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!

Congrats! I'm 39 weeks with first baby myself, he is due 1st April. I have maternity pads in case for after & already have some normal pads for at home later once bleeding gets less. Antenatal class teacher suggested waters breaking can be minimal, like a little leak once you're going to bed for night rsther than TV style gushing, but depends on person I guess. I haven't had show or breaking waters yet, but a little discharge - nothing out of ordinary (but used to it as have had heavy periods lasting 7 days & thrush /cystitis in past due to long-term thyroid condition) - and have also had practice contractions / Brax Hicks a couple of times in last few days - sunday night was worst, but called MW team & MW reassured me and hubby. Luckily finished work for Mat Leave on 13th March, so at least am home / not at work when it kicks off. Try to do the same, trust me you will need the rest & peace by then.

Did have delayed mc last year too & the blood amount wasn't fun, was off work for 2.5 weeks in end as commuted 4 hours a day at the time. Just used night time heavy flow pads then & it was fine, but sad obviously; especially as was January - most depressing month ever! Think blood levels will be similar / poss bit heavier during & after birth to that, so am prepared for not pleasant...

Thanks everyone. Really useful input.

Sorry for your loss Houghtonk. :(

I've got 30 Boots maternity disposables on order now. That should get me safely home (with the nappies as back up!!) and hopefully onto washables after that. If not, Sainsburys is nearby. Might also start using washables pre birth, especially when still working.

This is really dumb but what are maternity pads for? Do you bleed afterwards? Is it like a period? How long does it last for?

This is my first so only going by what I've read. But yes you bleed afterwards, very heavily at first by all accounts. Many people report bleeding for several weeks though presumably not so much. Google Lochia to find out more.

I used tenna pants. They worked wonders. Much more reliable than a towel for the initial heavy days x

Post Borth o always use the kotex night time pads they come in a black packet and are so soft and thick and nice and cushioned too. Cheap also about £1.00 for 10 from home bargains. I am starting to stock up on them already and buy a pack when am out shopping :)

Just a word of warning about the kotex ones. They pull on your stitches....i learned it the hard way

I will be carrying leggings, knickers and maternity pads with me to work from 35 weeks just in case my waters go. My waters went at 37 weeks last time - on a day I was due in work and I was lucky I wasn't on the train at work! I was soaked to my ankles so a maternity pad won't do much when they first go - but they continue to trickle after that until the baby is born (this is something I didn't know until I had a baby!)

I'm going to get disposible pads for the bed to protect the mattress. Luckily, last time I was laid on a spare duvet as it hurt my hips to lay on the mattress and the duvet soaked it all up (we chucked it out after!)