Due May 2010: Where we get a 'bloom' just in time for the christmas mayhem???

[AnAngelWithin]

Morning ladies. Hope you don't mind me starting a new thread! The other one was too big for my computer to manage! lol

01 May - Brightredballoon, 32. #3
02 May - kaystar, 33, #1
03 May - lizzie9442, 23, #4
04 May - ForcesSweetheart, 36, #2
04 May - memorylapse, #5
05 May - Lotus Palm, 31, #1
05 May - Bettymamma #3
06 May - DorotheaPlenticlew, #2
06 May - LuckyC, 35, #1
07 May - Woody31 #1
07 May - hobnobfanatic, 37. #2
08 May - sweetkitty, 34, #4
08 May - Sassles, 30, #1
08 May - TheShopaholic, 33, #2
09 May - Alexw, 37, #2
10 May - Sophie2008, 28, #2 & #3 (Non id twins!)
10 May - Gils, 28, #2
11 May - Itshappenedagain, 25, #2
11 May - sheepgomeep, 32,#4
12 May - pamelat, 31, #2
12 May - Tamuna, 28, #1
12 May - slipperthief, 33, #2
12 May - napa, 31, #2
12 May - Katnkittens 29, #4
12 May - Haribolicious, 36, #2
13 May - Cith, 30, #1
13 May - Wibblela, 36, #1
14 May - Charmbutterfly, 28, #1
14 May - Carikube, 36, #2
14 May - JamesAndTheGiantBanana, 28, #2
14 May - CornishSAMum, 32, #1
14 May - Tinylion #2
15 May - TwentiethCenturyHeffa, 25, #2
16 May - MoggMum, 38, #1
16 May - MinnieMummy, 36, #3
16 May - schipo, 40, #1, [boy]
17 May - newmomma, 31 #2
17 May - LittleOneMum, 36, #2
17 May - First1, 21, #1
17 May - Morph2, 36 #1
18 May - TomlinTowers, 31, #2
18 May - 30ish, 31, #2
19 May - cupcakefairy, 25, #1
19 May - Pigleychez, 28, #2
20 May - LolaAnn, 22, #1
20 May - mmmmmchocolate, 27, #2
20 May - BuongiornoPrincipessa, 29, #1
21 May - Suey2, 39, #2
21 May - Sweetpeasmum, 38, #2
23 May - Swangirl,36 #3
23 May - Mollybob, 37 #3
23 May - RacquelWelsh, 38 #1
24 May - Yorky (started on here as HeadInAWhirl), 31 #3
24 May - Cafuffle 36 #2
24 May - AnAngelWithin #5
25 May - Den26, 26 #1
26 May - Booboomonster 35 #2
26 May - Washersaurus, 33, #3
28 May - Glastochick #1
30 May - tiggsy98 29, #2
31 May - April80 29,#2
31 May - Hollyoaks, 27, #2

LittleOneMum are you around? I noticed you replied to a Swine Flu vaccine thread about your Uncle being a Doctor in France .... just wondered do you know any pregnant women that have delivered since having Celvapan?
(Hobnob) I am still going completely mad over the vaccine - I am close to tears trying to make my mind up whether to be vaccined and which one to go for. If I get the Celvapan one then my two children can too (even though I wasnt going to get a vaccine for me). If I dont get the jab then my kids have to have Pandemrix which is ok (eeek, I am worried about it all though) but I think I would prefer them to get Celvapan but like hobnob has said before not many people have had it .

Marquise Sorry for scaring you, lots of ladies on here have had fabulous births and I am sure you will too. If it helps at all, at the time you just dont care, you just want your baby to arrives safely so when you are in the situation it all makes a lot more sense and isnt as daunting.

Piggle I would mention it at the start of your appointment. I would mention something about will you get to see a consultant to discuss your previous delivery as it resulted in a 3rd degree tear and you would like some feedback on this delivery.

Sorry to hear of those with more snow, we are forcast more this weekend and like others I am dreading it! At least I have bought DD and DS waterproof skiing mitts though so hopefully they can at least enjoy it a bit more. It doesn't as bad if you are fully prepared.

