Ah! I just wrote this post and my Sol (my little golden Chihuahua) stepped on somethind that made it all go away. So wierd!
Basically I've spent cycle week 2 and most of 3 fighting the UTI. It's still here! The antibiotics didn't touch it. I took an OTC UTI test and both the WBC and Nitrates came back positive. I'll call my doctor Monday to see what's next. In the meantime I've read that black cherry juice helps so I'm going to start that.
I'm still craving eggs in the morning (not at all normal for me) and tuna with pickles at lunchtime. My main concerns are: getting rid of the UTI and excitement over taking a pregnancy test. I'm on a 25 day cycle, so the earliest an at home test will show pregnancy is next Thursday the 4th. I'll let you know how it goes!
-Jessy
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Chemical-Free Baby (Where the dangers are.)
Here are some good resources providing information about exposing yourself and your baby to chemicals.
Prenatal Exposure To Chemicals Goes Unchecked
By Kim Acosta from FitPregnancy June/July 2007
More than 200 industrial chemicals are known to be hazardous to the human brain, yet they're not regulated, even to protect children, according to new research. Prenatal and early—childhood exposure to such chemicals—neurotoxins—is responsible for a silent pandemic of neurodevelopmental disorders, possibly including autism, attention deficit disorder and retardation, says Philippe Grandjean, M.D., an adjunct professor of environmental health at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston and the lead author of a recent study of chemical neurotoxicity published in the British medical journal Lancet.
"The experience with lead, mercury and a few other industrial chemicals shows that toxic effects on the brain occur at much lower doses during brain development and that those effects are likely to be more widespread and permanent," Grandjean warns. One out of every six children has a developmental disability, usually involving the nervous system, he adds. Research shows that environmental toxins, even at low levels, can have small but important adverse effects, such as decreases in intelligence or changes in behavior.
However, enacting protections—such as the removal of lead from gasoline, which wasn't complete until the 1990s—involves decades of research and debate. "Meanwhile, pregnant women and small children may be exposed to levels of toxicants we later regret," Grandjean says. "We need to change this pattern."
In an effort to reduce chemical—related diseases, the European Union (EU) adopted a policy last December that requires manufacturers to register and test chemicals. The goal is to make more information available about substances in everyday products and eventually replace dangerous chemicals with safer alternatives, say EU officials.
Such sweeping reform will be harder to achieve in the United States, according to Grandjean. "U.S. officials have objected to such regulations because of expenses to the industry," he says. "I think we all need to send a message to decision makers that the expenses paid by children, who have lost IQ points or who suffer other brain deficits because of unwanted chemical exposures, are much greater than the costs of prevention."
Until more regulations are put in place, you can reduce your family's exposure to chemicals by choosing organic foods and products whenever possible, though even some of these may still contain trace amounts of contaminants.
For information on how to share concerns with your local lawmakers via email, phone or mail, visit congress.org and enter your ZIP code. For a comprehensive list of potentially dangerous chemicals and products to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as suggestions for safer alternatives, go to fitpregnancy.com/chemicals.
From June/July 2007 Other Resources:1. The List of Chemicals2. "Now that you’re expecting, your immediate environment is more important than ever. Here’s how to steer clear of potentially harmful substances and make your space a healthier place. From the moment you find out you’re pregnant, your desire to keep yourself and your child as healthy as possible kicks into high gear. That means eating a balanced diet, exercising sensibly and making your surroundings safe. The most difficult part: protecting yourself and your unborn child from toxins present in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink and the household products we use. Although we don’t have room to list every potential hazard (nor should you worry about them all), here are the most important ones to watch out for at home, at work and outdoors." <- The Whole Artlicle Here3. "Your baby. She’ll have your smile, his eyes and, ideally, your breast milk. To make that milk the best it can be, you may think that you need to follow the same stringent guidelines as when you were pregnant. The good news is, now you can relax a little.
