10 Questions To Ask Your Doctor In The Last Month of Pregnancy

I get asked all the time for the signs and signals of labors and what to expect. Sadly, even I don't recognize when I am in labor. With Mason, I was induced and never went into "spontaneous labor". And with Collin, I did as any expectant momma does and went to the hospital way too early only to get sent home. The next day, when I was actually in labor, I was in denial about it because I didn't want to be sent home again. I wanted to make sure it was the real deal. Well, Collin was born 35 minutes after I arrived at the hospital. That is a little too close!

But you better believe, as a momma to be with baby #3, I am still going to be asking most of these questions because...EVERY LABOR IS DIFFERENT! Check out my 10 questions you should ask your doc, with a little explanation on them from what I learned but CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR on what rules they have because every practice is different and ever circumstance is different.

1. What should I do if I think I am in labor? 

There are many different ways it feels like you are in labor. And sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and real contractions. Find out if there is an after hour number for your doctor's office to call. Put it in your phone! Show your birth partner how to find it in your phone too because you might not be able to do it if you are in the heat of labor! Ask if you should call the office first or go straight to the hospital. Or call the hospital. You need to know where to go and what to do and how to get ahold of your doctor or the on call doctor.

2. At what point should I go to the hospital?

Each doctor is different and the distance from your house to the hospital and what number baby this is can change the answer. There are a few rules that some doctors say, the 5:1:1, 4:1:1 or 3:1:1 rule. The first number in each set is if contractions are 5, 4 or 3 minutes apart. The second number is for how long the contraction is last for. The last number is how long the contractions have held this pattern. So if a doc says that they want you to go to the hospital following the 4:1:1 rule it would be read as, You are having contractions every 4 minutes, lasting a minute long for a whole hour. With Collin when I did finally go into labor by the time we were going in, I was 2:45:45. So I was having contractions every 2 minutes lasting for only 45 seconds for the last 45 minutes. We had to go to the hospital in rush hour traffic and it took us 45 min to get there. And again, Collin was born 35 minutes after we arrived (they broke my water right away too).

3. Is ______ normal?

Is extra vaginal discharge normal? Is this smell normal? What's the difference between bloody show and extra vaginal discharge? Are my boobs supposed to be crusty or leaking? Is it normal to have extra pressure? Feel like I have to pee every 10 minutes? Is it normal not to have a bowel movement for a couple of days? Is it normal for a bowel movement to hurt? Any of these questions you want to ask. Because at some point you are going to wonder.

4. Will I really have a bowel movement during labor?

This is one of those questions that no one really wants to talk about but hey SH%T happens! Especially when in labor. The uterus is applying pressure on your rectum and when you push, well, sometimes your rectum gets squeezed too. Like a toothpaste tube. It just happens. Often you won't even know when it happens. The docs and nurses are very private about it, unless you have my doc who has told me both times just to be silly (yes I still love him!), but normally you won't know it. But ask your doc about it. Because it can be scary and seem embarrassing, but honestly when you are at that point that sh%t happens you are going to be right at the end of your pushing stage and about to deliver and modesty and decorum are the last thing to matter!

5. How do Braxton Hicks contractions feel different than actual labor?

This is different for everyone. For me mine feel different because I have two different types of Braxton Hicks contractions, upper belly pains and lower belly pains. When they are combined then that is the feeling of labor for me. But there are some moms that don't have any Braxton Hicks, and some that have them so strong it is hard to tell. Ask your doc.

6. Will I be able to get my body back to how it was before baby and how long will it take get my body back after baby?

This varies for EVERY MOM! Including celebrities. General rule of thumb is it took 9 months to get this way it can take 9 months or more to get back. Or if you are like Diary of a fit mom or my sister in law, it can take less than a month. It all depends on your body, how much weight you gained, how much you exercised/exercise postpartum. And such. And just to put this out there...Don't not rely on breastfeeding to help you lose all your weight. I didn't lose 1 pound breastfeeding until I seriously made changes to my diet.

7. Where do I go when I arrive at the hospital?

Depending on when you go into labor might determine where in the hosptial you go in. For me, at night, I have to go to the ER then I will be taken to the Labor and Delivery Wing. During the day I go straight to Labor and Delivery and walk the mile long hallway that never ends!

