Catching up with TTC #1, thread 7!

[MrsEG]

Starting a new thread as the old one is almost full!

@stormtrooperjulian
@thumper59
@TrashKitten10
@Bostonfern
@MrsR16
@Tropicana1
@Bettythecat
@purplefig
@MrsR16
@ELW85
@daisiesandpeonies
@PippaPug
@cupcakesandglitter
@Fivebyfive2
@LokiCat
@MrsH497
@BabySquid

Also tagging some grads as per the last thread, so sorry if anyone is missed off!
@Delilah7
@crossfitgirl
@RanchoRelaxo
@cookie0508
@mrsof20118

Please please forgive me if I’ve missed anyone, I basically just copied the last thread list and checked the last two pages!!!

Gah I wrote a massive reply yesterday and thought it posted and it's not here! Hate the app sometimes! Can't even remember what I was saying or where I got to because my bookmark has gone too! Hope you all had lovely weekends, I'll start reading backwards and see where I got to 🤦🏼‍♀️

@MrsR16 that's such a cute snow suit!

@cupcakesandglitter a couple of things that surprised me a bit-you need to take your own pillows, they said you don't get them in most of the delivery rooms! Also, they only offer one meal a day-lunch. The rest of the time there are sandwiches in the dining room, so they advised getting takeaways (they even have a selection of takeaway menus!). The midwife showing us around said if you think you might even consider an epidural let them know ASAP as it takes about an hour and a half to sort as it's policy to run a set of blood tests prior to the epidural being administered.

@purplefig let me know if you find any other back ache solutions-the only other thing I could add is sitting on a birthing ball......I've reached the point where I think delivering baby is the only solution!

@thumper59 I bet the Pudsey outfit is so cute!

@MrsEG I do get pains down the front of bump sometimes, think it could be muscles separating? I'm also with you on the seven kingdoms, one planet- probably not the best thing to watch at close to 37 weeks!

@Larrydavid so pleased to hear your scan went well. Hope your midwife appointment goes well today too.

Hope you all had lovely Sunday's- we had dinner at my parents, which was so nice. Today's plans are to sort out the bathroom cabinet and go see the breast feeding guru at the hospital about colostrum harvesting and hand expression.

@thumper59 so glad you're feeling a bit better and 3 cheers for napping on the sofa! How was seeing the in-laws and shopping? Urghhh my ugly bra is just the best invention ever, it's like wearing nothing but I feel so supported bahahaa.

@MrsEG Yeah I get your point about the belt etc. potentially helping but not actually fixing the issue. I'm wondering if the issue is fixable while still pregnant though? Or if it's just part and parcel of having a pregnant body? Urghh. I will deffo go if it doesn't ease this week though. You've got such a busy week coming up - be so good to see the boys wriggling about in there again. Also LOL at your reaction to bad animal mums hahaa, it's the exact reason I've stayed away from that show!

@MrsR16 I must order myself an exercise ball! Thanks for the reminder. So exciting your nursery is well on its way to completion.

@Fivebyfive2 @BostonFern sorry to hear your backs are playing up too - I've been researching it quite a bit and it's irritatingly prevalent among pregnant women. I guess it makes total sense - the bigger your belly gets the more it pulls your back out of alignment. A hot water bottle is probably the best fix I've found at the moment (really, really soothes the pain). Then at night, just using all the pillows to get comfy. I'll keep you posted if I find anything else useful.

@LokiCat exactly - it would get way to expensive for me to keep buying the next size up at M&S. To be honest I winced at pay £30+ for those, but I figured they should last me a decent while . Oh my god - your bundle sounds like an absolute steal, well done!!

Happy Monday all! Our roast dinner yesterday was lovely - for any veggies, the new ASDA festive nut roast is pretty decent.

