NEWS: Sextuplets Born in Penn.

I feel for any couple who undergo fertility treatment, and especially any couple who undergo treatment and wind up with six babies at once! That is tough and rough. If it took more than my hubby shaking his pants in my direction for me to get pregnant, I'd probably use some fertility treatment as well; but it doesn't seem as appealing when posed with the possibility is sextuplets. (Although they are a blessing for sure, don't get me wrong).

Here is the full story on the sextuplets from the Philadelphia Inquirer, but what really grabs me about this story is the dad's face in this photo. The mom looks all glowing and happy (probably reality hasn't hit her yet or she's just happy they are out of her belly finally), but the dad has a look of dread that just makes me feel for the guy.

NEWS: Babies Born 'Full-Term' Fare Better

When I was pregnant I had false labor, a lot of women do. But it was thought that even if I had gone into actual labor my baby and I would have been fine, because I was 37 weeks pregnant--37 weeks is considered "full-term." Today, that idea may change.

A new study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology journal reads that babies born during week 37 and 38 of gestation are twice as likely to die during their first year than a baby born during the 39 or 40 week of gestation. Not anything a mother wants to hear.

The researchers analyzed the data of 46.3 million live births, using the National Center for Health Statistics database, from 1995 to 2006. The good news they found, generally, infant mortality has decreased for early-term and full-term births; however, they did also find babies born in the 37 or 38 week are 2.6 more likely to die pre- or post-birth for Hispanic and white babies, and 2.9 times more likely for black babies.

The abstract of the study can be found here.

NEWS: Certain Antibiotics May Be Safe During Pregnancy

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists announced today that two antibiotics thought to cause birth defects may instead be safe during pregnancy.

The two antibiotics, nitrofurans and sulfonamides, are usually prescribed for urinary tract infections. In 2009, researchers with the National Birth Defects Prevention Study determined these two antibiotics could cause birth defects if taken during the first trimester.

After the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reviewed the study, they issued a new opinion on the matter. The ACOG considers these two antibiotics "appropriate when there is no suitable alternative."

The ACOG also found fault with the study, including having the pregnant women try to remember what they were prescribed...and we all know what pregnancy brain is like--not exactly the most accurate.

For the full news release see the ACOG site.

PERSONAL: Miscarriages Are No Fun

So yesterday I had a miscarriage and I wasn't TOO upset because I wasn't too psyched on the idea of having a new baby (especially in the dead of winter) so soon after my first one. BUT as the time had gone on, mind you I'm talking a week, I had started to come around to the idea and was starting to look forward to the little rascal. Guess there was something wrong with the baby-to-be or my body wasn't ready after all cause resident numero due was kicked out.

I can understand how this could take a huge emotional toll on someone who had their heart set on a baby. Even though I wasn't super down with the idea it still stung a little bit. But what people fail to really tell you is how physically unhappy the whole process is. We're not talking about period cramps, we're talking major major cramps and I was only 6 weeks or so. For someone even further along it would even worse I can imagine.

And let's not forget that it does not end in one day. No my friends this process can take weeks, about two for most people. First the miscarriage, then your missed period soon follows, the nurse explained to me. So much fun I think I'll ask God to come back as a boy next time around!

PERSONAL: Not Look Forward To/Looking Forward To

Here are the things I remember I hated the most about being pregnant and then the things I loved. And assuredly what I will love and hate again this time around!

Hated

• Not being able to poop
  
• Charlie Horses waking me up in the morning
  
• Heartburn, mostly after lunch
  
• Nausea in the mornings
  
• Insomnia (only mildly though)
  
• Having to pee every hour
  
• Not having a steady flow of pee from month four - end (trickled)
  
• Not being able to drink coffee without guilty complex kicking in
  
• Not being able to take ibuprofen for arthritic knees
  
• Did I mention the no-poop thing?
  
• Not looking pregnant for five months and instead looking like a bloated doughnut-hoarder
  
• Not being able to reach my feet
  
• No seeing my ho-ha for two months
  
• Unsolicited advice came from every angle
  

Liked

• People were way friendly to me
  
• Everyone opened doors, let me cut lines
  
• I could use the bathroom anywhere I went
  
• People would strike up conversations with me everywhere
  
• I got free cookies at sandwich shops
  
• Feeling the baby move in the third trimester
  
• Pushing on one side of the belly and having the baby push back
  
• Sudden bursts of energy and love for everyone and everything
  
• That I can eat whatever I feel like eating (meaning sweets and stuff) without feeling guilty about getting fat
  
• BIG BOOBS
  
• Wearing bikini bottoms that cover my fat and blaming it on the baby bump
  
• Being crabby and having an excuse you can't argue with
  
• My husband cleans more and gets me water
  
• BIG BOOBS!!!!