Due in October 2012 Part 7 - towards the finish line, going for Gold!

[Planktonette]

On your marks...
Get set...

GO!

Well I've been given the all clear and just about to head home. Had neuro exam, bloods taken, and little one checked over. All appears normal. Conclusion is pregnancy (hormone) induced migraine so have been given some codeine to take with paracetamol to take the edge off the headache and told to go home and put my feet up. Pleased it seems nothing more and the team at the hospital were lovely and reassuring even though I was apologising for wasting their time (which I know I wasn't but I know they're always so busy).

Anyway curtains drawn, pills popped and awaiting headache to disappear. Dread to think what the codeine will do to my poohtally though!

Thanks for all your thoughts x

32, 33+3, #1

Busy day ahead of getting baby gear/sorting hospital bag etc. but popped in for a quick read over coffee and just want to say:

Kyyria - big hug - scares and 'hospital runs' aren't nice. I'm so glad you've got the all clear and here's hoping you see the back of that monster headache soon xx

I'll hopefully have time to get on again this evening. Hope you all have good days :).

Shit, sorry Midget, totally didn't think I might be spoiling it for anyone!
Mmmm, cake sounds great right now. even though I just stuffed myself with dinner

at your 7 pounder, Crazy - good luck with that!

2 stone sounds perfectly reasonable to me Squid, I'm headed that way myself, so I'd be a fool to say otherwise

Already enjoyed a Caramel Angelico, much to the delight of my heartburn monster...
at "noodles to Japan"

Glad everything's ok Kyyria, at least you don't have to worry anymore, now you know it's nothing too serious. Hope the migraine clears up soon.

Does anyone know, was last week's episode of Midwives the last in the series? I couldn't find a new one on iplayer today.

Also, when you were measuring "circumferences", did you measure your biggest point or where your waist used to be? Because although my waist disappeared a long time ago, it's way below my biggest point.

Kyyria glad all is well after that scare. Handy to work where you do! Maybe get the prunes in to offset the codeine...!!

cherry I'm measuring my circumference at what looks like my widest point in a mirror. Going for max girth!

squid ooh, those symptoms sound potentially promising! Do keep us updated.... And I have weight-gain envy - at 36+3 I've put on about 30-32 pounds - over 2st. Depressed face.

midget it was me with the inflated sore bits VV comrade, I salute you!

I had a mixed night last night. Slept pretty much unbroken (bar the odd turn-over) until 3am, which is unheard of, and then was so pleased with myself I couldn't get back to sleep Didn't help that DS was in his cot singing nick nack paddy whack, alternated with announcing "tractor", "nose", "jump!". Not sure entirely what he was up to at 3am. So anyway, I'm very tired today.

Had a busy day planned hitting the shops to buy fat knickers (VERY tempted to wear them now rather than saving them till after the birth), some autumn clothes for DS (I LOVE H&M) and returning a hideous gift from Mothercare. I went but kept nearly passing out in the shops and having to sit down. Feel very sluggish and heavy today - oh yes, maybe that's because I'm carrying A MONSTER CHILD!! But it was nice to sit and have a civilised lunch and sneaky chocolate muffin with no DS, as he's at his childminder's today.

Ah yes - collective opinion - am I mad? I've sent DS to the childminder even though her DD (5y) has shingles They're on her back and tummy, and I've been told that only direct physical contact means he can get chickenpox. Still, I feel I'm toying with fate somewhat. The chickenpox are OUT TO GET ME!!! Seriously, wtf??

I got the loveliest present from a work colleague, and if anyone is in the mood for seriously splashing out I really recommend these muslins The colours are just amazing and they're unbelievably soft. I asked for coloured muslins as DS believes that all white muslins on the planet belong to him (he sleeps with one snuggled into his face), but wasn't expecting her to fork out quite so much. They are absolutely gorgeous, very chuffed

And today the new baby's cotbed and mattress were delivered! Not sure how long it'll be before it's actually sleeping in it but it's good to be prepared. Now DH just has to build it, and we have to shove our bed over to fit it in...

