Graduates of the TTC After Pregnancy Loss thread. Aka: The Penguin Huddle

[MyHeartIsBrokeButIHaveSomeGlue]

This is a safe and supportive thread for ladies from the TTC after pregnancy loss thread who've had a BFP and are now negotiating the scary rollercoaster world of pregnancy after loss.

If you weren't on the original thread, have suffered a loss and are now pregnant please feel free to join the penguin huddle 🐧

Positive pants ON. Let’s get our rainbows ladies 🌈

@KnitKitty and @FirstTimeMama91 congratulations on your scans.

@Beaglemum93 I frequently have those dreams they are horrible, I hope you don't have anymore.

@Frillyfarmer I didn't put any weight on at all with DD1 until after 25 weeks, not bothered weighing myself in subsequent pregnancies and not been weighed at appointments either. I've got a GTT in a few weeks, not had one before and never had any symptoms but having a stillbirth is one of the risk factors so I'm recommended to have it this time.

@MyHeartIsBrokeButIHaveSomeGlue I've become more aware of things that need doing in the house as well.

@janey15 it can be a difficult part of pregnancy when symptoms start to go but movements haven't started, try not to worry , no negative symptoms are good news.

@rubyroot I had one at 7+6 and I'm 9+2 now so I haven't even waited 2 weeks! When I get a date for the 12 week scan I might look at booking another one in between. The trouble is I get so much anxiety before a scan so I'm also tempted to put my head in the sand and wait it out!

Thanks @Bluebelltulip All other symptoms are still here so I probably just need to suck it up! Xx

Yes scans are definitely anxiety inducing. Just over ten weeks was good for me. I read on tommys that women with recurrent miscarriages were 96.4 likely to go on to have successful pregnancies after ten week scan, or at least not miscarry.

I was 11 weeks yesterday and noticed my boobs hurt slightly less as the moment. Definitely feel more sick though. Still making me feel worried. Anyone else had this? Xxxx

@ChikiTIKI yes pain in my boobs comes and goes. Tbh they don't actually hurt just more sensitive but definitely differs day by day.

I'm 19+3 and, apart from maybe some slight twinges in the evening I still can't feel any kicking or butterflies. It's my second child so I really thought I would feel this earlier. My last scan (Private - reassurance) was at 15 weeks and all was well and I have my 20 week scan on Thursday. I wonder if it's just the natural panic setting in due to gaps between scans. Anyone at 19 weeks and still not feeling much in the kicking department? As I type this I think maybe I can feel something but that might be wishful thinking.

@Newbie21 with my first I didn't feel any movement until the day before the 20 week scan. The sonographer said it was due to position of the placenta.

Morning everyone! Grabbing a bit of time for a Sunday morning catch up

@InDreamland hope you're having a wonderful holiday and are able to relax

@tinatsarina hope you could mark your babies due date as you hoped, due dates and anniversaries are so hard and must be full of such conflicting feelings when pregnant. Sending hugs

@Bluebelltulip glad to hear you've been feeling better over the past few days

@sadtoday21 I think I am just going up cave and book another scan. Still not really got a bump and no movements yet so I think seeing baby will hopefully help. Have you noticed a bump or movements yet?

@ChikiTIKI sorry you have been finding things more difficult. My boobs were really sore until about 6.5 weeks, then felt enormous but not too sore until around 13 weeks and now have started to get sore again.

@rubyroot only natural to get nervous before scans even if you've had good ones already I think. I'm so jealous of you being able to feel movements so early! I keep wondering if I've felt something and then it turns out it's definitely gas!! When is your dating scan?

@KnitKitty lovely news that you're having a girl and congratulations on a good anomaly scan! It sounds like you're doing really well which is lovely to hear Really reassuring to hear about your experience of movements - was starting to get nervous about lack of bump and movements at 15 weeks but that's helped put my mind at rest.

@Beaglemum93 the nightmare sounds horrible! I'm sure the midwives understand and would much rather you go in with a false alarm and being reassured. That's what they're there for!

@Frillyfarmer sorry you had a frustrating appointment. Monthly GTT does sound a bit over the top. About the weight - I'm 15 weeks today and have put on less than 2lbs since my pre-pregnancy weight, I mentioned it at my consultant appointment on Friday and they didn't bat an eyelid as I have been eating fine. I'm sure you will start gaining as much weight as baby needs as you get further on in the pregnancy.

@FirstTimeMama91 fantastic news on the scan and brilliant you can have weekly scans!

@MyHeartIsBrokeButIHaveSomeGlue as a wise woman once said to me on here, there is no such thing as jinxing it! I am definitely nesting too- trying to do things that need doing around the house but aren't strictly baby related as it feels a bit early to do baby stuff for me. That said I have been looking for nursery furniture on Gumtree etc! I think it helps me to channel my nervous energy into something. Focusing on making curtains at the moment!

