February 2019 babies. The third trimester: it's all starting to feel very real now!

[maxiflump1]

Here we are again ladies with another new thread..... maybe some of these babies may make an appearance on this one!

After saying last week I hadn't had any Braxton Hicks, I've started having them today! Whole top of my bump keeps going rigid! Had a bit of a panic earlier as thought maybe I was going into labour! But think it's just BH, thankfully. Still, it's made me realise I really need to get this work project done and dusted over the next few days just in case...

I really need to get sorted with hospital bag. Had a growth scan today and although baby was very active and all looking well, she's dropped from 90th centile line to just above 50th, so now they're concerned that her weight gain is dropping a little, got to go back in 10 days for a Doppler scan, but they said not to worry as could be incorrect measurements somewhere along the line, has anyone else had the same happen? X

I’d second a towel. They didn’t provide them with DD. I’m not bothering with newborn stuff - DD went straight into 0-3! I gave the newborn sized stuff i brought with to the ward as they’re always in need of stuff.

I’d also recommend a bag for dad. Including a pillow - if you’re on the ward and partners are allowed to stay overnight it’s generally a chair! And a feeding pillow for you if you’re planning on BF. Although admittedly they’re v bulky.

Although I’m not planning on packing a bag anytime soon! 😂 need to get clothes sorted first. Last time I packed at 35 weeks or something and it annoyed me no end to have it sat there mocking me!

Oh my god my ankles! Just looked down and they have completely disappeared, my legs look like hams 😱😭😳

This is my list (seems long):

Change of clothes for me, something comfy
Pyjamas or a night shirts
Underwear
Flip flops
Towel
Something to put dirty laundry in

Bottles of water
Snacks

Shampoo, conditioner, hair product, face wash, moisturiser, body wash, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, make up
Cotton wool pads
Face wipes
Maternity pads
Breast pads
Moist toilet tissues
Squirty water bottle
Glasses and contact lenses
Phone
Tablet
Charger
Puzzle book
Maternity notes

Cash (for parking)

Socks
Hair bobbles
Bikini top

Newborn and 0-3 vests and sleepsuits
Cardigan
Baby nappies and wipes
Hat and mittens
Baby coat
Blanket
Bottle / feeder set
Car seat
Changing mat
Baby towel

Just found my lists that I’ve forwarded to friends in case it’s helpful. Don’t reckon there’s anything no one already has:

Hospital bag

Mummy:
Pyjamas - loose in case of section - you will NOT want anything that touches it and button down / stretchy vest for BF access if required
Flip flops or slippers - not about being bare foot.
Nightie for labour - you'll lose all dignity trust me, but to give some some semblance of it and for important first pics!!
Big pants - lots of pairs. Cheap and black. And I mean lots. Like ten pairs and several sizes too big.
Clothes to go home in - jersey harem pants, loose top, ballet pumps. Or loose dress. I blew up like a balloon so you may want to bear this possibility in mind!!
Maternity pads X2 packs for hospital and at least another x2/3 for home. Vag births bleed more than sections, it is like having a wedgie but you will need them at first!
Pillow - a V pillow if you have one, makes feeding so much easier and comfy!
Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel (something really nice), moisturiser - face and body, deodorant, hair stuff, cream cleanser and flannels, dry hair shampoo
Hair bobbles
Lansinoh - or equivalent. Nipple cream - again assuming BF!
Bras
Breastfeeding pads - as above!
Towel - soft fluffy towel will be an amazing luxury post birth!
Hair towel
Hairbrush / comb
Makeup bag - sounds vain but I am so glad I had mine!
Kindle - hospital is boring
iPad - as above
Chargers
Snacks (protein bars, sweets, crisps, crackers, dried fruit, nuts)
Dressing gown - something light and soft / stretchy
Maternity notes!
Birth plan (copies)
Water wipes - do you have these? Hypoallergenic wipes for newborns. Cotton wool is a massive fanny and faff.
Cotton wool - if you can't get the above
Socks
Face cloths - really helpful for during labour
Water bottle -
Bikini top - if you're doing water birth
Coconut water
Portable changing mat - best thing ever. Otherwise nowhere to change baby except on your bed and if you have dioharrea at 5am... You can get super cheap ones on eBay for a few quid
Magazines
Vaseline - gas and air literally destroys your mouth!

