Due in March 2013

[Leftwingharpie]

Post your stats here and join me if you're due in March 2013.

Hey, hey girls!

Jessi... Everything is crossed for you. And you too woody
Motherofone...you poor thing. No feel dreadful for you. No advise, just hand holding.

Very strange here, no nausea. It felt wonderful, and then my friend said 'well, don't worry yourself, you have your scan on Monday', and then it dawned on me that sudden loss of symptons isn't a good thing.

As before though, I am not worried. Or at least not much. Ok nausea has abated, but I still feel my babe, no doubt about it. Roll on Monday to prove to to DH, who is slightly concerned.

Hope everyone holding up good
Xx

Oh and congrats jojo! Xx

motherofone so sorry to hear what a tough time you're having. I don't really know what to say that could be of any help or comfort and can't imagine how hard it must be for you to feel excited and pleased about your pregnancy and that feeling not being shared by your other half. Is there anyone you could turn to in RL for some support, a close friend might be easier than family perhaps? I feel utterly useless and just don't knwo what I can say to make you feel better but I'm thinking of you. Do you want to tell us about why you and other half feel so differently, or would you prefer not to discuss it?

pips No I'm not a teacher, just detest my job and only reason I've not walked out is because we were TTC, and now pg. I started at end of Jan so haven't been there that long yet, and when realised it was just not the place for me DH and I agreed we'd give TTC 3 months and if no joy, I would leave job and we'd put TTC on hold whilst I found another. Got pg 2nd month trying which is great, but now stuck in the job of course! DH totaly supportive of me leaving at earliest oportunity which is 11th week before week of estimated due date, which would be Christmas for me. Will probably mean I'll have to go back to work when LO is younger than I'd like but I just can't stay longer than the bare minimum in this job. And this time round I'd like to go back mabe 3 days so at least if LO is younger, I'm still home some of the time. THat's all assuming of course I can find a part time job somewhere!

Well, mamouth post and job rant. Wellcome newbies, congrats on your verry exciting BFPs, especiallyJoJO, it must be amazing news!

Thanks tiddleypompom yes I keep reminding myself that a lot of women have this...it's just the uncertainty that makes it hard. Can't wait until 9am tomorrow! But I know that if all is ok I am lucky to see my baby so early. I hope if it is ok I can have a copy of the scan photograph.

motherofone27 I am really sorry that you are going through such a hard time at the moment - I hope that things get better soon. Is there someone that you are close to that you could tell?

Pipsicles - I can't knit but I am thinking about taking it up now! Is it difficult?

Jessi I am sorry for all the uncertainty. I really hope that everything is ok. Thinking of you.

JoJoBella84 congratulations!

I am just watching one born every minute that I recorded from last night - this is the first time I've watched it since finding out that I'm pregnant! Have to say I am very nervous about labour. If all goes well, I'm thinking about looking into hypnobirthing.

Does anyone have any tips for preventing stretch marks? I know a lot of it is down to luck and genetics but does anyone have any particular lotions, oils or creams that you recommend?

Wow! JoJo! That's an amazing story! Congratulations and everything crossed for you! :)

Motherofone I'm really sorry to hear about your situation. That must be terrible for you. Ultimately, it is your body and there is nothing anyone can do to make you do something you don't want to. You have been sounding happy about this pg and I would say that an abortion is definitely not something to be taken lightly. My sister had two ten years ago when she was 16 and I still don't think she has forgiven herself for it. We will be here to support you whatever you ultimately decide and there will be no judging going on, but I just wanted to say what I could see. Thoughts and love your way.

Woody, I found knitting fairly easy, but also frustrating as it's so easy to go wrong, but I am making lots of little 4x4in squares in different colours and textures, so I get to experiment and change if I get bored! There's loads of videos on YouTube and video jug to help! It's very rewarding, especially when I just tucked up DS in his this evening! :)

Re hypnobirthing, I had a book recommended to me towards the end of my pg, but I think it was a little too late as I didn't have the time to do all the 'training'. I did pg yoga all the way through and found that really helpful - would recommend to all, but I may have another look at hypnobirthing earlier on this time (all being well).

Re stretch marks, after bio oiling all pregnancy, I found my first stretch mark on Christmas day, when I was 7mths and was truly gutted, but did know I had been fighting with nature! I have to say though, I continued all the way through and afterwards (when I had the chance) and a few people have recently commented on how I have no stretch marks (not that I walk around with my belly hanging out -not a pretty sight! My mum mentioned it and the lady fitting my (nearly retired) bras a few weeks ago). My conclusion therefore being that although you can't prevent them, creaming or oiling up daily may be what helped mine go lovely and silvery so quickly - I'm quite proud of them now! I'm not necessarily going to get bio oil this time, but might try some of the other lovely mum to be products out there - I bought some sanctuary bump butter before my mc - can't for the life of me remember where it might be, as we've moved since then, but was only thinking last night that I should have a look for it!

