Due in July Part FOUR - gather here!

[Cyee]

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

Had best sleep in weeks - and the sun is shining and 17 month old DD is in lovely chirpy form after a horrible bout of something. No moaning for me today!

My birth plan:
As many white coats/blue surgical gowns as possible. I don't care what music is on the CD player. I want to be out of hospital as soon as possible (home c-sections sadly for the future!).

Also: things that annoy me about midwife appts:
At 12 weeks: being asked about my breastfeeding plans when I have a CVS, a cervical suture, and a whole pregnancy to get through before any decisions need to be made on that score.
At 20 weeks: being told placenta is low and told about placenta accreta
At 21 weeks: being told placenta is no longer an issue and that apparently it moves out of the way in 90% of cases! grrrrrr!

Have just got back from a holiday in Cape Town where we had a wedding to go to and have been catching up on everyone's news!

Holiday was wonderful (first time in my entire life that I haven't felt the need to suck in my stomach on the beach!) although we had a total nightmare on the way back so am very relieved to be safely back in the Uk!

We flew Emirates with a stop off in Dubai - partly because it was cheaper and partly because I thought it'd be good to have 2 shorter flights and a chance for a proper walk around in between... with hindsight would've gone for the direct plane to cut down on total travelling time but anyway, I digress...

On the way home we went to board our connecting flight in Dubai so I produced my doctor's note as I had for each of my other 5 flights, including 2 internal ones, only for them to tell me that they couldn't accept it because it was lacking an official stamp and I could easily have written it myself!

The next 20 minutes were absolutely terrifying as first we reached total stalemate with them not apparently bothered as to how I was going to get home without flying and then eventually they conceeded that if the airport doctor certified me fit to fly (with a STAMPED certificate!)then maybe they'd reconsider.

The next thing I know I'm being whisked off on the back of an ambulance trolley to some underground lair to be poked and prodded by all manner of strange people while my husband is taken off in the other direction to be quizzed about my due date!

Thankfully it all turned out ok and we made our plane with minutes to spare, even though my blood pressure was unsurprisingly sky high, but it's not an experience I'd wish to repeat.

I spoke to my midwife yesterday who said that in this country there is no stamp and the letter I had should have been absolutely fine so I think I will write a letter to the airline if nothing else so that no other poor pregnant woman has to go through anything similar.

Hope everyone's looking forward to a sunny weekend. I've organised a surprise 30th for my husband thinking it'd be good to catch up with people and especially for him to have a last fling before we have to worry about baby sitters and how to combine a hangover and a baby etc. but he went to the dentist yesterday to be told he needs root canal work doing so he's now in agony and on antibiotics so I guess we'll be the 2 tee total geriatrics in the corner!

Take Care Everyone xx

hi all, sorry madmumNika i've not been on for a few days. After living with my inlaws and being on the council house waiting list for 3 years and eventually getting somewhere after contacting my local MP we have finally been offered a council house with 12 weeks to go till the baby arrives. Its 12 mile away from here, so thats my DD1's nursery, hubby's work, both our families and my midwife but we're not really in a position to be picky tbh. So needless to say been rushing around like a headless chicken. I'm at the hospital next week for a diabetes test and another scan to see if the placenta has shifted so i'll get them to check me out then. spoke to midwife on phone tho and she put my mind at rest, BP is ok. I havent got any wee wee test sticks at home, have other people been given them?? would make a lot more sense come to think of it.

Agnesnitt,

Not wanting to cause unnecessary worry, but if you keep getting flashy lights (not just when you stand up quickly etc) I would suggest you speak to your midwife.

At my appointment on Monday, mine went through symptoms of high blood pressure (as its a sign of PE) and she specifically mentioned this, as well as headaches in central forehead which don't get better with paracetemol. If you haven't seen yours lately, then a BP check might be in order.

Justaboutmanaging,

I saw your "i've got my body back" post, which made me smile, which I'm sure I felt too. But then I started to feel like a milking machine...

But did you not find it depressing that you had lots of loose skin on your tummy, after having a nice firm bump? And the sight of my pubic hair, which hadn't been viewed (or groomed) properly for some months was shocking!

