Mumsnet Talk

Previous ante-natal thread: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/antenatal_clubs/1608323-November-2012-please-form-an-orderly-queue

Post-natal thread: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/postnatal_clubs/1611078-November-2012-the-birthplosion-thanks-Peaky

Stats list: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/antenatal_clubs/1485512-November-2012-Stats-List

Detective I think your baby is the most anticipated event of the year! FC things start happening soon.

marking my place and agree that it is the most anticipated event of the year!

Come on detective we are all rooting for you...

Love the name of this thread! babydetective really needs to stop procrastinating now

Detective may have cried a little at this thread <blows snot away>.

Thank you for putting up with me waaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

I have no idea what my body is doing. It seems to want to get this baby out.... but just kinda goes 'I forgot what to do'.

I've been having decent contractions since 8pm yesterday evening, they were 1:3 til midnight, then went to 1:5, then 1:10... they carried on in the night, some more uncomfortable than others. I managed a good sleep - but waking at the stronger ones. When I move about, they die down, but when I settle down somewhere (bed, ball, chair whatever!) they come back again after 20-30 mins lull.

I've closed all the blinds, and have shut myself away. DS is at his dads tonight so I have no one who needs me today. So I have planned to close out unhelpful arseholes today.

So far I've had 4 missed calls from the ward, a voicemail <ignored> and 2 knocks on the door and a message from the supervisor of midwives posted through the door.

I am not an open line of communication today. After things stopping yesterday, I refuse to get in to any conversations with ANYONE today until things either naturally stop, or start properly. Stress is not conducive to labour. Ina Mays 'spinchter law' comes to mind... Link if you haven't heard of this!

I've got my oxytocin flowing! And no bastard is stopping it!

Am holding thumbs and crossing everything...

Thinking of you detective

My mum just rang me. I was worried that someone had tried to ring her - she is my NOK.

Luckily, it was just to say 'you're doing the right thing'. Much needed support... perfect timing from my mum! It did start the tears again though . She said everyone at school is asking why I haven't been made to go in and be induced yet. Her reply - I'd like to see anyone make my daughter do something she doesn't want to. I've bought her up to stand up for herself. .

I've been watching funny cat clips with DP, and laughed a lot.... cats can get me in to labour, yes?!

Cats on treadmills... yes please! Cats in baths... keep em' comin'! We're going to play Lips later, and have a friend coming for tea. I'm not getting dressed though. PJ's are here to stay today!

I like relaxing...

STOP READING THIS THREAD DP... bloody men. Can't get no privacy .

Cats as labour induction? Genius plan. My cat has taken an interest in our newly developed breastfeeding so I don't see why a cat as birthing partner couldn't work

Cats: better than humans. Fact.

Routing for you detective it sounds just like my labour with DD. I was stop go for a week just like you described last night was like. Everytime I lay down or got comfy the contractions ramped up again, so no sleep for 6 days... I really feel for you. What position is your baby in do you think? I think my long latent faze was cause by back to back.

lansinoh is great, may be I should use it from now on, I had cracked nipples and mastitus the last time within days of DD being born. I used to joke that she probably survived on the calories in lansinoh cause she wasn't getting much milk from me

I forgot to say that my friend who was due 3 days before me, so on the 24th... had her baby yesterday morning... it's me me think, it might be closer than I'm banking on!

Fo sho detective fo sho. Mind you, I think my kitty is inanely jealous of all the milk going about -none of which is going to her!

Contractions building up all day and now nothing. Body had a major clear out too so really thought this was it. This didn't happen with other two so now majorly pissed off. Missed parents evening for both DS's because of the contractions so now feel like rubbish mother. I want sleep or a baby tonight. If I don't get either then tomorrow will not be pretty!

brockle as a teacher I can categorically assure you that havig contractions is as good a reason as you will ever have for not attending parents' evening. Seriously though, you should request a telephone interview or written comments. Under the circumstances you are quite entitled

Can I have mine on this thread too please?

I want mine on here too... Or the end of the other thread... Right now will even do I'm not fussy...

Marking my place to watch events unfold... Good luck all.

Is cramping after a sweep a good sign or just something that can happen and lead to nothing......(don't want to get hopes up!)

Hello Newbie Unfortunately like most of these things it could be either. It's like going back 9 months to when we were trying to work out if we were pg or about to come on.

Thanks blonderthanred that's what I thought oh well have another booked in for tomorrow, the joy!

I had cramping after my first (unsuccessful - couldn't quite reach cervix!) sweep. I had cramping after my 3rd one too. And tightenings, getting stronger. And then... nothing! BAH! Well, I get tightenings still, but no labour! And no change to cervix from 40+6 at first attempt to 42+1 at 5th! Well, maybe it is slightly less posterior, but that's about it.

Frustration is my best friend! I just don't understand what is going on anymore. I've thrown the rule books out - everything I thought I knew about midwifery has been challenged!!!

I hope it is a good sign for you - it was for me as I did get tightenings after a few hours of cramping, but then it fizzled out as usual.

I am getting aquainted with the term 'prodromal labour'. Pfffft.

I blew up the last thread - impatient much?!

This is the thread where we ALL get our babies! (If we want them to come now that is...!)

That's right detective , keeping everything crossed this thread is it! (apart from my legs )

I have my legs firmly open . Down side is - lots of farting!!

Marking my place, be back later

Marking my place too, 40 + 1 now and no sign of anything happening, but I feel that none of us have any right to give birth until Detective finally pops!

Interesting reading on sphincter law too, thanks Detective. Made me think about a couple of things in my birth plan differently.

Thanks v much for the advice detective (about chicken pox, early thread jumpers!). Have contacted doc's and they're going to check my blood for immunity. If I am immune apparently I'll pass some of that on to the baby. Does mean that DD can't visit me in the hozza just in case she develops it the next day or something, which is completely fair enough.

The little boy saw DD on Saturday and was diagnosed today. But I remember thinking I saw some faint spots on his face on Saturday! Gah! There were only about three of them so I didn't really think much about it.

Anyway, nothing we can do about it now. In contrast to everyone else I'm going to now be crossing my legs - best place for the baby is inside me at the moment I think. Will report back how this works as a 'bringing labour on' tactic!

Oh and mrswee, sorry about your rubbish day. You need to do whatever you can to get to the end of it - chocolate, trashy TV, etc - and hope for a better today tomorrow. Hope you give DH a piece of your mind when you see him! And some people are just shocking aren't they - swearing in front of kids, horrible. Well, they'll get their just desserts one day with that attitude!

All advice is - if you have been in contact with CP not to go in to hospital - not such an issue for you, you've had it, and more than likely immune, but I'd advise for your DD not to go in til the incubation period is over.

Ooooh new thread!
Can I have my baby on this one as well please?

Been doing some cleaning, stripped and made the be, ironed etc. Hoped it might bring on some stronger contractions but no such luck. Looks like i'm in for the long haul.

I also spent 30 minutes straightening my hair, no idea why as i'm lounging round the house. It feels nice and soft now though I might see if DH wants to treat me to a trip to Morrison's down the road, or maybe we could go to the curry house round the corner for tea or it is two for tuesday!

Nope no better detective. If anything much worse - flares up something rotten when I try and walk (cue freaked out stares from people in tescos ). I'm still not convinced it's early labour, although dp is so I've spent the day hiding at my mums using her orthopaedic cripple chair.

Would LOVE to book a massage (and a hair cut and get my nails done) but HMRC have well and truely fucked up my MA - not crying or ranting or filling this thread up with it - but I'm now working on the assumption I will get nothing and being super frugal. Why could I afford these luxuries on a monthly basis (along with copious nights/meals out) when I was a student and now I'm working, some weeks it's a toss up between filling the car or the fridge?! I also hate hate hate being reliant on DP for everything right now .

Mrswee those people sound awful. I do hope karma catches them up. Lowlifes. I can relate to the bin thing, I now ask dp a week before they're due out in the hope he might put them out. usually involves a teary hissy fit from me the morning they need collected

Georgee fc you and your dd are fine. My friend's dd was exposed to it right before she was due to fly up to orkney to visit yw and the beautiful wee Jonas and she managed to book her in for an immunisation against it in Edinburgh. That was the same day as exposure though so you might be a bit late.

Oh and I've given up on housework and left very VERY detailed instructions for him indoors. I got halfway through emptying the top shelf of the dishwasher this morning and had to give up .

I'm undecided on whether yoga's a good idea tonight or not. I'm not even sure I can drive right now ...

Rant away MM. Have you thought about posting a thread for advice about it? What is the issue they have?? Re: back ache, muchos sympathy - I'm glad I don't have that to contend with too at the moment!

BTW, I have now been tightening for 72 hours. A few hours off for good behaviour, but still, just do something or FUCK OFF!! ARGHHHH. I am sick of hearing 'any niggles'. Yes. Shit loads. But niggles is all it is, uncomfortable at best, but not enough for me to not be able to do things while having them. I can sleep through them, but they are still there when I wake. They are back to 1:3 at the moment. Joy oh joy.

Please just get on with it now... please?

By the way, we think we now have a name for him! Elijah Jacob seems to be the final decision. DS is Ethan Rhys. Ethan and Elijah? Does this go? Not religious in the slightest, but this seems to be my preferred kind of name!

I've got link for something on rates of IOL and 'risks' of post date pregnancies for anyone who wants it. I found it in my search last night.

I may have to print it, and have put it in an envelope and post it to the Registrar from Sunday- since I know her name... Or maybe I'll just print it out and take it with me if I go tomorrow.

Linky

And now DP texts me saying he feels sick too... Fucking hell! So it will be down to me to look after them both tonight then... ace!

Lovely names detective - I think they go beautifully!

We finally agreed on a boy and girl name on Sunday but I'm sworn to secrecy and I'll most likely change my mind.

Basically when I registered as SE I was told by 3 different people at HMRC to apply for a small earnings certificate and then cancel when my earnings go over the threshold. Which I have done. I also made voluntary NI contributions all the way along, however the MA people don't take this into consideration and because I haven't had a period of 13 weeks without the certificate (3 fucking weeks short) they have capped my MA at £27 a week (instead of the £135 it should be). So despite paying NI I am losing about 4k over my maternity leave. FUCK!!! The bit that pisses me off most is I would be a lot better off had I not worked my whole pregnancy. That 4k would help a lot if/when I go back to do a post grad next September.

It's fine, I cried a lot yesterday. It's only money, and we've survived on a lot lot less. DP has permanent work, before this year he would have had nothing from October to March as most boat work is seasonal. Small miracles and all...

I hope this is the thread where EVERYBODYS babies arrive. Good luck ladies. Oh no Detective why are blokes so unstoic when ill. In our post labour world - Jonas has his first cold and is firing snot missiles at me and being a total clingy limpet. He clearly has manflu. I have achieved NOTHING today other than putting a load of washing in the machine - I've not even managed to switch the wash on. Worse, I've only managed one cuppa.

Oh shit MM cross post. HMRC is staffed by absolute weapons who seem to be in post to be entirely evasive and avoid any attempt at claiming any legitimate benefits / and or pay any tax. Totally useless. I've had three different versions of what to do to claim MA from them - and am still waiting for my 6 monthly NI bill so I can actually try to claim using one of the three convoluted routes explained to me. I'm not convinced I'll get a penny either hon. Proof, if further proof were needed, that life isn't fair and work doesn't pay.

Hi peeps checking in and in anticipation of detectivelet's arrival! Thanks so much for the sphincter law, I'd wondered if bridemaids would be a bit much in actual labour (considering I thought I'd done damage the other day) but maybe it's just the thing!

I've missed a lot as been stupidly busy and shhh there was an exciting arrival and possible other labour action on the Nov thread distracting me, the thread whore I am - sorry detective!

Funnily enough it all started after this was posted - worth a try ladies?!

Oh x post too sorry MM. YW and MM that is total crap and the govt wonders why theres so few women working at the top, working generally, running businesses etc etc to the point that they've had to commission research - u can post experiences like that on woman hour website I think at mo for this governmental research thingy. If you can be arsed / have the ttime/ inclination whilst dealing with childbirth, children, husbands who can't put recycling out etc etc

Sorry minor feminist rant

Elijah is lovely detective My friend wants me to use it, but it's the name of her puppy, I keep telling her i'm not naming my child after your dog

Might have a gander at that study, looks like i'm going to have to arm myself for tomorrows meeting with the consultant. Need to decide what I will and won't agree to

Fatima my dad stole our only girls' name for his puppy in July!

Thanks yw and clarella - the whole system is so flawed. If neither of us worked we'd have our rent, council tax, everything paid for and still have more disposable income than we do now. It's ridiculous. The only comfort I can take from it is everything we own and have we have worked for and paid for ourselves. We're not waiting for anyone to take it all away from us! (although I do feel very hard done by with my MA...)

Just checking in with you ladies, sounds like things could be happening for you detective wishing you all the best! missmummy hope your back pain goes or it turns into labour!

mrswee I can't believe how rude those people were to you and your DD! Honestly what is the world coming to, there are some terrible excuses for human beings out there

Oh yes ditto kissy, mrswee that's really terrible. I teach in an mld sen school and some children talk like that simply as it's always what they hear at home (well, there were kids in mainstream too but they got the social understanding to know not to pretty early on, 70% of our pupils on autistic spectrum). Worst was a father who actively taught his autistic son to use language and be racist as he found it amusing. Made for some interesting phone calls.

Sorry - minor social rant - am rather ranty today - pre labour or due to bodge it and scarper builders in tomorrow?!

Detective That link makes interesting reading and fully supports your argument.

Who mentioned dominoes? You had us craving one, remembered how sick I was last time and every night since so we're having chinese tonight instead! Pushed the boat out and ordered banana fritters too to keep preggers happy Blissfully ignoring the fact I'll regret this come 2am...

This is in celebration of the fact our gas and leccy bill dropped £300 from the estimate when the man came out to read the meter. Happy days!

Mmmm banana fritters.... mmmmmm

Jeez MM that's a terrifying estimate - ours is only £50 a month. Feck I forget that gas prices are nuts these days living on an island sans gas.

You're telling me! I almost passed out when the estimated bill came through! Gas and lectric for 3 months has come in for about the same as I was paying monthly for the apartment in the bay (bloody electric heating!). Fair dos though, it hasn't been too cold and now Mr Frugal is paying the bills he's been a bit more stingey when it comes to putting the heating on!

Power cut tonight while DS was having his bath. Poor boy, it was pitch black. Had to try and carry him down the stairs, naked, wet, scared, trying not to fall over, and work out where the torch was. It took a while. Not fun at 39 weeks! Luckily, he is v familiar with the episode of Peppa Pig where there is a power cut so he knew exactly what was going on!

No progression period pain/contraction wise so looks like I'll have to get up early for the consultant appointment tomorrow
DH is paranoid that they'll keep me in and he'll be stuck at work as ill have to car. Told him I don't think that's likely

thanks for the sympathy over they way those people spoke to me to day. It's actually the second time I've been verbally abused by a stranger and called a bitch since I have been pregnant! The other time was a mad woman on a bus who took a dislike to the fact my bus pass wasn't working and the bus driver was trying to help sort it out and holding the bus up a bit.
I'm usually really thick skinned but I have felt anxious for most of today since that happened.
DH came home and made me feel much better with his disgust and shock at those people and when I mentioned the bin thing, he didn't explode for once, he just said he didn't know how he forgot and then went and sorted out all the over flowing recycling, unpacked the dishwasher, swept the floor, gave me a lift to the shops, painted the window frame in the babies room and is now cutting and fitting a blind for the livingroom window so I can get my boobs out without the neighbours seeing once the baby is born. Starting to feel a bit better buut really hoping I don't bump into those people again.. I'm thinking I probably will though.

Detective... 1:3 I hope DH isn't sick really!

Banana fritters sound good right now MM

mrswee I really don't understand some members of society anymore. How can they think that this is a reasonable way to behave. Vile!

I am bored of this now. Only 40 weeks today but never got past tomorrow in previous pregnancies and can't really see it happening tonight. Getting really fed up with having to keep on top of the house in case my in-laws have to come and look after the children. Also my hb is self employed so if he has time off he doesn't get paid. He was hoping to have a few weeks off for the baby and over Christmas but I am not sure we could afford it if his paternity leave stretched into December too much.
clarella I just looked at that video. Do you think imagining doing it might work. I think I might go through the floor otherwise.

Have had a shitty day too and potentially caused a family rift. Basically dh's cousin is somewhat deranged and shared an article on her facebook page which could only have negative outcomes and was very vindictive towards us. There was no possible good to come of it and it was malicious. About 6 months ago she behaved in a way which caused major family trouble (again directed at us) but because she has problems with depression everyone sort of pussy foots around her and won't actually tell her that her behaviour is unacceptable. I have had enough of it. I haven't said anything but I have unfriended her as I don't want to have to see the lies she spreads constantly. I can tell my MIL is worried about what will happen especially when we are supposed to go out for a meal all together in a few weeks. I do not want to cause any trouble and I really don't want any confrontation but I also don't want anything to do with her. Bloody families hey!

Sorry for the big long post. Most of it moaning too!

arrrgh... you know how DH was painting the baby's window frame.... and how lovely but annoying cats can be?

I just went through and discovered a trail of white gloss paw prints from the window all the way through the room then the hall then fading out to my bedroom and up on to my bed... on the brand new oak solid wood floor. Nice one kittie! hoefuly white spirit will do the job!

jenbird sorry you have had a bad day too. Nothing as strange as relatives! we have few crack pots in both sides. Been doing a big ignore for a while now but I can't see that lasting unfortunetly!

mrswee Baby wipes - they will work!

Thanks detective baby wipes do work, I was using them the other day when I painted a door frame.. it makes you think! DH has used white spirit because the paint was drying.
The cat apears to have a slightly sore eye now, great probably rubbed paint in it! I feel a bit sorry for her but she's still a dick!

Detective How's it going?

Hi, just checking in to say Toby was born at 12.15 this afternoon. Was a very long two days but worth every second. He's had a proper feed and sucks like a vampire! MW was a little taken aback by how hard he sucked on her finger. He's very mucusy though and can't settle on his back so I've got him asleep upright and will catch up on everyone else x

Congratulations Waiting! Hard going for 2 days These babies, eh?! Love the name!

