for mums2b moving on from the pg after mc thread.....

[Katherine]

I'm hoping Wills and the other mums I spoke to on the Pg after mc thread will join me here (along with anyone else of course) as I really miss chatting to you but no longer feel it is appropriate to post on a mc thread now that I'm almost half way there. However I find the "anyone due..." threads to have mums due at other times than me and I miss my old chats. So come on guys how are you doing now?

I am now 19 weeks and have my major scan on Friday. Baby has been really kicking properly and DH can feel him/her too. Some days are very active and others are very quiet which worries me. I don't remember such eractic activity with my other 2 but hey they are all different. Still struggling with Sciatica and my nose is incredibly dry and sore all the time but otherwise I feel great and am starting to get my energy back - spent the last few days sorting out a neighbours garden.

Had flu a couple of weeks ago which really wiped me out and left me with a terrible cough which totally defeated my pelvic floor muscles so I had to wear towels. Spent most of my time convinced my waters were leaking so I guess I'm still pretty over anxious.

Hope you are all OK.

Wills, I just saw that thread and replied a bit to your concerns - sorry you have had this scare too. There IS stuff that can be done if your baby were to catch slapped cheek in the womb - I think you'd go to King's and have in utero blood transfusions in the womb if foetal anaemia developed. I was very anxious about all of this, but slapped cheek does not often cross the placenta and is apparently a very rare cause of infant death, honest! the main thing is that they are testing you quickly and will monitor you. Further down the other thread Tamum put a really helpful post about what should happen if it turns out you weren't immune and have been exposed - she was monitored correctly and had no further problems. I felt I had this with my consultant too - if I had not been immune they were up for giving me extra scans etc to check on the baby's growth. But I didn't need them and hopefully you won't either. I am also about 85% sure that at 29 weeks the risk is hugely reduced for you both.
With regard to dd, dare I say that you are less likely to catch it off her (if she is incubating it) if she is at nursery than if she is at home!
Sorry you are so shattered today, hope you have a chance to take it easy.

Hi Guys - just got back from Ikea with my cabinets. Chap helped me load them onto the trolley but there was no-one to grab in the carpark so I had to wriggle them into the boot myself. Not as bad as it sounds as I pivoted them on the boot but must have been a very comical site. Gone are the days when a passer-by would rush to the aid of a heavily pg woman eh! Still if DH can put them together tonight then I can indulge in real nesting tomorrow

Wills I am so glad things seem to be turning out well with DH. Not surprised you wanted to burst into tears after a day like that. I frequently feel like that and have faced nothing like what you have done. Sorry about this new worry which has crept in though. Never rains but it pours eh! Never heard of SCS (or whateve the acronym is) but fingers crossed all will be well.

Oh well only got an hour before have to pick the kids up now so better get off into town to sort out fathers day. BTW when I was first pg with DS I had the scan photo printed onto a t-shirt for DH for fathers day. It looked so cute!

Oh and yes Wills and Marina I'm still "spot"checking too. Actually had a bit of a problem with leakage this pg. I'm sure the baby is positioned so that my urethra is bent. I can go to the loo fine but its as if there is so often "after-flow" (sorry to be a bit graphic) but its a real pain as I have to wear liners all the time. By the end of the day the stains always look pinkish and I start to panic but its nothing. Am getting round this by investing in some brightly coloured washable sanitary towels from moon mamma. That way I won't be able to see anything so will hopefully break the habit. Sad or what!

Katherine you're very right in that it never rains but it pours! In terms of crises I think we can safely say we've had our quota for a while! I went and had the relevant blood test today but was told that it would be 2 to 3 weeks before the results would be back as they are sent away in batches. Great! Now what do I do with dd. GP has advised that we keep her away from school until either the threat is past or I turn out to be immune. Midwife thought this was a little extreme but since she was talking to me in a quarantine room well away from any other pregnant women I felt that possibly she hadn't thought things through :#.

Well at least I was able to get home early and help dh with the deck that we're currently building. Must admit its going to look beautiful - but the hall still needs doing!

Glad to hear I'm not the only neurotic soul around - it would make me feel very lonely.

Keep on nesting Katherine! I'm sort of nesting but not for the little one. My nesting instincts are aimed at finishing this house prior to little one's arrival. It would not surprise me if a week before I still hadn't bothered with looking in the loft for clothes to wash etc etc etc. Never mind, there's loads of people around that would drop everything to help so I'm not worried. I do however laugh at myself as last time round with dd's pregnancy by this point we were practically fully kitted out and this time round I'm not even considering things yet.

