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

Oh Wow, congrats ifitsnotanarse. The thread's first baby, now that is scary.

I'm definitely starting to panic about not being ready! I want the nursery finished and my bag packed asap. Must order snow chains, especially now we'll be going to the hospital for the birth for sure!

notso - make sure they redo your bile acid levels every 7-10 days while you remain itchy, as it is common with OC for the itching to start before any tests go positive (as was the case with me) so one clear result means nothing if symptoms don't go on their own. And LFTs, which is the more commonly done test, are often the last thing to show OC.

I think the Urso is kicking in for me as my itching definitely seems less.

However, I caught the cold DH had at the weekend. Only a sore throat yesterday but then I couldn't sleep last night, kept on waking up unable to breathe and ended up having a utterly miserable night. Tried sleeping in a chair downstairs, but ended up with D&V too (cold plus pregnancy gagging plus Urso is not a good combo!). Then had a horrendous sinus headache this morning and had DH calling NHS Direct and then the DAU for advice on whether I could take anything. DAU said try a steam inhalation bath which I did (hadn't occurred to me after a night with no sleep) and which helped so I've been asleep most of the day.

My blood pressure is all over the place, which is getting me more focused on the fact baby may be here soon as the DAU doctor said that 1 thing that may increase the risk of needing induction or going into premature labour is if my BP goes up because of the lack of sleep and stress due to OC.

Congratulations ifitsnotanarse how lovely to have the first baby here already, although it musth have been a really worrying time for you. I love the name as well. I hope you are recovering well xx

such fab news ifitsnotanarse sounds scary but I bet it was joyous to dress your little man this morning. I bet his big brother can't wait for him to get home.

Japh steam inhalation is so good. A little bit of olbas oil as well. I bought a cup with the nosey thing on from Lloyds as it was easier than the bowl and towel or whole bath. A good quick fix for in the office too. It's amazing the difference. DH suffers with his sinus' and over the colder months uses it regularly to help breathe clearly. It's also great to hear the tests finally going in the right direction and you are getting the right support. My GP is as useful as a chocolate teapot, MW's have been pretty darn good for advice, they then write me a note to pressure the GP for the right action.

MrsS I think we should both be alright, seeing as DH's have landrovers, mine can't wait for the snow again to go 'playing' he really is just a big kid. Though I do tag along with a thermos of coffee and two or three blankets. Luckily the MLU is on the end of our road, 2 minute walk away, if I can't get to the big hospital.

I went onto Next last night and bought 2 pairs of their £14 maternity joggers. Arrived this morning and they are perfect, and are very cosy. Not a high waist band like my leggings [it tucks under my bra] but nice and firm.

Bump's much lower today and Pjen that baby mapping thing was excellent. DH is understanding it much more and can now identify the location of LO. Head down, bum up feet move up and down but generally down by face and kicking :) anterior position. Hope they stay like it now.

Baby has been seriously active in the last 24 hours. It was going round like a washing machine last night which meant evvery time I woke up I felt nauseous. Hopefully it'll have got itself the right way round now which will be a relief.

DD's bedroom carpet was fitted this evening and it looks lovely. I discovered that DH had painted over a plug socket in dark pink - but not in a tidy way, just a big splodge. His response - it was the fault of the masking tape and it'll be covered up by the bedside unit so he's not going to do anything about it. He really is his father's son (his dad's the biggest bodger of jobs you'll find) whereas I come from a family where my dad is really capable in DIY terms and is total perfectionist. Anyway, I think the room looks lovely. Wardrobes will be here Friday so I'll finally be able to start putting things away where they should be!

Had my scan today and I was also seen in the MFAU because of all the cramping etc and had some tests done. Baby is measuring big, approx 4lb 4 now (30+5), and over 97centile on her abdomen, plus she's grown at a higher rate so not a steady increase. I have just over the cut off limit for too much fluid as well 25.1 so I'm going to speak to the consultant on Monday when I go in.

I was on a trace for about 40 mins which picked up the tightenings but baby is happy and I had a speculum exam which showed no changes to my cervix and also a fetal fibronectin test which came back negative so that's a relief! I think she's trying to scare the life out of me! She is now lying in an oblique position, so still not ideal but getting closer. I'm really worried about her size now though, especially with the faster growth and more fluid.

