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 :-)

Amanda - I phoned up HR cos I knew a few friends that had done it, so wanted to make sure. It may differ from trust to trust so you maybe as well phoning as well, but I guess they'll be similar!
They base mine on weeks 16 - 24, so the hours and amount I earn between that. I made sure to request weekends, nights and did plenty OT - whether it will work in my favour, I'm yet to see, but fingers crossed! And then they split it into equal monthly payments. So even though it's 6months full pay, 3months half pay and 3months no pay (if you take a year that is) then they total it up and split it into 12 equal payments so you'll start with less but you'll get paid right up to the end which is only gotta be a good thing?!

Hi Dolly, didn't realise they started measuring fundal height so early, but guess it maybe varies from place to place. Don't think mine was measured till 28 weeks last time. I was on track till 33 weeks then bump seemed to stop growing, so had a growth scan at 34 weeks - all was fine, midwife just thought as I was tall DS was growing up rather than out :) Good that they check if you're measuring a bit behind and always nice to see your little one again, but hopefully you won't need extra growth scans, as a bit of added stress even if you know it's likely nothing.

Itchy tum here for weeks, read that bump meant to itch before skin stretches gain, but mine itches the whole blooming time! Just been putting on stretch mark cream morning and night which seems to soothe things for a little bit.

Hi all!

Well week 23 has been the best week of my pregnancy so far! OH reckons it’s because 23 is his lucky number lol! The kicks and movement I have been feeling this week are something else, so magical and makes it all feel so real! OH felt his first proper kicks / punches and the look on his face I will remember forever  I have been feeling resentment towards him that he doesn’t have to sacrifice his body / his salary / etc but after he felt the kicks he said “the miracle of life is happening inside you, you are so lucky to be able to experience that … “ – he is so right! We are amazing ladies! Our bodies are actually growing another human being inside them!! I have been on cloud 9 all week!! :D

@Baking – I love the sound of the 4th trimester, my house will be a mess but I have spent 9 months creating this little person so I will be loving all the cuddles and having them close to me all the time! My friends who have had babies don’t always hand them over for a cuddle when I have visited after they were born – perhaps this is why? Sorry your itchy tummy is still bothering you – could it be heat related also with all this nice weather? Would something like calamine lotion help maybe?

@Dolly – I am hoping for a water birth too! Hope you are relaxing now that your nights are over? I have been reading about the gestational diabetes tests, good that you will get tested given that your mum is borderline. I was also reading about the fundal height measurements and had the tape measure out the other day but probably wasn’t very accurate! My next app is a 25 week one when I am 25+4. Did you get the whooping cough vaccine yet? 20 weeks today since our BFPs :D and only 16 weeks left to go - eek!!

Re unisex stuff I got some cute winnie the pooh ones from Asda the other day. Picking sizes was difficult! They had tiny baby (up to 6lbs), first size (up to 9lbs) and 0-3 months (up to 12lbs) – so I went in the middle (optimistically hoping I won’t have to give birth to a 9lb’er!). Some of the websites say to buy different sizes and return what you don’t need but you have to wash them first so i don’t know how that would work?!

I am just getting the basics to last for the first few weeks (I don’t have my list with me but I think all the lists I have read say 6-8 sleep suits and 6-8 vests – although I suppose it depends on how many changes you have to do and how often you want to do washing – I will maybe get some more lol!). I was confused as some lists say “baby gros” and some say “sleep suits” … it seems that they are the same thing lol – they say as babies sleep so much u should put them in a fresh one in the morning, change as needed during the day and then a fresh one for night time … is this right @baking? As you say @Anna I don’t fancy negotiating a full on outfit for a tiny curled up baby who will be asleep for most of the day!!

@Amanda hope you had a great holiday! Re the prenatal vitamin I spoke to the m/w when I was really sick and she said not to worry as the baby takes your store and the prenatal vit then replenishes your stores … so I wouldn’t worry 2 days out of 9 months isn’t a big deal  Glad your scan went well! Fab pics!! :D

@Bella – with you on the itchy nips! Mine are worst at the most inappropriate times too when I can’t scratch them! Mine are also a bit crusty sometimes (tmi – sorry) with like white looking stuff which I can only assume is a bit of a leak?! Not enough to appear on my bra but can definitely see it when I look at the nipple! A few friends have had the prep machine and swear by it!

