April 2011 - towards motherhood boucing on yoda balls, eating coc pops and riding frozen surfboards we are

[SnapFrakkleAndPop]

Raspberry leaf and all round.

Continuation from here. No Mofo C bombs yet been dropped in the delivery room although our first 2 babies have arrived. Congrats to gormers and Jo, we hope your little ones are still doing great.

Sorry took a while to get back. I've been having annoying stop and start symptoms (more mucus, very pressing feeling "down there" similar to first birth, throwing up for no reason, period pains and the odd sporadic sore tightening) since last night and have been spending my time trying to work out if to call DH home from work or give text updates and let him make his own mind up, decided to sit on my hands a bit longer and not tell him to come home (he said he'd be in a 8 tonight). My little Fraser is feeling under the weather too and quite intense to take care of today, lots of clinging and tantrums.......

Kits and Jaylar I'm so glad you're both "on the other side" safe. In what you have said about your births you both have shown great courage, which I only hope to have when it comes to my time. Jaylar well done for taking the lead in Scotland :) and Kits I do hope your baby boy is settled really soon.
Jaylar do you have any tips or reflections on the birthpool use?

Frakk what an annoying night to say the least, still you did the right thing in going in and coming home home when you did. I have "what if..." parts to my birth plan too, very sensible. On the rib pain I agree with Lis if they found nothing then the "abs of steel" theory seems reasonable to me, which isn't all bad and I have actually heard that as something that can happen(very envious of abs of steel mind, 9lb Fraser, and I'm only 5 ft, pulled apart my formerly nice tummy muscles to the point that although physio improved the awful initial fallout postbirth they never went back so I will never wear nice tops or do full range of dancing again)

Lucie Don't panic, although I know it's difficult. I have read quite a few times that in very very late pregnancy that it's quite normal to have some protein in your urine due to "the odd leaky kidney" which is dealing with the pressure of the fluids you have to process. If it is a small amount and the midwives aren't overly concerned it's a possible source. Big :) for fully engaged though, great news!

JKS I can show full empathy on the insomnia theme. I'm back to "sleeping" on the sofa. :(

Salted hope the in-laws visit is going well!

I just don't feel ready to give birth yet. I'm tired and it would be nice to have all the lovely symptoms of late pregnancy over with (especially this awful SPD) but I remember how hard it was when I had Fraser and I just don't feel rested enough to tackle the mountain of childbirth. I had a rough time recovering last time and feeding was quite uphill as Fraser had colic. Now Fraser is feeling under the weather too. I'm in the position of thinking I'd like it over and to be on the other side of the unknown size and shape birth hurdle, but what if the baby/recovery is just as hard but this time I'm older/more tired with an under the weather toddler in tow? I'm also feeling like I have a timer over my head with the midwives. Grrr....
I suppose everyone here is feeling the same to a lesser or greater extent.

Thanks ecuse Im putting the BP down to a blip as I was really very calm and happy this morning seeing the midwife, but bricking it by the time I got to the hospital.

The midwife said she would phone me tomorrow to see how I got on, I may just ask her about it, if my BP was truly that high I was going to ask for an earlier sweep than 41 weeks, currently 39+2.

And I like your view on the protein too, I have had 2 recent protein traces and each time it was when I had forgotten to get a sample or really couldnt go and ended up squeezing out a minute amount, just enough to be tested, and there was very likely lady juices involved.

archie - reading the last paragraph in your post rung a lot of bells for me.

I know me, my body and the baby aren't ready yet, but the niggles of the end of pregnancy are so tiring - and I don't have spd.
Every bloody day I feel different about things. For instance, yesterday I was chatting to my MW and I told her I knew this baby wouldn't come before the Easter weekend as I have loads of social engagements over that weekend, and also because I'm not even due until the 29th. And I felt ok about that, and that I have at least 2+ weeks to go.
Today is a different story. Lower bump pains, cervix pains and I feel knackered. A complete turn around from how I felt yesterday. I find the ups and downs very draining as I'm the sort of person who is quite constant.