So last night, determined to sleep as well as possible, I decided to try out an internet idea for making my bed as comfy as possible: double duvet folded up for lying on top of, lie on side with pillow between knees, pillow supporting bump and hot water bottle on back with another pillow for good measure. Well - it worked!!! I slept so well and had way less hip pain that usual (as hip was sinking into duvet, not just mattress I think). DH is now referring to me as the Princess and The Pea, but DNGAF quite frankly - worth it! Today I've got my standing desk set to standing too - we'll see how long that lasts x

@BostonFern I am thinking it could maybe be muscle separation or the start of it; I’m massive at the moment. My only means of comparison is pics of my sisters bump when she was pregnant though haha, but my belly is enormous. Started to get a big long line down my belly too! Enjoy your day - you’ve reminded me I need to book on to my hospital BF workshop too! I’m baffled by colostrum harvesting!!

@purplefig I can only really go off what my physio told me for my PGP but she said nipping it in the bud early and knowing how to react to the pain at home means it shouldn’t get worse. My issue actually starts from my back (sacroiliac joint) but with the bump pulling at it it has spread to my pelvis. And now legs/butt! Ahhh, the fun I have. I know when I had a slipped disc a few years ago the physio advice had me on my feet again weeks earlier than the doctors had predicted! Could you maybe ask your yoga teacher too? Ha your bed arrangement sounds fabulous!! Do you have a link to it? I’m still sleeping terribly.

@MrsEG really appreciate your input! It's just been a really expensive month of vet bills and house repairs, really trying to avoid dipping into savings but I mustn't be a martyr about it! I don't have a link unfortunately, as it was a hodgepodge of ideas from various places.

I'll try and describe it better (and get DH to help set it up if back is sore):

1. take everything off the bed.
2. Get a second double duvet and fold it in half (so it's the size of a single duvet) and lie that down your half of the bed.
3. Put both of your head pillows back in place
4. When it's time for bed, lie down on your side and put one pillow between your knees (I like to lie with mine a bit bent)
5. Put another pillow wedged under your bump (so the weight of the bump is supported and not pulling on your back).
6. Lean a hot water bottle against the small of your back (I do this if my back is already achy as it's really soothing). Last night I propped a pillow against my back too, to help keep everything in place.
7. Pull your original double duvet up over the two of you.

You will look ridiculous in your pregnancy nest, but it's the best nights sleep I've had in yonks. Only got up once for a wee too and also swapped sides once 🙌🏻

I don't blame you @MrsR16 it's absolutely beautiful 😭 ahh yay!! Fx you get the carpet fitted quickly and then you can start building 😭

@Fivebyfive2 I think we'll be doing the same when packing - there's also the 24h Asda fairly close by so that'll be handy for any last min bits and bobs you might need!

@LokiCat ooh okay! I've gone for the ALDI one, in cream 😊 preordered it yesterday - we're going for one wall in a dusky pink colour, and then the other three walls will be white with multicoloured pastel polka dots 😊 that's a bargain with the whole set! The furniture is beautiful too - we've gone for the snuzpod, I know a couple other ladies on here have gone for the same, I've not seen the maxi cosi one x

@MrsEG ooh yay for the poster and curtains! Oh god 😂 DH has learned that if I like it, I'm getting it 😂 I've not been watching it but from what you've said I'm not going to, I've started crying at stupid things and I love animals so I think I'll give it a miss 😂

@BostonFern 😯 pillows?! I had no idea!! Same goes for the food too - the sandwiches aren't great from there either. Last time I was in DH got me a jacket potato and it was massively overpriced 😩 pillows and snacks it is! That's a pain about the epidural - I haven't decided whether or not I want one, I can't imagine it's something you can "plan" for really. 😓

@purplefig princess and the pea 😂 glad you had a good nights sleep though!! Whatever helps you get comfortable I guess!

I can really feel my uterus getting heavier now 😂 today I've just been in awe at the fact I'm even pregnant? As if I've not had four months to grasp it? Cue loads of soppy texts to DH!

For the ladies going for cloud themes, unsure if you've seen but IKEA do these beautiful cloud lamps - they're usually on display in the nursery bit! I managed to pick up two for a fiver yesterday from Facebook marketplace so worth having a look but I think they're lovely!

