February 2020 babies club

RebelScorned

Have been up the walls with work and life over the last few days and fell way behind on this thread so I've been playing catch-up.

Firstly @Ca_va I have everything crossed for you that you will get good news from your latest batch of tests - must be such an anxious time for you waiting and I'm sure the 2 weeks is passing at a snail's pace for you but (and I know you will think it's easy for us to say) 1/130 is so remote that you would have to be so unlucky and of course I'm hoping and wishing that you'll be with the 129 folks that get good news.

It's great to see some new folks jump on board and lots of us have gotten scans etc. over the last few weeks. I was told in the maternity hosp that I picked a good time to have a baby as Feb is a quiet time of year (apparently September is manic when all the Christmas-conceived babies arrive) but this thread is definitely kept busy. It's nice to be able to share experiences with folks who are all going through the same thing at the same time.

I'm 15+3 today and I don't know if it's my imagination or the fact that I have eaten what I wanted when I wanted over the last few weeks but I am feeling very bloated around my middle, clothes still fit but my jeans are verrrry snug. I only get random bouts of queasiness these days - not enough to make me be sick and the biggest complaint I have currently are headaches which only come every couple of days thankfully but they really knock me down when they do come. No food or hot beverage aversions yet (though the smell of coffee from someone sitting next to me on the train a few weeks back made me want to wilt and die) and no cravings really either apart from red meat, specifically beef or steak, and that's unusual for me as I wouldn't normally cook red meat a lot.

Most of my family and work colleagues now know which is lovely but some of my work colleagues have been really making me doubt myself for choosing to go down the public as opposed to private route - sharing horror stories about being neglected in immediate aftermath after giving birth, not having any support in public ward and one colleague warned of how she ended up next to a junkie in a public ward who allegedly made her life hell. I was a ball of anxiety when I got home from work that evening, I even contemplated switching to private the next day but then I concluded that I did debate over this for weeks already. I think I'm holding out to see how my appointment next week goes but the whole encounter has made me question myself, my judgment and my priorities. I normally wouldn't pay much heed to other folks' speculation and horror stories so I don't know if it's preggo hormones but it really cut me deep. I've an appointment with a consultant next week in the Coombe but doubt very much that there will be any scan, I think it's just a routine appointment.

In other more cheerful news - wedding date has been booked for 29 November so we'll get hitched before baby arrives in mid-Feb - I'll be 28 + 4 weeks so not sure how/where/if I'll find a dress to fit but if you know or have heard of anywhere that do nice not frumpy maternity dresses for a special occasion (does not have to be typical white wedding dress), please help a gal out and share, either online or in real life shops! It's a relief to have the date and feels like another job ticked off the list (jeez I'm a real romantic )

Ca_va

Thanks to you all for the positive vibes guys, it means a lot. I'm trying to keep it out of my mind as much as possible (not possible!).

@RebelScorned, that is so exciting about the wedding, congratulations!

shesty

Rebel everyone loves telling the horror stories.Let it all wash over you, and just smile and nod.

ene

I think everyone just likes horror stories like I have heard some stories about private rooms as well so its all just how you see them! I have chosen to go public because I have heard much more positive stories then negative ones!

Rockiemalt

I’m going public too so hopefully we have positive experiences to share, I’m hopefully doing Domino scheme too which might make it a bit different?!

I started going to pregnancy yoga classes and the teacher gives lots of advice and information throughout them about birthing too which I’m finding good for my head. And I’m also enjoying the yoga part of it too, so if anyone is considering it I’d say go for it!

I booked tickets this morning for a babywearing event in October, to figure out which sort we’d like,
http://www.wearahugfair.ie/

We went looking at buggys and car seats too, holy goodness there is so many!

Chelle_C

Rockiemalt wrote: »

I’m going public too so hopefully we have positive experiences to share, I’m hopefully doing Domino scheme too which might make it a bit different?!

