August 2015 Part 4

[Dani240]

New thread for all of us August ladies!

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

Glad Frolicdog got on okay at the vets. I hope you enjoye your nap.

Does anyone know what policies are about when sweeps are done and does it change from area to area? My midwife hasn't mentioned anything about going overdue yet, but last time I got to 40+6 and no-one had suggested a sweep. I'm just wondering what to expect.

I'm so pleased Frolicdog is okay!

I've had my 38 week check up and baby's heartbeat is good, blood pressure fine etc. However I've been told she is back to back. Well the (trainee) midwife thinks so as I mentioned I was getting lower back ache and period pain at the front. She recommended that I spend some time on all fours and sit forwards. Her head is still 3/5 engaged so I hope that's a good sign!

She mentioned that if I go overdue I will be offered a sweep at 41 weeks and if that doesn't work then I'll be induced. It sounds very scary!

I've been told to keep drinking raspberry leaf tea, go for walks, eat pineapples, curries and use a birthing ball to help bring on labour.

I felt so uncomfortable after she pressed all my tummy trying to feel the position of the baby. I could have cried coming home in the car as I felt every bump!

Omg, our house is finally getting sorted!!! We're going for a simultaneous exchange and completion Wednesday next week!!! I'm so relieved. That's like 4 days before my EDD, it might be fine!

Thanks everyone, We're very pleased that frolicdog is ok. She's sulking a bit because she has to have a bandage to stop her licking the lump for a few days.

I've no idea about the sweep protocol here equimum. My midwife hasn't mentioned anything yet. I do seem to remember someone telling me they don't do them until you are past due date. Do you have an appointment soon so you can ask beg?

Glad your appointment was ok claire. Plenty of time to get the baby turned.

Wow siani! Fab news about completion and moving date! Are you all packed and ready to go? I hope you've got enough helpers and that you are planning on sitting down and directing the move from a comfy chair.

I hope everyone else is ok? I'm checking in to the thread a lot more now I've finished work and the babies are so imminent.
I hope everything is going well with you and Luca lily if you're reading.

Have you read Bumpology? Apparently nipple stimulation is a pretty good way of bringing you on. The Ina May book talks about it too as a way of speeding up labour. Worries me a wee bit because dd is still feeding like a newborn!

Walking is another good one seemingly. Right enough I was away for a pretty hilly walk on Saturday and I had some hefty pains and tightenings.

Don't think there's much evidence of the raspberry leaf tea (manky tasting stuff) and with curry you'd have to eat enough to erm..."affect" your bowels.

Last time I had two sweeps and then had to be induced. I asked the Dr what the chances of a sweep working were and he reckoned that if you are going to go then a sweep will work but if you're not then nothing will come of it. Right. So. Not really much bloody use is it!

Good luck to everyone ready to go. Not long now!

frolic no! Nothing is ready and I have no van man hired or anything! It'll be FIIIIIIINE. I'm off work as of tomorrow afternoon and will be packing like a mad thing and ringing around for quotes. We can move quite a lot in my Berlingo if we're really stuck, I just need to recruit some people to help....

Joskar I must have a look at that book. I'll see if it's available on kindle.

I'm allergic to dairy products so I drink lots of different herbal teas so I'm used to the taste. DH doesn't know how I can drink them! I'm thinking that walking or any type of exercise is going to be the best thing. Sometimes it feels such an effort to go for a walk but then I feel so much better for it afterwards.

I've been on all fours for a while tonight and have to admit it felt surprisingly comfy! Whether it's a coincidence or not about half an hour ago I've been getting intense tightenings and sharp stabbing pains.

Hope you all sleep well tonight!

Been reading but forgot to write and now I'll have forgotten all the convos.

Frolic glad frolic dog is ok and it wasn't anything sinister.

Mzzf and Siani I don't know how u are both coping with the anticipation of moving right around edd! Moving is stressful enough as it is without trying to deliver a baby in the middle of it. I lift my hat off to you both for coping so well. Fingers crossed the baby's behave and mzzf yours comes soon and Siani yours waits till after moving day. I hope u both have lots.of people around to help.

