Due in October 2012 Part 6 - Third Trimester Trials and Tribulations

[YompingJo]

Shiny new thread!

Ready?
Steady?
Go!

...and here I am again! Zoeplankton emerges as Planktonette!

The original name was a pretty lame joke - there's such a thing as 'zooplankton' which are just cute little marine animals that bob about in the sea. 'Zoeplankton' was my 'pun' (sub-pun) (sub-sub-sub-pun) on that.

I like plankton. Plankton are any marine animal that goes with the current. Fishes and squid and complex marine animals choose what direction they move in (making them 'nekton', if you were wondering) - plankton don't, they just go with the flow.

Whichever way the current takes you, that's the plankton life I kind of figured it was appropriate for the pregnancy experience!

Maybe when the baby is born I will transmogrify into ZoeTigerShark

Hello planktonette, welcome to the world of namechanging! I like the idea of transmogrifying. Let me know how that goes for you! I've transmogrified into gibberingwreck! Crazypaving seemed...I dunno...better! And as for work, I'm giving up as soon as I possibly can. My contract ends on 6th Sept, so I'm taking a saved-up week's annual leave, and a couple of shorter days the week before (I only work 2 days/week anyway). I am literally counting down the days, as I'm finding work hardcore atm. On my feet all day, lots of walking to do, stressful interactions with patients and families.

I think the genetic risk of pre-eclampsia is a very good reason to stop, and imo 35 weeks isn't that early! I know lots of people work right up to the day but I'm not in that camp - as I've said before, the last few weeks I had on mat leave before DS was born were absolute heaven (well, as heavenly as being heavily and miserably pg can be )

Moan of the day from me, other than being horribly hot - just had an email from my (mentally ill) mother, asking when she can come to stay and help after the baby's born. Obviously I don't mind her coming to meet the baby, but I c.a.n.n.o.t deal with her coming to stay and "help". She is a total liability, she drives me utterly insane, and with my increased risk of PND I really don't want her around. I don't know what to do/say without hurting her. But if she comes to "help" there's a high chance I will commit matricide. And bury her under our lovely new patio.

In other wonderful news, I've put on more weight than is recommended by most online weight gain calculators. Feel like a fat chubber, have an enormous appetite, a double chin emerging, and my knickers are straining to contain my arse.

Waddling off now to weep in a puddle of self-pity. With some chocolate, no doubt

Welcome Planktonette !!! Cool name! Hope u not too annoyed when lazy phone typers like me call you Plank !!

Oh dear on the pre-eclampsia. I supppose all you can do is try to be as healthy as possible, look out for signs and hope that you can genetically buck the trend!!! Good luck with it!

And oh dear on day with mother Yompimg ........... Can sympathise. I have not fully gained the skills of letting it all wash over me, i tend to bite too often! My mums favourite is telling me how wonderful / beautiful / organised / well off / bloody brilliant everyone else is while asking loaded pointed questions about our lives! And do not get me started on dad who really thinks he knows everything about anything and we are all stupid and thoughtless (did i ever tell you all about his theory that women who cannot breastfeed are obviously too lazy to do it?! Thought DH was going to finally punch him.......)

Enjoy the day and tell yourself that some day we will probably be annoying mums too who think we know best!!! Even tho we actually will kno best....!

Well done on the work decision Planktonette . Need to look out for you and baba. SHit oh shit that you have missed maternity pay cut off!! Sucks. I am planning to work until end Sept, baby due 14th Oct (or 13th, depending who ignores the leap year...?!) but I am self employed and with unemployed DH we really need the money. I am however fully realistic and will stop earlier if need be. Thankfully just agreed my cover with a really lovely girl so that has taken a major stress of my shoulders.

On that note, must go eat. And yes, my stomach too is shrinking by the day. Wake up starving, breakfast causes indegestion. Eat when I should but would be happy with a bsicuit and a glass of milk!! Ah well, i shall stay skinny and turn in to a ball on sticks before October!

Ciao all!

crazypaving - know the feeling re: parents...MIL is wanting to arrive the minute little one makes an appearance (I will end up killing her!) but if anyone should have priority I feel it's the mother of the lady carrying the kid for 9 months. My mum has a long (40 years) history of alcohol abuse, which in turn has led to an increase/exacerbation of mental health issues and general health issues. Don't really want my mum around but think she has priority over MIL.