I started going to pregnancy yoga classes and the teacher gives lots of advice and information throughout them about birthing too which I’m finding good for my head. And I’m also enjoying the yoga part of it too, so if anyone is considering it I’d say go for it!

I booked tickets this morning for a babywearing event in October, to figure out which sort we’d like,
http://www.wearahugfair.ie/

We went looking at buggys and car seats too, holy goodness there is so many!

Just googled that event and it’s just up the road from me, got myself a ticket - thanks!

RebelScorned

I find myself tentatively looking up cribs and cots and prams etc. but it is honestly a minefield, like there are so many options where does one even begin. We went to Bella Baby in Dundrum last weekend to look at prams and bits and I mean I cannot (in this current woefully uneducated state) tell the difference between them. They all have a seat/bed for baby and wheels Even when I am out and about in town I am always checking out what prams and kit other folks have chosen but they all look the same to me. And we won't even get started on all of the different brands of bottles, soothers, monitors, thermometers. I must look through boards actually to see if there is a shopping list or recommendations for first time mammies. I'm thinking about going to the Pregnancy and Baby Fair in the RDS in October.

I'm mad to start buying but at the same time, I'm afraid to start buying! I've picked up a few bits but they've gone straight up into the attic for safekeeping until after Christmas.

clarnimhurchu

I believe that people like telling horror stories too. It can be annoying, although sometimes good to know, so you can avoid the situation.

I found, for my first baby, that it was good to research what way you want to sleep with baby, feed, carry, etc., before buying anything. I wanted to cosleep, but my partner was afraid, so we got a Sleepyhead nest. We placed this in between us on the bed, but I realised after she was born, that I was the only one that was totally aware of her while sleeping, so had to put her on my side only. I bought a larger cotbed and attached it to the side (mine) of the bed, without a barrier between us, when she was too big for the nest. I wanted to feed responsively, day and night, so didn't get any soothers, and only got bottles much later when I wanted to pump. I wanted to babywear and carry most of the time, until the baby was ready to leave my arms, so I researched slings a lot. I bought a good pushchair/pram secondhand, just in case that didn't work out, but never used it. I wanted to use cloth nappies, and started to look at those, but there are so many types and brands, that took a few months in itself, and still wasn't finished when the baby was born. I'd say pick one topic at a time, look into the options, what the updated research says, and then choose a product. But that is just me!

bee06

For travel systems etc I would advise buying 2nd hand once you know what you want. They are so expensive. I wish I took this advice myself but like most people wanted everything new for my first baby.

Chelle_C

bee06 wrote: »

For travel systems etc I would advise buying 2nd hand once you know what you want. They are so expensive. I wish I took this advice myself but like most people wanted everything new for my first baby.

I’m doing this. I got a second hand co sleeper last week which was barely used but I got it for less than half of what I’d pay for it new.
A new mattress for it only costs around €25 so even with that, I have made a huge saving.

When my sister had a baby 2 years ago my parents bought a pram to have at their house but it was hardly touched so I’m delighted to be gifted that. When the baby outgrows the co sleeper, my sister has kindly said I can have her daughters cot which is beautiful and cost a lot of money.

All I’ll be buying new is a car seat (will can wait until after Christmas) and a Sleepyhead. Plus one of the Lanisoh breast pumps.
I’m also planning to Babywear so I’ll invest in a decent wrap/sling or two.

When I was a baby my parents had nothing, I slept in a drawer (they didn’t close it :P) for the first few weeks of my life and my mum pushed me around in a big old fashioned pram from a charity shop.
I turned out just fine! Obviously I want my baby to have nice things but nice doesn’t always have to mean brand new/expensive.

I’m dreading the car seat shopping...I’m totally clueless. How much should I be budgeting?
This is one area I don’t want to skimp in. I have a figure in my head of €300 but have possibly just made that up! Am I way out?

bee06

Everything you’re doing is all stuff I wish I did! It’s not like the baby will know the difference.

