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Q

Alot Going on at 33 Weeks: Lost Mucus plug...decreeased Fetal Movement. Scared.

New York, CT

Hi everyone- I want to call my doctor, but don't want to cry wolf. I am 33 weeks pregnant and Thurs night I lost this huge chunk of gel out of me. No blood. I had cramps and diarrea all night and next morning. Since then everything has been fine. I have contractions, but nothing regular to cause concern. I do NOT think I am going into labor or anything, but it seems sooo early to have lost that plug. Is there anything else that gel could have been? Also, I am a little worried because for the last two days I have barely felt the baby move. She usually is a maniac at night and when I first wake up. Nothing for two days really. I have eaten, layed on my side, switched sides...squished my belly...nothing seems to get her going. Should I call the doctor?

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Q

Complicated Pregnancy

Cleveland, OH

I'm only 33 weeks pregnant and I've had a lot of cramping, So the doctor did a fetal fibronectin test to see if I'm high risk for premature labor. Well the test came back positive for me to go into premature labor within two weeks. Has anyone had this test done and had it come back positive and go into labor early and have labor stoped or had a premature baby? Please let me know if any of you has gone through the same thing.

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Q

Conceiving After Miscarriage

Boston, MA

Im looking for advice from anyone else that has had a miscarriage. I recently had a miscarriage at 6 weeks and me and my husband were devistated. We do have two healthy beautiful children and consider ourselves very lucky. We are anxious to start trying again as we want our kids to be close in age. However I have been receiving different advise on when I should start trying to conceive again. Some say right away is okay others say 1-3 cycles should pass first before trying. My doctor advised waiting at least one cycle. I wanted to know if anyone was in a simliar situation and conceived soon after a miscarriage. Any advise would be appreciated!

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Q

Crankieness!!

San Francisco, CA

I am 7 months pregnant with my second boy and i've noticed how cranky or sensitive i've been lately! i wasn't like this with my first son, i was really sensitive and cried over the smallest things, but never cranky! i think it's because i'm pregnant and i have to take care of my 3 year old son. i'm an at home mommy and spend 24/7 with him and never get a break, only sometimes when my husband is off from work, but he's a cop and works like 12 hours a day and is always tired, so i don't complain! but i hate that when i scold my son alot during the day everyone says i'm cranky! maybe i am, but he gives me a hard time sometimes and i have to be strik with him and yell! but nobody ever conciders how hard it is to take care of a toddler 24/7 and be pregnant, i never get the "oh, she must be so tired, i feel bad for her" or "it's ok, she's pregnant and must be very exausted" or something like that, something that would make me feel better and not more irritated when people call me "cranky"! I'm generally a nice person, and even if you offend me or hurt my feelings in some way i don't say anything, but i'm starting to feel upset about it and feel that, maybe i'm not doing a good job as a mom and that i'm just trying to milk it while i'm pregnant and should be doing more or something!! i don't even know if any of this makes sense, i just need help. i mean, i know it's harder to work and take care of your children too, so i feel like i'm just complaining too much and should shut my mouth, or shouldn't i? i have no idea!!

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Q

Decrease in Progesterone Level at 5 Weeks

Dallas, TX

Hi, I got told by my doctor last night that my progesterone level went from 16 last Wednesday to 10 on Monday and I am a little over 5 weeks pregnant. He put me on Prometrium 3 times a day. I read up on this stuff and some things indicate it can cause birth defects. I also know at about 5 weeks along a sonogram won't detect much, so he won't do one yet. I am kind of frustrated because I had a previous doctor who did one this early and did see something. I am just worried because stuff I am reading doesn't sound too good on these pills. Has anyone ever taken them and how has it worked out? Or is there a better supplement out there I should talk to my doctor about. Part of me wants to call another doctor to get a second opinion, but not sure if I am overreacting. The nurse told me I am basically sitting on a fence right now and could fall in the direction of miscarriage or everything working out. It's a scary place to be. I just wish I had more answers. I have also had some minimal light brown spotting since I found out I was pregnant, which I did have with my previous pregnancy and everything turned out okay.

