Thread #9 - TTC#1 grads thread - it's the final countdown

[PotatosMum]

Welcome to thread 9 of TTC#1 grads. Warning this thread moves fast!

Time is passing and our first few grads are nearly ready to pop! Nesting is in full swing and everyone is in awe of Bunch's epic organisation.

Anyone is welcome to join the journey regardless of stage, no TMI is TMI, no question is too silly, we're all in it together so just pop in and say hello

Team P - 8
Team B - 8
Team V - 7

August
11 Mor (Team Vanilla)
13 Bunch (Team Blue)
16 New (Team Vanilla)
27 Potato (Team Pink)
30 Pink (Team Pink)

September
1 Shelb (Team Pink)
2 Taz (Team Blue)
4 Nev (Team Blue)
8 DrWhy
12 Danni (Team Blue)
14 Soda (Team Vanilla)
28 Leonie (Team Blue)
29 Laurenrl (Team Pink)

October
3 Lisa (Team Vanilla)
6 Irregular (Team Pink)
8 Miley (Team Vanilla)
12 Indi (Team Pink)
13 Co5mo (Team Blue)
15 Planet (Team Pink)
23 Lillian (Team Pink)
26 Lara (Team Blue)
30 First

November
19 Canters (Team Blue)
20 Jam
25 Audrey (Stark) (Team Vanilla)
29 Elle

December
12 Feef

January 17
4 May
13 Ni (Team Vanilla)

February 17
15 Evergreen

elle mine swelled at about 24ish weeks when it was really warm. Sorry you're feeling crapp6 about it, it's not very pleasant

soda thank you for that website!!! I'm going to have a good browse at lunch time. I've never heard of them either but their stuff is brilliant.

Hi everyone! Sorry, been crazy busy at work again and have basically been getting home and collapsing into bed.

Miley, so sorry to hear about your Auntie. It sounds like a really stressful time, and your poor cousin x

Love that your OH is being so protective and looking after you though.

Soda, that dinosaur outfit is adorable! I want one!

Potato, how your house move thing hasn't made your blood pressure boil yet, I don't know. It seems like every day someone is fucking something new up and causing problems - you'd think people didn't want it all to go through! Anyway, all my fingers and toes crossed that it gets sorted soon, you poor thing.

For those people who regularly get the tube - you are so right about people not offering seats! I had to get it yesterday and I was shocked at how no one offered me their seat (over 30 weeks now, so pretty obviously preggers, plus I had my badge one). I didn't really need one and actually was ok standing so I didn't ask, but I was really taken aback given on my Southeastern trains I would have had about 3 people offering in the first 30 seconds of getting on. How do you Tubers cope???

Oh, and for those asking about what was in my goodie basket, my wonderful friend gave me....

• Pampers micro nappies
• Pampers size 1 nappies
• Maternity pads
• Breast pads
• A groswaddle
• A book called 'Save our sleep' (they said it changed their lives)
• A munchkin safety bath rubber duck (that tells you the water temperature)
• Bepanthen (apparently better than Sudocrem)
• A Freddie the Firefly
• Infacol (helps to settle the baby)
• Milestone baby cards
• Gripe water
• Starter kit of Aptamil (in case breastfeeding doesn't take)
• Nasal spray
• Vapour rub
• Paracetamol
• Paracetamol with extra caffeine
• Gaviscon
• Cooling foot gel
• Cotton wool balls
• 12 packs of baby wipes
• Plus a lovely mint green rubber basket it all comes in (good for toys, etc.)

She's so thoughtful. EVERY item has a post-it on it, telling me what it's for and how it helps. She even put one on every pack of wipes with things like 'they poo so much', 'yep, still more poo', 'use these for everything', 'you can even clean the house with them', etc.

Wow lisa that sounds like a really lovely and thoughtful gift! Love a hamper!

Soda glad your consultant appointment went well.

