Nov 2011 - almost time to push!

[TerrysNo2]

Last thread was full so thought I would just start this one off - hope you don't mind as I know I've not been a regular but god forbid you guys having nowhere to chat ;)

Right, caz what's happening, I am stalking you all over the shop and need more news :)

Ladies, I received your beautiful card this morning with all your lovely messages. It means so much to us that you all care so much and that my Sylvie-Rose meant so much to so many. It's exactly four weeks today since our world turned upside-down and she went to another, better one.

It's November now so in the next few weeks, most of few will have your beautiful babies in your arms. Love them, enjoy them and don't sweat the small stuff. You are all wonderful Mummies, whatever choices you make or however things pan out.

Lk that's lovely news re your OH!
Smiling, it's took 13 years but my ds now pinches my nirvana and Metallica etc. I am very proud. He is now progressing to slipknot etc.
I figure just listening to music that I love will be soothing, for me anyways.

What a lovely message, thanks chip. xoxo

no, no baby yet (it's my EDD today,) my MW popped over this am as i was concerned about what could have been, but in my heart & hearts was sure wasn't, my waters having broken (it wasn't, just y'know, the body creating extra drama in the form of liquid! joy, the elegance of late pregnancy!) she told me as soon as she walked in she could tell my waters hadn't broken as the smell of a woman once the amniotic fluid has made its way out is very different - don't panic! not a bad smell, but as experienced MWs, they can tell these things. obviously as it's due date, she was keen to assure me all is well & so forth, (i'm incredibly lucky with my team of IMs, they are amazing!) & we chitchatted about this whole 40 weeks thing & she, very sensibly to my mind, explained that babies aren't machines & as such some of them develop at a rate that means they are full term at 42 weeks, others at shorter weeks, thus it could be that my little one is conceivably at the 38 week stage, even though we're all measuring it at 40. i'm sure y'all know this already, but for me it was that extra bit of thought process i needed to know that for me induction or sweeps aren't necessary just yet. i stress "for me;" - i don't have any complications or need for extra monitoring & i'm very calm about going "over due," as i don't feel overly uncomfortable (within reason - IYSWIM: it's still a lot of extra work to, say, get out of a chair!!) i may go for a scan to check the placenta at about 40+7 or +8, so we can be sure it's still feeding Bumpalicious correctly, but other than that i'm just checking in on her movements - which like others have noticed, have become smaller & have caused me to worry, but as my MW says, just imagine how much we'd feel like moving if our heads were locked into a tight space, our shoulders up against said tight space & our arms folded up around us! - we'd just wiggle about & then probably fall asleep too!! - anyway, it was just one of those chats when everything felt very good & sensible, so thought it would be nice to share the good vibes even if there's nothing very new in the content. my plan is to be mentally calm & ready & when it happens, it happens. i've decided whatever birth my daughter & i end up having together, (hoping for the home birth dream..) it will be the right birth for us - even an EMCS, it's the opposite of what i hope for, but if it happens, then so be it - the only thing i don;t want is to feel out of control or under-informed & panicky. but with my wonderful boyfriend & my MWs, one of whom will come with me if i end up i hospital, i have every confidence neither of them will let anything happen that isn't in line with our wishes. (PMA to myself much??)

on a slightly different, more melancholic note, i half witnessed a road crash between a pedestrian who'd stepped out into the fast running traffic & a scooter yesterday afternoon. i didn't see the collision, just saw a man roll & bounce like a pin being knocked by a bowling ball along the road & then the scooter smash into a plane tree as other pedestrians ran out of the way. i didn't see for sure where the driver of the scooter ended up, but i think i saw a crumpled mess by the side of the road. as others were on the phone, calling 999 & my line of traffic had to move, i didn't stay to gawp. i just drove to a place where i could pull over & try to stop shaking with emotion for the people involved. i have no idea if the crash was fatal, & don't want to speculate, but it reminds me of the fragility & beauty & sheer randomness - & the honour - of this life giving exercise we're all currently involved in. & well, just that really. everyone on this thread is all too aware of the preciousness of any time we might have with our loved ones. just good luck & lots of love to all x

so, to celebrate Due Day, I'm still working, so am off to the builders merchant to order stock for a new site (& scare the men into thinking i'm about to give birth!! so funny!) & then (gawd 'elp me!) ikea for a blackout blind which i completely forgot our bedroom will need for Bumpalicious' sleep pattern! xx

chipmonkey i hadn't joined this discussion at the time you lost Sylvie-Rose, but i had read your story. i wish you so much love & support at this time x

Pam I'm 12th too!! I'll race you!

