The Berry-Copter!!! (Early 2015 edition)

[FeatherFeather11]

Here we go! Here's to a big Berrie clusterdiff from the other thread and many a safe and healthy baby Berrie arrival in 2015!

38 weeks tomorrow! I'm getting a hell of a lot of 'lightning crotch' at the moment, rp. Are you? Not sure what else you mean by early labour symptoms, but finding it harder to get comfortable etc, the odd twinge in the lower belly I think...eeeek! It's all happening very soon now, isn't it? Have you packed your hosp bag? Not that you'll need it of course. Been asking mates what their top advice is on that front and several have said drinking straws! Might be worth having some at home if you don't already but apparently you can't be arsed swigging water etc in labour....

How is everyone else?

spare thinking of you and hope you can update us soon.

Spare has updated on the FB group that she is waiting for blood tests and another scan in 2 weeks and considering Harmony.
I had my 28 week appt yesterday, all OK but measuring 1cm ahead on fundal height, not enough to worry the midwife though.

Lady my MW told me within 3cm was fine.

So is spare okay? Sounds like yes...?

I have just had a bit of a shocker with mat pay today as got my payslip through and it's about £300 less than I thought.

HR had told me I'd get 4 weeks' full pay, followed by a couple of weeks at 90% pay etc. So as I only went off this week I assumed I'd have a full pay packet on the 23rd - but they seem to have started making deductions already. When I rang up they said it was due to how the figures were inputted but I don't really get that I'm hoping it's just that they are averaging my salary out over the term of the leave but tshirt totally wasn't clear..... Argh!

Hi guys,
Thanks for updating everyone bunny

Mixed news from the consultant appointment...
The cysts were still there on the neck and the bladder is also a little on the large side.
These are both markers for a chromosomal abnormality but cut off measurement for concern is 7mm for bladder size and the bean's is 6.2mm. And the chromosomal abnormality associated with a large bladder also tends to show other issues which I don't have so it may resolve itself in time.
They are rushing the blood test results for the combined screening and will scan me again in two weeks so I guess I just need to keep my fingers crossed til then!

I also googled my nuchal fold results (2.2mm when the sonographer did it on monday and 1.7mm when the consultant did it yesterday) and that seems low risk, so trying to concentrate on that...

And thanks for all the and lovely words
Berries are the best

spare glad you've been reassured a bit and hoping for more good news coming your way soon. Is lady right in saying that you are considering Harmony? I am having a Nifty screen (which is basically the same thing as harmony, it's also a non-invasive cf DNA based test but uses a slightly different DNA sequencing technology) next Saturday (31st). Anyway, happy to let you know any details about the test or technology if you're interested as I have researched it a bit (though I am sure you have too!) and have a background in Genetics and cell biology.

RP and feather not long for you guys to go now. How are you feeling? excited? nervous? wondering if you'll ever sleep again?

RP the issue with your pay definitely doesn't sound right, I don't think they should be averaging it, should they? as you can always change your mind about how long you take off. I know our HR department is always getting things wrong as they get the apprentices to handle the calculations and the poor guys often don't have a clue how to do anything even a bit out of the ordinary - perhaps they can share their calculations with you or reassure you that you'll get the funds repaid.

I've had my first midwife appointment today and the midwife was really kind and nice (for some reason I always imagined them as really mean, so was pleasantly surprised). I've been put under consultant care because of my slightly "needy" uterus but otherwise all well.
I am kept going by the thought of yesterday's scan - I've got a picture where the little one seems to be waving, that I keep sneaking a little look at. Still doesn't feel real...

Spare just posting in haste to say that my baby had enlarged kidneys at the 20w scan which can be a marker for Downs. They rescanned at 33w and all was well. We only had that one sign too, no others.

A tiny part of me won't be fully happy till she's born safely but I think they flag lots of stuff up which turns out to be nothing. They're ultra cautious. But it will ever likely be fine :) for both of us!!

Hi Berries!

How are you getting on with finding a more suitable pool RP? Hope you're settling into Mat Leave a bit more now. I'm looking forward to your feedback about hypnobirthing. Mostly because it'll mean your baby is here (yey!) but I trust you all to be totally honest about stuff like that. When you say it was brilliant and was great (which it will be) I'll believe you over 10 good reviews on Amazon.

Rabbit is super cute Lady. My friend did Hypno birth and she said it was superb and she had a 10lber! She was chatting and alert at 10cms.

I am feeling worse Pearl but thanks for asking. Have you told your midwife about itchy skin? I'm sure it can be nothing or symptomatic of something. E45 does an itchy skin relief cream, would have to check if suitable during pregnancy but I do rate it. Glad everything showed okay at your scan.

