April 2013 part six...what does the third trimester have in store?

[edinfirst]

Link to stats thread

*interference

Morning all, so good to hear about your days and all those wriggly baby's I hope anyone feeling crap is feeling better.
Thanks for all the good wishes. Talking to the dr today about weaning Alex off Cpap and seeing how he goes. Very very scary, but they think his lungs are in great shape, thanks to the mag drip probably. They have asked if they can use data from Alex in a clinical neonate report. Apparently babies born at 34 weeks generally don't need Cpap/vent and Alex should be 32 now. It seems ridiculous to me that I should still have 8 weeks to go and I don't even have a uterus, very very surreal feeling
If Alex is ready before me to go home, he will stay with me, they won't let him go until he can feed independently for 48 hours with no issues so he would have to. But I am going to get out of here as soon as humanly possible, but they need to get my legs working or at least working enough for me to use a wheelchair.

Sounds like great progress Mama! Hope it goes well for Alex. How did your physio go yesterday?

Havingalittlefaithbaby- yep he's awesome thanks for asking. it went ok not great unfortunately but ok, they are regularly putting me on a stretching machine that pulls at my legs while strapping in my hips to try to relieve some of the pressure on my discs and nerves. I'm also getting steroid injections to try to reduce the pain and inflammation. My left leg is ok weak but ok but my right side is useless. A MRI showed that the nerves are trapped that side and the disc in my lower spine are all slipped or compressed my hips are very wonky they are trying to work on me weight bearing but using my arms mostly rather than my legs its just a frustrating case of waiting for everything to settle down and then see what the permanent damage is.....
How are you doing?

How awful for you . Hoping and praying it gradually improves.

I'm fine. Had a lovely holiday and rather dreading going back. I don't really see a rest between now and 7 weeks time when I go on leave! I'm moving from long days (3 x 12 1/2 hours shifts) to short shifts (5 x 7.5 hour shifts) so hopefully it won't be so hard on my body?!

Woo hoo 29+0!

Thanks
Glad you and a lovely holiday and here's hoping you can rest as much as possible when back at work!

Mama - glad to hear that Alex is doing so well. You are such a trooper - can only imagine the pain you are in at the moment. Don't rush home until you're ready, though, provided they let you keep him with you!

I went to my first NCT class last night - anyone else started? There are at least 2 girls there I instantly warmed to, and actually think they are probably all nice. So glad as I will really want some mat leave buddies when the time comes.

Also went shopping for some hospital bag stuff. Primark turned out to be fabulous, as mentioned by others! Got 8 pairs of massive black granny pants (full briefs, size 16-18 - I'm usually 12-14!) for £5. I got a birthing nightie which is dark in colour and buttons down really far for skin to skin purposes. Not the kind of thing I would normally wear, but at £4.50 I can treat it as disposable!! Also got two pairs of slouchy pj bottoms (actually in their 'lounge at home' range) for £6 each for wearing after delivery and / or in case I have to stay in a bit longer for any reason. They fit me right now and still have a bit of give, so think they will be fine and perfectly comfy. I just plan to wear those with nursing vests I've already bought from H&M. Only thing I didn't get was a dressing gown, but I got a slouchy lounge wear long cardi type thing with each of the pj bottoms, so think that will cover me up enough for hospital if needed, and can be worn during the day meantime and/ or afterwards when breastfeeding as they have long fronty bits for discreet feeding (am sure am not describing them very well - baby brain?).

Went to boots and got witch hazel (both liquid and gel- which is best?), maternity pads, Lanisoh nipple cream, bed pad covers / mattress protector things...

Might have a first go at packing my hospital bag at the weekend - seems very early, but I kind of feel I should be doing something!!

31+6

Mama I'm so impressed with how chipper you are about your recovery, you're marvellous! And it's fantastic to hear that Alex is going so strong - bodies and babies are truly amazing.

fluffeh I don't have a home doppler, but when the MW or consultant does it she tends to wriggle to the back or the side. I think she'll have a cheeky personality when she pops out!

faith changing shifts sounds like the right plan - i don't know how you're managing 12hr ones at the mo. I so 8 hrs plus a commute to London and back and I'm knackered...might have something to do with waking at 5am everyday. I've suddenly got very productive early on and rubbish in the evening. All prep for LO arriving I guess.

I'm feeling bright and breezy today as the sun it out, there's blue sky. Lovely.

29 weeks today!

aufaniae slightly delayed getting back on here, thanks for posting the link about the due dates using your cycle on MN... my DD is 8 April but according to the MN cycle calculator DC is actually due on the 13 April!

