Due October 2023 Thread 8

[Chanteuse]

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

@PeopleAreToads I was in the se boat when measured at 28 weeks, sent for growth, was within norm(ish) still on the small side. Three weeks later and bump measuring bang on. Think they're just growing at their own pace. (Or maybe I have been eating loads lately hehe).

Funny about those who mentioned lots of movements last night, I too felt that, and she doesn't usually have a party during the night - wonder if it was effects of full moon 😂

Anyone noticing baby respond to familiar voices? Baby often gives me a kick if I'm sitting and talking to him, and my DH has taken to reading Star Wars to bump and 9/10 times he starts really kicking away 😂 it's so cute 🥹 also think baby recognises my managers voice at work cause she generally talks very loudly as her normal 😂

I haven't had bump measured yet, but have 28 week appointment next week. Although unsure if midwife will as I'm booked in for growth scans from 32 weeks because of low Papp-a anyway.

Just for those of your worrying about the size of your baby on scans...

When I had my first, I was sent for a growth scan as he was measuring very small and his growth appeared to have slowed. Had the scan and the measurements suggested he was nearer 50th percentile. I was later sent for a growth scan as they were concerned he was measuring large. That scan suggested he was about 60th percentile. I was assured at about 37 weeks, he'd be about 7lb. He arrived at 9lb, 91st percentile for me. (I'm 5 foot 1 and prior to my pregnancy I had a BMI of about 23).

There's a HUGE margin of error. Measuring your bump is such an inexact science, which I guess is why they then refer you for growth scans but even those can commonly be out by a couple of pounds. Be cautious but don't tie yourself up in knots over it.

My midwife herself said measuring the bump is an inexact science and we both laughed when she pulled out the measuring tape. Sonographer then said growth scans are to prevent anything major and to give a general estimate. I am worried though what the 28w scan will show because the consultants freak out over anything "abnormal". Midwifes at my trust are way more flexible and relaxed.

I also read to the bump and he calms down when I read him stories. It is so cute. He's otherwise also very active and getting stronger so I worry how strong his kicks will be in a month's time.

I’ve also had a crazy amount of kicking last night and night before - seems so much stronger and definitely found my ribs!
I woke up with sore throat and temp - did a covid test and got that hopefully will get over it quickly!

Sore throat here too yesterday but better today! How funny so many of us are getting exactly the same new symptoms at the same time!

@peonygirl a bit late, but I use non-bio Persil. But what made the difference was the softener. I had to use comfort pure. The others I try gave a rash to my daughter. Once clothes were washed again, everything was fine. Knowing that she can get a rash, I didn't risk to try a different detergent.

@Onethingiwantfor23 try not to worry, I have heard too many stories of babies measuring big and Ending up small or average.

Anti D fine. No drama at all. Can't believe I let myself get worked up 😂

Had my anti-D too. Totally fine and I didn’t even feel it go in! I also can’t believe I got myself so worked up over it 🤣

Anyone else got low blood pressure? Had antenatal check with GP today and it's pretty low apparently so she signed me off work for 2 days.

@OrionNebula mine has been low for weeks but never been signed off. Lowest being something like 90/60. Take it easy!!

@Summer022 glad yours was ok too !!

I honestly don't know why they bother with bump measuring if it's so unreliable. Seems to cause more unnecessary anxiety than being useful to spot issues...

I've been feeling much stronger and frequent movements since last week or so and a heavy lower belly pressure when I go for a walk. Also worried about how much stronger kicks will be in a month's time 😬 Don't know if my ribs can't take it. And oh my goodness the 1st trimester fatigue is back! The feeling-great 2nd trimester is definitely over 😅

@OrionNebula I have but never been signed off sick or anything, but do feel pretty up and down because of it. Mine was 83/55 at the last check

I think she signed me off because I had mentioned before she took it I felt a bit lightheaded and dizzy that morning. Feel a bit of a fraud being off but it's nice to be under orders to take it easy!

@OrionNebula absolutely take the rest while you can! It's good the GP recognised you need it, the midwife just told me there was nothing they could do for it

85/60ish was my resting heartrate pre-pregnancy and it’s actually shot up to 120/80ish in the second trimester. They’re not worried but it’s weird how differently our bodies respond to baby!

My MW said mine was a little low compared to normal reading at my 28 week check. It was 100/60.
I have had quite a few lightheaded / dizzy spells but they generally pass after half an hour.
No mention of being signed off, I work a mix of home or office. If at how when it happens I lay down until it passes.

How was the GTT anyone who had it earlier on? Was told I didn’t initially need it but now being sent for one next week at 31 weeks after a growth scan ….

@Esl17 I've had it in both pregnancies and found it fine. The drink is very sugary but I didn't find it too bad. In the most recent one I had a few moments during the 2 hours where I felt a bit sick but took some deep breathes and it passed. All in all was pretty uneventful. Take a book, podcast or something to keep you occupied. Hope it goes well.

It was totally fine, I find blood tests way more stressful. I got into a chat with another lady next to me so that helped bridge the 2h wait. We were all very sleepy which is also quite common after you drink that sweet drink.

My test came back abnormal but have no idea what the readings were. Apparently first test was ok, second wasn't and I am seeing dietitian next week.

@Esl17 I was dreading it because everyone said it was so awful and in the end it was pretty easy. The drink is really not bad, a bit sugary but not nauseatingly so, and the 2h wait flew by. I was also worried because you need to do it fasting buut again it wasn't that hard, the drink actually helped with the hunger 😄

Had our first NCT class last night and it was so lovely, highly recommend for anyone who’s on the fence! It’s just really nice to be in a room of other pregnant women and be able to share how it’s going and hear that you’re normal

Those of you who had a c-section before how long did you stay in the hospital and how many baby clothes did you take with you? I am also not sure how many items of new born and how many 0-3 should I take. I will ask my midwife at my next appointment but I am washing clothes slowly and want to make the sets to be ready to go.

@FirstTimeMamaAtHalloween ah so glad you had a good experience. I also went for my first one last night but was a bit disappointed. The group all seem nice but found the content a bit lacking. Although it was useful for my husband so that in itself made it worth it (he asked what a contraction is 😂).