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Hi ladies. Hope you all had a fun New Year's. I went to sleep! I am still having issues suspending my disbelief at this whole thing. This morning at around 4 am I got up to search the internet to see if there was a correlation between Down Syndrome and no morning sickness! I know, I am a freak. And I need to get more positive. Now, reading Dana's post, it is like being on pins and needles the whole time. Then they are born and wham, that much more worry. I am kind of terrified of my age and the risk factors for Downs. When do we start testing? I am really not sure when I am going to be released to an OB. Actually before my guy decided to retire, he usually delivered all the babies in his clinic. Anyway, help me out and jump in here ladies. Advise, advise. Laurie

Laurie, at our very first visit with the RE (I was 36 at the time) he asked me various questions about my worries etc. I told him I was worried about my age and the possibility of Downs and other age related problems. He pulled out a sheet and read me the statistics and then said, "I'm not sure that those are odds to really worry about." I thought he was nuts, but then my husband said, "Yes, that's right. We still have better odds of NOT having a DS kid than we do of actually having one." I still worry about it, but I'm going to go with the odds. It's like entering a lottery with 500 other people and expecting to win. I know that won't stop the worry, but it's another way to look at it.

Oh, and you should be able to get the triple screen blood test at 18 weeks. That's kind of the preliminary test for Downs, Spina Bifida and Trisomy 18. Then if the numbers are high you can get the amnio. My OB told me that if I was against the amnio to not even bother getting the Triple Screen because there are a lot of false positives. I was against the amnio, so I didn't do the Triple Screen. Sister in Law had the Triple Screen and the numbers were really, really good so she didn't bother with the amnio. She's 37, same as me. BUT, that's also here in Canada. Not sure how things work in the USA.

Hi ladies - Happy New Year to you all! I hope that this is the year to bring everyone healthy happy babies! Our Xmas with baby was really great - we drove to a city 3 hrs away, and she did really well in the car and the whole time we were away. Her reflux is still a stressful issue (she cries during feeds and doesn't eat much). Because I'm bf-ing, I'm now off dairy for another week (I went off it the week before Xmas because they say it can make reflux worse). I did notice a slight improvement - SO! now I'm off dairy until her dr's appt next week. I hate being off dairy..but, I'll do it for her. You're right Laurie..the worrying never ends when you have your baby..it just changes. It's amazing to me now though, how much I don't think about my own issues anymore - too busy worrying about baby! I don't think that's a bad thing. :) I did get the triple screen when I was pg, because I wanted to ease my mind. If it hadn't eased my mind, (if the DS #'s were bad), that would've really sucked..but you just don't know! (..the DS #'s were excellent though, doc said my risk was equal to an 18 year old woman's - so I felt really relieved). I didn't want an amnio because I knew that it was a miracle that after 33 cycles of trying, I finally got pg. No matter what issues the baby may have had, I was not going to abort this angel, so why do the test? I think that's the bottom line..if you don't plan on doing anything about the results, why test? Karen, I'm happy to hear you enjoyed Xmas with the new baby - it does feel more Xmassy doesn't it? (I've been a grinch for many years, so this Xmas was a nice one) Dana & Meme, how're you feeling? Stacey, nice to hear from you - hope the boys are improving by leaps and bounds. Hi to Rachel and TTC #3..hope you had a fun New Years!

