April 2013 Part 7: As our miracle Alex continues to grow & the one that sees us reach TERM

[toobreathless]

Over here Ladies!

As the title suggests our fore runners will almost certainly hit 37 weeks this thread.

And the wonderful little Alex will hopefully continue to go from strength to strength and edge closer to the door home with Mama

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/antenatal_clubs/1658011-April-2013-part-six-what-does-the-third-trimester-have-in-store

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/antenatal_clubs/1560543-April-2013-stats-thread

have updated stats thread... seems there are 134 of us expecting! 3 arrivals [have added Liam, hope thats okay rosie]

If anyone has issues with the stats thread either here or on FB just PM me and I'll update it for you, that is if I can get on the laptop for fun and not for DH's work!

Yep mango I'm with you on the hospital bag. Ive been thinking I could wait until I start mat leave but that feels a bit risky now I've suddenly started feeling v v big and the reality of giving birth has started to dawn. So going to get started on it this week. And I'm also really struggling with backache :-( I have 3 weeks (but 13 working days) left at work and it really can't come soon enough!

always, that sounds wise - I'm going to start putting mine together this week too... hopefully then we'll both have one less thing to worry about! I have nightmares about not packing in time and having to instruct DH on what stuff to bring me once I'm at the hospital - he wouldn't have a clue where to start!

Sorry to hear you're having a hard time with backache. Hope your last few weeks at work go as quickly and comfortably as possible!

cheese I was prescribed antibiotics but never got them as I decided to do without. I used olbas oil to try and clear the blockages and it worked pretty well. Sometimes I inhaled it from a bowl of hot water, sometimes from a tissue. DH said the whole house smelled of the stuff though I couldn't smell it! For the toothache I did also try garlic which was disgusting but gave immediate relief.

Driving today was ok but struggled coming home from my yoga class in the dark. It's surprisingly stressful. I am actually less worried about giving birth than I am about driving on a motorway or large roundabout!

35+2. Just 5 more days of work :-)

Same to you mango. Good move on going to PT....I thought about it but didn't sort in time and now there's no way I can-way too much left to do. But I'm trying to work from home one day a week which does help...not having the commute and getting a bit longer in bed in the morning when sleep has become so disrupted.

Good luck for your last few weeks at work too! And ditto with the hospital bag...you have whirred me into action I think :-)

Evening all.

Congratulations Rosie on the arrival of Liam. What a fantastic weight for 35 weeks. Hope he is home with you soon.

Welcome bananas and mango

My, erm, ladygarden has been all too neglected (though I tend to keep most of it anyway). No way is it all coming off so I am going for the trim with the nail scissors approach. Our bathroom mirror is low enough to see what I am doing.

All has been very quiet on the contractions front this week and I am now convinced that I am going to go overdue and have to be induced. Then I'd feel like a malingering fraud, but can't be helped.

We are moving in the right direction with having everything ready. I have:-

• tidied out DS1's room, put all his too small stuff away and made space for DS2's things;
• washed all baby clothes from prem to 0-3 months. Newborn stuff in wardrobe / drawers, others bagged up at bottom of wardrobe for if / when we need it;
• washed car seat covers (need to put it back together);
• washed bouncy chair;
• DH has washed down pram chassis after some moaning that it was 'clean' (in fact covered in mud and cobwebs from being in our porch untouched for 2 years).

Still need to:

• wash playmat;
• wipe down carrycot (also works as Moses basket) and put in new mattress and lining;
• pack hospital bag for LO - mine has all the basics in it from several previous trips but as of tomorrow (36 weeks!!) LO would be on the ward with me unless there were complications so this needs doing.

Sorry for epic post but helps me get my thoughts in order.

welcome to everyone who's new and congratulations rosie

can't believe it I'm now in the 9th month, luckily I seem to to have suddenly gotten my second trimester energy burst that never came at the right time, problem isn't energy levels it being on my feet for too long makes my back hurt and I can't walk around doing stuff too quickly because the baby has dropped loads so it's really uncomfortable. Having said that today I managed to wash all the baby clothes, and pack whatever I could of my hospital bag there's a few last min things that will have to go in like toothbrush, make up, phone etc so I've left a list on top of the bag to remember to take them with. I also did loads of cooking for the freezer so now feeling quite organised, especially after my mw appointment last week when she told me the baby had dropped and could come as soon as a couple of weeks I panicked that nothing was ready...I guess a bit of panic is good to get me to do things
hope everyone had a fab weekend and if (like me) you're still working hope you have a stress and ache free week at work! roll on march 20-mat leave!!!!!!

