BFP after IVF - the journey continues (part 2)

[HopefulllHolly]

SENSITIVE CONTENT

Continuation of previous thread for anyone with a BFP following IVF to support with anxieties and other worries that come along with pregnancy after infertility.

@AnnieStar12
@DippyDuck19
@DogMummy87
@Edf
@Fluffyted
@Leaf86
@LouP87
@Natty2
@SETTC87
@ThePeachGoose
@jas1996
@lemonyfox
@oliviagrace2307
@summerchild92

Please tag anyone else I’ve missed accidentally!

Ah thank you @ThePeachGoose and @DippyDuck19! Really pleased with how it turned out so far - and the cot and furniture is lovely, really good quality too so I’m glad I chose it. Always hard when you don’t see things in real life!
Haha @DippyDuck19 I kept reading things saying you needed loads of each vest so I bought a lot and then just kept buying them when I went to the shop and didn’t realise how many I had. Whoops! Hope she actually wears the newborn ones and she’s not a whopper. I have some super cute little knitted outfits from H+M and that my mums bought for when she has visitors/coming home but baby grows for most of the newborn size. 0-3 months I have lots of outfits though so plan on baby grows at night only really. We’ll see! People have bought us loads already tbh!

@DippyDuck19 Definitely feel a bit off after the RSV jab - nothing crazy. Nausea, upset stomach and tired but otherwise fine 😊

@ThePeachGoose the Silver Cross has two buttons you have to press to extend/alter the handle bar, where Cybex is one handed. Silver Cross also has these extension bits you have to use for the carry cot so it’s a bit of a faff moving from carry cot/car seat and vice versa. And lastly, the cybex folds down a bit smaller - the boot of my car is very small so this was important!

Ooh! Lovely nursery @HopefulllHolly how exciting!!
And love that you haven’t stopped buying vests. I’ve also got way too many vests and babygrows as I had plenty already from DD but kept buying more on vinted. I mainly get short sleeve ones as they’re easier to go under babygrows.

With my babies I’ve found that they can grow so quickly at the start that they sometimes only wear an item of clothing once as by time it’s been washed and dried it’s too small already!! This next baby has so many bits of clothes that I suspect there will be some that don’t get worn at all.
Also, I accidentally brought some ‘tiny baby’ size vests and baby grows which was annoying as it’s for babies 6lbs or less. But I’m trying to make myself feel better by thinking maybe they’ll be useful as I’ll likely have this baby a week or so early, so she can possibly wear them once or twice and if not my toddler can use them as doll clothes, ha!

I’m very jealous of all the baby movements you’re all describing. I still barely feel anything and I’m approaching 27 weeks. When I feel movementl it’s all quite muted and almost entirely only on my right side. I have my growth scan on the 14th, but I have been wondering whether to call and try to speak to someone before then, especially after the midwife last week was so dismissive. Reading all your descriptions of strong regular movements does make me wonder about having another check. I’m sure it’s just my big fat placenta getting in the way!

I did my first NCT class yesterday which was nice to meet other local parents having babies same time as us. Felt a bit awkward as we’re not first timers, but no one seemed to mind. Due dates ranged from late Dec to mid Feb so might be quite a spread!

You guys got me intrigued to look at my work calendar and count how many actual work days I have left - it’s only 24!! That’s got me excited, I’m well and truly ready for mat leave already.

Hi all, it must be really exciting to be so near the end. My due date isn’t until early April but as I am having a second (elective this time) C section it will be end of March. I will probably take annual leave for most of March.

@ThePeachGoose thanks for the link. I think it is my actual lower spine as I also get pelvic pain sometimes which isn’t too bad. I am planning to ask today about physio. So hopefully something to get me through the next 4 months.

Thanks @HopefulllHolly and @DippyDuck19 for sharing about your 25 week appt. Don’t like the sound of those RSV vaccine side effects, so I’ll have to make sure that I have it done on a day when I don’t have anything important on

@LouP87 thanks for sharing your pram trial experience, and especially talking about the Cybex Balios being your favourite as it’s now on our shortlist too! I think Cybex in general actually. I just liked the quality of fabrics and the lack of faff in using it day to day with the handle + taking carrycot / car seat out and putting them back in, as you said as well.

