March 2009: Beware of TMI . . . we're getting ready to give birth and there's nothing we won't share.

[MKG]

Ok so I'll start it off.

Has anyone else had a huge increase in discharge? It's gone from clear and not too much to thick and white, and copious amounts.

This may have been done before, not sure, but does anyone have any good tips to help with labour and birth? I'm trying to remember something useful from last time!

Has everyone written a birth plan? I haven't yet.

noodle

gas and air my favourite!!!!

I have reprinted my birth plan from last four times...it doesn't seem to need changing each time I need one...

I'm planning on using a birth pool again and I've been listening to those Natal Hypnotherapy cd's - don't know if it will help at all!

also i like tne tens machine though my dh claims it doesn't work...how would he KNOW..as it is just a placebo. I said that it good enough for me even if that is how it works.

Thanks for your kind words.

I'll try and rest (i'll leave the chocolates thanks. I don't like chocolate. I'll send DH out for a large (family size) packet of crisps)

As for my Birth Plan is as follows:-

Birth Partner - DH

Gas & Air

Petherdine if needed (ask me before giving)

Skin to Skin

Vit K Injection.

Oh yes, must write birth plan. Having the birth talk with the MW next Wednesday, here at home. Will be 36 + 2. Can't believe how close it all is now.

My ribs are hurting? Is this because they are separating or something? Also now getting back pain for the first time, properly, since getting pregnant.

7 more work days to go....

Evening everyone

Went for my 34 week check today, all fine. Head is already well in the pelvis I wasn't expecting that till about 36 weeks plus seeing as its my third pregnancy!

Was rather nice as the Midwife who saw me delivered Dd2 but also a bit as last time she saw me I was in labour and she was peering at my ladygarden stitching me up!!

This baby is incredibly active. I have a foot regularly against my ribs and when I lie on my side at night, there's often a bony bit sticking out!!!

Hope everyone is ok. I must pack my hospital bag I have everything, its just getting everything in the same place!!

As for my birth plan, all I have written is LISTEN. I found with Dd2 I was contracting and no one listened to me or believed me and the monitor didn't pick up the contractions.
The night Midwife decided at handover she was sending me home, yet an hour later I delivered Dd2 with the help of my own midwife as she was doing her one a month Labour ward day!

Waves to spooky a DD being well down already were either of you other DDs early?, at my 36 week check this little fella was head down and sitting at the brim of my pelvis but not engaged, i have a feeling that he my well be engaged now as i cant stop peeing and its an egg cup full if that each time i go, i sure i remember this from when DD2 engaged anyone else rememember this? I have a MW app on wednesday AM so it will be interesting to see if am right.

Twocute Dd1 was on time via induction and Dd2 4 days late! Reflexology set me off with her!

Heh, my birth plan is much the same, it's just got LATEX ALLERGY, WILL LABOUR STANDING, and NO PETHIDINE (I have bad reactions).

I'm not going to bother with a birth plan this time because the last two times, no one has asked me for it anyway - and they were both different hospitals. Doesn't seem much point then! I can tell them at the time as I go, and if I can't (ie out for the count for some reason) then I'm happy to let them do what they need to. If I was to write one it would be, TENS machine, gas and air, epidural if necessary - but get it right this time - and NO PETHEDENE whatsover. Not keen on not being in control. I can't see how the TENS machine is meant to be placebo Kanga? It certainly felt far from placebo when I used it. It worked for me because I was having a backache labour and I found the prickly pain was far better than labour pain. Can't see how your DH thinks that's placebo?

Seeing that latex allergy mentioned made me remember something from breastfeeding from last time and I merely pass it on while I remember. If you use those breast shells (made from some kind of rubber) to collect excess breastmilk and you get a bad rash reaction like I did, can I suggest dousing the area with vinegar (maybe with a little water) IT IS A MIRACLE CURE!!! Mine vanished overnight. I told a midwife at the time and she was amazed and was going to pass it on to others. I can't remember how I found out, but hey, it works.

Sorry, that was all a bit random.

Great to read your posts. So sorry to hear about your dad Lizziemum, good to let it all out when you can. Hopefully this crummy weather will clear up too and we can all get out and about (slowly!) again.
Loved the joke about my nickname! Feeling a bit more chilled about the vein situation, got some marvellous poo-coloured support tights today (only ones I could find!). Are you supposed to wear them at night aswell? Dunno if I could face that! Feels bit better today, just hope I don't get loads on my legs.....
Crumbs haven't done a thing about my bag/birth plan/anything....I remember shouting "no students!" at the birth of dd2 - was a lovely birth, just me, dh and midwife. Perhaps I better write a little few bits down. Found breathing out really hard and fiercely like a dragon really helped during contractions. And no end of weird crazy noises, eek!
eing summoned to watch "Whitechapel", prob be on again at 4a.m my favourite insomnia time agh! xx

Good point about students. I always always always get students - whether it's MW appts or labour, there are always students. Maybe the think I'm the tolerant type. They wouldn't say that if they saw me making dinner with my toddler screaming for food and me trying to get my eldest to do her homework......

Hi all,

I've not started my birth plan, and haven't thought that much about it, but I would say a TENS machine is a must. It certainly worked for me with DD, I lasted 14 hours at home before deciding I needed more pain relief at hospital. I really didn't want to take it off when the MW suggested having a bath, but the bath did help so am glad I did. In fact the bath (plus gas and air)helped enough for me think that I would like a water birth this time.

I've not done any classes this time so can't remember all the info about pain relief etc. Is is it true that people who've had an epidural are more likely to have a forceps or suction delivery?

Someone mentioned sore ribs - I got to 36 weeks with dd and was told my stomach muscles had 'unzipped' from tummy button upwards which was why I was getting uncomfortable. Apparently it happens to 1 in 3 women. I was given exercises after the birth by a physio and the muscles moved back again.

