Jue in June 2011....... labour here we come!!!!!

[Jer79]

New thread. Should last us a week.

Well glad I got the swelling checked out as also have protein in urine. I have to go back next week to be monitored again but aim is to get me to 37 weeks at which point they may deliver . That also happens to be my 35th Birthday! I will also have to be signed off work and on bed rest. I now feel completely unprepared and scared.

Oh Merlion, I completely understand that you are feeling scared. At least you got it checked out and so they'll be watching you carefully.

My measurements have reduced since my last MW appt. At 32 weeks I was 33cm, but this morning (34 +1) I was 32cm. The MW didn't seem very bothered, she said that the measurements can fluctuate a lot even just depending on the position which the baby is in. She also said that the top of the baby's head had just started to engage. My notes say 4/5 -I think that sounds like it should mean that the head is almost all engaged, not that it has only just started to engage . She did say that she thought the baby was a boy (2nd MW to say this based on the heartbeat) and that she expected the baby to be closer to 7lb than 10lb which I'm relieved about !

Merlion don't remember you mentioning swelling (been a bit bad reading last couple of days posts), but pleased you went and got yourself checked out and on bed rest. Sorry you're feeling scared though.

I'm interested in all this measurement talk. My next MW appt is a week away, so am just assuming all is fine, but have been thinking bump is smaller than I remember it being at this stage last time. But then I also think I KNOW Currant Bun's feet are under my rib cage (cause it's fecking uncomfortable) so all that being stretched out would back the actual bump look smaller (surely).

Well my day is getting better. DH did eventually get out of bed and take DS to playgroup so I could go to the supermarket and not end up in agony and exhausted, and I've arranged a refund on my gas bill which will be back in my account in time for rent to go out. phew. Now I just need to sneak in my daily a nap.

PS TTL this morning I was anything but a supportive, loving wife. I was more like a tear stained harpy (who threw her husband's tea down the sink )!

Not me moog, my mw measures me and tells me all is fine but never tells me the actual measurement or puts it in my notes ... though I'll have to check. So I have no idea what I am measuring!

coaaf throwing wobblies is all part of being a loving wife in my book. Otherwise I'm doomed

merlion try not to be scared (easier said than done, I know). You have done everything right by getting checked out and you'll be in the best hands possible :)

Thanks for the suggestion supersunny, I found a couple of MW led units both of which are near-ish, now I need to organise myself re changing over to one... I feel so lazy these days that even a few simple phone calls seem like a huge effort!

merlion how long do you have til 37wks? Hope you are ok x

My measurements have been a wk behind recently but I can't see how that tape measure is an exact science? Sonographer said baby would be about 7 lbs at term.

Another hospital question, I am travelling to London this wk end & staying overnight in hotel for a work conference. As I will be 37wks this thurs I was wondering if any London ladies on here had suggestions as to which hosp I am best presenting myself at just in case I go early? Will be in islington. I know I shouldn't really be going so far from home but I feel like I will miss so much if I don't. I will google the nearest mat unit before I go but recommendations always welcome especially after my episode of pre term contractions the other week!

My pg app is saying 23 days left now

Sorry thorny can't help on North London hospitals. I'm going to Aberdeen for work next week - I'll only be 33+3/4 so it should be fine but DH thinks I am mad! You've reminded me I should check out Aberdeen hospitals just in case!

Also all the questions about bump size reminded me to go and weigh myself. I am a bit annoyed as I seem to have weighed the exact same amount for the last four weeks. I think my bump is getting bigger and people say it looks bigger. But is this normal? I thought we were supposed to be adding a pound a week at this stage.

PS - has anybody else seen that there is now a 'Due in January 2012' thread? That really brings home how soon we are going to be having our babies, doesn't it?!

Hello everyone,

Merlion I know it seems scary...but more scary not to know what's going on!

Today's walk to and from work seemed to take forever...funny a mile to work seems really long, but a mile to something nice doesn't seem anywhere near as far. Still only 15 days to go now. I'm a bit actually. After all the argy-bargy about going to this bloody meeting in Birmingham I phoned the organiser today to ask about financial stuff for the meeting and in passing she mentioned that 6 weeks ago she moved the meeting to Thursday! I can't go on Thursday as I have my NCT all day class which I'm not going to miss! It then turned out about 1/2 of the attendees didn't know the day had been changed and now they can't go either...but she won't re-schedule! Stupid woman!

But on to nicer things...I just saw the midwife and she said the baby has turned head down and is about 2/5 engaged! Woo go baby! We also had a bit of a talk about where I want to have the baby, I was thinking the midwife unit at the hospital, but she said there are a lot of babies due here in June and they will close the whole maternity unit if it gets to capacity and arrange an alternative location for me, but that could be in any neighbouring county! I'm not sure my need to plan and visualise everything can cope with that, so I'm wondering about having the baby at home. Am I mad? She said I would get 1-2-1 care for the whole labour, and they call another midwife towards the end to look after the baby. I'm still not sure, but I have 2 weeks to decide.

