Due February 2019: here come the babies!

[maxiflump1]

New thread ladies. 2 gorgeous bundles have already arrived...

Hope you’re ok @2019mama

Just had my mw appt. She’s told me I definitely need to pack my bag given the size of my bump. Not that I’m in denial (😳) but I don’t think there’s the slightest chance of this baby coming early... that said I accept I may need to do what she says! More than anything because I don’t think I’d trust DH to follow my list to my liking!

I’m measuring big.. (I think... baby was estimated to weigh 6lb at 34 weeks last week... is that big?), but I’ve had no mention of that being an indication of arrival, can they say that with any confidence?

My iron stores are up I discovered today, which means I can use a midwife led unit 🙌🏼

I don't think size and measuring big is an indication at all.

I have a small emergency bag packed as my SIL had her baby recently 6 weeks early as well as a few other people I know and it has put me on edge. SIL was 34 weeks and ended up being in hospital a week and we're just approaching 34 weeks and want to be a little prepared.

Thanks @Yakadee. I am keeping my eye on it. My waters never went with my first the contractions just started and they broke them at the hospital so will keep my eye out. Went for a back massage today to try and ease the aching, my bump has gone so hard even my partner has noticed. Got my midwife app tomorrow so will wait and see what she says.

Congratulations @beverlyzimeck! X

@NotAsGreenAsCabbageLooking fab news about the iron. Are you still taking the tablets until the end or have you been able to stop?

Anyone whos not packed a bag yet boots has 3 for 2 atm on their maternity lines so pads, nipple pads etc worth stocking up on.

I really want to get some spritz for bitz for my bag but unsure I can justify the cost of it. Any 2nd time mums use any spray or anything the previous times to help heal.

I finally admited defeat last night and started to pack my bag 90% done now.

But my house now looks like a washhouse with baby clothes and things everywhere. 10 loads of washing already done today!!

I got the gift pack of the Expert Midwife stuff, so the Spritz for Bits, nipple balm, perineal massage oil and skin lotion. It's really nice stuff but it is a bit pricey! A friend of mine raved about SfB. I guess you could make your own witch hazel concoction and put it in a spray bottle tho.

Just an update.. came to the hospital where they did a speculum 😬 and apparently it indicated I could go into labour.. so they’re keeping me in for 24 hours to see if anything progresses and been given the steroid to help mature baby’s lungs.

Oh good luck @2019mama

No I agree re size not being an indication. I was the size of a bus last time and still went 6 days over (although labour started at 40+2) My bump is big (but then I’m expecting a big baby) and I’m not expecting to be early but I probably should start thinking about it. This requires a trip to boots etc though which feels like quite a lot of effort at the moment.

@2019Mama - hope everythings going OK xx

@lanalawr I’ll continue with the iron tablets, that way my levels won’t drop again, they’ll take bloods again at my next appointment anyway... so I’d better stay good 😬

I bought a yoga ball which was delivered today, my god it is so comfortable to sit on!! I hadn’t realised just how uncomfortable I am constantly... having to battle my 10 year old for it wasn’t in my planning though!

As for healing... I used a good quality lavender oil in my baths last time... I remember reading that it should promote healing. That said, I only had a minor tear first time round (no stitches), second labour... not even any swelling. Hoping to get away lightly again this time! 🤞🏼

@2019Mama good luck hope everything goes okay for you. How many weeks are you?

@2019Mama - fingers crossed everything goes well (not sure what 'well' would be in this situation but perhaps that baby remains healthy and happy - either inside or out in the world!)

Thankyou everyone I’m 34+2.
It’s just a waiting game now.. xx

Hope baby stays put a bit longer for you @2019Mama but either way you are in the best place and the steroids will be a great help to baby. Hope you have an uneventful night and manage to get some sleep

I was looking at spritz for bitz but just ended up ordering a bottle of witch hazel on amazon, apparently putting that on pads helps a lot, then I'll re-evaluate after if I need something else. Might get some lavender oil for the bath too.

Had a doppler scan tonight for growth and everything looking good thankfully, baby was really showing off having a wriggle around.

@2019Mama hope you're ok x

Does everyone have a 35/36 week scan? Not sure if this is something everyone has? I’m trying to change a consultant obstetrics appointment so it is after the scan as at the moment it’s before (was booked in October!) and seems stupid to not have scan info before I see them, but getting through on the phone is impossible!

@powkin no not everybody has a 35/36 week scan. It seems to be partly dependent on area. My area only send you if there are concerns or triggers.

The only standard scans here are the 12 week dating scan and the 20 week anomaly scan. All others are dependant on referral.

Agree just the 12 and 20 week one here. I did have one at 31 weeks because of concerns over measurements xx

I've got a 36week scan next week that they booked in at my 20wk scan and I was confused as to why!

I asked the midwife at my last appointment and the reason for me was because they've changed the procedure and it's because my bmi is high, so same reason I had gtt

I think it varies between areas though!

Thanks everyone! It was booked in at my 20 week and no one said it was unusual. I had a few complications earlier on and have a genetic condition but I’m not obstetrician led. I was confused as to why it wasn’t mentioned anywhere on the paperwork for the timelines of appointments! Glad to have another one though!

Nope - 12 and 20 weeks are standard here. I’ve had additional scans owing to medical history.

Lots of areas are doing routine 36 week scans now - there’s evidence that it reduces the risk of stillbirth so definitely worth having. In my opinion it’s the one scan worth paying privately for if not offered on the NHS.