The Graduates of TTC after pregnancy loss thread #6 - 🐧 The Penguin Huddle 🐧

[KnitKitty]

This is a safe space and supportive thread for anyone who is pregnant following a loss. We all understand the worry and anxiety that can come from being pregnant again following miscarriage/stillbirth.

Please feel free to join, even if you were not on the original TTC thread.

Starting the roll call copied from the last thread. Not everyone is on there, so please add to it/update/edit.
Also, thought it might be fun if we add Girl/Boy/Surprise on there too, so we can see who's expecting what

@Amanda81, 38, EDD 27/12/19
@MyHeartIsBrokeButIHaveSomeGlue, 37, EDD 03/01/20
@Laney79, 40, EDD 06/01/20
@Bluebelltulip, 29, EDD 09/01/20
@KnitKitty, 32, EDD 29/01/20 - Girl
@UnicornsandRainsbows1, 29, EDD 29/01/2020
@Newbie21, 38, EDD 06/02/20
@InDreamland, 39, EDD 18/02/20
@Tina363,29, EDD 26/02/20
@Frillyfarmer, 29, EDD 28/02/20
@Strawberry, 28, EDD 08/03/20
@Ginmonkey84, 34, EDD 16/03/20
@DuvetCaterpillar, 34, EDD 27/03/2020
@ChikiTIKI , 29, EDD 04/04/2020
@Navy123, 29, EDD 10/04/20
@Catconfusion, 40, EDD 12/04/20
@Janey15, 34, EDD 13/04/20
@TinyPaws, 33, EDD 18/04/20
@Flyfisherlady, 37, Edd 24/04/20
@Dimblebimble, 29, EDD 29/4/20
@FirstTimeMama91, 28, EDD 06/05/2020
@SunshineCrocodile, 37, EDD 4/6/2020
@TwittleBee , 25, EDD 25/06/20

And a shout-out to the Mamas who have already had their beautiful babas!
@Boboelephant, @Yukka, @Melpops36, @Beaglemum93 and a special mention for our hero mum @Squiff70 who we continue to keep in our thoughts and prayers.

Hope everyone is well. @InDreamland I hope things are moving along nicely.

I had my 28 week growth scan today, baby seems to be measuring on 64th centile and weighs an estimated 2lb 11oz. Heart looked ok too (this was a big thing even though it wasn't a full cardiology check) and I managed to avoid seeing if it was a boy or girl once again. I have the consultant on Monday so hopefully she will have at look at little ones heart as my next cardiology appointment isn't until 33 weeks.

I've been reading the Strep B threads with interest as none of the midwives have ever mentioned it. I will make sure to ask at my next midwife appointment.

I can believe so many of you are around the 35 week mark, i feel a bit left behind! 8 weeks and I will be on my first day of maternity leave (well annual leave before holiday)

@Rubyroost @Mistymeow can I ask how you found the GTT as I have mine a week on Monday and I'm getting a bit worried about it if I'm honest, my mum has developed type 2 diabetes so I'm having the test. I hope you don't mind me asking are you medicated with tablets or injections? I think it's amazing how quickly you are changing diets and getting the hang of your readings.

@Kayjay because baby measured 3lb 3 at 28 week scan and then 6lb 3 at 32 weeks 😭 I had another scan a week later with consuktant and she measured 6lb 5 at 33 weeks. I'd been asking for a test at all my appts and scans since 20 weeks but they kept saying no need. So it was when the damage was done that they finally tested me. And Stupidly I carried on eating loads of sweet stuff despite wanting to be tested. 😭 In terms of the blood sugars when you think your baby is in danger (and I have fairly severe polyhydriamnos as well which comes with its own risks) it's easy to control your diet and luckily for me limiting carbs and the tablets are working for now. I know many women have lots more problems.

Oh how I found the test, not hie I found out I needed the test. Was fine. Hsd my bloods taken, drank a sugary drink, went back to work and then returned to have my bloods taken again. Couldn't be bothered to wait at the hosoital for two hours twiddling my fingers!

