Due Jan '07 part 6: Santa baby, slip a baby under the tree for me (and save me the agony of labour!)

[2Happy]

Well it's one better than coal...

Hi all. Congratulations ELM! Wonderful news Arran is a very cool name too. I've been thinking loads about names recently. We know we're having a boy but nothing I've come up with so far seems quite right somehow... So now I'm hoping that once he arrives I'll see him and just know.

Hope you survived your day at work Wilkie... should be nearly over now hopefully! I just finished work on Friday and had a pretty horrible last week too. Though can't say I have been relaxing that much since I finished, what with family arriving for Christmas already and shopping and trying to get ready for the baby!! But at least I feel like I'm doing important stuff that needs to be done now and not just sitting at work feeling bored and pissed off! So hang in there! It'll all be over soon.

I'm almost 37weeks now and don't think I've had any BH contractions either, which I have been a bit worried about. But like Lizz says perhaps some people just don't notice them?

Heard a wonderfully positive birth story recently from one of the women I do yoga with. She was hving her first too and everything went exactly according to plan. Baby came about 3 days early (perfect timing I reckon!) She started having mild contractions and then her waters broke soon after, she went into hospital and the little one was born only about 4 hours later. She did the whole thing with just gas& air and no other drugs and said all the staff at the hospital were realy nice and everything was wonderful!! How great is that?!? So I'm just trying not to worry too much about labour and remember that things can go really well and smoothly!

Congratulations ELM! Glad all is well now and hope you are both home soon. xxx

Welcome amyclaire!

Wilkie, sorry to hear youre so down, I was working up to 36 weeks last time and dont know how you are still there! I used to take full advantage of everyone expecting me to be in the loo all the time too and just sit there and chill! Also used to offer everyone a cup of tea then spend ages making it. Anything to get away from the computer. Hope it goes quick from here for you.

Sorry your classes didnt go well. We were really lucky with ours last time. We all put our names and addresses on a sheet as a kind of registration, saying what your name was, our address, phone no and how many children we had had, then afew weeks after the babies were born we had a reunion at the doctors and the midwife photocoppied it for us and gave us all a copy. It was really good and most of us met up until everyone went back to work. Have to sat that although we got loads of info, I didnt feel any less worried about giving birth, and dont this time. Think it is natural to worry (sorry that doesnt help much!)

Couldnt go this time because of ds (he wouldnt sit still for 2 hours and they only do them in the day). So this time dont really know anyone else with a baby and quite nervous about feeling alone. Sounds like you have some friends having babies at the same time though so hope that helps.

Can I ask everyone how much weight they have put on. I have been really nervous about how little I have put on (about 3/4 of a stone) when last time I put one about 2 1/2. Now that I have had the scan, my mind is put at rest as to there being a problem with the baby but still a bit worried. Just wondered, think that you said Lizz that you had not put on much, but I have not had that bad heartburn this time, and have been eating loads both good and bad. Suppose I shouldnt complain but just a bit worried.

Hi everyone and congratulations ELM!!! Hope all is well and you're both home soon

Dragonhart - Ive put on 8lb so far, hoping not to put too much more on as I'm way too heavy to start with so hopefully I'll weigh less after baby arrives than I did when Igot pg, it will be a good kick start to my diet

I've been for my fortnightly check up today and my bump is now measuring 42 weeks! (I'm 35+3) So, I'm now booked in for a growth scan tomorrow, and when I go back for my next check up (2 weeks on Thursday because of Xmas/New Year) they'll consider early induction depending on how much more he's grown. So all in all I'm a bit happier now

As for the GTT result, my midwife rang the ADU and they said they've discussed my result with the diabetes consultant and they don't need to take any further action as the result was below 9 (mine was 8.7) so that's good news (although it would have been nice for them to tell me! They're going to repeat the test a few weeks after baby arrives just to make sure it's settled down again.

I had a lovely last day at work - I was given a lovely card and Boots vouchers which I'll spend on baby after he arrives (More points for my advantage card too )

Sorry for no more personals - I'll have all the time in the world from tomorrow onwards!

Loubie xx

Now officially a lady of leisure!!

Big congratulations ELM, lovely name. x

Wilkie, You're not alone. I too am petrified of labour. I want to get it over and done with now. My classes were good but I did feel rather faint on the tour of the delivery suite. If anything it made me feel worse. Ignorance is bliss I say! I too am still working. Will be 37 wks this thursday but finish on Friday. I'm just loafing at work, I don't think they're expecting em to do anything which is a bonus

DH-I've put on 20 kgs, I think thats about 3 stone MW said that wasn't bad, but everyone is different.

I had appt with consultant yesterday but it wasn't THE dishy consultant it was one of his sidekicks. The MW had a feel first and couldn't tell if bub was breech or not (even though I was told last week by my regular MW that bub was head down and enagaged?!) so the doctor barged in and grabbed bubs head so hard it hurt and was sore after. I nearly flipped it was soooo painful. If she is around when I'm delivering I don't want her near me.

