Conference moira::parenting_v3

    I experienced some cramping, especially one Friday evening when I had
    what I consider strong cramps for over 2 hours.  I don't remember how far 
    along I was but I'd guess about 5 or 6 months.  They went away as quickly 
    as they came, and the Doctor said it wasn't anything to worry about.
    
    Ellen was born healthy and 2 weeks late many months later!
    
    Mary

    I had those pains also, but they were more like gas bubbles in my lower
    abdomen. Mostly when I was sitting because of the pressure. They were
    around the 5th and 6th month also. These feelings come and go as with
    many other pregnancy symptoms, just be glad they don't last forever!
    
    I to had a healthy girl 2 weeks late!
    
    Sandy

    Hi,
    
    I am 14 weeks pregnant and have also experienced aching and cramping
    off and on almost from the very beginning.  I even called the nurse
    during the first month, as this is my first pregnancy and I didn't
    know just what to expect.  The nurse told me to be move slowly when
    getting up from a sitting position and if I were sitting for long
    periods of time to talk a short walk every hour or so. I find that the
    more I move around and the less I sit the better I feel.  The nurse
    also said it was the ligaments stretching, which now that I think about
    it, it does make sense, although at first I was a nervous reck with
    every twinge.  
    
    Hope this helps to relieve your mind.
    Janet

    
    	Speaking of aches (and I've had cramping occur as well),
    	has anyone had the wonderful fortune to have their child
    	"sit" under their ribs?!?
    
    	Ay yi yi!  My mother said she remembers me being under
    	her right ribs (because she's right handed?) and in true
    	fashion, the child I'm carrying is right under my ribs.
    
    	Is there anything that can be done, other than putting
    	my left arm up over my head (which looks ridiculous in
    	the middle of a store, etc.) (; to relieve some of the
    	pressure?!
    
    	/Kim

    Donna, 
    
    I am almost 3 months along and yes, I have had the same "cramping"
    feeling.  My is still there.  It does not happen every day thou.  My
    sister-in-law is also expecting and she mentioned she was having it
    too.  She is 20 weeks along and I am not sure if she is still having
    them, I think she is.
    
    I hope this helps.
    
    Denise
    

    Thanks for your replies.  I spoke to my nurse at my OB office about the 
    aching and she said that putting ice on the areas and also
    rubbing/massaging it will help.  But I find if I am lying down, or
    sitting for long periods of time it bothers me more.  Walking around
    helps.  
    
    She also said to find a support undergarmet to hold my baby up so the
    pressure won't be as severe.   When I go to my OB in February, I will
    have her check me out, and if needed, the nurse said I could see some
    kind of doctor who can help me with some exercises to help relieve the
    symptoms.  The last thing I feel like doing is exercising.  Sleeping is
    my favorite thing (and eating).
    
    Donna
    

    re .5? .... I carried Christopher under my ribs (Jason was MUCH lower).
    Other than raising your arm, the only other thing that I found that
    helped was to stretch backwards as far as possible.  One good thing
    was that when he finally dropped, it was about 20 times better (minus
    the fact that my thighs would slap against my belly going up stairs).
    
    

    I've had ligament stretching pains since day 1 (well almost).  Also, my
    Braxton Hicks contractions started around 19 weeks so I've had that
    kind of cramping from fairly early.  I worried about those until my Dr.
    said it was normal and good.  
    
    Anyways, the bigger I get, the worse the ligament/muscle stretching
    pains  get.  I do have one suggestion for some relief that has really
    helped me.  I bought one of those little pregnancy wedge pillows at a
    store called Mothers Work.  It was $14.00.  Anyway, it is the best
    investment I've made so far.  When I'm lying on my side, I just stick
    the wedge under my tummy so that all that weight isn't hanging down. 
    It's really  helped relieve some of the achiness.  Also, there are
    several other ways you can use it, like under  your legs, breasts, etc.
    
    Good luck and don't worry.  Just look at it this way, if you're
    stretching and in pain, the baby is growing!!!  (Of course, for those
    of you who don't get this pain, your baby is still growing too!!)
    
