Due August 2021 - over half way!

[Daffodil21]

@wimbler - EDD 29 July, surprise 💛
@Champson - EDD 22 August (but really June/July), TBC 💖💖💖
@coffeeandrainbows1- EDD 4 August (but most likely July), Boy 💙
@Jessicapebbles - EDD 5 August (but having C-section at 39 weeks, so really July), Girl 💖
@Smurf123 - EDD 5 August (but likely to be July) 💛
@WhatEvenIsSleep - EDD 2 August, Boy 💙
@ready2020 - EDD 4 August, Girl 💖
@Xaxnxdxrxexaxandrews87 - EDD 4 August, Boy 💙
@Smushty14 - EDD 6 August, TBC 💛
@Rattyclife - EDD 6 August, TBC 💛
@Dia12 - EDD 8 August, Girl 💖
@Biscuitcat - EDD 10 August, surprise 💛
@ElonaWise - EDD 11 August, TBC 💛
@Runnergirl123 - EDD 11 August, TBC 💛
@PurplePansy05 - EDD 12 August, Boy 💙
@Srtdr - EDD 12 August, surprise 💛
@Daffodil21 - EDD 12 August, Boy 💙
@Inmypjsagain - EDD ???, Boy 💙
@BananaHammock23 - EDD 13 August, surprise 💛
@MrsB2019x - EDD 13 August, Girl 💖
@Magik01 - EDD 13 August, Boy 💙
@Aaaaa1519 - EDD 13 August, Girl 💖
@Carefree1 - EDD 15 August, Girl 💖
@DressyGerbera - EDD 15 August, surprise 💛
@lucyrp - EDD 16 August, undecided 💛
@BertieBotts - EDD 16 August, want to know! 💛
@WolfMother326 - EDD 17 August, surprise 💛
@Caz1226 - EDD 17 August, Boy 💙
@Lille4 - EDD 17 August, Girl 💖
@Redskinsucks - EDD 17 August, TBC 💛
@RockyRockyRoad - EDD 18 August, can't wait to find out 💛
@Smallbean27 - EDD 19 August, surprise 💛
@WatermelonKisses - EDD 20 August, surprise 💛
@Alittlexmasmagic - EDD 22 August, surprise 💛
@Millymay13 - EDD 22 August, TBC 💛
@Whatshouldbemyusername - EDD 22 August, surprise 💛
@LottSE20 - EDD 22 August, TBC 💛
@Notinthestarsigns - EDD 23 August, TBC 💛
@Winecoffeeteamum - EDD 23 August, Girl 💖
@LaceyMermaid - EDD 24 August, TBC 💛
@Fran919 - EDD 25 August, surprise 💛
@ava50x - EDD 25th August, Boy 💙
@Ghhh - EDD 25th August, Boy 💙
@northernsquirrel - EDD 26 August, surprise 💛
@LyraShaeLilly - EDD 27 August, Girl 💖
@ame88 - EDD 28 August, TBC 💛
@diamante11 - EDD 29 August, Girl 💖
@HopefulB - EDD 29 August, TBC 💛
@CountryGirl84 - EDD 29 August, TBC 💛

I would like to ask to be induced at 38 weeks or planned c-section. Placenta stopped working with ds and I'm really worried the same will happen again this time round. Plus I'm only just 5ft and dh is 6ft4 so if baby continues at this growth they will be big.
But I'm not sure what to expect. I was scheduled for section due to ds being big until he stopped growing at 33-35 weeks and then ended up being induced with him at 37 weeks and him to end up only being 5lb2!

@Inmypjsagain I was kind of hoping she'd send me for one just so I could see baby again! My OH was his mums third baby and 6 pound ish and apparenrky just fell out 😂 I was about 7 14 I think ? So DS followed same size as me so would expect second baby around the same size if not smaller because of OH

I would ask them if their policy is changing in light of the new guidance. I don't think you'll have an issue requesting induction at 41 weeks though. Even if policy is 40+12 that is most likely the latest point they'll be happy to induce and they will be bugging you to induce from 41 weeks or earlier anyway! It's funny because the narrative has totally changed on this from when I had DS1. Back then (ancient times :o) they were desperate to induce you if you went over and all the parenting/childbirth sites were full of how to avoid induction tips and stories about how 43/44 weeks can be totally normal! And recommended expectant management ie extra monitoring. These days there is evidence the extra monitoring doesn't actually improve outcomes very much so it isn't as recommended any more. I think people are more aware of the dangers of going very overdue.

