July 2016 (7) We're halfway to meeting our little bubs

[allthegoodnamesalreadytaken]

Hi all started a new thread as the old one was getting almost to 1000. We're a very chatty bunch! Happy Friday

Morning All

Thanks for your good wishes, Ted is totally on the mend and now has some rather rakish scratches on his top lip. My anxiety has just about got back to normal levels!

Gnat that crepe looks delish. I made my own rice pudding yesterday and basically scarfed the whole lot with some jam. I am claiming it was good for my sore throat!

Cheery - speaking of creamy puddings, Rome sounds amazing. Haven't been there since a uni trip when I was 21 so have very distant, happy memories of the Forum and men whizzing by on vespas saying 'Ciao!' They really do do that!

Cookies - agree with you about measurements...no one has a clue. I was induced a week early because they thought Ted was going to be 'massive' and he ended up, on time and only 8lbs10oz, hardly outrageous considering I'm 5'11" etc.

Anna - Was lucky in that Ted has been a good sleeper by and large and I am keeping everything crossed that it's a 'family' trait...though I have a sneaking suspicion DD is going to be different from him in every way!

Anna hope the slapped cheek gets better soon; sounds horrid. I did see a news story yesterday about cases of this being on the up. Thanks for the ASOS code too; I shall have a little gander today.

Goingloopy congrats on team pink! If they don't want to see you for another three weeks then it doesn't sound too worrying about the cyst. Fingers crossed for you.

Thank you so much for the breastfeeding tips, everyone. Really, really helpful. tams as someone who often runs to morbid myself, I can see your mum's point, but really, if something dreadful happened and the baby was hungry, I'm sure it would eat eventually! I like the suggestion of feeding expressed breastmilk with a bottle - that sounds like a good compromise. Nice for partners to be able to get involved, too.

Cookies, LOVE the Kegels reminder!

gnat, extremely jealous of the crepe.

Kaytee, lovely pic. I wouldn't worry about the measurements taken outside - they can be very inaccurate, as others have said. Plus, we all carry so differently! There is a girl at work who is a week ahead of me, and her bump is totally different to mine - she's taller, and I think that perhaps gives her baby more space to 'spread', whereas mine is all bunched up out front because I'm short!

Fifi such a cute photo! I loved seeing the lips and nose on the ultrasound, too.

Ellizardo, sorry you've had such drama! Glad Ted is feeling better now!

Cheery lovely to hear from you! Rome - mmm, I am jealous! Don't know about the gelato - I really hope it's not off-limits, for your sake! (Also, now I am craving it.)

I had an exciting time yesterday! Got home from work to discover I was locked out (hadn't taken my keys). Not a major problem, except that I was BUSTING for the loo. Ended up knocking on the door of the pub nearby, who opened up early for me, bless them, so that I could go and wee! Then - horror of horrors - when I turned to flush, my urine was bloody. You would all be so proud - I didn't panic at all, just went and had a big drink at the bar to refill the old bladder, and waited for DH to come home to let me in. Then had another wee - this time, the urine was totally clear. I think in my hurry to get to the loo and relieve my poor bladder, I hadn't checked the toilet bowl first, and someone who had been in at lunchtime had left a bit of blood in it. Phew. GROSS, though!

Also girls, woke up with the most fabulous calf cramp this morning. My calf was bulging out at the side, rock solid! Owwwwwie!

I have my final (hopefully) specialist scan this afternoon to check baby's growth, following the echogenic bowel on the 20 week ultrasound. Hoping all will be good. Looking forward to seeing my little wriggler again - probably for the last time now before I see him out in the world!

25 + 2

Elizardo - so glad Ted is on the mend! Hope you can relax a bit today

bluebell - you poor thing with cramp, oweeee! Bananas and beetroot are good for cramp, the potassium helps. Also stretching before bed. Hope you haven't pulled anything! Ice then heat then ice is best if you have. All old runner's trucks for cramps! Good luck with the scan this afternoon. Shall be thinking of you x

Thank you Cheery! I shall do ALL the things you have said regarding cramps. Don't want that to become a morning ritual - horrid! (Must admit that while I was rolling around the bed, clutching my calf and trying not to swear, I did wonder just howww painful childbirth is going to be...!)

Anna - hope you are on the mend. It sounds like a few people have gone down with bugs.
I have my anomaly scan followed by later that day a separate full cardiac scan of the babies heart on Monday. (A long day at the hospital) I am already starting to feel very nervous. Has anyone else had to have a full cardiac scan of the babies heart? It is amazing that they will be able to look at the babies at heart at this stage and know if there is an issue. if I feel this way now, I can't imagine what I will be like on Sunday night.

