im having a ultrasound to see what the baby is

Iridescent - posted on 04/19/2010

Congratulations!

Hope - posted on 04/19/2010

Its a boy!!

Christeen - posted on 04/09/2010

Hello dear mom to be
I recommend u to eat chocolate that was great with me, chocolate made my girls move a lot and i had the greatest ultrasound shots u can ever imagine, they were moving here and there enjoying themselves, why not give it a try
Wishing u safe delivery and happiness in ur life with ur kids

Iridescent - posted on 04/07/2010

Regardless of whether you believe the study or not, it says recommendations are 200mg/day of caffeine. Coke has 35mg of caffeine in it. She could drink it all day long (6 cans per day) and still be only at 210mg for the day. Tea, on the other hand, has up to 50mg, and coffee is higher yet.

Shannon - posted on 04/07/2010

I drank lots of water for 48 hours before which gave a really clear picture. Then about 20 minutes before I drank 1/2 a coke. He was definetly moving but then it was hard to get a good picture because he was moving so much. My baby was always a mover though even if I didn't drink a coke.

Mary Renee - posted on 04/07/2010

Amy, even in the article you posted the study was not discredited. Additionally, no where in the article did it say the study was done inappropriately, can you provide a quote that supports the claim that it's fine to drink caffeine or that cutting out caffeine ISN'T beneficial?

I read the USA Today article you posted and even that said that the only study that "discredited" the first study was with women who were "light" caffeine drinkers, not caffeine drinkers that were drinking so much coke the baby would be "used to it"...

The final paragraph is about a woman who drank caffeine and her first pregnancy ended in miscarriage and after she stopped drinking caffeine she went on to carry three healthy daughters successfully.

I'm really surprised that anyone would read that same article you're referring to and come to the conclusion that it's encouraging caffeine consumption during pregnancy...

Here is the March of Dimes official stance regarding pregnant women and their caffeine intake:

"The March of Dimes recommends that women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant consume no more than 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day (equal to about one 12-ounce cup of coffee a day). A new study has found that women who consume 200 mg of caffeine or more a day are twice as likely as women who consume no caffeine to have a miscarriage. The source of the caffeine does not matter; the risk appears to be the same for caffeine from coffee, tea, sodas and other foods and beverages. "

http://www.marchofdimes.com/professional...

The F.D.A.'s official stance is that "using small amounts of caffeine during pregnancy is safe, but larger amounts of caffeine can be harmful during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should speak with their doctor about using caffeine."

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/Resou...

They go on to define large amounts as more than 200 mg a day.

Here's the American Pregnancy Association's stance of caffeine during pregnancy:

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnan...

"Numerous studies on animals have shown that caffeine can cause birth defects, preterm delivery, reduced fertility, and increase the risk of low-birth weight offspring and other reproductive problems. There have not been any conclusive studies done on humans though. It is still better to play it safe when it comes to inconclusive studies.

A few studies have shown that there may be an increase in miscarriages among women who consume more than 300 mg (three 5 oz. cups of coffee) a day. Other outcomes include preterm labor and low-birth weight babies. Again, it is safer to avoid caffeine as much as possible."


Again... why wouldn't you play it safe when it comes to the life and health of your baby?


Hope, I don't mean to seem like I'm attacking or anything because I'm not at all. In fact, I drank a coffee in the morning before my classes, a mocha in the afternoon and a red bull before my night shift every single day the first month of my pregnancy because I didn't know I was pregnant and I'm assuming that you didn't know caffeine was harmful. That's not anyone's fault but now that you know I'm just suggesting for your baby's sake that you limit the coke consumption as much as possible. No one is perfect. For New Years, since I couldn't drink alcohol, I drank a Red Bull for a little indulgence (and so that I would stay up past midnight) and I'm fairly certain that the occasional caffeinated beverage won't hurt but it should be avoided as much as possible.

Trust USA Today or trust the March of Dimes, the FDA, and the American Pregnancy Association. It's your call.

