Waddling slowly towards the finish line. A late pregnancy moaning thread.

[OuchBollocks]

I will start by saying I know I am extremely lucky be expecting a healthy (so far as can be told) baby and I wouldn't swap it for the world. That said - bloody hell. I'm 39 weeks today, I have an arse under my ribcage so I can't breathe, a head trying to drill out of my pelvis, shocking heartburn, and with a leg still in a boot from being broken there is no comfortable position in the world. I'm shattered and weepy and want this baby out now please! Anyone else?

So just phoned triage and she said it sounds like the lead up to labour, it might bring it on or it might not , no guarantee really , and to keep an eye/ keep monitoring and if it gets any worse, anymore sore then to phone in again sooner rather than later given baby is breech and I'm having a c section. She said they would be able to do c section even if labour started , it's only if the labour is right at the end they can't.

I told her I've had the period like ache all day with peaks and troughs of the pains, maybe every 15 mins. No bloody show and no waters breaking.

Thanks for the sympathy, lovelies! Managed to get up, showered and out for a bit of sunshine this afternoon so feeling a bit better

purple Glad you spoke to the midwife. I guess if you haven't lost your mucus plug or waters yet then it's good news and hopefully baby will stay inside for a bit longer! The cramps/early contractions must be tiring though - hope you can get plenty of rest and look after yourself.

Funny isn't it how we pray baby stays put for so long and then we pray for baby to arrive!

Glad you spoke to the midwife Purple, at least they are aware of what you are experiencing now and can keep an eye out for you as well 🙂

How are you feeling NameChange?

I've seen the midwife today and she attempted a sweep, she couldn't get to my cervix around the baby's head so it was basically a fail. Just have to hope for things to start progressing now, otherwise I will see her next week and book an induction for the week after. Great big sighs all around!

I have been so so lucky this pregnancy, so few real complaints. But can I have a moan anyway?!

37 weeks tomorrow. I can't get comfortable in bed, and wake up every hour and a half to go for a wee, so I'm exhausted and it takes 12 hours in bed to feel even vaguely well rested. I have restless leg syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, big fat bloated hands and ankles, and have put on so much weight I can barely recognise myself.

Am so ready for this to be over. And it could be another five weeks!!!

Thanks ladies. You were right to encourage me to phone. The pains were worse and I had started sweating. I do feel really exhausted.

Lottie hopefully things will get moving for you.

Zambean we are due on the same day I know exactly how you feel. I've been told I won't go past due date because of the diabetes. Awaiting a date for c section sometime between 39-40 weeks.

Ditto zanbean. Tho 37w today

Peeing non stop at night and have edema (swollen ankles and legs and now fingers and face) so puffy :(

Plus blinding headache since last night so put with swollen thought possible pre eclampsia but bp low so not

Bubs wasn't moving so back up to triage to be monitored

Blonde oh no I hope everything is ok with the bubs. Keep us posted.

Is anyone feeling their bump now constantly touching their thighs, especially when sitting up in bed for example or manoeuvring around? It's really odd feeling!

I hope all is ok Blonde, it's such a worry when movement reduces. Thinking about you!

Yes Purple, I have noticed that a lot - if I'm sat on the sofa even my bump rests on my legs. Weird feeling indeed!

Aw Zam, sorry you're suffering! It sounds like you are having a really rough time. Let's hope for labour on time!

Lol I have to sometimes 'position' the bump. The pains have been a little worse at times, to the point I've been pacing around. How are yours feeling?

I think sitting up in the bath is the worst for bump position, but the midwife has put a guesstimate weight on this baby of 8.5 to 9 pounds (😓) so my bump is massive!
Niggling pains now really, nothing as interesting as pacing anymore! Despite how much progression I seemed to be having I don't think much is going on now. Due tomorrow and I'm not holding my breath!

Ooo exciting!! Hopefully things will continue to progress for you and come to a standstill. I had my last scan just over a week ago and weight was 6.6lbs. Feeling like bump is huge too!

It's midnight! Happy due date Lottie!!

I'm 37 weeks today

Thank you 😊 hoping for good things today!

I hardly dare write this but I think things might be kicking off...

Woke up just after midnight with strong period-like pains and the urge to poo
Got up to go to the loo and leaked fluid - there was some bright red blood in it
I'm back in bed with a sanitary towel on and a bath towel underneath me in case of any more leaks!
Pains haven't gone away

Google tells me these are all signs of early labour but I don't want to get my hopes up in case it all grinds to a halt. Can't sleep now though due to pain and excitement!

How exciting name change! I was told to phone in if waters go though so maybe you should give them a call?

I'm 38+6 but babies head isn't engaged, anyone got any tips to get his head engaged?!

Head engaging.... I read that with 2nd(or more) pregnancies the head sometimes doesn't engage until labour starts! So I don't know if that applies to you?

My due date today, feeling incredibly tearful which isn't related to due date but my son cried this morning and that set me off too!

No signs at all here of anything happening soon. So frustrating!

Good luck NameChange.

MrPoppers - here, have a with me, fellow due date buddy. We'll get through this together 😂
I've found it incredibly hard reaching my due date with no baby in sight, I think because I've had so many positive signs of things progressing. I think I'm going to focus ahead now and assume that I'm in it for the long wait, which is a disappointment!

Lozza, I think MrPoppers has it right. With subsequent babies the head can engage and disengage, right up until labour!

Can understand your disappointment Lozzie. From 36 w onwards time is really dragging. I just want it here! And I'm only 37w yet. So you are doing incredibly well

Lottie! Sorry stupid predictive. My pains are intermittent, have them for a few hours and then nothing for an hour or so. Don't feel regular enough yet.

I've decided in going to watch girly films and cry all day, it will help! My husband is already prepping himself for home time with me in this state as I've prewarned him! 😄

Hope everyone else is having a better day?

Purple - keep us updated on how you go through the day. Are you eager for the pains to ramp up or would you rather wait for your booked CS?

That's a good plan! Are you all packed and ready? I've just ironed baby clothes. All packed.

I don't mind if the pains ramp up and I have an emcs or if the pains stop and I get to planned elcs date. Either option is fine really.

Worst case scenario is that I'm in limbo with this pain stopping me from
Resting/ enjoying and just adding further to the exhaustion!

If it was going to be a natural birth I wouldn't mind as much but I don't want to be totally exhausted before the csection as the recovery will be tough enough as it is. This pain feels a bit of a 'waste' if you know what I mean

I understand how you feel totally, bless you. I think that's the worst part of those pains is it doesn't feel like it's going anywhere so the energy you spend is basically a waste. That's what has me so frustrated I think.

Bags are packed and in the car already, have been for ages! Even got the car seat and blankets all sorted. All I'm missing now is little madam!

I will keep my fingers crossed for you that things either calm down or ramp up, but that you don't get left in this horrible limbo :)

Thanks Lottie I will too keep my fingers crossed for you! You said this is your first also? A little madam how lovely! We are having a boy.

I keep needing to sit down every few mins, the bump is measuring 38+ and baby is over 95th percentile (I have gestational diabetes) so moving around is quite uncomfortable. Just the sheer size and weight!