Nov 2010, energy levels are low, but only one trimester to go!

[hmmSleep]

Here's the new discussion thread!

Stats thread here

Congratulations nomoremagnolia, and hope things get moving soon Mumcha!

Sorry to hear those of you having problems, either with midwives, houses or Dh's!

Thought I'd give you the quick lowdown on baby Charlotte (Lottie)'s birth.

Went for a really long walk on Sunday, probably overdid it a bit so that evening had an indian take-away to avoid cooking, then had a lovely warm bath and, erm, sex . So it would seem long walk + curry + bath + sex = waters breaking!

Was asked to go for check up at hospital and due to previous c-section they advised that I stayed in for monitoring. If I didn't start labouring naturally within 24-48 hours they would induce as risk of infection gets higher. Thankfully at 11.30pm Monday night I felt the first twinge.

Things stayed pretty mild until 3.30am when I phoned Dh to come to hospital, contractions now quite strong and about 6 minutes apart. By 4.30 things were getting very sore so I started the gas and air, thankfully after 2 more hours of contractions and feeling rather sick out she popped with just 2 minutes of pushing. Amazingly I'm not at all sore, even going to the toilet is fine.

The only discomfort I have are my afterpains, especially when breastfeeding, and engoreged breasts!

Dd1 just arrived home so have to go.

Hope all goes as smoothly for the rest of us!

Huge congratulations to hmmSleep on the arrival of Lottie - hope you are all enjoying getting to know one another!

balijay excellent time to go on mat leave - especially with half term looming on the horizon. I hope you get to enjoy a few weeks rest before the new arrival comes.

Rinnyx - thinking of you. I would be mightily pissed off if dp even broached disappearing around my due date. If he does go to HK, make good your promise and go to Cambridge - family support will be vital if he's not around.

clueless - fingers crossed for your scan on Monday. Hope your mw has made a mistake and the wee one is head down.

Had mw appointment today, baby is still very definitely breech. I've got consultant's appointment on Tues where I'll be offered ECV, but I don't think I'm going to take them up on the offer (given that this kid hasn't moved from under my ribs since forever and it's long femur measurement suggests that it's unlikely to move).

Mw advised that she would do the same in my position, so will be asking for ELCS date on Tuesday which should be confirmed there and then for around 39 weeks (around 05/11). Feeling a bit nervous, but also slightly more settled as I will then have a "plan of action" and can sort out childcare etc in advance.

Insomnia is still raging here was up at 4am this morning in the bath, after wandering aimlessley around the house for 5 hours. Was hoping to recoup some sleep today, but friend came round so didn't get a chance. DD2's birthday tomorrow, so will need to prep birthday tea and tidy house for her wee party tomorrow night - looks like no sleep pick up then either . Then it's half term - waaaaaah .

TMI question coming up

I am 35 +3 weeks. Over the last 2 days I noticed that, here goes the TMI, my underwear is always v wet. But I don't feel incontinent, I have no pressure on the bladder and whatever it is, it doesn't smell/look like pee.

It's not my waters, right? I mean I would have known if they were seeping out, wouldn't I? I heard sometimes there isn't a great big gush just leaking, but even so.
I mean I would have had a show before waters go - correct? ^10

Sorry everyone but it is beginning to worry me out a bit.

hmmsleep that sounds like such a good birth - and I love Charlotte/ Lottie, such a nice name. Hope you are enjoying getting to know each other.

Sorry to hear baby is still breech Boris although at least with an ELCS, as you say, you have a plan of action and some knowledge about what is going to happen when. Sorry to hear about the insomnia though - 4am is about the worst time to be awake, isn't it?

Rinny I'd be pissed off too if I was you - as others have said, maybe it would be best to go to Cambridge if/ when your DP is away, it's important to have someone around to look after you if needed - and just to make you feel better and not lonely.

Congrats on maternity leave balijay!

I've had a funny day today - baby feels very low and I've had some minor crampy feeling which feels like period pain, and mild back pain. Also an upset stomach this afternoon, which I've had on and off for a few days. Am wondering if this is body getting ready for labour (38 wks tomorrow), or just being knackered. Any thoughts from you experienced mums? Have MW tomorrow anyway so can see what she thinks. Went to get nursing bras fitted today so at least the hospital bag is just about finished in case the youngster does put in an early appearance!