    Nancy who has 10 weeks to go and is counting every last second

    re: .9  Nancy
    
    Nice to hear that you have the aches and cramps like me.  They are so
    uncomfortable.  I will try to find one of those pillows.  Anything that
    I can get to ease the discomfort I will buy.   Hopefully the baby will
    move higher up in my belly so I won't have this pain for too much
    longer.
    
    Thanks for the suggestion.
    
    Donna
    

    
    
    	RE: .10
    
    	FWIW... a normal, every day pillow will do the same thing
    	that "special" pillow will do.  At least it helps for me
    	and personally, I don't have the $14 to spend on a special
    	pillow. (8
    
    	/Kim

    Kim, a regular pillow didn't work for me.  It pushed my stomach up too
    far in the opposite direction so I was still sore.  Glad it works for
    you though.  There are probably inexpensive ways to make makeshift
    pillows to fit someone comfortably.  I do keep the regular pillow
    between my knees though.  You should see our bed -- it's covered with
    pillows.  My husband uses two and I use four.  There's hardly any room
    or us!!
    
    By the way, warm (not too hot) baths can sometimes help too.  I'm not
    so sure about the soreness going away as the baby moves up.  My baby is up
    pretty high now but the soreness is worse and not better.  The bigger
    he/she gets, the more stretched I get. 
    
    Nancy

    .12
    
    Nancy, what do you do during the day to relieve the pain?
    
    Donna
    

    re baby under your ribs, and general feeling of carrying lots of
    weight:
    
    Try cat stretches - they really take the weight off your back. Get on
    all 4's, with your back even, not swayed. Then tuck your head in and
    bow your back as much as you can - it really takes the pressure of your
    uterus off your back, and away from your rib cage.
    

    I second the recommendation for cat stretches.  I also found a lot
    of relief from the ligament stretching pains by lying on my back
    with my feet up on the couch or the bed.  I doubt that would help
    much for a baby in the ribs, though.
    
    Swimming helps, too.  Anything to reduce gravity's pull.
    
    --bonnie

    I'm at 27 weeks now and have also noticed the aches getting worse and
    worse.  They seem to be worst the days I've been on my feet alot and
    sometimes last the whole night...
    
    I'm going shopping for a wedge pillow this weekend as I've found a 
    regular one doesn't work well either (I'm too big already - ugh!)
    
    One thing that I've found does help alot during the day is a maternity
    belt.  I really resisted the idea of one -- but I think fighting
    gravity is definitely the key!  Next I plan on trying one of those
    support panties or girdles or whatever they are called.
    
    My baby seems to be high AND low (if that is possible), I'm really
    filled up (I'm 5' 3" and don't have a long torso) already.  My Dr.
    has already told me that I'm gonna be early or the baby is gonna be big
    based on how it is developing so far.
    
    Let's hope for early!

    
    
    	RE: using a regular pillow
    
    	Wow... different strokes for different folks. (8 Maybe the
    	reason a regular pillow works for me is because I'm not
    	all that "big" so to speak.  Hey! I even managed to go a
    	night without it. (8
    
    	RE: cat stretches
    
    	I'll have to give those a try! (8
    
    	/Kim

    The cat stretches work pretty well for a while.  They are also called
    "pelvic rocks."  Make sure that when you release your back from the arc
    you don't sway your back in the opposite direction.  Release the arc
    until your back is parallel with the floor.  I got this from 3
    different pregnancy exercise sources.
    
    Unfortunately, I think that while we can try to alleviate the
    discomfort, there's nothing we can do to make it fully go away.  I keep
    telling my Dr. that I'm incredibly uncomfortable but he doesn't have
    any wonder remedies.  Some days are better than others.  I will say
    this, the ligament aches are far better than when I get kicked in the
    ovaries or cervix or have my bladder bounced on.    
    
    I don't ever lay on my back for more than a few minutes.  I had read
    that lying on the back is not good for the mother or the fetus so I got
    nervous about doing it.  According to the literature I've read, there
    is a major artery that runs behind the uterus and when you lay on your
    back, the weight of the fetus rests on this artery.  A result is that
    the mother's circulation is hampered and this can cause dizziness in
    the mother and compromise blood flow to the baby.  Now, this is what I
    read -- I'm by no means saying that this is the last word on back
    lying.  And it's my preference to follow what the books say.
    
