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

[Ellizardo]

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

First of all, fifi I hope everything is going well for you today.

Just got back from day one of the NCT course. Very interesting discussion of induction vs. elective section. Was utterly delighted with DH. He was right in there with all the massages and wants to be the best advocate possible for me when I'm in labour. Of course, we'll see how well we cope on the day, but at the moment, I'm feeling a lot more relaxed and confident about labour knowing that DH is so on task.

31+2

Hope youre ok fifi - your positive outlook is inspiring!

This may be wishful thinking but im hoping what im feeling suggests baby has FINALLY turned head down -

1. feeling squirmy movements and rhythmic jolts (maybe hiccups?) Low down
2. stronger jolts that arent rhythmic around my belly button and sometimes higher
3. pressure around my rib sometimes that feels like there is something in the way like a little foot or knee?
4. almost constant desperate need for a wee but when i get there i often dont need it - is this baby's head on my bladder?
5. a really heavy feeling in my low abdomen Does anyone recognise these symptoms as being indicative of a head down baby? Im praying here!!!

Hello all - just checking in quickly - so sorry I'm not around much between crazy project that is so nearly done and having building work done I'm struggling to find time to post, but keeping up hopefully!

Fifi - well done on going to get checked. Like other ladies have said you're in the best place for you and your baby. Also you seem to be taking it all in your stride amazingly well. Sending hugs to you xxx

Thom I know that worried feeling all too well! You can get a wrist band to keep track of movements from kickcount website - I'm thinking of getting one as I'm getting over anxious and fixating on it. Might help?!

It sounds like it could be primary, the needing a wee all the time (but not really) is very familiar! Plus the heavy feeling. I can also feel my baby's bottom at the front, which shifts around from side to side. The pattern of kicks sounds about right too.

Sounds promising primary ! I too can usually work out where a bum/back is. Although baby is currently back to back so I can't. When do you next have an appointment with the midwife to check?

fifi I apply the coconut oil to the ends of my hair and sleep in it overnight like a mask then wash off in the morning. Although I've heard if you have a dry scalp its great too. Hoping for a positive outcome on Monday for you. And that baby behaves himself in there. I would want the reassurance of being in there, especially if the food wasn't horrendous. Have you had visitors and your mum there for company? My previous babies have been normal-good sizes but I worry this one will be an elephant.

My lung capacity is giving me problems again tonight. Its affecting my breathing but isn't my asthma or heart burn? Do I dare consult Google?! I think it must just be lungs getting crushed. I don't remember this though!?? I'm taking big exaggerated breaths which is slightly helping but isn't going to help with sleeping. Sigh.

Goodness me thom how have you managed such a little weight gain?! I've gained over 3 stone and literally cry about it every day

youandme I've had growth scans in previous pregnancies and they've never estimated weight. They put all measurements into the computer and it generated a weight?! I doubt it's accurate anyway. So I would have also rather they didn't say

anna very good response. I've never heard of no fish?! I've heard no sushi but if I liked it I would probably eat it. But I'm a rare steak, Brie loving kind of woman! I've enjoyed a glass of bubbles on occasions too. I really
Hope the wedding went well and you have managed to enjoy yourself. I went to a July wedding at 38 weeks preg with dd1 and had the most rubbish time, really hoping you have a great day with your friends and aren't too exhausted

dats I've had that feeling in my boobs loads recently. Sometimes I've expressed slightly to help ease them. Which I know is controversial but I had no contracting and I did it in my last pregnancy and didn't result in early labour. Whoever else mentioned crusty boobs that's what I get and I'm pretty sure it's leakage

Thanks tams I hope so too! I'm the same with often feeling more with my hand aswell. I can sometimes see my tummy vibrate a bit without feeling movement aswell, it's so odd.

thom I have an overflowing snack bag!!! I've hidden it under my bed haha. The hospital food has been brilliant but lunch is at 12 and dinner at 5 so have been having evening munchies. Other things I've had my mum bring in for me that we're in original hospital bag:

• kool n soothe head patches. I love these anyway for headaches but I've found them v relaxing too. I've also been using water spray (eau thermale avene) which I already had in bag for when it gets stuffy in the room.
• some large plastic tumblers for water. There isn't a spare cup for my mum to drink from my water jug.
• straws. Recommended for after c section but I've been finding when I'm on the trace I'm sometimes in awkward position to drink properly.
• my own pillow from bed (in addition to v shaped one) as hospital one is crap
• a blanket (the type you snuggle up with on sofa).
• box of tissues for bedside
• a portable charger as the plug doesn't stretch to my bed. Fine to charge at night etc but I'm draining the portable charger when using in bed then just charging that up again.

