Dec19/Jan20 IVF Graduates - Thread 2

[Chooklass]

New thread for us all to keep in touch. Think we're all nearing the end of the first trimester or dipping our toes into the second ... how far we've come since the days of agonising over stims!

Link to old thread:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/birth_clubs/3812203-Dec19-Jan20-IVF-Graduates

@October2020 well done for calling them! Weirdly enough I started having dreams of being in car crashes or on a sinking boat. I think the more we feel baby kicking the more our brain gets reprogrammed with primal instinct of protecting them. Hope you talk to the team and that'll ease your anxiety.

I am taking mat leave 2,5 weeks before the due date. Honestly I can't wait and happy to be bored at home, I've got lots of hobbies to keep myself busy plus nesting. I want a bit of me time before he's here:)

Saw midwife yesterday and talked about home birth, will contact our local team to chat about it. She said it's a great way to start the labour and if at any point I change my mind and want an epidural or nurses decide it's going too slowly I'll be transferred to a hospital on an ambulance and it's 10 min drive from ours.

Baby's active, my bump is normal size right in the middle of the chart, I am surprised as I though it'd be on the bigger side! Heartbeat is normal too. Next appointment is in 3 weeks! Feels like I'm being properly looked after now! Also they don't weight me and not tracking my weight:)

@DobbieFreeElf I had a different experience, found out my cousin is trying since October and is super nervous as not pregnant yet. They had tests done and both have mild issues. I feel I can definitely sympathize with the situation. Another cousin in law has been trying for years too.. I feel their pain. I heard somewhere that any experience you had is like a stone you put in your pocket, the more stones you have the more wise you become and at some point people start coming to you to share the wisdom. I think going through tough situations especially when they are happily resolved like ours is a valuable part of life. Maybe in a way we should be grateful we've got this incredible experience. We now can have a deeper understanding of desire to have a family, issues around surrogacy, adoption, etc.

How is everyone doing? And specifically, sleeping? I am starting to get uncomfortable at nights and not really get more than a couple of hours here and there. Slightly worrying with 13 weeks of this to go!!

Had our first NCT and I found that panicking on the "how sorted are you" front. Admittedly we're the furthest behind in our group but others had prams bought and assembled next to them in the pictures and things. 😬 I think we're doing ok, we have the snuzpod, a decent amount of clothes following a Sainsbury's run, and are still keeping our eyes on redelivery of those sustainable nappies you mentioned @FlapJackered. But need to be in a much better place in a month's time for sure.

I actually bought a second hand digital breast bump from a local mum from gumtree. Obviously I'll need to sterilise but I hope not to need it too much and it was so much cheaper.

I'm really pushing it on my mat leave, starting it on my EDD and would have liked to start it two days after (because of the weekend) if work had let me but that's not allowed. I have two weeks' holiday before but I know I'll just be working from home and if it comes early it will just trigger the mat leave so I want to wait as long as possible. Everything will hurt by then so I may as well work 😂

@Wimbledon1 you are MUCH more organised than me. I have just bought a baby carrier and that is it so far! 🙈 I have got the pram on order, but definitely need to get on it all soon. 😬
I am so with you on the sleep. Are you coping with it and working? I am a mess! I had a couple of hours sleep last night and ended up crying in the middle of the night for the 3rd time this week 😂😭. I don't know how I am going to cope when the baby comes and sleep is non existent, although at least I won't have to function in a working capacity!
How are you finding the NCT so far?

@DobbieFreeElf that is funny you say that, as one of my friends told me she was pregnant and my first feeling was this sadness! So strange! I had that whole happy for her, sad for me feeling, but I definitely have no reason to be sad now! It's funny how infertility can affect you long term.
How's the ankle feeling?

@October2020 I have had a wobble about having nothing sorted, and also the house not being suitable or ready for a baby. I have been having anxiety attacks in the middle of the night over it. Well done for speaking to someone about it, definitely the right thing to do, it can get very overwhelming.

I have no idea when I will start maternity leave as I am on a project which needs to be finished but no idea how long it will take.
I really wanted some time before to zen out, as the hypnobirthing lady says you need to feel relaxed and safe for the baby to feel ready to come out, hence why a lot of people have to be induced for going over these days. 🤷‍♀️

Thank you for all the support ladies ❤ I've had a calmer weekend which is good.

Sleep is not good! Can't fall asleep on my left at all, compromising with my right side but that isn't much better. Getting up at least twice for a wee and generally just not hugely comfortable.

Anyone else have a very uncomfortable bladder? Finding it very unpleasant sometimes when walking! Feels like I'm desperate for a wee but I'm not. Definitely not a UTI as I've been tested twice this week and it changes when baby moves position but it isn't much fun!

