The Pregnancy Chat Thread!

Digs · 22-05-2018 10:20am

I’m not sure if this thread will get the traffic for this question but rather than start a new thread I’ll ask!

We are expecting our 3rd in November. I have two girls already, one just turned 5 (going on 15) and the yougest is 2 next month. We told them yesterday (well the youngest is oblivious!) but the eldest is extremely excited, knows exactly what’s going on, all interested in how the doctor gets the baby out :O and is full of chat! We were thinking of getting her one of those books aimed at older siblings. Not necessarily about being a big sister or anything, she’s got that bit down but more so what’s going on in Mammys tummy and how long it’s going to take etc we’re currently going through all the usual tactics of quantifying time Mammys birthday, Halloween etc before baby gets here!!

Any recommendations?

mirrorwall14 · 11-07-2018 3:42pm

It’s waaaay too late but just to leave it here for anyone reading. We got this one ‘waiting for Baby’ for our 3 year old. I was a bit nervous that as a board book it would be too old for him but he loved it. Lots of prompt questions rather than readable text which means we both read it differently to him and he seems to really like that

Waiting for Baby (New Baby) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1846432758?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Digs · 12-07-2018 9:36am

Great minds Mirrorwall! I actually ended up ordering that one. Unfortunately I think it’s too basic for my 5yr old, I was looking for something a bit meatier for her. My 2yr old likes looking at the pics and pointing at baby etc but I think it’d be perfect for a 3 yr old!

natc · 08-08-2018 11:47am

I’m sure it may be in here somewhere but I don’t have the patience to look so...

Could someone please recommend breast pads? I generally need to start using them from 20 wks on and I’m nearing that time but for the life of me I cannot remember what ones I used last time! My local tesco only have own brand ones which are very plastic like and itch. They had more options last time round.

I’m trying to be prepared this time so I’m not caught out by it all again!

Purple Lemons · 08-08-2018 1:21pm

natc wrote: »

I’m sure it may be in here somewhere but I don’t have the patience to look so...

Could someone please recommend breast pads? I generally need to start using them from 20 wks on and I’m nearing that time but for the life of me I cannot remember what ones I used last time! My local tesco only have own brand ones which are very plastic like and itch. They had more options last time round.

I’m trying to be prepared this time so I’m not caught out by it all again!

Lidl have just started selling them, not sure of the quality though sorry

Betsie_xr3i · 08-08-2018 2:08pm

Either of these I find good Tesco own brand ones are awful like wearing sandpaper

rainbow kirby · 08-08-2018 10:21pm

natc wrote: »

I’m sure it may be in here somewhere but I don’t have the patience to look so...

Could someone please recommend breast pads? I generally need to start using them from 20 wks on and I’m nearing that time but for the life of me I cannot remember what ones I used last time! My local tesco only have own brand ones which are very plastic like and itch. They had more options last time round.

I’m trying to be prepared this time so I’m not caught out by it all again!

Lansinoh were the only ones my boobs didn't scrunch up.

Mini15 · 12-08-2018 6:40pm

natc wrote: »

I’m sure it may be in here somewhere but I don’t have the patience to look so...

Could someone please recommend breast pads? I generally need to start using them from 20 wks on and I’m nearing that time but for the life of me I cannot remember what ones I used last time! My local tesco only have own brand ones which are very plastic like and itch. They had more options last time round.

I’m trying to be prepared this time so I’m not caught out by it all again!

Johnson & Johnson’s were the only ones I could ever use that stayed in place and felt comfy

cornflake1 · 12-08-2018 7:37pm

natc wrote: »

I’m sure it may be in here somewhere but I don’t have the patience to look so...

Could someone please recommend breast pads? I generally need to start using them from 20 wks on and I’m nearing that time but for the life of me I cannot remember what ones I used last time! My local tesco only have own brand ones which are very plastic like and itch. They had more options last time round.

I’m trying to be prepared this time so I’m not caught out by it all again!

Currently using the hot milk washable ones. Nice and soft. Expensive though. Have boots disposable ones as back up.

