TTC: Pregnancy on Prednisolone or similar part 7

[ChoccyPud]

A positive thread for all those diagnosed with High or Very High NK Cells and looking to start TTC or already pregnant on Prednisolone and/or Intralipid treatment.

Newcomers very much welcome!

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/conception/1419032-TTC-Pregnancy-on-Prednisolone-or-similar-part-6

Part 5 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/conception/1391787-TTC-Pregnancy-on-Prednisolone-or-similar-part-5

Part 4 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/conception/1366323-TTC-Pregnancy-on-Prednisolone-or-similar-part-4

Part 3 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/conception/1348773-TTC-pregnancy-on-Prednisolone-or-similar-part-3

Part 2 here www.mumsnet.com/Talk/conception/1323594-TTC-pregnancy-on-Prednisolone-or-similar-part-2

Part 1 here www.mumsnet.com/Talk/conception/1236324-TTC-pregnancy-on-Prednisolone-or-similar

Hello All, I am back.
Good to see all the good news on here. Gives me hope!
I think I am now 1 DPO and on the pred, just waiting to be able to test in ten days. I have had my 2 periods so hope cycle back to normal.

What do you guys do at ovulation? Im not sure as I rolled up to my first clinic appt pregnant.
Do you wait till LH surge down or what. I have done it this way. Due to see Mr Shehata next week so guess he can answer questions.
Did any of you get re-tested for NKC following your previous miscarriages on the programme? They have mooted that this number can change following a miscariage?

Anyway Im glad Im back on the thread

Just updated

Friday 4th May
The babies are arriving!
Stogan - V high NKC - cycle#2, DC#1, Baby girl born Sunday 11/03/12 7lb13.5. Our First Pred Thread Baby!
Digitalgirl - High NKC - BFP cycle#2, Baby boy (DS2) born at 39+0 on Easter Monday, 9/04/12, 8 lbs 12 Our Second Pred Thread Baby!

BFP 3rd Trimester
Coconutfeet - V High NKC, Factor II gene mutation, underactive thyroid - BFP pre-pred, started at 6 weeks 39+4 Due date: 07/05/12
Comedy - V High NKC - BFP cycle#2, DC#2 ? 37+4 C-section booked: 14/5/12
Iggi - High NKC & Hypothyroidism - BFP cycle#2, DC#2- 36+3 c-section booked for 16/5/12
BrownieGecko - High NKC, Hypothyroidism, & Glucose Intolerant. BFP Clomid cycle#3, DC#1 35+5
Freelance - V High NKC TTC#1 Hydroxychloroquine, Pred, Intralipids, 400 Cyclogest, Thyroid/hashimotos. MC 1st Pred cycle. DC#1 28+3 Next appt with Mr S, 25th May EDD 24/07/12
Cheerfulcharlie - V High NKC, MTHFR, DC#2/ (metformin, intralipids, no pred). 28+3 EDD 24/07/12

2nd Trimester
batteryhen - High NKC, factor v leiden. DC#1 BFP cycle 3. 25+0
coleyoz - V High NKC. DC#2, BFP cycle2, 24+3
FrozenNorthPole - RMC, NKC status unknown, Cyclogest, aspirin, 20+2
Mercator - V High NKC, TTC#2. 20+1
Hopefulfor2nd - High NKC - TTC#2. - 19+1
dunnit - V High NKC - , IVIG, Cyclogest and Clexane. 19+1
PQ77 - V High NKC TTC #2 (BFP cycle one but mc) 14+4

1st Trimester
To be filling up very shortly!

