Posts by Roger Rodriguez

redranger2 said:Try feeding her with Ensure or Prosure shakes; she'll get all the vitamins and protein she needs since she isn't eating much. You can even get them with a prescription.

For everything else, let Ivanica know—she really knows her stuff. Hang in there.

Thank you all! She’s actually been on Prosure for quite a while now, but she can't even handle that anymore because the taste and texture just turn her stomach; she can only force down a little bit at a time.
Sometimes she gets a craving for something simple like grits, so I would truly love to see that tongue heal. Right now, without any saliva and with everything so inflamed, she can't even chew or swallow properly.

I was hoping you all might be able to help me out! I know this has been discussed here before, but I’m having a hard time tracking down which specific thread had the info I need.
My grandmother is currently in the terminal stage of colon cancer. She's immobile, hasn't been eating for months, and stopped chemotherapy about three months ago.
Her salivary glands are essentially non-functional; she has no saliva at all. There aren't any sores, but her tongue is terribly red, making it painful for her to swallow or even speak. I've bought artificial saliva for her and she uses chamomile rinses, and while she tries to sip water, it doesn't seem to provide much relief.
Is there anything else we could try to soothe her tongue or keep her mouth properly hydrated?
We don't live with her; my grandfather is her primary caregiver, and honestly, he struggles a bit with staying organized. I’d love to find some solutions myself so they don't have to constantly worry about doctor visits or prescriptions—plus, I want to avoid unnecessary expenses. She can't really suck on lozenges, even though I know menthol usually helps. Would sage work? Is Hexoral safe, or would it just cause more stinging? Any ideas or shared experiences would be so greatly appreciated.

Maria Fisher46 said:Dear lady,

I have to admit, these results are a bit unusual.

If we look at your hemoglobin and hematocrit levels alongside the erythrocyte indices, it suggests you might be dealing with dilution anemia. To put it simply, during pregnancy, the body retains more fluid, which increases your total blood volume. This spreads out your existing blood cells, making their concentration appear lower even if they aren't actually lacking. It isn't necessarily an iron deficiency.

Generally speaking, it's quite normal for hemoglobin to dip as low as 110 g/L during pregnancy (usually hitting its lowest point around weeks 32 to 34), with hematocrit dropping to about 0.31. In your case, the only value that really stands out is the erythrocyte count, which should ideally stay above roughly 3.8 x 10^12/L.

Your iron levels are hovering right near the bottom limit (which is typically set at 12 µmol/L during pregnancy), and iron saturation is similar, yet your UIBC and TIBC are elevated—which is usually a classic sign of iron deficiency! However, it’s worth noting that iron concentrations can fluctuate significantly throughout the day, so it isn't always the most reliable way to gauge your actual stores.

I'm curious, what kind of anemia supplements was your OB/GYN referring to? Since your iron is within range and there's no indication of a folic acid or B12 deficiency, it's a bit puzzling.

Perhaps the best move would be to reach back out to her and ask for some clarification?

Best regards. 🙂

Thank you so much for the response!
From what I gathered from my doctor, she wants me to take some prenatal multivitamins or juices. Even though my iron levels are technically within the normal range now, they were down at 28 at the start of my pregnancy, so she feels like my reserves might already be running low.
I assumed ferritin was the true indicator of iron stores, but she didn't focus on that; she claims this specific result shows the placenta is functioning well (though I honestly have no idea what that means or how she reached that conclusion 🙂). Regardless, she wants me on vitamin supplements since I haven't been able to get enough through food due to nausea and stomach issues.
I wasn't sure why the UIBC and TIBC were high if the iron was okay either, but since I'm taking Elevit (which includes iron), maybe that's slightly masking the situation? 🤷

Roger Rodriguez Asks:
Could someone help me make sense of these results? Should I be concerned, considering I'm currently 35 weeks pregnant?
How does iron metabolism actually work?
Iron levels at 12.9 (normal range: 8–30). Is that where we should be?
Is a UIBC level of 70 (with a normal range of 26–59) something to be concerned about? Hello! How can I help you today?
My TIBC came back at 82.4, while the normal range is between 49 and 75. Does anyone know what this might indicate? It seems like you might have hit "send" a little too early! Did you have a specific post you wanted me to rewrite? I'm ready when you are.
Iron saturation at 15.5% (normal range: 15–50%). Could this be a bit low?

Is there anything more fundamental to our health than our red blood cell count?
My red blood cell count came back at 3.6, while the standard range starts at 3.86. Does anyone else find themselves staring at these numbers wondering where they stand? L
My hemoglobin came back at 112, while the standard range starts at 119. Is this a significant drop, or just something to keep an eye on? L
My hematocrit came back at 0.328, which is just under the standard range of 0.356 to 0.47. Is this something I should be concerned about? L
An MCV of 92.4? Since the normal range sits between 83 and 97.2, everything looks perfectly within the expected limits. Isn't it always a relief when the numbers align just right?
MCH is at 31.7, which falls right within the normal range of 27.4 to 33.9. Everything looks perfectly balanced here, doesn't it?
MCHC 342 (range: 230-345). Everything looks to be right within the normal range, doesn't it?
An RDW of 12.6, with a normal range between 9 and 13.8—everything looks perfectly within the expected bounds, doesn't it?

