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]

xmasevie, no idea, sorry but I think brown spotting is normally no problem. And I know that some women bleed throughout the whole pregnancy. But I would definitely call the midwife or the GP. They will be able to reassure you.

Talk about baby brain... I did NOT have the midwife yesterday - I don't have an appointment for another two weeks. I was convinced I did though! Maybe the confusion was a) I am 16 weeks and the midwife has written on the appointment line '16 week review' and b) the next appointment underneath is for the 28th (of april, mind). Luckily I realisd before I rocked up with my urine sample

I do definitely have a scan later. Had nightmares all night about it - not least, I think because I've been spotting a lot xmasevie Mosty after sex, but sometimes, like yesterday, just walking around shopping for a couple of hours will set it off.

Not panicking as obviously 12 week scan was fine and I can feel my uterus getting higher (almost with each passing day!) so I presume baby is still growing away. Not felt it yet which would have worried me as felt my other three way before now but knowing my placenta is anterior calms that fear. And, just, the cervix is engorged with far more blood than usual so for many women any friction will start a little spotting. Even constipation, with its straining or the movement of a hard stool on its journey outwards can be enough. Definitely do speak to your midwife but I'm sure she'll tell you not to worry especially in the absence of any other worrying symptoms.

ursigurke I just want to put a thought I had out there, as it were. When I read of your very rare blood group ad how there would be no blood available should you need it (and that in and of itself is a rare situation - not many women at all eed a transfusion post birth) I instantly thought 'if it were me, I'd be uilding up a stock of my OWN blood'

Now, hear me out, I'm not suggestiong you access your veins, pour it into tupperware and keep it in the fridge . I know, in theory, pregnant women can't 'give blood' whilst pregnant nor for a year afterwards. However, in your situation, where it could, in a rare circumstance, mean your life, would they not consider taking smaller amounts than a usual donation and spread them out every 6 weeks or something? To store for your own use should the worst happen. Perhaps there is someway of doing it privately if the nhs won't consider (and if you have the finances). Maybe I'm just crazy, I don't know (and on a side note it's literally just popped into my head that is this a way jehovah's witnesses could by pass the whole 'not allowed body parts/incl blood products from another person? Not wantng to start a theological debate, just a musing!) as I say, just throwing it out there!

I'm taking DS2 to be a movie star today. Well, when I say 'movie star' its more like 'featured backround artist' but still a different routine to the usual day. I just hope he does what's expected of him!

Manda, I didn't even know you couldn't donate blood during pregnancy or for a year after birth. Actually the midwife said it could be possible that they would "bleed me" before birth so I would have some available if I needed a transfusion due to blood loss. I also wonder what if the baby has the same unusual type? But I guess in that case it wouldn't be in danger (of my antibodies attacking its red blood cells). I also wonder if my DH should donate blood in case the baby would need it after birth.
Lots of questions for the consultant. Much to my surprise the GP couldn't explain me anything yesterday!!!! At least I know that things are on an okish level and as long as they stay there there is nothing to worry about. (but I have a lot of "what if" in my head these days)
It didn't actually come to my mind to stock up for myself in the future but wondered if I had the moral duty to donate if it is that rare. But again, as it is now "contamined" with antibodies, maybe it is not even wanted? At least not for women who could still get pregnant.
Oh well, I guess I should focuss on more urgent things... lunch for example [off to the kitchen]

Ursigurke, sorry, I just read your post before my last one. My SiL had this problem as well. She did have some fairly hefty complications with both her pregnancies BUT both were OK in the end and my nieces are none the worse for my SiL's difficult times.

I have a friend who is pg now too and she has also got an unusual blood type that means her body could start doing the thing where it rejects the baby (I have no idea about the science of this, as you can prob tell) but it seems as though her situation is less complicated than yours as the pros have been able to explain things to her adequately!

I went to see the dr about my headaches this morning and have been signed off until the end of term! Despite feeling guilty about my year elevens, I am now not really sure what to do with myself tbh. Any ideas?! Redlaura, am I right in thinking you've also been signed off for the same reason? What are you up to atm?!

