Feb 2011-Final,final stretch!!

[Grannyapple]

Hi ladies-thought I would be adventurous & set up the new thread for the final leg of our journey

ledkr I can't believe your section is next week, it seems like just yesterday that you scheduled it.

I saw the MW yesterday for 38 week appt, very uneventful, still measuring 2cm behind dates as I have been for the last 10 weeks. She said his head was "free" which I guess means not engaged at all? I feel a lot of stretching in my pelvis sometimes, is it possible he's moving in and out? She also said I'd be offered an internal exam at my 40 week appt. What are they looking for and is there any benefit besides knowing the status of my cervix?

A bit of an indelicate question. I spent most of my pregnancy mildly constipated but now things are, er, moving along very well for the last week. My diet has not changed. Someone please tell me this is a sign of impending labour.

Thank you mumby, it was great, once there i forgett everything else. That's why I didn't want to go on ML very soon as I know I just go mad if I am at home all day.
pinkie I started working for them after I got preg. so they won't pay smp. and my contract is almost like being self-employed anyway.
good luck today deb.

At the AN classes some mums to be were saying that you need to put a vest underneath a bodysuit, is this right? if so, are the vests better sleevless, short sleeved or long sleeved? am just thinking newborn, so it'll be march weather.

americanexpat is MW offering a sweep at 40 week appt, I only ever had an internal when in labour or as part of a sweep but I didn't have sweep until a bit later than 40 weeks. With relation to poos, "clearing out" can be a sign of impending labour or it can mean that baby has moved and bowels etc aren't as restricted. Although I spent the earlier part of the week crying a lot and being a bit unreasonable and had convinced myself it was a sign of approaching labour when I think in hindsight I was just being a bit of a bitch

knittakid I'm waiting on getting MA sorted out as well, I didn't qualify for SMP as I hadn't worked there long enough. I've sent all my stuff in but they keep sending different forms back saying sign this and this etc!!

I just used a bodysuit and a babygro or clothes, I didn't put a vest on underneath bodysuit, but if I thought baby was warm enough I used sleeveless vest. Much easier than trying to get teeny weeny arms, elbows etc to bend. But that's probably just me I can never get over how small babies are when dressing them, sort of fills me with fear!!!

americanexpat I feel like baby might be moving in and out of pelvis a bit as well. I don't know if they do this, or even if they can, but it definitely sometimes feels much more like pressure sometimes.

I'm 36 weeks tomorrow, sometimes DD feels like ages off, sometimes it feels really close!

D

morning all
I didn't post yesterday as was feeling horrific (and unsociable) through lack of sleep.

knitta - you do generally put a vest under a babygro - I've gone for short sleeved. The rule of thumb that I learned last time was that baby needs one more layer than you do, so if you are in a T shirt and jumper, baby needs a vest, t shirt and jumper. This is only until they can regulate their own body temperature, which I think is around 6 months. Skin to skin contact also helps them to regulate their temp.

Saw my MW yesterday, she is still amazed by my lack of GD - no sugar in urine again . I was measuring 37 cm at 37+4 and BP good too. I asked what size babygros she guessed that I would need at birth, and she said newborn, which is a relief. I showed her my birth plan and she was happy with that too. Am happy to share if anyone is interested.

Going to the hairdresser today for a few highlights, and they will do my eyelash tint at the same time. Got someone coming to fit my new radiator this afternoon too, and moses basket to dig out of the spare room and wash / wipe down.

Re bowels - mine are def looser at the moment too. 3 times yesterday (sorry TMI) - which is not great when suffering from piles , but hopefully means that I'll be less likely to offend everyone with bad smells when I go into labour.....

Right, thanks sbf and wiggles. Sorry expat xposted there.

Isn't it great to be able to be a bitch and blame it on beign pregnant? and nobody bats an eyelid! I love it.

Sending 'impending labor' vibes your way girls who's date is soon!

have a nice day.

Well, I'm not carrying a huge baby like I had feared. I'm measuring at 34 and she says baby is about 2.6kg. Nearly got sent back for more monitoring, but we decided that if symptoms got worse I would go straight in. I have been sent back to "bed" (sitting with feet up) again, which is rather wearing, I had hoped all would be fine today with the amount of time I've had to do this now. Never mind!

