Need advice from pregnancy survivors!
#276374 - 07/31/06 12:13 AM
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JennB
Reged: 02/19/05
Posts: 16
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Okay, I've already read every post on this entire site even remotely related to pregnancy and they've been helpful, but I still have some questions, so I'm hoping some of you who have been pregnant with ibs can offer up some additional wisdom. Here's my deal...
Stable for years thanks to Heather. I'm thinking I'm about 4 weeks along, which I'm learning is actually 6 weeks for me and 4 for the baby. BTW, we were planning this, but once it takes hold for the first time - hello big time freak out mode! When I called my doctor they said they usually schedule the prenatal visit for in between 10 to 12 weeks. Uh NO! I made an appointment for this week. She agreed based on my low fat, no dairy, no meat diet. I need vitamins! Prescribed vitamins that are easy on the tummy and don't have lactose, preferably. Which leads me to my first question. Has anyone had positive and/or negative experiences with specific types of pregnancy vitamins?
Second question. How did you survive the morning sickness phase. I'm already all over the fat-free crackers, graham crackers, rice chex and smelling of the lemons. Any other suggestions? I'm having a really hard time with this learning to eat so often and right before I start getting nauseus thing. I've been eating the same things on the same exact schedule for so many years in an effort to remain stable that it is REALLY hard to deviate from the routine and say "Oh, it's been an hour since I ate and I know I'm going to start getting nauseus if I don't put something in my stomach, so I think I'll do that." My initial brain reaction is automatically "No, it's 4 o'clock and you don't eat a snack until 5 o'clock or you run the risk of having an attack - and that is absolutely not worth it." AAARRRGGGHH!!!! It's like I have to totally disregard the fundamental things that have worked so well for so long. I guess my third question is how do you figure out what to eat, when to eat and how to give the baby the proper nutrition it needs without losing your mind disrupting your whole routine? Also, does this whole eating thing change with time?
The other thing that's been freaking me out is these cramps. Who knew that you still get cramps when you're pregnant? I sure as heck didn't! Anyway, they're here and they're obviously not going away any time soon. Problem is that my brain feels the cramps and immediately starts telling me to hop on the time-to-prevent-an-attack bandwagon ASAP. As soon as I get cramps every month, I'd do the normal things like bust out the heating pad, up the peppermint tea intake, etc. Now, that it's happening on a daily basis, I'm just not really sure what to do to deal with it AND talk my brain into thinking that's it's all well and good (yes, I do have the hypno tapes, btw). This also leads me to my last question (for now - ha!). What's the deal with peppermint, anyway. I usually drink a ton of peppermint tea and eat about 20 Altoids every day, but I read that it's no good for pregnancy b/c it relaxes the u-walls, muscles, etc. So, is peppermint good, right now, or not?
Sorry this went so long, I'd really appreciate any feedback anyone has 'cause I'm such a neophyte when it comes to this - obviously!
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...you might try posting this over on the Living Room board. I know that this kind of thing *would* normally go here, but there's actually quite a few pregnant IBSers on here now, and they mostly hang out in the LR. Hopefully some of them will have words of advice for you.  Good luck - and hey, congrats!
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I am one of those pregos right now and I will try to help you. I take prenate-GT vitamins and i always take them at night before I go to bed. This helps me from feeling sick fromt the vitamin. I never had M/S too bad but I did have about 3 weeks of it this time. Sorry to say but you do need to have something in your tummy at least every couple of hours. Have you tried oatmeal or saltines? Also what about toast with a little bit of reduced fat peanut butter. Also try eating before you get out of bed. Maybe have some crackers set out the night before so you don't have to move to get them.
As far as the cramping as long as you are not spotting or bleeding this is normal. It is usually the baby burrowing into your uterus lining. You can't use heat on your tummy but can on your back for a short time. Try some stretching. I like the cat stretch where you get on all fours and arch the back. That helps me. Peppermint is not good in the beginning because it can cause early m/c. Try other teas flavors. Just the warmth might be relaxing on your tummy.
The first 10 weeks wrecked havoc on my digestive system but it did get better. Just get your fiber and try to find things that work for you. Hope that helps!
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Congratulations! I felt completely crappy for the first 12 weeks of both pregnancies. Did you read the pregnant sticky post at the top of the page? Lots of helpful hints. Here's my favourite survival tactics:
1. GINGER TEA - TONS OF IT!!!!!! Slice up a few pieces of ginger the size of a quarter and steep in a mug of boiling water. Better yet, dice up a chunk and make a pot and carry it in a thermos all day. It's GREAT for the nausea.
2. Peppermint tea is good, but Michele warns about not having too many as it may relax the muscles. but if you're having cramps, perhaps a small cup may help - peppermint is good for muscle cramping.
3. If the cramping persists, I would check with your Doc.
4. Saltines, baby! Yes, eat a few before you even sit up in the morning. Also, I know it's really hard, but I found I just felt worse when my stomach was empty. So for now, it's better to nibble and graze. I would eat at least a cracker or two every half hour. Preferably more. An empty stomach is a nauseous one - funny, eh? You'd think you'd feel worse with food in your stomach, but I found the reverse.
4. I lived on toast and PB. Spread it thin - but it's an excellent source of protein and will help keep you feeling full.
5. I was all worried about the nutritional needs of the baby. Don't. My OBGYN said that as long as I'm taking my vitamins and doing my best to eat, it's fine. The baby's nutritional needs are so tiny right now, that you don't really need to worry. Remember, tons of women even without IBS go through horrid sickness and have totally healthy babies. My cousin puked every day of her pregnancies, and produced 2 beautiful, healthy babies. I also read (check if I'm right) but if you don't eat the nutrition your baby needs, it will take it out of your own body - and even in breast milk when nursing. So don't worry - your baby will get what it needs. It's keeping you full of nutrients that is also important.
Take heart. You'll be feeling better before you know it, hopefully. The 2nd trimester feels WONDERFUL! and I found that my IBS completely disappeared during the last half of both my pregnancies - the baby slows down your digestive system. So hang in there and take care, you!!!! 
--------------------
Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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Oh, THANK YOU SO MUCH!! This advice helps. I'm still conflicted about the peppermint and soy AND I'm growing increasingly annoyed that this little pea of mine only seems to want foods that we cannot have (today it was Doritos, of all things - I haven't had a Dorito in ten years - I honestly have no idea where these cravings come from). Anyway, I'll move this stuff over to the Living Room (thanks Casey!). Interestingly enough, I've never missed reading a post on EFI ane Recipe board, but never seem to venture into the Living Room. Odd. Guess it's abou time! See ya'll there.
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