Sooo tired, just got back from the hospital about 20 mins ago, picked up the kids from my parents on the way back and got them into bed and just settled down with a cup of tea and a jaffa cake. Been there since 3pm today. Took us over an hour to get home as there was a massive traffic jam too, I think it was an accident.

Midwife tomorrow morning, probably going to have the same tests as I did in MFAU today...
While we were waiting we saw a tiny little newborn girl who looked just perfect and I felt even more excited to be meeting our baby some time over the next 8 or so weeks. I heard the mum say she was 6lb 1 and a half! I really can't wait now.

kellestar I agree with the Landrovers -great fun in the snow, last year we were the only vehicle that could get onto main roads from our street. We also spent a couple of days between Xmas and NY in the Lake District with friends -ended up spending a lto of time pulling idiots out of big drifts, these weren't people on normal roads going about their daily business but idiots in fiestas who have decided to go "off roading" up a lane or 2 and got stuck - wouldn't mind if they had then gone home but they carried on and we had to tow them out again!

WWSB Do you know where you are moving to? South, south west or Scotland? Or somewhere completely different? You can message me if you don't want to go public on here!! Oh and they haven't stopped recruiting just amended figures and yes things you mentioned have been happening for a while anyway because of manning levels changing mainly due to current financial climate. Less people wanting to leave and more wanting to join because of job security.

Sorry so many are feeling rough at the moment I have a very tight belly and SPD is very uncomfortable after very little walking. Struggling to get out of this bed at times - looking forward to be able to spend every night in my own bed!!

I'm worried about onlywantsone she posted in pregnancy earlier about possibly having had a show and then falling down the stairs. She hasn't posted on there since so I hope she ok!

MrsS I have her on facebook and she's been on there so I think she's OK :)

Morning all. I feel like death. I have decided not to go into work today after struggling through yesterday with an awful cold and sore throat. Currently stuffing myself with oranges and honey and lemon drink in the hope that it helps.

We have the hospital tour on Friday so I hope I am feeling better by then.

DF you can gargle with dispersable paracetemol, and spit it out, it'll relieve your sore throat a bit. I had an awful throat at about 18 weeks and midwife/pharmacist said it's ok.

Congratulations ifits, glad he's doing well & sounds like he was a good size.

Yay MrsSL, good luck with the move today, fingers crossed you won't be one of the ones affected.

Same goes for everyone else who might be affected by all these cuts. Well I suppose lets face it, everyone will be whether they lose their job or not. DP is currently at the job centre for his 6 monthly interview. Considering for the last few months he's been in there for 2 minutes, "Hi Mr 'Tweedy', nothing at all for you thi week, sign there, se you in 2 weeks". Ho hum. Oh and another few hundred thousand people to be added to the list of unemployed people. Great! It's so frustrating, and his anxiety is getting worse at being out of work which in turn makes it harder for him to apply for jobs as the whole application process causes him so much stress, in turn makes it harder for him to get a job, which makes his anxiety worse....it's such a vicious circle. Then we sit down, work out all the figures and realise that at the moment we just scrape the money together to pay the bills, but if he works, we can't!!!!!! Nothing's changed, I can't see anything changing with this review today (well except for the worse!). I had this when I worked at Woolies, single parent, losing £20 a week by going out to work! The even more frustrating thing is that being 'stuck' inside it all you can see where the changes need to be made, you can see just what needs to be done to make it more efficient. For example, just to claim jsa he had to phone a number, on the phone for 45 minutes ansering loads of questions, then had to go to the Job Centre, go through the same questions again at one desk, before having to wait to see someone else and...you guessed it....confirm the same questions. Then, it all gets sent to Belfast for them to go through the questions, make sure nothing is wrong and assess it. Argh! It's so infuriating, anyway, rant over for now.

Saw my mw today, 1st time since 20wks, but spent about 1/2 hour with her which was good. All fine, scan on Monday to check placenta, anti-d in 2 weeks, then keep this baby inside me for 2 more weeks before embarking on lots of sex, pineapple etc.

congrats ifits!!!!! whoo hooo - this is really getting scarily real for a newbie like me

only groan of the day is that I cant seem to stop eating chocolate!