If it makes you feel better I have consumed 4 litres of chocolate milkshake since yesterday (craving for dairy!). In other (possibly related news) my heartburn is now at epic proportions.

Thanks all for the supportive words. I read the riot act again to DP on my return and gave him a list of things I required him to do this morning if he wanted me to take them all on holiday (he can't drive). So far he is diligently working his way through them. Not sure if I feel like a hormonal old cow for losing it so much, but I figure I must be rationally serious about this - I didn't do any crying or temper losing and I really feel at a loss.

CWest - I hope the move to the parents goes well.

Elpis - I think the near-due-date partner-travels would not be sitting that well with me either. Hope you're able to negotiate a compromise that doesn't run so close to your due date.

Feeling sorry for all the melting ladies - Yomping you made me laugh! That could so be me and I've so been there before in the 'need shorts below a dress but hell they're uncomfortable' situation! :) However, glad you all have some good weather at last. We've had a little rain (at last) but it's still humid and I'm still camped next to a fan if I do any exertion at all! Feel particularly sorry for all the Londoners - as the smoggy humidity there when temperatures get high can be very unpleasant!

Planktonette - the pre-eclampsia thing must be a worry. Have you actually been diagnosed or does it just seem like a foregone conclusion with your history? I'm worried about it too actually. I was narked as DP called his GP (who I'm under) to get me my 28 week appt today (MW wanted me to see GP) and they can't 'fit me in' until I'm 30 weeks (and then I'll need to be seen at 32!)! Feels like it kind of defeats the purpose a bit. I've been feeling puffy faced and want to get checked out for pre-eclampsia so I'm going to have to call the day before and 'pretend' I'm an emergency. Norway's a bit like France like that; everything seems to virtually 'close down' for the holidays - there are no takeaways open for weeks and weeks, for example (not that that's a huge issue for me or anything ) - and for some daft reason, they let most of the doctors go on holiday overlapping (never was allowed at my hospital) so they are operating a 'limited service' - doh! People better not get sick or have babies for the next few weeks then!! Sorry, I'm digressing into irritated rant again. Boy do I need a holiday alone would be nice though! Must go and pack, the step-brats natives are getting restless... Stay cool y'all!

fjordmor - it's not foregone, it's just likely-er. Probably won't happen, just being cautious!

Pre-eclampsia gets about 5% of pregnancies, more common in the 1st pregnancy. Basically it's freakish high blood pressure, which narrows your arteries. You don't want that because baby doesn't get enough blood, and it generally sucks.

Once it's kicked in, pre-eclampsia won't go away until you actually give birth - they tend to induce you pretty sharpish if you're beyond about 36 weeks as I understand it.

The annoying bit is that the symptoms are things like 'back ache' and 'headaches' - all the normal pregnancy things! Gr. I get my blood pressure taken at the pharmacist fairly regularly, just so I know what 'normal' is - so if it shoots up, I'll know :)

crazypaving ooooh, ouch. Hard one. Do you have any family in town that she could stay with? Maybe coming over during the day but going away in the evening might be a middle road you can cope with? I guess it depends on the balance - making her feel OK vs. your own health and happiness (and baby's...) very difficult. Any chance she'd understand a kindly worded version of 'no, don't come'?

My sympathies - my MIL has what I suspect to be a personality disorder (can't prove that though) and if I thought she was coming to stay... yikes, I just seriously gave myself shivers down my back.

crazy and kyyria, am with you on the MIL front. Mine says she's heading to London the second I go into labour. As she lives in another country, this means not just popping in to say hello, but staying in town several days and possibly spending lots of time with us. I get on really well with her, and she's not the type to be horrible or to interfere, but I want our baby to ourselves for the first couple of days! I've already told my mum that she can pop in for an hour and then she has to go away when she's told.... but I can't say that to my mother in law- and I'm not sure my husband will.

I don't think I'm being selfish to think us spending time with our baby takes priority over both families descending on London and interrupting our family bonding time! I mean we'll spend the first few days just trying to work our which end of the baby is which, I really don't need an audience for that.

It's a tough one that is worrying me quite a lot. My hubby's family is really important to him (which I love about him), so it's a hard thing to discuss.

Hello all.