It’s still important to have a balanced diet of wholesome foods. But even if it isn’t perfect, your milk will be—with a few key exceptions, according to Ruth A. Lawrence, M.D., a pediatrician and obstetrician in Rochester, N.Y. Nursing moms still should limit—or, in some cases, avoid—certain foods, drinks and chemicals. On the watch list are alcohol, caffeine, medications, foods your baby might be sensitive to and environmental toxins." <- The Full Article Here
4. Information on the Dangers of Phthalates:About PthalatesBad News For Babies5. Dangers of Bisphenol-ABPA Article 16. More Articles:Vinyl Bibs DangerChemicals in the HomeDangers of PVC
Prenatal Exposure To Chemicals Goes Unchecked
By Kim Acosta from FitPregnancy June/July 2007
More than 200 industrial chemicals are known to be hazardous to the human brain, yet they're not regulated, even to protect children, according to new research. Prenatal and early—childhood exposure to such chemicals—neurotoxins—is responsible for a silent pandemic of neurodevelopmental disorders, possibly including autism, attention deficit disorder and retardation, says Philippe Grandjean, M.D., an adjunct professor of environmental health at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston and the lead author of a recent study of chemical neurotoxicity published in the British medical journal Lancet.
"The experience with lead, mercury and a few other industrial chemicals shows that toxic effects on the brain occur at much lower doses during brain development and that those effects are likely to be more widespread and permanent," Grandjean warns. One out of every six children has a developmental disability, usually involving the nervous system, he adds. Research shows that environmental toxins, even at low levels, can have small but important adverse effects, such as decreases in intelligence or changes in behavior.
However, enacting protections—such as the removal of lead from gasoline, which wasn't complete until the 1990s—involves decades of research and debate. "Meanwhile, pregnant women and small children may be exposed to levels of toxicants we later regret," Grandjean says. "We need to change this pattern."
In an effort to reduce chemical—related diseases, the European Union (EU) adopted a policy last December that requires manufacturers to register and test chemicals. The goal is to make more information available about substances in everyday products and eventually replace dangerous chemicals with safer alternatives, say EU officials.
Such sweeping reform will be harder to achieve in the United States, according to Grandjean. "U.S. officials have objected to such regulations because of expenses to the industry," he says. "I think we all need to send a message to decision makers that the expenses paid by children, who have lost IQ points or who suffer other brain deficits because of unwanted chemical exposures, are much greater than the costs of prevention."
Until more regulations are put in place, you can reduce your family's exposure to chemicals by choosing organic foods and products whenever possible, though even some of these may still contain trace amounts of contaminants.
For information on how to share concerns with your local lawmakers via email, phone or mail, visit congress.org and enter your ZIP code. For a comprehensive list of potentially dangerous chemicals and products to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as suggestions for safer alternatives, go to fitpregnancy.com/chemicals.
From June/July 2007 Other Resources:1. The List of Chemicals2. "Now that you’re expecting, your immediate environment is more important than ever. Here’s how to steer clear of potentially harmful substances and make your space a healthier place. From the moment you find out you’re pregnant, your desire to keep yourself and your child as healthy as possible kicks into high gear. That means eating a balanced diet, exercising sensibly and making your surroundings safe. The most difficult part: protecting yourself and your unborn child from toxins present in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink and the household products we use. Although we don’t have room to list every potential hazard (nor should you worry about them all), here are the most important ones to watch out for at home, at work and outdoors." <- The Whole Artlicle Here3. "Your baby. She’ll have your smile, his eyes and, ideally, your breast milk. To make that milk the best it can be, you may think that you need to follow the same stringent guidelines as when you were pregnant. The good news is, now you can relax a little.
It’s still important to have a balanced diet of wholesome foods. But even if it isn’t perfect, your milk will be—with a few key exceptions, according to Ruth A. Lawrence, M.D., a pediatrician and obstetrician in Rochester, N.Y. Nursing moms still should limit—or, in some cases, avoid—certain foods, drinks and chemicals. On the watch list are alcohol, caffeine, medications, foods your baby might be sensitive to and environmental toxins." <- The Full Article Here
4. Information on the Dangers of Phthalates:About PthalatesBad News For Babies5. Dangers of Bisphenol-ABPA Article 16. More Articles:Vinyl Bibs DangerChemicals in the HomeDangers of PVC
Monday, September 24, 2007
A Good Day & Buy this now!
