September 2011 - a Happy non-alcoholic New Year!

[Louplet]

Hi

Still whispering the good news but is there anyone else out there wishing they had made the most of the Stilton this Christmas? [Wink]

Just a quick hello from here. I'm really tired but it is entirely my fault, my husband is right about it. Why do I wake up at 5am if DD is actually sleeping until 5.40

redlaura, I'm really sorry that your week wasn't as nice as it was planned. I hope at least that the antibiotics will kick in quickly so you can feel better.

Minkyjj, it is really a shame that you have to justify why you need a c-section. (even though I have to admit that I do not understand why some perfectly healthy woman want one rather than a natural birth as the recovery is so much longer. But it is great that we have now so many options to make potentially dangerous births safe)

I hope everybody else is doing ok and that you will soon be over the MS

Hi ladies! Nice to read the updates :-) got my scan on monday and I'm w week ahead so now 13.5 weeks due sep 12th. BAby was sucking it's thumb in all photos which was adorable to see - also moving around lots. I got five photos which made up for sonograoher being a snotty cow :-) oh and my bladder was too full so she asked me to half empty it - not easy to stop peeing midstream lol
Told my work colleages and feel a sense of relief but I think they were shocked xxxxPs belly popped out I'm showing woooooo

Hi, Been off line for a week, went on a trip with hubbie as part of his work. Glad to be home, jet lag really wiped me out. Feeling SO bloated a the moment, think flying really made it worse.

However coming out the other side of the all day sickness. eating mostly what I like and actually starting to fancy food again which is nice, just cant eat more than half my usual portion as get 'full up' feeling. Although frustrating is good as last time it stopped me putting on hardly any weight.

I have come around to the idea of a planned C-sec this time (due to poss complications from 1st Preg). I need to find out more about recovery from a General v epidural though does anyone on here have infor? I have a back prob and would prefer to avoid a epidural and Midwife said the same.

Vglad to hear most of you are doing ok and starting to feel alittle better. Bring on the blossoming...

Hi folks - sounds like most people are in a similar boat just now. Thought the ms was over but came back this week, and even when not feeling sick, I'm just not that interested in food which is just so not like me.

Finally got our scan date next Thursday - will be nearly 14 weeks by then, but never mind. Won't believe there is anything in there until I see it.

Having seen one born every minute, I definitely wouldn't think a cs would be an easy option, but you do just need to go with what is best for you and the baby.

Ds1 has slept through about twice in the last three weeks, and one of this nights ds2 decided to wake up which is very unlike him, so am shattered. Hope the sleep calms down before September.

Hey, ssmile I planned to read 'n' run, as it were ie lurk, but seeing your dilemma I felt I had to reply...

I say this as someone who has never had a section, but I've watched LOTS of those birth programmes (such as OBEM, Bringing Home Baby, From Here to Maternity, Portland Babies, etc, etc), read many threads/forums and this is what I've gleened re: epi vs general when it comes to a section.

On the whole, an epi is preferable because you're able to start immediate skin to skin/attempt breastfeeding. Not to mention that you don't 'lose' the first however many hours you are in recovery for regaining consciousness. I've seen many women struggle with the fact that they weren't there for their babies. But I would also caveat that by saying obviously those women had an emcs and so struggling with 'ishoos' in general not having had the chance to come to terms with things and put plans in place that mean they've no need to feel The Guilt (or at least KNOW that they're doing the best they can, in the circumstance).

If your back problem is such that a general really is the best way forward then you CAN do that; know you're making the best choice all 'round for both you, baby and your immediate family. Even think about things like how you might react to the general (lots of women get sick (vomiting) and it doesn't seem anti-emetics are standard or else they wouldn't be throwing up so much! You could request them!) THink about who would be with the baby whilst you are in recovery - I think, for me, my over riding concern would be the baby was getting skin to skin - if not with me, then my partner. It helps them regulate their own body temp/breathing and, again for me, the idea of them laying in a cot unattended is a little bit heartbreaking. Really do make your peace about not 'being there' because it is what is best for you all even if it isn't 'the ideal'.