Fjordmor Feel for you on the step family. I live in a big extended family that can wreck my head, frequently, but I've been very grateful to recently. I lived in Canada for a few years and I missed my support network. You are very brave to have embraced your new life (career/ partner/ extended family/ country).
BTW I would have issues with a non driving partner

Elpis CWest sorry the boys are not being their best. DH sent me a card/e-mail one time when we were dating. Anyway it said something like if I say something that can be interpreted as mean/hurtful or careless/harmless - I meant it as harmless. I've reminded him of it often but he does not remember, but it is a bit of advice I have had to fall back on from time to time. I can be broody and put a darker slant on things than they need.
What may come across as mean might be just careless. Could they be panicking about impending fatherhood?

Yomping Leaving my house for an hour or two is a big thing for me - well done on your trip.

Plankton I am off now for the next 2 weeks and I am seriously thinking of not coming back to work. Just knackered.

Crazyp Huffle Kyria on the family front.

Still no formal childcare sorted.
On the namefront - I used to be Heartburn. Then it didn't suit and the left over Gaviscon went out of date. Now it suits again

lisbeth 45yrs. 29wks 4days DC2

tee hee yomping, v. funny account of your traumatic day. :) I have been chaffing, too :( I guess that's because, like crazy, i am an overachiever, and have also put on more weight already then i was told to for the whole pregnancy. Go us!! Gold medals for us in the pregnancy weight gain competition.

Seriously, life is hardcore in this heat. Anyone of us who heads out and about is a very brave woman. I am tempted to bail on olympic ping pong this weekend because the walking, heat, crowds and toilet situation just feels so overwhelming, but I really regret not going when i was in Oz and they were in Sydney, so i need to psych myself up for it.

Sympathies, fjord. Must be really hard being a step parent, but u guys are a team, so I'm sure with your guidance, the 2 of you together can do a better job with your bean than he did with the step brats.

kyria, sorry u r feeling stressed. I think anyone would have some anxieties going back to work after what you've experienced there.

crazy, kyria and london, u r not being selfish at all not wanting relos to descend on u all at once. You need to bond with your baby and deal with all the new things and lack of sleep in the best way for yourselves, with or without family. The relos who are coming to stay with us/nearby have been made aware they are there to help and i will be looking after baby and sleeping and eating and will not be in hostess mode.

planktonnette, sounds like u have made the right decision re work. Yes, financially this whole mat leave thing sucks a bit, but u will probably be so much less stressed knowing u r leaving early, you'll be far less likely to develop pe than if you worked closer to your due date.

Well, my day with DM was actually not too bad. Either I was particularly tolerant or she was on her best behaviour, or both, but I actually enjoyed it . We went to a new museum in Southampton which was really well done (I love a good museum, me ), and although I made a particularly poor choice of footwear which gave me no support at all, and my legs hurt from all the standing up and walking, it was still good.

Then we all went to Mamas and Papas where DH was very patient while I found a dress for a wedding evening do we're going to on Saturday ( what do you think - without all the draped up bollocks though, just with the skirt hanging down as a normal dress, and I am fuckloads quite a lot more visibly pregnant that girl in pic), and a swimsuit that might fit (tried on my old one last week - it just about accommodates the bump but in consequence is pulled down at the top so doesn't really accommodate my now massive bigger boobs and looks pretty indecent), and a musical sheep thing because I read in some magazine that you can play the music to the bump and when the baby is born they recognise it and find it soothing, and DM bought us this octopus toy which is very cute.

So that was our day, and nothing insensitive was said and I am relieved it went well.

Tomorrow we have nothing planned. Hurray.

To those who have invasive parents and in-laws threatening to turn up as soon as you go into labour, have you thought of this possible solution? just don't tell them that the baby has been born until a couple of days later Would that be totally scandalous? If you don't make any public announcements, how will they know? Then you can claim (truthfully) that it has all been overwhelming and you wanted time to adjust by yourselves before they came to stay - not much they can do about it at that point, and as DH humorously (he thinks) tells me regularly, it's easier to get forgiveness than permission!

Wow this thread moves fast, I swear I was only on here monday!

Hey hey, thanks for all the nice comments about my ridiculous painted belly - I was really nervous at first but I figured once in a lifetime opportunity and I should just go for it... it was a well nice, friendly festival and I got loads of smiles and nice comments, even wandering through town and bombing about on the free buses. And yeah I was well pleased with my stamina.

