Pre and post birth pads

[MuddyWellyNelly]

I am nearly 22 weeks pregnant. As I've had quite an easy time of it so far (no sickness or any other problems, and a very small bump) I'm happily ticking along pretending that nothing will change between now and giving birth other than my size. .

However, I guess at some point my body will start to misbehave. Is it normal to need some kind of pad in the run up to birth? Is it just to do with bladder issues, or can I expect regular discharge? What about as you get closer and are worried waters might break? Would you wear pre-emptive pads (especially as I plan to work as long as possible)? Just normal sanitary ones or huge maternity ones at that stage? And if yes to wearing pads pre-birth, at what stage would it be normal to start to think about it?

And post birth, I know huge maternity pads are a must. Any particular brands? Or has anyone used washables? I already have washable nappies and wipes so may as well think about washable pads if possible, but not sure they even exist.

I am a bit clueless about it all. Sorry for all the question marks!

Get a really good quality mattress protector. NOT a plastic one. Hippychick ones are good. Afterwards, if you have any kind of stitch (sorry to mention it) do not get Always. They draw out moisture. All the moisture, including the moisture your healing skin needs.

And yes, washable pads exist. Lots of variety there! Have a look at clothnappytree forums for reviews.

I'm 22wks with my second. Congrats.
I think you're worrying unnecessarily.

You may want liners in the last few weeks if your concerned by discharge or your mucus plug.
I think if your waters break before labour starts you will want a change of clothes. It's more akin to wetting yourself than a little leak and you will want to know when it happens. My waters didn't break till just before pushing, when I was in hosp so it may not even be an issue.

Post birth, you will want/need pads.
I just used normal sanitary pads so whatever you would choose for your period will probably do. (Obvs tampons are not an option).

Thanks Spin, I will have a look at that forum. Good tip on not using Always. And hadn't thought about mattress protector for some reason so will have a look into those.

Hagred, I think my problem is I'm not worrying enough, so I'm forcing myself into scenario planning . I just wondered what would happen in reality if they went at say 38 weeks whilst I was in the middle of one of my employee's half year reviews . I shall keep spare clothes at the ready, and practice my poker face. Haha. Fingers crossed that it happens as per your experience, as it sounds like a pad would barely make a difference anyway.

My waters broke before labour and a pad wouldn't have done much at all. Think new socks. And rug . I'll be getting a mattress protector this time as I'd literally just got out of bed when they started to go with ds so at least I got away with just a new rug not a new mattress instead!

I didn't need anything pre birth. I had some extra discharge but nothing extreme. Afterwards, I liked the mothercare maternity pads. Well, as much as you can "like" wearing a mattress in your pants.

Oh Nicky that's alarming! We have carpet - DH might banish me to the kitchen for the last few weeks . Mattress protector definitely on the list then and maybe I'll cover the house in plastic decorator sheets too....

Euro lovely to chat to you here . LOL at mattress in your pants. Except, not LOL at all. Glamour all round, this pregnancy lark.

Ha- we have carpet too so i was lucky to just get the rug! I remember thinking that I would not suffer the indignity of a bloody mattress protector! This time I'm thinking I'll just suck it up!

There are some lovely post partum washable pads out there. Just google them.

I have worn panty liners for the last 10 weeks (40weeks tomorrow) as have had watery discharge for that time which leaks through my underwear. nice! Afterwards I'm going to use the Boots maternity pads which are also like a mattress but that's quite good when your bits are sore. Not sure normal sanitary pads would have been enough for me. Was having to change the maternity ones whey few hours last time.

*every few hours

I'm 40 weeks, wish u had realised how many panty liners I would get through and just bought washables. The discharge thing is lovely.

I wouldn't bother with a pad just in case you lose your plug/waters break. Plug will probably come out on the loo and most people's waters don't break until you are in labour.

I would advise carrying some spare pants and a few liners or having them in your desk drawer for safety's sake.

40 weeks with first baby.

I've been wearing panty liners for the last 3 weeks as have had watery discharge that leaks through like ladyflower

Have got a mixture of tesco, boots and mothercare maternity pads for after.

Thanks all. So consensus seems to be no point trying to stem the flow of waters, but heavier than normal discharge could still be worth protecting against. Will maybe buy a mix of normal and large washables, with a few disposables for hospital use.

You might want to buy more than a few disposables for post-birth. More like a few packets.

6 weeks post birth here and in the middle of the worst period ever imaginable - my advice would be to stock up on extra mattress pads for your first period too as you're not meant to use tampons, especially if you get your period before your 6 week check. I haven't left the house for 3 days as I need to be near the bathroom.
Yey for all glamorous pregnancy related stuff!!

I used natracare maternity pads. Bloody brilliant and v comfy despite looking like a barbie mattress.

I second the no to Always pads. They made me itch like mad.

For some reason I was in denial about this...with DS my waters broke as his head came out in a birthing pool. With DD my waters burst on the hospital bed after they examined me and she was born about 45 minutes later. With DD there did seem to be a lot of water so I think a mattress protector would be good, but I think that's all you can do really! Maybe an old towel to sit on in the car on the way to the hospital?

I was very happy with all the supplies I got in sainsbury - maternity pads, breast pads etc. I wouldn't use sanitary towels as they are too thin and not long/big enough, plus some have scent/moisture absorbing pearls in them that can irritate sore bits...

Many women don't break waters until labour itself, if they go sooner then the fluid isn't offensive and looks like water, chances are it'll happen away from work, mine went late evening when I was relaxed

There are Facebook groups for cloth pads. Many of the cloth nappy brands do them too. Little Lamb have just launched a starter kit.

5years yes, sorry, I meant just to do until I moved on to washables when I get home. Would a dozen for the first 24 hours be a rough estimate?

Oh mrsnoon it does sound grim. I hope you are free of the bathroom soon!

Ah yes had seen the natracare bipidee so might give those a go.

Oh chips I hadn't thought about the car. DH would have a fit bit of a word if I ruined his leather seats. I might not point this possibility out to him....

I'm not sure I'd ever quite feel the same at work again if my waters went whilst there, Carrier. But I guess very little I can do about it! Was it just sainsburys own brand you used?

Not sure. A friend recently gave birth and said she had multiple pads on at once (2/3)

Thanks doobeedee at first I couldn't find much and now there is too much choice! Always good to get recommendations where possible.

My midwife suggested using newborn nappies for the first 24 hours as the bleeding then tends to be very heavy and with very large clots that normal pads struggle to contain. Even if you will be using cloth nappies, it can be handy having disposables for the first few days because meconium is a pain to clean.

Funnily enough, I've just had an advert from Boobaloo.co.uk pop up on my FB too. Try those too.