PMA Grads Thread :-)

[Dollydaydream2829]

Hey ladies,
We've finally made it to the other side and are journeying through the unknown territory of pregnancy! Here to share our stories, our worries and keep that all important PMA!
This is a thread for our PMA TTC Grads and for any women expecting their babies and feel like injecting a bit of positivity into their pregnancy journeys and the gang!
Feel free to join and introduce yourselves below :-)

Also 're the antenatal classes @baking I was expecting a 6 week course lol but it's only 2 sessions at 1.5 hours each So that's obv why they don't do them until 32 weeks!!

Agree with most of you don't think any of that sounds too late. Have rough ideas in place but just think about if you get later on in pregnancy some people struggle more to manage. Someone at my work left 6 weeks before as she just was so uncomfortable.

I'll plan to start maternity leave two weeks before due date. An take two weeks AL before that I think so finish 4 weeks before. One week of AL for definate as don't want to be at work past full term at 37 weeks. As most places I believe make you take what AL you have left for the remaining AL year before you go off. An you can't take it across to the next AL year. So therefore I may aswell take it. Worth checking the maternity policies at work girls as mine states that. So if I didn't take it before I go I'd lose it anyway as the new AL year would start in April.

Think also just bear in mind if you only start maternity leave like one week before due date. If baby comes 3 weeks early. Your maternity starts when baby arrives so will be shifted forward anyway. So we can plan but who knows what these mischievous baby's wil do 😂😂

Moo sound like you got on well at pram shopping! Exciting making all the decisions for the new arrival.

thanks ladies. had a mild panic that i was being naive that ill be able to work til about 2/3 weeks before baby due.

my leave year works 1/4 til 31/3 so i get to use all my leave for this year before baby comes. i get 3 months full pay then 6 months stat pay. i'm planning on taking another 3 months no pay so ill have a year in total. this means i'll be due back christmas 2018 BUT ill then also have my whole years leave entitlement for next year to take between returning and 31/3 so it could be february 2019 before i go back... DH says i'm just delaying the inevitable but if it works a like that then ill be delighted.

iv never had more than 3.5 weeks off work in my life! how weird will it be to not have to go to work everyday?

(ps i'm on my 2nd bueno of that day - don't judge as this is my first chocolate in months as id gone off sweet things)

Exactly @Anna! These babies are gonna come when they are ready - what's that saying about the best laid plans?! My work are quite flexible about carrying over leave (as I'm normally too busy to take it!) You have me thinking out loud about this now - Our leave year starts 1 May and I carried over 9 days this year - I'm only planning to take 11 days between May and Oct before i go off plus my addiitonal week would be 16 days so I'll still have 17 days left to take before end of April 18 (but can carry them over). Hmm that's quite a lot of days! I'll also accumulate 9 stat days and 6 more annual leave days while off so potentially an extra 6 weeks ... Or 15 x 3 day weeks to ease myself back in ... I need to write all this down!!

Baby kicking away this morning - best feeling in the world!! 😍

Hi ladies,
I'm just in the middle of a beautiful weekend of nightshift. REALLY struggling with them now and I'm only 22 weeks! What's it gonna be like third trimester?! I'm hoping I get on better tonight as I got a much better sleep today that it's not been so warm. Anyone else struggling to sleep right? Doesn't help that I need to wake up 20million times to pee Haha!

As for maternity, my plan is to go off around 20th October IF I can get away with it. A lot of my nursing friends advised 36weeks as it's just so tiring being on your feet and coping with shift work at near enough full term so I'll be realistic..I have 4 weeks of holidays left so can either use them leading up to the due date or carry them over til after maty leave. I'm so fortunate in my work that we get such a decent maty pay that I can afford the year. Just been busting in the overtime the last 8 weeks to boost my pay and then they take that as an average and spread it out over the year, instead of the 6months full pay, 3months half pay and 3months no pay way. I think everyone sounds very sensible as to when they are planning to leave. I have a couple of girls in my yoga class who are working right up to their due date just about....

Good choice on the pram moo - we went for the silvercross wayfarer. I fell in love with it. Not looked at anything else yet and certainly not started the nursery, although the plan is in the next month or so! Just because I've heard some furniture has waiting lists etc?! Madness...

Just a quick check in ladies. Last time round I worked until 10 days before my due date, but was working from home, so had no commute, and could plan my hours as suited me. Plus self-employed, so only get maternity allowance, so wanted to work as long as possible. As it happened could have worked till delivery, as I never got big with DS and never had any pregnancy niggles, but you never know. Now I just fit a bit of work around DS, so just going to keep doing that and will pick up work again once I can after birth, as DH is taking extra time off as shared parental leave, as I just earn enough for us to qualify for this.

