End September babies

[Elly88]

Hello! So I'm 32+4 with my second, a girl this time 😊 the whole pregnancy has gone quick as been running round after my toddler, though now I know I'm almost there it's going so slowly! So looking for some buddies to compare notes and pass the time with! Though don't know why I want it to hurry up as I know too well the pain and sleepless nights ahead 🤣 just I think uncomfortable enough now to want her out! Everywhere pretty swollen already, hips hurt and wake me up, I pee all the time even in the night, tired and get some braxton hicks. How are others doing?

@spark27 glad it went OK and they're not worried, oh how I'd love to have a dainty little bub, by the size of me and my first being 8lb 3 I doubt that will be happening 😩 back to back can't be fun though!
MIL had DS again this afternoon, actually went really well and it's easing my mind a bit for when I am in hospital that hell be OK with her, in case I do get induced and end up being in for a few days. Roll on 36 week midwife appt a week today to see what she says.
Boobs still killing me, just had a bath and leaked a lot! Now having braxton hicks.
DH's shifts are going back to normal full days soon post covid change so means I'll be back to full days of childcare myself so frantically searching for toddler clubs to occupy him.
Hope everyone else doing well, can't wait to hopefully hear some birth stories soon!

By the way, anyone doing perrenial (spelling?) Massage? I've tried and finding it v difficult and no idea if I'm doing it right...

@Spark27 glad your scan went well. She could well surprise you in the next few weeks and pile on some weight too.

@Crumbsinthecarpet I tried with my first but due to her size and shoulders getting stuck I still tore badly. (Sorry for TMI), it's bloody hard to reach

@Elly88 glad you had a nice break and its put your mind at rest a bit. My DD will be fine but I've never left DS overnight, we've never had a need too so it concerns me too but at least with the section we know DH will be home with him at night and he'll have lots of fun with nanny during the day. When I went to the midwife earlier this week he kept telling MIL "mummy will be home soon". Its been so strange for them especially when their too small to understand. Hes been with me non stop since March. My DH went back to work in May and I'm a bit uncomfortable going where theres lots of people but the children have done amazing at settling into our own little routine.

We saw FIL yesterday for the first time in about 6 weeks who rather affectionately told me how much I'd grown, as I'm all bump I don't mind too much as long as I'm not being touched.

@Elly88 I have boob issues too. I've not had leaking breasts pre-baby before but I have this time. There very tender. I'm dreading how they'll be after if there like this already.

I've been through my lists and we now have everything we need, I don't feel ready yet but we have everything if that makes sense

So glad it went OK Spark27. Plenty of time for her to put a bit of bulk on.

@Elly88 glad too that DS is getting on better. My DS hasn’t been great with my mum since not seeing through lockdown, so I’m trying to get them to spend more time together in case she does have him during labour. I’ve been there with him to see her since end of lockdown so she’s got him by herself for a few hours next week. I honestly think he’s going to hate it!

My boobs started leaking at 18 weeks- I couldn’t believe it and wondered if it was anything to do with stopping feeding DS only when I found out I was pregnant, but a google search told me it was fairly common that early.

@Crumbsinthecarpet I haven’t/didn’t/probably won’t be doing my massages! Awful I know but I only had a small tear before.

Finally had a half decent night sleep last night!! Only for “late riser” DS to decide he was ready for the day to start at 6am. I’m WFH today, currently set up camp in bed with a fan on and seriously wondering if anyone in the office would even notice if I had an hours nap...

I'm not doing the massaging. Got the stuff for it last time but never got round to it. The idea just freaks me out a bit. Happy to have another episiotomy if needed.

I'm hoping she stays small (not tiny, just small). DD was just under 7lbs when I had her, but she massively bulked up from 6 weeks. She was huge up to about 13 months. Really hurt my back lugging her around. A lighter one would be nice this time esp as I'll probably need to carry her more when out and about with DD.