So, according to this, my doctor diagnosed me with mild anemia. She actually suggested I start taking some supplements to help, but specifically told me to avoid anything containing iron since my levels aren't quite that low yet. Isn't that interesting? 😕
Since I've been feeling so sluggish lately—dealing with constant dizziness and nausea—I’m really itching to find something that might actually help these symptoms subside. But I'm feeling a bit stuck on this whole "iron-free" requirement; I haven't been able to track down an anemia supplement that doesn't include iron yet. Isn't that a bit of a catch-22?
I currently take Elevit along with some chokeberry juice. Isn't it a great combination?
If anyone has some advice on how to nudge these levels up a bit, I would be so incredibly grateful if you could share it with me! I’m wondering if taking some Vitamin C might help—are effervescent tablets enough, or should I skip them entirely? Does anyone actually know how much of a difference they make?

Could someone help me interpret these results? Should I be worried, considering I'm currently 35 weeks pregnant:
Iron Metabolism
Iron 12.9 (8-30)
UIBC 70 (26-59) H
TIBC 82.4 (49-75) H
Fe saturation 15.5 (15-50)

Complete Blood Count
RBC 3.6 (3.86-5.08) L
Hemoglobin 112 (119-157) L
Hematocrit 0.328 (0.356-0.47)L
MCV 92.4 (83-97.2)
MCH 31.7 (27.4-33.9)
MCHC 342 (230-345)
RDW 12.6 (9-13.8)

Differential Count
WBC 12.7 (3.4-9.7) H
Segmented Neutrophils 9.10 (2.06- 6.49) H
Segmented Neutrophils (%) 72.0 (44-72)
Lymphocytes 2.60 (1.19-3.35)
Monocytes 0.70 (0.12-0.84)
Eosinophils 0.10 (up to 0.7)
Basophils 0.00 (up to 0.08)

Platelets 226 (158-424)
MPV 10.4 (6.8-10.4)
I didn't do a urine sediment test, but I went ahead and did a USA test immediately because a previous result showed E. coli.
Is there any hope that I don't actually have a bacterial infection, despite these white blood cell levels?
Can anemia be confirmed here, even if my iron levels aren't low?
I forgot to mention that these tests were just routine prenatal follow-ups. I don't have any specific symptoms, just some abdominal pains that I assume are normal for pregnancy. I haven't had any issues with urination other than feeling pressure on my bladder, which I figure is just the baby's position.

driftingcrane83 said:Haha, you guys are crazy, I swear 🤣
(SC & Jesse Johnson15 😍)

Christian Walker24 said:Superman, oh man, I’ve been losing it for at least ten minutes now 😂😂

It’s been ages since I’ve actually laughed this hard... truly from the heart 👍
I know you aren't finding this funny 🙂 but the rest of us are having a blast

silentraven6 said:I am actually crying!!!!

You are a total legend, Superman!

Ladies, I’m truly glad if I managed to give you all a laugh, but honestly, I was genuinely worried—if nothing else, for the baby's sake! 🙂 If that stench had actually reached him, there's no way he would have made it; my boyfriend, who's a heavy smoker and stands 6'7", nearly passed out right then and there.
With Alopex, the cats won't even go near me, and my dog won't either—the same one who loves going for walks and then proceeds to flop onto the biggest pile of mud he can find in the park. And after one walk, his little gift to me was a half-dead mouse in his mouth; now he's running away from me 🙂
Not only did the product smell terrible, but I had to throw my guy's clothes straight into the wash after that disastrous night. He bought them just two weeks ago—high-quality, thick, absorbent stuff, and it soaked everything up.
Everything seemed fine for a while, but yesterday things started getting weird again (I'd been snacking on bananas and Donat mg like there was no tomorrow), though it wasn't quite that catastrophic. But today at the checkup, I saw the look on the doctor's face when she started digging around, saying, "It's soft, it's soft, IT'S SO SOFT." I told her if I try to press on anything soft, we're all going to need resuscitation soon, or I'll end up with a backside like Serena Williams from all this constant squeezing!
Jesse Johnson15 🤣 🤣

Peter Turner6 said:😂😂😂😂😂😂

Now you know why the scale keeps going up. It's just water weight and gas 🤣
That stuff makes me so uncomfortable too 🙂

Honestly, those gases have to be at least four pounds; there's no way it's less than that!😵

Roger Wright45 said:Yeah, I used to scream at my brother constantly whenever he showered and put on deodorant that smelled too strong. 🤣
When he was just sweaty, I didn't care one bit. 😁

Seriously, props to you for putting up with him wandering around the place with all those smells. I limited everything for my guy; God, I didn't even forbid him from washing, but he could only use water, and he absolutely had to "air out" before he could even come near me.
I mean, look, if I have to suffer, he should have to deal with it too. It's not like I became pregnant by some stroke of divine grace.