DS1 was nearly a week over but DS2 was a week early so unsure what to expect this time. We think DS2's dates were a week out actually so he might have been exactly on time. But I think I'm going to try and have everything ready by 36 weeks just in case and be on extra high alert from 38 weeks.

My three were all different. Had one at 38 weeks, then next was at 39 weeks and last one was 41 weeks so I wouldn’t assume you’ll be the same as your first baby. They weren’t keen to induce me with my third despite a large 10lb 5 oz baby for my second baby and would only book me in for induction at 41+3 (he was born the night before naturally). That was 13 years ago but my experience has always been that they don’t want to interfere with induction etc unless a last resort. My last baby was 10lb 12oz but was my easiest birth so again big baby doesn’t always mean harder birth! I’m seeing a consultant next week so I’ll see what their take is on induction and size etc this time! I’m keen to be left alone really as it’s worked well for me with all other pregnancies, although obviously everyone is different. I’ve not had a midwife appointment since 16 weeks so no bump measurements for yet although they did do them with all my others and I always seemed within the correct range.

Is it the norm in England to get growth scans if you're over a certain age? I'm 37 and get them as I'm over 35, this is my first baby and I'm in Scotland.

Last appointment tomorrow with my current midwife. I'm just on the 30 week mark tomorrow. It's a little early for my next appointment but they said it's in case I don't get one organised with new council area.

I do feel this part of the pregnancy is going very fast! I'm getting quite nervous about it but looking forward to the classes I have booked in June and July to get me focused.

@Ready2020 it won’t surprise you that there is no consistency across Trusts with growth scans! According to the sonographer I saw at 20weeks age +/- bump measurement aren’t great predictors of Preeclampsia or small for gestational age babies, so they end up scanning lots of people but not always identifying those that need it.
In my Trust decision is based on any previous pregnancy outcomes, age over 40, and your uterine artery resistance at 20 weeks.

@LaceyMermaid as soon as I hit 36 weeks I used my ball and downed raspberry leaf tea religiously and my waters went naturally at 38+5 so MW said if they went by themselves then it could happen again. I shall be doing the same again

@lucyrp fingers crossed it’ll be the same for you this time. I did that with mine too but for some reason the third one wouldn’t budge! I’m hoping this one will be more like DS1 or 2!

@LaceyMermaid I swear by it as told my friend to do it for her first and he came 2 weeks early too 🤣🙈 I'm off work from 38 weeks so I don't really mind but obviously if we could meet them sooner then that would be great!

All of this talk of babies coming early is freaking me out a little! In my head I just assumed most first babies came late. Am I nuts to go on holiday to the Peak District in my 37th week? Obv I’ll take a hospital bag (and the cat seat!) but are there any big issues with giving birth in another hospital?

@LottSE20 - me too! I was already worried about an early labour and plan on packing my hospital bag as I get back from my trip back to my hometown (when I'll be 32 weeks)

The main issue would be if your baby was born with complications and had to stay in SCBU - you would then have to get accommodation nearby so you could stay and visit them, as you don't normally get put up in the hospital once you've recovered from the birth, and parents can't room-in in SCBU. Even if your baby was transferred to an ordinary children's ward, only one of you would be able to stay. But this is quite a rare scenario, and babies don't normally have to stay long in SCBU if they are full term. It is premature babies who stay for weeks and weeks.

DS2 did need to stay in hospital for 7 days due to a suspected infection, and he was born at 39 weeks. Most babies don't, but it is a scenario that could happen so worth factoring into your plans.

