Due Jan 06 - 1st Trimester Down, 2 to go

[Chuffed]

Here's our new thread.

I think last time I was in blissful ignorance of labour, not that I had that hard a time, 4h 20mins and she was 15 days early. Was too late to have anything apart from g+a, am going to trying and be more in control this time as last time I felt like I was having an out of body experience and had no control over anything whatsoever. The midwives not believing I was in actual labour and was just making a fuss contributed a lot to my distress, this time I will know when the pains start the end is in sight.

Have just ordered DD's nursery bits and bobs as we were planning to move last time she didn't have a nursery and has always been in our room (and mostly our bed) we have gone for pink as well couldn't resist it. For this baby we aren't having a traditional nursery as he/she will be in with us for the first 6 months at least. Am going to buy one of those bedside cots and have that and DD's moses basket which is like new. DD also had a beautiful rocking crib (never used sold on ebay).

Hello all,

Finally managed to catch up with all the threads....in between working.

Ive been contracting for a while now and have been unable to get access to the internet.

So quick update. I think my last posts concerned the bleeding..when I was 12 weeks. That lasted until 17 weeks and I had various scans and all was OK.

On my 20 week scan, they found babys right forearm and hand had amputated. I have a meeting next week with the fetal medicine specialist at the hospital to find out more but we think it is down to Amniotic band syndrome. There are various theories on what it is but it seems that the inner membranes rupture leaving strand like bands floating in the amniotic fluid. They then wrap themselves around fingers...toes...limbs.
In some cases there is just webbed or stunted fingers or toes but in other cases amputation or it causes death depending on the time of rupture. I'm guessing it happened when i started bleeding as I also had a gush of water. The actual amputation I reckon happened at 18 weeks because for about 20 minutes I was in the most incredible pain and then it just vanished.

Anyway our main fear is that there are further bands in there ready to cause trouble. it is unlikely that they will cause further amputation because baby is bigger now but still probable disfigurment. The bands can be transparent on a scan and so that is the reason they probably were not spotted when I had scans while bleeding

Also most babies with ABS are born prematurely and so we are praying she holds on in there for us.

Of course the consultant will confirm everything and depending on her assesment i will go on sick leave until maternity kicks in at 29 weeks.

Heartbeat is strong and so I am hopeful anyway.

Im so glad to hear that everyone is doing OK and thinking about nursery stuff. I made DP cry when I pulled out DD's old clothes and in them were cute mittens and DP said she would only wear one. I tried to make light and said well at least if we lose one we can use the other.....he's taking it hard bless him. Not the limb loss, just the fact of not knowing.

Anyway sorry to sound so morbid. I'm really not and I am so excited about the baby. I just have alot of people around me who try the sympathetic approach and I want to talk about all the things my baby could be and they focus on what she might not be!!!

Anyway midwive said at moment she weighs 1lb 4oz...anyone else been told at their scan??? it was written on my paper. My stretchmarks are renewing themselves too...jade goody eat your heart out.....and the toilet trips are so far every 20 mins and always at night!!!

horseshoe your post has made my blub so much you are so so brave, poor little mite have never heard of ABS, will pray she hangs on in there until she is big enough to come out. She already sounds like a little fighter and I bet she will have the personality to match!

It makes your realise how lucky we are to have these little people in there growing.

Horseshoe - just read your message. Had no idea that this even existed. Not sure if it's any help at all, but when we went to see private OB he recommended taking liquid Ventolin (astham med) to soften muscles of stomach to ensure that Braxton Hicks don't become too strong and therefore cause early labour. Just a thought.

Am sending up prayers to whoever will listen for you, DP and the bub.

Please let us know if there's anything we can do....anything at all.

Lots and lots of love and good luck to you.

Horseshoe - I am so sorry this has happened to be honest i had never heard of this before either (just shows how much we don't know about)
You seem to be sooo strong and it is really good that you are staying very positive, it really is the way to be even know the pain and upset is probably still there.

I wish you all the luck in the world and pray your baby arrives safe and sound.

Take care and if you need anything just let us know. xx

Wow

What is this thread like? Either quiet as mice or humming bees like today.

Horseshoe

Thanks for letting us know all about abs, I had no idea either, it must be quite rare? I'm so glad you still feel excited and not down hearted (you don't sound in the least morbid!), and remember if your baby does come early, be comforted that she's a girl as they are statistically more likely to survive prematurity than boys.

Rachey

thanks for the codes, I'm sure to use them soon. I'd like a maternity swim suite, it sounds ever so luxurious - just kidding, what's your new swim suit like? Hope you enjoy AQN, I do, sadly had to miss it today due to dentist. I'm having bra troubles too, but find the underwired ones are getting uncomfy, prob need a bigger size, and I get SO hot underneath yick! I'm glad it's not summer any more.