@AnnieStar12 I think it’s worth trying to get them to check you again, and you never know, it might be that you get a completely different midwife and a completely different experience!

@Faith2024 I really hope that the physio helps, it all sounds quite painful! Hope you found some ways to bring a little relief at least

Yes, so we had our JL nursery appointment yesterday and if I can say one thing with confidence, that would be that we both walked out of there in love with the Cybex Cloud T car seat, due to the reclining feature, the rotating movement, that it can be used with both a base or just a seat belt, and we both absolutely loved the green marker system that lets you know when it’s all properly set up, as that’s not something I want to have to question when I’m sleep deprived.

We’re both leaning heavily towards the Cybex range for pram too, mainly the ePriam (we live in a ridiculously hilly area, with an uneven path as well as a gravel path to our house) and the Balios (due to being so light and easy to manoeuvre, plus high quality and low faff to interchange pieces, which goes for the ePriam too). We also liked the Bugaboo Fox 5 and it was nice to hear that it works with the Cybex car seat. With that said, with whatever we get, we’ll probably get a Yoyo later on to be able to move around the city and to travel easier.

Most of our appointment was taking by trying out prams, but we had a quick look at the Stokke Sleepi Mini which my MIL will get us (to use downstairs instead of a Moses basket until 6 months, after which we’ll get the cot bed extension for the nursery), and we were pleasantly surprised by the SnuzPod for a bedside crib, with how easy it was to unzip it, but I think that we will stick with the Tutti Bambini Cozzee Air (with the rocking function). Otherwise the consultant - who was absolutely brilliant - explained the difference between blankets, swaddle bags and sleeping bags and that was just so useful! Probably because we haven’t done any antenatal classes yet and we couldn't understand why there's so many things lol

After the appointment we met up with our SIL and BIL and they offloaded a huge bag of clothes for 0-3 that I can’t wait to go through, sort and wash. I think that we just need to buy a few newborn items, but I need to properly go through them. We’re very lucky as their daughter is about a year ahead of ours and they kept everything for us, so we’ll get a huge batch of clothes every 3 months. They’re also giving us their babybjorn carrier so can’t complain!

Next stop is the obstetrician appointment on the 12th where we're going to discuss the c section plan too. I think I need to brush up on my reason as to why I want one, as last time the midwife asked, even though she wasn't combative at all and she simply asked why, I kept rambling on and on with all my reasons. But no, with the obstetrician I need to be more like "because this, this and that, end of story" lol It's mainly anxiety for me, not wanting the side effects or unpredictability of a natural birth, and being fine with the longer recovery time. Also, my mum had two average sized babies but being as petite as I am, she had to be cut both times leaving issues that followed her around for years, so unsurprisingly, she was my biggest c section cheerleader lol. So if anyone has any thoughts on what the most convincing reasons for a c section would be for an obstetrician, I'll happily take them. Though they might not even care and he'll just book me in, whereas I'm here working myself up for nothing, but worth thinking ahead about it, just in case!

@ThePeachGoose sounds like your JL appointment went well. We went for the Cybex cloud T for all the reasons you said. Have put it in the car already (as we have no room in the house) and really like it! We have paired it with the fox 5 (and got a good price online with the accessory bundle with natural baby shower) although I'm sure you'll get your JL discount. The fox 5 bassinet is also approved for sleep so we are using that downstairs for daytime (I bought the compatible stand which is very pricey for a stand but didn't want the whole buggy in the lounge).

@ThePeachGoose goodluck with the appointment, but do remember it is totally your right to choose to birth via c-section so try not to stress too much about having a valid "excuse." You can say you've done your research and this is your decision. I have a friend in this position and she was asked to speak to a birth options midwife as that was hospital policy, but after that when she said she still wanted a c-section she was booked for one. The NHS website is helpful as it shows you can opt for one and what the steps might be: www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/