@purplefig That sounds marvellous! I’ll be giving that a go tonight for sure! Oh absolutely - I’m the same, I hate using my savings for anything at the moment that isn’t absolutely necessary, it makes me itch! Maybe even see if the midwife or GP could refer you? It was my GP who referred me in the end and got me on the NHS gynae physio list - as I’m pregnant I was sped through too and got my first appt within a week (they called on Thurs and I go in this thurs!) It definitely is one of those things that’s part and parcel of pregnancy though, for sure. It would seem strange not to get back pain when carrying all that weight on your front! So at least you know, it’s only going to be temporary :) Does walking ease/soothe it at all? Or maybe even swimming (that glorious weightless feeling!)

@cupcakesandglitter Oh gosh don’t do it to yourself then! I’m just an emotional wreck when I watch it!! It’s so true - it’s awe inspiring what our bodies are all doing at the moment. My uterus is super heavy at the moment and I love thinking about maybe where their heads and limbs are! Less fun when I need a wee every 30 minutes though!!

Ladies I am having... a problem. I’ll try and keep it short and sweet! DH parents want to plan for coming to see us and the babies (they live in Ireland). My due date is dubious but if all goes to plan and I get to 37 weeks I’ll have them on 1 Feb. As MIL is in education she wants to make them most of the Feb half term and come over then - which apparently will be Feb 15.
I think it’s way, way too soon. What if we are still in hospital; what if I’ve only just gotten out? What if I’m still struggling with them latching on and basically have my norks out all day. They want to stay with us at our house (they say they can help). It fills me with absolute dread. I don’t know what to say, DH thinks it’ll be fine. He reckons he can keep them entertained but I just do not want people in my house that early on. Especially people I don’t feel that comfortable crying/lactating around.
They are also the kind of people who just do nothing - whenever they visit they spend all night in the living room watching the soaps and drinking tea, so I feel like I’d be tripping over them. They never lift a finger to help and I often go mad as I’ll come down to sticky knives covered in jam that they’ve just left scattered around the kitchen. But am I just being ridiculous - of course they need to come and see their grandchildren. But if it must be around school holidays I’d personally prefer they wait til Easter.

@purplefig I meant to add, on the GP front I did have to argue it a bit. At first they said the waiting list was super long and there was bugger all they could do. But I kinda hammered on about it to her. especially after the private physio confirmed PGP and before I knew it the NHS physio team were on the phone :)

@MrsEG oh definitely! I do the same 😂 I'd love to see what's going on in there 😂 re your ILs, I think it's too soon for sure - I'd say that with one baby, let alone two! DH won't be able to entertain them as such because he'll be looking after the twins with you. Also recovery is different for everyone - if for whatever reason you had a longer hospital stay, then those first few days at home really should just be the two of you I think (tbh I think the same for if you came out from hospital on the same day!) Just from experience, when people "visited" my mum with the twins, it was absolute hell. My mum couldn't rest, no one helps as such because they think holding the baby is enough to give mum a "break" and the last thing you want is to have to look after another two people coming in longer than a few hours! We were all constantly cleaning, my mum/dad were "hosting" guests rather than enjoying the time for themselves, and the house was far too hectic! I'd personally say you appreciate it but you'll need that time to adjust and rest, perhaps when things are a bit more settled for the two of you (plus 🐶) you'd be more open to a longer visit maybe?

@Larrydavid great to see your scan went ok!! Hope your midwife appt goes ok today as well.

@LokiCat that's awesome that you had such a good time at Mamas and Papas!

@MrsEG honestly, the time is just flying by! I hope you're feeling better now! As far as DH's parents go, I'd be tempted to put my foot down! These are your babies and you need to be comfortable before anyone comes over to see them, let alone stay for a period of time! I'd explain to DH your dilemma and ask him to talk to his parents. Everything I've read says that you need to be able to just get on with the first bit. Especially if you know they won't actually help at all... one of my colleague's wife's just had twins and she was out within 48 hours, but every pregnancy and birth is different. Stick to your guns, lovely!!

@BostonFern thanks lovely! I adore it 😊

@purplefig I got mine from B&M for about 6 quid - worthwhile investing!!

