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Connect with mums-to-be with similar due dates to share experiences and support.

Due August 2011, the waiting is nearly over, who will be the first to pop?!?!?

950 replies

KLou111 · 05/07/2011 13:43

On the final stretch ladies, the waiting is nearly over for the arrival of our beautiful bundles of joy :)

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
MrsStevo · 06/07/2011 16:39

I'm having a fretty freterson day again. God I'm hopeless!! Even if I knew that my babies would be guaranteed 100% fine I bet I'd find something to worry about.

I had bloods taken last week to test for toxoplasmosis, parvo and some other diseases with long names. The consultant wanted the test done after I had a couple of scans when one or the other baby had a dilated brain ventricle. He didn't seem TOO worried but the MW said that I wouldn't necessarily know if I had any of these diseases so that's why they have to test specifically for them. I (foolishly) googled toxoplasmosis this afternoon and established that it would essentially mean that the babies have some kind of brain damage / hydrocephalus / blindness / cerebral palsy. UGH. It is just hideous.

I've got to wait until Friday until I get the results ... may have lost the plot again by then Confused

Any experts on the subject able to re-assure me that I have nothing to worry about?!

Anu3 · 06/07/2011 18:31

Yayy another new thread and knowing how chatty we lot can get im not going to bet that it will be our last!! :) Thanks Klou for setting it up.

I have suddenly started to feel very very tired and big. Its literally overnight. Im dragging myself around today feeling very heavy! Also started to get pain in my legs today (inner thighs) while i walk. Is that normal? Im 35+5 today and so waiting to stop travelling to work - 2 more days to go!! yippee. I got really sick this morning getting to work as it was really hot on the tube :(

At my ante natal class yesterday where we discussed Breast feeding the mid wife suggested that we might like to try getting a v pillow or a wedgie pillow for additional support whilst feeding. Do any of you second timers recommend that and if yes which once shall I get? There is a dreamgenii one in the market that Ive seen but not sure if its worth buying it.

MrsVidic · 06/07/2011 19:12

Anu I just used a normal pillow and had my feet up lots. If you struggle you can also feed led down which is my personal fave way. I am due the day before you and I am feeling the big 'orrid stage at the moment too.

Littlemiss As a fellow 2nd timer I echo your feelings of abandonment. I was asked if I had any thing specific to put in birth plan- then wrote it in about 2 sentances!

My Birth plan for anyone who is interested is:
No epidural under ANY circumstances- if I need a CS I want to be put to sleep.
Get to hospital at first contraction stages so hopefully have enough of the IV anti biotics so DD doesnt have to have them (Group Strep B)
Bfeeding so skin to skin- if I am not available then I want DP to have it
DP to cut the cord
Active labour as possible
DISCLAIMER- I was only 6 hours with DD 1 and will probably be faster this time (shelling peas and all that!)

Annie My mum was 6 hours with her first, 2 hours with me and her mum was the same so I suppose it could run in families

Rehune ditto the bikini wax I need one and havent seen my bits for about 5 months!

How is everyone measuring on the antenatal appt- I'm measuring 33 weeks (should be 36) MW doesnt seem arsed though!

Cant believe I've put on over 2 stone now Sad I'm starting to leave dents where I sit

RugbyWidow7 · 06/07/2011 19:27

Hello everyone, read all yours posts up to date but too tired to post properly I'm sorry.

Just saw a picture of myself at a recent wedding and now feeling seriously down. Look dreadful and the maxi dress I thought looked nice looks like a tent! Hair too blond. Face too chubby! Very vain i know, but feel crap. Must be the tiredness. Hope DH manages to cheer me up before I pass this mood onto him.

Sorry for rubbish post. Promise to come back lively and positive soon! ;-)

Firawla · 06/07/2011 19:29

mrs v how much is 2 stone in kg? i did weigh myself the other day just out of curiosity and i had put on over 14kg!! i think the recommended for the whole pregnancy is 10? so not great... but will just focus on losing it afterwards, rather than worry now. my measurements are all average so far eg 34cm 34 weeks, if you are measuring smaller wont they give you a growth scan or maybe just a few cm is seen as ok?

anu i know some people who loved those kind of pillows but a lot of people who just fed without, i think the downside of them is if u get too reliant on them then u have to take it with you when you want to feed outside the house? this happened to one of my friends, but i think it depends on your size like if some people have larger breasts they have to use it? i did try a pillow with my 1st but found it easier without, although i was never great at bf anyway

mrs s i hope your results come back fine, im sure it will. i have heard the toxiplasmosis is very rare, thats all i know of it?

