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Connect with mums-to-be with similar due dates to share experiences and support.

Due Aug 08 - And the Signs of Labor ARE....

916 replies

TwilightSurfer · 04/07/2008 15:47

This is it!! Some of us have already started the descent into new BABYDOM. Best to arm ourselves with the facts. Here you will find the Signs of Labor. Just don't panic. Remember women around the world have been giving birth for ages. You are not alone nor will you be alone throughout this entire process. We are all here for each other no matter what. So let us go forward with heads high and bellies low.

This little quiz might also be helpful. Remember we are in this TOGETHER!!

DUE AUGUST 2008 STATS
[TSupdate04JUL08]

GROUP TOTAL: 57

DELIVERIES [BOYS (0) vs. GIRLS (0)]
sample23JUL via VB SOMEBODY delivered Jenny Sue, 8lbs 3oz & 55cm [EDD 08AUG]
sample24JUL via CS SOMEBODYELSE delivered Timmy, 6lbs & 43cm [EDD 31JUL]

WAITING ROOM [BOYS (12) vs. GIRLS (15)]
21JUL IlanaK is 35 and lives in Central London. She has 2DSs, 6y & 3y. Expecting DC#3 via CSec (EDD was 24JUL), a BOY to be named Saul.
23JUL Voodoococonut is 29 and lives in Manchester but moving to West Midlands asap. She has a DD, 19M. Expecting DC#2, a SURPRISE.
24JUL Alittlebitshy is 28 and lives in East London/Essex. She has a DD, 5y. Expecting DC#2 via CSec (EDD was 03AUG), a SURPRISE.
29JUL Miamla is 32 and lives in North London. Expecting DC#1, a BOY to maybe be named Theodore.
29JUL Bigboydiditandranaway is 36 and lives in Midlands. She has a DS, 26m. Expecting DC#2.
30JUL Dizzydixies is 32 and lives in Fife. She has 2DDs, 4y & 2y. Expecting DC#3 via VBac or CSec, guesses it's a girl.
31JUL SassyLou is 33 and lives in Cheshire. She has 2DDs, 7y & 5y. Expecting DC#3.
01AUG PhilB is 31 and lives in SE London. Expecting DC#1, a SURPRISE.
01AUG Pertelote is 30 and lives in East London. Expecting DC#1, a SURPRISE.
02AUG Vintagegardenia is 35 and lives in Ireland. She has a DS, 9y. Expecting DC#2, a SURPRISE.
02AUG Mum2b1 is expecting DC#1.
02AUG Shazza2002 is 27 and lives in West London. She has a DD, 5y. Expecting DC#2, a SURPRISE.
04AUG SKYTVADDICT is 40 and lives in Lincolnshire. She has a DS, 13m, and 2DDs, 8y & 12y. Expecting DC#4 via CSec (EDD was 08AUG), a SURPRISE.
05AUG ChaCha is 32 and lives in Oxford. She has 2DCs, 2y & 10m, Expecting DC#3 via CSEC, guesses it's a boy.
07AUG BraveNewWorld is 31 and lives in London. Expecting DC#1, a GIRL.
08AUG LadyOfWaffle is 22 and lives in Berkshire. She has a DS, 2y. Expecting DC#2, a SURPRISE.
08AUG Mummypud is 28 and lives in Wiltshire. She has a DD, 2y. Expecting DC#2, a GIRL.
08AUG Bealcain is 21 and lives in Kent, She has 2DSs 2y & 1y. Expecting DC#3, a GIRL to be named Delilah.
09AUG BirthdayBaby is expecting DC#1.
10AUG Lcy is 30 and lives in Wales. Expecting DC#1, guesses it's a boy.
11AUG Sarahnh is 32 and lives in West Midlands. She has a DD, 2y. Expecting DC#2, a GIRL to maybe be named Tess Alexandra.
11AUG Foghornleghorn is 23 and lives in Northampton. She has 2DDs, 3y & 1y. Expecting DC#3, guesses it's a girl.
11AUG Sibh has 2DCs, DS 5y & DD 2y. She is expecting DC#3.
12AUG Buckets is 31 and lives in Southampton. She has a DD, 4y, & a DS, 3. Expecting DC#3 via CSec (01-07AUG?), a BOY to maybe be named Kurt.
14AUG Hardygirl is 36 and lives in SW London. Expecting DC#1, a SURPRISE.
14AUG HazieDazieandBaby is 26 and lives in Aberdeen. Expecting DC#1, a GIRL to be named Gabriella.
14AUG Gigglegirl is 32 and lives in Stockport. She has a DD, 4y, and 2DSs, 2y & 1y. Expecting DC#4, a GIRL to be named Imogen.
16AUG Longwayfromhome is 29 and lives in Argentina. Expecting DC#1, a BOY to named Tomas.
16AUG Pregnancy1 is 31 and lives in London. Expecting DC#1, a GIRL.
17AUG CaptainCaveman is 35 and lives in Nottingham. She has a DS, 3.11y. Expecting DC#2 via VBac, a BOY.
