Mumsnet Talk

New thread! I've lost my lovely spreadsheet <sob> so if someone can add in the stats and update, that would be wonderful; I'm sure someone else had a spreadsheet that was as anally organised as me

Nice one bunty, love the title!

Ps am watching a repeat of Lorraine and eating (i'm not hungry). Bag remains dreadfully unpacked

marking space!

Yippee! Thanks Bunty, great title

Birdies - pack that bag!

<tuts at birdies >

Pack that bag!

Does anyone have any good book recommendations, incidentally? I'm going to get my kindle charged and packed for the ever-optimistic view that I might have some time to read in hospital, and I've read everything I currently have downloaded. It'll probably languish, unloved, in my bag until I'm home and stuck to a couch feeding a newborn, but I'd rather take it and not use it, than need it and not take it!

Just marking my space!

But also we are due to have our travel system delivered today and was wondering what peoples thoughts are RE suppistitions (not sure if that's spelt right? Apologies) but do u believe it is bad luck to have it in the house before bump is born? This is my nana and mums thoughts?

Marking my place!

Birdies, pack your bag!!

We have our first antenatal class tomorrow. Labour part one. I'm hoping I feel better though - don't really fancy doing that when I'm all snotty and coughing...

Bugger. Ok gonna start bag in a bit and report back when done! (So if you don't hear from me for days you know I haven't done it haha!)

bernie I think most people would have pram in the house beforehand. But I am slightly OCD about other things so can't really advise except that common sense says good or bad things will happen regardless of where your pram is! But I've just touched wood about something else so i would be a hypocrite to say its a load of nonsense!!

Hey Bernie. My hubby is very superstitious so we've got basically nothing in the house yet - a couple of baby grows, a snowsuit and a toy... The furniture is ordered but we're not picking it up til after baby is born. Still to order our travel system but that will be the same.

Excellent witty title Bunty.

Birdies how about doing a list first, then actually packing bag......procrastination will not help .

On the book recommendations, I am a bit of a sci-fi/fantasy nerd and LOVED the Game of Thrones series plus they are really long and there are loads of them.

Game of Thrones may be an excellent suggestion, Squealy - although are they heavy reading? I don't know if I can cope with something I need to concentrate on in a sleep deprived state!

bernie I refused to have the pram in the house for DS, but can't really escape it this time round as we're still using it for him! Granted, it's in the boot of the car most of the time, but it is definitely around.

Reminds me - really must get the buggy board sorted out soon, and wash the nest for the pram part ...

I can't think of why you wouldn't want to get baby stuff in the house ready. Less panic when the baby arrives!

OMG I AM STARVING.

That's all.

I really don't understand these superstitions about waiting until the baby is here. If someone can provide a scientific explanation of how having a pram bought already and in the house may have an adverse consequence on my pregnancy I may be willing to reconsider. Otherwise I'd like to be prepared (and am enjoying bits of baby related shopping).

I share the same feelings as Birdies - bad/good things will happen regardless of whether you keep the pram in the house or not. BUT If it wil stress you or your DP out then just do what suits you and don't get the pram yet. It would stress me out way more if I could not bring stuff into the house/get stuff bought and organised but horses for courses .

Bunty I think some people find them hard going because each little chapter deals with one charcter and their story so it jumps around a bit. I actually like this as I felt I could read one chapter on the tube on the way into work and then easily pick back up again hours later on the way home. Maybe get the first book now and see if you like it, then you can read book 2 in the hospital? They are literally heavy reading in paperback so I was v. grateful for my kindle in this respect too!

Marking my place with the following comment:

I'm so tired (and cold and fed up of being fat).

Marking place

Yay - love the new title

Let's hope we all 'pop' on time and have 'positive popping' experiences

xx

Thanks for the thread Bunty although i can't believe the spreadsheet is lost! The rest of us are a bit useless so we rely on you to be the organised one.

Bernie our travel system hasn't arrived yet, but it should be with us in a couple of weeks. We'll be having it in the house as we want to play with it and get some practice in folding it up and putting the car seat on and off.

I really want pringles now!

Pack my bag Birdie

One corner of my living room is currently a shrine to all things baby, mainly because the little bedroom is still a shit-tip until the new carpet goes down. Everything we need is in the house as there's nowhere else for it to go so Bollocks to superstition really.

I'm cold, may have to put some heating on in a bit.

Bunty thanks for lovely new thread. I don't have spreadsheet either. Can we just cut and paste stats from old thread or is that too low tech?

Had private scan today as been told wont get another one on NHS. Everything normal apart from baby's weight. Baby is very small, below 5th percentile, and is currently about 3 lbs. am having another scan in a weeks time to see if baby has grown. Am seeing Consultant on Friday so will be able to ask lots of questions then. Am 32 wks today so baby has time to get bigger but think I should take it easy now. Am finishing work next week so that will help. Anyone else in similar position now or with previous pregnancies?

After scan, went to Primark and bought really cheap nighties and a dressing gown so will wash that and pack hospital bag. Need to get a few more baby clothes, but at long last feel as though I am getting there.

Is your bag packed Birdies?!!!

complicated I'm not ant kind of expert but think 3lbs sounds normal
for this point? SIL had a dd at 34 weeks and she was only 4lbs plus I'm sure I read somewhere that towards the end babies are gaining 1/2 lb a week.

Superstition be damned I have to have baby stuff ready for baby before it arrives too much stress otherwise. Mind you so far it only has some clothes, nappies and a moses basket so we really need to get on with it! If nothing else we need a pram and a car seat!

prickly me too!

I found this - think it's up to date but by all means add/amend if needed?

BuntyCollocks (29) DC2 EDD 28/12/12 (NE Wales) She's a girl!
Pmgkt (33) DC2 EDD 28/12/12 He's a boy!
Birdies (33) DC2 EDD 30/12/12 She's a girl!
Pascha (35) DC2 EDD 30/12/12 (Kent)*It's a surprise!*
PricklyPickle (31) DC1 EDD 31/12/12 (SE London - Eltham)
sanam2012 (?) DC2 EDD 1/1/2013 She's a girl!
LowLu (31) DC2 EDD 02/1/2013
TootieMaroo (32) DC2 03/1/2013
MarasmeAbsolu (31) DC2 EDD 03/01/13 (Scotland - Central Belt) She's a girl!
Lora1982 (30) DC1 EDD 04/01/13 He's a boy!
IsSpringSprangedYet (?) DC4 EDD 5/01/2013
DollFisher (28) DC1 EDD 5/01/13 She's a girl!
Allchik (30) DC1 EDD 06/01/13 It's a surprise!
Pockemuchka DC3 EDD 06/01/13 It's a surprise!
AriNi31 (?) DC2 EDD 06/01/13
Happyhow (26) DC1 EDD 07/01/13 (Scotland - Aberdeen) It's a surprise!
EmilieFloge (38) DC? EDD 07/01/13
Complicated24 (44) DC1 EDD 07/01/2013 It's a surprise!
Newbie6 (36) DC1 EDD 08/01/13 (Scotland - Ayrshire) He's a boy!
Norfolkinway (25) DC1 EDD 09/01/13
Octanegirl (34) DC1 EDD 09/01/13 He's a boy!
BumgrapesofWrath (30) DC2 EDD 10/01/13
DoIgetastickerforthat (age) DC4 EDD 11/01/13
Kim222 (30) DC1 EDD 11/01/13
Lulabel27 (29) DC2&3 (twins) EDD 11/01/13
CraftyGirly (26) DC1 EDD 11/01/13 She's a girl!
Cejay8 (32) DC2 EDD 12/01/13 It's a surprise!
Tinyeyes123 (30) DC1 EDD 13/01/13 She's a girl!
CreepyCrawly (21) DC1 EDD 13/01/13 (West Wales) She's a girl!
PixelCarrier (?) DC? EDD 13/01/2013 It's a surprise!
Shakemyhead (37) DC1 EDD 14/1/13 (West Yorkshire - Wakefield) She's a girl!
Godzookey (35) DC1 EDD 14/01/13 He's a boy!
PeshwariNaan (33) DC1 EDD 14/01/13
Hormonalhell (40) DC2 EDD 15/01/13 He's a boy!
Theboutiquemummy (35) DC1 EDD 17/01/13 (Norfolk)
ChutesTooNarrow (33) DC2 EDD 18/01/13 She's a girl!
Glorious (28) DC1 EDD 18/01/13 (SE London - Hither Green)
Tugstonia (33) DC1 EDD 18/01/13 (SE London - Crystal Palace) It's a surprise!
SpringFlowers (39) DC4 EDD 18/01/13 It's a surprise!
Eagleray (40) DC1 EDD 18/01/13
13mma (29) DC1 18/01/13
LetThereBeCupcakes (30) DC1 EDD 20/01/13
Silversixpence (29) DC2 EDD 20/01/13
mulan07 (27) DC1 EDD 20/01/13 He's a boy!
BadgerFace (34) DC1 EDD 21/01/13 She's a girl!
bealos (34) DC2 EDD 22/01/13 She's a girl!
AppleCrumples (?) DC4 EDD 22/01/13
PreggoFabulous (30) DC1 EDD 22/01/2012 (South West) He's a boy!
Bunny222 (31) DC1 EDD 22/01/13 It's a surprise!
Woody2313 (33) DC1 EDD 23/01/2013 (West Midlands - Shropshire)
SigningGirl (age) DC1 EDD 24/01/13
SquealyB (29) DC1 EDD 26/01/13 (SW London - Richmond) It's a surprise!
knuckingfackered (39) DC2 26/1/13
Mrsbugsywugsy (34) DC1 EDD 25/01/2013 (Sussex) She's a girl!
Thinkingpositivethoughts (28) DC1 EDD 26/01/13
MrsMallard (35) DC1 EDD 26/01/13 (Hertfordshire) She's a girl!
Salt1 (38) DC1 EDD 27/01/13 She's a girl!
Lilblondepessimist (33) DC4 EDD 28/01/13
MamaMary (31) DC2 EDD 28/01/13 She's a girl!
Sebsmama (32) DC2 EDD 29/01/13
BionicEmu (26) DC2 EDD 29/01/13
Missymoo (32) DC2 EDD 30/01/13
DiscoDomina (31) DC1 EDD 30/1/13 (West Midlands)
Brugmansia (35) DC1 EDD 31/01/13 (SE London - Kennington/Elephant and Castle)
Mummypud (32) DC3 EDD 31/01/13
PipIsOutNow (?) DC2 31/01/13
Deiciocho (32) DC1 EDD 31/01/13 It's a surprise!

AppleCrumbles I though 3 lbs sounds fine too but Dr seemed concerned so that's what got me worried. Had a McDonalds afterwards as thought that might help!

I haven't got pram in house yet as am superstitious. Baby shop are storing it for us. But do have other things we've bought or been given in house as garage leaks so don't want it stuff going mouldy in there.

Moan time. I had a hospital appointment and Mil had ds1. I packed him lunch, so she didn't need to worry. He had breakfast yet when he got there she got him a muffin, then at lunch she got him an ice cream. I wouldn't mind but she is the first to moan if we give him a treat. Moan over

Well done on the new thread, just marking my place. Anyone else been feeling more emotional recently? I 've been a bit up and down this weekend

I'm not superstitious, had our pram for ages. The cat has been sleeping in it!

Added myself to the list

BuntyCollocks (29) DC2 EDD 28/12/12 (NE Wales) She's a girl!
Pmgkt (33) DC2 EDD 28/12/12 He's a boy!
Birdies (33) DC2 EDD 30/12/12 She's a girl!
Pascha (35) DC2 EDD 30/12/12 (Kent)*It's a surprise!*
PricklyPickle (31) DC1 EDD 31/12/12 (SE London - Eltham)
sanam2012 (?) DC2 EDD 1/1/2013 She's a girl!
LowLu (31) DC2 EDD 02/1/2013
TootieMaroo (32) DC2 03/1/2013
MarasmeAbsolu (31) DC2 EDD 03/01/13 (Scotland - Central Belt) She's a girl!
Lora1982 (30) DC1 EDD 04/01/13 He's a boy!
IsSpringSprangedYet (?) DC4 EDD 5/01/2013
DollFisher (28) DC1 EDD 5/01/13 She's a girl!
Allchik (30) DC1 EDD 06/01/13 It's a surprise!
Pockemuchka DC3 EDD 06/01/13 It's a surprise!
AriNi31 (?) DC2 EDD 06/01/13
Happyhow (26) DC1 EDD 07/01/13 (Scotland - Aberdeen) It's a surprise!
EmilieFloge (38) DC? EDD 07/01/13
Complicated24 (44) DC1 EDD 07/01/2013 It's a surprise!
Newbie6 (36) DC1 EDD 08/01/13 (Scotland - Ayrshire) He's a boy!
Norfolkinway (25) DC1 EDD 09/01/13
Octanegirl (34) DC1 EDD 09/01/13 He's a boy!
BumgrapesofWrath (30) DC2 EDD 10/01/13
DoIgetastickerforthat (age) DC4 EDD 11/01/13
Kim222 (30) DC1 EDD 11/01/13
Lulabel27 (29) DC2&3 (twins) EDD 11/01/13
CraftyGirly (26) DC1 EDD 11/01/13 She's a girl!
Cejay8 (32) DC2 EDD 12/01/13 It's a surprise!
Tinyeyes123 (30) DC1 EDD 13/01/13 She's a girl!
CreepyCrawly (21) DC1 EDD 13/01/13 (West Wales) She's a girl!
PixelCarrier (?) DC? EDD 13/01/2013 It's a surprise!
Shakemyhead (37) DC1 EDD 14/1/13 (West Yorkshire - Wakefield) She's a girl!
Godzookey (35) DC1 EDD 14/01/13 He's a boy!
PeshwariNaan (33) DC1 EDD 14/01/13
Hormonalhell (40) DC2 EDD 15/01/13 He's a boy!
Theboutiquemummy (35) DC1 EDD 17/01/13 (Norfolk)
djvesi (37) DC2 EDD 18/01/13 (Helsinki, Finland) She’s a girl
ChutesTooNarrow (33) DC2 EDD 18/01/13 She's a girl!
Glorious (28) DC1 EDD 18/01/13 (SE London - Hither Green)
Tugstonia (33) DC1 EDD 18/01/13 (SE London - Crystal Palace) It's a surprise!
SpringFlowers (39) DC4 EDD 18/01/13 It's a surprise!
Eagleray (40) DC1 EDD 18/01/13
13mma (29) DC1 18/01/13
LetThereBeCupcakes (30) DC1 EDD 20/01/13
Silversixpence (29) DC2 EDD 20/01/13
mulan07 (27) DC1 EDD 20/01/13 He's a boy!
BadgerFace (34) DC1 EDD 21/01/13 She's a girl!
bealos (34) DC2 EDD 22/01/13 She's a girl!
AppleCrumples (?) DC4 EDD 22/01/13
PreggoFabulous (30) DC1 EDD 22/01/2012 (South West) He's a boy!
Bunny222 (31) DC1 EDD 22/01/13 It's a surprise!
Woody2313 (33) DC1 EDD 23/01/2013 (West Midlands - Shropshire)
SigningGirl (age) DC1 EDD 24/01/13
SquealyB (29) DC1 EDD 26/01/13 (SW London - Richmond) It's a surprise!
knuckingfackered (39) DC2 26/1/13
Mrsbugsywugsy (34) DC1 EDD 25/01/2013 (Sussex) She's a girl!
Thinkingpositivethoughts (28) DC1 EDD 26/01/13
MrsMallard (35) DC1 EDD 26/01/13 (Hertfordshire) She's a girl!
Salt1 (38) DC1 EDD 27/01/13 She's a girl!
Lilblondepessimist (33) DC4 EDD 28/01/13
MamaMary (31) DC2 EDD 28/01/13 She's a girl!
Sebsmama (32) DC2 EDD 29/01/13
BionicEmu (26) DC2 EDD 29/01/13
Missymoo (32) DC2 EDD 30/01/13
DiscoDomina (31) DC1 EDD 30/1/13 (West Midlands)
Brugmansia (35) DC1 EDD 31/01/13 (SE London - Kennington/Elephant and Castle)
Mummypud (32) DC3 EDD 31/01/13
PipIsOutNow (?) DC2 31/01/13
Deiciocho (32) DC1 EDD 31/01/13 It's a surprise!

oh dear pmgkt... that sounds like 'grandparent rules'. The things my mum lets ds1 do, that I would never, ever be allowed to do as a kid!!

"mrsbugsy" I've been emotional but I think it's a case of still being so rather than any more than I have been anyway for the last 6 months.

Marking place, will try and actually post more than once on this thread...

mrsbugs I've been ridiculously emotional. To the point I had a screaming match with DH and stormed off for half an hour

Not the finest moment for either of us. Back to loving harmony half an hour after that.

Welcome back, chutes!

Marking my place!

I've been an emotional wreck the last week or so. I got a 'new' car Thursday and cried for about an hour because I love my old car so much. Cried this afternoon because I'd just had enough of everything and wanted to go to bed.

Eaten a bit too much chocolate this evening and watched 3 episodes of 24 so feeling slightly better now

Complicated my bag is......well, in progress. But I've done well honest! I've piled loads of stuff up on our table and just need to get it into a bag. Was funny digging out the old enormous cheapie Asda pants I used after I had DD. Oh and bunty (I think it was you who recommended them?) I've found my nipple former things and it says I need to start wearing them for an hour a day, eek.

I was very emotional at the weekend, not like me at all.

Pascha, pack your bag

bag packing!? you are all very very organised!

The bag from last time is in a box somewhere
The baby room, is, well, ahem, still very much a dump site for all the other rooms, given impending arrival of the builders.

No idea who will look after DD when I go in for my CX, and since we have no family up here (and no intention of having visitors at that time) I might as well start thinking about it (but eh, why rush!?)

mmmm - and I am still piling on work on my plate, like there is no tomorrow (or no maternity leave upcoming).

On the plus side - I might have a finished kitchen (or at least a functional but not quite finished one) before Christmas!!

I've got the clothes out the loft! What more do you want from me? I keep looking at maternity pads and newborn nappies in the supermarket and mentally saying "nah!, not today" and walking on by. We're going to be the one scrabbling for stuff in between contractions aren't we?

Complicated I heard the thing about 1/2 a lb a week in the last 4 weeks so I wouldn't be worrying too much.

Hello - marking my place too!

Which series of 24 are you watching Creepycrawly? DH and I recently finished the last series. Now we're on to Homeland!

This in-utero growth chart shows 3lb at 32 weeks to be well within the norm.

Oooh are people packing bags! I suppose I ought to even though still planning a homebirth. I have just been looking at birthing pools for hire

I have not been quite as terrifyingly and irrationally emotional as in my last pregnancy but I have had my moments. MIL offered us her washing machine last month, I said yes without really thinking about it because I got my ear chewed off as it was a Miele and therefore superior to my crappy hotpoint. Washing machine duly installed, I took one look at it and burst into tears, and sobbed, really sobbed, because it wasn't my washing machine. I then took to my bed whilst my very patient and very lovely partner and BIL removed it and reinstalled aforementioned crappy hotpoint.

So I think that is up there with crying for an old car!

Mama we've got 2 episodes left of series 3. DH has seen them all, I've seen series 8 and the first 2, and now almost all of the third. Homeland has been catching my eye, my hero Randall Flagg is in it. The Vice President I think.

I really need to get a move on with packing my bag. First, I need to get bag! Any recommendations??

Chutes that definitely trumps my crying for my car! Bless you!

I've been up at night worrying about Gary barlows stillborn baby how likely is that and does anyone know what caused it? If it can happen to super rich people with all their medical care then what about us? %23irrational

marasme I suddenly realised yesterday that we have given no thought to who will take care of dcs when baby comes! Think my mum will probably come up. She lives an hour away by train and got here pretty quick last time but I should have a word with her and mil (who lives here but works) just so we're all ready! I tend to have quite longish labours so time shouldn't be a prob although mw told me it's poss as it's my 4th to go quite quick - I have been warned not to hang around!

I haven't been any more emotional than normal, I am much more irrational and cranky though. Practically everything pisses me off!

katolla that worries me too but think that's really rare

Hey!! I'm gate crashing briefly I had my DD1 on September 10th and have been reading your thread a bit tonight (along with other's on my Thread). Please don't pin all your hopes on a birth plan! They rarely work out. Also, make the most of your sleep now and enjoy your bumps, trust me, you'll miss them once you've had your babies. Not because you won't love your baby, but because you will miss the little things: maternity clothes, people noticing you, the wiggles and kicks. Also, the first few weeks are tough, but so worth it! When you hit 4 weeks and they start to smile...oh it's fantastic!! Finally (then I will leave you in peace ), of you want to breast feed, stick at it!! It's so worth it. My LO is EBF. It was hardcore to begin with but I used loads of Lansinoh Lanolin cream and it worked a treat.

Good luck everyone

Oh and my baby's a surprise too

Oh, somehow posted my ... posts (?!) in the wrong order!
Bunty have you read Before I Go To Sleep by S J Watson? - one of my favourite reads this year

Oh, another thing...one of the girls on my thread said that you can breast feed lying down! Was a revelation to all of us who BF and made a huge difference for those that co-slept!

frilly once you've got the hang of it you can breatfeed in pretty much any position! I would never co sleep and feed at night like this though as would be terrified of falling asleep and squashing baby.
I did once wake up and find ds1 asleep with his face all squashed into duvet which was terryfying and is probably the image that kept me awake when feeding the next 2 babies!

I never coslept either for the same reason!! I ended up moving my LO into her own room when she was just 6 weeks as she made so much noise when sleeping. Best thing I ever did. She sleeps through and is only 9 weeks I know it's agains advice, but the lack of sleep was killing me!

I did co-sleep and bf feed lying down but imho this is definitely best done if you have made a conscious decision to co-sleep and taken the necessary safety precautions (eg I didn't have a duvet or pillows on bed for first few months).

I used the first holdall I could grab when packing hospital bag. Was so convinced baby wasn't turning up until 42 weeks that I hadn't packed a bag when I went into labour at 39 weeks . I did inadvertently make life a lot easier for myself by packing baby bumf in separate bag, so this would be my top packing tip (that, and pack crisps).

I think packing your bag is usually recommended at around 32 weeks, although depends which website you look at!

I co-slept too (not at first though) and still do sometimes. Nothing beats waking up next to my DD and seeing her smiley little face. Although, I did find her on the floor once and that shocked me into putting her back in her cot for a while (I'm not a bad mummy honest, I had cot wedged next to bed, everything in place, but somehow she managed to slip down the side of the cot and onto some cushions). So you have to be absolutely sure all is safe and secure to do it. I've gone for a bednest this time round which means I can sort of co-sleep from the start.

Congrats on your new baby frilly!

Ps I'm just going for a small wheelie suitcase for bag - I've got nicer ones but then it seems a shame to have them getting grubby in hospital. Will also do one bag for labour and the first day and then one for after that if I'm still in.

Chutes good tip re the crisps! Also mars bars etc (though don't buy them too early - I'd eaten half of them before I went I to labour

I have not, woody I'll check it out! Thanks!

I totally didn't have to rebuy my 'for the hospital bag' snacks weekly because I kept eating them. liar

Pascha - I'll deffo be one of the ones wishing she'd bought the bloody mats, giant pads etc in time. Last minute all the way!

Frilly - I hate hate hate mat clothes. Will never miss them
Actually, I will BURN the lot!

Reminded me also that I don't quite like being noticed either - and for the first time ever over this pregnancy and last, someone (a male colleague) actually touched the bump. Could not believe it, as most people I know know I hate touchy freely stuff. Aaaaaarrrrrhhhhh.

looking forward to the best thing: being out and about with a baby snugly wrapped in a sling against your chest under a coat, and noone knowing that under all that bulge their is a lovely, milky smelling brand new baby

Frilly, would love to make the most of sleep but sadly I cannot sleep no matter how hard I try, promise its not through want of trying....think there are quite a few of us like this least it's preparing us all I suppose! Congrats on your new baby x

Thanks bunty for new thread, and newbie for the list. Bealos and apple we're date buddies!

Had my steriod injection today. For those that dont know, 1) they do it in your bum cheek :-( and 2) it blinking hurts! Sorry, but better to be prepared! Have my 2nd one tomorrow. At least its good for bump incase he shows up early.

Also having a nitemare sleeping with SPD, awake since 3am so am now overtired. Had a 5am craving for apple pie!
Think ill be working from home again tomoro.

Hope youre doing ok girls.

morning girls!

DS woke me at 3am, got him down and me back in bed half an hour later, he woke within 10 minutes so now DH is trying to sleep sitting up with a boy on him. I was all for leaving him longer to resettle but DH couldn't stand the noise so here we are.

I may doze off, you be never know...

Good luck pasha! Have managed two hours sleep only last night. Surely to god this wont last for the final two months :-(

Still here hello Bunny I now have DS asleep on me, I daren't move, my feet are freezing, I have a cricked neck, haven't slept since first waking and my phone battery is low now. At least I have tea on the way. Oh well, its all good retraining I suppose.

Thanks bunty for the new thread love the title x
pascha bless you I bet it's lovely having a snuggle

Had a disaster yesterday I fell onto some rocks onto the baby, didn't
Have time to stop myself it was awful. Ended up being ambulanced to
Early Delivery Unit only to find out little man is fine it's just me that's sore

The consultant said it's extremely hard to hurt the bubba at this stage you have to have a really bad car accident or a kick from a horse something like that to do damage, just in case like me you worry about bumping your bump !! So relieved

While I was there I could hear a woman crowning in the next room n her mil kept telling her to sssshh !!! Poor woman can you imagine it !

ahahahahahahahaha...

<rocks manically back and forth>

In all seriousness that sounds really horrible for you Boutique Glad baby is ok, I heard somewhere that the uterus is in about the most protected place in the human body so hopefully no harm done (to him) at all.

