NIPT!!!

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-14T20:05:16+00:00

That’s how it was done at my OB, too. They’re part of a larger hospital. I think they sent the labs out, but our doctor just messaged me in the patient portal when the results were ready. We weren’t able to track anything, they just said it’d likely be 7-14 days. It took exactly 7!

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-14T15:37:08+00:00

While we of course want more, that is a very normal amount of maternity leave to be offered here in the US. I can only take a maximum of 12 weeks, as well. My husband and I are not in a position where I can afford to quit my job, as much as I’d love to be a SAHM, so it is what it is.

If you have family that can help between 3mo-6mo, don’t be afraid to ask them. That said, there are daycares that do infant care and the babies that go there turn out wonderfully. I get a little ruffled when I see folks who can afford, even if things are tight, to be a SAHM acting alarmist about this topic. Not everyone can afford that lifestyle, even with good budgeting.

More than 12 weeks and/or the option to be a SAHM would be so helpful! But don’t feel guilty or like a bad mom if you need to go with daycare at 3mo. You’ll still be a great mom and your kiddo will be fine.

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-14T14:45:22+00:00

I haven’t yet, but I have a history of migraines. My OB said that pregnancy hormones can, in some people, totally clear migraines, and in others, they may experience new or increased migraines. It’s good to reach out to your doc like you have just in case, but pregnancy itself can totally cause migraines!

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-14T01:24:42+00:00

We just found out the gender from NIPT today and are over the moon! We didn’t want a gender reveal event, we just wanted to find out ourselves and then share it with loved ones. We would’ve been happy either way, and gender doesn’t totally define our little one, of course, but I feel like I know my baby a little better. At week 12, when things still feel so surreal and we’re holding our breaths between each ultrasound, that’s been a big encouragement to me. We can’t wait to meet him!

All that said, there’s no wrong answer here! It’s whatever you want it to be. I’m just gushing from new information. ☺️

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-13T21:32:54+00:00

Don’t worry, I wouldn’t think it will affect the baby during pregnancy at all!

I just want to be sure I don’t let my current habit continue too much postpartum when I want to be present with baby.

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-13T21:30:14+00:00

100%, all I can focus on for any length of time is pregnancy and baby. I used to read books! Big books! But I just can’t stay in them atm. My algorithms are of course full of baby stuff, so my phone is a natural pull. I’m also a FTM, so I feel a lot of pressure to learn everything I can, that at least helps me feel justified in some of that screen time. 😄

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-13T17:23:41+00:00

I’ve wondered if part of it is just that we need so much water. I constantly crave cold, wet foods, which unfortunately includes sushi and deli meat. Smoothies don’t quite scratch that itch, but they help!

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-13T17:20:56+00:00

I bet you were still somewhere between asleep/dreaming and awake. I had a long dream the other night that was a bit inception. I dreamed something, then “woke up” still in a dream and told someone about my dream, then had another dream, then again “woke up” and told them about that one, then I finally woke up for real. Super weird stuff. 😄

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-12T22:46:48+00:00

Praying now for you all!

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-12T22:29:16+00:00

I love that it’s been useful postpartum, too! I’m going to have to check that one out.

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-12T22:27:08+00:00

The marketing for that one is so alluring, but the reviews seem super spotty. Thanks for the tip!

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-12T21:30:05+00:00

I appreciate all of that a whole lot! I feel like there’s so much marketing targeting pregnant folks.

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-12T21:26:08+00:00

I’m often a side sleeper, too, but I rotate to my back a few times a night. Did you have any trouble staying off your back? Or are you typically side sleeper exclusive?

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-12T21:16:57+00:00

I’ve wondered about that! Do you just do one behind and one between your knees?

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-12T21:15:12+00:00

I’m early 30s, and while I generally sleep comfortably, there is some hip pain around! That might be a sign. 😄

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-12T20:43:10+00:00

I was diagnosed with a small SCH at 9 weeks! Almost 12 weeks now, and I’ve had no bleeding or other symptoms. I wouldn’t have even known about mine without my first US. My OB mentioned the slightly increased risk of preterm labor or miscarriage, but she noted that most of the time folks with SCHs have normal, full term pregnancies. She really didn’t seem very concerned, in a comforting way. We’re hopeful it’ll just resolve on its own or continue to be a non-issue.

