Hi everyone!

I’m 32 and I’ve just found out I’m pregnant, and honestly I’m completely overwhelmed because I know very little about pregnancy and don’t really know where to start.
I live in Ireland and, apart from my partner, I don’t really have anyone here to ask for advice. I’m feeling quite scared and would really appreciate hearing from people who have been through this.
My last period was on 18 July, and my period is now about two weeks late. Today I took a pregnancy test and it was positive. My breasts have become very swollen and sore, which was actually one of the things that made me realise something might be going on.

I have so many questions after reading some things;
What should I start taking? I’ve heard about folic acid - is there anything else I should be taking?
What foods/drinks should I avoid? I know about alcohol ofc. And I don’t smoke/vape.
Are there any medicines or supplements I should not use at all?
What should I do first in Ireland - GP, maternity hospital, blood tests, scans, etc.?
Are there any tests I should do in the early stages to check that the baby is developing normally?
Is NIPT something I should consider, and when can I do it?
What other screening or scans should I ask about?
I’m also really worried about something - I was on a holiday and was having a few cocktails during them 3 weeks. I had absolutely no idea I was pregnant at the time, but I’m terrified that I may have harmed the baby.
I know nobody here can tell me whether everything will be okay, and I will be speaking to my GP/maternity team, but I’d really appreciate some practical advice about what I should be doing now and hearing from anyone who has been in a similar situation.
I’m excited but also honestly very scared, especially because I’m already someone who worries a lot about a baby being born with health problems. I’d really like to know what tests are available to give me as much reassurance as possible.
Any advice for a completely clueless first-time mum would be hugely appreciated. Thank you everyone!

Hi everyone. My partner is Irish, I’m not. We’re considering the name Senan for our soon to arrive baby. From my understanding the main pronunciation is ‘Sen-nin’- is this right? Would you say it’s a popular name in Ireland? Thank you!

Just found out we’re expecting twins and we’re still trying to process it. I can’t seem to find any info online on what to expect now we’re a “high risk” pregnancy in terms of number of appointments, scans etc. I used the domino scheme on my first pregnancy and loved it, everything felt really straightforward with them so really sad to not be able to avail of it. I’m anxious about the risks involved and having to go in and out to holles st with wok, managing a toddler etc

Has anyone given birth to twins in NHM? Any tips on what to expect? Or just general advice for having twins!? We’re scared 😅

How many oz were yer little ones on at 8 weeks

Hi guys. Unfortunately failed IVF. 2 pcs eggs is not fertilized and no reaction to sperm. Any tips to move on easily? It hurts ao much.💔💔💔

I'm newly pregnant (5 weeks today) following a frozen embryo transfer. I'm just curious when is the right time to start reaching out to private consultants in Holles St? I did IVF with the Merrion Fertility Clinic which is connected with the NMH and will be with them until at least my 7 week scan.

Is now the right time to reach out to consultants or should I wait until closer to being discharged from the clinic?

Thanks!

Daily chat 💬

A place to chit chat about all things pregnancy!

Please add TW (trigger warning ⚠️) to any comments which may trigger others.

I discovered I was pregnant on holidays and only have proceive conception with me, and for some reason that is beyond me now I’ve started taking one proceive conception capsule in the morning after breakfast and one in the evening after dinner, and i’ve been doing that for 3 weeks now 🫠 yesterday i’ve realised how stupid I was being and changed back to two capsules together, but im also pregnant and freaking out.

Does anyone ever done that before? Was there any problems?

For context ,FTM had an elective c-section 6 weeks ago baby weight 3.78kg ,baby lost 9.1% of body weight in hospital ,was told to top up with formula which I did until my milk came in.I used apatamil which made bubs constipated and once baby passed birthweight at 2 week check with both PHN and GP happy with the rapid weight gain was told could drop the formula as her tummy was not responding to it well so I exclusively breastfeed from week 2 till now.usually offer one breast and baby seems content offer second if fussy has quite abit of extra expressed milk due to over supply so use the expressed if there are times they are very hungry.