I'm no sure if I'm coming across the way I'm meaning to! Without being all lentil-weaver-hippy-dippy (I'm not one of them, honest!) I think it's possible you can still have a perfectly positive experience. In a way, we all need to think a little along these 'what if' lines, because it can happen to any of us - in a way, you're blessed to know which direction you're headed and make firm plans that will make you feel good

Hi thanks for the input. I did end up having an emerg c-sec (but with an hours notice) with 1st baby after having planned the usual water, yoga, non intervention birth at Midwife led centre ended up utter reverse. I didnt get to hold my DD for about 2hrs after, my DH did and skin to skin we had agreed he would take his T-shirt off to do this. he felt a bit weird agreeing to this in advance but actually said at the time it felt natural. I would advise any other 'mums to be' to talk to their partners about this. After 3 days in hospital being induced we had time to talk about the what ifs so was able to be prepared a bit. But I did have lots of guilt after about the 'how it was supposed to go' of the birth verus the reality!

This time around I am nervous about being out of it under a general and having never had one before have no idea how I would react. However I equally do not want to risk any back issues with a new baby to support, plus I read the general puts the baby to sleep as well. However i am determined to be well versed on my options this time before I see the consultant! Last time I think my DH and I were too passive it was bloody obvious the induction wasnt working one of the midwives virtually told me that but they were too busy on the labour ward to deal with me so I was held until 15days overdue and they had no choice.

Appoligies to first time mums on the detail just be prepared in your 'birth plan' for all options no matter how much you would like a non intervention birth it may not be possible.

Manda, ssmile and all you other experienced mums... Your knowledge to us first timers is great! Don't stop. I just had the most hilarious conversation with DP while he was cooking dinner about skin on skin should I not be able to do it and he was like "yeah fine no problem". That was until he realised I meant straight after the birth... He found the whole concept a little awkward and weird. Then I showed him some scientific research (he is very muchthe practical type) and he has agreed with some embarrassment. Bless! It's so funny the conversations we have now.

Now, need some advice on headaches. Getting them every single day even though tomorrow is the last day of my Antibiotics. The urine infection is much better and so I thought my headAches would be but they're not. I'm trying to drink loads and so can't quite believe it's dehydration. I'll start the day fine but anheadache will develop at some point without fail. Any ideas? Got my nurse appt at the surgery on Friday but wondering whether I should go see the doctor before then.

redlaura, I'm getting headaches as well but don't really know what to do about them. Luckily it doesn't happen too often.
Oh, and when DD was born, DH did skin to skin as well and after a while we realised that she had actually managed to get from the middle of his chest to his nipple and tried to suck on it. Very cute :)

Redlaura - I get very bad headaches too and did with other pregnancies. I spoke to the midwife about them last week and she said that as long as they were not linked to high blood pressure she would not be too worried with me. I also know from research that if you were prone to migraines or headaches before you are pregnant that they can be problematic during pregnancy. Tends to be very much in first trimester but can go all the way through with some people. Drinking lots of water can help - this is also meant to help raise low blood pressure. Headaches are aggravated by the increase in your blood volume during pregnancy. You can also have problems with headaches if you have back or neck problems or tension so worth getting linked to physio if this is the case. If you are worried about anything in pregnancy never feel guilty about seeking help from the doctor or midwife, if something is upsetting you, get it checked out, it will probably be routine but its not worth worrying when you can get reassurance easily.
On the skin to skin note - as I have had two previous c-sections, my husband did the skin contact bit too, taking his t-shirt off - it was hilarious and I got a fit of the giggles seeing him wandering around half naked in all his hairyness - have to say that he bonded very quickly with his babies and despite the fact both kiddies were 3 weeks early they both stabilised very quickly after birth and I am certain that it helped.
Also a note that may help others - I spoke to a nurse friend the other day and she said that although alot of people think that its around the twelve week mark that morning sickness and other symptoms improve its actually at around 16/17 weeks that the placenta take over the main function for the baby and its at this stage that the extreme fatigue and other symptoms such as morning sickness tend to really leave - must admit that that was definitelty the case for me with pregnancies one and two so I think I have another 4-5 weeks left before I am through it!

Hi folks - nice to see a bit more chatter today .