LegacyUser · 31-08-2018 10:59am

Can I hide in here for a bit? I'm so afraid I may be up the duff! I'm hoping if I tell about it my period will come and I'll feel stupid. I'm in such a panic I can't differentiate between pregnancy symptoms and pre-menstrual symptoms :pac: Sore boobs etc. I'm mid 40s, two kids already. Out of baby stage for years now. Full sure I'm late, unless my periods have gone from regular as clock work to being 5 weeks apart :eek: Too afraid to buy a pregnancy test for fear of the pharmacist looking at me and thinking...ya clown...have you no better sense at your age :pac: . Or even worse, a condescending, best of look smile. Unless this month things have gone a bit crazy because of my age...oooh maybe it's just the start of menopause! I'll wait a few more days and if nothing will face the test

Digs · 02-09-2018 12:59pm

Oooh best of luck Eek-a-Rama! I hope you get the result you want!!

Betsie_xr3i · 02-09-2018 5:18pm

hide away eek-a-rama, thats why this section is here to hide, hope it all works out for you whatever you want x

CD2 · 30-09-2018 8:40am

Hello ladies, can anybody recommend a large changing bag big enough for twins? Thanks!

NaiveMelodies · 27-11-2018 1:23pm

Hi Folks,

My better half is due early feb(our first) and had initially submitted her Maternity leave to begin 3 weeks before the due date.
However, she has begun to really struggle in work over the last month. She is based in a private nursing home and they aren't willing to accommodate her with shorter shifts and 'lighter' jobs.
With that in mind she has decided to finish up work in the next 2 weeks.

Will the GP sign her off work upon her request or is there a way we can adjust the Maternity leave start date?

Loveinapril · 27-11-2018 1:58pm

NaiveMelodies wrote: »

Hi Folks,

My better half is due early feb(our first) and had initially submitted her Maternity leave to begin 3 weeks before the due date.
However, she has begun to really struggle in work over the last month. She is based in a private nursing home and they aren't willing to accommodate her with shorter shifts and 'lighter' jobs.
With that in mind she has decided to finish up work in the next 2 weeks.

Will the GP sign her off work upon her request or is there a way we can adjust the Maternity leave start date?

Get the GP to sign her off sick, if she goes on maternity leave early she will have to go back early.

Penny Dreadful · 27-11-2018 2:07pm

NaiveMelodies wrote: »

Hi Folks,

My better half is due early feb(our first) and had initially submitted her Maternity leave to begin 3 weeks before the due date.
However, she has begun to really struggle in work over the last month. She is based in a private nursing home and they aren't willing to accommodate her with shorter shifts and 'lighter' jobs.
With that in mind she has decided to finish up work in the next 2 weeks.

Will the GP sign her off work upon her request or is there a way we can adjust the Maternity leave start date?

Get signed off by the GP or consultant. If she has paid sick leave it’s well worth doing that rather than early maternity leave.
I’m being signed off from next Monday.

NaiveMelodies · 27-11-2018 2:11pm

Thanks both for the quick responses!

Is it just a case of asking the GP to simply sign her off or will he need to deem her unfit for work himself?
No sick pay with her cowboy employer unfortunately but will apply for state benefit.

Penny Dreadful · 27-11-2018 2:17pm

NaiveMelodies wrote: »

Thanks both for the quick responses!

Is it just a case of asking the GP to simply sign her off or will he need to deem her unfit for work himself?
No sick pay with her cowboy employer unfortunately but will apply for state benefit.

If she goes to the GP and says she needs for be signed off now for pregnancy related reasons that should be enough. Mine are always very supportive and understanding for things like that.
Having a rest before hand is very important. Also you never know when the baby will arrive too. My first arrived at 36 weeks and I hadn’t even started my maternity leave

natc · 27-11-2018 2:45pm

Most GPs are very accommodating when it comes to signing patients off on sick leave.

I would imagine working in a nursing home requires having to help lift and move some residents around which is strenuous enough when your not pregnant. So given it’s not the most suitable job in late pregnancy I would say she has a relatively good chance of getting signed off.

I’m not due until Jan 7th but I’ve been signed off since mid November due to back pain and I work in an office so certainly nowhere near as physically demanding as your partners job.

Did her employer carry out a risk assessment when she reported that she was pregnant? There is health and safety leave which can be implemented depending on the risks involved in her job. Might be worth looking in to, citizens information will have plenty of info on that.

She’ll need to get plenty of rest before baby arrives.

Best of luck with it!

NaiveMelodies · 27-11-2018 4:14pm

natc wrote: »

Most GPs are very accommodating when it comes to signing patients off on sick leave.

I would imagine working in a nursing home requires having to help lift and move some residents around which is strenuous enough when your not pregnant. So given it’s not the most suitable job in late pregnancy I would say she has a relatively good chance of getting signed off.