Re: the visiting convo. At the moment I feel happy about people wanting to visit me and the little one when I get home from hospital because everyone loves a newborn. I doubt anyone I know will overstay there welcome but I'm sure I'd be able to have the guts to say please leave if they did. I know my mum will want to be around a lot but she's very helpful so I'll no doubt be grateful for her help because she'll more than likely help with other stuff not just baby. I don't actually know how I'd cope without my mum. She came round this morning and had the nursery clothes all sorted out in half an hour when I've been looking at it for weeks not knowing where to start! And she's keeping all the big clothes at her house for now so I don't feel too overwhelmed by all the clothes. She's such a good egg my mother.

So maybe I'll feel differently when baby comes but at the moment I'm happy for visitors. I think my only worry is the breastfeeding side of it because I won't be very good at it to start with so may feel a little uncomfortable doing it in front of dps family but will cross that bridge when I come to it. That's the one thing I like about bottle feeding over breastfeeding is that it is much easier in the beginning and other people can do it but obv I want to give bf my best shot because it's easier in the long run. I do love bottle feeding friends babies though haha. I'm so hypocritical!

I had 2 twinges that were different to my usual twinges today and I got all excited but that was it haha. I think I'm reaching the stage where I'm gonna start over analysing every little thing! I was driving at the time so was probably just the position. I'm not quite ready for her yet anyway although part of me would love her to come right now. I have a meal with my work friends on Thursday night and then a concert on the 7th August so anytime after that is good for her to come haha.

Should have some more babies arriving soon from the Facebook group as 2 people are having inductions, one of them isn't he twins. It's so exciting hearing about all the new arrivals.

Yes lily I hope u and luca are both well. Let us know how you're getting on.

frolic really glad that your dog is ok! I know how stressful it is worrying about pets so that must be a huge weight off your mind.

siani great news on the house! Hopefully you will have enough time to get moved and settle in just a little bit before baby arrives. How exciting, I loved moving into our new home last year, although I imagine it may be a little more stressful at 39 weeks pregnant!

dozy how far are you now? I lose track! The twinges must be a good sign even if it doesn't mean labour. I figure every little pain must be working towards getting ready for labour. I'm only 35+5 and just about done now haha.

Joskar I had heard about the nipple thing, but my NCT teacher told us last week you would have to stimulate them for 3 hours at a time to have any effect!! Sod that! I don't mind the raspberry leaf tea either. Not meant to bring on labour but as a uterine tonic. Basically I'll try anything!

claire My baby's back in on the right which is also not ideal. So trying to do the same and spend lots of time on all fours. Sometimes it definitely is the most comfortable position (although not when I'm having hip pain). Hopefully baby will turn in plenty of time.

equimum apparently it does vary between different areas as to when they will sweep. Someone on the FB group has been offered one at 40 weeks but then someone else said they won't do it until past the due date. I think I'll ask at my next appointment.

Did anyone see about the next heatwave? Apparently early August is gonna be boiling. I really hope that as usual we have vastly overestimated the weather situation in this country! It was bloody awful last time, I can't imagine how much worse it will be at this stage of pregnancy!

I'm 37+5 now pinkie so think that's why I'm starting to over analyse everything now.

I dread there being a heat wave while I'm in labour :( had a conversation with people the other day who said we had 3 nice days of weather so far this year and I disagreed saying we had much longer period of warm weather than that, and I should know because I can remember suffering through it at work for weeks. May not have always been sunny but it was always warm still. Plus people forget they were probably in work for some of the nice days so don't necessarily remember them then.

Had too long of a snooze yesterday evening while dp was out surfing so couldn't get to sleep last night. Knackered now. But it's ok because I don't have to get up for work anymore heehee. Still can't believe how quickly the time off is going already and that's without baby even here yet.

