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

[Ellizardo]

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

Sorry for the mammoth post again!

Hope everyone is well and looking forward to the approaching weekend. I am hoping that the sun is going to come out.
Someone at work buyer said to me it is going to be a really hot summer and I am going to really suffer! She kept saying suffer just to make her point.
beautician - I hope that you are enjoying the birthday celebrations & enjoying cake. I quite fancy a slice.
bluebell - pleased your eyes are ok. There is so much to stress about it is good to have one less worry! Is it worth trying the journey at a different time of day to see what it is like.
you&me - pleased that the scan went well. I feel like the doctors are quite risk adverse with these things which is good.
lulabella & Anna - I have come to the conclusion it is going to be one drama after the other with the house. Things are all back on track but I am sure that something else will happen! I am starting to panic about packing up everything in time. I am going to start tomorrow night. Any up date on your moves?

MrsRolly any update on your maternity cover? My responsibilities are being merged with someone else in the team and then the stuff she'll be giving up (to accommodate my work) will be covered by someone who is acting up during my maternity leave. So not a straightforward transition but means I have been able to hand over some responsibilities early to reduce stress in final weeks.

For those who mentioned forgetting pelvic floor exercises - don't forget that app I mentioned before, squeezy. I'm still using it and it's such a helpful reminder but still a little concerned I'm not doing them properly! At one of my classes the other week the teacher kept telling us to do front, then middle, then back pelvic muscle exercises. I just squeezed and hoped for the best 😣

Lulabells - definitely got the nesting urge too, had a meltdown other week as my floors were dirty but I can't use my Hoover as it involves loads of bending down (I have a cheapo one) so my mum kindly helped me out

cookies not sure if you need to buy a new tankini top but I've just bought a lovely maternity one from Asda. I don't go there very often and have never seen any maternity clothes in store but there's a great selection online.

Sounds like a difficult decision about your classes too if your manager is trying to suggest the advice is wrong. I'd probably be inclined to go with the chiropractor who has no vested interest in telling you not to work.

I'm 30 weeks today!!! Feels like a real milestone

Thom I am glad your house move is all back on track! Fingers crossed ours is still ok but won't feel happy until contacts have been exchanged. We only moved 18 months ago (becoming a bit of a thing now!) and it was the worse move ever,10 months of hell. We are staying put for 5 years after this move thank god as I can't take the stress anymore!

Fifi my DP bought me a little handheld Dyson for Xmas so I have no excuse for not hoovering! It's nice you have your mum to help out.

Started packing my hospital bag this afternoon just in case things get lost whilst packing up the house! Feels really good to have made a start but I'm now thinking oh bugger... got to give birth soon! I then think about holding a little newborn baby again and I get butterflies in my tummy!

I am looking forward to the end of this back ache, a glass of wine and being able to bend like a normal person again! I am also going to eat shed loads of Pate because i have craved this since Xmas! What is everyone else looking forward to once our baby's have arrived?

Fifi. My pregnancy pilates teacher told me to tighten from the back to the front as it is a bit easier that way!

thom glad things are back on track with the house. I'm sure you'll be glad when it's all done.

lula When are you due to exchange? I think the longest I've had between house moves is 2 years since I left home. Hope we'll be in this one for a while but I could see us moving before number two. Hopefully a few years in one place first though. Fingers crossed this will be the last move for quite a while for you.

fifi welcome to the thirties - it feels like such a massive milestone doesn't it!

I'm looking forward to not having fat feet any more once the baby arrives. It hasn't been too bad for the most part but I've got a whopper of a right foot today!

fifi - I followed your advice & got the app. It is great, & I have recommended it to other people. I am also 30 weeks today, woo hoo! 8 weeks to go to d-day.
lulabell - I have said the same to my OH. We are going to stay there for 5 yrs & then make a call. I can't go through this again for a while! I am missing a glass of wine in the garden when the weather is good, Parma ham, cheese & most all sashimi!!

beautician hope your ds has had a lovely birthday!

Cookies I'm inclined to agree with Fifi... Your manager will be biased towards you working! If a medical professional has told you to stop, I personally would stop. The GP would be able to sign you off for that, I am sure.

Thom thanks for the suggestion! Journey is fine in the middle of the night and not bad in the middle of the day, but from about 7.30 - 10am and 4.30 - 7pm it is truly horrific. I think I am going to have to ask to transfer at my next appointment because otherwise I'm going to fixate on it!

Fifi I must have missed your mention of that app - I am going to get it! Thank you!