Happy New Year - nice to hear our new mommies had good holidays! Our little girl got quite the loot and she's not even born yet! I had the triple screen blood test done. The reason I agreed to it was that if there was a problem my doctor said that then we would know and they would have the specialists on hand at the birth and could address things immediately rather than be in the 'oh crap' there's a problem mode right after birth - plus it would give you time emotionally to prepare rather than the shock at birth. But that's all I was going to do with the information. I would not have an amnio as I was not willing to risk the baby after all this effort to have it and I accepted the down's risk and we were ok with it. On my 12 week u/s, they did the nuchal fold test and between that and the fact that we could clearly see the nose (which is missing on down's babies at that point), we started feeling better. I had the first blood drawn then, and the second blood drawn at 16 week appointment. They called during the 17th week to say everything was negative which is normal and the result you want. At my 20 wk u/s - this was very detailed, they double check the nose, nuchal fold and all organs. Down's babies usually have heart issues and these are also caught during that detailed u/s - we could see all 4 parts of the heart and all organs, the u/s tech even checked for cleft palate which there was none - like I said it was very detailed. Then we met with doc, who said my down's results were very good and I had a 1 in 38000 chance of down's so he would consider that nothing to even address. If the test had come back positive, he said considering my no view on amnio, that they would simply do a more detailed u/s immediately at 16 weeks versus waiting till more normal one at 20 weeks. So that is all that would have happened if I got a positive result. I hope that helps you Laurie at least understand the process my doc did and my thought process. Hang in there, I know it's tough! As for me, I'm good - enjoying the kicking and my round pg belly. Dh could even feel her the other night - very cool! Hi to everyone!

Laurie, I also had the screening done for basically same reasons as Meme. Besides, it really is just another way to sneak in another ultrasound! We also found out then that we were having a girl, and it was fun to know that early (13 weeks).

I still have to read to catch up, so this post is going to be all about me. sorry. I did get PG with my last IUI, got a positive test on Christmas, but lost it about 5 days later. I was in Indiana for the holidays, so when i got home I was still testing positive, but then two days after that, all tests were coming up negative????So, I went in for my blood test Monday morning and coincidentally got AF that morning as well. Bloods showed the baby was gone (duh) and my day 3 scan was good, so I started meds again last night. They upped my dose to 225iu's of gonalF, whereas last cycle I was on 125. I have been in a funk. Kind of down because it's hard going from happy to pissed in a matter of days. But I am fine otherwise. Just plugging along. If this cycle doesn't work I am going to take a tiny break and make some changes in my life. I've already cleaned up my diet and added fertility favorable foods, so besides exercising and eliminating a coke here and there, I don't know what else i could do. Oh, well. I know most of what is happening is due to my age. My FSH is 8. something, which the nurse says is fine, so it's not my reserve. I am going to demand some diagnostics if this cycle is a bust. I really don't know what else they could look for at this point. I mean, I can get pregnant and carry full term. This last one just wasn't meant to be I guess. Ok, now it;s time for me to catch up on you guys. Be back soon.

Hi ladies! I still check on you all frequently, but just haven't been ready to write. Most of you remember last year about this time dh and I were thinking about splitting up - well now it's official. I'm trying to get moved out by the end of the month and who knows how long all the legal stuff will take. Honestly, without going into too much detail I know this is the best decision and I'm really looking forward to the change. So that's where I've been :) You guys have been busy - so excited to hear about you Laurie - YEAH!!!!!!!!! I also check on Stacies boys almost everyday and am so pleased to see them doing so well. Meme and Dana - I love hearing about your wonderful pregnancies - it won't be long now. Karen and Natasha I hope all is well with the girls. Tracy, don't get too down about this - you will get pregnant again soon - I know it. I will keep you guys posted and look forward to more new arrivals soon :) Rachel

What happned to the other half of our thread? L

Okay my computer did the most bizarre thing and I was only seeing the thread through May. Rachel, I would say I am sorry but you sound really good with this. You know, the best thing I ever learned about relationships is that you have to make space for the love that was meant to be to come into your life. Ladies, I had good news. The baby is there and moving all around--swimming if you will. Pretty exciting! Even my 70 year old doctor was pointing things out excitedly to us. I think he is just going to be my OB too. He told me he was not delivering any more babies (this was months ago). Then today he said "I have a group all ready around the same time in August, so I probably won't travel then--it is up to you if you want to stay with us or not". Up until the IVF cycle I had some concerns about whether or not he should be retired but after that cycle, I know why everyone thought he was the best in town. So, I may just stay with him. Now I need to decide on the CVS, amnio etc. Three more weeks until my next appt. I will of course be a basket case. Laurie

Rachel, I am sorry to hear your news, but it sounds like you are at peace with the decision. I wish you all the best as you move into the next phase of your life. I am sure some lucky guy is out there waiting for you! Know that we are rooting for you! Laurie, I am so thrilled for you. Trust me, the worrying never leaves. I think it actually gets worse :)
Stacie, I checked your blog again today. I am counting the days along with you until those precious boys can come home! Keep the wonderful pictures coming.
Speaking of blogs, Meme I have lost yours. I got a new computer and lost a lot of my addresses. Maybe you could emil us the address again? Hopefully we aren;t still imposing upon Rachel for that.
Tracy, keeping fingers and toes crossed for next month.
We have Kyla's 2 month shots tomorrow. Not looking forward to it. But I guess a few hours of discomfort is better than the discomfort of the diseases the vaccinations prevent.

