Due May 2008 - ummm, there are are some of us still here sir???!! [hmm].

[goodcatholicgirl]

Not sure if anyone else has started a new thread as our other one ran out of room, but here we go...

40+6 and now seriously bored with the whole thing and getting very scratchy and irritable.......even worse, nothing is happening!!!

coolmama - I went to 40 + 10 with DC2. Agreed - it is very miserable! Have you been booked for a sweep or induction?

I too went to 40+11 with DD and you just WANT something to happen...as it happens...i had mild contractions the day before i was supposed to be induced!!

I dont think i have ever ever ever been so positive in mind about having this baby....and not a twinge!! lol ok so I have 3 days left but thats not the point heehee
still losing the minutest bits of show...but that is more of a sign than i had with DD!!

Mumblesmummy....hows things???

Had a HORRIBLE experience today. Waters sort of gushed in the night, some clear, some pink, and some with streaks of blood in. I woke up DP and my mum (we were staying at mums). Mum rang the labour ward and they said to get some sleep and come down before 9.

We went down at about half 8 and have just returned home now. The labour ward was so packed that they had one baby, new mum and her visitors in the waiting room. The baby was even left unattended at one point. It was diabolical.

The midwives kept going on about how they were so rushed off their feet and there was a queue of people waiting for my room.

They did a heartbeat check, then swapped midwives, so I'd explained the situation twice. She then got me to explain it a further two times. She did a fetal heart monitor and baby was fine, but I was getting regular contractions. She asked if they hurt and I said they felt like bad period pain. I was going to be sick and felt very light headed, and she said 'oh you just look so miserable, honestly'. Funnily enough, I was bloody miserable. She then called my gush 'a show' despite the fact I had one with the consultant, then 2 whopping great plugs came out yesterday.

She did a speculum, didn't go anywhere near my cervix but claimed it was still closed and long. Despite the fact I was 2cms dilated the other day.

She then said I had an infection, and asked if that's what I'd seen the night before, I said no and explained AGAIN what had happened and she disregarded it and said my waters hadn't gone and it was just discharge or wee, and went off to see the doctor. We were left waiting ages yet again and then a doctor came in and said he thought they'd keep me over night but he'd see the registrar.

The other midwife came back and said that I would be sent home with amoxycillin for a water infection- despite the fact I've had it over and over again and ir's never cleared the water infection. It's a lower dose than the one I took last week that didn't work... so what's the point?

She then told me to go and wait in a PACKED waiting room where there were no seats and seemed to find it hillarious when I sat in someone else's seat by accident. She then said 'there are seats outside you know, go and wait out there'.

I'd really seen my arse with her by this point and told her I was not happy and she got all attitudey about it.

I had a big long cry with mum and DP because I was so frustrated and then the midwife came out and spoke to me and said I could stay in if I was in such a state. I said I'd let her know later today.

But I am NOT going back there. I'm not even going about waters. The first midwife told me my waters would have broken but not the bit round the baby's head and so I would be induced in the morning. The second said they hadn't broken and I just have an infected fanjo which she called 'nasty yucky discharge'. Cheers luv.

So I'm not going if my waters fully break because there's no point. Everytime I've been to the labour ward for anything this pregnancy they've fobbed me off because they're 'busy'. So I'm going to leave it until my contractions are so bad I feel like I can't live any longer, and then I'll go.

If that doesn't happen before Thursday I'm getting induced (as arranged with consultant last week), so now I'm TERRIFIED about that because I don't want to be in that pathetic labour ward a second longer than I have to be.

My GP midwife had told me to stay in the hospital for longer than just the day because of DPs cousin dying after child birth last year as obviously we'd all be anxious, but I'm not, I'm getting out as soon possible.

Sorry for the VERY long rant, and well done if you managed to get through it all.

xxx

mumbles - I agree with pina. Get some rest today. You are going to be in labour very soon. Going to the hospital as late as you feel you can is fine (I had DC2 within 30 minutes of arriving and checked out 6 hours later). With regard to leaving hospital early, be prepared to wait ages for a midwife/Dr to do the relevant checks on you and your baby before they're happy for you to go. But, assuming all is well, you probably will be much more comfortable at home and the visiting midwife/GP, friends, family & Mumsnet, should provide all the help & support you need!

