November 2021, thread 3 - hello second trimester!

[AlackAlasAlackaday]

Hi everyone, following up from our second thread here.

We’re just about through morning sickness and odd early pregnancy symptoms… what will the second trimester bring?

Having said that, she’s just given me some kicks right on the front so maybe she’s wriggled round!

I can't wait to sleep on my back again. I want to be able to move around without groaning and aching. Can't wait to go back to the gym and do a really hard workout! I miss my high waisted jeans and normal clothes.
And of course I cant wait to meet my baby and find out if its a boy or girl and see who they look like, I've never been so patient about anything in my entire life.

@Bennetgirl welcome! I heard those growth scans can be wildly inaccurate anyway, hopefully it's not a toddler coming out!!

I cant wait to lie on my back either. I'm convinced I will spend the first few weeks living exclusively on soft cheeses, medium steak, sushi and fully caffeinated coffees. Maybe some wine for good measure

Oh yes I forgot about a glass of wine!! The only thing I can imagine missing about being pregnant is that everyone is really nice to me all the time. I also really enjoy hearing the positive and nice stories from everyone about their pregnancies and children. I won't miss the stupid 'get your sleep in now' comments, as if you can bank sleep?!

@Yogity

I cant wait to lie on my back either. I'm convinced I will spend the first few weeks living exclusively on soft cheeses, medium steak, sushi and fully caffeinated coffees. Maybe some wine for good measure

I can’t wait to have a Mr Whippy style ice cream and a pint of cider. Have jokingly told hubby to turn up at hospital with a McFlurry when he comes to collect baby and I to go home, we’ll he thinks I’m joking. Can’t wait to have little one here and see who they take after.

Is it just me being hormonal or would you be cross too? We were due to have our 28 week mid wife appointment today, she was going to start the measurements and I had a few questions. Saturday tea time got a call asking to push my appointment back by half an hour as she needed to do a home visit, I said it was fine. This morning We sat in the Dr. Car park and texted to say we were outside waiting, as per the mid wife’s rules. Next thing we know another pregnant lady walks across the car park and I say to hubby, I bet the midwife has double booked us, I just had a gut feeling as they only work one midwife a day there. Low and behold 2mins later the mid wife calls, laughing down the phone that she’s somehow managed to double book two of us at once and as the other lady was at the door we have to re schedule. She wanted to re book us for 530 today but we had plans so said no. Friday was better for us. She has “squeezed” us in on Friday but now I’m worried that 1 she’ll double book us again. 2 the term “squeeze us in” makes me think it will be a rushed appointment and not the full checks she should of done. 3 as she was laughing when she called me, makes me think she isn’t sorry and can now mess us about. 4 should the other person been asked if she could come back later and it explained we’d already moved our appointment once to accommodate another person?

@Lizlou85 that would make me cross too! If you're anything like me you look forward to your appointments for a bit of reassurance that everything is going ok so having to move multiple times would be frustrating.

Has anyone else experienced leaking (presumably) colostrum by this stage? DH pointed out a big stain on my pjs yesterday and it seems to have carried on into today. This is our first so I had absolutely no idea that could happen at 30 weeks?

@Lizlou85 I'd be cross too for sure!! I think I'd given them one chance on this sort of thing then complain to the hospital.

@Yogity I found a tiny crust on my nipples this week and google said colostrum normal anytime from around now. The joys!

@lizlou85 I'm really looking forward to a nice glass of white wine. Someone at work asked if had any craving and i said wine - they looked a little shocked! 🤣

I find it hard to notice movement when at work, but a really cold glass of water from the machine at work helps.

I sleep on my side normally which helps, but worry a bit as i tend tilt towards my front putting some weight on the bump, but i haven't seen anything anywhere to suggest that is problem and she is well protected in there. The only problem is sleeping on side and trying to elevate my head and shoulders to help with the reflux.

I haven't had leakage yet - hope it doesn't suddenly happen at work or anything....
I really had such little idea about all the things pregnancy can do....

I've not craved wine at all and have got to the point why I wonder why people drink it as it smells like pure alcohol to me atm. I was a v keen drinker before so I may need to get my wiring checked out!

