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April 12, 2007

Live Chat TODAY @ 5PM ET with the Authors of YOUR PREGNANCY WEEK BY WEEK

March 05, 2008 10:27 AM EST (Updated: March 05, 2008 11:26 AM EST)
views: 326 | comments: 82
Join us here today @ 5PM ET for a live chat with Judith Schuler and Dr. Glade B. Curtis, authors of Your Pregnancy Week by Week.

 Each "week" of the book includes information on: How Big Is Your Baby?, How Big Are You?, How Your Baby Is Growing and Developing, Changes in You, How Your Actions Affect Your Baby's Development, You Should Also Know, and a Tip of the Week.

Are you pregnant, trying, or considering having a baby in the future? Post your questions for the experts in the comment box below.

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Comments: 82

Kristen C. Mar 5, 2008, 1:35pm EST
A girlfriend of mine experienced terrible morning sickness through the 16th week of her pregnancy. Is this normal? If so, what can be done to improve your quality of life during this time?
Health Editor Mar 5, 2008, 4:57pm EST
Afternoon everyone,

Welcome back Judi and Glade. I have lots of questions emailed to me from our members and look forward to speaking with you today.
Dr. glade B. curtis Mar 5, 2008, 4:59pm EST
Hi, I'm glad to spend some time with you today! Dr. Curtis
Judi Schuler Mar 5, 2008, 4:59pm EST
Hi everyone--glad to be here! Judi Schuler
Health Editor Mar 5, 2008, 5:00pm EST
I'll let you guys answer Kristen's question first and then we can start on my long list.
Judi Schuler Mar 5, 2008, 5:03pm EST
To answer your question, Kristen, some women do experience morning sickness longer than the usual first 12 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. I had a friend who had morning sickness with both of her pregnancies until the day she delivered. We would advise a woman who has this problem to do what she can to avoid trigger smells, to drink liquids and talk to her doctor about dealing with the problem if symptoms don't improve.
michelle K. Mar 5, 2008, 5:04pm EST
Will your mucas plug ALWAYS come out before you go into labor or is there a chance it wont or you wont notice it? I've got about two and a half weeks to go!
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 5:06pm EST
Hello everyone! I am here.. I am 22 weeks pregnant.
Dr. glade B. curtis Mar 5, 2008, 5:06pm EST
Hi Michelle,
No, there isn't always a mucus plug at the beginning of labor. It is okay if you don't pass one. Sometimes, it is just some spotting and a little bit of liquid. If you don't notice this or anything else - it is okay, it isn't a reason to be concerned.
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 5:07pm EST
Is it okay eating about 10 tums day and night for hearturn? I get heartburn really bad!
michelle K. Mar 5, 2008, 5:07pm EST
Also, I don't believe I've experienced Braxton Hicks. Is this normal? I get cramps, but I'm pretty sure they are tummy cramps, not Braxton Hicks.
Health Editor Mar 5, 2008, 5:07pm EST
Great to see you moms2be joining us. We look forward to any questions you guys might have for Judi and Glade so ask away!
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 5:09pm EST
Also I am curious..

we had an ultrasound which showed a girl.. well kinda.. There was not actually the 3 lil lines showing girl.. their just simply was nothing there.. BUT the shot of the baby was backward and upside down so if it was a boy it could have been laye over toward the belly.. Is that really possible for that? Im thinking of asking for another ultrasound to make sure!
Judi Schuler Mar 5, 2008, 5:10pm EST
As for your heartburn, it's OK to eat as many as 10 Tums a day; however, you might want to try some other remedies. Eat small, frequent meals during the day, not three big meals. Don't eat later in the evening. Raise the head of your bed. Don't lie down after you eat. If these things don't work, talk to your doctor.
Dr. glade B. curtis Mar 5, 2008, 5:10pm EST
Braxton Hicks - it is okay - you may be lucky!
What you are calling cramps or tummy cramps may be what others would call Braxton Hicks. If they aren't really bothering you that much it is okay and doesn't mean anything to worry about.
Health Editor Mar 5, 2008, 5:10pm EST
Here is an emailed question from a member:

"I have a friend with an 8 week old who has just been told that she has retained placental tissue in her uterus. Could you explain this condition to me, typical treatments and can this impact her future fertility? Is this something I should be concerned about (I am 36 weeks pregnant)?"
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 5:10pm EST
Oh thanks MIchelle Thats a great question!