Car seat wise expensive doesn’t necessarily mean safer. An infant carrier is the safest option from the start. There are other seats (non infant seats that stay in the car) that are “from birth” and will last for longer but they aren’t the safest option for an infant. Maxi cosi is a very popular and safe brand and you can get a Cabiofix for less than 150 Euro. An isofix bass is nice to have but not needed. I got a Joie iGemm with a base as part of my travel system last time (Joie is another great car seat brand) and couldn’t use the isofix base because the seats in my car are so sloped it caused head flop. Very annoying.

Further down the line keeping them rearfacing until at least 4 is 5 times safer when the time comes to move them to the next seat and there is a great Facebook group Ireland -Rearfacing car seats that give advice on the best seat that will last the longest. In case nobody guessed, I’m a bit obsessed with car seat safety!

paulers06

Gave in today and bought some maternity jeans in H&M. I’m 16 weeks and not really visibly showing yet but my regular jeans were getting tight and I just felt so fat and awful by the end of the day. Wearing my new jeans now and they’re so comfortable. I’m surprised at how much better I feel in these. I guess I didn’t realise how much I was struggling with my changing belly until now. I’ve gone from feeling fat and uncomfortable to a bit normal again.

clarnimhurchu

paulers06 wrote: »

Gave in today and bought some maternity jeans in H&M. I’m 16 weeks and not really visibly showing yet but my regular jeans were getting tight and I just felt so fat and awful by the end of the day. Wearing my new jeans now and they’re so comfortable. I’m surprised at how much better I feel in these. I guess I didn’t realise how much I was struggling with my changing belly until now. I’ve gone from feeling fat and uncomfortable to a bit normal again.

Ha ha, on my second pregnancy and I've been wearing maternity trousers and dresses since 8 weeks! I just couldn't stand the tight waistbands of normal clothes. I think I got them at about 12 weeks on my first, as everything was becoming uncomfortable as you say, and I didn't want to just buy bigger clothes (I left that until after pregnancy when I was permanently bigger :P).

Interestingly, although I think I look a lot bigger than I was before this pregnancy, I haven't put on any weight yet, and I will be 15 weeks tomorrow. I think it's because I've been so tired and ill until now that I've basically stopped most exercise, and lost muscle. I hope I can make it up a little now that my energy levels are a bit better!

Cole30

How is everyone feeling? I have felt so much better in the last week than I have since I can remember! I haven't vomited since last week and am eating 3 meals a day! I have also ordered a few maternity bits for work as I'm going on holiday this weekend but when I get back I think it's time to give up normal waistbands! I did buy a pair of maternity gym leggings and the difference so so so comfortable! Got them in h&m for €22 I think brilliant buy! Plan to wear them on the flight too!

Chelle_C

paulers06 wrote: »

Gave in today and bought some maternity jeans in H&M. I’m 16 weeks and not really visibly showing yet but my regular jeans were getting tight and I just felt so fat and awful by the end of the day. Wearing my new jeans now and they’re so comfortable. I’m surprised at how much better I feel in these. I guess I didn’t realise how much I was struggling with my changing belly until now. I’ve gone from feeling fat and uncomfortable to a bit normal again.

Haha I had to buy new trousers today too!
Got some fab cropped wide leg trousers in Next that have an elasticated waistband.
I just know I’m going to live in them! Well, at least until it’s too cold to wear them anymore.
All my jeans are too tight now so they’re being packed away for next year.
I also got measured for a bra in M&S and have gone up a cup size so got 2 new ones. I’m only 14+6 so I may need to go up again in a couple of months.
I’ve never had big boobs so I’m loving this

I’m off to England tomorrow then to Dubrovnik on Friday for a week.
I really feel like it’s come at the perfect time, a week of relaxation is exactly what I need right now and I’m going with my Mum which will be lovely as I don’t get much time with her alone and we have lots to talk about.

RebelScorned

Where are you ladies looking for maternity clothes? I've checked out the maternity sections in New Look and H&M in Liffey Valley and trust me when I say I am no fashionista but I was disappointed with the selections there - they weren't big maternity sections but what they had seemed kind of frumpy.