@janey15 totally normal for symptoms to fluctuate - plus could just be the meds working! I also noticed my nausea waned a bit around 9-10 weeks then coming back for 11-12 weeks. So easy to freak out though, hope you are feeling less anxious today.

@Newbie21 hope the scan goes well on Thursday. Can't really help as I'm not as far on as you but I think it's normal for movements to not be really pronounced until a bit later.

@fnej01 how are you doing?

As for me I am 15 weeks today and getting a bit frustrated about a lack of bump and anything resembling my movements. I am feeling much better in terms of nausea and tiredness but feel like there isn't much which is reminding me that I'm pregnant at the moment. Does anyone have any tips for dealing with this stage before bump/movements appear?

Also I had my first consultant appointment this week. They have discharged me and said I wouldn't need any extra scans after anomaly scan - I know this is a good thing as it must mean they see my pregnancy as low risk, but my midwife told me I'd probably have extra scans due to my thyroid problem so feel a bit shocked really.

Thanks @MyHeartIsBrokeButIHaveSomeGlue and @Bluebelltulip 😘

Has anyone noticed any difference between taking pregnacare or seven seas supplement? I've read a few things about pregnacare causing constipation and extra nausea?

Thanks @strawberrye it's definitely reassuring.

I'm sure your wee bump will start appearing in no time, just everyone is different. Maybe check with your midwife about the extra scans just so she can reassure you

Hi ladies sorry have lost track a bit this week, apologies anyone I missed...

@MyHeartIsBrokeButIHaveSomeGlue I am definitely starting to develop a mental list of jobs that need sorting at home before baby comes. Some of this has been fuelled by a good friend saying do it now or accept its probably on hold for a couple of years 😬

@FirstTimeMama91 lovely first scan pic ❤️

@KnitKitty 20 weeks wow and a girl - so exciting. Is it all starting to feel more real now?

@Beaglemum93 the bad dreams are awful aren't they. I have had one really bad one so far woke up expecting to be in a pool of blood.

@Frillyfarmer sorry you had a rubbish appt

@janey15 as others have said my symptoms definitely came and went try not to worry too much.

@ChikiTIKI around 11 weeks my sore boobs vanished (they weren't mega sore to start). I'm about 12+4 today and they are big and veiny but not sore at all.

@Newbie21 sorry you are feeling anxious. I definitely get more worried the closer I get to each scan. Is it possible that your placenta is in a different place this pregnancy?

@strawberrye thanks for asking after me. I am good. Just trying to take each day as it comes. I think it is normal to not feel any movement by 15 weeks try not to worry, I am sure your bump will pop soon.

@sadtoday21 @rubyroot how are you both doing?

As for I have my 12 week scan on tues which is booked for 12+6 but based on previous scans am expecting to measure ahead. Obviously getting a bit of scanxiety going now. I am a few days into weaning off the steroids, which I am very glad about. I suspect that this has partly attributed to me feeling a little better. I've put on a couple of kg in weight so far, but considering I've been on steroids both gp and midwife was pleased that was all. I have a definite thickening around my waist but hard to differentiate bump from chub. I have now bought a pair of maternity jeans and some maternity tights as the chub plus bruising on waistline from injections was just so uncomfortable. Feels a bit ridiculous so early but needs must.
I am glad consultant gave me a clear plan last Tuesday. I am normal protocol 12-20 weeks but from 20 weeks they will see and scan me every 4 weeks to check placenta and growth due to aps. I also have to have GTT at 28 weeks due to dad having type 2 and steroids put me at higher risk. Apart from my known conditions tho, doc and midwife were both happy and I am allowed to go back swimming now, and yoga from 15 weeks. I had been on an exercise ban!

Sorry anyone missed and for the Uber long post x

@KnitKitty how lovely, a girl! What a fantastic feeling. I hope you’re feeling on top of the world.
@FirstTimeMama91 congrats on the positive scan!
@ChikiTIKI I’m 10 weeks and have had a change in symptoms, more nausea but feeling more energised. I think it’s normal as the placenta starts to take over.
@fnej01 good luck for your scan, not long now to wait.
@sadtoday21 I forgot to tell you that my spots improved after I started using boot witch hazel and tea tree night cream, very gentle and has antiseptic in it. I’m still getting spots but nowhere near as bad.

Sorry to miss a few people but good luck to those who have scans this week. I have my ten week scan and harmony test this Thursday and I’m quite scared. I’ll be 10w4d and that’s the exact time I started miscarrying previously. I do feel different this time but obviously worried. I have my in laws until Tuesday so that will be a distraction, they don’t know I’m pregnant but will tell them after 12 week scan.

