Due May 2010: Into the third trimester we go, can the bumps get any bigger?

[MarquiseDeMerteuil]

So here's the continuation of the thread previously known as Due May 2010: Where we get a 'bloom' just in time for the christmas mayhem???
Let's see if this one lasts up until the first birth... Knowing how chatty we can be, I doubt it!

yes cupcake i am getting leg cramps too. Had it with them all unfortunately! Always when i am in bed.

cupcake giggle. Someone on the main pg thread suggested I give them a stern talking-too.

Also yes, God, cramps, agony. The first time I woke up yelling 'Ow ow ow!' DH thought I had gone into labour and there was much chaos and panic before we got it sorted out. Funny in retrospect but DH and I clearly going to be utterly crap at the whole childbirth thing. I mean, he properly panicked. And if leg cramp makes me yell, what are contractions going to do??

well lucky, my DH has just got more chilled the more we've had!! When my waters broke last time he looked me up and down and said 'oh....right...nowork today then....' then when i was having contractions he was rubbing my back with his head in an Andy Mcnab book hahahahahaha. Don't think I could manage if he stressed out! I think having the last 2 at home kept him more chilled as well though cos he doesn't like hospitals either!

lucky I scared DH to death with my leg cramps during my first pg but he was still an absolute star during labour even though I thought he would fall to pieces...

As for preparing nipples, I have heard of people using rough towels and things to 'roughen them up' but I don't know if that actually serves any useful purpose.

Thanks peaky - it's good to know that the measurements aren't really accurate. It could be that she didin't measure from the same place.

I really need to stop having little flaps about nothing!

Haven't had cramps yet, but I won't speak too soon.

LuckyC - Food does seem to take so much longer to go down. I seem to feel really full for ages after tea. (the pizza was lovely, the way DH ravaged it, I was quite jealous of the pizza!). re nipples: I can only imagine that could be painful!
What a shame you aren't going to Bruges. We stayed there on our honeymoon (travelling through europe) and it was my favourite place by far. I dream of going back there for a bottle of Kreik!

Angel - I hope my DH is chilled, he is naturally but I think childbirth will be different. He is still scarred from watching a birthing video when he was at school and he fainted

Hope everyone else is well. Having a quiet weekend. Have a good weekend all x

Afternoon all

Angel my DH is usually practical and unflappable but the evening I went into labour with DS I saw the panic. He came home from work to find me in labour and proceeded to run round the flat for 5 minutes. He must have covered at least 500 metres, swore a lot and achieved nothing!

I can join in on the leg cramps, I have tried not to yell but the initial lurching into an upright position seems to wake DH up. Must be the removal of the duvet that does it.

I used to get leg cramps in the middle of the night even before I was pregnant. Last time, I would get numb arms (not related) as well, and would wake up with both, but unable to move as couldn't use arms to push myself up to get out of bed to stretch calves. I'd have to wake my husband to haul me over. What glamorous times.

However, i did see a doctor a few years ago about my leg cramps, and he prescribed me quinine. Apparently its cramp alleviating properties were noticed when it was an anti malarial, although no one knows why it does it.

I've been drinking gallons of tonic (sadly without the gin) and bitter lemon, both of which contain quinine (although not in cheapo brands, and often not in slimline ones) which are seeming to help. Might be placebo, but if I'm happy to take placebo if that's working!

Also a glass of tonic and bowl of crisps in the evening makes me feel like a normal person, and not some marrooned on the sofa lard arse.

Whimsical - have also been drinking tonic without the gin (but with icecubes and slice of lemon) just to pretend to be normal. Also loving a bottle of alcohol-free beer while cooking dinner!

Littleowls - love your comment about being jealous of the pizza! And I'd love a glass of kriek too (or leffe or grimbergen or any other belgian beer for that matter - I lived in Brussels for 4 months, and the choice was endless!)

Feeling very smug today after our work party last night - everyone else is nursing terrible hangovers and I'm feeling great! One of the upsides to not being allowed to drink (although i will admit to treating myself to a small glass of red wine last night!).

