Pregnant at forty and over - thread 3

[Marquand]

To continue support for mothers to be over 40.

Christmas I've got obstetric cholestasis. To do with bile acids building up so my dodgy gallbladder isn't doing what it should. I'm on some meds that help along with some others. The main thing is that my pain has gone but I feel like I've been hit by a bus now. Managed a full nights sleep for the first time in weeks so fingers crossed things will progress ok for the next few weeks and once baby here I can start to get my body back to normal (!?)
The Drs were fab and I can't tell you how well I was looked after. Even DH got special treatment so we are so much more confident going for the birth. Was lovely to see all the new mums in there and to think in a few weeks I'll be meeting my little boy.

Blondes it was a relief to see him. Although he was being monitored on the ward, it was good to see he was unaffected by all the issues. The sonographer was from my local birth centre who had been brought over for staff shortages so totally random, but she knows my history (was the sonographer when I miscarried) and was lovely of her to show me him. Was totally her suggestion and I could have kissed her lol.

So just got to try and take it easy now. At least the mad dash to hospital served as a good trial run for labour lol. All my plans for dog/childcare fell into place so I can relax.

Teaspoon the induction for me was a catalogue of disaster BUT I will say it was all down to a shocking labour ward and incompetent staff. (My complaint was upheld by the trust and a full apology given) And not being kept in the loop. If I need one this time I will feel better knowing it's a different trust and also the options I should have had the first time around. Don't be afraid to ask questions and be forceful that your wishes are respected. I'm happy to go into detail by PM if you like as I don't want to worry anyone as my experience was far from the norm. The main thing is I had a beautiful daughter at the end.
Going to get up in a bit - DD's birthday party tomorrow so slowly getting things ready. She's been so excited and I was worried it would have to be cancelled.
Thanks to all that sent good wishes. It meant a lot to see them - apart from DH and family I don't have much support in RL so was hugely appreciated

Hi Womble good (I guess?) that's it's a pregnancy-induced condition because hopefully it will go after you've given birth. And the obs team will be used to managing it in pregnancy. Hope you do feel better from now and manage to hold on for a bit. Cross your legs! We are all rooting for you.

I also hope your previous experience wasn't at Whipps Cross hospital . Sounds pretty bad.

I had the other half of my 20-week scan today (22+5!). This time baby was more cooperative and they were able to check the heart - all fine. Was lovely to see her again although the photo we got was a bit rubbish! She is kicking much more now, I am enjoying that.

I have my consultant team appointment on Monday (for being over 40 and borderline bmi of 30 at outset considerably more now . Feel a little apprehensive!

Thanks Christmas I've got to go into DAU Wednesday for more tests and they will decide what to do from there. Worst case scenario is early induction but that's not so bad. Having had a sneak peak at the ward I'm quite relaxed about it all. Whatever is best for a safe arrival is fine.
It wasn't Whipps Cross so don't panic! Was Lewisham.
Glad your scan went ok and she's doing well!

Ps don't worry about consultant. I'm considerably over 30 BMI and he never mentioned it. Moot point really. If he had I would have shut him down. Not like you can change it - it is what it is. All my consultant appointments have been positive and reassuring. I look at it like I'm getting extra care

Ha ha, it's not my absolute bmi I am worried about, it's a lecture about how much I have gained during pregnancy (combination of feeling bit bleurgh at the beginning and eating lots of toast, and not being on slimming world for the first time in ages ). We'll see. I am keen to ask about their policy for induction before 40 weeks. I had a good spontaneous Labour last time but at 40+6, would love to just launch naturally again but they might not let me wait over 40.

Glad you feel happy about your hospital. I had my first at Whipps and it wasn't great so I am not excited about going back... but I had a fastish Labour so too scared to book further afield this time!