Hi Feralgirl. Glad you've been signed off. Headaches are so debilitating and exhausting. I've been signed off until Monday but my doctor will keep it under review. AT the moment I'm sleeping, taking a bath a day, stretching, reading, and watching dvds. Also trying to go walking everyday. Have to say it has made a big difference not being at work and while I felt guilty for leaving my team in the sh1t, i've got over that very quickly. Fewer headaches and when they come, much less intense. I hope I manage to keep them at bay when I go back to work but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Still recommend you see an osteopath!

manda it always surprises me, as a first time pregnancy, when experienced pregnant women can feel things like their uterus rising etc. I just haven't got a clue. Sometimes I think I can feel the baby, a tug or a something, but it could just as easily be wind! I don't think I can tell the difference!

RL, will def try an osteopath next week afer I've been paid. We took DS to one when he was wee in a bid to get him to sleep (didn't work!) but I'm prepared to try anything and I think it was a bit naive expecting miracles with a seven month old baby (over-optimistic-first-time-parenting at its best perhaps?)

Since I am now off work until the end of April, I'm really hoping that, at 21 weeks when I go back, I'll be over the worst and my body will have had time to calm down a bit.

I think I'm feeling twitches in the evenings - could be wind of course - but it's familiar from last time. I'm hoping it isn't the baby as the MN Pregnancy book says that, on average, you give birth 147 days after you feel the first kick which will make me really quite early and I don't want to be wasting maternity leave during my summer hols when I'd be getting paid for doing nothing anyway!

feralgirl, thanks. I am really surprised how common this problem seems. So why was the midwife unable to explain it to me? And even the GP who I saw yesterday?! I really don't understand why they can not read the paper from the laboratory. They should both know that there are other blood groups too and similar to being Rh-, they can cause troubles. This information would have helped a lot already.

Anyway, I hope that those with headaches and other pains will soon feel better. Lets just enjoy the second trimester :)

Crikey! What a lot to catch up on!
Welcome to all the new joiners :-)

Sorry to hear about your rare blood Ursigurke - it's a shame that none of your healthcare people can explain it to you properly - I hope the consultant does a better job, even if it is in a while (if I'm remembering the whole thing correctly!). Thank goodness for the internet hey?! Font of all knowledge...!

Redlaura and Feralgirl - glad to hear something is being done about your migraines - I hope all the rest sorts the problems out for you both.

manda - what was the verdict on the scan?! Looking forward to hearing the results... :-). I have in my head that I'm supposed to be making a midwife appt sometime soon too, but have no idea, and hoping they'll chase me if really necessary - they bombarded me with so much info when I went for my scan and blood test that I lost track, and I didn't write it down (even though I knew I should be, even at the time!). Ah well.

Greedychops - hello to a fellow Scotland dweller :-) - strangely enough my neighbour also gave up her job and is now making kilts since having her children - she seems to enjoy it. Not sure if I have the talent though, but still trying to think of other little ventures I could take up rather than going back to work in an office. She even made my husband's kilt for our wedding last year, so I saw first hand how much hard work and perfection is required!

xmasevie - hope you have been reassured by your midwife about the spotting - everything I've read seems to say it's perfectly normal, as long as there's no pain associated with it. Oh, and I live in Burntisland - so pass through Dalgety Bay every day on the train!

Hmmm, yet another long post from me, and I don't even really have much to report, though I'm also feeling the twinges and the occasional abdominal pain which like the rest of you I'm trying to suss out its cause! Def getting a wee bump now - even almost fitted the maternity clothes I've been lent - eek!
Also still have really sore boobs - especially in the night when I turn over - I hardly had any boobage before, so I'm assuming it's just the fact they're growing so much and I'm not used to having anything there at all? Any opinions? I wear a vest top in bed, but wondering whether to get something more supportive...?

Hope I've kept track of everyone, and that you're all feeling well and/or better than you did...