That website is fab! I'm only holding back because I really want to enjoy seeing my own teeny outfits for Potato

Elle hopefully your feet and legs are because of the heat but if it's bad consult your midwife as sever swelling can be an early indication of preeclampsia.

Feef nope, I never take anything for the anxiety but it is very rare I get it (I have to feel seriously trapped against my will) I really wouldn't want to take anything either. I have a bit of a thing about that type of medication probably because my sister pops Valium like sweeties

Lisa thanks, I am currently maintaining house move sanity by ranting loudly and vehemently and then returning to calm. OH just keeps saying that the house didn't deserve fkwit owners like them... He's horrified that they've lived there 10 years without doing so much as a scrap of decorating or gardening lol.

That gift basket sounds amazing. You've obviously got a good friend there

Off to OHs uncle's funeral today. Very sad, he was OHs favourite uncle, I only met him a couple of times as he'd been very ill for years but he was still a character. We're going with OHs dad who was also really close with him. I might fill my bag with tissues as men never think to take any to funerals and a Mars bar for me just in case

Hi folks, blimey, one day and I've lost track already! Sorry if I miss people!

Potatoes I understand where you are coming from about being out of control of your environment. I don't suffer as much but it definitely bothers me too. If it helps, remember hospital is not a prison, they can't actually keep you there. At NCT the teachers was talking about how after certain types of induction in England you can go back home but where we are they keep you on the ward and various people who's already been on that ward saying how they'd find that really stressful and my DH piped up, 'just leave, they can't stop you' which flustered the NCT lady somewhat but it's absolutely true! In the end we had a good discussion about how it wasn't great to just leave without telling anyone because it causes them concern but you can absolutely say 'when it under what circumstances would you like us to come back in?' Rather than 'can we leave' and then head out. So if you do then stay because you think you need the medical care or monitoring then you can quite honestly tell yourself that's you choosing to stay for their support, not them making you. Not sure if that would help you but it helps me.

Soda those clothes are fab - great find! Although I can't find the one with the dinosaur feet specifically, maybe we've bought them out of stock!!

lisa that sounds like a fab hamper - what great friends! I need to pick up a last few bits from those too.

I think one of my weekend jobs might be packing a maternity bag!

I had a midwife appointment in the afternoon which was generally good and DH met the midwife for the first time. Only slightly bad thing is that raspberry has got himself a bit back to back - could go either way at the moment apparently. I am terrified of a back to back labour - hypnobirthing isn't going to stop that being very painful! So I went swimming then spent half the rest on the evening leaning over my ball - anything to get him to swing round!

Dr glad the midwife appointment went well. Hopefully baby will move into a better position soon.

Unfortunately at my hospital they can indirectly make you stay all of the babies are electronically tagged. The tags can only be removed by a dr which they only do once discharge papers have been processed and if they don't want you to go they just keep telling you they're too busy to do the papers right now (I've experienced the discharge paper delay tack tic first hand). If you try to leave before the tag is removed the whole maternity ward is locked down and the doors are magnetically sealed, the lockdown can only be cancelled by central security. Knowing all this does nothing for my sense of being trapped

When I went in for fibroid pain I wanted to discharge myself as I knew from research, consultants, midwives and sonographers that there was nothing the hospital could de but give me paracetamol. The stupid junior dr on that evening though insisted I stay and basically told me that if I didn't I was likely going to kill my baby. This same woman was insisting that I just needed to go for a walk and then I would feel fine and would not listen to me when I told her my agoraphobia didn't work like that. She just got stroppy with me for getting more upset the more she insisted a walk was all I needed.
The following morning a consultant came in, told me there was nothing they could do except give me paracetamol and said I could discharge myself if I wanted as I would probably be more comfortable at home.
To this day I think I may not have suffered with fibroid pain as badly if I hadn't been made so distressed and forced to spend the night in an uncomfortable cold ward where I was woken up constantly by midwives who couldn't find Potato's heart beat and I had to walk to the front desk just to get paracetamol because the first thing they told me on arriving on the ward was don't bother pressing the buzzer for a nurse because we're to busy to answer

Potatoes that does sound awful - I'm shocked that they can effectively hold you hostage that way on the maternity ward. I guess all you can do is use whatever coping techniques you feel will work best. Focus on Potato and hang on in there if you do have to stay.
The fibroid experience sounds miserable, I can see why it really hasn't helped your feelings about staying on the ward.
Not sure what else I can suggest except to give you a virtual hug - not sure if they are allowed on MN!