17AUG Iliketosleep is 24 and lives in Wolverhampton. She has 2DDs, 7y & 6y and a DS, 4y. Expecting DC#4.
17AUG Poppysocks is 30 and lives in St Andrews. She has a DD, 2.4y. Expecting DC#2 via CSec or maybe VBAC, a GIRL.
17AUG Warthog has a DD, 2y. Expecting DC#2, a GIRL.
17AUG Jennylee is 30 and lives in West Lothian. She has a DS, 9y. Expecting DC#2, a GIRL.
18AUG Kezza7779 is expecting DC#1, guesses it's a boy.
18AUG Expectant is 32 and lives in Singapore. Expecting DC#1, a SURPRISE.
18AUG Cheerfulvicky is 24 and lives in Cornwall. Expecting DC#1, a BOY.
19AUG SazzlesA is 35 and lives in Cheltenham. She has a DD, 18m. Expecting DC#2 via VBAC or CSec, a GIRL to maybe be named Emma.
19AUG Karney is 39 and lives in Glasgow.
19AUG TwilightSurfer is 37 and lives in Tennessee, USA. She has a DD, 4y. Expecting DC#2 via VB, a GIRL to maybe be named Maggie Ethelyn.
19AUG Daisy26 is expecting DC#1, a GIRL.
20AUG Ejesmum is 38 and lives in Exeter. She has a DS, 4y. Expecting DC#2.
20AUG Stillhere is 36 and lives in Yorkshire. She has a DS, 2.5y. Expecting DC#2, a SURPRISE.
21AUG Pinchypants is 34 and lives in Guildford. She has a DD, 20m. Expecting DC#2.
21AUG Musm2go is 35 and lives in B'ham Solihull. She has a DD, 6y. Expecting DC#2, a BOY.
23AUG Stickybean is 27 and lives in North London. Expecting DC#1, guesses it's a girl.
24AUG Libbyssister is 34 and lives in Oxfordshire. She has a DS, 2.11y. Expecting DC#2, a BOY.
24AUG Cyteen is 32 and lives in Leicester. Expecting DC#1, a BOY.
24AUG SausageAndMash is 37 and lives in London. She has a DD, 3y. Expecting DC#2.
25AUG Petitfilou is 36 and lives in S Oxfordshire. She has a DS, 4.4y, & a DD, 2.10y. Expecting DC#3, a BOY.
25AUG Oopsacoconut is 32 and lives in Wiltshire. Expecting DC#1, a GIRL to be named Poppaea Anna.
26AUG Ellasmum1 is 30 and lives in North Staffs-Newcastle under Lyme. She has a DD, 5y. Expecting DC#2, a BOY.
26AUG Dancerandprancer is 31 and lives in Devon. She has a DD, 28m. Expecting DC#2, a BOY.
26AUG No1putsbabyinthecorner is 30 and lives in South Yorkshire. She as a DD, 1y. Expecting DC#2.
28AUG Ataraxis formerly Readyforbed has 2 DSs, 5y & 3y, and is expecting DC#3, a GIRL.
29AUG Waytoomuchchocolate is expecting DC#1, guesses it's a girl.
30AUG AnnVan lives in Kent and is expecting DC#1, guesses it's a boy.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Buckets · 07/07/2008 20:21

By the way perineal massage is especially recommended for dancers and horseriders - they are especially tough down there apparently!

TwilightSurfer · 07/07/2008 20:25

Buckets you are right on but thats medical care versus midwifery care for ya. They wanted to monkey with me sooner but I complained and when I read my notes recently the nurses seemed offended (at least that's how it seems to "read"), they told my doctor I'd refused treatment...my doctor's response was LEAVE MY PATIENT ALONE. I'm more prepared this time so things should be easier to manage....hopefully the staff will be better too.

OP posts:
gigglegirl · 07/07/2008 20:30

ok so on the massae questions - is there a particular way you should or shouldn't do it??? Had 4th degree tear with my first (again no googling on that one!) and am keen that it should not happen again (not that it did with the other two but this one has been awkward from the start!)

oopsacoconut · 07/07/2008 20:33

heres a link for the perineal massage. massage

Buckets · 07/07/2008 20:40

GG - the perineum stays softer once it's been stretched, that's why your subsequent 2 did less damage.
So it's all you 1st timers and us possible VBACers that will benefit most.
The MW should be actively peeking (NB you don't have to be lying on the bed for this) from around transition-time with a view to protecting the perineum - pushing the baby out too fast is what causes the damage. Like the cervix, it has to soften before the baby crowns.

