Due July 2024 - part 4

[Oatmilktea]

The other thread was filling up so thought I would set up a new one!

@Sophie3003
@ceruleansky
@Amberellaella
@wannabe123
@glasshalffull0
@Morningcoffeeaddict
@missmoosh
@Jess725
@AnonymousXXIX
@Busyhedgehog
@Nocoffeenotalkie
@justanotherlaura
@Honeymint
@Savvy21
@hopingfor23
@chilliflakesmum
@ExpectantEs
@AimeeLou84
@Welshgal85
@TooHappyToday
@Bali200

I’ve tagged people from the last few pages of the previous thread, hopefully everyone makes there way over here when the other one fills up!

@Sophie3003 its difficult to navigate isn’t it. I really hope you are able to advocate for the mlu. Keep us updated

@@justanotherlaura
oh a fab idea! Thank you for the 🙏 visualising really does help

thanks both for listening to first timer rant 😬

I get up to pee in the night every 2-3 hours! Most of the time I can get back to sleep but sometimes I stay awake for a while (like now). But when DS was born I couldn't sleep in the same room as the baby for weeks! DH and I would split the night, where he would take the baby (and a bottle) for maybe 4-6 hours to let me get some sleep, then I'd take the baby the rest of the night, watching tv all night. I hope this time I can sleep with the baby in her next2me cot from the beginning. But before, every sound DS made I'd be checking on him! I was so beyond tired with DS !

I've ordered a super king bed to be delivered and assembled next week. (Was supposed to be 2 weeks ago but one part broke during assembly so they stopped and had to get a new part made.) I'm sure all of us will end up in it, so we needed a bigger bed. A double is just not cutting it with DS co-sleeping most of the time. I wanted to have him settled into his own room by now, but that hasn't happened. We are all still in one room with our double mattress on the floor and the cotbed partly disassembled so the base is on the floor with one side off. Although DH sometimes sleeps in the spare room.

I'm kind of surprised I can still get up off the floor, but it is getting harder every week! But I guess I still play with DS on the floor, so maybe that helps. He is nearly 1.5 years old.

People at work and choir (my main hobby) have been commenting recently that they didn't realise I was pregnant. Then they are shocked when I tell them I have just a few weeks left. I feel huge, but I have been getting comments that my bump isn't that big. I'm actually around 50th percentile with normal amount of amniotic fluid. It feels like they are saying they didn't notice I was pregnant because they assumed I was just getting fat! My DH thinks I'm huge!

I feel like a lot of changes have hit me very suddenly in the 30th.
My left ribs hurt and are bruised, I got a cold from somewhere which makes sneezing/coughing hurt everything, I feel like I'm going to just pop my baby out every time lol. I've had a cold before but this time is different.
Everything is SWELLING. Face, hands and feet. And my bump seems to have just grown 10x overnight. I've had a small bump, could easily conceal my pregnancy. It used to get larger only in the evenings, but now it's there, and it's big!
I can't believe in 8-9 weeks it's all going to be over. I'm really going to miss the wiggles and kicks.. :(

@ceruleansky - sorry to hear you’ve had a cold that’s rough, apparently there’s a new variant of covid going around (the midwife told me yesterday) which DH and DS have just had I’m sure and DH said similar about it being so painful (although obviously not about popping the baby out!).

if you’re experiencing sudden swelling and rib pain I’d also get your BP checked and urine dipped just to double check for pre-e. Likely it’s nothing but better to be safe!

Hey all,
Also struggling with pregnancy insomnia and also birth choices. Was hoping that the consultant was going to tell me what to do but it's back to being my choice. I just want the quickest recovery time but you never know what might happen. Straight forward vaginal seems best - hoping 2nd will come quicker and I won't have time to worry.
@Morningcoffeeaddict that's interesting about covid - was hoping that the summer would mean there was less bugs around! I don't fancy covid on top of labour!
@ceruleansky I've started having itchy hands and feet. Had a blood test to double check but think it's the heat. Hoping for a breezy June rather than a really hot one!

@Morningcoffeeaddict
Honestly I've been thinking about whether it could be covid. I've never had covid - my friends joke that I'll be the one they do a study on for that. I still wear masks when I go out but I had some visitors at home for the shower so I am a bit worried. I am slightly better now though.
Had a UTI yesterday and it's better today.
My BP was normal on Monday..
Im sorry that both of them caught it, must have been difficult to stay away from them.. How are you doing?

@Savvy21
Sorry that you're not sleeping well.. do you have to work during the day or can you use that time to catch up on your sleep cycle?
Birthing options are so confusing to me as well. I have heard that it's faster the second time round cause your body knows what to do.
I'm a FTM and honestly don't think I can go through labour. I was leaning towards elective c section because I am 95% sure Im one and done. But I'm going to wait until 34 weeks to really decide.

Interesting.. yeah it could be the heat. I have experienced itchy hands while exercising and chalked it up to increased blood flow to my extremities. Maybe you should get it checked out!

