STRETCH MARKS!?!?!

Jamie Lee - posted on 07/12/2009

I faithfully used three different kind things several times eachday from the day i found out I was pregnant... one from motherhood maternity that was "guarenteed" to work. sticks of cocoa butter, and MaryKay cream that is used in there satin hand collection the thick stuff.... not sure the name. I still got stretch marks. And I only gained 4lbs. I lost weight during my pregnancy due to hypermesis gravidarium. Still my stomch looks like it was attacked by a cat. Its in the genes... it your mother had them... most likely you will too....

Natalie - posted on 07/10/2009

Quoting Bethany:

I just read all the discussions, and have some more thoughts.

First, I think it's wonderful that you want to give your child breastmilk! I've found that just nursing is much easier than pumping, but either way your baby will be getting the nourishment specifically created for him (or her!)

Second, I have a very low pain tolerance and will cry if I stub my toe, but labor was a different kind of pain, and I handled it very well because I was trained well and knew what to expect. I did mine all natural, no drugs at all.

If you get induced, contractions will be MUCH more painful than natural ones. The reason is that natural contractions start at a low level, and slowly build to the peak before subsiding. Induced contractions jump immediately to that high point and stay there, which doesn't give you time to adjust.

Getting an epidural will put you on your back, which is the WORST position to give birth in. It closes the pelvic opening and makes it harder for the baby's head to get out. Because of this it frequently leads to c-section because the baby is stuck. Plus, all the drugs pumped in your body can mess with the baby's heart rate and lead to an emergency c-section.

Not that there aren't times for those types of interventions, but I just want you to be aware because many women aren't.

Finally, please do NOT let anyone give you Cytotec (also called Misoprostol). It is commonly used to induce labor or to contract the uterus back down after giving birth because it is cheaper than Pitocin. This drug is NOT FDA APPROVED FOR CHILDBIRTH! It is a drug for stomach ulcers, and has led to severe health problems and death in mothers and babies. It is a little pill they will either have you take orally or stick it up the vagina. Please do not take it. Look it up, you can find the manufacturer warning against using it on anything other than stomach ulcers. It is also sold on the black market as a cheap way to have an abortion because of how it causes babies to die and your body to get rid of it. Even my midwife tried to give it to me.

Don't want to freak you out, but the more you know the better, IMO.

I wish you the best!

I so agree with you, i have a low pain threshold too and am very squimish, but i gave birth with just gas and air and a tens machine, was on my feet for nearly all my labour and then only got on my knees during last ten mins of pushing, if you give your body a chance you will be amazed at what it can do !!! read up on the stages of childbirth, and always bear in mind that  the worse the pain gets, the nearer the end you are, and that this is good healthy pain ! (were not used to associating good and healthy with the feeling of pain, but try) give yourself a chance 

also I read further up someone saying about not producing enough milk, a lot of women do not have enough access to good breast feeding support and its a shame, breastfeeding is what women did all the time before formula was even invented in the 50's, !! it's funny how we think that  if a women just didn't produce enough then their babies starved ? no! .... basically let your baby suckle even if you have nothing, your body will catch up very quickly, it's like the suckling puts an order in and says "more milk please" also you can get breastfeeding teas whih are really good, but they hav fennel in amongst other things and i have known some women to just drink fennel tea. 

good luck x

Natalie - posted on 07/10/2009

i read thats it's all down to genes, and although you can help by using creams etc they will either happen or not regardless, i moisturised constantly and low and behold i still got stretch marks, their not awful and they are fading a bit !

Amber - posted on 07/10/2009

good luck i used everything out there from oils and lotions to vitimins and i thought i was doing great....i was about 34 maybe 35 weeks when i saw it that gross long big mark that was not there the day before! it was horrible! and now i have them everywhere! :(

Samantha - posted on 07/03/2009

ok so i got pregnant when i was 16 and i got TERRIBLE strechmarks snd i mean is RLLY sucks but I have a friend that got them bad just like i did and she used this celtrexa stuff and you cant even tell she had them The down side is that it costs like $140 but i plan on having another baby some day so im not really up to wasting money if im just gonna get em again just dont beat your self up about it and watch your weight TRUST ME watch your weight i didnt and it was the biggest mistake I weighed130 pre baby 205 @ 9mons and now like 160 4mons later

Katie - posted on 07/03/2009

I got stretch marks from my first pregnancy, the creams didn't help :( . But I also am a very small girl and gained about 40 pounds with both of my boys!! But on the positive side they arn't to bad and they have already faded alot and its only been 8 months since my last son. And atleast I didn't get any new ones from my second pregnancy!!

Bethany - posted on 07/02/2009

I just read all the discussions, and have some more thoughts.

First, I think it's wonderful that you want to give your child breastmilk! I've found that just nursing is much easier than pumping, but either way your baby will be getting the nourishment specifically created for him (or her!)

