First timers due in Octoberish

[Kittiwake]

Hi this thread is for any first timers or anyone really who wants to chat about their imminent arrival and general lack of idea of what to expect!

I realise that there is already an October thread but there seems to be quite a few people who have come a bit late to join in the discussion on there. Hope this doesn't offend anyone

Hi WMWG

Sorry to hear you had a bad night's sleep... I slept well last night after putting drops of lavendar essential oil on my pillow and nighty. Think I'll be doing this every night from now on as I can't stand pacing the floor of our apartment.

I'm with you on the induction but can't go over too much as it will mean we can't fly to the UK for Christmas - something that's really important to me, especially as we've not had a proper Christmas for 2 years. Everything I've read and everyone I've spoken to about induction says its more painful because you miss the chance to build up your natural endorphins.

Finger's crossed the curry & raspberry leaf tea have some effect!

Jo
x

Morning (just)

WMWG I had a terible nights sleep too so have just been snoozing in bed this morning. Ithink there's just too much going round in my head at he moment once I wake up I'm almost too excited to sleep a bit like christmas when your 5!

Sounds like a good idea to see the Obs but hope it doesn't make them want to induce you. As you say it seems to take you down a particular path once you start having interventions. I actually had a hot curry last night not really in a trying to start things type way just we fancied a takeaway but it doesn't seem to have had any affect! I read somewhere that it is only effective if something was going to happen in the next 24hrs anyway.

MrsJoJo I can't believe that your DH knows and you don't that would drive me mad knowing he knew! We don't know either very excited to find out. We also have a stash of girls names ad only a few boys. I think Boys names are so much arder personally.

Stefka - Hello to you hope you get your connection sorted It's really we had probelems with ours recently and it is soo annoying - hows thingsnow your guest has gone?

MissB - ooooh sounds interesting any developments? I also had some very mild pains yesterday not really pains just low dull ache really I wondered if it was going anywhere but nothing this morning. I hae been so knackered last few days only just managed to get up and havea shower now!! feel a bit better now though so may actually manae to do something this afternoon

Hello again,

I'm back from yoga and lunch with my friend. Last night's pains don't seem to have amounted to much but I'm still convinced it's the beginning of something!

MrsJoJo - I'm in the same boat as you. My DP knows the baby's sex but I don't. I really didn't want to know and he desperately did want to know so I caved in and let him find out. I had to leave the room and let the sonographer tell him. It was hard at first but I've almost forgotten that he knows now. I really felt like it was a girl initially but he made a few slip ups that made me think it's a boy and everyone tells me that my bump looks like a boy . Actually, I've noticed a few times recently he's looked at pink clothes when we've been in mothercare so maybe it is a girl after all...

WMWG - Sorry you had a bad night's sleep but it sounds good that you're going to see a specialist now. Don't feel bullied into having an induction. There are often threads on the childbirth board about how you don't have to be induced and what the real pros and cons are. I'm sure I'll be begging them to induce me if I go 2 weeks overdue but I'd rather not if I can avoid it. Apparently it just makes the contractions come on really fast and strong so your body doesn't have time to get accustomed to the pain if you see what I mean. So instead of several hours of contractions slowly building up, you just go straight in at the deep end!

Kitti - Glad I'm not the only one who finds it hard to get showered and dressed before noon !

Hi folks

glad to hear i'm not the only one that lacks the motivation to do much these days.

I keep getting contacted by people at work... asking about work things would you believe! Is that allowed when i'm 7 days away from my due date.. aren't they supposed to leave you alone??

I too have been having on and off period pains, mostly at night. I was hoping they would lead to something too but i think my baby knows its on to a good thing by staying in the warmest, safest place ever!

I'm having a lazy afternoon.. almost verging on boredom. Any suggestions on what to do??

Hi all

Mine I have also been a little bored this afternoon went to the library and got a stack of books to read and have now been thinking about christmas shopping I know this sounds mental but was I figuring it will be a lot easier now than nearer the time so have been browsing on Amazon for ideas!!!

MissB well done on going to the Yoga class!

Does anyone plan on using a Tens machine? my midwife phoned to say they have one I can borrow so I am going to go and pick it up tomorrow.

Mine - if I'd been in this afternoon I would have curled up with a good DVD and a big stash of chocolate What did you end up doing? I've had more period type pains this afternoon. I feel so sure it must be the start of something but it sounds like lots of people have had a similar thing and it can go on for ages before the start of labour.

