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 and little fabric baskets to keep all the changing stuff in one easy place.

Hi ladies! Happy Friday. Mat leave begins in 2 weeks time and by the sounds of it, it’ll be coming at the right time. How is everyone feeling about the Corona Virus?

My GP has sent out word that there will be no appointments available in advance anymore and the supermarkets near me have no rice, pasta or loo roll!!! It’s crazy.

I’m feeling super heavy, honestly I feel I’ve packed on weight this last 4 weeks and I am not very elegant at the moment 😂 just want to meet my baby soon and feeling fed up of being pregnant. I think that’s common at this last phase though!

Does that impact your MW appointments @Kiki061190? I see the MW at the GP surgery (although they do a clinic at the community hospital I could use), my next appointment is at home as she’s combining it with the home assessment and then I only have one more at 38 weeks unless I go overdue. I’m guessing it means our 6 week checks will be out of the window/postponed. From a purely selfish point of view I’m hoping lockdown happens after the birth! I’m not sure how much they can/will repurpose MWs to support other HCPs as babies will still be arriving, the one who runs my hypnobirthing class says it’s been really quiet on her unit recently with hardly any babies being born.

I’m really feeling it at the moment, my hips hurt at night and my back in the daytime and I can’t get comfy on the sofa. My maternity clothes are a bit tight even though my bump is a little smaller this time, probably just a bit fatter all over as I feel huge.

@bananamonkey I see my midwife at my GP surgery as well. I’m the exact same in that I have one more 38 week app and then that’s it unless I go overdue. I was wondering if this would affect home visits ect for baby. I guess we can’t predict how bad things are going to be. A lady in London has given birth and her baby has the virus which is quite nerve wracking. I feel the exact same way! Can’t get comfortable, can’t sleep properly. The joys of being pregnant 😂

@Kiki061190 I got the same message today about GP being closed indefinitely. I’m self-isolating, so I asked the health visitor to do a video call instead of home visit. But my MW is coming next week to do weighing...I almost want to cancel though. I’ve been concerned about Coronavirus for weeks now and everyone thought I was OTT, but really looks quite serious now. My family had to cancel their travel plans to come see Rumi.

Thanks for the tips @bananamonkey! Nice to be able to learn from others who are more experienced. Any tips for increasing milk flow when pumping? I’m only getting 2 fl oz max per session and baby drinks this in 15 mins! I can’t pump enough for dh to feed him while I sleep and therefore not sleeping at all because he feeds every 45 mins or so. I’m exhausted! I also can’t use right breast atm again because he has a poor latch on that side and just tore half the skin off my areola. Help! 🥺

@MrsMGE hey sista how are you? ❤️ thinking of you

Ouch @sadtoday21 do you have nipple shields? Can DH do stuff in the day so you can nap? I didn’t really pump till about 5 weeks so I’m not sure about this early while feeding and your supply is still being established, there are some foods you can eat like oats. Kellymom.com is one of the best bf resources, La Leche league too. Good luck x

Hey @SunStruck, I'm good, actually, surprisingly fine, thank you for asking. It's a but strange that it hasn't affected me as much as before, it must be to do with how it's actually happened (naturally) and the expectation element, I had a gut instinct it wouldn't progress from the start. I am a bit unsettled and irritable but it will be fine. How are you doing?

Thank you all for your kind words, I've noted your suggestions. DH and I decided to go privately either next month or in May when my hormones have settled down. We've concluded we are in a fortunate enough position not to burden the NHS now. Of course my personal experiences with the NHS were not great in respect of pregnancy (not so much in respect other stuff which has been OK, but I'm overall healthy so didn't have to use it all that much for reasons other than pregnancy), so we were thinking about reducing stress and speeding things up by going privately anyway. Now, we think it would simply be unfair to go via the public health service that will be dealing with the coronavirus if we can avoid it. Doctors and nurses will be pulled to deal with the emergencies and some will stay to look after those that need to be looked after now - primarily pregnant ladies, especially those who are due soon. So I think it's only right, if we can do it, to leave them to do their job. And of course I'm aware that these would often be the same people working in private settings, so it might be the case things will have to be postponed for us privately too, and it's just one of those things. We all have to pull together. We'll keep trying in the meantime.

