Pregnant (IVF) Worriers Part 3

[Buzzybee123]

Hi everyone,

This thread is for all you incessant worriers out there, not necessarily limited to IVF-ers, although I get the feeling the people who have had trouble TTC are more prone to worrying than others!

I don't really talk to the baby all that much. But I suppose it must hear my voice quite a lot, so hopefully it doesn't matter.

mrsHY glad the scan was all good. Though not immensely useful. I wonder what they're hoping they'd pick up at 32 week scans if they're considering introducing for all. Possibly growth or fluid issues I guess. Anyway, nice to see baby again.

fairy hope you're nicely resting up. Are you having to look after ds though...?

gin sorry your GP is unwell. That's a long life for him. at your daughter being a replacement for him though. I do sometimes still feel like a fraud when i loiter in the baby section as well. I feel like people can tell i have no clue what I'm looking for/at!

onion well done on your ebay bargain!

Can I ask people how soon you might think you'd be back in normal clothes? Only I am feeling a dearth of winter clothes and wondering if it's worth investing in a snuggly winter dress. Maybe one that'd not be too frumpy when i lose my tummy would be the best idea. Any thoughts anyone?

onion good to hear that ringlet has doubled her birth weight. I don't suppose the HVs can do very much since you are no doubt doing everything you can but it might conceivably be reassuring to have them come and have a look and say so?

I got totally fed up with being outbid on Ebay too and haven't bought anything there for ages even though you can get bargains. It just didn't feel worth the effort. And I really don't understand why some people bid on an item right away and then never again.

mrs v glad to hear the baby is just the right size. I think a 32 week scan for everyone is an excellent idea, at least it would stop a lot of worries about the baby being too big or small or whether the placenta is in the right place.

gin i think a beloved pet is a beloved pet whatever the species! I have a friend who was extraordinarily attached to her childhood budgie. She gets teary recalling his death even now.

keep I was finding looking after DS rather tiring but my mum arrived on Sunday so that helps. At the moment DH is commuting to London so he leaves at 7:15 am and isn't back until 8pm. Without my mum here I would be finding it tough. At the moment I have to have an hour long nap a day or else I feel completely spaced out. I am still feeling the occasional twinge and a bit of nausea from time to time but no other signs. I have an appointment with a consultant on Monday (my due date) to discuss 'options' if I go significantly overdue. I have heard different suggestions, some of the MWs say that I would not be induced but would have to go for CS, others have said that I could have a pessary induction but not the drip. I had previously thought that if I got to 40 +10 and no sign I would just skip the agony and have a CS but there is just something in me that really doesn't want another one. I'll just have to see what the consultant says, alhtough then it rather comes down to one person's opinion which I may agree with or I may not.

I did read this morning a study that found that shorter women (eg under 163 cm or 5'4", which I am) have shorter pregnancies. I've also read that your previous pregnancies and your mother's pregnancies give an indication of whether you will go overdue so if that is true I should be on time.

So as you can see I have now found a new topic to fret about! Hopefully I will just sneeze and she will appear around 5am this Sat.

Hi to everyone else!

keep I have had an avalanche of Boden catalogues through my door and have been very tempted by a svelte wool winter dress but have decided against it. I just don't know when I will be my normal size again, if ever and having something lovely and relatively expensive hanging in my cupboard that I can't fit into would just make me feel worse. With DS it took a few months to be back to my "heaviest normal" size and almost a year to where I wanted to be, but I think everyone is different.

Hi
Just had a MW appt and am very proud to report that not only is shazlett head down ( we all had a feel which was amazing) but she is 4/5ths engaged. So making her descent! How exciting. MW said that by 38 wks (3 weeks time) she should be 1/5. I've blown up the birth ball so I'm going to sit on that all the time now to encourage her to edge her way down. Hb was good and clear enough for DP to hear it on the pinnard thingy. So all fine chez shaz.

