Due in June part 3 :: Entering the 2nd trimester, bring on the blooming!

[NattyandThomasandBumpandSanta]

new thread as old one once again will not load in the time it takes me to make a cup of tea so as far as i am concered thats too bloody long!

keep this one full guys!

N&T&B

Hiya all, sorry been away a while what with holidays and all... belated Happy New Year and welcome to newbies!

Annobal, was curious about your choice to have indep mw and if you think it's helping you. This is my second pg and my first birth with DS1 was horrid also and my gap is only 15mo this time . I am dreading the birth this time round, fearing second baby will also end up in SCBU and all the same horror...my decision so far has been to plan c-section so at least the labour difficulties won't happen. Was considering a doula or indep m/w also...what do you think?

19 weeks tomorrow and busting out all over x

lol, i know what you mean, i am 20 weeks tomorrow and only saw the midwife for my booking in apointment today! was begining to think i had imangined it all...

Hi all, am now 15 weeks but feeling huge - am looking forward to getting into maternity clothes as everything is starting to feel uncomfortable! Remind me of this in another 10 weeks when I am going mad and want my old body / clothes back...

Lilkel, we decided on an independent midwife because I'd had 2 not great pregnancies - I got sick at 27 weeks with ds1 and started contracting and spent the rest of the pg in enforced bed rest to 31 weeks when he was born. I spent the pg with ds2 scared that he would also come early and from 30 weeks I was in and out of hospital with a similar problem (he was born at 37 weeks). My choices for hospitals are the Queen Elizabeth, which is drastically understaffed, and Lewisham which also doesn't have a great reputation at the best of times and is really difficult to park. I also felt that I was treated like a number iyswim.

So we decided to go either with an independent midwife or private hospital - the closest private hospital was the Portland which is just too far away (and twice the price at least).

So far the independent midwife has been fantastic - she comes to my house for the appointments (one every 4 weeks up to about 28 weeks then more often) and is at the end of the phone for any queries I might have. I still go to the hospital (QE) for all scans and as the IMW has an established relationship with the QE, if I need to see anyone she can get me in straight away.

The main thing is that she is employed by me and has my best interests at heart. Whenever there has been a decision to make I get all the options, not just the NHS preferred option.

If you are considering an IMW interview a few and see what you think. I spoke to 3 before I found the one I am now using - the first was just way to forceful a personality and I knew that i would clash with her. Also look out for how many clients they take on each month - mine only takes on one per month to try to avoid a "labour clash".

Sorry for the long post - as you can tell it is something that was a big decision for us and we wanted to have a really positive experience this time.

Annobal, thanks v much for sharing. Can completely see why you've gone down this route. I was really tempted to get an indep MW this time round but frankly the cost scared me off. In my case the indep mw originally appealed because one major problem/disappointment I encountered last time was spending so long in full-on, intense contractions that I saw nearly every midwife 3 times as their shifts changed, and all of it during the worst part of labour. No consistency, and when I'd bond with one, her shift would end. GAH! So I'm sure your IMW will really help to provide you with support, the whole time.

My big concern now is that the c-sect will result in breathing probs for the baby. It's the biggest risk apparently. And it just so happens, that DS's major problem after (natural) birth was breathing problems. I guess I should just prepare for the worst and pray for the best....

P.S. just got glimpse of myself in bathroom mirror in profile. Egads, who is that fat cow?!?!?

Annobal, do you mean Queen Elizabeth in King's Lynn ?

notsolilKel - LOL re mirror! Dunno who fat cow is but theres another one looking back at me in my mirror! Seriously, was weighed at the hospital the other day and given a predecited fundal height/growth graph which they had kindly highlighted my BMI and noted HIGH! Know doing their job but wish they had never pointed it out!

Bit confused at all the mixed care that seems to be out there. I thought that the 'natural' order of things was booking at about 12 weeks followed by appointments approx. monthly to 32 weeks, then fortnightly to term and weekly if you go over term. That's what I had with DS in Edinburgh 5 years ago and I am following roughly the same pattern here in Leeds. I had my booking appt at 12.5 then again at 17 weeks. Next appt not till six weeks after that but that's because she's on hol then I'm on hol. "20 week" scan booked for 24 Jan when I'll be 20+3.
It is pretty awful, I think, that the level of care seems to be dependant upon the usual NHS postcode lottery. We don't get a nuchal fold scan here unless we pay for it, but in some areas they are routine for women over 35 (I'm 37, but 38 soon)...and when I had DS in Edinburgh there was only a 12 week scan...no 20 week anomaly scan, which is routine here in Leeds. It's all a bit frustrating. Also in Edinburgh my care was shared with my GP, so saw him and mw alternately, but here it's all with the mw, with any additional appts to be made with the GP if I need a prescription for anything.
All that aside, how are we all doing with feeling movements. I'm getting quite a bit now, although it's a bit disconcerting when junior goes quiet for two or three days at a time (don't remember that happening with DS). They're also getting stronger and felt one on the outside last night for the first time. Haven't been wearing 'normal' clothes since before Christmas, but having to wear belts on maternity jeans to stop them falling down. Got some nice trousers for work in Next sale which are a bit puckered around the waist as yet, but maternity tops long enough to hide all that.