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Q

Freaked Out by Upcoming Amino-seeking Advice and Words of Reassurance

Dallas, TX

I am having an amnio and am starting to get really scared how much this will traumatize the baby. Also, will I be able to care for my two toddlers afterwards? Will it hurt? Any input would be helpful.However, this was an unplanned pregnancy and I am older, so I would like to do the amino, but I am nervous. My husband is horribly busy with grad school and fulltime work and may not be able to be around for the procedure or help afterwards.

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Q

Gestational Diabetes Question

San Antonio, TX

I just found out that I "flunked" the short GD test and now have to take the 3-hour test. Normal counts are 55-139, and I was at 156. I knew it was going to come out high because I felt so funky after drinking the glucose drink - lightheaded and thirsty. Here's my question: Who out there has flunked the short test but "passed" the long test and not been diagnosed with GD? Although I was overweight before becoming pregnant, I've gained only 4.5 pounds now at 25 weeks. This is especially frustrating because I already eat pretty healthily: only wheat pasta and whole grain cereal, very rare desserts, few white starches, very little junk food, only lean protein and dairy, no sodas. Any shared experiences would be appreciated.

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Q

How Do You Prepare for Something like This?

Dallas, TX

I just found out about 2 hours ago that my big sister has lost another baby. This is her 3rd pregnancy...she has a 5 year old boy and about 2 years ago, she had a miscarriage at about 12 weeks. Now, she is 16 weeks along and this morning they couldn't find a heart beat. Right now she is at the hospital and is going to have to deliver this baby tonight. I don't know what to expect. I am going up there at 4 to be there with her, and I have no idea what to expect. Please, if you have been through this or know someone that has, tell me what is going to happen. Details are fine. I need to be prepared. I want to be strong for her and I just don't know how to handle this!

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Q

I've Been Exposed to Fifths disease...should I Be Concerned??

Dallas, TX

All 3 of my kids have had fifths disease over the last month, although it took me a while to figure it out, as my 7 year old had it first, and didnt really have any symptoms except for a red face. Anyway, I am 22 weeks pregnant and my girlfriend told me that I needed to let my OB know, as it can cause problems in pregnant women. Has any one had this experience, and if so, what should I expect. I have left a message with the dr., but outside advice is always good. Thanks a bunch ~A.~

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Q

Missed Miscarriage

Cleveland, OH

i was 14 wks preg and i just found out that i have a missed miscarriage. my dr wants me to wait through the weekend to see if my body will expell everything on it's own, otherwise i have to take the pills, or have a d&c. i'm so nervous and scared. can anyone share how you felt as you went through this?

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Q

Preeclampsia

San Francisco, CA

I posted last year about this and got great responses, but thought maybe there were some new moms out there with more info. I developed PE at around 33 wks. My son was born small but otherwise healthy and is now 19months and doing great. We are thinking about having another one and i am curious who out there has had PE in one pregnancy and maybe not in another one. What was different, did you take asprin, lovenex shots? I have read a lot of info on the preeclampsia foundation page but other than that there is not tons of reliable info out there. any stories you can share are helpful. honestly i am a little nervous about it and could use some support. thanks!

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Q

Preeclampsia Questions

Victoria, TX

Hi, my husband and I just found out that we are pregnant with our 3rd. We are very happy, but have some questions. We had trouble conceiving our 1st, it took us about 5 yrs to conceive and mantain the pregnancy. She was born without any major complications. Our 2nd was born 13 months later, but 2 months early(b/t 7 to 9 weeks early) She weighed only 2 pounds 12 ounces. I had to have her through an emergency C-section because of proteins in my urine and other symptoms. I had been admitted a week before delivery because I had a headache that would not go away. All in all, my kidneys were failing, I was so swollen, that I looked as if I had the limbs of an elephant. Nobody knows why my experiences between the 2 two pregnancies were so different. I did have the swelling and the slightly elevated bloodpressure with my 1st, but I was already at full term when that began. My doctors seem to think that it may have been because the pregnancies were so close together. Well it has been since February of 2007 since my last daughter was born, and I hope that there has been enough time for my body to have rested. My husband and I were just in the beginning talks of maybe having another one when low and behold, God beat us to the decisions...lol. I am overweight and was hoping to have shed some pounds before trying to get pregnant. I want to have a healthy pregnancy and am looking for ideas to make this one better. I had just started water aerobic class, but am not sure if it is ok to do. I am also not a very good eater...I don't like too many vegetables...I blame my mother...(I do eat lettuce, cucumber, & carrots, tomatoes and onions only cooked with the food.) But I do love fruit...all kinds. I am looking foward to your suggestions. Thanks in advance

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Q

Preeclampsia?

