DEC 2010 the final countdown ~ merry christmas ladies, hello babies ~

[OnlyWantsOne]

Hi :)

40 + 2 here

I know it sounds really odd but I'm really missing wearing heels!so much so that I've managed to buy 6 pairs of heeled boots,the lowest heel being 5 inches,for when the baby is born!

Anyone else missing anything they didn't think would bother them?

I forgot to say earlier good luck to mamathulu

Happy mat leave choloe!

Hmmm about random calls and texts...dad has just texted that he has lit a candle for me and baby (why? Neither of us are in extremis, I hope)... he seems to think my due date is any moment... and earlier a neighbour just randomly rang the door bell saying she 'hadn't seen me in ages and wondered if I was all right' and basically, where was the baby?

I said the baby wasn't due for a bit and I was just off out. Which I was, I had my coat on, but how random! She was obviously after a nosey/cuddle! I only know her because we both volunteered to work on the cake stand at the local plant sale!

Am going to stop talking about my christmas/birth worries. I think I just need to try to talk to everyone concerned more directly about my needs, wishes and worries and hope that it doesn't end up with any of us getting upset. I just wish I knew more about what people were planning because I feel so kept in the dark. I guess I want to be in control of everything and maybe that's not fair. Who knows how I will feel after the birth - I could be completely up to attending every social engagement in my path.

Just been to meet up with the NCT people which was lovely but it's very hard for me to get to know properly and I am not good at throwing myself into social situations really. It's left me feeling a bit depressed if I am honest, all this talk of meeting up, joining groups and going for walks in the park together - I just feel like I want to hibernate with just me, DH and the baby.

Is it usual at the end of pregnancy to get so scared of everything? I feel like I have been so strong through all of my pregnancy, the IVF and everything and so I will be expected to carry on being strong through birth and new motherhood. All of a sudden I feel terrified and emotional.

Silly really.

Hi everyone. I've been reading but not posting as the only thing I have to post about really is that I've been having irregular but quite intense contractions for over a week now, and still no sign of baby. I'm even boring myself now. My parents are now with us to help take care of DD and everyone keeps looking at me expectantly. Got as far as having the TENS machine on the other night but it all subsided - AGAIN.

Did have one sort of dramatic moment I could have done without the other night - was lying in bed and suddenly baby went absolutely mental in there - thrashing about and really going for it - and then suddenly stopped. And I couldn't make her move by pressing on her foot or drinking cold drinks etc. With poor C&G's experiences very present in my mind I went straight to hospital where I was monitored for about half an hour - all was fine but the MW did say that it was the right thing to do and it is a bit of a myth that babies stop moving before they are born. I've been wondering whether I would have had the same reaction had I not known of C&G's tragic news. I think probably not. I am thinking about her every day.

Anyway, yay for starting mat leave, yay for 6 pairs of boots with heels, yay for family passes to Marwell, yay for sons finally correctly diagnosed and provided with the right drugs , and yay for imminent babydom.

For myself - I am missing decent clothes, wine, fast walks and sleeping on my tummy.

I'm sorry you are having a hard time of things df I think it's normal to feel scared of the unknown and it is definitely normal to not want to be sociable with a load of people you don't know, I haven't kept in touch with any nct/prenatal people really as the only thing any of us had in common was the fact we happened to be pregnant at the same time!I understand that to a lot of people it would be nice to make new friends if they are feeling isolated etc but I'm definitely in camp "I have way too many friends and family already" I don't think I could physically find time to have anymore friends especially with a newborn!I'm not planning on doing any meetings or walks in parks with a load of basic strangers...I could think of nothing worse lol!

I'm sorry that turned into a rant im not even sure where it came from!

Slightlytired, I feel the same . I am worried about lack of movement and worried about not seeing the midwife again until I am 9 days overdue. Do you think this is normal or should they see me between now (39 + 3) and then (41+2) ? It seems like a very long time to wait and I am scared if the baby seems less active.

laurenamium, thank you. I just feel really very silly at the moment, for worrying so much about how I am going to feel post birth. I feel like I should just get on with it, or that people expect me to and that I am going to end up disappointing or upsetting everyone if I put my own feelings first.

Df I would ring up around your due date and ask for an aPpointment if you are worried,you can't be seen too many times and they tried it with me too but I got in on a cancellation and I'm very glad I did it's good even just for the reassurance!

