June 2023 Babies ☀️ (Thread Six)

[ireneadler101]

Thought I'd start a new one as the old one is full!

I'm 37w exactly and definitely starting to feel more Braxton Hicks (they woke me up last night) but they don't seem to be getting more intense/frequent. Also a bit of lower back ache and general bump tenderness, plus I think I've lost a small bit of my mucus plug. Think this is probably normal at this stage and just my body gearing up for labour but am quite nervous as have a c section at 38+3 and hoping to last till then! Second pregnancy but last baby arrived at 36w so feels like uncharted territory!

How is everyone else feeling?

Oh no I'm sorry it's so stressful, but 37 weeks is a great gestation to get to and fingers crossed you will get some answers from the consultant today which will help you make a decision and feel more comfortable.

I'm also not super happy with the care I've had from my hospital tbh and it just makes the whole thing so stressful. I'm going for a private scan on Saturday just to make sure everything is still ok which is probably overkill given I'm booked in for a section the following Wednesday, but you can't help but worry when things don't go to plan and you're not getting the reassurance that you would like from the hospital.

@ireneadler101 I just keep reading horrible stats like the risk of the baby having special educational needs is thought to be 36% if born at 37 weeks.
Thats printed on my own trusts page on the inductions pamphlet 😳

I’d be much happier to get to 38 tbh and don’t think it’s ever overkill if it helps with your anxiety @ireneadler101
Like everyone says stress is awful for you.
I honestly think next time I’d just do it all private (if there was/ is a next time) x

Anyone else finding themselves sympton spotting ?! 37+4 now but first born was born at 41+5, think I'm wishful thinking that that won't happen again...

If it's any consolation, my first was born at 36 weeks and was given steroids. He's now 2.5 and super smart, speaks in full sentences, no issues whatsoever. As 37 weeks is "full term", and babies often arrive of their own accord at that gestation, I'm really surprised at that statistic. Definitely something to discuss with your consultant if you're worried.

37 weeks is full term, my niece was born at 35 something and about 5lbs weight and is absolutely healthy, bigger than my overdue child of the same age and no educational needs at all. Odd they would have that on a hospital leaflet ! There are so many factors in children having educational needs as well, you could say that all those mums ate chocolate during their pregnancy and make ot a link if you wanted too!

This article is quite helpful and seems to come from NHS - my takeaway from it is that the risk of special needs is still very low at 37 weeks:

https://www.nicswell.co.uk/health-news/early-babies-and-special-needs

I’ve just had a growth scan and baby girl has jumped from the 70th percentile at 32 weeks to now above the 90th percentile at 36 weeks. I’m honestly terrified of giving birth vaginally to a big baby. I’m sure she’ll grow even more in the coming weeks and it honestly terrifies me

@firsttimelondonmummy If it reassures you, I had my first set of twins at 36 weeks and my second set of twins at 28 weeks and my second set of twins are much more smarter than my first set. So I think gestational age really doesn’t matter in these things.
I wish you an easy delivery and a healthy baby ♥️

@Rlt8990 yes definitely, trying not to get too excited or optimistic.

@firsttimelondonmummy 37 weeks is considered full term and baby will be absolutely fine, don't worry. My little boy was born at 37+3 and he is now 3.5 and thriving. Everyone comments how bright he is and how advanced his vocabulary, understanding and life skills are. Don't get yourself too worried as now is the time to relax and get ready mentally and physically for your little one to arrive ❤️

@firsttimelondonmummy did you have your scan yesterday, or is that what you’re having tomorrow? That’s really frustrating that the hospital just can’t seem to get it right, but hopefully it only gets better from here 🤞🏻

@Rlt8990 constantly symptom spotting! I think they've stopped now as I had a big glass of water and did some housework to get moving but I've had Braxton Hicks every 10 mins since around 4am and they're really intense, borderline painful. Also period pains, backache, upset stomach.
I didn't sleep well and my Husband is about 2 hours today for work and incommunicado so I reckon I'm just overthinking today.

I re-packed my Hospital bag last night and put a couple of pairs of short and cami type PJs in aswell as a light cardi.