I'm not even going to think about how things will change once the baby is here

ILTMMI I think we're in the same boat. I am due on the 25th and I am swaying from being very chilled, to going bananas.

Saw MW today and pleased that baby is 2/5 engaged and unlikely to go much further down - so it's locked and loaded!! They won't even discuss inducing me until 41 weeks, which I know is sensible. But another three weeks is a pretty depressing thought. Jeez, I will be going out of my mind by then! MW also commented that pregnancy really seems to suit me...wchih I am taking to mean that my LO won't want to leave the comfort of my womb - ha!

I've avoided this thread for a little while as I was simply getting jealous of those that have popped. However, I ought to say a huge Congrats to everyone though - wonderful news!.

Sympton spotting this evening - continuing to have loose bowel movements (been like it for a week or so). Increasingly intense BHs. Lower back pain, but only on the right hand side .

Try being 9 days overdue, with no sign of anything happening at all. Grrrr.
I am slowly going mad, and I really feel for poor DH going into work every day just waiting from the phonecall that never comes!

Membrane sweep number 3 tomorrow morning but not holding out much hope!

Congrats to Kits. At the end of the day a healthy baby is what matters. Let us know how you're getting on.

Arch. Tips for home water birth. Get the pool filled as soon as you think you're definitely labouring. Try not to get in until you're 5cm dilated incase it slows things down but you can always get out and in. Luckily our mw was very experienced and guessed the thermometer was faulty and so water was fine for labouring but too hot to deliver in but a quick thermometer check in advance maybe a good idea. Have a couple of dressing gowns warming on a radiator for you because the minute you get out to deliver the placenta your body will start shivering with the shock.

That's it really. I hope it works out for you. I'll try to post my birth story tomorrow. It doesn't begin well with me having to literally escape from hospital. The staff were insisting I sign paperwork admitting I was leaving against medical advice which placed me and my baby at risk. I have a wonderful DP who dragged me out of there having had to "steal" my medical notes from an office so I could get home in time to deliver just 2.5 hours later. Anyway full story tomorrow but trust your instincts ladies and your bodies.

Hang in there. The waiting is horrible but a few hours from now any one of you could have a baby in your arms. Got to go and get my boobs out again.

Thanks ecuse JKS and architien - it does sound like perhaps the protein probably isn't anything to worry about - I have been quite dischargy this week and it was a tiny sample as I forgot to do it till right before I left for my appt (was bit worried about handing over a warm pot it was so late) there was nothing in my last sample when I was 39 weeks so hopefully it's just late pg extra discharge showing up. I feel good at the moment (all things are relative!) so no worrying!

architien I feel like that some days too especially when I am very tired-and I haven't even got a previous birth to compare it to. But then other days I feel so excited about the prospect of meeting my little man, especially when I see other people's babies and just want to get on with it.. it's got to happen at some point. Can your partner give you a break so you at least have a chance to rest a bit? Everything always seems much more daunting when you're tired.

JenAT good luck for your sweep tomorrow. It all sounded pretty promising after your last one so perhaps a couple more days under your belt, and a 3rd sweep and that'll be enough to get it all kicked off? Fingers crossed - let us know how it goes.

jaylar really looking forward to reading your birth story (especially the great escape!) Did you deliver in water?

Congrats to Jaylar & Kits and your little ones, you both sound like very strong ladies !!

Well it was my EDD yesterday and well nothing happened, im sure ill be like most woman and have to wait a little while till my little ones arrival. I thought maybe something was happening at about 3 this morning but turned out to be severe Diaharrea (sorry for TMI) it was so painful and i couldnt stop going for an hour, all i thought afterwoods is, if i find this painful how the hell am i going to be able to handle a natural labour, a little worried now about my choie for a natural waterbirth.

Well since my last day of work on Friday ive been going non-stop, i literally dont be able to sit down and do nothing which is very un-me as usually a total lazy couch potatoe and can sit on my ass in front of tv for an entire weekend not even leaving the house (seriously not exaggerating) but Sat was spent getting a Brazillian and new haircut. Sunday leg wax and eyebrow threading, Monday spray tan, Tuesday painting house with MIL and out with DP for a celebration EDD dinner and today more painting and fluffing up my re-usuable nappies in my new Dryer delivered Monday !