Fatima Same old shit, they have died off a bit, still coming, no idea how often as it isn't that often, maybe 1:10 or so?? I'm sat rocking my hips on the ball trying to grind my cervix off . Have you decided what you want from tomorrows appointment by the way? Remember my motto, you can always decline an offer of intervention if you do not want it. Listen to what is said - and ask for the research to back up their statements and watch the backtracking. If you want to go for IOL, go for it! It has to be right for you

mrswee I've had all manner of destruction caused by the little cat bastards in my life. Most notably was the day I bought this house - my first house owned by little old me. Drove them here in their cat carrier. The two little bastards had shit and pissed all over it in the 15 minute journey from the old house... it was basically one big pissy shit fest - think diahorrea. So I took the carrier to the bathroom, with the full intention of dunking them in the bath to get them clean. Obviously they had other ideas, escaping mine and ex's clutches, and shook themselves off, as cats do - wee soaked shit and all, all over the brand new, all white bathroom - white tiles, white walls, white suite. Oh, and me. Twaaaaaaaaaaaaaats.

Congrats waiting I thought you were keeping us in suspense! Currently rocking on the edge of the bed as feel really sick. Contractions tailed off to crappy little cramps but feel so yuck and restless I cannot lie down. Just want to sleep and wake up to some nice strong ones.

Get grinding on that ball detective !

Detective Well with the pains i've been getting i'm thinking it won't be too much longer anyway. I really want to go to the MLU so hoping it happens soon. I think i'm going to ask their reasons and then I'll agree to a sweep, i'll agree to monitoring if they want and i'll agree to revisit my decision at my 41 week MW appointment but at tomorrow's appointment I won't agree to IOL before 41 weeks without evidence from monitoring and I won't agree to the CLU before 41 weeks. I think
Come on babydetective crank open that cervix

Congratulations waiting

Congrats waiting - lovely name xx

His proper name is Tobias Railton (middle name is a tradition for men in my family) but we'll call him Toby. I believe this is very much not the done thing according to certain Mumsnet factions.

A whole manner of things went wrong from my waters going and being a funny colour to needing to be induced, having an epidural but it going wrong and going from 5cm to fully dilated in 30 mins with just a bit of gas and air (but not much as it made me sick). Oh and I had pethidine three times and gave birth on my back using stirrups. Oh and some quality tearing. Did I miss anything? No ventouse or forceps but I think that was due to last minute speed hence tearing rather than episiotomy.

We also have to stay in hospital as Toby is on antibiotics due to length of time between waters going and birth but the BF support is amazing and I'm receiving aftercare so that's good.

Silver linings and all that

Congratulations Waiting! Sounds like a marathon, well done indeed! Love the name Toby! Hope you get some sleep tonight.

I think I have made the decision - IOL on Sunday if nothing happens before.

I need to have a cut off. I'll be 43+1, and that scares me. I'll be 42+5 by my own dates.

Now, to make that contingency plan I suppose

Feel utterly deflated. I have a feeling this baby is badly malpositioned - hence the tightening for weeks but labour never establishing, and my cervix remaining unchanged. I have tried to encourage him to turn. He turns, but he turns a lot - but never quite 'right'. I am unable to work out how much of his head is in the pelvis - it has proven impossible for me to palpate myself there.

I am going to go to the unit tomorrow, I want to be scanned - I want to know what position this baby is in, and where the cord is, and the condition of the placenta. I want to be palpated by an experienced midwife to know what she feels. I need to know what is going on. I don't want to see a friggin' Registrar though!!!

I am frightened that the length of time I have been tightening is going to weaken my scar when I do actually labour.

In my heart I think this will end with another section. And I am devastated.

There. I've given it my best shot. I'm twitched now. If I didn't have a scar on my uterus - I would not be doing the above. But I have, and I have to accept that I guess.

Congratulations waiting love the name. hope you are both well. Sounds like a dramatic, if slow, labour but he is here now and you are both ok which is the main thing.

Wishing speedy arrivals to everyone else

Hi,
Just caught up, you lot have been busy chatting in the last 24 hours so it took a while! Congrats to waiting I have been thinking about you and waiting to hear news. Does your DH have 3 boys now?! wow.

Good luck to everyone, and chin up detective no one ever said childbirth was easy did they? It's all worth it though, so good luck to you.

Its not your fault detective but at the end of it you are going to have a gorgeous baby boy. This time you know what you are going into which will make all the difference.

Love both names waiting and get as much support as you can for BFing whilst you are in there.

No sleep and poorly child next to me. Lots of fun!

Waiting Congrats. Sorry to hear it was a bit of an ordeal though. And I think most people would accept an every day nn of Toby for Tobias, love it

Congratulations waiting lovely name.

detective I think the scan is a good idea and then take it from there...

I can't sleep....feel sick and still having tightenings...no idea really what's going on...is probably nought...

Sounds an ordeal waiting but Toby will be we'll worth it.

Don't know if anyone will get chance to read this before I need to know but wanting to scan for opinions.
As you know I've got my consultant appointment this morning to discuss induction at term, which I'm going to refuse until at least 41weeks anyway. However, appointment is at 9:30am which means I have to take DH to work at 6:30am to enable me to have the car.
Things seem to be progressing here though, pains are getting stronger although not yet regular and I've just had a large bloody show. I know it could still be a bit yet but I'm due on Friday and feel it will be before then.

So what I'm thinking is, is there any point going to the consultant appointment? I don't think I'm going to need the induction. And if things carry on progressing now, I'll be stuck with the car and having to drive with contractions to pick DH up from work. Where as I could send DH to work while I wait for things to progress and call him when I need him.

WWYD? Sorry for the epic post

fatima as a first timer I'm probably the lest useful to respond.

If it was me I'd go to my consultant as I'd be checked over...so he could possibly tell you if you have started labour etc also if it doesn't turn into anything you ten have to try get another consultant appointment.

Is there no way DH could come to consultant with you?

What time do you have to decide fatima? Could you give it an hr or 2 & if things are moving on, give DH the car? Personally I wouldn't want to drive with tightenings after a show, just in case they increased whilst driving...

fatima just to put my ten pence worth in, I know everyone is different but I had dd2 just after the bloody show (35 mins), never had one with dd1. Perhpas if you feel in a good place and things are progressing avoid the meetings so that you do not have any negativity in your head. If you feel they will give you any negativity that is a lovely calm environment will help labour no end, and you knowing you dh can whip home in the car might help your calmness as apposed to having to drive.

But anyway - the best of luck to you! So lovely to hear another promising sign of labour.

one of my beautiful butter-wouldnt-melt daughters just made a disgusting sounds with their rear end and I can smell poo "DH, can you come here please? Your daughter has a present for you"

DH had Monday as holiday for te unreal we went to so really can't take anymore time off until its definately labour. His job is relatively new so he doesn't qualify for paternity leave but they're letting him take 2 weeks unpaid.

That's what I'm concious of chunky if I take him to work and it cranks up I'm going to have to drive to get him with contractions. Although its only 15 minutes away.

I've got until 6:30 to decide. I've been up for 30 mins and its definitely getting more painful. Just running a bath to see if that helps.

Thanks pasties That helps, I was mainly going to the appointment for a matter of course and to say no to early induction so if I'm in early labour anyway, even if it takes a couple of days, I don't think the appointment will be of much use.
Your DD sounds lovely

glad it helps, I just think it's such a shame for detective that she has had a bunch of utter wankers to deal with, because if she hadn't maybe her labour would have ramped up a bit. I'm annoyed on her behalf. I always liketo picture a little cat who is ready to give birth and ho wthey go off and find a nice quiet spot to do it in - with no consultants or specialists who want to talk about stuff! I'm sure certain parts of the brian are used for serious conversations and you do not want to use that part of your brain when in labour as it can slow it down - you need to go into yourself more.

So sorry I scared you re the sweep Lilliana. Looking online loads of people just seem to find them uncomfortable or not bad at all. Hope yours gets things going but doesn't hurt as much.

Fatima hard to know what to do. Are you planning to give birth at ge hospital? Is your consultant nice, and sensible? I think if it was yes to both I would possibly go in and take it from there - and let dh take a taxi back if it does ramp up. But equally cancelling and chilling out at home does sound good. I would see how you feel after that bath and go with your gut. A conversation about induction does not sound very oxytocin inducing!

Detective thanks so much for that link, so useful - and fascinating. My midwife implied 42 weeks was much mire clear cut with sv rates doubling. Will ask for a reference before making any final decisions now. I really hope you get what you need from your hospital visit today. At my sweep yesterday the midwife ways she doesn't think my baby has quite been hitting the right spot - hence the very posterior cervix. I feel lucky in that I really rate our community team here.

Huge congratulations on the arrival of Toby waiting. It does sound like you had a tough time of it. Well done on getting through it. Glad you are getting great bf support as a pay off. That was also the one good thing that came out of dd1's stay in Nicu. It is worth so much I think. Good also that you can recover a bit before having to deal with the baby and every day chores at home. Hope you mend soon.

Good luck today everyone - May the births be pleasant and plentiful :-)

Fatima this does sound as if it's starting for you (from my limited knowledge). I would also say that DH could definitely get a taxi back if you start having proper contractions, surely ... you shouldn't really be driving. You don't want to be having conversations either, specially about irrelevancies. I can't see an induction will be needed at all. Phone them and explain or maybe have a brief phone conversation with the consultant? You could always book an appointment with him/her later in the week which you could then cancel if you've had the baby? People must cancel all the time (eg if they got winter vomming bug!). Crossing fingers for you. x

detective my mw also suggested taking regular paracetamol for 24 hrs to stop the niggles and let my uterus rest and recover a bit - she thought that may be enough then to help it start to get going properly. Don't know if that might help you too. I thought it worth a shot - though was still getting pains through the paracetamol last night... Gone now of course.

Bryzoan - yes, that 'doubling' of the rates thing that I was told the first time, that scared me into an induction, which led to an EMCS (IMHO), is the doubling of a very small percentage. They don't tell you that and I wish I'd asked and held out a few days.

Detective I'm so sorry, you sound defeated. Sunday is a long way away at your stage of things. I agree though that the best thing is definitely to get scanned - I've heard of this long stop-start thing happening (although you will know infinitely more than me) and it's been because the baby has been badly positioned or there's something up with where the cord is, so labour cuts out before it gets too advanced. Go and get checked out and then you can make an informed decision (and the staff will be informed about what's going on in there too). Thinking of you. x

Lilliana I had a sweep last time and it didn't hurt. The most useful thing was finding out how dilated I was actually, so I think it's worth it for that.

Right, well contractions are pretty much the same, so could be the long haul but something's definitely happening.
I've ended up taking DH to work, that was interesting as it's the first time i've driven for 3 weeks.
My original plan was to pick my sister up later and she was coming to the consultant appointment with me, we've changed plans though. BIL will be dropping DSis off at my house so if I decide to go to the appointment then she can drive me and if DH needs to come home then she can drive my car to pick him up.

Don't know whether the appointment would be useful so they can check how i'm progressing. I have no idea what consultant i'll be seeing. I'm supposedly only under midwife care but they keep sending me to the odd consultant appointment.

Sorry to hear you sounding so fed up Detective. I just wanted you to know I've found you really inspiring and while I didn't have the birth I'd have chosen I felt a degree of control at most times and fought for what I wanted/needed in part because you've been so adamant (and talked about it here) throughout your own pregnancy.

Good luck with whatever you go with today Fatima.

pasties that's so funny, that's exactly what I kept saying during my week in hospital - I just want to go off and sit in a cardboard box with blankets like a cat instead of having to discuss things with 14 different medical people every day and having things shoved up my fanjo.

Good luck Detective, we will all be hoping your baby makes an appearance before Sunday.

Fingers xed for everyone else too, hope all progresses well and smoothly.

fatima I was just popping on to say maybe someone could drive you to your appointment, that way you dont miss it but dont have to drive, and also you will have someone to hold you hand etc good luck with it!

waiting I agree with you, knowledge is power!

My friend had her baby yesterday, she was 40 + 6 and had a boy very pleased for her.

Don't worry Bryzoan I'd rather be prepared and then if it's ok that's a bonus

Congratulations Waiting look after yourself and enjoy the quiet time with Toby.

Fatima it sounds like you have things sorted, hope this is it for you.

Detective I think a scan sounds like a good plan, at least you will know more about what is happening and can make an informed decision.

fatima remember I had that show on the Monday and bizarre stroppy story contractions till the middle of the night on the Wednesday before they ramped up. I assumed this was the latent phase, which lasted about that long with DD2 as well. dH made me use the time to put my feet up and have some quiet chill out time, which I did, and I am glad I did. Treat yourself a bit, it sounds like that is where you are at.

detective my heart goes out to you, you must be so fed up. Big Hugs. Xxx

pikz am I right in thinking your were the other one destined for Frimley Park? If so they were great, really supportive and open to what I wanted to do on labour ward and on the postnatal ward the staff spent hours with me trying to sort out breast feeding without making me feel like I was being burdensome. I was really impressed.

Congratulations on the birth of Toby Fatima. I prefer the full Tobias nicknamed Toby as well but DH wouldn't buy it way back when DS2 was born. We may call the puppy Toby when we get him next year instead but there are a couple of the kids' friends called Toby so that may not be a good move.

I have just had the midwife round and she's not too happy with the way my section is healing. I was too afraid to look at it so have just been assuming everything was fine.

Doh Waiting not Fatima. Silly me.

If it's any consolation I keep calling my brand new son Dylan (that's DS2) instead of James <hangs head in shame>. We all seem to be switching to Jim now instead of James. I wonder what will stick.

I'm so angry and upset with my dad (and that's nothing compared to what dp is feeling). I've had him on the phone 3 times since last night basically telling me I'm a huge disappointment to his whole family because I'm not going to his dad's funeral tomorrow. It's 4 hours away (I can't even drive to tescos just now) and I didn't even know the man. I saw him a handful of times as a child and not once since I was 10. Grrrr. Why is my dad being such a prat about this?!?! Or am I being the selfish unreasonable one - he has just lost his dad

On the plus side I got lots of sleep from about 5am to 11am. My sleep pattern's fecked but that's the most I've had for weeks!

Fatima did you go to your appointment? Sounds like you found a good solution with your sister. I've got a similar (not really) dilemna on Friday whereby I've pencilled a tutoring client in for the afternoon. It would mean I need to take dp to work for 6.30am and he'd be stuck there should anything kick off. Of course this is all irrelevant if my back's still as painful...

Wow me me me post. Hope everyone's having a good bumpy tummy day today

Detective I hope you're feeling a bit more positive today. We had hoped for a normal delivery this time round and it all seemed reasonable given that DS2 was a successful VBAC. Over the course of the labour and post-delivery certain information came to light which strongly suggest a CS was inevitable for me. First baby was LOT with his head firmly wedged at right angles to the correct orientation to enter the pelvis. Second, baby's weight at birth was well below expected suggesting some insufficiency of the placenta (this was suspected with DS2 as well). Thirdly, the placenta started coming away either before or in early labour. Fourthly, there was some deformity of the lower uterine segment. Finally, baby's heartrate showed decelerations after very mild contractions. Add that to the meconium in the waters on delivery and it very much looks like the CS was the absolute best thing to do.

My point is, none of this was apparent beforehand. We made our plans for another VBAC and it turned out very differently. But ultimately our baby was delivered safely and that's what matters most. I really hope you get your homebirth as planned. Please don't prejudge yourself a failure before you've even got there.

Detective your determination is so inspirational. I'm sure whatever happens you will cope amazingly and all this stress will be forgotten as soon as you have your gorgeous little boy xxxx

Quick question: how soon did/do people go back to work? With my current MA situation and the loss of 2 big clients last year I'm considering my options. Stupidly I had a quick scout on s1 jobs today and an (almost too) ideal position has come up locally. 2 and a half days a week, decentish pay and I'm probably over more than qualified for it. It would also stand me in much better stead if/when I do my postgrad. Problem is, starting date would be beginning of February. From a childcare point of view DP is at home 2 weeks out of every 3 and my mum is more than willing to help out. Is it madness even considering applying for a job that would mean leaving my baby so soon? Financially we can manage without my income, but it will be a struggle and this would open up so many options in the long run...

Hi MM sorry about your dad, particularly when he said it was fine not going to the funeral before. Does he need to be reminded of what he said? He's probably not thinking straight. And others will point out that you'd be in no fit state to attend.

I would apply for that job and then deal with it if you get it! It's so hard to find part time work, you're not going to get many opportunities like this.

sophia it was me...good to hear they we're fab. Makes me feel good about going there....if I ever go into labour.

Had midwife this morning, going to see consultant on Friday to talk inductions due to size of baby (v.large) and size of me, mainly due to huge size of DP. Now crossing everything baby which is giving me such strong Brixton hicks might turn up before then I won't have to worry.

Girl who had the last due date in our NCT group waters went his morning....feel like I'm going be the only one without a baby til Dec

Sorry feeling rather sorry for myself right now.

Long time November lurker here! Just popping in to say that Charlotte Esmé was born this morning at 6.58, speed birth only 20mins after getting to hospital, phew! She's gorgeous

Hope you get some good news today Detective

Waiting Congratulations on your little bundle

Fatima Fingers crossed for a Wednesday baby

I want to type a coherent reply - but I can't. I am in pain.

Crampy pain.

From another sweep.

But this hurts.

And I'm on my own. Supposed to be picking DS up from school. Bollocks.

Have appt for tomorrow, can be induced if chose too.

Am supposed to be packing bags and writing contingency plan right now.

I am rolling on the ball with my arse stuck in the air, laptop precariously balanced on edge of sofa...

Baby LOA on examination. Forgot to say. Position perfect. She felt the suture lines on VE. Cervix was 2-3cm, she said no change really from other day - she examined me on Fri - but was 1-2cm then. So gawd knows.

<Goes in search of up the bum paracetomol>

Yay! I have a good feeling about this detective !

Pain is your friend, especially the 'fuck, my pelvis is going to shatter' kind Fingers crossed x

good luck detective this could finally be it. Can you get someone else to pick up DS so it doesn't disrupt your flow?
When I had the on off 6 day thing with DD I was 1-2 cm all week, on the 6th day I was in hospital for a scan and was told I was 3 cm and baby in a better position and finally got contractions close enough together later that evening to go in and have my baby.

and just remember... cats are twats!

congrats spinity I want a labour like yours!

Congrats spinity - I second mrswee with wanting a labour like that!

Thanks georgee - I think I might just apply and see what comes of it. If (very big if) I did get it, the short term negatives would be more than made up for with the long term advantages. I think. My dad's being a twat to my sister as well (who is going to the funeral). We've decided it's just his coping mechanism.

Oooooo very good luck detective.
Xx

Getting leg clampy. DP on way with MIL for DS - they were shopping in another town for her birthday present. It's her birthday today. Maybe she will finally get a grandchild?! Who knows!!

Detective it sounds positive, have a great image of you in my head! FX for you.