Dr lol, I'll take the virtual hug. I'm sure it will be fine. I'm sticking my fingers in my ears and singing lalala for now and hoping that there's no bleed and I can go straight home.

With all that ranting I forgot to ask the question I came on to ask sometimes when Potato moves I suddenly go all light headed for a few minutes. Anyone else get this?

Also, I am cursed, I had a shower and was just about to get out when the damn thing broke! Seriously? This couldn't have waited two weeks?

Hi all

Miley glad the Peptac is working for you, I agree the peppermint is so much better.my DH is very preotextor over me lifting or doing anything. To the point I couldn't take the duvet cover off the duvet this morning

Soda my SIL gifted me some of their hats, they do lovely stuff.

Lisa that sounds AMAZING what a lovely thoughtful gift.

Sorry for your OHs loss Potato good thinking on the tissues and mars bar. I've not had that light headed was but I am suffering massively from sugar crashes all the time. I can barely go an hour without eating now. Worth a mention to the midwife next time you see her.

I'm off to hydrotherapy then back to pack my bags for the parental pick up tomorrow. We're headed there tonight so need to get their food in etc when we get there.

Hope you all have a lovely day.

potato what the actual fuck?! Electronically tagged babies and a ward lock down?! Bloody hells bells. Though I'm sure everything will be ok, is there any sort of calming remedy you could take in with you just in case. I have to have distractions when my anxiety kicks up a stink and find that puzzles and colouring etc keep me distracted from the impending doom my brain leads me to think is lingering!

feef that gift basket sounds absolutely awesome. I may steal a few ideas from it as I like the sound of the book. I also completely forgot to get infacol and gripe water so thanks for the reminder what is Freddie the firefly?

dr hopefully there's still plenty of time for baby to somersault!

Loving the clothes on that website Soda!

Lisa, that's such a lovely gift. I'm also intrigued as to what Freddie the Firefly is?!

Potato, that sounds awful. I wonder if the hospital has had an issue with an attempted abduction or something in the past? Seems like there must be a reason why security is so tight. Saying that, apparently they tag babies at The Portland too.

I hope the funeral goes as well as Canberra expected today.

Bunch, hope you have a lovely time with your parents.

I've invested in half a litre of Boots own brand indigestion stuff. Thought I may as well give that one a go as I'm not convinced that Gaviscon is working. They didn't have the other brand you recommended Bunch, which is irritating given its a big Boots!

Does anyone else in the later stages feel like when they are standing up they constantly need a wee? Even if I've just been, if I go and sit down for a bit and then stand back up, I need the toilet again

Canberra expected?! I meant 'can be expected'!

Pink Peptac is only available over the counter, so you just ask the pharmacist for it. Hopefully the boots own brand works for you . Yes yes to the wee needs. Constant bladder pressure.

Potato they did my urine last week and it was fine. I'm feeling ok too. If it gets worse I will give them a call. Miley has yours gone away or just stayed? Are you still able to wear your normal shoes? I've earmarked some super comfy ones to buy, but going to try to hold out a bit in case they get more swollen before it gets chillier.

Potato is your shower fixable? That's terrible timing the ward sounds...unusual! They must have had some problems.

Dr hope the baby turns before the big day!

Hi ladies,
Just woken up from a 90min nap, the tiredness has definitely come back as I've hit the 3rd trimester!

Potato that sounds like a pretty hardcore hospital ward! I'm sure you'll be fine once potato is here and she'll take your mind off feeling anxious/trapped.