You guys aren't going to believe where I am, right at this very minute!! I am in the maternity ward, at the hospital, giving birth to a lovely KIDNEY STONE!!!!! I was admitted on Saturday and have been here ever since. My OB tells me that this pain is worse than any pain I'll experience in labour, so BRING IT ON! If something so incredibly small can hurt so much, then seriously, bring it on. I think I may have passed the most substantial part today. So, take a grain of UNCOOKED rice, and then cut it in 1/2 or 1/3. That's it. That's right. That little piece required 5 shots of morphine since Saturday. It's been so scarey being here. All the morphine, all the pain, the antibiotics... absolutely terrifying that I am harming the kid. But they have been so diligent about making sure the baby is ok. I get the non-stress test at least once a day, plus just doppler several times a day to make sure tht the little fighter is doing all right. It's made me feel like a wimp in some ways, although I know that I coulnd't have fought through this pain, there's no way. Today I was about an hour into a morphine shot and I was still so much in pain that I couldn't move. On Saturday I was throwing up I was in so much pain. That's never happened to me before. Anyway, I'm hoping tonight will prove to be uneventful and that they'll send me home tomorrow. It's nice being here though and being so close to all the medical treatment I feel I need. One night at 2 in the morning I called the nurse to come and check the baby, and they did. It was nice. So, there you go. Such a downer hey? The wireless connection here at the hosptial isn't the greatest so I haven't read up on everyone. I hope all is well for everyone. I'll update when I can. Dana

Yikes Dana that sounds scary - hope you are doing better now and home safe & sound. I had gallbladder problems for years - and they flair up in the form of gall stones which again are supposed to be excrutiating pain (which the attacks were) and I had it taken out in emergency surgery but the 3 days prior to the surgery without painkillers were some of the longest - it was incredibly painful. It will be interesting to see how it compares to labor - I still think I'll be taking my epidural thank you! Rachel - glad you are doing good and feel good about your decision - it's never easy to make a tough decision, but it is so rewarding to know you stood up for yourself - and now you can focus on getting the life you want - I know you can do it - and I'm proud to know you and all the ladies here, what a strong group of courageous women. I've been feeling rough the last 3 days - like my morning sickness is back, hopefully it isn't that and just a bug. I really enjoyed the weeks without nausea! Take care everyone.

Rachel, I couldn't be more sorry that you are enduring divorce, but at the same time, I am happy for you to start anew. I'm only happy about it because it sounds like you are ready for it and comfortable with your decision. I know that before I met my husband, I was with a guy for four years, whom i thought I wanted to marry. Well, after tons of reflecting, I realized that I would be better off starting over and embarking on a new life. I left him, and while it was the hardest thing I had ever done, it was the most liberating and refreshing. It set me on a new path and my life changed 100%. I wish the best for you during this time, and if you need to talk or just want a friend, my email is the same. Let me know if you no longer have my email address. Laurie, I struggled with the whole amnio, CVS question while I was pG with savannah. I opted for the quad screen and all that jazz. Part of me wishes I had just gone with the amnio, but fear kept me away from going that route. Karen, how did the baby's shots go? I remember the first time savannah got her shots, she slept and that was it. Just a note....I was told to try to avoid giving tylenol if a slight fever presents itself because the body needs to fight the shots on its own. I only save the tylenol for the higher end of the fever spectrum, and well, fortunately I haven't had to use it yet. Dana, I had a similar experience with morphine, etc....while PG. I was going into labor, I knew i was in labor, and they thought I had a kidney stone. What I had was back labor. Anyway, they put me on morphine, which only really lasted an hour a pop if that. The pain was so intense. I was so scared that I was harming the baby, but apparently she is GOOD! Don't worry. If the baby's heart rate dips, they'll stop the morphine. The other drugs are ok too. I was on antibiotics a couple times during my pregnancy and even had to take quite a bit of tylenol with codeine for back pain. They just don't want moms to become addicted to drugs, but they are ok if monitored by a doctor. I hope you are feeling better and that you passed that damn thing already! Meme, I'm sorry to hear you are feeling ill again. I've heard of that happening, and fortunately it was a tiny phase for many women or like you said, just a bug. I hope you also feel better very soon. Well, I am officially in my TWW. This cycle was much better. I had three mature follies at the time of ovulation and inseminations were Thursday and Friday (yesterday). Wish me luck! Miss you all.

