3rd Trimester Weekly Check-in - Week starting 17th April 2017

teebric

This is a weekly check in for the mommies who have made it to the 3rd trimester!!! If you are in week 28 or past, feel free to join in on the weekly fun.

If you're just joining us, please post a mini synopsis in your first post with your EDD, how many beans, if you know the sex(es) and how you have been feeling in your 3rd trimester along with any appointments you may have this week or had recently.

QOTW: How is your nursery shaping up?  Any good tips you want to share on organising all the baby things that are entering your home? 

If you have updated bump pics, please share! We love seeing these baby bellies!!! Or if you'd like to share a pic of your little one's nursery, feel free to share that cuteness as well!

3rd Trimester mommies and their little bundles:

@babylonghorn16 EDD 4/16/17 with a little surprise bean
@teriulbricht EDD 5/1/17 with little boy
@flanners1 EDD 5/3/17 with a little girl
@pnw12rn EDD 5/8/17 with a little girl
@cato99 EDD 5/8/17 with a little girl
@marissy8 EDD 5/21/17 with a little girl
@wifeinraleigh28 EDD 6/3/17 with a little girl
@beckij34 EDD 6/13/17 with a little boy
@JaneJane EDD 6/14/17 with twin boys
@kdanjou EDD 6/19/17 with a little girl
@rmarble23 EDD 6/20/17 with a little girl
@mjacks16 EDD 7/8/17 with a little boy
@nellin-2 EDD 7/8/17 with a little girl

Congratulations to @kelrauh on the birth of her two little ones Patrick and Cecilia and to @BlueEyedDreamer on the arrival of her little one.

As I'm getting closer to my EDD, I'm wondering if there is anyone out there who would like to take over the board. I'm happy to do it until the little one arrives but would like to have someone ready to take over.

teebric

Hey there. 38 weeks over here and quite ready to have this baby. I know I could still be a number of weeks off, but to me it just feels like its imminent. It could be wishful thinking, or a mothers intuition? hehe

QOTW - I have been meaning to post some pics of my nursery now that it is set up and I will but not right now as I don't have any on my computer. In terms of organising, I took myself to Ikea and purchased some drawer organisers and have them holding all of my LOs things in his dresser. I even went so far as to label (yes, label) all the drawers so anybody can put things away, or dress baby without searching through all the clothes. I'm not normally an organised person but their clothes are so tiny I felt like they'd forever be getting mixed up if I didn't separate them. I've also been given so many hand me downs that I have separated them into sizes in vacuum bags until I am ready to use them.
I would love tips on anybody's change station?

Hoping you've all had a good week. @JaneJane I hope your LOs have stayed put? @babylonghorn16 I'm hoping your little surprise is on his/her way soon!

flanners1

And I'm right behind you @teriulbricht also at almost 38 weeks and waiting. Like you, I feel like the arrival of our girl is immenent, but it could still be a few weeks away. 

QOTW: our nursery is done I think. I haven't bought too many clothes yet - or I would like to believe so ha! So I want to take myself to do some baby clothes shopping this week. I also still need a baby bouncer and a baby phone. But other than that I think we have it all! (And too much!)

We are planning for the arrival of my mum as well. She lives 11 hours flight away in Europe, so trying to arrange for her to be here as close as possible to birth, but still have a few days for just us three as new family.

I'm so happy these days, it's ridiculous. Loving it! 

@babylonghorn16 waiting anxiously to hear your news! 

@JaneJane hope those boys are staying put? How are you feeling? 

beckij34

I'll be 32 weeks tomorrow. I can't believe I'm getting closer and closer to meeting my little guy. I've wanted this for so long and it still weirds me out at times to think it's actually happening. It feels like a dream at times. His nursery has furniture in it, a bin of cloth diapers on the floor, and odds & ends in the closet. That's it. My mom's hoping to get it painted here soon. I've been impatiently waiting for weeks for it to get painted. I'm ready to buy the rest of his decorations and get it set up. Are coming home outfits a must? My bmb has a thread dedicated to it. It just seems a little silly to me especially for my situation I guess. My mom and sister live with me and they'll be the ones accompanying us home so a special outfit just doesn't seem necessary. There's no dad per se because I used a donor, no siblings, & no one else will be there when we come home. I know I could always change my mind on this in the coming weeks. 

