That old cliche really is true......

[Spice17]

'I don't care as long as my baby is healthy' I never really understood it properly before and not wishing to worry/scare anyone but the tragic news about Gary and Dawn Barlow's daughter Poppy has really brought it home to me.

I don't actually undertand what causes stillbirth, if there are any reasons at all? I'm just feeling very fearful now and very aware how lucky I am for my baby to have made it along this far (31 weeks)

I realise that there are no guarantees with this and it's very sad, for those who have gone through it, I can't even begin to imagine :)

Sorry this is gloomy - just wanted to share my worries and desire to have a healthy baby at the end. Sure we all feel the same today.

Couldn't agree more :(

It's perfectly natural to think that spice and I think the news about little Poppy Barlow will trigger that thought in many. Having lost a DD at full term last year and now being 36 weeks pregnant again to be honest my thoughts are 'I just want my baby to be alive'

As for the causes of stillbirth there are many many reasons - from congenital abnormalities to knots in the cord to failure of the placenta. Sadly a lot of the time the cause is unknown. Try not to worry yourself though although more common than people realise it is still very very rare.

The biggest piece of advise I can give you or anyone who is pregnant is 'Count the kicks' Be aware of your babies movement pattern, record it if you think it would help and if there is a change to the frequency, pattern or strength of the movements go and get it checked out. Insist on a 20 minute ctg trace of your babies heartbeat. If there is a problem this should pick it up. Don't listen to anyone who tells you a baby slows down towards the end as it's running out of room. This is not meant to scare anyone, as I said stillbirth is thankfully rare, but in some cases in can be prevented if you are aware of your babies movements.

Whatever so very sorry about your DD but congratulations on your pregnancy, I hope we all have healthy babies in our arms very soon :)

I'm so sorry whatever. Hope the next four weeks go quickly as I'm sure this is a very stressful time for you. x

So sorry whatever. I have been feeling the same recently. I'm a bit of a worrier anyway but have got to the point (33 weeks) that whenever I start organising baby things I feel like I'm tempting fate (totally stupid I know) It's getting to the point where I just want her out now to know she's safe (also stupid I know).