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....

Wow - the minute someone says it's quiet three people post at once!

Same here, we couldn't justify the expense of the NCT classes, starting the NHS classes on monday, which is also our first wedding anniversary, very romantic way to spend it!

I'm trying to keep an open mind about pain relief but don't feel at all easy with the idea of having an epidural, just the idea of someone sticking a big needle in my back puts me right off but maybe I will change my mind when it comes to it, who knows! (I am a bit odd about these things, as a kid was so scared of needles I always refused to have any anaesthetic at the dentist when I had fillings, always preferred to put up with the pain than the needle. Not quite the same though I guess!)

It's our 1st wedding anniversary the following monday! Doesn't feel like the same time of year though.... we had a glorious sunny day and it feels like midwinter here now!

I think if you need an epidural, the best way to get over the needle thing is to not look, and at least it's going in the one place you definately can't see!

After pains were soooo sore 2nd time round I took as many drugs as poss!! They lasted about 4days as well which depressed me.

Meant to ask did anyone see the thing in the paper yesterday about he Man that is pregnant but used to be a woman?

Laura - I keep comparing the weather as well, we had a really sunny day, then a week in Edinburgh straight after for our honeymoon and we were sitting outside pubs and carrying our coats around all the time as it was so warm!

You're right about not being able to see the epidural! It's just the thought of it I suppose, that added to the worry that it might cause complications, plus the chance that something might go wrong with the epidural.

Josey - I read about that in the paper as well, the picture looked really odd.

On the subject of pain relief, don't forget you can have pethidine, which relieves the pain but still leaves you fully mobile and is only a small needle! I had this with my ds as I was just exhausted from the contractions - it was fantastic as I was then sleeping through my contractions (every 2-3 minutes) for about 2 hours. My dh couldn't believe it as I was peacefully sleeping while he could see my belly twitching! By the time I got to the pushing stage I think the pethidine had worn off but I felt able to cope with the pain at this time whereas earlier I was desperate for pain relief. I know they say it can make feeding difficult as the baby can be sleepy but I really don't think it had much effect on my ds as he fed straight away and 4 times during the night which the midwives said was good for any newborn. So don't rule it out - I know it is considered an old fashioned medication but it really worked for me.

Interviews went really well - probably the best I've ever had as for once I didn't come out thinking oh I wish I had said that etc. Just waiting to hear the answer now.

On the subject of pain relief, don't forget you can have pethidine, which relieves the pain but still leaves you fully mobile and is only a small needle! I had this with my ds as I was just exhausted from the contractions - it was fantastic as I was then sleeping through my contractions (every 2-3 minutes) for about 2 hours. My dh couldn't believe it as I was peacefully sleeping while he could see my belly twitching! By the time I got to the pushing stage I think the pethidine had worn off but I felt able to cope with the pain at this time whereas earlier I was desperate for pain relief. I know they say it can make feeding difficult as the baby can be sleepy but I really don't think it had much effect on my ds as he fed straight away and 4 times during the night which the midwives said was good for any newborn. So don't rule it out - I know it is considered an old fashioned medication but it really worked for me.

Interviews went really well - probably the best I've ever had as for once I didn't come out thinking oh I wish I had said that etc. Just waiting to hear the answer now.

I don't remember having any after pains with my first but am expecting to get them this time round - oh joy....just when you think it's all over

I did an NCT course last time round and whilst the teacher was a bit naff - I think she had done so many classes she was really bored with it - she did cover all the pain relief really well and certainly wasn't overly pro natural birth etc.

As people have said it's best to be openminded as you don't need the additional pressure of trying to conform to the supposed idealised standard.

Hi everyone, hope everyone well. Deb, so glad you got some nice new clothes.

On pain relief, I'm so glad everyone on here is fairly open and common sense about it all. I know a few people using things like hypnotherapy etc but its so nice to chat in a non-judgemental way. All this birth chat has made me start to think about it all so I've started a list of questions for the mw. Anyone got any suggestions for good starting points for researching different birth methods/issues?

Been falling out with John Lewis online today. Emailed to complain about arrangements for delivery and got a fairly dismissive email back. Its fair to say they got a bit of a rant in reply! Have since cancelled my order with the online arm (they went to great pains to point out that they were seperate from the stores) and ordered it from the store. My items will be available for collection by Tuesday (instead of waiting 2 weeks from online).

Oh, I did have a seperate good experience with JL today though. Dont know if anyone will remember my search for a changing unit type thing that would sit on a standard set of drawers... but John Lewis have a new dresser that has a seperate changer available to buy seperately and it will fit my drawers. Lovely girl in the shop took it all apart for me so I could see how it worked and whether it would fit. Very pleased. It isn't too cheap but it means I'll have somewhere a bit sturdy to change the baby at waist height without buying a seperate changing unit or cot top changer. I'll also have room to keep the changing essentials on top of the drawers too which is also good.