I’m torn between wishing the next six weeks away because I’m so uncomfortable and also really wanting to spend quality one on one time with DD while I still can… anyone else getting mum guilt already?

Morning all!

Baby girl had been head down since 30 weeks so imagine my panic lay in bed this morning when I felt her hiccups under my ribs, she’s gone breech in the night at 33+5 😭 hoping she turns back around in the next couple of weeks 🙏🏼 anyone else got a breech baba atm or is it just my baby girl being awkward 😂 x

@ceruleansky - that’s good that BP was checked Monday and all good, I just get paranoid about these things so handy it’s been checked already.
Very impressed you’ve managed to avoid covid so far! It may not be what my two had to be honest, it’s been impossible to stay away from them (needy pair!) and I’ve not caught anything - one of my customers joked it’s proof that “man flu” is real. Midwife just said something about an American variant and that they had 3/5 midwives call in sick yesterday - poor woman was quite stressed out.

@Savvy21 - people have started stressing me out about c-section recovery, even though I had one last time and recovered absolutely fine. I think it’s just an extra worry when you’ve got an older child to take care of too. I’m also absolutely terrified of the idea of labour and all the unknowns there, not having gone through it last time so I think the section will win.

@Bali200 - mine keeps switching between breach and head down according to the midwives / where I’m getting all my movements. And it’s very uncomfortable when he does too (always at night when I’m trying to get off to sleep)! 31+4 now and hoping he’ll pick a direction (ideally head down) and stick with it!

@Bali200 Mine is breech at the moment. We'll see whether she's turned round at the next appointment in two weeks. I need to register with the hospital by then and will have to inform them.

We've got our Sleepyhead and our bottle machine back. Things are ready for the new arrival. My hospital bag is mostly packed. I'm going to keep it in the boot of the car so it's easily accessible.

For the next few weeks, I'm just hoping to be able to chill out in the hot tub and float. 😁 We've got DS's birthday party coming up. DD needs to stay put until then at least.

@Morningcoffeeaddict I had a really good chat with my midwife and if nothing else she said if I can go into spontaneous labour (which we have a plan and lots of methods for) I might as well give it a go. I was apprehensive but found having a really good chat with her about things was good and we are also now watching the Positive Birth Company videos which is helping me feel knowledgeable and ready. I don't think the consultant appointments help- I have mine Tuesday to get my plan together and the midwives have warned me they go for what is more convenient for them which means I can decide whatever I want, not decide, decide later.

@Amberellaella
I also feel like I'm just grasping at straws to find time with DH before the baby comes. We got married Dec 2022 and started our fertility treatment in April 2023, found out we were expecting in Nov 23 so I feel like we barely enjoyed being married (even though we are college sweethearts).

@Morningcoffeeaddict
Yeah, your worry is warranted. Anything can happen and everything is an emergency!
Glad that it's nothing serious and that you haven't been affected by it! Man-flu is definitely real!! 🤣 Yikes, that's horrible, seeing that staff shortage is already a thing!

@Bali200
Don't worry, I'm sure baby will turn upside down again! I can't tell which way around my baby is because I feel kicks all over but in every scan they're upside down.

But this is a question for everyone who has a kid - how did having your first kid change your relationship with your partner? I need honest answers, please! 😭

@ceruleansky the only time I've seen my husband cry is at about the 8 weeks postpartum mark. I'd just started on birth control again and my hormones were horrendous. He'd also just gone back to work. He couldn't do anything without me snapping at him. Hormones didn't help and I felt a bit trapped by the baby. Staying open and honest with each other is a necessity I think. 3 years later I think we're stronger than ever.

@ceruleansky also interested to hear what people have to say about this!

DP and I just had our last meal out together just the two of us until baby comes as I’m being admitted to hospital for the rest of my pregnancy on Monday 😭

@ceruleansky I've just started mat leave but with a second at home I can't go to sleep during the week. Thankfully DH more than steps up at the weekend. I had the itching checked out and it was nothing to worry about - had a blood test for it but better to be safe than sorry.

With regards to changing relationship, the first months were hard because we were so tired. It does change the relationship but like @wannabe123 it gets better. Communication and ensuring both of you are pulling your weight is key. Some of my friend's husbands seemed to think looking after a baby was a day off - soon changed their minds when mum was away for a day and they were in charge haha.
@Morningcoffeeaddict glad you recovered well. Definitely the best idea to have a section. I guess I have the same fear of the unknown but of a section now. All the info out there doesn't help either. Ignorance is bliss!

@Oatmilktea - hope everything goes ok for you being admitted from Monday! Last meal out beforehand was a good idea. I’d definitely get DH to bring you some nice dinners/treats into the hospital as well so it’s not just hospital food for weeks!

@ceruleansky - I’d say my relationship with my husband is stronger since we’ve become parents but we’re more of a team and less romantic I guess. Less opportunity to spontaneously go out for a few drinks or go for dinner - our son loves a pub lunch but it’s a different vibe. We bicker occasionally when one of us feels like the other isn’t pulling their weight so communication is definitely key with that to make sure everyone’s needs/expectations are being met where possible but mainly seeing my husband as a father has really filled my heart - he is a great dad.

