April 2011 - we'll shop til we pop!

[GoldFrakkincenseAndMyrrh]

Continuation from our old thread here

So maybe this thread we'll see some babies?! And definitely lots more shopping

Amazon deal of the day is a tommee tippee electric breast pump, 52% off, £43.

Welcome back frakk :)

so what do BH feel like? No sign of any here I don't think! Also I have heard that the way your labour feels correlates to how your period pains are.

I've heard some people say that their period pains feel like contractions but mine definitely have never felt like anything you'd ever describe as contractions but more like a dull ache in my lower back? So does this mean my labour is likely to be felt more in my back? Just wondering really!

Hope you're all doing well, I feel like we're all getting towards the home straight now :)

Morning All,

lucieloo I've been having BH since about 20 weeks. They're very noticable! I'm not sure I believe the 'everyone has them, some just don't notice' line!

Basically, I can feel my uterus going very hard, not always all over, and it often starts in different regions. It stays hard for 30 seconds or more and then relaxes off. Some are quite uncomfortable and require a bit of huffing (like Cycle described!), but they're usually ok. They're worse if I need a wee, and seem to be spontaneous, or triggered by a tight waistband or LO kicking (just had one originate from under my right ribs, where LO is trying to make a nest, from what it feels like!).

And OBEM seems to bring them on too!

I had a proper crumble last night! We've had a bit of a week - my grandad's been in hospital having bypass surgery, school's been mental with reports to do, coursework to mark & re-mark (and re-mark), courses changing (thanks Mr Gove), and then groups changing as a result. So when DH announced last night "my dad might come down this weekend" I kindof went to pieces! I'm was so exhausted! It wouldn't be so bad if DH wasn't working all weekend! He couldn't understand how hard work it is entertaining people - especially your in-laws (he never has to do it without me). He couldn't understand why I'd need to fully blitz the house (which I was going to do gently over the whole weekend, but would've had to do late last night). I know people shouldn't judge you by the cleanliness of your home, but they do! And especially PIL, who expect you to be looking after their DS!
Rant Rant Rant!!

Anyway, he eventually suggested his dad stay with his sister (in her student house) and pop in to see him at work. So I'm off the hook, and free to spend the entire weekend marking coursework! Which I must start now...!

Thanks for letting me get that off my chest! x

Oh, and Lucie - re: home straight - I'm 32 weeks now, and only have 5 weeks more to work (with 1/2 term in the middle!). I'm soooo looking forward to the finish line!

lucie - From speaking to others, BH's feel different to different people as it seems quite common that they become more uncomfortable and frequent with subsequent pregnancies.

With ds1 I didn't realise what they were. My bump used to go tight (mostly in the evenings) for about 5 minutes at a time but it was never uncomfortable. I remember the MW asking me if I was having them at all and I said no because I honestly didn't realise what they were. As they were often referred to as practice contractions I thought they would come and go at set times just like I had read about contractions. Also from memory I didn't get them until quite late on in the pregnancy - something like 35 weeks.

With ds2 the BH's were stronger and this time they were uncomfortable. I mentioned the 'symptoms' to my MW and she told me they were BH. That's when I realised that I had had them with ds1.

This time they've started at an earlier gestation, they are a lot more uncomfortable and they are easier to set off - usually if I haven't drunk enough, am doing something quite physical, or during the big O .

I'm not sure about contractions and period pains as I don't really suffer with period pain. Saying that the period pain I have experienced is probably (for me) equivalent to very early labour. My early contractions with ds1 were defo in my lower back and it was just niggly - unlike the later contractions which were nothing like period pain. They are a sensation all of their own

petal I'm there with you, looking at that finish line! My last day at work is the Friday of half term which is always a manic but fun week at work so feel like I'll be leaving on a high.

Today, I did the one thing my Mum has been telling me all the way through pregnancy not to do... I cut DH's hair!!!