I was put on metaformin straight away as I was diagnosed so late and doctor didn't want to wait and see if I could control with diet. I'm on the lowest dose of metaformin at the mo. I believe @Mistymeow is now on insulin. When they make up your prescription for the gp they add insulin and extra doses of metaformin as I think they expect it to progress and get worse. So if it does then you you just get it easily through the doctor.

I'm going to just take a bit of a step back from this thread for a few days although I'm sure I'll pop back on for an @InDreamland update.
I'm just finding all the posts about strep B quite anxiety triggering, especially given I'm 38 weeks and there isn't much I can do now.

Awwww @frillyfarmer I know it does make you worry. I'm trying not to add anything else to my current list of worries at the mo.
I guess unfortunately that's the nature of the thread. All the very best and do update us with your news soon. X

@frillyfarmer I'm really really sorry if I triggered your anxiety! I totally respect your decision to stay away from any talk that might worry you at 38 weeks - I'm 36+1, so not far behind you and I really understand the worry at this stage. Just a quick note to say that I'm going to have the strep B test done at 38+5, so I don't think it's too late if you want it.

Thanks @Rubyroost - my blood test sounds slightly different - have to starve for 12 hours, then drink drink at home and get to hospital to wait for blood test 1 1/2 hours after finishing the drink. I've made DH take time off to come with me to that session as I'll be hangry if I've not eaten and then likely to feel sick with the sugary drink on empty stomach. I'm so glad you pushed to get checked, but so wrong your concerns were not addressed earlier. I didn't have to have the check when I had my son, because I had premature labour at 29 weeks they started scanning and monitoring more frequently but they were insistent he would be a tiny baby. It frightened the life out of me, but he popped out at 37 weeks at 6lb 10 so wasn't small even though scans shows he was.

Everyone seems to be getting so close to due dates!

@Kayjay2018 I didn’t have the GTT as I was post 28 weeks. I had no risk factors but two occasions I had ++ in my urine. When I saw the diabetic team they were great, so reassuring that it was nothing I could have done. Also if you do have it don’t feel bad if you go straight to meds. So many women feel they have failed because they can’t control it with diet. It’s a hormone response, so you treat it. I use insulin because metmorfin can restrict baby’s growth, and my baby is smaller than most. It’s no problem at all- 4mm pen needle before bed. I get most of my diet ideas from the GD Facebook group page which has a wealth of knowledge. Anyway I hope you don’t have it but you’re right to get checked just in case. If you do, don’t panic- they will look after you.
@Rubyroost I hear you on the readings. Very frustrating but as we know, it’s a hormone response and there’s not a lot we can do except be vigilant (which you’re doing). I find calling the diabetic team very reassuring. You’re doing so well. When does your mat leave start?
@frillyfarmer it’s such an anxious time. Take care of yourself.
@sadtoday21 I would make sure they know to stay away if they feel ill, and ask them to wash hands, not kiss baby. Have you considered hypnobirthing to help with anxiety? I’m considering it.

Sorry I’ve missed a few people, my brain is dead!

That's weird @Kayjay2018 so they're missing your fasting level then and just measuring the after drink level. I also fasted for 12 hours but they took my fasting level on arrival at the hospital. @Mistymeow didn't know that about metaformin, so how did they diagnose you. I had the gtt test and I was 32.5 weeks.

@rubyroost they gave me a blood glucose monitor and told me to test 4 times a day and if I had 3 high readings to call up. I got the 3 high readings so knew I had it. This was when I changed hospitals because they gave me no info about gestational diabetes and I blamed myself. The consultant didn’t specifically say it can cause smaller babies (maybe the research is new or the risk is tiny) but he didn’t want to risk it and I get that rationale.