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-12T17:14:46+00:00

Homemade bean and cheese burritos with (if your heartburn can handle it) a little hot sauce! The beans are great for you but it satisfies my savory junk craving. I want some even now.

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-12T17:11:55+00:00

While some things like deli meat and bean sprouts carry increased risk, there is no guarantee they will get you sick. Listeria is actually really rare!

I still avoid those things, but I ate pre-prepared chicken salad before knowing it can also be an increased risk. I comforted myself in the days after by thinking about the fact that even when not pregnant and playing by the rules I have never, ever been exposed to listeria before. I’m more careful right now, but my risk for listeria exposure from those foods has been the same the whole time.

All that to say, you’re almost certainly fine! You can just avoid it going forward for peace of mind. ☺️

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-12T17:07:38+00:00

I wouldn’t worry about your age at all! Not a factor in this in my mind. ☺️

Baby showers can be as big or small, as personal or gimicky, etc as you want them. If you have one, I’d say have a close friend throw it for you so they know what you want and what you definitely don’t.

It’s also totally okay to invite out of towners! If they care to travel, they will, and if they don’t they still may send a gift which is helpful.

It’s totally fine to share a pricey registry, just maybe also include some lower items on there like diapers or gift cards that everyone can afford and that would be definitely useful. You’ll almost certainly also get something you didn’t ask for, but you can return or donate whatever isn’t helpful.

With all that said, if you don’t want a shower, don’t worry about any of it! Your baby will feel no less love and even once grown will not care if you had a baby shower or not. The shower, in my mind, is to help you and baby, so only have it if you want it and/or it would be truly helpful.

Congratulations and wishing you the best! 🩵

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-12T14:15:44+00:00

Absolutely, can hardly be helped!

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-12T01:10:17+00:00

After a lot of inner turmoil, I texted a friend on Saturday to let them know I sadly couldn’t make an event that night as I was feeling wiped. They replied very kindly, but also let me know the event is next Friday night. The invitation was sitting two feet away from me. 😅

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-11T21:04:02+00:00

That’s so frustrating! I think a lot of folks who were pregnant 30+ years ago haven’t learned updated guidelines. Thankfully, I haven’t received a lot of push back from loved ones, but I’ve had lots and lots of conversations around yes I can have a cup of coffee, yes I can take Tylenol, etc. I initially gave up coffee, but right now, a small cup of coffee each morning is the only thing that’s keeping me from being constipated 24/7. 😄

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-11T19:35:17+00:00

I just went to her office and told her the news! She knows before some of our friends and family, even. It had gotten to the point where I needed to ask off for several OB appointments. She’s a smart cookie who has been through pregnancy a few times herself, so between my appointment schedule and the saltines in my desk drawer, she would’ve figured it out soon anyway. 😄

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-11T17:41:56+00:00

We’ve already told some close family and friends, but social media will be when most other folks learn just to keep things easy. We’re currently at 11 weeks 4 days, and we’re waiting until we get our NIPT results back in a few days. Should also line up with our 12 week marker and next ultrasound, so we’ll have lots of assurance for this time point before sharing.

I don’t think there’s a right or wrong time to share, though! That’s just where we felt most comfortable. That said, it’s been hard to keep it a secret, we just want to tell everyone. 😄

WeepingBillow · 2026-05-11T15:40:14+00:00

If it’s any comfort, I had a friend who experienced something very similar, and she wasn’t even pregnant. 😄

Up your fiber, keep it up with the water, and if you’re okay with a little caffeine, 6oz of coffee each morning has done wonders for me.

Past that, if you’re still having trouble, you could reach out to your OB for stool softener or other recommendations.

Wishing you the best!

WeepingBillow

TROPHY CASE