This is my 4th child and I am pretty sure I am having braxton hicks/ contractions.. Is it too early snce I am only 22 weeks or is it normal since this is my 4th baby.. and my last 2 are 3 and 22 months so they are close pregnancies..
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 5:11pm EST
Thank you Judi!!
Sherry W. Mar 5, 2008, 5:12pm EST
I'm just sticking my head in to watch... I'm 24.5 weeks into my 3rd pregnancy and it's been a complicated one. As a result, I'm not really 'public' in public, so to speak.
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 5:13pm EST
Hello Sherry! I have been wondering how you are, nice to see you!
michelle K. Mar 5, 2008, 5:13pm EST
Maybe my tummy cramps are Braxton Hicks. It's not like my tummy clenches up, they feel a lot like regular cramps. But not low, they are high by my belly which is why I don't think they are Braxton Hicks. But I have no way of really knowing to be honest!
Sherry W. Mar 5, 2008, 5:13pm EST
Hi Tiffany.
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 5:14pm EST
My doctor said when he measures my belly that im measuring 2 weeks big.. This happened with my lasy baby who was born 2 weeks early and was 8lbs 8 oz.. is it likely I could go into labor with this one early since my utereus is measuring big.. ?
Dr. glade B. curtis Mar 5, 2008, 5:14pm EST
Hi Tiffany,
About ultrasound and determining the sex of the baby - I would be careful about getting to set on a boy or a girl with the information you gave. Letting the baby get a little bigger and then repeating the ultrasound would be a better way to know with more confidence what you are having. I frequently tell patients with this dilemma that I can tell them for sure what it is when it comes out!
Sherry W. Mar 5, 2008, 5:14pm EST
Michelle, I NEVER knew I was having BH with my first child because they feel differently to everyone. (Well, not everyone, but you know what I mean.) I thought she was just moving around and it turned out they were actually BH.
Judi Schuler Mar 5, 2008, 5:15pm EST
Your Braxton-Hicks contractions are probably normal because your uterus is beginning to stretch as it grows larger. Drinking lots of water may help. If you have any questions, ask about it at your next prenatal visit.
michelle K. Mar 5, 2008, 5:15pm EST
Sometimes when I feel my baby move it feels like convultions (sp) or a twitch of sorts. Is this a normal feeling? It's not like they happen regular or anything but when I feel them it kind of freaks me out. I'm sure it's just the baby moving and to me it feels funny but thought I'd ask anyway.
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 5:15pm EST
Michelle The ones I have had this pregnancy I explain like a fire whistle.. lol

They start out light and get harder and I basically hold my breath until it eases out.. like a fire whistle.. starts out slow stays loud for a second then eases out.. lol
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 5:17pm EST
Thanks Dr. Glade! I will ask him Friday when I go to do one!!
Sherry W. Mar 5, 2008, 5:17pm EST
Ok, here's one... I had a subchorionic bleed at 11.5 weeks that left a 5x2 cm hematoma in its wake. I was monitored closely for a while and placed on modified rest (which I decided to turn into FULL rest, since my husband was home from work on a sabattical anyway). The clot was still there and still the same size at my 20 week ultrasound, but then at a 24 week follow-up a few days ago, the clot was completely gone. I didn't expel it, so I'm wondering - what are potential reasons that it took my body so long to figure out what to do with it? My OB assumed that since it was still there and the same size at 20 weeks, it would be there til D-day.
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 5:18pm EST
Michelle I have done that a few times this pregnacy.. It kinda huts though nd I call it a spasm.. its like a spasm in my belly and it only lasts a quick second.. Is that normal?? I ahve never had them until this pregnancy..
Judi Schuler Mar 5, 2008, 5:18pm EST
Most women measure differently with each baby. The reason for measuring is to chart the growth of the baby and the uterus as pregnancy progresses. Having your baby early may happen, but don't count on it. Every labor and delivery is different.
Dr. glade B. curtis Mar 5, 2008, 5:20pm EST
With regards to retained placental tissue 8 weeks after delivery - this happens, but it is not a common occurence. When you think of how big the uterus is with baby and placenta inside, then in a very short time later, the baby is delivered and the placenta comes out, it gets smaller very quickly. If some of the membranes or placenta tissue doesn't come out - that is called a retained placenta. It usually results in bleeding, it may be necessary to perform a D & C to remove the tissue. It is important to work with you provider if you have this problem. It doesn't happen very often, if you are worried about it, ask you doctor about it.
Judi Schuler Mar 5, 2008, 5:22pm EST
When you feel your baby move, it can be different at different times in pregnancy. When you first feel your baby move, it can feel like an air bubble or gas. As baby grows larger, space for moving around gets smaller, so you'll feel the movements more. Movements can grow stronger as baby grows larger. In addition, don't forget that some babies also have the hiccups, which can feel really weird. My son got the hiccups every day at 9am on the dot!
Health Editor Mar 5, 2008, 5:23pm EST
Judi and Glade,

