Surviving a Miscarriage

No one really wants to talk about it. More times than not people just brush it under the carpet. But miscarriage is real and carries very emotional and physical pain. My husband and I lost our first two babies due to miscarriages. Our losses were only 5 months apart from each other. The first one (who we nick named Lima Bean) left us at 9 weeks gestation. That miscarriage was called a missed miscarriage. My body was 9 weeks pregnant but Lima Bean stopped growing at 7 weeks. A missed miscarriage is when the baby dies but the body keeps on going as if the baby is fine. Sadly, there is no known reason why this happens. Our second loss (who we nick named Baby Heart) left us at 6.5 weeks gestation. At 5 weeks we went in for a sonogram to check development and heard the heart beat. But one week later I began bleeding and was diagnosed again as suffering a miscarriage. This time, my body let go without medical intervention. The pain that comes along with a miscarriage is very real. It is not only physically painful but also emotionally. With our first loss I was having contractions two days after we found out our baby was gone. I was told that when your uterus is not yet expanded to full size, contractions can be worse than with a full term labor. That comment held true with us. Ways to help heal? Talk about your feelings. Do not keep them inside. Find a support group, even ones online, and speak with women and couples who have gone through it. Do not let anyone tell you to move on. It is not that easy, and no one should tell you that. It was your baby...... not theirs. Keep hope alive. Many women miscarry and there is no medical reason behind it. Although you would not know this as it is such a taboo topic. Pooker, my oldest daughter, was our third pregnancy in 11 months. Her sister, Kit Kat, was conceived when Pooker was 10 months old. It can happen to you. Find a doctor who you trust. A doctor who listens to your concerns, fears, ideas, and what ever else is so important. We were lucky enough to have one such doctor. (Two actually......) A doctor who understands you, takes your history seriously, and is proactive is very important. If you can not find someone to talk to...... please feel free to contact me. I had a special friend listen to me and it helped that she suffered like we had.

restless legs?

Okay so this may not be a "first trimester" thing... but are you suffering from Restless Leg Syndrome at night? This article is helpful. I have found using a heating pad for 30-45 mins right before bed helps my legs and ankles. Use the heating pad in bed while your legs are covered up with your blanket. This will help the heat stay in one spot. If you have a large enough heating pad you can wrap your legs and ankles up in the pad. They say leg stretches can help too... but the only thing so far that helps me is the heating pad. GOOD LUCK LADIES!!!!

gotta go?!

Are you finding yourself going pee much more now? FUN HUH?! Try this little trick to help you go fewer times at night (and during the day)... Lean forward when you are "going", it will help apply a small amount of pressure on your bladder so you can empty it more. Good luck!! ( I am still going up to 5 times during the night!)

Second trimester and still sick!

You expect to enter into your second trimester and be CURED from your first trimester sickness! SURPRISE it may not end that quickly! Don't be worried though. In most cases your morning sickness will start to fade away, but some unlucky women still throw up right into labor! Just continue what you have been doing.... and pray it will end soon! Remember.... SLEEP, DRINK, SLEEP! Good luck mommies!

pregnant and have a toddler!

You find yourself in your first trimester and you have a toddler?! Maybe you have a newly turned 12 month old (like me) and in the thick of your morning sickness! What do you do, when all you want to do is lay down? There are ways to still pay attention to your toddler and get some rest for yourself. Try laying on the floor while your toddler plays. This can become a new game with the two of you. Just be careful that your bouncing toddler does not get too playful with your belly. You can sleep (or rest) while your toddler is napping. Most toddlers still take 2 naps during the day... so this may be a great time for you to rest your sleepy bones. If you feel just too exhausted or dizzy.... do not be afraid to ask for help. There have been a few times I have called my husband to come home early due to dizziness... there is no sense in putting yourself or your toddler in danger. Hang in there!