Yay! I finally had a "likely" ovulation day! It only showed up on one of the ovulation tests though; First Response. According to my OB/GYN, the key to getting pregnant is NOT to do it every day. So, it's every 2 to 3 days for us for now.
I got my October/November Fit Pregnancy Magazine today. If you don't subscribe to this magazine, I HIGHLY reccommend it. I've read A LOT of different pregnancy and parenting magazines, and this is my all time favorite so far. Too many just seem to be advertisements with an article here and there. FitPregnancy just really seems to constantly be onto the latest pregnancy-related news and advice. The reason I'm reccommending this month's issue is because: 1) little swimmers by Elizabeth M. Ward, M.S.,RD on page 40 give advice on mens fertility -a 1 and 1/2 page article, instead of the usual little list or blurbs I've seen elsewhere, 2) Countdown to Delivery by Sandy Jones and Marcie Jones on page 48a is a pullout list of things to do from weeks 28 to 38 to prepare for the little one, 3) The Real World: Adjusting to Your New Life-No excuse Exercise Tips by Suzanne Schlosberg on page 70 advises you on ways to keep on exersizing despite feeling yucky during pregnancy, 4) The articles Circumcision Decision by Jacqueline Stenson and Tender Loving Day Care by Stacy Whitman, 5) the Clueless Woman's guide to Pregnancy by Suzanne Schlosberg is GREAT! It includes: a "what me worry?" quiz to see if you're worrying too much about things or not enough, an eating guide, a baby shopping list (one for minimalists and one for shopaholics!), 6) babe in the woods on page 129 is a photospread of some totally wearable winter fashions 7) Baby & Soul by Alice Lesch Kelly on page 135 is a week by week guide on what to do AFTER you've delivered, 8) BASIC training by Kate Neale Cooper on page 139 is a How-To guide on basic newborn care 9) breast BUDDY by Alice Lesch Kelly on page 144 an article on breastfeeding and 10) On page 153 there's a handy pregnancy glossary with pregnancy related and childbirth terms. Overall an extremely informative issue.
Products that I'll definately check out from this issue:
1. The Lascal m1 baby carrier
Pros: I like that the top cover is made from bamboo. There seems to be a number of support features for both baby and parent.
Cons: It's about $40 more expensive that the Baby Bjorn carrier which was my previous fav.
2. The Niva Invisable Suspenders:
I think these look really supportive and comfortable to wear. Even better, they look like they'd be just about as noticeable under clothing as a bra. They come in a lighter color as well.
3. Bella Band Everyday Lace:
Until visiting the website I wasn't aware how many colors the Bella Band comes in. I really liked this lacey version when I saw it. It looks more like you're wearing a lacey little tank top underneath instead of a maternity accessory.
