Has anyone else noticed they had terrible cramps at the beginning around 3-4 weeks but then it eased out around five weeks lol, now it feels like a pulling and tugging less menstrual like. I don’t know why I’m such a overthinker now I’m thinking is there something wrong now that i stopped cramping constantly I do not know why lol 😂 just wanna discuss this real quick

Im expecting twins and had my anatomy scan and they are "suspicious of cleft palate" in both the twins. I'm scared to death and hoping it's only a suspicion. They are repeating the scan next month and I really hope it's a false positive considering the scan wasn't clear. Does anybody have any experiences of misdiagnosis of clefts? BTW...from what I read online it's very difficult to spot a cleft palette only in an ultrasound.

got the gender today and i have no clue until my gender reveal. what do y’all think?

Finally shared my pregnancy publicly (20&3) and I kind of wish we had continued to keep it to ourselves and close family.

Also got to see him on the anatomy scan and I loved counting his little toes and fingers 🥹😭

Yesterday I had a significant bleed… so I had a US this morning. Found out I am 6weeks and they managed to get a heartbeat of 100bpm (which is good). But the sonographer and midwife said theres a large bleed so it could go either way. I was hopeless yesterday as I thought I had miscarried.. after today’s scan I have some hope back. But now I’m anxious and feel like I’m in limbo waiting for something bad to happen. I have another scan in 2weeks time to check on baby.

Anyone been through a similar experience?

Currently 37 weeks pregnant, due on 12/22. I live in CA. I had a full time job but got laid off in September. Went on unemployment and now trying to switch over to SDI. Does anyone know if the 4 weeks SDI prior to giving birth is only available to pregnancy complications? I’m having a pretty healthy pregnancy but already filed to switch from UI to SDI, I have a new OB now that I lost my insurance through work and a little paranoid she won’t clear me due to there being no pregnancy related complications. Anyone have insight?

We want to have a child in the next year or 2 but are so scared we can’t afford it. It’s breaking my heart.

My husband and I make 140k a year not including his bonuses that can range from $0-$45k. He has only been in this position for 4 months so we aren’t sure what the bonus will look like and are expecting $0. 24(F) and 25(M). He makes $85k and I make $55k. We bring home 8k a month after all deductions, if I was to add my health insurance for a family of 3 it’s $110 a month for blue cross blue shield PPO (one pro of being a teacher), so take home would be $7900. We just recently bought a house, and our Mortage is $2600 and utilities are around $300-450 a month ( we’ll go with $450 bc in the summer when we have to maintain the pool its always been on the high end.) So we’ll go with $3050 a month for Mortage and utilities. Besides that, our essential expenses are $400 car insurance and gas for me ( my fiance has a company car and they cover all car expenses including personal gas), $100 phone bills, $100 subscriptions. So with all necessities covered (besides food), we’re left with $4350 to spend a month. We currently spend around $2500 a month on food and other fun things ( we could def cut back tho), we pay an extra $500 to our principal a month, and put $1350 in a high yield savings.

Is $4350 left a month enough to have a child? We would likely be looking at 3 days a week daycare that would cost around $900 a month where we live, and his mom would watch the child the other 2 days.

We have $25k in a high yield savings account as of right now and will continue to contribute to it.

Please be honest if you think this is feasible for us or if we need to wait to either hopefully refinance or increase our income. I just feel like I have no idea what It truly costs to raise a child. In every other aspect, I feel we are ready to start trying when i turn 25, in about 9 months. What’d you all think?

I am currently four weeks and four days pregnant and am having really bad cramps generally right in the middle of my stomach below my belly button I've had a ongoing cramp all day like a dull pain but now that it's night time the cramps are so bad on n off I'm not bleeding at all I've seen that a lot of women have this kind of cramping I'm just freaking out because I'm 29 have had two pregnancies and two miscarriages and really want to be able to carry this sweet angel to full term.

I'm 18 weeks in my second pregnancy and been thinking I've been discreet about my bump but someone at the office today unexpectedly said congrats to me and I was so caught off guard and I said for what and they sheepishly smiled and said nvm.

Now I'm overthinking everything and spiraling about how everyone probably knows and how I'm not quite ready for that.

I was planning on revealing after the holidays so now I guess I'm feeling like I can no longer control the news and have anxiety over it. Any tips to help re center?

33 weeks and the skin on my upper belly burns! i googled it and it keeps talking about heart burn but it’s the actual skin! and it’s not like mid belly or lower is like under my boobs. i lotion and oil 2-3 times a day but it might be my biggest complaint thus far. very uncomfy😵‍💫

First of all sorry for the TMI, but I have started to go #2 1-2 times a day for a couple weeks now, so weird since I have not been regular this whole time… and now I’m just having such bad stomach cramps, feels like indigestion almost everyday before I go… anyone else had this happen to them? It’s so odd because I haven’t had any of these things pop up my entire pregnancy (usually just constipated) and now my stomach is just annoying the crap out of me lol.

