April 2013 due date anyone?

MrsAbdalla - Sorry this is TMI. I went to pee, as I was wiping myself down there I looked at the tissue and there was blood! So I had to inspect as I was panicking! It's like mucus from the nose but tinged with fresh blood. I called my dr right away, she said it's my plug and I shouldn't worry because it's normal but I shouldn't get too excited either unless I was having contractions. Which I had last night then stopped around 3am. Ugh! I know what you mean by swollen feet and hands! Omg. I can't even bear to look at myself in the mirror sometimes from all the swelling. But my MIL said, swelling means labor is coming soon. So let's look at the bright side. Drink plenty of water, as ironic as it may sound it helps with fluid retention! Take it easy and let's all just pray that everything will happen at the right time. :) I'm sorry about your knees, try swimming it's good exercise without putting pressure on your knees. I'm actually off now for a swim hehe! Talk to you ladies later, hopefully with good news. Ta xxx

False alarm, last night I lost my mucus plug.. Had a few contractions and back pain then stopped around 3am. My dr said labor could start anytime soon to a WEEK. Well at least I know something is going on down there. :D Alenka - Ohh same here, I remember reading your due date but too lazy to scroll down. So we're both guilty for that haha. It won't be long for us, then we'll be like the other ladies. Too busy to check the forums! :) I know what you mean by the big feet right under the ribs, ohhh boys are so naughty!!! It's good that you're keeping yourself busy by shopping bit by bit. I got everything already, so nothing left to do sigh. I walk around RAK mall during the afternoon, then at night I walk with DH around the neighborhood to the community pool, playground back and forth. So it's good light exercise for both of us. You know what, I packed the same bag!!! Haha. I have my small luggage which I usually take with me as hand carry when I go for vacation. I feel better knowing that I have everything. Good luck to you too, hopefully your LO will decide to come out when your DH is back. xx MrsAbdalla - Ohhh yea! You're having a little girl too. Congrats! I'm sure you're very excited. Congrats. I was honestly wishing for a little girl :D all those cute pink dresses and hair clips/bands. Ooohhh!!! There's always a next time, inshAllah next pregnancy. "Try and try until you succeed" :) Good luck to everyone still waiting. Wishing we will all have an easy and fast delivery :D xxx Oh PinkButterfly you're so lucky! I'm checking everyday hoping something will start down below but until now nothing, and i started to feel so terrible i just want it all to be over :( think i have a cracked rib, im in total agony but apparently no one can or will do anything for that. My stomach started to look and feel more square and less round (dont know why!), my hands and feet are sooooo swollen i can't bear to look at them and my knees are hurting from all the extra weight i guess :( I also have a small carry-on size suitcase packed, along with the diaper bag. I want to ask about losing your mucus plug - how did you know? Since i entered the 3rd trimester i can't bear to wear underwear (up or down!) and my SIL told me it's a bad idea because ill be none the wise if anything comes out :( but it's so uncomfortable because im unbelievably hot all the time and everything irritates me! lol. Best of luck with your (imminent) delivery inshAllah!

False alarm, last night I lost my mucus plug.. Had a few contractions and back pain then stopped around 3am. My dr said labor could start anytime soon to a WEEK. Well at least I know something is going on down there. :D Alenka - Ohh same here, I remember reading your due date but too lazy to scroll down. So we're both guilty for that haha. It won't be long for us, then we'll be like the other ladies. Too busy to check the forums! :) I know what you mean by the big feet right under the ribs, ohhh boys are so naughty!!! It's good that you're keeping yourself busy by shopping bit by bit. I got everything already, so nothing left to do sigh. I walk around RAK mall during the afternoon, then at night I walk with DH around the neighborhood to the community pool, playground back and forth. So it's good light exercise for both of us. You know what, I packed the same bag!!! Haha. I have my small luggage which I usually take with me as hand carry when I go for vacation. I feel better knowing that I have everything. Good luck to you too, hopefully your LO will decide to come out when your DH is back. xx MrsAbdalla - Ohhh yea! You're having a little girl too. Congrats! I'm sure you're very excited. Congrats. I was honestly wishing for a little girl :D all those cute pink dresses and hair clips/bands. Ooohhh!!! There's always a next time, inshAllah next pregnancy. "Try and try until you succeed" :) Good luck to everyone still waiting. Wishing we will all have an easy and fast delivery :D xxx

