Due in June - Creme eggs are long gone and our own eggs have started to hatch. Who will be next?

[Upsidedowncake]

We are two down and have another 30-40 to go. Makecakes and Gemma have probably popped by now, then G43! It's all happening!!!!!

Hi jules I'm 35 1/2 weeks and feeling ante-nataled out too! Had last NHS class today and last NCT one tonight!

Makecakes congratulations, Cecily looks gorgeous and so do you! well done. looking forward to hearing about your experiences...

Essie really like Ioan and Ifan, think they both transfer well to non-welsh type places too IYSWIM in that people should be able to manage to figure out gender and pronounciation Meilir is nice too, but I went to school in Cheshire, where there's a fair number of welsh people, and there was a mairig (sp) in the class. He had the problem of no-one knowing how to pronounce it/ what gender he was and once he hit teenage years there was the inevitable 'Gay-rig' which might similarly surface if you spend a fair bit of time outside of Wales?

MW appt this morning was rather stressful as she was a bit concerned at how big baby was measuring since the last time and couldn't decide if it was breech or not, to cut a long story short, she sent me up to the hospital for an USS and baby is absolutely fine, wriggling away measuring a good to average size (about 5lb 13 today which will be about 8lb ish at term) given that DP is a 6 foot 5 athlete i wasn't expecting any smaller than that so nicely reassured. worrying 2 hours between seeing MW and scan though!

ernest poor you getting lost, deep breaths and chocolate for you and are you allowed piriton for the itch, I have taken it for my hayfever on prescription during pregnancy so should be OK and might help?

Neenz let me know how you get on with reuseables, am planning on them too and keen to hear others experiences!

Everyone else, hello, sorry for epic post!

Firstly, Makecakes- congratulations!!! She is just beautiful. Well done!

Ernest - god you poor thing you are having a hellish time. If my dh did that to me I would go absolutely ballistic, that you have not yet castrated him with a spoon shows great restraint on your part.

Well I had a mw's appointment today too and it went really well. The baby is fine and has started engaging. He is 3/5 which seems pretty good for 36 weeks but I can never remember which way the scale works, is 1/5 the minimum or 5/5?

I think there are lots of scary threads on MN at the moment (well, scary mnetters!) - maybe that's the full moon as well. Wouldn't post on the baby names board! In RL I'm loathe to discuss names - had one awful night with a couple of friends who kept telling me I couldn't call MY baby xxx, I should call him [insert crap and common name here] - this went on for hours. Since then name conversations have been banned! Or I tell them he's going to be called Lucifer...

Gawd, Laura, what are mws like, do you think they have a special exam to pass called Scaring Patients Senseless? Anyway, at least you got another scan and know everything is fine.

Ernest, hope you get the itching sorted - poor you.

My back was killing me today, managed to get a last minute appointment for a massage on the way home at Neal's Yard, bliss!

Essie, I like Meilir and Ioan especially, but Trystan and the others are all nice too. My job is basically about pronunciation, and people keep asking me whether it makes me want to choose (a) an unpronounceable name, or (b) an impossible-to-mispronounce one - and I just don't know! I certainly wouldn't shy away from a Celtic name (Gaelic rather than Welsh in my case) if I liked it.
My niece is called Niamh, and it's easy enough to say to people "it rhymes with 'sleeve'!" When she was born her parents got a few questions/remarks about it, so I wrote the baby an 'official' letter (headed paper and everything) explaining briefly how the pronunciation and spelling of Gaelic works and why her name is written that way. The parents could show it around, and have now put it in her birth keepsake box.

Laura - have you really been prescribed piriton for hayfever in pregnancy? I'm asking because I'm dying of allergies right now and if there's a solution I'm going to phone my GP tomorrow.... We have piriton in the house too but I guess in pregnancy it's smart to check what dosage is appropriate right?

Ernest - your skin thing is what my friend had and they induced her at 39 weeks for it... she said it was really horrible so I'm sending you even more hugs and sympathy.

I'm off to bed right now because I'm zonked, my last day at work turned into a half day as I've been feeling reduced movement lately so my midwife sent me up to the mat hospital for a trace. Of course as soon as I got there the LO started kicking! They did find that I'm having small contractions all the time too and that may be why I'm not feeling as much movement (I do notice the contractions so I'm probably just getting them confused). I'm glad everything's okay and pleased that the contractions are starting. I've got myself convinced now that every day I wait will mean my body will get more ready for birth so I'll have an easier time of it. It feels better than getting anxious and impatient (since I'm not 38 weeks till Thursday!).

