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?

@ELW85 Oh that’s fab about the training session - I think a 6am train would still finish me off though! Can they get you in the quiet zone for some sleep en route?? It’s really exciting and a bit overwhelmed to have the date booked - I was double checking our hospital bags last night like a mad woman and even suggesting I should wash them everything again 🙈 I’m a 50:50 mix of excited and a bag of nerves!
Yes I often feel kicks very low! Especially with twin 1 breech I sometimes feel kicks backwards like he’s booting me in the bum!! I think it’s fairly normal when they sit lower down!
Good luck chasing up the HoM today - hope you get it all resolved!

Morning ladies 😊

Thanks for all your responses re talking to bump. I do talk nonsense to my cats all the time if I'm alone and am generally singing (terribly), so you're right she is probably hearing things that way.

@Larrydavid sorry I missed the message about your scan - I hope all goes well for you tomorrow.

@TrashKitten10 ah thank you so much for all the information about the Milton tablets and the link for the bucket. I'm getting the same advice from others and it has very good reviews (plus it's easy, which is always a plus). We'll most likely go with that, thanks!!
Hahaha bless your DH, that's so funny!
I hope you and Daisy are doing well?

@MrsEG oh how exciting that you have a date for your c-section! You'll have your little boys in your arms for cuddles soon 🥰 plus the discomfort will hopefully be over soon as well! Glad everything went well at the growth scan, looks like they're growing well!

@purplefig how are you today re cramps? Hope they've subsided. Although sounds like it is your body getting you ready, how exciting!

@ELW85 that's good that your work has somewhat compromised about you going to the session (although that is still a very early start to the day!).
Hope speaking to the Head gets you a nice new midwife!

Have just got back from my 25 week midwife appointment. Annoyingly, the new midwife I was supposed to meet is off on long term sick, so I just saw the midwife that was covering. It's just frustrating that I haven't been able to build a rapport with one midwife all the way through. I've had a different one at every appointment, so there's no point discussing my thoughts etc about birth with them because it'll likely be a new one then as well 🙄
Anyway, all is looking well with the baby, heard her strong heartbeat which I will never tire of 🥰 Her head is currently just behind my belly button with her legs up on my right side, so sounds like she's pretty chilled 😊
The midwife did find some sugar whilst checking my urine sample and has said it could either be from the fruit I had for breakfast or GD.. so a good thing I've got my GTT next week.
I also had a little spot on my pubic area, which DH thinks has grown (I can't see it anymore because of my bump 🤦🏻‍♀️). Showed it to her today and she's advised getting it checked out at the GP. Waiting for a phone call from the triage doctor now to assess whether I can come in to show them.
So a mixed appointment today!

WFH the rest of the day, so curled up on the sofa with my work laptop and the tv on. Hope you're all having a nice day. It's quite sunny here! Xx

Morning all

Still awaiting a new midwife and the chance to discuss my test results.
My app is telling me I now need a consultant as my platelet level has slightly reduced. I’m hoping it doesn’t mean I can’t use the birthing centre, but I just don’t know.

@MrsEG @LokiCat - I am absolutely gutted at the early start, but I’m needed to write a business case for one of the Execs and apparently my physical presence in the room is more valuable than a detached voice 😂
I’ll certainly be sleeping on the train! I’m tired just thinking about it.

@LokiCat - I’m sorry you’ve not got a consistent midwife to build that relationship with. Take comfort from my experience though - you could have ended up with a horror who was infinitely worse!
I’m sure your tests will be fine and just a sugar spike from your brekkie, but it’s great they’re investigating 😊

It’s absolutely miserable here; lots of stormy weather on the go.
The good news is that it’s Friday tomorrow and we’re going to view a nursery!

Have a great Thursday everyone!

@MrsEG it's cool you potentially know their birthday already 🥳 and glad you're feeling good with the decision. Definitely seems sensible given their positions. The cramps aren't bad, just super mild period like pain - just haven't felt that sensation in a while so it stood out 😆

@ELW85 glad work compromised with you, that does sound better than an overnighter. You just want home comforts at this stage! Hope you get a new midwife soon and can chat through those results, fingers crossed you can still use the birth centre.