Oops sorry, this is a bit long... Hope everyone who's got back pain and other problems is feeling ok. Am now off to read about the pregnant man...

Warning this is a serious rant alert.

I am fuming here. My closest friend phoned me up this afternoon and asked me why I was spreading the rumour around that her 16 year old daughter was a drug dealer. I am sat here in tears, as I have been alternating between, hurt and anger all afternoon and gone back to the tearful stage as I am devestated that she would even think that I would do something like that. My sister told me last week that her cleaners daughter had told her that my friends daughter was able to supply drugs to people. Could I tell my friend as I was closer to her but please don't mention this girls name. So i emailed another friend who is close to my friend as well and asked her for advise about how to go about it, meanwhile sister has told friends partner which she should have done in the first place, second friend told her daughter (have told her things in confidence before and had no reason to distrust her) and now I am the evil person spreading rumours being ganged up on by sister, friend and Uncle Tom Cobbley and all. Tried to talk to sister about it and she is washing her hands of me or so it seems, saying that that would be a mothers natural reaction. This soming for a person who has no children and has no interest in children.

On a lighter note, DH's BIL has finally been arrested for fraud which DH is very happy about. He had gone into business with his BIL a few months before I met him, doing oak framed buildings. We then stuggled for a year as BIL not forthcoming with money, business going under so we decided to move from Kent back to Dorset where my family have been very supportive. We subsequently found out that BIL had forged DH's signature on a 25k loan which bank were calling in, managed to get it sorted and BIL and SIL had house repossesed, they hadn't been paying mortgage either. BIL then spent most of nephews money so nephew had nothing to liove on at UNI. FIL and DH's uncle bailed them out, 3 years on house been repossessed again aling with all possessions as have not paid mortgage for 3 years. Turns out he pinched some solicitors headed paper and has been writing letters to gain money as well. SIL claiming she knows nothing FIL now helping them out by paying everything, SIL never done a days work in her life and not keen to start. DH and his brother very happy as probably will be going to jail.

Thank you for listening. Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Bloody hell Sophie. So sorry you have this to deal with.

Sophie - what a nightmare. If I were you, I'd be really cross with your sister for this. I suspect that your close friend is very upset and confused at the moment. If the drug allegations are true, she really does have a lot to deal with and probably isn't thinking rationally.

Hopefully, when she has calmed down you'll be able to talk to her and explain everything to her.

In the meantime, could you send her a message to reassure her that you weren't gossiping about her daughter or spreading rumours and when she's ready try and arrange to meet and explain everything?

What a nightmare re: DH BIL!!! I feel really sorry for your nephew and FIL - personally think he's mad to keep bailing them out, but I guess he's just trying to look out for his daughter (whether she deserves it or not).

Sending virtual wine (sod the creme eggs, this calls for the virtual hard stuff .

Had a long chat with friend this aftrenoon, and she seems to accept that I wanted some advice, obviously went to the worng person, she and my sister are meeting up for a drink later but not been invited so guess I know where I stand. She does know her duaghter smokes weed and seems quite excepting of it which I wouldn't be.

Enjoying the virtual wine. Thank you for readng

Oh Sophie what a lot going on - I'm glad you've spoken to your friend now. Did you enjoy your virtual wine? As to your BIL - what a nightmare you've been through.

Doing anything today or is it breakfast and rooms? Our guests leave tomorrow and we have another 4 (last minute booking) for the next 10 days - but they came at Christmas and are lovely guests. Have family here to help with cleaning though - thank goodness.

Tomorrow is Stefan's 8th Birthday, he is sooo excited, his party is Monday afternoon - fingers crossed for good weather for me so I can get the boys outside for it!! In one way it doesn't seem 5 minutes since he was born, but then I think about all the things that have happened in those 8 years, change of jobs, having Tristan, moving house in the UK, moving here, and now pregnant with an unexpected and excitedly awaiting #3!! Wonder what will happen in the next 8 years ??

Birthday cake to make today - going to attempt a fort with chocolate fingers round! Wish me luck

Breakfast, one room and then going to take DD swimming before aquanatal class and then going back to bed, didn't sleep well last night.

Hope you are having a lovely time with your IL's and Happy Birthday to Stefan.

Sorry you didn't sleep well, I had a night like that on Thursday - too much going on in my mind, but yesterday every time I felt like drifting off on the settee I got up and did something so when I went to bed I was asleep within minutes. Hope you have a good rest after swimming etc today.

Just looked at my ticker on another site and my baby is due in 9 weeks 6 days !!!!!! OMG

Deb - I am SHOCKED, I never thought you would be a ticker kinda gal (is it THAT other website?) Although not due for 12 weeks and 6 days he will be here in 11 weeks and 5 days.

Debs good luck for the party and the cake too!

Sophie sorry you have so much to stress you out at the moment.

I'm 7 months pregnant today so only 8 weeks and 5 days until baby is due - no ticker for me I'm counting down the days every day!