Enough rambling from me!

Cherry I cried too. At star baker and when Manesh said she did t want her family to be disappointed in her. The cake helped though....

crazy bloody horrible isn't it? Freaks me out. I carry prunes everywhere now.....

midget I'm squeamish enough about that area of my body, but the thought of it makes me go all funny...bleurgh.

Crazy just loving the picture of hearing 'nick knack paddy whack' at 3 am...........!! nOt so funny to be the listener I am sure, but that has given me a giggle of sweetness!!!

Kyrria been checking in, glad all ok

xo

OUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCHHHHHH

I sincerely apologise to whoever I reassured about steroid injections a while back. They bloody hurt like hell. Bought tears to my eyes and I was shaking and slightly dizzy for at least 20 mins after. And I have to have them again tomorrow in the other side of my bum. :-(((

Whoever is due them DO NOT have th in your arm, def opt for the bum, although its been numb and sore all day, its better than having a sore numb useless arm IMO.

I've also just been generally Schubert and bleirgh since but that may be unrelated.

Whilst I was being jabbed,

Kyrria really glad all is well :o You just reminded me - unfortunately poor sister got very bad headaches at the end (last few weeks) and kept dipping her urine - hers were also hormone related.

Crazy know what you mean about monster baby. Ours was measuring 6.5-7.5lbs two weeks ago so God knows what she is now! Hopefully now my bloods are under control she will have slowed down a bit but she was showing no sign of it then... Lovely muslins too - and like their suggestions for all the ways you can use them as we have about a thousand white ones and I was thinking WTAF are we going to do with these?!

Nice morning with friend here for coffee, then got hair cut, called in to DH's work, then went to Tesco. Like Crazy felt a bit odd by the time I got to checkout - I've been getting palpitations a bit, not like a fast heart beat, just stronger like my heart is reminding me it's working harder than usual. Know how it feels! Currently making a MASSIVE stockpot of veg soup for freezer. Going to put away baby clothes, make dinner, then collapse in a heap until tomorrow! Don't know how anyone at the 36+5 stage is still working - fair play to you if you are! The days are just disappearing so fast!

Oh - and random symptom of the month - for the last 3 days my right eyebrow has been tingling! Am hoping I am going to find a pot of gold or something... :o

CWest that was me :) I have pretty much decided not to take them as it will mean two days in hospital next week on insulin as they will send my blood sugar mental. The odds are 96.5% in favour of bean being fine at 38+4... Will be gutted if she has to be moved hospital away from me but will just be keeping fingers crossed. Sending some sympathy

Huh???? Scratch that last sentence.

So whilst I was being jabbed the anaesthetist asked to see me. He read through my notes and basically gave me another option this time. My previous section went very well under general anaesthetic (no intensive care needed and I recovered well) he asked me to stay today and have a lung function test and a spinal scan as there is a POSSIBILITY they may try and do my section with me awake, under an epidural.......if my nerves in my spine aren't twisted and my lung function is ok. The idea is that anything under general anaestheyic carries a higher risk of me having breathing difficulties post-section.
I will find out what he thinks is best tomorrow wken I have my second lot of jabs but if I am going to be given a choice here is what's worrying me.

1. the pain of an epidural, I LOATHE needles and this one is mahoosive, it must kill surely?

2. being awake whilst they cut me open, shit scared it will hurt, or ill feel it all.

3. not having being awake last time with DS I'm scared of bonding with this baby more as I'll see her be born and thus DS will hate me forever and feel left out and iv failed him

4. DH won't cope with seeing me be cut open and will try and.take the Dr out LOL.

5. if I don't opt to be awake I will regret it as I've always felt I missed out not seeing my child be born.

