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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?
stillhere · 10/07/2008 23:08

Nearly PMSL at the idea of a million little torches lighting up all over the UK going where the sun don't shine accompanied by Mozart and reassuring words from Daddy...

TwilightSurfer · 10/07/2008 23:11

Libby mine was breech and now it's not. I can't say for sure what I did that made her turn but here's all that I tried:

  1. Lots of on all fours time. 50% of it my head was level with my butt the other 50% my head was lower than my butt.
  1. Slept only in a reclined position (about a 45 degree angle) leaning a little towards my left side.
  1. When the baby was active I would sit reclined and rub my tummy in a circular direction...the direction I wanted her to turn.
  1. Tried to keep my legs together more than apart so to make her time sitting in my hips more uncomfortable. [DON'T LAUGH AT THAT ONE]

One night about three weeks ago she got the hint and started turning. Rotated through the above to keep her going. It WASN'T a comfortable experience. After about 24-36 hours she was head down and now she's engaged.

Hope that helps.

As a side note, I did play music down low but really don't think that had any effect.

OP posts:
AnnVan · 11/07/2008 00:26

Whistles to self and listens to the echo coming back from deserted thread ...

TwilightSurfer · 11/07/2008 06:27

1AM here....
woke at midnight to a downward sensation. baby is wiggling around on what feels like my pelvis bones. occasionally i'm getting a poking sensation in the area of my cervix. wondering if duct-tape is a good idea...just a little piece to hold things closed for a while longer. sitting upright seems best at the moment so i'll waddle back to the sofa and prop myself up again...until i have to pee for the millionth time (note to self...iced tea is not a good idea at dinner when you're pregnant).

Twilight

OP posts:
AnnVan · 11/07/2008 07:21

Hey Twilight. It's 7.20 here,and I haven't slept at all. All night.I'vejust laidawake without falling asleep, and silly brain has been inventing worst case senarios Going back to bed to see if I can get some sleep at least

LadyOfWaffle · 11/07/2008 07:29

Hello all, very brief visit because I need to get back to bed for abit if I can stop DH snoring. Off to see consultant later, turns out I should have had consultant care all along (not sure why yet) so no idea what to expect! Terrified they will suddenly say we have a bed ready to induce you! Hip and groin is agony agony agony so can't sit at PC (although am briefly now ) pretty much bed bound because I can't get off the sofa or move without feeling like I am going to break my pelvis or pull out my hip, although have got my glider chair up and running now which is alot easier to sit on than sofa. Totally fed up and miserable, feeling sick alot and just generally pants. Sorry for the miserable post but though i'd check in incase you all thought I was giving birth or something. Really hope your all doing well, going to coax DH into getting my laptop fixed so I can have it at the chair or in bed to catch up, {{HUGS}} xxxxx

PetitFilou1 · 11/07/2008 08:13

preg1 lol at book, think an MN collaboration would be better (if there isn't one already) - I wouldn't be averse to writing a book though. I'd quite like to train to be an NCT teacher at some point too though think dh would be a bit at that - though am sure would like the money!

Btw, not all births are terrifying. I gave birth both times quite quickly (first birth 7 1/2 hours 2nd 2 1/2 hours) completely drug free - not intended either way I might add! First births average at 12 hours though according to my dh. It is AFTER the birth and looking after the lo you need to worry about imo!

PetitFilou1 · 11/07/2008 08:14

annvan you need to start writing down your thoughts and working through them if it is stopping you from sleeping. I can give you a quick lesson in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy if that helps!

oopsacoconut · 11/07/2008 08:33

Hi All

OKAY all this yakkkkking has got to slow down - I'm sure TS had better things to do than to think up new topic names every week!!

Am trying to catch up but after 3 pages my brain gives up and I can't remember anything I've read. I think you've covered another man in someone's pants, lampshades, DH troubles, insomnia, labour (although I can't think why - is someone having a baby?, Putting a torch in your knickers with a radio and DH to turn the baby. Have I missed anything else?

Have just finished making a birthday cake for one of the kiddies at work - Choc cake, white choc icing, icing puppy on to with lots of puppy pawprints all over it.