Morning all!

Clare fingers crossed the baby turns from back to back for you-I'm sure I read that often they turn during labour so might be absolutely fine, at least he is head down still for you.

I quite enjoy the raspberry leaf tea so am drinking it hoping it will make some sort of difference-not sure how many cups im supposed to be having a day, normally I have 1-2.

Mzzf and Siani fingers crossed for well-timed babies for you both!

Dozy how lovely of your mum, so nice to have help isn't it :) I think we are saying no visitors for the first 24hrs after baby (I'm having a home birth hopefully so easy for people to just drop by!) as id like some time just with the 3 of us. After that I don't mind so much.

Pinkie I didn't realise the right side is not ideal, I'm fairly sure my baby is on the right-have a midwife appointment today so will ask. If so will be joining you in the exercises on hands and knees!

Nooo not another heatwave, very much hope they are wrong!! That was horrible last time and have been enjoying this miserable rainy weather recently!

Everything will be fine siani! Once you start, you'll be amazed at how quickly you get stuff packed. Good that you have plenty of helpers.

How are you doing today jockstar? Any more 'signs'?

I also quite like raspberry leaf tea claire. Really refreshing.

Your mum sounds great dozy. Can you send her over here to have a go at all the stuff in our nursery?!
I don't think it's that I really mind visitors. I can imagine being really keen to show him off once he gets here. It's just the 'Helpful' advice from dh's family that I'm dreading. And the fact that they can't seem to make proper plans about anything. You ever quite know when or if they're going to turn up and I find that really stressful.
Sorry you didn't sleep well last night. I think that having a nap in the day actually helps me not be over tired and get a better night's sleep. Dh is a really light sleeper and my wee wakes seem to bother him more than me so he's now moved into the spare room.

I hadn't seen about the heatwave pinkie! That's not going to be fun for any of us with bumps or newborns. Although I do hope I get to swim in the sea once before baby comes. I didn't manage it the last hot weather due to work. I just know it will feel really good.

I hope everyone else is ok today, especially those of you past due date.
I'm still lounging in bed. Quite enjoying not getting up for work! But I better get a move on as I've got loads to do today. Haircut and couloir in a bit and then my 8 yr old dn is coming to stay for a few days so I need to get her bed sorted and think of some things to keep us busy.
Have a good day everyone

Oh ladies I feel like a bit of a loser and failure, my body is not ready to get this baby out just yet. I know they come in their own time but my pregnant irrational brain is winning at be moment!

Had another internal today, gentler lady doc thank goodness, but cervix still high and closed so a sweep couldn't even be attempted again! So it looks like I'm going all in for the induction marathon (up to 44hrs) on Friday.

Interestingly my original due date was August 1st, so maybe little miss will be sticking to that date instead!

How's everyone else doing?! Any interesting developments anyone?

Sorry your feeling down mzzf. Had different mw today and she refused to do sweep! My odd was also August 1st so we are hoping he puts in an appearance then!!

Evening all! So I decamped to my parents back in Essex on Monday, turns out the builders upstairs are going to be there for 2 WEEKS! I'm absolutely livid. I know it's better that it's done before baby is here but I have 2.5weeks until my EDD....heading back home tomorrow and pretty much dreading it tbh.
It's been lovely to be at my parents, I went for an Elemis pregnancy massage which was divine and then had all my hair lopped off, feel like a less heavy whale lol.
Did have some annoying news about my bloods...looks like i'm no longer 'low risk' so have been kicked out of MLU possibility. Basically I lack a clotting factor so they have to have some special blood stuff on standby I think, and I probably won't be allowed an epidural due to the possibility of some spinal haemorrhage or something so I have to meet with an anaesthetist to discuss other pain relief possibilities?!
I've got the midwife tomorrow and then on Friday I have to go first thing to the hospital for more blood tests, then home, then back to the hospital for the blood pressure clinic, then an appointment with the haematologist consultant to discuss blood test results and 'peri-operative' care or something? A lot of too'ing and fro'ing on public transport as I don't drive lol, i'm going to sleep well on Friday night!

