3rd Trimester bumps!!

[sophiejane]

To Elizabeth, Jackie, Jen, Kim, Valli, Toni and me (Sophie-Jane).

Wow, we have all made it to the 3rd trimester. How bloomin exciting. I still can't quite believe it. Ivf is such a miracle and here I am reaping the benefits.
In 12 weeks time we will all be cuddling our baby/ies. I hope it goes quickly. I've never been one for Patience!! When are you all stopping work?. I've decided to leave work 4 weeks before baby is due. I will have Wimbledon and Big Brother to get stuck into each day.
BB is on for 12 weeks this year as well.
All the best
Love Sophie-J

[Guest]

Hi Sophie

Glad spain went well............I am v jealous.........I went to Miami in Feb but it seems like years ago!!

Well done with the new thread!

The scans are pretty much the same as before.....in fact I am convinced you see less cause they are bigger! He just checks the important things like the blood flow and the fluid around the baby though.

Have you had any ideas of what you are going to wear for labour.........I know it is a strange thing to ask...........but they say to buy nothing as you will never wear it again and I don't have anything I fit into except my maternity jeans and t shirts and I don't think they are quite right!!

You are so lucky having finished your degree!!!!!!! I am still working on mine..........final exam though! Realistically I will not get it submitted before my due date but will get the horrible stuff done so if I happen to have 5 mins I can do the easier stuff.........heres hoping. Other than that it will be the weekend when dh is around!


Valli - Don't worry too much about the Gestational Diabetes.......they will just keep a close eye on you.........it is quite common which is why we are all screened for it......you might have to cut back on yummy things like chocolate though...........what a mare!!

How is everyone else??

Take care

Jenfxx 32 +1 weeks

[Kim]

Hello third trimester ladies !!

I'm leaving work on 3rd June when I'll be 35 weeks and 2 days. I have handed over a lot of my job already so I'm able to wind down a bit which is nice.

The question regarding labour clothing - I bought 3 cheap, knee length, button all the way down, stretchy night shirt things from Matalan. They were £6 each and are really comfy so I wear them quite a lot already. Although I used to be a size 10 I bought these in a size 16-18 and they fit really well.

Do any of you sometimes feel overwhelmed by all of this now ? I feel so lucky and thankful and am so enjoying being pregnant but sometimes I'll just take a little peek at the nursery and wonder what things will be like in about 8 weeks time. I can't wait for my baby to be here but a tiny part of me is just a little bit nervous.

Valli - keep us posted on your progress, I'm sure everything will be absolutely fine.

Hope you're all well

Luv

Kim

[Toni]

2 things to say

Kim - im sure we are all nervous - i know i am!!!! One baby would be overwhelming enough - but 2?? sometimes i really do wonder how im gonna cope!! overwhelmed is a good word..............

In saying that I wouldnt change things for the world and I so happy to be pregnant.

Valli - sorry to hear about the gestational diabetes. keep us posted! praying for you!

And one last thing:

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! for the new thread!! we've all made it this far that is such a cause for celebration!!! Cheers for starting it up Sophie - J!!!

will post more soon but i must go and get stuck in my bath now!

love always

Toni xx

[valpas]

Wow,
We made it to the third trimester . Its so exciting. In the begining I used to think its a lot of time to wait for. Now its only 12 more weeks to hold our precious baby. It feels so wonderful.
Thank you pals for your concern and advices. Sometimes the sugar levels are in the limits and sometimes they are way high.
I have gained 13lbs so far. Is it OK? Because I am an obese person. I was told in the last months we gain more weight.
Have fun and enjoy.
Lots of love,
Valli.

[Toni]

well valli i have gained 1 1/2 stone so far - the equivalent of about 21 pounds. so thats tells u all u need to know........................

[eacole]

Hi everyone,

Sorry for being so scarce these days...my usual excuse is that I'v ebeen so busy with work, and again that is the case. I can take about 4 weeks of my annual leave just before ML so I will leave work on 20 June and officially strat my ML two weeks befoe EDD which is 26 July. I'm happy abou tthis because it leaves more time for the baby of course. Like a few of you I'm really starting to slow down, and come home tired. Heartburn has been major! I drink a glass of milk and that helps for just awhile..I can only eat small meals now becaus eof it and truthfully, I think there isn't a whole lot of room in my belly anymore anyhow!

