Due in May 2005 part 7 - the one where we drop (hopefully)

[fisil]

Here it is ladies. Shall we start with a roll call like the efficient ladies over on April 2005?

I don't think it's a good idea to let yourself go to 43 weeks. This is perhaps your choice and none of my business. Sorry for opening my mouth if that's the case. But I remember reading when I was two weeks over that 42 weeks is when the placenta can start to deteriorate. And I was mighty freaked out about this possibility. I think if a woman gets to 42 weeks it's time to scan and see if there is a reason why. It could be that baby's head is too big to engage or it could be that bab is wrapped up (litereally suspended up at the top of the uterous) and that is why your body isn't goin into labour.

Sorry sorry sorry if I'm worrying you needlessly. But I would rather say something to you than have you go on to have a bad experience without any warning.

My DD (now 2) was very wrapped up in the cord. Hence she never deconded and I never went into labour. At 42 weeks, I saw the consultant and pleaded to be induced as soon as possible. Never did anyone suggest to me that I hadn't gone into labour because she had the cord twice around her neck. I have since talked to some people who were advised when baby didn't engage that it could be the cord and they were advised to have a caesarean (which I too ended up with in the end). But, I tell ya, I no longer listen to midwives when they say oh don't worry overdue is fine.

I really am sorry if I've gone on with too much information. But, I wish someone had told me all this when my due date came and went. DD is just fine, but I wonder what would have happened if I had gone into labour and the cord had strangled her before the hospital knew she was in distress. Then who would have said "oh don't worry about that". I never trust someone who tells me not to worry but can't tell me why. "hmmm I don't know, but don't worry about that" are word that tend get just wee little rise out of me.

By the way, I asked the midwife after the birth why no one scanned for the location of the cord and she told me that you can't see the cord on a scan anyway. So when I went to Queen Charlotte for my scan a week and a half ago, I sked all kinds of questions, including if we could see the cord location. Then I told her wh y I asked. She showed me the entire cord from placenta to baby's belly. It was very clear. So that midwife either genuinely needs to learn just what one can or can't see on a scan or she flat out lied to me. Either case is in my view inexcusable.

It's funny how having a second baby brings back all of the trauma of the first one's arrival.

I should just be thankful that all turned out well. But, I must admit I'm still a bit ticked off that no one warned me of the events to come in my labour. I feel it is there job to know these things and my right to be informed.

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Hi myermay. No white spots for me. Are they spots or bumps? I know that when baby gets white little bumps a few days after birth it is to do with the mums hormones that are still in her/his body.

Otherwise I think I'd ring midwife/GP/consultant just to be sure.

thanks for sharing your stories ladies. I have now decided that I will opt for an induction if I do go more than a week over. Didn't realise how dangerous it could be, I was reassured by my midwife that the baby would be safe up to 43 weeks.
Really wanted to avoid induction after sharing a ward with 2 women who were induced (I was there due to morning sickness). Both of them said it was far more painful than having their first babies and wished they had waited longer rather than being induced.
One of the women went from being 4cm dialated to having the baby half hour later. She had no time for painrelief and they didnt even manage to get her to the labour ward, she delivered on the antenatal ward with a room full of visitors and other patients. She was convinced that she wouldn't have given birth so fast if it wasn't for the induction.

Brighteyes - I'd start a thread asking for pupuce's or mears' views about going over due date if you're very worried.

Hi Brighteyes,

I was induced at 39+4 as my membranes had ruptured the day before. It was very painful at first, but after about 4 hours I had a super dooper epidural , which was marvellous. The only downside is that I only had one dose, so they let the epidural wear off, and I felt the full pain of birth, but I guess, at least I had a break inbetween (and have been assured they don't have the policy of letting the wear off now - great ). Anyway, yes, it is more intense, and I am hoping to go more naturally this time, but we never know what we're going to get. Good luck hon.

