Due in dec 2012 - things that go BUMP in the night!

[WerewolvesDoTheFandango]

New thread here ladies!

I wish I got mat leave like you do in the UK. I'm working as late as possible because I think it's better to get my 8-10 weeks in AFTER kid is born rather than before!

Oh monster I really feel for you! It's a pretty crappy system for you over there, maybe you should move to Sweden?!

I have considered that! But not sure if my skills would be needed. No one seems to want more lawyers!

I finish on Wednesday, day before 34wks. I saved up my annual leave to go early. Iv been stuck in an office since 5wks and hate it, I get back ache at my desk, I have very little to do and can't wait to get back to the ward.

I'm having an early night, my belly and back hurt, I'm exhausted and have been crying about jack shit all day. I give up!

Where are you monster? You've probably said but i've missed it!
I've got 4 weeks work, then 1 week hols then maybe 2 weeks wind-down work till I finish, which'll make me between 37-38 weeks when I finish. Problem is, my boss is off week after me in November and i'd like to work the final week before I finish up with her. Weird I know but we get on quite well and I feel I owe it to her to do a proper robust handover. She's ridiculously disorganised and i'm quite anal so we kinda fit together and she'll need a good handover before I finish!!!

Elliebelle nice to know there's another person going for a homebirth- what are your reasons. Are you getting pethidine. I didn't last time and don't really fancy it but wondering if I should have just in case.

cookies nice to share a due date. I've been really well but have struggled this last couple of weeks. Just really tired and breathless.

I think 32 weeks would have been the ideal time to stop work for me. I'm not sure how much mat leave I can afford though so I'm starting mat leave at 38 weeks and using annual leave for 2 weeks before that.

Would hate to work later as think you need the time to physically and psychologically prepare. No way I'd keep going up to due date.

I'm in the US, but I work at a small agency so the federal leave rules don't apply to us. Boo!

Cashmere and Elliebelle - I'm booked for a homebirth too. Although I didn't have a bad time in hospital last time, it's more a positve choice about the benefits of being in my own environment, being sure of having a pool etc.

The mw is doing my home visit on 1st Nov to check whether we need to move anything round. She said we'll also discuss pain relief. My plan at the moment is TENS until I get in the water. Am also doing hypnobirthing classes. Think I'd like gas & air to be on stand-by too. Can get a prescription for meptid (sp?) Don't think I will though as I don't like the idea of anything where there's no going back if it doesn't agree with me. They said at the talk I went to that they prefer not to use pethadine for home births, but might be different policies in different areas.

Honey - sounds like they've taken good care of you. Hope LO stays put for now.

Clarella - congrats on the Ofsted report. Sounds like you've done a fantastic job.

Weejo - I was 5 days late and DB was 3 days late so some family history of going overdue, however DS took it to a whole new level by being 13 days late. Hoping this DC decides to buck the trend. Have also heard the full moon thing, but don't know if there's any evidence.

Omg felt quite a,tingling in my nipples and I'm really leaking colostrum - that's ok right?!

That is rubbish monster, you poor thing :(

Thanks for the ofsted comments, but I need to add, not been at work since 9 weeks, apart from one week at 21 ..... did work from home for a bit but only the paper work bits! Just proud of those boys :)

Just coming back to this book, its great for both extra thoughtful labour and hospital bag tips plus has example birth plans etc. I'm also liking reading the birth stories, kind of nice to hear the range of things/ options etc from individual perspectives.

I'm 32 weeks and am planning to stop at 36, taking a week or so of annual leave before mat leave kicks in. I am feeling pretty tired but am glad to be managing at the moment especially given a pregnancy that's been full of various stages of being unwell. It's good for me to try to keep a bit active because of the gestational diabetes.

I am getting almost comically large though, especially as I'm very front-carrying. It's at the stage of strangers commenting.

clarella I've had some quite strong nipple twinges and been leaking a bit for yonks but doesn't sound as heavy as yours. Eeek!

second I had a 'don't worry I'm a trained midwife' from 2 different people in 1 week, I was 25 weeks at the time!!! I describe my current state as having swallowed a baby hippo!

Most uncomfy today. Baby has moved higher and I can't shift it. Eating dinner was uncomfy! Right time to get some sleep!

I shouldn't worry about that right?! It's neon yellow - the things you learn as a first timer!

Had very loose bowels today and bump rock hard, 35 on Monday...... lol I'm sure its all tickety boo!

Bit worried about honeymum hoping all ok Xox

Wide awake can't sleep grrrr!

