August 2015 part 3

[Dozygirl]

New thread for all due in August 2015

I'm really hoping to get a shower, but I'm usually the one of my friends who organises that sort of thing, and the next most organised friend is having some relationship trouble right now, so I don't think it's likely to happen. Plus this is the first planned baby in any of my friends group. I organised a shower for a less close friend last year and it was lovely - it was more to do with preparing a welcome, and with making her feel that she was our friend and that we all wanted to be there for the baby than about stuff and gifts. We all had a drink, we decorated a plain white babygro with pictures and messages for the baby, and we played a game where I printed out pictures of mum and dad and then, while blindfolded, we chose features (eyes, nose, hair, etc) and pinned them to a baby face for a hilariously awful prediction of what the baby would look like.

I've organised showers before but I don't want one myself. Certainly not one with presents. Bit spooky about that. They can be good fun though. Silly games and cake and chat. I just don't like being the central person. I didn't even have a henny!

Where are you all today? I hope everyone's ok?

We've been shopping! I now have loads of pads and stuff for my hospital bag. I know it's early, but DH has been worried about finding stuff if I go early.
I've also ordered a couple of m&s maternity button through nighties from e-bay. (£10.99 each, brand new from a seconds type shop -bargain). So I will have an adequately stocked bag by the end of the week - a sure fire way to make sure I don't go into labour early!

I had my 28 week midwife appt today. All good. Baby is head down. She helped me feel his head, which was nice but terrifying as it felt bigger than I expected. I also measured a bit bigger than I should. She will refer me for a growth scan if it's still big at 31 weeks. So all those fuckers commenting on my size were right!!

Ahh frolic don't worry too much about the measurements. One MW told me I was 1 week further, one said I was bang on and another said I was 3 weeks further on!! I do have a growth scan booked for 34 weeks though to check all is ok, although I've no issues with seeing the little girlie on the screen again
I'm getting withdrawal symptoms of not being able to decorate or set up a nursery... Since we're moving 2 weeks after my due date, everything is still up in the air. We've got what we need for the first two weeks plus but no 'baby-zone' in the house. I really want to stack nappies and baby wipes!!!

I was planning to start on my hospital bag around 35 weeks, am I putting it off too long do you think?? Not keen on having it hanging about too long, as one of the cats has a thing about pissing on bags and there's nowhere I can really put it...

I'm backkkkkk!!! Sorry for the absenteeism! Spent the last week with my head buried in books revising but can finally say I have finished my degree after doing my final exam yesterday! (Assuming I've passed ) it feels so good to be able to completely focus on the baby now and also do other random things I used to take for granted- I'm particularly excited to empty my wardrobes and drawers of old clothes- how sad!!

Hospital bags! Eek! I'm going to write my list of what I need today and then start getting stuff together I think, DH actually asks yesterday when I was all excited about focusing on baby now after exam when we needed to prepare it- so cute he's thinking of stuff like that! I let him loose in town whilst he was waiting for me to do exam to pick baby's coming home outfit and anything else he fancied! Surprised me- got the cutest softest white babygro with a tiny my subtle pattern on it- his taste is so similar to mine- thought of brand new baby in fresh white cotton!! he also went a little insane in selfridges and got a Ralph Lauren babygro although it is adorable plain navy and very understated and a timbal and coat- again very tasteful and cite! Was shocked he spent so much and I wouldn't have but I love that he's so excited and glad I will be able to trust him to dress baby smartly- think he's got better dress sense than me!!

Had a terrible nights sleep- thought I'd go out like a light as hardly slept night before exam but was so damn uncomfortable last night! Only time I seem to get a sore pubic bone is in bed (feel for those with spd ) and it was so achy- turning over was horrific and then heard and felt a massive crack- the really loud solid type when your hip cracks but was pubic bone !!!

Hope your all doing well! I'm officially 3/4 way done today at 30 weeks and my app told me baby is the size of a cantaloupe melon- eek starting to get scary- especially with sore pelvis!! Haha!

Off to indulge myself in a day of lists and baby planning with not a textbook in sight- yippeee!!!

lily well done on completing your degree. Must be a massive relief. Now u can really start enjoying baby time. I still have one more assignment to complete but waiting to hear back from uni on who I need to discuss it with as it's just a student initiated one so I can pick the subject etc but don't know how long it has to be I seriously hate writing essays though so I'm eager to get it out of the way.

I'm finding work increasingly difficult after having the week off last week. Me legs and feet were so sore by 11 o'clock from standing up and I still had to get through the rest of the day till 8:30. 13 hour shifts are just not good for a preggo. I could have gone back to 7.5 hour shifts and worked more days but the rota is already sorted before I realised I wouldn't have been able to cope. I'm on countdown now after every single shift. 4 and a half weeks to go.

