Dec19/Jan20 IVF Graduates - Thread 2

[Chooklass]

New thread for us all to keep in touch. Think we're all nearing the end of the first trimester or dipping our toes into the second ... how far we've come since the days of agonising over stims!

Link to old thread:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/birth_clubs/3812203-Dec19-Jan20-IVF-Graduates

My gestational diabetes check is 28 weeks with my growth scan but they did say they weren't sure how they'd do it depending on where we were with coronavirus- it's normally a drink isn't it but I think they were doing one off bloods when I was there for 20 weeks. They said they'd get in touch - I should probably chase it! Will ask my midwife at 25 weeks.

I'm going against the flow here. Also using Palmers but really don't like the chocolate smell on my skin 🤮. Even their 'unscented' version still smells of it. I keep using it regardless for its benefits on my boobs and tummy but treated myself to a lovely cherry blossom moisturiser from Rituals to go with it and mask the smell 😝

I got bit headphones that can be turned flat and put some music for the babe:) 25w today and he should hear it well now! DH felt him kicking the other day without having his hand on the belly when we were cuddled up ❤️💙

I've also been told 28 weeks for the gestational diabetes check which is my next (alleged!!) midwife appointment.

And also on the bio oil, which I really like but its pricey isn't it, so may check out the Palmers.

Had a little look for local groups on Facebook last night and got sucked into a gumtree shopping hole 😂 Now in negotiations on a second hand nearly new digital breast pump and pack with someone in my borough!!

Anyone else worried about the heat this week? I used to love it but 🥵....

@Wimbledon1 I just saw the forecast... I hated heat before pregnancy, hate it even more now!

Ordered some Palmers. Been doing nothing to bump at all but as baby apparently doubles in weight over the next 4 weeks I thought I better start!

We ordered our nursery furniture yesterday and chose our pram and car seat. Then spent all night desperately tracking movements in case we had tempted fate! Anxiety still there...

Morning!
@Wimbledon1 we spent so much time outdoors this weekend, I mostly stayed in the shade, it was really nice. We met my sister's family after 3months of not seeing each other, needed that like a piece of bread after starving for days. The kids were so happy to see us and bump, they were adorable. :)

I am also using Bio oil, no stretch marks so far, but assume they come later on. According to my app it's all down to genetics and we can use the most expensive products it will not stop them that was a bit disheartening...

@Viletta be careful with the headphones as the leaflet I was given by the ward warns against putting them on the belly directly, as it can be too loud for the baby.

My DH also felt movements, he was so happy, it was a real Hollywood cheesy moment, he's been waiting to feel him for so long and got so emotional. :)

@October2020 I am the same, have a GTT scheduled on the same day as my growth scan at 28weeks. Yes, it is a test when you go in with an empty stomach and they check your blood, then you drink a glucose mix, they check your blood again to see how your body processed sugar. I was told they only do this if you have a close relative with diabetes and my dad has got it.

@Wimbledon1 do you have a history of diabetes in the family or are they checking you anyway?
I have always had issues with blood sugar (fainting when I haven't had enough to eat, headaches etc) so I was hoping to get one. I have my 25 week appointment today so will ask!

I normally love the heat! I still do but I have found my happy temperature range is much smaller! If it is under 22c I am cold and over 25c I am too hot 😂. I don't usually ever wear shorts so I have definitely been overdressing this year so far, I think Wednesday might be the day I have to break out the shorts/dress. 😬

I have been getting terrible lower back pain the last few days, I am not sure whether it is better to take it easy or if I need to be more active to help it 🤷‍♀️

@Lily999 have you been told it definitely is a drink test? The consultant told me they would wait and see depending on where we were with covid at the time. Might just be a blood test that looks back over the last few months or something. I need to chase it up as it is getting closer.

@october2020 yes, I have a booking that says GTT and already was sent out the letter with a leaflet telling me not to eat or drink from midnight and it gives me all details of the procedure. Sounds like a good idea to chase them up to make sure you know what to expect.

@October2020 a friend had one last week and said it was the drink and wait for 2 hours although i imagine this varies from trust by trust. This was a London trust.

@Lily999 my husband has managed to feel baby movements now too, freaked him out a little first time now he is always coming up to me asking to feel the baby . Lucy we are both home almost 24/7 so he is around for these milestones. It’s just so lovely.

@Lily999 good to know about the headphones! Eek. I noticed he moves if I sing, I try the same song to then see if it'll sooth him after he's out. He kicks if dog barks near him loudly.

@FlapJackered I can't remember if you have anterior placenta? I do, and was told I'd be more likely to suffer back pain (which I have!). I've found movement better than sitting about, though it takes a few days to notice benefit. Sitting on a big bouncy ball is great as it mobilises and strengthens your back and core muscles while you feel like you're just sitting! I love mine!

