August 2015 Part 4

[Dani240]

New thread for all of us August ladies!

Stats here: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1e5Gsaz5GkI6o2FYxLVvBi29zs83njdtn6giWBNAkGJM/edit?usp=sharing

Ahhh I'm so please I'm not alone in thinking "I'm not ready for this". Such reassurance, thanks ladies! And yes to feeling like a teenager, how am I in my 30's?!

It's funny when your ttc you just get so focused on getting the bfp, then you focus on the scans, etc etc. There's always something else to focus on, until now that we're at the end and the next part is a blooming baby!!!!

DH and I are planning a date night for Friday - however, we'll see how I'm feeling at that point. Also going to try and rope him into painting my toenails for me!!

Thank goodness for these threads where we can admit our anxieties and go 'waaaah' at each other!! You ladies rock!!

I've been to the pub for dinner while DH was surfing as well tonight dozy . My mums gone away with a friend, so my dad took me. I ate way too much.

When I get braxton hicks, my whole bump goes rock hard and really tight. It's not painful like a throbbing or anything like that, it's just really uncomfortable. I'm not sure if I can explain properly. It does sound like what you're having is similar.

I'm still awake because my bump is really itchy. I think my skin is starting to reach it's stretching limit. I've not got any stretch marks yet, but if I keep growing like this I think they will appear very soon. I've slathered on some cocoa butter but I really feel like my bump might burst.

Hip pain tips:

Plastic bag on your car seat and swivel round with your legs together
To get out of bed wriggle to the edge of the bed, on your side with your legs together and swing them over the side then sit up
Come right to the edge of the chair before you get up
Avoid asymmetric movement
Use a ball to sit on
Both feet on each step going up stairs
Don't lift or push heavy things (Hoover, shopping trolley etc)
Keep your core muscles activated as often as you can
Look on pelvic partnership website for advice

I can't believe how different this pregnancy has been in terms of pain. Last time I wasn't able to walk by 26 weeks or so. I still have spd but nothing like as bad. Been seeing physio since I was 6 weeks pregnant. Just goes to show what a difference it makes.

Is anyone ever ready for a baby? Even if you think you are you probably aren't. It's how companies make a fortune out of new parents and the massive anxiety you feel when you haven't a bloody clue how to "work " the new baby. Nothing is ever the same again!

Hello ladies! Hope the tube strike hasn't affected any of you Londoners, I ventured into town today and actually wasn't too bad on the buses!
I was at the hospital this morning for my obstetrics appointment re: low platelets. He's referred me to haematology as I have a historic clotting problem, he did write in my folder that if they stay at that level I can still use the midwife led suite, and shouldn't affect needing a C-section etc, took a load more blood and also I have to go back at the end of the month to the BP clinic just for reassurance so all good! Very relieved.

Also exchanged of our baby shower gifts (felt a bit bad), BUT it is exactly the same thing just in a bigger size. They were a lovely pack of baby gro's from M&S in new born size, I opened them up and they just seemed SOOOO small so I exchanged them for up to 3 months – what's the betting I go early and need small sizes in things now?! Haha. While I was in there I spotted a super cute blue cardi for £1.99 so got a 3-6month one of those too...couldn't resist!
Trying to get DH to stay out after football as I was to watch Married at First Sight and also catch up with Teen Mom haha!

Joskar: That's amazing that you've had such a different pregancy, so glad this one is easier for you!!

Frolicacid Can I be honest, I still don't know if my pains are Braxton Hicks or not. All I know is that i'm frickin' uncomfortable and in a hell of a lot of pain! It's always low down, and then sometimes I even think it could just be trapped wind haha. I totally have the itchy tummy too, i've been whacking on cocoa butter and also emolant (think it's that) cream.

mzzzf: TOTALLY SCARED! I'm 30 but still feel like i'm 15. I literally can't get over the fact they let you leave the hospital with a brand new baby without taking an exam to see if you're a fit parent etc!
What are you doing for your date night tomorrow? I love date night...it's been a while lol!

