August 2015 Part 4

[Dani240]

New thread for all of us August ladies!

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

pinkie87 Happy Birthday for yesterday! Enjoy spending your vouchers!

Re: Braxton Hicks, I am sure I have been feeling them - everything goes really hard and tight and walking becomes very difficult (well, more difficult than usual!)

Anybody else getting a beating in the ribs? I think I am expecting a long baby (taking after their tall daddy!), but as I am very short, I think they're running out of room, so I keep getting incredibly sharp, painful kicks in the ribs on my right hand side! Ouch! Very worried that baby might crack them; a few people have told me that's happened to them!

Good morning! Nothing new to report after my long post yesterday – so sorry about that!

OMC1: Ouch! Luckily no rib pain for me. The closest i've come to it is real breathlessness when baby is high up. I can't believe they can crack a rib!! :o!!

pinkie87: Oh how lovely that they got you JL vouchers!! I bet you do end up spending them on baby :) It's so hard to resist isn't it?!
I'd definitely hold off if you can – or keep the receipt if you don't live too far from shops and it's not a mission to return things? We got a couple of gorgeous blankets from the shower. Although I love a good blanket and believe you can never have too many haha!
I'm glad your midwife appointment went well. All sounds really positive so I would try not to worry too much on the measuring, I was waaayyy below last time I saw them but baby was in such an odd position (they couldn't find her head!) they barely batted an eyelid. I haven't seen the midwife since 18th June, and haven't got an appointment until 16th July so i'm really hoping the doctor today might be able to tell me what position the baby is in, otherwise no idea what it's for – I guess i'll find out in an hour lol!

Joskar: Yay for head down! Just had to google what vbac is – that's very exciting you must be really pleased! Hope the B12 and iron tablets work!

Dozygirl: don't do too much cleaning and tidying! The procrastination idea sounds so much better! I think you proper need to treat yourself to a day off to congratulate yourself for completing work!!

Lilydreams: that totally isn't a self indulgent post!! By the sounds of it the uncomfy status is creeping up on us all, if not here already. You sound like you've tried loads of positions to get him to move too :( Hopefully he shifted and you managed to get some sleep!

PerpetualSummer – is it really weird if I admit to loving the smell of nappy bags? Obviously without poo-ey nappies in!! Haha.
We've really enjoyed NCT actually. Bribing with cake yesterday definitely worked, the group felt a lot closer and we've spoken about getting a whatsapp group going. We have the woman's only session on Friday morning and then one more Monday night session. On Monday's it's held in our local pub (everyone is local) and I think the plan is to stick around after for a drink which will be nice. As you can tell, we signed up purely as a social tool because we know no one with kids locally! However, all the information (bar the breastfeeding session) has been so helpful as DH and I are proper newbies and very 'green' with babies!! Did you enjoy your weekend sessions? Did you have a good group?
Congrats on the scan! That's super exciting that baby is in the right position!! Just turn round baby now! That's all you have to do :D

Frolicacid: hope you got a good nights sleep and are less uncomfortable today. Seems a bit cooler so hopefully that will help too!

Hey everyone. Thought I'd update you all after my wailing last week.

I got a call from the consultant midwife who asked a few questions. One of the midwives who has talked to her about me seemed to think I'd been sent for growth scans! She must have mixed me up with someone else.

She confirmed that I could have a home birth. So I also asked about the MLU and she said that was fine too! So I was really upsetting myself for nothing at all. I suppose the midwives are just doing their job though. Going to see consultant midwife this week who is writing in my notes that she has given the ok for me to use the MLU! Such a relief.

Had a tour on Sunday and looked at MLU which is lovely and then delivery suite which is a little scarier but felt much better. I was quite excited - I was thinking yes, let's have this baby right now!

I'm in my 3rd week of May leave - due on 1 August. Luckily I hadn't used any leave so am doing it now. But feeling very useless - for the last week I've had an awful cough and cold and my sleep is terrible. All my plans of doing stuff before baby comes is out the window!

Just need to learn to relax. Poor thing at least has a few clean clothes and a cot so if he unexpectedly turns up we'll manage!

Excellent news Shan I was sure that it was all bollocks! so glad you can now have the birth plan in place that you want! Sorry you have had a cold, I hope you feel better soon.

Oh Shantotto, that's amazing news! I'm so pleased for you! I hope you're smiling like a cheshire cat through your shitty cold! I too suffered from the cough/cold/fluey thing a couple of months ago, it's not for everyone but I ended up taking antibiotics as I was bed bound (gp did reassure that there was no harm to bubba) as it was the only thing that shifted it, so basically what I mean to say is that if it doesn't shift and you're feeling horrendous, might be worth a doctors visit...

