December 2010: no, it's not an autumn pumpkin up my jumper ...

[Miffster]

...and we're gliding towards the third trimester, draped in suitably flowing attire.

miffster tbh I think that any form of exertion from now on is going to have consequences - I barely have to do anything to develop aches and pains!

I bloody hate ebay. I am deactivating my account and I'm done with it.

After the cot debacle (that she refused to give me a full refund for) plus other pieces of crap that we've been unlucky enough to buy from there todays arrival has just topped it off completely.

I won a Close sling on there at the weekend, brand new, unused, never worn etc etc. So it arrives today, but not in the box as expected. It is clearly used as the rings on it are scratched, there are dirty marks on it, it smells and is quite faded. On top of that there is no dvd or paper instructions (instructions are on youtube so not big problem), but half the bloody sling is missing. It should come in a bag which is then opened up into a cummerband type thing that you tie round to support the baby, esp when newborn, but it's not there, so the sling is useless.

I'm absolutely fuming and somehow managed to send her quite a calm, measured message asking for a refund.

But that's it, I've bloody had enough, no more trying to save money, I'm just going to buy stuff new from now on. If it means going without food to get a cot etc then so bloody be it.

Oh dear Cheryl, sorry about ebay crapness. I've had 1 bundle of so-so stuff, and am still awaiting a £4 bundle won in August, which I dopubt will ever arrive so that's £8 wasted with P&P. But on the plus side, the carrycot and Amby and a 3+ month sbundle I got were all in really good condition. I think it is pot luck, and about 1:10 items is a disappointment, some are ok and the rest great IME. However I've only bought about 12 things and only used enay since I got PG.

Does anyone else feel scared to leave negative ebay feedback in case the crap seller spitefully trashes your unblemished 100% positive feedback rating?

Miffster - what a crappy bus driver! The pain could also be a pulled muscle - I pulled a muscle under my bump earlier on by getting up from lying down too fast.

Take it easy. Have you thought about how you'll cope with tube strikes, etc as the weather gets worse. You really don't want to be travelling on days like that when the weather is foul and you're pregnant.

CherylAnnTweedy - that's really bad! Definitely give negative feedback for seeling an item not as described! I've found with eBay that you have to ask about every little thing (e.g. does it include instructions, is it in the original box, what exactly is included...) and can't assume anything. But I've never had an issue with someone plain lying about an item!

We've got a few things off eBay - changing unit, bookcase, safababy sleeper - but mostly things where I wasn't so fussed about A1 condition as I'm going to repaint them anyway. I also got some brand-new drawer handles from an eBay seller. Lots of things I just wanted to get new to avoid stress though. I've been looking at glider chairs on eBay but am a bit concerned about buying one I haven't tried.

for the bad experience you've had baby shopping cheryl. Hope the 4D scan makes up for it.

I've bought tons off ebay, must say no negative experiences so far, worked out saved us about £500 so I thought it was pretty good till I heard your tale. Lucky only need a couple more items before I'm done.

Re the hyper emotional time we were all having last week or so, apparently this is connected to the surge in hormones immediately prior to a growth spurt. I certainly feel in the last week or so I have really blown up.

My youngest has just started school and finding the long days very tiring, so instead of homework yesterday we snuggled up in my bed and read Emmas Diary, which I thought had got chucked out cos it is a bit naff, but DS found it and wanted to read it whilst feeling for baby kicks. Very sweet. According to him the Daddy's job is not to help the Mummy, but to hold the baby up on his shoulder and pat its back until it goes "BUUUURP" :)

hello ladies

Hope you are all well.

I've been getting leg cramps in the small hours and my osteopath recommended rehydration salts - has anyone tried this? The pharmacist wouldn't sell them to me as it didn't specifically say they were ok for pregnancy (it said "Check with your pharmacist" on the leaflet!) but a bit of googling suggests they are ok and I will ask the GP when I go to get a fit to fly letter. There is a lot of admin to do when you are up the duff, isn't there?

Notso and Cookieaddict if you haven't tried seeing an osteopath for your PGP I totally recommend it. I thought I was going to be stuck on the sofa for the last three months of my pregnancy, but that feeling of having fallen on your cocyx when you walk has gone entirely after one treatment. When I said that the GP told me I would have to put up with it and it would probably get worse the osteopath said that so many women are told that.

I have my second NCT class tomorrow - I thought it was too early to be doing the classes and was convinced I'd have the latest due date, but that's not the case at all.

Lavita great news for your friend in Australia! I remember you being worried to share your news with her and it is so nice that you can now celebrate being pregnant together!! :) I may now not go to the shower on 19th and come to the baby fair that you mentioned. Pls give me more info on the event.

DF and Japh great to hear that I am not the only one growing from chest like a milking cow!!!
Miffster grrrrrr to your bus driver. But don't worry about the pain - I have it constantly and went to GP today to be told that it is absolutely normal to have stretched ligament pain

Last night I was dreaming about delivery. It started with pain and my water went but then I wasn't dialating for 36 hours and they were telling me that this is one of those deliveries that will go over 2 days!!! Let's pray that it is not going to be like that...

