March 2011 - The final countdown!!

[1Catherine1]

I hope you all find this thread easily enough. This is the latest list we had on the thread. Keep it updated people - looking forward to seeing due dates turn into birthdays! :)

24/02 Sam26Oscar DC2
25/02 Spilttheteagain pg#1, baby Bobbie, a girl, born sleeping on 09/10/2010 at 20 weeks, RIP xxx
27/02 Muser pg#1
27/02 Mendipgirl pg#2 (DD1)
27/02 StrangewaysHereICome pg#3 (DD 5yrs DD 4yrs) Worcester SURPRISE
28/02 BramblyHedge pg#3, (DS1 4, DS2 2)
01/03 BunderTheBonnet pg#2 (DD3) Kent.
01/03 Snapdragon3 pg#9 (MMC, DD 3, DS 2, 5 MC)
01/03 MummyGeorgie pg#1
01.03 rfata Expecting TWINS!!
02/03 AfterIVF pg#1
03/03 Celia76 pg#3 (DS1 5 & DS2 almost 3)
03/03 cherub59 pg#3 (DS 3 & DD 20months) expecting a boy
03/03 TooImmature2BMum pg#1, BABY GIRL
04/03 Larty74 BABY BOY
04/03 Bluebeach pg#1
04/03 Jeffily pg#3,(DD1 angel baby, DD2 15months)
04/03 Carriebadshaw pg#2
04/03 Superpenguin pg#1
05/03 Hattie05 pg5 (DD1 7, DD2 3, no. 3 mc, DD3 7mths) Baby boy on the way
05/03 NowPanicAndFreakOut pg#1
05/03 Bollandbear (ds1)
07/03 Toota pg#?
07/03 Mixedmama pg#3 (DS1 4.5 and DS2 2.5) London. BOY
07/03 Lauzifer pg#1 expecting a girl
08/03 Clucky31 pg#1
08/03 Polkadottytotty pg#3 (DS1 5.5 and DS2 3.5)
09/03 Sittinghippo pg#2 (DD3) BABY on the way
09/03 Penguindreams #1 & 2!
09/03 Pushmepullyou pg#4 3MC, DD20 mo BABY BOY
09/03 gem3225 pg#1
09/03 DramaMama pg#3 (BABY GIRL) DS now 4 + 1 angel baby.
10/03 EvianBaby pg#2 (DS1 Oct 08)
10/03 Coraltoes pg#1
10/03 Sevenbubbles pg#2 (DD1 23.5 months)
10/03 Mama2LeahandAisha pg#3 (DD2, DD1)
10/03 LovelyKatie pg#1
10/03 spaceal expecting first- baby girl
11/03 Rayeraye pg#4 (DD aged 3, two angels)
11/03 am988 pg#1
11/03 Sarahscot pg#2 (DS aged 3) BABY GIRL
11/03 chny1 pg#1 expecting a boy
12/03 Medee pg#1
13/03 Gemmasetters pg#2 (DD 2.5)
13/03 Doubleshotlatte pg#2 (DD 2.5)
13/03 HeadingHome
13/03 katster37 pg#2 (DS 10mo)
13/03 MJM86 pg#1
14/03 ZafNoodles
16/03 Honeymoonmummy (was Campervanfan) pg#2 (DD born Nov 08)
16/03 Sharu Expecting a baby girl
17/03 KateandEmsMum pg#5 (DD 3, DD 10 Months)
17/03 MrsMullen pg#1
17/03 looblee pg#1
17/03 edeluna pg#1 It's a girl!
17/03 Niknan pg#3 (DS3,1MC)
17/03 Coco29 pg#1 (1MC) Its a BOY!
18/03 EvaLongoria pg#2 (DD 3 on Thursday)
18/03 Oceanbreeze pg#1
18/03 JeelyPiece pg#3(2MC)
18/03 Jenchandler Expecting baby #1
18/03 Purplefan pg#2 (DD 4.5) Baby girl on way
18/03 Rockchick1984 pg1 baby boy
19/03 castlegirl pg#1
19/03 angelbabe1982 pg2 (ds 2.9)
20/03 Kagey pg#2 (DD Sept 08) SURPRISE!
20/03 Haloflo pg#1 surprise
20/03 nancydrewrocked
20/03 1Catherine1 pg#1 expecting a baby girl
21/03 Jupiter118 Pg#2 (DS 3.5)
22/03 NoSleepTonight pg#3 (DS1 5.8, DS2 15months)
22/03 jammiedodger2 pg#3 (DD9 DS6)
22/03 Niamh29, DD1 4, DD2 1.5, DD3 on the way
23/03 Me23 pg#2(DD 5)Baby boy on the way!
23/03 Lozario pg#2 (DS 15 mo)
23/03 Katystar pg#2 (DS 4)
23/03 Lia66 PG#10, (dd 15, ds 13, ds 7, dd 5, dd 3 (4 angels)) BABY GIRL
23/03 sac55
24/03 Snotdroolanddirtybums pg#4 (5, 3 and 2)
25/03 Darnsarfupnorf pg#1 (DD on the way)
27/03 KPidgeon pg#1 (changed by 1 day)
27/03 FuzzyWuzzwuzz pg#1
28/03 Chickiewoo pg#2 (DS 4)
29/03 Emma31177 pg#7 (Ds 14, DD 19 months +4 baby angles) Baby BOY on his way
29/03 PipPipPip pg#1
30/03 pettyprudence pg#1
30/03 JoJoB77 pg#1

