Catching up with TTC #1, thread 8!

[MrsEG]

Getting a new one started before we are full! I’ll go back now and add people - answering everyone’s last posts here!!

@MrsR16 Nesting sounds like a good idea! Our house is such a mess at the moment mid-decorating and I cant wait for it all to be done so I can tidy!!

@BabySquid Fabulous bump! Glad you had such a brilliant time. I’m starting to think that pain sleeping is all just part and parcel of being pregnant now! At my yoga class everyone complains of it!

@Tropicana1 I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about!

@purplefig Yeah it was amazing to hear! Apparently IVF twins are more likely to be small but she never explained why. But yeah, induction is less likely for growth - it could still be needed for other reasons but it’s nice to have one of them off the list! How are you feeling, sleeping any better?

@ELW85 I did sleep a little bit better! I still woke up about 4:30 but slept all the way from 10 til then which is amazing! I feel like I’m slowly getting used to just being tired now! Glad you managed a better sleep!

@PippaPug Glad you got the radiator sorted! Yeah I’m amazed at how care changes from place to place but I think the main thing is as long as someone is seeing us at least once a month then that’s great!! How have you been feeling? I’m 24+4 today and really starting to feel uncomfortable now. My bump measured approx 32 weeks yesterday!! 32!!! She thinks they must be lying all at the front.

@cupcakesandglitter From doing some googling I think at the 28 week appt they’ll more start telling me what I can and can’t do in the birth - like start laying out all of my options? So I’m not gonna worry too much and wait to see what they say! My only ‘preference’ is everyone arrives happy and healthy and all are safe and well! I love the bong haha - how are you feeling today?

@purplefig I ended up doing neither. I am absolutely wiped out today and am struggling to walk without pain. I’ve been on the sofa for hours! DH has just taken the dog out solo now.
My advice, if your body is saying you’re done then you are - finish up and get some well needed rest before the big day!

@cupcakesandglitter Thanks lovely I’ve basically been under a blanket on the sofa pretty much all afternoon!

@ELW85 We’ll get through it! I calculated earlier that I potentially only have 3 scans left now before the babies are here which made me feel a bit better haha. I’m going to mention my late-tri anxieties to my consultant this week too as I’m struggling a bit the closer we’re getting to delivery!
What a lovely idea with DH - have you anywhere in mind?

Gah the pain is back again with a vengeance this afternoon. One baby is breech and one head down and it’s hard work - I have one head shoved under my ribs and one digging in to my pelvis. All my days plans have just gone completely out of the window! My belly is just rock solid. 4 weeks and counting!!

@purplefig - good for you! There’s no point in working when you’re exhausted. Are you feeling breathless too? I’ve noticed a shortness of breath recently.
Thank you again for your lovely words. I’m not sure if we’ll go away or just have some days out locally. It is a lovely idea though, and I’m just happy he’s thought of it!

@MrsEG - I’m really sorry your dog walk was a write off, but I hope you’ve had a wonderfully relaxing day?
Three scans is a brilliant way to look at it, and talking about your third tri anxiety is a great idea. Pregnancy is a lot to go through, and I’m only recently coming to terms with the extent of it myself...and clearly not handling the latest bump in the road that well.
You are doing a wonderful job though, and please don’t forget that!

Hi ladies! Sorry for being so AWOL. I hadn't been sleeping well since getting from NY, mostly 2-3 hours a night (little madam decides to start a gymnastics party from around 11pm, so I think it's keeping me up!). I was so exhausted by Friday, that I took a half day and crashed when I got home - pretty much slept from 5pm to early next morning 🙈

Sorry I've missed a lot!

@PippaPug I'm sorry you're having such a negative experience with the hospital. Your concerns don't sound silly at all. It is frustrating that don't they aren't discussing what you want, but rather forcing you to go into one direction.
Could speaking to PALs help at all? Maybe it'll give the option to get a second opinion from another doctor?

@ELW85 what an awful midwife! I'm so sorry you got treated like that when you were sharing your concerns; who cares if she's the 'professional', anyone can make a mistake and it would be better if she owned up to them! Glad you had a better experience with MAU. I really hope all goes well at the growth scan tomorrow. It's completely understandable why you'd be stressed.
I really hope you don't have to see that midwife again either!
Lovely suggestion from your DH to have some time off together! Will you be looking to go anywhere for some of the long weekends?

@MrsH497 glad to hear your grandad is doing well. That must have been quite a shock.

@MrsEG glad those cramps had subsided! I wonder if they were Braxton Hicks. I hope your scan goes well on Wednesday!
I'm sorry to hear your pain is back again. You've been doing an amazing job getting through to this point, not long to go hopefully!