Second, I have a very low pain tolerance and will cry if I stub my toe, but labor was a different kind of pain, and I handled it very well because I was trained well and knew what to expect. I did mine all natural, no drugs at all.

If you get induced, contractions will be MUCH more painful than natural ones. The reason is that natural contractions start at a low level, and slowly build to the peak before subsiding. Induced contractions jump immediately to that high point and stay there, which doesn't give you time to adjust.

Getting an epidural will put you on your back, which is the WORST position to give birth in. It closes the pelvic opening and makes it harder for the baby's head to get out. Because of this it frequently leads to c-section because the baby is stuck. Plus, all the drugs pumped in your body can mess with the baby's heart rate and lead to an emergency c-section.

Not that there aren't times for those types of interventions, but I just want you to be aware because many women aren't.

Finally, please do NOT let anyone give you Cytotec (also called Misoprostol). It is commonly used to induce labor or to contract the uterus back down after giving birth because it is cheaper than Pitocin. This drug is NOT FDA APPROVED FOR CHILDBIRTH! It is a drug for stomach ulcers, and has led to severe health problems and death in mothers and babies. It is a little pill they will either have you take orally or stick it up the vagina. Please do not take it. Look it up, you can find the manufacturer warning against using it on anything other than stomach ulcers. It is also sold on the black market as a cheap way to have an abortion because of how it causes babies to die and your body to get rid of it. Even my midwife tried to give it to me.

Don't want to freak you out, but the more you know the better, IMO.

I wish you the best!

Bethany - posted on 07/02/2009

With my first I used plain Vitamin E oil every night for the entire pregnancy. And I never got any stretch marks. I think with this pregnancy I'll use Coconut oil instead.

Also, as a side note, I've heard some women say they didn't get any stretch marks on their bellies, but they got some on the outside of their breasts that stretched to their back. I didn't have that problem, but right after giving birth breasts get so big! Whether you breastfeed or not. Just a thought. You could lube up that area too, just in case. :)

Lynlee - posted on 07/02/2009

I got stretchmarks when I hit 36 weeks pregnant - they were on the underside of my belly so I couldnt see them. I used moisturiser on and off. I don't like using Bio-oil as it is a petroleum product but you can get natural products from a health shop - i think rosemary essential oil is supposed to be good for preventing stretchmarks. I would suggest you don't decide to have an epidural until you are in labour and see how you handle it. One feature common with epidural is that because you can't feel anything, you can't push effectively. And if you can't push properly you are more likely to need a c-section, forceps, ventouse etc. With the breastfeeding thing, I am unsure why you would rather pump than breastfeed. I guess you may be feeling self-conscious so would rather feed in public with a bottle than expose a breast? When I started breastfeeding, I felt the same way but then I asked myself, am I really going to frightened of going out in public and feeding my baby for the next two years of my life? So I decided just to bear all and do it and I never saw a single person ogling me or giving me dirty looks. The more people breastfeed out in public, the more accepted it wil become. The thing with pumping too, is that it doesnt suck out as much milk and you are more likely to have a low supply or suffer from mastitis which is really painful.

Sabrina - posted on 07/02/2009

Quoting Taylor

 

I actually handle pain fairly well, but im deff getting an epi just because everybody says that it is wonderful after you get it compared to before.

 

 

I do want to pump, not breastfeed...its best for the baby to have breastmilk, but some people arent able to produce enough milk and what not, so i wont know really what ill do untill she gets here.

 

There are a lot of down sides to the Epi both for you and the baby.I was terrified of having one because I was so nervous about having a needle stuck in my back, lucky me my labour went so fast I didn't have time to have one even if I had've decided I wanted it. Have you talked to your doctor about alternatives to the Epi? I had a bit of Nubain (a mild sedative) because I had a panic attack but that was all. With an Epi your baby will be very dopey, likely have a hard time feeding and often times there breathing is affected I've also heard they suffer from withdrawl symptomes and your second night can be tough to start. Plus you could suffer from the "Epi Headache" everytime you move your head it throbs like it's going to pop right off your shoulders, my sister in laws lasted for a week and one of my close friends was so sick she couldn't even take care of her baby for the first 3 days. Don't completely abandon the idea but if you can handle labour with out it it is SO worth it. I actually walked from my labour/delivery room to my recovery room. And felt great the next day (and I even had a tear).

I also recommend giving breast feeding a try, it's not always easy to get going but it's so good for both of you. And there's nothing like knowing you are what makes you baby so healthy and happy! If you run into any problems see a Lactation consultant right away, they are great help and totally worth it.

Best of Luck!!

Sarah - posted on 07/02/2009

i was lucky and never suffered from any. but nearer to the end of my pregnancy i started smothering on regular body lotion after a bath ...

