Due March / April 2022 2nd thread 2nd trimester

[Carolinesyear]

Hi everyone made a new thread for all the ladies due end of March beginning of April 2022. We are coming to the end of the first trimester, some of you have already crossed that important milestone! Some are starting to get bumps and sickness could be leaving, has anyone got that 'glow' yet... fat chance

Has anyone had a 4d private scan? We went last week at 24w5d and it was lovely to see our baby, but it was totally uncooperative as it’s been at all the scans We only got one half decent photo, so they have rebooked us for a couple of weeks time for free.

@Derbee we're not as I find them creepy 🙈😱 the scans I've had give a preview and she just looks like Voldemort...

@Countingchicks that made me laugh. The clinic had baubles etc that you could have your photos put on - just imagining a baby Voldemort key ring! Lol

Not had a 4D scan, but then I remember with DD the Voldemort skull face picture. shudder. Best of luck for a much more co-operative baby next time Derbee

Is anyone else struggling with work? I’m so exhausted with having a full time job (in a very demanding and stressful sector) and a toddler (who currently doesn’t enjoy sleeping).

I am supposed to start maternity leave mid March but will be wrapping up two weeks prior as I’ve got some annual leave to take. So will finish up end Feb.

However, I’m seriously thinking about whether I should bring my dates forward so I don’t need to return in the New Year. I need the rest and reduction in stress but I also want to spend as much time with baby as possible.

Don’t really know what to do....what are you guys planning? X

I'm switching to working from home at 34 weeks and then taking annual leave from 37 weeks with mat leave from 39 weeks.
I also work in a really active and strenuous job (patient facing role in a hospital) so switching to home working is going to save my bacon as no way could I work to 37 weeks otherwise!
Also makes a lot of sense with the covid risk set to ramp up again.
Have you got any family or friends nearby that you could ask to help a bit with the toddler in January to keep you going at work a bit longer? If you can't call in favours in 3rd trimester of pregnancy, when can you!?
Also remember that you can ask for an adjustment to your work hours to help with pregnancy symptoms (including fatigue!) without any detriment to your pay, ask your trade union about your rights.

@bubblybrit I'm lucky, I own a company and I basically work from home, so don't have this problem. I have terrible experience however of exhaustion and extreme stress (which literally almost killed me), so my advice would be to do whatever it takes to have an easier third trimester!

@SouthwestSis. Thank you. I’m currently working from home so that’s something. Although my job is more mental than physical.

My DD goes to nursery and both sets of grandparents help over the weekend. I guess I’m just finding it difficult as she’s not going to bed until 930/10pm and then waking up 3/4 times per night. She’s been a brilliant sleeper up until the last few months so it’s been a bit difficult to adjust.

My work have been good so far as I’ve been on reduced hours for the last few weeks. However, I’m back to full time hours tomorrow and I’m not sure I’ll cope so far. I’m just so tired and uncomfortable and the last thing I need to worry about is blooming work.

Just don’t know what to do for the best.

@MiracleBaby2022. I have just lost all motivation for work and know that I’m doing the absolute minimum that I can get away with. Fed up of stressing over it to be honest and just want a clean break but then feel guilty as I’d miss out on time with baby at the other end.

@bubblybrit I'm not doing so bad with tiredness but I am struggling badly with pains. This pain in my side is getting unbearable and affecting my work paracetamol doesn't even make a dent in it. Finding it hard to get back up when I bend down for stuff too.

As for maternity leave I don't even really know when I'll go off / for how long. My OH and I run a hospitality business together so can't work from home and indont want to go off too early because the cut in pay when I move to maternity is already a concern for me.

@Caass45. I’m sorry to hear that you are in pain. I suffer from migraines and trying to treat them with paracetamol during pregnancy is pointless. Do you have round ligament pain? I had this in my first pregnancy and it was awful so you have my sympathies if you have this or something similar.

Yes it must be difficult if you are a business owner/self employed in terms of maternity pay. My work have a good package so takes some of the financial pressure off.

