Mumsnet Talk

A nice cosy place to accommodate our growing bumps and little wrigglers.

Thanks for the new fred iwish

Lovely to hear about your little chap wriggling around. For ages mine seemed to tease DH and was guaranteed to go stock still if he put his hand there to feel. Now she'll kick him in the face I find the doppler is quite good for getting her to perk up as well, I reckon the sound of her own heartbeat played loudly next to the bump must wake her up!

Am I right in thinking that the OS is the other side of the cervix (i.e. the bit in the uterus, not in the vagina)? My MW says that placentas tend to rise from about 28 weeks, because from there onwards the bottom half of the uterus grows/stretches which means the placenta gets "lifted" upwards.

I've got my scan tomorrow with the fetal medicine chap. Quite excited about seeing the little lady again. If I get the chance I will see if he has any opinion on the place/manner of birth. He's seemed a lot more positive about the pregnancy/health of baby than the obstetric consultant. The consultant yesterday was saying something about thyroid issues can result in antibodies crossing the placenta and the baby needing some kind of check. Completely hazy on details though, I wish I'd been taping the conversation so I could look up the info now!

We've been mulling this pram malarky a bit more tonight. I think what we want doesn't exist
-I want a reversible seat, I particularly want to be able to have rear facing for the newborn/baby stage when they need to be horizontal.
-We want a good size shopping tray which I think rules out most of the three wheelers.
-We want it to fold quite small so that when we go away it doesn't take up all the boot!
-We want lightweight (quite a lot of hills round here)
It seems from what I've looked at that most of the travel systems have to be used as a pram with carrycot at first, because the pushchair bit is only ok from 6 months because it doesn't go flat. I'd like to be able to use either option from birth so we didn't have to cram the carrycot into the boot as well as the stroller frame, everytime we go out in the car.

Gah! Any of you experienced mums know the answer?

Oh and ideally under £300!

Split I can't wait till he gets strong enough to give DP a good old kick in the face lol!!

Yeh I think the OS just as you said. My words were 'its blocking the exit' . I really do hope it moves up as I really do want to option of a normal birth.

My consultants hasn't said anything to me about antibodies but I suppose he may discuss more nearer the time. He did say that all babies have their thyroid checked tho.

And don't get me started on prams! They are do expensive and a complete minefield!! I've seen one on tescos website. It's a 'jane' pram, £480 ish. I liked this one but I can't find anywhere that stocks it so I can actually have a look!

This is the Jane one here

Kiddicare are supposed to be very good. They have a whopping bit shop/show room in Peterborough (no use to me at all!) but they also have a 365 day returns policy if you order online, which means you could buy the pram, have a look at home and then change your mind, and you've got ages to do so.

Have you looked at the Mamas and Papas Sola here? I really like them, was looking at them as a cheaper alternmative to the iCandy Peach. But I have a travel system from last time so don't think I can really justify a new one sadly especially as we are moving house.

I like it in truffle.

Thanks Lady I've just been having a look - very gorgeous and also fits all my wishlist. There's a store about 20 mins away so we'll go and have a look. Excited now!

bookmarking

Just back from my 28 week scan (at 27 and a half weeks) and all looking great !

She's measuring about 2lb8 now which seems pretty big to me. HC 266.7mm, AC 235.3mm and FL 51.4mm.

And I talked to the fetal medicine consultant who sees no reason at this stage why I shouldn't plan to use the birth unit and hope to use a pool and he wrote that on the scan report.

I feel a lot happier about that. One last scan now at 36 weeks for growth/presentation/reassurance. She's still breech for now (and definitely a girl, no willy has emerged in the last 8 weeks )

Hope you're all well.

Hopefully going pram looking tomorrow evening.

Fantastic news spilt
2lb8 wow... so what size would i be then at nearly 30 weeks (on sunday) <wonders>

Fab news all is well

thanks for doing the new thread Iwish

Great that all was well at the scan spilt and that's fab that you should be able to go to the birthing unit. I've got my consultant midwife appt on Friday and am going to ask if I will be able to go to the birthing unit too, although technically I'm high risk.

Don't know what to advise really, re. the pram. It's so difficult to decide. We found that each one has pros but also cons. So it's a case of ruling out as many cons as you can and just taking a bit of a leap of faith. Unfortunately I don't think you can ever get anything which ticks all the boxes Like Lady I can't really justify getting a new one as we already have the one DD had, so I'm not really doing any research into what's on the market these days.

Can I just do a little WHOOP as I'm 24 weeks today That's me in the viability zone! Hooray! <stay in there for now though please!>

Hope everyone is doing well

nix have a look here. At 30 weeks yours should be nearly 3lbs. Mine is measuring about 1-1.5 weeks ahead which I'm really pleased about. I have in the back of my mind that she could yet appear pretty early and if she does, the bigger she is the better.

Congratulations on 24 weeks GetDown, it's a lovely feeling isn't it.

I think you're probably right, nothing pram wise will be quite perfect, but we don't want to balls up the decision and spend £300 on something that annoys us every day.

Best of luck with your appt for Friday, I hope you get the outcome you want. I'm hoping that when I see my consultant again at 36 weeks he'll be amenable to letting me go to the birth unit, I'd rather not have cats bum face and "against medical advice" scrawled on my notes. But if the fetal chap today and my MW both think it's a reasonable and safe decision I hope I can do it. I'll have to ask my MW what happens if consultant digs his heels in. Can the birth unit refuse to accept me when I turn up and send me downstairs??! I'd rather know the score beforehand!

Crikey - mine should be just over 3.5 pounds! That's nearly a proper baby.

Great news on the scan, Spilt and the decision to let you use the birth unit. Will make things much easier in your mind.

Fantatsic news on hitting viability, Getdown. It's just growing from here on in.

Still really busy, Nix?

Hope everyone else well.

Slightly stressed as our buyer has decided she doesn't want to move until early July. Which is going to be cutting it a bit too fine for my liking. Have asked the solicitor to push back but could be giving birth in the moving van at this rate!

Lady just wanted to say thank you so much for the pointer towards the M&P Sola. We went to see it tonight, loved it and have bought one (in truffle!) plus matching carseat which we'll pick up in 3-4 weeks

Btw if anyone is considering any M&P merchandise, they have 10% off everything until midnight on Monday, so we made a fair bit of a saving.

I'm all excited now. We also popped into IKEA to get a coffee table and I made my first take home baby purchase... a pck of bibs which I am now getting a bit soppy over

Aw Spilt am very . But happy for you! Glad to be of help. A friend of mine has it and loves it so hopefully will serve you well.

I love it when mums help each other out - good one Lady! When I looked at that link to the Sola I did think "that ticks a lot of spilts boxes" Hope it serves you well!

Any news back on your suspect wee? Hopefully no news is good news.

Thanks Lady re. me reaching viability! Tis lovely to be at this stage. Am quite enjoying being pregnant at the moment. Having an obvious bump but not being too huge (yet). That's stressful re. your buyer. Hopefully she can be persuaded to move earlier than July - surely given your circumstances. Two of my NCT class I had with DD moved house quite close to due dates and they both went into labour a month early! (the babies were fine though).

Hope everyone else is doing ok? MrsA have you had the results from your nuchal scan yet?

I have news ladies! Our beautiful son Seth Michael James was born on Friday 20th May 2011 at 1.42am by EMCS weighing 8lb 10oz.

The labour and birth sadly weren't the positive experience I'd hoped for: it seems I made a baby too big to come out! And in early labour he moved upwards in the pelvis so wasn't putting enough pressure on my cervix. In 32hrs I never progressed past 4cm I transferred into hospital after 24hrs labouring at home with the pool and gas and air. My waters were broken, I had an epidural (took 3 attempts!), about to start the hormone drip and his heart rate plummeted and we were rushed in for a EMCS.

A bit traumatic but he's here safe and healthy. I'll never forget the moment we heard his first cry, we were both crying too with relief and happiness. He is utterly gorgeous, we're head over heels in love with him and feeding is going really well. I received excellent breastfeeding support in the hospital.

Must dash, he's waking up for a feed.

Love to you all xx

Congratulations newyears! I was thinking about you yesterday and wondering if you'd had him yet. Lovely name and so glad he is safe and well. I'm sorry the birth was a lot harder than you'd hoped, how are you feeling about that? Hope the breastfeeding continues well

Many congratulations, Newyearsday. Sorry the birth wasn't what you were hoping for but the main thing is he is safe and well like you say. And brilliant the feeding is going so well.

Wow Newyears congrats! That's fantastic! I was wondering how you were getting on.

Enjoy your gorgeous newborn. xxxx

Congratulations newyears!!! I absolutely LOVE that name. I got all emotional reading that.

Glad to see everyone progressing well, good news about your scan spilt and yay for 24 weeks getdown!

I am a bit as I haven't got to the stage of the 20 week scan yet. Oh well, just over a week to go. I can't wait!

Ooooh, I like the look of the Sola too. We haven't started looking at things like that yet, waiting until after the scan.

Hope your buyer changes her mind about when to move lady, having just recently moved house I know how stressful it can be!

I have non-infected wee Apparently nothing grew in the culture so it was probably just sample contamination. Phew! Also thyroid appears to be stable and my iron is at 12.1 which is very good I think, so all in all, a good set of results.

Not long for you to wait MrsP. Are you planning to find out what you're having or not? Any more wriggles?

Lady has your solicitor made any progress for you?

Not that we've heard. May need to wait a while.

A nice set of results there, Spilt!

Wow, nearly halfway, MrsP

Thanks MrsP - you will find the weeks flying by after the 20 week scan I'm sure. Enjoy every second of the scan. I am a bit that all my scans are over now....

Good to hear your wee is bug-free spilt Really glad you don't have that to worry about.

I had my appt with the consultant mw this morning. It went really, really well. She was lovely and I was pleasantly surprised by how much her views were sympathetic with my own. I feared she might be slightly about wanting to do the hypnobirthing, but on the contrary she said it was a fantastic idea and that in her experience the difference it makes to labouring women is massive. So phew to that one! Also she helped me understand a bit more about why they put my legs in stirrups last time and why my DD was whipped away from me immediately after birth. I always felt really aggrieved about these things before, but now I understand a bit more I feel a bit better about it. Just really hoping I can have a better birth this time round She is going to see me again at 36 weeks and help me write my birth plan, which I'm really pleased about.

Hope the house move is progressing lady. We saw the house of our dreams come on the market this week (well, as in realistic dreams, it wasn't a mansion or anything!!) But waaaaaay out of our price range, so that's the end of that. <sigh> How "normal" salaried people get a house like that round here I have no idea. I suspect the answer is that they just don't. Think the conclusion is that we will never be able to get a 4 bedroom house. Which is fine. But that does somewhat put a limit on any more babies! (not necessarily a bad thing!)

Hope everyone is doing well xx

Congratulations newyears!! Enjoy every minute with your lovely little man x

Split Glad you have non infected wee lol!! and fab that your iron and thyroid are ok too. I have my thyroid checked every 5 weeks and get a little scared every time im waiting for the consultant to say its ok.

Oooh MrsP will you find out the sex... Sorry Split i send like an echo lol!

Getdown have you thought about having a 4d scan? Im booking one tomorrow for 28 weeks ish. I didnt want to go such a long time without seeing my little boy so thought it would be a perfect idea. We are going to leeds tho which is about 40 miles away.

Waves to LadyG Nix and MrsA. Hope you are all ok.

Congrats Newyear hope you are having lovely snuggles with your newborn

Glad to hear things are going well for people. I'm glad to say same here (just been very busy).
Nuchal scan went very well. She said the gap they measure is so small she could barely measure it and she saw a nasal bone, which is all good. We then had the blood tests and it all came back as low risk (1 in 3000), so that's good. I'm glad I didn't wait till 16 weeks for the blood tests.
As it was private, the scan was fab. We got some lovely views of the baby and a great one in 4D, which is on my fb profile.

I'm now almost 15 weeks, can you imagine! Still tired but nausea almost gone. Am craving marmite badly!

But the biggest news is my blood pressure - I feel a bit sad about this as I suspect this was also the case when I was pg with DD but I didn't think to question the docs.
Anyway, to explain, my blood pressure shot up at my consultant's appt (like 160/100) but I explained that i suffer from white coat syndrome and that's why I want a homebirth. i fully expected a cat's bum face but to my amazement, she listened to me and took me seriously!
She has put on my notes that I am to have all further tests/appt with my community mw and I'm not to go back to hospital until September for a further appt to see how I'm going.
She couldn't support my decision to homebirth (which was not a surprise) but she said I had clearly done my research and as long as I was happy with the risks, then I should discuss it with my mw and it seems,erm, so far so good!

I can't believe it. She also didn;t want to put me on blood pressure tablets when I explained they stopped my milk coming in last time which affected my bond with DD (with DD, they had me on tablets from a very early stage).

So, I then went to see the community mw who then opened up to me and said she was impressed with the consultant and that they were very pro-homebirth in the team and so she would support my wishes as long as nothing goes wrong (and I'm not reckless - if there were problems, I would transfer in).
But the best news is that the mw is happy to use my home blood pressure reading as my 'true' reading. At home, I'm reading perfectly normal (125/72), so looks like it's really is white coat syndrome.

So all looking good.

Only downside is I've realised i probably didn't have high bp with DD and the tablets affected my bf and bonding, which makes me quite sad

But, I can't change time so i'm just happy that things are going so well so far.
We're off on our hols in 3 weeks - 2 weeks in Florida! Then when i get back I have my 20w scan.

Sorry for the epic post. I wonder how Terrys is getting on - not heard from her in ages!

Excellent news MrsA and getdown!

spilt and * iwish*, we have finally decided that we are going to find out the sex. DH has been convinced that it's a girl since the very beginning so we'll see if his instincts are right.

Woke up in the night with excrutiating cramp in my foot, hope that doesn't become a regular thing.

Hope you all have fab weekends. X

ooh MrsP I'm with you on the cramp, though mine's usually in my calf. I leap up, gasping and stand leaning against the furniture trying to stretch my leg and totally deprived of the power of speech. DH without fail wakes in a total panic thinking I am about to give birth We shall look forward to hearing whether you are team pink or blue then. Very exciting!

GetDown and MrsA fabulous news from both of you about your birth related/pregnancy care appointments. It's so much better when you feel listened to and respected and not treated like an idiot. Long may it last! I bet you both feel so relieved.

We'll have to go snooping for Terrys, she's in the Nov AN thread...

I'm here, I'm here!! Gotten so into blogging recently that I don't MN as much - I am keeping a pregnancy diary on my blog if you want to look at it here

Congrats newyear - I don't think we charted together but its nice to hear every success story!

I remember getting cramps with DS MrsP. spilt at least your DH seems to respond when you get them, I have to whack mine a few times before he even wakes up - started getting them a bit in the day so far but no excruciating wake ups from them yet. Worst symptom for me at the moment is restless legs, I used to get it at night but now in the day too.

MrsP when can you find out the sex? When are you due again?

Hello everyone else!

Glad you're ok terrys, lovely bump pic on your blog. You must be due your 20 weeker soon?

My little one has just woken up, thank goodness. I get quite stressed at the weekends as she's not one for mornings. Usually has a wiggle around 5.30-6.30 which I notice on weekdays as I'm usually waking up then. But at the weekends I sleep longer, miss her early wiggle and then there's nothing until about now. I find it most unnerving.

Hi lovely ladies!

mrsa I'm glad your scan went well, bet you are over the moon. I'm pleased that the consultant and midwife listened to you too.
about your hols tho. We havnt been abroad for about 3 years!

Yey mrsp finding out the sex. I'm excited for you! I couldn't wait to find out the sex of my little one. I had a feeling he was a boy tho.
And about the cramp, it's awful isn't it! Ive never had it before but I was woken up with it one morning at 6am and it was so painful. Poor DP panicked when I woke him up screaming

Hope you are ok split. Glad your little lady has given you a good kick . When did u start getting regular kicks? My Likkle man seems to wake up just after tea time and I get v light kicks for a while.

Welcome back terrys glad you are ok

Well I think I'm going to buy this pram. I have to have it.
item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?nav=SEARCH&nid=12529019852&itemId=260791887643&index=10
I have booked our 4d scan too. 18th June. Can't wait to see him again!!

18th June isn't too long to wait iwish, how exciting. Did you say you'll be about 28 weeks then?

I'm trying to remember about the movements... first flutters were around 15 weeks, I finally felt sure it was baby by about 18-19 weeks. I was feeling her daily at that stage, but not regularly IYKWIM? It was usually around dinner time or in the bath. DH first felt her at about 21 weeks (I think?!). I've been having proper big kicks for a while now, probably since about 24 weeks. Now (apart from in the mornings!) she's not quiet for more than about 1.5 hours at a time. But movements have definitely become more frequent in the last fortnight or so. 28 weeks this weekend with an anterior placenta. Hope that helps!

Not felt anything really yet except I was fairly sure it turned over very near the surface IYSWIM the other night. May have imagined it though!

My 20 week scan isn't until 27th June when I will be 21+3 - the upside is we will be on holiday in Portugal thats why its so late!

Good to hear from you terrys. I'm 15 weeks tomorrow and definately feeling movement,which is amazing as I didn't feel DD properly till about 20weeks. Went swimming with DD today and felt my tiny bump press against my tummy, then press against my bladder. As I'm swimming weekly, bump seems to love the water!

Hey split I was going to book it for 27/28 weeks but when i rang they recommended I book for 25 weeks because aparently it's harder to see baby when your placenta is anterior as they tend to hide behind it and you,baby and placenta are getting bigger. Sooo I'll be 24+5.
I've had some jelly tots tonight and I'm guessing that the sugar woke him up because he was wriggling kicking loads. DP put his hand on my tummy and bubba gave a big kick and he thinks he may have felt it but not sure.

mrsa glad you are feeling movement too, so reassuring in isn't it.

terrys you will be sure of the movement soon enough. I thought i made it up when I first felt it lol. Now thinking about it it was definitly a movement.

Hey terrys, good to see you. I'm due on 25 October so not long before you if I remember correctly. Scan is a week on Tuesday!

I've had some more feelings which I think are the baby but still not 100% certain just yet, maybe 99.99%. No cramp last night which was good, by the sounds of it though there'll be more to come! Its always reassuring to find out that other people are having the same experiences.

MrsA really glad you might get to have your home birth. I can really see the appeal, you are likely to be much more calm and in control in your own environment. Go for it, as you say, you can always transfer to hospital if necessary and it's not the end of the world as long as you are safe.

MrsP nice to hear that you have decided to find out the sex! It is so exciting. Bet you can't wait. We found out with DD, and I don't regret it - it was lovely to bond with a "her" rather than an "it". Also meant I could indulge in buying lots of pink things before the birth! Bet you will start feeling definite movements soon.

Hi to Terrys glad to hear all is going well. You look really glowing in your pics. You will start feeling more movements soon I'm sure of it. Wow portugal, you lucky thing!

spilt I know what you mean about the spells with no movement. I started to get worried last night as despite sitting still on the sofa watching TV I didn't feel anything. Then I woke up in the night and all was quiet and still then too. Normally it is wriggling around in the evening and at night. Thankfully when I woke up in the morning I got a kick, so that helped me relax again. It's horrible isn't it, that feeling of not knowing if everything is ok.

Iwish glad you have decided on your pram! It looks very neat and smart! That's great you are having a 4D scan/ I must admit I was very tempted too, but since I am spending big bucks on the hypnobirthing course, and have also shelled out rather a lot of dosh on washable nappies, felt I couldn't really justify it! Would love to see the pics you get though. Bet it will be amazing.

<waves from the beach> catch up later tonight xx

nickster that post was just mean

GetDown in what pics do I look glowing??! Wondering if you have me confused

I can't wait till I get regular movements, been feeling something now but can't quite pin it down yet.

Can we have an updated stats list, I have lost track of everyone. I will start it

Terrysno2 - 4/11/11 3rd PG (DS, MC 12/10) Surprise version

Good idea, Terrys!

Just back from the midwife. All is well.

LadyGoneGaga 24/07/11 3rd pg (DS aged 3, mc Sept 10) Surprise
Terrysno2 - 4/11/11 3rd PG (DS, MC 12/10) Surprise version

terrys you DO look glowing in your latest pics on FB!!

LadyGoneGaga 24/07/11 3rd pg (DS aged 3, mc Sept 10) Surprise
Terrysno2 - 4/11/11 3rd PG (DS, MC 12/10) Surprise version
GetDownYouWillFall - 14/09/11 3rd pg (1 DD aged 3, 1 MC Oct 10) Surprise

Hi ladies!

getdown I will add the pics to my MN profile when I've been so you can have a nosey. Just can't to see my little man again.
And yeh I fell in love with the pram. I'm just so amazed that the car seat turns into a carrycot and that you can put it in the car both ways!! The hypnobirthing sounds fab though so definitly worth the money. Think if I was spending ltns money on the course I would think twice about the scan too.

Waves to nix ladyg terrys mrsa mrsp split and other lovelies I may have missed

Last night DP and I were lay in bed and bubba was kicking away. Every time I put DPs had on my belly bubba stopped kicking but last night DP just put his head on my belly not thinking anything of if and got about 4 big kicks in the head lol!! It was lovely that DP finally felt a kick and funny he kicked him in the head!! He Is getting strong now! Awww it was so lovely I nearly cried!! (emotional freak lol)

Oh and just a little rant - I'm pretty sure that my mum isn't bothered about my pregnancy and baby at all. She never asks how I am and when I told her about the 4d scan SHE COMPLETLY IGNORED ME!! And just talked about something else!! Aaarrrggghhh!!

LadyGoneGaga 24/07/11 3rd pg (DS aged 3, mc Sept 10) Surprise
Terrysno2 - 4/11/11 3rd PG (DS, MC 12/10) Surprise version
GetDownYouWillFall - 14/09/11 3rd pg (1 DD aged 3, 1 MC Oct 10) Surprise
Iwish 03/10/11 1st pg Likkle boy.

LadyGoneGaga 24/07/11 3rd pg (DS aged 3, mc Sept 10) Surprise
spilttheteaagain 21/08/11 2nd pg (DD born 20 weeks), Baby girl
Terrysno2 - 4/11/11 3rd PG (DS, MC 12/10) Surprise version
GetDownYouWillFall - 14/09/11 3rd pg (1 DD aged 3, 1 MC Oct 10) Surprise
Iwish 03/10/11 1st pg Likkle boy.

Can I have a grump please? I am fed up and ache to buggery all over. Cannot lie or sit without chest pain, back ache, sore hips. Standing is fine but I'm fricking knackered and I want to just lie down...
Despite me whinging about this and telling DH that I do not want ANY extra commitments or visitors until after I stop work (on 10th June!!) he said yes to SIL who phoned yesterday asking if she could have a bed on Thursday
House is pigsty as well.
I am overly emotional and cry all the bloody time (probably because I am so tiiiired)

And today is exactly one year since the start of my pregnant cycle with Bobbie . I remember crying on the 31st May last year when my period turned up after a 9 day LP. I thought my body was proving to be useless and I would have too short a luteal phase and never get pregnant... so I went to Tescos and bought up half the vitamin shelf in a self medicating attempt to get up the duff. Worked too
What a difference a year makes. I thought I'd have a three month old baby girl now. We took her a rose yesterday and we started talking about what sort of little headstone or memorial to choose for her now that the ground has had long enough to settle. I feel drained.

Oh crap, spilt you're making me cry...... damn hormones. Hope you feel better soon.
SSDD here! Really don't want to be in work atm. Can't be bothered and just want to obsess about babies, births and mat leave.

LadyGoneGaga 24/07/11 3rd pg (DS aged 3, mc Sept 10) Surprise
spilttheteaagain 21/08/11 2nd pg (DD born 20 weeks), Baby girl
GetDownYouWillFall - 14/09/11 3rd pg (1 DD aged 3, 1 MC Oct 10) Surprise
Iwish 03/10/11 1st pg Likkle boy.
Terrysno2 - 4/11/11 3rd PG (DS, MC 12/10) Surprise version
MrsArchchancellorRidcully 20/11/11 2nd pg (DD aged 2.9) Will find out flavour on 6 July (hopefully!)

Oh split honey sounds like you had a hard day yesterday. Hope you are feeling ok today and hope you manages to get some rest.

mrsa know what you mean about not wanting to be in work, I can't wait for weekend/a week off/ mat leave! I wish I could talk about babies and spend my day shopping for thongs for him! Lottery win for us all I think

shopping for "thongs" Iwish - tee hee!

So sorry you had a crappy day spilt, can't write much at the mo, but will be back later.....

LadyGoneGaga 24/07/11 3rd pg (DS aged 3, mc Sept 10) Surprise
Nickstermum 7/8/11 3rd pg (DS aged 3.5, MC Aug 10) Surprise flavour!
spilttheteaagain 21/08/11 2nd pg (DD born 20 weeks), Baby girl
GetDownYouWillFall - 14/09/11 3rd pg (1 DD aged 3, 1 MC Oct 10) Surprise
Iwish 03/10/11 1st pg Likkle boy.
Terrysno2 - 4/11/11 3rd PG (DS, MC 12/10) Surprise version
MrsArchchancellorRidcully 20/11/11 2nd pg (DD aged 2.9) Will find out flavour on 6 July (hopefully!)

Have added self...

Spilt, sorry you are feeling like this. Poorly girl ? I too should have a 3 month old baby, but i am trying to tell myself that if i hadnt suffered the loss of that pg, i wouldnt be expecting this one, does that make sense? [without wanting to sound harsh]. Through MN i have met lots of ladies who have suffered later losses but through subsequent pregnancies the pain, whilst never forgotten, starts to lessen. Just a quick q, have you seen a grief councellor? May help? One of the chatterers on another thread has just lost twins at 20 weeks.. very sad and very painful, cannot comprehend.

Hope everyone else is good....

I wish i hope your likkle boy likes his thongs

Thanks ladies for all your kind words (sorry MrsA, come here and share my tissues!). Nix I saw about Dachs babies in the miscarriage board . It hurts just to try and imagine what they are going through. I'm struggling a lot at the moment, feeling very fragile and can't stop going over those awful days in October. That bloody scan will not go away. I used to remember it and go a bit clammy and feel sick and block the thoughts. I can't seem to block them anymore and keep ending up in floods of tears. I did see the bereavement MW a few times last year. I might see if she'll visit again in a couple of weeks when I'm off, it might be good to talk to her again.

Love the thongs iwish! Especially with a big nappy sticking out the side And so lovely that your DP finally got kicked in the head too... they are little charmers aren't they

How's everyone else doing? Hope pippa is getting along alright too.

Oh heck! I was typing on my phone and it changes words when it feels like it!! If I type the word 'nakered' it changes it to 'naked' so imagine my shock when I text my friend saying im naked!!
My poor little boy bring bought thongs sure it will look delightful on him lol!!

Lol thanks getdown and nix hope you are both good today

split may be good for you to speak to her again. No harm giving her a call. Yeh I'm so glad DP got to feel him kick, think it made everything more real for him.

Did you all go through the 'starving' stage? I'm always hungry and I'm a little scared I will end up like a whale. Ive already put on over a stone. More like a stone and a half! Sweet things r my downfall.

iwish yep I definitely have starving days. And also barely hungry days when I don't eat much. More of the starving ones though. My particular weakness is extra bowls of cereal, especially before bed. Milk tastes so gooood just now. I am also completely obsessed by food at the moment and spend ages looking up new recipes to try and cooking loads of new stuff. It makes a massive change from the first trimester when waves of nausea would pass over me at the mere mention of all but about 7 food items.

Did anyone else go through food colours phases? First of all I could only eat orangey foods so had, orange juice, nectarines, baked beans, hobnobs and toast. A bit later it was green foods and I ate stacks of kiwis, lettuce, spinach and cucumber. Nope? Just me then

I think every day is a starving day for me split! I'm going to be an elephant!! People say to me, 'so when are you due?' and I say '3rd october' and they usually say 'it's going to be a big one' or 'really, you have put on weight'
I was like you in the first trimester. Felt sick all day every day for weeks and the thought of food made me feel worse! Total opposite now tho. And yep to the cereal. Chocolate cereal is my fave at the moment - yum!!
at your food colours. I have to say I havnt had that yet!

That is so, so sad about Dachs I remember her from the conception boards Poor thing. How do you even begin to get through something like that.