Byron I went for a nice green OiOi bag, which OH is happy to carry around. It has a shocking pink inside, so still satisfies my girly side.

Knitta That body suit/vest thing is confusing, as some shops call them one, some the other. As wiggles and SBF said, usually a short sleeved one under a babygro, with of without a cardi is perfect. I find it almost impossible to wrestle those tiny arms into long sleeved ones.

SBF Go you, avoiding the dreaded GD! I'd love to see your birth plan, if you are happy to share.

Angels Bugger, such a shame it doesn't fit the cot. Whatever will you do!? Fantastic that you managed to avoid confrontation over it.

Yikes, DH is now possibly having to go away overnight when I will be 37+3. I have posted about this on pregnancy and have mainly been told to get a grip, which is fine, I needed a bit of perspective, but still, yikes!

I know there are people whose OHs are away a lot and so I probably do need to get a grip, but the timing of this is lousy to say the least. I am honestly less worried about me and more about him never forgiving himself if anything happened and he missed the arrival of our baby. He would just not ever ever forgive himself.

I may be on this thread a lot if I need some mn support, especially if I go into labour!

D

PS sorry for needy post .

wiggles - you're a dreamcrusher. MW didn't mention anything about a sweep, just said I'd be offered an internal exam. I think I'll discuss it with her at the next appt before I agree to it.

Delia - will he be near enough that he can get home if things start to kick off? Try not to worry too much, the chance of going into labour that exact day is probably very low!

americanexpat I know, I am searching for a grip as I type. He will be minimum 10 hours away, up to about 15 hours depending on flights etc. I know the chances are miniscule...

D

Hello all. have been a bit low/ grumpy so not up to posting the last couple of days but have caught up and feel reassured that I am not alone!!

I only have one more week to go til maternity leave though its only 3 days and tbh I am skiving A LOT. Still will be nice to be 100% off and not have to account for my time/ whereabouts. Am having a bit of a stress about setting return to work date. Have complex work situation so really need to get on and decide but its so hard to know how I will feel! eek. Also not helped by generally having cotton wool brain so feel like its floating around my head loads but I am not actually able to pin down concrete thoughts on it, iykwim??! lol

Quick q. if friends lend me a moses basket used on their dd (now 4 mths old) do I need to buy a new mattress??

Delia - am sure you will be fine but I can totally understand you feeling worried about it. Try to just expect the best, tbh it is so unlikely that it would be that exact day. I know that's little consolation, I'd be the same as you!

Otherwise, have to say dh is being a star esp. as the last few days I really am so much more tired and hormonal. He's really shouldering the load with ds which is amazing of him and I know its hard work - ds is in full on imaginative play stage so poor dh has to play pirates for hours at a time. I don't know how he does it.

Ds is a bit stroppy these days, can't help wondering if he's starting to (subconciously) get anxious about baby coming but logically I can't see how he could have any concept of it being any closer today than it was 3 months ago iykwim? I think it is more likely that I am not playing with him as much and am generally grumpier must do better..

Apologies for me me me post, will try and keep more on top of posts so I can actually keep hold of my mental replies to your posts long enough to actually post them!

Hope you all have a lovely day x

Delia, just saw your latest post - I didn't realise he would be so far away. Can totally understand your concern. Do you have another birth partner that could stand in just in case? Still think its unlikely he'll miss it but might make you feel happier that you have an alternative in place?

roundthehouses I think yes to the new mattress, from what I understand, you need one regardless of who/how old etc.

And don't apologise for me me me post, first of all it isn't, as you responded to me, and secondly, I think most of my posts are me me me!

I know what you mean about work situ, I have been to and fro on when to finish (coming back date is simpler for me), as I was trying to be a 'brave soldier' and work as long as possible, and you know, not show weakness, and all that cr@p, but then realised that there is no way I'm going to use 25 days holiday after I come back in September anyway, so sod it, I might as well start taking a few days now! So I'm finishing officially on Feb 8th, and only working 9 days between now and then. Yippeee!

