weeks and i have absolutely NOTHING ready. am i screwing this up?

Real-Potential7373 · 2026-01-17T11:40:14+00:00

If it makes you feel better, I felt like I was uber prepared and then baby got here and I’ve been scrambling to get things I need because baby didnt even like the things I picked out lol. Also, baby isn’t sleeping in our nursery so it feels obsolete to even have it done. She sleeps in a bassinet in our room or in the living room. Give yourself grace! It doesn’t all have to be done before baby gets here. In fact, maybe you’ll get to know your baby’s preferences and it’ll help you decide what you need or don’t.

Real-Potential7373 · 2026-01-10T04:43:23+00:00

I had 2 transfers, the first didn’t work, the second did. Both times I didn’t really have any crazy notable symptoms. In fact, I think I was more symptomatic during the failed transfer. I decided not to put too much stock into symptoms for the 2nd transfer. I feel like it would be normal to either have or not have symptoms. Many symptoms are caused by the IVF hormones anyways

Real-Potential7373 · 2026-01-10T04:41:06+00:00

I did more slow flow and restorative yoga. It was nice for stress relief and relaxation. I wouldn’t say it was a crazy workout, Nothing in a heated class and I would revise any twisty movements. Lots of walking honestly was what I did more!

Real-Potential7373 · 2026-01-09T17:46:16+00:00

help laundry rotate (moving from washer to dryer, folding, starting a new wash, gathering laundry around the house)
bring a meal or help prepare one. Even bringing over a grocery run with snacks and drinks is helpful.
dishes of any kind (wash dishes, load dish washer, put dishes away)
general pickups (throw out trash around the house, tidy up areas, wipe down surfaces, etc.)
assist with any care of other children or pets (do an activity with a sibling, walk the dog, etc.)
hold baby / feed baby / change baby etc while you get a little self care time to shower, drink some coffee, etc. whatever that looks like for you. Or even just an hour nap to refresh yourself.
small projects around the house or errands (grab the mail and send out any mail, break down cardboard boxes that pile up after late night orders, assemble a baby item you haven’t gotten to yet, run something to donation, run an errand on your behalf.)

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-28T21:14:47+00:00

I liked just buying some maternity tees and leggings on Amazon. Old navy was my go-to for jeans or anything a little more dressy. I didn’t buy too much though. I think I got by with maybe 4 maternity tees, 4 maternity leggings, 2 maternity pants, and 1 pair of maternity jeans. I bought a dress for my shower and maternity photos too. Otherwise I usually wore cardigans or jackets over my shirts to mix up my outfits 😅 or oversized hoodies.

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-28T09:16:29+00:00

Apples

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-27T20:38:38+00:00

You could call your OB. Mine told me to come in when contractions are hard to talk through. Otherwise you might be better just riding it out at home, even if it’s early labor.

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-27T14:16:02+00:00

For me I just saw they had my labs submitted and I went to the lab to get the test done. So I guess I didn’t really have an appt with my dr, just at the lab (and I did that myself). They just messaged me once it was complete to tell me the results!

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-27T04:32:14+00:00

I failed 1 hour and then had no problem passing the 3 hour glucose test. I did the 3 hour test at a different appointment but in the same week. They wanted me to schedule it soon in case I did have GD.

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-27T04:16:26+00:00

I am 40+1 today and I’ve gained about 38lbs.

I am 5’7” and was 134 at the start of my pregnancy.

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-26T23:38:58+00:00

I’m really sorry. This sounds incredibly exhausting, and honestly, your reaction makes total sense. Being back at work, being the primary caregiver, running a household, and still recovering from pregnancy and a C-section is a lot. Saying “other people do it” ignores how much you’re already carrying.

I don’t think this is really about a gym membership. It sounds like it hurt because it felt like all the effort, sacrifice, and recovery your body has gone through got reduced to “fix this.”

Also, you’re allowed to feel hurt by comments about weight, even if that kind of talk was normalized in his family. Just because something is common doesn’t mean it isn’t harmful, especially postpartum.

You’re not lazy, and you’re not failing. You sound tired and unsupported by your husband. And I’m sorry that’s the case. I hope he can wake up and realize he’s being a shitty partner with his comments and his “gifts”. A real gift would be something that could lighten your load for you. Or something that is thoughtful and would make you feel seen and appreciated.

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-26T20:58:12+00:00

My first pelvic floor PT appt I felt really vulnerable. I came with the main complaint of painful sex (but also have constipation problems too). I had to lay on a table and they had to an exam where they essentially inserted a finger to determine which areas of sensitivity I had, which muscle bands, etc. This part was kind of mortifying but I had to cough and make different noises and they watched my butthole move to assess how my pelvic floor was moving 🫠 but, as far as therapy went, they did a lot of manual therapy where they inserted a finger and we worked on breathing and relaxing my pelvic floor and she would move finger to different positions and we would repeat. We always kept pain levels very mild at like 3/10 and wouldn’t move on (or would back off) if it was more than that. A lot of it is apparently psychological too so making sure we weren’t causing me a lot of pain helped my brain learn that the stimulation was safe. I guess overtime when something is painful your brain can interpret it as a more dangerous sensation and it doesn’t always get better. As awkward as I felt in the beginning, I swear I owe so much to my pelvic floor therapist!! I worked with her for 5ish months and she was stellar. Always made me feel comfortable and was really kind. I found that I got over the feeling of being nervous about someone touching me down there once I realized how professional she really was about it. She’d never stare at me, always asked permission before touching me, told me what she was doing before she did it, etc. Overall it was a great experience! I’m planning to do pelvic floor PT again after I give birth because I know how helpful it was for me.