TTC ? ASSISTANCE - SO/IUI/IVF
duggs1976 - High/V High NKC - TTC #1 - IVF cycle #1 ?pred, intrallipids, metformin, clexane, cylogest
Havingkittens - Upgraded from High to V High NKC TTC #1 -10 pred ? 3rd cycle SO
Abney (44), SO 2, 6 MC No pred (2 chromosone, 4 unexplained), 1 DS Pred Cycle 1 & fragmin, 4 MC on Pred (1 fragmin),
eurochick - TTC#1 High NKC, pred cycle 4, Super Ov & IUI
Pebbles - TTC#1 High NKC, PCOS, super ov cycle 1 (post IVF - 1 chemical, 1 mc, combining IVF with Immunotherapy
Arianrhod - V High NKC, MTHFR homo, hypothyroid, TTC#2 (Pred & Hydroxychloroquine)
Suemays - V High NKC, TTC #2. Superov. (Pred & Hydroxychloroquine)

TTC
London - High NKC, April - mc on treatment.
ChoccyPud - V High NKC - TTC#1 (Pred & Hydroxychloroquine). April - mc on treatment.
Willitbe - RMC, NKC not tested, TTC #4 cycle 2 (after m/c 12) Fertility consultant
prescribed pred.
GreenOlives - High NKC, TTC#2, have decided to only take Pred from BFP
picolina - V High NKC MC on treatment (taking a break on holiday)
Holldoll - High NKC - Pred, Cyclogest & aspirin. MC March 2012 on treatment. Pred started at BFP.
Lemonsherbet - TTC#1 v high/high NK, Mthfr, thyroid issues, pred 1st trim & Intralipids 2nd on bfp
buster76 -V High NKC, Factor V Leiden.
BellyD - V High NKC, MTHFR homo, TTC#1 cycle 2, hydroxychloroquine
ScooterChaser - V High NKC - TTC#2 (Pred & Hydroxychloroquine)

Current status?
Cherrycheeks - V high NKC, TTC#2
Breezyweezy - V High NKC - TTC#1
AandRmum - High NKC
Cornflakes30 - V High NKC, underactive thyroid
Brownstag - V High NKC, 3 yo DS is a Pred Baby! TTC #2
Zoeella V.high NKC, Factor V Leiden. abandoned IVF, pos PCOS

Lack of an update from Coconut is indeed very intriguing Digi. Also I can't believe what a significant week ahead with have - with Comedy and Iggi both scheduled for birth!! It's so good to have this going on as we do need some good news on here. How are you feeling Comedy. Do you and iggi both have a strategy in place to let us know when babies have arrived! Remember we are the most important people in your lives after OHs and close family :)

Lemon that is so hideous, I am really really sorry to hear that about your auntie. That on top of the anniversary of the induction and also getting a BFN. Life sucks sometimes. We are here for hand holding so please do feel free to talk about what you like. Might it be too early for a BFP? I certainly have had plenty of BFNs that turned out to be otherwise.

Welcome back Holldoll and thanks for updating your details! Good to have you here. On my two cycles of falling pregnant on Pred I took it about one or two days after I thought ovulation had happened. With the first I was temping so was pretty sure when it was and with the second I was just pretty sure I was ovulating. I was right, as that was this time around.

I've had another dizzy spell today which meant I had to go and have a lie down for an hour or so. This time it was in the bath. Had a healthy amount to eat so it wasn't that. I think it is just one of those pregnancy things. I was meant to be meeting friends for dinner in Canary Wharf but have cancelled. Just too much to do and I can't face the journey! It's only one bus and one tube - a journey I would doing in a breezy 20 mins on my way to the gym and back - but I seem to have turned into someone who can't manage these things. I am only 29 weeks so god knows how those of you who are and have been further down the line than this manage to carry on working etc until later. Ok, I AM working but thank goodness am doing it at home with regular breaks and no boss watching over me. Applied for Maternity Allowance forms today so might have to start claiming soon.

Hi ladies. I'm just back from a long weekend in France where I had a wonderful time, full of carefree wine drinking (after 3 months of not drinking!).

Snoopy it sounds like you are in good hands and are doing really well.

I hope no news from Coconut means good news! How exciting that we have 3 babies due very soon!

Battery I think most Boots stores have scales you can use for 20p if you want to find out your weight before your next appointment.

I hope everyone else is doing ok. I'm anticipating my next IUI will be at the weekend or early next week. I have a pre-iui scan on Friday.

free, don't forget that you are sharing your blood supply with someone else. Baths can bring on dizzy spells, even in the non-pregnant, as they lower your blood pressure.

lemon, I'm so sorry for what you are going through with your aunt. So young, it's really not fair. The timing is terrible too. Must be a really heartbreaking time for you. I hope you are being well looked after.

snoopy, best of luck with your MRI. We're all thinking of you.