01 May - Brightredballoon, 32. #3
03 May - hormonalmum, 33,#3
03 May - Lizzie9442, 23, #4 GIRL
04 May - ForcesSweetheart, 36, #2, GIRL
04 May - Memorylapse,37 #5 GIRL
04 May - Squirtsmum, 27 #1
05 May - Sweetkitty, 34, #4
06 May - LuckyC, 35, #1, GIRL
07 May - hobnobfanatic, 38, #2 GIRL??
08 May - newmomma, 31, #2 GIRL
09 May - alexw, 37, #2
10 May - Sophie2008, 28 #2 & #3 (TWINS!)
10 May - LittleOneMum, 36, #2, GIRL
11 May - Itshappenedagain, 2, #2 GIRL
12 May - pamelat, 31, #2 BOY
12 May - Katnkittens 30, #4, GIRL
12 May - Haribolicious 36, #2, BOY
13 May - Cith, 30, #1
13 May - Wibblela, 36, #1, GIRL?
13 May - TinyVeins, 29, #1
13 May - Mummymunchkins, 40, #3, BOY
14 May - MinnieMummy, 37, #3, ??
14 May - Fiveisanawfullybignumber, 37 #5 GIRL
14 May - Carikube, 36 #2 ?
14 May - JamesAndTheGiantBanana, 28, #2 GIRL
14 May - CornishSAMum, 33, #1, ?
15 May - TwentiethCenturyHeffa, 26, #2
15 May - LuckyMiller, 33, #1
16 May - MoggMum, 38, #1
16 May - schipo 40, #1, BOY
16 May - Vicky204, 34, #1
16 May - Rachelfruitloop 35, #2 BOY
17 May - Morph2 36 #1
18 May - TomlinTowers, 31, #2
18 May - 30ish, 31, #2 BOY
19 May - Pigleychez, 28, #2
19 May - cupcakefairy, 25, #1
21 May - Sweetpeasmum, 38, #2
23 May - Mollybob, 37 #3
23 May - Racquel Welsh, 38,#1
23 May - Nimk, 30, #1
23 May - myfirstbump, 26, #1
24 May - AnAngelWithin #5
24 May - Yorky, 31, #3
24 May - peakyispreggers, 27, #1 BOY
25 May - Den26, 26, #1 BOY
26 May - booboomonster, 35, #2
26 May - kateyjane, 32, #4
31 May - Hollyoaks, 28, #2

brightredballoon, I am also nervous about the swine flu jab. Having mine tomorrow - and still wondering if I should have it... but I have gotten so many colds leading up to Christmas (with subsequent chest infection and cracked rib from coughing), so I know my immunity isn't great this pregnancy and feel I should be careful in spring as I tend to get more colds/flu then. So I think I'm just going to have it and not drive myself mad thinking about it anymore!

Marquise, sorry for the scare, it really is like BRB says, when you're having the experience it is a lot different, and when you have a healthy baby at the end of it, it's such a feeling of euphoria. The labour/after effects are only temporary. Though I had quite a hard time, most women don't have the complications. Also, I NEVER once thought I wouldn't have another because it is completely worth it in the end! Many women have very good first-time births and it's most likely you will too!

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions, this gives me a lot to think about. My consultation went well, got answers to all of my questions, and I am still debating. Probably your typical assurances about the likelihood of this baby being easier to deliver, not having as bad a tear or need for EMCS, etc, but I know that they can't really be sure. I was offered a further consultation with a delivering Midwife from the hospital after my glucose tolerance test at 28 weeks, so at about 30 weeks. They also said that I could have a growth scan later on. My fundus height is 27cm today, and I'm 23 weeks, so a bit bigger than it should be, but she didn't say anything about that. I suppose I'll have a good think about my options and talk it over with people with both experiences and see how it's looking in a few weeks. I'm terrible at decision-making!

BTW, I also had to ask my midwife for a consultation referral, so I think if anyone has concerns it's worth asking about.