copy latest list, paste, edit, post

In reply to the maxi cosi car seat question... Have you checked in the little compartment at the back of the car seat? That's where mine was hidden and still is safe there because I would rather not lose it.

Thanks, Catherine. I posted to the general pregnancy forum as well and got the situation sorted in mere minutes. I'm still amazed, though, that they stash the user manual behind a hidden compartment!

Thanks also for starting the Final Countdown thread. Hard to believe it's almost time, but I am getting to the point where I really can't wait to meet my LO.

I have just impressed my other half by finding the instructions for our Maxi Cosi. Thank you!

And hooray for a new thread.

Catherine thank you so much for all the work on the list - must have taken ages but v useful.

Am glad I managed to find you all again - can't believe we needed a new thread and only weeks to go...

Haven't posted since before Christmas as went away with DH who was back and then went to my parents for 10 days but had no computer and v poor reception on phone. Have done my best to catch up but wow it's been chatty! Sorry if I've missed anything important.

Nothing exctiting to report. Had 32 week check up on Thurs and all seems fine. Have had a v achy tummy on and off today whilst driving but am hoping it's just another strange pregnancy thing...

Is anyone else finding itchy bump and boobs really annoying? Each day I crave bedtime / slob-in-front-of-tv-in-pjs-time so I can rip my bra off and slather on bio oil (which doesn't help but just getting bra off is huge relief).

Am now kicked all the time which I love until LO makes me yelp!

Just cannot believe it's only 7 weeks today that I'm due to be screaming / sweating / pushing... I am so unready! Only got keys to new flat on Thurs and nothing ready... Not even a bed in there yet let alone a cot... Yikes it all seems too soon!!!

One last question (and apologies for mammoth post!) - when are you packing hospital bag?

NowPanic, I've started packing it today strangely... One of my friends who is due 6 days before me is in hospital atm after labour started quite early, they're trying to slow it down and apparently her and LO are doing fine. It did make me think though. So I went out this evening and bought some toiletries bags and all the essentials I would for a night away. So it is a start at least. I did wonder though as a first timer, maternity pads and breast pads, how many do I need to take with me? What about nappies? I read the back of the maternity pads and it says you go through two packs in two days , how much of this stuff do I need to get? Also treated myself to two new nighties and a pair of gym bottoms to wear with them while I can keep myself covered. Although I already have lots of PJs most of them are quite old and holey and I'm a little embarrassed to take them into hospital with me . Planning on having my hospital bag sat in my car from 33 weeks which is in exactly 2 weeks, just in case. That gives me two weeks to sort out my stuff, things for LO and organise my OH since he's a last minute kinda guy which I can handle most of the time but I need him with me on this one. One final question, I keep reading that I should pack snacks and drinks but I assume these have to be things that will keep if left in my car boot for weeks - will I get disapproving looks if I pack chocolate?

Pack chocolate. You want quick energy. Cereal bars would be good too. Our NCT teacher also advised a large pack of chocolate biscuits to share with the midwives, they'll love you for it!

1Catherine1, maternity pads are rather thick. The padding might be nice for a day or two, but then I switched over to regular sanitary towels (heavy flow ones)and felt much more human after that! And I didn't get through many more than I would on a heavy period (per day - its a really long period so more overall!)

Oh, and thanks for starting this thread - I wasn't brave enough in case I cocked it up!

So... sorry if this is TMI (anyone of a sensitive nature please stop reading!) - who has piles? I can't be the only one suffering? Also I just feel really heavy down below. Not sure if its related or not. Baby isn't engaged yet afaik so cant blame him/her. Starting to get worried about all the pushing thats coming.

Yeah new thread thanks Catherine!

Hospital bag nit done it yet, but must soon. Pads I didn't have enough last time and DH had to go and get more (he was good about it). This time am showing what in the bag and where it is as DS ended up dressed in odd outfit after birth last time!!! I had a v v cheap nightie for the birth and binned it straight after (more detail would be tmi).