Hope that's helpful! As you can tell my room is like an aladdins cave so hopefully I won't be moved in a rush as I'd need an entourage!!

Thank you pulpi really glad you found NCT class so positive. Any tips from the elective discussion?

Thank you noodle I have had the pressure down below feeling like needing a wee and movements that feel like hiccups. My baby is head down so sounds positive to me!

Thank you cheery glad to hear your renovation and projects are coming to an end and you can put your feet up.

cookies thanks I'll be trying that! May treat you to a before and after photo haha. I've had lots of visitors and my mums been here most of time. She'll be back in work on Tues (coming in with me tomorrow as will have scans etc). I haven't even started on my reading yet (got a pile of books with me) so not too worried about boredom yet.

Everyone has been so kind saying about my positive attitude etc, thank you. I have really tried to stay positive but had a meltdown last night. Can't remember if I already said but I had been up at 4am on Friday with my reduced movements and only managed an hours sleep on Friday evening. I was absolutely exhausted yday, couldn't doze off in the day and then really struggled in early evening too. My mum left about 7pm and around 8ish I felt really unwell and weak as if I'd collapse. I buzzed the midwife and ended up getting upset and having a panic attack. She called the doctor to calm me down. They were all so lovely and I feel like a right idiot today. I think everything came out due to exhaustion. They managed to calm me down and my mum came back in to sit with me until I finally drifted off. Just feel like a failure for getting so upset when I need to stay calm for my little boy 😔 but everyone (family) keeps saying not to stress as if it's easy. I'm terrified X

Thom - that should be weren't in my bag

Fifi - I think you're totally 'entitled' to have an exhaustion/stress induced meltdown..and it sounds like the hospital handled it admirably. Things always feel worse and overwhelming at night don't they? When I was in for 6 days being induced with Ted, when OH went home in the evenings and I was alone on the ward, all sorts of things creep into your head, let alone physically feeling unwell and scared. Hope the morning's sunshine is restorative!

I had forgotten Luca is 'your' name - how wonderful! I won't claim the first weeks were easy, as he had to be kept in for some time to monitor his lungs etc but all that is put in perspective by what a lovely little boy he is now.

Your advice on additional bits to take into hospital is great! All sounding very familiar! I would add, just as back up for those intending to BF, that we will be bringing a small bottle or two of pre-made newborn formula (I think the NHS use Cow & Gate but they're all formulated the same) and a little thumbnail plastic sippy cup you get to administer medicine. On the first couple of nights my colostrum was slow to arrive and screaming Ted = unhappy everybody so my cousin suggested giving him a tiny bit of formula in a sippy cup so he wouldn't confuse it with boob..and it worked wonders. I felt no guilt in mix feeding and he's been wonderful on both breastmilk and formula ever since.

Went to see Florence Foster Jenkins last night with an old friend and had a pizza after. Must keep more of this up as I enter hibernation mode!

Hope everyone has lovely Sundays and Fifi hope you have the chance to stroll around the grounds maybe and stretch your legs? Good luck with the consultants etc tomorrow. I wish I could pop over and bring you the Sunday papers!

fifi you really don't need to feel bad. You've a lot to deal with and hospitals and exhaustion really make it worse. Be kind to yourself and take it easy. Sounds like you're being well looked after!
Yes to the pillow! I took one in last time and loved it. Reminded me of home.

cookies I had a lovely time thank you. I left at 7 to get back to poorly DD which was a shame but not to worry. That's a shame you had a rubbish time. I've been pregnant or breastfeeding for over two years now so I'm used to not drinking and I actually don't mind it!!! I'll post a pic of my dress for you all to see!

thom yah for starting to pack! I'm so excited for you! I'm desperate to get into ours and start nesting. I wouldn't worry too much on weight gain my sister weighed less at the end both times as she had awful
Sickness. Her babies were fine and she put the weight back on after (she needed to) I sadly can't say the same! I'm now about 1 stone 5 pounds on. Trying to keep to two stone!