Haven't had leg cramps yet, but did notice that i had slightly swollen feet last night when I got home (with really sexy sock marks round my ankles). DH was probably right when he took one look and blamed it on me being up until 1am wearing inappropriate footwear (pointy boots with 3" heels ).

Quite excited about the weekend. DH's cousin's going to help him shift the furniture out of our guest room (which is will be the nursery when the furniture arrives!) and up to our attic room. Then I'm going to repaint the attic room to make it a lovely new guest room. Also have a hairdresser appointment as my roots look a complete state. Does anyone else find that pregnancy makes their hair grow really quickly?

Hope everyone has a good Friday afternoon and relaxing weekend.

Hello all, sad to report I fell off the thread again badly, and even two precious childfree days (thank you Mum) didn't help
Am shattered and have started getting sciatic pain, had a little bit early with DS so hoping baby will move off the relevant nerve soon.

Whoever asked about preparing nipples for feeding I never did anything to mine and fed without a problem both times, it got painful after the first few days but a lovely down to earth midwife had said it was toe-curling and that it would get better which really helped me not to panic and, she was right, it got loads better pretty quickly. Am hoping to start BFing peer supporter course soon so will hopefully be a useful person to know soon!

Glad baby moved for you Angel, and hope your blood sugars are doing the right thing ML

sorry to anyone I can't remember, have far to much to catch up on

morning all!
im in full cleaning mode today as my mum is coming to stay on route to her holiday tomorrow night and then the same on the way back. she is the cleanest person in the world...which isnt helped by the fact she does it for a living! so have done all the skirting boards too! im not dirty or anything but feel that she always finds something, so am trying to have it all done as it also means that i get sunday morning with her and Ds and all day monday with Ds without having to do any houswork!

regarding the breastfeeding issue...i dint and was advised not too in last pregnancy...i have since trained as a breastfeeding councelor, and would advise the same. also first timers get all the help you can, especially regarding positioning etc, i learned alot from other mums at the childrens entre i went too...dont think i would have lasted the first 6 months without them...hence doing the training.

went to the museum with Ds yesterday afternoon, and it really took it out of me think it must have been all the stairs.
i will get around to posting bump pics soon, but may have to find a wide lens! lol!
hope all are keeping well

Hi everyone
Some of you sound so organised!I haven't done anything yet.

I have finally got a reason for my tiredness, misery and itching. Had a load of blood tests this week and have got anaemia (I always get this in pregnancy and have iron infusions), an underactive thyroid and obstetric cholestasis. So that is why I am itching. (Thank you Forces for mentioning this earlier, as at least I've had time to look it up before the diagnosis) The consultant today said that my levels were really high and that you don't normally get it this early - she said they would probably induce at 36/37 weeks. Feeling really unsure about everything.Have only ever had anaemia in pregnancy - so the thyroid and cholestasis are unknowns for me.

I have had the last 2 weeks off work (one of them half term) and have another 10 day sick note. It's a strange situation because I have been there for 18months (temp contract) covering maternity leave - the lady had IVF and twins, so she was off for the whole of her pregnancy as well as her mat leave. My contract finishes on the 19/04/10. So only another 4 weeks and 4 days till Easter hols after my sick note finishes - it looks like I might not go back at all now though, unless I feel a lot better. So everything feels very 'up in the air' at the moment.

Angel - I'm glad your baby is moving happily. Hope you are okay

ML - Hope you are feeling okay and that your levels are stabilising. They thought that I had GD, but in the end it was the only test that came back normal.

Hollyoaks - Hope you are okay.

MDM - Good luck with the decorating, it sounds exciting.