-Jessy
PS: Sorry about the random smiley face and odd alignment of this last pic. It doesn't show up this way in the edit window for me. :(
I got my October/November Fit Pregnancy Magazine today. If you don't subscribe to this magazine, I HIGHLY reccommend it. I've read A LOT of different pregnancy and parenting magazines, and this is my all time favorite so far. Too many just seem to be advertisements with an article here and there. FitPregnancy just really seems to constantly be onto the latest pregnancy-related news and advice. The reason I'm reccommending this month's issue is because: 1) little swimmers by Elizabeth M. Ward, M.S.,RD on page 40 give advice on mens fertility -a 1 and 1/2 page article, instead of the usual little list or blurbs I've seen elsewhere, 2) Countdown to Delivery by Sandy Jones and Marcie Jones on page 48a is a pullout list of things to do from weeks 28 to 38 to prepare for the little one, 3) The Real World: Adjusting to Your New Life-No excuse Exercise Tips by Suzanne Schlosberg on page 70 advises you on ways to keep on exersizing despite feeling yucky during pregnancy, 4) The articles Circumcision Decision by Jacqueline Stenson and Tender Loving Day Care by Stacy Whitman, 5) the Clueless Woman's guide to Pregnancy by Suzanne Schlosberg is GREAT! It includes: a "what me worry?" quiz to see if you're worrying too much about things or not enough, an eating guide, a baby shopping list (one for minimalists and one for shopaholics!), 6) babe in the woods on page 129 is a photospread of some totally wearable winter fashions 7) Baby & Soul by Alice Lesch Kelly on page 135 is a week by week guide on what to do AFTER you've delivered, 8) BASIC training by Kate Neale Cooper on page 139 is a How-To guide on basic newborn care 9) breast BUDDY by Alice Lesch Kelly on page 144 an article on breastfeeding and 10) On page 153 there's a handy pregnancy glossary with pregnancy related and childbirth terms. Overall an extremely informative issue.
Products that I'll definately check out from this issue:
1. The Lascal m1 baby carrier
Pros: I like that the top cover is made from bamboo. There seems to be a number of support features for both baby and parent.Cons: It's about $40 more expensive that the Baby Bjorn carrier which was my previous fav.
2. The Niva Invisable Suspenders:
I think these look really supportive and comfortable to wear. Even better, they look like they'd be just about as noticeable under clothing as a bra. They come in a lighter color as well.
3. Bella Band Everyday Lace:
Until visiting the website I wasn't aware how many colors the Bella Band comes in. I really liked this lacey version when I saw it. It looks more like you're wearing a lacey little tank top underneath instead of a maternity accessory.
-Jessy
PS: Sorry about the random smiley face and odd alignment of this last pic. It doesn't show up this way in the edit window for me. :(
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Day 9 and Something Wrong!
Story! More insights into my health I guess. During the last week in April this year I had to deal with a monster UTI. My doctor actually thought it might even be a stone. So I had an ultrasound and all that. Spent my days drinking tons of water. Had a reaction to one antibiotic and had to be placed on another. So, overall it was yucky and drawn out, but it went away in the end. So, you can imagine my panic when yesterday morning I woke up feeling another one coming on. Ah! My Dr. had warned me to make sure and call her at the slightest hint of a UTI to prevent another yucky experience. So, that's what I did. Her office got me in the same day and I left there with a perscription in case it got worse over the next couple of days. So, right now that's what I'm dealing with. My fault totally I'm sure though. I live in the desert (100+ degree weather most of the summer) and I know I don't drink enough water. You'd think I'd learn my lesson!
A quick review of the First Response Ovulation predictor:
Pros: Easiest to use. No messy cups and clear directions.
Cons: Unless you pee in a disposable cup (or have a nice little trickle going on?) you can get some back splash from holding the stick in your urine stream. Yucky. Only 5 tests in the box.
-Jessy
A quick review of the First Response Ovulation predictor:
Pros: Easiest to use. No messy cups and clear directions.
Cons: Unless you pee in a disposable cup (or have a nice little trickle going on?) you can get some back splash from holding the stick in your urine stream. Yucky. Only 5 tests in the box.
-Jessy
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Week 1 Down!
