October - into the second trimester!

[Needtobuildabridge]

Hi all,

Getting close to 4 threads filled - here's number 5!

@monsteramunch i was just about to post the same thing! I am 11 weeks tomorrow and my sickness has virtually vanished over night and my bloating has gone down a lot. I started worrying but then read online and it seems so common as we leave the 1st trimester and enter the 2nd. My scan is next Tuesday and feels like an age to wait!!

My dreams have been so vivid and crazy! The other night I had a dream I was dating George Clooney but we were just breaking up and I interrupted him in a restaurant to give him back his laptop! 😂 so random!

I still have a pillow from last time but I'm thinking about getting something else as my lower back is hurting more this time and I find a regular pillow between my knees helps but I am sure there's something better out there to use.

@Smiffette 😂 that’s a good one! I think I dreamt about my old headteacher the other day. He’d come round to help us with something in our house 😂 So random!

Oooh I think I need to look at pillows. We only have a double bed so I fear I’d be kicking out DH for the pillow lol.

@monsteramunch @Summer022 same here! It’s only been the past two days or so but I’ve been feeling SO much better. Much more energy, no real nausea to speak of and so much less bloated that I can actually fit into my jeans again. Part of me feels a bit freaked out about it and part of me is delighted to feel more like my usual self again. I’m 13 weeks, had my last scan over two weeks ago and have another one in 2 weeks time to guess I just have to trust it’s all okay until then.

Anyone else suffering with headaches and just super thirsty all the time? It’s driving me mad…I’m 12+5 my scan is on Thursday!

@monsteramunch @Saturnsmoon @Summer022 sickness disappeared overnight too at 11+5 and lots more energy!! Scan tomorrow!! Feeling excited over anxious at the moment. Still bloated (might just be the kfc I had for lunch....)

BUT my back is absolutely killing!!

@VanillaOat sure! Link

@katherine123x that’s a relief to hear it’s happening to lots of us! I feel so much more energised today, other than slightly sore boobs I wouldn’t know I’m pregnant!! Ahhhh enjoy your scan tomorrow 🥰 I am extremely jealous about the KFC I must say, now my appetite has returned I feel like I could eat a whole bucket of kfc chicken 😆

Hi all,

I wondered if someone could clarify the chances/odds given for baby having certain syndromes (like downs) at both the NHS test and the Nipt. I'm debating whether to have the nipt or not. I don't want to find out the gender so don't want it for that aspect. I just don't really know the difference between the one offered on nhs and the nipt. Thanks

@Cammy23 I’m no expert but to my understanding the NIPt is slightly more accurate than the combined test offered on the NHS. They both screen for the three most common chromosomal abnormalities but the NIPt can screen for a wider panel of rarer abnormalities (dependent on brand I believe). Both include a blood test but they screen the blood for different things. The NIPt uses fetal dna in the mothers blood whereas the combined test checks mum’s blood for hormone levels. Both give a risk rating rather than a definitive yes or no. Generally I think people do the NIPt if they want more reassurance in a shorter timeframe. That is why I opted for it however unfortunately my first NIPt results came back inconclusive and I’m not awaiting results from a redraw of blood. If they come back as inconclusive again I will have to ask for a quad test as I’ve missed the cut off for the combined test. I think my experience is quite rare and just a bit unlucky.

*now awaiting rather than not awaiting

@Cammy23 The NHS combined test is around 95% effective. That's the statistic in the leaflets that we got. The NIPT is 99.99% effective. This is just for the 3 main ones.

The other chromosomal issues aren't routinely tested for on the NHS. Most of the NIPTs actually aren't regulated for the additional chromosome issues, so the effectiveness of these tests are disputed.

@Cammy23 - Saturnsmoon's description is accurate. I would just add that the testing you are getting in the NHS is good, and ticks the box for healthcare. If you are looking for service, pay for NIPT. Generally, I would rely on on the NHS but I lost a baby to Edwards last year so want clarity sooner than the NHS offers so did NIPT this time. But, the NHS is fine, just the wheels turn a bit slowly. If your baby has an issue, regardless of which test you find out on, the only diagnostic test is CVS (testing your amniotic fluid), and you make a decision on how to proceed based on the CVS results.