Just wanted to say, I can imagine the CV itself and the impact on the NHS must be causing a stressful time for you - I'm thinking about you and keep everything crossed things will calm down and you'll have the support that you need at all times 💐💐💐

@SunStruck, I was wondering if you were in the ME at the time of MERS epidemic, what was it like then as opposed to now, is the approach similar? Are you and DH ok?

@MrsMGE glad to hear you’re doing ok. It sounds like you have a plan which always helps. Hopefully you can be seen soon and have all necessary tests. Thanks for your concern. It is a worry at the moment. I’m worried my elective will get cancelled and really struggling with my mobility so hoping we get the support we need as older parents and with a few complications. xx

Hey @sadtoday21 so sorry to hear your family had to cancel their plans. It is becoming such a worry now and don’t blame you for isolating. We’ve had no cases in my area but I’m still concerned about my elective getting cancelled. A lady on another thread had that happen as not enough staff. I’m petrified of going over due with higher risks to older mums. I don’t know much about breast feeding yet but it sounds like you’re doing really well. I think most people find it tough xx

@bananamonkey I’m really feeling your pain. I had the most awful night last night. My hips are agony all of a sudden. I can’t even take the arthritis meds I’d normally have and I know paracetamol won’t touch it. I can’t imagine 4 more weeks like this. So worried my elective will get cancelled too if there are staff shortages by then. When I woke up I started to think an induction at 38 weeks might be worth a go. Would worry trying to have a c section before 39 I think in case there’s problems with breathing. It’s either that or all of the curry, sex, dates and raspberry leaf tea! 😂 Xx

Hey @Kiki061190 it’s so uncomfortable isn’t it!? It was difficult but I was coping before. Now in agony. Can barely get up the stairs. I feel like my pelvis has been struck with a baseball bat. I’m wondering if it’s because he’s engaged. My upper bump is feeling more saggy and it’s firmed lower down. I’m going to ask the midwife about an induction at 38 weeks rather than the c section at 39 plus 5. So worried it’ll get cancelled and I’ll go overdue somehow. If he’s ready an induction might not be so bad. xx

@MrsMGE so glad to hear you're doing ok ❤️ and I think you have a great plan in place, to go private, and very lovely of you to think of how stretched NHS must be now. April/May Spain's like a good time to try, and it's very soon!

I wasn't here during the MERS epidemic so I don't know, but they are taking Corona seriously here and have closed all schools and nurseries until June/July, and a lot of workplaces will work from home for 2 weeks (is included from next week). Most events cancelled, and a big chance Expo 2020 will be cancelled (October) which is huge.

I'm thinking of all you ladies giving birth soon on this thread, I hope everything goes smoothly!

*sound, not Spain!

@Catconfusion It’s so hard just to walk and move about! I feel useless now. I think if baby boy is ready to come at 38 weeks an induction would be good. It’s scary times just now! All I want is our babies here safely.

@SunStruck I’m concerned about how stretched the hospitals will be when we go in to give birth. I’be already had my appointments with the midwife trimmed back to the bare minimum as they only have 2 working at my local health centre just now. They just can’t see me unless it’s an absolute emergency.

@sadtoday21 Has any of your home visits been affected because of Corona Virus? Everything feels so stretched here already. I’m really hoping it all calms down in the next couple of weeks.

We went to do our usual food shop today ladies and we could barely get any food. We went to several shops and it’s quite concerning that you can’t get basics like loo roll, toothpaste and soap 🤭

@Kiki061190 exactly, I never knew if could be this uncomfortable so early.

It’s so so worrying. We got the first case in my local hospital tonight. I’m there on Monday for physio. Know it will be fine as a different department and the person is in isolation but it’s getting a bit close to home.

I just want all our babies here too and then for them to be safe! Xx

@Catconfusion I seem to have a really uncomfortable tummy these past couple of days as well paired with some slight period cramp type feelings. I’m hoping my body is just preparing me for what’s to come. I would be convinced I’d at something to set my stomach off but the reality is I’ve barely ate these last few days! Oh no about the virus! A GP in our area has put out a statement about a confirmed case in our postal area. It’s getting closer to home. Going to take it a day at a time and if I feel like it’s a risk I’ll go off on mat leave early if needs be!