The hospital staff will probably have more time for you when you're in the delivery suite - which isn't much compensation for the pregnant ladies waiting on the ward but if resources are so stretched then I suppose they have to put staff where they are most necessary.

If however, you do feel the midwives are rushing you through labour, make sure that DH
will fight your corner because you'll be too busy. If you want natural labour, don't let them force you to lie on your back, claim you're not progressing and call for the surgeons - DH can make 'em wait! Or you may be happy to race through labour using whatever is available to get it over with as fast as possible, that's fine too.

Whatever happens this time doesn't mean it will be the same for any future pregnancies you have. There are other hospitals, midwife led units and even homebirths to consider.

Best of luck (and I expect to hear your birth story long before the weeks out).

Thanks Pina and Duchess, I just read your posts out to DP and he said he thinks yous are right.. so it calmed us both down a little. I really wanted to try and go with the flow, so I'm just going to have to get over it.

I'm really scared of going into labour now. I do want to because I want my baby but it's totally turning into like an irrational phobia now.

Just hope it all happens to fast for me to worry about their incompetance.

Pina- I will complain, but I seemed stroppy and I'm worried they'll have thought I'm like a chav mum or something and I'm embarressed. But it was only because of what they were putting me through. I' m worried they'll remember me when I go in and they'll be funny with me.

Duchess- think your right about the midwives treating people in the delivery suite better, that's actually come as such a relief that you've pointed it out as I hadn't thought about it all.

mumbles how horrible for you - even if they though you were the chavisest mum in the world they shouldnt make you feel bad. finges crossed that all goes well/ quickly and that you have some nicer staff on when you get there.

Awww mumblesmummy (((hugs))) you're having a poo old time aren't you?! but i totally agree with Duchess.

If you don't feel like putting your complaint in before birth...then maybe write it now and chuck it in their face as you leave with your beautiful little man!

I'm sure you've heard it over and over but 'most' first births do take a while so the talk of you staying at home as long as poss...i feel you'll cope just fine!!

chin up chicken!! it'll all be grand very very soon!! (maybe it was the hind waters that went?)

I've had two big'ish shows today still colourless but been told they can be.(when I say big'ish...wtf am I comparing to?? LOL) loads of pressure down below aswell.

hope all are well xxxxx

Mumbles - so sorry to hear about your horrible day! - Do rest as much as you can. Once you are in established labour, you might also get a completely different MW according to their shifts and what time you go in.
Went to the hospital this evening as the babe had been sluggish for the last 2 days and was getting a bit concerned - all is fine, but the head is not even fully engaged!! - so it looks like I will be induced on Wed morning as planned -
I had really hoped to go into natural labour by now, but that is almost certainly not going to happen! So roll on Wed Can't wait!!

mm - I second (third, fourth, fifth!) everything the others have said.

No matter how little care they treated you with today, they really, really won't have missed something important. Sadly, they simply didn't have the time or energy to spend giving you the attention that would have reassured you of that. I'm sure things will be very different when you go in to have the baby.

Put the bad experience behind you now and rest as much as you can. Do something you find really nice and relaxing - snuggling on the sofa with the telly, or getting into a hot both or whatever - and put all thoughts about that hospital and the birth out of your mind.

Just be confident that all is well with you and your baby and that, soon, all this uncertainty and anxiety will be a thing of the past.

Big hugs and enjoy your evening. xx

monkeysmama - sorry to hear you're so uncomfortable and suffering at night. I had this first time round (had cholestasis with intolerable itching at night so very little sleep for weeks) and felt absolutely miserable. My only advice would be to take every opportunity to sleep during the day if you can - you'll have to get used to this pattern soon anyway . It's amazing how much difference a nap can make.

coolmama - good to hear the end is in sight for you, one way or the other!

duchess - i'll almost certainly be keeping you company right to the end - due date not till 27th.

