Feb 2010 part III,

[mamaloco]

Sorry I couldn't wait anymore half of us is in the 3rd trimester and half will followed soon
Welcome sharon I have added you to the list

27th Jan Devotion DD1 6yrs & DD2 3yrs
1st Feb Moth2, 1st but also stepdaughter 3 yrs
2nd Feb Raindroprhyme DS1 8y, DS2 4y
2nd Feb Ktpie DS 13m
3rd Feb sunangel88 1st
4th Feb mothrof2boys
5th Feb chinook Dd 3.6yo
7th Feb grin DS 1 yr 6 m
7th Feb mamaloco DD will be 5y near due date
8th Feb fiziwizzle, 1st
8th Feb gingerkirsty, 1st
8th Feb PinguCarrier, 1st
10th Feb Lovelymonster, 1st
10th Feb T4tastic 1st
11th Feb Woowa 1st
12th Feb Fluffycoo 1st
12th Feb Yummylilmummy 1st
13th Feb mignightsun DS 3y
14th Feb tryingtobemarypoppins DS 21months currently!
14th Feb Clappedout DD 21m
14th Feb Pops78, 1st
14th Feb Glynnispig 1st
14th Feb Threeplusone- DD 12.11yrs DS1 5.2yrs DS2 2.1yrs
14th Feb Stoofadoof, DD 2.11
15 Feb AngelaCarleen 1st
15 Feb flyingcloud 1st
16th Feb GuernseyFrench 1st
16 Feb Watercress DD1 2y 10m
16 Feb esselle - DD 5.1y, DS 20m
16 Feb hannahsaunt - ds1 (8.11), ds2 (6.5), ds3 (23mo)
17 Feb Bethylou - DS currently 16 months
17 Feb Becks130 - DS 3.5 yrs
18 Feb Sunnybump - First
19 Feb Sharon137-
20 Feb Gert ds 22m
20 Feb Cluny 1st
21 Feb Pyjamababe - First
22 Feb Skibelle
22 Feb Scoobydoo
23 Feb 2Happy ds1 4y ds2 2y
23 Feb (twins!!) Insanitybecomesme DS1 9yrs, DS2 7yrs. DD3y 3m, DS3 21m
23 Feb TheOldestCat DD 2.9y
23 Feb Phee96 DD 9m
24 Feb Elebereth
24 Feb TotallyAndUtterlyPaninied DS 15m
24 Feb MidgetGems
27 Feb Westlondongirl
28 Feb Mawbroon Due DS 3.10yo

Hi all,
I'm 30wks+6 with our first baby (a little boy)! Shopping all sorted but at my mums as to parinod to bring home and start nursery!(please tell me how stupid i'm being)!! I've got loads of clothes i bought off a friend that need washing as well as all blankets etc but just keep wondering if it's bad luck to bring in the house yet?? My poor mother has a spare room she can't get into as i've filled it with stuff! I also kep thinking what if the baby comes early i'm organised but i'm not, help!!!!!
Have been counting down the days and 63 to go!! Once christmaas is over with it will fly by!!!

Hi to the newbies, welcome.

I spent two hours between 3am and 5am this morning tossing and turning in bed worrying about Maternity Allowance!! I had it in my head that I haven't been paying Class 2 NI contributions and wouldn't qualify for Mat allowance.

Isn't it funny how things get blown out of all proportion in the middle of the night. A quick phone call to the NI contributions office confirmed that I have been paying the right NI so I should qualify and will get my application away pronto!!

Anyone else doing the rigmarole that is Maternity Allowance?

The baby is pretty wriggly just now. He is lying quite low down and across the way, same as ds did. But there's loads of time for him to get himself sorted out.

I missed the bus home from nursery this morning and walked instead of waiting in the freezing cold for 20 mins. I will walk back too, so that will mean I will have walked 3 miles before lunchtime! It's so good not to be ill any more.

Shiregirl You are normal and you can try to tell people to f** off! My new answer when people are telling me that I look bigger than 29 weeks is to tell them:
"Really? My obstetrician is pretty sure of my dates, but you seem to have sooo much expertise about the subjet that you are probably right!... Hold on,,, is that a contraction?"

