38+5 with DC3 - completely unfounded fear of stillbirth. Why am I so paranoid this time?

[monkey32]

So I am currently 38+5 with DC3 and everything is as should be. Lots of movement and I have a doppler so listen in to the baby's heartbeat all the time.

Both my other DC were born on their due date (!) after spontaneous labour and no problems at all.

For some strange reason this time round I am terrified of stillbirth and have no idea why. Perhaps it's because they still can't explain a lot of stillbirths or perhaps because I feel I've been so lucky with my other births, who knows. I just wish I could enjoy the last few weeks of my last pregnancy rather than feeling nervous all the time. And god help me if I go overdue as I've read that stillbirth is more common after 40 weeks.

Anyone else also have/had this irrational fear??

Hi

Could it be on your mind because of the high profile celebrities that have sadly lost babies recently? Its been on my mind this time around and I dont remember worrying last time. I hope you can peacefully enjoy the last few days of your pregnancy. You are getting the movements, hearing the heartbeat, theres nothing else you can do, please try to relax!

You would have a higher risk after 42 weeks, not much if any higher after 40 weeks. All you can do is keep an eye on kicks, if you notice a significant reduction get checked out at the hospital. Don't rely on possibly false reassurance of a home doppler. Hopefully your little bundle will be with you soon then you can find something else to worry about like where to fit in enough sleep !

hi
you are due on the same day as me and this will be DC3 for me too!
I know what you mean about the irrational fear and worrying, for me its about worrying that the baby will be ok, that something will happen during labour (2 prev inductions but otherwise normal deliveries) as well as thinking that something might go wrong in these last few days/weeks.

maybe its having a 3rd child and thinking that the previous good luck in having healthy children will run out!
I have been listening to natal hypnotherapy CD to try to de-stress which I think has helped a bit, but its trickyto get the time to listen to it with 2 pre-schoolers to look after too!!

Hi mummysleepy

I am so pleased I'm not the only one! How funny we are due with DC3 on the same day. I'm sure everything will go smoothly for us both and before long we'll be cuddling our gorgeous little snuffly things (and wondering what we were complaining about before as we get up for the 5th time in the night...)

Having the other two DC to look after is a help and a hindrance - excellent distraction but jolly hard work don't you think?!

I actually had a MW appointment this morning who reassured me it was all completely normal to feel more anxious the more children you have - the old pushing your luck thing...

Anyway, thanks everyone who posted - it's always reassuring hearing from other MNers!

I had a dreadful time with DC3 just recently too. He was my longest pregnancy before my ELCS at 38+2, and I fretted constantly.

I think a lot of the problem comes from when you know they would be fine outside the womb but they're still inside. So you want them out as there cannot be anything worse than losing a baby that would have been fine if they'd been delivered earlier. Also the more pregnancies you have, the more you learn about them and therefore what could go wrong - it's easier to be naive first time out!

This kind of anxiety is really normal - many women on my due date board are currently going through it. It's not easy though and I'm glad that part is over. Now to go check mine is still breathing

Sparklies - I think you've hit the nail on the head there. The baby would be 100% fine and dandy on the outside now whereas you never know what might go on in the womb. Thank you for crystallising my fears! And you're so right that all the paranoia increases the more pregnancies you have - oh for the blissful ignorance of first time around! So, thank you for your words of wisdom and I really hope you are having a lovely time with your new addition.