I love being pregnant though. I'm already sad thinking about it being over!

I've started writing a journal to baby. Letters, food cravings, random thoughts etc. Bit daft really but makes me feel very much in love!

Hi everyone 👋. Got the wallpaper on nursery wall yesterday and ordering the carpet tomorrow. I had bought a lovely fluffy door stop dog but then my real dog got hold of it and licked it all over. Does anyone know how I should wash it? I'm thinking it will never be fluffy again.
@Wimbledon1 I'm also thinking of starting Maternity leave on my due date as I'm also wfh and on a work project like @FlapJackered. Don't see the point on starting earlier than that but I don't know how uncomfortable I will be. I still haven't signed up for NCT as I'm hoping they will do it face to face if I leave it to September. The issue is there is only one course that includes babies due in mid October but it's in a not so nice area or the September course which is for babies due end of October to mid November.
@October2020 I'm also feeling like I have to pee a lot but when I go it's nearly nothing. Last week I sneezed during a zoom conference call and peed myself. Has it happened to anyone? I'm thinking my pelvic floor is already poor before baby is here.
On the sleep front I'm doing better after I got myself 2 extra pillows on each side (normal pillows, nothing fancy) as it supported my tummy better.
I also got a journal from Etsy for the baby. Need to start writing on it though. Not long to go now. I've waited so long for this pregnancy and it feels like time is flying by ⏰⏰⏰

Oh yes have had this with the bladder for a while. Things just leaking sometimes. I have pads in the cupboard now for if it gets worse. So glam 🤣

Have (early) 28 week midwife this morning after another terrible night's sleep so will be asking for advice. My back is so uncomfortable already - I don't mind getting up for the loo but the pain of being unable me to lie in one position (but only one position being an option) is not making me happy! @FlapJackered I'm just so glad I don't need to actually go to work and see people.

@QuantumGirl well done on the nursery!! Ours is still untouched! What theme/colour are you having?

NCT can be tricky with logistics can't it. Mine is clearly much too early but was the only fit in my area if I didn't want to be pushing the very end of it. Just had the one and our instructor is clearly new but a few couples I think we'll get on with.

She shared this charming video with us which is helpful but brutal...lots of techniques and reality in there if you can bear it: www.pennysimkin.com/three-rs/

@Wimbledon1 have you got a full body pregnancy cushion? It helped me so much with my hip ache. I also started using pregnancy ball, amazing for light stretching before bed, you can sit on it super comfortable to rotate all the joints, hips and spine. I've got this on from amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/BABYGO-Pregnancy-Maternity-Anti-burst-Technology/dp/B07KXV8QLJ/ref=mpssa111_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=pregnancy+ball&qid=1594649939&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFPUjNKQkNSVk1BN1kmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAyODc1NjIxOFFHQTFHUDY4UE5OJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4ODA0MzMzRENGWVpaME83Sk9TJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfcGhvbmVfc2VhcmNoX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

@October2020 glad to hear you are feeling better.

I find DH struggles with anxiety about the baby and Coronavirus. I wish midwifes would check up on him rather than only me. Will try to convince him to do some counseling.

We've got most things covered but not planning to do the nursery as the baby will stay in our room for a while and the guest room will be done for family to stay over and help/visit.

I do want to redecorate both rooms though but not sure it'll happen with DH struggling with anxiety. It's livable as is so trying not to focus on things being done.

Baby moves more and more each day which is wonderful. I'm 28w now. Not that long to go! I'm thinking a lot about labour and delivery. I'll be curious to experience it with no pain management to see how I cope with it and what it feels like. But mentally preparing myself to all outcomes, c-section or assisted if needed.

@October2020 glad to hear you are feeling better.

I find DH struggles with anxiety about the baby and Coronavirus. I wish midwifes would check up on him rather than only me. Will try to convince him to do some counseling.

We've got most things covered but not planning to do the nursery as the baby will stay in our room for a while and the guest room will be done for family to stay over and help/visit.

I do want to redecorate both rooms though but not sure it'll happen with DH struggling with anxiety. It's livable as is so trying not to focus on things being done.

Baby moves more and more each day which is wonderful. I'm 28w now. Not that long to go! I'm thinking a lot about labour and delivery. I'll be curious to experience it with no pain management to see how I cope with it and what it feels like. But mentally preparing myself to all outcomes, c-section or assisted if needed.

I've spoken to a friend of mine who has 2 kids she said she never used the breast pump I suggested I see how I go when the baby is here.

Thanks everyone for confirming I’m not completely crazy!

@FlapJackered Ankle is still quite sore and still bruised but I’m only marginally Lane now and I’ve started driving again this week. DS has actually been very good considering I’ve not been able to take him out much.

