Due March 2010 - just because I'm pregnant at Christmas doesn't mean I'm a taxi driver

[annamama]

... new thread for oldies and newbies due in March! ...

You know, this thread keeps me going. I look forward to checking it every day, and love reading everyone's posts. I was very down on NY's day - sobbed to partner that it wasn't just going to be 'us' anymore (after 20 years of it just being us), and that I hoped everything was going to be OK. Anyway, I've lightened up now, though still apprehensive. I've been depressed before, so I don't want that to return. This past fortnight I've been waking up with a tiredness that doesn't go away. Perhaps it's my age (late 30s).

PixieOnaChristmasTree - Nice idea. I may start planting some dodgy names today.

icwas Very sorry about your grandad. It's good that he went quickly and when happy.

Hi Shroomer just wanted to second you on the fantasticness of this thread - a real lifeline. And I hope you are feeling better. I don't have any experience of depression, but maybe the tiredness is just our bodies way of telling us to take it easy and slow down in the third trimester?

I think it was Pacific who asked where in Germany I was planning having the baby - Berlin! Thank you to you and evitas for tips on getting an upgrade - so my challenge will be to look posh and presentable but subtly suffering...

And condolences icwas on the loss of your grandad - my gran went nearly exactly a year ago, I was able to tell her I was pregnant before she died, which made her so happy (also first grandchild to get pregnant) - unfortunately, I lost that baby, but she never knew and I still consider it a really special experience to have shared with her. And I am sure your grandad knew that you loved him, no doubt about it.

Iwcas-so sorry for your loss. Shroomer-your tired cos your 7mths pregnant! I need a brain pick if ok. Been getting loads of braxton hicks - last night they were constant,literally one after another so more than ten in an hour. Still quite a lot today. Thing is,im 90 pcent sure i lost mucous plug yesterday. Clear Jelly like substance about amount of an egg- soz if tmi! Books say no need to ring hospital but that labour normally within 3 wks- im only 31 now! Also complicated by having group b strep. Any thoughts? Second timers,how long before you went into labour did you lose yours? X x

Quick hello from Heckle Towers

iwcas really sorry to hear about your grandad, what a sad start to the New Year. But it seems like you have lovely memories of him you can pass on to your DS.

scooby ooer, maybe a wee call to your midwife just to be on the safe side? I lost mucus plug shortly before going into labour -maybe just 24/48 hours. But I think it's probably different for everybody and you're right not to panic. If it was me, I'd put in a wee call just for peace of mind, especially since you're feeling lots of BH contractions too.
Any other second timers got thoughts?

Having a quiet afternoon at the ILs...feeling the first twinges of heartburn...but have a very wriggly baby today - can feel the wee limbs as if she's bracing her feet and hands against my uterus!! but good to know she's having a nice time in there

hello from the freezer! I dont think the snow that fell before christmas had chance to melt (certainly my snowman didnt) and its snowed a good few inches again.. my cats are going crazy as they dont like being stuck in but are taking full advantage of DH's real fire habit.. me too And the fact he tidied up my wellies into the shed just means I cant go out - shame..

ICWAS my thoughts are with you and your family, you were clearly very close to your Grandad. So sad for you, I hope that you have a great 2010 and maybe find that someday soon thinking about him just makes you smile [huge hugs emoticon]

Shroomer i too had a large freak out about it all changing between me and DH.. I still havent quite got my head round how different life is going to be, but Im sure it'll be different and brilliant for all of us!
Because Rebeccacad 's friend gave birth so early, my DH has had a small freak out too and we seem to have had an internet shopping spree - still no actually movement on the study into nursery transformation but at least I have nipple cream and muslins on the way..

Afribaby we tried and tried to get upgraded on our honeymoon to Japan last year - we managed to get extra leg room in the end for free - clearly we werent upgrade material!! Keep asking EVERYONE! check in, ticket check,everyone.. even once on the plane, appeal to the cabin staff but be careful about playing on feeling unwell etc as I was once on a flight to Israel where this extremely pregnant woman delayed the flight because she had refused to get off as the captain was refusing to take her - no idea why - and not sure Im helping with this story.. but I guess you need to reassure the staff you are fit to fly but deserve special treatment! Good luck and let us know how it goes (Id love to know what first class feels like!!!)

Sariska I was just wondering who else it was who had a crazy commute.. Ive only 8 working days left! Plus midwife apps close to home mean I cant go in the office for 2 of those days..

My swollen ankles and fingers and constant pins and needles are beyond annoying.. will check at midwife tomorrow they do not indicate anything sinister, but like Shoomer Im also shattered 90% of the time - Ive got so used to an afternoon nap now, what will I do in the office? Not sure I can curl up under the desk, and my usual nap int he car trick wont work now we've moved to Siberia..

The wrong sex thread

more later...

Evening ladies

So many posts to catch up on! Apologies in advance for anyone I miss (no time for multiple windows for me tonight).

Rebecca crikey, 32 weeks . Glad to hear they're doing well, but it must have been a scary experience. Here's hoping none of us go that early...

...which leads me to Scooby - 'fraid I've no experience but I'd say a call to your midwife or labour ward would be a good idea. They may suggest coming in for a quick check just to make sure everything's OK. Fingers crossed you have weeks to go before babyscooby arrives!

IWCAS I'm so sorry to hear of your grandfather's death . It's of little comfort now, but that he died with his wife and friends, having fun and with no prolonged suffering is a "good death". My own father died when I was a child, of a massive heart attack, and the fact that he was with my mum doing one of their hobbies when he had the attack does give me comfort. He was happy, which is a good way to go. You can still pass on your memories of him, and giving his name as part of your son's name is a lovely way of honouring him. Still, massive [hugs] at this very sad time.

Sarah I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for your DD on Thurs that it all goes swimmingly for her. I also hope it's not too stressful having a toddler in a cast for weeks! Tell baby to stay put until you and your family have had time to settle back down after your DD's cast comes off

DB so glad to hear that life can get back to normal at DB villas . You've been a trooper with your in-laws and deserve some serious R&R now! I'm totally about homeopathy, so I hope no doctor of mine ever prescribes it! Though I'm not adverse to alternative remedies, I just find all the vibrational stuff and atoms imprinting memories more than I can stomach...

Shroomer I agree this thread is wonderful - I love catching up on people's news and also picking up tips and advice. And I think most first time parents go through a kind of freak-out stage about what it'll do to their relationship...I know I did (and we had IVF, so by the time I was finally knocked up I'd been trying for ages so felt even more about having crazy feelings about being parenets!).

Afribaby good luck on the upgrade!

Donttry I LOVE the idea of tasteful matching post-birth photo outfits...not shallow at all imho . The real nappies thing can be a bit of a dilemma and I'd recommend a nappuncino if you can find one (are you near Brighton? I think you're South Coast but can't quite remember where...I used to live in Brighton and am sure there must be nappucinos around there...). When I went to a nappucino I bought a fuzzi-bunz one size, a tots bots (made out of bamboo) and a bumgenius and washed them and timed how long they took to try and how easy they were to use (I chose them as I really want a one size I can use from birth to potty). The bumgenius really took our fancy - dead simple to use, quick drying and can be supplemented with extra booster inserts if needed (eg I got some bamboo ones, as bamboo is v absorbent). It's really so very like a disposable in all respects bar the fact it's washable...We've now stocked up on enough to see us through post-birth so here's hoping the proof of the pudding's in the eating!

Sorry for the massive ramble. We've actually just finished a weekend hypnobirthing course (run by [[http://www.thehypnobirthingcentre.co.uk/ Katharine Graves at the Hypnobirthing Centre) and it was brilliant. Especially as my skeptical DH was not really looking forward to it at all and I think he got even more out of it than I did! Now we just need to practice what we've learned...if last night is anything to go by the relaxation CD will help me getting to sleep a lot

And am still suffering with the cold (now in week 3) and am so ready for it to be gone! I think my main aim in the run up to my due date will be to avoid a cold at all costs!!

Hope everyone is well

Evening, ladies !

scooby, mucus plug can go at any time and is usually replenished unless labour starts; losing it does not mean you are about to start labout. Equally Braxton-Hicks do not really mean much. I know I am getting an awful lot recently, usually when I am up and about; they settle if I lie down (fat chance!). So try to rest and a warm bath, than should calm things down. IMO, there is no way you could confuse real contractions with Braxton-Hicks !!

Anyway, I am going to run away just know, DSs1 and 2 to wrestle to bed - they are watching IceAge 3 for the umpteenth time, but assure me their lives would be ruined if I made them go to bed before it is finished... .

Just a quicky on the subject of mucus plugs. Scooby, last time I went into labour (at 41 wks) 24 hours after losing mine (prompted by a sweep). It was what they call a "bloody show": toddler snot mixed with streaks of blood, if that isn't too eewww. This time I panicked a bit when I appeared to lose the plug at only 17 weeks. But there was no blood and midwife said without blood or abdominal pain, there was no need to worry. And I haven't gone into labour yet. Thankfully.

Hi everyone, just checking in to say hope you all had a lovely Christmas and happy new year. Catching up on everyone's news, made much easier by posts like the one above from caitni x

Lots of braxton hix contractions here, bent double with some of them (not in pain though) and walking like Mrs Overall

Feeling XXL around the bump area and getting some big swooshes as baby performs double pike with twist.

I agree with pacific that once you've had a real contraction you will know that you're in labour.

Labour bag half packed, baby room ready for painting and gorgeous nursing tops ordered from mamaway.

Big hugs to all

Right, I am back

schroomer, and anybody else who has pre-natal freak-out: it is just the same as pre-wedding jitters ! Quite normal, does not mean you are not ready and will later with the benefit of hindsight seem quite funny.
Having said that, there is no doubt your life will not be the same, much much harder in some respects and much more brilliant than you could ever imagine in others .

"Nursery", and I use that term in its loosest possible sense, is still a boxroom full of now empty Amazon boxes, wrapping paper, spare spare bed (yes, I know, must get rid of it) and has no curtain. I spent all day looking at curtain material on-line, but am no further forward as I am crippled by acute-on-chronic dithering, gah!
Anyway, new baba will co-sleep or be in Amby in our room, so there is plenty of time. Right? RIGHT??

DB, I have not commented on your family invasion following the advice of "if you cannot say anything nice, do not say anything at all". Anyway, you had my sympathies and all else I will say on the subject is: Thanks goodness that we are now on our own again!! I am needing a real break from relatives, Dh's and mine.

DS1 said today he misses school, so roll on Tuesday and early bedtimes and routines, yeah!

Thanks all. Just wondered what your own experiences of gory mucous were. Thanks especially to Pacific- I completely agree about labour pains. I have never doubted for a second that what I have is braxton hicks- never once even considered that they were contractions. No pain just annoying!! Is there any risk at all having lost the plug? Is it a warning that I need to do less ( any chance i'd get signed off for rest of pregnancy!!!!) If not I shall continue on as I am.

Hope you are all having a restful weekend before back to work - 9 weeks til bubs due - 8 weeks left at work!!!

xx

Can I just ask - is anyone still having lots of sex...? (Manda I know you don't, or shouldn't!) I'm just too tired most of the time and don't feel too up to it. Luckily I think DH seems to be affected by sympathy pg hormones or something so he doesn't seem to want too much action either. We kiss and cuddle a lot though so that's good. Sex is once a week max.

On NYE there was some fireworks in the bedroom though... but only through the windows! We went to bed at 11.15, then stayed up reading until midnight because we knew the fireworks would wake us up anyway. Oh I love being boring like that, have done my more than fair share of partying and I don't miss it! Esp not the hangovers.

My movements are infrequent too, but I think I would notice if I hadn't felt any for a while, ie several hours... Hmm really should keep track at this stage maybe but I just can't be bothered to be too worrying or obsessive. Anyone actually keeping track of your 10 movements a day?

EmLou - How's things with you??

Afribaby - your roadtrip sounds cool, glad you had a good time. Good luck getting an upgrade but I don't think you have a big chance so don't take it personal (ie you don't look posh enough) if you fail... I was in an economy seat with 2 others (DD and unborn baby), on a packed overnight transatlantic flight and didn't even think of asking for upgrade as I know it would fail... that was Virgin, mayby more luck with your airline!

DB - I can't remember if anyone has already suggested this, but have you tried a humidifier in your DD's bedroom? Can buy them at Argos. Dry winter heated air can make coughing worse. It sounds possible that it could be related to teething if she drools a lot and it runs back into her throat. Hope it goes away soon! Well done for not killing your PIL! I could not have put up with, I would have said something. Have been told I'm rude but I call it being direct. (scandinavian thing)

I don't know how common premature labour is but the chance is it will happen to someone on this thread I guess... But we are at the stage now or at least almost, where it would probably be ok although traumatic. Good that Rebecca's friend's baby is ok!

Sarah - good luck with the op! It will probably be hard on you all, but just remember it's not forever and she will hardly even remember it...

Cheekymonkey - we have a few kids' books about having a new baby but I don't think any of them are that good! My DD is 20 months now and she knows there's a baby in mummy's tummy who will come out at some point, but I'm not sure if she really gets it...

IWCAS and others who have lost parents or grandparents, don't forget that part of them lives on in your child! (A parent is 1/4 of your child and a grandparent is 1/8.)

March birthdays... mine is the 19th and the baby is due 15th. I just hope we don't have to share a birthday! More for the baby's sake, pretty uncool to share a birthday with your mum isn't it?

Shroomer - 20 years of just you! You must have so many nice & fun memories, treasue those but be prepared for many more, but different ones, to come!

Scooby - thinking of you, it must be worrying to think you've lost your mucous plug, Pacific's advice sounds reassuring though. And I remember Sariska losing hers before. Let us know how you're doing...

Don't Try - at your DH but he might have a point about not being able to see you against the background in your plum outfits.

Pacific - yes there's plenty of time! All you need the nursery for in the beginning is nappy changes and keeping some clothes in. Last time we had about 4 months of baby being in our room, aiming for something similar this time...

Xmas Elk - is that 80's book for real? hahaha

Heckle - congrats on your laptop, they're the best.

Oh and Manda - I'm reading that book now Let the right one in (in swedish), it's well scary and horrible in places! Couldn't sleep the other night. Good though. Will go to bed now and read...

Goodnite all.

LMAO at sex question Anna. haven't been able to manage since 20 weeks when I started using crutches.....

Siamese- pins and needles may be Carpal Tunnel so check with MW.

scooby- my plug didn't go until my waters went. If you aren't worried I'd just mention it at next MW appt.

IWCAS- so very sorry to hear of your loss. It's hard at any time of year to lose someone, but particularly at Christmas.

Anna- no need to keep track of movement here. I have a very squirmy child- I actually have to stop moving when she starts because otherwise I fall over.

Had tonsillitis over Christmas, penicillin caused thrush (never had before) now I appear to be having a reaction to the cream as 'undercarriage' is more swollen than the day I gave birth to the POcket Dictator. I have MW coming tomorrow....but more importantly I have a scan on 22nd (fingers crossed placenta has 'moved' enough for natural birth) and consultant on 25th to beg for talk about early delivery!

[waves to all and ducks back out of the room again to go back to SPD sofa!!]

Scooby you have the same arrangement as me, working right up to 1 week before due date, we'll get through it together

Me too, I "plan" to work until I have only 2 weeks to go. Am sure it will be fine.... [nervous emoticon]

LMAO at sex once a week- as if! Ha. I am like a sack of spuds at the moment and can't be arsed. Best not to talk about it I think.

I would like to join the collective for accounts and tax return. It's on my 'to do list'.
IWCAS I'm really sorry to hear about your grandfather. Using his name as a middle name will be a lovely reminder and it's great that you saw him so recently.
I am quietly going to whisper that I am a homeopathy fan. I find MN very, very anti homeopathy, infact truly viciously so, so I usually keep my trap shut but here on this thread I will confess to having done a homeopathy first aid course and I have about 15 or so remedies that I have in a little first aid kit. I found Chamomilla wonderful when DD was teething and I rarely use Calpol as I reach for my remedies before Calpol everytime.
I trapped DD's finger in the bathroom door on the 30th and I gave her aconite for shock and arnica for bruising. I also used frozen peas as an ice pack. Her finger was red but there was no purple/black/green/yellow bruising like you would expect. I know I'm not going to convert you lot and I can't explain why it works but it does.
I have had debilatating migraines for about 5 years and when I was pg with DD I was hospitalized twice. Convential medicine practioners just give me more paracetemol based pain relief which truly does not help. I went to see a homeopath and I now occasionally get a migraine and although I've had some headaches this pregnancy they have been considerably less than with my first.
Anyway designerbaby I would contact the GP who prescribed the homeopathic rememedy and check with them what they recommend regarding dosage. I am not experienced enough to comment although I know that the 6c is a very low dosage. For first aid purposes my remedies are the 30c ones. 3 times a day might be a good place to start. Drosera is also good for a cough.
I have been giving DD homeopathic remedies since she was 9 months and I stick the pillule in her mouth and then her dummy and she sucks away on it. Alternatively you can dissolve them in hot water and give with a teaspoon (calpol spoons are good for this) and then it might seem more like the medicine she is used to having.
The remedies are best given 15 minutes apart from food or other strong flavours like toothpaste. You would tell an adult to let the pillule to dissolve in the mouth and not to chew or swallow it but with children it is harder.
Complete change of topic here but DH and I had a lovely romantic night away on Saturday. My parents were staying with us for a week and we realised that we were unlikely to get another opportunity for a night just the two of us for a very long time so we booked a hotel 15 miles away, had relaxing baths, delicious dinner, snuggled on leather sofa's by a real log fire while DD had a nice night with her grandparents. It was great. For any of you first timers cherish your freedom! Having a baby is great but it severely limits your social life and quality couple time
rebecca I'm glad your friends LO is okay despite the early arrival. I know I've said I want this one early rather than late but 32 weeks is just a bit prompt!
I've started making my hospital bag list, the baby's bag list and a shopping list and will probably try and get organised this week. I'm also going to wash all DD's wee white babygrows and vests and sort out the moses basket.
My mum has booked her flight down and she only left my house this morning but she'll be back in 6 1/2 weeks - I'm due in 7 1/2. It really does sound quite close now!
There was loads of other stuff I was going to comment on but I can't remember now!
oh yes sarah I hope your DD's op goes well.

I am in awe of you mumbot and scooby I'm due to work until 1st Feb (my midwife thinks I'm crazy: "You're this much of a nervous wreck at 30 weeks, what do you think you'll be like at 35?") and already that seems like a FEW WEEKS TOO LONG.

Aaargh.

Actually, this Monday is a Monday too long.

Hi All,

Happy new year.

Hope you all had a good xmas and apologies for not posting in so long. I am off work now so hoping to get some time now.

I slipped on xmas eve and broke my shoulder, never felt pain like it as my arm took all the weight while i tried to protect the bump.

So it made for an interesting xmas and new years and my poor hubby turned in to my slave.

Thank god the bump was unaffected and all is well!!!

I will post again soon when i can type better and it will be a less me me me post and will spend some time catching up on everyones news.

Scroll down to dilutions.

I really do not mean to be inflammatory and really truly think whatever works for you is fine by me, but...

Sorry cannot help my conventionally-trained-medic-head, no offense intended.

Anna once a week sounds like plenty to me (we've been managing that but just barely!). I'm usually not in the mood, so to speak, but do really enjoy it once I get going (even if working it around growing up is inadvertently hilarious at times!). I was keeping track of my 10 movements a day but stopped before Christmas. I do feel movement throughout the day (and night!) so reckon that's just plenty of monitoring.

Puree really hope the placenta has resolved itself and big sympathies on tonsilitis. I used to suffer from it as an adult until I had my tonsils out and it's no fun, even with antibiotics. Hope you're feeling better now.

Summer you poor thing! That sounds so painful. Are you in a cast? Not sure if the shoulder is one of those things that needs to be taped instead. Still, glad you're husband is helping out and, especially, that bump is intact.

Smac some of my family and friends are v into homeopathy, so I try not to get too het up about it (different strokes for different folks ). In fact, my SIL in Ireland is v into it and her GP also prescribes certain remedies alongside conventional ones. I find MN can be kind of vicious whenever anything goes against the prevailing sentiments...it's why I'm only sporadically interested in AIBU and sections like that (I can be opinionated enough on my own ).

IWCAS I brought my ML start date forward by a week, to 5 Feb, as I realised I just didn't want to be a martyr to my job when this would be the last time I'd have before becoming a mother. And order the CDs away. Our teacher was very clear that exploring it at any point pre-birth is fine, as there's no "cut off" point other than birth itself (she's taught women of 39+ weeks).

So I was supposed to have a midwife appointment today, but she had two births during the night and morning so had to cancel at the last minute. By which time I was at home already, so am enjoying a more relaxed start to the working week . And seeing her on Wed morning means I can go into work a bit late on Wed too (can you tell I'm just glad of all opportunities to minimize time spent in the office ).

hi Ladies
Amusing senario this morning as drivers side door frozen shut, leading me to have to climb in from passengers side Then passengers side malfunctioned and wouldnt close! DH had to hold it shut all the way to the train station [slightly dangerous emoticon] by which point it had all defrosted nicely!

ICWAS babysiamese 'only' kicks on the right too, and if DH moves in for a feel, she'll be as still as anything!! Over xmas I thought she was riverdancing on my right ribs - very very active - perhaps was breakout attempt as at IL's where they were doing my head in! No word of a lie, DFIL (78) thinks that small children have worms in their heads, which turn into brains as they learn things. His 'proof' of this is when his son (significantly older step brother in law) fell over when he was 18 months or so - 'worms' came out of his head and had to be sewn back in. When I expressed disbelief that anyone in this country could believe something quite so crazy, he told me that my (GP) father would know all about it, and would not back down. He is completely switched on and went to school etc so how he has come to be such an age with such a crazy idea....?

oo and ICWAS how nice that they are flying the flag for your grandad! What a interesting political family you have.

Summer poor you with the shoulder! Im so scared of slipping on the ice too. Hope you arent suffering too badly - how do you sleep on your side with this? Have you finished work for mat leave now then?

Anna Im going to sit with Tigress - sex once a week sounds great to me - DH does work in the big smoke so we see little of each other anyway, but Im sure if he were here the situation would be the same.. maybe once a month and thats boasting really! Not to say I wouldnt like it more, but when we the oppportunity may arise, Im knackered. Such a massive contrast to TTC!!

Puree didnt have the opportunity to discuss pins and needles today as midwife didnt make it due to snow, so just had bloods taken, however have looked up Carpal Tunnel and that seems likely given the swollen ankles wrists and fingers too.. do you know about CTS from experience?

EmLou any news? Did the festive season change anything for you? Im sure we're all thinking of you x

Smac Ive started thinking hospital bags too - and MN has a useful thread with hints and tips.. will be taking a lot of things I would never have thought of!
Is Rescue Remedy homeopathy? I have used that when having panic attacks - often thought perhaps it was just the act of having a 'cure' with me that worked, but if it works then why not?

sorry IWCAS I now realise I have got your name persistantly wrong for months! Blame the preg head?

Just a quickie about starting mat leave early, try to hang in there! I was on mat leave for a month before DD was born (3 weeks before due date) and was quite bored to be honest. But maybe I'm just a sad person. The earlier you start, the earlier you have to go back... It is nice to rest though! I had a nice little nap this afternoon.