Opinion Page Please keep in mind that these are purely opinions from site members and reviews may be positive, neutral and negative. |
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TTC OPINIONS
PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS
CLOMID
Rating: 8
Review: I was on Clomid for 9 months and while it never made me O, it did definitely make my follicles grow to a good size. We later added an hCG shot to the Clomid and I finally O'd. The only side effects I experienced on Clomid were hot flashes, and that was only when I was taking the 150mg+ doseages. I took all dosages from 50mgs to 200mgs, cds 3-7.
Reviewer: Laurie
GLUCOPHAGE
VITAMINS
VITEX
B6
HOME PREGNANCY TESTS
TTC SITE HPT'S
Rating: 10
Review: I used the TTCsite HPT's and they were able to detect pgcy at 9dpo! Very easy to use!
Reviewer: Laurie
OVULATION PREDICTOR KITS
CONCEPTION EXTRAS
ROBITUSSIN
Rating: 8
Review: I used Robitussin in the beginning of our ttc journey. I really didn't notice a difference in cm - Basically I could take it or leave it, so I left it.
Reviewer: Robin
ASPIRIN
Rating:10
Review: Nothing scientific here, however after 11 months of ttc, on the 12th month I added baby aspirin and that was the month we conceived!
Reviewer: Robin
Carrot Juice
Rating: none
Review: I just couldn't believe this. A month or so ago, I e-mailed Momma Kath with my problem of not ever having EWCM around ovulation time. She suggested I drink a glass of carrot juice every day from AF to O. I scoffed, at this, but decided what the heck. I ended up drinking only about 1 quart, about a week's worth and boy did it ever work! Coincidence? maybe, but after not having EWCM for so long, I'm a beliver now.
Reviewer: Sheryll
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ALUMNAE AND BABY TALK OPINIONS
"A Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy" - Rating: 9
Review: If nothing else this book is funny. I received it as a gift and I giggle at it often. It's a "lighter side" look at being pregnant. The author professes to tell us things our doctors won't or don't... There are still all the same questions & concerns, however the answers are as if you are talking with a friend.
Reviewer: Robin
Rating: N/A declined
Review: I'm still young - just turned 27, so I'm not too concerned about Downs. I discussed the test with my OB and she said that the level 2 u/s that everyone gets would be able to show any problems that the AFP would, with the exception of a slight case of Downs.
But here's the real reason...I thought, "What if it came back positive?" My choices at that point would be the level 2 u/s (which I was getting anyway), or the dr's would push me to do an amnio and I'd already decided that I wouldn't do an amnio. My dr also said there's really nothing that can be done inutero to correct any problems...basically, it's just to prepare you in case there is something wrong. I decided if there is something wrong with my baby, I'd rather have a stress-free relaxed pgcy instead of one filled with tears and worry, possibly over nothing in the end.
Reviewer: Laurie
Rating: 10
Review: For my situation, I had the triple marker test. I am 37 y.o. and wanted to get information so I could avoid having an amnio if possible. We got some very good numbers for the risk of Downs, our risk was much lower than a woman my age. However our number for Open Neural Tube Defects was "slightly" elevated. As those can be detected for the most part via ultrasound, we had a follow-up ultrasound. All looked good on the u/s, so we declined the amnio. When my "numbers" came back, we found the risk for a problem arising from the amnio was greater than the risk of our baby having problems the amnio tested for. I see the triple marker test as a tool in helping make a very difficult decision.
Reviewer: Robin
Rating: N/A declined
Review: I declined the amnio because of the risk of miscarriage associated with performing the test. I felt that amnio was too invasive and opted for the level 2 u/s instead.
Reviewer: LoriR/LAR
My Experience with Genetics Counseling, Triple Screen Test (AFP), Ultrasound and Biophysical Profile
Rating: N/A declined
As of this writing I am 35 years and 32+ weeks pg with #3. Because of my age, my OB strongly recommended genetics counseling and a level II ultrasound. My doctor also suggested the Triple Screen Test. I was not interested in the genetics counseling because I did not have any risk factors (aside from my age). However, my doctor presented the counseling and u/s as a "package deal", and I really wanted the level II u/s. I met with the genetics counselor at approx. 16 weeks. The session was very informative, and in the end I was glad that I went.
About a week later I had the Triple Screen Test, which measures AFP as well as HCG and Estriol (estrogen). These numbers combined are supposed to give a better result than the AFP test alone. I agreed to have this test because it can detect abnormalities that can be corrected before birth. Also, my doctor mentioned that if a neural tube defect is present, a cesarean birth is preferred. The HCG portion of my test came back abnormal, with my result being four times the normal level. This, in turn, affected my Downs risk which was 1 in 7 (should have been 1 in 211 for my age). However, since I had the genetics counseling I was not concerned about the abnormal result.
I had decided not to have an amniocentesis done, no matter what the results of my tests were. I was not willing to take the risk associated with the amnio. My counselor explained that a level II u/s would detect most problems, except for a mild case of Downs. That was acceptable to me.
At approx. 18 weeks I had the level II ultrasound. I would highly recommend this type of u/s if you have the opportunity. It is a detailed u/s and is much clearer than the standard u/s. They measure many of the baby’s body parts and compare them with "normal" measurements for a baby of that gestational age. Abnormal measurements could indicate a problem (i.e. abnormal distance between the eye sockets or short limbs could indicate Downs). However, if all measurements are consistently large or small, it could indicate incorrect dating. They are also able to view internal organs (heart, stomach, kidneys, etc.) for proper development. My measurements were within normal range and no developmental problems were found. A complete placenta previa was discovered which resolved itself by week 26.
After the initial level II u/s, I was scheduled for monthly level II u/s to monitor growth. Also starting at week 28, I received weekly biophysical profiles. This is basically a quick "standard" ultrasound to monitor the baby’s movements, breathing pattern and amniotic fluid. Some biophysical profiles include a non-stress test. Mine did not. My doctors are monitoring me closely because they mentioned that "elevated HCG levels have sometimes been associated with bad outcomes". So far everything is fine, but I am glad they are keeping a close eye on me.
Sorry this is so long, but I hope it was informative to anyone considering any of these tests. This was my experience only and my plan of action. Whether or not to have these tests is a very controversial and personal decision, and it is YOUR decision. Do not let anyone talk you into something that you are not comfortable with. The fact that you are researching this shows that you want to do what is best for your baby. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
Reviewer: Brandi & Miss Peanut, edd 9/26/00
"Snugli" Rating: 6
Review: While this appears to be a nice carrier - I have the front carrier - I found it to be difficult to put on and place the baby in without help. I carried my son in it till he was 4 months old and by then he was getting heavy and wearing the Snugli hurt my back. I will opt for a "sling" this time around.
Reviewer: LoriR/LAR