Due middle of March 2022

[ClarenceTheCat]

I've just found out Im pregnant - due Mid March next year so literally only 4 weeks. Dying to tell people already 🤦🏼‍♀️ anybody else in a similar boat? Who have you told how did you announce it?

It'd be lovely to chat to people in a similar situation!

@PaperFleur that is fantastic news, yay! So pleased for you.

No, I won't found out the gender. I could have done through the harmony test but decided I'd rather keep it a surprise. I didn't find out with my first and DH being able to tell me what we'd had as he was born was so lovely, and made him feel involved, so if we get that far I'd like that to happen again!

@JuneySunshine my DD by dates is 16/03 but my last two scans have both shown 15/03 so I guess I go with that - so snap!

Had my 12 week scan this morning. What an experience! I have been so convinced something is wrong and not allowing myself to believe this was happening but the second baby popped up, it was just the most amazing feeling. I loved seeing him/her (pretty sure it's a him), especially when he started kicking around and waving his arms at us!

The sonographer and a second person who came in checked my ovaries a few times - I'm not sure what for but assuming that's normal?

Awwwww congrats @jb1905!!! And what a lovely scan!!! What were you dated at/what’s your DD?

Erm well it could be that sometimes they find it difficult to see your ovaries because it can hide behind your bowels etc (what I’ve been told)…. I had 2 separate scans and both times they couldnt find/see my left ovary and were searching and prodding but just gave up in the end. Maybe the sonographer got someone in to see if they could help locate it?

Hey guys nice to hear so much good newssss

Hi everyone! It’s so great to hear all about your amazing scans! This summer was really dragging on and I was desperate to get to my scan but now I feel like the time has flown!

I also had my scan the other day and everything went well 😊 it was so lovely to see how much the baby had grown!

@AlwaysSeekingComfort thank you! I am due on the 18th... suddenly seems like it will come around really quick!

We are in the process of moving house so just praying it all goes through in time before baby arrives!

Thanks for the ideas about the ovaries... after a little google it sounds like it's normal for them to check. Not going to allow myself to start worrying about something new!

How is everyone? I hope you've all had good weekends?

Lovely scan pic @jb1905!

I'm feeling a bit flat tonight. I've had to get DH to get my maternity stuff out of the loft because my jeans were just getting too uncomfortable. I feel like a massive blob. I didn't need mat stuff til 16/17 weeks last time but this time I just can't bear my trousers - even leggings feel uncomfortable. I haven't actually gained any weight but feel like I've expanded (all fat!) and it's just super depressing. Having a bump later is fine but being a big fat blob (I'm already fat anyway!) is so depressing. Have also realised that half my maternity clothes are size 12 and I need a 14 these days - bugger! Rant over!

Hello all, hope you're enjoying the nice warm weather (if that applies where you are), a last burst of summer!

@jb1905 Hope your house move goes smoothly! I've had a few scans now and they checked my ovaries each time, although they seemed more interested in the one that had produced the egg that is now baby, they were checking the corpus luteum I think. As @AlwaysSeekingComfort said, perhaps yours were hiding! Really glad you had such a nice scan anyway, and the same to you @Milly238, so nice after what feels like a neverending wait isn't it!

@treesall I haven't been able to comfortably do up my skinny jeans for weeks, so gave up and have been in elasticated waist trousers or dresses since. I've got one pair of maternity jeans and another on the way as I have missed my denim. I also haven't gained any weight but definitely have a big old bloated stomach, particularly by the end of the day! I hope you feel better when you have some nice, comfortably fitting clothes to wear.

In case anyone else is looking into maternity clothes too, I found some good secondhand websites that I'll be using when I need some more bits: growthspurtz.co.uk/collections/maternity-clothes and buildabundle.co.uk/product-category/maternity/.

Hey Lovelies… how are we all 💐?

So I should be 13w3d today, and I have woken up with what feels like intense period cramps/ache… I’ve had it since I’ve got up this morning. Touch wood I haven’t had any blood but I am quite worried! If I wasn’t pregnant I’d genuinely think AF was coming today.
I am hoping maybe I have a dodgy stomach and it’s mimicking pains like period type cramps? Is that possible? Should I email my MW to let her know or just see how I get on? Ahhhh honestly when will this worrying ever stop :( x

Hey,

@AlwaysSeekingComfort So sorry, its so stressful isn't it.