On the measurements front I'm 33+5 today and measuring 36cm which is really big. On the chart in my notes I'm outside the blue areas of normalness. But I have been measuring about 3 weeks ahead ever since I booked in. MW is convinced the baby will come this month.

Time to put my feet up now before going to NCT class tonight. I have the all day bit on Thursday and have to take something for a pot luck lunch...what would be nice? Quiches, cakes, cheese and crackers? I can't think!

Merlion Oh wow! How exciting And what a fabulous birthday present (though you will have to share birthday cake forever more if baby is born on your 35th!) Totally understand you being scared but at 37 weeks you'll be full term so no worries associated with preemie babies. Just take it really easy and congratulate yourself on doing the right thing getting checked out :)

Moog Yup that's what I'm doing, just in case. Sorry about your Ex :( Console yourself with the fact that he is an Ex :)

Jasmine Your wee actually stained the toilet seat?! Have you got super wee now you're pregnant?

TTL I'm having real trouble sleeping as well :( Such a pain. I just lie there for ages and when I finally do drop off I wake up again to go to the loo and then lie there for ages again.

BPrincess I like your idea for teflon coating the baby's bottom!

One of the dads at my antenatal classes is a photographer and he gave us all some info about a project he's going to do where he photographs newborns and then again around their birthday until they're 5 years old and the results will go in a book/exhibition. I thought it'd be nice to be involved (get some nice pics of baby, if nothing else!) so emailed to tell him I'd like to do it. He replied saying his son had been born on the 26th, 11 days early!! Apparently his wife had a lovely, natural birth and he sent pics of his gorgeous baby which was really nice to see (I totally did not cry or anything )

Feels so close now. Seems like not long ago we were all counting the days until we got to 12 weeks and now we're (almost) counting the days until our babies arrive!! EEK!

Hi ladies, I have been keeping up with all your posts, mostly at 3am when I can't sleep but I've been feeling quite down the last few days. I'm 31+5 due with DC3. Baby is so low down and has been for most of my pregnancy but it's now constantly really uncomfortable around my knicker line and I'm really struggling with my 2 DC (DD 16m and DS 3y10m). DS was 11 days early and DD 14 days early so I'm praying this one is early aswell, reflexology is booked for 37+0 and 39+0 but even that is 5 weeks away, I'm not sure how I can cope for another 5 days let alone a possible 10 weeks :( sorry this is so moany but I've never been this uncomfortable in my life, everything hurts/aches. My other two pregnancies were a breeze so this is a real shock :(

Oh Joanne I'm thinking of a homebirth too. Also because of hospital whoha. It's a scarey thought suddenly finding yourself thinking, well why not? Isn't it?!

My goodness, what have I missed? Teflon baby bums?

Sorry to hear you're so uncomfortable Millie

thorny - I've always heard good things about the maternity unit at UCH (University College Hospital) which would not be too far from Islington, or the Homerton. Would avoid the Whittington tho....

(all on others say so - this is my first so no direct experience of anywhere!!)

8rd - DS is also a sweet natured boy 90% of the time, but can be really vile as well!

CMH1st - hope your BM's dress fitting went okay!

Joannezipan - typically it is first come first served when it comes to birthing pools. But not everyone wants one! Let the maternity unit know when you call them to let them know you are coming in but don't count on it!
The meeting co-ordinator sounds totally useless, I am not suprised you are annoyed! As for your NCT class, what you said sound fine. However, when I did mine the food was included in the cost of the class! Yey for your lo being 2/5 engaged, won't be long now... I am going to go out on the limb and say you'll be the next mum to give birth!

BPrincess - thanks for the reminder about the vaseline!

Thorny - your scan sounded lovely, though at your grumpy baby! Crap about the MW unit. Sorry can't help with Manchester MLUs though. Second the suggestion of asking your local NCT co-ordinator. Don't forget your notes when you head off to That London!

SSD - how is the house move going, will you be in your new place in plenty of time to nest?

Jasmine - at your DH's 'thoughtful' present! How is he doing, has he started job hunting?

TTL - yep pregnancy insomnia is a killer? I keep telling myself it is the body's way of preparing for all the night feeds...

Moog - yes I have been recommended to have a bag packed in case of a hospital transfer. I will just have a bag to hand with all the things I need in for the HB and a few extra bits.

Sarahmtb - welcome back! Sure you will soon be up to speed!

Merlion - glad you got yourself checked out. Fingers crossed that you are okay and bean will stick longer than 37 weeks. Don't forget 37 weeks is full term! But am not surprised it has come as a shock. Just stay calm and rested as much as possible.

79monica - I was told by my MW that DS was going to be at least 8.5lbs. He was 6lb6!! So I am a bit sceptical of size/weight predictions.

Confessions - this morning I rang DH to berate him for his crapness at buying shorts for DS!

I have started ML today. I went to the path lab to have my bloods taken in advance of my MW appt on Friday, swap the trousers DH stupidly bought for DS for the shorts I had actually asked him to get , dyed my hair, and started sorting out my file boxes. I really need a new shredder though!
Have a whole list of things to do before baby arrives!