Lula I am looking forward to a glass of champagne and a fried egg with a thoroughly runny yolk. Mmmmmm! Maybe not at the same time, though...

I had a home visit from the midwife today, due to her being in the area anyway. Felt very 1950s!!! Bump was measuring 0.5cm under, so she wants to keep an eye on that, but given that someone different has measured it every time I am not too worried. Baby gave the Doppler two enormous kicks! He is head down and the head is quite fixed, which is a change from last time when it was down but moving around a lot.

Girls, I haven't been swimming for about ten days - what a waste of my gym membership :( I feel quite guilty about it but I have just been finding it really hard to fit in, particularly as I share a car with DH which limits my opportunities to get to the pool. I'm off on holiday tomorrow night as well, so won't be able to go until a week on Saturday, argh!

The midwife reiterated today that we should not feel obliged to have visitors after the baby is born until WE are ready. She also suggested having a bowl on the coffee table and filling it with bits of paper with little jobs written on - e.g, 'Hoover upstairs' or 'pop a load of washing on', and asking every visitor to take one! She reckoned that people who would take offence at that weren't worth having as visitors anyway ;) Not sure I would have the balks but I do like the concept!

34 + 2

Gah. Balls, not balks!

Really starting to feel properly pregnant over the past two days. Back ache, sore underbump, complete inability to pick anything up off the floor. Putting on pants in the morning is a whole new adventure.

But feeling the baby move around makes it all worthwhile.

NCT course this weekend, after which I hope I'm not too traumatized by impending labour. Has anyone else done the NHS or NCT course yet?

Keep posting those hospital bag lists - I am utterly bewildered at what to bring so this is helping me out a lot! Thanks!

31 today.

Evening All

Bluebell - love the home visit, so civilized! A bowl of jobs sounds like a plan. Especially since we, like quite a lot of others, will be in the midst of a house move when DC2 arrives. This new place is our forever home (and we exchanged almost TWO YEARS ago on it) but has been taking 'forever' to renovate and make habitable. I have been making spreadsheets on bathroom fittings and carpets for months now it seems. At least it is finally happening. Can't quite believe it, feel like a proper grown up with a proper house after years of living in flats/sharing with mates etc. (Still haven't chosen blind fabric for Ted's room Bluebell! )

Beautician - how did the birthday go? I love him thinking it's Christmas! Mind you, I can't believe that's almost 6 months ago now. Jeez time flies.

Lula, Pulpi - know exactly how you feel, bending over is a joke.

I'm really looking forward to seeing two groups of very old school friends for a glass of wine (or two). I've already booked them in for late july - less tempting fate and more a psychologically important goal I want to reach!

I've also asked my dad (an amazing cake maker) to make me Nigella's Chocoloate Guinness cake and bring a glass of champagne to the hospital like he did after Ted was born...quite of lot of subterfuge involved but made both taste all the better for it!

beautician hope ds has had a lovely day. And lots of cake has been consumed
Mmm cake.

fifi thanks for the tip! As I only ever bought a maternity costume which is no good for labour I don't have one near me but will definitely look on their website, thank you. Don't want to pay a lot as might not get s chance to use it - last time I didn't!

bluebell don't feel guilty if you haven't made it there, we can't do everything all the time, don't be hard on yourself. It's very good advice indeed, one that I've tried to do but never quite works out. Have tried just limiting one visit to closest family members in the early days. Where are you going on holiday again I don't think I can remember?

Thanks for the advice ladies, I'm actually self employed but kind of work on a contract basis. Have cut down on classes already so not many more to stop. But they are stopping the effects from my chiropractor each week. Taught one quite hard class today but think next week will be my last week whether they're happy or not. I'm exhausted!
I'm not sure of my leaving date from my office job so just all adding to how tired I feel!

Sorry for my pitying!

lula I feel the same! Bending over! Putting on socks! Being able to sit comfortably on a sofa! Being able to walk properly/run!

going have you not had to go back to see your chiropractor? Or just the once?

I'm confused about different pelvic floors? I know you can hold them in different 'inner' stages like in levels but not different areas?

pulpi I now groan every time I put on or take off any leg or foot related item of clothing. I've done NCT and NHS courses - I had my last one today. Extremely useful and I do feel much more well-informed. Although I wish I had taken a notepad as a lot of it was in one ear and out the other...

Ellizardo your house sounds as though it is going to be lovely. How thrilling! And oh lord, chocolate cake and champagne sounds like the ultimate post-natal meal.

