Due July 08- The "Oh my goodness we're really actually properly pregnant" thread

[Minkus]

Thread title reflects the fact that every day that passes it dawns on me a bit more

Hi folks.. just finished work so now looks like this is me at home for the duration.

Oh God, hair colour....need it bad. I'll most likely have to wait for that. I've got a wedding this weekend and not really sure what to wear or if I can even fit into my dress. it's up in Callendar and DH is wearing a kilt.

I've got this dress from top shop:
www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=20&viewAllFlag=fal se&catalogId=19551&storeId=12556&categoryId=82969&parentcategoryrn=82959&productId=570821&langId=- 1

and I guess I can wear it with flats because ain't no feet of mine getting into strappy sandals.

Latest symptoms..I have heartburn so bad that it wakes me up at 4am and it doesn't matter what I eat or drink. What else..slight swelling in hands and feet, leg cramps (bananas work!) and cannot stop drinking ginger ale and eating apples. Also 2 day bouts of some really rotten depression. I'm able to rationalize myself out of em but sometimes it's really taking a lot. I feel for you SK and those with heaps of DCs. Good thing it's just me, but with no one else around it's easy to just drop out and not do anything at all.

Hi to everyone..sorry so long a post..just been storing all that up for 10 weeks now

Is anyone else still perpetually (sp?) hungry? I just can't stop eating. I'm like a monster and I hate being hungry!!!! Nothing seems to fill this hole in my stomach!!!

Hope everyone else is feeling OK?
NikNak - I;'ve just started a shopping list!!! Oh dear... Need some money, fast!!! And my car needs tax and MOT at he end of this month

Mccheesers - Have you tried Reflexology? You sound like I did last pregnancy and reflexology once a week sorted me out good and proper!! I started at 37 weeks last time, so abit late, bout this time I started a couple of weeks ago and go every fortnight and will go more regularly if I need to.... It's fab!!! You just need to make sure that the reflexologist has ante-natal training. Your Midwife might be able to recommend someone perhaps? I also go to Yoga onece a week and she does these stetches to aid digestion, which sorts my indegestion out (unless I have a bad bout of it, then it feels like some one is stabbing me in the heart!!!)

Morning all
Holidays - yaaaay!!
Re cramp - if in your calves, be careful to stretch by bending toes up towards you - not by pointing toes away from you - I've a bad habit of stretching out in bed in the morning and pointing my toes but last week triggered leg cramp that lasted 3 days!
Shattered today as we went on the train to visit some friends yesterday - DD's first train journey, she loved it! The train was full of football fans both ways so on the way home we got an upgrade to First Class - how nice!!
But my pelvis and hips are screaming this morning - only just hobbled home from station through snow last night.
So at getting on for lunchtime I'm very ashamed to say I'm only just getting dressed though dd has been for ages - I can't bend over or get up and down the stairs though!!

JODIE- I do go to prenatal massage, maybe I should just ask my therapist about reflexology. I'm starting aquanatal tomorrow so hopefully that will help.

< still in my pj's over here. I have so much to do really need to be getting on with it.

Oh Mcchesers, Prenatal massage sounds like bliss! I'm goimg to Aqua tonight, it doesn't really help with the ailments just helps me sleep, It's exhausting!!! Although saying that, it's just a normal class, not aimed at us mummies to be!!!

prenatal massage

DP has phoned me up asking if I have booked a chiropracter yet, I haven't but as I told him it's not that easy. Ideally would like one in our town but don't think thats going to be possible, unless they do Saturday appointments he will need to take a day off work to allow me to go as I can't take the DDs with me.

Hi all,

Sounds like we've all been hit with the leg cramps! It seems that whenever I read about another symptom of pregnancy I get it almost immediately. Fortunately, I have only had it once so far but am now stocking up on bananas to try to prevent it happening again. Also read that calcium is meant to help which sounds like a good excuse to eat bananas and custard to me!

Jodie...I am constantly hungry too and only for junk food! Am forcing myself to eat healthily but keep giving in to the Tescos giant cookie that stares at me every time I go there (which is everyday!).

Also, is anyone else starting to get REALLY tired again? I was so enjoying having loads more energy since the first trimester but am 26 weeks and find I have really good days and really bad days (today being the latter!).

On a worky note...who knows what the story is about not returning to work after mat leave? Is there a minimum amount of time that you have to return to work for before you can leave without having to pay anything back?