Dozygirl: Hopefully the high BP was just a blip! I definitely suffer a little from white coat syndrome and they always need to measure it twice/three times! Glad you're at head down stage too! A pedi is a perfect treat!

happygojo: Have you finished work now?? I hope it wasn't too emotional xx

pinkie87: I too LOVE not having periods! We were actually really lucky in re: TTC. Previously I was on a pill due to high BP where you don't get periods, so when I came off it I must have had around 5/6 periods before getting pregnant – I forgot how expensive Tampax were lol!

Equimum-I'm definitely buying more pads, better to have too many than not enough! Good to know about over night delivery from Boots, didn't know they did that!!

Not having periods is brilliant, but I swear I'm losing just as much blood in nosebleeds !

We didn't really have any time TTC, I got pregnant on the first cycle , had a miscarriage , and then got pregnant on the next cycle but one. I'm 37, so I was expecting it to be at least a little bit challenging. I feel awful though, my best friend is ten years younger than me , and has been trying for 18 months now. It seems so colossally unfair that I dicked about and left it so late and still had it so easy, where she's doing everything right and it's so hard. It does mean that I've spent the entire time basically going "aack, what, NOW?! I'm not ready!" though

Ahh the nosebleeds are not fun! I only had them for a small time.
TTC is an absolute minefield. I have friends who are also finding it really tricky, I hope it hasn't affected your friendship at all. It makes you realise how lucky we all are...and now I'm going to have a whinge

This pregnancy insomnia is doing my nut in. I've been awake for ages, legs are cramps, tummy is absolutely in agony and my back hurts. Cannot get comfy. DH is next to me purring away and I'm insanely jealous. We have our ladies only NCT session this morning, I'm going to be so sleepy! Gahhh!

Oh fanby I feel for you! The insomnia is horrible isn't it. Especially when you're really tired but somehow can't get to sleep. I was falling asleep on the sofa last night from about 8pm but forced myself to stay awake. So went to bed and couldn't fall asleep. Also had a lot of tummy pain yesterday, maybe from overdoing the walking. Finally tried out my big pregnancy pillow I'd ordered months ago and it actually helped this time. It just annoyed me before. Only problem is I got a bit of a dead leg from having it between my legs and not being able to move much. But it definitely helped.

I hope u don't feel too tired today at your nct class.

I sacked off that pregnancy relaxation course. She upped the price of the class and I didn't fancy paying more money to be uncomfortable for an hour. I didn't really see the point in it anyway so it was a good excuse to pull out.

35 weeks today and I'm suddenly feeling very panicked that I'm not prepared for this babys arrival! When I had the tummy pains yesterday I was thinking I've not even packed a hospital bag so I'd better get that done i think just in case. Keep thinking I've got all the time in the world and then realising she could actually come earlier. I certainly don't want her to be later lol. It's all becoming a bit too real!

Just been catching up with th thread :) I'm 38 weeks on Monday and can now see why I might welcome labour! My iron levels are low so been put on tablets but I'm still quite tired but felt bit better this week. I'm so ready to meet him now!

Fanby and Dozy welcome to the shit sleep club / I'm in so much pain I could cry club! Although unlike you guys I've not been having tummy pain. Just lots of low back pain and hip pain for side sleeping, well that's what I think it's from!

I did an hour on my ball yesterday and a dog walk and had huge back ache later in the evening, I don't think it's anything exciting such as pre-labour just that I've got a sore back - boo!

Deffo get your hospital bag packed Dozy!

August - hi again! I'm 38 weeks this weekend too. How are you feeling? Do you feel like you'll pop soon?! I'm not sure I do, which I don't know is a good or a bad thing.

Siani - as shit as it sounds I'm so glad you feel like that!!! That's essentially what's going round in my head. "Argh I'm not ready for all this!" And then feeling guilty for thinking that when I feel her kick...

Ok serious point now, having been watching with interest the thread about assisted deliveries - do any of you ladies have any thoughts or feelings on the use of instruments for delivery? Forceps scare the crap out of me!!!