Dueling - feel better soon, I had a bad cold last week and getting some sleep was so hard!

Well I pick up keys in an hour so looks like we should be in sometime in next couple of weeks. Have spoken to my boss and I am going back home afterwards been made to feel very unwelcome at the office today by my top boss there so I have said if he is going to be like that I will go home and work from there. Roll on mat leave!
c&g thanks for the update on owo!

good day ladies.... I am in good mood today, which is due to a combination of some sleep+sunshine+a good MW visit yesterday. I changed my hospital and the difference btwn the two hospitals are so big. Thanks to strix for encouraging me to change hospitals... This MW listened to my concerns and as soon as she touched my belly she said baby is breech! FINALLY a MW that can touch my belly and understand that the head is NOT a bump and it is impossible that I have the bum under boobs and get kicks at pelvic floor as it means that my baby is half meter long with legs above 30cm.... We will see how it goes but I already feel so much better...

DF sorry to hear you are sick. Remember you can take paracetamol although I understand if you want to keep yourself away from all drugs.

Noso I can't believe that you are measuring 40 weeks... wow.... 10 weeks ahead of the time??? what is their estimate of baby's weight??

I have unbelievable itching on the belly but have never mentioned it as I thought it is normal. MW requested a GTT test for me, which I will do tomorrow. I can't stop drinking water and eating chocolate so am happy that this is being checked.

C&G baby is big for 30+5... [hsmile] were your previous babies big too?

Japh you got sick too? Take good care of yourself... Have some vitamin C and take it easy...

Where is Lavita? I haven't heard from her for ages... Hope she is okay...

Great big congratulations ifitsnotanarse on the your lovely new baby!

DF Hope you feel better soon.
MrsS Congrats on the keys
OWO hope you are all right, I have been worried since I saw the thread about falling downstairs after having a show
Cheryl hope you and your OH are all right with the general stress and the cuts and all
C&G glad the scan went well. Your excitement is lovely!
Japh sorry about cold but glad the itching is improving

-waves to everyone else- sorry can't write huge post as at work

My back pain is sooooooooo much better, which is fab. I am back loving being pregnant again.
I feel so proud and so blessed to be carrying a healthy baby, I have wanted this for so many years and now there are only 7 weeks or so left. I want to cry with happiness sometimes.

Last week is my last week at work.
I am so bored at work but not sure if I will be even more bored at home, I do like having people around.

In other news, my ankles are swollen, my legs ache and my tummy is about to burst, but that is because I have eatne a huge sandwich and an apple and a flapjack and a pint of blackcurrant squash all at once.

PJen - do mention the itching but if it's only on your bump and you don't have a rash it's probably due to the skin stretching.

That's good the new hospital seems a lot better. It's never good when you feel you can't trust your healthcare professionals but when pregnant I find it downright scary!

DF - sorry you've got a cold too! Panadol has really helped me, plus the Vicks & steam inhalation.

Miffster - glad you're feeling better!

I'm definitely fretting about not being ready now. Time seems to be speeding up for these last weeks! I've got a few major bits of work that are overdue for work, but I'd prefer to be spending my time sleeping or painting nursery furniture! Definitely nesting.

We're going shopping this weekend to get me a holdall I'll use as my hospital bag and pick up some more Christmas presents. Think I'll feel a lot better when all the nursery stuff is down from the attic and out of boxes and I have our bags at least partly packed.

Am I the only person on the thread not having a nursery?

Baby will be in our room next to our bed.
I have cleared a few drawers for his clothes.
His other cot will be in the lounge.
No nursery for him, poor thing. Although when we move abroad I expect we will rent somewhere with a spare room for him to go in when he is 6 months old.

Miffster- no nursery here, never had one. Babies have always been next to the bed until (I think) 9months with ds1 and ds2 moved when he could go on bottom bunk, so about 13 or 14 months for him. (I won't mention that they were in bed with me until about age 3). This one will be at the end of the bed until about 9mths-a year when ds2 will go in with ds1 and baby will move into ds2's room.