I’m not due until Jan 7th but I’ve been signed off since mid November due to back pain and I work in an office so certainly nowhere near as physically demanding as your partners job.

Did her employer carry out a risk assessment when she reported that she was pregnant? There is health and safety leave which can be implemented depending on the risks involved in her job. Might be worth looking in to, citizens information will have plenty of info on that.

She’ll need to get plenty of rest before baby arrives.

Best of luck with it!

Thanks.
Would you believe they didn't carry out any risk assessment. When requested, a comment was made along the lines of 'usually pregnant employees just got on with it'! Also, when she submitted her Mat leave form, she was told 'she better not leave before Xmas'.
Anyway, the employers conduct is an issue for another day.

We've had a look at H & S leave and it does look the most obvious route( i.e. applicable if an employer cannot accommodate the pregnant employer), there's just a concern having her employer sign off on that may result in difficulties!

Best of luck to you too, and I hope your back isn't giving you too much trouble.

Fairly confident after the helpful replies above that our GP will be understanding so thanks everyone!

Penny Dreadful · 27-11-2018 5:06pm

NaiveMelodies wrote: »

Thanks.
Would you believe they didn't carry out any risk assessment. When requested, a comment was made along the lines of 'usually pregnant employees just got on with it'! Also, when she submitted her Mat leave form, she was told 'she better not leave before Xmas'.
Anyway, the employers conduct is an issue for another day.

We've had a look at H & S leave and it does look the most obvious route( i.e. applicable if an employer cannot accommodate the pregnant employer), there's just a concern having her employer sign off on that may result in difficulties!

Best of luck to you too, and I hope your back isn't giving you too much trouble.

Fairly confident after the helpful replies above that our GP will be understanding so thanks everyone!

That’s really bad from re: the assessment especially given the type of work your wife has to do.
The employer can’t argue with the sign off from her GP

Ruby2Shoes · 18-12-2018 2:22pm

Can anyone tell me where I could buy maternity clothes in an actual shop in Dublin City centre or Blanchardstiwn or Dundrum shopping centres please? I’m struggling with online and need comfortable stuff for my last few months. Thanks

Penny Dreadful · 18-12-2018 2:37pm

Ruby2Shoes wrote: »

Can anyone tell me where I could buy maternity clothes in an actual shop in Dublin City centre or Blanchardstiwn or Dundrum shopping centres please? I’m struggling with online and need comfortable stuff for my last few months. Thanks

Jo Jo Maman Bebe on Wicklow St has always been a favourite of mine. Their stuff isn’t the cheapest but it lasts. I’m on my third pregnancy now and most of the clothes are still in great working order. They’ve also been worn by my sister on her pregnancies too.
In Blanchardstown you have Mothercare which will have some maternity clothes but their range isn’t great. H&M are also there and have a maternity section. New Look out in the retail park has a maternity section too but again it’s small. I’m not sure if the Next in Blanchardstown does maternity clothes but I know the one in Liffey Valley does and the H&M there is bigger than Blanchardstown too.

NaiveMelodies · 25-02-2019 4:42pm

When registering baby's name with HSE do both parents really need to attend if baby is taking Fathers name and couple are unmarried?
Asking as tis logisitically awkward for us and will require taking a day of annual leave.

Beautiful baby arrived last week ðŸ˜

Penny Dreadful · 25-02-2019 4:48pm

NaiveMelodies wrote: »

When registering baby's name with HSE do both parents really need to attend if baby is taking Fathers name and couple are unmarried?
Asking as tis logisitically awkward for us and will require taking a day of annual leave.

Beautiful baby arrived last week ðŸ˜

With the HSE? I have two and am due my 3rd this week and don’t remember registering the babies with the HSE...... granted I’m lucky that I can remember my own name these days.
When registering the babies for their birth certificates you don’t need both parents to be present. When our first was registered we both went but my husband was away for work for our second and I went on my own and it wasn’t a problem at all.

Loveinapril · 25-02-2019 5:02pm

You can sign a declaration thing to allow your partner to register the birth if you are unmarried or your partner can sign a declaration thing to add his name to the birth cert. All the info is on Citizens Advice.

Loveinapril · 25-02-2019 5:05pm

Penny Dreadful wrote: »

When our first was registered we both went but my husband was away for work for our second and I went on my own and it wasn’t a problem at all.