Hi Alenka and Star. How are you ladies feeling today? April is definitely boys month. I think it's only mumofmoo who's expecting a girl. Definitely a football team haha. I'm due on the 22nd, how about you Alenka? I had a ****** show today, I hope that means labor is near. *fingers crossed* I'm also expecting a baby girl on 27th inshAllah. This final month is endlessssssssss :( Good luck ladies and do update on your deliveries!

Good night Pinkbutterfly- wow that could mean anytime soon really you must be all excited !! I've been a lazy bum- could have scrolled down to see you due 22 instead of asking, myself due 2nd of may my dr thinks (although she says she is Sure i deliver earlier) my personal count said 28th april, and my previous dr 25th, oh well, who knows really apart from baby of course :) Feeling good - just keep shifting my chest as these big feet of my boy seem to be always right under ribs- not the most pleasant sensation but is funny, i am calling him big shoes today :) just like his dad. Been out and about today, to some pharmacies to get the baby toiletries (cleansing body&hair gel, soap and massage oil, just the basics from mustela) - see i am packing slowly!! :) yesterday got some snacks for hospital stay hehe as if it is #1 necessity. Thinking of actually packing small (cabin size) suitcase instead of bag - at least it has wheels in case i am going alone (which i hope not!!!) i actually always take it for short trips - why not consider 2-3 nights out at hospital as a short trip hey:) Do you still walking like crazy to speed it up or taking it easy now? Been a hot day today, where are you walking about btw? Take care and drop us a line.. Fingers crossed we all go in at desired time :) Star007 defo would be nice to have our own little baby expo - april addition :) to exchange experience.. Or lack of it !! Hehe Stay well ladies!

Hi Alenka and Star. How are you ladies feeling today? April is definitely boys month. I think it's only mumofmoo who's expecting a girl. Definitely a football team haha. I'm due on the 22nd, how about you Alenka? I had a ****** show today, I hope that means labor is near. *fingers crossed*

Loving reading all the baby news :) Congrats everyone! Muffin, that;s great news about your wee baby boy. My mum was telling me about the weather back home, cold eh? I'm due in 7 weeks and can't wait. Would be good to catch up with some new mums soon after all the dust settles. Keep in touch xxx

Oh no my post disappeared :) ok retype Pinkbutterfly- it seems we are the few who got time on our hands to post yet:) everyone else got their hands on babies :) hehe When is your due date btw? Is it getting hard for you now or you just excited to meet your baby boy? Yes in here is a boy too, we should start looking into making up a soccer team of our april boys :) Exam - i assume it is normal internal exam, to check if the cervix is ripened and ready for labour.. And by how it looks/ feels they can tell how soon you might go in labor..It becomes soft and relaxed closer to date as opposed to really tight earlier..Anyway all i know is my friend was running around still week before her due date, booking mani and pedi then went to see her doc, who did something down there :) and she was in labor same evening, giving birth early in the morning. And with my dr- as soon as she heard husband away she was like ok lets do it next time..i asked why - is there chance it can stimulate labor and she said hmm yeah :) so it is not a 100% yes I guess intercourse ( frequently practiced :) ) will have same effect, massage that is!! My cousine was educated as midwife-nurse and she is positive that helps stimulating labor, only i guess it works when baby is ready, and just needs a little push from his cozy place. Reading a book by Sears btw and interesting fact is that hormones in charge for labor are all the same that are produced while having *** too, oxytocin the most important of them to get you going. Good reading that book i hope i have time to finish :) I think i saw belly bandit in destination maternity.. The ah pharmacy has some pharmacy like bands without big words and brands and called smth crazy like FM28DX (Lol!), they come in many sizes, so it will be good to ask nurse to measure you and get some to try on for perfect fit.. Going to shop now and trying get the right size might be not as successful, and later there won't be time for shopping !!:) i think i will go for NoName but fit band.. If at all - should ask what dr thinks of it anyway... Take care Good luck to everyone with bump still