Poor woman being told to Sssssshhhh! I would have told them to fuck off it that was me!

Meant to ask if you hurt yourself very much?

pasha I fell straight onto my belly no hands or anything I'm ok just sore n bruised oh n my ego severely dented I was stranded on a beach with the tide coming in had the coast guard and the ambulance out !

Im sure I would have lunched the mother in law in the face if that was me !!!!

Punched I meant punched !! Pregnancy related short temper !!!

Totally allowed. Am now snuggled in bed with cold tea. Getting Up is for Other People. Meeting mum & dad for lunch later so they can take over with DS for a bit hopefully.

boutique glad you're old, what an awful fright. take it easy today.

bunny I may bang on about it as I'm converted, but have ou tried a chiropractor? I couldn't roll over or walk without nearly being in tears until last Tuesday - the difference is amazing.

pascha I feel for you, been there! Hope you get a nice lunch and break with your parents.

Currently repeating the mantra of 'only 23 working days to go...'

pascha I LOL at your maniacal 'ahahahah' !!

theboutique glad everything's ok. The mil telling her to sshh is horrendous. I don't think mine would dare (well, she wouldn't be there in the first place but anyway), if she did, I would also be telling her to F off.

Ps pascha how old is your DS?

Anyone else got a 16 month old? Just curious as to who will have a similar age gap when their new baby arrives (so mine will be 18 months).

Oh and any ideas for presents for DC from new baby? bunty what have you got yours? (I know you'll have got it already. And already wrapped?!!)

2.2 Birdies. Hmm, don't know yet about present as, of course, DC2 will be arriving on 15th/16th december - so close to christmas...

birdies mine will be 22/23 months dependant on when she puts in her appearance. Haha, present is bought and in my hospital bag, but not wrapping it! I got him a mr tumble matching puzzle, as he is obsessed with mr tumble atm. Nothing expensive as it will be just before/after Christmas.

I've still got the present that my new baby sister "bought" for me 29 years ago! I was 3, it was a framed Winnie the Pooh picture.

boutique that must have been so scary, very glad to hear baby is all ok and hope you are too. That MIL in the other room would have been ejected if it were me! How dare she shhh!

TMI alert: discharge. Anyone else getting/had watery clear discharge? I've always had discharge but this is thinner than usual and I'm now scared it's my waters breaking. Surely I would know about it if it was my waters I'm just being massively paranoid?!

mrsbugsy - I have been a bit up and down throughout pregnancy. I tend to have a massive melt down at least one a fortnight . Normally am very level headed so very strange feeling.

Can I have a massively self indulgent moment please ......as just don't think I can voice this in RL......

I had a lovely evening last night as DH took me to a seriously fancy restaurant for my birthday (which was last week but this was the only reservation for 3 months!). I felt thoroughly spoilt and nearly burst into tears at the table as I realised that I am generally so happy at the moment, how great 2012 has been and how much we have to look forward to in 2013 . Totally soppy though but trying to count my blessing as I can something get a bit wrapped up in the "pregnancy is hard and I am tired, moody etc." way of thinking and I am trying to be more positive.

See totally up and down, no doubt I'll be in tears by this evening !

Boutique just read back in the thread and oh my gosh that must have been so so scary! Really pleased everything is ok.

boutique that must've been awful! So glad you're both ok.

Ah squealy that's lovely. I'm getting like that a bit too. An overwhelming feeling of happiness and contentment, and then I hear the 'beep' of the playstation being switched on!

I'm counting down the days until I finish, 13 left in work! I've got 3 weeks annual leave to take, so finishing on the 7th. It can't come soon enough!

I'm also counting down to an acceptable time to get started on my lunch!

Glad everything is fine Boutique. I have a feeling it will be my hubby telling me to shhh! We have Labour Part 1 tonight so we'll see how shell shocked he is when we leave - needless to say he's not looking forward to it!! He tried to wangle a work trip to Holland on Thurs meaning he'd miss Part 2 but he was told not to come back if he did...

I'm off work again today although feeling much better than I was yesterday.

On the emotional stuff I've pretty much been the same as normal apart from getting VERY VERY angry a couple of times at stuff other people have done. I did cry at my bro's wedding though which is most unlike me!! I've been thinking about my dad a lot though and all the things he's missing out on since he died. I'll be a mess about that when Baby is born because he'd always wanted to have grandchildren but life doesn't always work that way...

My lovely doula, Rebecca, has written this article in The Guardian about breastfeeding dolls ....

"The debate surrounding the "Breast Milk Baby", a doll that allows children to pretend to breastfeed, highlights how confused we are about breastfeeding. So confused in fact, that a child imitating the biological norm is seen by some as "gross".

www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/nov/13/breastfeeding-doll-breast-milk-baby?CMP=twt_gu

So glad you're OK Boutique and lets hope this is the most stress you'll have to deal with for the forseeable future! That MIL sounds insane, perhaps she was having flashbacks to her own birth? Scientology wanna be? Sheesh! I was in Emergency for 24 hours before they sent me for an emergency CS with DC1, I reckon I heard shrieking from child birth about every half hour. My god, didn't do much to calm me down I can tell you. Starting to get quite nervous and scared about the whole thing now. Anyone else thinking VBAC? Or elective CS?

squealy you're not alone, and no need to feel embarassed! I had a moment like that last night, the three (four I suppose!) of us were cuddled in my DS's bed whilst we read him a story goodnight, and he kept cuddling us both. Had a few tears spilled, it was just lovely.

happy glad you're feeling better, and so sorry again about your dad. I feel like that about my grandfather's, and my uncle. It's not the same as losing your dad, but I definitely wish things were different and that they were here.

tugs YES! I have had this for a good few weeks - it's even more worrying when it's <ahem> 'pooled' whilst I've been lying down/sitting and then comes out in a trickle. Definitely discharge though - have a good sniff <boak>, and check it. If it still looks milky, it's discharge. If it's properly clear, or any other colour, I'd get checked out.

Oh my goodness you have all been chatty! If we go on at this rate we won’t have any babies before we need a new thread!

Birdies My bag is not packed either. I have washed my ‘spare’ dressing gown and have found one suitable bag but that’s it. You are due nearly three weeks before me though. The gap between dd3 and dc4 will be two years and three months – the same as the gap between dd1 and dd2. I haven’t thought what to get dd3 for a gift yet either. She loves her dolls so maybe so baby accessories that she doesn’t already have (can you get a car seat for a doll?)

Bernie We are buying a Bugaboo Donkey which can be used as a single or double pram. DH is planning to start using it for dd3 as soon as it arrives…so not a lot of superstition here! Brugs & Bealos I’m with you on this one. Better to be organised to make things smooth after the baby arrives.

Complicated I think that right at the end of pregnancy a baby puts on about half a pound a week so there is still plenty of time to gain weight. Once you are off work you will do nothing but sit around and eat (if you’re anything like me) so that would help…

Pascha I got the newborn clothes out of the loft at the weekend and washed them. If my baby is a boy he will either be a pink one or naked. I really must go and buy some neutral clothes. Does anyone know where is good for unisex newborn things?

If I ever get organised and buy things for the baby (I haven’t done anything at all yet) it will all be stashed in our room. Dd3 co-slept with us for 15 months and then moved into her cot in our room. She is just over two now and has moved into her own room in the last week. I expect the baby will do the same. I have co-slept with all of my children and it has been the single most bonding experience for me. Apples I always feed lying down in bed too and it’s been fine. You must have been really scared finding your ds all squished in the duvet. I only have duvet over my back and sleep facing the baby – there won’t be any bedding anywhere near the baby at all.

MarasmeAbsolu What kind of sling do you have? I couldn’t get the hang of the newborn tie on my Kari-me but loved it once dd3 was a bit bigger. I’ve been watching you tube videos of how to tie for a newborn and am determined to be able to do it! I bought a maternity coat intentionally so I could sling the baby and still do my coat up.

Bunny I have SPD too and the night times are awful. I wake up every time I move I think. I had become so tired that I have been falling back asleep but the situation had become extreme last weekend. I hope you have been getting better sleep since you last posted. I’ve been listening to the natal hypnotherapy pregnancy relaxation track on my iPod to help me get back to sleep. Not exactly it’s intended use but it works well.

Boutique I really hope that you are ok, you must have been so worried. I’m glad your baby is ok. I hope you aren’t feeling too bruised today. I was very noisy in the final pushing part of labour last time (bloody gas was not working, cylinder was empty) and the midwife asked me to be quiet . It was a drug free labour and I went from 8 cm to birth in under ten minutes. Ouch. Of course I was noisy!

Tugs Put a pad on so that the discharge can drip onto it and call your labour ward. They will be able to tell from the pad if it is your waters, definitely shouldn’t take risks with this sort of thing so it’s worth getting checked out. You are going through it a bit, will you be glad when your baby is safely in your arms now?

Wow, a mammoth post, I must keep up so that that I haven’t got so much to catch up on. Is anyone else nesting? I am so busy cleaning my house at the moment and seem to be able to see dust and dirt that’s probably been there for a hundred years!

Good on your doula, bealos! An excellent article. The Daily Fail's is, predictably, about 'the breastapo' and how the doll is 'sick'. Eyeroll.

Thanks for the new thread, & the stats update. My stats seem to have fallen off (or I never got them on- not sure which!) Anyway am 37 and it's DC1.

Thanks bunty and spring. I've got a pad on and it's a bit milky and has no odour so I think it's just discharge... I am ridiculously paranoid about everything now after the last few weeks and will be SO frickin happy when this baby is out and safely in my arms. I know I should 'enjoy the journey' and all that but I would really like to fast forward at least to Christmas now.

Squealy sounds like a lovely b'day dinner and evening, what a good DH

I so can't be arsed to do any work today

tugz possibly tmi from me, but I've actually been leaving a damp patch on seats - through knickers and tights. Yes, really. Have taken to sitting on my jumper at work. Nice.

bealos what a great article, a voice of sanity and reason! A friend of mine's twatty husband and MIL were so disgusted with her breastfeeding ("it's pervy") they bullied her into switching to formula. They told her she was poisoning her baby by breastfeeding. WTF?? Anyway thankfully my friend went back to breastfeeding after a couple of days of formula and is now separated from her husband.

bealos ah so glad I'm not the only one!! I noticed a damp patch on my seat the other day it was mortifying. I knew things got a bit 'moist' down there but still.

Woah, Tugs, do real people actually believe/say things like that?!

interesting to hear that others have been feeling emotional. I have been quite calm throughout most of the second trimester, but now I am starting to feel hormonal and prone to bursting into tears at any moment.

Chutes where do you hire a birthing pool from and how much does it cost? I've been watching a few on ebay and they seem to go for around £50. I'm not going to get once till a bit later on, in case something comes up that stops me from having a homebirth.

boutique that sounds terrifying, glad you are OK now.

Tugs I'm sure I read somewhere that your waters can go with a trickle instead of a bang. I am having a lot of discharge these days and (TMI alert) I am wearing one of the light pantliners, but it is always white and sticky.

Squealy that sounds like a lovely birthday. It's so easy to get bogged down in the physical discomforts, you have reminded me to take a step back and remember how amazing and magical it is that we are growing whole new people.

I had a terrible night last night, I barely slept as on top of the usual discomforts I seem to have picked up a nasty cough. I have coughing fits where I cough so much I can't breathe and think I am going to be sick. I also can't face eating anything. I think it must be some kind of virus. I went home from work at lunchtime so am now chilling out in bed.

Does anyone else feel quite uncomfortable when they walk? I have an uncomfortable poking feeling low down towards the front of my bump,like the baby is bouncing up and down on one of my internal organs.

I've been finding walking uncomfortable for a while now. After a short while it's painful just under my bump. I don't have any other pelvic pain, just when walking.

Same here brug

I get pain sometimes from walking and then it lasts the rest if the day. It's low down and kind if where my legs join my pelvis - like they're not in their sockets properly! Then I struggle carrying DD about and going up the stairs for the rest if the day, but I keep going as I need to burn off all the chocolate!!

Spring I'm glad you decided to get the Donkey. Mines arriving on 3rd Dec, very exciting!!

Tugs I've worn pantyliners the whole time, couldn't be without them. I think it's very normal what you're experiencing.

I have heard from my midwife that my blood sugar is raised so I gave to have a glucose tolerance test.

Thanks for putting up with my sentimental mush...glad to know I am not the only one. Still beats the almighty rage I felt in the second trimester. DH out-did himself this year, have informed him this sets a dangerous precendent for married life.

Tugs appauled by what your poor friend faced! When you look at some of the comments people make re. breastfeeding it boggles the mind.

On the walking front, I am exactly the same mrsbugsy and brug. Kind of a sharp pain on lower left bump to be precise but usually only happens after around 10 mins. Fair to say I am also a bit (ehm) moist down there too.

Be sure to rest up mrsbugsy and take it easy.

Wow you ladies can talk!

spring that incident with ds1 was 9 years ago and it's still one of my clearest memories I was absolutely convinced I'd killed him and so careful not to fall asleep when feeding the others. Co sleeping just doesn't feel safe to me, although I do have a system that means I never have to actually get up in the night

bealos and tugs that's happened to me too. I have noticed a constant wet feeling but I think I remember having this with the others too so poss normal!

mrsbugsy I feel pretty unconfortable when walking. Really heavy like my legs are carrying too much. Doesn't help that we live up a hill and I'm getting so slow I now send ds1 ahead with the keys, then I have to have a good long sit to recover!

tugs I am shocked that anyone can be like that over breast feeding! My ds1 used to pretend to breast feed his teddy when I was feeding his brother! (he would kill me now for telling people that)

Sorry to anyone i've missed <waves>!

Still not sleeping, finally went off late last night then woken up by dd coughing and needing her inhaler and dp failed to notice! Just can't get comfy

boutique meant to say glad you and baby are ok. Hope your not too bruised and taking it easy for a bit

Breastfeeding lying down is great. But then I always had to sit up to wind DD, so it prevented me blissfully falling into sleep - DD was then swaddled and put into her moses basket! Couldn't have slept otherwise. But then I like my personal space in bed. And DD loved her moses basket and cot.

RE walking - I'm starting to think I walk really poorly when pregnant (or maybe all the time!?) I seem to lean to one side which isn't good.

Boutique, what a shock - I'm glad you and bump are ok.

Bunny why did you get a steroid injection? Sorry if I missed why upthread.

This thread is never going to last until we produce a baby ...

No it won't spring, once people are on mat leave it will speed up even more.

I had a hospital appointment yesterday and they have now booked me in for 2 sweeps and already booked my overdue c section date scary

Just back from work and can't believe there is so much to catch up on. Pregnancy would be a million times harder without you lot. You are all fab. See I'm mushy too!

Boutique how terrifying. So glad you are both ok but what a horrible thing to happen. Friend of mine tripped and fell off a London bus about same stage in pregnancy a couple of years ago. And bus driver just drove off leaving friend in street. Shocking. Anyway point if this story is that baby was fine and is now a strapping strong two year old boy. Big gentle hug.

has anyone been to an anti natal class yet, we have first one on thursday and wondering waht to expect x

Boutique that sounds like a horrible experience and I hope you are recovering well. I am comforted by what the consultant said about how well protected our babies are though, especially as my three year old spends most of the day launching himself onto me from great heights.

mrsbugsywugsy this is the site I am thinking of using here. It is £80 for a five week hire (37 - 42 weeks). I was thinking of buying but then I realised that I would just have to then store it all somewhere or deal with selling it afterwards and I frankly cba. I like the idea of someone coming and taking it away afterwards! Having said that I am watching a birth in a box on ebay that is very local to me, so will get if it stays bargainous.

salt1 ours is next monday, let us know what happens! is it the nhs one?

boutique, how scary, glad you are ok. Is pregnancy supposed to make your balance worse? Mine seems terrible.

I'm supposed to play the cello in a concert next week but it'll mean lugging it on three buses minimum that evening, plus the tube the next morning. But i really want to go

We're just back from the "Labour Part 1" class. It's NHS. Was ok but don't know that I learnt anything that new. Was all a bit awkward but then hubby and I find anything like that awkward!! Learnt some massaging techniques for hubby to do in early labour and when to actually go in to hospital but apart from that, it was mostly common sense. Thursday is "Labour Part 2" which is more about what happens in hospital and all the pain relief options etc so I think that will be more useful.

Don't think Baby likes all the coughing I'm doing... Keep getting a good punch/kick after every coughing fit!! My stomach muscles are properly sore though! More so than when I'm not pregnant and coughing lots.

Hello - I've just found this thread, can I join you? I am due DC2 on 8th Jan, DS1 was a month early so getting a bit anxious incase I have another prem baby. Looking forward to finishing work as I'm out the house 60hrs a week and it is killing me! 13 working days left and counting!

Hope everyone is well and hope I can catch up on the thread.....

Hi hazel. A few of us Jan people had our dates moved to end of December and so belong to both groups, feel free to do the same if you would like. I bet you are counting down the days, that's not fun.

im a bit worried about not being booked ito an antenatal class yet. there was talk of a parenting craft at the sure start but thats not what im after is it?!? only 7 weeks and no clue what to expect appart from reading other peoples experiences.

so i no u push like your pushing a poo and i know that out of all pain relief if i have any il just ask for epidural.

ive got to go hospital in a minute for highish bp yesterday and protein AND another growth scan so i will ask them... no doubt i will be fobbed off and told to ask the midwife who i wont see til theres only SIX weeks left. yes im stressing....

Does your nhs trust offer them? Ours does and there's no need to book. They have them every month so I may go to the ones in January once I'm on maternity leave.

I'm also doing nct and you may still find spaces if you fancy that and don't mind paying. Mine don't start until December, but I'm not due until late Jan. When I was looking they had some compressed courses, eg just a few long sessions at weekends.

yes they are offered here but other than mention their excistence on the website theres no info on booking in for them or who to see.

Not sure i could pay out for nct so i may just have to wing it (labour :-D)

That's a bit rubbish. My midwife mentions them and explains when they are and where every single appointment.

well my mums coming hospital with me now cos shes angry ive not got it sorted and i havent asked to look around the delivery rooms either. :-D but she did say that she only went to one class with all three of us so maybe i wont be missing out on anything

It seems to be very different at each hospital. However, you can request to look round any hospital's antenatal facilities - I did this when I was expecting ds1 and saw 4 London hospitals.

My friend who's at St Thomas' has had a total of 2.5 days of antenatal classes! Homerton seem to provide a few evening sessions (they may have improved, but they were pretty rubbish last time I went - plastic baby doll being forced through a plastic pelvis!).

I only managed one class with DH last time and the tour of the unit. I would say the tour was most important for us so DH knew where to take me and how to get in etc.

I picked up a birth pool in a box from a local NCT sale for £25, I checked it for air leaks and its fine. I do have to go and buy a liner and filling kit now though which will add another £47. It still adds up but not as much as a new one. TBH, if DH hadn't spotted it nestling under a table I may not have bothered with one at all because of the whole time it takes to set it up and fill it (Anywhere between half an hour and 2.5 hours to fill depending on our water pressure, apparently) Might have had the baby by then...

I'm St Thomas'. There are about 3 daytime sessions and they really encourage you to go.

I did not go to ante natal classes with DS and I do not feel I missed out on anything. I felt from friends experiences that they were so focused on the birth and nothing else that the fact you end up with a baby was a bit of a shock afterwards. Whereas I wanted to focus on the birth being a tiny, small stage of an incredibly long (well, life long!) journey I was about to undertake and get my head in the right place for that.

Thats not to say I didn't prepare myself for birth - I read about it ferociously, and once I was off work discovered hours of childbirth programs on various Sky channels. I would say you can prepare yourself excellently if you need to, although this reminds me I actually need to start listening to the hypnobirthing cd I have for this birth.

We attended first NHS parent craft last Sat and got another one this Sat. It was a packed class. We did tour of delivery suite which was really useful as I now feel much happier about things. Room was much more modern and clean than I thought it would be. Hospital is old and run down. We then discussed pain relief and signs of labour and when to ring up Labour Ward. We found it useful. Not sure what we will learn in next class. But a few people had already attended NCT classes (ours start in couple ok wks time) and got told off for taking up spaces on course. Thought that was out of order as when book class they don't tell you not to attend if doing NCT classes. And don't get tour of hospital in NCT class which is the most useful bit, but course instructor said you can't just attend to see labour ward. Think she was having a bad day! Great to meet other equally clueless parents to be.

The last class I went to (last time) was for all about breastfeeding. I guess it was the most useful of them. A real live mother and baby came and breastfed in front of us all, and talked about her experience.

However I feel with hindsight that the difficulties of breastfeeding are glossed over in antenatal classes

Afternoon ladies! I'm looking for one of you to tell me that my house will not fall down if I sit and do nothing at all this afternoon! I'm off work (I don't work wednesdays anyway) and have a busy thursday and friday as I'm travelling to the south of england for my grandad's funeral.

I'm in such a bad mood today too, every little thing is irritating me!

And another thing, has Kevin Bacon always looked as hot as he does in the advert he's currently in or is it my pregnant brain?!

Hope everyone is well!

haha creepy i hate to say it but that may be the baby brain!!??...and yes, sit relax do nothing

I did the NCT weekend classes, to be honest i dont think anything was covered that i didnt already know from reading books/speaking to friends with babies....but I did it more to meet people as dont know any mums in my area.

Im getting a bit stressed about people who keep telling me Im small for 32 weeks.....sure they dont mean anything but as I was measuring 2cm under at my last appointment Im now getting paranoid that the baby isnt growing properly.....which is stupid Im sure. Have got 2 more weeks till my next midwife appointment too

Thanks, I spent yesterday afternoon in bed. Today i had booked a day off work (study not relaxation!) so I am sitting on the sofa on MN working.

Welcome Hazel

Chutes, thanks for the link, it's actually really useful info on the different types of pool. It does look cheaper to buy on ebay though. I have a loft so could store it up there for future births, or sell it on.

Mama plenty of people have told me not to worry about the birth, and that the real difficult bits are afterwards - lack of sleep, breastfeeding. But even though I believe them on an objective level, somehow none of those can conjure up the same level as terror in my mind as the idea of squeezing a large baby's head out of my fanjo

Brug good luck with the GTT. Had you eaten anything sugary before the last blood test? As apparently that can make your sugar levels high even if you don't have GD.

Katollacan you get someone to go with you to carry your Cello for you?

Lora hope you are OK. I think most people go to antenatal classes to meet others whose babies are due at the same time, all of the information you need is easily available on the web/in a book/on MN.

I've been given no information on NHS antenatal classes either, although I did tell the midwife I am booked on a private one so maybe that's why. I would go to the NHS one for the hospital tour, except I've been told they don't do tours at our hospital. Maybe I am odd but the idea of going somewhere to give birth that I've never been to before makes me feel very anxious; that was one of my reasons for wanting a homebirth. Of course there is always a chance I will need to transfer in, which is why I would still do the tour anyway if it was on offer.

x-posted with allchik (see I am working as well as posting, honest)

I measured 24 weeks at 25, then I measured 30 weeks at 29. Either it's not an exact science, or babies just have growth spurts at different rates or I stuffed myself with cake for the last month

Creepy definitely baby brain .

Welcome Hazel.

I have had no info on NHS antenatal classes either but have booked in for labour ward/MLBU visit on 20 November and NCT classes so hopefully that will be it covered....

allchick please remember the fundal measurements are rough guides only, your LO is probably growing fine and dandy in there. If you are measuring really small they will send you for a scan but try not to worry to much until then and be sure you eating enough etc. (especially if exercising) (no problems on that front here ).

My neighbour gave me a breast feeding DVD yesterday - that'll be fun viewing......DH is amazed that such things exist. May have to bring out the popcorn this evening .

Welcome hazel

allchik I can't talk as I worried about that too, but really you can't worry until you're a lot more out cm-wise than that. Ignore comments re bump - size of bump is actually quite deceiving and big babies can pop out of what looked like a smallish bump! Actually and vice versa - my DD was very small but I measured right throughout. So going by bump size is actually a bit pointless. Even my midwife admitted that the last time I saw her.

I had a lovely dream about Barack Obama, I do like these pregnancy dreams!

Talking of US presidents....Bush (ooh I'm very pleased with my link!), when are you gonna tackle yours?! I can't even see mine now so I'll have to get a mirror and wax myself. I remember it being mildly traumatic last time as the fanjo had changed colour but I'm not unleashing a hairy one on the midwives....

Seems there's more Kevin Bacon for me then!

allchik the measurements the midwives do are not reliable at all. I was measuring really big at my 28 week appointment and so was referred to a consultant. Went to see him, had a scan and it turned out she is right on track and just the upper side of normal.

Haha Birdies!!! That made me giggle a lot and congratulations on how you managed to link that! I've got an epilator in the shower that I've been using every now and then to try and keep it vaguely under control but I keep missing bits. Think I'm going to have to get a mirror out to do a proper job - like you, there is no way that I'm going all natural for the birth!! If all else fails, I'll get some hair removal cream (and make sure that hubby is out...).

I'm off work again today but I felt I should play it safe and just make sure that I'm pretty much better before going back. I have however just spent the last 3 hours writing 2nd year reports so I don't feel so bad about being off. Also have more work to do this afternoon and evening.

I have to say that I kinda agree about the Kevin Bacon thing Creepy.... I'm not sure if it's just pregnancy or not but I don't really care!!

I've got a Venus razor that has 'pads' of shaving gel on them that are quite good for 'keeping control'.

happyhow I'm glad its not just me! A bit gutted I'll have to share him now though. I think he has a bit of a Rob Lowe look.

creepy I read that as "A bit gutted I will have to shaVe him", I thought perhaps you called your fanjo a 'he' which would be a little strange. Although i guess even calling it a 'she' might be considerd odd too!!