@LokiCat annoyingly I think it's quite common not to have continuity of care with midwives - I'm 35 weeks and on my third one! Luckily I really like her, so hopefully she sticks around. Glad all is well with the babe and hope all good with the spot and GTT. Enjoy a chilled one working from home! I'm good thanks, cramps are super mild so not really a bother.

I've agreed to do a couple more bits of work next week - but I don't mind as it'll be pretty part time and I'm officially finishing next Friday 🙌🏻. Already winding down though - yesterday I had a glorious afternoon nap on the sofa with the pets. They're very excited for mat leave 👍🏼 xx

@LokiCat oh I can’t tell you how excited I am to not have PGP anymore! Said to DH the first night I’m home I am sleeping on my back!!!
I have to say - that sounds fairly normal of midwives to me - I’ve seen three different community midwives and even my consultant has a team of 4 and I’ve seen the lot of them!! I think it’s just the toss of the coin at the NHS to be honest. Luckily everyone I’ve seen has been absolutely lovely. Don’t worry about it affecting your birth preferences - just get them all jotted down; any midwife who has you under their care must adhere to them and your wishes.
Hope the GTT goes well!

@ELW85 I am consultant led but my understanding is birth preferences all come down to why you are consultant led. If you don’t need a huge amount of additional monitoring you might be okay. It was a resounding no for me because they can’t monitor both twins during birth any other way! Make a note to ask when you see them!
Are you viewing a nursery for childcare?! That is super organised!!!

@purplefig I know! Me and DH both agreed it’s a good birthday too as it’s after the long month of Jan haha! Oh god - I’m dreading that first post-partum period; I’m hoping breastfeeding will keep it at bay for a few more months! Enjoy those afternoon naps with the pets, it’s glorious isn’t it?! The joys of daytime TV - I’ve become fairly invested in Judge Rinder 🥴

I’ve got some friends coming over shortly to bring me lunch! I surprised myself this morning though and managed to hoover and mop all of downstairs - it took ages, but I did it! I’ve also agreed to let DH play one last game of rugby this Saturday for his swan song as I think it’s setting in now he really won’t be going back for a good while once babies are here!
My nesting instinct is in overdrive at the moment and I’m so obsessed with the house being tidy - every night when I go to bed I think ‘if it happened tonight is the house ready for them?!’ and I never quite feel like it is!! The anxiety while I wait now is driving me mental!!
Have good days all :)

@MrsEG yay for friends who bring you lunch! Sounds fab - what did you have? Excellent effort on the hoovering and mopping too..."we" hoover daily because of the pup and I honestly haven't picked up the hoover in months. My nesting has theoretically kicked in...but I'm much better at making lists that actually cracking on 😳. Ahhh that'll be a big game for your DH no doubt! Though sure it won't be long until he's trying to get the boys inspired haha! Yes I think Feb is an ideal time to give birth, as it's still pretty wintry and then by the time spring is here I feel like we'll all be much more keen to get outside in the sunshine. I haven't watched any traditional daytime tv yet, but I've been binging Grace and Frankie in Netflix. So cute!

I feel like the baby has moved down a bit as I'm feeling movements less high up today! Also while they are moving, I've noticed way less rolling and wriggling in general. Guess at 35+ weeks there's just less room for playing!

Have a good evening everyone! x

@purplefig it was delicious - bulgar wheat and halloumi salad! Oh so nutritious... followed by an entire tube of Pringles 🙈 shared between three at least! Oh man we are so the same with our dog, he sheds so much hair! I’ve actually recently been looking in to a Roomba but they are so pricey!! Never seen Grace and Frankie but I’ll add it to the list!
Ah it’s so exciting to notice them move lower isn’t it! Getting locked and loaded! Really not long at all to go for you now :) It could really be any day!

