How did you pregnancies and births differ?

[RedRobyn2021]

Really want three children but have so far only had the one but I get very anxious.

My first (and so far only) pregnancy started off quite tough as I had HG for the first 25 weeks and became quite depressed until it fortunately eased other than this all was well. I was overdue and had my daughter 40+12, the end of my pregnancy I became very stressed because I went into hospital for monitoring and the consultant I met wanted me to have an induction because I was past my due date (baby and placenta were absolutely fine), I chose to decline but they rang me repeatedly after this appointment.

For me, I found the end of my pregnancy hard because of this. A lot of crying and a lot of anxiety. Even after I had her, these feelings didn't go away. Anxiety and anger being prominent.

I've heard a lot of women say "all pregnancies are different" and "all births are different" I'm just interested to know if this is true for you? Or did you find yours quite similar?

First pregnancy had severe hyperemesis throughout, IUGR, ended up with pre eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Was induced and had emergency episiotomy. DS is now a happy 21 month old.

Im currently pregnancy with DD 32 weeks escaped hyperemesis but atm Im in hospital with possible clots in my lungs. I've got a scan today to confirm whats going on.

So far both pregnancies have been very different. DH and I wanted 4 children but atm due to my health risks and 2 complicated pregnancies we arent haveng anymore.

I would speak to your Dr and or get a referral to an obstetrician to discuss your concerns etc.

@abbs1 oh my goodness, that sounds incredibly hard. I'm so sorry, I hope your test results are encouraging x

In my first pregnancy I had HG which eased at about 21 weeks. After that I had a textbook pregnancy, went into labour at 39+6, straightforward vaginal delivery (though I had an episiotomy which I wasn't happy about). Labour lasted about 12 hours.

With #2, I also had HG. I felt a bit cheated as I'd been told it wouldn't likely happen again - I now know it definitely can! I think I coped better second time round and knew it would go. Child care was tricky though as I really wasn't well enough to look after a toddler. In retrospect, I wish I'd fixed up some help as soon as I knew I was pregnant.

Again, the HG went at about 20 weeks, the rest of the pregnancy was fine, I went into labour again at 39+6 (must be a coincidence!), labour only took 4 hours that time, no problems with delivery or afterwards.

I also wanted 3 children but couldn't face the HG again. I've come to terms with that now and am happy with my 2. If I'd really been desperate for a third I'd have fixed up childcare / help at home so I didn't have that worry at least. DH was great but couldn't give up work for months at a time unfortunately.

I hope it all goes well for you from now on.

[quote RedRobyn2021]@abbs1 oh my goodness, that sounds incredibly hard. I'm so sorry, I hope your test results are encouraging x[/quote]
Its been really stressful but the hospital have been amazing. Fingers crossed it can be managed with just Medication.

If you are looking at another pregnancy definitely speak to pregnancy sickness support and see if you can get a support peer. Ive had one this pregnancy and its been really nice. She told me about xonvea and my gp prescribed it me from 5 weeks pregnant and its honestly worked wonders. Ive had nausea but only been sick once. No trips to hospital for fluids or IV Medication.
There is a huge support network on here and also instagram etc so reach out as much as you need for support. 🤗

@Lucienandjean this is one of my concerns, I remember thinking first time round that if I had another child to look after I simply couldn't have done it. Work would also be an issue as well.

What did you do about work the second time around?

@abbs1 thank you, I will look them up now x

@abbs1 sorry that last message was for you x 😅

First pregnancy was textbook. I loved it. Birth was not. 36hr labour, 9cm then failure to progress. Syntocin, episiotomy & forceps for foetal distress. 3L blood loss & retained placenta so needed knocking out to have it out. We were ok thank god.

Second pregnancy awful. Recurrent thrush. Big baby. Appendicectomy at 24 weeks. Elective caesarean which was amazing and I recovered so well.

No more babies.

I wasn't working during my second pregnancy, so that was one less worry! I had a lot of time off work during my first pregnancy though, and I would have had to have had similar amounts for number two as well.

Looking back, as far as childcare is concerned, I wish I'd sorted out something suitable much earlier on. I waited till I was in the depths of HG again, and at that point I could barely function, let alone employ help! In the end, a relative came to stay and help for a few weeks, then we employed a temporary nanny for a time.