Had another jump in boob size....so yet more money spent on undies....had a go at the poor assistant in M&S as their new range of supposed maternity bras has spaghetti thin straps....even for the larger sizes. She tried to tell me that the thickness of the straps has nothing to do with the amount of support the bra provides and when I tried one on the straps were digging in (as I knew they would) and I burst into tears. She then tried me in some of their 'full support' bras, but the middle bit comes up to nearly chin level (slight exaggeration)and they are not the most attractive things in the world. Her advice...."now isn't the time worry about attractive underwear". She was also less than impressed when I pointed out the inch and a half thick straps given her earlier statement about strap thickness. Poor thing, having to deal with one of my full on hormonal episodes . So....do any of you big boobed ladies out there have any advice on where to go...I've tried mothercare but their bras are awful.

Hello all,

Just caught up and pleased to read that everyone's well etc. In terms of my care, here in London I had a booking appointment at 12 weeks, then a scan; at 16 weeks I saw doctor for heart/lung check and blood pressure (but I hadn't been given a book by my midwife to note the results in, so not sure what happens to the info). Anomaly scan at 20 weeks, after which I'll see the midwife for the second time, and after that, who knows! I'm 17 weeks today and thought I might have felt junior last week, but it felt more like a kick than a flutter and it's probably too early for that... since then, nothing. Have other first timers felt theirs yet? It's meant to be easier/quicker second/third time around isn't it?

Greetings!
Well I never knew there'd be such a difference in the care we're all getting-or not getting! Here in the south I've had booking in at 9 weeks with a scan at 11, I'm seeing mw next week (16 weeks) for blood pressure but not the doctor, unless something is wrong, nuchal screening is free and available to all. They also checked heart rate and measured body at first scan. Next scan is at 20 weeks then 30. I do feel lucky as my mw is always on the phonefor me and gave me an out of hours number for the labour ward to call if worried.... As I was the other night when a VERY strange sensation like a buzzing in my abdomen.......was told that the baby prob had hiccups!!
So hows the excersise going?
I cycled for an hour yesterday, felt great but can only go so far before breath runs out, would recommend yoga though, great to be in same boat as rest of class, nice and gentle but felt really streched afterwards.
Have stopped looking in mirror now, I was obviously quite vain before as cant bear my fat self!! dp says it'll be better once bump is more rounded and pregnantlike.... hmmmmmmmmmmmm

Hi MaryLou23, I am at 18 weeks, and still havent felt the baby move, its our first as well- have heard that for your first it can be felt anything from 19 weeks? Saw midwife last week and we listened to the heartbeat- a scary 10sec wait till she found it! Have a scan on Wednesday which I am looking forward to!
DaisyBump- totally agree with the lack of scans/appointments given depending on different areas. I have personally been lucky but it seems unfair on others. Surely NHS should have some standardised routine?
Anyway hope that you are feeling better after that insensitive woman at M&S, I am just happy to fill out a bra and have made it to a 32C so I cant offer any advice, but do Figleaves do maternity bras?
Hope you ladies are having a good day

I think the level of care here in Leeds is generally good. I havent seen a midwife yet through choice really. I could have booked in alot earlier. I really dont think I have anything to complain about. If there is a problem or I am worried I can see someone.

Hi all, hope you are all well, blooming and looking forward to your 20 week scan! Anyone else out there finding out the sex? I'm afraid I have an eagle eyed husband who can't keep a secret so there will be no secrets here.

LOL at the mirror Lilkel - have now officially removed all mirrors until I am looking gracefully pregnant - not sure that they will be coming back any time soon...

Piz - sorry for not being more explicit - there are obviously more Queen Elizabeths out there than just the one in Woolwich

Daisybump - I generally go to John Lewis for maternity bras but have the number of a lady who comes to your house to fit you - I may have to contact her. Let me know if you are interested. You could also try figleaves.com if you know your size.

Does anyone know if the excercise thread has started yet? Now that I am in the 2nd tri and feeling better have been a regular at the gym - I even went to aqua last week (admittedly I was the youngest in the class by at least 20 years )

finding out sex on friday at our 20 week scan. will be selling loads of boys stuff on ebay if a girl, we have a loft full to the brim already!
so excited! every day i wake up more excited cos we are one day closer to seeing the baby again.
baby is kicking hard enough you can see my belly jump if you sit and watch it, baby loves music too makes it jiggle!
really looking forward to it now, ever so happy, prob cos DP has started to fuss over me now i look preg, he keeps talking to the baby saying "im your daddy" sad but so cute at the same time.
how is everyone else?

love N&T&B

Hi there - 16+1 today and very glad to report I'm feeling a lot happier after my last, very maudlin, post!

