September mums-to-be - the bumps get bigger and we all get more excited!

[HettySunshine]

Here we are ladies. A shiny new thread for us all. Let the chatting continue!

I had my first 'aren't you enormous' comment today. Lovely. It was made worse by a series of comparisons with Kate Middleton, of all the bloody people (though bizarrely introduced to the conversation just as 'Catherine' which made me think we were talking about someone I should know).

Fl0 I share your concerns. Been very happily married for 5 years & everything is perfect both relationship, life & career wise....seems mental to now go and set a bomb off in the middle of it all!

TBH it's a conversation I had with DH whilst on our third holiday of last year, in a glam restaurant in New York (those were the days...sigh) we agreed that whilst we are having the time of our lives now, the baby thing is about our future happiness & like everything else (degrees, early career, buying first home etc) you have to go through a tough few years to reap the benefits long term. Would we still be as happy if we left it another 5 or 10 years? or would be worn out by the monotony of it all & end up looking outside of our relationship to 'spice things up'? I guess we'll never know, but at least we made the decision together & we've agreed to support each other through it...

PS. Just read that pregnancy article & burst into tears....oh. dear.

From someone on the other side of the baby/ relationship (16 years together, 11 years married, 5 of which were very much blissful carefree posh holiday constant sociaising pre-kids), I can honestly say that, yes, whilst it does inevitably reduce your couple time and any chance of spontaneity, it can also give you a much deeper closer bond too. There is no better feeling than catching each others' eyes as you witness your child doing something super cute and sharing a silent 'we made this amazing being' type moment :)

Argh kips don't make me cry on the train!!!

Love the article Jammy sounds like she is talking complete common sense.

Ref relationships - I too really worry about the impacts on my relationship with OH - we have busy social lives (not me so much lately) and go out for meals when we fancy it - I know having a baby will be a big life changer and I am hoping it will make us stronger.

I went to the hospital today for a checkup with the diabetes midwife (who is lovely) she said I am doing really well and not to worry if I have a couple of spikes a week and to carry on what I am doing (in the main just eating super healthy).
I also had a growth scan and baby is measuring fine - the sonographer also showed us her in 4D which was a bit freaky but also amazing to see her so clearly - she looked so cute and had her hands under her chin - I didn't even know that they could do the 4D scans in routine scans - it was so lovely if the sonographer to do that.
Baby is currently in breach position but there is time for that to change.

Kips, I totally agree! It's been the hardest thing ever but the most amazing. When we share that moment when DD does something super cute its all worthwhile :) And I reckon if you don't have kids you can never truly appreciate time to your self (both individually and as a couple).

That's very reassuring, over the last few weeks when dh has been out partying I've been panicking. But I think he just needs to get it out of his system before the madness descends, well hopefully!!

Was just wondering if anyone is thinking of taking raspberry leaf tea? I did with DS and had a very straightforward labour. Strong, regular contractions from the off, and pushing for less than half an hour. Of course, they could have had nothing to do with it, but on the off chance I think I'll take them again. Thing is, I can't for the life of me remember when to start taking them, and after some googling I'm even more confused! Any ideas?

Fab article Jammy, thanks for posting.

Keep smiling - I took capsules and tea and DD arrived at 38+5 in a straightforward labour with a 2 push third stage (I think!) so I guess I should find out when I took them too! Anyone know / remember? I don't think it's til fairly late on.

Never heard of Raspberry tea helping labour? But willing to try anything. I tend to drink fruit teas so will just have in tea form-how much should you drink?

I think the RLT is supposed to help strengthen the uterus / cervix, or something or other. I don't think it's recommended before a certain number of weeks. Hoping someone who remembers is going to come along.

ION I've been doing online grocery shop and baby wants a pork pie!

CharlW1 and kitten - thanks for making me feel better. I had my appointment with the midwife who was lovely and I didn't cry TOO much! All seems really daunting and scary and I suddenly feel a bit overwhelmed when I was feeling so chilled about things.
Got a scan on Wednesday so that will be nice :)
And all the bloods I've tested today are totally normal so fingers crossed it won't need too much controlling.
Thanks again

Ordered out pram today,its the Obaby sport zezu. With various discounts and buying online we paid £204 for pram & footmuff instead of £320, I'm so happy! We don't have a car so no need for travel system.

Think I'm starting with heartburn, anyone else?

I'm also starting to think about how much things will change with DP, the permanence of it, tho i do see how it will bond us even more closely.

My sister is planning a surprise baby shower that I now know about, I've made her promise not to have presents, more the afternoon tea and games, guess the sex,weight etc like others have mentioned, feel much happier with that!!

Kips.... Well done you just made me bawl!! Ha ha stupid hormones.

Back to catch up on the rest of you

Thanks to whoever mentioned the tesco maternity pads: 6 packs ordered with my shop! And some raspberry leaf tea. Looks like the suggested time to start it is somewhere between 30 and 38 weeks! There are a few threads on it if you're interested.

I'll be starting RLT again at about 35 weeks - supposed to be in the last month or so... The theory is that it helps the cervix in some way (can't remember how exactly - more elastic-y?!?). Anyway, I did it last time and DD came out easy peasy. Think the advice is start with 1 cup a day and build up to a maximum of 3 cups a day... though tbh I never went above 2 a day.

Anyone else slightly scared that we're up to talking about raspberry leaf tea/bringing on labour already? Where has the time gone?!

I think this was done to death about six months ago but I'm really struggling with a cold. If I hadn't had the flu jab I'd think it was flu - coughing up catarrh to the point of vomiting, blocked nose, ear ache, sneezing etc - any ideas for anything I can actually take?!

Diet coke-I had an awful cold a couple of months ago and other than lemon (can't stand honey) and paracetamol for my sky high temperature I don't think we can take anything (but someone else might know of something we can take) Hope you feel better soon

I'm afraid what I was told during my 2 bouts of flu and numerous trips to dr was that I just had to suffer :( Try to get some rest (if you don't have any DC that should be possible) and try to get better.

Blueurgh. Thought as much! Spent most of yesterday in bed but today I've got a hospital/mw appt and then need to drag myself into work. Oh well, today can only be better than yesterday - managed to throw up catarrh and gunk all over myself whilst driving

Totally empathise with you, is totally and entirely rubbish :(

I used olbas oil. It used to be recommended in pregnancy but they had to stop as they have no conclusive evidence that its safe (it's not been formally tested on large numbers if pregnant women). On the other hand, there's also no record of it causing any harm either so I decided I was happy to use it. It's your decision.
Also paracetamol is fine if you have a fever or painful sinuses or head to relieve.