babylonghorn16

Hi All!
Still here, still no baby. My mom thinks Tuesday is the day (both my brother and I were born on Tuesdays), so I'm hoping she's right! I've noticed more discharge lately, some bowel changes, and non stop braxton hicks... so hoping these symptoms mean SOON. We have everything ready... I'm just obsessing over small, non-essential things at this point. Thanks for the kind words @teriulbricht @flanners1 @2legbaby! Just realized I'm the last one due in April... NO PRESSURE lol!

@beckij34 We didn't buy into the whole "take home outfit" thing. Seems like a waste of money whenever we already have so many clothes. Plus, we don't know gender... so I didn't want to have to worry about picking 2 outfits. I just packed one long sleeve onesie, so there's no fuss trying to get him/her dressed. And they are going to be in a carseat, so long pants will protect baby's little, chunky legs . I'm all about practicality though... no shame to those moms who do the outfit. It is very cute!

@flanners1 glad you are such a good mood!! So close now... soak it all in!

wifeinraleigh28

I'm 33 weeks now and definitely feel my body slowing down. I know everyone here understands, but I'm just not used to being so big! My joints have been hurting a bit, which could be from my autoimmune issues. DH has been really great at helping me get out of bed and stand up from the couch. I can do it myself, but it's nice to have an extra pull from time to time

Our glider was finally delivered on Saturday, so our nursery is officially complete! I did the same thing @teriulbricht and organized all our little girl's clothes according to size. Each size has it's own drawer in the dresser. In the dresser I'm keeping onesies, pants/shorts, and sleepers. In the closet where we keep her nicer things like dresses and sweaters, we got those little dividers that go on the rod to organize according to size. I like being organized because you're right, the clothes are small and can easily be lost or buried!

@beckij34 and @babylonghorn16 I think the draw with a coming home outfit is that you'll be taking a lot of cute photos of your baby on that day to commemorate the event. We didn't buy anything special for a coming home outfit, just picked out some cute clothes (which let's face it, she has a lot of cute clothes) that will work well in a car seat. I have 2 footies that I packed, both are newborn size but one is definitely bigger than the other. I wanted a couple different options since we don't know what will fit her!

@babylonghorn16 Any day now!!!! So exciting! I think your symptoms are definitely implying that you are getting close

flanners1

@wifeinraleigh28 do send pic of the complete nursery now that you have the glider! It must look amazing! 
I read your post from last week about the doc wanting to induce, but only when convenient to them. Argh, they can be so annoying... 
Hopefully things happen by themselves before the induction. And if not, I'm sure you'll handle induction like a pro as well! Your baby girl will likely decide for you anyway  

kdanjou

Hello.  I am 31 weeks this week!  I'm getting so excited to meet this new baby in a couple months.
QOTW: My nursery is all set to go.  It is upstairs so I also have a diaper station set up downstairs - it is in the top/bassinet part of our pack-n-play.  I got some nice baskets and diaper organizers too so that everything has a place.  I have clothes in her closet labeled by size.  I need to show my DH how everything is organized so he knows where stuff is in the nursery.  It never fails, when he had to dress DD when she was little, he would randomly pull stuff from the closet and it was always the wrong size or season.  Makes me so mad but he's clueless when it comes to organization.

beckij34

What have you all packed in your hospital bag? I need to start a list but don't know what all too include and what isn't really needed. I think my sister packed everything including the kitchen sink when she had my niece, lol. 

mjacks16

Hi ladies so excited to join you in the third tri this week! I'm 28w2d with one boy, EDD of July 8. No appointments this week, but I have my glucose text next week. I did attend a three day child birth intensive this weekend with DH and got so much good information. It was with a doula and child birth educator, I feel like I will be ready when the time comes now. She even taught the partners massage techniques to use - I'll be making mine practice daily. :-) I'm lucky and have had an easy pregnancy so far and my only complaint lately is the swelling of my feet. I noticed they did not swell much this weekend, so it must be sitting all day at a desk that makes it worse. 