I feel so much better after that and you can imagine the face of the person!!

I have been going around the nursery today and of the 3 which are close to home, only 1 can take LO in July and it is the one I don't like! I am so annoyed as I have been nagging DH to enquire earlier and he wasn't kin as he thought it was too soon

Hi everyone [again ]
mawbroom, i'm going through the mat allowance thing at the moment, was make redundant halfway through pregnancy so have to mess around contacting JobCentre for MA, very annoying.
Has anyone had any problems with the HIP grant? I posted mine over 3weeks ago and not heard anything [or got any money yet] and could really do with it!
Glad to hear you're all ok, bar shiregirl, I'd tell them all to sod off if i was you
xx

Hi everyone, just checking in. Welcome to all the newbies! Glad to hear that the afflicted are on the mend. And well done all those that have gone for the SF jab. My head is still firmly in the sand. I suppose I'm reasoning, I've only got 3 weeks of commuting left and then moving to the country (well, country compared to London). I'm not even sure what I've got against it as such; it's still easier to do nothing than to take action on it.

On the front, we went to Cornwall for a long weekend and ate cake, followed by cream teas, followed by more cake. Too rainy to do much walking (HORRIBLE weather ). This morning I've found out that I've put on three pounds in a week And yet I can't stop reaching for the s. SIGH.

Hi,

Nikki87 I have waited over three weeks for my HIP grant now too, tried phoning but just a recorded message. I have another ante natal appointment this Friday so was thinking of sending another one off, if they'll sign it.

Shiregirl your workmates sound a total nightmare, bet you can't wait to leave and get some peace.

I had my first experience of bump groping at work today in the lift, it was another woman but still not ok, yuechh, hands off.

Worn out from weekend, seemed to spend a lot of it cooking and looking after DD1 who is having lots of welly rage, refusing to wear them out in her buggy then demanding them when we get home...I collapsed into bed last night at about 8pm feeling totally wrecked!

Welcome MarieKL - finally, i'm not the only one here due on the 11th!! Dee2009 - what's your due date? Copy this list (not the one at the top of the page) and put yourself in if you like!

27th Jan Devotion DD1 6yrs & DD2 3yrs
30th Jan Jardins
1st Feb Moth2, 1st but also stepdaughter 3 yrs
2nd Feb Raindroprhyme DS1 8y, DS2 4y
2nd Feb Ktpie DS 13m
2nd FebBusymummy22 DD 6y, DS 3y
3rd Feb sunangel88 1st
3rd Feb verylittlecarrot, 1dd 2y4m
4th Feb mothrof2boys, Musicalmummyjules DD 7
5th Feb chinook Dd 3.6yo
6th Feb ems147, 1st
7th Feb comeonbishbosh
7th Feb grin DS 1 yr 6 m
7th Feb mamaloco DD will be 5y near due date
8th Feb fiziwizzle, 1st
8th Feb gingerkirsty, 1st
8th Feb PinguCarrier, 1st
10th Feb Lovelymonster, 1st
10th Feb T4tastic 1st
11th Feb Woowa 1st
11th Feb MarieKL 1st
12th Feb Nikki87
12th Feb Fluffycoo 1st
12th Feb Yummylilmummy 1st
13th Feb mignightsun DS 3y
14th Feb tryingtobemarypoppins DS 21months currently!
14th Feb Clappedout DD 21m
14th Feb Pops78, 1st
14th Feb Glynnispig 1st
14th Feb Threeplusone- DD 12.11yrs DS1 5.2yrs DS2 2.1yrs
14th Feb Stoofadoof, DD 2.11
14th Feb CocoK - DC3
15 Feb AngelaCarleen 1st
15 Feb flyingcloud 1st
16th Feb GuernseyFrench 1st
16 Feb Watercress DD1 2y 10m
16 Feb esselle - DD 5.1y, DS 20m
16 Feb hannahsaunt - ds1 (8.11), ds2 (6.5), ds3 (23mo)
17 Feb Bethylou - DS currently 16 months
17 Feb Becks130 - DS 3.5 yrs
17 Feb Mrsjeff - First
18 Feb Sunnybump - First
19 Feb Sharon137-
19 Feb Extremelychocolateymilk - DD 2.3
20 Feb Gert ds 22m
20 Feb Cluny 1st
20 Feb Rainbowsprite
21 Feb Pyjamababe - First
22 Feb Skibelle
22 Feb Scoobydoo
23 Feb 2Happy ds1 4y ds2 2y
23 Feb (twins!!) Insanitybecomesme DS1 9yrs, DS2 7yrs. DD3y 3m, DS3 21m
23 Feb TheOldestCat DD 2.9y
23 Feb Phee96 DD 9m
24 Feb Elebereth
24 Feb TotallyAndUtterlyPaninied DS 15m
24 Feb MidgetGems
27 Feb Westlondongirl
28 Feb Mawbroon Due DS 3.10yo