Hope you are ok spilt. I think it's normal and totally ok to still have very down days given what you've been through, and pregnancy makes you extra sensitive and emotional anyway. You always wonder what might have been. Nix you have a good point re. your current bean couldn't have existed if it didn't happen this way.

It would have been my due date this month from my MC I had in October. I was only 5 weeks pregnant, which is know is hardly anything (only knew I was pregnant for a week) but still there is a pang there. I'd always dreamed of a summer sunshine baby, but it was not to be. I don't know whether to mark the day in any way, or to even mention it to DH, as I think he has well and truly moved on from the MC.

Anyway I was feeling really sad and unsettled all last night because yesterday my best friend had her 12 week nuchal scan and the sonographer said the nuchal fold was enlarged and to expect a "high risk" result. Feel really sorry for them, just hoping it is not bad news.

It might be an idea to mention the due date to your DH GetDown so at least he knows why if you find it a strange or sad day. Entirely up to you if you choose to mark it or not, there isn't a right or wrong way to do things. Maybe light a candle or something in the evening if you want to do something small?

Iwish i am a fattie! Not starving though... just rotund!! My legs are so fat now (dont know why) that it hurts to kneel down.... Ive swollen (not water retention... just fat) everywhere, legs arms, used to have collar bones... and i am just fricking enormous and soooo lacking in energy this time...

GD i hope your friends enlarged fold comes back lower risk with blood tests...? One of the ladies on the MC thread had the same problem, but the fold was HUGE and the baby did indeed have DS sadly. Yet others have had larger folds, but the bloods or amnio has shown everything to be fine... doesnt seem to be much of a pattern. Hope all is okxx

How are you all doing?

Blooming hot, Spilt. And cross because our buyer wants 5 grand off the house to pay for a reroof . So hot and cross! We have a Preparing for childbirth workshop though tomorrow that I am quite looking forward to.

33 weeks on Sunday, getting there.

How is everyone else?

Know how you feel lg kind of. Trying to nest, photos for estate agents are being done Tuesday house is a cluttered filthy tip and I have less than 2 days to sort it!! Fat swollen and fucked if I am being brutally honest ;( dread discussing surveys!!

Still the inlaws have been and sorted the garden which is a massive help... Just wish husband would stop being a cock!

Sorry that's a really neggy post.., end and tether spring to mind ;)

<need a bigger fan emoticon>

God that sounds so miserable... Just tired and swollen;(
But pls to be nearly 31 weeks ;) only another 10 to go xx

It's ok to be a bit miz, Nix. Goes with the third trimester territory I reckon

Sorry your buyer is being difficult Lady. Surely her original offer is the accepted one, it's a bit cheeky of her to start asking for money off now!! Some people eh. What do you think you will do?

nix poor you, you do sound really p'eed off.

You ladies who will try and move house whilst pregnant: Nutters

I am actually pretty p'eed off too, and I don't even have a house move to blame it on. DH is working 7 days a week at the moment. And DD has pushed me to my limit today, with her whining, screaming and general objectionable behaviour Then DH walks through the door at one minute to her bedtime, and of course she then turns into sweetness and light And DH proceeds to play lots of fun rough and tumble games - just the kind of wind down a 3 year old needs just before bed

Plus, I have a horrible feeling I may be experiencing hayfever for the first time ever - itchy eyes, sneezing all the time, sore back of throat and nasal passages, general rubbish feeling all over. And I can't take anything for it. GREAT.

You poor lot, frayed tempers all round it sounds like!

That is a pain in the backside about your buyer Lady. Did you manage to agree a more sensible completion date in the end or not?

Sorry Mr Nix is being a pillock. Hope that's sorted now.

GetDown gosh 7 days a week is really tough on both of you. Is that likely to last long?

We went to an antenatal group this morning which was really good actually. I did feel a bit of a know it all due to having spent so much time on here. I think they were all first timers. I didn't quite know how to classify myself when people asked if I'd done this before. Sort of. I've got experience of the hospital delivery ward, of induction, of 1st stage and 3rd stage of labour but kind of missed the 2nd stage due to no pushing needed when they are so small and just fall out. Also no personal experience of any of the normal drugs as I had straight morphine which was a) horrible and b) would never be used if the baby was alive as it's too strong for them. DH and I were very evangelical about home birth as we both really believe in it and I don't think many people had really even considered it as a possibility and were initially scared of the idea. Then of course had to explain that no, we wouldn't actually be planning one!

They were a bit mean though and showed us a to scale pelvic skeleton thingy and then did the whole pushing a pretend baby through it. Pretend baby not at all to scale so the whole thing looked like a piece of piss and everyone looked very pleased!

I don't know - I think we will argue that the quote for the work is uncompetitive and be a bit disgruntled as the condition of the rpoof is something to be expected of a property of this age and something she should have known at offer stage. But for sake of goodwill will be willing to negotiate to an extent on the proviso they move closer to our timescales. Is very irritating but she is a cash buyer with no chain and did offer full asking so we don't really want to have to oput it back on market.

Is hard enopugh looking after a three year old being pregnant, Getdown, especially with no support. Is he working so hard now to be a bit freed up after the birth? Hope so for your sake.

Glad antenatal stuff went well, Spilt. We had a Hypnobirthing taster type class yesterday. She was very evangelical about natural birth though - and told me birth didn't have to hurt. Well it did hurt actually . But DS was badly positioned which caused all the problems and was ok til he got stuck so maybe will be different this time!

Blimey, I've been away so long we've got a new thread and a baby from Newyears! (Congrats , hope you're doing well!)

After our dreadful start to May with MIL dying, funeral, farcical family relationship breakdowns/get togethers (nothing more than is normal in most families, but draining nonetheless) we managed to get away last week and went to Corfu to lie on a beach, read lots of books, eat lots of olives and properly talk to each other, which was lovely. I have a tanned front and a white back as a result of not being able to lie on my front, which DH thinks is hilarious (thanks!), but other than that it was perfect and just so nice to be able to be away from family, the phone etc.

Baby is kicking loads but DH can't feel it yet - I wish he could as he's so sweet with the bump and is always talking to it and paying it/me lots of attention!

Hope everyone's well - have read through what I've missed but there's so much I don't want to miss anyone out so please accept a general hello and wave! Am v interested in those of you exploring the Hypnobirthing route - we're going to classes in July and I'm probably just a bit too cynical at the mo...fingers crossed it will be great though.

In other news, I weighed myself this morning for the first time in ages and since getting pregnant I have gained a stone . Am 24 weeks tomorrow so I'm sure it's fine, but it really brought home how much better I'd be feeling if I'd not started out so overweight. Even if I only gain another stone in the whole rest of the pregnancy (and I know I'll probably gain more than that) I will be so far into the obese category I don't know how I'll ever get out of it. Here's hoping the birth will magically make me weigh 3 or 4 stone less but the baby will be small enough to appear with one, painless push...

Hi there pippa hope you've had a good half term break from school. Sorry to hear about all the family upsets. Yep it does sound like a normal family but you're right it is stressful nonetheless. Try to distance yourself from the stress if you can and focus on your own little family-to-be I think gaining a stone by 24 weeks is fine. You will probably lose it after the birth, although it may take a while. 9 months on, 9 months off so they say! Are you planning on breast feeding? That can really help shift the weight. I am doing hypnobirthing too! Maybe we could share what we learn / our thoughts on it together, especially as our pregnancies are v. close together (I am 25 weeks). We have our first session on 20th June. We are having private sessions at our house rather than a group as the instructor charged the same regardless of private or group course, and it was going to be much more straightforward in terms of babysitting for DD. Have you read the book? I got it out the library and read it cover to cover. So interesting. I am now forcing encouraging DH to read it and he is half way through it himself.

Thanks Lady and Spilt re. my absent DH. This time of year is always manic for him, but thankfully the end is in sight. It will be a lot quieter come due date, and DH is planning on taking the 2 weeks paternity followed by 2 weeks annual leave, so will have best part of a month off to help me after the birth which is great. With DD I started to go downhill in terms of PND after a few weeks and we are doing everything we can this time to try and stop it happening again.

Hope your buyer is reasonable lady in terms of negotiations. Gosh I hate house buying. We had such a nightmare when we bought our house. The adjoining neighbour had a flood and caused a massive damp problem in the house we were buying. The vendor wasn't even going to tell us but thankfully another neighbour in the road gave us a tip off. We managed to sort it out by claiming on the vendor's house insurance. If we had exchanged before we found out about the flood, the damage would not have been covered. ARrrggh. It was such a stress. These things have a habit of sorting themselves out in the end though, thank goodness.

spilt good that you have started your antenatal classes. Hope the other couples are nice. I am still in touch with most of my NCT group. Are you going for a home birth then, sorry I can't remember what you said before about it. It's hard to have to explain that this isn't your first baby. I hope and trust that people there will be sympathetic and understanding to you. It's true that you have more experience than them, having been through labour already. Just because you didn't have a massive pushing stage, you still went through labour. The pushing stage is actually just the very end anyway, so what you experienced will probably be a good indicator of your next labour. Your uterus will probably be more stretched and toned having been through contractions before so hopefully your labour will be shorter than it would have been otherwise. How are you feeling now, you seemed a bit down the other day.

My hayfever seems to have cleared up quite a lot. Don't know if it is conincidence but DH put the lilies we were given by MIL outside yesterday. He thinks I might have had a bit of a reaction to them.

Sorry spilt just re-read your post and saw that you are not planning a home birth

Feels a bit guilty now... catch up properly tomorrow..mr nix has come home for the weekend to help get hte house spruced for hte pics and hasnt stopped.... not for 5 mins loves him really lol

I havent stopped either... off for a bath now, long day tomorrow in mk
<waves to all> speak soon xx

GD those days are normal for me atm... DS and your DD are hte same age... October 07 births..? Monkeys... mine is going through a stage of shouting i dont love you/like you/horrid mummy when doesnt get his own way.... little devil.... they are sent to test our patience....!!!

Lady that's what I was wondering with your house sale - if you could use her wish for money off as leverage to get a completion date that suits you better. Good luck with it, it's horribly stressful. And you too nix, hope you get some nice pics after all the effort you've gone to.

Interesting how many of us are giving the hypnobirthing a punt. I will be rereading the book soon I think. Wouldn't it be amazing if it actually didn't hurt...

Lovely to see you back pippa, glad you managed to get away for a bit and at your one sided tan! How's your DH doing? I agree with GD that a stone by this point is very normal weight gain for pregnancy and not something to worry about. It is hard though seeing yourself change so much and so quickly and have very little control over it. There is time and to spare for sorting all that out afterwards though.

Thanks GetDown you've cheered me up a lot actually, saying the pushing is just the little bit at the end. I was really lucky as pessary to delivery was only about 3.5 hours and I was warned it could be most of the weekend. I felt I was coping quite well at the time too and only had the morphine right at the end because I thought I would need it if it got worse - but it didn't. So I am feeling reasonably optimistic about things. I'm hoping it's an indicator that I will have a not too long labour <<crosses fingers>>
Feeling better again the last couple of days, but it goes like that. It's very hard to put into words, but I think is just the nature of bereavement - there are easier days/phases and much much harder ones, and often no logic as to when they happen. I really appreciate having a safe place on here to talk about it all though, in RL it's hard, there's very few people I can talk to. I think most think I am "over" it whatever that means

5 more days of work

Just very quicly checking in <waves to everyone>

Whoop to five more days of work spilt! I'm very .

I'll be 20 weeks tomorrow, halfway!!! Scan is tomorrow so I'll come back for a proper catch up after that. X

Glad you are feeling a bit better spilt I can understand that it must be very up and down. Re. the pushing stage, just to give an example my labour overall was 22 hours, but my pushing stage was just 30 minutes. So as you can see, most of the labour is the softening and opening of the cervix bit. Sounds from your last labour that things will progress quite quickly for you. Don't dally around getting to the hospital 5 more days of work???!! HURRAH! Bet motivation is waning now.... I found that towards the end of my work before finishing. Just had this sense of what's the point, and ended up day dreaming about baby stuff most of the day!

nix glad DH is pulling his weight a bit now. It's fine to have a rant on here about our DHs - I just make sure mine doesn't know my MN nickname
Yes our little darlings are a very similar age. My DD is Dec 07. They have a particular way of knowing exactly how to wind you up don't they. My DD's favourite is to wail "I want my DADDY" everytime I ask her to do something she doesn't want to do.

Ooooh MrsP 20 week scan tomorrow! Exciting! Did you say you were going to find out the sex? Let us know how you get on tomorrow.

My friend that got the high reading on her nuchal translucency last week should get the final risk result tomorrow combined with the blood test. Really hoping and praying all is ok for her..

Getdown I am v jealous of your private hypno sessions! The lady we're going to charged a good £200 more for those so we've gone with the group option, though I think there will only be two other couples. Our first session's in July - am looking forward to it with some trepidation and will be interested to hear how your first session goes!

Spilt I know what you mean when you say most people think you're 'over it'. My sister (sister!) said something along those lines to me about a month after I miscarried last year, and it had admittedly been a very early loss, but I almost punched her. I hope this labour is a really positive experience for you, and although it won't ever replace memories of your first labour, I hope holding a new baby will be as wonderful as it could possibly be.

Good luck with your scan today MrsP

Hi ladies!

Lovely to see you again pippa, glad you had a good holiday. I'm 20 weeks and have put on 10lb in weight so your gain sounds pretty normal to me.

Any news on your friend's results yet getdown? Hope that it all turns out ok.

Well, we had the 20 week scan today and the baby was very wriggly but obedient according to the sonographer! Everything was perfect and it looks like a girl. I'm soooooo happy and feel like the luckiest person in the world right now.

Hi pippa, x post there.

Just realised I haven't added myself to list so here we go......

LadyGoneGaga 24/07/11 3rd pg (DS aged 3, mc Sept 10) Surprise
Nickstermum 7/8/11 3rd pg (DS aged 3.5, MC Aug 10) Surprise flavour!
spilttheteaagain 21/08/11 2nd pg (DD born 20 weeks), Baby girl
GetDownYouWillFall - 14/09/11 3rd pg (1 DD aged 3, 1 MC Oct 10) Surprise
Iwish 03/10/11 1st pg Likkle boy.
MrsP81 25/10/11 2nd pg (MC Aug 10) Baby girl
Terrysno2 - 4/11/11 3rd PG (DS, MC 12/10) Surprise version
MrsArchchancellorRidcully 20/11/11 2nd pg (DD aged 2.9) Will find out flavour on 6 July (hopefully!)

Congrats MrsP - we found out our Bean is a girl too at our scan Though we're telling everyone in real life we don't know as I just don't want to deal with people's 'advice'!

Added myself:

LadyGoneGaga 24/07/11 3rd pg (DS aged 3, mc Sept 10) Surprise
Nickstermum 7/8/11 3rd pg (DS aged 3.5, MC Aug 10) Surprise flavour!
spilttheteaagain 21/08/11 2nd pg (DD born 20 weeks), Baby girl
GetDownYouWillFall - 14/09/11 3rd pg (1 DD aged 3, 1 MC Oct 10) Surprise
Pippaandpolly - 26/09/11 2nd pg (1 MC last year), Girl Bean
Iwish 03/10/11 1st pg Likkle boy.
MrsP81 25/10/11 2nd pg (MC Aug 10) Baby girl
Terrysno2 - 4/11/11 3rd PG (DS, MC 12/10) Surprise version
MrsArchchancellorRidcully 20/11/11 2nd pg (DD aged 2.9) Will find out flavour on 6 July (hopefully!)

Really pleased your scan went well MrsP That is great news. And a little girl... ahhh how lovely. Bet you can't stop yourself looking at pretty girly baby outfits now Thanks for asking re. my friend. She actually got the result today, and it came back 1 in 1200 which is not too bad at all. They are going to put in a complaint about the sonographer because she'd told them it would def be a high risk result (without even seeing the bloods) and that the best case scenario would be 1 in 200, more likely 1 in 10 Could have really upset someone that was more, say, delicate in nature, for absolutely no good reason!!

pippa excited for you that you found out you are having a girl too Lots of little girlies on this thread so far!! Yes, I was surprised too about the private sessions being the same price, but basically realised that she wouldn't have any venue costs as it's in our home, also the sessions are likely to be shorter because there won't be as much discussion / questions with just one couple. So I suppose it kind of works out. Why do you feel trepidation do you think? I am really looking forward to starting mine! Been practising the breathing exercises already

MrsP fantastic news on your scan, I am so chuffed for you. Lovely to hear about yours and pippas little pink babies

I got given my first baby present today from one of the couriers who works for us at work. He's such a lovely man. I remember when I came back after losing Bobbie he got it most "right", came straight in to find me and didn't say anything just gave me a massive hug. I of course howled on his shoulder and the rest of my colleagues were hopping around from foot to foot wondering what the dickens to do . So I have 4 very gorgeous little white and cream baby outfits in my wardrobe now. I'm so touched. Froggy's first clothes

GetDown that sounds like good news for your friend? (I didn't have these tests so not sure quite what qualifies as a good/bad result, but it sounds good to me). Hope they are feeling reassured now.

Has anyone else totally lost their attention span? I cannot seem to read or watch a film anymore About 1 page or 15 mins in I am losing concentration and staring out the window. But I am all tetchy and bored too and want to be entertained but can't seem to focus on anything! I'm hoping I will feel a bit less like a zombie after I stop work (2 more days!!!!!!) and this will improve a bit.

pippa I'm sorry your sister was so stupid after your miscarriage. People have no clue sometimes do they?!

GetDown notice duly taken I will not muck around when it comes to travelling to the hospital! Especially as it is about a 30 min drive away and I would have to get DH home from work first (15-20 mins)

Lots of questions are starting to occur to me about my last labour that I wish I knew the answers to. I was wondering how far I dilated then (I refused internals). If your body doesn't need to get to 10cm because the baby is much smaller, would I maybe have only gone to about 5cm and then had her? Or would the cervix still open all the way? Because, there's a difference between getting to 5cm in 3.5 hours or getting to 10cm. And when my waters went they seemed to be full of blood. Is that normal? I thought they would be, well, watery. Or was it because she had died? After my waters went (when the contractions were constant and at their strongest) the contractions just stopped. I felt no urge to push, no further contractions. 20 mins passed and then I felt Bobbie slide out. Why would the contractions just disappear like that? Or do they do that after you are fully dilated/dilated enough?

Just wondering what to expect this time really. If anyone has any thoughts/ideas I would love to hear them.

Spilt I should imagine labour this time will be quite a different experience. Normally waters are clear although sometimes with some meconium. Your contractions will carry on after full dilution as that is what gets the baby out. You will only push when you have a contraction. But there will be some similarities too. You have to think of it as a different situation with an entirely different outcome. But think you will be better prepared for it having gone through your labour with Bobbie.

Spilt my waters were clear,. they just disappeared... in the bath i think!! No idea where they went!! 3 crochet hooks and 3 diff internals later neither did the consultants lol. They can be a bit discoloured though i think. Agree with LG it will be very different but you will still be able to use your experience. Could be you have very short labours,some do..? Did you have any pain relief at all? I suspect it was all a bit surreal, you were grieving too.

I cant seem to remember anything!! At all... ! Cant take fish oil this time,, <hurl> was my saving grace last time!!

Congrats to the team pinkies!! BTW... still stuck on names DS and DH fave for a girl is scarlet... reminds me of harlot!! still nowt for a boy, like Corey though.

Absolutely exhausted.... bed now night xxx

Re. hypnobirthing Getdown, I think the trepidation is just because I'm a really no nonsense kind of person and I haven't yet convinced myself that hypnobirthing uses anything different to the kind of 'hypnosis' Derren Brown uses...I'm doing lots of reading though and beginning to come round. (DH jokes that because I'm a Christian I'm not no nonsense at all )

I love Scarlet Nickster - especially if there's any chance she'd be a red head! I knew a family of red heads whose kids were called Saffron, Blaze, Rufus and Leo. Amazing

Spilt did you have counselling after your last labour? I hope that's not too personal a question - I don't mean to pry. I just wonder whether it would be helpful to talk to someone (is there such a thing as a 'grief specialist midwife'?) in advance of this labour so you don't spend it feeling scared because it's the same as/different to last time?

Ladies, I'm panicking a bit, I just fell down the stairs. I landed on my bum so hoping it will be ok. Worried though.

Oh MrsP poor you Try not to panic. Have you got any crampy pains at all? Any bleeding? If you landed on your bum you should be fine. I think this happened to LadyG too ... (?) Remember the baby is cushioned in a tough fluid filled membrane and is sheilded from knocks and bangs. A friend of mine had a car accident whilst pregnant, and although her bump was bruised from the force of the seat belt, baby was absolutely fine.

Call midwife if worried. Hugs xx

Thank you getdown. Everything seems to be ok so far, the thing that hurts the most is my toe which is quite random! You're right about LadyG I think. Must be more careful from now on.

Hi MrsP - yup, exactly that happened to me. I think (although can't properly remember was around 20 weeks). I just slipped on the stairs and fell on my bum. Everything was fine - I had a doppler so checked heartbeat myself but do call the midwife if you are worried. Is horrible though - I also had a big fall when we were on holiday. Slipped down one step, went flying in the bar and literally landed on a poor woman who was sitting minding her own business having a drink. Pretty much rugby tackled her! All was fine by the way.

My SiL had her baby this morning, a week overdue and has called her little girl...Scarlett. Is a lovely name and one I considered myself but wouldn't work with DS who is called Will...

And in other news, we finally have a move date . Two weeks on friday, whoo hoo!

Thanks ladies for your comments on labours etc. I think I could do with a sort of debrief of last time so will talk to my MW and see if we can book a time to go through it. I think I need to understand properly exactly what happened that day and what might happen this time, to help me cope with it all. Hopefully that is a normal sort of thing to ask for and she will be able/willing to help.

nix I had a shot of morphine in the hip right at the end about 9 contractions before my waters went. As I say there was then nothing after that so it was a pointless thing to have with hindsight. I really hated the sedated effect. That kicked in just after the birth and I was half asleep for the next two hours and really didn't want to be. As I understand, pethidine is a close relative of morphine and also a strong sedative so I plan to avoid that.

MrsP ouch. Hope your bum is feeling ok. I'm sure your baby is ok in there, GD is right, she is very well protected, but can only imagine how terrifying it is. Do phone someone if you would feel better for a check up.

Congratulations on your new niece Lady, I love the name Scarlett.

The wretched cat has just brought us another bird . Poor thing squawking away.

Thanks ladies, feeling better about it now. I think just the shock of it sent me into a panic! I felt her wriggling while I was eating my dinner which seems to be the daily routine so all seems well.

Great news re the move LadyG!

Ooh, I hate it when the cat brings in a bird spilt. They make such a mess. Ours is more of a mouse cat but she likes to bring them into the bedroom while we're sleeping, aaargh!

<snorts in embarrassment> too tired to realise may have caused offence... oops! not meant x

I like the name Scarlett with two T's.. and its the top of the list at the min for the boys.. (Congrats on the birth of Scarlett for LG's SIL <frantically digs self out of self imposed tactless hole> ) I was actually joking about Harlot... but its what i think they will get called at school. I like Lexie, but will it be shortened to sexy lexie... ? Anyway, scarlet wouldnt work with our surname, too much like charlotte...which i like but just not with the surname!! Mrs P sorry you fell, hopefully everything is ok, am sure it will be.

Spilt diamorphine is a derivative of heroin and i shant be going there again... lol...know what you mean about moggs... took 3 mice of my big boy cat the other day... every day i come down to entrails

I am getting very achy tummy. baby nestling v low down in pelvis i think, keeps booting me in the bladder and making me wee myself.... but starting to hurt now

YEY on the house move date LG x

Bleurgh to entrails, Nix <boak>. No offence caused! I knew a lot of Charlotte's at school and very few were ever accused of harlotry so unless particularly slutty in teenage years should be fine.

I really don't fancy Pethidine or anything like that. I was spaced out even before had even had gas and air. And I'd worry too much about effect on baby.

Has baby engaged yet, Nix? Mine is head down but head still very mcuh free floating. But I read second babies don't tend to engage til late anyway. In fact MiniG didn't really engage properly til in labour anyway. Apparently my pelvis is roomy (!) (nice way of saying fat arse?) so I guess no need to settle in til last minute.

MrsP hope you're feeling ok today? I keep scaring myself by forgetting how big my bump is and standing too close to doors when I open them, meaning that I regularly whack myself in the bump! Figure there's a lot of me between the door and the baby though and I'm sure the same is true for a fall. (By which I don't mean to imply anything about the size of your bum!!)

Hope everyone's well today. I've had a day off and have spent most of it wrestling with our new buggy. It doesn't like me - I predict a good couple of years of swearing in car parks in the pouring rain...

ah god it would seem that with my pg brain i am quite incapable of communicating these days... Cant have charlotte because webb is surname!!! Charlotte Webb...!! Like the book thats what i mean.. nowt harlotty about charlotte pmsl Thats why i said i couldnt have scarlet because its too similar to Charlotte. But i actually like Scarlett with two tts - However mother would freak. Apparently my elder male cousin is a right ARSE and his daughter is scarlet and mother hates him LOL!

Lady i have no clue whether engaged or not, my next check isnt til 36 weeks. Getting a LOT of low down aching... but keeps swimming round i think and nestles v low down in pelvis anyway. Keep getting booted in the bladder and it makes me leak then the next day it will be kicking elsewhere.... DS was in a funny position curled up like a snail for the entire pg and i think i have a wide womb that causes it... as i get kicks over by my hip bones bizarrely but very few up top.

I would definately not advise anyone to have diamorphine. I didnt research and i was offered it and took it, and it worked, but what they dont tell you is that you lie back like a heroin addict in enforced relaxation.. the pain relief wears off and the spaced out-ness doesnt. If i get that bad again i will just have an epidural straight away. As soon as i had one last time it calmed me down and i relaxed. I was raving on gas and air..... No two labours are ever the same... and god i really hope that to be the case

Still no idea about names

I know what you mean about banging the bump pippa and misjudging gaps! I am doing the same The other annoying thing is that my belly button is now protruding to such an extent that it catches on things Such as my bag strap - ouch! DD also knocked my belly button the other day and it was agony!!
I see what you mean now about the trepidation re. the hypnobirthing. I'm like you in that I'm a bit cynical, and take quite a biological approach to things, am certainly not of the mind that you can "think yourself out of pain" in some kind of hippy, tree-hugging way. But it seems that there is a lot of science to hypnobirthing and the hypnosis itself is not scary or weird like some of those tacky stage shows, but is actually just a state of supreme relaxation and control over your state of mind Sorry you are strugging with your new buggy Don't worry you will get the hang of it. Before you know it you'll be slinging it over one shouler, having folded it with one hand and juggled a baby with the other whilst carrying shopping Trust me.

Glad you've got a move date LadyG That's exciting! Glad to hear you have a gorgeous new niece.

spilt don't really know the answers to your questions about labour and whether you would have fully dilated to deliver Bobbie... but you're right you should have a debrief and def talk it all through with the midwife. I had two doses of morphine last time. It made me vomit and feel generally awful. Not to mention making DD sleepy and hard to feed for the first 3 days. I will definitely be avoiding this time at all costs.

nix you make me smile re. the name! Don't think anyone took offence. We all like different names and that's a good thing in my book. I am still totally stuck for boys' names. Eeek! We have reached a bit of a stalemate DH and I!

I keep getting period type pains - do you think these are Braxton Hicks? I never felt them with DD Weird thing is that my belly doesn't go particularly hard when I'm having the pains, so don't know if this can be contractions or not??

Oh by the way ladies, I have discovered a way to wake baby up..... PELVIC FLOOR EXERCISES

GetDown yes I get intermittent period pains, esp if I have just exerted myself a bit (like walking faster) and wondered if it could be BH too. Not sure though. Like you say my bump doesn't really go hard - a little tough near the base perhaps but that's about it.
I'm about half way through the hypnobirthing book for the second time and was trying to practice sleep breathing. Kept ending up with racing heart due to ballsing up breathing entirely and getting out of puff/over oxygenated alternately! Then I fell asleep, but when I woke up realised that the natural breathing when half asleep is exactly what the book describes. Think I might be getting the hang of it now...
In a couple of days I shall progress to trying slow breathing.