Since 27-28 weeks the baby has been very active. Befoe rtaht I too had a few scares where I would go sometime without feeling movement-but inevitably something would happen to reassure. Now the baby is bifg enough that I feel every movement really. I'm sure most of you are feeling the same. Everything seems to be fine since last midwife appt. though I am borderline anemic again so have to giv esome more blood for testing. Nothing to worry about, apparently quite common in pregnancy. It's just that I thinkk I eat so well and I take a pregnancy multivit. so obvioulsy it must be a symptom of pregnancy-somthing to do with havinng such an increase in blood flow and the haemoglobin/iron content likely to be 'diluted' according to midwife (?) if that makes sense!

So glad we have gotten this far..I am beginning to think of delivery/labor and feeling a bit overwhelmed too by it becaus eit is not long now!

SophieJ-Congratulations on completing your degree unit! I'm not sur eI understand what that exactly means, (I'm US system) but it sounds good!

Valli-gestational diabetes-well, it does happen. You will be closely monitored so I hope you won't worry too much because you will be just fine!

Toni-Yes, I'm getting a bit nervous too! IT is so huge, isn't it, and I'm excited too, but it is the unknown really, all so new..

Jackie-I hope that you have had some relief with the help you have been receiving from the occ. therapist. Let us know how you are doing with getting some sleep.

Kim-ditto! overwhelmed a bit like you say. Especailly when I saw that two people here bought the Quinny Buzz which I agonised over and decided ont he Bugaboo becaus eit was lighter..now I'm not so sure..!Such problems right?!!

Sorry need to go, duty calls, Sorry if I've left anyone out!

Love,
Elizabeth

[sophiejane]

Oh, so pleased to log on today and see that we have all posted.
Jen - I have the most disgusting long jersey nightdress that I was going to wear for labour. It was a Xmas present about 2 years ago and has been hiding at the back of my cupboard. I want to buy something to wear after delivery for when people come and visit but just dont know what as its likely to be hot July/Aug. Like you, I dont want to look like a sack of potatoes, and would like to look semi glam . I seem to be spending so much money though. I want a baby bumb belt and a maternity pillow as I'm really struggling with bach ache.

I'm going to Ikea this weekend to see if they have anything for baby rooms. Does anyone know whether they have as its an hour and a half journey for me?

Elizabeth ... I didn't know whether to go for Boogaboo Frog .. i think its on a par iwth Quinny Buzz. However I bought a mag today and it didn't rate Quinny Buzz that highly, so I'm sure there are pros and cons for each. I just prefer the look of Q.Buzz.

Valli - don't worry about weight. I have put on 2 stone (28lbs)!! , and likely to put on at least another 10lbs. I put it down to not going to the gym for 7 months but still eating loads of chocolate. I've asked Dp to get me a personal trainer for my Xmas present. The way he looks at me he'll most probably want me to have liposuction as well

Toni and Kim .... I'm not yet feeling overwhelmed but still so nervous. I still get so scared thinking about whether I am really going to hold a perfect baby daughter in my arms. I can't quite think about bringing her home yet without my heart pumping nervously.

I've still got 6 weeks left at work. All I'm doing at the moment is working, getting home at 6. Dp makes dinner and then I'm asleep on the sofa at 8. I'm shattered. I also don't think there's any room in my tummy for baby to grow. Its rock hard and already feels like its pressing under my ribs and boobs. I'm 29 weeks but she still has quiet days when I only feel the one off kick every few hours. Other days she's wriggling all day long .... as if I'm not neurotic enough already

Dp is away with work tonight, so I'm going to make egg on toast and watch TV in bed. Wow such glamour!!
From Sophie-J

[valpas]

Went to the Endocronologist and he put me on insulin once in a day. He told my fasting sugar should be less than 90. I have to maintain that now. Other than that I am releived little bit , because high sugar lebels may cause problems.
Jen, what are you planning to buy to wear for the labour? I think knee length gown would be better.
Kim, I am feeling overwhelmed and nervous too. Started making a list what all to buy for the baby.
Elizabeth, I think heartburn is one common thing in the pregnancy. Ask your doctor if you can take any antacids.
Toni, thank you for your prayers.
Sophie, Congratulations for your degree. What did you do? Your post made me laugh about asking dp for the personal trainer.
Hope everyone are doing fine.
Have a nice weekend.
Love,
Valli.