One of our NCT mums has just had her baby, first in the group! She ended up having a c-section as baby was breech and even though she’d had the ECV she’d turned again. She said it was absolutely fine - very relaxed, she was able to watch the bits she wanted/have the curtain lowered for delivery, got skin to skin and the midwives took loads of photos for them :) So I feel very reassured now I’ve got a first-hand story to go off!

Evening all!
I’m full of cold and Indian food. I’d imagine I’ll be asleep very soon 😂

@purplefig - thank you so much, my dear! I’m hoping I can still use it too. We’ve got a tour next Saturday that I’m really looking forward to!
Your naps sound amazing.
Definitely sounds like the change in movements is just down to little one being not so little anymore! I’m starting to notice less jabby movements, and more rolls. Very exciting 😊

@MrsEG - ah I see, that makes sense! I’ve spoken to the midwife now and she thinks that my platelets are low but it affects pregnant women so she’s not that concerned and it shouldn’t affect anything but fingers crossed that’s right!
Your lunch sounds great - I’ve just has some lovely saag paneer to try and fight off a cold. That’s my excuse anyway 😂
I’m planning to go back after 6 months so we need to look at nurseries now, and the one we’re after usually has a waiting list so hopefully we get a place.

@ELW85 That makes sense, especially if there’s a nursery you have your heart set on too! I’d ideally like the twins to go to the same one my niece is at - even though they’d be in different age groups and rooms, I just like the idea of them being there together! Hope it all goes well for you and you get a spot! Good luck with your flex working request today too.
Saag paneer sounds amazing! I’ve had a cold I can’t shift since Xmas now so if you find anything that works let me know; I pine for Night Nurse!

Happy Friday all! I had such a weird turn last night; I was sat watching tv with DH and suddenly realised that the days of us just chilling out like that are so numbered now and i burst in to tears - full guttural sobs, I actually ended up crying myself to sleep. Seriously, this late stage anxiety can do one!
We are going to try and make the cinema again this weekend as it’s fairly simple and if we get a good parking space I don’t have to walk too far - so that’s cheered me up a bit. I’m going to try and sort/tidy the nursery too so I can post some pics!
Hope everyone else has lovely things planned :)

@ELW85 oh I bloody love a bit of saag paneer, what a lovely treat! Did it help shift your cold at all? Pregnancy colds are the pits. All the best for your flex working chat with work today. What are you hoping to secure? Exciting about touring the nursery, fingers crossed you can snag a spot. I'm hoping to take 9 months and then my mum's going to have him/her one day a week and I'm hoping to do nursery for another day a week...no idea if I should be sorting that out now though?! Probably worth an email.

@MrsEG ooo halloumi salad, divine! And FWIW I think 1/3 of a tube of pringles is perfectly respectable. I've also been looking into robot hoovers, but we've got a in a good groove with the hoovering routine and I worry that a robot won't do a very good job or it'll be a pain to operate (e.g. stairs / hardwood with rugs etc.). Again I say we, but I mean DH for the last few months - literally takes him 10/15 mins to whizz around the downstairs and it keeps the house so clean. Grace and Frankie is pretty heartwarming and funny, just easy watching. Do you have any other Netflix recs for anything that isn't scary / too heavy? I've always been a wimp, but pregnancy has intensified it! Ooo so exciting one of your NCT friends has had her baby! It really does make it so real doesn't it?! Glad it's reassured you about the c-section too.

Re: weird turns, they suck but they must be pretty common as the end stage of pregnancy arrives...we're on the cusp of one of the biggest life changes you can go through and that's bound to stir up big emotions. I like your idea of going to the cinema together to make the most of your time as a twosome.

My big wobble was over money. But actually, after drawing up a big budget and working out what we expenses we have coming up over the year I feel way more in control and actually think we'll be in a fairly decent position. Well, once the government decides to confirm I will be getting some maternity pay LOL. I've got on to my MP now, as next week marks 10 weeks since I applied. Thankfully they've agreed to chase it up on my behalf.