PS, I'm freezing!!!

I dont have a nursery Miffster! shes going to sleep in my room and in a moses basket when Im downstairs, she wont have her own room until I find my own place so at least the summer!

Calling it a nursery does make it sound posh.

Bu "nursery stuff" I mean things like cot bedding, nappies, baby clothes, my bfing cushion...so all the basics really!

In our room, there is just room for the carrycot by the bed, but no room for baby stuff or changing (and I need a changing unit not the bed/floor as I have a bad back & joints). So baba gets her own room even though she'll start by sleeping in our room at night - it gives me somewhere to put all her crap .

PJen, I am so glad you got into that hospital. They are fab. And your last one was... let's be honest... shit.

I had an itchy belly with my first and did not have that liver thing whose name I can't remember. Probably just skin stretching. But, worth mentioning.

Well, I have had no news on the GTT so I am concluding that it was in fact a waste of time and I am not diabetic, which I suppose is good.

Oh, and we have no nursery. DS2 is going into the bedromm which is now shared by DS1 and DD. I am in the process of conning them into getting their toys out of the room to make room for a cot. We are probably on a SS list somewhere.

I have keys to a house - woohoo! Just need removal men now!!

Hello all,

I havent got a nursery as I live with my inlaws..I am going to try and cram everything into my room...

Is it just my hospital that only measures the "bump" they do not give an approximate weight of the baby or any of the other details that you ladies talk about.. I have previously asked aboute weight etc but they said this is something that they dont do ??

Has anyone else experienced this..

Yay Mrs Snaplegs- great news! You must be so happy.

Sorry DF you're feeling so rubbish- hope that your cold clears up super quick.

Lavita hope you're okay- hope you're enjoying your maternity leave.

We don't have a nursery either! No space! Baby will be in a moses basket in our bedroom while my mum stays in the spare room. Don't really have anywhere to put anything!

We got our buggy and car seat at the weekend-feels great to have it all sorted.

Unfortunately have been having loads and loads of pain in my left butt cheek- it's shooting pain and stops me in my tracks. So bad in the morning that I can hardly get out of bed and can't really walk for the first 30 minutes after I get up. Have had it checked out by an osteopath and physio but nothing is helping. Don't know if I can handle this kind of pain for the next 9 weeks.

Lots of Braxton Hicks contractions too.

So chilly here today- hope everyone is keeping warm

DF Hope you got some rest today, how are you feeling?

MrsS that sounds awful, why were you made to feel unwelcome? Glad you got the keys!

Pjen Glad you're feeling better, the hospital move sounds like a good one definitely. My previous weren't that large, dd was 5lb 12 and a half (36 weeks), ds1 7 lb 12 and a half (38 weeks) and ds2 was 8lb 2 at 39 weeks. I'm scared!!

Miffster Really pleased you sound so happy, I think everyone seems quite emotional lately, I can't believe how close it all is now either. Lol hope you're not feeling so squashed now :o I have no nursery for baby, she will be in our room for at least the first 6 months and I usually co-sleep so probably longer. We have a mosed basket but not sure how long that will last, we shall see.

japh I've bought a few more bits today, sleepsuits etc but I want to get a nice home coming outfit and still need to sort carseat, changing unit with bath in etc but that's just a matter or ordering online. I've been picking bits up over the months that we'll need. I went through all the baby clothes at the weekend, just need to get them all washed now as I've sorted them by age.

Strix I called up for my results, they told me if I didn't have it they'd take longer to get sent out and that they might not get sent at all!

NidsC I only know the estimated baby weight as I've had growth scans.

Had midwife today and they did much the same as the hospital did yesterday. My bp was very low though 100/42 apparently, I felt fine though so...It's really cold now, the weather has turned so much. Half term next week, looking forward to making some halloween cookies and cakes with the kids and taking them to a local farm where they have pumpkin carving, a scary barn and loads of nice activities to do.

Feel tired all the time now, even after sleeping. Consultant app on Monday so will discuss fluid levels with them as i'm really struggling with breathing, measuring 37 weeks now...