[Kim]

Dear girls

If you would like to see a couple of my wedding photos ( plus pictures of some of the other IVF girls ) log onto

www.photobucket.com

Username: ivfgroup
Password : ivfgroup

This site is great and it would be nice to meet some of you there.

Luv

Kim

[Guest]

Hi Girls

Kim........going to go and have a look at your photos now!!

I have had a serious paranoid attack...............not sure if real or imagined!! but.........did not think there has been as much movement since last Thurs so phoned this morning and they told me to come down and they would put the monitor on.........naturally the minute it was hooked up.........it was like a jumping bean!!

I thought I would be fine at this point..........but obviously not......also the fact that two years ago we had a friend lose her baby at 7 months.......can't get that out of my head..........a bit like Sophie-J.....can't believe I will ever get to the point of holding my perfect baby.......!

Take care girls

Jenfx 33 weeks today!

Anyway enough of my neurosis!!

[Jackie S]

Hi everybody

Sorry I've not posted recently -I am at the hospital or have medical appointments 3-4 times a week.

Jen -sorry you had a fright with the movements at least you were checked out and that could put your mind at ease. I really feel for you knowing what happened to your friend -thankfully that is rare. Just think in 7 weeks you will have your baby in your arms -is it me or are our due dates approaching really fast now?

Valli -hope the insulin is helping. Like I said before my mum, cousins, aunts etc all had diabetes during pregnancy and everything worked out fine. You will get extra care during labour so try not to stress out too much -easier said than done.

SophieJ -hope you are still resting as much as possible. I am so jealous that you are able to sleep -I am still not sleeping but now I've got the added tossing all night because of Stitch -he never keeps still!!!

Elizabeth -bet you are counting down the days until you maternity leave, it is all getting very real now isn't it? Thanks for asking about my sleeping -I am seeing a reflexologist for 2 hours each week and she is lovely. I've been given 2 cds with deep relaxation exercises on them and I am trying to do them each day. Yesterday we talked about ways to switch the brain off when I go to bed. I am still not sleeping but I am finding the deep breathing exercises very helpful when I am really stressed.

Kim -I haven't even thought about labour clothing -you are very organised. Not long until you leave work and can start to put your feet up!!!

Toni -I wouldn't worry about your weight, at least you can rest assured that the babies are getting everything they need.

Saw my consultant today I will get a date for a c-section in 4 weeks time. I am now 31 weeks and 3 days and that means I have passed the 31 week crucial stage -that is a huge weight lifted. My BP is still settled -I should be pregnant all the time!!! We start Parentcraft classes tonight -I think it is 6x2hr sessions. A lady who lives over the road works in the Maternity hospital. Our hospital opened in January and she told me that each bed as a private phone and internet access! John has got 4 weeks off when the baby arrives -1 week compasionate leave -full pay, 1 week paternity leave -standard rate, and 2 weeks holiday. It is such a relief knowing he will be with me for so long.
My community nurse told me that prenatal depression is very common in IVF women, especially as they tend to feel so anxious and guilty about being pregnant, its just something that is hard to admit to. She also said that there is no perfect parents and when we see other pregnant women or new mothers out and about smiling they probably feel as overwelmed and anxious as we do. It was nice to have a different view of things.

Anyway I am going to try and relax a bit before tonights classes.
Take care

Jackie

[Toni]

Hello Girls!!!

how are we all getting along? I am finding that as the weeks trundle by I am getting more and more tired, bigger and fed up of working, my back aches so much that its a real struggle to even sit at a computer when i get home (hence the lack of being around!)! Im really starting to feel like a big lump, and I have found that its horrible not being able to at least try to control how big you get! The one good thing i can see from the size is that at least there is already an incentive to get my butt in the gym as soon as is humanly possible after the twins are here! and yet the nurse at the hospital said i was doing really well for weight gain............ i guess self perception is never very flattering is it? we are all more critical of ourselves..........................