Miamla have not forgotten you in the massage question - I have been computerless at work since Wednesday will mail you tonight.

oopsacoconut · 11/07/2008 08:34

Forgot to say - huggles to all those who are in need of them.

PetitFilou1 · 11/07/2008 09:28

Ok I think I may be on the descent a bit early - mother at preschool just commented 'I think you may be dropping' which is what I thought too. I feel like I'm about to burst into tears and generally very odd and hormonal. Have called the mw will see if they get back to me.....Obviously not expecting anything to happen immediately but just feel weird.

cyteen · 11/07/2008 09:34

libbyssister I could have written your post about the baby being breech, in fact I think I probably did write something v similar a few pages ago...that's exactly what the mw told me when I saw her last week (that he was breech and that if he stayed breech my birth centre plans would go out the window and it would be ECV and possible section all the way). I was convinced that the squid would never turn, but a few days ago he did so don't give up hope Also it's apparently easier for them to turn when it's a second or subsequent baby as the muscles have a bit more give. Just get some good hands and knees time in and I'm sure your LO will get the message.

poppysocks · 11/07/2008 09:44

Hi pf. I've been getting that for a few weeks now but hadn't been taking any notice as I got it last time and DD never did drop. This time though the bump has def. disappeared south in the last few days. No other 'signs' of engagement though as far as I can gather, but I too feel hormonal. Putting that down to first day of mat. leave. On the one hand, horray! On the other, OMG, this is real. It's going to happen. At the v. least quite soon. Plus I am now dependent on DH financially and a fulltime Mum for a year. Not a problem - I'm lucky I know in fact, but does feel a bit weird and quite a change. Eek.

ChaCha · 11/07/2008 11:12

LoW - Sorry to hear you are not feeling so great, i sympathise and hope laptop will be up and running soon so you can post more. Sending you sympathy and tea

Caught up a little on lampshade and torch discussion but think i lost the plot.

Thank you to those who listened to my rant yesterday, a night's good sleep has also done some good and iron transfusions now scheduled for Wed, Fri and Sunday.

DS's are full of energy today so off we go to the garden for a while. Have a good day everyone and thanks again.

Buckets · 11/07/2008 11:14

Libbyssister, vaginal breech birth is perfectly safe you know, just expensive as you really need an experienced independent midwife to take charge. Here's some fascinating info on vaginal breech birth. Also, even if the baby turns you still need a couple of days worth of stuff in your hospital bag because an emergency CSec can happen to anyone. It's a bit much to expect a traumatised DH to get everything right the next day scrabbling around for vital stuff at home.

LoW and all the SPD ladies, hang on in there, not long now.

alittlebitshy · 11/07/2008 11:55

Whoah - lots of chat last night! I was in bed before 9 and asleep by half past (though did wake up a few tiems, but compared to the night before it was bliss).

Have just spent what feels a large sum of money on tickets for sound of music. Not for me - but for dd. lol. We've been promising her a proper show for ages, and my mum said it will be a nice treat for dd to go out to a grown up show with grandma after baby has come along. I think they cost quite as much as they did cos I've gone for a matinee... I know other 5 year olds manage late nights but my dd would not surviive til 10 pm in the theatre let alone getting home agian afterwards! She also wants to see Joseph (we listen to it most days in the car, plus a girl at her school is one of the children in it) but I think demand is still higher for those tickets so will wait a while.

All this talk of lampshades and dimmer switches makes me feel a bit . Never even considered it with dd - just had normal lamp shade and normal switch (and a bedside lamp). then again, the whole time she was having night feeds (all 7 weeks of it ) she was in our room and we just put bedside lamps on.

Only got Monday then 2 half days then dd is off for the summer. eeeeeeeek. On thurs we're off to hammersmith to see high school musical (i got the cheapest seats, back row cos I figured it's the music more than anything, plus I don't fancy being stuck in the middle of a theatre at 37 weeks pg)..... Then it'll be only a week til THE DAY! Argh!!!

Sorry all the SPD ladies are having such a rough time and sorry about all the hormonal crying fits (I keep having them but am more getting irritated with everything so yelling at poor dh and dd).

chacha do you know what an iron infusion entails???? Have image of pg woman sititng there having rusty nails forced into her arm .......

