November 2018 #2

[BadBadBeans]

Ante-natal thread for babies due this November, continued...

Stats spreadsheet is here - add and update yourself as needed!

Also on a cheerier note - bloody first trimester! I'm so nauseous but not actually sick all that much, constantly eating crackers/ digestive biscuits seems to stem it for a bit but now at the grand total of 8 weeks my jeans don't fit and I'm getting the maternity ones down from the attic! Anyone else having this?!

@toasterstrudel and @olderthanyouthink I know what you mean! I’m constantly queasy, carbs seems to help but I’ve got parents evening at work tonight and only brought snacky things so I’m starting to struggle! Mini cheddars and cereal bars also good. I’ve gone right off biscuits which is a first for me (ever!)

@toasterstrudle I'm glad it's not just me! I actually wore maternity jeans today to toddler gym after having to undo my jeans in the car yesterday! Only 6+3 though. More just a 'tender' feeling than I'm any bigger I think though (hopefully). I'm hoping to keep this pg quiet til about 13/14 weeks though so we'll see how that goes!

No nausea at all today, just exhausted! I actually had a nap when dd did and I never sleep during the day!

@toasterstrudle & @Clarigirl87 I have my hand in a share bag of twigglets and am feeling much better.

Wow thread is moving fast! Yes to active birth and hypnobirthing, I only read a book last time and did yoga classes but had a lovely water birth first time. Got to 7cms using a tens and then got into the water for the last bit. No pain relief, didn't like gas and air either so I was with it the whole time. I watch one born but they are all on their backs screaming it makes me mad! Fingers crosses for similar or home birth this time.

Nauseous here but only sick a few rimes, nothing like with DD so of course I'm worrying. Luckily my booking in has been moved forward from 10 weeks to 8 weeks on 4th April so will discuss with mw if I'm still worried. No spotting and getting fatter, more busty by the day so I hope it's ok in there.

Just chiming in re: hypnobirthing. I didn't use it last time (with hindsight, I couldn't have done anyway) and I can't afford to do one of the courses as I'm hoping to hire a doula so need my cash for that, but my friend had an amazing labour and birth using techniques from The Hypnobirthing Book. I've just ordered a copy from Amazon as I'm keen to try it this time along with the techniques from pregnancy yoga which I've signed up for again.

For first timers, even if you don't think you'll use yoga techniques in labour, I highly recommend yoga classes during pregnancy as they really helped me build strength and relax.

Thanks so much for the info re hypnobirthing and for sharing good birth stories. Friends only seem to share the horror stories!

I’m 8+1 today and feel so, so much better. Far more energy and less nauseous. My boobs are still sore and I’m going to bed earlier than usual, but I don’t feel hungover as I did before. When I was feeling awful I drank a lot of ginger cordial (Belvoir do a nice one) with ice, and ate Graze protein bites and apples, which I really fancied. Also eating first thing - essentially having two breakfasts - helped me too. To all of you who are feeling terrible I hope that’s helpful! Is anyone else struggling to get their head around the fact they’re actually pregnant? I’m 38 and didn’t think it would happen for us - i don’t think my mind has caught up yet!

This thread is moving so quickly now! Thanks for sharing all your stories - great to hear so many people have had good experiences, please keep them coming!

I also watched one born with DH... one thing we absolutely agreed on is that he will definitely not filming from the wrong end, esp if there are any forceps involved ! Did anyone else find the fact the husband filmed that a bit weird....? Not sure I’d ever want to watch that back

All my jeans are too tight at 7 +1 which is severely limiting wardrobe options. No idea how to keep this quiet for another 5 weeks

@Nightmanagerfan this was our last cycle before starting referrals for IVF. I can barely believe it. Definitely in the all day nausea crew at 6+1 but finding much the same - first breakfast early, changing commute so I largely avoid a crowded bus and get on the tube at the end of the line, and snacks are all helping.

Hope anyone else spotting is OK. It's a bit nerve racking.

Almost cried watching The Yorkshire Vet Casebook. Must be pregnancy hormones I think as I'm not normally one to get emotional about things on TV at all.

I think his thread moves fast because it’s so much harder when you can’t talk to many people IRL about these nerve wracking early days... once we can share good news I think things will go a bit slower!

I used the hypnoburthing book and cd and didn’t do a course either sarahhh and found it really helpful, and even though I had an emcs I still used all the techniques throughout and had a surprisingly calm positive experience despite it not being the home birth I was aiming for!

I think someone mentioned the FB group recently. There is a small group (just for us) set up. If you're interested in joining send me a pm with your email address.
I know lots of people won't want to join, or will leave it a while more before joining, but if you're interested let me know!
We're all continuing on this thread too!

@DrWhy I'm sure it's difficult for any toddler to welcome a new baby. I know that when I first had DS, my friend picked him up for a cuddle and her two-year-old went MENTAL with jealousy! Unfortunately for the two-year-old, her mummy was about 12 weeks pregnant at the time! She got used to the baby eventually...! Ah you're another one having a Harmony test then. Are you going to wait till after your NHS screening results, or will you get it done before? I'm getting it done before this time.