This week I also discovered stretch marks - which was something i was hoping to avoid! and there is nothing you can do, apparently!! I have been using Body Shop Cocoa Butter moisturiser (YUMMY STUFF!!) for weeks on the bump, but when i asked my midwife if there was any of these special stretchmark creams she could recommend she said nothing stopped stretch marks, and i'd have lovely soft skin but thats about it! still, not trusting her I looked in my pregnancy 'bible' and other books i have and they all say the same thing, not even oils work!!! Your skin type is herditary apparently, which is why i was hoping to avoid it as my mum didnt get stretch marks with either me or my brother, but then again, she didnt carry us at the same time like im doing! has anybody else found themselves getting stretch marks?

Oh look there I go again, moaning and complaining when really I should be jumping for joy at being healthily pregnant with 2 little uns! and really, my DH has been a total saint, I don't know where i'd be without him. he cooks and cleans and paints and fixes things. hes done the nursery with hardly any help from me except for the pointing and directing . he lifts me off the sofa , out of the bath, rubs my tired feet and ankles (has anybody else lost their ankle bones? looks very wierd.... ) and back - and not once has he looked at me and seemed disgusted by my appearance!!! i moan about how i look awful and he just says things like 'you're just my pregnant beautiful wife' which i happen to think is about the sweetest thing he could possibly say to me! even sex hasn't exactly gone down the Anyway, i just wanted to sing his praises a bit as he has been so good to me, and deserves some praise . has everybody elses DH been as supportive? i really hope so. im sure they are being fab .................

my braxton hicks have completely started up now - i got them the other evening and really had to breath through them it felt very strong. i had to talk myself out of panicking, and tell myself it was normal!! does anybody know if anything in particular brings them on? i know that its a ntural and we all get them, but i just wondered if there were some triggers?

had another scan 2 weeks ago and got them to confirm it was aboy and girl for me! i know no one can really tell for sure but the lady said she was 95% certain....so thats nice. Unfortunately scan pictures are becoming a little pointless. its lovely seeing my babies doing their thing but they are getiign bigger and its so crowded in there that its hard to get a picture of anything more than a leg! i can just imagine when they are older 'and here is a picture of your leg, oh look and heres a thumb!' hee hee!!! my little girl is following her growth curve perfectly but apparently my little boy has avery 'round belly'. in short - hes fat!!!! hee hee they want to keep an eye on him, but im not too worried. Don't know how he got that way - must be all the choc Im eating! i think hes just gonna be a big macho brother to look after his sis.

They are moving around a lot now - which is really nice to feel. I dont feel much from my boy, hes quite lethargic, which worries me sometimes! but my girl is always wriggling around. She seems to really respond to country music (we were watching American Idol the other day........... so i tried out some Shania on her last night ...........), not sure if thats a good sign or not, but at least i dont hate it!!

i think thats most of my news....................

Ill do personals later today girls - at work and gotta run now..........

love and kisses as ever

Toni xx

[Guest]

Hi Girls

Toni - glad you are doing well...........except for the big and cumbersome bit........but I know where you are coming from..........especially during the night......turning over feels like you are moving house!!

As for Braxton Hicks........apparently keep up fluids can help as hydration has a part to play in keeping the uterus relaxed........however as you know I have around 3 litres of water a day and I am getting them soooo much and like you quite painful...........very worrying when they last for a couple of hours in the middle of the night!!

I still have not got my hair highlighted...........just out of interest has anyone got highlights during their pregnancy?? Consultant told me not to at the beginning and I don't know if the same would apply now or not?? To be honest, I don't think he knows what highlights are i.e the difference between an overall colour and highlights which really don't touch the scalp!

I am still working away at my course........I am kind of glad though as the days go in quickly and I do feel like time is slowing a bit now for some reason.....!