QOTW: I'm not setting up a complete nursery in our current apartment as we are moving at the end of June to a house. But I did get a dresser, have ordered a changing pad and got some wall decor that is currently living in our office/guest bedroom/nursery for now. Below is the mood board that I put together as I already had the rug and curtains. When our close date is confirmed, I plan on ordering the glider and crib, so they will hopefully get there the week of the move. I also want to get a PnP or bassinet for our bedroom in case of an early arrival!

nellin-2

Hi everyone! 
I am also very excited to join the third trimester board! I'm due the same day as @mjacks16 on the 8th July with a little girl!
I'm currently sitting in the waiting room doing my glucose test. I didn't find the drink too bad, not pleasant but I didn't gag and my little one is having a sugar rush dance party in my belly right now!
Symptom wise I've had a very easy pregnancy, my "morning" sickness stopped at 12 weeks and currently my worst symptom is calf cramping. 
I am on weekly scans to keep an eye on a heart arrhythmia they have picked up with my little one and I also have a shortening cervix. At this stage I'm most worried about my cervix but hoping we can hold on until at least 32 weeks.

QOTW: We spent Easter weekend setting up the nursery! If I wasn't worried about our little bean coming early I probably would have left it for ages but the stress had kicked in my nesting big time!
We also got lots of second hand clothes from friends and family and I've also done the organising by size in drawer organisers. Labels are a good idea for others dressing/ putting away washing but also for me as I'm sure I'll get disorganised in sleep deprivation!
There are still a few small things we need to buy, most importantly a car seat - we have decided but it's really expensive so we are holding out to see if it comes on sale! The carseat is a convertible but we are also borrowing a capsule from my SIL so that takes the pressure off anyway.

rmarble23

31 weeks tomorrow with little girl, apparently according to my sister i am as big as a house even though i only feel that big after waking up in the morning.  mornings are pretty rough this last week or so with my right leg acting funny and then swelling in my feet.  it was a warm Easter here (80*+) and last night was a doozy, the swelling was so bad i woke up a couple times and not to pee but b/c my hands were so swollen my rings were painful they officially came off this morning after my shower so i dont have to go through that again.  No appointments this week, had one last Friday tho and apparently i am measuring big which is confirming my thoughts of needing to go early based on everything going against me lately, of course he said we will know more after my growth scan in 3 weeks and also next Wednesday at my next appointment with my real OB i will def be discussing this.  this weekend we ended up getting a bassinet from a friend and i also had a surprise delivery of hand-me-downs from a cousin which i haven't even had the time to look at.  nursery is still pretty bare other than the crib and dresser, waiting on mom to paint the changing table.  in exciting news, yesterday morning baby girl had the hiccups for the first time that i know of.  was just sitting on the couch and i could feel her and normally when i put my hand on my stomach she stops but she didn't and just kept jumping, lasted for about a min  We also seem to be closer to a name choice.  Charlotte, Morgan and Quinn are on the short list right now, however i am not sold on Quinn but DH likes it but Morgan (his other choice) is growing on me more and more.

rmarble23

welcome @mjacks16  and @nellin-2 to 3rd trimester, glad to not be on the bottom of the list anymore

teebric

@flanners1 it seems so close but at the same time still so far away. I think not having an exact date makes it worse! All I got given, pretty much, at my baby shower was clothes so I have not needed to buy a thing! I did buy a couple of cute things that I couldn't resist. You'll have fun shopping for clothes! What do you mean by baby phone? Glad that you're feeling really good these days!! I've got my SIL coming from London a few days after my EDD, I'm worried that I'll end up going over and feel pressured to have this baby.

@beckij34 I definitely know that feeling of finally meeting my little guy! Its so surreal and so exciting. I turned to DH the other day and said "holy crap, we're gonna have a tiny human soon!" I hope you get the nursery painted soon! As for the coming home outfit, I just chose something cute I had bought, it wasn't bought specifically for going home. But like @wifeinraleigh28 said I think there will be a few photos of leaving the hospital. 

@babylonghorn16 I know! I can't believe I'm almost at the top of the list! Seems crazy! It sounds like (fingers crossed) it'll be any day now! I'm hoping I'm not too far behind you.