Mzzzf: well done for powering through. You must be pretty frustrated, do you feel ok about the induction?

Frolicacid: You're good looking after your niece for a few days! I spent the day with mine (she's 3) and i'm knackered now!!

Pinkie87: Did not know the nipple stimulation 'trick' was for hours!! The girl from our NCT class also recommended it! Your poor sister, I totally don't want to go overdue!!
I'm not looking forward to this heatwave, apparently it goes up to 30deg again this weekend, i'm borrowing a fan from my folks this time around!!

Dozygirl: I'm the same as you re: visitors, I think i'm going to lack the assertiveness to ask people to leave...DH and I have both said perhaps the best plan is to text back to any one that asks 'of course, it'd be lovely to see you so you can meet baby xyz, feel free to pop in for half an hour any time after xyz' etc...then hopefully they'll know it's not going to be a half a day visit. It's tough because our home has always been a base for friends etc, we're the ones that always have people around for dinner, parties etc but I just don't want people to camp out lol! Your mum sounds like a legend! What would with do without them ey?!

Clairexxx: Pleased your midwife appointment went well! i'm also enjoying the walks, it takes me an effort to get going but the pain definitely goes and it's nice to be a little knackered as I end up sleeping better!

Sianihedgehog: ahh great news on the house! That's bloody exciting! I love how calm you are! Let's hope baby is a little late ;)

Frolicacid: aww lovely to hear that Frolicdog is ok! That must have been super stressful. You both need some sofa time I think!

Augustwedding: Any niggles? Sorry to hear you didn't get your sweep!

Equimum: How is your DS with the pox? Is he managing not to itch too much?

xx

Oh mzzf, you are so not a loser or a failure. You're just giving her a warm, comfy space that she doesn't want to leave. Don't worry too much about the induction. My best friend has had 3 and they were all fine. Things can also change very quickly, and Friday is still a good way off. Try to get some decent rest in the next few days, you'll need it whatever happens. And plenty of for topping up the energy levels.

I hope you're doing ok as well august. Sorry they wouldn't give you a sweep.

Hi fanby! Your massage sounds bloody lovely. I might look into having one in the next few weeks. Thanks for the inspiration.
Sorry you are having a nightmare with the blood thing and the builders. All those hospital trips sound like hard work. Things are never simple when we want them to be.

I hope everyone has had a good day. I'm shattered. Dn has not stopped talking all evening! She is 8 going on 16 and really funny. We're very close, and she's really excited about the baby. But she keeps going on about this being our last holiday together before he arrives. I think a bit of her is worried about things changing, bless her. I suppose they will in a way, so I'm going to make a big effort to have a special few days.
Anyway, time to hit the hay. Did anyone manage to watch obem tonight? I was busy making a picnic for tomorrow, so have recorded it.

Ahhh bless your niece frolic!! You sound like a great aunty!! I didn't watch OBEM tonight as I saw a message on FB that it was a real weepy one. I only watched my first episode last week and that made me cry bucket loads!
I've been wide awake for hours, seems really humid again and I'm hungry but can't be bothered to get up and have a snack...

Mzzf you poor thing. You aren't a failure at all. When I went in for prostaglandins last time the mw grimly shook her head and declared I was "too high" and I'd definitely be on the drip in the morning. I was in labour two hours later. As Frolic says these things change so quickly. Good luck!

Mission today is to pack my bag. Man alive I hate packing!

Agh I need to pack my bag too...

Thanks ladies. And Joskar that's so good to hear a good induction story. The explanations of timings freaked me out a bit, that it could be as long as 2 and a bit days before I even get into the labouring part. I think the worst case scenario is in my head because of my cervix still holding out on me!! I hope I respond well, I'm so emotional today part of me is hoping that it's because my own hormones are ramping up but it may just be stress and being a fanny!!

