Due in July Part FOUR - gather here!

[Cyee]

Can't believe we need more space... again...

Hi there,

Hope there's room for one more late addition...
I'm due on the 11th July (looks like I'm the only one from the stats list) with my first who is 'probably' a girl.

Pregnancy all fine so far but starting to wonder whether should have taken maternity leave earlier as am utterly useless at work (just hoping no-one else has worked that out yet!) Still not quite sure that I've realised that there'll be a baby at the end of it but hopefully I''m getting there.

Catz

3flights - do not mean to put anyone off VBAC, they do say that the act of labour squidges out mucous from the baby's lungs and passages so no need for suction. But lots of the stats for breathing difficulties for babies of c-section are skewed. Babies in distress and premature babies are more likely to be born by c-section (emergency or otherwise) and therefore the difficulties probably pre-exist the c-section rather than as a result of the c-section. I have big babies. The first was 9lb 9oz and resulted in an induction, a long posterior labour then an emergency c-section when the baby was in distress. My second child was a VBAC - they scanned at 38 weeks to make a decision on size as that may have prevented me being allowed to attempt VBAC. They told me at 38 weeks he was going to weigh between 7lbs and 7lbs 10oz, after scans. I went into spontaneous labour at 40 weeks (to the day) and he arrived weighing 9lbs 9oz. I could tell by the way the consultant reacted during labour that they felt the VBAC had been a mistake. They never really explained why their estimates were so far out. In my last pregnancy the consultant said that he felt an elective c-section was the best way to go. VBAC was never mentioned. This time round ditto. Though a different consultant. I would be counted as a stat to say my VBAC was successful, it wouldn't be what I would call it!

Weekly stats:

Date Name
23-Jun Auntymandy 34 +6
27-Jun Beartime 34 +2
29-Jun 3flightsofstairs 34 +0
29-Jun Cakehead 34 +0
29-Jun Justbeme 34 +0
29-Jun Foxybrown 34 +0
30-Jun Swift1 33 +6
30-Jun Dophus 33 +6
30-Jun Trimum2 33 +6
01-Jul Gingertoo 33 +5
02-Jul Pulapula 33 +4
02-Jul Becks08 33 +4
04-Jul Theprecious 33 +2
05-Jul Relax 33 +1
05-Jul Cupcakesgalore 33 +1
05-Jul Stigaloid 33 +1
06-Jul Abgirl 33 +0
06-Jul Emmyb 33 +0
06-Jul Berrysmum 33 +0
07-Jul Pookey 32 +6
07-Jul Greyclay 32 +6
08-Jul Helenmumof2 32 +5
08-Jul Cyee 32 +5
09-Jul Flipflop 32 +4
09-Jul Nadinetd 32 +4
09-Jul Catstar 32 +4
09-Jul MelissaM 32 +4
11-Jul Catz 32 +2
12-Jul Dorisofdevon 32 +1
13-Jul Loujay 32 +0
13-Jul Breadandroses 32 +0
13-Jul Mrswaggsnapps 32 +0
14-Jul Firsttimer40 31 +6
14-Jul Hamptonnewbie 31 +6
14-Jul Weddingcake 31 +6
15-Jul Bodkin 31 +5
15-Jul Twoplusone 31 +5
15-Jul newby29 31 +5
15-Jul MarchBunny 31 +5
15-Jul Jamantha 31 +5
15-Jul Jendos 31 +5
16-Jul Cutiebabies 31 +4
16-Jul Earlyriser 31 +4
16-Jul Gingerbics 31 +4
17-Jul fido 31 +3
18-Jul Keiralou 31 +2
18-Jul Saf1 31 +2
18-Jul Bertieboo 31 +2
19-Jul Kyte 31 +1
19-Jul Vicky55 31 +1
19-Jul Biblio 31 +1
20-Jul Faby 31 +0
20-Jul MissusC 31 +0
20-Jul Princesspowersparkle 31 +0
20-Jul Agnesnitt 31 +0
21-Jul Miaou 30 +6
22-Jul Jennster 30 +5
22-Jul Baysmum 30 +5
22-Jul Tutter 30 +5
22-Jul Madmumnika 30 +5
22-Jul Chooster 30 +5
23-Jul Dewmeadow 30 +4
24-Jul Twink123 30 +3
24-Jul Huskygirl 30 +3
25-Jul Groveregg 30 +2
25-Jul Caroline1852 30 +2
26-Jul Firststar 30 +1
26-Jul Bubble78 30 +1
26-Jul Weepiglet2 30 +1
27-Jul Lynneclynne 30 +0
27-Jul Leiselvontrapp 30 +0
27-Jul Glittercaz 30 +0
29-Jul Tallysmummy 29 +5
29-Jul Myfairone 29 +5
29-Jul Typhoonsmum 29 +5
30-Jul Giulia 29 +4
31-Jul Littlepiggie 29 +3
31-Jul Justaboutmanaging 29 +3

Catz, welcome to the board! My birthday is 11th July so if your baby arrives on time she'll be in good company...