Please please please can anyone help??

kyria glad everything is ok

Hi cwest just a few thoughts....having had an epidural (albeit in the throes of labour so somewhat distracted!) didn't find the needle hurt at all and they may well give you a local before putting the big needle in - ask anaesthetist tomorrow. Also, once epidural in found section really didn't hurt - could feel some tugging but really much like feeling baby move vigorously, no pain. And if it was painful and they couldn't get epidural working properly they would move to general anaesthetic anyway. Dh wouldn't be able to see a lot as they will have a screen up so would just be at head end. I don't think you will bond with this baby more, tbh I think bonding often happens over the weeks months and years you spend with dc rather than thwt moment of birth... But that's just my thoughts! Hope you are recovering from steroid jabs too!
kyrria glad all thoroughly checked and you're ok. Hope feet up + codeine has meant youre feeling better as well. Good hint re prunes codeine and constipation - beware!
crazy no you aren't mad. Chickenpox really quite hard to catch frm shingles - its only the fluid in the blisters that's infectious. Plus you need a break, you do need to be looking after yourself right now.
angelico sounds like a lovely morning! Much deserved.
Knackering day at work today, getting lots of bump feeling tigbt and a bit sore, think I need to put feet up tonigt! Sadly though, dd demanding my attention now, better go!

Going to attempt a proper catchup later but to CWest, congrats on having a possible second option, and as for number 1) on your list, as far as I know you are given a tiny injection to numb the area before the actual epidural needle goes in, so the epidural injection itself doesn't hurt.

Smiley, you're not on the list - what's your due date?

ATTENTION ALL!!!

Post-natal thread can be found here

Thought I'd set one up in preparation in case anyone has a surprise early arrival!

We do need to decide though, do birth stories go on here or on there?

That's the last little post from me, will be back with a bigger one later!

Due date is 11 October. Very exciting!

Thanks Yomping! Now where's that paper bag to hyperventilate into...

Thank you smileyhappymummy your post actually made me feel much much better

I could be the outsider!

Saw Dr. today and the appointment was much better than the previous one. The monitoring session revealed that the little one has a good heartbeat and that I'm having lots of little contractions (mostly I can't feel them). Dr. reckons that I could deliver in the next couple of weeks and thinks that next week could be the one!! DH is supposed to be working away next week so he's busy canceling his plans just in case.

Baby is measuring on the small side of average 2.6kg at 37 weeks but the doctor didn't seem to be too concerned and I've only put on half a kilo since he last weighed me so I've put on 15.5kg so far in this pregnancy (just over 2 stone I think).

For those on symptoms watch - the past couple of nights I've been have mild period type pains (when I go to bed) and the braxton hicks are more noticeable than before - especially in the evening.

Now I can get back to panicking, I thought I had a week and a half still at work to get things finalized so that plan could be scuppered.

Lots of warm relaxing thoughts to everyone on the thread -

CWest my DH is squeamish too but he's quite happy that he won't see any gore IYSWIM - I wouldn't let that put you off. As Smilie said they will move to GA if they need to. People have assured me that they numb the area before giving epidural as I am genuinely more scared of it than the CS! :)

Poor Smilie, try and rest if you can - another '50p to watch the telly for DD' - that's what I'd be doing :o

Hurrah Yomping! Knew you'd come through on the PN thread front! I have marked my place.

Velo there's always an outsider... this is better than the National!

Updated list

Sept. 25: Squidkid DC1, Angelico DC1 by ELCS, CWest DC2 by ELCS
Sept. 26: Elpis DC2 by ELCS
Sept. 27: Planktonette DC1
Oct. 1: FjordMor DD1.
Oct. 2: Firstbubba DC1, Velo DC1, Milk DC2
Oct. 5: Yomping DC1, Lisbethsopposite DS2
Oct. 7: Crazypaving DC2
Oct. 10: WantAnOrange DC2, MrsConfusion DC1
Oct. 11: Smileyhappymummy DC2
Oct. 14: Hufflepuffle DC1.
Oct. 17: Smorgs, DC1
Oct. 18: Bella2012 DC2, Beccus DC1
Oct. 19: Shellwedance DC1
Oct. 20: Beeblebear DC1
Oct. 21: Dosomethingmutley DC1
Oct. 26: Londonmrss, DC1, Zara1984 DS1.
Oct. 27: MidgetM, DC2 but more likely to be around 6/10
Oct. 28: Kyyria DC1, Loopyla, DC1
Oct. 30: Cherrychopsticks, DC1
Nov. 1: Londonlivvy DC1
Nov. 8: MickeyTheShortOne DC1