Rachelle - posted on 04/07/2010

i'm with the fruit juice idea.. but i ate so many chocolate chip cookies i never had an issue with her not moving enough but the sugers from orange juice (or any juice really) go through your body very quickly .. real fruit juice not kool-aid natreal sugar is faster for your body to process

~♥Little Miss - posted on 04/07/2010

Actually, I had a granola bar with cholate on it before one of my ultrasounds, and the technician got PISSED! It is so much harder for them to do there job, take measurements, check the sex, look at the heart when they are squirming around becouse mom ate something that got them that way. I didn't even realize when I ate the granola bar I made her more active. I had to go in for another ultrasound becouse of it. Think about it, it is so much easier changing a poopy diaper when the baby is calm than when it is active...try taking a look at the sex when they are bouncing around,.,,and try to make it accurate!

Iridescent - posted on 04/07/2010

Mary, as I cited above, those studies were not done appropriately and have been discredited.

Mary Renee - posted on 04/07/2010

According to the most recent studies (I can post them if you want) women who consumed 200 mg of caffeine (which is more like two cups of small coffee or a few cans of soda) were 40% more likely to miscarry in the first trimester and more likely to deliver prematurely (before 37 weeks) or have low birthweight infants (under 5.5 lbs)

Women who drank MORE than 200 mg a day of caffeine were TWICE as more likely to miscarry in the first trimester, or deliver prematurely, or have low birthweight infants.

Doctors usually say it's ok to have ONE cup of coffee or an occasional soda... not two or three a day.

Lori - posted on 04/07/2010

Fruit juice! The sugars in fruit juice are absorbed quickly into your bloodstream.

Tanasha - posted on 04/07/2010

I would be careful with the coke thing... however, according to recent articles in Parents magazine and American Baby, new studies being done have determined you CAN safely consume up to 200mg of caffeine per day (roughly the amount in a single regular cup of coffee). I checked this with my OB and she said the same. I had gestational diabetes with both kids, despite the fact that I usually consumed no-cal (think powerade zero - also no caffeine) and diet drinks (like diet pepsi). My daughter was still born 5 weeks premature and barely weighed 5 lbs, so you really dont know how something will effect you until it happens. I was hospitalized for some time also prior to her birth owing to low amniotic fluid levels. During my stay, the hospital staff regularly made me tea, since I was a picky water drinker (I dont like the taste of regular tap water). No one on staff nor my OB seemed concerned that I was consuming on average 4 or so of those small pitchers of tea each day. I know moms who consumed large amounts of caffeine during thier entire pregnancy and never had a problem. However, it is not something I personally would be willing to risk or "test".

In regards to your ultrasound, with the new technology being used in most hospitals, maternal-fetal medical centers, etc, there is usually no longer a need for a full bladder... at least the places I went to would actually have you void your bladder before ultrasound, and the pictures were crystal clear. I would drink cold water or juice and have a light meal prior, since that can usually perk up the baby's activity level, but again, it really depends on the baby itself. My daughter was very very very stubborn. Every time we tried to get a peek at her gender, she would flip over and present us with her backside, or cross her legs lol (no sign of that modesty now in the almost 3 year old). We didn't find out until about 32 weeks that we were having a girl. My boy however (due any time now.... I hope) cooperated beautifully. At the ultrasound for his gender (which was at about 20 weeks), he was umm... very proud lol. There was no doubting what he was. So, as exciting as it is to know, you may have to prepare to be disappointed in that area for a little while.

Kathi - posted on 04/07/2010

Aaaak! Stop with the coke! Not only are you risking your baby's health with all that caffeine, ( no, she /he is not "used to it", but is trapped in there subjected to the bad effects of whatever junk you put in your mouth) you also might want to think of the bad health effects on your own body. 10-12 teaspoons of sugar in every small coke adds to your weight gain and edges you ever closer to diabetes.

TONIA IKHENOBA - posted on 04/07/2010

Hello, you can try drink some hot chocolate

Lynda - posted on 04/06/2010

Try to stay off of caffeinated beverages. Eating or drinking something healthy, like fruit or fruit juice might help.