@bubblybrit
I’m really struggling at the moment and have no motivation either! I work in a supermarket and while I’m not full time we are so understaffed we’re doing about three different jobs. I plan to go on annual leave for 36weeks then start maternity at 38weeks as long as midwives don’t say otherwise. My back and hips are so painful now and it doesn’t help when you’ve got to stand most of the time. Seems like a lot of us our struggling with our other children with sleep. Maybe they sense things will change very soon so this is their way of processing it. Once Christmas is out the way we can look forward to our time off. Just trying to remind myself this isn’t permanent😂

@Cxjai792. It must be a tough gig working in a supermarket at this time of year whilst pregnant. I’m trying to break everything down as wrap up for Xmas on the 24th and don’t return until 6th Jan. I’ll then only have 6/7 weeks left before my annual leave and subsequent maternity leave. Doesn’t sound too bad when you write it down but oh my I’m struggling to get through each hour per day! I wonder if my DD does sense change as she’s definitely noticed my bump. DH and I are waiting until after Xmas to tell her though as she’ll ask for the new baby every day so didn’t fancy telling her too early.

@bubblybrit not sure I thought round ligament pain was low down this is right up at my ribs. It's awful its really affecting my day to day workings and my mood.
Yeah it's hard. But it is what it is isn't it just gotta ceack on

@bubblybrit yes but then again you'd bring a baby into the world whilst you are in the best place possible. Nothing better than that.

@bubblybrit
It is difficult though isn’t it, especially the further along we get! It’s just harder this time around isn’t it with a little one and add working into that. First pregnancy we could just rest as much as we wanted before. Your little one probably has picked up on that somethings different with mummy! She’ll love being a big sister!

@bubblybrit you have two options here 1) take time off sick and make sure it’s pregnancy related. I don’t know what company you work for but mine would offer 3 months full pay then reduced to 75% pay. 2) speak to HR and request maternity and stress risk assessment. I’ve had this done and basically they said I can take breaks anytime, start early/finish early/ Antenatal apps etc. I also wfh and have days when I just can’t function. I usually take naps whenever I want and if anyone ever question it I would just say I was sick and had to take time off. If you feel like you need a half day off just say you’re seeing GP/ midwife as you’re not well and make sure you have it in the afternoon so with all the travel /lunch etc you just log off after lunch. It definitely helps if you have a boss who is not micromanaging you. Personally I can get away with messing around but only because I flagged this and I made it clear that 3hrs overtime each day is not sustainable and I won’t be doing it anymore. they moved my role to project base and it’s more flexible. I’m only going on maternity leave 2 days before my due date and I’m using 52 weeks with my baby. Your workplace won’t expect you to be 100% switched on so take advantage of this especially when you work from home.

Looks like lots more appointments for booster jabs have opened up this morning :)

I’m so sorry to hear so many people are struggling with pain. I have arthritis in my hips so can really sympathise. I had an awful flare up a few weeks ago but it’s getting better now. My nhs physio appointments have been great so can really recommend getting a referral if you haven’t already.

I just wondered what people are doing regarding Christmas plans? Are you carrying on as normal or limiting contact? I’ve been invited to see friends from 6 different households round someone’s house. I’m not sure whether to go or not. After having hyperemesis and finally getting to a point I feel better, it would be awful to get ill over Christmas. Obviously there are lots of germs going around. Just wondered what people are doing?

@Catconfusion sorry to hear about your arthritis flare up glad its getting better!

As for Christmas I will be spending it in a holiday cottage with my sister and her husband and daughter and we will see my mum. My stepdad passed away in April so we are determined to see my mum this Christmas so she isn't alone ❤ I think you have to make the right call for you and In these times noone can be annoyed about your choices. If you feel safe going then definitely go but if you would feel safer having a quiet Christmas at home do that 😊

For Christmas, we’re going to my parents. We’ll have a mix of 4 households in total, although all the 7 of 8 adults will be triple jabbed. 2 children too young for any vaccines but they’re doing PCR tests beforehand. Being as careful as is reasonable, but not spending Christmas alone

I might just add my plan with friends is in the run up to Christmas. On Christmas Day we’ll be seeing parents only and they don’t see many people so seems safe.

Thank you @Caass45 luckily it passed. I was on crutches with my ds in the last few weeks of pregnancy so fully expecting it to come back. For now it’s under control.

The holiday cottage sounds lovely. Have the best time. I bet your mum will love seeing you.

I think you’re right, it is a personal call and others need to understand. It doesn’t help that one of the friends is pregnant and not going to get her booster until her baby is hear because she’s worried the vaccine will affect the baby. She’s not concerned at all about us meeting up. Also front line nhs so dealing with a lot of people. Maybe why she’s not worried 🤷🏻‍♀️. Xx

@Derbee it sounds like you’re taking all the precautions you can. It’s definitely a balance isn’t it. Have a lovely time at your parents. Xx