Was thinking of you today umf, hope it went well!

blondecat no need for , I bet loads of us have had the same thing! Frankly (and just between ourselves you understand ) I get this quite a lot - I think it's basically discharge, which I didn't think you would get in pregnancy if the cervix is tightly closed, but I've had this on and off for the last few weeks and it's definitely not wee! A similar thing happened to a friend of mine and she went to A&E thinking it was her waters, but they told her just happens to some people in late pg. But I would mention it to your MW if you're concerned, even if it's not exactly a fun topic to bring up...

blondcat, I agree with pidgin. Been fairly damp myself recently and do remember this happening last time too. I think it's just general discharge, I certainly noticed the difference when my waters went, and even if they just go slowly you still get a bit of a trickle effect when you stand up etc.
Wear a pad and mention to your midwife if you're worried though, she can check it.

You wouldn't necessarily have a show though before your waters, and if you really mean very wet (in how short a time?) maybe you should give her a call tomorrow..

I'm jealous of people with babies now too :o
Also jealous of people on maternity leave, I've still got 3 weeks at work! Sob.

blonde wear a pad so you can keep an eye on it, as others have said there is lots of discharge in late pregnancy and sometimes this can be quite watery. But if you can feel it trickling or are really worried get it checked out by a mw

Congratulations hmmsleep!! Lovely name, and so glad the labour was that smooth. (Exactly the kind of thing I'm planning here, actually...)

Many thanks everyone for supportive messages! I actually looked up that Stringer Bell chap (DH: Hmm, I'm not sure that watching The Wire is an ideal preparation for your viva, but I'll find you an episode if you really want...), but happily was not needed - examiners v helpful and constructive, no corrections, can just submit final bound copies and graduate. Phew. Incredulous relief. Champagne - and neighbours made a cake! Dr umf

And, err, off to make supper now. Hope things well with everyone else, esp mumcha and addicted. rinny I'd be well annoyed too. DH has finished travelling now, thank goodness. pidgin that does sound hopeful...

my antenatal teacher told us last night that one way to induce labour is oral sex - as in giving, not receiving, as the progestogens in semen better absorbed by mouth than vaginally! I actually knew this but was NOT planning on telling DH! Am already a bit queasy on and off, I think swallowing THAT would tip me over the edge!

congratulations hmmmsleep and welcome to the world little lottie :)

addicted i hope things remain ok the next few days and just make sure to kick up a fuss if you have ANY concerns!

all those with niggly braxton hicks, back ache and the runs, that has been me this week as well, i had the same with the four boys but not until the week or so before labour, so as i am only 35 wks i was a bit and called my midwife who i am now seeing tomorrow as she wanted to check me over as she agreed that for me, it is a bit early for symptoms like that.

so yes they are def early labour symptoms and signs that your body is getting ready for birth, so good luck everyone, its getting exciting now!

i have all the baby clothes all washed and put away ready and then a few bits for labour in a bag, for me and clothes for baby, nappies, maternity pads etc, still need to get some cheap granny knickers for after the birth and some cheap nighties etc as well, but pretty much sorted. she will probably still be late, but best be prepared!

dp bless him is getting nervous about the birth, he finds it really stressful but has been with me for all the births, i am not too nervous, just want it to go smoothly, preferrably at home! my other labours all very straightforward and quick so hopefully this one will be as well :)

pyjamalover you would have to swallow a LOT of semen for it to work! really just have regular sex and put a pillow under your bum so the semen and the prostaglandins in it stay near your cervix :)

Thanks Boris Pidgin and umf I am making him know how I feel each passing day.
If DS does turn up before the trip I think I will be off to Cambridge but I will make sure DP makes up for his week of freedom, starting with buying me and the children many items from Hong Kong.

In other news I saw the MW on Tuesday and she was very happy with everything, the most being DS has had a growth spurt so is now only about 2 weeks behind on dates but she like me thinks he is very happy in there and shows no sign so coming soon

Hope all is well with everyone and cant wait to read who will pop next

DrUmf Well done!

Rinny I can understand why he wants to go to HK (who wouldn't?) but why doesn't he grasp this is the most inappropriate moment? for you. But great news on the growth spurt.

blondecat I agree with the others. Give the MW a ring if you're worried but I'm pretty sure we've all got slightly weird stuff happening to our bodies at the moment

pyjama I think I prefer 4madboy's advice How many times a day would you recommend?