We are having a chilled day and tackling the house then going to do us a roast. Anyone else getting really hot at night? It's awful!

Hope you all have great Sundays!

Hi ladies hope you're all having lovely weekends.

Fifi hope hospital is still going well. I wouldn't even think twice about your meltdown you have a perfectly good reason! Unlike me, I had a complete meltdown yesterday as DH asked me to grab his keys and wallet from our bedroom upstairs - I'd just come down from there ready to go out, but went back up, nearly trod on the cat and then his bloody keys and wallet weren't there anyway! Cue me crying on the bed. Hormonal ridiculousness!

Anna glad you enjoyed the wedding in your lovely dress! This is our first year in ages that we haven't had any weddings. I'd have quite liked to have had a reason to get a lovely maternity dress! But at least that's some money saved.

I have spent my entire morning consolidating lists of stuff to get baby (pretty much ticked off), me and then what to put in hospital bags for me, baby and DH! It was great to have all your tips on there Just have to actually pack the bags now.

This week is my first 4 day work week. Exciting! I have 5 work weeks left but 7 of those days are hols so only 18 working days to go! Although in next 3 weeks I have a major presentation to the Board, my appraisal and also a panel interview for a promotion so not exactly 'winding down'...

Right. Hungry and don't want to get hangry so better go in search of cake and chocolate fruit.

fifi - thank you for all the tips. I have been looking online at pjs this morning. Have you found that you been wearing night clothes all day or have you changed into comfy day clothes? I am working on the basis I am gin for to be in hospital for at least a day or two before hand when I will be mobile.
anna - I love the dress. Where is it from?

Starting to get pretty fed up now at 35 weeks tomorrow. 6 weeks into gestational diabetes and I really feel like I've had e-bloody-nough of it. Still struggling with my fasting blood sugars so will need to have my insulin adjusted upwards again, and every morning the high readings are so stressful and worrying. I'm also starting to feel heavy and uncomfortable.

Not helped by the fact that people keep saying to me things like: "oh you don't look that far along!" which somehow makes me feel a bit pathetic, like I must look like someone who is much earlier on in pregnancy but just making really heavy weather of it!

Sorry for the moan!

On the induction vs. elective section: my take away from the NCT course was that although induction may mean that you can deliver vaginally, the sitting in hospital for 3 days waiting for the process to kick off may leave you feeling out of control of your body and the situation. In that way, an elective section (if say you get to 42 weeks and the baby is not interested in leaving his nicely-appointed apartment) offers the sensation of more control over the process. That being said, it's still major surgery.

At the moment, I'm writing up my birth plan, but I'm still not sure what do if I hit 42 weeks. Induce or go straight to a section? What are you guys thinking?

fifi - good luck today & I hope you get some answers / plan from the consultant. Let us know how you get on.

youandme people always love to offer their shit opinion. Don't let it get you down, you're doing so well. Can't imagine how much extra stress it adds to your load, dealing with all extra GD stuff

anna your dress is gorge and you look incredible in it! I hope DD is ok, poor thing.

fifi your meltdown is very much understandable and completely normal given the circumstances. You're doing incredibly well so please don't give yourself a hard time. Hope it goes well today with consultant etc. Tiredness always makes everything seem so much worse so hope you've managed to get some better sleep. You're in my thoughts all the time!

thom I lived in an attractive nightie /dressing gown combo when I've been in hospital. Only changing into leggings and tunic to come home in. I found the wards quite warm and had flip flops to walk around in and extra socks incase my feet did get cold ..

Last Monday at work today! Wasn't expecting it to be but after looking st holiday left etc I'm getting to leave a lot sooner than I thought. Had awful leg cramps in the night that had me awake screaming calves feel like I ran a marathon yesterday. Added to my 3 wee trips... Zzzzz

6 weeks til due date today! And counting!

YouandMe my ds1 wasn't a wriggler very lazy baby. In fact ds4 is definitely the wriggliest baby I've had.

