Pregnancy after MMC

[sadtoday21]

Hi everyone! I moved our thread over here so we can all keep in touch as we continue on this journey.

Many congratulations again to @Amanda81 on the birth of your beautiful baby girl Holly! Our first baby on the thread. Also tagging the regulars @Catconfusion @Kiki061190 @bananamonkey. Newcomers welcome as well!

Oh @Catconfusion I was the exact same! I thought the third trimester would be lovely but I’m finding it hard. I’m trying to get things organised around my house but feeling exhausted. The pelvic pain differs each day. 5 more weeks at work. I just need to get through it! Yes rest up! I’m convinced you will have a March baby 💓 I consistently feel like
I need to pee because the baby’s head if pushing down 😭 the joys!

@Kiki061190 I do wonder if a lot of people struggle at this stage but don’t talk about it and try and soldier on. I used to be a teacher so saw countless women throughout there pregnancies, most of them working up to term. I just had no idea it could be so uncomfortable so early. It’s such a shame you still have 5 weeks left. Are work being understanding about your limited mobility? Could you take any holiday or leave off earlier if it gets bad? I think sick time is also an option if before 37 weeks and you get desperate. Just try to rest up when you can and wear a support band. xx

@Catconfusion I’ve spoken to so many colleagues about it and they all said they struggled with how tired and uncomfortable they were. Thankfully my work is quite understanding and have told me to take it week my week and see how I feel. I might go at 36 weeks if I feel I can’t manage. I’m excited for my bump to drop so I can have my lungs back 😂

@kiki061190 I guess when I was teaching having kids wasn’t really on my radar so much so probably didn’t have those conversations. Lots of my colleagues at the time definitely made it look easy.

Great that your work are being good. 36 weeks seems sensible if you’re finding it tough. It’s definitely not nice not being able to breath easily. xx

@Catconfusion I’m hoping bump starts to drop soon! Has yours dropped at all? I’ve been pulling everything out the house and spring cleaning it room by room and I swear there is so much to do! Nesting mode is definitely a thing!

@kiki061190 it’s just generally big from low down to high up. I don’t think it’s dropped at all. I definitely look full term.

Great if you can get the cleaning done. Nesting is definitely a thing. I would love to crack on with it but fear I’ve left it too late. DH is having to do most of it as I can’t bend. I’m trying to even the balance by doing the washing up. It is never ending though! xx

Sorry you've both been in pain @Catconfusion and @Kiki061190 , hope you can rest as much as possible.

Hope you have a lovely baby shower @Catconfusion! That's great that you were able to get away for a few days, hope it was relaxing even though you are uncomfortable.

I've just booked my last week of work off as holiday so I only have 4 weeks left, the end is in sight! I'm going to visit friends in Manchester at the weekend and am really looking forward to it (apart from the long drive) as I haven't seen them since the summer and it'll be nice to do a bit of "adult" socialising.

Thanks @bananamonkey and yay to 4 weeks left. How lovely to catch up with friends too. Good to do these things while you can.

So I had a really weird nights sleep. I think I was having Braxton hicks but I’m not sure as not had them before. I got 3 episodes of tightening and contracting across the bump while sleeping. I sort of came round and DH said I cried out so did really hurt. They lasted about a few seconds I’d say. Baby aggressively kicked me after each one. I haven’t had any more today but my cervix feels stingy and my tummy generally feels a bit like when a period is coming. Baby is wriggling away happily but it did cross my mind whether to ring the midwife. Has anyone else had this sort of thing happen? xx

@Catconfusion it sounds a bit like BH but I would maybe ring the MW for reassurance. I didn’t get any BH with my first pregnancy (or I couldn’t feel them at least), apart from when I had some monitoring a few days before labour when I did notice some tightening that corresponded with the machine, I would never have noticed it otherwise though as it was a very light sensation.