How nice to have a roomy pelvis Lady! I'm not hoping for engagement just yet (30 weeks now) but would be lovely if she would go Head Down please! Once we're home (staying at PILs this weekend) I shall be pumping up my birth ball again and try and get her turned, but first need to locate the puncture and fix it. Cats got to it last time...

pippa yup I do that to. I get stuck in doorways when I part open a door and try and squeeze through. Feel a prat. Mind you, I still haven't learnt the lesson of puberty that I have hips - I am forever assuming I am waist width all the way down and walloping my hip of the corner of the kitchen counters etc. I have been doing this for years now.

And break out the party poppers, I have finished work!!!

Hi there spilt congrats on finishing work!! You will be properly in the "nesting zone" now. I am already stressing out DH by going into mega-preparing mode. It's probably partly the boredom free time since I gave up my job . I sorted through loads of DD's babygros today and folded them all up neatly in little piles according to Newborn, 0-3 months etc. (which is plainly ridiculous as they all need a wash again before baby makes an appearance!!)

Yes the period-y pains are weird aren't they? I still find them slightly worrying, although I am sure they are normal. The other day I had a horrible scary moment where I had the pains, went to the loo and thought I saw blood in the toilet. Thankfully it wasn't blood but it was a heart-stopping moment for a fraction of a second

I know what you mean about the sleep breathing being difficult to master. I just can't seem to get it right. I get breathless too, and find it hard to see how it could ever feel relaxing I think it does get better with practise though. For example the slow breathing I have def got better. When I first tried it there was no WAY I could count to 20 and still be breathing in, but now I can do it. Just need to work on the breathing out bit now Also the book says to breathe out through your nose and definitely not your mouth, but I don't understand this as I find I can control the out breath much better when I breathe out through my mouth. I met my hypnobirthing teacher at the weekend at a free event they were running and she seemed really nice Start our course a week tomorrow.

Tomorrow I have my next monthly appointment with the mother and baby psychiatrist. Another morning of sitting around in the waiting room for an hour only to breeze in and say "Hi, I'm fine!!" Oh well!

Hypnobirthing class sounds good, Getdown. We did a free taster one where we were doing the trying to breathe in for 20 and out for 20 thing. Need to practise also. But I'm also doing the Natal Hypnotherapy CD's which I think really were helpful last time. Wasn't painful at all until about 8cm and then because DS was asynclitic and got stuck.

Fab that you have finished work, Spilt. I'm doing a 3 day week this week, an 3 days next week then that is it! I'm definitely ready to go - physically and mentally just feeling knackered now.

I'm sure the right name will come eventually, Nix. Until then you can always call them Baby Anon. We're still undecided on boys name. Might have to wait until we can see what he/she looks like when out.

The new niece was gorgeous! Feeling very broody now . Just as well really!

OK so which hypnobirthing CD should i buy?
any pointers would be helpful... will order today as working from home.
Very jealous of those finishing work. My last date was supposed to be 1/7/11 but they have very foolishly taken very long to find my replacement so i have offered to work from home for another week - with no travelling... provided they come to me and its on my terms....!

Worried about breech as well... i know am only 32 weeks but getting constantly booted in the cervix and fanjolina. Am not due to see MW until 36 weeks but i think am gonna book a check up this week. [and get out my ball!!] Really really dont want to have a section if i can avoid it, just purely for the recovery purposes...

I have the Effective Homebirth preparation one from here, Nix.

I had a hossie appt today and wasn't good. Had sugar in my wee and was measuring huge. So they did a growth scan - baby is estimated to weigh 6 and half pounds already. Considering am only 34 weeks. So they think i might have Gestational Diabetes. Having a Glucose Tolerance Test next Monday. But if positive I won't be allowed my homebirth . And could potentially be lots more complications.

Shit, lady but... better they know about it? and can sort it? Can they sort it? I know nothing about gest diabetes, sorry.

<Huge hugs>

Well, hoping it not positive. But if it is will have to manage it with no sweet stuff/simple carbs in diet. Test blood for sugar pre and post every meal. If not managed by diet could be other medications or insulin. Plus a host of possible complications for the baby. Really hope it isn't an I coincidentally have grown a massive baby. Can't see that they can do that much since I should deliver in under 6 weeks anyway.

I will be washing the 0-3 month babygrows tonight in any case

aah bless... am sure it will turn out negative xx FX. some people just have larger robust babies I know someone who was scheduled for a section recently for a very large little girl... but when she arrived she was two pounds lighter than they said...!! They arent always right. Heres hoping its a neggie and everything turns out to be ok xx

Yey Spilt on finishing work! I don't officially start maternity leave until September, but I have 4 weeks left of term (so I get a cheeky 8 weeks 'free' )

Lady hope you're feeling ok Like you say, you might just be growing a big baby. I think it's more and more common these days - I know a few people who've had 9lb/10lb babies with no health problems. I'm having the blood glucose test next week too as my Dad has diabetes, so fingers crossed for both of us but if it's positive, at least we won't be in it alone!

Good luck for yours too, Pip. Mine is on Monday. I'm not very hopeful though as have been really thirsty too which have read is a symptom. And very of the early start to maternity leave.

Only got 5 more working days to go, mind you!

Sorry to hear about your appointment Lady I really hope it doesn't turn out to be GD for you. I agree with nix that they are often wrong with guesstimating weights - and often very wrong too. Not long till you finish work now... hang in there! Glad to hear that hypno stuff helped you last time around. That is encouraging to hear. Looking back I think I seemed so unprepared for the labour last time - even though I had done NCT classes. I knew a lot about labour, but not really much about how I should behave / cope / strategies for getting through it. Hopefully this time will be different!

nix I haven't got the CD yet as the hypnotherapy lady is bringing it when we start our first session. But I think it's called something like "Rainbow Relaxation"? Not sure if you can get it on Amazon, but worth a search to see if it's available. Hope your baby is not breech, but remember there is still plenty of time for the little munchkin to turn so don't worry about it just yet. Good idea to get the birth ball out. I was also told to spend at least 5-10 mins a day on my hands and knees (this does not mean I can scrub the kitchen floor though )

Waves to pippa hope your test for GD comes back ok too. How are you doing now? Just a count down till end of term I bet! That's great you can be paid for the whole summer hols!

I sent off my application for maternity allowance. Really looking forward to having a little money coming in again!!

LOL GD i was told to dust the skirting boards last time <bounces furiously on ball whilst watching TV> Ouch... not good for bean who keeps scratching my cervix

Latest bump pic on my MN profile. Why does everyone, but everyone, think I have hardly any bump?? DH reckons they just never realised how little I was to start with - as you can see from the 9 week photo I have grown ALOT!

I think you have a nice, neat bump, Spilt. It's because you look like you've only put weight on round the bump I think. Which is a good thing . Anyway, don't worry about what people say - they're generally full of shit.

Ah Lady you are too kind, and so politely not commenting on my increased arse . I know I don't have the biggest bump in the world (thank God quite frankly!) but am just getting a bit huffy at all the "oh, you're how many weeks? Gosh, there's hardly anything there" type comments. <<moody pregnant lady>>

Right now to read back and catch up

Oh nix poor you working that extra week, how very annoying. They haven't got my replacement in yet either (prob be another fortnight) but I am not as selfless as you and just left anyway. Frustrating that yours is breech too. I am trying to make an effort now to uncross my legs and not slouch. Ball pumped up (and needs repumping again already!) so we can bounce in sync . Like you I am desperate to avoid a section - the idea scares the crap out of me. GetDown it did strike me that all fours might mean I got the kitchen floor clean... might as well do something useful whilst down there. Also it definitely helps with the wind which is my ever present irritant.

Lady I am really sorry about the GD worries, that must be very scary. Once you do the test on Monday how soon will they be able to tell you the results? Big hugs, hope it's negative.
How big was your DS when he was born?

pippa also crossing fingers for a negative for you.

GetDown glad to hear your hypnobirthing teacher seems nice.

We did a bit more baby shopping yesterday and I spent all evening going all doe eyed at the moses basket, and unfolding and refolding the babygrows <<soppy>>. For those of you wanting cheap baby basics, we got these from Asda. Bought a pack in newborn and a pack in 0-3, seemed very good value and they are lovely and soft. A friend is hopefully passing on some more newborn clothes so I'll wait and see what she's got before getting anything else.

And we have chosen the cot (not bought yet). thank you Lady for introducing us to Mamas and Papas! Compared to all the others we looked at in IKEA, John Lewis, mothercare, this one is about 10 times more sturdy and solid feeling. It's a gorgeous colour wood, and had rather lovely bedding in it at the time which may have swayed us . Lovely shop though!

Questions for the knowledgable: what bedding do I need? I believe duvets are a no-no at the start? What sort of sheet/blanket arrangement should we have and how many sets to allow for puking etc? Thank you!

No, you can't use duvets until they are past a year I believe.

I use bottom sheets on cot and baby sleeping bags in cots. You can get Grobags or loads of the shops do them now for much cheaper. Much better than anything else as they can't kick the blankets off or wriggle down under and wake themselves up. Are you using a moses basket intially? For that I would get 3 or 4 sets of pram/moses sheets and 2 or 3 cellular blankets.

Thanks Lady, yes we will start with the Moses basket. Top tip I have had on here is that normal pillowcases make perfect sheets for it. I have tried and can verify it is true, so I shall get a couple of packs of those (much cheaper and more useful in the long term!). Will look out some blankets too then.

Quick hello whilst I should be working.

Glad things going well, although boo to the poss GD lady . My sister had it in both hers and controlled it well with diet.
If you do have it, it's up to you but if you control your sugars well, there is no reason why you can't have a HB. They can't force you to come into hospital and growth scans can be notoriously inaccurate. The told me DD was around 10lbs and she was......7lb 15oz!

Have a look at the homebirth website for lots of info here

I'm 17 weeks and doing OK. BP still normal and feel well. No issues except I'm overweight and have a previous c-section but still going ahead with HB plan. Just need to write to head of midwifery to explain my intentions and find a doula.

And can i just rave about grobags/sleeping bags. DD was in a swaddle robe for the first few weeks, then they can go into a sleeping bag once they reach 10lbs (I think). They are fab! Grobags are quite expensive but Mamas & Papas do ones a bit cheaper. Jojo Maman bebe is also good for them.

They come in all different togs (eg 1 tog for daytime nap, 2.5 tog for cold nights) and it means they can sleep anywhere and can't kick the covers off and get cold.
We even got a sheet one for hot holidays and a travel one that has openings for car seat/buggy, so on holiday we just got DD ready for bed in the usual routine and then popped her into the buggy in her sleeping bag and went out for meals. She was great and just slept!
We also used it when returning home late from relatives, so we could just take her from the car and put her straight into her cot.

Bugger, better go and work.

I am sooooooooo jealous of so many of you finishing work already! I have lost so much motivation lately. I've got a fair amount of annual leave left to use up and wanted to use it go down to a four day week but I got a big fat no as the answer to that.

Sorry to hear about your possible diabetes LadyG. I shall keep my fingers firmly crossed that all is well and you can still have your home birth. And good luck for your test as well Pippa.

Nothing interesting to report here really, there have been no adverse effects from falling down the stairs so thats good.

I think you have a very obviously pregnant bump spilt Blooming rude people thinking it's ok to comment on your size! I am getting the other end of the spectrum - i.e. you mean you STILL have 3 months to go??! Which is equally annoying! BTW - looks like your hair has grown just a bit too!

I like the cot you've chosen. Very similar in colour to the one we got for DD, but ours is pale wood slats with white head and foot board. I like Mamas and Papas stuff. We actually found that Argos did the Mamas and Papas stuff and it worked out cheaper. We got a matching chest of drawers and wardrobe too and they have served us very well.

Good tip re. using pillowcases for the moses basket sheets. I've got a load of tiny moses basket fitted sheets as I was ignorant of this tip last time! The other tip I found useful was in the early days to spread a muslin over the top half of the sheet and tuck in at the sides, at the baby's head end. That way, when they vomit as they inevitably do, you should only need to whip off the muslin rather than wash the whole sheet. If you get to it quick enough that is!

Am a great fan of the grobags too.

nix enjoy your birth ball bouncing How are the house viewings going?

Hi to mrsA glad to hear BP is fine and you are doing well. Bet you are looking forward to your 20 week scan!

Hello to Mrsp. How annoying they wouldn't let you use your leave to go to 4 days a week. That seems very mean of them. Surely that would be a better arrangement than for you to use it all in one big chunk? Ah well, what can you do. Glad you are fine after your little scare with the stairs

I am feeling very grumpy today as we are having our roof re-done and I get incredibly stressed out by having builders traipse through the house Have got very impatient with DD today, which hasn't been her fault. Plus I just went to my second physio appt for my pelvic floor - was a real hassle getting childcare arranged, and had to drive to next town. When I got there they had no record of my appt and I was made to feel like it was me who made the error. Grrr. Thankfully they did agree to see me quickly so it wasn't a wasted journey. The physio said there was basically nothing else they could do for me until after the baby is born now, as it is just going to get worse Great. Was terrified into a blitz of pelvic floor exercises last night after watching that poor woman on Embarrassing Bodies with a hideous vaginal prolapse DON'T want to go there!

We haven't had any new ladies move over for AGES.... Does anyone still look at the conception board to see how they are doing?

For Sale Sign has gone up today..... EEK!

getdown I still lurk on the boards. digital is back ttc again and on meds (fingers crossed 5th time lucky). After me I think there was one bfp and one mc but nothing since April I think. Life can be very unfair.

Sorry that was a bit mememe - meh! Will catch up properly later xx

Ooooh hope you get lots of interest in your house nix.

MrsA it is unfair indeed. I don't think I'd recognise anyone from the charters thread now. Digi though, I would obviously. Hope she gets her baby in the end.

Just found a moses basket in John Lewis for just £35! I thought they'd be way more expensive than other places, but the cheapest one in Babies R Us is £40 at least. The annoying thing is that we still have DD's one, but it is so misshapen due to DD using it for countless teddies / dollies etc. and I wouldn't feel comfortable putting a baby in it now!

GetDown we looked at that Moses basket yesterday, I was intending to buy it but it really did look cheap and I didn't like it. We got a lovely one reduced to clear in Asda. We then saw this one whilst cot shopping which was also very nice (I am not on commission honest!) and currently £29 if you have a store near you to have a look.

Ah shit, have I misread your post and you've bought it rather than just spotted it online? If so <<hangs head in embarrassment>>. To be fair everything in JL looked crap yesterday at our store, cots scratched, display bedding dirty, moses stand badly assembled and rickety so maybe I have judged over harshly. I just had a "yeuck not putting my baby in any of this stuff!" reaction and left.

Thanks spilt so much! It's hard to judge the quality when just looking at an image online, so thanks for the tip-off re. that John Lewis one. The Mamas and Papas one looks good, and it's a good reduction too.... may well go for that one!

No I haven't bought it yet!!!

But please have a look and don't take my word for it - I would hate you to buy something and think it was horrible

Don't worry, I won't hold you accountable

Another option GetDown? Don't know what their returns policy is like though if you weren't keen.

God i havent bought anything yet and cant...... have no nursery as have to keep the room presented as a spare room.... gutted. Maybe things will get changed when i am on mat leave?!

Thanks spilt I went for the M&P one in the end. Didn't think I was going to get one cheaper than £29! Even second hand ones on Ebay seem to be going for more than that, and I'd have to get a new mattress for it anyway.

nix don't worry about not having bought anything yet. I sense that it's people like me that are no longer working bored at home that are doing the spending! I bet you still have loads of stuff from DS anyway. I am slightly berating myself at the amount of pink stuff we got for DD. If this one is a boy I think he's going to be wearing pink babygros and sleeping bags!

Lady hope you are feeling ok.

Can I ask something? I always go to sleep on my side, but when I wake up I am quite often on my back. They say not to lie on your back because it can squeeze the blood vessels.... this has got me worrying! If I fall asleep on my back can this reduce blood flow to the baby?

I'm ok, Getdown. Just quite pissed off and stressed. But bit powerless to actually do anything so will have to wait and see.

Bet you still have loads from last time, Nix. Am same as you, no nursery until we move. Have bought some stuff which has gone into loft and cleared a couple of drawers in my room to put washed clothes/bedding etc.

We were bad in the end and did buy new buggy. I took DS out in his Maclaren fairly recently (first time in ages because it was peeing down) and found it impossible to push one handed so was worrying about DS running out into road while I pushed baby. So we also got a Sola as has a single handlebar. So feel a bit guilty but think will be more practical - we can still use our old car seat on it and haven't gone for the carrycot option so saved money that way. And could have gone for an iCandy so really have saved loads of money, yes?

What's happening with your vendor Lady?
I think purchasing a Sola is perfectly justifiable, don't worry about it

I am actually very tempted by the Phil & Teds super light stroller but sadly my Maclaren, although knackered, is still functioning perfectly well. So think I will restrain myself for now.

They've bought their new house already but it needs a lot of work. So they want a few weeks between exchange and completion to do it. Therefore the earliest they want to move is about 9 days before my due date! And if I due have GD then there is a very good chance they will want to induce at 38 weeks. Of course they only mentioned this yesterday which I feel is very disingenuous of them.

Anyway, been far too me,me,me lately. How is everyone else? Swelling up like balloons? Or is that just me?

And buggy looks nice, GD. And very light too. See how you get on. Maybe the Maclaren could have a little "accident" whilst walking next to the canal

Getdown... i do the same. sleep on my side or attempt to then wake up on my back... albeit head on two pillows so not flat on back which i think its the problem....!! I think you are ok if you are propped up... maybe try a pillow behind your back as well as between knees...and/or propping yourself up on another pillow or two? I think its only flat on back thats an issue....

but yes it worries me too.....!!

LG Vendors are feckers not v helpful are they?!?! How inconsiderate... why cant they move out into rented? Can you threaten to pull out of the sale? Talking of selling... my neighbour ripped down our forsale sign yesterday as its on 'his land' TOSSPOT! We fell out last year... and never spoke again, over his sons music/noise/language etc... classy peeps these... around my MC so my head wasnt right either and i probably aggrovated it.
However in order to try and appease i have actually spoken to him...swallowed humble pie and apologised for my behaviour even though he didnt for his....didnt mean it of course....but hey ho...the air is clearer, i dont feel awkward now and hopefully we wont be here for too much longer.... We now have two signs up and neither are on 'is laaand' Cock

Im ok thanks Lady...not too swollen today, hands struggling to type... so thinking carpal tunnel is on its way again.. hope not!! Other than that, good, tons of wriggling and evenings watching belly wriggle around...somewhat disconcertingly. and i have had 3 days back to back working at home, so its been relaxing...although permanently trying to sort out crap!!
Hows everyone else?

It's gone very quiet in here...
Lady great to hear you caved and got yourself a Sola! Now do not feel guilty, just enjoy it
I don't suppose there's any chance you could tell both vendor and buyer to sod off, they have messed you around too much, you cannot be expected to move 9 days before you give birth, you are not going anywhere until 3 months after?! I suspect not, but just imagining the ranty conversation would be satisfying.

aargh nix bloody neighbours. Not much longer and you will be gone from there <<channels calm>>

GetDown I had similar issues with waking up on my back all the time, but have found putting a pillow lengthways in the bed seems to solve this. I either sleep on one side with it between my knees which seems to keep me still, or I turn over completely and it's against my back which means if I roll back onto my back I am propped at an angle. Hope that makes sense?

Well we have successfully procrastinated for a few days and suddenly the cot we want has come on sale and is £40 off! There is the lesson to never do anything proactively and straight away!

I meant to go to my antenatal class yesterday and completely missed it because it was rescheduled to the morning instead of the afternoon. I had been told this, but as with all things just now, I forgot. Quite pissed off about that, I was looking forward to going and meeting some folk. Ho hum. Next week!

I am now 11st5 and only 5lbs lighter than DH

Ah good I thought I had killed the thread lol

Ah good I thought I had killed the thread lol

I would kill to be 11 stone 5

I am 12 stone 10
Nearly died when I got on the scales

Well I am 13 stone 10, Nix. Weigh about 2 stone more than DP. Not good.

I was a size 10th pre-pregnancy by the way

sorry, not trying to make people feel bad. It's just I used to be between 9st10 and 10st3 so it was a bit of a shock. I am not getting back on the Wii! Denial is the way forward.

Crappy news today, I was searching the conception boards to see how battery is getting on. She had her 12 week scan yesterday which showed the baby had died in the last couple of days. In theory they are doing an ERPC today but she has been waiting all day . Gutted for her.

This time last year I weighed 9.5 stone, Spilt. I just gain a LOT of weight when pregnant. Goes again afterwards though, especially when I'm back running again. And not offended . Sounds like you're doing pretty well with weight gain though, which is good!

So sorry to hear about Battery. That is horrible, poor woman. My thoughts are with her .

We think we may have a new date for moving! Hopefully 4th July. Should be exchanging on Monday. Keep fingers crossed. I will be 37 weeks pregnant but could be worse I s'pose.

Ah spilt don't worry I too was a size ten Pre PGs ;(
Lady ah bless.. You must be taller ;) ;)

Battery chook poor lady ;( gutted for her ;(
I found out yest. That's a shitty shitty card to be dealt. Is that her third or fourth? Hopefully they will test
Digi also I read somewhere had a test result although don't remember, what.

Yey for the moving in date ;)

At this weight I ought to be about 6ft 6, Nix (am 5'8"). There is obviously dark matter in my uterus along with the baby (Nothing to do with the massive arse, ham arms and back fat I seem to have sprouted). Still, it's all for a good cause!

Pmsl
Can't sleep btw!
Ham arms??????
See I said you were tall

I have full frontal thigh cellulite, chafing, my arse is twice it's normal size and I used to have slender collar bones oh and cheek bones!!
I'm 5ft 7.5 and bordering on clinically obese I think!
Were obviously breeding robust big boned babies

Wouldn't mind but my diet has been fish and salad For the last 3 months lol

It's batterys third, but one of them was twins IIRC. digi got results back from her most recent loss and they found that she had had a little girl with triploidy (3 sets of chromosones). They said this is just totally bad luck, no increased chance of it happening again, and not age related.

Hurrah for your moving date Lady, fingers crossed they all manage to stick to it.

I am knackered, crap night of non sleeping. I need nappies or something, this repeated getting up for the loo is a pain in the arse. And I am looking forward to not HURTING all over!

Yes thats right re Digi. I wasnt sure what that was <Dig if you are lurking... <hugs> > Sheer shitty luck.... I knew battery had lost twins before. Totally gutting

YEs the non sleeping is getting me down also. Bladder kicks are seriously painful, but cannot seem to get comfy. Baby goes to sleep if i sleep on my right, if i sleep on the left like you are supposed to it kicks all night (bladder!!) Tis limbs (arms) down and across by hip bones at the min(legs), curled up like a snail, transverse. Must get onto spinning babies website. Thank god for hubs being home this weekend. Hes taken out DS for the morning to go and buy a new scooter that hes been saving up for ... off for a snooze i think. Been up since half four!

Just back up after a nap and feeling a bit better for it. Hope you get a few hours kip whilst they're out nix. I was starting to wonder about this left/right thing. I can sleep on my right more comfortably, but going onto my left makes me desperate for a wee again - which would make sense if that's where the bladder is and it's being sat on <<lightbulb moment>>

Mine tends to have hands one side of bump and feet the other so whichever side I lie on there are wriggles from below! I am convinced it is her head that is stuffed under my right ribs though, which I guess would mean bum in my pelvis or similar in a sort of frank or complete breech position. I'll see if the MW can work it out on Weds when I see her.

Boo to not sleeping well. DS has started getting into my bed again so about 3 or 4 he comes in. I don't mind really - just going to be very crowded in a few more weeks . I'm comfiest on my left which is just as well as is agony to try and turn over. Baby is head down but slightly oblique at the moment which I really don't want. I want a nice straightforward birthing position please. Going to spend the weekend on the ball!

Hugs to both Digi and Battery if either are lurking. It's all so unfair.

Yey woke up at 12;););)
First time I've done that for a while ;)))
Must have needed it!

Hooray for hubster ;)

Not sure where the bladder is spilt, but that's where the baby boots me;( !!

Hi all!

Have not really been checking, but weighed myself this morning and am now 9st 3. Was 8st before I got pregnant. Can't remember what I got up to with DD but by the end I was definitely well over 10.

I sympathise with all the disturbed nights. I seem to be yo-yo-ing between one terrible night followed by one good night, having been totally shattered. I actually didn't get up for a wee last night but was in agony when I woke up about 6:30!

I do still keep reverting to lying on my back even with big sausage pillow... hmmm, very annoying.

I've borrowed a ball from my friend though and am now sitting at the computer on it, as all normal chairs seem to knacker my back now.

So sorry to hear about battery that is so very sad

Hi ladies! Long time no speak lol.

Oh hell on the weight front. I was a size 12 at 10st7ish but I now weigh around 13 stone at 24+5!!

Woohoo to nix for the lie in! I was up at 10:30 today, that's my usual weekend time for now until little one arrives.

getdown I'm with you on the crap sleep, I keep waking up panicking I'm not in the right position!

ladyg 3 or 4! Does he just go strait to sleep? Hope so at that time lol!

split I have no idea where the bladder Is either lol!

Waves and hugs to everyone else xx

Well I went for a 4d scan today and. Have put some pics on my profile. He Is absolutely gorgeous!! Just thought I'd share with you

Pretty much, Iwish. But he's never really slept through at the age of 3 apart from the very, very occasional night so am used to being woken up. Not sure how will go on with two of them at it though

Lovely pictures - has he got loads of hair on his head already or is that just a shadow?

I'm not sure lady. It does look like he has lots of hair. I had loads when I was born so there's a good chance hehe. We got 108 pics on a DVD and 10 printed ones!

Maybe he will start to sleep through by the time bubba arrives
I have it all to come!

I am 14 st 2lbs I'm really annoyed with myself though as I was 13 st before I got pregnant (5ft 5, hefty size 14 and often 16 on top) which is the most I've ever weighed, EVER. I am about 10st 7lbs when I look my best (makes me a 10-12), but I'd had a shitty year and totally stopped taking care of myself. Now I feel absolutely huge and I know if I'd been looking after myself better before I got pregnant I wouldn't be in this state. I don't know how I'm ever going to lose it all. Am 26 weeks tomorrow so realistically I guess I could gain well over another stone. Which will make me so far into the obese category I might be stuck there for a long, long time.

Awful news about Battery and Digi Puts things in perspective.

Aw Pippa. I found last time round even though I'd gained loads of weight it had all pretty much gone and was wearing a size 10 by Christmas so by about 7 months or so. Without dieting - breastfeeding is especially good for helping to lose the weight.

Lady, DS only really slept through when i stopped BF and put him in a big bed. Never looked back since. He used to wake up for the boob and also for the comfort of it... wasnt helped by him being intolerant to cows milk so i didnt have much choice, I stopped at 2 yo and he drinks gallons of goats milk now

You lot make me feel better about my weight gain too.... glad its not just me.

I have a pain just above my bikini line. (inside) thought it was cos of constipation, but now am not so sure.... any thoughts?

Ball worked for me yest, and babynix seemed to shift, but is back now!!!

PS i BF for two years,,, and never seemed to lose any weight last time..... think its a myth

Nooo nickster don't say that, I am counting on it!

blame it on the chocolate then

My dsis still BF after 20m and shes still a bit of a porker <said affectionately of course>

Nix Sadly, DS is already in a big bed, and I stopped bf 6 months ago . He just likes sleeping with me <weak>

Just likes being wiht his mummy then....

Gorgeous scan pics Iwish, I especially like the second one down with his foot right up by his face! Little contortionist

pippa I hope you're feeling a bit happier today? FWIW I don't think weight gain in pregnancy is something we have all that much control over - your body seems to just do it's own thing really and some of us put on more than others. It has 9 months going on though, so surely a minimum of 9 months to come back off is more than reasonable (that's what I keep telling DH anyway... just to make sure he's not expecting any miracles at 6 weeks post partum!). And remember the weight consists of baby, placenta, amniotic fluid, general water retention, extra boob, extra blood etc so loads of stuff that is not fat.

I have had a shopping spree Bought sheets/blankets, towels, breastpads, newborn nappies (how dinky are they?! soooo so cute!) and then went into the nearly new baby shop we have in our town and got a bit carried away on baby clothes. Couldn't help it, they are silly prices, like 6 vests for £1.50. When DH gets home he is going to wonder how many babies I am planning to clothe! Also spotted they sell the baby sleeping bags for £4 each so I shall resist the lure of M&P's half price lovely dreampods.