In terms of b/f my friends / family are varied in terms of whether they b/f or not and if so how long for – from 1 week up to 2 years. I am keen to give it a go (particularly from the cost and convenience point of view) but am keeping an open mind about it all.

I met up with a friend on Sunday and she asked if I had packed my hospital bag- I laughed as I thought she was joking but she said you should have it packed from 25 weeks?! :o I don’t have stuff to put in it yet!!

On a serious note has anyone any thoughts on group B strep testing? We aren’t routinely testing for it in the UK as the % is very low but someone I know had a scary experience with their newborn contracting it a few years ago and he was in ICU. It has stuck in my mind since then so I think I am going to buy one of the private tests kits online.

Sorry that was a bit of an essay!!!

Thanks Moo. Itchy tum has felt a bit better today, but was wondering myself about calomine lotion. Was thinking I should get a bottle in, as chicken pox is doing the rounds here and DS hasn't had it yet. Tbh hoping he gets it now rather than when DD is tiny - I've had it and know I'm definitely immune as got tested before I started work in the NHS, so wouldn't affect me.

I've heard about testing for strep B, not planning to get a kit, but can understand why you'd want to.

Think I packed my hospital bag at 32 weeks last time, though I've a close friend who needed an emergency C-section at 28 weeks, so probs doesn't hurt to be super prepared, but 25 weeks does seem a tad early :)

Re change of clothes that's what we did and often had to change sleepsuit and vest during the night too with explosive poops and spit up. Though I now wonder if DS didn't have milk allergy, this wouldn't have been such an issue in the early weeks, as I didn't cut out dairy till 10 weeks.

Got DS's first bag of clothes down from loft today, but leaving that till tomo to sort through. Felt a bit emotional after DS's bedtime this eve, as first time ever he hasn't asked to feed. Now thinking last night's was probs one of his last ones ever. It's what I want, as don't want to be feeding two, but after 30 months it's a strange feeling that breastfeeding really is drawing to a close for DS.

Sounds like you're already producing colostrum Moo :) I never had any leaks as such during pregnancy, but midwife told me that's why the crusty bits are on your nipples.

evening all

@AmandaP86x aww fab scan pic. defo don't worry about missing the vitamins for a day or two. i was told to stop them when i had those bad nose bleeds and that was for a whole week before i started them again. it's great you've got a date to look forward to now too, so exciting!

@Moo31 i have the itchy nips at the most inconvenient times too. normally when talking to a male colleague or friend and i'm embarrassed cos they go hard as rocks! iv become an arm folder haha anything to disguise the issue eh!

i plan to speak to my midwife at 22wk appt about strep B. my cousin had it and was on antibiotics during labour and my bestie had it but they didn't test til her little 1 was born so they both ended up on antibiotics.

@Anna2006 1st aug will be here in no time at all 😃 such an exciting time. what have you calculated your EDD as?

@bakingmad83 sounds to me like your little 1 got mother natures memo about coming off the breast to make way for his little sis. must be emotional for you but it's reassuring to know it's a natural development for him rather than him resisting a new routine. i imagine that would be super stressful.

iv had an extremely lazy day today. i thought i might have a UTI but on googling the issue it's probably just round ligament movement causing the increased peeing and slight discomfort (pee is clear and light in colour so i'm not too concerned). i managed to get out of helping DH lift the wooden flooring in the nursery today. i had volunteered to hold the tools lol.

how are you getting on @Ohb0llocks. good to hear from you!

what's every1s plans for the weekend? x

Lol did you ever think you would be discussing your itchy nips online! 😂

Oh @baking it must be emotional if ds has stopped b/f - after 30 months too. You are a trooper! You'll soon have dd to share that bond with :) but I can imagine it would pull at the heart strings! Leave the clothes for another day or two - too many emotions for one weekend!

@Bella hey there! How was your break? Hope u are feeling better soon :) lifting floors sounds like a man's job anyway ;)

I have no weekend plans except meeting a friend and her dd for coffee :) has anyone got anything exciting planned? Xo

You're right Bella, would have been stressful if I'd forced DS to stop breastfeeding. For most things I've just gone with the flow, figuring he'll do things in his own time, like eat a decent amount, sleep through etc and so far so good. Glad self-weaning seems to be happening too, even if it's hit me a bit more than I expected, but like you say Moo, will soon hopefully be feeding DD and bonding with her that way.

