Are maternity pads the same as old fashioned thick pads?

[Isandri]

Hello, just wondering as it says in the title are maternity pads the same as thick old fashioned pads? I'm living in Denmark and haven't found any "maternity pads". The closest I've found is thick retro pads,(7mm thick). Will these be thick enough?

If they are different, do you think the retro pads will be ok or do I need to ask my mum to send me an emergency supply?

Only 4 weeks to go and I'm beginning to think I really should have looked into this sooner.

[BlingLoving]

Maternity pads are thick. They are also untreated so less likely to be uncomfortable if you have any tearing etc. I used them even when bleeding was much less bad as regular pads were very uncomfortable.

[Isandri]

Hmmm, I wonder if they are the same as the old type? I think the old type are just flat on top. I know they don't have the hi-tech "honey comb" coating on the top of the pad

Anyone else know more?

[ThreeWheelsGood]

Can't you ask your midwife/equivalent?

[MummysHappyPills]

I just used very cheap ultra thick pads from Lidl and they were fine, but then again I had a cs so probably bled less and didn't have any tears there!

Iirc asda do packs of maternity pads that you can get for about a pound each on multibuy, and obviously would be very light if you had someone that could send some over...

[MummysHappyPills]

And yes I did use both and couldn't see any difference between maternity pads and old fashioned very thick pads.

[PickledFanjoCat]

I think if you buy the hugest night time ones you can they will do.

You need to change them a fair bit anyway so just get loads.

They gave us witch hazel to put on ours to help with healing.

[AnnieLobeseder]

Yup. Thick night-time pads are fine.

[Isandri]

I guess the thick retro ones will be ok.

I keep meaning on asking my midwife what women use over here but I always forget! I might ask in the pharmacy this week and see if they can help.

It's interesting seeing how different things are over here compared to the uk. My sister had a baby 3 months ago and Denmark has a very different approach. The only banned food for me has been ginger and pate. Whenever I mention I've had runny eggs, soft or blue cheese my midwife is very happy. I havent braved smoked salmon or sushi yet but when I asked about those the response was oh yes have some they are very good for the baby eat as much as you want. Plus they use baby duvets?!

[Swanlike]

Why is ginger banned in Denmark OP?

[Isandri]

When I asked they said that studies have shown ginger effects brain development. I was told it should never been eaten when pregnant. In answer to the next question :) for morning sickness they recommend 25mg of vitamin B6 three times a day. They also recommend the normal small sips of water and grazing on crackers etc especially before getting out of bed.

[ThreeWheelsGood]

That's pretty interesting, never heard anything bad about ginger! Do you get the same kind of appointments eg 12 week scan, 20 week scan only as standard, midwife every few weeks? Good idea about asking in the pharmacy re pads.

[Isandri]

I think it's similar to the uk. I get 6 midwife appointments, 2 scans at 12 and 20 weeks plus 3 doctor/nurse appointments including a glucose challenges diabetes test. If I was high risk for diabetes I would have to do the sugar test 2 times and have 1 more doctors appointment. Every time I see the doctor and midwife they do urine tests and blood pressure.

When it comes to giving birth its all in midwife led units as the midwives have always been in charge. They don't use forceps in Denmark :) If I have a natural birth I'll have at least 3 days in hospital, if I have a c-section I'll stay for 5 days. Most Danish women breast feed and they will give me lessons in hospital. They don't like discharging women before their milk is in so I could end up staying an extra 2 days.

Oh and all my scan photo's were £2 for all 6.

My last scan officially would be at 20 weeks but I'm having an extra scan this week (36) as I might be growing a big baby due to my husband's bloody Viking genes!

Oh and I'm having an IVF (ICSI) baby and was allowed 3 attempts free of charge.

To be honest I'm glad I moved over here :)

[ThreeWheelsGood]

Oooh, thanks for the description. We'd considered moving to Denmark (I'm fluent in Danish but DH knows none...) - the biggest difference I can see from what you listed is that in London they prefer you go home from hospital asap! Depending on time of day/health, if you have a natural birth they told me I can get home after as little as 6 hours! All the best with it all

[Isandri]

Denmark also offers 3 years of free Danish lessons if you apply within 4 years of moving here.

[Smicha]

Yes. I've been using Tesco maternity pads and they were sold out the other day so I bought night time maxi pads and the packaging was different, but the pads were identical. The mat pads were 99p for 10 and the maxi pads were a pound...couldn't figure out why they warranted the extra penny!

[Isandri]

Lol, looks like going to be scary retro pads to start then night time pads afterwards.