Just over 31 weeks and counting...

Hope you are all doing ok today. Lady you must be nearly done with work now?

I agree, Iwish your 4D scan pictures are AMAZING! And you're right, he is so so gorgeous! I love the facial expressions!

Hi there spilt my M&P moses basket arrived, and am very pleased with it, so thanks for pointing me in the direction of a bargain! Only thing is, it is diff dimensions from the one we had for DD, so the fitted sheets we had don't fit, but i'm not too bothered, as I can use flat ones (also I got some new fitted ones from mothercare at the weekend and they were in the sale )

Nice to hear of your spending spree, it's so fun getting all the bits and pieces and laying them out to look at them. I've been fawning over my lovely new washable nappies They are all so soft and fluffy and lovely. I'm sure I won't feel this way in a few months when they are all poo-stained

Had MW appt this morning - all is good. BP 100/60 and wee fine. Heard little heartbeat which was lovely.

Got my first hypnobirthing session tonight!

Yep the stuff is all strewn across our bed for long admiration sessions! I have made up the moses basket with sheet, blanket, muslin under head and tucked a babygro in . I am becomming a sentimental loon.

Glad you're pleased with the Moses basket <<phew!>> and great that the appointment went well today. Must be your 28 weeker with all the bloods etc?

Good luck hypnobirthing, I would love to hear what you make of it when you get the chance.

I've also phoned some legal folk and we have an appointment in a couple of weeks to write our wills . Needs doing but not exactly a pleasant thought.

Thanks split I love that one too, DP says he gets that from me . I can could get my foot to my head.
Aww I bet you really enjoyed your shopping! Can't wait to go and do sone proper shopping. All we have bought him is a pack of sleep suits and one little outfit! Dps mum has bought the pram. Going getting the furniture this weekend tho. 31 weeks, not long till your little one is due!

Thanks getdown I'm so pleased with them and I just think he is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen <proud mummy emotion>
Glad your MW appt went well too, so lovely when you get to hear the heartbeat . And you have got a new excuse to go shopping for baby things now since you need new sheets hehe!
Enjoy your hypnobirthing class!

Hi to all you other lovelies!

When we went for the scan they estimated that my Likkle man weighs about 1.10lbs at the moment, bless him.

<note to sentimental loon> spilt watch out for your cat in the basket
I did that then the ruddy thing was fast asleep in it for the weeks running upto the birth..

Had to chase a rabbit round the lounge earlier..... at least this one was alive-alivo!!

Am i still in denial? I havent yet washed anything, done a thing for this poor new baby...time? will eventually when i stop work i should think....

wow those scan pics are incredible

Lol nix you will be doing your washing the day he/she is due . And what the hell were you doing chasing a rabbit around?
When do you finish work?

I have two cats I wish who are honing their rabbit murdering skills! ;(
I then had to chase it round the garden with 7kilocat hot on it's tail!!
Finish 8th July

Lady did you get your results today? Hope ok x

Results are today, Nix. Have to ring up after 10:30. Fingers crossed. We exchanged on the house yesterday though so we move two weeks yesterday. Pushing it...much?!

I spent hours scrubbing the baby car seat the other day - came up like new. Until the frigging hairy cat decided to spend the day sleeping in it whilst I was at work . Mine seem to have pretty much stopped hunting now though which is a good thing (they used to bring pigeons in!). But we are moving to a house near fields so we will see how long that lasts for.

I love cloth nappies, Getdown. Need to try and get mine to come up nice and white. Not sure they will go very fluffy again. Waiting for a really sunny day so I can try and sun bleach them a bit.

Awww the poor rabbit. Looks like you have a lot of running around to do. Roll on 7th July for you them . I don't finish till 2nd September

Can't be bothered going to work today! I'm so flipping tired, might have to put my head on my desk and sleep when I get to work.

That'll teach me not to refresh!
lady keeping my fingers crossed for your results today. Let us know how you get on.
2weeks yesterday! Yeh pushing it just a little lol!

There is no better feeling in the WORLD than your baby having a good old squirm after you've worked yourself up into a right state because you've not noticed much movement for a bit (even when you know that's their normal sleep time!) Feeling all emotional now.

Hoping your results are good Lady.

GetDown how did the hypnobirthing go last night?

I was a bit at nix's rabbit catching cats until I saw 7 kilo cat!! That's some tiger you have there! I was thinking surely mine couldn't get a rabbit - but then they are only 3.5 kilos little animals so might explain why they stick to rats/mice/birds! Though I saw Petal have a go at a pigeon once - caught a tailfeather, the pigeon escaped.

Big spider in the laundry this morning <<ugh, shudder>> which I had to hoover up. The hoover is now parked outside awaiting DH's return. Vile hideous things. Spiders and the opening of new jam jars are two reasons why I knew I could never live alone.

Tomorrow we are getting a new stair carpet!! (No carpet since about August last year...) I am very happy at the prospect of no more impaling my ankle on the gripper rods on the back of the top stair.

Hope your results were ok Lady? Iwish I love those pics! I have always thought 4D scans looked a little freaky and alien-like but that's so not the case in yours. Hm, now am tempted!

Is anyone else having trouble sleeping? Last night I finished work at 11.45, reckon I dropped off at about 12.30, woke up for the loo at 3.30 and then spent the rest of the night trying not to cry with frustration that I couldn't get back to sleep despite being exhausted! Am SO tired today but have to keep going - work till 11ish tonight, whole day tomorrow, early start for glucose testing on Thursday followed immediately by interviews for my assistant, which the school cleverly scheduled for the one morning I told them I couldn't do due to the hospital appointment . Come Thursday evening I will be ready to collapse for a week! Hope everyone else is faring better.

Spilt - DH says I sound like I'm being murdered when I scream about spiders . I am such a girl.

I failed my test . Was only just above the cut off but was above the cut off. Have impaired function but they treat you same as if you had full blown Diabetes. Still waiting for the Diabetic nurse to phone me back to see where we go from here...

Good luck for your test, Pip.

Exciting on the carpet, Spilt. Can you not set your cats on the spiders? That's what I do.

oh crap Lady I am sorry. I know pretty much nothing about GD so can't make any intelligent comment, but it must be horrible to hear that. I hope the nurse can help with some clear info and let you know what it might mean for you. Let us know how you get on.

pippa fingers crossed for your test - how irritating that you have to hot foor it back afterwards to host interviews. It sounds like they're working you very hard, I'm not surprised you're exhausted. If it all gets too much remember you can go and see your GP and talk about a fit note to reduce your hours/introduce more breaks. Your's and the baby's health are more important than inconveniencing work.
Sleep wise the trouble I have is sleeping comfortably (just can't!) and constant weeing/thirst - I don't have a problem getting to sleep so can't really help there. Hope it's a short lived phase.

Sadly Lady my cats are totally useless on spiders. They watch with interest, then look at me as if to say "so?" and wander off. Our previous cat (now RIP under the cherry tree) was actually scared of them and used to recoil in horror at the sight of a spider!

Sorry guys, I'm so rubbish at keeping up with you all!

Lady, sorry to hear about your test. I don't know anything about it really but being only just above the cut off sounds as if it might be easier to manage and keep under control? Fingers crossed.

Fab photos iwish, they have made me tempted to have a 4D scan. Hmmm.

I'm jealous of all your shopping, I can't wait to go and have a big splurge on baby stuff! I've got a week off in a couple of weeks so we're going to do some decorating and shopping then. I don't finish work until 30 September by which time most of you will have popped!

How was hypnobirthing getdown? I've got the book but haven't got round to reading it yet.

Good luck for your test on Thursday Pippa. I was having trouble sleeping due to being uncomfortable but now I've got one of those fancy pillows and so far so good.

spilt I know exactly what you mean about squirmy babies! Mine has been fairly quiet the last couple of days and it was playing on my mind but today she is clearly having a party in there!

That is a big cat nix! Our cat is 4 kilos and I think she would be too frightened of a rabbit thankfully.

Posting from a very hot Orlando - it's 95 degrees today!

Off to visit Disneys Animal Kingdom today - I may melt.
But having fun, despite DD's wingeing.

lady sorry your result is marginal. I'm a bit of a militant so ignore if this isn't your style, but as you are so close to due date you should be able to manage things with diet and there should be no reason why you can't have a homebirth. As long as your glucose levels stay normalish, your baby should be absolutely fine.
Hope things work out ok.

Hello to everyone else!

I love spiders - they are welcome in my house so they eat all the bugs. But I've seen some scary ones out here - we've got our own pool and there are some clear/hairy ones around the side which float! Luckily they aren't aggressive!

You are a brave lady MrsA facing that heat whilst pregnant! Glad you're enjoying it, but gah... clear floating spiders in the pool is my idea of hell
Have fun at Disney

Hi all! hypnobirthing last night went well thanks. Was mainly just going through my previous birth story (which took over an hour ) and about "releasing fears" re. this birth. She did a relaxation with DH and I at the end, where she read out a script - DH nearly fell asleep

Due to holidays and things don't have next session till 13th July, but got the CD now so will be doing my practising in the meantime!

Sorry about your result Lady hope you can still have your homebirth. Glad to hear you have exchanged and things are moving on house-wise.

I don't think I can still have a homebirth. Having read around the implications for baby and for me I don't really want to take any chances. I think if they offer me induction at 38 weeks I will take it due to the increased risk of shoulder dystocia and stillbirth. I know it's not a hugely increased risk but I think given the size of baby now and my other health issues I am going to be guided by the Consultant on this. I'm still doing my Hypnobirthing CD's etc and hoping that will see me through.

Hey, maybe with no. 3 it will work out?

Lady

Oh Lady . What's your hospital like? IIRC correctly your DS was born there after a transfer wasn't he? What was the care like? I've ordered the natal hypnotherapy CD so will be giving that a go shortly. I can understand your wish to not take chances - I feel very risk averse too. It's a vulnerable time.

Glad your course went well GetDown. Sounds like it worked well on your DH!

I had a MW check up this morning which showed things are still going well and baby spilt is head down! (for now...) Hope she stays there. I talked to my MW a bit about what a neurotic anxious loon I am and how the antenatal thing was quite tough the other week and was nearly in tears again. It's so much easier to talk online than in person, I can't seem to articulate very much before I cry. And I hate that so I clam up to stop it happening.

We talked a bit more about place of birth. She's looked up the NICE guidelines for me and apparently they say that a well-controlled thyroid issue shouldn't prevent delivery in a MLU, but an uncontrolled one is an indicator that you should be in a consultant led delivery suite, which seems fair enough. So in my case she thinks I am suitable for the MLU, in agreement with the fetal medicine consultant. However my obstetric consultant was very adament that CL was the way to go. I asked my MW what happened if he sticks to that (I see him again at 36 weeks) - what would happen if I turned up at the MLU in labour against his advice? Her opinion was that at the hospital they would be strongly guided by the consultant and would send me down to the consultant ward. However she did say that the small standalone MLU (not in the city hospital, about 20 mins away) takes a different view and would go through a pros and cons kind of detailed birth plan based on each individual case. As a community MW she works there (and also does HBs) and would be happy to accept me there.
So she asked me to think about what I would rather do if faced with the option of CL at main hospital or standalone MLU in the community (if we do find the hospital birth unit closed to me due to consultant recommendations). Hmm not sure. My gut says just go to hospital and save the need for a transfer etc, be in the place with the paeds too, but a big part of me also says why give up on a low key water birth just yet? I am scared of being restricted to the bed, or having CFM pushed on me, and scared of the infamous cascade of intervention. I want to try for an active, minimal drugs, vaginal birth and I don't want to be in a place that could jepoardise that.
Argh.
Will look up the NICE guidelines myself I think in prep for my 36 week appointment. I don't want a battle, but it would be really nice if he could support my wish to be in the birth unit and then I'd feel a bit less forced into a tough decision.

Apologies for the length... thinking aloud and trying to clear things in my head a bit.

Hi everyone,

Tis me again, the boomerang chatter who appears to only be able to find the revolving door to this place!

Can I join you (again)? Am in shock and am supposed to be working but of course cannot concentrate a dot. I got a BFP about a month ago, was worried about joining the thread straight away since the last 2 times I did I got booted by off my early m/cs. This time I have managed to get to 8weeks+3 and have just had my booking in appt with the midwife and coincidently my 8week scan today.

Only found out it is bloomin twins! I am soooo shocked/ excited/ happy/ scared all at once. DH can't stop saying 'twins!' and he is wandering around like a loon not knowing where to put himself. I am looking at a scan pic of 2 healthy beans both with strong heartbeats measuring exactly the same size and perfect for their dates.

OMG!

You guys are all so far along now, hope I won't be on my own chatting to myself towards the end. I will have a good read back through the thread and catch up on everyones news.

XXXXXXXXX

OMFG!!!!! That's so exciting!!! Congratulations, Raven . So lovely tos ee you back here. And twins!!!

Oh wow!! raven double congratulations, how very very exciting! I am thrilled for you, and fantastic that you've already had a scan too. I can't imagine how your head must be spinning after finding out there's two in there!

Lovely news.

So are they sharing a sac and placenta or not? Ooh that has made my day

And I have new carpet. It is beeeautiful

<stiiiill not doing any work>

Thanks lady and spilt!

I am trying not to worry about all the higher risks etc and just have to believe this will end well at this stage. Good news is it is the 'safest' type, they are non-identifcal and each have their own sac and placenta - independent little beans!

Glad you love your new carpet spilt!

I expect work will forgive you! Have you told them? Aaw I wonder if they even realise yet that they are sharing your womb with someone else?! I guess later they must kick each other as well as you. Some entertainment to look forward too

<<carpet so very bouncy!>>

WOW raven I am so so so so so pleased for you That is fantastic news! Of course you are so welcome back here, we are all at different stages it doesn't matter at all.

Big hugs. xxx

Hellooooo raven! That is such amazing news, congratulations! I am sitting here with an enormous grin on my face.

I'm really puzzled by why your consultant would say that, Spilt. I've been under two different Consultants in two different hospitals in two different regions in two different pregnancies and they both were fine to release me to MW led care after 34 weeks providing thyroid levels were under control, baby was a good size and I consented to a managed third stage. I think worth pushing them as to why. A well controlled thyroid carries no additional risk AFAIK. Or are they concerned because of the Toxoplasmosis? i hope you get the result you want in any case.

Saw the Diabetes nurse today and have been given my blood glucose monitor and shown how to do it all. So today is the first day of my Diabetic life - and I really hope is just temporary as seems like a huge faff! Have to test bloods first thing in am, last thing at night and pre and post every meal. So far I have "failed" at every meal. So I'd better get better at knowing what foods keep my blood sugar low else I'll be on insulin. See the Consultants next week so should know more about plans for delivery.

And finished work today .

pippa I'm having trouble sleeping too! Feel like I'm awake most of the night peeing or trying to get comfy!
Hope your test goes ok.

lady sorry you failed your test . Woohoo that you have finished work tho!

Double congrats raven that's fab news!! Bet you are v v happy.

mrsp the scan was definitly worth it. It was amazing to see my lovely little boy in there. Hope you are feeling ok and glad you have a v wriggly baby.

mrsa hope you are enjoying your holiday!

split hope you like your new carpet lol. And I'll keep my fingers crossed that they let you have they type of birth and in whichever place you want.

getdown glad you enjoyed your class, get that cd out and get practicing till your next session hehe.

I had my 25 week check up with MW yesterday. Went ok apart from bp was up a bit but it went back to normal by the end of the appt. Also got a prescription for gaviscon, phew!
Can't be bothered going to work today, too tired!

Waves to anyone I've missed xx

I'm equally baffled Lady - knowing your experience was partly why I was so flumoxed when he first said that. Don't worry I shall be pushing to sort this out next time! The toxo is the reason they want me in the hospital, the thyroxine is the reason he said CLU.

How are you feeling today? Esp about the new blood testing, GD and stopping work - that's a lot to deal with all at once. And moving house in less than a fortnight you poor thing. Please do come and use this as a rant space if you need it!

Glad things are going well Iwish.

I've just started reading another book: Active Birth which so far I would recommend. Lots of diagrams of your pelvis and different positions and things to help explain why not lying down is so beneficial. As a sciency person I like to understand why and like to see all the bone pictures etc. It has an 11 point section of reasons why squatting/kneeling/standing helps which I shall be making DH read so he understands and supports me in it

raven are you still in shock?!

I'm ok, Spilt, thanks. Have done my menu planning and been supermarket shopping so going to give the diet a crack. Haven't heard from the Dietician yet so cobbled together own plan based on internet research and using low GI foods. So far I have discovered that I can't eat noodles or Branflakes as has sent my blood sugar too high! But houmous and wholemeal pitta and veggies for lunch was fine.

It's just a lot to take in. I was feeling pretty depressed last night to be honest but more positive today. Didn't help the tax credits people sent a demand for £450 for overpayments yesterday and DS's Dad decided to tell me that he thinks he should be paying less money as DS will not be going to nursery so much . FFS, he's supposed to be paying for maintenance of his son. Anyway, off topic but made me cross.

But feeling more positive today anyway.

Glad you're ok, Iwish and things going well.

Hello everyone. I have been lurking and thank you for all your messages and thoughts. We are going to try again but obviously I need to get back to myself again. I am still spotting a bit, but will start charting again soon. I hope I can join you all again soon properly xx

Lovely to see you, Battery. I just wish it was under happier circumstances. I hope it's not too long until you get to join us again xxx

WOW Raven OMG huge double trouble congratulations honey xx welcome back xxx

Bet that was a shocker

Chook.. good to see you petal x Much love and the best of luck for charting again x

Lady really hope you are able to get the GD under control food wise and am sure its only temporary!

Hope everyone else is fab... having a weekend with hubs and feet are up. Shattered as not sleeping great either...cannot believe i am nearly 34 weeks on sunday. Fuck! how did that happen? Hope you are all fab xx

I second everything Nickster said above me , particularly the congrats to Raven and the best of luck for Battery (But not the 34 weeks bit - a way to go for me.) Had my glucose test yesterday and am ok. Lady did they give you much info when you were being tested about diet etc? I was a bit shocked they didn't give any of that stuff out to me and the other ladies being tested - you'd have thought they'd want everyone to start being careful immediately.

Am shattered today but it's an exeat, so I have a weekend! Wonderful, blessed opportunity to do nothing. (And catch up on chores .) Ordered an organised mum diary the other day in an attempt to become a domestic goddess before the baby's born - here's hoping!

Well I asked about it and they just told me to avoid sugary stuff. Spoke to the Dietitician today and didn't really tell me a fat lot more. Brilliant that you are clear though, Pippa. Will they retest later at all or are you home free on that score?

Have now discovered that can't eat either Branflakes or Porridge for breakfast . I love my morning cereal. Eggs tomorrow. However last nights tea (Steak, Chickpea and tomato sald with harissa yoghurt dressing and sweet potato wedges kept blood sugars right down and was yummy to boot).

Thanks for the welcome back and the congrats. Still in shock! Told my folks and the PILs and our siblings. That is all the people we are telling at this stage. Want to leave it as late as poss to tell work, untelling after my 17 week loss was horrendous. Did it on the phone as they all live a bit away. My mum was all pleased and excitied and asked how far along I was and very cautious since this is my fourth pregnancy accouncement to her but when I said it was twins she went into orbit. Couldn't speak and burst out crying so had to throw the phone at my dad who got all the details, before asking "you weren't on fertility drugs or anything... were you?" . SIL was even less subtle "did you have IVF??" So I expect we will get this alot if our closest family think this!

I keep having to remind myself though that I have had an 8 week scan and not a 12 weeks scan and sooooo not out of the woods yet. Keeping everything crossed that they are both healthy and well.

Lady sorry to hear about the diabeties and that it is getting you down. Fingers crossed that it doesn't last beyond the pregnancy and you can find get your DP to cook you lots more lovely meals like last nights tea.

Battery I remember you from Charters Anon and wanted to say so sorry to hear about the m/c. Mother nature can be a bitch sometimes.

Back from hols - tired and tanned!!

Raven that is awesome news, healthy beans are like buses huh ;) Will this be your first babies?

Battery sorry for your loss - <<hugs>> for you and I hope you get a healthy bean soon. xxx

Lady so sorry you can't have your HB, that is a bummer. I am hoping for one and although hospital births are ok (having had one) I know how much it can throw you off track when things don't go according to plan. I hope in the end everything goes so well you won't even remember you wanted one!

Hello everyone else!!

Feeling lots of kicks from Poppy now so very exciting. 20 week scan on Monday, can't wait!

Good luck for the scan Terrys x will you find out?

Spilt how are you lovely? all ok i hope?!

Lady, are you being spoilt by DP/DH cooking for you and hoping you are keeping sugars under control with food alone.. am sure it will be temp xx 36 weeks now, what have they said about early induction? could babygaga be here next week?

i think MrsA is on holiday isnt she at the min?

Hope everyone else is ok... i am exhausted and particularly pushed to the limits by a defiant 3yo and his recent behaviour plus being exhausted and alone most of the time. Work has been incredibly shit and stressy, i have offered to do one extra week and leave on 8th July (cos i am stupid!) at 36 weeks then me and DS are heading down south for a week or so before i get too big to travel and need to be at home. That will give me precisely 2 weeks to get all the baby stuff washed/bought/organised... not cutting it fine or anything am i?!? lol Names still evade me and i am getting desparate now..!! Boys particularly. lots i like just not enough to name the baby !! Have told DH tonight is the night, we need to agree!!!

Baby now feels so low down i can hardly pee, and getting some up top kicking so maybe its gone head down..? Feels very heavy and fanjo is aching, keep thinking waters are going to pop any min, but they never do lol

Hope all ok, feet are up and everyone are bouncing away xx xxx see soonxxxx

Not sure about early induction, Nix. The NICE guidelines say you should be offered an induction at 38 weeks. The Diabetes nurse I saw say they play it by ear but won't let you go over full term. Think will depend on how well I control blood sugars and how big the baby is getting. I see the consultant on weds so should know more then... To be quite honest I have really had enough this time round - with SPD and now GD I sort of feel like if it has to be a hospital birth anyway then might as well get it over and done with and know baby is safe and well.

But...we move house a week on Monday at 37 weeks so really need to do that first. And say a week to unpack - making 38 weeks .

Sounds like you might go a bit early, Nix if baby is so low? What happened with your first?

Welcome back from hols, Terrys - where did you go? Lovely to be getting lots of kicks.

Lady please tell me you have paid a firm to pack and unpack for you?? Amazing to think it could only be 2-3 weeks before your little one makes an appearance!

Nice to see you back terrys. Hope you are feeling well and good luck for Monday

battery lovely to see you. So very very sorry about your baby. It's not at all fair.

Thanks nix I'm doing ok. We went out for lunch today (and if anyone's ever in Gloucestershire looking for amazingly lovely food I recommend it here!) and tiddler has been very enthusiastically kicking away since she got fed sea bass and then strawberry and white chocolate mousse with dark choc orange ganache and strawberries <<salivates at memory>> I think I am brewing a food connosseuir!

Personal question. Has anyone considered/started perineal massage? It seems like a good idea but I can't quite seem to get round to it. A bit embarrassed quite honestly, even when in the house alone This is from the girl who was fine about checking her cervix at work when ttc.

I was googling pictures of babies born at 32 weeks today and it's amazing to think I have a baby that looks like those tucked up inside me. Like a real baby, if that doesn't sound too completely stupid. She should be heading for 4lbs now.

We have a firm packing and moving, Spilt but not unpacking. I am enlisting family to help though! I do that too - Google preemie babies to see what mine would look like on the outside. Although mine is now bigger than many full term babies!

I've started a bit of perineal massage - but I keep forgetting to do it regularly enough. I'm sure you won't be embarrassed once you get going. And it's not that pleasant, the aim is to stretch until it stings a little bit.

My natal hypnotherapy CD has arrived and I am that it says on it "DO NOT listen to this CD whilst driving/operating heavy machinery"!

Right I will stop being daft and start the massage. On Monday. When DH has gone to work. As he would take the piss.

Perineal massage is one of those things that I just can't get my head around. I know it's my body, I know it's sensible, I know there's nothing awful about it but...it makes me squirm like the thought of a smear. (Which I must get round to post labour )

hi there. I've got terrible back ache so finding it hard to sit at the computer for any period of time. Frustrating... the only comfortable position seems to be standing up

Haven't done any perineal massage yet either, and TBH with DD I never did as I found the idea too grim to contemplate. But my hideous tear last time has convinced me I need to give it a go - it's got to be better than tearing and surgery and stitches, hasn't it. But ick.

spilt funny you say that about the CD and "do not listen whilst driving and operating heavy machinery"... was thinking, better not have mine on in the car on the way to the hospital as don't want DH to nod off at the wheel! Going to have to transfer it to my ipod I think. Am also thinking of using an eye mask in the car to block out the horrible journey as much as possible.

We are off on holiday next Saturday - can't wait.

Lady hope you are doing ok and stuff for the move is coming together. Glad to hear you've got a firm to do the packing up for you - that is the worst bit IMO.

Well I wondered what you all meant by perineal massage... I googled it and now I feel slightly erm freaked out. I would love to try it but found myself pulling some rather wierd faces and cringing while reading. DP asked what I was looking at and I daren't tell him.

Sorry you have such awful back ache getdown. Get your DH to give you a massage.

Welcome back terrys hope you had a lovely time. Will u find out the sex at your scan?

Waves to everyone else. Hope you are all ok?

Well this weekend we have ordered the cot, wardrobe, drawers, Moses basket and stand, swing, blanket and canvas paintings! Skint now lol. Good job my mum and my nan have paid for some of it.
Have also been in quite a lot of pain this week. The bones between my legs and what feels like my pelvis low down at the front is really hurting when I walk/move. I'm ok when I'm sitting or laying down and not moving!

Come on girls - remember all the cringy rummaging we had to do when we were TTC!!! It's not that bad. Although I am lazy at remembering to do it. And is not the sort of thing you want your toddler to catch you doing

Iwish see if you can find a Chiropractor. I've been seeing one for SPD and she's fab. It's still there but has kept me relatively mobile.

Anyone else hating this weather? 36 weeks pregnant and 30 degrees is NOT fun!

HATING the heat!!! Fan tooooo small!
Attempted to prune lady garden tonight.... Ha ha couldn't find it!! Nor reach it!! What hope do I have of massaging it??!?

Hideous acidic indigestion..

Just popping by to say - hot? You think it's hot? Ha. We spent the day at a disney water park (which was ace btw) and it was 97 degrees! ;))) (only kidding though)

And pereneal massage - I couldn't reach my bits last pregnancy so DP did it for me (what a star). Only up/down side was we ended up shagging at every attempt! Oops.

6 days left. Loving the holiday but exhausted. Will need a rest when I get back!

I think that's what puts me off MrsA, DH's saucy grin and "I'll help you with that"... no you fecking won't I know what you are angling after!!

Ooh where are you off to GetDown?

Yes, the heat is driving me nuts. I am hanging around in PJ bottoms (jeans too hot and have no other maternity arse coverings) so trapped inside. Stifling, still, sticky. Ugh. Woke drenched in sweat and parched. Revolting. I take back all my complaints about the unseasonal cold and rain last week, come back!!

And I have eaten all the ice cream Why do such things run out when they are most needed??

Blimey Iwish I bet your credit card is feeling overworked Sounds lovely.

MrsA I take my hat off to you over there in Florida. Well done. I hope you are well supplied with icelollies and fans.

LOL spilt! I feel like i am about to pass out. Working in an air conditioned hotel today (still bloody hideous), on a 2 day conference tomorrow and i just know its going to be VILE! Cant go braless at work either

In addtion i have started with acidic indigestion that makes me want to vomit... its awful! Never had it before...

Bring back the rain all is forgiven

Mmmm... shagging and raunchiness during pregnancy..... NOPE does not compute!

Aw Nix - when are you stopping work? This is so mcuh more bearable being at home. Our office isn't air conditioned and is a horrible sweat pit in summer so am sooo glad am not there today!

MrsA it's not far off those temps here at the moment. I may countenance a shag after we have moved house and I am trying to get baby out to avoid the early induction. But that is it!

YY to the heat <-- this is the colour of my face right now.