    Anyway, the couple of times when I rolled over onto my back during the
    middle of the night, I had a backache.
    
    Nancy
     

    
    	I was recently at a baby shower where a woman (who seemed reliable)
    said that when she had started getting larger, if she would lie on her
    back she would pass out due to the restricted blood flow. 
    
    	She said that this had happened on a few occassions at the Doctor's
    offices as well, she's be on the table for her exam talking one minute
    and then passed out the next.
    
    	It all sounded very scary to me.
    
    			Wendy

    re: .19
    
  >  	I was recently at a baby shower where a woman (who seemed reliable)
  >  said that when she had started getting larger, if she would lie on her
  >  back she would pass out due to the restricted blood flow. 
   
    
    That's why the books tell you not to lie on your back after the 4th
    month of pregnancy....

    RE: laying on back/left side...
    
    The vena cava, a large vein that returns blood to the 
    right atrium of the heart, runs to the right of the
    spine.  The pressure of an enlarged uterus, especially
    during pregnancy can restrict the flow of blood to the
    heart. 
    
    During my three months of total bedrest for preterm
    labor, I was not allowed to lay on my right side or even
    on my back.  The entire three months was spent on my
    left side.  It made for interesting stretch marks :^).
    
    Jodi-
    

 
>    The vena cava, a large vein that returns blood to the 
>    right atrium of the heart, runs to the right of the
>    spine. 

In most people.  My sister-in-law's is on the opposite side; she
only found out about it when she started lying on her left side to
attempt to reduce her fluid retention and instead found the problem
getting worse.  Her heart is also on the opposite side of her chest.
This is apparently the case for less than 10% of the population.

--bonnie

    I was always lying on my left side while I was pregnant. To this day, I
    prefer the left side and Daniel is 15 weeks old.

    I wake up with numb arms and/or hands. Some mornings my hands almost
    feel arthritic! I stretch them to wake them up before I dare pick up
    the baby.

    Does any one else experience this?
    Norma

    re .23
    
    Have you talked to your Doctor about this ???  SOunds like you should.
    
    Stuart

    Norma,
    
    I am 22 weeks pregnant...and hate lying on my left side.  I am used to
    falling asleep on my right side so it takes a big effort for me to
    stay on my left side.  I also do find my hand/arms falling asleep alot. 
    I had this problem even before I got pregnant.  I guess the way you are
    lying on them is causing the blood not to circulate as well.  
    
    My husband told me when it happens, instead of shaking your hand/arm,
    touch something cold...like you headboard or a cold window and it will
    help you get the pins and needles out quick.  It does help.  
    
    So many things to worry about when your pregnant....gets to be a real
    pain...(no pun intended)
    
    Donna
    

    (by the way, I was under the impression that having your organs 
    on the mirror side  -- i.e. heart on the right, etc -- was much rarer
    than 10%)
    
    at 28 weeks I still don't feel too bad lying on by back -- one reason
    is all this congestion I have with the pregnancy. If I lie on my
    side I am more likely to cough seeing as it seems to pinch my lungs. 
    Although I DO sleep elevated when on my back, 2 or three pillows. Once
    I get to sleep though, I often find I do end up on my side on fewer 
    pillows. Its falling asleep that is hardest.
    
    Monica
    

    Norma, you may have what I have -- arthritis.  I developed it in my
    25th week of pregnancy.  The Dr. said that it is not that uncommon, as
    is also the case with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome during pregnancy.  He said
    that it will go away after the baby is born, but he didn't say how
    soon.  Seeing that your baby is only 15 weeks old, it might be that you
    have what I have and it just hasn't gone away yet.  Unfortunately, I
    can't take aspiring or anything since I'm still pregnant, but maybe you
    can take something to help if you're not breastfeeding or if the Dr.
    says okay.
    
    Nancy

re: arm numbness

Neil reminded me that I had arm numbness during the middle part of my
last pregnancy and it was because my breasts got very large and heavy
this time.  When I was sleeping on my side, my breast rested on the
inside of my upper arm and cut off the circulation to my fingers.  
I started moving my upper arm farther away from my body and the
problem went away.