Hi Alenka. What kind of examination is that? And how could it trigger delivery? I would ask for that one from my DR because I'm really excited to go on labor. Like seriously! Lol! Stay put and don't walk too much so your LO will stay until your DH comes back. I've been walking like crazy but still nothing. I guess I should stop wanting my LO to come out, so then he will just surprise me. I wish it's that easy though. :D Hmm.. I've read about belly bandit, good reviews. We might as well try it, what have we got to lose anyway right? Are you expecting a boy too? I feel like April is boys month.

Hi Ladies and Little Gentlemen :) New mommys how is it going?? Busy eh? I had my appointment today and was expecting to be examined as agreed with dr before but she said she d better next time, as she doesnt want me to deliver while my husband is away hehe! There must be something special about it as a friend of mine told she delivered same day she was examined at City though it was also a bit early.. Anyway, dr said the head is quite low and she reckons the baby will come a bit earlier.. I need to make sure he is snug there and still staying for couple of weeks!! Looked in the AH pharmacy today and saw quite a few handy baby and mommy things, so in case i forget anything can always dial direct from L&D :-) BTW is anyone planning to use/ using post partum bandage?? Heard it is good to help uterus contract to its normal size in the first wks after delivery and also helps put tummy tissues in place after all that stretching for 9 months.. Babyboy- i agree with Pinkbutterfly no one will take better care of your baby than you do, so it is good idea to free yourself of all the housework instead of getting baby helper.. That way you will get to know each other quicker and all the baby cues they use to communicate their needs.. The trained staff is trained for some generic abstract babies that exist in books, your baby is unique !! :) Good luck whichever way you choose though ! Take care all <em>edited by alenka on 09/04/2013</em>

Babyboy - I have no experience regarding that matter. But I'm assuming that they are a bit expensive because they are trained specially for newborn care, like they have knowledge of first aid etc. How about your DH, family or friends? Maybe they can help you out while you're still getting the hang of newborn care? I'm planning to be hands on with my baby, although my husband and mother in law will be helping out as well. You can probably get a help for less price who can help you with basic household chores like laundry, cleaning, etc while you take care of your baby. HTH. Good luck.

i have a question about newborn baby care...not sure if it was asked before in this thread - we are considering to hire some help for the newborn baby (live out) and maybe just few hours a day for the first month or so. Does anybody have any recommendations for these kind of helpers? I checked out a few agencies and they seem quite expensive, charging around 60 Dhs per hour. Any ideas anybody?

Oh wow! Big congratulations to Muffin86 and Philly!!! Truly memorable experiences, the important thing is you mommies and babies are doing well. Wow. So many little boys. :D Wishing you all a speedy recovery, take a lot of rest and enjoy every moment with LOs (this morning my MIL told me- kids, esp boys grow up too fast. So I replied - Don't say that mammy! My baby isn't out even out yet! Lol). Alenka - you better really pack that bag, girl. You'll never know when LO decides to exit your womb. Lol I'm very happy for everyone. God bless you all and your little babies. I can't wait to see mine too. :)

Muffin86, Philly - huge congratulations on your baby boys' arrival !!! PS OMG i better start packing that bag, this starting to sound too real !!! :)