Went to see the doc today as midwife was fully booked and she was great; had a feel around and a listen to the heartbeat, which was great and very reassuring.

It took her a while to find it but I was convinced that something was going on down there as I've been feeling a fair few kicks/flutters/prods lately.

We've got our 20 week scan in mid Feb but we're totally undecided as to whether to find out the sex. We had a very good idea with DS that he was a DS and not a DD...want to know for practical reasons this time but also want the surprise! Can't have it both ways I s'pose so we'll have to make our minds up what we're doing!

Hey N&T&B how far along are you? Bit cuz your scan is coming up so soon...will be thinking pink thoughts for you :-)

I can sympathise cus I hope for a girl myself, though DS is a truly lovely, lovely chap and it's a joy knowing that a little boy can be so sweet. I expected him to be terrible teenager from birth, dunno why, but it's so much better than that. Still I'd like a girl though. All those awesome clothes to buy (you know how there are NONE for boys about!!)

I know I should stop looking in the mirror but really couldn't help it. Just have to avoid the side-view. Head-on is still ok...

11 days till scan & counting

Oh and movement: first time round it took me maybe 21 weeks or so to really feel something different than a bit of buttterfly bubbles. This time round however I've already got a fair few kicks in! Usually after a chocolate treat (must be a girl, right? ok sorry...). Since maybe 17 weeks or so, I've had definite kicks. But firsttimers, don't be jealous. It only means that I'll be super-giant-ugly-huge 5 weeks before you lot!! x

Good news Magicgenie - glad you are feeling better!

VERY at all your scans so soon - mine isn't until MARCH!!

Sorry to but it but I'm after Trace! What's news if your there?

xx

Magic - Glad to hear you're feeling better

Annobal,Coriander - Thats so unfair just looking at stats thread Annobal - day before me and Coriander couldnt see your EDD but guess its similar. My 20 week scan is 7.2.07. It should be the same for everyone, making you wait that long is tortureous! (sorry for poor spelling) But after that - thats it then unless i fancy spending £250 for a private 3D scan (from 26 weeks I think)- have seen someones pics they are great and you get loads! Hope so for £250! Would love to find out sex (pratical reasons - would sell the huge amount of girls stuff from 3 months to 3-4 years on ebay!)but DH not so keen as we know several people that thay were told wrong - so he thinks that unless definate not worth it! will have to see nearer the time. A topic for future discussion. Most discussion at mo on house- selling it where to live? and which school for DD - that part is a total nightmare!

Movement - With DD really didnt feel alot until 21-23 weeks think I didnt know what was looking for, this time think I have felt odd pushing or prodding but nothing dramatic! (15+4 today)

seansgirl, I was with Trace on the Jan 2006 thread!! I had my little boy 16 weeks ago but have been keeping any eye on those who were trying for their BFP at the same time! Good luck

Hello all, hope evryone is well.

Just wondering if there is an up to date stats thread for 'due in June'? I know some people have had dates change after scans, there are lots of newbies and sadly we have lost some since the original thread.

I will start a list in next post- name; age; EDD; expecting boy or girl.

Please copy & paste and add your details!

twinkle5; 25; edd: 8th June; don't know and wont find out!

Hi, my dd is being a monster(how am I going to cope with 2?!), so I thought I'd stick her in front of cbeebies and join your thread. Hope that is ok!!

Have just posted my stats on the stats thread. Due 19th June.

Bit of ms, but nothing compared to dd, makes me think I'm having a boy!!

Hi Hollyandalice... I'm due on the 18th! Very jealous of everyone hearing heartbeat - I saw doc at 16 weeks and he said he only felt for heart beat if there had been bleeding or pain, so now I'm just spending my evenings prodding my belly trying to convince little bean to move around and let me know it's still in there! (should be able to tell from size of belly, but post-Christmas it could just be mince pies in there... although doc did have one feel and raised his eyebrows saying that uterus was certainly growing quickly...)
Oh, and we're going to find out, I think. Although is it true that they get it wrong a lot? Do they get it wrong both ways round, or is it just that sometimes they miss a willy and say it's a girl?!

Hi Marylou. I think it's quite rare to be told it's a boy and end up with a girl, although it does happen (I was watching one of those birth shows on discovery home and health and it happened to someone on there!). I was told dd was going to be a girl and I went mad and bought pink everything. So luckily the scan was correct or I'd have a seriously confused boy!!I hope I'm not having a boy coz I'll have to go back out and buy some blue things. I don't even have a white babygro, they are all pink! My moses basket, cot bedding, bouncy chair etc are all very girly. Even my buggy is bright pink!!! Maybe if I do have a boy I can pretnd he's a girl for a while!!

I think your doc is v mean not letting you hear a heartbeat. Can you book a midwife appointment? She'll let you hear it.