And on the HIP grant - i had completely forgotten about it. I had it refused about 3 weeks ago for STUPID STUPID STUPID reason and have appealed it. I should get back on the phone and see if they have decided if I'll get it yet. SILLY PEOPLE

I've only had one really unwelcome tummy pat so far (apart from MIL, who, the second time she tried to feel it moving got her hand MOVED from me) Imagine!! DH is ONLY one i want to be feeling sproglet wriggling!

Dee2009 i think it's safe to move the stuff into the house. The bigger we get the more effort it'll be, and it's SO nice to have a room of baby things. I go and look at it all from time to time and get really excited! I'm SO looking forward to meeting this little one!

I got my HIP when I was 28 weeks, I was pretty quick to send in the form (I become unusually efficient where money is involved!) so I guess it took about 3 weeks, mine was paid on a Tuesday so maybe people waiting will get it tomorrow? Tuesday seems to be the key day for child benefit, tax credits and MA as well. I got the payment into my bank then the next day the letter came telling me to expect it.

I'm due my second lot of maternity allowance tomorrow, got my first payment at 30 weeks. I did send the forms off as soon as I was 26 weeks though. The first person I contacted at the jobcentre about getting MA was completely useless but the second gave me the number of someone who actually knew all about it I heard back from them pretty quickly (maybe a week or so) to say I would get it. Hope this helps.

I'm feeling huge now, the bump seems to be massive, and it's all itchy where the stretch marks are spreading

lovely to catch up with you all!

My MW had run out of forms for the HIP so will maybe have some when I return on 29th Dec. Told DS1 that I would need to take them to hosp during holidays for this appt and he said 'Well that's notvery convenient is it?'
I think he will findseveral more inconveniences on the way!

Dee if you were having a second or subsequent child you would have the kit in the house ready, wouldn't you? But you have to do what is practical and feels right!

BTW my friend told me a really good tip for maternity tights - which fall down at lot I find - wear an extra pair of pants over the top! It really works - but maybe I was the only one on the planet who hadn't worked that one out. Need to remember to pull everything up though

motherof2boys Imagining waddling pregnant woman with knickers round her ankles...what a sight!

I have had that imagining...

Thanks for mentioning the HIP grant. Have a vague memory of having read about it somewhere but had completely forgotten about it.

westlondongirl I get emails from BabyFit - from when I was pregnant before. The only difference now is that I rarely read them. The one this week had advice on swollen ankles. I wondered which hospital you were going to as I'm in West London too. I'm going to Chelsea and Westminster for the 2nd time.

How can I ease the symptoms of swollen feet during pregnancy?

Swollen feet are common during the last trimester of pregnancy, especially during hot and humid weather. Some women find that swimming is the best way to reduce swelling, as both the cool temperature and hydrostatic pressure of water help to decrease the edema (fluid accumulation).

You can try a cool bath as well. Try to keep the water at a temperature that's comfortable but cool and lay in it for 15-30 minutes. When you get out, rest and elevate your legs, if possible.

