Due June - 'I can't remember my own name, let alone where I put the creme eggs...'

[PregnantPenguin]

For those of us with 3 months to go or less....

I have booked our holiday. Two weeks in Antigua starting 21st Novemner, with a 10% discount courtesy of Mumsnet.

I've just got back from the midwife and it looks like this one is going to be big as well, she got the tape measure out this time and it was 30cm and I'm 28 weeks. Everything else seemed to be fine.

Melly - hope you manage to sort things out with your nanny without breaking the bank!

Just back from MW and my blood pressure has gone down to 124 / 78, which takes it out of the danger zone. Still a way from where it was at booking-in appointment (110 / 66), but loads better than last week. I don't really feel ready to go back to work next week though, but perhaps I should just pull my finger out and get on with it. Appointment to discuss it with the doctor tomorrow.

Greenfairy, how are you feeling?

Mellymell, sorry about your nanny. Do you know what her plans are in the future? You'd hate to give her that huge pay rise and then find out that she was moving to live with a boyfriend in Australia or something. Most of my friends' nannies only stay a year to eighteen months, and then move on.

I'm planning on taking 15 months off (a year's maternity leave and then holiday / parental leave on top). I don't want to go back to work in June 09 and miss the summer! Last time, I too thought I'd get bored after 6 months, but I loved it.

I think most first babies are late. DS was born at 14 days after the due date - so this time (even though it's number 2) I'm expecting the baby to appear in early July. I certainly won't be mother of the preemie!

Upsidedowncake good news on the BP

Whinegums yep very fast and very painful it freaked me out 1st time round as they kept telling me I would go on like that for up to 10 hours half an hour later though he arrived.2nd time was easier as I just ignored the midwives when they said Id still got hours to go again it was about 45mins later.

Im being so lasy today hohum

Ktpie oh I am upset and , came back from MW but she didn't measure bump. Need to remember to ask next time. My BP is low though and I half expect the blood test to come back low too as I seem to have white patches on my hands again and am quite breathless/tired.

Upsidowncake seems we make an average between you and me. Wouldn't rush back to work if you don't feel up to it yet, you don't want that BP to go shooting up again.

I am starting to count the days until my maternity leave. Roll on end of the month

Afternoon

Am feeling ok, although knackered and have decided to stay late to catch up at work - not a great combo...

UTI I think was probably my paranoia, as only had the mildest symptoms and they seem better today, but should get the results in a couple of days and will update then.

Re the banned food/ restaurant. I must confess I've been taking the pragmatic, rather than the strict approach, and have had things like brie if it's either (a) cooked or (b) pasteurised. And smoked salmon too.

While I don't want to get some horrible case of food poisoning and hurt the baby, I think it's just as important to cut out junk food (creme eggs the exception) and eat organic when I can.
So, apart from things like liver/ pate, which have more serious implications, I'll be tucking in on Saturday!

I had the avent pump too and I found it quite tricky to use and it broke really easily so I was always buying replacement bits. Am considering either the Tommee Tippee or Lanisoh as don't pump enough for an electric one to be necessary, would be interested to hear your thoughts on either.

My mum was in labour for at least a day with all her kids (6) but I was only 8.5 hours with dc2 so I don't think it necessary follows that your labour is genetically programmed. I did try to clean the kitchen floor on my hands and knees lots before my second labour so she was in a good position and that actually seemed to help!

greenfairy it is actually the liver pate I had in mind...so hard to resist (but I have so far despite having two jars in my fridge). Not sure I would resist in a swanky restaurant though!

I have taken the same pragmatic approach as you this time round! But gosh I can't wait to have some blue cheese and some poached eggs.

Oh and I have been dying to say but never dared: I DON'T LIKE CREAM EGGS (runs for cover). I like kinders better!

[makecakes is wheeled in to virtual sunny garden, given a virtual mojito and stays very quiet about the fact that she ued to be a London-based nanny...]

Hey all- back from MW- another very sympathetic one who took one look at me as I waddled in with walking stick and called the hospital to get me an appointment with obstetrician. That would take me one step closer to an early induction....but baby has head down and is well...don't know how big she is though as they don't measure you here.

