July 2016 Babies (8) - 3rd trimester here we come

[Ellizardo]

Hoping this works as total techno-luddite! Happy Saturdays all.

mar - so sorry to hear to you have had such a horrendous time this week. Just reiterating what others have said, you sound like you are in the right place & people are looking after you. Hope you are taking time off work.
I am working to 39 weeks. I am starting to think that I am being overalls optimistic but I am not sure what I will do with any time off, other than start watching the West Wing for the 100th time. I might be being a bit crazy though!

Good luck for today mar, hope the scan goes well and movements pick up so you can feel them.

Good luck for today Mar hope everything goes well will be thinking of you

mar - hope today brings more reassurance.

You'll all be pleased to hear that I got some relief in the loo department. Ate some grapes and dried apricots and a good walk seems to have sorted me for now. Phew!

I shall hopefully be working as near to due date as possible since my cover dropped out. Very stressed out about it but it'll be part time and hopefully I won't go into labour at work! Quite depressed that the lack of cover will cut my leave short too once baby is here. It's a small business which won't cope without my job role . Only problem was that I couldn't physically cope with work beyond 36 weeks last time so I think I'm being blindly optimistic this time!

I'm 30 weeks today! Can't believe it.

I'm supposed to be working until 38 weeks, but my new nemesis gestational diabetes could scupper that. I'm going to my first diabetic antenatal clinic tomorrow, so hope to get some indication there about local policies re: induction etc.

Miniegg - how much shorter is your leave being cut by due to lack of cover? Surely they can get someone else in - if not by July then soon after? Or is it your work very specialist? Seems unfair (and illegal?!) that you don't get to take your maternity entitlement.

A few people have told me that 38 weeks is ambitious (even assuming the baby doesn't arrive early) but I'm going to stick with my ambitions unless/until the baby tells me otherwise. I think I'd get frustrated sitting at home waiting, and I'd rather take more time on the Other Side.

Brrr it's cold back here in Blighty! Doesn't help that I can't do my coat up!

It's so hard to decide when you don't know when baby will come! Ideally I would like a couple of weeks at home before the birth, and not much more. It feels like a waste of time when you want as much as you can at the other end!

I was hoping 38 weeks would be OK for me as I have a fairly unstressful desk job, and I live a 5 minute walk from the office! As I say though, I might have to go earlier thanks to the GD. It seems pretty unlikely now that I will be having a July baby!

Thinking of you today mar hope scan brings some much welcome reassurance. Adding to others that good you're in the right place and glad you're getting good treatment etc.

goingloopy Sciatica here too. Is the best person to see a chiropractor or osteopath? Hope your appointment helps, let us know how you get on. I had physio is precious pregnancies but did Bugger all. Have ordered a medical strength support belt but waiting on its arrival.

mini glad your situation is resolved for now. Flaxseeds in a home made smoothie usually help me. I've been so naughty and stopped my pregnacare and I'm right back on track poo wise don't tell the midwife

thom I'm with you on working until 39 weeks. You're not alone. Would love to leave sooner but I think I will be here until I drop. Family business and lots of serious illness/ hospital stays in the family so need the fort held together. Can't complain about my aches and pains when others are undergoing chemotherapy and still working!

allthegood I've been meaning to have a look into post birth support belts also. I just hate ordering things online and I'm sceptical about the weather being hot and sweaty. Generally I'm against the whole waist training thing but I would be tempted by something less 'heavy duty' and something considered safe

Sorry to hear of those who aren't sleeping. I still can't seem to get enough sleep but the wee trips are becoming more frequent. Very jealous of those pampering. Some lovely weekends it sounds like too

julfin EDD is 15th July and not really thinking about the possibility of going over because I was prem. Think I need to start mentally preparing myself that there might not be a baby here until the end of July. Good idea about borrowing an epilator. I think my sister has got one so I'll have to ask her to bring it next time she's down this way.

bluebell I've thought about going for a half leg wax before but always wimped out. Maybe I just need to man up and try it. How do you choose a good place to go though?

mini Work can't force you to stay longer than you want to or go back earlier. I can understand not wanting to leave them in the lurch but the onus is on them to sort out cover (either with people already there or with a temp). You shouldn't have to work during the period you're legally allowed if you don't want to.

It's difficult choosing when to start mat leave, especially when you don't know when babies will decide that they've had enough or how you might feel towards the end. You can always change the date of your maternity leave though (my policy says to give 28 days or as long as reasonably practical).

tams I just went to a nice-looking beauty place in my village, but maybe you could ask around to see where local friends go? A half leg wouldn't take very long and is nowhere near as awkward to position yourself for as a full leg, so I reckon it's worth trying. I am loving how smooth my legs are this week!

I went to pregnancy yoga this morning. Very relaxing and lovely. Struggling now to do any work - I just want to crawl into bed and snooze!

Hi all, hope everyone is well. Mar you've been in my thoughts, I hope the scan goes well today.

On the maternity leave comments, I will be leaving work at 37 weeks. Taking 2 weeks annual leave and then mat leave. I read somewhere on here that you can lose your leave if the baby arrives during that time - must check our policy, I assumed that it could just be cancelled and added back to entitlement.

Is there any correlation between DM having you premature and your likelihood of having a premature baby?! I was 4 weeks early. My mum only had me so no others to compare to!

fifi definitely worth checking policy. I think with me the leave is cancelled and added back to your total (the same way it would be if you'd booked leave but were then off sick).

No idea if there's any correlation between when you were born and if your child will be prem. I was 8 weeks prem but my younger sister was late so no pattern in our family that I know of. I just naively and optimistically convinced myself that mine wouldn't be late. Who knows though!

Hey all,

Hope you're all ok.

Mar you poor thing, please look after yourself and keep us posted. Hospital is def the best place to be as rubbish as it is. Got everything crossed for you.

Tams yes! I was mega naive with my first. my mum and sister both went into labour pretty much on their due dates so I thought I would be too. DD was dragged out at 40+12. For those wondering about mums etc my midwife told me that they weren't as accurate 30 years ago with dates but now they are, so it's hard to really now.

In terms of working I will reassure you :) I worked till 38 weeks with over two hours driving and a stressful job with SPD. I also was going into London once a week up to 36 weeks which was ok. I could have actually worked longer as I was bored after two days on mat leave. don't forget everyone is at work so it can be a bit dull. I went out everyday though, walked loads, wondered round the shops, went for lunches etc- but i wish i had worked a bit longer. You will want the time at the other end. That said, bar my SPD, i felt pretty good. If I didn't feel good and had to be on my feet all day then I wouldn't hesitate to finish earlier. You just don't know what is going to happen so you just have to go with your gut.

I am in the bad sleep camp but that's thanks to DD. I really want to sleep but she is constantly waking up due to this cough that won't go. I am only getting a few hours broken sleep which is a killer! I am also starting to get warm at night so keeping a window over which helps me keep cool :)

Struggling through work but about to have soup and a roll to keep me going!!!

Oh forgot to say I am going to go up to 37 weeks this time as I have leave, will hopefully be in a new house so want to get it all sorted but also keeping DD in nursery and using those days to sleep!!!

Lol, if its illegal I'd have to sue myself as it's my own family business and a bit specialised so need a qualified part timer which are hard to find round here. Ideally wanted 8 months but probably will have about 6 months off. Can't afford to sit and let the competition steal our customers! If baby is good I might even get away with a few hours in work with him... Customers might spend more if I let them have a cuddle, right?!

Youandme- I'm 30 weeks today too. I'm thinking that as they put me forward a week at scan that I can go a bit longer at work.

Got my whooping cough vaccine today. Hope there's no side effects as I feel a bit yuk today. Also washing tiny clothes at the mo....awwww!

mini hope you feel ok post jab. I have mine Weds and I'm a bit anxious as I was really rough post flu vaccination.
Cute to washing clothes!

Similar position here. Would have to sue my own family. If it makes you feel any better I can see me returning to work with baby! There will be no one to cover the office while my MiL goes for chemotherapy treatment and impossible to employ someone with the same flexibility I give her etc. I would feel too guilty.

Given my fitness work I think I will finish at 36 weeks. Mostly as my participants already worry I'll give birth in the class!

Still thinking of you mar and your scan. Keeping everything crossed.

Don't think I'll make it out the office in time to make the gym tonight. Which has made me sad. And also feel weird that soon I won't be able to keep my routine anymore. I dread to think how much weight I'll gain then.

mar it's good to hear that you have such a lovely support network around you and they are keeping everything under review. I hope your scan went well today.

cookies it's good to hear I'm not the only one thinking about trivial things post maternity. I agree with you about some of the belts being too restrictive and waist trainer -like I think I would take it off after 5 minutes if I had to cope with something that restrictive. Hopefully we'll find something that's a happy medium

fifi I read somewhere before that there is a correlation between you being premature and subsequently having a prem baby (only a small chance) but I was worried about this as well because I was born at 28 weeks. I'm going on Mat leave earlyish for a number of reasons but mainly because I want a bit of mental space before the birth. My job involves reading a lot about and looking at photos/videos etc of people harming children (very grim!) so I need that winding down time at the beginning I think to get myself into a happier and more positive frame. I'm having 14 months off in total (a combination of mat leave and annual leave) so I'm not too worried about losing time at the other end.

Got my first NCT class tonight. Strangely very nervous and hoping that I'm meet some other nice mummies due at the same time

Ah sorry mini I assumed you were working for a company (as in corporate) rather than a family business. Shouldn't have but I did. Understand now why you would be so concerned about time off - you've got more attachment to work.

Hope you're feeling better after the jab now too.

Would be interested to hear back about your NCT class tonight allthegood. Feels like ages until mine start and struggling to see how I can make friends in just four sessions. Looking forward to them though. Seems far away but time will fly until they start in June.

Mar thinking of you, what a horrible weekend. Am hoping scan today provided more reassurance.

Julfin your holiday sounds fab. I think we will get a night in Suffolk if we’re lucky – it’s our 4 year anniversary on Monday, but money is so tight at the moment can’t really do much. So frustrating but not the end of world.
I also have much drier hair! Am enjoying while it lasts...

Also feeling the washing machine tumble type movements. But I do have anterior placenta so it's cusioned

Julfin was it also you who mentioned tights? Can’t remember who said what, but I’ve also been wearing Boots support tights to work. Getting a bit tight on the bump now, even a size up, so I might try the Asda footless ones recommended on the thread.

Pampering wise, I’m having a massage this Friday for my sore back and hips, but also plan on getting a manicure/pedicure weekend after next, as we are off to a wedding – look forward to the pampering, let’s see how much fun the wedding is with a bump, a sore back, and a stone cold sober head!

I have been epilating for a number of years and am a massive fan. Personally I find it less painful than waxing, but maybe that’s cos I do it more often. Muff is a different story, I mix and match /do nothing according to how lazy/wimpy I feel!

Sorry been so lax at checking in last week - it's been really busy at work and in life. And have pretty much constant back and hip ache now. Will try and keep up!

28+5

tams, I think you just have to be proactive with the other NCT people. I've had all my NCT sessions now, and I went to yoga with one of the NCT mums this morning. To be perfectly honest I might not have gone to yoga had I not been determined to keep the NCT contact going! One of the other mums texted me and invited me out for a coffee at some point, too, and we have set up a WhatsApp group. The dads are setting up a WhatsApp group, too. Just get that ball rolling after the first session or two - someone has to, might as well be you!

My little bubs seems to be doing lots of sliiiiiiding around at the moment. I am finding it really funny when a little lump appears on my bump - when I touch it, it retreats, a bit like a sea anemone! He feels so big now - I can feel him moving up by the highest point of my ribs and right down by my pelvis simultaneously. He seems to be running out of space in there!

Hi all hope u and ur bumps are doing well x

Just to update had my scan today seen little one moving about and gave some reassuring nudges when they were trying to measure the baby's stomach feeling a lot more positive today doctor has recommended I get lots of rest and consider leaving work earlier than the planned 37 weeks given my previous history. They will be monitoring me closely have another scan appointment next Tuesday along with anti d injection so the plan for this week is to try and stop fretting about the weekend just gone and start being a bit more proactive in the sorting things out for baby x

My oh is determined we keep positive but can't help worrying at times hoping the baby will start moving around a lot more soon x

Thank u all for ur kind messages and words of support it really does mean so much to me xx

mar - I am so pleased. I have been thinking about you all day. ot sounds like they are monitoring you closely which is good. I tend to be more anxious after infertility & IVF and my OH more positive. It really helps having that balance.
This is probably TMI, but is anyone else having a lot of discharge. I have really noticed it today in particular. Sorry, if that is a bit graphic. I just wondered if anyone else has experienced that.

Mar I'm so relieved for you. Take it easy

Mar that's excellent news - so relieved for you that it was all fine and you feel more positive. The fact that they're going to keep a close eye on you is great, too.

mini hope your whooping cough stabbing went ok! I've got mine next week.

Julfin My hair is also hardly ever greasy! I remember this from last time, it's such a bonus!

I'm planning on working until I'm 36.5w. Then a bit of leave and start mat leave a couple of weeks later. DD was 2.5w early so I'm a bit at the thought of only having a few days mat leave again if this one shows up early. As others have said, it's such a tricky call to make as you have no idea how you'll feel at that point.

I made a hot & sour noodle soup for dinner, it was yum. I really hope it scores well on the indigestion front but I'm nervous!

dats 27+1

Great news Mar! Thanks for letting us know.