Onion get you with your swishy MN fame. I forget that everyone can read our musings. good eBay purchasing. I know what you mean about Xmas. I'm going to tell everyone not to get us pressies cause they will have probably got stuff for the baby anyway. Last year I made biscuits and put them in nice bags tied with ribbon. Hurrah for ringlet doubling her weight but that they have no suggestion re feeds at night.

MrsH good news re scan and mini miss. 8lb sounds like a good healthy weight. Sweet about her long legs.

Gin getting up is getting me down if you get what I mean! Not long to go now though and it's worth it to get some exercise in. Im so stiff when I get up that I have to stretch out and get moving. It's not much but I think that it has kept me supple. So cute that you have a GP. I had one as a child that gave birth a couple of weeks after we had her. I'm allergic to rabbits so that's why I ended up with a guinea pig. I hope that we will see a lot of each other over the next few months so no, not sick of you

Keep not sure about clothes. I'm wearing the summer dresses with leggings underneath. I've got a couple of long sleeve stretchy tops that Ive been lent so I'm hoping to make do with those and jeans with a cardy. It's cold this morning though so I do need to get a coat. Primark here I come.

Hope everyone else is ok. What's happening at Noks towers. Very quiet over there!

I'm on my way to my work baby shower. They are having tea and cake for me in the boardroom. So sweet of them. It's only for an hour and then we can all do back to work.

Hi fairy we xposted

Glad your mum is here to help. DH has a long day. That's hard for both of you. How long is his contract for?

Fingers crossed that you sneeze and mini fairy pops out . Maybe try some of the natural methods to bring on labour before going down the cs route. But it hopefully won't come to that. There is always something new to think about!

Shazza 4/5 engaged!! Sounds like Shazlett knows exactly what to do. Very exciting. Get bouncing on that ball. Enjoy your cake babyshower and hope you get to take it easy for the rest of the afternoon.

Gin sorry you fur baby is still not well, any fur baby is acceptable. I remember having a hamster in my 20s and was such a blubbering wreck in the vets that I had to be shown out of the back door. I totally understand where you are coming from.

Fairy interesting stats on shorter women having shorter pregnancies. My DM had c-sections with me & my brother as we were both breach. She is also small at 5ft 2 and only weighed 8st 2lb at term with me. I am not sure they would let you do that these days. Although that said I have not been weighed by my MW. I did mention to her that I have gained less than a stone so far and was this normal at 28 weeks with twins. She was very non plussed and said it is better to gain less than more - helpful NOT.

keep I don't talk to the twins either, but never stop wittering on really so I am sure they will know my voice or quickly learn it when they are here.

Not sure what to suggest about clothes as I am not planning to buy any more mat stuff and have already packed all my work clothes into storage bags. I have loads of house wear (leggings, jeggings, jumper dresses, tunics and cardigans) for when I will be home post birth. I now realise most of my things were probably bigger than they needed to be considering how long into my pregnancy they still fitted. I would suggest getting a couple of cheap (supermarket or sales) items for the early post period and then splash a bit more cash ready for Spring/Summer.

My scan on Monday went well, twins are both nearly 3lb each. We discussed mode of delivery with the consultant which didn't go the way I wanted but am going back to see the midwife. I was hoping for a c-section but as both twins are head down and very similar in weight they wouldn't allow me an ELCS unless things change. I know they will arrive one way or another so I am trying not to stress about it just yet.
Other than that all good, I have started ready the twins books I was lent. I am sorry to say I am finding the Gina Ford one really good and has helpful tips. She strikes me as someone who loves a list and is very organised. I know she is very set in her methods but if one thing works then it is worth giving it a go.

Sweetie Great news about the scan. So forgive my ignorance but I'm guessing they are suggesting you have a vaginal birth. There's no other way right?!!! Sounds like you don't need to worry about weight. If the twins are ok and you feel ok then that's great. Maybe you will put more on later. Re Gina ford she isn't for everyone but you might benefit from a routine with twins so go for it if it feels right for you. At the end of the day it's what is right for you and your family.