It is assumed that your husband is the father unless you say otherwise. There is a bit of extra hassle if a couple is unmarried. My husband registered our son's birth on his own but it obviously had both our names on it.

jlm29 · 25-02-2019 5:10pm

NaiveMelodies wrote: »

When registering baby's name with HSE do both parents really need to attend if baby is taking Fathers name and couple are unmarried?
Asking as tis logisitically awkward for us and will require taking a day of annual leave.

Beautiful baby arrived last week ðŸ˜

We were told my OH had to come in each time as we are unmarried.

NaiveMelodies · 25-02-2019 7:11pm

jlm29 wrote: »

We were told my OH had to come in each time as we are unmarried.

Thanks. Wasn't sure if they would enforce that stipulation or not.

jlm29 · 25-02-2019 8:20pm

NaiveMelodies wrote: »

Thanks. Wasn't sure if they would enforce that stipulation or not.

They do, though As above, it seems as though you can get a declaration signed, if the father can’t attend. I didn’t know this, but I’m sure it has to be sworn and witnessed, etc. It’s probably just as easy to take the leave and attend!

Milly33 · 18-05-2019 11:31pm

Looking for suggestions on pregnancy knickers. Looking for a bit of top support

eurozonelady · 23-06-2019 12:58pm

I get most of my underwear and baby clothes in Marks and Spencer

Milly33 · 23-06-2019 1:11pm

the marks and sparks in Galway is shocking they stock very little, actually I asked in there and they didnt have any.. Wouldnt be too gone on their clothes either way find their quality has gone to pot..I ended up going back to Dunnes and getting some. Still laughing at the size diff with some knickers, one 16 is a 20 etc..

Milly33 · 27-06-2019 10:37am

More questions for someone. Has anyone worn magnetic bracelets while pregnant or come across anything with a bit of info about it.. My hands and ankles are so swollen and just feeling a bit out of sync so i have some on order and then sure thought mmm i wonder are you suppose to wear them while with baby

Genie1986 · 22-03-2020 10:21pm

Hey guys, just hijacking this thread looking for some advice!!! So my wife is pregnant with twins(18weeks). She is self employed and has stopped working as her work resolves around the beauty sector. My work is in construction(carpenter). I am employed and work is busy. My wife is freaking out that I could come home with the virus which is understandable. I work remotely in construction sites or in Mrs. Murphys/Joe bloggs doing flooring and wardrobes. We took last week off as a precaution to see what was happening with the virus. I have reassured her that I will take the necessary precautions such as mask, gloves etc etc but still no good... also i have told Mrs. Murphy/Joe bloggs that if we are to do work in their house that they must vacate the house from me so there is no contact. I'm in a rock and hard place...I don't want to come back to our home with the virus putting my pregnant wife at risk but i have to work as i need the funds for the twins that are on the way. I have also read articles that the covid 19 has no effect on pregnancy but still that's no consolation in this occasion.
Thoughts and advice would be appreciated?!!
Thanks guys

Penny Dreadful · 22-03-2020 11:07pm

Genie1986 wrote: »

Hey guys, just hijacking this thread looking for some advice!!! So my wife is pregnant with twins(18weeks). She is self employed and has stopped working as her work resolves around the beauty sector. My work is in construction(carpenter). I am employed and work is busy. My wife is freaking out that I could come home with the virus which is understandable. I work remotely in construction sites or in Mrs. Murphys/Joe bloggs doing flooring and wardrobes. We took last week off as a precaution to see what was happening with the virus. I have reassured her that I will take the necessary precautions such as mask, gloves etc etc but still no good... also i have told Mrs. Murphy/Joe bloggs that if we are to do work in their house that they must vacate the house from me so there is no contact. I'm in a rock and hard place...I don't want to come back to our home with the virus putting my pregnant wife at risk but i have to work as i need the funds for the twins that are on the way. I have also read articles that the covid 19 has no effect on pregnancy but still that's no consolation in this occasion.
Thoughts and advice would be appreciated?!!
Thanks guys

Congratulations on your twins! Exciting time for you both in a positive happy way which is all the more needed right now.
Pregnancy is a worrying time and right now it’s even more so. My sister had to give birth last week on her own as partners weren’t being allowed in for more than just the “here’s your baby now get out please” final minute. No visitors at all then either.

I would suggest your wife speak to her doctor/ midwife and see what they advise or suggest.
This will be an expensive time for you and I fully understand your desire to work for as long as you can. I’m sure you also want to keep your family safe.
Only a trusted doctor can make that call for you.

Hope you all stay safe and well.