Hi everyone ☺️

@AnnieStar12 Ah thank you! Glad it’s mainly done now, I’m too tired to do more painting now!
Oh that must be hard not feeling lots - definitely sounds like your placenta is blocking you from feeling big ones still. I think baby was quieter with me around the same time and even now still has days where I don’t feel her a huge amount. Definitely have another check if you’re worrying about it! I guess it’s not reduced movement just a worry that baby isnt moving much at all which they should take seriously and see what’s going on? Mine tends to be CRAZY with movement now at 5-7am and then again 5-7pm and about 9/10pm when I’m just settling myself to sleep. I have to say some of them are almost vomit inducing when she’s really busy, I’ve been telling her to calm down 🤣
Glad I’m not the only one with lots of vests - I figured she’ll maybe get at least some wear out of them. And my friend is having a little girl a month after me so I can send them her way or to a charity/baby bank anyway, which either way is being used by someone who needs it anyway. It’s really hard to know what size she’ll be! Me and my partner are short and were 7lbs but she is measuring top 20 percent currently, but I think I just have a massive bump!
Glad your NCT class was fun and that you don’t have long at work now! Somehow counting down without the weekends included makes it feel bearable! 😊 You’ve got less days than me left - I have 30! Which I’ve just said to myself is a month and that’s fine (especially given I have loads to get through!). Very excited to be done!

@ThePeachGoose I’m almost back to normal after the jab now, but felt quite sick for a couple of days and more tired than usual. I don’t usually have any reaction to jabs so it caught me off guard - no sore arm though!
Sounds like your JL appointment was great and you’ve got all your list planned out. I’m getting the Cozzee Air too instead of any next to me’s they showed us at the appointment (to me they all looked very plasticy apart from the one you’re getting for downstairs? Maybe I’m being overly fussy?!)
Like Annie says - it’s your right to have any birth you want, they can’t say no to you. They might want to make sure you weigh up all
your options but they can’t ever really deny you a C-section). So I’d just firmly say you want one because of xyz, that you’ve explored other options and you are set that this is your preferred birth. Let us know how you get on! ☺️

@Natty2 How are you getting on with your test results after your hospital trip? Did you get any answers?

Nothing to report from me! Been on a long walk today which was lovely - although - haha this is so ridiculous - I’ve managed to sprain my foot/ankle quite badly from pumping up my birthing ball 🤣🤣 I’m dropping to bits! Have my first antenatal class (NHS not private ones) to compare notes with the other one. The midwife at the private one said the NHS one is more hands on, whereas the private one is quite a lot of learning and then gets more hands on later on. So I’m interested to see!
I also had a call from a lactation specialist midwife today which was unexpected but good! I had mentioned to my midwife I was most anxious about not getting breastfeeding right and my milk not coming in or her not feeding well, but she just reassured me there would be help on the ward after I gave birth. But she must have referred me on to someone as they called and said she asked them to get in touch. So meeting with her when I’’m 37 weeks, which is fab.
Other than that - just plodding along! ☺️

I went back to the hospital this evening as I didn’t feel any movements all day. I saw a much better midwife than last week - she put me on the machines for an hour to do a thorough check of baby. She also got a doctors opinion of the readings, and I just felt like they took the whole thing seriously. They did acknowledge the machine readings weren’t ideal, but said they were happy enough. The midwife was great, told me I can come back as often as I need - she even said go back again on the same day if I need to. What a different experience to last week!! I’m so pleased I went and had the chance to be properly listened to and checked over.
Hopefully no more hospital trips until my growth scan next Thursday- can’t wait to see baby again. It will have been 6 weeks since my last scan which is the longest I’ve gone without a scan in the whole pregnancy, haha!

@HopefulllHolly 30 days will fly by. When’s your last day? Mine is 19th Dec but as I work a 4 day compressed week it’s not that many actual days left, and I have a couple annual leave days before then so that helps keep the number down.
So sorry about the ankle, what a bummer! Hope it’s a quick recovery.