I hadn't realised round ligament pain could cause increased need to wee. I had about 3 weeks of feeling like I needed toilet every 10 minutes, but a few days ago when I think DD shifted position, that seems to have stopped. Not sure whether it was that or something else, but glad that sensation's gone, as was wondering what I'd be like at full term!

No plans here. DH is working this weekend and it's wet. Had wondered about going to local food festival, but imagine even with bad weather it'll be packed and don't fancy dragging DS round, especially as his milk allergy means he wouldn't necessarily be able to sample things. We'll probs put on the waterproofs and go out on trike to find some puddles to splash in and get the trusty play dough and paints out too :)

I've just looked on dps phone (I know, I know I shouldn't but I just wanted to check something).

Lovely message from him to his brother calling me a 'fat idiotic retard'. I'm absolutely gutted. He doesn't know I've seen it yet. I'd have turfed him out already if I could afford to. What a bastard.

Think it hurts more because I just really didn't expect him to ever come out with something like that.

@Ohb0llocks what the fuck is that all about? such a nasty comment, i can't sugar coat it. have you been having a tough time lately? i know it's no excuse but people can say hurtful things in the heat of the moment that they don't mean (i know i do, it's a definitely flaw of mine).

i do hope he can explain himself and apologise. mind, you will have to confess to looking through his phone though.

so sorry that happened, i had wondered where you had got to on the thread as you had been quiet lately. how's the pregnancy progressing otherwise. sending big hugs xxx

There is hurtful, and there is something like that. I mean I know that he wasn't intending on me seeing it but Jesus Christ. I would never say something like that about him. And I'm only a bloody 12!

His brother just replied saying 'hell fire' as if to say 'what the fuck?'. He replied saying 'oh I feel awful I shouldn't have said that' but what a comment. I'm heartbroken.

Things have been fine, or so I thought but if he can come out with something like that then he obviously has absolutely no respect. Something like that cannot be unsaid.

Otherwise pregnancy going well, lots of nice movements! DS is loving feeling him kick, DSS is refusing to have anything whatsoever to do with the pregnancy.

the things we discuss on here @Moo31 id struggle to say to my nearest and dearest lol. everything from "is 20 minutes lying down enough to stop all the doreens from swimming out of my vagina" to "i have terrible pains in my vagina, i think they're called fanny daggers" hahaha

such a great support network we have here!

we will be making our way to the local dump/tip to drop off all the wood from the nursery floor (that i will help with) and then i have my bestie and my goddaughter coming round for a visit. i love people visiting but people don't seem to visit much now as i'm out on the car so much i tend to call in on them so this means i can be in my pj's most of the day woooo hoooo! it's already raining here so will be a cosy day indoors for sure. play-dough and paints sounds like my idea of heaven @bakingmad83 love arts and crafts!

btw lloyds pharmacy have this glow up thermometer down to £12.99 (think RRP was around £30). it glows red amber green for room temp so you can see at a glance if the room is too hot etc. doubles up as a nice wee night light too!

@ohb0llocks. Oh that's shitty. Sometimes men say the stupidest of things. You would think they are the hormonal pregnant ones!

@bellamoon EDD is 5th Feb. We shall see what date they come back with at dating scan. I'm getting nervous now that someone's going to burst this bubble I've got going. But keeping my PMA alive. 11+5 today.

Got lots of nice things to look forward to in next few weeks and months. Hen due and weddings etc. I'll look forward to being able to wear what I want & show off this little bump forming rather than disguise whatever is going on down there! Lol. It's just appeared in the last week so hoping that is a good sign!

Went to an evening wedding yesterday An wore my only floaty dress over the stomach area but it was so tight at the top round my waist. I don't think I could breathe at one point 🙈

@Ohb0llocks you're 100% right and it's baffling why he would feel the need to say it. could it have been a moment of venting that he instantly regretted considering the next message?

glad to hear baby is kicking away nicely and DS has created a bond already!

are you going to speak to DP about the messages? x

such a neat bump @Anna2006 tooo cute!

long may your bubble continue, i'm hoping my bubble lasts at least 18 years hahaha xx

It could have been but he knows all the mental abuse my ex put me through and that he used to say stuff like that to me so that's what's made it hurt even more. I never thought he was capable of even thinking something like that about me.

he should know better then @Ohb0llocks i hope you get some sort of resolution asap xxx

decided to get my lists in order (i have lists for lists) and this wee madam has other ideas!

i resorted to the note pad and pen when she fell asleep on the ipad now she wants the pen too. she's too cute if a little attention seeking 😻

Sorry you discovered that message DP had sent OhB0llocks, hope you're able to sort things out.