Also, when you buy maternity clothes - I heard you are meant to buy your own normal size but the maternity version - so I ordered a few bits from ASOS last week when they had a 20% discount code on that basis but the vast majority of it is currently sitting on me and i feel like I look like a sack of spuds. Tops that are huge and not just across the tummy area, jeans that are baggy and loose around my knees upwards not just tummy area.

I'm not sure where the best place to look is - I'd rather spend a bit more to get some decent pieces through the next few months instead of forking out for a load of frumpy, odd fitting clothes. I'm a bit reluctant to buy online as I think I would rather try things on given my experience to date. I thought I would love showing off a bump but i am a bit discouraged in my search for maternity clothes so far. Maybe I need to wait a bit until I actually start showing before I buy any more clothes. And I have not even begun thinking about trying to find a wedding dress!

I had my consultant appointment on Tuesday in the Coombe and went fine - no blood test this time (hoorah!) and a real bonus was that we got another scan that I was not expecting and it was so nice to see Peanut bopping away again and looking even more childlike than the last time we saw him/her. I thought I could feel flutters on Tuesday evening after my appointment but then it became clear to me that they were actually just hunger pangs!! 16+4 today and not feeling any acrobatics yet and doctor said sometimes first time mothers don't feel anything at all until 25 weeks! Super super looking forward to our anatomy scan in October and finding out if it's a boy or a girl - it's all that's keeping me going!

bee06

Re maternity clothes ... those clothes are designed to fit you up to 40 weeks so are going to feel massive now. I just went a couple of sizes up and bought oversized tops (not maternity) for the first and most of the 2nd trimester. Got long vest tops and used the hair bobble trick on my normal jeans. That got me to around 20 weeks with my looser fitting jeans. I got the skinny jeans in H&M then.

Cole30

I recently ordered some bits from new look they are yet to arrive. Kept it basic enough just to see how they look/feel. I watch a person on Instagram who is due in Nov she has raved about boohoo. For casual/comfy bits. I'd love a really good pair of jeans for winter just to dress up or down so if any recommendations I'd love to know!! When do you find out the gender @rebelscorned?

RebelScorned

Cole30 wrote: »

When do you find out the gender @rebelscorned?

Anatomy scan on October 8th So only 1 month, 2 days / 4 weeks, 3 days away but who's counting! I'd say I won't be able to sleep for a week beforehand with the excitement and suspense. I was trying really hard during the scan earlier this week to decipher any potential telltale signs/body parts but sure I didn't have a clue what I was looking at, couldn't even make out an arm from a leg to be honest. Before I got pregnant, I thought I would like to keep it as a surprise until delivery because I was thinking it would get you through the labour but I've done a complete 180, I have honestly even surprised myself. I'm thinking about getting a private scan done at 18 wk mark - some places do them from 16 weeks but I'm just not sure how accurate it would be.

And Boohoo didn't even cross my mind actually, thank you! Will defo have a look tonight

Chelle_C

Hi All

I've just checked when my next hospital appointment/scan is and it's not until 28th November when I will be 27 weeks.
Is that very late?
I thought most people got one closer to the 20 week mark for the anomaly scan.
It seems a very long wait, just wanted to see if this is normal - at what week are you guys all back for yours?

Thanks

EDIT: I just rang the hospital and she said I'm not in for a scan at all! They don't the anomaly scans unless you have a low lying placenta or for another flagged medical reason. I'm shocked. And gutted. I'm going to try and get a private one but that's more money I could do without spending!

RebelScorned

Hi Chelle_C, I am very surprised to hear that your hospital does not offer an anatomy scan - I thought every pregnant lady public or private should get a detailed anatomy scan somewhere around wks 18-22 of pregnancy? I'm with the Coombe (public) and my anatomy scan is booked since my dating scan back in July - I'll be little over 21 weeks by the time it comes around. I didn't specifically ask for it to be booked or anything which is why I thought it was offered as standard. It's mad how different hospitals under same system offer different things and I'd be annoyed too if I was you. I wonder could your GP help in any way to get an earlier scan?

red petal

I am booked in for an anatomy scan at about 20 weeks too. This is with the coombe though and I think they are quite good with their scans. I have heard of hospitals down the country which do not offer scans unless there is an issue. Very unfair unfortunately.