Someone even said I had the preggo waddle yesterday but it's genuinely because my legs were hurting so much not because of the bump haha.

Anyone else feel like time is suddenly flying by and feeling like they're gonna be rushing last minute to get everything ready?! Ive been slowly gathering buying and gathering things etc but I know I've still got more to get.

frolic out of interest what did your bump measure at for 28 weeks?

You are very brave moving 2 weeks after the due date mzzf! I'm not planning on decorating his bedroom until he's ready to sleep in it. But sorting things out into drawers and onto shelves has been immensely satisfying.

I really don't think there is any need to pack the hospital bag until around 35 weeks siani. I wouldn't have bothered but DH has been stressing about finding the right things if I went early. I'm just throwing some pads and nighties in a case to pacify him.

Yippeeee for finishing all your degree work lily! You must be so relieved. Well done you. Time for baby fever to take over now. sorry about your pubic pain, that sounds terrible.

Is there any way you can talk to someone about doing shorter day shifts only dozy? It's shit that you are feeling so sore. Maybe occupational health can help? Take care
I've no idea about my measurements yesterday. Had a look at the chart and it makes no sense. But on the graph thing, I'm a bit higher than the 95th percentile line. It's a personalised graph with two lots of lines and I'm above them both. I'm not to worried about it. My tummy is pretty fat, even when I'm thin, and I wasn't exactly skinny at conception.

I hope everyone is having a good day. We've finally got some nice weather. Shane we're off to mil's for lunch - the beach would have been better

Hi Frolic and Dozy I measured 29.5cm at 29+3 which was a touch above the top line on my growth chart. I see my normal midwife again on Monday at 31 weeks and if I am still measuring big then they will refer me for a scan. Remember, they are measuring your uterus length not necessarily your bump.... and even then it is totally inaccurate. Ignore anyone who comments on bump size

Hi ladies! I've not been on for a while so it's nice to catch up! I've been crazy busy with work, and I've been poorly. I managed to lose in the city council elections, which in retrospect I'm quite pleased about as it means that I've got much more time to spend on my new favourite activity: wallowing!

I'm 29+3 and maybe it's just because of the multiple birth, but it seems like I'm always up at the hospital these days, I seem to have to have time off for appointments at least once a week, and although they've not said anything I can't imagine that work is too happy.

I've also just been told that my 28 week bloods have shown that I've got anaemia, so I'm going to have to go on iron tablets. Anyone else taking these?

I'm on the iron tablets! They do terrifying things to your poo. If you aren't already taking Fybogel or lactulose, you will probably need to start.

I'm not sure I want to know, but . . . terrifying things?!

Black, tarry things. Plus hideous constipation. Grim as. I do feel a bit brighter since taking them, though.

Goodness, thanks for the warning! It's probably worth it if it'll help me get through the last 5 weeks of work!

Congrats on finishing your exams lily! I remember that feeling, it's one of the best in the world!!

dozy sorry work is so tough, am I right in thinking you're a nurse? I really admire you, it must be very difficult being on your feet all day! I alternate between a desk and standing/walking at work and even that's tiring.

Frolic i wouldn't worry too much about measuring big, as far as I have been told, these things are always hideously inaccurate. I'm sure you'll have a perfectly sized little bub at the end of it! I hope I get to feel baby's head at my appointment in 2 weeks, although hope it doesn't feel too huge.

I've got my lucozade challenge thing on monday, and they will check my iron levels then dani. I'm knackered but I think that's probably just pregnancy rather than anaemia! Hope the iron tablets help, even if they do turn your poo black!

I'm debating weighing myself. I always said I wouldn't dare, but think I might need a kick up the bum in regard to cutting out junk food, as my bum and boobs are looking increasingly huge each day.

Afternoon!! Hope everyone is having a good day! It's been a busy one for me – hospital first thing for the GTT, came back all clear! Then went straight to the doctors for the second parenting/antenatal class which was on pain relief and when labour doesn't go to plan. All very insightful! I weighed myself there too as I hadn't done for ages, i'm just over a stone from my regular weight which I guess is about right, although I did lose about a stone and half early on. I've had contradicting comments today too, the doctor/nurse person who did the GTT said I had a lovely size bump and look really well and on the walk to the doctors someone in their front garden asked whether it was twins! Can't win!

My mum came up on Monday bearing gifts from Aldi baby toddler event and a whole load of clothes from various places. One lucky bump!! I cant wait to wash them all nearer the time :D

I'm too pretty knackered. I think the antibiotics are helping but i'm still coughing a crazy amount which is driving me insane as well as unsupportive DH, I think he thinks i'm being contrary about not taking cough medicine even though I can't. Slept on the sofa last night just to get some space (and so I could cough as loud as I bloody well liked and when I needed to too).