South Bend, IN

The last several days I have noticed swelling in my hands (I've had to take my rings off). All day today I have felt swollen all over, my eyes feel puffy and every thing. I some times feel like I can hardly catch my breath and the slightest movement causes my heartrate to accelerate. I am always tired. I took a 2 hour nap, got up and was ready to go to sleep again. I just took my blood pressure with my father's monitor and it came up as 140/76 with a pulse of 92 after I had been laying on my left side for almost 2 hours. I am 26 weeks pregnant. I read some preeclampsia articles and it really sounds like it. But I tend to over react about things and was wondering what you all thought I should do.

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Q

Pregnant with Rash on Abdomen

Pittsburgh, PA

Hi everyone. I was wondering if this happened to anyone else. I am about 16 1/2 weeks pregnant with my second baby. After a hot shower yesterday, the pregnant part of my stomach (from the bellybutton down) broke out in a rash. Actually, I hesitate to call it a rash because it is no more itchy than my stomach normally is. I did not apply any soaps or creams that I haven't been using all along. There are no raised bumps. The skin looks red and angry, almost like a sunburn or steam burn. However, my stomach has not been exposed to anything. I have stretch marks from my first pregnancy, but they were almost invisible until yesterday. This redness is making them look really prominent too. The "rash" does seem a little less red today. I have heard of PUPPS, but isn't that supposed to occur in only the first pregnancy during the last trimester? This condition doesn't seem to be giving me any pain or discomfort. I was just wondering if anyone has had this happen. Is this something I should bother my midwife with over the weekend? Or can it wait until Monday for me to call? Thank you for your help!

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Q

Progesterone Issues

Los Angeles, CA

I am a little over 9 weeks right now but had a m/c last year so my Dr. has been doing a lot of blood tests on me. At 7wks my progesterone levels were at a 17, at 8wks down to 14 so I was put on Prometrium. at 9wks levels were at 12. I am still in the normal range but at the lower end. I am wondering if anyone out there has had the same issues but was able to get the levels back up and carry until term with a healthy baby. thanks

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Q

Progesterone Levels

Philadelphia, PA

Does anyone know much about progesterone levels and their importance? Mine were 20 last week and now dropped to 11.1. My HcG levels are progressing normally. Has anyone had a drop like this and still went on to have a healthy pregnancy? In addition, what is a healthy progesterone level (i heard 10 and I also heard 15). I am only 5 wks and have first appt later this week.

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Q

Quad Screening Positive for down Syndrome

Dallas, TX

I was wondering if anyone that had an abnormal quad screening result could share their experience with me. I was told yesterday that I have a 1 in 34 chance of having a baby with down syndrome, which has thrown me into an emotional wreck since I'm under 30 and always heard it is very unlikely for anyone under 30. We will be meeting with a genetic counselor and having a 2nd level sonogram this coming Monday. I have mixed feelings on getting amnio because of the potential risks, but of course, I'd love to rule out a false positive if that's the case. I'd love to hear experiences that anyone else had with this... both good and bad. If anyone got amnio, what was the experience like & did you do it on the same day as your 2nd level sonogram? Thank you.