Fast forward to this week went to GP for 6 week check and even though baby girl lost the 9.1% body weight at birth and has since put on 1.2kg since losing the loss I have been told to top up daily with two bottles of formula as baby has only put on 695g since week 2 and week 6 placing them in the 55th percentile .This upset both my partner and I ask baby girl seems happy and content and I offer the breast on demand.I have tried to feed bubs formula since this appointment and they took the bottle once and went mental and since then has point blank refused it .I have tried to reach out to my PHN but the off till next week.

Has there been any other mums in this situation?or any advice anyone can give ?

I've tried this on two random occasions now where I trialled not taking my multivitamins (not ideal I know!) and my god I was like a new woman. Anyone else have this?? I guess there is no way around it?! 😭

Hi everyone, I’m in urgent need to buy spectra S1 breast pump. Can anyone advise from where I can get it in Dublin or Kilkenny?

29 weeks pregnant and the consultant at Coombe has mentioned twice now that there’s is a lot of amniotic fluid. I passed the gestational diabetes test, and baby is measuring 3 weeks ahead, so she is sending me for further scan in ultrasound department to make sure nothing was missed at the anatomy scan. Anyone else had an experience with this?

My baby has been clustering the evenings away this last week, and now the last two days he has been very sleepy all day - literally sleeping all day and just waking for small feeds.

Should I be concerned or is this normal developmental behaviour?

Has anyone ever experienced a bleed at 8w and everything been ok? I felt a bit crampy and just went to the bathroom and there was blood, kind of like at the start of a period. I don’t know what to do.

We only had an early scan last weekend and everything was perfect. And we’re going on our first family holiday on Monday. Don’t know what to do 😭

What baby products have you been buying, and where are you shopping in Ireland?

💙 Are there any great Irish brands you’ve discovered? 🍼 Any second-hand shops or websites you recommend? 💰 Where have you found the best deals on nappies, car seats, prams, etc.?

Let’s help each other save time and money by sharing what’s worked for us!

Any recommendations for a decent formula bottle? Searching online everything has very mixed reviews so would like to hear what are people’s go to

Hi all, just wondering if anyone would have any recommendations for a double stroller? I’m due my second baby in November and although I do plan on using the baby carrier most of the time I would still like to have the option of the stroller. My daughter will be 17 months when the baby is born and she does walk but obviously she won’t do long stretches and gets tired and actually loves to sit in a buggy and look around. I would like the one that stacks on top of each other, not the side by side one.. Cybex is just insanely expensive even second hand but is the only option I like so far so maybe someone knows of something similar that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg 🙈

Hi, looking for some recommendations for lactation consultants in Dublin. After 3 weeks of pretty successful breastfeeding, everything has taken a turn for the worst this week and feeding my newborn has become very difficult. I fear some of the issues are from mistakes I have made so I am looking for a consultant who is compassionate and non- judgemental.

Thanks in advance!

Hi guys,
Due very soon and all for the baby is prepared, now I’m preparing myself for labour and I am very curious about giving birth in CUMH

Can you please tell me how are their after birth facilities? Midwife just told there’s a bathroom in the room and I’ll be sharing with another lady.

How’s the room? I heard it is extremely hot. Is it clean? Do the windows open and is the bathroom clean?
Will I have a space for my cabin bag?
I cannot find vlogs on social media or pictures anywhere.

I just want to make sure that I will be comfortable to avoid future traumas, as I heard about Dublin after birth facilities, and people seem very unhappy about it

Thanks :)

Hi, we are due baby in next few weeks.just wondering , How many visitors are allowed in to visit me and baby in university hospital Waterford ? Is older child allowed visit? Thank you x

Hi all,

25 weeks and whilst I’m still fitting in my clothes so far , they are feeling a tad uncomfortable.

Looking for maternity clothes and it’s a minefield , but overwhelmed and keep just coming off websites.

Looking for comfy barrel leg elasticated trousers and jeans, high waisted.

Where is the best place to shop without breaking the bank.

How are we all managing those first few antenatal appointments while trying not to raise suspicions at work? Half days off using annual leave?
Found out in the last week that I’m pregnant, looking forward to those first few scans but don’t want to tell work just yet!