The shiny new Pregnant after MC due December 2014 thread #2

[FranksBobot]

Shiny new thread ready and waiting for the highs and lows of the second trimester.

Lovely 20 weeks scan Penguin also reduced me to tears! Look at mini penguins little fingers, so cute.

That's really brilliant news Strawbs. Glad you can finally relax a little and what a lovely - sounding consultant. If only they were all so understanding.

Hooray for 2 whole weeks of holiday to look forward to Mrs. Hope the lovely weather re - appears in time for Cornwall but I'm sure you'll have a fab time whatever the weather.

Oh bless you Franks. I hope you don't mind me having a small chuckle - in solidarity you understand .

Covent I really hope you are feeling better soon, especially in time for holiday and I hope the evil sciatica stays away too.

Haha how cute that Juliette chose to biff daddy on the nose by way of her first hello. She sounds fiesty

forgot to ask, is anyone getting the whooping cough jab around 24 weeks?

I will be having it covent but thought it was between 28 - 38 weeks?
I will also be having the flu jab when flu season starts.

penguin you chuckle away! It is funny now, wasn't at the bloody time. I honestly felt such a fool. It would appear my emotions come in major bursts every once in a while.

Good reminder Covent. Will have to check out what the deal is as I definitely want to have that but am already 24 weeks and haven't been asked about it. Perhaps it is something I need to organise myself rather than offered routinely. My 25 week appointment will be a bit late as my mw is on hol for 2 weeks (ru-ude) so maybe she'll mention it when I come in.

For those who are finding themselves achy and sore I am loving the new blog I found when I was looking for info on pelvic floor strength (as you do). This woman has a degree in body mechanics and I have found it so so interesting to read, especially the bits on pregnancy (www.katysays.com/category/pregnant-bits/ ) which run counter to a lot of the usual postural advice eg 'tuck your butt' and her views on doing pelvic floor exercises versus squats for optimum PF function - I actually found her blog via an interview with her on another blog mamasweat.blogspot.co.uk/2010/05/pelvic-floor-party-kegels-are-not.html. Disclaimer : I am a HUGE body mechanics and anatomy geek so it might not be everyone's cup of tea and obviously it is for each of you to judge the validity of her approach but she makes a lot of sense to me and anything that might assist me during birth I am ALL for!

Thanks Ladies, I've checked with GP and whooping cough is between 28 and 32 weeks. They gave me the wrong info last week.

penguin I didn't really follow her explanations but I like the fact that Kegel is not required. Body Pump provides lots of squats. I haven't got any problems down there yet

Really annoyed with work, and can't wait for ML, although I'm sure that baby will challenge my OCD even more.

Covent it did take me a good few reads through and reading around the subject in her other posts to get what she was driving at and that's with some relatively recent anatomy study under my belt from when I did my massage therapy training. I know I need to squat but my non - existent bum muscles mean my quads end up doing all the work so I like that she has a post on exercises to work up to doing a squat with good form. It's not that I have issues yet but with mini penguin seemingly using my bladder as a punching bag it has been on my mind! Prevention being better than cure and all that

That's really interesting stuff, Penguin. DH is a massage therapist so I might get him to read it too and explain some of the trickier bits too me.

I've just started to get aches and pains around my pubic bone and lower back and had just resigned myself to the start of PGP but maybe I can do something about it rather than just suffer!

I've got my 25 week appointment next week. Seems like ages since I saw anyone re my pregnancy but it looks like it steps up a gear now. My bump is having a major growth spurt and baby cakes is having a whale of a time in there! Anyone else feel like they're living in denial a bit though? As in, I just can't get my head round that there's less than 16 weeks left and I'm actually going to have a baby before the year is out??!! I hope something brings me to my senses soon because I need to get organised!

Prevention better than cure - agreed

Complete denial - agreed too

I saw MW today and have whooping cough jab booked for 3rd Sept when I'll be 28 weeks. I have my AntiD jab booked for the next day which I didn't realise at the time. That's going to be a rubbish week! Apparently I have low blood pressure so have to have another blood test tomorrow. And even though the consultant discharged me, it seems they forgot to write that in my notes so when I go into labour they're going to think I'm high risk - I have to have another consultant appt now just so they can write it in my notes! I've got half a mind to just write it in myself!