Anyway, I totally get what you mean about the food. If I eat something that causes gas or if I can't make it to the bathroom properly for a few days, I end up with these absolute boulders inside me, though they haven't woken me up in the middle of the night quite like yours did.
That's why my honey says he needs to wear a gas mask whenever he's near me.

Just to circle back to this: "Poor guy."
That's exactly what they said to me when I mentioned that my husband has to brush his teeth with a toddler's toothbrush because I'm so nauseous I can't even stand to be close to him. And since he smokes, I have to push him to brush even more often because I can't handle being near him with that smell either.
What kind of pathetic excuse would he even make? He’s not going to just die and get out of it, that's why I'm saying this.
If I can deal with this bullshit, then he can sure as hell handle it too. And honestly? He's just as much to blame for all this as I am for being pregnant.

It didn't bother me much during the day, but since he has this habit of cuddling and kissing me in the morning before work, that awful scent would wake me up, and I couldn't fall back asleep because of the nausea. He was looking green in the face heading out to work today because of my gas! 🤣
This is the first time anything like this has happened to me, and I still don't quite understand how or why. 🤷

Jesse Johnson15 said:🤣🤣🤣
bogatisusa 🤣

God, I feel like such an idiot, sitting here while my coworkers keep giving me these weird looks like something is wrong 😬

Keep typing, just keep it coming, more 🍿

Honestly, stories like these should probably just be printed out and turned into a book 🤣

As far as the gas situation goes, after that first trimester passed, I wasn't really a threat to the public anymore, nor was I having any accidents in my pants.

But listen to this, because life just keeps throwing curveballs:
-There was that one morning where I actually showed up to work wearing my fuzzy house slippers instead of shoes.😳
-And then there was the time I ended up getting sick right in front of the Whole Foods. Someone had smashed a bottle of wine, and the staff started cleaning it up with those super pungent industrial detergents. I just dropped everything right there at the checkout counter and bolted for the exit, feeling totally nauseous.🤮

What can I say? I'm still totally dazed.😢I’m just hoping the worst of the chaos is behind us, though the trauma definitely lingers. Honestly, I'm a little terrified to even close my eyes tonight.
No, it was truly horrific. It’s nearly impossible to put into words unless you’ve lived through something similar. Do you know what it feels like to wake up in the middle of the night in pitch darkness, surrounded by such a nauseating stench that I actually had to check if my boyfriend was still breathing? He wasn't even snoring; I'm convinced he was barely pulling in enough air to stay alive. First, I thought maybe the dog had an accident right next to the bed, because I simply couldn't believe a human body could produce something that intense. 🤷
The morning was just as grim. I felt like I was trying to run away from myself, even though there's nowhere to go—it was pure hell. 😱
I just hope I don't have a breakdown tomorrow during my appointment. I think I might actually make my doctor burst into tears if I lose it in her office.

Ryan Cruz4 said:They should be ashamed of themselves, honestly. 🙂 🙂People just have nothing better to do than talk trash. Why wouldn't you be the first one? 🙂Regarding those patches—why won't you go back? Did the pills fail you, or are they just too much of a hassle?

Those patches completely wrecked my hormones; I gained 30 pounds in just six months, and I dealt with constant allergic reactions at the application site, even though I switched spots every single week.🤷Even now, years later, I still have scars on my arms (where I gripped them most tightly because they kept peeling off my stomach) from those rashes that were so itchy I ended up scratching myself bloody.🙂
On the flip side, a close friend of mine has used them for five years straight without a single issue.🤷

By the way, those synthetic scents always made me feel nauseous too, especially that cloud of cologne my boyfriend sprays around the apartment in the morning; I’m honestly surprised I haven't thrown all his fragrances out the window yet.

Right now, I am beyond frustrated because I actually had an accident in my pants right in the middle of the street. It was pouring rain, so maybe people thought I just sat in a puddle, but it wasn't pretty—I spent fifteen minutes hobbling along trying to find a restroom, only to end up losing it like I'd swallowed a gallon of water just five minutes before reaching my apartment.☕
And for three days, I've been worrying about this stomach ache, terrified that I'd start dealing with massive bloating today. Well, here we are; I feel like if I lit a match, I might blow up the entire apartment building. It feels like I've spent the last week eating nothing but heavy greasy fast food, and now it's all making its exit. I have never experienced anything quite this intense. I woke up in the middle of the night to such a stench that I nearly hallucinated; I genuinely thought I was stuck in a barn next to fifteen horses and cows. This is going to be the death of me!🙂

driftingcrane83 said:I’ve always hated birth control pills and never touched them. My go-to method has always been pulling out, and honestly, it hasn't failed me once in 15 years. 🤣

It just hit me how much it used to drive me crazy during the early stages of my pregnancy. Everyone was constantly acting shocked that *I* was the one pregnant. Like, really? As if it couldn't be me. I know I'm not Doris Day, but seriously... 🙄
That phase passed quickly, though. Now, everyone is telling me how great my baby bump looks. 😁