TwilightSurfer · 11/07/2008 12:15

Well I feel like a train wreck. I'm not sure what was going on with LO but it felt like she was swinging on my pelvic bones and scratching at the exit all night. BHs this morning now. Geez!! I get my hair done tomorrow...after that she can decide to arrive. Otherwise, she needs to BE STILL!!

Oh sorry, GOOD MORNING.

OP posts:
Sibh · 11/07/2008 12:34

Now ALBS no need to show off about 7 weeks of night feeds, writes bitter old bag whose children seem to agree that 14 months is a good time to start sleeping through.
I've slept a lot better the last few nights too and it does make a difference. Not to my non-existent patience with the DC though .
I was a reformed shouter but I seem to have relapsed.

PF I remember having a major wobble when DD dropped. There must be lots of hormones around at that stage.

On the lighting front, we used a dimmer last time, but now we live feet away from a street lamp that offers free night lights for everyone in the house at just the right level. It's the only street lamp for about 5 miles around so not quite sure why its there ...

I hope all of you with SPD are having better days today. It just sounds like the most awful thing to have to deal with.

PetitFilou1 · 11/07/2008 12:46

Sibh Thanks - that is just how I feel. There is definitely something happening (explains why I suddenly started having that nesting instinct two weeks ago after being perfectly calm up to that point!) I banged my head on the garden shed this morning and burst into tears - it was the last straw. Had to answer the door to the neighbour in floods! Don't think she quite knew what to say... MWs haven't phoned back, surprise surprise, but I have an appt on Tuesday so hopefully I will know more then. 33 weeks just seems a bit soon for the lo to engage.

Sleeping through - depends what people mean. I mean 7pm-7am and mine seem to do that at about 8 months. 7 weeks....I can't quite imagine my joy if that happened this time!

alittlebitshy · 11/07/2008 12:52

lol at free night lights courtesy of street lamp {grin]

I know i sound daft - how how do I know if baby has dropped?? I am a lot more uncomfy in pelvis, feels heavier there iyswim. Can't tell if my bump is lower....

Sorry sibh I'm only showing off while I can. I know I'm owed one who doesn't sleep this time so making the most of feeling smug about dd......

Twilight - ooh hair dos!!! I need to book an app to have mine done. Just need a trim to tide me over til I have the energy/ability to do it with baby in tow /til I can leave baby with dh for an hour..... Also need to get eyebrows done in the days leading up to the section. usually have them done every 2 weeks, and am planning to stretch it out to 2.5 weeks so that I can feel all nice when I go into hosp. Thing is after 1 week they're already looking abit re-growthy . My best friend was warning me that when i do the hair removal bit on the bikini line (to provide access to scar and to avoid nhs plastic razor job!) I need to stand still!! she said she put cream on, walked round the bathroom, it spread rather and she lost more hair than intended ....

I said yesterday that I'd got my Clo baby carrier didn;t i? It seems good but I'm a bit confused. In the dvd that comes with it and in all the pics and diagrams they seem to have managed to do and mainitain neat folds on the fabric, but when I put it on it looks messier and less neat....

gigglegirl · 11/07/2008 13:37

afternoon all.

i too feel rubbish again today.

Can't move but am trying to gey some work done.

DH working from home to help out which is good buti'm still bad tempered.

just want this pain to be over.

have had my liz earle delivery today though so will have a play with that later if I have the energy!

TwilightSurfer · 11/07/2008 13:37

ALBS...bikini line BE CAREFUL!!

OP posts:
TwilightSurfer · 11/07/2008 13:38

Giggle {{{hugs}}}

OP posts:
gigglegirl · 11/07/2008 13:40

afternoon all.

i too feel rubbish again today.

Can't move but am trying to gey some work done.

DH working from home to help out which is good buti'm still bad tempered.

just want this pain to be over.

have had my liz earle delivery today though so will have a play with that later if I have the energy!

gigglegirl · 11/07/2008 13:56

thanks TS

hate to feel like this - usually such a positive person!

Still trying to work and organise this summer playscheme but hard going.