Due July 2009 - Part 4 - The Third Trimester.

[Phoenix]

A new thread, the old one's almost full

July 09 List

25th June - Christiana - DC #2 - Surprise
28th June - Woollyjo - DC #2 - Having a girl
29th June - Welshlinz - DC #2
29th June - JLo2 - DC #4 - Having a boy
29th June - Highrise - first baby
early July - lyca - DC #4
1st July - Rattling - first two babies - Surprise - TWINS
1st July - binkerbeany - DC #2
1st July - Mrsmope - DC #2 and #3 - Having 1 boy, 1 girl - TWINS
1st July - trixiechick
2nd July - Nicky6 - DC #2
2nd July - pop1973
4th July - Mum2boys2girls - DC #5
4th July - ActivityApple - first baby - Having a boy
5th July - soozze - DC #2
6th July - xxhunnyxx - first baby - Having a boy
6th July - Wiltedrose - DC #2 - Having a girl
7th July - MuppetGirl - DC #3
7th July - Misspaella - DC #3 - Surprise
7th July - QueenFee - DC #3 - Surprise
7th July - thelollipoplady - DC #3 - Having a boy
7th July - Eviebear
8th July - JetLi - first baby
8th July - deleting - DC #3 - Surprise
8th July - rubyriley - DC #3 - Having a boy
9th July - LargeGlassofRed - DC #4 AND #5 - Having 2 boys - TWINS
9th July - Betsyboo - DC #3
9th July - London11 - DC #2 and #3 - Having 2 boys - TWINS
9th July - bellybaba
9th July - Gillyan - DC #2 - Having a girl
9th July - Hobbgoblin - DC #4
10th July - Baffy - DC #2
10th July - Mij - DC #2 - Surprise
10th July - Newb - first baby - Having a girl
10th July - SafferUpNorth - first baby
10th July - eveningall - DC #2
11th July - Marsmonster - DC #2
12th July - Jenny79 - first baby - Having a boy
13th July - Scully - DC #3
14th July - doublehelp - DC #3
14th July - Naturopath - DC #2
14th July - Dannyg - DC #3 - Having a girl
14th July - LittleDoe - first baby
15th July - Accebar - Having a girl
15th July - Lydiathetattooedlady - Having a boy
16th July - BeccaBump - DC #2 - Having a boy
16th July - Knax - DC #2
16th July - NattyTomAndEllen - DC #3
16th July - SheWillBeLoved - first baby
16th July - plot2 - DC #2 - Having a boy
16th July - Lillabet - first baby - Surprise
17th July - Patchybob - DC #3 - Surprise
17th July - Phoenix - DC #2 - Having a boy
17th July - alibobble - DC #2 - Surprise
17th July - Bozette - DC #2 - Having a girl
17th July - BrumOne - first baby
18th July - maxmissie
19th July - Dinkyboysmum - DC #2
19th July - busyemma - DC #3
20th July - LBK - first baby
20th July - Belgrano - DC #2 - Having a boy
22nd July - ray81
22nd July - chellebelle - DC#4
23rd July - Andie01 - DC #2
24th July - Madoldbird - DC #3 - TWINS
24th July - Lastboxoftampons - first baby
24th July - Moominmoma - first baby
24th July - Lyrebird - first baby
24th July - ilikeyoursleeves - DC #2
25th July - PrincessButtercup - DC #3 - Having a boy
25th July - BonzoDoodah - DC #2 - Surprise
25th July - Mickeylou - DC #2 - Having a girl
27th July - KitCat26 - first baby
28th July - mylilmiracle - first baby
28th July - Cheekycel - Having a girl
29th July - Brainmish - DC #2
29th July - Poppet45 - first baby
30th July - Mavornia - DC #2
31st July - madeinamerica - first baby - Having a girl
31st July - littlepipbumpmummy - DC #2
31st July - EarthMotherWannabe - first baby

krumbock OMG, thats so funny what you said though. I've had people do this, it is so annoting. I would never go up to someone I either don't know at all or someone I barely knew and pat their tummys and ask how many pies they had eaten! God all laws should not apply when pregnant regarding assault!