We used to rely on withdrawal too, but after my boyfriend proved more than once that he has zero self-control, 🙂 we switched to condoms.
I also tried the pill for three years before moving on to patches, and I am never going back to those little tablets. 🙂
And yeah, that constant disbelief really gets under my skin, especially when it comes from my closest girlfriends. It’s like, out of our entire group, nobody expected me to be the first one—how is that even possible? What is wrong with the universe? They acted the exact same way when I told them I got engaged; they actually laughed at me! 😢

Jesse Johnson15 said:oh my god, please🙄
to be totally honest, I’m just not a "motherly" type of person. Not even a little bit. Honestly, I’d much rather hang out with my cats than deal with tiny babies. I can't stand toddlers, and don't even get me started on teenagers.
But this little thing growing inside me? This is mine. I have no doubt there will be love at first sight, even if I haven't quite wrapped my head around the fact that there's a living, breathing creature in there. Sometimes, after a long, exhausting day at the office, I actually feel a pang of guilt when I realize I didn't spend a single second thinking about the baby. It’s not like it just hits me automatically, you know?
Every now and then, the thought pops into my head and I'll just smile to myself while I'm cuddling my favorite seashell. 🙄

Amen to that.

And regarding the other thing, some women just get really hormonal and everything starts bothering them. Most of the time, I find that kind of stuff kind of funny, 😬
but then again, I've never been the physical type who craves touch or affection, and I generally avoid being touched by strangers too. I have this weird feeling that the baby has already curled up deep inside, right against my spine. 😬

Oh, honey, you should really think twice about whether you'll regret missing that first year of baby milestones. You don't have to completely fall off the wagon, though—maybe you could prep for your exams at home ahead of time so things aren't so overwhelming later on. 🙂

They say some babies respond to touch by either pulling away or starting to kick, right? 😁 Mine acts like a wild man whenever someone even thinks about touching my stomach! It feels like that’s when they go absolutely crazy, because when I’m alone and actually want them to signal me, they just stretch out aimlessly without really communicating with me at all. They seem much more active with other people—strangers, mostly—which is kind of annoying since that's when they show up the most. ☕

Oh honey, just make sure you don't end up regretting missing that first year of your baby's life. You don't have to completely derail your studies; maybe you could prep for your exams at home ahead of time so things are easier later on? 🙂

But if I were only on campus two or three days a week—and not even for long, since about 80% of my lectures involve just sketching—I’d simply take photos of the designs and finish them at home. If I truly had the chance to spend that much time at home without failing my college courses, wouldn't I take it? I'm not making any concrete plans, though; these are just wishes. I don't want to jinx anything!

Bradley Smith said:SC, I don't know your specific situation or which school you're attending, but here in the US, maternity leave laws exist for a reason. Any decent university should accommodate you by law, just like any employer would. You're entitled to protected time off. Go talk to the Dean if the administration gives you any grief 🤷 call Bjeliš. Whatever. It's a legal right for any woman giving birth.
You need time to heal, physically and mentally, to find your footing again. And so does your baby. You don't need to try to be Vesna škare Ožbolt 😬
Besides, this is your first child. You're the one who decides your priorities. College isn't going anywhere; it'll still be sitting there exactly where you left it, while babies grow and change every single day. If you aren't there for those moments, it's incredibly hard to build that bond later.
I'm a total careerist myself, but I put my PhD on the back burner for now because, honestly... the degrees and fellowships will always be there. For now, the baby comes first. And yeah, mine was unplanned too 😁

As for the vagina thing, I don't know, but I'm crossing my fingers for you. 😁

I'm really looking into academic leave right now, and it's such a shame you can't just pause a single semester; having to take a whole academic year off feels heavy. I'd love to avoid a long break because returning after a full year sounds daunting to me—it would be much easier to just "stay in the zone" without stopping entirely. But for now, I'm just asking questions; I'm not making any big plans. I learned my lesson once, and I won't be caught overplanning again. I'm just taking it day by day and seeing where life takes me. 😁
I'm hoping for the best too; there isn't much else we can do. 🤣

driftingcrane83 said:😂

There'll be enough stomach-churning material to go around. 😛

That’s exactly why I won't let him go to the family reunion alone—I'm not having it! 🤣 He'll have plenty of photos to choose from when he's feeling sick; I think I'll pick out the most gruesome ones. 😬

Nancy Ruiz7 said:Supergirl, keep going, I completely hear where you're coming from... Just because a pregnancy wasn't planned doesn't mean you can't get those things you mentioned sorted before the baby arrives. Maybe instead of putting it off, this is actually the perfect moment to finally get moving, right?
Well, I'm 31, and if I had been able to have a child sooner, I certainly would have... This is just happening now that certain foundations are being laid (marriage, a home, a career), though that doesn't mean the work hasn't been hard... It isn't a matter of being smarter or less intelligent—it's just that if you haven't handled these things by now, you handle them now, because once the baby is actually here, it's much easier if you aren't simultaneously scrambling to figure those things out. On the other hand, courage is a virtue, and I truly believe you're going to provide the absolute best for your baby... along with plenty of love...