Then I went back to work yesterday and it was a particularly busy day and I didn't get a break or a sit down and I just about managed in a horrible sweaty stressed shaky mess and went to bed at 8pm absolutely wiped out. Erk. Really am not managing the pace at work and various nurses sidle up to me and make sympathetic noises quite a lot. But my last day is FRIDAY! So ready to collapse!

Also one of the ward clerks said yesterday (as I was trying to do a million things at once feeling very sweaty and fat and horrible) "you have doubled in size since Friday!".. this is the same one who said, "are you sure it's not twins" last week and then went on to tell me about how she put on 5 stone in pregnancy. Er, thanks. I was feeling reasonably ok about my pregnant body until then and I know people just say stupid things but I have felt kinda horrible and grossly overweight since. For all I know I have put on 5 stone, I haven't weighed myself. I still mostly wear my pre-pregnancy clothes though... oh shut up squid. It's just hard to feel confident pregnant sometimes and I wish people would shut up if they can't be nice!

Anyway have been mostly awake since midnight as I spend half an hour lying on one side until hip hurts and then shift to the other. Wail! I'm shattered. My hips don't hurt in the day, it's odd.

Going to do mass catchup now if I can manage before brekkie!

Londonmrs ah... the trousers were from a holiday in Nepal, years ago... they are very pregnancy-friendly!

Loopyla so sorry to hear your friend's news, though as smileyhappymummy says I think 28 weeks is the magic number for things usually turning out fine. But I can't imagine how hard that must be, on the other side of the world, and with three (THREE!) tiny vulnerable babies to worry about. Please keep us updated... I'll be thinking of her.

Cherry chopsticks I'm finding the same with maternity gear - fitted and longline is def the way to go, though occasionally I have a yearning to pretend to be my pre-pregnant self and just wear a pair of shorts and giant tshirt anyway. It looks ok from the front Egg on legs is another way of saying leggy with bump, am well jealous! I am a short curvy person and always liked it but now the curve that goes in is missing! ha ha to more shopping, oh well. I get loads of stuff off ebay. And they must have some gaviscon-equivalent in Japan, surely!

Smorgs glad the antenatal class was so good! A friend of mine is 8 weeks further on than me (so due about now! eep!) and says the NHS one here is brilliant, so I'm looking forward to that in a couple of weeks. It will be nice to have something involving boyfriend too, I think partners get a bit sidelined in the whole business. Nice one on the hill walking - I used to climb mountains without noticing much and now I am well out of breath and slow on the hills. I'm still doing some hiking but yeah the pace is very different. The Pyranees! So jealous.

lisbethopposite good luck with the au pair business, I'm v impressed you're doing something so pro-active at this stage!

smileyhappymummy :( to spending the sunshine on the M1 and :( to having smoke blown in your face. I hope you've managed to get some enjoyable sun since. I am also a bit phone-phobic (crap for a doctor, isn't it) but I think phoning the midwife sounds v sensible and not wasting their time at all. Asking other doctors informally is always a bit of a minefield as (understandably) no one wants to commit to a proper opinion as you're not their patient. Anyway let us know...

plankonette hehe, I like the new name. And shut up about all the women working until they give birth at their desk walking uphill in the snow, there aren't any prizes for it as I keep telling myself. I'm stopping work at 32 weeks and after working flat out for what feels like forever I'm damn well going to enjoy 8 weeks to myself doing all the things I haven't had time to do for years before meeting my little squid. It was partly circumstances (supposed to be starting new job in a week) but ... now I'm here I am so so tired and ready to stop. Use me to feel better about yourself if you like :)

beeblebear with you there sister. How I long for a real poo.

That's all I can manage this morning, but big hugs to all those with heartburn/work worries/kid/house stresses/etc
Also can I echo yomping and say DO NOT CALL interfering mother-in-laws until you are ready to see them!

squid, 32, 31+1

yomping I was looking at that dress for wedding we going to in 4 weeks, only looked online. Thought the uppy downy edge on my 6ft person with 7 month bump wud look hilarious, didn't read that cud be long!!! Is it like full length or mid length on u? Looks nice and pretty and comfy. Still hankering after Tiffany Rose ones but so pricey! Tho the eBay resale value is v good!! Would appreciate ur opinion on MP one, might order it. Did u go for ur own size? Some of their stuff can be big? Store too hard for me to get to before wedding. X

Hey bumpalicous ladies

Thanks for all your kind words & thoughts for my friend, it really helps; at the moment I have no more news but as soon as I do, you?ll be the first to know x

My God it was hot last night Got no sleep due to heat, developed a dry cough & cruddy hip pain. I also commute to London but the worst bit is the train journey home, no air con, no breeze, just sweating, sweating, sweating for over an hour - hideous

huffle sharing your hip pain I?ve started doing specific hip exercises but they are doing fuck all not really helping, nor is paracetomal (just what is the point of paracetomal?? I?ve found it doesn?t help ANY pain for ANYTHING )

I?ve also develop a constant ache (lingering symptom from stitches?) on my right side under my ribs too - what?s that about???