@cupcakesandglitter I'm so excited to get things all done! Then just waiting for baby to tip up when it's good and ready 😊

Thank you all for lovely messages saying that none of you want your DH/Partners to go away and can cause anxiousness - DH left at 5am and I totally cried! I’m hoping this week will go really fast, fingers crossed!

@purplefig - haven’t filled mine out yet - I’m not 26 weeks yet so thought it would be better to wait....how are you getting on with it?

@MrsEG - there is a twin group near by but not sure if I can face going yet - it seems a little bit cringy from what I can see, but I may wait till I’m in my 3rd trimester and try and suck it up and go! They do lots of sling library’s and meet ups but I will try and go.

@LokiCat - how did it go telling family? Those cakes look amazing!
There is a really sweet website - mimi bear - which does fab safari and general wall stickers, may be something there!
We are keeping a single bed in the nursery just incase for the first few months if one of us needs a few extra hours sleep!
Top tip for the glucose test - take a snack/sandwich with you - there was a lot of hungry and women feeling sick as the clinic was running late and everyone was coming out of their second blood test eating food 😂

@BostonFern - The massage is fantastic I really recommend them! I am sure hormones are to play when DH’s go away!

@cupcakesandglitter - that’s flying by now isn’t it! Not long till your 20 week scan now is it? Love penguins - we had a subtle penguin theme at out our wedding 😂

I was in Mamas and Papas yesterday and they had a parenting event, they have them regularly (and mothercare but that’s looking like it is going to close sadly) we hadn’t signed up but they do different talks - car seat safety (IE not to put baby in the car seat wearing a coat) the different types of car seats and also prams etc may be worth it for some people? They are a free event and I believe you got a goodie bag and also vouchers for money off 😊

Hi all! Will catch up this evening, but just after some advice if anyone can help?

So, at my 28 week scan the other week, baby was breech. At midwife apt today (about 31 weeks) she felt around and said he is transverse! Bum was low down at the bottom of the bump and his head is at the side?! So basically the most awkward position I think?! She didn't seem worried, as I have another scan in a couple of weeks so they will monitor it. I've been cleared to have c section if necessary (they did think I wouldn't be able to because of previous surgery, but have since said it wouldn't be an issue) My thinking is, as he has time to move and they're monitoring me, I'll just see how it goes and not worry too much... But should I be trying things to move him? Like a ball or something? Xx

@MrsEG thanks for all your help and advice re: physio. I'll let you know how I get on. Standing seems to soothe it, walking can make it worse. Sitting is the worst though! Hope the princess and the pea setup gives you some respite tonight.

On the in-laws front, that would be a hard no from me 😳. I have very similar sounding in-laws (down to the sticky jammy knives....wash up and then enjoy your treat!!!! 😅) and hell would freeze over before I agreed to host them postpartum!!! Your DH, lovely as he is, probably isn't fully aware of just how full on that first month or so is going to be. Like someone else said, he won't be able to entertain them as he'll be preoccupied helping you and doing whatever he can with the twins / keeping on top of house stuff / walking the pup. Understandable they want to meet their grandchildren, but your comfort / mental health needs to be considered. Can they get self catering or a hotel nearby? My ILs always get a cottage, but we have the excuse that their dog doesn't like ours and would literally eat the cat given half a chance. And for reference my due date is 10th Feb and DH has told them to come down from March.

@PippaPug given the delays with processing I wanted to get mine sent on bang on 26 weeks (today!), so I printed it out Friday and filled it in over the weekend. It's OK - just make sure you get your mat b1 cert from your midwife at your 24/5 week appointment. It's worth reading through in advance to make sure you can get any queries answered ahead of time. E.g. I had no paperwork saying when I registered as self employed, so had to ring HMRC to double check. Big hugs re: DHs departure - can you plan some nice bits for yourself this week?

@cupcakesandglitter anything for a good nights sleep right?! 🤣

@MrsR16 ooo that's so reasonable!! Will have a look next time I'm in, thanks for the tip.

