Hi Ladies.
It seems like there are a lot of newbies lately posting on the December board. :)
I thought it might be helpful to have a bunch of information in one place. Of course, you can learn all the same things from lurking, but this might save some time.
First, there is a glossary on the bottom left hand of the page (on the Bump). You'll pick up most of the abbreviations from lurking, but if you're not sure, just ask.
Second, with so many people joining, it's hard to keep track of who you are. Please consider adding an avatar picture to your profile or a picture in your signature, it makes it easier for us to recognize you. You don't have to use a picture of yourself, add anything you want. An easy way to do this is using TinyPic.com. Also, long signature lines are frowned on. If your signature line takes up ½ the screen, you might want to shorten it. Try starting the image codes one next to the other and making your pictures side by side, it might help.
There are very few things considered "TMI" here on the TheBump. Just explain what your question is using adult language and no one will be offended or ask that you remove your post.
Cramping and false labor pains (Braxton Hicks contractions) are fairly common in the 3rd Trimester. It does NOT mean you are in active labor. Please keep in mind that no one is qualified to diagnose what's going on in your body via the internet. If you think you might be in labor, try resting on your left side and drinking more water for an hour. If the pains/contractions stop, then you are not in active labor. If, however, you notice that your baby is not as active, the pain is different or if your water breaks, please call your doctor immediately. Do not panic.
Please browse through the threads on at least the first two pages of the board before asking your question. It's entirely possible 5 other threads already exist asking the same exact thing. Repeat threads are annoying. Answering the same question 10 times in one week is redundant for everyone and is not likely to get a good response. Pull up a thread where that question already exists and post to it. We will still see your post and be able to respond to that.
In order to view the board with the most popular threads first, go to the bottom of the page on the December 2010 board. There's a "viewing preferences" box. Change the "sort" option from "original post date" to "last post date". Click "apply" at the bottom of the box.
Please don't feel jealous or envious of the women getting early or multiple ultrasounds/OB appointments/additional testing. Most of them are dealing with infertility or serious medical conditions and must be closely monitored.
Also, coming up with fake reasons to see your OB or get an early/additional ultrasound is offensive to everyone on this board. If you are not truly experiencing an emergency, you will not find any support in your decision to fabricate your way into what you want.
Additionally, posting that you wish your baby would "come right now!" because it's a good weekend, the holidays are coming, you are really uncomfortable or any other selfishly oriented reason will not be met with sympathy or well wishes.
Expect honest answers and replies to your questions and posts. It may not always be what you want to hear.
Finally, keep in mind that the most active members of this board have become close during these last 9-10 months. At the very least, we are familiar with each other. Most of the regular members are more than happy to welcome a new face and a new voice but in order to do that, you need to post! :) Tell us who you are, introduce yourself when you post and try to participate in the discussions. I suggest that you lurk for a day or two to get used to the flow of the board and then jump in!
We've got a great, external website set up with all sorts of information that Dec 2010 Moms have found helpful during our pregnancies. You can find it here: December 2010 Moms.
Welcome and good luck!
-MrsTechie
It seems like there are a lot of newbies lately posting on the December board. :)
I thought it might be helpful to have a bunch of information in one place. Of course, you can learn all the same things from lurking, but this might save some time.
First, there is a glossary on the bottom left hand of the page (on the Bump). You'll pick up most of the abbreviations from lurking, but if you're not sure, just ask.
Second, with so many people joining, it's hard to keep track of who you are. Please consider adding an avatar picture to your profile or a picture in your signature, it makes it easier for us to recognize you. You don't have to use a picture of yourself, add anything you want. An easy way to do this is using TinyPic.com. Also, long signature lines are frowned on. If your signature line takes up ½ the screen, you might want to shorten it. Try starting the image codes one next to the other and making your pictures side by side, it might help.
There are very few things considered "TMI" here on the TheBump. Just explain what your question is using adult language and no one will be offended or ask that you remove your post.
Cramping and false labor pains (Braxton Hicks contractions) are fairly common in the 3rd Trimester. It does NOT mean you are in active labor. Please keep in mind that no one is qualified to diagnose what's going on in your body via the internet. If you think you might be in labor, try resting on your left side and drinking more water for an hour. If the pains/contractions stop, then you are not in active labor. If, however, you notice that your baby is not as active, the pain is different or if your water breaks, please call your doctor immediately. Do not panic.
Please browse through the threads on at least the first two pages of the board before asking your question. It's entirely possible 5 other threads already exist asking the same exact thing. Repeat threads are annoying. Answering the same question 10 times in one week is redundant for everyone and is not likely to get a good response. Pull up a thread where that question already exists and post to it. We will still see your post and be able to respond to that.
In order to view the board with the most popular threads first, go to the bottom of the page on the December 2010 board. There's a "viewing preferences" box. Change the "sort" option from "original post date" to "last post date". Click "apply" at the bottom of the box.
Please don't feel jealous or envious of the women getting early or multiple ultrasounds/OB appointments/additional testing. Most of them are dealing with infertility or serious medical conditions and must be closely monitored.
Also, coming up with fake reasons to see your OB or get an early/additional ultrasound is offensive to everyone on this board. If you are not truly experiencing an emergency, you will not find any support in your decision to fabricate your way into what you want.
Additionally, posting that you wish your baby would "come right now!" because it's a good weekend, the holidays are coming, you are really uncomfortable or any other selfishly oriented reason will not be met with sympathy or well wishes.
Expect honest answers and replies to your questions and posts. It may not always be what you want to hear.
Finally, keep in mind that the most active members of this board have become close during these last 9-10 months. At the very least, we are familiar with each other. Most of the regular members are more than happy to welcome a new face and a new voice but in order to do that, you need to post! :) Tell us who you are, introduce yourself when you post and try to participate in the discussions. I suggest that you lurk for a day or two to get used to the flow of the board and then jump in!
We've got a great, external website set up with all sorts of information that Dec 2010 Moms have found helpful during our pregnancies. You can find it here: December 2010 Moms.
Welcome and good luck!
-MrsTechie