I'm really looking forward to not having heartburn for 90% of my day. Before eating, after eating, thinking about food. I've had it from about 7 weeks and it's been awful. I think ready salted Pringles are the only thing that don't trigger it! Only 10 weeks to go!

@CakeIsTheAnswer123 ah I'm glad it's not just me. Our bodies are really not our own in pregnancy, are they!?

@Katy4321 I'm the same. The only thing that seems to help me with this and rolling onto my back are the dream genii pregnancy pillow cause it sorta goes under my bump and stops me rolling too far and also has a wee pillow behind my back to stop me going the other way as well. I think they are well cushioned in there but I will admit I don't know

Hi @Yogity I have been meaning to get the dream genii pillow but not ordered it yet, do you recommend then? I hate not being able to lie on my back, my hips are sore and I’ve woken up in the wrong position a couple of times in the last week which is a worry.

I had to miss my appointment at the preterm birth clinic this week, because of needing a covid test. Luckily covid results were negative and I could rearrange the clinic appointment - it’s for a foetal fibronectin swab to check for signs of preterm labour. I’m not too anxious though, this pregnancy feels a lot less fraught than the first, even though I’m much older. Having fortnightly appointments with scans at the clinic up to 24 weeks was really reassuring too. It’s been a month or so since the last one now though so I do feel (irrationally) like I haven’t seen anyone for a while! Looking forward to 28 weeks midwife appt this week.

I so miss .

@Vintique The cushion bit for your back sorta bothers me a bit but I think that is just 'cause I'm so desperate to roll onto my back which is sorta the point of it. Sometimes if it is really annoying me I just fold it round and use it as an extra pillow which is nice. I sorta hug it and use the curved bit between my legs and honestly I couldn't be without it. Makes such a huge difference to my hip/back pain. I like hugging it 'cause it seems to be best for stopping me rolling too far forward as well.

If I were buying again I would definitely get either the dream genii again or a generic U shaped one if you miss back sleeping.

Thanks very much @Yogity ! I have ordered one. (Now to curb the online shopping during insomniac nights!!)

How is everyone doing? Anyone got a hospital bag packed yet? We are 30 weeks and have decorated the nursery but other than that don't have much organised!
We are thinking ahead to the birth though - I'm going in for a planned section although the date is still tbc.

As I am likely to be in a few days does anyone know if the other parent is allowed to come and visit during covid or is that not allowed? We are in Scotland and could be on the edge of another lockdown 🤦🏻‍♀️ but hoping it'll all be ok and my husband can visit whilst I am still in, albeit mask wearing, covid free and during visiting hours. Any advice for this first time mum would be so helpful! x

I have a bag I’ve started to put a few bits in @Roopers but it’s not complete or at all organised yet! Think I’ll try to have it ready by about 32 weeks - just in case.

As far as I understand it, the visiting really varies from hospital to hospital but most places are now letting the other parent in, but on reduced hours. At mine, for instance, when I last checked it was two hours a day on antenatal and four hours a day on postnatal. I hope they won’t reduce it with any further lockdown restrictions, but who knows…

What’s everyone packing for the hospital bag?

I've started putting a few bits in my bag in case I have to be induced early. I've been told I'll have to stay in for a few days after the birth so I've got a few sets of pyjamas, slippers, loads of big knickers, a towel, breast pads & maternity pads. My little case is almost full already! What size bag is everyone taking in?

For those suffering PGP, I've now had several one to one physio appointments privately and (touch wood) it seems to be 99% gone!! So if you're struggling please pay to see someone.

I'm 32 weeks today (yay!) and have really struggled to get anything organised for this baby but at long last I have ordered everything we need and decorated the room and was planning to have my bag done and everything washed and set up by 36 weeks but wasn't really going to start it until around then but now you organised ladies are making me worried!!

I have a weekend bag/holdall so was just going to use that. My friend told me not to overthink the bag and not to take too much stuff but of course this depends how long you're in. Top tips have been an extra long charging cable and lots of snacks!

@Roopers I think it's best to check what your hospitals rules are. I'm in England and my hospital is allowing the other parent to come and go and also we can pay for a private room which means he can stay.

