Like I’ve mentioned before, I am a self proclaimed Google-aholic. It is borderline neurotic. I still stand my ground when I say that it’s done me more good than harm throughout my life. However, I’ve learned sometimes it makes me think I should and could diagnose myself at home. Not true. ESPECIALLY during a time like pregnancy. My OB even asked if I google a lot. Was it THAT obvious? Hmmph.

Anyway..I have had a million tiny issues that have popped up since I’ve become preggo. I did promise my doc I would not Google and just annoyingly call them non stop if needed. I bet they wish they hadn’t told me this. I’ve called them 3 times in 4 days. I wanted to call about 5……ok….10.

Here is the list that is COMPLETELY normal that I freaked out over:

1. Cramps…I kept getting uncomfy cramps in my belly. I kept googling miscarriage. Don’t do this to yourself. There are 500 blogs with 10000 threads about miscarriage. Women share horror stories like kids share lice.  If the cramps are painful and are followed by bleeding that is abnormal…that’s generally not good and let your OB know stat. Of course, it doesn’t allllways mean miscarriage. Don’t stress. Just call your doc and order an ultrasound if they are persistent and causing you to freak out 24/7. Stress ain’t good for that nugget.  I was told it’s almost always the uterus stretching. So, try to relax!

2. I had annoying pains in my bikini line….turns out it was round ligament stretching. It’s the body spreadin’ all out for some baby action later down the road. Some people never experience this. Some experience it early. Some later. I’m told most tiny pains are normal. Obviously, this is what I’m told and not a fact in all cases. Please talk to your doc if you’re worried!

3.  My symptoms disappeared! Um….learned that this is TOTALLY normal and SUPER common. Symptoms come and go as they please throughout pregnancy. Of course, I assume the worst. Instead, I should be so lucky that they aren’t constant.

4. I have TOO much hair growth. I’m turning all sasquatch.  What does this mean? Will this get worse?  Well the good and bad thing is that it’s normal. Apparently it goes away for some closer to the end of pregnancy. Some it stays until after baby. I’m learning to deal, and I’m hating every second of this learning experience.

5. Help! My calves are cramping bad…especially my right one! CHECK YOUR CALCIUM ladies!!!! I thought I was taking enough. I take vegetarian prenatals and had to switch to ones with more calcium. My OB said 1500mg a day for pregnant women is what is suggested. I was taking ohhhh about 150mg. I thought I was having clots. This wasn’t and still isn’t out the realm of possibility. It’s more common in pregnancy. However, MOST leg cramps are due to low amounts of calcium. As soon as I upped it, they went away. PHEW!!!

P.S. I was informed clots will be followed with swollen hot calves and red streaks and some pain that shoots upward… Especially when you bend your toes inward. Lookout for this!!!

Ok..that’s it for now. I’m positive this will change. But, hopefully not!

So! I had a few recommendations, and luckily because of my local library and some sweet friends I was able to score these books for nada!

I highly suggest your local library for books. I can’t believe I didn’t think about this until a friend suggested it. Also, don’t be afraid to ask friends on social networks. Some have these books laying around their homes ready to be thrown in the trash or collecting dust. It saves MONEY!

These are the books that were suggested:

Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy …for some funny but somewhat useful info

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth…this one was kindly referred by a friend who claims all her Michigan mama friends looooved it. It has also gotten amazing reviews. It’s been hailed as being one of the best books to make sure your child birthing experience is a great one for you AND baby! I’m  puuurdy excited about it.

Baby Wise …this one was suggested by a close friend who had it suggested from a friend and so on and so forth. She has the best sleeping baby I know and so does her friend. So I figured, why not give it a shot?!

The Happiest Baby On The Block…This one a client of mine referred to me and let me have. I am interested in seeing what the heck it says. I’m always skeptical of these kind of miracle one size fits all help books. I’ve learned  (from what clients have told me over the years) that every baby is different. Even ones from the same family. I am intrigued to uncover why this book has gotten rave reviews. I’m sure it has some basics that are great to know. I want the happiest baby on the block afterall!!  We shall see!

I’ve read Belly Laughs in it’s entirety in one hour. It was an easy read. It was a silly read. Quite frankly, I found nothing exciting about this book. I feel (ok, ok…I KNOW) that maybe I’m a google nerd and learned all the “noway, that could happen?!” things about pregnancy. Thanks, Jenny. But, ehhhh…….

I can’t wait to read some books with some substance to em’!

 I’ll update on my thoughts when I do!