Sorry for the massive response!

Motherofone. - just wanted to send massive hugs to you. Only you know what's right for you. You poor thing you sounded so excited earlier. Could it be a mini man wobble? Feel free to vent more if you need to. Could you tell a rl friend so you have someone on your side?

jessi .. so sorry that the bleeing continues. I really hope the scan in 11 days gives you some good news. Thinking of you.

woody .. good luck with the scan in the morning. I had brown discharge with DS1. It was so scary but he is now an obnoxious 5 yr old! It ended well.

bbface .. I have been so miserable today because I have not had any sickness. But just eaten a Galaxy bar and now feel a bit queasy. Result.

eric .. I am also 5+4. God it is dragging isn't it? I have also wpndered about how you can access all the MW / EPU services without any tests to prove you are pregnant. I am always really tempted to ask the midwife but worry they will think I am some mad Munchausens type and frog march me off the premises.

motherofone .. my god, what a tough time for you. I really hope you are OK. I can offer no advice other than ask / accept help from anyone who offers. If it will help you, don't try and be brave and do it all on your own. Good luck.

leftwing .. a full nights sleep ... oooh I am jealous. My night is split into two blocks - 11 to 2 and 4 to 7. YAWN!

Well, still ages of a booking in app or a scan and I am quietly panicking most of the time. I just wish I had a magic ball that I could ask "is the baby alive and well" and get back "It is decidedly so". Is that too much to ask?!

Bastard cat just came and lay on the keyboard and when I tried to move him, he bit me! Git. I am the only one who is nice to him in this house too. Talk about ungrateful.... grrr!

woody .. don't be scared about labour, just be prepared for it. And by that I mean mentally, although you do need a bag of crap to keep you busy if it goes on for hours.

Be prepared to be bored. Be prepared for the pain to be awful. Expect to change your mind about the elaborate birth plan you concocted weeks before when faced with said pain.

Be prepared for the doctors to also want you to consider different options to the birthplan if things are not progressing as planned.

What I mean is, try not to be too fixated on a birth scenario, so you can just roll with the punches without feeling too upset by changes / alterations.

Does that help??

And, punch me for being so predictable, unless you are super unlucky with a horrendous birth, you will not dwell on it all afterwards. Yeah, it hurts like hell, but you get over it quickly.

(although the stitches can smart for a few days!!)

Motherofone, woody, Jessie - big love & positive thoughts for you all. Not sure what to advise, but thinking of you all x

Weird day - got offered a great new job (was headhunted before I knew I was PG, had some concerns so turned it down) they came back with a great revised offer but I felt I had to tell them I was pg! Feel a bit deflated and strange - pregnancy already having a major life impact & still anxious that so much could go wrong

Thank you everyone,
i feel terrible today im not sure if its the hormones either but the situation with my partner isn't helping.
I don't want to hurt him but I've decided to keep my baby and with or without his support I will get by and I work so Im capable to provide for him or her :) i take some happiness in that thought.
Im independent and string willed, i had a sleep and I treated myself to a curry lol so feel a bit better now.
I don't know why but i find it easier to discuss my private life with you guys easier then my friends and family, which sounds odd but i hate being a burden on people.
Only time will tell what happens to our relationship but I've come to the conclusion i CAN do this alone
thank you very much forthe kind words and again sorry to waffle lol
xxxx

Good on you motherofone. I admire you. You are obviously a strong and resourceful woman and you will make a fab mother to this baby - single or otherwise! x

Golly, what a lot to catch up on. I had a bath & early night yesterday - twas lovely. I was trying to remember when I used to go to bed when DS was newborn - think it was 9pm, after expressing a bottle that DH would give at 10.30pm - thereby allowing me a whole 4-5 hours sleep before the night feed. Can't believe we're going back to that again so soon - must be mental :o

Firstly, motherofone I don't know much of your situation but I can't help but feel that your decision to keep your baby is the right one for you. As others have said, you have sounded so happy to be expecting - I am not sure any relationship could handle the blame/resentment/hate if you did abort and then go on to regret it. We are here for you throughout the process - and tay has said it all really - you'll be a fab mum.

ted your post made me smile - you ought to write for a living! bb the nausea comes and goes with me too, and given it is a reaction to hormones, it makes sense that your body will start to cope better with the onslaught - try not to feel sad and keep that lovely faith you have in your baby.

