Due in June 16!! - the before we all graduate!!

[katzguk]

one new thread as requested!

hoepfully this will get those babies to start appearing again!!

Still nothing here!

have tried everything:
pineapple
raspberry leaf tea
Clary sage/Rose/Jasmine oils!!
SEX!!
White trousers

nothing!

well today might try everything all in one go!

Wow Trib - How exciting. Not long till you have your baby now. Will be thinking of you.
I am still here a week overdue now and have an appt at the hospital this morning to discuss induction. It didn't cross my mind I might need to be induced having had dd ok. I wonder how common it is for second timers to need inducing if their first arrived of its own accord.
I feel bad saying this but I am feeling a bit sorry for myself as if I don't have this baby soon we are never going to make our flights back to the UK which means we wil miss one of my bf's weddings. The registrar goes on holiday on Friday for two weeks and there is no-one else to do the birth certificate so we will not get a passport coupled with the fact that I am not happy flying with a baby under two weeks old. At the same time I do not want this baby to be born before it is ready. I always said I would wait 14 days before induction but they do it at 10 days here and now I don't think I will be arguing. Anyway I am not going to give up hope quite yet. I still have a few days left. It just feels a but surreal like this whole thing is a big trick and this baby is not actually ever going to be here. I haven't even had any significant twinges really (apart from odd cramp in my buttocks!) and find myself talking myself into pains.
Anyway, I will know more about it all after my appt this morning. It is so hot too already!
At least I will have pain relief and nice surroundings for my induction if it gets that far so I am not complaining really. Right positive head on.
Bubb has been quiet, hope she has her baby by now too.
Gweny - Sorry to hear of your aches and pains. I am really fed up with the phone and emails now too. Do people really think we won't let them know?
I was a right misery yesterday on Fathers Day too poor DH. Have good days all. xx

Hello everyone,

I thought I should check in to let you know that I haven't abandonned you all (not entirely!!) Katz has been keeping me up to date with developments. Thank you for all your well wishes and thank you Trib for keeping the stats board going.

I can recommend the Clary Sage oil route for anyone still waiting. On my due date one of the midwives recommended that DP massage two little points in my back to bring on uterine contractions with the oil, so we did that, then I lathered myself in it in the shower, had a bit of nookie and then we went for a jalfrezi. By 8am the next morning my contractions had started and she popped out at 6.30pm!!

Good luck everyone xxx

Well I am truly miffed now. I have just driven down to the hospital for my 41 week check and there is no-one there! They have cancelled all the ante-natal appts until tomorrow but no-one let me know. I am absolutely gutted . I had geared myself up for an internal and possible sweep and told myself that it would be worth it because then at least I would know if anything is happening down there and now nothing. It is such an anti-climax and I am really fed up now. I have an appt at 1200 tomorrow but that seems like an age away now. I rang DH and he doesn't seem to think it is a problem. I also rang my community midwife to see if she would see me but she said I should wait till tomorrow as she couldn't arrange for induction or anything so I still don't know what will happen or when. Fed up. Sorry for rant. It seems like all I have done is complain on here recently.
Hope you are all well......

Coop, I think maybe you need to describe a sweep graphically to your dh, and then see if he still thinks it doesn't matter that you'd mentally prepared yourself for it today! (Unfortunately this doesn't work quite so well for me, as my dh has had many unpleasant examinations as a result of his illness, although he tends to get a tranquilizer before they start shoving tubes or fingers into one end of him or the other).

Sorry also that bubs hasn't realised the urgency of appearing now that the clinic is open I think maybe that's too complicated for a baby to grasp, it just wants kudos for having held off and stopping you from having to deliver in Limassol General.

Well, as you will observe, I am still here. I managed to get a decent night's kip last night so feel v optimistic about today. Still having contractions although I find them difficult to measure unless I am in the bath (sans TENS) but they seem to be coming about every 7 mins. So far just like period pains though so I'm not expecting to rock up for my bp check and discover I am 9 cm or anything like that. I would settle for 5 though, to have made a bit of progress overnight.

Unfortunately I couldn't find any clary sage in Holland & Barrett as I would definitely be giving that a try right now. Will have to settle for a bounce on the birthing ball and then some quality time on the elliptical trainer.

Hope you all have a good day!

