Due February 2024 Thread 6!!🤰🩷💙

[AllAboardTootToot]

Last thread just got full so starting a new one for us to keep chatting :)

I have ordered the Aniball, used in my last pregnancy too and didn't tear aniball.uk/pages/aniball-reviews#:~:text=I%20felt%20excellent.,birth%2C%20which%20was%20also%20nice.&text=Highly%20recommend!

Also have oil to rub in before bed for (hopefully) increasing elasticity. But could never get the right pressure and position for the perineal massage manually

@Kelb79 I find it easier to put one foot up on side of bath or toilet and approaching the perineum then each side separately going around the bump with one hand and using my thumb to massage and stretch things out. Usually do it after a shower so clean and relaxed. And use other hand to lean or brace on sink/available surface, etc.

It started off really stingy and tissues felt very tight the first 2-3 times so I was really concerned but have noticed things are defo a bit stretchier and more supple now. I need to stretch more to get the same burn/stinging - so that's kind of like my threshold of pushing it each time. Feels a bit tender and swollen after each session but as settles and seeing improvements I'm going to stick with it.

I did it with my first baby and even though she was back to back and came out face up I didn't need stitches by some miracle so I'm going to keep going with it. I think the evidence is it's most effective at reducing rates of tearing in first time mums as well.

Current baby is measuring big so will need another miracle to get away without episiotomy or stitches this time! First baby was 41st centile so I'm more worried this time around.

@Ihatewinding oh god I think we're sounding similar. My first baby was back to back also and they were shocked I didn't need interventions or an episiotomy, and only had a slight graze. However he was induced early so only about 7lb, so not huge.

This baby I am in for regular scans because she's growing so quickly up the centiles and her abdomen is measuring over three weeks ahead. Im genuinely getting very nervous now if she keeps going to term how large she might be

I have also ordered an aniball - I haven't started using it yet though as it says to wait until 37 weeks (which will be this weekend). I'm kind of nervous about using it but at the same time anxious to get started so I can get some practice in before baby comes in case they are early

I'm worried because they only seem to care what the ctg machine says, and only went off the baby's heart rate. It was also as if because the baby moved during the ctg it meant there was no cause for concern as she said oh I see the babies moved a couple of times, that's good.
She said I could come back if I was worried but it was as if I was paranoid. Unfortunately I've not had the best experience with some midwives in this hospital. I've recently woken up and she's moved once in that time.

I'd go back @Sugarplumw and keep going back till they take you serious and atleast offer you a scan so you can check baby is ok. We know our babies and if you know that her movement is not as it should be keep going there. I know I would. X

@Sugarplumw if movement today is still bad, I'd call back. They told me to.

Was it the Dawes Redman CTG? Where you buzz them when it goes green? If it is, on the right hand side of the print out, you'll see why you passed it and it'll likely be more detailed than what she said to you. It looks at fluctuation and variation of heart rate. I've failed to 'meet the criteria' a couple of times, and they make you stay on the machine until you do.

Today is a new day though and if movement is still not right, you should 100% call back again and ask for another check.

@A1b2c3d4e5f6g7 I've actually got a consultant appointment this afternoon due to accelerated growth at my 36 week fundal height check, no scan though which I don't quite understand.
I'm sure I will just be offered induction due to shoulder dystocia risk but been doing some reading and not sure it's worth it due to risk of 3rd/4th degree tears but no reduction in risks associated with shoulder dystocia. I had polyhydramnios last time so could just be that again so would want scan before agree to induction I think.
My first was 7lb 6 and this one is supposedly already more than that already if fundal height and growth chart correct! Though always discrepancies tbf.
Why were you induced with your first? Have they offered it again this time around?

I started antenatal expressing last night, going to try again today, maybe can just get labour to happen naturallyish around about 38 weeks anyway 🙈 then decision out of my hands and easier that way. And n
Hopefully not too big at that point!

@Sugarplumw this might be their new pattern but I wouldn't really be happy with that by what you've said until been admitted and had regular monitoring to make sure baby okay over a prolonged period and then can be properly reassured?

@Ihatewinding good luck, hope they do send you for a scan after that! Seems strange to scare you without a scan which is way more accurate. Measuring ahead on fundal could be down to so many things.

I was induced at 37 weeks with my first, and it was fine. But that was down the GD, and reduced movements whenever insulin dose was upped. My baby was measuring big but they weren't too bothered about that.

This time around they don't seem keen to induce, just want to keep an eye on the growth.

Hopefully we both get an earlier natural labour!

So I met with my community midwife today and told her I’ve been having regular more intense tightening and back pain as well as pressure down below for about a week now and since yesterday have been losing some fluid. She said to go home and put on a pad and check if the fluid is urine or not my smelling it. She said if it doesn’t have a smell give triage a ring because it sounds like early labour.

It’s definitely not urine but it’s trickles and not a gush and although the tightenings and back pain are uncomfortable but not painful so I’m not sure whether to just wait it out or call them? I’ve been told early labour can last hours/days and I haven’t lost my mucus plug so I don’t know whether to call and go in now or not. I know I can’t predict it but I’d like to complete as much of early labour at home as possible.

Shall I wait till tomorrow and see how things progress?

@Ebonythoughts if you think it could be your waters I would give them a ring.

They really only like waters to be broke for 24 hours before admitting you/inducing due to risk of infection.

They won't necessarily have you come in and stay in if that's the case and it hasn't been 24 hours, but they will from what I understand likely do a swap and confirm if it is amniotic fluid or not, and then ask you to come back if not already in established labour

@Ebonythoughts should have also added that some people don't experience a "gush" and can just be a trickle, if it is your waters it should be quite a constant trickle if it is.

