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.

couldn't agree more C&G Wihtout wanting to put anyone off who may find themselves in the position of being induced, having been there, done that, I'd never do it again.

My baby's so going to be born on xmas day. I just know it....

Hello , all this talk of packing bags is making me nervous, wasn't planning on doing it until two weeks before EDD.
I really hope I don't go overdue this time, I keep imagining having Christmas with a newborn rather than looking like I've swallowed the pudding whole!

Really need to get our room sorted out, and paint the chest of drawers I want to use as a changing unit. Its a right tip at the moment all the baby stuff is piled in the corner in boxes.

I have a pram, carseat and Isofix base,
changing mat, changing bag and drawers,
reusable nappies, 2 bouncy chairs, 2 sling, cosytoes, fleece wrap, swaddle blankets, 6 0-6 month babygowns, 2 newborn babygro's, 2 2-4 month babygro's, 3 0-3 month babygro's, 3 0-3 month romper suits, 7 0-3 month vests,socks and bibs.
MIL has a baby bath, top and tail bowl, swing and is getting a highchair.
DD's godparents are lending us their moses basket and crib.
Need, a couple of disposables for hospital, reusable wipes and a box for them, outers for washable nappies, bin for dry pailing,
muslins, sleeping bags, hats, mattresses and sheets for the basket/crib/pram, support cushion, steriliser, dummies I will vow not to use but will end up using, breast pads, maternity pads, nice pj's for feeding, BIIIIGGG knickers, loosish trousers/top for going home in, new freezer and stuff to put in it!
I need to dig out the T-shirt I have worn for the other two births too.
Going to wait until after the baby is born to get the cot.
That seems like loads still to do!

Have had constant heartburn for 3 days now, am knocking back gavisvom gaviscon like it's wine!

Still have no names but a massive list to chooses from.

Have 3 consultant appointments next week!

Yikes - bag packing! I'm 30wks on Thursday and not even thought about it. I'll just get some baby stuff together, nappies, trackie bottoms and t-shirt for me, nightie and a magazine /something to read. Oh and flip flops - a must for those in hospital using the communal showers / toilets post delivery. Too many women who are still bleeding to go bare feet in shower! And some cash in the bag as well. With DS1 we had to dash to the hospital in the middle of the night as I had an ante-partum heamorrage and in the rush forgot money / wallet so we had to borrow money from the MW's for DH to get out the car park!

For those who know when they ovulated I tried discussing something similar with a consultant when having DS2 and they asked how I knew and I said because I was using the persona machine which shows exactly when you ovulate. They said thats not good enough, I had to have had a scan to PROVE I was ovulating on a certain day before they would believe anything different to what the ante-natal scans were telling them in terms of dates. Perhaps that consultant was a bit harsh (and she did make me feel a bit stupid!) but I dont think they tend to believe women's comments about this that much... May be better where you guys are though!

Must get back to work... By the way for those who may end up with an induction, I was induced both times and mine were fine. Yes, they weren't exactly the most natural births in the world but it was generally OK. I guess with all births, its all so individual to your circumstances and even how much support you get from the midwives.

tok me ages to read through everyone's posts!

I am 28 weeks and 4 days today - cannot wait to get into the 30s.

Found my first stretch mark on the underside of my bump - am quite bereft - DH no use at all as asked him to take a look and he said I was seeing things (which I took to mean no stretch mark) but he meant that he'd say it ws more dark purple the the black colour I said it was!!

Am planning on packing hospital bag from week 35. So far we have:

1)cot + mattress + cot top changer
2) pram + carrycot + car seat
3)all manner of bath stuff including towels, a box full of toiletries (courtesy of my MIL at my baby shower)and even a bubble making machine!
4) lots of clothes
5) 3 teddy bears
6) chest of drawers
7) new floor for the nursery
8) baby's first christmas stocking and decoration courtesy of my 6 year old niece!
9) 3 snow suits
10) moses basket etc
11) 2 sleeping bag/nest thingys

So feeling quite good on the stuff front.

Enjoying NCT classes, though swear it doesnt need to take 2 hours each time to give us the info we get.

Only fly in the ointment is that a friend who is about 5 weeks ahead of me (in pregnancy) appears to be acting funny with me - eg I'll text her to ask how she is or something and dont get a reply but hear she is out and about with our mutual friends - of course up to her but you'd have though living 5 mins away from eachother and being within 5 weeks of eachother;s EDD we'd be closer but she seems to like making little figs at me - eg 'I suppose you are getting everything brand new - second hand wouldnt do for you' - erm actually no about half of stuff is from my sister as makes absolute sense and she turned down the invite to my baby shower - she said she had to work which is fine but given she knew about it 2 months before the shower took place am not sure why she left it to a few days before to say 'oh about your shower, I cant come as have to work sorry about that'

oh well maybe I am being completely mad and paranoid but it feels like a lost opportunity to get closer to her.