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weddingcake - glad hol was good, shame about airport problems. Glad you got back in one piece though.

Help!!! Have not had a good night's sleep for ages now and am getting myself all worked up. At night my LO becomes some sort of kick boxing acrobat and as the weeks go on I'm finding it increasingly disturbing!!! Last night it went on for hours and I ended up waking up DH in tears because I was worried the baby was thrashing around in distress and could have wrapped the cord around her neck etc..... I feel terrible because I just want her to be still, then when she is I worry and want her to move!!! My friend has suggested I try some "visualisation" techniques, and just wondering if anyone else has tried this - and what they would recommend?

I haven't had a chance to catch up on all recent posts, but hope everyone is okay. I can't believe we're moving into the last trimester and people are talking about birth plans !

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Catstar - poor you. I tend to notice the movement more at night - possibly it's because everything else is quiet and we are not dashing around or sitting in front of the tv (or whatever other background noise) as a distraction. Have you tried a long relaxing bath before bed? It works for me. ALso I have switched now to eating main meal at lunchtime then just have eve snack of pitta bread and hummous or cheese on toast and a piece of fruit or a bowl of cereal - otherwise LO seems completely wired.

Thanks ladies!! Good point about the food maybe having an effect on LO. Since I got my taste buds back I have been enjoying quite a bit of spicy food... also, like nearly everyone else, we are furiously decorating, so not much time for relaxing in the evenings. Like you say, maybe all this is creating havoc inside.... Also been working quite long hours. Well, I have tomorrow off, so intend to put my feet up and take it easy - with some plain food!!!

Here's to a good night's sleep !

Huskygirl- so pleased you are ok & glad they are keeping an eye on you. I got the wee wee sticks prescribed by my consultant early (from 20 weeks) BUT it's standard practise at my hospital to prescribe them for every pregnany woman who is 28wks or more- you just get a letter from your consultant, take it to your GP & hey presto there's a prescription for the sticks. They are called "Albustix" and most chemists stock them. I think if you think it might help you could just go to your GP to ask for a prescription. It certainly helps me relax by being able to check myself.

Also fab news about the council house Shame you have to nag so much to get anywhere...and a pity it's so far away but like you said at least you have something of your own now Do let us know how the scan & tests go next week xx

Pulapula- thank you for mentioning about flashing lights being a symptom of PE... that sprung to my mind too! Hopefully though Agnes all is ok?

Catstar- really hope you get some more sleep too..relaxation is definitely key- rest as much as you can & maybe try a warm bath before bed as often LO will thrash around while you're in the water then hopefully also sleep when you do afterwards!

Weddingcake- glad your hols were good but oh what a nightmare with the last flight!! Glad you finally got let on though- but certainly not good for your BP!!!

All good here- had scan & consultant appt today- everything seems as it should be- phew! They gave me my first steroid injection (ouch!!) and GP is giving the second tomorrow...so baby's lungs will be matured in 2 days' time. Scary but in many ways it does put my mind at ease if things kick off like last time. Keeping a close eye on my antibody levels too as could be a prob but just living day by day- the main thing is LO seems absolutely fine!

Sleep well everyone when you get there xxx

Hi everyone - not been on for ages but just wanted to say hello! and hope you're all well...
We've managed to sell our flat and now need to find somewhere to live but there doesn't seem to be much about and all really expensive too. Also thinking about schools for DS1 which seems slightly premature (he's 17 months!) but guess we won't be moving again before he goes to school. What a minefield.
I was told by the midwife the other day that I'm slightly small for dates but not to worry about it - so of course I'm worrying about it. Have people put on much weight? And does anyone know what "normal" is?
I can't wait to meet baby - I'm enjoying this pg much more than my last but I have slowed down this last week. But hope he stays put until he's properly cooked. Have decided to try for a VBAC - has anyone else? Really quite scared tho I think.
Anyway - how lucky are we to be pg in this weather? Bloomin' lovely! Almost makes the lack of sleep bearable!