Thankfully I can report that all was well, DH is not doing a monk impression, nor did family history repeat it's self and he end up bald all over (yes that is what happened to my Dad when he asked my Mum give his hair a quick touch up while she was pregnant with my DSIS!) Though I have to say, I'm not considering a change of profession, hairdressing is not my forte!

oh Petalouda I am so with you - I've got 2 sets of PIL's (due to divorce...) coming to stay on 2 weekends in Feb, plus DH is going abroad with work for 3 consecutive weeks. House is a tip as we've only recently moved in and my back is killing me... trying not to turn into crazy angry monster but patience is wearing thin. Would just love quiet weekends just the 2 of us to try to finish the house before baby arrives..... I think I'm just going to have to try to explain away messy house with pregnancy and deal with the consequential lectures from MIL's!!!!

And I think I'm getting little BH but not sure what's random baby movements & actual BH?

Also - on the shopping front, what size baby grows are you all getting for the hospital? I don't know whether to get newborn/smaller/bigger?!?!

Hi everyone - been so crap at keeping up with this thread, must try harder!

arch I'm sorry to hear about your midwife problems and the possible diabetes.
I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes just before Christmas, and so far it hasn't been too bad to cope with. I have to check my sugar levels 3/4 times a day and I've had to cut back a bit on the cake consumption but I think I have got off pretty lightly (so far).

I've had loads of BH with this pregnancy, really uncomfortable and annoying - I seem to get them a lot when I'm walking up stairs.

Transverse here too, or baby certainly was until yesterday but I think it must have turned because my bump has gone narrower. Going to try and feel whether I've got a bum or a head up top a bit later.
Still can't decide whether to have an ELCS or try a VBAC....

I would say take newborn, my babies have been 9lb'ers but they have still fitted newborn sizes - although only for a couple of weeks before they get too long for them.

But if it makes you feel better just pack in a couple of 0-3 months as well, they don't take up much room.

I HATE dh springing surprise guests on me. I'll see the house as the bomb site it is but dh seems to have a mess filter in his vision. You really would think that after 7 years he would have learnt by now.

1sttimemother - I would take newborn size. Definitely don't buy any smaller than that - if you do have a small baby and the newborn things swamp them then your DH or someone can always nip out and get some things.

Hello alibaba

Good news on the baby turning. I try and feel the baby's body parts but it makes me feel quite sick, it's the same when the MW does it - I have no idea why.

I had a VBAC with DS2, so if you would like to chat about it let me know, I'm happy to answer any questions.

Thanks 1stTime, glad I'm not the only one! Both mine and DH's parents are divorced too. Christmas is a nightmare! Fortunately we moved 150 miles away from the lot of them, so we can usually avoid all the cr*p that comes with warring parents! Although, my folks are much more amicable than his.

Regarding the size of clothes. So far, we've only bought a multi pack of tescos vests & mothercare sleepsuits. Both in newborn size. Mothercare newborn size is apparently about 7.5-10lb, and since I refuse to birth anything bigger than 8.5lb that should be fine! (that is the way these things work, right?!)

My nephew (born in november) was 7lb11, but short & barrel-like in stature! The smaller stuff worked well for him. And because my sister is wonderful she's already packing up piles of his hand-me-downs for us!

What a difference a bit of sun makes. :)

Good morning April Family

The funeral was beautiful the church was standing room only and outside speakers brought the service to many more, she was such a lovely woman, not a bad bone in her, thinking of others always, such a loss but I'm really lucky to have her as a friend. Thank you all for your kind words and support, it's hard enough without the hormones raging

Cycle lol yes we have baby slippers with fluffy bunnies attached, definitely essential items. So far I've managed to walk them on my fingers across the dining table, down the sideboard and back into the hospital bag lol I LOVE PLAYING WITH BABY THINGS .

