September 2020 5

[ChipsAreLife]

Hello 👋👋👋

@Emmy2020 I've never had a baby shower and I would love one but all my good friends and family live far away. You should definitely do it if you have the opportunity, even if this isn't your first baby. If I had one, I would say no gifts, just get together to play funny silly games, and eat loads of cake.. @OrDis i hope you feel better soon. I am just above the threshold but not given any iron supplements. I remember taking it first and second pregnancy and it made me constipated, not fun! Maybe get a second opinion or ask your gp about it.

Thanks all! Hopefully i’ll sleep better tonight. @LatteLover12 thats strange about the bump, I do find I sometimes get a bit of a dull ache/pain in one specific area (bottom left) and around my belly button. Also figured it’s just more stretching. Hopefully the hospital will reassure you if it doesn't go away

@Emmy2020 my mum has organised a baby shower but I don't want gifts so she's said it's just a tea party. I expect people will still buy things but I've brought so much I really hope they don't. I wasn't sure about it as a bit cautious about covid still and am not a fan of getting attention but she told me I can't spend my pregnancy locked yourself in the house never seeing anyone

For iron Ferratin levels also key. Mine was 11 and haemaglobin 118 so am also on iron tabs (although in wales they also have a blanket recommendation to take them at the moment during Covid).

Baby shower ideas sound lovely. I had one first time around (surprise) but don’t think will do so this time.

Ugh definitely hear those who are suffering from heartburn - currently sitting upright and can’t lie down to go to sleep with it - awful!!

@OrDis Yes, strangely I had that this afternoon at the top bit just an area in the middle, sort of felt like a bruise. Like maybe it stretched too much. Had my scan today and it was after that. So just taken it easy.

@LatteLover12 sorry the previous post was for you, typed the wrong name 🤦🏼‍♀️😂

@Lilice @Roxy8203 Yes just a tea party, get together does sound like a nice idea. Hopefully my mum will get round to sorting it. Times going so fast at the moment though!

@LatteLover12 I had a weird type pain/cramp under my left boob and more so when I lay on that side for too long. Since the baby has moved head down the pain has gone. Do you know position of your baby?

Awake at 5am and now on the insulin. The joys!! Bring on the last 7 weeks!!

I was prescribed iron tablets (3 a day) but had to stop taking them as the side effects were just unbearable. Have a midwife appointment today so hoping she can get me some liquid iron instead as I've heard that's easier on your stomach.

I also take omeprazole for heartburn - 10mg every day and my heartburn had completely cleared. I didn't take them last pregnancy and suffered on with gaviscon and I don't know why - no prizes for being a hero and I feel so much better .

Have been so exhausted the past few days - I fell asleep sitting up at the table yesterday! 34 weeks and feeling every bit of it.

Ah I don’t think they told me my ferritin levels @MostlyAmbridgeandcoffee. I’ll have to ask.

I used to have omeprazole before I was pregnant when I went through a phase of bad heartburn, so perhaps i’ll go ask for some if it stays bad. Last night was better, I made sure not to eat anything for about three hours before bed. So whilst the evening was uncomfortable at least it had gone by bedtime.

@Laura1348 my bump definitely dropped this week. I'm so sure of it... it's lower down than before... When this happens the bump can look smaller. I can feel babys head against my pelvis now. I can breathe easier and the indigestion is less too.. so thank God.
@ShiningStarz nice to know our babies are growing well. If you have to start insulin then you have to, anything to keep our babies safe.. right? I have done my baby laundry and packed babys hospital bag. I just need a few more items to complete my own hospital bag. I feel like I may not get to 40weeks.. baby is certainly very restless inside there now. The kicking is non-stop.
I now have the ultimate pregnancy waddle no matter how hard I try to walk straight.. DH mimics me often and when he does it ..it looks so funny. Lol

@ShiningStarz sorry to hear you’re on the insulin now - 7 weeks will fly by though and little one will be here before you know it and it’ll all be worth it!

Same goes to the ladies with heartburn - nearly time to meet your little ones! So exciting 😊

@ShiningStarz sorry to hear about the insulin. Not long now

Anybody self-employed here? Im having issues with my maternity allowance claim.
@ChipsAreLife are you claiming it?

Hey @Sara7455 @Lilice @Smilymami yes I don't mind the insulin, it's just keeping a close eye on my eating which is fine. I'm developing good habits so hope I keep it up most of the time post baby hehe!! I'v no excuse I'm completely clued up on all things sugar and carbs 🙈

I started washing baby stuff today!!!
Keeping my NB (7 sleep suits and 7 sleeveless vests, 2 cardi's and mittens) and the up to 1 month (3 sleepsuits) and few in 0-3. I can also send dp to shops if little one is straight into up to 1 month!! Don't know if I'm having boy or girl and want to buy colour! Have had enough of looking ya neutrals lol

@Lilice yes i had some problems too. I was told that I hadn't paid enough class 2 NIC to qualify for the full amount and would only get £27 a week... even though i thought I paid the full amount and I am a higher rate tax payer! Anyway then they said i could pay the difference which was £39.00. I have done that and waiting to hear back, will give them a call in a couple of weeks if I don't hear back. What problems are you having? It's so unfair the way self employed get treated I think :(

@chipsarelife £27 a week?! Seriously? And they expect you to live on that? Absolutely bonkers.

Also how's everyone going with the pelvic floor exercises. I think I remember about once a month 😂🙄

@ChipsAreLife exactly the same issue! I did my tax return and paid my full bill in April, and today I got a letter saying I was getting the £29 rate because I hadn't paid my NIC, even though I did!
I had to call numerous people and one said I'd get a bill, one said I shouldn't get a bill because I've already paid and they need to allocate £39 of that money. Their system is so flawed! But it's the first time that I've had an issue getting my maternity allowance. I'm thinking of writing a letter as well, on top of my phone calls, just to make sure we're all on the same page now. How stressful 😫

@MooseWL I do mine every night, I got an app called kegel on my phone. I really had to because mine were so weak and I got scared I'd become completely incontinent after a third pregnancy. Now I'm back to normal. I've read it can also help in labour

Thank you @Lilice I've just got a kegel app! Hopefully it's not too little too late

@lilice aghhh! Sounds like they're doing it to everyone then?! I was really upset when I got the initial letter because I do everything by the book, i am sure you were too. I am having other issues with HMRC as they still are including student loan repayments in my self-assessment even though I cleared it a while back and I just don't have time to fight both! So I have paid the £39 for now.

It's not nice when you already feel vulnerable to get those awful letters saying you can have £27 a week. I hope you get it sorted too. The past six months has made me realise how poorly self employed are viewed but for many it's the only option to make decent money and work around kids. Makes me so mad if I had the time and energy I would start a campaign to change it all!

anyway rant over lol.

I have just indulged in some half fat ben and jerry's which means I just eat twice as much :)

@MooseWL I remember about once a week! I have to squeeze really tight when I sneeze now or I wet myself... oh the glamour!!!!

Almost the weekend - i can smell the naps already!!!

@LiliceChipsAreLife and @Lilice that's really not far how self employed are treated! I'm just reading your comments now. I don't see how it makes a difference which way you are employed!!!

Enjoy your Ben and Jerry's!!! You've put me in the notion for some ice cream now too... 'cravings' and all that lol