@wifeinraleigh28 I definitely felt similarly from around 32-33 weeks. It's harder to move around, sleeping gets even more difficult (is that possible?) and you just feel heavy. So glad your glider has finally arrived! I know you've been waiting ages for it. 

Hello @kdanjou it sounds like we're all organising fairies! I did mine mostly for DH also  he'll be slightly clueless for a little while and needs that kind of guidance in his life hehe. 

Welcome @mjacks16 so glad to have you over here! I am loving that rug! Definitely make sure you get that practice in for the massages hehe and good luck with your glucose test next week.

Welcome to the third tri @nellin-2 hoping your results come back all good from the glucose test. Sorry to hear about the complications, hoping you make it to 32 weeks (and beyond). Are you on bedrest? 

@rmarble23 isn't it lovely when people comment on how big your belly is *sigh* do they not understand there is a tiny human inside!! I'm sorry you're still having troubles with your leg and the swelling. Have you spoken to a Dr about it? I haven't worn my rings since about the 2nd tri. Over the summer it was just ridiculously hot over here and my fingers were always swollen. I absolutely loved the first time my LO had the hiccups! Such a strange feeling. Also Quinn would be one of the names on my list if I was having a girl, we thought about Quincey for a boy but I think I'd prefer it for a girl. Names are so hard.

teebric

@beckij34 I just saw your post for a hospital bag.. this is what is in mine
- maternity pads
- breast pads
- dark coloured (and cheap) underwear
- comfy PJ style pants, also cheap so I can throw out 
- headphones
- snacks for DH
- LED candles (my hospital room will be dimly lit by choice)
- camera
- charging cords
- swimmers for DH in case we use the shower/bath while labouring
- toiletries 
- jacket
- flushable toilet wipes (I heard they're less abrasive after a vaginal birth)
- I'll also be taking my own pillow

For baby
- nappies
- 2 onsies
- cute outfit for photos/going home
- mittens, booties and a hat

I think that's all. There was a post a few weeks ago that somebody put up that you could check out. 

PNW12RN

I'm 36+5 today with my little girl.  We started weekly NSTs and AFI US's last week, and so far everything looks great.  The tech says my baby could teach a class on how to behave during an NST  My amniotic fluid levels had dropped from 14 to 10, and it is common for them to further drop when mom is old, so we are doing checks every week to keep an eye on things.  Still at 10 as of last Friday, so I'll continue going in every Friday until baby A arrives.

We did end up buying a 'going home' outfit--it's pretty much the only clothing I bought 'new' as opposed to at a consignment sale (although a lot of the things I am finding at the consignment sale are new with tags).  We're keeping baby's name to ourselves until she arrives, so we got a long sleeved onesie with her first and middle name on it.  I found it on etsy and it is adorable.

We are pretty much done with the nursery, other than some craft projects I'm still working on.  I made a globe into a hanging light that goes over the glider, and have ModPodge'd map paper onto the back of a bookcase to make it fit better in the room (our theme is maps/travel), using the same paper that I put on the dresser drawer knobs.  I'm still working on some string art--I am doing 6 pieces total, each with a continent on it (Antarctica is being left out of this project.....).  I have 5 of them all done as far as the nails (still need to do Europe), and one also has the string on it.  My colors for the room are yellow and gray, and we want some pops of teal, so I used an ombre of teal colored embroidery thread for the string.

Here are some of my 'in progress' picture (please excuse the deplorable quality of my cell phone camera...).  We also ModPodge'd a big map onto the closet doors.

teebric

I love it @PNW12RN it looks great!! I do like the idea of revealing the name on a onesie, if only we could decide on a name.. I hope the amniotic fluid stays stable but at least you are almost at full term and they're monitoring you regularly to keep it in check. Take care of yourself! 

nellin-2

rmarble23 I've had comments the other way, that I haven't gained enough weight. A colleague told me it looked like my baby was draining the life out of me. Wow thanks!
Actually I'm measuring right on track and my weight is in the recommended goal.  