I just had to reply to this while i saw it... MrsSnaplegs Oh my DH wants me to point out he has also been trying to restore the caravan and "maintain" the Landrover for the show season
laurenamium Just out of curiosity...how do you maintain a landrover? is that like oil changes and such?

If it's anything like ours, it's having a large bucket under the sump to catch all the oil that leaks out of it. He now has a sign for shows that says 'please don't poke the rust patches'. I am so glad I can't get into it anymore or we'd be doing more of them, I normally struggle, but it's now ridiculous. I am proud of her and him, it was originally the plan that we would re-build her over this autumn/winter period, but that was before we found it we were expecting, so tons of spares in the rafters. Plus he's got to finish so many other half finished projects collecting dust in the garage.

Anyone know anything on how to avoid an induction? I'm sure I read somewhere recently that some PCTs are allowing women to go over the EDD +14 provided they have regular monitoring and no signs of distress. I'd so much rather be early than late but I'm convinced I'm going to be sitting there scratching my behind until 7 January!

Anyone wonder who is going to be first to pop? I reckon we will have at least one by the end of October. Not that I'm wishing the stress of a preemie on anyone, obviously, but someone has to go first...

Dammit it hapened again! wrote a long post, hit 'post' then got a message 'down for a moment please try again in 30 seconds' and lost massive post

So to summarise:

santa you do not have to accept induction. The NICE guidelines state that you should be OFFERED induction at 42 weeks. If you decline you should then be offered daily monitoring. THese guidelines are across the NHS as a whole, so every PCT is supposed to comply with them I won't lie though - it is stressful refusing induction. DP and I set ourselves a deadline. We decided that if I hadn't popped by the Wednesday I would accept induction (would have been 19 days over) As it happens DS arrived on the Tuesday. If monitoring had shown a medical need to be induced I would have accepted. If your body is ready to go induction can just help it along and your labour may be fine. However, if your body isn't ready you're more likely to have the whole 'cascade of intervention' thing go on. DOn't feel that you HAVE to be induced. It's not a case of being 'allowed' to go over - they CANNOT force you to be induced, it has to be your choice to accept or refuse

Hope that helps :)

After saying to DF about fetal movements, I realised that I'd had no kicks since last night and as the work morning went on, still no movements, despite drinking pint of cold milk, eating choc, drinking OJ, lying on left side in meeting room and that wa sreally unusual as he always kicks me in the morning, during the night and several sessions when am sat at my desk.

So just been to St Thomas' Assessment Unit in my lunchhour on advice of Homerton Midwife ( from their antenatal phoneline) who was a bit scary and said to go to nearest hospital at once.

Glad to report after 30 mins of being monitored with continuous fetal monitoring thing ( really would not want to wear one of those in labour) that he is fine, and has gone down into L.O.P - head engaged, pointing down. Which is possibly why I can't feel him kicking anymore, as he is all tucked up in a divebombing position.

Fundal measurement is also 33cm - which fits with my theory about me being 29 weeks not 28.

Midwife had a good poke and woke him up and I can feel him again now.

Bit of a wake up call though.
Am going to make sure I get my bag ready just in case and have told DH to get in the habit of having his phone charged and switched on and carry cash at all times, because I think I might be earlier than my EDD. I really hope he doesn't arrive premature though and have to be in an incubator all wired up instead of snuggled on my and DH being breast fed at home.

Hospital were every supportive of comign in: 'you should feel 12 movements a day, if you don't or you think something is wrong, or his patterns change and you don't feel movements you should always come in'

Santa - I think if you feel strongly enough then you are entitled to stick to your ideas about refusing an induction - but you'd be a braver woman than me though! Daily monitoring can only show you the situation at that moment in time and I couldn't live with the warnings of increased risk to the baby (no matter how small). After DS2's induced birth at 38wks I had to go to theatre to have the placenta removed as it was stuck and big. I'll always remember the doctor saying, "good job your DS was early as this placenta is passed its sell by date". Obviously my waters broke because my body must have known it was time for DS2 to come out, but failing placenta fills me with dread. I'm all for whatever medical interventions are necessary to avoid risk but then thats just me and based on my own personal experiences which haven't been plane sailing... I just want DS3 here and OK!

Ahh Miffster I'm so glad everything's ok! What a scary few hours that must have been. Good to get the experts' reasurance.