Welcome back holldoll. I like the optimistic comment in the 1st trimester section!

I've just postponed my hysteroscopy, which was meant to be today. After being told at my follicle tracking scan that I probably wouldn't ovulate this cycle, but to monitor with OPKs I seem to have ovulated around CD24 and have still not come on by CD30 (today). My cycles are usually 25ish days. So they decided I shouldn't have it in case they disturb a potential pregnancy. I am not holding my breath though. I think either the progynova or pred have delayed my period. Either that or the fact that I am on 6dpo and so having a bonus luteal phase. Hysteroscopy has been postponed to 30 May, so at least I will still only be missing one cycle.

Sorry you are having such a bad time lemon and a horrible anniversary to cope with next week.

Free - I will do a quick mumsnet demo for DH tonight so he can post - knowing him it will be very brief!!
Am having contractions now but all very random so labour ward have sent me home in tne hope I'll last out until Monday - we'll see ...

Lurking for news of baby coconut ...

comedy!!!! What happens if you go into labour spontaneously? Do they bump up your elcs so it becomes an emcs?

Sorry to disappoint you ladies, but I'm still here, waiting! The day has been taken up with appointments of one sort and another. Haven't had a chance to read back yet but will do so in a bit.

Contractions? Good grief! No contractions are allowed here until everything on my to do list is done. Which will be in a year or two.

Yes Digi - would end up being an EMCS - but all has died down a bit tonight so perhaps this little one is content for a few more days!

Crikey comedy, that's a bit of a worry.What do they do if you go into labour on your own?

Lemon - sorry to hear about your aunt and the difficult anniversary. Either of those is very tough to deal with, so together is just horrible.

Free - definitely get those iron levels re-tested sooner rather than later.
Kittens - it would be fantastic if they were right about possible pregnancy.

Digi - thanks for lansinoh reminder. Good to hear you're getting to grips with the two-child thing. I still can't get my head around it. Hope little F's mouth better now.

In case I don't get a chance to come back on, good luck to comedy and Iggi. How are you both feeling?

Waves to everyone else.

choccy don't you have your app with dr S today?

just wanted to say, hi, and yes I am back free! St John's is a great area, good move! Just a bit tired and having cr*p time at work with Horrible Boss (almost like the film, but not quite). Picture middle aged woman who hates kids and does not really like pregnant women much either. But pretends to HR she is really caring and supportive. Evil. Sorry, just had to rant a bit.

But anyway, pales into insignificance in comparison with snoopy's diagnosis and lemonsherberts looming anniversary. Thinking of you both. Snoopy will you let us know how the MRI goes?

Frozen I was following your unsettling 20 scan too - have you had the follow up yet?

really looking forward to hearing about the next batch of pred thread babies.

(As an aside, I can't update the list at the moment, but I appear to have lost a week; I am 15+4 today and counting the days until I can ditch the 800mg progesterone...).

Friday 4th May
The babies are arriving!
Stogan - V high NKC - cycle#2, DC#1, Baby girl born Sunday 11/03/12 7lb13.5. Our First Pred Thread Baby!
Digitalgirl - High NKC - BFP cycle#2, Baby boy (DS2) born at 39+0 on Easter Monday, 9/04/12, 8 lbs 12 Our Second Pred Thread Baby!