@teriulbricht No, thankfully I'm not on bed rest and fingers crossed I can avoid that! Apparently my hospital won't do a cerclage after viability and mine was fine until 24 weeks, I have a scan tomorrow so I'll see where we are at...

@PNW12RN I love the craft projects! It's looking awesome! fingers crossed that your fluid levels stay where they need to be! 

teebric

Oh that's good @nellin-2 well not good that you have cervix shortening but at least you're not on bed rest at the moment. I hope the scan holds some good news

babylonghorn16

@rmarble23 I LOVE the name Quinn. Was our top name for a girl, until we decided on a family name instead!

@PNW12RN that globe is awesome!! So crafty... I'm jealous!

@teriulbricht who knows... they way things are going, you may end up with a baby before me! This little one seems to be staying put. Been having some contractions, but nothing solid. Tried nipple stimulation for 3 nights in a row, and had some contractions, but they died down. Seems like my I'm just not ready yet. I will be asking my doc about membrane sweep during my Thurs appt. 

@nellin-2 ugh ppl are annoying. I got the same comments about looking small. I think they were compliments, but it just made me worry. Luckily doc confirmed all is well. People really should just keep the comments to themselves... we are already VERY aware of our changing bodies without having ppl commenting on things every time they see us!! I keep reminding myself that most are said with the best of intentions!

Anyone have experience or know of a friend who has experience with membrane sweeping? My SIL got it done with her 1st and 3rd baby... she ended up being induced both times anyway. Just wondering if there are any positive stories out there!

flanners1

@teriulbricht oh Baby phone must be a German expression then. Basically it's a monitor for the nursery or any room you keep the baby in when it's sleeping and you're not there. We got one without video and only audio. While we plan on having baby girl sleeping with us in a co-sleeper for first few months, I've heard of lots of people that said cosleeping just didn't work out for them, so putting her into the nursery meant having a monitor to make sure she's ok at night and we hear cries. 

@nellin-2 I hope all is good with your cervix. I've had quite the roller coaster with mine and what's really odd is that the cervix is very dynamic. It can 'grow' back or shorten even more and go back again... in my case I was at a stage where only my cerclage held baby in, and then the next week it would be 2cm long again after I had a lot of rest. Weird! I hope it will behave in your case and you get to enjoy 3rd trimester! 
Cant believe someone would tell you that you look like baby is draining the life out of you. That's plain rude. People are so weird... 

@beckij34 I also packed pretty much what @teriulbricht mentioned but included a couple of things:
Disposable underwear 
2 nursing tops and a nursing bra 
going home outfit for myself (loose clothing!) 
shirt with buttons for labour (easy skin to skin/chest access after delivery). 

wifeinraleigh28

Now that TB has fixed the photo issue, here are a couple pics of our completed nursery with the glider in it! I know I'll be falling asleep in that glider... it's so comfy. I do plan to get a little side table to put next to the glider (and will move the little pink lamp to that table) so that I have somewhere to put snacks and water while nursing, but other than that, we are good to go!




Sigh... I have my hospital bag about halfway packed and I've been seriously slacking on doing the rest of it. But I need to get on it soon! Thanks for the tips ladies on what to include!

@flanners1 Definitely frustrating about their induction plans for me... DH and I plan to have a serious talk with the OB about that at our next appointment. I am in the mood to express my dissatisfaction with it, lol.

Welcome @mjacks16 and @nellin-2 to 3rd trimester

BlueEyedDreamer

::lurking::

Since I just got home from the hospital, I thought I'd chime in on the packing list question. I highly recommend wearing the hospital gown and mesh undies that they give you - that way you don't have to worry about buying disposable clothing or having access to breast, skin-to-skin, etc. If you have a vaginal delivery, you will very likely NOT want to have any extra clothing restricting that area afterwards, if you know what I mean. The mesh undies are actually kind of awesome in this regard.

In addition to the items the other ladies listed, I also highly recommend bringing a nursing pillow if you plan to BF. I use the My Brest Friend pillow for nursing and find it a lot more useful than my Boppy, especially during the newborn phase. Also, bring good lip balm and some lotion for yourself, as hospital air tends to be pretty dry. For baby, remember to bring a blanket and hat along with whatever outfit you want him/her to wear. And I definitely recommend bringing your own pillow from home, and probably one for your DH/partner as well. 