Dawn - posted on 06/02/2009

lucky you .. i've had stretch marks since 25 weeks! now they cover my entire stomach! =( i've been using coco butter (and i still use it, hoping that it will stop them from coming) but obviously it doesn't work. but like Lara S. said, it could just be genetics cause my mom got stretch marks with me. no one really knows for sure. just use every lotion you get your hands on and pray! lol good luck.

Jackie - posted on 06/01/2009

I didnt get stretch marks until 39 weeks....I made it so far and then bam there they were.....grrrrr....I am now using bio oil and I cannot believe how much its helping, so I would highly recommend using that and I would say you are likely to not to get any! Just wish I knew about this sooner!

Kala - posted on 06/01/2009

With your blood pressure being so high...look into the possibility of having a c-section. I wanted a natural birth so badly I didn't even think about the possibility of a c-section. But my blood pressure went so high I had to have an emergency c-section. I'm not saying it's gonna happen but be prepared if it does have to happen. Do your research on c-sections just in case.

Marie - posted on 06/01/2009

Quoting Taylor:

Quoting Marie:

So Taylor - here's some info for you: 1) don't sleep on your back. 2) Eat a handful of something sugary (I personally recommend Nerds Candy) - it causes your blood sugar to spike. You can then eat a normal meal about 10 minutes after you eat the nerds.

I gained 22lbs, baby was 6 lbs 1 oz. No stretch marks. I had what my midwife and doc called a "boring" pregnancy. In fact I didn't start looking preggo until 32 weeks or so when baby dropped into my pelvic area. I ate poutine (fries with cheese and gravy) at least 3 times a week.

When you get to 34 weeks start spending about 15 to 20 minutes a day on your hands and knees. It helps your belly to drop away from your spine so baby can turn around and get it's head facing in the correct direction - (baby's nose pointing at your tail bone).

If you know how you handle pain, walk through as much of your labor as you can - by the time you can't speak through your contractions you probably will want to sit or squat - don't be afraid of non-traditional positions - unless/until you get an epidural when you're stuck on your back for most of labor or on your side with help. I hope you have an awesome birth coach.

If you're planning on breastfeeding, get a nursing pillow, lanolin cream, medela nipple shields, and a nursing stool (it's only 6" high and lifts one leg off the floor to help support baby on the side you're nursing on).

Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family, plan to be really really hungry all the time (you don't really eat for two until you're nursing), and plan to veg out and sleep at the same time baby sleeps. Baby will be up every one to two hours for feedings for the first few weeks.

Good luck with everything!! :)

I seriously didnt know half that stuff, so thankyou very much!

I have to keep suckers with me at all time, and usually eat one every 30min to an hour, just so my blood sugar wont drop because im very bad with passing out, thanks to my moms genes lol..

 

Keep your blood sugar up by eating healthy foods - granola bars, lots of protein.  Protein is best with a small amount of carbs in order to keep your blood sugar stable.  I am hypoglycemic - my sugar gets low and I get bitchy and de-energized.

iv'e Never heard of the kneee and hands thing, but hey..anything that will help with a smooth labor and dilivery haha..Iv got about 4 weeks left till ill be at that point, right now i do nightly stretches and this little exercise using a chair.

It's based on what's considered a "myth" that washing the floor will bring on labour - that comes from the on-all-fours position helping the baby turn to the right direction.

I actually handle pain fairly well, but im deff getting an epi just because everybody says that it is wonderful after you get it compared to before.

Bah - if you can manage pain fairly well, you might not handle the contractions well - it's a whole different level of pain.  On the other hand, having baby naturally can actually mean LESS issues after - your milk supply will function properly, your body heals really well etc.

I do want to pump, not breastfeed...its best for the baby to have breastmilk, but some people arent able to produce enough milk and what not, so i wont know really what ill do untill she gets here.

Why wouldn't you breastfeed? Why pump instead? Nursing on the breast is way easier because you don't have to worry about carrying bottles with you, warming the milk to the right temperature (and note that you NEVER microwave breastmilk ever).  I understand that some mothers can't produce enough milk - however there are options to bring the milk supply up if it is low.  Here's a test for you: pinch your nipple with finger and thumb about 1/2 an inch either side of your nipple and squeeze inward. If your nipple withdraws and goes flat, you will need to look at options to draw it out so baby can get a good latch. If it comes out when you pinch then you should be okay to nurse normally. It takes practice. After 6 weeks our baby was nursing fantastic and down to about every 3 hours where it's stayed since.

Im actually used to getting up at night, my borther has a month old baby boy who i get up with when he stays with us, so im getting some practice in..whats weird is before i got pregnant i could sleep untill 12 in the afternoon, now..im lucky to even sleep till 10, my body is just ready for me to get up and then i also wake up at like 5 because im so hungry haha..its odd. Iv'e gained about 10 pounds so far, so hopefully i wont gain but about 10 more.