Firawla · 06/07/2011 19:31

rugby me too if i see any full length pics of myself! one of my sil put up loads of wedding pics recently, i went and detagged any with full length because i just look huge in it. i know its just a bump but as you say, clothes look like tent etc, rather than being a stylish looking bump i just look huge. i would just try not to dwell on it, maybe pamper yourself a bit to cheer yourself up

RugbyWidow7 · 06/07/2011 19:42

Thanks firawla! Off to de-tag on FB now!!! Then prob eat the contents on the kitchen to really help matters ;-)

littlemisslozza · 06/07/2011 20:46

Anu I've used my v-shaped pillow a lot with both boys so far and will this time too. I take it into hospital as well, and it is quite handy for putting behind the baby when they are learning to sit up too. Not a vital piece of equipment and plenty of people manage without but I found mine useful.

Rugby I feel your pain.... whilst dresses feel lovely and cool to wear I cannot find a single one that doesn't look like a tent. Went to a wedding reception on Saturday and wore a gorgeous fitted black Isabella Oliver top and white cropped smart trousers (both borrowed from a friend) and I felt quite glam in comparison! Funny how what you wear dictates whether people tell you that you look huge or not too..... Off to a wedding all day on Saturday and will be wearing a dress, will probably look massive but as it's likely to be my last pregnancy I have decided that I shall embrace it and wear my lovely dress for the last time.

MrsStevo hope your results come back fine, I expect they're just being cautious so try not to worry.

bettyboo83 · 06/07/2011 23:29

Anu I bought a v-shaped pillow from Dunelm Mill last week, it was £9.99 and the pillow cases to fit are £2.99.
Rehune I'm happy to provide you with an alibi when required Wink
I have a bit of a quandry (sp?) - I saw the MW last Monday at 33 weeks and measured 33cm so was due for next check-up after 2 weeks. But I saw her again this Monday at 34 weeks because my hands and feet were really swollen; she measured me again, didn't tell me what it was and asked me to come back in 2 weeks. When I looked in my notes after the appt my measurement was still 33cm. So, do I wait for 2 weeks and see her at 36 weeks and potentially run the risk of no growth for 3 weeks, or do i book an appt for for next week and risk looking neurotic?! Hmm Hope that makes sense!
DP and I had second antenatal class this evening - all about the labour and am now completely freaked out! OMG it's soooo soon!!!
Had lovely day with my mum thoguh - we put the border up in the nursery and lined the crib Smile Just the woodwork to paint in the nursery tomorrow then new carpet next week and it's done. I'm packing my hospital bags tomorrow too...I'm not sure how I ever had time to work!

bettyboo83 · 07/07/2011 00:06

One other thing, has anyone else used or heard about using arnica post-birth to help heal 'downstairs'?? If so, would it be cream to apply or tablets?

littlemisslozza · 07/07/2011 07:41

bettyboo yes, I've heard that, never got round to trying though so perhaps I will this time. I'm pretty sure you take it in tablet form. Another tip I have been given is to put a few drops of tea tree oil in your bath water if you have stitches. With regard to seeing the midwife, I don't think the bump measurement would worry them seeing as it was only one week between measurements, and it's really not an exact science, but if you are worried you should ring her, best to be safe. Is your blood pressure ok, did she rule out pre-eclampsia?

aStarInStrangeways · 07/07/2011 08:46

betty I took arnica tablets last time, who knows if they helped or not but they certainly didn't do any harm. You can get them from Boots. In fact thanks, as you've reminded me to get some for myself!

MrsStevo toxoplasmosis is horrible, but try not to worry too much as they probably are just being cautious. Do you have pets? Apparently most people who have cats or dogs have already been exposed to tox at some point without developing any symptoms. Fingers crossed for you.

Think I might pack my hospital bag today. We're going to visit SIL at the weekend; I told DH it might be an idea to take my stuff and the baby carseat just in case, and he looked a bit ill Grin My pelvis is really aching this morning and the baby is quite quiet - just stretching/shifting rather than more bouncy wriggly type of stuff, so I'm torn between feeling very anxious and wondering if she's getting ready to come out Shock

bebemooneedsabreak · 07/07/2011 09:28

Lurking still ...and saw people asking abt easing pain 'low down'
would really suggest this spray I used it last time a few sprays before needing a wee, a pat to dry after the wee and spraying once again on bits and on the maternity pad and the discomfort I felt was very low. Plus MW said I healed really well and fast -though it was certainly in part because of my very tidy stitches (as I used to show how carefully you need to stitch 'down there' for 2 student MWs)

