December 2010: Our Christmas Babies are growing but our energy levels are slowing!

[WhatWillSantaBring]

With thanks to the provider of the snappy title (it wasn't me - I think it was Strix)

Link to Stats thread (I hope)

Here

Cr*p, still awake. May have to change MN name to "Extremely" tomorrow...or do I mean today?

slightly I'm awake as well!
kelle these can be signs as baby becomes engaged, as their head moves down into your pelvis you feel them lower down near the cervix. This sensation was what indicated I might be close. In first baby it can happen 4 weeks before but with 2nd and beyond it sometime doesn't happen till your actually due

cherylanntweedy it would be bizarre if we were both early! Might see you at qa!

Japh they checked for oc because not sure if my itching due to my regular medication, also had headache for 3 days, slightly raised BP and protein in urine so definatly needed a check up!!

Ooh, MrsSL just caught up on all the posts, not entirely sure what 'irritated' uterus means, but can imagine. Sounds like not much longer for you to wait to see your LO.

Lauren maybe bruising from the fall, but I also get a lot of pain in my lower belly, but best way for me to describe what I get is like SPD pain, but in my belly.

Japh, hope your levels haven't risen and all is ok.

Slightly, easier said than done, but try to relax and take your mind off work. I'm exactly the same when I'm working. I used to take any discrepancies so personally at Woolies, and I'd lay awake at night worrying about where a bloody tenner had gone missing! Going in on my day off to recount the tills etc.

Well, no excitement here thank goodness. A couple of uncomfortable movements yesterday evening and when I woke this morning there were quite a few wriggles, so definitely nothing happening here. I slept really well again though last night, only up twice for a wee (same as night before) and feel much calmer today, I was really restless yesterday, just couldn't stay still at all. MAybe baby just dropped a little further (which I think it did) and that triggered some sort of hormonal release or something. But all is good, don't think a UTI as the feelings are no different from previous pregnancies, just stronger (but a lot bigger this time). I'm fine when I sit down, but as soon as I stand bump must put pressure on my bladder making it feel as though I need a wee. Although as SIL is down today and she suffered with UTI's towards the end of her pregnancies I may well pick her brains anyway.

HAve a good weekend all. Hope our 2 'Dec 10' babies are both doing well

Happy birthday C&G I'm 35+4 and don't know how much longer I can take this constant feeling that I'm going to burst.

Lauren I feel quite tender at the bottom of my bump and have done for the past week. I think it's bacause the baby has been engaged for a couple of weeks but if you're worried get it checked out.

kelle when my midwife tole me baby was 3/5 engaged she said I could get sharp pains as everything stretches to accomodate the head. To me it feels like a sharp stab kind of pain, it could just be that or a sign that something's happening. Sorry not much help I know.

The only position I'm even romotely comfy in is lying on my left side curled up (as much as is possible with bump in the way), which is fine until my hip starts hurting from constant pressure, and until one or both of the DC's decide it's time to climb on mummy or want something.

All I seem to do lately is moan about being uncomfortable. Forgot how much I hated the last few weeks and doesn't help that I'm very impatient and hate having to wait for things.

Happy birthday C&G

Thanks for the suggestions about AIMS, I've been doing a bit of research and am generally feeling better informed to fight my corner. It's just really unfair that I have to. I'm not sure if any of you are aiming for a vbac but it's just massive added stress and pressure, none of which is conducive to a smooth labour and delivery. Anyway, DH being on side has helped me immensely. My only worry is that I keep breaking down in tears whenever I have to confront what happened last time and what I want to happen this time and I really don't want to come across as hysterical to the mw and consultant as I can't see that helping my case. I need them to understand that I'm making informed decisions, which is probably harder to do when you're sobbing and blowing your nose!

My washing machine has decided to misbehave and I can't find the warranty on it - I think it's in the loft, a casualty of the decorating! Really need it sorted as I can't contemplate a newborn with no washing machine.

Cheryl glad things seem to have settled down, MrsS keep us posted

Off to fireworks tonight - I love 'em!

Happy birthday C&G#

Is there 2 December babies? Have I missed one?

Managed to walk around local Market this am but def did too much! DH sorting garage so he can get boxes out of spare room / nursery!! Bought some Nappies, maternity and breast pads just in case. Bag will be packed later when DH can help! DD trying to help but can't ask her to do too much as she is only 5! She is under strict orders if she is told to go and get daddy she must do it straight away!! Waiting for hot water to warm up as have "stitch" type lower abdo pain - think it's just from walking but bath will help. It's not regular so not too concerned just yet!

Happy birthday c& g!! Sorry bit distracted!

Happy Birthday C&G ! :)

Happy birthday C&G

I am so tired. I feel like I am getting sleep but maybe I am not.

laurenamium the other baby was ifitsnotanarse's son born in October, Lochlan. It seems so long ago!

Hope you are ok MrsSnaplegs?

I went to my mum's earlier to have lunch and see the crib her partner is making for me, it's lovely. Really brought home to me that there will be a real baby in it within the next two months - scary.

