July 2016 (4)

[Scase1firsttimemum]

Hello ladies, made a new thread seeing as we have almost run out of room on the last one!

Oh Loki, I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending you big Canadian hugs.

Can't sleep :( feel really unsettled

I'm in the insomnia boat as well Mel try not to worry you've had a couple of scans already and all had been well so far so the probability of anything going wrong at this stage is minute. I'm just giving in to the insomnia - got an old Friends episode on and lots of snacks to keep me happy - I can recommend it for a bit of distraction from everything going on.

I don't know what came over me last night, was up at 2 till about 4. Now I'm struggling to get up. working today but hopefully won't be too bad a day and will get away around 4. Feel exhausted

The thirst is back at night, literally feel like I need a drip on a night im so thirsty. Conscious of it in my sleep! Actually getting sick of water and squash!

Anyone get sharp pains if you move too quickly?! Turning over in bed, I keep getting them when I switch sides.

Right, more water

Gosh Mel, hope you finish early!

I'm usually up around midnight then 4 to pee, it's so tiring. Half day today at least then home to make cheesecake before dinner out & church. Hope you all have a lovely day.

Sasha glad I'm not the only one, feel like I've got a hangover in a morning, head feels heavy, mouth dry!

Waiting for DH to finish work before the festive fun can start, for now tidying up will have to do

Hopefully all our sleep issues will settle down in second trimester once the hormones calm down! I've finished work for xmas so spending a lovely duvet morning on the sofa watching xmas films with a mug of hot chocolate. Going to head out at lunchtime to pick up the cake we've had made with the pregnancy announcement (can't wait to see mom's face tomorrow when she finds out - it will be her first grand child soooo excited!) Then off to church this evening with hubby followed by dinner at a yummy Turkish restaurant in Woodford (random xmas eve tradition). Have a lovely Christmas Eve everyone and good luck to all those making announcements tomorrow, enjoy the moment!

Morning all! Can I ask a not very Chrismassy question please? I know that at the 12 week scan they do nuchal testing plus bloods, but have noticed that some people are getting the Harmony test as well. I thought that was bloods too - but does it cover something more/additional than we get with NHS test? Or is it the comfort of having two checks of everything? Am trying to get my head round it as obviously it's additional £ so want to understand whether it's something we should be saving our pennies for. I'm v tempted as right now I feel like the more reassurance the better! Any advice from more clued up types gratefully received. And a happy Christmas Eve to all...

Know how the insomnia crew feel. Up at least twice a night to pee and then stay awake for quite a while. Nose is still so stuffy as well.
Did most of the housework yesterday so just having a relaxing day today watching Christmas TV. Telling the rest of DH's family tomorrow. We would wait a little longer but it'll be the third time I have refused a drink from them - so will be pretty obvious. Looking forward to Xmas morning, just me and DH for the last time ever. I hope everyone has a relaxing Xmas with an extra helping of pudding (to make up for the lack of alcohol!)

I haven't had a Harmony test, but I think it's a blood test where the separate out some fetal DNA and test that for chromosomal abnormalities. The NHS test isn't that accurate - it gives a risk level but isn't a diagnostic test. I don't think the Harmony is diagnostic either, but it can give a much more pinpointed picture of risk, so if it picks up a problem it's more likely there really is one, and vice versa.

I think in some areas they are piloting its use in the NHS, but for most people at the moment it's only available as an expensive extra. We decided against it because we don't have any particular reason to be concerned about an elevated risk of chromosomal abnormalities (age, history etc). I'm sure someone who has had it will have better info!

Passing, the harmony test, tests for patau syndrome and Edwards syndrome as well as Down's syndrome. It's 99% accurate but not diagnostic like an amino. We had it just for extra reassurance and also wanted results before Xmas. (But clinic lost bloods so won't get them till next week now). I wouldn't have done NHS bloods if we had, had the results from harmony but there is always a chance that there wouldn't be enough fetal DNA picked up in bloods for any result from harmony. So if that happens and we had not had NHS then we would end up with no screening at all. So we have had both bloods done. (Hope all this makes sense).

Where I am, you have the combined test on the NHS and if your risk factor is considered high, then they'll offer the Harmony test as a follow up before offering the CVS test. I'm still trying to decide whether to have the tests at all. Last time round I didn't, not so sure this time. Is anyone else thinking of not having the test? My reasoning last time was that we wouldn't take any action if the results were high risk, so the test wasn't necessary. But this time I'm more aware of Edwards and Patau and would perhaps make a different choice. Hmm.

Thanks all. And sorry to hear about lost bloods Woodsy. So it sounds like the Harmony gives a more extensive and accurate picture than then NHS testing?? I am tempted probably because I am a bit of a control freak who is currently feeling quite out of control with all this, so I want as much information as possible to cling onto!! Also this is my first at age 36 (actually had to stop and think to remember how old I am then) so am probably being extra anxious...

Meant to say got a phone call from my midwife yesterday, they didn't process my blood tests from booking in appointment so I need to go back again

Loki so so sorry thinking of you at this difficult time. Xx

Passing - harmony blood tests are much more accurate than nhs (which as Woodsy says are more general risk of age/ethnicity/hormones) than fetal DNA. They also tell you the sex at 12 weeks if you're interested. Usually the bloods are done in conjunction with v detailed nuchal etc scan so for my £400 I felt it was worth it..I'm 39 and had 1:30 chance last time when I was 37 so just wanted to mitigate that worry right from the get go this time around. Hope that helps and happy Xmas! X

Loki I'm so sorry, I had a mc earlier his year and it is heartbreaking. Sending love and hugs xx

That does really help Ellizardo - thank you. Sounds like it makes complete sense to me so will look into booking in new year. And happy Christmas to you!

Just wanted to wish everyone a merry Christmas! Hope you have a great day , especially if you are announcing! Xxx

Hi culture I'm not having any test and I declined the downs blood test with the midwife as I knew it would be high because of my age (36) I think it's a personal choice and if anything shows up at the scans we will decide what to do but after 2 loses in the last 18 months I'm not sure what we do. But anyway merry Christmas everyone hope we all have a nice relaxing 1 well as much as we can! Xx

Gnat I hope my due date stays the same it usually always changes as I have a long cycle but would be nice if for a change it didn't.

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas. I'm just cooking some party food as its ds1 birthday today.

Feeling festive [santa]