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 💛

@Inmypjsagain I also want a c section. My consultant did mention it to me so I'm hoping I won't need to battle too much for it. I imagine he'll be early and beat me to it anyway though!

That's what I thought too. I was wondering if maybe the stand in consultant was just arse covering a bit? That's what I'm hoping anyway! I've attached my growth chart - the first and last are growth scans and the middle is a bump measurement. I guess because of my height and maybe booking BMI my measurements are generally above average...

@Inmypjsagain I hope so. I've just had a call from the birth reflections team and got my appointment booked for a couple of weeks. I know that technically they can't force me into anything and that their job is to give me the unbiased stats and risks on which they set procedures on. I'm sure I can advocate strongly for what I want but I'm one of those people who needs to have all the information possible before I can make a decision. The reason for the strict protocol and continuous monitoring etc is because of a 0.5% chance of scar rupture which seems really low. But then it's something like 3% of babies are breech at term and I was one of those statistics so I'm aware of that too!

Also I've been told I can request a repeat c-section with no push back whatsoever. I know my circumstances are different to yours but I hope you get your wish!

Does anyone know the guidance on third trimester and covid etc..
I really want to go swimming and the local pool has finally reopened but then on the same hand I've been told to work from home due to covid risk (policy after 28weeks - early years teacher) so I'm not sure whether I should or not 🙈
Getting hold of a gp or midwife to ask is like winning the lottery and I forgot to ask at my last consultant appt on Tuesday!

@Smurf123 my midwifes said swimming is a really good thing to be doing. I've been going 3 times a week. I read an article for the WHO (I think, but you might want to check!) saying chlorine contents makes the virus inactive, which I really hope is true!!

@smurf123 I've been cautious but going about my daily life as normally as I can. I have a toddler so have been going swimming/soft play etc but being mindful of sanitising, washing hands, mask wearing etc. I think the benefits of taking regular exercise (especially swimming which as @Daffodil21 says is probably safe due to chlorine) would outweigh the risks of catching covid at this point in time. That's my personal opinion though from living in an area with very low rates of covid and a high vaccination uptake. There's no right or wrong way to approach or perceive the risk to you!

@Daffodil21 🤞🏼 for you! Hmm I tried to compare that to my growth chart but I only have one mark for my bump measurement and it’s waaaaaaay at the bottom! Your measurements look slap bang in the normal range though. Seems odd to me so maybe it was arse covering but I’d rather be monitored too much than too little!

@wimbler that really does seem so low- I’m also shocked that only 3% are breech because I know of some many breech babies! What’s the worst case scenario if you have a scar rupture- is it very serious? I think that’s what would sway me. And thanks re c-section, let’s see!

@Smurf123 I think quite a lot of it is using your personal judgement about what you'd feel happy with too, as that's different for everyone depending on circumstances, tolerance/perception of risk, motivation to do things, etc.

For me, I'm in an area without much covid, vaccinated, and also just really keen to do as much as possible so I'm out and about quite a bit, but possibly more than other people would be happy with - there's not a right or a wrong I don't think so long as you feel comfortable and safe.

@Inmypjsagain the consultant told me scar rupture is very serious if it happens. It can cause internal bleeding and would be life threatening so not to be taken lightly. It's also the reason why no hormone induction methods would be used as the risk increases by 2-3x.

@Inmypjsagain yeah that's what I thought too! I wasn't worried and neither was the sonographer. I was surprised when he wanted me back so soon for extra monitoring. I've had to push the scan back a bit because I'm away (going back to my home town for the first time since we left in January 2020). I did think about not going but I'm really really looking forward to it and would genuinely be gutted not to go, so I hope pushing it a week later is ok. I guess we'll have to see how the monitoring goes on Monday and if necessary of course I will cancel but hoping it will be ok!

Thanks everyone ..
@wimbler I have a toddler too but we have been avoiding indoor stuff tbh as much as he really would love to go back to soft play.
I'm in NI so our numbers are relatively low touch wood and have now got vaccine opened to all adults over 18 but I suppose I'm just still anxious about it all. My Dm was diagnosed with cancer just before the first lockdown , thankfully she has now completed treatment but has had chemotherapy and radiotherapy so is ecv. She has got both vaccines now and we are finally allowed to see each other face to face again - again we are sticking where possible to outdoor walks and outdoor coffees etc but part of me still worries about exposing her to anything. Her and her household literally had to shield from March to February this year .. my ds is so so happy being able to hug her and my dad and play with his uncles again

@Daffodil21 this is my current bump chart 🙈

@lucyrp have they said you need extra growth scans because of it? Sorry if you I said above!

