The We Will Brook No Argument for a totally boring and uneventful pregnancy, in which we shall bloom, and a pain-free birth thread, part 3!

[dreamfeeder]

Hands around a mixture of V-shaped pillows, pregnancy pillows, and re-arranges the glittery vom buckets ready.

Gets the jelly snakes going, along with some Cadburys for good measure, and a strategically placed fruit bowl to disguise the unhealthy choices.

Flicks the duster round, sinks down into a comfy sofa and awaits the rest...

Congrats Hawthers! Sounds like a perfect scan, and you're soooo close to term! That's excellent news!

Also congrats on the pram purchase Dream. I can imagine it's nerve-wracking making such a significant purchase so early. You don't want to miss out on a great deal though, and remember these are No Brooking twins!

I've had the longest day, but it's also been productive (which is rare for me since becoming pg!) I managed to drag myself to Oxford St after work despite starting with a breakfast meeting at 7.30 am and not finishing my last meeting until 7.30 pm! I bought LOADS of maternity clothes at Gap, which is a relief because all of my normal clothes just look embarrassing at this point! The maternity clothes make my bump seem much bigger tho...

Soooo glad tom is fri!

Morning all.

Hope everyone is well. Here is a link to the Count the Kicks website if anyone wants it.

Hawthers - what delightful scan news! Really pleased for you. It must be so reassuring .

Dream congratulations on your monster buggy! Did you say somewhere up thread what sort it was? (Sorry, am on iPad and can't check back ).

Ninja, hope last night was dryer in your house - fingers crossed for you....

Ermmm, I'm forgetting everything else I've read now....

We're going away for the weekend with our uni friends and their families which I am really looking forward to. It will certainly be nicer this time being pg as last time two of them were pg but had announced the pgs months after we started trying, so although I was pleased for them, it made me feel a bit . On the other hand I think one other couple have been trying for a while so feel a bit bad for them . Kinda hoping they'll be pg, but if not I reckon they might have been trying for a year already. Hope they don't hate me .

It's a bit weird actually, when I think of me out with ds, I think I am just the sort of person that would have earned a scowl from me in the past. 'Oh look, there's another pg already with a child ', which just proves that you never know just by looking. But I always hope that people aren't looking at me thinking the same thoughts iyswim? I never really felt too jealous of pg ladies, it was those pg and with a child already that got me, and I'd be obsessing about what the age gap looked like. In fact I still obsess about other people's age gaps now! I think I may need to get out more.

Right not sure what I'm rambling about now.

Scarlet are you feeling better now after your cramping scare the other day?

yes biscuits you do need to get out more . Seriously all long term ttcers know how bloody hard it can be on you mentally. If you think the others had been trying over a year and still aren't then maybe casually mention it took a long time (if this is the kind of conversation you can have with them that is). I guess it could stop it feeling like its so easy for everyone else?
We only had one bed strip last night but we also got a nightmare complete with tears and sobbing at 5.30 so was still up twice. Think we are off to buy pull ups again today. And do mountains of washing. But I shall be seeing 2 of my nct chums so may console myself by telling them I'm pg. They both had issues conceiving (one had ivf dd then managed to conceive her ds natually at 40 and the other needed clomid for both her dc), they both know how long we've been trying so I'd be quite chuffed to tell them.

Congrats of the mega-buggy dream I imagine they shall be very comfy in it.

scream well done on the shopping! That sounds like an epic day, hope everyone else will well?

Ah Ninja - it's kind of nice telling people who know what you've been through.

Good luck with the washing

I think I might try to drop in at some discreet point that it took a while, but I did have a conversation with the husband 6 mths ago, which is how I know they were trying. But then from their point of view I guess it would be scarce comfort that we struggled to get pg ^again* when we already have DS and they're trying for DC1? Still I will be on full brooking alert in case an opportunity should arise to talk it out.

I just wish ttc wasn't such a struggle for so many people . If I had a magic wand.....

oh I know, it does strange things to people, usually the people who least deserve it too . Have a lovely time over the weekend though, I think you of all people would be sensitive to how other people react to things though considering the ride you've been on to get here.

Right, best put the pooter down and go put the washing on.....

Biscuits you need to get out more!

I have to admit, that I have never felt about anyone else being pg. Even when it was taking an age TTC DS, even when I was having my MCs. I don't know why, I just didn't. I just couldn't connect someone else being pg to the feelings of wanting a baby myself. The only pregnancy/baby I wanted was my own iyswim? Plus the fact that my career was in HR and I was privvy to lots of personal information about people and their absences and problems. I guess I've always been very aware that loads of people have a hard time of it and you just can't tell who by looking at someone.

More or less everyone knows now about me being pg. I'm not currently aware of anyone who may be upset by it. But the other day, I told an aquaintance who I bumped into and for a split second I saw her face fall. She recovered quickly and offered congrats etc but it made me feel really bad. I could be completely wrong, I know nothing about her personal situation. But that was the first time during this pg that I thought the news might have affected someone else.