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Q

Recent Ultrasound Showed 2 Vessels in Umbilical Cord Instead of 3

Chicago, IL

I had my 20 week ultrasound this past week, and the technician found that there are 2 vessels in the umbilical cord instead of 3. Due to a reported elevated risk of Down Syndrome in my first trimester screening results (1:54), we had a CVS done at 11 weeks. Everything turned out to be perfectly normal on all chromosomes tested, so my doctor said we can rule out any chromosomal abnormalities. Also the baby's heart, kidneys, blood flow, and size all looked good on the ultrasound. The baby is currently in the 49% range for size. Apparently the 2 vs. 3 vessels was found as an isolated problem with no other issues. They told me I will just need to have a few extra scans to monitor her growth, but otherwise should be fine. I was wondering, does anyone else have any positive experience with this issue, and does anyone have any tips on how I can maximize the blood flow and nutrients to my little girl since she's disadvantaged with the 2 vessels? Any help is much appreciated!!

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Q

Seeking Advice Regarding Possible Downs and Amnio

San Francisco, CA

My DH and I had our Level 2 U/S today and the doctor found a soft marker for Down's. A CPC (a cyst on the baby's brain). This can be an indicator of Down's and more specifically Trisomy 18 or Edward's Syndrome. This was the only indicator or soft marker they found - all her other anatomy was normal and good. The nuchal translucency done earlier was normal too. The doctor suggested an amnio which I didn't want to consider before because we had a miscarriage last October early on (not amnio related). I didn't want to do anything to increase the odds of a miscarriage with our baby girl this time. I am SO confused. DH supports to have the amnio or not. We are scheduled for next Tuesday as of now and I have until then to decide. Trisomy 18 is very serious I read and baby's die early often. I don't want our Hannah Jane to suffer and I would feel sick if a miscarriage happened because of the amnio. I am 36 years old and based on the one soft marker the odds of her having Trisomy 18 is 1 in 109. Please, moms, if you have had any experiences with this, or know of someone or have had an amnio, please share your experience with me. I REALLY appreciate any advice, input, experiences. I'm praying in the meantime for little Hannah to be healthy and happy.

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Q

Seeking Information on How Long "Morning Sickness" Lasts

St. Louis, IL

I just finished my 13'th week and am officially out of my first trimester. However, I am still feeling nausea and dizziness. I was in the hospital last week b/c of dehydration and am much better now. I'm just not feeling good enough....Is there hope? Or, do women deal with this all the time and silently suffer? This is my second pregnancy my first was a miscariage and we were hoping to have 3 or 4 kids (God willing) I was just wondering if anyone can tell me when this will end or if it will end?

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Q

Upset with OBGYN Need Opinions

Cleveland, OH

HI! I am 28 wks pregnant and have been labeled with severe anemia. My blood count is 7 out of 12 and this has been expressed to me by my doctors that this is not good. After I delievered my first child (via c-section)my blood count was 6 out of 12 and they did an immediate blood transfusion (not because of blood loss but because of the anemia they said) Okay so here is my problem I do not feel my doctors are handling my situation appropiatley, I am sleeping 12 hour nights, napping when my son naps (2-3 hrs), my heart beats very fast, I am dizzy, my ears feel like they are popped all the time. My doctor knows all this, I actually fainted at my son's halloween party on Friday and was taken to the hospital, checked into the labor and delivery unit and never once saw a DR. I was hooked up to a heart monitor and so was the baby for about four hours and then the NURSE sent me home. I still feel exactly the same all the time and I have a two year to take of, my mom and my husband are helping as much as they can but they both work during the day. Ultimately I think I need a blood transfusion now so I can feel better and go into this delivery feeling confident about my health and they baby's. Should I get a second opinion from another OBGYN practice? I hope this wasnt confusing. Thanks

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Q

What Do You Know About Transverse Position Lying Babies?

Chicago, IL

I am 36 weeks along with my second boy. I just found out last week at my doctor appointment that my sweet little baby is lying transverse (head on the left and bottom/feet on my right side). Though it's not completely breech position, the doctor gave the option of an external cephalic version. Otherwise it is basically a sure thing to go with a c-section. I am open to that option if it is necessary. What I'm wondering is if anyone has ever had this done or knows of someone who has. Is it really painful? Was it worth it? Did it end up in a c-section anyway? What advice or suggestions can you give? I didn't have the smoothest delivery with my first one, so I'm not at all scared of the idea of a c-section this time around. I just want a healthy baby, that's all!

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