Thanks for the hip pain tips jockstar. Mine is much better. I think it must have been the over ambitious toenail painting. It's great that you are having a much better time this pregnancy.

Good news about being able to use the mlu fanby. Sorry you're having trouble sleeping. Apart from a few bad nights, I'm mainly doing ok on the sleep front.

The nosebleeds are no fun siani. Mine have slowed down now, but were constant in the first two trimesters. Like you say, I was probably loosing more blood than a period.

dozy, sorry you are having trouble sleeping as well. DH keeps suggesting that I get one of those pillows. Would you recommend? I'm managing so far just using a normal one between my legs and under the bump.
Sacking off that class sounds like a good plan, especially if the price has gone up.
Enjoy getting your bag packed. I was thinking the opposite to you last night in that we seem to be ready quite early. Mainly due to being given stuff more than any effort on my part. But now I'm worried I'll have nothing to do when I finish work. I'm sure I will cope though.

Hi august!

I hope your back is better today mzzf.
I've had a bit of a look at that thread and forceps also terrify me. I'm thinking I might refuse them. But then recovery time is meant to be so much better from vaginal delivery than c-section. It's all such a minefield. And the only certainty is that nothing will go to plan I suppose.

I hope everyone is ok today? I'm off work and still lounging in bed with frolicdog. Very lovely.
Is anyone using a support belt? I saw my midwife briefly yesterday and she said I looked quite uncomfortable and might want to think about trying one. I'm not sure. They look hot and itchy. I think I was more stiff because I'd been driving for an hour. I was wandering if anyone has any experience of them?

I know exactly what you mean about ttc as well. We've been so lucky in that I only had my coil out last August, thinking we'd casually see what happened - and now baby is almost here. I was talking about it last night with my friend who had very long journey to the two beautiful kids she has now. It seems so unfair that things can be so different for people.

Ahh ladies own NCT was lovely this morning - managed to stay away! We've really had such a good teacher and the group has definitely bonded in these last couple of classes. We've said we'll try to continue to meet up weekly – fingers crossed!

Frolicacid I have a pillow – it's this one – www.boots.com/en/Boppy-Cuddle-Pillow-Silverleaf_1623900/?cm_mmc=bmm--google---_-Boots%20Shopping%20-%20Category%20-%20Baby, I like it – doesn't take too much room in bed either. A lot of people have Dream Genie ones – i've seen a few in tk maxx if that helps?! No idea on support belts i'm afraid!

mzzzf: Gahh! I don't want to be in the shit sleep club lol!!! Still it's all practise I suppose for when baby comes – so everyone says ;)!
Assisted deliveries scare me too!! The forceps remind me of BBQ tongs/salad servers and the thought of a suction cap on my baby's head also doesn't appeal. I also didn't realise they have to cut you to use forceps – do they have to do that with vontuse (no idea on spelling!) too.

Dozygirl: Happy 35 weeks :D Although, sorry to hear about your sufferings too! Hope you're resting up today, it's another hot one isn't it?!
Don't blame you for sacking off the relaxation class. Hopefully just being in the mindset of what will be, will be will be just as good :D
I'm 35 weeks tomorrow, haven't packed my bag either – I have decided to wash all the baby clothes/blankets etc tomorrow so I guess i'll do it after that! Does anyone know whether you wash all the muslins etc too before using?

Ahhh our car seat has just arrived! It's all getting real

Fanby I've got the same pillow except mine is 3 times the size of yours! It has all different sections. It's way too big to use as one piece so I had the small piece to use initially, with the size piece that u have downstairs to get comfy on sofa and the other one I've just started using. It definitely helped last couple of nights apart from the dead leg. Hadnt really used it up till then.

Didn't know it was going to be so blooming hot today!! Met my friend for lunch and I use ended up a sweaty stinky mong. Wish I'd worn something different. Plus I saw an ex boyfriend who I didn't really want to see when I felt so fat and minging.