Glad you're feeling more relaxed Bushy.

I did have sickness with DS feather, ended up admitted at 8 months, should have been well before really.

Sending huge Berry love your way Spare.

Sorry if I missed anyone out or any updates. I hadn't been on in a few days so had two pages open. One to read and then go onto the other page with responses.

I had my first midwife appointment today. We're going for homebirth or MLU but nothing set in stone just yet. My morning sickness was terrible yesterday as I hadn't kept anything down in days. I managed 9 sprouts and a yorkshire pudding last night. I raised this with my midwife, she says if concerned they'll do a wee test and admit to EPU if needed.

So different from with DS, where I was ignored for 8 months before my Mam took me in to Maternity unit and insisted I needed help. Apparently GP's are so scared after the thalidomide thing they hate doing anything for morning sickness , I've lost 6lb since Christmas. I'm kinda cross the midwife didn't check my wee today actually, but she was nice and was reassuring. I'm living on lucozade which can't be good for Pod.

Hey berries. Still here catching up on your posts. Welcome to newberries that I haven't said hello to yet. Exciting to hear from the mat leave berries eeek!

Spare the waiting game sucks but better they're being cautious and you're getting all the info you can.

As for me I survived the no symptom freak out last week. Hunger pangs back with a vengeance (eating bananas at 1am, gained 5lbs in 10 wks) and heartburn for first time tonight after having something spicy. Booking in with MW on Fri finally.

On the itchy skin whoever asked..I have the same. MW suggested no moisturiser before bed, don't get too warm and have banana (potassium) and milk. ? I tend to undress...find pjs prickly and helps cool down.

Ello berries!

bair the sickness sounds horrible!hope you feel better soon. I kinda agree with you that they should be doing something, you can't survive on lucozade alone but totally get why gps are reluctant, like you say with thalidomide. Still, they sort out old Kate Middleton so why not you.

pixie the hunger is insane isn't it!! I'm hungry 2 hours after eating. On a weekend I eat 2 breakfasts! One when I get up & one when dh does!!

spare they go into so much detail it's a lot to take on board. Hope everything is as it should be. Like rp says sometimes they're just being extra cautious.

pearl loving your needy uterus!! It's lovely seeing that first movement and pic. My scan pic just made me grin from ear to ear.

rp that doesn't sound right with your pay at all. Full pay to me is exactly what I would expect. Worthwhile getting it checked out.

Lightning crotch- ooh er!!

bair
I had a couple of weeks of rotten sickness and my GP prescribed me Metacopramide and it was lifechanging! Completely safe during pregnancy but really effective.
Might be worth asking if they'll give you some?

Place marking

Hello all!

Bair decided to give up on getting a smaller pool for the moment because we have one, and it's useable if not perfect, and if I have to go to hospital with high BP, which is still a possibility, it will have been a waste of money. Plus I'm already 38+3 so even if I ordered tonight it might not get here in time.

Feather how are you? I have been getting some serious pelvic pressure and cramping today. Really feels like she is trying to break out through my poor pelvic floor! Had a blue day yesterday with feeling upset about maternity pay - they still haven't answered my email requesting clarification - but better today. I washed the car, thinking all that bending and carrying might start stuff off, and went for a long walk, and cleaned the Moses basket. How prepared are you now? I am going to make up the snuzpod tomorrow so if she does arrive we can pop her straight into bed the first night :)

On itchy skin, I've used E45 anti itch cream on bump.

Spare how are you feeling? How long till you get results back?

spare I'm with rp on this. They tend to be very extra cautious, although that doesn't help you with the wait. Hope you and Mr Spare are ok. I am sure everything will be ok.

rp feeling exhausted, actually. You? I'm sorry about your mat pay and that you've been feeling blue: sounds like they've messed up and might be an idea to send a stern email saying it's stressing you in your last weeks of pregnancy and that you need it sorted asap? In terms of readiness: nearly there! Bednest needs to be built
And a few thinks need to find their place in our flat, and I would like to - if I get a chance - do some batch cooking early next week as our freezer is bare. OH is a fantastic cook, but thought it would be a good idea to get a few of our 'usuals' in the freezer. Are you doing that?

Hello everyone else. It's just after 3am here and the insomnia is at an all-time high. Trying not to let my brain 'wake up' too much so will read the thread properly and reply later in the day. Hope you're all well.

hi berries. I was wondering if I could join you. I did partake on the ttc thread this time last year as saznut and because consultant appointments were taking so long I felt I couldn't really contribute.
I had been ttc no 1 for 3 and a half years. found out tubes were damaged beyond repair following a lap&dye in Aug so ivf followed in November. I had 1 5 day blast put back on 21st Dec and on new years day we tested and found we were expecting.

