April 2011 - nearly there, all set for dropping Mofo C bombs in the delivery room

[SnapFrakkleAndPop]

Executive decision that at 987 posts we're moving over!

New challenge - can we fill up 1000 posts before the first babies arrive, given that we managed to keep our legs crossed all through the last one?!

First babies are due, officially, next month but are there any in such a hurry to see the world that they can beat our chatting?

Hello there,

It's great to hear that our two first "bairns" are doing well alongside mums. Well done ladies!

It's reassuring (although I'd rather these pregnancy illness "gifts" didn't exist in the first place) to read that everyone has got various niggles and concerns.

I've been really not well. On top of the old constipation, spd, severe upset from hellish midwife and general knackeredness chasing after a toddler and dog I ended up with flu then pneumonia. I've been on various antibiotics, in hospital and the baby's heart beat was scarey high and i ended up back in hospital.
The fever is gone, and my breathing is much less laboured, i seem to be on the road to recovery. I must admit to feeling quite annoyed with myself. I have a cough like a lady who has smoked 60 a day for 70 years..although I've never smoked in my life....
I'm trying to be upbeat and looking forward to nice things so I've been dreaming up a birthday cake that I want to tuck into with everyone after birth (still hoping for a homebirth, hopefully I'll be back fighting fit by then). So far I've got in mind a round fruit cake with smooth white royal icing decorated with little icing sugar daisies and a large icing sugar opening with an icing sugar baby inside. I'll make the cake and do all the icing flowers but I'm going to see if i can buy the little icing sugar baby...I know my limits :) I'm thinking that I'll make it in two weeks and it will keep for about a month so it'll encourage me everytime I pass it plus it'll be great to celebrate with husband and midwives directly after the birth :)
I hope this turns out.
I hope your appointment goes well today cycle

Honestly I don't even know what day it is...it's wednesday not thursday.sorry.

In which case those including cycle who are considering an elective c-section it might be worth watching this clip from a hospital with tips to discuss with your consultant and midwife of how to make the process so much nicer for you and baby:

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architien, god, what an ordeal you've been through. Hope you regain all strength before the birth!

Lis I'll be watching for tips on swelling/chaffing too. My bits have felt grazed on and off lately. Nice. What I would like to do is go commando and wear skirts...but it's a bit chilly for that

Glad to hear you are on the road to recovery (albeit a slow one) Archi. Your cake idea sounds wonderful and makes me feel , you must remember to post a picture of it on here. A fruit cake is a good idea as well as all that iron in the dried fruit will be great for making up for any blood loss, and of course don't forget the copious amounts of necessary brandy to help your sanity

lisMcA - sitting on a bag of frozen peas??!

I held a 3 week old baby girl today, ooowwwww I forgot how bloody lovely they are, all screwed up still and sleepy

Thanks for the hugs everyone :) am in need of a few more/some reassurance.

DH is going away. On 24th March probably, which makes me 37 weeks. For around 10 days. So he comes back when I'm 38+3ish.

This is okay, isn't it? He can't not go :(

Ecuse LOL you tell the b*tch!

Ecuse/Bettle Thanks, I was beginning to think I'd have a curse or something if I did, but your right they can whistle! xx

Cycle It's amazing what can be done medically but then to go on and cycle 100 miles a week is testament to your strong character

Lis Great news, I'm also vertically challenge xx

Ali Hugs to you,it's really hard to tell others how you feel without making everyone depressed, but it hurts like hell and for that reason I'm worried at the birth if I don't get a water birth. Having written on my notes with MW that I'll have a water birth or if it's not possible for any reason then straight to epidural and making sure legs don't part more than my maximum comfort zone. It's frustrating not to be able to walk to the end of the street without wanting to cry out, especially having a mountaineering company and I'm having trouble climbing the bloody stairs for a wee not long to go, keeping focused or I'll go mad

Kitty Thats awful for you and mum, I'm sorry it must be a real blow. Fingers crossed everything turns out well in the end and she can get a good cuddle in with kitten xxx

Lis The swollen bits, I've just had it, it's thrush and it's a bad case of it, go to your GP's as it can cause UTI's to flare up. I'm still applying cream 8 days on, the swelling took 3 days to go down but you need to keep applying cream for a week after that to kill all the nasties sorry xx

architien OK I'm stopping my own whining now, you poor thing, it's true there really always is someone worse off than yourself even though it's hard to see it when things go wrong. I hope you get plenty of rest and help about the house, your going though the mill, I hope things get better soon xx

Petal The end is coming, then you can put your feet up and have a well earned rest, I'm amazed that your still working but think of all those extra stress free weeks at home with your baby to look forward to xx

kitty sorry to hear about your mum - so frustrating and upsetting for you both.