@babylonghorn16 You are almost there! They were going to do a membrane sweep on me around 38 weeks, but we didn't make it that far...

nellin-2

So I'm so confused after my scans today!  Our little one's heartbeat is still doing it's odd rythym but hasn't changed and they aren't concerned. Growth was fantastic, above average for all measurements and estimated weight 3lb. Not surprising as my partner and myself are both tall.  
What I'm confused about is my cervix length. It's 2.2cm which means it's been shrinking very slowly which is great. She said that 2.5cm is what they would want (I'm 28w4d) so 2.2cm is very close but what I can find online says it should be much longer.  
Does anyone have any ideas?! 

Edited because I accidentally hit post before I'd finished writing!

wifeinraleigh28

@BlueEyedDreamer Thanks for the extra little tips about what to pack! I hope we remember to grab pillows for ourselves before we leave for the hospital... I think I need to make a "last minute" list.

@nellin-2 I'm sorry that you're feeling confused after your scan today. Honestly, I would go by what your doctor says and not what you find on the internet. If your doc isn't concerned about your cervix length than I really wouldn't worry. I've heard of many ladies reaching full term with cervix length where yours is at! You really just never know.

kelrauh

***lurking
@nellin-2 - I wouldn't worry about your cervix at that length. I had no measurable cervix for 10 weeks with twins. Many doctors don't check it after the anatomy scan. There's nothing they can do after viability for a shortened cervix, but I'm sure your okay. 

BlueEyedDreamer

@wifeinraleigh28 Before DS1 was born, we packed our bags and kept a "last minute packing list" on the fridge for those types of things. This time around, I hadn't packed a single thing when my water broke!!

teebric

@babylonghorn16 people keep telling me that I haven't dropped enough to have the baby.. its so frustrating hearing those words. I'm happy for the little guy to come when he is ready but it gets tiresome having people tell me their opinion of when he is ready. I bet people have started asking you if baby is coming yet? As for the membrane sweep, I've heard mixed reviews, I think if baby is almost ready it can help kickstart the whole thing but I've also heard of it doing nothing at all really. 

@flanners1 ah ok, yeah we call them baby monitors. I've heard the same thing about co-sleeping. My sister ended up booting her children out cos they were noisy sleepers. I'm willing to give it a go, it'll be going into winter over here so the less I have to get out of bed the better!! 

@wifeinraleigh28 I've always thought you've done a great job on your nursery. It's so pretty and girly and elegant! I also spy a name.. I don't think I've seen that before, it's beautiful! As for the hospital bag, I was like you, half packed and then we were going on a 3-4 hour trip so I figured it was a good practice run just in case baby decided he wanted to make an early appearance. 

Thanks @BlueEyedDreamer I forgot to mention the lotion and lip balm. Some people have told me to take a drink bottle with a straw so that SO can just hold it near to you and you can take sips every now and then. 

@nellin-2 I'm sorry you're still confused about the cervix shortening. I'm sure if it was a problem they would have taken action like PP have said. It's hard not to worry about all this after the IF journey though. They'll still be monitoring you regularly, won't they?

nellin-2

@wifeinraleigh28 @kelrauh @teriulbricht  thanks for the kind words
It's hard when you read about other people with the same length cervix being put on bedrest but I guess what I have to remember is that the decision is based on more than just length, it's also amount of funneling and if your cervix responds to pressure (mine doesn't) and other symptoms.
They don't plan to do any more ultrasounds unless I develop symptoms (pain/discharge/bleeding) and I've been told to stay within a 45min drive of a hospital at all times just in case.
They will just be listening to her funky heartbeat every week with a CTG machine and hoping it sorts itself out in the next few weeks.

wifeinraleigh28

@teriulbricht Thank you! I obviously love her name. We call her Elle as a nickname

I can't imagine how frustrating it must be for you ladies at the end... by that point I'm sure you're expecting progress and just so ready for the little one to arrive! And comments from people must be irritating as well!