On a lighter note, did anyone else see the maternity jumpsuit? I need the toilet so often, I can't believe that it is a practical option! My bladder seems to be getting smaller and smaller...

elliz glad to hear Ted is ok.
cheery I would love to go to Rome. We're thinking of Italy next year - somewhere child friendly so will do research while off on mat leave.
anna I had never heard of slapped cheek up until now, I hope you're ok.
bluebell well done for staying so calm, I totally would have panicked.

Well I've been up all night with V&D. I feel like death and Im so dehydrated my head is completely thumping and throat killing me. I keep taking water even though it's just something else for me to throw up as I'm worried about being too dehydrated for baby. My husband was up most of the night with me as well and went off to work at 7.30 this morning he must he exhausted. This is the 3rd day I've had off sick since being pregnant hate calling in.

Kaytee - hope you feel better soon. Sounds horrible.

Kaytee - have you got diarolyte sachets? I had awful d&v last week with precisely same effects and spent all following day in dark room with an excruciating headache. Rehydrate with d or full fat Coke if you can. I started to feel human by about 7pm but it was an awful 24 hrs, helped only by feeling her kick throughout which was really reassuring xxx

Elliz no sachets and no coke. I've asked my mum if she could bring some and some plain biscuits to see if I can manage some later.
It's funny you saying about sachets, I was actually thinking the other day I really need to sort out a proper medicine / first aid box.

Oh no, Kaytee, you poor thing! I echo the advice about Dioralyte, it's great stuff, it will help you rehydrate and feel more human. Good luck with recovery, get plenty of rest.

Elliz, glad to hear Ted ok now. Must have taken a while to get over that shock!

My midwife appointment went fine yesterday, though it was yet another mw, I've never had the same one twice. She said my blood pressure was a bit low - I had been putting recent dizziness and weakness down to tummy bug & after effects. Advice was to drink more liquids (not sure if that's possible as I already drink loads).

She listened for heartbeat - so reassuring! - and prodded my bump and pronounced it all fine and healthy. But she never took any measurement! I was so distracted by the throat-lumping effects of the heartbeat that I totally forgot to ask about that. Oh well, next time I'll make sure. But it just goes to show that it's not an exact science and we shouldn't worry without good reason.

I'm booked in now at the surgery for next midwife appointment at 28 weeks and also at the hospital for the routine glucose test, anti-D injection and 28 week bloods.

Bluebell, I love your lock out story. I managed to lock myself out last week too. Good old baby brain. Good luck with scan this afternoon! Think bathing with Epsom or Dead Sea salts is good for magnesium/cramp by the way.

Cheery, good to hear from you, I was starting to worry since we hadn't heard from you for so long! Have a great time in Rome, am envious! Was looking up Eurostar tickets for April the other day. Would love one last break but it will probably end up being an overnighter in Suffolk.

24 +1

Good luck bluebell!

kaytee poor you, I know how you feel!! Just take it mega easy. When you've stopped being sick give it an hour or so and then try sip some hot water. Cold drinks can shock the tummy a bit at first. Then def have diralyte, Coke, .lucozade. Whatever you can manage! Try not to worry too much the baby takes what it needs which is why you feel so rotten when ill and poorly. Don't worry about work you can't help it and no one would want you in anyway!

Feeling much better today. Have ventured out of bed. Asos delivery arrived earlier so go that to look forward to when I can be bothered!

Hi all,

Probably TMI but I've been really mucusy today, has anyone else had the same, and if so should I be worried? Got MW app tomorrow so just planning to mention it to her then, although he's not been as wiggly as he normally is this morning but I know we're not supposed to be counting kicks yet...

22+2

Fifi that picture is gorgeous. I love it.

Eliz poor ds and poor you. It's so scary when things like this happen. Glad he is better.

Jem thanks for the heads up on Ones Born. I love that programme even DH watches it with me.

Bluebell I always get cramp when pregnant it's horrendous. DH thinks it's hilarious that I get out of the bed in the middle of the night hopping around like a mad woman. Hope the scan goes well. Wish I could have another before due date but DH found the 4d scan last time freaky so doesn't want another one.

Kaytee I really hope you feel better soon. I feel for you. I felt awful the past two days constantly hugging the loo. Try to get as much rest as you can.

We have a busy few weeks ahead here. Moving next Friday and then during the Easter hols we are taking the children to Haven for a week. That will be our only holiday this year so we thought it best to do something the children would enjoy.