Happy Friday everyone! What're we all up to? I've got my favourite yoga class tonight, then tomorrow I'm spending some time with my parents. Sunday DH & I are going through birth preference stuff together, as we've got the midwife appointment to make our birth plan next week. Exciting! x

@purplefig See the hoovering is usually my thing and DH is definitely slacking! I sit in the living room and spot a clump of hair and it makes me crazy! He thinks I’m insane to hoover each day but like you say, 15 min whizz round and it’s all clean again!
I’ve been watching Spinning Out on Netflix; hardly award winning but it’s still had me hooked! I do have a list of loads of things people have recommended too - I’ll see if I can find it and will share!
Yeah I’ve had the money wobble too - my mat leave/pay officially starts Monday and it scares me to death, especially as DH is self employed so his income really fluctuates. We don’t plan on being particularly frivolous though - I’m all for the cheap toddler groups rather than expensive sensory terms - and I think I’ll spend a lot of my mat leave just getting out and about on big walks with them. I guess I’m quite lucky really that a lot of friends have babies under 2 so I’ll see a lot of them to keep me social and the boys will still get to meet other kids. The baby group nearest me is at a church and only £1.50 so I’m all over that. Alternatively I looked in to baby swimming lessons and the costs made my eyes water!!
I can’t believe you’re still waiting on the mat pay - good on your MP getting it chased up!
I’m so jealous you are still getting to yoga - enjoy! Writing up the birth plan sounds so exciting too! Are you still hoping for a water birth at the hospital?

@MrsEG Ahhh luckily DH loves his cleaning routine and is even less tolerant of pet hair tumbleweed than I am . Have you ever heard of The Organised Mum Method? It's a cleaning routine I discovered about a year ago and - I'm aware how sad this sounds! - it's totally changed my life. Really makes keeping on top of the house pretty easy, though I'm sure we'll slack during the newborn phase. The lady who came up with it is on Instagram and there's a very enthusiastic Facebook group if you want to find out more.

Ooo thanks, I'll check out Spinning Out. I'm building up a little list too, as I'm awful for just watching the same stuff I've already seen. I've also got a list of books and signed up to my libraries ebook sharing app. Discovered you can get free audiobooks through them too, which might be more useful when breastfeeding etc.

I think unless you're super wealthy, most people will worry about money on mat leave / pre school. But yeah, it's not a fun one is it? Like you say, there's lots of ways to keep costs down and I really am a big believer that babies and young kids don't need a lot of 'stuff' etc. Great that you've got a premade gang of mums and toddlers too, should be helpful at knowing what's on / avoiding exxy classes. Speaking of which - I just looked up the price of our local baby swimming lessons as that's the one thing I was super keen on...£12 a lesson!!! That's more than a 1.5 hr class at my outrageously luxe sea view yoga studio!!!

Yeah ideally I'm still planning on having a water birth at our midwife led unit, which is on the hospital grounds. But that's only if everything remains low risk. No reason that it won't...I'm just trying not to get too set in my ways with it. How're you feeling about everything now you've settled into potentially knowing the date?! I'm so excited for you!

@ELW85 oh also, your note about the nursery gave me a kick up the butt to contact the one we're interested in. She got straight back saying you can apply for the Sept intake from Easter...corrr blimey that is organised isn't it?!

Quiet on here today, but have a lovely weekend everyone and I'll catch-up with you all next week :) x

Hey all, feels quiet on here lately. How is everyone?

@ELW85 you're so organised, it would never have crossed my mind about nurseries whilst pregnant. But then again I'm 20 weeks now and still don't know whether I'm doing NCT or another option. I keep thinking I'll just make the decision later on!

@purplefig I keep having wobbles over money too. I only get stat pay and it's going to put pressure on us but I'm saving now to try and have back up. A budget is a good idea, did you use a website or just a spreadsheet. I've just discovered that website which tells you how much mat pay youll get too which is very very helpful.

@MrsEG oh bless you and your moment of realisation. I was watching a really sad episode of Derek in bed (if you havent watched it I highly recommend, it's a really old Ricky Gervais series) and I was hysterically sobbing. Poor DH didn't know what to do!