Do we need odds on that list next to all the names?!

Well I spent a good dose of this evening freaking out, albeit quietly.

Birth is reeeeeeeally coming, isn't it?

The thing I've been putting off more than anything is organising my finances. I have a dormant small business and I've changed banks twice in the last couple of years, so I have so many gosh darn accounts... It's a filthy mess. And only just now am I realising that, really, the avoiding of sorting it out is non-OK. I REALLYshould have this done by now. Every day I find something juuuuust a little bit more urgent to do (oh ha ha ha) and if the baby gets born with my accounts still messed up, well, that will be my fault, 100%. And it WILL suck. And it will be my fault.

Sigh.

I think in my brain, there's this switch that says 'I have to get X done before the baby is born, so as long as I don't do X, the baby won't come.' Not rational, that. And NOT a good plan.

(Also I don't like the dark in Winter, so this is pretty much my least favourite time of year - the anticipating-the-dark bit is way worse than the actual dark, in my experience!)

Yeeeeeee. Baby coming. Yeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Oh, kyrria - very relieved for you!

Hello all -
Wantanorange your comment on meltdowns struck a chord with me - I looked on a meltdown as a passing symptom and am when they happen again. I am having a day every second week, - they are completely illogical BUT I am pregnant and entitled and they WILL pass

Londonlivvy on the BF - I struggled at the start, and wished I had given it some attention/thought before baby arrived but I was too busy obsessing about labour There are 2 voluntary BF support groups here, Cuidiu and La Leche (both of which I found to be really nice women just doing their best for their children) no police or judgement, just support - like this thread. Something might strike a chord with you. The big message the MW had that I heard was if the baby is putting on weight and producing wet nappies they are getting 'enough'. Remember you will be meeting bottle feeding mums who will be talking about ounces a lot, and you will may be second guessing yourself. I found 'The womanly Art of BF' great. It is a LaLeche publication. It is not a cover to cover read but you can look up your specific concern and it is written by women who have been there before.
If you really cannot let go control I met mums who did not actually BF but always pumped and fed the bottle. This is twice the work . I never considered it because I was never confident in my supply (baby feeding stimulates milk production), but it is an option.
The big thing with BF is the 'latch' - basically to get a lot of the nipple into the babies gob. Once you have that it is like riding a bike
Also - on Mumsnet - I read of babies that had a poopy nappy with every feed, particularly in the early days. My DS had very few nappies if I remember correctly. I was told that breast milk is so specific to their nutrition requirements, there is very little waste. Babies can go several days without a soiled nappy but this is not constipation.

I saw my doc today - had a scan and all is well. I asked if there was anything stronger than Gaviscon - he said Gav extra, or Andrews. My urine always comes up clear so he listens to me with half an ear, I think. I went on a HG thread here, and my goodness, these ladies are suffering. I puke once/twice a day, and water helps, but many of these women cannot even drink water despite being on prescription meds and are being hospitalised for rehydration. I can eat what would be regarded as 'healthy' food but not processed. I have to eat small regular plain meals, and I cannot bend over after eating. I slunk away without posting as my complaints were not in their range.

36 +5 today. Roll on Friday (37weeks!!)

Hi Planktonette darkness can help persuade babies to sleep (can...). 5/6AM in darkness is sleeping time. In broad daylight it is waking time. This is my plan anyway.
Ditto on the small business front - have to get paperwork sorted.