November 2019 Babies club

NashD

I got signed off by the GP from Friday. I've four weeks to due date and I'm ginormous, so uncomfortable and just done with work.
Hopefully I'll get out walking a bit now and get on the ball. Baby is head down but not engaged.

SmallgirlBigcity

I've 5 weeks to go but going to get signed off work from Monday onwards. I find myself too tired in work and my back aches a lot. I'm also worried about being bored at home though! I hope to fill the time with lie ins, walks, yoga, some mindfulness, tv and catching up on some books. I also have some ante natal classes coming up to keep me busy and hope to visit some friends before life becomes hectic!

I would love to keep going as normal but as the days go on, I'm getting more and more uncomfortable.

odonopenmic

5 weeks to go and like a lot of you, really starting to feel it now. Another two weeks to go in work. Had to do a late glucose test as we had a scan on Monday and they thought I had too much amniotic fluid. Came back clear, thankfully.

Are ye packing one bag or a labour bag and then bringing in another bag after for the stay? Any tips for a labour bag?

Nerd Queen

odonopenmic wrote: »

5 weeks to go and like a lot of you, really starting to feel it now. Another two weeks to go in work. Had to do a late glucose test as we had a scan on Monday and they thought I had too much amniotic fluid. Came back clear, thankfully.

Are ye packing one bag or a labour bag and then bringing in another bag after for the stay? Any tips for a labour bag?

Packing 2 bags a labor bag which is done and have a ward bag for after that’s half done. Can PM you my list if it’s of any use to you?

odonopenmic

Nerd Queen wrote: »

Packing 2 bags a labor bag which is done and have a ward bag for after that’s half done. Can PM you my list if it’s of any use to you?

Oh wow, if you wouldn't mind that would be brilliant. I was looking at different sites and whatnot and it's hard to know if they're just trying to sell you stuff to bring or if it's worth it

Nerd Queen

odonopenmic wrote: »

Oh wow, if you wouldn't mind that would be brilliant. I was looking at different sites and whatnot and it's hard to know if they're just trying to sell you stuff to bring or if it's worth it

No problem pm sent! FTM too so it’s good to get a steer

SmallgirlBigcity

odonopenmic - glad to hear your GD test came back clear. Yeah I also have two bags. Neither is specifically a labour or ward bag though - I just threw everything into both ha ha. We'll grab both as we go out the door. I must put together the baby's things in once place though, so my partner can find them easily when the time comes!

odonopenmic

Thanks SmallgirlBigcity - it's a relief alright. I've been way more organised about baby's stuff. Have even labelled the chest of drawers so we can grab things quickly :-D

This weekend - do or die - get this bag packed!! Lol

New farmers wife

I usually have 3 bags, labour ward bag, baby bag and my bag. Once baby is born DH will take home labour ward bag and any washing! I usually keep the blanket and jacket or cardigan for baby going home in the car seat as he'll have to bring that in. To save space I leave my going home outfit somewhere handy usually beside the seat so he can bring that too.
In the labour ward bag I usually put sleepsuit, vest, nappy and hat in a zip lock bag, I like to bring one boy and one girl bag as I don't know what we're having.
I have the bags here empty and a basket full of stuff to go into them, it just needs to be put in.

buffin

3 more weeks of work to go and honestly if I could finish up now I would. Just feel so tired. But I have a big project I'm determined to wrap up hopefully the end of this week.

We were advised at the classes in Holles St to have a bag for labour and a separate bag for the ward that you'd leave in your car since the labour rooms are quite small. We don't drive so will be bringing both bags but trying to keep them as minimal as can be. Love the idea of keeping the going home bits along with the car seat -thanks!

