July 2015 - we are nearing the halfway point!

[Fattycow]

We are already nearing the halfway point! Some of us have already reached the 20 weeks, the rest will follow suit. Let the countdowns begin!

Here is the stats list, please update them with your scan dates and the sex of you baby (if you know it):
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1p3idkH2TaQYAy22I_N73k1_-G6Ezq67lAdhQvDjQkU0/edit?pli=1#gid=0

Hi all, RE double buggies...

As a first timer def planning to have more (with a fairly short age gap, might start TTC when little man is 9mths). Purple it seems like you say it's a must if planning on more in quick succession! So be keen to know people's thoughts on good double buggies (as we haven't got one yet, it's one of the last biggies for us still to sort)????

I was looking at Icandy apple2pear, or peach3blossom (so bloody expensive but do love it). But know that oyster max and uppababy vista also do convertible double buggies (on a single chassis), are there any others I should be investigating? Have people had any of them and weighed up pros / cons of each before? Probably plan to go Birmingham baby show in May to trial some out so need to have a 'top three' before then me thinks.

LaLa nice to hear from you again and welcome Olympics - fingers crossed for your scan (and lovely weather too).

I bought like x10 packs of water wipes when boots had them at £1.50 a pack. (Might still be on offer now?). As thought they'd be easier than the cotton wool n water fandangle!

feeling lots of movement. looks like little man is another night time baby. yay...

I forgot to update the stats grr...will do it tomorrow but someone may have to remind me im forgetting everything at the minute

Morning! I have realised I've not explained myself properly, which is unsurprising as yesterday I was knackered! I knew you should only use car seat for 2 hours max. I had thought when someone mentioned SIDS risk with travel system that they meant the other parts of it too - ie using the carry cot or pushchair bit. Oops. Definitely know you're not meant to have them in car seat for long, but then I can see why people get confused, as that's the 'convenience' factor you're sold with a travel system.

We do lots of trips to Scotland from south so already I've been figuring out what we can do to prevent baby being in car seat too long. Perhaps I'll just have to stop more often and take baby out for breaks.

When we are out and about normally I'm going to use a sling where possible. Friend gave me a baby bjorn but I read up and the one I've got isn't recommended because of leg position. Off to the sling library with me!

I'm struggling picking a monitor. I want an angelcare one but totally confused about them as so many different models at similar prices.

If you've not already joined boots club I'd recommend it. Yesterday we bought £70 worth of stuff for £35. Got free change bag, money off nappies, free preg vitamins and lots more.

Good luck with your scans today!

Sherbert - to check you're doing pelvics correctly do them on the loo trying to stop during a wee.

Morning all - another infrequent poster here but looking for some reassurance.

Slightly worried I am leaking amniotic fluid. Don't remember having discharge this watery first time round. No "gushing" more like the odd leak, which I suppose is reassuring.

Will call the midwife and try to get it checked out today, but anyone else experienced similar?

Yeah water wipes are fine for newborns - cotton wool and water for when you're at home though ideally. I do remember it's a faff to keep boiling and cooling the water!

Totally agree in ditching the baby bath and getting a sponge support instead. Our dd hated her bath, was much happier when we decided to move her into our bath with either mummy, daddy or sponge for support.

lovely, I'm going to use our close caboo sling in the early weeks then I am also looking at getting the connecta, ergo or Tula. I'm just so overwhelmed by all the options! With baby due in July, I think the newborn inserts might be too hot for him/her so probably won't move over until about four months. But loving looking at them all now!

Last night we named bump / little man instead of saying he or when baby is here...

He was repeatedly poking / prodding me lots in bed last night, so we said he's a "little pokey man" isn't he. Hence he's now going to called Pokemon.

mrsf love it

Blaze I'm experiencing quite high levels of "discharge", sometimes very watery. I've assumed it's normal having nothing to compare it to.

Does anyone know about exposure to chickenpox? A colleague's daughter has it and I've no idea if I have immunity or if he's even got it. I may work from home for a few days.

zampa I would speak to your midwife. chickenpox could cause some serious problems. even if you're not sure its best to be on the safe side.

although it does sound as though you dont need to worry. your colleague has probably already had chicken pox so the likelihood is that you haven't been exposed at all.