Hi all

Hope everyone is feeling a little better today and that the snow has melted for you!
No snow at all in South Lancs at the moment.

My only complaint (other than the SPD and diabetes) at the mo is terrible piles....they are getting worse every week...started with 1 and am now up to about 5...I really hope they go away when LO is out.

Am 37 weeks today - hooray! Am now trying to use a bit of mind over matter to psych myself into labour - I'll let you know if it works.

My birth plan is on 1 1/2 pages of A4 and my MW nearly wet herself laughing when she read the bit I had put about wanting to achieve an intact perineum....I told her my plan was based on best case scenario. Have another MW appointment today (with a different MW) so am prepared for more of the same reaction.

Lollipopz - many happy returns for your birthday on Sunday - it was mine too - and I am still in disbelief that I am now 33

Have been googling myself and it seems like my nightly nausea is indisgestion.

Which is a bit lame. Will pop out for some gaviscon later and see if that helps - it's pretty unpleasant though, despite not being ready (no birth plan bags packed or room ready for baby girl!) I too would quite like to just give birth now please and get it over with!

4 days left at work. Huzzah!

Sorry to hear there's a lot of pain/sadness on the thread. Lizzie - you've been through so much and with hormones on top its no real surprise you feel like that. Tajke care of yourself.

I've had a morning packing bags and writing birth plans as I had to sit in and wait for a plumber (who I think connedme anyway but that's another story) and dd has a playdate after nursery so I am using the time to get organised (although it is already 1pm and I have only done the bare minimum but bags are packed and birth plan written).

Hopingcat - an epidural can slow down labour hence why forceps/suction can be more likely. How are you getting on with the growth of your baby (it was you who was having possible issues wasn't it ?).

I too have sore ribs and also a sore spot down low on the right hand side. I think someone keeps jabbing their head (or something else) there. Have 36 week scan on friday which I think will be my last one as long as its all fine.

Hi all gold mother happy birthday to you to! Embarrassed to admit that that is me 26 and ready to have number 4! Still really looking forward to it, not got a birth plan they don't seem to bother with them up here though i do always manage to get my own way ! Night sickness here too and runny number 2s sorry tmi! think i am gonna give up on dinner soon x

Morning all. Well afternoon really. Sorry to hear of everyones woes. My dad was taken into hospital yesterday but nothing serious thank god. Had to rush up there in taxi cos couldn't get car up the hill from my house.

Packing hospital bag as we speak- sort of. DS 'helping' by refusing to let me pack mat pads and choosing instead to build towers out of them and throw them arourd the living room!

Have made some notes about birth plan but not written it yet. 37 weeks on saturday so getting there slowly!

Had a good day yesterday with my sister, and have spent this morning doing the big weekly shop, so feeling quite positive today. And I am off to the midwife this afternoon for my 36 week appointment.

Still have piles - well technically it is one pile that is absolutely massive but it doesn't hurt or itch so not been worrying - just hoping it goes down later. And the ribs continue to ache, but I think I am getting used to it.

Law hope the gaviscon clears the nausea.

Haven't started on the birth plan yet, although I may get on with it after todays appointment. Probably won't say much though, as I am relatively happy to go with the flow.

Does anyone with a reasonably detailed birth plan want to post it here so I can get some inspiration?

I have a feeling I am going to go before my due date, despite being my first. Just got that feeling. (You watch - will get to 42 weeks now and be induced - bah).

Boobz, try the NHS choices site for some ideas:

www.nhs.uk/Planners/pregnancycareplanner/Pages/BirthPlan.aspx

It will at least give you some ideas as to what you DON'T want

I'm 36w today and feeling pretty cheerful - only 1 week to go til term! Though my bump is getting more and more firm so Lord only knows where this LO will grow into next

Boobz- here's what I've written although mine is fairly specific in parts as I am trying to avoid too much intervention. But some of it is applicable to all births.

BIRTH PLAN ? VBAC

I am hoping to have a vaginal birth following a caesarean section in 2005 for a failed early induction at 37 weeks due to IUGR/ possible pre-eclampsia.

I consider my best chance of achieving this is to have as natural and active a birth as possible and would like to be supported in this as circumstances allow. My ideal would be to labour in a birthing pool.

? I understand increased monitoring will be required but do not want to be continuously monitored unless there is a real risk to the health of my baby.
? I would prefer to be intermittently monitored using a sonic aid.
? If a belt monitor is used intermittently I would like support to remain as active and as upright as possible.
? I do not want a cannula or epidural in place ?just in case? as I feel these will impede the progression of labour.
? I am aware of the pain relief options and I will ask if I require it.

Second Stage

? I would like to feel ready to push
? I would like the opportunity to be able to push before ventouse/forceps are considered.

Third Stage

? I am happy to have syntometrine

After the birth

? We would like to discover the sex of the baby ourselves
? I would like to hold my baby as soon as s/he is born with skin to skin contact
? I intend to breastfeed so would like to attempt this before formula is given
? I wish my baby to be given an injection of vitamin K

and have written the following in case of -csec

BIRTH PLAN IN THE EVENT OF CAESAREAN SECTION

Assuming time and circumstance allows the following I would like:

? The option of the screen being lowered to see the baby being born
? To hold the baby immediately with skin to skin if possible
? To find out the sex of the baby ourselves
? The baby to stay with me as much as possible

In the event of the baby needing to go to SCBU, I would like:

? For DH to stay with the baby

I intend to breastfeed so I would like this to be attempted before any formula is provided.

Thanks Wheely, and Laurie. Lots of good stuff in there. Will write mine next Weds I hope, after I have finished working. Will also pack hospital bag then!

A