July 2013 - Thread 6: cankles, bumps, strangely placed lumps, the glamours of pregnancy go on and on

[dinkystinky]

New thread to natter away on.

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Welcome bigO and inde.

citizen that sounds like a great book. I remember feeling totally worthless last time round because DH complained I wasn't ironing his pants ( honestly!) I think we could have both have done with reading it.

Very jealous of Dinky away on hols, will definately try and organise something for May half term.

Ellie glad GTT went ok in the end.

I've only got to get the cot out of my Dad's loft, but got to make some room for it first. I got rid of everything else. I'm super unorganised, but aiming to be sorted by about 35 weeks.

I'm also suffering from heartburn at night, and a return of MS, the horror! Took a few days of work as I thought I had a virus, but realise now that it's just the joys of being pregnant!

Belly full of eels is a pretty good discription, tho this one was doing 'the caterpillar' last night. He goes crazy when I go to bed.

Hope everyone else is ok

Mini I have lots of thoughts about it, just like the idea of being relaxed at home, and not having to make the horrible trip to the hospital while in labour! Oh and I would definitely be able to have a water birth this time. I also thought about a midwife led unit, probably the one where I had antenatal classes last time, but I just had the thought what would I get there that I wouldn't get at a home birth? I couldn't have more pain relief, which I don't want anyway, and if there were any complications I would still have to transfer to hospital. Going to talkie about it with midwife next week and see how I feel after that.
AMA I used a changing table. With spd problems after birth there was no way I could get down and up from floor to do it, and was much more comfortable. You just have to be careful, but ds didn't manage to roll off! He did try though...
Dinky - setting my jealousy aside I do hope you get some sun and get to relax a bit!

Amma I made do with changing mat on the floor (through lack of space more than anything) but it worked really well as DD was a real wriggler and hated having her nappy changed. I too suffer from bad knees but I got a step stool to sit on which worked out very well, and DD now uses it to reach the sink. Just a word of warning about changing on beds - DD did a projectile poonami whilst being changed once and managed to get poo absolutely everywhere (walls, floor, bed, cupboards, me and DH, literally nothing in the room remained unscathed) after that experience nappy changes were strictly done in bathroom

Oh and Indecisive you can always get in the birthing pool and change your mind if you don't like it. I wanted a water birth last time but pool was occupied, so trying for one again this time!

Oh I'm going to try and get in the birthing pool this time too. I spent last labour flat on my back and off my head on pethedin (sp?) . It wasn't great to say the least. Hopefully with the pool I'll be able to avoid both of the above this time round.

I'm leaning towards birthing pool too, didn't realise you could get back out again if you don't like it. That's sealed it for me I think, I had visions of getting in and hating it but being stuck there for the duration! Has anyone had one previously? If so what are your thoughts?

I'm still trying to hold off on buying stuff until I go down south to see my family at the end of next week (that's up north to some of you, but not from here). My brother has promised us a load of stuff, and I'll be generally on the scrounge. Another reason for holding off is I intend to pick my sister and SIL's brain as to what they actually found useful.

Right, must go and grout the new hearth tiles in the vague hope that our stove will arrive at the shop tomorrow.

We had a great changing mat for DD - she's always tried to escape during nappy changes. It was just a plain white foam one with curved sides, a bit like a big gutter. Unfortunately DH left it in Dublin it got lost in the move. Never liked the idea of a changing table. My mum always changes DD on the bed (on a changing mat).

"sister and SIL's brain"

Oops, that should be brains plural. They definitely have one each...

Hey Sunday and Vinegar also suffering from acid at night (and in the day) - which results is throwing up at times if I don't get enough gaviscon down me quick enough. I think my GP thinks buying gaviscon is a rite of passage of pregnancy. As I've been being sick for the last 2+ months at random times of day and night maybe I should throw up in his surgery and see if he is more sympathetic then?!
Way behind all of you with being organised (with stuff for baby and names!) but have bought a mattress for the crib this week and a few other bits on line. Should be sitting here writing my school reports, instead I'm online browsing for 'essentials'! I keep thinking I'll leave it til I'm on maternity leave as I finish early - then have the 'what if it comes early' panic! Definitely FAR more fun than writing reports, but I suppose I better do some!

Sunday - I definitely recommend reading it then! Do it now so you're ready for any comments Good luck getting your DH to read it - I never did but I think the fact that he saw me reading it (best get a paper copy so you can leave it around, not an ebook ) and we discussed some of the stuff in it, did help get the message across. Certainly shored up my morale at a tricky time.

Ama - changing tables. We got an ex-display one from Mamas & Papas last time, which was a bargain. It's a chest of drawers with a changing bit on top. We needed a chest of drawers anyway so thought we'd get one suitable for changing and we've used it for all changes at home. I think if lack of space is an issue then you totally can do without one - a mat in the bathroom or somewhere else - but we have found it useful.