Lovely to feel kicks Moo isn't it and nice when DP can feel them too :)

afternoon all

nice to hear all the mat leave plans. love that we're all planners 😁 hope our babies stick to the plan too haha. that is the danger of my plan in that if baby comes early, my mat will start and override my leave and the leave is therefore just lost. that would twist my melon as it's my entitlement down the swanny! might end up bringing it all forward a week or two to avoid that BUT then what if baby is 2 weeks late?? that would be a month of mat leave gone. ohhhh who knows haha the mind fuckery continues haha

MIL made me shop til i dropped today! almost literally, have a terrible pain in my side (most probably wind tbh). nursery furniture all sorted and carpet for nursery purchased. she also picked up the bottle prep machine and steriliser. even tho i protested and said it was too early to even pay deposits etc she gave me 1 of her "this money is burning a
hole in my pocket" looks that means don't stop me haha.

I went for a cotbed, chest of drawers and wardrobe. all in white high gloss. i was set on grey furniture that i'd seen online but the white set from today was nice, clean and simple style so right up my street. i have a couple of walls to paint in the nursery so ill be busy with that over the next few weeks and then we're all systems go for the carpet and furniture to come. yipeeee

i have a super busy week this week in work, i have 1 of my team off on hols and a new start so it means i'll be talking non stop all week. i'm off on hols the following week so ill probably be mute for the first few days. we've booked a cottage in the lakes and i cannot bloody wait 😁

i'm still fantasising about DHs red wine from last night... 😤

Certainly sounds like a busy shopping trip Bella! We went for a cotbed, wardrobe and change table with storage beneath - just went for Ikea, but liked the fact the change table converts into a desk when you no longer need it. Couldn't really use the change table after 6 months once DS was rolling here, there and everywhere, but all the storage beneath is very handy for nappies, wipes, towels etc. DS is still in the cotbed, took the bars off a few months ago, but will be moving him into a proper bed next month, so it's plenty before his sister arrives. Not that she'll be sleeping in the nursery till she's at least 6 months, but don't want him feeling pushed out once she's here.

Love a cottage break Bella and excellent choice of location - though probs biased with the Lakes being on our doorstep :) Sounds like a lovely reward for the hectic week ahead that you have.

I can't say no to Dairy Milk at the mo - not sure if that's pregnancy related though or down to the fact I didn't have milk choc for 2 years with DS's milk allergy and reacting through my milk.

the top of my chest of drawers has a flap that removes so a changing mat can fit in it. liked the fact that the flap goes back on as like you say, as soon as baby is remotely mobile, i won't use it. ive super excited about baby all day, must have been cos i was around so many VERY pregnant people today!

we are off to broughton on furness which i think is just in the lakes, very south west as far as my map reading goes. nice wee market town with bakery and pubs - can't ask for better really.

aw lap up the choc then @bakingmad83 no harm in it now you're needing the calories.

bumped into my friend in tesco earlier who didn't get the gender reveal yday due to baby position. aww felt for her she was so disappointed. she's to go back in 2 weeks. i haven't told a soul that we go on weds. hope my baby plays along tho, ill be gutted if. we have to rebook x

Broughton is lovely Bella, we had a mini break there before we moved over here. It was back in 2010 I think, but the Kings Head pub did lovely food then and think the bakery has since won a national award or been on a TV show about best bakes or something similar.

Hope your little one plays ball at the scan Bella. Know my sis-in-law didn't get to find out till a few weeks before due date at a 4D scan, as hadn't been possible to tell earlier.

Feeling a bit miserable since DS has gone to bed. DH is working tonight and he was acting up, kept asking for book after book and in the end I said no more. Then he started throwing himself about, does this when overtired, and managed to bump his head on one of the corners in the nursery. Seems fine and only bothered by it for about a minute, but now wish I'd kept on reading the books, as may just have settled and avoided the bump. Probs wouldn't have and probs only feel this way with all the extra hormones whizzing around :(

Also think I'm now stressing that if I can't settle one by myself when DH is on nights, how will I manage with 2!

aw @bakingmad83 you inspire me everyday which how you cope with what you have. i can't get my head around brushing my teeth these days yet you juggle so much. emotions will be running high so strike a line through last night and don't dwell on it. you're doing a great job and i'm sure every1 here will agree xxx

Hey gals sorry been MIA lost in a nightshift bubble!!!!!