MIDWIVES, CONCULTANTS, ANESTHETISTS! Getting really sick of all the conflicting information I'm being given. None of them seem to know what they are on about.

Saw MW yerserday and she said I'm measuring 34wks and I'm 32wks but not worried and neither am I.

Was chatting to her about birth options as I have STILL not made my mind up what to do. For those few souls on here that haven't heard me whinging on - I had a 3rd degree tear last time for no apparent reason, I am booked in for a section this time at my choice but still don't know if I even want it.

So far..

One MW said she would recommend an elective episiotomy to avoid a tear going into my bum and not to birth in waters as it makes your tissue more likely to tear.

Consultant said - NO WAY for episiotomy as I would be more likely to tear and he suggested a water birth or happy for me to have a section.

Anaesthetist said, as it took 9 times to get the spinal in last time it would be better to have a General for the section.

When they were trying to get the spinal in I had just given birth, was bleeding everywhere and totally distressed and begged them to knock me out and was told it would be better for me to be awake.

Now I am being told it will be perfectly fine to be knocked out while still pregnant!!

He said they would try the spinal as often as I could bare

MW yesterday said they are only allowed to try 3 times and thats it??????

When I asked one MW what happens if I go into labour before the section date she said we just examine you to see how far on you are then if you change your mind and want to give birth thats fine or we just whisk you in for the section.

MW yesterday said NO WAY that will happen, she said if you go into labour before your section date they won't give you a a ection without a medical reason - to which I relpied, erm..what about the reason I am terrified about ending up with a colostomy bag and the consultants have already agreed I have every right and reason to have one???? She said not. Section is booked for 39 wks and I had DD at 37 so now scared I'll go into labour and my choice will be taken away from me.

WHO do I believe, getting so so fed up of this. I really don't know what to do. I spent all afternoon crying yesterday.

The only thing I can do is to go for it and just hope I don't tear as badly again. Thats it, 'hope' or babygive birth in water...if the pool is free..if my labour is safe to do so.

Otherwise I go for the section ( if I make it to the day ) and risk having to have a general anaesthetic as they had problems getting the spinal in last time when I needed to be put back together.

Gillyan Sorry to hear about all the conflicting information you are receiving regarding your birth. It must be so frustrating. Maybe you could opt to have an epidural in the early stages of labour when you are calmer so that way there are less likely to be problems administering it and it can just be topped up if you need a caesarian. I would imagine that the consultant would know more about caesarian procedures than the midwifes so maybe you could meet with him again for some reassurance so you feel more in control about whats going to happen.

Good luck and just because you had a bad experience the first time doesn't mean it will be bad again. Stressing won't help so I hope you manage to get some kind of plan in place before giving birth.

Gillyan I can imagine that this news is upsetting, cos no-one seems to know what they're talking about! How is anyone supposed to make an informed decision with such a load of BS being thrown at you?! I have no advice, only sympathy and hugs xox

Krumbrock that was so funny! I was explaining the exact same thing to a colleague yesterday and she couldnt believe that a stranger would touch anyone's bump. All rules regarding personal space seem to just disappear.

Mrsmope i hear you! A pregnant woman is "supposed" to be beautiful, i just think that my bump is the strangest shape and I look like Nelly the Elephant, and most of the maternity clothes around is just hideous! Im a naturally big girl and usually know exactly how to dress for my size/shape, but i have to admit that Im lost and feel miserable most mornings! Where's the funky clothes that dont make u look as big as a house?!

Have a fab weekend everyone x

[32 weeks today ]

Cheers girlies xx

krum I can't believe some random person just touched your bump! That's shocking! I actually don't mind friends and family touching my bump and love it when ppl talk to it but I would be freaked out if a stranger touched me.

