Weddingbee boards

I was thinking about this, because while DH is very involved, he's only gone to about half of our apts so far. He's a teacher that works about 35 mins from the dr's office, so he has to take at least a half day off for each appointment. He went to the 1st apt, the 1st sono and the 2nd sono. The others I've gone to solo. Initially I didn't pay attention, but for the last 2 apts I did and didn't see anyone else there alone. It doesn't bother me, especially with my stand in wedding ring, since mine don't fit anymore. We just didn't think it was worth it for him to miss so many days, especially since he's a coach and can't hold practice or coach a game if he wasn't in school that day, even though he lists his time of for my apts as family illness, not personal illness.

DH and I do spend a lot of time talking about the pregnancy. We also keep a running list of questions to ask, either by calling the nurse at the office or at the next appointment if it can wait. DH couldn't really be more involved than he is. It is nice to see so many dads there for appointments, though.

We're also one of the lucky couples...Hubs' hours are VERY flexible, since he works from home.  He's been to all the appointments, & since he's going to be the primary care giver once my vacation & maternity leave days are up, he wants to make sure he's invovled in every step. As a teacher, I try to schedule all the appointments during my prep period, which luckily lands on the last period every Tuesday & Thursday, so it really works out.

@mrstilly: just a question, but why is it important to you to be wearing a wedding ring at your appointments? you noticed you were the only person there alone, but you had your temp wedding ring on...why is it important for you to let others know that you're not a single parent or having the baby sans a husband?

...and the ex went to the first appointment and the 20 week ultrasound when we found out the sex of the baby. other than that, he hasnt been to any of the ones in between, and theres no real need. those appointments are quick and not too much has changed, but I am in my 7 mo and I am going more often

@MrsH1010: That's a really good question. I guess I really thought about it after this post by OMG I'm a MOM, which I read before DH and I got pregnant. I really did get the stand in wedding ring because I didn't like being a newlywed without a wedding ring on. And DH likes that I wear it at work since I work with men. But I guess I don't want to feel judged by others while I'm waiting for my appointments without DH and without a ring on. In the grand scheme of things it doesn't matter, and no one has ever said anything to me, but I guess I just prefer it.

as a soon to be single parent, I was just curious because out of the several appointments I have been to, I have never noticed whether or not the three women in the waiting room with me were married, I never thought to look. But now, I am a little self conscious about being the "ring-less wonder" in the waiting room, like if other women are looking at and judging me...

@MrsH1010: I don't notice rings on other women's hands while I'm in the waiting room. I don't judge other women for being pregnant and single, since I sure as heck don't know their story, and I can't imagine the strength it takes to go through this without a sig other there with you. My wanting my ring on has everything to do with me, and nothing to do with other women.

Initially, DH went to the first few but felt awkward due to staff and his own stuff.

Then for one or two appt. afterward I felt like I had to drag him becaus it was important to ME. So I just started informing him about my appts instead of included him. I also started feeling more comfortable, even without him. Fast, easy check in check out. 

Then, a few appts. later, he suddenly really wanted to be @ there but I had started scheduling the appt for when he worked so he missed some. He made a huge fuss about making it to the gender reveal ultrasound b/c he really wanted to be there and a video conference call was not acceptable solution.

Now we are nearly at the last month so at his request, I'm making sure the hospital schedules my appt when he can be there. I think he got way more excited/comfortable when we started going to birthing classes which were held at the hospital. I think there will be internal exams so I wonder how he wil feel about that!

My SO came to a few dr. appointments with me, but definetly not a majority of them. If he was working in his office, he would come with me but if he was out working in the field then he wasn't able to make it. I personally didn't think it mattered, all I did was pee in a cup, get weighed and listened to the heart beat. He got to hear the heartbeat, and he came to the ultrasound and of course he was there when she was born. During the last month of pregnancy when I had an appointment every week, he came to every one of those appointments. But in the beginning he rarely came with me.

DH decided not to come to the first internal exam (strep bacteria) with me due to squeamishness (good luck with the staying conscious during the delivery of the baby). He will  drop me off and pick me up from the hospital though. My main point is that if your DH chooses/or can't go to your prenatal appt, don't fret...look at all he's doing to support you otherwise.

Last night, after awakening with 2 hour pregnancy insomnia,  I only found comfort to sleep on the living room couch. So tonight I nformed hubby I would be doing this from now on if I experienced any difficulty sleeping in bed again. He immediately replied, "Oh, ok. Well, I could get the sleeping bag out and sleep on the floor next to the couch if you have to do that every night."  Awwww...*had to tell someone!