Genie1986 · 22-03-2020 11:25pm

Thank you...we will call her doctor tomorow...just seen on sky that Boris Johnson has claimed pregnant women are high risk along with the elderly &#55357;&#56850;&#55357;&#56850;

jlm29 · 23-03-2020 9:59am

It’s tough not to be anxious, but you need to work too! You could bring coronavirus home from work, but you could also bring it home from the shop, or a petrol station, or anywhere at all really. You might find that you won’t be going into peoples houses as much, they might not want people coming in.
You need to be vigilant about hand hygiene etc. I would say Change your clothes and shoes before entering the house. Get some hand sanitizer for your car and use it regularly. Don’t wear a mask, it’s not recommended unless you have the virus. some of the craziness ive seen with masks lately is horrifying. People pawing them with their gloves, taking them on and off multiple times etc. It’s more dangerous than not wearing one if you don’t know what you’re at.

Millem · 07-08-2020 10:37am

Kathyel wrote: »

Who can suggest quality baby bibs?

For bad dribbles these are the business.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bandana-Drooling-Teething-Absorbent-YOOFOSS/dp/B06XVGLT8S/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=dribble+bibs&qid=1596793005&sprefix=dribb&sr=8-3

Hazelnut Button · 07-08-2020 10:50am

Would highly recommend irish company babyboo.ie.

Quality of bibs are great. Really soft & fleecy & absorb loads.

bee06 · 07-08-2020 4:44pm

Hazelnut Button wrote: »

Would highly recommend irish company babyboo.ie.

Quality of bibs are great. Really soft & fleecy & absorb loads.

Yeah, I’d recommend them as well. They have this extra bit of material on top so the edge doesn’t irritate the baby’s neck as well.

ahaaha · 07-08-2020 9:16pm

Hazelnut Button wrote: »

Would highly recommend irish company babyboo.ie.

Quality of bibs are great. Really soft & fleecy & absorb loads.

Just received these as presents for our newborn and would highly recommend

glut22 · 26-10-2020 5:23pm

Quick silly question I move back home from abroad and visiting gp for the first time next week at 15 weeks.

Do GPs usually have fetal dopplers and measure the heart beat as standard during these appointments?

It would be nice reassurance as I'm not at the hospital for a few more weeks

Loveinapril · 26-10-2020 5:42pm

glut22 wrote: »

Quick silly question I move back home from abroad and visiting gp for the first time next week at 15 weeks.

Do GPs usually have fetal dopplers and measure the heart beat as standard during these appointments?

It would be nice reassurance as I'm not at the hospital for a few more weeks

I don't think they start using the doppler until about 16 weeks. Did you have a 12 week scan abroad?

glut22 · 26-10-2020 6:46pm

Yes 12 week scan abroad and it was all good but had previous missed miscarriage so I'm nervous.

I also had a doppler used at 12 weeks and it was able to detect the heartbeat so ill ask them. Was just wondering if GPs usually had the device.

lashes34 · 26-10-2020 7:18pm

glut22 wrote: »

Yes 12 week scan abroad and it was all good but had previous missed miscarriage so I'm nervous.

I also had a doppler used at 12 weeks and it was able to detect the heartbeat so ill ask them. Was just wondering if GPs usually had the device.

Mine did but I dont remember what week they started using it.

lauramc58 · 01-11-2020 4:03pm

Hi, I was just looking for some maternity clothes recommendations please

I can’t find long leg Maternity jeans anywhere apart from River Island and they’ve been out of stock for ages. Would anyone have recommendations please?

jlm29 · 01-11-2020 5:29pm

lauramc58 wrote: »

Hi, I was just looking for some maternity clothes recommendations please I can’t find long leg Maternity jeans anywhere apart from River Island and they’ve been out of stock for ages. Would anyone have recommendations please?

Debenhams used be my go to. But obv that’s not an option now

have you looked on Dorothy Perkins? Or next?

lauramc58 · 01-11-2020 9:14pm

jlm29 wrote: »

Debenhams used be my go to. But obv that’s not an option now have you looked on Dorothy Perkins? Or next?

Oh I hadn’t thought of Dorothy Perkins, thank you! I had a look on next but I think they were sold out. Hopefully I find some or I’ll have cold ankles this winter

Shelli2 · 02-11-2020 7:19am

Boohoo.com have a good selection at reasonable prices.

Also, there's a few Facebook groups dedicated to quality used maternity and nursing wear.

The Pregnancy Chat Thread!

Comments