In officially halfway today! It feels like it's flown by since the 12 week scan. I feel more excited and scared as each day goes by. We've got our scan Monday too, can't wait to see baby again, especially after trip gate on Monday.

Hope you all have a good weekend

Hey ladies. Grandpa is loads better still got some appointments to go to and tweak some medication but I saw him the other day and he was quite perky and cheerful asking if I'd felt baby kicking yet.

Everyone has said my bump has really popped out now, think I'm feeling a bit more movement every time DH puts his hand on my bump it stops!

When should the movement be regular? Am I right in thinking not for a few more weeks (22 weeks Monday)

DH is sorting and tidying so we can do the nursery and decorate it ASAP. Silver cross are a nightmare with delivery ordered the cot in November still waiting for them to give us a delivery date we are home.

How is everyone else?
Anyone doing anything nice for the weekend?

@purplefig I’ll look up the organised mum method! Anything to help! DH means well but he’s much, much too laid back at times!
That’s fab that your library has an e-book sharing app! I’m tearing through books at the moment (especially with my daily baths!) - my friend gave me some of hers yesterday as well that she got through the Reese Witherspoon book club - I didn’t even know this was a thing?!
Swimming lesson prices make your eyes water when you look in to it ha!! The best I’ve found is a baby splash session which sounds more like guided fannying about with babies and that’s £6; but I’ll have to pay for two spaces, and they also charge for an additional adult which I’ll need - so it adds right back up again!
Oh I hope you get your birth - I’m the same as you in that I know we can only really have preferences and we just never know what these babies will do! But I’ll keep my fingers crossed for a lovely water birth for you :)
I am feeling okay - quite anxious if I’m honest but have been doing more reading on c-sections and I do feel okay with it - re-packed my hospital bag last night as for some reason this just made me feel like I was doing something?! I think my biggest anxiety now is labour happening spontaneously before my section date and I’m so keen to try and keep them tucked away until then!

@Lemonysherbet I’ve never watched Derek I’ll add it to the list! Enjoy the scan on Monday, the 20-week scan is amazing! You’ll find time starts to disappear a bit after that scan as well!! 20-28 weeks absolutely flew for me!

@MrsH497 How lovely you’re feeling those movements! You don’t track a regular pattern until 28 weeks, I started trying to make a note of it from 27. To be honest though even now at nearly 34 weeks I don’t feel a proper regular pattern in the sense that say one day at 10am they’re going nuts and the next day they aren’t! It’s more about finding their regular pattern of moving - so for me I know twin 1 likes to give a few big low down kicks and then mostly just moves up and down - twin 2 kicks and jabs away. So I focus on spotting them doing that during the day - it’s literally never at the same times though!! These babies always keeping us on our toes!
So pleased to hear your Grandpa is doing better.

Hey hey! Hope you're all having a good Saturday! I went for my cervix scan yesterday and all is ok for now - so relieved! Got to hear the heartbeat again too which was lovely. She wants me to go for another additional scan in four weeks (after my 20 week one) to keep an eye on things as I've got endo and fibroids but has given me the all clear for flying at the mo! We got excited yesterday, so booked a trip to New York to visit some friends in feb. And I get to go on our amsterdam trip next weekend! 🎉 (these will probs be my last hols until our honeymoon so I'm making the most of the freedom!)

@ELW85 thanks for your kind words of encouragement- I'm feeling much better now the scan is done and my cold has lifted. It's amazing how my mood can drop and small things feel huge all of a sudden.

@purplefig the furniture is still here but hopefully it will be gone soon. I'm glad you said about now having loads of energy in second trimester- everyone makes out that you magically transform into a bloody unicorn. I defs feel better than I did but still can't be bothered to be out too much and dragging myself to the gym requires a lot of willpower! On money wobbles - I think it's totally normal for everyone! My boyfriend is taking 6 months paternity leave and I'm planning to work as much as I can (am able to) and even though his paternity a mage is generous, I'm still worried that I won't make enough after having a baby. It's a minefield.