Hope everyone is well. (so glad to read abt all the positive things that have happened despite health worries some have had. xxx
Things are hectic by us as I'm getting ready for my trip back to the UK! Yeah! 3 weeks time! :) :O Really looking forward to being back in my own home and thus be capable to doing some 'proper' nesting Wink x

neverlookback · 07/07/2011 10:56

haha reuhne i also had that thought about posh spice using my name but im sure heres will be totally unique like the others!!!

my pubic bone (spd) is killing me at moment building up the courage to ring for more acupuncture but it really hurt the last time!

bettyboo83 · 07/07/2011 11:07

Yes littlemiss BP was fine thankfully, I think it was just the heat. Another glamourous side of pregnancy! Grin

Rehune · 07/07/2011 12:03

Thanks for the advice Firawla and the alibi bettyboo!!! Have added that Mama bottom spray to my to do list bebemoon

MrsStevo I'm sure all will be fine, but they are probably just trying to be cautious.

I totally get what you guys say about thinking you good quite good and then looking at a picture someone else has posted on FB and gagging at the size of me. I was prepared for the tummy, but had to deal with the fact that you really grow EVERYWHERE don't you?

Rehune · 07/07/2011 12:42

MW said at 36 week appointment that baby was 3/5 engaged. What does that mean exactly?

sisterT · 07/07/2011 12:58

Hi all - 34+4 today & off to the MW this afternoon!
I used arnica in tablet form last time on recommendation from MW and reflexologist and will be packing some again.
Another top tip I would definitely recommend is to take a plastic measuring jug with you: you can fill it with lukewarm water and use it to pour over your sore ladybits or stitches at the same time you have a wee. Worked a treat for me and you dont have to be too accurate with your aimGrin

Anu3 · 07/07/2011 13:40

Thanks for your advise MrsV Firawla littlemisslozza and bettyboo. I think I will get a v shaped pillow and see how I get on with and without it. If its just 10 £ then I wont feel too bad if I don?t end up using it even :)

firawla - Ive put on about 11kgs so far and have 4 more weeks to go (or less!) But ive read that 12-15 kgs if you were average BMI pre pregnancy is what you end up putting on. Though when i asked my mid-wife that she said i should not be counting and as long as i hada well balanced diet and the baby measured ok it didnt matter how much weight i put on Blush

CappuccinoCarrie · 07/07/2011 14:13

mrsS I'm sure they're just being over-cautious and covering all bases, be glad you're being well looked after and they're being super attentive!

rehune I believe its to do with the proportion of the baby's head (three fifths) that's in the pelvis, not really sure what it tells them other than that its head down and ready to go, and presumably the more engaged it is the closer you are to birth? I'm sure some babies are fully engaged for ages, while others don't engage til you're in labour. Hopefully someone will come along with a more succinct explanation!

I've made it to 34 weeks today, only one more week til I see midwife for first time in 9 weeks. I've noticed that when I lie down the baby takes the opportunity to really stretch out, and the bum is right up in my ribs, but when I'm standing it all drops and the bum is by my belly button. Very odd. Poor scrunched up child when I'm upright.

Having been totally convinced I'm having a boy, I'm now giving serious thought to the idea that it could be a girl. My junk food cravings have been replaced by the desire to eat apples, and the way the baby's bum is, is just like DD was. My early pregnancy cravings were more like the ones I had with DS though. Who knows?!

Now three friends have given birth on three consecutive days! Last night I chatted for an hour with the friend who gave birth on Monday, and it got me so excited about having this baby that I could hardly sleep all night, I'm uber impatient for the next 6 weeks to pass quickly.

Can anyone remind me what's supposed to go in a hospital bag? Mine contains baby grows, maternity pads, disposable pants, newborn nappies, and lots and lots of haribo Blush

Leilandri · 07/07/2011 16:31

Been for a growth scan and consultant visit today. Baby is all good, and weighing approx 6.5 lbs, with 4 weeks to go, so will be another "solid citizen" Grin I got weighed (eeek) for the first time since booking in, and have put on 9kgs so far, so 20lbs or 1st 6lbs, that seems an awful lot to me so I am quite gutted :(

Packing hospital bag at the mo, and I too am struggling to remember what to put in. So far I have nightdresses, big pants and pads and smellies for me, and babygros, vests and nappies for lil un - I'm sure I'm forgetting lots??

Hope all's well with everyone? xx

aStarInStrangeways · 07/07/2011 16:34

I had a brainwave re. hospital bag the other day - my PIL have loads of miniature freebie toiletries that FIL has pilfered from hotels over the years, so I'm planning to nick a load of those instead of taking full size stuff. So if you know anyone who does a lot of business travelling, or is staying away for a few days, ask them to blag the toiletries for you.