@Fivebyfive2 Joe is absolutely adorable! Cuddles on the sofa sound amazing 🥰 I hope you're getting on okay!

@Lemonysherbet I was thinking that, so many babies are arriving and it's so exciting but I hope it doesn't get too quiet on here soon! We'll get each other through the last months 😁
I really hope your cold has gotten better? I was just drinking lots of water to help with the coughing and waiting for it to pass through when I had it a few months back. It's awful when you can't take anything for it!

@cupcakesandglitter oh your nursery is so beautiful! I love the shade of pink you've used and the shelves are so cute! We unfortunately haven't been able to make much start on the nursery yet as DH has either been down with a cold or working on the weekends. Seeing yours has got me so excited to work on ours, hopefully soon!

@Likethefruit ah you look so gorgeous! Love the bump. I'm glad you had a nice time at the cottage, sounds bliss.
I hope the GPs note is able to get your hours down. How annoying that you have to go to those lengths though and the person in charge isn't being understanding! 64.5 hours is ridiculous!
That baby box is brilliant; that's amazing that you're offered that in Scotland! Glad your John Lewis appointment went well, what bits do you still need to get?

@purplefig I'm most likely going to be taking maternity leave from when I'm 37 weeks, but will ask if it's possible to push it forward/back depending on how I'm feeling. The commute is already taking a toll on me, so I dread to think how I'll find it when I'm further along. I would like to have some time to sort the house out and relax before she comes (if she's on time!). I don't think it makes you lazy at all if you need to bring the date forward. Your body is doing such an amazing, but tiring, job. It is important that you do what's right for you.

So sorry if I've missed anyone.

I was counting down the weeks left at work the other day; 12 weeks till maternity leave! It's absolutely crazy how fast the time is going.
We did a big shop in Mothercare yesterday, got lots of sleepsuits and baby grows (I only just found out the difference when we were buying them 😂) for when she's first here.
I was getting so teary looking at the small sizes and imagining her wearing the outfits, when I was sorting through them at home 🥰 I really can't wait till she's here!
I also went to visit some friends over New Year's Day; her sister gifted us the most gorgeous playmat/blanket. My friend had told her about our safari nursery/big giraffe toy, so everything was giraffe themed, down to the card 😂 it was so thoughtful and I can't wait to use it!

So sad the weekends over! normally love going into work, but I'm so done with it now (mostly because of the commute into London). It gets so tiring 😫
I hope you've all had a lovely weekend xx

@LokiCat oh wow, 2-3 hours a night sounds dreadful! No wonder you needed time off to recoup. I hope it improves for you soon lovely. How did you find Mothercare btw? Can't decide whether to go or not! Yeah that's my thinking - I want time to relax and prep and I'm not managing to do much alongside work. Your blanket present sounds so thoughtful 💕 I've found people have been so generous and kind.

@ELW85 Yes!! Definitely getting shortness of breath from time to time.

All the best today, I'll be thinking of you. Deep breaths, you've got this.

@MrsEG good for you for listening to your body. Did you get any sleep last night? Must be so uncomfortable with one each way up!

Ladies somehow I'm 35 weeks today 🙀 it's just wild how quickly it's whizzing by. I've decided to wrap up work from 36 weeks - spoke to a few mum friends and they all said they enjoyed having time before the arrival to rest and nest. Hope everyone has a lovely Monday! X

Morning ladies!

Hopefully grandpa sees the cardiologist today and we can get to the bottom of what's happened.

How is everyone? Xx

@ELW85 it is such a minefield this pregnancy lark! I feel like I feel I’m doing totally fine until even the most minor hiccup and then I spiral pretty fast. The very best of luck for your scan later on - I’ve got all fingers and toes crossed for you and baby x

@LokiCat Sounds like you needed that half day to crash! Hope you’re feeling a bit more rested now. Lord do I know that broken sleep feeling and it is no fun at all! Glad you had such a fab Mothercare haul - there’s zero close to me now! Such a shame so many of the shops are closing, I hear Mamas and Papas could be next.

@purplefig Ah 35 weeks and just one week til mat leave! How exciting for you! Honestly having the time to rest is amazing. Fancy a nap at half 10? Curl up and go for it!! Do you have much left to get sorted before baby arrives?

Ladies I had such a wretched night, I know all I do is moan these days but I’m barely coping I think. I woke up at 3am and couldn’t actually move - something felt ‘stuck’ in my back so I woke DH up and together we slowly manoeuvred me up. Then had the earliest (or latest depending how you look at it!) bath of my life! Even just the stairs at home now feel like a huge challenge; PGP is excruciating and I’m starting to understand how women end up on crutches! I’m throwing in the towel - no more pretending I can still get out and about, it’s just me and the bed or sofa now until these kiddos turn up!

