36 week scan - what do I do now?

[Coops79]

I'm 36wks +5. Was booked in for a scan today because I had a marginally low lying placenta at 20wks and a small fibroid. I'm planning a home-birth with minimal interference as far as is humanly possible. Firstly, I'm still reeling from having a probe shoved up my lady bits but more seriously it appears that a small part of my placenta is slightly over my cervix. I'm afraid I didn't really listen very hard to what they were saying as I was busy panicking but 3.5 came up (milimetres perhaps?) Anyway, I stupidly told them that I had a consultant appointment booked for next Thursday so they wouldn't offer any guidance then and there as to what this means.

I want to have my baby at home but I'm not going to take stupid risks. My husband has already booked the pool and is going to be furious if he has to cancel it (he was never that keen on the home birth thing anyway) - I know that's not really the point but it's in my head as "another thing to worry about". Mainly I want to know what's happening. My midwives don't appear to want to answer the phone. I just want to know if it would be most sensible to abandon the homebirth thing and just start mentally preparing myself for the Birthing Centre (I can't even begin to contemplate a proper hospital or a Cesarean).

I'm just so angry with my stupid body. I've tried so hard to be healthy and sensible throughout this pregnancy. I used to be a smoker until about 4 years ago, plus I had a termination 8 years ago (I'm sure you're building up a mental picture of the classy sort of bird I once was) and I can't help but think that these problems are a result of my past stupidity.

Any advice/experience/thoughts hugely appreciated.

I'm really glad to hear your positive news, but it must be hard to hear that your plans will definitely need to change .

Have you thought about hypnobirthing and/or a doula? You could request an appointment with the Supervisor of midwives to talk through any concerns you have over hospital birth and try to get official agreement to things that are especially important to you that might be harder to achieve in hospital.

I know lots of people who've had great hospital births. I will be crossing my fingers that you will too .

Thank you so much PestoPenguin I have been listening to the Hypnobirthing CD but I am planning to redouble my efforts now. Yesterday I allowed myself a day of sulking; today is all about seeing the positives and by hook or by crook I WILL enjoy this birth!

Really appreciate your support and advice.
:)

Have you been to look round your hospital? If not going can really help and you might be surprised - mine was all mood lighting and fresh flowers :o

Oooh Pottering you must live somewhere dead posh!! I've been to the antenatal clinic but not to the actual maternity ward. That's a good idea, I will see if I can have a nose. :)