SK - have you talked to your midwife? SGH has a physiotherapist for SPD and they have childminders onsite so that you can go to your appointment. See if you can get a referral. I really feel for you, that must hurt horribly. I just found today that I could get my knees together this baby must be movin up in the uterus

The massage is really helpful for my sad lazy muscles. I worked it into the budget because my damn back and shoulders got so messed up that I could barely put clothes into the wash without whimpering. I shudder at the thought of shaving but it's gonna have to happen if I am going swimming tomorrow. Oh Lord.

to all with the leg cramps ive got them to in both legs when least expecting it
i stretch out in my sleep at night to be woken in quick agony i have to jump out of bed and try to get rid of it fast
the tiredness yes im gettig it more but i put it down to the fact my GD is not behaving right now
i also dont seem to have much ready for this baby
cloth nappies
no bottles im b/feeding
moses basket
few clothes
muslins
cotton wool
and thats it
i keep saying to my DH what on earth am i doing i cant get organised he reckons thats all we need for the first instance
but it doesnt seem right when i want to go out and buy all these cute little things in reality i wont ever need
still undecided on a pram though
any ideas?
i walk a lot and no idea how to use these fiddly things that convert to anything
i like them to lay flat facing me not in the car seat on a pushchair,so im looking for a more traditional pram but with a modern look
any suggestions be helpfull here i have serious brain fog?

mcchesers - yes have spoken to MW had physiotherapy last time (this is the third time I have had this now) didn't really do much and the support belt is useless, the only thing that helps is getting the baby out.

I loved when DP was up the loft he was shouting down "oh we have that bed thing that goes on the stand oh it's tiny (moses basket)" "oh theres that blue thing you put in the bath so they don't drown" (bath seat) "oh theres that little swing type thing that rocks them and you need batteries for and it lights up" (baby swing) oh his discriptions

disneystar - I'm with you bare essentials only, I remember with DD1 I stocked up with about 10 packs of nappies and 20 wipes - did I not think that I would never go shopping again for 3 months???

Theres also waiting to see what size you get - if you get a 5lbs little one even up to 10lbs clothes will looks huge on them and you may need some 7lbs clothes for a bit, conversely is you get a 9lbs+ one the newborn clothes will last about a week. Newborn are up to 10lbs, 0-3 months up to 14lbs. Oh and presents you will get loads too especially if first babies, people you don't know will give you presents!

this is my basic list
babygros
vests
nappies
one pack of scratch mitts (had one scratcher and one not)
socks
few outfits (already have these though)
moses basket and bedding (have)
swing (have)
sling (have)
pram
car seat
muslins
few bibs

already have breastpump, steriliser etc will get a few new bottles for expressing but will wait a good few weeks to get BFing up and running first

it really is buy the basics and then see what you really could do with for example some babies love baby gyms some hate them.

Aww disney no ideas on the pram but just wanted to give you a hug! Your list of things seems fine we've got a while yet really. Your dh sounds very sensible!

Wanted to sort through all the things we got down from loft yesterday but where I overstretched a bit my bump is really "ouchy". Managing a little light housework and playing today and that's it!
Athough I did sort the clothes, all the weeny white newborn stuff is drying on the line at the moment here it looks so cute.

Brain fog here too though. Looking at your list realised that I had completely forgotten the "consumables" side of things, eg cotton wool, will need to get a few bits and pieces in with the shopping I think.

I'm more tired again too- even thinking about asking mw to check my iron levels as I'm so fatigued and been getting lots of dizzy spells. I lurrrve being pregnant. (!)

Does anyone have a perfect birth image - this is mine:

Born at 39 weeks dead on (thereby sparing me weeks of SPD hell/can get a homebirth)
born at home after about an hours labour, waters go first followed but contractions about an hour later (lets me get organised before the pain hits)
weight about 7 1/2-8lbs
no stitches
BFs straight away
born in the wee small hours DDs sleep through, DP here already

Now how to communicate this to the baby.............................

SK...mine is that I wake up one morning and low and behold, there is my baby! All conveniently delivered without any pain. Reckon that's too much to ask for though. I've decided that it is now time to start reading up on the birthing process as we start our antenatal marathon next month (signed up for NHS and NCT classes!) and I might as well face facts that this baby is going to have to arrive at some point!