I also went shopping somewhere on one of those days, i learnt you cant breath in a baby bump but found some cute outfits that should look great once bump goes down and that actually look alright with bump so was super happy, I hadnt been shopping in about 9 months !

Today had 40 week midwife appointment and have a 41 week appointment for next Wed for a sweep if nothing progresses before, midwife is expecting im having a little baby as still measuring small at 37cms and when weighed am about .2kg lighter then my start weight, so had a discussion that if babe under 2,5kilos that we will have to stay in hospital for a couple of days till her weight goes up to over 2,5kilos. Dont know how right they can be about these things but i do like the idea of a smaller babe to push out.

Anyway, bit of a mammoth post as hadnt been online since Friday, keeping my fingers crossed for anyone overdue, especially JenAt hope that babies comes soon for you, i know i feel fustrated already and im only 1 day overdue so impressed you've not gone mad yet and hoping you get a baby appearance soon.

Well April ladies another girl to add to the list! Lucy Isabelle was born at 7.40pm on 13th weighing in at 7 lbs 12.5 oz. Totally bias but she is absolutely beautiful. Will put details of birth on postnatal thread if someone points me in right direction. Sending positive vibes to all of you still waiting and congrats to all those who've had their babies since I last posted. X

Congratulations Sassy, welcome little Lucy!

Postnatal thread is here

Congratulations on the arrival of Lucy, Sassy. Lovely news to wake up to in the morning

I do feel your pain JenAt, ds1 was 9 days overdue. Fingers crossed today sweep will help things along for you.

I have pulled my socks up and got over my funk from last night. Two things helped. Firstly, I watched DIY SOS and there was a really sad personal story on there which made me put how I was feeling into perspective. Then after I watched that I'm Alan Partridge was on and I laughed myself silly - something I realised I hadn't done for quite a while.

Aussie - diahorria pains (for me) are not totally unlike contractions actually. The big difference is, contractions aren't constant and you know they are doing something. Diahorria is just vile. Also you have a build up to contractions, they're not all full on painful for the whole time.

I've been eyeing up post baby clothes as well I am so sick of my maternity gear, it's mostly black and grey and the shops are now full of the colourful Spring and Summer ranges an I can't wait to wear some colour. I just need to find tops that are also bf'ing friendly. I might even splash out on a few maxi dresses if I can find some that allow easy boob access. Mind you, if I do buy some dresses I just know that will be the kiss of death for the hot weather

Congratulations sassy and virtual cuddles for little Lucy :)

Well as I'm edging closer to overdue I have lots of sympathy for all you already cooked ladies!

ILTMI I'm so with you on the mood swings. I go between 'not having this baby now' and 'come on, I want this done!'. Plus to help things along DH keeps telling me about important meetings at work etc which I'm sure is just delaying me psychologically as I really want him to have time properly off with us. This morning was 'oh I have to go in and see some MPs on the 18th'. If I have the baby today or tomorrow that's when we come home from hospital or my first day home!

Jaylar I'm dying to hear about the Great Escape.

Fingers crossed for the membrane sweep Jen

Natzer glad you're okay. Not sure how you're avoiding the constant need to pee though - I'm very reliable at producing samples on demand and mutter that 'do you need the loo?' is a really stupid thing to ask a pregnant woman!

MrsW totally reasonable to be annoyed with people jumping the queue, how very dare they?!

aussie I know I shouldn't be jealous of a 2.5kg baby and these things are reliable but I am because mine was apparently around 2.5kg at the 32 week scan! Although the woman who did the scan on Tuesday night said she never commented on weight or length because they're so innacurate from the scan....

Big hugs arch, for you and for Fraser. Hope you do manage to get some rest soon.