Cwest How?s DH now? Has he got his act together?

And FjordMor my DH has appalling eating habits and totally worry what crap he?ll be feeding our baby when it develops to child age - 2 packs of french fries & a Mr Kipling cake is NOT a balanced diet

Thanks for the soap tip Smorgs

Kyyria also finding bending a bit tricky now, painted my toenails at the weekend but it took time, went all over my toes as well and probably the last time I can do it!!

Yomping I?m on my way & getting in the car as we speak I type!
Can?t believe your IL?s haven?t stopped smoking depsite kiddies having respiratory problems?!? Can they not see the connection? And I won?tell DH about the sneaky - pass one over will ya while I admire your very pretty dress?

My BIL and wife didn?t tell my MIL/PIL when they had a ELCS for their second dd?and they are still not over it 3 years later It still comes up in conversations, FFS!

crazy/all those who have IL or parental issues hope you?re ok and can keep some sanity around you!

And crazy/all those who have put on more than the so-called recommended weight gain BOLLUCKS to it, is what I say!

For those who have chafey/uncomfortable thighs my tip is to buy 10/15 denier tights that are one size up than you?d usually buy, snip the elastic wasitband, front & back then cut off the legs above the knee. They become like Spanx but not tight, not sweaty, not thick and the only thing that has helped me while wearing linen trousers, maxi skirts, etc and not getting sweaty & sore

Crikey, I must go. Got more work than ever and it takes me ages to catch-up & post Might need an ice cold frappucinno for work motivation?

35, 26+3, dc#1 and melting, coughing, in pain, bleurgh.

Loopy another non-sleeper last night - beyond hot. The thermometer in DS's room said 30 degrees, and our room was about the same, if not warmer as it gets the afternoon sun. Meltingly miserable I'm shattered all the time as it is! God I can't imagine the misery of an hour-long train journey at rush-hour in this heat. Have an iced !!

Planktonette yeah we've considered begging seeing if any family can put DM up. Trouble is, she is seriously hard work for anyone. And she wants to come when DH has gone back to work - I cannot deal with two small children and my mother by myself.

Thanks to all those with DM sympathy. I talked about it with DH last night, and have come to the conclusion that the only way forward is a certain amount of honesty. I'm going to have to tread veeeeeery carefully but I think fobbing her off will be useless and will only upset her more Shitsticks, I hate family

squid from the look of your recent picture I very much doubt you've put on 5st!! Particularly if you still fit in pre-pg clothes! She's prob just one of those people who wants everyone else to "suffer" like she did, and enjoys making people feel crap. I don't understand it at all.

Yomping love that dress - considered it for the wedding I went to in July but was too skint in the end. You'll look lovely!

Londonmrs do you think having a word with your MIL yourself would work? Just along the lines of what you've said? It sounds like you have good enough relationship, and it might be one of those moments where, when you draw her attention to it, she goes 'oh yes, of course, how silly, I'll come after a week' or whatever. Sometimes reasonable people just need a gentle reminder of the reality of baby-having!

lisbeth really good luck on the childcare front.

Fjordmor it must be so hard with the step-children, especially when you're in the awkward stepmother role. I don't think you need to worry about your own DC though, because you'll have equal (ha! That's what we let men think) say in discipline, boundaries etc. Sad for your DSDs though, sounds like they have potential to be lovely, just not being able to fulfil it

Kyyria it's amazing how many women out there seem to have MH issues My DH is always on high alert, looking out for symptoms And do you think your heartburn may be linked to chocolate milkshakes?! Mmmmmmmmmm chocolate milkshake.....

My nightly wee requirements seem to have upped recently. I think I remember going 7-8x a night in the last couple of weeks last time, ArGH!! And bollocks to those who say it's "preparation" for when the baby comes. At least when you go for a wee you can go straight back to sleep! And it's your own body waking you up....less of a rude awakening IME!