@MrsEG oh my god that sounds so awful, I really do feel for you. I'm so glad you've decided to totally chill out now and not try and push yourself, PGP is no joke and you've done amazingly well to cope with it as you have. Did the bath help? Are still seeing the physio? Just wondering if they could do any work on your back to ease the discomfort. At least it's vile weather at the moment, perfect for napping and netflixing. How long do you reckon you've got left?

I haven't got anything I HAVE to do before the baby arrives, but quite a few things I'd like to do e.g. stock the freezer, finish organising their room, deep clean the kitchen etc. But mostly I'm looking forward to daytime napping 😆

@MrsH497 that's great news, I hope it all goes positively for you all ❤️

Morning all

So nervous for later but I actually feel like I look bigger today (might all be in my head) so feeling a bit more positive.
Called the Head of Midwifery that the community midwife is under and she couldn’t have been better.
She apologised profusely and said the worst part is that she’s made a clinical error as confirmed by the hospital.
She’s removed her today from her appointments to talk to her and put a training plan in place. She’s calling me Wednesday evening to check in and confirm my new midwife.

@MrsEG @purplefig @LokiCat - thank you so much for the support, ladies. I’m sure I’ll feel better come 6pm but I’ll let you know straight away.

@MrsEG - I’m so sorry you’re in so much pain and discomfort. I know it’ll all be worth it when they’re here, but in the meantime, definitely don’t move from that sofa or bed!

@purplefig - I can’t believe you’re 35 weeks today! Happy last week of work 😀

@LokiCat - I’ve just stuck some holidays in now, so I might throw in a random night away once they’re confirmed. Our anniversary is in March but 5 days before little one is due to land, so I might see if we can celebrate it a bit early and go back to the place we got married at 😊

Sorry to hear about your night @mrseg and sorry for the pain too - I hope you can just relax as much as possible with minimal moving until they're here?

Thankyou @lokicat ☺️ I hope you get to start soon, but you've still got time either way ☺️

Wow @purplefig 35 weeks?! Only a week left too 🥳

Ahh @MrsH497 that's great, hopefully they get to the bottom of it quickly x

@elw85 im glad you got an apology, it's the least they owe you!!! Hope the time flies before your scan and you'll see baby is fine and your bump has grown 😌 keep us posted x

Thank you @cupcakesandglitter! I’ve decided that when all goes well tonight (trying to think positive!) that I’ll book a night away in our week off together to celebrate! X

Ahh that sounds like a lovely plan @elw85 better get looking!! X

Good luck today @elw85 let us know how you get on.

I had a minor drama this morning. Fell over on my way to work. There was a hole in the pavement and I just lost my footing. The shock of it wore off about an hour ago as the aches kicked in and I called the mat unit to ask advice and they've asked me to come in to be checked over. Now my mind's doing the overthinking thing and worrying endlessly. I think I fell on my side but it all happened so quickly I can't be sure. I just know I'm going to feel super bruised when I wake up tomorrow! I fell with such force I smashed an apple into pieces in my bag 🙈

@lemonysherbet - thank you! Try not to worry, it’s great they’re seeing you, but I know someone who fell off her horse (she refused to stop riding and lied to her midwife) and she was fine!

@purplefig I hope so! I can't function by the time it gets to the afternoon. I just want to sleep all the time (so like you, can't wait for maternity leave and daytime napping 😁)! That's great that you've decided to wrap up at 36 weeks. You'll have some nice time to relax and nest!
I was a bit unsure about the quality of everything that would be left at Mothercare, but I'm glad we went. Little accessories, such as mittens, hats, etc were about £1-£2 and they had lots of sleepsuits and babygrows packs which they had reduced to about £5-£6, so was great to stock up for 'everyday wear'. We almost bought a display model of the Maxi Cosi Family Isofix (which was £100 off) but it looked like it had been bashed around a bit, so didn't want to risk it! So you may find decent discounts on the bigger items (apparently they're still clearing their warehouse out, so new stock is coming in according to posters).
Happy 35 weeks!!

@MrsEG it isn't fun at all, you just feel so slow throughout the day when you get broken sleep. I slept well Friday and Saturday, but it was the same again last night. Didn't get to sleep till around 2:30 and was up at 5! 😫
Ah I'm so sorry you had such an awful night. I don't blame you for just wanting to chill out on the bed/sofa until babies arrive!