IK So so so poleased DH is coming home! Lets hope baby puts in an appearance whilst he's here!

Now this day time tv thing isn't too bad! HOTH! Love it, but then i switch to the likes of comedy central for a bit, unitl 1pm where i watch four weddings and the its me or the dog (channel 152). Bit upset though as I've been watching catchphrase all this week and last, but it appears to have been replaced by family fortunes today! (Not that I should moan too much as I am supposed to be working!!!)

Aw mama would not like to have seen that. Try not to think the worst, in fact try not to think of it at all!

chip lovely to hear from you

lk fantastic news about DH!
chip thank you for your message. I hope you and family are coping

mama thank you for sharing your news. I think it's great that you feel relaxed. A god MW is very important in making you feel good and helping with your experience
That crash sounds shocking. Have you googled to see if it has been reported? Not sure if you would want to know. Just a suggestion

Chip, thanks for letting us know that you got the card, hope things are getting easier, or at least relatively given the awful time you have been going through.

LK, good to hear about your DH, fingers crossed that baby comes in time and he doesnt have to go back :)

Am stuck here in front of daytime tv too trying to express milk, don't you think that the telly gets worse as the morning goes on? Mind, the best trash tv has to be The Real Housewives of New York, mindless but entertaining, DH is totally puzzled as to why I even watch it!!

Hope everyone has a good day :)

Chip its so lovely to hear from you, I was thinking of you this morning as I did my 5am feed actually, was wondering how things were with you. And thinking what a privilege it was to have a 5am feed to do, if you know what I mean....

Its exciting news on here at the moment, so many heading off to hospital, I'm expecting loads of annoucemenets in the next few days.

Well, wait until you hear this for baby brain! I appear to have thrown out all my non maternity clothes..... I packed them away when I couldn't fit into them anymore, and I think I might have accidentally taken them to the charity shop of something. Its lovely to have to clothes shop, but its going to cost me a fortune !! I could only find one pair of jeans, and they are ancient and falling apart. My brain feels like it has turned to mush this past few months, but that really takes the biscuit....

Had a giggle at Voodoo and her metal-y music tastes. We haven't managed to get 5 yr old DD into Metallica yet, but since she was about 3, she has loved Green Day, although then I have to sit with my hand hovering over the volume as I don't want her learning the swearwords. The first music she ever decided for herself that she liked was 'Gone Gone Gone' by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, she was really little and learning to talk, and when it played she just kept going 'again, again'. But recently, we put an old CD player in her room, with the idea that after we had done her bedtime stories at night, we could put on the CDs that come with some of the story books, and she could listen to them again on her own. She was having none of it......the first couple of nights it was in there, she asked could she listen to Mumford and Sons whilst she went to sleep, and ever since then, she has asked for Bruce Springsteen!

Hi all,

This is my first post but I've been lurking for ages (almost 9 months :) ) and I've joined up as I'm looking for some advice. * TMI warning *

I'm currently 38+ 5 with number 1. About half an hour after I got up this morning I noticed my panty liner had a some pinkish discharge. Not much but def 'something'. I haven't had much more since, though I did put on a heavier maternity pad in case more happen to come and my discharge is a bit darker than normal. I've had periodish pains for the past week and a half on and off, and my appetite has increased a hundred-fold. Today my period pains have increased loads and currently have quite a sore back and a pain distinctly in my left side. I've been taking painkillers and they are helping a bit.

I've been around 2-3/5 engaged for the past 3 weeks.

With all you experienced mums and mums-to-be are things happening??? Either soonish or potentially in the next couple of days (really hope I don't have a really long first stage :( ) ... or is it nothing???

TIA

SB's Mum

Welcome SBsmum. I have never gone into labour spontaneously, but I was induced with my first, and I clearly remember the early labour pains being just like backache and period cramps. Don't know if this helps much or not, but I know there are others more experiences in these things on here who will definitely have advice.

