Due October 2023 Thread 8

[Chanteuse]

New thread for our October group - third trimester time!!

@thecatsthecats I do know what you mean with your concerns. My DD was born in the summer so feel a bit more anxious this time about having a tiny newborn during the height of RSV and flu season. I'm planning on getting the flu jab before baby arrives which apparently gives them some protection so there is that.

No idea what we'll do about Christmas. It's our turn to do Xmas with my family in the Uk, as we spent last Christmas at home in Ireland with DH's family. But no idea if that will happen, I don't know if we will be able to get a passport for new baby in time and even if we did bringing them on a plane might be a bad idea. I hate the thought of not seeing my family at all over Xmas though 🙁

@Esl17 Yeah, I looked into it but I work for an academy trust and the policy wasn’t great so I’m just going ahead with our own version!

@OrionNebula

Yes, if it were summer garden party season then all good to go! And I'm not mega fussy about spaced out indoor venues too. It's just these particular family parties where they cram everyone in, and I KNOW there l has been shoddy behaviour in the past.

This doesn't apply to immediate family - parents, grandparents, cousins even (in fact, one of the cousins had similar concerns when they had their first last November - his sister wanted a whole crowd of her American anti-vaxxer friends staying in the same house). It's the extended relations who I don't think tip the balance in terms of worry to value ratio.

Sorry if we've covered this topic earlier-- does anyone with experience have advice on breast pumps? I've been handed down a bellababy but I'm suspicious of its quality. Don't mind spending on one that's reputable and popular.

@cruciverbalista I’ve not used a Bellababy one but did buy a Pipetta hands free and Nuby wired in one last time. Both were not overly expensive and I never had much luck with either really. This time we’re in a better position financially so I’m going to go for the Elvie stride. Hands free which I definitely would like this time, hospital grade pump and not as expensive as the original Elvie.

I would say give the one you’ve been given a go and wait and see when baby is here how you get on with it. Also have a look at flange sizes if that’s a thing with that pump. With my pipetta one the flange that came with it wasn’t a great fit for me. I saw a bit of an improvement once I measured myself and got the right size.

Also, any pregnancy pillow recommendations for in a double bed? I’m starting to get some lower back pain and think a pillow might help at night. 🙏

I finally moved to a new flat and all I can say is - if you have to move, do it as soon as possible. I was absolutely exhausted from all the packing, cleaning, arranging. Had three movers to help me and it was still painful. I was so worried for the baby, that he would be harmed by all this commotion and me moving some heavy boxes. He's kicking around though so hopefully he's fine.

On the account of the breast pump - I have also been given an electric one, to be able to do it hands free. I will test this out and decide later if I need a different one. This one is brand new as the friend who gave it to me used a different one. I also have been given new bottles and milk bags which was such a saving - I still need to figure out what to do with the sterilizer. Is it worth buying one?

I hope everyone is relaxing on the sofa today like I am 😄.

What sanitary pads did you buy for the first couple of days? I am completely lost. Do I need to buy something like diapers? What happens first 2 hours after labour? Do I just lie down with blood going on the sheet?

I will really appreciate if someone can tell me what is what 😅

@WhatTodoALL yes defo on the sofa today as the insomnia is back and I was awake for 3hrs in the middle of the night 🫠

I actually went to boots yesterday and stocked up on some bits, got some Lilets maternity pads (as they have wings and I have always preferred pads with wings) some disposable underwear, breast pads etc. plan on using disposable underwear potentially whilst in hospital with the pads so can just chuck everything each time, then it will be trusty big black knickers when back home 😂

33 weeks tomorrow and over the last few days I’ve been incredibly dizzy and the bad dreams have made a comeback……is anyone experiencing this? I struggled in the first trimester with these and don’t know wether it’s normal again in this last few weeks! X

@WhatTodoALL I’ve bought disposable knickers for the first few days and lilets maternity pads as above - I just want to bin everything too 😂

@LWestYorks I’m 33 weeks today and the vivid dreams are awful! Some of mine are really scary 😩

Our little one decided to scare us Friday by not moving for hours so ended up in Triage, but all is well and I can honestly say that it was the best decision to go-the midwives were lovely and hearing the heartbeat was amazing after being worried! Obviously since then they’ve been doing aerobics!

Past two blood tests have shown slightly low platelets so have to chat to my midwife about that at the next apt. Anyone else had this?

if nothing else having to dash in has made us realise we really need to get on it with packing our hospital bags, even at 32 weeks!

31 weeks on Thursday. Feeling a little bit down lately, mostly down to hormones I think. Finding myself short tempered, constantly shattered and upset over everything, even the silliest smallest things seem to get to me lately. Anyone else feeling like this? I take my hat off to all of you doing pregnancy with toddlers etc, superheroes honestly. X

@Summer022 I feel the same! I think it's being bigger and more uncomfortable not helped by the heat. Plus being so tired but feeling like I'm running out of time to get everything done. Perfect storm for being short tempered and emotional

I will do a Boots run to stock up on pads etc this weekend coming, then plan to get hospital bag packed beginning of September! I did it around 34-36 weeks last time and it was just really nice knowing it was all done!

I feel like baby boy has definitely had a bit of a growth spurt this last couple weeks! My bump is starting to feel bigger!

I’m 34 weeks now and really need to get cracking with my hospital bag but it just never seems to happen 🙈 I’d love to have a sofa day but unfortunately having a 2 year old doesn’t allow it! I did manage a nap today though which was great!

@Summer022 30 weeks here and yes feeling a mixture of down, irritable and emotional. Defo think an increase in tiredness is contributing, feel knackered every day whether I've slept well or not. Part of me already is thinking how can there be 10 whole weeks left (and how much more harder and uncomfortable can it get) 😩 😂

Ohhhhhhh sleep! I miss you so much! 😩 have two pregnancy pillows. Neither help at all!! 😩

@WhatTodoALL I’ve bought the Frida mom kit, that comes with cool pads, witch hazel wipes + foam & also disposable knickers. However I’ve also bought a peri bottle, disposable boots knickers and more maternity pads. I’ve heard spritz for bits is also amazing x

Thank you everyone! Maternity pads ordered! I also saw my midwife today and she said that straight after I deliver a baby they will put thick pads under me, so that I don't have to be a blood puddle first 2 hours. I will have to use my own pads after the shower. It's Lewisham hospital

@Summer022 yes feeling a bit like this myself and also just feel a bit tense and on edge but no particular reason I can put my finger on.

@WhatTodoALL I am going more home-made/budget way, so buying pads from Boots and then making padsickles with aloe vera and witch hazel. In a prenatal course they put an emphasis on not having to feel the need to buy adult nappies/disposable pants to 'keep some dignity' 😄 and instead just use nice comfy pants with pads, and change often, which should work well. For a peri bottle they suggested just buying a recyclable squirty water bottle. It doesn't have the angled spout but then I heard some women won't tear and will have abrasions instead so you'd need a straight spout anyway.

I asked about the heightened anxiety in third trimester at my last therapy appointment and they said with the reduced lung capacity and breathlessness you can feel more anxious because you’re experiencing what can be understood by the brain as panic attack symptoms.

@doeandfawn that's so interesting and makes so much sense!

Do your fundal charts give weight estimates? mine doesn’t just wondering if yours do as I know we are in diff areas ?