Great to have so many posts to read!

Georgie

Glad to have you back, and glad to hear the honeymoon was so fab!

Hey Eshay
was it you who was interested in the bloomers? They arrived already, and they're very comfy, but a bit bulkier than I'd hoped. I was hoping for lawn rather than linen, but they'll probably soften and feel less bulky when they've been washed a few times. Did you get round to ordering any?

Anyone else going to a Tickled Pink party? If so, enjoy! I'm hoping to get a pedicure at the one I'm going to, those toenails seem ever so far away now!

Hey everybody. just checking in from Munich on our way from France to Sofia Bulgaria. Everything ok but wont really know for another 6wks till we get back to nz.
Loving travelling, had a quick skim, so good to hear all the good news and so sorry for the bad.
Take care all, signing out for now.

Wow, a flurry on Friday then not much since!

Good to hear from you Chuffed, glad everything is going well - still jealous of your travels!

Horseshoe, I am amazed by your strength and positivity... so glad that you are coping with it so well, am sure that will help DP become stronger too. Really hope your little fighter keeps hanging on in there. As everyone else has said, if there's anything we can do just shout.

Georgie, welcome to married life - it's great, and good to hear about the honyemoon - what did you mean about the Arab men being forward when they saw your bump?!

Lyra - what on earth is a Tickled Pink party?

Signing off now - not much to report, busy blowing up helium balloons at work (such a glamorous job I have!), so sore fingers don't want to do too much typing!!

Hi Loomer

A Tickled Pink Party is a fund raising party in aid of breast cancer charities. It was fun, with lots of pink prizes, raffles, tombola, foot massage on offer, manicures etc.

I feel a bit grot today, which is a shame as I'm 41 today! I've been spoilt with pressies and cards, which has been good, but I'm tired, didn't sleep too well last nite, kept waking up, dreaming endlessly about nappies can you believe!
I'm heading out to see Pride and Prejudice, after a meal with a friend, so I hope I'm up to it!! I'll probably fall asleep in the cinema. Celebrating with dh on Friday, as it's his birthday then.

Had an antenatal check today, and got referred for physio on my back, hope that comes up soon.
The osteopathy was good, but only lasted for a few days, then it all slipped back into its old bad habits. I definitely need to learn the right exercises to strengthen things.

Ditto to everything Loomer has said - especially to Horseshoe ((hug))

PS Loomer - what do you do for a living?!

Happy Birthday Lyra! Have a great day, hope you get to pamper yourself. I've been getting loads of weird dreams too...

Feels like Autumn has arrived here and frankly I'm glad to cover up! Have a couple of new tops from Blooming Marvellous which have cheered me up. Went to remortgage last week wearing wrapover dress and trousers, desperately trying to look fat not pregnant! (thought it might put them off lending me more money!) This week I definitely look 'properly' pregnant, a real unmistakable belly. I can't believe I will be 6 months tomorrow.

blimey! - so much news to catch up on!! I really must look in more often but have been busy developing a new olympic sport - extreme nesting - clearly I have too much time on
my hands as I'm not normally this motivated to clean!!- I've even started to knit a blanket (carry cot size - cream, blue & green sripes ( like a rug!) - I'm not a confident knitter so it'll probably end up looking like it's been crocheted!!)lol
Lyra - HAPPY BIRTHDAY for yesterday! Hope your referral goes well. It's a shame your osteopath couldn't give you any tips on how to get your pelvis back but, on the bright side, once you get them from the physiotherapist you'll be fine I'm sure. My pelvis came out loads over the 10 days or so after I went but I haven't had any pain at all lately (more luck than anything though as I haven't really been doing the exercises enough!!) Haven't heard of any Tickled Pink stuff going on round here so am dead jealous - manicure? what's one of those.. i've forgotten!! lol - but now inspired to get some Reflexology (bliss!)
Horseshoe & BunnyBoo - hi! nice to meet you both & hear your news . Glad you're feeling so positive about your gorgeous girlie Horseshoe & how lucky are you to get a weight!! I keep scanning baby books to get an estimate of how big my boy is. Hope it's all positive stuff for you from now on

Loomer - how's the hypnobirthing going? Do you have to practise at home a lot? Saw the "He's Having a Baby" episode where the hypno couple's baby arrived - Roberta looked sooo relaxed even though she had such a long labour (29.5 hours wasn't it).. I think my comment to DH at the time was "I am definately having some of that!" I've contacted my friend (hypnotherapist & midwife)about sorting out some sessions so hopefully I'll be joining you on self induced highs soon.
By the way, quick question for you all.. I'm thinking of getting a bouncy cradle that locks off to become a low chair (apparently it'll last 'til he's about 2 years old). The thing is, DD used to like to sit and play with things on her lap (dolls etc) but I've heard that boys are much more active and don't tend to sit for long - in which case this type of chair would be a complete waste of money. Thoughts anyone??