@MrsEG my partner keeps making fun of my nesting - I'm not sure if it's nesting or not but I feel like the to do list to get things done is huge! Desperate to get it all done! I'm taking a leaf out of your book and am booking more cinema visits. I do t know if it's because it's January or because I've not had a drink for nearly 5months but the idea of a bar or pub is not appealing at the mo - but a cosy cinema is! Glad your growth scan went well! How exciting that you have the date for your c section!

@TrashKitten10 You e totally persuaded me to buy the Milton bucket! Also, your story of a bucket of water at your feet in the car really made me laugh!

@LokiCat sorry your scan was mixed but good that they're keeping a close eye on you. Hope you get good results! Keep us posted.

@MrsH497 glad your grandpa is feeling better! I also ordered silver cross furniture, glad we did it early now!

@Lemonysherbet i can't believe you're halfway already! I'm 18weeks now. Looking forward to getting the 20week scan done!

@Larrydavid did you order direct from them? Which one did you go for?

@MrsH497 no we bought from a baby site stocking them (the one we wanted was in the sale and
had an additional 10% off - which encouraged us to buy early!) have attached a pic. Which one did you buy?

Afternoon all!

Sorry for the late reply, that cold had me floored! I’m as husky as Scarlett Johansen bust sadly don’t resemble her 😂

The flex working request didn’t go too well. Although I compress half a day now, they won’t entertain another half day so won’t give me 5 days over 4. I’m furious and I’m not giving up.

The nursery was great, and really handy for work but they had a bit of a crisis with someone fainting so we didn’t get to speak to the managers about availability. Need to call back tomorrow. Fingers crossed 🤞🏻

@purplefig - great news on the nursery! Easter will be here in the blink of an eye so I’m pleased they’ve given you the heads up on it!

@Lemonysherbet - it’s a minefield of things to consider, to be fair! You’ve got time yet, I think I’m just very organised!
Good luck for your scan tomorrow!! Are you finding out if you’re having a boy or girl?

@Larrydavid - I’m so pleased you’re feeling better and that the scan went well! New York will be fantastic 😀

@MrsH497 - so pleased your grandad is doing well! Movements are probably more noticeable now but they don’t get you to track them until 24/28 weeks

Evening all! Hope everyone had a lovely weekend. I’ve been sleep deprived and in total agony, didn’t leave the house once I don’t think (I’m in a bit of a fog). We’d planned the cinema and I was going to go to our friends babies baptism but I wasn’t up to either. I’ll try and get a bump pic tomorrow - I am like a wrecking ball on legs. Walking is so, so difficult now!

@Larrydavid So glad your cervix scan went so well, that’s great news! Jealous of your trip to Amsterdam! Yep I am nesting crazy - one thing I did manage to do this weekend was batch cook tonnes of food, I’ve completely run out of Tupperware! Your nursery furniture looks lovely :)

@ELW85 I’m so pissed off on your behalf about the flex working request! Definitely keep pushing. Hope the cold has cleared a bit for you now!! I read that line initially that you were sad you didn’t have scarlet johannsons boobs 😂

@MrsEG oh my god!! Well that too, I’m sure she’s got great boobs but I definitely meant ‘but’ instead of bust 😂
Thank you - the flex work saga continues unfortunately. I’m starting to think maybe I’m the one in the wrong and I can’t work 4 days over 5 from a tiredness perspective.
It’s so expensive to drop a day though, and the hours I’d be in the office align to the nursery drop off times, so I’d be here anyway.
Basically everyone is saying that I’m underestimating how hard it’s going to be to work full time and someone has even said it’ll end in divorce as I’ll be so tried. I really don’t need this right now (or ever).

I’m so, so sorry you’re in so much pain. It must be awful. Are you being waited on hand and foot?

@ELW85 urgh, I'm sorry the work drama continues. I guess it's so hard to know exactly how you'll feel 6 months down the line. There are just so many variables! But I'd have thought they'd at least let you trial it and see how it goes? I find some of their comments pretty sexist to be honest, I can't imagine they'd say the same to dads. Who, incidentally, are never referred to as "working dads".