MrsHope I know what u mean about feeling unattractive, I don't think I look too bad but I waddle loads and that surely can't be attractive lol. I'd love some male attention just to make me feel sexy again, I even think me splitting up with my baby's dad is maybe cos he just doesn't fancy me when I'm pregnant .

cheekycel defo agree with u about maternity clothes, I've got a couple of nice things but a majority of stuff is just frumpy. My friend works in the clothing industry and I've suggested she starts a company making attractive maternity clothes cos there's defo a gap in the market for them.

Parent Craft class was good last night, they brought a new born baby in and she was goooorrrrgeous! It really made me broody and even more excited about meeting my little man. The baby's Mum was about 2 tho!! I'd never even kissed a boy at her age never mind got myself bloody pregnant!

Oh I meant to say gillyan I'd go with what the consultant says, surely it's his decision whether you get a c-section or not. MW's are very good at checking wee and bloody pressure etc and they're more than capable of delivering a norman delivery but where anything more complicated is concerned I'm sure it's the consultant who makes the decisions and they know what they're talking about.

Thanks hunny Try not to feel po about yourself. I was single when last PG and I know what you mean about about a bit of attention to make you feel better.

mrsmope I did feel unattractive untill this week. Me and DP had drifted a bit through this pregnancy and it's all come back, we've been 'at it' like rabbits ( without actually penetration ) and I never thought I could feel sexy like this! 'This' BTW is size 20 clothes, legs that look like someone had filled them up with water and an arse you could balance a pint on

Gillyan lol at balancing a pint on your arse

I must be the odd one out as I love being pregnant and I feel really sexy!

at a stranger touching your bump - Even my friends feel it's only polite to ask and it dosn't even bother me!

gillyan I hope you get some definate answers. If you are booked in for a section and you go into labour early they would still give you a section i'm sure as that is what happened to my mom with both me and my sister. (She didn't have a medical reason as such to want one but my brother was harmed by her long labour previously so she didn't want to risk it)
I am getting conflicting info re the tearing and what to do also. I am measuring big for my dates and my midwife keeps saying yes but many women give birth to bigger babies and don't tear - I keep reminding her that with 2 previous 3rd degrees it is highly likely. I would say to argue for what you want though as they refused to induce me with DS and said they would after a hour long heated discussion with me being very hormonal. Good Luck.
If only we could all see into the future!

Gillyan, it is a nightmare to have been given so many different opinions by those who should be there to help. I agree with Hunny, go with what the consultant said and if all else fails, ask to speak to him again. I have my appointment on wednedsday and it can't come soon enough. I have pretty much made my mind up to have a c section this time as mentally and physically I can't go through what I went through the last 2 times. I am just terrified that he will turn round and tell me to sod off!!!

Feel abit off colour today, can't really put my finger on it. Everytime i go upstairs, after about a minute I get this mad aching in my legs, which is actually quite sore, breathless and a bit light headed. Don't think I have overdone it but just feel crap.

I did splash out today and buy myself a change bag to make myself feel better! I didn't have a proper one with the last two and had planned to make do without one again, but a friend pursuaded me otherwise. I got a oi oi hobo bag, more expensive that I would have liked, but I loved the look of it and it is my birthday at the end of the month so that can be part of my pressie!!

