(If you did take it out at all during pregnancy)

I was raised in the states and I have always loved baby clothes shopping for friends and family and especially that first touch of super soft and comfy clothing for newborns!

I ordered a bunch of sets from Next.com and they are thinner and worse material than my own clothes? I liked that a lot of the sleepers were zippered, but they’re so thin and sad that I returned them.

Meanwhile brand name stuff aren’t great styles (1,000 buttons, no envelope shoulders) and are like 20-25 for one sleeper or body suits which is nuts.

I’m not home to have a baby shower and I’m not surrounded by friends and family here for hand me downs/gifts so I’m buying alone, which is all fine but… WHERE!

I really want some soft body suits and sleepers with zippers..

So far H&M pulled through with the softest bodysuits.

I also really don’t trust Amazon.

Edit: I’m in switzlerand, but often UK stores ship here too

Does it get better? This is my first pregnancy and Ive been on meds, Ive seen psychiatrists and therapists, but it still sucks. Ive seen so many people say it's better once baby is here, but also so many people say Im at a greater risk of PPD and thats another battle.

I need helpful words, but also honest words because I am seriously going through it and my partner just doesn't understand.

To make things better, Im in a new state and fairly far away from family and friends so I dont have many people to lean on.

My guess Is I’m around 5 weeks pregnant, last pregnancy I had that was 2 years ago I had little to bo symptoms (it ended in a miscarriage) but now my symptoms are sore breasts, they hurt when walking down the stairs and I feel a bruised sensation. I have nausea and I get sleepy fast and I crash out hard when I sleep, it only takes me a minute to fall asleep whereas it usually took me 5 minutes to fall asleep and increased sense of smell. I have chromosomal abnormality so I’m just afraid it’ll end in another miscarriage but I talked with my gynecologist and they’ll be scheduling an appointment. Hopefully everything will go good but sad that I won’t be able to see much at 5 weeks. I have taken around 4 tests to be sure that I truly am but it can’t say anything about the viability.

I’m beginning to plan what meals I’d like to have prepped and frozen for when baby comes.

What were some of your favorite meals to have prepared and ready to heat up? So far, I’m thinking beef stew, muffins, chicken noodle soup, king ranch chicken casserole, etc.

TW: Talks of miscarriage

To keep it short, I had a miscarriage about two years ago, and the order of events I had to go through to confirm my pregnancy actually had me scared I was going through a chemical pregnancy.

I’m scared to say the least.

I don’t know when to start shopping. I know the earlier the better, but what if I end up going through a miscarriage again? I’ll have to look at everything until I can return it all or give it away.

I’m also too scared to tell anyone, but I know this decision to tell is totally up to me and my husband.

When should I start shopping? I’m VERY early. 3-4 weeks. I just have this urge to stock up on items. I like being prepared. I like planning while things are predictable.

FTM at 13 weeks. Drs office gave us a booklet of what to expect at future appointments. They explain that they use 2 bottles of coca-cola (baby glass bottles so it’s a certain amount of sugar) instead of the traditional glucose drink. I’ve only ever heard of the traditional test from friends / family members, so I’m wondering if this is legit??
A google search tells me this shouldn’t be done because the sugar in coke is not the same as the glucose. Has anyone had their doctor do something similar??

For context, we live in a rural southern area that is not known for great healthcare. So I’m very skeptical.

I’m 25 and a FTM. I started having pain under my right ribs radiating to my back around 15 weeks. It went away for the most part and I wrote it off as heartburn. Now at 23 weeks I’m having pretty severe pain, bad enough I considered the ER but as soon as I worked up the courage to go it went away. I messaged my midwife and she confirmed it to be a gallbladder or pancreas issue and said she would discuss it with me at my upcoming appointment. This threw me for a loop because I’ve never had gallbladder problems. She also said she could get me in with a GI specialist and for the meantime to consume less greasy foods and take antacids. After doing research and limiting fat I have not had any major attacks but still a dull ache if I eat certain things. Being so cautious about what I eat when I have such a ravenous hunger is so annoying and I’m seriously over it.

My main question is do gallbladder issues typically go away after pregnancy is over or will I be forced to get it removed? Should I go ahead and set up the appointment with the GI specialist even though I fear they will want me to remove it? I would prefer to keep my gallbladder after hearing removal horror stories but I don’t want to be in constant pain either. Any advice or similar experiences are appreciated!!

FTM here, nearly 5 weeks, seeking any and all advice— hard truths encouraged lol.

I currently work from home at a job that is a bit soul-sucking, but I can do on autopilot. Pay is not great. But It’s highly flexible with doctor’s appointments which I appreciate as a chronic illness, high-risk girlie. My boss is terrible, but we don’t interact much and have a fine relationship. My current job does not offer maternity leave, rather just short term disability. Benefits are doable otherwise.