Was then told my BP was up and my ankles are like balloons. To be honest I'm a really nervous and anxious person so I think thats why it was up (told you I was scared of labour!) So my question ladies is this...what will happen if my blood pressure is high when I'm in labour, what affect will it have on me and bub and what will they do?

OMG...Dhart and Loubie!!

How have you managed to put on such a teeny bit of weight??
You lucky things!!

I've put on about 2.5- 3 st so far, haven't weighed myself for a while so not 100% sure. MW never weighs me so I can't be too chunky yet

I don't know really!! I felt quite sick early on and didn't have much of an appetite, but I was only actually sick twice up to 27 weeks. Then I had a bad few weeks with sickness which lasted until about 3 weeks ago...and I'm now too big to eat much, after a few mouthfuls I feel like I've eaten a 5 course meal!

But I'm not complaining

Loubie xx

Congratulations to elm. Havent been online for a couple od days so am playing catch up. My hormones are playing havoc, its like bein=g in the first trimester again!!! Starting to get REALLY NERVOUS only one more week to go OMG. I cant focus on Christmas at all.
Hope you are ok elliepmummy.

Just wanted to say a massive thanks to everyone and their lovely messages. This group is so nice and wouldn't know what I would do without it!

Just been out with my friend for tea and a good girlie chat - she has given me her perspective on labour (she has a one year old) and made me feel better. It was actually nice to just get out and be 'me' again rather than just this vessel waiting to pop!

DH - I've put on just under 2 stone at 35+2.

Loubie - agree with you about the 'loafing' thing today - have done absolutely sweet FA and it has been lovely. Roll on next Fri (at least I get Xmas in between) {fgrin]

Welcome Amyclaire85 - I was weighed at my 16 week appointment and then never since (had my 34 appt last Mon). My midwife said they don't bother as everyone is different and there is generally no correlation between how much weight you have put on and how heavy the baby is!??!

Amyclaire-I was weighed at 36 wks incase I need anaethetic (sp?) when I go in to hospital the MW said?

Wilkie-good that your friend has helped a bit. I have 2 friends that have had babies this year but they both had sections so they can't help me out that much!

I have put on 3 stone exactly the same as the last time.
Wilkie, my labour with dd was about 24 hrs unfortunately needed an emergency c/s in the end. It is painful but I think your maternal instincts do take over and you just get on with it every contraction is a step further to meeting your baby. I found that by focusing on each contraction helped. I suppose I went into a bit of a meditative state. The gas and air helped me aswell!!! Although I needed a section I knew I was in good hands the Docs and MW team were lovely and all really supportive and encouraging. I suppose by the time I was in the hospital I just wanted to get the show on the road.
I think keeping an open mind about labour helps as quite often things dont go as planned.There are no medals for giving birth and we get the same baby no matter what way it enters the world. I am having a planned section next Wednesday as it is the safest option for me.i am getting very nervous about it........!

Morning everyone!
Up bright and early again. I am guessing it is my body getting in practice for night feeds. Great. Gotta love mother nature!

I've put on about 1.5 stone, the midwife only weighed me coz I bugged her about it, and I was convinced that I had actually lost weight. She said although that weight gain is all baby and amniotic fluid, the baby is the right size and weight (approx) for its age and my height, so all is well. Thought I was looking gaunt like I had lost weight from my face, but have just got xmas party photos back, definately not gaunt looking, unless my double chin has got slightly smaller?!

I think my baby is dropping lower as I had hardly any heartburn today, and managed 2 x dark chocolate kit kats. I'm slightly more worried about the weight gain I will get after I actually have the baby and can stuff my face again!

sorry for intruding to been nosey and reading through,
wilkie50-generally no correlation between how much weight you have put on and how heavy the baby is!??! with my first i put on 5stone (admittently was on steroids too) but baby only weight 4lb14oz at 36weeks. second pg I put on 3stone and babs was 6lb 15oz at term.
I do know of people who have lost weight in pg anf those who have gained very little and had 8-9lb babies.

ment to say sorry again for intruding and good luck for your forthcoming labours after the new year..

Lizzz - I am going to have serious withdrawal symptoms from the dark chocolate kit kats. I didn't realise they existed before I was pregnant - they have been one of the high points of the last 8 momths.

I was only weighed once and that was at my booking in appt...since then I've weighed myself at home but only twice - me and the scales aren't the best of friends!! I didn't put much weight on with the other 2...with DD I put on 16lb and she weighed 8lb 5oz and with DS I put on 10lb and he weighed 9lb! If I had a baby every year I'd be thin as a twig - now there's an idea.............................not!!