So Ive just had abit of an embarrassing moment in John Lewis. I think that I was getting Braxton hicks but I'm not sure. My belly got really tight and went high on one side. I'm not sure if it was shazlett or Braxton hicks. Anyway I was crouching down looking at wool and I tried to get up but didn't have the strength in my legs so instinctively I leaned on the shelf and broke it! How cringey! A lady asked if I was alright (I'm still squatting at this point) and I said I couldn't get up. She didn't offer to help me. She just said I was lucky not to bang my head. In the end I got up by sticking my bum in the air and rolling up like I do in my Pilates. Not my most demure preggers moment. I felt like an elephant. I'm heading for home now. Not sure what's going on in my belly. We've had a big day shazlett and I with all the MW poking around and then the tea party and now our JL incident. I think it's an early night for us. Xx

sweetie somewhat naively I thought anyone with twins would automatically be offered a section?

I reckon it takes a lot of being organised to keep twins happy. Gina's certainly your woman for that.

About clothes. I fit into most of my prepreg clothes but my norks are too big for a few things. I put on 2 stone but still have half a stone to lose. I was a 10 / 12 but am defo a 12 now. I reckon as fairy says, about a year is right. Consider whether you plan to breastfeed though as that is very limiting. I wear jeans and a floppy top every single day and it's very boring. I just can't wear dresses or tunics and leggings because of access. On the plus side it will feel like having a whole new wardrobe when I finally stop feeding her.

Shazz hope you enjoyed the cake and had an otherwise easy day. 4/5 engaged sounds all heading nicely southwards. I did a spreadsheet of Xmas presents and reeled at the cost. I've tried to persuade my siblings to do a one gift thing but they won't so I'm stuck having to buy a gazillion presents. I bought some three packs of cheap floral tins in Ikea so we'll fill them with gingerbread men.

I am weaning ringlet gin, it's just at this age they mostly play with the food and not much goes in so it's not a reliable way to build them up. Today she had porridge and toast for breakfast. carrot purée and a bit of bread for lunch and mashed broccoli, potato and cheese for tea. I reckon she ate a teaspoon of each! She still has the same number of feeds and still refuses formula but I'm now giving it her in a sippy cup to try and trick her. Unsuccessfully of course.

fairy glad your mum is with you. Mums are great. I look forward to hearing about your sneeze birth on Saturday evening once you've recovered!

Waves at everyone else!

shazza cross posted. Sounds like a mixture of both. Are you ok? Definitely have an early night.

(The hazards of yarn!)

I'm ok thanks onion. I know, that'll teach me for buying more yarn!

I'm nearly home. Lots of twinges in my belly. Looking forward to getting into bed.

Weaning sounds interesting. Lots of cooking and not much going in! Ringlet is a canny lass alright. There is no tricking her!

Hope you had a good rest.

Weaning is spectacularly messy, she flings everything on the floor given half a chance. She's been feeding all night again tonight though, I am very tired and also have a headache.

sweetie I think you are allowed to insist on an ELCS if you are really keen. But great in a way that they think you can do it naturally.

shaz I'm shocked at that woman yesterday not helping you up. How weird, and mean! Poor you, I'm glad you got home ok, and now you just have one more week at work. You can do it!! I'm quite jealous of you being able to take it easy at the end - as you know I only started work relatively recently, and things will be picking up towards the end, rather than easing down. Still, only 3 more weeks for me too.

btw I'm so glad shaz is heading downwards - well done. I've been reading about lots of babies who twist around right at the last minute, and MW getting it wrong about whether they are back to back, sideways or whatever, so I guess you can never tell. But at least head down is good.