D

roundthehouses re your latest post, I have lots of family/friends nearby in the event anything did happen, so support for me is less my concern, than the emotional impact on him of missing it if it did happen early. I'm feeling a bit panicky at the moment though having heard a couple of horror stories (pre-eclampsia etc.) and just very early birth stories lately. I think that is impacting on how I feel about this, but I know the chances of anything happening (be it labour or something more sinister) are still tiny. Doesn't stop me feeling weirded out by it though.

D

Thanks everyone for best wishes this morning. Worst part of appt was bloody DH who just moaned and complained about the NHS and said they were 'determined to find something wrong'. He was absolutely awful. Will go on my own net time, even if I have to take DD it won't be as bad.

Anyway, they checked BP (which was highish but not too bad), had to take blood again cos they lost my sample from yesterday , and monitored the baby for 40 minutes. Was strapped to a bed in v hot room and felt like death, got DH to fan the door for me! Well, all was fine but it took 2 1/2 hours to decide that, have to do all the same again on Tuesday, PLUS an ultrasound. Be SO HAPPY if baby arrived at the weekend!

delia I'd be worried too, but as everyone says the chances of you going into labour are pretty slim. Actually, after today I wouldn't be worried, I'd be HOPEFUL that he missed it!

roundthehouses I think DD has a suspicion that something is up- we keep talking to her about the baby of course, but she is only 21mo so doesn't really get it. Anyway, she is very mummy mummy ish at the moment, doesn't really want anyone else, which is a pain when I feel so crap and tired.

SBF congrats on no GD- I must have got yours instead of you! Had ++sugar in wee again today, just waiting for results of GTT, but at 38 wks it strikes me as a little late.

ledkr hoipe the party goes well and enjoy your nap in the cinema (or is it theatre? probably theatre being in Stratford, you posh person!)

Tarlia here's my birth plan

Birth Preferences

My birthing partner and I have given careful consideration to each specific request on this birth preferences sheet, and we feel that it represents our wishes at this time. We understand that these choices presume a normal pregnancy and birth and we realise that as labour progresses, we may choose to change our thinking. Should a situation arise that constitutes a medical emergency, please know that you will have our complete cooperation after we have had an opportunity for an explanation of the medical need and have sufficient time to discuss the decision between ourselves.

My husband and my doula will be my birth partners. I request that a birth partner stays with me at all times and is fully informed and involved in any decision making process.

DH can be contacted on xxxxxx
Doula can be contacted on xxxxxxx

Coping With Pain

I will use:
Breathing and relaxation techniques
Partner massage
TENS
Entonox
Bath / Birthing Pool

I do not want to have an epidural for vaginal birth . I would prefer not to use Pethidine.

First Stage

I am hoping for a natural birth using only natural pain relief, Entonox and a warm bath / birthing pool where possible. I will ask for any drugs should I feel it necessary. I am hoping use the midwife led unit.
I do not want my labour speeded up by medical intervention unless there is a risk to me or my baby, and only after full discussion with me and my birth partners.
I would like to remain active and use whatever gravity assisted positions I find comfortable during all stages of my labour. If the baby appears to be poorly positioned or labour is not progressing well for some reason, I would appreciate it if you could suggest changes of position or movements that might help. I understand that I may need to be monitored, and would appreciate that consideration be taken to ensure any monitoring does not inhibit my desire for an active birth.

Second Stage

FYI I had an episiotomy with my previous birth.
I would like my baby to be delivered onto my stomach immediately following the birth.
I hope that my baby?s entry into the world will be gentle with dim lights and soft voices.

My husband would like to cut the cord.

I wish to have a managed third stage.

After Delivery

I would like my baby to be placed on my chest as soon as possible after delivery to establish skin-to-skin contact.
I intend to breastfeed my baby and would appreciate your support to establish this. Under no circumstances should my baby be bottle fed or given formula.
If, for some reason, I am unable to hold my baby while the placenta is delivered, I would like my husband to hold him/her using skin-to-skin contact.

