I am afraid to get blood work done for prenatal testing. Did anyone have this problem? What did you do? Can you take an anxiety pill first (I am not trying yet). Did anyone get blood work done before they were trying? I am not scared of the pain as much as the anxiety of the needles.
I WILL REPEAT-I AM NOT EVEN TRYING YET. Just gearing up. Still on the pill, not pregnant, not trying yet.

Choice is a fundamentally human quality. Not just epic or major decisions either. Beyond free will and religious notions of choice, there is a quality contained within the simple, everyday decision process that defines our lives as human beings; which sandwich to order, the best route to take home, what station to listen to. These little determinations result in the greater patchwork of our daily lives and histories.

But decisions are more than the sum of our choices. Children from a very young age begin to realize notions of consequence for their actions and decisions. The bible too notes that free will alone separates us from a divine plan, but that our freedom to do good or evil will result in punishment or reward. The same free choices that give us liberty can harbor immense results in this life and, according to some, the one thereafter.

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I have always had issues with swallowing pills…and well, all the prenatal vitamins I’ve seen are huge, including the ones I am taking now…but for the health of my baby, and because I’m having horrible morning sickness, I try my best to take them anyway….I’m in my first trimester, and took them everyday for a long time…now I’m taking them every other day…Just the thought of taking them makes me nervous, b/c I’m afraid I can’t get them down! And sometimes if I can’t get it down, I’ll have anxiety, increased heart rate…kinda like an adrenaline rush…I know, all this for a little pill! But I’m told I should take them…My concern is that my nerves are hurting my baby more than taking the pill is helping…Are there any other options? Can I break them in half, or start taking regular vitamins in my 2nd trimester, since I’ve heard the first is where prenatals are extremely important….I’m not sure what to do…any advice?

Beauty and the Bump: How to look your best in a pregnancy photo shoot
Between the hormones, stretch marks and morning sickness a lot of women feel anything but beautiful during pregnancy. Add the anxiety over a new baby, especially if it’s the first, and getting in front of the camera for a pre-natal photo shoot; it can be a daunting prospect. But the miracle of life is a beautiful thing, as is that growing belly. Here are a few ideas to look and feel your best when you and your bump take centre stage.

Timing is everything: Resist the temptation to jump in front of the camera as soon as you start to swell and don’t wait until you are ready to burst. Book a portrait consultation with a professional photographer in the early stages of the second trimester to discuss what you want. The photographer should also be able to give you some wonderful ideas. Then book your actual photo shoot for the 7th or 8th month. By this time most women are over their initial bouts of morning (or noon, or night) sickness. Picking the right time and the right size to be photographed will ensure that you are able to maneuver into playful yet comfortable poses to show off your belly.

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I’ve talked to my doctor about TTC but forgot to ask her that question.

Anyone been pregnant while taking Lexapro? What was your experience like?
Yes, my doctor knows I’m taking it…she’s the one who prescribed it! Like I said, I already talked to her about TTC, but didn’t ask if I could take prenatal vitamins. Of course, I wouldn’t just start taking them without my doctor’s approval, I was just wondering, until I can speak with her, if anyone else knew anything about it. I’m not an idiot…
Actually, you CAN take it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, but it can cause problems. Many babies are born healthy & fine & only very few babies are actually affected by breastmilk with Lexapro in it.

For the love of God, doesn’t anyone know anything about this?
Considering no one answered either of my questions & only lectured me…I’m not choosing a best answer.
Well Saz, I wasn’t talking about you directly. Though, you didn’t really answer either of my questions.

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From the moment you saw that positive pregnancy test, you knew life would never be the same. For the next nine months, you’ll be doing everything for two, from eating a healthful diet to getting regular medical care. You’ll also be exercising for two, which is why it’s critical to find a safe exercise, like prenatal yoga, that will keep you and your baby healthy and comfortable.

Prenatal Yoga is Good for You

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Now a day, prenatal yoga is becoming more popular and is essentially practiced by pregnant women for its health benefits. It is a way to ensure a healthy and smooth pregnancy. The term ‘yoga’ refers to a Sanskrit word “union” it means “to join.” The aim of prenatal yoga is to unite the body, mind and spirit through poses, breathing exercises, and meditation.

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I am 16+4 weeks pregnant. I have had 2 Dr’s appointments.
One at 8+5 weeks and got an ultra sound. And one at 12+5 weeks pregnant and heard the baby. I get so nervous before I go.
Like they are going to tell me that everything isn’t okay.
I have an appointment tomorrow morning and I hear the heart beat again and get measured for the first time.
Why am I so so nervous?
Do you think It has to do with having a miscarriage last June?- I was supposed to be 7 weeks. Didn’t even go to an appointment yet and started bleeding. Found out the baby never formed and the what progress I did have was only up to 5 weeks.
But I have seen my baby and its heart beat and I have heard the heart beat. And I think I have been feeling small amounts of movement.
So why am I still so scared? I know everything is okay. And I am excited for my October appointment because I find out the sex.
So why do I feel like I’m going to be told something awful?
Is this normal?

Why

Over the years I’ve worked with countless dog-owning young couples with feelings so strong for their dogs that they could not imagine those feelings could be any stronger for a child. However, when they became pregnant they found released from within an even greater capacity for love. An accompanying byproduct of this heightened state is a fierce, innate, hard wired need to provide the safest of environments for their child. From that moment and for many years to come they know that all decisions will revolve around the impact they will have on their child. That first pregnancy launches a furied time of preparation part of which is includes an evaluation of their current environment from its baby-friendly perspective. What was once just a means to access the basement they realize is now a path of potential danger that must be addressed. What was once just a cupboard to store cleaning supplies is now a reservoir of peril. What was once ‘their dog’ is about to become the ‘family dog’ and regardless of their devotion consideration is given to potential for conflict however minor.

Based on past experience some dog owners will be aware of the possibility of jealousy or anxiety however many will not be aware of the potential for either that the addition of a baby can uniquely elicit. Others have little worry about conflict based on malice or fear but much to worry about regarding unruliness. Behavior that could once be worked around; they realize will by necessity need to be addressed. Outside of injury due to unruliness, statistics confirm that an objective eye is warranted and that each dog should be assessed for its baby-friendly status. According to many high profile sources one out of two children is bitten by a dog before reaching the age of twelve and dog bites are greater health problem for children in the US, than measles, mumps, and whooping cough combined. For most dog owners though the risk their dog brings is due more to sheer unruliness than meanness of spirit. However either way intervention before the dramatic change in lifestyle that accompanies the birth of a child is becoming more common amongst dog owning expectant couples.

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