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!

Thanks @Kiki061190 it was really rough! I was so terrified, not for myself, but because of the possibility of passing something to Rumi or DH. It’s too bad about your mum, but very good your partner can be with you at this difficult time. I would definitely get some formula just in case! It’s not easy to get things on short notice now and newborns need to feed very often and a lot can go wrong with breastfeeding even at the best of times. You need a backup for peace of mind or in case you get sick. Get some nappies and wipes too!

@bananamonkey aww that’s so sweet and so sad about your DD - how old is she again? Don’t feel guilty, it’s all out of our control! I also can’t believe people - we can’t even take Rumi for walks because people don’t social distance on sidewalks! We went around our block once and all these bikers and joggers went right past us without even trying to maintain distance! Made me so mad and scared. Thanks for the tips re mastitis - it does hurt a bit and was quite ill with fever for 24 hours, but mostly I’m just relieved. What did your friend say about Coronavirus?

She’s 3.5 so very aware but not really able to understand, she knows there’s lots of nasty germs around a bad cough so we have to stay at home a lot. We’ve both had colds so luckily she’s been up for some cuddling on the sofa with Disney films but she’s normally always on the go and we do swimming/gymnastics/dancing etc on my days off, we only have a small garden but I’m really glad I bought loads of garden toys last summer now! Trying to keep to a bit of routine but I’m not sure I’m creative enough to be a SAHM at the best of times, let alone without being able to go out to do activities. Can’t really complain though, people trying to manage far worse and it’s lovely to spend more time together. DH’s friend is doing some pub quizzes on google hangouts for a group of us in the evenings and it’s been fun.

My friend normally works in theatre but routine surgeries are cancelled so will be looking after C+ pts who also need emergency surgery for other conditions, lots of changes to the ward and theatre spaces, extra training and special equipment. I know a Dr at another hospital who is prepping to turn most of it into an ITU. I’m really scared about having reduced movements again, I don’t want to go anywhere near the hospital so I understand why you didn’t want to go. I only have a tiny carton of formula so might ask DH to see if he can get a tub of one somewhere, luckily I bought nappies and wipes ages ago.

@sadtoday21 Got some formula thankfully just in case! How are you feeling now? Any better?

@bananamonkey How are you feeling in lockdown? Have you had any word on your midwife apps? I’ve heard nothing and my next one is next Friday.

@Catconfusion How are you feeling?

Ladies I’m suffering from really bad sciatica. I can barely walk!!! Baby seems fine and seems to be moving about but I’m growing so uncomfortable each day. I might cry if I go overdue 😥

@sadtoday21 what a relief about the mastitis! I’m sure it’s unpleasant but at least not anything more serious. I hope you’re keeping well and coping ok with everything going on. It must be tough with job uncertainty too for DH. Thinking of you!

Thanks @Kiki061190 for the term well wishes. You must be 37 weeks too. It’s weird isn’t it to think baby is fully formed and could come any time.

Hey @bananamonkey I hope the activities at home are going well with DD. I bet it’s tough for mums with children who are more aware to not let them pick up on anxiety. It sounds like you’re doing a good job to keep her entertained. Is everything ok for your home birth?

As for me, I’m really physically struggling. I can only just get from bed to the sofa. My pelvis has given up. Luckily DH got special carer leave from work so he’s now with me and able to help with getting the house ready for baby. I have my final scan on Friday and DH can’t come so I’m not sure how I’m going to manage walking once there. I guess I’ll do my best on my crutches. I’m going to see what the consultant thinks about getting me induced. It’s two weeks until the c section and I’m not sure I can cope until then. Anyway we’re all so close now. I just can’t wait until our babies are here safely! Xx

@Catconfusion Glad you have DH at home with you. I feel your pain, I’m struggling and have to be in bed rest quite a lot due to spinal pain leaving me unable to walk very much 😥 I’ve tried everything to make it better. Great you know the end is in sight! I know it might be a long 2 weeks but you’ll get there. It’s horrible that DH can’t come into the scan. I have my 38 week midwife appointment next Friday and I have no idea if all is going ahead. I haven’t heard anything so assuming it will but that I will have to go alone. I suppose it’s what we have to do to ensure we are all healthy during this time 💓

Arh @kiki061190 I’m so sorry your bad is bad. It’s so frustrating. We’re so limited to how we can sleep too making it impossible to get comfy.