Kitti - I've been thinking about xmas too. Mainly trying to work out how to do it as cheaply as possible as we'll be really broke this year. I'm planning ahead and keeping an eye out for bargains now. I'm wondering if I can get away with just giving family nice framed photos of my baby once it arrives...or is that a bit cheap ?!

I'd quite like a TENS machine but I think I've left it a bit late. I know you can hire them from Boots but I'm assuming you can't just turn up at the shop and pick one up. I've heard good things about them. Well done for getting one sorted out.

good morning!!

well yesterday afternoon was a little dull but restful... popped out to see my mum for a cup of tea and a gossip with her pals. The things these women talk about..!

Then came home and watched Pride & Prejudice DVD.... i can never get enough of Colin Firth .

I too have been thinking of xmas pressies as my time and mind will be a little occupied next month with a little one... if he/she ever decides to pop out.

M&S are currently on sale so may pop in there tomorrow for some bargains. I will feel much more virtuous if i can get a couple of presents out of the way at least.

Can anyone suggest what to buy a 13 year old boy for xmas that will be under £50....?? its for my little BIL, all the things they want are far too expensive. We already bought him a bike for his birthday, so xmas present must be something more reasonable. Teens are 'orrible to buy for.

Happy friday everyone!
x

Morning all.

I seem to be able to get back on line again thankfully - I hate it so much when I can't.

Miss B I got a TENS machine from here

it came really quickly and you can have it for 6 weeks plus it was the cheapest I could find. The only issue is the postal strike might mess it up for you. Maybe you could call them. I ordered on line but they might be prepared to send special delivery or something. I know Tesco do them and you can pick it up in the shop. I need to figure mine out actually!

I really want the baby to come today - it is starting to depress me when I get to the end of the day and there is no sign. Been walking everyday and taking the raspberry leaf tablets. Have had period pains on and off and it doesn't seem to mean much.

I should do some xmas shopping actually. Luckily my family have agreed to just buy for the children this year. There are going to be three new babies just before Christmas so everyone will be occupied. Good luck buying for the teenager - that's really hard. Is he into anything? Boys are so difficult to buy for.

I made soup for the first time yesterday! I never used to cook at all so this is a major achievement for me! Do think if I make a vege chili it will be as good as a curry?

I forgot to put it in the link!

www.newroadclinic.co.uk/default.htm

Morning all

Better sleep last night, but still not great, so feeling achey and sore. My hands and fingers feel huge and stiff too today.

I think the framed pictures is a great idea and everyone should be aware that money is tight - it's a lovely idea. My Mum used to give photo albums to our Gran most years. I'm 'lucky' in that I have a Gran, and Aunt and 2 Uncles living in the same house and last year, I discovered the joy of hampers!!! I've now done Betty's for easter and Thornton's for Christmas. It's a bit of a cheaper option for a group of people and also means less shopping / inspiration!

But as for 13 y/o boys...absolutely no idea! Sorry! If he had a bike for his birthday, what about some sort of accessory? A helmet?

So...due tomorrow...we had curry last night and I have the raspberry leaf tea...will keep on moving round - how does the housework keep mounting up?! But I'd really rather just sit round and watch TV...

Have a good day everyone!

Morning Everyone!

I'm with those of you who would rather have their feet up than clean! I think my nesting gene must be missing... Instead, I've decided to nest by proxy and get a cleaner in for a one of blitz next week. Worth every penny!!

I'm finally sleeping a bit better after being up virtually hourly for the last week with a cough. It makes such a difference when you've had a good night

I keep meaning to try to get a TENS machine too - my hospital hires them out pretty cheaply but you have to book one and I keep forgetting. In fact, maybe I'll go do it now...

Have a lovely day people!

xx

Morning

Thanks for the link Stefka. I think I've probably left it too late to hire a TENS now unfortunately. I really feel like the baby will be here any day now !

These period-type pains are driving me mad. They're really quite painful and they woke me up in the night again last night. It feels like the whole of my bump is rock hard and quite tender and I feel really crampy a lot of the time. The pain does come in waves but not anything regular enough to time. Surely this is a sign?! Actually, it's scaring me a bit because I'm being a bit of wuss about how much it hurts which makes me think I'm going to fall to pieces when the real contractions kick in! So much much for my plans for a natural birth...I'll be begging for an epidural!