DF, I would say that it is pretty normal to have 2 weeks between MW appointments, even at the end (I'm also not scheduled to see mine till Friday, by which point I will be 41+1), but that if you are at any moment concerned for any reason, at any time of the day or night, you should ring the labour ward or the birth centre in your area, and ask to see someone. The MWs I had the other evening were very understanding and they all said it is better to be checked out if you are worried. Even if you feel a bit of a fool (and God knows I did once I arrived and felt a big resounding kick) a reassured mummy is a healthier and more relaxed mummy, which can only be a good thing.

DF Sorry you are feeling a bit rubbish. I'm not seeing MW for another 2 weeks now, which will make me 40+5 at which point she will offer a sweep. IIRC I didn't have weekly appointments with DD either, but I think I made an extra appointment just for reassurance and they were fine with it.

I reckon it is totally normal to be frightened and worried about what will happen. You shouldn't feel silly for feeling that way, and you are perfectly entitled to put yourself and your feelings first. Try not to worry about what other people are thinking or disappointing them and do things your way.

Have been so tired again today, could barely get up! Realised I had forgotton to take iron for the last couple of days again so anaemia must have kicked back in

Have just started on RL tea; I rather like the taste of it - thats something at least! :)

Well done for going in so soon slightly think it is def better to be reassured every time.

DF I understand about the worrying about post-birth and feeling scared of everything, it is on my mind a lot, I wish everyone would shut up about how hard it is, it is frightening me to be honest. Also the lack of movements - since C&G's awful news I have been on eggshells and nearly went in today because Tiny was not moving much.

Also worrying about japhrimel. Hope she is ok, nothing since beginning of December.

SlightlyTired am sorry you have been having contractions for ages and no baby. And about the scare. You must be ReallyTired now.

The last few weeks really are a pain, aren't they?

Hi ladies - I keep sitting down to catch up on this thread and just have no time - I think I've started 6 things today and completed none! For all first timers - do not panic!!! its only because I've got 2 other DC, the eldest of whom has only gone back to school today after it re-opened after 7 days of closures. This bloody snow!!! It was -16 when we woke this morning (outside, not in thank goodness ).

Anyway, I will catch up but I dont think there have been any more babies??

I couldn't see a post natal thread so I've started one for us. Hope to see you over there one by one! Things here are wonderful, Jude is amazing and am totally totally head over heels for him. I was excited about him coming but his arrival just feels so much more amazing than I ever imagined. He feeds well and sleeps pretty well, and is generally being very well behaved. He's only lost a wee bit from his birth weight and his slight jaundice is going. For those still waiting I'm almost jealous of those firtst few moments when you see the LO... Good luck to those contracting .

I feel like I've done nothing but clean and tidy today, not that it looks any different. I've cleaned most of the house today and the only thing that actually needed doing was the kitchen floor and the ironing. I had to stop myself cleaning stuff I'd already done. Fingers crossed it's a sign LO will be here soon.

40+1 today and booked in for a sweep on monday, hope I won't need it though. DH has asked me to wait til friday to have the baby and then he can be off work till after christmas. Even if I have her tonight he'd still be off till then as there isn't much point in him going back for two days, he might as well use up some of the holidays he's got left.

I'm fed up of cooking too, especially as I have to cook twice - once for DC's and then for me and DH. I need to think of something other than spaghetti or shepherds pie that I just have to warm up.

DF, Miffster and SlightlyTired, I am with you on being a bit spooked about late baby movements. I know it's a tiny percentage of cases that go wrong at this stage but it doesn't make it easier to put on the mental back burner, particuarly after poor C&G's experiences. And those of my friend. My MW said I had full permission to be a bit paranoid about it, to look for at least 10 movements in 10 hours (not episodes of moving, ie. baby stretches, kicks, kicks again, wriggles - that would be 4 separate movements) but more than that, to pay attention to any change in movement pattern or intensity. We all know our babies best and know the sort of wriggles they get up to, so if things deviate a lot from that, it's worth being checked out asap.

She did also point out that if you have a cold, etc, the baby is going to be feeling a bit rubbish too and might not move quite as much.

I feel more and more pregnant by the day! It really makes a difference, having his head down and not his bum. Feel like my pelvic floor is about to give way...