Snow on the way to the hospital this morning but no sign of it now! What a relief!

hi ladies I will share my first timer birth story as it's not too bad, my waters broke at home at 37+5, went in, was examined got told my cervix was closed and that I was to go home and if nothing happened to come in in 48 hours for an induction. So we got home and I started having sore pains, phoned hospital told to get in bath and take 2 paracetamol (the most useless advice ever), had 3 contractions in 10 mins so DP decided we were going back in, was having contractions every few minutes at this time could hardly walk to maternity, anyway they find me a room and tell me as this is my first baby it could be 12 hours yet I was in a lot of pain, was 1cm dilated at this point, they said DP could go home but I could stay in that room until morning as I was making too much noise , DP didn't go home cannot remember why. So I am lying on the bed with the lovely gas and air in agony thinking I knew it was sore but I cannot cope with another 12 hours of this was v scared. My MW had gone on her "lunch" and another MW came in and asked me if I was pushing and to stop it. She then had a look and said I was 10cms and could push away . DD1 was born soon after, she was 6lbs 3ozs but I had a second degree tear as she came out with her hand by her face. I was given syntometrin but the placenta didn't come out, MW tried all sorts and was on the phone to theatre for a spinal and manual removal when she managed to tug it out. They only have an hour between the injection and getting it out. Had a load of stitches, got up had a shower and walked up to the ward. Was in complete shock, 4h 20m start to finish. The tear and stitches never bothered me that much, I went on to have 9lbs 3ozs DD2 with not even a graze.

Swine flu jab - have had mine

Pigley - just a thought but have you thought about getting a cheap double buggy for the car boot. I know Abigail is a good walker but at that age their legs tire easily and if you are out for a day out or few hours shopping she might get fed up standing on a buggy board. I'm getting a double for B and the baby more for containment as well as it's easier to scoot around the shops if they are secured IYSWIM

Tomlin - try here lascal it will tell you if a buggyboard will fit your buggy. I have tried a buggy board and didn't like the way you have to push it as I have short arms. Love the idea of a good spring clean as well

Right better get off here

01 May - Brightredballoon, 32. #3
03 May - hormonalmum, 33,#3
03 May - Lizzie9442, 23, #4 GIRL
04 May - ForcesSweetheart, 36, #2, GIRL
04 May - Memorylapse,37 #5 GIRL
04 May - Squirtsmum, 27 #1
05 May - Sweetkitty, 34, #4, BOY
06 May - LuckyC, 35, #1, GIRL
07 May - hobnobfanatic, 38, #2 GIRL??
08 May - newmomma, 31, #2 GIRL
09 May - alexw, 37, #2
10 May - Sophie2008, 28 #2 & #3 (TWINS!)
10 May - LittleOneMum, 36, #2, GIRL
11 May - Itshappenedagain, 2, #2 GIRL
12 May - pamelat, 31, #2 BOY
12 May - Katnkittens 30, #4, GIRL
12 May - Haribolicious 36, #2, BOY
13 May - Cith, 30, #1
13 May - Wibblela, 36, #1, GIRL?
13 May - TinyVeins, 29, #1
13 May - Mummymunchkins, 40, #3, BOY
14 May - MinnieMummy, 37, #3, ??
14 May - Fiveisanawfullybignumber, 37 #5 GIRL
14 May - Carikube, 36 #2 ?
14 May - JamesAndTheGiantBanana, 28, #2 GIRL
14 May - CornishSAMum, 33, #1, ?
15 May - TwentiethCenturyHeffa, 26, #2
15 May - LuckyMiller, 33, #1
16 May - MoggMum, 38, #1
16 May - schipo 40, #1, BOY
16 May - Vicky204, 34, #1
16 May - Rachelfruitloop 35, #2 BOY
17 May - Morph2 36 #1
18 May - TomlinTowers, 31, #2
18 May - 30ish, 31, #2 BOY
19 May - Pigleychez, 28, #2
19 May - cupcakefairy, 25, #1
21 May - Sweetpeasmum, 38, #2
23 May - Mollybob, 37 #3
23 May - Racquel Welsh, 38,#1
23 May - Nimk, 30, #1
23 May - myfirstbump, 26, #1
24 May - AnAngelWithin #5
24 May - Yorky, 31, #3
24 May - peakyispreggers, 27, #1 BOY
25 May - Den26, 26, #1 BOY
26 May - booboomonster, 35, #2
26 May - kateyjane, 32, #4
31 May - Hollyoaks, 28, #2

Oops, just realised I never added myself to the list!

