Due October 2023 Thread 8

[Chanteuse]

New thread for our October group - third trimester time!!

@peonygirl fingers crossed everything goes well at your scan!
yes definitely better to have them here so i know they are getting what they need. It all just seems so soon and ive not heard many positive induction stories

@razzler991 Teacher here - I think your maternity leave starts either the day you give birth or the next day so if you gave birth during half term you would have to start it that day not after but I’m sure we had someone work up until 40+

Ive applied for SPL and it’s been accepted by my school - used the website below, if you pay them a fee they will fill out all paperwork for you which you then submit, or you can complete the paperwork yourself and they will check it for you for a smaller fee.

You just need a copy of your schools SPL policy and term dates. I didn’t realise though that financially it’s not worth taking SPL until your period of half pay is over and you’re on SMP so for example I am not ‘returning’ and being paid for Xmas hols as will still be on half pay but I am using it for Feb half term and Easter hols.

Hope this helps Teacher’s SPL

@Itsokaymama I will refer back to diabetic mamas who in the majority need an induction (if not opting for an elective c-section). There are higher risks involved with diabetes so they induce at 37-38 weeks. I have read many positive stories so far; some ladies deliver very quickly and are able to hold their baby within 24h of their induction. The best thing for all of us - equip yourself with the knowledge for all eventualities but go with an open mind. There will be the highest reward at the end of it all.

Absolutely commiserating with those who have had it with work-my day job in customer service feels like the most pointless thing ever at the moment (although I’m grateful for working from home!), would love to stop working now and just rest up to the birth! Hormones are also making me cope far less well with meaner customers

not getting much sleep at the mo because baby has developed hulk like movements and seems to particularly like the dark of night time for partying! And the pregnancy heartburn has dialled up a notch too.

have my baby shower this weekend though which I’m so excited for!

Thanks so much @Sagittarius25 and @Esl17 really helpful advice!

@razzler991 according to this site you can start maternity leave after your due date, but not after you give birth: https://maternityaction.org.uk/covidmaternityfaqs/maternity-leave-and-return-to-work/#:~:text=The%20earliest%20you%20can%20start,the%20date%20you%20give%20birth.

@OrionNebula my first was breech at least up to 36 weeks and then at some point turned and was ready for vbac birth. Don't worry now, they can turn when they need to.

@Itsokaymama all my friends who had an induction had a positive experience. But if you look up induction in forums you will get mainly the negative experiences.

@FirstTimeMamaAtHalloween my baby shower is also this weekend! 🥰

Does anyone take anything for heartburn/acid reflux? I’m currently 34 weeks and suffering really bad (it’s got progressively worse over the last 5 weeks) to the point where I’m taking approx 10 rennies in the night and I still wake up with it, I’ve threw up this morning due to taking too many. Going to ask my midwife at my appointment today but just wondered if anyone else is prescribed something or takes something that actually works? Thanks in advance xx

@Sav96 I was prescribed omeprazole in the first trimester and have been using it more recently just on days where the reflux is really bad, it controls it well but it’s not necessarily something you want to take every day. Worth talking to mw about (depending on other meds etc).

@peonygirl

I think the thing to remember with inductions and indeed anything else is that the single most important factor is YOU and what you want. My antenatal class midwife was really good at explaining all the likely parts of all the birth options.

Based on that and my knowledge of myself and how I react, I'm going with natural birth or elective caesarean - but that's because I know how I'd feel about the steps with induction.

All the anecdotes in the world and doctor's advice can't substitute for your positive choice. You are the number one world expert about you!

@Alexandra07 thanks, that's reassuring!

I am having a little party this weekend, not a traditional baby shower as I'm not into the games or anything like that and don't want presents as its second baby. So just a few friends, food & drink. Having it at home so people can bring kids too if they want.