I've officially reached the point in my pregnancy where I've started getting comments from strangers. Nothing rude or anything, but questions like when I'm due. Makes me realize that I am now obviously pregnant and people have no problem assuming that about me, haha. It doesn't bother me... in fact I'm glad people are so certain I'm pregnant and not just big in the middle!

Colleen0516

Hi ladies! I cannot believe that I am joining the 3rd trimester board; feels so surreal!
I am 28+1 weeks with boy/girl twins who are both currently breech!
A little back story: overall my pregnancy has been great! Other than me being a FTM and worried IF pregnant lady, everything has been smooth sailing! lol I had a bleeding scare at 10 weeks but it was a hemorrahage that resolved itself. I had sciatica problems for a little while in my second trimester but the babies must have shifted because it seems to be gone (thank god!). Overall, I feel great!

At my last appointment my sono tech didn't like my cervix on the external sono so she did an internal sono and saw that my cervix was shortening. They aren't too concerned with it, i don't know how much it shortened, but the doctors aren't worried so I'm not worrying. I had an OB appointment on Tuesday and my weight, belly measurement and blood pressure are great! My next sono is this Tuesday coming up. I failed my 1 hour glucose (oh joy!) so I have to schedule a 3 hour. 

The twins have been kicking and moving like crazy! I think space is getting tight so I feel them so much more. My son is my active one; he is constantly poking and moving around. My daughter is much calmer, but recently she has started taking her brothers lead and poking me too. I love feeling them, so I don't mind (except when they kick low and feel like they may fall out lol) 

@babylonghorn16 hopefully I bring you some luck and you go into labor! Maybe one into the group, and one out?!? Fingers crossed for you! Saw your bump pics in the other thread, you look great and don't worry about if you're low or not, you may be low in comparison to your whole pregnancy. You cant compare to others and what they think! 
My vote for you is a petite, little girl who is fashionable late!

babylonghorn16

@teriulbricht ah, comments about how your bump looks... gotta love it! LOL! I read that you may not experience "lightening" until you're actually in labor. Like everything else in pregnancy, it's different for everyone! I wouldn't worry about it too much! Yes, lots of texts. I get probably 3 texts a day from different people asking about baby. It's sweet, but irritating at the same time. I love that our friends care so much about us, but at the same time, I just want to relax and not think about the fact that I'm overdue! Thanks for the thoughts on membrane stripping. I'm a little nervous, but we shall see what doc says this morn!

@wifeinraleigh28 I'm with you - glad strangers are comfortable asking me when I'm due instead of assuming I might just be fat lol. The end has lasted FOREVER. Seems like these last 2 weeks have been longer than my whole pregnancy. I think I messed up expecting baby to come early... so when he/she didn't, it took a mental toll. My advice - enjoy your time, relax, and try not to set expectations too high! (easier said than done )

@Colleen0516 Welcome!! So good to see you on 3rd tri board!! Thank you for your kind words. It's been a struggle, but baby will be here by Monday regardless (Tues if labor is long)! Eye on the prize! I hope your twins stay put for now and that you have a smooth ending to your pregnancy. Good luck on 3 hr GT... I bet you pass w/ flying colors!

kdanjou

Welcome to third tri @Colleen0516

flanners1

@Colleen0516 welcome to third trimester! Happy to hear all is going well! Hope the last stretch will be as smooth. 

@nellin-2 I wouldn't worry about cervix length either. They would definitely tell you if they were concerned at all. Don't read up on it, I did that for my shortened cervix (but mine was diagnosed at 18w) and was so very scared with all the horror stories. 

@babylonghorn16  I'm also so frustrated with people asking me daily if baby has arrived. I too made the mistake of expecting her to come right after my cerclage removal (which was what my OB kept saying would happen!). And now it's been 3 weeks since and still no sign of her.
Monday is soon so hang in there and enjoy those last few days. So excited for you. 

@teriulbricht oh yes, you are approaching winter over there! I see you and I have the same approach to co-sleeping, hope it works out but I'm not going to obsess about it. I'm also just being selfish and think it is much easier to have baby close by than getting up constantly! 