Thats the thing Fenouille I can kind of understand also maybe even more if we hadnt just been there this christmas just gone, he goes every few years because all his family minus parents and sister live there and I'm sure we will be back again some time next year so they can all meet DS.
I guess its all down to when DS wants to say hello but yep happy about growth spurt tho hope he dont put on to much, dont want to push out to big a baby

4madboys cheap knickers and nighties I am guessing a trip to good old Primark or matalan
I got a nightie in matalan for £5 and it even has afew buttons at the top, will be handy for BF

blondecat Ive had exactly the same thing and was worried it might have been my waters leaking slowly but I mentioned it to the midwife yesterday and she assured me that it's very common to have heavy discharge towards the end of pregnancy, which has since stopped (I'm 37 weeks).

Was also told that my babies head is now engaged! Nice to know everything is in the right place and heading south. DH came to the appointment with me and the midwife gave him a guided tour round my tummy pointing out babies feet, arms, bum and back.

Started to get a bit of pain in my hips now and had to go back to bed after hoovering round this morning. I'm sooooo tired all the time!

Congrats to those with new arrivals. Looking forward to hearing of more soon!

llandb sorry about your cat . I think a combination of hayfever and general pg nasal congestion is the key to particularly impressive snoring [hgrin]

Congrats DrUmf

blondcat I've definitely been damper than normal [hblush] I think it's pretty normal, but like everyone else has said if you're really worried then speak to your doctor

I'm [henvy] of all of you with signs that things might be happening. Not so much as even a slight twinge for me yet, only 36 weeks though, so I suppose there's still plenty of time

Thank you everyone. Feeling hugely reassured. I will watch it but without throwing self into huge panic.

Meanwhile I am smoked. The flat stinks. My hair stinks. My towels stink. Lovely moxa stick for trying to get LO to turn just assured that - the only place I can use it is the bathroom and the result is SMOKEY! {best Mask voice}
I had thought LO turned earlier today -much more pressure lower down and some kicks. But she is happily back where she was. Maybe she checked out down there and decided she doesn't like it.

On a cheerful note I am happy to announce that DH has finally told one colleague that we are expecting a baby. He only waited until now to break the news . And he is hoping he won't have to tell anyone else as the colleague is "a gossip" (translation from DH speak: a gossip - someone who talks not just about business)

Rinnyx I feel for you. DH has been away from home 5-5.5 days a week every week for the past month. That is tough enough and it makes me feel miserable and abandoned. But he is doing it so he can be around in November (I suspect he will travel a bit but not as much and not to other continents), he told me: "the 15 books for dads to be that you bought me gave a strong message". I swear it wasn't 15. Maybe just four. But then he had this month after his appointment and he is "ze boss" so in the end he decides himself. (This of course miffs me as I suspect he could ask people to come to him).
I'd be asking myself: Does he HAVE to go? As in are work making him? Do they know he is due to become a father? Is this a once in a lifetime thing? Will it make or break his career/ budget? If the answer is yes, I suppose it's life (but I wold still mope). If not, I can only imagine how you must feel. Men can be so [lacks he right smilie to express self]. Actually lacks a frownie.
And you are right to say you will go to Cambridge - with him not there it is only reasonable that you would!

)

Huge congrats to DrUmf - must be a relief not to have to think about corrections and glad you didn't need to channel Stringer!
Also huge congrats to hmmsleep - sounds like a wonderful birth and a beautiful name too.
Blondecat - I definitely have 'damp' days but I remember reading this on a local IM's webpage about changes that can happen to your body during pregnancy and being reassured:
"Vaginal secretions

This is called leuchorrea and is perfectly healthy. It is usually a clear or milky white colour and is again caused by the pregnancy hormones. Sometimes quite a lot can be secreted, particularly in the last few months. I have known it to confuse some women who think that their waters have broken." HTH!

Howdy ladies! Congrats to Dr Umf, you must be so pleased to have that out of the way now!

