November / December 2012 Babies

Here is my bump @ 24 weeks

Mandri, I hope you feel better really soon. Let's not even go there with the panados

Magz, my gynae went for a op today & not in for the whole week. I'm thinking it might just be urine that's leaking cause there has been alot of pressure on my bladder these last 2 weeks....or it might be a UTI like Ms_S mentioned...
Enjoy your pre-natal massage & do report back. I went for one 3 weeks ago & it was pure bliss

Ms_S, nice of you to pop in again. It might be a UTI or just alot of pressure on my bladder but I know if you constantly have to go urinate & only small amounts come out, that it might be a sign of UTI.
You can do a 4D scan anywhere, I think. I know our gynae offices do 4D scans as well & you don't have to be a patient there. I'm going to do my 4D scan at 4D Ultrasound close to Northgate in JHB. You can maybe try www.peekababe.co.za , they are situated in Cape Town. I did mine with them with my 1st pregnancy at the baby expo :-)
I'm glad you feel so comfortable with your gynae in Cape Town.

Clueless, I'm telling you, I'm starting to get a headache with this "discharge" I'm experiencing hahaha. I think deep down my I know it's not amniotic fluid leaking. That's the thing, urine will show yellow on a pantiliner but amniotic fluid can also be yellow but it's mostly clear fluid coming out...

I just spoke to someone on email who does hypnobirthing etc & she says it doesn't sound like amniotic fluid. It sounds more like a UTI to her. She suggested I go to a pharmacy that sells pads that changes to a blue color if it's indeed amniotic fluid(if I want peace of mind) & also gave me 2 names of homeopathic medicine I can take to clear up the UTI

Ms_S, I think anyone can go to Storks Nest, even if they dont give birth at the hospital. On the maternity passport you only get one "free" scan, and if you would like to have another, they also charge you for that, so I'm sure anyone not giving birth at the hospital would just follow the same procedure. After all, it is a normal Baby clinic, they operate as a separate business, but just affiliated with the hospital.

Clueless, thank you. I just had a look at the Storks Nests website. I'm a bit unsure if anyone can go to the Netcare hospital and make a 4D scan appointment or do you have to be giving birth at Netcare to make use of this service? Because I only see it as a benefit of the maternity passport.

Hi Ladies,

Momtoc, apparently normal vaginal discharge is supposed to increase in 2nd trimester, and it definitely did with me. So it could be that?? Mosaneo is also correct, the midwife who gave our ante-natal classes also suggested that you smell if it is indeed urine. I, for one, am leaking every now and then (especially when I cough), but I can usually tell that its urine. When I do get worried, what I've done is just to wear white panties or a panty shield, and you'll be able to see the color of the fluid easily. Urine will obviously be yellow and amniotic fluid colorless and watery.

Ms_S, I can recommend the Storks Nest clinics, they are at most Netcare hospitals. I went to the one in Sunninghill Hospital, and we got really nice pictures. But do follow their instructions on what to do before the scan, drink LOTS of water the whole week before the scan (makes amniotic fluid clear) and try and book a time when you know baby is normally awake and moving. Then, about 60 to 30 mins before your apptment, drink coke and eat SuperC jelly sweets (or Energade). Worked like a charm for me!

Hi Ladies

Pale sorry you had to be admitted but its good that you and baby are fine. hope all stays well.

Momtoc i read about what you are experiencing in my weekly pregnancy updates, you must just smell it to make sure its urine and not amniotic water. but they say it happens between 22 - 28 weeks. you can just confirm with your gynae at your appointment to make sure it is nothing serious.

Ms-S i know what you are feeling, i wish i could stay at home as well, work sucks big time and it must be worse for you cause home is in a different far away province.

Mandri sorry about the flu, its a pain in the ass, especially the blocked nose cause then you cant breath and we are heavy breathers right now, i even get short breath.

Magz i will wait to hear your feedback about the spa then maybe i can book for myself cause i also need some pampering.

Morning everyone

Sorry for being MIA recently...its just been so hectic at work! I've been keeping up-to-date though, so I know whats happening. Work will hopefully get easier now though, and I will be able to spend more time posting.

Momtoc- you could have a UTI, you can go to any gp and they will do that urine test for you quickly. I had something similiar earlier in the pregnancy, and it was a lot different from previous UTIs, as I was unitentionally passing urine all the time. I just went on an antibiotic and drank citrus soda, it went away within a few days.

Palesa, hope you get better soon, and that the shakes work. Before the pregnancy, did you already have a low/high weight? They say women with a higher BMI pick up baby weight slower...but a zero weight gain will make me worried too.

Magz, a pre natal massage sounds divine, can't wait for your review Keagels definately help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, but I'm so lazy to do them. They really easy to remember though, you just imagine there's a 'elevator' in your pelvis and as you squeeze, its climbing up.

I'm really enjoying seeing everyones 4D scans, and hearing about the nursery plans. My baby is not going to have a nursery, but I still like imagining all the stuff I would get, and how it would look. How does the 4D scans work? Do you go for this at a separate place? Different from your doctor? I want to go for one in Jo'burg end of September, when I'm 28 weeks. Can anyone recommend good places to go to?

AFM I was in Cape Town over the weekend, I came back yesterday. The visit was toooo short! I couldn't stop crying the morning I left my parents house. I can't wait for my maternity leave, I'm starting it around 10 November. I also had my first appoinment with my gynae in Cape Town, a verrry nice man, Dr. Gaertner at Cape Town Medi Clinic. He was so good, the difference between him and my gynae over here in Limpopo, is like night and day. I think I'm really missing out now on the whole antenatal experience. At least I'll be seeing him towards the end of the pregnancy, and its him that will be doing the delivery. I didn't get a chance to do the maternity tour though, I only saw the foyer of the hospital. I've never been there to visit anyone either, but I'll get a chance to have a proper look in November.