I also figure in Holles St we're not that far from shops during the day if anything extra is needed! Hopefully it'll be grand anyways.

shesty

It's just practicality really...the reality is that you will be lying on a bed directing your OH, or a midwife to get your bits and pieces out for a shower or whatever after the birth.Even with the most straightfree drug free birth, you will most likely be lying there with a baby and not really in any fit state to get up and be bending over, rummaging around in a bag.So the labour bag is best to have a small wash bag with travel size shampoo/conditioner/shower gel (or whatever you use), a cloth of some sort and a towel(think dark colours, black or navy!!), couple of maternity pads, couple of nappies, babygrow with vest and hat and cardigan, one change of pjs for you and maybe a maternity/feeding bra and a pair of knickers, hairbrush, hair tie, slippers or flipflops.Also a phone charger!Then any extra pjs, baby clothes, nappies, more toiletries etc can go in the ward bag, which ideally you don't really want to be unpacking in the delivery room.Mostly because it won't be you unpacking or lugging it around, it will be your OH.So pack with that thought in mind!!And leave out things at home where your OH can lay a hand to them easily.An extra blanket for the baby, more baby clothes/pjs in case you are in for a few days, that kind of thing.Your OH will most likely be taking home dirty stuff every day and bringing in any clean bits you need.

CavanGal

Evil_g wrote: »

Hi folks. Greetings from the February thread.

My wife is 19 weeks along. She's with the Domino scheme in the Coombe and all going well so far.

She's just been given an appointment for a three hour "preliminary antenatal class" in a few weeks time.

She (well we, but mostly she) are pretty good at reading up on what to do and expect, and we're planning to attend a full day antenatal course organised by the Coombe in January.

She'd prefer not to have to take time off work for this preliminary class in a few weeks time, but she's wondering whether she should.

Have any of you attended one? Did you find it valuable, or is it the sort of thing we can learn ourselves?

Thanks in advance.

Just a late response on this one but your wife is entitled to paid time off for this class and any other antenatal classes or appointments. In case this makes any difference to your decision. As for you, my husband is entitled to paid time off for 2 antenatal classes from his job so you might want to check your employer's policy on this.

odonopenmic

I've noticed in the last day or two that my skin has gone to pot all of a sudden - breaking out big time! It got me thinking, I wonder if it's a sign of a hormonal change as everything else is pretty much the same (diet, sleep, etc.) I'm 36 weeks today.

Anyone ever heard of anyone getting breakouts late in pregnancy as a bit of a sign that things are moving? Probably wishful thinking!!

cnlbel

anyone just feeling crap all the time?? i cant get comfy anywhere. feel like all i do is moan these days

closifer

cnlbel wrote:

anyone just feeling crap all the time?? i cant get comfy anywhere. feel like all i do is moan these days

Constantly. Can't sleep. Can't stand. No energy to do anything!! Baby is lying transverse so that definitely isn't conducive to any level of comfort!!

Nerd Queen

Being comfy has not been my reality lately either! Breech baby so the breathlessness is unreal at times. Plus having bits of heartburn doesn’t help.

odonopenmic

Physically I've been doing fairly well all things considering. But I keep waking up every time I have to roll over at night as I can't seem to just do it in my sleep. Like clockwork I wake around 3.50am and might not get back to sleep until 5.30/6.00. It's really annoying.

Finished work today though so at least the early starts won't be as consistent.

cnlbel

still another 3 weeks for me in work. its so stressful trying to fit it all in. really looking forward to some downtime when mat leave starts.

closifer

I was due to start maternity leave 2 days ago but actually was signed off ten days ago because I was admitted to hospital again with another UTI.

I was counting down to mat leave but I have to say now it's here it feels quite weird being off. I'm sure I will settle into a routine and I know I 100% wouldn't be able for work but sitting around at home is tough going too!! Especially because I don't feel so wonderful and haven't the energy to do much so I'm getting a little cabin fever!!

New farmers wife

I'm booked in to be induced the 8th of November, I was due the 15th, baby was approx 8lbs 1 yesterday. I'll get a sweep on the 6th to see how my cervix is and try get things started before the Friday morning!
I find turning over when my bladder is full is crippling. Luckily I'm getting sleep but I'm at the stage where I just want everything done and sorted but I'm not really getting anywhere!

buffin

Feeling super uncomfortable and just dying for it to be time and baby to come out. But we're still far off finishing our house renovations so kinda hoping it stays in as long as possible too.