Abgirl, thanks for the stats.
Catz - Welcome.
Was woken up by DP doubled over with cramp at 5.30am this morning. I thought it must at the very least be a heart attack the way he was crying out! He went back to sleep 2 mins later, I was still awake at 6.15am with LO bouncing around wondering how men would cope if they had to go through pregnancy. Hope everyone is feeling fine today - sun is out!

Hi all - not been around on here for a while but good to see everyone is doing well. Good luck with your next scan madmum - really hope it goes well.

It sounds like others are getting to that really uncomfortable stage - I'm actually ok lying in bed, its when I'm sitting around on the evening that I just can't find a comfortable position. Last night I thought I'd have a nice bath, but whenever I lay down I found myself feeling quite breathless and when I sat up everything seemed squashed. So I just gave up.... Is it true that you start getting more comfortable in a few weeks once the baby drops a bit? I already have a DS but can't remember!

3flightsofstairs,

I am having an elective c-section (I had a natural (well ventouse) delivery last time round), and I must admit the things that concerned me at first re. my decision were 1) the breathing difficulties stat, and 2) the recovery time and 3) people thinking I'm taking the "easy way out" (too posh to push).

But I'm not bothered about 3) now, and a friend who had twins (one vaginally and one emergency c-section) said she'd go for a section next time, as the recovery was about the same.

So that just leaves 1) the breathing difficulties stat, but this just means baby may need some suction to clear their lungs as they haven't been squeezed through the birth canal, and since my DD was whisked out of the room when she came out not breathing, then I guess baby can have problems either way.

If your hospital are pro VBAC, then I am sure the support and monitoring you will receive will be excellent if you decide to give it a go, as they will have lots of experience. If you are really scared of the VBAC option, then I would push for the c-section route, which I think is generally accepted practice elsewhere.

Good luck with whatever you decide, and hope your consultant will listen to your feelings and wishes.

Chooster, I also find the sitting in the evening bit the worst. I have never liked "slouching" sitting - it gives me back ache, so have a fairly upright sofa and I use cushions to give extra lumbar support and keep me upright, but even this is beginning to get awkward. And if I try to put my feet up that makes my bump really uncomfortable. Have added more pillows to the bed though, so am now getting more comfort at night. I had heard it should get better when baby drops, and am hoping that it's true.

Afternoon all, glad to hear that all is well with Madmum and weddingcake. Well done!

Its great reading your opinions on C-section and VBAC. My LO is still breech and I know that if it doesn't move a decision will have to be made about C-Section so I'm trying not to worry about it.

I feel really upset today. Just feel that I'm being pulled in all directions by everyone (mainly my Mum) and really don't need the stress!

Going to my 30 week midwife appt this afternoon so hoping the heartbeat will be loud and clear and help me to calm down and put things into perspective!

Have a great afternoon all.
Big hugs to all and their bumps

myfairone - sorry to hear you're having a stressful time. Hope the MW appointment goes well for you.

Regarding positions, I note that several of you are saying about what posistion your LOs are in. At my last appointment MW said she "thought" it was turned head down, and wrote the appropriate "code" in my notes (can't remember the abbreviations at the moment, oops is that a giveaway that I don't carry them with me at all times ) and that's the most info I've got. I'm finding that most, if not all, of the movements I'm feeling are now at the very top of bump. In my mind this fits with a head down position and legs kicking upwards - does this sound likely?

Message withdrawn

Choster - I know exactly what you mean about being comfortable. Either my back aches, I feel breathless or my bump feels unformfortable in every position. I was wondering about getting a birthing ball - anyone tried it?

Am having a bit of a dilema. I job that I've known was going to come up has just been advertised. It's a great job and i can imagine being there for a long time. Ordinarily I'd be going for it wihtout hesitating BUT the closing date is 3 weeks before my due date and they hope to interview a couple of weeks after that... i.e. if I were shortlisted I'd either be 39 wks pregnant and horribly uncomfortable, in labour or have just given birth! The interview is pretty heavy - lasts all day and involved making presentations and having interviews with a panel of 7 etc. I got down to the last 4 on a similar job a couple of months ago so it shouldn't be too much preparation but I'm not sure I can face it now. Also I'm not sure whether there'd be discrimination in practice... should I go for it?