Congratulations Spinity sounds like a good labour.

MM I would at least apply for the job and see what happens. Sorry to hear about your dad but at least it's not only you he's taking it out on - it does sound like it's his way of dealing with things.

Had my sweep which wasn't too painful but apart from some blood doesn't seem to have done anything. MW said I wasn't exactly favourable but she could get a finger in to do the sweep and it wasn't unfavourable! Guess we will have to wait and see...

Go detective!

Good luck detective!!!!

MM it sounds as though your Dad is being a total arse - folks act irrationally when grieving. He'll be more balanced with hindsight. There is NO WAY you should be heading off into the wilds for a funeral of someone who was absent from your life so close to your due date.

I'm still so in love with Jonas. Thought the 'wowowowowow' glow would have worn off by now - but no, he's snoozing next to me and I can't help but kiss him and smile.

MM I'd apply for the job but see how you feel if they offer it to you - after the birth you might find you feel differently (though between your Ma and T it sounds like you have child care covered) I have to say with my current lovedupness for the wee man - wild horses couldn't drag me away from him and that's not something I was expecting.

Good luck detective :-)

MM i would definitely apply. You might even be able to negotiate a later start date if you get it. As someone who lost their job recently i can confirm that "proper" part time job are like hens teeth!

Hurrah detective, crossing fingers this is it! At least you've had that reassurance on the positioning. That's great news. You're all set!

YW I look at DD daily and am amazed by her and filled with love. And she's almost 2 and a half. I think this feeling is how you feel as a mother! It's lovely to witness it happening to someone else. It was a big surprise to me too (I wasn't sure what to expect but I never expected the strength of feeling. People tell you about it but you need to experience it for yourself to believe them fully).

Go Detective get that cervix opened . <Starts a Mexican wave for miniDetective>

Congratulations to Spinity sounds like they barely had time to get you to a bed!

I would say to go for it MM. There is a tendency to want to maximise your maternity leave but I have found that as my children get older then parenting becomes even more rewarding for you and important to them. You won't be missing out on a couple of days a week when your baby is three months old so much as investing in financial and job security to put your family in a better position long term. And that will give you greater flexibility. You seem to have a very wise head on young shoulders so I'm sure you will make the best decision for your family. I admire you having your career so well in hand. At your age I was working in a clothes shop at minimum wage, completely unable to utilise my degree. So I think you should capitalise on such an excellent start to your working life.

Fingers crossed that this is it for you detective

So at 40+2 I discovered my first haemorrhoid this morning! NEVER had them before, what do I do? It's not particularly uncomfortable, just a little bit itchy. Does it need to be treated with anything or can I just leave it to disappear on its own? <hopes>

Detective good luck!!!

Mm what stunt said!! Apply you can always say no if you do get it! At least you have the choice!

Lucky you miss! I also have my very first pile. I ended up buying germiloids cream for mine as pooing was difficult. You could just leave it alone if it doesn't hurt and isn't preventing you from pooing.

detective I have everything including my haemorrhoids crossed that you go soon seeing as all appears in order. More cats on treadmills? Cats being wrapped in Christmas paper?

MM your dad does sound as if he is projecting his shock onto you. There is no question that you are right not to go. He will get over it.

I can't remember what else has been going on. Sorry for missing people out. We have been run ragged last night and today. Fingers crossed everyone gets to be run ragged soon!!

Thanks folks! I think I'm one of those people who suck at carrying babies but are very good at expelling them! Charlotte was nearly born in my trousers :-0 poor poppet, she seemed almost as shocked as me!

I'm beginning to think I have been a very bad person in a past life....

I can not BELIEVE that it has all stopped AFUCKINGAIN.

By the time 7pm came around, it just slowed to pretty much nowt.

So there we are. I've given up. I frightened myself this morning, when I woke up the baby wasn't active - nothing unusual, but I do normally get something if I eat/drink. So got home from school run, and tried all the usual tricks, practically swinging my belly around trying to get so much as a nudge. But got nothing at all. I went in to the unit and was monitored, initially the trace had slightly reduced variability, but with in 10 minutes, improved and the kicks started. Thank fuck. But by then it was about 1145, and I'd been up 4 hours, and 4 hours of thinking the worst, is NOT good. Anyway, everything was absolutely fine, so we went for one last ditch attempt with the sweep.

I am going to ask for IOL tomorrow. I was so worried this morning. I don't want to push my luck now. There is no reason that can be found right now for things not happening - but something is telling me that there is a reason. And I will find out in due course.

I've packed the bags pretty much now. Just some last minute things to put in in the morning. Pretty depressed, but so looking forward to meeting my baby! Going to think positive!

I've got some decisions to make ahead of tomorrow, so I need to have a good think for the rest of the evening.

I have sorted for my mum to have DS tomorrow night, but completely forgot about the dog - I seriously haven't put any thought in to things not going my way!! Think I will have to knock at the neighbours in the morning and ask them to let her out tomorrow night, and the following morning. DP can come home, as we are only 10 mins away, but just in case...!

Thank you for all your support ladies - it means a helluva lot to me soppy cow. Will attempt to catch up on thread....

BTW - where is Fatima... hmmm?! They don't call me The Detective for nowt....

I'm here, just reading today's post and constructing my own

Posts not post, only post I got was my credit card statement

Good luck Detective, hope things go smoothly after induction, you deserve some good luck. Not long before you'll have your baby boy in your arms.

Waves at Fatima!

Detective So sorry things have stopped again you've done so well sticking it out, I don't blame you for going for induction esp with all the stop-starting. Stubborn detectivebaby

Well, my appointment was pretty pointless. Don't need to go back again, just seeing my midwife at 41weeks. They didn't even offer me a sweep.

Saw a different registrar again, he asked why I was there so I explained about IOL at 40weeks but how I didn't agree to it. Also mentioned the pains I'd been having and that I thought I was starting early labour.
Now being a first timer I fully accepted that the latent phase can be v long.
He dismissed it and said "oh no your not in labour" "you wouldn't be able to get through the contractions" "it's just Braxton hiks" blah blah. I hadn't said I though I was in active labour, just the start of something so i'd hopefully be avoiding IOL anyway.

He also said my cervix was still long and hard, how he knows that without going near my fanny I don't know.
The doctor felt the baby, followed by him. He said to her that I was only 1/5 engaged which I don't really believe, MW recorded me as more weeks ago and the pressures been greater since then. He then wrote on my notes that I'm 5/5th palpable?!!

He seemed a bit disinterested and just wanted to get me in and out. So then after the appointment the pains and 'contractions' stopped

I've had more show this afternoon and then this evening the pains and contractions have returned. In fact just had my first one that I've had to stop and breathe through. So still hopeful although think it might be another day or two

Sorry for the epic boring post

(Sob!) All the best detective. No-one can say you haven't done all you possibly can to evict this baby in the way you planned. I agree that you will probably find out why this is happening later. My unwanted (bullied into by medics) induction and subsequent EMCS led to my DD having the same birthday as the DD of the girl who I met in antenatal class who's now my best mum friend. The coincidence of the shared birthday has acted as a proper bond between us. It wasn't the birth I wanted but it's made me a lifelong friend (I'm godmum to her second, etc etc). The important thing that you'll be meeting your little boy SOON! Will be rooting for you. x

So sorry that you've had to make this decision detective but you will be holding your little baby soon.

fatima not surprised the pains stopped after feeling so dismissed. Fc things are getting properly going.

Am in growth spurt hell. That is all.

Argh Fatima! Just, argh!! So sorry about that oxytocin-stopper of an appointment. What has he got x-ray vision that he can tell this about your cervix without examining you?!

Honestly, why don't they listen?!

Well. Let's hope these contractions tonight come to something. Will be rooting for you too. x

All the very best detective - you will do amazingly no matter what xxxxx

Is anyone watching OBEM what happens next on more4? It's a programme catching up with all the mums and babies x-years on. Absolute sob fest!

Oh and on a self indulgent ranty note, dp is being an absolute twunt tonight. The absolute clincher: "none of my exes ever messed up cutting my hair this badly, it's not even difficult". Prat. I told him I didn't want to do it. He can sleep in the garage tonight for all I care.

mm tell him to do it himself or get himself to Shamir dressers

Shamir dressers?! A hairdressers!

I said last time i was never doing it again. This time I'm serious! I don't even cut the dog's hair!!

Oh detective I am sorry but fingers crossed you get to meet baby very soon.

fatima I'm sorry it was a waste of time after all that.

Right now I'm just wishing anything would start...I don't want induction and I don't want a huge baby...I really hope he's out by sat.

Sorry to hear things have got to this point Detective. As others have said you have inspired lots of us to be assertive about our choices and you deserve to have things your own way, but ultimately you always said you would go for the IOL if you were concerned about your baby's safety so if that is now starting to be the case, you are still making a positive choice. I am still sad I didn't get anything like the birth I hoped for but in the end the CS was the right thing for my baby and me. If I am going for a VBAC in future I want you in my corner!

Err MM he deserves a swift kick in the nuts actually. I am sorry he is being such an arsehole. Make sure you get a bed to yourself tonight and an apology!

detective you probably won't see this until after the event but i wanted you to know that the postgrad thread is preparing the bunting for your arrival. You have fought really hard for the birth you wanted but I am sure meeting your LO will make every second of it worth while.

fatima if only you had known you had an amazing see-through cervix you could have relaxed! He sounds like a tosser.

georgee that is a lovely story.

Snap chunky.

detective you're a bloody star and an inspiration lady! Good luck and I hope to see you and baby D on the other side very soon.

Just managed 50 minutes dozing in bed broken by contractions but had to get up. Going for another hot bath then going to crank the tens machine up and see if I can snooze with that on.
The contractions in bed were really hurting in my bum and making me want to poo, been to the loo but no joy. Paranoid that I'll push a head out while trying to poo even though I'm not dilated

Going to be a long night

fatima that sounds like things are going in the right direction for you! Feeling like you need a poo is exactly the right way to be feeling! yey for you!!

I'm tired and I really want to sleep but they're too painful and often to sleep Don't really know what to do with myself?
I suppose I could try sleep in 5 minute bursts bent over my ball

paracetamol?

Ah 4am, ace

fatima good luck. What about a bath?

Paracetamol and bath time then going to try get as active as possible. Hard when all I want to do is curl up but then the contractions hurt like a bitch when laid in bed.
Going to send DH to work and ring when they're closer together, what sort of timing do you think it'd be good to have him home from if you've done this before? Also, when do I ring the birth centre?

When I woke today I felt really positive and upbeat and now I know: detective is going to meet her baby today!! Also it could have been the great nights sleep and the fact that both children stayed in their beds but I thinkl not.

Really excited about fatima too. Was really hoping you wouldn't be forced into an induction, I hope I don't offend anyone here but I really hate consultants/registrars. They are a waste of space. Go girls!!

Another day of ignoring well wishers today. I am not usually this much of a cow. Honest..

When I woke today I felt really positive and upbeat and now I know: detective is going to meet her baby today!! Also it could have been the great nights sleep and the fact that both children stayed in their beds but I thinkl not.

Really excited about fatima too. Was really hoping you wouldn't be forced into an induction, I hope I don't offend anyone here but I really hate consultants/registrars. They are a waste of space. Go girls!!

Another day of ignoring well wishers today. I am not usually this much of a cow. Honest..

fatimai would phone now and get yourself on their radar. I would want DH around from 8mins I think, as you don't really know how quick or slow you might go! They will tell you when they want you if you give them a shout.

Good luck.

Xx

Fatima I called the birth centre after 5 hours and contractions were about 5 minutes apart lasting one minute. I called them back two hours later when they were two to three minutes apart, lasting about a minute and half but most importantly I couldn't talk through them. I just knew when I needed to go in. I couldn't be at home anymore.

It'll make sense when you get to that point. The timings (as you've seen on here!!) vary massively!! Good luck!!

Good luck to detective!!

Everyone else has said what I want to say already detective. I think you should be so proud of the way you have handled your decision making for you and your baby. You really have been (and continue to be) an inspiration and I bet you are an awesome midwife. Hope you have a great birth - my heart feels really warm that those cuddles will soon be here for you.

Fatima woweeee! Hope everything goes beautifully. Lovely to have everything moving after yesterday. Perhaps you should call the consultant for an update on the state of your cervix? If you could ask him about mine while you're at it that would be great. Remember those contractions are doing great work... And get dh back when you feel you want him there.

Brockle ignoring well wishers here too - couldn't pick up the phone yesterday. Mil had dd and my midwife was on call so I thought it would be a great day to have the baby. Was shattered though so rested till 3. Then went for a walk and had a couple of belters - but back to the usual niggles by 5.30. On the plus side it was enough to get dh cooking the dinner and picking up dd and putting her to bed so I had a whole day off - lovely.

Hey ho - baby vibes to all those that need them, and may those having snuggles on the other side have happy days with lots of rest and easy feeding in them!

Good luck fatima and detective :-)

Fatima - my paranoia about baby's head and pooing was the other way round

horsey is right - you will just know when you need to go in. They tried to tell me i didn't need to go in yet and that they would probably send me home, i ignored them and only just got to the hospital in time !

fatima good luck.

Good luck Detective and Fatima, i wish it was me. I feel very down and a bit teary today, not sure why, i'm not even due until 28th.

I thought something was happening yesterday, I woke up having a contraction and then had painless braxton hicks all day. Now nothing!

Good luck to everyone else who is still waiting.

Well they've been about 8 minutes apart for quite a while now, also had a clear out (sorry TMI) and been sick so beginning to feel a bit crappy.
Think i'm going to sit on my ball for 30 mins then ring the birth centre and ring DH to come and keep me company

Sorry forgot to say thanks for all the well wishes and good luck. Bryzoan Your post made me laugh

Fingers crossed everything goes ok today Detective

brockle I am refusing to answer anyone unless its DP or my mum. I just can't take it anymore.

Big hugs to everyone who is very fed up like me.

Big hugs back pikz . Same boat as you! My MIL thinks its nice to send funny messages. Todays was "are you having your chimney swept today?" . Yes looking forward to the sweep thank you!

Sounds like things are def starting for you fatima I had a big "clearout" before DS2.

Ah brockle got to love MIL. Mine is posting everything on Facebook for me...suppose it means at least I don't have to update everyone...but I don't really want people knowing all this stuff.

If I ever go into labour I have banned DP from telling her til he's born or the world and his mother will know...grrrr

oh, putting stuff on facebook, do they not understand its not their place to tell all sundry?!!

Thinking of you today Detective hope it goes well and you are having newborn snuggles soon xx

Fatima sounds good, hope things carry on progressing.

Had the sweep yesterday and DTD last night despite DH being ill but nothing - bit of blood is all I have to show for all the effort. I can see I'm going to end up being induced

Detective The very best of luck, massive ((hugs)).

Fatima Sounds like my labour, I didn't know if it was pootractions or contractions until I got a cracking contraction. I did managed to squeeze out a few rabbit droppings though and one in the birthing pool that the midwife swiftly scooped up and hid from my sight

My sister put the birth on fb before hubby had finished ringing people. My SIL saw it on there first, I was fuming . But she's 22 and it's what they do at that age I suppose so I didn't say anything I'm an old fucker.

arrrgh the heart burn. I can't take it anymore! I can't eat breakfast without feeling awful an hour later.. luckily DH has taken DD to soft play becuase I've been dealing with her every morning feeling like this.
Had to sit down in tesco yesterday for ages cause I was feeling like this and that I might pass out and she was shouting at me, hurry up mummy, you are NOT my best friend anymore!! (thanks to a certain episode of peppa pig)

toomanydicksonthedancefloor I know exactly how you feel, I'm due on the 27th and have been feeling like that all week plus every day I have had an arrangement to meet up with friends for a coffee and everyday it's been cancelled which has not helped my mood and made me more teary, negative and annoyed.

proper stinker of a day out there today! hope no one is flooded!

good luck detective

Does Gaviscon not do anything for you? It was my saviour and stopped heartburn and acid almost instantly.

shelly it takes a while to work and along with this heartburn feeling I get too hot and feel all wobbly and sometimes like I might pass out. it helps to cool down and have a seat or lay down for a while as well as taking gaviscon. I've mentioned it to the midwife but they say it's just pregnancy.

My DH's Aunt and cousin both wrote on my fb wall to say congratulations on the birth of your son before we'd sent a birth announcement to our friends etc - we'd kept the sex a surprise so it was really annoying and I started getting all these messages from people saying, oh have you had it?

And they are a lot older than 22! I just can't understand the mentality, if I'd been told some news like that I'd at least check if the person had written about it on their own wall first. Mind you his family have previous for that sort of thing as when his Grandad died, several of them started writing RIP statuses straight away without thinking that some people (including DH's sister) might not yet have been informed. Bloody idiots.

Stinker of a day here too. We should start a club. Was all set to get things moving last night (good walk, bath, DTD) but got back from my walk and promptly got an awful migraine so just had to go to bed. Was awake half the night with pains in my bum but nothing happened when I went to the loo. Woke up in a foul mood with dull headache. So fed up of having to just keep on going and keeping everything sorted just in case. Have had to cancel my hair appt as we have been so busy with work my bus partner can't do it on her own. It's a good thing obviously but just means i look like poo a while longer. HB only had 8 days holiday since last Christmas and we are really hanging in there for a break. Not long now though!

mrswee I feel like that too a lot at the moment. Not heartburn related but think is low BP? Could that be yours too?

Fatima and detective wishing you all the very best of luck today x

Best wishes to detective & fatima!

Just ventured out to shops. Felt I was getting sympathetic looks from shop assistants. Caught sight of myself when I got in, am wearing bright blue baggy trackie bottoms tucked into biker boots, black top too short to cover bump so orange vest hanging out underneath, bright pink and grey striped hoody, and hair best described as 'dragged thru hedge'. Ha! Imagine that waddling towards you, no wonder. Never mind, I bought a few post-baby clothes to make up for it. And chocolates.

mrswee, we are EDD buddies, race you?! It's so hard with a toddler, isn't it? DS frequently gives me 'I don't want my mummy ANYMORE'. But forgive him when we cuddle up on sofa together (inevitably in front of Peppa too). Hope you feel better after a bit of rest.

Can I join the crap day club too? My mum's friend has invited herself round for the afternoon to babysit me 'keep me company' as DP had to go back to work today. Yesterday was his last day of shore leave before we have our baby - although we're very lucky he'll get 2 weeks paternity leave straight away which, if junior's born on time or earlier, will tie up nicely with his next batch of shore leave and then christmas hols, so I can't complain - but all we did yesterday was argue . Admitably I was being a really stroppy cow and shouldn't have taken it out on him but I'm pregnant, surely that means I'm allowed to act like a twat sometimes?!