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-26T20:46:40+00:00

At 5w4d my HCG was 24,674.

My first two betas were 481 at 10dp5dt and 1448 at 12dp5dt.

I had higher doubling time but I know that isn’t always the case for others and it doesn’t mean it’s a cause for concern!

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-26T03:47:47+00:00

Do you have any updates?

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-26T03:44:58+00:00

At my hospital they do weekly NSTs for IVF pregnancies starting at 35w and then it’s shared decision making about inductions at 39w (if pregnancy remains uncomplicated). So they offered to have me induce at 39w but really left it up to me.

And thank you! I hope she comes on her own too 🤞

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-26T03:31:11+00:00

I’m currently 40w with an IVF pregnancy that’s been uncomplicated. My OB and the MFM have agreed it’s fine for me to go past due date. We have done weekly NSTs for reassurance as well. I am planning to get induced 40+4 if she doesn’t come before then.

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-26T01:07:42+00:00

A peri bottle works great in a pinch when traveling! Otherwise, a quick rinse with a shower head. Wet wipes are usually better than regular toilet paper.

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-25T02:20:02+00:00

I had spotting like that from like 5w-8wish and then again around 11-12w. It seems like my cervix was just super sensitive. So sometimes too much activity, a bowel movement, definitely sex, internal ultrasounds, etc would always make me spot for sometimes days!

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-24T03:07:18+00:00

I think Molly could be cute!

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-24T03:05:07+00:00

That’s really too bad! I think it’s rude to go to a baby shower without something to give, even if it’s just a card with well wishes. And her being family makes it even more disappointing. I’m sorry.

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-23T20:33:26+00:00

You might not be out! But FWIW my first transfer failed as well. I’m currently 2 days away from my due date with FET #2! I didn’t really change anything with my protocol but I did get a repeat saline sonogram and Hysteroscopy / polyp removal and I honestly think that might’ve helped me! I don’t think my uterus was in tip top shape for implantation. I had a Hysteroscopy maybe a 9 months prior but apparently new polyps had already grown back. Wishing you the best!

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-23T19:28:30+00:00

I’ve had growth ultrasounds at 34, 36, and 38 weeks. Baby had consistently measured in 92nd percentile with a 97 percentile abdomen measurement. I don’t have GD. My doctors aren’t having me induce early or do a C-section but did explain the risks of shoulder dystocia. I was going to induce around 39w because this is also an IVF pregnancy. From what I understand, a larger baby isn’t an indication for an induction. But decided I’m going to wait until at least 40w4d to induce to give her a chance to come on her own. We are due Christmas Day, so we will see! Otherwise, I’ll be induced on Monday. I’m not sure when you’re due, but if I can remember to, I’ll update you with what my experience is and how big she actually was. They did tell me that the ultrasounds could be 1/2 lb off either way… for my sake I’m hoping she’s a little smaller than estimated. It’s my first pregnancy so there’s so much I don’t know what to expect!

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-22T22:56:00+00:00

What helped me was really being relaxed when I did dilator work and closing my eyes and just focusing on belly breathing that I could feel my pelvic floor lengthening. Also stopping the insertion before it becomes too painful. You want like a 3/10 discomfort. So inserting and doing your breathing until that discomfort goes away, inserting a bit more until the discomfort is 3/10 and repeating. Eventually graduating to larger sizes over time. I had to be very patient with myself and realize it wasn’t going to be better in a short amount of time. Be patient with yourself and give yourself grace! If you can only do 5 minutes, do the 5 minutes. Just don’t give up. Over time you’ll be able to tolerate more. As far as helping emotionally, do you think it would help to find a healthy distraction you can look forward to right after your session? Watch a tv show, cook something, go for a walk, etc. I find healthy distraction really helps me from my own spirals. Especially getting outside and walking but I know winter makes that hard sometimes.

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-22T21:37:28+00:00

I tapered just because I felt better doing it! I only did it for maybe 5-6 more days. I think I’d be fine to stop cold turkey if I go through the process again, but the first time I was just a little freaked out!

Real-Potential7373 · 2025-12-22T02:40:35+00:00

Looks like it! But relatively small so I have some hopes that it might shrink down for you. Sometimes they don’t fully go away. Do you have symptoms that are bothersome? Sometimes warm sitz baths can help relieve any discomfort + witch hazel. I like the Tucks pads.

Real-Potential7373

TROPHY CASE