Cookies I'm going to Yorkshire with most of DH's family! We get on really well so I am looking forward to it. Sadly due to my own bad planning I am going to have to take some editing work with me, but I will just do that when everyone else is off on their lovely long walks through the countryside. Also taking crochet and the third Robert Galbraith to read. Can't wait!

Lula- Im with you on the bending down! At work Ive told everyone, anything that is past my bump doesnt exist to me because I cannot see it! And also the fact I cant get to it haha! I also have a new pair of flip flops with a buckle that I cannot for the life of me do up myself! OH is very good though and helps me with that, not that he has a choice

I have a nice long weekend ahead of me! Booked 3 days off to go back to Basingstoke to visit my family cant wait to see everyone! Also treating my sister to a Cosmos (if youve never been.. You HAVE too!) tomorrow night as she deserves it after her amazing Uni grades she got!!

Thank you for all advice on hospital bags although Im sure I'll lose those lists when I can finally get round to packing mine! May have to put the list up of things I have packed just to make sure I have EVERYTHING if thats okay ladies

I had so much more to write back to everyone and now cant remember what people wrote.. such a short memory hope everyone has a good day tomorrow and a lovely weeked

Thom, Thistledew and Scase hope you're doing ok. Sorry haven't posted sooner, but have been thinking of you ladies. Scase, hope your OH's cousin is doing ok as well. And sorry to hear about the kitten too. Thom, I'm epileptic, although luckily haven't had a seizure for ages. But I feel your pain. Breastfeeding isn't the be-all and end-all though - I know it's hyped up, but modern formula is excellent. And it has its own benefits over BF, e.g. longer periods of sleep, and easier for OH to bond as he gets to feed too (including at night-time, allowing you to prioritise your crucial sleep).

Beaut have you managed to stick it out for 9 months with your previous littlies in your room? If so, I find that encouraging. I know every baby (and every parent) is different, but as we live in a little one-bedroom shoe-box, it would be good if we could stick with the room-sharing as long as poss. Not sure we'll be able to buy our own place as soon as we'd like, and renting a two-bed isn't cheap in London so we'd like to stay in our current place as long as poss. Either that or move out of town 😞

Lulabells - I'm hearing you re the pate. Also Parma ham. And salami. And blue cheese. And I've pencilled into my diary (for 20th July, somewhat optimistically) a Steak&Sushi night. Can't wait.

Bluebell - did you know that eggs with a red lion stamped on the shell come from salmonella-vaccinated hens? So they are fine during pregnancy. Most shop-bought eggs in Britain have the lion. Are you off anywhere exciting on your hol? I love the idea re the bowl of chores - genius!

Cookies - re pelvic floor exercises, I think it's like squeezing your poo-hole and then your baby-hole and then your wee-hole alternately (or in sets of 10 or whatever).

Had a lot to catch up on and can't remember who said what - so I'll reply to the rest thematically!

Muff: I bought some Nair today - I can't remember who on here recommended it. I was amused to read on the label that it "should not be used on breast nipples". (Fine on other types of nipples though, presumably?!)

Braxton Hicks: I've been getting these for a few weeks. Not painful, just really weird and sometimes annoying. I get multiple per day.

Crikey, it's worrying that someone's pram wasn't available for July. I'd better get a wriggle on with deciding. Might get it from somewhere like John Lewis so they can store it for us until nearer the time.

House moves and building works: good luck, ladies!

Nesting: I've spent the last two weekends (while DH was away) at my parents' place, clearing through lots of my stuff that's been stored there for a few years. No urgency whatsoever, but I thought I'd get it done while I'm feeling the nesting urges! The local charity shop has got a bumper crop this month! I've also done a lot of sorting at our place, to make room for the baby and paraphernalia. And rearranged the pictures on our walls - entirely unnecessary but it looks nice and gives me a focus in the absence of a nursery to decorate!

Antihistamine: I don't know about during pregnancy, but as it works by drying out your system, it's definitely best to avoid if TTC in future, esp if you have poor quality CF. (Gosh, TTC seems like yonks ago!)

Thanks for the useful advice re cot bedding and nursing covers. I would have gone out and bought a bunch of stuff I didn't need! And thanks for the hospital bag lists too.

I went to a really useful BF class at my hospital a few days ago. Amazing how little I knew! I'd definitely recommend going to one if you're thinking about BF. It was a little bit indoctrinational, but otherwise very good - I feel much better informed now. Tams I don't think bf should be more problematic for you, and if it is you can just use the other one?