@ELW85 im glad you got an apology from them about it all and that they're taking the appropriate action with the midwife. She needs to know that what she did is not on at all! I hope the new one you meet is a lot nicer.
Ahh that'll be lovely to go back and visit where you got married. Perfect time away together before the little one arrives 😊
Wishing you lots and lots of luck for today 💕

@Lemonysherbet oh no, I hope you're okay? I'm glad they're getting you checked out straight away. Hopefully all is fine with baby and that you won't be too sore/bruised tomorrow. Look after yourself ❤️

Ladies who are currently/planning to breastfeed and expressing, have you got a breast pump, bottles and sterilisers straight away or are you planning to see how you get on first? If the former, which have you gone for?
There's so much out there, I have no idea where to start. I was speaking to the dads here at work and they just use Milton tablets for sterilising, so I wasn't sure if that's better than an actual machine... 🤔 so confusing! 🙈

@purplefig I don’t see the physio anymore as it was getting too tricky to get in and see her without a lift there and back. She hasn’t discharged me though so I have an open appt so I may call her actually even for some tips over the phone. I should find out how long I have left when I see the consultant on Weds but I think if they are both still growing well they’ll want to keep them in til 37 weeks which is 4 whole weeks! It seems so long at the moment - I know in reality it’ll fly though. And I know it’s for the best for them to keep them in too; I’m just being selfish with my aches and pains!
Ahh I so know what you mean about that nesting instinct I am obsessed with the house being clean at the moment, I go ballistic if DH so much as leaves a mug in the living room!! I have some food prep to try and sort tonight actually - just slow cooker stuff so nice and easy!

@ELW85 I’m so so glad the head of midwifery was so good with you and is taking it so seriously. As she says - if you hadn’t followed your instinct that’s a serious clinical error on her part that surely she must have known she’d made and was just trying to cover her own tracks?? Good luck later on. Not long to go now!

@cupcakesandglitter Thanks lovely, minimal movement is what I’m all about now! How are you getting on at the moment?

@Lemonysherbet Oh gosh! Great you’ve been in and been assessed, I hope all is fine when you get there. Those babies are so well protected - a colleague was in a car accident when pregnant and broke her leg but the baby was completely fine, tucked away in there! I hope everything is okay.

@LokiCat It’s horrible isn’t it and that’s the worst bit - once you’re awake especially if there’s pain you just cannot drift back off to sleep! I managed a nice 2 hour cat nap this afternoon though and feel better for it!
I plan to combi feed with the twins so DH can help me, so we have a pump already - we were lucky enough to win a brand new Medela one but I know you can hire them from hospitals also, if you wanted to try it out before committing to anything?

@ELW85 I am so impressed by how you've handled this - you've totally taken control of the situation and got things moving. So, so glad that her behaviour is being addressed and that you don't have to see her again. Not long to go now lovely. I bloody hate end of the day scans!! Big hugs.

@cupcakesandglitter I know - it's whizzing by! how're you feeling today?

@Lemonysherbet sorry to hear about your fall, that sounds very painful! I'm glad you're going in to be checked over, but try and remember everything will most likely be totally fine. They're super well protected in there.

@LokiCat ooo thanks for the details, I'll definitely talk DH into going over for one more look I reckon. I'm with you on the daytime nap front! I took the dog out for just 20 mins earlier and I was bloody shattered afterwards . Re: breastfeeding and expressing - I'm going to see how I get on before I buy anything. All going well, I'm going to leave it at least a month before I look into anything. Also it's just one less thing to think about / buy / devote mental energy too!

@MrsEG It's not selfish - it's a totally rational feeling. Your life is basically on hold now until they arrive and anyone can appreciate that is pretty bloody frustrating. Good idea about calling the physio for some phone advice.

Thanks all, babys heartbeat was all good (took her a while to find it) so they're not worried I've done any damage. I am one big ache however so I came home and slept for an hour. It's gonna hurt in the morning 🙈

@MrsEG thanks you lovely. Saw a fantastic GP trainee today who has signed me off all out of hours including evenings and weekends and said no more than 40 hours in any 7 day period. Such relief, I cried at GP. So hopefully this should be it sorted now! Yeah I really enjoy my time in theatre with mums, their babies and their partners! Such a privilege to share those special moment with them. Although I have to admit I don't want to meet any of my colleagues when this wee one is born 😂😂
You're having such a tough time and I hope it settles down. Out of interest do you measure the temp of the baths you have? I took one the other day which was a tad on the hot side then worried the rest of the night off fried the baby!

@purplefig cant believe you're 35 weeks. Glad you've made a decision about when to stop work, need to put yourself first. I say great GP today who has sorted me out hours wise. Can't explain the relief!