And seriously, when is this hot weather going to bugger off? I feel so awful saying that but it is just too hot. If it was sunny and about 20deg with a nice breeze I'd be happy as larry. But this...!

I must not complain about the heat, I must not complain about the heat, I must not complain about the heat, I must not complain about the heat, I must not complain about the heat, I must not complain about the heat, I must not complain about the heat, I must not complain about the heat.

Bloody hell it is hot in London today, struggling to catch my breath all of a sudden because I also have a stinking cold (how the hell does that work?) and have stacks of work. Beccus I know what you mean about Olympic journeys - I have one to do today to the Olympic stadium in rush hour to check out the last dress rehearsal of the Opening Ceremony [excited but already tired emoticon]. The torch is in my hood today too, but alas have to do some work so will have to miss it. Have to get myself there as DH is in the ceremony and will be the only chance I get to see him but I can hardly catch my breath sitting here at my computer let alolne on the train. Oh how I long to take a decongestant how much harm can they do right?

Loopy got everything crossed for your friend - hope she is getting the best care possible. Like the others say the odds go up considerably at 28 weeks so lets hope these good stats are on her side.

I am also in the need a decent pooh camp - such a bloody struggle, virtually need to schedule it into my days it takes so long (sorry way TMI)

Panktonette Things that help with preventing PE are Vitamin C and Calcium supplements. And daily low dose asprin. I have been on all of those as I had it last time. I am not sure how much is attributable to stress - although so many things are linked IMO--. I carried on working after I was diagnosed last time and was never advised to stop - well I suppose the baby being induced early was a big sign to stop. Do whatever feels right for you but don't think that anything you do will bring it on - it won't. I am hoping it won't rear its usgly head again and this is why I get regular scans to check the placenta function/blood flow etc. PITA but as long as you are getting regular checks should all be good.

And hell yes to hip pain - I have to alternate from hip to hip, its the only way to make it through the night. Always feels fine in the day - must be the relaxin and the extra weight and the bump dragging and putting pressure on it.

In terms of clothes Cherry and Squid tight is the only way to go for me or I look like an Oompa Loompa. Had a very funny wolf whistling incident the other day. I was walking the dog and a truck went past and the occupants started leering as they drove past me - only to look very disappointed and they drew level and then overtook me to realise I was a upduffed whale from the side and the front. Looks of their faces was a cross between surprise and revulsion.

Smiley email me your hospital number and I will make the call for you! I have no shame in this regard. You know yourself you would rather check someone than miss something so get yourself on that phone.

Totally agree that intrusive parents of PIL's should stay away. I have a tough time with DD1 - both of us were a bit poorly, she was tube fed and I still wanted to BF so spent a lot of time milking myself like a cow and trying to BF. This was my priority and I didn't allow visitors for a few days. I think this is totally reasonable and although I know DM was worried sick about me it was how it had to be. I would keep them in the loop but be firm. Visiting rights are less important than the emotional health of the mother and getting the hang of feeding. If I have an easier time this time round I will be a bit more relaxed but visits will be on my terms. Normally I am a push over but you need to put yourself and your baby first and sod other peoples feelings to a degree.

Right I best go and do some work - waves at everyone and sorry not had time to name check you all this thread moves so darned fast. I best go concentrate of breathing.

And whoever said Paracetamol is rubbish for any pain - I high five you. Pointless. But I am still going to take some - placebo effect maybe....

Plankton - fingers crossed re the pre-eclampsia

LondonMrs - sympathy re MIL. I kind of have the opposite problem. My own mum won't be over for the birth nor will she come to visit, ever probably. Not that she'd be any help or support if she came. Have told my MIL she's welcome, even to help me through labour but not sure she's keen. Still, I'm sure if my mother suddenly said she wanted to come I'd feel the same as you. As it is she 'expects' us to go over for Xmas and I just don't know if I'll want to fly with an 8 -10 week old baby. Feel the same sense of dilemma...

LisbethO- thanks for understanding words. It is tricky sometimes. I don't feel that brave - I've gained so much really - it was a win/win move in so many ways. I think things will seem better when my money's in property here, I feel like home is more 'my own turf' and I'm working. Hope the heartburn's not too bad and that you manage to find an au pair soon.