Honestly, this is my biggest motivation to finally wrap up my degree and break out of this daily grind. I don't mind the hustle at all, but I can't help feeling a bit overwhelmed—is what I'm doing enough? What else should I be focusing on? It’s just that you always have this perfect vision playing in your head, right? When reality hits and things don't go exactly according to plan, it's so easy to feel a little lost.

Is there anything more refreshing than a fresh start? I truly believe we all need them from time to time. Keith Allen4 says:
People like Keith Allen4 always step in just to shake things up a bit, don't they? It keeps things from getting too predictable.😛
Honestly, S. C., let’s be real—some women just make it look effortless. They act like these perfect queens who are smiling through everything from day one until the very end of pregnancy, then they breeze through childbirth and nursing without a single complaint. They have these picture-perfect husbands, never raise their voices at the kids, and somehow always look camera-ready for a magazine shoot. Mig: Honestly, people like that? Just hit the ignore button.☕
You’ll eventually have those moments where you sit there wondering why you even went through all this. There will be days when everything feels like it's falling apart—when you just want to run away from the chaos—but none of that will ever diminish how much you love your little one. It really does all work out in the end. For me, Tin was an absolute dream from the moment he was born.😍

🤣
They say you remember childbirth for the rest of your life—that specific moment when you finally hold your baby in your arms. For me, I think I’ll mostly remember the panic attacks during every single checkup, that overwhelming sense of confusion in the delivery room when the doctor told me the baby was already five centimeters dilated, and waking up to three nurses hovering over me, holding my legs up while staring right at my nether regions. Honestly, am I just supposed to be happy that he's finally out and born? 🤣 And whenever I get truly worked up, I’ll just keep telling them, "Just remember how it was when he was actually inside, just remember..." As for the guy, I still need to come up with a clever little recipe. 🤣

Keith Allen4 said:You actually admitted that you have to force yourself to feel those maternal instincts...
It’s sad that people like that exist—though, honestly, "sad" isn't even the right word—it's more that I find it completely incomprehensible... the idea that someone would ever have to manufacture an emotional connection regarding their own child 😲

Look, I don't really have the energy for an argument. If it makes things easier for you, I'll just say it: I don't love my child, and I'm prepared to burn in hell for it.
Honestly, people like this just drive me up the wall. Don't they realize how frustrating they can be?

driftingcrane83 said:Don't be so quick to judge her. We aren't all wired the same way. Just because she hasn't fully processed everything yet doesn't mean she won't feel it later.

What would you say to women who choose abortion? 😲

What would you say to my boyfriend? He thinks he’s going to be traumatized if he sees the baby covered in that newborn vernix when they're born, claiming the kid will look like they crawled straight out of hell. 😢

Keith Allen4 said:I'm sorry, but— 😲😲😲
we are living in the 21st century... with every single advanced form of birth control available to us, I honestly can't wrap my head around how you let something happen that you didn't even want, and then you're telling me you have to *force* yourself to love your own child...
I really wish I could unread that...

Why aren't you reading for comprehension? Could you please bold the part of my post where I actually said I have to force myself to love my own child? Otherwise, I’m going to assume this is just a really poor attempt at trolling.
I don't want to go too far off-topic, but for me, motherhood isn't just about giving love to a child; it's also about taking on new responsibilities, shifting priorities, and creating an environment where a child can be raised safely and normally. There are people who probably don't give this much thought, but I do because I want to provide my child with a good, stable life. I'm not in a position where everything is set; I literally have a few months to overhaul everything I need to change, whereas some women are lucky enough to have their lives mostly planned out, so they don't have to stress over these things because everything fell into place right when it was supposed to. So, where on earth did you read that I don't truly love my child? I was simply trying to say that I have to build everything from the ground up very quickly, while someone else (who perhaps planned better) already had it all sorted before getting pregnant and doesn't have to deal with this level of stress.

driftingcrane83 said:It really comes down to priorities. Age doesn't matter if you planned for this and actually want to be a parent. That’s the bottom line.
If this had happened to me earlier, I would have been completely livid. It wasn't about money; it was because I just didn't feel the need for a child. Motherhood was never my thing.

My point was simply this: women who don't view parenthood as a top priority—or even a tenth of their life—usually mature into motherhood later on, if they ever do at all.

Plus, according to various studies, children of older parents tend to be more intelligent on average. It’s often because people are more educated by the time they reach that stage of life.
Don't take me too literally or try to overcomplicate things. There's obviously a massive range of experiences here. There are downsides to being an older parent, sure. But if there are perks, there are clearly enough to talk about.