Hi Rachey - thought it was just me being wierd having vivid dreams - mine seem to be really gorey and morbid (I've found I can't stomach anything remotely gorey on the TV anymore either) Hope your remortgage went well & that you get your loft conversion for DD soon!!
You mentioned bras a while ago. I'm having the same problem and hate non wired too(have gone from 36C to 38F). I got one from M&S though that looks a bit like a sports bra - I think the range is called complete support or something like that. It's not exactly sexy but is really comfy & is much more supportive than the Mothercare ones I had (that now look like hankies!!)

Good morning all,

Thank you for all the well wishes....Baby is still kicking and fighting to hang on in there...

Isn't it amazing...my second child and in all the baby books i have ever read have never heard of ABS until now......

Mind you good thing we dont get to hear half the stuff or we would all spend the entire pregnancy wrapping our tummies in cotton wool

My nan is in hospital too bless her. She's 84 and she has been pratically walking around on her bones because the skin on her leg has died and is now being eaten away by infection....she's in a secure unit so that they can boost her immune system before doing anything else but it looks like the legs cant be saved......We live 100 miles away and so we knew she was in pain but we had no idea it was this bad until we were called to say she was taken into hospital. we haven't told her about the baby and ABS yet especially because of the circumstances with her own amputation!!!

My study begins again this week for an open university degree i have been doing and so I need to try and fit in 32 hours of study a week somewhere....my brother is bright so offered him 20quid an essay but he refused......It all goes a long way to keeping my mind occupied anyway!

Iris66 nesting comments made me laugh....since the day I found out I was pregnant my house has never been so clean....Yesterday I decided to move the kitchen equipment around. I know I shouldn't have but leaving it was causing me so much stress I just had to do it.....of course DP went ballistic but thought the kitchen looked amazing...the nice dinner I had laid out for him also went far in easing out any potential tellings off and he says I can go on Maternity leave tomorrow if I continue to be a perfect housewive......it will not last. Besides I can only make spag bowl a couple of times before he realises I can't cook anything else.....
He's the cook in our house...I use the excuse that I do everything else in the house while he cooks......everything else I do comes out of the packet.....Marks and Spencer is great for their ready made roasts!!!

Lyra HAPPY BIRTHDAY for yesterday...get anything nice???

Sweetkitty....you make me jelous with your labour tales......my DD was 18 hours of back to back labour pains and I am so worried this time that the minute I get to the hospital they are sticking the epidural in!!! I had Pethidine last time too but hated it....Also gas and air which I thought was great but considering I had already had the epidural and was just enjoying getting high...the mean old midwive took it off me...

Who is everyone having as their birthing partners???
I had my mum and DP last time....mum was great but DP was useless and so we both dcided he would stay at home with DD and i would have my mum and sister...but because of the ABS we have decided it's best if he's there (better brush up on his skills quick) and so now I have to decided mum or sister.....both have said they dont mind who but I can't decide.

Iris - thanks for advice re bras, my boobs feel like they are just squashed together, need some lift and separate!

My boys were both very active as soon as they could move (although they loved bouncy chairs for the first few months) My mum (who had 3 girls and a boy was always amazed how busy they were). DD was definitely 'quieter' in her play as a baby (although less so now, girls do tend to sit and colour/read/play).

Horseshoe - sorry to hear about your nan. When my bf went through all her heartache with her pregnancy, I did a lot of internet research and I think I read something about ABS then related to amniocenticis (which makes sense as they do penetrate the membrane) - something about the way it heals? I think it's amazing and we are so lucky that most babies are born so healthy. My ds1 was born with only one testicle apparently it was re-absorbed into his body while I was pregnant. Luckily they couldn't find it on a scan - undescended testes have a 50% chance of becoming cancerous. It shouldn't be a problem although he did have to have an operation at 18months to correct an inguinal hernia.

The other day, I was with the kids at a local pub and there was a little girl there the same age as my dd (7) with a 'bionic' leg (not a flesh coloured one). She was climbing up the apparatus and charging around the same as the others. The kids were understandably nosey and asked what had happened to her (meningitis I think) but just accepted her reply and carried on playing. My neice has cerebral palsy and she is totally accepted by other kids, she even has a main role in 'Tracey Beaker' on TV - you might have seen her?

