Spring is sprung, the grass is ris, I wonder where my toenails is - Due June 2010

[greensnail]

Ok, here it is ladies. Nice new thread for us all to enjoy

Oh and milly - I am only having extra appts because of the diabetes. I wouldn't expect anything between 28 and 34 weeks otherwise. In fact i didn't actually have an appt at 28 weeks - today was my first one since 25wks. I finally got my health in pregnancy grant form today, so must fill that out and send it off.

LaTrucha and MonkeyMargot thanks for the iron tablet tips!

Hello all -

I had the same worries about DH being present at the birth of our first son, but when I was 5 months pregnant, I had the unexpected honour of being with my niece when she gave birth to her son. It was an absolutely amazing experience. It is tough seeing someone in pain, but it is so overwhelming to see a life being born that none of the other stuff becomes relevant. I did feel extremely vulnerable when I was in labour myself, and I had a moment after the birth when my DH had to help me to the shower because I was so weak. I apologised to him for being so weak, which he immediately dismissed, and then when we talked about it many weeks later he said that the whole experience had made him respect me, and indeed women alot more.

When I was heavily pregnant with DS2, I thought back to that time and didn't remember DH having been extremely helpful during the birth so I too considered him staying with DS1 while I would hire a doula to be with me at the birth. He objected, and so I relented but I did ask him to take charge of all communication with the hospital so that I could focus on the birth and that really helped us both. I knew that we had discussed at length my preferences and he felt he had a role. Perhaps that is also an idea for you Madamefreckle so that you both feel DH is offering real support and isn't just there to watch.

Hi all

With regards to maternity pads, the MW running my antenatal group said that when you have stitches you must not wear ordinary sanitary towels because of the plastic backing and are more likely to get sweaty and have a greater risk of infection.

I've had lots of people asking me when the date is for my C-section. Truth is I don't know, I haven't had an appointment through yet to go and discuss it with the consultant. When I saw him at 20 weeks I'm sure he said he would see me at 36 weeks. I'm 34+1 now. Do you think I should have had an appointment through by now?

When I last saw MW she tried phoning the hospital but was unable to get through, so as she was off on holiday told me to phone them myself . I don't like to make a fuss so haven't called them. Do you think I should or wait and see if an appointment comes through the post this week????

I think you should get on the phone Mampam, not to cause a fuss but just to politely check that they are planning to see you in approx 2 weeks time. I don't think Devon is quite as bad as Central London, but there's a 6 week delay on seeing consultants around here, and you don't want to end up having to be triple-booked in so they can see you as you'll end up spending the entire day in a waiting room....(actually, you might anyway - take lots of drinks, snacks and stuff to read!!)

Re maternity/normal pads: I've tried loads as I bled for ages after both dcs and found that the Kotex pads (plastic free and very fat) were good but the best (despite the plastic backing) were Always Ultra Plus ones. Although, unlike CSWS, not the ones with wings, as (sorry if this is tmi....be warned...) I found the sticky backing on the wing flaps could present a 'risk' to stitches etc if they came loose. The best pads of all were the ones the hospital provided foc when I was in and I ended up asking for a few extra when I left as they were fantastic. No idea what the brand was though, sorry.

Really really uncomfortable bump today. Baby is wiggling high and low at the same time and its really painful. Made it into the office despite the SPD (although it took me 20 mins to walk the 5 mins from the tube!) but feel quite 'stuck' now.

A friend has just had her 3rd, naturally and easily, after 2 nightmare back-to-back labours and recommends [www.spinningbabies.com this website]] for info about how to turn babies and generally prepare for labour...I've not read it all through yet but it might be helpful...from the baby mapping stuff I reckon I have yet another posterior baby. No big surprises there, but unfortunately I can't do most of the stuff she recommends to turn it because of all the back/pelvis issues I've been having...sigh...

Sorry. Trying the link again. This website here

Hi Filly, yes I've been avidly reading that website, too, and can be found on occasion draped in highly amusing positions all over the house. Personally I don't find it the easiest to navigate and I've always been a little over chiropracty but the basic postural tips seem helpful and this is the first pregnancy where I've been able to make out roughly which way up DD is:

Breech. Still.

Stubborn little madam.

Anyway, MadameF, Goodname, Barbeasty I feel your pain on birth partners. TBH, my experience is that in the early stages you need to be comfortable that there are no hidden agendas with birth partners, but by the time you get to transition, all bets are off!

DH was a Good Egg throughout the 34 hours it took to produce DS1 but I think it really disturbed him to see me in pain (I scream a lot in labour - it probably looked worse than it was), in fact it was a major factor in going for homebirth the second time: I could be sure of having sufficient midwife support at home so that if he wanted to take a back seat he could. And in fact he spent most of the 6 hours of DS2's labour upstairs with DS1 playing lego - I was pretty much on my own until the last 45 minutes and felt very comfortable that way.