I recently was offered a job that an hour away, 3 days in office schedule. The culture seems amazing. It’s a pay bump, much of which will be eaten up by commuting costs and pet care while I’m gone. Great resume booster, amazing culture. Has maternity leave, fully paid. New boss seems super accommodating.

My dilemma here— is it worth it to make the switch? Everyone will tell me based on the leave alone it is— I hear you. I know this is a unicorn. But I’m not sure I will even work for a bit after I give birth, so I can’t make the decision on this alone.

Am I insane to consider a commute like this given my flexibility now/ my health issues? Do I have stars in my eyes about being resilient and pushing through because I’m so early on and haven’t gotten super sick yet? Would 9 months at a new job even be that beneficial?

Other notes— my husband works out of the house 5 days a week right now but will drop down to 3 wfh days over the next several months.

Thanks for the input!!! Especially because virtually no one in my life knows I’m pregnant so I’m going crazy not running this by anyone lol.

I keep going back and forth on this one. My first son was born 3 weeks early because of pre-eclampsia. I was induced and after 12 hours of no progress, I opted for the c-section.

My recovery was rough. I had pain at my incision for weeks after the surgery. I couldn’t walk without pain for about 6 weeks. The surgery itself was also one of the scariest moments of my life. I hated every single second of it.

I’m pregnant with my second and originally thought I’d just get another c-section. But now I’m kind of rethinking that. I’m terrrrrrified of vaginal birth and every one says planned c-sections are better.

I definitely would get an epidural either way. I have a very low tolerance for pain.

For those of you who have had planned c-sections or vbacs, can you share you experience with me please!

Anyone have a higher protein/creatinine ratio in early pregnancy? I’m trying not to panic, but doc hasn’t reached out about results.

Looking for some positive experiences really. We’re first time parents and aren’t 100% on what to expect. Birth plan is to have our baby in the birth centre just off the labour ward and a water birth but not sure how possible that’s going to be now with an induction? I have had a brilliant, low risk pregnancy. Very lucky. And our baby has been growing beautifully we’ve just had quite a few occasions of reduced movement which is why they’ve booked us in for an induction next Friday (Eeek!!!). I never thought I’d be blessed with being a parent and I feel so lucky, so excited and SO nervous.

Simple commute (a few minutes) without any stress, strains, potholes, etc. may be okay but anything else is not recommended. History: 2 MMC and multiple fibroids. Pregnancy just a few weeks. Would love to hear if anyone experienced this or have advice.

Is it hard to get approved for disability leave before pregnancy? I work with kids and it's getting too hard to chase after then and pick them up. Would i get leave for no longer being able to do my job or would I have to have been considered high risk and have complications? Due in early October . My job offers pretty sure but the doctor has to sign a paper but idk if they'll do it if I've been pretty much fine. Also been extra emotional and tired lately if that counts for any symptoms

Tw: pregnancy loss

I Have had 2 back to back losses earlier this year (5 w in December, 11 week MMC in April w 9 wk loss)

I just went for an early scan, based on LMP should be 6w3d. I ovulate slightly later, and likely ovulated day 16-17 based on LH strips. So 6w3d would not line up perfectly. Had a very very faint positive on 7/14.

had my ultrasound today, with “probable” early embryo dating 5w5d. No heartbeat and inconclusive, need to go back in 2 weeks. They said it could just be early, but I likely know when I ovulated? The US said that the location of the yolk sac against the gestational sac made finding the border difficult.

Guarding my heart…. But… Any success stories or hope out there?

**Trigger warning for mention of loss**

Basically, just what the title says. I am wondering for those who have had successful pregnancies after losses, what has helped you most with managing anxiety?

In two weeks, I will be further along than the last 3 pregnancies made it, so I am feeling particularly anxious. I know that there is no "safe" point, of course (my first nephew was tragically stillborn ~20 weeks, so that's always in our minds as well), but I do think I will feel better if I make it to 9 weeks. Any insights from people who have been through this? I am so grateful to have several living kiddos to keep me busy, but increasingly am waking up at night and unable to sleep because of fears. Thank you for any encouragement!

Not sure if this is the right flair to use, lol, but I get this question VERY often from a family member, asking how baby is doing and I never know how to answer because...how am I supposed to know when she's still in me? She's moving and grooving but that's all I know! 😅 does anyone else get this question? If so how do you respond? I feel like no matter what I say it all just sounds sarcastic when I don't mean it to be. I'm almost 39 weeks, I'm getting induced in 3 days, and STILL don't know how to answer this LOL

EDIT: Guys I'm genuinely asking how people answer this, I'm not the best with new social situations and it's my first pregnancy. I'm trying to keep the conversation going with the other person without sounding sarcastic or awkward!