Loved the segway birdies

I must confess to recently using DH's beard trimmer for this purpose......safer than a proper razor IMO as no open blades and keeps it neat. Obviously give it a good clean afterwards . I am terrified of hair removal cream after adverse reaction once.....

Should probably add the DH really only uses for nose hair trimming (as he is clean shaven) so he has no major objections.....might be different if he was using it every day.

Thanks ladies! Had a word with myself to get a grip! MW not at all worried n neither was I till the comments,being pregnant has def made me think bout what u should/shouldnt say to a preggo lady!

I am also going to tackle the lady garden before due date,just gonna cover it with immac n hope for the best lol! More for hygeine afterwards really.

Theres a dead funny thread in 'childbirth' called childbirth humiliations,it had me in tears but also now cringing bout t likely fact that il poo in the birthpool/bed!! Have a read n prepare to cringe!

I'm booked for my waxing next week, and then at just shy of 38 weeks to take care of things down there ;)

so my lovely mum handed me what looks like everything id ever need today bouncer moses basket and srand loads of clothes towels muslins bottles boob pump literally everything! the steriliser and bath are still hidden in my old bedroom.. (saw them when i went loo...to spy)

apparently for the classes i just call up sure start so thats sorted..when i can be bothered.

i had another growth scan today and the lady gave us a freebie picture. everythings measuring 37 when im 32 and one of the measurements was off the little scale :-D ive read on here that bigger babies can be easier to get out though so my hopes are pinned to that!

in other news Kevin Bacon doesnt seem to age and my back absolutly kills x

Different people tell me I'm either big or quite small bumpwise. I think I'm small but am petite anyway and according to mw spot on for weeks. I don't think bump size means much anyway. With ds1 even at 2 weeks overdue they were sure he'd only just be 7lb. He was 8lb. Ds2 mw was clear he wouldn't be any smaller than 8lb (I freaked) he was dead on 7lb. Stopped listening with dd...

Oh and kevin bacon is just wrong alan rickman all the way

Can I just say I have absolutely no intention of doing anything with 'down there'! 3 babies have come out already and never once has being perfectly natural been any kind of issue!

People tell me different thing about my bump too. Some people say I'm carrying tidy while others say I'm huge.

My sister told me that the bigger they are, the easier they are. My 2 nephews were both nearly 10lb and were apparently easier than my 7lb niece.

Mixed feelings on Kevin Bacon it seems I've never thought much of Alan Rickman, but having just googled I have to agree that he is quite dishy!

re. bump size comments, I have also been told I am big and small by different people, on the same day. I think people are just making conversation, and it depends more on what they think you would want to hear (small = well done for not getting too fat; large = you are growing a nice healthy baby), than on your actual size.

I have developed a proper crush on Darrell in the Walking Dead...

mrsb I've just googled him and he is NICE!

Aha, you should see him when he is rescuing damsels in distress from zombies...

I'd ragged have Andrew Lincoln... I've loved him since his teachers days and he just seems to get hotter...

Ragged = rather!!!!

birdies your US President link had me in stitches. I get waxed regularly to keep things neat and tidy and usually have an extended bikini but are you talking a Hollywood or Brazilian with whole lot waxed? That would be painful but needs must I suppose. Just hope pain doesn't induce labour!

Just come back from a posh work lunch with DH and everyone told me bump was small. Totally paranoid as had scan other day and was told baby was below 5th percentile. I love my bump and thinks its huge but apparently not. Baby is lovely and active though so am trying not to get stressed as that won't help baby grow.

Evening Ladies,

So am fully vacc'd up now, flu jab last Sat and had whooping cough jab today as part of my 31 week check up.

am sleeping fine BUT walking is a bit of an issue - sounds mental i know but am seriously waddling. Also got the doc to write me a note re altered hours - sick of commuting and with only 4 weeks to go, just want to come in later and finish early where i can.

Im half way through NCT classes, they 're good but have to admit, main reason for doing it was to buy myself a bit of a mum and baby social life but cos the classes are at such a stupid time ( monday night 8pm - 10pm), we're all too knackered to make small talk and everyone just wants to dash off home straight after the classes so not sure how that's gonna work out!!

Had a dream about an ex of mine but no chance to act anything out with DH as i have now decamped to the spare room so we can both get a decent night's sleep -I cannot cope with his snoring/tossing and turning/mumbling any more!!

Just back from work and so much to catch up on! Love it. Think my work (one of them) have finally realised I'm leaving in 4 weeks and so they're panicking and piling on the work. Not amused. Counting down the seconds til Mat Leave.

Agree that it's annoying people commenting on bump size. I usually get "you're huge" quickly followed up with "but it's all bump" (it isn't - my thighs and arse are mahoosive). Wish people would just shut up!

The other day DP pointed at my bush and laughed so I think it's time I took action on my lady garden as well

Andrew Lincoln and Kevin Bacon and Darryll - YES!

godz am waddling too. Great that you can change your work hours, commuting is a bitch.

godz i was the same at our NCT classes with ds1. they were late, and everyone just wanted to head off afterwards. Why dont you suggest swapping numbers now and you can text them a bit during the week, and then when you finish have numbers to meet up. Our friendship only really kicked off when we were on mat leave, and that was after the classes finished. 2 and a half years all we all say that we bought each other and we are the best friends you could ever buy. it will come. i have never heard of anyone who hasnt at least stayed friends til they were back at work so it will be fine

I Hollywood, have done for a few years now, and it's nice not to have to deal with the gore getting stuck in the hair after birth!

I am experiencing proper braxtons tonight - always thought they'd make the bump go hard and be different from contractions, but no, they're jut like my contractions were, but milder and obviously less frequent. Not nice though! Feels like I'm on my period. Yuck.

22 working days ... Hurry up dec 7th so I can start wishing this baby out (and subsequently fuck off on maternity leave early if she does arrive!)

Question: braxtons = earlier baby? please say yes

Agree with pmgkt we never did anything in our nct group until the babies arrived, now we do a night out often with the group, and one lay and I are very close and have dinner a couple of times a month. They're great for the social aspect and making 'mummy friends' boak, but the information is nothing you can't find out yourself without any hassle.

bunty I think it's only if they get more and more frequent. I've been getting ones for ages now where I literally have to stop what I'm doing and breathe until they go. And no baby yet! I don't want to speak too soon though as its still a tad early!

complicated, no just a bikini wax and I'll attempt to just trim the rest. As I'm doing it myself I wouldn't trust myself not to pull my whole nunu off if i tried to wax everything!

Oh, early as in 37 weeks would do me, birdies!

bunty have had lots of braxton hicks with all dcs and I'm afraid they were all late! Have had loads of really strong ones recently but remember this from last time (although she was only 3 days over..)

I will be very happy if this one decides to come out a little bit early but I would then have 2 birthdays plus Xmas within a few weeks which could get a little expensive

Thanks for welcoming me to the board

Erm - I have tasked DP with tending the lady garden, he doesn't bat an eyelid and needs must as I cannot see my feet let alone down there

I had one NHS AN class with DS and went into labour the next day, not bothered this time around as coped fine without.

Glad to see I'm not the only one on the count down to maternity leave!

just had a chat with my guy... being as i currently get up at half five to take him work cos hes not passed his test yet. He said that he would not be doing any five am feeds that crop up cos he has to go work!!!!! Now me being me will not allow this selfishness to continue when the time arises. just saying boyo WATCH OUT!!! :-D

Definite "yes please" to Andrew Lincoln Happy!

hazel me too! In fact, the slight mention to DH that he might help me out in the lady garden department was enough to get him rather enthused! I think we'll be keeping pretty trim in the coming weeks

Yes to Andrew Lincoln - I like him in Love Actually! Actually have been quite taken myself with David Haye in I'm a Celeb. Its the muscles! (And bless my DH he is nothing like him!)
I'm finding myself absolutely shattered. I'm a primary teacher, still 4 weeks to go til I'd planned starting maternity leave but I just feel so exhausted. Also the morning (all day for me!) sickness has returned. Grim. Do not think I am much of a mummy to DS or a wife to DH at the moment!

Quick question if anyone knows - I know we obviously have to monitor movements etc.... I do feel the baby move but sometimes it's like she's going nuts in there! I'll have like 30 minutes of maybe frenzied activity... I got a bit worried that maybe she was distressed, but then it always seems to settle. Do you think I should get checked or just leave it til next midwife appt next week? There seems SO much to worry about in pregnancy and I feel like a new mum despite having a child. DS is 5 so it's a long time ago!

I've never heard of a baby moving manically being a sign of it being distressed in the womb? Sometimes they move loads, other times less so. I guess a bit like all of us!

Ari I am fairly sure that fetal movement is only ever a good thing. Can you call and speak to your midwife for reassurance? My baby appears to have a disco most evenings, she is so different to DS who just gave me a courtesy kick every couple of hours.

34 wk midwife appt went well - baby is fixed at brim. Exciting times - DS never engaged until 40+ weeks, so despite the fact she has more options being a second baby, she's at least in the right vicinity!

Not seeing her now until 37 weeks : I could have a baby in three weeks time!!!!!

Hi lovelies my bump has mad moments n then still for a bit x the consultant said it's the baby's pattern that matters more then how much x

Give your midwife a ring if you're not sure

Ari I had the same worries about too much movement but the midwife wasn't fussed. Sometimes my baby feels like she's doing rapid squats and lunges, it feels very frantic. But then it slows down again. It's nothing to worry about.

I'm fuming. My BIL phoned DH to say he 'wasn't having a go' but had he seen the paper today on how drinking in pregnancy harms your child. It was 'our choice' what to make of that information but he wanted to make us aware.

For fucks sake. Just because his wife won't even take a bloody paracetamol whilst pregnant means I'm getting judged for the exceptionally small amount I've drank over the course of my pregnancies? I can literally count it on one hand, and I use a measuring jug and unit calculator to make sure it's a unit or less.

Bit fucking late at 8 months now, isn't it? Lets just lay the guilt trip on!

Did the same with DS, and have been told by nursery and health visitors he's extremely bright.

Argh.

Bunty I bet you are. I've discovered since being pregnant that lots of people think it gives them the right to give you their expert advice and they think they are really helping. Advice from you brilliant lot I can take and mull over and choose what to take on board and what to ignore. We're all going through same thing and it's bloody hard some days and we all get that. We all make choices to get through pregnancy with some degree of sanity. I drink rarely but do enjoy the odd glass of wine/beer as I enjoy it. I really missed drinking cold beer in Summer and have already told DH I want beer, toast and pâté when baby is born! Guidelines are changing all the time and I bet our mothers drank normally when pregnant and didn't think anything of it and we're all fine. And my sister breast fed her daughter, found it so traumatic as she got mastitis, so bottle fed her son. They are both gorgeous healthy kids. Do what is right for you and your baby and politely tell BIL where to go!

Bunty tell your BIL where to go!!! I'm like you and have had barely anything to drink all pregnancy but I loved the one glass of wine I had at my bro's wedding at the weekend and it lasted me the entire night!! My mum couldn't believe half the stuff I was telling her about what we are and aren't allowed these days - she had 4 kids who are all reasonably bright and successful and she never worried once about what she ate etc!! I know that they know more about what affects babies etc but like everything, it's up to you to weigh up all the risks and make your own informed decision.

We had "Labour Part 2" tonight. I think I'd like the birthing pool if it's possible. I was wondering about it before but I'm more convinced by it after tonight. Once again, don't know that I learnt much else that was new apart from a few pain relief drugs that I hadn't heard of. Hubby did categorically say he wasn't helping with perineal massage (which I have no interest in doing anyway) but it did confirm my suspicions that he wouldn't be helping with my lady garden!!!

My school have finally got a maternity cover sorted for me. I told my mum about the fiasco of last week and them asking if she would do it and thankfully she was also horrified that they'd asked and said she would've refused if I'd told her.

Ari my baby also goes through 'mental party like' periods. It happens regularly throughout the day but as far as I'm concerned, it's moving! I've been very aware on the couple of mornings where it's decided to have a long lie! Although I think it was being very considerate and had realised I'd not had much sleep so it was behaving well for a little bit! I hope I'm right and it decides to keep it up once it's out!

Sorry for long post but now I need a moan.... FOR FUCK SAKE!!!!! My stomach muscles are SOOOOOOOOO sore from coughing! It's frigging agony! And not even at the front, it's mostly down my sides. I'm taking lots of paracetamol and hot water bottles - even took one into school to use over lunch and free periods! I have however decided that if a midwife offers me paracetamol during labour she will be told where to go cause it's hardly touching these pains... Are there any cough medicines we can take? It's a tickly cough. This pain isn't going to go away until I can stop coughing. I usually pull stomach muscles when I get a bad cold like this but I've NEVER had it as sore as this. I get majorly kicked and punched after every coughing fit though so I'm guessing Baby ain't impressed...

christ I've just sneezed n squirted all over the bed.
Tell me its wee..........

i wouldnt listen to the papers about drink. about 3 months ago they said it was fine. do what you want i say. ive mainly been off apart from a few weddings and a bbq but even then i avoided my beloved vodka

knucking. my friend at work has made me promise to text him when i sneeze and wee solely so he can make fun. its not happened yet. thank god

My doc in Lisbon, Portugal, where I had DS, recommended a glass of wine in the evening from time to time to help relax. Likewise, DHs family in Italy all subscribe to the occasional glass during pregnancy. DH has turned out to be ridiculously intelligent and topped his PhD year at Imperial, speaks five languages. Jeez. Give BIL some articles to read from sources that arent trying to stir controversy in order to sell papers! What a douche.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/350079/?i=43&from=alcohol%20small%20amount%20pregnancy

In excess of 400ml per day!! Sheesh

When we would all have been newly pregnant there was a Danish study that concluded up to 9 units a week appeared to have no noticeable adverse consequences. I think one of its other conclusions was that 1-2 units a week and the children were doing slightly better developmentally at 5. Maybe see if you can find that one bunty and make some similar comment back to him.

Bunty I would be absolutely fuming if I was you - it is absolutely not your BIL's place to tell you what to do. It really makes me angry when people feel that just because you are pregnant your body suddenly becomes public property. It's a horrible and misogynist attitude....grrrr .

The advice seems to change every week (I read the same Danish study as Brug when I was first pregnant), I think so long as it is just the odd glass of wine then don't worry.

My baby also seems to have a party every now and then, usually just after I've gone to bed, or eaten something sweet. She barely moves at all in the mornings - maybe like me and DP she just isn't a morning person (wishful thinking?!).

* BuntyCollocks* and SquealyB I saw your very valid comments on the Mumsnet thread about drinking in pregnancy. Made absolute sense.

The media grasps onto whatever study makes for the most controversial news (irritatingly The Guardian, who you'd think would know better, are very bad at this). Statistics are so easy to twist into whatever you want them to say.

This particular study asked women to remember (we're talking women who've just had babies, possibly not quite getting that much sleep) how many units they'd drunk a week and then averaged this between them.

The IQ difference between the non-drinkers and drinkers sprogs was 1.8. Pretty negligible - absolutely could be a margin for error there. It was not a controlled experiment.

eventful day yesterday, in prenatal yoga someones waters broke and first ante natal class last night which we both really enjoyed, bathed a newborn doll and finding brown sauce in the nappy when undressing it was a suprise!!

i am a little confused about this alcohol study, got myself a bit worried even though i have had the occational drink after 20 weeks, worrying about it is probably more harmful i bet!! x

I haven't read the study but 1.8 is bugger all difference anyway. Did they look at the IQ of the mums as well to see if there was a correlation between slightly lower IQ of mum and therefore of baby? Anyways, sounds like a load of bollocks. I'm just hoping they don't do a study about chocolate consumption and health of baby - I ate a whole GIANT bag if revells in one go yesterday

What is there to worry about? That possibly, maybe you might knock off 1 point off your child's IQ (according to this one study)? I think there's a million environmental, social and hereditary factors that determine IQ.

As a poster said, "does a perfect pregnancy produce a perfect child'?

Obviously, I am of the 'each to her own' school of thought. But pains me to see that people might spend needless time worrying because of this study.

Me and hubby were listening to the news report with interest and I was starting to be all like 'oh great, have I just risked summit etc etc' to which the idiot man stated the 1.8 drop in IQ me and hubby pissed ourselves.....1.8 significant study????? Really?????? What a load of balls!

People always refer back to the same argument of 'some women dont know what sensible drinking is' I think its safe to say the odd glass of wine half a lager etc is really not going to do any problems, I think its rare that a pregnant woman would see a 'bottle a night' as ok FFS.

Anyhoooooo.....I am struggling at work today big time, got a free period now and just cant motivate myself to work, my eyes feel like they're going, sooooo tired, feel really breathless too, really hope I can make it till the Christmas holidays YAWN!!

x x x

had to come home and have a duvet and tv day feel rubbish

Agree that the alcohol study is a load of balls. Next week they'll be saying a glass of wine is beneficial in pregnancy. I would fuming too Bunty, tell them to eff off.

Just had 31 week midwife appt. Actually saw the same lovely mw and student mw I saw last time - the first time I've ever seen the same mw/doctor more than once. BP and wee etc. all fine. Asked about the spotting I had last weekend and they said bleeding of more than a teaspoon and I should get it checked out and I don't think it was that amount. Also asked about the watery discharge and she said discharge changes during pregnancy and if it had been my waters it would have been a constant trickle rather than coming and going. Said it could have been a bit of wee as well . BUT she said if I ever have any concerns to just go to the MAU or page them (didn't know I could page them!). Got a growth scan next Friday (my hospital offers routine scan at 32 weeks which is a bonus) and then next appt will be with the GP at 34 weeks. Didn't know GPs were at all involved but at my practice they are apparently. Don't even know who my GP is so booked a random lady GP.

I'm rambling. Have a good Friday everyone and Lora hope you feel better soon.

Thanks, all, for the validation of my view! His wife is currently pregnant with their first and won't touch so much as a paracetamol, so I am clearly the devil. ;) DH doesn't get why I'm so angry. Well, at least other people agree with me!

1.8 is less than the margin of error of repeating the iq test: absolutely refusing to stress about it!

Bunty you should call him back and just let him know, that you know , it is totally his choice and you are not having a go but is he aware that being an interfering arsehole can result in long term damage to his relationship with his family including his children.

Grrrrrr hate loathe and detest "well meaning" phone calls like that. My gran scooped a prize when she called to tell me that I simply must get the whopping cough vaccine and had I been watching the news and that her great child should not be exposed to such risks.

It is great to see studies on this kind of thing and I welcome any research that helps me make an informed decision about what is right for me and my baby. It is not great to assume that women are imbeciles and cannot make decisions for themselves re. risks associated with pregnancy from cheese to alcohol.

I probably have a glass or two of wine a week with sparkling water to make them last longer. I thoroughly enjoy them! I have no intention of changing my attitude now and there are so many enviromental and genetic factors which affect IQ so I doubt this will be a decisive factor for any baby in any case.

(*waddles off high horse and wishes it was 6 pm so I could have my weekly white wine sprtizer*).

knucking - I hope it was wee......(never thought I would say that!). Update please.....

Tugs glad the appointment went well and Lora I hope you feel better.

End of essay

Totally anedotal but I know my mum drank (in moderation) and smoked while pregnant with me and result was being skipped a year in school and placed in gifted and talented programme. Just imagine what I could have been doing with the extra 1.8 IQ points.......

Ah Bunty I didn't touch a drop with my first (mainly because I was sick all the time), this time I have had the odd glass like everybody else. I've also happily eaten pate, runny eggs, medium-rare steak and all sorts of other goodies. Jsut tell your BIL to sod off if he says anything else.

Had my 33+5 appointment this morning. Met a lovely student in her first term who did all my readings and used me as a guinea pig with the Pinard trumpet as she hasn't used one before. She asked my midwife if it would be ok if she was called when I go into labour as I'm booked for a home birth, even if she's back in college or at night. My son drove a tractor through her legs repeatedly throughout the consultation so he obviously likes her. The midwife showed me her consultation list and its full of gaps which never happens so we had a good chat about her son coming home from uni for the weekend and plans for christmas. I think I've been really lucky to have continous care from one midwife and the same one as last time.

Parting words were don't forget the raspberry leaf tea from 36 weeks. Might get the tablets instead though as the tea tastes disgusting.

Hi all

pascha I had a student mw who came out with 2 community mws when I had dd at home. It was the best aspect of a homebirth. I had all 3 to myself and no one had to go and check on other ladies like in hospital. I did feel very well cared for! When ds2 arrived my mw had gone on a break and had left a lovely mw to cover. When she came back after 1/2 hour I was breast feeding and she had completly missed the birth!

The alcohol thing doesn't bother me as I don't drink anyway but I honestly think if an occasional drink makes you feel relaxed and happy that is surely good for baby?!

Planning to start raspberry leaf tea from 32 weeks as I did with ds2.

Today I've been getting ds1 things ready for weekend away with cubs will be wierd to just have 2 dcs! Ds2 is going to join him tomorrow for the day as he is a beaver so I'll be down to 1 yay! Although I will have to drive there and back about 100 times

Just had appt with Consultant (am 32 + 5) and showed her results from private scan we had earlier this week. I am measuring small, so she said she would have recommended another scan anyway. Now booked in for NHS scan next Friday. It could be that baby is constitutionally small or that things are not quite right. At private scan everything else was normal, including blood flow from me to placenta so am really relieved about that. She told me to keep a very close eye on fetal movement. I would definitely not go beyond 39 weeks but may need to deliver baby earlier than that, possibly by C-Section. They really want me to get to 36 weeks if possible. I am now washing baby clothes as feel a desperate need to get organised. I finish work next Wednesday and am so ready to forget about work, rest up and get ready. I really hope I have at least one or two weeks of maternity leave before little one arrives to get my head around being a mother. I'm not quite there yet. Most important thing is baby's health though, so whatever happens, happens. Am supposed to be visiting my mother in N Yorkshire next weekend, but am thinking of not going as want to be close to hospital just in case there is a change in fetal movement. Sorry for long post but am now scared that all is not right.

Hope everyone else and your gorgeous, incredibly intelligent babies are doing well.

complicated I have a scan this afternoon as my DD has an underlying condition (a bit like a hole in the heart where it's a risk as opposed to a day to day issue) and they want to check all is well with this baby and no signs of anything similar. It's for reassurance really but I'm nervous nonetheless. So I kind of know how you feel in terms of the worrying.

But from my experience, when there's a 'question mark' hanging over your baby's health (whether its the baby's size or something else), more often than not it turns out to be nothing. This is why scans are sometimes not such a good thing as the mother worries unnecessarily. If blood flow is good and baby is moving about each day, I don't think you need to worry. Some people just have a tendency to have small babies but it doesn't mean it's a problem.

Birdies you are lovely. Thank you so much for the reassurance as I am sitting at home crying my eyes out which doesn't help anyone, least of all my baby. I will be keeping everything crossed for you this afternoon. It will be a huge relief when our babies are out safe and sound won't it.

complicated you would think all the worry would lessen wouldn't you? But then you will find lots of other things to worry about. Although I think we will all be much happier holding our babies in our arms at least then we can see their ok!

I think its really hard to relax and get into the right frame of mind for birth when you're still running around at work. I was so glad last time to finish work and just chill for a few weeks before being flung into baby stuff. This time I'm grateful to MIL who is starting to have DS one day a week to give me a chance to get some proper cleaning done and concentrate on christmas stuff for him a bit.

Complicated i'm so glad your private scan showed everything essentially normal, here's hoping your baby is just a little'un by design.

Apple that sounds like exactly the kind of birth I want.

I wouldn't worry about the new 'study' that tells women not to drink in pregnancy - as someone pointed out it's come only a matter of months after the last study which found it was okay to drink in moderation (and was published after I was pregnant - in June I think it was?).

Throughout this pregnancy I have drunk a glass of wine with dinner when on holiday and at my parents' house - that's all I ever do really as DH doesn't like alcohol. I don't feel guilty in the slightest at this new report.

What amazes me is they keep doing these studies which come up with conflicting results (presumably because they're not controlled studies and there are myriads of variables involved).....WHY isn't the money and time devoted to proper studies about more urgent and important things than whether it's okay to have a few glasses or not ad infinitum.... As has been said, plenty of our mothers and grandmothers drank normally throguhout all their pregnancies.

Grrrr ok rant over!

Complicated oh you poor love. Good news is that many of the indicators are fine and you are being very carefully monitored. If you need to deliver early then you will get the best possible care (although that may seem little reassurance right now). You might just be having a lovely petite baby. Thinking of you at the moment and praying its all ok.

Good luck with your scan too birdies

positive thoughts and hugs with all those worried today x

salt defo positive thoughts n hugs for all those who are worried x scans can be off aswell they told my sister in law my nephew would be huge n he was a little tiddler they were out by 3 lbs at least x

Thanks

Scan went well but now I'm home I've realised she plotted the head circumference wrongly and if it had been correct it would have been slightly too small on the graph. So no crapping myself about that.

Baby weighs 4lbs but now I've looked on Internet that seems small for 34 weeks, although I've always thought I was a week less than that.

I'm being an idiot probably as the consultant was happy with everything.

twas wee, thought pelvic floor was better than that.

Did period pants and pad shopping today, went for some tenna pants aswell (weirdly excited bout them as hate pads)

Wow you lot have been chatty, lovely!

complicated I'm sorry to hear you're having a worrying time - Friday must seem like a long way away. Great that the blood flow and everything looked good.

birdies glad to hear that your scan went well though sorry you're worrying about the head circumference. It's so hard not to worry about everything, I don't think you're being an idiot (though sure it's all fine).