--bonnie

p.s. mirror organs -- the doctors said "less than 10%," but they
didn't tell us how MUCH less than 10%, so you could well be right.
Her mother has it too, so I wonder if it's partly hereditary?

    It is reassuring (?) to hear that other women get the numbness and
    stiffness. I had been chalking this up to the new muscles I have been
    using in the daily routine care of a baby.

    No doubt, if the situation lingers on too much longer, I will see a
    doctor. Boy! What a pregnancy can do to the body, hey??

    Thanks for the responses.
    Norma

    I am 15 weeks pregnant.  The last 2 Sunday evenings I have had intense
    stomach pain.  Last week it was so intense that I couldn't fall asleep
    and this week it was so intense it woke me up!  It's very hard to
    describe as I don't know if it's a stomach ache or cramp.  It feels
    like both.  I have been taking Maalox (in case it's acid buildup) and
    that doesn't work whereas it usually does!  I've been lying on my left
    side as much as possible.   No position is comfortable when this pains
    starts in.  Is this the pain everyone is talking about?  My stomach has
    been getting bigger as well and the day previous to each incident I had
    spent about 5 hours shopping.
    
    Thanks in advance for any feedback.
    I have a call in to Matthew Thornton as I write so hopefully they will
    reassure me when they call as I'm a bit nervous!
    
    Sonia
                                  

    It could be your ligaments stretching... especially because you're also
    noticing growth. Your abdomen has a LOT of stretching to do. In any
    case, see what your doctor says.
    

    That'd be my first guess too, but as its been often said here, we
    can't replace professional medical advice/diagnoses. 
    
    Speaking of cramping; last week my encounter with Bronchitis has left 
    me with a pulled belly muscle (insult upon injury!). So when I cough
    its painful inside and out. Short of rubbing the area, I'm sort of at
    a loss on what to do to relax it -- I'm in my 31st week and I'm
    relatively large already, so I now have to make sure I am sitting down
    with my belly resting on my left leg when I am having a coughing fit. 
    
    who said this was easy.....
    
    Monica (I can't WAIT until labour....)
    

    
    I'm so glad I searched and found this note...I thought all of these
    little aches and pains were only me, complaining too much!  I've got
    the sharp ligament stretching pains when I get up too quickly from a
    chair (which I just looked up in "What to expect when..."). And for the
    last couple weeks, I've been noticing my arms falling asleep during the
    night, and I have to roll to the other side, until that one falls
    asleep. I didn't realise this was common until I just found this note.
    
    A couple questions I have though, I know youre not suppose to lie on
    your back because of restricted blood flow, but is it suppose to "kill"
    when you do??? I can lie on my back on our bed for maybe 10 mins, then
    it takes all my strength, and intense pain to get rolled over to my
    side. (But I just get so sick of being on my side every minute). A
    friend of mine said the baby could be on a nerve...??? (I'm only 4 1/2
    mos) I have cracked my tailbone before, so maybe thats it?
    
    Also...is it really "terrible" to not favor your LEFT side..?  I find
    I'm more comfortable on my right...? But I don't want to do it if it
    will hurt the baby...
    
    More questions,
    
    Chris
    

no, it won't hurt to lie on your right side.  I spent the last 5 weeks of
pregnancy lying down, and it's impossible to stay on your left all the time.
(I also lay on my back occassionally, but like you say, it isn't very
comfortable. I usually did this when I thought I would go insane on one of my
sides).

It also hurt me enormously to roll over.  I often needed help from my husband.
(I'm only beginning to find it funny the time my husband was
out and I got stuck on the couch.  I got my feet on the floor, but was still
on my back.  I couldn't get any leverage anywhere and then the dog came over
to see what was going on and wouldn't get out of the way.  I finally got up
by holding his collar and getting him provoked that someone was at the front
door.  Just enough to get me started...)


In my experience, "something" would hurt alot for a while (days/weeks), then 
something new would hurt and the old hurt would go away while I was
adjusting to the new one.