Thanks Trib. I wasn't expecting to hear from you. I think you are coping brilliantly to still have time to post for me Thanks. I have calmed down a little bit now. And you are completely right that this poor baby has been messed around with me wanting it to stay put one minute and arrive the next. I will be telling DH exactly what a sweep entails when he gets back for lunch, although he should have some idea because last time when they checked my waters the m/w did what seemed to be a very physical painful internal examination and I have always suspected she may have done a sweep then but not said as my contractions began in earnest five mins later.
All the VERY best of luck later on today. Will be thinking of you and your DH and hope for a fab birth announcement soon. Glad you got some sleep too. It will hold you in good stead. xx

Has anyone else been very weepy in the last stages? After my sweep I was very weepy that afternoon, totally irrationally so. Last night I had the return of lower contractions still nothing regular however and not overwhelming and today I am a weepy, stressed out mess. I am literally crying at the drop of a hat and I mean floodworks. It is my due date today but I am not fixated on the due date -- more so just on how my body has been feeling and what its has (and hasn't been doing). I don't think I am weepy because it is the due date (the EDD has fluctuated anyway) as I haven't put much store in it.

Has anyone else been hit by the tears in the run up to anything?

I just cannot believe how unbelievably stressed out I feel today. I am also cross and cannot remember things the second after I think them. Doing tasks around the house and forgetting what I was going to do.

Poor Coop, so stressful and unpleasant. I feel for you

I have also been quite weepy recently. I'm not looking forward to giving birth and I just want it over with. I just feel there's this rotten ordeal on the horizon and ah...the cruelty of nature making you wait around for it.

We are wretched souls rigtht now aren't we? We have every right to moan, so moan away!

Sorry to gatecrash but I am now 5 days overdue and thought I would like to add a few words of encouragement for Roseberry. I am also waiting the impending arrival of second baby and have been crying/weeping for Scotland. After about 4 weeks of pre/early labour signs and 2 admissions to the maternity unit I am still only about 2-3 cms dilated and getting more and more frustrated. Finally found the Rescue Remedy last night and can thoroughly recommend this along with a good book, glass of chilled fruit juice and a comfy seat in the garden. Have been given an induction date of Friday and am quite resigned to the fact that junior will not put in an appearance until the weekend. I am keeping going with the rasp leaf tea, sex (when I can be persuaded) and fresh pineapple but I am now on the "it will happen soon" way of thinking and making the most of the good weather and my inability to do housework (SPD?, backache etc). I know it is easy to say, but hang in there and don't worry a good cry never did anyone any harm.

Morning ladies

Trib, sorry to hear your sweep was painful. I think my mw did one for me last time and I must say, it was hardly anything, I think she was being cautious. Hey ho. You're contracting, let's hope there is some dilation going on there as well!

Coop, sorry you're having a shit morning Do you mean the registrar goes on holiday this Friday, the 24th? After which date you wont be able to get passport and travel etc??? Yikes, that's cutting it fine isn't it. Waiting for babies to come out can be stressful. Maybe you should try and accept the fact that everything may not happen as you would like it re travel plans, wedding etc and then once you've relaxed, baby will pop out in not time! Good luck anyway though

Charley, I just bought a 6 pack of walkers s&v for my birth bag, but having eaten my statutory 2 packs on here, I feel I need more Now I know why I don't bother having the blasted things in the house!!!!!

I'm off to fill up the pool for dd this afternoon and have a sandwich for lunch.

Have good days all!

CONGRATULATIONS JONAH AND HELLO ISAAC! You nicked my due day! That name is full of gravitas - he'll go far! I'll go read the details in a bit on your other thread...
Afternoon All!

Hello Redhead - i was wondering where you were. Bet you're enjoying your pool in this weather!

Gweny - rofl at your wind the other night - your poor dp! Bet you felt better though. Good luck with your labour initiating efforts - is a cold bath supposed to help or is that just to cool you down?

Uki - glad to hear you're home. Hope you can throw away those pills soon. You did so well to give birth naturally from the sounds of it. Must've been a bit traumatic. Painless last hour though. Wow. there's hope yet I look forward to joining you in experimenting with nappies.

Coop - Poor you! What a waste of time going to the clinic! I'keep my fingers crossed that you're baby will make an appearance in time for the registrar. I know how you feel - I don't think I'm actually ever going to give birth either. Bless you for tryng so hard to get things going with dh Hopefully your sore throat will have gone by now - I had a really sore one that lasted just one day a few weeks ago. Weird.