That this is the extent of my brainwave should tell you much about my state of mind Hmm

Annie456 · 07/07/2011 16:41

My cravings are totally dictated by what you guys are eating! Yesterday I made gingerbread and now I want haribo!!!

I totally agree on the beckham baby front-I was terrified she'd use my girls name!! I guess it would become an instant no-no right?

Head is spinning after a full day of NCT-was really useful for both me and DH but I was a bit dissapointed that I was the youngest in the class by a long way (28). Makes me feel like I'm so young to be doing this - which is ridiculous!!! Trying not to get stressed as they were taking in the class about leaking amniotic fluid and I realised that what I'd put down to 'a bit of hot weather' is making me worry about a very damp feeling I've had for the past 4 days...I hate making a nuisance of myself but my midwife said I need to go to the hospital ASAP to get it checked so I'm on my way there now instead of having a rare afternoon with DH...ah well he's promised me a curry when I get back. I'm not going to allow myself to consider what would happen if my waters have gone but it's definitely odourless so I'm not sure what else it could be.... Hmm

NCT teacher was also recommending arnica tablets...
Xx

KLou111 · 07/07/2011 17:14

Hi all, sorry not been on for a couple of days. Was feeling rather sorry for myself yesterday a was up every hour Tuesday night with sickness and dia :( Was NOT nice. Typical, DH's first night back where he could have a proper sleep, and I had him up all night! Thank god we now have an en suite!!!
I'd been telling him since about 10pm I felt sick but I fell asleep on the sofa. He woke me up at 12:15 and I sat up and told him to get me a bowl as I was going to be sick and just projectile vomitted twice all over myself, the sofas and floor, sorry if TMI!!
Phoned my mum the next morning and she said to just monitor baby movements but it shouldn't go through to baby. Felt like shite all day yesterday, but feeling a bit better today and bubs been moving loads.

Regardless of that though, had a fab weekend with mum and dad, was in floods of tears when they left, not only because I am scared shitless, but also because I may not see them again now til after bubs is here. I was totally gutted. But DH thinking about going back at the end of this month for a weekend Hmm as it may be 3 months from now before he can get back or wants to go back to check on things, and also he may have a stag do. Mum and dad have offered to come back again if so, but it's like he aid, he's only 3 hours away and nothing will stop him coming back here, even if he has to leave the dog at his parents lol (he takes Bella the pup with him).

Have emptied my hospital bag and packed a labour bag with bits from my hospital bag. We were told due to lack of space, we should only have a small bag full of necessities for the birth and a bigger bag for afterwards, so i've just used the changing bag for the small bits. Must remember to repack the haribo, I just keep eating them lol!

Rehune LMAO at your MIL comment!

MrsS please don't stress too much, your little fighter have come this far with no major problems, I'm sure they'll get the rest of the way and you'll have 2 little perfect bundles :)

OP posts:
Anu3 · 07/07/2011 19:01

cappucinocarrie and lielandri - I got given a list by my mid wife in our ante natal class on what goes into the hospital bag. I found it very useful

Here it is:

It?s a good idea to pack 2 separate bags; one for use on Delivery Suite and the other for the postnatal ward; Delivery suite rooms are quite small and won?t easily accommodate lots of luggage.

Suggested pack list for labour
Pregnancy notes & birth plan
T-shirt or nightie for labour; roomy, cheap, thin cotton is best and front opening ones for skin to skin
Clean nightie for changing into
Lip balm
TENS machine if using one
CD player or ipod
Fine water spray
Cartons of juice / bottle of water
Toiletries
2 nappies, stretch suit, vest & baby hat
Camera
Snacks for yourself & birth partner.
Something to read
Phone charger (mobiles may be used, but keep on silent & use with discretion)
Arnica tablets for after delivery

Suggested pack list for the Post Natal Ward
Nighties ? front open ones (better than pyjamas)
socks
Toiletries
Dressing gown
slippers
Antibacterial wipes (to use in hospital, loos etc)
cheap cotton comfy granny knickers that you won?t mind throwing away(much more comfortable than disposables)
3 ? 4 Well-supporting nursing bras
breast pads
clothes for going home
5-6 sets baby clothes; all-in-one stretchsuits + vests are the most practical
Muslins or bibs if using
To bring in when you leave: rear-facing baby seat, plus blanket, hat & cardigan. All-in-one suit if very cold.
Nappies
Formula
Bath towels, baby linen
Maternity pads
Cotton wool
Loo roll