I'm wondering about hiring a doula because I've totally lost confidence in the hospital midwives and recently found out just how rubbish their staffing ratios are, so all the spin about 1-1 care at the midwife-led unit is clearly nonsense! Would any of you who've already gone for it (e.g. I think bealos and godzookey and possibly others) mind sharing something about their terms? In particular I'm wondering what happens if you give birth before or after their 4 week on-call period - I'm presuming you still need to pay something as they've booked out that time for you but is it the whole lot? I do also know I've left it a bit late so I'm likely to have a limited choice, though a couple near me are available.

First nct class tomorrow, a bit nervous...

still on the sofa feel pants but im being highly entertained by watching my belly go mental its moving so much it really is like alien

Is pelvic floor exercises just where you try not to wee?

Is anyone else watching one born every minute and crying ? Oh well.

Hi all. Sorry to those having a worrying time at the moment.

Am sulking cos its 5am, been awake since 3 with SPD and backpain. Have got up and now sitting on my ball to try and help. Am meant to have 4 wks left at work but dont see how I can keep this up. Have been given crutches by the physio and havent driven all week. I know my boss expects me in monday (as she mentioned it yesterday) but how is this going to work? Her response so far is that its 'all good practice'??!!

Is anyone else off with spd pain? Sorry for moan. :-(

Hello all,

Have just been catching up with the last 9 pages, as my computer was being fixed this week. I tried to read the thread on my phone, but it was just too much hard work - I tried to do one post and it appeared all out of sync and was so brief it sounded rude and didn't make sense so I gave up.

bunny I was awake early this morning too. I had PGP/SPD a while ago, and it got better for a bit when I did all the things the advice leaflet told me too, but it's come back again now. The baby tuned the other way up on Tuesday, and is now head down (with constant pressure on my bladder) and feet up (kicking my ribs), and my pelvic girdle has got all sore again since.

i had to leave work early on Wednesday. I've had a cold and it's meant I've generally lost my 'oomph', so had got really tired and then had an emotional melt down at work when it got a bit stressful. When I started throwing up again, I decided it was time to go home. Not sure if it was the cold, the tiredness, getting over emotional or probably just a bit of everything.

I had my first baby dream last night. I dreamt that the baby had moved back to a transverse position and felt like he was punching his way out the side.

Off for flu and wc jab at half 8. Joy

pixel thanks for the reply. Its rotten feeling like this, I think if I had a cold too that would about finish me off! Poor you.
Also feel a bit guilty for moaning becos at least baby seems ok, but it rubbish knowing this spd isnt getting better, seems to get worse by the week. Did you start your Mat leave early or have you been signed off?

Sorry for all those having worrying time and painful and sleepless time as well. Bunny could you ask to be signed off from work? The last thing you need is your stupid boss putting pressure on you. What does "it's all good practice" mean FFS?! She sounds such a moron.

Complicated I do hope you're ok, it's very hard not to worry but try to take comfort from the good signs from the private scan. In my experience doctors always tend to prepare for worst case scenario and want to rule things out. As Squealy said they're obviously monitoring you v closely which is great. X

Birdies glad your scan went well, try not to read too much into the results, though hard not to worry about everything I know! If you are querying the head circumference maybe give them a call on Monday to get reassurance?

Katolla pelvic floor exercises is like when you try not to wee. My pregnancy yoga teacher gets us to do the exercises at every class and told us to practice at least 5 minutes every day. Apparently there are 3 sets of muscles, around the clitoris, anus and in the middle. Can't say I can really distinguish between the 3 or that I practice every day but really should do it more.

Has anyone done perineal massage? MW mentioned it yesterday and gave me a leaflet - meant to stretch and prepare the perineal muscles and prevent tearing...

Right, got to clean the flat ready for DP's parents visit later. Have a fab weekend everyone x

tugs I got a perineal massage leaflet this week from the MW. Trying to ignore it at the moment, but probably should think about it....

I think there's some information included in my maternity notes. I had a brief look when I got them and have since ignored. Maybe it's time to have another look.

Hello everyone - wow what a lot of stuff has been happening in just a week? I went away to the Middle East - not realising that if I'd gone into labour and had the baby out there I'd have been arrested and baby confiscated as I'm not married!!!! Luckily he stayed put....

Hearing about bags being packed - I'm almost 33 weeks now so though unlikely, I 'spose it's best to be prepared.
I'm also superstitious so I have bought a three wheeler on ebay but it will live in the barn till baby born - though I might get DP to practice opening it and attaching things to it first.

I will make a mothercare trip this week to get stuff....can't keep procrastiating for ever!

Afternoon ladies. Sympathies to all those with worries and lack of sleep!

I'm still in bed, travelled the 5hrs to Portsmouth on Thursday, had my grandad's funeral yesterday and then travelled back last night. So well and truly done in today!

I'm going to get started on my bag next week. I've looked on eBay and there are loads of pre-packed ones, but I think I'd rather do my own.

Hope everyone is having a chilled out Saturday!

Thanks glorious and tugs.

I've worried myself sick (I now know how easy it is to give advice myself but then all perspective goes put the window when it's me in that position!), but I've calmed down a bit now. Def phoning on Monday morning to check but the funny thing is if I was only 33 weeks not 34 (which is what I've always thought I am as I know exactly when I ovulated), then all measurements are fine. But it's easy to slip back into worry mode. The mars bar has helped though....

complicated, could they have dated you slightly too far on as well? Its amazing how just a few days can take measurements from too small to absolutely fine.

octane would baby really have been taken from you?!

Thank you so much for all your lovely supportive messages. They really helped. Had a good cry when DH came home from work yesterday evening and felt so much better after getting a big hubby hug. We then watched Children in Need and I sobbed during all the sad stories and ended up giving a bigger donation than my non hormonal self might have done! Feeling much better today. Had antenatal class this morning then DH gone to watch rugby at Twickenham and I'm lying on sofa watching a lovely afternoon film.

Birdies you must ring. The worry is horrible and just eats away at you so ring to put your mind at rest. My date could be wrong but I honestly don't know. I wasn't keeping track of my periods as we had given up trying so was a huge and lovely surprise when we found out I was pregnant. It seems as though your date could be wrong which would explain things. Could you ask Consultant/MW at your next appt? Big hug.

glorious a doula should book you in solely for a 4 week period, but if you give birth outside of that time, they should still try they darnedest to attend your birth. I have another doula as backup arranged by my doula (most doulas tag team each other) just in case mine can't make it for any reason.

Rebecca, my doula, came round this week as part of the pre-birth sessions we're doing and it's very helpful so far. We're exploring my somewhat traumatic previous birth, helping my current partner be open about his expectations of birth. Working out the emotional as well as the practical is key for me.

Birdies yes - as I'd have been chucked in jail. And they refuse to issue a birth certificate so I would not have been able to leave the country avec baby. However my plan was if I did go into labour to go straight to the Brit Embassy and have baby on their floor!!!

Goodness creepycrawly that sounds like a tough few days. I hope the funeral was a comfort.

bealos thank you for the info, that's really helpful.

octane that would have been a great story for the baby I guess!

glorious Sorry taken so long to reply, i have been in bed all day today as exhausted and will be heading back shortly as MIL is due to turn up on the door step any second now, which i could really do without!!

Anyhow, I'm really pleased that i've got the doula as my additional support, my reason was that we don't have any family close by to help us and as it's my first baby, always nice to have extra re-assurance.

Bealos is right that they have to be on call for you for a month and mine also has a back up organised, just in case. We've been getting to know each other over the course of the last few weeks as she also runs antenatal yoga on Saturdays so we've been able to build up a rapport through her classes, as we've only had one 1 to 1 session so far.

I'd recommend taking a look at the doula UK website and seeing maybe 3 -4 doulas to get a feel of who you' d feel most comfortable seeing you with all your bits and bobs hanging out - price wise, i think they're all pretty much in the same ball park.

Hey octane. I'm nearly 33 weeks too and got my hospital bag sorted today as my mum is up visiting and I felt happier having someone with me while I bought everything. Just got to put in clothes for me for coming home, snacks and remember phone charger/camera etc.

Sorry that some of you are worrying at the moment but as others say, doctors tend to look for the worst case scenario. IMO, better that than being given false hope.

I went to a Jack and Jill Sale today (think its a Scottish thing but like NCT sales I think). Very productive though - got a pretty much brand new Moses basket and stand for £30 and a steriliser and 5 bottles for £2! Then went to Asda and Boots to buy all the hospital bag stuff and some baby grows. It's def one way to freak out your slightly child phobic husband...

Also, possibly a tmi question here... I've noticed that my discharge has gone from a dark yellowy cream colour to having a definite green tinge... Normal?? I'm not itchy or sore down there but it had a definite snot look about it. There were a couple of small lumps tonight but it's generally quite thick anyway at the mo. Baby is moving around normally. Could it be small bits of 'show'? I know you can start losing little bits from around now. I might phone midwife on Monday to be sure but any advice would be welcome!!! Xx

godzookey not at all, I think you've been pretty speedy. Hope you're feeling less exhausted today and that you managed to avoid an overdose of the MIL.

I'm glad to hear that you're feeling good about your doula now as I remember you were a bit worried at first. Thanks for the tips, I've got two lined up to speak to and then would plan to meet them if they seem ok on the phone. I'm waiting to hear back from a couple of others as well. I'll definitely ask about backup plans.

happy I don't know about the discharge - I think the 'show' is generally white/cream with a pinkish tinge or streaks of blood. But this being my first I wouldn't recommend you take my word for it, I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will be around later! If it was me I'd call the midwife on Monday. Sounds like you got some great bargains at the sale, so exciting! I put our pram up for the first time last night and couldn't stop fiddling with it all evening...

For anyone who is undecided on NCT classes I thought it would be worth mentioning that the first one of mine was far better than I'd expected. Although I'm hoping and trying to prepare for as straightforward and manageable a birth as possible (who wouldn't!) I was especially pleased that the facilitator wasn't at all anti pain relief/unrealistic on the possibility of interventions (possibly as she'd had quite medicalised births herself). It's fair to say that 'natural' was presented as a positive, though. I guess it really comes down to the facilitator so not sure how helpful that will be to anyone.

happyhow get it checked out they should swab you for strep b as it can show up now aswell if it is a simple course of antibiotics will sort it out so it's nothing to worry about x

Hey everyone....
happy I think Im going to speak to my MW about this too, Ive been wearing pantyliners and have noticed Ive had some odd discharge too....(well I say odd but with nothing to compare it to!) Before I got pregnant I was on the depo for 12 years so never had periods and never really had any discharge, now feel wet all the time and always worry that its amniotic fluid but think its just an increase due to hormones???? anyone else???

complicated big bear hugs are the best Hope your feeling more relaxed and are having a lovely chilled out day

I spent yesterday in (happy) tears. Hubbys in London till tomorrow so two of my mates travelled up from the midlands for the night....they then said they would take me out to dinner, got to the bar and they had booked and arranged a surprise baby shower for me....loads of my mates had come up from Shropshire and they had made personalised baby bunting and baked loads of cupcakes etc.....was really, really lovely......didnt really know how I felt about showers, bit grabby maybe??? But they said they had wanted to arrange it as I didnt really start celebrating this pregnancy till recently cus of the MC in Feb so they wanted to make a fuss....was treated to lots of cute baby toys/books etc and also some vouchers for a massage n lots of smellies....tney had also all wrote me a message in a book and even thinking about it now is making me well up!

Feel all ready to go now, have even just chucked my old gym bag in the wash to repack it as my hospital bag eeeeeek!!!!!!

Happy weekend everyone xxx

alchik that sounds lovely! What a nice thing for your friends to do. I agree showers seem a bit grabby but if it's a surprise...

Re discharge I have this too and I think in all my other pgs too - i seem to remember constantly checking with the others so think normal. Check with mw if worrying you.

happy a show can be quite snotty and a bit bloody. Quite gross actually again check with mw.

Have spent whole weekend driving to and from scout campsite! Ds1 spent the whole weekend there (all grown up) and ds2 went up yesterday for a party. Think everyone enjoyed themselves but after picking ds1 up today ds2 and dd started fighting (he blows raspberrys she screams etc) so had to come home with radio blasting out to drown out their noise! Oh the joys!

Sorry to anyone I've missed ( feeling a bit stressed) hope everyone having a good weekend!

Allchik Wow your friends are amazing. What a lovely surprise.

Had a good day today - a domesticated Sunday which was just what I needed. Just made a lasagne for dinner and made loads so I can freeze rest. Our neighbours popped round and their 4 year old daughter kept on asking me when baby would come out of my tummy. We've babysat for her quite a few times and she thinks ours is her second home and has DH and I wrapped round her little finger! I have washed baby clothes and a gorgeous little cuddly elephant and comforter and 4 year old kept on wanting to play with them and her mother kept on telling her off in case her hands were dirty! She is digging out her old teddies to give to baby. Very sweet. Good job I'm pregnant as now feel very broody!!!

Hope everyone else had equally stress free chilled out weekends.

Yes allchik, pretty damp and sticky! I assumed it was normal for this point in pregnancy...

Glorious - best of luck, let us know how you get on - hope you find one you really like!

When i went to my doula's house for antenatal yoga last week - the class is in her open plan living room/kitchen, i was met by her boyfriend and clouds of smoke billowing out the front door as he'd started to cook some lunch and had forgotton about it - not a great pre cursor to a relaxing yoga session as we had to wait ages for the room to air out! but i still think she's the right choice - kinda... no seriously she's great.

Good luck everyone at work this week - i'm going to try my damndest to get out a a meeting in Bournemouth on Wednesday at half 3 -will take AGES to get there and won't get home til late. My MD has offered to drive me there and back but quite frankly, he can go and i'll join by conference call. Work thought i was being overly formal when i presented them with an 'altered hours' drs note on Thursday - they said, oh we could have just talked about it - talk be damned, they can't say sh**t now the GP has OK'd it!!

Have a good week ladies!!

xx

Morning all, hope you all had a good weekend. Am in the wide awake club again. 4.30am this morning so a bit later than usual... also managed to drop a glass on the bathroom floor which smashed into about a billion pieces and woke up DP, whoops! He's gone back to sleep now though.

allchik what wonderful friends you have! Surprise baby shower sounds so lovely A friend of mine is apparently organising one for me though I feel a bit weird about it and don't want people to feel that they have to buy presents etc. Should probably stop fretting and just enjoy it.

I too am getting a lot of discharge, to the point that I think I've wet myself... Lovely. Asked the mw on Friday and she said it's all normal and if it had been my waters it would have been a constant trickle. happy she did say that if it changes colour or odour though to get it checked out in case of infection so I would call your mw this morning to check if you're getting greenish stuff.

Anyone else doing natal hypnotherapy? I got the Maggie Howell book and CD from the library after a friend recommended it and am liking it so far.

Have a good Monday everyone! I have the day off and am going shopping for baby things with my mum then having a facial

Hi all,

Well, I'm in the wide awake club too and seem to have been for past 6 weeks, grrrr! Woke up this morning to what I thought was a dripping tap alas no, it was actually our ceiling so am now praying we can find a roofer to fix the leak, not the best start to the week. Doesn't seem too much damage right now but it's pissing down outside and has been all night ?!

happy I agree in that you should get your MW to check you out, sure you will be fine but probably best to be on the safe side and as others have said if it is an infection it will be sorted quickly with medication?

Hoping to go to a birth preparation workshop soon as there doesn't seem to be any NCT classes available in my area and from feedback I've had on my NHS ones, think I want to make sure I've been to another class. The one I've found online looks really good and it's a half day private course, group class was full and they offer doula services too which I'm quite intrigued about also so fingers crossed. Woman is calling me today to discuss.

Well, hope everyone is okay and has a better start to the week than me!

X

Ive been awake since about 4.30 too. It's totally crap! Then I fall asleep at 9pm!

I've got the maggie howell cd off ebay, haven't played it yet though. I will be playing it this morning though as I have a CHILD FREE DAY today ! MIL is having DS from 10 til 4. Yippee. DH said oh you can have a rest and go back to bed if you like once they've gone. No way. I have faaaaarrr too much to do to waste the time on lounging in bed. If I don't use today to do stuff it will never get done.

My local town had the christmas lights ceremony on saturday. Apparently it was total chaos. One girl had an asthma attack and the security wouldn't let her mum take her out of the crowd, another pregnant lady got knocked over in the crush, I'm so glad I opted to drop DH off at the barber and go elsewhere with DS instead.

Morning ladies, hope everyone is well.

happy sounds like a wee infection to me, get yourself along to the docs and get some antibiotics.

Is anyone else struggling? I don't know how I'm going to do another 4 weeks at work. I'm so tired, and even with the chiro, I'm so incredibly sore. I don't want to lose my time with the kids at the other end, though. Going to read my maternity policy a bit closer when I get home tonight, as I'm sure they said I would only be signed off early on maternity from 7/12 ...

Hi all,

Hope everyone had nice weekends. Allchick that is very sweet of your friends and I bet you had an amazing time. Baby showers are controversial things in the UK, I think the ettiquette is that you should not organise your own but if one is organised for you enjoy completely guilt free .

Happy no harm getting it checked out , although I am sure it is fine.

Very excited as DH's artist friend is in our house today and painting a mural in the nursery. We have asked him to do a "woodland" scene with friendly animals etc. so dying to get home from work and check it out.

As for sleeping, I have been able to get to sleep but do not feel rested as have been having the weirdest dreams for the last week. Wake up feeling exhuasted as a result.

Creepy hope your grandad's funderal was as good as can be expected.

Bunty you could always try being signed off by the GP if the pain and tiredness is making it difficult for you to work. Your employers are not allowed to put you on ML until 36 weeks. You are only 2 weeks away from that now aren't you?

Creepy Hope the funeral was ok. DH's nan's funeral is this thursday, local though so no 5 hour journeys for us.

I feel so sorry for all of you not sleeping very well. I had pregnancy insomnia last time but this time I've been sleeping like the dead.

Sounds lovely Squealy . We've decided on dinosaurs for this one (it was elephants and jungle for the last one) so I'm currently scouring the net for some nice baby dino stickers for the wall and maybe a lampshade/curtains.

I'm typing this from my freshly inflated birthing pool , (no water in it though) as I really needed to know how long it takes to inflate - about 12 minutes altogether and going by the likely pressure flow rate of water in this house, about 55 minutes to 80% fill it so I think we will keep it mostly inflated once I get to 37 weeks and be ready with all the kit as soon as the slightest twinge occurs.

Thanks ladies, it was a lovely service. He'd have been over the moon.

Sounds lovely squealy! A friend of ours is going to do one for us but we're not sure what yet. I keep joking to DH that we're going to have one like Mitch and Cam's in Modern Family.

I'm struggling today. My hip feels like its dislocated and I have excruciating pain between my legs. I can barely move. Is this SPD?? I have an appointment with midwife tomorrow and I'm definitely going to bring it up as its been getting progressively worse over the last few weeks.

Happy Monday!!

pasha you just made me laugh I hope you can get in and out of that thing, got stuck in our bath the other day had to wait for hubby to come home from work so he could rescue me x you sound so organised

creepycrawley ooh you poor thing that sounds like SPD don't have it myself but still having more then a few problems with hips after walking the dog for a bit big hugs and defo mention it to midwife x Good Luck x

Showed DH perineal massage that's something he definitely won't be doing he shut up moaning about sleepless nights !!

Sounds gorgeous, squealy, as does yours, pascha! I may look into that if things don't get drastically better soon, as I am 36 weeks next Friday. <would do a happy dance if I could move>

Laughing at the image of you sitting in an unfilled birthing pool! Sorry to hear about your DH's gran (I think you might have mentioned up thread, but in case I missed it, as I am missing a lot, just wanted to say.).

Glad things went ok for you, creepy, and that it was a lovely service. It does sound, as boutique said, like SPD. I am in the same position; it is horrid.

Baby had a hell of a wriggle a couple of hours ago, my whole stomach was shaking and contorting. Freaked me right out.

Allchik your friends sound lovely!

Finally ... I have finished the hospital bag--s--! <polishes halo>

I've mentioned perineal massage to DP just in a this-is-what-I-have-to-do; poor-me way.
But how should I do it? I plan to start in the next couple of weeks, but can't quite work out...how to massage such a small part of my body, which is not easily accessible right now. Any tips?

Just had another doc appointment and scan! Very exciting to see LO on screen, measuring 31+4 and ~1800g, head down, they think it's all going well! I can't even imagine not having a preemie given how it went with DS, so entering a truly amazing stage of pregnancy now sans liver pains and seeing stars, BP normal!

Also finally made time to get back in the pool for some laps today, such a release with the weightlessness. Am going to try and make it as much as possible before LO arrives, seriously invigorating.

dieciocho I'm not bothering with the massage. I've read a lot of Gloria Lemay etc, to try and get in the right headspace for a natural birth, and they and their ilk quite rightly point out that of all mammals, we are the only ones who feel the need to do this massage, and none of them tear. Apparently, it's all about not listening to 'the devil on your shoulder' that tells you "Just one big push and it'll all be over!"

God knows if I'll be able to resist, but the perineal tissues are designed to stretch.

Thought I'd offer another view ;)

Link to the article

djvesi glad all went well I think I might try and get to the pool, sounds lovely!

That is a good article bunty I also won't be bothering with perineal massage, and didn't last time. I did tear a bit though, because I went 'oh bugger it, just get him out' so I will try not to do that this time . My positioning was also terrible and I think that played a part. If I do tear I will be declining stitches this time, unless it is severe enough to warrant transfer to hospital (if at home) and repair in theater.

Amazing the chat on here is now onto excessive discharge and perineal massage. No topic is off limits! I can't wait to start hearing all the birth stories....

How sweet Allchik - that is so lovely!

Ramping up the hippy notch a little further, I've asked my mates to organise a Blessingway (like a baby shower, but not as 'grabby' as you say!)

Hey all

bealos that's the thing with pregnancy, your body goes nuts so it's pretty helpful to chat to a bunch of strangers going through the same thing. In RL it's almost impossible to say most of this stuff! It's reassuring that we're all suffering similar things otherwise you might feel even more vulnerable!

Have to have a little boast, my ds2 is joseph in the nativity! <preens>

Excellent work. Mine is 'Narrator 4'!

p.s. you know I wasn't being sarcy! I do enjoy all of this 'full disclosure' and really can't wait to hear all the birth stories. I love 'em.

Totally agree appleand bealos!! There are so many things I wouldn't be able to say to my friends!!

Following on from my successful baby shopping day on Sat, my mum and I got the flat almost completely packed up yesterday so all we have left to do is pack the stuff that we need to use for the next 10-14 days...

Currently trying to finish off my Advanced Higher lesson for period 1 tomorrow... CBA!! Stayed in school til 7pm and still not finished... And Baby keeps trying to kick the laptop off my lap.

Organised? Me?

Ahahahahahaha.........

And yes, after my last post I am aware of the irony off being awake at 2.26am

Hi everyone

I've been a bit quiet on here as have spent the last few days getting myself totally wound up about the frigging measurements from my growth scan. Now going in to see the consultant tomorrow morning so she can talk through them for us (at our request thankfully not hers, or I would be panicking even more). I know that if I'm even just a week behind the EDD they gave me then everything is normal (and I know when I ovulated so I must be right), but ive still worried myself sick. I think it's because with DD we had a hell for a first few months as they told us all sorts of awful things about her health so I've assumed we're due some good luck this time and that nothing like that would happen again. So the mere thought of it is enough to even stop me eating properly (I know, even chocolate doesn't appeal at the mo ).

Anyways, enough about me. Hope everyone else is ok and not stressing about anything.

Why don't I start off the lovely discharge topic again?! Well I've had more of a green one ever since getting pregnant. It's not minging or anything, just a different colour. And it's how I knew I was pregnant before even testing. I still got it checked out though just in case, but it's a normal pregnancy thing apparently (unless you get itching). Not sure who was asking but the best thing is to get it checked anyway.

Oh, birdies, I'm so sorry you're fretting. I'm 100% sure everything will be perfect.

I think we're all stressing about something at the moment. I lost my dinner last night talking to God on the great white telephone, and have been rather <ahem> loose this morning. Coupled with stomach pains, I'm convincing myself I'm going into labour. Fairly sure I'm not, but I'm clearly determined to worry about something.

I'm almost the opposite - despite the awful birth with DS, he is so healthy and perfect, I worry our luck will run out. Currently also shitting myself about the VBAC, even though I'm desperate for it, in case something goes wrong and we lose her, or she has a birth injury.

Think I'm a headcase.

Had the first antenatal class night (at the GP surgery but with the midwife from the hospital), to turn the baby she recommended tying herbs to your toe and setting fire to them. wtf.

Thanks bunty. The daft thing is the extra scan was meant to reassure me but all it's done is the opposite. I've just reworked my dates out though and it's impossible for me to be that far on as it means I'd have ovulated at least 4 days before I actually did. I know due date doesn't normally matter that much but when you are plotted against it to check for something abnormal then it can make a huge difference.

I don't think you're a headcase, unless we both are (which is entirely possible!). I think if you were going into labour then by now you'd be getting contractions and all sorts (not just stomach ache). But you know that Labour can't come quickly enough for me now though as then I would know for sure if baby is ok.

I think my hormones are actually part of all this as well as last night I cried my eyes out about my gorgeous little dog who died......20 years ago

pascha the Maggie Howell cd is the one I've got, I think it's quite good.

Birdies sorry you've been stressing out. Sounds like the measurements are against the wrong dates though so sure you and baby will be absolutely fine, though totally understand the worry, especially considering what you went through with DD. What time is your consultant appt tomorrow?

I've also been massively hormonal lately. I cried in Boots yesterday because I didn't have the right voucher to get my free changing bag! Nice woman gave it to me anyway

Bunty you're not a headcase. I find things to worry about too. There's lots of vomiting/diarrhoea bugs going around at the mo so more than likely that. Hope you're feeling better.