35+0

Eeek you're all so organised!
I must pack a hospital bag this week! Have 36w checkup on Wednesday and I know they're going to want our birth plan. Still undecided between home and midwife led birth centre (at the hospital).
I know home birth for DC1 is a bit of a sticky issue, but so far I've had a great pregnancy, I'm feeling well, I'm young and fit. We only live 5min drive from the hospital (probably less with blue lights flashing) and the thing worrying me most about birth is going into hospital!!!
Anyone else having this internal debate?

TMI (again, sorry!) but I'm 90% sure I'm losing my mucus plug. Google images seem to confirm the 'orrible goo mucus I've been seeing is probably that. Phoned midwife, they're not bothered unless I start contracting / bleeding / leaking waters
I don't know of this suggests babe will be early, but I put puppy training pads under the bed sheets in case my waters do go!!!
(I may be woefully under prepared for baby, but at least the matress might survive!)

just noticed on the stats thread we've filled every date in april apart from the 13th. I wonder if anyone will have their baby then?!

Like in the ante-natal class we had today she said losing the mucus plug is a sign that your body is getting ready but not necessarily an indicator that you'll go into labour any time soon! I would get your bag ready though! :)

I have to have a hospital birth because of the tablets I've been taking (although I'm delighted to say I've cut right down with the help of acupuncture!). I think I'd lean towards mw lead for DC1 but will definitely be hoping for home birth if/when we have DC2!

Welcome to mango, launch right in!

bird I would consider buying extra bits in a travel bag like spare toothbrush - I have one for when I go away which I've just chucked in my hospital bag! - just one less thing to worry about when the time comes!

candy I'm also seriously considering home birth and this is my first baby. Have read the research and weighed up everything and I'm definitely keen. Knowing myself very well and as we're only 10 mins from the hosp, it is - in theory anyway - my preferred option (for all the usual reasons people opt for home births if they do). I had risk of reduced blood flow to baby (so growth risk) identified at 20 weeks and then low lying placenta and baby breech at 28 weeks but placenta has sorted itself, growth is bang on normal, baby has turned to head down, so I'm back to being low risk. Hurrah. And midwife says (unless anything changes obv) there's no reason not to consider home birth. There's an amazing group of community midwives, who are from my hospital but do their community mw work out of my gp practice, and it would be two of them who would attend the home birth. DH was v reluctant initially but has warmed to the idea since we did our antenatal classes.

I know there's a good chance I'll abandon the idea fast when the time comes and I really discover what my pain tolerance is (rates of hospital transfers for first baby HBs are quite high), but I'm planning and preparing on the basis of being at home for as long as possible. I found that once I decided that as the basic principle (and realised I'm packing a hospital bag regardless), the torturous internal debate eased!

I am really going to pack my hospital bag(s) this week - although there is still a small part of me that worries that by packing them I am tempting this baby to arrive! I know that is silly- and I have never packed a hospital bag before until the day my waters go and the baby arrives, but it still seems....

I am planning in a small bag for me for labour, a bigger bag for me if I have to stay in, a bag for the baby if it is big/late enough to need stuff, and also need to pack bags for DDs so that my DMum or DSis are prepared with clothes and school uniform.

Must also speak with DSis so she knows she is second in line if my waters go and DP is on the mainland at work (she was first in line last time as Dparents were on holiday but they have planned everything around being here this time) as he was last time!

and re losing the mucus plug candy I second that it is just a sign that your body is getting ready. With DD1 it was a week before she arrived (we didn't know it though as the plug came out at just after 30 weeks so no one considered it could be the plug!) and it never came out with DD2 who arrived at just before 35 weeks.

And yes, i have bought spare/new toiletries for my hospital bag so I only have the last fe things like purse, phone, kindle etc to put in at the last minute.

Good evening!

In a good mood here after making £60 on eBay tonight & having a good declutter. My pains of last night have settled down and back to BH. Today has been busy & poor DD got beaten up by a little thug in the park who came up behind her, looked at me spitefully, then deliberately slammed his entire weight into her pushing her up against the metal railings. She was hysterical, split lip so blood everywhere and has a bruise to her cheek. She is not yet 2! I was furious, didn't say anything to the child but had strong but polite words with the mother, who burst into tears and left! I was left staring after her rather flabbergasted. I didn't raise my voice or anything, bizarre.