@LottSE20 I'm going to London for a couple of nights at almost 38 weeks for a wedding - we're planning on bringing the hospital bag and dashing off home at the first twinge of anything just in case (as we won't have the car with us!), and just keeping fingers crossed it'll be OK...

Also I've found a good trick I thought I should share in case it works for anyone else!! A bit TMI, but it's making the world of difference to my sleep. If I orgasm right before going to sleep, I'm so far sleeping through the night and not needing to wake for a wee! Usually up a little before my alarm, but getting a full night is heavenly 🙌 no idea if there's any science behind it, but I've not needed to get up for a wee for about 4 days now since figuring out the link and I'm feeling so much better for it!

I'm 28 weeks now and kind of surprised by how much stronger and frequent movements are getting. Anyone feeling lots of punches in the bladder and ribs? It's comforting but also... hard to sleep!

@WolfMother326 we are due the same time and the kicks I’m getting are definitely much stronger- more on a night time but I do get movement throughout the day
I had my growth appointment today and he’s measuring absolutely fine but did give the midwife a big kick- she must have woken him up haha!

@Caz1226 very neat that we are due the same day, and I'm also having a boy (found out by accident so no surprise now)! Are you in London?

Funny about your baby kicking the midwife. Glad to hear everything went well at the growth appointment. Mine was on Monday and also fine - measuring 28 cm which is apparently good for 28weeks :)

If you're not starting to try and get things moving as soon as you can then its unlikely that they will come early but you never know! Personally when I get to 36 weeks I will try and start things off ASAP 🙈

@WolfMother326 awww how lovely do you have any names?
No unfortunately not I’m in Manchester!
Just checked my chart and mine is also down as 28 cm. xx

@Caz1226 we are struggling a little with names! Alasdair has been the frontrunner for a few months. But we're also considering William (a family name), Rowan and Jonathan. How about you?

@WolfMother326 they are all lovely
I’m sure once you see him the name will come to you!
We’ve already decided on Dougie- he’s got some personalised nursery bits and clothes so I hope he suits it when he arrives haha xx

@Caz1226 Dougie is lovely! I'm sure it will suit him well xx

Hi all, I’ve had first growth scan today, everything looking ok which is a relief! Baby is on small side of normal but nothing to worry about, consultant said will just keep an eye on it and if growth slows they may look at induction a bit earlier than planned. On the covid vaccination I was planning on waiting until the baby was here but the consultant seemed quite confident that the Pfizer is safe so I’m thinking I might go with his advice now.

No names decided here yet. DH is keen on Niko - I don't like it! I'm sticking with Alex and Lars :o We are going to assemble a shortlist and wait and see what he looks like unless anything jumps out as the perfect name in the meantime.

Orgasm just seems to make me need a wee more than ever

Lots of active movement here. Had a bit of a breakthrough with DS2 and movement - referring to it as "kicking" was confusing him, but saying the baby might tickle you seems to be much more successful.

In terms of going away, I wouldn’t want to be going anywhere that is more than an hour or so from my hospital in the last few weeks, although I’m expecting to be induced around 38 weeks anyway if baby doesn’t come before. But that’s mainly because I am high risk and very aware of things that can go wrong, so can completely understand that others may be happy to go further away.

@Whatshouldbemyusername also struggling with lower back pain and anterior placenta. Sorry I don't know of anything that provides relief- only my trusty hot water bottle!

@lucyrp I did perineal massage with my first diligently every day from about 34 weeks. When i was giving birth to my son, the midwife said my skin was so thin it looked like I was going to tear badly, so she gave me an episiotomy. She said in my case my perineum was "too" massaged... Anyway with my next 2 I never did the massage and had a tiny graze with each. Don't think i'll bother with it this time either!

Anyone else with anterior placenta still not getting much movement? I feel baby kick probably twice a day and only if i'm focusing. Its driving me crazy. My other babies were so active I never had a moment of doubt. This time I'm constantly checking and trying to remember when I last felt movement. Had my midwife appt yesterday and she said "we don't care how much baby moves, as long as you feel it moving..." Not very helpful. Please tell me it gets better!