Sorry to see your SPD is back with a bang Filly, how long have you got until maternity leave? My interim arrives tomorrow and I have put together a lovely induction plan for the next 4 weeks...oooo, she's going to be a busy girl while I put my feet up and eat biscuits [evil]

Milly If it weren't for the CMV I'd be on a long wait between midwife appointments too, and to be honest my midwife doesn't pay much attention to anything except box ticking until you get to around 36 weeks anyway. How you're meant to 'build a relationship with your caregiver' in approx 60 minutes of contact over the last 10 weeks of pregnancy I don't know! But to be fair I could call her if I have specific issues I want to discuss - do you think you could perhaps give her a ring?

In other baby related news I have bought a buggy this morning - it's an iCandy Apple, and I shall undoubtedly hate it within 4 months, because that's what I do with buggies, but at least it will see me through the first few months until I can get a stroller. Optimistic, ain't I?

Filly I have been using a few tricks from the spinning babies site too and hallelujah, the bump has turned! I'm 34 weeks tomorrow and finally head down after being breech then transverse for the past few weeks. Goodness knows if all the floor scrubbing/odd positions helped or even if the baby will spin back round, but for now, all looking good .

Had our first antenatal class last night. Not sure how much I got out of it to be honest but feel sort of obliged to go. Met a young couple of about 20 who were due on the same day as me. She has decided to call her baby Riley but spelt Rylee 'to be different' which made me and DH chuckle (sorry to anyone who might like that type of thing, I know we're horrid!!).

On the MW front, I've been overrun with appointments and had one every fortnight since 28 weeks despite everything being normal so far. Have one this Thurs in fact and then my placenta scan on Mon. I quite like it though as it gives me a mini lie-in, I get to avoid the rush hour into work and I get a 5 min lie down on the medical bed - always welcome

Hi everyone!

I've had another hassle free clinic appointment this morning which was great. I suppose having an 8.30 appointment helped as they obviously hadn't had time to start running late yet. Was in and out in 1.5 hours which I think is about as good as its going to get for that clinic, as I have to see about 5 different people! Had a phone call from them this evening though and my blood results from today are worse so they want me to start on a new tablet. I also need to go back for an iron drip as my anaemia isn't improving with the iron tablets. Has anyone else had this?

goodname how's the itching today? Itching in pregnancy is normally nothing to worry about but if it persists and particularly if its affecting your hands and feet you should mention it to your doctor or midwife so you can be checked for obstetric cholestasis. Lots of aqueous cream and cool baths/showers are good for soothing it. If it becomes more of a problem I can tell you some of my more drastic solutions!

mampam definitely give the hospital a ring if you haven't done it yet. It seems like you are one of those people who often get overlooked for appointments and its really important you have this one. I'm sure it will help you to know when your c/s will be, then you can start crossing off the days!

Speaking of which I had it confirmed today that we will be aiming for induction at 37 weeks. Mentionned to DH this evening that this means there's only 4 weeks to go. Think he's starting to panic a bit now!

meggymegs good news on your baby behaving and turning around! Hoorah!
Am totally with you on the "unusual" spelling of names thing. Really stoopid IMO.

Great that greensnail also had nice quick appt. for a change!

mampam definitely, definitely call the hospital and get your C/S booked in. Then you can relax and start counting down!

Had 30 week scan and check-up today, and all is well with growth etc. Estimated weight of Twin A is 3'6 and Twin B 3'4. They seem to have put on a load of weight since last scan 4 weeks ago. Mind you, I don't know why I find this surprising. I stepped on the scales this morning to find I've put on almost 3 stone......aghhh.

Can't believe that for some of you there's only 3/4 weeks to go!

Ooh and forgot to add that naughty Twin B has reverted to his/her original position of transverse after being head down last time. Seems to enjoy belting me up in the ribs. DH thought he might have seen what looked suspiciously like a boys bits on Twin B too...

mampam I agree, get your appointment sorted with the docs. I'm seeing them at 36 weeks to discuss my c/s, but sounds like everywhere does something different. My colleague is having a c/s at the next hospital along from mine, and they give you a fixed date quite early on (before 30 weeks I think) and do the section at 39 weeks. Our hospital docs see you at 36 weeks to assess and policy is apparently to do it at 39 weeks. My colleague has to go in the night before, whereas, phew, I don't have to go in till early morning on the actual day.

greensnail afraid I don't have any knowledge of iron issues - hope it gets sorted with the drip

I spent all morning in bed feeling rough, as I had flashy lights / migraine aura that hung around for quite a while. I'm having it loads more this time than last pregnancy, my BP's been fine for weeks so I didnt' think it was pre-eclampsia, but I was so relieved when it stopped as the thought of going back to the delivery suite at the hospital twice in one week was almost unbearable. It was probably brought on by the amount of money I spent on the internet when I got up, but at least the baby will have a cot and a moses basket as long as she doesn't come before Boots.com do next Weds. Hope they're alright as have never ordered from them before.

good luck to sleepless people, hope you get some rest tonight.

whenwilli - I had the flashing lights/blurred vision again today, and yesterday. I also have no idea why, as all was fine at my checkup yesterday.