@DippyDuck19 I love that some bassinets are also approved for overnight sleep. I can totally see how you could just skip on Moises baskets and fixed bassinets for downstairs. The Cybex one is approved for sleep too, which will make our life easier when we'll go away in those first few months

@AnnieStar12 oh I’m so pleased you went to the maternity and that you had a much better experience this time round, and that someone actually listened to you and provided some reassurance! I totally get you with the scans. They do provide so much reassurance when you don’t really feel the kicks, and I always wonder what position we'll find our baby in when we look on the ultrasound. Some are so awkward, they make me laugh lol
Thank you for that! You’re so right, I can have a c-section if I want to. Tbh no one opposed me at all and told me to discuss it directly with the obstetrician who can also book me in. In my mind it was more like they were doing me a favour and had to win them over or just not budge, but that’s not really the NHS policy from what I can see, so can probably calm down about it a bit

@HopefulllHolly you’re right that all bedside cribs look plasticky and boring. We could probably put up with it for 6 months, but none of them blew us away with their functionality either, so we'll go with the prettier looking one instead. How great that the cozzee air is on sale everywhere? I’m gonna put the order in tomorrow I think. Gotta love Black Friday sales when you have to buy stuff anyway lol
You’re right on the C section part. I don’t know why I act like I need to convince them or that they’re doing me a favour. It's totally up to me how I choose to give birth (unless something comes up lol), so I just need to firmly say I want a c section and that’s that.
OMG your pregnancy has not been without incidents! This one happened in a funny way at least, but oh dear, it must be a bit frustrating not being able to walk as much.
Let us know how your NHS antenatal appt goes.
Oooooh how interesting that you got to speak to a lactation specialist and that you’ll have a refresher at 37 weeks. Did you get any useful insights at this stage? I was randomly worried as well about what to do during the first week if milk doesn't come in and/or the baby won't latch, but then a friend who gave birth recently mentioned she just expressed in syringes before giving birth and took the syringes with her to the maternity. She said they came in handy, especially when the baby had jaundice and had to be taken to the NICU, and probably sped up the milk coming in. I haven't looked a whole lot into this yet, but I'm definitely going to try to express beforehand.

Hey everyone

We had our first growth scan this week, which was mixed news! baby has grown, which is great, but the head is measuring quite small compared to the legs and abdomen (3rd centile for BPD, 25th for HC vs 75th for femur and 50th for AC), so I’m trying not to worry. The other worry is that I may have placenta accreta and definitely have major placenta previa (consultant has said it’s very unlikely to move now), so they are now planning a c section exit at 36-37 weeks and I may have to be admitted to hospital beforehand. I’m getting an MRI and a bunch more scans to try to be a bit more definitive on the placenta accreta concern. am largely staying pragmatic, but can’t help but be worried about time away from our little one, a potentially very complex birth (and also worried about new baby’s little head!). It’s also been an adjustment to think that we are looking at her arrival a month earlier than anticipated, so really need to get on it with the ordering and nesting. I have another obstetrician appt on Tuesday so will ask some more then about when I will get a date.

@ThePeachGoose i think we might be at the same hospital, but I had zero issues requesting my elective in 2023. You should be fine!

@AnnieStar12 glad you had a better experience and went in to get checked. I can imagine this is really anxiety provoking so I would have no hesitation in going in as many times as you need. Hopefully she’s just a very chilled non-wriggly soul and you have a big cushiony placenta and the two together are not making for an anxiety-free pregnancy!

@HopefulllHolly weirdly I have zero vests 😂 although plenty of onesies and leggings etc. it’s the one item of clothing I need to stock up on as I’m guessing a winter baby will wear one under every bodysuit / outfit?!

Hey @Leaf86
Oh gosh bless you! That’s a lot to take on board all at once - hope you’re ok mentally. Do they think that you have placenta accreta from having a previous C-section? I was reading about it a while ago and it was saying it’s very common now, I guess likely from more women having elected csections? Though it sounds like it would be more complicated I’m sure they are very very experienced in managing it, and with an early date for your C-section it would minimise the risks of bleeding. Really sorry you have this stress to deal with lovely, you sound like you’re dealing with it as well as you can. Sending hugs 🤗
On the baby head size, I’m sureeeee it’s nothing to worry about. Humans come in all shapes and sizes, and she’s still in the realm of normal - just on the smaller side and all these measurements can balance out over time I’m sure. I hope you can try and put it out of your mind as best you can. Deep breaths - you’ve got this ❤️
Let us know how you get on next week - will be keeping my fingers crossed that it’s not placenta accreta.

