Due December 2024 - thread 2

[CatCaretaker]

Follow on from the first thread here:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/pregnancy/5032929-due-december-2024?page=40

Hi I’m new to the thread! Due very early December. But feel like I will have baby in November 😅

31w 6d today - had my growth scan and baby is measuring 90th centile - consent form for ELCS signed at consultant app and hoping to have my date at 36 week appointment - not ideal when week 39 is Christmas Eve 😅

Commenting so it gives me the notifications ☺️

@xx11x I'm with you - my actual due date is 20th Dec so I could be having a Christmas baby too. Not ideal when I have two young children at home who fully believe Santa and the Elf bring 90% of the magic! I'm praying Santa gives me a early present of a early, but safe, baby! 😂

Thanks for starting a new thread ♥️

I'm also having a csection. Due date was 16th of December, 39 weeks on 9th of December. So hopefully will be having him 9-11th of December 🤞🏼 which means I'll be nicely healed enough come Christmas which made me happy 😂😂 I have heard they don't like to do them the week of Christmas. Due to staff shortages! So curious to see how yours works out xxxxx

Thanks for new thread! @xx11x @Lunamoon23 I have also just asked for an ELCS due to previous traumatic birth / complications. Was aiming for VBAC but the closer it gets the more anxious I was getting so feeling much better about birth now. Due date 20th so hoping for week 38/39

Well done for taking control. I know you mentioned in the previous thread that you anxiety was starting to mount. How did they take your request. It's like to be 39 weeks + as they don't like to do c sections earlier than that unless medically nessasary due to baby's lungs. Xxx

Is anyone cramping a lot? I noticed I am a fair bit - I'm 33 + 2

@Lunamoon23 they were super supportive to be fair. Part of the awfulness of last time was how terrible the midwives were in hospital and in the community - not listening, downplaying pre-eclampsia symptoms- which turned out to be pre-existing 🙄 etc. etc. (to be fair it was covid times so a bit chaotic but it really damaged trust) and my wonderful amazing angel of a health visitor went to my midwife on my behalf early on and basically told them that what I say goes this time or else so my new midwife has been amazing throughout lol. Definitely feel more in control this time.

Yes! Braxton hicks I'm assuming

Pre-eclampsia not pre-existing

Glad I'm not the only one, feel like I've suddenly gone from 0 to 100 lol. 🫡

Yes when I was out walking the dog yesterday, I think it was Braxton Hicks

For those with planned c-sections - at what stage do you normally sign the paperwork and get the actual date? I'm hoping to do my paperwork at 34w consultant appointment and was hoping (naively probably!) I'd get the date then as well. From what you describe though it sounds like the date comes later on, is that right?

I am due mid-January but expecting a date for week 38-39 and I can imagine there will be a backlog following the Christmas/NY period. Maybe it doesn't work like this, but can't help but imagine them like timeslots that just fill up!

@HelterSkelter224 oh I'm so glad you've got a good team behind you this time. I've been so impressed so far with my midwife and hospital. They've been really supportive, I've had zero push back and been fully supported in my decision especially considering there is no previous trauma or medical reasons. How you feeling about the c section itself?

@whenthelevee I signed my consent form at my 32 week appointment with the consultant. (Growth and placenta check scan so was additional). I opted for an elective right from the get go though, so I first saw a consultant at my 20 week scan. I've been told I won't be having it until I reach 39 weeks. They'll only do 38 for a serious medical reason due to baby's lung development (can lead to unneassary complications before 39weeks). I won't get my appointment through until two weeks prior.. so roughly in about 3 weeks time I'll know. They'll call me to book in my pre op appointment and then give me a date for the section. I won't know what time I'll go down until the day which can change. I've only been given an indication it'll be between the 9th-13th of December most likely. I'll be 39 weeks on the 9th. If your due mid January you'll likely be in after the new year. X

Can someone remind me of the birth prep bits to do by each week? I’ve completely forgotten since my first!

I remember raspberry leaf tea from week 32, dates from week 36? Anything else worth doing?

Just marking for notifications 😊😊
33 weeks today!!

Thank you @Lunamoon23 that is so helpful. I have medical reasons for the c-section but I think the consultant wanted to wait until week 36 and see how it plays out, whereas I feel I really need to know one way or the other (I have had previous losses and the thought of a 'wait and see' approach is making me more and more anxious) so I'm thinking if there is no clear decision after my next scan I will ask for an ELCS.

Is anyone else struggling with sleep?

I can nap for a hour or so, but a actual sleep is out the window. I just end up half awake and tossing and turning, like a semi sleep. Very frustrating as I'm so tired.

33+4 today.

Yep I’m 36w and can’t sleep.
my whole body hurts, plus restless leg syndrome comes and ruins my nights. Can’t get comfy at all

@whenthelevee that's understandable then and you have good grounds to opt for a ELCS (not that you need good reason). But still be aware that you probably still won't get a date through until 2 weeks prior to the csection. At least that seems to be the approach of the vast majority of trusts. I'm even under the prenatal mental health team and with all my anxiety they can't provide any clearer indication other than two weeks prior. But if you're worried about waiting until 36 weeks I'd reach out to your midwife and say that this is the decision you've made regarding your birth choices and she can get the ball rolling for you. X

Yes, me! Our toddler has been really ill the last week with croup too, so been up a lot in the night. Last night he was much better than the last few days and slept through, but I was up tossing and turning unable to fall into a deep sleep.

I’ve taken next week off work to try and catch up on sleep and relax, but also need to sort all the baby bits out!

I think it depends on the trust. At my hospital, the consultant was pushing me to book a date for a section at 28 weeks (Christmas Eve or NYE of all dates!). However, I don’t want a section at all but they’re pressuring me due to having gestational diabetes.

You can definitely ask and see if they can pre book but you might not be able to until much closer to the time.

This is my first baby but I'm Christmas Day host so it's been stressful 😂
I hope your baby comes on time or safely early so you have some time to get ready for Christmas magic for your older two