Hi Ladies, Max - congratulations! Missed your call and couldn't call you back as had run out of credit. Glad you and Lewis are doing well now :) Muffin86 - also a big congrats to you! Glad that Cooper is home with you now and you are both doing well. Been told it is definitely the boys that cause the problems, and seems to be true in 3 out of 3 cases! Well, I have also changed membership of clubs. Flynn Derry Johnston was born on 04.04.13 at 4pm and 4 weeks early (guess what his lucky number will be??). Was rather a surprise, as went in to see Ob for a check up and came home 4 days later with a baby! My bp was still doing funny things and all over the place. Then Ob checked out Flynn on the scan and saw stuff he wasn't too comfortable with. Basically said, "call me a coward, but I think this baby is better in a cot than your womb, so I would like to do an emergency c-section this afternoon". That was it for me: I trusted his judgement and this baby was making an early appearance. I found the c-section to be ... interesting. During the antenatal classes when they showed someone getting an epidural, the hubby was in the room. I am phobic of needles to begin with, and got more and more anxious when DH wasn't allowed in the room until later. My bp shot up to 170/100, I was freaking out, finally DH was allowed in the room, baby came out, told it was a healthy baby boy who screamed blue murder at being taken out of his warm spot, got stitched up and everything was fine. Flynn was in NICU for just under 20hrs for observation and has done fantastically well. I'm really lucky that I have a good little boy who feeds and sleeps well. My scar has been healing really well. Was painful as anything the first day, and had to get help moving in bed, getting to the toilet and pulling my pants up. Things got better for me quickly, and am now moving around with minimal pain. Hope all goes well for you all and look forward to hearing about your LO's. Take care, Philly x

Max huge congratulations!!! I've some news myself.... Turns out I'm not longer part of the April due date club... Cooper Scott Bradford was born rather dramatically on the 22nd March at 0226 weighing 6lbs 5oz.... Was 5 days in the nursery but now been home for about 2 weeks and feeding like a trooper!! I no how you feel about the emergency cesarean, this little toot was only so far engaged, then as nothing was happening they decided on forceps and if nothing then cesarean, so epidural it was! strange experiance but didn't feel a thing! decided to stop while mummy was trying her hardest after her waters breaking 4 days earlier! Was not happy at being left so long... But home & happy now.. Just waiting on vaccinations before heading back to sunny dubai from a cold Scotland! Hope your all well & resting up before these little toots arrive xx

Hi luvly April ladies!!! Thanks pinkbutterfly for your message-was great to hear from you! Well what happened, I hear you ask....?!!! I'm well, our beautiful son Lewis arrived on 3rd April at 2.45pm weighing 2.8kg (6.1lbs) and a perfect gorgeous darling he is-more than I could ever have dreamed about:D It was an unusual turn of events-my blood pressure took 6hrs to be low enough to start induction, after which I got pre-eclampsia. I was treated for that and finally my waters were broken and contractions rapidly started. My platelets became too low so could not have epidural....so went for pethidine...but after a few minutes the baby's heart rate dropped dangerously low and they rushed me in for an emergency caesarean with general anesthetic. I couldn't see baby til next day and he ended up in nicu...was scary! I remember sirens in the delivery room, 20ppl running in and out, a surgeon telling me to breathe, someone cutting my clothes off and being told to inhale stuff-lol ladies don't panic-my story is a one off extreme case, you will be fine! We're still in hospital but looking frwd to coming home tmrw and all ends well as me and my son will be safe, well and back where we should be soon. I look forward to hearing much more positive birth experiences from you all....over to you April ladies! Max xx