I have a rather embarrassing worry/question. The other day when doing a wee I clenched for a minute, but was surprised to hear that something was still coming out. I thought my pelvic floor exercises weren't working, but tried the same thing later and it stopped on cue. So since then I've been worrying that it was my waters. It couldn't be, could it? No contractions, mucus plug, only 33 weeks, nothing since and nothing when not weeing. No, it couldn't have been.

fairy that's lovely that your mum is there. I really hope your labour starts off tonight just after your husband gets home. If you can time that I will be in awe. Poor him with such a long commute - that sounds tiring.

madness remind me when your next scan is? Hope you're doing ok now the first one is over.

Shazza how are you feeling this morning? I wouldn't worry about the JL incident I am sure a lot worse has happened in their stores before now. Hope the twinges were just BH and they have eased. It might be a sign you are doing a bit too much, try to take it easy if you can.

Onion I really feel for you on these epic feeding missions. I am not surprised you are tired and have headache.
I was also under the impression it would be very likely I would have a c-section for delivery of twins too. But apparently our NHS Trust doesn't support ELCS for non medical reasons. I was a bit shocked as I had just thought that would be it but obviously not.
I hadn't thought about the access issues post birth, I was just thinking what I already had that could be utilised. I am not sure if I am up to BF twins but will see how it goes.

Keep x post. The mw at our parenting evening said if your waters go you will continue to leak so to wear a pad to monitor the situation. If the pad is getting wet and needing replacing then it is likely it was your waters otherwise it is just normal dampness. HTH but ring your mw if worried, that is what they are there for.

keep what sweetie said. It's more like an on off trickle when that happens so just monitor the situation. FWIW my wee just used to fall out of me towards the end of pregnancy. I didn't feel like I had any control at all.

Also yes shazza that woman should have helped you. Bad karma to her today.

sweetie I think to attempt to bf twins must be a gargantuan effort. I see one woman doing it at a baby group I go to and she has a special poncho and everything. Non-medical reasons is open to interpretation, I would cite number of twin deliveries that result in emcs and increased risks of fetal distress. Plus can you score some 'advanced' maternal age points as well!? I'm not sure you're old enough though. Basically, if you really want one, you'll get one. You might just have to agitate.

Thanks sweetie that's definitely not happened so I'll keep an eye. Our nct person said most people could produce enough to feed twins, but its whether you can have time. I guess even feeding them for a short time is good. Or mixed feeding. Just see how it goes. My dh would do gina. I feel like I wouldn't, but agree its whatever works for you. You are v organised so am sure will cope with twins fine!

shazza your JL experience is rather funny to read but I can understand why it was probably rather awkward and embarrassing to go through. Weird the lady didn't offer to help you but people are weird. I think sometimes they're afraid to offer to help pg women in case you are offended but since you said you couldn't get up you'd think she would at least make a gesture at it. Sounds like you had a strong BH, mine often make my bump go up on one side in a big lump.

It's great having my mum here because my energy levels just go up and down all the time. Sometimes I feel quite normal and other times even brushing my teeth seems a bit too much. According to the Bumpology book none of the usual recommended methods for starting labour (eg pineapple, curry, sex, long walks) really does much apart from castor oil. Ick.

sweetie I'm surprised like the others that an ELCS is not an automatic option for you with twins. But I imagine that if you go into labour spontaneously they wouldn't let you go on for very long without intervening so you wouldn't end up with the prolonged labour plus EMCS that is the killer. AS you say best not to stress about it too much until you are farther along. I think re Gina Ford that if it works for you and for your child it must be great but the various methods are often presented as though you just have to pick the 'best one' rather than the one that suits you and the baby.

I remember when I was BFing DS marvelling at women who BFed twins but one of my colleagues at work managed it for about 3-4 months. She luckily had two hungry boys who had no problem latching on.

keep if it had been your waters I think you would notice persistent leaking or else contractions - although with DS mine went in a gush and I was incredibly excited and changed my clothes immediately. Then we went to the hospital and they couldn't find any on the pad and I began to doubt whether it happened or not! They said that the baby's head can wedge in like a cork and stop all but a trickle. I had regular contractions by then though so they said they must have gone when I felt them. I have been doing pelvic floor exercises but am still a bit damp all the time, it's hard to ascertain what is going on exactly.

onion I had forgot all about how BF access issues restrict your wardrobe. Well that's another reason not to buy a new dress!