Petalouda I agree with your description of BH

Lucie With 1st DD yes it felt like really bad period pain in my lower back, I tried a tens machine which really pissed me off was annoying but massage helped. I didn't suffer from period pain until a few years ago. DD 2nd was in the middle to lower front of my bump and sides no massage touch me and I kill you as it was a sharp pins and needles pain. This time I have been suffering badly for a few years with bad period pain (medicated relief) so who knows. People say the more babies you have the more you feel and in some cases I agree with early kicks, BH and pelvic pain yet totally different pregnancy symptoms and early niggles, no real mood swings if anything this pregnancy has made me more normal than my PMT I'm a little nervous about after pains and a few of my friends have 3 and 4 children and they say the 3rd is the one they noticed the contractions and after pains where more pronounced but who knows.

My boobs this time have defied the laws of nature and now have there own circling moons and asteroid belt, my belly button is becoming a very fetching 3rd nipple, I can no longer get my feet up on the second step to tie my shoe lace so if like today I'm wearing trainers they stay on until my man servant DH gets back home later on and helps me out of them

Have our next scan date of 1st March, really excited but still firm on the not finding out the sex mind set. Hopefully the placenta has moved from the exit, although fro some of LO digging movements of late I'm guessing the exit is now clearly signed

Oh and before I bid you farewell today to get on with the piles of recycling (couldn't be bothered last week)I have booked several half days up to due date for a full body massage and cut and style in a local beauty salon as I want to relax and look fab whilst treating myself. 1st baby didn't have much money, 2nd had a 10 months old and had no time, now loving being pregnant and making the most of it, I'll be 36 a week before my due date so it's justified lol
Also have booked a nice restaurant for due date so I'm not fidgeting at home wondering if every twinge is labour lol I can't believe how chilled out I am this time

Have a good day whatever your doing xx

Salted sorry to hear about your friend - pleased the funeral went well.

I think I've been having Braxton Hicks for a few weeks now, but they aren't uncomfortable (yet). Only notice if I'm sitting still and then feel my tummy go hard for a few minutes. Not sure what position he is in currently - will have to ask at my 32 week appointment this week. Think the midwife said he was transverse 4 weeks ago but with head more down than up.

Have started a pregnancy yoga class this week which is very relaxing. Strange to be in a room with just pregnant people in it. Might start listening to the hypnobirthing CD I bought soon. So far I've kind of bypassed the giving birth bit of pregnancy in my mind.

Only 9 weeks left now to go (and 4 and half weeks left of work). Counting down the shifts till I finish. Strangely I might not take up my colleagues suggestion of just coming straight back to work after the birth and putting the baby in a box under the desk at the nurses station for us all to look after!

ive been having braxton hicks since 15/16 weeks this time. and today my stomach has remained hard and uncomfortable just about all day. which isnt right nice cause its making me feel like i need to pee all the time. had my check up on wednesday, baby is head down, just hope he stays that way and dont have to be induced again this time. small chance of that i bet :)

Hi SP, it sounds like the funeral was a fitting tribute for your friend.

Your post reminded me about the after pains . They were shocking with ds2 and made me bend over in agony - which was difficult when ds was attached to my breast!

I've also timed my hair cuts , I've got one in a few weeks time, then I'll book my next one for a week before my EDD. Then after that I'll probably go months without having it done and my grey roots will take over!!

I also like the idea of booking a restaurant on your EDD - I'll be mentioning that to dh! It will have to be in the evening though as my EDD is on the same date of the Royal Wedding and I'll be watching that

For those of you who are carrying transverse, what does it feel like? Is the difference where you feel the movements?

SP - I'm sorry about your friend, pleased that the funeral went so well.

ILike - I may well have questions about VBAC, all in a dither atm and I just can't decide. I'm 32 weeks today so I really need to make up my mind!
Carrying transverse feels like my tummy muscles are being pressed out to my side and my sides ache, really uncomfy. Baby was face down with arms and legs down in my pelvis, so lots of lovely pokes and prods and what felt like handfuls of bladder being gripped onto. Nice

I've got my haircuts booked in too! One this Thursday, and then another 4 weeks later which will last me until about 8 weeks post-birth hopefully. Need to find someone to come and give me a pedicure, I can hardly reach my toes any

Glad your friend got a proper send off SP. x

I think my last haircut is booked 22 March. I had a proper cut fairly recently and am normally a once a year kind of girl but thought I'd spoil myself.