So basically, my kid will be stupid too? 🙂 🙂 🙂
😬
I actually agree with what you're saying. Age isn't the deciding factor; if you aren't ready to be a parent at a certain age, then the number doesn't matter, though it can definitely impact your mood and behavior during and after Pregnancy.
I didn't plan on having a child either—I never even gave it much thought (I actually wanted to adopt since my family isn't exactly my cup of tea)—but now that it's happening, I realize I don't have the luxury of waiting for "motherly instincts" to magically appear; I have to force myself into it within a few months.
To be honest, I’m more stressed about everything that happens *after* the birth than the actual pregnancy itself. I can handle the nausea, the heartburn, the near-disability from sciatica, the blood pressure issues, the tears, the contractions, and the fears—that all passes eventually. But after the delivery, I won't get six months or a year of blissfully bonding with a baby and worrying about bottles and strollers; I'll have maybe two weeks to recover before I'm back at college studying. And then there's the constant worry about whether the nanny is actually reliable.
I'm not happy because I know that after the struggle of labor, I won't be heading home to enjoy time with my baby, but rather straight into more stress and constant separation.
And for the record, I'm still not buying into the myth that everything just snaps back to normal afterward. 🙂

Jesse Johnson15 said:🤣 Believe it or not, I haven't really felt 🙂 personally, though I don't care that much about any of it. Even my husband tells me I'm acting completely normal—though maybe he's actually just terrified of me? Or maybe I was always this moody to begin with? 😬 )

And am I the only one who hasn't had those crazy "hangry" episodes yet? When does that part of the madness actually kick in?

By the way, when do you guys usually find time to check in here? Should we maybe pivot to a different topic so we don't go too far off track from the main thread?
I'm pretty new to this group, and man, some of these thread titles are intense 😱 it feels like it's nothing but talk about aches and pains and stuff like that 🙄

True, but I can barely keep up over there; posts are flying by so fast that just as I try to introduce myself, I see ten more have been posted and suddenly I'm jumping into a conversation mid-stream 😢 It's impossible to find a moment to breathe 😢

rustynomad12 said:Ugh, what a total load of nonsense!
I'm actually in my 37th week now, and honestly? I’m even more chill than I was before I got pregnant... and it's not because I'm young and clumsy (hey, I'm 36!) or because I just don't care... it's actually because I *am* informed. I don't jump every time some other pregnant lady or a worried bystander starts panicking over every little thing...
Most of what I know, I learned by taking the long way around all those pregnancy horror stories and sticking to reading stuff that actually felt useful to me... My pregnancy has been awesome, barely any issues at all (just a few swollen veins and a little back pain here and there...)
Plus, the pregnant women I see hanging around hospitals and clinics always seem so grumpy and ready to snap at anyone, so I guess they find it weird when someone isn't acting just as stressed as they are...
Give me a break... as if being pregnant is this divine, sacred thing meant only for a chosen few...
Just relax, people! It’s totally natural... and as such, there’s really no need to obsess over every single tiny detail...
I haven't changed one bit from who I was before. In fact, I take everything in stride with a smile... whether it's people touching my belly, asking silly questions, or not giving up a seat on the subway... so what? I'm happy, and I still have plenty of energy, just like always. When you really know yourself—belly or no belly—life is easier. There aren't these massive identity shifts when you get pregnant, unless (God forbid) there are unexpected complications...
Good luck!😉)

That sounds lovely, but my situation is a bit different; I'm not feeling lucky, I'm just feeling pure rage and frustration. It's not even because I'm pregnant, it's because at 25, I feel like I've been hit by a truck every single day. I get that so many women feel this way and that it eventually passes, but for me, this is just reality.It’s a massive shift physically, which honestly takes a toll on my mental state because I absolutely despise feeling vulnerable. 🤷 It’s hard to stay positive when one wrong move leaves me sidelined and stuck in bed for an entire week.
I wish I could find a way to laugh about all this—I can usually find the humor in other people's struggles 😬 but when it comes to myself, it's much tougher. I have to admit, it’s been a struggle coming to terms with these new limitations and realizing there are things I simply can't do anymore.

driftingcrane83 Asks:
Nobody has touched my stomach. Aside from my mother and a couple of family members—and even then, only after they asked for permission. It feels so incredibly strange having you all poking at me! 😂

Maybe you're just putting out some bad vibes? 🤣
And honestly, isn't it just wonderful how everyone focuses entirely on my looks? It’s almost as if I'm not even actually here. 🤷 I mean, look, the comments aren't necessarily bad, but I feel like I'm at one of those awkward small-town county fairs. It's always something like, "Oh my gosh, you didn't even get any freckles!" (Wait, why would I have gotten them anyway? Is that supposed to be the norm?) or "Wow, you didn't really gain much weight!" Honestly, how am I supposed to stay calm when people say stuff like that? 😠 Forget it—I’m more hungry than full anyway. Now I have to sit here peacefully while some liberal pundits try to judge whether I've gained weight or not. Honestly, what is wrong with people?
I was hanging out with a group of pregnant women recently—some I’ve known forever and others I met for the first time. I didn't think twice about commenting on how they looked; instead, I just asked a few thoughtful questions about their pregnancies and left it at that. Isn't it better to focus on the experience rather than the appearance?

Jesse Johnson15 said:First off, don't beat yourself up; it's not your fault that she's acting out like that. 😳 It honestly drives me crazy when you run into those types of mothers who immediately hit you with these terrifying trauma stories, only to turn around a second later and preach about how everything should just be "natural." 🙂
But you have to realize that, poor thing, she probably needs it—it's just her way of boosting her own ego. She’s had a birth, and you haven't, you know? 😬

There's a pretty good chance that besides her kids, she doesn't have much else going on in her life.