Baby:
Nappies - newborn and size 1. Take at least 8.
Water wipes
Vests - 4
Baby gros - 4 (take a variety of sizes - we took newborn and 0-3)
All in one - for going home. Don't know what the weather is like there at the mo!
Blankets - 2 - cellular blankets
Hat
Car seat
Going home outfit - v important!!

Dad
Change of clothes (x2!)
Toiletries
Snacks
Chargers
Jumper
Copy of birth plan
Pillow
iPad
Water
Change for vending machine
Camera
Taxi numbers

@powkin - elevate them and get DH to rub your legs to alleviate.

@Since2016 they are up now, we are going to put on some cooling depuffing gel on in a minute!

@powkin - honestly? Elevation and a proper in depth massage to reduce the fluid is probably the only thing that will help. It’s horrible mine were the same in my first pregnancy you have my sympathies.

Been away from this for Xmas

Congrats @LookingAtTheStars89 what a gorgeous baby! Finishing packing the hospital bag today just for you!

So hospital bag wise there is soooo much!

I have a hand held bag for me and a hand luggage case for baby.....

Is this too much??

Ps heart burn and raving baby = 4am wake up!

Also towel wise do the hospital provide one anyway?

Thinking of less space!

@Lulabell1 we got told the same yesterday, head is down and ever so slightly engaged. I got excited thinking it might be a sign that they’ll come slightly early but doesn’t look like there is any correlation between them engaging and when they actually arrive. Knowing my luck they’ll be late now 😂

I’ve not got my next appointment till the 3rd, but I recognise the horrible grinding pain when I walk... so I’m pretty sure mines fairly well engaged most of the time. They can ‘float’ in and out though I believe..

It’s also worth asking your mw what they mean with their figures. They measure ‘engaged’ in fifths, but when they say 1/5 they can either mean 1/5 engaged, or 1/5 palpable... ie, one fifth of the head is in the pelvis, or they can only feel one fifth outside the pelvis.. (which actually means 4/5 engaged).

Mine says 4/5 palpable, so just a smidgen into the pelvis. Still got just over 5 weeks til due date so things could change. I think they're just running out of space as I keep pushing them away from my ribs.

My baby was head down at 2 appointments and went on Thurs (34+4) and she's head at the top now - explains the lightening crotch!!

Mw did say though that it doesn't really matter as we're going the sunroof route! 😂

I push mine away from my ribs too!! Little bugger bloody hurts wherever it is now! 😂

I have a pic yesterday on the left how low he is mow and then the right is 2 weeks ago! I felt it almost drop i find it hard to walk now and i constantly need a wee ha!

Nope. DD was head down, back to back for several weeks and v low. 6 days late and numerous sweeps. Sorry ladies it’s just the last few weeks are a bit uncomfortable for most!

Isit really bad im a tad p*** off as My parteners brother had a baby August (long story but he had an affair and got her pregnant now they are together) well shes just announced shes pregnant again i said congratulations but i really feel a type of way right now i need to stop ha!

Why would it piss you off? I don't. Understand.

I had my placenta scan on Thurs and they did a growth scan too. All looking good and placenta is well clear of cervix. So nice to see the baby again, and to see its chubby cheeks!! I've got just over 5 wks left, time is flying now. Still not really bought anything for baby or my hospital bag but have written a list for both. Need to get shopping!

Baby's estimated weight was 5.5lb at the scan, so I guess it's not going to end up tiny (as I'd kind of hoped for)

@detachablehoof - chubby cheeks! Cute 😍 can't wait to give my girl's a squeeze now! We must be due around same date as I'm 34+6 x

Tiny babies are often harder to birth... the chunkier ones have gravity on their side!