Hi ladies. Dana, for goodness sake, I hope that kidney stone business is all done with! No fun! When is your due date? I love all the kid updates, ladies. It makes me feel encouraged and positive. Tracy, good luck this cycle! I hope this does it for you! Back to mommy business! I still feel no symptoms. Occasionally I don't feel good and my clothes are tighter, a headache and a raging hormone day last week (which alienated a woman I work with but maybe I can explain it to her later) but really not much since then. I know, I know, I should feel blessed, but it is hard when you read all these disaster stories on the net. The statistics are in my favor and all that. But dammit, I want to know the baby is there! I started worrying within a couple of days of the scan. Here is how it went "well, that was not technically a 10 week scan, that was a 9w5d scan, so ..." My next one is not until the 28th, which will be over 13 weeks and then I will probably start telling more people. Two ladies at work know, because I just keep freaking out about it and they both did fertility treatments. That is it. Not even my mother. And I figured my bbs would be getting bigger but they are not (at least obviously). I know guys, I am a freak. Stacie keeps telling me I need to relax and enjoy, but I am kind of short on faith. Which is a bummer because being pregnant and parenting is one giant act of faith, I guess. Laurie

Wow, lots to catch up on! Dana, that's brutal..all you needed, right? I'm glad to hear the worst of it is over. I haven't had to pass a kidney stone, but I'm pretty sure that it hurts more than labor, so keep that in mind. :) I too want to be reminded of your due date..thanks. Rachel, it's SO nice to hear from you! I'm so proud of you for making what I'm sure was one of the scariest decisions i your life. The universe will reward you for your bravery with a renewed sense of sense, and likely new people (person?) coming into your life. Please keep us posted! Laurie, yay! That's terrific that things are looking good with the little bean. They truly do give you tons to worry about, but trust me..it'll all work out. I look back on the little things that I worried about while pg, and wondered why I put so much energy into worrying. Ah well..those crazy hormones don't help, huh? Oh, and I've heard (and experienced personally) that not having your boobs grow much while pg means a girl...are you finding out the gender? Dana, you didn't find out, right? I think it's waaaay more common in the U.S. to find out than it is here in Canada..I think all of you American moms found out, right? It's all good! :) Tracy, that truly sucks that you actually got pg, then it went away..I feel for you. I'm keeping fingers crossed for this upcoming cycle! Meme, glad to hear things are going well for you - keep up with whatever it is you're doing! :) I remember starting to feel a bit nauseous again at about month 4 for a few days..I too was worried it was m/s coming back, but feat not - it went away. Karen, how're you doing? Hope the shots went well - you feel like such a sh-t when you're the one holding them while they got shots. :( Oh well, has to be done... TTC #3..you still around? Stacie, I haven't checked your blog, but it sounds like your boys are headed home soon? That's so nice..I'm sure having them home will feel really good (even though I feel for you in how much work that'll be having TWO). As for us, we're doing okay...NOW. Poor baby of mine had a urinary tract infection! Ugh..poor sweet thing..she had to have a catheter to check her urine and will be having more tests to figure out how/why she got the infection. On top of her acid reflux, it's been very trying. But, she seems to be feeling better (antibiotic seems to be working) and she still smiles all the time, so life can't be all bad, right? TTYS!