My back is even more sore today (if that's possible) and the house has 'post-man-being-at-home' mess that I can't do anything about. Really hope this IS the start of something. I just want my baby now!

My MIL announced we were pregnant on facebook the day before our 12 week scan. On my fucking wall. I was furious. We'd specifically only told our parents and I didn't want it to be 'public' until I'd finished my last couple of weeks of uni. I think I've dealt with her daily phonecalls asking if it's going to happen today: "You will be the first to know, after my mum". They've since been reduced to a text to dp...

Everything crossed we hear of lovely detective and fatima baby news before bedtime - all the very best to you both lovelies! xxx

My sister puts everything on FB. Incredibly embarassing as her mood swings are legendary and I often have people asking how she is because she is happy one minute and distraught the next. Its a given that she will announce it first.

Sweep today with a bishops score of 5 so average I think. Induction booked for 30th but hoping I won't need it. I have to call hospital ward tomorrow to pick up aromatherapy oils that apparently help a sweep to do its work. Odd but ok! MW had to stop the sweep as she was afraid she was going to burst my waters. I would not have minded but apparently she was concerned about the carpet!

Silly question, but how do you know if your waters are leaking? I've had a lot of extra clear watery discharge today (tmi), not enough to soak through a liner but enough to make it quite wet. I have a cold so can't smell if it's just wee or not . My back ache is making me paranoid! Any advice?

Waters tend to smell sweet. Pop a pad on and see if you get anymore. Your normal discharge can be clear jelly like or thin and milky so it may just be that. Hop onto the postnatal thread and you will prob get a better answer!

Right of to local supermarket for the old ladies on the checkout to inform me of how massive I am and feign horror when I tell them I'm overdue. Awesome.

Glad the Facebook hating thing isn't just me.

Just a quick update - I've got my own way with the management of the induction. I'm having my waters broken, then waiting 24 hours for labour, as you would if they had gone themselves. Totally against standard management but since I told the Consultant it's that or I decline induction again... What choice do they have ;)

Just hope it gets labour going. If not then I'll have a prostin pessary. Again not normal to do that way round, it is ARM then synto drip. But I don't want the synto. If I have synto I will have to be sensible go on the CTG. I cant go in the pool. So I'm doing it all backwards. I don't want the prostin first because that increases risks of scar rupture/fetal distress also. So ARM makes sense to me...

Now, bastard cervix, do your sodding job. Or I'll be a very pissed off Detective. Just know this is all gonna go tits up and I'll end up with the works.

I'll put my amended contingency plan on fb once home if anyone wants a laugh.

Good luck Fatima well jell I want a spontaneous labour!!!

MM it can be hard to tell if it's waters when it is a slow leak. I'd swear mine had gone about 60 times over but because ice ha regular sweeps and they have been felt intact, I know it's just a combo of sweat piss and discharge. Yum . Just keep an eye, go and be seen if the pads are damp. Try lying on your side for an hour then stand and see what comes out

MM If it's your waters I think it is likely to continue so stick a pad on and see what happens. I've had mine go in a whoosh and just a trickle (think leaky tap). I've had a lot of wetness the last week or so but pretty sure it is just discharge. Lovely this pregnancy lark!

Good luck detectove, glad yr still holding yr own!

Just done a load of crimbo (and me!) shopping online, some good discount codes if anyone interested, MTG22 gets 15% off plus free delivery at jojo maman bebe, just ordered 3 nursing tops. And my current fave shop for pretty things, Oliver Bonas, Mhoula20 gets 20% off. Trying to get all my pressies with that one but really want to buy things for me!!

Thanks Dixie!

Think I'll get round to ordering the last baby item from Jojo now! Wanted the jungle lantern light, it's MIL's present to us but she said to order it and she will give us the money back. I keep forgetting though! I'll use the discount! Since I'm sat here twiddling my thumbs now! Have to wait for labour ward! Sent DP back home to feed dog and let her out and get me a subway.

I've got the major wobbles I really don't want to do this. Not this way. I still don't get why my body has decided to be a human incubator for all eternity.

If you labour first time round, it is unusual to need IOL 2nd time round if your dates are right! And if you give it as long as I have....!!!

DP has driven off to work with my notes in the car - AGAIN!!!! The last thing I said to him was leave them on the coffee table, grr.

Thanks for the advice. I'll keep an eye on it and if I'm still worried when he gets home about 7ish will phone. My back pain has really ramped up in the last couple of hours, to the point where I can't even stand up without wanting to cry . I really really hope this is things starting <prepares for disappointment> Surely if it was labour though it wouldn't be constant and/or I'd be having some form of contractions as well (I'm crap at this...)

Hang on in there Detective, you are so near to holding your little bundle.

MM I had very watery discharge for about 5 days before I had Tommy, it was cloudy and very watery, but not my waters. As everyone has said, stick a pad on and see what happens.

X-post. Your DP needs a good slap MM Is he 2?

Sometimes I do wonder shelly - I'm going to have to start leaving him post-it note instructions again...

Do you know what is causing the back pain MM? Is your placenta at the back or is the baby lying back to back? Or have you injured your back somehow? Have you tried putting a hot water bottle on it? I was having back pain in labour and a hot water bottle was the only thing that helped.

I have an anterior placenta stunt so it's not that. Baby could be back-to-back, how do you know? My mum's electric heatpad helped on Tuesday but no amount of heat is helping today. I'm reluctant to take paracetamol as I'm paranoid masking the pain will just cause me to do something stupid and cause more damage. It started on Saturday when I bent down to pick something up and has been niggling since then, but the past couple of days (especially today) it has really ramped up to the unbearable point. I might brave the stairs again and try soaking in a warm bath.

Gosh I sound like such a moaner today. How the hell am I going to cope with labour? I'm such a wimp

Good luck detective

When i went to +20 with my first, labour kicked in really quickly after they broke my waters. No pessary and no synto drip required. They would have let me get in the pool if it had been free. Until they hooked me up to the monitoring anyway and thought he was in distress (he came in 5 hours naturally - just a bit of stress about his heartbeat) i think he was fine in fact, they just got themselves in a tizz.

That was meant to reassure! I don't think the monitoring was useful, they kept picking up my heartbeat!

MM I was soaking a pad through in 10 mins or less when my waters broke so v different to you - but everyone is different and not everyone's waters go like a tidal wave like mine did . Have you called the MW? She'd be happy at this stage in your pregnancy to advise you hon.

As for the post it notes - when junior has clingy days (like today - another growth spurt) I can barely get lunch for myself let alone leave detailed instructions for Ads. Give him a kick up the ass?

As for the back ache, I had a back to back labour and the pain was very much surging back ache - pain in waves rather than constant dull pain. BUT and here's the kicker it never disappeared entirely between contractions - in a labour where the baby isn't malpositioned you should get some pain free respite in between - I didn't. Boo hiss. I don't know if that's helped or not? Did you need to have a scan in the end to figure out if the LO is breech or have they managed to palpatate you?

I didn't know that YW. For what labour I had there was constant pain in between contractions. So was that because he was transverse then?

Nope didn't need a scan in the end. Apparently after my stomach muscles tore palpating became slightly easier. ROL last Tuesday...

Hope labour kicks in once your waters have been broken Detective
I wouldn't be jealous of my spontaneous labour though, I want my waters to break or something, anything! I'm stuck at every 8 minutes, need it to progress towards every 4/5mins before going in. I'm getting the odd contraction that slips in the middle of the 8 minutes one but it's shorter and not as strong.
Worried that when I do get to hospital i'll only be 1cm.

Any tips to get it moving on quicker? I'm guessing just moving about?

Fatima walking uphill is the recommended method, to jockey baby into bouncing up and down on your cervix I assume.

Yep stunt I bet that's why - so any ladies who haven't yet laboured - if you get pain in between contractions - tell your MW it is the best indicator of a malpositioned baby.

Yup - what yw said. I had pain between contractions. Hot water helped and gas and air but it was horrifically painful!!

I've only just found out it was an indicator he was stuck, along with the horrendous pain when pushing. As I was pushing him against myself. If there's a next time. I'll know!!

On your ball fatima! Or standing up rocking from to side.

Thinking of you detective

I got what I called 'aftershocks' with both my labours. There would be 1 long, strong contraction, a pause then a shorter slightly less intense contraction. Mostly the strong ones were regularly spaced, but the aftershocks messed up the timings a bit!!

I was on my ball but it was giving me what felt like constant contractions from the pressure on my cervix. Although, is that a good thing? It hurt though.

Contractions are now varying between 6 and 9 minutes apart. Definitely stronger though.

I had a big contraction earlier and my nipples leaked

Contacting straight after waters broken. Please let this work!

Go go go detective !!

Would I be assumed neurotic if I phoned the assessment unit about my back pain? I can barely walk now... The watery discharge seems to have slowed down since my bath but that could mean anything couldn't it? Is it worth phoning and mentioning that too? Sorry I'm so crap at this!

I'd give them a ring MM even if just to make yourself feel better.

Got tea in the oven and then i'm really hoping these contractions ramp it up a bit, although it seems odd wanting them to get worse. i bet i'll regret saying that soon. But surely I can't carry on contracting every 8 minutes forever.

Just watched the scene on Emmerdale that I watched being filmed

C´mon minidetective!

Good luck detective!

mm I'd phone them back pain that strong should be checked.

Not many babies left now then, hope to see you all over on post natal soon!

Oww! Really don't know what to do. Getting so much more painful but still at 8 mins, well I get a few 5 mins apart then they go back to 8.
Don't want to ring if they just think I need to carry on waiting. Also worried about going in and only being 1cm. I could cry.
Think I might try rest

Come on detective and fatima

Had massive meltdown on phone to mum. Am finding this overdue thing stupidly hard for no real good reason. Feel like each morning I'm a disappointment to everyone as I'm still here

jenbird, interesting you should say that. my blood pressure is always on the low side and my midwife did say it was a possibility that was what was making me feel ill. better than high blood pressure I guess.

Brockle you must tell us what oils they give you so we can all have a go! I'm asking for a sweep on monday which is my 40 week appointment.. I'll be 39+6 so I hope she agrees.

pikz it's just rubbish being ove due. I was going out of my mind the last time because I'd focused so long on the date. This time I am asuming my baby won't be on time.

go detective
why don't they do all inductions that way, it seems much more sensible and natural way of getting things going!

oh and sorry didn't mean to miss you out fatima hope this is your night!

C´mon minifatima
(sorry I didn`t say it before, didn`t quite realise that it was all kicking off!)

fatima if you can't cope with the pain, you need to go in & be assessed. However, if you can still just cope, try to stop clock watching - get DH to time them or use an app and don't look at the gaps, and then get in the bath. I got all the way to 9cm with my DD just in the bath...

Ok mlu said if pain becomes unbearable which it is to come in for drugs which I don't want . They didn't seem concerned about discharge so I'm just going to wear a maternity pad over night and assess it for myself in the morning. I'm 90% sure I'm just being paranoid about the latter.

All the best fatima - live birth thread maybe??

Good luck detective and fatima!!

Oh, it's exciting today!

Best of luck fatima. I really hope that things move along for you soon.

Go go go go go go baby detective! Oh gosh I hope I wake up tomorrow with news of a baby detective!

MM it sounds like you are in a lot of pain - are you sure drugs wouldn't be a good idea? I do understand your reasoning but maybe taking things very easy and getting some relief would be a good idea. You need to make sure you are completely rested and feeling in good shape for when you go in to labour. Whatever you do I hope you get some rest soon.

I am really sympathetic for those overdue. I only went a few days and even then I had an induction date to work towards. The constant 'any niggles?' Texts and calls were already getting me down. Whenever there are times I wish I had been left to go into spontaneous labour I think of you guys being left waiting and I feel happy to be on the other side. It'll be a happy day when we are all on the graduate thread.

Rang the MLU and they said again I need to wait til they're every fiver mites. They've been about every 6 minutes since then for the last 1-2 hours so going to give it another hour. I'll prob just say five minutes even though strictly that's not true at the moment. Would like to know where I'm at though.

Thanks for all the good lucks etc, nice to know you're will babyfatima along

How exciting fatima! Good idea about telling them 5 mins. It could shift from 6 to 5 in the time it takes you to get there anyway.

Good luck.

Bugger fatima - I'd be tempted to lie. The worst they can do is send you home right? Are you close to the hospital?

Pass I'd rather avoid drugs at all costs but have taken some paracetamol up to bed with me just in case I change my mind in the middle of the night. I doubt it will make any difference though and I really don't want anything stronger just yet. My mum's coming over tomorrow morning armed with an electric heat pad and a tens machine - she injured her back as a nurse so is quite sympathetic!

On a slightly different note, inlaws have taken the hint about how fecking unhelpful their daily phonecalls and messages demanding updates are and have taken to bombarding dh with it instead. Today, sil phoned him asking which weekend can she visit the baby, next weekend or the following one. He/she isn't even here yet - and isn't due for another week!!! (although I'm holding out for a baby by Sunday...)

Erm didn't get time for oils. Yousef was born at 8.30pm a chunky 9lb 3oz and gorgeous. Fast and odd delivery and weirder post natal. Will update tomorrow. I feel like the luckiest person in the world.

Blimey! Huge congratulations brockle! Enjoy your first night together.

Congratulations Brockle I can't wait to hear your birth story now. Hope you get a good rest on your first night.

brockle congrats!!

Congrats brockle and waiting see on on the other thread!

Good luck to fatima and detective I came on here to see how you were doing. It sounds like your LO will be here v soon!

Congratulations brockle fab weight and a lovely name.

Hope fatima and detective are getting there too...

Congrats to you brockle can't wait to hear your story!

Wow! Congratulations brockle can't wait to hear about it.

thinking of detective and fatima

Congrats brockle - lovely name and can't wait to hear your story!

fatima and detective both went quiet overnight - I wonder if they're both having newborn cuddles now?

I managed some - note some - sleep without pain meds last night and although i've not attempted any more than a walk to the bathroom my back seems to have eased very slightly. <hopeful face>

Yay, congratulations brockle! I love waking up to a birth, it cheers me up for the day. Come on fatima and detective!

Congratulations brockle. Keep checking up for news on fatima and detective. Exciting!
My body is being an arse and playing tricks. Got all geared up for last night. Made my hb dtd. Nothing. Spent half the night awake with period pain but it wasn't contractions just a permanent dull ache. Finally managed to get off to sleep about 4 ish. I think something is slightly amiss, don't know why but just have a feeling. Mentioned to mw on Tuesday and asked about position but she said it was fine.
pikz I think you are my due date twin. How are you faring?
mm hope your back is a little better today. I hate taking medication too but like someone else said if it gives you some relief and allows you some rest it might be worth it. I had to take cocodamol for severe headaches at about 20 weeks. It was the only thing that took the edge off. I ended up taking them for a few weeks which I hated but it was worth it in the end. What about some gentle swimming too??
Right better get up and on with the day. School run and then work for me. One day I might have a baby!

Fantastic news brockle - when you woke up all excited yesterday it was for yourself too, you just didn't realise!!

Lovely name. Can't wait to hear all the details!

Thanks Jenbird . I took cocodamol a couple of years ago after an accident and found it made me really drousy and clumbsy more than usual! so reluctant to take it now for fear of it making me do something stupid. If there's no change over the weekend I might cave and go in. I'd love to be able to go for a swim but I can barely walk so too scared to drive anywhere! DP has taken my car to work so I can't be tempted (he knows me too well)! Will veg in the bath again later as that seemed to take the edge off it slightly. I'm just frustrated with how useless it's making me atm - I keep seeing things that need done around the house and I can't do anything

Congratulations brockle. Look forward to seeing you on the post natal thread, plus everyone else in time.

mmyou probably should get some pain relief, particularly the closer you get to your due date. You need to conserve all your energy for labour and after the birth rather than using it up trying to cope with the pain and discomfort and not sleeping properly.

Xx

Wowee! Congrats brockle. I am looking forward to hearing all about this birth story.

MM I wrote you a massive long response last night about visits from in laws etc but before I could finish it my phone went dead. I am sure it was all drivel anyway.

Hey jenbird i am your due date twin. I'm off to consultant in a couple of hours due to the fact DP is 6ft7. They want to check babies size as I was measuring 43 weeks at 40 weeks yet fully engaged and they may need to induce me sooner rather than later to stop me getting too big. I am a little scared I have to admit.

pikz good luck.

Congratulations Brockle, welcome to the world Yousef!

Hope both Detective and Fatima are doing well, and good luck for today Pikz.

4 days overdue here...I know I'll be meeting my baby in the next week but its dragging so much!

Huge congratulations Brockle, looking forward to hearing about the birth

Was hoping for news from Fatima and Detective this morning - hope the silence means they are busy with babies.

40+6 for me today... My sister is coming down from London for the weekend - she booked ages ago hoping baby would be here by now so hurry up baby, today would be good!

mm I feel your pain on the frustration front. Can't wait to be more mobile and do things.
Good luck pikz
I fainted this morning in the school car park. Was stood chatting with friends and suddenly felt v sick and could feel blood draining from my face. Managed to make it to car and didn't black out fully but was v embarrassing. Still feel shaky. Think it's low BP and I was just stood on spot for too long but have phoned mW just in case.

Congrats brockle! Look forward to hearing more enjoy your newborn snuggles x

Congrats brockle!
No baby for me yet. Was I hospital from 12-6:30am. Comtractions v strong but then went very irratic. Decided to come home with a sleeping tablet to rest. Think my anxiety had kicked in.
Been having contractions at home, they are so painful and I don't feel like I can cope.
Rung the birth centre an their both full until this afternoon so id have to go to triage at labour ward. Really didn't want to go there buy I'm in so much pain that an epidural is looking appealing. Will I be a let down if I have one?

Feel awful

Fatima - you have what pain relief you need!!!! Who cares!!

The point I was taken into surgery I needed the Epidural. I needed to not feel any more contractions. Up to then I'd survived on nothing but gas and air.

If you can't cope, go in. Get pain relief. You've got a while to go!!

I've had paracetamol, codeine And a sleeping tablet so far. I fell asleep and dreamt above something random then woke up to a massive contraction but I'd forgotten I was in labour

Need something to take the edge off at least

Fatima have what you need, all that will matter afterwards is that you and baby are both ok, how you get there doesn't matter xx Thinking of you

Go for it, fatima have an epidural if you want, you are doing a fab job.

Xx

There aren't any medals for least pain relief used fatima you do what you need to do. If I hadn't had quick labours both times, I couldn't have continued with that level of pain for much longer and only had g&a.