Sleep wise, although struggling at night, I seem to have perfected the waking up for a few hours in the morn and then going back to sleep for a few more so that's helping haha.

Got a 30th do tonighy and the theme is bollywood. Someone has leant me a sari which I don't yet if I'll wear. It's quite hard to get on but was thinking I might actually look better in that than in one of my dresses. Will have to have a mess around later and see how I feel.

Fanby yey for car seat and a good nct class. Glad u are making friends. It will definitely help when baby comes along to have people going through the same thing as you.

Hadnt really any thoughts on forceps. I'll just go with the flow and if it's needed to get baby out safely then I'll go for it. Everything assisted is pretty brutal but if u get a well, live baby at the end then I'll agree to anything.

www.argos.co.uk/m/static/Product/partNumber/1898974.htm

This is the one I have but it was in the baby sale months ago so I didn't pay that for it. It's seriously big though when it's all put together! But each piece separates which is handy.

Wow, it's so hot! I've just been for a waddle with the dog and hadn't realised how boiling it is. There was a nice breezy by the harbour, but I'm still dripping with sweat. Attractive is not the word.

Thanks for the pillow advice, I might let DH treat me to one if he insists!
Enjoy your party tonight dozy. I reckon a bump in a sari will look fab.
Great news about the car seat and nct group fanby.

I might need a nap to cool down / recover from my walk

Oh wow Dozy - you've got the full kit and caboodle there!! It's pretty fabric isn't it?! :D
Totes wear the sari!! I bet you'll look beautiful! Are they cool (as in heat) to wear?

I agree Frolic - bloody hot today! I've stayed in for the most of the day, had lunch outside, and I too was a hot sweaty mess (in a bad way ;) ).

In other low points of today and I had an absolute panic about half an hour ago that my waters had broken, oh no ladies - think I may have just wet myself. I am a DELIGHT! Can't get any worse can it?! Supposed to be going out for dinner tonight with friends, I know DH and the other couple are just going to be boooozing and i'll be jelly, can't really be bothered…

x

That is one hell of a pillow!! I've been struggling on with a stash of normal pillows and one long body pillow. I think I'm a bit far gone now to be splashing out on pillows but we'll see - I might crack if this hip and back pain continues.

Although my mum said today that maybe my back/hip pain was the start of it all coming together. I have been ridiculously emotional the last few days but I put that down to lack of sleep and pain.... But who knows!

I've been jiggling on the ball again today, if nothing else it stimulates the need to go to the loo! So for anyone with constipation I recommend it!!! Haha!

Frolic I've been hiding inside for lost of the day too, the pups haven't been out yet but they've mostly been sunny bathing in the garden so they're not chomping at the bit to go! DH can take them later. We've postponed our date night as we're both engrossed in the tennis!

Ohhhh Fanby - you poor soul! Such glamour and sophistication!!! Were you doing anything particularly strenuous beforehand and are you 100% sure it's not your waters?!!!!?!

Dozy - deffo get rocking that sari. It'll keep you cool and look awesome I'm currently rocking yoga pants covered in dog hair - sexy!

Hope everyone else is doing well today in the sticky summer heat!

I use a support belt. It's good for walking but not so good for sitting down. You really need to get fitted by a physio because it's important where you position it and to get the right size. The best kind are serola belts which Velcro at the front and then you tighten Velcro straps at the sides. They sort of hold you together. At this stage they are very uncomfortable when you sit though so it depends what you do lots of. There is a more basic belt but tbh I only ever found that one good at the beginning. Try it and see what suits you. Walking sticks/poles are also handy or crutches.

I've always wanted to wear a sari. I used to live near a sari shop in Edinburgh and the window displays were so tempting. A lassie at work is marrying an Indian guy from London and they're having a Scottish wedding in Glasgow and an Indian wedding in London. Her Indian wedding sari is totally amazing. So jealous!