Sorry to witter on again, also sorry if I have missed anyone out! I am reading all the posts and thinking about you all

kateyjane..I wouldnt worry too much about the underactive thyroid as everyones thyroid dips a little in late pregnancy..however make sure they monitor it after baby is born as I became underactive when preg with ds2..but it stayed underactive way past the one year after birth guideline..however I had to fight for the meds..but once on them..I felt like a new woman..that was 9 years ago and I havent looked back..my thyroxine requirements usually double in pregnancy but at least when they know you are underactive..they can monitor it. They like your TSH to stay below 2 in late preg and your T4 to stay below 14.
Are they going to treat your OC..or watch and wait? There was a lady in when I was in hospital last week being induced with OC..they induced her at 35 weeks as her levels climbed..but she had been very well monitored since diagnosis.

it has been snowing heaviliy here..I had some girls arrive for training and I ended up sending them away early as I feared they wouldnt get home.

Halfords are doing an offer on car seats at the mo..theyve got money off and if you register with bounty..you get a further 10 per cent off at the mo

hi all having a really miserable day here, DD1 and 2 have both been playing up today, was shattered by the time I dropped them both off, one of my toddler friends had a scan today and is also having a boy so my wee one has an instant friend, she is about 8 weeks behind me too so we are planning to go to Breastfeeding Group together too, her boy will be no 3 after 2 girls as well. We are going to BF group as you get tokens for free ironing and they have a creche for the older ones. Anyway another friend had asked me to pick up her DD at nursery as she was coming to mine for lunch so I said OK but her DD didn't want to come with me and was kicking off big time, bear in mind I also have 4yo DD2 and 19mo DD3 and the bump to contend with, finally got her in the car and she starts touching everything, turning the radio up etc, I find it hard with other peoples DC to tell them off, my own no problem , DD2 hasn't been well behaved today either argh. Moan over.

LuckyC - I think it is an old wives tale that you need to toughen your nipple up, I had a good book from the NCT about BFing and all the problems you might encounter, also check out this brilliant website www.kellymom.com BFing wondersite.

kateyjane - at least now you know what is wrong with you and they can keep an eye on you, what's the treatment for OC is any?

itshappenedagain - hope you don't wear yourself out with all that cleaning?

angel - glad the baby is moving, they do like to worry us.

Our weekend will be usual dancing classes tomorrow, oh and then looking for 7 seaters on Sunday.

Thanks Memory, didn't realise that about thyroids. I guess they will probably just monitor it then? - Was hoping it might be a magical answer to miracle weight loss after the birth

They have started me today on 500mg daily of ursodeoxycholic acid, plus the piriton for the itching (which doesn't work!) This was an unscheduled appointment at the day unit and I have one with my consultant next Friday to discuss where we go from here. I have almost been driven to insanity by itching for about the last 5 weeks (I think I posted moaning about it lots!) So despite it being my 4th baby I know nothing about it. Bit shocked at the lady being induced at 35 weeks. Thank you for your reply - really hope you are feeling okay? and recovering

Sweetkitty - sorry you've had a bad day. Hopefully you can have a relaxing evening once the DCs are in bed? - Am loving the idea of ironing tokens! How does that work?

SK..sorry to hear youve had a crap day..Ive forgotten what its like to be pregnant with toddlers in tow..thank goodness mine are older..mind you DD2 can still be very challenging when it suits her

Kateyjane..I think this lady developed it early on in pregnancy..they monitor your levels and as soon as they are not happy..its better to get baby out..ive heard that the itching is absoloutely unbearable...I remember reading about a lady who had OC who used to sit all night in the bath crying because the itching was so bad..Ive been checked for it in this pregnancy as I get dreadfully itchy at night..but results were normal. The treatment helps with the build up of bile salts in your blood but I think they induce early anyway to be on the safe side.hopefully youll feel a bit better soon as OC will make you feel a bit crap too

forgot to add..preparing nipples?? never heard of that one..think the only time you need to do that is if you have inverted nipples..our nipples are specially designed for the purpose so no preparation required

Hi Ladies,

I'm sitting here with dye in my hair, so thought it would be a good time to say hello!

MDM, I also do find that my hair grows extra fast whilst pregnant, but rather than colouring it more often, I tend to just have really long roots! My train ticket-buying public awaits this weekend, so thought I'd best do something about the hair. Been trying to do it all week!