BFP 3rd Trimester
Coconutfeet - V High NKC, Factor II gene mutation, underactive thyroid - BFP pre-pred, started at 6 weeks 39+5 Due date: 07/05/12
Comedy - V High NKC - BFP cycle#2, DC#2 ? 37+5 C-section booked: 14/5/12
Iggi - High NKC & Hypothyroidism - BFP cycle#2, DC#2- 38+0 c-section booked for 16/5/12
BrownieGecko - High NKC, Hypothyroidism, & Glucose Intolerant. BFP Clomid cycle#3, DC#1 35+6
Freelance - V High NKC TTC#1 Hydroxychloroquine, Pred, Intralipids, 400 Cyclogest, Thyroid/hashimotos. MC 1st Pred cycle. DC#1 28+4 Next appt with Mr S, 25th May EDD 24/07/12
Cheerfulcharlie - V High NKC, MTHFR, DC#2/ (metformin, intralipids, no pred). 28+4 EDD 24/07/12

2nd Trimester
batteryhen - High NKC, factor v leiden. DC#1 BFP cycle 3. 25+1 coleyoz - V High NKC. DC#2, BFP cycle2, 24+4
FrozenNorthPole - RMC, NKC status unknown, Cyclogest, aspirin, 20+3
Mercator - V High NKC, TTC#2. 20+2
Hopefulfor2nd - High NKC - TTC#2. - 19+2
dunnit - V High NKC - , IVIG, Cyclogest and Clexane. 19+2
PQ77 - V High NKC TTC #2 (BFP cycle one but mc) 15+4

1st Trimester
To be filling up very shortly!

TTC ? ASSISTANCE - SO/IUI/IVF
duggs1976 - High/V High NKC - TTC #1 - IVF cycle #1 ?pred, intrallipids, metformin, clexane, cylogest
Havingkittens - Upgraded from High to V High NKC TTC #1 -10 pred ? 3rd cycle SO
Abney (44), SO 2, 6 MC No pred (2 chromosone, 4 unexplained), 1 DS Pred Cycle 1 & fragmin, 4 MC on Pred (1 fragmin),
eurochick - TTC#1 High NKC, pred cycle 4, Super Ov & IUI
Pebbles - TTC#1 High NKC, PCOS, super ov cycle 1 (post IVF - 1 chemical, 1 mc, combining IVF with Immunotherapy
Arianrhod - V High NKC, MTHFR homo, hypothyroid, TTC#2 (Pred & Hydroxychloroquine)
Suemays - V High NKC, TTC #2. Superov. (Pred & Hydroxychloroquine)

TTC
London - High NKC, April - mc on treatment.
ChoccyPud - V High NKC - TTC#1 (Pred & Hydroxychloroquine). April - mc on treatment.
Willitbe - RMC, NKC not tested, TTC #4 cycle 2 (after m/c 12) Fertility consultant
prescribed pred.
GreenOlives - High NKC, TTC#2, have decided to only take Pred from BFP
picolina - V High NKC MC on treatment (taking a break on holiday)
Holldoll - High NKC - Pred, Cyclogest & aspirin. MC March 2012 on treatment. Pred started at BFP.
Lemonsherbet - TTC#1 v high/high NK, Mthfr, thyroid issues, pred 1st trim & Intralipids 2nd on bfp
buster76 -V High NKC, Factor V Leiden.
BellyD - V High NKC, MTHFR homo, TTC#1 cycle 2, hydroxychloroquine
ScooterChaser - V High NKC - TTC#2 (Pred & Hydroxychloroquine)

Current status?
Cherrycheeks - V high NKC, TTC#2
Breezyweezy - V High NKC - TTC#1
AandRmum - High NKC
Cornflakes30 - V High NKC, underactive thyroid
Brownstag - V High NKC, 3 yo DS is a Pred Baby! TTC #2
Zoeella V.high NKC, Factor V Leiden. abandoned IVF, pos PCOS

Have made your change PQ and also mine based on the date the doctors are using rather than my own calculation! Have also added a day to all as required, hopefully not messed it up.

Gosh Comedy - any more signs of impending labour? Hope you last out until Monday! And then it's only a couple of days after that for iggi. Iggi, when you think back to all the stress you have had and the checks you've needed it seems so fabulous that the pregnancy is nearing it's successful ending!

Welcome back PQ. Bugger about the horrible boss. Makes for a really crap atmos at work I find. Hope the holiday was good! You will have to fill us in. I will come round for a cuppa when I have time (back from Italy on Tuesday PM). Will hopefully get the purchase of the new house through in about 4 weeks so you can come visit. Actually I am happy to have you all round for a cuppa/cakes etc! So we must make a date.