Just been to the midwife and all seems ok. Definitely a strong heartbeat. She says the baby is breech. Every other time it's been head down. Had a long course today about fair selection and interviewing as originally I was supposed to be sitting in on the interviews for my job but now they say I won't be. Still, was interesting - we did some mock interviews which I found more nervewracking than being interviewed!

I want to opt for daily monitoring too, rather than induction, but wonder how likely this will be at Christmas. A woman on my course today is 5 days ahead of me (due on 6th Dec) and said they will probably only 'let' me go 10 days over!

Queenofdreams thank you for all that info, I dread a cascade of intervention.

I am reading the Ina May book on Childbirth, it's fab.

Glad your baby is ok too DF. And yes, Ina May is ace, so reasurring, really make syou believe it is all do-able and not to be feared and that is worth so much. I have started leaving her book in the loo and reading a positive birth story a day in there!

Can't believe we are all so close to the finish line, it seems like only a few weeks ago that we were the new thread on the boards with Christmas aaaaages away - and now there is a May 2011 thread!

I wish I could meet you all in real life.

oh... and ... another thing

Why is every person I speak to on the phone at the MLU such a misery!? I called to ask about the tour of the maternity unit today and I could practically see the lack of interest and general 'why are you wasting my time' face of the woman I spoke to coming down the line. Last time I rang I was told it was too early and to call back nearer to 30 weeks, this time I was told '33 weeks but I suppose I can book you in early' complete with big sigh! Hrmph.

I was too scared to ask about the tens demonstration and the breastfeeding workshop so will ring again another time!

Miffster that must have been really scary - with DD I had quite a bit of monitoring towards the end, and I did wear a moniter in labour (CTG) however, hoping for a home birth so hoping that wont happen.

Does any one know if they will ARM at home during active labour?

I think the baby is breech, laying down had a good feel, the hard thing grinding my ribs cannot be its bum!!!

DD is poorly, spent an hour screaming at receptionist at the dentist to get her to pull her finger out. Grrrr!!

Hi all, been laptopless for a few days and the desktop is just impossible to use! Quick update and I'll try to have a read though of all your news.

After seeing the useless gp last week I saw an amazing consultant on Mon, she has no concerns about me having a homebirth whatsoever, has discharged me back to my mw. I also mentioned to her in conversation about the pain, she whipped out a physio referral form, gave me a prescription for painkillers and agreed that the gp I saw is stupid.

Had my anti-d appointment today, they're still as horrible as ever, I shouldn't complain as I know some of you are having to have clexane injections (out of interest how do you inject your belly when heavily pregnant?). So I have a sore bum and a little bit of a panic earlier when I went for a wee and saw a load of blood in my knickers, was just about to scream for Dp when I realised it was from the jab.

I'm with you, Chooster. I find the possibility of a faling placenta far scarier than a baby pushed out a week or two ahead of nature's plan.

As for who goes first, my bet is on Lavita. Although just because I have said that now someone else will drop before her.

I feel kicks up high so I think DS2 is head down. Such a waste since he's not going out that way. Silly boy... they can never ask directions!

Gosh, all this bag packing. I've hardly even though about it. I do have some stuff, but only because people have given it to me. Bags of things I haven't even looked in. I have a nice Ambi cot. I wonder where I get sheets for that? It's very nice, but taking up a tad too much room in my bedroom.

I cleared the changing table last weekend. And DD put her dolls to bed on it?!?!

I am vey tired from my early flight, but I seem to have found a hotel which is much nicer thanmy usual, and costs a bit less. The only problem is I miscalculated the walk to the bus in the morning which i know realise is almost a mile. Am a tad annoyed with myself. But, on the other hand will probably be good for me to go for a walk. Oh well.

Lovely to hear good news DF miffster & cheryl

Also pleased to hear positive induction story chooster Although it's not an option for me this time round, it's a good reminder that it works for some.

My baby is seriously booting me about! DH can't believe it when he feels it.

glad everything is ok miffster - must have been worrying,

strix hope your trip away is ok - sounds like you have somewhere decent to stay which make sit easier

Cherylanntweedy good to see you back and that you had a good appt with consultant. Which one did you see?

I am having a bad day and really need a good weep. Have just come back from dinner and been really sick so think I may have had something not right - will wait and see if it carries on. Just made the end of the day even worse. Went to view the 2 houses we were being offered with the OT etc and neither of them are suitable so still no where for family to live down here, still no move date, no way of applying for school for my daughter, no idea of whether I will be having baby here or in N London even though I have transfered care here - really really hacked off. Don't really know where to go now for support apart from back to NFF (google if you want to know but will reveal who I work for) who did get a semi result last time i.e. at least some potential places. Thoroughly demoralised and no idea why I am trying to carry on working when they are clearly doing nothing to support me.