AH, yes, had piriton prescribed in first trimester as I get lots of crappy allergic-ness all year round and both pharmacist and GP felt it was fine. Haven't had to actually take any for months though, as pregnancy has improved my allergies (you didn't need to hear that though, sorry, here's a virtual tissue for the sneezes!)

definately staying away from the names board myself, I am filled with horror at how rude people are about other people's name choices on there.

The crap evil mysonginistic skin doctor catagorically told me I couldn't have anti histamines, and I just had to put up with it, but I've since read it's likely to spread to my breasts, arms, legs, possibly all over. Sod that. I'll go and see the (very nice, and English FEMALE) consultant if it gets any worse as it's verging on intolerable right now anyway, and I've got next to nothing done today as practically comatose with exhaustion after not sleeping due to the itching. I'm already due a c-section at 38+2 so I doubt they'd bring that forward.

But thanks agsain for all your kind words. Most annoying thing is, this is suppposed to be most common in 1st pg, and only rarely occurs in later ones. Hmm trust my luck

Essie, I am nervous of any name that is unpronouncable. I can see why you want a Welsh name, but to be honest, while they all look cool, if I saw those written down I wouldn't know where to begin.

LauraT - glad you got the reasurance you needed

Congratulations makecakes what a lovely name, can't wait to hear all the details.

I was having strong bh contractions again, but thought I was going into full labour they were coming every 4.5 minutes and were quite sore. I phoned hosp who said to come in so phoned dh told him to come home and dropped ds at my sisters. When I got to hosp contractions had slowed right down and I felt a total fraud. The put me on a monitor and examined me, to cut a long story short I am not dilated at all so all the bh have down nothing at all and I am throughly and so who knows when things will happen, I have my due date appt a week today so if I haven't gone by then they will set a date for induction.

I don't think I'll be next, but who knows.

ernest, he sounds like a quack. who specialises in skin anyway???? (people who don't want to do much out of hours work that's who, it's known as dermaholiday in the medical profession - erm, no offence intended to any passing dermatologist) I would go see the obstetrician, cry a bit and see what happens. she is much more likely to be up to date on what you can and can't take in pregnancy than a dermatologist - lots of doctors are scared of pregnany women and just don't prescribe anything to be on the safe side.

x

Puddock sorry about your crap night. Hospitals are horrible.

Ernest your rash sounds awful. I have one that's similar but nowhere near as bad - I really sympathise. I've seen on other threads a suggestion to mix menthol with aqueous cream - apparently it can cool it down. So reassuring to know other DHs can behave that way too . You must be so stressed, being in a new country and not knowing anyone.

Essie - like all those names especially Trystan.

Laura glad the baby is ok and a good size.

I saw my lovely consultant this afternoon. She has spoken to the head of the MLU who is happy for me to deliver there, and to use the post natal ward that has single ensuite rooms. She's annotated my notes and also dictated a letter to the MLU so we don't come up against an arsy jobsworth on the day - it's all properly documented now. She did want to repeat the fbc but insisted it was just so she could warn the MLU if I'm anaemic - she I could still deliver there. I'm so pleased . She's really nice to me. She's been looking after me for the past 4 years (on and off, obviously!) and although this pregnancy has, thank goodness, been so straightforward that I haven't needed to see her very much, she's still made a real effort to ensure I get the birth I want.

We are still stuck for names. The new ones on the shortlist are:
Alice (but a mean old woman called Alice at church pushed DH on Sunday so now he's gone off it SEE - THAT'S WHAT I HAVE TO DEAL WITH!!)
Amy (DS1 was going to be Amy, then we went off it for years. Worry about how it would sound with a scouse accent)
Antonia (but don't like Toni)
Florence (like Florrie but not Flo or Flossie).

But we've been through so many names that my head is spinning from it and I don't think my judgment is very sound. I like Agnes, Agatha and Edith too but don't think DH is so keen. Be as frank about them as you like - I can't get any more confused!

I was quite keen on chosing a saint's name but (don't want to offend anyone) that made me more confused. Most of them seem to be utter nutters. You say vision, I say hallucination... that kind of thing.

I still love Theodora and Clara but not sure if DH does. And they really aren't great with our surmane.

Ernest that looks awful I'm so sorry, it looks so nasty! Big hugs!!!

I keep going on all fours (MV told me that LO is lying back to back) and my legs are killing me! I think I'm going to blow up the birthing ball!!