Am still scared sh1tless though! Apparently, the more scared you are the more adrenalin you produce resulting in the body producing less endorphins (like a natural morphine for us novices!) so it'll hurt more. I guess that's what all that breathing malarkey is meant to prevent!

yes that would be nice tafftaff but somehow I don't think it happens like that

Taff- am doing the same NHS and NCT classes. Trying to get smart about labour now. Apparently the NCT classes are really good and spend a lot of time focusing on the breathing malarky. I'm game, whatever helps right?

I am going to try and see about a water birth since I've had endometriosis for ages now and every month (except for the last 6) have had horrendous period pains and warm baths have helped a whole lot.

SK- don't know if this will help you but I have just found some doulas in Glasgow that provide post natal help. I found one girl that lives minutes from our flat. I just need a bit of help for that transitional period when DH goes back to work. I don't know how I will cope, so just trying to think ahead. I have spoken to a few girls and they are all so knowledgeable and friendly.

www.scottishdoulanetwork.co.uk/

sweetkitty i usually have 9lb babies as i have gd and this one is growing huge already 9lb at 35 weeks
as for presents i dont know any one really and we dont have any family just me my DH and children so i guess im going to have to make do with what i buy............
also your birth image sounds a great idea if only we could communicate with baby..........

Our main reason for signing up for both was so that we could meet new people in the area. Plus, we haven't got a scooby what to expect so should help tremendously.

I think our hospital does waterbirths and I am going to do a 'Stork Walk' around the ward soon so I'll be able to find out properly. It sounds like a much nicer way to give birth but I guess you have to wait and see on the day whether it is already being used and whether they are happy for you to give birth in there! The only downside is that you can't use a TENS machine...something to do with electrics and water I think

mcchesers - will definitely check that site out when I get the chnace thanks.

disneystar - oh you will need to go straight to the 0-3 month clothes and bypass the really little ones.

Breathing - whats that? in labour? is that something you do between the screams, oops sorry first timers, I am not one of these quiet labouring inward types.

Oh I looked at homebirth on youtube and theres people on there have posted their births in all their glory - be aware do not view if upset easily or even not easily. Why on earth would you show the world that? DP wants to video this one I was like no way ever.

This is what I have had so far:

DD1 4h20m waters went first, G&A only (not my choice), 37+5 weeks, 6lbs 3ozs, second degree tear 30+ stitches, BFing was v difficult v jaundiced baby.

DD2 2h30m waters were broken or it would have been faster, G&A at home, 41+5 weeks, 9lbs 3ozs, no tears at all, v easy BFing.

so come on I'm due one on time surely.

this is exciting, getting excited now.

We have the following items:
1)stroller plus car seat plus carry cot thing
2)three pack of onesies (wiff widdle fwoggies)
3)changing bag
4)couple of outfits, 3 pairs of pull on pants, socks
5)two packs of nappies and a big pack of wipes
6)the johnsons purple box of essentials thingy
7)cotton wool
8)two burp pads
9) toys
10)cradle and mattress

we have coming:
1)heaps of clothes all sizes
2)bibs
3)t-shirts
4)2 big handmade blankets and 2 taggies

need:
sling/baby carrier
boob pump/bottle sterilizer combo thingy
bouncy chair
nasal aspirator
crib bale and sheets
changing mat

everything else we will buy as we go. my mom says to use socks as scratch mits.

Hello all,

Well what an odd weekend weather wise- Friday was lovely here. Think it got up to 20c here and DH was cutting the grass in a t-shirt. Then Sunday wake up to 2 inches of snow! Crazy!

Busy weekend for me.. Out with friends friday night for a farewell meal as they are moving to spain today. Was fun but a heaving noisey resturant on a friday night with a 3 year old is not!- Especially this very lively one that likes to run around the resturant and has parent that just let him regardless that hes getting in the way and annoying everyone. (love them to bits but not thier parenting skills iykwim!) Really going to miss them and gutted they wont be about for babys birth, but they promise they will be over for a long weekend in August and we now have somewhere for a cheap holiday!
Sat was spent visiting friends. Afternoon in the pub watching the Grand national ( I won £34!) then met up with other friends and we all went Greyhound racing. Was great fun but freezing outside. Stayed overnight at friends house before travelling home for an early night as i was knackered!

Leg cramps- OH my god yes!! The past week i have been having loads in the early hours of the morning. I get it in my right calf usually and it kills. I wake moaning and groaning and DH trys rubbing it which gradually eases it. Had it in my right foot today for the first time too.
Cant stand Bananas so wont be tucking into them!

