Due in September 2009: we are now officially blooming!

[StealthPolarBear]

Even if it doesn't seem like it most of the time

Interesting, Blue - I've been getting concerned about DP missing out - perhaps this will be a bit more of an incentive to leap on him He's lovely - I'm feeling a bit tired (lazy), so he's been to the supermarket, returned with flowers and is now cooking for us. I really should leap on him more often!!!

To be honest, I think most people don't have a clue how big women should be at various stages - even those who have been through it probably forget after a few years. And there's a huge variety for us anyway. People at work keep pointing out that I'm showing now - I don't have a problem with it, but never know what to say. End up blaming too many pies.

What I don't get is why my new "front fat" starts a few inches below my bra line, while the baby is still below my belly button. Is it just preparation for the other organs shifting? I don't have much more fat than normal around the sides of my ribs, or on my back (yet).

'front fat' lady here as well Minshu! seems to have popped out this week!I suppose some organs have moved a bit though. Bending to put on socks feels like I'm crushing all my organs and bubs with them! Must admit most of my fat had gone on my hips and my boobs are big big!!(well to me anyway!)

Have decided that if Tescos dont have any jam donuts this weekend I will be ! last 3 weekends have been craving jam donuts and they haven't had any in ! Crispy Cremes wouldn't go amiss either,do they even sell these in S.Wales??

Yum....... jam donuts!!! Good call daffodilli!! Never had a crispy Creme but they sound pretty good too - no not seen any in South Wales tho?

oh and p.s. - pregnant sex maniac isn't all its cracked up to be when your dp doesn't want to go near you!!!!!!

Morning all

Can I just say Owwwwwww.

Not happy. Back is killing me and bump aches. Not braxton hicks type pains more muscular stretching type pains and the support belt I had with Davey isn't helping much. I think I need to go nag the midwife for a new one! In the meantime has anyone got any suggestions cause I am not sleeping or walking well atm and with approx 20 weeks left if it doesn't stabilise it will only get worse!

Some one remind me again why I am doing this to myself.

Never ever ever again!

Good morning mummyhill,
sorry you're feeling so miserable! I have no idea what to do but could you see a physiotherapist as well as the midwife?
As to why - because he or she will choose your care home!

Morning! hope everyone had more sleep than me bloody pregnancy insomnia.

mummyhill, that sounds crap. wish I had something useful to suggest but only have sympathy unfortunately.

I held a newborn yesterday though, so I can remind you why you're doing it. After a cracking 50 hour labour my friend had her little boy in the early hours of Friday. He's gorgeous and tiny. Those tiny fingernails. I want one

have to disagree about Krispy cremes - they always leave a weird taste in my mouth. as far as I'm concerned you can't beat a greggs jam donut.

Good morning peeps

mummyhill - I have suffered with back pain most of my life so can certainly symapthise! Can't really suggest anything too useful tho except perhaps long baths with lavender and go for regular massage - definately ask to see physio tho!
Did you say your midwife gave you a support belt?? I didn't even look into it last pg and wish I had - will certainly be getting one this time, just assumed I'd have to buy one tho??

Lizlemon - so jealous of holding a newborn!! My SIL is ready to drop any day now so I can't wait to get my hands on it!! Ooooo they're just so lush aren't they - with their little scrunchy faces and squeeky noises - the hardest pregnancy and labour in the world are still worth it just for one of those eh!

I have a prolpased disc in my lower spine. The physio gave me a support belt 4 years ago when pregnant with my son but apparently I have to ask the midwife now as they aren't allowed to order them on physio budget at the hospital my physio comes from and where I will be going to have this little heffalump!

I know the hospital have an aromatherapy service for expectant mums so will ask about it when I am next up there!

I second the vote for greggs doughnuts mmmmmmm want one now!

I know I will forget all the problems when I eventually get to hold her though!

sympathies mummyhill, pregnancy is tough enough without added pain and dramas. i hope you can get some relief somehow.

i'm going for a massage today, i'm so looking forward to it, if it's good, i might try to make it a regular thing.

so tired today though, had a crappy nights sleep between ds waking up and my own exhaustion/insomnia/uncomfortable bump/kicking baby.

my baby seems super active all of a sudden. am suddenly concerned she is going to be a handful as a toddler/child/teen - he he!!

Mummyhill - sorry you're in pain. Prolapsed disc sounds very painful indeed Someone mentioned lavender. I love lavender oil but in my pregnancy book it says to avoid until 28 weeks. Not sure why.