01 May - Brightredballoon, 32. #3
03 May - hormonalmum, 33,#3
03 May - Lizzie9442, 23, #4 GIRL
04 May - ForcesSweetheart, 36, #2, GIRL
04 May - Memorylapse,37 #5 GIRL
04 May - Squirtsmum, 27 #1
05 May - Sweetkitty, 34, #4, BOY
06 May - LuckyC, 35, #1, GIRL
07 May - hobnobfanatic, 38, #2 GIRL??
08 May - newmomma, 31, #2 GIRL
09 May - alexw, 37, #2
10 May - Sophie2008, 28 #2 & #3 (TWINS!)
10 May - LittleOneMum, 36, #2, GIRL
11 May - Itshappenedagain, 2, #2 GIRL
11 May - MarquiseDeMerteuil, 33, #1
12 May - pamelat, 31, #2 BOY
12 May - Katnkittens 30, #4, GIRL
12 May - Haribolicious 36, #2, BOY
13 May - Cith, 30, #1
13 May - Wibblela, 36, #1, GIRL?
13 May - TinyVeins, 29, #1
13 May - Mummymunchkins, 40, #3, BOY
14 May - MinnieMummy, 37, #3, ??
14 May - Fiveisanawfullybignumber, 37 #5 GIRL
14 May - Carikube, 36 #2 ?
14 May - JamesAndTheGiantBanana, 28, #2 GIRL
14 May - CornishSAMum, 33, #1, ?
15 May - TwentiethCenturyHeffa, 26, #2
15 May - LuckyMiller, 33, #1
16 May - MoggMum, 38, #1
16 May - schipo 40, #1, BOY
16 May - Vicky204, 34, #1
16 May - Rachelfruitloop 35, #2 BOY
17 May - Morph2 36 #1
18 May - TomlinTowers, 31, #2
18 May - 30ish, 31, #2 BOY
19 May - Pigleychez, 28, #2
19 May - cupcakefairy, 25, #1
21 May - Sweetpeasmum, 38, #2
23 May - Mollybob, 37 #3
23 May - Racquel Welsh, 38,#1
23 May - Nimk, 30, #1
23 May - myfirstbump, 26, #1
24 May - AnAngelWithin #5
24 May - Yorky, 31, #3
24 May - peakyispreggers, 27, #1 BOY
25 May - Den26, 26, #1 BOY
26 May - booboomonster, 35, #2
26 May - kateyjane, 32, #4
31 May - Hollyoaks, 28, #2

Hello girls,
Like others I do keep a watch on this thread and am always lurking but find little time to post (or little of interest to say!)

But thought I'd check in how is everyone? My bump is getting big, and so much movement now...sometimes it really makes me catch my breath! This morning I put my hand to my bump and definitely felt an elbow or knee move past, so so weird! But cool

Is anyone else suffering with sciatica? I have terrible pain in my left buttock/leg and can't put much weight on it. Barely getting any sleep as it's so painful to turn etc Maternity assesment unit just said to take paracetamol and warm baths but doesn't seem to be helping much!

Also has anyone else read that perineal massage thread on editors pick? I had no idea that was how it's done! Will have to broach the subject with dh tonight

Anyway, lovely to see all those finding out the sex, we decided not to so quite excited about our little surprise!

schipo I'm a pre-existing diabetic - hence delivery at 38 weeks. That could change though as I'll be scanned fortnightly from 28 weeks to ensure baby's not getting too big, and if she does then they may bring it even further forward.

ML Have you been sorted out by the diabetic team yet? I expect you'll have to increase your insulin dose quite a bit. I started out on about 4 or 5 units a shot (with each meal) at 5 weeks with DD, by delivery I was on 90 units a shot plus a large dose of slow release insulin at bedtime.

At my appt with the diabetic team on Monday they agreed I could stay off the insulin for now, as upping my metformin to 3 a day has brought my sugars back within target range (just). They said there is still scope to increase to 4 a day before they have to look at insulin so am happy with that. Saw midwife Monday afternoon for 25 week visit and all well with heartbeat and surprisingly she measured fundal height to be bang on 25 (but then bump does kinda disappear when I lie flat on my back! Says a lot for the condition of my abs).

