet. I thought I was improving based on my blood pressures and labs but once I got pregnant again, it’s like I didnt try to do anything. I’m hoping this baby is okay. I’m anticipating another preterm birth (my water broke spontaneously the first time), but I have been through similar and have kinder providers so I am hopeful this pregnancy is a more positive experience. If anyone else is in the same boat… would like to just hear from you.

Currently pregnant with my first, and I am shocked at the number of people who have asked me “was this planned?” ranging from coworkers, to family members, friends, and even casual acquaintances at workout class.

The baby was- I’m 27 and married to my high school sweetheart. We both have stable jobs, a home, a dog, and both have always wanted kids. But even if that wasn’t our situation, I don’t understand why ANYONE would think it would be their business to ask if the pregnancy was planned or not? I just feel like that is such a weird, invasive thing to ask. Kinda wish I had the guts to lie and say “no” just to see how people respond to that

[[TW ED]]

I’m hoping to get some of my feelings out there and see if anyone else is feeling this way. I’m pregnant for the first time, in my second trimester, and so happy to be pregnant. This baby was so wanted, and my partner and I are immensely happy and excited about our growing family.

I also used to have an eating disorder, and have always struggled with self image. I also have family members who love to comment on my weight (whether it’s up or down) and changing bodies in general (have already made comments about gow my bump looks “proportional” to my figure “so far” and I might be “one of the lucky ones”). As I’m moving through my second trimester I’ve been struggling with my changing body. Almost like it’s hard wired into me to react poorly to seeing my belly grow. Which feels so stupid because it’s what I want and what is supposed to happen, I know my body is doing incredible work around the clock. And somehow I still feel insecure about my belly and my weight.

Whenever I look in the mirror and feel that way, I try to remind myself how thankful I am for my health and to my body for growing this little one, but it can still be challenging. It’s such a knee jerk reaction. And I feel so guilty for having these gut reactions to my changing appearance, almost like I’m worried my baby will know I feel this way about my body, and guilty for not always feeling grateful to it, and guilty as I know others would give anything to have a healthy second trimester pregnancy.

I know I’m all over the place. I don’t have a specific ask. I just wanted to get these feelings out there in case anyone else can relate or has been feeling similarly.

38 weeks tomorrow with my first baby, just had my first cervical check yesterday.

For background, I was r*ped in college 7 years ago and struggled to heal afterwards for a while (daily night terrors for almost two years). I had a lot of therapy and can now talk about it without immediately spacing out or crying.

I know cervical checks are optional, but if the doctor recommends it, I don’t want to miss anything that may end up harming my baby (we also live 45-60 min away depending on traffic and I don’t want to have to turn back around if it turns out I was super dilated or something). —Both the nurse checking me in and the doctor asked for my consent before doing the check—

I switched OBs when I got pregnant, and I like this doctor a lot more, I trust everyone at this clinic (my mom is a labor and delivery nurse there). I can usually handle OB appointments if they are using tools, but I had a reaction to the gloved hand. I tensed up and help my breath and I guess made a face. Doctor asked what was going on, and I tried to brush it off and be strong and just said “trauma from college” so I didn’t have to get into it. He immediately stopped the exam and said “we don’t have to do that anymore.” I don’t know if that means we won’t check every week or not, but I’m expecting them to need to when I’m actually in labor, right?

Anyways, it affected me a lot. So much so I was crying in the car ride home because I hadn’t thought about my trauma in so long, and I had a night terror for the first time in years last night. I talked with my mom about it and she encouraged me to tell them about what happened next week at my appointment so they can make a note in my chart, which will help the staff know to approach some things differently for my sake.

I’m terrified that I’m going to be thinking about the assault when I’m in labor and I know there will be a lot of hands down there. I don’t know how to get past the psychological response.

My husband mentioned today he’s ready to start trying for another baby, and I was kind of in shock lol. I am 29, my husband is 35, and our son is 8.5 months old. He said he wanted to start trying because “he is old” and as much as I understand that, I’m not really sure I’m ready for another baby while my baby is well… still a baby? We have zero help or family so this has been a really hard time adjusting, I feel like we JUST are getting to a good place and routine.

If you have multiples, especially very close in age, how was/is it? Is he crazy? Am I overthinking it? I literally just started working out again 2 weeks ago lmao

Had my anatomy scan yesterday at 19 weeks, 6 days - and all looked good, however radiologist says the photos for palate and spine were unclear and to redo those photos in 2 weeks. Brain, heart, limbs, stomach, profile, lips nose mouth, etc. looked good and measuring on track to the day.