TwilightSurfer · 07/07/2008 20:52

I asked about tearing again and my doc told me that "typically" you don't tear any worse the second time than the first...that's if you even tear the second time. Mine was a 3 and honestly healed nice and quick.

For the first-timers....don't worry too much as it's ONE thing that is very difficult to have control over. Just take it slow.

OP posts:
PetitFilou1 · 07/07/2008 21:00

Getting in on the tearing conversation - I tore both times (2nd degree). You don't feel it happen and it healed up no problem. It was a bit sore but not that bad - I put arnica cream on it (without looking) - you probably shouldn't but I am sure it helped! The stitching up however was not comfortable, have to admit that (for those who have not been through it before - they do give you a local anaesthetic first) My children just don't tend to come out slowly - second time mw was saying 'don't push' but dd was coming regardless, I didn't really have much choice in the matter!

AnnVan · 07/07/2008 21:00

Have realised that I'm probably not going to be able to join NCT class because of how late we've moved here, or do you think they'll be a little flexible?
Can't imagine DP getting down and doing perineal massage somehow, he refused idea of shaving my legs, so somehow I think this would not go down well.
Oops - my close family livein Scotland, my parents are coming to visit once the baby isborn. I'm a little annoyed because when my sisterhad her lo, they camped so that sis and bil wouldn't have to deal with houseguests while adjusting to new baby. In my case they're just oging to stay over. This means that within a week of birth I will be worrying about cooking meals for one diabetic on coeliac and my own family grrrr.
Sorry - rant over

PetitFilou1 · 07/07/2008 21:06

Annvan - tell parents you will be expecting help with the cooking and/or takeaway purchasing! My mum was the only one who turned up and expected dinner when we had ds so you are not the only one. Luckily dh does most of our cooking!
Re NCT, just get in touch with them and see how you get on. You never know...

pregnancy1 · 07/07/2008 21:09

They will be flexible providing they have space in the classes. A friend of mine couldn't get on when she asked at 20 weeks as her classes were all booked up though, I've had other friends who've got on much later so it's worth a try. Give your local NCT orgnaiser a call (you can find their details on ther website).
If not, try your hospital or clinic classes and even look for extra ones (mine does a breast feeding class and tens demos) - any way to meet other mums in your area. You can also use this place - I met up with Miamla and Albs last week as we all live nearby and are going to the same hospital.
Hope that helps & good luck!

oopsacoconut · 07/07/2008 21:09

Annvan - give the NCT a call we had a girl on our course cancel at 1 weeks notice and there were plenty of people waiting for a place. Can you ask your folks if they would prefer a campsite close by or a B&B without giving them the stay with us option? My folks had already arranged to come from SA on the 1st September and were going to change their tickets but I said ifthey did they would have to pay even more on accomodation than they had planned - totally skipping the chance for them to say 'but we were staying with you'. If all else fails can you not just explain what you feel you need.

Buckets · 07/07/2008 21:14

Very clever Oops, bet your mum was actually quite proud of you after she'd had a chance to think about it!

gigglegirl · 07/07/2008 21:28

my mum and dad live round the corner but my FIL is a batchelor and so doesn't get family life. He comes to stay and sleeps in the living room, doesn't get up and doesn't help. bless him he thinks he is staying out of the way and being laid back but it is actually v annoying. he'll be staying at a B&B this time. MIL is the opposite, moaning and interfering - in laws you can't choose them!

gigglegirl · 07/07/2008 21:36

right i'm off for a soak in the bath and an early night
xx

PetitFilou1 · 07/07/2008 21:49

Peterlote have decided you must be richer than me or have less friends with babies (tho I do like that website) Am getting my friend some of those soft baby shoes - wouldn't necessarily buy yourself but can't help but like type present

And now I am off to bed to see if I can get a bit more sleep than I managed yesterday...

AnnVan · 07/07/2008 21:52

I wish I could - they've already said outright that they're staying over. It's just typical of my family though, I'm the one who always has to put up with the cr*p unfortunately. I guess I'll just have to survive. As long as they don't expect me to cook etc for them.

PetitFilou1 · 07/07/2008 21:56

Well tell them outright they won't be expecting the normal catering service then. You don't have to put up with anything!