Fairy glad your Mum is easing things for you and you can concentrate on resting. I have no advice on starting things off but I hope you don't have too much longer to wait.

Onion thanks for the advice re mode of delivery. I have done some more research this morning and there is nothing specifically stated on the Leeds NHS Trust website. I think I will have to present a strong case to everyone, including my own GP who I have been seeing for the past 10 years for anxiety related issues, and see where I can gain the best support. I will be 40 the week before the twins are due so will be a proper geriatric first timer plus I believe IVF pregnancies are considered high risk even without the twins element. I would think I can create a very good case.

Nice guidelines say you should be offered one if you insist, though they are only guidelines.

Keep just popping in regarding your wee/water incident - I will now share a very embarrassing incident with you - I was at a client site a couple of weeks ago, went for a wee, wiped, got up from the seat as I was finished and it was only when I got up that I realised I was still weeing a bit! Cue frantic wiping of royal blue trousers (they're nicer than they sound) with tissue paper/ trying to adopt a strange angle underneath the hand-dryer as I had basically pissed all over my own trousers, while at the same time frantically hoping nobody else would come into the bathrooms. Mortifying. But hasn't happened again... yet. I swear sometimes baby HY lies on my bladder in a funny way/ is pinching some sort of pee pipe that she then releases, causing her mother to be incontinent. What a b*tch. :)

How awful mrshy but that sounds familiar to me. I never actually pissed myself in pregnancy but did piss uncontrollably all over the hospital floor 12 hours after having DD1 as I was in such a mess and had no sensation. I cleaned it up myself as I was so embarrassed!

Definitely throw in the anxiety element, sweetie, I was going to use that too if needed but mine was waved through. I was 40 the month before I had her which was going to be another line of attack as age is a predictor for emcs.

Oh no mrsH how awful. Poor you...

As it's Friday, a little Friday funny for you all:
www.buzzfeed.com/tomphillips/the-best-of-the-amazing-penis-beaker-debate

FYI, I DON'T have a penis beaker.

Evening everyone,

The end of a crazy week here and I am looking forward to a quiet week off with MrM. We are heading up north to a little cottage. I have lots of good mystery novels and bought some yarn (thought off you shazza as I crouched down to check out colours!). Internet is banned so I will be missing in action until next weekend.

sweetie good luck with the negotiations but fab that the twins are both growing well and a good weight. Breast feeding twins sounds gruelling but it can be done. I've seen some good pillows so you can have one on each side while researching all things twin related after reading the poster about multiples in my fertility clinic. You will find whatever works best for your family I'm sure.

All this talk of weeing and pelvic floor exercises makes me think I should start now. A weeing myself incident in front of a class of children would be difficult to live down..... Glad I booked that Pilates class!

keep my next scan is Nov 6th. I feel good really. Boobs are as huge as ever but I am getting used to it. Vague nausea here and there but nothing major. I swing from thinking that this is all good to this being a sign that I'm not pregnant enough . Tis all very surreal just now.

Can't remember who was talking about winter dresses? I was looking at the vertbaudet website. Not sure what their stuff is like yet obviously but they have dresses that they claim are wearable before and after birth, with space for a bump and then access for feeding afterwards. A good idea if it works. One of them looked knitted and cosy.

Big waves to all and I hope that I come back next week to lots of good news and well rested mums and babies.

I'm disappointed to say that the stork did not drop a beautiful baby into my arms at 5 am this morning. Hopefully he will do another flyover tonight.

I am feeling a bit achey and unusual but it may just be wishful thinking.

madness enjoy your week away and good to hear you are not stressing too much!