Congrats Brockle

Good luck pikz

Fatima if there was the chance of an epidural on the island I'd have had one - especially in the later stages. Go for it!

Hi sorry not checked in for few days, lurked and thinking if everyone - fatima - we had an anesthetist in our nct group, she said they all get epidurals and she got hers when she could, no fail chickpea do what's right for you esp if you're getting anxious xxxx

She read grazia mag during her labour, only pushed for ten mins and mw had to catch baby like a rugby ball Xx

Get whatever pain relief you need Fatima. I had an epidural with DS1 but with DS2 I decided to man up and had gas and air and pethidine. But I found that the pain was just over what I could bear. Almost the first words out of my mouth after DS2 was born were, Next time I'm going to have an epidural. Every birth is different so decide on your pain relief by how well you're coping and definitely not by some ideal of what you think you should have. Don't be afraid to ask the midwife's opinion as she will be able to make an objective judgement based on how much pain you appear to be in and on how far you have to go.

Yep... Actually I asked for one when I got to the hosp this time but was already 10 CMs so not allowed. Gutted!

fatima you do what you need to do. I had and epidural with DD (after two lots of morphone over the period of 14 hours) I wasn't going to have any meds but my pre labour/latent had gone on for so long that I was starting to feel like I couldn't take it anymore. I like to think I could have managed if the baby had been born with in the first few days of contractions but I needed a rest from pain so I could concentrate on the job and not feel so knackard. it's not about being a let down it's about surviving the situation and being able to relax into it! good luck!

brockle oh my! well done!

Had a sweep with consultant... Entire plug fell out and they felt feet!! Baby is breech and I'm not allowed to leave hospital as they think I will give birth soon. Waiting to see if he can be turned at 2pm but is very unlikely as already overdue so will behaving a c section tonight. Not exactly what I had planned!!

Oh pikz good luck! Feeling feet OMG . These babies like to keep us on our toes! Wow you get to meet your wee one today - that's amazing. Our wee man is exactly one month old today and has moved from the 25th centile to the 75th and is a whopping 8lb 6oz (having been only 6lb 3oz). I can't believe how quick the time has gone. Enjoy your newborn snuggles.

Good luck pikz - good job they discovered that! That and probable size of baby means C-Section is an excellent idea. Sorry it's not what you planned but if it's an elective, which is what this would be, the recovery is nice and quick I hear. Thinking of you. x

Fatima you have to take whatever gets you through. I had an epidural after many hours of pain and loved it. I became myself again after having been delirious with it all. It's standard issue in places like France I believe. Take care. x

Exciting news Pikz. How come they didn't know baby was breech? Good luck for today.

Thank you everyone. Even consultant said he feels like he's head down from outside and it wasn't til she did the sweep and then backed up her thoughts with a scan that they realised. Means that about 5 different midwives all thought he was head down.

Oh heck pikz good luck!! 3 different midwives all thought my baby was breech, then my normal midwife returned from her holiday and decided at 37 weeks that he/she is 'most likely' head down. Refused to do a scan to back this up as she's 'usually right'. Makes you wonder though! (Although the kicks in my ribs are reassuring that she might be right).

Had a lovely morning with my mum. I felt so useless while she whirled round my house emptying the dishwasher and putting washing away etc . I now have daytime tv to keep me company until dp gets home about 8ish. Hurry up baby, I'm losing braincells as I type!!!

Gosh pikz that could have been scary. Good job they spotted it. Hope all goes well for you and you enjoy the service I did.

Xx

It's quiet on here - you're not all in labour are you?

Wishful thinking yw ....

I'm not YW!

Booo....

Are we going to have a sweep stake / prize for the last 'November' baby to be born?

I reckon we ought to celebrate the tardiest bellydweller and reward their patient Mamma.

I'm not in labour

I bet I win last to be born as well!

I think detective deserves an award for the sheer bloody mindedness of her baby! And her fantastic ability to fight her corner!

Mine is going to be a December one, I just know it...

It is quiet on here.............

I'm busy bouncing on my ball and drinking raspberry leaf tea. Not a contraction in sight

Great idea YW, we should definitely make some sort of fuss of the last lady on the thread. Although I agree that detective should win an award - she'll probably be the lady to go most overdue of all of us. Unless someone else wants to try and break her record?! (It won't be me!!) No-one else has got past 42 + 5 have they?

All well here except I have a big cough. I keep thinking hopefully that my waters have gone but I think actually the coughing is making me wee myself a bit ...

No labour here either. Any sign of detective anywhere?

Only just found time to come back on and have a look since Zara arrived. Havent read through the pages to catch up yet...Has detective popped out babydetective yet?!

How is everyone else doing??

Good luck pikz

BabyDetective is finally here! Trying to post but he is crying again. BRB!!

Yayyyyyyy! Congrats detective

Great news detective!!

Thank fuck for that detective. So glad all is well x

Huge congratulations detective. At last!!

Hurray wonderful news Detective

Fantastic news! Welcome DETECTIVELET!

... can you tell we've all been hovering online waiting for your news detective?! Really massive congratulations - it's been a hard slog!! Can't wait to hear the story and your little one's name, when you get a bit of time. Meantime, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! x

Yeah! Woot woot! Hang out the bunting!

Awesome news.

What georgee says re name and story! HUGE congrats to you detective !!! Enjoy every second, you deserve it! X

Woohoo! Great news! Congratulations Detective!

Oh detective at last! I knew something was going on with you not posting here all day. And you just made me cry reading your first post... I've no read any further yet!

Fatima 's been quiet since lunchtime. I do hope we get another announcement before bedtime!

Great news detective! Can't wait for you to fill us in

Hurrah detectivelet! Well done detective! Thread title fulfilled!! Xxxx

I have to say I have actually been checking this thread constantly today awaiting news of the minidetective! Big congrats and well done for sticking to your guns. Hope all went ok. Xx

Wonderful :-) Well done both of you and huge congratulations.

Finally!! Congratulations

Yay congratulations detective. What a tiny wee thing for so far over.
Fingers crossed for Fatima
Bloody hell pikz that must have been a shock. Good luck.
Hoping tonight will be my night too but with no signs at all I doubt it (sad)

Luc Oliver arrived at 6.06pm weighing 7lb 6

Awww pikz fantastic news - and what a lovely name. Well done you!

Brilliant news pikz. Hope everything went well x

Congrats pikz - lovely name and great weight xx

Pitz my babies middle name!!!

Congrats both of you!!

Hurrah pikz! Congratulations to you! Hope you're feeling OK. Lovely name and weight! x

Congratulations Detective and Pikz Can't wait to hear all about the births x

Finally detective I hope your both well. You should be sooooo proud of yourself . Congratulations piks what a lovely name.

Elanna was 2 weeks old yesterday can't believe how fast it has gone.it makes me anxious watching her grow up so fast I want her to stay my little tiny baby forever ..... Ah we'll will just have to have another soon lol

Hope everyone still waiting isn't finding it to gruelling and you meet your special little bundles soon.

Great news pikz. Smashing names. Hope it all went well.

Congratulations Pikz. Hope you are recovering well and enjoying your first night together.

I'm 41+4 today and was dispatched to talk to my consultant about delaying induction. I've met him a few times before to try to avoid a prem birth this time round so was strange to be seeing him about induction. Anyway I was armed with detective's bmj paper - but still he strongly recommended not going past Tuesday (42+1) for breaking my membranes - but was happy to allow another 24hrs before starting a drip. So thanks for that idea detective. He said he was reluctant to push it further partly because of my age (38). I'm not overjoyed with that but in a funny kind if way it is quite relaxing to have a firm plan, and I am still cleared for a home birth till Sunday night. Also had a good ctg which was reassuring.

Getting quite uncomfortable tightenings now - about 1 min in every 3 or 4 - but they aren't killers. Am knackered and don't know whether to take a paracetamol and try and sleep (as they'll probably fade to nothing in a couple of hours anyway on past form) or get up and stomp around...

Congratulations pikz Lovely name.

Congratulations Detective can't believe he's here at last! And congratulations to Pikz, I love the name Luc Oliver. Good luck Bryzoan, hope all goes well for you.

What an exciting day!

Thanks stunt! Typically they've gone all erratic now... Paracetamol and bed it is....

Congratulations detective and pikz!!

There really aren't that many of us left over here now are there?! I'm feeling quite sick tonight, could this be a sign or am I once again reading too much into things because I want my baby to arrive?!

Yes, how many more to go now? I was trying to figure that out! 6 days of Nov left!

You will all have babies in time for chrimbo though!

I want mine by sunday due on thursday so not optimistic

Congrats pikz lovely name & weight.

Fingers crossed for those still baking buns

I want mine before December that's for sure. It's my dd's 5th birthday next Friday so hope really this one is out in good time for that.

Yay for detective and pikz !

Baby Alexander arrived 2 minutes past his due date on 20th Nov. We had a day of non movements so popped off to hospital to be monitored for an hour. Once the hour was up they made the decision oh so quickly to deliver him. It was very quick and not what we thought would happen that day at all.
He's very sweet indeed.

kitkat sounds a bit frightening. Did you have a section? Glad you are both ok.

pikz congratulations to you too, and anyone I have missed.

Thinking of you ladies still waiting x

Congratulations to the other ladies who have also just had their babies and speedy good luck wishes to the remainder of the Nov/Dec Mums to be.

hi vq, yes it was a section, after ringing up to say we were worried they asked us to come and and bring our bags as it would like we would be staying. it was very, very quick and scary - especially when the decision was made to go to theatre, lots of people suddenly appeared in the room which made things feel very urgent although they didn't show that, that was how i felt.

i do wonder what would have happened if i had ignored the non movements

kitkat bless you and your little boy, I'm so happy you had a happy ending.

Well done katkit - thank goodness you got checked. How scary. Very relieved you are both well.

Congratulations kitkat - that must have been scary. Glad you are both ok.

thanks all. yes, everything ended very well. he is quite the little man.

Katkit what did the CTG show? They must have has some reason to go for a section, eg not detecting movement or heartrate decelerations.

Just a quick post from the post natal ward while I wait for visiting time. Baby Girl Fatima was born at 9:03pm last night, no name yet.
I'll fill you in later when I convince them to let me go home :-)

Hurray! Congratulations Fatima! It´s going to be a wonderful, snuggly weekend!

Wow, congrats Pikz, katkit, Fatima! What a lot of lovely news.

fatima congrats!!

Congratulation Fatima! What a lot of babies arrived yesterday. Honestly you keep us waiting all week and then three arrive at once. I hope they let you out soon.

Gosh kitkat well done for keeping an eye on those movements. He's a gorgeous boy!

Hurrah for the arrival of baby Fatima! Well done lovely, wasn't that on your due date? Excellent timekeeping! Look forward to hearing about a name when you've decided.

Gosh, it's beginning to feel decidedly echoey on this thread ... not all that many of us left!!

Make that four stunt, my little boy, named Ozzy James, arrived at 6:26am yesterday weighing 8lb 4oz. I was due to be induced yesterday so am very pleased it happened by itself, however we haven't had the best time of it and am feeling a little shocked, (will try and put story up at some point) but we are both doing well now. He is an angel.
Congratulations to everyone else on their new arrivals, seems the 23rd was a popular day.

Yay congrats fatima ! Can't wait to hear her name, well done you x

My family have taken it upon themselves to take it in turns to babysit me 'keep me company during the day'. It's lovely of them that they care, and don't get me wrong I enjoy having people round while dp is at work - especially because I'm so useless just now and can't really do anything for myself. But the constant 'are you okay!?' gasps when i so muh as wince are now more annoying than the constant stream of phonecalls asking if it will be today! Anyway it's my dad's turn today apparently. I'm still quite upset with him but don't know how to politely tell them all I just want fo stay in bed and watch crap tv today. Not make an effort for visitors!

Xpost swiss - welcome to the world little ozzy!! X

Woweeee! Lovely - so much oxytocin on this thread right now :-) well done Fatima and baby!

Also well done Swiss - cross posted with you. Sorry to hear it was tough. Hope you are able to relax and enjoy your cuddles today.

Congratulations to detective, pikz, fatima and kitkat! Did I miss anyone? Sorry if I did. What a day! It's going to be very quiet around these parts. mm I'll race you for Sunday, I've got my next midwife appointment next Thursday at 40+1. They don't sweep until 41 weeks thought, I'm hoping I can convince her to do it then for me.

And congrats swiss! Love the name, very cool.

And congratulations Fatima and Swiss
Busy day for new arrivals - who's next?!

Congrats everyone!! I'm still here.... Due on Tues. Sweep on Fri. Thread definitely slowing down!!

Deals toomanydicks - although I really think I'll still be here this time next week When are you due again?

I'm due on wednesday, 28th MM. I was thinking more like a week on Sunday! I was a week late last time, but went into labour the morning after having a sweep.

Ah day before me then! If neither of us pop over the weekend lets have a due date race! This is my first but other than my stabby painful back I've had no signs anything is imminent!

ok, you're on. No signs here either

Does anyone know how to join the facebook group? I'm dying to see the pictures on there.

Search for Nov 12 Babies and ours is the one with a picture of a woman with a flower on her tummy.

I think nervousat20 can let you join the group on Facebook, sorry my memory is a bit rubbish so it might not be her! Try asking on the postnatal thread as well someone on there might remember!

Big congratulations fatima & swiss!! Popular date!!

Wow, fatima, swiss and katkit, congratulations! That's a lot of births to wake up to! Brilliant news!

Desperatehousewife21 was the owner of our FB group, but it's not a private group any more so you might be able to join it without getting in touch with her. Nov 12 babies is the group name.

Just the 5 days overdue here...

Thanks, I've put in a friend request.

swiss congrats to you!

Fantastic news swiss on the arrival of little Ozzy. Sorry you had a tough time.

Due date tomorrow - although I think I'm really due around the 28th. No signs, the only time I get a period-type pain is when I need a poo. Lots of painless tightenings and a lot of pressure downstairs depending on whether the head is in my pelvis or floating free (I imagine) but I don't feel anywhere near. Friend of mine who was due last Sunday's waters have broken so she's near to producing hers. My guess for me is 2 December (next Sunday). Nothing to back that up, just a feeling.

Anyway, DH is out with DD - bliss! I'm going back to bed.

Great news Swiss and love the name. Is Ozzy a nickname or given name?

Congrats to fatima, pikz, kitkat and swiss and well done on all your varying births!

Xx

People were busy yesterday! Congrats Swiss and fatima I have a little boy sleeping on me in a milk
induced stupor.

So birth story. Had sweep at midday, started with pootractions at 3 and by 5.30 they were every 1 and half mins and lasting a minute. Went in and was only 2/3 cms but cervix was perfect so MW stretched it to 4cm so could stay. When I got to the delivery room at 6.30 yousefs heart rate had gone from normal to racing and as I had keytones in mmy urine she suspected mine was too. We had to be continually monitored for 30 mins and then they would decide if they were going to break my waters. So I spent nearly an hour drinking coke and eating snickers on MW orders with gas and air. They decided to break my waters which was a massive relief, our heart rates dropped and Yousef was born thirty minutes later. So it was two hours from being admitted to delivery. It was massively intense and quite scary. I was sobbing as I was pushing and afterwards.

However then it took another two hours to get my placenta out. They had theatre prepped but whilst I was on gas and air and trying to imagine myself somewhere else the consultant did the human equivalent of peeling a bath mat off the bottom of the bath!

It was the oddest experience I have ever had and definitely my last but he is beautiful and I got almost three hours of skin to skin afterwards.

OMG! How many lovely new babies....

Congratulations to Fatima, Pikz, Detective, Kitkat and Swiss! Think yesterday could have been one of our busiest

Kitkat Thank goodness you phoned up and went in x

Can't wait to hear your story Detective, my 3 kids cheered when I told them you'd had him and hubby said yesterday to find out which hospital you were in so we could all come and visit you

brockle very good comparison to bath mat!

kitkat what could have happened does not bear thinking about. But it did not happen. Baby and you will be fine. Hope your recovery is swift and relatively painless.

wow congratulations everyone. I am now crying every time I read about one of your briths and well thats 4 times in the last 5 mins!

I'm starting to feel a bit lonely on this thread now! I knew that would happen as we got to the end... which I can't believe has come finally.

I'm hoping for next weekend at the latest! I'm due tuesday and have not been feeling close at all but have done a lot of walking bout up town today and baby finally feels lower.
I started taking caulophyllum 200c last night.. it's a homeopathic remedy that is supposed to avoid late births/induction and make birthing more gentle.. I only just found out about it and was going to buy 30c and take 3 times a day buut the homepath who works in the shop said it would be too late to start that and that I should take the stronger dose... which if you are ready can appernetly bring the birth on straight away so I was a bit when I took it last night as we had nothing arranged for dd properly.. but all ok so I hope it just gently brings things along and prevents delays.. we'll see!!

Crikey mikey you ladies have been busy!

Congrats to brockle, swiss, kitkat and fatima! I wouldn't spare a minute thinking about what could have been kitkat. You have your LO safe and sound now.

All these intense and speedy deliveries are certainly keeping everyone one their toes. I hope everyone recovers speedily.

Undergrads, don't you worry! It won't be long at all before we are all together on the postgrad thread and none of us can keep up again!

I've not looked in the mirror much recently except at my face... but today after having a shower I was checking out how bad my stretch marks are and.... OMG I have the worst acne bum I have ever seen! it's all over my bum and thighs.. I'm not sure how I didn't notice before but it is so unattractive, even more so that just my huge wobbily bum, which pre pregnancy was starting to look quite fine after watching my weight for a year.. booo.
I covered the area in sudocreme.. hopfully that will be effective!

Oh my word he is keeping me busy!! I don't get a minute!! I've had to toss up between having a bath and coming on here to post! You guys won .

In a brief sypnopsis - it went tits up lol! Well, not worse case scenario, but not ideal! Maybe don't read the birth bit if you haven't had your baby yet...!

I went in for monitoring thursday lunch time, and gave my contingency birth plan in . The midwife who I had seen a few times while going for monitoring agreed with me, that while what I was suggesting was not usual, it certainly wasn't crazy, or an unrealistic option. She got the consultant involved, and this involved me basically saying well, if you don't do it my way, I'm off home again, see ya! So yes, in true Detective style, I got my way. ARM then 24 hours to establish in labour, and prostin after that if no joy. Oh, and I'd be using the pool, and no CTG.

Was moved to labour ward about 4pm, in to a very swish room which allowed DP to stay with me throughout the process - not something I had asked for, but I had said if I was in pain and unsupported that I would be going home. I didn't feel that DP needed to be there unless I was struggling.

