Anyone due in April part 4

[XenaTheWarriorPrincess]

Hey guys, new thread for the April due dates.

Looks like the other thread maxed out before someone could make a new one, so I'll tag a few people and then if they could tag a few and they tag a few and so on, so we can try and get everyone in.

There's no way I can get everyone tagged myself, it's a nightmare on mobile.

For those that are worried about induction, I just wanted to share that I was induced at 37 weeks for medical reasons last pregnancy and it was absolutely fine, baby born vaginally with no interventions. Once they started the drip it only took 5 hours but the process start to finish was Friday eve to Mon morning. My body wasn't ready at 37 weeks so I needed lots of processes to shortern my cervix so they could break my waters. By 41 weeks sometimes induction only involves breaking your waters to get things moving. I feel you only ever read the horror stories about induction and it's important to know sometimes it is all fine. I had a really positive birth experience!

Of course it's a personal choice but for me I would not go against medical advice and risk my baby dying by going overdue and placenta breaking down. My midwife was telling me at my last appointment that the latest infant mortality rate figures just came out (age 0-1) and they are extremely high and it is because so many women are refusing necessary medical interventions (sections, inductions) and also not following safe sleep guidelines. Particularly bad in my area (NW London). Just food for thought - not judging anyone, got to do what's best for your family in the end.

Had my second sweep yesterday was 2cm dilated, 'favourable' and she said she could have easily broken my waters! Was up all night with contraction pains but no closer than 10 minutes apart. They've eased off now so I'm so disappointed 😩😩😩

@Amf2508 what week did they start your sweeps?

@Ttcmumma had my first at 37+6 was told I could have from 37 weeks because of all the trouble I've been having. I'm now 38+6 and got 3rd and final booked for Saturday. Then got induction booked for 40+4 🙈

@Amf2508 ahh ok, I'm 38+3 and really really wish they'd offer me something 😅. Hope all goes well for you!

I’m jealous of those having sweeps! Unfortunately my baby is still breech, and has jumped up massively on the growth chart yet again so we’ve been asked to go into hospital on Easter Sunday to have some scans done and additional checks, and my midwife thinks they may keep us in then to do a section although I REALLY hope that is not the case because I’m still terrified and also I’m still not organised🤣 if I don’t laugh I will cry at this point

I had my 38 week appointment today and baby dropped on the growth chart again so we got referred for a scan. It's supposed to be either on Sunday or Tuesday. I feel the baby is definitely bigger as is my bump, so not sure why he's measuring small.

@Mrsttcno1 sorry to hear the baby is still breech, hopefully they give you more time and he switches position.

So I'm currently under two different trusts care as I changed hospital at 36 weeks and never cancelled my midwife appointments at the original trust, I've been able to keep them. Anyway I'm 38+3 and on Tuesday one midwife measured my belly at 37cm and today's midwife has measured my belly at 34cm! Just shows how different people can get it/how much things can change dependent on positioning, time of day etc. crazy really! Gained a scan next week out of it but no one's concerned really. Just thought it was interesting to share

@Ttcmumma it is good to hear how bump measurements can be way off just because of the person who is doing them. I was in a different room today and the 'bed' where she did the measurement was almost in an upright position so it was an awkward position to even take the measurement. Can't wait for the scan now to see how big he really is. I know it's also not 100% accurate, but it's better than just doing it with a tape.

@SummerOak I got sent for a growth scan at 34 weeks and baby was fine, he had just moved position and dropped lower so my bump was smaller.

38 weeks today and I feel so much pressure in my pelvis. Midwife checked yesterday and said 2/5 engaged but still a bit unsure what exactly that means (I know it can mean 2/5 down or 2/5 still palpable so not sure which she meant).

Hope everyone else is hanging in there okay? I'm struggling now to be honest. It's the uncertainty! Would love to have a crystal ball and know what and when to expect baby.