Sorry just needed a really good whinge - am going to go and read some AIBU to make myself feel better - really need some chocolate but haven't got any

Mrs S - didn't want to leave you alone and feeling crap.Wish I had some helpful advice. Hope your DH has been despatched to the nearest 24 hr shop for emergency chocolate. Every DH should have this essential emergency training:)

Glad to hear everyone's babies are OK and the hospitals have been supportive.

I think it is a good idea for everyone who is worried about induction to read up, make your decision either way now and then be at peace with it - when you are actually overdue it is just all too much and adds too much stress and anxiety.

Hi everyone. Will catch up properly tomorrow, just wanted to say/ask that baby feels in very odd position. Getting a lot of movement and kicks very, very low down and almost square sticky outy bump. Have felt/seen what seems to be a bum sticking out to the right of my belly button. DH and I are wondering atm whether its possible the baby is transverse. I've had a little chat with it and said if that's the case it better not get too comfy!

I was told at last mw appt I have placenta at front and I do seem to feel a lot of twangs internally and on my bladder. It does feel a bit different to what I remember from DD, although maybe my memories are from when I was farther along.

I really want this baby to be head down and not back to back please!

MrsS what a crap day. You have every right to whinge. Do you think getting yourself signed off sick might kick start them into getting your housing situation sorted? ie if you knew where you'd be living, that would at least alleviate the additional stress and you might feel more
inclined able to continue working?

WLL I had a wonky bump throughout most of the end of my pregnancy last time. Your baby's still got time to get itself in the right position, so I wouldn't worry too much.

MrsS sorry to hear you are having such a rough time. Knowing where in the country you'll be living in a few weeks time is such a basic bit of information. I can only imagine how stressful This all is especially stuck on your own so far from Your family.

Maybe you need to let the people who can do something about it see how how much of a problem this is for you. It sounds like you are so capable and already coping with such a lot and it might not be obvious how big a deal this is.

Anyway, thinking of you and hoping it is all sorted out soon and that the sickness passes soon.

wholelottalove that sounds like me and when I went for my scan last week she was facing my back head up near ribs and feet down near my pelvis, using placenta like a pillow...everything she shouldnt be doing! I just hope she has moved by my next scan beginning of October!

Hello ladies. Sorry to hear about all the stresses.

Saw midwife today for 28 weeks, all well for us at the moment which is great.

Work getting tiring though emotionally, and not just because of pregnancy but because of Cuts fever that is gripping my whole team. The not knowing is v rubbish. Feel a little stressed that am about to abandon team to possible redundancy and there are no answers yet. Feel worse as am Tm Lead and if crunch comes won't even be there for them.

DF, Hettie am in same situ with induction and christmas. Chatted to MW at AN classes. They induce at 40+12 here with pessarie to see if it works, that would be C. Eve for me (joyus i'm sure)and then do the heavy stuff a day later. She stressed that unit really won't be lower on staff. My friend who is an OT told me that a few years back there was a major problem of birth issues causing SN overproportioned for Christmas-NY week, so now they take extra precautions for holiday time apparently, and that is much better.

OTOH had a friend in same unit as me who was allowed to go to 40+16 because at 40+14 there was not enough room in deliv suite for her (Jan 10) She didn't really have a pretty time of it though. Think I would def go for induction a couple of days earlier in case there is a rush on when i'm 2 wks over.

Lateness can run in families can't it, so am expecting to be late to some extent (mum 2 weeks over x 5 of us). Don't know if there is any scientific research for that though?

Morning all

On the subject of inductions/early births etc, I'm really not bothered if baby comes 2 or 3 weeks early, it'd be quite nice actually , but as both of mine were late and I think babies have a tendency to get later with each pregnancy I'm not counting on it. I really don't want to be induced. I've had 2 mega-easy labours, so don't want anything to hamper than this time around, plus I really really don't want to have to go into hospital if I can help it. But with all that in mind, I would never refuse going into hospital if that was in the best interests of me and the baby, it's purely convenience & also I don't see the point of taking up a hospital bed & hospital staff when I'm not ill. IMO that is better left for someone who needs it. I think Franken has given very good advice about reading up on inductions and I'll be doing that definitely in the next few weeks.

MrsSL - what a total pita to put it nicely. I can't begin to imagine how hard it must be for you & your family. Grrr. The consultant was called Laura, really lovely she was.

WLL - ds1 was nice and comfy in a transverse position until very late, well past 30 weeks. He was head down, LOA, so perfect position.