Marquise you look like you swallowed a pea whole Am so jealous of all you neat little bumps.

Welcome rachel.

I haven't got the cleaning bug yet (wish I had!) but now I know I'm at home for the forseeable future I've started to empty some of the hundreds of bags of large size clothes (30-32) I have and will be starting to list them on ebay tomorrow. Hopefully clear some space before Molly arrives and make a little extra cash.

hobnob It's easier for me with a planned CS, I'll just be asking DDs nursery if she can go the whole day that day instead of just afternoon. Maybe you could find a local childminder who'd be willing to be on call? My mum would happily fly down to be here for the birth but she was so negative about bf'ing with DD that I really don't want her here til I've got it established this time, as I feel her pressure was a big reason why it didn't work out for us. Re the clotting, they told me at the hospital the other day they were considering me "moderate" risk of clotting because of my weight, age, diabetes etc. They said this would mean I'd need blood thinners after my CS. Have they said you're at high risk?

loulou I haven't booked any classes yet. I thought about doing an NCT refresher just to meet people locally but I can't really justify the cost, so will prob just do the NHS ones, and go to some of the NCT coffee mornings/diary date events. Have just rejoined today as my membership lapsed a couple of years ago. I wasn't a member before DDs birth, only joined when she was about 6mths old on the recommendation of a friend and found the diary dates that you get in the newsletter a great way of meeting people. There were usually several people with babies of a similar age hosting coffee at their home each week (and after a couple of months I started hosting once a month too) and I found it a great way of meeting people. It can be daunting at first phoning someone you don't know to say "hi can I come to your nct coffee morning?" but without exception we were made welcome at every one (and I usually went with a friend I met on mumsnet so wasn't walking in alone).

brightred I haven't completed my grant form yet but have already spent all of the money plus some! I spent £100 on a brown leather club type armchair in Dunelm's sale to be used as my nursing chair, and then this week I bought a Medela Pump In Style double electric breastpump on ebay (was a total bargain, they usually go for anything up to £120 on there but coz the catch on the bag it comes in was broken - which in no way affects anything - the bag still shuts! -people didn't seem to be bidding on it. I got it for £45). We also spent £70 on a video baby monitor in the Argos sale.

Tomlin The MW should give you it at your 25wk appt. Mine forgot to but phoned me later that day when she remembered and said she'd put it in the post - along with my MatB1 which she also forgot to give me!

Have updated list with my CS date

01 May - Brightredballoon, 32. #3
03 May - hormonalmum, 33,#3
03 May - Lizzie9442, 23, #4 GIRL
04 May - ForcesSweetheart, 36, #2, GIRL (CS booked 22/4/10)
04 May - Memorylapse,37 #5 GIRL
04 May - Squirtsmum, 27 #1
05 May - Sweetkitty, 34, #4, BOY
06 May - LuckyC, 35, #1, GIRL
07 May - hobnobfanatic, 38, #2 GIRL??
08 May - newmomma, 31, #2 GIRL
09 May - alexw, 37, #2
10 May - Sophie2008, 28 #2 & #3 (TWINS!)
10 May - LittleOneMum, 36, #2, GIRL
11 May - Itshappenedagain, 2, #2 GIRL
11 May - MarquiseDeMerteuil, 33, #1
12 May - pamelat, 31, #2 BOY
12 May - Katnkittens 30, #4, GIRL
12 May - Haribolicious 36, #2, BOY
13 May - Cith, 30, #1
13 May - Wibblela, 36, #1, GIRL?
13 May - TinyVeins, 29, #1
13 May - Mummymunchkins, 40, #3, BOY
14 May - MinnieMummy, 37, #3, ??
14 May - Fiveisanawfullybignumber, 37 #5 GIRL
14 May - Carikube, 36 #2 ?
14 May - JamesAndTheGiantBanana, 28, #2 GIRL
14 May - CornishSAMum, 33, #1, ?
15 May - TwentiethCenturyHeffa, 26, #2
15 May - LuckyMiller, 33, #1
16 May - MoggMum, 38, #1
16 May - schipo 40, #1, BOY
16 May - Vicky204, 34, #1
16 May - Rachelfruitloop 35, #2 BOY
17 May - Morph2 36 #1
18 May - TomlinTowers, 31, #2
18 May - 30ish, 31, #2 BOY
19 May - Pigleychez, 28, #2
19 May - cupcakefairy, 25, #1
21 May - Sweetpeasmum, 38, #2
23 May - Mollybob, 37 #3
23 May - Racquel Welsh, 38,#1
23 May - Nimk, 30, #1
23 May - myfirstbump, 26, #1
24 May - AnAngelWithin #5
24 May - Yorky, 31, #3
24 May - peakyispreggers, 27, #1 BOY
25 May - Den26, 26, #1 BOY
26 May - booboomonster, 35, #2
26 May - kateyjane, 32, #4
31 May - Hollyoaks, 28, #2