Thanks pregnabrain. I have been napping at every opportunity and when I eventually got back to sleep last night around 2 I slept thru until 8 which was great!

Things feel different tonight. My tummy feels heavier somehow-wonder if my back to back bubble's moved. Felt lots of tightenings earlier....

Mumbles I feel really sorry for you and hope all the comments here are helping you. Don't let anyone's opinion of you affect you-this is your baby and you do, say and act how you need to.

I am having some visitor issues-friends from around the world chosing now to turn up. Incresing my stress levels somewhat. For the first time in my life tho I'm standing firm and putting me and bump first. Hope I'll still have some friends post baby!

MM

Oh Mumbles, what a horrible time for you. It was a bit like this at the hospital with DD, they have shut the antenatal ward and so everbody was crammed into one ward together. It was chaos but the MW's were coping brilliantly. Hope you feel a bit calmer now and I would like to say exactly what Duchess said - v well put!

Monkeysmama - I was firm with family / friends when DD arrived but it didn't stop my SIL staying 5 HOURS when she came when DD was 5 days old she didn't do anything either, just sat right next to me while I was trying to feed DD so I had to elbow her out the way and then pass comments on my parenting skills - grr! Am sure everybody understands you being firm

Coolmama - good luck for Weds, look forward ot the birth announcement

Kanga - sounds like we might see your announcement soon too (fingers crossed)

Hope everyone else is ok and not too hot.

Hi All!

Just thought I'd check in...

MM sorry to hear about your horrid experience. I hope you are feeling a bit better now...

Hope everyone else had a good weekend.... No 'movement' here - but I have 12 days before my due date.... Getting really excited now.... Am going to pack my hospital bag today.

Hope everyone has a good day and isn't too hot waiting for their babes.... No work for me today!

moan alert

Hmmm, I am normally a very firm person but I am having to have DH's massive family over on Friday as it is DD1's 2nd birthday. That's 8 adults and 9 kids, aged between 2 weeks (DD2 ) and 14. I keep trying to explain to DH that it's not fair to expect me to have all these (noisy) children in the house when I have a 2 week old baby. He doesn't get it and says 'we'll just get take away' as if it's just the food that's the problem . His family are the only people I can't be firm with. His sisters are lovely but his Mum is a very difficult and demanding woman. She would not be happy if we didn't have them all over for DD1's birthday. It's making me so angry and upset today. I just keep thinking 'why have I got to do this???!!!!!'. I know DD2 is a good baby but I'm still tired (and irritable!). Last year at DD1's first birthday, I ended up really shouting at my nephew cos I asked him 5 times not to kick a football around my lounge (yes, this is the sort of thing I'm dealing with). I just know I'm gonna lose my temper with them at some point and then be seen as the bad guy sgain.

Ohhhh, Grrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!

Anyway, that aside, sorry for all you poor ladies who are overdue, and lots of eviction notices coming your way for your babies. I was lucky enough to never get to my due date with both DD's so I can't imagine how fed up you must be feeling.

GCG xxx

EDD 3rd May 1st Baby

Had second sweep with midwife this morning - please let this one work!!!!!!

Am booked in for induction on Thursday but really want to get her moving before then.

Trying to keep active and upright, eating pineapple, drinking raspberry leaf tea - any other tips? Could really do with a vodka and tonic !!

GCG - poor you!! sounds like a bloody nighhtmare TBH. can you restrict the time that they are there? or hide upstairs "feeding"? In reference to football - i recomend a big pointy stick... maybe you can put the little animals dears in the garden as the weather is so nice? It means that your living room may survive the carnage? Maybe you should go out with DD2 as it will be too noisy/stressful/busy/dangerious (take your pick) for her and leave DH to deal with it? Im guessing denny would take you in for a couple of hours? for the record I think you're a bloody saint for holding a party 2 weeks after birth - im having difficulty getting my head round the idea od ever going out again when she eventually decides to show!!

