DUE SEPTEMBER 2010: SECOND TRIMESTER ALREADY!

[Love2Dance]

Hellooooo? Anyone there? Night ZZZzzz.

Hi LucyLG". I agree with other suggestions. Can I also add "EXPECTING" by Anna McGrail & Daphne Metland? Published by Virago in 2004. Otherwise known as the pregnancy bible. Its a practical guide to pregnancy and beyond. It has details of what's going on week by week (much better than Emma's Diary, so agree with you Swordfishtrombones*), but is really easy to read or dip into. Great index and glossary at the back if you want to look up specific subjects. My friend gave me her old copy when I was pregnant the first time and I'm looking at it this time too. you can get it new on Amazon, and amazon Ebay have some used copies for less than £3.

I also have the Gentle Birth Method (Gowrie Motha). I have fond (??!) memories of lying in the dark of my bedroom trying to get into the hypno-birth zone when listening to her self hypnosis for birth tape. Fine if you have the time and are strict with what you consume. I didn't and wasn't.

Love2dance you have reminded me. I don't know how this reflects on the Gentle Birth Method but the only woman I know who actually did follow it ended up having an emergency c-section for failure to progress.

She got her lovely thin figure back straight after the birth though, which I think is supposed to be one of the aims of it all?

Popsy1 very sorry to hear your news. Please take care. x

Re. books: I'm finding the following useful:

Your Pregnancy Week by Week by Lesley Regan (this is my bible, I dunno why but I really trust her tone and experience. It's fairly scientific which appealed to me.)
Birth and Beyond by Yehudi Gordon (as Swordfishtrombones has mentioned)
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth (this is a little on the hello skies, hello trees side for me, but it is a fascinating read and the low level of intervention in her birthing community is really inspiring and encouraging.)

I bloody hate that What to Expect When You're Expecting. But that's just my taste.

I should check out the Kitzinger one, but I think I've overdosed on the reading for a bit and am going to take it easy. I don't think my granny had a book and she had 6 kids at home so....

Bessie123, must be something about that book. I ended up with a C-section too! Although mine wasn't emergency (breech position and Oligohydramnios - low amniotic fluid levels). I'm afraid I didn't get the figure back right after...too much scoffing (DS was born just after Christmas, so that's my excuse ).

Mmm, must dig GBM out again and see if I can look at any healthy eating tips... All I remember is lentil type rissoles and rasberry leaf tea (snigger - altho I knoww latter good for later stages). That is, I'll look at it later after the toasted cheddar sandwich I plan to eat for lunch!

Bessie and Love2Dance - I was interested up until the 'no cake' bit! Whaaaaaaat? It's pregnancy, not a prison sentence . I do love all the earth mother stuff (and might borrow Ina May having read an interesting bit in one of the sunday papers last year about her and her movement) but stuff the no cake rule! I got my figure back both times without any problems, and without giving up cake.

However much I like the voodoo veggie side of things, what I really like is just the plain and simple facts. Birth and labour bloody hurts, but as long as I know what is going on (ah, that'll be my cervix stretching or my pelvis creaking open....) then I can just about cope. I think I'm just very practical when it comes down to it.

And also I've spent a night on the postnatal ward at my local hospital and if I can avoid going in at all I will suffer just about anything!

I have grown this baby thus far on cakes and strawberry ice cream. I'm afraid I'm viewing pregnancy as a reason to liberally eat things I normally ration and just call it 'cravings'.

I really do like the Ina May book, SFT, it's given me a lot more confidence in myself and my body re.natural birth. It's just that there is one completely barking mad birth story that had me pmsl. I made my DH read it and he was beside himself too. Anyway, read the book if you can because it really made me wish for the same kind of place in the UK. (Let me know if you spot the story I mean.)

Has anyone tried or going to try hypnobirthing? If you did, did you actually use it?

Popsy1 - I've just seen your thread on the pregancy board and I am so very sorry for you. Especially given all you went through with your ds. Please take care and look after yourself and the best of luck for the future.

Hello everyone,

I ended up avoiding reading too much as I just found most of it made me doubt my own gut instincts/question myself/worry/panic but maybe that's just my personality!!
I had the pregnancy bible too and liked it because it's split up into sections so you can be selective about where you look (what I hated was looking through book and stumbling across all the nasty things that can go wrong, for me it was better not to know that stuff)

The absolute best book though that I cannot recommend enough if you are planning to breast feed is this one:

www.amazon.co.uk/Bestfeeding-How-Breastfeed-Your-Baby/dp/1587611953

It is SO good and I felt much more confident from the word go in attempting bf because I had read it cover to cover and kept dipping into the first few weeks which reassured me no end. I am also lucky that where I live there is a brilliant BF group that is incredibly supportive and the volunteers will even come to your house to help you.