Primary sounds like head down to me.

Thom in my hospital bag I have packed a pair of jogging bottoms and a vest top to go home in which if I have to stay in I will get DH to bring in something else. I've mostly stayed in nightdresses during a hospital stay after birth as pjs can be a pain to get on. It's nice to have no band around your tummy and it's easier for the endless hospital trips to change maternity towels.

Cookies yay for last Monday at work. My maternity kicks in in 3 weeks can't wait.

Speaking of maternity leave has anyone else heard back about their maternity allowance. I sent the form off about 3 weeks ago and haven't had any communication since.

I had my midwife appt today. Baby is still head down and bump measurement was bang on for dates. I will see her every two weeks now. Eek it's getting close.

33+3

Fifi i hope no offence was caused, im not suprised you had a meltdown - you must be so anxious! You are still handling things really well though :)

Im so jealous of all of you finishing work so soon.. 5 weeks left for me :(

33 weeks today and youandme if one more person tells me i look small im going to dropkick them in the face! Send any more candidates my way if you need to ;)

I feel your pain primary. I've got nearly six weeks left in work. Counting down now and feeling a bit jealous of those who are finishing soon.

Hope you get some answers today fifi. Let us know how you get on.

I was in for reduced movements on the weekend so they want to do a scan. There's no space until Wednesday so need to go in for monitoring every day until then. Hoping it all goes well and I don't get reduced movements again. Apparently if I do then I have to switch to consultant led care. Really hoping to stay midwife led.

Just wrote a long reply to everyone and it's disappeared, so annoying! thank you for all of your kind messages and support.

I've been for a scan and the radiographer said the blood is flowing a little better today. Waiting for the consultant to review the scan results and discuss the longer term plan. Will keep you posted.

Good luck tams & fifi!

Youandme - I totally feel your pain. I was in yr exact situation last year with Ted. Keep strong & focused (on the cake the afternoon after you've delivered your baby!).

Man I am in a bad mood too though today. Took Ted swimming and had such a horrible shock in the mirror : boobs down to waist, knackered skin and just so UNWIELDY both physically and mentally. Bleurghhhhh. And then was let down badly by someone close to me At work and I couldn't deal with the issue because Ted was being so clingy. And I'm going to a friend's funeral on Friday who died so tragically young and it should put it all in perspective but instead I just feel massively grumpy and sorry for myself.

There Endeth my Tale of Woe x

And it has just started raining

Midwife today told me a story about someone who looked quite small bump wise- she said 'some people hide their babies' as this lady went in to have a baby over 9lb. Suggested it must have all been round the sides.... So in other words don't worry about bump size as tucked up in there is a healthy baby :)
My bump is a little big, but on the same growth line so no issue.

Hope all well with scan and Consultant Fifi, and to others- hormones are rubbish. Not long now....

32+4

Hello all!

Thanks for the lovely dress comment. It's from Asos. Was nice to have something that I felt semi pretty in!!!

eliz I hear you. I think I've aged five years this past year. I'm so tired lol! But I figure it's worth it and we will get our bodies back eventually!

pulpi I went over with DD but was only offered induction. I've not heard of them offering a c section too. I'll be really honest my induction was bloody awful but I know most people have a really good experience with it. People think a c section is the easy option and whilst you may not have to go through labour the recovery is tough. You really can't do much for a few weeks and you're very sore and in pain. I would just take it as it comes.

fifi that's good news. I hope you're feeling more bright.

tams I hope the scan goes ok, it's good you're being looked at.

Can't believe some of you don't have much longer to go! It's so exciting!!!!

I think you'd probably really have to push for a c-section just for being overdue, especially if it's a first baby and you've not had one before.

My NCT class wasn't at all positive about induction, which was unfortunate for me as the GD means I'll be having one between 39 and 40 weeks, unless I go into labour naturally before that. I'm just going to have to roll with it though!

Thank you elliz and anna.

Hope the meeting went well with the consultant fifi.

elliz You're perfectly entitled to having a bad day and feeling like things are just too much. Sounds like you deserve a nice cuppa and a biscuit after your day. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. It's incredibly sad.