Hi ladies, no snow here as yet.. but lots of fear about pushing a baby out! Thanks for telling us your stories though, its good to know that not everything goes perfectly, at least i will be mentally prepared if things go badly. The worst thing about being a medical student is knowing too much though, i am revising pathologies of pregnancy at the mo. And i will be screaming for a consultant if i need stitching up!
Bright red- celvapan seems to be the better option if you are having the jab.
newmomma- could you email me some pics of the quinny? I made an offer on one on ebay, and she has responded with a counter offer of three hundred- have to let her know in 48 hrs.
Still changing my mind on names everyday, shame i wont be able to do that once he arrives

peaky - don't worry about pushing a baby out, by the time they tell you to push you will be so happy as itwill be near the end and your body knows what to do even if you don't, I would liken it to being a bystander and your body and baby get on with it but everyone is so different I don't think you can really understand labour and birth unless you have been through it. I'm the biggest wimp going and I have done it 3 times.

cupcake - that does not sound like sciatica but SPD or PGP as they now call it. If you have never had sciatica before pregnancy won't cause it, sounds like your MW is not clued up and paracetamol won't touch it, ask for a referral to a specialist maternity physio. You have the exact same symptoms as me, the pain in your leg and buttock and the turning over in bed.

Cupcake - I agree with Sweetkitty - ask for a maternity physio. I've had to cancel my appt three times now, because of the snow! So annoying! I'm in agony - particularly at night - and can't wait to be fitted up with the tubigrip they give you to keep your hips/pelvis stable.

I don't think it's helping that my bump is so huge - and it's only going to get bigger!

If only men knew the full joy of pg - the constipation, sickness, SPD, blah blah... !

cupcake- bloody hell, i just read the perineal massage thread and i am in shock. traumatised. Is everyone else doing it properly? i have been rubbing a bit of my stretch mark oil on my perineum -OUTSIDE! I dont know if i can bring myself to ask DP....

Wow can't believe how much has been posted in just a few days. We have been very busy here, back at docs today about dizziness as suffered more over weekend, bloods have come back fine but going for ecg just to make sure evrything ok. Now stuffed with cold and not sleeping.

Decided I was gonna ask for bit more help from mum and MIL but when I was at my mums on Sunday she tripped in kitchen and landed on floor. From a very small trip she has broken her shoulder in 2 places and will be out of action for at least 12 weeks. She is my main help and also the carer for my dad who has bad MS and looks after my niece 4 days a week. Spent last few days in hospital, shoppng, cleaning, taking her to appointments etc. Might not even get an op for 2-3 weeks!!!! Now trying to sort out childcare and although I love my niece to bits I am now looking after her on my days of and my DHs days of. Sister is trying to help but the lead up to birth is going to be chaotic. Managed to get carers in for my folks. Neither can cook clean dress or shower. My mum is a god send and would do anything for us so don't want her stressing about anything but she feels useless. Just wish I was feeling better but so out of breath and dizzy all the time. DD is staying at MIL on Friday and DH is away so early night and lie in for me, hopefully get over cold quicker.

I have bought nothing for this ones arrival. The excitment is there but feel a lot more prepred this time and more relaxed. Will need to start soon. Want to look nto buggy board but been warned of it giving you bad posture (mine is bad enough as it is!).

DD bed came on Monday and she looks tiny in it but so cute. Potty training went brilliantly but unfortunately since Monday its been pushed back a bit because been helping my mum so much. Was so proud of how well she did.