8. What papers/documents should I bring to the hospital?

Make sure you have your hospital pre-registration card with you if you given one. Having your insurance card, drivers license or picture ID too. These are things to make sure you have ready to go in your wallet and in your purse by the door so your hubs or you can grab it quick. Also if you have a birth plan, pack that in your bag too. I actually have a little 5 star pocket folder that I put my birth plan in and keep with me becuase you will be given a lot of paperwork from the hospital and some to fill out after baby arrives at home to send off to Social Security and request for the baby's birth certificate.

9. How do I know if my water broke or if it is just pee or a slow leak.

I have heard that some mom to be's have a hard time knowing when their water breaks. For both of my labors, my water was broken and MAN DID I KNOW IT! And after it was broken I would have a gush of water with each contraction. But ask your doctor what the difference would be. Is there a smell. How to tell if there is a slow leak or if it is just urinary incontinence. The other question to ask is how soon do I get to the hospital if my water breaks at home or out and about? I asked this question when I was pregnant with Mason just before we were going on our Baby Moon 3 hours north in DC for the weekend. I remember my doc said that labor takes a long time for the first baby and that I would have plenty of time to get home and to the hospital if my water broke. Well, with Mason, he was born only 3.5 hours after they broke my water. Collin was born 35 minutes after my water was broken. So honestly you never know how long it will take! (I am thinking that this one will be born 3.5 minutes after my water is broken! Just fits the freaky pattern)

10. What will labor really be like? What should I expect?

This is not a silly question to ask. Do not go into labor not know what is going on. You have a right to know what is going ot happen. What could happen. Best and worse case scenarios. Your doctor will probably be honest with you and tell you what to expect. Ask at what point would they recommend you start pitocin if you labor stalled. When they recommend getting an epidural. What will happen if you don't have the baby within a certain time frame. What is that time frame that they doctor goes by to determine a good labor pattern. The pain of it. The burning sensation of the ring of fire. ASK. The doctors go through labor every single day. And sometimes they forget that this is your first time, or that you might experience different things this time around. I even asked my doc at the last appointment, should we expect this labor to be similar to Collin's? He said, NOPE! Every labor is different. The pushing and the outcome is the same but the process is all different. Ask what c-section recovery is like. Will you feel pain. What to expect with that too!

So. Ask your questions MOMS! Do your research. Have the questions already written down so you know what to ask. Take a pen and paper with you to write the answers down or have your birth partner with you so that you don't forget something. I always make it a point to ask at least 1 question at every appointment. Because I want to know. If you don't want to know the answers to these or other questions that is your choice too. You can go into labor totally blind, but know that labor is not always what it is shown like on TV or movies. It can be totally different. Often movie and TV depicitions of labor are speed up because labor can be a long time, a lot of sitting and waiting, or horrible consistent pains for hours or days.

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Bump Update: 35 Weeks

 I feel like this week is a "dud" week. 34 weeks is huge for me because you have to be at least 34 weeks to deliver at my hospital. Then 36 weeks is like the FINAL PUSH, and in a lot of mom's mind once you hit 36 weeks baby can come any time. (Not my thinking though, I want baby to cook for at least 40 weeks, then I start getting impatient!) Not much really happened. Today I got to spend quite a bit of time in the pool and that was amazing, but the feeling of getting out of the pool, I literally felt weighed down by my belly. Like someone just handed me a 20 pound bag of potatoes and that feeling of being weighed down just happened. It was so weird. But made me realize how heavy that belly really is.

 I'm kind of enjoying looking at these straight on pictures. I don't really feel like I look pregnant. Until I turn sideways then it is BAM, pregnant belly! I am having fun with the new Country Heat workout out. I missed yesterdays workout due to a massive headache but it has been a great workout so far. Even modified and not pushing as much as I would if I wasn't pregnant I am still getting a good sweat by the end and out of breath too!

Total Weight Gain: Gained 21.4 pounds total. Weight as of this morning 259.1 pounds. 

Symptoms: Smaller appetite, eating smaller meals throughout the day. Having to go a lot since she is head down. Hard time sleeping, and today, wracked with a horrible headache.

Baby’s Size: Canary MElon (~19-22 inches, 5.5 pounds)

Maternity Clothes: Yes, bottoms need to wear maternity or stretchy pants. Tops I wear maternity now and my bigger t-shirts but those are starting to get tight now. Wearing my new Fabletics sports bra in these pictures and LOVE THEM and the fun colors! A ton more coverage and super comfy!

Stretch Marks: I already have a ton that I got when I gained weight years ago. So nothing new. I am using Honest Company belly balm right now though to help my belly stretch so I do not get any new ones. I apply it at night and right after I get out of the shower. After the shower I actually don't have to apply as much! 