Still no sticky summer heat here. Pretty chilly actually. I'm still waking in the night roasting hot so sympathies to you folk suffering down south. It's supposed to be nice the morn and into Sunday though so we're going camping for the night. Lord only knows how my hips will cope but it's worth it to please dh and dd.

Well i wore it and it actually looked ok in the end. Was very stressful trying to figure out how to put it on especially because it was so hot so I felt pretty sweaty for awhile but it was all good in the end.

Was a fun night as well. I was really uncomfy on the chairs so I ended up getting up dancing. Then I stupidly forgot I was 8 months pregnant and started jumping around to Mr brightside which wasn't the best idea I've had. Hope I've not hurt the baby!

Had a bit of a fall out with dp tonight pre party because we had friends staying over and house had gotten a mess again (definitely his mess) but because I'd been out meeting a friend for lunch and then had sat resting my cankles he said he wasn't gonna tidy up. I wasn't even that bothered if the house was a bit messy for our friends. They wouldn't have cared. Anyway sounds little now but my hormones are a right mess at the moment so I just cried. All is good now and house is tidy so at least we accomplished something out of it heehee.

My bump sure is sore now after a busy day and dancing. Oh well.

Joskar you little hero for attempting camping! I bloody love camping but at this stage of pregnancy I've be demanding we take a mattress with us. There is nothing quite like that early morning outdoorsy quiet in the morning with just the hiss of the stove heating the kettle. I am looking forward to moving up to Scotlandshire, if only for the outdoorsy-ness!
I could have done with a chilly night last night too - it was 23.4 degrees in our bedroom (groegg said so!) despite having windows open. How on earth do you keep rooms cooler for babies?!

Dozy - I'm sure the baby will be grand in there and a little jiggling at this stage is not a problem as little one is pretty much cooked. Although it might feel a bit uncomfortable for you today though. Glad you had an awesome time!
Can't believe your DP had a stand off about cleaning his mess up, I hope you called him a fanny! Does he realise there will be no cleaning of any messes by you in a few weeks time as you'll be on newborn baby duty - he'll have to do it all then!!

Actually that's one of the conversations I've had with DH and he's totally on board. He knows his job post baby is mostly to look after me, house and dogs whilst I'm mostly on baby duty, with a bit of swap over here and there.

We also had to book our removal men to pack up our house down here and now I'm worried she'll be late coming out!!! Oh well...

When do u move mzzf? What would happen if you were late? Would u have her in Scotland? Hope the hip and back pain is a bit better. Sounds like you have a good partner there :) mine can sometimes be good but it's rare so I can't imagine if I had the same conversation that the outcome would be the same unfortunately. I do love him to bits but he doesn't take anything seriously so it's difficult to talk about things like that without him just making a big joke out of it.

Joskar I hope u enjoy the camping and I hope u at least have a blow up mattress to sleep on. I love camping but I couldn't imagine doing it now!

Oh no fanby. Poor you! Must have been quite scary to think it was your waters. I hope you managed to go out and have a nice dinner. (If it makes you feel any better, I've wet myself loads when vomiting - another glamourous pregnancy joy)

I've been really emotional the past few days as well mzzf. I got really upset the other night watching that channel 4 programme about people getting married to strangers (looks like it will be good if anyone's looking for something to watch). I was sobbing because I felt so sorry for all the people who were single at our age. I met DH when I was 21 and felt so bad that all the people had missed out on the special times we've had over the years . Irrational much?! I also keep getting really upset because it's a year since we lost Frolicdog's sister. I really miss her.

Thanks for the support belt advice jockstar. I think it's driving that's been making me uncomfortable. I've not been in the car since Thursday and feel much better. I bet I wouldn't get a physio referral in time now.
Good luck with the camping. I'm mega impressed with you for even thinking about it! I love camping, but definetly won't be going this summer. I hope you manage to get comfy.

Glad you had a good party dozy. Well done for getting on that dance floor. I hope you're not suffering for it today.
Sorry about your argument with DH. Housework is a sure fire way to set us off as well. I dream of the day when we can afford a cleaner. we've just invested in a steam cleaner to do our floors. Today we almost fell out over who got to have a go with it! I'm sure that won't last long.