Re pain relief I'm having pethedine first, found it sooo good with my labours with the girls, then gas and air. I really want to avoid having an epidural as the one I had with dd1 was given to me when I was 5 cms dliated and took so long to do (a few attempts) and I dilate very quickly between 5 -10 cms, that I started pushing when he finished and it only worked on one side so caused unnnescary stress. With dd2 I just had pethadine and then G&A and it was perfect for me but my labour was only 2 1/2 hours so I'm prepared to change my mind at any point if I have a long labour! Someone posted a message about the labour ward sometimes being closed for admissions, it was when I had dd2. Luckily I had had some mild comtractions the night before and as I have GBS was admitted to the antenatal ward. In the morning my labout started properly and I ended up giving birth on the antenatal ward as there wasn't a free bed or midwife to look after me on labour ward, it is a good idea to bear in mind that you may be turned away as if they have no space there is nothing they can do other than send you else where if needed in an abulance.

LOL Sophie at being , I'm probably not allowed to mention the other site!! In my defence I am not normally a ticker girl but with this pregnancy once I got to 12 weeks I decided it would be my last chance!!!

Morning all! Sophie, bloody hell, you poor thing, what a nightmare to deal with. I have a friend who says that some people are solely in your life just to f*ck it up - sounds like your BIL. But he has got his just desserts it sounds. Hope you can sort things out with your friend.

I've just had a falling out with a very old friend - she's pregnant too, so maybe there's too many hormones flying around, but my god, she has gone loopy... She's always been a little strange, but this is something else. Anyway, I told her I wasn't happy about the way she's been behaving, and she's sort of calmed down a bit. Will see how long it will last!

And another thing! Another friend is trying to invite herself to stay for a weekend just before my due date - there are some friends I'd be fine about, but not this one, and I've tried to be subtle and say that we might be a bit busy then, and there isn't really room for her to stay, but she seems to have gone selectively deaf! Gah!

Well, at least it's Saturday, I've had a bit of a lie-in and we're off to look at more baby stuff today. Debs, have fun making the cake, chocolate fingers, yum, my favourite!

Well here is an update on you when my MIL died FIL bailed out DH's sis and BIL cleared debts and everything. They are now owe 30k again on mortgage alone, so house will be auctioned. Also found about his latest fraud scam and that is forging powers of attorney on elderly people, which has made me feel really sick. I feel very sorry for DH and his brother who feel as if they are being pushed away by their father, brother found out through a freind, FIl has yet to mention anything that has happened.

Hello all
Thanks for all your lovely comments. I have been reading through all your posts and glad we are all still going strong if be it with ups and downs!

Im keeping busy, my quinny buzz arrived yesterday and sits in three boxes alongwith some shelves and a chair Im saving it all to open when dp comes home! but very excited bout it so much so that theres a hole in the side of one of the boxes and ive got the flashlight out and had a peek hehe!!!

Question: i get sucessive kicks sometimes from lo are these kichs or hiccups? sometimes it feels she is using my insides as a punchbag lol

Well off to finish assignments 2 more left!!

Hope all have nice weekend, easter hols end for me back to work on Monday oh well!!!

I feel like a punch bag too...there's not enough room in my rib cage for a baby and it's very uncomfortable at times. Yoga stretching proving very useful, even if I have to do it sitting/lying down!

Here's the link to my ticker it's super-fab!

Off to a party tonight...get me! I'm sure I'll be ready for bed by about 8.30pm, but you've got to try!

Makecakes - I like that ticker website

I got a letter from my GP today, asking me to come in to talk about my 28 week blood tests - so I assume I'm anaemic. I've spent a fortune on flipping spatone and fluradix since I was first pregnant and I'll STILL end up on horrible iron tablets. So apologies in advance for posts about constipation . I've been feeling breathless for a while so kind of thought it was coming.

I guess it's all part of the same general theme we're having on this thread at the moment - that you can plan for everything to be lovely and natural but sometimes you just need the help of conventional medicine.

This weather is so crap. DH is working today so I'm at home with the children and we can't really go out. I don't have a car (long dull story - have finally put my foot down about it and will buy one FOR ME soonish) so we are quite restricted as to where we can go, especially as DD seems to have read every available how-to manual about terrible twos!

Sophie my god poor you, its at times like this you wish you could lock yourself away in a bubble.

Whinegums at your friend

Had a bit of a mixed day today, my best friend was supposed to be coming for a visit but phoned 1st thing to say her Gran who has dementia had manage to escape the care home she is in and had been missing all night, search and rescue found her in a field this morning unfortunately too late

I did however carry on with the plan of going shopping and got loads of things for bubs,also ordered a changing mat from mothercare which has little feet on it and just sits safely over the cot. Anyway Im away to go all gaga over little sleep suits as DH brings them in from the car.

Makecakes enjoy the party have a boogy for us all