I have just hoovered and mopped the entire downstairs (all laminate). Was nearly in tears earlier as am starting to feel the nesting craziness instinct early this time and got so upset that our entire house just feels like it is dirty and full of CRAP

Why oh why did I choose to do it on the hottest day of the year so far though.... <nearly passes out>

Blimey GetDown that is very industrious of you. I have waddled into town to get inhalers and tomatoes and had to have a sit down on the bench at the end of my road
Got home and peeled my clothes off. I feel disgusting and am almost contemplating running a cold bath to sit in.

The nesting instinct is cruel isn't it? Total dissatisfaction with your home just when you are too tired/huge/achy/inflexible to do a great deal about it. There are still feathers on the kitchen floor from the bird that came in on Thursday. It's just too far down! but they are annoying me greatly.

I'm quite enjoying nesting - think it's kicked in early for me! I discovered an amazing contraption in Lakeland the other day which is basically an industrial sized electrical toothbrush (no raised eyebrows like my filthy minded DH please!) that you use to clean grouting - makes it sparkle!! Getdown you've made me think about mopping the kitchen floor...quite tempting in this heat, as long as the shower's ready for immediately afterwards!

It is much nicer today! This sort of temperature will be fine please, weather gods, please keep it mild!

For the perineal massage virgins amongst us, I found this site which gives a bit of a guide as to how to do it. Day 2 is much better I can report! I upset myself yesterday when I tried it, couldn't find a position that was very feasible, then realised to my horror just How Small that hole is and how thick, strong and un-stretchy my perineum seems to be. Got into a bit of a tizz and had to have a calming half hour with the natal hypnotherapy CD
Today much easier, possibly because I had such low expectations (!) but I found kneeling on a pillow was a good way to try, and listen to some soothing music and try to forget what you are actually doing so you don't stress about it!

Also, cut your nails...

This is nearly as horribly TMI as the conception threads really isn't it?!

Hope you're all ok today. Lady you are so nearly full term, just a matter of days now, amazing how that has crept up!

terrys how was your scan yesterday? Fingers crossed you've had good news x

thanks for the link spilt - it says 4-6 weeks before your due date, so I'm going to use that excuse to not bother just yet

It's much cooler isn't it? Just got drenched walking to the hospital for my 28 week blood test! Very dramatic weather out there. Had a complete stranger at the hospital ask me how many weeks I was, and then gasp saying "you can't be, you're HUGE" Gee, thanks.

Got to pick up DD from pre-school in a minute and not liking the thought of having to dash out again in the pouring rain!

Can't believe Lady is so very nearly at due date! I remember the BFP! Amazing!

Hehe GetDown. When I went for my 28 week scan at the hospital the receptionist said "is it early pregnancy?" I think not!

Just been to Sainsburys for ice cream supplies and spotted that they have all baby wipes, nappy bags, cotton wool, sudocrem etc on half price so got a few bits (thought I'd let you know in case anyone else wants to stock up!).

They also had all the baby baths/shampoos/oils/lotions etc on half price... I was planning on just using water and ignoring all those products. Is that neglectful or sensible?

Made a carrot cake today. Yum

Worth getting some baby bath for when they are out of the newborn sensitive skin thing. Makes them smell amazing. But personal choice. I did use lotion on DS as well as he was quite peely after he was born.

Very on the carrot cake. Can't wait until baby is out and I can indulge again.

26 days until due date!

I have no ankles. Everything is swollen. Ugh.

Poor you pippa - I had that on Monday when it was so hot. Need to put your feet up!!

spilt good tip re. half price items. I am finding Tesco online seem to do things a lot cheaper than other places e.g. am looking at the widgey support pillow as the one I had with DD is far too soft... it's much cheaper here than anywhere else I can find. Re. products on baby - I think just plain old water is fine and probably for the best on a new born, but I found after a few months DD's hair did start to smell a little so I just used a little bit of the yellow Johnson's baby shampoo. Also, now we use some johnson's sleep time purple bath stuff, and it smells really nice.

So today is my MC due date Feeling ok. Just a bit reflective I suppose. My friend that got pregnant at the same time is due any day now which I guess makes it feel harder... weird to think I could have a baby in my arms right now. Ah well, I am happy that this one is on the way!

pippa mine are the same! Both ankles and feet are all fat and swollen!

split my credit card is poorly now after all the spending and has gone to the credit card hospital for a while lol. And so about the carrot cake and ice-cream!! I want some!

ladyg I'm going to book an appt with my docs this week (well I'm trying to) and hopefully he will confirm/rule it out and I can't get it sorted out because the pain is driving mr crazy. Feel like an old woman just getting out of bed for a wee!
Can't believe it's only 26 days till your due date! That has cone round so fast! Are you feeling ready?

nix I've been getting the acid thing quite a lot, IRS awful isnt it! I got a massive bottle of gaviscon on prescription the other week so I'm stocked up for now

getdown you are mad doing on that in thus hot weather lol!! All I want to o is Gide away and sleep - preferably in a fridge!!

Waves to everyone else.

My friend had her baby yesterday. We started ttc at the same time. I WANT OCTOBER TO BE HERE NOW!!
Sorry for that little outburst

Sorry getdown took me so long to post I hadn't refreshed. Hope you are feeling ok about mc due date
((hugs)) from me xx

It is a sad day, Getdown - bittersweet as well knowing you have the little one in your belly. Thinking of you.

Iwish I will be moving house on Monday, unpacking then proceeding directly to "get this baby out of me" mode.

Had a completely shit consultants appt today. Am rapidly losing faith in my care team.

Lol lady! so you will be a curry eating sex mad woman next week then
What happened at your consultant appt?

GetDown It's a weird day isn't it? Lots of the feelings are hard to explain because they aren't very logical, but very real nonetheless. Take care of yourself x

Lady sorry it was a crap appointment. What happened?

pippa that sounds uncomfortable! Cool bath?

Iwish I would share my cake very happily but hard to do so via the net!

Poor everyone. You all sound hot, fed up and uncomfortable. 9 months is a long, long time.

I've started some of the yoga exercises from my Active Birth book. The trouble is, what with yoga, perineal massage, natal hypnotherapy, having a shower, it takes me until about 11.30 to be dressed! The luxury of having time on my hands and no toddlers, I do appreciate it. I realise I may be being a little obsessive on the birth preparation, but I'm taking a "if it can't hurt and might help..." approach, then it's worth a shot.

Thanks Iwish and Lady ... it is a weird mix of emotions isn't it. Don't think I will say anything to DH, I don't think he has remembered.

Lady - moving on monday! Woo-hoo! Bet you can't wait to get your bigger place and start getting sorted out. I really hope it's a dry but pleasantly cool day for you and that you can stay in a calm, zen-like state all day, whilst everyone else does the stressing. Is there any way you can go off for the day and chill, and leave the rest to DP / the movers? Seriously, it is not worth the stress. Two of my NCT friends went into labour early because of moving house!! Sorry to hear about your rubbish consultant appt - what did they say???

Iwish had to smile at your credit card going into intensive care!! I know what you mean, I am dangerous at the moment with the spending. And really I have no excuse because we should in theory have EVERYTHING we need because we have been through it all before.... but oh no, there is always something else you really neeeed when you've got a baby coming!

Sorry cross post with spilt xxx

Getdown - I'm sorry It's a strange time - odd that if the first pregnancy had worked this one wouldn't have happened. But comforting a bit I think? It makes this one all the more precious (for me anyway). Hope you're able to have a quiet day.

Lol split. I'll have a virtual piece of cake. I bet it take you forever to get ready doing all that in a morning!! I feel like it's a task having a shower and straitening my hair!

Hehe getdown it's so hard to stop yourself buying. Everything I see I want to buy for him. I keep telling my dp that I need everything. Which I suppose we do since it's bubba number 1
Do you have a feeling what sex your little one is?

(I forgot the obligatory 1 hour faff on MN each morning too!)

It's a weird one pippa. I know other people find that thought comforting but I never have. Just even more confusing. And upsetting that Bobbie had to die for her sister to be born. I try not to think like that, it's a different path. We've tried to carry on and make the best of the lives we have without her, and yes, that's included extending our family, but not ever with the thought that this baby is a replacement or a consolation for losing her. The grief hasn't gone away. I miss my daughter and my heart is broken. No other baby can change that for me.

I guess that's what I meant when I said to GetDown that the due date is so weird and the feelings so hard to explain. None of it makes any bloody sense at all.

Bastard infection

I'm so sorry spilt - I didn't mean to be insensitive. I do know what you mean - I don't see this baby as a replacement at all. 'A different path' is a good way of thinking about it. What I mean by comforting is that this baby's existence at all is comforting, not that it negates the sadness. Not explaining myself very well - but I don't want you to think I was being callous, I'm really sorry if it came across like that.

Well hospital appt was pretty useless and ended up in angry floods of tears after it. (But not during, why do I meekly nod and agree and then rage about it afterwards). Basically they found Ketones in my urine so they think am not eating enough. So I have to eat more and then if blood sugars are too high when they think am eating enough then they will put me on insulin. I think I AM eating enough although could snack more and have more protein at breakfast.

So I asked about birth plan (seeing as MrG took this morning off work to attend so we could all discuss it) and she says she wants to see me again at 38+3 weeks and won't discuss it until then as depends whether am on insulin or not. Afterwards I thought this leaves me with no plan at all if i go into labour before that point.

They haven't done another growth scan, weren't even going to measure me until I asked - and then they came up with two cm smaller than 2 weeks ago FFS. I said to the MW that can't be right and she said "Oh, it's just because I had the tape measure tight, here let's measure you as 38" . What's the fucking point. Asked about growth scan, she says "Oh we don't worry about that as baby not small". So I ask about Macrosomia and how that will be monitored and THEN she writes scan at 38 weeks on my notes. I am not reassured that they have a clue what they are doing or actually give a shit or want to enter into any kind of dialogue with me about my treatment. And they are considering putting me on what seems to be be a highly interventive form of treatment for what seems to be quite a minor problem. Like they wants to crack a nut with a sledgehammer and bugger the consequences. I am so close to telling them all to fuck off and stay at home until my baby comes. Am probably stupidly hormonal but just feel really upset at the moment, like I have no control over what is happening and they won't even discuss anything with me.

Sorry this so long and me, me, me! I am just not feeling very reassured by their competence.

Ah don't be daft pippa, you didn't sound callous at all. You were explaining how you think about your babies. We all have different ways of processing these things. Sorry, I didn't mean to sound like I was in a miff

Lady that sounds horrible I can see just what you mean - for 4 weeks more, starting insulin, getting the dose stable etc seems like it's barely going to have a chance to have any effect, and your results were only borderline weren't they? It sounds like you are just being "processed" and it's horrible to be made to feel like a patient when you aren't.

I can relate to feeling twitchy about the lack of a birth plan - I hate that I'm waiting until 36 weeks to get Mr Consultant's verdict on where in the hospital they will accept me. It's uncertainty I could do without and it makes me nervous. That must be so much worse when you are basically full term.

The fundal height stuff is bollocks isn't it. Depends on the person measuring, the trousers you're wearing, position of baby and whether or not you need a wee.

I have similarly rebellious thoughts of saying bugger it, I am having a homebirth so <<two fingers up>>, just because I want it to be my decision, or at least a decision I agree with, not feel railroaded into on a dodgy premise.

((hugs))

It seems stupid, Spilt. Asgthey have already said if they put me on insulin they would induce at 38 weeks. So am 36+3 today. I don't speak to nurse again til friday. They wouldn't do anything til after weekend and have had chance to go in. So very earliest they could put me on insulin would be 37+2. So I'd be on it for 5 days . This benefits me and baby how exactly when I already have good glycaemic control?!

Yep, fundal height is absolute bollocks. Worse than bollocks because they chart it on a nice graph and pretend it is scientific.

Spilt you didn't sound miffed - I just suddenly thought what I'd said had come across really badly!

Lady sorry you're having such a tough time - you're right that going on insulin for such a short time sounds like a waste. Are you allowed to refuse?

I would have thought you can refuse whatever you like Lady, you haven't been sectioned and they need your consent to treat you.

Lady surely when you explain it like that to them, they will see that it makes no sense at all to start you on insulin. Just up your eating if you can, find some more stuff you like that doesn't send your sugars racing and have a good munching session. I had humous, pitta bread, olives, carrot sticks and a smoked makerel fillet for lunch and it was yummy! Sure it will all work out for you, I feel for you though, I am the same as you - in appointments I just nod meekly and then afterwards I can feel so angry I want to cry

My CPN (psychiatric nurse) came to see me this week (haven't seen her in months) but basically I am on their "radar" now, because it was PND last time that got me admitted to hospital. She didn't seem that impressed by the idea of hypnobirthing, and also recommended I request an episiotomy and Errr, well the reason I tore last time was because the stupid inexperienced midwife made me push too hard and didn't think to deliver the head slowly So NO I do NOT want a bloody episiotomy

I really wish I wasn't under mental health services sometimes, they just make me feel ill again, even though I have been well for so long now

Oh. I appear to have killed the thread

Off on holiday tomorrow, so won't be around much. Have a good week everyone! x

Getdown, you couldn't! I have a random question for you all. Are you still taking your pregnacare/equivalent? I am but I don't know whether I really need to be now...it's so expensive!

Hi all!

Awww getdown you didn't.
Where are you on holiday? Bet you can't wait!

pippa I'm still taking it. Figured I'm going to take it all the way through to make sure little man gets all the vitamins he needs. My diet can be pretty crappy some days.

And now for a moan- I went to the doctors today about the pain I've been having (thought it was SPD) and all he said was yes that sounds like SPD and printed me off something about how to do pelvic floor exercises. Will that help?? I wanted a bit more help than that!!

On a good note I'm off work next week! Try!!

Iwish you would probably get more help from your midwife. GP's not great at pregnancy related stuff. If you can afford it, see a chiropractor.

Getdown your CPN sounds like an idiot am sorry to say. Really unhelpful point of view and think she clearly has a very biased point of view. Have you thought about a doula? I think that might really help you.

So our whole house is packed up now pretty much. We have to live in the box maze now until Monday and then finally we will be in our new home .

Yey for the packing being done lady! don't envy you living out of boxes but it's not for long. You can then get on with the task of getting baby to come hehe.
Yeh the GP is a total no-help! In fact he actually said something along the lines of 'some people dont believe it exists'!! Can't really afford a chiro which is why I thought I'd go down the GP route. I'll mention it to my midwife on my next visit which is just over a week. I'll try the pelvic floors and see if they do anything.

havent caught up, but will do later... just wanted to say hope the move goes well tomorrow Lady and that i hope its not too hot for you... get those feetup if you can x

Lady just want to wish you good luck for the move today. Hope it all goes smoothly

Good luck with the move lady

Helloooo to everyone else. We have come to sunny north Wales for the day

How's everyone coping with the heat today? I'm sweltering!

Lady how did the move go?

I just had my 28 week midwife appointment and she told me off because the fundal height is 30cm (and apparently should be 28) and I have gained 6 lbs more over the course of the pregnancy than I should have done by this stage. Apparently I should have gained exactly 13lbs by this week, but I've gained 19lbs. How is it possible to be that precise?! She told me to stop eating cake and white carbs - which I don't anyway. I don't know how to bring it down without actually dieting, which would clearly be stupid. Argh. She's new and I don't like her. (Possibly because she's hit on my soft spot as I'm sensitive about my weight anyway.) I feel like throwing a proper, toddler tantrum!!

Oh ignore her, Pip. She's obviously a Dick. I'd put on loads more than you at 28 weeks. Have put on 4 stone at last count.

Move went well. Have done quite a lot of unpacking but we still have loads of boxes to go. Mum is coming to help tomorrow and am sure DO will do some tonight.

I have a quandary for you. The nursery is pink. I don't know what am having so shall I just leave it and repaint if a boy? Or make it neutral now?

Sorry not to name check everyone but on my phone which isn't amazing. Suffice to say hope everyone is ok and dealing with the heat.

Thanks Lady - I feel very petulant about it!

Glad the move was good. Unpacking boxes is always quite satisfying I think - it's fun to figure out where you're going to put things! (Though I always find that wherever I live the rooms end up looking exactly the same as they did in the previous house - not quite sure how I do it?!)

Is the nursery a nice pink? Would you happily leave it if you have a girl? I'd probably go in with a paint brush just because it's nice to make your mark and feel you've done everything exactly as you want, but if you like it (and lets face it, if you have a boy he's not going to care for the first months of his life!) then maybe just leave it and save yourself the work?

Pippa, tell her to piss off! NOB!
i have gained nearly 3 stone!! Must be breeding goliath

LAdy so glad your mvoe went smoothly.
Have made contact with a doula after my birth i am thinking it will be a good thing for me, especially as DH is miles away What do you think?

Am jealous, Nix. Would love a doula but have decided we can't afford it right now just having moved. Hopefully will make it a lovely experience.

The pink is ok, not what I would choose but as am now 37 + 2 time is not a luxury I have. Think am going to have to leave as is.

Thats where i was Lady. We cant afford it either.... but i have to think that DH is away and i dont have anyone really that i can take in with me. DSis and i arent that close at the min, mum i would need for DS so it would put my mind at rest and help me out mentally after my first experience i think. I wont do it if the baby is breech and i need a section, but for a natural del, i think i will!! Will see how i feel after meeting her.

Well done on fully cooked status lady XX get those feet up x
3 more days at work and thats it.... .. off down south for a week!

Hi everyone!

Lady congrats on the move, I moved last year and it was so all consuming I couldn't imagine doing it 37 weeks pg- hats off to you!! Hope you settle into your new home really well before the bub arrives. Not long now, eh?

Nix I don't know much about doulas, are they are professional birthing partners that help make it as positive experience as poss? Sounds like a really good idea. Let us know how the meeting with her goes.

Pip a total newbie at this so had no idea either that there were such specific guidelines re weight gain. Surely it depends on what weight you are to start with, what height, whether you have had sickness or not in tri 1 etc etc. Sounds like she was a bit of a cow to me!

I am 10+3 now and feeling wierd. Barely any symptoms, except tender boobs. No sickness or nausea, no extreme tiredness. Doesn't feel right, not with twins when I should surely be feeling doubly pregnant?! Have had no bleeding etc but am v worried something isn't right It is is 2.5 weeks until my next scan which will feel like an eternity.

I'm on a day off today and haven't got dressed yet. Layzeee!

Morning all,
I'm in a total daze this morning after listening to my natal hypnotherapy CD. Feel all floppy and dopey which is quite nice really. I guess it must be working!

Lady great news that your move went well. I hope you're getting some rest now! Re the nursery - I would just leave it personally. You've got enough to do in the next couple of days I'm sure with unpacking, contacting people over change of address etc, keeping the GD under control if poss and possibly being induced in a few days anyway. Presumably the baby will be in your room for a while anyway, so you've got plenty of time to redecorate if you want to before they move into it.

GetDown how are you doing? How's your hypnobirthing going?

nix the doula sounds a good solution, especially in just keeping you calm before you go into labour just by knowing you won't be alone when it happens. Just 2 more days at work for you. You can count that in hours!!

pippa I would just ignore that MW comments. The figures she is quoting are just an average, there'll be a huge range of normal. Just aim for eating mainly healthy foods and eat if you are hungry and what will be will be. We are all different.

raven hurrah for a PJ day! I'm only partly dressed myself. I tend to shower and put on clean top and pants but then back to the PJ bottoms as they are more comfy for doing yoga in. And my bras annoy me too just now, so actual trousers/bras only happen if I am going out! Around 10 weeks is when your hormones stop going mental and doubling all the time and the placenta(s) take over sustaining the pregnancy so often people reckon they start feeling less symptomy around then. I know exactly what you mean about the wait for scans seeming endless.

I got given VAST amounts of baby clothes the other day so have been washing like a mad thing. A friend was having a bit clear out. At last count I have something like 40 vests in 0-3 months and about another 12 in newborn And that's just the vests! This baby has far more clothes than I do...

Speaking of clothes, I am bursting out of some of my maternity tops now and still have 6+ weeks of growing to do. Ordered some two sizes up. It's just a bit annoying having to buy more stuff this late on as it will barely get used at all.

Raven try not to worry. Think I had similar around that time and is because the placenta is taking over hormone production from you. When is your next scan?

So exciting you are nearly done at work, Nix

<Waves to Spilt>

Thanks for that both - that could be it - hope so. Scan on 22nd July, will be nearly 13 weeks then.

Totally interested in how those that are doing hypnobirthing are finding it. I have a friend who did it and she is the only one I have ever heard talk about how much she enjoyed labour ()- so I thought that would be worth a go! Is it something to start right at the end/ third trimester?

I have my first Hypnobirthing class tonight - am really looking forward to it and simultaneously really nervous of being all emotionally-touchy-feely with other couples there! I think they recommend starting it in the third trimester because you're supposed to practise the techniques and keep them fresh in your mind...though to be honest I don't see why you couldn't do this for longer than 3 months. But I haven't been to a class yet so I might be missing something!

Hey all!

Glad to hear the move went well Lady. I would also leave the nursery as it is, think you have enough on your plate already! We moved when I was 12 weeks and that was stressful enough. Hope your GD is still nicely under control, not long to go now.

Hi Raven, easier said than done but try not to worry too much. I remember how long it seemed to take for the scan date to come around!

Good luck with your hypnobirthing class pippa. I am reading the book at the moment and thinking that it may be the way to go so need to look at some classes.

Ooooh, only 3 days left at work nix, I'm jealous! And by now it can only be 2 days to go!

I have the week off this week and we are doing some decorating. Quite knackered but it will definitely be worth it.

Hello to everyone who I haven't mentioned.

Spilt i am glad i am not the only one who practically lives in pjs and swings free these days...poor tesco!

I've had the most frustrating evening - our class is a 10 mile, 20 minute drive away from home and was due to start at 6.30pm. Tonight was our first class so we thought we'd get there a bit early - nerves etc! We got on the road at 5.45pm. By 8.45pm we had travelled 6 miles through the most horrendous traffic jam ever...when we eventually got to a turn off it took us 10 minutes to travel the same distance to get back home. We missed the class entirely and I spent 3 hours desperate for the loo while Bean kicked me repeatedly in the bladder! Gah.

Sorry - this is very me, me, me I know! Hope everyone else has had a better evening!

Oh pippa that's rubbish I would have been so annoyed!

Hello MrsP, hows the decorating going?

Anyone seen terrys recently? She had her 20 week scan last week and I'm worried she's not been back since.

Lady any word on your GD/induction/insulin yet?

No, not seeing consultant until weds and have been avoiding the nurse. Just because I think she is going to start doing out insulin and I don't agree! Bloods have been slightly squiffy but I think due to moving house and irregular meal times etc. Might call her later.

How annoying Pip. Had there been an accident or something?

Right, I also need to rant

I was fed up of my daily deflating birth ball so decided to order a new one. Ordered from the NCT as it seemed an ok price for a 75cm ball which is what I need as I am long legged.

It arrived yesterday and is manifestly NOT a 75cm ball. It is labelled as one, but is actually only a 53cm ball. Manufacturing error I assume.

So this morning I phone the NCT to explain the problem and ask to be sent an actual 75cm ball. Apparently they haven't heard of any such problem before and said I probably am not pumping the ball up enough!! They asked me to measure it, I did and told them it was a 53cm tall ball. They said, "no, measure the diameter" ?! Which is the height for a sphere isn't it...
Then they asked me to measure the circumference which I did and is 190cm or 75 inches. They lept on the 75 inches and said "see it's the right size". I said no, it is sold as 75 cm DIAMETER. I explained that I already have a 75cm ball which has been punctured and this is to replace it, so I know what size it should be and this ball WILL NOT PUMP TO THE SIZE IT IS LABELLED AS.

Upshot is they want me to return it via Royal Mail at my expense and if it is wrong they will send me a new one and refund the shipping.
Not impressed. At all.

I have no spine on the phone and was doing my best to be persistent as it was. Very annoyed to be told that a) I can't pump it far enough and b) I don't know the difference between diameter/circumference and cm/inches.

Hoping DH will phone them for me and tell them this is bloody stupid, he's good at that.

Lol at the ranting!! My ball was six quid from t k max ;) must be quite sturdy as it takes me plus 3 stone Ds bouncing on it together lol

Pipp rubbish you missed class ;(
No not seen Terrys. Has anyone seen her on bookface?
Might have to do some stalking!!
Spilt.. Set your dh onto them xx aresholes aren't they!!

I had the most wonderful babyshower gift from my work pals last week , a huge basket full of goodies.. Blanket, sleeping bag. Outfits, teddy and lots of little things too,. Just wonderful! Have made up the Moses basket (that's all I've done- bad mummy!!) and Ds has put his teddy inside the sleeping bag, in the Moses basket together with the babies teddies;) v cute!! It's making me nervous tho, the more excited he gets the more I dread things going wrong - the thought of untelling him again fills me with horror - having said that had 36 week check today;) baby head down almost engaged and everything perfect thus far ;)

I do keep getting very shaky though, not certain am eating enough of the foods babs needs.., choc seems to sort it out ;))

I more day to get through xxx ;) xx

Oh God oh god

I am mortified and have made a total twat of myself.

Part 2 of Spilt's birth ball saga:
DH comes home and phones NCT to say exactly what I said earlier. Different person answers phone and goes "oh ok, very sorry about that, send it back and we'll issue a full refund and also refund the postage". Great .
So we thought I'd just scribble a covering note to go in the box and explain why it's going back. And to accompany said note we would stick in a pic of the new ball next to my old one just to be clear about the size discrepancy.
So DH pumps up my old ball. Yep, it's huge compared to the new one. I say "just pump the new one a bit more so it's a fair pic". He starts pumping. And pumps some more. Ball grows staggeringly. Despite having apparently no spare rubber left it somehow increases in size by a third.

Yes it is a perfectly alright 75cm ball.

Dear NCT I am very sorry for badmouthing you on here. You were right and I was a twat. But for the record, your customer service wasn't very good, and if I had been right I would still be mightily pissed off.

As it is I am ing profusely and deeply embarrassed. Sorry!

Now you can all laugh at me

<snorts>

<sniggers>

<Pats spilt on the back for givign her a good giggle... >

nix my one consolation is that they took no details on either phonecall and we are ex directory so they can't ever find out it was me !
I go beetroot colour everytime I look at the bloody ball. I am going to have to get over this so I can actually use it!

Right, so how is everyone else?? Less pillock-y than me?

aah spilt you have made me chuckle and thanks for that....

met with doula today... shes lovely. Think gonna go for it, last day at working from home and tying up loose ends today x

WHOOPP WHOOOPPPPPPPPP! [GRIN]

Congrats on finishing work, Nix

thanks been an absolute bastard of a day resulting in an official complaint about two members of staff, something happened that destroyed all my client credability as a result of their idiocy and made the company look unprofessional so getting over the destraughtness this evening.. been in tears since 4pm..TWATS! Gutted, should haveleft on a high

so glad to be out of there, the toddlers at home are easier to deal with thatn the toddlers at work!!!

That's rubbish, Nix. Try not to dwell on it though, not your problem for a few months although it leaves a nasty taste. Just focus on next few weeks.

Talking of toddlers mine is pushing me to the absolute limit right now. Totally lost it with him this evening. Please tell me he will adjust and start being an angel when no. 2 is here?

Spoke to nurse today. She's not happy with blood sugars. She mentioned insulin but when I pointed out was almost 38 weeks she said they'll probably just decide to get the baby out instead. I see consultant on weds. But could have my baby next week!

Oh nix what a crappy way to end, really sorry about that. At least you don't have to face any of it on Monday though...

I am sprawled on the bed with my distended belly. We've been to a hog roast and I have over indulged, shall we say, and am paying for it now! No dinner for me!

Very exciting to think that we could have our next baby announcement on here in a matter of days. Go Lady!

I think nesting is starting to take proper effect now. Each time I get a shelf/surface/room tidied I go ape if it gets messed up. Slowly the house is improving. I can no longer stand things being on the kitchen worksurface. The kettle and toaster are permissable, but I am quite disgruntled about the cake tin. The cake tin FFS! It has cake in it and should be a welcome sight, but no, it is clutter and irritates me

Hope everyone is having a nice Saturday.