Nice to see some activity on the fb page.

In other news I feel as if things are getting on top of me at work and at home, and I've been feeling pretty low the last couple of days 😔 Probably just need to take a grip of myself and get some perspective.

30+2

cookies i have had three sessions with the chiro. She said she was suprised how easily and quickly my pelvis straightened up. I have another appointment in two weeks which she suggested I use if O need to or I can cancel. Funds are short with me so I will probably cancel that one but go back post baby to help recovery.

As for pelvic floor excercises, there are lots of ways to do them. A bit like squats tbh. My pilates teacher suggests three main ways which help with speed endurance and strength.

1. ten short sharp squeezes (helps with sneezing)
2. ten squeeze and hold for about 15 to 30 seconds (endurance)
3. ten phased squeezes. Imagine as you squeeze you are going up in a lift. Start by squeezing to the fifth floor (half way), then squeeze to the tenth floor (the top), then go down in the lift again. So release to the fifth floor, then down to the ground. When you get better you can stop at different floors on your way up or down. (Strength). It takes practice and quite often you will go to release to get to the ground floor and find you already have released!

I have started getting the "are there twins in there?" Comments. If I gave a s**t I would get offended or cross.

I also am finding it really uncomfortable at work so my line manager is arranging for occupational health to assess my work space and make suggestions.

I started packing my bags and DS bag and making arrangements for him for the big day. But realise it isn't long now.

I like the fb page is more active. I do find fb easier to access than mn

I lovw home visits from the mw. I am having one for my 36 appt to discuss my home birth and do all the checks.

What are the details of the Facebook page? I thought it was mn July but can't find it.

The Facebook group is: MN 07/16

Thom thank you we had a lovely day and Teddys cake was yummy. I feel I can relax a bit now that birthday month is almost over. Next is our wedding anniversary in June.

Fifi I really struggle with pelvic floors I can't hold them like they say you should. However, so far I've been fine. Not quite sure how.

Lula I'm looking forward to a glass of prosecco once baby is born as well as being able to bend over, not having heartburn and being able to breathe easy. Oh and most importantly tummy sleeping again as I hate sleeping on my side.

Bluebell thank you Teddys birthday was lovely he loves his new bike. When it comes to visitors after birth I would recommend everyone do what I did with my first. If I didn't want to get dressed I didn't & I often showered while guests were there and put my pjs back on. I also told everyone to help themselves to a drink. I was exhausted and wanted to enjoy newborn snuggles on the sofa. With ds3 I was stupid. I felt awkward as it was more the in laws than my family over and their first grandson (although they wanted another granddaughter and still do but that's another story). So on day 3 I went to m & s with GMIL for cake and I waited on them when they were over and was up and dressed every day. As a result of not resting enough my water retention took a lot longer to go down and I was quite poorly for a while. I won't be making the same mistake this time and if I don't want them visiting I will be telling them so.

Eliz it was just is for a tea party last night and last weekend we had a big birthday BBQ. Last night was lovely so relaxed and Teddy loved his presents. DH has planned a big BBQ at the end of July to welcome the baby and also as belated birthday celebrations for him. I'm not sure how I feel about it I think I'm a little nervous about breast feeding in front of others when it's all new to me. In another way it would nice to get the whole we need to visit the new baby thing out of the way in one go.

Cookies cake was yummy. I usually get one made but trying to save so got a gruffalo one from tesco. It's probably the best shop bought cake we've had.

Missing I'm sure your hospital bag will be fine. I think I'm a little strange I love packing it. I love the whole first shower and cosy newborn snuggles under my night dress.

Julfin I think it depends on your baby. I've been lucky and had very good sleepers. Ds2 actually stayed in my room for a year. I was lucky that he wasn't a light sleeper. I find if you make noise around them from the start this helps. For example ds3 has had all the noise from the older boys and has always slept fine. I was never one of those mums that tip toed around when baby slept. I only mention this as obviously it's important for a reasonable sleeper if you want any kind of sex life. Not that it applied to me at the time. We had a two bed flat and as only 17 months between ds1 and ds2 I didn't want to risk ds1 being woken at feed times etc. My friend has 4 in a three bed. We are lucky that we currently have 4 beds. So her dd has been in with her for a year and her previous ds also was and they've never had a problem so perfectly possible and shouldn't cause you too much of an issue. The only thing I've never done is co sleep as I like my bed too much but each to their own.