Lisa not sure what to suggest although now terrified of ladybits suddenly mushrooming overnight. Maybe a sanitary towel might cushion things, although I appreciate they're not the most delightful things to wear, especially when we've got weeks of wearing the things postnatally.

Arch you have gone through the MILL. You poor thing. Hopefully the antibiotics are killing everything off. Probably the last thing on your list but try to eat lots of natural yoghurt or take a probiotic supplement to replace all your good bacteria.

Snap I reckon it will be absolutely fine. I think into 39 weeks it's getting quite close but 38+3 sounds okay. Is there any scope for him flying back quickly at short notice if need be? How long before he could be with you? That might give you peace of mind having a 'what if' contigency plan lined up.

My news is that things seem to have settled down, thank gawd. Alibaba good to know that you've also lost your plug and all is normal. I'm seeing my consultant again tomorrow so I'm not sure whether to mention it to him or not. What do you think?

Okay, literally spoke too soon as I've just gone to the loo and I've lost more of my mucus plug. Same amount as last time - slightly larger than a 50p piece; a blob of brown blood jelly (tmi). What does this mean? Nothing or should I expect things to start happening? Or does it not matter if you lose a few lumps beforehand? I'm wondering if one lump is normal and fine but two lumps suggests further activity to come. Anyone know?

This is all very strange.

kits - I would tell him. I know you are keen to avoid over-monitoring/interference, but better to have your consultant completely in the picture I would think? I am very risk averse when it comes to having babies, can you tell?

arch - you poor thing! Hopefully you will be feeling better by the time you have your baby, and just think how fabulous you're going to feel once you've had it!

Frak - in all likelihood it will be fine, especially if you are feeling well in yourself (for 8 months pg!). I would want a contingency plan in place though. How quickly can he get back if you go into labour, what support do you have at home - ie. is there someone you can call at 3am to take you to hospital, and if you should have your baby while DH is away do you have people around who can rally round for a day or two until he's home if it takes that long?
I confess I would be freaking out - but for me currently it would be more about who would sort DS out until my parents got here than worry about myself IYKWIM?

Salted - I'm beginning to worry about birth too. No water for me because I will be attempting a VBAC if I go into labour before my ELCS is booked. I have to have continual monitoring, which I'm fine with because my hospital have mobile monitors and I am seriously paranoid about scar rupture after it happened to a good friend. I think I will see how I am on the day if I do go into labour, and if it is all too much then I will just request a section.

Today I am experiencing stabs in a the cervix, alternating with BHs. I am so bloody uncomfortable

ooh kits, x-posts. If you ring labour ward they'll just tell you to come in won't they? Give it a couple of hours and see what happens?

Alibaba - yes they will and I just can't bear it. I'm not going to take any crazy risks but last time I spent five weeks in hospital before the birth of the girls being prodded every five minutes and wired up with cannulas 'just in case' and I'm just completely freaked out by it all now. I think if I bleed or get some twinges then I'll obviously go in and I'll also mention it to my consultant tomorrow.

Gawd!

kits - I THINK that you can lose your mucus plug little by little and that it can also sort of reseal itself. Are there any MW's you can speak to, rather than Con's?

If you decide not to say anything just keep an eye on everything - including your temperature (although I think you only have a chance of infection when your waters go, not your mucus plug).

I think lots of us are starting to have pre-labour wobbles now as things move closer and closer.

Mine was about being breech still. I had come up with a whole bloody scenario about what I would do if the baby stayed that way. As it was at my 32 week check the MW confirmed he had turned head down. No doubt in a couple of weeks time I will be having a wobble about something else

Frakk - the sensible side of my head says that you will be fine as statistically you are more likely to go 40 weeks+, however I can understand why you are shitting it because I know I would. Like Ali says, have an alternative plan in place just incase - if nothing else it helps you to feel in control.

Also, you mentioned about ECV the other day and your MW said something about maybe your stomach muscles being too strong for it. It got me to thinking, they inject you with a muscle relaxant before the procedure, so maybe it doesn't matter about your stomach muscles? Unless of course the injection only relaxes the uterus? Just a thought.

Oh Bollocks, am all hormonal again. Mentioned to DP that I was looking into getting our (given by relative) car seat steam cleaned and he didn't get why, 'Can't you just clean it yourself?'. I nearly burst into tears as I ranted about not being able to get anything done because of 'the f*ing kitchen' not being done and how I felt like I was completely alone in sorting baby things. I feel like crap today and I really don't see how I can clean everything, do some freezer cooking, wash all the clothes and set up baby's room in less than two weeks!