Lisa that's such a lovely friend you've got. I also want to know who Freddie is?

Miley that's cute about your protective OH. I wouldn't say mine is acting any different unless I'm doing my long drive to/from Liverpool-Scotland. I think becuase I've been gymming is like normal everyday and lifting the same heavy stuff he sometimes forgets I'm pregnant and I have to urge him for help

Soda I love that sleepsuit with the little feet in!

What a fab gift basket Lisa! Re the tube, I haven't really had many problems with getting a seat generally. Sometimes if the tube is rammed and in by the doors it's easy for people to avoid offering me a seat ( like tonight) so I just managed to make my way over and asked for one and people then fought over getting up for me

Dr yes I couldn't see the dinosaur sleep suit on the website either. I got it in House of Fraser and there were plenty there.

Elle I've suffered on and off with really swollen feet but they have gone down. Try to put them up whenever you can and drink loads of water.

Pink yup to wanting to wee whenever I stand up. I'm ok sitting down but if I try walking anywhere I need a wee immediately. I've also had a couple of very small leaks which I'm worried doesn't bode well for my pelvic floor muscles at this stage!

Potato that does sound pretty full on! I can see how that would make you anxious.

Off to see the new Bourne film with DH tonight. Everyone keeps saying that as parents the thing they never do is go to the cinema so we're taking advantage and going while we can!

elle they have gone down but they swell every day up to my ankles. I've been in flip flops and sandals for about 3 weeks! Came home to some new Nike rifts off OH today as I think he was starting to feel a little sorry for me!

Oh indi how I miss the gym! I'm in awe of you! I haven't been since I was 6 weeks, couldn't face it with me being really poorly until 22 weeks and now I'm just a fat, lazy git

Soda, we did exactly the same at the weekend, but went to see Star Trek! So many people have said to go out for dinner and out to the cinema as much as possible before baby arrives as you never get a chance afterwards.

Dr, hopefully baby will turn before you go into labour.

Indi, how many weeks are you now? I'm still gymming but OH thinks I should call it quits (35+2 today). I feel fine while I'm there and for most of the day afterwards (I go in the morning before work) but by the night time I'm wiped out and feel like that all of the next day too. Also not sure baby likes it as she's quieter in terms of movement afterwards. Do you notice a change in movement at all post gym? I don't want to stop going but am toying with the idea. Might try some long walks instead.

Miley, what colour are tour new trainers? I always try and find the brightest ones possible for running

pink they're bright blue! I have no idea what to wear them with other than my gym stuff as they're not the prettiest trainers but they've always been favourites of mine for gymming and general walking around on hot days because they're so comfortable and light. Notice my big fat swollen feet sticking out the top!

Another one here that's been told to make the most of date nights! We never get that many opportunities to because of OHs shifts but I may insist on going to the cinema tomorrow if he isn't too tired from night shift

Bump update at 29+5 my arse is enormous

Pleased to hear your feet have gone down Soda-that's what I want to hear!

Love the trainers Miley, I tried some Skechers on earlier and they had a criss cross on the front which gave a similar foot bulging effect! I need black to get away with them for work. I am planning to see how the feet are in July and August and hopefully hold out for some Skechers Ugg ripoffs in September, if my legs can still get into them. The boots were like walking on clouds!

Pink how was Star Wars? I am desperate to see it, no chance this weekend as I'm on call , hoping it stays out a few weeks though.

Miley lovely bump! Your arse doesn't look huge at all.

That's such a lovely gift Lisa how thoughtful of her.

That does sound an awful experience potato, I'm shocked about the electronic tags too! We're not even allowed to physically restrain sectioned people at our hospital it must be the police or specialist mental health worker.

Lovely bump miley

Bit the head of DH and now he's in a sad/grump

Miley, your bump is so neat! Loving the trainers too .

Elle, Star Trek was good. I didn't like it as much as the last one just because I prefered the villain in the last one, but definitely worth a watch.