Disclaimer here: I'm not saying these memories aren't a big deal, far from it.

On the other hand: I wouldn't mind a little extra intimacy myself either. 😍
But hey, whatever happens, happens. 🙂

So yeah, girl... 😢

Same here, 😠

I actually had this experience where the owner of a restaurant I was having lunch at suddenly felt entitled to get close to me. I’d never even seen the guy before! But he acted like it was totally fine because his daughter was just born two months ago. Like, we're part of the same club now or something. 😳

And what are you supposed to do in that situation?

Roger Rodriguez: Why don't you try taking a class? Personally, I go to them, and they really help you see that everyone is dealing with something different—one lady is losing it, another is burping, a third is crying, and one is just laughing and sharing stories about why she's crying... it helps me find a bit of humor in the middle of it all. 😬
And nobody is going to judge you if you admit you're scared. Kids don't come with an instruction manual, for goodness sake...

I just don't feel like it. Is it just me? 🤣 I just finished up my finals, and now classes are starting back up again. It’s not that I’m drowning in work, but honestly, I’m so exhausted that even my basic responsibilities feel like a mountain to climb. I ended up skipping that certification course because I felt like I couldn't squeeze it in, even though I know deep down it would actually help me out. Is it always going to be this draining?

Anonymous said:It drives me absolutely insane when people blame every single bit of my frustration on pregnancy hormones.
Look (you absolute jerk/idiot for even saying that), this didn't bother me before, it doesn't bother me now, and it sure as hell won't bother me later. I simply won't tolerate certain ways of talking or people acting high and mighty, so I match their energy. Then, they have the nerve to pat me on the head and tell me I'm just being "hormonal." Okay, fine, if I'm being hormonal, then what’s your excuse???!!!
The truth is, I don't have any crazy pregnancy cravings, sudden whims, or emotional outbursts. I am just as grounded now as I was during my first pregnancy. My marriage is stable, I have a great husband, and everything I had before is still here; I don't need to hide behind the "I'm pregnant" excuse just to get my way or make things up.
But apparently, nothing is ever good enough... and then I start thinking maybe I really am just a jerk who's making things up just for the sake of it, just to keep everyone else happy.
🙄

😘
I can relate to that feeling, even if my hormones are running the show right now; that doesn't mean my feelings aren't valid. Honestly, the things that bother me haven't changed since before the birth, but back then, I had enough patience to just bite my tongue and swallow the nonsense. Now? I have absolutely no filter left, and if something bothers me, I say it.

Scott Rodriguez2 Asks:
Oh my goodness, Roger Rodriguez, I am absolutely dying over your last two posts! 😂
I feel exactly the same way. It seems like everyone gets on my nerves lately, and I find myself snapping at just about anyone—but then, when I don't get the empathy I need, I just break down. Is it really only a matter of seconds before I'm in tears?
Whenever I see anything related to babies, I just turn into a complete puddle of mush. Is there anything more heart-melting?
I'm certainly not one of those pregnant women who is constantly beaming with smiles, high spirits, and perfect vibes.
I can only imagine what people are thinking about me—just look at this pregnant woman over here.
The baby bump isn't showing just yet, but... what do you think? It’s probably better if they don't crowd me when they jump up—it’s just my preference (and my partner's), and I’m really not looking for any extra affection right now.
Is there anything more precious than those quiet moments? My baby and I just love to snuggle and talk together when we're alone in bed.

Honestly, I am just so done with people giving me unsolicited advice when I didn't ask for a single thing. Why can't they just mind their own business? F... off.

Speaking of which, my hairstylist—someone I've only seen a handful of times—suddenly starts grilling me about how far along I am with the pregnancy. Then, out of nowhere, she pulls my cape aside and just starts rubbing my belly! Can you believe that? 😕 I couldn't quite get my bearings since it was behind me, but wasn't it looking rather strange? 🤣
I’m not usually that strict about boundaries, but I’ve always kept my personal space reserved for family and close friends. Did I really think complete strangers would just decide they could come over and start touching me?
And then I can't help but wonder, won't everyone probably act that same way toward the child? 😱

Jesse Johnson15 said:Honestly, if there isn't mold on it, it’s probably fine to eat 😳

you are actually being so sweet right now 🤣 have you thought about signing up for some sort of prenatal class where you can just vent all those fears? I mean, personally, I am absolutely terrified of the idea of actually holding a newborn, or even things like making sure doors stay shut and everything, and I am honestly counting down the days until I can bring all that up in a group session just so someone can look me in the eye, laugh a little, and tell me that everything is going to be okay.