@confuddledconfudle Yes, very important to share good experiences! I think I also mentioned upthread that I have two friends who were induced (one at 38 weeks, one at 40+10) and who both had brilliant natural births with minimal pain relief - the 40+10 one was even a water birth. And to echo @toasterstrudle as well, my Category 1 EMCS was a really positive experience (especially given my flat-out phobia of needles) and I recovered really well - I took the paracetamol and ibuprofen I was sent home with for about ten days, and then just stopped bothering because I wasn't in any pain at all (we're still using up the ibuprofen nearly two years later!). My scar is bloody amazing - so neat and tidy, and hasn't affected the way my tummy looks at all. At the time, I was a little sad that I didn't get the water birth I had envisaged (@Saraswati yours sounds exactly like what I'd hoped for!), and that meeting my baby wasn't the moment of pure love and recognition that I had dreamed of (what actually happened was that he was displayed to me briefly while he was busy puking meconium over a doctor's arm!), but I'm not sad about it any more because it genuinely doesn't matter.

@sarahhh1984 I didn't go on a hypnobirthing course either; a friend copied me a hypnobirthing CD that his wife had used and it was excellent (I know, prob should have bought a copy myself... Will do this time because I can't remember what I did with it!).

@Nightmanagerfan I think the combination of falling pregnant immediately and the fact that I now have absolutely no symptoms whatsoever (apart from those nutso dreams) means that I am starting to have a hard time believing that I'm really pregnant. But my diary from last time tells me that I still didn't feel pregnant at 6+1, and I'm 6 now, so I'm trying not to panic. (Have already Googled 'pregnant no symptoms' though!) I have one last pregnancy test left, so will probably POAS tomorrow morning.

@hellotoyellow that's so amazing re. you having been about to start IVF!

@NoCatsHere yes I think the same re. the thread - it will slow down eventually! Also I'm actually quite grateful it's one that moves fast - I'd be chomping at the bit if nobody was posting much!

Another one who had an induction and then an EMCS. I'm quite set on an ELCS this time - I wanted a water birth, to be relaxed and it all was the exact opposite. That said I'm quite keen on looking at hypnobirthing techniques for the ELCS as I was asleep for my EMCS so I think some extra techniques for anxiety will help. The advice I always give to first timers is to know what you want but have an open mind as things may not go exactly the way you define (they might though!) and you can't go far wrong.

I'd be keen to join the small Facebook group in 3 ish weeks when 12 weeks is reached and we've started telling people!!

Feeling very ill today (all day nausea and not being able to drink and eat) not a good one but just taking each day as it comes. Hoping tomorrow will be a better day!

@BadBadBeans my scan will be when I am 10+2 so I hope enough there. I want to know what's going on ASAP so we can make decisions if required.

I had a wonderful, wonderful first birth; no pain relief. And a long and tiring home birth with my second that ended in lots of complications and a transfer to hospital but the reason I'm sharing it is because it was a home birth where we needed to be transferred and it was totally fine. We were blue lighted but everyone was on it. Never felt scary. I;ve had friends who were blue lighted in from a home birth for scary things and again it was totally fine. I think if you are close enough to the hospital there's no reason to rule out a home birth because of a fear of something going wrong. You might feel different if you were miles and miles away. Having said that my OH is against home birth for a second time. Although I would do it again because I've never actually laboured in a hospital and I like to go into my body and get on with it but it;s a bit risky after said complications. But I say go for a home birth.

Thanks @bangwhistle that's reassuring! I would like to attempt a home birth but DP isn't keen. However the hospital is only 1.5 miles away so I feel reassured we could transfer very quickly if necessary. I'm going to ask the mw for more info at my appointment and present him with some stats about safety, I think he needs stats to be reassured

Felt very not pregnant yesterday but horrific this morning. I had forgotten about all these varying symptoms. I had a good conversation with DP about names last night, we have decided a boy name and have a few options for a girl. It's difficult because I absolutely love my DDs name, it's uncommon but not weird, you can't shorten it and its easy to spell and everyone always loves it when I say it. I feel like other girls names just don't match up I know we are getting ahead of ourselves but as this was an unplanned pregnancy we've hardly ever discussed names! Anyone else got a shortlist already?

Morning everyone. I finally got my 'pregnant 2-3' on a CBD this morning so hoping things are progressing and I'm just a few days less along than I thought I was - it does actually (just) make sense as I'm 5 + 6 today according to LMP.

So as I'm feeling more positive - is anyone else having the Panorama test? I haven't booked mine yet but it's part of a scan package I'm having. Have early scan booked for when I should be about 7+ 4 so I guess I might book it in then.

Had a really late night last night due to going out to see a show and not getting back until 1.00. Today will be interesting!