Hi everyone,

Just been catching up! Had the second part of my 20 week scan today and all was well, Bump was still fairly uncooperative but they got all the shots they needed. Pretty crap pics unfortunately so DH just has what I say to go on 🤷🏻‍♀️

I’m with @QuantumGirl I hate the Palmer’s one, that sickly cocoa smell is just not for me! I bought a huge one with DS and used it once! Bio oil all the way! I didn’t get any stretch marks from DS but I was a lot more diligent putting it on every night!

I was told by the consultant that I wouldn’t be let to go overdue and they would likely induce me if I was going that way. I’m sure I said before, I don’t want to be induced but if it is in mine and the baby’s best interest then I will just go with what they suggest.

Interestingly I saw someone on another thread asking about delivering the placenta and having the injection or not! I totally forgot that was even a thing so I decided to dig out my birth plan. It was funny to read through it and see how much I did and didn’t do as I had wanted and expected 🤣 I’m happy to share if you guys are interested?

@DobbieFreeElf please do share! I'd love to know 😃

Birth Plan
Before our baby’s birth

I am planning a vaginal hospital birth without intervention or caesarean section however if it is mine and/or the baby’s best interest to intervene then I want to do what is best for us.

During our baby’s birth

1st Stage

I would like to remain at home for as long as I feel comfortable and safe.

I want DH to be with me as much as possible.

I don’t want anyone other than DH and medical professionals, who need to be informed, to be told that I have gone into labor!

I want to make sure that someone is able to come in and look after the dog!

In Hospital

I would like DH to be present at all times (unless he needs to go somewhere). he was there in person but he watched an entire series of Narcos on his iPhone

I would like to be in water as much as possible if I like it.

I would like to remain as active as possible, finding the best positions for myself and changing these as I wish. I’m open to the recommendations of the midwives/ doctors!

I would like to distract myself with movies/ books if possible. yeah right

I would like monitoring of the baby to be as close as needed to detect any issues early.

I would like any proposed intervention e.g. breaking waters, acceleration, ventouse, to be explained and discussed first, and ideally to be kept to a minimum.

Pain Relief

I would like to use the water birth pool as much as possible/ as long as it’s safe to do so. had to get out in the end because DS got a bit stuck

I would like to keep pain relief drugs to a minimum, relying on bathing in water, massage, moving as I feel necessary, breathing and mind over matter.

I am willing to try Gas & Air. so awesome!

I would like to avoid Pethidine or an epidural unless it is advisable. Where it has been advised that I do use one of these I would like my husband to make the decision keeping mine and the baby's best interests’ in mind. after 3 days of contractions I was so flipping exhausted I had 3 rounds of pethadine which was the only thing that could give me a little rest

Advice will be welcome and I am open to considering other pain relief options if necessary.

I want to be updated on progress as it happens.

2nd Stage

I would like to find my own comfortable position for pushing however I am open to suggestions from the midwife to the best position to speed up delivery/ keep pain to a minimum.

I will appreciate firm advice and guidance throughout, if I’m not listening get DH to sort me out! not that I listen to him normally!

I wish to be updated on progress as it happens.

DH is in charge of taking photos if he thinks appropriate.

I do not wish to have an episiotomy unless vital and DH and I agree. well that went to shit as I had an episiotomy and forceps delivery!

I wish to hold my baby straight away.

I would like DH to tell me the sex of the baby. honestly can’t remember if this happened

I wish the cord to remain attached until it stops pulsating.

Ollie would like to cut the cord

I wish the baby to suckle to encourage 3rd Stage.

3rd Stage

I wish to deliver the placenta physiologically. didn’t even remember that this was a thing

If there are signs of haemorrhage then I will have IV ergometrine as necessary. DH tells me I had the injection but I honestly was so high on gas and air I haven’t got a clue!

We would like to hold our baby immediately

We would like our baby to stay with one of us at all times

We would like to be consulted if our baby needs to go to special care

I wish to breast feed as soon as possible

We do consent to Vitamin K injection

Tears

I hope to avoid this and will appreciate support to adopt positions to minimise tears. If one occurs I prefer to be stitched nice and tight! DH added this 🤣

If stitching is necessary I will decide if I want a local anaesthetic to be administered prior to stitching. By that stage I might not care! obviously I know myself well! I didn’t care and haven’t got a clue how it happened!

Emergencies

DH and I will discuss all eventualities as they arise. DH can make any decision on my behalf with both the baby and my best interests at heart.