Yesterday, still wasn't a likely ovulation day. So far, with all these cups, strips, etc. I've started to wonder what it's like to have fertility problems. I mean we're just getting started and already I'm getting anxious to see a possible LH surge on the test results and even more anxious to see a positive result on a pregnancy test. What do I have to worry about though right? I'm fairly young and healthy. I think my main fertility concerns come from three places. The first place is the pharmacy. I worked in a grocery store pharmacy for years and, believe it or not, there are just as many younger women as older women on fertility treatments. The second concern comes from one of the reasons why that might be. I've been seeing articles on harful chemical substances that are being linked to infertility, childhood disorders, and a horrid amount of other health problems since the beginning if my research. I'm not sure if it has to do with growing media awareness or just the current fad of going "green," but I'm seeing more and more articles being published on this problem. So, I worry about things that I never used to worry about; like drinking out of plastic water bottles. The third concern about my own fertility has to do with my thyroid. For a long time I just seemed to be tired all of the time. I never really noticed it, but I'd be with a family members and say "wow I'm tired" and I'd get 'you're always tired' as a response. Well, beginning this past April, I stopped my birth control and started prenatal vitamins in preparation for babytime and at night and first thing in the morning I started noticing this bruised feeling in my right temple. My husband took a look and said the vein there was swollen looking. It was so wierd. I would only have pain when I put pressure on the area but the vision in my right eye got slightly worse. So, I just made an appointment with my primary care physician and waited the week it took me to get in. By the time I saw her 2 weeks had passed. She said it looked like temporal arteritis, but that temporal arteritis usually only occurs in much, much, older people (like 60 year olds). She warned me that this condition can affect my vision and even cause blindness if not treated! So, I was told not to start trying for a baby until we figured it out and put on steroids while we waited for the results of my bloodwork. The results showed hypothyroidism. She said it was really good we caught the hypothyroidism. This is what was causing my tiredness all the time. This condition could also have caused me the inability to get pregnant. So, right now, at the end of my first week and beginning of my second, those are my main concerns. Well, those are my main concerns other than getting this site choc-full-o' info for you!
-Jessy
-Jessy
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
On your mark...get set...
Ok, so this is me right now. (Geez...OK! so this is actually me this summer...like a month ago. Right now it's 11:39pm my time and I'm in PJ's aka not something you want to see!) Much of the information you read on preconception and pregnancy refer to "DAY 1" or the first day of your period. I am currently not on day one (thank ZO <--my brother and the god of technology in my life). I am on day 6. In order to provide you with some handy first-hand ovulation testing info I've decided to try out 4 different methods of ovulation testing. Here are the tools of the trade (so far):
They include: A basal digital thermometer, OvuCheck saliva testing strips, Answer pee (excuse me, urine) test strips, and the little plastic cup that comes with each. On day 8, or Wednesday for me, I'll start the First Response Ovulation checker as well (which looks just like a pregnancy test).I've been testing with Answer since day 5 and OvuCheck since today. Both have been negative for me so far. The pee test is kind of gross because you have to pee in this little cup (one day a woman will design these and make them big and spill proof), stick the strip in it and then set the strip on a flat, non-porous (so, not on a piece of TP, or tissue) surface and wait. The spit test is better because I get less grossed out by my own spit, but would be much more convenient if the test didn't involve spitting into the little cup and then dipping the strip in there.
So, pros and cons to each:
Answer: Pro - comes with 30 strips so you can test the whole month & easy to follow instructions with pictures. Also comes with coupons for their brand pregnancy test. Cons - yay! I can reuse the pee cup woohoo! (ew...Or not!) & all listed above.
OvuCheck: Pro - comes with a disposable cup for each test, uses spit instead of urine, only takes 1 minute to process. Cons - only comes with 5 tests. Would be nicer if you could just stick the strip on your mouth.
Basal Thermometer: I'm using a Walgreens brand thermometer. This is actually my second (my puppies got ahold of the first one...woops.) I should've started on day 1, but I didn't. I started taking my temperature about 2 months ago and got tired of forgetting to do it so I quit, but I'll start again tomorrow. It is an important guide, and may be useful in the months to come if this month is not a successful one. The biggest cons I found with this in the past though were: the position your suppose to hold the thermometer in in your mouth is a bit unconfortable (kind of like when the devil...I mean dentist makes you bite down on those extra-sharp edged things when taking x-rays), and just remembering to do it BEFORE you get out of bed. You're suppose to do it before ANY physical activity first thing in the morning.
K, well now it's tomorrow so I better get some sleep.
But...I'll be on here almost first thing in the morning (I have temperatures to take, cups to pee in and other cups to spit in yah know).
-Jessy
Monday, September 17, 2007
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