Ladyrabbit I went on hypnobirthing course last time round, it was ok but the tutor was a bit rubbish I think it's quite varied. I found the book and CD more useful and I would say if you read that and listen to the CD (helped me off to sleep loads) you probably get the main benefit. It's very overpriced for what it is in my opinion, but others here may have had much better tutor experience than I did.

Popsy1, I am so sorry. Have read your thread and can't imagine how tough the last few days must have been for you.

So sorry Popsy1. I remember your original post, that's what made me decide to go for a nuchal.
I can't begin to imagine what you are both going through.
x

My friends sister has just found out she's pregnant. Due April 2nd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Need more info Bananastew how is that possible?!

Hi all
Bananastew - Def more details! Does she have other children? thats not a lot of time to get your head around it let alone actually get organised!

Foxy & Bessie - Ya my DS went a bit mad on boobies too! Was actually at church last week when he roared at a nice quiet part that he wanted to see my boobies!! Mortified!
I havent actually told either boys. My eldest is a non-stop questions type so we will hold off until um the week before? I think for now Im just letting him go with it tho not pandering to him too much. Most of the time I just remind him that if he is really a baby he cant run/play football/drive bubble car etc with his big brother and he snaps out of it fairly soon. Both are a little more cuddlesome at the moment too but they have also been put out by how sick I have been so maybe that has something to do with it?

Doh I was trying to wonder how it was possible for next year...... I am a numpty!

Thanks so much ladies, you're so helpful and nice!!

And Swordfishtrombones I am DEFINITELY not giving up cake, but don't mind avoiding deadly nightshades too much

One last thing and I'll stop pestering you guys for all the answers (and can start to bring out my helpful, witty, funny side ) I promise!

I have tried all I can think of to stop myself sleeping on my belly, but keep waking up with my pillows/DH flung about the bed, and me on my belly. Is it dangerous to the baby? Only a little bump so far (13+5) and I'm trying my best to get used to sleeping on my side, but my body is against me! Hence the early morning posts...

What great contributions - this thread is really growing! Lots to read.

Very sorry to hear Popsy's news, what a horrible thing for you - look after yourself,

I haven't been reading anything on pregnancy, really, other than MN of course, and the NHS book (not the one that comes in the Bounty pack, the big one that my doctor gave me right at the beginning). I do want to find out more about the birth process itself, but preferably from classes and maybe from hiring a doula (am thinking about investigating further). I'm sure she would be able to give me lots of information and advice in person.

ooh comixminx let me know if you find out about the doula, won't you?

Well, I have already found out about a doula here, but I haven't actually contacted one in my area, which is the next step. Will let you all know what I find when I do! The thing that is giving me slight pause is that it seems to be such a complementary medicine sort of thing - acupuncture and so forth - whereas I'm firmly in the Ben Goldacre camp. But on the other hand even where the doulas are knitted yoghurt acupuncture types, they're not actual homeopaths so that's alright... (I'm all for earth-mothery-ness, mind)

Forgot my dates last post - 16 + 5.

LucyLG - I actually go to sleep on my front! I've been really sick and I find it the best postition to keep nausia at bay.
I also slept on my front when preg with dd and she's fine.
I think they have lots of padding and fluid in there at this stage so its not too big a deal.
Its not like you can do anything about it if it happens in your sleep! Unlike me
I won't be able to for much longer anyhow, bump is most deffinately there!

15+6

Had 12 week scan today, EDD confirmed as 25/09/10

All looked good

12+5

Hello all - I've been lurking for some time and now I'm beginning to believe this is all really happening I'd like to join you, if I may?

It's my first (can you tell?), I'm due on 19th so am 13+4 today. Despite being one of the last of my friends to take the plunge (even my little sister has two already) I still don't feel ready and tend to vascillate wildly between "woohoo" and "shiiiiiiiiiiit". I am woefully unprepared and often in denial. Luckily I have a lovey and understanding othe half who, while also bug-eyed with panic over it, is manfully handling the situation by plunging into making practical plans while I run about like a (plump) chicken with it's head cut off.

I think I'm starting to show a bit, though I can't tell whether it's simply the biscuits I have eaten to take that awful taste away.

And I waffle a lot.

Boldly adding self to list:

Jaysfourth #4 EDD 24/08/10 Nottingham
Inzidoodle #2 EDD 26/08/10 Scotland
MerryMagpie #1 EDD 28/08/10
comixminx #1 EDD 28/08/10 Oxford
Foxyjbro99 #3 EDD 29/08/10 Shropshire
lilypad72 #1 EDD 30/8/10
mcfee #2 EDD 31/08/10
BooStar #1 EDD 01/09/10 New Forest
Stickhasgrownup #3 EDD 02/09/10 SE London
NovemberAli #1 EDD 02/09/10 Nottingham
lillyfc #4 EDD 02/09/10 East Sussex
Babyshoes #2 EDD 02/09/10
ChocolateCalculator #2 02/09/10
swordfishtrombones #3 EDD 02/09/10 SE London
bananastew #2 edd 02/09/10
flippertygibbet# edd 03/09/10
IlariaS #1 EDD 03/09/10
jbakedbean #2 edd 04/09/10
patito #2 EDD 04/09/10
Cakeandfinewine #2 EDD 05/09/10 Staffordshire
Mellousol #1 EDD 05/09/10
Monstermuncher #2 EDD 05/09/10 Glasgow
ciacia #2 EDD 05/09/10
Eleanora #1 EDD 06/09/10
monkeymiss #2 07/09/10
EmmaLM #1 EDD 07/09/10
heather1980 #3 EDD 07/09/10 manchester
eggonlegs #2 EDD 08/09/10
TTTrouble #2 EDD 10/09/10
Surreygirl #2 EDD 10/09/10
LB1981 #1 EDD 10/09/10 NE London
susiey#3 edd 12/09/10 n.london
upsoearly #2 EDD 13/09/10
Cityangel #2 EDD 15/09/10 London
Love2Dance #2 EDD 15/09/10 London
MadameG #1 EDD 16/09/10 London
CathN #1 EDD 16/09/10 London
MudandRoses #2 16/09/10
ArcticFox #1 EDD 16/09/10
HellysBelles #1 EDD 16/9/10 SW London
Bloominnorah #2 EDD 17/09/10 Scotland
WhiteRoses #1 EDD 17/09/10
cazza41 #1 EDD 17/09/10
Mellymooks #2 EDD 17/09/10
Willthecatbejealous #1 EDD 17/09/10 Leeds
OhFuck #2 EDD 18/09/10 Scotland
LadyRabbit #1 EDD 18/09/10
VoilaAnotherGimlet #1 EDD 19/9/10 London
Irishgal1 #1 EDD tbc
MammyG #3 EDD 21/09/10 Ireland
Nandos #2 and #3 EDD 22/9/10 London
JodeyLea #1 EDD 24/9/10 Birmingham
Bessie123 EDD 25/09/10
SkattyKatty #2 EDD 25/09/10
Sunface #3 EDD 25/09/10
Bellabelly #3 and #4 EDD 26/09/10 W Kent
RunningGuerita #1 EDD 26/09/10
MummyFifi #1 EDD 27/09/10

Hi there All. Welcome ViolaAnother Gimlet. I wouldn't worry about panic, denial and waffle. It goes with the territory. One of the hardest things I found with first pregnancy was learning that I couldn't control everything (not that I'm a control freak or nuffink). It's a weird feeling that a little baby is growing inside you and D-day is coming isn't it?

At some point the nesting instinct will kick in and you'll get very organised I'm sure.

Comixminx (and anyone else for that matter) I wondered about a doula for trying VBAC but I'm a bit ambivalent about it. However, although I am also in the Ben Goldacre camp on many things, I have to say acupunture has worked for me. I was very sceptical at first but had it for sciatic pain a few years ago and it really helped.

I also had some treatments from a specialist midwife last time round when I was extremely stressed and tense about my late pregnancy complications and again it helped. Has anyone here had it before during labour or in preparation for labour?

I may have to go and get a pregnancy masaage sooner than I thought (there's a great place with a hole in the massage couch so you can lie on your tummy). I'm beginning to arch my back already and I'm paying for it.

Afternoon peeps!

Well not much to report other than i think i look six months pregnant... when did that happen!!? This time last week i hadnt told anyone and no one had guessed, now, well now i have popped and everyone is wondering how they didnt notice!

Took kids to a soft play today and one of the workers said i must be 'mad in the head' to be having another one....nice huh. I just told her not as mad as CHOOSING to work in a kids softplay all day everyday. She may not have been being horrid but i can't be doing with nasty remarks, sarcastic or 'nice' good job i am thick skinned huh!

Lovetodance... i have been going for reg back massages and its just starting to get uncomfortable lying on my front....the hole in the couch sounds ace, wonder if i can find one here.... i haven't slept on my tummy since before kids, i think i am now used to sleeping on sides!

Welcome VoilaAnotherGimlet, i think its normal to think 'whohoo' and/or 'shiiiit' with any pregnancy so dont worry you are not on your own! There is a wealth of experience here so whenever you have a question, feel free to ask! Even if you think its trivial

Strictlykatty, good news about your scan, its always good to know
We are having a gender scan on Sunday, so will know what 'team' we are on, i have a feeling its a girl, no evidence, just that my boobs have really hurt and have had dead sensitive nipples this time around, same as with DD1 whereas with both boys nothing.... so thats what i am basing it on!!

Oh and where did Bananastew go... fancy droppping in news like that and then not giving us more details!!

17+2

L2D, thanks for the feedback. I must say that a) I've never tried acupuncture and b) even if it's all explained as channels of force or whatever, it can hardly be as high on the woo-woo meter as homeopathy. Very generously () I am prepared to give it a pass rather than treating it as a run-away-now sign!