Of course I can only speak on my own experience but I'm getting care from a team of midwives and they've been amazing about it. They've always been very helpful and caring from the start about my history. I'm 34 weeks today and one of my midwives told me that because I have a history of SA that I get first choice of midwife for my labour, even if they're not on call that day. They said that they're committed to having a safe and relaxing experience and they don't want me shutting down in the middle of labour. I'm so relieved, I've been worrying since the start of pregnancy about which midwife I would have in the room with me. When I had a pap smear at the start of pregnancy I was very relaxed and calm without anything in my mind but then after my body started to react and everything came back to the surface. Even if you've been "over it" for a long time, these things can resurface so definitely bring it up if you can.

I’m wondering if labour is faster for second/third time moms who previously delivered by C-section?

I understand that with subsequent vaginal deliveries, your body “understands” what to do, therefore resulting in a faster labour and overall birth.

Is this true for even those who did not birth vaginally?

I just got out of my 28 week appointment and the baby’s head is measuring at 16% (they want them at 20%). I was told it was very likely that it was a result of my umbilical cord being off center in my placenta providing less nutrients to the baby. We’re going to repeat growth scan in four weeks but she said it could mean delivering early to start supplementing.

I went in for my viability scan 5+6 and everything looked fine (GS + YS) were measuring right on track. They did find a 1cm SCH which explains some bleeding I had.

They also found 2 cysts (1 2.5cm CYST consistent with corpus Luteum and a 2cm cyst that looks like an endometrioma cyst). Now when my doctor called, she only mentioned the corpus cyst and not the other. I only saw it when I looked at the call notes. Googling makes it sound like it’s bad and can impact my pregnancy. Does anyone have any experience with this? I’m a FTM and I’ve never had signs of endometriosis before…

Can pregnancy cause this? Thanks in advance. I’m also 6+6 now

I just left my ultrasound at 36 weeks 5 days and babies stomach is measuring small in the 7th percentile. Everything else is measuring normal. I haven’t gained any weight in the last month or so and have only gained 10lbs since my pre baby weight. The doctor was very nonchalant about this but I feel worried and wondering if I should push for induction? I will go in weekly for ultrasounds but I’m worried that’s not enough if it’s a placenta issue. I know she’s measured small before they haven’t told me anything but every ultrasound I’ve gotten (about every 4 weeks I’m considered high risk due to asthma and previous cholestasis in pregnancy) they always ask “how big was your first child? Hmmm” even when my fundal height is measured they’ve asked this. I’m just worried this won’t be enough and something bad will happen. Any insight? 😣

TW- weight/body image

Third trimester today - 28 weeks. I’m struggling with my changing body and the weight gain. I know it’s normal but it’s been hard to adjust. I am short so any extra weight makes me feel like extra stocky and thick. I’ve never been overweight or seen the scale tip past a certain number. Just feeling huge and unattractive. I know it’s for a good purpose but it’s just all new territory for me. I try to feel pretty but most of the time just want to wear sweatpants.

Send me all your tips and tricks for overnight nausea!!

I wake up, have some eggs, go back to bed for 30 minutes and I’m golden from 7am till about 2pm.. then the nausea kicks and I’m miserable by 5pm… the nausea wakes me up multiple times during the night as well.

Giving B6 and unisom a whirl tonight, but tips on what to eat before bed to curb the nausea? I snack on crackers all night long and it still doesn’t seem to help.

I just needed somewhere to vent as I am a FTM and currently 35W+4. My baby moves so much and i’m in constant pain with all the swelling, soreness, and back cramps. On top of this stress however my drs office is a mess! I was diagnosed with mild pre-eclampsia maybe a month ago yet just the other week a nurse came in and told me i should look out for my blood pressure and headaches because there’s a chance I might have it. There’s such little communication between the Dr, the nurses, and the staff that my induction that was supposed to be getting scheduled at my last appointment was never called into the hospital I can understand that this could be because of the holidays and everyone hurrying to get home to their families, however when I went in today my dr said to schedule my induction “two weeks from now when I will be 37 weeks” except my 37 week date ISN’T two weeks from now, it’s 10 days away. And also they still haven’t contacted me about when it will be??? When I try to inquire more about it they literally cut me off or brush me off without actually answering my questions. Maybe i’m overreacting? I just want to know if anyone else has had issues with their doctor’s office or what you might do in my situation? I know that if I wasn’t being induced the baby would be coming whenever it came, but since I am having it scheduled it would be nice to have some consistency or atleast some information so that my husband could schedule the time off of work idk

Need advice! We got a 3 in 1 adjustable car seat (for infant-toddler), didn't know that car seat doesn't come off the base! Really was hoping for a modular system where we could use the car seat on the stroller. Got a separate stroller but I hate the color and it was used so I don't know what I should do.