My DH was amazing tonight - he offered to de-hair me so to speak, legs & bikini - he was fab, I can't believe he actually did all that and I didn't have to ask!!

My hormones have definately calmed down since the weekend outburst - thank god maybe it's because I'm off on Mat leave and I've got more time to myself etc.

Ernest - so sorry you've had such a crap day, must have been so stressful to be lost, then with the non helpful dh, followed by the useless Dr. Maybe tonight you could get a big bowl of ice cream - rest it on your bump and eat yourself happy!!
Tomorrow I think you should go back to the English consultant, and cry.
As for your dh - have you spoken to him yet?

Essie - Personally I like Tristan but then that is Ds2's name( I don't take offence though, names are so personal). As for pronunciation - both of my boys have had problems with speech, Stefan at one point couldn't say s or f so he called himself Tepan, Tristan still struggles with his poor thing, but when we named him, Stefan was only 2 so the speech problem wasn't obvious. However now we want a name that is easily pronounceable - think we've decided on Aidan. It has been hard thinking of a name that's a bit different like Stefan and Tristan but easier to say in English and also in German. We liked Ethan but in German there's no th sound so could be a problem, and lots of children have a problem with substituting f for th!!

Hey Laura, we have had a really good day with the terry nappies. I was a bit apprehensive cos I really want it to work, and it has been easier than I thought. I am going to use disposables in the night for the time being tho cos night times are hard enough right now!

Theo and Esther both stayed leak-free all day. When I changed them I used a plastic Pampers wipes box (which I got free in the Bounty newborn essentials pack) to put the dirty nappy, liner and cotton wool in, then when I'd finished I took the box upstairs, flushed the liners and cotton wool down the loo and gave the terries a rinse in the loo water too. Then I brought the two nappies downstairs and put them to soak in the nappy bin. They can stay in there 48 hours so I am going to do the same tomorrow and then wash them all tomorrow night.

The babies are sleeping soundly upstairs now - bedtime routine seems to be going well so far. I am having a nice glass of wine. MW said one glass a day was OK, but health visitor said some research says you shouldn't drink anything.

What's everyone else going to do?

Re Drinking & breast feeding, I've read that you shouldn't have a drink immediately before you breast feed and that one or two is fine. Personally I know I'll want to induldge in a few drinks - especially in August as it's my 30th birthday!!! Will have to express for that night I think.

I think it's fine to have the odd glass of wine - as long as you're not totally pissed - which I can't see happening!

I think the odd glass is fine Neenz, just see if it has any effect on the babies. Stefan wasn't too bad but Tristan wasn't a wine fan and it made him sicky! But then again lots of things did!!
Sounds like you're doing really well with them both.

Neenz- sounds like you are doing great, hope when mine comes I cope half as well as you are! Enjoy the wine!

Katyjo - how annoying! Hope things either kick off properly or calm down for you.

I had my midwife appointment this afternoon, everything was fine, I'd just been to pick up the free change bag from boots so we spent quite a bit of the appointment having a look at that!

As far as names are concerned we have our heads pretty much in the sand here, made a few lists a while back but haven't narrowed it down at all. I'm really funny about discussing it with people, I think it is hard enough that both of us have differing opinions let alone taking everyone elses opinions into account too. We were at a wedding the other week and a girl we know got quite drunk and kept going on and on about names for the baby and wanting to know what ideas we had had, she really wasn't taking the hint that I wasn't going to discuss it with her! Perhaps I am just odd!

CONGRATULATIONS MAKECAKES!!! Very happy {grin] {grin] {grin] {grin] {grin] {grin] for you and DH. And also a bit jealous, , she looks so cute, I want one!

Crap day - was meant to be a pamper day, but ended up in hairdressers for 5 hours and still hate my hair. have a fixit appointment tomorrow. So went off for a manicure, which has completely bubbled....off for that fixit appointment tomorrow as well. Thank goodness I didn't go for the bikini wax I was considering...

Dramaqueen - Did anyone come back to you re: the 7pm/8pm thing. I hadn't thought about that, but it'd probably apply to us too....

Essie - I like Trystan.

Ernest - Sorry to hear about your day....hope your DH comes home, apologises and gives you a big hug. Lots of hugs from all of us in the meantime tho!

Neenz - You are completely amazing! I think that a supermum like you deserves a glass of wine or two. Any alcohol you have is shared btw the two of them, so you can have double...

Tell me about BH's please someone. Mine, if that's what they are, seem to be at the top of the bump. Is this normal?