Bernie - posted on 04/06/2010

You have had good advice, lots of water and some OJ. coke is no good, no food value or nutrtion in Coke, Give it up all together, that is the best thing for you baby!

Mary Renee - posted on 04/06/2010

So much coke that the baby is "used to it" is too much coke. My mom cut down to one coke a day durring pregnancy, and yes, I turned out fine, but if you cut down to one a day or quit completely, why not do it for your baby's sake? With out linking caffiene to miscarriage (which I didn't do) it is connected with lower birth weights. Even if the studies are still out why risk it if you have the self discipline not to? There is no nutritional benefit to drinking coke. It's all sugar, it stains your teeth and some of the chemicals in it are powerful enough to clean your toliet bowl.

I was totally addicted to caffiene before I was pregnant (a coffee or mocha before my morning classes, a red bull before my waitressing night shift, and maybe another somewhere in there too... every single day) The day after I found out I was pregnant I drank half a red bull before my waitressing shift and gave the rest to my boyfriend. Then I switched to Energy Vitamin water, which has only 50 mg of caffiene per a serving (roughly half the caffiene of coffee) I drank that for a few shifts and then weaned myself off caffiene completely and the peace of mind is worth more than hedonistic indulgance that isn't good for my baby. I also quit smoking cigarettes cold turkey - it's not the hardest thing it the world and it's easy if you think of the fact that there is a life inside you depending on you.

Water and fruit juices are the best things to drink while pregnant, and if they're cold it'll make your baby move around. Sure, caffiene won't kill you but it won't help you either.

Krista - posted on 04/06/2010

The technician won't like that your baby is moving a lot. Especially if this is your diagnostic scan and they need to get pictures of specific parts of the body. Bring some juice with you to the scan. If the tech says she/he can't see because the baby's legs are closed, ask if you can drink some juice once she's/he's done with the diagnostic imaging so that you can try to get the baby to move.

Donna - posted on 04/06/2010

Drink a very cold juice, or cold vitamin water. Has some sugar, but most importantly the fluid you need, and the temperature that makes baby pass the test with flying colors!

Lisa - posted on 04/06/2010

Hiya, I used to have orange juice and ice cubes before my ultrasounds!! Worked a treat for me, good luck!

Iridescent - posted on 04/05/2010

Honestly, all these people ranting about drinking Coke is a little ridiculous. If she was used to drinking Coke prior to pregnancy, she should cut down, but not quit, during pregnancy. The shock of quitting entirely can cause miscarriage and pre-term labor. Setting a flat rule for "quit or you're damaging your baby" is too much. In addition, the study that links caffeine and miscarriage did not take into account genetic abnormalities or other problems with the mother's health during the pregnancy, so the study itself is under review as to validity. Another study was done proving there is no link at all, but the total caffeine intake amounts were lower than the first's highest.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008...

Recommendations are actually to stop having caffeine for 3 months prior to pregnancy, and for the first 3 months of pregnancy. Then to use it within reason (1 cup of coffee/day). Research everything, even if your doctor tells you this or that. Every doctor has different opinions, and every doctor is still human and makes mistakes.

Mary Renee - posted on 04/05/2010

You shouldn't be drinking coke, especially so much that the baby is used to it. Caffeine is a no-no during pregnancy and can put you at risk for a low birth weight, or low for gestational age baby. Is the coke really worth it? Can you imagine feeding an infant coke in a bottle?

I found that cold sweet things like fruit juice or fruit popsicles or a large meal tend to wake up my baby, but my baby has been pretty active since the beginning. Good luck!

Jean - posted on 04/05/2010

I'm surprised your drinking Coke. I was told no caffine.

Frances - posted on 04/05/2010

Dont drink soda! Its not going to make your baby move around any more than he/she would if you didn't drink the soda. Ive heard that drinks with natural sugar are good, such as fruit juices.