in other news - today is what I believe to be my due date. have now had a week and a half of pre-labour, yesterday i had (TMI ALERT) shall we say "loose stools" and felt sick etc etc - rung midwife - ooo body getting ready for labour (still, sodding still getting ready for labour??? are you not ready yet?), nothing happened, went to bed - nothing happening here still... something tells me that we'll end up being induced after 3 weeks of "body preparing for labour..."

sorry eira - cross post!

erm they do say sex works - if you can face it!! walking and bouncing on a birth ball? Also my midwife did actually tell me to have a small glass of red wine if stressed, as it relaxes you and sometimes you can be so wound up that it stops things happening?

Clary sage oil is supposed to start contractions off (you can get it from holland and barrett - either pop in in an oil burner or in some base oil as a massage oil?) and curry sets your bowels off which should encourage everything else to start?

having said all that none of its working for me... (although our attempt at sex was a total no-go.. DP is not having any of it!)

Thanks Otter, attempted sex but we both found it very difficult to get in the mood with the bump wriggling about!

Might spend the afternoon bouncing on the birth ball watching Jeremy Kyle .

OMG its taken me agesssssssssssssssss to catch up !!!!

Yellowflower Congratulations on the birth of Joseph xx

Fleurie76 Glad your ecv worked!! and PMSL @ the thought of flash cards XX

Baiyu/Azaduhi EVICTION NOTICES HAVE NOW BEEN SERVERD!!!!

Pina hows the water infection i hope that your OK and have avoided hospital !!

Blobsmummy Congratulations on the arrival of William xx

and

Asicsgirl Congratulations on the birth of Arley xx

Nice to see some boys on the may thread xx

Pregnabrain Bless you for missing me!! you have made me feel loved XXX

TheDutchessofNorksBride Don't worry Hun im not even due till the 24th and i went to 40+10 with my DD so i will be here to keep you company!!xx

MM hope you OK babe and sorry that you have had yet more problems lots of ((((HUGS))))

Well im doing OK just feeling a bit so have stayed of MN so as not to depress you all however im LOVING the sunshine even though my ankles have swelled up to twice there size and are really sore!! we went to the Gower on Saturday and had a fab day on the beach and had a big Barbecue yesterday so am just going to chill today and try and recover from my sun burn [stupid sweetbean icon]

Hope everyone is OK and that all babies with eviction notice do the polite thing and vacate the premises !!!! xxx

GCG I totally understand - I am having quite bad visitor issues and being firm isn't helping. I had DP's parents over the weekend before last and we had to see his sister & 2 kids two weekends in a row. The second time they came to us on Saturday followed by his parents on Sunday.

I wonder if there is a way of getting out of it? Feign illness? Find somewhere local they could all go for a party and book it for them then stay home yourself? Even suggest a trip to the park and a picnic there? Then they can all bring food and someone else can organise it? Not brilliant suggestions but might work? Good luck & let us know how you manage - I expect it is advice I will be needing soon myself.

Had friends from Italy over for the past 4 days which has been nice but tiring. Friend from Oz has turned up wanting to stay with me with her mum and though I've told her I am tired and not feeling great she is texting or calling every hour to see how I feel and whether I am ready to see them yet (managed to get them to stay with someone else). I started feeling guilty but am now so annoyed - I said I am going to see mw later and she suggested they come with me??!! I am being driven crazy and don't know what to do. They have this itenary and are trying to fit my and bump into their pre chosen slots. Everytime I think of it (every hour when she calls) I am getting a fluttery heart and feel SOOOO tired.

Last night had some really odd pains and hardly slept again - managed an hour this time which isn't helping with my stress levels and is making me feel like crying. We went out for dinner with said Italian friends and all of a sudden, after a ten minute walk, my belly went incredibly tight and just, well, odd and hard and like the skin was getting really tight and staying that way. During dinner I started to feel a bit better and an hour or two after I was fine again (apart from the usual pregnancy stuff). But then around 11 I started having awful back ache, being unable to get comfy, itching my legs like a flea ridden animal and my bump started moving like it had been possessed by aliens. Usually a cup of hot milk helps calm baby (and my constant friend heartburn) but it didn't work.