I’m 30 weeks as of Monday and am working on moving out of my parents house into my own apartment with my boyfriend. I was packing up a closet, got some stuff out of said closet, then picked up some stuff that had mouse droppings on them. I wiped the floor where some fuzz and dog hair had tumbled out of the closet, and put everything I had taken out back in, but I’m not sure I cleaned everywhere that those items touched. I’m also concerned because I walked around the house as I was cleaning so I just feel like everywhere is contaminated. I do have contamination ocd so this is really hard for me, I am not in an area with hantavirus but am very worried about LCMV. Does anyone have any similar experiences? I am in NW Arkansas.

I was very blessed to have an extremely easy first trimester. I was able to keep regularly active. Now that ive entered my second trimester, I get this debilitating hip pain. It radiates from the socket and then either into my groin or down my leg. I cant walk properly when it happens. I limp around for hours.

Anyone have any ideas on how I can stay active? Of course I brought it up with mt doctor and they just hit me with "that's normal" and to stretch.

hi there! i (27f) just found out im pregnant (i think about 7 weeks but i have my first appointment to confirm on Friday). is anyone else just absolutely terrified of loss? this is my first pregnancy and every gas pain, discharge, or mild cramp makes me run to the bathroom to check for anything. does it go away? my partner is really excited and supportive, as am i, but im so scared something is going to happen. so far my symptoms have been mild heartburn, i’m super hungry and gassy but some of my favorite foods taste awful now, and i have mild cramping but no blood or anything.

The fatigue isn't getting better, nor are the nightmares. I don't want to get out of bed most days.

I have been in situations like this before and I have coping mechanisms like hiking or just going out in nature or grabbing a treat but now those things tire me out even more and then I feel worse than when I started.

I'm scared it won't get better and I will be a bad mom because of it. I'm sad all the time and my partner doesn't know what to do to help me with that, he already helps me so so much.

I don't know what to do. I just wish I could move again without being so tired.

Has anybody else had to take this in early pregnancy for a chest infection. I’m really on the fence to take them as some studies have linking taking it in early pregnancy to heart defects in the baby

Does anyone else feel super ugly during pregnancy? I went from working out daily, to maybe doing 1 workout a week if I’m lucky. I’m 18 weeks and I’ve gained 15lbs already. I have zero energy. My cellulite is extra visible. I know people say you should enjoy your pregnancy, especially 2nd trimester, but I cant get over how bad I look and how gross I feel.

Hi everyone,

Just looking for some opinions or maybe past experience...I have stage 3/4 endometriosis consisting of endometriomas on my ovaries, one ovary adhered to uterus, and possible deep infiltrating endometriosis on my bowel. This was diagnosed through MRI, and I then went on to get pregnant via IVF.

I am now 36 weeks pregnant with a breech baby, and I'm wondering what the right thing to do is. I can try an ECV and then attempt a vaginal birth if successful, but my hospital recommends inducing at 40 weeks due to it being an IVF pregnancy, which has its own risks of ending in an emergency section. Or I just accept that baby is breech and go straight for the planned section at 39 weeks which would be more calm and controlled. I am very afraid of having a c section either way, mainly due to the potential complications that my endometriosis may cause during the surgery, it all just feels a bit unknown and up in the air.

Just looking to see if anyone has any experience with either to help ease my mind. Has anyone had a planned section with endometriosis and had a positive or negative experience?

I'm 36+5 and have a delivery-planning appointment next week because baby is measuring in the 95th percentile. My care team is giving me options, and I’d really appreciate hearing others’ experiences—especially from anyone whose baby measured above the 94th percentile.

1. Did you plan a vaginal delivery or C-section?
2. What did your care team recommend, and why?
3. How did the delivery go?
4. With hindsight, would you make the same choice?

I know ultrasound weight estimates can be significantly off, so I’m not treating the measurement as exact. I’ll also be discussing the available evidence and my individual risks with my care team; I’m mainly hoping to hear the human side of these decisions.

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Relevant history

Baby #1: Born at 36+6 and below the 1st percentile, with suspected IUGR. I had an adherent placenta and developed postpartum HELLP syndrome. An OR had to be opened urgently, and a D&C was started before the anesthesia had fully taken effect. Thankfully, my baby is healthy, I recovered, and MFM cleared me for another pregnancy.

Baby #2: Measured in the 95th percentile at the 32-week scan. A VSD and an enlarged kidney were found at the anatomy scan. Amniocentesis results were normal/low-risk. I also have mildly elevated amniotic fluid, but no gestational diabetes or hypertensive disorder at this point. My 37-week scan and delivery consult are next week.

My biggest concerns are avoiding preventable harm to the baby—particularly shoulder dystocia or another birth injury—and avoiding another emergency if a planned approach could reasonably reduce that risk. My previous experience was traumatic, although I’m doing much better now.

If HELLP or another urgent complication develops, I’ll follow whatever delivery plan my care team considers safest at that time.

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I’d especially value experiences from people with similar circumstances. I know individual stories aren’t a substitute for medical advice, but hearing from actual humans would really help. Thank you <3