You could mention this at your next checkup.  It's unlikely to be a problem, 
but if it's anything important, they'll tell you.  Otherwise, the sympathy 
you'll get will help a little...

    re: 653.33
    
    I am 4 months along and have noticed that when I lie on my back or sit too
    long I also get a sharp pain in my tail bone.  It feels like someone kicked
    me. I thought it was strange to hurt this early but I feel better
    knowing that I am probably not imagining this pain. This is my second
    child and I can't remember if I had this problem before.
    
    Angie

    Pain like that when you lie on your back can mean that the baby is 
    facing forward, so its spine and the back of its head is grinding
    against your spine. Most kids face the other direction, so their
    butt is sticking out in front of you.  
    
    Steven was "sunny side up" and besides making it difficult to
    sleep, boy, was delivery a pain.  The back of his skull was
    pressing against my backbone all the way (can you say "intense
    back labor"?), and he kicked my bladder several times, resulting
    in bruising that made it so I couldn't feel my bladder at all.  I
    eventually got back enough sensation to be able to urinate
    normally, but I still have trouble telling when my bladder is
    full.  
    
    --bonnie

    
    re: .35
    
    Exactly Angie...Right at my tailbone..and it literally incapasitates 
    me, really sharp! (when trying to get up from being on my back)
    
    re: .34
    
    I couldn't help but chuckle at your "couch" story, thanks for the
    smile!   But youre right...it seems like its "one thing" this week,
    then "something else" the next !!  
    
    Boy...I didn't realise what I was in for when I decided to get
    pregnant! So MANY changes!  Guess it gets you ready for being a parent,
    huh?
    
    Chris
    
    

    
    	I also am having some intense orthopedic "problems". Most of my
    problems result from some previous severe trauma and I was warned that
    they would act up, but being warned and having it become a reality are
    two different things.
    
    	I am currently in a full leg brace as my knee has given out and can
    no longer support my weight (a whopping 11 pounds thus far). My pelvis
    has been broken twice and the muscle/nerve pain in that area is getting
    to be mightily uncomfortable. Lastly my lower back (sacro-illiac joint
    which was previously injured) is "snagging" a nerve and getting up from
    a chair or walking on uneven ground can catch the nerve and leave me
    unable to move (and in severe pain) for a bit. Needless to say, I'm
    starting to get a bit grouchy.
    
    	I'm only in my 6th month and things are not looking good long term.
    I'm trying *very* hard to avoid being sent to bed rest but the pain may
    be the deciding factor.
    
    	I just recently started swimming sloooow laps and that seems to
    help stretch the muscles out but it also exacerbates the soreness that
    is in some of my other muscles. Hot baths are also helpful. Massage
    does not feel good due to the nerve damage. (impossible to describe
    unless you've experienced it). And of course, having a very
    understanding husband is perhaps the best therapy.
    
    	Basically, I look at this as a one day at a time experience. (If I
    don't I'll go nuts). I certainly still have some good days along with
    the bad. I just keep plugging along (keeping busy is one of my best
    methods of pain control) and I keep reminding myself of the purpose of
    the pain, that it will not last forever, and that in only a few months
    it will go away and we'll be getting a baby out of this.
    
			Wendy

    
    Re: sleeping on side...
    
    There is a major blood vessel on your right side (inferior venacava)
    that brings blood from your lower body/organs to your heart.  As the
    baby grows, it becomes harder and harder to lie on your right side
    due to the baby cutting off the vessel.  It also can be cut off
    when lieing flat...and cause all kinds of aches/pains.  It also
    says that your blood pressure can be affected by pressure on the
    vessel.  (I got this from my husband's OB/GYN medical book)
    
    All women, I guess, will eventually need to lie on their left side 
    to be more comfortable in pregnancy....(Too bad, I'm a right side 
    sleeper...)
    
    Kristen
    

    RE:.33 I also am a right side sleeper so I asked my
    OB about it and this is what she stated.  Sleeping on 
    your left side increases blood flow to 98/99%, sleeping
    on your right side decrease blood flow to 96/97%, sleeping
    on your back decreases blood flow significantly (she really
    didn't give me a percentage on this). 
    
    Sooo...... sleeping on my right side was okay, just avoid
    the back.   Boy, was I glad to hear that - I was losing 
    sleep by not being on my comfortable side.  
    
    From someone who is 8 months along,
    
    Kara

    
    About that 'ol abdominal muscle.
    