RebelScorned

QQ - has anybody else's bump taken a mad stretch this last week? I turned 19 weeks yesterday and proper preggo roundy bump (not just bit of bloat or the average food baby) just appeared about a week ago and seems to be growing by the day since. I'm honestly not exaggerating when I say it popped out overnight - maybe it's because I'm barely 5ft tall? Lots of fluttery sensations in my lower tummy over the last few days too. It's our first so it's all learning at this point but just find it mad that bump literally sprouted overnight!

Any other February 2020 babies making their presence known? :pac:

GavMan

Chelle_C wrote: »

Hi All

I've just checked when my next hospital appointment/scan is and it's not until 28th November when I will be 27 weeks.
Is that very late?
I thought most people got one closer to the 20 week mark for the anomaly scan.
It seems a very long wait, just wanted to see if this is normal - at what week are you guys all back for yours?

Thanks

EDIT: I just rang the hospital and she said I'm not in for a scan at all! They don't the anomaly scans unless you have a low lying placenta or for another flagged medical reason. I'm shocked. And gutted. I'm going to try and get a private one but that's more money I could do without spending!

Which hospital?

paulers06

RebelScorned wrote: »

QQ - has anybody else's bump taken a mad stretch this last week? I turned 19 weeks yesterday and proper preggo roundy bump (not just bit of bloat or the average food baby) just appeared about a week ago and seems to be growing by the day since. I'm honestly not exaggerating when I say it popped out overnight - maybe it's because I'm barely 5ft tall? Lots of fluttery sensations in my lower tummy over the last few days too. It's our first so it's all learning at this point but just find it mad that bump literally sprouted overnight!

Any other February 2020 babies making their presence known? :pac:

18 weeks here and have been feeling those flutters for a week or so now. Mainly when lying down or slouching on the couch. My husband is a little jealous.

Bump has really started to develop over the last week. Haven’t told work yet so need to do that this week. I’m still able to hide it but not for much longer! I only started my job in a January so I think they’ll be less than impressed that I’ve been pregnant for half the time I’ve been here! But hey, that’s life. We’ll all just have to get on with it

Chelle_C

GavMan wrote: »

Which hospital?

Our Lady of Lourdes, Drogheda

Seem to be of the very few that don't offer it!

Hasmunch

Chelle_C wrote: »

Our Lady of Lourdes, Drogheda

Seem to be of the very few that don't offer it!

We are there too and have booked the anomaly scan privately.

Chelle_C

Hasmunch wrote: »

We are there too and have booked the anomaly scan privately.

Do you mind me asking where and how much you're paying? I'm seeing prices between €165-€185.

Hasmunch

We are going to the Merrion Fetal Clinic at €150
We paid €165 on our first two years ago alright

CheerLouth

Chelle_C wrote: »

Our Lady of Lourdes, Drogheda

Seem to be of the very few that don't offer it!

I'm wondering if that has changed recently? I had two babies there & definitely had a 20 week scan on both of them.

clarnimhurchu

Chelle_C wrote: »

Our Lady of Lourdes, Drogheda

Seem to be of the very few that don't offer it!

CheerLouth wrote: »

I'm wondering if that has changed recently? I had two babies there & definitely had a 20 week scan on both of them.

I imagine, if others have had it Chelle_C, that you should be able to push for it. I am of the opinion that getting this included in your public service is absolutely necessary. I would call the consultants and the fetal medicine department, and get on to both of them to set it up, say you will be very worried and anxious throughout the pregnancy if it is not done. It should be your right, and if you went to the Dublin hospitals it would be done, so why not Drogheda?

Chelle_C

CheerLouth wrote: »

I'm wondering if that has changed recently? I had two babies there & definitely had a 20 week scan on both of them.