I'm intending to do washable nappies too. And also intending to combine breastmilk and wine . I've heard it's ok, although I've also heard that it's best left till after the last feed. (So my vision of sipping chilled rose with a baby on my breast...call social services now!)

Rolf - I like Alice, and I think it's quite unusual really, not many of them around. (Mean old woman excepted - why do those mean old women hang around churches so much?! I bet she does the flowers too. DH is an organist - we hang around churches. Gosh, maybe I am that mean old woman, you know, smells a bit odd, people are polite to her because they're all Christian...panic!) Antonia and Florence - agree totally about the shortened versions though. I don't know how you stop people shortening names. DH pointed out that his Trystan could be shortened to...Stan! And saints - we've picked a good one for a middle name, but the majority of them die horrible deaths (breasts cut off and stuck in mouth, anyone?). The female ones are often worse somehow with miserable virgin-and-martyr lives.

BTW, I'm not trying to offend any Christians. I am one myself, but a wry and sarcastic one.

Congratulations makecakes! Lovely lovely picture.

On other topical topics: will be drinking (a bit), might be using resusables, will also be naming baby! (but not telling anyone anything before he or she comes out).

And on the "am I normal" theme - does anyone else have a numb bump?! (am 35 weeks)

congratulations makecakes -gorgeous name..

fingers crossed for gemma too.Paro glad that hospital visit went ok even if was tiring.

Not sure about numb bump but kicking baby and very hard bump at times..

Makecakes congrats what a beautiful little girl and you look fab

Ernest how awful this might sound old wifeyish buy you could try vinigar it should take the itch away you will pong a bit, though it might annoy your dh which would be good revenge for leaving you stranded.

AH congrats on starting mat leave...was looking for you on the news last night.

Neez where are you getting all the energy from? The wine is fine its not like your drinking bottles of the stuff.

Debs hope you go before your next appointment...what a mean lady moaning about your language just as well didnt take bp it would probably have been raised with her behaviour!

Sorry everyone else I cant remember what else I was going to reply to.

I seem to have lost all the fluid I was carrying I have got my ankles back which Im strangely excited about also although baby is moving plenty the movements are much smaller so Im rapidly running out of room. I was saying to DH earlier It would be funny to go next Thurs 29th as its the only day between 27th and the 31st there isnt a family birthday what would the odds be I wonder!

Evening all

Sorry to keep you guys guessing. Firstly:

makescakes congratulations! Your DD is beautiful and you look happy and cuddly, not tired at all.

ernest your DH needs a poke in the eye. Sorry you are still itchy. Laura is right - go and cry on a woman.

essie I like Ioan and Ifan (especially) but go with your gut instinct - pick the one you really love!

paro that's great news re the baby's head being down. Am but obviously v happy for you too

puddock sorry you got stuck in hosp. I escaped a similar night on Sunday, when we had our first false labour. DH was my hero for insisting I go home. Imo you get kept in overnight because they have more staff to do rounds in the morning... As soon as I put my foot down and insisted on an exam NOW they let me go v easily. I also found I was more passive when lying down and discussing optiosn. Once I got up and marched to the reception I felt a lot more like my old assertive self.

Ok, the acupunture was really good. LO is still breech, but she is definitely trying to turn. I had moxibustion (you burn a cigar size insense stick next to your little toe to heat it up and boost your circulation). It seems to work by (a) increasing blood flow to pelvis and uterus and (b) shocking baby into turning (which I feel guilty about...)

The first session was REALLY intense. DH and the therapist each had a stick so both pinkies got heated at the same time. I had about 35 mins and was getting extremely strong contractions after 15 mins. This went on for 2 hours after the session. Therapist gave us more sticks and we've done two sessions at home since (although DH complains the smoke makes him feel sick ). LO has tried to turn three times and have also had two more sessions of contractions. She has now moved about 45 degrees and we will keep trying. Have another ECV booked for Friday.

Have also been researching option of vaginal breech birth and am going to insist on a trial of labour if she doesn't turn. There have been several breech births in DH's family and if his gran can do it I don't see why I should be different. It means switching hospitals from Bristol to Bath to get a sympathetic consulant and need to talk to MW about the formalities, but it's worth a go.

Sorry for the marathon. The last 48 hours have been crazy. Have been having contractions since about half 4 today so just really need to hold on a couple of days until new consultant is sorted and birth plan agreed. Am 37 weeks tomorrow...

Night all!

Hi Wigeon - yep, kinda numb bump. Hard to describe, but less sensation around the bump although you can still feel something. A bit cold like a pre pins and needles feeling...?