I hate buying pressies for boys too. Women and girls are just so much easier. Could you get him a game or a book or something? If he's into sports that can be a good theme for a present (something to do with his favourite team maybe?).

PS. Mine, I saw the M&S sale online yesterday and treated myself to some post pregnancy knickers I know it will be a while before I feel like wearing really nice undies again but I'm just so sick of the comfy knickers I've been wearing during pregnancy (which are all looking really sad, old, and grey) so I ordered some nice lacy ones and also some of those secret support vests because a friend told me they're useful for breastfeeding at night.

Afternoon everyone, I'm off bed-rest now so am back into nesting mode. The nappy laundry people dropped off the nappies this morning for my free trial (thank you Manchester city council). Is anyone else going down the resusable route? It's pretty overwhelming all the options.

I've been having those period type pains on and off too. MissBumpy, I also have plans for a natural birth but am a bit nervous after the ferocity of my practice contractions. Fortunately, gas and air worked really well for them as did my yogic breathing exercises so hopefully won't need an epidural when the time comes for real.

Collywobbles - glad to hear you're sleeping better now. It's such a PITA being sick when you're pregnant.

WMWG - what a good idea about hampers. I will definitely keep that in mind come Christmas time.

Mine - that's a tough one, what to get a 13 year old boy. I wouldn't normally suggest this but maybe cash or vouchers might be the best route as that was what always made my brother happy at Christmas as a teenager. Your work should so not be ringing you at this time.

Kittiwake - The library is a great idea. I sent DH down when I was on bed-rest. I also got him to get me out some DVDs. Did you find yourself drawn to the babycare books?

MrsJoJo - I'll have to get some lavendar oil and try that out. Maybe it'll help me to unwind in the evenings and stop my mind racing when I'm trying to fall asleep. Glad your landlord has sorted things out now.

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of their day nesting/relaxing. Maybe we'll start getting some babies on our thread soon.

Oooh - secret support tops for night feeding - what a good plan!!!

I'm still not getting any of those pains at all and I'm due tomorrow...I hope I'm not going to have to be induced...

Ah well...

Now - jobs...washing has finished so I guess I'd better go get it out...

Afternoon everyone

phew busy day today went and picked up Tens machine, met friends for lunch and then did a supermarket shop totally knackered now particularly as had terrible night last night sleep wise.

Primi - I have got some re-usables to try hoping to be able to use them you are so right though the amount of different types out there is unbelievable. I'm hoping that they will dry okay as I don't hav ea tumble dryer. I did get another baby name book form the library lol! even though we have pretty much decided couldn't resist another trawl through.

Miss B I had loads of period type pains and tightening type feelings last night, bump also hard like yours ,kept me awake for ages thinking does this mean anything, baby has been so active as well ,I feel like I am a washing machine! I mentioned it to midwife when I went in and she said all normal don't worry just everything gearing up which is fine But WHEN is it going to happen

hope evryone has a lovely weekend maybe one of us will pop!!!!

I am going for cloth nappies. Not immediately - I have been buying the naturecare ones from boots. They don't have the same level of chemicals as other disposables. I will start the cloth once things have settled down a bit. I have a pack of different ones - I got a discount on it but still had to buy them. Still I am sure they will be useful. Once I have figured out which ones I like I will top up my supplies.

Hello ladies,

When you say you've had similar pains Kitti, how painful are they? I feel like a bit of a drama queen but my pains really hurt and I'm more and more convinced that I'm in early labour ! I could be totally wrong of course but I've got no idea what to expect. Did I mention I had a bit of a 'show' at the weekend and I've had more blood tinged discharge today (sorry for TMI!) and these waves of period pain like cramps are really starting to knock me for six!

I called my cousin who's got 3 kids and she said I should call the midwife and go into hospital to get checked out but I desperately don't want to go into hospital too early. My plan was always to leave it until the last possible minute before I go in. What do you all think? Does this sound normal?

Stefka, I got exactly those nappies and I'm planning to do the same thing (start with them and then move onto reusables once I've got the hang of things). How many packs have you bought? I've only got 1 pack so far because I didn't want to buy loads and then find out that they're rubbish.

Primi - do you get free reusable nappies from your council then? That's brilliant.

Hi Missbumpy - I think you should definitely call the hospital or at least your midwife. Speaking to someone who knows what they're talking about will put your mind at rest. They will probably ask you lots of questions before telling you to go in to establish whether they think your labour has started. Even once you're in, if you're not too far on I think they suggest you go back home once they've been able to check you out and then come back when things are hotting up a bit more! So you may not have to stay in....