Birth partners - I need someone to scream at, only dp fulfills that role!

PS Personally I never feel like cleaning...!

hi all have booked my 3D/4D scan after toying with the cost for a while DP has agreed! So it's booked for this Saturday, have convinced myself we are having a girl (hate saying ANOTHER girl as she would not be just another girl if you know what I mean) anyway I think if they say boy I'll fall off the table. I think 2 girls 18 months apart will be fab and I get to reuse DD's beautiful clothes (and buy new ones).

As for bras I'm using maximum support sports bras this time rather than the mothercare ones which I thought were rubbish, my boobs took a while to get going this time as I was still feeding DD for the first few months but they seem to have caught up (am currently a 34E) strangers are noticing I'm pregnant now not just fat. I have resolved to wearing maternity tops but am still in normal jeans (not for much longet though) I have bought some tops in a bigger size from Asda as well as I remember the straight after birth horrid jelly belly stage when you can't fit into anything. Luckily this time we can hide away under big jumpers, last time was during a heatwave, not nice when you have the big pant/sanitary towel/jelly belly/leaking boobs thing going on!

Going to decorate DD's room next week as Dp has the week off v excited will be her first proper bedroom, have loads of DIY to do but have told DP the cut off point is end of November.

Hope everyone is doing well better go and stop rabbiting DD is wrecking the house again!

Sweetkitty.....Can I ask how much the 3D scan is?? Where would you book it from? Do you know if it is much clearer than normal scans??

horseshoe - I'm having mine at babyscanning in Glasgow it's just opened and is the first one in Scotland www.babyscanning.co.uk is their website, it costs £195 but that is for a 10 min DVD of the baby moving and a number of photos. I spoke to someone who has been and they said it is worth every penny and is truly amazing you can see the babies face in that you will recognise it when it's born!

I know there is quite a few throughout the country try typing 3D/4D scan into a search engine.

I know £195 is a lot of money and I do feel a bit guilty as it would buy a fair few baby bits but for us we are desperate to know the sex as it settles names also how we are going to decorate the house etc. Also DP owes me one!

Hope that helps x

Blimey Horseshoe, your family certainly knows how to party eh?! Hope I don't offend by making light, but it sounds like you have a very well balanced view on it all... I do hope your nan isn't suffering too much, are you happy that she is in good hands at her hospital?

Rachey - I'm a graphic designer, but because I work within the marketing department I get roped in to help with any external events that are going on, which can involve balloon-inflating, tea-making, floor-polishing, ego-nurturing, and at the moment mostly biscuit-eating!

Happy Birthday Lyra! Hope your week has been improving since... I've had some rather odd dreams too. Last night in particular I had a VERY sexy dream about... of all people... and I've no idea why... Peter Sellers!!! I was quite ashamed of myself this morning !! I didn't tell DH, as I'm sure he would have ribbed me about it for several days.

Iris - the hypnobirthing is good, and I am supposed to be practising little and often - at least ten minutes a day. Trouble is that the main relaxation exercises take about half an hour, and it seems to be really difficult to find the time for this every evening - it does seem ridiculous, because it's immensely enjoyable and... well, obviously... relaxing!
I was a bit disappointed when I saw Roberta's experience on "He's having a baby", as we've been told that Hypnobirthing should help to ensure a swifter labour (!), and that if labour does go on for a long time the mother should be refreshed and energised throughout (apart from the last active stage). So I was surprised that she needed to go in for an epidural after all. But yes, she certainly seemed very calm and relaxed. I am sure you will enjoy learning the techniques and practising them - I'll be interested to compare.

Rachey - did you get remortgage sorted do you know yet? Hope so - I'm sure they were very impressed with your fat lady's outfit!

Evening all. Just a quickie to say hi. Will write more tomorrow when DD at nursery.

Hee hee, glad that everyone's boobs are growing. Being a small lass myslef (c cup usually) I skipped off down the street whooping for joy when I found out they'd grown to 36D! DH Keeps asking whether I should get a licence for them....

Nesting... can't quite decide whther I am nesting or just being incredibly anal retentive about keeping the house clean. Although sense of humour failure kicking in as I get bigger cos it seems that by the time I've got to the end of the house where I began is dirty again. Sigh!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY lyra. Did you have a good one? And did you manage to keep awake to dribble over the delicious MAtthew McF in P+P?

Hi Chuffed. Sounds as if the travels are going well. Where you off to next? My bro is in La Paz at the moment after having visited Columbia, Brazil, Uruaguy etc. Lucky b@stard!