Just wanted to add a note on hypnobirthing...I think there's a misconception it's just for drug-free, 'natural' births. This is wrong. Fundamentally, it's a set of tools to help you relax and stay calm, positive and as much in control as you can, no matter what you've planned for your birth, or what happens on the day.

I am a massive evangelist for hypnobirthing but there are many aspects to the 'cult' of it that I dislike (and many spurious claims were made in the course I attended...did you know that if you think positively enough, you will, guaranteed, be able to turn your breech baby without intervention?! Sigh!!). However, the basic tenets of breathing, education about the birthing process, relaxation and self-hypnosis are sound.

I'll get off my soapbox now...I think I need to be sick....bloody morning sickness!! Hypnobirthing clearly doesn't cure everything...!

@bangwhistle I'm still deliberating but think I am going to wait till closer 11 weeks - only because I don't have a wholly accurate idea of when I conceived. I would also rather know earlier though. Your births sound great! Home birth would never have been an option for us even if I hadn't gone 13 days over... We lived 45 mins to an hour from the nearest hospital depending on the time of day. Even with an ambulance it wouldn't have been close enough for me!

@Saraswati we discussed a possible girl's name the day before i got my BFP. Last time we found out it was a boy but we are going to leave it for a surprise this time - so need to think of double the names!

@Picklesandpies I also peed on a stick this morning and was relieved to have the strongest line I've ever had on a test (never tested this late on before). Still feeling totally normal though!

Hi all, just an update for those whose supplements have been making them feel worse. I've been taking the Boots Vit D and folic acid plus a chewable Vit C tablet for a few days now instead of the Seven Seas Pregnancy. I feel a million times better. Still getting nausea, particularly in evenings, but nowhere near as bad as when I was taking the multi vit. So definitely think there's something in it.

Hi All, another one here that's not posted in a while but been reading through the posts! I'd definitely be interested in joining the fb group once i'm a little further along! I might be better at keeping up!

@BadBadBeans I'm also feeling pretty normal and not particularly pregnant! I'm quite tired and have absolutely zero concentration span but other than that very few symptoms! I'm really tempted to test at lunchtime but also very scared in case it I don't like the response I get... I just have to remind myself that I didn't have many major symptoms last time and all was okay!

I've also been thinking about birth plans. With my DD I had a very quick labour for a first (6hrs start to finish and only 40 mins in the delivery suite) without any pain relief but I also had a 3rd degree tear. So if i'm honest I feel okay about the labour but I'm really worried that the I may already be weakened in certain areas and I may tear again. I'm not sure whether they would recommend a c-section after a 3rd degree tear?

I am though very interested in hypnobirthing regardless of how I deliver. I found a website called The Positive Birth Company who do courses but also an online course that's only around £30 so I might look at that again once I have better laid plans!

Hi everyone, I'm a total newbie to Mumsnet but thought it would be handy to share experiences with people due the same time as me! I'm 32 (33 on Monday), married for a year, TTC for 4 months. I got my BFP 3 days after my late period, but I just knew I was pregnant from the first missed day! I'm due 12th November, booked in with the midwife on the 4th April. Morning sickness started bang on week 6, but only actually thrown up twice. Since then I've been trying to eat every couple of hours but I just don't have any appetite! In my head I want full roast dinners and lasagnes, but physically eating is a real struggle. Also, I've been finding I feel more sick when I've gas / bloating. I've not told many people, but I had to tell my boss as I work as a TV editor, working one on one with a client most days, meaning we get lunch prepared for us (not as glamorous as it sounds). She would have definitely known something was up if I asked for dry toast for lunch without giving a reason! I'm scared how bad the sickness might get, and how that will affect my workday, but so far it's manageable, just really annoying! Anyway, thank you for listening, and good luck to all of you, especially the new mums!

@BadBadBeans Glad I'm not the only one feeling normal. Just feel a bit tired and like you, zero attention span (not normally great anyway!) but not nauseous. Will have to go for a sleep soon though as late night is catching up on me!

Welcome @pipsqueak126!

@KW1987 I was looking into elcs the other day and I know the info my hospital gives is that they recommend an elc after a third or fourth degree tear. Obviously, though, you can still go down whatever route you'd prefer and, if you decide to go for a vaginal birth you'd have appropriate care provided in case you had another tear. You may need to make an appointment with a consultant mw to discuss your options.

Welcome @pipsqueak126

Your job sounds interesting. Can see why you might need to alert your boss re food though. Gosh, it's so easy for men isn't it! My husband has just been chatting to me in a soundproofed office about it all without a care in the world!

May I recommend to anyone suffering with morning sickness - a potato waffle sandwich! As a student these were my hangover antidote and they work equally as well in pregnancy! Such utter stodge but it was the only thing I had a chance of keeping down with dd1. Mmmm... now I'm going to have to have one (just to check I'm giving you accurate information you see.)