Hello ladies! Well, it's been AGES since I last posted, in fact probably not since thread 2 or 3. I've been so busy with work that I had to have a little enforced 'holiday' from mumsnet as it was much too addictive! Anyway I'm back again cause I've missed you all so much, and have been making my way through the gazillions of posts - my goodness there was a lot! It's been really fantastic though, and I've laughed my head off at some of your great posts. Personal favourites have included Beans' "I'm worried I'm going to do a poo while I'm pushing and my husband will see", and the "full pant moustache" and Veggie's referral to a pop-outy belly button as "like a nose for my belly". You guys should have a career in comedy writing
Now please forgive me for this massive post, I've just got so much to catch up on (so I took a few notes as I was reading)...
Olipop, I think you wrote some time ago that you had been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid? I've got that too, and am on thyroid tablets for it, are you? I think it's important for the bub's brain development so you should get monitored for it during the course of the pregnancy. I get a blood test and an appointment with a specialist every couple of months here to check the TSH level (and even though I'm in Australia, the care should not be too different I would have thought).
waitinggirl - I read that you are writing dissertation on pregnancy & the voice? I'm actually a professional opera singer so if there's anything I can help with do let me know. Although I'm not sure when it's due or if I can be of much assistance! I have noticed a small amount of change with my voice, but not a huge amount.
Lowrib you could always change your name to LowriB if you want to avoid the "low rib" confusion? There's nothing wrong with keeping it as it is of course, it was just a thought!
majormoo I don't know if strep B is similar to strep G, but I was told that I had strep B last year. It was after having a MMC, and a D&C which they botched and left lots of tissue still in my womb - I came down with a horrendous infection and had to be hospitalised and eventually a repeat D&C. There was a very rude and insensitive gyno at the hospital who told me afterwards that I had it without even explaining what it was or how I'd come to get it! Anyway after a panicked call to my mother in Australia (she's a midwife) I was assured that it was actually not uncommon - many women are carriers already of the bacteria but unaware. Here they test all women for it as a matter of course in late pregnancy, and if it is detected they just give you IV antibiotics during labour. My mum said they may not even need to do that if the test comes back ok. Anyway do make sure your midwife explains it all to you at your next appointment, as sometimes not knowing what something is just makes you stress about it (at least, it does with me!)
effie and indith - thanks for the great links on slings. I'm really interested in them, so they were a great source of information. I'll have to see if there is somewhere here in Sydney that carries a good range, or if there is a sort of loan scheme or something so that DH & I can try them out and see what works best for us. Or I'll just buy some fabrics and make my own - it'll undoubtedly be cheaper!
artichokes, rosmerta and turniphead it was great to hear you recommend the Phil & Ted's pram as my sis-in-law is giving us hers, even including the attachment bit for the second kiddy! This is our first bub, but hopefully if all goes well I wouldn't want to wait too long for the next one (of course I may be being much too optimistic about our ability to cope with a child)
reban I'm sorry to hear about your gastric problems. I've had terrible reflux in the past and have even had to have prescription medication for it as it's a real issue when you're a singer and your vocal chords are inflamed from burning acids! I managed to finally find that the only thing that prevents it for me at night is eating really really early and then nothing else until I go to bed. I think my body just takes longer to digest food, so the "don't eat anything 2-3hrs before bed" becomes more like 4-5hrs for me. Also try to stay away from things that exacerbate it, like coffee, red wine (not that we're gettin much of that these days!), tomato based foods, juices esp orange juice and definitely for me - soft drinks or anything carbonated. There is an interesting website about it all here if it helps.
veggiemummy regards the perfume debate, I must confess that I was a bit worried about it when I got pregnant, as I know they have a lot of chemicals that they use in them - synthesised musks and so forth. Thank goodness there is not much made with real musk or civet anymore though, due to animal cruelty awareness (although that doesn't mean the company doesn't test their products on animals of course). Anyway I still do use perfume for work, but I tend to spray them on my clothes rather than directly on my skin. Now, I just need to find a nice non-chemically underarm deodorant that works here in Australia, as the one I used while I was in the UK doesn't "cut the mustard" so to speak in the hot weather here!