Thanks to everyone who replied about the induction! I was just worried it was booked to happen ON the 41-week mark but I feel reassured it doesn’t necessarily mean the baby will come on that day and it could still take her a couple of days. We've been very lucky so far and haven't had any issues, so I just felt if she’s happy and healthy then why so soon!

Anyway, hopefully it’s all redundant and she comes naturally before then anyway 🥰

I've felt a lot more pregnant these last couple of weeks! I’m 38+3 (there seems to be a lot of us!). I’ve had a little bit of PGP when I do more than I should the day before. So I’m just trying to mitigate that without feeling too useless!

36+5 today and feeling the end is nearer for sure, had so many braxton hicks the past 48 hours including some that were mildly painful. Also having lots of lightening crotch feelings which is horrendous. Last time had a precipitous labour (under 4 hours) and so I’m feeling very on edge!

Been having contractions all morning about 5-7 minutes apart but in completely random intensity, it's driving me crazy... hoping this is the real deal even if it takes all day/days 🤣

@Amf2508 im So jealous !!! Keep us updated :) fingers crossed it’s the real deal. 39+4 now and not a sign of labour at all 😂 I think I’ll go way over

@Hopefulfirstround currently at hospital, now 3cm staying for a few hours in hopes it progresses to 4cm then will be on our way after the worlds slowest Labour 🤣

@Amf2508 How exciting! Hope things progress well for you and can't wait for the update :)

@Amf2508 ahh good luck! So jealous of you right now haha

@Amf2508 good luck!! Really hoping you have your baby soon, you must be so excited.

I had the growth scan today and baby is actually at 73 percentile, so he's in the range that he's supposed to be. The bump measurement had him at 20 percentile. So like everyone said, those bump measurements are so unreliable.

@SummerOak glad it went well! The is why I'm not stressing about mine on Tuesday, just taking it as one last time to see bubba before she arrives lol

@Ttcmumma exactly, enjoy seeing her on Tuesday. I also like that they check the blood flow in the cord and amniotic fluid, so it's not just the measurements.

No progress really 😩 despite painful contractions so going home to hopefully have a more comfortable early labour. Slightly concerned that things could amp up once home, but it's better than being stuck on my own on the ward 🙈

Hey guys!!!

Sorry Ive been absent, just in my little newborn bubble!
Had my elective c section last wednesday afternoon, and my baby was born weighing 3430g, and measuring 50cm at 38 weeks!

C section was fine, but I did not react too well to the epidural, and my BP crashed a few times. Then I couldnt pee on my own, so they had to put in a second catheter (after theyd taken it out) to empty my bladder manually.

However, eventually it all started working again, and the recovery has been absolutely fine! The pain is really bearable, and Im not even taking any meds anymore (but the IV paracetamol was a godsend, while at the hospital!!!)

Baby girl is as good as gold! She eats and sleeps, with minimal crying, so Ive been managing to sleep a decent amount each night (though broken sleep, as she has to be woken up to feed every 3h).

Breastfeeding failed completely and I gave up on it after 3 days, so am now exclusively bottle feeding. It works really well!

Not quite back to my prepregnancy form, but Id say my belly is down to what it was just after Christmas!

As for hospital bags, I ended up needing more bodies for the baby, but only one set os PJs for me. The adult pull up nappies are a must, as they also hold your belly up post partum! Im still using them!

Congratulations on your baby girl @ASGIRC !! So glad you and baby are recovering well. Sorry that you had some issues with the epidural but your birth sounds quite positive despite that. Thanks for the tip for pull up nappies, I only bought the pads.

@SummerOak You can use the pads inside the nappies, so that you dont go through as many. But they are SOOOOO comfortable! And also, no leaks with them! Whereas with pads and the gauze panties they give you at the hospital everything is a bit looser, and moveable, and leaks are more likely!

And yeah, despite the issues, it was all pretty positive and it continues to be!
I might be put off from having any more kids (to be fair, it was always gonna be tricky, as Im already 41), but in general, it was all pretty good!