What companies are everyone using for their nipt testing?

Thanks for the new thread! Lovely to see all the scan pictures and the reassurance to some many that all's well 💝 Such an odd feeling, isn't it, seeing a baby in there waving its hands when you don't actually feel pregnant yet 😄

Symptoms disappearing is absolutely normal at this stage, please try not to worry about it, everyone. I went for a run this morning and felt great (gorgeous sunshine helped!). Feeling like myself again after weeks of no energy whatsoever. Roll on, second trimester!

Thank you to those who have reassured me re symptoms lessening / disappearing around the 12 week mark, it helps to have a sense check - it's so frustrating knowing logically that it's totally normal and still feeling anxious!

Can't wait for Friday for my scan, just want to get in there now!!

I've had all my consultant appointments through for the next few months (underlying health condition, which shouldn't cause issues but needs a close eye) so popping them in my diary helps me feel like we've got a plan coming together.

I'll likely need a c section to prevent me having seizures during labour which I actually feel fine about. I've had major surgery before so I'm aware of the upheaval they cause rather than being naive / rose tinted glasses about it.

The thought of a seizure / seizures in labour is so upsetting that I think having a firm birth plan (likely c section) will help me feel much more grounded and in control nearer the time.

@EMcG3 I’m sorry you lost a baby to Edwards 😢

@monsteramunch it sounds like a c section would definitely be a good option for you. I think I would like that certainty too. We had a semi-gentle c section and it was lovely. (I say semi as it was an emergency section). It might not be for you as you watch the baby be born. We thought it was amazing watching him take his first glimpse of the world but it’s not for the squeamish 😝 there are some good YouTube videos out there showing what they’re like.

@monsteramunch i’ll also be having a c section, due to previous injuries for me. I think you’re right about the decision helping you feel in control, it takes away a lot of uncertainty. I feel better now the decision has been made but there have been people that tell me I could/should try a vg birth which is actually quite annoying. I’m sure there will be more! Yep

I’m also consultant led due to injuries (and age!)

@monsteramunch and @Koalawhala i’m also going to have a section after my last horrendous Labour ended in an emergency section and my son spending 5 days in the NICU. I know I have the option of a VBAC but I just don’t want to go through that kind of Labour again and although I recovered well I was so unwell during the Labour myself that they thought I had sepsis. I didn’t, thankfully but both of us had infections.

It’s interesting reading everyone’s view on the consultant led care/ c sections.

after I had my DD in 2020 they found a small tumour on the pituitary gland (I had suffered with awful migraines through the 2nd and 3rd trimester) and the scan picked up that the tumour had been bleeding (non cancerous).

This didn’t even cross my mind as an issue during this pregnancy and then at my booking appointment the midwife advised I may have to go with a c section and has made a referral to see the consultant at 16 weeks.

It really caught me by surprise but it’s because they are worried that pushing may cause another bleed. Really hoping for a natural birth as it would be a nightmare for me not to be able to drive for 6 weeks but I’ll have to wait to see what the consultant says I guess.

@BeaKind

We had a semi-gentle c section and it was lovely. (I say semi as it was an emergency section). It might not be for you as you watch the baby be born. We thought it was amazing watching him take his first glimpse of the world but it’s not for the squeamish 😝 there are some good YouTube videos out there showing what they’re like.

I would bloody LOVE that - I'm the opposite of squeamish and find it all absolutely fascinating. And the more I see / know, the more in control I feel definitely!

That sounds really traumatic @PrimarilyParented, can totally understand you choosing a section this time.

I’m intrigued by the natural c section @BeaKind, it sounds like your experience was pretty positive and amazing you got to have that during an emergency c section.

@Koalawhala @PrimarilyParented

I'm pleased there might be other people here having c sections too as I'm sure we'll all have questions etc nearer the time.

I hope the consultant is really thorough and takes your thoughts on board too @AlongcameLainey I don't drive due to my history of seizures so I'm lucky (if that's the right word!) I don't have to take it into consideration. I can imagine it's a right pain if you do.

@EMcG3

I'm really sorry to hear of your earlier loss and sending you so much luck