Please reassure me that this is going to be perfectly fine!

[Sahkoora]

Just been to see the mw, I'm 36+1. Got ketones in my urine and bump is measuring small for the first time.

MW didn't seem unduly concerned, said she would refer me for a growth scan in a couple of weeks if still behind, but ofc I'm panicking!

Baby movements have been a bit quiet today and yesterday. Felt a few hiccups and flickers but no feet-sticking-out kicks. She said I should go to hospital for monitoring when DH gets home if nothing has changed.

This is nothing to worry about, is it?

Getting checked out is the best thing. I've had 4dc and been checked out loads of times and was sent home happy because everything was fine. However with my last baby the reduced movements was because the placenta was at the end of its life and I was taken in and induced that day. Baby was healthy and it was an easy labour.

Getting checked out is never a waste of time. It either picks up on a problem and you will be very grateful that you dealt with your concerns or everything is fine and you are reassured and on your way home.

Thank you!

How could they tell your placenta was on its last legs? Sorry to be nosy, just curious!

Well they strap you up to the monitoring machines to check heartbeat rates and pick up movements and this time they were not satisfied from what they saw so they asked me to go through for a scan. During the scan the noted no limb movement, no practice breathing movement and no movement of any kind seen during the entire scan. Approx 15 minute scan. Also they stated the placenta looked very calcified which apparently happens as it's on its way out.

I was sent home to pack a bag and sort the kids out and attend labour ward at 8pm. They couldn't actually start the inducing until the next morning as delivery was extremely busy that night so I was very worried all night. Induced with gel next morning at 10.30 jiggly pains straight away. Quiet lunch in hospital canteen at 1.30. Pains got a bit stronger after that and baby born at 3.55 that afternoon on the labour ward. We never made it to delivery as it was so quick. It was the easiest labour ever !

Haha niggley pains not jiggly at all.

It's early always nothing when they go quiet on you and perk up once your strapped to the machines. You can feel like your wasting their time if it happens a few times but it is ALWAYS better to feel a bit daft after you know everything is okay than to risk not going in to be checked.

OMG, that sounds very scary. So glad it had a happy ending for you. How many weeks pregnant were you? How was baby's heart rate?

I've called triage and am going in as soon as DH gets home from work (he's on his way now) so fingers crossed it's all for nothing.

I was 39 weeks. Her heart rate was fine as far as I know. That was never mentioned as a concern. It was just a case of the placenta has done its job but she needs to come out now.

She was perfectly healthy. No problems and came home at 11pm that night and we could just cuddle up in our own bed.

I would hate to think what could have happened if I had put off being checked. It's just not worth the risk.

Just to add that everyone of my pregnancy's had at least one episode (and dc2 had numerous) of quietness that turned out to be nothing at all. I was so sure dc4 was going to wriggle like mad as soon as we got to the hospital but not on this occasion.

I'm sure all will be fine for your little one and your going to the right place if not. Will be looking out for your update later on. Thinking of you both.

Sahk how did things go for you ?

Went down to the hospital at 4.30 and didn't get home until 10! When they put me on the monitor baby's heartrate was all over the place and they couldn't get a baseline for ages.

They thought I might be a bit dehydrated so they made me drink loads of water, which I promptly threw up! After this, his heart settled down a bit so they took me off the monitor and sent me up to the restaurant to get some food. They got a decent trace after this that the doctor was happy with, but after dipping my urine I had 3+ Ketones so apparently I have to eat and drink more.

Since I've gotten bigger I have found it really hard to eat in any volume as I just throw it up again so I had been trying to eat little and often. I guess not often enough!

Just to be on the safe side I have to go back this evening for another trace, so DH is sending me texts every ten minutes reminding me to eat and drink!

Good glad baby is doing okay. It's hard when you have no appetite. Try to think of all the tasty snacks you enjoy and go and buy them in.

These are things I could manage when a full meal wasn't appealing

Crackers cheese and picked onions.
Fruit salad with yoghurt poured on and a crunchy muesli topping.

Poached egg on toast

Fruit blended into smoothies

Anything nibbly you can leave in your eye line will help if big meals are off putting.

Thanks, discovering that I really do need more snacky stuff in the house, will try and get to the supermarket and pick up some bits that are appealing.

Earlier in my pregnancy I would have loved to have the advice to eat more, but now I'm finding it really tough going!

Haha that's always the way isn't it. Never mind your on doctors orders to pig out now. What time do you go for monitoring today ? Fingers crossed baby behaves and you will have a shorter stay this time

Hi sahk how are you feeling today. Hope your managing your food without feeling too sick. Was your monitoring okay yesterday ?