Vitamin K

I would like vitamin K to be administered by injection after the birth.

debka at them 'losing' your blood. How dare they! My DH is similar in situations like that - I just don't think that they realise how stressful it can be when they are being angry at someone else. Fingers crossed for some good results. DD is also very needy at the moment (22 months), although I'm sure she has no concept of just how much things are going to change in a couple of weeks.

delia completely understand your stress about your DH being away, but it is very unlikely to happen on that particular day, and if it does there isn't anything you can do about it, so no point stressing!

Hi ladies-just back from my 36wk appt & mw thinks baby is transverse-they thought breech at 35 wk appt, so now need scan to defo confirm. If so, looks like a section which I am not best pleased about, mainly due to recovery time etc & thought of family invading! Luckily dh can extend his pat leave if necessary...

Would appreciate some honest accounts for before during & after the procedure as I don't know any who as had one!

On the plus side, if section turns out be the only option, they are talking about week after next for bubba to arrive-scary & exciting at the same time. Dh has just crapped himself at how close that is

debka glad all was fine even if they took their own sweet time coming to that conclusion! It is SO hot in the hospital isn't it?! I was in my vest yesterday and still breaking a sweat!

delia totally understand why you are a bit anxious of DH being so far away. I get the same as my DH often goes for day courses to our nearest city which is only 1.5hours away but I kind of like him being close "just in case"! Having said that, I'm sure all will be well :)

Granny sorry baby not in good position - no experience of CS but all-knowing ledkr will be along soon!

SBF I am due to write birth plan on Monday with MW so will be reading yours in depth. I didn't really bother with DS but I think they take more notice of them now... I wonder whether my NCT course might cover it too... Reminds me I need to get emergency contact number for DH's office "just in case".

Hello Ladies. It has been MONTHS since I last posted, but I was given a nudge the other day by Debka and thought I'd pop back on now I'm finally on maternity leave.

I feel very lucky to say that things have been going pretty well for me, although I'm getting increasingly less sleep at night, which is becoming a concern as I know it's not going to get any better for what will probably be years now! I don't know about anyone else, but the thing that bothers me (not in a bad way, if that makes sense?!) the most at the moment is just not having any idea when to expect my little bundle of joy. People keep saying to me "ooh...next time we see you, you'll probably have the baby!" and although I'm SUPER excited, it just feels SO weird!

Anyway. I hope your pregnancies are all going well and I look forward to hearing some birth announcements soon! :)

debka glad to hear all is well, sorry to hear you've had all that worry in the meantime.

D

Thank you for sharing, SBF. Looks fab. I'm tossing up whether or not to write one or not, over here they do not ask for one, but I think I will feel better if I at least try. Sounds like you are hoping for a similar labour experience to me. Fingers crossed we get it!

Can I ask you all, is acupuncture and 'bee stings' offered as pain relife in the UK? I'd not even heard of this 'bee sting' thing before, where they inject 4 lots of water into your back during a contraction, which apparently tricks your brain..

Hey, Pip welcome back, glad to hear things are going well for you.

Sorry, Granny, hope your little one turns ASAP and you avoid that CS.

Have my fingers crossed for a weekend baby for you, Deb!

delia how dare people play down your fears,i was stressed about dh going to essex for one night,lets hope it doesnt happen then,babies are not often early and im sure hed make it back,poor you.
Sorry i dont know much re transverse lie,i had this with ds3 but had a section as he was distressed during labour,there is still plenty of time for baby to turn isnt there?this baby isnt engaged yet and im 38 wks.
Its interesting to see your birth plan,mine is

Do not make me remove my make up it is waterproof and i am very old and need it for the pics.

Please give me extra spinal block as i dont wish to feel it.

Please remember when sewing me up that tho old i have some very nice bikinis to wear stil.A tummy tuck would be a nice touch.

Top me up with pain killers asap so i dont feel it when block wears off.

Hide my catheter bag from dh,dont want to shatter the illusion.

Bring me some food asap,i will have been nil by mouth for some time and have not gone more than 30 mins without food for the last 9 months.

Do not drop the bann on visitors till i leave.I have very demanding in laws.

Please give me a private room and not put me next to a strugglin breast feeder who rings the bell all night to "check hes on properly"

Cheers.

Ps,i do prefer red wine with my evening meal,and 2 after eights.