Apologies to anyone I missed! This is one heck of an active thread

We need a new thread soon.....anyone got any suitably obscure and bizarre ideas?

architien anyone suffering pelvic pain

I have spent the last month on crutches due to pelvic pain, except the last week I'm now almost completely pain free.......my physio appointments I explained that I was getting worse and more dependant on the crutches to the point of having to use them around the house not just to go out. I had to drive to the shops park near where I was going and then back in the car to the other side of town for the same again (my town is tiny and can be walked around in a few minutes). New physio woman gave me a TENS machine although said it was very unlikely to help. It's my miracle cure to days after using it for half an hour after each painful episode I now have been crutch and walking stick free for a week and only use the TENS every other day for an hour or so.

I'm two days overdue so I don't expect it will too much longer I wish I'd tried it earlier but still a week free to walk about has been such a lift I love being pregnant again

In laws are wonderful I love them so much there both very kind and are very hands on helpful. I'm already feeling spoilt and they've only been here to nights.

Frakk I feel for you, what a time your having xx

Good luck to anyone labouring today xx

Sassy congrats on the arrival of Lucy! More babies, hooray! Hope you're doing well.

Like most of those still waiting, I'm feeling the same. Want it to happen NOW one day then the next I think I should just shut up and enjoy the here and now. Am also going through waves of fear over the birth and then feeling good about it. Feeling slightly like I'm going mad. All normal I'm guessing.

JenAT really feel for you being so overdue. Hope something happens soon.

Aussie labour can start with diarrhoea so maybe something is happening for you!

Frak how's the monitoring going? All ok?

I'm so bored I've just been looking at famous people birthdays lists to see who I'd like my baby to share their birthday with, and get name ideas . Really should find something more productive to do!

Oh Jen I hope your sweep is successful today. Can't imagine it's much fun for you at all.

Started to get annoyed last night about lack of baby, which is a bit unfortunate since I still have a week and 3 days to go until due date! I just want her out now. Hormones seem to be gearing up again as I started to get really teary and ratty last night. Think baby is shifting down a bit more too as am starting to get more periody twinges and am feeling a tingling feeling down below accompanied by some vague stabby pains!! At least things are going in the right direction.

Really need to get this house cleaned from top to bottom before she arrives as it's a bloody mess - really have zero motivation to do anything at all, think it's fair to say nesting has properly passed me by!!

Frakk 'April 2011 - half in, half out........'and something else suitably witty/bizarre/obscure!? Are you feeling a bit better now??

Sassy Congratulations on baby Lucy :)

ILTMI I'm glad you've likened diarrhoea pain to contractions as I'm sure the pain I get when I need the loo (albeit not for diarrhoea) is something like what I expect contractions to be like!

Aussie You are my hero!! Pedicure, waxing, hair etc etc!! And a days shopping! Go you!! I've had my pedicure done and getting hair cut on the 20th but that's about as far as my motivation and purse strings stretch!! Will endeavour to shave various body parts more regularly now so I'm not a hairy lady in the birthing pool!! Might need to enlist DPs help for some of it though

Lucie Agree that the protein was probably just a one off and nothing to worry about, I had it once a few weeks back and it was fine and had disappeared by next appt.

Natzer Could you ask for a sweep at a few days over, I'm booked in for one at 40+3, so don't see why they couldn't do that for you too, unless there are different policies in place at different hospitals?

Off to check out the stats thread and see if I have an EDD buddy!!

Half in, half out reminds me of a bizarre story I read on 'orgasmic birth' . I blame my Ina May Gaskin addiction...

Or it sounds like the first half of the hokey-cokey. 'half-in, half-out, shake it all about...

What shall we replaced 'do the hokey-cokey and turn around, that's what it's all about' with?

Jaylar, Sassy and Kits congratulations, and Kits very sorry to hear about your scary birth experience but so glad all is ok now!

Frakk am glad the rib pain wasn't dangerous but not nice having to spend time in hospital & the docs not knowing what is causing it. One way to look at it though is that if you're having a hospital birth (are you? Sorry, I can't remember...I know that like mine, your baby is in an unusual position so am guessing you are but correct me if I'm wrong), you'll be more used to the environment and it's hopefully not as scary when you go in when in labour...this is what I've found after my stay, I now know most of the midwives, where the showers are, meal times, etc...all little things but am sure will be helpful when staying there for the delivery.