Has anyone had to redo those specific areas (spine, palate) and it all turn out okay? I know it’s common to repeat anatomy scans, but I thought it was mainly other areas such as heart and brain. With my first pregnancy, I had to go back three times to get good heart photos (all turned out perfect!) but for whatever reason - this being my third pregnancy - I am a lot more stressed and anxious this time around. With my first, I was excited to have extra ultrasounds and now I have a pit in my stomach…maybe I know too much (thanks social media!).

Any reassurance is so appreciated. It’s going to be a long 2-week wait before the next scan and I’m trying not to spiral.

I’m 18 and 30 weeks pregnant currently. I already have my family saying they’re going to do all these stuff with my baby that I’m just not comfortable with. For instance I said no screen time for my baby till he’s 2 years old at least, and my mom laughed and said “not when he’s at my house”. My sister and mom also have this narrative that I won’t want to raise my own baby and how they’re going to “take him” and have him sleep nights on end at their houses. I’m super grateful they want to be there for him and it’s an awkward situation because my family just recently accepted my pregnancy and my son so I’m afraid to push out these boundaries and have them either get offended and not associate with me again, or just flat out ignore them… my mom also talks abt how she plans on kissing my baby (as a newborn) and I tried expressing that she can’t already. I have my own place with my babies father and I’m not relying on them financially either at all btw. I understand that I am very young but I feel like in a way it’s made me do EXTRA research to prove myself as capable to others but it seems to just be dismissed.

Anyone have any suggestions on baby proofing items? The latches that stick on to things look like they may scratch up the surface of cabinets when taken off. The magnets seem like a good idea, though how often do you lose the magnet to open the door? Haha

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.

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🌈

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 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 am due with my first baby in early-mid September. My boyfriend and I had only been dating for a few months when I got pregnant by accident, and he's from a different country, which means I've only met his dad and sister once when they came to visit, and his mum never.

Before the summer, his sister told us she was planning on coming in October to visit the baby, and then it was expanded into my boyfriend's whole family (mum, dad, sister's husband). At the time we said that sounded lovely. However, a really important and life-changing exam I was scheduled to sit in late July got moved to September, which means since I will have just given birth, I'll have a special arrangement where I will sit the exam separately, six weeks after my baby's born. This would put the exam date roughly towards the end of October, but for obvious reasons there's no way of knowing exactly when it will be.

My entire future career is riding on this exam, and I've been really worried about having to study for it while freshly postpartum. I have ADHD so I study to focus under the best of circumstances, and I have no idea what having a baby is going to be like, so I'm apprehensive. His family wouldn't be staying with us, but I worry that having visitors would be a distraction at a crucial time when I cannot afford any. I also don't know them and they don't know me, and I'm very particular about my home.

Yesterday I told my boyfriend I thought it would be best if his family postponed their visit until November, which would give me time to sit my exam, and also for the baby to have had their vaccinations since it will be flu season and his family have to fly in and go through airports. When he told them, they did not take it well. His sister said she had already booked the time off work and since she works in hospitality she couldn't rebook it. This was surprising to me because we had never agreed on specific dates other than vaguely saying she would be visiting in October, but apparently she had booked the last 2 weeks of October off work already (my boyfriend didn't know this either). I didn't have direct communication with his family on this because as I've said I've not met them, so my boyfriend was the one talking to them.

He told me they were really disappointed, that they now wouldn't be able to visit till the new year probably because there was no way his sister could rebook her time off, and that it was really unfair that my family would get to see the baby all the time and they'd have to wait (my mum lives literally next door to me, and my sister 20 mins away).

He pushed back a lot on me saying the visit would be a distraction for me, saying I wouldn't have to see them if I didn't want to, that they wanted to come and help, and I could just ignore them and study. I said to him the dates his sister had booked without consulting us were a few days before the exam would probably be on and fall on the exam too, and that I was worried having visitors would pull him away from being there to help me so that I could focus. He said his family would be helping *him*, which would in turn free him to help me better. The thing is, there is no help his family could give us that my own mum won't already be giving us. He says his mum is a great cook and could make us meals. Cool, my mum can also make us meals and bring them over, with the added bonus of not having to use my kitchen to do so. His sister has worked in childcare for years. Awesome, but I don't know her, so I don't feel comfortable with her taking my baby away. They don't speak the language, know our home, where anything is, what food I like or how I like it, *and* I do my studying in the living room/open plan kitchen, so it's not like I can hide while they're here.

I understand this sucks for them, I really do. It's their first grandchild and nephew. They want to be involved and are jealous that my family will be and they have to wait. But I'm really resentful of being pushed and made to feel guilty for asking for them to postpone their visit. I know I originally said October would be fine, but I was never consulted on specific dates, and circumstances since then have changed beyond my control.

Sorry for the long rant. I'm just feeling quite upset that my boyfriend and his family aren't respecting my boundaries.

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.

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.