About 22 weeks this time I did have it for 2 days in a row, they were contraction pains just like early labour (for me that feels like period pains but ones that come and go at regular intervals) and lasted about 1-2 hours where I also felt a bit unwell. Nothing has happened since though 🤷🏻‍♀️

Thanks @bananamonkey I didn't call in the end as all felt ok today. I've drunk plenty of water as I've heard dehydration can cause BH. Baby is wriggling away so must have just been so practice contractions.

I've heard they can come as early as 20 weeks. Good you've not kept having them if it makes you feel unwell. xx

@Catconfusion I’ve had period like pains twice. Once at 28+3 and one on Sunday just there. It’s odd! I had no idea what it was. I would definitely say ring your midwife if you keep having them. There’s no danger in being super safe.

Oh @bananamonkey I am so jealous! 4 weeks to go! I am 5 weeks tomorrow. I worked out I have 25 shifts left. We can get there!!!!

Happy Monday ladies!

@Catconfusion How are you? Any more pelvic pain? I got a yoga ball yesterday so going to try bouncing on that this week!

@sadtoday21 show have you been keeping? You are so close to the finish line! 37 and a half weeks now? You could go at any time!

@bananamonkey Not long until you finish work! How have you been keeping?

Can anyone give any advice on baby movements? I keep thinking little one is moving less but can’t tell if I’m so busy I’m not paying attention if that makes sense? I’m still feeling her move about just not sure how many movements I should feel in an hour ect?

Hi @Kiki061190 great to hear from you! How are you doing? The thread has gone so quiet lately, it seems we are all in waiting mode!

Sorry to hear about the movement issue, it's something I've struggled with as well. Have you tracked movements in the past? I started tracking on my phone from 24 weeks and noticed my baby does roughly ten kicks (sometimes more, but at least this) every two hours and has six sessions a day. So I get worried when he has more than one session that hasn't reached ten and/or if there are fewer than five sessions overall. Incidentally, while midwives say every baby is different, if you really push them they say they would not be happy with less than ten kicks in two hours either. I have to put it into my phone because otherwise I'm just not sure and I get anxious. When I'm moving about or having a really busy, active day, I don't get as many sessions/kicks, but still expect to have at least one morning, afternoon, and evening session. Also, I have a high anterior placenta on my right-hand side, so I don't feel those kicks as much. I've gone into monitoring three times, its just really hard to tell sometimes if the movement is the same as usual. People say movement is softer, but still the same pattern, towards end of pregnancy. I haven't found that - if anything, I'm finally feeling things more strongly as he has gotten bigger. But it is definitely more squirming, less jabbing/kicks. The midwife told me that the strength or type of movement doesn't matter, just the pattern. But really it's just very difficult sometimes to know what to do.

@Catconfusion have your BX period-like pains gone away now? How are you feeling otherwise? Everything ok with your scan?

@bananamonkey when do you finish work again? How are you feeling?

@Amanda81 just thinking of you and hoping you are well Xxx.

I am 37+4 today, 38 weeks on Thursday. I had a really good consultant appointment and got the group b strep test on the NHS after all. It was just a simple vaginal swab, but I'm relieved they've done this. I also learned how to hand express colostrum as a way to stimulate labour, but decided to only try this again after 38 weeks. I am doing nipple stimulation and sex to try to bring on labour now, per the advice of the consultant (he said this in such a clinical way, it was hilarious!). The consultant said I can be induced if I want from 40/41 weeks and that I can have sweeps from 38+5/39 weeks (so my next midwife appointment).

Otherwise I'm trying really hard to finish work by the end of this week, so I can do a bit of batch cooking and cleaning (far behind on both these things). Feeling anxious about movements and birth, to the point where I got quite worked up the other day, but it comes and goes. I don't feel any signs of labour and, true to form with this entire pregnancy, feeling very little overall in terms of symptoms, etc. It's nerve-wracking and makes me very unsure about how this is all going to kick off. Is it possible to feel fine and then suddenly go into labour? I doubt it. Going to try to finish the nursery this week just in case, but have a feeling I'm going to go over...

Hey ladies, sorry for not catching up. Now been advised by the midwife to head to hospital as I have had two gushes of wetness over the last couple of days and period type cramps. I’m hoping this isn’t it but a chance it is. Anyway I will keep you posted! 33 plus 1 today so a bit early. Xx

@Catconfusion I hope everything is ok! Let us know how you get on, will be thinking of you Xxx.