Meerkat Motherare and M and S sell night feeding bra tops - usually 2 in a packet. They are much more supportive than a vest but not as restrictive as a bra. Makes sense to get them now as you will need them when the baby arrives as you need to wear something that will hold a breastpad in place or else risk leaking milk all over the place! They have little clips that undo to allow easy breastfeeding and are very useful if you end up in hopsital after the delivery.
Ursigurke try not to worry about the blood issue. One of the reasons that the hospital need to know bloodgroups is so they can plan ahead and ensure they have stock for rare blood groups. Also be aware that some rare blood groups are what is known as universal. My mum is resus- and the blood service are always keen for her to donate as her bloodgroup can be used as a universal donor - i.e. she can donate blood to other groups even if they are not the same group. The Consultant will allay your fears.
I have had a busy week too - physio Monday which was good and Consultant yesterday (not so good as I seem to be more relaxed about my medical history than they were - think they are covering their bums if you ask me!) and tomorrow a different physio team than deal with maternity related physio. On that note, down here in Poole you can attend a maternity physio course that teaches you how to cope with the demand pregnancy puts on your back and body - might be worth asking for any first time mums that havent covered that type of thing before?
I am 15 weeks today and just beginning to feel the cloud lift a bit. Morning sickness is receding slowly and I can actually stay awake for a few hours now in the evening rather than wishing the kids would go to sleep so I can get my head down.
Actually felt a craving for chilled white wine this week too with the amazing weather which proves things must be improving - still not enough though to get me reaching for the non-alcoholic bottle I have in the fridge! How times change though - when I was pregnant 9 and 6 years ago it was much more acceptible to have a glass of wine than it is nowadays, I even drank guiness and that was seen as good for you!
Off out tonight with my aunties and mum for my aunts birthday and going to a lovely french bistro - hungry already thinking about the food - lets hope they have something on the menu that I can eat without feeling guilty!

I just found out they are also running a physio lesson clinic thing here (east devon)which they say you can attend between 16-20wks ideally. This is new they didnt have this last time around we got a talk from the physio when we were 38wks at antenatal class and she said its a bit late to be telling you this but.... nice to see they may have started to get some resources or their act together! Just a shame the first session is on my DD 4th birthday so cant attend but will try the following months one.

My newish maternity trousers I bought for work are already feeling tight now as the day goes on. Oh gosh there is no hope for me at 17wks that they will last till 35wks!!! Only 2 more buttons to pop on the sides of them left....
I saw my midwife this week and she said again that I have a good chance of planned C-sec as an option because of probs with DD1. But I really want to find out more about anyone who has had a planned one under a general anestitic (sp?) anyone here know more? I will post on the general site as well.

Minky, I am actually not too worried, rather annoyed that so far no one could tell me what is going on and that they seem to think it is ok that I don't know anything about it for 10 weeks. But luckily there is internet.
I think I know most I have to know for my pregnancy and birth, so I only have a couple of more general questions for my future. Because I am quite sure that there would not be the right blood available in case of an emergency (which I am not planning to have). Even 0- would not be suitable as I will need blood which is Lub- like mine which seems to be incredibly rare. Anyway, the whole thing is extremely surreal for me and I am busier with my daily life and pregnancy related things so not really worried.

Meerkat, to be honest I found stretchy vests the best at this stage as I found the straps of bras really uncomfortable. Even when I had really full breasts at the beginning of breastfeeding I only had something similar to this which wouldn't actually hold the pads in place (and I had to change my shirt several times in certain nights). I guess you will have to try what suits you best.

Hi meerkat I've been using aerobic crop tops, so they're not full onnsports bras and so not constricting but do give good support to my DD cups at night. However I'm going to give minky's suggestion a go.

Had another headache this afternoon. They're not so frequent and not as intense but depressed I'm still getting them after five weeks. Just hope they don't last the next five months

17 weeks today. Xxx

redlaura hope headaches ease soon. I off work with cold as can't take sinus meddle head is pounding you take modern meds for granted till can't take them.
I had some positive stories on c sec under general a on my other post so feel bit. Happier about it as an option now.

Evening all. I'm from the march 2010 group. MANDA is one of ours with her last little boy.

I have some terribly sad news for you. MANDA had her scan and very sadly it showed that her baby had died approx two weeks ago. She is understandably devasted and didn't know how to post this sad news to you all. She says she will 'lurk' our thread but it's very raw so you may not hear from her for a while, if at all. I hope you all understand. I'm sure she would not want to bring the happy mood of the thread down, but I got the impression she wanted you to know- rather than slink off.

Good luck to you all for September xx

Not sure if you'll ever check this, but just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear your news manda thinking of you and sending lots of best wishes and hugs xxx. Thanks for letting us know scooby.

oh gosh hugs manda nothing else I can say can help but it makes us all realise how precious these little ones are. Hope you have some support at this difficult time x

Manda - so very sorry, will be praying that you receive everything you need at the right time in the right way, whether it be a good friend or a chance to let go when you need to. Will really miss you here. Take care hon x
Scooby 26 thanks for letting us know.

manda if you're reading this I just want you to know I'm thinking of you. Devastating news and I hope you are getting all the love and support you need. Will really miss your lovely words of wisdom. Take care of yourself. xxx

Thanks scooby. Not easy to break news like that.