I think I might be doing into labour.

I have two contractions that seemed stronger than the practice ones I have had the last few days and the Midwife warned me that I was ready to pop.

Here we go then!!!!!!!!!!

Oooh good luck Pitterpatter keep us posted!

Good luck pitterpatter

Thank you Reshape, that's reassuring. When I get movement it goes on quite a long time but I had just been counting it as one movement.

Hello all, finally back online after having to get orange to remove the parent lock on 3G connection so I can access mumsnet [hmmm]

Much sympathy to those with nosy family, friends and strAngers, my mil is driving me mad with calls to check if I've had the baby and forgotten to tell her! Have decided I will have to postpone christmas if lo hasn't put in an appearance by then. I plan on seeing no family other than my sister till he arrives, I simply can't cope with a bunch of people hanging around the house waiting for me to produce a grandchild...

I am now booked in for a homebirth, amazed it was so easy, but the mw came yesterday and brought the box of stuff round.

My appointments are every 2 weeks so that seems fairly standard. I asked for a sweep at 40+1 when I see them next rather than 40+5 (christmas eve) which is what they suggested but they were happy with that and said if I want they could do the second 2 days later to try and get lo to appear before Christmas. I can't make up my mind if I am being very selfish or not.

japhrimel hope all is ok.

Yes I have certainly started. DH and I will go off to the hospital at about 9PM (or later). Midwife said on the phone there is no point going too early.

OK Jasmine we are all ready for you. Out you come!

Good luck pitted patter!!

I'm booked in for my induction on Monday :-)

Evening all - just a quick catch up and not sure how long I will be here Very uncomfortable tonight, started with very painful contraction at 1755 tonight, had a smallish leak - enough to want to shower and change my undies and thats with a liner in! Having contractions every 10 mins or so but they are tolerable. Back pain is back with a vengence and that was my main pain last time. Will wait and see what happens! He is definately in right place - his bum is down level with my belly button tonight

DF the only reason I have to see MW so often is because of my ME/CFS - I've been on weekly visits for about 4 weeks now I think. I know last time round I hardly saw them.

pitterpatter2 Good luck if this is it!

RWD I agree I think we are all a bit spooked by C&G tragic events. Trust your instincts everyone and if you are not sure ask the professionals!
It is very uncomfortable when they are finally head down, I tried explaining it to my DH and said imagine you had a little person in the end of your bits trying to poke their way out as that is how it sometimes feels

crazykat I've spent the day baking for DD cake sale on Friday! Rather glad I haven't left it until tomorrow. I also tried to make fudge but it didn't turn out very well - a bit too much like the sugar hasn't dissolved properly.

chooster thanks for the post natal thread - hope to see you there soon, glad Jude is settled and you are ok!! Didn't really get chance to say congratulations at the time with everything else going on

button I know about the tired thing - I put it down to finishing work finally and my body playing catch up but today I have felt remarkably well

laurenamium I'm with you on the not wanting to do the extended NCT thing, not really my sort of thing but I have good friends who love it

chloe you even made my DH smile with the comments about giving yourself heartburn!!

To anyone I've missed hope you are ok!

Right off to try and get this babay out

Thanks MrsSnapLegs on the one hand I am happy to be left to it by the midwives as it makes resisting an induction easier, on the other I have started to worry more about being 40 and having a knackered placenta.

Sorry for being so glum earlier.

Good luck MrsSL and Pitterpatter. I am very very jealous.

Have MW appointment on Friday and will ask for sweep then, at 41+1. They initially told me they would do one at 40+5 but when I rang the other day to book it the woman on the phone told me the policy was to wait till 40+7 with second babies. FFS. Have booked in to get horrid shaggy pregnancy mop cut tomorrow as I feel that either that will mean I definitely go into labour tonight and have to miss appointment, or I end up with good hair. Either way, it's win win.

Was really hoping to avoid being "swept" but think I may be desperate enough now. May even be desperate enough to try sex. And given how uncomfortable I am, that is some statement.

Am really pleased to have my parents here but it is quite difficult to cope with all the expectation all the time. And my mother's constant comments that this baby is also going to be 11 days late. Sigh.

Definitely don't want to say this is it and jinx it but I'm going for a bath! Now 8 mins apart

Good luck mrssl