@MrsEG sorry to hear you're in a fog of tiredness and pain. I'm beyond impressed you managed to batch cook this weekend though! What did you whip up? For what it's worth, I'm really starting to feel it now too. I think the baby has moved down and I can really feel it in my pelvic region - has given me even more sympathy for you!

@Larrydavid so glad the scan went well, that must be a lovely relief. And your trip to Amsterdam sounds like great fun! Yeah I'd say I've had an easy pregnancy, no major complaints other than persistent backache. But nevertheless, my energy has definitely taken a hit. I mean, it makes sense, what we're all doing is using up quite a lot of energy I'd imagine 🤣

@MrsH497 so glad to hear your grandad is on the mend, that's great news. Lovely feeling movement isn't it? To be honest, I'm 36 weeks and there's no real pattern to track. He or she just moves at various and changeable points throughout the day. And some days are quieter than others. As such, the only thing I'm really going by is any form of reduced movement (which luckily I haven't had so far).

@Lemonysherbet yeah I think Maternity Allowance is the same as stat - about £148 a week? Re: our budget I just did it in my own spreadsheet. I added up our total monthly income, deducted our monthly outgoings (mortgage, bills, food etc.) and then I could see what we'd have leftover each month. Then I added up all the one off costs of the year (e.g. weddings, birthday presents, Christmas, car service etc.) and divided that by 12 - and that showed how much of the leftover money we'd need to put aside so that's all covered. From that I could see how much we'd have each month! It was oddly satisfying and it's made me feel very on top of things. Also if things look too tight, it gives you time to come up with a solution (the MSE money makeover has some good ideas for that).

Happy Monday everyone! How're we all doing? I'm 36 weeks today and feeling it 🤣 baby is 1/5 engaged and I'm getting on off cramping and pelvic discomfort. Really glad this is my last week of work! x

@ELW85 Your workplace should be allowing you to make these decisions though! Only you can know if you can make 4 days work over 5 and they should give you the opportunity to make that work. There is so much evidence that flexible working really works! Send them some links to Mother Pukkas campaigns, or Pregnant Then Screwed! Also I think the comments being made to you about your personal relationship is just bloody awful. How dare they! Honestly, in my close friend group all of them are so much closer with their DHs now as they picked wonderful partners who see looking after their family as a team effort - and I’m sure you and your DH are no different! I’m so sorry you’re going through all of this. Would a job move even be an option post-mat leave?

I am being waited on - my mum has come round this morning to clean the house bless her and DH is trying to shift some clients this week to spend a bit more time at home. We’ll get there!

@purplefig Oh thank you lovely! I made a curry and some cauliflower soup; I have more ingredients today to do a big stew as well but I need DH to go and get some Tupperware first! Ooh how exciting baby is getting engaged! Oh the pelvic discomfort is just the worst. Enjoy this last week and get your feet well and truly up!

Had a bit of a scare this morning! I woke up at 5:30 and was aware I was... leaking a little! Jumped out of bed and there was a small pool of water on the bed. Went to the loo, came back. Panicked lots! Called triage and they said to lie on my side for 30 mins and then sit back up again - if it was waters they’d leak again. I did this, and nothing. Bone dry ever since. So just keeping an eye on it for now!! Poor DH though all the colour drained from his face!

@MrsEG oh my god - what a start to the day!! That'd certainly wake you up 🤣 good news it's stayed dry since though. Hope the rest of the morning has been a bit more chilled? Lovely that your mum is helping with cleaning and DH is going to try and reschedule a few clients. You're on the homestretch now! Curry and a cauliflower soup sound lovely 👌🏼 and I bloody love a good stew. Wonder if you could freeze dumplings?! 4 weeks until my due date which means 6 weeks at the absolute most. Hoping my back eases up again, as it'd been doing really good. Can't believe how little time is left now!

Just had my 20 week scan, it's so incredible being able to see everything in so much detail. I'm so in love with our little boy 🥰