September 2019 #11

[Stroan]

We're really racking up the threads!

@kyles101 I was monitored constantly when in active labour, but via a scalp clip on the baby's head. They can't do that until your waters break but I think they do that anyway as part of induction? They only told me about it because I really pushed and said how worried I was about being stuck on a bed so it was in my birth plan. Definitely worth asking if it's possible.

Although, lots of people recommend an epidural as soon as the drip is started. I didn't notice much difference in pain.

@kyles101 obviously your situation may be different, as you will have particular risk factors etc, around anaesthesia etc, but I had a very mobile induction with a drip. I did not need any pain relief in the end, except for movement. My MW was incredibly brilliant, and she and my DP worked really hard to help me keep the monitors on and the drip in "on the move". At one point they were both lying on the floor! Since then, I know the hospital has invested in wireless monitors which are much easier for keeping mobile- definitely ask about them as well as the scalp clip!
There is such a thing as a "mobile epidural" but I don't know anything about them.
Stuck on your back on a bed is the slowest and most painful way to labour, so if that's how it has to be then an epidural will serve you well! But you are more likely to need further interventions in that position (which is not to say you will! More likely not definitely!).
@Moraxella my kids have my surname and DPs surname as a second middle name. No problems travelling so far, and we have all survived the SHOCKING FACT of them having my name. We were going to alternate so that DC2 had DPs surname and mine as a second middle name, but he changed his mind and thought they ought to match and have the same surname as each other.

Tbh i spent a lot of all of my labours in/on the bed. That was where i felt comfortable. If you do feel like that then it is ok to do it. You dont have to be doing all the different positions if it doesnt feel right to you.

Hmmm interesting, thanks ladies. In my head I just get panicked at the thought of being on my back for hours. I want to be able to sit on a birthing ball, walk around if I want and most definitely kneel over something whether that be on the floor or on the bed. If I can do all that and still be induced then I don't want the epidural... will write all this down actually and speak to the dr next Monday. Thanks again

34 weeks today!

If it's important to you to at least have the choice to be mobile, then worth raising. You might decide you DO want to be on your back, you never know.

Also, you can still request the epidural at any stage if you find the drip hard. You don't actually have to make firm decisions now.

Yes, what Decaf and Stroan said- it's your labour so going with what feels right to you, with the support and advice if your medical team, is what it comes down to!

I’ve actually been asking about this as I’m probably going to be induced and want to be mobile. I was told that there are wireless monitors now as well so you don’t necessarily have to stay in bed for monitoring. I think it’s best to ask lots of questions when you get a chance.

Ugh I am feeling down. We were invited to a bbq today and I said a while ago I prob wouldn't go as I'll be tired. I am so I'm glad I haven't gone but my husband has and he's all dressed up, waistcoat and nice shirt etc. And I just feel fucking shit. I'm laying on the sofa in my pants and haven't had a shower etc.
He's off to have a good time and I'm just a fucking mess.
Also, there's a person going to the bbq who I know fancies him. In fact made a bit of trouble for us in the beginning of our relationship 4 years ago so I guess that's playing on my mind too. Like, I know it's just a silly thing and my husband is happy with me but it's just another annoying thing to worry about when I feel like this.
The house is a mess, there's loads of jobs to do and I would rather he bloody sorted that out. It's like a portrayal to the outside world he's a gentleman..he is tall, dark and very handsome,intelligent and has just revamped his whole wardrobe to be very smart (he's always wanted that and his old wardrobe was about 20 years old so did need a revamp) but like I just feel shit. I feel lonely and i feel jealous.

What a horrible way to feel. I think I wouldn’t be able to cope and would go myself. My DP has a hobby which requires a second person. It’s my hobby too so usually we go together. Since I got too big I’ve had to send him off with another woman twice now and I’ll be honest that the green eyed monster totally flared. So yep understand entirely.

@Whisky2014 I want to write something supportive but I bet next week I feel the bloody same! OH called me and said "oh, I've told vic you wont want to go to the party because you'll be too tired" and he is probably right but I hadnt decided that myself so was a bit put out and vic's sister flirts with him. He is a flirt, massively confident, loves a dance and I couldnt usually give a flying feck but it's a bit cringy and I feel shit and unattractive and like I really cant stand the thought of sitting in with a toddler on my own again.
I took DD for a walk and cake out earlier, enjoyed it so much I've booked a few playdates the next week or so to help feeling so stuck indoors!