Mogwai - lol at your list - couldn't agree more (haven't had raspberry leaf tea though...)

MrsF - Lol at you rather having heartburn than sex! Just like me Are you eating bread or stuff containing wheat? I found that my heartburn stopped completely once I'd cut bread out. find Ryvita ok though. Hope all is well in dh's absence - can he get back should anything start happening? We've got loads of decorating and stuff to do to our house too before it can go on the market and we're desperate to move. Depressing isn't it?

Franni - my goodness - every 6 hours What hormone is it? do you know? Lol at the snotty tidemarked trousers - something to look forward to

Lippy - don't worry if you don't want to announce your baby's name on here - make one up just for MN if you like! Every time you mention your crisps, I go and raid my labour bag for a packet! or two

Trib - Blimey - you're dilating - brilliant! I bet you're so excited! Hope you continue contracting so painlessly. Sorry about your darned bp and uric acid - this weather doesn't help does it. Well my theory's been shot to bits re the lower stethoscope now hasn't it - have to put my paper on hold Glad you're getting monitored so closely and that you feel good. Thanks for saying your sweeps weren't too bad - I'll probably be having one tomorrow pm.

Hi Scraggy - really? your dd "popped out"? great!

Roseberry - you're having such a horrible day - I'd write if off if you can and lie in a dark room in front of the tv by a fan if I were you. Hope you feel better soon x

West3 - hello! nice of you to pop in

Ooh, Trib, how exciting, hope all is progressing apace for you right at this moment!

Charley, I've had to cut out bread too, pitta breads are OK though. Cereal seems to set me off too recently. I'm busy compiling a shopping list for dh of food that must be in the fridge when I get home from hospital, including everything that has been giving me indigestion and everything I've not been allowed for 9 months.

Sounds like a crappy morning, Coop. Hope your appointment goes well tomorrow though.

Have been very industriously painting the downstairs loo this morning, and have just got the awkward bit round the back of the loo itself to do. I remember that last time I did it I ended up lying on my back a la Michelangelo painting in between the pipes etc as it was the only way to get the right angle (v small room) - not sure I will ever get up again if I do that right now so may have to leave that for dh.

Was terribly weepy yesterday, every little thing stressing me out. i think it was just the heat though - the worst thing is I don't have the clothes for it as I didn't buy maternity clothes for this weather. Oh well, it's better today, we have a lovely breeze and it's really pleasant in the shade.

Hello
Roseberry - You sound how I felt earlier today. I sobbed my way back from the hospital which was a total over reaction of course. I was struggling with my hormones about three/four weeks ago and felt so hopeless. I think you just reach a point where it all gets too overwhelming. You have my sympathy. Hormones have alot to answer for!
Trib - How you doing???
Lippy - Yes unfortunately I do mean the registrar is off on hol this Fri. I think he is at work on Fri and I am getting DH to double check how long he is off for. We obviously have an odd set up here. I think you are right that I need to relax and assume we will miss the wedding and just have to have a later trip to the UK than planned. I just want a healthy baby really and s/he will obviously arrive when it is ready. I do wonder how big it will be when it finally gets here though .
Hi Charley - i remember your sore throat now. Glad it didn't last long. Hoping mine will go very soon. I have stacks of fruit and am def having an early night tonight.
Hi West3 - We are all in the same boat at the mo aren't we.
I have some positives i have been thinking about

1. I still get to eat chocolate and ice cream whenever I want (which will stop when baby arrives)
2. More time with dd.
3. Getting extra value for money from my maternity clothes.
4. Being able to still use the pool in the garden (will have to stop for a while post birth - lochia )
5. Nights sleep only broken for loo breaks.
6. My boobs are my own for a bit longer.
7. I get to go to the clinic and have UK midwives and gas and air!!!!!! YAY!!! Off to make the most of my quality time with dd. .

Hi Mrs F - x posted. I cannot believe you are painting!! I am very impressed. How are you feeling? I am afraid I started a moany thread today. Am going to stop now though and remember how lucky I am with so many things.....
Take care.

Ah yes, the food that has to be in the fridge/larder list... Dp and I had this discussion a few weeks ago, or rather, I told him what I will be eating non-stop. He said "hmmm, I remember this from last time..!"

