August 2011 - yellow, pink or blue, which one are you?

[KTisPG]

I'm yellow

Well said, KLou's mum

Re: footwear. I'm sunning it in Birkenstocks and have already unearthed my Reef sandals from previous PG (great because the fabric bands adjust as your feet swell). I found that my feet grew a size as my PG weight spread and I could not fit any of my old shoes that had a back on by the last couple of months (they did shrink back after). Also, I niaively thought that they would shrink back immediately after the birth but they actually got bigger for a couple of days and then started to shrink - bear in mind for your 'going-home' shoes......I looked like a right twat I was in pain in DH's trainers

my feet went up a size in previous pregnancies too, and took a while to go back to normal. i think i need to get new shoes now too, i mainly wear fitflop boots or trains but i want a new summer ones cos the weather's getting hot. one of my ankles is really aching at the moment, seems quite early to have swollen ankles and it doesnt look swollen so dunno what is up with it really, but quite annoying. feel exhausted now as have been out all day walking around in the hot weather.

as for the bf im thinking of trying to stick with it a bit longer this time, i fed ds1 only 3 weeks (after that he refused to latch for some reason..) and ds2 for 2 months but even in that time was mixed feeding, so i think both of them was not really long enough to get in a habit of it where it becomes easy and more convenient. so due to that i do tend to think of bf as being harder to do but maybe cos ive not managed to stick it out that long, so after maybe 12 weeks or so it would have become easy?? anyway we will see

Shoes: corcs became my friend in the first pregnancy and are again...

Firawla - spot on, 12 weeks is a turning point and somehow it does miraculously become very easy! I'm sure that's not just me too, I've heard a lot of people say it became significantly easier after that time. The first 8 weeks were tough for me (seriously painful nipples, lansinoh was a godsend!, and I also ended up just feeding on one side due to a nipple abnormality on one side), but definitely by 12 weeks there is no way I would have moved onto the faff of having to have all the extra equipment for bottle feeding and having to take so much extra everywhere.
I've just finished feeding DS at 16 months, we did the 'don't offer, don't refuse' method which was incredibly stress-free, I felt we were ready as my nipples were very sore again from being pregnant and I wanted long enough between weaning and the new baby arriving. He's not been bothered at all though, if he had found it stressful, I would have carried on.

Argh, forgot to post about what I came on the thread to post about!

Are any of the second (or more!) timers having a hard time with the lack of appointments?! I found it hard last time to go so long between seeing someone, but this time the wait between appts seems ridiculous! When I had my scan, I didn't have an antenatal check too, just the scan, so have just realised that this means it will be 12 weeks between my 16 week check with the midwife and the 28 week appt! I know the baby was checked at the scan, but I am feeling a little unloved!! I know I could contact them if I wanted to and had any worries, but I don't have anything specific, I'd just like to check in with them, listen to the baby etc :(

Life of Kate I'm a third timer and I've had an appointment at 18 weeks, 21 weeks, and am booked for 25 and 28 weeks and I'm not on special care as far as I know. That is a serious anomaly in levels of care!! Does it say in you're notes when you should have appointments? Am I just getting more than my fair share (not that I'm complaining )

Same here Lifeof Kate, and that's how it was with my second as well. I also felt quite neglected last time.....but less of a shock this time and feeling movements regularly so not quite so bothered. WOuld still be nice to have something at about 24-25 weeks though as it is such a big gap!

Appts round here for uncomplicated 2nd (or more) timers are:
booking appt around 9-10 wks
12 wk nuchal scan
16 wks midwife
20 weeks scan (no antenatal check)
28 weeks home visit by midwife
34 weeks midwife (or in my case hospital antenatal clinic)
36 wks GP (but for me hospital antenatal clinic for Group B Strep swab)
38 wks midwife
41 wks midwife

so you are doing well KTis PG !!

hmm maybe ill set a target to try and go for 12 weeks then and then see how it is, if it gets easier after that maybe i would just want to carry on.

i think my apts are the same as the list littlemisslozza put up, but i will have an apt in there for gtt about 24 weeks

Ordered my pram today (Nipper 360) and a bulk pack of eco nappies and biodegradeable wipes!
I BF DD for 16 months. First 6 weeks were hard (small baby, diamorphine, huge boobs and flat nipple), had breast duct thrush for ages (get checked if you have red shiny nipples, and pain between feeds like a hot needle being stuck into your boob) but once that was treated it was great. I never expressed (couldn't seem to get much off) or topped up. Can't imagine doing anything else this time, but might try expressing again.
re appointments, some for me ktispg I don't have an appointment till nearly 29 weeks. Was nearly contemplating booking a private 4d scan just to have an extra check but think its probably to much expense!

I've booked a 4d scan for 28+2 can't wait!! Booked it through this place and was very reasonable.

Even though we live in Wales, we go back to the Midlands a lot and it just so happens we'll be going back around 21st May for a week or so so panned our beautifully for our scan, and it's straight down the motorway from my parents so if we have to go back, it's not too much of a drag. They're quite expensive I think around here as I think there is less 'competition'.