SK, I have had quite a week with just my 2.8 year old son, but your post has made me feel better! My DS only started pre-school in January, but I can see I'm already accustomed to having 2 free afternoons a week since it's been half-term! Can't imagine what it will be like with more than one! Actually, I can, and it's scaring me!

Angel, I'm so glad that you've been feeling some movements from baby and that you and DH have had some good chats.

TMI (sorry), I have one nipple more inverted than the other and nothing I did before actually breastfeeding changed it. Whilst in hospital, a midwife gave me a syringe with the top cut off and the plunger put in the cut end so the smooth end would go against my nipple, so I could suction it out right before putting DS on. After a couple of weeks it was fine.

I've been feeling very down the last couple of days, probably due to being tired. Took DS to Windsor to meet up with friends and had a long day out (at least DS slept on the bus!) People keep commenting on how huge my bump is and saying things about how am I going to manage to get this one out (yeah, question of the century!) It has made me glad to see some of your bump photos and know I'm not the only one! I've added a photo to my profile, 27 weeks this week. Felt some very odd kicking from baby early morning before yesterday, could feel frantic shuffling on all sides of my bump. Think poor guy is running out of room now.

Anyone else looking into hypnobirthing? I had such a hard time relaxing in labour with DS that I'm thinking of getting the Natal Hypnobirthing cd, I figure it can't hurt.

Have GTT next week and consultation with a hospital midwife to discuss birth options. Still undecided about whether to request a CS or not, but leaning more toward the VB as of now. Will have a consultation in a few weeks to discuss CS and see what the results of the GTT are. Trying not to think about it too much at the moment, but easier said than done!

Had first cramp of this pregnancy last night, in my foot. I got loads of cramp with DS so figured it was only a matter of time.

I hope that everyone has a good weekend!

wow thats a sizeable bump Rachael!..but still very neat and you look fab in your pic. I didnt dare dye my hair..paranoia overload..even though my 38 week pregnant hairdresser friend assures me its ok..think I might have to give in though..could be more damaging to baby to clap eyes on grey haired old hag than any actual danger from chemicals!

Angel so glad you are feeling more movements. I was so uncomfortable last night DH actually felt sorry for me!
SK I fully sympathise with you. Looking after my niece is really testing my patience. They used to play great but recently its WW3 and I can see DD behaviour getting worse with her influence. Hope you feel better.
Rachel I wish people would think about what they are saying, some say I am neater this time. Then again someone asked me how I was at work and a girl replied "fat", just not helpful. Must remember to post picture

I too am not organised. MIL and DS both bought vests, me nothing! Going to Centre Parcs on 12th (Cumbria one) and decided I will have hospital bag ready just in case. So might venture to tesco's baby event.

Getting myself physched up because away to wedding show today woo hoo! Poss my worst nightmare today but did promise. Was looking forward to lovely quiet night with DH, he works a rolling week so not always of at weekends, asked MIL to look after DD as treat to us but she has "forgot", thats the 3rd or 4th time thats happened. Oh well.

Hi all

Sorry no time for personals as have to get dd ready for her first dance class at 10am [so excited]!

Now feeling very excited for new baby, bought the Luna in Truffle yesterday and got quite a good deal on the pushchair, changing bag, liner and head rest as M&P are fazing it out. It's gone to dh's nanna's house as dh is superstitious till lo is born, but I've kept the changing bag so I can keep checking that I like the colour. Now looking for a carrycot on ebay to match.

Went to see consultant yesterday after being admitted to hospital at the weekend. Glad to say all is well with baby and me and while I was there he answered a few questions about dd's birth. I found it really useful to settle my nerves about this ones arrival and really helped with my anxiety. I would recommend a chat to their mw/gp/consultant for anyone with similar issues.

It was also a nice surprise to here that my labour was relatively fast, 3-10cm within 6 hours. I thought that was normal but apparently not . Fingers crossed this ones faster.

Hope everyone is well. Will catch up properly later.

Morning all.

SK, I feel for you! My youngest goes to nursery 2 and a half days a week now (but DH is also off the 2 days at the moment so i still don't have time to myself!) Hope you have a better day today

Rachel, thats a nice bump! It's a bit like mine!!