Had my 37 week presentation scan yesterday, it was pretty cool! Baby is definitely head down and we got to have a good look at his/her face (a bit odd when you can see right through the eye sockets mind you!). Baby was sucking a thumb and blinking, it was pretty amazing! We looked away when she was checking on the length of the legs and stuff as we don't know the sex, but everything looked normal and fine, blood flow through the cord is good and baby appears to be around 7lb at the mo. I had a moment of panic though sitting in the waiting room before the scan, because yesterday I kept having really strong and uncomfortable BHs, and the hospital we went to for the scan is not the one I had my other babies in, it is much busier and not as clean so I'm sitting in the chair thinking "what if I go into labour right now?? I can't have this baby in hospital!!" lol! Thankfully though, despite a really uncomfortable day yesterday, all has calmed down and feeling back to normal today. Hope everyone is feeling well and household projects are getting finished, and hubbies get home safely!

havent had time to catch up on all the posts but BIG CONGRATS to hmmsleep great news :)

and well done Dr UMF!!!!!

blondcat i have been wearing panty liners for the same reason... just discharge, asked my m/w about it the other day and she said will increase towards the end of pregnancy... as long as not itchiness/soreness i think is ok. Still sometimes i wonder if its just fluid leaking out...

congrats Drumf!!

i had such a sad dream. dreamt that i had the bloody show and the waters broke. and i was trying to wake DH to go to the hospital.....

and then i woke up.

LO still shows no sign of wanting to budge. sigh....

Congrats hmmsleep I am so jealous! I am 38+3 and, after only 5 days of mat leave am officially BORED!!! I've been having BH for the last couple of weeks, lots of dampness too blondecat and have done all the nesting I can possibly do. I want my baby out now cause I want to meet the little wriggly octopus already!!!!

Congratulations hmmsleep

Not much happening here, am 36+2 now so still a while to go. Was dubious about midwife saying that LO is 1/5 engaged but upon checking my cervix the other day could feel his head, and he is definitely right down in my pelvis. My cervix is also quite squishy and slightly open (TMI sorry!) so hoping he'll be coming early. I too want to meet the LO already!

Hope everyone is well, am cleaning like mad again today! It never stops!!!

Congratulations, umf!

Lovely birth story, hmm :)

What others said, mumcha - you're doing a very good job of looking after your baby!

Blondecat I had that happen when at 40+3 with DD, and because it was a Sunday, the procedure in these parts was to phone the delivery suite. They examined me, seemed awfully puzzled, but said the waters hadn't broken. It wasn't until months later that I learned about the discharge - noone had said anything!

But the duty MW said the examination would probably bring on labour (and bingo, half an hour later I started to feel the first BH of the pregnancy and at midnight the contractions started).

Been having, erm, that TMI go on for a couple of months with this one, and having BH that really make themselves felt since something around the 20 week mark. (Had not a peep of this with pg1). To the point that I'm concerned I won't know when I'm in labour!

But yes, I'm another one who's concerned about popping early - symptoms have been ramping up in last couple of weeks, especially last few days (backache, squits) and this afternoon I feel rather as though I have pms - grr, the one perk of pregnancy is not having pms!

Anyone else planning to take a sling into hospital? If so, what? We didn't really get into slings before DD was born, but got right into them afterwards because she turned out to be a fussy, clingy thing who couldn't be put down and wouldn't stop BF and then went and got colicky. So I'll be packing the Close carrier. I kind of wish I'd had one in hospital last time, as it meant I could have taken DD to the loo rather than wheeling the cot or leaving her by the bed.

Sorry to post and run and not catch up properly on all your news, but this pms-like feeling means I can barely look at the screen - and I have an irrational urge to pack my hospital bag!

Ooh Rinnyx meant to say that maybe this means we'll be in the Rosie together (I'll be the scruffy one with DP with a ponytail)

Thanks Looopy and bunnygirl for cat condolences - am dry-eyed now and he had a pretty good innings :)

Yay for those now on mat leave!

Congrats DrUmf. I am so envious. Am thinking about going back to uni but it's probably too late for me.

llandb losing one of my cats is my nightmare du journey and so far the worst anxiety dreams I had during the pregnancy. I am glad to hear he had a good life - but my older girl is 9 too and I think of her as middle aged - and it will hurt no matter when it happens. You seem to be coping really well all things considered ESP given how Teary this pregnancy thing can make us

On a happier note workmen assembled all baby furniture today and conveted bed into single to make space for everything. Yay. They also left the corridor blocked by giant heavy cardboard boxes and a huge mess. Not their job to tidy up - let's leave this to heavily pregnant yours truly. Ergo No Tip.
Still don't care - so happy about all being nearly there!