@Savvy21 - definitely fear of the unknown either way I think. You hear pros and cons on both sides but since I had a good section experience last time and have the same consultant again I think that is where I feel most comfortable. As with so many motherhood things it’s just about what works for you!

@Morningcoffeeaddict I think you've summed it up perfectly about the post-baby/child relationship. Another thing we do now that you reminded me about is we have a jobs list up in the kitchen of daily/weekly/monthly jobs that we can both tick off so that we're not nagging each other. We also have a shared to-do list and shopping list on our phones that we both tick off and update accordingly. Communication really is the key!

@Oatmilktea I hope everything goes well for you on Monday and you can get comfy and are well looked after x

Hi ladies. I am back after a few months break. How is everyone?
I am 32 weeks come Monday! Had 1 growth scan already and baby is already measuring similar to my DS I expected that. No sign of ICP. But I am anemic. I am a little annoyed as the Midwives at on the results for 3 weeks and then didn't seem alarmed. Luckily my BIL is a OBGYN so he told me what to do and what to take and next steps. It explains why I had a cheat infection for a month and have been ao unwell last few months.

80% certain it is a boy! But Midwife qas so unsure. Hopefully confirmed on Tuesday at my next growth scan.
Apart from that no illnesses or complications. Only 8 weeks left!!!!! Eeeeeaaaak.

@Oatmilktea oh no what's happened???

@Savvy21 I had ICP with my DS at 37weeks 2days it started. The blood tests need to be NON fasting to see the true enzyme and bile levels. If it persists have it rechecked. Did they do a full liver test?
My first test was incorrect as they did fasting it was 15. But after getting intough with Jenny feom ICP charity she stressed how important it was too have NON fasting and be tested same time. So I always had blood so to done 9:30am. After the non fasting the results were 20 and conclusive of ICP.
The new regulations from the ROyal College of OBGYN are on line with the the studies. Levels below 40 are fine..40-80 are a bit worrying needing close monitoring. but anything 100 or over is a big NO no and needs uegent action.

I was having blood tests once a week and fetal monitoring twice a week. My kevels stayed 40 wnd below OS I went full term and had a natural L&D as per birth plan at community hospital.
Also my itching started on my inner elbows inhad no itching on hands or feet until 7 days later.

@ceruleansky hmm not sure. My DH and I were married for 12 months before DS arrived.
Things have changed a lot. He used to look after me a lot more. But now he is focused on looking after both of us and being there for every need. He will drop everything to take care of our DS. He needs a lot of guidance still. But we don't have much time for one another we have no child care help from family or friends as we live so remote and far away. So it is to be expected. But he tries and scarifices a lot. He has booked us a babymoon next week to a spa and paid for me to get pregnancy massages and treatments done while he takes DS to the beach/pool.

We do rely heavily on texts for important things and I have to invite him to calender events so no chance of forgetting things. We used to do a lot more together but have delegated tasks that are set and agreed. It took us a good 6/7 months postpartum to get into a routine that worked for us.

@Bali200 don't panic super normal. Between 34-37 weeks baby will be moving and start to settle.
Baby was breach at 28 week mark and the sonographer made a remark and I was like no going to ignore that. 97% of babies will be head down at 37weeks. So no meed for alarm.

You can look on youtube "Care about little ones" they have amazing videos science based on this topic with videos on exercises you can do.
Spinning babies is a good resource to. I started doing all the suggested exercise and movements at 30 weeks. But baby is still flip flopping all over and that is 100% normal and fine. I wouldn't be concerned until after 37/38 weeks. But even then some babies can turn last minute.

I had a DF who was planned for c section as baby was breach. But the day of C section (38 weeks) baby was head down.

Re: relationship. Things that were sort of mildly annoying before (e.g. individual eating, cleaning, shopping, working preferences) became actual problems once there was a baby in the mix. Mental load also became a way bigger issue. We got a therapist to help with communication.

And we spend most of our alone time together mid-day now (both WFH), when child is at nursery - instead of in the evening, when we're knackered.

@MixedCouple Thanks for the info. Yes it was a non fasting blood test with a full liver check. I have low blood circulation so I think my feet are just surprised to be feeling so warm!
@Oatmilktea I missed your update. That does suck but hoping that it won't be as bad as you fear. Hoping time passes quickly for you until bubs arrival.

@Bluebonnet3 I Co sleep with DS and we sleep on the floor. i have slept on the floor since Jan 2021 due to back issues.
We use floor sleeping mats and a thick mattress topper and so our sleeping area is like a superking 😂

My DS 2.5yrs old has his own floor bed set up opposite us and we have our own floor bed. He will be moving to his own room end of June 3 weeks before baby and we talk to him about it a lot. And I even said if you stay in our room baby will be screaming and crying waking you all night. So he says he doesn't want to stay with us when baby comes.
He started to sleep through the night once weaned at 20months.