Milliemuffin - poor you, you sound like you are having a very tough time atm.

Sorry you're so uncomfortable Millie*. Could this be "head fitting pains" perhaps? Which could mean you haven't got too long to go.

Yay for maternity leave Kara bet that's a relief :)

Thanks for your replies ladies, sorry for being so :(
Nurse - is there such a thing as 'head fitting pains'? I've always thought you are supposed to feel better once baby drops down, not worse.
I had a great day at a Xmas do when my waters went with DD. Just so uncomfortable and struggling to entertain DC and keep the house liveable. I'm wondering if it's cos DD is only 16mo so maybe my stomach would have liked a bit more time to recover?
DP is being great but I know he's finding it difficult aswell coming home from work and still having lots to do.

Well at my antenatal classes the MW told us that as the baby's head drops you can get what's known as "head fitting pains" as the head squeezes into the pelvis. Just did a quick google and it seems that quite a few people get them. You can take paracetamol if it's causing you a lot of discomfort. I would imagine that once the head is properly engaged you'll start to feel better? Have a and a from me :)

Quick question: Anyone's who's used a breast feeding pillow, worth it?

I bought one (the big V shaped one) but found it more awkward and just ended up using a pillow for feeding but they're great for when the babies start sitting as you just prop them up with it and they can sit for ages watching the world go by :)

Hi all been looking after dp so not been able to post! He is getting loads better but he still can't do a lot so I'm running around after him which has brought my back pain back! Grrr! Had to do the full house food shop on my own yesterday and nearly killed myself carrying the heavy bags of veg that we had run out of! Started my maternity leave officially this week even tho I haven't officially worked since march but hey I just wanted to join the club!

Btw nurse the woman who runs your maternity class isn't called Maeve by any chance is she?

Er yes she is crazychic! Were you in the same class?!

No I went to the Tuesday class and the guy came into ours and told us about the photos! What did you think of the classes?

Well, for someone who has been sat around doing nothing for about 3 weeks, I am remarkably tired...

8RD So sorry your DS is being vile. I have been hit repeatedly with a plastic hammer over the bump and when I was pg with DS, DD2 landed on him so heavily that he actually jumped! Has he got a dolly to take out his agression on? He may have just realised that when you talk about the baby you don't mean him. DD2 (again) went really funny when that penny dropped... Anyway, I hope you find some keys to unlock the problems.

millie I am enjoying this pregnancy significantly less than the previous ones. My DS is almost 16m, cute but intensive. At least he sleeps in the day. I do have the sense that my body is giving up on me.

79monica 4/5 sometimes means 4/5 palpable, 1/5 engaged. By the time the baby has dropped right down, it feels like it might just drop out! I found sitting on a bucket with a pillow over it very comfortable.

kara I loved your name change :) Don't go mad on your ML, make sure you rest as well as nest.

joannezipan If you were in my NCT group, I'd be very disappointed if you didn't bring one of your cakes. Would thoroughly recommend the homebirth option. No worrying about when to go to the hospital. If the MW thinks you've got ages to go, it is them that have to go home.

confessions Shall we start our ML now? I'll send you a virtual box of nappies, nice smelling shower gel and some lavender oil. I wish I could think of something special you'd need for your HB.

thorny No more contractions? Good.

jasmine Ooh a loo seat. Lucky, lucky you!

lisascat I saw your DD at toddler group today. She said hello and everything - very well brought up :)

Life here carries on as per usual just with me sitting on the sofa and DH doing everything. I am trying so hard to stuff my face with food, but my stomach is so tiny now. I've taken false unicorn root a few times which seems to have the effect of reducing cramping and contraction type feelings to almost nothing. Anyway, 35 weeks today and if I can hang on another week, my MW is happy for me to have this baby at home. Any news from goodvibrations ? I think she has a history of early babies...

clarkiee I hope your baby girls are already bringing you lots of joy.

moomin tired?! You're doing a great job. And they grow so fast it's scary. Enjoy every day.

Right, back to the crocheting...

I thought they were pretty good actually crazychic, what did you think?

Hope you're getting a chance to rest MOSP, glad you've not had any more contractions and fingers (and legs) crossed you'll have this one at home as well :)

I had about a million replies in my head and have now forgotten most of them...

Sorry you're feeling so rubbish Milliemuffin
Great that your babies are staying put MOSP and Thorny
Jasmine - v impressed by your super-wee!!
8rubberduckies - sorry you're having a hard time with DS - I know the feeling, and it's the very last thing you need right now.
You're so right nurse - it really wasn't that long ago that we were all desperate to get to the magic 12 week mark
Hope you're ok merlion

DH told me tonight that I have been incessantly clearing my throat since I've been pregnant. I had absolutely no idea. How embarrassing - I must have been really annoying people and didn't have a clue. I hope the habit disappears after the baby is born - has anyone else had this?

35+4 today - exactly 1 month to go