Due November 2009 - second trimester thread part 2

[skorpion]

Hope this works

I am being sooooo lazy today, it is naughty. We are having the spare room converted on Monday (it is currently falling apart!) and it needs to be totally emptied. Plus we are supposedly going to Ikea tomorrow so need to move everything and get tidied - I have done virtually nothing except move a few bags of stuff and sort some clothes to take to the charity shop! Boo!

BBL You're right about the whole childbirth scare story thing. The thing I am most enjoying about being off work is not having colleagues torment me with their horror stories!

Everyone keeps on saying how well I'm looking - but when I look in the mirror I see a wreck. Too wierd

Who's getting married tomor? Whoever it is have a wonderful wonderful day!

pavlov, what a nice day, lucky you.

Just came back from my midwife appointment, Lucozade test included. They took my blood only once (I had been scared it would be more often), one hour after I had the drink. Very proud of myself as I did not feel dizzy at all after. I just hope, the result will be fine, otherwise I'll have to do the big test (where they take it 3 or 4 times)
I got 2 leaflets about swine flu, this seems to be the major concern at the moment, apparently nothing else I should know . My antenatal appointments are in a separate clinic, not in the actual hospital and as they have cancelled all tours (to avoid too many people in the maternity unit), I'll probably see it only for the birth. And they went on about possible staff shortages in autumn, very reassuring.

I'm going to this fancy wedding on sunday, with black tie, evening or cocktail dress. I'm still worried about my pink I.O. dress, as I think the material (viscose) does not look smart enough. So I went to monsoon to see if they had something interesting on sale and found one (no maternity) empire line dress and I just looked fat in it, even from behind! Happy, that I tried it because now at least I'm sure a real maternity dress looks much better (and if I'm lucky, I hope to get similar compliments to Pavlov's)

about scorpio-girls (please do not continue to read if you believe in it): This incredibly impolite guy (excolleague of my husband), who usually doesn't even say "hi" to me when we meet (don't know why or what I did wrong), seemed suddenly friendly and interested in my pregnancy, just to then explain me (in detail and for about 5min) that scorpio girls are great because they have hot relationships, apparently I have to be a bit careful, as they tend to start relationships a bit too quick sometimes, but then really hot,... So he was actually trying to tell me that my unborn daughter will be a little slapper. TBH, I was kind of happy that he had managed once again to be just incredibly rude as at least I had been right with my judgement about him. But I was impressed about the "quality" of his insult (and luckily I don't believe in starsigns, I think, genes and education will have a say as well or I just keep on your "leader to the planet", ninja )

Usigurke at the guy!!! Wow, that is really quite something... What on earth did you say?! I might have been tempted to slap him! Someone once said to me, when I said I thought we were having a boy (still no-one knows we actually know) 'Oh well, atleast it won't be like you'!!

katster, I wasn't really doing anything,I found it rather funny how somebody could say something like that. And I always thought he is a stupid person who is not really worth talking to so I was never bothered by his always impolite behaviour.
I was actually wondering if he thought it would be a good thing. The way he said it, was like saying a good thing. He is italian and quite a macho (if that is an english word), so maybe he was really trying to be nice

Ninja, what a cow! Some people...

I must say its very reassuring hearing from those of you that have done this before. Mum's friends son popped round yesterday (I thoroughly dislike him, but still... We used to be friends) and every so thoughtlessly said, "How are you going to get it out? You're tiny!" and so I've started panicking all over again. I'm so worried about things going wrong, I'm still thinking about an elective CS to try and avoid as many complications as possible. I'm not frightened of the pain, just of something going wrong, and it being out of my control.

ursigurke, I'm sure you'll look gorgeous, and have a fantastic day I've been warned about the staff shortages as well. Very helpful and comforting. Glad the blood test wasn't that bad.

*Katster, everyone needs a lazy day DP and I are having a lazy weekend. All I've done today is eat, watch films, and start crocheting a scarf for Bryn

Erika I am with you on the fear thing - and like you, don't feel scared so much of the pain, more of it all being dramatic and out of my control. Tbh I would go for an elective CS if I could

im actually not scared of the birth as i think my body has done it once, it can do it again. Its all the other stuff such as being left alone in hospital when they send dh away that im dreading

ursigurke - what a prick! I can honestly vouch for the fact that scorpios are not slappers. Boring even, as some believe in one true and only.
It is so much to do with upbringing. Otherwise we would only have twelve versions of human being running around the entire world.