Anyway, I hope you all have a good, hopefully not too wet weekend. xxx

Bonsoir ladies - well what fabulous weather!?
Been having a good laugh at Gillyan's arse and Krumbrock kicking off in Boots!
As a lady on the large side pre-pregnancy (hovering size 16/18/20), I'm doing remarkably well in H&M for clothes if that helps cheekycel and mrsmope - and happily my arse now looks in proportion with the rest of my body for the first time in bloody years My MIL is the only one who has wound me up about my pregnancy size (and that was by saying "Oh you're not that big - I thought you'd be much bigger"), but to be truthful most things that come out of her mouth wind me up...
Gillyan that truly sounds like a nightmare for you - I think hunny hit the nail on the head; I'd go with the consultant. And to be honest I've mentally been going through the births of all my friends kids and actually the c-secton ladies all came out the most unscathed of the lot, regardless of whether the CS's were planned or emergency. Wonder if you really labour the point of your previous early deliveries to the consultant (no pun intended) - would that maybe sway them to book you in for a section earlier than 39 weeks?
Hi patchybob - sounds like you need a long bath and a restful evening for your aches and pains. Daft as it sounds from a first timer, I'm prepared to opt for a section if one gets offered so I'm all for you sticking to your guns after your previous 2 births - there are no medals. I'm utterly crapping myself that something awful will go wrong in labour, despite all my best endeavours at being fully prepared. Naturally I want my baby healthy and safely out, but I also want my undercarriage to be at least reasonably intact and in more or less the same state as it is now and the same goes for my sanity - and I don't think that's too much to ask. But I hear such terrible stories of Mum's getting frankly violated, butchered and utterly traumatised in labour. I'm trying every kind of personal preparation that I can, but I do have a deep, deep mistrust of the medical profession - at hospital antenatal class this week they said episiotomy isn't routine - not sure I believe that particular gem. No-one mentioned that they should ask permission for any of the procedures - it was all very much "If we deem it necessary, then we shall do vaginal exams/episiotomy/managed 3rd stage" etc. Despite a CS being "major abdominal surgery" all the ladies I know who ended up with one recovered very quickly. Only my SIL had an "uncomplicated" vaginal birth that I can think of (and I think that was because of having home births) - the remainder of the vaginal delivery ladies I know had terrible times and even in this fog of happy hormones, I'm not naive enough to think I'll miraculously fair any differently, just because of a routine involving raspberry leaf tea, a hypnobirthing CD and near religious perineal massage

hi all, lovely to catch up again. I to am getting daily comments about my size ranging from I've never seen a belly so huge to "oh your very small for twins'!

Have had a mad month or so, we moved house and I dp and are are now living together at last.

Then I've just gone through bankruptcy but luckily been able to keep my car. Just got the divorce to go now although don't think it will be finished before the babies are born unfortunately.

Am feeling very tired at the moment and getting really worried about the birth, I have a consultant appointment and scan on Monday so hopefully can go through my birth plan.

I think I must be the only woman on here who isn't getting her bump commented on all the time, now I feel left out lol. The last comment I got was about 6 weeks ago when a neighbour said that I looked like I was about to drop!
3 weeks today till I finish work

Why are changing bags so expensive??? I've treat myself to one today too from The Baby Show. I really can't wait to use it, I really love it and i'm not usually into bags. It's this one.

Had fun at the baby show today although it is very tiring walking round. We didn't really go to buy anything in particular as we have everything. We only bought my changing bag and some dummies from Mam Baby. We came away with some freebies though and plenty of leaflets and carrier bags and dh got some photos of Myleene Klass .

Gillyan - don't know what i can say that hasn't already been said but {{hugs}} to you.

At strangers touching bumps.

Hope everyone has a good weekend

HI all, just finished skim reading the whole thread! I really can't believe that the end is almost in sight, anyone else feel the same? It's weird having had a MN break that last time I properly posted we were all focused on getting over being sick and finding out gender, and now it's all about birth plans Had a really good pregnancy, starting to get bad heartburn now though and am virtually swimming in Gaviscon....

feeling like a bit of a fraud as haven't been MN'ing much, things have been frantic at work and we're also trying to fit in a house move before this one arrives! If all goes well will be moving at 36 weeks. My first dd had arrived by then but we'll gloss over that for now, shall we! cough

(ps also had to namechange to quiltedrose from wiltedrose as apparently there used to be someone with same name who was not nice )

Finished work early, so have been busy getting pre-birth 'essentials' done like bikini wax and pedicure You can tell I'm having a girl as I haven't needed to have my legs waxed since I was 18 weeks and I'm almost 33 weeks now! I can recommend an eyelash tint if anyone's thinking of getting prepared! So don't have time for mascara afterwards!