@Fivebyfive2 google the website spinning babies - loads of practical tips on how to move babies out of specific positions. I think (think!!) protocol with transverse is automatic c-section, so worth trying a few ideas out if you'd like to try for a natural labour.

@MrsEG ah I'm crying watching it too 😂 when the seal in the first episode got in the water rather than protecting her baby I was raged! I was having the WORST constant heartburn, waking me up through the night. Since the GO prescribed me omeprazole I havent had to touch the pink gaviscon or rennies, which I was previously alternating pretty much every other hour.

@Fivebyfive2 I'm right with you on the backache. Did a lot of driving st the weekend so I'm wondering if that's set it off. I do have a pregnancy massage next week from DH for my birthday so hopefully that will make me feel brand new again!

@Larrydavid I measured about a week behind at my early scan compared to my 12 week scan, I think maybe it's very inaccurate at that stage?

@purplefig - Was it easy filling the forms out, I’m seriously dreading it and not even sure if I have met the requirements for qualifying for it.

@MrsEG - very understandable that your in laws want to come down and obviously harder as MIL works in education however you, your DH and babies come first! I think it’s always a bit hard for DH’s as their partners want to see their parents first and sometimes in laws do get pushed out.

Can you compromise and say they can come over in Feb half term but stay in a hotel? Also suggest that you will be bfing and you don’t want to be stuck in your bedroom all day so you will be in the lounge to bf - incase they are going to be awkward about it and I would say that you can’t have visitors all day.
Even if they came Down over Easter I think you would prefer them to stay in a hotel?
Good luck!

@purplefig just spied your m&s ugly bra link, not even joking that is JUST the sort of thing I've been looking for 😂 like a sports bra but more flexible. Is it supportive? I've gone up to a 34F/G 😭 so really need comfy support, literally living in an old sports bra at the mo.

@Fivebyfive2 bouncing on a ball is supposed to be a good way to get them head down and engaged so if you don't have one yet worth getting one and spending some time on it in the evenings! The other thing is I'm never really that sure how accurate the midwife appointments are for determining positioning - had a few friends told one position only to have the complete opposite at a scan to check so don't worry yourself too much!

@MrsEG I asked my mum the other day if she would come down when I go into labour to look after the dogs in case I'm in for a couple of days with breastfeeding help etc and she totally got the wrong end of the stick and excitedly asked me if I wanted her there in the room 🙈 love my mum but nooooo thanks on the birthing partner front haha! She has offered to take a week of work and come down to help once we have the baby and DH goes back to work but I just said I'll play it by ear and let her know once we've had the baby and are home etc

@PippaPug yes it's pretty straightforward and there's a helpline if you need to clarify anything.

I'd really advise printing it all off now (there's (1) the actual form you send off, along with (2) notes + (3) a list of dates you need for working out some of the answers - can all be downloaded and printed from here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/maternity-allowance-claim-form).

You can start going through it now, before you have to apply, and that should ease you anxieties / flag up anything you need to query before sending it off.

In terms of if you qualify or not, they go into quite a lot of detail about that here: www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility. But nevertheless, I know it's easy to panic; I've gone through it 100 times and I should easily qualify - but until I hear back I am still pretty nervous! Not helped by the huge delays in them processing it. Hence, it's a good idea to get it sent the day you turn 26 weeks - that'll maximize your chances of actually getting paid in time. Now there's a fun little admin task to keep you busy while DH is away! Right, lecture over!

@Tropicana1 Hahaha! I can confirm they are remarkably good in my 48 hours with them! They are totally soft, don't dig in whatsoever and hold everything up so much better than my ratty old £6 asda crop tops. In terms of support, I probably should have gone with a medium - but I knew I'd likely outgrow that in 3rd trimester and if not then, certainly postpartum. So I got a large, which fits but it's probably not quite as supportive as would be ideal. If you're less stingy than I, you could probably get a really decent fit now and then just go up a size for nursing. The straps are super thick and supportive and there are four sets of hooks on the back (fiddly ish to do up, but I've got the hang of it now) - it's probably not quite as supportive as a sports bra, but they're really rather good. I'd deffo repurchase. They really are quite hideous looking though (and I could not care less )

@MrsEG and just to echo @Tropicana1, my mum has booked a week off of work (3 weeks after due date - so if everything went bang on time, just as DH was going back to work) - and she'll be a huge, practical help. But even she's not staying over at the house! Really think you should put your foot down on this one.