hi all,
As usual, haven't been on here for an age, but it's great to hear you are all doing well and progressing...can't believe we're all so close now!
It seems like loads of you have been finding out positions. Well, I haven't seen a midwife since 15weeks - should have seen one at 28 weeks, but saw my GP instead (couldn't get an appt with midwife). My GP told me to come back 2 weeks later if I wanted to - he's v nice, but I've left it and will see him this coming week - if only to get a morning off work!! (The recommendation is to see midwife at 34 wks). Given that my dd was 9lb4oz and born back to back after v traumatic labour and delivery, and given the fact that the only midwife I've seen this time said I'd need to be induced at 40wks if it looks like another biggy, I kind of feel a bit left in the lurch. Last time I was booked in for an induction from v early on in labour but had none of that this time. Maybe I'm worrying about nothing, but have got a feeling this one will be even bigger - aaarrggh!
Like some of you, am also getting backache when I'm sitting on upright chairs - think its about my poor posture
Has evryone got their bag ready? And birth plan written? Am feeling a bit disorganised. Have one week until half term at work and then only 2 weeks left - yay!
Happy weekend to you all!

keiralou - here's hoping you don't get too much of a biggy and all goes well.

Disorganised? Totally how I feel. Got friends coming later today, with their 6 month old to stay overnight. Was SO tired last night didn't do any cleaning up so lots to do this morning. Also got my Dad coming on Tuesday to do some decorating so need to be ready for that. Aaah!

Hospital bag? Wasn't going to do that yet (32 weeks) but was advised that if you need it and don't have it ready yet then it's a right pain, but if you have it and don't need it yet then you just move it now and then to hoover. So have bought mat. pads and breast pads as a start and will find a nice big bag to assemble stuff in later this weekend, after visitors have gone.

Everytime the weekend comes I get VERY wound up! I'm fine during work but the minute I step foot over my front door knowing I'm stuck there for two days EVERYTHING seems to annoy me.
Yesterday was an example.
MIL picked me up from work. (Which was very nice but I don't mind getting the bus)WE went to ASDA to get a pizza. DD wanted a toy and the toys in ASDA can be really cheap so I don't mind but MIL interrupted saying how she can't have a toy all the time. Which she was prob trying to stop DD going on about it but she was just winding me up. When we got into ASDA we found cute beanie dogs for £1.78 so I got DD one and MIL said "How much is that?" When I told her she said "That'll do then!" and walked off. I was stood in the aisle feeling like I'd been told not to do something like I was 10 again. I thought who is the mother in this relationship and preceeded to get DD two dogs as an act of rebellion. MIL then followed me round the aisles questioning my purchases. I kept quite as I know she is only trying to help.
Then when I got home I gave DP his BBQ ribs from the deli and he took one bite and threw them out as they were "fatty and too cold" What a waste! I put DD pizza in the oven and went upstairs to tidy her room. I could smell the pizza cooking and thought maybe DP would check it. Next thing the smoke alarm was going off. DP then went into the kitchen and checked the pizza. He said I'd have to get a new dinner for DD. When I went in the kitchen I found the pizza still in the oven and the oven still on. The same setting. So it was getting more burnt. At this point I burst into tears and sat on the kitchen floor fighting the urge to kill everyone.
Text a few friends and they calmed me down but I have to go to Holyhead next week with DP, DSD, DD, MIL and DN (niece.) What will I do.
If I lose it down there too then there is nowhere to hide from them. No work to escape to.
Does anyone else HATE their family.

Hi everyone. We are going to be moving house in two weeks! I have known for a couple of weeks but needed to tell some RL friends first before saying so on here. We are moving 200 miles north as well so not just round the corner! Oh, the joys of private renting. Our landlord has basically pulled the rug from under our feet by announcing how much money he could get by selling the house, and would we like to buy it?? (er, no!). So we are leaving before we get given notice, and going to an area where there are plenty of jobs and we have a chance of getting a council house (and therefore security) in the foreseeable future. An awful lot to do in the meantime though!

My midwife appeared unannounced on Thursday afternoon - highly inconvenient as we were in the middle of packing up all our books and had boxes all over the living room - I had left a message asking her to call me as I needed her signature on my maternity grant form - didn't need her to turn up though! In the end I let her do my bp, urine and listen to the hb, then politely told her that this would be the last time I saw her (then repeated it more firmly when she said "I'll drop in again just before you go" - I think not!!). I don't trust her or like her, I find her vague and not at all reassuring at best, and incompetent at worst. If I was staying I would be considering airing my views higher up but haven't really anything to go on (or the time or energy to do so atm!). I have spoken to the community midwives where I am going and they sound great so I'm looking forward to transferring my care elsewhere!