Jeanne - posted on 04/05/2010

Orange juice or ice cold water is what the nurses told me to drink prior to ultra sounds to get the baby to move or prior to NST's (Non-stress tests). Babies don't like the cold and drinking an ice cold beverage will usually wake them up quite quickly. Mind you depending on how the baby is positionned at the time of the ultrasound i.e. crossed legs or umbilical cord between the legs, the technician might not be able to determine your childs gender. Good luck.

Sally - posted on 04/05/2010

anything really cold! the more ice the better! good luck. x

Tina - posted on 04/05/2010

the doctor told my daughter deink orange juice.

Clare - posted on 04/05/2010

Please don't drink Coke when you're pregnant. Your baby's underdeveloped kidneys cannot cope with the caffeine - you're putting extra pressure on them to extrete this toxin. These babies have to live the rest of their lives with the bodies we create for them, please don't do anything to harm them. Caffeine IS HARMFUL to unborn babies. They don't have a choice but you do, please think about your child's health.

Sneha - posted on 04/04/2010

I don't think coke is a very healthy drink, especially since you're pregnant.

When I needed the baby to move around for my ultrasound, my doc recommended sweetened orange or mango juice. I had the latter, and it REALLY worked!!

Best of luck!! :0)

Jessica - posted on 04/04/2010

First of all...please, please, please stop drinking Coke immediately!! That stuff is aweful enough for you, let alone your little baby. If you drink a lot of water the baby will likely get energized and will move freely. Honestly, this is serious! You could be setting your child up for some real health issues by drinking sodas while pregnant. The artificial sweeteners are just one of the dangerous ingrediants. Every can of pop has approximately 12 teaspoons of sugar in it. Measure that out in a pile on your countertop and then decide if you really think that's the best you can be offering you and your baby! Water is really the best for its developing systems. Best of luck to you and yours.

Marketta - posted on 04/04/2010

Yeah I would say candy or sugar. I did 3D pictures of my daughter when she was about 71/2 months and I ate a lot of candy. I got sooo many good pictures of her and she moved around the entire time so the pictures and video of her turned out to be great. I would also recommend that you do that. KJ looks exactly how she did in my 3D pictures/videos. I had a great time doing it, it was calming and relaxing just like having a regular ultrasound in a doctors office - only better. :)

Sharon - posted on 04/04/2010

Night Amy! I hope that schedule works out for you guys.

Iridescent - posted on 04/04/2010

It was fun talking to you! We go to bed late (one at 11pm, the other at 3am), then one or both of us has to be up at 7am depending on the day. We're trying to rearrange the schedule so we both get more sleep.

Sharon - posted on 04/04/2010

OOHHHH I love a portabella 'shroom burger!!! LOL but I'm the only one.

I made a black bean & corn salad today, everyone had some but only my daughter actually likes it. No lettuce, lol.

Well, its time for me to hit the sack.. 4 am comes EARLY.. ugh

Jamie - posted on 04/04/2010

eat a good meal before, and something with sugar! I ate a boston creme donut on the way to my appointment and my daughter was flipping around like crazy!!!!

Iridescent - posted on 04/04/2010

We use a lot of squash because it's low protein (need it for one of the kids). We mix it in tator tot hotdish, although you've probably never heard of that. I do not like it stir fried.

We try to stick with the good tasting stuff. Which means butter, and the good real chocolate, etc. Reason? Even though in large amounts it's worse for you in general, the satisfaction from it vs the fake stuff allows most people to use less, making it healthier if you're a quality vs quantity person. If you prefer mass amounts though and don't care that they aren't as satisfying to taste, you need the fake. My husband has learned he often needs the margarine because of this.

I've honestly never eaten an artichoke in my life! Lol! We love corn. We went to a fish fry last week and one of the little ones (3) was chanting "corn, corn, corn" quietly and didn't eat. Couldn't do much; options are fish, potato and cole slaw.

We also use Romaine lettuce now instead of Iceburg. Enriched Rice Milk vs cow's. My husband hated that initially, but is starting to really like the change and it's better for him. Salads go over great with our older kids and the adults, but the little ones don't like the lettuce.