Thanks @sadtoday21 I’m back home now. They took some swabs and definitely not amniotic fluid so likely just discharge. It came through my jeans last night so was a bit worried. Baby passed the monitor tests with flying colours. He’s breech but facing back at the moment. DH got to feel his head as it’s so big now. The cramps are likely due to his size and the excess fluid. I’ve been told to go back with any cramps or gushes like that. As he’s breeches it’s a bit more dangerous if my waters go.

In answer to your question @sadtosay21 it’s totally possible to go into labour quite suddenly. Either waters suddenly breaking or contractions starting to build up. You never know, it might not be very long for you. You are so close it now. Just hang on in there! Xx

Glad everything’s ok @Catconfusion, that must have a been a bit scary

I know what you mean about the movements @Kiki061190 and @sadtoday21, I nearly went to hospital again today as she had been quiet all morning but then perked up when I had some lunch. It’s tricky because I only really feel movement when I’m sat down but quite upright and only sometimes when I lie down, I’m feeling a bit wiped out from the weekend lacking sleep and what feels like a cold so a hopefully just worrying unnecessarily.

32 weeks today so 4 weeks left of work but I have tonnes to do and am struggling to stay motivated. Hope you can get finished as planned @sadtoday21, I didn’t have any signs of pre-labour part from being so uncomfortable the night before I couldn’t sit down in any position to watch a film we had on tv. But I also didn’t get a show nor did my waters break till 10 cm dilated so everyone’s different 🤷🏻‍♀️ You’re so close now!

@sadtoday21 I struggle to kick count as I have such a full on day I usually don’t have the time to do it until night time. She started moving about like crazy today to the point i was jumping as the movements were quite uncomfortable and under both my ribs. Thankfully I haven’t had to go in for monitoring but just need to keep an eye and make some more time. It’s great they are willing to give you sweeps before 40 weeks! Labour can be quite spontaneous, my friend just thought she had backache!

@Catconfusion Oh no! So glad you got checked though and it wasn’t baby boy’s time to come out. At least you know he’s breech and can be kind of prepared if you need a section. Fingers crossed he gets himself in position though! Stay super rested 💓

@bananamonkey Oh I know what you mean about the countdown to finish. I’m 4 weeks on Friday! It can’t come quick enough. I do think baby picks up when I eat too. It’s so hard when you’re working to keep an eye on movements as my mind is in other places!

@Kiki061190 yes it might be a good thing if breech as it will finally make our mind up about section. The midwife said the extra fluid will make movement more easy so he could easily get head down. The only problem is extra fluid makes early sudden labour more dangerous if breech as the cord can come out. We’ve been told to call the hospital with any more gushes or contractions. How is your pelvis feeling now? Xx

@bananamonkey they are so good at the hospital aren’t they! We were in and out plus felt so reassured. I had no idea discharge could hush at this stage. It went through onto my jeans so was super worried it was amniotic fluid. Anyway if if happens again they’ve said to go in anyway for a check up just in case. Not long now until you finish work. I can imagine it’s so hard to stay motivated! Xx

@sadtoday21 it’s great you got the the strep b test. One of the good things about going in with the wetness was they did a whole panel of tests including strep and if I haven’t heard anything it’s probably clear. I have to say my movements are very similar to yours depending on his position. Not really had much in the way of kicks so mainly wriggling. I think my placenta is in a similar position to yours. The monitoring we had on Monday was really reassuring. The midwife was saying if baby passes that he is very healthy. I can’t believe you’re nearly 38 weeks. It’s so exciting! I really hope the last couple of weeks go quickly and you start labour early. It sounds like you have a good plan for sparking it off. Just think, this time next month he’ll be here! Xx

@Catconfusion Fingers crossed you have some answers soon. When is your next scan? I don’t see the midwife for another 2 weeks. The whole cord dilemma is so scary! Pelvis has its days where it flares up and days when it feels fine. My legs are so restless and sore during the night so I toss and turn a lot at the moment. Feeling exhausted! I’m just washing baby girls vests just now. Have you pre washed all the bodysuits and sleepsuits?