Yes it’s not ideal but I don’t mind going alone. Just worried about walking on the crutches in case I fall. Will just need to take it easy. I hope you still get your midwife appointment. I can imagine you will as you’re so far gone now. Not long now. We can do this! Xx

Hi ladies, so sorry to hear you’re in such pain It’s hurts my hips to lie down on my side now so sleeping is rough but nothing as bad so I really feel for you x

I hope your scan goes ok @Catconfusion, I joined the nnuh bumps and babies FB group and the midwives are keeping the hospital information up to date on there if it helps.

Fingers crossed for your MW appointment @Kiki061190, I think they’re prioritising third trimester appointments where they can. I had my 36 week appointment at home today and am booked in for my 38 week one at the community hospital as my GP practice is closed.

Had a bit of an emotional outburst yesterday as I read that homebirths were cancelled and now technically we don’t have any childcare so I’d have to go it alone (although DH’s family are insisting well find a way). It turns out that’s for another hospital in the region, where water births are cancelled too which is rubbish. The MW did my home birth assessment today and said as far as they’re concerned they’re carrying on until told otherwise although obviously things may change and they may be understaffed due to self-isolation so fingers crossed.

@bananamonkey Oh no! I did hear of some home births being off. I think water births are t allowed just now at my hospital which is what I was wanting. My midwife is in my local health centre when my GP is also located. I haven’t heard anything about it being closed as of yet thankfully.

@Catconfusion @bananamonkey Who would have thought when we all found out we were pregnant in August that this would be the state of the world when we give birth? It’s so crazy!

Thanks @bananamonkey and I’m so pleased your home birth is going ahead. It does feel a bit like we’re behind in the number of cases locally and the strains on resources which hopefully will see us through to our babies being here. Thanks for the heads up on the Facebook group. I’ve joined it and gleaned some good information already.

I know right @Kiki061190!? DH and I were just saying that today. It’s so surreal!

So I tried expressing again today and again I started getting low down cramps and a stinging feeling in my cervix. Baby also kicks more when I try it. Had some contraction type pains but very low down. Keep thinking I need the toilet and I don’t. I’m wondering if this might be the start of something. It’s died off for now but was pretty intense. I really hope so! Xx

@catconfusion Oh my! How long were you expressing for???

@Kiki061190 not long at all. Maybe 5 minutes. For me it seems to quickly lead to cramps. So weird. Xx

Waiting in anticipation @Catconfusion - very excited 😆 xx

@Catconfusion I’m the same as @Amanda81 ! Convinced you’re going to go soon so watching in anticipation 🤭 I don’t think I’ve had anything yet. I get a little bit of period like cramps here and there but convinced she’s happy in there and will go overdue ...

@Catconfusion that sounds like the real thing! Especially the cramps and feeling like you have to go but can’t - I had Rumi less than 24 hours after feeling this way. Fx crossed for you!

Thanks ladies. I got some pretty strong Braxton Hicks when I woke up but they died off. The pressure in my pelvis seems to have be building up each day since Saturday. I’ve been bouncing on my gym ball. I’ve also had a bit of an upset tummy. Really hoping this is it!

You never know @Kiki061190 it might kick off quickly for you! Xx

In an interesting turn of events the hospital called to ask if I’d mind having my c section at 39 weeks rather than 39 plus 4. So that’s a week on Sunday. We’re really pleased about it. At least we have a backup if he doesn’t come in the next week. The midwife said it’s highly unlikely it’ll get cancelled. They’re trying to get as many women through earlier if they can in case staffing becomes an issue. Xx

Oh my @Catconfusion - just think a week from now you will have your beautiful little boy in your arms. Super excited for you. You are almost there! Xx

@Amanda81 thank you so much. It’s eased my mind so much. Sadly looks like DH can only come for the procedure and two hours afterwards if all well but it’ll be fine.