Please share any concerns with us as soon as they arise. It will help us to know the answers to these questions:

1. What is wrong?
2. What do you suggest and why?
3. What would be the possible outcomes with and without this intervention?
4. How much time do we have to make a decision?
5. Are there any other courses of action open to us.

We will be guided by balanced, informative advice.

We want a healthy baby and mother and will take all necessary steps to achieve this.

In the event that assisted delivery is necessary I don’t have a preference between ventouse to forceps, whatever will be best for me and my baby. had forceps in the end

I would only like to have a caesarean section when it is necessary for the health of me and my baby.

In the post-natal ward

I intend to breastfeed as soon as possible on demand.

I would like our baby with me at all times unless I request otherwise

I would like to be present when our baby has a nappy change or bath DH did this I think! I was still pretty out of it!

I would like to be consulted as to when I should be discharged from hospital i was only there 6 hours after birth

I will decide if I want anyone to visit/ be informed about the birth.

I do not want the birth of my baby announced on Facebook! did not and still don’t like social media 😊

I’ve added in some after thoughts in italics!

As it was, I started having contractions on Wednesday, DS arrived at 8 am saturday (also DH’s birthday, saves getting him a present!) and I was home by Saturday afternoon... everything in between was a blur!

Oh my gosh @DobbieFreeElf this is amazing. I will have to read this properly with my notebook to hand. Must admit I have been puzzled by the idea of 'writing a plan' as my plan is water birth at the hospital and I didn't think I had much to add. 😂 This will help a lot! Also very pleased to hear the second scan went well and all is fine. So nice to see them again!

Re gestational diabetes - nope no history but it's in the hospital pathway plan I was given too, for 28 weeks. I think for all mums at mine they test urine and then if sugar count seems high then they do that drink thing. Once again seems a lottery of where you live about whether you get this...

Think I mentioned I'd not ordered anything really yet (same pre-empting fate reasons as your fear @October2020 - will it ever leave?!) but DH persuaded me to let him buy an activity mat that was in the John Lewis sale. When it arrived today I heard him unpack it while I was washing up, and then he appeared in the kitchen saying "do you like If's (baby nickname) outfits?" And he'd bought some newborn outfits for coming home etc. I was very brave and didn't cry but inside I was 😭. So cute! Have had confirmation that my consultant appointment is in person tomorrow which is good news and hopefully I'll feel a bit reassured after that (who am I kidding!!) Will report back on the induction conversation!

@FlapJackered how was your appointment? And @Lily999 did you have one too?

So glad everyone's DH can feel the kicks now; it's lovely isn't it 😊

@Wimbledon1 that is so lovely your DH is so excited. 😍 My DH is the one holding me back until our 'V' day!
Midwife appointment went really well thanks!she measured my bump which is spot on apparently (which is reassuring as I thought it might be too big 😬) and she found where he was and I got to listen to the heartbeat which was so lovely! ❤️

@DobbieFreeElf that is massively helpful! Thanks so much! Did you give the hospital just the hospital bit when you went in, or the whole plan?
That's great they managed to complete the scan, my 20 week pics were rubbish too.

@Chooklass yes I do have an anterior placenta, that's really interesting that it makes a difference. I have done some Pilates tonight and feel much better so I think you're right about the movement. I am going to order a ball now! Thanks for the tip!

@DobbieFreeElf thank you for sharing the plan! Very structured and on point. I will need to order the ball as well for my back, also anterior placenta! I often have issues with my back that's one of the reasons I don't want epidural.

@FlapJackered that who plan just got printed out and goes in your folder (ours are purple in West Sussex 🙂)

In other news this little one was born a couple of nights ago... that’s one way to get used to sleepless nights again! Puppy plus newborn... why but just add to the crazy 🤷🏻‍♀️🤣

Thanks for the plan @DobbieFreeElf - so useful to see the kinds of things we should be thinking about.

Thanks even more for the puppy photo though!!! 🥰 Looking forward to more puppy pics!!!

@DobbieFreeElf awwww they are so cute!

@DobbieFreeElf they are absolutely adorable!!! And thanks so much for sharing the birth plan. I keep thinking how much can there be to include - I see now that I have a lot to think about and learn!

For anyone looking at big ticket items Mammas & Pappas have a big sale on at the moment. I fall into the camp of wanting to wait and not tempt fate but... £600 off a pram seems too good to let it pass me by!

@justkeeprunning5 I'd go for it, check their return policies just in case if you change your mind. £600 off is huge!

@Viletta I think I will, 5 week delivery time and a 30 day return I believe so will be around 30 weeks by the end of the returns period so should be ok. £600 will go a long way with the other things we need and I wouldn’t go for this model unless it was reduced. Ordering tonight!