Ok thank you. The midwife is coming to the house tomorrow because apparently in the city I’m in they do home visits and discuss the birth plan then so I’ll either call tonight if it continues to trickle or let the midwife know tomorrow morning and call then.

@A1b2c3d4e5f6g7 I did end up getting a scan and baby measuring just over average by weight but tummy is big and head on smaller side. I would have been happy about head size given my concerns about tearing but from doing all my reading I know that if head/tummy ratio is off then more risk of shoulder dystocia will just focus research on birthing positions to prevent that now I think. Would obvs be great to have a smooth not too late delivery for everyone haha.

I'm getting the fear and not sure all the reading is helping at this rate!
But if it helps if you're worried about the fact they aren't inducing you early for a bigger baby, the consultant said before I went for my scan that even if big and accelerated growth that due to successful previous vaginal delivery and absence of diabetes that wouldn't be keen to intervene anyway! I really thought was gonna be a quick tick box appointment just to be fobbed off with induction so was a nice surprise.

Thanks everyone for the comments. She was moving earlier but not as much again now. It's so worrying but then I also feel like a paranoid person going into the hospital too much

Oh ladies it breaks my heart reading some of these - please please please, if you’re posting on here pondering whether to call or go in - please do it!!!

I fell over today, so went straight to hospital to get checked over. The staff do not know the concept of time wasters where babies are concerned - they would want to see you, especially with some of these comments on movement and water leakage. You’ll be well looked after and they’ll be glad to see you xx

So my results from the GD test yesterday have come back that I do have it. I had a very full on 20min phone call while I was at work and the midwife gave me SO much info that I feel like my brain has been completely fried ever since.

She said as my C Section has now been booked, they wouldn’t be bringing it forward & I won’t be offered anymore growth scans either. I’ve been feeling pretty overwhelmed since the phone call & have so much reading to do tonight as she wants me to start testing tomorrow. I’m so confused about the whole thing to be honest. I’m now 35+5 so it’s all a bit of a rush to get on top of things. I was fully expecting her to say they would get him out sooner though! Any advice welcome.. it all seems so daunting!

@CharXo Oh that seems like a big adjustment this far into pregnancy. I hope you have an easy time managing it. I don't have any advice myself but a few in this group have GD and I'm sure they'll share some wisdom with you x

@redxlondon I hope you and baby are okay after your fall! I can imagine that was so scary

Ladies, I'm in tune with @redxlondon, if you have any doubts, don't wait. Just go in.

@Ebonythoughts I went in because my midwife thought my waters broke; they do a 5 min swab and confirm or infirm it; it's just that simple - no reason to think it over and over and stay worried

Same with reduced movements, I was told so many times by the midwives working in the assessment unit to just come in, they'll always happily monitor baby to make sure baby is ok - that's what they are there for. No such thing as being too paranoid, the risk outweighs any supposed silly feelings.

Regarding perineal massage I can also not do it myself and my husband has no idea what to do either. I also ordered aniball and started super slowly at 35+5 every other day, to give myself time to practice. Im not attempting to birth the balloon, I use it as a proxy to massage. I think 37 weeks is too late for me to start.

Thank you, I’m a bit bruised up and feeling wiped after the worry and scare. Hopefully everything is all fine though. Hospital were great and happy with everything, have a 36 week scan on Thursday too so not long to wait.

@Sugarplumw I’ve been the same the last couple days, noticed baby wasn’t moving as much as usual. He’s normally wriggling around at 3am, but the past couple days nothing but then I feel wriggles later in the day. He’s not moved for the last hour or so and I’m wondering if it’s a new pattern, or if I should call and go to the hospital. I completely understand feeling silly or feeling like you’re wasting time by constantly going in, but if you’re in doubt please call the hospital. I’m going to see how things are in the morning and then probably call and go in if not different x

@Clueless13 the one message I feel like has been hammered home a lot is to not go bed for the night if you think you have reduced movements.

I think I must have been told this before but I've always given it a maximum of 2 hours and if not happy I've called and gone in.

We went in quite late the first time and we were in and out quite quickly, absolutely worth it for peace of mind as well before trying to sleep.

Especially as we get later on in the pregnancy I also feel the midwife is pushing how important identifying and calling for reduced movements is, I wouldn't hesitate to ring if you still feel the same soon

Ladies who have suffered with PGP/SPD how are you coping as you get further along? Have you got any tips on how you're dealing with it for me please?
Up to last week I was coping ok with it but the last few days have been agonising for me 😫 I'm not sure if baby has moved further down or what but the pain has certainly got worse! I'm dreading going to bed on an evening and absolutely miserable through the day because of it now.

I use a pillow between my legs to sleep, using paracetamol, hot water bottle, doing my exercises physio have given me amongst other things but it's not helping now. Is this it until I give birth now 😔
I'm sorry to sound like an absolute moaning cow but I'm so fed up.

@CharXo welcome to GD gang!
when is your c section booked for? Mine is 38+3 (couldn't get bang on 38) . My baby is large and I'm on insulin.

it's not tooooo bad but definetely overwhelming at first and probably even harder at this stage as it's very last minute. When I was diet controlled, as long as I had a healthy meal , small portion and remembered my snacks , all was well.
It was my fasting numbers that crept up which is completely hormonal.
I doubt they'd start you on insulin this late? So may just want you to eat well, I'm not sure :/