Wow, you two are such HARD workers! I was quite chuffed that I finally did my patio pots on Sunday (all that parched vegetation from last year was starting to get to me), and that just involved prodding some compost and pelargoniums around. Both dh and I are such hopeless diyers that I think our house would fall down if we tried to do our own kitchen or assemble decking (we can put Ikea furniture together, just about, although we keep the solicitor's number handy).
I am happy and chocolate-smeared person after finding out this afternoon that my glucose test was negative, hooray . Baby is breech though. Have decided to make no preparations for her until after 34 week scan, still cannot quite get over the idea that anything before this would be tempting fate.
Your GP is definitely being rather cautious, Wills...I suppose I didn't have this conversation with the consultant because ds was skulking scarlet-cheeked at home already by then. Keep us posted - I must say that if you are expected to withdraw dd from nursery for the duration it might be thoughtful of them NOT to send the bloods off in batches and make you wait such a long time...

Oh Wills please don't mention the F word to me when it comes to houses - "finishing" that is! We have been tearing our house apart for 5 years now. There is not a single room complete. We need a new roof with skylights which means our bedroom will need new cieling, and carpet. Two flights of stairs to be tackled. Children haven't even got a door on their room and there are holes in the ceiling where we took the old door out. Office/ playroom needs new fireplace fitting. Lounge needs new floor (which means refitting the woodburner) and doors to the porch. Porch need plastering and new front door. Kitchen - well the wood to build the units is the base of our bed at the moment but can't build kitchen until extension built.........

The only time we get anything at all done is when I'm pg. DH has set himself the target of finishing the bathroom this time. Forgot to mention bathroom didn't I. Needs new ceiling, wall plastering, floor putting down and new door (currently 2 inch gap down side).

Now you can see why I like camping so much. A tent feels a bit more solid! Everyone always says they could do the whole series of DIY SOS on us

Katherine - soul mate! When I was 7 mnths pregnant with dd we moved into a house that needed completely renovating, basically ripping out and starting again including knocking walls down and moving bathrooms etc. I seriously imagined that it would be complete within 6 months - after all what else would I be doing whilst on maternity leave? Needless to say we're still in that house and we're still doing it up. However this time round I know what to expect post the birth of a child and I know to expect nothing! So I'm going hell for leather before in a desperate attempt to get it finished because we're agonisingly close. The hall is the biggest thing left (that and painting the outside of the house). But being ever the perfectionists that we are we're not content with a lick of paint and have re-plastered, put up coving and stripped wood. So all that's left is a tonne of sanding, staining, varnishing, painting, creating new door frames, hanging doors etc etc. I'm driving myself into the ground. I feel like a cyclist up a hill, I've got to that stage where I've already stood up to pedal but am now seriously considering walking the rest.

I really need to let go. As long as dh does the sanding then I could easily potter the rest whilst on maternity leave doing bits here and there instead of obsessing about doing it all now. I suspect the irrational drive that I'm currently feeling is pregnancy hormone driven but I really am going to have to take it easier cos I'm getting to the point where I feel completely exhausted at the start of the day not just the finish. Glad to know that there's a like minded person out there though.

One of our friends who was going through a rough patch in his marriage recently, complimented us on having our priorities right - we don't spend all our time on the house like they do but make time for each other. We nearly feel about laughing as its money stopping up progressing and we spend all out time together talking about what we want to be doing!

It is difficult but I have now learned to live in a building site. What worries me is that our children think this is normal as our relatives and friends are just the same. So don't feel bad. We all want to get it done but in my mind it will never be finished as our needs and tastes will change. So by the time we've sorted it all we will want to change things anyway.

I think the key is achievable goals. Its no good saying you want to finish the house - you never get there. I'm quite please that DH has set the bathroom as the goal this time. It might not seem huge progress but it is acheivable and when he gets it done he will feel really chuffed and ready to do more. If he gets more done as well then that will be a bonus.

Right now I'm just releived to have taps in place again Don't stress out about it - its just not worth it. As you said let yourself potter and one day you'll look at how much you've done and be shocked (thats what I keep telling myself anyway!). Far easier to do small bits with babe asleep that trying to waddle around with a huge mass in your tummy worrying about blood pressure, prem labour and everything else that rushes through you mind leaving you feeling guity for trying

Hi Guys - hope you all had a lovely relaxing weekend. We've been camping again - visiting my parents in the Lakes but its too difficult to stay with them so we tested out our new tent on the shores of Coniston Water. Gorgeous - plenty of room for my big bump. Can't wait for Devon!