I know every situation is different but I posted on hear about pains then brown discharge last week. As the panic subsided I realised both were probably related to constipation and trying to go which had irritated my cervix (sorry TMI!). My pains were more sharp stabbing pains which I now think were just gas. When I spoke to my midwife she said it was likely the case, everything is increasingly competing for space down there and paired with the hormonal changes etc. it can lead to lots of discomfort and issues which in no way mean anything bad for the baby. Turns out she was right as my 13w scan yesterday showed all was well with bubs.

Depending on your relationship with your MW I would just get in touch. I strongly suspect they wouldn't do anything but it's comforting to hear from someone who sees these things all the time.

Hope it passes quickly for you x

@AlwaysSeekingComfort the worrying never stops!! I'm feeling quite frustrated with myself as I was never so anxious with my other 3, even my PFB! But this time I'm second guessing and googling Everything and feel like I can't relax until 20wk scan, if that!

I would say if it's just cramps and no discharge of any kind, and you had a good scan fairly recently, then all should be fine. Especially at 13weeks it can just be down to sleeping in a weird position, moving too suddenly, etc which triggers cramps/muscle pain. If it's getting worse and feels as intense as proper period pains then definitely call midwife/EPU.

Also on the topic of anxiety- I've just had a scan today at 14wks and the sonographer mentioned that I have an anterior placenta but it's fine as it's high up. But after googling what it might mean for pregnancy and labour, I'm quite worried about all the complications with delivery! Has anyone else got or had an anterior placenta, and how has your delivery been if it was a previous pregnancy?

Hey @JuneySunshine thanks for replying! So pleased yours turned out OK! I mean I woke around 7/7:30 and there has been no let up… even now I am starting to get lower back ache too. I thought maybe/hopefully could be a dodgy belly but I’m really not sure with the way I’m feeling at the mo.
I did email my MW and she replied saying she will refer me to the EPU… unsure what to do as haven’t had any bleeding (and am secretly hoping these ease up) and don’t want to bother the EPU but obviously am worrying too. X

@coinkidinks hey lovely. Thanks for that. TBF they are quite intense… but haven’t had any bleeding so trying to stay positive. Midwife is referring me to the EPU. Will keep you updated as usually the referral takes a few days!

Cannot comment on anterior placenta I’m afraid as I’ve never given birth…. But if your MW or sonographer didn’t seem concerned, I wouldn’t worry! I am sure aswell the placenta can move to a different location later in pregnancy so that may happen too and may all be OK anyway in the end? X

@AlwaysSeekingComfort
Ah it's so hard and so deceiving, I could have sworn my pains were in my uterus so it could be digestion related.
That's great about your midwife. I was also hesitant bc I was due a scan so soon anyway. But if you're not I would definitely follow up with EPU as it might ease your mind, even if cramps pass in the mean time.

@JuneySunshine oh really? That’s comforting to know though! Hopefully this is a big misinterpretation on my behalf and I do have a dodgy belly. Yes will keep you updated anyway r.e. the EPU as they aren’t the quickest so suspect I’ll get an appointment early next week! X

Hey @AlwaysSeekingComfort, I hope everything is ok at your appointment, I had those really terrible cramps at first but it could just be hormones, the stretching of the round ligament or a bad tummy, so try not to worry too much!
Things have been ok for me 10w 4d now and due my 12 week scan in less than 2 weeks excited to see how bubba has grown, I feel so many weird and strange sensations. Pains and aches, but I'm trying to make conscious decisions not to worry about them! Instead I just say to little sprout you're all worth it!
I've been hit with a horrid head cold but much better today

Hi @Nikkixx thank you! Waiting on an appointment, so god knows when it will be. Remaining calm and positive at the fact there’s no bleeding!

Glad all good with you! Hope your 12w scan comes around quick! It’s so weird seeing them on the screen and thinking how on earth is he/she inside me! Awww yes can relate to random aches/pains! Also hope you feel better soon 💐

Thanks @AlwaysSeekingComfort
Yes staying positive is the best! Do you have a feel for what it could be? I dunno if it's a feel but I want a boyy

@Nikkixx, do you know what I really don’t like to think about it because I feel like I almost don’t want to jinx it and something goes wrong and I never get to meet the baby. But I honestly dont know, DP wants a boy (but would be happy either way, as long as we have a healthy baby). I think I also would want a boy (again wouldn’t care though! Just want a healthy bubba). So you think boy? You going to find out or wait until you give birth? X

Morning all!

@AlwaysSeekingComfort How are your cramps today? I hope there's been some let up, sounds very uncomfortable. I've also heard that ligament stretching pains can be pretty intense, although some women don't feel them at all so seems to be pot luck!