Belly Button: Innie! I never had my belly button flatten out or pop out during my other 2 pregnancies, but this might be the one that I do! Every week it is getting closer!

Braxton Hicks Contractions: I am getting them throughout the day now. Including some strong ones that kind of make me stop and take a breath. I get two different kinds. Upper belly and lower belly, but never at the same time. (that would be labor!) Upper BH are generally caused by exercise and getting up and down too much and just a reminder to slow down and drink water. The other kind I am getting are lower belly ones that really take my breath away. I only get a couple of them a day, not as frequent as the others but these, yeah, remind me more of actual labor pains. They just happen when they want to happen!

Gender: GIRL!!! So excited about all the cute stuff we got for her! We have her coming home outfit and her picture props! So girly, and way too cute!

Sleep: I HAVE to take a nap every day. And I am waking up many times a night to go to the bathroom or trying to get comfy. (If you see me make a comment on FB or IG at 2am this is why!) I am still getting up at night at 11:30pm, 1:30am, and 3:30am, 5:30 without fail. Always around 9pm for about an hour she likes to put on a show and be super active! 

Miss Anything: Sleeping comfortably flat on my belly or back! Sleeping through the night. 

Cravings: Veggies. Are really the only thing I really have to have with my meals. I really don't have any cravings of things that "I have to have". Peanut M&M's are my go to treat. but I can only eat a little at a time. 

Aversions: Sweets taste too sweet for me, so I can only handle a little at a time. I guess that is my only aversion and kind of good!

Excited About: BABY SHOWER THIS WEEKEND! I have some amazing friends throwing me a shower to celebrate Elyse's arrival. I am so excited to see all my friends coming out to celebrate.

Workouts: Pretty well for this week! I got in 5 days of regular workouts this past week. I started a new workout this week, COUNTRY HEAT! I am trying to dance this baby out! If you are interested in joining BUSY MOM'S DANCE PARTY just click on the link to request to join and I will get in touch with you with all the details! My regular Workouts include: 21 Day Fix yoga & pilates.  Beachbody On Demand Active Maternity and Diary Of A Fit Mommy's Fit For Two 2nd Trimester workouts in daily. 

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Closet Organization Storage Tips For Kids

Do you have a small nursery space, but a decent sized closet? Or just don't want to use a dresser for your older kids because of the tipping dangers (IKEA!) We choose NOT to go with a dresser option for our family before Mason was born. We actually have an open book shelf instead and I use that to store diapers, wipes, some books, and blankets for the baby.

As far as storage areas for clothing I opted to get this Closet Organization system through ONE STEP AHEAD which you can customize for your needs. It is nice to be able to just close the closet doors and everything is put away in its place! We ordered a full set for Mason when he was born, 2- 6 shelfs, 2- 4 shelf, we got an extra 4 shelf for free with our purchase at the time, and 2 bins, the hanging rod and 2 big bins which we use for toys and shoes for the boys and we have been using them ever since. When Collin was born, I just halved what Mason had so both boys have a 6 shelf and a 4 shelf and a bin each. Now with Elyse I ordered her a 6 shelf and a few more bins since she has more small stuff.

How do I use these? 

For the Boys, they have 6 shelves and a 4 shelf organizer each. I organize it with a shelf or two for short sleeved shirts, a shelf for, a shelf for long pants, shorts and miscellaneous stuff. Plus I have a 2 bins for Mason, one for undies, one for socks and a bin of socks for Collin. They are siting on shelf in the closet easy to reach by Mason so he can pick his own clothing.

For Elyse I am hanging all dresses, and folding shirts. Onesies will be in a bin, jammies will be in a bin probably, Socks and bloomers are in a bin, and Headbands/bows are in a bin. Pants and shorts/skirts will be folded too. I have learned through the last 2 boys that the most commonly used items that get washed the most and go through the most, it is easier to just throw the clean stuff in a bin instead of folding it and all. Plus whenever my boys see a nice and folded pile of clothing, they think it is a tower and just barrel right into it then I have to fold it again. It just isn't worth it. Think smarter not harder! (I will update this with a picture of her closet after the baby shower on Saturday!)

Review: 
We really do like these. We haven't had any problems with these falling or break, the shelves do sag, but clothing can be pretty heavy, and I really did squeeze a lot of clothing in those shelves. For us they have been great and it is a great way to use the un-useable space in the closet and adds more useful shelving without it being permeant. Have you thought about these as an option for your storage needs in your kid's closet?