Am feeling HUGE right now. We had the bridesmaid appointment today to pick dresses for my sister's wedding in July. All I stipulated was no strapless and no backless, it's both. Sigh. Plus we have to order them before the baby is born so I had to be measured. They measured my 'waist' just under my ribcage and it was still a full 10 inches bigger than my younger sister's and she's one of the other bridesmaids, eek!

Oh well, to be honest I would have felt like a whale in anything we'd looked at. It's just so weird to be planning for something after the due date.

Cycle - I'm a bridesmaid in September. The dress is empire line and has straps - thank God. From what I can gather, the other bridesmaids are quite busty too so I think we were all keen to have something that would stay up!

I know what you mean about it feeling odd to plan for after the due date. I haven't had that feeling with this pregnancy, but with DS it was like there was a huge wall I couldn't see beyond - I just couldn't imagine how my life was going to be.

Hi all,
Quick question. I am preg with 2nd child. 1st was 12 days over. What do you think are my chances of going over again? or is it a case of every preg is diff?

nitnat, from what i've seen on here every pregnacny is different. A friend of mine recently had her 2nd, 16 days overdue. Her first was about 12 days over. On the plus side her labour 2nd time was over in an hour and a half and she managed on just gas and air. The baby was 10lbs 11oz

I was only 2 days over with DS, but I really hope it's similar this time as I don't want to be induced.

I ordered my tens machine this week from maternitytens.com. It hasn't arrived yet but i'm already recommending them to lots of friends here at home as they actually deliver to the Channel Islands and charged me the standard UK postage of £1.00. (most UK firms won't deliver to us especially annoying are the ones that don't despite having a store here and it doesn't stop them sending me crap in the post about ordering online (Boots, by the way )

Others will take your order but charge a small fortune (mothercare were going to charge me more than £10 postage for 1 T-shirt). Anyway I will stop ranting now and try and remember to post in proper sentences.

My next quandry is how to get my birthing ball back from DS. It's been in his bedroom for the last 2 years and I am told to get off it if I sit on it. Hopefully he'll be asleep when I need it so I can sneak it out without him noticing.

On the baby clothes to hospital front I took newborn in for DS, he was 6lb 15oz but quite long and skinny so he outgrew the all in ones really quickly, (he had quite long feet as well so I couldn't even get them into some of the newborn all in ones). He did look swamped in 0-3 but at least he could move . Also different brands vary a lot so some of the 0-3 stuff I put away just about fit him when he grew out of the newborn. It sounds obvious but I'd definately recommend you go through your baby wardrobe when you get home and try them against the baby for size.

nitnat - I was 40+10 with ds1 and then induced at 40+8 with Ds2, so not expecting to be early (but you never know).
My tranverse lie is now breach - still only 29 weeks so time to turn.

I'm also a bit busty Alibaba, at the moment I'm busting out of a 36H and about to move onto the Js so am dreading strapless.

All this talk of where the baby is lying is a mystery to me. I was assured baby was head down at my 28 week appt but most of the movement is in the sides of my bump. I reckon he's punching rather than kicking!

I've bought a selection of newborns and 0-3 months babygros for the hospital. Both DP and I are tall and big so I have things up to six months at home already!

Goodness, it's past 10pm, clearly bedtime!

my baby was head down on wednesday but today hes moved and i know for a fact lol i can feel his head right at top of my bump now and i was getting strong kicks in the ribs before but now there back down below in my bladder and erm bum, they will turn round till about 34 week though maybe later ive read, so im not worried that hes gone back to breech

Both my boys play with my ball, i have it downstairs and it's a fight every time i want to use it, lol!

With DS1 i had no idea how he was lying, was always head down AFAIK, but i could never tell.
I never knew that DS2 was breech - a 'comfortable breech' according to the MWs after the event...

This one reminds me of a sleeping dog, you know when they're dreaming and their legs twitch? well i get the legs going on one side and the arms on the other!
Looking forward to it turning soon.

Sleeping badly & DS2 up effing early, fun.