We built the cot the other week and as we were doing so, saw that it has the date of manufacture stamped on the base. 9th October 2010. Bobbie's birthday. We were shocked, just such an unexpected coincidence, but I'm oddly pleased about it. It's weird but nice to think that on the day she was being born, her little sister's cot was being made too. It's like a link between them . She's 9 months old today. Imagine if she'd been a bit older at birth and survived. They would be in the same school year

Well hello strangers! Back from holiday. I feel like a big fat pig having had pub lunches most days, then normal evening meals on top of that, plus driving has been our primary method of locomotion around the Isle of Wight and hence I have done hardly ANY exercise for a week

Oh well <shrugs>

Had a great holiday! Quite a bit of rain, but sunshine too, and DD absolutely loved it. Gorgeous beaches and lots of quality family time makes for a happy GetDown was so nice to have DH to myself rather than having to share him with his demanding work .

I have to share this as I was quite but we went to this one pub and sat outside in the beer garden for a drink. There was a woman quite obviously pregnant, drinking a massive glass of white wine and chain smoking She must have had about 3 or 4 cigarettes just in the time we were sitting there. Plus to make it worse her partner was also smoking and he bent down to help put their toddler's shoes back on and blew smoke into the little fella's face I don't like being judgey... but how bad is that?

I am 30 weeks now, and scared DH a bit by reminding him I had DD at 38 weeks pregnant last time, so in theory I could only have 8 weeks to go! I keep reminding him all the stuff we actually have to get done before this baby arrives, and he's always said "yeah yeah after the holiday we will get cracking on it all". So now I am expecting some action

Reading back on all your news.....

pippa - no I don't take pregnacare anymore, as like you say they are so expensive. I think I stopped at about 16 weeks when my supply ran out. I think my diet is pretty good generally (ummm, well, excluding this past week perhaps ) and I always try and eat a portion of oily fish a week so hopefully get my omega 3. I wouldn't bother if I were you unless your diet is pretty poor, as the main benefit I think is the folic acid which is obviously only crucial in the first trimester. But up to you.
Sorry to hear you got grief from the judgey-pants MW about weight gain How annoying, esp since you don't eat the junky carbs anyway. I think people are naturally different sizes, it's very unfair of her to make you feel bad like that. Hope you get the nice one next time.
Gutted for you that you missed your first hypnobirthing session You must have felt so stressed and frustrated. Not a good start to feeling all chilled and relaxed about things. Perhaps the teacher can do a catch up private session for you, many of them are very flexible like that. I'm sure it's nothing you can't catch up on anyway, as you still will have another 4 or so sessions. Our first session was good, but was mainly just talking about DD's birth, and a bit of an intro to hypnobirthing. It wasn't anything really involved.

Iwish how is your hip / pelvic pain now? Have the pelvic floor exercises worked in relieving it? The GP sounds a bit clueless TBH. I don't think pelvic floors can do much to ease the pain if it's the bones separating.

I must confess having been really really good with my pelvic floors, they have gone to pot now And am gutted to have had to move on from panty liners to proper Tena lady jobbies and Need to get back into the habit of doing them, but have lost all motivation since the physio at my last appt basically said it would just get a lot worse as the baby got bigger and there was no point me seeing her again until after the baby was born

Lady glad to hear you are installed in your new abode! How exciting! Glad that the move went well. You seem to be taking it all in your stride - I salute you Hope everything is finding its place. Like the others said, I wouldn't bother repainting the nursery. Even if you have a boy, they are not going to care that it's pink for quite a long time! If we have a boy I plan to put him in DD's pink baby gros (that I short-sightedly bought for DD) until he is at least 6 months old (mean mummy). DH doesn't feel that comfortable about it, but admits it is madness to buy a whole new set just because of the colour

nix great idea re the doula. My friend had a doula for her second child's birth and she said it was the best thing for making her birthing as smooth as possible... also that it freed up her DH to just be with her and support her, without having to worry about all the practicalities and negotiating with the medical staff. I would love to have a doula, but I think my DH sees it as a bit of a "you're not good enough on your own" kind of slight, which is not true at all, I don't think he really understands the role. In your circumstances, where you can';t guarantee DH will make it back in time I think it is an excellent move. I know you had a tough labour last time, and I'm sure the doula will give you every chance to have a better experience this time round.
Really pleased for you that you've finished work now Just stick two fingers up re. the cafuffle on the day you left and forget about it.... not your problem now.

raven good to see you again. Try not to panic about your reducing symptoms. The others on here may remember I was in a similar position at about 9 weeks pregnant when my symptoms basically stopped. I stupidly did another pregnancy test and it was a crappy first response test which came out really faint and I was convinced I was about to MC Ended up paying for a private scan at 9 weeks and all was fine. Hope all is well for you too. It's true that the placenta starts to take over from about now so that could well be the explanation.

spilt glad you are finding your natal hypnotherapy CD helpful. I am really liking mine too, listen to it every night whilst falling asleep and have never actually heard the end of it, because I am always asleep by the time it finishes! You made me laugh re the birth ball incident!!! Ah, don't worry about it, I'm sure they've dealt with worse. That's the nature of customer service. At least you didn't get to the point of legal action Put it down to pregnancy brain. I've borrowed a ball off a friend and have no idea what diameter it is. Haven't used it much, hope the baby is head down now as it was breech at last appt. Will be gutted to have spent £300 on hypnobirthing only to be forced down a c-section route now
That is kind of special re. the cot manufacture date being the same date as Bobbie's birth, isn't it? It's amazing how things work out sometimes. That cot will have extra special significance for you all now, and in a way, will help include Bobbie in the birth of her sister. Hope you are ok, I know you have ups and downs.

Mrsp good to hear you have been doing some decorating. Was it the nursery? Have you been to visit the Rosie yet? I want to go an look round our local hospital soon, but struggling to get a free weekend when I can drag bring DH along too.

MrsA where are you love, you ok? Hope you had a fab time in florida!

Wow that was a marathon. Off to eat chocolate now. Avoiding the bathroom scales.

Welcome back GetDown that was a mammoth post! Glad you had such a nice time, sometimes it's good to just pig out isn't it? Is your DH still officially doing 7 days a week just now then?
So it's list making time for you is it?! DH keeps asking me if we need to buy anything else, but actually I don't think we do. I reckon we've got all the basics for straightaway and we'll get extras as and when. Actually we have no toys, but I imagine we'll muddle through the first bit just trying to sort feeding etc. I don't expect a 2 day old baby is that interested in toys.

You have just reminded me - pelvic floors. I have a total mental block on these, just CANNOT remember to do the wretched things. Which I could come to regret...
Sorry to hear about the tena lady needs. That is miserable. Also somewhat depressing that they think it will just get worse over the next few weeks. The never ending glamour.

Right I am off to nest xx

Yes it was a bit of a mammoth post wasn't it Making up for a week off you see!

No, DH back to normal hours now, thank goodness. Manic period over for another year.

There are loads of things on my "list" that I still want to buy! Which is ridiculous really. But lots of the things I had with DD were borrowed from friends and have now gone back, so will either have to buy second hand or borrow from someone else. I am also really tempted to get a Medela swing electric pump, so that DH can do some of the night feeds and I can keep b/feeding as long as poss. The second hand ones seem to go on Ebay for not that much less than new, and I'd rather have new if possible for obvious reasons.

I know what you mean about the pelvic floors, it is very hard to remember to do them. I actually made myself a bracelet with a couple of knots on it. It had 5 beads and every time I did my exercises I would move a bead across to the other side of the knots. (I had to do 5 sets of exercises a day). It worked really well at reminding me, but now I just can't be bothered

spilt,... they are the ones that you hold your wee in with....!!! flex hold for 10 and release...

<sounds like a pro,., have i done anyy??? Nope!>

yup I know the ones nix they made us practice them at NCT last week
I have got perineal massage into my routine but pelvic floors I can't seem to get into the habit of.

Just in the process of insuring our lives. Scarily both DH and I would be financially better off if the other was dead . I trust him not to wire the laptop to blow up in my face though!

I am seeing red today. Bastards at British Gas have just emailed to say in August they are putting our bills up by about 20% ... after announcing their record profits in April
We only finished switching to them about 1 month ago.
I'm back on uswitch again. Not putting up with this!!

Just drafting a birth plan, as I'm seeing my MW on Weds for the last time before I see the consultant and hopefully get him to agree birth unit is fine for me. I thought if I could show him I'd thought about it and the sort of birth I'm hoping for it might make for a better discussion, but I wanted to run it by my MW first.
Any feedback anyone can give? Have I missed anything important do you think? Is it succinct enough?

Labouring environment and preferences:
• DH is my birth partner
• Quiet, with minimal people please
• I will bring my own music and natal hypnotherapy tracks
• Bringing my birth ball
• I’m planning to be active and upright during labour, trying kneeling/squatting/all fours positions
• I do not want to lie on my back during labour or delivery
• I would like to use a birthing pool
• Minimal internal examinations, only when medically necessary

Pain relief in labour:
• Do not offer me drugs, wait for me to ask
• I want to cope as long as possible using drug free pain control, like breathing & relaxation skills, massage, birth pool

Birth & Third stage:
• I do not want to lie on my back during delivery
• No episiotomy unless medically necessary
• Delay cord clamping (and syntometrine/syntocinon injection if being given) until cord has stopped pulsing, or as long as it is safe to wait
• Skin to skin immediately after birth, baby to breast immediately
• Yes to vitamin K injection
• I’m planning to breastfeed

Other info:
Please be aware that this is not our first baby. We lost our daughter last year at 20 weeks pregnant.
• She was delivered vaginally after an induced labour (3.5 hours from pessary to delivery).
• I had a managed third stage.

Hi all - just popping in to say Hello! spilt here are my birth plans from DS although I must say, please take what you write as a plan and don't expect all to go accordingly, these little monsters already have mind of their owns. DS was back to back so we had to be transferred in and in the end I begged for an epidural!

BIRTH PLAN – HOME BIRTH

Labour

Where
I would like to be able to move about to where I feel most comfortable, whether this is in the living room with the birthing ball, in the birthing pool or just walking around.

Positions
I would like to try and stay active with DH / MW helping me walk around if needed to progress labour. In the birthing pool I would like to try and stay in positions good for progressing labour and am happy to take advice from the MW as to the best position for this. I recognise I may get tired and want to lie back / rest but I would like to be encouraged not to do so if this will slow down labour.

Atmosphere
I would like to be as natural environment as possible – perhaps have some calm music available to listen to and if I am feeling well I may want to watch TV to pass the time. I would like DH / MW to be able to be comfortable too but not too far away in case I need them however if labour is progressing slowly I don’t want them to be overly attentive. I would prefer to ask for help if I feel I need it.

Pain Relief
I would like this to be available but only if I ask for it – if I feel I need some pain relief I would like to explain my symptoms to the MW and have her recommend the best pain relief.

DH’s role
I would like DH to support me by encouraging me and being as involved as possible. I want him to be able to ask me and the MW questions and understand what is going on. I would also like DH to be in charge of getting drinks/food, hot water for the pool and music.

Delivery

Positions
I would like to be in a position which uses the benefit of gravity but is also comfortable for me at the time. I do not want to lie flat on my back in a bed. If I am in the pool I would like to try squatting with DH supporting me under my arms or on all fours.

Medical Intervention
I want to resist all forms of medical intervention unless necessary for the safety of the baby, and if necessary I am happy to make an informed decision based on the advice of the MW.

Birth
I would like the baby to be passed to DH first and for him to tell me the sex; I would then like him to place the baby on my chest straightaway for skin to skin contact. I would also like to try and breastfeed immediately if this is possible. When required I would like DH to cut the cord.

Placenta
I will take the advice of the MW at the time with regards to delivering the placenta, I would prefer to deliver this naturally but if I am very tired at the time I may ask for an injection to speed this up.

Baby Care
I would like for DH and I to be present whenever our baby is weighed / checked over and I would like for the MW to explain to us at the time what they are doing / checking and why for us to understand the process.


BIRTH PLAN – TRANSFER TO HOSPITAL

Whilst we are planning for a home birth we understand that at the time there may be a requirement to transfer to Epsom Hospital. Whilst we would prefer this was a last resort we are willing to take the advice of the MW in the best interests of safety for the baby.

Should we be transferred at any point we would like this process to be as stress free as possible and understand exactly what is happening and why.

Labour
Where
I would like to use the birth pool at the hospital and have the ability to move around freely. If possible I would like to take my birthing ball with me to use.

Positions
I would like to try and stay active with DH / MW helping me walk around if needed to progress labour. I would like to be able to use the hospital birthing pool and if possible, give birth in it. Whilst In the birthing pool I would like to try and stay in positions good for progressing labour and am happy to take advice from the MW as to the best position for this. I recognise I may get tired and want to lie back / rest but I would like to be encouraged not to do so if this will slow down labour.

Atmosphere
If possible I would prefer to be away from other labouring mothers in a calm and quiet environment.

Pain Relief
I would like this to be available but only if I ask for it – if I feel I need some pain relief I would like to explain my symptoms to the MW and have her recommend the best pain relief. If we are in the hospital due to complications I would not rule out an Epidural if I feel the pain is very intense but I will ask for this if I feel I need it.

DH’s role
I would like DH to support me by encouraging me and being as involved as possible. If we have any questions or are unsure as to what is happening I want him to speak to the MW / Doctor to ask any questions. In the hospital I will probably feel a bit more out of control as it is a new environment so I would like DH to take charge and ensure I feel comfortable with the new surroundings.

Delivery
Positions
I would like to be in a position which uses gravity but is also comfortable for me at the time. I do not want to lie flat on my back in a bed.

Medical Intervention
I want to resist all forms of medical intervention unless necessary for the safety of the baby, at which point I will make an informed decision based on the advice of the Doctor / MW.

Birth
I would like the baby to be passed to DH first and for him to tell me the sex; I would then like him to place the baby on my chest straightaway for skin to skin contact. I would also like to try and breastfeed immediately if this is possible. When required I would like DH to cut the cord.

Placenta
I will take the advice of the MW at the time with regards to delivering the placenta, I would prefer to deliver this naturally but if I am very tired at the time I may ask for an injection to speed this up.

Baby Care
I would like for DH and I to be present whenever our baby is weighed / checked over and I would like for the MW to explain to us at the time what they are doing / checking and why for us to understand the process.

Oh and also, I ended up lying on my back moaning in agony and when the MW and DH reminded me of my birth plan I impolitely told them to f*&^ off!!

Wow - those are both so useful to read Terrys and Spilt - you have inspired me to get going on mine! Spilt I don't really know what the consultant will be looking for but it looks comprehensive to me, and a good idea to show it to your midwife for feedback too.

Getdown I am very jealous of your holiday! Hope you managed to do lots of lounging about

Well, my news is that our hypnobirthing lady really kindly rescheduled so we had our first session last night (and next one tomorrow!) which was good, though I think she's thinks I'm a bit difficult because I pointed out that some pain is just physical and not due to fear, e.g. papercut hurts because it hurts not because you're scared, and she couldn't really explain why I was wrong. In fact DH explained it better on the drive home, saying that it's not about erasing the pain but about managing it...I think that's right anyway . We listened to the CD last night and I thought it was AWFUL, I couldn't drop off to it at all and just lay there fuming while listening to the American whine...(I have no problem with American accents - my step family are American - it is a particularly annoying voice on the CD!). Am hoping tonight it will be better.

Also, I initially felt terrible about it but this morning I rang the community midwife supervisor and asked to switch midwife - the more I think about my appointment last week the more uncomfortable I am. In addition to telling me I should have gained 13lbs EXACTLY, she also told me off for finding out the sex of the baby ('Tut, it's like opening your presents before Christmas, honestly...'), and, what really got me, made a phone call to a colleague after I'd just sat down (she was running late - I'd been waiting 40 minutes already but I didn't mind and could have waited longer!) for 5 minutes about another woman, in which she gave out this woman's full name, full address and full details of her problems with breastfeeding. I was really uncomfortable - I could easily have sat in the waiting room for another 5 minutes rather than listen to that, and I wouldn't want her to make that kind of phone call about me in front of someone else...anyway, the supervisor was really nice and agreed the midwife hadn't been professional and had broken confidentiality, and was really happy for me to see someone else. I was so embarrassed to ask but I'm glad I did. It's a bit annoying because I have to go to a different surgery which is a drive away but I think I'll feel happier this way. Do you think I've over-reacted? I wasn't going to say anything about it but it was actually at the class last night the other couple who were there (stuck in the same traffic jam as us last week!) and the lady running the class were all really appalled when I mentioned it and the hypnobirthing lady pointed out I didn't have to have the same midwife again if I didn't want to - I hadn't really thought about switching but I'm glad now!

Hope everyone else is well? Exciting times on this thread - we should have some babies soon...

terrys nice to hear from you. Hope all is well.

getdown glad your hols went well. Your fb photos look fab

I think I've said hi since my hol. Still recovering! But apart from feeeling v tired, I'm doing ok.

I agree your old mw sounds crap and glad you've switched pippa

My birth plan dor DD was quite lengthy. I soon realised though that no one actually reads it when you're in labour, so this time mine is in my head and I'm getting a doula who will stand up for what I want.

lady any news??

Wow, terrys thanks for typing that up. It looks very similar to mine in approach. Don't worry I know it's just a plan and have tried to be realistic - ie. not "I don't want drugs" just "I want to cope without as long as I can and I will ask when I need them", that kind of thing.
How did your 20 week scan go? Did you find out the flavour or not?

pippa I'm glad you got your hypnobirthing session in the end. If you gain nothing else from it, at least it's given you the confidence etc to change your MW. You sound absolutely right to have done so. I am appalled at her giving out all that confidential information infront of you, that's terrible. What if the woman she was discussing turned out to be one of the girls you teach for example??!

I found when I read the hypnobirthing book that I could buy into large parts of it, but totally rejected other bits. (Like the chapter on breech babies - apparently it's the mum's fault because she's not relaxed enough, and she can think the baby into head down position)... I got a bit disgruntled there. Our NCT teacher actually talked through some of the principles of hypnobirthing (not that she described them as such) in terms of the need to minimise adrenalin by remaining calm and relaxed and keeping breathing deeply and gently. This should allow your body to get on with making endorphins (which mean you feel less pain) and oxytocin (which will keep labour progressing). She drew the Fear-Tension-Pain circle thing as well and said how getting into this loop is a viscious cycle that will make things worse and worse, so it's important to try and stay un-tense and do whatever you need to do beforehand to minimise your fears. All this makes good sense to me.

I don't know how far the calm breathing thing will get me, but plan 2 is from the Birth Skills book, where the author basically says "I'm not going to pretend otherwise, it will hurt a lot, here are some ways to manage the pain". I was worried otherwise that as soon as the pain got too much to manage I would panic and lose it entirely. The basic premise of this book is that your brain can only properly concentrate on one thing at a time so you need to overload it with other stimuli so that not too much of your brain is able to process the pain messages. She talks about visualisation, breathing/vocalisation, movement, stress balls and keywords as the main skills and gives loads of suggestions of activities to practice.

Sorry that was long!

<nicks spilts birth plan and re-does as her own>

I shall take that as a compliment nix! I've done 2 batches of pelvic floors today after the discussions yesterday <<proud>> and am rewarding myself by eating an easter egg

Spilt that book looks really good - brilliant reviews on Amazon too. I might have to make a little purchase...(such a guilty Amazon habit...)

I just casually picked at something that was irritating me on my neck and realised to my horror I had picked OFF one of my lovely new skin tags.

Oh my God.

Will I die from the grossness?

pippa! I have done that - they bleed a lot don't they!? Yuck!

Off NCT-ing, have a nice evening all
(apart from pippa who is too busy vomiting at the thought of her skin tag!)

Interesting reading these birth plans. Like nix I may have to nick some of these for my own!! I'm meeting the consultant MW at 36 weeks to finalise it all.

Got my second hypnobirthing session tonight.

Hope your NCT group went well last night spilt.

Just back from the MW. I am measuring small, fundal height no different to 3 weeks ago, but baby is 2/5 down so must have grown a bit, but not as much as she would like. Being sent for a growth scan... at somepoint in the next FORTNIGHT!!! Scared. Been told to keep a close eye on movements. It feels like the beginning of the end

29cm still, so was small last time too.

spilt <<hugs>> to you - I know with what happened to Bobbie that you must be terrified now but I am sure that everything will be fine, if they were really worried they would be sending you off straight away. Can you afford a private scan? If you can it might be good to go for that to set your mind at ease - or really kick off with the docs / hospital and demand one now (it is not unreasonable for you to be stressed about this and making you wait 2 weeks is not fair)

How are the movements? Getting lots?

Remember what happened to Bobbie was a horrid and random occurance and is very unlikely to happen again. I will keep checking this thread today if you need to talk or PM me. Thinking of you. xxx

Thanks terrys. I've phoned the ultrasound department and explained things and asked if they could squeeze me in sooner, or at least give me a date over the phone - but no, I am not a medic and therefore they cannot act on my request and I need to wait for my appointment to come through the normal channels.
DH has phoned the consultant's secretary and asked if they can help (he did my last two scans and was great about offering extra reassurance ones), so we're waiting for a call back from them now.
Failing that I think I will go in for monitoring later today just for some reassurance, but really I want a scan.

I know my MW can't have been hugely worried or it would all be happening with more urgency, but I am really scared and I can't wait for 2 weeks on tenterhooks.

She's been wiggling this morning as normal which is good. Gawd I feel like I want CFM for the next 5+ weeks solid!

Hugs spilt, I hope you manage to get an earlier scan, that seems mean to make you wait for 2 weeks. But as you say if there's no urgency from the MW then she can't be overly worried so try and hold on to that fact. And the wiggling! Why does this pregnancy business have to be so worrying?!

Welcome back from holiday getdown, glad to hear you had a lovely time. Not been to look round the Rosie birth bit yet although seen other parts of it when going for scans and bloods.

Any news Lady?

Had fun doing my decorating last week although we never got on to baby's room, oops! It's quite small though so easy to fit in on a weekend.

I'm not sleeping well at all at the moment so might have a lunchtime snooze, zzzzzzzzzz.

Spilt am sure its fine. Remember my experience with being measured? It is bollocks and they are just acting in the cautious side. But definitely have monitoring if you are worried about movement. And you are far enough along for baby to be fine now if it had to be born.

How was hypnobirthing, Getdown?

Ouch, Pip. Haven't had any of those thankfully.

Had consultant today. As blood sugar has been stable for 2 days they are giving me more time to go into labour naturally. So induction booked for due date on 24th. Having monitoring and sweeps twice a week until then. Will have blood sugar done every hour in labour, if too high will have to go on drip. If not should be pretty natural. If I go into labour on my own I might even be allowed the pool. So send me some natural labour vibes, please! Oh, and baby is 8lb 12oz now if estimate is correct!

Oh spilt I don't know much about this, but surely if the baby has moved down, it would make the fundal height lower? And terrys is totally right that if they were worried they would be sending you off straight away.

There is natural variation in the size of babies anyway. My friend had her gorgeous little boy at full term (40 weeks) and he was 5lbs. No explanation for why he was small, but he's a strapping bouncing little 18 month old now and you'd never know he'd been so tiny at birth.

Please try not to worry, baby spilt is wriggling around and so am sure is fighting fit. Get your doppler out as well to remind you of her good strong heart beat. Lots of love xxx

<sends LadyG natural labour vibes>

Good news! I am being scanned tomorrow morning. Feel much happier knowing I don't have long to wait. She's still moving, so I am going to be obsessively checking that all afternoon/night. Will let you know how we get on tomorrow. Fingers crossed it's just the crappy tape measure method and all will be fine. PMA!

Glad you've got a bit of breathing space Lady before induction, fingers crossed your labour kicks off soon. At my course last night they were talking about ways to get labour going, and one I hadn't heard was getting someone to rub up the inside of your legs (and back down the outside). So put something on the telly and stand infront of DP and get him to give your legs a good rub for a while. Apparently it has to be upwards strokes and on the inside. Also effective at kick starting a stalling labour too we were told.

spilt thinking of you but as everyone else has said, stay calm. Maybe you are naturally going to have this baby sooner than you expect and it's dropping down getting ready for labour. You're 34 weeks? In another 3 weeks you are at full-term according to WHO (37-42 weeks is full-term).

Lady I really hope you get your natural birth. Start having sex daily (demand this from DH) and eating lots of fresh pineapple.
Have you considered acupuncture/reflexology to kick-start?

Am meeting a possible doula a week on Monday. Really hope we hit it off as she has 4 kids and has supported women with VBAC and HBAC.

Oh, and have a second anomoly scan next week (as they couldn't get all measurements from the first one least week) but I'm in Birmingham for a really important work meeting and can't cancel. All they could say is well we'll book another one but it could be another 2 weeks. Anyone know if having a 20 weeks scan at 24 weeks is a problem?!

Spilt and Lady am thinking of you both and saying a prayer x

34+4 MrsA, one of those so close and yet so far stages!

Hope it goes well with your doula. I guess the only thing with having a late anomaly scan is that all of their reference data will relate to the 18-22 week window so maybe your baby's measurements will be harder to compare to the "standard". Don't know really.

Thanks pippa, I appreciate it x

oh spilt.... am sure everything will be just fine my lovely. measurements are a right load of old bollocks...if they were really worried they would have sent you for an immediate scan,..??? She was probably just curled up like a snail try not to fret.. although saying that i know you will be!!! <sends calming thoughts>

Lady.. <sends thoughts over to you> How are the feet doing?

Have decided against doula this time. She was lovley but she was a bit on the spiritual wacky side for me.... when she started to go on about FATE and things happen for a reason, and not having pain relief i just thought no!!
I can get that from my sister or my mum if i ask for it and whilst she was really lovely i thought it wasnt for me....!! and tbh when i reasessed our finances wiht being on mat leave and payng for two households i realised we just couldnt afford it! I do feel we are going into it wiht more open eyes this time.. and stealing some ideas from spilts birth plan will help (hpoe you dont mind honey!!!)

And on another note,,, people keep telling me that sperm taken orally helps with natural labour <boak, boak boak> must be a man who wrote that <snorts>

<thi

Did DU suggest that, Nix by any chance?

Gau, should read DH. Stupid phone.

Good luck for scan today spilt. X

We're back from the hospital and everything is fine
She's measuring about 35 weeks, and about 5lb 9 for now and definitely head down (so far down I have gel in my pubes from when they were trying to measure her head )
Plenty of fluid etc
We saw her "breathing" and blinking which was lovely

I'm feeling sooo much happier and completely knackered now.

Thanks all for your handholding yesterday.

Fair enough on the doula nix, if her approach isn't yours then it just wouldn't work. It must be hard actually to get a good match between mum and doula. Out of interest, what were you planning on pinching from my birth plan?

I can't see how swallowing sperm is going to help. I thought the whole point was that the prostagladins in the semen acted on the cervix (just like the prostin gels they use in inductions). Having it in your stomach seems a bit pointless!

I found stretch marks on the underside of my breasts

So relieved and happy for you spilt have been thinking about you all morning.

Just goes to show that as Lady has said, those tape measured over the bump are a complete load of b**locks.

Had my second hypnobirthing session last night, it was really good! Lots of exercises to practise with DH re. breathing and scripts to read out. Also I get to have light touch massage every day as DH has to practise it of course

Did stuff about bonding with baby which involved imagining I was the baby and what kind of life I would like to come in to i.e. do I feel welcomed, do I feel loved etc. Sounds a bit weird, but was actually quite comforting and lovely.

Hope everyone else is doing ok. Nix that's vomit city re. taking in semen orally. That is never going to happen in this house ... I do have another embarrassing topic though - nipple stimulation. Is this really bad if DH does this at the moment (I am 31 weeks)? Should I stop him? and

Getdown I asked that question on my antenatal thread as DP is a boob man and my sex drive is through the roof (always is when pg)

The answer from seasoned ladies was that some women can bf up to labour onset, so it's fine. It can start labour but only when your body is ready for it anyway, so it's recommended as something to try from 37 weeks if you don;t already. It won't start labour early unless it was always going to IYSWIM.

Spilt yayayay. Fundal height manual feels are really inaccurate. With DD they predicted a 10lber through feeling the fundal height (cue lots of sucking teeth and cats arse mouths) but DD was 7lb 15!
Relax and enjoy your last few weeks of freedom to shower and use the loo whenever you want!

Yep I reckon I must just be growing a little contortionist if she can compact herself at 35 weeks grown into the space of a 29 weeker. Wish I was that bendy.

Absolutely your DH needs to practise the massage GetDown, enjoy it! I am looking forward to the several hour back massage I shall get in labour, it was really good last time. I've packed the body moisturiser ready for it
Re the nipple stimulation - it's supposed to increase oxytocin isn't it? I would have thought it's fine for now, because it's the same effect as clitoral stimulation/orgasm and that's fine unless you've been specifically told sex is a no-no. Maybe if you are worried about early labour or having really violent BH I would avoid it, but ordinarily I would think it's fine.