I'm consultant led and it's not a prob. Just means I get extra scans and chats with big cheese doctors after

I've been very lucky with my care but I do red flag /tick their boxes so since 12w been checked regularly

Sorry you had a bad experience being induced :(

Have s lovely birthday party for dd

Christmas- am also high BMI (think over 40 rather than 30!) and consultant led. Realistically, I think whatever you need to do/eat/drink to get through the pregnancy is absolutely fine imho!!

Womble - glad you're reassured and sorry to hear about Lewisham last time 'round. I used to work for NHSE and was warned by a senior pal to not go there or QE. Tough to get that out of my head when I needed to decide where to get my care. On a nicer note, hope DDs birthday went well?

No grief from the consultant yesterday. Just a referral to physio for SPD / carpal tunnel syndrome and back at 38 weeks to book my induction. That doesn't sound very far away now - time is going so quickly!

Pancakes tonight. The baby wants them Old Skool - lemon and sugar

Thanks Teaspoon she had a lovely time it's taken me a day to get over it lol
Been really nauseous today so done not a lot except sit on my ever expanding backside and play trolls with DD.
DAU tomorrow for tests to see if bile acids are reducing and liver is functioning as it should. They will decide next steps depending on what they come out as. If no better will be looking at early induction.
Baby is right down in my pelvis as well. Nursery manager came out yesterday to see me after watching me waddle across the car park and said she reckons it won't be long
Christmas glad all went ok. How far along are you now?
Managed to pack baby's bag finally. Just got to repack mine after my stay last week.
How's everyone else doing?

Hey Womble glad the party went well, and importantly that you didn't have to miss or cancel it! That would have been hard for your DD but all's well in the end. Hope tomorrow goes well too.

I am 23 weeks now. Feeling pretty fat, can't quite imagine where I am going to put another 17 weeks of growth!

When do you reckon bags should be packed?

I packed at 30 as didn't want to not have anything and bubs come early and be in a second hand hospital vest and babygros

All good here tho there is no more room in the inn. Bubs has taken over my body and I'm ready to pop

I waddle. Have cankles. Struggle with stairs and happy for bubs to come now. 36w on thur

Thanks Christmas
I held off packing as DD was 2 weeks late 😳 but usually around the 35 week mark
I guess would be normal. As it was with DD, DH had to do a run to Mothercare as all the baby grows I packed were too small and we were in 6 days. I gave birth in a hospital gown in the end due to having epidural and them needing access to my back. This time around I picked up a button front long tshirt/night shirt thing for a few quid as it will go straight in the bin I expect. Don't get anything long sleeved or too warm as its hot as hell in the labour rooms. And dignity goes out the window anyways
Hopefully all will be well tomorrow but will take it as it comes. Even if they decide to induce early I think they would hold off til next week when I'm 37 weeks (here's hoping)
It's just the waiting game now. I hated this part last time.

Hey Womble how were the tests?

Thinking of you Womble- hope all went well today. I do plan to DM you re induction, but tend to do MN from phone and don't think I can message from this platform so may be at the weekend!

Blondes - poor you!! I'm 6wks behind you and have the waddle and the sleeplessness. Hope you're bearing up - are you still working? I'm meant to be until 37wk+3 but god knows how I'll manage it!!

Christmas - are you feeling any happier about being consultant led? I've found more continuity that way than with the MW team.

Hope everyone is bearing up!

Am still umming and ahing about the Baby Show on Sunday. Want to have a nose but worried it'll be rammed busy when all I want is a quiet weekend. Plus we have a shed to paint and furniture to unpack/ make.