I hope everyone has had a good Saturday. All I've done is housework and napping.

Lol frolic I was one of those people who prob spent majority of my 20 single. I hated it and loved it at the same time. I wish I had met dp earlier in life though so we would have had time to get married before having a baby but in the 2.5 years we've known each other we've actually experienced a lot of things together and had lots of adventures in a short space of time.

Wasn't actually aching today from previous nights antics, however today I was helping my roller derby team with their game (which they won) and at the end they of the game they skate round the track high fiving the spectators and the opposing team and because I was classed as part of the team I had to run round the track too. It seemed like a completely normal easy task at the time and didn't hurt but now I can barely walk! I forgot that just walking alone too much makes my whole groin area hurt never mind a quick run without a warm up! I can't wait to have my body back and be able to do normal things again.

Because I was busy all day and being sat on a coach I also got super paranoid by the end of the day that she hadn't moved much. Tried to concentrate on her on the coach but with the bouncing around in couldn't tell. It's ridiculous how worked up u can make yourself about movements or lack of. I felt on the verge of tears. Anyway I got home and sat on sofa to concentrate. I've definitely felt her have the occasional movement so I'm happy with that.

I have no idea when is the right time to worry and phone up about movements though despite all the literature out there. But happy as long as feel something even if it's just little. Mine seems to rarely have those really strong kicks that people talk about or keep u awake at night etc so I have to be really focused to feel her.

Does anyone else feel paranoid constantly?

Dozy - yes I get paranoid too! I have to tune in to double check on her too. I only very occasionally have felt her when I'm up and moving about, I mostly feel her when I'm quiet and still. So yes, I can easily get myself in a tizz!! My MW has set the standard as if I'm worried to lie on my left and I should feel 10 individual movements within 2 hours. If I get to that stage, she normally does the 10 within the first 30mins, so it is the classic 'worry for nothing'

Yes, our move to Scotland is planned for 8 days after my due date, we're definitely cutting it fine!!! If she's late, we'll deal with it when it happen. We're kinda used to flying by the seat of our pants though!

Frolic - if it was driving being the pain maker then you might need to look at your driving position. Maybe bring your chair forward more to take the strain off your back for example. You need to be fitted for a proper support belt by a Physio as the commercially available ones are just not worn tight enough in my opinion. Plus the belt on its own doesn't do too much, it works better with prescribed exercises too. It's worth asking for an appt though, you never know if there are some last minute ones, due the waiting list going into labour!!!

I had my 'non baby shower' party yesterday. Only me and 4 very close mates, I made oodles of triangle sandwiches and scones etc. And
We sat round eating drinking and chatting for hours - it was so bloody lovely. And despite me saying no to gifts they all really spoilt me, they are such gorgeous human beings!!

Today though is all about the sofa, cups of coffee and many many cakey leftovers!!!

I was being really silly dozy. Plenty of people have fulfilling lives and happy relationships, whenever they meet. Hormones are definitely affecting me at the moment! I'm very envious of you still not being married. It was the most fun thing I've ever done (and I'm so not a wedding kind of girl) - I'd love to do it all again
I ca't believe you managed to run around the roller derby track. I haven't managed more than a slow waddle in months.well done to your team as well.

I'm totally paranoid all the time about movement. I think he's turned in the past few weeks from back to back to facing in. The movements are still in the same pattern, but a lot less sharp and visible from the outside. I'm constantly chomping ice and lying on my left to count. I'm generally feeling more anxious about everything at the moment.

Thanks for the advice mzzf. Will have a fiddle with the driving position. I'm so short that I'm quite forward as it is. I've only got a few of the longer journeys left as well, thank god. And I'll ask my midwife about a physio appt.
I didn't realise you were moving so close to your due date! I love your calm attitude - i hope it all goes well for you.
Enjoy the cake left over's and sofa.

Happy Sunday everyone.