Have also been having acupuncture to try and keep my blood pressure down and for relaxation - anyone else tried acupuncture?

Glad to see that most of the names I remember from the early days threads are still around - plus a few newer names too. Hopefully will get a chance to reaquaint myself with you all over the next few weeks x

Hi quilted!

Forgot to mention I finally got Gaviscon on prescription - yay

However it's not on repeat and its for 1 x 150ml bottle which'll last all of a weekend

FFS is there some kind of national shortage of the wretched stuff or what? Are we on rations now? I could ring the ruddy GP's neck for him; what a complete knob.

Sorry - vent over

And getting wound up gives me heartburn

Wrote a really long reply earlier but then lost it completely - grrr... so went away, put the kids in bed, did a billion other jobs and had some dinner and am now back to repost .

In short Gillyan try not to get upset and worried about the decision you are making - it's not good for you or your little one and won't help anything. I know it's easier said than done but you need to trust in your body and maybe just play it by ear when the time comes. You have your elective CS booked in so you'll be able to have that and decide on epidural/general at the time, if you make i that far and if you go in earlier then you will listen to your body at the time and make the right decision. (Have to say the MW who said about water births increasing risk of tearing really was talking bollocks complete rubbish and obviously needs to redo her training on water births.)

Phoenix I'm so excited as have got my tickets today for The Baby Show for tomorrow - any recommendations as to things or stands to look out for???

mrsmope I am completely with you on the unattractive front - I don't feel the most attractive at the best of times but always feel worse when pregnant. My DH is fantastic and always tells me how beautiful I am and how attractive he finds me but alas, nothing seems to work. I do take a small comfort in this being the last time I'll be pregnant and surprisingly this is the smallest I've been with any of my pregnancies so will try to enjoy the bits I do enjoy as much as possible and look forward to our family being complete

Arrgh! Awake very early (for me) with sore and heavy feeling in my upper legs... Anyone else getting this? Have had it the last few nights.

Hi ladies, I haven't been on here for a while, seem to have skipped a trimester . I'm 31wks with dc3, already have 2 dd's and haven't found out what flavour this one is. Getting the usual 'bet you're hoping for a boy' comments, but as I'm the youngest of 3 girls, I find those comments a bit insulting at times.....I try and keep my hormones in check before replying This pregnancy has been ok, harder work this time than with with the dd's, think I put that down to age, definitely a difference being pregnant at 31 with dd1, than 38 with dc3
Have developed carpal tunnel in the last month, & my back has decided to go on strike most days, but the baby seems to be happy, kicking away, often in bed just as I want to sleep
No idea with names, we have a bit of a shortlist but we are unlikely to have decided on anything by the time we leave hospital Mind you, dd2 took us 3wks to name, so we are just hoping not to take longer than that
I'm still working 3 days a week, have another 5wks left, and will finish 3wks before my due date.
Had some reflexology a few weeks ago, which was lovely, wanting to fit in at least one more session before baby arrives. Quilted, I had acupuncture when I was ttc, found it great for getting my cycles back on track after 2 m/c, haven't had any this pregnancy, but can understand how you've found it helpful. I'm also becoming quite close to my chiropractor, regular visits to him are keeping me mobile, currently
Anyway, hi to everyone and I will try not to leave it so long between posts

Have left DP and my Dad at home wrangling DD and moving some furniture around. Men are handy, sometimes, aren't they, even if they do need serious organising...

Am soooo unmotivated at work. I'm in the ridiculous position of having way too much to do in the time left and fretting about it, and yet somehow not being arsed to do it. So each day I fanny around I'm making it even worse [rolls eyes]. I remember this happening last time, but at least then someone was taking over my job (albeit badly, as it turned out) but this time I'll still be doing bits of it (over a breastfeeding newborn's head) and DP will be covering the rest, so it's not like I can walk away and forget it.