Lovely bump pic Anna, can't seem to get the camera angle right to take a pic of mine. For all it's getting pretty big, it still looks flatish when I look at the pics.

I'm a great list maker too Bella :)

In the end we just stuck with toys and jigsaws, as DS wasn't bothered when I mentioned getting the craft stuff out. He often loses interest in paints after 5 mins at the best of times, after he's got paint all round the kitchen, so decided to leave that for another day :) Got out for puddle splashing and then a walk in the pram for a nap. My parents have been away this week, so offered to look after DS this aft. Went out for a walk in the sunshine now it's here and just come on computer to try to get our dining table sold - never use it as have kitchen table and converting dining room into playroom - and finish off tax return. Obviously was too much temptation and had to check in here first :)

At @ohb I am so sorry about the message you read, that's so hurtful. He shouldn't have said it and it looks like he regretted it - you / have you spoke to him about it?

@Bella I love lists!! I made mine last week :D A hospital bag list (which I think is what you posted - had a quick scan of yours and ours are pretty similar lol!) and a "everything we need for baby list" lol Don't forget drinks / snacks / sweets for your hospital list for keeping your energy up :)

@Baking I love crafts too! I have my cousin, her dh and 2 kids (ds 6 yrs and dd 3 yrs) - dd loves crafts and I can't wait I've bought loads of stuff to do with her! Thanks for reminding me about my tax return :( usually do it between Christmas and New Year but I'll be otherwise occupied this year so must get it done soon!

Did everyone get their free Bounty and Emma's diary goodie bags? Got all my Emma's diary ones last week and the bounty ones you get in stages so i got my 2nd one. Lots of wee samples etc :)

Also pampers nappies are half price in Tesco at the minute!

At @ohb I am so sorry about the message you read, that's so hurtful. He shouldn't have said it and it looks like he regretted it - you / have you spoke to him about it?

@Bella I love lists!! I made mine last week :D A hospital bag list (which I think is what you posted - had a quick scan of yours and ours are pretty similar lol!) and a "everything we need for baby list" lol Don't forget drinks / snacks / sweets for your hospital list for keeping your energy up :)

@Baking I love crafts too! I have my cousin, her dh and 2 kids (ds 6 yrs and dd 3 yrs) - dd loves crafts and I can't wait I've bought loads of stuff to do with her! Thanks for reminding me about my tax return :( usually do it between Christmas and New Year but I'll be otherwise occupied this year so must get it done soon!

Did everyone get their free Bounty and Emma's diary goodie bags? Got all my Emma's diary ones last week and the bounty ones you get in stages so i got my 2nd one. Lots of wee samples etc :)

Also pampers nappies are half price in Tesco at the minute!

Thankfully didn't take long to finish tax return, as was largely done, just wanted to check a few bits before submitting. Hope you find time o fit yours in soon Moo :)

I was gutted I never got to nibble on all the snacks I packed for labour, was just too sick last time, so hoping I get to enjoy them this time round!

Got my Emma's Diary and Bounty freebies a couple of weeks ago, like you say Moo, so handy little samples. Didn't realise you get all your Emma's Diary at once though, but not long till 27 week pack anyway :) Anyone who hasn't yet got them, don't give them your phone number/email though, as they're well known for passing on your details and then you get bombarded with unwanted communication (don't think there's a box for ticking to say you don't want info passing on).

Just a little tip, I wouldn't stock up on too many nappies for one brand in advance in case they don't agree/fit your little one. Pampers never fit DS particularly well and we used Aldi until recently, but now find the larger sizes of Morrison's seem to suit him better. Different nappies seem to suit different babies and stages it seems :)

Hope you all have a nice Sunday. DS has been up since 4.45, so early trip to the park followed by a nap in his pram on the way back I reckon :)

The "so" in the third para should read "some"!

Just looked online for Emma's Diary and seems like if you register there you can get all your vouchers at once, so saves you traipsing back 3 times to Boots/Argos. Imagine registering with the card like I did, you get sent the vouchers in the post at the relevant time?