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.

@Squiff70 If you direct message me your email address I'll send you an invite to the Facebook group.

Hi @Beaglemum93, how are you? I'll try sending you a Pm now (if I can figure it out)

@RedRobin7 just a quick one...on your measurements q. Our little man always had a fat tummy during pregnancy-90/95th centile. His head was on the 50th and femur around the 30th.

We asked about the tummy and our consultant said it was consistently around that measurement so not to worry-and that having a bit more in the belly dept was no bad thing for when they are born as they had some fat reserves. Also do bear in mind how inaccurate those measurements can be. It all depends on the skill of the sonographer and the position of the baby. We got sent for a scan 3 days before my section because at what was meant to be our last growth scan the sonographer said his growth had slowed based on her measurements...it hadn't at all-just poor visibility impacting her ability to get good measurements.

@Squiff70 Ava is beautiful! So pleased she's improving. Will be thinking of you on the 3rd March. Hugs x

Sorry not to reply to everyone, our little man is keeping me very busy! 8 weeks d on Tuesday! And the dreaded jabs on Thursday. Just want to say keep going-the anxiety is a b**ch but it's all worth it when bubs arrives. And if you are worried just get checked and don't be fobbed off-it's what triage is there for. Xxx

@RedRobin7 I have gestational diabetes and I kept asking for a test and they ignored me. Finally when baby had accelerated growth and weighed over 6lb at 32 weeks they gave me the test and diagnosed me. Saying that the baby is all round big and not just the abdomen.
I wish i'd pushed more, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have it or need to do the same. If your worried you could insist on a test or failing that but yourself a cheap monitor and test yourself. It's quite easy to do.

So I'm in a bit of shock. Steroids on Friday and out on Monday at 37 weeks and two days. Had a little cry. I thought I'd be arguing for 38 weeks. Higher risk of stillbirth apparently due to big baby, polyhydriamnos (which has gone down to 19 now). Doctor says he doesn't think diabetes would have caused those issues and that it sometimes is older mums who grown babies big.
So ill be telling work today I'm taking mat leave early.. From Friday

Oh @Rubyroost what a shock for you to hear that! It must be surreal to think your baby will be here in a week - but just think, only a week left to go! 37 weeks 2 days is a really good gestation and the steroids are just routine at that stage, just in case. Lungs are most likely fully developed anyway. I know this has all come as a shock, but the good news is they are taking your concerns seriously and your baby will be here soon! Thinking of you Xxx.

Hi @Rubyroost. You must be reeling! What a shock! But it's good that they are taking care of you and baby. Trust the professionals and believe that this is in both your best interests. I'm sorry you've had such an anxious time these past few weeks and hope this last week goes quickly and of course, that all goes well on Monday. Much love xxx

Awww thanks ladies. I rang my boyfriend in tears earlier. He was like don't be daft, this is good. I was like yeah.. Just wasn't expecting that, expecting to fight my corner for 38 weeks. Just came all of a sudden. I guess that's what happens when you actually see the consuktant rather than the doctors that work for him. Anyway, it's all out of my control now. Very nervous x

@Rubyroost I'm glad you have a date now, although it's a shock being so soon. My son was born at 37+3 16 years ago and absolutely no issues with him other than a little bit of jaundice (and his tongue tie didn't help that). Wow loads of babies due in the next few weeks, feels like there won't be many of us left behind!
@InDreamland lovely to see an update. Velcro babies don't stay that way for very long, they soon turn into teenagers and you are lucky to spend any time with them (I've become an embarrassing mum). You have to do what is right for you with regards to feeding, ultimately a happy mum makes a happy baby.
@sadtoday21 being anxious is a very normal part of being pregnant and a parent. You only worry because you love them! Do you have any good friendly midwives you can talk through your anxieties with? It's good to ask questions and sometimes gut instincts are right.
@RedRobin7 my 20 week scan baby had a big round tummy and was ahead of legs and head, this last one is still at 80th percentile but now it's femur length has caught up. If they were worried they would be doing other checks. I just had my GTT today so I'll let you know on Friday if I have any issues raised when I get my results
@frillyfarmer wow your dates are getting closer, I'm getting braxton hicks quite often, and have read about the need to drink more and not have a full bladder as it can set them off. It's normal to want little one safe and in your arms, I'm sure it won't be long now!