I had a VBAC with my second son. First was an emergency c-section due to him being in the posterior position and a large baby (9lbs 9oz). A 13 hours long and painful labour yielded fetal and maternal distress, synchronised (the hospital at that time did not "do" epidurals). The VBAC for me was not that wonderful an experience as son no. 2 was also a big baby (9lbs 9oz) and one of the conditions of me being allowed to try a VBAC was so long as I was not expecting another large baby. They scanned at 38 weeks and came up with an projected birth weight of 7lb 4oz! They identified some minor pelvic disproportion when I had a pelvimetry after my c-section so were being cautious. They used ventouse and after that failed they opted for a mid cavity forceps delivery which resulted in a 3rd degree tear for me and a huge blood loss. Son's head was cut and horribly mishapen for quite a few days (poor chap) and I was advised not to let visitors handle him as he probably had a headache (I should say!)but he was fine after a week or so. I also had to stay in hospital for over a week - even longer than for a c-section. Not the ideal delivery but having said that the recovery for me was very much quicker than after a c-section. For my thrid baby I had a c-section (advised) and was not offered a VBAC. For this one I will be having another c-section. I suppose it really depends on whether the reasons for the original c-section prevail or whether the circumstances were of a one off nature.

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Hi all,

You have been busy, Havent caught up on eveyone..

Hope everyone is ok..

It has been so hot here this last week between 25 and 27 degrees, going to get my self a swimming costume so that we can go to a pool over the weekend..

Not much to report things are going smoothly here.. lo is doing fine.. getting bigger all the time and moving lots.

DS is becoming a lot more chatty now, and DD is hardley ever about always out with her mates..
DH working late for the next few weeks and is back to the uk for the weekend next weekend for the Rugby, (more for the pissup me thinks!!)
he is going away for 6 weeks in October then looks like he is going back to where he was for 3-6 months the beginning of next year.. Getting my head round it now though so that I am prepared..

Hips are really playing up trying to keep as active as possible .. but sometimes it hurts so much, I creid putting waashing in the machine the other day it was hurting that much.. The mw has given me a support belt havent used it yet as it is so thick and I am too hot as it is with out that on aswell.

Abgirl - well done for getting past the stage you got to last time..

Agnes- Hope all is ok..

3flights- I had a VBAC last time and everything was great.. (three pushes and he was out..) I laboured for 20 hours but established labour (from 3cm dilated) was about 4-5 hrs) I think.... was 4 cm for ages then went from 4-10in a matter of minutes!!>)

Not being able to have any Gas and air this time is freaking me out about as that is what I delivered on last time.. Going for the hospital visit at the end of next month and will speak to them then to see what pain relief they do offer..!!

This week's stats list:

Date Name
23-Jun Auntymandy 31 +6
27-Jun Beartime 31 +2
29-Jun 3flightsofstairs 31 +0
29-Jun Cakehead 31 +0
29-Jun Justbeme 31 +0
30-Jun Swift1 30 +6
30-Jun Dophus 30 +6
30-Jun Trimum2 30 +6
01-Jul Gingertoo 30 +5
02-Jul Pulapula 30 +4
02-Jul Becks08 30 +4
04-Jul Theprecious 30 +2
05-Jul Relax 30 +1
05-Jul Cupcakesgalore 30 +1
05-Jul Stigaloid 30 +1
06-Jul Abgirl 30 +0
06-Jul Emmyb 30 +0
06-Jul Berrysmum 30 +0
07-Jul Pookey 29 +6
07-Jul Greyclay 29 +6
08-Jul Helenmumof2 29 +5
08-Jul Cyee 29 +5
09-Jul Flipflop 29 +4
09-Jul Nadinetd 29 +4
09-Jul Catstar 29 +4
09-Jul MelissaM 29 +4
12-Jul Dorisofdevon 29 +1
13-Jul Loujay 29 +0
13-Jul Breadandroses 29 +0
13-Jul Mrswaggsnapps 29 +0
14-Jul Firsttimer40 28 +6
14-Jul Hamptonnewbie 28 +6
14-Jul Weddingcake 28 +6
15-Jul Bodkin 28 +5
15-Jul Twoplusone 28 +5
15-Jul newby29 28 +5
15-Jul MarchBunny 28 +5
15-Jul Jamantha 28 +5
15-Jul Jendos 28 +5
16-Jul Cutiebabies 28 +4
16-Jul Earlyriser 28 +4
16-Jul Gingerbics 28 +4
17-Jul fido 28 +3
18-Jul Keiralou 28 +2
18-Jul Saf1 28 +2
18-Jul Bertieboo 28 +2
19-Jul Kyte 28 +1
19-Jul Vicky55 28 +1
19-Jul Biblio 28 +1
20-Jul Faby 28 +0
20-Jul MissusC 28 +0
20-Jul Princesspowersparkle 28 +0
20-Jul Agnesnitt 28 +0
21-Jul Miaou 27 +6
22-Jul Jennster 27 +5
22-Jul Baysmum 27 +5
22-Jul Tutter 27 +5
22-Jul Madmumnika 27 +5
22-Jul Chooster 27 +5
23-Jul Dewmeadow 27 +4
24-Jul Twink123 27 +3
24-Jul Huskygirl 27 +3
25-Jul Groveregg 27 +2
25-Jul Caroline1852 27 +2
26-Jul Firststar 27 +1
26-Jul Bubble78 27 +1
27-Jul Lynneclynne 27 +0
27-Jul Leiselvontrapp 27 +0
27-Jul Glittercaz 27 +0
29-Jul Tallysmummy 26 +5
29-Jul Myfairone 26 +5
29-Jul Typhoonsmum 26 +5
30-Jul Giulia 26 +4
31-Jul Littlepiggie 26 +3
31-Jul Justaboutmanaging 26 +3

Thanks for all your lovely messages, having a great time on maternity leave so far. Have done loads of those little jobs that I'd been putting off for ages and currently reorganising the filing system - sounds dull but oddly am strangely enjoying it now I'm getting on with it!

Went for a swim yesterday and found it really relaxing so going to try going twice a week from now on, hopefully will help me keep cool too as the weather gets warmer.

Hello all,
You've only got to be off this thread for a few days and there is tons of new stuff to catch up with! Isn't it great!

Glad to hear the on the whole we are all doing well.

Catstar - I can totally sympathise with you and the sleep problem. I have exactly the same problem. I wake up to pee and then the LO wakes up and starts to really jump around and before I know it I am wide awake and get very agitated and have to get up. I seem to get sooooo exhausted that my body just wants to give up! Also makes me very emotional too.
I tend to get one good night a week when I seem to just not be able to stay awake any longer. The midwife told me its hormone related and is my body's way of preparing! How can it be preparing for less sleep by not letting me sleep?

Twoplusone- Lovely temperatures but sounds like you need that swimming costume!!
Sorry to hear about your hips

Abgirl -I'm so jealous!

Firststar - I have no idea about my weight gain but I do know that I am growing out of my maternity clothes which is a little worrying!

Big hugs to all and hope you enjoy the sunshine!

On the sleep froont sorry to hear some of you are having trouble sleeping on a night..

I am the other way am having no probs at all.. the thing that is worrying me most I am sleeping on my tummy!!!! On the left side.. lo doesnt seem to mind though.

Think I have gained about a stone and half so far.. but am all front this time.. which is a first for me I carried the other two all round.. someone told me from the back I dont look pg!!!.. plenty of time yet though..lol.. legs feel huge too.. but think that is due to lots of water as ankles have dissappeared most days.. wont be long till wedding rings are of they are starting to get tight now..

Have a good weekend everyone.. I am going to make an effort to get back on everyday.. if I have the energy too and ds lets me!!!.

Take care all.xx

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Twoplusone - Someone said that to me the other day but I am sure they were just being kind! I feel pregnant and for some reason i am so stiff when I get up out of my chair, I do the whole 'wobble' thing before I can get moving!

Firststar - Not really planning on buying too many more maternity clothes but the ones I have are definitely a lot more snug! I have 8 weeks left at work and hope I can get by until the time when I can veg in flip flops and trackie bottoms!

Have a great weekend all!

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