Just back from my doctors appointment – turns out it was an antenatal checkup?! Intrigued to find out whether anyone else has one of these! Such a lovely (attractive) doctor – totally remembering to book in with him in future ;). All he did was check my wee, I have white blood cells in it so they've sent off a sample, blood pressure, measure bump and have a prod. He did say he's not an expert but he's nearly 100% sure head is down!! Honestly ladies i'm so relieved I nearly cried! I hope she stays that way! xx

Brilliant news Shan! So pleased you've got what you wanted after all, and what a pain that a silly bit of miscommunication resulted in a load of worry for you - grrr! However, it's great that it's sorted now!

Fanby - yay for head down!!!

My DH has been setting up the pram and fixed the car seat into the car, arrggghhh! Reality has set in, as the isofix base is not being moved anywhere else now!

Ladies - I have purchased some EPO! Not sure I'm brave enough to whack it up my fanjo so will be supplementing orally right now

Ohhh fanby that's great news that she's in the right position now! It's such a relief! Well done baby, and you! I had leucocytes in my urine, but I think I was just a bit dehydrated. Also, do you always take your sample "mid-stream"? As I hear discharge (ew) can cause contamination of the first bit of pee and indicate white blood cells that aren't actually from infection.

Shantotto that's such fab news! Really happy that you have got it all sorted and you can have the birth that you want (all going to plan of course). It's such a weight off your mind I'm sure.

Well I totally won't be sleeping later! Just had an epic nap, whoops!

Pinkie87 – oh that's a very good point! Sorry TMI – but yes, it may have been mid stream, I managed to pee all over my hand and in the last few days the discharge levels have definitely increased! Honestly – no one mentions the pregnancy discharge lol! I cannot wait until my RL friends get pregnant and I get to share all these lovely, lovely facts lol!! Thank you for educating me-leucocytes, googled - snap ;)

mzzzf-ahh how lovely! Have you had a play with the pram?! I was shocked when the lady in John Lewis showed us the isofix bases – didn't realise they came with lights! Hopefully DH was paying attention so he can fit ours no problem :)
I wonder if anyone will try the fanjo route?! If I go massively overdue I think i'll be giving anything a whirl hahaha!!

Hi all, I haven't posted on MN in ages! I've been on the FB group loads though. I felt I should say hi! I can't believe how quickly time has gone! Less than 5weeks! How are you all keeping?
My BP has been doing really well now it's medicated. The high risk Downs or heart defect scare amounted to nothing. This baby has been scanned at least 10 times, I'm sure it's destined for a career on TV! I'm now having horrible sickness and the usual BH. Bump has gone very hard and uncomfy. I had similar with DD, so I'm hoping it won't be long now!

Doodles glad all the scares turned out to be nothing.

I also had a nap today Fanby. I hope yours doesn't prevent sleep tonight. Isn't the discharge crazy! Another thing no-one tells you (and I'm saying this is an attempt to be helpful, not to scare anyone) is how much blood you can lose, and it be classed as normal, after you give birth. Last time round, I seriously underestimated the number if mega thick maternity pads I needed .

Shann, so pleased to hear that your got your birth plan sorted and got what you wanted. These miscommunications and misunderstandings by some midwives really aren't helpful, are they?

Pinkie, try not to worry too much about bump measurement indicating a big baby. It's a bit if a back-to-front anecdote, but last time round I measured really small and the midwives were confident my baby would only be about 6lb. When he arrived he was 9lb! This time I'm measuring on target but the scans only put baby on similar percentile to DS1. Remember, the measurements also include the amount if water you carry etc.

I had my birthing plan appointment with the consultant yesterday. She basically said they would only support a hospital birth, but it's upto me whether we go natural or c. Section. As I was really anxious, she arranged or me to visit the labour ward there and then, and has booked me into a birthing options clinic tomorrow. I need to decide what I plan to go with by next week so feeling a bit stressed by it all.

I hope you've been feeling more comfy today lily. I was exactly the same as you yesterday. It's tough when they go sideways.

Yay! For head down baby jockstar.

I hope you enjoyed your first day of mat leave dozy.

Glad you had a good birthday pinkie. How lovely of them to get you the john Lewis voucher. I would also be very tempted to spend it on the baby! Do what makes you happy .
I think the measurements need taking with a pinch of salt. I've so far varied from the 50th to 95th centile. It's really not an exact science. Try not to worry about a giant baby - I'm doing enough of that for us both!!

Yes, yes to getting kicked in the ribs OMC. I'm also very short. I didn't know they could crack them OUCH!

Really good news that you've been cleared for mlu shantoto. What a palaver due to lack of communication.