A friend had hers 2.5 weeks early just last week and the best thing I heard from her was how so soon after she felt like herself again, no more heartburn or weird food aversions, and being able to move like a normal person - that sounded so good to me!

I have this week left in work and then 2 off - thinking I need to make a list of pre-baby things to do, like fun things for me. So far I have:

- go to the cinema by myself
- get my hair cut and coloured (no judgement please, I've looked into my colour options and made an informed decision)
- eat brunch with the husband in our favourite spot
- get a massage
- do a facemask
- stroll around town during the week when it's nice and quiet
- get the photos off my phone so I have a tonne of space and figure out an easy backup option
- a list of people to call for a good long chat

I still have a list of must do's too but this list is way more fun! Anyone have anything similar or second time around Mum's anything you wished you'd done?

odonopenmic

Buffin, I love this list!

I hope you get to really enjoy the last while - home stretch now.

Luckily my SO's work arrangements mean he is taking time from end of this month. I'm really looking forward to going for walks, having nice leisurely lunches and just enjoying each other's company. We have also been making recordings of chats - about how we met, how we feel about becoming parents, how we see the future, anything really that springs to mind. The plan is that when baby grows up we can give them the chats and in the meantime we can always have the reminder of life before baby for us. So probably going to do some more of these too before it's time.

SmallgirlBigcity

Question about our new Venti pram - so we bought the Venti travel system and its great but I'm confused by the straps in the pram for the baby. Any newborns I've seen in a pram aren't strapped in but the flat lying part of the Venti has straps. Is it normal to strap a newborn into the flat part of a pram? This is my first pregnancy so I haven't got a clue. Thanks in advance!

New farmers wife

SmallgirlBigcity wrote: »

Question about our new Venti pram - so we bought the Venti travel system and its great but I'm confused by the straps in the pram for the baby. Any newborns I've seen in a pram aren't strapped in but the flat lying part of the Venti has straps. Is it normal to strap a newborn into the flat part of a pram? This is my first pregnancy so I haven't got a clue. Thanks in advance!

I have a silver cross pioneer and it doesn't strap lying down. I've never seen baby strapped in lying down

SmallgirlBigcity

New farmers wife wrote: »

I have a silver cross pioneer and it doesn't strap lying down. I've never seen baby strapped in lying down

Thanks New farmer's wife. Yeah, me neither. Any time I've seen a newborn in a pram, they are just placed into it. Perhaps the Venti is just different. Thanks for your reply

anndub

The venti, unlike most other travel systems, doesn't have separate carry cot and seat attachments. The carry cot converts to the seat when the time comes. The straps are there for when the baby moves on to the seated position.

SmallgirlBigcity

anndub wrote: »

The venti, unlike most other travel systems, doesn't have separate carry cot and seat attachments. The carry cot converts to the seat when the time comes. The straps are there for when the baby moves on to the seated position.

Thanks anndub. Does that mean I should remove the straps while using it as a carry cot for a newborn? Thanks!

anndub

SmallgirlBigcity wrote: »

Thanks anndub. Does that mean I should remove the straps while using it as a carry cot for a newborn? Thanks!

I used them when using the bassinet mode. Felt that little bit safer in the unlikely event the pram tipped or something. But there's no need to remove them if you don't want to use them. They're easy to tuck out of the way. Wait until your baby comes along and you'll soon know what works best for you

SmallgirlBigcity

anndub wrote: »

I used them when using the bassinet mode. Felt that little bit safer in the unlikely event the pram tipped or something. But there's no need to remove them if you don't want to use them. They're easy to tuck out of the way. Wait until your baby comes along and you'll soon know what works best for you

Thanks a mill. Yeah you're right, I'm sure I'll get the hang of it all once baby arrives I'm 38 weeks today so getting super excited now. Thanks!

likestosmile

37+1 and like most of you here I’m exhausted, can’t sleep due to uncomfortableness, heavy bump, leg cramps etc. Don’t know how I’m going to go through Labour as I’m wrecked already.