I’m sure it’s fine @Knock123! There are quite a few things I’m not going to be able to put in until the last minute in any case, as I can’t really afford to buy clothes and cosmetics just for the bag. I have a weekend bag too, but not sure if it’ll be big enough. Was planning mainly to put my stuff in that and then pack up the baby’s changing bag with things for him. DP can sort himself out! But won’t be allowed to stay in so shouldn’t need much.

So far I think I’ve got:

For me:
Pyjamas x2 (will probably add another nearer time)
Light dressing gown
Pads
Disposable knickers
Breast pads
Nipple cream
Some sample size face wash, shampoo etc. (will add to this nearer the time)
Toothbrush and paste
Flip flops for shower

Hoping to get some slippers and maybe cosy socks
Will need to stick in phone charger and maybe a book nearer the time
Will also need to add some sort of going home outfit - probably leggings and long top

Oh, and lots of snacks!!

For the baby:
Nappies
Wipes and cotton pads
A few muslins
Nappy cream

I have some vests and baby grows but haven’t washed and sorted them yet. Thinking to take maybe 3 sets. Plus a hat. And I have one of those starsnugs which might be useful in November weather. I guess maybe a blanket too. I’m hoping to bf but might take some emergency formula.

I’m sure I’m missing loads of stuff! But I’m not even 30 weeks yet, so getting ahead of myself.

I’ve started my hospital bags. I’ve always done several bags rather than one giant one, so I have my labour bag with snacks, extra pants, pads, nighties and comfort pain relief things plus baby’s first outfit & a nappy; then baby bag with 4 baby outfits, muslins, nappies, wipes, cotton wool, etc. Then I have an extra bag with more of everything in case I need to stay in longer. That stays in the car unless needed but it’s much easier than trying to explain to someone else where to find extra things. I’ve got some breastfeeding friendly pjs which don’t fit any more now but will be fine for after the birth so packed those plus joggers & a few baggy t-shirts. I’ll repack & properly organise about 34 weeks but I feel better knowing I have the basics sorted just in case I go early.

I haven’t had any colostrum leakage yet but have had it from about 32 weeks previously. I totally recommend washable cotton breast pads if you’re already getting leaks, so handy & you can use over & over.

The thing I’m most looking forward afterwards is pate on toast - will totally be having that for breakfast the next day 😍 I actually don’t miss wine at all 🤷‍♀️

I’ve started to think about the hospital bags and thinking my sports bag for me, the change for little one and DH can sort himself out. I’ve got on my list a charge bar and charger just as back up. I need a nightdress and pads, and have saved some hotel size shower gel etc plus my swimming pool flip flops for the shower. My friend who gave birth recently said warm socks are a good idea and to also pre bag babies outfits so you only need to grab a smaller bag and you have a complete outfit and fresh nappy, plus it saves clean and dirty clothes getting muddled. We are also packing a couple of bottle of formula incase I can’t BF. Not sure about my outfits as at the moment constantly too hot but pre pregnancy always felt the cold. Might leave layers in the car and hubby can bring in if needed.

[quote Yogity]@Vintique The cushion bit for your back sorta bothers me a bit but I think that is just 'cause I'm so desperate to roll onto my back which is sorta the point of it. Sometimes if it is really annoying me I just fold it round and use it as an extra pillow which is nice. I sorta hug it and use the curved bit between my legs and honestly I couldn't be without it. Makes such a huge difference to my hip/back pain. I like hugging it 'cause it seems to be best for stopping me rolling too far forward as well.

If I were buying again I would definitely get either the dream genii again or a generic U shaped one if you miss back sleeping.[/quote]
I have a dream genii and have found having the back bit under my boobs and the longer bit behind me is the only way I can get comfy and not Chuck the thing out in the middle of the night or roll on my back.
I’ve also tried it curled up as a head pillow and then the normal pillows under bump and behind me, works a little.

Ah you ladies are so organised with your hospital bags. I've bought a few bits but feeling wholly unprepared. Need to get some pjs that actually fit and are a bit more dignified than whatever of DH's clothes I have pinched to sleep in that night! Lots of people have advised me to bring lip balm as gas and air can be drying. And a water bottle. I've saved some nice hotel minis for my washbag and some flip flops/slippers. Baby's bag next as well.

@Lizlou85 Funny you should say that, I accidentally found myself with the long bit behind me this week and it was great!