I feel like time is really ticking by now. We are contemplating going on holiday to Italy when baby is 3 months old. I hope we can afford it. I must be mad.

33 weeks today

Happy Friday everyone!

Going to try catch up as much as possible!

eliz good luck with all the work! When do you think it will be done by? You'll have to share some before and after pics! We would love to do up a property but think whilst we have two little ones we will wait for the next one!

thom lu how is house stuff going? It looks like we will be moving towards end of June when I'm 35 weeks pregnant. Lovely!!!! I'm trying to remain mega calm as I don't want to go into early labour! I've just decided things will be in a mess for a few months. does mean I can't put off sorting baby stuff till we move so think I'll start bank holiday weekend.

beautician Sounds like a great birthday! You have now made me want cake!! Re breastfeeding in front of others I just got on with it. No one really looks at you and you can always pop indoors to a quiet room. The first time I did it when my dad was about he made me cuppa, then got me a wine!

Re visitors my advice is to not make a firm decision till bub is here. I was in hospital for four days after DD and it was great as parents and my sister came to visit there. My brothers aren't that bothered so they were happy to wait then when we came home we kept it minimal for a while. But we have wonderful parents who would happily put the washing on or bring us food. I've read so many threads about MILs being suffocating etc but mine is lovely. FIL passed away when I was pregnant so it was very emotional when DD was born. I will never forget the look on MIL face when she saw DD it was magical. My point is you're so overjoyed and seeing that from others will add to it! But take it as it comes and don't be running around after people! Sorry, that was long!

juflin DD was in with us for 6 months in her crib. Now she's 16 months she's still in with us but in the bed!!! 9 months is totally doable.

I wouldn't add anything to hospital bags but put some drinks in your freezer then take them out when you leave for hospital means you have a cold drink as hospitals are soooo hot! Especially for our July bubs! I also hate hospital food so I'll have some good snacks available!

The things I miss ; normal clothes, prosecco, not weeing every ten mins. I have been having runny eggs and also my steak medium, I just can't face it well done. Normally it's blue! But that's only been twice! Also you can eat sushi as long as it's not fresh! So most supermarkets etc freeze it before they sell it which kills the germs. I've been eating it frequently!! But it's my second and I'm quite laid back.

DD has a tummy bug so not sure I'll be at the wedding much tomorrow. My lovely sis is going to come over and watch her for a few hours so I can see ceremony and go for the drinks reception after. Just praying I don't get it!!!!

Has everyone got nice weekends planned?

P.s eliz nigellas choc cake is amazing!!!!

Hi ladies, will catch up properly later but wanted to share my news with you.

I didn't feel the baby move properly since yesterday - I did have some kicks but felt reduced. I woke up quite a few times in the night but he wasn't moving as much as I'd normally expect so went into hospital this morning with reduced movements. I wasn't too worried though and assumed they'd think I was overreacting and just say everything was okay. I did have a listen with my Doppler and could hear strong heartbeat but knew not rely on that.

I had a trace and everything was showing as normal. Baby moved a lot during monitoring so I felt silly then for coming in. I saw the same midwife that I had for last scare and she said they would arrange a scan as it was my second episode of reduced movements.

A few hours later I had a scan and they said there is something wrong with the flow to my placenta. I can see on the notes it says absent edf so am about to google and read more. I'm in a bit of a daze and have had conflicting info from different doctors. The first doctor said it would be unlikely I would come out of hospital now before delivery. Another doctor said they need to take each day as it comes and consultant will know more when they can review monitoring. But there seems to be consensus that I won't get to full term and it's all a balancing point between when it's safer for baby to be out than in.

I'm so worried. I've had a steroid injection and will have monitoring 4 times a day. Definitely staying tonight and not sure what will happen after that.

Anyone heard of this before? I'm really scared something is going to happen to my baby. The midwife said they've let neonatal unit know about me which has completely freaked me out. I'm only 30+1

So glad I had hospital bag pretty much packed and my mum has gone to sweep up some other bits. I hope this reassures everyone to get all reduced movements checked out - I really thought I was overreacting. I'm on consultant led care anyway so have a scan booked for few weeks but they keep saying they're so glad I came in so it can be spotted now. I'm only clc because I started anti depressants in pregnancy so don't have any underlying conditions.

Fifi good for you for going in. Your are in the right place and it sounds like they will look after you.

fifi I'm so sorry but well done for listening to your gut and the midwife for sending you to the scan!

I don't have any experience but you could post in pregnancy board to get some advice?

Hope you're feeling ok and just try relax as much as poss x