LADIES DUE SEPTEMBER 2015 :-)

Sorry TCS84, I didn't mean any offense, hope you didn't take any

I think we are going to have a very interesting post-birth thread with all our different stories, like you said, making sure the baby is 100% is the most important thing. I'll push my one out my nasal cavity if I have to (but fortunately that's possible...haha!)

For me personally, a natural birth with no epi is what I want not because I want to feel accomplished or prove anything but because I have a fear of needles. I also can't stomach the thought of a needle going into my spinal cavity. It completely freaks me out....

I think we all chose the diff ways to bring our babies into the world that's comfortable for us and sometimes it doesn't go as planned the Drs have to take over.

IF I have no choice but to have a c section and an epi or spinal block will be done then so be it but it's not something I will willingly do. What's important is the healthy birth of my boy which surpasses any method of delivery....

Betti, I've always maintained that it's stupid to give birth without any meds, what would that accomplish or prove to anyone? Mind you, I'm a c-section mom anyway, so the whole normal-delivery thing is a big deal in my opinion. I won't lie, the c-section hurts like hell and the recovery is difficult at times, but normal birth just scares me too much. I hope it all works out the way you planned, but don't be heartbroken if things turn out differently. We fell pregnant to have babies, right? Not to give birth. That one day is nothing compared to a lifetime with you baba.

I did antenatal classes the last time, it was so much fun! It was a great part of the build-up to the "big day", the energy in the group is so contagious that you can't wait for your next class. Enjoy it, it's an awesome experience.

Lots of Braxton Hicks contractions today, and getting increasingly uncomfortable sitting at my desk for long stretches. My back is a killer, and I've now developed the most uncomfortable itching in a rather intimate part, I've googled and haven't identified any symptoms of an infection, but man oh man, occassionally I want to lose my mind from all the itching (and trying not to scratch is like a task that they would give "Survivor" contestants!). Urgh

For anyone who has DSTV, check out "The Secret Life of Babies" on BBC Knowledge. It's a short documentary that was aired on Monday night, there is repeat on Saturday night.

DieSwartKat, surprisingly, my gynea hasn't talked to me about the birth yet...but I have booked my bed for a natural birth regardless...this can be changed if necessary. I don't think I'll be able to handle the pain (I'm a real wuss), so I'll most probably opt for epidural. But I really hope to deliver vaginally, as nature intended (just without too much pain).

TCS84, I'm SO happy for you that baby boy is healthy! What a blessing after so much heartache xxx

I'm seeing the gynea again the 23rd of July, and then again 3 weeks later (at 36 weeks), then at 38 weeks, and then every week until the end. Can't believe things are drawing so close to the end!

Anyone else doing antenatal classes? We did our 1st one yesterday, tons of fun and very informative. We did some light pregnancy exercises on pilates balls...but you won't believe how sore my muscles are this morning!

Also feeling really nauseous lately when baby moves a lot. It's like I get motion sick, seasick or something. Not fun!

Hey ladies!

Welcome to the new Mommies!! congratulations on your babies

How's everyone doing?

My check in JHB went well. Normal heart! As much as we knew it based on other checks we were still nervous.was also very hard to go back to that hospital and see the Dr because it brought back so many memories and emotions... I was glad to walk out the Drs rooms smiling this time around!!

I am busy doing the nursery. Chose the wallpaper I wanted and then yesterday they called to say it's been discontinued! Most disappointed. Had to choose another one today. I will start painting in a few weeks once the dado rails are up. It's all so exciting!!!
I celebrated my positive appointment by going to sandton city and buying some baby clothes!! Earthchild had a sale

In other news, I'm feeling good. Except I also have the pain down below. Especially when I wake up from the lying position. It's weird cos you don't realize how those pelvic muscles contract when you stand up or sit etc and now that it aches, I realize it!! Lol
Had a scan on Monday. Baby boy is hiding his face as usual. His head is down and is a healthy 1.45kg...
Ladies anyone deliver first time around earlier than 40 weeks?
I'll be 31 weeks on Monday.. Can't believe it!!! Today I had this feeling of sadness knowing I won't be pregnant forever LOL!!! Weird I know!

Hi Girls,

Hope you all got some money back from E-filing today!

Awww Betti, I'm feeling broody for your sake. A 4d-scan is so special, isn't technology just amazing? I've forgotten if you are a normal or c-section mom, either way, you're in the home stretch now!

I'm buying a breast pump, I used a Medela Mini Electric the last time. I didn't breastfeed very long, but even in the first few weeks when she was exclusively breastfed I used my pump a lot. Mainly because my boobs always felt like they were bursting, like she wasn't emptying all the milk. On those days I expressed and put it in the freezer, and eventually I just started throwing it down the drain. There are so many fancy pumps, quite an overwhelming thing. I'm just sticking to this one, it's basic but affordable and worked well for me the last time.

I'm on my way to 29 weeks. Feeling good, just incredibly busy at work. That also makes the time go faster, so not entirely a bad thing although very stressed out at times. I'm feeling a LOT of movement really low down, like below my bikini line. I'm freaked out at times, because I don't recall the same feeling with my daughter. My little guy is still in breach position, so I'm obviously feeling his little feet down there, but so low???? I'm still 9+ weeks away from my due date, a surprise appearance would not be in anyone's best interest right now.

Hey there, mommies!

Welcome, Annelien and SnazByte! Congrats on your pregnancies and hope all goes well!

Annelien, I get Lightning Crotch all the time. Perfectly normal, but not quite sure what causes it.

DieSwartKat - I have been getting Braxton Hicks pretty much from 16 weeks, but they are getting more intense how. It really helps with intensity if you stay hydrated - drink LOTS of water. I read that online and it really helps.

Vendah - Don't know about the vagina thing, but am also interested to know. About a breast pump, I'm getting one for if I get too sore to breastfeed and such. Hopefully I won't need it too often!

AFM - 30 weeks today! Almost there!! Went for 4D scan this morning and saw my little boy's face, his ten fingers and toes, his little mannerisms and that he likes to snuggle his face into a pillow (in his case the uterine wall) just like me. Getting excited now!

How is everyone else feeling?