@Daffodil21 I'm not supposed to have any other scans now (planned ones) after my 20 week. Haven't been sent for a growth scan yet she said she would see what my measurement is like next time and if there is a leap again she will send me but if it follows a trend I don't need to. I don't really understand 🙈 I didn't think I had that big of a bump either !

@lucyrp interesting how it varies! I'm definitely not complaining about the extra monitoring though.

You bump is lovely! You look quite small so maybe baby is average but they're higher on your chart because you're smaller if that makes sense?

We did some Googling the other day and it doesn't seem like there's an exact science, even on the scans!

@Daffodil21 I know she did check a couple of times to make sure I didn't need to go and she said no. I was a little bit annoyed as it would have been an extra opportunity to see them! Considering I haven't seen them in 8 weeks.🥺

Thank you, Yeah maybe! I'm not exactly short or skinny though so seems odd but I'm sure it's fine. Hopefully not a huge baby in there 😳 it does seem unreliable so not sure why they do it as I read sometimes they don't even scan people that would actually need the extra growth scans. So odd !

Cannula should not preclude you from a waterbirth, monitoring depends on what they have available - some hospitals have mobile, waterproof monitors which can be used in the pool. I used one last time. It kept slipping off at the end and they attached a probe to his head instead which made me furious! In hindsight, probably a bit of an overreaction :o

3% of babies being breech would be about one in every classroom, so fairly common.

I need to call my hospital and arrange a birth planning meeting for 34 weeks. I will do it next week as my head is fried at the moment with a cold. I think I caught it from my friend's daughter :(

@lucyrp yeah it doesn't seem to make any sense!! Hopefully it will all even out over the coming weeks

Hi ladies. It's been a long week!!!

A NW Londoner here too giving birth at St Thomas 😊 @Ava50x

I have my 28 week appointment tomorrow. Thanks to all of you re Sharing of your experiences of growth charts. Fingers crossed all goes well tomorrow. I do look abit big but can never tell. Some days I feel it's just bloat that's adding extra weight on bump.

@Ready2020 I want to see if I can have a water birth too! Will speak to MW tomorrow to see what they say

@lucyrp beautiful bump 🥰

Oh also ladies I got my breast pump from Lola and Lykke this week and I'm glad I got it! It's looks soo good. It's wireless and has won gold awards this year. If anyone is looking for breast pumps - defo one to narrow in your list x

@Whatshouldbemyusername I'm North London, booked at the Homerton! Isn't St Thomas really far from you?

Can't remember who said this, but in my experience you can't book a birth pool in advance- if its available when you come in, you can have one. if not, you can't...

But in my personal experience i've never been refused one. There are 4 pools in the birth centre where i've given birth, and another few on the labour ward so I don't think you'd need to worry- unless your hospital doesn't have that many!

So I live in Wembley Park @Ava50x and it’s about 35-40 min drive away but at the moment just going on the train. I think I will be ok when baby decides to get here.

So St Thomas has 3 birthing pools and I’ve been told today they will discuss birth plan from week 36.

Also baby is growing well. I’m at 27+5 today and baby growth is at 28 week so I’ve been told alls well. They took bloods to check for iron and will find out next week. Urine and all was clear.

It’s such a lovely day!!!! Hope we’re all doing well x

@Whatshouldbemyusername sounds like its working for you! Glad baby's measuring well and all good with urine.

Thoroughly enjoying the sunshine, lets hope summer's actually hear to stay!

Have a lovely weekend all!! x

@BertieBotts It's the continuous monitoring that will mean i can't use the pool. I asked if they have wireless waterproof monitors but the consultant didn't seem to know. Hoping the midwife will know the answer to this. Although, there is only one pool room on the labour ward so whether I'd even get to use it if I could remains to be seen.

Hi everyone
Just got. A phone call following my bloods at the 28 week appointment and my iron has dropped form around 230- which was really good to 8!
So I’m getting an iron tablet prescription but just wondering if anyone else is similar? Seems a a very big drop the midwife said nothing to worry about at all just need tablets
My diet is similar as to always has been x

@Caz1226 low iron levels are common in 3rd trimester. The iron tablets should definitely help but they can make you quite constipated. make sure to take them with vitamin c (a glass of OJ is good) and avoid dairy for an hour either side of taking them as that stops them working. I was on them in my last pregnancy

Just on the iron tablets - I think it says on the gaviscon label not to take within 2 hours of iron supplements. I may have just read it online somewhere, im not sure but thought I should mention as im sure most of us are taking gaviscon or something similar regularly! I don't think it's harmful, but I think the gaviscon can stop your body absorbing the iron x