Evie do you sleep on your side? I've got to the really achy stage in the morning, and I found putting a pillow between my knees, and sometimes one behind my back too (also a good tip for feeding lying down, btw) helped in the last few weeks.

bump touching/size some of you might remember that I went off the deep end at a couple of people a la krumbockmummy for uninvited bump-touching, and I've gone from not looking very pregnant to suddenly looking obvious, so inevitably people feel the need to comment. Sod 'em. Having said that, I found some photos of me pg with DD last night - was just thinking 'oh, I'm not that much bigger this time around', when I noticed the date was 3 days before I delivered. And I really was small. Oh dear.

Gillyan a wise antenatal teacher once said that some MW's opinions are coloured by their own experience, and to treat with interest but caution (eg maybe that MW had a bad tear in water and has now 'decided' to blame the water birth) cos it may say more about them than you. It does seem sensible to count more on the senior HCPs opinions, simply because they'll have seniority on the day! Oh, and btw, I see your drink-balancing on your arse claim and raise you 'I could build a ship in the shadow of mine'!

Hi Quilted good to see you back! Re accupuncture, I have it once a month without fail. I love it. I find that it is good for everything and very relaxing.

Evie The sore leg thing sounds a bit like what I have been having. Mine happens more when I have been walking up stairs or something like that. Hope it improves.

Jetli You sound like the voice of reason! Everything you said in your post made such sense. Its good to keep an open mind and just take it as it comes. I did have a chilling night last night and slept from 10.30pm till 5.30 without interuption. Bliss. Went back to sleep after that too so feel like a new woman today!

My new changing bag arrived today and it is soooooo gorgeous that I have kept it out to admire it! Its an OiOi giraffe print bag, black and white and the inside lining is bright yellow. Sounds grim, but lovely!! Very sad to be excited about a changing bag!!

LargeGlassofred Good to see you back too, I was wondering how you were the other day. You sound like you have had a manic time, hope you have a more preaceful time from now on.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone xx

Woohoo! Am very very pleased, went to the baby show to find a sling and found one!!! Have been all set on a pouch sling since I started looking at them but tried the closer to me ring sling today and absolutely loved it so bought one in red .

DH is gadget mad and really took to the travel blackout blinds, especially as we're going away next week staying in a caravan, so got those too. We got the train there so the kids could have a treat too and they really loved it and got quite excited so all in all was a good day for all of us

Glad you found something you wanted chellebelle.

We saw those blackout blinds but forgot to go back to look properly so had a look at their website and ended up ordering one to use at home for the boys bedroom because the window goes straight up to the ceiling so we can't really get a normal blind to fit so to have that with the suckers on will be great Only thing is they were £25 at the baby show and £29.99 + p&p on the website. Ah well our stupid fault.

Did you see that stall with the huge danish pastries on? Dh bought 2 there and he and ds ate them so he bought another 3 to bring home (i could only have a little bit with GD but they were gorgeous)

Did you get loads of freebies and a million leaflets and carrier bags?

Stupidly forgot to get cash out before we went in so didn't spend much in the way of food, the kids (and secretly me and DH) really wanted some of the pick and mix but due to no cash couldn't get any

Didn't get masses of freebies and leaflets to be fair, maybe we just didn't look like we needed them. Almost forgot - we got a cool clip/carrabena thing to put on our P&T for shopping bags which I was really pleased with and got one for my sister too . We'll use the blackout blinds on the little kids bedroom at home all the time and then can just shove them in the bag to take away with us. Looked at the changing bag you got Pheonix and was very very tempted but decided against it in the end. Might treat myself to one later on in pregnancy but will see what the freebie is like from Boots first as it's changed from the last one we got. Are you a midlander then Phoenix? We only live a 10 minute train ride away from the NEC