Anyway, all of the arguments and discussions were unnecessary! With in 10 minutes of the ARM, the tightenings I'd been having anyway got stronger, and closer. 2 hours later I was growling slightly a lot through them, and told DP I wanted the pool, and now.

By 8.30 I was in the pool. Everything was going well, happy baby, contractions were strong and regular. I started using the entonox. It went straight to my head - I was giggling like an idiot for the first few attempts! The pool seemed to help too - there was a definite relief when I got in.

By 9.30 I was feeling pressure, and could feel myself pushing a little with contractions. That was the bit when I started to panic, and was saying I couldn't do it, and what if I was still 1cm. I remember distinctly saying why the fuck didn't I just have an elective section! When listening to his heartrate, I could feel that it was just over my pubic bone - a classic sign that you are fully dilated and the head is low. I felt that I was nearly there, but my mind took over and was convincing myself that I hadn't done it last time, and couldn't do it this time.

Around 10-10.30pm I think I asked to be examined - had declined earlier - because I was at the point where I felt I couldn't cope any longer as the pain was stronger and stronger. She said I was fully dilated and the head was at +2 (very low, ready to deliver near enough. Then she said, oh wait, hang on, no, you're 3-4cm and the cervix is still fucking posterior. That was the point I truely lost it. If I'd been fully I'd of carried on. I demanded an epidural which there was zero resistance too... wonder why . By that point I was a soggy mess, my head was in the water over my ears, god knows what I was trying to do - wash my hair possibly?!

I got out the pool and in a crazed state staggered to a new room. Anaethetist came straight away, and put the epidural in very quickly. Well. It was SHIT! It didn't do anything. Except the urge to push was stronger and stronger, and the pain stronger and stronger! I think this was around 11pm by now, but times are rather hazy! CTG was put on once epidural in, and there was the initial bradycardia which often happens with an epidural. The Registrar came in, and asked to examine me. Surprise surprise I was fully dilated. This was about 11.15pm. I was pushing with contractions, but his heart rate continued to dip, and was slow to recover. I knew at that point he wasn't a happy baby anymore. I had an FBS, and his PH's were ok, so I continued to push for another 15 minutes, when it was decided to go to theatre for a trial of instrumental - or section I was past caring, and could hear his heartrate, and knew he needed to come out.

Went to theatre, had an epidural top up despite my protests that it WASN'T FUCKING WORKING and I was petrified that I would end up with my absolute worst case scenario - which was a GA section as with DS. I wanted a spinal, but the cocky arsed anaethetist insisted that I was fine with the top up. Anyway, he came out easily with forceps, 2 pulls and his head and body came with the second pull. He cried straight away, and I finally got the answer that I needed - and what I had suspected all along. He was tangled in his cord. It was around his body as well as his neck. From the very first CTG with the dips on movement, I just had this feeling that there was a cord involved somewhere. And I suspect the fact his cord was so tangled was why I didn't go in to labour despite all the false starts.

He looked shocked when he came out, but he didn't need any resuscitation. He looked and felt tiny from as soon as he was on me! When he was eventually weighed after I'd spent 2 hours trying to get him on the boob, he was 6lb12! Just 1 ounce higher than the growth scan I had at 39 weeks... hahaha! He is very long though, long, skinny, and scaly! Poor wee thing! He needs fattening up, he does look small for dates rather than just meant to be a smaller baby. He has absolutely massive hands and feet, his fingers are chubby as hell, and his toes are as long as fingers! He looks like no one! Not me, not his daddy, or his brother! But to me, he is perfect!

Everything since then has been a blur. I'm very very very sore from the episiotomy, and braved a look this morning. It is extremely bruised and swollen. One of the worst I have seen but not the absolute worst thank fuck. I am struggling to do anything at all. Feeding, moving, it all hurts to buggery. DP is currently out buying me arnica tablets and lavender oil. I've got an ice pack on my fanjo... which helps. But oh my god, it hurts!

I couldn't have stayed in hospital though. They are lucky I stayed as long as I did! I had been planning to come straight home, but thanks to the epidural and catheter, I was restricted somewhat! I demanded the catheter out at 8am, and stated I was going home by lunch! There was lots of faffing with his temperature as he kept getting cold. Yes, he was getting cold because he kept being unwrapped for feeding, and checks! They were taking his temp hourly, which was pointless because he was unwrapped so much he didn't have the bloody chance to warm up! I'm quite able to deal with a cold baby, thanks! And don't tell me I can't self discharge my own baby, because YES I CAN! Jeez. I ended up leaving at 3pm, minus discharge notes, and sent DP back for them in the evening. I just needed to be home, as I was so sore, and I needed my own comforts!

All in all, not what I wanted, but not my worst case scenario, and I got my lovely little boy here safely, and at the right time! I don't feel any disappointment over the birth, quite the opposite really. I am just made up that he came vaginally, and I didn't end up with another section.

Sorry for the epic post in true Detective style!

Going to attempt to graduate to the PN thread this evening, but I need to wake the monkey for a feed... so this could take a while .

Ps. I'm a roarer... I deafened the entire labour ward . DP described me like a death metal singer.

It helped though .

So lovely to hear all went well in the end detective. Little monkey, fighting his cord like that. Sounds very scary and difficult in places but a real achievement. Hope you heal well and soon, you get some rest and the feeding goes well.

I'm bouncing about the house trying to jiggle this baby towards the exit but don't feel close. Tomorrow is my last day for a homebirth, and I'm lined up for an ARM on Tuesday. I just hope he is ready, but am looking forward to meeting my little man.

I should think you would bloomin' roar at forceps and an epidural that wasn't working!

Don't know who I missed since last time I posted - can't keep up with all the new arrivals so congratulations to everyone.
misslaughalot I am the same as you I think. Would like to keep my legs crossed tonight though as my in laws have a party and I would prefer not to have to rely on my incredibly unreliable mother. She lives 5 doors away but I prob see her once a month and she rarely phones. She has phoned everyday for the last few days (which really annoys me) but today when I phoned 3 times I can still not get hold of her. If I needed her to come over quickly it is perfectly plausible it would take her an hour to arrive. Hopefully the baby will hold out until tomorrow then!
Big baby vibes to all who need them x

So glad he's here safely detective. Big hugs to you, and good on you for fighting your case despite everything conspiring against you!

Quick question (and I feel stupid even asking) but basically can torn stomach muscles stop you from feeling baby move? I haven't 'felt' anything all day, but can see my bump moving, hear a strong heartbeat and kicks on the doppler paranoid mummy had it out 3 times today and feel slight movements against my hand. Is this normal? Am i freaking out over nothing? Is it worth phoning assessment unit for the third time this week?? I shouldn't be left alone to analyse things....

Or could my back be masking movements? It's worse again today although I did manage to have a shower by myself and load the dishwasher! Simple things that feel like a massive achievement right now!!

missmummy your back could well be masking the movements or the position of the baby but why don't you just call triage and tell them what you told us, they will tell you if you need to be seen. After listening to kitkats story it's probably worth calling just to see.

Missmummy that is interesting. My tummy muscles have separated too (makes my bump look enormous) - and I often find I can see movement I don't feel. I have an anterior placenta too which may not help. I would think if you can see movement it is fine - but if you are worried call and check (I've called to check loads of stuff - I'm sure they must think I'm quite mad...). Hope you either managed to swerve or survive your dad today.

I also have an anterior placenta bryzoan so haven't felt a huge amount of movement throughout this pregnancy anyway. Will see what dp thinks when he gets home, although he's convinced I'm totally neurotic. Mrswee it was katkit's story that freaked me out a bit. Urgh I wish I wasn't such a worry pants! I'm sure they have me on a list somewhere!!

My dad in his usual stylie cancelled last minute and is coming tomorrow instead. He's also booked himself a long weekend away next weekend, which is so typical of him. Chances are he'll be away when he have junior tough .

*WE have...

That's weird MM because I noticed towards the very end of my pregnancy I couldn't feel movements anymore but could see them. I am not sure if it was psychological or something to do with position.

missmummy it did the same for me, I have left it few times recently when I have had less movement because I too have an anterior placenta but after reading that I thought, I'm not going to leave it the next time even though it's been fine before! I've jusy myself drank a huge glas of cold fruit juice to see what reaction I get as today has been quieter than yesterday.. got a good kick at the top of the bump so I am satisfied!
I'm sure it's all fine anyway.. I have been at so many MW appointments where you can hear a kick on the doppler but I felt nothing or where they have found it hard to find the heart beat due to the anterior placenta but I am lying there feeling kicks.... it's very confusing! so completly different form when I was Prg with DD and was getting kicked to bits all night long and couldnt sleep!

I had a glass of icy cold coke (normally can't stand the stuff, especially full fat coke) but the sugar/caffeine must have done something as my stomach is moving a fair bit now and I can feel strongish movements against my hand. My muscles/nerves must be totally wrecked

Position may well be it as well as I'm fairly certain he/she has moved down a bit today. If I'm still worried later I'll phone.

Wahey ladies. Well done all! Detective I'm a roarer too - god it helped!!!

MM I think everyone's tummy muscles split in the last trimester to allow the uterus sufficient space - it might be that you have a bigger gap? Call triage if worrying. As an aside Jonas went quiet the day before labour so it could be a good sign though as kitkat shows don't dismiss it xxxx

Detective I just want to say a huge congratulations you are an inspiration and you should be so blooming proud of yourself. I hope you heal up soon. Episiotomy are bastards. Hope you and little man are doing well lots of hugs from all us on here.

hi all im 39+3 and am so fed up of this pregnancy! last few days though my bump is really really tender, i cant bear the hubby touching it as it just hurts too much it even hurts to put a tshirt on! anybody else experiancing this and what can i do to ease it if anything?

Anyone who has an episiotomy - get yerself some big maternity pads and pour a couple of capfuls of witchhazel BP on a pad every time you change it. If you can keep the witchhazel on a cool windowsill so that it's cool on your nethers - so much the better. Also get your stitches cut (even if not removed) before you leave hospital or else you can feel a bit 'stretched' down below more pain than a back to back labour

Good advice YW. Before I gave birth I thought I would like the nice thin pads. Eh, no! Superdrug ones are good and I keep my witch hazel in the fridge. Feels brill!

My muscles have separated completely. I thought they were going during pg, but the MW confirmed it post-natally. She implied the muscles were practically on either side of my tummy! However, having been doing the gentle exercises she suggested, I feel like they're already pulling closed. According to the leaflet, 1/3 of women get very separated muscles - 4 fingers width apart compared to the normal 2 - and it takes about 6-12wks to close.

Keep doing the exercises - I did mine whilst we were in hospital for the ten days after Jonas was born and my tummy muscles are now only 1cm apart. My pelvic floor is a lot better too. though not back to pre pregnancy abilities to not piss myself at something funny just yet

Pass I was the same - thinking 'woo I'll go for the discreet maternity pads' nah in reality you need the ones the size of a small mattress - those are the bad boys that make sitting down comfortable possible!!!!

Witch hazel - will give that a go! Was going to try lavender but DP couldn't get any today. Thank you! He got me Arnica tablets, fingers crossed that helps!

Definitely recommend big big thick pads - always have done! I have 3 on

Ice pack was amazing, it has really really helped! I've had one on twice today, they don't last long, but the relief was straight away, and the swollen tight feeling was eased within about 30 minutes of the first one! Put another one on after about 6 hours when the feeling started to come back!

I had an epis (as well as the section!) first time around, but I never even felt a twinge from it! This time not so lucky! (Although an epis and a section wound is not in the slightest bit lucky! I've never known that happen to anyone else!!)

Tomorrow, I am to have a shower and wash my hair. Fuck me! How can one small thing take so much time up!

Hello mummytobe. Mine is very tender too. Been gently rubbing oil in which seems to help a bit.

Detective make sure you get witch hazel bp from the 1st aid section - not the essential oil. Apologies for 1 handed typing - wee man is cluster feeding...

MM towards the end of my pregnancy I couldn't feel kicks that DH could feel with his hand in my tummy. If you can see evidence of movement that should be sufficient reassurance.

What a story Detective but at least you got there in the end and he's here safely and best of all no section this time.

thanks bryzoan glad im not the only one, my midwife was so unhelpful when i asked her about it, made me feel like im just being stupid and its all in my head! ive tried rubbing oil on but unfortunately doesnt seem to help much, i found a warm bath helps but then as soon as i get out its back again

Sod's law dictates that as it would be very inconvenient to have a baby tonight it is going to happen. I felt very sick earlier and have started with some mild contractions. Going to take paracetamol and try and ignore it all and hope it waits until morning!

Yes yes to what YW said about stitches. I made the midwife take my remaining 2 out at my 10 day check a and the relief was immediate. I'd asked at the 5 day check but she said it was too soon. They were so sore but it felt like the stitches were too tight rather than an infection or something.

I think my stitches are soluble - I've never had stitches taken out, whether after my appendix was removed, or after either DC.

congratulations fatima - lovely news.

mm - sorry to have worried you. in my case it became very clear something was different because i had always felt such big dramatic movements. lots of feet and knees and pointy bits. always call triage if you're worried.

thanks vq, we're both doing very well. baby has lost just 3 percent of his weight and i got my stitches out today. mastering typing with left hand.

So today is the last day that I could have my home birth. I know it is silly and that in the scheme of things it really doesn't matter - but I'm still so disappointed. I really thought I'd get there. Every day now I'll lose a little bit more control over how this birth happens. All I want is for the little man to have the best start he can - I really hope this is the best way to achieve that.

This is the second time dh has bought a new hosepipe to fill a pool that has gone unused (well, strictly speaking, the last hosepipe is in the garden now, but still). And my excuse of buying nice biscuits 'for the midwives' is running dry... Still, at least I won't have to try and keep the house quite so tidy!

I'm sorry about that bryzoan - fingers crossed for a last minute appearance today! Tuck into some of those nice biscuits in the meantime.

Hope jenbird has managed to cross her legs sufficiently to ensure the baby wasn't born last night!

Thanks for the tips about stitches everyone, will bear in mind! I did buy some witch hazel weeks ago. Now if I could only remember what I did with it ...

Due date here today. No sign whatsoever!

Aw Bryzoan I hope things kick off for you ASAP.it's so frustrating isn't it?!

I did manage to cross my legs thanks georgee although I was up pretty much most of the night. Not so much in pain just very uncomfortable with a lot of pressure in my bum and back. Glad it has waited though. Have woken up with a sore throat which I could do without. Happy due date to you though.

Anyone else got any signs???

My stitches were soluble chunky but one or two were done too tight - hence the request to take them out! Instant relief...

Ain't nothing going on but the rent here. I managed to sleep in until 10am though as my wonderful husband got up with our daughter.

I echo what Georgee said, bryzoan.

Fingers crossed bryzoan things kick off really really quickly!

I woke up a few times in the middle of the night with a rock solid bump but all the pain is still in my back. Got a mild period pain type cramp but no other signs. Please can this be the start?! (probably over analyzing again...) I'm desperate to go out walking, or will even just settle for bouncing on my ball, but my back is so sore it's taking me 20 mins to walk the 10steps from my bed to the bathroom .

Thanks katkit - I've had days with no movement at all and mws have said that is normal for me because of the position of my placenta and the strength my muscles were. It was just weird I could see and hear movement but not actually feel anything, iykwim? Glad all is okay with you and your gorgeous little boy xx

Thanks all. Got desperate and woke up poor dh at 5 to do his duty! But despite that, a shed load of pineapple juice, a clary sage bath, and a 3 hr walk, I'm getting nothing but the usual niggles. Might get dh to take me out on some bumpy ground in the landrover this afternoon...

Hope things are kicking off for you Missmummy - sorry your back
Is giving you such a horrible time - so frustrating.

Happy due date Georgee.

Bryzoan I've been threatened with a skelp down the river in one of the RIBs if I go too far over now we've got shot of our landrover. I imagine it would have a similar effect!

I have a huge amount of respect for anyone who had spd/back pain/etc and other kids to look after. I can barely look after myself while dp is at work. Loading the dishwasher yesterday was an epic feat - I don't think I can physically empty it again today!

Missmummy that sounds like it would be fun if your back wasn't so rubbish. Stop even trying to do anything with the dishwasher already.

I've really missed being out on the boats this year. I'm certain it would do a lot more damage than good right now though!! I just hate being so useless. My house has never been so untidy (although by his standards it's 'not too bad' - bloody men!) At least when he realised he had nothing to take for lunch today and no clean work tops he now understands how much I actually do around the house!

Same here. I used to dive nearly every weekend before having dd. I miss being out on the sea like crazy. And I have the same problem with dh - he just doesn't see or mind the mess somehow... He is chipping in at the moment but just to humour me as opposed to because he thinks it needs doing.

Gosh you could be my twin! I started learning to dive over winter last year but had to give up when I became pregnant. This is the first summer since I was a child that I've not sailed and I miss it like mad. Dp is a professional skipper so is out on the water every day .

I think it must be a man thing. I think it's only just dauning on him that we don't have washing fairies and you actually have to put plates in the dishwasher for them to be cleaned (not leave them at your backside!) The garage is the only part of the house I leave to him, it's his space, and the state he leaves it in freaks me out no end! (He is decent enough to leave me a little path to the washing machine at the back of it though...

Ha! Our garage is the same - except we have a second freezer in ours rather than a washing machine... And no path to it...

Hopefully you'll get out on the water again soon now.

Can I just say that the best thing to bring on labour is to just be 100% relaxed, I was so stressed and wound up from around 36 weeks and I knew that unless I could relax my baby would not come. I tried curry, sex, walking despite the spd, ball, hot baths, etc etc and nothing worked. The night I went in to labour I was lounging on the sofa eating chocolate orange, having a foot rub and watching masterchef.

Will put my story up soon, am doing we'll at the mo, got 7 hours sleep last night and lots of breaks today, he is an angel and is just fab at feeding which results in good sleep. After DD never letting me put her down literally I am feeling so lucky to have a baby that actually sleeps in his Moses basket and for good amounts of time! DD loves him too and is so gentle with him, which is a relief.

I really hope the rest of you get to meet your babies soon! I know exactly how frustrating it is!

Our utility room is at the back of the garage, otherwise I would never go into it! He has a separate dishwasher in there for 'man things' as well - I completely flipped out one day when I came home to find engine parts in the kitchen . Would love a second freezer. Unfortunately he used the last tiny bit of space in there for a beer fridge ....

Thanks for the advice swiss - I always struggle to relax, I get so anxy and wound up about stupid things. I might try some yoga tonight, see if that chills me out a bit. My instructor has emailed me some stuff to try for my back as well so will give that a bash . Glad all is going well with you, he sounds like a wee star! Glad your dd adores him too.