A couple of days of sunshine and I can almost believe July might actually arrive some time soon! Picked up a few little bits for the baby yesterday. We've got lots from DS1 but as I borrowed quite a lot (and returned it) or bought from charity shops (and returned) there are some gaps. DH lives buying clothes for the kids so I have to hold him back

Hope you're all feeling well and getting some vit d from the sunshine, even if we're not all on holiday!!

Feel like a newbie despite posting on here ages ago...

Mini - It's my first pregnancy but am pretty decided on a home birth (with all the caveats that I may change my mind at the last moment or there may be medical resons why a home birth isn't advisable e.g. breach baby etc etc). My area has a dedicated home birth team and they're very happy to take on first timers. In fact they looked quite surprised when I asked whether it would be an issue that I haven't given birth before!

I'm quite a homebody so I think I'd be more comfortable at home both for the birth and after it. Also I like that I can have a waterbirth if that's what I want at the time (have been leant a birthing pool by a friend) and there won't be anyone else using it!

One of the things I don't like about the idea of hospital is being left alone on a ward with a new baby without DH or DM. At home they'll both be around (although DM will arrive after all the birthing 'action') so there'll be people there to help!

Having said that I wouldn't be surprised if when the first contraction hits I'm screaming for an epidural and making my way to the hospital pronto! I'm trying to keep an open mind about it all and aim for my 'best case scenario' but not get too wedded to the idea in case something else ends up happening! I don't think I'll feel like I've 'failed' if it doesn't all go according to my ideal (as I've heard other mothers say after their births haven't gone as they hoped), as long as the baby ends up in my arms I'll be happy!

26+5

Hello ladies, catching up completely...
Welcome & hello indecisive & BigOrange

Thanks for the advice on MA vinegar & twinkle, feeling a little better about it all now.
Very jealous of dinky in Lanzarote 1 day under 1 month till I go on holiday though now so your making me very excited!

Had a very busy weekend but the most amazing news, OH has got a job!! I am still welling up now thinking about when he called to tell me, he starts tomorrow & I am just grinning from ear to ear as its one less thing to worry about. Must starting getting my packing list for holidays together soon as feeling extremely unorganised!
Also while I'm trying to be organised when are you getting your hospital bag ready for? My SIL went into labour at 34 weeks completely unprepared so I am a little panicky!

Hope everyone has had a lovely weekend so far! 25+1

Ama we had/have a changing table for DD and still use it now, at 2.5, I think she did fall off it once at about 18months-bad mummy, but no damage, she never actually attempted to roll off it tho, I was undecided about it for ages but glad I did get it, that said it is easy enough to manage without one, maybe one that goes on top of the cot would be an option if space is tight, I think they are reasonably priced.
Does anyone know when the GTT needs to be done, I've managed to agree with the hospital that I can get someone to do it at work, so I'm not hanging about there for 3hrs, they said around 28weeks, but I'm doing late shifts all that week and don't fancy starving myself till 4pm, so was thinking I could have it done this week at 27+3, but won't if that's too early and means it has to be done again.
phie congrats on OH job, what a relief, I'm sorting my bag in next couple of weeks, not only for my super organisational tendancies, but also as was admitted at 29 weeks last time and had DD at 31, also expecting to be early this time.
27 today.

If all ok I am looking at a home water birth. The midwives drop the pool off from about week 35.
I'm also looking to take annual leave and maternity leave from then.
Last weekend DH made a changer top out of MDF for an old set of drawers we have. He has added a handy 'wipes/nappy' box to the side. Ahhh bless him.
Does anyone have a hospital bag 'list'?

Still full of cold. Debating whether to havemy first sick day jn 3 yrs tomorrow, but no one covers my role if I am off so it will just build up till I go back anyway...

Wow so much to catch up on after my week away! Thanks for advice on itching, my palms started to itch like crazy half way through my holiday so I'll talk to midwife about getting tested for cholestasis (sp?) at my appointment this week.
Sorry can't name check, I've even forgotten most of what I wanted to reply to! RE: home birth I'd love one but still a part of me terrified about the 'what if' scenarios.
Holiday with the 21 month old was wonderful, what a cutie. Can't wait now, and DP is (finally) showing signs of broodiness! Bump kicked him in response to his voice tonight so he's pretty chuffed I laughed at the eels reference, I'm convinced that I'm growing an octopus in there as movement is all over. No idea how to figure out his position, is it too early to tell?
25+5

Oh, and I had my first 'oops' moment today. Sneezing when you're bursting for the loo is a bad idea. Thank god it was at home - hope that never happens in public!!

Welcome indecisive and Bigorange

notprincesskate I had my GTT at 26 weeks, was told any time from then is fine, so you should be alright at 27!

phie what good news, I'm glad things seem to be looking up after all your recent stresses.

Also congratulations to totally on the new house, it sounds like the right decision for you at the moment.

I'm very jealous of those of you going on holiday or already there. I've spread some leave out over the next few weeks to make work more tolerable, but don't think we're going to manage to get away at all.

