Due June 2020: Thread 5

[umabb]

New thread ready! x

@mrssunshinexxx our midwife-led birthing centre has now been repurposed as extra isolation capacity for coronavirus patients. This means anyone who planned to give birth there will be redirected to the labour ward. There are only two active birth rooms and either one or none birthing pools, so that's a lot of people's plans out the window. What happens if the labour rooms are full? Visions of giving birth just on the ward!

@mrssunshine can I ask if it's a London hospital ? Same for you @gigi ? I haven't heard anything yet from mine. Although I got a text from physio (have first appointment tomorrow) saying they will call if it's urgent if not wait until they call eventually 😂 who knows if I'm deemed urgent for PGP but if they don't call I'll have to google some excercises

@Gigitree mine was with a private clinic that I've been seeming since before pregnancy because of my conditions.. we booked a scan package and still two more to go. I'm going that they will still open for those. Sorry yours been cancelled :( it's really nasty times..

@newbyxx piles... yes.. external and occasionally bled which is gross! But not painful. I will try to ask midwife tomorrow see if I should do something.

I've not heard from my hospital about the new rules. Would be gutted if that's the cases. I live near London in Surrey which would be impacted for sure if they do that in London ..

28+4

I'm hoping* that they will still open for those.

@Rinoa no very much in the country- North Yorkshire area

@NakeliP terrifying really isn't it

BUT ladies we do still have 12 weeks or there abouts .. I don't think it's impossible these rules could be lifted by then ..

My diabetes test came back positive today so my husband has to go collect an information pack tomorrow with a diet sheet. Not sure im going to survive the next 8 weeks without chocolate and a hyper 3 year old

Our hospital is taking the same measures I had a bit of a cry about it the other day as my sons birth was a bit of a car crash and i dont know what i would have done without my husband after.
Was hoping for a quick birth this time but will probably be induced so no idea how we are going to juggle everything with childcare etc. What a nightmare time for everyone but we will come back stronger from this and remember if we can get through this everything else will be a walk in the park!

Also I read an article this morning saying they think the peak will be in 3 weeks not May/June as originally expected. Which means by June they may have relaxed measures slightly. 10 weeks is a long time if you think 10 weeks ago was January when we were only just learning about the virus so much can change in a short period xx

@LillianFullStop same re being active I was walking minimum 12000 steps a day and would love nothing more than to just walk loads I live in very quiet place but I'm sticking to the rules and husband also being really protective
Going to start pregnancy yoga off YouTube but I really love walking

I'm 30+2 & they are talking about inducing me at 36 weeks, (will find out for sure today after consultant telephone appointment) so I worry that not a lot would of changed in 6 weeks and it won't be the experience I always thought 😞 I understand why of course, I just hope things get better for everyone x

@AmyMaria2 positive thoughts a lot can also happen in 6 weeks this initial lockdown is for 3 weeks

I'm desperate for a natural hypnobirthing water birth but fears keep creeping in from family history and the dark cloud above our heads re dads having to leave us it's all so shit

Speaking of birthing pools, do u think it will be less hygienic now? I mean that's even if a birthing pool is available, but I was leaning more towards this

Hello Lovely Ladies
Whilst this is all mental Im not letting it in. Since becoming pregnant Ive developed an ability to let the small and big stuff bounce off me. I don't know how but Im liking the new me.
Ive had 4 separate apts in the last 6 days due to Bambino moving less and I felt great yesterday until last night when getting up from sitting I developed horrible groin pain. Right in the crease between the leg and the promised land. Is this a thing? And if so is there something we can do as Its making walking quite hard.
Also have had leaky nips
And think I have piles but 100% sure what to look for. Can't look it up as I only have a work phone. Imagine IT getting that search history.
Had a melt down today trying to work from home and the wifi wouldn't connect so I sat in front of the telly and cried. Poor DH was all worried.
Sleeping... an old friend now.