Brill advice swiss . I felt more relaxed and happier than I had done in weeks the day that DS3 came. The boys had slept through and I had a great nights sleep. The sweep did help tho

Brill advice swiss . I felt more relaxed and happier than I had done in weeks the day that DS3 came. The boys had slept through and I had a great nights sleep. The sweep did help tho

yeah I need to relax a bit more. I relax when doing the hypnobirthing stuff but a lot of other stuff is stressing me out. DD has been super moany for a few weeks and is worse when it's both me and DH at home. It really stresses DH out becuase she does channel a lot of the clingy moany behaviour at him and in turn it stresses me out and we have pretty misreble family days together! We are trying the ignore tatic a tthe moment which is working but it's stressful doing the ignoring part so probably not very good for me.
agh

I met my friend's 4 day old baby today, she is very cute, I had a wee cuddle but weirdly it didn't do anything for me.. it didn't make me feel all warm and want my baby... I must be a bit apprehensive!

Have had a pretty relaxing day really so fingers crossed for tonight. Really can't face another week of doing school etc by myself.
My poor little ds2 puked on me twice tonight. He was pretty unsettled last night so hoping it's out of his system.
Anyone have any promising niggles to report?

Nope, I've had braxton hicks all day again and feel a but rubbish but that is all .

I've been getting period type aches tonight, but they're not strong enough for me to think that anything is getting going. Having a sweep tomorrow at 40+7 so fingers crossed that'll kick start some movement.

It's so quiet over here now...

Nothing here either. Keep hoping my waters will go and kick things off that way! And finished the final episode of the West Wing tonight - we've been watching solidly for about four months, every evening virtually. I now feel I can go into labour!! However, DH and I were talking about what will happen if I go into labour if he's not here or in the middle of the night - neither of which are ideal because of having to find someone to care for DD. His parents are 1.5 hours away (2 once they've got themselves together). A good friend has offered to come round and look after DD/kip on the sofa until they arrive but it's a lot to ask. My family are down south so no help there. I suppose I've been counting on it happening at a weekend or something! We'll see!

Been having braxton hicks off and on since last night too. All the pain still in my back though hopeful but not convinced it's the start of anything.. DP pissed off I'm not letting him have any 'medicinal' whiskey for his throat infection though!

We have the same situation georgee, my folks are 1.5 hours away, PIL are down south. We're having a home birth so that we can leave dd in bed if it happens at night. We'll ring my parents and hope that we don't need to transfer into hospital before they arrive.

we are in a similar situation re child care too. We are banking on friends as both sets of family are 1.5 - 2.5 hours away. Our predicament is if it happens in the morning and our friends are at work.. afternoon and evening are fine, night time ok... hear that baby?

Ok, I'm having contractions! They're pretty erratic at the moment. Between 8 and 3 mins apart and lasting about 30-40 seconds. Am in the bath and its helping. Also a bit scared!

Exciting stuff missl ! Good luck!! I v v jealous.

I'm awake having been very sick. Had an hours sleep max. Hate this . BHs now stopped altogether. Back hurts so much I can't even move in bed. Gosh I've turned into such a moaner!

mmhave you had anything or your back? You needs to be getting some sleepies my lovely at this point. Have you got a hypnobirthing cd you ued ltdn to to bet one extra relaxtion?

Xx

Not yet sophia although i have a mw appointment on tuesday so think i will discuss it with her then. I was so anti drugs but now i just need sleep. No hypnobirthing cd. Tried doing some yoga breathing exercises but i cant stop feeling sick. Luckily i don't need to do anything or see anyone tomorrow/today (whichever way you look at it) so hopefully can get some sleep during the day. At least i'm well used to sleepless nights now!

we had a similar situation with regards to a babysitter, and to be honest it wasnt until i relaxed about that situation that labour came! I realised my mum would arrive soon and that seemed to help me relax.

mm1 you sound like you need some sort of pain relief, you will need your energy and mental energy for labour.

Very exciting MissL!

MM sleepless nights are not going to do you any good - I can understand you want to avoid meds but imagine just a few nights of sleep and how much more prepared for labour you would be.

Wee P is lying in her carrycot looking round about her while shaking from violent hiccups. They don't seem to bother her but it would be good if she would have a wee nap.

Hi people sorry ive been awol - had severe vomiting bug from saturday morning till sunday - couldnt keep water or anything down! I usually have a stomach of steel, never had it thst bad before - now very dehydrated but tentatively eating toast and rehydrating before commencing carb loading - its my due date today!!!! I need energy!!

I thjnk ive missed a few births - congratulations to everyone, will do a thread catch up, hope everyone else ok?

Bit sad i couldnt do all the curry/pineapple/hiking/funky chicken dancing/shagging this weekend - whilst i was puking all day sat we had carpets fitters in hamnering away, its since been much nicer on the knees whilst head in bucket / pelvic tilting! It was so painful contracting both ends and bh's in the mix i did actually think at one point it was the start of labour (after jokes about baby coming when carpets did dh looked very fraught indeed!) bump is now very bruised and calpol is my friend.

In two minds about sweep tomorrow - want to feel a bit better before i trigger anything but then again a sweep will prob only work if i am ready?!

Sorry to read about your back mm - is it preg related or pre existing stuff? Theres some stuff on the spinning babies website to help with the pressure there which i finally did on sat night and its really helped (my back was in agony from it all) but might be a bit much for you - the hanging over the bed thing.

The other thing that helps me when my lower bsck tenses up is gentle pigeon pose to stretch out glutes, slowly going deeper each time. Ive found that great as theres space for bump!

missmummy do you have an iphone? there is a hypno birthing app you can download (for £6.99 I think... ) might help you sleep. You do need sleep and the be able to relax.
I also second the spinning babies thing. It could well be how the baby is laying that is putting a lot of pressure on your back as well as your stomach mucles no longer holding your back together and the sheer weight of the bay (nice combo!) .
I had terrible back pain and PSD with DD. I couldn't walk or negotiate stairs just like you. My lower back felt like it was piviting and collapsing. It really was awful so I totally symathise. I went to an osteopath which was a god send, basically they treated me once a week at the end and for 5-6 days I was more mobile and in less pain then I'd be desperate for the treatment again. I recommend Soma ostepathy in Edinburgh if you fancy trying it. They are brilliant and get so many recommendations.
I know you are against pain medication but if you are able to take paracetomol regularly for a few days it will build up and help you relax a bit which is important just now.
I wish you the best of luck. I really know how you feel, it's rubbish!

missl exciting... I hope your quietness means you are on your way!

Good luck missl! Hoping there's news from you soon!

Clarella sorry to hear about the vomiting bug. I'm due a sweep tomorrow too (I think we were sweep buddies weren't we!) but I'm not going to have it just because DD has a cold now (it's endless) and I just feel let's let the baby come when it's going to, let's not meddle. You might want to leave it a bit for the baby to get some of your antibodies from the vomiting bug - more likely the longer he or she is in there. That'd be handy as it's so prevalent!

I might feel differently next week (I have a consultant appointment then) but for now I'm happy to just let nature take its course.

MM just look into a bit of pain relief if you can. Paracetamol can't hurt for starters? Might just take the edge off.

Yes i thought that too georgee re antibodies - thank for your thoughts and hope dd gets better soon. Do all antibodies take 2 weeks like whooping cough or could it be quicker with bug i wonder? Apart from anything i want to be feeling stronger!

Plus i have wondered if dh might develop it in next couple of dsys - not a great plan if im in hospital in labour nor near a new born! If baby comes, fine just deal with it. But, all my bhs and tweaks etc have abated! Hes really low though, keep thinking a hand is going to pop out!!

All the best missl!

Morning! Sorry I haven't had two minutes to myself to catch up yet.

Just wanted to give a more detailed birth announcement, I'll post a birth story later.

Meredith Jemima was born at 9:03pm on Friday 23rd, her due date. Labour was long and pushing stage took a while. But managed to give birth in the pool with just gas and air. Meredith weighed a healthy 7lb 13oz so not the 9lber I was imagining. I unforetunately ended up with a 3rd degree tear so had to be transferred to the other hospital and stitched up under GA.
As you can imagine I'm a bit sore and emotional but she's so worth it. Daddy was thrown in at the deep end a bit but coped fab.

Think she's starting a growth spurt, fed almost constantly last night. However she's having problems getting a deep latch on my right boob. Constant feelings a bit wearing on my sore bits too

Congratulations fatima! What a beautiful name

So sorry about your tear, hope all heals well and quickly for you x

Meredith Jemima - what a gorgeous name! A tear sounds very tough - if you can possibly get rest then make sure you do so.

Congratulations Fatima - that's my favourite name ever! DP veto'd it
Hope you're feeling less sore soon

clarella I am sorry you have been poorly. I'm another with a stomach of steel so I can imagine how tough a stomach bug must be. I hope you get a bit of respite before birth!

Fatima Grey's Anatomy has been me and J's godsend for nightfeeds (he's a slow feeder - or do I make him take 40 mins so I can get a whole episode in? hmmm ) - whilst watching it I've been admiring the name Meredith for a girl in the future. I love that name. Also you can shorten it to Merry which is just lovely. Congratulations - well done on the birth. Fingers crossed your tear is healing well. xxxx

New post-natal thread is here: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/postnatal_clubs/1622007-November-2012-hurry-up-to-graduate-were-running-out-of-November if you want to mark your place.

Thank you all. Great advice there mrswee - I don't know if I'll make it into edinburgh before dday but have made a note of your osteopath if this doesn't clear up after birth. I caved and took a couple of paracetamol about 6am and have had a few hours sleep. Will definitely be taking more before bed tonight!

Congrats again fatima - lovely lovely name! I'd never heard of it before grey's anatomy either but we called our dog Bailey after Dr Bailey (small but fiery?) so dp has banned me from naming children after other characters. I do love meredith though!

Hope your feeling better clarella xx

*you're. stupid phone

So - just in the nick of time! Landrover ride must have done the trick. He's here! Gregory John arrived at 6ish this morning on our kitchen floor. He is beautiful. Went to bed timing irregular contractions that were a little puncture than usual but not painful - and then was woken at 3 by a couple of real belters. Midwife wanted me to go in really but I said I didn't think there was time so she came out... All went really well - gas and air was great - have a long but not too deep tear so expect to be complying about that on the post natal thread when the lignocaine wears off!

Amazing bryzoan! Another speedy home delivery. Congratulations to you.

Congrats bryzoan - great strong name :-)

Great news Bryzoan, I was feeling really depressed today until I read your news . I hope I have such a straightforward home birth.

Also, lovely to hear your birth story Farima, she's a real cutey! Very pretty baby.

Not many of us left now, I hope we aren't kept waiting too long, aye MM1

Congratulations Bryzoan I take it you weren't expecting to have a homebirth then?

Congratulations bryzoan and Fatima. What fantastic taste in names everyone seems to have! Good luck miss that sounds very promising.
I am at the end of my line. Just so very weary of it all. 40+7 today and my 2 year old developed a tummy bug last night. He was sick on me and then in bed in the night. He seemed fine this morning so I let him have a bit of breakfast which he promptly threw up just as he was getting in the car to take the other two to school. Had to get everything out of the car to clean it and put new covers on the car seat so kids a good hour late for school. Add that to the fact he had already tipped 2 pints of milk onto the floor and my kitchen rug and I could have just sat and wept. It is so wet and miserable here. My house feels disgusting with a seemingly endless trail of mud from the kids and the dogs and I'm just not mobile enough to deal with it all.
Hey ho just have to keep crawling on....

I haven't been on for weeks! I have missed everyones birth announcements! and probably a few threads... Whenever I have had a moment to get the laptop out I have fallen asleep instead.

Baby Harrison arrived 2 days over due on the 3rd November after a very quick and straightforward labour.

From first pain at 11.15pm on the 2nd. Got to hospital at 3.30am on the 3rd Had him in the birthing pool with just gas and air at 6.36am and he weighed 8lb 5oz... 3 weeks later he weighs 10lb 7oz! I am breastfeeding and finding it all really good so far but so so so tiring.

I knew to expect tired but didnt realise I would be this fatigued!

Hope everyone and their babies are well ) x

Hoorah bryzoan! Lovely name and great story - very encouraging! It wasn't 30 mins ago I was thinking 'Oh that's bryzoan's time up then for a home birth' - but you did it!

Lovely name and beautiful baby, Fatima! Sorry about the tender nethers. Look after yourself.

Natanotherone - congratulations, sounds like just the sort of birth I'd want!

jenbird - sorry about your rubbish day. Poor you. All this will seem a distant memory once your baby's here (which really won't be long!). Thinking of you.

congratulations fatima, i love your name choice too - that was on my girl list before we knew baby would be a boy. hope you recover well and soon

Still having contractions here. They got to every 5-6 mind last night but got so tired this morning I was napping between them which seemed to slow everything down. They're now either 15 mins or 2 mins apart at the moment...don't think this baby is coming soon!

Congrats bryzoan, glad Gregory arrived safely!

Good luck misslaugh, congratulations Nat, Bry and Fatima, great stories and names. I'd considered both Harrison and Gregory for DS!

Congratulations Nat and I love the name too!

due tomorrow and my lovely new midwife happily agreed to give me a sweep today.. dh was like, 'what's a sweep?' I said well you'll soon see!
he's quite excited now as I've started giving him instructions on all the things he needs to do tonight just in case!
It probably won't be tonight, she managed to give me the sweep but said my cervix was still 3 cm long but nice and soft.
A lady on the bus asked if I was going to ask for a sweep today! if was a bit strange but I just said yeah I am! lol

congratulations bry so glad you got your home birth! and congratulations natanotherone and nice name fatima

Just popping by to say we are home and getting used to life. Congrats to all the new borns and good luck to all those who are starting and waiting.

Can't wait for 5 mins to catch up x

Do you think my mw would give me a sweep tomorrow at 39+5? I was dead against one but getting desperate now!

DP has suggested we go to our fav restaurant tonight because they're doing a curry night. I can barely walk but I am dying to get out the house. Am i mad thinking i can try and drive the 6/7 miles back home if he has a couple of pints??

MM - not to be mean to your DP but he should be on hospital watch anyway and so not drinking so he can drive should your waters go in the middle of the night ... so really he should drive tonight! I'd go for a curry if I had a babysitter! Make the most of it, I would!

Good for you mrswee - always good to find out how you're doing. I have the midwife tomorrow. Thinking of asking her to just check out the state of me without actually doing the sweep!

Hurrah for being home, pikz. Enjoy, you'll get 5 mins sooner or later! We're a bit slower on this thread these days so you might have more of a chance of catching up!

That's a very valid point georgee, baby brain completely forgot he's not drinking for that very reason anyway! The alternative is a takeaway curry - might be a safer option all round having just tried to walk downstairs...

Oh grrr about your back MM. Poor you. Hope you have a great takeaway you can use - when you have a curry head on, nothing else will do!

Congratulations bryzoan and Nat :-)

mm hope your back feels better soon

Thanks all, we had planned a home birth stuntnun, but had a deadlin of Sunday night for it. Midwife said that as technically it was Monday morning we should go to the hospital. But realistically I was going nowhere. No time to fill the pool but it was a great birth as they go with no real problems. I was also so relieved to avoid induction - booked for tomorrow! Afterpains are killers though - not helped by his voracious appetite!

Congrats to the other births - and I hope those who are poorly / have poorly tots and partners recover soon.

Hoping to hear of lots more well timed arrivals soon.

New on this thread... please let me in MAJOR RANT ALERT

39+5 today and desperate to meet this baby, but apart from few-and-far-between half-arsed period cramps NOTHING going on. If you don't count itching, swollen legs, heartburn, fanny pain and dreadful discharge (TMI!!!!), wearing tent-sized rags clothes, grumpiness, waddling and expanding stretch marks, I wouldn't even know I was pregnant.

All i want is a baby, a slab of stilton on a blue steak and a massive glass of is that too much to friggin ask.

Ah what's the point, might as well go join the lasses on January December thread, I'll still be pregnant at Xmas at this rate

MM, the only thing that helped me with agonising back pain was an hour of antenatal massage on an awesome massage table with a bump hole in it, had that 3 weeks ago for 1.5 hrs and the pain is just starting to come back, so not a bad result!

Welcome sunnypie I second the glass of wine/massive slab of cheese/raw meat want!

mm I was expecting to have to presaude my midwife today abot the sweep but before I asked I just mentioned how my hips and back are sore now and making thing uncomfertable, then asked if it would be possible to get a sweep today and her replay was, yes of course I would offer you one on your due date anyway and there's not point coming back tomorrow just for that.

So I know you will be two days off your due date but def worth an ask considering how much you are suffering. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you getting them to agree.

The sweep wasn't sore really.. I wonder if that cause it is my second or if it was because I was employing my hypnobirthing skills... ?

Hey sunnypie, I'm due the same day as you and feel exactly the same. I decided to hair remove my fanjo yesterday only to find some rather hideous veins, that explains the dragging pain I've had down below! God, I'm fed up of being pregnant.

sunnypie ToManyDicks i feel your pain im exactly the same and also 39 + 5 .....could murder a glass of wine!!! starting to wonder if the little bugger is ever gonna turn up. i had regular contractions about 4 days ago, got to every 6-7 mins apart and then just stopped and have had nothing since!! feel like a beached whale and cant sleep properly as im soo uncomfortable.....these last couple of weeks have really sucked!

Yes to mummytobe, I had a crap nights sleep last night. Had a lot if pains/contractions then nothing.

Ladies, have a glass of wine. Don't have a bottle sized glass but a glass of wine will relax you no end.

My Dad likes to remind me of the night mum went in to labour with me. She was feeling very depressed as it was 11pm on the day before I was due... she had 2 glasses of wine to drown her sorrows, and boom! Labour started...I was born 12 hours later!

^see! If the midwife says so then it must be true!

It also may explain a few things about me....

Yay my waters have gone. Hanging out at home until we get some proper contractions and then off to the MLU.
They are pretty pink. Is that okay?

Hooray jenbird! Good luck and hopefully see you on the graduates thread pretty soon

pink ok - blood - get checked. good luck! one handed due to scoffing with other

good luck jenbird hope all goes well x

My waters have been slightly pink with both DC Jenbird, the colour of dilute summer fruits squash I guess. Good luck

Good luck jenbird - baby by morning maybe?

I'm awake. Had a few tightenings that have amounted to nothing. Sore back and feel sick - dejavu? <promises to stop moaning soon> I kicked dp out of bed into the spare room, and I can still here him coughing and spluttering from the other side of the house (and through 2 closed doors) grr

Sp hear - sleep deprivation clearly kicking in!!