My LO is now upside down. she moves from transverse to breech and back and it freaks me out to notice her head under my arm above my love handles! I pet her on head and move her smoothly in and she obeys. Then her bum or feets come out under the other arm!! quite amazing how much space and freedom she has to move from one side to another and swim up and down... It is such a nice feeling to pet her on head though when her head comes out like an orange! She is soooo active. I hope this doesn't mean that I will have a little jumpy bunny not sitting for a second later!!! :)

likethemapples I got a bad leg cramp last night too... I am taking magnesium tablets for it and thought I had it under control but then didn't take the pills regularly recently and it hit me bad last night... so painful :(

Aww, PJen & Franken - how very very cute, being able to pat your baby on the head, and be able to tell what part is what already, and to have a nice snuggle up with DS.

Re restless legs - I suffer with restless leg syndrome anyway, but strangely has actually become less while pregnant.

I noticed an RTS address on the package, so debating whether to just send it straight back or wait for a reply from the woman. Not sure what to do.

I'm looking at this coat. It's about the only mat coat I've found that I vaguely like, but am not sure what size to get it in. I usually get coats a size or 2 bigger than my normal clothes, so normally get about a size 14 coat. As I've grown out of all size 12 mat clothes I'm thinking a size 14 coat would be too small, so should probably get a 16. What do you all think?

Cheryl Nice coat, I like the cut - won't it be quite thin though as it is a mac? I guess you could wear jumpers with it...and we'll all be feeling hit.

I did a search on mn about maternity coats yesterday and someone was saying that mat coats come up very small across the bust from New Look. So it might be worth looking at old threads for recommends - or starting a coatwatch thread on the pregnancy forum cos I bet quite a few people are looking...
Pjen that is soooo cute.

I like the coat Cheryl can you get both sizes online and then take one back into the shop for a refund?

PJen here's the link for twickenham baby and toddler show

likethemapples have you tried bananas or drinking Gatorade? they should help with the legs

Anyone else desperate to stop working, I'm so over it and I'm only 26 weeks!

Cheryl I don't know specifically about maternity coats but IME most newlook coats (and tops) are quite narrow across the shoulders/chest. I've got quite wide shoulders and usually need the next size up in coats but in new look need at least two sizes up. Why not try ordering both sizes and try them on to see which fits best, then return the other one to the store?

We are getting the travel system from my SiL that she bought for Neice, but she never used. I have no clue what it is, I've asked for details when she's back from another Holiday!

I'm so tired at the moment as I'm not sleeping well. SleepGeni doesn't do much for me now. My left leg keeps getting pins and needles/dead leg feeling and then sharp pain shots. Midwife thinks it's down to my SPD. Will ask Physio next week.

My family all work for HFW so I see a darkside that has put me right off him. I think what he has done is amazing, don't get me wrong, but he is becoming commercialised and has veered off his original path, becoming his own worst enemy, IMAO. I am into the self sufficient thing, chickens and grow our own fruit and veg. I want to go blackberry picking but not sure how I'll cope over the rough and tumble fields. Did get some sloes on the way home from work the other day. Autumn is my favourite time of year. I've been to RC HQ a few times, beautifully cooked stuff, but I've come away and made a snack as soon as we are home as I was still hungry.

I've bought a few things, second hand mainly, but SiL has so much stuff for us, I don't want to rush out and buy anything, yet I'm going to a few NCT sales in my area. I sat down with DH last night and we tried to make a list, but it's hard not knowing what SiL is going to give us. eBay has been a mix of experiences for me. Generally good, I have had a few bad experiences with purchases and things I am selling. I always e-mail to let them know if there is a problem and have mainly had success.

Miffster Chinese Predictor is going with Girl! Interesting, we are starting to think it's going to be a boy. Mainly down to old wives tales :)

I've also kept an open minded birth plan. We talked about it last night, and I'm getting out some books tonight to show him. I have a list of things like, one of us is present with LO at all times, DH cuts cord and hope to add more to it. Active Birth is preferred but slightly worried if SPD gets worse if I will be capable of staying upright.

On the coat thing, someone suggested capes and swing coats and trapeeze coats - ie. non-maternity coats which are ^ shaped.

Better quality, cheaper and no worries about covering bump is the theory.

Might look on dreaded ebay later.

sorry to hear about your ebay hassle Cheryl I have to confess I only ever buy new goods from the outlets on there rather than from individual buyers.

likethemapples - try Gatorade for rehydration. Thinking of which, I must get more.

kellestar - any chance you could get a specialist massage? I get myofascial release massage at least once a month and its incredible - it's specifically for those muscle knots and restrictions everyone gets at some point, but that you're so much more likely to get when pg, esp with SPD.

Water birth is supposed to be pretty good for staying upright/active with SPD. I know I can do pilates exercises when in the swimming pool that would be agony on land.