Beccus - I hope you're right!

Yomping - lovely dress!

Squid - my sleep is EXACTLY the same; hip to hip. So glad you're nearly finished. PLEASE don't worry about your weight. You can worry about it after little squid is born. You look lovely & pregnant, like you're supposed to. :) (sounds like this girl's comments are more about how she feels about her pregnancy weight gain than about you!)

Loopy - very cunning tights idea!

As for hip pain etc, I'm debuting my new bump band today - 'Blooming Marvellous' - either from Mothercare or NCT (can't remember). Feels good so far. I'll let you all know if it helps.

Off to the cabin now. Hoping there's running water in the bathroom now but think I'm still going to have to negotiate the 'deep hole in the ground chemical toilet'! Probably won't have wifi or 3G there so may not get on here again before the weekend or beyond but will catch up with you all if I find a cheeky free wifi somewhere .

crazypaving cross-posted. I hope you're right. I live in fear that he'll undo all my good toddler-management by being lax. Sorry about your mum stuff. can't say more now...have to start driving. Keep cool alle sammen. X

huffle, the dress is quite long with all the silly inner ties undone - long on me, anyway, comes to about mid calf and I am about 5'6". I went for my normal size and was amazed it fit me - have tried their stuff before and I find their trouser sizes small (or possibly I am just in denial about my current thigh size!), so go for your normal size - it even fits me with pregnancy-sized boobs, I guess it is more forgiving as it is maternity wear?

Loopy, thank you for the tights tip - I will get some next time I am in a shop. Suffering again today and it's making me very ! I am also finding talc a help.

midgetm PMSL at scheduling a poo. I hadn't thought of that, might write it into my diary for tomorrow morning, right now .

So we have spent today being very extravagant and buying a fuck off huge TV. Decided that as watching films is our only real form of technological entertainment, out little 20-inch screen was starting to feel a bit small and it was time to get a bigger one. We don't have blu-ray or HD, we don't have advanced games consoles or particularly fancy computers or expensive mobile phones or ipads or anything, we spend most of our available time outdoors doing climby or walky stuff, but when we stay in we like to watch films (we don't watch TV, ever, just films - weirdos!). And since our trips away will be curtailed for a while, we thought we'd treat ourselves. Then we realised the current TV table is a bit too flimsy so had to go to Ikea to buy a new one, and now it's all set up and is actually scarily big very exciting!

Looking forward to watching something epic tonight, if I haven't ACTUALLY BLOODY MELTED in this ridiculous heat. I hate the heat! I agree with you craxy, 20 degrees is about right for me, with a breeze. This is not right at all and can just go away as soon as it wants. I preferred the rain!

Right, I need to decide if today is Write A Very Big List Of All The Baby Things We Need To Do day or Start Listing The Mountains Of Crap We Need To Get Rid Of On EBay And Freecycle day, then get on with one or the other! On that note, I have 2 of these support bands in white, size medium (10-12ish) if anyone wants me to send them, they are too tight under the bump and around the lower back for me. Drop me a PM if you're interested, I'd like them to get some use.

Hello all,

Hot hot hot hot hot. Lots of to everyone struggling with heat. We need a emoticon for a fan, and for ice lollies, and paddling pools (these are the 3 things which could make today bearable. Sadly I have none of them).

Very lovely to hear all your news, you really are an amazing bunch of ladies :)
So sorry not to namecheck you all, but I do read it all and think of you very often. , and hugs to all with family or work or DH or health stresses and to anyone with friends struggling - and muchos respect to those managing to do shopping or days out!

I've been trying to catch up with the super-speed thread since being away on holiday last week (thank goodness it wasn't this hot, I'd have died! Journey back was grim enough). Tonight I'm going to Argos on the way home to buy a fan for the bedroom as I can't face another night like last night. Too hot and back ache and leg cramps in alternate legs and so much tossing and turning I eventually woke DH (usually sleeps like the dead) and therefore I'm good for nothing today.

squid loved the pic so much I went home and told DH i wanted to paint my bump too. He's keen :)

We had our 28wk midwife appt today (at 29+0!), and my usual MW was away so we had a LOVELY replacement. I actually said to her at the end 'you're lovely I wish you were my midwife' . She was offering information, asking if we'd been told about all sorts of things and generally gave us loads of time - and seemed genuinely happy to be listening to heartbeat/prodding bump etc. What a contrast to the usual dry and grumpy MW.