Horsehoe - so glad bub is hanging in there. You're so brave and positive. That sounds a little condecending, but hope you take it in right way.

OK, better ski-daddle as things to do. More tomorrow.

Have a wonderful night everyone. Ohh, who's going to watch |Love Soup on BBC1 9pm? Looks quite good.

Hiya

My birthday was good thanks, thought p and P good, but long, would have enjoyed it more if I'd seen it earlier in the day. Really liked the characters of Mr and Mrs Bennett. Got some lovely pressies. Jewellery from dh and sil, a "scoobies" key ring from dd, yummy box of thorntons from ds (that I managed to drop on the floor of the cinema and lose most of), massage voucher from friend - looking forward to cashing that in - hope they have a massage table with a big hole in the middle! Several plants for the garden, some money and a bunch of flowers, a good haul I'd say!

Re. the dreams thing - I have been having the most amazing sexy dreams too, sometimes wake up having extreme physical symptoms (as it were!), and then lots of Braxton Hicks.

As for birthing partners, I need a tag team, so will be having Mum and dh again.

Georgie,

I'll be watching Love soup as well, hope it's good enough to be worth staying up for! Enjoy.

loomer... thats exactly my view on everything........

I told my brother that we dont fall over....we jump hurdles....and my family is so close that we have an awful lot to be thankful for too....It's always been the way...either everything is hunky or all hits at once.

Lyra........sexy dreams???? You lucky girl

Oooooooooooh am sooooo excited girls!!
DH collected pram yesterday & we spent all evening playing with it!! It's a carrycot/pushchair/car seat combo thing with a stand so we can use the carrycot instead of a moses basket and the car seat clips onto the wheels for those all improtant trundles round the shops!!
I so wanted a pram when I had dd (had a reclining buggy instead - and a separate carrycot which I used to strap to the back seat of the car - how dangerous is that considered to be now!!)) and can't wait to use it (feel like a small child with a new toy - such fun!!!) Did manage to stop myself from making up the carrycot with sheets etc & putting a teddy in to test drive it... but the thought did go through my mind . Oooh I'm sooo chuffed with it despite thinking that maybe I should have waited a few more weeks just so as not to tempt fate. We're getting the cot until the last minute though so I suppose that makes up for it (makes sense here in irisworld anyway lol).
Hope you're all fine & dandy this morning. Recorded Love Soup (as was otherwise engaged with super fab pram) was it any good?
GeorgieM are you going to change your nickname now you're Mrs P?
Horseshoe - what degree are you doing? I'm supposed to be doing a 6 month homeopathic first aid course at the mo but just can't seem to mobilise myself into action (maybe I should see it as another cleaning task)
Birthing partners.... DH is worried about cutting the cord "think I ought to leave that to the professionals" ????? & I'm concerned that macho bravado will drive him to be there when he really would rather walk up & down the corridors outside puffing cigars! have suggested having a friend there instead/too but he thinks the event should be just for us. Not quite sure what to do but know he's not going to be able to be what I need when the time comes (ie able to read what I need/emotionally suppportive etc - am I expecting too much?). Sorry if that sounds mean - he is an absolute star but very male - not good with emotional stuff etc at all - have wondered about slight aspergers in the past but now I'm waffling...! Be interested to hear anyone elses angst (if you've had any) over birthing partners
off now to remove the fifty layers of dark brown nailvarnish that DD lovingly painted on my toes on Fri night(4 days is long enough to leave it on isn't it - don't want to hurt her feelings - but it looks like someone has had diahrroea over my toes (sorry if TMI!) chow 4 now xx

oohhh happy new pram Iris have been trying to persuade DP we need an e3, speaking of which DP was an excellent birth partner last time he basically sat in the chair and left me to it then held my leg at the crucial time, I think if he would have tried to touch me I would have murdered him, I'm definately the leave me alone type of woman no cold flannels for me. He didn't cut the cord last time and won't this time and thats fine.

I cannot stop eating today either just polished off a bag of prawn cocktail quavers!!!

Thanks Sweetkitty but sorry , being thick here,what's an e3?
I'm on a food fest today too - just had whole tin of beans on 3 rounds of toast & big bar of Green & Blacks milk choc (was only going to have a couple of squares - oops
now waiting for the bump expansion & stretch marks over next 24 hrs lol
Think I'm probably being unfair to DH as, since you mention it, I'm not exactly into touchy feely when in pain either (more like vile tempered wounded animal looking for lair to hide in) so maybe I'm worrying over nothing. I'm sure I'll appreciate his practical & non fussy attitude come the big day. It all feels brand new though as it's so long since I had DD (diferent DH too!)hey ho!