Hope everyone has a nice long weekend. Weather is good here

Sorry your having back pains Mummyhill x x can you see an Osteopath (sp) while pregnant? not sure but my dad sees one for his prolapsed discs and finds it really helps. Gentle massage with a nice warm almond oil might be aa bit de-stressing as well x

Just got back from a buggy hunt! SIL recommended a chap in Llanelli who works out of what looks like the bottom of his house! Fantastic chap,really helpful and full of great advice.We didn't have a clue what we were after,other than now we've only got one car I'll be on the bus so we needed something easy to manouvre (sp),but he also said that as DH is 6'4 he would need something with higher handles so he doesn't get a bad back,which is obvious now,but not something we'd thought of! We decided on the Bebeconfort Loola Up,didn't buy it yet,but will definately go back to him when we do.

Does an active bubs mean an active toddler Audrey ? this one has really active phases,and seems to kick almost constantly for ages,then will settle and I wont feel anything for a while,tired himself out most probably! At the moment he seems to sleep when I do which is great!

Greggs donuts!! had totally forgotten about them! off to town now..!

Have a lovely weekend all

'...didn't buy it yet' - not sure thats grammatically correct ! ah well..!

daffodilli My dp also likes bebe confort loola stroller - did you know they've got £75 off them in Mothercare??

i always thought the loolas looked quite cute - good choice!

i don't know about active bubs translating to active child - we'll have to wait and see.

Glad I'm not alone! I actually said to the (well meaning) person who said it 'well it seems like you can't win, you're either too big or too small, no one seems to know what a perfect bump size is - but I'm not worried'

I have a feeling in a couple of months I may be less tactful

People do seem to think a pregnant woman is fair game for voicing opinions on, or worse still, touching

My friend who has 4 weeks to go let me feel her baby kick the other day. We've known each other for over 20 years and she didn't mind me touching her. [Though I wouldn't dare touch anyone else's bump!] I was mortified upon feeling how hard her bump was, compared to how flabby mine feels! I look absolutely massive!

Found some comfy non-underwired bras in Matalan yday...at last!

I've put bump pics on...

Oooooo my SIL is in labour, went into hospital at 11 last night and is 5-6cm and only just going for gas and air!! So excited - get to hold my little niece or nephew today hopefully........

ladylush - I have a pretty big aromatherapy bible that I use quite a lot and I'm sure lavender is fine but I will go and check now to make sure

Blue your bump is lovely! Good idea of the weekly pics. The scan pic is amazingly clear as well - LO looks very cute!

Sickness back a bit this week am really hoping that my body is just in a bit of shock after going back to work 9-6 after all that ''rest'' I had for 12 weeks! Still haven't managed more than a week without an ''episode'' and still spitting away nicely - oh the joys - am so happy to be pg, but why did no one warn me it could be a bit on the grim side???!

ANYWAY...sun is shining here,my lovely nan has said she will buy the buugy for us,and have just remebered that there are 2 bank holiday mondays in May!! YAY!

Oh yes, and DH has managed to get jam donuts!

Hope everyone is ok and enjoying the extended weekend! x x

.......Ok I'm back with my aromatherapy book (it's a proper comprehensive A-Z); here's what it say's about lavender in pregnancy:
"Lavender (and Chamomile) can be used with care and in small amounts and well diluted (1% to 1.5%) except where the mother has reason to fear a possible miscarriage, eg. if she has miscarried previously, there is a history of miscarriages in her family, if she has had any abnormal bleeding or other symptoms, or has been told by her doctor that there is some risk. Later in pregnancy, from about the sixth month, I (the author) have often used Lavender as it is so good at relieveing backache, and Rose diluted to 1% or 1.5% as it corresponds so much to the emotional needs of many pregnant women."

Hope that helps?? I personally used lavender from 16 weeks with dd and had no problems (usually just 1 or 2 drops in the bath to help me sleep), but then I've never had bleeding or mc before. If your unsure always best to consult an aromatherapist or your doctor!

[goes off to buy jam donuts]

That's interesting fairysparkles. Maybe that's why my book said to avoid it until 28 weeks (author probably couldn't be bothered to go into all the whys and wherefores). I will have to exercise caution with it as I have a history of m/c and bleeding in pregnancy.

Enjoy your doughnuts ladies Those of you who have had your anomaly scan - were you asked to have a full bladder? I was told to empty it for the nuchal scan but haven't received any instructions this time.

Full bladder needed for both scans here,although IMO bubs would have been a bit easier to scan if my bladder had not been quite so full! Best to go with a full bladder and then you can always go to the loo if needed,better than sitting around trying to get through a pint of water!

Hmmm - donuts or doughnuts??!

Daffodilli, I have the odd random vomit still these days, probably every second day at the moment and totally without warning. Poor you, working so much, I'm sure I am sick more when I get overtired.

blue, i think that later in pregnancy your bump will become harder as the baby grows and squashes in!

fairysparkles - how exciting!