I had my first scan yesterday with tears rolling down my face because until I heard there was a heart beat I still didn't believe it was true. my edd is 8th September, and they said I was 5w6 but I thought I was later. that bits a bit confusing. now its time to leave my fc and join normal dr.
I've really enjoyed reading everyone else's news, feather and rp, I remember you from last year so very exciting to see how close you both are.

thanks for listening x

Congratulations Fluffy! I remember you from the ttc thread. Are you going to have another early scan or do you think you can last until 12 weeks?
I went to an antenatal breastfeeding class this week, it was really good but it still feels like I'm an imposter!

Ello berries, feather have you had a nap today? Being up at 3am must suck. I'm working at home today... Tho not done any work yet!! Thought I'd set an alarm but didn't so woke up just before 9- I clearly needed it. Then pottered round putting washing round, then had 2 friends round for a cuppa. One didn't know I was pg so got to tell her. Was really nice to talk to her as she had a mmc previous to her boy so could totally relate to the relief and anxiety over scans etc. She did say a friend lent her a Doppler which she found reassured her. She said the anxiety is hard but is so much better when the baby comes out.

Think I've got a bit of a bump now! Tried sucking it in but still sticks out quite a lot!

Hello fluffy, what a lovely story. It's a bit scary hearing that you're going to be discharged from fc to doctors isn't it. We had one cycle of Ivf which sadly ended in miscarriage but before we were due to start 2nd cycle I fell pg so the fc gave us an early scan then discharged us so know how you feel.

Ladies what is a bed nest and a snuzpod?

rp you have been one busy lady! Hope you are feeling better, the maternity pay will resolve itself.

Can I ask when, or if anyone earlier on in their pg, started using creams on their bump. I haven't used anything yet but was wondering whether to. I've heard that bio oil has lots of nasties in it so was looking for something natural & safe. I do have a bottle of bio oil but just not sure whether to use it.

Well, you lot will never guess what I was doing at 2.22 this morning, but I'll give you a hint......

Which is....!

her name is Dorothea, and she was born at home after a very fast labour, and she weighs 6lbs 15oz

Lady.... Does this make you up next??!

Waaaa rp!!!!!!! Congratulations! She couldn't wait any longer then. Gorgeous gorgeous! Well done on the home birth did you get to use the pool? And short labour...sounds easy?!

Congratulations RP! So glad you got the birth you wanted, did the midwife get there in time? That carrycot is a beautiful colour, I hope the new dad is busy constructing the snuzpod! I'm definitely not next, hopefully cooking this baby for another 11 weeks yet, it's Feather next and then Chloe.

Bushy, snuzpod and bednests are 0-6 month cribs which attach to the bedside so that you can sort of co-sleep. Not cheap but they have a good resale value and the nct bednest can be hired. There are some other brands as well. This is the Snuzpod

List update:
In the Berry Nursery
Merkin: Delivery date: 21 March, girl
Thunder: Delivery Date: 26 March, girl
Tally: Delivery Date: 7 April, girl
Boom: Delivery date : 11 April, girls x 2!
Katatonic: Delivery date: 24 April, girl
PoppySeedBun: Delivery date: 23rd April, girl
Brodicea: Delivery date: 7th May - girl
Kitty: Delivery date: 20th May - girl,
Puppymummy: Delivery date: 5th June - boy
Foody: Delivery date: 17th June - boy
Qazxc: Delivery date: 17th June - girl
Angel: Delivery date: 4th July - boy
Charming: Delivery date : 9th August - boy
Jessplus: Delivery Date 22nd August - boy
Dartmoor: Delivery Date 8th Sept - boy
Bunny: Delivery Date 7th Oct - boy
Sidney: Delivery Date 10th Oct - boy
Yorkie: Delivery Date 8th Nov - boy
Win: Delivery date 12th Jan - boy
RP: Delivery date 23rd Jan - girl

In the chopper
Feather: EDD 5th February - girl
Chloe: EDD 23rd March - girl
Lady: EDD 12th April - girl
Kitten: EDD 13th April - boy
Bushy: EDD 20th July
thelentil: EDD 27th July
Sparechange: EDD 5th August
Pixie: EDD 17th August
Aquarius: EDD 20th August
Pearlcrystal: EDD 26th August
Otters: EDD 31st August
Bair: EDD 31st August
FluffyNut: EDD 8th September

RP!!!!! Congratulations! She's gorgeous and I've always loved the name Dorothea

Oh congratulations RP, she's gorgeous! Well worth staying up all night for.