Hi ladies, hope everyone is coping ok! 33 weeks over here .. all tasks becoming more and more difficult 😂 I have packed my hospital bag and car seat is in!!
Going to mums for a few days so going to take the bag with me in case and just leave it in the boot!!
Anyone else just convinced their bubba is coming early? I don't know why I just have this deep down feeling 😂😂

@Sav96 another one on omeprazole here. It is generally prescribed during pregnancy but will likely need to be your GP or consultant who can issue it (not sure the midwife can). Call your GP and ask to speak to them, don't suffer. I was having a horrible time in my 1st trimester only to be later asked why I was never prescribed omeprazole. I was given the medication at least a month ago because my heartburn and indigestion are so bad. They tend to worsen in the 3rd trimester. I was told I can take 1 pill before lunch/dinner, 2x day but I really don't take them unless it is bad. Heartburn is often so bad that I feel like vomiting - nearly happened in Lidl the other day. I am only hoping this all goes away after the baby is born.

@thecatsthecats absolutely agree! I think it is really important we are assertive. I also made up my mind that it would either be an elective c-section or natural delivery, I don't want an induction at my age as it poses a risk to both of us. I just don't see any benefit in it and doctors agree.

@katherine123x you will laugh at this but - yes, me :) I constantly feel he'll be early and I am nearly done packing my bag at 31+4 lol

@peonygirl I wouldn't expect anything else 😂😂😂

One of the reasons I know I don't want an induction is that I know that I'm a contrary madam, and someone telling me what to do is likely to produce a very arsey reaction from me!

So the poking and prodding will wind me up, and be non-conducive to the induction working.

I work in data protection and data communications too, and the way they've handled all conversations is just the opposite of what I'd advise and train people to do - another thing that would wind me up and likely slow things down.

I have no hang ups emotionally about having a caesarean, and practically we would be fine without the car, but I know (and my poor husband knows) that after weeks of declining mobility at the end, I don't particularly want to then have to limit my behaviour too much after birth. And I'll be a stubborn arse about that too.

And I tend to be blase about risks/minor outcomes, because when it comes down to it, I know that most of the risks identified have medical solutions that I'm good at advocating for.

@Sav96 I take an omeprazole every night and I'd be 100% dysfunctional without it. Keeps me able to eat and, like, stay alive. Hoping I'll be able to come off it after birth, but I've had reflux for several years now and may try to find out if I'm eligible for the surgeries for it post baby.

Also on Omeprazole for months (and before for years!). Would very much advise against only taking it occasionally as it doesn't work the same way Rennie etc does, it needs to be taken regularly at the same time every day in order for it to work properly. I couldn't function without it but will be weaning off it after birth.

@OrionNebula thought I’d update you on our appointment. Baby still breech, I’m 36 weeks tomorrow. We had an appointment at the hospital yesterday to talk about
options. I turned down the ECV to try and turn baby so if they don’t turn on their own it’s going to have to be a c section. Got a pre op booked for 14th but I’m still trying to be positive that baby will turn before my next midwife appointment and just doing lots of exercises to try and help turn them.

@Flying12 fingers crossed baby has a big wriggly and spins round !

Is anyone else experiencing swollen feet? I am 31+5 today and since yesterday my feet have some additional padding on the top. Generally, my feet hurt every day and I tried salt baths in the evening. I slept better afterwards but the swelling didn't go away. Should I report it to my midwife? I am worried about pre-eclampsia but I have no other symptoms. I am wfh so my feet are up and I try to go for a walk after work but find moving quite tiring.

@Flying12 thanks for the update, fingers crossed they turn. My 36 week appointment is Tuesday 🤞still haven't decided if I will go for the ECV if they offer it.

Got a scan today to check my low lying placenta to ensure it’s functioning properly and to see whether or not it’s moved up a little bit as it was too low at my 20 week scan. Does anyone know what they do with low lying placentas if it hasn’t moved? I’m 32 weeks so still time, but I wonder if they’ll start discussing a possible c-section? If anyone has experience of this and can let me know, that would be fab xx

@Summer022 i also had a low lying placenta at 20 weeks and by 32 weeks it had moved and now described as ‘anterior high’ apparently 90% of the time they do move - hope yours went ok!

How did your scan go @Summer022? All good and helpful I hope!