Hey @Kiki061190 it’s a week on Friday so not too long to wait. It feels like time is flying. Midwife is on Tuesday for us. I’m much the same with the aches and pains. I think it can depend what position the baby is in. I’m sorry to hear your nights are restless. I’m luckily sleeping quite well at the moment apart from the toilet breaks.

Yes we’ve washed everything and put it away in drawers. After the next scan we’ll attach the bedside cot to bed so we can get used to it being there. Also see what the cat does. We’re thinking she’ll need to be shit out. I can’t believe we’re getting on for 34 weeks. Xx

@Catconfusion I can’t wait for my furniture so come. Should be here around 37 weeks but I have everything in drawer dividers ready to be popped in when it comes. I know I’m 33 weeks tomorrow and it’s crazy to think it’s went so quick. Great your scan is soon and hopefully by then they will have an answer to the section question. I wonder how baby boys growth is doing! The legs are annoying but I have just over 4 weeks left at work so I have something to aim for! 😀

Hey ladies. Just catching up on the thread after being tagged into a few comments. Thanks for asking after me. I promise i Haven't forgotten about you guys and I do think about you each day. I find it very hard to keep up. Anyway...so much to catch up on.

@Catconfusion - I bet that was a bit of a scare what with the discharge and cramps. It gets very scary the closer you get, as it truly could happen anytime. I hear your little boy is breech...the little blighter. I was told to phone triage ASAP with any signs of labour as Holly was breech...are they going to keep monitoring position with the MW? Are you seeing the MW every week now? Does he keep moving around? Did you decide on a CS or natural?

Hey @sadtoday21 - you are so so close. Very exciting! As you know with me, it all happened very quick, so do be prepared (I'm sure you are). Have you decided what type of birth you would like? Have you got everything ready?

We have a bag load of vests, baby grows etc that Holly has grown out of already...so any of you know of any charitable organisations for women who perhaps need a job lot of baby gear to get them going? I could just take them to the charity shop, but it's a nice little starter pack for somebody as they have hardly had any use.

I bet you are really excited about finishing work @Kiki061190 and @bananamonkey! Not long now!

Things are going okay here. Very tiring! My DH is finding it hard and is worried about not getting a bond with her. He gets frustrated with her when she cry's and I think she is picking up on this. She is now 10 weeks and she is much more aware of everything. I am slightly regretting saying that I would work soon after having her. I'm only doing 20 or so hours a week, and am just about managing, but I'm all fairness, I just want to spend time with her and get used to being a mum. Today I took her for a walk in the harness/sling and had a couple of sit downs just to catch my breath (CS has truly slowed me down) and it was just so nice to relax and enjoy the moment of just being...motherhood has well and truly slowed me down and has completely changed my perspective on work etc.

Really can't wait to hear about all of your arrivals. It's surely got to be @sadtoday21...but you never know.

@Amanda81 So amazing to hear from you! You’ve been busy with Holly, I think it’s common for men to take a little longer to bond as they go back to work so soon after. You’re a star for working so soon! Oooh if you do find any good charitable organisations I would love to know! I would love to donate some stuff once my little one has outgrown them. I know i check daily just in case @sadtoday21 has went into labour! Any day! I have 7 weeks until due date and I’m hoping she doesn’t keep me waiting past that!

Great to hear from you @Amanda81 you’re doing so well to be working but hopefully getting plenty of mummy moments when you can. I’ve heard dads can take a while to bond too. He’ll get there.

I think the plan is to see how baby is at the next scan. I’ll be just short of 35 weeks then. Still time for him to turn. He’s been breech since 31 weeks (I’m 33, nearly 34 now) after a long spell head down. In a way it will be good to have a deciding factor. He’s a very big baby and I’m carrying extra amniotic fluid so all things are adding up to c section with my age too. We’ll see what the doctor says next week! Xx