Katster, glad its not just me being melodramatic! Is there anything stopping you opting for a CS? I'm seriously considering it, although I would rather not have an operation, I'm so worried about it being out of my control, just like you've said. I mean, either way, its going to hurt. Before I got ME my pain threshold was a lot higher, but hey hum.

Trikken, I'm scared about that bit too. I know they will be other people in the ward and everything, but I really wish DP could be there with me, like, all the time at first. Especially considering the warnings about staff shortages.

Trikken does that happen? Do you mean after the birth or during labour? Oh no, I won't like that either. Did most people who have done it before try to stay at home for as long as possible during labour? I imagine not many first babies are quick to arrive, are they? Having said that, a good friend had her first and it was 6 hours from start of labour to birth. Oh, the unknowns!!

Afternoon ladies

My Mum is a Scorpio and so is DS. Scorpios are supposed to be the most passionate sign in the zodiac so usi I suspect the comment was based on that. Passion can be a good thing though, it's a pre-requisite if you want to be successful ... let's just hope that ours don't want to be successful at overthrowing indiginous populations!!
DS is the sweetest and no hint of any genocide tendencies so I think we're safe!!

As for the birth - it's perfectly normal to be frightened of something so significant when you have no previous experience, or when your previous experiences have been less than positive.
Rest assured that your body WILL know what to do, and actually once you're in the swing of it (so to speak!) you just resign yourself to getting the job done. I think that it's all too easy for us to worry ourselves about it and get ourselves into a state.
My first was born at 36+4 and my second at 40+5 so who knows when this one will arrive. If he's 5 days late, then it's on DS' 4th birthday!!

Erika I've known a few Bryn's over the years, coming from Wales. Gavin and Stacey is a fab programme too

BBL, forgot to say, I've heard that back to back could be a reason for terrible back ache.
I guess, it's worth to speak to your GP or midwife. In my yoga classes, they always recommend being on all 4 against back pain. I quite like being on all 4 and making circles with my bottom. And two different teachers recommended being on all 4 to two women with babies in breech position as apparently it is more likely to turn when you are often in this position. Maybe they have more space? So maybe you could try that too?

after birth i meant, last time by the time id had a bath and cleaned myself up it was quite late so dh couldnt stay v long and had to leave and the mw's wernt v helpful when i wanted them to show me how to change ds and things like that.

Hi

Thanks ever so much for all the wedding wishes. I'm incredibly calm believe it or not. Unfortunately my godson is really sick and in hospital yesterday. They thought it was his appendix but they found out it was a kidney infection which is treatable with antibiotics. His mum, my best mate, witness & kind of maid of honour was supposed to be coming round to help me get ready but is obviously staying with her DS. Really hope he gets better and they can make it tomorrow.

I think we're going to break tradition and both DP and I stay at home tonight. It's not ideal as we'll both have to get ready together but at least we can arrive at registry office together and support each others nerves.

It also looks like it's going to rain on our afternoon bbq meal (grrr British summertime!) but I am actually beginning to look forward to the big day! I've ballooned in the last week as well but am hoping everyone will tell me I look nice anyway.

Will be back after honeymoon. Take care and keep those bumps growing!

Trikken, you don't have to stay there if things go ok. I was surprised when my doula said 'Ok, if hospitals make you uncomfortable and tense, we'll aim to get you there at 8-9 cm and then provided things are straightforward, you can come straight home again once you're rested and cleaned up, if you want to.' It seemed really obvious when she said it, but for some reason, I was thinking (like you) that I'd wind up all on my own all night with the midwives ignoring the buzzer because they're overstretched. DH is a lot nicer about fetching pain medication and helping me to the loo!

Average first labour is 12 - 15 hours, so there's not much point dashing off to the hospital in a hurry, especially as labour tends to slow down when you get there. You might as well stay at home until the contractions are coming so hard and fast that you find it impossible to finish sentences. (Have also read that average second labour is 6 hours, which has cheered me up no end.)

They're anticipating huge staff shortages around here thanks to the flu going around as well, and hospital tours have been cancelled. Hey ho... If you're really worried about being left alone during labour, try to get two birth partners in there rather than just one - then there's one person to chase down errant midwives and another person to stay with you. We made that mistake with our first child, and every time poor DH wanted to go to the loo or get something to eat, I was howling 'DON'T LEAVE ME ALOOOONE!'

Ursigurke thanks, that's good advice. I'll try. Awww it hurts! We're off to the Spa now for ice lollies - I'm hoping a bit of exercise will help.