Katolla that sounds like moxibustion to me. I'm an acupuncturist and have done moxibustion on a patient whose baby turned so it does work, daft as it might sound!

Attempted perineal massage last night but actually found it a bit of a faff and hard to reach so might not bother, especially after reading that article bunty.

tugs bunty do you know much about perineal massage if you've already had an episiotomy? I'm all for doing the panting thing, but worried that scar tissue does not stretch as easily.

hello everyone,

Creepy did you see the midwife today? How is your hip/pelvis pain?

I tried to walk into town yesterday after work and it took me AGES. It is usually a 20 minute walk but I was about half an hour late to meet people because I'd walked so slowly . Nothing was agonisingly painful I just felt so heavy and achey. I've got a feeling it's going to be a long couple of months...

Bunty I've not been vomiting but I've been feeling nauseous for the last few days and I had stomach cramps followed by the squits this morning. I wonder if it is to do with increased hormones in the third trimester (or did I make that up?), or possibly I have caught yet another bug which is going around, my immunity seems to be about zero at the moment. I also have had a sore throat for about a month which seems to come and go.

Birdies I'm so sorry you are stressing. I am sure everything is fine, the measurements aren't very accurate and babies all grow at different rates so I'm sure that is why the consultant wasn't worried. Next time you will probably be told she is measuring big .

I keep driving myself into a frenzy about baby movements. I think because I have an anterior placenta, I will sometimes go for hours without feeling anything. Then I start to panic, but always just as I am starting to seriously consider phoning the midwife, the baby suddenly goes mad and kicks every few minutes for an hour or so. Then she stops again. It is driving me crazy! The only time she consistently kicks is when I have just gone to bed at night.

Snap with the crampy, retchy thing. I thought it was a bug, but I feel like it's passed too quickly for that. I was up all night on Friday with nausea and constant gassy burping. Horrid.

Wowsers hormones are kicking in big style threw the Christmas nuts at DH and ranted about everyone telling me what to do cue crying pregnant woman sitting on the bedroom floor eating said nuts and Xmas chocs

So defo in the losing it hormonal club ooh not forgetting the trotts n trumping n discharge the joys

Anyone else think their baby might be early ?

Sorry that your worrying Birdies. I'm sure everything is fine and they've just got the wrong dates. Good luck with your appointment.

My midwife has referred me to a physio to get fitted for a 'fembrace' which look extremely sexy and nothing at all like a giant nappy! If it helps though..! Also have a doctors appointment Thursday to try getting some stronger painkillers as paracetamol are useless. Been prescribed 2 giant bottles of gaviscon too so that's going to save me a fortune. But appointment was all good, nice varying heartbeat which is apparently good and she's still head down. She's a little high up but I think that's normal too?

Hope everyone is well!

That made me laugh sorry boutique! I had a nightmare time in tesco last week because it was heaving so I treated myself to a box of Roses and ate the lot. Minus the hazelnut ones.

Creepy someone bought us a box of celebrations the other day, as soon as they left I banned DP from eating any of them except the disgusting bounty ones.

Ugh bounty ones are for my DH too. The Malteaser ones are all mine!

Thanks everyone. Cramping has finally settled down, so definitely not labour, hoorah! give me 2 weeks on friday and I won't be saying that

It wasn't for going, though, and DH made me phone the hospital - lovely midwife said it sounded like a stomach bug, so, very glad to be a squitting, vomiting wreck

bealos afraid I know nothing about perineal massage after an episiotomy. I've got to say that even if I was for it, I'd be wary about putting unnatural pressure on a weakened point where the scar tissue is. Stretching around a baby is a gradual process (allegedly!), whereas I think the perineal massage is a bit ... invasive? May do more harm than good?

Aw, boutique, I'm sorry, but I had to giggle at that! It sounds like the kind of thing I'd do! Had a massive go at DH on Sunday because I was hotter than the surface of the sun, swanning about in my knicks and a vest, and he was saying "It's a lovely temperature!" as he sat in his jeans and t-shirt.

I threatened divorce and forcible removal of his genitals if he didn't turn down the fucking heating and put on a jumper.

I think mine will be early. Currently rooting for the 14th.

Hello everybody - I fell off the thread a few months back during a very stressful period of MIL living with us. Now, my MIL is lovely, but having her living in our home with no "moving out" date got a little... tense! Anyway, all back to normal now.

Reading some of your posts I can't help thinking I've not made the most of this pregnancy. I have bitten my tongue on many occasions when DH has annoyed me and now wish I'd thrown Christmas Nuts at him. I've got to be honest I'm finding it quite hard that he really, really doesn't see that me being pregnant should actually affect him in any way. I still run around after him like an idiot and I'm bloody shattered!

Oh well, rant over. Only 3 weeks and 2 days of work left! Yippee!

I know I'll be early Boutique as I'll be forced to have an induction at 38 weeks - so mid-January.
I'm a wee bit annoyed about it now it's my body, my pregnancy, bugger off the lot of you, but I suspect that come early January I'll be only too pleased to have this little monster out in the open so that we can start getting on with the rest of our lives together!

I've got 22nd Dec in my head which is 6 days early don't know why and it will no doubt come and go without any event.

Whereas I am potentially in denial and telling everyone (including myself) that it won't come til early January. Think because people still don't think I look pregnant!

I MEAN early February [where this delete button, then?]

I'm rather hoping for 16th December. I think it's very unlikely but you never know.

Thanks for being so nice everyone. Tugs my apmt is at 1030am tomorrow. Bizarrely i stopped worrying so much today but as it gets towards the ending and darker I start worrying again. At least I will know more tomorrow. DH has to work so I'm either going on my own or going to take my dad (he's a gp so can interpret any medical jargon for me!).

I think my babba will arrive towards the end of the first week in January, making me legitimately in this January thread again!!

Re perineal massage, I had a couple of goes last time then decided I had enough to think about without having to remember to do that too. I had a tiny tear and only needed 2 stitches. Although DD was little so that may have had something to do with it. I don't think I'll bother this time either, bunty's article makes a lot of sense to me.

creepy n bugsy choc is good for the soul x

Mrsbugs I'm the same re movements. Can go for hours with nothing and then just as I'm starting to panic the little bun has a boogie . Still not massively consistent though I must say.

I've always thought this baby will come early, even before my little stay in hospital a few weeks ago. It'll probably be late now!

I'm hoping this baby comes a little early 38 weeks does me fine as after 4 pregnancies I feel like I've been pg for a lifetime! However since the others were all late I don't hold out a lot of hope . Think it's my hormones but one of the mums at school had her baby on Friday and when her dh told us all I could think was 'bitch' that's not very nice is it!?

Baby sometimes seems not to have moved for ages but as soon as I sit down with a yoghurt I can gen get it going again!

Sorry to those having a hard time this last bit always seems to be a bit of a marathon x

Definitely take your dad, birdies if you can. I always find myself so overwhelmed, and grateful when I hear everything is fine that I don't really listen, so having an extra pair of ears in there will probably be helpful.

Pregnancy app reliably informs me today that baby will be full term in 17 days, and it's 38 days until my due date - which means it's only 33 days until Christmas

Currently undecided as to whether I want her to be early (would be lovely, although wedding with a very newborn might be a no go), on time (would look much nicer at said wedding than with a deflated, fat belly - but worrying about going into labour 200 miles away), or late (would get Christmas etc past - but then worry about induction!).

Maybe I'll revise my wish date to 7/12 - although 37 weeks seems VERY early (and very soon!!!).

Correction: 35 days until Christmas. Don't panic yet.

I think mine will be late. My mum had 4 of us and we were all late! That's ok for me though because I really don't want a baby over Xmas and New Year. My bro is Dec 23rd and he hates that his bday always gets lost in the Xmas hype. I'm due the 7th Jan so anytime after that is fine by me!!!

I'm SO frigging tired today. Was preparing my lesson til midnight last night so slept in this morning . Got a parents' evening tonight so won't be home til around 8pm and then may still have work to do for tomorrow. It's just so busy just now!

4 more weeks and 2 days til mat leave. Like the rest of you, not sure how I'm going to manage that one....

bunty you make me laugh! Been Xmas shopping today and am nearly done thank god and ds2 b'day pretty much sorted. Still haven't started on hospital bag though. Keep thinking I will then putting it off again...

Happy my mum had all of her babies induced for being late, but this was before proper dating scans and we were all small babies, so she thinks that they always dated her incorrectly due to her irregular periods. I would probably have put my foot down after the first one, but I think in those days women were far less likely to stand up to medical professionals.

I'll be happy if the baby comes any time after I start maternity leave, and before I have to be induced.

On the one hand if I am late it will be a February baby, which sounds nicer than January (like the very beginning of spring rather than deepest darkest winter). But I think by the time I get to my due date I will just want her out asap

Good luck tomorrow Birdies

I agree, Bugsy, with February sounding nicer than January, maybe that's why I'm annoyed at having to be induced.
My EDD is 31-01-13, so if I were allowed to have a natural labour, it'd definitely be a February hopefully-not-so-dark-and-chilly-and-miserable baby.

Oh well, I assume the drs know what they're up to re: 38-week induction.

Did the snack shop for my hospital bag today just need to pack toothbrush pants and clean t shirt for dh is case we are there too long. Also going to pack and deliver ds1's bag to nanny so I don't need to worry about that.

Evening Ladies,

Birdies best of luck tomorrow, hope all goes well.

I have to be up at 6am to be in Bournemouth for a 10am meeting - am not impressed in the slightest!!! The potential client has a one hour slot so if we're late/get lost, we're screwed, am NOT happy in the slightest about this- -GRRRRR!

As the brand is baby related, i know the big guns are thinking wheel out the pregnant girl -hopefully if the client has an ounce of sensitivity she'll think WTF is this 8 month pregnant woman doing here - little unreasonable to drag her out of bed to come down to Bournemouth for 10 am!!!!

Oh dear Godzookey, your trip to Bournemouth tomorrow sounds horrible. I went to Sheffield for the day a couple of weeks ago for work (from London) and it was so uncomfortable on the train and in a stuffy meeting room all day that I think I'm going to say no to the next trip I have in the diary. Your experience with the smoking lunch and yoga did make me smile, though!

Tugstonia I've also got the natal hypotherapy cds and I've found them quite good (mostly listening to the pregnancy one at the moment rather than the birth one but have also done that once). It seems to calm me down quite well anyway though who knows whether I'll be able to keep that going in labour!

Squealy your mural sounds lovely, how has it turned out?

Pascha sorry if you've mentioned this before, but where did you get your birth pool from and would you recommend them?

Loads of luck today Birdies. So pleased you are seeing Consultant as worry eats away at you. Do let us know how you get on. We've got a private scan this morning and just keeping everything crossed that baby has grown. I do feel bigger, but know that doesn't mean anything.

Godzookey feel for you today. Make sure you do your best pregnancy waddle, constantly rub your tummy, go to loo every 5 mins and come out in hot sweats so your boss feels really guilty! Hope it goes well.

Glorious its from Birth Pool In A Box but mine is second hand from the local NCT sale. I need to get a new liner and filling kit for it as these have to be new though. As far as I know they are reputable and good quality. I've never found a bad review yet. Its comfy inside with a seat and inflated bottom.

Birdies good luck for today thinking about you x

Godzookey that just sounds shite all that way for an hour grim defo to putting on the waddle n going for a wee many times the meeting should fly by x

Thanks everyone. I had another scan and head is now on the 5th centile instead if the 3rd (or 11th going by my dates which would be fine). Consultant thinks she underestimated size of head at the last scan and says she doesn't think I need to worry but they are scanning me again in 2 weeks. So two weeks of waiting. I feel a bit numb really, not sure how I'm going to get through those 2 weeks.

Might see if any other mumsnetters had growth scan showing baby has a small head. The trouble is my baby had a big head at 20 week scan which makes me worry more as why would it now be so small. Big sigh

complicated hope your scan went ok today. I've thought about going for a private one but having just been scanned again today I can't see them coming up with anything different

Oh Birdies so sorry that ue going through this, even though Im sure all will be fine it must be crap feeling so stressed and worried on top of ll the normal ailments

Why not ring up a private clinic and ask their thoughts about what they could offer via a scan, if its something you can afford that may give you piece of mind it could be worth it? xxxx

There's loads of bugs going round school at the moment, a sickness bug and a horrid head/cough thing.....think I may be catching the latter as am running a temp and feel quite dizzy/headachey plus neck is all swelled up gggrrrrr.
Keep panicking about my attendance but might have to have tomorrow at home if still feel like this then.
Can't believe there is still 4 weeks and 2 days left of this half term Really dont know if Im going to be able to hack it!!!
xxx

Aw, birdies, I'm sorry you're still worrying. I'm sure your dates are correct.

I think it might be worth going for a private scan if you can afford it; I find they definitely take a lot more time, and can be more accurate than NHS where the resources are so strapped.

Also, maybe the 20 week scan wasn't particularly great with the measurements? It only takes a tiny little slip, and it's all to pot. I'm sure everything is fine, honestly. <unmn'ty hugs>

Hey Birdies, did they do a doppler to check the baby's circulation? At this stage, the main thing that would warrant any intervention is if the baby isn't receiving enough nutrient through the placenta. You can do a doppler to make sure the circulation is reaching the different parts. I reckon a private clinic trip, as allchik suggested, would be well worth it you know.

I had a haematoma weeks 14-18 with bleeding this pregnancy, and the private doc I was recommended was the only one to give decent feedback and advice, the day after the public clinic scan. Much more informative.

That said, you know yourself that all babies grow at different rates and the best possible thing is for your LO to stay put. If they showed that all seems fine, best you can do is relax and wait.

Birdies Sorry to hear that you're feeling rubbish. Sounds like a case of too many scans causing extra worry. Much as we love technology, we know that tech is not always right.

Have confidence in yourself, your dates and your body.

As people have said, babies grow at different rates and come out different sizes.

birdies i wouldnt worry at all. im the total opposite mine was measuring off the scale last weeks scan so realllllly masssive. i just remember all the stories ive read where people are told its small and its normal or told its mahoosiv and its normal. babies are people too and apart from twins how many of us are exactly the same... sooo how can they say this is what you baby should be measuring today.

Thanks everyone, you're all lovely and any positive things you say really help me.

She did do a Doppler thing on the cord (djvesi is that the same thing?) and that was fine, and also the amount of fluid was fine. Tummy and leg measurements were fine and anatomy all fine too. But I went and googled microcephaly and that's where the worry all began (where head doesn't grow properly leading to all sorts of nasty things). So as head is proportionately small to the other measurements, that's what worries me. Having said that, the cut off for this is around 3 precentile or below and even then some will be normal and just with smaller heads. But some would treat 10% or below as abnormal and then I start worrying again. I could see she'd measured the head a bit low last time though, so it was probably more like 5% then even without adjusting for the date I think I'm actually due.

I wish she hadn't looked back at my 20 week scan measurements today as head was quite a high centile then . But she still didn't seem worried and said a couple of times she thinks I shouldn't worry (but I don't know if i can believe her as why scan me in two weeks if not worried). But then the sensible me kicks in and I think consultants are more likely to warn you that something might be wrong to cover themselves than say what she said to me if they really did think something might be wrong.

Sorry my posts will prob be rambling and repetitive and all about me now!

Birdies so pleased everything was OK and Consultant wasn't concerned, though do know you are still worrying. We had a private scan at Fetal Medicine Centre in London which I would definitely recommend if you live near London. It cost £150 which I know is a lot of money, but they give you a good 30 mins or so and check absolutely everything, so I didn't mind paying this in order to get some peace of mind. I had chance to ask lots of questions too.

Baby is still measuring small (below 5th percentile) but the growth since last week's scan was plotted out on graph and baby's weight remains on the same line so no worse and no better. Everything else is completely normal and blood flow between me and placenta is fine, so the private doctor said he wasn't worried. He suggested NHS Consultant keep a very close eye on me and do another scan in a couple of weeks, but if baby continues on same line on the graph and nothing else changes it will just mean having a small baby which is fine. Am seeing Consultant on Friday so will see what he says. After appt, I went out and bought a couple of tiny baby sleepsuits from John Lewis.

I finished work yesterday as I am using up all my annual leave before starting maternity leave. Must say it is a relief as though I do enjoy my job and love the office banter, the commute on tube was getting harder by the day and I'm not sleeping well either, so now I can completely focus on getting everything ready for baby, doing Christmas shopping and Christmas cards (not started either yet), sleeping and getting my head in the right place to be a mother. I have always worked so will be strange not having the same structure to my life.

ooooooo complicated how lovely to be on maternity leave!!! Enjoy!! I can't wait to start mine......feels like FOREVER away though.. xx

exactly 30 days til i finish. Im doing some pictures of cakes and cupcakes for a girl whos started up a business so innstead of paying me shes making loads of different cakes for mmy last day.

in a boasty way: ive finished drawing the mural in the nursery.. just got to paint it...

no bag packed though but i think im ready with everything now. 6 weeks to go...

complicated I'm really glad your scan went ok. Are all your measurements small? I think from what I've read it's better if they're all small. I have just one small measurement (the head is much smaller than it was centile-wise back at the 20 week scan). I keep trying to think positively but when i do it lasts about 5 mins. I feel bad as my little DD saw me crying earlier and I really don't want her to notice anything like that.

I've heard lots of good things about the place you went for your private scan but unfortunately I'm up north so it's not an option for me. I think I'm going to sit tight and wait for the next nhs one as I'm scared a private scan may only either confirm the size or measure it smaller, and then I'd end up in an even worse position.

I'm a barrel of laughs aren't I?!

allchik I'm in the same situation as you - 4 weeks and 2 days to go until maternity leave - let's stick together and we will make it!
I'm determined not to finish before December 21st!!

Birdies it is just the abdominal circumference which is small (269.1 mm). Head circumference is 301.3 mm which shows as average on notes. So I think baby has just got a really little tummy but everything else is normal size. Dopplers were fine. Estimated fetal weight is now 3 lbs 15 oz (1779 g). I am now 33 + 2. Dr said it was strange as we were both normal size, but not to worry as everything else was fine. And I agree these scans do your head in as you become obsessed with the tiniest detail. If the Consultant were worried you would be whisked in for C-Section straight away, so baby is clearly very happy where it is and I agree with someone else's wise words that you should trust your body, maternal instincts and ovulation dates. Did your father go with you? What did he say? Really feel for you as the worry eats away at you. I hardly slept a wink last night as was so worried.

OK, guilty secret. I am really into "Little Things" by One Direction at the moment and have just downloaded it on iTunes. Embarrassing as my 13 year old niece is One Direction's biggest fan. Hormones or just very, very sad?!!!

allchik, Lora and woody hang in there. I wouldn't have started mine so early had I not had so much leave to use up and can only carry over a few days. I don't actually start OML until 30 December (due date is 31st). Hope work gives you some slack and you can work shorter hours as weeks progress.

Right woody Im im! 21st Dec...WE CAN DO THIS! x

complicated I'll swap the small head for the small tummy! I think if only tummy is small then that's fine, I can't think of anything that would be bad about that. My dad didn't come with me as we decided it might look a bit over the top (as it was I acted like a bit if a loon anyway so he may not have been very proud! She wrote 'anxious ++' in my notes!). Am feeling much better this evening though as my dad looked at the graphs and can't see what I'm worrying about now so I'm going to try and stay positive now. (And nothing wrong with a bit of One Direction!)

Birdies and Complicated sorry to hear about your growth worries. I do feel that technology can be a blessing and a curse at times. In all likelihood everything is totally normal - babies grow at different rates - but the scan picks up the tiniest thing and causes us to worry.

At my midwife appt last week I was told my BP was 'borderline' because diastolic was 80 - so they'll be keeping a close eye on me. No objections to this. I have an appt with a consultant and a scan next Wednesday.

Yes, happy, woody and allchik I also have 4 weeks to go (till end of term) and I really don't know how I'm going to manage. Every day is a struggle. Not because of my pregnancy really, but I've been really run down with two chest infections, ear infection, and sore glands (glands still sore). I feel like my body is saying 'stop' or 'slow down and rest' but I can't...

complicated I was looking at the graphs and 269 for tummy at 32 weeks is well within normal. Are you sure that's the number? If so baby is well within normal limits, eg see www.baby2see.com/medical/charts.html

Ps thanks mama

birdies just checked out chart and does seem ok. Est fetal weight is low for 33 weeks though (below 10th percentile) as is 1779 g. I am going to try not to worry as long as everything else remains ok. The private dr we saw today said the main worry was that baby was being starved as not getting what it needs from placenta. That isn't case at moment but hopefully NHS will do regular scans to check all remains ok. Good news is that as we are both considered high risk pregnancies because of what's happened before ( I've lost 2 babies) we get extra care. Good for baby, but hard for us as our previous experience means we will naturally worry. Our babies will be here soon and I'm sure will be totally gorgeous and healthy. We both have to believe that whilst continuing to monitor everything and ask lots of questions. Big hug.

I've just downloaded 3 One Direction songs after you mentioning them... Clearly my guilty pleasure.

Went to see Blood Brothers at the theatre tonight. I've seen it 5 times now I think and I never tire of it. A very enjoyable evening!

Work started on our house yesterday!!!! Only 2 weeks late but never mind. Got to have it all finished by Dec 8th when the carpets go in but think we may need to move in with the in laws for a week

On another musical note... Would it be completely mental to order tickets for a Gary Barlow gig 4 days after my due date?! I'm totally going to do it but just need to hope the excitement of seeing the fabulous Mr Barlow in all his sexiness doesn't bring on labour!!!!!!

Birdies, try not to worry too much and stop going near Dr Google!!!! Your consultant isn't too concerned and as someone else said, you'd have been whipped into hospital and sliced and diced by now if they felt there was a major issue. Getting worked up is not good for you or the baby - just try to put it to the back of your mind...

Hey,

Sorry to hear about your worries birdies, like others have said though sounds like you are in safe hands and if doctors were worried they would do something? I agree that you hear so much about the baby size and in most cases everything is absolutely fine. Trust your dad

I have an agony throat, can hardly swallow does anyone know if I can take anything?

X

Right, so it's allchik, MamaMary, Happy and I in this together... and if we count school get-ups, there's now only 21 to go 21? That's nothing!
(Not at all panicking about the fact that they STILL haven't found my replacement yet...)

Hey ladies, DS was born 34+4 1819g, some altered circulation, bad muscle tone, large brain ventricles, 6 months of physio and neuro checkups. He is now 2.5yrs, absolutely normal physiology, precocious even. stop worrying, trust the docs.

Oh god, dj! I thought we'd had our next baby there haha!

So did I Bunty!

We finish on the 20th at our school so 4 weeks today!! I'm glad I'm not the only one struggling... Woody, they only found my replacement last week so there's still hope... She's not starting til the 17th though which is pretty useless for doing a handover of all the certificate classes (we write off the last week of term due to rehearsals for the carol concert - it's a VERY big thing in our school). I think we're going to have to keep each other going....

Feeling for you, happy, and all the other teachers. I have 3 weeks from tomorrow left, although half day tomo and the 7th, so only truly 14 working days left. It can't come quick enough!

I've also managed to get my hours at work cut down, just a tad ( half hour later to come in, half hour earlier to leave), and feeling better for it. I'm a bit naughty as well in that I'm scheduling my chiro and midwife appts for as early in the day as I can get away with where I won't have to go back. I'm bloody knackered though! I may also have invented an appt next week ...

Ops! Sorry Bunty and Happy!!! Was typing one handed on smart phone whilst having brekky with DS. Doh. Will try not to shock like that again!

Hopefully will be at least 5 weeks before I get even close to updates like that, am just on 32 weeks now with DD. But have been doing the backward counting thing, celebrating little landmarks like, wooo! She would survive if she was born now! This week was "wooo! she is the same size that DS was when he was born". Taking it very much from the grateful to get as far along with pregnancy as possible without emergency intervention.

Oh hey, I've got a bizarre pregnancy dream for you too....dreamt that I gave birth to a beagle dog......sooooo weird....

So my baggy maternity t.shirt blew up over my face in a gust of wind today outside school right in front of a supply teacher (were talking RIGHT UP showing udder bra and everything......

fast forward to lesson 1...

"Miss....your tops on inside out" Great start to the day! Should I just go home now lol!

I FOUND MY LIST!!! Think it needs updated, though.