(PS on vests yeah I think they wear them under everything especially in the winter!)

@ThePeachGoose Hello! ☺️
Ha - yeah I haven’t had a very fun pregnancy I won’t lie but thankfully nothing major - just a series of rubbish ailments. I feel like a massive complainer (which I feel guilty about as all I’ve ever wanted was to be pregnant and have a family, so now I am I wish I was having a better time! Leaf’s situation puts things in to perspective and I need to button my mouth and get on with it really don’t I!)
NHS antenatal was very different to the private one - was more about baby development, practical tips etc - whereas the private ones have so far been about birth and support with that - next week is practical baby tips and breastfeeding which I’m looking forward to. I’m glad we’re doing both as we are total novices and I do better with having too much info as it calms me down. ☺️
On the expressing - yeah I’m going to try with the colostrum expressing from 37 weeks as advised. I know this will help if milk doesn’t come in, but our bodies tend to know what to do and even having baby to boobs and your milk hasn’t come in can cause it to come in very quickly. The colostrum is good for lots of things so I’m going to try my best with that and get a store of it, though I’ve read it can be really hard to get even a small amount - not that you need loads anyway! So much to learn isn’t there 😵‍💫 I’d mention at your midwife appointments that you’re anxious about breastfeeding as that’s all I did and they sorted out the lactation specialist straight away to have a chat with me!
The Cozzee Air I want (ochre - my bedroom is grey and I want to be able to see it when I’m stumbling around at night lol!) isn’t marked down much yet - it’s been the same price for a while so I’m still hanging out for Black Friday. Might not get anything more off but worth a try!

@AnnieStar12 Ahh so glad you went back and got a nicer midwife, it makes such a difference feeling heard. Otherwise you just go home and carry on worrying. Sounds like baby is just super cosy in there but is all safe and sound.
Ahhh - the 4 day weeks make sense! I finish on 20th December. It honestly can’t come quick enough - I’m so excited to finish now! ☺️☺️

@Leaf86 oh sorry to hear there’s some complications, but sounds like they’re looking after you and you’re handling it well. How many weeks are you now? Guess it’s good that you had these extra checks booked in so they could see what’s going on in there and pick up any complications give you the relevant care. Hopefully you’ll get even more answers from your appointments next week. x

Thanks all , I have a great GP so got a physio appointment booked for the 20th. It’s not pelvic pain but bottom of spine. I feel better now as I do less sitting down.

@ThePeachGoose I told my midwife at my booking appointment that it would be an elective C section. She was supportive given my reasons it was the doctor who tried to encourage me to consider natural birth which is fair enough but I had done my research and she let it go immediately. I don’t think it’s necessarily bad for them to ask people to consider natural birth but you also shouldn’t have to feel like you are having to justify yourself. Also, there is this false idea that there are no risks with natural birth - some which can be longterm, especially when other interventions are used alongside. It will be fine for the majority of women though.

@AnnieStar12 I am really glad that you got reassurance with baby movement. Being listened to makes all the difference.

@Leaf86 Please don’t worry too much, scans are not the most accurate things in the world, just a guide. In any case there is still time inside or outside of womb for baby to grow.

For everyone considering the cozee air @HopefulllHolly @DippyDuck19 was it sturdy in real life? I was deciding between the cozee and snoozpod and was leaning towards the cozee until I read a few reviews of mums saying that they found their baby rolled to the side face down because the cozee crib was unstable and tilted to one side. That really horrified me and now I am not so sure. Anyone else come across that?

I am also in love with the cybex car seat with all the reasons listed. it just seems a bit big so I worry about the weight, got to see it in real life. I will start buying some items next week after my 20 week scan.

@HopefulllHolly I'm ok now thank you! I had my results back yesterday and all clear, so no idea what was causing the pain.
Managed to get a 1to1 physio appointment yesterday too as they had a cancellation. Was so helpful to see someone in person and she could clearly see where the problem areas are! Has suggested a few things and given me a belt when it's really bad

We had our JL appointment last Sunday so feel good that we've picked out all the big items. after thinking of going for the lightweight Bugaboo dragonfly, we realised we really do need an all terrain with having the dog so going for the Icandy Peach 7. Just waiting to see if JL drop anymore Black Friday deals before ordering a load of stuff!
Also managed to get a Tutti Bambini next to me crib on market place and the lady was so nice, I ended up getting a bundle of 28 new born outfits and some swim stuff for £30 as she had it on Vinted and then she gave me about 14 other pieces for free and free mattress covers! Friend has given me a Lovery playmat and 2 baby carriers and other little bits too. Feels like we are starting to finally nest!