Thank you all. I feel better now! I actually find it quite rude they think we should work to their schedule?! I had thought of suggesting Easter hols instead as thats early April, but they are very strict catholic’s so would be trying to drag us all to Mass. But I’m putting my foot down on the February visit now, have told DH if they insist then they have to get a hotel and visit on our terms. Bet he can’t wait to have that phone call later!! They’re very, very conservative too and I’ve said to DH that I’m not just hiding out in our room so if they insist on visiting that early they can expect to see my tits, a lot. I think that made him re-think the situation!

@cupcakesandglitter The scenario you’ve described with your mum and her twins would be my idea of hell!! I honestly have such plans to spend the first month at home solidly indoors, figuring them out and watching Netflix!! Visitors by request only haha!

@MrsR16 Oh that’s what I like to hear!! I’d love to be in and out in 48 hours! The dream!

@PippaPug Mamas and Papas event sounds fab actually, I feel like a complete novice with car seats so I’ll look in to that! Yeah - I do feel bad as you say, in laws always get pushed out and I try my best with them. They are just such sticks in the mud and always have to have their way; there is just so little compromise with them, they were the same with our wedding too. If they didn’t like anything we had planned, oh boy did they let us know about it!!

@Fivebyfive2 Try not to worry too much - babies can move at the very last minute. My sister was breech until a week before, and one friend actually went in to the delivery room breech but they managed to manoeuvre baby around! Try lots of walking and bouncing on a birthing ball :)

@purplefig Ahh the Jammy knives are so irritating aren't they?! Clean up after yourself! Whenever we visit them they don’t even get food in for us so we have to go and do a shop for ourselves when we arrive, after a flight and a 1-hour drive. I could go on all day haha!

@Tropicana1 That seal really pissed me off!! When she popped her head back up I was like ‘Oh, so NOW you care!’ Ooh I’ll ask the midwife about omeprazole!

So I am usually terribly organised but I feel like my brains fallen out the last week and I totally forgot I have baby first aid tonight! Luckily it’s at 7:15 so I’ve got time to get myself sorted and go!! Thank you, calendar reminders!!

Evening ladies! Hope your all well!

So it's due date today for us! Although I don't seem to feel much different again, woke up feeling heavy in my pelvis but I've felt like that most days. I went to the midwife at 12, had a stretch and sweep done. She said my cervix was very favourable and I am 1-2cm dilated. It was uncomfortable but not painful. Very weird as she could feel babies head, and she could feel him moving his head away from her and he was sticking his heels out under my ribs at the same time 😂 checked his heart pre and post sweep as she said it can sometimes upset baby but as usual, he was totally unbothered. Story of our life he's so chilled out. She brought away some of my plug, and I've lost a bit more since I got home. She said by the looks of things she'd like to think I'd go into labour tonight/ tomorrow but I'm not getting my hopes up as these babies do what they want don't they, and I am yet to get any contractions, she booked me another sweep for Monday but said she doubts I'll still be pregnant by then so I hope she's right! I am willing to be in some pain/ start contracting which is a weird thing to be wishing for isn't it 😂 I'm just dancing around the kitchen to 00's r 'n' b while cooking tea in hope it moves him 😂😂
@MrsR16 I've got a hospital bag for me, a bag for baby (his changing bag- stuffed full!) and OH is adamant he doesn't need one🙄 so I've told him on his head be it but to be fair we are close to the hospital and have family near by who can always bring him clothes in from home, or us anything we might forget so I'm not too worried!

@LokiCat Thankyou! I hope he gets a shifty on 😂 amazing deal on the pushchair! We've got the occaro in Panama grey If i remember rightly. The furniture sets are beautiful! Ours is the mia one.