BuntyCollocks (29) DC2 EDD 28/12/12 (NE Wales) She's a girl!
Pmgkt (33) DC2 EDD 28/12/12 He's a boy!
Birdies (33) DC2 EDD 30/12/12 She's a girl!
Pascha (35) DC2 EDD 30/12/12 (Kent)*It's a surprise!*
PricklyPickle (31) DC1 EDD 31/12/12 (SE London - Eltham)
sanam2012 (?) DC2 EDD 1/1/2013 She's a girl!
LowLu (31) DC2 EDD 02/1/2013
TootieMaroo (32) DC2 03/1/2013
MarasmeAbsolu (31) DC2 EDD 03/01/13 (Scotland - Central Belt) She's a girl!
Lora1982 (30) DC1 EDD 04/01/13 He's a boy!
IsSpringSprangedYet (?) DC4 EDD 5/01/2013
DollFisher (28) DC1 EDD 5/01/13 She's a girl!
Allchik (30) DC1 EDD 06/01/13 It's a surprise!
Pockemuchka DC3 EDD 06/01/13 It's a surprise!
AriNi31 (?) DC2 EDD 06/01/13
Happyhow (26) DC1 EDD 07/01/13 (Scotland - Aberdeen) It's a surprise!
EmilieFloge (38) DC? EDD 07/01/13
Complicated24 (44) DC1 EDD 07/01/2013 It's a surprise!
Newbie6 (36) DC1 EDD 08/01/13 (Scotland - Ayrshire) He's a boy!
Norfolkinway (25) DC1 EDD 09/01/13
Octanegirl (34) DC1 EDD 09/01/13 He's a boy!
BumgrapesofWrath (30) DC2 EDD 10/01/13
DoIgetastickerforthat (age) DC4 EDD 11/01/13
Kim222 (30) DC1 EDD 11/01/13
Lulabel27 (29) DC2&3 (twins) EDD 11/01/13
CraftyGirly (26) DC1 EDD 11/01/13 She's a girl!
Cejay8 (32) DC2 EDD 12/01/13 It's a surprise!
Tinyeyes123 (30) DC1 EDD 13/01/13 She's a girl!
CreepyCrawly (21) DC1 EDD 13/01/13 (West Wales) She's a girl!
PixelCarrier (?) DC? EDD 13/01/2013 It's a surprise!
Shakemyhead (37) DC1 EDD 14/1/13 (West Yorkshire - Wakefield) She's a girl!
Godzookey (35) DC1 EDD 14/01/13 He's a boy!
PeshwariNaan (33) DC1 EDD 14/01/13
Hormonalhell (40) DC2 EDD 15/01/13 He's a boy!
Theboutiquemummy (35) DC1 EDD 17/01/13 (Norfolk)
ChutesTooNarrow (33) DC2 EDD 18/01/13 She's a girl!
Glorious (28) DC1 EDD 18/01/13 (SE London - Hither Green)
Tugstonia (33) DC1 EDD 18/01/13 (SE London - Crystal Palace) It's a surprise!
SpringFlowers (39) DC4 EDD 18/01/13 It's a surprise!
Eagleray (40) DC1 EDD 18/01/13
13mma (29) DC1 18/01/13
LetThereBeCupcakes (30) DC1 EDD 20/01/13
Silversixpence (29) DC2 EDD 20/01/13
mulan07 (27) DC1 EDD 20/01/13 He's a boy!
BadgerFace (34) DC1 EDD 21/01/13 She's a girl!
bealos (34) DC2 EDD 22/01/13 She's a girl!
AppleCrumples (?) DC4 EDD 22/01/13
PreggoFabulous (30) DC1 EDD 22/01/2012 (South West) He's a boy!
Bunny222 (31) DC1 EDD 22/01/13 It's a surprise!
Woody2313 (33) DC1 EDD 23/01/2013 (West Midlands - Shropshire)
SigningGirl (age) DC1 EDD 24/01/13
SquealyB (29) DC1 EDD 26/01/13 (SW London - Richmond) It's a surprise!
knuckingfackered (39) DC2 26/1/13
Mrsbugsywugsy (34) DC1 EDD 25/01/2013 (Sussex) She's a girl!
Thinkingpositivethoughts (28) DC1 EDD 26/01/13
MrsMallard (35) DC1 EDD 26/01/13 (Hertfordshire) She's a girl!
Salt1 (38) DC1 EDD 27/01/13 She's a girl!
Lilblondepessimist (33) DC4 EDD 28/01/13
MamaMary (31) DC2 EDD 28/01/13 She's a girl!
Sebsmama (32) DC2 EDD 29/01/13
BionicEmu (26) DC2 EDD 29/01/13
Missymoo (32) DC2 EDD 30/01/13
DiscoDomina (31) DC1 EDD 30/1/13 (West Midlands)
Brugmansia (35) DC1 EDD 31/01/13 (SE London - Kennington/Elephant and Castle)
Mummypud (32) DC3 EDD 31/01/13
PipIsOutNow (?) DC2 31/01/13
Deiciocho (32) DC1 EDD 31/01/13 It's a surprise!

Hello

I'm really sorry that you are having such a worrying time Birdies - how are you feeling today? I worked with a child who had microcephaly a few years ago and she was really lovely. It does sound like you are being taken really good care of and that it will all be ok, if there were serious concerns I think other things would have been done. Measurements on scans are often really inaccurate - there are loads of threads about ladies who have been told they are having mammoth babies only to find they have average sized 7lb'ers. If your 20 week measurements were even a tiny bit out it would make a difference to the current situation.

Those who are struggling before maternity leave have my sympathy. When I was pregnant with dd3 I worked up to 37 weeks and found it very tough for the last four. This time I have had a lot of work related issues and I became unwell with stress so I've been signed off since I was 27 weeks. I am amazed at how difficult I am finding things even without working - I have spd and am just exhausted half the time. I am in admiration of everyone who has been able to keep going!

Thanks for list BuntyCollocks. As I am now on maternity leave, I am happy to update list if everyone can post updates on what needs changing. My due date is now 31/12 so will change that once I've got a few more updates otherwise this thread will be full up before we know it.

djvesi you scared me too! Good to hear that your tiny baby is now a strapping 2.5 year old though.

Allchik hilarious. My boobs are now a massive 36HH and bras in that size are not pretty so I would have given everyone a huge shock. My embarrassing story is that I let out a noisy fart when a shop assistant in John Lewis Oxford Street was showing me prams. I couldn't get out of that shop quick enough!

Complicated My details are fine on the list so no updating needed for me. I still feel like I have ages to go but seeing that some people are due in December makes me feel a bit peculiar! Farting in public is hilarious afterwards when you are retelling the story but not at the time - the poor shop assistant couldn't have know what to do!

soooo im measuring 39 wks at just 34 and will be having YET another scan so itl be my sixth. midwifes not worried (i am what size will i be at 39wks?!?) she did say that if my waters go im to go in straight away cos if the baby isnt engaged the cord could fall down and get squished. on a happy note i get to go in work late today and next week.. hopefully with my clothes the right way round....Allchick!

I've fallen off the list again,

djvesi (37) DC2 EDD 18/01/13 (Aussie in Helsinki) She's a girl!

I've fallen off the list im 28 due on the 10/01/13 having a boy! thank you x

I'm back to panic mode again as I compared my 20 week percentiles to my 34 week ones and everything has massively dropped. Head from 79% to 11% centile (using my own due date, it's worse if I use theirs), and the others down to 19% and 37% (from big measurements at 20 weeks). I just can't see how this could possibly be ok even though she checked blood flow through the cord and said there was lots of fluid. I've booked in for a private scan next Tuesday now and a consultant from another hospital will be doing it, but I'm terrified something is wrong. I don't know if I can trust my own consultant - she seemed so calm but then maybe that's how they all are.

Sorry everyone, i'm like a rabbit caught in the headlights not knowing where to turn next I can't seem to find anyone who's had similar results either.

Birdies My love try to take a deep breath. The stress that you are experiencing is not good for your baby either. The baby was small at the 20 week scan and the measurements could easily have been taken incorrectly. Was Tuesday the earliest that you could get a private scan - it's quite a few days away? Can you try to focus on staying calm and relaxing - you might need to force yourself to at the beginning. You must be feeling so stressed this won't help you at all. You are pregnant, you are having a baby and even if the baby is small it will, in all likelihood be ok anyway. I really feel for you and I hope that you are able to take it easy this afternoon xxx

Birdies How many weeks are you now?

Hi spring - baby was quite big at 20 week scan and is now small - a massive drop in growth rate. I know you are right though, but I just can't relax about it. I could go for a babybond scan but I don't think they're experienced enough to give me any thoughts on why there could be such a drop.

Ok, what causes a slow down in growth - do you know? I'm asking as I have no idea. It may just be that you end up having your baby early and that it is small. That would be alright. You are probably right to wait for the scan given what you have said. I completely understand why you are so upset, I would be too. I hope that Tuesday comes around very quickly...

Thanks spring I don't really know, sometimes it's how the placenta is functioning but she said mine was fine. I have just found someone who had similar drops with all her babies and all were fine, so I'm holding on to that for now!

birdies, pet, I'm sorry you're in such a muddle. As I've said, I'm sure everything will be ok; maybe baby just took an early spurt, and is now where it should be. With DS my date changed every time I went for a scan, as he never measured spot on according to one specific date - also different sonographers make a difference.

Look at it this way - all the measurements taken now are relatively in proportion 11th, 19th and 37th percentile sound like a nicely formed baby. If you had one tiny measurement, and the rest were all bigger, then there would be more of a worry. The measurements are never all on the same scale anyway, i.e. not all 50th. I think mine this time at 20 weeks were something like the 50th (tummy), 60th (head), and maybe the 75th (femur)? Something like that anyway.

As for babybond, they really are excellent. They are all hospital sonographers, who are specialised in doing these scans. If you want to be seen sooner, I would absolutely make an appt with them. They're very thorough, and if there is a problem, I would absolutely trust them to pick up on it.

Thanks bunty, that has made me feel better. If its just the measurements that I have now that matter then I wouldn't be so worried, but I don't know how important comparing to the 20 week ones is. But then as you say, baby could have had a growth spurt around that time and then settled down. In fact I remember my consultant saying something about growth spurts happening at different times. My DH is threatening to hide my iPad so I stop googling, I think that might be a good idea!

oh birdies, i just want to give you a big hug and make you a cup of tea (i am the stereotypical british person who thinks tea solves all!) it is pointless for me to say don't worry cause of course you will, but if you can give yourself a bit of time off from the worrying, even if just 15 mins do, and eat whatever you can. sending you love and positive thoughts xxxx

How are you doing Birdies? I've been thinking of you all afternoon x

Birdies your poor thing I typed a long message then phone rang and lost it. From my chats with Consultant and dr who did private scan, it seems as though as long as baby's measurements are on the percentile chart then that's OK. It doesn't matter if in middle, top or bottom, just need to be on the chart. My baby's weight was below 5th percentile so that's why they were worried. However, dopplers were all fine and blood flow between me and placenta is all fine too, so private dr seemed happy and I will ask Consultant tomorrow. I am really pleased you are having a private scan as you can then ask loads of questions. They are able to give you more of their time. Let them know how anxious you are and that you need answers to all your questions and hopefully they will provide them. Some people prefer to know everything (I'm in that camp - knowledge is power) others prefer not to be given too much information. You must do what's right for you and your baby so you can have as stress free a pregnancy as possible. Wish I could make you a cup of tea and give you a big slice of chocolate cake right now. We're all thinking of you.

Ah thanks spring, I'm ok. Gone to my mum and dad's with DD to try and take my mind off it. I just wish I didn't know the 20 week measures, then I'd prob be perfectly happy with baby's size!

It's a bit quiet on here, i hope my misery hasn't stopped people posting about nice day to day things?! Im ok honestly, just need to be patient and hope all is well. Can't bloomin decide about babybond scan versus scan with consultant (who I googled and found scared someone to death about a downs risk!).

Ps thanks salt too,I'd have loved a nice cup of tea!

complicated it's the drop in measurements that really bothers me. I just can't get my head round how that could ever be normal. But consultant didn't focus on them much (and thanks for offer of tea and chocolate cake, wish you didn't live so far away!!).

Everyone carry on with normal chat too, don't let me take over thread, honest I'll be fine x

You will be fine birdies, just know you will be. Xx

Hi everyone. Just back from DH's nan's funeral, was ok but i am knackered now. All those rellies asking me the boy or girl question. The worst one was uncle Steven who was quite insistent he was going to get someone's necklace and do some crystally woo divining crap over my tummy to decide what sex Widget is . Luckily I am a strong person and between me, DH and MIL we managed to get him to feck off back to the bar. Aunty Wendy wanted me to put a note in the coffin with the sex and name of the baby on it. We got out of that one by saying we didn't know the sex (lie) and we haven't chosen a name (almost lie).

And I agree with everyone else Birdies.

<drinks tea accompanied by 3 rocky bars>

I've just eaten THE biggest plate of pasta ever. Is this the bottomless pit stage?!

Went with MIL to buy the pram tonight! It was the last big thing I needed to sort so I'm pleased it's all done now. Got the Bugaboo Camelon 3 in black and petrol blue. Love love love it!!!

Lots of wallpaper has been stripped at the house now and we discovered that the doors had had a facing out on them and underneath is a lovely panelled door so hubby's going to prepare one fully to see how they come up but it'll save a bit of money for now if they look good.

Birdies have some giant buttons with your cup of tea. They always make me feel better. Xx

Thanks Pascha I'll have a look at those.

Happy, Woody, Allchik and MamaMary I've also got 4 weeks left - right before Christmas seems a nice time to finish but I can't wait!

Ooh Happy I love the petrol blue, good choice. We didn't get a Cam in the end but I'd have definitely gone for those colours if we had.

Birdies I'm really sorry you're so worried, I hope you get some reassuring news soon.

Waaaa!So tonight I had my first braxton hicks (I think?) got a tight pain down the right side of bump a few times,like a tight feeling
Also lounge is now sorted,stove in,floors sanded n varnished,so nice to have a room finished!
Primark have also got these £2.50 spotty zip shopper bags in at t mo,they're huge n quite nice so Ive bought one for a hospital bag...and loads of size 20 pants!!Bloody hell! X x x

birdies thinking of you and hope youre ok.

Have had rather an eventful week. Yesterday saw the midwife and sugar was present in the urine for the second time, so she sent me off to do the Glucose diabetes testing today. Results are tomorrow.
Then came home and... (sorry for TMI) having popped to the loo there appeared to be something worrying enough to call the midwife. When I described, she thought is was part of the cervical plug (eck!!) and if I get any pains or bleeding or more funny stuff to call hosp straight away. Had a mild panic and packed my hospital bag double quick.

Havent had any more symptoms since lunchtime - am praying that's it as haven't had any cramps etc, and can feel him wiggling lots. It's toooo early for bump to come -am still only 31 weeks! :-(
Has anyone experienced this?

Well, Happy, Allchiik, MamaMary and Glorious - it's Friday! Woohoo! This also means only 20 more school get-ups - easy X

Pascha, can't believe your experience at the funeral - fair play to you for taking all that interference so well... Aunty Wendy

Bunny and Birdies hope you're both ok x

Morning what woody said to all of you couldn't have put it better myself

How everyone is going on still at work I dont know not long now

Is anyone else slightly over whelmed that it's not long to go now

You know all these percentiles no one has ever mentioned them to us ever n we went to the midwife last week n she was all oh sorry there are no classes happening around here that fit in with you

the baby will be born before there's anymore !! Do want you want to go breastfeeding class

Just aswell we didn't want to go hey ho !

Morning all. Birdies hope you slept well, thinking of you x

Bunny hope you're ok too. I had something similar at 27 weeks - lots of (brown) bleeding which the midwife/doc initially thought could be part of the mucus plug. They admitted me, examined my cervix, gave me a scan to check placenta etc and decided it wasn't the plug but still kept me in hospital for 3 days in the end because of the bleeding and concerns about premature labour. Think I remember reading that you've had the steroids already? What was the plug-like stuff like? From what I understand it's possible to lose part of the plug and for it to restore itself, but do ask the mw about this. Will you see the mw to get your GTT results? Hope that's all ok as well. If you have any concerns about the potential plug just go in and get it checked. Try not to worry, much easier said than done I know!

Having 32 week growth scan this morning and then first NCT class this afternoon. Intrigued to know what NCT will be like and what the other people will be like too... In the last week few days I've been thinking a lot about having a home birth - hadn't really thought of it as an option before, partly because I haven't had the smoothest pregnancy, and partly because our flat is ridiculously small. But I would much rather be at home than in hospital. DP isn't at all keen on the home birth idea though, he wants to be closer to hospital 'just in case'.

In other news, I am horribly constipated Time to to crack open the dried apricots and prunes

Well I have been awake since 3.30 because DS woke coughing and ended up in our bed sleeping starfish style while DH and I hung on to the edges of the bed

Hey tugs there's a great book I got my dp which is worth a read for mums or dads - it's The Father's Home Birth Handbook and it's really down to earth, lots of real stories, covering off that whole 'just in case' mentality. Around 16% of home births in the UK end up being transferred to hospital, but it's rarely a blue light case. More often that very negative sounding 'failure to progress'.

Pascha - same here. DD (3.3) decided that she wanted to moan and turn all night in her cot. Thing is, our building work has started over 10 days ago, and we've been crashing at friends. DD has of course upped her feral-ness for the occasion. She ended up in the bed with us, moaning for her milk all night, kicking me, and twirling my hair (which I hate).

I had an antenatal appointment the other day, and did not realise that I am now 34 weeks - which means the baby will be there in 5 weeks (ELCS). At the moment, we have no kitchen, no bathroom, nothing. Ah ah. This spurred me on to go and buy the bits and bobs I had not yet bothered with (I am persuaded that most of the baby stuff will be in a box somewhere - just need to find said boxes!)
We therefore headed to mothercare to buy whale-sized maternity pads and bed mats, breastpads etc. I had forgotten how nursing clothes are vile - it nearly drove me to the edge last time, and I ended up burning the lot in pure hatered once DD stopped being BF.

I cannot face another year of BFing in horrible gear. Not possible. Can you guys help me source some nice looking, not too pricey nursing clothes (I also need to be back at work after 16 weeks, so said clothes need to be ok for work - smart casual type of stuff)??? please?

Grim grim grim

How frightening for you Bunny. Hope you're alright today and your glucose test results are good.

Thinking of you birdies, hope you managed to get some sleep.

I picked up my fembrace this morning and I'm relieved to say its not like a giant nappy. Pretty comfortable so far, I'm going to see if I can Hoover now without crying! Wish me luck!

Also had an early finish from work today as one of my ladies didn't want to be seen. So that gives me 8 work days left, plus a three hour child protection course. Counting down the minutes!!

Birdies I hope you are ok today, I've been thinking of you. I hope you are ok Bunny too.

I think I'm in denial about how soon it will be that the baby is going to be here...eight weeks seems like it may as well be next June! I did do 'baby shopping' this week and don't have so much else to buy now. I have a midwife appointment this afternoon, I'm seriously thinking about a homebirth. In fact I think I will request one and can always go to hospital if I prefer in the moment. I just need to get my iron up as it's on the borderline of being too low.

i am in a right asrsy grumpy mood, possibly due to disturbed sleep (cramp in legs during the night over the last week), am mostly annoyed about last nights ante natal class as half was spent talking about nutrition in pregnancy which i thought was a waste of time as this info was given at booking in appointment and at 7/8 months pregnant is a bit late now. not sure why it has irritated me so much though ...

Update: hoovering is still extremely painful!

I think that'd annoy me too salt.

Salt At my 'refresher' ante-natal class on Tuesday there were five of us. We sat around and chatted about ourselves, previous labours and our children. That was the session. The 'instructor' barely said two words. There are three sessions of which that was one and the third is about breastfeeding. All for the bargain price of £50. I enjoyed the chatting and liked the ladies but it wasn't an ante-natal refresher class.

thanks creepy and spring, it was just so disappointing as last one was really good. secong half was on pain relief which was good, but could have easily taken up the whole 2 hours. i can think of so many better things to do with an hour than to discuss the sugar content of fruit and bloody fibre. dh said it was really good, which annoyed me more as i have telling him the reason i cannot eat brie for the last 7 months.

Hi all

Sorry to have been off grid for the week - I missed you all! Work has been ridiculously busy and there is nothing like a couple of mid-night fininshes to make you long for the start of maternity leave. My body clearly rebelled and on Thursday I slept through my alarm and woke up at 10.30 and had a meeting at 11 (ARG!). All good though and TFI Friday.

Keep telling myself it is only 4 weeks to Christmas and then I am only back from 2 to 11 January...I can do that right??!

Bunny and Birdies sounds like you are both having worrying times. Birdies I totally understand your concern and sounds like your decision to have a private scan is a good one, totally worth the money if it provides more info/reassurance. Bunny hope widget stays put and no more scares.

Pascha - don't suppose your DH's family are Irish. Mine are and that sounds like one of our familt funerals .

Thanks for all the comments re. mural it is just amazing. I love it and it reminds me of a bit of Richmond Park which is just by us. Hope everyone else's prep. plans are going well. It is pay day today I have decided to splash out on a pacapod......its for the baby so it is totally fine to spend £120 on a glorified handbag right???

I'm just off the phone with the midwife as had some pinkish/red blood when I went to the loo. Was just a little bit of a shock!! Baby is moving lots and I've got no pain so she's said just to keep an eye on it for this afternoon/evening and if I get more or it's heavier I've to phone labour ward... Got the 6th year dance tonight so hubby has said he'll stay sober just in case we have to go anywhere.

Got my tickets for Gary Barlow this morning so I'm VERY happy! I'm just ignoring the fact that the gig is 4 days after my due date but if I'm late the excitement of seeing him might kick start things!

I'm off to get a nice drink and sit on the sofa all afternoon in the hope that there's no more blood and it's just due to the very busy week I've had...

Mara, I could do with similar advice on non-vile breastfeeding tops! I'm going back to work after 18 weeks and the tops my lovely friends have lent me are...just...hideous. I'm thinking about shirts that I can unbutton; that'd work, right?

happyhow and Bunny poor you. Hope you can both rest today and have a relaxing weekend.

Happyhow so jealous about Gary Barlow concert. He has definitely got better with age and is the reason I still watch the XFactor. If that doesn't induce labour, nothing will!

Had NHS scan and saw Consultant this morning and was told baby's weight was fine and I was on track to have a healthy baby at 39 weeks (will be induced then). We had private scan earlier this week and were told baby's weight was below 5th percentile. So I have now decided not to get hung up on measurements, weights etc as they don't make sense to me. The message we keep on being told is that baby is healthy and is getting everything it needs from me. I can feel lots of movement so am going to chill out and try and enjoy this final stage of pregnancy. I'm now on maternity leave and am going to meet friends for lunch and enjoy having some me time before me time is a distant memory. We've got a completely free weekend (first one in months) and are going to have some lovely coupley time (it's our wedding anniversary on 29th), sort out nursery and maybe even fall asleep watching a Sunday afternoon film - bliss. Hope you all have fun, stress free weekends.

Will update list on Monday, so let me know if there are any further updates/omissions etc. I have made the changes already provided and will post on threat on Monday.

Can my age be updated, complicated? I'm 27 now

ITS FRIIIIIIIIIIDAY!!!!!!!!!!
Thank God for that! I have pretty much lost my voice all together now....have had 3 classes babck to back teaching sex ed to year 9 (condom demonstrations so they were all bonkers!) and then stayed behind to help year 11 with college applications.......now sat in my classroom waiting for the hubby to pick me up.

complicated this is my first free wknd in ages (and last till babies here!) too, so am planning on lolling on the sofa in pj's watching TV and eating crap!

Squealy I looked at them bags too.....theres some lush ones and def nice enough to use after....a very good purchase ;)

Can i ask a Christmas cheese related question? Stilton....do you or don't you? i love blue cheese but thought it was on the 'no' list, but NHS says stilton is ok as long as its hard cheese, but other people say no?

Its a weird one as have been having runny eggs, (little bit of)alcohol and med steak....but have gone the whole pregnancy without pate and brie/goats cheese/stilton.....Dunno why really, guess its cus I wouldn't eat them throughout the year, but would murder some at Crimbo.....just wondered your thoughts?

Happy weekends everyone xxxx

happy am very jealous! I love love mr Barlow he's just so lovely! Hope you don't have anymore bleeding x

birdies and bunny sorry to hear of your worries. Sounds like you are being well looked after tho. Hope the rest of the pg goes smoothly with no more worries. I am on the other side and see so little of the medical profession sometimes I think I've been forgotten! I worry that things could be missed.

complicated could you add my age to list I'm 32. Wish I was 22 being pg was a lot easier then!

It's wierd everyone now getting to maternity leave that must mean we are all nearly there to meet our babies! There is a baby boom at our school at the mo. 3 babies have arrived in the last 6 weeks and 3 more due in the near future (that's just the reception class)!

allchik it's up to you on the cheese front! I've not taken much notice of the recommendations as my research into listeria (the reason they say not to eat those cheeses, for example) has shown very very few cases from those sources and more from 'non banned' foods such as bagged salad.

p.s. complicated I am now 35. I know. Mid thirties. Gosh.

newbie sympathies with the sore throat. I've been living on honey and lemon drinks for the past few weeks. Fresh lemon squeezed into a cup, add a dessert spoon of honey and then just boiled water. It's pretty good if you can be bothered to add ginger too. Honey has healing properties and it is soothing.

Complicated, couldn't agree more about the joys of a free weekend. Mine will be spent resting as much as possible!

Hope you're ok bunny and happy

complicated that's great news about your scan and gives me hope about mine! Have decided to try not to assume the worst before anyone's even told me I need to (like you said before though I guess going through traumatic stuff baby-wise before makes us more nervy about things this time around).

And I think it is possible to move up and down the percentiles, if I'd had such a drop in less weeks I'm sure that would be worse but over 14 weeks maybe not so bad. Bloody scans though, more trouble than they're worth.

Re antental classes, I did the NCT ones last time and i don't feel like we learnt much at all, just a way to make friends who will have babies of the same age. I liked going though, I miss it a bit this time round.

Have lovely weekends everyone

mamamary thanks for the tip re honey and lemon, have been taking it but due to me being type 1 diabetic I need to watch the honey doesn't raise my blood sugars too much...the joys! Still feel rubbish today, can't stop coughing and I thought my ribs hurt before...well they certainly do now...grrr! Wish this cold would go away!

Glad your scan went well complicated, hope you can enjoy the rest of your pregnancy.

squealyB, I bought the pacapod too and think its fab, I think mine was £85 though so maybe slightly different to yours but love that everything has its own wee space and you can clip and unclip different parts as I love to be organised so def appeals to my nature....oh yes and it's lovely too so can't wait to use it, hee hee!

X

Happy Friday everyone!

I'm dead jealous about the Gary Barlow show happy he's lovely. I've been to two shows in central London this week, they were both seated though, and there was no moshing. I found it quite tiring but this is probably our last opportunity to go out to this type of thing for a while.