I'll have a look at that blog later penguin it sounds really interesting. I'm still doing pregnancy yoga every week and loving it. We do a lot on posture and pelvic floor exercises which is very beneficial.

off now to google whooping cough jab side effects and risks to give myself something new to worry about

Ok I promise I am not affiliated to this website or anything I just get really excited about this stuff! I found a Youtube follow-up to the Kegel post which explains the Pelvic Floor stuff a bit more clearly - she has a model of a pelvis and everything I'll shuddup about it now I promise.

Cakes how cool that your DH is a massage therapist I have taught my DH a few massage bits and bobs and when I can persuade him it's my turn I LOVE a good firm massage. I really need to book in for a pg massage soon as it's so beneficial and also just bloody lovely but if I say 'beneficial' I can justify it to myself .

Am COMPLETELY in denial. I formulated a plan to buy a small innocuous baby item to kick start the preparation as currently we have NOTHING. Keep going to JL to try and actually try out some prams before we buy one for cheap 2nd hand on ebay but there always seems to be about 7-8 couples milling around and about 2 staff on hand spending an age with each couple so I just end up wandering around ineffectually then leaving.

Hope work is a bit better today Covent. I feel your pain, my work is a complete shambles, we're moving offices to a new and worse location (byebye St Paul's, hello Whitechapel) and people are planning to leave left, right and centre which makes it quite hard to stay motivated in the run up to mat leave. Only 2 and a half months to go. Wait......WHAT???!!

Good you have your jabs sorted Mrs although annoying timing to say the least. That is so frustrating about having to go to a consultant appointment just to have them say you don't need to go to consultant appointments any more although sadly nothing surprises me as far as the NHS and poor organization goes any more!

I'm totally in denial Cakes. I've managed to buy a couple of things (a multipack of sleepsuits, a hat, a babygro with a bicycle on it, a second hand travel system. Oh and I've inherited a Moby wrap (although it's cream so I'll just look like a giant mummy), a tens machine and a gym ball.

I don't feel in anyway ready, and despite being booted by the baby I still can't associate it with an actual baby.

I know some of it is me trying to protect myself, I sobbed through a birth on OBEM last night (as per usual), but it was the fact that they'd had an mc and then an ectopic before getting pregnant again and they were saying about trying not to get too excited throughout the pregnancy 'just in case' and it triggered loads of emotions off. I realised I'm still utterly convinced that something is going to go wrong, I really don't believe that this is going to result in a baby at all. I've been managing to keep a lid on it most of the time, but last night it all came out.

Also, work is shit, I feel marginalised and trapped and am already worried about coming back after mat leave. Can't tell if my feelings are valid or just hormones.

Oh and I think I have the very beginnings of PGP/SPD as well, due to having an achey pubic region. ARGH.

Ah, Tiny, yes, you've hit the nail on the head there. There is still that niggling little moron sitting at the back of my brain telling me not everything will go to plan. Definitely a defensive thing because I'm not at all superstitious about having things in the house before the baby is here etc. I think I genuinely can't associate the growing bump and kicks and wiggles as an actual human being that i will get to hold in my arms.

Penguin, we went to Kiddicare at the weekend because it's closing down and walked around the place looking at all these knowledgeable people talking about car seats and travel systems and moses baskets and felt like utter frauds!! We scooped a few small bits up (boucey chair, changing mat, muslins, cot blanket and a super cute bunny) then hot footed it out of the place thinking we'd done well to get that much! I'm normally such a planner but I can't get my organisational head on with this stuff!

Maybe I should loan DH out! He's worked part-time in lots of sports clubs and is quite used to massaging rugby players and marathon runners so gives really firm massages! It does mean I find spa type massages a bit pathetic in comparison now though!

Aw Tiny. It's probably good to acknowledge those fears and let them out instead of letting them fester under the surface. You are doing really well. (And to reprieve a classic : today you are pregnant) I still get the fear too but trying not to let it take over. Hugs.

I'm sorry work is not good at the moment too. Is the feeling marginalised just since you announced your pregnancy? What are your specific concerns regarding mat leave?

Since I am wearing my most fitted over the bump outfit ever thought it would be a good time for a bump update. 24+4 and feeling rather large!

Cakes I know what you mean about spa massages. I hope you are getting the full benefit of your DH's skills now your body needs some extra tlc!

That's a very lovely bump you have there Penguin! You look great.

Thanks, I dunno, feeling very hormonal at the moment. Sorry for the pity party.

The work thing is that I really should have gone for a more senior role at another organisation at some point over the last year, but after my mmc and the time spent getting over it I kind of lost my mojo. Now I feel pissed off that I've got to come back to the same old shit after mat leave, and that finding a new job will be much harder due to the fact I will need more flexibility and possibly want to go down to four days. There's also been a run of really great opportunities at other organisations recently which is unusual in my field. But obviously the timing has sucked for me personally.