Today will mostly be about chilling out, eating chocolate and checking I've all manner of trashy magazines ready for tomorrow

I've decided today if i end up having an induction then I'm definitely having an epidural as well due the time it can take for an induction to work and because the contractions aren't natural so way more painful. But hopefully I'll go into labour naturally before that point. I also don't want to be left to go over by 2 weeks. I don't know what the policy is in my area but I don't think i could cope waiting 2 weeks and the added risks that I've seen by babies being late.

I watched obem this morning. It was a sad story but something ive come across a lot in my job so I'm probably more used to see it. The couple were very brave throughout though.

Hope you're enjoying your chill day today mzzf.

Health visitor visit was ok. She was at mine for about 50 mins just going through all the usual health promotion type stuff. Basically talking through everything I already know. Maybe it saves them time when they do the initial baby visit because all the paperwork is already filled in.

It's sunny today where I am. I've managed to sit in the garden for a bit to top up my tan. Met a friend for lunch and purposefully parked 15 mins walk away so I was forced to walk there and back which was good.

Keep up the positive mental attitude mzzzf! We're all rooting for you tomorrow!!

I don't know how you do your jo sometimes Dozy, honestly I'd be an emotional wreck during the bad/sad times! Hope you had a lovely lunch-well done on the walk, I'm really finding mine are helpful to ease the groin pain!

Soooooo get back to my flat and the builders have been into our garden moved all of our garden furniture and all my pot plants to the end of the garden plus covered my tomato plants with plastic sheets so they've all wilted. There is cement and wood all over our patio and I'm fucking livid. I phoned DH to check and see whether he'd given them permission, he hadn't and knows nothing. I cannot believe upstairs haven't asked or text anything for permission etc. my parents kindly dropped me home and they were going to sort out lawn out etc but couldn't access our shed where the mower is and this is the last time they'll be able to visit pre baby. Can't open our back door and let air in, can't sit in the gdn with a cuppa...LIVID!

On a less whingey note, saw a completely new midwife (not my favourite so far but nice enough), everything seems fine and I've gone up a fifth so I'm now 3/5ths, think her back has moved over to the right now though so I need to shuffle her back over!

I wrote such a long post replying to everyone this morning but looks like it didn't post!

All day I've been having period pain and braxton Hicks. My tummy is really hard and feels like it's going to burst. I've spoken to my midwife and she said it sounds promising and I could be in the early stages of slow labour. The contractions aren't painful but they are uncomfortable and very erratic. Sometimes an hour apart, other times seconds. She said when they become more regular and evenly spaced then I'll know for sure that I'm in labour.

How is everyone tonight?

Oh my god! I'm soooooo tired! Had a great day at some local tourist attractions with dn and the in law's. Everyone on best behaviour , but I'm done in. Trying to persuade dn to go to bed so I can follow!

Those builders sound like a total nightmare fanby. Surely they can't just do that in your garden? They will have to put the damage right. I think that they need to feel your full on pregnant wrath and rage when you see them. Cheeky fuckers. I cannot stand inconsiderate people.
Good news about your midwife appt. I'm envious of your engaged baby!
Did youanage to get your bag done? Andyou jockstar? I have some things thrown into mine, but really should pack it properly now i suppose.

I hope you've had a nice, relaxed day mzzf. Or that things have kicked off for you by now. All the best for tomorrow. You must be so excited and nervous. Keep us posted if you get a chance. Will be thinking of you

Sounds like you've had a nice day dozy. We've had lovely weather too. I'm planning on as much sitting in the sun as I can the next few weeks. Glad your hv appointment was good. I doubt I'll be getting one as the hv for our surgery is on maternity leave and they only have minimal cover.
How's your little cat doing? All better I hope?

That all sounds very promising claire! Fingers crossed this is things kicking off for you.

I hope everyone has had a good day.

Hope you sleep well Frolic. Sounds like your having a lovely time with dn.

I've started to loose my plug in bits so I guess this really could be the start of things.