I hope noone minds me posting a 'normal' post after Manads sad news I truely not being disrepectful (my sis and vclose friend both MC at 12wks so had a small dose of up close watching the effects) they both wanted life to move on as it helped them a bit, is that ok?

I getting over my mad intense burst of 48hrs head cold but now seem to have really itchy skin and the stretch marks are starting to reappear on my tum. Have had to start slapping on the E45 cream every day again. Last time tried Bio Oil, olive oil, endless creams still ended up with spagetti junction on my tum but they did fad quite quickley. I think it must be hereditary as my mum ws the same and we both have dry skin. Also really itchy head (yes my DH had checked twice for nits! (we have a preschooler in the house its par for the course)but none) tried buying some T-gel then got home and it said not for use if pregnant hmmm so still on the head & shoulders but its not great. Anyone else got good anti-itch shampoo?

manda, so sorry to hear your news. Hope you are recovering.

redlaura & FelizFuturaMama, I'm from Withington too! Used to live opposite Christie Hospital. Now living in south London but moving back to Manchester (Stretford this time) in the summer.

ssmile, I get so itchy during pregnancy! I had forgotten that about last time. I'm on the cocoa cream & the bio-oil at the moment.

So I'm 16 weeks now (I think), seeing the midwife next week & hoping she will find the heartbeat. Have definitely "popped" as strangers now stand up for me on the tube... it's becoming time to get down into the cellar & find the maternity clothes from DD...

manda I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you will get all the support you need in real life.

Ssmile I am sure Manda would want us to keep chatting. Having had two miscarriages myself I know it hurts like mad but at the same time you do need a degree of normal around you to get back on top and the worst thing is having to deal with other peoples discomfort.
Head and shoulders now do an anti-itch shampoo, its fairly new. I think I may have had head lice when I was a few weeks pregnant so I researched it and ended up trying a natural remedy - covered my head in mayonnaise, wrapped my head in cling film and waited 2 hours then used the nitty gritty nit comb (expensive but brilliant) and section combed it through - rinsed and then washed. My hair looked amazing and my head no longer itched and there has not been a further sign of any little friends. Still dont know for certain that I had them as I never had them before, not even as a child and neither have either of my kids.
Hope that helps and maybe you just need somthing that gives your scalp an intense condition to stop the itch?
If I dont check in before Sunday - have a pampered Mothers Day all first time mtb's and may everyone else enjoy the little blessings who arrive at the bedside at the crack of dawn with the cold tea and soggy toast - I know I cannot wait!

manda I am so very sorry.

Indeed, minkyjj hits the nail on the head. I don't want you ladies to wallow in my bad news... I know you're all sympathetic and I am very grateful that you've all taken the time to post how sorry you are to hear what has happened...

BUT. You do not need to feel any guilt that it hasn't happened to you. I'm made of sterner stuff than needing everyone to tiptoe around me. Please, please DO carry on as normal.

Friday night, I literally almost died. I laughed today. 'Tis true - life goes on. I dont expect to laugh every day in the coming months, I expect some days will be harder than I can imagine but life does go on. And I'm so so happy for you all. I really, truly am.

Happy Mother's Day, September 2011 Mummies.

Hi Manda, your message shows how strong you are. I suffered a miscarriage with my last pregnancy and so I can empathise a bit with what you must be feeling. I would just like to say like the other bloggers in the group how sorry I am for you. Take comfort in your friends and family and if you need it, talk to someone. I went through counselling which really helped me.

Thanks to you all for your comments and help on the spotting issue - was probably old blood as I went for my 16 week appointment and it was ok. got to hear the heartbeat through a doppler which was nice.

Redlaura and Feralgirl - i am suffering terrible migraines too, this week I had one for three days running. I had to phone in sick one day. Nice to hear you have been signed off because of them. I told the midwife and while she was nice she wasn't very sympathetic. I seem to wake up with a headache every day. Its no fun. She said its OK to take paracetemol. Also, my sister said forehead, the stick you roll on your head is quite good. It tends to be around my eyes which ache the most.

"Meerkat" we probably used to see each other in the train most days when I used to commute to Edinburgh - pity I am not still up there - I am really homesick, we could have met at the play planet with the babies for a coffee!

Speaking of donating blood, I got a letter from the NHS asking me to donate - bad marketing since we can't - they never targeted my OH though.

Just been looking online for cotbeds - bid for one on ebay but was outbid!

Anyway, looking forward to week 17 :-)

Have a good week ladies xx