Drinking water will also help your body function well and diminish fluid retention. It may seem that more water would make things worse but conversely, dehydration sends out a message to your body to retain water.

Check food labels and avoid high sodium products. Once you start reading labels, you'll be amazed by how much sodium most processed foods contain. Try to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoid over-processed foods.

Catherine Cram, M.S.
Owner for Comprehensive Fitness Consulting LLC
Author of Fit Pregnancy for Dummies (Wiley Publishing, Inc. 2004)

hello all! just back from MW appt... she said that most people feel VERY tired and emotional round about wks 29-31 cos baby puts on a growth spurt and hormones go haywire again... dunno if that comforts anyone?!?!

bloods back and very low iron, but i'm veggie and knacked, so i expected it... just been and bought some supplement and prunes yeurgh.

baby currently breech and facing in which explains lack of visible movement and the kicks i've been getting in my bum!! (and the back ache!) MW helped me feel where the head was - felt it bobbing back and forth!!

off to see the consultant tomorrow re vbac vs elec cs choice... mw says i've got the dragon, but she's head honcho apparently and very good despite that.... must make sure i write a thorough list of questions! glad DH can make it too, though also have to take DD!

(half hoping that he stays breech and the difficulty of making the choice is taken out of my hands!!) too early to rely on that tho!

MW also said i have really strong stomach muscles - good core strength... really tickled me as i've been incredibly unfit and somewhat over weight for 5 years now! she reckons all my hockey and running until then has paid off tho! actually, i can't wait to get this one out and properly get fit again...... maybe sometime in 2011/12!!! i've put on nearly 2 stone so far this time - erk

it's 30 degrees here today and REALLY humid... bah humbug... i want cold and snow (sorry if you're cold and fed up of the dark - i'd gladly swap!!)

well, got that all off my chest! sorry for the ramble! thanks for listening!!!

Hello everyone, been away for a while, so just catching up!

Welcome everyone who has just joined! This is getting so exciting. I have ordered so much stuff off the internet recently and now I just need DH to start clearing out the baby's room. I need to get cracking on Christmas stuff too. Haven't written a single Christmas card and ooh! it's the 1st December.

Hello jardins hope all is going well. My weight gain hasn't slowed down at all. I am still finding this French due date thing confusing, although someone very kindly explained it to me on here. My EDD seems very late!

Hope everyone is coping well with the tiredness.

Thanks for the info extremelychocolateymilkro... very helpful. Will certainly try out those tips. I am having mine at the Queen Charlotte's Hospital - shame, would have been nice to know someone else going there. I do wish I knew someone personally who was at the same stage of pregnany as me.

Sounds like everyone is getting organised. I have been slowly gathering bits for weeks now. Quite a bit from freecycle and friends. Have a few things to pick up and will then be ready far too soon! I do feel paranoid about an early arrival though so I like to be prepared as much as I can.

Insomnia is doing my head in at the moment and yet if I get the chance I could quite happily sleep in the afternoon. DP says my snoring is driving him crazy and has taken to wearing earplugs (which prevented him from hearing himself snoring last night )

Hope everyone is feeling ok. I feel like the weight has shifted last night onto areas other than my stomach....

Morning everyone. You are all making me feel very unprepared! We have not got anything apart from a few donations from friends and family, my mum keeps asking me when I'm going to start buying things, and my answer is alwyas "in January" as I just do not have time until I stop work and more importantly, move in properly with DP.

Has anyone else (more first timers I guess) had any ambivalent feelings? I've been 100% excited and looking forward to having a baby, and all of a sudden this past week I feel a little fearful of how it's going to change my life so much, and how it will affect my relationship with DP. It doesn't help reading an article in the paper which said that 80% of relationships worsen after having a child (of course we'll be in the 20% that doesn't!!).

I expect I'm just tired!

Interesting what your MW said about being tired and emotional at 29-31 wks stoofaloof. I'm not 29 wks til Friday but think I may have started feeling like this a bit early. Have you tried Floradix for your low iron levels?