I had some more tests on Wednesday and my blood pressure seems to be now under control so obviously the latest medication they put me on is working and I don't have to be admitted again, I'm so glad about that. I'll have my pre-caesarian appointment on Tuesday and then on Wednesday morning it's all happening, yay but also eeek! So in 6 days time we'll have our little boy! If all goes well, I should be let home 48 hours after the operation. Does anyone know if there are any additional tests that are done to breech babies that would make our stay in the hospital longer? The docs/midwives that I've seen have not really said anything about it...I've also looked online but not found anything.

Still no sign of the cat...

This weekend I have recruited my husband and sister to do spring cleaning as no doubt there will be no time after next week to do any cleaning for a while. Then in the evening hubby is taking me out for a romantic meal in a posh French restaurant near London Bridge, I'm really looking forward to it after such stressful few weeks.

Fingers crossed that all you due/overdue ladies will have your babies in your arms by the weekend :)

Sassy pleased yourself and Lucy are well and congrats :)

"half-in, half-out, breath the baba out..."?

I am going to take myself and Fraser to the local garden centre and see if I can replace the standard margarite my DH has snapped the head off last night by nature of being a 6ft oaf. It's the centre of my veg patch and I look out on it everytime I'm in the kitchen or either north bedrooms. The big beautiful head of white flowers are at present dying in a vase in the Sitting Room :( The garden is a bit of eden for me and just now I hate to see death just now.

Hello all,

Sassy congratulations! I too want to hear more about your great escape from the postnatal ward. It seems to be a common theme on the thread, postnatal care on the whole being pretty poor.

Aussie wow just reading how busy you have been makes me feel tired. You will certainly be looking tip-top for labour with having had a brazilian, a haircut, leg wax and eye brow thread. I may try and summon up the energy to shave my legs tonight if I can be bothered.

Archie hope Fraser is feeling a bit better, its hard when you are heavily pregnant and you have an off colour out of sorts little one to look after too.

Littlemilla any more symptoms to report? sounds suspiciously like something could be happening for you.

Salted good to hear that the TENS from the physio has had such a good effect on your pelvic pain, and that you are being spoit by your in laws.

Sats glad your BP is under control. I can't see why they would need to do any extra tests on baby that would mean you would need to stay in any longer after your elective section. The only thing I think is that a breech presentation could increase likelihood of hip problems eg CDH but baby would have the normal paediatric examination after birth anyway which would routinely check for clicky hips. Not sure if breech babies would automatically be referred for a hip ultrasound or not but this would be done at a later date.

I have had my 3rd and final membrane sweep this morning. The midwife burst into laughter when she saw me in the waiting room, as she fully expected I would have delivered by now. She told me my cervix is even more favourable, can get 3-4 fingers in and feel my forewaters bulging (nice) I have had a strange sensation when baby does a particularly vigorous movement like something may suddenly go pop which must be my waters. Had some lower abdo cramps for few hours after sweep which are now tailing off, so very much looks like I will go in on Saturday for induction. One positive though is that the midwife said its likely they won't bother with a pessary they will probably go straight ahead with trying to artificially rupture my membranes. My only concern is if that doesn't get labour going they may want to put me on a syntocin drip which would mean continual monitoring and being pretty much immobile. I think if they start talking about that I may insist on an epidural before the drip is started. Has anyone had any experience of having a syntocin drip?

Well another epic post. Hoping to hear some more of you have had babies overnight.

Oh dear Arch - my DH tends to 'trim' the plants & trees excessively and that always upsets me. He knows he needs to check with me now!

Sats - sorry your cat hasn't shown up yet :(

Sassy - Congratulations
and didn't your last post say something about things tailing off?!

Nothing doing here even tried a hot curry last night for a friend's birthday, mostly involved me watching people get pissed & using up the last of my Gaviscon when I got home.

Re breech babies - i remember from DS2 they wanted to do an ultrasound on his hips, but a few weeks post-birth.