I'm rambling now. We've got visitors coming to stay this weekend and I'm supposed to be cleaning the house while I'm DS free. Big mistake turning the computer on. Better get back to it now.

Have a good weekend away Biscuits And yes, I'm feeling much better now, thanks for asking. Must have just been one of those crampy days because I've been fine since

I got the jealousy hearing other people's age gaps biscuits!! Totally irrational, and I was always pleased they were pg, I just wished I could be too. And we were only trying 4-5 months for the twins, and took 6 months for dd, but that was mainly as got pg first go, miscarried at 5 weeks and was shocked and gutted so didn't start trying again for another few months.

So my new monster buggy, that I was so keen on as the seller indicated he'd bring it up to his in-laws 30-40 min from us has emailed to say thanks for paying, but ignored or didn't see first (and not got second email?!) saying we'd be delighted if you can get it up north... Suspicious or just coincidental?! I think I'd rather pay s courier than drive over 300 miles to collect. Without thinking they'd deliver, at least to their MIL I wouldn't have been so keen!!! I hope I'm just being impatient and did say no urgent rush, I'm not even very pg yet! its the one fishcake suggested on old thread biscuits, ABC adventure double buggy with a reclining toddler seat. Made by Phil and Ted, but why they can't sell it in the UK too I don't know.

I took dd to a toddler group we'd not been to before this morning. A mum I'd never met before commented on my bump, and when I said I was only 18 weeks was gobsmacked, saying god! It surely couldn't keep growing like that, and pointing it out and how (not) far along I am to her friends. I felt like a bit of a freak show... But dd really enjoyed it at least.

Have a lovely weekend biscuits, sounds like it will be! Good luck with the washing ninja, he sounds quite close, and what a shame about the nightmare. Well done for the productivity scream! Can't remember anyone else, am on phone.

I think more than about other pgs I was just reminded that we weren't. And I'd thought I'd like a 2-3 yr age gap after DS thinking a year would be ooooooodles of time to get pg. so mostly I became obsessive once the pint had passed to have dc2 before DS was 3 iyswim.

I still get a little twinge of it with friends with a smaller age gap now - I feel bad that DS is still waiting for his little brother or sister . And even once it arrives it won't be a 'proper' sibling for a several months that he can play with or whatever!

I know what you mean about the 'face fall' when you tell someone Scarlet. I think that happened when we told BIL and SIL - turns out they were in the 2ww before they got their BFP when we told them! No idea how long they'd been trying though.

I should add though that as the 19 moths went on I did turn into a total ttc obsessive so am still recovering from my obsession I think!

I got a bit green eyed at a close friend who got pg 'by accident' with her second when we were trying for this one. I also know my cousin and his wife might be a little green eyed at us when they hear on the family grapevine that we are pg with second already as their ds is a year older than dd and they have been trying for a second for a while. All swings in ttc roundabouts I guess!

Had 24 week scan today and although the notch is gone dd2 is still small on the tummy and legs (head has gone to 50th centile rather worringly though!). Dr was telling me not to worry at all but explaining about starvation in utero and booking me in for another scan in 3 weeks not 4 so now am of course worrying! She said that monitoring movement is the most important thing so am off to decide the best way to do that - does anyone know of an iphone app? I think I desire more detail than a bracelet and can't use pen and paper as will be permanently accousted by dd shouting 'door-wing' at me and grabbing it.

Exciting news on the pram dream! My 2 seater ebay bargain in the garage seems bloody enormous to me so can't imagine what yours must look like!

I am waiting for the results of my NT blood test. The hospital said they would phone today if risk was high. Would they have phoned by now or will I have to wait until later to be able to relax?

No idea when the hospital would phone wants but I'll give you a hand squeeze and a hug while you're waiting

May your telephone stay silent......

I reckon by 17.00 you're good to breathe out... Nearly there wants!

Wants, I'm sure you're in the all clear now! Hope you've relaxed a bit :)

pomme, so glad the notch has disappeared. I'm sure the legs and stomach will even out too! Starvation in utereo? Why do doctors tell you not to worry then tell you about scary sounding things like that?!

That's so annoying about the buggy dream, though I'm sure you'll have still got a bargain even when you factor in the cost of the courier? How frustrating though...

Hawthers, that's brilliant! So close - how exciting!

Oookaay! No phone call so far, I won't completely relax until I have the confirmation letter in front of me but am feeling a little bit more confident now. Baby's nuchal fold measured 2mm which I was told was well within the limits but my age may affect the bloods. Everything crossedxxx :/

Oh pomme, I hope you're not worrying too much... I think it'd be far more worrying if the head wasn't bigger! Starvation in utero sounds scary though. My ex colleague was telling me how with their third they were very concerned about his growth. They said the head wasn't growing, the body was disproportionate and baby much too small etc etc. They ended up having weekly scans under a consultant. Their son was born 9lb 10 and totally normal, has always been big for his age and is a gorgeous looking 7 year old now. Consultant was gobsmacked!!! My friend who's an anaesthetist, so attends lots of births that have an epidural or CS also says growth scans are notoriously unreliable. Try not to worry (!!!), and at least they're monitoring you closely. I shall brook no argument dd2 will be tracking nicely and consistently along the 50th centile in 3 weeks for you.

wants, good news there's no phone call and i hope you're feeling chilled.

also Pomme- this model of monster buggy is called the everest, and I'd say not because of its suitability for mountain expeditions...!!! It's ginormous. Still no response from the seller about collection/delivery despite super quick responses up to now. I'm crossing my fingers and giving them the benefit of the doubt a bit longer...