Easter holidays here so nursery (work) has been pretty quiet as all the term time onlys are off. However always odd jobs to do. I spent the morning unscrewing the radiator covers and retreving all the toys that the kids have kindly poked down there. Great fun.

Hair colour- My highlights now start about level with the top of my ears!!

Very of you ladies with prenatal massage ! Id love that. I also quite fancy Antenal Aqua but not really brave enough to go alone- i know im a wimp!

Taff taff- I dont plan to go back after and the Gov website says :Even if you don't intend to return to work, you can still get Statutory Maternity Pay. You don't have to repay it if you decide to not return to work.
Hope that helps.

mcchesers- I like the look of a water birth but my hospital only has one pool and its first come first serve so have to see on the day really.

My perfect birth image-
Waters break, folowed by contractions, no pain relief ( maybe a little gas and air) about an hours labour, few pushes then out pops baby in birthing pool, no stitches, BF easily, Home straight after.
Yeah- Whatever!!!

Sorry guys just realised that ive just typed a whole essay! -that will teach me to be away from my laptop for a few days!

oh I forgot apparently I have a bouncy chair, travel cot, 3 baby gyms and two unused changing mats in the loft too not to mention 2 bags of baby toys.

I prefer the swing as it's more robust so baby should be more protected if rammed by a pram! DD2 used to be under her baby gym in the travel cot but still got whacked on the head by a juice cup thrown by DD1. Second borns are tougher for a reason.

Hi All,

Been really busy the last few days so lots of catching up to do on here!

RE CRAMP:

www.healthstore.uk.com/p95235/NEW-ERA-No8-MagPhos-450-Tablets.html

You'll get these in Holland and Barratt and Boots too - they are really effective and safe to take. You need to keep your magnesium and potasssium intake up to ward off the cramps.

Ante-natal massage sounds lovely. I spent my maternity pay after having DD on a once a week back/neck/shoulder massage foe about 8 weeks - really helped with the tesnion form breast feeding and pulled muscles form puking in labour! well worth the money and time to yourself .

Actually went into town on saturday with Dh and DD - haven't been for ages but seperately needed soem bits and bobs - comfy trousers. New shop - Peacocks had opened and got some mega comfy black trousers, green linen cut offs, 3 x vest tops and a couple of things for post baby - really cheap too. Didn't want to spend loads as it will be the last time I am pg. Am wishing I got another pair of the black torusers now as I could just live in them for the next 3 months!

MCCHEESERS - Callander is relatively near me - hope it is warm for you. Tried to have a look at your dress but the website is down. Hope you enjoy it though.

I bought something for baby at last - a steam steriliser off of ebay. I am going to attempt to bf again - managed it for 6 months with DD but had to do ff and bf after 3 weeks as it just a nightmare for us and she was starving. Hopefully it will be easier this time but I wnat to be prepared just in case.

I am dreaming of a water birth - wanted one last time but it wasn't to be . I am really dreading going into hospital here though as it looks pretty yuk there is only 1 pool so I am going to hire a birth pool ( July is looking vey buisy for babies being born)! But really am intedning to daty at home as long as possible and if baby made an appaearnace here and saved me having to go in I would be quite happy - providing I don't need mega pain relief. I am totally open minded though - whatever happens happens as last time was nothing like I expected at all.

One of my friends Ds was born at 28 weeks 2 weeks ago - he was only 2.3lbs - she had preeclampsia - had her first cuddle with him yesterday - so cute and so scary!

I am 26 weeks this weekend - feels like ages to go yet but better in than out!

1 essay down and 1 to go now.

DD has the cold and is perpetually teething at the mo' so I have been up the past 4 nights with her. Then she decides she wanst to have a chat and pull my hair/nose/poke my eyes a 3 AM argggg!

Well am off to chill for a while.

Take care all
xxxx

How odd that it is the first day of the hols for all you when ours all go back today ( phew!)

i do not appear to have much stuff for this one ) as in clothes) i think i have moved house and binned any less than lovely stuff

still want to get P and T but dare not bite the bullet

are you still getting one kitty?

I went to the dentist today and the receptionist said they would have to get a new chair if i kept on coming up to term

do any of you still feel sick at all?

anyone grouchy and pmy ish?

DW is growing every day . Starting to get more bits and bobs, regarding bottles, DW is planning to b/f, which bottles would people recommend?, had also planned to get the electric b/pump in the NCT book.

Is a moses basket essential?, we had planned to use the Amby nest from birth.

Thanks again.

Worried husband