Was it Choccy's appointment with Mr S today? Do let us know how it goes.

Also I can't remember exactly but I think Frozen's follow up scan was today too. Will lurk for news with fingers crossed.

Kittens let us know about the potential pregnancy! That's really odd having ovulated at CD24 when you usually have a 25 day cycle. I remember Digi however having very long cycles and persevering and getting pregnant so you just never know. Thanks too for the message. Sorry I haven't replied yet, it's mainly because I haven't done anything new with it recently but i do want to and yes I think that is a very good idea.

Euro glad you had a great time in France - very jealous at the enjoyment of wine. Good luck with the imminent appointments too.

Just a quickie from me as am silly-busy and got to pack tonight too for the long weekend in Florence. Having to take some work with me! But I guess I had better get it in while I can anyway.

Thanks for updating the list everyone. I have gained a day and so has Charlie - we now have the same days down - so will just change back. Not sure if everyone has gained a day too then? Staring week 30 down at the moment, can't quite believe it. I have been a bit worried by less movements than yesterday but there are still quite a few so I am trying to maintain a manageable level of the walking-worried.

Ooops, just noticed that the list had been updated from Friday 4th May rather than the most recent one on 8th May. Will get onto it and try to remember/copy everything that has been added.

Am pretty sure this is ok... Last update before Holldoll was from the 8th May but she accidentally updated it from the 4th. So have taken the one from the 8th May and edited Holldoll's details, added Iggi's changes and hopefully PQ's changes were just because of the mix up and should be back on track now. Feel free to add/change if you need to!

Thursday 10th May

The babies are arriving!

Stogan - V high NKC - cycle#2, DC#1, Baby girl born Sunday 11/03/12 7lb13.5. Our First Pred Thread Baby!
Digitalgirl - High NKC - BFP cycle#2, Baby boy (DS2) born at 39+0 on Easter Monday, 9/04/12, 8 lbs 12 Our Second Pred Thread Baby!

BFP 3rd Trimester
Coconutfeet - V High NKC, Factor II gene mutation, underactive thyroid - BFP pre-pred, started at 6 weeks 40+3 Due date: 07/05/12
Comedy - V High NKC - BFP cycle#2, DC#2 ? 38+3 C-section booked: 14/5/12
Iggi - High NKC & Hypothyroidism - BFP cycle#2, DC#2- 38+0 c-section booked for 16/5/12
BrownieGecko - High NKC, Hypothyroidism, & Glucose Intolerant. BFP Clomid cycle#3, DC#1 36+4
Freelance - V High NKC TTC#1 Hydroxychloroquine, Pred, Intralipids, 400 Cyclogest, Thyroid/hashimotos. MC 1st Pred cycle. DC#1 29+2 Next appt with Mr S, 25th May EDD 24/07/12
Cheerfulcharlie - V High NKC, MTHFR, DC#2/ (metformin, intralipids, no pred). 29+2 EDD 24/07/12

2nd Trimester
batteryhen - High NKC, factor v leiden. DC#1 BFP cycle 3. 25+6
coleyoz - V High NKC. DC#2, BFP cycle2, 25+3
FrozenNorthPole - RMC, NKC status unknown, Cyclogest, aspirin, 21+1
Mercator - V High NKC, TTC#2. 21+0
Hopefulfor2nd - High NKC - TTC#2. - 20+0
dunnit - V High NKC - , IVIG, Cyclogest and Clexane. 20+0
PQ77 - V High NKC TTC #2 (BFP cycle one but mc) 15+4

1st Trimester
To be filling up very shortly!