Ive been trying to read a bit more to find out what everyone has been doing,
mama I have only been on the thread for a little while but found the first few threads about your experiences in December (forgive me, I totally hadnt clocked your arrival at the top of the stats thread) it sounds like you have been so much, but Im glad to read that things are improving for you both.

Im two and a half weeks from leaving work now (cheers inwardly). I wont be missing my 3 hour commute to and from London each day...but what if I go crazy from lack of social interaction?... has anyone started their maternity leave yet and has any useful tips so that Im not reduced to talking to the houseplants?!

been through so much

Msbluesky32 do you have any friends who are about in the day who you could meet for lunch / invite to come visit?

Also, do you have a local NCT group? They run bumps and babies groups (an excuse for tea and a chat as far as I can tell!) Might it be worth a try?

Is this your first? If so I'd say don't forget to enjoy the time to yourself as much as possible! It's a real luxury. Do stuff like reading books, taking leisurely baths and actually drinking hot tea (of you like these things of course!) Once the baby comes it might be a while!

Even getting 5 minutes for a shower was a challenge when DS was small (solution, take him into the bathroom with me!). Enjoy the time while it lasts :)

*if not of

Hi aufaniae yes this is my first. Ooo good idea, lunches sound nice. A lot of my friends still live in London (we moved out to Herts about 8 months ago) but the train is only 40 mins - I could do that easily.

We have some lovely couples in our NCT - it hadnt occured to me that there might be meetings before the babies arrive.

A lot of people have said similiar about relaxing and enjoying the time off (and sleep) - you are right. Thank you for the suggestions - Ill take a look at the Bumps and babies - sounds like my kind of group!

Mama really glad to hear you & Alex are doing so well, I can't believe 8 weeks already!

Bona the Primark bargains sound good! I think I will go shopping for hospital stuff/nightwear once I have moved, since I have enough to pack as it is & can't seem to fight off my guilt whenever I buy anything at the moment. I'll be 32 weeks when move, so if get bag packed by 35 weeks I think that is enough ahead really, if baby comes earlier than that then I'm sure hospital etc won't blame me for being unorganised... right?

30+4

user - think that sounds fine. I'm due to be induced at least 2 weeks early, hence wanting to be a bit more prepped at this stage! As you say, no point moving a whole load of new stuff!

You could put together your list now, so that if you do have to go in DP at least knows what he's meant to bring for you (mine would probably bring me a silky neglige which no longer fits to birth in and an evening dress for going home).

Sorry all, I am not a frequent poster here but trying to keep up with you all:)
I also joined the facebook group but haven't managed to post anything so far, oh dear..

Mama: you are an amazingly positive person, I find it very influential. I hope you both will be home soon!!

Msbluesky: I can totally sympathise with you about your work commute. It is exhausting, I commute 1 1/2 hours each way to work form London to outside of London and the same hours back if the traffic is good otherwise it can be more. I still have 6 weeks to go before I'm off. Counting down the days.

I've started to think about shopping and getting prepared for the arrival (felt so behind) so went to ebay and managed to win a bid for a bundle of baby girl clothes, newborn and 0-3 months - all for £12.50 + postage. I cannot wait to see what I got:) I'll be getting some new stuff too later on, step by step.

28+2 today!

Hi all, great to hear your positive updates mama
I went to see the midwife yesterday for 31 week check and everything seems to be fine, it's a bit annoying as my midwife just left and it seems from what the mw I saw yesterday was saying that they haven't really assigned me a new one so it will be someone different every appointment...
I mentioned to the midwife that when I overdo things am on my feet for a while, or walk too quickly I can feel a lot of pressure down in the vaginal area, so she told me to be careful of not doing too much because the baby must be very low, but even today when I was very careful I couldn't walk comfortably by the time I got home, it feels like something is all stretched or the baby is pushing down (even though I can see from the way it's lying and kicking it's definitely not engaged or anything...). Has anyone else had this? Please reassure me more then the mw did, I feel that if I go climb the stairs now I might give birth!!!!!!! bit of a problem as the toilet is upstairs lol, I haven't had any pains apart from very very infrequent braxton hicks, just the low pressure?!?!
31+2

birdbrain I've been suffering with SPD, which continually feels like baby is pressing down and will fall out at any second, feels like I've been kicked. Have had it about 5 weeks now and as long as I don't overdo it I just have that falling out ache, if I over stretch or have a busy day it turns really painful, shooting pains and can barely move, so definitely be careful as makes it controllable, it doesn't mean you are engaged just looser in the pelvis. Speak to midwife who can refer you for physio if gets worse.