JoJo have got a coat that is supposed to be fine when you're not pregnant as it just drapes. I think it might be too long for me as I'm a shortie!

CherylAnnTweedy - don't send the eBay package back until the issue is resolved, especially as it's a proper "not as decribed" issue.

cheryl both colours are cute...

Kellestar what is HFW?

Japh JoJo's wool coat is cute too... like it...

I agree with Miffster on capes... I am looking for one and they are now in too :)

japh I think it depends where you l8ive as I had pethidine with DD1 and was allowed to use the pool - but that may just have been the icompetent MW as they were pretty cr*p

Pjen HFW is Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall

PJen HFW = Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall

japh I am a massage virgin, I wouldn't even know where to start looking for someone. Any advice appreciated.

Waterbirth is available at our local midwife led unit, but they are temporarily closed, not sure when/if they'll re-open. I will ask about it though.

Had to go to Lichfield for a meeting today - 10 hours worth of travelling via taxi, ferry, tube and train to get there and back!

Made all the better journey by fab London Midland rail company who will upgrade you to 1st class free if you are pregnant - they ask for you to carry your MatB1 normally but as I didn't know that bit they just let me use 1st anyway

Train has just been through home station and I couldn't get off as have to be back in work tomorrow morning early

cheryl just a quick message for you re ebay - I believe sellers can no longer post negative feedback, so tit for tat if you leave negative shouldn't happen. That is such a shame how you've been treated by some sellers tho, I am always really careful these days to check out the feedback before bidding and try and go for people with 99%+ positive feedback. You always have recourse through paypal if the item isn't as described and if the seller doesn't want to refund you. You do get stuffed on the p&p tho, which I think is really wrong.

Interesting you were able to have pethidine in the pool MrsSnaplegs I was wondering why or if it was a no no.

The idea of HFW having a 'darkside' made me chuckle kellestar
Please tell us more - is he really the prince of darkness obsessed with money and fame? The Victoria Beckham of self-sufficient farming?!

I think my hormones are making me do strange things. Instead of a sensible coat, I've been out and bought a vintage fake fur leopard print number. I must stress, this is something I would not have done in a rational non-pg frame of mind. DH thinks it is hilarious. I can just imagine waddling round wearing it with my massive bump when the cold weather sets in.

No ebay disasters here yet. I did buy 10 bibs which were a bit grotty and old but seeing as they only cost 99p and I was able to wash them hot I'm not too disappointed.

Quick question. Why is it a new matress is meant to help prevent cot death? I have a second hand Moses basket and am thinking I'll need to get a new matress, but just wondering what the reasons are? Also, what bedding do you use with a basket? We're not planning on getting a cot until we move the baby into his own room.

chloe lol at your coat!! Just had a look on the FSIDS website and they say
"Mattress
It is very important that your baby?s mattress is clean, dry, firm, flat and well fitting. Ideally you should buy a new mattress for each new baby. If you are not able to do this, use the one you have as long as it was made with a completely waterproof cover and has no tears, cracks or holes."

Doesn't actually say why, maybe something to do with mould spores (wildly guessing) or such like? Does anyone know? I don't know about moses baskets, they're not usually in them for that long. DS1 was in his moses basket for nearly 6 months (his head was nearly touching the top!) and the cot for about 2 years so at the end the mattress wasn't fit for another child! You can get moses basket bedding, otherwise I believe you can use a pillowcase?

chloesbaby I don't know why you can't have pethidine and a water birth. I had an IV dose of antibiotics at 2230 because they hadn't tested me for GBS and my 1st waters had gone 15 hours before that . I then had Pethidine about 2330 and went in the pool from 0130 - 0600. Got out when my 2nd waters went (yes ladies we have 2 lots but most go together) and had DD about 0725 with no further pain relief. G&A made me feel really sick so stopped it fairly quickly. Being in the pool made things fairly comfortable really and it was only really the last half hour or so that "hurt" - it was slightly more than the "this last little bit stings a little" as the very young MW told my DH "a bit like nettles" I would say it was more like being really constipated

This time if everything is ok I will stay home longer, stay in pool longer and if poss deliver in there.

Love the idea of the vintage fake fur leopard print coat - especially as I've met you I bet it looks really cool!! Tell your DH you plan to wear it to all his work functions and then watch his face

As for HFW and River Cottage - yes it is very commercialised but he is supporting a huge community there in work and is supportive to local traders. There were long queues for hot food but what we had was very tasty. We got loads of details of local suppliers for when we move down south as they will be much closer and he has very much motivated us to change the way we live some of our life (the bits we can change at present) We grow what we can, use local suppliers, recycle, freecycle and make as much fresh own produce and meals as possible within the constraints of our current lifestyle. I am not sure what his original aims were but he has introduced a large amount of the population to some of these things as well and I don't see that as a bad thing. We also met a member of his team "off duty" and she still seemed really enthusiastic about what she did - but that could have all been for show as the "corporate image". Anyway would love to hear kellestar inside info - always up for a bit of gossip!

Trying to switch off after a very long day so going to read some AIBU posts