@coinkidinks I also have an anterior placenta, and the same as you, was straight onto Googling it! It does seem to be very common, apparently up to 50% of women have an anterior placenta at some point (that fits with the results of a straw poll I did with friends, quite a few of us pregnant at the moment and many of us have anterior placentas!). Some of the info online was initially a bit alarming, I agree! But many websites also stressed that the vast majority of the time having an anterior placenta doesn't cause any problems, and as @AlwaysSeekingComfort says, the placenta can migrate later on anyway. My NHS sonographer didn't even mention it, it was the private sonographer who did, and she wasn't worried about it at all, she just said it meant I likely wouldn't feel baby's movements before 20 weeks or so, especially as it's my first baby (to have got this far anyway).

Any nice weekend plans anyone? I'm having a pregnancy massage tomorrow and so looking forward to it!

Good morning @PaperFleur, they are still here 😢 however they are now on and off, whereas yesterday they were constant. Thanks for asking! Hoping they completely go soon!!

Pregnancy massage sounds fab! Hope you enjoy (am jelous!). We are just out for our usual weekend date night for some food. Hope you enjoy your weekend! X

Hello,

I had my scan on Tuesday and due date is 19th March. My daughters 3rd birthday! And my son will be 4 next March too, so its going to be hectic with number 3!
Scan was amazing and so so clear.
We hadnt really expected a 3rd baby, I gave almost all my baby stuff and maternity clothes away so feel like I am starting from scratch.

Hi @AlwaysSeekingComfort, glad to have an update and that sounds like a good sign.

That's interesting about having an anterior placenta @coinkidinks @PaperFleur my very simplistic take would be if the NHS haven't raised it that might be for a reason. As you say if it's likely to change over the course of the pregnancy maybe they only raise when/ if it's likely to be a factor for delivery?

Welcome @blondeirishmummy84 and congratulations, March birthdays are the best! I do remember being very perturbed about the arrival of my younger brother messing with by 5th birthday party however, so be warned! That's funny that you've had a clear out, a nice opportunity to update the maternity wardrobe maybe?

We've got friends staying this weekend. It'll be nice but the lead up of shopping, cleaning, cooking is always hard work. I think they might be the first people we tell about the pregnancy- I'd rather tell family first but they're not local and it would be nice not to have to hide my belly/ symptoms/ sobriety all weekend!
Wishing you all a relaxing couple of days.

Hey ladies, just coming on to update…EPU called me late this morning and booked me in for 2pm today. They said over the phone they won’t scan me but will use a Doppler…. Anyway we heard baby’s HB!!! First time hearing it!! So guessing all is OK and baby is fine. The cramps are still coming thick and fast, really hope they ease soon 😢.

@blondeirishmummy84 congrats to you 💐 wow it’s going to be very hectic 🤣

Hi @AlwaysSeekingComfort that's lovely to hear the heartbeat and thanks for updating. Have they said anything further about how long you should expect the cramps to last or just said they are normal and not to worry?

Had a slightly worrying day here and come to offload really. I only had my (second!) 12w scan on Wednesday and measured slightly ahead again so I'm 13w+3 today. They said the bloods would be a week and a half for a letter or a call sooner if there were anomalies. So, low and behold, a letter arrives today after only 4 days. Worst possible timing as we have friends staying with their toddler and late pregnancy but I saw the address on the envelope and had to read it despite the timing being all wrong. It said my risk of the 3 syndromes were very low but also enclosed a leaflet about low Papp A with a highlighted note to read. The leaflet said having low Papp A increases risk of low birthweight, premature birth, late loss and still birth 😒 Obviously I've been in a total flap all day but have found some positives

• risk are minimised by half an aspirin a day
• obviously increasd risk is on a population level and while it sounds scary lots of people will see no impact
• my measure was 0.38 where below 0.5 is low but other nhs trusts count below 0.3 or 0.4 as low
• other countries like Canada don't measurements papp A as they don't see it as a stand alone risk factor
• I'll get a consultant from after 20 weeks which while initially scary sounding will mean extra checks in good hands

It doesn't seem like, apart from the aspirin there is anything lifestyle wise you can do about this. Has anyone had previous experience? Also I can't seem to find out if there's a chance when my next bloods are done I might fall out of this bracket or whether this is now fixed for the pregnancy...

The headf* was further heightened by our friend (being unaware of my pregnancy and all this) choosing today to tell us all about their now toddlers traumatic birth and first week of life in hospital.

What a day. Under normal circumstances I'd be reaching for the wine but I guess its just MN and an audio book.
Hope all is well with everyone else x