I’ll sleeping terribly too but last night I had the first good night sleep I’ve had in ages and it was my first night wearing a Dream Belt (photo). It was the first night I didn’t wake up constantly with aching hips and I felt much better for it this morning. I got mine (new) on eBay for about half the price in the shops! It’s only been one night but I’d definitely recommend it!

(Also added another recent puppy photo, soon these will be pics of babies!)

I'm so tempted to get a dream belt now @DobbieFreeElf - my sore pelvis is really starting to get me down! I'll try anything! Got the midwife on Monday and am going to see if physio appointments have started again, but I suspect even if they have there will be a backlog now ☹️.

@DobbieFreeElf awww the puppy is so cute! Glad to hear you are feeling better! Belt looks interesting! Can you wear it during the day too?

@Chooklass mine has been really uncomfortable when I’ve tried sleeping on my side at night which is why I got this to see if it helped. They’re only £10 on eBay if you’re happy to have one second hand. That said I found a new one in an opened box which was only £25. Last night was such a relief! Now looking forward to bedtime tonight!

@Viletta you could but it’s not supportive in a tight kind of way, it’s got a memory foam cushion on either side of your belly which sits in your waistline and under your belly when you lie on your side and keeps your back straight and makes side sleeping more comfortable. If you get what I mean!

Puppy!! So cute - feel free to keep the puppy content coming even when there is baby stuff too! Do you have a name yet?

I've got the dream genii pillow which is ok, and probably worth it as if doubles for nursing. But it's not doing the job now really. The shape means the bump slides into the gap, it isn't supported and think that's why my back is hurting. What you sent focused on bump looks great @DobbieFreeElf!

Urgh! Worst night yet! My ribcage was agony about 10 mins after going to bed, then pelvis joined the party. Then full on leg cramp! I never wanted to be a whingy pregnant lady but this is grim! No idea how I'm going to work today.

I'm going to order a dream belt @DobbieFreeElf ! I'll try anything!

Anyone else finding they can really feel bits of baby through their tummy now? Hard lumps keep appearing and disappearing! Hoping it is okay and not that I am low on fluid or anything....

Funny you say that @October2020 as just yesterday I thought I could feel a hard bit for the first time! With my anterior placenta and a bit of belly fat I don't expect to be able to feel that much though. Maybe once it's really running out of space!

I think my baby twirled around over night, as the movements today are all now high up in a totally different place! Maybe it was the yoga class last night?!

Yes @October2020 - really lumpy! Freaked me out the first time but I'm used to it now, having a strange lump stuck out way round on my right side. DH and I thought that was the head as it feels really round but saw the midwife on Monday and she says it's feet and head is down into pelvis, so couldn't have been further out!! 😂 I have read that as it progresses you'll be able to identify limbs moving and stuff which is quite cool!

Oh good I'm glad it's not just me - I'd sort of assumed that I wouldn't feel as much as I am rather large of stomach normally! But definitely felt a foot or fist the other day and sometimes what feels like a whole back!

Sorry to hear so many are suffering with backs / sleeping.

I had a reasonably good nights sleep yesterday after quite a few nights waking up at all hours with a funny back and head whirling with one thing or another... feel like a new woman today... I’m sure I will be back to waking all night tonight. @Wimbledon1 oh no I’ve just ordered one of those!

@October2020 I can sometimes see my bump protrude but haven’t been able to make out what it is yet, so strange and lovely at the same time to feel these movements. I’m trying to get used to the pattern of movements so I don’t freak myself out when I haven’t felt the baby for a little bit.

Did anyone see their midwife in person for 25 weeks? I’m not seeing mine in person until mid August when I will be 28 weeks... seems like a long slog from 8 weeks at the booking in.

Ordered our nursery furniture today which is exciting. Last big purchase is the crib for our room - not sure if we should go for the Chicco next to me or the SnuzPod. Anyone else made this purchase yet?

@justkeeprunning5 I saw mine in person at booking appointment, then 22 weeks, then seeing her next week at 28 weeks, but things are a bit different up in Scotland I think. For 22wks all the chatting was done on phone then I just went in quickly for bloods, doppler, BP etc, so I'm expecting similar for 28 weeks one.

@justkeeprunning5 I saw mine in person at booking appointment, then 22 weeks, then seeing her next week at 28 weeks, but things are a bit different up in Scotland I think. For 22wks all the chatting was done on phone then I just went in quickly for bloods, doppler, BP etc, so I'm expecting similar for 28 weeks one.

@justkeeprunning5 we bought the snuzpod but purely because we preferred the look of it - i think they are completely identical really, so we chose it based on what we wanted in our room lol!

I know a friend of mine had the chicco and liked it too. There seem to be slightly better deals on the chicco especially at places like lidl x