Anyone else getting occasional leaks? About once a week my left boob has an excitable moment! Only the left one though...

x-posts with MrsA - breasts are fair game it would seem!

Argh I am getting a bit worried about my mum post birth...
She is wibbling about accepting a day invitation to a wedding 7 days after my due date incase I have the baby that day and she won't be able to see it straight away. "Of course I'm dying to see the baby when it's only a few hours old"... erm. I might not be accepting visitors! It might be outside visiting hours. "Oh but that doesn't matter, you were born after visiting hours but they still let the grandparents in, they'll be flexible..." I bloody hope they won't!!
"You'll want lots of support on day 3/4 when the baby blues hit", no mum, I will want everyone to sod off so I can cry in peace.
Oh dear.
I have at least responded with my opinions every time, just trying to drip feed the idea that we will have visitors When We Are Ready.

No way is DH allowed to phone anyone when I go into labour, it will be top secret

Oooo glad to hear the consensus seems to be that nipple fiddling is ok.... Had this scary thought that I might induce premature labour or something...

Oh spilt I am with you re. annoying mums. One of my fears is that mum will be hanging around after baby is born, and she has to stay as they don't live very near. Just desperate for some privacy in my own home after baby arrives. Glad to hear you are ready to stick to your guns about visitors. And she needs to know that includes HER!!

Arg! I have just typed a post, just to have MN lose it. Here goes a re-type!

Love reading this thread as the posts are so long and lovely.

Spilt I missed your rollercoaster of a few days but so glad all is well that ends well. What a worry, but good to store up for future for me that measurements can be a load of crap! Can't believe how far on you are now.

Loved your birth plan and Terrys. Feel very priviledged to have read them and didn't really know what a birth plan actually contained so great to see these for some eventual inspiration. Terrys my tea almost came out my nose with your comment at the end about telling your DH and MW to F.O when they reminded you that you didn't want to be lying on your back. Love it !

Getdown great to see you back and glad you had a lovely hols. And to hear that hypnobirthing is a good experience. Still very much considering it, but will wait to see if they thing I will likely have a c-section or not. Also worried a bit about money now and it is expensive isn't it. Actually wondering how I am going to survive through mat leave without much to any income for so much of it. Hoping to take a year off and should work out all the numbers to see what we need to do to make tha possible.

Lady wow it will be a birth annoucement soon! Sending you tonnnes of labour vibes.

Nix I hear you on the doula front. That wouldn't be me either if she was overly spiritual. You have to do what is comfortable for you or it might lead to more stress I would think.

Things are going ok over here, well no outward suggestions of anything being wrong anyway. I am 11+5 now, so not long to go to the magic 12 week mark. Do you think that is a milestone in itself, or is it rather a successful 12 week scan, or getting to the 2nd tri - which isn't til 14 weeks is it?

I keep glancing at myself and think occasioanlly I may be showing. So early I know but with 2 in there I am thinking it could be poss. I also know I have been eating like a horse and been on holiday where did nothing but laze around and eat so I am sure I would have put weight on anyway. Also I don't think the 'bump' is in the right place, more where my stomach is - just under my belly button, than where my womb is - which is just behind bikini line, right?? When did your bumps emerge and in what form?

Wish me luck for my scan next week!

xx

Hi raven !! Glad to hear all seems well so far, I will indeed be sending you good thoughts and wishes for your 12 week scan! How exciting that you've got two in there. I don't think it's at all implausible that you could be showing a little bump already!

In terms of when you reach the "magic" mark... well, as you can see from on here, I don't think any of us ever stop worrying, no matter what stage, but I think that given you have got to 11+5 the odds are much more in your favour now that all will be fine, than the risk of things not being fine, IYSWIM? It's true that the vast majority of pregnancies are healthy and normal, although of course the tragedies are no less significant for those of us that suffer them.

Let us know how you get on

Yay, excellent news spilt! Big sigh of relief. My MW has not yet used a tape measure, is it something they start later or is she perhaps just taking a more relaxed approach?

I am also worried about my mum, she told me that when she had me her mum came to stay for two weeks and she would be happy to do the same. Er, thanks mum but no chance@

Stupid phone, posted before I had finished!

raven, glad to hear things are going well. I was showing by about 10 weeks although i don't know if it was baby bump or just other internal organs being squashed upwards. Good luck for scan.

Giving up now as incompetent with typing on this thing!

raven wow you are 12 weeks already! Congratulations. Definitely possible that you are showing already. When is your next scan?

MrsP they started tape measuring me at 25 weeks, so probably will happen for you at your next appointment.

I am getting definite Braxton Hicks now . It's all a bit exciting! My whole bump goes rock hard for about 30-60 secs and has been doing it on and off this evening. Doesn't hurt at all, but suddenly it dawned on us that it won't be long now before it's for real...

I got my free changing bag courtesty of Boots today (just joined their parenting club) and a free pack of newborn nappies from Mr Tescos (voucher in the Bounty book in the pregnancy pack) so feeling quite pleased with my bargains. Any tips on any other freebies out there?

Speaking of nappies - GetDown and Lady you both used reusables didn't you? What type would you recommend/avoid? I'd like to use them after the first few weeks but am a bit baffled by the choices available. And any suggestions on good places to get second hand ones?

I used the Nappy lady here. You fill in a questionnaire and they tell you everything they need. I did it and it saw me through from birth to potty training. I used Bumbles I think with Motherease wraps. Don't forget that most councils will give you some money towards cloth nappies too.

Thanks for that link lady, I have filled a questionnaire in - am not convinced but have an open mind.

I am sooooooo tired today. Came down with stinking cold, can't sleep and can't blast it with day nurse! We're supposed to be driving 50 miles today to a food festival in the open air. Would love to cancel and crawl back to bed but we're meeting DstepD, and DP rarely gets to see her (she's 21 and married I should add).
I'm also up tomorrow at 5.30am for a full day's meeting in London

On the upside, I have another 20 wk scan date (already had one but they couldn't see everything) after I had to cancel the one on Wed. They warned me it would be another 2 weeks but lo and behold, it's on Thurs! Hoping to find out sex but have to go alone cos DP's in Germany.

Lady - any twinges yet?

spilt I remember braxton hicks well. They don't hurt but do remind you how powerful labour can be!

Give it a go, Mrs. Even if you don't buy from that site they have loads and loads of useful advice on there about cloth nappies. I loved mine.

No twinges beyond braxton hicks but been having those for months. They couldn't do the sweep on Fri as cervix too high. Hopefully the one on tues will do the trick.

12 weeks, woo hoo!

Scan is on Friday morning, so not long but feels like at age. I was in town yesterday and found myself in the John Lewis nursery dept looking at cots and prams etc - bit naughty and far too early!

Have any of you guys been exercising? I have done 1 gym session in the last 3 months and now getting emails from the gym asking me if verything is ok!? Thinking about going this afternoon and doing a brisk walk on treadmill, some cycling and cross trainer (just 10 mins each or so) and then some free weights. That will be ok, won't it? Ideally I would like to do a PT session with someone who specialises in ante natal but from reading all their blurbs non of them mention it. Has anyone else had that can can pass on any general exercise tips/ dos and don'ts?

I didn't get a bounty pack when I went to the midwife this time, can't remember if I got it last time at booking in or at scan or what. I have kept it from last pg but I guess all the vouchers etc will have expired. I will ask MW as can't be missing out on free stuff!!!

Lady all the best for your sweep! Hi to everyone. xx

Do you think that those on the conception thread know about us over here? Must go back and lurk but would be great to have some BFPers joining us soon.

Thanks for the link Lady I shall have a look into it this week. I've had a quick look at the nappy section on here and it seems Bumgenius are popular. You can get £10 off one here so I think I'll try that. Our council will give you £30 back if you spend £50+ on reusables - just have to send in copies of the receipts, so I'm thinking a £50 order to try some, get the discount, and then order more if we're getting on with them.

raven I have to admit I don't check the conception thread anymore, there's so many new faces. I do a bit of stalking now and then to check on Battery and digi but neither of them seem to hang out much on charters either these days.
Exercise, hmm, not much. I have just started swimming/aquanatal in the last couple of weeks and try to get out for a walk most days, but the distance I can manage has dropped off a lot in the last couple of weeks and I just can't walk at anything close to my normal pace because it hurts under the bump if I do. You definitely need some trained advice on what is ok to do in a gym/weights setting though. They may not specialise in antenatal but do talk to the PT anyway, I'm sure they will be able to help to some extent, and should at least know what you need to avoid (situps IIRC).

Sorry you are feeling so lousy MrsA, bugs can really wipe you out when you're pregnant. See how you're feeling tomorrow, and remember work can ALWAYS cope without you, none of us are as indispensible as we think. Don't feel guilty if you need to phone in sick at somepoint this week. It's hard to recover if you aren't resting enough.

spilt yep we are using washable nappies this time. We used disposables with DD and I always really hated the volume of waste and all the poo-ey nappies that were permanently filling up our bin Also the cost ££££ ... disposables are soooo much more expensive than washables over the course of the 2.5 or so years they are in them. I think I basically worked out that just 2 year's worth of disposables comes to over £600. And that doesn't even include wipes, which are about another £150. You can easily get a huge stack of washables for less than a third of that price. And they are so gorgeous and cuddly too I've bought a kit of washable wipes too cheeky wipes if you're interested. They wipe poo off rather than smearing it around like disposable wipes, and have none of the nasty chemicals that disposable wipes have in them. Our council gives £50 back for using washables which is definitely worth having IMO.

I've gone for 4x bamboozle stretchies for night time use (slow drying but should last a whole night bc v. absorbent) and bumgenius flips for use during the day (which are quick drying, and easy peasy to change). Have already washed them all (need to pre wash to get absorbency up) and they dry pretty quickly.

I am going to use pampers for the first few weeks at least though, until all the black tar meconium poo has gone away!! <impossible to get off>

Glad to hear you've reached 12 weeks raven that is so exciting! Let us know how you get on at your scan. I haven't been very good with exercising really. The only thing I do regularly is walking because we have a dog, so I do take her morning and evening but that is about it. I bought a pregnancy yoga DVD but have hardly done it at all . I really don't enjoy swimming (was very weak swimmer at school and never got my confidence) so can't really do that. I am just trying to tell myself that walking is just fine as exercise

MrsA hope you survived the food festival and the family, and are not feeling too knackered. It's horrible to have a cold and not be able to sleep, let alone when you are pregnant. Hope it clears soon. Dose up with lots of orange juice and paracetamol!! Hope your second scan goes well and they get to see everything, nice you get to see baby again for free. Exciting that you will find out the sex!!

Lady thinking of you, just a waiting game now. I am so excited to think that we will have a birth announcement on here very soon! Sending you calm positive vibes for a smooth and trouble free birth. xxx

and we had a weekend of visiting maternity units! Went to Lister in Stevenage yesterday (where I am booked in) and Princess Alexandra in Harlow today (nearer to us and a possible alternative).

Was relieved that I actually preferred the one I am booked at, although they only have 1 birthing pool available (the other has 4). Has a lovely new unit, all the rooms have ensuite toilet and shower, and all very bright, airy and modern which was lovely.

Bit disappointed they don't provide CD player in the rooms though. We were planning on bringing our own but they said it has to be battery operated only as any plug-ins need to have an electrical safety certificate issued by the hospital!!! Glad I found that out before hand as our little portable CD player doesn't take batteries! I would have been gutted not to have been able to have my music during labour! Will have to get a cheap one now that can take batteries and take that instead. Just in case anyone else is thinking of having music, thought I'd mention it.

Also really shocked at how "hospital-y" the midwife led unit was at Harlow. Thought it was supposed to be a "homely" comfortable environment? The rooms were dingy and looked no different from the consultant led rooms, except for a mangy looking bean bag here and there

Oh pants. I always rabbit on .... have probably scared everyone away again now

Not at all GetDown I love reading your long posts (nice that it's not just me that writes little essays most days!)

Right I've had a bit of a read of the Bumgenius range and am inclined to get some of the V3 One size nappies that they are selling off at £10 each (due to having brought out the V4s) and see how we get on with a few of those. If we like them we'll top up, if not we might try the flips, but they seem more pricy.

Getdown I too like reading long posts and I am one for lengthy ones myself!

Feeling very guilty today. Felt so awful last night that I made the decision to not go to London tomorrow. So no 5.30am start and work has to stand the cost of £162 for a return train ticket which is non-refundable. However last night I actually got a much better sleep and am feeling more human. Now feeling like I should have gone but I just felt so bad last night!
I'm off to ring my boss in 10mins. Why do i feel like I'm pulling a sickie despite begin still ill?? I think cos it's a cold. Pre-pregnancy I would never go off sick for a cold but just blasted it with Day Nurse.

Ah well, roll on Thursday for my scan.

'the decision to not go to London tomorrow' = I should be in London today but made the decision last night about tomorrow ie today! Oops.

Don't feel guilty MrsA. The decision is made, it would be a waste of a day to feel bad about it. Just rest and relax and eat nice stuff. I took a sick day for tiredness and a headache earlier this year and felt terrible about it - like you that is the sort of thing I would never do non pregnant, but hey. I needed the rest and my body had had enough. I learnt my lesson last time, pushed myself too hard, even when I knew I needed a break, immune system was low, caught toxo etc. It's not worth it. You are working very hard growing a baby in there!

GetDown glad you liked your hospital, it's nice to feel you've picked the right one. Our hospital also doesn't let you plug stuff in to their power points so I'm starting to keep the ipod, phones etc fully charged so they are ready!

Well I meant to go out to a breastfeeding and pregnant people group this morning for 10am but I overslept and am still sat here in my pjs. Ho hum. Better come up with a new plan for the day.

Ahhh MrsA don't feel bad about it. You were right to make the decision last night as you'd have had to get up too early this morning to decide one way or the other, and as you say, you were feeling really ill last night. Totally the right decision. Just rest up today and go back feeling refreshed. £100 here and there is absolute peanuts to a business

I had a shocking night's sleep Awake till 4am!! then awoke again at 7 by DH's b***dy iphone bleeping away, whilst he had gone out and was walking the dog. I have discovered the alarm function doesn't give up after a minute, but goes on... and on.... and on.... and on..... I was ready to chuck it out the window!! So, 3 hours sleep - woo hoo! Am impressed with myself that I managed to haul myself to Tesco and do a whole week's shop though. Knackered now. I bumped into someone I knew, I must have looked a right old state with my unbrushed hair, bags under my eyes, and in my tracksuit bottoms

Thanks spilt re. the hospital, I do feel more at ease now knowing we've finally made our decision where we are going to go. I've got a big care planning meeting on 1st August with loads of different health professionals where they discuss how to try and prevent me getting PND so badly this time. It is quite daunting as I reckon they are going to try and push me to take medication, but I am resisting as I really really want to breast feed and don't like the idea of taking drugs and them being passed into the baby

Hope you come up with some nice fun stuff to do today spilt

Hope you're feeling better today MrsA

I'm starting to get last minute pre-match nerves. Beginning to crap myself about having a baby here, in my house, that I am responsible for, and who will be here longer than I can comprehend. There is no going back. I really hope we like having children
This is normal isn't it?
Also I think I'm now reaching the point that there are only about 4.5 weeks left and I'm twitchy about going to places "just in case" and lacking in energy, and physically quite restricted now, so it's suddenly hitting that lots of things "would be nice to do, but have to wait until after the birth". And I'm fretting a bit about whether I've done all the pre-children stuff I might have wanted to do... bit late now if I haven't!!!
And I'm scared that having wanted children for a long time, and eventually been in a position to ttc, and then lost Bobbie, and then had all the worry of this pregnancy... I'm scared that when this baby arrives, what if parenthood is nothing like I expected?

Argh. Please tell me you all recognise the worries!

Oh spilt what you are feeling is totally, totally normal. Being a parent is a strange adjustment, like nothing else you've ever experienced. Suddenly you are not centre of your world, but someone else is. It's all about denial of self and doing the best for this little person. Sounds daunting, but it is wonderful, heart-warming and fulfilling.

It takes time to adjust (I think TBH the hardest time for me was the whole of the first year). There are things you just can't do that you used to be able to do (hop in the car for an impromptu night away, meals out when you fancy it, lie ins in the morning, etc) but the benefits by far outway what you miss. And remember that they don't stay babies very long. My DD is 3.5 now and already soooo independent! You soon start to get a bit of freedom back, even though through the chaos of the early days you never believe you will feel "normal" ever again.

What I'm trying to say is that being a mummy is darn hard work. But it's also wonderful. It's the best thing I've ever done. And I'm sure it will be for you too. HTH

waves sorry for being crap! Away and were visited by friends all weekend plus although I am on mat leave have had some shitty work stuff to deal with ;( ;( wankers

37 weeks here yikes ;))

Thanks GetDown, you are right, it will be fine. Your post is very heartwarming

Just been out for lunch with some of the NCT women who cheered me up a lot by saying my bump had grown. Phew! And I finally told them about Bobbie which was hard to do but I'm glad I did.

Wonder how Lady is? Did they manage to do the sweep yesterday?

I'm fine, ta. Was a bit yesterday as she didn't even attempt to do the sweep. She just said as it was so high on Friday and I had had no period pain or backache over the weekend it was unlikely to have changed so she didn't even look. The monitoring was all fine. They are definitely going to sweep on Friday. And the induction is booked for Sunday.

Feel very restless and tetchy to be honest. DS is big time getting on my nerves, am grumpy with DP when he gets home and cant quite see how am going to get through the next few days. Pathetic!

Spilt don't worry about worrying. Is a very natural feeling. Parenthood is a massive change and you would be mental not to worry at all. But it is doable. And you will never look back.

Hurrah for full term, Nix

Hope you had a better nights sleep, Getdown.

Thanks lady sleep is still pants but am finding I am coping during the day. I actually feel calmer today and didn't have the energy to do my usual coaching DD through lunch... I just left her to it, and gave the dog what she didn't eat Was actually a much more pleasant lunchtime than usual (the dog thought so too!)

Sorry to hear they haven't done the sweep yet. It is so so close now, You know that by this time next week you will have your little one in your arms. How amazing! Remember that spike on your chart and then 2 weeks later the BFP.... that is now a little person all formed and ready to come out. I find that boggles my mind when I think about it.

Don't blame you for getting fed up with DS, they are very trying at this age. I lost it with DD yesterday and felt so bad. I spent the evening sobbing to DH what a crappy mum I am I resolved to do things differently today, and so far we have had a lovely day and there's been no tears (from her OR me!) Very hard to maintain patience though.

Everyone alright? Not seen pippa, MrsP or Iwish for a while, hope you are all ok and just busy x

Lady sorry to hear you're having such a frustrating few days. Sometimes it seems like the world is conspiring to piss you off. Any last things you still have to do before the weekend? I can't quite believe that you will be in the delivery ward by Sunday at the latest! Fingers crossed you are successfully swept tomorrow.

GetDown you aren't a rubbish mummy, you're 7 months pregnant and allowed to have a less than perfect day. I think we are sometimes very hard on ourselves.

I think one of the cats knows something is up now, he's trying very hard to be my baby - loads of cuddles and chirpiness and attention seeking. I found him this morning sleeping on the blankets in the cot - he'd been there all night, and then twice today he's been curled up in the pram! There's a reason we've kept the rain cover on that... Hairy critter!

Boo to the work stuff nix and well done you for hosting houseguests at 37 weeks! I have PILs coming next weekend when I'll be 37 weeks. Bit nervous. Hoping I don't go into labour because then DH will have to ask them to leave and that feels a bit rude, but v.necessary! I can't imagine labouring at home with an audience

Hey spilt, I'm good thanks just busy, as you guessed. I am always crazy busy at work this time of year anyway and they just keep giving me more for some reason! I have also been having some of the same worries as you about parenthood, I would agree that it's normal. My brain is currently overwhelmed by all the things that we have to get ready before baby's arrival so I had to sit and make a big list to stop it from buzzing around my head!

MrsA, was it scan today? Did you find out the flavour?

Good luck for scan tomorrow raven!

And Lady, I can't quite believe you will be giving birth soon! The time seems to have whizzed by so fast, can't wait to hear all about it though.

Glad to hear the Lister is nice getdown. It was a bit disappointing that they finished the swanky new unit just as we moved away and that the Rosie won't finish their building until after I've had baby. It will be ready by next time though....

Nix, sorry to hear that work was being a pain, hope thats all finished now. Yay for 37 weeks!

I think we're mostly sorted. Few last minute bits to put into bag. DP needs to put up the new bathroom cabinet for our en suite but think that's it. Babies room is very pink but we're leaving it like that on the off chance (and taking a punt I think even if baby is a boy he won't care!), freezer is full of nourishing casseroles, house is all unpacked and tidy, oven is polished, skirting boards are clean. In fact am looking to kill time between now and then really as DS is being a bit challenging at the moment! We have monitoring and sweep at hospital tomorrow morning, will do something fun with DS in the afternoon, Ex-P has DS for day on Saturday and then we go in 8am Sunday morning.

My cats do my head in putting hair on everything. Have kept door to babies room firmly shut and plastic on everything. Would it be wrong to shave them?

Hi everyone!
I am still here, just been a busy bee so been reading but not posting.

split bet you are so excited now! The feelings youve been having are all very normal from what I've heard. You will love being a mummy.

lady I can't believe baby will be arriving soon! Sending you lots of lovely labour vibes hehe.

mrsp how are you doing apart from being v busy?

mrsa oooh what flavour?!

raven hope you are doing ok, good luck for your scan tomorrow!

nix sorry you have had a crappy time with work. Bet you just want to tell them to sod off!

getdown how are you doing today?

I hope I havnt missed anyone, I'm on my phone so takes ages to try and scroll through and type lol.

Well we are now the proud owners of nursery furniture!! Woohoo! I have put some pics in my profile if anyone wants a nosey. I love it. Keep going in just for a nosey

Lol lady at shaving the cats!!!

Evening all.

Lady oh how exciting! Do you hope it all starts by itself before Sunday?

DD is driving me mad and glad atm - IYKWIM. I'm feeling a bit bad actually as DD's pg and birth was soooo medicalised and this time round it's so different. Even though I'm classed as high risk, I've managed to keep below their radar and it's going well, and I'm very hopeful for a natural birth.
I do feel bad as DD never had any of this and I hope my bond with this one isn't closer, as I'll feel very guilty as DD didn't have this (although we have a great bond now).

Spilt I think it was you who was having last minute nerves. I felt totally the same (and hadn't been through what you have of course) and i worried alot about losing my 'life'. And yes, going out is hard, it's hard work and damn frustrating but without sounding like a 'smug parent' (eek!), until you experience the ups and downs of taking care of a little person you seem to focus on the negatives (the royal 'you' IYKWIM)

I really had trouble bonding with DD. It took me about 10 weeks before i really loved her (not proud) but now it's amazing.
And once you've got a routine, you can do stuff again - they grow up (too fast) and you sort of get your life back after 18m or so.

So, had scan today and (keep it quiet - it's a secret) we're having a boy! I'm a bit amazed tbh and a bit miffed cos i have lots of gorgeous dresses going spare now ;)
But she said she saw a willy so I'm thinking - one lot of periods and bras to deal with..gotta be a positive right?!!

OOh and one more question lady - I got my report back from nappy lady but she didn;t give any tips about dealing with nursery and reusable nappies. DS (gulp - first time I've written that) will go to nursery around 10m. Any tips about that or would we use disposables then?

Another boy to add to the board! I thought I was the only one having a little man! From what I remember there are a few girlies on here and some team yellow.
One of each for you now

My nursery were absolutely fine with reusables, Mrs A. I just sent 4 or 5 along with him each day all set up with the liners in etc and also a waterproof bag for them to come home in again. Not a problem. I think when I was looking round nurseries every one I asked said they were fine with them too.

Yeah, really hope it kicks off on its own but don't think it will to be honest. We'll see.

Lovely news on your boy, MrsA. Little boys are great. Apart from when they turn three <bitter experience>. But largely they are great .

Nursery is looking fab, Iwish! As are you.

yey on the team blue MRsA - boys are ace!!
goood luck on the sweep lady
Team yellow here too mrsp.. for now anyway!

heading home today from having 2 weeks in the sarf with hubs. DS very sad

catch up properly realy soon x

I'm impressed Lady, sounds like you've been immensely organised in the last 2 weeks!

MrsA congrats on team blue, how exciting

Iwish I am a bit at your nursery, it's beautiful. No wonder your credit card had to have some time off sick

Sodding cat has brought me a blackbird today. Cat has blood from paws to chin and is now swearing in the other room (for the last 2 hours!) where he has been shut away from bird.

And I SOAKED my T-shirt this morning Well done left breast, evidently you know how to do things!

I'm making baby steps towards making some mummy friends. It's like the first term at university all over again! Started to do some lunches and coffees with various antenatal folk. Of course they will all start to drop off the radar for a bit very soon as the babies arrive. Come on little girl, I want to meet you now!

Thyroid bloods done again and I've just got the results - TSH unchanged now since 18 weeks when they started me on thyroxine. That's a relief because at least it means I can discuss birth plan/location with the consultant on Monday knowing that the thyroid is totally stable and very well controlled, so it puts me in the strongest position for pushing for a MW led birth & pool.

Right, I am going to haul myself down to the swimming pool now for a bit of half arsed exercise.

Let us know how things go this morning Lady. Fingers crossed for you.

Sweep much more succesful this time. My lovely case load student did it so hope she did it right. But she reckons I am 2-3 cm dilated and soft. Cervix not entirely forward but was at least reachable and baybee is now engaged. Wasn't too sore, just reminded me of VE's in labour.

No twinges or shows or owt yet so will wait and see. Had toddler with me so had to set him up with Angry Birds on my phone and listen to a running commentary about killing piggies while she was up to her elbows in my fanjo. Told him she was looking up my bum.

Ah Nix. What happens when labour starts then? Will DH just have to drive up? Have you got other people on standby?

Glad thyroid is all under control, Spilt. Hope you can get the birth you want. And good to know your boob is all working. I am lucky in that I never leak. In 2 and a half years of breastfeeding. So have tons of redundant breast pads!

Thanks lady v nice of you to say. Feel like an elephant tho! Just had to stop myself from laughing in the middle of our packed canteen at the 'Told him she was looking up my bum'. Hilarious!! He will be telling everyone now that 'the nurse was looking up mums bum today'
Hey to being 2-3 cm! Might have a baby gaga soon

split thanks v much, I love the nursery. I like to keep going in for a nosey . credit card is poorly now tho like you said, having a rest from buying, I'm dying to buy something!!
Yey on the leaky boob! It's practicing for when baby split arrives. My right boob has leaked 3 times but only a tiny bit when I'm sleeping so have had nice marks when I woke up. Freaked DP out lol.
It's fab that your thyroid is behaving too. Mine has been stable and have been on the same dose from about 16 week. I have my bloods done every 6 weeks.
Hope you enjoy your swim.

How long have you got now nix? sorry my memory Is crap.

I had a appt through for physio for my SPD - 29th august!! Baby is due 3rd October!! Is there even any point?!

I've made my first reusable nappy purchase! For today Natural Nursery has 10% off all reusable nappies (incl any nappies already in their Summer sale) so I gave into temptation.

I have some Flip stay drys on their way and a wonderoo pocket nappy.

I've found my council has a deal with Close parent on the Dream Dri nappies which are supposed to be ace, here, so I'll get some of those too.

And I've found a local shop selling some slightly used nappies so will be hopefully picking up some Bumgenius v3s and maybe some Thirsties from there when they get back to me to say what colours etc they have. Only £6 each for those.

Starting to get bitten by the bug!

About 3 days solid of reading about the bleddy things and I think I have a rudimentary grip on what's on the market, what's definitely shit and what's supposed to be good so worth trying! And what's a good price when I see it...

DH thinks I have slightly lost my mind.

Hello all - sooo tired, been gardening for about 5 hours today in preparation for my 30th birthday party tomorrow. Sorry not been on much but I am stalking you all

Hope everyones weekends are well.

LadyG where are you?? snuggled up with a lovely baby I hope

Sorry to post and run but wanted to say thanks for all the good luck wishes for the scan. I had it today and all looking perfect so far. So relieved I can't tell you. I know it is only until I find the next thing to worry about but feels like a great milestone!