On my 4th trip to the toilet in an hour I thought my waters might be breaking though my bladder control has gone recently so I am never sure. I put a pad on just in case but it remained dry. I just couldn't get commfy though and then this gurgling started. It went on for around 2 hours and sounded like a mix between very loud hunger pains and a waterfall. Honestly - it was so loud (it didn't hurt) that dp was woken up by it which is really saying something. Has anyone else experienced this? Do you think it is a sign of imminent labour? The noise was very strange!

Anymore thoughts on the sweep the mw wants to give me on Wednesday (4 days before my due date?) The reason is apparently that it significantly reduces the rates of induction? I am a tad concerned for a variety of reasons including, if I am honest, that they want to do it to move me alog quick because they have lots of women due in the next few weeks.

Mumblesmummy - hope you're feeling much better today. I was thinking about you during my sleepless night and sending you moral support.

MM II

Hello!

Gorgeous weather, innit? Still can't keep away from the dark corner of our dining room that is home to the computer (damn that mn addiction).

GCG - totally with you on the annoying visitors thing. Especially loud / out of control kids. I think the suggestion of picnic in the park is excellent. Will take all the stress out of it for you. Dp can do the food and you can all meet at a certain time. It means you can sneak off with dd2 after a bit if you feel wiped out and your home will remain a sanctuary

monkeysmama - the tightening bump you mentioned sounds like Braxton Hicks contractions and is a good sign. It's your uterus getting in training! No idea what the gurgling could be, though. Might be worth a call to the midwife if you're worried? I would definitely question the need for a sweep at this stage. There just seems no reason to be even thinking about induction before your due date and, if your body isn't ready for the sweep, it can be very uncomfortable for you (i've not had one but lots has been said about them on here). I'd think about it maybe a week after your due date if nothing's happened before then?

The visitors sound v annoying. Maybe you could suggest a definite time / day to see them so at least you've got it in your diary and they will stop calling you all the time?

otter - sorry to hear your pre-labour is getting you down. It's all good in the long-run though, right? I'm quite jealous of all those with 'signs'. I'm just feeling heavy and horrible with no sign of action!

ps exciting suspicious silences from Azaduhi and Baiyu (although Baiyu could just be too busy reacquainting herself with dp ).

pps hello Sweetbean! Glad you're ok and that all is well with bump. Sorry to hear you've been feeling blue - don't feel you have to stay away from us!

eira - have added you to the list of bumps, birthers and babies...