Also, did some colostrum harvesting Tuesday evening and I've made my nips so bloody sore I'm really regretting it. Tried nipple balm and I was clearly just at it too long. In fairness online it says 5 mins on each and I definitely did 3 times that to get the measly 0.5ml...!! Can't bring myself to do anymore now until they calm down.

@firsttimelondonmummy I'm very surprised at that statistics and even more surprised it's printed on your trusts leaflet as 37 weeks is classed as full term, I'm booked in for Monday for my c section as they said she hasn't grown since 34 weeks and she's footling breech, I will be 37+3, have they booked you for an induction or c section?

@Hlc86 they’ve booked me in for an induction and recommended I try to go vaginally.
She said it’s better for him if I manage vaginally (as he’s in the right position to do so).
I’m not ruling a c section out though being a lot of FTM inductions lead to that.
The doctor today was actually pretty great (after my moaning 😂).
She really took the time to explain everything and answered all our questions.
We feel much better about the decision and have decided to go ahead tomorrow.
I definitely feel in a different place than I did last night/ this morning.
I’ll of course keep everyone updated ❤️
Thank you all for the positive stories and links they make a huge difference to keeping a positive mental attitude.

@firsttimelondonmummy glad that you’ve had everything explained to you and you both feel better now. Wishing you all the best for tomorrow, he’ll be in your arms soon 💙

@firsttimelondonmummy I'm so glad your consultant was lovely and has managed to reassure you and you feel more relaxed about going in tomorrow, and hopefully you will be able to have her naturally, I have everything crossed for you and look forward to your updates.

Weirdly with me they said even if she turned to head down they wouldn't let me have her naturally as they said she would get distressed (even tho I don't know how they can predict that). Nervous about Monday but just have to keep telling myself doctors know best.

What's your babies estimated weight at the moment?

Thank you @justbelieve 💙

@Hlc86 EFW yesterday was 5lb 2oz.
I was 4lb 11oz when born at 37 weeks and my mum was a 5lb baby full term so hoping he’s just constitutionally small 🤞🏻
Sending you all the love for your delivery can’t wait to see your little one too 💕

@firsttimelondonmummy I think genetics definitely play a part and like you say I'm sure our babies will just be small but perfect, they may even have the same birthday 😍, getting very real now.

That's it, I've had my last prenatal check up. I celebrated by treating myself to lunch out for probably the last time without bubs. 5 days and they will be with us.

@Hlc86 Hope everything goes ok. Its worrying but hope baby is ok when they arrived for you xx

@firsttimelondonmummy I know how you feel. DH and I are worrying currently. Doctor we saw yesterday for her first checkup since we took her home asked if she's following us around the room with her eyes. She's not. She's not smiling either. Everything the internet says about milestones at 2 months is not right for us. DD is practically a newborn still at 8 weeks. Nurse today didn't seem worried. I know she's technically arrived 3 months early but it's so difficult knowing she'll behind and wondering when she'll catch up if ever or if she'll have SEN. Right now I don't have anyone to compare to as don't know anyone in this position.

@BellaTheDarkOverlord
My niece was born at 34 weeks and now aged 7 is bright and active. She runs miles and is doing gymnastics.

Another friend had her daughter at 30 weeks. She is in secondary school and in no way behind her peers.

And another friend had her son at 30 weeks and he is 17 and starting an apprenticeship. He was slower to start talking but caught up by nursery.

Good luck for tomorrow @firsttimelondonmummy 😊

I just took my bubs to be weighed and he’s now 7lb 3oz so the midwife was happy to discharge us today instead of next week! All of his clothes still look massive bless him but I’m sure he will fit in them in the next couple of weeks ☺️

@firsttimelondonmummy hope it goes well tmrw, glad u got a chance to talk to them and they listened and explained everything to you. I'm currently overdue by a day and growth has tapered off but everything else is absolutely fine but obviously they are now discussing induction, but called me back on Tuesday if no baby by then. So I'm going to be worrying until then!

All the best for tomorrow @firsttimelondonmummy ❤️