Last night I had some strange period pain like pains in my lower abdomen - maybe the baby starting to start moving down soon. Also not having any constipation problems now, every thing is a lot more loose if you see what I mean.

I had all sorts of plans for cleaning the house today but am just too knackered.

Oooh, keep us updated, MrsSL.

DF I know what you mean. I had an appalling night's sleep last night - but even when I have had a normal night I am still exhausted. I think it is all the getting up to wee. It has been a long time since I was up in the night at all with DD and it is a real shock to the system. DH keeps telling me that it will only get worse when the baby is born, which is actually not that helpful.

Feeling quite low today. Probably just tired I guess.

Stitch drops type cramps all pm but still nothing regular. This could go on for days!

Drops should read period !

spoke with SiL today as well about aching cervix and she had it with her second about 3 weeks before her planned c section, so about the same time as me. I think it's just engaging pains but it's a really weird sensation.

Spent the day on the ball as the sofa was being assembled by DH. It looks lovely and we are lazing on it as we speak.

Happy Birthday C&G

Hypnotherapy CD is going well, totally relaxing. I haven't slept during it, but I am using it when I would normally have my mid morning nap.

I'm also finding it comfier to curl around my bump, aches in the leg are back, but they are worse when I straighten my legs.

Plasterer has almost finished and it'll be nice to get the house straight.

As I can't do much houseworky type things, I've been crocheting so many things. Lots of little hats for LB, I tried some new yarn and it's soft and cosy, reasonably priced and washes very well. Can't wait to buy some more as I've run out :]

Had a lovely birthday so far, not long back from seeing fireworks with the children and dh and they absolutely loved it. It was really great but freezing! Dh just gone to pick up an indian take away now and got x factor on sky plus to watch and then finish off the new Robin Hood film from last night. 32 today! We ended up going out for an Italian meal last night at a lovely little place up the road so that was really nice.

I've still been having loads of braxton hicks, some quite strong ones, and achiness on and off plus what I assume are ligament pains but I guess that's all normal for me and it being baby number 4!

Hope everyone else is also having a lovely evening, so glad the rain held off too. Thanks for all the birthday wishes :)

Slightly how low is your BP? Mine is usually quite low too, around 100/60 or so.

Kitty What's your iron level at? I'm working at getting mine up now by taking double doses of floradix, mine was 8.6 and they're going to retest me in a couple of weeks.

Cheryl how are you getting on?

Lauren I get a fair amount of pain on and off, stretching, aches, tightenings etc but I assume it's all normal. With you I'd be careful after that hole though as it could start something off.

Japh How are you feeling today? Is the itching any better? DH could barely stop himself from laughing when I was "argueing" with the dr, was more of a disagreement with her saying the levels couldn't rise and me saying yes they can etc and it happened to my friend. Hehe :o

Chooster hope today hasn't been too stressful and tiring for you and that you got a good rest last night.

MrsS Do you know if you're dilating at all or had any cervical changes? Mine is soft now but no other changes. I was in early labour with ds2 for about a week and he was finally born at 38 weeks, it drove me mad!

crazy sorry you're feeling so uncomfortable :( hopefully not for too long

maxpower hope you enjoyed the fireworks, we went out and saw some amazing ones.

DF the crib sounds really lovely, how nice that your mum's partner is making you one :)

C&G my blood pressure is 80 over 50. Perhaps that might explain the lethargy. Glad u had a nice birthday.

Off to bed now - hopefully, to sleep. Earplugs tonight so if dd wakes it will be dh's turn to deal.

Settled overnight so clearly this is what they mean by irritated uterus! On the ctg it looked like mini contractions - going to try and take it easy today as have important meeting tomorrow at work. Don't really want to miss it as it is career enhancing for a junior and I don't want her to miss out.
Glad you had a good birthday c&g
Cheryl - how are you?

Hi everyone,
Gosh, reading this thread it is clear that things are starting to reach the end game...I wonder who will be next?

C&G happy late birthday, glad you had a good one!
Maxpower glad AIMs is helping,
MrsS hope the irritated uterus is not too twingy and everyoen who is tired, achey, having twinges etc manages to get some rest.

Had NCT all-day class yesterday. Walking to the bus stop was a trial, never walked so slowly in my life, belly rock hard, lower back ache, constant BH, was a bit worried I was going to go into early labour but it all settled down. 5 other couples and all really nice, think we will get on well. But was a bit disappointed with the course.

I know they have to go at the pace of the slowest member but how can you get to 34 weeks and not know what an epidural is?

So it was all stuff I knew already. I had to really try hard not to look like a know it all but I was frustrated. I really had thought it would be more practical tips for birth partners and women during labour eg: specific breathing techniques, how to hold and support a squat, counting contractions, actual coaching to help in labour, not just 'what labour is' and 'this is what oxytoxin is' and 'this is what pethidine does' etc.