Oh Boy!! Max, what a story, i am glad you and Lewis (agree with Pinkbutterfly- the name is cool!) are coming home tomorrow, hope the recovery will be quick and Lewis is being good boy for his mommy at this hard time. These maternity towels & disposable underwear - do they provide at AH.., at charge? Am still thinking if worth buying some or just get hospital stuff (suppose they will have?) these maternity towel packs are huge to pack.. One more "?" about hospital, do you need to pay a delivery package at AH or is it pay as you go? I still didn't do hospital tour yet (and will i have time?! :)37 weeks this thursday) was planning this past weekend but weekend happened to be another story.... Lyndy you sound amazing! Get back on bike and running how soon after c-section? I would expect it be months before you can exercise for real and that is what i heard from cousin& friends who experienced one. That surgeon must be a real magician, glad that you feeling so well, and maybe it is also because you were very fit beforehand?? They say sporty ppl recover really quick. New mommys - any extra tips on breastfeeding start? My mom was funny the other day on skype, asked me if i am preparing to breastfeed.. I am like.. if preparing means rubbing tits with rough towel - then i am not (yes i read this old-days advice somewhere) She actually agreed that towel wouldn't help her either, she reckons it was worse than birth pain - those first weeks of baby chewing on nipples.. Well they say it is all about correct latching, but back those days nobody cared to show her what is correct etc and she was 20 years old with 1st bub. Do the nurses/ midwives pay attention to this? To show what and how..and how to express milk if necessary.. I used to milk a goat once on schoolhols in village not sure if that skill will come back heheee Pinkbutterfly - i might reconsider my craving for sushi :) or at least give it some time.. unless you can advise on some safe sushi venues in dubai :) that past weekend made me extra cautios with food.. Oh yes, like you Lyndy, i was sneaky too with my food throughout pregnancy that including blue cheeses and camambert or oysters once.. But seriously those oysters i ll never forget :) was in Nice and made me so sick that i couldn't look at anything fish-y for a month afterwards.. This time i am unsure what was the cause - we went out with husband two nights in row beginning of week, monday was massive event at atlantis (didnt hear any poisoning reports on news :) ) and tuesday just dinner with friends at jbr - lebanese place.. So normally i would trust the food, my husband also was fine - but me - i felt unwell whole week thinking what is going on until friday it peaked really bad, had major stomach spasms, toilet runs and sickness with 10 min intervals lasting nearly whole day and i gave up on running to bathroom just throwed few towels on the floor to sit around and stayed there cause really it was not worth coming back to bed for less then 5 min.. My husband tried to insist on going to hospital, but it is at least 30 min trip, i am saying i ll have everything twice before we even get half way :) so he might have thought of new car and gave up tugging me out.. I sent text to dr asking for any safe drugs that i could take, but she replied back saying go to emergency :) anyway, good old active coal done its business slowly, next day was much better with occasional spasms and runs and today it is nearly ok.. Oh well that was a clean up for the body :) these two days was only eating dry bread and some boiled rice and drinking tea, but today ventured for some veggie food and was ok.. Watch your plate mommys!! And apologies if spoiled someone's appetite for tonite's dinner:) Tuesday i am having appointment so hopefully will hear on when to expect my baby:) dr told last time she could tell more after she ll examine me.. We dont want this baby to be popping his head out early, my husband went on trip (he said last time!!) and i am alone till week 38! But just in case..getting plan B ready and going to pack my bag one of these days... Gilrs stay well, those with babies - keep us updated with all the baby-how-to-tips :) Hope we can organise a meet up some time later in May when all babies ready to be showed off :) edited by alenka on 07/04/2013 <em>edited by alenka on 07/04/2013</em>

Hiiii Max. Sorry if I disturbed you with my email. I was just curious as to how you and your LO are doing. I went back to the old pages of this thread to get your email address. Lol but don't worry I'm not a stalker. I'm just soooo excited for you. I still have 2 weeks left, but it feels like 2 months. :D Congratulations to you and your DH. Lewis is a beautiful name. I'm glad that you and bubs are doing well. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Enjoy! Take care. x

Lyndy - You're welcome. Thank you again for sharing your experience with us. I have a feeling I will have a c-section too so I'm preparing/educating myself as much as I could. I had veg sushi but it's just NOT the same!!! I still have 2 weeks to go. No Braxton Hicks, no false labor, no pain, nothing at all. LO didn't even drop yet, I can still feel his kicks just under my rib. I guess my LO got too comfy he's not planning to come out anytime soon. I just wish I can sleep for 2 weeks so then I'd get to hold LO when I wake up. LOL! I've never been to the baby bazaar. I've read mixed reviews about it so I'm looking forward to go after LO is born to experience it myself. Ladies, any news on Max? I hope she's doing well. Enjoying her time with babyMax. :)

Hi Pinkbutterfly! Thanks for the tip, I have not even thought about a belly band, I feel really good! And will get back on my bike and go running to get myself fit again...although bad timing with the hot humid weather looming!!! Thanks for the link for baby bazzar, will try and get myself to it!! how much longer for you until you get your sushi? Vegetarian option not a go for you with the sushi???