I’m not sure. Apparently it’s common knowledge that they don’t do them, a couple of friends who gave birth there didn’t get them either.

CheerLouth

Chelle_C wrote: »

I’m not sure. Apparently it’s common knowledge that they don’t do them, a couple of friends who gave birth there didn’t get them either.

Hmmm, that sounds very odd. I'd say it at your next appointment and see what they say. A midwife or consultant might be more willing to refer you for one than a clerical officer who has a rulebook to follow

Chelle_C

CheerLouth wrote: »

Hmmm, that sounds very odd. I'd say it at your next appointment and see what they say. A midwife or consultant might be more willing to refer you for one than a clerical officer who has a rulebook to follow

I’ll be 27 weeks at my next appointment which isn’t until the end of November.
I was in with my GP yesterday and enquired but she said it’s just the way it is.
I’ve just sent an email to the maternity dept saying how upset I am and this will cause me a lot of worry, so I will see what they have to say.

Ca_va

Ca_va wrote: »

I’m stressing out a bit here. I’m living in France and screening for chromosomal abnormalities is done here routinely. It is not as accurate as a panorama/harmony but gives a risk factor based on certain hormone levels and the nuchal translucency measurement during the 12 week scan. Anyway, I’ve just heard that my results have come back as high risk, with a 1/130 chance that there is an abnormality. Not a massive risk, I know, but higher than normal and enough to have me worried. I’ve just done another blood test which I think is closer to the panorama/harmony test so should give a more accurate result, and now have a two week wait for the results. Trying to stay positive!

After showing up as high risk, my first round of NIPT testing came back as inconclusive and so I had to go for another set of tests and another stressful 2 week wait for results. These have eventually come back as negative for the three trisomies, so I can finally stop worrying! I’m so relieved. It has been really tough, I feel like I’ve missed out on a month of excitement as I was afraid to get too wrapped up in it all in case there was a fatal abnormality.

paulers06 wrote: »

18 weeks here and have been feeling those flutters for a week or so now. Mainly when lying down or slouching on the couch. My husband is a little jealous.

Bump has really started to develop over the last week. Haven’t told work yet so need to do that this week. I’m still able to hide it but not for much longer! I only started my job in a January so I think they’ll be less than impressed that I’ve been pregnant for half the time I’ve been here! But hey, that’s life. We’ll all just have to get on with it

Anyway, onwards and upwards (and outwards!) RebelScorned and paulers06 – I’m the same with the bump taking a stretch - I’m glad I can finally tell people in work as it is getting harder to hide! I’m 18+4 and feeling what I think might be flutters but I’m just not sure as it is my first.

RebelScorned

Hoorah Ca_va - I've been wondering how you got on and I am absolutely chuffed for you that you got good news!

Onwards, upwards and outwards indeed

Rockiemalt

Hi all,

I’m 19 weeks and feeling like someone is poking me from the inside the last week or so. Also my belly seems to have suddenly got rounder too, it feels really stretched sometimes just after I’ve eaten. Also I’ve been trying trying to keep on parkruns but i was running holding my belly yesterday as it felt like it was boucing up and down loads, like I need a bump bra, hah! Anyone else have this?

I got the asos maternity jeans and they fit well, h&m are always too long on me as I’m 5’2 and new look seemed to be oddley sized in jeans. Tops were good though!

Thats rubbish you arent having a 20 week anomaly scan, I was on domino but they sent me back to the coombe for an extra obstetrician app as my sister had a clot on one of her pregnancies, so surprisingly the ob did a quick scan and signed me off as back to domino, 2&1/2 hours waiting to be seen for 5 minutes but it was lovely to get a quick look at baby, so I can completely imagine booking a private scan if all you have is a 12 week. my next scan is the anomaly scan in the coombe in a few weeks time too.