Who was it saying about the bath being uncomfortable - oh IKWYM! I had a long-looked-forward-to bath last night and it was such a disappointment - all squished when sitting up and all breathless when lying down! Grrr. I love hot water for pain relief too - brilliant for a bad back (and fantastic in labour I've found!). Sometimes need dh's help sitting up in bed now but not too uncomfy in the evenings yet, but bump is still relatively small (I tend to explode in the last month )!

Catz, not quite the same, but I recently applied for and got a job at 25 weeks pregnant - if you are the right person for the job, then they will give it to you! Also, workplaces have to be so careful regarding discrimination - if they aren't going to give you the job then they have to be very clear as to why you are not right for it - they need to demonstrate that they are not discriminating against you because of pregnancy! IIWY, I would apply and keep your fingers crossed that the baby is not early - or pull out at the last minute if at the time you feel that you are not able to do yourself justice. You may find that you are in fine fettle at that point and if you haven't applied then it would be a shame to be missing out - iyswim!

I'm impressed at how many people have hospital bags ready - honestly if this baby comes early then we are in big trouble - I know where everything is atm but it's all packed - I will be sending dh on a hunt to find everything before I come home!! I'm planning to get a bag ready and sorted once we have moved house (on the basis that I refuse to consider having a baby before then ). So far my earliest was five days before the due date (my first) so I'm not overly worried at this juncture!

Congratulations to those of you avoiding PE - well done! And those who are worrying about baby positions - don't panic - my first was breech until less than 12 hours before I went in for a section (I got sent home and went into labour naturally the following week!).

apologies for the essay - and typhoonsmum, that you are getting so stressed by your MIL - what a PITA!

Just eaten broad beans straight from the pod with dd, after breaking my back weeding. Got 5 slugs too without even looking for them.

Have a good weekend everyone.

hi all. not been on for a week as we've been on holiday in Snowdonia with DH's family. Was very proud of myself completing a 2.5 mile hike around Coed y Brenin forest in the pouring rain on a waterfall trail whilst pushing DD1 in the buggy. i know its not far but i was a couch potato for most of 1st preg so am well chuffed this time even if i am the size of a house . Had a bit of a panic on hol tho when i actually realised that I only have 9 weeks left and havent actually got anything for baby or even thought of packing my hosp bag yet. Really must organise myself!!! I'm going to try and read up on the posts and see how everyone is. Good to be back

Catz - Go for the job! I would like to think that you wont be discriminated against and if you don't try you will never know! go for it and show em what your made of!

Typhoonsmum - Oh poor you! If it makes you feel any better I feel exactly the same!

All week I'm just fighting to keep going with work and housework etc...weekend comes and all hell breaks loose! Everyone seems to wind me up and I have just about had it with being told 'what to think' and what to do and more annoying 'what i should be doing'!!!! grrrrr....try and get some time out if you can! good luck and i hope you made DP get his own damn dinner!!!!

Miaou - Congrats on the move (I hope this takes you closer to the hospital and a better midwife)! I know its hard work but think of how lovely it will be iwth new baby and new house!
Sorry your bath was a dissapointment!

Jennster - YOU ARE THE SLUGSLAYER! hehehee...well done!

Huskygirl - Thats quite an acheivement! I'm lucky if i can give the dog one walk round the park!

Well, its 3.20 and Im wide awake! grrrr...thought I'd pop on and see whats going on!

I have managed to calm down from my incredibly hormonal outburst on Friday!

My LO is still 'obviously breech' according to the midwife and said we would scan again at 34 weeks to take a look! I guess at least I would get another scan out of it!

Hope all are well and enjoying the weekend.

Sorry for the long post...but forgot to add that DH walked in on me getting dressed and after turning up his nose said 'urghghgh, put some clothes on'!
Nothing like making one feel attractive! Grrrrrr!

MYfairone, I'd get more affection from a pet rock than DP at the moment. When i get in from work and put DD to bed I'm good for nothing so go straight to bed.
Not got as emotional as Friday this weekend but we still have the rest of today to go.
One more week in work before the holiday from hell. I must be positive. It won't be as bad as I think it will be. WILL IT!

Well our holiday that we were expecting to be a lovely relaxing break turned out to be awful, typhoonsmum. (So much so that I wrote to the crap-holidays section of the Observer travel magazine) So perhaps by some counter-balancing force your predicted holiday from hell won't be too bad? I live in hope for you anyway.

Hi Folks,
Quiet weekend thank goodness - have survived the first week back at work and am looking forward to going back tomorrow (how sad am I!!). LO is still doing somersaults on an almost daily basis - she must start running out of room soon.

Catz - If you can turn up for a job interview at 39 weeks it shows incredible determination and I would give you the job!

Hope everybody else keeping well