Had a fairly decent night sleep the last 2 nights, but slept really propped up. Loads of pillows to try and limit the acid reflux and ease my back. Hopefully it continues. Although, annoyingly, I feel more tired than normal today

I should be doing the massage from 36 weeks but I don't really get it or feel like it does much. They say 'massage' but it's more just like stretch and hold? Tbf my bumps so big not sure I can get down there anyway 🙈 I'm also feeling very tired today and short tempered, not helped that my toddler has been in constant whinge mode today 🙉

This makes me feel much better about the massaging 😂 I find it thoroughly unpleasant and extremely hard to reach!

Also just for advice, anyone had movement change this past week or so? When I say change I dont mean stop or less frequent, I just mean less jabby etc? It feels like she moves loads but it is physically slower and gentler movement than before, is this normal? Zero memory of last few weeks of pregnancy with DS so can't really compare. I assume it's just changed to more like rolls than jabs because she's bigger?

@crumbsinthecarpet my midwife said movements may change to more rolls and and stretches and less jabby as they have less room but amount and pattern should stay the same. Can't hurt to check tho, do you have an appt coming up soon?

Yes to that @Crumbsinthecarpet! I see you’re due two days before me and baby has definitely changed her movements this week to more rolling. Glad it’s been verified @Elly88 .

I feel your whinging DS pain also! DS had the Mother Of All Meltdowns at bath/bedtime. He was overtired from a day at the beach with MIL and an early start, but Jesus, all I could think as it took both me and DH to get him sorted was “there’s going to be another one in a month...”

I’ve now got crap, knock off Ben and Jerry’s and am pretending it’s to ease my heartburn!

I’ve got my 36 week app next week and going through the birth plan. I remember typing out DS’ birth plan as if it were the Holy Grail! I read back after labour and laughed! I think the only request this time is I don’t wish to be told if baby is back to back during labour. Was told with DS and it scared the bejesus out of me as I’d only heard horror stories.

@Elly88 @userfriendly14 v glad to hear that! Got an appointment with midwife on Monday anyway so she will get checked in on soon!

I'm glad it's not just me with the "oh god there's another one coming soon" feeling 😂 DS always asks to be picked up and carried for a bit on a walk, he likes to walk and walk and walk without going in the buggy then have a little carry then back to walking, but honestly he's just so heavy now, or insistent about me holding both of his hands to go up the stairs even though he can do it alone, and finding it funny to lean back! Imagine him doing that when I've got a baby in my armS! Think I will be making more use of baby sling this time

@crumbsinthecarpet my toddler sounds just the same!
I'm so hormonal today and now having fairly strong braxton hicks, think they come on more when I'm having an upset or angry moment!
I think cake is the answer?

@Elly88 cake is definitely the answer.

I've just got really upset with the idea of going out. With us being in lockdown I haven't really brought any maternity clothes so the idea of getting dressed got me wound up, then is there going to be toilets, will there be too many people. I've officially broken. I'm normally so confident and just get on with life but today it feels impossible and I just want to be at home where it's safe. Both children saw me get upset, I'm pretty sure DH thinks I've gone mad and now I'm home on my own.
Thinking about it properly, the only place I have been in 15 days is the supermarket!
I need to figure this one out and quickly!

@mistletoeprickles glad I'm not the only one losing the plot 😂 I don't want to go out either but more because I have no energy and other people annoy me lol but equally don't want to be sat home alone, bored. And feeling mum guilt. It's just our hormones sky rocketing though. I literally could kill my DH at least 6 times a day.

It's not surprising @mistletoeprickles. I bet loads of people feel the same, and it's got to be heightened for people who are pregnant. One of the reasons I wanted DD back to nursery as soon as it open was because I was worried that she'd get used to not socialising and become scared to go out (another reason was my sanity!)

I was really worried about going out too, but once I started a bit I found it fine. The masks are annoying and hot, but I try and forget I'm wearing it. Most places only let limited numbers in, and toilets are only one allowed in (or a family unit), so you get the whole bank of cubicles to yourself. I just make sure I have sanitizer with me.

