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! ...

hi all
attempting the multitabs thing (which ISN'T going to work so apologies for the ensuing fk ups)
siamese i too am a 36Gish sort of girl....and my last nursing bra was 38J . Bearing in mind the letters STOP at K it was just as well i didn't get any bigger?!!....

sariska at the MW saying that!! love it!! We did perineal massage last time, in fact it was the only way we ended up doing rude things, i couldn't reach said parts completely to do stretching (ahem) so DH had to get involved to which he then, of course, got, er, carried away . i did also end up with episiotomy but like you it was quick exit at the last minute to get her out. and evitas OMG i didn'tknow they actually did a THINGY to stretch it!! amazing! and slightly bonkers but still...

am also shattered and possibly as a result, very emotional. cried at work today (HATE that ) and then Inside Out had the saddest saddest story about stillbirth and it literally made me sob into my pork chops. So in order to save you, DH and me from any more tears i'm off to bed.

Welcome newbies (am so sorry i will get your names but even the thought of scrolling up is too much)
i'm sure i had something interesting to say but clearly not.
Glad you all well. Can't believe we are on the home stretch now (see what i did there oh perineal massagees!!) we're talking bags, raspberry leaf tea and post birth pjs!! BRill!!!

Oh my, you're all so organised with your bag packing. Current level of organisation in the Dragon house extends to:

• one new computer

- one new bed for DD - one new iron that fused all the sockets first time I used it and has to go back - new clothes for DD - 2 Mothercare vests that apparently make you instantly pop back into your pre-pregnancy shape (I'll try anything - I haven't done any exercise other than walking for about 28 weeks because I've been so breathless from the word go which is apparently not just to do with the baby's size, but also oxygen demands)

So, no bag packing yet. Waiting to start organising once on ML in 3 weeks time. Actually the truth is that I get so overwhelmed and emotional about the whole thing that I'm safer doing it on my own so DH/DD don't have to watch me burst into tears over tiny socks.

Raspberry leaf tea - yes, but I thought you could start at 32 weeks?

Perineal stretching - not sure. Am hoping the yoga will help [sticking head in sand emoticon].

Hope everyone's enjoying the slush!

Hello Ladies

I made the mistake of looking at the perineal stretching document (with scary drawing) in presence of DH - he was very freaked out.

A question for the GPs and other moms who've done the whole flying in the third trimester thing - a colleague (obstetrician) recommended I get a Heparin injection before embarking on my +10 hour flight in a couple of weeks - does anyone know anything/have any experience with this? As I understand it, this is to reduce the chances of thrombosis. Any help appreciated!

Also realised we are flying into a seriously cold winter - and I don't own any winter clothes anymore. Eek. Ah well, another excuse to go shopping.

Oh and welcome newbies - this is a brilliant thread.

Yup, arcadie I am One Of The Twelve... all my thoughts of 'they won't pick a heavily pregnant woman in case I need the toilet often' were completely wide of the mark. The twelfth member of the jury is a lady in a wheelchair whom it takes a good five minutes to seat in her position with a ramp and the same in reverse and I have to say that as much as time is obviously money in a court room, this didn't seem to be even remotely an issue (nor as I said was my potential to cause regular delays). Quite... satisfying. I'm sure things must have been different even in recent history.

As for my case, obviously not allowed to go into any details at all until it's over, but not particularly nasty (although nasty enough). Infact, I stiffled many yawns yesterday during witness testimony which is just awful. Perhaps I need more nastiness to keep me fully alert? DP eagerly asked me if I'd be able to not talk about it yesterday and I pointed out that as I've signed the offical secrets act for my previous work this will be a doddle ;)

Wow, I've actually woken up this morning to the razor blade feeling in my throat much less severe! Hurrah! This must herald the End fo The Cold!

Oh, a big hello to our newbies

Perineal stretching? Ooooof. Not for me (nor necessary - nothing more than a 'graze' for either birth before). Don't think I'll indulge in raspberry leaf tea either as my babies already shoot out of me at the speed of sound; if my uterus is any more 'toned' could be this one will end up embeded in the concrete of the wall opposite me!

(actually as I'm now 'older' maybe I should consider it? I'm having LOTS of BH's, though, so I presume it's limbering up of its own accord already).

Uh, I'd better dash. Time for some make up so that I at least look vaugely human... hope to catch up properly with everyone's news this evening.

Please forgive me if I am incoherent. I am so tired I have no idea how I am going to get through a day at work. DH stayed out last night until 23.30 and it's not that I mind him going out but he was drunk when he came home and he woke me up. Then at 12.45 (just after I drifted off) DS woke up demanding to be patted and kissed and kept making demands until 4.00 only to wake up again at 6.30 full of the joys of spring - I am so exhausted I just want to cry - especially since we are having our school OFSTED inspection this week so everyone is stressed and manic!

DS has become really clingy in the last few weeks - his nursery have noticed it too and although all the cuddles are very welcome, the demand for attention are exhausting.

Re raspberry leaf tea - tried it last time and I'm not sure if it contributed towards a fairly easy labour so I may as well try it again but am going to wait until 36 weeks.

Finally did some organising this weekend - I ordered DS's new bed and bought some "tiny baby" baby clothes as this little one is expected to be small - the clothes are so sweet - they look like they are for dolls.

Builders are still all over the house and I am beginning to wonder if they will ever get finished - they have to finish soon as we really need to move DS into his new room!

Sorry haven't had much time to read your posts - hope all well

I'd like a rock bun too! I'm going to make mince pies this afternoon cos I didn't get round to it at Christmas.

Caitni That perineal link is great. Thanks for that.

My Hotmilk PJs have just arrived and I'm going to try them on!

Hey hey hey people I HAVE MY HIP FORM!!!!!!! £190 winging its way Yorkward....... And I only had to suffer 15 minutes of my MW telling me how it should be means tested and voucher based so that only the "Right Type Of People" get the "RIght Type of Healthy Things". And that my friend's house which is in a difficult part of our not particularly difficult neighbourhood (it's York FGoodnessS - it doesn't get that bad) and is an ex council house had better stay privatey owned so that the council scumbags don't take over the whole street. I thought I was right wing but was quite taken aback to hear someone in the "caring" professions espousing such views!

EmLOUT So sorry you've had a rubbish night's sleep. Just think - it'll prepare you for the new baby SLAP!

Facebook group Could the owner of the lovely Spanish sounding name who I've just confirmed please step forward and identify yourself? Is it you OTM2009?

Hello all - hope you're all ok.
Have been for my 30-week scan - actually 31 weeks - this morning (you get loads of scans in Germany!) and the baby is already 1775g which is apparently nearly four pounds. Eeek! I also had to be attached to a monitor for 20 minutes while they listened to the baby's heartbeat. And this has to happen at every visit from now on....

Oh Manda I'm sorry you were picked and hope that you don't have to trek out to 'work' for too long!
I had major pregnancy insomnia last night. Woke at 2 for a pee and just couldn't get back over to sleep. Couldn't blame drunken husband (as he wasn't) or toddler just baby in the belly and then my over stimulated brain that refused to switch back off again. Normally if I can't sleep I move to the spare room and go and read for a bit then try again but FIL is staying right now so that ruled that out. I ended up on the sofa but reading didn't work, neither did the telly. Finally dozed off around 7am and was woken at 7.30 by FIL coming down to make tea I should nap now as DD is asleep but don't feel tired now but probably will as soon as she wakens!
Had mw appointment today. Told her I was a bit worried about measuring big as I had measured big last two appointments and I'm even bigger today I'm 33+4 and measuring 36w. She said that it was 'just' over the 2cm so still okay but noted my 'concern' in my notes and I can review with consultant at my 38w appointment. I'm down for a VBAC but this 'bigness' is making me a little nervous! Consultant is very pro VBAC though so a bit of 'bigness' is unlikely to worry her!
Snow has just started to fall again, just as most of the streets were beginning to clear (not our cul de sac though).
I hate this weather.

Hi y'all sufferers of various pregnancy and non-pregnancy complaints!

Sleepless night here too, DD woke up screaming at midnight and refused to go to bed for a few hours, she wanted to watch Peppa Pig. Think she had a tummy pain, I did, and I was farting more than usual even for being pg! We had eaten some dodgy frozen berries that were like 3 months too old. Baby has been moving today thank god...

I don't know much about raspberry leaf tea but I will find out very soon (google & Smac's link) as I'm guessing it's something to do with getting the baby out quick & easy!

Perennial massage... can't be bothered, hmm or maybe I should.

Smac - I think I've read that estimates of baby size are not that accurate? And I've heard stories of small babies being hard to get out and big babies just sliding out... so I wouldn't worry too much.

Manda - I can't believe you have to do jury service in your condition... I would have to wear a nappy, have to wee every 10 mins.

Welcome OTM2009!

BPM - I'll buy your house if you buy mine!

Ok, really should post this in baby names but I feel embarrassed as I already posted something else about this name a while ago. I love Isabelle and I can't think of any other name I like. Problem is of course it's very popular apparently, especially in London and the south east?! But I read somewhere that it's going out of fashion somewhat. So... can you please tell me if you know any Isabelle/Isabel/Isobel/Isabella, where they live and how old they are! Thanks... I know quite a lot of kids through playgroups and nursery and there's only 1 Isabella (2 yrs) and 1 Isabelle (about 4) so not too bad around here...

I am trying to do accounts so I can do my tax return but keeping popping back on here. . . .
I know one Isabelle who is 3 next month and she lives in Wales. I know older Isobel's 40s/50s/60s in Scotland that's it!

Hi Arcadie, I guess it's me that you've confirmed on FB. Thanks

anna, I know one 2 yo Isabella at my DS' nursery and one Isobel of about my own age (mid 30s). That's it. And I would have said that I'm in an area where it would be very popular. FWIW I think it's a lovely name and so does my DH, who would have liked one of its variants for our DD (but I have had only the one girl's name in mind for years and was not going to be budged from it).

Hope jury service went OK today, manda, and that you didn't fall asleep! What are you doing about midwife appts in the 2 week period? Or do you not have any? I'm really quite curious about jury service; half of me would love to do it and half of me thinks it would be just plain weird to see that side of things. (Guess what my job is?!) Until quite recently I was exempt from jury service but now the rules have changed and pretty much anyone can be called.

And, EmLou, hope your day was OK too. I can't imagine managing all those children (not to mention an Ofsted inspection - I've heard a lot about these from various relatives and friends). Fingers crossed for a better night's sleep tonight at least.

Smac, I'm busy telling myself just what anna said: that estimates of baby size at this stage are not accurate and it doesn't do to get too worried about it. (This is because I am worried that mine is still too small...) And, yeah, bigger does not always equal harder to get out. I know quite a few people who have successfully given birth to 9lbers+ without too much difficulty - and one of these was a VBAC.

Thanks to the thread I have now started thinking about hospital bags (altho' not got as far as writing a list or anything....) and was wondering whether those of you with older DC will be including a present for them from the baby? I'm planning to do this and guess it's better to include it in the bag than rely on DH to bring it in after the birth (if the birth doesn't happen at home). And, I guess, I need to get a present for the baby from DS although presumably he should help choose this. (I seem to recall choosing a toy car for my newborn sister 30 odd years ago .)

Hello, all!

Sympathies to all insomniacs, those with aches and pains and all jurors .

Just a quickie - I am trying to persuade DS2 to do some homework, grrrr:

Perineal massage - nope; too squeamish and had no problems with the other two I delivered via the conventional route, so will just take my chances. And will certainly not be using that device...

Hello, newbies, and welcome! Hope we'll not put you off too much.

Afribaby, I am not too sure about current thinking re thrombosis prophylaxis.
Might be a question to ask a friendly obstetrician if you've got access to one. I have recently seen a lady who flew 2 weeks after delivery madness and she was advised to have a Clexane injection on day before travel and 24 hrs later, so 4 injections in total.
I am really not sure whether the benefits outweigh the risks this far on in pregnancy, and by that I do not mean that I am dubious about the benefits, I am simply ignorant about it all.
Usual advice is to travel in lose clothing, drink plenty of fluids, avoid all alcohol, more around a lot when possible.
Sorry I cannot be of more help. Gute Reise anyway!

Scootergrrrl, enjoy all your scans and extra care. Oh yes, good old "item of service" system of payment in Germany - makes doctors rich and patients happy .
Disclaimer: I am so very out of the loop as I have not had anything to do with German Healthcare System for >15 yrs.

Saw the consultant haematologist for the first time yesterday. She was reassuring (carry on as we are, wait for baby's delivery, see how things develop and only proceed to bone marrow biopsy if ongoing problems) and scary (no way of knowing what is going on with my bone marrow without biopsy, possible premature delivery of baby to allow treatment for me just in case it is something rare Hairy Cell Leukaemia ). She agreed as I have been well enough, we will just wait and see at the mo. Gah, though!! DH panicking much more than I am at this point.

Oh, and I do not know any Isabella/Isobel or similar of any age, but am pretty far away from the South East...

Anna - can't help with the isabelle thing as dont know many kids yet! but what about imogen as alternative? much less popular but has a similar feel to it I think.

Manda - hope jury service going ok. Like Sariska I am rather curious to do it as I too have been unable to do it until the recent change which allows people such as lawyers and even judges to sit as jurors.

Arcadie I applied for HIP early December took about 4 weeks to hit my account.

Pacfic all sounds very stressful. Hope you stay well

IWCAS I am sure your reading will be perfect even if your emotions do get the better of you. the best readings are the ones that come from the heart

Right am now proud of myself for first attempt to round up individual responses. Sorry I have missed people but I am trying to ease myself into keeping up with you all! Promise to do better when officially start Mat leave in 17 days!

Popping in, I have to change my bedsheets, wash my hair (that part may not happen, because I'm shattered) make some soup transfer soup I bought in Marks and spencers on the way home into some sort of 'I made it' receptacle (actually, won't be that dishonest - I'll just take the two tubs along) for book club tonight - food is themed to the book and it's 'winter warmers' this month - knock at the neighbors to pick up the three parcels that were delivered today and avoid a banal conversation with her , feed the kids, just a load of little things that seem like 'nothing' but when you try and do them all it turns out they are 'something', before leaving for bookclub in an hour and a half...(incidently we read 'The Thirteenth Tale' if anyone's interested)

All evidence given and cross examined, just remains for summeries for each side to be given tomorrow before we retire to deliberate.

I, too, wasn't eligible for jury duty under the previous rules (and still had to declare my previous job as it was less than three years (or something) since I'd left...) but it seems almost amusing that with all the extensive equality and diversity training I had that I would have been considered unsuitable. Y'know, the people the overnment train out the wazoo to be 'fair' being kept out of a situation where it's essential you're fair!

Darn it, I've waffled on too lon (and been distracted by the kids too) and now I leave in an hour. There's no way I'm getting everything done - my hair alone takes at least half an hour to wash and dry!

Why am I still lurking?!

Procrastination is my middle name, I guess.

I was a... - you ready, because people usually don't believe me (given my 'look') - prison officer!

So I was quite amused when Anna bought up a comment about the women in prison at Holloway as that's where I was based. I lasted 'only' 15months because the shift pattern is killer and really not compatible with a young family but loved the work (I worked with young offenders in particular).

I also spent some time working on the mother and baby unit there - indeed, I was on a bedwatch with a woman in labour and so acted as her birth partner, effectively. It was at the Whittington and for those of you due to deliver there, the midwives seemed pretty good

I think, one of 'our lot' here works in probation, or am I imagining that being mentioned?

Hi all

Anna - I have 3 Isabella one opposite my house aged around4, one in the house behind aged about 9/10 and one next dooe aged about 2 - utterl y surrounded!!! Extremely popular up north at the mo.

Sariska - snap on the job front. Hope you are having a better time with your 'employer' mine have been far from great/supportive. I hope they are not all the same!!

Had my consultant appointment today re Strep B and other concerns. After a 90 min wait for a 9am appointment(!!!!!!) she was really really lovely - the best, most honest professional I have come across in the 32 weeks. Sadly she confirmed my suspicions that the Health Trust Policy is that they will not allow a water birth if you have group b strep - wait for this though - as suggested on the internet this is not because of the risk to me or my child but the risk of infection to others who may use the pool - URGH!! The suggestion being they don't clean them well enough!!! My Consultant was very open about not supporting the policy and looking at my history of a bad back she was utterley supportive of my desire to try a water birth which she thinks is perfectly sensible. She has promised to challenge the trust and said there is a first for everything! Although that said neither of us really have our hopes up!! More confusing was her concern at my braxton hicks. Despite being fobbed off by last weeks stand in midwife, the consultant thinks it is too early to have them this often and this strong and would strongly recommend that I start my maternity leave now and rest or in her opinion baby will come early. That said she was reluctant to actually sign me off sick!!! It wasn't until I left I realised that even if I could afford to start it now ( which I'd rather not as less time with baby afterwards!) I can't. I have to give my employer 28 days notice. I've left a message with my useless midwife ( the one who promised I could have the water birth despite group b strep )for her to ring me to discuss my options. See what tomorrow brings!!! My twin had tons of braxton hicks with DS1 and was signed off at 32 weeks or so and made it to 38 weeks (she put her feet up as advised) She had them again with DS3 - didn't get signed off and had baby 34.5 weeks!!! Maybe a pattern here me thinks!!!

Anyway - really sorry for the me me me post. I'm really too tired to have the brainpower to mention you all as these hicks are keeping me awake at night!! Off for an early snoozum! Thinking of you all xx

Oh Scooby - yes it sounds like you should rest! I think if you're off sick for more than 2 weeks with pregnancy related illness you can be forced to start maternity leave... or something like that. But the doc should sign you off at least for a couple of weeks and then you could decide what to do! Gah. About the pool, tell them "what about the quite large number of women who have Group B Strep without realising it!" (as they don't test everyone) Of course you should go in the pool.

Manda - that was my guess, so I think you must have mentioned it before, or I'm psychic. Or maybe not as I think I made a joke about YOU ending up in Holloway for murdering a stupid doctor... Hope I didn't upset you! I used to cycle past there every day on my way to work when I lived up the road in Tufnell Park. Maybe we've layed eyes on each other IRL... Hope you made it to the book club! I finished reading "Let the right one in" last night, brilliant it was!

Thanks all for the Isabelle reports! It makes me feel slightly better to know that it's popular up north as we're not there... and that you seem to know mainly older ones, not too many babies. Thanks also for other name suggestions, they might grow on me, but I think my mind (sorry OUR minds, even though I decided I have the final say as giving birth) are made up.

Hospital bag can be packed even after labour starts... unless it's a very quick one?!

Well done Ang for replying to people individually like a MN pro!

That sounds like a pathetic policy to be subjected to, Scooby. As anna says, what about all the women who have Strep B and don't know it yet still use the birth pools! I suppose there's no chance that you could hire your own pool and take it in with you? In the meantime, could you press the being signed off sick idea? With your GP, perhaps? Your maternity leave will only kick in (automatically) if you're off for a pregnancy related reason after 36 weeks. Before then you are reliant on your employer's sick pay policy (or SSP). And, OK, from what you have intimated, perhaps that won't be particularly generous. I think I'm luckier than you; my employer is a large City law firm who, almost by default, are forced to be up to speed on maternity rights. And, to boot, I'm in the only department where there are lots of mothers (a fair few of us part time), so we have a reasonably strong collective voice. It's not exactly where I planned to end up (I started at the Bar) but I'm glad to be where I am - for now, at least.

Ho hum. Am waffling a bit. Obviously trying to put off sorting out my stuff for my first post-Christmas attempt at the commute into work.

Night night all.

Any room for a newbie ?
Am 30 wks, give or take. due 26 march
DS already, 3 in Feb.
Signed off work last week with spd type issues, so now have lots of time on my hands to post on MN!
Have just been skim reading last page or so of posts. am also suffering with not sleeping too well and obviously have aches and pains due to spd...and am incredible tired!!!
DH has had manflu all week though so obv he is soooo much more tired and in need of sleep than me
not terribly organised. no hosp bag packed, short on baby clothing but reluctant to buy much more till we know what flavour, desparately seeking cheap/borrowed moses basket.

Big hugs to pacific for health concerns - hope it turns out to be nothing x

manda you sound toooo busy, time to put your feet up

scooby great idea to hire your own pool from sariska, it won't stop you from having a lovely deep bath in early labour at home

welcome 74 and congrats on your pregnancy

All ok here but have major cold and hoping that along with the snow and ice it goes by the time this little one makes an appearance