How r we all? 12+4 today for me!! ❤️

@Dollydaydream2829 I am the same as yourself - 36 weeks & then the same with the pay - they average it out over the year too! Where do u work again? I am GG&C.

I went car shopping yesterday #mawmobile think I'm going for an Audi q3!

Not even looked at prams or anything!!! 🙈 defo wait until 20 week scan for that! DP desperate to find out sex but iv said no lol!!!

Sending lots of love mummies to be and beautiful baby bumps xxxx

Thank you for your kind words Bella! I'm sure everyone doubts themselves sometimes, I'm terrible for overthinking things at best of times :) Doesn't seem to have been bothered by bump today, but back to teething - these last few teeth are taking months to reach their final position it seems, feels like teething is never ending! Had trip to Keswick this afternoon, as needed to pick something up there. DS left his lunch, but I enjoyed mine and some of his Cumberland sausage :) He wasn't interested in the hard play I took him to at the climbing wall with being under the weather, but looks a cool place to take them when they're older :)

Had to google what ones of those looks like Amanda, but looks a nice family car :)

I'm 21+4 now, times flying :)

glad it sounds you're feeling better @bakingmad83 you're not the only 1 who overthinks things! i actually asked my aunt the other day "do babies always wear a vest?" i mean i know this stuff but i am now doubting every single thing i thought i knew!

iv gone for the new shape ford kuga @AmandaP86x give that a wee check out. wee bit cheaper than the q3 and loads more room! glad you're doing well on night duty

so today brings restless legs! wtf is that all about? currently lying in bed legs akimbo! cannot stop shuffling (dodododo doo doo doo hahaha)

16+5 and now 2 sleeps til gender reveal OMFG. #daughter #son it's all starting to feel so real 💙💗

@Bella – sounds like a shopping spree indeed!! I am sure you are glad to get that all ticked off! Hope your red wine fantasies have passed lol. I have heard restless legs are a nightmare – hopefully it didn’t last long!? Good luck for tomorrow!! Hope baby plays ball - I am going for pink for you 

@Baking – don’t be hard on yourself, you are doing an amazing job and you are strong as a woman  my friend actually said 2 was easier than 1! Oh and eat all the chocolate – its full of calcium y’know ;)

@Amanda – yay passed the 12 week mark fantastic!! I waited until 20 weeks too until we started thinking about stuff. OH suggested a Q3 to me at the weekend. I am currently driving a 3 door A1 and just want to swap for a 5 door A1 but he thinks a Q3 will be more of a ‘family car’. But I love my wee A1 and don’t think I am ready for a big family car although have no idea what the Q3 even looks like!! Then I’m thinking if we use the Isofix base I can just click the seat in and out and do I even need to get a new car – surely that will be easy enough for the 1st year with just a 3 door?! Also the fact that he has a 3 door and isn’t even considering a change of car … why do us women have to make all the sacrifices?!

I have been seriously emotional the past few days – but my book tells me it’s normal! Anyone else very weepy?? I told OH it's because I am feeling so unorganised so today he has ordered a baby monitor and sun shades for the car in the hope of pacifying me lol!

I have discovered a "cot top changer" which I think I might get - only £30. We have a nice white triple wardrobe with only a few coats in it so it is going to be the babies and I am going to buy the chest of drawers to match (ikea) so no changer on top. Just need a cot - think we'll go for a mothercare/mamas and papas white cotbed just.

Also went to asda last night and spent a small fortune on wee bits and pieces - an adorable snow suit, sleep suits, vests, hats, mittens, socks, bibs, sleeping bags, blankets ... I got a bit carried away lol!!

Stat hols in NI tomorrow and Thursday so I am looking to a few days off :)

Evening ladies,

Bella - hope your restless legs are short lived. The only leg prob I had last pregnancy were leg cramps at night in the third trimester. Had forgotten about them till you mentioned your restless legs. Look forward to hearing an update after your scan tomo :) Btw, I'm not even sure of the answer to the vest question - DS wears a bodysuit still most days (like a vest, with poppers underneath), as I don't like to see his nappy poking out of his trousers/shorts, but he has this instead of a t-shirt.

Moo - thank you! Hope your friend is right about 2 being easier! Most people seems to say the jump from 1 to 2 is harder than 2 to 3 and beyond, but don't think we'll be having any more, but never say never I suppose. Sounds like a productive shopping trip to Asda! Was thinking I'll maybe get DS's baby clothes out loft next month, have a sort through and rewash them. Hope you decide what to do with your car - I had a 3 door Fiesta, but did a swap with my husband so now drive his Mazda estate, as wouldn't have worked with such a large pram in a small boot. Ours was a 0-4 car seat, so fixed in the car, so would have been tricky lifting DS out when rear facing, but can see how it's a lot easier with car seats that just click out. We've got one of those for DD, as DS is still in his for another year.