Hope you are all feeling ok

Cole30

Today I am 18 + 5 and honestly the last 3 days my tummy has also just become more round and definitely bigger. I've had some pains under my ribs especially after I eat so attempting smaller meals more frequent. Had a gp visit on wed and he happened to have the flu jab in stock so he gave me that. Found the heartbeat quite low down and said bump is measuring perfect. I have my next scan on 14th and I had not been thinking about it much but I'm nervous to buy anything until then. I know it's normal worries so trying to not think too much about it!
Very upsetting that you don't get 18-22 weeks can @Chelle_C. Have you had any luck expressing your concern with the hospital?

Redser87

So happy for you ca_va! It's a long time between now and February, you'll just have to pack more excitement into that time :-) sorry to hear about your stress with the scan Chelle.
I'm definitely a bit bumpier too but you'd need to either know or be very observant to spot it! I'm living in dresses and skirts these days but I need to get maternity tights!!

Chelle_C

Lovely to hear of all the growing bumps ladies, I’m 18+4 today and mine is definitely noticeable now, depending on what clothes I wear. I love it!

I sent an email to the MLU dept at the hospital saying how upset I was over the lack of an anomaly scan and they called me in the week to discuss.
The lady I spoke with couldn’t have been nicer.
She has booked me in with a consultant on Tuesday to discuss it further and see if they will refer me.
It’s something, but still disgusting that I even have to go in and practically beg someone to give me the same as many other women are getting around the country as standard. And they could still say no.
I’ll be taking this further after, by taking it to my local TD; it won’t help me but will hopefully make a difference for other ladies in the future.
I’ll keep you updated!

ene

Has anyone not felt any movements yet? I am 18 weeks and nothing.... beginning to feel worried

Yellowmac

Newbie here, a bit late to the party! 21 weeks today
Have been following the thread for weeks and have really enjoyed reading everyone's happy news and seeing all of the progress, it's been lovely to follow along with such a
friendly and supportive thread. Now finally feeling brave enough to join after big scan last week went well. It was an amazing day! Best of luck to anyone having theirs this week I found it quite nerve-wracking.

Ene don't worry I wasn't sure if I was feeling any movements before my scan- all I could feel were tiny pops (like popcorn popping) and only if I really pressed my hand on my belly. And they were so sporadic I'd feel none for a few days so I was really unconvinced that they were movements - I was sure they were gas. But when I had 20 week scan last week that was right where the feet were! And all of a sudden at 21 weeks they have turned into proper big kicks which you couldn't mistake for gas! Baby is still so small at this time it still has plenty of space in your belly so might not be hitting you with its little hands and feet just yet.

For the first time this week the ticker on my pregnancy app showed less weeks left to go than already passed, and that has kind of freaked me out! Plus it feels like winter arrived today (brrr) and to me that also means baby is coming 😂 it's all getting real!! Exciting but terrifying!

bee06

ene wrote: »

Has anyone not felt any movements yet? I am 18 weeks and nothing.... beginning to feel worried

Is it your first? If so that’s very normal. I didn’t start feeling movement on my first until around 22 or 23 weeks.

charcosull

Hi All,
We had our Anomaly Scan today. supposed to be 20 weeks but my wife is 21 weeks and a couple of days.
All good and delighted to find out its a boy.
My wife has felt the popping sensation since last week, when she was just after 20 weeks.

paulers06

charcosull wrote: »

Hi All,
We had our Anomaly Scan today. supposed to be 20 weeks but my wife is 21 weeks and a couple of days.
All good and delighted to find out its a boy.
My wife has felt the popping sensation since last week, when she was just after 20 weeks.

Congratulations. Glad to hear it all went well. Have mine on Thursday and please god everything will be fine. Will be just short of 20 weeks. Did you get any pictures to take away? The pictures I’ve gotten from my OB are pretty fuzzy, think the machine is fairly old.

clarnimhurchu

charcosull wrote: »

Hi All,
We had our Anomaly Scan today. supposed to be 20 weeks but my wife is 21 weeks and a couple of days.
All good and delighted to find out its a boy.
My wife has felt the popping sensation since last week, when she was just after 20 weeks.