Due May 2008 List

Bobsmum - EDD 25th April, DS 5years, DD 2years - Arrived 29th April -Martha Victoria 8lb 13oz
Macaco - EDD, 26 April first baby - BOY, Arrived 26th March - Nicolas 4lbs 12oz
Potpourri - EDD 29 April, DD1 3 yrs 2 months & DD2 20 months - SURPRISE
Flickthelittlefireengine - EDD 29 April, DS 13.5 months - BOY arrived 20th March -Samuel james nathaniel llewellyn , 4lbs 10oz
Mumofk - EDD 26 April, DD 2.3 years-GIRL arrived 25th April,Jasmine Elizabeth, 8lbs 8oz
ShellySara - EDD 1st May, first baby
Seaturtle - EDD 1st May, first baby
Missvicki - EDD 1st May, first baby Arrived 18th April- Olivia Megan 6lbs 12oz
Asicsgirl - EDD 1st May, DS 2 years 4 months. - BOY arrived 9th May - Arley Stephen 7lb 2
Snooks - EDD 1st May, DS1 3.2, DS2 18 months - GIRL arrived Monday 28 April - Pearl 6lb 1 1/2oz
Goodcatholicgirl - EDD 2nd May, DD will be 2 in May!!Arrived 30th April -Cerys Mary 7lb 7oz
Podglet - EDD 2nd May, DS 15 months - Girl Arrived 15th April - Elizabeth Jeanette Shelia 7lb 10oz
eira - EDD 3rd May 1st Baby
Yellowflower - EDD 4th May, First Baby - BOY - arrived 1st May - Joseph - 5lb 3
LondonIrish - EDD 4th May, first baby
Coolmama - EDD 5th May, DS 2yrs 9mths
Casserole - EDD 5th May,Arrived 25th April - Leo James 7lbs 8oz
Pinacolada82 - EDD 6th May, DD 3 years 8 months - GIRL arrived 1st May - evelyn (evie) rose 7lb 13oz
Baiyu - EDD 7th May, first baby-SURPRISE
Hotpotmama - EDD 7th May, DS1 4yrs, DS2 3yrs
Walkingwomb - EDD May 7th, first baby
JackBlackRoady - EDD May 8th, DS 12 years - GIRL Arrived 9th April -Isla 5lbs 5oz
MrsVO - EDD May 8th, first baby
Indiechick - EDD 9 May, DD 3 years -arrived 26th March, Sophie, 6lbs 3oz
IndigoBlue - EDD 10th May, DD 1 year - BOY
Iarel - EDD 10th May, DS - arrived 26th April, Isla Willow, 8lbs 3oz
Wolverina - EDD 10 May, DS 5 years
Yankunian - EDD 10 May, first baby (Girl)
Chuffed - EDD May 11 x 3, DD 3.5 years, DS 21 months - GIRLS Arrived 19th March Mischa Grace 1.75kg, Reese Sofia 1.67kg, Tasmin Jade 1.72kg
Mumblesmummy - EDD 11th May first baby - BOY
Blobsmummy EDD 12th May, DD 23 months - BOY arrived Wed 7th may, 5lb 8oz but very long 53cm
Mitchell81 - C/S 12th May, DD 7 years and DS 22 months - BOY
Itsazoohere - EDD 12th May, DD1 12yrs, DD2, 7 yrs, DD3, 8 months
Bramblina - EDD 12th May, DS 2yrs
Truffy18 - EDD 12th May, DS 17 months
Mollymawk - EDD 13th May, DS 2 and 4 years
BabyLove21 - EDD 13th May - SURPRISE
kat13 - EDD 13th May first baby
Bobsi - EDD 14th May, dd 2
KangaAndRoo - EDD 14th May, DD 2.6 years SURPRISE
ZamMummy - EDD 14th May CS booked- DS 21months
Horseshoe: EDD 14th May- DD 5years, DD 2years
Azaduhi - EDD 16th May, DD 4yrs
NikNak21 - EDD 16th May, DS 2.5years
Magicfairy - EDD 17th May, DS 20 months SURPRISE
PinkGlitterFairy - EDD 18th May, DS1 4.5yrs DS2 2yrs
BigBadMouse- EDD 18th May, DD1 18 months and DD2 3.5yrs - BOY
Mocat - EDD 18th May, arrived 22nd April, Alex, 5lbs 13.5oz
Monkeysmama - EDD 18th May
janemf - EDD 19th May, first baby
Otter1980 - EDD 19th May, first baby, GIRL
PazzaPlusTwo - EDD 22nd May, CS 28th April First babies (Twins) - GIRLS - arrived 28th April - Carmen and Anais
Youcannotbeserious - EDD 23rd May, first baby - Boy
Fleurie76 - EDD 23rd May, first baby
Mum2scrap - EDD 23rd May, first baby
Sweetbean - EDD 24th May DD 3 years
Aussiesim - EDD 25th May DS1 4.5 DS2 2 - GIRL
pregnabrain - EDD 28th May, DD 2.5
TheDuchessOfNorksBride - EDD 26th May, DD1 6yrs, DS1 4yrs, DD2 3yrs
Chatname - EDD 26th May, lost 3 previous babies in first trimester, hopefully will be first baby
Gingerwench- EDD 29th May, first baby
Newbishad - EDD 29th May, first baby
beccablum - EDD 30th May - GIRL
KJacko - EDD 30th May first baby - BOY
Secreteater - EDD End of May