Bless him, he said nothing but gave me a hug and attempted to reassure me.

Ah, feel better for MN rant.

cycle rant away! I can sympathise. I am in crazy mad pregnant woman nesting mode and just want things to be sorted too. I have a horrendous cough and cold (although hopefully won't end up with Pneumonia like Arch!) I have tried to calm myself down, and realised that babies don't need to have a fully decorated nursery, they need a fully functionning Mummy much more!

Kits if you have a consultant appointment tomorrow I'm sure you could probably wait until then, although I know diddly squat about mucus plugs.You know that if you get any proper bleeding,pain or reduced movements to phone labour ward straight away and I can totally understand your reluctance to phone this evening.

Frak Does your DH absolutely have to go away? I'm sure all will be fine if he does though. Agree with everyone else about having a contingency plan, with someone else who could be your birthing partner just in case he couldn't get back in time. He will probably find it far worse being away from you and jumping every time his phone rings or he gets a text!

Sorry if I have missed anyone out, this thread moves at a pretty rapid pace. God, its really not long now is it? I think I probably should think about slinging some bits in a hospital bag at some point but keep putting it off as that will make the whole having a baby thing feel just too real!!!

Frakk - being totally honest here:

I had DS1 at 38+1 (in labour from 38+0).

After everyone telling me 1st children are always late, etc i didn't believe i was in labour even after plug went, waters broke & contractions started!

On the flip side - 1st labours do seem to be bloody long (19hrs for DS1) so depending how far away he is/how fast he can get back it could be ok.

And....how much a) do you want him there? & b) does he want to be there?

This time round i'm much calmer about Dh being stuck in traffic/stuck at work. I just need the MWs & me :) (well and various people to look after the boys if not at night-time)

DS seems to have pretty much recovered from his trip to A&E, although his head is still very tender and he woke up earlier screaming as he had bumped it in his sleep . We spent today in our PJ's mainly watching Dvd's and eating ice cream , so it's back to work/preschool tomorrow.

Cycle, you're not alone in the hormones, we're all there with you. I started crying watching a wiggles dvd with DS today when they sang Morningtown Ride (slow lullaby type song). I've also spent this evening cleaning the bathroom, toilet, and kitchen which isn't something that usually comes naturally to me at all. I even cleaned the kitchen bin

Kits Hope your consultant app. goes ok.

Kitchen bins can be cleaned? Mental.

Glad to hear DS is recovered Lis, my DP had a nasty gash on his cheekbone glued a couple of years ago. It's held really well and it's barely noticeable now. That glue is marvellous stuff!

I think I know why I was so grumpy now, my left hip has flared up and I've been awake since 6am after tossing and turning all night. Normally I'd reach for my trusty anti inflammatories but clearly not at the moment!

Maybe it's my body hinting at its limitations in preparation for this morning's appointment... Oh well.

In happier news I'm hoping to see a friend later and meet her newest son. He was born in January and I just know I'm going to want a cuddle and a coo Still can't believe I get to take one home soon! I have always wanted children and I just can't believe I'm having a baby, oh bugger, now I'm all misted up again.

Cycle you have my sympathies, I was up from about 6am because of my hips. I can't tell whether its SPD pain or Hypermobility all I know is that paracetamol doesn't touch it and am looking longingly at the anti-inflammatories.

I ended up having a bit of a cry and panic that if I won't cope with labour if my hips cause this much discomfort. Thankfully DH pointed out that a) labour will finish and will have a baby at the end of it b) My joints will be sore but we have everything set out in the birth plan to avoid making things worse (or dislocating a hip!). He also gave me a big hug which I think was needed more than anything!

Kits hope all is ok and that the consultant appt goes well.

Liv I'm glad your DS is perking up. I (somehow) managed to avoid A&E visits until I was 11 at which point I was petrified the whole time as I understood everything. My sisters were all 'initiated' as toddlers and are much less freaked by hospitals!

Frakk I'm sure you'll be fine while you DH has to be away, but I agree that a back up plan in place will be reassuring for both of you.

Arch how horrid! I hope you're starting to feel better and more like yourself. The cake sounds AMAZING by the way.

Kitty I'm so sorry about your mum's set back. Hopefully she'll get over the MRSA quickly.

Petal It's nearly the end of the week! You're nearly finished! I'm in awe that you've carried on so long.

I'm sorry if I've missed anyone! If I have have a on me

Morning lovely April ladies (wonder how long this good mood will last )

Arch what a time you have had, glad to hear you are on the mend. Take it easy!

Kits any dvelopments? crosses fingers

Liv Glad DS is ok and back to pre school.

cycle enjoy the baby cuddles. I'm like you. Isnt it amazing we are all going to have our very own babies!