Nursery is looking lovely. How was your week off?!
How have you been finding the antenatal classes? Ours start in 2 weeks!

@DippyDuck19 all ok now thank you. Shame you couldn't get a good view at the 4D scan but glad you got to see him a little! Sorry to hear you were in triage too but glad he was all ok 🩵

@AnnieStar12 sorry to hear about your experience with the midwife! I just don't understand how they can be so dismissive sometimes! Glad you are feeling better now and that your second trip was a much better experience- how it should be!

@ThePeachGoose I'm not sure if they have similar services elsewhere? I know this specific line is for Frimley Health. They were great though and said if I had any concerns just to call, the service extends to 6weeks post birth too

So nice that your kicks are getting stronger now, I'm just a week ahead of you and I feel like it's really changed in the last week! Exciting that you're off to your baby moon soon! Where are you going?

@Leaf86
Sorry to hear you're having to deal with extra stress. When was your original due date? Fingers crossed for your appointment next week and sounds like they are taking good care of you and what's best for baby

Hope everyone is doing ok!

@Leaf86 oh no, I’m so sorry that you had such a stressful appointment! With the measurements, I think that it’s always good to get measurements done a few times, as it always depends on what position the baby is in, where the sonographer puts the markers, all that. Outside of the femur, the baby could be on the smaller size overall and just super long. I remember my SIL was told she’s gonna have a huge baby cause the femur was in the top centile, but in the end the baby was tiny and long and they had to rush to Sainsbury’s to buy newborn clothes as all they had bought was the 0-3 months ones. Ah so sorry to hear that the placenta previa didn’t resolve and even more so about the risk of placenta accreta. Good thing that they referred you for more scans and you’ll know for sure in the next couple of weeks what’s going on all fronts, but definitely not a pleasant time to go through - I’m so sorry! All of your worries are valid and understandable, and even more so to have the baby arrive a month earlier! I’ll be rooting for you hoping that all goes well and the concerns get downgraded in the next couple of weeks.
Are you at St. Thomas too? I lost track of who’s gone where. I assume that they’ll be absolutely fine with it. I think I got in my head about it because everyone told me it’s hard to get one but really they’ve posed no barriers so far.

@HopefulllHolly ah I like that the NHS ones are more practical, as I’m much more curious with how to keep the baby alive once here than labour. Obviously because I plan to go for a c section, but I’ll still read on it and put together a birth plan just in case - you never know! I’ll try the expressing as well, but I’m preparing myself and planning ahead for the case that my milk will come in slower, like a few days to a week after birth, as that’s what happened to my mum with both kids. There is SO much to think about and I’m only just starting. I will mention my worry to the midwife, thanks for the tip. Is that the walnut/ecru combo? It's £179 atm but if you’re not in a rush, it’s definitely worth waiting for a deeper discount. I’m after the same colour combo lol

@Faith2024 pleased to hear you have a physio appt lined up now; the 20th will come round in no time! Oh yes, I got in my head the idea that I’d have to justify myself based on other people’s stories, but actually they were simply asking whether I considered all options. In the end they told me to speak to the obstetrician next week and skipped the whole birth options session with the midwife altogether. So the problem is definitely me here, not them lol
I did come across the same reviews for the Cozee! That was actually the first item I researched and I got very freaked out cause the Cozee had the tilting problem and another one that was also on the Which? list, I think the Snuzpod?, had an issue with the base / mattress getting moldy. After I researched cot beds and noticed all people cared about was sturdiness, looks and price in that category, I concluded that all bedside cribs are kinda shit, so I decided on the Tutti Bambini as it keeps coming up in rankings, it’s at the top of the Which? list and it comes in nice colours. I haven’t seen it in person though, but people generally seem pretty happy with it when I watched video reviews. It’s a pretty popular item so I imagine that the number of reviews reporting that issue isn’t a big percentage in the grand scheme of things, or that’s what I’m telling myself lol, and it seems to happen more when you tie it to the bed I think, and some people have fixed it by tightening or loosening the fabric tighteners that hold the base, which are under the cover on the sides. So I won’t stress too much about it and I’m planning to just keep an eye on it.