For the price we all paid (2 x 10am - 4pm
day sessions and a BF session of 3 hours), I think they could have posted everyone a booklet, fact pack with all that stuff in and expected people to read it. Because it was not much different to the noddy NHS classes. Same pics of baby descending. Same plastic pelvis. I would expect an NCT target audience to have a bit more of a clue.

And providing tea and coffee and fruit/biscuits would have been nice, instead of expecting us to provide our own as well as buy/bring our lunch. I mean, we all paid over two hundred quid!

I am getting cynical and thinking it is rather an expensive intro to potential friends. Especially as I shall get to hang out with them for all of 3 months before I move.

Having said that, I still enjoyed it, as it was nice to hang out with other pg people and partners. Sort of like a live, expensive version of Mumsnet.

miffster that is astonishing that someone would not know what an epidural is at 34 weeks! how disappointing for you. I remember at my classes we did do a bit on birth positions but I think if you want that sort of thing in depth you need to go to active birth classes. Nct is really all about the theory - though I do remember a particularly useful baby bathing class where we watched the dads bathe dolls. Hilarious and deeply concerning at the same time...

Dd and dh at swimming lesson. Am about to get started on the pancakes as they'll be back soon. Mmmmm, maple syrup...

Slightly oh you must feel awful with it so low, I remember earlier on in pregnancy I used to feel like I was going to faint everytime I stood up and everything went black with ringing in my ears. Was horrible, thankfully I seem to have adjusted to it. Do you need to take anything at all for it being so low?

MrsS I had those on the CTG too, I was having the tightenings every 5 mins and they were going up quite high, quite box like in look on the trace. It's interesting to watch as they were starting to get painful but I know it's just my body warming up as I remember them from before now. I've always had loads of build up which gets frustrating as I think it's the real thing and then nothing happens. Obviously I'm not ready yet only being 33+3 but I can see me getting really frustrated by it in a few weeks time! I hope things start up properly for you soon.

Miffster I know what you mean about the NCT classes, they really don't cover anything that you couldn't have read already, I found that (even though I only got to 2 classes due to having DD early) it was nothing I didn't know and I didn't really get on with the women at the time either, I was fairly young (23) and a lot quieter/shy than I am now and everyone else there was a lot older than me. I really didn't find it comfortable at all and I'd already read a load of books so didn't "need" to know the things they were teaching. I've never bothered with any classes after that and, to be honest, I've found forums such as this a hell of a lot more useful.

Lovely day here today, feels a lot later than half nine though, been up since before 7 and up 3 or 4 times in the night. Starting to feel a little tired but hopefully will pick up soon as I haven't eaten yet, just had a couple of decaff teas. I can never eat first thing in the morning. Heartburn has been annoying still but that's about all that's going on here, tightenings as usual but nothing painful. LOads of kicks which is reassuring :)

Can I have an order of those pancakes as well please
I never did nct - couldn't afford it last time then saw what it was when DD godmother joined - not really my thing, in rl I have a couple of close female friends but I'm not really one for girlie get together type things - this mumsnet stuff is the closest I'll get! I work in a very male dominated environment and tend to have a mix of friends also moving every 2 yrs means only the really special friends survive and most of them don't live close.

I think mumsnet has made people more aware of their childbirth options and this has been a really supportive proactive thread so I suspect we all know more than our non mn peers, sometimes people prefer to not know or think everything they need to know their mum will tell them! Some people assume the medical profession always knows best and believe all they are told by them!

slightly in a strange way I'm pleased to hear your bp is so low - I have historically low bp but at my last mw appt it was the lowest it's been all pg which is wierd as it's supposed to go up towards the end.

miffster I sympathise with the course. Becasue of my job I actually know loads of stuff about interventions in labour/delivery so when we did that part when I was expecting DD, the others were all asking loads of questions and I knew all the answers. Maybe next week's sesion will be a bit more helpful?

Had a lovely time at a local fireworks display last night.

Woke up at 4am this morning and couldn't get back to sleep (no change there!) but ended up working myself into a right state about giving birth. I've calmed down a bit during the day but I was really having a massive wobble. I'm seeing the specialist mw on Friday so I figure that will either make or break me!

Baby has been sooooo active today - anyone else find the movements making them feel nauseous?

MrsS glad things seem to have settled. Your post reminded me that I really must get on and buy some stuff for my hospital bag.

Hi everyone, just a quick 'check-in'. Scanned the thread, MrsSL glad things have settled down a bit for you & yo'll be able to get to your meeting tomorrow.

I got through the party! ds2 had a great day, very lucky, got some great pressents off his friends. I had a spell of 'proper' feeling contractions in my back as we were setting everything up, but it went off after a little while, I just put that down to the hecticness of it all.

Feeling like utter crap atm. Been getting it a bit lately, 4 times in the last 5 or 6 days. It comes over really suddenly, I feel really sick, my chest is hurting and suddenly become very dehydrated. I don't like feeling like this at all. I've been feeling like it for about 45mins now, we were out in the car and I was really wishing I had a bag with me, thought about getting dp to pull over a few times. May give the gp a call tomorrow.