Re: Baby showers: a couple of my friends (who actually don't really know each other!) really want to throw me one which I feel very honoured by. I think it'll just be at one of their houses, tea and cake jobby which is perfect. I too said no gifts if they do want to go ahead! I'd much prefer just to catch up with everyone!

Lilydreams Woohoo congrats on finishing your degree!! The sun is shining for you so i'm sure you've passed!!
Your DH sounds like he has lovely taste, what a lovely going home outfit!

Siani I too will prolly leave the hospital bag to the last minute, i'll be the one on here going into early labour and cursing for not packing earlier!!

Dani Sorry to hear about the elections, although seems like you're secretly ok? Perhaps silver linings? More time for nesting and baby research :)

x

Someone started a mumsnet thread about useless hospital items. Was quite good seeing things that had been pointless although for some they had been pointless and for others the same thing was useful so it all depends on your experience. And I reckon it's better to be prepared and not use things than wish u had them.

Dani I can imagine carrying two is a lot more tiring. Don't feel guilty about the appointments though. U need them to make sure all is ok. My friend is having twins and is pretty much the same gestation as you and she's struggling a lot because there isn't any room for both of them so she struggles to breathe. I'm finding it tiring enough just with one

Yesterday's shift has truly taken it out of me today. I have so much to do but have not had the energy and moving around is getting increasingly uncomfortable. Goodness knows how I'll cope when I'm even bigger! Did manage to go out for lunch for someone's leaving do though haha.

I am a nurse :) if it wasn't busy it would be ok but we seem to have babies coming from everywhere at the moment so we are constantly full and had a fair few people off sick which is always the case. So glad none of us off here have had a preterm baby yet. We've all done well to hang on until now.

pinkie I'm limiting myself to weighing myself once a week on a wildly inaccurate set of scales, so I can just blame the scales if I don't like what they say! I think I've gained about 10kg, but for the past few weeks my thighs, arms, boobs and chins have all seemed smaller - I think baby is actually feeding on my flab.

Thanks happy. The measuring business is about as confusing as the kick counting. I'm sure we will all be fine - there can't be that many giant babies due in August!

Welcome back dani. I echo what everyone else has said about not worrying re: time off for appts. You and the babies must come first.,

I've decided not to go near the scales pinkie! I feel like I'm piling it on now the sickness has eased, especially as all I can face is beige food, white chocolate and ice cream. I just don't want to know the damage!

I hope you cough shifts soon fanby.

I saw that thread too dozy. Really interesting advice and ideas. I am usually a massive over-packer, so am in need of all the help I can get to avoid taking too much.

How's everyone getting on with maternity clothes now the bumps are bigger? I've got some jeans and trousers that I'm really happy with (mostly next). But I've been wearing my usual t-shirts for work - I don't like fitted clothes so they have been roomy enough. But all of a sudden they don't cover the bottom of my bump!! Not a good look!! Has anyone got some good and cheap t-shits they'd recommend?
I bought some dungarees on e-bay and they arrived yesterday. I can't work out if I look cool or like an overgrown baby!! But, they are so, so comfy!! And really roomy - I think I'll be wearing them to death.

I've extended the life of my usual tshirts by wearing a long best underneath - next have some great ones in! Or I've used a bump band to cover the last few inches, but for me I prefer the long vest tops.

I've not weighed myself for the last two weeks being at mum's so I'm dreading what the damage is next week when I'm home!!

Speaking of measurements and giant babies – did anyone see this today: trendingstylist.com/40-pound-baby/

Dozygirl That's a very good point re: preterm! We're all really lucky! Let's all keep crossing our legs for the timebeing ;). Hope you get a good nights sleep today to recover some of that energy!

Frolic Same issue here! I'm in the maternity jeans but normal t-shirts, i'm just about showing bottom of bump sometimes. I'm quite long in the torso so I do have some longer tops like mzzzf suggests, I find these a lot more comfy!

I got a black maternity vest from h&m that I practically live in with maternity jeans and a mixture of cardigans but I prefer tight over my bump so it accents it rather than making me look fat. When the sun shines I shove a maxi dress on but my strapless bra is getting pretty uncomfortable now. I should invest in one of those extenders so I don't have to buy another one.

Frolic you're doing well with the eBay bargains. I think I need to start having a look on there. I'd love to wear dungarees but I worry my bum thighs and love handles would stand out more. I hate the fact I've put weight on in all the places I've previously lost weight but just means once baby comes I'll have to be extra strict and get back into exercising. Keep using pregnancy as an excuse but once baby comes I bet I'll use that as an excuse for being too tired to exercise because I've been up all night etc. Might try joining a buggy boot camp or something. Aargh why do I always get so hung up on weight? ! Who cares anyway haha.

Yeah on second thought having had a quick browse on ebay I defo couldn't pull off dungarees. All the girls are so slim everywhere apart from bump whereas I'm just massive all over.