Hi Lyndy. It's great that you're having a speedy recovery. I wish you well. Are you wearing a belly band? They say it helps to get you back in shape or something like that. Baby bazaar is every last Saturday of the month. Here is their fb page for more info - https://www.facebook.com/babybazaardubai <em>edited by pinkbutterfly on 06/04/2013</em>

Hello ladies, lots of updates!! Max, really hope all went well for you and that you are feeling ok! Its quite a surreal feeling to be told you are having your baby now - or (Philly )on a particular day, take each day as it comes, sorry not sure if you are a FTM, so you may have done all this before! Enjoy your little one :) Pinkbutterfly, re c section, i had disolvable sutures, and some internal ones also, quick recovery tho - although i have not had any other c section technique to compare!! Alenka, i hope you get your sushi! i must admit i was a bit naughty and did eat the supposed things i was "not meant" to have...NZ greenlip muscles, too much of a favourite of mine not to have the odd one or two when i was home during my pregnancy! And i did eat feta throughout too... I was living in Saudi for most of it so did refrain from the wine as its homemade and just tooooo potent!! (thank goodness for embassy events so the odd little wine was consumed, certainly did not over indulge :) ) Philly, i do feel for you being on bedrest, how are you doing? Not too long to go now? Hang in there, not long to go and just think what you will have in your arms at the end of all this :) I hope everyone else is doing ok and feeling great... how exciting for you all!! It def would be great to keep in touch after the babies are born, nothing like being able to share thoughts and knowing you are not alone in things you are thinking, ie not knowing things about babies and what they should or should not be doing!! (if that makes sense?) I am winging this motherhood game, but soo lucky i have had my mum here, going solo again (apart from hubby of course) next week when she leaves :( Thank goodness for forums!! take care ladies, hope you are all having a great weekend, look forward to all your updates :) ps where is the babybazzar and is it on everyday? xx

Hello Ladies! thanks for the replies..it would be great to keep in touch after the babies are born to keep exchanging experiences...especially for first time mummies like me :-) and yes for those who asked...it's a boy.. @ MrsAbdullah - definitely will have to see you! my husband's name is Abdullah too...Im usually going for checkups every Saturday. Really! SubhanAllah! I don't have next appointment til 17th coz my OBGYN (Dr. 7anan) is away at the moment but she told me last month everything is fine and not to worry so hopefully everything will be ok. I'm a first time mommy too, having a little girl inshAllah - Baby Fatma &lt;3 So excited. InshaAllah everything goes well for you and you have a new friend for you and your baby boy :) can't wait to arrange play dates!

Hello Ladies! thanks for the replies..it would be great to keep in touch after the babies are born to keep exchanging experiences...especially for first time mummies like me :-) and yes for those who asked...it's a boy.. @ MrsAbdullah - definitely will have to see you! my husband's name is Abdullah too...Im usually going for checkups every Saturday.

Hi Philly. Any news on Max? Did she deliver LO already? Sorry I'm too excited for her. :D Oh my poor DH is the same. Since I feel "too heavy" these past few days, he's been trying to do laundry, make breakfast, cook lunch, etc. For some weird reason, there's always something wrong (too much sugar in my tea, too much milk, eggs are not well cooked, bacon is burnt, etc LOL!) He probably got sick of my whining, today he got me IHOP breakfast sampler. What a bad influence! Hahaha. I loved their pancakes and bacon though. &lt;3

Hi all, Max - hope all's going/gone well! Can't wait to hear how Bubs is and how you go. Well - I've had a bit of an exciting time over the last few days. Got admitted to hospital on Sunday because of high bp and suspected pre-eclampsia. Everything fine now. Been discharged and put on bed rest which is really hard - always find so many things to do at home, and hubby can't do things the way I want them done (even though he tries, bless him)!! My ob has confirmed that I won't be going full term and that Smurf will be arriving this month. He's hoping I can hang out till at least 37 weeks (which is in 10 days time) but will be here by 38 weeks. So Smurf will be visiting in the next 10 days to 3 weeks. Little daunting, but looking forward to it. Guess that will make me an April mum rather than a May mum. Hope all goes well with everyone and good luck on the upcoming births. Philly xx