I'm also experiencing lots of watery discharge and have done for the last couple of months. Do you think it's worth mentioning to my midwife at my next appointment?

Haven't been on in a while as I've been very busy with birthdays and my two best friends have split up with their partners so it's things have been manic recently but baby has been wrigglig and kicking away throughout

Having a well earned day off today and I'm doing nothing at all.. Bliss!

I do seem to have a mild case of conjunctivitis since yesterday, a quick google search has said that it should clear itself up but DP is insisting I go to the Dr, what would you guys suggest?

stinky I would just keep.the area clean with cotton wool and water then if it doesnt clear in a couple of days make an appointment for the doctor. it will more than likely go on its own if its a mild case.

stinky you should be able to get drops direct from a pharmacy as well for adults.

Think we have settled on a name this is second name we have settled on tho. Tried to convince OH we should have a back up incase he doesn't look like his name but he's not having it.

little man is most active when I'm doing nothing, usually when I'm in bed but not enough for OH to feel even slightly, tho he did give me a good kick at work last nite.

Today is an easy day I'm off to look for baby clothes.

Thanks fatty. My colleague is wfh today and I'm doing the same tomorrow. The midwives are checking my bloods for immunity so should know if I'm OK by Wednesday.

Zampa I had this with my niece at xmas too. As long as you have had it before you are ok. I had to go to gp for blood test to check I was immune and then told just to keep distance from the person with chicken pox.

Thanks Butler. Looks like there's nothing to be concerned about providing precautions are taken.

Hello everyone, hope you are all doing great and enjoyed a lovely sunny weekend.

I am still trying to post, but like Lalaa post gets swallowed up and no acknowledgement..

Anyway finally saw my GP today for reassurance re my pains, apparently its braxton hicks.

Who else has this and how are you coping with the pain? Ideas and suggestions on relief welcome. I read that rehydration helps reduce the pain and exercising as well, explains why I never get it during working out. x

hi joy sorry I dont seem to get braxton hicks... its all or nothing in my last two pregnancies. I cant really help but try the water and if still sore then paracetamol but I dont know of it will do any good. im sure someone else will know a bit more though .

OH I am going to do a quick helpful post!

Joy I have been getting braxton hicks since 15 wks when the baby started kicking. They hurt sometimes and others they don't. I don't take anything for it but paracetamol would be ok. I just use a few deep breaths. It is totally normal, and quite healthy. A nice hot water bottle, or a bath if you were getting them in clusters might help. Only worry if they become regular and are increasing in strength over an hour or two. Braxton hicks can last a minute or more too which contractions tend not to they tend to be a minute or less. If in doubt call the hospital labour ward and speak to a midwife, don't mess around waiting for people to call you back from clinics etc.

stinky and blaze Discharge for those of you asking, is also totally normal and healthy. It is you body's mechanism for keeping your vagina clean. It should be white or creamy. If it is watery it is OK but if you are in doubt over whether it could be waters then pop on a pair of black knickers, as discharge usually dries and leaves a white residue! If you are still not sure pop on a pad and call the hospital, they will ask lots of questions and will want to see the pad when you get to the hospital. Discharge shouldn't smell "different" from normal and it shouldn't itch, if it does you need a checkover/swab.

Broody you don't need to boil water for the baby's bum, only for eyes and if you are cleaning the cord whilst it is rotting off.

MrsF LOL, great name!!

That should be an OK at the beginning!

Thank you jmojo I tried paracetamol but does not seem to do anything for me, however today I have been drinking loads and I noticed they are not as severe compared to the past week. All that means is I am needing the loo more frequently than usual. I will try the hot water bottle as well. Mine seem to come on when my baby moves, and he is up and active from about midday till late so it seems and the BH intensifies around that time. Started at 22 weeks and I have had them every day since.

Joy007

Some days my Braxton Hicks are so painful I do wonder if I should go and see a doctor!

They tend to be very one sided too, but they do ease after 10 mins or so.

I find some icy water (drink) and a warm bath does help.

How is everyone doing today?