Save up and splurge for a new car seat/stroller system, suck it up and use the car seat & stroller we have now, but maybe reupholster the whole stroller? It has a bassinet that turns so you can angle it down for a regular car seat. I don't like the color of the outside but don't know if it's possible to reupholster? I found a used maxi cosi stroller online for $50, not finding much on Facebook marketplace near me that's worth it. Just looking for opinions on what you would do. Tyia!

FTM, 14 weeks. Prior to finding out, my husband and I felt like we had absolutely no preference. And I very genuinely felt indifferent - a healthy baby was the priority. In fact if anything I'd always kinda hoped to have a boy 'first' for the older brother vibes. I never understood the concept of gender disappointment.

I have been so surprised with my emotions since finding out I'm having a boy and I'm really struggling to work through why. A few potential thoughts I've been balancing (at 2am, thanks pregnancy insomnia):

- As a woman myself, I feel a little more out of my depth with a boy and connecting with a boy. I guess I am worried I don't 'know' as much about connecting with boy kids, teenagers, into adults etc... the way I feel like perhaps I can draw on my own experiences as a woman more with little girls?

- I do have somewhat a pessimistic view of men. I have had some bad experiences with being objectified, a career rife with gender inequalities... I guess I do feel a little bit like my internal biases are coming into play. In one sense I acknowledge the male privilege he'll have and maybe with a girl I would've been worried about her experiencing parts of the world I have, but then in another I guess it's almost a concern that how do I raise a boy who treats all people (including women) with respect? Maybe it's the weight of the prospect I could bring a little person into the world who could do the harm I've experienced. Ridiculous I know, a girl could do that too.

- I lost both my mum and dad in the last 5 years and the pregnancy has stirred up a lot of grief. Mum in particular was only last year, and I think perhaps I did have a part of me inside longing to replicate that mum/daughter relationship that I've lost, and I loved my dad so dearly - I guess seeing that play out between my husband and a daughter as well is something I might have been longing for because of the familiarity.

Does anyone have any advice or insights to share? I am battling with so much guilt. I love this baby, I just never expected to feel so much towards the gender. It's caught me off guard and I don't know how to work through it, or if it will ease with time..

So I am in the market for a travel stroller that meets the following criteria:

Can fit in the overhead bins on airplanes

Flat recline, comfortable seat

Adjustable leg rest (mostly so I can put it flush with the seat and make a longer seat that is more like a bed)

Good size wheels with good suspension so they’re solid for travel on different terrains (mostly sidewalks, gravel)

Decent sunshade coverage for stroller naps

These are the strollers I’ve compared:

Ergobaby metro + deluxe

Bugaboo butterfly

Nuna trvl Uppababy minu v3 (coming in may 2025)

Stokke yoyo3

Silvercross jet 5

Joolz aer+

I’ve wanted to love any other stroller more than the metro+ deluxe, just because I like the look it the least. But it just meets all of my criteria, whereas none of the others do. It’s also the cheapest on that list. Only disadvantages I can see are: 1) fold is not as easy 2) heavier than the rest and 3) low capacity storage basket (10lb max).

What travel strollers do you have and why do you love them? Anyone else with the metro+ deluxe (or just the +)? How are they holding up?

Has anyone had a mammogram during pregnancy without any issues to the baby? I am in my second trimester and have been in a high risk breast monitoring program due to density and family history (non genetic) for several years. At my last routine screening, a questionable spot popped up on a pre-pregnancy mammogram. An ultrasound was ordered and the spot was not visible on the ultrasound. I am due for my annual MRI but breast doctor is telling me to cancel it and substitute with a mammogram to check the spot. She said mammogram is now considered safe during pregnancy, whereas it wasn't recommended when I was pregnant with my first back in 2021. My maternal fetal medicine doc questioned if the benefits to a mammogram outweigh the risks seeing how spot was not identified on ultrasound and being in second trimester, my breast tissue is likely changing. He started his department generally recommends avoiding until postpartum if possible. I'm sending a message to breast doc but curious if anyone else has had mammograms during pregnancy and what your experience was.