Here's another question we received via email:

"Many of my pregnant friends are talking about their fears of autism, especially those having boys. Can you guys address the most recent studies on environmental causes increasing the Autism risk? Also, what are your thoughts on the ever-present vaccination question?"
Sherry W. Mar 5, 2008, 5:24pm EST
Here's another one... in general, by what week does a baby need to turn head-down in order to avoid a c-section?
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 5:24pm EST
my baby gets hiccups alot and this is definitly not hiccups!

Its a basically sharp pain that comes real qucik and goes away.. its like a spasm and it hurts when it happens.. dont happen often but it has about 4-5 times..
Sherry W. Mar 5, 2008, 5:25pm EST
Tiffany, it's not a round ligament pain, right?
Dr. glade B. curtis Mar 5, 2008, 5:26pm EST
Subchorionic bleed - my first response is, be glad that it was gone at your most recent ultrasound. We often do ultrasounds very early in pregnancy, usually because of bleeding or threatening to miscarry. We can see things like subchorionic bleeds - usually they resolve and go away as it appears has been the case for you. I don't know why it would have still been the same size 4 weeks ago, but it sounds like things are working out okay for you. Pregnancy is a miracle!
michelle K. Mar 5, 2008, 5:28pm EST
Tiff, for me it's my baby who twitches. And he also gets hiccups. I'm going to chalk it up to being normal but who knows. I am curious about the Autism thing though. That is a big fear of mine right now as I have a boy and I'm trying to figure if I should wait on vaccinating until he gets older.
Kristen C. Mar 5, 2008, 5:28pm EST
I have heard that women who have a tilted uterus take a longer time to "show." Is this true?
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 5:29pm EST
It could be sherry.. its toward the top of the belly more on the right side when it seems to happen.. during the US it showed her feet over there but its not a normal kick.. I guess it could be that ..
Sherry W. Mar 5, 2008, 5:29pm EST
Dr. Glade, I'm hearing a lot of 'I don't understand what happened'. :) I had no sign of a bleed at my 8-week u/s, and bled very suddenly and very heavily at 11.5 weeks - so much so that the ER doctor I saw immediately asked if I knew my blood type. Scary, definitely glad it seems to have resolved itself, but also definitely confused!
Judi Schuler Mar 5, 2008, 5:30pm EST
Tiffany, you may be experiencing round-ligament pain, which is caused when the ligaments are stretched and pulled as the uterus grows. Your movements can cause the ligaments to stretch and pull; pain can occur on one or both sides and may be worse on one side. When you experience the pain, lie down and rest awhile. Talk to your doctor if the pain is severe.
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 5:30pm EST
michelle do you have one of them baby doppler things you can hear the baby with? Its cool listening to the hiccups with it!
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 5:31pm EST
Thank you Judi! It must be that becasue it is when I get ready to bend over or pick up my other son or something like that.. Its never to sever.. just real quick.. then IM fine..
Thanks!
Judi Schuler Mar 5, 2008, 5:32pm EST
As for your tilted uterus keeping you from showing sooner than later, it may cause a slight delay, but it won't be significant.
michelle K. Mar 5, 2008, 5:33pm EST
No, I don't Tiff. Where can I get one?
Dr. glade B. curtis Mar 5, 2008, 5:34pm EST
The question regarding concerns regarding autism, also the question about vaccination are complex issues, I believe these are areas we are still learning about. Those with specific concerns should voice those concerns to their provider. ACOG (American College of OB/GYN) has some statements and information regarding this.
Kristen C. Mar 5, 2008, 5:35pm EST
Where do you guys stand on the episiotomy debate? Is it better to cut or tear?
Sherry W. Mar 5, 2008, 5:37pm EST
Ha... Kristen, I've 'done' (had?) both. Episiotomy with #1, tear with #2. Both (I think) were 2nd degree, so not terrible. I didn't really have issues healing either time, but I have to say that the tearing process hurt much, much more than the other.
Dr. glade B. curtis Mar 5, 2008, 5:39pm EST
Baby down and C-section: if you go into labor and the baby isn't head down (such as breech) that can be a problem. Sometimes we can turn the baby - but - if membranes rupture and fluid comes out, there will be less room for the baby to turn or to be able to be turned. Usually as the baby's head gets heavier, it "sinks" into the pelvis (head down) and this happens in the last 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy.
Health Editor Mar 5, 2008, 5:42pm EST
And another email question:

"Do you guys think it's okay to get one of those "for fun" 3D ultrasounds? I really want to get one and my husband, for some reason, thinks they are dangerous because they are done by a technician and there is no doctor on hand. What are your thoughts?"
Judi Schuler Mar 5, 2008, 5:42pm EST
As for episiotomies, many experts believe this procedure is being used less frequently now than in the past. There are advantages and disadvantages to this procedure. A controlled cut may heal better than a ragged tear, which can affect bowel and urine habits and sexual intercourse. ACOG recently made the recommendation that there should be a restricted use of epsiotomies rather than routine use.
michelle K. Mar 5, 2008, 5:44pm EST
Dr. Glade, that must be the pressure I feel in my pelvic and leg area. I really feel it when I try to get out of bed. He must be sinking into the pelvis. But I feel him up high too. I think I have a BIG baby!
Dr. glade B. curtis Mar 5, 2008, 5:44pm EST
Sherry - be glad that it has resolved and you are not bleeding now. These events are very concerning, scary and often hard to understand. Many women have some bleeding during pregnancy - and most of the time it all works out okay.
Your blood type can be important if you are Rh negative. That is part of the blood tests done at the beginning of pregnancy.
Dr. glade B. curtis Mar 5, 2008, 5:46pm EST
Michelle - I don't know how they fit inside there! More of a mystery is how they come out!
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 5:46pm EST
Michelle you can get them at walmart in baby section.. about mayb 20.00 dollars.. but really neat!
Judi Schuler Mar 5, 2008, 5:47pm EST
ACOG has stated that no medical tests should be done for entertainment. We agree-something important may be missed because the test is not done by medical personnel.
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 5:48pm EST
It was nice chatting with you all! I am off to fix dinner. Have a wonderful day and thnak you for taking the time to do this! It was nice!
Sherry W. Mar 5, 2008, 5:48pm EST
Oh, Tiffany, you must mean the Bebe sounds thing, right? It's not all that. I have lots of friends who hate it. Of course if you have one and it works, you're lucky. ;) By late in pregnancy, you can hear the h/b with a regular old stethoscope (most of the time, anyway).
michelle K. Mar 5, 2008, 5:49pm EST
I'm to close to having this baby to probably get one anyway. He could come tomorrow. I'm 38 weeks this coming Saturday!
Health Editor Mar 5, 2008, 5:50pm EST
Here is another email question for you both:

"If there is a history of postpartum depression in my family (mom and her mother), are my chances increased? If the answer is yes, what can I be doing now to prepare for that possibility? My husband and I have just started trying and I am worried."
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 5:50pm EST
How could a 3D ultrasound hurt the baby! Its done on belly.. like a normal ultrasound right?

The technician is like the oens who always does the ultrasounds.. any where I know of anyways! Dr. is never in when I have had any done except my first one to see how far along I was..

