Ok, a more postive thread - what's the best advice anyone has given you whilst pg? (or would you give others)

[bumperlicious]

Not really advice from someone else but letting the doctor sign me off sick for 2 weeks at 29 weeks was the best thing I did all pregnancy. Slept well, enjoyed the sun and completely changed how I felt about being pregnant and having a baby - i.e. now actually feeling positive and excited!

Go for the full monty - waxing, nails, fake tan, EVERYTHING - a couple of days before you're due. It'll help you get over the labour, honest And you'll look great in the photos.
Unfortunately I only got this advice for second child so look like a potato in all child number one's pix....

agree with scooter re beauty treatments - my fab hot pink toenails cheered me up when my bump went and i could see my feet again

SLEEP as much as you can pre baby

Take lots of photos, you really don't remember how different you looked. If it's your first, have lots of girlie evenings, trips to the movies, whatever is your thing, it really does stop for a long time afterwards.

I'm pg with my first so don't have much advice. I've found, so far, that having the occasional pampering day is just lovely and a real tonic from feeling big (I don't look too pregnant yet - more of a fat belly look at the moment). I had a massage, pedicure and manicure a week or two ago followed by a relaxing lunch with a friend - made me feel human again.

Get a cleaner For just before and after the birth
Babies have very mobile days and then slow down for a couple of days
Don't wear tops that don't hide your bump unless you want to deliberately show it off, because you'll just look scruffy

Dont buy loads of baby toys. You'll get given enough as pressies, and its better to keep your money for when your kid(s) actually have an awareness of presents!

Sleep alot.Have sex alot. Go to lots of child unfriendly places with non buggy accessible routes/transport.Make the most of going in a normal toilet cubicle instead of needing to find a disabled one to fit the buggy in.Go out for relaxed meals. It'll be the last time for a year or so.

Dont buy paper knickers, if you want to preserve any dignity in the aftermath of childbirth.

That every pregnancy is different, every bump is a different, every day is different and that elusive pregnant "glow" can be achieved with a bit of make up

Read all the books you've ever wanted to read.

Get your milk delivered for the first 6 months after baby is born. It's a luxury, but it's so nice to know you will not have to face the day without a cup of tea!

rest, afternoon nap and eat [grin!

Tablet form Gaviscon not the liquid stuff (ew!).

Haven't had the bambino yet but I got a birthing ball for labour after everyone told me to and so far its earned its money supporting my 35 week bump as I bounce on it in the living room watching TV. I might even try sleeping on it.

Change Drs if you have any concerns with your GP. I know this is obvious but I allowed mine to make me cry 3 times before DH marched me to another surgery. Pregnancy seemed so much more enjoyable actually having some good care!

I'd say try and stay as active as you can in the day then get a good nights sleep. I know it's tempting to lie on the sofa all afternoon (if you feel shit then do) but i found staying active helped keep the pounds off the waist and makes you feel better.

One I was just given by another pregnant Mum...kalibar shandy. Makes kalibar taste nice and makes you feel like you are able to have a pint or two with everyone else on a hot summer day!

before baby gets here eat in a really posh restaurant without checking the menu suits awkward kids has nappy changing facilities is accesible by buggys and assesing the safety and cleanliness of the high chairs

Becks do an alcohol free beer too and i have to say it's MUCH MUCH nicer than that Kaliber rubbish!!!

I do feel guilty drinking it tho, even tho it's got no alcohol!!

... and Cobra 0% is nicer than either.

Mrs B - ooo interesting. I wonder if they do that at my local curry house......

our curry house is BYO
both Waitrose and Sainsbury's stock it.

Waitrose also do Schewppes Russchian, which is meant as a vodka mixer but is pretty tasty on its own and a nice change from plain tonic.

I'll have to investigate. I'm getting bored of the drinks i can have at the pub!

Asda do the Cobra 0% as well.

A tip I was told for if you are pregnant and miss sleeping on your front... go to the beach, dig a bump-sized hole and plop into it. Haven't tried it yet but it sounds so tempting I was thinking of digging a hole in the lawn just to try it out

although be warned, there's a salutory tale somewhere on MN of someone who spent a fortune on an enormous doughnut-shaped beanbag so she could lie on her front... then discovered once on it that she couldn't get off without some serious assistance, resulting in her DP being helpless with laughter for some time.

Best advice I was given when I was pregnant was to do with looking after the baby. It was from the oldest, wisest midwife I ever met. She said: "the best piece of advice I could ever give you my dear, is listen politely when someone offers advice, look like you're listening then forget and ignore all of it. You'll know how to care for your baby instinctively if only you don't listen to everyone else. You'll find your own way." Having said that I like the advice about the manicure and pedicure just before having a baby. I'll be following that bit of advice.

Sleep LOTS.

Don't buy loads of clothes because everyone will buy you them. People love shopping for baby clothes!
Oh and eat bran to keep you regular!!!