Hello so my question is that I paid $1500 towards my delivery while I was pregnant. I recently got my claims for my delivery and I don’t owe anything. Will I be getting that $1500 back? How long does it usually take? I plan on calling my Ob office in the morning and asking about it but I was just wondering everyone else’s experiences

TW- SA Hi. I am a first time mom who is due in Feb 2025. I am beyond excited for my baby girl to get here and have really enjoyed all the pregnancy things. As I entered my third trimester, I have really started to get ready for baby girls arrival. My mind has been flooded with so many questions regarding baby stuff and what type of mother I want to be. Unfortunately, the one thing that has made me so terrified and not want her to come out is other people and their curious hands.

I have been a victim of SA for a few years when I was the ages 4-6 by a family member and once more last year while I was sleeping at a friends house. I have talked and read about so many stories from woman and even men about their experiences with this. And it really sounds like almost every person that I have talked to has experienced this. It’s shamefully sad that this is such a common thing and now that I am 10 weeks away from being a mother, I cannot help to be just utterly terrified for my baby.

I want her innocence to be there for as long as possible and just enjoy being a little kid, something that I didn’t get to have because of someone’s selfish acts. However, I feel like even having the conversation when she is old enough makes me feel like I am taking that innocence away from her. I hate that I even have to talk to her about it when she’s older but I know it’s something necessary. I know that I cannot watch her 24/7 because she will grow up and will want to go outside and play with friends or to their houses.

So, moms or any one else that has had this worry and had the talk with their kids, what did you do and say? I appreciate any help or comments and thank you so much for reading this.

I’m planning to have a baby shower in about 2 months, and I included a gift registry link in the invitation. Someone purchased a gift from the registry and had it sent to my house - I wasn’t sure what the proper etiquette is for opening gifts!

Should I open the gift now? And acknowledge and thank the person who gifted it now?

Should I wrap and wait to open it during my baby shower while that person is there? (Assuming I open gifts during the shower, which is still tbd)

Thank you! 😊

Hi I am a first time mom I did get pregnant two years ago found out at 5 weeks and had a miscarriage unfortunately but now I'm pregnant again I have made my appointment with my ob once I found out I was pregnant & I was smoking weed and drinking before I even knew I was pregnant and stopped , my only thing is that my blood pressure is higher now that I stopped smoking weed I took a hit today and it helped my blood pressure go down I'm just worried what could happen I feel so guilty but i don't like having highblood pressure when pregnant went to my local ER and told me there is nothing they could really do to wait for my ob appointment I am 4 weeks and 6 days any advice is appreciated

Hi All

Throw away account.

I am 21 weeks pregnant with my first child and feeling very down about the changes to my body.

I keep seeing photos on here or elsewhere of pregnant woman with totally normal bodies and just a baby bump. These woman seem to have the same thin legs/arms/butt etc that they always had and have only gained a belly which is obviouly inevitable.

This has not been the case for me and i'm really embarrased about it. My stomach is barley noticable at the moment however I have gained a huge amount of weight in my thighs, hips and butt. I have saddle bags and cankles now that I never had before. I am extremelly embarrased about it and can only wear long dresses to try and hide the weight gain in this area. There is no chance I can fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans but this is not because of my stomach, its due to my legs/hips etc,

Prior to pregnancy I worked out 6-7 times a week and ate a low calorie diet. I didn't realise or even apprecaite it back then but I was in good shape. I have kept it up the best I can, currently working out 5x a week, sometimes twice a day. My nutrition however hasn't been as good as before as I find myself really hungry so maybe this is the cause?

Has anyone experienced anything similar? Or can anyone who is done with the process comment if your legs go back to some sort of normality afterwards? And to those woman who only got stomachs ... do you have any tips for me??

I am 5 weeks pregnant with my rainbow baby. I had a MMC in June. I work as a service/repair tech that repairs medical devices. I used to solder but not anymore. What I’m worried about is lead solder fumes that I may be exposed to and inhaling which could be harmful for the baby. At my workplace we have rows of desk and at each desks have lead solder and fume extractor that is used to solder the medical device boards. Because I’m pregnant I don’t solder anymore but I’m surrounded by people who do. I had a MMC in the past so I’m very paranoid and anxious, is being around solder and the solder air (I guess, idk what to call it) is it harmful and will it cause birth defect or miscarriage? My workplace is big but I don’t know if it’s well ventilated enough. HELP A GIRL OUT, thank you!

I’m 29 and feel no where ready to have a baby. Honestly I’m still on the fence but don’t want to rule it out completely. I’m going to be 30 in august and just feel like I’m too old or my clock is ticking. If I have one I def want two. I googled pregnancy in your 30s can increase chances of issues so I’m just nervous and now feel rushed.