Anyway, being more POSITIVE...I'm lucky that I work in a sector that is pretty accommodating to working mothers. My pelvic pain has abated a bit. I'm off to the south of France tomorrow for a week. Oh and I woke up in the night to find the cat nuzzling and, literally, cuddling my bump, which was cute. The chances of this pregnancy going wrong now are by far outweighed by the chances of it going right!

I hope you all have lovely weekends!

Hi all, sorry I've been awol for a while, been in hospital the last 4 days. Home now thank goodness, not sure how long for though! I had to go on a drip as I was severely dehydrated and have IV meds which in turn messed up my bowel. Great fun. Feeling better now my ketosis has gone but they said it may just be a feature of this pregnancy that I have to be admitted quite regularly so just got to take each day as it comes.

Hope everyone is doing well, I'll have a read of the thread and try to catch up on everyone's news xx

Trying to keep up with all your news, but work is less relaxed now that I have to explain everything to someone. He's eager to learn which is great but I don't have a minute alone anymore! penguin moving offices is stressful, (we did it 3 years ago) hehe 2.5 months, you'll be there in no time. Still 3 months and one week to go here. Although i'm finally on hols for a week.

tiny lucky you, where about are you going? I hope you feel better about work after a nice break.

Still nothing sorted for baby's arrival, I got excited after the 20w scan but feel like OH put out my enthusiasm straight away. Now waiting a bit longer in case he's offered hand me down stuff from some of his friends, but I keep looking at cot beds on gumtree.

High five to strong massage, I don't see the point of gentle ones .

Lovely bump penguin, it must be that Friday feeling, I took one this morning too here it is at 23+1.

Going to a birthday party tomorrow, was asked to make MY broad bean dip. Struggled to find broad beans, settled on frozen ones and today the shop has run out of basil, arrgggg

Lovely bump pics Penguin & Covent

Sorry to hear you've been in the hospital again Basgetti fingers crossed you can enjoy some time at home now.

Ladies, I need a giant fish slap. Been having a fair bit of shooty pains this evening. Mainly lower bump. Mini-frankette is moving around loads as usual so don't think its anything to worry about but i'm still feeling slightly anxious.

What lovely bumps penguin and covent! Definitely something in the air as I took one today too, I'll add it on!
23+3

I completely agree with the feeling of not connecting the baby inside you to an actual real life baby! It's almost like two totally different things, I still won't believe I'll have an actual baby until he's in my arms. I think part of that for us lot is probably protecting ourselves after what we've been through. I know what you mean Tiny it's still so close to the surface..That obem got me too!

A big fat fish slap for you Franks I've got a decent supply I use daily for myself it sounds like round ligament pain/stretching pains to me, a good night's sleep should do you good with having a long rest. Mini frankette sounds happy as Larry anyway!

Good luck with the broad bean dip covent!

Cakes sounds like you had a successful kiddicare trip and got some good bargains! I know exactly what you mean with all the mounds of stuff you can get nowadays.. How do you choose?!
Does anyone know what car seat/ pushchair they're getting? Or have got already? I'm rubbish at deciding. Also have to sell my beloved Mini for a more family friendly car so have that to choose as well, Argh!

On a positive note, my reusable nappies arrived today, have attached a pic. Had a fun hour or so practicing putting them together and popping them to all different sizes and explaining them to H and my mum! They cost me £70 for 16 nappies and 32 bamboo inserts, and I'll get £30 back from the local government scheme, so £40 isn't bad!! Just got to get liners and a seal bucket for soaking. And they came with 2 free wet bags and are in such funky patterns! It felt like Christmas, can you tell?! (need to get out more)

basgetti sorry to hear you had to be in hospital for a few days but glad you're feeling better now and you're home. Hopefully you'll be able to avoid another stay for a while or completely! X

Hi ladies. Loving the bump pics Covent and Strawbs. We're blooming! Strawbs am especially loving the dress/cardi/converse combo.

How was the party Covent? Hope you managed to find the right ingredients for your dip in the end - sounds yum.

Completely understand your excitement on the nappy front Strawbs - how cute are they! Think I'm leaning towards disposable at the mo as I'm crap at keeping on top of the laundry with just me and DH but am still wavering.