Have a fab weekend

Jenxx

[Toni]

Hi again girls

Jen - Thanks for your words of wisdom as usual !! Like you i do try to keep my fluids up but maybe i need to drink more. Sorry about your paranoia attack as you called it the other day - but really its all part of being pregnant, don't you think? im sure as IVF patients we worry more than alot of other pregnant women, tho. i mentioned to the lady who did my scan last that sometime i worry that one baby is not moving as much as the other and maybe im just being abit paranoid and she looked me straight in the eye and said 'you're pregnant - you're allowed to worry....' which made me feel better, and not so silly.

Im glad you got yourself checked out and seen to - there is never anything as being over sensitive or over cautious with this game i reckon. and Im really pleased everything was okay and your little baby was jumping around!! it's so lovely to see them moving isn't it?!! hee hee Its so sad hearing stories about people who have had bad experiences with babies, its must be so heartbreaking, I just hope to God that none of us have to go through that pain.

I know what you mean about worrying tho. A couple we are friends with were pregnant with twins and they were extremely premature, born at 28 weeks!!! Luckily they were eventually fine and are now 3 1/2 yrs old, but althought we never say it we know it could have gone the other way at that early stage. and Im only a few days away from 28 weeks myself........... i guess you just have to focus on how rare those cases are don't you?!

did you get your labour clothes situation sorted out? Wow - i hadn't even thought about that til you said, now i have also been thinking about what to wear after the borth for visitors when i have to stay in, aswel. i mean thats when I'll want to look most presentable! If it helps i went on the mothercare website the otherday and they have 2 packs of long nightshirts for about £17, they look okay. i think thats what im going to end up buying...... but I might buy a nice pyjama set or something slightly more expensive for my stay in hospital........

Kim - i had a look at your photos - you all look lovely!! and what a nice neat bump you have, you lucky girl!! everybody looks happy (well i guess they would at a wedding! ) and smiley, and it looks like a lovely day. are you still walking on air? thanks for sharing your photos with us, it's so nice to put a face to a name!

are you still feeling overwhelmed? i do sometimes when i feel the braxton hicks kicking in ....... but it's died down a lot. im more scared that i won't know what to do when the babies are here now, i guess .....

Jackie - How are you getting on - and how are you doing with your sleep? I cant believe its not long now til you will know when your baby will be here! you sound a lot calmer and happier which is good. How did parentcraft classes go? Ive not started any yet - but Im hoping to soon! my midwife did advise to wait til after 30 weeks, but Im too impatient!!

its really good that your DH is able to get so much time off work. my DH gets 2 weeks Paternity - and he HAS to take them. we are hoping for 2 weeks hol on top of that also rather than the 1 the company wants him to take. it all depends on the company......

Sophie-J - How did you get on at Ikea? They DO do SOME stuff for baby rooms, i believe, but only from what ive seen on the webiste. There isn't one near me, and i have never been inside one in my life - am i missing out? 6 weeks left at work - that must be more like 5 by now? thats just over a month. at the moment im only working a few days a week and thats more than enough for me!! Like you im tired all the time and my back ache is awful.

Your nightshirt sounds perfect for labour - see? those presents we all get do come in handy somewhere down the line!!!! i wish i had something I 'didn't' want to wear - maybe Ill find something if i have a good look.............

Elizabeth - wow you sound dead busy! Hows the anaemia coming along? it is common isn't it? My haemoglobin and iron and B12 tests were all borderline at the docs recently! so they want to test me again in four weeks. Honestly, im not sure I have much blood left in me!!! im sure Im fairly drained by now!!!

Let us know how you are getting on.........

Valli - Hows are you coping with the diabetes? I have recently read about lots of people in one family who all suffered from gestational diabetes while they were pregnant in a magazine i bought last week, and in all the cases it went away afterwards. Lets hope that it does the same for you honey. keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on!

i think thats everything. sorry if I have missed anything or anyone. keep in touch girlies. not long to go now!!!! soon we will all be holding our babies in our arms (believe it Sophie-J!!) and moving over to the parents side! We should have a thread over there to keep track of each other when we get to that stage - what do you all think??

take care of you all!!!

love and kisses as always

Toni xx