Due February 2024 Thread 5!! 🤰🩷💙

[MummyTo4BoysXXXX]

last thread is nearly full so thought I would make a new one for us all 😊

@novamama
I was in so much pain last night! Upper back/ribs on one side were sooo painful and so was my vagina! Every time I roll over or get out of bed at night, such intense pain and pressure! It's suddenly gotten extra bad :(
Have my midwife appt today so going to ask if this is normal!

On a cheerier note, 32 weeks today! 🥹🥰

What type of actual bag are we all taking as a hospital bag? Is it weird if I use a suitcase instead of a bag? Just seems so much easier as I've already got a nice cabin size case that opens into two halves and I'm thinking I could pack one side for me, one side for baby. It's also got a matching vanity bag that sits on top for all my toiletries. Just don't want to be told off!

I’ve just woken up in a panic, need to take a work call at 9am…I was awake 3am - 5am… hoping tonight will be better.

Why would you be told off? That sounds extremely sensible.
I’m taking a “weekender” bag (shoulder bag), but if I had to move it myself I’d definitely do what you’re planning, as it’s very heavy to lift when full.
Definitely no need to buy a “hospital” bag - it’s typical branding to get new mums to part with their cash - some of them look exactly like cabin bags.

@Meeting check how big your postnatal area is. Mine was tiny last time and they ask you not to pack very much, so I just took a soft overnight bag. Wasn't space to open a suitcase. Baby's stuff I just put in a separate zipped bag inside, so it was altogether. I didn't need much for baby, a few nappies and nappy bags, some cotton wool, a hat, a thin blanket, 3 changes of clothes with vests, couple of muslins. My colostrum bag went straight into the fridge when I arrived. I left heavier blankets in the car for travelling home in etc.

@Sunshineclouds11 I've been making a list of extras for me that I loved last time. Any other recommendations gratefully received!

• own pillow, silk pillowcase (made huge difference in labour and after while feeding baby)
• long phone charger
• earphones for meditations and podcasts while in labour - helped me zone out
• lip balm - gas and air makes you very dry
• hair ties / clips for in labour
• Evian face spritz - the cool helps while in labour
• water bottle with straw
• light snacks like protein bars, easy to eat bits while in labour
• something delicious/treat for after labour (I didn't get any food til several hours after giving birth as kitchen was closed)
• old comfy t shirt and big stretchy vest to labour in
• maternity pads for pre- labour (lots of fluids if you want to bounce on ball etc)
• reusable period pants for after labour (the pads aren't breathable and I almost got an infection last time)
• clean pjs for after
• sliders to go to the loo in, easy over socks
• soft stretchy mat leggings to travel home in
• soft flannel - for partner to put hot water on and over my perineum when giving birth to help prevent pain/tears

My partner would have brought me extra clothes if I needed, but I went home the next day. Ditto for nappies.

@msp2023 oh my, that sounds so horrible :( def ask midwife and let us know what you hear. Hope you manage to rest in the day today.. but happy 32 weeks to you!! 🎉🎉🎉

@redxlondon I'm so sorry to hear - hope the work call goes ok and adrenaline kicks in to help!!!

I cannot complain of any pains of external stress sources as such, I was sadly just like a zombie tossing and turning and not falling asleep. Managed to nap eventually for 3.5h up to now 🥹🙏🏻

@msp2023 I’m the exact same! I nreskly struggled last night, my right rib was so painful and my vagina and legs were cramping! I’m not sure if I’m getting braxton hicks as I don’t know what to expect or what it feels like?? Please share what your midwife says! xx

@redxlondon I'm not sure, maybe if space was tight like for @A1b2c3d4e5f6g7 they might have been annoyed with me. But then again my case is the same size as a bag, just easier to take about!

That's a great list, I hadn't thought about a long phone charger!

Just had my 31 week appointment and just before the appointment I had really bad pain in my vagina area… turns out little madam is head down and pretty deep in. Feels too soon for her to be in that possible and it’s pretty uncomfortable so I’m hoping she wiggles out and goes back to that position closer to the due date 🙈

@Ebonythoughts little man likes to go head down too and I know exactly what pain you mean. He does move back up cos I feel him do it but then he goes back down 😄

@novamama
@Clueless13
Midwife said it sounds like PGP! Said GP can refer to physio but likely that the waiting list is long and may be in time before baby is born!
She suggested googling PGP specific exercises and stretches which may help.
And the usual method of taking smaller steps, rolling over in bed with both legs together etc. She also suggested a support band to lift the weight of bump and take pressure off.

Hope this helps! I'm going to give the exercises a go! Just telling myself there's 8 weeks left and it'll be fine!

Thank you for letting us know! I was hoping that they'd also talk about your rib pain. I had it a couple of weeks ago, my midwife said yeah well you're expanding so take paracetamol for the pain if you'd like 🥲
8 weeks, you've got this! 💪🏻

@novamama oops yes forgot to mention she said it's part and parcel of pregnancy! Not much that can be done except avoiding those positions when sleeping :(

I have had rib pain with all my pregnancy’s Barr this one. It’s where everything’s shoved upwards with baby kicking at it x

had my 31 week growth scan today, she is head down and weighs approx 3lbs 15oz 🤗😬😬 everything looks fine and the next time I see the consultant I’ll be getting a date for my induction. After losing my baby last year I can’t believe we’ve made it this far I feel blessed and just want her here now

@Shrillwaffle Congrats, sounds like everything is going great!

Hi everyone, it’s been a tough couple of weeks here. Following our diagnosis of fetal growth restriction and placental insufficiency, the decision has been made for the twins to arrive at 32+4, as twin 2s placenta is now ‘coming to end of its life span’. It’s been a shock & I’m upset that they will be spending Christmas in hospital but I’m so excited to meet our baby girls 💕

@FTMCHD good luck lovely fingers crossed for quick progress so you enjoy your little family at home xxx

Sending you big hugs @FTMCHD and I hope you and babies all the luck and love for their arrival 🩷

Good luck! Safe arrival for the little ones ❤️

Yep she’s already out of that position and lying sideways. Think I’m carrying a gymnast 😂

Sending all best wishes to you @FTMCHD - look forward to hearing the twins have arrived safely x

@Ebonythoughts it's so funny when you feel them move out that position cos I can just imagine his bum in the air as he's backing out 🤣

@FTMCHD sending you all luck. I’ve spent Christmas Eve in hospital before - with a baba in NICU, and was worth it to have them here safely. Maternity had a celebratory atmosphere. Hope your experience is better than you hope x

In terms of other pain/PGP. This pregnancy I’ve been to a private osteopath a few times for PGP and it’s been unbelievably helpful. Ive had it in all pregnancies and before this nothing I did really worked!! I still follow the physio advice (re how to get dressed, manage stairs, move in bed etc). BUT it’s the Osteopath that’s significantly reduced the unbearable pain. And it was £35-40 hour depending on what I needed in sessions, and I needed a few sessions. I genuinely believe it’s been the thing that kept me being able to walk/sleep this pregnancy!