@Natty2 yay for great results and the physio being able to slot you in earlier! You’re really stocking up on items now, you’re very well prepared! Slightly concerning if you’re only one week ahead of me and you have all that lol, should really step it up. We’re heading to California, a bit of sunshine in the winter and hanging out with some work friends. It’s a long haul flight though so I’m keen to ask the obstetrician next week how to manage the DVT risk, outside of socks. I upgraded to business, but I read that it doesn’t make a big difference and I’d still need to move around once every 1-2 hours.

My update is that I managed to catch a cold. Today was the worst day as I only managed to sleep for 4 hours due to a blocked nose, so I’d love to hear everyone’s cold remedies in pregnancy. What worked for you? My symptoms are mostly blocked nose, low energy, no fever.

Thanks everyone for the positive thoughts and solidarity, I really appreciate it ❤️ My consultant was very sceptical it would move but I did actually find a research paper online that said that 30% of women with complete previa at 28 weeks had a resolution (I.e. it moved) by 36 weeks. So there is still some hope! I guess in that case they will move the section date on a little bit as I know they like to keep them in as long as possible.

@AnnieStar12 thank you! I’m 29 weeks on Monday.

@Natty2 thank you! 27th Jan was the original due date so am assuming she will be born week of 30th Dec now, but guess we will see how we go on.

@ThePeachGoose thank you! Definitely makes me feel better to read all the reassuring, sensible views! yep, St Thomas. My c section there was really good in 2023 even though I was a tricky case even then (😂) they were super supportive of talking through all the options and I was reassured before I had chosen, that it was my choice. The postnatal ward was something else 😬😩 but hopefully you’re not there long before you can go home. I think it was worse with it being the middle of a heatwave tbh, but I would bring a handheld fan as the windows don’t open and I think they will have the heating on in Jan / Feb.

Interesting to read all the bedside crib chat. We had the snuzpod 4 first time around and although fine, I felt it was almost too big and baby never settled in it. We gave it away ages ago so need to choose something new. I was initially going to get the cozee air too, but ran into the same reviews about the baby rolling (and I will have it attached to the bed) and wondered if I should go for something else. Currently looking at the snuzpod studio crib - I think they are slightly smaller than the 4 and the dark colours could be quite cosy / womb like. I haven’t decided yet though.

@Leaf86 I would have hit the papers too, as soon as they would have flagged anything lol pleased that there's an element of hope and I truly do hope that over the next few weeks some of these worries will get downgraded. Fingers crossed!
Ah so nice to have a maternity buddy and get first hand experience right here. The fan is a good tip! Every time I go there, and especially when it's cold outside and I'm all layered up, I feel I'm going to faint by the time I get to my appointment. The temperature must be set at like 24-25 degrees, I swear! The same in the satellite clinic I go to. Now I start removing layers as soon as I get into the lift. And my god, that lift never goes down, does it. I always end up taking one that goes up and that will eventually go down too lol my maternity buddy will understand lol Did you sign up for the Generation Study?

On my side, I think I'm coming on the other side of a few bad days of this cold. My biggest problem was that I couldn't use Sudafed so it was extremely difficult to get some sleep with a completely blocked nose and saline spray feels pointless sometimes. During the night I also started getting some sinus pain and that's when I took paracetamol but thankfully I only needed it one night, as after that, the steam baths started to help. Other then that, I can tell I get frustrated and tense because I can't breathe during the sleep, and I end up clenching my teeth and tensing my upper back and neck muscles, which means I wake up with some aches and pains, not great. My upper back has been killing me this weekend. So the past few days haven't been ideal! And from now on I'll be giving more credit to cold medicine than I used to, that's for sure. It's all trivial in the grand scheme of things though, I know, and I'll forget all about my bad weekend as soon as I start feeling better. On the plus side, I was at home all weekend and sorted and washed all the 0-3 clothes I got from my SIL and they are all absolutely tiny and adorable 😍

Good luck today @Leaf86 - hope you get the best news possible. xx

All fingers crossed for you today @Leaf86 !!!