Had one silly moment when went to loo and forgot I was wearing my new fleece liner - siddenly saw all this red and my heart stopped, then I remembered thats the colour of the fleece. Slightly more touching though was that later in the day DS (4.5) was in there with me and he glimpsed the red and cried "Mummy you've got bleeding in your pants". Took me ages to convince him it was meant to be that colour. He must remember!

Wills hope you've been relaxing occassionally

That location sounds blissful, Katherine - my parents live near the Lakes too (Carlisle) and said it was gorgeous up there this weekend, just that bit less hot than down South.
Children can be so touching and loving, can't they? Ds said to me on Saturday morning, apropos of nothing much, "I really hope this baby doesn't die in your tummy, mummy". It is the first time in ages he has mentioned the circumstances of Tom's death (rather than the fact we lost him if you get my drift) and it made me realise that he has probably, like your ds, been as concerned about this pregnancy as we have.
I have a 34 week growth scan coming up next week and still don't really feel ready to make any plans or assumptions about our summer until after that is over.
But we did have a nice weekend, taking it very easy...and am hoping given the HEAT in the south that Wills took it easy too!

Marina and Katherine, it's nice to hear about your happy weekends. Marina, I was wondering about your ds yesterday and how he is - I was remembering the discussion about how to tell him you were pregnant and how sad he was about Tom. I hope he's doing well, that remark made me want to hug him. 34 weeks is great - this one really isn't all that far away and I'm very much looking forward to the birth announcements from all of you on this thread.

Me too www .

Wow - too hot! Saturday was wonderful. It was my birthday and dh spent the day running around me. Had terrible terrible terrible indegestion the night before - probably kicked off by straining my tummy muscles when sitting bolt upright upon hearing my daughter screech (she'd tipped a cup of water over). Got a long lecture from dh about rolling to one side etc, but really - like I was going to do that when I thought my dd was in trouble. Sunday I felt like I was wading through toffee I was sooo tired. I've taken today and tomorrow off and am with my dd full time. Thought it was going to be daunting especially as I'm so tired however we've just been curled up on sofa watching hercules and I dozed off (not into deep sleep - could feel/hear all dd's movements) and the best bit? At one point she turned to me and kissed me on the forehead saying "Mummy I do love you". I LOVE BEING A MUMMY!!!! I feel its now cool enough to venture outside so will probably have a strop from dd when I turn the TV off in a mo. (Yep she's stopping - better go).

Me too www .

Wow - too hot! Saturday was wonderful. It was my birthday and dh spent the day running around me. Had terrible terrible terrible indegestion the night before - probably kicked off by straining my tummy muscles when sitting bolt upright upon hearing my daughter screech (she'd tipped a cup of water over). Got a long lecture from dh about rolling to one side etc, but really - like I was going to do that when I thought my dd was in trouble. Sunday I felt like I was wading through toffee I was sooo tired. I've taken today and tomorrow off and am with my dd full time. Thought it was going to be daunting especially as I'm so tired however we've just been curled up on sofa watching hercules and I dozed off (not into deep sleep - could feel/hear all dd's movements) and the best bit? At one point she turned to me and kissed me on the forehead saying "Mummy I do love you". I LOVE BEING A MUMMY!!!! I feel its now cool enough to venture outside so will probably have a strop from dd when I turn the TV off in a mo. (Yep she's stopping - better go).

He's clear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Letter arrived today but we hadn't spotted it. They're obviously a little concerned because they want to look again at the end of year but for the time being its all clear! Honestly I'd open a bottle of champagne but I've had raging indigestion now for almost a week with very little respite (just degrees of how sore!) so I daren't.

Also saw the midwife today who proclaimed that little one is now head down and starting to engage - which is about right when compared to dd who was fully engaged at 32 weeks and still late!

Oh I'm so pleased wills, must be a weight off all of your minds.

Wills that is fantastic. I'd open that plonk - after all if you are going to have indigestion anyway...... Actually I've had really bad heart burn for ages - had it again last night and it made me realise that this is the first time this week. Maybe its cos the baby is head down now. Maybe there is hope....

Anyway I'm so please for you. Wish I could come and give you a hug.

YEAH WILLS AND HER DH!!

Glad to hear that everything has come back clear.