If you stay at home, you're just going to worry and get yourself into a panic - not the frame of mind if you're about to go through labour!

Good luck either way!

Thanks Collywobbles. My DP is on his way home from college now and we're going to call the hospital when he gets back. I'm more and more convinced that this is labour...I'm going to feel like such a prat if it turns out not to be!

I'll keep you posted.

How exciting for you Miss B!!! Definitely call the hospital - it doesn't mean you have to go in. I think it is wise to stay home as long as possible. I hope this is it for you! Keep us posted if you can

Good Luck Miss B if this is it...we'll be thinking of you! And we'll need a detailed de-brief so we know what to expect!

xoxoxo

Thanks Hospital say to come in. Contractions are somewhere between 3 and 5 mins apart (we're not very good at timing them!). I might be back on later saying it was a false alarm but it looks like it could be the real thing!

Good luck! Can't wait to hear your news!

Hey everyone, just found this thread!
I'm due on 16th Oct so not long to go hopefully.
mine- for pressy ideas you could look on firebox.com, theres some unusual gadgety stuff on there boys/men seem to like, or, if you're looking to spend about £50 maybe a new ipod shuffle although being a teenager he might already have one?
Been reading back through the notes to familiarise myself with whats going on with eveyone, seems distured sleep is a big pro, i also slept very badly last night, too hot, needed about 1000 wee's, achey hips/back. I went back to bed after seeing dh off to work and didn't emerge until 12 so feel better now although still have ack ache but think thats cause i did too much hoovering yesterday!
Got to go for a second growth scan the day after my due date... they say he's a bit smaller than average, maybe just over 6lb, i don't think this is that small as i was only just over 6lb myself when i was born? anyway, they want to check he's grown at a 'normal' rate since that last scan.... i think they are over reacting a bit, as long as they know he's small surely they can prepare for it, they said he's grown since the last scan anyway cause my bump has grown 2 and a half cm in 2 weeks. I asked what happens if i give birth before the scan and they said 'well you'll have a lovely baby then' so whats the point of the scan??? oh well if he hasn't arrived by then at least i'll get to see him on the screen again . I sound like i don't want another scan but the trith is that last one was really stressfull cause the sonographer was crp adn se really stressed me and dh out - first she asked if it was the first scan of my pregnancy??? erm hello? can you not see my bump? then she asked why i was there so i had to tell her i was 38 weeks and she was to check the size of baby/whether placenta ok/whether any growth probs etc... so, she went quiet for ages whilst scanning...making me and dh feel there ay be something wrong, then she sais 'ok so it's fine, you're 29 weeks and the baby is measuring 30 weeks so no problems !!! i looked at dh and he was looking very concerned, i said to her no, i'm 38 weeks not 29! does this mean the baby is only measuring 30 weeks when should be 38??? 'oh whats your due date?' she said... by this point very worried and annoyed as she hadn't listeed to a word i'd said 16th oct* i said. Anyway to cut a very long storey short she had put the wrong info in the comp cause she was a total numbnut and after correcting it it turned out the baby was a little small but not abnormally so and was healthy but a bit late then after or total heart attacks!
Anyway i can't believe i've written so much on my first note, sorry to bore you all.
How exciting about Miss B, hope it's the real thing!!! can't wait to hear!

LNI 29th Sept
krc 30th Sept
Pinkdelight 12th Oct
WMWG 13th Oct
Stefka 14th Oct
Miss Bumpy & Kittiwake 15th Oct
Dalrymos 16th Oct
Mandler & Mine 18th Oct
Primigravida 20th Oct
Collywobbles 22nd Oct
Mrs JoJo 30th Oct

I have added you to the list I think we have lost a few people on this list though - I am pretty sure LNI has had her baby and possibly Miss B too!

That scan sounds awful! I can't believe that she was so clueless. I don't think your baby sounds that small - especially if you were small yourself. I hope you get someone else for the next scan.

I hate nighttimes. I hate knowing that I am going to lie in bed in pain and not be able to sleep. It's really frustrating.

I was chatting with my SIL last night who is also expecting. It's really nice to have someone who is going through the same as me. She did tell me yesterday that she keeps her baby awake during the day by slapping her belly so it sleeps at night and to get it into a routine. She said it was so it knows the difference between day and night and that it needs to be trained! I think our approaches are going to be very different!