Glad the info was of help westlondongirl. Maybe I should read those emails more often. Queen Charlotte's has a good reputation. There's bound to be someone else on the pregnancy thread at the same stage as you having their baby a that hospital.

I've got my GTT test on Thursday and have to fast for 2 hours beforehand and then drink lucozade an hour before the blood test - I think as I can't find the notes. Can anyone else tell me if this is about right? Also, over what period of time do I need to drink the lucozade and do I need to finish the whole bottle - 380ml? Just a bit worried about bladder control and I don't like lucozade.

fiziwizzle you have just described exactly how I feel! I swing between excitement and looking forward to being a family to extreme fear that things will change in a way I don't want them to particularly career, travel, relationship. I hope it's normal to feel like this and doesn't make me a bad mother. Sometimes I feel a bit guilty for not seeing the sunny side all the time. I have had two panic attacks where I just wanted to take the bump off (like a coat!) for 5 minutes just to calm down

Well, I am only 27 weeks and am feeling very tired and emotional today.

I had a horrible dream last night. I have already had one dream along this theme recently, and had quite a few of them when I was pg with ds.

Without going into the gory details, somehow my baby (except it was twins??) was delivered without me knowing. By the time I came round and figured out what had happened, they had already named the babies with names I would never have chosen, fed them full of formula, decided that one wasn't going to make it, so didn't bother letting me see him. etc etc etc.

It was awful and I feel quite upset thinking about it, even though I know it was just a dream. Rational thinking seems to have gone out the window today.

Actually quite relieved to hear we're coming into the tired & emotional stage, stoofaloof - very pleased I logged in this morning! Have gone from feeliong so excited so utterly miserable: I really don't want to be at work and am doing the bare minimum, I'm feeling resentful that I can't go out and get p!ssed at Christmas parties, I can't wear any of the beautifully sparkly clothes that are in the shops, DH and I had sh!t sex last night (thinking of giving that up as a bad job - between me being to weak to lift my bl00dy tummy up and down and him STILL worrying about hurting me/ baby despite repeated ressurances, have come to the conclusion that it's not worth the effort!), the thought of Christmas shopping is filling me with dread....aaarrrgghh! I am now boring myself and may need to go away and cry somewhere. Poo. BUT at least I can blame hormones, which means it's not me going crazy all of a sudden!

Oh yes, the joy of crap, or non-existent sex!

I gave up a few months ago I'm afraid, my DP just suffers in silence, feels too weird and I have had too many problems to be able to relax and even think about sex...only a year or so before we can try it again! How grim.

For those of you worrying about your life changing for the worse I can safely say although things are tough with kiddies around if you have a good relationhsip with your DP/DH before then you will be ok. We have terrible but very short rows (no time/energy for sulks) but on the whole are closer after having our daughter. You will be fine, sharing tears and laughter is all good! Hope that helps and doesn't sound too patronising...

Hormones may explain my recent tearfulness at work, all a bit busy and overwhelming at the moment, bit much.

Extremely re your GTT.. double check the starving .. as I have had all mine in the morning I havent been able to eat after midnight.

Re Sex.. Poor DH hasnt had any since middle of Oct just before he went away.. he has been back a week and a bit and I think a bit dissapointed that he hasnt had anything yet.. I do feel guilty and I want sex but at the moment I am being really picky about little things, the sliughtest bit of stubble and I say no.. the slightest whiff of alcohol and it is a no.. Bless him..He does say that he understands and is happy with a cuddle.. Think I will bite the bullet though.

I am very emotional at the moment.. DH went to bed last night without telling me he was going and you would have thought the worl was ending.. I barged in the room.. woke him up and called him a F**g Wnker.. bless him it was 10pm and he had been at work for 6am..
Even my 13year old is checking to see if it is OK to talk to me before she opens her mouth!!!
I am 29weeks +2.. but then again I am hot headed and argumentative when not pg... I just have an excuse at the mo..

Right I have a 2 year old trying to electicute himself at the mo.. so best go and sort him out.. the joys of toddlers.. so much for his afternoon nap!!!!!