Wills, if you won't have a glass tonight on your behalf then I will! That is just wonderful news for you both, I'm so pleased
And thinking of getting the family into camping after Katherine's immensely persuasive and informative contribution to the other thread...

Marina - it is good isn't it. Not sure I'm game for doing it in my current state so instead we're looking at hiring a static caravan near Lyme Regis sometime in the middle of July.

Thanks for all your responses - it is such an enormous relief. DH is doing his normal and wont even discuss it now that its all clear. I mentioned a bottle of champagne and anyone would think I'd mentioned taking medicine. It really is a taboo subject. MEN!!!

Thats brilliant Wills! I'm so pleased for all of you!

I've been reluctant to post here as all I seem to have is one problem after the other. If you've been following my back thread then you may know that my doctor and now my physio have told me I need a wheelchair.

Both said the Red Cross would have them, but no they have none so I'm supposed to ring them everyday until they do, but that could be never. I never reaslised how hard it was to get a wheelchair.

I also saw my consultant today who has told me that hypothyroidism which is unresponsive to treatment (as mine has been for 4 years) and hyperemesis can be indicators of an underactive adrenalin gland. And yes even though I'm only 23 weeks gone I need to have a glucose test now. And with my medical history the SPD may not be just SPD but it may be rheumatoid arthritis.

So now I have to wait 3 weeks for the results. I so don't want to be pregnant anymore I just want this baby to be born. I don't want to take the drugs for being sick, I feel like a walking pill box as it is. And why won't anybody give me a bloody wheelchair??

ARRRGGGGGHHHH

Ok rant over.

Oh pie I'm so sorry. I know what you mean about being concerned about only posting bad stuff but that's the way life is sometimes! It really sounds like you're having a crap time and I'm really really sorry - sending tonnes of hugs. My mum has pallendromic arthritus which has the same symptoms as rhuematoid and so you really have my sympathies. Being pregnant is hard enough on its own without the additional pain. I haven't really got any decent advice about where to find a wheelchair - wish I did but nevertheless you certainly have my best wishes and I hope you get lucky really really soon.

And don't worry about posting!

Tonnes of cyber hugs

Wills

Wills is right, Pie, this thread is for sharing hard times as well as good stuff and I am so sorry to hear of all the horrendous problems you have had to face lately. No good advice about the wheelchair either, I'm afraid - I hope the Red Cross can help you soon. And maybe the consultant is following the "worst case scenario" line so as to make sure he doesn't miss anything that could be treated/improved while you are pregnant? Hope the glucose test is negative - most of them are, I was told...cyberhugs, I think you come across as such a determined and resolute person...

HI All - we all seem to be posting in the childbirth section now! So I just thought I'd revive our old thread before it disappears

Just come back from my MW appointment. Baby is head down and 3/5 engaged. Does that mean its getting ready! Blimey! I keep telling it "not before the summer hols" otherwise my homebirth plan will be out of the window. However even if I do start early not sure I will phone for ambulance straight away as I feel its better to take the very small risk of breathing difficulties with an ambulance on hand that to risk delivering in the back on an ambulance on route (50mins to hospital). Difficult though. Still hopefully it won't come to that. I keep sending subconscious messages about the end of July. That way I'll fall neatly into the HB time-slot but both my own MWs going away from 28th although I have met most of the others anyway so not a major issue.

Feeling in better spirits now after a rotten w/e with DH family descending on me. One SIL lay in bed (sofabed) and watched me do all the prep for sunday lunch without moving, then announced she was going home anyway, and after lunch the other SIL announced she was tired and needed to lie down leaving me to clear it all up. Grrrrrr. She also disagreed with every single thing I said and upset my kids about the HB (see other thread) leaving me really upset.

DH was very sympathetic but then announced he was going fishing leaving me to clear up the house after them all. Then I broke the vase he got me for mothers day leaving me with broken glass all over my bump and me stranded in a sea of broken glass on the floor in my bare feet. Needless to say I spent the next half hour howling which woke the kids up, the next half hour resettling them and then the next hour cleaning up, at which point DH reappeared all jolly having worked off all his frustrations fishing. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Anyway been feeling really weepy all week as a consequence but got the new harry potter to get stuck into now and can start getting ready for the holiday. Just hope the weather is as sunny as today. Still can't beleive baby is already engaged though. Oh well at least it means no more head stuck under my ribs although he/she now seems to be playing games running its feet over my ribs instead