We made a first momentous purchase this weekend. Spotted a travelsystem on ebay and snaffled it. I was going seriously doolally reading all the reviews over and over so relieved to have finally picked one! in no way has my review obsession instantly transferred to bedside cribs, the next item on the list

Basgetti so sorry you've had to be in hospital again although it's good you're getting the care you both need. Lots of get well wishes winging your way .

Bit late with the fish slap Franks but hope you are feeling a bit better. With all the weird and wonderful new sensations our bodies experience in pregnancy it can be quite hard to discern what's 'normal' I find.

Lovely bumps ladies! You're all blooming!

Well done Penguin on that first big purchase hurdle! We're off shopping for a travel system with my mum next week as she's kindly offered to buy us one. Still the lower end of the price ranges though! We've got out eye on a couple and I'm trying not to read too many reviews and too much searching in my experience means you'll always find a negative!

Those nappies are so cute, Strawbs! I'm like you Penguin, I'm all for the reusable ones, but the more I think about it, the more I think I might not be cut out for it because i use all my organisational skills at work and there's nothing left for domestic tasks!...need to just make a decision one way or another. DH wants to go for the reusable but he also claims he won't be dealing with any poo (yeah right!) so I'm not sure he should get a say!

I've got my 25 week midwife appointment tomorrow. Am I right in think they'll start measuring the bump from now on? Mines all sticking out the front and feels HUGE but still looks petite when I see it in the mirror. Will be asking about the whooping cough jab and also mentioning the on/off pelvic pain I'm getting. Really would like to stay this size and not get any bigger!

So sorry you're still battling away Basgetti, really hope there is some light at the end of the tunnel soon

Penguin how exciting! What did you get in the end? I'm really scared to get the pushchair but don't know why! Should start thinking about it properly. 24 weeks now so feeling a bit less anxious!
One of H's work mates is 6 weeks ahead of me and has just had her twins, don't know how they are but fingers crossed all good.

Which bedside cribs are you not obsessing over penguin? I'm seriously considering the 'snuzpod', looks great for breastfeeding in the night and can be clipped of base to move downstairs. Not too fond of Moses baskets but maybe I should get one to have down stairs, I don't know all these decisions!

Had my 24 week midwife appt yesterday, little one did his usual performance of kicking the Doppler off every time she found his heartbeat but he agreed in the end and I heard it the loudest yet, which was really nice. He's been kicking me in the bottom from inside which is not so nice! I've been feeling arms or elbows sticking out and I have to rub my tummy gently for them to go back in!
Got given my MatB1 form and handed it in today, officially start ML on November 12th but have annual leave to take if I want before then. So could leave October 29th, 10 weeks time when is everyone else planning to go on ML?

Cakes which travel systems do you have in mind? My mum has offered to pay for ours too which is really nice, even though I'd really like an Icandy or Bugaboo chameleon so she may change her mind haha!

I totally get the decision for disposables, so much easier! I'll probs use them from time to time. If reusables really don't agree with us then they were only £40 so I could sell them on for that if needs be, fingers crossed they'll be fine though!

My midwife said they don't measure until 28 weeks here but printed me out my growth chart ready, don't know if it's the same everywhere? She said consultant will probs measure me though at my appt at 27 weeks. I didn't know growth charts were made individually for you on your height and weight.. I thought there was one for everyone!

Where is everyone else?! I'm usually the one going AWOL

I love the icandy too! They look so cool! But definitely out of our/mums price range. I like the red kite zebu and the expedior, which is on offer at the moment too but they have mixed reviews. My brother has given us a lightweight, easy fold pushchair for when baby cakes is bigger so I'm not looking for something that'll need to last years. There's just too much choice!

I'm taking leave before I start my mat leave too so I'll be done on 31st Oct. Can't believe that's just 10 weeks! Eek!! I'm holding onto 4 days leave too just in case I struggle towards the end but I can roll them into next year if not.

This s**t is starting to get real!

Oh and strawbs, I've been getting those bottom kicks for weeks. Such an odd feeling!

We plumped for an icandy peach 2. Was definitely worth getting second hand as barring some cosmetic things like the labels scratching off which I couldn't care less about it's in perfect condition and saved us over £500 off what it wouldn't have cost new.

The applications for my maternity cover have started coming in thick and fast and even though I'm not majorly attached to the role I still feel quite protective over it in a weird way. I start mat leave beginning of Nov but may end up doing what my SIL did and use my leave to work 4 day weeks for the whole of Oct to ease the travelling.

I think mini penguin must mostly face inwards as generally I don't get the poky out bits although I can definitely feel movements from the outside. I do love the movement although could have done without the impromptu dance party in my belly at 5.45am on Sat!