@Rinoa personally I don't think this virus would stop us having a water birth or that's what I'm telling myself anyway

@RPPs yes I have had that exact same groin pain. I asked midwife about it and she said it won’t necessarily get worse but I needed to be much more mindful of how I stand, sit, get up and down etc. I haven’t had it for ages, partly because of pelvic issues I got strict with myself about not lifting ANYTHING (especially not 3 year old dd) and it has helped soooo much. Getting in the car you’re supposed to sit down sideways then swivel your legs in rather than step in with one leg. Also use hands more to pull yourself up etc. I find it frustrating to not just get on with things as usual but you’ve got to listen to your body!

Also re the Corona virus and how it’s changed everything....

I’d say absolutely allow yourself to be disappointed that this isn’t turning out to be how you imagined, but after that you kind of have to accept it and make the best of things. Don’t hold onto the frustration - it won’t do any good! Ride this crazy wave, it’s the only thing we can do!

Reading RCOG guidelines they're only saying no waterbirths for women who are positive with the virus when they are in labour as fecal matter spreads the disease too.

I'm trying not to think too much about the situation and will start panicking around 37 weeks if the rules have t changed. Until then going to stick my fingers in my ears and shout la la la and pretend it's not happening

There's a thread called giving birth alone. Found some links on There that helpful people left to show the latest on allowing birthing partners etc. Might be helpful for some!

@AmyMaria2 if you don't mind me asking how come they are inducing you at 36weeks? X

Thank you @Magpiefeather. Its always so reasurring to hear someone else has had the same thing. It just helps to put the worry in the bin, accept that its part of this amazing experience and get on with it.

Is everyone going to applaud the NHS at 8pm? I bet it will make me cry, seeing everyone coming together to be so thankful.

Hi all, been offline for a couple of days as going square eyed spending hours each day on my laptop emailing parents, setting work and feeding back to the kids!! Is anyone else finding they are starting to get swollen feet/ankles if they sit too long? Any tips on how to reduce it? I'm going to look like an elephant before long!!

Also for those worrying about the corona virus affecting the birth experience, I know it's still a while away from us and how much things could change by then, but my hospital has just updated guidelines and maternity wards are still allowed a visitor at the moment! 🤞🤞

@BabyBird20 I have been getting swollen ankles and feet all I have done is make sure I raise them up! Make sure sure you have a foot rest at your desk maybe if you can?
I have also been suffering from swollen hands last could of days weirdly but that could be from making flat pack furniture.

Really hoping we have a bit of normality back by June, but if we don't, I just hope we can all stay healthy and have a positive birth experience even with changes in place. Hopefully this will all be a very 'interesting' story to tell our children one day.

I'm generally managing to stay hopeful, but occasionally find myself feeling sad that I don't get to experience aqua natal or browse the baby shops, all the things I was so looking forward to. But in the grand scheme of things I know it doesn't matter.

Hope you're all keeping well.

My hospital announced today no visitors on antenatal or postnatal ward, partner allowed for birth. One parent at a time in neonatal unit. I'm hoping even harder I stay well this time - I had a 2 week admission with DS. I am preparing myself for the possibility of giving birth alone - even if the hospital allow birth partners, we're stuck for childcare.

Piles! I've had them since Christmas. I've found boots own brand ointment and anusol suppositories the best, both absolutely fine to use.

My feet and ankles have been slightly swollen the last few days. Making me slightly nervous due to my history of pre-eclampsia, even though it can be perfectly normal at this stage anyway.

28+1

@MissisBee shit isn't it !

@BabyBird20 that's good but be prepared for it to change mine announced on Monday no visitors but birthing partner fine today they have announced birthing partner has to leave straight after birth can't even come on maternity ward I'm just waiting for the next announcement of no birth partner

I do think it will be much better by June but feel heart broken for all the pregnant women and dads that are going through it now x

My hospital announced today that your birthing partner can be with you only during the birth. Not in antenatal nor postnatal. If you’re having an elective c-section they have to drop you off at the door and then can’t come in until your in the operating room, then they can stay for a little while in recovery but when you’re back on the postnatal ward, they have to go home. Same if you’re being induced, you have to go through the whole induction process by yourself and then your partner can only be with you when your actually giving birth.
I get why they have to be so strict but it really fucking sucks and people’s mental health will seriously suffer.