I've found I buy less random stuff (well, I buy it all on amazon now!) as browsing is limited due to the hot mask xx

I've found the whole situation difficult too and have had many an upset moment about it. It's just so difficult to know what the right balance is and what is being sensible and what's me being OTT. We decided to send DD to nursery in June too for similar reasons @Spark27, but I do feel under pressure from other people to do something just because they are comfortable with it - I think that's what I find most difficult. Just because we think nursery is fine and the right decision for us as a family doesn't mean I can't have a wobble about other stuff. DD had a temperature the other day which meant I couldn't go see the midwife so now I feel like hibernating!

Thanks for reassuring me I'm not mad ladies.
I stayed home and had a good cry. DH and the children had a lovely afternoon though. The children will be returning to school in 2 weeks time and DD is going back to her club, so quite an increase in our exposure circle. it was just the thought of people and having to get dressed I think, I don't know, it could of been anything. But I've also been at home with the children since March and I'm used to working.
MIL has been suggesting things to do tomorrow and I just want to scream "leave me alone!" We'll see how I feel tomorrow.
DH is ready for this pregnancy to be over hormone wise I'm a bit erratic!;

Oh ladies, you have no idea how much better I feel having you all here to go through this with!

Extra for @mistletoeprickles. I can’t imagine how you feel, but just know that yes, hormones are definitely not helping at the moment. I said the exact same to DH this evening! On a lighter note, was it bliss having the house to yourself for a little while?

Went to the zoo with family today and I was getting annoyed that DN kept trying entertain DS, who was getting tired and not overly happy about being in his pram. What rational person gets annoyed about that?! I’m good at internalising it though, so hopefully I am still Fun Auntie!

I'm glad it's not just me feeling a bit nuts! Mega mum guilt with just not feeling like I'm doing enough with DS, just don't have the mental capacity :(
This pregnancy has flown by but it's really starting to drag, I think just because I feel so uncomfortable, this morning I woke up and my hands and feet had really swollen and sore (and my fave a little too, boo) really tired as DS slept badly, and my knees and hips hurt so much 😢

I know baby will come when she's ready, but I really wish she was ready 😂 feel like I'm looking out for labour signs and disappointing myself over it

Started stripping the walls in the living room in the hope that it will make me not wish for her to come early haha

I get mum guilt every day. I feel like I should be doing more with her, but I'm just so uncomfortable and tired. I live for her 2 nursery days, even though I'm then busy trying to get things done. I tell myself every evening once shes in bed that I'll do more/be more fun the next day, and then by 0900 I'm shattered again. I want to enjoy the time of just us, but I'm so drained. I'm just hoping once I've had baby and feel a bit more 'normal' this will change and I'll have the energy for both of them.

Got the baby carseat and pram down from the top of the garage today (well, sent DH to get them). Fortunately we had the foresight to pack them away properly so they are all clean and all the bits were there (thank you past me). But just getting them in the house knackered me. Had such bad cramping and backache afterwards I had to collapse on the sofa.

When are people starting with raspberry leaf tea? Or have you already? I've read conflicting stuff on what week to start x

I made it out yesterday, just an hour at a little park but I went and the children were really pleased i did. I was tired when I got home but that's ok. I think it's going too far from home that's unsettling. DH said he remembers I was similar when I was heavily pregnant with DS, I don't remember though!

I think it's normal for us all to have mum guilt when we're juggling pregnancy, life and DC's at home. I'm yet to feel this burst of third trimester energy!
Being pregnant in a pandemic is very weird. I have not brought a single item in an actual shop!

I'm really looking forward to bank holiday weekend, DH will have a nice long weekend off and September will be in sight and hopefully so will all our babies.

Does anyone have any suggestions to relieve hip pain at night? I'm waking up because I'm beginning to ache, I already sleep with a v shaped pillow between my legs and supporting my bump

@Spark27 I started raspberry leaf tea at 32 weeks! Only one cup a day, on about 3 now :)

@mistletoeprickles also bad with hip pain at night, I sleep with a pregnancy pillow and a regular pillow between my feet as well which helps but it does still hurt. Tbh only thing that's kept it at bay is paracetamol if I wake up in the night in pain :(

Anyone else had any contractions? Had one random one in the middle of the night last night! Just the one! Also had my midwife appointment and apparently she's in my pelvis engaged up to her ears now which explains the increase in pain and silly walk! I thought second babies didn't usually engage until labour 🤔

Thanks @Crumbsinthecarpet. I started 3 days ago (34+5), only 1 cup a day, but have been having some painful cramps and loose bowels (sorry, tmi) so was a bit worried I'd started too soon.