Hey @kiki061190 I’d say just monitor the pains. It could be the start of something or just your body having a practice run as you say. It’s such an anxious time. Could this have affected your eating? I’m the opposite and can’t stop snacking at the moment. I think if I were you I’d definitely be thinking about early maternity if you can. It sounds like your work are very understanding.

I’ve started on the dates and raspberry leaf tea. 36 weeks plus 1 now. The arthritis is really flaring up now. I honestly feel like my hips have been hit with a sledgehammer. I’m so relieved I have the physio today. My tummy muscles seem to be separating too so will get some exercises to help with that. I just sat and cried this morning because it was so sore and I know paracetamol won’t do anything. The only think I can do is sit on the gym ball. Xx

@Catconfusion I definitely think it doesn’t help that there’s a lot on my mind. I’m weighing up early mat leave and will see what this week brings in terms of the virus. My appetite is awful! I just can’t seem to eat a full meal! Oh I’ve heard great things about raspberry leaf tea, you’ll need to let me know how you get on with it. 36 weeks!!! Your baby will be here so so soon 💓

@kiki061190 it’s just such a difficult time to bring a baby into the world. Could you speak to your boss about it? If in any doubt I’d take the early leave. You can then focus on looking after yourself and baby. I don’t think I could cope with work right now.

Yes not long now, especially if we go for induction in a couple of weeks. You’re getting there too. I just keep thinking about 5 years time and how I’ll hopefully look back and have brought two children into the world safely. A time when hopefully there’s no pandemics or if there are we’re less vulnerable. x

After the news announcement today ladies, just wanted to say stay safe and look after yourself and your LO's 😍🥰xx

@Catconfusion I’ve decided to take it as of this weekend which ties in with the self isolating period. 12 weeks?! Does that mean we will continue to isolate once we have our newborns as they must surely be higher risk too? I’m just thinking there may be no visitors at our house for quite some time. I had 3 dinners planned from this weekend and my close friends and family have been in contact to cancel them all as they are concerned. It’s so lovely to have loved ones care but 12 weeks might drive me a little loopy 🙄 I know just think, we’ll be telling our little ones about this strange time in many years to come...

@Amanda81 You too! Hope you and Holly are keeping well and safe 💓

Thank you @Amanda81 how are you getting on with this difficult time with a little one? x

@Kiki061190 sounds sensible to me considering we’re now in the vulnerable group. I think the advice is being taken very literally. Nothing is being enforced. Vulnerable groups are to take more care with social distancing for a period of 3 months whereas everyone is advised to socially distance. Complete isolation is for people with symptoms. They have not mentioned babies or post partum mums as yet. I think it’s wise to get baby established with feeding and therefore immunity strengthened before visitors and make sure everyone washes their hands. If we are on maternity/paternity leave and visitors have socially distanced then the chances of picking it up are very slim. The advice is a bit confusing but I think it’s common sense and us deciding what’s best in our individual situations.

It’s so difficult for us being pregnant to distance completely when we have so many appointments. My physio yesterday was leaning over me and obviously touching my bump. She washed her hands lots but I can imagine if she had it, I’d now have it too. We have the midwife today and I can imagine it’s the same risks. Probably unlikely but there’s always a chance. I have the health visitor on Thursday. We’re advised against home visitors yet here’s a health professional visiting lots of ladies in the home visiting us.

I think you’re right, we’ll be telling our kids about this one day when hopefully pandemics are less of a worry. Xx

Thanks @Amanda81, hope you are doing well x

I’ve been pretty chilled about it till yesterday but was awake half the night stressing, will try and stay away from the internet and news today, rolling news is such a bad thing for everyone’s anxiety. Glad you’re finishing early @Kiki061190 it’s my last day on Thursday and DH has take on all the nursery runs for now, I’ve cancelled some family engagements and will have to cancel the hairdresser appointments etc. I had planned next week. It’s tricky to know where to draw the line, especially as DH and DD are still out and about for now, although less than normal as everything is getting cancelled. I have the MW and HV both coming next week although I can imagine the HV being changed to a phone appointment. Just hope baby stays active so I don’t have to go to the hospital again and she comes soon after 37 weeks, and that I can still have a home birth. Can’t complain really as we’re in a lucky position compared to others with health issues or those facing losing their jobs. Take care everyone x

Good to here you’re nearly on maternity leave @bananamonkey. I hope you can still have your home birth too!