On the subject of dates for anyone due around the end of the month the 23rd is St George's Day! An excellent day to have a baby (& DD1s 2nd birthday )

floss amazing to reach 36 weeks! I enjoyed reading your done and to do lists I love hearing about everyone else's preparations it makes it seem so real and I don't feel as guilty about re packing my hospital bag for the 20th time!

like some quite globby jelly like mucus is normal in late pregnancy and may well not be a show. Shows can be quite heavily blood stained too. Don't worry of it is just means your body is getting prepared and although yes some people do lose them just prior to labour it can be weeks.

Mango welcome!!

Kellestar great work with the stats thread! Hope this finds you and B well? Great to hear this LO is looking so good on your recent growth scan.

Mama hope you are continuing to feel better and get more Alex snuggles soon.

35 + 2

haven't posted for a while but still here...

im 33+5 (twin) and today i feel like I've been kicked in the crotch and keep getting pain right on bikini line/ pubic area. what is this? feels a bit like when i had round ligament pain but this is lower and takes my breath away... tips/advice?

have another scan and consultant tomo so will ask them too but you ladies might know??xx

Welcome mango another due date buddy here! Also goin on mat leave at Easter n workin from home 1 day a wk in the run up, can't come soon enough!

candy lost my plug with both dd's literally bout an hour before contractions started. They do say it can be weeks tho, don't want to worry u!

Hope everyone has had a good wkend, the thread has been so busy but tryin to keep up....another wk gone, startin the countdown in days now..47 till due date! Eek but so exciting!!

Morning all ... Very early morning

I really need to get my hospital bag packed soon...
Might do it today, although I REALLY wanna go to mothercare.. I guess I could do both? Feeling way to lazy recently. Just so tired :( not that I sleep.

35+2

Morning all- I have a cold! Boooo! Have decided to stay off work today- I know it's just a cold, but I'm so tired with it and have a thick head / snotty nose. Normally I would have struggled on in, but DH was getting his knickers in a twist about it- and I'm sure he's right. Our baby is small as it is, not going to help anyone by getting completely run down. All the same I can't help feeling like a fraud- I'm never off work- and I only have 2 weeks to go- and I have appointments both weeks- I just feel like I'm being a pain in the ass to work- though I know I work bloody hard and lots of people have time off for a lot less. Still. Feel rubbish. but it's definitely the right thing to do to stay home- tell me it is!

Our growth scan last week wasn't great- baby has grown but has dropped through the centiles, so we're seeing a consultant on Thursday- anyone have any experience of this? On the plus side, my placenta has moved, so full steam ahead for a natural birth.

In terms of organisation I feel pretty good now. Hospital bag is packed- things like phone / charger/ snacks etc haven't been put in yet, and I haven't got enough maternity clothes to wear now and pack- so I haven't got many clothes in the bag for me. But I think we've got everything in there for the baby, which I guess is the main thing.

Nursery is now all sorted- have unpacked all the 0-3 month clothes we've been given, and the rest are in a cupboard.

Want to a nct nearly new sale on Saturday and picked up 20 motherease one size nappies, 10 motherease wraps (different sizes), 3 fuzzi buzz nappies and a bumble nappy all for £25! (Calculated it would have been about £350 new!!) so feeling completely organised on that front (though have also bought a few packs of newborn disposable nappies for the first few weeks).

So, now I just need to not worry about having a day off work, and go back to sleep!
X
35+1 x

wishful you are totally right to stay off, I felt exactly the same, but the truth is in 2 weeks they have to survive without you, so they should get used to it now. I always beat myself up with guilt if I ever take time, also us possibly 4 days in 4 years but still feel bad! Pointless having the day off and still worrying, you've made your decision now-the right one, so chillax, get some fluids in you and get some rubbish day time telly in under a quilt on the sofa

Morning everyone, I'm feeling better thanks for all the good wishes, should get to cuddle Alex today, my family have been looking after him all weekend which I think secretly they were thrilled about! He is likely to be weaned off the O2 this week, he had a lung function test on Friday and his lungs are great they say as good as any other babe at 36 weeks- have agreed to let them use data from his treatment in a study on the use of mag drips in early labour-if there's any chance it could help another baby in future then I'm all for it. I was paid the best compliment ever I think by my key work nurse in Saturday I was user about not seeing Alex and my ds/dd -she told me to relax that my children have the relaxed secure confidence that children only get from knowing they are adored. As a mother that's pretty much all you ever want to hear isn't it?

Rosie-how are you and Liam doing? I've been thinking of you and looking out for any updates.

