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Childbirth

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Original poster

Any advice, please? Trickling waters since 1am and hoping for a hb.

24 replies

SpaghettiBologneighs · 02/03/2013 05:16

I'm 40+2 and since about 1am my waters have been trickling (definitely waters as they have a pink tinge). I haven't called in yet as I'm hoping for a homebirth, haven't had any proper contractions yet and stupidly didn't check out their policy beforehand.

I really don't want to be induced, and I'd really like to stay at home (bad hospital experience with DC1). Any advice appreciated!

One thing I am very pleased about is that my waters going with DC1 was game over for my nice MLU birth plan as I had meconium staining so it was straight to the CLU with me. Pink-tinged is perfect - as long as he's not too much longer! :)

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ZuleikaD · 02/03/2013 06:34

How are you getting on? If your midwife knows you're having a homebirth then hopefully you've called her now!

squidkid · 02/03/2013 08:04

You don't have to accept induction but there is a risk of infection if your waters go and the baby doesn't come for a while.

I had this situation, waters went at 40+3, hoping for a home birth. I had mild contractions from the beginning though. I called the hospital and went in - they took some swabs and half an hour of monitoring and said I'd have to come back in 24 hours for induction. I said I was hoping for a home birth and they were extremely nice, the midwife went and spoke to the registrar who was happy to give it 48 hours instead. (I had no other issues with my pregnancy.) In fact the midwife said the ward was due to be very busy the next day so I'd have probably had to hang around waiting for a bed for ages anyway!

As it was I went home and had the baby by the next morning, at home. Not having the induction appointment hanging over my head through the night was probably quite helpful.

Anyway I hope that story is encouraging! I would call them and just be upfront about what your plans are. They will probably want to do swabs (they couldn't do these at home for me for some reason). They were nice and friendly and flexible with me.

CrackleMauve · 02/03/2013 08:38

Policy at my hospital is 48 hours, mine went first and I was hoping to use my midwife led unit and they very happily sent me home after a quick check. They provided me with a bunch of disposable thermometers to keep an eye on my temperature at home. Contractions started within a few hours and baby arrived within 24 hours so all fine.

Do call the hospital, but I hope those contractions have started now.

Original poster
SpaghettiBologneighs · 02/03/2013 09:13

Hello all, that's for the replies - I haven't called them yet because I managed to go back to sleep and my rather lovely DH has only just woken me up. Now we just have to decide whether to risk him going into work today (about 30 mins on the train but unfortunately one of those jobs where if he doesn't go, he doesn't get paid!) as I'm not having any contractions. Won't be alone with DS as my parents are visiting for the day.

I've been monitoring my temp and all is ok - going to have a quick chat with my doula and then call the midwife.

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Original poster
SpaghettiBologneighs · 02/03/2013 10:22

Thanks for the replies, even!

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Original poster
SpaghettiBologneighs · 02/03/2013 16:38

Now having infrequent and irregular contractions, but the midwife has been out to check me over and we are going to do a bit more wait and see. Have been using some acupressure points and about to get on the trusty ball. Come on baby!

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Lovingbeingpregnant · 02/03/2013 18:03

Do some spinning babies techniques to help.....the inversion and the rebozo are good ones to try.
Good luck

narmada · 02/03/2013 22:20

Oh good luck. I think homebirth would be great. I would do it that way.... Is there any way MW could break yr waters at home or is that not allowed?

narmada · 02/03/2013 22:21

I would do it that way if I had any more DCs, is what I intended to write. Duh.

Original poster
SpaghettiBologneighs · 02/03/2013 22:48

Well they've advised me that policy would have been for antibiotics at 18 hours after waters, and baby delivered by 24 hours but I declined going in yet and am monitoring temp etc. That means for now we need to avoid any internals because of the risk of infection.

They've said that the absolute latest they would be happy to induce would be Monday morning, which I'm happy with (well, not happy but realistic about).

I think I'm going to try and get some sleep as contractions had picked up a bit but now have almost completely buggered off again. Why is it never straightforward?!

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Original poster
SpaghettiBologneighs · 02/03/2013 22:50

Have at least had a proper show now, though. I will take what progress I can get!

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narmada · 03/03/2013 00:08

I hope you get yr home birth but even if you do end up being induced it sounds like you are on your way so maybe you can get away with artifical rupture of remaining membranes or just a pessary. Different kettle o fish from the drip, I can tell yer :)

Original poster
SpaghettiBologneighs · 03/03/2013 00:59

Thanks :)

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Lovingbeingpregnant · 03/03/2013 10:36

How are things going?

almostanotherday · 03/03/2013 10:59

Did you get your HB?

Original poster
SpaghettiBologneighs · 03/03/2013 20:10

So, DS2 finally arrived this afternoon! Unfortunately I ended up having to go in for assessment as by 10am this morning I was still having completely erratic contractions 3-30(!) mins apart, anything from half a min to nearly three mins long. I was getting very despondent and feeling like I was getting nowhere.

When I was assessed they were slightly worried about my temp and heart rate so I was given the IV antib's in the end and advise against getting in the water. Despite the erratic contractions my lovely and v experienced MW said that she thought the ones I was having were productive, and she was right! DS arrived less than 3 hours later :).

He is heart-meltingly beautiful. Aside from the after pains and the baby across the ward (we've had to stay in so he can be monitored for 24 hours) I am on cloud nine. I feel totally different to how I did after DS1's birth :).

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Original poster
SpaghettiBologneighs · 03/03/2013 20:10

The baby across the ward screaming, that is!

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WickWackThurso · 03/03/2013 20:10

Congratulations, well done! Enjoy!!

Original poster
SpaghettiBologneighs · 03/03/2013 20:17

Thank you :)

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Feelingood · 03/03/2013 20:19

aww lovely congratulations

squidkid · 03/03/2013 20:27

Hooray!! Congratulations!! Sorry you didn't get the home birth but 3 hours sounds pretty great (I"m jealous!) and I'm sure your amazingly gorgeous son makes everything worthwhile. ENJOY NEWBORN CUDDLES

Original poster
SpaghettiBologneighs · 03/03/2013 20:31

No, it wasn't what I envisaged but all the same, my fab MW, doula and DH helped make it a really positive experience. And my fab new DS, of course - can't wait to introduce him to his big brother in a couple of days (when he gets back from terrorising his Nana and Grandpa :o).

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CrackleMauve · 03/03/2013 21:57

Congratulations! Sounds like a lovely birth even if not quite what you'd hoped. Enjoy your newborn cuddles.

almostanotherday · 04/03/2013 09:08

Congrats OP Smile

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