    	I've recently been having problems with mine. (Abdominus rectis)
    and apparently it is tearing or splitting (up near the sternum/rib end,
    not near the pubic bone end). I'm told to rest it but that's pretty
    tough when your belly is growing larger on a week by week basis.
    
    	I've read in some of the pregnancy books that this *can* happen but
    I can't seem to find out what is done for it. It's pretty painful and
    at it's worst, I'm as doubled over as my stomach will allow.
    
    	I had to go in for lots of tests last week to rule out other
    problems and everything seems to point to this muscle. The Doctors are
    saying that I am carrying very high and that on ultrasound, the baby is
    three weeks ahead of where it should be (Actually *it* appears to be a
    little boy) so there seems to be a lot of extra stress on this muscle.
    
    	Has anyone else had discomfort (read pain) in this area? What was
    done if anything to help? I have an apt. tomorrow to be checked again
    and to talk to the midwife about options and I really think that they
    might suggest some sort of disability. (they started to bring it up
    during the tests last week but I just tried to change the subject, I've
    still got three whole, long, hot months to go, I'd rather be busy at
    work than at home during this time). Of course, I'll do what I have to
    for the baby, but it seems like a silly thing to be out for.
    
    	Experiences or suggestions?
    
    			Wendy-who-is-a-tad-discouraged
    
    

    I read about this happening to women....the book I have
    (Complete book about Pregnancy & Child Birth) says to exercise
    your rectis muscle throughout your pregnancy to help prevent it
    from tearing later on....
    
    I sympathasize with you....
    
    Kristen...(who will be more dedicated in doing her rectis & kegal
               exercises...)

    Re .41
    
    My abdominal muscles tore during my twin pregnancy.  They are still
    torn six years later.  The will heal to some extent after the birth,
    but for the most part according to doctors it requires surgery to
    repair them.  Mine tore both low down towards the pubic bone, and high
    up around the navel.  I can feel a gap there if I press of about three
    fingers width.  The tear down low was repaired by my OB during the
    closing up of my C-section.  But he said there was not much he could do
    about the higher up tear because he couldn't reach it.
    
    Wait til after the birth then worry about it would be my advice.  If
    it's a small tear it may heal itself.  There are excercises they give
    you to help the process along, though they may not work entirely, not
    to be glum about it.  I have consulted a surgeon about it and he said
    that part of the surgery MIGHT be covered by insurance, but that for
    the most part it's considered cosmetic surgery and is not covered.
    
    FWIW, there are some who think a "pregnancy girdle" can help in
    situations like this.  You might inquire with your OB about it.
    

    good morning,
    
    	i am writing for my lover who is expecting twins in 2 to 4 weeks.
    she has been having trouble with headaches, and with the fact that 
    she cant lift her legs up.  her groin muscles are hurting alot,
    and she cant even lift her leg to cross them if she could.
    
    	can anyone or does anyone know anything about this, or have some
    remody for it????????????????????
    
                                           thanks kathy :)

    	Tell her to wait from 2-4 weeks, it should go away then.


    	Seriously, she is that close to delivering and she is carrying
    twins?!! I was absolutely miserable when I was that close with only
    one. I can only imagine what she is going through.

    	What can be done for her?

    	Be gentle, rub her back, bring her cool glasses of water, bring
    home some flowers, play her favorite album.

    	Being that close to the end is exciting but definitely no fun.

				Wendy

    I've suffered from a high frequency of headaches throughout both
    pregnancies (it is no fun having to go through a migraine without
    the medication you are used to). My usual way of getting rid of
    them is: have a soda (gingerale or cola) to settle possible
    accompanying digestional problems, and lay down for a nap ASAP. 
    After awakening, have some pasta (seriously!). During this time,
    stay away from bright lights, and eye straining activity (needlework,
    reading and especially TV). Usually soft music is nice.
    
    But Wendy's right - love and attention is about the best that can
    be done (I too am amazed that she's only got a few weeks left
    with twins.).
    Hang in there!
    
    Monica
    

    I found it very comforting when my spouse would massage my feet
    and then my belly.  Use something creamy and either unscented or
    lightly scented -- I was fond of cocoa butter.  
    
    --bonnie