Jacqueline-I'd be happy to take bets I'm so bored here!

Bori- I have no experience of the sleep thing but it sounds scary-could you ask your midwife for reassurance?

Mango-welcome! Jump right in this group is amazing.

Kellestar- thanks for dong the stats update.

Dysgu- it doesn't sound silly at all to worry about tempting a early arrival- I totally understand that. When have had prem baby's these things seem so different I think.

Toobreathless- your poor dd! I hoe she is ok?

Tattooed april- I hoe your scan goes well today

Twinkle- I hope you make it to mothercare for a look but don't tire yourself out there's always tomorrow

Wishful- I hope you are feeling better soon.

Sorry if I missed anyone but my memory is not that good! I do read all updates though. I am not on fb but as soon as I can have my laptop I will join and show you pics of Alex-I cannot wait for you all to see him-I know you don't really 'know' us but it feels like you do
Xxx

wishful your DH is absolutely right. Mine had to put his foot down last week when I was ill - but at this point why push yourself? I think you just have to accept that being pregnant is a bit inconvenient to work but hey, most of us do it at some point! :) Sounds like you got some bargains at the weekend though!

twinkle pace yourself! If I were you I'd get the bag packed this morning and go to Mothercare this afternoon if you have the energy.

tattooed I think it's pretty normal to get pains as baby (or in your case babies!) nestle down but worth mentioning it at your appointment tomorrow.

I had a shocking night's sleep. Couldn't get comfy and DH kept snoring and waking me! I think I'm officially at the point of being tired but no longer being able to sleep. Surely I should be clocking up in sleep bank before my screaming child bundle if joy comes along?! Seems like Mother Nature has got it a bit screwy!

32+6

Ah x-posts with you Mama! Can't believe it looks like Alex is going to be weaned off the oxygen soon! That's amazing. I think it's great you're allowing them to use the data for research. Like you say, it could help future babies! What a lovely compliment from your nurse :) I'd love to see photos of Alex when you get chance. It does feel like we know you having shared your journey!

wishful yes it is the right thing to take the day off. You are poorly and need to focus on getting better and doing all you can to help the baby grow. Sorry, I have no experience of what you are going through; I have had small babies but that has been due to prematurity and they were both pretty good weights for their gestation.

Hopefully when you see the consultant later this week they will have some ideas and advice for you.

It also sounds like you did really well on the nappy front at the NCT sale. I love my Fuzzi Bunz nappies especially (and my naturebabies stuffables TBH) but we have also bought a few packs of disposables for the first few weeks whilst we all get into the swing of things. I am also hoping that by then the weather will have warmed up as I love to see the nappies on the line (and the sun is good for the stains!) Actually, I do need DP to get the rest of ours from the loft as I think I might need to buy some new inserts...

I am on my first day of ML today - got some stuff to do (for work as I didn't finish it last week due to laziness not lack of time!) and then I am going to have a think about what else I need to get done:

hospital bag
baby clothes

are probably the most important to get sorted.

Have a good day everyone and especially wishful - hope you are feeling better soon but nothing can be gained by feeling bad about having a day off.

Hello to all the newcomers! Congratulations to Rosie and welcome little Liam!! What a cute name. I hope you are both doing well!?

Sorry for not replying to all of you, keep hanging there ladies!

Just a quick check in: 11 days left at work and I cannot wait to get out of here and be on maternity leave. My replacement has started this morning, most of my days will be occupied training him.

Waiting for the 26th to roll on when after my next scan I will finally know what kind of delivery can I have. The unknown is driving me a little bit crazy...

32+1 today

Morning!

Yesterday I decided to take a trip to the Trafford centre - never again while this pregnant! We were there for around 4 hours and apart from in the car, I didn't sit down once. I already have really huge swollen legs but after the shopping trip they ballooned so much I couldn't unfasten my boots even though they were skin tight.
My feet still haven't gone down this morning and the worst bit is I never even bought anything :(.
I loved the look of vests in h&m but the fabric is weird. I found a gorgeous pink tutu style vest in the Disney shop but a mum in there told me the quality is no better than primark while the price was very different.
Boots was packed so we didn't bother queuing just for bits. And we didn't get into John Lewis as they were closing by the time we reached that end.
I've realised baby shopping is harder than I anticipated. So I'm going to try and order online and get it delivered to a family members as we live in an awkward place for deliveries.

Today is whooping cough jab day, fingers crossed it goes well. Hopefully tomorrow my legs and feet will be better so I can go buy hospital bag things.
32+1 eek!