Pate
Ripe brie
Ripe camembert
Cambozola
Mozarrella
Any supper that involves uncooked mozarella or parmesan on top
Lots and lots of Parma ham
Jug of margheritas

Anything I've missed ...??

Dd is currently screaming, I don't think she wants to sleep!?! So, I am back down here with the monitor off (in basement) to get away the noise We were slightly late going down for a nap today and if she misses her 'window', it can put her totally out of kilter

TMI alert!!! Dp and I had sex last night, it was so bloody hot though, I could barely muster the energy or the inclination Then on Wednesday we're off out for a curry and probably some more nookie afterwards. This is all pre-due date. I don't reckon baby will be on time, but might as well get the ball rolling eh!!

Ah Coop, that's it, look for the positives; a good birth and healthy baby. You're just in 'everything has to go according to plan' mode, like me. I know it will be hard if you do have to miss your trip back here and the wedding, but worrying about that isn't going to make baby come out any quicker unfortunately
(I bet you give birth on Wednesday morning!!)

Positive Junie vibes for you xxxx

I have Brie in my fridge ready. Mmmm.
Lippy - My dd wouldn't sleep today either. Was yelling or singing or chatting on and off for the hour and a half I left her for . She quietened down every time I was just about to get her up.... She is exactly the same if she is a bit too late going down, like she is past it.
I have her up now, but I will def pay for it from about 4pm onwards.

Meant to say well done on the sex thing too. Another reason I was annoyed to have the appt cancelled was that we would have tried again last night/this am but obviously not if I had someone examining me later that day.....oh dear sorry far TMI . Hope no-one is eating.

Coop rofpml!!!! Yes, that is the one, errrrr, disadvantage of unprotected sex

Glad you knew where I was coming from with that one.

Still here!

Just back from monitoring, bp is 140/85 and unfortunately it looks as if labour hasn't really established itself, nuts. I am still contracting but they're not getting stronger and the mw declined to do an internal to find out if I was any more dilated! (Just to reassure those of you who think midwives are internal examination demons). Baby is healthy and happy, lots of movement and strong heartbeat so no worries on that score. Looks as if we are on course for induction tomorrow morning.

I've been debating whether to try really hard to get labour going again today or just take it as it comes and enjoy the day. I think I'll go with the latter option.

I did wonder though, does anyone think that the TENS machine might have slowed labour down? I'm leaving it off for now, although thinking about having another bath, as that did seem to get the contractions going.

Sympathies to all who are feeling v low at this stage. We'll all get there soon!

Wow, trib, I can't believe you are on your way, if somewhat slowly. Personally, if you're due to be induced I wouldn't bother going crazy trying to get things going, I'd only go for the food options; rl tea, pineapple and curry. Like you say, relax and enjoy the day, get some rest !!! You'll need it, good luck!!!!

Cheers Lippy. Unfortunately I loathe curry and especially pineapple; I had stated to dh I wouldn't even consider pineapple til I was at 42 weeks Will have a rl tea and maybe another turn on the elliptical trainer, and otherwise chill out!

Aw Coop, I'm eating. But, even I wasn't grossed out. So I think you're safe. To be honest I think any medical profession who works with pregnancy has seen much groser.

Hope everyone is coping with the last days of pregnancy. I can't believe Alex will be 5 weeks on Thursday and you lot are still pregnant. Oh well, think of the poor buggers on the due in August thread. They are really going to suffer from the heat. I feel for them.

At last!

Someone has mentioned the "gross" reason why I don't want to go down the "sex" route

I thought I was alone in this paranoia - you ladies are wonderful!!!

Trib - I'm with Lippy, def take things easy today and enjoy yourself and get some rest. Wishing you all the best for tomorrow. Have they said what route the induction will take? I don't think it will take too long as it seems your body is ready and showing all the signs. I heard that baths can slow things down but I would say do what ever makes you comfortable to ensure you get some rest. Not long now......
Mog - So glad I am not the only one to have this paranoia..... again. Although as Uwila says all the midwives tell you to try it so they must be used to it.....Oh dear.
Hi Uwila - Can't believe Alex will be five weeks old. How you doing? I should pop over to the post natal thread really to 'see' you all.
Still nothing happening here. Having cold roast chicken (left overs) with salad and jackets for tea so I had better go sort the salad.
Bye for now.