So good to read your updates mama, it's great to hear how well you and Alex are doing.

bona, your Primark bargains sound great. I will be getting myself down there at the weekend.

I can empathise with those struggling with commuting. I do a three hour round trip each day (10 min walk to station, hour on train, 20 min walk to office). It suddenly seems to have hit me today, not helped by the fact I stayed late for after work drinks and so won't be home until 8pm. I'm cooking as DH doesn't get in until around 9pm [cheesed off emoticon]

Does anyone have any tips on a changing bag? I'm looking for something that's £40 or under, practical and not too girly as DH will use it too. Any recommendations much appreciated.

birdbrain I'm feeling like that too! I want to walk around holding my bump because sometimes she feels like she's on her way out!
At my 20w scan & at each m/w appt since she's been head down, and people tell me my bump looks low. Most of the kicks are in my ribs/stomach so I guess she's still feet up!
TMI my lady bits feel swollen too, I guess it's all the extra pressure
Plus my feet hurt by the end of the day, my mum says that's all the extra weight I'm carrying (which incidentally is 1st 9, which sounds like a lot to me!?)

Thanks essex I actually have very narrow hips so I guess it makes sense that they are becoming quite loose otherwise I'd never fit a baby through, apart from general backache though my hips etc have been fine could it still be spd?!
likecandy I do often find myself holding my bump! especially when I go up any stairs (even one or two!!!!!!!) and I totally agree with your tmi comment and mine are really itchy too.....

Btw I love this thread you are all amazing at responding to questions and worries, here's to getting through the rest of this pregnancy happily, healthily and worry free

Candy I've put on 1st 8lb so far xx

MsBlueSky really recommend bumps and babes, wish I'd gone when expecting DD, I was on 'bed rest' from 30ish weeks because of SPD, but could have pootled along for a bit of adult conversation. Our bunch are lovely and all different, which I really value, ours also does tots. I still go for sanity, nice cake and a hot cuppa [whatever is offered!]

Mama you really are a star and so is your little man. We really have such awe for you, you've been through/going through so much, yet have time for us.

My SPD was awful last time essex and birdbrain. DD shot out in 4 hours from first contraction, I was in shock as it just happened so quickly and I wasn't prepared :) It's starting to twinge a bit now, but it's nowhere near as bad.

Likecandy my bits also ache, my episiotomy scar throbs when I've done too much.

teapig I love my babymel change bag, it's not obviously mummy bag and I can fit all my stuff and DD's in it without looking to bulging. Lots of pockets. Mine is a faded red and brown paisley print, they do others that are quite neutral. I had a black one to start with but DH still refused to hold it properly and would drag it about, so swapped it for one more to my taste. :)

I've had a grumpy day today and may have thrown a toddler tantrum this evening with DH [DD would be proud of me] but he really gets on my wick sometimes, he's so thoughtless and takes stupid risks, well he just got on my nerves and I may have sobbed like a pregnant nut job :)

Ladies who have aching/swollen etc lady bits, could be vulval varicosities (particularly in those who are feeling a lot of downward pressure). Might be worth getting MW to check? Turns out I don't have them, so I'm no expert, but from what I remember tensing and releasing your pelvic floor to get the blood flowing should help a bit. Also putting a sanitary towel in the freezer (be careful of freezer burn) can give some relief (other suggestion was to fill a condom with water and freeze it, then sit with rolled up towels under each bum cheek and slide the cold condom onto the chair -wrapped in a tea towel I think, be careful). As I say, these are all from memory, but maybe something to check out? I find things much easier to deal with if I know what they are.

Hi ladies. Been for my 28 week check today (28+4). All good and measuring perfect. Our LO seems to want to be the center of attention and the midwife always finds the heartbeat straight away, plus I lay there while it was having a good old kick about! Got my anti-D but they were out of whooping cough so get that next week when I see the dr for a certificate so I can fly. Might ask the dr to weigh me if I am brave enough (although surely about a stone of it must just be my breasts?!)
Have just treated myself to a whole load of aromatherapy oils that I can use in labour and for massage .
Off to the UK next week so making lists of what I still have to get (mainly stuff for me) and then I hope to pack my bag when I get back. Thanks for all the tips of what you have been getting.
Bargain this week was a basic monitor from a charity shop. Not convinced I need one so didn't mind the £3.50 it cost!!

Mama so glad to hear you are both doing so well x