Fun and games this morning. We cleared out the spare room last night ready to decorate and make it the nursery, so i said to DH lets put the pram in the boot of the car out of the way. This morning it wouldnt go in assembled but collapsed and it took me a good few minutes to remember how to detach the cot from the base. Haha. Got there in the end. DREADING putting the car seat in.

All seems to be normal at this end. I've a busy day today with a scan, seeing my consultant this evening and also meeting one of the midwives to discuss my VBAC plans. I plan to move very slowly! I've technically got another week at work but I'm not sure how much I'll manage to do.

No more mucus plug has come away, although I do find myself springing up to go to the loo every five minutes convinced I can feel something. I'll mention it to my consultant tonight and see what he says. Hopefully he'll see it as super-positive signs of my VBAC suitability and give me a gold, laminated pass for the birthing pool. Or not!

Pleased about the scan - I want to check how the baby is lying as I'm paranoid it's going to flip back to transverse/breech; unlikely I know, but given how random things are at the moment nothing would surprise me.

Liv this must be nesting! I have never cleaned a kitchen bin and will be astonished if even the most frenzied attack of nesting instinct leads me to slop out our Brabantia. I think this could be a domestic task too far. I did however clean out the medicine cabinet last night whilst the running the girls' bath so maybe this counts? Not exactly great timing - savagely chucking out congealed tubes of bonjela and ancient bottles of half-used calpol - whilst the bath almost overflowed. My husband, very wisely, chose not to comment as I ranted over the contents whilst the taps thundered away. I think he misses his pre-pregnant wife. The one with a social life and a waist...

Hi all,

Ive got my growth scan today, so hoping she is all ok and gowing right and cant wait to see her again, we havent had good visability for our previous scans so im hoping they can get a nice pic of her this time for my baby book.

Do i need to go with a full bladder at 35 weeks ? or do you only have to do that at the earlier scans ?

Frakk - My DP is also going away in a couple of weeks when ill be 37+4 but only for the 1 night, I was getting panicky enough about that, but have MIL as back up if anything happens and he's only in Ireland so not to far to get back but understand your hesitation, we'll be fine, ive decided.

Cycle - Where do you get your car seat steamed, I wanna do that to mine ! I also wanted to replace the mattress for my 2nd hand stroller carrycot and couldnt find anywhere that replaced, so wrote to Stokke to ask where can i get one and they have offered to send me one for free !!! I was so happy i almost started crying, its gotta be the hormones !

Liv - Ive also been on cleaning frenzy mode, and also soaked my bin in some domestos !

Ive washed my pre-loved nappies, clothes and now gotta wash the stroller textiles and moses back textiles, does anyone have a Mamas & Papas Moses basket ? How do i remove the hood material ? i cant figure it out !

Only got 2 hours left at office before gotta leave for scan, yay a nice short day !!

Result re the mattress Aussie! Good work

On the subject of mattresses..i need 3. One for the silver cross, one for the moses basket and one for the cot bed. But i dont have a clue what to get? I guess a decent one for the cot. Any advice??

So, had the mode of delivery appointment and...

I'm being allowed to labour!

Am a bit shocked as I really thought they'd just go for an ELCS. Obviously a cs is still a possibility but they've even said I can opt to labour in the birthing pool if I want to (and if it's available).

Bugger, now I have to pack a labour bag as well as a hospital one

DP is really not keen and is rather worried about it all. I'm hoping I can talk him round, after all if the consultant thinks this is the safest option that's good enough for me.

Anyhoo, steam cleaning... Can't find anywhere near me but if you're in London look up Buggy Pitstop on google!

fab news cycle :)

Yay for your short day Aussie!

I think I'm nesting today! I've stripped the bed, washed it and hung it out. Although we have a force 9 gale here I might be chasing it down the gardens soon. Now I have all blankets and towels for Buster in the machine. I have also "nested" myself, showered, hair dried and curled properly, and I've put on some slap!! I look almost human. This is all to distract me from my swollen lady bits! I managed to soothe it a bit yesterday. Can't remember if I read the tip here or on another thread. Soaked a maternity pad in water and put it in the freezer. Voila, lady bits cold compress!! very strange feeling but took some of the swelling away. DH looked quite disturbed at the sound of everything. I don't think we will ever have sex again

NotAnother I've been wearing my DH's boxers since 20 weeks I think! Why are mens clothes more confortable in pregnancy??

I had a blub yesterday too. Was reading the thread on songs that make you cry and someone posted a You Tube video of The Corries. Scottish ladies will know who I mean! I spent the next 3 hours on you tube singing sobbing along with all the old songs my dad used to sing. What a sap!!