Welcome SB. Sounds a bit like a show. I had one with my 1st and nothing with dd and went into labour naturally with both. I think (and I could be wrong) that it's something to do with the cervix starting to dilate.
Snoozle well done there your dd! My dd is 10 and although 30'seconds to mars are her fave band (like her bro and I) she also likes (whisper) JLS and one direction. She's young, she will learn! I reckon I could just zone out to what's already on my iPod so shall be taking my earphones. Just need to skip the rubbish ds and dd have put on. Black veil brides anyone? Lol.
Oooo I quite fancy rice pudding. Have a 'twisty' lasagne in for dd and I. No lasagne sheets so made a fusilli bake instead. I'm running out of things to do. I have paint left over from doing the downstairs. I may have to use it up! I am running out of patience. I'm not used to having spare time and I have to admit I don't like it! I've done the working part time and sahm bit and it doesn't sit well with me, I am a much better parent and person when I have work alongside too.

welcome sbs mum - sorry i cant help as im a green first timer but know the lovely ladies here will be able to offer lots of sage words

just a quick one from me as DH home soon (hoorah hoorah hoorah) . I noticed that a few people have said theyve had trouble on MN in hospital. Now, I know we will all have better things to do but just wanted to mention that there is an MN app for iphone ...just in case ....

Hey sbsmum welcome to the thread! Couple of questions,

do you have constant backache which is getting worse or does it tail off if you move around/have bath/go for walk?

When did you have your last mw appt and had urine checked?

There is a possibility it's a uti, ESP as pain on one side and backache.

Quick post as bout to bath DD. ...Rubber ducky you're the one... Do do do...

Welcome SBsMum. As a fellow first timer I can't really help much, but good luck!!

I am loving all this talk of daytime telly - it's making me feel much better about my current mat leave schedule. I sat down and watched Ghosts of Girlfriends Past this afternoon (was on C4 the other night so I Tivo'd it) waiting for the MW to visit. Although I did nearly tear my hair out yesterday at not seeing anybody all day! DH didn't know what hit him when he got home and I talked 19 to the dozen for ten minutes.

Saw the MW today and while my BP is still high, she's not worried. So my fears of being induced because of pre-eclampsia are hopefully unfounded. I'd like a few more days before junior decides to arrive so I can stock the freezer and get the Christmas cards written! Although I'm 37 weeks today, so really he can arrive when he wants now!!

LK glad you get to see DH soon - FX that junior's arrival times itself perfectly for you both!!

hello squeaky, sounds very much like your cervix dilating & your baby moving a little further down & engaging - last night i was experiencing all that your describe - but without the bloody bit. my MW asked me to keep an eye out for a sudden pressure in my bottom - in case, by chance, i'm one of those women who don't actually experience painful contractions in the shape/form/feelings others do ie, the waves & escalations, & actually be about to give birth!! so, keep an eye out for that!

otherwise, IME (such as it is as a first timer too!!) what you describe is your body in pre-labour, getting itself ready & nicely preparing you for labour. the longer it goes on for, perhaps the shorter the actual ouchy bit?? (PMA-ing here for you!)

but as always, get a view from your MW - i haven't take pain killers yet, firstly i'm twitchy about doing that whilst pregnant (i know!! everyone else does & i applaud you all for doing so, i'm just too scared to!! can't even remember why or when i was told not to take painkillers whilst pregnant - probably in the 2st trimester.. anyway, i digress:) but most importantly, i haven't wished to, so maybe your pains are worse & need some attention? i've never had a period pain in my life so all these "period like pains," MWs & Docs talk of mean nothing to me; all i know is the lower area of my uterus feels achey & it's neither bone or muscluar related; it's just there. hope that helps! good luck & how exciting!! x

oh, just read moosey's post - very wise suggestion re:UTIs.... if it's too late to see anyone tonight, does a hot water bottle work as well in pregnancy at soothing the pain as it does when not up the duff? ... that might help you until morning when you can see your doc/MW.... x