Good for you! Glad you're getting the practice. Please try nursing on breast before you revert to bottles. It's a whole other issue breastfeeding versus bottles versus formula. Get on the breastfeeding community on here.

thank you so much for all the advice!

You're very welcome! :)  I'm always happy to help. I will be, in fact, signing up for our city's breastfeeding advocacy program in the near future.

 

HUGS and best wishes! 

 

Marie - posted on 06/01/2009

Quoting Taylor:

Quoting Marie:

So Taylor - here's some info for you: 1) don't sleep on your back. 2) Eat a handful of something sugary (I personally recommend Nerds Candy) - it causes your blood sugar to spike. You can then eat a normal meal about 10 minutes after you eat the nerds.

I gained 22lbs, baby was 6 lbs 1 oz. No stretch marks. I had what my midwife and doc called a "boring" pregnancy. In fact I didn't start looking preggo until 32 weeks or so when baby dropped into my pelvic area. I ate poutine (fries with cheese and gravy) at least 3 times a week.

When you get to 34 weeks start spending about 15 to 20 minutes a day on your hands and knees. It helps your belly to drop away from your spine so baby can turn around and get it's head facing in the correct direction - (baby's nose pointing at your tail bone).

If you know how you handle pain, walk through as much of your labor as you can - by the time you can't speak through your contractions you probably will want to sit or squat - don't be afraid of non-traditional positions - unless/until you get an epidural when you're stuck on your back for most of labor or on your side with help. I hope you have an awesome birth coach.

If you're planning on breastfeeding, get a nursing pillow, lanolin cream, medela nipple shields, and a nursing stool (it's only 6" high and lifts one leg off the floor to help support baby on the side you're nursing on).

Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family, plan to be really really hungry all the time (you don't really eat for two until you're nursing), and plan to veg out and sleep at the same time baby sleeps. Baby will be up every one to two hours for feedings for the first few weeks.

Good luck with everything!! :)

I seriously didnt know half that stuff, so thankyou very much!

I have to keep suckers with me at all time, and usually eat one every 30min to an hour, just so my blood sugar wont drop because im very bad with passing out, thanks to my moms genes lol..

 

Keep your blood sugar up by eating healthy foods - granola bars, lots of protein.  Protein is best with a small amount of carbs in order to keep your blood sugar stable.  I am hypoglycemic - my sugar gets low and I get bitchy and de-energized.

iv'e Never heard of the kneee and hands thing, but hey..anything that will help with a smooth labor and dilivery haha..Iv got about 4 weeks left till ill be at that point, right now i do nightly stretches and this little exercise using a chair.

It's based on what's considered a "myth" that washing the floor will bring on labour - that comes from the on-all-fours position helping the baby turn to the right direction.

I actually handle pain fairly well, but im deff getting an epi just because everybody says that it is wonderful after you get it compared to before.

Bah - if you can manage pain fairly well, you might not handle the contractions well - it's a whole different level of pain.  On the other hand, having baby naturally can actually mean LESS issues after - your milk supply will function properly, your body heals really well etc.

I do want to pump, not breastfeed...its best for the baby to have breastmilk, but some people arent able to produce enough milk and what not, so i wont know really what ill do untill she gets here.

Why wouldn't you breastfeed? Why pump instead? Nursing on the breast is way easier because you don't have to worry about carrying bottles with you, warming the milk to the right temperature (and note that you NEVER microwave breastmilk ever).  I understand that some mothers can't produce enough milk - however there are options to bring the milk supply up if it is low.  Here's a test for you: pinch your nipple with finger and thumb about 1/2 an inch either side of your nipple and squeeze inward. If your nipple withdraws and goes flat, you will need to look at options to draw it out so baby can get a good latch. If it comes out when you pinch then you should be okay to nurse normally. It takes practice. After 6 weeks our baby was nursing fantastic and down to about every 3 hours where it's stayed since.

Im actually used to getting up at night, my borther has a month old baby boy who i get up with when he stays with us, so im getting some practice in..whats weird is before i got pregnant i could sleep untill 12 in the afternoon, now..im lucky to even sleep till 10, my body is just ready for me to get up and then i also wake up at like 5 because im so hungry haha..its odd. Iv'e gained about 10 pounds so far, so hopefully i wont gain but about 10 more.

Good for you! Glad you're getting the practice. Please try nursing on breast before you revert to bottles. It's a whole other issue breastfeeding versus bottles versus formula. Get on the breastfeeding community on here.

thank you so much for all the advice!

You're very welcome! :)  I'm always happy to help. I will be, in fact, signing up for our city's breastfeeding advocacy program in the near future.