My mum was in labour for 24 hours or so with all three of us, 6.5, 7 and 7.5 lbs respectively so don't anticipate having a short labour but at least I am hoping for a moderate sized bundle of joy. Got to hold a 6 week old on Sunday and my baby went nuts in the kicking department...weird to think that I'll soon be holding one of my own!

Sophie- can I come on holiday with you.....

needahand I know what you mean about pate. I LOVE it, and am always looking longingly at in in the supermarket. Oh, and oysters...

But as for poached eggs... I've had plenty of runny eggs - all birds in UK flocks are vaccinated against salmonella these days so in theory there's no risk - just make sure your eggs have the Lion stamp, as these have the strictest standards.

And you can read these for extra peace of mind
www.safe-poultry.com/SalmonellacontrolUK.asp
www.safe-poultry.com/LionCodeofPra ctice.asp

There is no 100 per cent guarantee you won't get food poisoning from something, but proper food hygiene is what's really important to avoid it.

Food you cook from scratch and eat at home is easier to control hygiene wise than restaurant food, so I'd eat things at home that I wouldn't necessarily eat out...

Greenfairy, don't stay too late at work. That way, madness lies ...

I spoke to my boss today. They have 2.5 people doing the project I was doing before I went off sick, so am feeling slightly vindicated. I involved our stress / welfare counsellor and she has really stuck up for me. They have said they'd rather have me back properly than risk having me go off sick again. And also made lots of constructive offers of my doing small things at home until I get back to myself, so I may stay at home next week too.

makecakes, pass me the mojito and the oysters (the oysters were someone else's). I guess since they are virtual, it doesn't matter that they probably don't mix very well.

Meeting another doula tonight. Fingers crossed.

xx

OMG, I miss a day and 3 pages go by!! I've read all your messages and my sympathies go to people with nanny, water, work, commuting, family, friend, toilet training etc etc...problems

I have just bought an Avent manual for £6 so I hope it's OK.

Rolf - is it you looking for accommodation for in laws?, where are you based? Are there any holiday apartments in the area who would be thankful of a 5 week booking - try the sites owners direct or holiday lettings,

Just back from the spa where we spent the afternoon and it was wonderful in the water - really weird getting in and feeling bump lifting in the water and so heavy getting out!! Had a horrendous nights sleep last night with piles, indigestion, needing a wee and going to bed before dh and absentmindedly locking him out of the bedroom ( he had to wake me up to get in the room) So this morning after bil took boys to school I went back to bed and didn't wake up until 10.00am!!

at your late wakeup and spa Debs...though did have a pedicure today which was bliss.

MW asked me today 'if I had to deliver now would everything be ready for the baby?' Should I be worried?

Can't remember who was on about pate, but I'm so fed up of not being able to eat it that I can't even read the word...ironically enough the first time I attempted to make it myself was the day before I got my BFP, so had to sit and watch DH eat it all...

Glad you had a relaxing day, Deb. Yes, I've tried looking for holiday lets but haven't found anything around here. I can't imagine anyone wanting to go on holiday here . My in-laws won't be driving, and will be helping with the school run, so they really need to be very close by.

Having said all that, I actually (fingers crossed) found somewhere today, I think. I'm going to have a look at it on Monday when the children are back at school. It may be a bit small (DH's aunt would have to sleep on a sofa-bed) and it's a good 20 minutes' walk. BUT the walk is along the beach and obv it will be summer so lovely light evenings. So I'm very hopeful as I've been fretting about it.

My mother had me by c-section under GA so never experienced a labour. And I weighed 4lb 13. My labours were something like 8 hours, 6 hours, 4 hours, and my children 8lb 2 (twice) and 8lb. So no genetic connection whatsoever!

So many posts - don't know where to start so will take the easy route of just waving at all of you!

Good morning - another day closer to those babies !!!

I would like to announce that I had 6 hours uninterrupted sleep - I feel so much better for it. I'll have to make the most of it until June!!!

Have a good day everyone

re timing of 1st babies, ds1 was 3 days late, ds2 was on time.

Morning all, in middle of doing breakfasts so will be quick.

DD 10 days late and failed induction, she really didn't want to come out.