Evening all. Chip, thank you for your reminder about how precious this all is. I'm sorry I never managed to add a message to your card - no bodies fault but mine - but I hope things are beginning to be less sharp for you all. My thoughts are still with you, and often.
Squeaky - sounds like things are starting to me too. With DS, i wokeup early with period like cramps, but because they werent constant I figured they may well be early contractions - they really werent to painful at all, though they got progressively more so (over the next FOUR F*ing days), but then about lunch time I got a bloody mucus show, and then carried on passing a lot of mucus for a while. But it was quite distinctly not within the bounds of normal "bit of extra mucus/darkening". But painkiller wise, I took a couple of paracetamol around day three (by which time I hadnt slept for two nights and was contracting every three or four minutes but was still, apparently, in false labour). But when I rang the midwives the night of the day before I gave birth, the woman assessed whether I was in labour by asking me if I felt like I needed pain relief! Stupid cow! An hour later, they acknowledged I was in labour and came out to me, but I didnt have pain relief other than tens and warm water all the way through, so how the hell "do you need drugs?" was supposed to be an accurate assessment I DONT know. However, I digress. The point at which they did finally come out I was indisputably labouring, and you'd be hard pressed to miss it at that stage. Though Mama, I love the notion that some women just dont experience it as pain. I really tried to work with that notion last time around but just lost it entirely - in fact, you anxiety about just loosing mental control during labour was my biggest problem and what made it so hard. I am once again trying to conceptualise it in advance as sensation rather than pain. Not doing so brilliant with it mind you! And I find myself an alarming prude about the concept of an orgasmic birth! I mean, having given birth before and having had my dignity stripped away to nothing and not really minded so much, I STILL feel I would be mortified to have a big old orgasm in front of the midwife! Still. I think I could get over the mortification for the trade off! Dont seem so likely though.
Day two of maternity (techincally annual) leave - just so NOT bored and not watching day time tv. Instead, the world of toddlerdom. Ok, so yes, that means I AM bored, but not in a "need things to do" way. Today we have done painting, been to the sea side, had an unusually protracted but on Mummy nap and had a bath together. So its not been so bad on the surface, but ds is being a mega brat today. Terrible twos are ramping up now he's actually passed his birthday I think. Tonight I need to do uni work. I havent cleaned, cooked, prepared the babies stuff, packed the hospital bag, practiced relaxation or visualisation or sat on my backside with my feet up and rested. Hmph. I dont see the window when any of that is likely to happen, either.

Hi, Thanks for the welcomes and comments.

Re the UTI: I don't think I have a UTI, could be wrong of course but don't seem to have any other typical symptoms eg, pain when going to the toilet. The pain in my side is for now.

I last saw a MW a week ago today.

I have only taken painkillers twice during the pregnancy and maybe should have held off but had workmen here all day and didn't want to be in such pain when they were around. - I've a VVV low pain threshold and am not good at hiding it apparently (so says my DH!) They are starting to wear of now and then I will start to time the contractions. I have been having them all day, but not sure if they are BH or labour ctx. Hence waiting on the PK wearing off.

Should I be on my hands and knees... (washing the floor, cleaning up after workmen :) ) or are there any other suggestions ???

Thanks again

Best suggestion I have is to keep moving. Not always easy.

Also, meant to say - couple of months ago, we had the awesome momment where DS, at approximately 21 months old, announced that he "'ikes AC/DC moosic". Hilarious.
squeaky, if you're going to be labouring imminently, I'd say you should be eating lightly, drinking and sleeping ro resting while you can! Sod the workmen! You're going to need your energy.

Braxton hicks are irregular and will disappear if you do the opposite of what you are doing ie if sitting, get up and move around. Or if walking, sit down.

Contractions will become more intense even if you move around, go for a walk or bath.

More info [http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/antenatalhealth/physicalhealth/braxtonhicks/#6 here]

We listen to The Rock radio station from new Zealand and DD absolutely loves it. Always moving in her high chair, so cute. But then she does cut some moves to mr blooms nursery and timmy time as well. Also loves strictly and australian master chef credits .

Hello! Congrats Mash on passing your driving test. Well done! My driving has gone to pot lately.

Good luck Alicat You should have your baby by now!

TwoJacks I don't think you should worry about the hiccups at all. I don't think there is anything you can do, any more than you can help them when they hiccup in the womb. It'll stop by itself!

Welcome SBsmum. Sounds like you'll be holding a baby soon too. Good luck!

Cep The grading of my pile was from Dr Google, though it was confirmed by GP today. Look it up on Wiki - A grade 4 is prolapsed outside the anus, and can't be pushed back in.

Busyboys Thanks for the link. I went to the doctor this morning and have been given some stuff, so I'll see how that goes first.

Allergic reaction to wax has now resolved, but suspect I may be starting up with thrush due to all the baths... despite them only being warm, and no soap involved. Ah well!

Oops

www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/antenatalhealth/physicalhealth/braxtonhicks/#6