Can't recall who asked, but re: stretch marks. I hate the smell of bio-oil and used clarins oil last time, once I'd run out of cocoa butter. I was v lucky and don't have any marks from last time - but neither has my DM so I think it really is genetics.

ted has written some wisdom about delivery. I used hypnobirthing CD last time - great for relaxing late pregnancy but I'm afraid it all went out the window in the end. As did my birthplan. Planned waterbirth in MLU. Brought ipod of music, books, snacks etc (mahoosive bag). Went in to triage to be told I wasn't in labour and wasn't coping well with the pain (bitch). Thank GOD we ignored her and stayed (and didn't take the pethidine she offered). DS was born an hour later by consultant using forceps. Can't say the chanting helped much (!) but gas and air was great. They say your second comes more quickly...

jojo HOORAY!!! Welcome on the boat and huge congratulations on your BFP after a long time trying. You must be over the moon :)

Good luck for later this morning woody & I hope everyone is feeling a bit happier after a sleep. Such anxious days for us all - and super cruel that time has started to go sooooo slowly...

hi everyone - Morning all. Can I get some advice? Has anyone ever taken progesterone supplements during early pregancy? I am so paranoid about m/c and have already had two and wonder if I should explore this. I'm worried if I go to the doctors he'll just say, 'well, you're old...' but surely progesterone supplements can only help, not hinder?

I woke up this morning with cramps and lower back pain and I just had that horrible feeling. Really hoping it's stretching and not imminent m/c! I'm barely 5 weeks so really have fingers crossed.

Sorry suzy I can't help with the tablets - hope someone else can. I am also getting cramps & lower back ache - figured it was just a symptom of 'stuff going on in there'. I am not surprised you worry given your past mcs; is there any point me saying try not to? If the pain gets worse then it's probably worth a trip to a&e/GP to calm your nerves & ask about the progesterone? Try and take deep breaths & rest up - I hope the cramping eases soon :)

Sunny welcome to the worry yourself to death club and congratulations on your BFP! Do try to sleep a bit!

No April thread yet but it won't be long now till we're off the newbie slot! Seems somehow significant. It's about time there was a milestone of some kind.

mandasand maternity bras are heaven aren't they! I only bought one to try it and I literally haven't taken it off, except to shower. I desperately need another one because it's totally trampy to wear the same bra every day! Going to M&S at the weekend to stock up! My boobs were in agony before.

mumofone sorry to hear you've been having such a tough time. I'm glad you've made a decision you feel ok about. It's stressful enough already without any other major life dramas.

Gosh I never realised how many repulsive smells there are on the streets of Bradford. And I never noticed how many people walk round the streets smoking cannabis. I could do some police work sniffing them out - and trying not to vom all over the crime scene!

Morning everyone.
I'm really having trouble keeping up with this thread - I was on the due in May 2010 one for DD2 but as DD1 was barely crawling at the time I was able to sit on the laptop and post every five minutes. Now with 2 toddlers I'm finding that my posting time is really limited! Time to catch up with it all though so here comes a mega-post...

mother it sounds like your mind is made up on this one and as others have said, you sounded so happy about being pg there isn't really much of a decision to make. You say you don't want to hurt your DP but it's not like you got yourself in to this on your own, is it? Obviously it's his decision whether he is involved or not but 9 months is a long time for him to come to terms with it so hopefully he will decide that he wants to be a father. DH still hasn't digested the news that I'm pg again yet even though we had talked about DC3 so it's not like it's a surprise to him - I think men do take longer to get their heads round it as they're not living with the physical aspects 24/7.

bbface I would love to have a blooming period. All that happened before was that the skin on my face started to fall off (nice!) so I'm waiting to see what happens this time. TBH I don't really enjoy being pg as it just means that there is a list of things that I can't do (eat/drink what I want, roll over in bed, get through the day without backache etc).

Welcome sunny and congratulations JoJo - 10 years is a long time to wait so hope you have a glorious pg to make up for all those years!

woody hope all goes well this morning. I wonder when the next series of OBEM starts as I like to watch it as a bit of antenatal revision . They filmed the first 2 series in the hospital that I had DD1&2 in so I kept looking out to see if there was anyone that I knew...
I also second what tedmundo said about labour. Be prepared to not necessarily have the 'perfect' birth but the one that is right for you in the circumstances. I had nice plans both times but they both went out of the window yet I was broody for DC3 within a few hours of having DC2. Even though after DC2 i had to have a gen anaesthetic and blood transfusion as I had lost a lot of blood due to a retained placenta - I asked the registrar if that was what had caused the hideously painful sore throat that I had the day after and was very when she told me it was probably caused more by my screaming during the labour itself than anything else...

suzy can't help with the tablets. I will be 39 when this one is born, so not too far behind you, but I haven't heard anything about taking anything other than folic acid. Is it worth just calling your GP surgery and asking over the phone rather than having to go in for an appointment?