Curious now :)
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 5:51pm EST
Yes he could come any day Michelle! I am planning on indcuing 2 weeks early so I would be having my baby tomorrow if I was 38 weeks :)
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 5:51pm EST
My bebe monitor worked well I enjoyed listening to the hiccups mainly.. never really could find the heartrate though
Judi Schuler Mar 5, 2008, 5:55pm EST
Research has shown that postpartum distress syndrome (PPDS) can run in families. If you believe you may be at risk, the best thing is to be aware that there may be a problem, and if you do have the problem to do something about it. When you get home from the hospital, get lots of rest, eat well and take some time for yourself. About 85% of all women have some degree of baby blues, which usually lasts only a week or so. If you have feelings of depression that last longer, then it's time to talk to your doctor about it. There are medications that can help with the problem.
michelle K. Mar 5, 2008, 5:55pm EST
I hear the heartbeat when I go to the doctors. He says it's nice and strong!
michelle K. Mar 5, 2008, 5:56pm EST
I sure hope I don't get postpartum depression!
Dr. glade B. curtis Mar 5, 2008, 5:57pm EST
The ultrasound doesn't hurt the baby. Many are concerned with ultrasound for entertainment because the skills or qualifications of those performing them and reading them varies greatly. In a medical setting, often the ultrasound is done by a technician supervised by a physican that either participates in performing the scan or reads the scan, especially if there are any concerns.
Ultrasound in the mall is often a technician there performing it with no back-up. There aren't standards for medical quality. It would be a shame to have a scan performed in the mall that shows a concern, but there is no follow-up.
Sherry W. Mar 5, 2008, 5:58pm EST
Thanks for all of the info!
Judi Schuler Mar 5, 2008, 6:01pm EST
I've enjoyed chatting with you today. Hope you all have great pregnancies--Judi Schuler
Dr. glade B. curtis Mar 5, 2008, 6:01pm EST
Thanks for all the great questions! Good luck, enjoy the miracle of pregnancy!
Dr. Curtis
Health Editor Mar 5, 2008, 6:01pm EST
Looks like we are out of time folks...

Judi and Glade,

Thank you so much for being here today. You guys are such a fantastic team to talk to about all of these issues and your book is a must-read for every pregnant person we know. And thank you to everyone who participated with such great questions. Good luck to all you moms2be!
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 6:02pm EST
they really do U/S in a mall?

Mine are always at the doctors.. or even at the hospital.. and its buy a technician.. I always figured they should know whats going on!

They took lots of pics for the dr. to look at.. maybe its since I ahve had basically perfect pregnancies and deliveries.. Not sure.. interesting though.. Thanks!
Tiffany G. Mar 5, 2008, 6:03pm EST
Thanks BYE!!
michelle K. Mar 5, 2008, 6:03pm EST
Thanks a bunch!
Stefania H. Mar 5, 2008, 7:10pm EST
Good article...
☆ ƒåitĥ ☆ Mar 7, 2008, 2:32pm EST
I was perusing Gather's homepage today and noticed that this article is featured under 'Health' - great job!
Machiavelli Dayupay Mar 10, 2008, 12:30pm EDT
another healthy and relieving tips for the moms to be: http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977270969


from the caring "Dr. Black Jack"
Janna Jeklipsen Sep 3, 2008, 7:13am EDT
Nice questions commenters, I planned to ask some, but you already did it instead of me. Oh, thanks for the answers of course!

Janna,
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Chelsea Webber Nov 17, 2008, 6:48pm EST
Hey everyone, Im 36 weeks and 4 days pregnant. I have been experiencing a lot of pressure, like the baby is trying to push her way out, it almost feels as sometimes liquid is trying to push out. Her head keeps coming up and down on my cervix. I also am have pain in my back and vagina, im not very big at all, actually some people cant even tell im pregnant.. hah.. but i have heard people having these pains in there back because of all the weight but im not very big. Also i went into preterm labor at 32 weeks, but they stopped it with meds. My doctor is a very conservative catholic, and because im 17 and single she thinks i dont know anything.. she makes me feel stupid, so i dont ever call her, because she doesnt ever help me out. i dont know whats going on but i would like some help please. the pain is sometimes unbearable. Oh and the other day I had intercourse with my fiance and then 3 hours later a trickle of liquid ran down my legs, but no more liquid has come out.

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