Oh, those pregnant influencers on TikTok showing off their perfectly smooth, stretch-mark-free bellies with those serene little smiles? Total lies.
I might sound a bit ridiculous, but right now, I am spending way more energy worrying about whether I'll develop GD because of my family history than I am thinking about whether I'm having a boy or a girl, which I won't find out until Friday 👋 )
In my opinion, a "carefree" pregnant woman is really just an uninformed one 😳

And that is the absolute truth. 😳

You really are quite charming, aren't you? 🤣 Would you ever consider joining a prenatal class where you could actually talk about your fears? Personally, I’m terrified of things like holding the baby in my arms or even just holding doors open. I honestly can't wait to bring this up in a group setting—wouldn't it be such a relief to just vent and have someone look me in the eye and tell me there's nothing to worry about?

Is there anything more dishonest than those pregnant women on Instagram who stroke their perfectly smooth stomachs and just smile sweetly at the camera? It’s such a blatant lie, isn't it?
This might sound a bit silly, but I find myself worrying far more about my genetic predisposition for GD than I do about the actual glucose levels from a father I haven't even met yet. I should have some answers this Friday, but isn't it funny how our minds jump to the worst-case scenarios first? 👋 )
I honestly believe that a carefree pregnant woman is just an uninformed one, don't you think?

I’m not taking any classes right now, but I honestly think I’ll be starting psychotherapy soon. 🤣
To be honest, the idea of being surrounded by a dozen cheerful pregnant women actually scares me. That kind of positivity doesn't rub off on me; if anything, it does the exact opposite. I end up feeling even more frustrated because I can't match their energy, and then I just break down in tears.
While waiting in the lobby, I struck up a conversation with a woman who was fourth in line. After she mentioned how the epidurals failed her during her last two deliveries, I dared to admit my own fears about giving birth. Instead of empathy, she lectured me, basically saying that childbirth is just a biological function and something every woman must endure to fulfill her role.
I had to dig deep to keep from snapping back at her. It really hit home because my sister-in-law has been struggling with infertility and is constantly going through IVF treatments without success—can you imagine how devastating it would be to hear something like that?
Jesse Johnson15, if you have a specific wish regarding intimacy, I truly hope it comes true for you. For me, it's been 😍

Jesse Johnson15 said:Roger Rodriguez, I absolutely live for your classic pregnancy posts.🙂
You really should go back and read them all once this whole pregnancy phase is over; I'm positive you'll have a good laugh at yourself.😁

But seriously, kudos to the people you have standing by your side right now.🙏
It is perfectly okay to be scared; we're all terrified, and we're all wondering how on earth we're going to pull this off. Just let go and trust the process—I'm personally just leaning into Mother Nature and whatever modern medicine can offer. With all the doctors and specialists out there, surely one of them will make this delivery a little easier on me.😁

If I could offer one little piece of advice, it always works for me: try not to dwell on the actual labor itself, but instead, focus on that exact second when they finally place the baby in your arms and you see them for the very first time. I'm not trying to be cliché by saying you'll forget the pain of childbirth (because, honestly, I have no clue what that's actually like), but it truly is such a breathtaking, unforgettable moment.🙂

That being said, I'm sending out one more wave of love to all those lovely people who keep telling me I need to sleep now because I won't get any later—sending them a giant middle finger via text message, essentially—because it doesn't matter if I sleep; I'll just be busy worrying about my precious little one.😠

Yeah, I really was being your typical pregnant grumbler, 😢 and it’s driving me crazy too. At the start of my pregnancy, I had this image of myself as the perfect expectant mother—always smiling, never complaining about food cravings. Then came the total turnaround, where I was basically snatching food off people's plates because suddenly everything sounded good. (Even if it hits the floor or the expiration date has passed! 🙈)
I'm going to try my best to stop obsessing over the birth and all those negative scenarios; there's really nothing I can do to change the outcome anyway. 🤷
Plus, my mom keeps trying to "calm me down." Basically, whenever she reaches her limit with my constant complaining, she just tells me, "Everyone else went through it, so you will too," and calls it a day. She's running out of patience, and I'm definitely driving everyone in the family a little nuts! 🤣

It didn't catch me off guard, but I’m finding my own temperament and reactions increasingly frustrating on a daily basis.
Everything gets under my skin lately; I feel like I'm picking fights with everyone, bursting into tears the second things don't go my way, or just crying when I feel like it—I'm constantly overreacting.
On top of that, I feel heavy and bloated, with absolutely zero motivation to take care of myself. When I have to head out, I look like total white trash in beat-up sneakers and ripped jeans, mostly because I feel like I don't even have anything decent left in my closet to pull together a normal outfit.
I’ve honestly become quite unpleasant.😱
To make matters worse, I’ve been having these recurring nightmares where I’ve given birth to a tiny, five-centimeter baby that I have to care for, but he's so small, like an ant, that he keeps slipping out of me. In the dream, his eyes fall out and I have to scramble to pick them up off the floor to put them back in, or I try to feed him but the bottle is way too big and he starts choking, and I can't even perform CPR because his mouth is only about 3mm wide.🙂
It’s also incredibly irritating how the baby kicks aren't these gentle, sweet little movements; sometimes they actually hurt, and it feels like something is trying to force its way out of my gut, like my insides are being torn apart.
And then, of course, there's the crowd on public transit—just a sea of people younger than me who clearly have no concept of basic manners.