Edging towards Birth...Snow, Snow, go away and night time anxiety

[Lavenderdays]

36 weeks today. Was unsure whether I had some Braxton contractions yesterday evening. I have two dc's (11 and 4) and no extended family, so arranging childcare for them whilst I go into labour has been an ordeal in itself!
Anyway, heavy snow predicted for tomorrow. This will cause havoc to my childcare arrangements, should I go into labour, if youngest dc's pre-school setting is closed (they have agreed to care for her from 8.15 to 6 pm using aftercare etc. but obviously if it snows this option wont be available)...just hoping that the predictions are wrong and snow doesn't arrive or if it does that it clears away pretty quickly. Friend who has agreed to look after dcs works during the day and has two are older children (teens) so will probably be able to fend for themselves, though obviously not my dd, should their school close.
Also, because of the massive upheaval involved (I will have to ship my dds out to said friend's house because she has her own children), the thought of going into labour in the middle of the night (as I did with dd1) is really anxiety provoking. I don't know what it is but entering hospital during the daylight hours just seems more manageable and less anxiety provoking somehow...my anxiety always seems to ramp up as darkness descends...anyone else experience this? (it isn't like I'm afraid of the dark or anything) I think it is also because I will be asking my friend a massive favour by waking her up at 2.00 am etc. not helped by the fact that she asked me what I would do if it happens in the middle of the night...to which I replied bring them to you (at least she laughed at this confirmation). Not really dealing well with the unknown factor of all of this, hampered by inconsistent childcare arrangements (will hate leaving my dds behind in any case, particularly as they wont be with people who really love them, although dd1 really does love dd2 so that is some comfort) but I feel I need dh to be with me x Anyone else stressed about childcare arrangements whilst going into labour?

Just to add to my epic post...although usually, I love the snow and get out in it, I have been super cautious during this pregnancy and have not ventured out in it. Watching the snow flakes fall and then settle makes me feel claustrophobic and I start panicking about getting to the hospital etc. (though the car has four wheel drive capability).

I can understand why you are worried but try not to panic! Hopefully as you are only just 36 weeks you won't go into labour just yet. If you start to feel like you're going into labour just make sure you start getting arrangements in place and try and get to the hospital as soon as possible, don't leave it until things are really established. Good luck !!

Thanks Kitty, yes, I'm trying to reassure myself that baby wont come just yet...have a feeling she will arrive early though and can obviously do without snow lying on the ground...next week looks warmer though...so hopefully should be a temporary problem. It's horrible when you haven't got a supportive family member to call upon. As it happens, I think dd2 just sees it as a big adventure - that she may end up having a sleepover with her sister and some other big girls. Yuck, this is a horrible aspect for me...leaving my dcs behind (I've never spent a night away from them barr going into hospital - obviously though, older dd has been away with Guides/school etc).

I'd like to join you in worrying...I'm nearly 38 weeks and my last two came at 36/37 weeks. Our village is closed down and the hospital is an hours drive without any weather conditions. We wouldn't ask our family to drive to us in this weather (hours drive coming from opposite direction to hospital) I've had two sections so scared of going into labour and being stranded then having a uterine rupture. The only positive is my husband is here so he can drive me to the hospital and watch the kids as I don't mind surgery on my own. I spent last week telling myself I'm ready if baby comes but now I'm practically crossing my legs trying to find information on stalling labour... We'll be fine

Oh no, inappropriate...you put my worries into perspective. Hope the baby hangs on in there for you xxx I plan to have a vaginal birth, probably with gas and air only, so it could potentially be drawn out...just like the thought of dh being there with me as from memory the midwives seemed to flit in and out of the room and it could be a long and lonely process!

All these coulds and mights are doing my head in quite frankly!

You're 36 weeks. If you were over 39 I'd be a bit worried, but you'll be fine.

DD2 came at 38 weeks...and baby measuring big, I think I've got it into my head that she will put in an appearance sooner rather than later...(maybe that's just wishful thinking) because it's all become a big struggle now x

@Lavenderdays

It's amusing though as when you get to 36 weeks it really feels like the daily (or hourly) countdown and every twinge is possibly a sign...I wonder how many women at our gestation are wishing to be pregnant a bit longer I will stay strong and positive for you and you for me! If we end up with a birth story worthy of an eastenders Christmas special then we'll have cool stories for our kids

Hi Inappropriate...you are an inspiration to us all x. A few days ago I was wishing this was all over and done with...now the baby can't possibly come yet (because of snow threat etc.) Small flakes of snow are currently falling and I am scowling...also, because I can't really go out and play like I would usually do!

I’m so 36 weeks today OP and DS came at 37 weeks. It’s perfectly normal to be anxious even without the history of early (not pre) term delivery! Snow is awful where I am too and my mind is creating silly scenarios. Just need to brave the storm for a few more days hopefully!

My first came at 33 weeks, waters went at 1am and she was here at 6.57am... so totally get where you’re coming from. We are a military family recently moved so no family/close friends nearby so if I go into labour I’ll have to wait for my sister to arrive from 1.5 hours away as hubby will have to stay with DD. I know what you mean about night/day... if it happens in the night I’ll have to wake everyone up, every thing seems easier in the day time. I don’t have much advice but you’re not alone in your worries.

It's comforting at least to hear that others experience this type of anxiety too, though I'm sorry you do, if that makes sense.

I was the same on dd1 it was during a bad spell of weather and hoping she would hang in there for another while. The warmer weather is only a few days away hopefully you will stay waiting until then at least. Its hard not to worry

Hi! My SIL had her first 2 days after a snowstorm in NYC - a week before she was due! She said the only tricky thing was stepping over a snowdrift to get into the taxi! I understand it's anxiety provoking, but you'll be fine, honestly!

Same here. Dcs 1 and 2 came at 38 and 37 weeks. I'm 37 now and snow forecast tonight, and the inlaws have just told me they're too ill to help!

Oh no, Blink...Have you got a back up plan just in case?...Hopefully for both of us it won't happen yet (milder weather due next week)

I'm just hoping that if the weather is that bad the neighbours' kids' will be off school so I can leave the kids there and run! Until my parents can get to me. But they are 4 hours away at the best of times!

36+2 here, baby also measuring big and I'm hoping the opposite. I want him out ASAP! I feel like this pregnancy will never end.

Im the same 38 weeks lots of snow and panicking over going into Labour

My dh moved the car onto the main road for me last night. Only problem was he put the handbrake on so high I couldn't move it and we missed our appt. Kids crying after the walk to the car and back! And snow now forecast for today until Sunday!

Blink...Careful driving in this weather anyway - I'm guessing there is going to be a lot of ice about. Have you rung the hospital to find out what their emergency plan is for anyone going into labour who cant get there...surely, they would need to send an ambulance of some description in this situation if your local roads are impassable/dangerous? Kids are probably crying due to the cold? I haven't been out but I am informed it is bitterly cold out there - 20 minutes outside is probably enough to feel miserable! Hopefully, it will be a 38+ week baby again this time for you x

Thanks Lavender. I think the main roads will be ok as they'll be gritted. I'm not sure about the small road to the hospital... I assume it would be a priority to keep that clear? Might text the midwife to check. We're not going anywhere until we have to, but it's wearing being indoors with the 2 kids all day! Hoping dh's work will be closed tomo as I'm sure preschool will be!

Oh yes, very wearing...will we be in all day tomorrow...relying on elder dd to entertain younger dd at least for a little while!

Happy to report the snow is melting away here...hope it doesn't return until next year!