I've now got 4 days left of work. My last day is Thursday, but I'm taking annual leave until my due date which is new years eve. I feel quite ready to stop work now, although I don't know what I'm going to do with myself until I pop. Feeling sorry for those of you who have a few weeks of work left. I've also got this sore throat/cold lurgy that has been going around, I think its finally going now. The sore throat was really nasty, so my sympathies.

Sending out happy thoughts to those of you feeling worried especially bunny and birdies please remember its natural to worry so don't feel bad, it seems to me as if the doctors aren't particularly concerned and they wouldn't take chances over things like this. Every baby is different, they come in all different shapes and sizes and these measurements aren't as precise as they'd like us to think.

just got back from a work party.... first time ive seen midnight in months!! been stressing a bit cos my friend was rushed into hospital cos he was knocked off his motorbike by a lorry so his bones are in bits....

when i go and see him next week i will advise my disgust at the length hes gone to to compete with my matarnity leave/holiday :-D

Morning all

Had growth scan yesterday and bubs seems to have grown lots in the last 4 weeks, which is good. I also seem to have grown lots - they weighed me and I have put on a spectacular 20kg since I first found out I was pregnant . The doctor seemed quite concerned about this (as am I!) because 'normal' weight gain during pregnancy is 15kg and I still have 8 weeks left, so I'm having another scan at 36 weeks. I definitely feel like I've put on weight but not that much, as in I've gone from a size 12 to a size 14. Baby's predicted birth weight is 8lb 10 at the moment, though I know that's often not remotely accurate. DP is a big man and his sister had two humungous babies (13lb and 11lb), whereas I was 7lb and my siblings were all between 6lb and 8lb when we were born. Only other thing is some calcification of my placenta, mostly likely caused by the bleeding I've been having, but the doc said it was all normal for my stage of gestation and nothing to worry about. Not allowing myself to go near Dr Google.

Also had first NCT class yesterday and it was much better than I thought it would be. Great facilitator and really lovely group.

Hope everyone's ok, have a fab weekend!

Hello! Well I went to see Skyfall last night (was fab) and managed to spend the whole film without having to pee (even though I needed to!). That was a huge result.... though had to battle through the hordes of teenage girls watching Twilight.....

octane Skyfall is brilliant isn't it!? Lots of insane Bond style fantasy. I managed to cross my legs and wait til the end too - didn't want to miss a bit!

Morning Ladies,

Sooo happy it's the weekend - and only 15 working days left thank Christ! Bournemouth was a nightmare and the meeting wasn't particularly productive and now have had another massive project dumped on my lap which i'm not happy about.

My boss told me on Thursday that she's 11 weeks PG with twins - whilst i'm happy for her, I would have expected A HELL of a lot more empathy i.e. not forcing an 8 month pregnant woman to get up at 6am to get to Bournemouth for a meeting at 10am, so whilst i congratulated her, i certainly didn't gush!!!

God that makes me sound horrible, but I always thought she was bone idle before she told me she was PG, thank god i'm off, as the rest of the team will be even more snowed under now as she'll be doing even less work than normal.. if humanly possible!!

I'll stop being bitter now and focus on the positives - it's the weekend, HOORAY!!!!

allchik I will be eating Stilton and probably lots of it. I've been taking a very relaxed approach to the food guidelines though and eating all types of cheese anyway so you may wish to ignore my approach.

I had to have a glucose tolerance test this week which was fine, but apparently they'll automatically refer me for one next time I'll pregnant (if there is a next time).

I have 4 weeks left at work and can't wait.One my colleagues is the same so we have been giving each other lots of moral support.

Hi all,

Well I am still full of the cold, grrrrr! Staying in bed today in the hope that may help. Have sent DH out for throat lozenges and paracetamol. My stomach and ribs ache every time I cough, hope the baby is okay? Does my being ill affect the baby at all or will he just wonder what all the noise is?!

We were supposed to be meeting the in laws for lunch today so feeling bad we've had to cancel too.

Due to go to a birthing preparation workshop on Monday as my local ante natal classes are rubbish and are either not being held in time or you get the feeling no one knows what they are talking about so figured for reassurance I would go to this workshop so I have some confidence, fingers crossed! The day running it sounds lovely and v experienced in different types of pregnancies including high risk ones like mine so here's hoping it all goes well.

Hope everyone else has a good weekend.

X

Typo, should say lady as opposed to day

newbie I had 2 awful stomach bugs when pg with dd and ended up in hospital. I asked about the effect on baby but they said I will sufffer long before baby does - she used the word parasite! So rest assured baby is probably fine hth

Birdies I'm so sorry you are still having a stressful time. How are you feeling today? I just wanted to echo what everyone else said; I am sure the doctors would tend to be overcautious if anything so the fact that they aren't worried should be reassuring you. Stay away from google!

Squealy midnight finishes . I have no idea how you are doing that, I am in bed with my Horlicks by ten most nights.

Happy how are things today?

Allchik I think Stilton is OK, however I always have port and stilton together at Christmas and sadly I think the Stilton on its own would just make me want to drink port. Can't believe I will be having a booze-free Christmas

I'm another one with an endless cold. The sore throat seems to have lasted forever. Pah. I guess our immune systems aren't working as well as they could be, what with growing a baby, lack of sleep, etc.

I had a midwife check-up yesterday, mostly to check my blood pressure, which was fine. She's told me I definitely need to go on the proper prescribed iron tablets as they are stronger than spatone. I am really keen to get my levels up so that I can have a homebirth, so will have to put up with the nasty side effects.

Apparently the baby is now head down, and is facing the left. I think she has been in that position for a while now as I feel kicks high up on the left, and what I think must be punches lower down on the left. But I forgot to ask the MW if she is likely to stay in that position now, and if so is it good position for birth (Obviously the head down bit is good, and I know it is better for the baby to face your back than your front, but have never heard of anyone giving birth to a sideways baby!). Does anyone know about this? I am 32 weeks.

Hi bugsy,I'm feeling ok today thanks! I've started thinking more sensibly about it and baby seems an ok size really purely based on what she measures now. She was big at 20 week scan but maybe had just been through a growth spurt. So I'm trying to assume the best instead of assuming the worst all the time.

I think bunty knows about baby position and which is best. I know mine is head down and I think back is facing outwards. I can usually feel her little bottom and legs which is quite sweet.

newbie hope you feel better soon.

I read the previous page but I can't remember who said what now and I'll lose this message if I go back! Sounds like everyone is ok though. Whoever's friend had the accident I hope they're not too bad.

Everything is fine with me today. Haven't had anymore bleeding so that's good. I've had a very busy week so I think that's been part of it. I'm going to try and take it easier this week but I've got so many ends that need tied up before I go off that I'm not sure how easy it's going to be... Seriously thinking about finishing early...

Went to the school dance last night (after I'd spent all afternoon on the sofa!) and had a really good time. It was a really good evening but it was 1am before we got home so I'm def feeling the effects today - absolutely shattered.

Went to look at new cars this morning. No idea what's going to happen with that. We've both got 3 door cars and are realising it's not going to be practical but with the house etc at the moment, financially it may have to wait for a bit...

Glad everyone else is feeling better for the most part. xx

Feeling tired, huge and uncomfortable today so have decided I'd like my baby to come now!

MrsBugsy and Newbie these never-ending colds are tiresome aren't they? And last winter I wasn't sick once! As you say, Bugsy, our bodies have so much more to cope with in pregnancy I guess so once you succumb, it's harder to bounce back. Newbie you may not be well enough to go to that workshop on Monday - don't push yourself.

Happy, when I had DD DH and I were both driving 3-door cars and it was fine! The buggy fitted in both our car boots (and it's a huge buggy, but you can take one wheel off if necessary). We got a four-door when DD was one. We are also hoping to move house within the next couple of months. We have accepted an offer on our house. We just have to get a mortgage now (the tricky part....)

Hope all are having a nice weekend. My DSis is staying and it's lovely to catch up.

mrsbugsywugsy I'm sure ur baby is in the best position for birth so well done, I went to a antenatal yoga class run by a midwife and she told us head down to the left was the optimum position

Thanks for everyone's good wishes, glad to hear baby isn't affected by me being ill.

Xx

Well we've had a 6 hour antenatal class today (including 2 hours of breastfeeding advice... and DH stayed for it all!) and survived - lots learnt and time flew by... just ready to get on with it now!

Been speaking to a friend from work and she thinks I should be going to the doctor tomorrow to get signed off as a result of the bleeding on Friday and I've been getting cramps/round ligament pain from doing to much and running around - literally have to walk at a snails pace to avoid them. I'll have absolutely no let up at school owing to my maternity cover not starting til the last week of term either. Got a shit load of work to do in the next few weeks before I go off . I've done practically nothing all weekend at the insistence of my hubby and I'm just torn...

Do I try and limit what I do etc or see if doc will sign me off?

id try take a couple of days off happy just to rest up. i find the pain isnt everyday but when it is its a killer. i was late today because i was walking like a sloath. but no1 really cares and if they moan at me il moan back :-D

mrsbugsy sounds like your baby is in the same position as mine - right occupit lateral. Back down the right side of your tummy, facing left hip, limbs all toward your left. Not the best position but not terrible!

see here

birdies glad you're feeling more positive - did you decide to go to babybond or are you going to the other private place?

Sympathies for everyone with the cold - so rotten when you're pregnant and can't squirt otrivine up your nose!

woody [shocks] six hours? My arse would have fallen asleep!

happy I absolutely would be taking at least a couple of days odd, especially with such a heavy workload ahead of you - you and baby have to come first.

In other news, I won a six month old, practically brand new pacapod Phoenix on eBay for just over half price. Can't wait for it to arrive. It's a replacement for the handbag DH bought for our anniversary which broke after 3 months use (leather anniversary!) - as I said to him, no point in a normal handbag any time soon, so this is a great compromise.

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of your weekend. DS is away to bed early as he's a tired little grump, so I'm hoping he wakes up in a better mood tomorrow - was a lovely weekend up til about 5pm!

As a first timer I'm confused by changing bags. I don't understand why we need a special bag, won't any one do? Please tell me if I'm being a doofus [smile
Just won a As tens machine on eBay. I've no idea what I'm doing with it or whether it will make any difference, but it makes me feel a bit more prepared for the birth at least, so its worth a go.

prickly a changing bag will gen have a change mat etc for out and about and specific space for bottles etc. Tbh I've only ever used mine at the very beginning and then I have a shopper bag that works just as well. All you really need is foldable changemat and bag big enough for spare clothes, nappies, wipes and bottles if your using them.

happy I agree with others that you should take some time out to rest. Listen to your body and everyone else be damned!

You don't need a special bag prickly I used to just stick a few nappies, wipes, babygro and blanket in my normal bag, or bottom of pushchair, or car boot.

On the cheese front I have happily eaten stilton and other cheeses whilst pregnant. I am aware of the food guidelines but haven't really followed them - although am vegetarian so stuff like pate doesn't apply.

I feel really pregnant today, bump is suddenly big and a bit uncomfortable. Just want to put my feet up and eat chocolate until the end now! I went to a gig last week and I think it was the latest stage in pregnancy I could have managed it, was very grateful to have seated tickets.

Oh I had a great changing mat that took no space - this one. No idea where it currently is...

I ate pate today! Evil mummy!

Am sure baby enjoyed it!

happy I was struggling at work, but not badly enough to be completely signed off, so my GP wrote a note about reducing what I was expected to do (I reduced four 12.5 hour shifts followed by a 9 hour day to four 9 hour days and then a half day). I'm sure your GP could do something similar (although more tailored for your job), which would mean that you could carry on at work and not feel like you were letting them down, but also that they couldn't overload you. However, if you need to be signed off, you need to be signed off and they'll just have to cope with it!

Thanks guys. Just feeling quite crap and low in general today which is not helping. Have felt exhausted all day and now starting to feel really uncomfortable and all squished up inside!

Spoke to my hubby when he got back in and he said if nothing else, go to the doctor just to talk it through and see what he thinks (He happens to be a parent at the school so knows the set up). I really don't see how my workload can be reduced at school apart from not having to do form duties - I've got a lot of certificate classes and there's no one that could teach them for me. I know I should say "stuff school!" but it's so difficult as a teacher when you're so involved with your classes and you are, to some extent, responsible for how well they do in your subject and being a fee paying school that's a big pressure for us.

Still doing bloody school work as well and desperately wanted a bath and an early night tonight. I'm just being moany now.

Oh happy it's such a hard stage isn't it? You feel so big and tired and don't want to let anyone down at the same time. At this point though you do need to put yourself first. I had a good rant on another thread on mn yesterday as feeling pretty sorry for myself now too. Ate half box of chocs that were meant for MIL but felt better for it (a bit sick too tho)

happy I agree with your friend, you should be resting now. I know what you mean about being the only person who can do stuff but if let's say you suddenly got really ill and couldn't go in then they would still manage. But speaking to doctor in the first instance sounds like a good plan and ultimately if you'd feel less stressed working than not working, then maybe that would be the best option.

bunty I contacted babybond but they just said to ask my midwife what she thinks (as I was asking if they would be able to comment on size etc). I don't really have a midwife as I've seen loads of different ones so I've stuck with going to Leeds screening centre where a specialist consultant will do the scan. Has meant waiting til Tuesday but maybe babba will have grown a bit more by then. I did google again today though and frightened myself a bit, am a first class wally.

Anyone watching the X factor? Who is voting for chris malwotsit? I don't get it

happy please put yourself and your baby first. Definitely go to the doctor and be honest. If you can't scale back your workload, then it may be best to stop. No one is indispensable and no one will thank you for being a martyr either.

And please don't apologise for moaning - we're all entitled to at this stage I reckon!

RE changing bags I just used the free Boots one for DD when she was little - i like the pockets and the space for bottles. However now she's 2 (still in nappies) I'm more likely to throw a couple of nappies and a pack of wipes into my handbag rather than bring a special changing bag. She rarely needs a change of clothes - but they do when they're babies.

Hi all,

Well ended up in hospital today. Due to me coughing so much I got myself in a total state as couldn't remember when I last felt baby move and then started wondering if the soreness around my stomach was movement or just pain and spasms caused by my coughing fits. Hospital was great and told me to come in, got strapped to a monitor for an hour and they measured baby's heart rate, it was measuring a little high but it then calmed down to a base rate of 140. The MW said the higher readings were due to them moving lots, I couldn't really feel the baby move due to my stomach being so tender so was so relieved. I have to go for a scan tomorrow as a precaution but doc said that is mainly due to me being diabetic type 1 as opposed to anything else so whilst I still feel rubbish due to the cold, feel much happier that junior appears to be none the wiser.

Really hoping this cold goes soon, I have never felt so ill it's ridiculous! I honestly cannot remember the last time I stayed in bed due to illness, feel so pathetic and sorry for myself. I actually shouted at the tv earlier when an advert came on for clearing a head cold simply because I couldn't take the medicine and was so desperate for sudafed or something similar, I am definitely the crazy pregnant lady now!

Hope everyone else has had a good weekend.

X

I have had such a crazy weekend with house guests, last night was bliss after everyone had left and hubby was on a night shift!

I have got a little moral dilemma, I think some other people are having a similar problem, my mum lives a good few hours away and has said her gift to us is she will stay with us for a week after the baby is born. The problem I have with this is that we have never had an easy relationship growing up (she was in an abusive relationship who she put b4 me and did so we were brought up pretty much by our nan) she is making more effort now but it's not an easy relationship as she missed out so much - me and husband just won't to get settled! ( she wants to come down as soon as bump is here) I don't mind her for a few days a few weeks after he's born......AIBU? xx

bernie it's not really a gift if you are thinking you're going to be thinking you have to look after her! I'm not sure why people think coming and staying in your home for a week after the baby is born would be a great idea - that's not just for your mum, for anyone! You need time to settle into your new family and then - only then - can people come and stay. Obviously a day visit is a different thing, to meet the baby.

You can look at the Spinning Babies website if you want to know more about positions www.spinningbabies.com/baby-positions

But babies can move right up til you go into labour and, obviously, during labour is the time when most of them turn.

bernie tell her you want a different gift! No in all seriousness, often the last thing people want straight after baby is born is people staying. Even having visitors for part of the day can be quite stressful. Could you tell her that you'd love to have her stay but not until you've all settled in as a family. If its awkward, can you say that DHs family have been asking to stay and to be fair to everyone you've said no one can stay for a month or two months or whatever.

If all else fails, shut your curtains, turn lights off and hide

complicated can I please go on the list? i'm 34, edd 28th jan, its a girl and im in islington

bernie, tell her no! this is not a time to be tactful! I've always assumed my mum would come and stay, but she hasn't mentioned anything, so maybe she doesnt want to intrude and I should specifically invite her. What are other first timers doing or what did you do? I imagine for a second baby you'd need grandparental help for the first child apart from anything else.

Katolla, I'm a first timer and my DP is going to take his two weeks off work (I did have to persuade him though! wtf), then my mum is going to stay for 1 week and then my sister for 1 week.
I get the impression that some people might think that sounds a bit too much, but we have excellent relationships with them and my pre-existing medical condition means that I will need a bit of extra support.

Oh Bernie just say no, really. This is not the time when your mum comes first, Bernie junior does.

My mum is 15000km away and I must say, it is nice not to have that pressure. She didn't meet DS until he was 1.5 years, when we were ready to travel, she refused to travel to us as my father is a controlling manipulative man really not well enough to be left alone. It hasn't been a problem for her connection to grandson #1, she is madly in love with him.

Time goes so quickly, I really think you should savour your first days/weeks together as a family.

dieciocho thanks for that, i had thought of her coming straight away but of course it's better if we wait till DP is back at work. Thanks MN for planning my life!

I am a firm advocate of if you can stand people being there, and they'll help, go for it. My parents came down last time, and will again (especially helpful with childcare this time for DS). DH will have 2 weeks off of work, probably split - 1 week off when baby arrives, his mum will then come down for a week (I love his parents) - then his second week off. My mum is then coming back down for at least a week at the beginning of February when he drops down to 3 days a week at nursery to give me a hand then.

Both my parents and his are fantastic help to us, and just lovely. I'm actually really looking forward to having them here - and it means DH and DS won't be surviving on crap whilst I'm in hospital.

hi Ladies,

God it sounds like we're all having an AWFUL time of it at the moment! I made it as far as Victoria station today and then i don't know what set me off, the stress of the commute, the thought of the week ahead but i just could not stop crying and certainly couldn't face going into work!!

Anyway, to cut a long story short, i'm back at home now although still checking in to work on email. I think it all just got a bit too much and totally freaked out - i could not stop crying on the train there and back which is super embarassing as i had no tissues and obviously other people don't want to look.

I honestly just feel as if i don't know how i'm going to get through the next 3 weeks, rather that i've just totally reached my limit, and yet there's so much to do. I agree with Mama Mary, you have to put yourself first and people don't thank you for being a martyr but still...

I've got NCT tonight but really don't feel in the right frame of mind to go to that either except for the fact that it cost so much, it feels wasteful to miss out on a class.....

Bernie what a nightmare situation! But I agree with the others, you have to be honest and tell her straight. You will never get the first week with a baby back so why ruin it? Of course Im sure its different for other people but if its a strained relationship dont put yourself through it.

My parents live 2.5 hours away and hubbys live 4 hours away. have said we dont want any of them stopping over night untill much later, so think my family will prob drive up for half a day when bubs is a couple of weeks old and hubbys parents will come overnight but stop at his brothers (who lives in same city) I really want the first few weeks to be about us and our little new family (also want time to try and master BFing as am concerned I wont be able to do it!!)

I am SOOOO ill at the moment....didnt get out of pjs all day yesterday and my eyes/nose are streaming, im all sweaty and gross and can hardly talk. Dragged myself into school today though as had loads of year 11 stuff to do....cue lots of 'kind' " Miss are you ok cus you look proper rough????" comments from the kids (dont you just love teenagers) Was supposed to go to our NHS class tonight, bit gutted really as although weve covered the stuff was hoping for a nosey around the wards but would be a bit weird turning up to a hospital ill maybe they will fit us in for another one.

My bump has changed a lot in the last few days (34weeks) I now get quite painful rolling movements to the right of my bump and can feel something hard bout the size of a golf ball????? any ideas????? Got my MW check tomorrow so maybe she will be able to tell me, would love to know how bubs is lay and whats what!

xxx

I spoke to my deputy head and they are going to try their best over the next couple of days to get supply in to cover my classes. If not all of them, then at least some which would mean i might be able to do half days or have some days off all together. Don't really know how it will work but I'm assured that they will sort something out to ease my workload. I'm not sure if I'll be told to start maternity leave early or not but I've now accepted that as a possibility and I'm not too bothered about it now.

Got myself into quite a state last night as I couldn't see how it would all work out as well as trying to move house this week but I'll just have to wait and see...

On the parents staying thing, my mum is coming up to see mini happy when it is first born for a quick visit then she'll be back up when hubby goes back to work (he's self employed so only taking a week off) and she'll probs stay for 7-10 days. We've said that for the first week, we're not having all and sundry turn up at the door so it is very immediate family only for a quick visit and then everyone else after that. I suspect a number of hubby's family will ignore it though so I'm going to have a sign on the door that says we're sleeping or something and to phone later at which point hubby will be told to answer and fob them off again!

Hi all

godz poor you. Everything can just seem so overwhelming at this point. Don't force yourself to go to nct if it will be too much.

birdies be honest with your mum if you'd rather she didn't stay. Personally I find all the visitors when bb arrives a bit much and need to know that all will be gone by the end of the day. It's great if you have that kind of relationship with your family but a new baby is overwhelming and I think it's nicer for the 3 of you to take time to settle into being a new family. We will need to have mil over or my mum up to take care of older dcs but once I'm home they will go home!

Ds2 was sent home from school today all pale with stomach ache. He's been sick twice and put himself to bed at 3! Freaking out a bit as bugs have spread through our house before and I know if I came down with it I'd be likely to end up back in hospital just hoping it's just him and wish I could make him better poor thing

Yes, it sounds like we're all a bit miserable!

godzokey and allchik I hope you feel better soon. I'm SO with you on the 'how do I get through the next 4 weeks?' front.

I have decided it's just the crappiest time of year to be in your third trimester. With DD, my 1st trimester was this time of year and it was actually fine. But now I'm just so run down and I feel like I'll never recover. I know logically that's not true and DH hinted last night that I need to keep a positive mindset (he did it in the gentlest way but it still irritated me a lot!)

happy I'm glad you've got some sort of plan sorted with your school. If it's still too much or they're not playing ball, just leave early. Mind you, I'm not good at taking my own advice feeling very rough and I know I will force myself to keep going to the bitter end if I can physically do it We are hoping to move house now once the baby is born.

Hello, been a few days

Mucho sympathies to everyone who feels crappy, whether ill or just fed up. I hope you all feel better soon.

My parents and PILs all live close by so no difficulties with wanting to stay, thank goodness. The last thing I wanted with DS for about the first 3-4 days was much in the way of visitors and helpers - in too much of a "my god what have we done? " haze - but once I had got back on my feet I was quite happy to have people round. Not to stay though.

allchik that golfball sized thing is either a head or a bum ! Where is it? If its by your bellybutton or higher and you're not a known breech then its probably bum. Can you feel one side of your tummy going down or diagonal as more firm than the other? Thats most likely the spine. So feel on the other side of your tummy coming sideways away from the golfball and you might be able to visualise some legs. Have a go at mapping your belly here for a laugh and see whether the MW agrees with you tomorrow

making an appt with the dr tomo to see if I can get a physio appt any time soon. I actually can barely walk. So undignified ATM.

Bunty that sounds horrible. Hope you get something soon.

Thank you, pascha

Hehe thanks pascha my hubby act noticed the diagonal thing yesterday...bony bum,doesnt take after me then!lol!x

oh no bunty. That sucks.

I don't know what system your local healthcare is under, but when I was in pain I called my midwife who arranged me a physio appt really fast at the hospital.

I've been struggling with a "cold" for the last month or so, and getting frustrated as it just won't clear up and go away. When I saw that a few others had colds too, it got me thinking that it might be a pregnancy thing... so I've done a bit of research, and asked an ENT doctor friend of mine. It looks like I've got something called "pregnancy rhinitis", which tends to occur in the last 6 (or so) weeks of pregnancy and lasts for up to two weeks after delivery. Unfortunately, apart from saline washings (and possibly an antihistamine) there's not much that can be done for it.
Bit unimpressed that I'll have a stuffy nose for a while yet, but I suppose it'll get DH used to sleeping next to someone who is snuffly and mouth breathing, ready for when the baby arrives!

Oh godzookey you poor thing. Hope you are feeling better now. I have had a few random meltdowns over the last few days too so you're not alone.

Allchick and bunty I hope you both feel better soon too and applecrumples that you don't catch the bug.

Well done happy on speaking to work and I'm sure it'll help with the move. I'm also trying to work out about visits. My mum lives abroad and I think I'd quite like her to come and stay for a week or so, though preferably not straight away. So I'm thinking perhaps mid Feb as then even if the baby is late it'll definitely be here and we'll have had some time to adjust. MIL has also offered and she is lovely but I'm not sure I'd be comfortable going with the flow with her there so think I'm going to suggest daytime visits only (she lives about an hour away). But then again what if I am going mad and really need the help?! It's all so hard to know.

So many posts since I last logged on. I fell over in my kitchen yesterday. Haven't got a clue how I did it, but one minute I was walking, the next I had slid across kitchen floor landing on my knee and elbow. I've got a nasty graze on my knee now! Was so relieved not to land on bump though. I ended up laying on floor in lounge praying for baby to move so I could be reassured I hadn't hurt little one. It didn't move for half an hour then gave a reassuring kick. Horrible.

Newbie Poor you. It's terrifying when baby doesn't move isn't it. I had that a few weeks ago and got myself in a right state. Really hope you and Allchik feel better soon.