@MrsEG baby brain is very real! I have done some right dopey shit over the last few months even more than normal 😂

@purplefig - Thank you very much for all that information, lots of food for thought! Will get a wiggle on that though - seems the waiting time is really late too.
Do you know how it works out with NI? When you apply do you have to have all your NI contributions up todate, as mine goes across two tax years (does that make sense?!)

@MrsEG - It looked quite good and there was approx 40 odd people there and they sounded good from what we heard! Not sure if you know in advance what the topics are, I assume as much. Where did you get your car seats from? Can they fit them? There are certain places which also check cat seats and when the babies are here they can check that you have the placement of the straps right against the babies.
I think you need to put your foot down in a diplomatic way, and say there is so much you don’t know know in terms of the babies and how you are feeling (and how your getting on with feeding etc) so it’s ok to put boundaries in place - if they stay in a hotel will they go and do their own thing and then pop in for a couple of hours? You need to look after yourself - I think your planning a c section? Which means your having major surgery and you may still be struggling walking/carrying the babies - or you may be fine, you just don’t know! Try and get your DH on your side, maybe find something online about support, so it’s not just you saying it? Or is there anything in the twin book?
It’s a hard one to deal with!

@PippaPug I'm not 100% sure tbh as obviously the latest income you'll have paid NI on will be up to April 2019 (end of 2018/19 tax year) and even then, only if you've got your latest tax return in earlier. And I think all they care about is the 66 weeks before due date. I have read that if you haven't paid in enough NI - you can opt to top it up, so you'll still get mat allowance.

@thumper59 oooo that all sounds very promising!! Cmon baby boy!!!

@MrsEG glad to read that!!! Love the tits tactic too 🤣👌🏼 just perfect. We don't stay with ours when we go back now - no room and aforementioned dog issue. Like you I try and include them where poss...but I find them so tricky.

@MrsR16 so close now!!! 😁

@PippaPug sort of - I feel like when I think back to like 12w I'm like wow it's flown! But then every day/weeks seems like it's dragging for me 😭 20w scan is on the 19th! I'm getting there 😂 yes to the penguins 🐧

@purplefig ANYTHING! I'm going to whip out the maternity pillow soon!

@MrsEG sounds like a good plan!! Did DH talk to them?

Ahhh yay @thumper59 that sounds promising!!! Fx for you, he'll be here soon I know it!!

@purplefig - that’s what I thought, it’s a bit confusing I’m finding. I’m not 100% sure I have worked the 26 weeks, due to illness/slow work/wedding/honeymoon so I’m going to sit and work it out tomorrow. Thank you for your help!

@cupcakesandglitter - I know what you mean - I feel like it’s really dragging atm and I feel like I’m in limbo! Your scan must be on the Tuesday, I have a 24 week one on the 21st which is Thursday (Thursday is twin day at the maternity clinic) which will be lovely to see Pip and Pop again!

Had a bit a of a cry when DH rung me as I just miss him 🙈 I’m in bed with 6 pillows, a one maternity pillow and a couple of penguin cuddly toys just incase 😂

@PippaPug that's exactly how I feel 😩 yeah it's the Tuesday 😊 aww not long until you see them too!! Is the 24w one because you're having twins? Hopefully you'll get a good nights sleep and he'll be back before you know it 😊 if it makes you feel better, I broke down crying earlier because my cat upset me (she was just being a cat) but I couldn't handle anything 😂

@cupcakesandglitter - I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels this is going so slowly!
Yes I have scans now every 4 weeks unless something is flagged up and then it may be moved to every 2 weeks.
I’m sorry your cat made cry! Hormones eh?!!

Does anyone feel like their appetite hasn’t really come back? I can’t ever be bothered to cook anymore, never know what I want, I only eat because if I don’t I feel sick after a while, but most food doesn’t quite taste the same I can wonder round the whole of Tesco and not find anything I want for the up coming week if DH cooks something I will eat it but if I’m by myself - it’s so much effort 🙈