Don't really remember what else was in there???

Had bad swollen ankles last night - uggh. Went to work do and stood up for too long nice evening though.

Right DS and DH have gone out to watch junior rugby so I am watching glee (still on first series) from sky plus. Might get dressed later...

Yay new thread! :) Thanks catherine

nowpanic YES I am also getting really itchy bump and crave the moment I can take my bra off!
I did finally buy some (even more) new bras this week though - they are maternity ones from Mothercare and are much more comfortable than the ones I was wearing before (different size, better fit, and generally better design) so these don't get taken off quite so early in the day!

Yesterday I bought maternity pads and nappies so am getting more ready. The only things I still need now are nursing bras (will buy after 36 weeks in case I change size again) and muslins (why are they so expensive?!)

Hi all, started my antenatal classes this week, the midwife implied that maternity pads for the hospital stay would be provided, so maybe check this? She also said not to use sanitary towels as they are fragranced so can cause an infection for some women? Hospital bag not done yet, dh has said he wants to treat me to a nice bag to use for it so going to choose that next weekend. I'm due in 9 weeks, single figures at last!

Good tip on the Maxicosi instructions, I would have had no idea!

Superpenguin sorry you're itchy too but so glad I'm not alone! Staying with my parents I had to keep diving from TV room to kitchen to have a quick scratch in the evenings - felt like the girl in the head and shoulders ad!!!

Gemma poor you with piles - thankfully have got this far without them but like stretch marks think they might strike at any moment... I also feel v heavy below - last Weds it felt like LO was going to fall out but saw mw on Thurs and it was head down so I wonder if extra weird feeling was it moving there. She did warn me it could still move back to breech though as am still only 33 weeks.

Catherine - oh god just realised I'm due two weeks before you and haven't packed a thing... And I haven't bought anything... Even more stupidly I've just accepted a work commission so time is v tight (although it will pay for baby basics so felt I had to take it). Also moving flat over next two weeks... Am beginning to feel like my screen name!!!!

NowPanic - I was e-baying last night and some people actually have their own little business sorting out hospital bags for people. I was quite fascinated. If you really don't feel like you have time you could buy a pre-made one for yourself and throw in the extra bits.

RockChick - I decided I wanted to treat myself to a "new" bag for hospital too as the one I usually use for hand luggage is also the one I use for work so I don't really have a spare. I saw a lovely one on e-bay (used once hence the "new"). £5 so bargain. having a baby has made me a bigger bargain hunter than ever! We have to treat ourselves - it could be the last time we get to for a while :)

Gemma - Sorry you have piles, you aren't the only one. I had them a few weeks ago and was very uncomfortable. I tried drinking lots of water while I waited a week for a doctors appointment but it didn't really help that much. Doctor prescribed me something and lectured me on my diet. All gone now but I'm making sure I drink plenty of water and occasionally force down Bran Flakes for breakfast. I do seem to be escaping the itchy bump though so I'm grateful for small mercies.

Thanks for the permission to take chocolate :) I'll sort that lot out on my next shop. Really eager to have my bag sorted asap as I am a complete control freak. I've packed 2 packs of maternity pads and intend to leave the box of breast pads in the car and bring just a few into the hospital with me. My OH smokes (never around me even pre-pregnancy) so it'll give him an excuse to go outside.

Anyway.. after another mammoth post I'm going to leave you all to enjoy the rest of your weekend :). Off out for lunch to make DP feel better after lecturing him on responsibility this morning.

Catherine wow, can't believe that's something you can pay for!!! Will they pack up my flat and move for me too?!? Have just hauled myself to Oxford St and am going to get Primark pjs/ night shirts and maternity pads / bra ones from Boots so at least I'll have made a start! At least I already had a bag (actually two - one for me and one for LO as I'm a rubbish packer and no way my clothes are fitting in same bag as nappies!!!)

Just having a breather in Starbucks - wish me luck for the Primark scrum

Just marking my place.

Like some of you suffering from heartburn and my SPD is getting worse! Oh well only 9 weeks to go or 7 as my first one came 2 weeks early!!

Superpenguin - I'm itchy as well!

Yay well done catherine for starting new thread , panicked a bit when read to end of last one and it said too big to accept new messages!!

I suppose i should start to pack a bag, but will probably do that next weekend, i will be over 34 weeks then.

I have had extremely itchy bump and boobs about 2 weeks ago so am wondering if it is a growth thing?? I used a product called dermol something or other which is basically an emollient and the sanctuary's mum to be stuff which i got for christmas It was REALLY annoying at the time but it seems to have gone now.