womble hope today went well

teaspoon no i officially gave up about 3/4w ago, tho was planning to go to 36w/now/3nd of feb

i wuldnt have made it tbh

Hi all. Tests weren't great my liver function has shot up to 246 and my bile acids haven't reduced. Back in next Wednesday for more bloods and definitely looking at early induction due to risks obstetric cholestasis presents. They will make a decision next week. On loads of meds still. To be perfectly frank I feel like shit - absolutely no energy, chronic insomnia, itching, pain whenever I eat. Although they have given me buscopan and a tablet for my heartburn/indigestion which is helping. I'm totally ready for him to come now.
On the plus side he is doing fine! He's right down in my pelvis and very active. But no room left so hellish uncomfortable.
Luckily DH has swapped shifts at work so can take DD to nursery on his way to work so I don't have to worry about getting up!
Teaspoon no worries feel free to PM - let me know when you have as I'm usually on the app so can log onto laptop.
Thanks for all your good wishes. Means a lot!
Seriously I cannot believe how different these 2 pregnancies have been. DD was a walk in the park compared to this one! It's really strange.

Oh Womble, a friend had obstetric cholestasis and said the itching drove her demented! Well, it sounds as though you will not be devastated to be induced early - I would just be mighty relieved in your shoes! The end of pregnancy is uncomfortable enough without other complications. I feel for you

Sounds as though you are going to meet him soon though - exciting!

I'm currently in MAU as he hasn't moved for a day and was low movement for a day before that. Its really busy so I'm just sittIng waiting and I'm so hungry. Trying not to freak out...

Oh Bloop hang on in there. Hopefully just positioning and everything will be okay. Do you have anyone with you? and can they go and get chocolate?

Bloop hopefully the little one is ok and just in an awkward position. I've had this over the last few days. Just when I start panicking he starts to move. Hoping all is well x

Hey Womble how are things going for you?

Bloop I had a similar experience with DS - went in to be monitored and that got him moving. The staff were lovely about it though. Thinking of you anyway.

I am okay but have a grotty cold. This is not fun but worse is the combination of cold + stress incontinence . I have a horrible cough, plus the sneezing, and am finding pads just aren't doing it - I've had a couple of accidents in the last two days . It's so awful and embarrassing. It wasn't really a problem before this pregnancy - after DS I would have to brace myself to sneeze but all very manageable. Now.... urgh. I need to see someone about it as another vaginal
Delivery might be a bad idea. I wish I had talked to the consultant about it last week but before getting this cold I hadn't realised how bad it had got.

This thread has been very quiet - are you out there Blondes?

Sorry to have been awol for a while and looks like some of you have really been through it! Bloop I've got everything crossed for you that all is ok.
Womble, how are you getting on?
Seacow, sorry to hear about your cold - and the accompanying problems... sounds like a good idea to talk to the consultant.
And how is everyone else?

Sorry just been busy waddling :(

Ankles are cankles and huge and hurts to walk let alone stairs as ankles don't be due to fat/fluid :(

@womble. Sure baby wom is ok but understand the scare. Happened twice with bubs - that feel nothing for hours. Worry. Call triage. They say come straight in

And both times once plugged in and monitored then the little bugger starts living and kicks non stop

Typical

Hope by now you've been seen. Reassured and back home ...

37w thur. Can't wait for bubs to come and for her to come early. If ankles weren't so sore and puffy I would be ok

Roll on 3w as they will induce me before 40w

Scan Monday and then consultant chat

I have DAU tomorrow and they will make a decision on induction. My symptoms are no better and to be honest I will be pushing for it to happen. Such a worry especially as it's not improving. I'm 38 weeks in a few days so it shouldn't be an issue. Taking DH for moral support. He's good at getting my point across if I'm not getting anywhere as I tend to cry when I get frustrated lol. Although the staff have been great so far so I'm sure it won't be an issue.
I'm popping so many pills and I'm not comfortable knowing OC can up the risks of stillbirth.

Evening all, sorry not been on much, trying to sort stuff.
Hope everything is OK Bloop, such a worry, take care thinking of you
Good luck womble tomo, hopefully they'll listen to your concerns and between you all will come to the right conclusion.
Blondes keep waddling!!! Not long to go!!
Hi gizmo, how you doing???
I'm starting aqua natal next week after being on waiting list, not sure what I'm going to look like in a swimming costume- could be like a beached whale!!!!