 

HUGS and best wishes! 

 

Marie - posted on 06/01/2009

Quoting Taylor:

Quoting Marie:

So Taylor - here's some info for you: 1) don't sleep on your back. 2) Eat a handful of something sugary (I personally recommend Nerds Candy) - it causes your blood sugar to spike. You can then eat a normal meal about 10 minutes after you eat the nerds.

I gained 22lbs, baby was 6 lbs 1 oz. No stretch marks. I had what my midwife and doc called a "boring" pregnancy. In fact I didn't start looking preggo until 32 weeks or so when baby dropped into my pelvic area. I ate poutine (fries with cheese and gravy) at least 3 times a week.

When you get to 34 weeks start spending about 15 to 20 minutes a day on your hands and knees. It helps your belly to drop away from your spine so baby can turn around and get it's head facing in the correct direction - (baby's nose pointing at your tail bone).

If you know how you handle pain, walk through as much of your labor as you can - by the time you can't speak through your contractions you probably will want to sit or squat - don't be afraid of non-traditional positions - unless/until you get an epidural when you're stuck on your back for most of labor or on your side with help. I hope you have an awesome birth coach.

If you're planning on breastfeeding, get a nursing pillow, lanolin cream, medela nipple shields, and a nursing stool (it's only 6" high and lifts one leg off the floor to help support baby on the side you're nursing on).

Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family, plan to be really really hungry all the time (you don't really eat for two until you're nursing), and plan to veg out and sleep at the same time baby sleeps. Baby will be up every one to two hours for feedings for the first few weeks.

Good luck with everything!! :)

I seriously didnt know half that stuff, so thankyou very much!

I have to keep suckers with me at all time, and usually eat one every 30min to an hour, just so my blood sugar wont drop because im very bad with passing out, thanks to my moms genes lol..

 

Keep your blood sugar up by eating healthy foods - granola bars, lots of protein.  Protein is best with a small amount of carbs in order to keep your blood sugar stable.  I am hypoglycemic - my sugar gets low and I get bitchy and de-energized.

iv'e Never heard of the kneee and hands thing, but hey..anything that will help with a smooth labor and dilivery haha..Iv got about 4 weeks left till ill be at that point, right now i do nightly stretches and this little exercise using a chair.

It's based on what's considered a "myth" that washing the floor will bring on labour - that comes from the on-all-fours position helping the baby turn to the right direction.

I actually handle pain fairly well, but im deff getting an epi just because everybody says that it is wonderful after you get it compared to before.

Bah - if you can manage pain fairly well, you might not handle the contractions well - it's a whole different level of pain.  On the other hand, having baby naturally can actually mean LESS issues after - your milk supply will function properly, your body heals really well etc.

I do want to pump, not breastfeed...its best for the baby to have breastmilk, but some people arent able to produce enough milk and what not, so i wont know really what ill do untill she gets here.

Why wouldn't you breastfeed? Why pump instead? Nursing on the breast is way easier because you don't have to worry about carrying bottles with you, warming the milk to the right temperature (and note that you NEVER microwave breastmilk ever).  I understand that some mothers can't produce enough milk - however there are options to bring the milk supply up if it is low.  Here's a test for you: pinch your nipple with finger and thumb about 1/2 an inch either side of your nipple and squeeze inward. If your nipple withdraws and goes flat, you will need to look at options to draw it out so baby can get a good latch. If it comes out when you pinch then you should be okay to nurse normally. It takes practice. After 6 weeks our baby was nursing fantastic and down to about every 3 hours where it's stayed since.

Im actually used to getting up at night, my borther has a month old baby boy who i get up with when he stays with us, so im getting some practice in..whats weird is before i got pregnant i could sleep untill 12 in the afternoon, now..im lucky to even sleep till 10, my body is just ready for me to get up and then i also wake up at like 5 because im so hungry haha..its odd. Iv'e gained about 10 pounds so far, so hopefully i wont gain but about 10 more.

Good for you! Glad you're getting the practice. Please try nursing on breast before you revert to bottles. It's a whole other issue breastfeeding versus bottles versus formula. Get on the breastfeeding community on here.

thank you so much for all the advice!

You're very welcome! :)  I'm always happy to help. I will be, in fact, signing up for our city's breastfeeding advocacy program in the near future.

 

HUGS and best wishes! 

 

Tabatha - posted on 06/01/2009

i only gained 20lbs and i got streach marks! i try oils and creams, but i still got them! i wouldnt worry about them because the sun will take care of them for you ;) (just found that out!!) ostrich oil worked some what on me but still got them. i think it has more to do with genetics :D



with the eppy yes its nice but i would suggest to wait as long as you can...... cause once you get it theres no getting out of bed! with my next iam going to hold off longer it sucked being in bed on my bad for 40hrs!!



walksing helps with moving labour on, a yoga ball is awsome as well. with the ball u just sit on it and move ur hips in a cyrcle!



the tighting of ur abbs is call braxtin hicks contractions its ur body getting ready for whats going to happen. i had them for the last 4 to 6 weeks befor i gave birth to my son!

just relax and enjoy this time!



oh ya i was sick my whole friggin pregnancy and i found almonds made me feel so much better. and also this is going to sound weird but it works take a chunck of ginger root and when u strat to feel sick just smell it!! give it a try worked for me ;)

Emily - posted on 06/01/2009

Really, there's nothing you can do to prevent them. Even if you slather on lotion every hour. Stretch marks are mostly genetic. So you should ask your mom if she got them during pregnancy. And if you do get marks, dont worry about it. They will fade away over a few months. and you're going to be a mother- you'll have more things to worry about rather than vanity.

Sarah - posted on 06/01/2009

my belly was perfect and beautiful up until two days before I delivered. My little girl's bottom was to the right of my belly button and that spot always stuck out a little farther, that is the only place I have them. I used all of the special creams and oils. It is mostly linked to genetics. Good luck :)

Danielle - posted on 05/31/2009

your stomach tightening and relaxing is something called braxton hicks, they are like practice contractions that get your body ready for labour, they are normal

Rachael - posted on 05/31/2009

I fit compression stockings to pregnant ladies all the time, make sure you use full length like a regular panty hose with a closed toe. A lot of ladies have tried to get away with knee highs with open toes but you can cause blood clots and your toes will swell up like sausages. I wore them myself when I was pregnant and it was a struggle to get them on somedays but well worth it. You may not be able to find them at Wal-mart but you should be able to get them at a prosthetic/orthotic shop. It is also really recommended that you see a physician to find out the appropriate compression. They can help prevent varicose veins as well.

Taylor - posted on 05/31/2009

what are the compression stockings? like socks? walmart is a lifesaver..They seriously have everything..I'll also check out that jolly jumper..okay question...the last couple of days iv been getting this weird feeling..Like every so often my stomach will get kinda tight and then just all of a sudden loosen up, but it doesnt hurt or anything, it's just strange..Did you experience that?

Katarina - posted on 05/31/2009

It's important for proper blood flow to your baby. Also there's a pregnancy pillow by Jolly Jumper to keep you on your left side. I've recommended it to all my girlfriends and we all swear by it. It's about $20 and you can also use it after for nursing. I bought mine at Walmart. For passing out try compression stockings. You can buy tose at walmart as well. They'll hepl to keep blood from pooling.

Taylor - posted on 05/31/2009

Quoting Marie:

So Taylor - here's some info for you: 1) don't sleep on your back. 2) Eat a handful of something sugary (I personally recommend Nerds Candy) - it causes your blood sugar to spike. You can then eat a normal meal about 10 minutes after you eat the nerds.

I gained 22lbs, baby was 6 lbs 1 oz. No stretch marks. I had what my midwife and doc called a "boring" pregnancy. In fact I didn't start looking preggo until 32 weeks or so when baby dropped into my pelvic area. I ate poutine (fries with cheese and gravy) at least 3 times a week.

When you get to 34 weeks start spending about 15 to 20 minutes a day on your hands and knees. It helps your belly to drop away from your spine so baby can turn around and get it's head facing in the correct direction - (baby's nose pointing at your tail bone).

If you know how you handle pain, walk through as much of your labor as you can - by the time you can't speak through your contractions you probably will want to sit or squat - don't be afraid of non-traditional positions - unless/until you get an epidural when you're stuck on your back for most of labor or on your side with help. I hope you have an awesome birth coach.

If you're planning on breastfeeding, get a nursing pillow, lanolin cream, medela nipple shields, and a nursing stool (it's only 6" high and lifts one leg off the floor to help support baby on the side you're nursing on).

Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family, plan to be really really hungry all the time (you don't really eat for two until you're nursing), and plan to veg out and sleep at the same time baby sleeps. Baby will be up every one to two hours for feedings for the first few weeks.

Good luck with everything!! :)

I seriously didnt know half that stuff, so thankyou very much!

I have to keep suckers with me at all time, and usually eat one every 30min to an hour, just so my blood sugar wont drop because im very bad with passing out, thanks to my moms genes lol..

iv'e Never heard of the kneee and hands thing, but hey..anything that will help with a smooth labor and dilivery haha..Iv got about 4 weeks left till ill be at that point, right now i do nightly stretches and this little exercise using a chair.

I actually handle pain fairly well, but im deff getting an epi just because everybody says that it is wonderful after you get it compared to before.

I do want to pump, not breastfeed...its best for the baby to have breastmilk, but some people arent able to produce enough milk and what not, so i wont know really what ill do untill she gets here.

Im actually used to getting up at night, my borther has a month old baby boy who i get up with when he stays with us, so im getting some practice in..whats weird is before i got pregnant i could sleep untill 12 in the afternoon, now..im lucky to even sleep till 10, my body is just ready for me to get up and then i also wake up at like 5 because im so hungry haha..its odd. Iv'e gained about 10 pounds so far, so hopefully i wont gain but about 10 more.

thank you so much for all the advice!

Taylor - posted on 05/31/2009

Quoting Katarina:

They're pelvic floor exercises. they're the same muscles you use when you stop yourself from peeing. The best way to find them is to stop a urine flow midstream and hold it. NOT to long tho. maximum 3 seconds. Then once you've found them you can practice anywhere and no one will know. they'll save you from tearing and you'll heal faster and afterwards you can do them to build your muscles up again. I passed out once at worked. I was standing under a light reading a manual and fell. That wasn't a pregnancy thing tho, I've always had low blood pressure. Sleeping will only get harder as you get further along. Also, you are sleeping on your left side right?

Ohhh yeah, iv heard of that, but never knew excatly what it was...Im ganna have to start practing that, iv also heard of some different exercises to do with a chair, so iv been doing those too, im hoping for a smooth labor and dilivery..Yeah, the first time i passed out was in church, then again driving last weekend..It scares me sooo much, but thankfully somebody has always been with me when it happens, my mom also had this problem, so i prolly inheritited it...I do sleep on my left side, its the only way i can get comfortable, to fall asleep i have to put a body pillow between my belly and the bed...Why excatly is it so importnant to sleep on your left side?

Marie - posted on 05/31/2009

So Taylor - here's some info for you: 1) don't sleep on your back. 2) Eat a handful of something sugary (I personally recommend Nerds Candy) - it causes your blood sugar to spike. You can then eat a normal meal about 10 minutes after you eat the nerds.



I gained 22lbs, baby was 6 lbs 1 oz. No stretch marks. I had what my midwife and doc called a "boring" pregnancy. In fact I didn't start looking preggo until 32 weeks or so when baby dropped into my pelvic area. I ate poutine (fries with cheese and gravy) at least 3 times a week.



When you get to 34 weeks start spending about 15 to 20 minutes a day on your hands and knees. It helps your belly to drop away from your spine so baby can turn around and get it's head facing in the correct direction - (baby's nose pointing at your tail bone).



If you know how you handle pain, walk through as much of your labor as you can - by the time you can't speak through your contractions you probably will want to sit or squat - don't be afraid of non-traditional positions - unless/until you get an epidural when you're stuck on your back for most of labor or on your side with help. I hope you have an awesome birth coach.



If you're planning on breastfeeding, get a nursing pillow, lanolin cream, medela nipple shields, and a nursing stool (it's only 6" high and lifts one leg off the floor to help support baby on the side you're nursing on).



Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family, plan to be really really hungry all the time (you don't really eat for two until you're nursing), and plan to veg out and sleep at the same time baby sleeps. Baby will be up every one to two hours for feedings for the first few weeks.



Good luck with everything!! :)

Katarina - posted on 05/31/2009

They're pelvic floor exercises. they're the same muscles you use when you stop yourself from peeing. The best way to find them is to stop a urine flow midstream and hold it. NOT to long tho. maximum 3 seconds. Then once you've found them you can practice anywhere and no one will know. they'll save you from tearing and you'll heal faster and afterwards you can do them to build your muscles up again. I passed out once at worked. I was standing under a light reading a manual and fell. That wasn't a pregnancy thing tho, I've always had low blood pressure. Sleeping will only get harder as you get further along. Also, you are sleeping on your left side right?

Taylor - posted on 05/31/2009

I crave watermelon sooooo bad! i usually eat it like twice a day haha..It helps my stomach too...But you seriously had a great pregnany..You are very lucky..Iv passed out twice also from my blood pressure so i might have to be induced early because its extremely high. Im not to uncomfortable and my belly really isnt that big yet, but it's sometimes hard for me to sleep at night and i always wake up at like 5 and im starving haha..What is kegels?

Katarina - posted on 05/31/2009

I still ate like a horse tho. I was into the sweets and all that good stuff, a lot of fruit cravings as well. I had an amazing pregnancy, no morning sickness and wasn't too uncomfortable at the end either. It depends on how fast you gain as well. I did have him naturally. I had a 2nd degree episiotomy tho. I have a narrow pelvis and was told it would be difficult, but i did it anyways. Make sure to do your Kegels, you have no idea how important they are until you deliver.

Taylor - posted on 05/31/2009

Quoting Katarina:

I gained 20lbs during my pregnancy. After he was born, I left all of my weight in the delivery room. Zackary was 6lbs 12oz.

My Dr. told me that there really isn't anything you can do to prevent stretch marks. If you're doing to get them, you're going to get them. You can only prevent them from getting to large. They all fade eventually also.

Oh girl you did good with only gaining 20lbs...my friend just had her baby and gained 55 pounds..I think its crazy...Iv'e gained close to 10 pounds and im 7 1/2 months...I dont want to gain anymore then 20..so hopefully i wont blow up towards the end...Iv also got the curse of having morning sickness the whole way through..so therefore i cant eat as much and often as i should...i think the more you gain, the more prone to stretch marks you are...Congratulations on the baby boy though, did you have him naturally?

Katarina - posted on 05/31/2009

I gained 20lbs during my pregnancy. After he was born, I left all of my weight in the delivery room. Zackary was 6lbs 12oz.



My Dr. told me that there really isn't anything you can do to prevent stretch marks. If you're doing to get them, you're going to get them. You can only prevent them from getting to large. They all fade eventually also.

Taylor - posted on 05/31/2009

Quoting Katarina:

Cocao Butter is quite good as well. Most Maternity Clothing stores sell it in different forms. I never got any stretchmarks either. But if you do, you'll learn to love them.

Yeah, thats actually what im currently using...Its worked so far, but my belly is getting so big haha...but you SOOO lucky to of not got any..If its not to personal and you dont mind sharing with me, how much did you gain during your pregnany?

Taylor - posted on 05/31/2009

Quoting Marie:

I used a product called Belly Butter from Rocky Mountain Soap Factory:
http://www.rockymountainsoap.com/product...

I went through 3 from 4 months pregnant until just after - the lady at the store told me to REMEMBER TO DO YOUR BOOBS! They can get stretch marks too - top and sides.

I always applied the belly butter after my shower below my belly button and down my hips and thighs. The only stretch marks I got were from a bit of weight change before and after pregnancy - and only on my hips.

As you can see from the ad page, the belly butter comes in a "deodorant stick" format - it's a dial-up stick.

Congratulations!

Thanks so much! ill have to check that out! im only 16 and im so scared im ganna get those horrible things and not be able to wear a 2 peice anymore...I use coco butter for stretch marks in the morning, and then rub vasaline on there at night...It feels kind of gross..but it keeps the moisture in..I'll deff. check out that belly butter though, THANKS!

Taylor - posted on 05/31/2009

Quoting Marie:

I used a product called Belly Butter from Rocky Mountain Soap Factory:
http://www.rockymountainsoap.com/product...

I went through 3 from 4 months pregnant until just after - the lady at the store told me to REMEMBER TO DO YOUR BOOBS! They can get stretch marks too - top and sides.

I always applied the belly butter after my shower below my belly button and down my hips and thighs. The only stretch marks I got were from a bit of weight change before and after pregnancy - and only on my hips.

As you can see from the ad page, the belly butter comes in a "deodorant stick" format - it's a dial-up stick.

Congratulations!

Thanks so much! ill have to check that out! im only 16 and im so scared im ganna get those horrible things and not be able to wear a 2 peice anymore...I use coco butter for stretch marks in the morning, and then rub vasaline on there at night...It feels kind of gross..but it keeps the moisture in..I'll deff. check out that belly butter though, THANKS!

Katarina - posted on 05/31/2009

Cocao Butter is quite good as well. Most Maternity Clothing stores sell it in different forms. I never got any stretchmarks either. But if you do, you'll learn to love them.

Marie - posted on 05/31/2009

I used a product called Belly Butter from Rocky Mountain Soap Factory:

http://www.rockymountainsoap.com/product...



I went through 3 from 4 months pregnant until just after - the lady at the store told me to REMEMBER TO DO YOUR BOOBS! They can get stretch marks too - top and sides.



I always applied the belly butter after my shower below my belly button and down my hips and thighs. The only stretch marks I got were from a bit of weight change before and after pregnancy - and only on my hips.



As you can see from the ad page, the belly butter comes in a "deodorant stick" format - it's a dial-up stick.



Congratulations!

Taylor - posted on 05/31/2009

Quoting Lara:

I used BioOil and I never got any stretch marks! It can be genetics, but worth checking out. My friends is 9 mnths pregnant now and she is using it too and she doesn't have any either...go get some!! I live in canada and you can get it at Shoppers Drug Mart or PharmaPlus/Rexall.

OH YAY! I saw that in walgreens the other day and actually tried getting some but my credit card wouldnt run though for some reason...Ill deff. have to go get some! thank you very much.

Lara - posted on 05/31/2009

I used BioOil and I never got any stretch marks! It can be genetics, but worth checking out. My friends is 9 mnths pregnant now and she is using it too and she doesn't have any either...go get some!! I live in canada and you can get it at Shoppers Drug Mart or PharmaPlus/Rexall.