I have the health visitor on Thursday. I’m not sure whether to call and see if she’s still coming. Or even to cancel. The advice seems to be to avoid home visits. I’m seeing the midwife today though as want to check in on baby and discuss the birth as I’m still confused as to whether to induce early or wait for the section. I will be being very careful at the doctors though.

I just can’t believe this is happening! Xx

Hey everyone also thinking of you all given the news.❤️

As you know from my previous posts, I’ve been deeply worried about Coronavirus since January- it literally kept me up at night the last month of my pregnancy. I started social distancing back then and since birth have gone into full self-isolation for me, DH, and baby. We haven’t left the house once in past two weeks and only had MW come twice (I changed HV to phone call). The MW is coming to our house today to discharge us (against my wishes) but will make it fast and ask her to wear gloves. Luckily bf is now established and doesn’t hurt anymore, so Rumi and I have a rhythm now and I’m happy with his feeding. It was really hard at first but now we seem to have the hang of it thankfully!

Only problem is food deliveries are seriously delayed now and I don’t know how much longer we can last without some more supplies...we have enough nappies and loo roll for now, but food is dwindling and we only have three more dishes left in the freezer which I have to make stretch somehow until Sunday. 🥺

@Amanda81 are you self-isolating too with Holly? I’m quite worried it will impact Rumi’s ability to get his vaccines at 8 weeks. How are you doing otherwise? Are you settled into a good newborn routine now?

@bananamonkey I think you did the right thing cancelling everything, it is really so worrying and feels like a lot on top of the other pregnancy worries we all have. I hope movement stays strong so you don’t have to go in and that you can still have your home birth as planned.

@Catconfusion I would worry about all the doc appointments too and I do! Definitely change the Hv to phone call, they really don’t do much. Can you possibly get booked for an induction sooner at 39 weeks? I hope you still get to have the birth you want and that all options are open to you. 💕

@Kiki061190 how are you doing? Glad your mat leave is starting early - do some batch cooking if you can get enough food to do it! I found I was able to cook after the birth, but having more frozen meals would have been better (I just wasn’t prepared for baby to come early!).

Rumi will be two weeks tomorrow. He seems to be feeding well and sleep is an issue, but I love him so much I barely feel the exhaustion of it all. It only hits me now and then. Bleeding stopped a few days ago and was able to be intimate again with DH, which was really nice despite having to constantly keep an ear out for crying baby! 😂 My body feels almost back to its pre-pregnant state and tummy has gone back down now (I read online it takes six weeks for tummy to be back to normal, but I think bf is helping it contract much more quickly)! I can’t help but think the natural birth is contributing to this quicker recovery - it feels so much better than after the surgery I had before. My hormones are a lot more balanced than they were then.

I hope you all have your babies soon! 🥰

Hey @sadtoday21 great to hear from you. So glad the BF is working out and you’re feeling like your body is recovering well. I really don’t blame you for self isolating since it’s possible for you both. The shopping is a worry though. Hopefully you can find a solution for this.

I just called the health visitor line and they’re oblivious to pregnant women being in the vulnerable group. The lady explained a HV would not be at work if they were ill. This totally contradicts the government advice of avoiding unnecessary appointments and home visitors. My particular HV will call tomorrow but I think I’ll just say I’m not happy with a visit at this time.

We’re seeing the MW today so we will discuss the early induction. We were offered delivery at 38 weeks. I just need to talk through the risk factors again but I think in the current situation it would be better than risking a surgery and the added infection risks. Also going overdue if it gets cancelled. I can barely walk without crutches now so I think getting him out is a good idea all round.

What a time to have a baby! Xx