Thank you @HopefulllHolly @ThePeachGoose 🙏🏻

@ThePeachGoose omg yes it’s ridiculously hot and those lifts take forever. I always have to try to get there extra early to ensure the lifts don’t make me late. 🤣 No - no one has mentioned the generation study to me! What is it?

No real update after today, I’m still waiting for my MRI. The consultant was essentially saying we need more information and to wait for a bit further along to make a definite plan and start booking in dates. Blood pressure is stable though, which is good, and baby was busy bouncing around while they were checking heartbeat. 😂

@Leaf86 Oh bless you - no news is good news for now I guess! And baby sounds like they are having a wonderful time in there and thriving away 😊 Pleased to hear that! Did they give you any indication of how much longer they’ll give you to check again or when
your MRI is? Would be nice to be able to put it out your head a while and be able to plod along enjoying being pregnant if you can.

I had to go to the hospital on Sunday morning as hadn’t felt baby for 24 hours again. Took them 10 minutes to find her heartbeat and she was right behind my placenta. I have never been more scared in my life. Worse was I was on my own as my other half was struggling to park. He got to the assessment unit and they said “oooh I’ll take you over to her, she’s on the labour ward” (they had no beds in the MAU 🤣 the poor guy was white as a sheet when he came in the room as he thought something had happened or I was in very early labour.
Then we got called back for a growth scan which was fine. I was interested to see what they’d measure her as as the 28 week fundal measurement from the midwife put her in the top 10 percentile for size. In actual fact she is middle of the road at 57th percentile. Still has a bigger tummy and shorter legs like her daddy. Interesting it is quite a big difference so I’ll take the midwife measurements with a pinch of salt now. Placenta and everything all good, so again just another case of her hiding. I was much more scared this time as I felt queasy all weekend and still do and so had spent Saturday resting and even then she was quiet as a mouse. So thankful everything’s ok and I can hopefully get to DD now without anything more!
We also had our third antenatal class last night - we rushed straight from the hospital to the class with no time for dinner so it was a bit of a mental day. The class OMG it was intense and overwhelming but so helpful. 😅 When she stopped talking everyone just looked shell shocked, especially the boys. All of a sudden it felt real that we’re going to have to look after a little human very soon! I’m so excited but equally scared of getting it right. We covered breastfeeding, swaddling, safe sleep, nappy changing, bath time, settling baby - all the really practical stuff which was super super helpful but also made both of us nervous about not knowing everything. Anyway - it was brilliant but a very overwhelming day! Now busy trying to get a shortlist of nurseries together to sort that. Eeek! 😅

@Leaf86 glad baby was happy in there! And good luck with the MRI. Hope you’re doing okay.

@HopefulllHolly oh you poor thing, that sounds stressful - waiting 10 minutes for them to find the heartbeat must have been really hard. I find those moments between them putting the Doppler or scanner on your tummy and then waiting to see/hear anything so stressful! But big relief all was well with your little one x

I have my first growth scan on Thursday which can’t come soon enough. Hopefully it’ll give me some answers about why I barely feel this baby move. She’s either small or is stuck behind a giant placenta!

I’ve also started doing antenatal classes, I feel a bit silly being told about nappies etc when I’m about to have my 4th child! But I thought be good to know other local parents having babies at the same time, and also that it’d be helpful to get back in to the ‘zone’ for childbirth, and there’s always more to learn!
Strangely, I’ve been finding all the talk about labour/birth in the classes has started throwing up lots of emotions for me. The instructor sent us a video today of someone having a C-section and it made me cry for no particular reason. Everything she talks about just makes me shudder, whether it’s natural labour or C-section. Not sure why this time it feels that way whereas in all my previous pregnancies I was just very excited without any fears. I’m normally a “roll your sleeves up and get on with it” type of person, but I think I’m going to be an emotional wreck as I approach my due date.