How exciting about the pram and car seat mzzf! I can't wait to play with ours. Go for it with the epo! My friend highly recommends it.

Hi doodles! Glad it's all going well.

I hope the birthing options clinic is helpful equimum. Lots of information is always the best way forward for decision making.

Thanks fanby. I had a really good sleep. I've also had a nap after work.
Is anyone else feeling tired? I've been shattered the past few days. Almost on a par with the first trimester. I really hope it doesn't last long!

I hope you've all had a good day. I'm still feeling a bit uncomfortable on the bump. My hips are a bit twingey as well. I've not had that so far, so full sympathy to all you ladies who've been suffering since early on. Has anyone got a birthing ball? I've started to sit on mine every evening for 1/2 hour or so - it really helps if I'm a bit sore after lots of driving.

Quick question, how do you know which centile you're measuring in?! Is this information that the midwives give you at appointments ? :S

Frolic - i'm tired but then also mega awake – total extremes, it's like i'm buzzing or asleep on my feet, can't win! Hope you get another good nights sleep – fingers crossed the hips feel better. I don't have a birthing ball but am very much considering getting one – any tips from where to purchase or good online sites?

Equimum: Not scary, very helpful! I've got two packs on the thick ones and a pack of thin maternity pads – reckon that'll be enough? I'm not sure if DH can be trusted to go out and buy more post birth lol – lord knows what he'd come back with!! :)
Sorry to hear about your anxiety, i'm glad they've swooped in quickly and have you booked in for clinics and viewings – try not to get too stressed (I know easier said than done, i'm a worry wart!)

Hey D00dles, welcome back! Glad to hear your BP is under control and the scares amounted to nothing, that must have been a massive relief. Fingers crossed the sickness passes quickly!!

I've just taken a break from writing baby shower thank you's - put the tele on and seen that lloyd's bank advert - now an emotional mess…lovely hormones! x

Fanby I got a ball off eBay. Really cheap. Wasn't a big one though but it'll do. Not that I've used it much yet haha. Really should start having daily bounce on it like frolic. Every time I go on it though I imagine what I'll look like if I use on in hospital during labour and it's not a great train of thought because I look horrendous on it. My thighs and bum are my least favourite part of me and sitting on that ball accents that haha. Kinda why I didn't like yoga coz i could see myself in the mirror. Anyway that's a side note, they are worth getting for comfort :)

We'll I managed to have a semi productive day today as well as resting and keeping my feet up so I don't feel like I wasted the day too much. House is somewhat tidier. Figured if I do a little bit each day then I'll be able to keep on top of it.

Fanby for centile u should have a graph in your hand held notes that the midwives plot the measurement onto. I'll be interested to see what mine is tomorrow.

Shantoto glad you can go on the MLU like you wanted. That's great news.

Oh fab, i'll take a look on ebay! Don't stress about what you look like Dozy, I can't imagine anyone looks good sitting on them!! When you're in labour it'll be the last thing on your mind i'm sure :)
Glad you put your feet up, hopefully the cooler weather has helped with the swelling too? Good luck with the midwife today! xx

Dozy, yay for productivity yesterday. Getting a but done everyday is definitely a good approach (and probably the easier for the next few years, while you have a little one ).

Fanby, I'm not expert on how many pads to buy, but I've taken the guidance that you may need to change every 1-2 hours for the first couple if days, then use the thick pads for a week or two, but changing less often. I've bought about 60 (which may be overkill) and decided that if I need more, I'll use the overnight delivery service from Boots. I've also bought some dark PJs and a dark dressing gown for the postnatal ward as U found I leave a few times before.

I may have been misleading when I said 'centiles'. I was referring to the dots on the average distribution lines which they print out at scans, to show how small/ large different parts of the baby are. They are used more as an indicator to see if any part is unusually sized and indicative of a problem, but they show roughly where the baby is in relation to average. At 32 weeks, both mines have been pretty high on abdominal and he's. And average on things like length. (But obviously these things change throughout gestation).

The cooler weather is definitely helping fanby but mainly it's the sitting with them high up that helps heehee. As soon as I have my feet on the floor the fluid builds up but never mind. Didn't manage my daily walk yesterday. Hopefully today.

I had a better slept thanks fanby. I'm waking up for more wee's now. It was only once, but last night was 4 times.
I got my ball from Amazon. It was under £10. Make sure you google what size to get. I think it needs to be that your knees are about 4 inches lower than hips. There are loads of sites out there that will tell you. I'm only 5 ft, so my ball is quite small!

I know what you mean about thighs on the ball dozy. Mine are massive at the moment. I just bounce and don't look down.
Glad you had a productive day yesterday. Doing things in little spurts sounds like a top plan.