Will do longer/ personal messages tomorrow.

Awwww, raven that's wonderful news.

Hey iwish, I'm good thanks. Your nursery looks beautiful, I hope mine will look that good when its done.

Congrats on team blue MrsA!

Good to hear of well behaved thyroids, fingers crossed they will continue to do so.

Got very busy day tomorrow so going to wish LadyG lots of good luck now for Sunday. Oooh and I had a random dream that it would be a girl!

Lovely news, Raven. Hopefully you can relax a bit and enjoy now. At least for a while.

No snuggling going on over here. No twinges. Oh well, not much longer to wait now.

Excellent news raven, congratulations. Did they take some good pictures for you?

Well if labour doesn't take off today Lady then I hope you have a lovely day with DP whilst your DS is away and make the most of the last adulty day you'll have in a while.

Hello terrys glad you're well. Did you find out at your scan what you're having or not (can't remember what you'd planned to do?)

Blinkin heck lady if you were 2-3 cm dil when you posted, are you progressing now? FX for progress x

Urm labour is a little bit complicated here,. not really sure. DH will be 4 hours away, mum/IL will be on standby and friend and sis there to take me to hosp if needed. They are round the corner but mum is 45 min away. Having a couple of twinges at the min, and had v wet pants earlier.... not sure if things are starting - prob not!! Had a house viewing here yest so ILs and Parents and friends rallied round sprucing up house and garden for me whilst i was still down south... will see! Will be sods law to get lots of viewings around labour time!! <hopes> took DS to see cars 2 today... hmmmm jurys out... bit violent!!!

Raven - fab news on the scan
Spilt - fab you are getting to know other mums & that you can share your story with them. I hear the reusables can be pretty addictive but i will just use nature babycare like last time. I didnt get on with washables last time... DS hated them.
MRSA - team blue did i hear you say?!
Terrys good to hear all ok and happy 30th v soon xx Hope you have a great time!
I wish well done on the nursery i still havent done much... oh well!!

Love to all xx and good luck lady xxx

No progress as far as I can tell, Nix. Been having Braxton Hicks but have been having these for months. Hopefully will turn up to hospital tomorrow in labour already but who knows. Anyway, the more dilated i am the less intervention (I hope).

Twinges sound interesting. How long was your labour last time? You reckon DH will get there in plenty of time? Hope you get a sale soon - must be really hard for you being apart from your DH right now.

Hope so lady )

Not contraction twinges, just very sore down below and have had some strange fanjo pains! Quite a bit of pressure but have had that for a while. Shot pelvic floors i think, not helping... And the swelling....!!!! Dear god! I have a perfect pair of pinkie ring sized diamonds in my engagement and eternity rings... and even they are tight!!! I so hope the swelling goes down soon... my legs are like pork sausages!

How are you feeling generally Lady? I feel like crap today, horribly short tempered with DS and have just burst into tears reading him puff the magic dragon My labour last time was 7 days from show to delivery. 17 hours established labour at the hospital. Hopefully it wont be like that this time. x

So how will they start your induction Lady if you're already dilating? Is there a chance that ARM would do the trick without having to start on the syntocinon? Hope you get a decent bit of rest tonight. We'll look forward excitedly to your announcement soon!

Well with 7 days last time nix it sounds like MrNix will have more than 4hrs to spare for his journey!

I know just what you mean about sore down below, dragging ache in the lower bump and some sharp twinges in the fanjo area. We're all getting close
Actually it's a bit bloody scary. I think I've been drifting along in the assumption that I will be permanently pregnant... but actually one day soon pregnancy will be over and a small person will arrive <<hyperventilates>> Quite stressful having no idea when!

Good luck for tomorrow lady! Hope you arrive at hospital nice and dilated.

Hello everyone else - quick pop in and out as have 91 year old grandma staying. She told DD if she didn't stop running around today that mummy and daddy wouldn't love her anymore!!! Arrgghh - I just ignored, she is only 9 yrs from a telegram (but is also shockingly racist and old fahioned). Sigh. She goes tomorrow and for some reason DD adores her.

Hi everyone!

Lady will keep checking for the birth annoucement. I expect you have had a very eventful day. Can't wait to hear all about it and the new arrival.

Iwish I had a look at your nursery photos and it looks amazing! I look at our to-be nursery which needs so much done to it to get it looking anywhere near that. Good job we have got lots of time, as a few more things to do around the house before we get anywhere near that.

Terrys happy 30th and how was the party??

MrsA congratulations on finding out you are having a boy!!

Spilt hope your last minute nerves are ok, you will be an amazing mum to your little one. Got some really good pics of each of them at the scan, although not one of them both together as one is laying along the ways and the other up and own so not about to get a 2D pic where we could see them both clearly - I have one of 2 head shapes!

Nix hope you are feeling better and less puffed up - guess the heat isn't helping at the moment. Not long to go!

Hi getdown, pip and everyone else

Here I am really starting to show. Was in town today shopping and I found that my (loose) dress was tight around the belly and I could see in shop windows this pg person looking back when I completely relax. I think I can still suck it in an disguise it - but not sure for how much longer. Got Bio Oil for stretch mark prevention, but might be fighting a losing battle - plus I am crap at remembering to do that sort of stuff.

What a weekend with the tragedy in Norway and Amy Winehouse's death - difficult to get head round the events of the last couple of days.

Iris Mary, born 10.58 on Sunday night weighing 9lb8oz. Managed on gas and air and only a small second degree tear despite the fact her elbow was up by her head. Much less medicalised than was expecting. Will do full story later but she is beautiful with full head of hair. Feeding like a trooper catch up soon. Post natal ward seems to be quiet now so maybe I can finally sleep. Oh her blood sugars doing great too.

Fantastic news!! Congratulations Lady, so pleased for you
Looking forward to hearing the full birth story when you get the chance. Hope you can come home soon.
Welcome to the world little Iris xx

HUGE CONGRATS Lady

Sounds like it went really well for a hospital induction. So glad she's feeding we'll (tips once you're settled please!)

Take care

Congrats lady that's fab!! Hope you are feeling ok and hopefully will pop on later too get your update.

Hey lovely ladies! Will try and pop on later, off to work now unfortunatly

Woo hoo for baby gaga! CONGRATULATIONS lady!!!! Lovely name, great healthy weight, and just gas and air?! I salute you! Look forward to hearing more abt the birth and beautiful Iris. Xxx

Welcome to the world beautiful little bean iris
Seems only a few weeks ago she was a bfp!!
Well done you my lovely fantastic news

Look forward to seeing the bookface pics real soon

Massive congrats and hugs and kisses to you and your delightful familyxxxxx

<all emotional now>

;) ;) ;) ;) ;)

Lady so so pleased for you. WELL DONE! xxxxx

I've had a warm glow of loveliness all day thinking about you tucked up with your brand new baby. Can't wait to see some pics

To add to the general air of celebration on the thread, I've had my 36 week scan today and madam is porking up nicely, and is now guesstimated at about 7lbs!
And... <<does happy dance>> I am booked for the MW birth unit.

So, just need her to stay put until the weekend (full term) and then I would like her to come out and continue her growing outside of me

Congratulations Lady, lovely news. Looking forward to seeing some photos!

That's also fab news from you spilt.

Woo hoo and congrats LadyG I am so so for you. It feels extra special for me too as you are the first charter I charted with who has completed this amazing journey. I am so happy for you and your family.

spilt that is awesome news, I would have gone for a MW led centre if there was one near me last time but went for HB as there wasn't, there is one now but still trying for HB. I have heard great things about them though

I am having a surprise version but I won a 4D scan on twitter last week so I wonder if it will stay a surprise? I am very excited about it as DH really wanted one and it will be a nice experience to share.

Raven great news on the scan, when are you due? Thanks for happy birthday wishes - I had a fantastic party with wonderful friends so feeling like a very lucky lady. Also got the most beautiful diamond pendant necklace from DH so feeling well and truly spoilt!

Who is due next, is it you spilt? I am very excited for you but at the same time quite sad as my MC EDD was the day before yours so I think it will be a difficult time for me that day - maybe a lovely successful birth story will turn the day into a happy positive one though so I am keeping my FX for that.

Hello everyone else!

lady hope you are having lots of lovely cuddles and enjoying lots of attention!

Hey terrys - am due at end of Jan so an absolute age to wait. By then you will all be gone so either need to recruit some new charters grads or (gasp!) find another thread! Sounds like a wonderful party and what a lovely gift from DH. Good work MrTerrys!

Oh and great new spilt, yours is the first charters BFP I remember from my early days and can't believe you are so close!

Ooh terrys congrats on the 4D scan, I bet that will be amazing! I'm sure they can keep it a surprise if that's what you want, just say at the start. nix is due next, she's 2 weeks in front of me. I'm sure it will be a weird old day for you when your due date comes around, lots of us have had that during our current pregnancies. Let yourself have a down day or a special day doing something if you want, it's an important date.

DH had a nightmare last night about my waters going... think the boy is getting twitchy!

Woohoo split that's lovely news about the birth unit and the porky baby lol. Not so great about your DH having nightmares tho lol.

Oooh terrys enjoy your 4d scan. They are amazing! We had one a few weeks ago (pics are in my profile if you want a nosey) They will keep away from baby's bits if you don't want to know the sex too.

raven so glad your scan went well, bet you are over the moon! Will you find out thr sex? And thanks re the nursery. We have even impressed ourselves lol!

mrsp nix mrsa pippa and getdown hope you are all doing ok?

lady hope you are having lots of cuddles with little one.

My little mine seems to have found the best to stick his feet in my ribs. Slightly uncomfortable but he seems to like it lol. He is very wriggly these days and I love it!

I meant my little 'man' not 'mine'! Lol

Just been crawling around on all fours scrubbing all the hard floors... otherwise known as optimal fetal positioning and nesting combined!

The kitchen seems to be where my need to nest is overwhelming just now. Today I have cleaned the extractor hood, cleaned the light fitting, scrubbed all the skirting boards and the front of the dishwasher, hoovered the floor, scrubbed floor. And made a humungous batch of chilli for the freezer. And last night I made chocolate brownies, slightly underdone to be fair but they are sooo yummy and gooey! Clearly all this cleaning deserves a brownie type reward
Tomorrow I plan to get the sugar soap out of the loft and wash the walls down.

And the first few of my nappies have arrived. Have spent far too long poppering and un poppering them and mucking about with all the sizes and inserts They look so comfy

oh lord. Don't read the Discussions of the Day thread on Labour and 1-1 care. Freaking terrifying. I had not as yet considered the possibility of being totally neglected by MWs when in labour <<banishes thought>>

iwish hopefully if his feet are in your ribs then his head is down south! What are you now, about 30 weeks? (lost count )

at spilt I know what you mean, I've got nesting bad too. Too lazy to actually do any scrubbing though <fell asleep on the sofa this afternoon>

I stupidly watched that panorama last night, and scared myself silly, which was really daft, especially as DH is away at the moment so I had no one to be rational and sensible for me. They interviewed a poor man, whose baby had died in the womb at full term, and they'd induced his wife to give birth with 16x the recommended dose of syntocinon causing her womb to rupture and then she died too It was awful

Am trying to banish all those horrible negative thoughts. My friend leant me her natal hypnotherapy CD so i now have that as well as the hypnobirthing one, so I can alternate them. I much prefer the English voice of the natal hypnotherapy one, it's very soothing and much less irritating than the American twang!!

Someone give me some advice please - I'd decided to get an electric Medela pump, as my Avent manual one last time just didn't quite cut the mustard, and I really want to give breast feeding a good go this time. It's quite an expense - nearly £90 but all the reviews seem to say it's well worth it, so I thought I'd go for it.

Found a place online selling for £82 - that was the cheapest I found it, so I ordered it. That was 2 weeks ago now, I still have nothing. I've emailed them but had no reply, and tried phoning on different days and at different times but it goes to answerphone each time Am now cursing myself for ordering from an unknown firm, and am scared of losing my money. Wish I'd just gone to Amazon now What should I do? I paid on a credit card, so that should help shouldn't it? If there's no way of contacting them, how can I cancel the order, or find out what is going on??? It's stressing me out a bit, particularly as it was quite a big expense...

Flipping eck split you have been busy!! I hope the nesting kicks in for me In a few weeks (preferably after 2nd September when I finish work lol) as I've been soo lazy recently and it's even a chore to Hoover the kitchen. However I did wash and iron baby's clothes the other day, even his little vests lol.
And omg I could just eat some of your home cooked brownies. They sound amazing!!
Yeh 30 weeks yesterday!! Eek. Im wishing time away now, just want October to come!

getdown I'm do glad I didn't watch that!! Was it that 'one born every 40 seconds'? If so I have recorded it so might delete it.
Maybe you should get it touch with the credit card company and see if they can get your money back? I'm pretty sure its better if you have paid on credit card as you can get your money back easier. The only other way to contact that company is to write to them I suppose but that may just be as useless.

I've just put my 30 week bump pic up - I'm HUGE!!

Yes GetDown it's the panorama program they are discussing on the Discussion of the Day. I am definitely NOT going to be watching that, I got the gist from the thread, and also so many people saying they were left alone for most of their labours

Re the pump that hasn't arrived - if you've paid on credit card then phone your credit card company and explain that the order has not been fulfilled and you want to cancel. They should refund your money and pursue it with the company themselves.

Got to go, but just wanted to post that quickly x

Thanks iwish and spilt I feel a bit reassured knowing if all else fails I should be able to get my money back.

Wow I feel shattered this evening. DH has been away yesterday and today, and am feeling the strain with DD. Took her to costa for a milkshake this afternoon, and I had to have a non-decaf coffee as I was soooo sleepy. Then managed a trip to the playground, but that is about all I've done today

She's in bed now <and breathe>

Oh, and getting on to that icky topic of perineal massage again......

My hypnobirthing teacher said it is essential, and I need to be doing it every day. I've only managed two days so far, and man, I hate it!! For one, I find it really hard to reach Is it just me???? What.... errr... position do you ladies use?
Also, I seem to have loads of horrible discharge and the whole process is messy and uncomfortable
Plus (and this is probably the worst bit), I have looked in the mirror and I have horrible scar tissue from my tear last time It is a bit of a mess down there to be honest. I don't know if scar tissue perhaps is a bit less stretchy than normal tissue? It feels so sore to try and stretch it Every day?? Ick.

I'm sure the nesting bug will get to you soon iwish. I certainly didn't have the puff for it whilst I was working. It felt like a marathon just chopping an onion or whatever for tea whilst DH did the rest! Your bump looks lovely, love your set of stripey tops! I've just put my 36 week bump pic up - given the size of the baby alledgedly in there I seem to be really quite neat.

Poor you GetDown. Pregnancy exhaustion really is draining.

So, perineal massage... I tend to aim for 5 days out of 7 because there's always a day or two where I can't be arsed/have to get up quickly and I am not going to feel guilty about it. Position wise I've found 3 that work:
1. Pillow on floor, kneel on it with your knees wide apart and pointing outwards, and pretty much sit back on your heels. Go in with both thumbs from the front (i.e. not reaching round behind your bum because I can't get my arms round that far!)
2. Squatting in the frog position, knees wide pointing outwards (can lean head forward onto the bed/a chair for stability). Again, go in with both thumbs from the front.
3. Sit in the position you must not give birth in! Semi reclining, bum on a pillow for comfort, knees bent and apart and get going.

Yes I also have lots of skanky discharge. It is revolting. I have a couple of tissues to hand for immediate wipeage afterwards and then head straight to the bathroom for half a dispenser of hand soap!

I was surprised to find just how much softer and more pliable the whole area was when I did the massage straight after a hot bath, so that might be something to try whilst you're finding it quite uncomfortable. I definitely find it a lot easier now, it got noticeably better after about a week so do stick with it. I'm sure I read that scar tissue is less stretchy so all the more reason to work with it a bit. Go gently though and build it up.

I found having some soothing Einaudi music playing helped me stay relaxed and distracted me a bit from the yuck factor. Good luck!

<<4 brownies eaten today >>

Hi lovelies

Very very swollen and uncomfy here, Bp a little elevated, but watching out for headaches and visual probs ( Pre eclampsia) so adding to that horrendous carpal tunnel feeling a little hideous;(baby tho is absolutely fine ;)))

Nesting, well trying!! Not much energy and very breathless but doing my best!! ;))

Can't believe I am next.......

Lady hope you are enjoying lots of snuggles x
Big kisses to everyone else x

Thanks spilt that is really helpful advice re. the fanjo stretching perineal massage, I'm so glad you said about the discharge, I found it all quite distressing the couple of times I've done it so far and ended up feeling really disgusted with myself. Mine seems to be quite runny, to such an extent I actually freaked myself out at first thinking I'd burst my waters as there was so much of it - gross !!!

I will try those positions, and glad to hear it does get softer / easier. Good idea re, after a warm bath too.

BTW I love Einaudi!!! We have several of his CDs. Always been favourites of mine. Can I also recommend some of Steven Halpern's stuff (look him up on Amazon) very chilled out music which I like a lot

Go for it with the brownie-eating. I had a brownie myself in Costa earlier, tho I'm sure not as nice as your home made goo-ey ones!

Hiya nix wow you're up next! So exciting! Sorry to hear about the BP and the swelling, just keep an eye on it. When is your next MW appt? Is DH around a lot more now? Hope DS is not driving you too mad. I have days where DD just exhausts me. And that's even with excessive mis use of CBeebies

Evening all! Glad to hear things seem to be going well for all, hope your swelling is just normal pg stuff nix
I am 23 weeks now - one more till 'viability'. Not that it means a great deal but nice to know baby is considered a little person then.
I'm doing OK. Much better than last pg.

Met my doula yesterday - nice lady, not hippyish and would generally defer to midwives rather than 'homebirth at all costs' attitude. I liked her.

I didn't know about panorama. Tbh, it doesn'[t surprise me. One reason I want a hb is that you get 121 care at home. In last labour I was left alone so many times cos I had the monitor on and they just relied on that. DD was also taken away after the birth for no good reason and I was too out of it on drugs to bf.
For me, hb is safest option!
But, that's me.

Gd re the breast pump - I have the medala dual electric one and it was fab! Got full bottles in minutes! Would seriously recommend x

No Dh not about ATM.. But parents and peeps swarming round in this heat, helping with the last min nesting lol..
Everyone on standby and dh four hours away like a cat on a hot tin roof.. But never mind!! Ds been a gem recently actually ;) helping me and gma get everything ready for the baby! Shit scared, terrified what the birth is going to bring, need to shave my legs but want it out now... The heat is killing me!! Bring it on ;)

Saw mw yest just have to watch out for vision and headaches otherwise they ate happy to wait til 40 weeks. ;)

Sorry for me me me hands are pretty bad so hurts to type xx

You know I step away for a couple of hours and the talk turns to fanjo stretching lol. Quite intrigued about it tho. When are you supposed to start it?

Woohoo mrsa 1 week to go! Glad you liked your doula

nix I hope bubba comes soon for you but with plenty of time for your DH to get there too!

split your bump is so neat and nice! I feel like a whale and I'm pretty sick of people telling me I'm massive baby might be massive eek!

getdown sorry you have been so tired. Put your feet up at every opportunity! Hope you manage the massage too.

Well I'm upset. I can't get my feet in my trainers! We are going to work dressed in running gear (with slight changes for me lol) so trainers it Is but my feet are just too fat

Hi everyone every time I disappear for a couple of weeks someone has a baby . (Is it me?! Nix what's your ideal birth date? I'll make sure I'm not online...) Fantastic news Lady - can't wait to hear your birth story. Made me a little bit choked up when I got to your post!

I'm 31 weeks and carpel tunnel has properly set in - splints don't seem to help and I spent yesterday with an entirely numb left arm. Ouch. In other news, I requested to change midwives, as mine made a call in front of me about another lady in which she gave out full name, full address, details of problems she was having breastfeeding, and I felt so uncomfortable (and so wouldn't want her to do that about me in front of someone else?!) I just didn't feel I could trust her. So now, finally, with a couple of months to go, will hopefully see just the one person till the end...

Sorry not to namecheck everyone, I have read everything but I've missed so much (naughty) I'm way behind. Needless to say there's a certain nursery I'm very jealous of!! Hope you're all feeling well - can't believe so many of us are in the 30+ week stage now...somewhat scary and amazing!

(Talking of scary, I have got over my Hypnobirthing cynicism and would thoroughly recommend )

Morning all,

Great that you've found a good doula MrsA. Viability is an exciting milestone

nix sorry to hear about the swelling and raised BP, that must be quite worrying and uncomfortable. Fingers crossed it is just the heat and nothing sinister. Stick your feet in a bucket of cold water if you get the chance of a sit down!

Iwish about 34 weeks I heard for the fanjo stretching. I think I started at about 33 though. <<Quite alarmed at prospect of tearing emoticon>>
Tbh even though I am quite compact I feel like a whale anyway. I think it comes with the territory. Turning over in the night is about a 5 point turn with grunting. When I get out of bed I walk sideways into the furniture before I regain control of my legs. If I sit still for too long the skin on the top of my bump goes numb. And I can only dawdle along at pathetic speeds whilst getting out of breath. Ho hum. Not much longer!! (I am so very VERY excited about being able to lie comfortably and guilt free in whatever position I choose)

pippa lovely to see you again. You must be onto the summer holidays now? Sorry about the carpal tunnel, that sounds horrible. Is it just paracetamol you can take for it? Hope your new MW is much better.

GetDown I forgot to say, when I use a pillow to sit/kneel on I always cover it with a manky old towel in case of oil drips/gloops of discharge. Mine is all thick and sticky and has it's own special odour <<vomit>> (Hope that makes you feel less ick about yourself!)
Einaudi is lovely. I bought a big double CD of his and have loaded it onto the ipod ready for labour (I can't listen to natal hypnotherapy on a 38 min repeat cycle the whole time, I will go mad!). But I find his music very soothing and usually play it when doing my yoga exercises. Seems to help keep the breathing deep and calm.

Just a quick one, got these bra extenders and I think they are fab! Just thought I would share

<Delivers wine and posh crisps>

I thought had better post my birth story while it is still relatively fresh in my memory. You might need some sustenance to get through it!

As most of you know I wasn't going to be allowed to go over my due date as had Gestational Diabetes and they were a bit concerned about babies size. Had a sweep on the Friday where she told me was 2cm and soft. No contractions though although lost my plug the day before. So we went in to labour ward at 8am on Sunday (my due date) for induction. They put the pessary in at 9am. They thought would only need one as was quite favourable although cervix still needed to come forwards. Had a chilled morning, went for a walk, read papers. About lunchtime started to get some niggly pains - just short prostin contractions. Put TENS on. Did more walking to get things going. Rechecked at 3:30pm no real changes so she did another sweep. Rechecked at 6:45pm and cervix had come forwards now although still 2cm and contractions longer and more regular so they took me to labour suite to break waters. MrG had gone out for chips at this point.

Settled into room which was quite homely and non-medical really. Could dim the lights etc. MrG got back from his chips and contractions kicked off strongly by about 7:15pm. Got acquainted with the gas and air. Was feeling quite a bit of backache so on all fours. They were quite intense at this point so started getting panicky and shouting about epidurals. The midwife (lovely old school Irish woman) said I couldn't as they were all in theatre and think was the last I said about it! After that I got more controlled with breathing etc and using gas and air effectively.

Really odd sensations, felt like needed to push but just went with it (must have just been baby moving down) as kept pooing myself (lovely!). Re-examined at about 9pmish and was now 10cm just with anterior lip! Kept going for a while longer, was getting anxious about whether I could start to push or not (think because I had such a difficult time with DS last time I didn't want to tire myself out if a lip or a bad position). anyway for next hour or so contractions seemed to slow down. Midwives got a bit concerned and mentioned starting the drip. I started crying, saying no and they said they would leave me a bit longer. At this point I sank down to my knees leaning over the bed and started to push her out. I can remember feeling her head and basically singing through each contraction as I breathed her out. This seemed to take a long time (but was only actually 20 mins) and was because her elbow was up by her head. But slowly, slowly she edged out and eventually I felt her head pop out. I could feel her wriggling and pushing with her feet inside. Then a couple more pushes and her whole body slithered out of me which felt amazing! She was behind me so I couldn't see her to begin with and then they pulled her up and I could see she had loads of hair and was just sobbing with relief. She latched on within 10 mins of being born and stayed feeding for 2 hours! She was born at 10:58pm so labour recorded as 3h45m - bit different from the 32 hours I had with miniG!

I had a little second degree tear but they said with the size of her (9lb8oz with 37cm head!) and the fact she had her elbow by her face this was fairly inevitable but it was only an external one and not too bad. She stitched it but i think local anaesthetic needle going into the fanjo was probably the worst bit of the whole labor! then I went and got in the bath while MrG had some skin time and Iris and me both went to bed after that!

I was impressed that throughout the midwives were great and pretty much ignored the whole diabetes thing. I had intermittent monitoring as per a normal delivery, didn't check blood sugars, no drip etc. Was fantastic! All in all I had a great labour, it was only as medicalised as needed to be and they just let me get on with it all myself. I used my birthing ball, yoga mat, used cat positions and kneeling positions and was a really amazing experience. Particularly given what I was expecting after missing out on the HB. They did no coached pushing, was all up to me and my instincts. Iris's blood sugars have been perfect too.

Hopefully it shows that even if things go massively tits up and deviate hugely from your ideal birth you can still have an amazing experience.

She's such a chilled baby (so far). Sleeps in her basket (MiniG would not be put down for a minute) and has been feeding great. In fact it was MiniG who disturbed our sleep last night, Iris only woke up once. Midwife checked her today and she has a wee bit of jaundice, lost 8% birthweight which is par for the course given the fact she is such a big girl.

We're all so, so happy. MiniG is such a proud big brother and MrG is loving being a Daddy (is his first). I just have to work on the additional mountains of flesh now that still seem to be adhered to me! 1 stone down, 3 and a half to go!

Will try to catch up with everyone's posts now.

Lol split!! I know exactly what you mean about everything you mentioned! Especially the lying down and feeling guilty depending on the position!! I try and lie on my left side but have to move to the right when my hip/pelvis hurts then feel bad! Will have to get some info on the fanjo stretching then. Will start at about 34 weeks ish - eek!

getdown I love you!! I was just about to go and buy done new bras!! Now I don't need to. Mine are getting tight round the back but fine on the boobs. I forgot those extenders even existed!

lady the birth sounds fab! And I'm so glad that she Is a good baby, hopefully you will get a little rest.

Some cheeky f*%#er just said to me 'are you sure it's not twins?' !!!!! Cheeky cow!

Thank you for your birth story LadyG. I'm really pleased for you that even though you didn't get your home birth you still had a good one. Interesting to read that she is such a chilled baby, sort of ties in with a chilled (if that's possible!) birth.

I've been having a couple of down days where I have been worrying about everything, what birth will be like etc etc so that has cheered me up significantly!

Had very little sleep last night after DH had a night terror episode and screamed the house down and launched himself round the bedroom resulting in some cuts and bruises. I couldn't sleep after that. Frightened the bloody life out of me and now worried about it happening again as my instint is to try and calm him down but he was lashing out and don't want bump to get harmed. I've known him to have bad dreams before but this was something else. Good training for having kids I guess!

Poor nix, that sounds rough. You're so nearly there though, hang on in there.

Hello to everyone else. X

Great to hear your birth story LadyG! Well done again, what a fab experience. Also I salute you for finding the time to type it all out with a newborn (and a small child). Am very impressed with you saying "no" to the drip - wish I had done so first time round with DD, and I plan to refuse the drip this time should my contractions slow. Makes it so much more painful, led to me having an epidural, continuous monitoring, pushing lying flat on back etc. etc. Not going that route again if I can help it!

at iwish !! I am so chuffed with my bra extenders! Have been able to wear the non-underwired bra I bought that was too tight round the back, and am feeling very pleased about it! They came in the post really quickly too.

Hi Mrsp saw your FB status - hope you are ok! I think it's normal to have days where we feel a bit down and worried about stuff. There is a lot to think about having a baby! Sounds horrible re. your DH's night terror. I had a friend I used to work with who got those and it was awful as she would wander out of her flat in her sleep and do all sorts of strange things. Apparently you shouldn't try to wake them up when they are in the middle of it though. Has he ever been to the doctor about it?