Rightio I'd best go get showered etc ready for my scan - can't wait to see baby again! I'm just a bit disappointed DH won't be there, he's working away at the mo, back tomorrow night. Hopefully I'll be able to get a nice piccy for him

Loubie xx
35+4

Gawd, the things I do for you lot! I have just stood on the scales for the first time in months (I stopped weighing myself once I regained the weight I'd lost with morning sickness!). I have put on 1 stone from the weight I was when I got pregnant, but I lost 3/4 stone with morning sickness, so not sure if that means my total weight gain is 1 and 3/4 stone??? Anyway, as far as I'm concerned I'm still depressingly heavy, not that it stops me pigging out on toblerone though!! Had pigging BHs all night last night, got up this am and they've totally disappeared - why can't they leave me alone to get some sleep?

I've put on around 2 1/2 stone from my pre-pregnancy weight though I did lose a bit in the first 12 weeks from the constant nausea!

37 weeks today

Put on 24 lbs so far (if I say it in pounds it sounds less painful than almost 2 stones). I think it's a stone on each boob to be honest

Lulu - dark chocolate kitkats sound lovely. I want one now to go with my morning portion of a tray of ice cubes. Mmmmmmm....In fact, I'm going to go out a get one. Let's hope I don't slip on the thick frost outside!

I'm back from my scan It was lovely seeing baby again (probably the last time until he arrives!) He had the hiccups which made it awkward for him to be measured! Anyway, the upshot is that although he's on the large side, he's still just within the normal range (whatever that is!) so there's no need for me to be induced early on account of him being too big. I tried to get them to give me an idea of how big he'll be, but they were a bit reluctant to say and would only say that the estimated size at the mo is 'roughly' 7lbs. So if he puts on 1/2 a lb a week from now on (isn't that what they're expected to put on in the last few weeks?) we're looking at between 9 and 9 1/2 lbs which isn't much more than my son was, so that's cheered me up immensely

There's still a possibility they'll induce me early because of the SPD, but for now I'm going to concentrate on enjoying Xmas, our 1st wedding ann and New Year, all thoughts of baby arriving early will have to wait until early Jan now

I've been given a new lease of life now I'm a lady of leisure, I got up this morning and did loads before I went for my scan I've got it all planned out in my head what the run up to Xmas will be - today I'm packing my hospital bag, wrapping the last of the presents, doing as much washing/drying as I can to get it out of the way, delivering the neighbours cards (they've been sat on the coffee table for about 3 weeks now!) and generally having a clean up (bathrooms etc). Tomorrow I'm carrying on with the rest of the house work, Friday is DH's first day off over Xmas so we're gonna have an 'out and about' day, delivering cards, pressies etc and doing the Xmas shop, Saturday is the final house clean day, and Sunday will be getting ready for Xmas day eg cooking the gammon, making mince pies, sausage rolls etc, getting the veg ready etc etc. We're off to a nativity service at church at 6.15pm then I'm going to bed for a couple of hours so I can stay awake long enough for midnight mass Sounds like loads to do, but it's not really and at least I can sit down and have a rest whenever I need to

Take care everyone

Loubie xx

I look like a zombie.

Had hospital tour this morning, all very positive, and not at all scary. Birthing pool room has a fab view of the whole of Brighton. Still not sure about actual water birth though.
All we have to do now is hope that its not a busy day when my baby decides to arrive.
Needed a wee so badly the whole way through the tour I was sure my waters had broken when I eventually found a loo! Would have been convenient.

We can take in our own cds to play during the labour too, so I will spend the rest of the afternoon picking songs to induce my oxytocin levels! (mw rec

I want to go to sleep for the rest of the afternoon, but have to be awake as have new oven (woo hoo) and new phone arriving via courier, and I just know that if I fall asleep I will miss the delivery.

I dont even have the energy to go out to the shop and get a dark chocoate kit kat. Thats how bad my exhaustion is! zzzzzzzz

doh - cant even formulate a sentence.
MW recommended that we bring cds in which raise my happieness/oxytocin levels as this of a benefit during the labour.
Plus it will be cool to pass the cd on to my baby when he is older and say this is what you arrived to! (S Club 7 and 5 star!!)

I've not been weighed at any of my appointments but weighed myself last night and found that I've put on 12Kg., 5Kg on each ankle and 2Kg on my bump !

Had my hospital check yesterday but ended up seeing a MW rather than the consultant because she was busy at a cs. I really wanted to see the consultant to check my fibroid which is a bit low lying and also to discuss my fat ankles which look like I've got that parasite which makes your legs look like an elephant. Fibroid OK and get some support tights and put my feet up was the MW's answer. Right.

Spent almost all day at hospital as DS broke his elbow on saturday evening so had to visit trauma clinic to see consultant. Cant really do anything to it apart from monitoring which means more x rays next week. I think I'll see if I can get frequent visitor parking discounts as I'll probably be there every week now until baby is born. AAhh the joys of parenting...

lovely news from ELM - well done
Thanks for the bra info Lizzz, looks like I'll be hitting the January sales then !