Have a good day everyone. I'm struggling to get out of bed this morning.

fanby I got my ball from freecycle! Can't get much more of a bargain than that. I know what you mean about the discharge, it's ridiculous! On the up side, I am really enjoying not having periods!

equimum thanks for the reassurance about the measuring. I have heard similar stories from other mums, so trying not to get too hung up about it. I'm just quite surprised they still use it, it doesn't seem accurate at all!

dozy glad you had a good day and managed to get some rest as well as being productive!

frolic sorry your hips are a bit sore! i can definitely sympathise there! I was trying to give myself a mini pedicure last night (my feet are a state, think it's the weight gain!) and because of the way I have to turn my leg to access my feet, my hips and pelvis were so sore after. lesson learnt! Resting definitely helps so get your feet up when you can. I'll try the birthing ball too I think.

Doodles lovely to see you back here. glad all is well with baby!

I'm feeling pretty tired again lately too. Finding work a bit of a struggle. Only 3 weeks left really but they are stretching out ahead of me!

I love my exercise ball.... but the heavier I get the lower I go so I kinda wish I had got a 75cm one instead of a 65cm one... not sure if there is much point getting a bigger one now??? Mine was from Aldi and cost like £6.99. They are pretty much all 'anti burst' so you don't need a special pregnancy one that would cost at least double.

I have been sleeping much better the past 2 nights but actually feeling more knackered! can't win! it has been nice though. I have been eating bananas and taking a small extra magnesium supplement, which seem to be helping the restless legs, even if only as a placebo.

I only have today and tomorrow in work... yessssssss

Well I went for my walk but I can't say I enjoyed it! Didn't realise how much it would hurt my bump. If anyone saw me, I was a sweaty miserable waddling penguin by the end haha. Not a pretty sight. Think I'll try the swimming idea instead, might not be as uncomfortable.

BP was up again at midwife appointment. She didn't seem too bothered but I did ask if it would affect my choice of using the birth centre and she said it would if it was up in labour because it would need to be monitored. She told me just to relax and it'll be fine. Maybe I should have invested in a hypnobirthing cd so I can relax.

Babys head is right down though so i guess that's one good think.

Yes to bouncing on balls ladies and balls to caring what we must look like! We're growing actual humans!! [grins]

My pelvic girdle pain is deffo ramping up, I'm still managing to nimble round with the dogs though, it's the rolling in, and getting out of bed that kills me though.

Ok, honesty time, is anyone else scared of being a parent? I know it sounds stupid but I'm worried I'm not mentally ready to do this whole grown up parenting thing. Practical wise I'll be fine, it's just getting my swede round the mental part of having a baby. Please tell me I'm not alone?!

mzzzf I'm frankly terrified about it. Newborns really scare me, and I am basically exactly the same as I was as a teenager, how am I going to handle this much responsibility??

I painted my toe nails yesterday morning pinkie! Maybe that was to blame for my hip pain. They're much better today thankfully. Bump is sore and uncomfortable, but I think that's how it might be from now on.

Good luck with your last day at work tomorrow happy.

I know what you mean about being a sweaty, messy penguin out walking dozy! DH keeps sneaking off to walk frolicdog without me because I'm so slow and grumpy when I join them.
I hope your bp stays down. A good reason to put your feet up and rest now you've finished work.

Yes, yes, yes mzzf! I am terrified about being an actual parent. We are totally still in denial about there being an actual human being at the end of all this. Like siani, I still feel like a teenager. I can't believe that in a few weeks I'll be someone's mum!!

I hope you've all had a good day. How's everyone doing with braxton hicks now? I have had loads today. Does anyone else have lots? I've done a bit of googling, and nothing really says how many is too many, so I'm assuming it's fine. But I did start to wander if labour was imminent at one point today.

Where does everyone get the pain and discomfort when they get braxton hicks? I'm trying to figure out if I have them or not. I still don't think i do. Just sometimes my whole bump mainly the top part goes hard but thinking that might be stretching pains or something.

Mzzf definitely don't feel ready for a baby. Again practically I have a lot of experience with babies and children but to actually have my own 24 7 and to always have to care for it is a completely different matter. I struggle enough looking after myself and dp most of the time. But I'm sure it'll all come together and we'll be fine.

Frolic and pinkie I can't believe you a managed to pain your own toe nails! I struggled last time I did them to bend into the right position to reach them. Ive given up and got my niece to do them last time. Next week I'm having them properly done at beauticians as a treat.

Ended up going on another walk this time at the beach to watch dp surfing. Went out to pub for tea after with friends and I was so uncomfy sat on the chair. Food was food though lol. Think I'll be sore tomorrow after all this walking though.

Aargh food was good though not food was food haha