hi ladies. have been awol for some time (hence not featuring on the due list i guess - 20/5/05). congratulations to those who've already had their babies, and lots of sympathy for those who are waiting impatiently - me too! shouldn't complain really - have had a straightforward pregnancy, but fluid retention and poor sleep have been a pain the last couple of weeks. had 3 sessions of reflexology and lots of raspberry leaf tea, but so far to no avail. i'm a first timer and am getting quite nervous about labour and the birth - especially as one of my nct girls had a nightmare experience last week.

white spots - yes, me too, more like small areas of skin with no colour rather than spots as such. appeared around same time as fluid retention, so may be linked?

thrilled to hear about cab's weight loss, as i'm close to a 3 stone gain now. had been doing really well and thought i was on course for just over 2 stone, but the last few weeks i've really piled it on. hoping part of it may be fluid...

Oh, BTW, I'm still waiting to labour to start after this mornings exciting 'show'. DH has threatened to come home and wants to help by us having sex (as appar. 'semen' is an even better version of the gel they use to induce you). He said he'd be doing it for me. mmm. not convinced.

btw, uwila, you're in kingston aren't you? do you know anyone who opted into the malden suite (the midwife-led unit) rather than going to the main delivery suite? not sure whether i'm being brave or stupid (both?) but that's where i've decided to go...

Hi Uwila
Don't usually post on this topic as my last princess will be all of 4 tomorrow and I don't intend adding to my little brood. Just wanted to wish you all the best for Thursday and hope that all goes well. No doubt someone will let us know how things went.

Take care
Mishmash

Hi all,

Brighteyes, I didnt think that induction was that bad, I had one with no 4 and my labour was by far the quickest (well for me anyway) only 8 hrs so for the last 6 weeks Ive been begging the consultant to give me an induction, she finally agreed last week and I go in tomorow, 1 day over.And also if it does get to intense epidurals are bloody wonderful!!!

Francesca Charlotte has arrived!
She finally put in an appearance at 4pm today after an incredibly short 1 hr 48 minute labour which was full of trauma + complications including a meconium birth and the cord wrapped around her neck twice. Nevertheless, I got my waterbirth with no other pain relief apart from their entire stock of entonox. I also got a second degree tear that they got a doctor to stitch up because she was 8 lbs 11 1/2 oz! Not so fun. But overall, my daughter is beautiful and healthy (and huge) and I feel fantastic! I'll put the full story on the Birth Announcement topic tomorrow...

Congratulations Logic and welcome to Francesca Charlotte

I hope I have such a quick labour {if little man decides to put in an appearance ...)

Congratulations Logic - lovely names. Wow what a short but traumatic labour - hope you and your new dd are recovering ok. xxxx

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Congratulations Logic. I guesss all those on and off contractions were doing some of the work.

Welcome little Francesca. What a lovely name.

PS Ouch! Hope you recover quickly.

Thanks! Apparently, all those early contractions happened because she was turned the wrong way. She is feeding brilliantly anyway. This one handed typing is tricky.

Congraulations logic

Sorry to hear about the trauma but so glad everything is okay with you and lovely Francesca x

So pleased for you Logic, and welcome little Francesca (beautiful name). Well done!!

I too am starting to make progress. Been awake since 1.30am, contractions started. Went in at 6am, but sent home at 7am, as only 1 1/2 centimetres, and contractions are 10 mins apart.

Now they are 8 minutes, and I just want them to get stronger so my little lady can arrive.

Good luck Preggars!!! Look forward to hearing your news

Oooooh it is getting exciting here now Please can i just reassure anyone worried about a second birth after a traumatic first birth (because i was top of the list) that it is so much easier second time around. I was actually amazed how smoothly everything went, I would nearly go as far as to say it was a lovely experience and I would have another one tomorrow. Oh, I have never had a BH, with ds or dd, so no not everyone gets them.
I think a meet up at the end of the summer would be a great idea, how about September? It would be lovely to see all the may babies together, and put faces to the people who know our most intimate details and shared the last 9months

well done logic, what a short labour! hope all is ok and you are enjoying your lovely new arrival!

i am now the latest person in the "late club"! i want a baby too!