TTC ? ASSISTANCE - SO/IUI/IVF
duggs1976 - High/V High NKC - TTC #1 - IVF cycle #1 ?pred, intrallipids, metformin, clexane, cylogest
Havingkittens - Upgraded from High to V High NKC TTC #1 -10 pred ? 3rd cycle SO
Abney (44), SO 2, 6 MC No pred (2 chromosone, 4 unexplained), 1 DS Pred Cycle 1 & fragmin, 4 MC on Pred (1 fragmin),
eurochick - TTC#1 High NKC, pred cycle 4, Super Ov & IUI
Pebbles - TTC#1 High NKC, PCOS, super ov cycle 1 (post IVF - 1 chemical, 1 mc, combining IVF with Immunotherapy
Arianrhod - V High NKC, MTHFR homo, hypothyroid, TTC#2 (Pred & Hydroxychloroquine)
Suemays - V High NKC, TTC #2. Superov. (Pred & Hydroxychloroquine)

TTC
London - High NKC, April - mc on treatment.
ChoccyPud - V High NKC - TTC#1 (Pred & Hydroxychloroquine). April - mc on treatment.
Willitbe - RMC, NKC not tested, TTC #4 cycle 2 (after m/c 12) Fertility consultant
prescribed pred.
GreenOlives - High NKC, TTC#2, have decided to only take Pred from BFP
picolina - V High NKC MC on treatment (taking a break on holiday)
Holldoll - High NKC - Pred, Cyclogest & aspirin. MC March 2012 on treatment. Pred started at BFP.
Lemonsherbet - TTC#1 v high/high NK, Mthfr, thyroid issues, pred 1st trim & Intralipids 2nd on bfp
buster76 -V High NKC, Factor V Leiden.
BellyD - V High NKC, MTHFR homo, TTC#1 cycle 2, hydroxychloroquine
ScooterChaser - V High NKC - TTC#2 (Pred & Hydroxychloroquine)
Carebear1 - V high NKC

Current status?
Cherrycheeks - V high NKC, TTC#2
Breezyweezy - V High NKC - TTC#1
AandRmum - High NKC
Cornflakes30 - V High NKC, underactive thyroid
Brownstag - V High NKC, 3 yo DS is a Pred Baby! TTC #2
Zoeella V.high NKC, Factor V Leiden. abandoned IVF, pos PCOS

Thinking of Snoopy and hoping to see her back here soon in full blooming health.

Hi all

So much to catch up on... lemon what an awful time you're having, why do things always hit at the same time?! So unfair.

Snoopy thinking of you... As others have said we're here if you need to chat or vent.

PQ ime women of say 10-20 years older than us who have reached the dizzy heights of the profession are often the worst people to work for whether or not they are married or have kids. They had to fight and bullshit their way up there, working against men who to be fair were way more dismissive of women than most are now, and have a remarkable ability to be absolute manipulative bitter old cows. You're protected whilst pg and on ML, HR know the rules, keep notes of anything bad, and try to laugh at her. Maybe not to her face, but on here if you want to share!

Looking forward to three more babies making an imminent arrival. So nice to have some good news, with the gaping hole in the pregnant side of the list and a number of us circling the shallows. On which, as people "graduate" from this thread, I hope you don't leave us entirely, it would be great to hear how you are doing, and I'm sure the rest of us will keep chatting here. We've created such a good group/community and I know it's made the world of difference to me and how I've coped with everything I've been through the last 8 months.

I saw Mr S today for my follow up. Dh and I decided a little while ago to have a few months break from ttc. I've got too much to deal with at the moment with dealing with my Dad's passing, I've been pg on and off since August, and I want to lose some weight and feel better/stronger physically and emotionally before we go again. I'd be starting from such a low point if I cracked on straight away. I'm lucky in that I (so far) get pg really quickly, so I'm not feeling pressure to keep going because of worrying it'll take a year to conceive again. I know not everyone has that "advantage". Of course there's no guarantee, but at this point it's not a factor for me.

So, I'm stopping taking Hydroxy, all the vits and supplements, everything (well, Pred as of next Tuesday) to give my body a complete break. He wants me to go and see him again a couple of months before we want to start ttc, so he can update me on a couple of things he's looking at doing/adding. One of which is TNF Alpha [watches Ari rush straight off to google ;) ] as I mc/chem before 6 weeks.

I think I'll go in July as we think we will take the summer off, as it were, so we've got plenty of time after that meeting to have whatever tests etc before starting again. Plus obviously Hydroxy has a 6 week lead in period. Hopefully I'll get the benefit of his research and other people being guinea pigs and getting and staying pg between now and July (sorry if any of them are reading this! :) ).