Afm I had my weekly check up yesterday and looks like baby girl is already a 4.2kg baby! (I think that's close to 10lbs and I am a rather petite girl!). Im 2cm dilated, but OB still recommended a c section because baby's head is not engaging in my pelvis - the head is simply too big and that's why my OB thinks she's not dropping. So after much debate, we have gone ahead and scheduled a c section next Friday when I will be 39w4d. Scared sh**less but I'm sure it will all be forgotten once I see her. 

wifeinraleigh28

@Colleen0516 Welcome! So glad to see you here in 3rd tri! Sorry about the glucose test but hopefully you will pass the 3 hr with flying colors!

@babylonghorn16 Eeeeee MONDAY! So excited for you! What time will you be going in? (Of course, if you don't go into labor before then...)

babylonghorn16

Thanks @flanners1! Wow, that's a big baby!! Good luck next Friday. I will be saying a prayer for you!

AFM - no progress at the doc this morning. 80% effaced, firm cervix, no dilation . Doc said I'm "a steel trap"... she couldn't even get in for a membrane sweep. So we have a 3 step plan:
1) have as much sex as possible to try to soften cervix naturally
2) go in Sunday night @ 10pm to get cervix ripening meds
3) induce on Monday @ 4am

My SIL is an RN and gave us the thumbs up on the cervix ripening meds, so hoping they work. Anyway, nice to have a plan. Now let's have a baby!!!

kelrauh

**lurking
@flanners1 - I am 10 days past my c-section and I don't regret my decision. The first few days are rough. I am still in some pain but its from scar tissue right now. Here are a few things I wish I would have known and some maybe tmi:
1. My husband was able to cut the cords which was amazing to me I didn't expect that
2. When you stand up the first time dont be surprised by gushing blood (I lost some of my dignity that moment). I had to sit back down and not see my babies the first night because I almost passed out. 
3. The uterus checks are the worst part
4. Expect swelling after. I was not swollen and had low blood pressure all of my pregnancy. Right after my csection I was very swollen with high bp. 
5. The first BM after did not hurt like I thought. Just make sure you are taking stool softeners
 6. Most of all know your limits... keep ontop your pain meds and ask for help before you do too much

babylonghorn16

@wifeinraleigh28 sorry, I didn't see your tag before I posted that last one. I'll basically be starting the process on Sunday @ 10pm. Both sets of parents are coming down Sunday afternoon, and we are going to have a "last supper" of sorts lol. Can't wait to get this show on the road!

flanners1

Thanks @babylonghorn16 I'll be thinking of you on Monday too. Your plan sounds good! My sis used the cervix ripening meds and it worked really well for her. Good luck! 

Thanks for all the amazing tips @kelrauh I always had a natural birth in my head so I've not done any research and am totally unprepared. Your experience helps a lot to prepare for some things and I believe that knowing what to expect helps you still have a great birth experience. I'll be going to my doc with some questions early next week. Anything you wish had been handled differently? 

kelrauh

@flanners1 - I was really happy with how everything was handled. Once they put the spinal in it didnt take long for them to be born. Even with having them at 33 weeks and having 2 nicu teams in the OR I was happy with how everything went and I was never questioning how the babies or i were doing.

teebric

@wifeinraleigh28 I was getting those comments all the time at work. It kind of threw me off to start with and after awhile I got tired of strangers commenting on it... probably just hormones. I was pretty grumpy those last few weeks at work.

@Colleen0516 welcome to third tri!!! So thrilled to see you here! It's a shame about your glucose test. Over here they don't bother with the one hour test, we all do the three hour test. It's not as bad as people say. Yeah the drink is really sweet (kind of like really strong cordial), especially on an empty stomach but take a book or something to keep you busy. I feel like there is no space for my LO, and there is just one, can't imagine having two in there!

@babylonghorn16 thanks, I've had plenty of those "lightening crotch" pains, but you're right everyone is so different! I think I'm starting to just "let go" and try and go with the flow, finally. Sorry you've had another "no progress" appointment! BUT, you have a game plan and your LO will be here soon!

@flanners1 holy moly thats a big baby! So exciting that you will have your baby next week!! I hope all goes well. Do some research, but remember to take everything with a grain of salt, everybody is different. You're right, once baby girl is here it will be wonderful!

@kelrauh how are your LOs doing??