For all those talking about maternity pay I'm a little worried too. I am hoping to claim maternity allowance. I need to check if I have paid enough national insurance. I paid my bills up until last July but then when I did my tax return in January they didn't charge me anymore national insurance as after expenses I've not earned enough. I'm panicking now.

23+6

I'm feeling fed up today. I have a horrible ache at the top my groin even when I'm just sitting at my desk and it is so uncomfortable! No idea what is causing it - it isn't the same as the pain in my "undercarriage" that I've been getting when walking (which I suspect is mild SPD). I really hope it's not related - I can bear pain when moving about but not sure if I can cope if it will just hurt all the time!

Youandme I would get to the doctors for some help. You may be able to get a support belt & physio booked if you have spd. I have a bad pain in my coccyx it's driving me mad.

kaytee - haribo starmix are the only 'food' i can stomach when i was sick like that, maybe a bit of toast. hope you feel better soon. it sucks.

youandme - poor you, you'd think it wouldn't be painful just sitting there not moving but no, somehow pregnancy can be agony from the most unstressful positions..

bluebell - the bladder thing has become a bit of an (unfunny) joke now hasn't it? every five minutes! glad it all worked out in the end.

i have to say that this hacking cough i now have has meant (TMI sorry) that i've needed to use a pad because i strain so hard when i cough i've occasionally released a bit of pee. bah.

bluebell Thanks for the vote of confidence. I'm not really worried that something will happen and if they're that hungry, I'm sure the baby will take something eventually. I'm a bit of a 'planner' though and like to have answers to all the just in case options.

kaytee Sorry you're not feeling well. Have you thought about trying warm lemonade with your plain biscuits. It's a bit nicer than warm water and there's a bit of sugar to give you some energy.

Went to yoga again last night (after missing the session last week). I now feel a bad about being a bit negative about it - it was really good! Felt like I was actually stretching and slowly finding it easier to ignore other things during the relaxation time.

For anyone that's interested here's my hospital bag list:

Small wheeled case contents;
Lip balm
Maternity pads x2 packs
Breast pads
Tankini top
Dark nursing night shirt x2
Pjs X11
Black towels x2
Flip flops
Slippers
Nursing bras x2
Lansinoh nipple cream
A size bigger dark pants x2 packs
Toiletry bag (containing deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, body lotion, cleanser, face cream )
Coming home outfit
DHs clean t shirts
Snacks
Loose change
Camera
Magazines
Phone charger
Make up bag

Baby changing Bag;
Pack of nappies
Pack of wipes
Nappy cream
Sleepsuits x3
Vests x3
Hat
Cardigan
Bibs
Muslins

I leave a carrier bag at home with extra sleepsuits, more pjs for me, more pants, extra snacks and maternity pads in case I have to stay in longer. Easy for DH so he doesn't have to go searching.

Car seat in car ready for pick up.

Pjs X1 not 11

beautician I'm loving the organisation! Great list! And yes to huge pants. Although having had a EMCS last time a size up wasn't big enough for me lol!
All I would add is have some drinks in the freezer then take them out when you leave for hospital then they stay cold. Hospitals can be soooo warm and especially in the summer!!
I didn't need it but a friend said to take a bottle with a sports cap in case you have stitches as it can be a nice one to clean it with minimal pain!

youandme def go see GP or midwife bless you.

eliz I sneezed this morning and some wee came out. Forgot about this joyous part of pregnancy

P.s beautician how is packing going?

I forgot to add drinks. I usually take bottles of water. I get so thirsty & hot during labour.

Thanks beautician I'm an anal planner who's already started my hospital bag so that list is really helpful.

Get well soon to everyone suffering with various ailments there's definitely something going around. 8 people from one department phoned in sick at DH's workplace on Monday. He's under strict instructions to not bring any viruses home!

Thanks beautician I'm an anal planner who's already started my hospital bag so that list is really helpful.

Get well soon to everyone suffering with various ailments there's definitely something going around. 8 people from one department phoned in sick at DH's workplace on Monday. He's under strict instructions to not bring any viruses home!

I am fucking fuming. I emailed my matb1 certificate to the HR officer in work yesterday and told her the date of my next appointment. She came back with a really shitty email saying that she was 'concerned' about the number of hospital and midwife appointments I seem to have compared to some previous employees and was it to do with my blood type. Then she said I would also like to remind you of the policy to provide appointment cards.

1. I'm not having any more appointments than anyone else and she could look up the schedule of appointments on the nhs website if she's 'concerned'
2. Shes never asked me for an appointment card or discussed the maternity policy with me.
3. My extra appointments that I'm at hospital most of the day for gtt&anti-d I've actually taken annual leave
4. I've booked my fucking anti natal classes for out of work hours