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Kindergarten Lunch Ideas

I am really trying to give Mason healthy foods when he goes to school. Last year in preschool, he ate the same exact thing every single day. PB & J, chips, grapes. I was actually told by his teacher to stop packing carrots because he would have such a breakdown about having to eat his veggies and he hated them. Yes I was TOLD to stop packing any veggies. They just didn't want to deal with the drama any more.

This morning I sat down with Mason and asked him what foods he would enjoy with his lunch. He helped me pick out every item on this list and he seems really excited about most of it. Not the pinwheels, but trying to make them fun for him so that he will want to eat them. You guys this is a constant battle with us trying to get Mason to try new foods. But I will let his teachers deal with it and try my best here at home to have him eat more things. One thing, I have failed in, is that I became a short order cook for him. Making him his own meals because I knew he wouldn't even try. But after talking with his doc last month, she said, NO MORE! That he needs to learn to eat what everyone else eats. And it is just setting a not good example for his siblings. Collin will eat anything at this point and I am thankful for that!

Anyhew, I am going to stick with the pinwheels and try different flavors to see if Mason will ever like them. I found these cute ideas on BuzzFeed for 23 Pinwheel Snacks! What do you do for your picky eaters to get them to eat more variety?

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Mid Month Goals

So I know it is the 15th of the month but...I only have 5 weeks left until this baby is due to arrive. 5 weeks! Being a plus size pregnant momma to be I have set a goals to make sure I am staying on track and to keep me motivated to be as healthy and fit as possible. I WANT TO END THIS PREGNANCY HEALTHIER THAN WHEN I FOUND OUT I WAS PREGNANT. And with just over a month to go until my due date there is nothing wrong with setting new goals mid month!

FIRST GOAL: Workout at least 5 days a week! 

I am starting a new workout program to DANCE THE BABY OUT! Yep! I am doing some good old Country Heat! I am not a country music fan, but the workout is low impact, and easy to follow and EVEN SIDED (meaning each move is done on both legs, not just one leg so you don't burn one leg out...did that make sense? It works both sides of the body) No wonder the results are so amazing with it! And after todays workout (during really) I was so pumped with endorphins it was amazing! And it was silly. I am not a dancer by any stretch of the imagination. But I still like to have fun and I DID! So win right there!
Busy moms, next month is for you because we are doing a DANCE PARTY to a) celebrate the kiddos going back to school, and b) getting your schedule of taking care of you, back on track! So...want to join? Send me an EMAIL, FILL OUT THIS FORM, or REQUEST TO JOIN HERE! (and because you are my blog you get early access to request to join, plus a free clean eating guide from me but you have to contact me for the details to get hooked up!)

SECOND GOAL: Drink More Water! 

I need to be drinking more water. EVERYONE needs to be drinking more water. But I have noticed that the days that I don't drink enough water...I have more Braxton Hicks contractions. I also get super moody too, and when I am in a crummy mood, and getting "practice" contractions, it makes for one mean mommy! So...Drink more water. I am aiming for at least half my body weight in ounces of water. And since my weight has gone up 21 pounds that means I have to drink even more. That is where I am falling short. I need to drink at least 130 ounces of water a day (rounding up). How am I going to do that, there's an app for that! My favorite app is Waterlogged. Easy to use and easy to stay on track!

THIRD GOAL: Have fun and enjoy the rest of the pregnancy! 

This could very well be my last pregnancy. We don't know if we are going to have any more kids, or if we will be blessed with any more children. Just never know. We are talking about it but nothing has been decided. Gotta get this one out first, ya know! So...time to just enjoy this pregnancy. Even though I have been categorized as high risk for most of the pregnancy, I no longer am. So now I can finally relax and have fun and I have faith in my body and in Elyse that she is doing great. Time to have fun and just enjoy being pregnant. Yes I have many times a day where I am uncomfortable. Where going up the stairs makes me breath like I just ran a mile, where I just can't stop feeling like I am breathing fire. But I still enjoy being pregnant and the feeling of her moving around. I don't want to forget that. So time to enjoy!

I encourage you to sit down today, and think about the monthly goals you set this month. Are you working at achieving them every day? Have you forgotten about them? Are you on track to meeting them? If not, what can you do now, to help you stay on track? WRITE THEM DOWN! POST IT SOMEWHERE! IT IS WORTH IT and YOU ARE WORHT IT TO TAKE CARE OF YOU! Don't ever forget that.

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