We’ve had no scan since 22weeks. Seemingly this is normal with low risk pregnancy.... anyone in the same boat? Beginning to wonder how they will know of baba is bigger than normal. Feel massive, baba can’t get much bigger. Can it!

Obsessed with looking at my underwear lately...how will I know I’m in Labour? Anyone else consumed with this thought?

SmallgirlBigcity

I've had quite a few scans since 22 weeks but maybe that's because I have gestational diabetes. What hospital are you with?

I'm 38 weeks and also thinking I might go into labour any second. It's hard not to keep thinking about it isn't it! I'm looking out for either my waters breaking or to start feeling mild cramps. Apparently contractions feel like menstrual cramps at the beginning...

looksee

If you wake up in the middle of the night in a lovely clean and tidy house (because you spent all day doing it) with a dull low back ache, then you might as well get up and check the case and have a cup of tea, see if the cramps are starting!

closifer

I'm 37 weeks. Baby is breech transverse and I'm scheduled for a section on Tuesday week. Not sure I'll make it that far though. Baby is big and I'm dreadfully uncomfortable. Had a false alarm on Tuesday and really thought it might be happening. Awful cramps for hours and up half the night. Called the maternity hospital who told me to take a Panadol and give it another 90 mins and then the pain stopped. I'm quite freaked out because I can't give birth naturally with the baby's bizarre position so I'm conscious I would need to catch the signs of labour early. Was with my GP yesterday and without trying to alarm me she said she felt I could go any day and needed to be vigilant!

I'm definitely physically ready to not be pregnant anymore but I feel I need the next week or so to finish up things in the house and tidy and mentally prepared myself!!

Happy delivery month to you all.
Wife is due on December 2nd, so an ok chance we could go this month too.

New farmers wife

I've been getting cramps and lower back ache for the last 2 weeks. You'll def recognise the cramps, they're exactly like period pain but worse as time goes on. I think if the pain goes during walking or stuff like that it's not labour. I'm booked to be induced next Friday, I'll be 39 weeks. Keep thinking I'll go before then but I think that's everyone's general hope in pregnancy. I've a sweep Wednesday and they'll check what way I'll be induced. I was induced on my first two pregnancies and the second one I had mild cramps for 4-5 hours then it god bad quick, I'll be really hoping it's a quick this time too but no guarantees.
My baby was measuring approx 8lbs 1 last week but it's a long baby so there can't be much room left in there!!!

shesty

If they are coming fairly consistently, won't go away whether you are walking, lying down etc, and you cannot talk during the pain....that's a good indicator.

buffin

Hoping someone can answer something for me? I'm 38 weeks and have never had a conversation with anyone about baby's weight, inductions, baby position anything like that. I'm public in Holles St and whenever I go it's a brief chat with the midwife and then a mini-scan, but all they look for is the heart beat and then I'm off on my way.

Is it just because I'm not asking questions?

Not super worried or anything but just curious if it's me or the system or what the differences might be?

Also, if anyone has suggestions for comfy sleeping at night, I'll take those too

shesty

Buffin I had two pregnancies where weight was never mentioned.I was semi-private in the Rotunda, nobody ever said anything about weight and i never asked.Figured it had to come out anyway.Third baby the consultant mentioned a few times about what size were my others ?(7and 8lbs) and this one would be a 'bit bigger' but that's normal, babies tend to get even marginally bigger each pregnancy (not always though), although ahe did say it was all normal looking, and there was nothing alarming.

As it turned out, a completely separate consultant estimated the baby's weight hours before I went into labour and got it so wrong (by a good 2.5-3 pounds) that I would not put any importance on it, unless they are concerned the baby is not growing.

NicsM

For me, baby's weight has only been a focus due to the fact I have a two vessel cord (which can impede growth) and obstetric cholestasis so am being monitored closely. From what I understand though it's really hit and miss to get an accurate estimate of weight, the growth scans I've had have seem to use lots of other metrics to determine growth. In terms of position, they would most likely highlight if baby was breech at this late stage but I had a suspicion mine was back to back so I asked a midwife outright and she said yes, it was most likely back to back.