On the piles front as it were, i have suffered this time with constipation, luckily not had piles (yet)!! but since forcing eating bran flakes religiously and handful dried apricots every day seem to be a little more comfortable

As i am having ELCS i don't have to worry too much about food for labour so feel a little sad i can't have labour as a excuse reason to have choc!!

On a different topic altogether, i am enjoying looking at my new carpet which was laid yesterday and looking forward to my new sofas being delivered in next couple of weeks, probably not practical but hey the other sofas are 12 years old

Oooh and i have put cot up and new chest of drawers in baby's room so am getting there!!!

Hope you have all had good weekends xx

ooooo exciting!!! had a mini panic when i saw the new title and the 'single figures' comment but now yeeeey!!

hopsital bag not yet packed want her dad her to see me pack it, classes start on tuesday...exciting!

really cant wait now! im gonna have my little girl soon!!

I am 34 weeks today, it's kind of scary to think that full term is 37 weeks, that's only 3 weeks away! Of course I know I'll still be here at 42 weeks guzzling pineapple and trying to work out how to have sex. But, still, exciting thoughts!

I have not packed a hospital bag yet. Our flat is in chaos as we're also having new carpets laid (snap Sam). Half the flat has been done, the other half is being done tomorrow. Then we have to put everything back away and buy the last of the baby stuff.

Thanks so much Catherine for starting new thread which I managed to find after a little panic!

Will be 30 weeks tomorrow, so am going to get my hospital bag ready just to be on the safe side as can't trust DH to pack right stuff in the event of an emergency (one of my friends tells a good tale where she had her baby 5 weeks early with a really quick labour so had no time to pack a bag to take into hospital - after the birth her DH went home to pick up some essentials for her and came back with her best undies and thongs!)

We've been busy and got the cot and Britax travel system used for DS 5 years ago out of the garage today and both are in really excellent condition - just need a wipe down -so am chuffed. Have spent most of this week washing and sorting all the other stuff that came down from the loft last weekend.

For info - Asda have a mother and baby event starting this Tuesday 18th - so am planning to buy steriliser and bottles and maybe a travel cot as they are advertised at half their normal price.

Other than that, all is well - usual heartburn, constipation and feeling uncomfortably large, but ok'ish. Good to hear all your news. Take care all xxx

Hi all,

Found you!!! Thanks Catharine

Just marking my place and saying hi!

Feeling slightly more organised now as met up with friends today and got some of my baby bits back that they borrowed 2 years ago.. so now have the car seat and base and other bits and bobs. Picking crib and pram up from my sister 2moro, so getting there slowly!!

Feeling bit uncomfortable tonight...fingers crossed that I can get some sleep!

Hi everyone, nice to hear about plans and purchases.

I don't have much news, feeling chilled-out and comfortable. Need to sort out buying a travel system etc but not too worried yet. I'm not due 'till the end of March so no rush.

Keep dry x x

Yay found you all - thanks Catherine .

Thanks me and coraltoes for the sleeping position explanation. I am not too worried, just curious. Tbh atm any comfy position will do which is not many! Turning over is a real palaver as my pelvic pain is getting worse. On either side my hips and pelvis ache and on my back propped up with lots of pillows and I still can't breathe. If only I could sleep standing up!!

muser I was thinking the exact same thing about being only 3 weeks from being term . My dd2 was 10 days early so I really need to get organised - eeek!

Wish me luck for this afternoon as I am off to see the mw and I really hope this little one has turned as I sooooooo want another homebirth. I have been trying to work out the kicks but they are all over the place so I have no idea which way up they are . I also have to change hospitals as I was registered with Cheltenham but they have just become a MLU so if I need a hospital transfer it means a 40 minute trip to Gloucester. So I am swapping to Worcester (20 mins away) to be sensible.

Who mentioned piles? I haven't really had constipation but still seem to have managed to get them. I think my body is doing a last minute "oh hey, you've not had this yet have you? Wanna see what it's like?"

NO I DON'T! Leave me alone body.

Phew found you all again, thanks Catherin

Muser thanks for the tip on biscuits to share, good one.

Sam I'm also eating bran every night to try to stave off constipation. My iron tablets are making it worse though I think!

Exhausting day with the in-laws on Saturday.. still recovering. But on the countdown to finishing work now. 5 weeks to go!

Less movemement from baby than there has been. Think it's maybe just that he's getting bigger. More little thumps than swooshing about.

OBEM again tonight- blimey the past week has gone quickly!

Hi all,

I am still here - please don't delete me!Thanks for the new thread Catherine

Am 33+1 today and baby is still breech. Have heard that swimming is really good for encouraging turning so am off to buy whale sized swim suit this afternoon. Am determined to try everything from crawling round on the floor to moxibustion if he doesn't turn naturally

Hearing about everyone having hospital bags packed already has put me in a minor panic!

Happy Monday everyone