Lemontop I hope tomorrow goes well. I hope your best friend / godmother's son is ok. Poor thing. At least they can treat it and he'll be fine I'm sure.

12-15 hrs is only the average for fist birth. 4 hours for first birth for me. 2 hours for second. I don't know many people who exceeded 15 hours on their first. Do lots of walking, stay healthy, think postive, yoga, etc and you'll be fine. Your body will be prepared.

It is amazing how different hospitals provide such vastly different levels of care. I didn't like the JR in Oxford as they were sooo busy and I didn't see the same midwife twice after the birth (and in fact my labour went over two midwives' shifts) but was lucky with DS2 having him in Chipping Norton which was just bliss. I have no idea what Shrewsbury will be like.

Tamlin that is a good idea. I am hoping my mum will be lurking too so she can chase down midwives etc. Oh yuck, I hate hospitals! I didn't realise you could just go home if everything was ok. I really hate hospitals and the thought of staying overnight on my own does not inspire me. And that's a good point - I would have no idea how to change a baby's nappy or anything. I know it's v early to ask this, but do you have to take a lot of stuff into hospital with you? I am so clueless it is embarrassing!

Lemontop I doubt you'll see this but just seen the weather forecast and it says rain should hold off 'til late evening tomorrow in most parts of the country so fingers crossed. You will look gorgeous! Will be thinking of you!

Tamlin thanks for all of that. I didn't realise you could leave after providing it was all okay That's cheered my up no end... I think I'll rope my parents in as well to help out so that I'm not left alone at any point - although I think I'd have to sedate my mother very heavily to keep her away!

Lemontop, am so sorry to hear about your Godson, I hope he feels better by tomorrow and they can make it to your big day. Hope the weather holds off as long as possible, and be sure to come and tell us all about it soon

Katster - from what I've been told, you need to take first outfits, nappies, cotton wool and baby lotion (Hospitals have a thing about wipes, apparently), clothes for you, blankets, maternity pads and breast pads. Depends from hospital to hospital, so you might want to check with yours what they supply for you

My labour was 18 hours or thereabouts. BUT it really did not feel that long. And I am including from the start, which is when I woke at 5:30am with my waters broken, no pain, some braxton hicks, through to first painful contraction at about 1:30pm, into hospital for around 7pm, gave birth at 11:47pm. I had to pop into hospital at around 9am to check baby was ok as I needed monitoring, they confirmed labour had started and said I could go home as it was still early. So I did. Waited at home watching the England world cup match (the one where they got knocked out) with friends for the first half, then friend/doula arrived after travelling back from cornwall, had a bite to eat, into hospital when I needed more than paracetamol as pain relief. It really felt like not very long, with all the different things going on.

A friend of mine woke up, in pain, ran a bath, realised she had no time, in hospital straight away, baby born 1 hour later now that was fast. She was told, if she has a 2nd baby, she needs to call an ambulance immediately that she goes into labour!

This time, I like the idea of 6 hour labour - in after 2, out after another 6, home with a nice cuppa, new baby, and my DH and DD. Lovely

Trip to the Spa was painful. Frustrating!!!! Going to try a bath while DSs play in their bedroom next to me.

Katster I was just like you with DS1 - most baby books contain a list of things to take: basically nappies, cotton wool, vests, babygrows, errr, can't remember now what else - nope, really can't rememeber! I'll be asking DH as he is good at remebering this stuff.

We went swimming.

We went to the normal heated fun pool with slide etc, so find it swarming with kids and the pool shut. An 'incident' if some kind .

After much deliberating about where to go, we decided to be brave and try out a Lido where we have not been to before, as its a bit out of the way and through a rough estate. But its free. So we went, and it was fab, great location, tucked away on the other side of this estate, right by the sea, but sheltered enough - two pools, one fun pool with water sprays, and one lengths pool which had kids and floats in. Fantastic. Free. fecking freezing sea water . In for 20 mins and I did not get my hair wet! Next time, DD is in her wetsuit and I am wearing my rash vest, not a bikini

becky - how painful have a soak in the bath, really hope it works for you.

What happened at the Spa?! So they need vests AND babygrows? Also, just been looking online at clothes - was assuming as we are having winter babies, that they would wear those long-sleeved all in one things - is this right? Or inside would they have short-sleeved things on? Think I will probably end up buying absolutely everything only to get told off by DH and not using most of it