Gils, Enjoy centre parcs and the wedding show!

Yorky, Hello!!!! Hope that nerve sorts itself soon!

MDM enjoy the weekend preparing the room!

ML how are you?

Had a really bad nights sleep last night. Leg cramps a lot. Not bad ones, but lots of them! DD1 was crying all evening and sat down by the dogs bed in her corner in the kitchen sobbing a lot. I am going to have to brave moving the bed today I think

My mind has got all sorts running through it, I am in the mood for having a clear out and tidy up! The body on the other hand is a little less obliging!!! lol DS1 is in the process of tidying his room. Not by my standards I daresay but it's a start. All my washing is done and the basket is empty. A fair challenge these days with 6 of us !I might just have a good clear up this weekend then clean the house when the kids go back on tuesday.

Hope you all have a good weekend x

Hello all, nice to be back and realising that others are going through similar issues, especially with toddler care. DD has always been a monkey but with me being so tired, she is once again testing my patience . She now realises that the best way to get my immediate attention is to run off in public. Really not sure how to handle this one, at the moment I chase after her (not easy) and she thinks its a real giggle.The thing is I cant just ignore her as it would be unsafe, I am sure she would run and stay out of sight. I daren't test the theory that she would come back ..... ? Anything could happen.

I tell her off and she puts her head cutely on one side and says "sorry mummy, luff (love) you mummy" - little madam.

I am thinking about getting a cleaner for a year or so?! Its a little extravagent but having moved to a 3 storey house with lots o f toilets, I cant keep on top of that either. Am not spending any money on going out, clothes, make up etc so wonder whether I can justify it?

Afternoon all

Just a quick post as RL has really gotten in the way this way and i've got to read all through your posts before work, but after my week all i wanna do is sleep; 3 finishes at work (getting home at 2am!), fighting through horrendous (sp?) sickness on my one day shift and managing to cancel the wrong blinking Warcraft acc

Went to the heart specialist scan yesterday (6wks after being referred) and Squirt is fine, no problems at all just lying awkwardly so no one could see all the details needed - had about half a tub of gel in my belly button as Squirt's heart was being hidden by the shadow of it.... little bugger moved just as it was squeezed out!! Soooooo happy everything was ok, specialist was lovely and explained absolutely everything to us as he was scanning and listening to the heart beat, so back to the MLU for me and my 3 awesome Midwives (was dreading consultant care, even though i know it would be for a reason)

I too am in the cramp camp... DP no longer wakes if i get it in the night its been that regular and tends to wonder what all the fuss is about as he's never had it

My HIP grant took 2 weeks to be paid into my bank, got the letter a week after i'd spent it on crap baby stuff, it shouldn't be too long till you all get yours

Head is no longer in the sand about prams/travels systems/pushchairs - have been offered a brand spanking new system from a relly of DP (used maybe once as their LO hated it and they have a small collection of prams anyway!) V nice but can't for the life of me remember what make it is but know its something we could never afford Won't be picking it up straight away as still trying to move before Squirt turns up and really don't have the room atm for it... actually we have no room for anything apart from a few blankets and bibs really lol

Anyone thought about a birth plan, my MW said to start thinking of one at my last appointment but other than 'a healthly Squirt at the end of it all' i can't really think of much - is there any point to one or is it something else that us first timers have to worry about

Hi Pamelat - go for it. We have had a cleaner for years and I think I would find it quite stressful if we didn't have one! I know that makes me sound precious but I work full time, have a toddler and can be a little obsessive about cleanliness. I frankly think that having my time back is worth the hourly rate that we pay, and it is all done in one go, giving the house that lovely clean smell/ feeling once a week. When the cleaner is away I find the process a bit like the painting of the Forth rail bridge, I do a small amount each day and it seems to never end. I apply the same logic to cleaning as I do to having the supermarket shopping delivered to the door. Oh - and she does the ironing, which is pretty important in this house as I have to wear a uniform for work and hate ironing!