Glad to hear about good appointments for others.

Hi all

Just checking in after AGES - have been reading everything but I never have anything interesting to add! Thanks for the chat about iron - made me realise I might be a bit short. Breathless, tired, elevated heart rate, a bit nauseous and generally feeling at the end of my tether. Very much improved after the consumption of some red meat last night so think it can't hurt to up the iron! Is anyone taking Pregnacare still (I must confess I've stopped)? - I think I heard something about it not being a good idea to take folic acid in the last few weeks. Did I imagine this? If so I might resume taking it.

Finding it very exciting that we're getting into the final weeks now. Like a newbie I've ordered lots of birthing books. Also attended an NCT weekend last weekend which was great - mostly because now I feel like DH knows something of what will/might be involved in birth. Before, he was a bit 'yeah yeah, it'll be fine'. Now at least he knows his duties don't stop with parking the car in the hospital car park! Met some really nice people too. Funny about 'Rylee' meggymegs! Always hard to know how to respond to that sort of thing.

Anyway, the most exciting news from here is that I've finally finished work in London and am confined, work-wise, to Scotland now. So no more travelling - apart from to Glasgow every day. Hurrah.

Have a lovely day everyone.

Hi, yes I know that I should phone the hospital but I just hate making a nuisance of myself

Hi Ladies,

Good news meggymeg re baby turning.

greensnail can't believe you've only got 4 weeks left!!

I'm off work this week so have dropped DD off at nursery and am now chilling on the sofa! Plan on doing some more sorting in the spare room today.

Is anyone else struggling to get their head round the fact that we are soon going to have babies?!?!? It feels even more surreal this time round than when I was pregnant with DD.

Have tried calling the hospital but it keeps ringing and ringing with no answer

MrsAlwaysRight Completely agree that it all seems very surreal at the moment. I have prepared everything I can possibly think of, but my head is somehow refusing to accept that this is actually going to happen.

mampam Keep trying!

Odd question here for you ladies. I've been pondering for a few weeks now on what to refer to private parts as to the baby (I clearly don't have enough to worry about! ). For a boy, I would call it his willy, but I don't know what I'd call a girls... I was brought up calling it a gina (think vagina without the 'va') but I'm not keen on lumbering a little dd with that oddity. My sister refers to it as a 'front bum' to her dd, but I'm not that keen on that and anything else I can think of just sounds really twee . Anyone got any inspiration for me?

meggy we call DS's bits a 'willy' and DD's bits her 'Tuppence'.

MrsAlwaysRight I haven't even given it a single thought about when the baby arrives. I'm just trying to concentrate on getting myself through the next few weeks. I feel like I'm being tortured everyday, nights being the worst. I'm in alot of pain and I cannot sleep. I nearly had a screaming fit last night as whatever position I'm in hurts. I just cannot take it anymore.

I'm fed up with chasing up appointments etc, it would be nice if just for once someone could do something for me and get it right!!!!

Oh meggy - that's a thread that comes up regularly on MN, with loads of suggestions. We just refer to them as 'girly bits' and a willy, although I overheard dh having a chat with her about how it's really called a penis the other day. Not sure if she'll remember that or not.

I am not having a baby in a few weeks. It's ages away yet!

What's happened to MrsC09 - she hasn't posted in ages?!

I call them willy and wee. She has a pee from her wee

Am now on a three day week, working alternate days. Spent all of yesterday sleeping which was bliss, however still feel shattered today. And am still irrationally grumpy. MIL knows I haven?t been for a scan or seen a midwife in 3 weeks but still asked this morning ? ?are they still both breech?? to which I could only answer ?how the fuck should I know?. Actually I wasn?t quite as rude as that, but that?s what I wanted to say. As you can tell I?m a joy to live with at the moment However shouldn?t wallow in self pity as I know a lot of people have it much worse than I do. And seem to be coping with it a lot more grace and humour than me!

Disaster in the Moo household!! We're renting a flat while we do our house up & we're too tight to sort the internet out for 3 month so NO MORE MUMSNET argh!!! i can tell that me & this baby are going to be spending a lot of time in cafes with wifi...

I am never going to be able to keep up with everyone after today (last day at work) so my postings will be very intermittent - can't wait to see whose going to pop first! Feel like it's all very close now.

Let's arrange another London meet up soon - with or without babies!!

Minimoo - aarrrgh - do you not have a mobile phone that you can keep up on?

hi All

Hope everyone and bumps are doing well or aswell as can be in the final 2 months or so.

ive around 9 weeks to go if i opt for an ELCS, still pondering that one though.

mrsAlwaysright it literally only dawned on me the other day after i bought some tiny nappies
"oh god there is going to be a small baby in the house wearing these"

meggymegs im so use to boys in my house 3 including DH and its all willy's here , new baby(he/she) will either have to join in or i'll have to think up a new word

csws i know!! Not sure, might have to get an iphone...