Can't remember who was asking but my SIL had swine flu jab and has went on to deliver beautiful boy.

My nesting/cleaning is coming in blasts but def on hold just now.

hi im jen and im due on the 15th may but baby boy will be delivered a wk earlier by section. hope everybody is doin ok... xxx

Hi all,

wow, its been busy on here, I'm sure I was only on last night

Gils - hope your mum gets back to full health soon, for her and your sake.

Birth - I had quite a scary birth at the end stage, but only required ventouse and some stitches (don't know how many), which sounds easy compared to some of the forceps stories on here . I was interested in discussing the birth with my mw, would she be able to get hold of my notes and discuss them with me? Talked quickly to a dr after my 12 week scan but they weren't concerned about it and so didn't really go into depth.

SF - haven't been offered the jab for me or dd, but it seems like its been out of the news for so long now I've stopped worrying about it. I was convinced I would get it over the winter so feel like the worst of the risk is over now. That's probably really naive and silly isn't it.

Nesting - cleaned the kitchen and sitting room from top to bottom over the weekend, the challenge now is keeping on top of it, especially with messy dd and dh.

Thanks again for the kind messages, still having a tough time here, but coping.

Jen - welcome to the thread.

Has anyone heard from memorylapse? Worried about her since she hasn't posted since her sugars started climbing.

Lol peaky it's ok you don't have to start the massage properly til 34 weeks apparently but I thought it was done on the outside too! Haha!

Thanks SK and others, but am pretty sure it is sciatica as my Mum has suffered with it (during pregnancy and also outside of it) but I am going to mention physio to midwife.

Hi, everyone

Not posted on here for a while, and this thread certainly moves fast!

Welcome to all the newcomers

As FS has asked, has anyone heard from memorylapse? Bit concerned about her... Wondering if she's been admitted to hospital...

Gils so sorry to hear abut your Mum and for all the knock on effects that it has

Good to hear of all the birthing stories - did you guys have birth plans? Are they a waste of time? Does anyone have one for this time round?

Suddenly realised that was only 16weeks until EDD - got a bit daunted! I'm going to be a Mummy then! I am barely responsible enough for me!

Heard heart beat yesterday - was very strong. It was so good to hear it LO is moving lots now, but was still nice to hear it. DH and I think that LO is already a "Daddy's girl" - she immediately calms down every time he tries to feel her kicks!

Hi All

So interesting to hear about everyone's birth stories. As we are all sharing, my birth experience was lovely. Waters broke but didn't go into labour. Went to hospital who put me straight in delivery room with really nice midwife who explained everything to me (I am a bit of a control freak and was writing down the name of the drugs they were going to give me ). In hospital 6.30pm, hooked up to drip at 9.30pm, requested epidural and got one almost as soon as I asked at 2.30am (was knackered and starving and not able to eat in case I needed an anaesthetic), examined at 6.20 am and was 10cm dilated, started to push at about 7am (had to wait for the shift change!) and DS1 was born at 7.57am. Had a low forceps delivery because he just got tangled in the cord right at the end, so his little forehead kept popping out and then being sucked back in again by the cord, so after two or three goes at this they just just grabbed him by the temples with the forceps when he appeared and kept on pulling until they could cut the cord. Had two or three stitches which stung a bit, delivered the placenta and then sat and watched BBC breakfast news and ate about 10 slices of toast and jam and three cups of tea because I was starving whilst DS1 got all cleaned and weighed and everything. It was lovely. My only worries this time round are that a) I won't be able to have an epidural which I think I would struggle with mentally and b) I would like to go into labour naturally this time, as going straight in with full blown contractions and not building up gradually does make it more difficult to cope with the pain.

Also, it's like SK says - it all gets a bit out of body towards the end. I vividly remember that the midwife's name was Kylie, and I was asking her whether she was named after the popstar and telling DH how exciting it was to have a baby delivered by Kylie Minogue as I was pushing (I was on G & A when pushing). Then I asked the registrar to make sure she stitched me up neatly as DH would be inspecting her handiwork . It really was like my mind was on some other plane and my body was just doing what it was designed to do.

Thanks for all the replies on the buggy boards - I have looked at the Lascal website and there is one that fits my pram so going to get that I think.