Thanks,biscuits,pomme and musical . I will try and have a worry free weekend now. We are being taken out for dinner sat night by our friends who want to celebrate our news.

Ooo, Meconium, I think I have a vibrating baby too! Have thought I've felt a few things over the past few days but wasn't sure, but this evening I'm getting some definite vibrations that I can't attribute to anything else! How exciting! :D And it keeps happening - clearly mini musical is a fan of sausages and mash? Either that, or it's mimicking the cat who keeps sitting on me and purring...

Wants, hope you can chill out a bit now :) Your scan was on Monday wasn't it? Mine was the week before, and they'd said the same to me - I'd hear by Friday at the latest, and heard nothing. This Monday, the letter came (they said it would take a fortnight!) so I panicked a bit - but they were just very prompt.

I reckon you're safe now Wants. Congratulations. Enjoy celebrating tomorrow.

pomme I agree with dream. It's great that the baby's head's grown. I think it's pretty commonly known that growth scans can't be completely accurate so try not to worry. It's great that they're keeping an eye on you.

Pomme glad to hear the notch has gone! Try not to worry about the growth- when I was being monitored with DD the dr told us that a single scan is not a particularly good indicator of size and that it was comparative measurements at fortnightly intervals, at least, were more useful. I had blood flow to the placenta checked more regularly so they can do that too if they are worried. Hawthers is in the middle of monitoring so might have better info- my memory has clouded over time and my growth monitoring for this pregnancy doesn't start for another few weeks. Plus, mine started much later in pregnancy last time. It's good that you are being kept an eye on- hopefully the scans will just turn out to an extra opportunity to spy on the baby before she is born!

If you find a movement app please do share it! There is no way I would remember with a bracelet- I am always taking my watch off and leaving it in odd places but my dsis has just given me her old phone so I am entering the future with an iphone (albeit at least two years behind everyone else!).

We had a loooong day here. DD is v tired and grumpy. Went to soft play and I think I spent more time on the equipment than her. She kept climbing to the top and then refusing to come down. I did get a dress for my viva though!

Agree with the others Pomme - glad the notch is gone, and brooking super hard that the scans show the right level of development going forward. As Fishcake says, I'm sure comparing your series of scans tells them a lot more than taking one scan in isolation and comparing it against arbitrary averages. Still brooking hard for you though.

Been thinking about Bartlet too - don't know if you're lurking at all but sending lots of love your way xxx

I keep meaning to google Dream's monster buggy! Will maybe have a quick look after this post.

Hope everyone else is well and has a nice weekend planned.

I am sure there is a movement app on Count The Kicks - yes: here it says there are a few. Pomme, I really hope LO has a sudden growth spurt and everything catches up soon. Some babies just have big heads for their weight! And it is really brilliant that the notch is gone. Will start Brooking for growth right now.

Dream is your buggy one of these?

Do the twins go downstairs or upstairs on yours?

I'm off to look for a movement app now.

BTW Pomme (was it you?) at your ds and her 'door-wing' - how cute!!

Morning!

Yes biscuits, the top one of that link. A monster buggy indeed... I figured when dd walking I'll prob still be pushing the twins, hence went for the double with a seat on top. The top seat comes off of course.

I also loved the 'door-wing' comment! Looking forward to dd talking, even though everyone says then they never shut up!!

Oo thanks for the links on the movement apps all. Thanks for all the support too. Apparently it's the tummy measurement they want to be bigger but yes it IS good that the head is fine now, just worried she must look all out of proportion (I imagine her to be a little like a waybuloo piping actually..!)

'Door-wing' is indeed my little pickle. Talking is generally lovely dream but then you do get things like 'MORE' being shouted at you repeatedly and very loudly when they haven't even got anything to have more of!

Musical - loving the idea of your bean impersonating the cat!!

I have also been thinking of Barlet. Hope she's doing okay.

fishcake is spot on with the chat about comparative scans. Our consultant has taken measurements over many scans to see what is normal for me and for baby hawthers. He also says that it is the growth velocity that they look at rather than positions on the chart. We've been on the 18 percentile all the way which is fine for us but if it drops from that level they may have concerns. Oh and plus babies do grow at different rates over the whole pregnancy which is why they do dating from the 12 week scan.

Mostly they are being over cautous with over referring but its much better that they do keep an eye on you. How many weeks are you now - I've lost track of everything at the mo!

Will be brooking for you anyway before your next scan. Try to relax and not worry (pa! Easier said than done) x