Well done for sleep Deb, hope you feel better.

Debs - Congrats on the good nights sleep, it makes all the difference doesn't it?

Makecakes - If my midwife said that to me I would be having a bit of a panic - nothing is ready at all! Can't believe we are getting so close to the end now! (although I still have 12 weeks to go, fingers crossed!).

Morning all,

I've slept wonderfully for the first time in ages - DP is away and I get all the bed an pillows to myself - I almost feel like my old self! Bliss

yeah for sleep - my DS was up at 4am with a nightmare but I sent DH in to deal with him. I'm finding that I have trouble walking when I first get up, I'm all cramped over, so I'm pretty useless with DS.

Is anyone else starting to swell? Seriously, I think I've gained 4 lbs of water over the past week - because I really haven't eaten that much and my weight is skyrocketing. (My rings and shoes are tight too).

Morning all-

so glad you had some quality sleep Debs. It does make such a massive difference.

Nothing to report here- aside from being another day closer to meeting my little bundle of joy. She has been bouncing around like crazy since the mw yesterday...some of the moves are so violent I almost feel sick with it! I am also swelling- have given up on wedding ring and socks. In fact have given up o making any kind of effort at all- caught sight of myself ina shop window yesterday and had to buy emergency chocolate...looked like a bag lady!!!

Debs glad you slept well. I am so I am so tired I have no energy for anything. Had to go to bed at 8.00 yesterday. Shattered

aberdeenhiker shouldn't you give a ring to you MW? One is never too careful as far as swelling is concerned?

so jealous of the good nights sleep everyone seems to have had last night! having had no problems up til now, I was completely unable to fall asleep last night! so uncomfortable. consequently feeling grumpy and crap today. boo.

aberdeenhiker if you are swelling at a rate of knotts I would definately contact your midwife, just to be on the safe side...

Hi there

Aberdeen, Make cakes, I think if you are swelling, you should show the doctor. Better to be safe than sorry!

Debs, Nettiehay, glad you had a good night's sleep. It makes such a difference.

Met a wonderful doula last night - I think this is the one. She's very sensible and pragmatic, and also very experienced. 750 quid is a lot of money, but I think worth it for a less traumatic birth, and therefore more sane first couple of months.

She had a very nice approach towards the cascade of interventions: the BRAN principle - asking about the Benefits, Risks, Alternatives and what happens if you do Nothing. If we had asked those questions at each stage of my induction last time, we would have felt much less railroaded. The acronym approach to decision-making appealed to DH's MBA brain too - so everyone is happy!!!

Have a lovely day everyone. Off to the doctor to see if I should work next week or not.

Wow, lots of posts!

mellymell - how annoying to have a good nanny, but be held to ransom over pay, upsidedowncakes is right though you may struggle to pay the extra and then she may leave when you really need her.

makecakes poor you, hope the obs is helpful. They don't really measure here either but mw estimated ds would be about 8lb and he was 8lb 1oz, so they are quite good.

josey I hired a breastpump from nct which was great but they charge by the day so it is not a cheap option.

Can't remember who was asking about 1st babies, but when my waters broke at 38 weeks I was really shocked and told mw I thought 1st babies were late, she said 'who told you that, you are term from 37 weeks, baby can come anytime' I was sure I had at least another 2 weeks to go!
My sister tells me that 25% babies are early, 5% on their due date and 70% are late, which sounds about right to me but I have no idea where she gets her facts and figures from.

I am with you all on the wine front, really want it, take one sip(lovely) then it hits back of my throat and feels like I've just swigged some acid!! Looking forward to my champagne after bubs arrives (chilling in the fridge already!)

A question for all potty training experts, Ds turned 2 a week ago, I thought I would start potty training, but can't decide whether to wait until after the baby arrives. I'm due 29th May so thought I could do it once the weather turns better maybe in August. Am I just putting it off? Should I start now?

Big wave to everyone else!
xxx

I took my rings off weeks ago and by then end of each day my ankles are puffy.

At the moment mil and sil are emptying my kitchen cupboards in the hope that it will persuade their son/brother to get my kitchen finished!!!

They found me LOTS of chocolate hiding!!!!