@ChikiTIKI my sore boobs have gone and also got smaller, I'm 13 weeks. This happened during my pregnancy with my little boy so it's normal.
@Newbie21 if you thought you could feel something, I bet you did.
@strawberrye I bet your movements will start soon. I'm the other way I wish I had no bump, I'm trying to hide it at work under baggy dresses, not sure how much longer that'll last. I think quite a bit is probably pooh or bloat 😂
@FirstTimeMama91 Im not sure about constipation. I was constipated last pregnancy all the way through and used pregnacare. This time I took folic acid, c and d up til 10 weeks and home bargains pregnancy vits since ( yep I'm a cheapskate) I'm not constipated but I don't know if that's the vits or just because it's a different pregnancy.
@fnej01 good luck for scan Tuesday, I'm starting to feel very nervous for tomorrow.

@Mistymeow good luck for scan. I was able to get quite a bit of reassurance from sonographer before my test results arrived, hope this is the same for you x

Thanks @fnej01 and @Mistymeow 😘
@rubyroot that's good to know. Wonder was it the pregnacare. I've got this packet to finish anyway so will have a think

@rubyroot good luck for your scan tomorrow! Sending you a virtual handhold!

@fnej01 will be thinking of you on Tuesday and hope everything goes well at your 12 week scan!

@Mistymeow thanks for the tip on the tea tree oil and witch hazel! Glad to hear your skin is improving and hopefully mine will too soon. Hormones :/. I hope your scan and harmony test goes well on Thursday, this is a huge milestone for you and I can appreciate how nervous you must be. Sending you hugs!

@strawberrye hey bump buddy! I'm 14+2 today, so not too far behind you. I think I have a tiny bump, but I can't really tell how much of it is bloat. It's getting firmer and rounder and definitely visible, but I think I've lost all perspective on what a bump actually is haha, I've just been bloated for so long! So I wouldn't worry, most ladies don't "pop" (whatever that means) until about 16 weeks or later. As for movement, I am doing the exact same thing as you! Straining to feel anything, but I know it's really too early. Again, the earliest we would probably feel movement is 16 weeks with our first pregnancies. Sometimes I also think I feel something, but nope definitely gas! I am also about to break down and get a scan - it's been two weeks and a few days since my last one so anxiety is starting to build up again. Hearing the hb was reassuring, but I keep wondering if she got it wrong and that's not what I heard or the baby isn't actually ok. I just want to see her again. And yet also dread the scanxiety, so we will see. What are you planning on doing?

Thanks Ladies. At my last scan placenta wasn't in a position that would impair feeling movements but maybe it has moved. At my midwife appointment last weekend (no scan) but she used Doppler to check heartbeat and it took midwife ages to find it but she said not to read anything into it as it usually means baby is in the Superman position which is fine for baby but awkward for finding heartbeat. Maybe it's just where baby is. I will find out on Thursday I guess and will try to stop stressing in the meantime.

I'm so glad so many have replied about having less-sore boobs. Thank you!

I'm sleeping 8pm-6am at the moment. Time starting to go a bit quicker now I think (since I am asleep nearly half the time). Think my 12 week scan is a week on Wednesday. So I will be 12.5 weeks.

Ladies what do yous think about baths? Is it safe enough to have one just aslong as it's not roasting hot? Would love one but worrying too x

If I wanted a nice hot bath I'd have one. I haven't had a bath for years. I had a friend who when she was pregnant liked nothing more than a steminh hot bath every night.

Two links for you. This one says hot baths fine and backed with studies

www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2018/03/01/pregnant-women-can-enjoy-hot-baths-saunas-without-risk-says/

This one says yes, but be cautious with the temp www.babycenter.com/404_is-it-true-that-pregnant-women-shouldnt-take-baths_10323724.bc

Thanks @rubyroot x

@Mistymeow Thanks for the scan well wishes fingers crossed 🤞 good luck for the scan and harmony test. It's a nerve wracking weight

@rubyroot is it your scan tomorrow? Good luck will be thinking of you x

@sadtoday21 14+2 wow!! Sorry you are feeling a little anxious again. Hope your time to your next scan flies by. Thanks for the scan well wishes

@FirstTimeMama91 Am not really a bath person but I would think it's fine if you are careful temperature wise.

Am feeling more energetic today, so have had a good go at blitzing the housework. Might have overdone it tho as now pooped with back ache. Anyone else had backache?

Also was feeling less bloated this morning and was almost a little worried about it. Roll on this evening and even my leggings are feeling too tight as so bloated. I think this is just my normal pre scan panic commencing 😂

I have a bath every night, normally shallow and tepid though because my toddler gets in too.

Sometimes I have a warmer bath on my own but have never liked it so hot that I come out all red and sweaty and have to lie naked on the bed to cool down. I think that's a bit too hot for when pregnant...