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

[TwilightSurfer]

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.

Oh god yeah, Sibh's right, don't do the nappy soaking thing (sorry have hijacked thread and turned it into nappy discussion...).

We only realised by chance that it wasn't necessary to soak the nappies after 2 years of gaggy at pouring pooey green/yellow/brown water away... I'm not going to soak at all this time around.

hello ladies - haven't even attempted to catch up as my machine is being a pain and keeps kicking me off the internet! gather there is a real nappy discussion - I have used real nappies with two of mine and intend to with this one - dry pail is def the way forward!

had another scan and another hospital appointment today - baby fine. They have said that I will get a date next week to either be induced or have a section - they think that my SPD is so severe that the physio won't contemplate me giving birth. Strangely I feel ok about it as it is now out of my hands and whatever will be will be. I know the baby will be here sometime in week 38 and I am sure that they will do it the best way for both of us. I think being unable to make a cup of tea and carry it to where I want it has sort of put things in perspective!

Hope all well with everyone else!

Phew! Manic morning, but work done for 11 months! Still got a few bits to do at home, but no more office. Typically for me, hadn't actually prepared much before this morning so rushed off my feet. Ended up running through the rain with arms full of stuff. Prob. not the best thing, but plenty of kicks and now just sitting down. We've run out of milk though so no relaxing cuppa . Will have to brave the rain to do a shop now. Really should start planning my life rather better....

Dizzy. My Mum's up from Tuesday next week and DH and I are getting a night away at the end of the week. Hooray! Anyway, Monday's the only day I could do next week. Any good for you? Hope so! Hope your Mum's move went well.

albs shame we won't be seeing you tomorrow especially as its RL getting in the way of frivolous lunch meetings! Put next Friday in your diary though, not sure where we'll be (i'm happy to host again) or we can meet in a cafe or something. we can decide nearer the time

so, all you experienced real nappy users.... can i have a step by step process of what to do please! another first timer here and only know what i've read online and that seems to contradict what happens in real life!
i'll start off the list of things to do

1. take nappy off baby

1. you see i'm stuck already! does it make a difference if its just a wet one compared to a pooey one?

Hmmm, weak excuse albs, you'll have to come up with something better next time you reject us... Was it my description of my ugly house that put you off? Or did Miamla just talk too much .Quite jealous of your naps though... Think you have my number if you change your mind and get a sudden spurt of energy.
No problems petitfilou - at least I know I'm not sure being a complete sucker (at least on that subject!).
Oooh gigglegirl glad you are okay about potentially having the decision taken away from you. I guess it's one less thing for you to have to make a decision about now. Week 38 sounds perfect... I'm trying to tell bean that that is when she wants to arrive too.

ok miamla

my list would go:

Take nappy off

If wet nappy and at home put nappy in dry pail bin - with muslin on top and a few drops of lavendar or tea tree oil on - smells lovely not a wee or poo wiff in site
Retain wrap unless it feels damp as you should be able to use this several times
Clean baby and put new nappy on.

If you're out - same thing but put nappy in bag with tight drawstring to be chucked in bucket on arrival at home.

If dirty nappy at home take dirty liner and either dispose (if you are using disposable liners) or if you are using reusable fleece liners hold liner down toilet and flush! (as they get older sometimes this is all you need to do and you can just add a new liner and reuse the same nappy if it is clean)

If dirty nappy out do the same if you have access to a look if not you can dispose of poo in a nappy sack.

TBH I find the hardest time to have them in real nappies is the first few weeks as espec if they are breastfeed as they poo sooooo often and liners are rubbish!

I favour reusable fleece liners and have some really nice funky ones that I bought of ebay!

I use motherease wraps and bumble nappies which I think are FANTASTIC!

If my DH can cope with reusables anyone can! It's just a case of getting in a routine. The reason I didn't use with DS2 was having two in nappies and working I just didn't have the time to get through all the washing but I am def going back and TBH I find having a bin full of stinking nappies round the house far worse than a bucket in the bathroom smelling of lavendar!

gg thank you! that's exactly what i needed!

preg1 oi! you'll be having lunch on your own tomorrow if you carry on like that!!

Yes, thanks gigglegirl, I too have been secretly wondering how the whole dry pailing thing works Despite having seen various cloth nappies at my NCT classes and having them explained in full, too.