Maybe ask at your next appointment if they have an idea? I knew mine was back to back because of all the kicks right at the front!

Finding out on Tuesday when my induction will be, because of the obstetric cholestasis I won't be able to go beyond 39 weeks but my blood results have improved so I'm glad I got past 37 weeks without being induced!

buffin

Thanks so much @shesty for all the info, that's what I've been kinda assuming is that it's coming out so why bother asking too much. Denial is my general birthing plan!

So glad to hear you've made it past the 37 week mark, hope the rest of the time goes well for you too, sorry to hear you need extra monitoring, but hope all is totally good in the end for you. Think I'll ask a bit more at the next appointment, I'm pretty sure I can feel a bum sticking out towards by tummy so don't think I'm back to back but will see can someone confirm!

Really appreciate the replies!

odonopenmic

Hi Buffin, I'm in Holles Street too. I find that it really depends on which doc is on and who you get for the mini scan. I tend to ask about the size, positioning, whether baby's engaged etc. I also notice that on the scan it seems to estimate the size based on a notional gestation. I could be wrong here but I know mine is measuring a little behind my actual gestation (maybe by 5-8 days). When I've asked about weight/size they've said "not too small, not too large" so they haven't been exact. Anyway, I have ways found them really welcoming of questions and they have always taken their time to answer everything with me. So I'd say if you're curious at all just chime in :-)

New farmers wife

I've always gotten an approximate weight as I had a bad tear on my first and they like to monitor size or baby and make sure it's not GD causing a big baby. Weight can be so far off sometimes. My second was heavier but he was a long baby and I know this baby is a long baby too. If it's measuring big or small they just like to make sure there's no underlying reason as to why.

shesty

buffin wrote: »

Thanks so much @shesty for all the info, that's what I've been kinda assuming is that it's coming out so why bother asking too much. Denial is my general birthing plan!

As good a plan as any!!No, I guess it just never came up as a topic for me.I was ok with that because I feel if I had known weights, I might have worried during the labour (especially during my third).Your birth position and that also tend to have an effect on any tears (sorry!!),, so i prefer to get the right, rather than the other way round.
As it happened my third baby was by a long margin my biggest baby, (and just very big in general) and he did practically no damage, although the midwives did assist just a small bit, which helped too.Definitely ask if you want to know but I think it is very dependent on the doctor whether it is ever mentioned....assuming there are no problems.

closifer

Anyone know if your partner is allowed in theater during an elective section? I had an emergency section last time and he was called in when baby was born but wasnt there for the incision. Is it different for an elective?

Nerd Queen

closifer wrote: »

Anyone know if your partner is allowed in theater during an elective section? I had an emergency section last time and he was called in when baby was born but wasnt there for the incision. Is it different for an elective?

Due in Friday for an elective section and my husband will be in theatre with me. He only won’t be there for the anaesthetic and then when they are stitching me back up.

closifer

Thanks. That's great to know. I'm going in next Monday but didn't really know what to expect. Was SO ready for this pregnancy to be over for the last few weeks but now that it's only days away I'm not sure I'm fully psychologically prepared 😀Also racing around the house trying to get all the last minute bits and bobs done

New farmers wife

Closifer I'm with you, can't seem to stop doing the jobs around the house, started on the outside windows this afternoon, it just feels like jobs are coming out of nowhere. I'm going in Friday and even though it's my third I just feel so unprepared or nervous. Back to the hospital in the morning and they'll do a sweep, I think I just want that over!

shesty

New farmer's wife, I had a sweep on my third at 41 weeks (desperation!) And it was really painless.Apparently I was already 1-2 cm dilated, which is normal on the third, so the sweep was much much easier than on the second.Fingers crossed the same for you.

New farmers wife

I just remember the first sweep was tough, don't remember the second but I think its just the feeling after it. By them doing a sweep tomorrow they'll decide on the process of induction, my first was breaking my waters and drip, second was just one gel, hoping I'm favourable for just a gel, from gel to baby being born was only 6 and a half hours last time!

odonopenmic

Hope everyone is getting on well. I'm due on Wednesday but no sign of anything yet