So, all good in the sense that we have a plan, I feel better for that level of certainty and am looking forward. Still feel very low, and constantly tired and lethargic. And still working part days which has been a real help. We are off on holiday week after next, which will be fantastic, I can't wait. Then I'll get back in the gym, lose some of Mr S's lardy Pred belly, have some fun and probably too much red wine, and enjoy the summer (assuming we ever see the sun again).

Waves to all :)

PQ It's a shame that your boss is like that. On 'This Morning' there was a woman who said that women only have babies to get out of work and how irresponsible they were to take lots of Mat leave etc. Holly Willoughby gave her what for. Silly Moo. I agree with choccy - these women are the ones for whatever reason didn't have children and feel very bitter towards the ones that do.
choccy It's nice that you have a plan. A summer off, just relaxing and not TTC sounds just the ticket for you xx
snoopy if you are lurking, we would still love to hear from you, and hope your appointments have gone as well as they could do. xx

I have looked at our list ....... I am top of the second trimester!!!! How the hell did that happen? I have my appointment with the sticky blood Dr next week then my GTT after that.

I don't know whether to bother with NCT classes. Has anyone ever been to any of them?

So have we got any people coming up to testing soon ??

I think that sounds eminently sensible Choccy. It'll do you the power of good to give your body and mind a break from the constant pressures of TTC.

Work sounds awfulPQ. When do you plan to start mat leave?

Well we've just had an offer accepted on a house today which is a massive relief, as the house hunting has been a constant source of pressure for a few months now. We've packed ds off to his aunty's for the night along with my mum and I'm hoping that being able to relax will get this labour started in order to avoid induction tomorrow morning! I had a sweep yesterday along with an acupuncture session. I had what I think was a show this morning and I've been having very mild contractions all day, so fingers crossed. DP has downloaded a contraction timer on his iphone so hopefully that'll keep him occupied when the time finally comes. I'll be back on to update you afterwards (and dp has been briefed in case I'm not capable). Feeling very excited and shitting myself a bit nervous as well.

Free Have a great weekend away. Try not to work too hard while you're there.

battery from other threads on MN that was Liz Jones, off of the DM column. Which tells you all you need to know...

choccy interesting that mr s is looking at tnf alpha as the other clinics use humira to treat it. That is the drug I was going to ask him about on my next appointment as it has good success rates but is quite pricey. Enjoy the time off TTC, I ended up putting a few pounds on rather than lose weight as was enjoying drinking wine for a change!

coconut good luck for the birth and keep us posted!

battery I can't believe you will be in the 3rd trimester soon either! I joined the Nct and found it great for the first few months of being with the baby as it can get quite lonely on your own. I am still friends with my Nct ladies and it's nice to catch up. The classes also prepare you for the birth or make you realise all the processes that can happen so it seems less scary.

Ooh coconut sounds like one way or another it's happening very soon!! Glad to hear you've got dh sorted to update us and looking forward to your news x

A very quick but positive update (please excuse cross-posting): I was scanned again by my consultant and a cardiologist this afternoon and the fluid in the pericardium hasn't increased - and may possibly have decreased a little. They declared it to be the high end of normal, and have advised scanning in a few more weeks for growth etc. which - with my pregnancy history - was going to happen anyhow. So, PHEW and I might try to relax a little.

Perhaps understandably though, I still can't believe that this will end in a take-home baby - sometimes I feel like I'm reading a script of the things you're meant to say when you're visibly pregnant. I find myself hiding my bump in public and also hide my maternity notes whenever I happen to have to carry them around. It's partially denial on my part, and partially a strong wish not to inadvertently cause a passing stranger's heart to hurt. After my 3rd loss, with no children and no diagnosis, I remember the bitter pain of seeing people with what I longed for. Even though I knew that some of them would have had to walk a difficult road to get and stay pregnant, the majority didn't know anything about that kind of struggle and I sometimes hated the fact that they got the kind of innocence and joy that was stripped out of the experience of a resilient but scarred minority of us. Does anyone else feel like that sometimes?