Random heavily pregnant question of the day: who else is finding it impossible to eat anything without covering themselves in food? Admittedly I do this a lot anyway (spaghetti sauce in hair, that sort of thing) but due to my vast bump sticking out now seem to have a permanent trail of food marks down the front of my clothes. Not to mention a bra full of crumbs. Maternity bras are the ultimate crumb catchers!

hmm best go and do the breakfast dishes!!!!

Sigh, it'll be like being back at primary school then
Oh - I never thought about holding the fleece liner down the loo gigglegirl. Are boosters the same as liners? I got a complete kit with sep boosters as well as flushable liners. Thanks!

I want to come to lunch too.

cyteen me to! My bump seems to catch every little bit of food and I walk round work, often in a white shirt with the remnants of whatever drink/snack/meal I've just devoured.
The bra thing is also realy annoying - the lack of underwire and extra boobs means that I'm often caught delving in for that chocolate chip that I've just dropped

Also, is anyone else bruising more easily? I'm not sure whether it's because I'm more clumsy (have been know to open doors on my bump) or whether my immune system is concentrating on bean rather than me.

My news:

1. I have my first new stretchmark, a livid slash among the hundreds of aged, silvered ones
2. I got a letter saying my maternity benefit application has been accepted

VG you are more than welcome! My Aunty Gretta is coming over from Dublin tonight - I'm sure you can come with her

LOL me too on the cleavage / bump accidental snack storage. I've also had a few crumbs of chocolate etc melting against my boiling boobs before I've been able to retrieve them.

OK I am ready to give birth now I think.

Enough pregnancy!

Ah, thanks preg! There are dreadful delays at Dub airport at mo due to some radar problem, hope your aunt not affected.

I'm sure it's not a stretchmark VG, give me a minute to think of something else it could be . Could your DS have been at your tummy with a pen whilst you weren't looking?
Oh, I'm assuming that I don't have to do anything to claim maternity benefits - work will do it all for me? Am I being stupid?

{{twilight raises hand}} lots of crumbs get caught between my boobs. I've also had an occasional flying bug land in what I guess it thinks is a safe cave. Almost stripped naked in the front yard recently when a grasshopper plopped in said cave.

DH just delivered DD to the door so now I have all three here and a house in desperate need of cleaning and I can't do anything without screaming in pain! Focus on the three weeks! Focus on the three weeks! (my new mantra!)

I don't know how it works in the UK, in Ireland you have to send in an application. I don't know if HR depts normally look after it but mine wouldn't be the most active deparment in the world.

You are quite right, there's no way it can be a stretchmark, it must be a smear of jam or similar.

Wouldn't it be funny if we discovered that the DHs and DPs had started their own support thread somewhere.

Hehe, they'd probably still be on the one thread...it would be full of terse messages about how neglected they all are and how their wives are obsessed with all things bumps and bloody Mumsnet

Ooh I'm a bit cross! Just had antenatal checkup but with a GP instead of a MW (couldn't get a schoolrun-friendly appt with her). I said the one thing I need is a blood test for rhesus antibodies so the consultant can see results at Tues appt. For some reason (I was too confused to ask why) GPs can't or won't do blood tests, he muttered something about going to walk-in clinic tomorrow with a form he's given me, but he would ask the MW in the next room if she had time while I wait outside. I thought an antenatal appt was an antenatal appt. Gave it as long as I could but had to go get DD from school so that was it!
On top of that, looking at my notes now he calculated me as 34+6 when I am 35+2, measured my fundal height as 33cm (now I know it's bunkum!) and after saying he could feel 3/5 of the head, wrote down that I was 3/5 in the engagement column instead of 2/5. (Quite pleased to be engaged at all though.)
So tomorrow, thank God DH is off, I have dentist at 9.20 and will have to go and spend hours (and £££ parking) in a walk-in clinic, then 3.45 we have DS's Aspergers case conference thingy. And the rhesus results probably won't be ready in time for Tuesday anyway, not that there's more than a microscopic chance of them being dodgy at this stage anyway.

And I am seriously battling not to hurl DD's new Tamagotchi out the window as she won't shut up about it. DH's fault for buying something she has no clue what to do with.
Off now to book a convenient 38wk appt whie there's still a chance of it being with the MW. Grrrr.

Buckets {{{HUGS}}}