Also been to the Asda baby event today and bought nappy bins, newborn nappies, baby bath/shampoo/oil and vests all at half price - I recommend it, there is some good value stuff on offer.

Hi to newbies. Hoping that memorylapse is OK. Gils, it all sounds a nightmare at the moment, and shoulders can be difficult as well - I hope your Mum feels better soon.

peakyispreggers

it says i can't contact you as your settings don't allow any emails...?

God tbh even the 'good' birth stories completely freaking me out!

Peaky what's all this about consultants and stitches? Who is it who normally stitches you up, a midwife?

morning all. Hope you are all well. I am beyond exhausted. I just can't sleep!! Then when I do fall asleep, the nightmares are getting worse and i wake up about 4-5am panicking and crying, then fall asleep so deeply I am not even hearing my alarms go off in the mornings!!! 7.45-8am I have finally been waking up!!! Not good when you have to get 4 kids out the door at 8.30!! I just don't know what to do!!

Forces, I have texted ML, she is still in hospital, they are trying to sort her blood sugars out.

Have just had a message from memorylapse on facebook, thought you'd all want an update so copying it to here.

"Hiya thanks for thinking of me ive been in hospital since tuesday. Suffering from hyperglycaemia. They are keeping me here until they are stabilised. My insulin has been increased to 3 times a day. I didnt want to come but had got so poorly I gave in gracefully! Bump is measuring 30 weeks! So first growth scan is sheduled for 2 weeks. Both me and bump are ok we just need some tlc! Hope u and everyone else on the may thread is ok"

Glad to hear that Memory is being well looked after - hospital sounds the best place, where she'll be cared, monitored and forced to rest. If anyone is in contact with her, do send her our love.

Gils - what a rotten time you and your mum are having. Hope she makes a good recovery soon and that you're not taking too much on.

Forcesd - they've said I'm low risk for clotting - except for being pregnant and over 35. Fingers crossed!

I've been enjoying reading the birth stories - the 'out of body' bit I can definitely relate to! It's quite funny in retrospect. It's all so dramatic and painful at the time, but you forget it all instantly the baby is born and you'd do it 100 times again for your children.

I really wouldn't panic, LuckyC - it's not the pleasantest experience in teh world, but it's unlike any pain you'll ever have. IT can be bloody awful in a contraction but then the pain instantly goes when the contraction stops, so you can get your strength together and prepare for the next one. It was very odd to be in intense pain one second and nothing a second later! And, like everyone says, your body (and mw!) take over and you just get on with it. It's quite humbling, in a way. You realise how biological you are - your body just knows what it has to do, even though you can be completely clueless!

I was in labour for about 12 hours, but for half of it, I didn't know the baby was coming - I was just very uncomfortable and thought it was a bad case of Braxton Hicks! The pain bit was only for a few hours and I actually think I had a pretty quick birth -so quick that a neighbour had to take me to hospital and my then DP almost missed the birth. We'd been told so many times that first timers take ages and to take your time coming in - but in the end went from a couple of cms to full dilation in a couple of hours.

Yes, there were problems ? think the baby was in distress as it all happened so quickly! ? and it looked like I'd have to have an emergency cesar, but a spinal block and ventouse sorted me out. An epidural is a MUST for me this time round - I could have kissed the anaesthetist - I've never felt happier than once the drugs kicked in. Sheer bliss.

The idea of a birthplan makes me smile. I had all these plans before DD was born. WHen it came to it, everything was thrown out of the window! How can you plan for something like labour that is just so unpredictable in so many respects. I should look into it more; it might help me feel more in control, perhaps?

What are on other people's plans?

Hobnob thanks for reassurance.

I would also like to hear other people's plans, especially for pain relief, and especially if you've done this before?

My back is KILLING me. Anyone used one of thos orthopedic (sp) support belts?

Gils shame, your poor mum, and such bad timing for you (sorry that sounds awful but I just mean that you have lots omn your plate already.) How are you coping?

Angel nothing worse than no sleep. Are you physically uncomfortable or is it mind/emotions keeping you awake? Really feel for you. Need to break the cycle of waking up with the nightmares. so maybe need to crack what's making you have bad dreams? Do you know?