When I went for my 34w appt (34+4) baby was 4/5th engaged. Mw was surprised as it's my 2nd. Does make it easier to breathe so that's nice, but it does make my bits seem a bit swollen/heavy

So glad it's not just me getting mum guilt for not doing more with Ds. But tbf, there's not much I can do with him as toddler groups and swimming are all still closed for children so unless I spend a fortune on zoos/farms/attractions I'm a bit stuck really. We have a dog so do a walk somewhere every day (all be it a lot shorter than we used to!), feed the ducks and have had a couple picnics and go to the playground or the supermarket, that's about it! I have a couple of mum friends with little ones but everyone else I know is back working now.
I'd totally forgotten about the bank holiday so you've made my day!
I also get bad hip pain sleeping on my side at night I'm forever tossing and turning, I have pregnancy and normal pillow in between my knees, sometimes one behind to lean back a tad on takes the pressure off the hip but I can't really sleep like that. I'm dying to be able to sleep on my front again!! I've put a mattress topper under my bed sheet which softens impact on my hips but they still wake me up too. Not long to go! Only thing I really found to help is deep sciatic massage but trying to get the DH to cooperate without moaning is not always worth it 🤣🙈
I started raspberry leaf tea at 32 weeks one cup a day, I just upped to 2 cups a day (now 35+1) also started dates today too and got the birthing ball out. Probs all does nothing but least I feel I'm doing all I can!
Mine wasn't engaged at my last appt but has been head down for quite some times so hopefully she's stayed that way! 36 week midwife appt on Thurs so will find out.

@Spark27 I had cramps when I started it too but they subsided quickly and my body must have got used to the tea now as I don't feel anything no matter how much I drink! Wow that's early to engage! Are you expecting to go early? I'm just hoping she stays in for just one more week so I have a chance to paint the living room, and DH can finish plasterboarding the kitchen!

@Elly88 omg sleeping on my front is the dream 😍 deep sciatic massage sounds divine, I've also found using the tens machine helps with it quite a lot! Relief is short lived but you don't have many choices of painkillers when pregnant haha! Ditto with dates but I'm forgetful with them :(

@crumbsinthecarpet it's actually super painful but a good pain, elbow right in the middle of the butt cheek 🤣 I'm a beauty therapist so trying to get the DH to do it correctly is frustrating haha, sure he does it bad on purpose to get out of me asking again 😂 ooh hadn't thought of using my tens machine before labor. Unfortunately I remember boobs etc being too sore for a fair while whilst feeding to be able to sleep on my front for some time after :/
On another note, I've decided to ask about an early sweep/induction at my 36 weeks midwife appt on Thurs. See if they'll so it at 38 weeks. Not sure I want to be induced, so would prefer a sweep at 38 weeks but I highly doubt she'll do it. I read somewhere about it not being safe if baby's head isn't fully engaged as chance of cord prolapse? No idea if true or not. Anyway, my though process behind it is because of DS one weighing 8lb 3 and getting shoulder dystocia which I'm worried will happen again as I'm measuring the same if not bigger by now. Any advice? I'd rather labor naturally but smaller earlier baby equals less chance of getting stuck? But induction equals more chance of section and longer in hosp away from ds :/ they may not even offer it.
I slept awfully last night, was awake for ages and up so many times for a wee, just as I'd get comfy if gen jabbed in the bladder or the ribs. Got so hungry at like 1am I ended up getting up for a snack which I really didn't wanna start doing this time as I'm sure it led to extra weight last time! Thankfully I stuck to fruit and veggies with a little protein. But then regret having gotten up once I've done it as even more wide awake 🙈