Right, housework is calling me so I had better go after this essay...hope everyone has a good day!

harpie I could be your queasy side-kick (think 'Watson'). Harpie Holmes & the (blood) Hounds of Bradford. Cat food is my current barf trigger, but it doesn't take much tbh. Have snuck back to bed whilst DS has morning nap as I feel utterly lousy :(

Why o why must this bit be so bloody hard?!

carik I smiled at your sore throat I'm afraid - recognised that! I also had a sore arm and was informed by DH that I had been holding onto a bar on the side of the bed and pushing hard against it with every contraction. Felt like I'd been pushing weights for days!

Suzy, a friend of mine (medic) told me that if I had a third they might give me progestorone to reduce risk of premature labour (DS1 and DS2 both very premature) - I'm going to ask the midwife at booking in appointment in a couple of weeks. Am hoping they don't suggest a cervical stitch ....

Tiddely hope you feel better soon! Sleepless night here worrying and have pulled a sickie as stomach all over the place, feel majorly guilty but will do some work from home at the w/e to catch up. This bit does seem hard! Think I need more exercise or something to cheer me up.

Morning ladies. I have been rubbish at keeping up with this thread! I've spent the night in a panic as I had a tiny tiny speck of bleeding last night. It really was tiny, like from a pin prick and hasn't come back today. I don't know what to do. I'm terrified of mc, I can't go through that again :( I'm just under 5 weeks, can it still be implantation bleeding at this point? I don't have sore boobs at all and they were awful last time :(
Sorry for another me me me post. I'm sorry to read about the scares some of you have had too.

Hi everyone, congratulations on all your BFPs. May I join you? I'm 5w 5d after a mc in early May. It's my first DC, and I'm no spring chicken (37 in October), so feeling v nervous and worried. I'm also veering between obsessively googling and trying to ignore it. Next week I will go to the EPU and beg them for an early scan. The sonographer who scanned me last time (and gave me the bad news) said I could come back at 6 weeks with the next pregnancy. So just trying to stay sane till I get some news. I don't really have any pg symptoms, just a bit of tiredness and hunger. What I wouldn't do for a bout of nausea right now!

Suzy I took a 400 mg progesterone supplement daily with last pg, because I had my levels checked and progesterone was borderline. But this time I've opted not to take it, because it meant that my pregnancy continued despite the fetus not developing beyond 5 weeks. But yes, the supplements can only help, not hinder, so if you are in doubt I would try and get a prescription. I would take them if I hadn't had the experience I had last time. I hope that makes sense.

Good luck everyone. I love coming here and reading all your posts, especially as we are not telling a soul about the pregnancy this time.

Hello everyone - what a lot to catch up on! Sorry if I don't catch everyone here, but I just wanted to say that I was thinking of you, motherofone at what is a really difficult time. I don't wish to offend anyone, but men can be such prcks sometimes. Yes, I agree with others that you absolutely have to go with your gut feeling. If you feel good and positive and excited about the pregnancy, then you simply can't not* let it proceed. With or without support from OH. If you felt that that you didn't want this pregnancy for whatever reason then an abortion would be the right choice (as it sometimes is, and was for me 15 years ago) - but you cannot be pressured into that by someone else. I really hope you have a strong network of people close to you that you can - if needed in the future - draw some strength from. It could be that his insensitive reaction is the beginning of the process of him coming to terms with the news, but it's not very thoughtful. There are other ways of dealing with worries, anxiety etc. Just follow your gut instinct and you won't go far wrong. And we're all here for you in the process!

Welcome Rose - I'm 37 too with DC1 so having the same age-related anxieties, eek...!

Leftwing: oh yes, I'm still lovin' the new bra. I didn't sleep in it, but I really, really wanted to! I am heading back to M&S today to invest in some more mummy bras ;-)

Last night and this morning my stomach has really pushed out a bit. I've convinced myself I'm actually 11 not 6 weeks on as my last period was really light and when I was pregnant before I had a whole period after I had conceived so I didn't find out for ages (then panic, then much soul-searching, then termination, which all went wrong ... but that's another story!) Anyway, this morning I forked out £8 on a digital test, thinking it would tell me how many weeks, and the most it shows is bloomin' 3+, which I knew anyway! I'm such an amateur at this being pregnant malarky :-)

Hope everyone has a good day with just enough nausea to be reassuring ;-)