Half in half out, join us on the grumpy couch!!?

MrsWajs I'm still here, no signs of imminent labour either!! I am hoping Mr Kay is the remedy to that tonight!!

Congrats Sassy

DH has taken a half day today so we can get through to Glasgow before the rush hour! We'll grab something to eat then go to be laughed into labour!! Think DH is slightly nervous by this outing so late in the day, but I am being optimistic!

Got to cuddle my friends DD yesterday, she is my future daughter in law! And I realised, that I'm not as confident with babies as I thought! I'm sure it'll be different when it's my little man I'm holding though!

JenAT no more movements from me, sadly. Reading about people much further along than me on here makes me realise I need to shut the f*ck up!!

Had some lovely words of wisdom from one of DH's friends last night. He was saying that I should be hoping that LO stays in here for as long as possible as it'll mean that when it does hatch it'll be better equiped to sleep properly - fatter, bigger tum etc. He is a dad, so I appreciate the words. And although I know it's unlikely to make much difference, I am clinging to a rational reason why I shouldn't be so impatient. That and consoling myself that I clearly have luffly womb that my baby doesn't want to leave yet .

LisMcA I am super jealous of your date with Peter Kay tonight. I LOVE him...hope you have fun!

JenAT I was given the syntocinon drip after 18hrs of labour and the dreaded 'failure to progress' stamp on my notes. My waters had broken naturally but they were on a mission to get baby out within 24 hrs of waters going so they gave me the drip to strengthen the contractions. They didn't really offer me an option of having it without an epidural. They told me if I was having the drip I would need the epidural as I wouldn't be able to cope with the ramp up of contractions and then it would be too difficult to give me an epidural later. Can just imagine what Ina May would have thought of it all! I'm not sure if they start you off with the drip and you're not having any contractions though if they can start you on a lower dose and therefore let you see how you go without giving you an epidural immediately. I haven't come across anyone who has had the drip and not had an epidural tbh.

But hopefully it's not going to come to that and you're going to go into labour before having to make the decision.

Jen, thank you for the information, good to hear all tests should be the same as with head down ELCS birth, I'll ask about the hips test when I see the doc on Tuesday. I hope the third sweep gets the labour going for you!

I've just had the excitement during the last hour to last me a lifetime (or at least the rest of the pregnancy) ! I went out in the garden earlier and there was a fox in there. I've seen it before and last week it had one bad leg and was hobbling across the garden, still moving ok. So today I kind of tried to shoo it away as I was worried about our remaining cat coming out at the same time. The fox wouldn't move though and just looked me in the eyes looking very sad and in pain so I realised that things must be pretty bad for it :( I promptly bursted into tears and had a bit of a hysterical crying session, feeling bad that I'd tried to shoo it away and then thinking about our missing cat, maybe somewhere in a similar injured state..

Then I pulled myself together and called the fox rescue, only to be told that I needed to go and prod it with a broom and only if it did not run away they would come and catch it and take to animal hospital. I explained that I'm nearly 9 months pregnant and did not want to take the risk of something happening (mostly worried about my waters breaking in the mayhem!) so they took pity on me and sent someone anyway. Luckily she arrived within 20 mins with a cage and one of those sticks with a loop in the end which to capture it with. I was acting as a scare crow, waddling along towards it (quite a comical sight with my belly I'm sure), trying not to go too close, while the fox rescuer was trying to catch it but it kept hobbling off...But we managed it in the end! So happy that it will now be taken to fox hospital but also absolutely knackered now, too much excitement for one day!

JenAT I assume the drip I was given was syntocinon and I wasn't offered an epidural at that point, but I'm afraid I'm not much help as it still didn't have the desired effect and I ended up with the EMCS and a spinal block anyway. The worst bit was then getting the drip in as I don't have prominant veins - the midwife looked and said "I'm not trying that" and got a doctor, the doctor looked, said the same and got an anesthetist (apologies for poor spelling)
Getting the spinal block in later also took a number of attempts, not fun whilst having contractions.
Time to join the baby with an afternoon nap.