@Karigan195 maybe I should have gone. Not sure. But even standing next to him I'll just look like a bag of shit whilst he is a diamond. I'm looking after my parents dog though so prob would have been too long to leave her.

After posting I had a massive cry and wail. I then started madly hoovering and now i have had a shower I feel a bit better.
I'm just worried for the first couple of years with a young baby is this how I am going to feel? Especially as I want to breastfeed.

@BBell2 oh that would annoy me too. Like, at least give you the opportunity to say yes or no! Even worse if there's a flirt there. Like I know these things are essentially harmless but I think when you're pregnant you just feel vulnerable and it heightens the situation and feelings a bit.

I'm going to have a Chinese tonight and watch some girly crap I don't usually get to watch. Do still need to tidy and clean though...what fun.

Completely understand the green eyed monster as well. DH has always made friends much easier with women rather then men. It's hard not to compare myself with them and when I do, I always come off lacking, especially now when I'm the hugest I've ever been. But, for some reason, he's still with me after putting up with me for 15 years.

This humidity can go away now. Supposedly it is only 18 degrees. Yet I am still a sweaty lump.

@Whisky2014. Oh Whiskey no. I bet you look lovely and he appreciates you even more. You’re a diamond too!

Sod cleaning. Get that Chinese put your feet up and relax. Got some female friends who can come round? If not how’s about a nice bath with a few little luxuries for a bit of pampering?

Sending a virtual hug your way.

Sorry you are feeling so meh whisky, it's only natural I think even the most confident of women still feels like that when they are pregnant, I know I certainly do.

My mum lives 3 hours away so I've not seen her for a few months, she's arrived for a visit today with a box full of things, it's nice to see her so excited. Baby does seem to have more small frilly socks than any baby would possibly need though! Turned 34 weeks now and i seem to have moved from neat to huge almost overnight!

Whisky i completely understand how you feel, i missed BIL & SILs wedding a few years ago because i was pregnant and felt fucking disgusting and sad. It was a bad day.

Ive had BH on and off all day, and cracking heartburn. Happy days

Sorry you're feeling meh @Whisky2014 it's the hormones. I amazed myself at how chilled I was at dh going on an abroad stag do a couple of weekends ago, hormones seem to be working the opposite way for me, I'd have been worse ore pregnancy lol!! I think it helped that I'd planned lots for myself to do, but a bath chinese and rom com sounds like a lovely distraction!

Mine is being a good boy and is currently washing the carpets whilst I cook dinner. He really has been such a help since I've been pregnant. He needed a special award if he so much as looked at the vacuum before

I'm so tired today for no real apparent reason other than maybe the rubbish sleep on Wednesday and Thursday catching up with me?

Also, anyone else find their baby hangs out on one side only? I don't think I've ever felt it over on the left? Always on the right, occasionally it'll manoeuvre itself so it's right in the middle but is deffo more of a fan of the right 🤷‍♀️

Sorry you're feeling crappy whiskey definitely get your feet up.

I've just been for a Doppler scan off the back of my dodgy one last week. All blood flow readings within a good range so that's a relief. The sonographer was lovely and explained it was due to twin 1s position, low down and looking inwards that was making it really difficult to measure the flow. He explained they want the probe to be perpendicular to the artery but position of baby meant he could only get it parallel, which he assumed was why we had the dodgy one last week. He was really patient and tried about 5 times until he managed to get a reading he was happy with. It makes all the difference when someone takes 2 mins to just explain it to you.

That’s good news boodles :)

Who was asking about low blood sugar levels? Apparently it could be hot weather effecting blood sugars

www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/gestational-diabetes-heat/

@karigan195 was it me talking about mine? They've been low since before the hot weather unfortunately. Haven't been able to keep them over 5 today.

Great news @boodles101 a medical pro who takes time to explain can make so much difference.

5 is better though isn’t it? Hope you’re feeling alright in yourself?

It's not hypo level but 5 has been the max even after eating carb heavy meals. It's really not normal for me. Plus, I can't drive with levels under 5 and have felt really grotty all day. Have dropped insulin slightly tonight to see if it helps tomorrow but that means I've dropped by more than the maximum amount the consultant said she would be happy with, will need to speak to the team on Monday.

I got some advice from the lady who runs the Gestational Diabetes website and she had an almost identical experience in pregnancy because her placenta doesn't cope towards the end.

@whisky2014 how are you feeling this morning? Hormones are a bitch. DH doesn't really go out but I get insanely jealous of him being able to just do normal things like go for a run.