I think some men are really worried about what other people think, and think that they will look odd doing the skin to skin, when in actual fact all the midwives etc around will just ink it's lovely to see the man bonding too. I can't actually remember if dh had skin to skin straight after both of ours, but definitely did within a few days.

Minkyjj - thats interesting about the 16 weeks, cause it was around then with both of mine that I felt better too. Think that's why I'm a little nervous about my scan as I feel a lot better just now with this one.

Mil is looking after the boys - enjoying a cup of tea and a mars bar. Might go swimming tonight as determined not to put on so much weight this time, but can't run cause of pelvis pain last time that reared it's head again on my last run.

Also interesting about the water raising low blood pressure cause I've got lbp and it's a bit annoying going dizzy etc whenever I get up. Will make more effort with the water.

You're a fount of knowledge today Minkyjj

Thanks minky and greedychops. great advice. I love this thread!

Good news is so far no headache today. Fingers crossed.

I hope you can put your mind at ease soon greedychops

HI. I too been having few headaches I thought it was getting over jet lag from last week but now I remember having them with DD1 too. I never normally get headaches but they grow from the back of the head and just hover there. I have had to take the odd single paracetamal and lie down for 30mins seems to take the edge off. You could try those cool head packs can help to my friend said.

Yep my MS eased at 16wks with preg1 and it appears to be doing the same with this one. I am 15wks now and just eaten my first full meal in the pub tonight whooppee and enjoyed it:) Nice to feel like really turning a corner. Even offered to take my DD swiming tommorrow when previously the smell of the pool would make me want to heave!

Awwww, just been reading the bits about skin to skin with DHs and come over all misty-eyed! DH spent lots of time holding DS afterwards but we never thought for him to get nekked to do it.

I'm (sort of) glad to hear that other people are getting the headaches (you know what I mean, glad I'm normal) as I am getting them really badly too. My GP said it's prob mainly down to being absolutely knackered so it's interesting to hear other theories too (my dr is a bit old skool, bless him). He recommended head massages and also said if it's completely crippling then I could try paracetamol and codeine.

I asked DH about a month ago for a massage but am still waiting

I too thought I was done with the MS (think I'm 15 weeks today) but I was spectacularly and projectilely sick all over the bathroom floor last night and have been well ill all day today too

I am really hating being pg at the moment. It just seems so unfair; anyone want to remind me again why we're doing it?!

So we can bloom for a few weeks....... (then prob feel crap again) but then that little bundle of joy smiles at you and or their eyes twinkle and all the crap is forgotton :o (well mostly otherwise why would we have more than one :o)

I've been busy siging upto all the freebies the last few days, loads more online 'baby clubs' out there this time around. Tesco, boots, hipp, cowandgate, huggies, pampers, even expressed an interest in NCT got sent stuff from pampers. Never used pampers much with DD as she was allergic to their stuff but the free coupons always help :)

Anyone else found some good 'babyclubs' with freebies??

feralgirl, I guess I'm lucky to have already a DD because she reminds me frequently that it is really worth it :)

So, I've just joined the "drinking lots of water" club to avoid headaches. Hopefully it works.

I'm terrible for not drinking enough - it doesn't give me headaches, luckily, but it can't be good, especially given I'm still breastfeeding. I hate water though, seriously. Still, Must Try Harder. My BP at booking? 93/67. Heh, the midwife did ask if I'd been feelin faint. Nope. Still! MUST DRINK MORE!

So, ladies, two weeks today and I will find out the flavour of this baby! I feel it's another boy. I booked a private gender scan for next week at DP's request which surprised me at first given last time he wasn't too fussed on finding out. But, then, at the 12 week scan he had to wait outside because he had DS2 and he's said that right now, not having seen a baby moving about on the screen, he's not feeling very connected to THe Blob and wants to. It may be he wouldn't be able to come in to the 20 week scan either as we don't really have any options for leaving DS2 in the day. I was happy to wait for the 20 week scan but now it's booked (for 16+1) I'm very excited. I know I'll start shopping when I know, too!

