June 2016 #7 - We're still waiting for the second trimester "bloom" but healthy babies and stronger kicks all around!!

[nehagarg]

Here is the next one people.

Stats here!

docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oTx71GeTR-ilVPTpIhNhutAwZPqNyYNEyIDwO80PmKQ/edit#gid=0

I'm on my feet at work so it may help me then, what do they even look like all I've seen is bump bands! Take it that's something different? I wasn't due to see midwife until 28 weeks but I booked in yesterday to discuss the pains I'm having so was kind of a waste of time!

Glad everything is ok Spock. They would really much rather see you and it be nothing than miss a problem. My triage unit was so very nice to me when I felt the same as you and went in. You have to get checked out if the baby hasnt moved. Dont think twice about bothering them.

Is this your first? I read that 25 week appts are for first timers only. Maybe thats why you havent had one?

Got my 28 week appt today. Not expecting much.

I went in for a heart specialist appt a few days ago (my heartbeat has always been un-naturally fast). As soon as I walked in, reception asked me to hand in a urine sample. I was like - ummmm, I have come in for my heart. Apparently you have to give a urine sample no matter what. In fact, when I went in once to pick up reports following my miscarriage, they made me leave a urine sample and checked my BP and would pay no attention to the fact that I was there only to pick up reports. Quite amusing really.

I'm in Scotland too spock I had an appt an 16wks, 20wk scan then 25wk appt so I think different areas do different stuff. I'm next back at 28wks for midwife then whooping cough vaccine. I'm in Dumfries and Galloway.

Just a quick note to say thank you for ou to everyone who has posted about what you're buying!

I'm a first timer and clueless and I am finding it really helpful.

First timer here too and I also find it very helpful.

Replacement mattress just came for the chicco next to me, I'm really pleased with it feels so comfy and very good quality

mollie it's completely normal that your muscles start to separate during pregnancy. It's one of the things that post birth the midwife will check when she comes to your house. As in she will check that they are coming back together well.

Mollie I have that too. Tummy becomes sort of a pyramid when I am trying to sit up. Looks very odd. Hadnt realised that it means my stomach muscles have separated. What a scary thought.

28 week appt done. My iron is a bit low so have to take damned constipation tablets now. But baby is head down and okay. Tried to kick the doppler off again. Dont know why he dislikes it so much. Midwife did mention that docs will have to sign me off because of my fast heartbeat if I am to be allowed a water birth. Gutted. Really hope they do. I dont want to go to the labour ward.

Just picked up some good bargains in the mothercare sale 😊

Thanks all, no this is my first too so it must just be down to the different area! My next was supposed to be 28 weeks but it got pushed back a week because my midwife was again on holiday (only met her once so far) and I didn't want the covering midwife I had last time as she was so rude.

neha sorry to hear that, I'm really wanting a water birth too and would be gutted not to get one. Fingers crossed for you. And on the bright side about the doppler, at least it means your baby has excellent coordination already to be able to aim like that!

Thanks Samba and everyone else for all the tips on PGP.

I have got our spare duvet, folded it in half and put it under the sheet on my side of the bed. It really helps. The sheet dosent fit too well on top of it but I don't care.

I have worn the support belt before, didn't know about not using it sitting down. I couldn't feel my baby kicks as much when I was wearing it so I took it off but I'm going to start using it again.

What have you been buying eastend, I'm hoping to go for a browse tomorrow. I'm still considering the silver cross wayfarer whilst the free car seat offer is on but I really like the pioneer.

Thanks Spock ... I have had a fast hearbeat all my life without any problems, so I am hoping that they will sign me off.

The baby definitely has brilliant coordination. And great strength. He almost kicked the doppler out of my hand once.

nehagarg - the room I was in on the labour ward at the whitt was big and..... had a birthing pool! I didn't get to use it as DS was in distress but all is not lost if the doctor doesn't sign you off for the birth centre!
They also had gym balls to labour on.
The labour ward isn't as swanky as the birth centre but it is still possible to have a nice birth there. Hopefully you'll get signed off though!

mollie and anyone else noticing separating stomach muscles, do make sure you're not using your tummy muscles at all when you get up from lying/standing, eg to get out of bed roll on your side first and push yourself up. It's really important not to do any movements that mimick that sit-up/crunch movement as this puts extra pressure on the abdominal muscles and they can separate more than necessary. Likewise it's best to avoid these kind of movements after the baby is born for a few months while the muscles start to close. A small amount of separation is normal but I thought I'd mention this here seeing as apparently the nhs doesn't tell you anything about it. Sorry really hope it doesn't sound like a lecture!

Btw who's doing well with the pelvic floor exercises? I just keep forgetting but they already feel so much weaker than last time.

I meant from lying/sitting not standing, obv

I'm definitely doing a lot of pelvic floor exercises at the moment - I've got a lot of downward pressure, when I sit on the loo it feels like everything is going to come tumbling out!

Samba I was being very good to begin with then kindof forgot for ages, now trying to do them a few times a day.

Cautious I tried to control myself as I picked up most baby clothes in the next sale a few weeks ago. We also got the cotbed on special offer a few weeks ago so now picked up a mattress and a couple of blankets and sleeping bags as they all had offers on, as well as a cot bumper just because it looked cute! It's handy we have set up a John Lewis list so I can just check what we need and go for the cheaper option!

I didn't know that, thanks samba!
I've never done pelvic floor exercises

Thanks laughing ... Its a relief to know that the labour ward isn't a typical hospital setting.

Samba .. I had no idea ... thanks for letting us know!

Samba that's good info, thank you! Why don't they mention these things?!! I don't know what I'd do without google .

nehagarg I hope they can sign you off. As people have said, I'm sure you'll be able to have a nice birth wherever you end up, though fingers crossed they can sign you off. Mine seems to object to dopplers and monitors too- as soon as they go on my bump he's kicking at them. Strange because if I just put my hand there in the same kind of way there's often no reaction.

I impulse-bought a bed nest the other day- thank you to whoever said they were selling refurbished ones for £99 on the website! Not sure we really need it, but anything which might make life a bit easier has got to be worth a try!!

Pelvic floor- I've been doing them once a day every day, but anything more than that is a bit hit and miss. Must get better at remembering!!

Thanks Mollie. Fingers crossed. Will know more at my 34 week appointment.

Its the same with mine. Last week when I had to have a monitor and a 20 minute trace, he went absolutely ape shit until he managed to roll over into another corner of my belly and then he calmed down. The reactions are instantaneous and there are no reactions when I put my hand on my belly or poke. Makes me think it might be the sound waves bouncing around and maybe amplified by the amniotic fluid that might be disturbing him. All babies go through this so its obviously not harmful but I do feel sorry for the little tyke because he obviously doesn't seem to like it.

He is moving around a lot right now and making me feel sea sick.

I need to catch up but thought do let you know the uppababy vista is down to 524.99 for the single in certain colours and an additional 87 for the rumble seat. John Lewis will price match kiddicare.

Bloody good deal if you ask me!

I had separated stomach muscles with my first mollie so i assume they will this time too. I actually didn't notice until afterwards when I realised I could fit my finger in the gap! Pretty sure DS1 destroyed all hope of me ever having decent stomach muscles again (not that I was on amazing shape before or anything!) so this one probably can't do too much more to them - I hope!

Caved today and bought myself a nice pair of Velcro shoes as I can't face doing up my shoe laces anymore. They're quite summery but I figure they should be ok for now and I can wear them all summer too!

So glad you said that mrs Mugoo. I feel like that too. Feels like the baby could fall out!