Congratulations! So glad to hear all is good! I am having a boy also, although I am yet to have the anomaly scan, I found out via a Panorama NIPT. I'll be 21 weeks also. I think that's normal (they say 20-22 weeks).

Chelle_C wrote: »

I sent an email to the MLU dept at the hospital saying how upset I was over the lack of an anomaly scan and they called me in the week to discuss.
The lady I spoke with couldn’t have been nicer.
She has booked me in with a consultant on Tuesday to discuss it further and see if they will refer me.
It’s something, but still disgusting that I even have to go in and practically beg someone to give me the same as many other women are getting around the country as standard. And they could still say no.
I’ll be taking this further after, by taking it to my local TD; it won’t help me but will hopefully make a difference for other ladies in the future.
I’ll keep you updated!

Thanks for doing that, Chelle_C. I really hope it makes a change for other women attending your hospital, and writing to your TD would really be helpful. I really hope they give you an anomaly scan also. I know that it is something that would worry me, even if all other indications were to a healthy baby.

Yellowmac wrote: »

Newbie here, a bit late to the party! 21 weeks today
Have been following the thread for weeks and have really enjoyed reading everyone's happy news and seeing all of the progress, it's been lovely to follow along with such a friendly and supportive thread. Now finally feeling brave enough to join after big scan last week went well. It was an amazing day! Best of luck to anyone having theirs this week I found it quite nerve-wracking.

Congratulations Yellowmac!

ene

bee06 wrote: »

Is it your first? If so that’s very normal. I didn’t start feeling movement on my first until around 22 or 23 weeks.

Ye it is my first... I am just ridiculously worried all the time, like I have paid for 3 extra scans and everything was fine.

I ate parma ham the other day ( I am on holidays in Spain) and now I am really worried!

Chelle_C

ene wrote: »

Ye it is my first... I am just ridiculously worried all the time, like I have paid for 3 extra scans and everything was fine.

I ate parma ham the other day ( I am on holidays in Spain) and now I am really worried!

Ene I know it’s easier said than done but do try to relax, it’s not good for you or the baby to be anxious.
I was in Dubrovnik a few weeks ago, I ate mussels and prawns whilst there. I’ve also eaten blue cheese in the past few weeks (not realizing I wasn’t supposed to) and I’m not worrying.
The chances of these types of things having any effect are so, so low that it’s really not worth worrying about and you’re causing yourself unnecessary stress.
I don’t want to sound like a walking cliche but some kind of meditation in the mornings and evenings may help you to reorganise your thoughts so that your every waking moment isn’t spent in a panic.

I was the same as you for the first 12 weeks so I do sympathise however I really relaxed after my scan and am now loving my pregnancy.

I wasn’t sure whether to say this as I don’t want to cause you more anxiety but I have also heard too many scans may not be good for the baby - please don’t quote me on that, I’m not a doctor but it’s just something to be aware of if you’ve had a few already and plan on more. Maybe have a chat with your doctor about it when you’re home.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday, it’s likely to be the last chance you get to totally relax again for a few years!!

Oh and by the way I’m 19 weeks on Thursday and haven’t felt any movement either yet so you’re not alone! x

Chelle_C

So good news for me, I am having an anomaly scan - woohoo!
I had an appointment today with the consultant at the hospital.
Had to wait over an hour to see him but once I was in, he had booked the scan for me within 2 minutes.

Didn't even ask my reasons why, just said he doesn't want any of his patients to be stressed and he is happy to give me one so I am booked in for the 22nd when I'll be just over 21 weeks.

I am so happy however it's still awful I had to even complain in order to get one in the first place.

Rockiemalt

Chelle c thats great news about the scan! It seems really wrong you have to fight for it though.
Mines in 2 weeks where I’ll be just over 21 +2 so fingers crossed all will be good.

Is anyone heading to the baby fair in the RDS this weekend? I think it may be full of overpriced rubbish but going for a snoop anyway as we got free tickets!