I had my booking in scan today! It was so great to see our baby and I was very relieved that I am actually pregnant and that there was only one there! He or she was great to watch, very wriggly and the midwife said you could see it holding and clapping it?s hands ? agghh! They?ve also said that I?m 13 + 4 which means I?m now due 5 weeks earlier on the 17th September. I?m feeling so much more relaxed now and really enjoyed telling my work colleagues this afternoon!

Aww, alibaba, I loved telling my friends and colleagues too (those that hadn't guessed already).

Ursigurke, I forgot that I already have DS as a reminder as to why pregnancy is worth it! His was a MUCH easier pregnancy though but he was a bugger of a baby so maybe I'm having a horrible time now and, in recompense, this baby is going to be a perfect angel who sleeps through at three months and never thows its food on the floor

I am sooo tempted to find out what sex this one is but it's worth not finding out just to wind up my SiL. She would just swamp me in pink if it's a girl and I really don't want that!

ONe of my friends is having the private 3D scan too and I just know I'm going to be tempted to spend £100 that we really don't have as soon as I see hers.

Hi,
It's been a while yet again, so apologies if this turns into a long one...
Good to hear about more happy scans. Sorry to those finding out about c-sections, not much fun :-(.
I am interested in this whole skin-skin thing as I had not heard about it until I got pregnant - will have to go do some reading (can't get to the 'labour and birth' bit in any books/websites at the moment without cringing, but guess I'll just have to get on with it!).
I have been having headaches too if it makes anyone feel better...! I've also been trying to keep fluids up, but not always successful. Also still getting the odd queasy moment, so interesting that it's 16-17 wks before placenta fully kicks in.
Have spent the last week or so telling friends and family, which has been good fun, and made it all seem so much more real - my dad's even bought some baby-grows already - bless!
So, a couple of questions - is anyone doing the NCT course? And has anyone done one before, and if so, would you recommend?
Also, manda is finding out the 'flavour' of her baby - is anyone else planning to? Just out of interest...
Oh, and ssmile - the only baby club I was aware of was the boots one, and the one that came from the midwife - www.bounty.com - not sure if that's UK or Scottish thing? Will have to go check out Tesco's one as well!
Right, think that's enough from me!

Morning All!

meerkat - I booked our NCT course at the weekend. I think it was my Mum's influence that persuaded me to book it - she has always sung the praises of NCT, and is still in touch with a couple of NCT ladies she met when having my siblings and me (30+ years on!)

We are going to hold out and not find out the 'flavour' of our baby. I still keep checking my 'symptoms' against the various old wives tales though!

I've signed up to Sainsbury's little ones, but haven't heard anything from them yet...

Anyone else suffering from lower back pain? I'm getting pain every day now, it's worse in the evenings and I can't lie on my back when I go to bed (say in a position to read a book) because I get 'stuck' and can't move due to the sharpest of pains. It's very localised pain, just right of centre, and just above the buttock. Think I'm going to have to get in touch with the doctor, but was considering osteopathy possibly.

I didn't do nct but wished that I could have done as almost everyone that I know who did really enjoyed it and kept friends afterwards. There just wasn't one close enough to us at the time.

I get a wee bit of back pain but more central (although low down) and I assume it's to do with the pelvis joining bits softening (technical term there). No harm in asking your midwife or doctor though - you wouldn't want to leave it now, and it end up getting lots worse I guess.

Looking forward to my scan tomorrow.

Hope everyoneis feeling good today.

lxr1 - the midwife can refer you for a free pregnancy related physio assessment so give them a call. It took 3 weeks to get an appointment after referral so worth doing asap. I had the same pain as you explain which was sciatic nerve related and did improve with exercise.
I did an NCT course 9 years ago when I had my first child. I couldnt find one with availability when I needed it so ended up doing a weekend crammer course with them. I found it very informative for birth related advice if you were aiming for a natural birth but a bit pointless if you already new you had to have a casarean (which I knew from day 1). I did find it a bit "mother earth" focussed as some of the discussions were surrounding burying your placenta in the garden or how some cultures eat it as it has many nutrients (euch!!!) - I think we were just unlucky really. Many friends have gone on courses and ended up with loads of friends so I know it can be positive too. I have decided not to bother to go as I feel I know what I need to and I am also a bit worried that it will be full of much younger mums and will make me feel a bit ancient!