Happy well done for asking to reduce your hours. I reduced my hours to a four day week a month before starting maternity leave. I was surviving (or not) on so little sleep due to restless legs syndrome and just didn't know how I could get through the week. DH made me speak to GP about it as I couldn't stop crying at home as was so exhausted. If still too much, ask if you can start maternity leave early. Really hard I know as we have all worked so hard to get to stage we are at in our careers, but for first time probably in your working life (certainly mine) put yourself and baby first. I had to ask my GP though as he didn't suggest even though I was a blubbering wreck when talking to him about not sleeping!

Godzookey poor you. I am an emotional wreck too and was a complete cow to DH yesterday and couldn't stop crying. I need to get a grip as poor DH doesn't know what mood I will be in as moods change like the wind.

Birdies loads of luck tomorrow. Ask loads and loads of questions so you can hopefully put your mind at rest. I watch the XFactor and haven't got a clue who is voting for Chris Maloney. However, I am not voting for anyone so suppose I shouldn't complain when my favourite act goes. I really liked Ella, but now hope James Arthur wins.

Updated list. Let me know if any further changes need to be made.

BuntyCollocks (29) DC2 EDD 28/12/12 (NE Wales) She's a girl!&#8232;
Pmgkt (33) DC2 EDD 28/12/12 He's a boy!&#8232;
Birdies (33) DC2 EDD 30/12/12 She's a girl!&#8232;
Pascha (35) DC2 EDD 30/12/12 (Kent) It's a surprise!
PricklyPickle (31) DC1 EDD 31/12/12 (SE London - Eltham)&#8232;
Complicated24 (44) DC1 EDD 31/12/12 (NW London) It's a surprise!&#8232;
sanam2012 (?) DC2 EDD 1/1/2013 She's a girl!&#8232;
LowLu (31) DC2 EDD 02/1/2013&#8232;
TootieMaroo (32) DC2 03/1/2013&#8232;
MarasmeAbsolu (31) DC2 EDD 03/01/13 (Scotland - Central Belt) She's a girl!&#8232;
Lora1982 (30) DC1 EDD 04/01/13 He's a boy!&#8232;
IsSpringSprangedYet (?) DC4 EDD 5/01/2013&#8232;
DollFisher (28) DC1 EDD 5/01/13 She's a girl!&#8232;
Allchik (30) DC1 EDD 06/01/13 It's a surprise!&#8232;
Pockemuchka DC3 EDD 06/01/13 It's a surprise!&#8232;
AriNi31 (?) DC2 EDD 06/01/13 &#8232;
Happyhow (27) DC1 EDD 07/01/13 (Scotland - Aberdeen) It's a surprise!&#8232;
EmilieFloge (38) DC? EDD 07/01/13&#8232;
Newbie6 (36) DC1 EDD 08/01/13 (Scotland - Ayrshire) He's a boy!&#8232;
Norfolkinway (25) DC1 EDD 09/01/13&#8232;
Octanegirl (34) DC1 EDD 09/01/13 He's a boy!&#8232;
BumgrapesofWrath (30) DC2 EDD 10/01/13&#8232;
BernieBennett (28) EDD 10/01/13 He’s a boy
DoIgetastickerforthat (age) DC4 EDD 11/01/13&#8232;
Kim222 (30) DC1 EDD 11/01/13&#8232;
Lulabel27 (29) DC2&3 (twins) EDD 11/01/13&#8232;
CraftyGirly (26) DC1 EDD 11/01/13 She's a girl!&#8232;
Cejay8 (32) DC2 EDD 12/01/13 It's a surprise!&#8232;
Tinyeyes123 (30) DC1 EDD 13/01/13 She's a girl!&#8232;
CreepyCrawly (21) DC1 EDD 13/01/13 (West Wales) She's a girl!&#8232;
PixelCarrier (?) DC? EDD 13/01/2013 It's a surprise!&#8232;
Shakemyhead (37) DC1 EDD 14/1/13 (West Yorkshire - Wakefield) She's a girl!&#8232;
Godzookey (35) DC1 EDD 14/01/13 He's a boy!&#8232;
PeshwariNaan (33) DC1 EDD 14/01/13&#8232;
Hormonalhell (40) DC2 EDD 15/01/13 He's a boy!&#8232;
Theboutiquemummy (35) DC1 EDD 17/01/13 (Norfolk)&#8232;
ChutesTooNarrow (33) DC2 EDD 18/01/13 She's a girl!&#8232;
Glorious (28) DC1 EDD 18/01/13 (SE London - Hither Green)&#8232;
Tugstonia (33) DC1 EDD 18/01/13 (SE London - Crystal Palace) It's a surprise!&#8232;
SpringFlowers (39) DC4 EDD 18/01/13 It's a surprise!&#8232;
Eagleray (40) DC1 EDD 18/01/13&#8232;
13mma (29) DC1 18/01/13&#8232;
djvesi (37) DC2 EDD 18/01/13 (Aussie in Helsinki) She's a girl!
LetThereBeCupcakes (30) DC1 EDD 20/01/13&#8232;
Silversixpence (29) DC2 EDD 20/01/13&#8232;
mulan07 (27) DC1 EDD 20/01/13 He's a boy!&#8232;
BadgerFace (34) DC1 EDD 21/01/13 She's a girl!&#8232;
bealos (35) DC2 EDD 22/01/13 She's a girl!&#8232;
AppleCrumples (32) DC4 EDD 22/01/13&#8232;
PreggoFabulous (30) DC1 EDD 22/01/2012 (South West) He's a boy!&#8232;
Bunny222 (31) DC1 EDD 22/01/13 It's a surprise!&#8232;
Woody2313 (33) DC1 EDD 23/01/2013 (West Midlands - Shropshire)&#8232;
SigningGirl (age) DC1 EDD 24/01/13&#8232;
SquealyB (29) DC1 EDD 26/01/13 (SW London - Richmond) It's a surprise!&#8232;
knuckingfackered (39) DC2 26/1/13&#8232;
Mrsbugsywugsy (34) DC1 EDD 25/01/2013 (Sussex) She's a girl!&#8232;
Thinkingpositivethoughts (28) DC1 EDD 26/01/13&#8232;
MrsMallard (35) DC1 EDD 26/01/13 (Hertfordshire) She's a girl!&#8232;
Salt1 (38) DC1 EDD 27/01/13 She's a girl!&#8232;
Lilblondepessimist (33) DC4 EDD 28/01/13&#8232;
MamaMary (31) DC2 EDD 28/01/13 She's a girl!&#8232;
Katolla (34) DC1 EDD 28/1/13 (Islington) She’s a girl!
Sebsmama (32) DC2 EDD 29/01/13&#8232;
BionicEmu (26) DC2 EDD 29/01/13&#8232;
Missymoo (32) DC2 EDD 30/01/13&#8232;
DiscoDomina (31) DC1 EDD 30/1/13 (West Midlands)&#8232;
Brugmansia (35) DC1 EDD 31/01/13 (SE London - Kennington/Elephant and Castle)&#8232;
Mummypud (32) DC3 EDD 31/01/13&#8232;
PipIsOutNow (?) DC2 31/01/13&#8232;
Deiciocho (32) DC1 EDD 31/01/13 It's a surprise!

OK, for some reason, there is some weird script after baby's sex. I cut and paste from a word doc and think it has something to do with Bold formatting. Will sort out next time I update.

Well done on the list complicated!

happy well done for sorting things out with your work.
I am also starting to find work a slog. I am lucky to live a short walk from work and feel sorry for those with a commute. I've been working compressed hours so I can have days off for study but today told my boss I wanted to go back to normal hours and take my remaining study days as annual leave, as I am finding the long days too tiring.

Newbie did you have a scan today? How did it go? My baby was having a quiet day today and I was starting to worry, but I've just eaten a bowl of haagen dazs and she's going mad. She has good taste!

Complicated sorry to hear about your fall, that must have been scary. I have become so much more clumsy recently I am terrified that I will fall over. Especially as the cat has recently taken to sleeping on the floor on the route between my bedroom and the bathroom...I also seem to keep dropping things on the floor, so I have to struggle to bend down and pick them up

glorious I also can't decide whether to ask people to come and stay after the baby is born - I don't know whether I would find it annoying or helpful.

That's interesting re. our colds Pixel. My main symptom now is a sore throat that won't seem to go away, or rather it goes away one day then comes back the next.

Bunty thanks for the info on baby positions, hope you get to see a physio asap.

bugz you have now put the thought of Haagen-Dazs into my head. I know there's some in the freezer...

oops...

has anyone ones belly button started sticking out? also when does the bump drop down?

Hi everyone, haven't logged in in a LONG time, I am the one due 1 Jan :-). I finally went on maternity leave last week and am off work now - I couldn't wait for it all to finish! Was slightly less relaxing to be off work than expected bc DD1 had just caught chickenpox followed by a bad cold virus, but finally all looks good.

Prickly - you don't need a special bag - I was going to buy one for DD1 but then found them ridiculously expensive and I hated all the designs - so based on a friend's recommendation I just went with a Muji's travel bag which was about 10 or 15 quid - have been using it for two years now and it's perfect.

Is anyone else experiencing back pain these days? I am 35 weeks so thinking it's a tad early for labour (though DD1 was born at 38 weeks) but I am getting a bit worried that things might be happening. I haven't packed my hospital bag yet - how about you girls?

Hi

bugsy, yes had scan and all ok. Baby still bang on 95th percentile line so all fine....phew thanks for asking x

I'm still in shock that my work have managed to sort out cover for me when they were SO incapable of finding a full time maternity cover...

I'm now working tomorrow morning and weds morning, thurs/fri/mon/tues off. In weds for full day then off thurs/fri and I'll now officially start maternity leave on 10th dec. It's a bit annoying that my mat pay will now start a whole month early but needs must. Realistically, I'm only stopping work 10 days early as I would've finished at the end of term. I've said that I'll finish off some AH investigation marking and do some development work in the days I'll be at home before officially starting my mat leave so that I feel like I'm leaving in a good position and not letting people down completely.

They have been very understanding and have been insistent on me being at home rather than being in school doing work behind the scenes so I suppose I can't complain. Just need to check properly how my pay will be affected over the next two weeks but I think I have it worked out that it should still be normal...

Glad to hear it newbie

Lora mine hasn't but it is a lot shallower and I can pop it out myself, so it's only a matter of time.

Welcome back Sanam

Birdies good luck today. All will be well.

newbie glad your scan went ok.

happy fantastic news about your work!

Dr is not hopeful of me seeing someone before I pop, but thinks I will probably need it after birth. Ah well. Think next week could be very interesting, as my chiro isn't here, so no appointments for a whole week, and that's the only thing that's been keeping me moving ... Eek.

Just popping in to say that I'm thinking of the lovely Birdies today and hoping that everything will be well.

My belly button has been entirely out for about ten weeks. It shows as a bump through my clothes. My DH finds it very unpleasant, I find it hilarious

Hi all

Hope you are all doing well. So sorry to hear that everyone is feeling a bit poorly (*allchick, newbie, pascha, bunty* et al). I think we all deserve a massive hug and a massive bar of chocolate for our excellent baby growing skils and general patience.

Birdies good luck today, we are all thinking of you. Be sure to update us.

Bernie, its is your baby and you should put yourself and your family (i.e. you, DP and LO) first above everything else. I am a first timer too and DH and I have decided to be very strict about visiting rellies etc. as our new little family will be our first priority and everyone else can simply fit in until we get used to things . I say all this and I will no doubt cave at first hurdle!

Godz hope you are feeling better and a pregnancy related melt down every once in a while is par for the course. Doesn't stop it feeling like crap when it happens though.

Bunty the pacapod phoenix is gorgeous....serious bag lust. We went for the Portland as looked a little more unisex and I have informed him that he will be the family packhorse when the baby is here so needed to get something he would not object to . Hope the pain is getting better and they can do something to help.

Newbie you poor thing - understandable panic hope you feel better soon.

Happy really pleased you spoke to work, good on you! Hope it continues to improve.

My news is my left hip is killing me today. I am walking like an 80 year old and emit a lovely groaning sound everytime I get up from my desk to waddle to printer. Other than that no news. Have firm client party on Thursday night which I am dreading but planning on making a very swift exit if at all possible.

birdies thinking of you x

IT'S GOOD NEWS!!! The person who did my scan before had measured the head wrongly - I showed the consultant the pictures and she said the line had been drawn far too small. She measured and checked everything and pretty much all is on 50th centile, head maybe 35th. I kept asking if she was sure and she was definite and said she shouldn't really comment on a scan someone else has done but she showed me how the line should have been drawn. She's an expert in fetal medicine so I trust her and she put up with all of my (many) questions. She also said 100% that my baby doesn't have a too-small head and anyway that they only worry if it's below 3%. It's the best £140 I've ever spent!

I'm now going to cancel my next nhs scan as I feel reassured now and I don't want to go through that kind if worry again.

Thank you so much for all your support - I nearly cried when I saw some of your lovely messages. I know it's soppy but it meant a lot to me and you really helped me through the last few days xx

Birdies I am so happy for you, what a relief!

Birdies that is fantastic!

Yay birdies that's fab news you must be so relieved! Now sit back and enjoy the next few weeks before meeting your lovely baby.

squealy have developed something similar to you! The pain is more in my bum but now I'm even slower than ever and also sound like an old lady everytime I stand up!

When I picked ds2 up yesterday he was with the TA he had last year and she was really surprised I was pg! He had told her while they were waiting for me but she was shocked at how far along I am! Apparently you can't tell from behind but I waddle so slowly I thouht it was obvious!

Ds2 was fine all night then bounced up this am and announced he felt fab and was hungry! Kept him off anyway but am shattered now he has mad amounts of energy. he spent all day dancing and singing robbie williams. He's def back at school tomorrow so I can recover

have cleaned everything and just praying no one else goes down with it!

birdies EXCELLENT NEWS! I told you so! ;)

Squealy - thanks

Woop woop Birdies!!

Birdies that's great! It's so nice to have your mind put at ease.

I hear everyone on the groaning, it's so funny. I too sound like my 91 yo Granny!

I got myself into a state in the middle of the night; Baby had been totally still when I went to sleep (totally out of character) and when I woke up at 3 am was still motionless. Cue phone call to Midwife who told me to come in - at which point he gave some feeble kicks, so I decided to wait till morning. He was still feeble so I went in and got put on the monitor - whereupon he goes berserk and I had to be hooked up to it for 90 mins as his heart rate was so erratic. To cut a long story short he's fine, but was worrying and so odd that he was so quiet for so long.

I just want him here, safe, healthy!

Birdies, great news. What a relief. You're right, money well spent.

Throat not so sore today, just really really tired. Told DH he's making dinner and as usual he's going about it in a very slow laid-back way. But will get done eventually

Birdies fantastic news. I am now grinning from ear to ear. Hope you had a celebratory family size pack of revels afterwards. Let's make a pact to try and keep each other calm, avoid the dreaded google and enjoy the rest of our pregnancies until we meet our gorgeous babies.

Octanegirl scary. Why do our babies do this to us. Poor thing was just having a lovely sleep and hadn't got a clue you were worried.

Got first NCT class this evening. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

octane I'm the same. Getting paranoid now that we're so close - just want her safe in my arms now.

Glad everything was ok, though. Naughty babies!

Thanks everyone, if I could I would give you all a big pregnant cuddle!

complicated it's a deal! And I did have a celebratory McDonalds afterwards and some Percy pigs . Enjoy your nct class

octane I'm really glad they could reassure you. I've only had one time of worrying about movements but one was enough!

Birdies mmmm Percy Pigs... /goes off in a dreamy state/ ... I mean, great news! And you're right to think twice about more scans considering the worry they've put you through.

Apart from some aches, it seems like a good news day!

Yay! Great news birdies, so pleased

Has anyone else suffering from the cold been taking honey and lemon strepsils? I have taken some and now just read that you shouldn't take if pregnant, yikes? Have obviously stopped taking them now but a bit worried I may have caused harm although baby seems active so should i just relax or do you think I should call MW?

I'm such an idiot!

X

Hooray for birdies, what great news. Glad everything was ok for you too, octane. We are all so nearly there

I know, just a few weeks until the first babba arrives (unless any early ones)!

newbie I've had Strepsils. I can't think what would harm the baby from them but I guess if it says not to have them then best not to. I doubt your midwife would be worried, expect she will just say to keep an eye on movements. Phone if it makes you feel better though. The worst that happens is she thinks you're over-worrying but who cares what she thinks.

Hooray birdies! Such a relief Glad all ok with you too octane

Can i ask anyone who's recently had a scan if the sonographer/doctor mentioned anything about your placenta ageing/maturing/calcifying? Last week at my scan the doc said mine was showing signs of calcification and despite saying it was completely normal for this stage of gestation and not to worry etc, I am of course now worrying about what this could mean... On the scan report it said the placenta was Grannum Grade 2 and the calcification scale apparently goes up to grade 3. So really I'm just wondering if anyone's experienced this as well and can reassure me it is in fact all ok and to stop bloody fretting for no reason?!

Hey tugs, I did a little google (obv i'm a medical expert now after spending the last few days researching about small heads!!) and 2 sounds very normal for this stage of pregnancy. I think if it was 3 they would just give you extra scans to check the function. So 2 seems fine to me. But phone midwife if you want more reassurance - I used to never bother anyone with questions in case they thought I was fussing but I'm past caring about that now. Can't think you need to worry about it though.

Thanks so much birdies. I'm sure it is all fine, I'm just a born worrier! I'm having another scan at 36 weeks anyway (thyroid related) so I'll guess they'll see if it's any more calcified then and if so will deal with it. Really need to learn to CHILL OUT! And you're right about asking midwife as well.

not all good news today....

I had an appointment with a midwife and consultant today (have transferred hospitals) and they checked everything and i got a cheeky extra growth scan. Always nice. But it has been flagged that I am on track to having a big baby all measurements are between 50 -90th P the top end of the scale, apart from the stomach which is above 90th P :-(. They have now referred me to have a GD check as a precaution as at one of my appointments i had sugar in my Urine.

Apart from that though baby is all healthy - breech with legs extended though. So i have been given the C - Section info booklet but fingers crossed he swivels around.

bernie how many weeks are you, ds1 didnt turn till at least 34 weeks. i know i have said it loks but scrub the floor, worked last time and this. and you get a nice clean floor too. but also a section isnt so bad so try not to worry about all the horror stories people like to share.

Brilliant mrs Birdies so pleased for you. I knew it would be fine.

Bernie DS was extended breech until I had him turned by ECV at 37 weeks. I second all the scrubbing floors advice and do lots of forward inversions, that cam help too.

Now I have a TMI alert:
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I felt a lump in my labial area in the bath tonight, like a boil, so i went looking close up in the mirror and what did I see? A heaving mass of varicose veins around my fanjo that's what!

Sorry pascha, I couldn't help laughing out loud when I read that! Hehehehe. Still laughing. Ok sorry, well I can laugh cos I've got them on my legs and this pregnancy they've got much worse. I'm sure I read that fanjo ones go away after pregnancy though whereas I'll still be left with my leg ones <goes away to look in mirror and check no fanjo ones have appeared>

bernie I think newbie's baby is on 95th centile and I think that's quite a healthy weight and people say bigger babies are often easier to get out. Im sure someone here has GD too. I hate growth scans now though, they cause more worry than they're worth and are often proven to be wrong.

Well, I've had a weekend to remember! Had period type pains on Saturday morning and went to triage to get them checked out. Turned out I was in early labour and ended up having our daughter today! They tried all they could to slow down the contractions but there was no holding her back. She weighs 4lb5oz and will be in NICU for a couple of weeks at least. All very overwhelming but she seems well enough for a 33 weeker. Crazy times! Pretty hellish delivery (3 1/2 days contracting, forceps, 3rd degree tear!) But she's worth it!

Hi Bernie, I'm a type 1 diabetic so not the same as GD but I guess GD can also produce bigger babies. My baby is on the 95th percentile but I'm told as long as he doesn't go way above or below not to worry as still deemed normal? I agree with birdies though and am sure they say scans are never 100% accurate anyway so try not to worry too much. Just try and eat healthy etc and I'm sure by keeping an eye on you and baby at your hospital, everything will be okay. X

Congratulations tinyeyes! Sorry to hear your birthing experience was difficult but lovely to hear of the safe arrival of your daughter, have you chosen her name yet? Well done to you and hope you are being well taken care of! Xxx

Congratulations, tinyeyes and welcome to the world, babytiny!

Congrats Tiny. Glad she's doing well although not so great about the birth...

I've spent the entire evening doing work... Thank god I'm off from tomorrow lunchtime apart from next Weds when I'm going in to tie up loose ends - been told not to teach and just ensure that handover materials are ready. I don't think I've ever done so much work at home as I have done this year. Guess it'll only be worse when I go back part-time and have a baby to entertain as well as a hubby...
Pregnancy brain struck again and I forgot to bring home all the notes that I needed for my final lesson with my Advanced Higher class tomorrow. Oops. Thankfully, most of what I had to write about was in my degree so managed to do quite a bit from memory. Quite remarkable really...

Pascha I know we shouldn't laugh but your description was hilarious!! From what I've read, they go after birth but can be really sore and uncomfortable. Hope your's isn't too bad at the moment...

Congrats Tiny!! Keep us posted as to your progress! Have you given her a name yet? I bet she is absolutely gorgeous. Hope you both recover quickly from the delivery and feel 100% again in no time.

Wow - congratulations Tiny - our first baby! Hope you are ok and getting over the shock. Glad the baby is doing well.

Congratulations Tiny, how exciting!! I hope your little one is doing well in NICU and you get to cuddle her a lot and people are taking good care of you!!

Thanks guys! She's Megan. Feels very surreal being on the postnatal ward with no baby but kind of good as it gives me a chance to get my head around it and sleep. Now just need to get the builders finished at home and buy some baby stuff! The last few days have been beyond mental!

Tiny, sleep is goooood. You both need it. :-) Welcome to Megan!!!

Congratulations tiny so glad your little one is doing well. Megan is a lovely name.

I can't believe we have our first baby of the thread already!

pascha you did make me chuckle. I've no idea what's going on down there but I'm certainly not going to look now

In other news i have 2 more days of work left. It really hasn't sunk in that I'll be off for a year, seems like I'm just going on holiday.

Oh wow Tiny, Congratulations ! Welcome to little Megan. I hope you have her home soon.

I wasn't really aware of them before last night, IYSWIM, although now I think about it, last few weeks I've felt a bit throbby down there after sex. Now I know why, all that extra blood flow swelling the blood vessels. I imagine the hot bath had a similar effect...

Congratulations tiny. What a surprise!

Sounds like you did an amazing job with a labour that was stacked against you. Take advantage of the hospital setting whilst you can - use that buzzer and demand assistance!

Congratulations Tiny! What a shock that must have been. Poor you needing forceps though, that's really bad luck. I hope you heal up well and that Megan is happy and strong.

Congrats tiny, she must be so small and cute, hope you get to take her home soon

Congrats tiny! that's a good weight for 33 weeks. Hope little Megan is out of nicu soon x

Awww tiny congrats on the birth of ur daughter! Just think,she will be at home for snuggles infront of the Christmas tree,how lovely!!xx

Ive taken today off,this bug is killing me,cnt believe I managed to wrk mon n tues,also had to lead some tours of the school yesterday,every 9 month n ill womans dream! Had a wad of bog roll stuffed dwn my maternity band,tears n sweat streaming dwn face n coughing guts up! What a beautiful 'face of t school' i must of been lol!

MW told me off yesterday for doin too much so am now sat in bed with trashy mags,lush! pascha ur baby mapping tutorial was spot on,bub is head dwn n the bony thing I was feeling on my right was the but!x

x x x

Wow Tiny congrulations, so pleased to hear that you and Megan are both doing well. It must be tough going to get your head around it all but sounds like you are doing a stellar job. Sorry to hear the birth was difficult.

Birdies you must be over the moon, so happy to see that everything is fine and peace of mind is so worth the money.

Pascha you almost made me spit my tea out! Now wondering whether to look or not to look at mine......I am going with not to at this stage, afraid of what I might find

I am so jealous about those starting maternity leave soon.....11 January feels like a long way away and lots of you will have your babies by then

Congratulations tiny!! I hope you're recovering well from the birth and that little Megan is doing well too and you can take her home soon. X

Tiny huge congratulations and welcome to Megan. Love the name. Megan is a really good size for 33 weeks. Had you started your maternity leave already and got anything sorted? I am on my first week of maternity leave and only just beginning to get organised so it would have been a huge shock if I'd gone into labour at weekend. My baby is little and keep on being told there is a possibility it could be delivered early, so great to hear that you and Megan are doing well even though it was clearly a tough labour and emotionally a big deal to get your head around. Are you able to breastfeed (if that is what you want to do)?

Pascha that really made me laugh. I daren't even look down there now. I am dreading getting piles as have never had them but always thought they sounded horrendous. All the things they don't tell you about pregnancy beforehand!

Birdies have you stopped grinning yet?! Am so thrilled for you.

Had nursery furniture delivered today. It is massive. Much bigger than it looked in showroom. We have gone for normal size wardrobe, chest of drawers and bookcase as thought it would last longer, but I now know that there is a reason why people get baby furniture. Our spare room looks tiny now! Had first NCT class last night. It was fun, but didn't finish til 2145 which is too late for me.

Congrats Tiny , xxxx bit of advice needed ladies , am 31 weeks and very crampy , for 2 days ( 3rd today ) i have just felt uncomfertable and some lower abdominal twinges but mainly lower back ache and pressure like i need the loo, it hasnt got worse, doesnt keep me awke and no other signs but does ease if i lie down .

mummy sounds like Braxton's if they ease when you're lying down.