38+3 the wait is on...

[Shawla92]

FTM & currently 38+3. First day of maternity & letting my kind now run wild with how best to prepare for labour and what comes after. Just wondering if anyone would share their insights on my questions below:

1. Did you trim down below/legs constantly in case you went into labour suddenly? I've found it super hard work to do my legs and extra sensitive in that general region so haven't been able to be as tidy as I'd like. I know the midwives wont mind but if you need stitching surely a smooth area is best?
2. The acid reflux - does it go almost immediately after you've given birth?
3. Swelling of hands and ankles - although its not bad, my regular shoes and engagement ring no longer fit. Does the swelling reduce drastically once you've given birth?
4. How bad is the hair loss?
5. How bad is the bleeding afterwards?
6. Can you be discharged the same day if you do require stitches?

Thanks for reading and taking time to reply :)

Hi! I'm 38+3 too (I think, the days always confuse me but due 11th dec) and I can honestly say I haven't seen my lady parts in about four months so no trimming here, also my legs are too much effort so not happening either 😅😅😅 sorry, midwives! I've had 3 and been stitched twice, never been an issue.

Fairly sure my heartburn went straight away.

My hands and ankles don't swell too much so can't help with that sorry. Don't remember losing too much hair, but I have loads.

Blood loss directly after birth is really heavy in my experience, it soon lightens up. I was unprepared for how much there would be though. My shower after my 2nd was like a scene from carrie. However if you think there's too much, make sure you get a midwife to check!!

I was kept in with my first, but discharged same day with 2 and 3. Not sure how that works with corona though. I assume if all is straight forward and your happy with feeding etc then it'll be ASAP.

Good luck with everything!

1. No! Like you say midwives don't care. If you need stitches it'll be inside more likely.
2. Never had it so don't know.
3. Was over 6 months after DD1 I could wear my rings again but with DD2 and this pregnancy I wore them all the time so who knows?!
4. Mine came out in handfuls when I showered for weeks.
5. Like a very heavy period, sometimes with clots, you'll need to regularly change your pad.
6. I had stitches with DD2 and was out within 5 hours. If you have a 3rd or 4th degree year it'll be done in surgery so you may have to stay in depending on anaesthetic I would have thought.

@Hatepickinganame yes, same due date 🙂 have you found that you tend to go over or do your babies come early? Thanks for the reply
@Sanch1 thank you for the reply :)

I will definitely forget about any lady garden insecurities and prepare for a horror scene when I shower 😂

Good luck with your labour and birth! X

@Shawla92 I was a week early with my first, 10 days late with 2nd and 5 days late with 3rd but I was induced. Just seen midwife who thinks this one is breech again so may end up with an earlier section at this rate, find out tomorrow 🙄

@Hatepickinganame oh no! At least you're past the 38 week mark now :) Good luck for your appointment & your section x