Salted tomatoes (raw) are awesome! We also eat a ton of onions (seriously, 10 pounds per week or so). We also use a lot of mushrooms, but be careful with this if anyone in your family has high protein needs. A portabella soaked in broth for a couple hours (beef or veggie) and put on the grill or even pan fried is an excellent replacement burger.

Sharon - posted on 04/04/2010

Oh! LOL I also switch to a healthier margarine (sometimes, lol), but other times, nothing beats the taste of REAL butter.

I hate squash. But a friend talked me into thinly slicing yellow summer squash and pan frying in butter sprinkled with sugar & salt. She eats it plain like that, but I LOVE it on top rice.

Steamed artichokes are the 1st loved veggie in this house. Second are brussel sprouts. But getting them to eat a cold salad - ugh, its like pulling teeth. If its on a burger.. its ok, but if its in a salad bowl - hahaha nope. They'll eat it, with grumbling.

Iridescent - posted on 04/04/2010

We already sautee in butter, but the broth idea is excellent. We can do that.

Asparagus is loved by all here! We also cook that on the grill with butter in a foil packet and other veggies; so awesome.

Lemon pepper on sauteed green beans (I prefer french cut, but really doesn't matter lol) is excellent as well.

Sharon - posted on 04/04/2010

We're doing the same. less meat, more greens.

Have you tried sauteeing the brussel sprouts in butter w/powdered chicken broth? About a tablespoon per 1/2 a stick of butter? Its a LOT of salt but kids love it and you can cut down the powdered broth a bit each time you make the brussel sprouts.. this got my kids hooked on them.

Asparagus too. I melt butter on a pan, drop the asparagus on it, drizzle butter over it, lay bacon strips on top and bake. A bit of lemon pepper sometimes.. the high salt really gets them.. but I whittle it down a little at a time .. when they complain "these don't taste like the last ones.." the next batch gets a little more salt/powdered broth.

Iridescent - posted on 04/04/2010

Lol! I have my moments... Today was not a good day to push my buttons. He shoulda just shut up, put them in, chewed, swallowed. Sure shows me we're going to be eating a lot of green things from the garden this summer though, and cutting back on meat as a whole!

Sharon - posted on 04/04/2010

Rotfl... awwww!!!! I love it when the little guys get all defiant... it doesn't work.. but its cute!

Iridescent - posted on 04/04/2010

The one I dreamed "dragon" for is much more suited to "mule". He gets brussel sprouts for breakfast tomorrow because of this issue. He got a solid week of broccoli not too long ago as well. He'll learn.

The "puppy" child, occasionally. Lately it's more "snail", but hey...

We did give one of the twins Drake as a middle name though (not "dragon" dream kid though).

Sharon - posted on 04/04/2010

rotfl@a dragon...

any chance your kids personalities match a "puppy" or a "dragon"?

Iridescent - posted on 04/04/2010

Sadly, I didn't get my dragon.

Iridescent - posted on 04/04/2010

I dreamed I was having a puppy with my first, and a dragon with my second. So now when people tell me they are/aren't finding out what they're having it's always my first guess!

Sharon - posted on 04/04/2010

it a puppy? lmao - sorry i'm kidding.

Christina - posted on 04/04/2010

I drink coke or I would drink any kind of juice. My gilr was very hard to see because she keep crossing her legs. so you could no see anything. How every my boys were very easy to see they showed anything right away.

Tricia - posted on 04/04/2010

drink plenty of water

Joanna - posted on 04/02/2010

When I went in for my 4D ultrasound my girl wouldn't move, so the ultrasound tech gave me some orange juice and 2 mini snickers, and that really got her going!

Karen - posted on 04/02/2010

I had five u/s to see if baby was ok. Different techs had different suggestions. Make sure you follow the protocol...drinking water before the U/s and not peeing until after the u/s. Sometimes, they have you eat before because the digestion noises are loud. Also, I drank oj and ice water. Honestly, though, the techs are trained to get the most effective pictures. Relax and enjoy seeing your baby!!! :-)