@Rubyroost can imagine this was a real
Shock but glad you have your date and can get prepared. Good that you are getting the steroids etc. X

@Rubyroost wow that’s a big surprise. It sounds like you are getting some good care and baby I’m sure will do very well at that gestation. It also reassures me being under consultant care. You must treat yourself to a big slice of cake when placenta is delivered and your glucose returns to normal. Will be thinking of you!
@sadtoday21 Definitely always ring triage with any concerns. You need the reassurance and to be calm in these final few weeks so take all the reassurance you can get.

I had my first hypo today and they are increasing my insulin for overnight fasting levels. Stupid placenta. I just hope it keeps functioning well and I can keep her inside until 39 weeks. She’s a little one so I think she needs it. 5 more weeks.

I'm scrabbling around trying to find all the baby stuff which has been put away in the roof cupboards. 😬
@Mistymeow. That sounds tough with insulin and hypos etc. God I'm just so tired. Feel like I'm just gonna get tireder.

@Rubyroost wow! Glad you have a date now but at same time sorry you've had so much worry. Can't believe you're so close to holding your rainbow now.

From memory I don't think anyone on this thread has gone overdue yet? I thought I'd be the first one until Bubsy graced us with her presence at 39+2.

@Kayjay2018 yes I'm not so secretly loving the cuddles even if eating etc is a challenge. DH is also enjoying cuddles with DD which is so lovely to see.

Evening ladies.

Good news on your appointment yesterday @Rubyroost but sorry it's sent you all in a dither trying to get organised for baby's arrival!

I went into the assessment centre yesterday as she had shifted and I couldn't feel her. Second episode so they followed up with a scan today.

I had been pushing my midwife for another GTT at 34 weeks as I was concerned but she dismissed me out of hand. I also asked about earlier induction at 41 weeks if no baby due to concerns and she said she wasn't going to discuss until my 40 week appointment this Friday. So when I went in today I asked to discuss with a consultant.

Long story short, I had 3+ glucose last night when I went in and 2+ glucose today and the consultant is concerned about GD given I had it in my previous pregnancy. I'm being referred for a GTT on Thursday, which is batshit as I'll be 39+6!! I asked to just be induced ASAP if there is any risk but he said they need to diagnose the GD first - I didn't think GTTs were reliable past 36 weeks though?

I'm bloody annoyed. Annoyed I didn't push it with the midwife, annoyed the consultant dismissed me today, annoyed I've had to battle. I basically refused to the GTT until he agreed to book me an induction at 41 weeks as a back stop. If I test positive for GD he has agreed they will induce me that day. I feel like I've let her down - have I been sitting undiagnosed with GD for weeks? Her measurements are all fine, but I'm panicking as usual.

@frillyfarmer I'm so sorry you're going through all this stress. It does seem a bit odd to do GTT when you're past 39 weeks, not what I would have expected but I don't know much about GD.

I'm sorry you feel like you're not being listened to.

Can you take someone to your next appointment who can help with questions?

Thinking of you xxx

@frillyfarmer please don't think you have let your little one down, you have been following medical advice and the medical profession tell us to do that rather than self diagnose. I get why you are angry with the hospital and it seems absolutely bonkers to make you wait to do a GTT again. I'd be asking the same questions you already are about why not just induce you now given your over 39 weeks already. Just be kind to your self this evening, I've just had my first antenatal class and they were talking about how oxytocin gets labour going but how you need to be relaxed and in your safe place to maximise the chance of labour starting, and how adrenaline from fears and stress can stop it. Are you able to have an early night, soak in the bath etc and relax at all? Your message has got me very annoyed on your behalf!

@frillyfarmer that’s appalling. You should have been tested given that you had it in your last pregnancy. But you absolutely have not let baby down. I sobbed today because turns out I can’t tolerate sweet potato anymore and I feel like I’m letting her down when I get a high reading. It’s an absolute bugger at this gestation when insulin resistance peaks. You have done everything you can for your little one. The good news is baby is measuring fine and that’s the key here. They should just let you monitor your blood glucose for a few days- that should give you a diagnosis. The GD Facebook page is very reassuring, lots of women with similar anxieties and it’s made me feel better quite a few times.

Sorry just realised you are 39 weeks. I would ask for that blood monitor kit ASAP so if you do have GD you can start controlling your blood sugars now.

@frillyfarmer that's ridiculous. Don't see why they didn't test you considering you had it earlier in pregnancy. I've been told that I do have gestational diabetes, but because my levels are fine since I've been controlling diet and on metaformin that the big baby I have is nothing to do with the diabetes. 🤷‍♀️ I find the whole thing confusing. The diabetes doctor said to me they don't really diagnose it past 30 weeks, but I do have it. Never any glucose in my urine, although had it in my urine first pregnancy.
The fact that your baby is measuring fine is the main thing and I hope all goes well with your labour/induction whichever comes first. Sorry youre feeling anxious when the end is finally in sight x

@Mistymeow I asked for a monitoring kit and suggested rather than the GTT they just assume I am GD and I go from there - they said no to the monitor as you need a week's reading to diagnose GD which I don't have - If the results of Thursday test are positive they will induce there and then.

I'm just so cross with myself for not pushing it harder, they tell you it's likely you'll have GD in subsequent pregnancies so I thought the urine tests and the midwifes reassurance was enough. I'm happy that I've had a scan and she seems fine, that's positive.

@frillyfarmer I’m so sorry at the 11th hour they are now testing for GD considering you had it before. It’s crazy. I too was denied a GTT even though ladies over 40 are more likely to get it. It does seem the NHS are trying to limit people having them. I tested negative at 28 and 32 weeks although I have a very large baby At 99.8 centile. There is a little part of me worried I do have it and it will spark off late like yours. I don’t understand why they won’t induce you all things considered if that’s what you want. Great baby is ok but obviously the high glucose is going to worry you and GD tests seem unreliable this late. Anyway I hope it goes ok and you get the outcome that works best for you. Xx

Wow @Rubyroost so it’s all systems go. Out of interest, how big was baby measuring at the scan? Good they’ve decided to get baby out early though which hopefully will negate some of the risk factors.

@mistymeow I hope your levels stabilise in the run up to baby coming. I can imagine it’s such a worry. I have about the same amount of time as you and it seems like eternity at the moment. We’ll all have our babies very soon! Xx

As for me I went to hospital due to a couple of gushes of wetness over two days. Was really worried I was leaking fluid with the polyhydramnios. Luckily all ok and likely just increased discharge due to hormonal changes. Baby’s heartrate is good but he’s now breach. I’ve been told to get to hospital quick if I have any more wetness incidents just in case as breach with excess fluid can be dangerous. I’m 33 weeks plus 3 so hoping for another 4/5 weeks of cooking time at least! Xx

@frillyfarmer I pushed and pushed for a gt test, but they wouldn't listen to me. There's only so much you can do. I don't think they like doing the test for some reason!

@Catconfusion they only scanned for poly and I was just above the line for that at 19. It does come down at that gestation any way. They will only do scans every two weeks, I think because of the room for error, they could quite easily get a similar measurement as the week before and end up looking stupid. So the last scan I had was 35 weeks est 7lb 8. Whens your next scan?

@Catconfusion growth scans I meant. So 36 weeks they just looked at my afi.

@rubyroost your baby seems a similar size to mine. So mine was 5 lb 4 at 31 weeks. He was 3 lbs 7 at 28 weeks so nearly 2 lbs growth in three weeks. Could easily be at the 7 and a half mark at 35 weeks. Our scan is a week on Friday. My poly was only just over 8cm which I was told was upper limit of normal so mild and I’m hoping it’s gone down.

How are feeling about Monday? Is your baby head down now? It sounds like the best plan and an end to being uncomfortable as I can imagine that’ll only get worse plus the stress of having complications. I’m hoping for either elective or induction at 38 weeks so 4 and a half weeks time. Baby is now breech so might force our hand with the section if he stays up.

There’s gonna he an influx of babies on the thread soon and hopefully we can relax when ours is here. The waiting is tough! Xx

@catconfusion. Mine was 3lb 3 at 28, 6lb 3 at 32 and then 6lb 5 at 33 so I'm thinking that they over measured at 32. The 33 weeks scan was done by a consuktant. Ahhh so you had deepest pocket measured only. Our hospital measures all 4 and adds them altogether. Different hospitals do different things. The consuktant said to me that yes mine had gone down, but was still just above the line so still poly. The private consuktant I had said to me that it can go down but she thought it would always be raised still. Still, it feels better than t mine is now mild rather than moderate!
No my baby has never been head down, but it doesn't really matter as having c section anyhow. The scan said breech and then 45 mins later when the top consuktant at the hospiral felt it he said baby was transverse. Think it's flipping from transverse to breech because of all the water. I imagine he's too big now to move, don't they say up to 36 weeks for your average baby?