Mentioned to DP that we need to look at our birth plan and he was like whets that? I obviously explained and he said well the plan is just to have the baby isn't it - MEN!!! He's be the first to complain if he didn't like something that was done!

I'm working up to 38 and 3 then I've got a week annual leave.

I asked my mum tonight if my brother and I were late/early. Apparently both only 2/3 days late so here's hoping.

Oooh and my pregnancy app (guru.- not!) recommended starting raspberry leaf tea now to condition the uterus for labour - I'm 32w 4d anyone started / has experience of this?

Bella I'm not the font of all knowledge but I was pretty sure raspberry leaf tea was not recommended before about 36 weeks. So worth checking out before you drink any.

Awake! Gah!

Eugh dd's had us up since half four.

clarella all sounds normal

I'm so hungry I'm going to have to get up

Morning, ds 2.7 just slept till 6.00! Second time ever - woo hoo! I've ordered one that sleeps this time! He's now snuggled in bed beside me dozing, hope he can keep it up. Got 4 weeks of work left (31 wks on mon) and don't know how I'll make it. Need crutches for spd and not sleeping due to back pain etc, grrr.

Honey- how you doing?

Clarella- great news!

Re birth plans. The idea of going with the flow is very wise- drs/ mws do this everyday so be prepared to do as told BUT, if something feels very wrong, be clear! Ds was back to back and mw insisted I lie on back. It was indescribable and has done permanent damage to my pelvis- spd in extreme! I couldn't move or speak and mw and dh rolled me over against wishes. He's been well warned this time!! (no one knew ds back to back because super fast labour meant she'd not examined me in a while as she didn't think I was ready to push yet!)

Bella I drank raspberry tea last time and had a very short pushing stage, not sure if it's related but worth a try? They did say you could drink it from 32 or 34 weeks then but since I think the recommendation has changed.

No one has mentioned for me to do a birth plan, I wonder if its because it's my 2nd. I think it helped last time so might just write it for myself.

I know you're supposed to count 10 kicks a day, is it normal to have them all in one go? It's like he's banging on the door to be let out

I haven't written a birth plan yet, but have talked to dp about what we do/don't want to happen. Neither of us feels like we know enough to do anything other than see when we get there - although he's keener on the medical stuff while i want to try the pool/breathing/moving/aromatherapy stuff for as long as i can - but I'm fairly confident he'll be fighting my corner when it comes to it. I've also had excellent care from the mw team so can trust them. Says a lot for continuity, which i think most people don't get?

Morning all!

Eek clarella that makes it all seem a bit real! But you are almost 4 weeks ahead of me, so I have a little time yet!

My birth plan plan has gone out if the window as I'll now be induced. My current birth plan is "I'll have what pain relief I need, as and when I need it." I have also told DP no epidural unless I'm climbing the bloody walls!
He's mean so I know he won't give in no matter how much I beg

Off to the Trafford centre today to look at the lovely clothes I can't wear 31 weeks today!

Ps pidj I've presumed thats fine. at some points baby fandango wriggles nonstop for 3-4 hours. Think I've got myself a non sleeper!

Morning all

I'm currently waking at 3am on the dot every night, usually needing a wee, sometimes not. Its so annoying as it takes ages to drop off again. Luckily DD slept until 6am so i managed a bit more kip.

Re birth plan, i havent done one but thinking about last time i may make a few notes of what i don't want. My DD was back to back too and the midwives wanted me on my back too, it was agony when i think back so if this one were to be in the same position i'd insist i was on all fours or something, anything but on my back. Im up for any type of painkillers although i managed with tens and gas & air last time so will just take it as it comes.

32 weeks on monday.

Hope honey is ok...

werewolves hope you don't mind but my advice would be to discuss what methods of induction they ate going to use and in what order etc then you can do a bit if research so you know what to expect. A lot of hospitals, for example, will recommend an epidural before putting in the devil hormone drip and I think some use that quite quickly whereas others might use it as a last resort. Also maybe ask if they will do continual monitoring or if you can have intermittent. I found that monitor really uncomfortable! Some hospitals have mobile ones do you're not 'tied down'.

pidj sounds like a good plan to me!

Is anyone using a tens? What's the cheapest way to do it?

Ooh I didn't know there were options spotty everyone I know who's been induced has been really pessimistic and says you'll be continually monitored, have to stay in bed, have to labour on your back, etc. I have a huge thing about epidurals and if I can possibly get away with it I really don't want one.

I'll discuss it with the obstetrician at 34 week diabetes clinic then. The last 2 times I've been they've rushed me out as fast as they an but I'll have to speak up and stay put until they answer me!