In terms of movements I don't quiet get the eels thing, but I do have an anterior placenta so maybe that is something to do with it? I do seem to be getting more & bigger movements though, mainly on my left. DH seems to have a calming effect on her though - he's hardly managed to feel any movements because every time he puts his hand on my tummy she stops!

I'm quite looking forwards to my scan wednesday, hopefully all will be well and it gives me another chance to look at chip (and a small lie-in!)
I got a few more maternity tops over the weekend, my pre-pregnancy tops are just not cutting it any more! Also got a few more bits for the baby which is always exciting. Still need a car seat though

Love catching up after a few days away!

Was it somebody on this thread who kindly mentioned that Primark do maternity jeans? If so, THANK YOU!!! I have now been able to expand my maternity jeans collection from 1 to 3 pairs due to Primark's super-cheap (£11) pairs. They're the really soft type, under bump, skinny, and they FIT ME which is really rare. Would love it if they expand the collection (pronto, not when I've just given birth!).

Somebody may have already mentioned this, but the Ikea chair that a lot of people like for nursing is Poang www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/S39805432/
There are lots of different colours, fabrics and types of chair including rocking and swivel ones. We have 2 and love them and people have recommended trying them for breastfeeding when the baby comes. The foot stools are great, too.

I'm also feeling the squirming feeling a lot the past couple of days. It's not really like regular kicking and it's actually very uncomfortable. Got a bit worried last night as it felt a bit more like 'pressure' low down in the groin, but it wasn't so much downwards pressure but pressure on my internals. Anyone know what I mean??

MiniPenguin, yes, we're planning a home birth, with the knowledge that there's a good chance of a transfer and that I may wimp out when I realise how much birth actually hurts! It feels the right choice for us. Have read up A LOT on the pros and cons and the risks at home v risks at hospital and it still feels right. Great thing is, you can always change your mind, even when you're in labour.

Indecisive, love your name - pretty much summed me up until recently :-) I've a few friends who had water births and their stories are overwhelmingly positive. Their experiences really do seem to reflect the belief that it can be a more calm birth experience.

NotPrincessKate - I had my GTT at 27 weeks and they said any time between 26 and 28 is fine - so hopefully you'll be fine. Agree with the idea of all day fasting sounding awful!

Phie - brilliant news on OH's job. Is it the one he went for which involved him locking himself out of the car? If it was, that stroke of not great luck clearly brought him good luck! Hope its the start of good things to come for you and your loved ones in 2013.

Guavas - thank god you were at home! Remember those pelvic floor exercises (fast ones and also going up and down in three stages) which in theory helps stop nasty things like that happening (the fast ones will mean you can shut your pelvic floor down in the time it takes to sneeze). I had a couple of those incidents (thankfully at home) when pregnant with DS1 so now am religious about my PF exercises - do them on my commute to work

Indecisive - I had a water birth with DS2 - not on my birth plan. Simply saw the pool in the birthing room at the birth centre when I got there and HAD to get in it (I was in transition) - it was wonderfully grounding (and had the added bonus of no one being able to be right next to me in my face). I was induced with DS1 and had a labour ward birth which would have been fine had it not been for a truly awful negligent midwife - however being 7 years old and bolshier there is no way on earth I would put up with what happened then today. However the drive to the birth centre was easily my least favourite bit of DS2's birth - contractions every minute or so lasting for a minute and DH having to check for a flat tyre half way (was only a 15 min journey but seemed to last for ever). I got there fully dilated and in transition though so that may have something to do with my feelings about the journey. I think those of you (especially on no 2) going for a home birth should go for it - I would but DH is a real worry wart and would be uber stressed the whole time, which is NOT conducive to a relaxed birth, so the birth centre it is again all things going well. And first timers, keep an open mind and remember your birth plan are your birth preferences only - the baby or your body may have other ideas at the time - and you'll be fine.

Right, off to go see a volcano and some lava caves today as the sun is still being illusive. Have a good day all x

P.s Bean feels less like a bellyful of eels and more like that scene from Aliens at times!

Fricking autocorrect - Elusive!

What on earth is a GTT? Does everyone have one? First I've heard!!

I think I'm definitely going to put a water birth down as my preference. I want to hold off as long as possible without 'hard core' pain relief anyway so suits me! It always looks better on OBEM so am really pleased I've timed it well enough to have one now!

dinky the volcano trip is awesome. It was the best bit of my Lanzarote holiday when I went!

GTT is glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes, chances are if you've not heard about it then you have no risk factors, as its only offered to those at high risk, for me this was a borderline BMI at booking in and bubba having a large tummy on my last scan, oh and my weight gain due to my excessive food (sweet tooth) intake

persuassion hopefully so!
Thank you dinky, it isn't that one no, he didn't get that I wonder why but this one is much better suited to him & in IT which is something he really wants to get in to. He did manage to lock himself out of his car again though on saturday, 2 times in under 2 weeks is something pretty erm special?!

Hope everyone is having a lovely Monday, I unfortunately have a very tiring day as I am at work till half 4 then doing a half 5 half 9 at my other job, only 5 more shifts of that left though!