Good luck jenbird!

I'm in it for the long haul here! No sign of my waters going or my show, yet I've been having contractions for 28 hrs, and they're getting longer and more intense. Just managed about 3 hrs sleep but they're too painful to keep getting up for so have come downstairs and out the fire on to get comfortable, while DP snoozes away in bed.

I STILL may be the last person on this thread to give birth at this rate!

misslaughalot good luck to you my lovely

My due date today. No sign of anything happening. Happy due date to you too mrswee, anything happened after your sweep?

On the subject of booze, DH was born the day after MIL had half a bottle of Martini because she had been 'so good' during the pregnancy. She thought labour starting was a hangover!

I've heard a gin and tonic can kick things off too!

Hoorah jenbird! Good luck! And don't worry missl, your baby will be here soon, I think today is the day.

Not much going on here. I am comically large. If I knew how I would post a picture on the Facebook page. I look like Mr Greedy. Seeing midwife later.

arf! at boozing to get labour going

misslaughaloti hope you are not the last seeing as you are already having contractions... that would be a long slog! good luck for it all speeding up today!

dixiebell happy due day to you too.

nothing happening here after the sweep. Well maybe the very mildest period type pain you ever felt.. probably imagining it. I am hoping for the weekend, DD is away at her Grand parent's for saturday night so that would be ever so handy, not to mention, not hidiousley over due. I think I could handle waiting till this weekend but not much longer than that!

georgee good luck at the midwife later. Is it at leith CTC? mine was there yesterday but back at the surgery next wednesday if no joy by then

god I keep missing everyone... it's the very distracting toddler!.... jenbird good luck!!

Morning bumpers,

Who actually has the latest due date? I checked the stats list yesterday but it doesn't seem to go any later than the 21st. I don't want anyone left behind.

MM why are you being sick? Is it linked to your back pain or is it something else? Your DH being ill is dreadful timing.

I hope things are moving along with jenbird. missl fingers crossed you get some action soon - I know just from the short time I was contracting after my induction that contractions with no action are infuriating and exhausting.

Hi pass the stats list must have been miss copied at some point. I am pretty sure it when all the way up to the 30th.
oh here we go... I think the original stats list only went to the 21 st then us late November ladies joined

georgee (40) DC2 EDD 25/11/12
Clarella (35) DC1 EDD 26/11/12 - BOY
mrswee (36) DC2 EDD 27/11/12 - SURPRISE
Dixiebell (33) DC2 EDD 27/11/12 - BOY
MissMummy1 (20) DC1 EDD 29/11/12 - SURPRISE
MrsPaynie (27) DC3 EDD 29/11/12
CharleeWarlee (22) DC3 EDD 29/11/12 - GIRL
Kalidasa () EDD 30/11/12

CharleeWarlee had her baby didn't she?

Yup. She has.

Thanks for the last bit of the list.

Pass My horrible morning (all day) sickness returned about a month ago so don't think it's related. I coughed this morning and have put my back out even more, I'm in so much pain . My mum reckons they are probably going to want to send me to hospital at my appointment today to get looked at. I'm even tempted with strong drugs now, paracetamol isn't even touching the sides...

DP is being a total prat as well. I couldn't give a damn that he has a sore throat and 'didn't sleep very well last night' - I haven't slept for weeks!! There's nothing wrong with him, he passed a bloody offshore medical yesterday ffs! And he's left my office in a complete mess with no ink in the printer, the one fecking day I need it. (I know I'm being completely unreasonable and taking my frustration out on him....)

Hi mrswee it's at the surgery today. If tomorrow it would be at CTC but I squeezed in an appt today. Which is good cos the surgery is quite a lot nearer!

I'm having a really weird thing this morning of little gushes (like you know when you have a bath and you suddenly get a small gush an hour later - maybe that's just me ... or indeed you've DTD and you get a small gush later). It seems to be a lot like watery mucus. I can't imagine it's my waters. Have a pad on and am monitoring. Can they go so slowly as that? There's about one gush an hour as if I'm retaining it somewhere and letting it go bit by bit. Weird. I'm keeping pads and numbering them ready to present to the lucky lucky midwife later.

Sorry about your moany DP MM - I get this sometimes with DH. Yesterday night he was a bit mealy-mouthed about doing all the tidying up and giving DD a bath. I kept thinking 'Just look at me! I'm massive! With your baby!' But luckily he pulled it together later (otherwise I'd have had a right go). Hope there's an upturn in your back situation soon, that really does sound miserable.

MIL (she of the Martini induction technique) is coming in an hour. So pleased to have some help today!! Poor DD has square eyes from so much CBeebies.

I think the latest due date is me! Due on Friday. Have been having on/off contractions now for ten days, since I lost my mucus plug the weekend before last. Pretty fed up now! Also severe SPD (been on crutches for months) got a lot worse when the baby engaged last week so am totally housebound, can hardly stand up let alone go out. Come on baby!

Btw I am 32 and expecting a little boy.

Good news is that DP is starting his paternity leave after he finishes work on Thursday, regardless of whether the baby has arrived, so at least I won't be stuck in the flat on my own all day once he's off to keep me company.

Sympathy on the sickness missmummy. I have hyperemesis and only had four weeks without throwing up (weeks 26-30) before it came back again. Even in those weeks I felt sick all the time and had several near misses. It is grim, but at least it will end once the baby appears (apparently as soon as the placenta is out, I've been told!).

georgee, that's how my waters went last time. Only 2 small gushes over a couple of days and then they went completely. Didn't realise that's what it was at the time but I'm sure now. If it keeps coming i reckon that's waters. What does it smell like?! Waters smell quite sweet.

georgee just seen your post. I am experiencing exactly the same thing. Watery discharge in regular little 'gushes'. Been going on for a couple of days. I am also assuming that even if your waters go quite slowly it would be more obvious than this. But do come back and tell us what your mw said.

Really dixie? Maybe I should be taking this more seriously. The thing is I've been in this stupid pre-labour state for so long now that I am not going to believe I am in actual labour until I am either in really unambiguous agony or my waters go everywhere in a dramatic gush!! My pains are pretty regular this morning but they were quite regular all yesterday morning and last night too.

That's exactly what happened to be kali then my waters broke and I gave birth 30 mins later including 15 mins in taxi to hospital!

Agh lane! That's a bit scary. Was it your first? Though the hospital is literally 5 mins away. <tries to stay calm>

Of course, mm. I forgot about that. Oh, it sounds crappy.

I'm not on the list above. I'm due on 28th, I'm 33, DC2 and it's a surprise. Good luck to those with niggles/contractions/leaks today. I have none of these things but I am feeling very calm and serene after feeling like shit yesterday.

Oh poor you kali, that sounds like no fun at all. Still, maybe these gushes are good for me and for you - thanks Dixie and Lane for the info!

I have tried to sniff but it doesn't smell of anything in particular, apart from my, ahem, lady juice. I have now had a shower so I might be a bit fresher for the next gush!!

I am getting tightenings too, more in one go than I have before. So just keeping an eye. If MIL comes and takes DD out of the house (as she always does, they'll prob go into town), I can do a bit of bouncing on the ball and crawling around on all fours and see if that makes any difference. Ouch, there's a pain ... so glad I'm seeing the midwife later. At least she'll be able to assess the situation.

If it feels like a gush, I'd def check w midwife kali, they may want to check pads. I didn't go into labour even after my waters fully broke tho so don't panic!

Find it hard to believe will have another little one here within a fortnight. This morning DS kep stroking my bump and saying 'baby coming out yet?'! Hope he's as excited when his little brother actually arrives...

Aw dixie that is very cute.

kali I am not sure as I was induced but can the head not block the waters from coming out this keeping it to little dribbles? It would be exciting if this was it for you!

passme yes I've heard that too but I thought it would still be more of a trickle rather than occasional little gushes. It's almost impossible for me to get out of the house alone due to the SPD so am reluctant to schlep to hospital/mw unnecessarily. But will keep an eye on the quantity. I really do think it's just extra discharge at the moment. Doesn't seem to smell sweet. DP will be working from home tomorrow so that would be a better day for getting checked if necessary.

Good luck georgee sounds promising!

Good luck to you kali, hope it works nicely for your timetable. My pains are quite erratic (from every 10 mins to every 2, lasting about 30 secs) but MIL is here and I'm going to get DH to come home to take me to midwife because they're quite painful when they do happen. I wouldn't want to be driving and trying to breathe through them. He works an hour away and the hospital is 30 mins if we drive fast so we do need to be all geared up, just in case. Luckily he has an understanding boss if it's a false alarm!

I can completely see what people mean with the head blocking further gushes. The head does feel low today so we'll see what happens.

Must force myself to be a bit more active - it hurts when I am but I'm sure it will help get things going!

It was my first, but actually it was fine and just had to get on with it and didn't have to spend ages in hospital getting scared/worried iyswim. I didn't realise I was in full blown labour till got to hospital and they said I was fully dilated and head was showing, 15 mins later she was born. Fingers crossed for you and hope everything goes smoothly if this is it!

georgee good luck, sounds very promising! Specially with it being your second... Hope you don't have your baby at the surgery!!!

Just noticed after wearing it for hours that DD has stuck a whale sticker on me! Do you think she's trying to tell me something?

Lol, not unless she's calling you Shamu aswell

So I'm celebrating my EDD by having to collect DS early from the childminder's with potential conjunctivitis and take him to docs to be checked out. If it is, he won't be allowed to go tomorrow either. Argh! So much for my 3 days of rest. Good thing I'm not having my sweep today any more - it got postponed until Friday.

that's a bit rubbish dixie hope it's not conjunctivitis or it's the type that just comes with a cold and isn't catching.
Your sweep will probably be more useful on friday anyway... I think mine was basically pointless yesterday.

Good luck georgee if things are kicking off!

My midwife appointment was a complete waste of time. I was in tears by the time I'd walked from my mums car to the surgery (all of 20 steps) and she pretty much just said to man up labour will be a lot worse (in not so many words). I asked her to do a sweep or at least examine me and she said no because it's still 2 days before I'm due. Cue more tears . On the plus side baby seems to be nice and healthy and has been moving lots more today!

Hope your ds is feeling better soon dixie

That's rubbish mm, the least they can do is be a bit sympathetic! Would gp be better?

A few hours of Peppa Pig are in order for us methinks.

2 weeks minimum for an appointment with gp here

Will keep going with paracetamol. If all else fails I'll present myself at A&E...

Mm can you try to see a Physio? They can probably help if it's a spasming nerve or muscle or even spd. I would try a walk in centre or a&e if the pain is as bad as you say it is. You need to be rested for labour!!

My mw also wouldnt do a sweep until 41 weeks (he came at 39 though!!)

mm you can take paracetomol and codiene which you can buy over the counter. Just don't atke it more than 3 days at a time without medical advise. I was given it by the hospital in a much stronger dose than you can buy over the counter and it is fine for the baby and you in the short term, just not longer not because it does physical harm but because it is addictive!

I am really sorry you have a crap midwife and surgery. Why did they bother booking you in for you '40 week' appointment 2 days early if they can't do anything for you. How does she know how much pain you are in and if labour is worse than that? she isnt you and she should know that you what you need right now is to be calm and rexlaxed and get rest not tense and in pain unable to sleep.
Please consider seeing the hospital maternity/woman's physio or an ostepath or a good pregnancy massage person if you can't get any other help

Hi just bobbing on - thats really rubbish mm - im quite shocked at that attitude, and not v helpful.
Wow georgee think youre my sweep mate, came to see how things going but looks like theyre going! All the best!

I discussed the ins and outs of the sweep today (40+1) after this horrid puking bug all weekend expecting to be encuraged to be braver but the mw discouraged me as my tummy still sore, major bhs and only started weeing again this morning (since sat morn), and that had made me feel so much better. However been blown up like a balloon all day with bhs on top so either somthing starting again or uterus reclaiming lost fluids! She said (whennshe got a feel between bhs) he was 2/5 or even 1/5 she thought - does feel like theres scrabbling at the door! Offered a sweep tomorrow which i think ill try and take, eating almost normally today and tummy not so sore now.

I feel like a cat on hot bricks, cant settle unless cringing at desperate hw of ny whilst bobbing on ball, which is getting fraught, need a better box set is that normal?!

Doc prescribed eye drops for DS, and 24 hours away from childminder. Argh. So now have him to entertain tomorrow with the added bonus of not being able to go to any playgroups/friends houses in case we pass it on. Just what I need at 40+1! Of course if I go into labour overnight, nana will just have to step in, perhaps tgat's my best strategy...?! Although new baby + toddler with eye infection prob not the best combo...

What an awful thing to say to you MM. Get some paracetamol and codeine and ignore the MW.

No word from jen ?

I'm going to keep up the paracetamol for 3 days and see if it builds up and makes a difference. I've never been overly impressed with that mw but she really upset me today. Granted I was being oversensitive. Slipping a leaflet into my notes about antenatal depression didn't impress me either. I'm not depressed, I'm just sore. And grumpy. And wanting my baby today!

One of the ladies from my antenatal group had her baby this morning. She was due the same day as me and has called her little girl after me! Okay, not AFTER me, but she's given her the same name as me .

Apparently the earliest they'll do a sweep is Monday. And I have to go to hospital for it. Ffs!!!

Just back from the labour ward after getting my swollen ankles looked at. Everything is fine and I'm 2cm with a favourable cervix. MW gave me a sweep as I missed my appt yesterday and she could feel baby's head which has got me really excited again. After almost 48 hrs of erratic contractions is good to know things are heading in the right direction!

MM I would echo those who've suggested A&E!

Hi all
Just to update you. Eira Isabella Anne born this moring at 06 25 weighing 8lb 12 oz. Pretty speedy birth. Very tired now and looking forward to a good nights sleep (ha).
Will post more a bit later but thanks for all you're support x

Congrats jen! Lovely name, my friend has a beautiful daughter called Eira. Can't wait to see a photo! Enjoy your sleep...

congratulations jen!!! lovely name x

Congratulations jen that's another off the list!
georgee is quiet this evening... Hmm

No signs here.. It is only my due date and I promised myself u wouldn't focus in it but its hard because most of the November ladies have graduated and I also really don't want a repeat of the last time!

mm I'm still shocked at the difference in care between here in Edinburgh and a short trip over the water.. Does your doctor not do phone appointments for urgent problems? Thinking of you!

It really is abysmal mrswee. Thank you for thinking of me! Annoying thing is edinburgh practices in sqf are actually closer to me than mine. Grr. Musn't grumble, up until now the nhs has never let me down and bar this one particular midwife when you eventually do get an appointment or need treatment the care has always been first class. And for now at least it is free.

My due date's thursday. I imagine i'll be feeling the same as you. Everyone i know due on or around the same day as me has had their baby . The daily phonecalls and messages are becomming almost unbearable - at least mil took the hint and has stopped annoying me! poor dh now gets it...

georgee is very very quiet...

Just think, you can't be as over due as I decided to be... lol! Silver linings

MM I am worried about your back. That amount of pain isn't normal. For it to not be getting better. Please go and see your GP! And take some analgesia!!!!!

Congratulations Jenbird! Hope you get that sleep... send some my way please!

Congratulations Jen I hope you and your baby get a good sleep.

I'm sorry I never got around to joining officially but I've had a baby girl on Monday evening. (A successful vbac... Yay!) We've named her Josie Amelia and she weighed 8lbs6.5ozs.
She's absolutely perfect.
Good luck to this who've had, are having and are yet to have!

Welcome Peppa, it's never to late to join. Congratulations! Are you home now?

Congratulations Jen and peppa

jenbird congrats!! and peppa congrats!!

mm1 i'm annoyed at your midwife! do not listen too her, who does she know what your labour will be like and how you will experience it, your back sounds agony and that could well be one million times worse than labour! do not her negative attitude into your head! i agree with everyone on here - get some pain relief, but don't stress about labour being worse than an extremely painful back as it's a different kettle of fish! you get a wonderful prize at the end of labour

Here here pasties! For a midwife to be introducing such negative preconceptions about birth and to be so judgemental about your experience Missmummy is not on at at all. Labour does hurt but it is a very focussed, productive sort of pain and also time limited. For what it is worth I think I would take that over what you are experiencing with your back. You must be shattered. I think you need to get your dp to help you get the medical support you need. Time to get very stroppy!

And congratulations jenbird and peppa!

Congratulations jenbird and peppa. It's my due date today and it's a full moon tonight, ooooh. The phrase for today is "come on Bun, out you come!"

Congratulations Jen and peppa and anyone else I've missed, hope you and babies are all well.

Sorry been awol as fed up and have nothing positive to contribute.

40 +11 today and booked for induction tomorrow morning Dh has been on the sofa ill for the last week (very unlike him) so been worrying about him too although he seems to be on the mend now. Really don't want to be induced and quite scared but baby is showing no signs of budging and time is running out...

Right moan out now need to go do something productive and try to become more positive.

Sorry about the me me me whingy post, I'm just trying to get it out!

Sorry about induction lilliana, but at least you know your baby will be with you in the next 48 hours.

Congrats to all the new graduates. Hope all is well.

MM you have gone quiet are you still there? Are you ok?

Xx

Yep still here! Had an incredibly lazy morning in bed watching tv. Still sore but doesn't seem to be any worse today so hoping paracetamol is starting to kick in. Dp and I are both - on reflection - quite pissed off with that mw, but touchwood I won't need to see her again as she doesn't do home visits in my village and any appointments from now on are done at hospital.

I've just come out the shower to no less than 7 missed calls from a very freaked out dp (my reply to his text before I got in musnt've sent) and a voicemail threatening to send my next door neighbour round to check I wasn't giving birth or lying dead somewhere. Ffs I was only out of range for 15 mins tops!!!

Congratulations peppa

my DH is exactly the same missmummy if he cant get thru to me immediately he panics!

well its my due date today and midwife did a sweep this morning so fingers crossed it works, booked to be induced next wednesday (40+7) so luckily DH parents should get to see her before they go back to orkney (a 2 day journey from us)

TooManyDicks lets hope the full moon works in our favour tonight haha

Lol * mm*

Mummytobe - I live on Orkney!

ooo really YellowWellies yer they are driving down to brighton from orphir this weekend and staying for a week as thats all they could get off work so we are all really hoping the little madam turns up soon!!

No way - I live in Orphir - well the border of Orphir / Stenness parish (near the Brig o Waithe) - my peedie man was born up here in the Balfour and is eligible to play the ba as an uppie! Is your DH Orcadian?

That is a hell of a drive!!!!!