@Mistymeow there's no risk of me having a smaller baby anyhow. I currently look like I'm carrying twins 😳 More brown rice tonight, god I miss my potato 😭

Hi ladies. Thank you all so much for all your amazing posts of support! It's been a rollercoaster 48 hours and I feel like I've been run over by a bullet train! After being induced with a 24 hour pessary on Wednesday at 4pm and fully expecting labour to start slowly and probably not give birth until Saturday or worst case Sunday. Well no, by 11pm mild contractions started, by 1am I was 3cms dilated, by 1:15am I was 4cms dilated and Bubsy (she's a girl!) was born at 2:28am on Thursday 13th weighing just 5lbs 12.5ozs! The midwives were shocked at how fast it all happened, doctor was called in to take over the delivery. No time for pain relief options apart from entonox! All I can remember is it was traumatic and distressing for me and Bubsy! DH was called by midwife and arrived with 40 mins before Bubsy was born. I was totally shell shocked yesterday and still trying to process it all now so sorry I just couldn't post any sooner than tonight to update you all. All your messages of support mean a lot! Because of the speed of labour and delivery and Bubsy was also getting distressed I ended up with a lot of stitches so am rather uncomfortable waiting for that to heal and am alsoabsolutely shattered! Lost a lot of blood and almost passed out after being helped to shower. I'm so grateful though that she is healthy and happy, seems to be BF well and we were allowed home this afternoon. I am so in love with her!

I'll catch up on the rest of the thread in the next day or two. Thank you all again for all your amazing support on here!

Congratulations @InDreamland, welcome to the world bubsy. She's a very similar weight to DS when he was born. I wish you a good recovery from your blood loss and stitches. Enjoy snuggles with your little miracle.

The news I've been waiting for!!!!! And, I was right - a girl! CONGRATULATIONS @InDreamland! I am so so chuffed for you. You deserve this so much. I hope you can put your feet up and enjoy feeding and snuggles with your beautiful miracle xxxx

Aww @InDreamland huge congratulations - what a little smasher! Massive well
Done to you too, sounds like a really rough time in labour. Rest up, get your hubby to do everything and just cuddle and feed your little girl! That's your job now! Xxx

So so many congratulations @InDreamland! She is absolutely gorgeous. Hope your recovery continues to go well and enjoy all those newborn snuggles!

Congratulations @InDreamland! She's absolutely gorgeous! Enjoy newborn cuddles!

Congratulations @indreamland she is absolutely beautiful. Enjoy every second x

Congratulations @InDreamland ! She's lovely.

I very much sympathise with the fast birth trauma. I was not induced but with my first I woke up to painful contractions and blood and dd was born 2.5 hours later in hospital. I could barely walk myself in and all the staff just seemed to think I was making a big deal of it as it was my first time. As a result I have no idea how dilated I was, no pain relief apart from gas and air for the stitches after my husband shouted for a midwife when my waters broke trying to give a wee sample and I felt the head, red button was pressed and a doctor took over wanting to get her out even faster than she was already coming due to the fast birth traumatising her too.
It sucks but I reckon everyone can complain about any part or all of their experience - the important thing is that she is here and well and so are you. Enjoy her! :)

Oh what lovely news that she is here @InDreamland ! I am sorry it was a bit of a rough ride for you both to her birth though! Wishing you all the best and lots of love. She is gorgeous!

@InDreamland big congratulations to you and DH on the arrival of your little lady, she is beautiful. I'm sorry you both had a stressful time and very glad she is here safely. What a whirlwind few days you have had, from thinking there was no sign of her arrival to her being here. I hope you are being well looked after in hospital, look forward to hearing updates on how you are both getting on!

Congratulations @InDreamland wonderful news and she is so so beautiful ❤️ sorry to hear about the trauma you all went through, I hope you can heal from that and the physical injuries ASAP. It's hard to get things straight in your mind at first and come to terms with all these new feelings with all the adrenaline going round your body after a traumatic birth. So take care and be easy on yourself.

The birth trauma association private Facebook page is a great place for support if you ever feel you need it.

Sending love and congratulations ❤️❤️❤️

Awww @InDreamland you did it! Look at what a poppet she is too. Unbelievably sweet. Sorry it was traumatic and I hope you’re able to process everything now. So pleased DH got there in time!

I’ve been with you on your journey since you joined the penguin huddle and I’m so pleased that you got your happy ending 🌈

You nailed it @InDreamland congratulations! She is absolutely gorgeous. Well done, you’ve clearly dealt with her surprise arrival really well. Wishing you both a speedy recovery! Xx