Good luck for your scan @Bella. Hope little one complys and you get to find out pink or blue. Can't wait to hear!! #exciting

well done on your supermarket sweep @Moo31 hope it helps you feel more prepared! i am super emotional so add tiredness to that and i'm like a bubbling volcano constantly. think i'm needing my week off more than anything!

the Q3 is lovely, we test drove it last year. i loved it but at the time were saving for the wedding and i didn't want the additional outlay so we got a focus as i get a car allowance for work and that paid the whole lot. (q3 interior space is roughly the same as a qashqui but double the price). but 2-3 weeks ago i got a letter from work saying my car allowance includes 4x4s so we went back to Ford and test drove the mondeo and the kuga. i was blown away by the space in the kuga so ill be swapping to that nearer the time.

i think the 3 door will only be an issue for bending and stretching trying to reach baby out of the space between your seat folding forward and the frame of the door. why not fill a hold-all with about 10-20lbs in weight and try shifting it in/out to see how you get on. my cousin had a 3 door mazda when her daughter was born and her back broke leaning in for the car seat all the time. but you might manage it no bother.

hope you enjoy your days off chic 😁

@bakingmad83 the vests i'm referring to are the ones with the poppers underneath so the answer is generally yeah they wear them all the time. i knew this and my aunt did laugh at me a bit but i'm overthinking everything. it's scary! iv got 3 thermometers on my list, 1 for room, 1 for bath and 1 for baby's head and everyone thinks i'm nuts but i think that makes perfect sense. or am i wrong? hahaha

the restless legs lasted about 45mins. i literally couldn't get comfortable but couldn't sit still to sit it out so i was up, down and round about trying to settle them. it was bizarre! hope there's no repeat of that!

@Anna2006 i can't wait! i know it sounds mad but i can't believe that by this time tomorrow i'll know if i'm having a son or a
daughter. not that it makes the slightest bit of difference really but some how it seems to feel more real. like this baby inside me right now is just a figment of my imagination but if it's a boy or girl ill finally believe it more? i sound like iv lost my mind i know lol

well as you lovely ladies are the only folk iv actually told when the scan is i hope to be updating you all tomorrow evening. i have done soooo well keeping my secret to my offline family/friends so i wonder how long i'll keep the gender to myself. probs about 5 minute as ill say he/she at some point BUT i can only try. i have some family who have asked not to know so that it's a surprise so i hope i really can keep it to myself.

this baby better smile for the camera tomorrow or else!

(ps did the ring on a string test tonight which came up with boy - so baking soda and ring test both say boy)

eeeeeeeekkkkkk so frigging exciting!!!

Ahhh bella!! Hope you sleep tonight! 😀
Ps I have those 3 on my list too! The monitor oh bought today has a built in thermometer so I can tick the room one off!

Thanks for the car advice also ladies!

@Baking that will be emotional going through your ds clothes 😊

I thought a thermometer for the room, bath and taking their temp was pretty standard - that's what we did too :)

Be interesting to see if those gender tests you did were right Bella!

I'm terrible when it comes to sorting, always takes me ages, as everything reminds me of something, will be the same with DS's clothes. And I'll probs not part with anything, even the boyish clothes we were given, just in case we do have a third!

Any nice plans for your days off Moo?

Lol I'm a bit of a horder too @baking! When we moved into our house 2 years ago oh was sorting through clothes and kept saying "this one reminds me of x and this one reminds me of y" - they were all washed out old t-shirts and tattered jeans lol i said to him "there's no room for sentimentality" and it sort of stuck!! So I tend to be a bit more ruthless now as he always uses that line on me!! 😂 I love the wee patchwork blankets you can get made with all their first babygros, lovely wee keepsake 😊

Ps nothing too exciting planned!

Awww good luck today @BellaMoon excited!!!!

Ye i liked the q3 someone else mentioned the Kuga too me so I'll have a look at that too!!!

I am off to barcalona for 4 days tomorrow. But I just officially had a meltdown at the fact some dresses don't even go past my bum now - which may I add IS MASSIVE!!!! Iv attached a "bump" pic which had just made me feel like 😭 lol!!!! I am going for a spray tan this afternoon hopefully that will make me feel better ....