PetitFilou1 · 07/07/2008 21:57

Now I really am going to bed...

oopsacoconut · 07/07/2008 21:58

You really need to try, and i know it's hard, to let them know what to expect - they are there to support you and you need your rest. Will your DP be a voice of authority, if need be? on another topic you can still join the NCT even if you don't go to classes - they you will have b/feeding councellors, baby and bump groups etc for support.

My very lovely curry is now repeating on me - bring on the gaviscon!

Sleep tight PF and GG

SazzlesA · 07/07/2008 21:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

stillhere · 07/07/2008 21:59

Lovely to be back! We then had a power cut in the house for most of the day so the thread grew by about a metre by the time I could log on again. Sigh!

AnnVan just to belatedly say that I was cr*pping it about being a mum first time round too and it's worked out okay. I must admit I've had many a day when I've wondered what on earth I've left myself in for, particularly during the first six months when I hadn't really realised how knackered and cut off from civilisation I'd feel. But it's got loads better and I can't imagine how life was before now. Having said that, I'm not sure how life will be with 2 but...

Bealcain the thing about different waters kind of rings bells. Exciting nevertheless - good luck whatever you're doing now and hope all goes well!

Mollie fab news - congratulations! My first pregnancy ended in a MMC and I went on to have a healthy baby boy, and now getting wingmirror fat with no.2 (i.e. having to bend in car parks to get fat wedge under wing mirrors of other cars... hilarious), and from the amount of support I had after it happened to me, I think it's really common. All the best - keep us posted!

Can't find who had the sore belly button? But really wanted to echo that - I really don't think this happened last time round but I've had loads of sharpish pains round the belly button earlier on then recently that weird thing where the skin hurts to touch it (like when you have a phantom splinter - know what I mean). Mmmm. I think that can mean only one thing - baby wants more Haribo. Actually, would love nothing more than to neck down three packets of Starmix but am already investing 50% of household income in Rennies so it's probably not a good idea.

Another mammoth post. Try to do better tomorrow...

oopsacoconut · 07/07/2008 22:01

Sazzles {{{{{HUGS}}}}} - I think men prefer not to think about these things 'cause it makes it less scarey to them and by being less informed and distant they can just make what is already worrysome to them seem a little less scarey.

stillhere · 07/07/2008 22:03

Sazzles I don't know who else is up but hugs from here... My DH is brilliant but there have been times during the pregnancy when he really hasn't got how stressed I've been feeling about things and rather than having things out, all I really want is a bit of a cuddle and a chance to have a quick cry. Good luck getting the oblique thing sorted out - did you decide what you're going to do about it?

ChaCha · 07/07/2008 22:09

Was nice to sit and catch up - DC in bed and mum and I ready to have some supper. Is good to have company when DH is out and hopefully he is enjoying the peace.

Glad to hear of good news with appts/scans.

Pertelote - Had a nosey at your link - i like that kind of site. Something different.

PF - There's a lovely little shop in Oxford City, traditional toys and lots of v.interesting ones made from wood. Wish i could remember its name - well worth a visit. Very wise words on mothering, that's exactly how it is. I didn't realise it until I'd had DS2 but i think the first year was quite challenging for me - you definitely need support in some form be it family, friends, whatever. Emergency section, colicky baby, ill in hospital at 4weeks, no sleep, struggled with b/f, and...and...and all took its toll - had only visions of lovely little newborn wearing lovely little outfits in lovely little new pram going for lovely little walks the reality was somewhat different! DS2 was a breeze...and when first year is out the way i think it gets easier somehow.

Before first child bought massage oil from Holland and Barret i think and we used it a couple of times on the advice of a v.good friend who swears by it. She had a v.quick and easy natural birth.

AnnVann - Think it's only fair to tell your folks that you will be wanting your own space unless of course they plan to seriously be of help. Been there, done that, not fun - only helpers allowed here now, ILs are banished to hotel this time round. Dad is to stay in his part of the world until i call him to visit and mum will be here as is supergran with the kids and her DP is live in chef...hurray!

Am sure i meant to write more replies but will spare you once again

Starving x

TwilightSurfer · 07/07/2008 22:10

Well ladies I've done some more light reading of my last labor notes. Now I'm only a little on edge...

1cm dilated / 50% effaced / -2 station - FALSE LABOR

2cm dilated / 80% effaced / -2 station - REAL LABOR

1cm dilated / 10% effaced / -2 station - TODAY

My REAL LABOR started 13 days after my false labor and the numbers shown were taken 2 hours AFTER my water broke on it's own.

If things go the same route as last time, looks like I might have about 2 weeks.

OP posts: