Late October Thread - 4

[DressingGown87]

Thread 4 ladies!

Girls: @DressingGown87 @Jaffas22 @DogCatDex @EmmaA96 (twins) @Parks11 @LadyB90 @Strawberries4days @LST87

Boys: @sunbreak @FirstSurprise001 @WaveStreet @roarfeckingroar
@Mc3209 @KitKatKit @1990shopefulftm @Lolllyf @HelenMarie1001 @Freddie1987 @BS9790

Suprise / Waiting: @60sPony @Monkeyseesmonkeydoesnt @UpsyDaisy1234 (twins) @Glooorb @AdventureAhead @Elizag20 @justtb @Clalou83 @Sls668 @SJR86 @Flora20 @SamK93

If I have missed you! Sorry!

@watersintheclouds I went into the day assessment unit last week as I felt things had reduced. All fine thankfully - I was worried I would be marked down as a hypochondriac, but they were really nice, that's what they are there for after all!

I think at this stage they are still establishing a pattern, although a friend of mine has said she didn't really notice a pattern of movement during her pregnancy - I guess it's knowing what's your 'normal'

@watersintheclouds bless you I bet those 10 minutes were awful for you! I’ve been in the hospital twice now for reduced movements and both times have had a kidney infection/water infection ‘diagnosed’ whilst there. So it just goes to show that it’s better to be safe and ask the question!

Currently on my 3rd kidney infection of the pregnancy (28 weeks yesterday!) and therefore 3rd lot of antibiotics. Dr’s don’t seem to be worried about taking so many but surely it can’t be good for the baby?

I’m other news, anyone else’s boobs SO veiny - they’re more or less from my shoulders downwards at this point!

@watersintheclouds Actually I was a bit close to calling late last night as it wasn't that he was kicking less but they were much more faint than usual. I decided as I could still feel kicking that I would not call yet and see how it is today and he has been better. I bet that was so scary though!
@FirstSurprise001 Yes re the veiny boobs! DP called me blue boobs yesterday haha

@FirstSurprise001 there's a lovely website called bumps where you can search any medicine and it tells you about the research on it , the one on antibiotics is very reassuring www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/Medicine--pregnancy/Amoxicillin/

@1990shopefulftm perfect I’ll take a look at that! Thank you 🥰

@FirstSurprise001 I used it when looking up inhaler as it's the same drug they use to slow labour but it made me feel very safe with the research as it explained how the risk of decreased oxygen from an asthma flare up is so much worse for baby than the actual drug.
I find whenever I feel worried that trying to be logical and look at scientific studies helps me a bit.

@GhostWorld congratulations about your friend! 50hours is such a long time.

@watersintheclouds glad everything was ok, your DH is right you wouldn’t have rested.

I’ve been once, as I didn’t feel her for over 24hours, it was an infection and position. It’s strange to think the tiniest change in position can alter the strength / frequency of movements so much. I often feel like she isn’t moving but then realise it’s a dull / downwards kick or movement, but then get anxious Incase something is wrong, or I’ve missed something, or I’m over analysing it.

@FirstSurprise001 aww I hope it clears up soon, and this is the last one.

Had my 28week appointment today with my a Consultant. They are scanning me every 2/3 weeks so thing may change. But the results for my placenta / growth have come back fine, for this stage, with no major concerns. They have give me two option ELCS or scheduled induction, both at the latest 39-40weeks but to be reviewed. To try minimise risk of me loosing too much blood, and my placenta failing.

They have advised that I might struggle living alone after a section. But also the risks of early inductions. I have time to consider both options, but just wonder if any of you ladies could advise what you would do?

@DressingGown87 @GhostWorld the hypnobirthing book and audio have helped me feel confident that birth has been done by billions of women and my body will know what to do. Plus, we have to evict these little beasts some how! No point worrying too much. One of my colleagues told me she had a water birth, tint bit of gas and air, baby just slipped out and she loved the whole experience. She's absolutely tiny too!

I still just don't believe I'm having a real life baby. I think I'm excited and all that, but it actually feels like an amusing joke and baby will never actually be real and here for good.

I'm so pleased to say that DP is in a bit of a better place with work stress and things are really lovely. He's making an effort to sleep at regular teams and do some exercise; I'm cooking pots of healthy things because I enjoy it and he's always a very grateful recipient of anything I make. We might even have sex later - although the idea is sounding way better than actually having to move! I've been swimming three times so far this week and it's awesome!!

Hi @DressingGown87 I'm glad that things are looking as well as they could be at this stage. You've got time to consider both, both have pros and cons, personally for myself I'd asked to be induced as recovery from a caesarean is a lot longer and than a normal labour, you have to take in to consideration that a c section is a major surgery and it is very painful afterwards to even sit or walk. Especially with you being on your own it may take you longer to recover as you'll be doing everything yourself. Like I said that's just my personal opinion and both have pros and cons x

@DressingGown87
Also I don't think week 39-40 weeks is too much of an early induction as I know women have to be induced a lot earlier than that from 30 weeks due to pregnancy complications, your baby will be full term by 37 weeks so any time after that isn't really considered that early. It's totally up to you, your body, your baby and you are in charge.

I had my DD at 36 weeks and my DS at 37+4 my body went into labour itself both times, they were just eager to be out I think.

@DressingGown87 I'm afraid I have no idea. Great that you're baby is doing well though 😊

@DressingGown87 I'd choose an induction but perhaps you could go talk over the process with your consultant for if the induction didn't work and then they had to go for a c section after that and how that would make a difference for recovery compared to going for an ELCS.

@roarfeckingroar that’s what I think, no point in worrying it has to be done. Now just to decide how. But the thoughts always creep in. Glad your DP is finding things easier at work, here’s hoping for a nice evening ☺️! Great with the swimming too!

@SamK93 thank you. I’m of the same opinion with a section, not being able to drive, trapped at home not in walking distance of anyone I know, and having to do most things myself, doesn’t seem practical and will probably lead to delayed recovery. They’ve said I could be induced anytime from 34 (6 weeks time 😳) but the earlier it is, the more complications and higher chance of Emergancy section, Or episiotomy as I’m forcing the body into something it’s not ready for. So want to leave me as long as “safely” possible. Secretly I’m hoping for early natural labour, but that won’t Help my blood situation. Hopefully your little one stays put a few extra weeks this time (or not if your eager for out).

@otterturk @1990shopefulftm thank you both! They’ve give me some facts today, back in 2 weeks for more checks and to answer questions.

On a happier note, I’ve been assigned a health visitor at my holiday home! So I’m packing my bags and off on HOLIDAY next week!! They will come and do my injections and meds daily for me ☺️

@roarfeckingroar glad it's been a better day and things are looking up for you! Keep going with the hypnobirthing and positive stories. I don't know whether it's a bit much but I follow a couple of birth photographers on Instagram - I think there's something really special and reassuring about seeing women in all the stages of birth and labour.

@DressingGown87 I'd go with the induction, especially if it's likely to be full term anyway. (My first was born naturally at 37+5). C-sections are such major surgery, and the thought of dealing with that plus a newborn seems very daunting! You've got time to research each one though.

I had my 28 week appointment today too, the first time I've had a face to face midwife appointment which seems crazy! My next appointment is my home birth one which seems even more crazy - time is racing on ...

I've managed to lock myself out of my other one, but still me.

@DressingGown87 re options, that's a tricky one that only you can decide. If it was me, I would probably be weighing up recovery post elective CS versus recovery post potentially emergency CS if induction fails. I wish there was a crystal ball to say how the labour is going to go, otherwise would be so much easier! If induction goes to plan then potentially recovery is quicker I take it.
I've been thinking about delivery options recently, and although I want to give birth in a hospital and game for whatever necessary to get me and baby ok to the other side, I am a little apprehensive about potential instrumental delivery. I plan to have a good chat with my midwife about that when I see her next.

Hey guys, just catching up after a short mini break to the Lakes! Much needed!

Re baby movements, we had quite an anxious last evening of the trip where I got really worked up about not feeling him move pretty much all day (even though we were out and about most of it) to the point where I ended up ringing the nearest hospital which was an hours drive away at that point at 11pm. The midwife was pretty chill and as I talked through options with her we agreed that I'd set an alarm for 3:30am which is when I normally wake up from kicks and if I didn't feel anything for a couple of hours, I'd take myself back to Leeds to get checked. Luckily all was fine and I felt him loads in the early hours but jeeez, the anxiety! Worth remembering though that at this stage they might have longer sleep/wake cycles and could be going crazy when we're asleep! So hope you guys are feeling a bit less anxious now you've been checked out ☺️

@DressingGown87 I agree with the others, induction to me sounds the better option as long as you are really sure of the way you want it to happen (within reason) I.e what methods are you happy with, how much examination do you want or do you feel like you can wait it out and trust your body to get things going more etc? Maybe some Hypnobirthing techniques on feeling positive whatever the outcome. So basically, appreciating that it might end up in an emergency c-section but approaching everything with the mindset of 'this will bring me closer to my baby' in the safest, calmest way could help you view it as a less traumatic outcome. If that makes any sense?! I agree on the recovery argument for CS, the only thing with induction might be accepting that it could end up being longer, more painful and with more intervention.

Upside to elective is that you have more control over the actual birth itself and can write a clear birth plan of how you'd like it to go? Good to take a bit of thinking time then trust your gut either way. X

Morning ladies!

Went for my 28 weeks midwife appointment this morning and left really upset. Everyone keeps commenting about how big my bump is for someone small and I’ve always just passed it off as general comments. 26 week growth measurement was spot on, fast forward to this week and he’s plotting above the top line on the graph - quite high above. They’ve said not to worry, that they’ll send me for a growth scan next week but to be aware that if he is then they’d need to test for gestational diabetes etc.

On top of that, I’ve been avoiding the scales completely during the pregnancy because I’ve always suffered with my weight, eating disorder when I was a teenager etc. They weighed me for the first time today and spotted I’ve gained 2 stone... already. Don’t they say the average woman gains between 25-35lb for a full term pregnancy?

So I’ve just come home to DP in tears worrying that I’m now eating too much, not exercising enough, basically feeling like a whale because I am a whale as opposed to the baby 😭

@FirstSurprise001 sorry you've come away feeling upset. Alot of size/weight can just be fluid! Try not to worry.

I haven't been measured yet as only 26 weeks and they don't measure til 28 here but at my 20wk scan baby was on 98th centile! Hoping he's calmed down a bit with the growing since then ha!!

I've gained over 2 stone already, I asked my midwife if it was too much and she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
Xx

@FirstSurprise001 that's what I've gained as well. It will all be fine in the end, promise.
And with the measurements, they will look after you and the baby. You are in the right place.
Lots of virtual hugs your way!

I am so gassy today it's unreal. Sitting in my little office at work with an open window and hoping no one needs anything from me in person 🥴 so glam.

@FirstSurprise001 Don't worry about the weight gain, you're pregnant, you're supposed to get bigger 🙂 It's amazing how much weight you carry in your bump - not just baby, the placenta and extra fluid can add up to a lot. With the measurements, the bump measurement is notoriously inaccurate - my midwife yesterday was very keen to say that it's the bump they measure, not the baby, and the way they're lying can make such a difference to it. I got sent for a growth scan with my first because my bump had 'crossed a line' and it turned out it meant nothing. Just see it as a bonus chance to see baby!

@Mc3209 The joys of pregnancy 😂

Thanks everyone I think it will be induction. Although I can’t have an epidural, so got to weigh up my pain relief options too.

@Flora20 glad you had a face to face appointment. I know time is flying by!

@Mc3209 I know wish we had a crystal ball! That’s what scares me too, no epidural, and instrumental delivery. Hope your midwife is helpful, and the gas has eased.

@Freddie1987 thank you. Glad you had a great break, I’m off to lakes too, Love it up there. Healthcare is sparse though. Glad your little one is ok, and was just having a quiet day. They said the induction can take a while, if my body / she isn’t ready.

@FirstSurprise001 aww don’t worry hun! I haven’t weighed myself, I don’t dare but I would say it’s about 1.5 stone, I feel huge, but she’s measuring small. You might just have a growth spurt. This measuring bump is just a guessing game, hopefully you get a better idea at the scan. My midwife was measuring me yesterday and trying to feel the babies position, I said I’ve got fat haven’t I, she wasn’t listening and replied yes 😂 I was like oh cheers.. then she realised what I had said.

Sorry a bit late positing this...

The Maternity Collective are offering 2 months worth of Antental classes for free, usually £79. My midwife recommended. They have all sorts on there. You just have to message them your due date and they said you a code (email or instagram), so when you check out it’s free. It’s only on offer until midnight.

I have to ask - does anyone’s baby move non stop? She has a pattern on times when she’s ‘busier’ but generally she is moving all day every day pretty much. She never wakes me up in the night but if I wake up for something, she’s wriggling away then too! I was at work yesterday and the girls could see her bouncing around through my top! Am I going to have a total wild child?