However I do wonder if he’ll just come sooner. I have a sweatshirt that says ‘ready to pop’ on it. DH bought me bubble gum and thought it would be funny to take a picture of me blowing a bubble wearing the top. I laughed so much and also nearly was sick due to having too much bubble gum in my mouth to get a big bubble. Since then I’ve been getting a few contractions. It would be funny if I now went into labour because of it.

I hope you’re getting on well. I’m so excited to join you as a mummy! Xx

That’s great news @Catconfusion although sounds like he may be on the way sooner! How exciting for you both x

I started with low down period type cramps the day before I went into hospital. They where off and on. Obviously when I finally went in it was a different story for me, but the feelings certainly sound similar to yours. I downloaded an app to time the feelings (which were contractions in the end) which helped with knowing when to go in to triage. It really does sound like your LO will be here earlier than next week. Shame that your DH can't be with you long, but it will be safer for him in the long run to be away from the hospital. Just think of all the mummy cuddles you are going to get very very soon. Xxx

Sorry @Sadtoday21 - i didn't respond to you the other day. I hope you are doing okay and have managed to get some sleep. When I look back on it all, I do wonder how I've managed to keep working. I guess you just do what is needed and i think the sleep deprivation doesn't allow you to dwell on things to much. Things are okay here. Holly is teething, but still at a stage we're she can't hold things, which is really hard for her. She is finding some comfort by gnawing on her hands, but we are helping by rubbing her gums. She has totally bonded with DH now, and he has made some leaps with how he 'dealt' with her crying when she is fighting sleep. To be honest, he is much better than me at this now! I'm no longer combi feeding. We are formula 100% now. It was too much for me with working full time. I do feel sorry that I couldn't commit to BF all the time, but our choice is the best for our little family and paying the bills etc. She is thriving on it to be honest. Holly is doing amazingly well. She is very alert, constantly wants to be stood up (but of course can't) and she is only 14 weeks old. It's amazing how much they develop in such a short time. She is currently going through leap 3 and we are starting to see the subtle changes in her hand movements when trying to grasp something and also how she is controlling her voice and practicing ups and downs in vocal chords. Truly wonderful. How are you feeling? How are you managing? Xxx

Wow @Catconfusion great news! Baby will be here before you know it.

Thanks @Amanda81 not doing great tbh! I’m exhausted and Rumi is now seemingly crying all the time and won’t be comforted. I try feeding, nappy change, cuddling but he’s in so much pain from gas/pooping what do I do? All signs point to colic but I’m just worried now And no one here to advise!

@Catconfusion Omg! How amazing! You will have your son here so soon! You can enjoy this last week or so 💓 I can’t wait to hear all about him.

@Amanda81 Awww Holly seems like she’s coming along amazing! 14 weeks already 💓

@sadtoday21 I think there is drops for colic? Might be hard to get in the current situation though. Do you have a bedside crib that tilts? Ours can be tilted to apparently help colic. Poor Rumi! Hope the situation improves ASAP.

Did any of you ladies experience some different discharge towards the end of your pregnancy? I’m still getting the usual but also had a large amount of egg white stuff and seem to be getting bits of it every day now 🤷‍♀️

Oh no @sadtoday21 do you have any Infacol/Coleif? Keeping him upright after feeds and cycling his legs might help? I’d post on the feeding board as there’s lots of Colic experts on here.

Teething is such a pita but sounds like she’s blossoming @Amanda81, how lovely for you and DH

Oh @Sadtoday21 I had this with Holly from 3 weeks and from 11 weeks she seemed to start figuring out how to pop. We helped her by giving her drops of infacol before every feed. She used to go three days without pooing and by the second day she would be in tears with trying. All you can do is comfort. Also we had an older HV to begin with and she advised a little bit of water (no more than 30ml). So we did. It massively helped. Some babies just don't like the sensation of the waste moving around their intestines. Pardon the pun, but it will pass. Xxx