Re the appointments, I have one Thursday which will be 24 weeks. Not sure when I see her afterwards.
Apparently they changed the appointment system a couple of years ago, where they don't see you as often now. It used to be every 4-6 weeks I think, then every 2, then every 1 but I think it's more spread out now (lack of staff perhaps)

Re footwear, crocs are too my new best friend :)

As I am under CLC, yesterday (24 + 4) I had my 11th scan, which brought bad news. My cervix is funneling - which basically means I am dilating from the inside. The amniotic membranes in my uterus are dipping into my cervix. So, technically, I could go into preterm labour at any time. I am terrified. Now at home on bed rest and I have been put on the "SWIFT" scheme which allows me to be prioritized and admitted immediately at any time. They gave me the option to be admitted for observation yesterday but I think home is better for my mental health. I have another scan and visit with the obstetrician next Tuesday. Also, I am booked in for steroid injections next week to get baby's lungs developed as soon as possible. Does anyone have experience with this? I am suffering from a terrible lack of information and I don't want to consult with Dr. Google.

Wishwales (hugs). Take it easy and keep your little one baking as long as possible. Will keep everything crossed for you. I don't have any experience of this, but you could try the NCT helplines - either Pregnancy & Birth - 0300 330 0772 (9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday) or Shared Experiences - 0300 330 0774 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9am ? 3pm) might be able to help or point you in the right direction

wishwales, I don't have any experience of this but just wanted you to know I am sending lots of good thoughts to you and your wee one, and you're in my prayers as well. It sounds like your medical team have a plan and are going to take action to look after you which is great. Keep us updated as you feel able. Lots of love

wishwales rest up and keep strong in staying away from dr google, you are very wise!

Shoes - birkenstocks and crocs all the way here. I remember not being able to bend down to put shoes on/do them up towards the end, so anything that slips on is great.

selina do you compost your nappies and wipes? I only ask as I was advised not to bother with 'eco' disposables because if they go in a black bin bag in landfill, they won't biodegrade no matter how eco they are, because they won't get the oxygen needed for them to break down.

Had the odd twinge of SPD pain here, but nothing like last time so still holding out hope that the full crippling pain won't strike. Struggling to sleep well though, waking up every time I need to turn over so not getting a good block of deep sleep at any point.

wishwales thinking of you. Hope all goes well.
Cappuchinocarrioe No I don't compost, but I do use these=-
www.goodnessdirect.co.uk/cgi-local/frameset/detail/990348_d2w_Black_Refuse_Sacks_20.html
S x

Thinking of you wishwales and hoping that labour will be a long way off yet. Take care.

Wishwales I have no personal experience of prem birth but have a relative who delivered at 26 weeks (he is 2 now!) try the prem birth boards for advice maybe? Try not to google, it really won't help you. Every day is a massive positive this early.

Well Dp I and our dd are on a visit to my aunts in London which though it is lovely seeing her, has been a bit of a nightmare. It took forever to semi baby proof for our toddler and i will be glad to get home so I can relax! That said I have loved walking around the city!
I am feeling rather fat as I looked at the scales and I've put on 21 pounds so far! My bump is rather big though! Still I can't stop bloody eating!

wishwales how frightening, I really send you every positive thought to keep that baby in there for a while longer. Maybe post on one of the other boards on here for more information - there are loads of MNers who have had early babies and/or preterm scares, surely someone will have some wise advice for you.

Clearly I don't but am sending you a gentle hug anyway.

Since my bump popped out and made bending impossible without vocal assistance the weather turned good I am mourning the loss of my Birkies. Must get a new pair, I can't keep lacing up my Converse forever and DS is too little to learn to tie laces

wishwales that must be really worrying, i hope your baby manages to stay put as long as possible, will be thinking of you

wishwales you are in my thoughts. I have no experience of what you're going through but obviously experience of very scary moments so far in this pregnancy. Keeping everything crossed for you and that your small person stays put. Having said that, I am also at risk of preterm labour and my consultant said that if I got past 24 weeks then there was a very good chance that my babies would survive and you are nearly 25 so please try not to panic too much. And deffo stay away from Dr. Google - a complete nightmare. Big fat fingers crossed for you.

Thinking of you, wishwales, hopefully your cervix will stay shut for as long as possible.

Thanks for those replying about appts. KT, you are definitely lucky with that many appointments, that's more than I had in the first pregnancy!! My appt schedule is pretty much the same as littlemisslozza's, although the venues are different on some! Those are the minimum under the NICE guidelines. I'm not asking for much, but would definitely appreciate having a 25 week and 31 week appt like in the first pregnancy, just to keep me sane :(

KT Thanks for those numbers!

and thanks Teladi, Mrsstevo, LifeofKate, Firawla, oneasteregg, mrsvidic, lozza, cappcarrie and everyone else for the prayers, wishes and advice! It means alot.

wishwales we're here with you every moment of your bed rest

Been nesting by proxy tonight and got DH to rearrange the furniture in both downstairs rooms . Not sure if I like it now !

wishing wales - hope the bed rest goes well.

I'm blue, we have a name we love. DP is away 22+2 here and YAY! never thought we'd get this far along 4 months ago - 4 months to go!

Off to catch up.

the classes here start mid june I think, which will be good to go to, have also signed up for the postnatal class as well - am thinking DP can then come as well & hopefully meet some of the other dads.

How's everyone's pg's getting on - are we all feeling plenty of kicking? i'm sure my norks have doubled in size so far tummy's still not much to show off thou. :( braxton hicks seem to have started, althou it's literally only when walking (trying to speed walk) about in town.