planktonette I'm planning to stop work mid-Sept (due 10th Oct so that's about 36+4) but I've tried to book in bits of leave so I've not got any more full 5-day weeks as I'm finding that I'm knackered by Thurs/Friday, and my effectiveness (if I ever was in fact effective...) just nosedives. This week I'm wondering if I'd be better off stopping sooner, partly because we're still having a nightmare trying to sort out my maternity cover . We're now at the begging stage of trying to get someone to do it, and the most likely situation is that there won't be anyone in post until January. I keep trying to believe it's not my problem (or my fault) but kind of hard not to stress when I don't know whether I'll be handing over to anyone - or whether my boss now feels my job doesn't need doing after all! I know that once I stop I'll genuinely stop thinking about work, and frankly can't wait.

We've got 3 lots of olympic tickets, two at rowing and one in main stadium. Very excited but also rather panicked as I've no idea how I'll cope with the walking (slooooooooooooowly) or the heat if it's still like this. May need to smuggle in a fan and huge straw hat. But I'm determined to go!

Love to all ladies and bumps, xx

Thanks for sweet comments as ever guys. The heat was horrendous in the hospital yesterday but a bit cloudier here today which was a relief (though I feel a bit guilty saying this as have been whinging so much about how depressing the rain is!) I don't mind the sun at home but driving and working, ugh.

Anyway I got to leave work early today to go to midwife appointment, am beginning to find something very comforting in the ritual of pee, bp, heartbeat, chat. I'm 31 weeks and measuring 30 (I think + or - 3 is fine) and baby kicked midwife's probe which made me giggle. I love hearing that heartbeat. Midwife was lovely and said she was glad I was stopping work soon and she said "you have a lovely compact bump... all baby if you know what I mean!" unprompted, that was nice to hear. My flat is nice and my area is cool and arty but the surgery I go to is in a very poor area so I think the midwives find me a bit of an easy appointment comparatively - she said the two before me hadn't turned up and the third needed an interpreter (which isn't a criticism, consultations with interpreters are just exhausting). So they seem pleased to see me. It's nice. I have to have MRSA swabs next week as I work in a dirty infected hospital! Next appointment is at my place to discuss birth plan, excited about that!

home, v late lunch, afternoon kip oh yes!! Am currently working in a hospital an hour's commute from home which is exhausting on a daily basis but means I can't possibly be expected to go back after appointments

Ooof. I hav been on sofa since 3 exhausted. Tight painful bump on and off for hour earlier. Braxton hicks maybe? Luckily I had cancellations in work from lunch on and had random avo off. Holy moly. This better not be the shape of things to come!!!! I canNOT spend next 3 months fooked!!!!

Thank you lovely yomping for the bands!! Perfect timing, methinks. Decided to get DH to drive me to city on Sunday to have l

..... Here comes the nobber button pressing again, sure sign of tiredness!!! Yes, going to go to city on Sunday and have look at what Mamas n Papas got to offer. I'm just too odd a shape at best of times, never mind when ball on sticks, to order online! Will steal a big chunk of our day but wise really. Wonder if Monsoon do preg stuff in stores? One of those in same centre.

Ciao all, sympathy to those in the heat, I'm exhausted and we hav about 20 today. Take care all

X

Hello ladies, got back from holiday a few hours ago. We had a great time, I wish I could show you all DS's face when he saw Hamleys .

I'm glued to the sofa now, 3 days of walking has just about killed me. My hips and pelvis hurt like hell! I don't remember this from first pg so going to speak to midwife about it on monday.

Good news, DH has got an interview in a couple weeks so we have everything crossed! We did get a phone call about the house we want though and the landlady can't make up her mind because our finances are 'so complicated' , I'm self employed, it's not rocket science. Sometimes the prejudice we have to put up with as young parents is very tiring. I have a full time job and I'm doing a full time degree, DH has now got his degree, what more does the world want from us? Honestly, one letting agency said they wouldn't even consider us if we didn't earn £28 000 between us. Do us poor folk have to go without a roof then? We've never paid our rent late ever!

Anyway none of that is pregnancy related I know, I was just excited about having a nicer home for the kids. Our little house isn't actually that bad and I'm going to try and be a bit more positive from now on. I've realised my posts on here are usually gloomy and self absorbed. So, focusing on DH's interview, time of with DS.