@ELW85 thank you! Amazing what a few days away from work can do for your appearance!! I'm hopefully sorted with work now! Hope your appointment has gone well xx

@LokiCat thanks so much. We had such a lovely time away. Was so lovely to have a quiet Xmas! Glad New York sounded fab too. I've pretty much only bought some essential clothes and a car seat 😂😂. But I know which crib/pram etc I want now. Just need the kitchen to be finished so I have room (in old kitchen) to put things! Work rota should be sorted now, although I've been asked if I can still do this weekend? And could I do just 8-5 sat and Sunday. Erm no!!

@Lemonysherbet glad everything is ok after your nasty fall!

Hope everyone's Monday's were great! I feel I might actually sleep soundly tonight because I'm not worried about work!

@LikeTheFruit re: hot baths, I did a lot of reading around this early on as I love a hot bath. As I understand you can't 'fry' your baby; the issue is that you overheat and your blood pressure is impacted, which won't feel good. As such, I've carried on as per normal throughout (not least as a hot bath is one of the few things to soothe my back). Great news about your GP limiting you to 40 hrs per week, that sounds immeasurably preferable to that other rota.

@Lemonysherbet glad is all is grand with the baby - it's such a lovely feeling getting to hear the heartbeat isn't it? You go easy on yourself tomorrow - ouch!!

@LikeTheFruit Oh I was petrified about baths at first, I was 18 weeks before I got back in the bath again! My midwife told me to stay away from Google (always sounds advice!) and that as long as you can get straight in the bath and you don’t turn pink, you’re fine. I never check the temperature I just go off that. She also said baths are totally fine as as soon as you’re in it will start to cool. I literally have a bath every day now!! The babies love it, they do flips when I’m in there! Oh I’m so pleased the GP got you all sorted what a relief that must be for you. 40 hours over 7 days is much more manageable!!

@Lemonysherbet Wonderful news! Amazing how well your body protects baby in utero!! Have a nice relaxed night and I hope you’re not too sore in the morning!

@purplefig I think that’s it, everything does feel on hold and I feel like I have this added ‘pressure’ of knowing I may not make it to 37 weeks too so I question everything - every twinge, feeling, I’m like ‘is this it? Are they coming?’ And it’s just making me super anxious at the moment, coupled with all the pain and lack of decent sleep I’m just so ready for this bit to be done now and have the babies here.
Have you managed to get any food prepping done? We’ve finally ordered our extra chest freezer and DH is on a mission this evening to find some good Tupperware or foil trays! You’ll have to let me know if you find any good recipes!

@LikeTheFruit this is a good overview of recent research: www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2018/03/01/pregnant-women-can-enjoy-hot-baths-saunas-without-risk-says/

@MrsEG yeah that's totally understandable - I'd be completely the same, wondering if every twinge or cramp was the start. I think your plan of resting as much as poss is a wise one. They'll be here before you know it, but it's perfectly normal and human to feel frustrated with the pain and general inconvenience of not being able to walk! Ooo a new chest freezer, very nice indeed 👌🏼 happy prepping! I haven't started yet - going to as soon as I'm on mat leave.

Ive got this blog post saved as an overview: www.eatliverun.com/stocking-freezer-baby-number-three/

Evening all!

The scan went so well! They measured his femur and abdomen to get an idea of growth and weight, and he’s bang on the 50th centile. Currently weighing 3lbs 4oz.
They also did a Doppler on the placenta and cord and he’s getting above average blood flow, so great need all round!

Thank you all for your lovely words and support - I’m just beyond relieved he’s fine. Getting to see his beautiful little face again was wonderful 💙

@purplefig - thank you for saying that! I know the NHS are stretched beyond belief and they are doing a wonderful job on the whole, but I couldn’t let that go. All I wanted was to ensure that no-one else has to go through the stress we did and all of the babies are tracked properly. All sorted though!! Looking forward to the follow-up call on Wednesday to thank the HoMidwifery again.

@Lemonysherbet - glad your check-up went well! They’re very resilient and I hope you aren’t too sore for much longer!

@LikeTheFruit - fantastic that work is all sorted! Less to worry about 😊 good luck with your application too!

@MrsEG - I’m so relieved it’s all sorted. Not long til Wednesday for you! How are you getting on with the cramps, have they settled down?

@LokiCat - good question on the expression stuff. I really need to figure that out. We’ve got a sterilisation kit but I need a pump too.

I’ve got a meeting on Friday to discuss flexible working with my boss and we’re visiting a nursery after that too. Currently in bed with my hypnobirthing book, and feeling so much more positive and ready to meet little one and enjoy the rest of the pregnancy again!!
Happy Monday eve, everyone!