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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Very worried at 36 weeks

23 replies

lou031205 · 24/03/2009 13:22

I am just looking for a bit of support really.

I am 36+1 with DC3. Previous history:
DD1 - Fundal height small (33cm at 39 weeks) and US showed small for dates. Induced 39+6.

DD2 - SFD, prem labour 33 weeks, stopped with nifedipine, growth scan average. Growth scan two weeks later showed no growth so induced at 35+3.

DC3: (Now 36+1)

Measuring 27cm at 31 weeks. Measuring 28cm at 35 weeks. Told to monitor movements. Growth scans ok.

Wednesday went for monitoring for reduced movements, all ok. CTG on Friday.
Thursday phoned to arrange time for CTG, asked about movements, and hadn't had any yet, so advised to attend for repeat CTG. First half hour, no movements. Second half hour ok.
Asked to come for scan on Friday.

Friday scan: (35+4) Amniotic Fluid 10.5cm with deepest pool 4.5cm. No movement on scan despite wiggling of probe. Midwife eventually dug probe in to me so hard that it made the baby jolt, and therefore biophysical profile given score of 8/8 instead of the 4/8 it would have been CTG quiet at first but movements did pick up.

Saturday night: (35+5) Small tightenings, braxton hicks like, with sudden gush of fluid. Braxtons continue overnight, and phoned ward in morning.

Sunday: Admitted, and examined by junior doctor, who said that as I have a retrovert uterus, she couldn't really see much, but didn't think she could see fluid. Internal showed that head now engaged (wasn't on last antenatal) and 2cms dilated. Her opinion was early labour, and that I would be kept until I delivered. CTGs reassuring, but fairly regular contractions, midwife commented that if I was in full-blown labour she would be saying they were nice contractions. Junior discusses with registrar, who says that I am 3rd time, so could be that dilated anyway, and is not convinced. No further leakage.

Yesterday: (36 weeks) Growth scan due today brought forward. Growth ok. But amniotic fluid index now 7.8cm, deepest pool 2.8cms. Now classed as reduced (5th percentile is 7.7cms at 36 weeks). Same midwife scanned me as on Friday. She says that she thinks my waters must have broken.

Doctor decides that based on the fact that they couldn't see a pool on speculum exam and that I have had no further leakage, then they haven't broken. No antibiotic cover, no need to stay. No induction.

They will repeat scan on Thursday, then Monday.

I am so worried . I asked to be induced, as I feel that the risks outweigh the benefits of continuing the pregnancy. DD2 was earlier than this, and lighter, and is doing brilliantly.

Added to this, DD1 has Special Needs, and it is vastly disruptive to her to have me in and out of hospital. We only have 1 car, and DH needs it for work, which means that to go to the hospital, I have to get both girls up & dressed, drive DH to work, and face the almighty melt down when DD1 realises we are going home again because it is too early for preschool. I then have to get mum to babysit DD2, and in the evening pick DH up.

I am desperately worried about this baby, and uncomfortable with the plan of action. However, the consultant agreed with the reg, despite all of the circumstances, and despite giving me a choice in the last pregnancy of monitoring or induction at an earlier stage.

Sorry it is so long, it just feels like they are taking an unnecessary risk with my baby. They cite the risks of induction, intervention etc, but I have had to previous labours of 4 hours and 8 hours after just one pessary & in DD2's case breaking my waters.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
lou031205 · 24/03/2009 14:12

Put you all off haven't I?

OP posts:
Nabster · 24/03/2009 14:15

I would ring the midwife and talk things over with her. I am sorry you are worrying so much.

madwomanintheattic · 24/03/2009 14:17

go back, burst into tears and play hysterical woman. loudly.

nothing to be gained by doing as you are told and waiting. i'd want anti-b's at the very least in all honesty. if they say no, ask them to document that you are certain your waters broke on saturday, but that they are refusing to treat you appropriately.

i was desperately worried about dc3 but did as i was told, and wish i hadn't. don't play nice.

Waswondering · 24/03/2009 14:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Iblewit · 24/03/2009 14:35

No practical advice - except to say that you must go with your instincts and pressurise the doctors accordingly

good luck

lou031205 · 24/03/2009 15:08

Thanks for replies. I feel that I have exhausted that route. My consultant didn't speak to me personally, but the registrar did go and discuss with her. The midwife on antenatal phoned the reg, who said that she would not be changing her mind. She then went and got a labour ward reg, who was lovely and told me what she thought the team were thinking. I am just so worried that something could happen and we wouldn't know.

But they have studied years and are doing what they feel best.

OP posts:
madwomanintheattic · 24/03/2009 15:27

if movements slow down or stop, i don't care how much training they've had, go back

cup of tea?

lou031205 · 24/03/2009 15:34

Thanks madwoman, no sugar, but quite milky please. Earl grey if you have it.

My community midwife heard that I had been in through the fact that DH cancelled an appt for DD because I was in, and we had a long chat last night. I think she was a bit bemused too.

Her advice was the same as yours - stuff 10 movements a day, if you don't have any within a reasonable time frame, straight back up for CTG.

OP posts:
madwomanintheattic · 24/03/2009 15:40

there you go my duck

lou031205 · 24/03/2009 15:57

Cheers, very refreshing.

OP posts:
Nabster · 24/03/2009 17:20

Training isn't everything.

I knew my baby wasn't right and a midwife still sent me home.

Keep an eye on movements and if you are unhappy at all get yourself to hospital.

Mummyfor3 · 24/03/2009 17:27

Here is chocolate biscuit, too!

I so totally see how you'd be worried out of your mind. Yes, insist (assertively, but nicely ) to see your consultant.
Would it be helpful or awful (or impossible) for you to be admitted on an antenatal ward? Also, could you not be seen at the Day Ward daily for repeat CTGs/scanning?

So much of it depends on what service your mat hospital offers, but I agree with above posters: the sqeaky gate gets the oil, so go on and squeak, loudly (but nicely: you are more likely to get more out of HCPs that way, but equally make sure that you communicate the extent of your fears, we are rubbish at many things mindreading).

So hope for you everything goes well .

Mummyfor3 · 24/03/2009 17:28

Sorry, just reread you OP:
Has anyone mentioned antenatal steroids to you? Not sure that would be an issue in your case..

CarGirl · 24/03/2009 17:35

I hope things are working out for you.

I can't imagine how stressed & worried you must be feeling.

lou031205 · 24/03/2009 18:30

Thanks for further replies.

I had steroids given on Sunday 1.15 pm, and Monday 1.15 am. So that is covered, although the registrar said that to prevent one episode of breathing complications in babies between 34-36 weeks, they would need to give steroids to 1000's of mums, so often consultants don't bother at this stage.

I am considering going up to the hospital and being monitored, to be honest. Although I had movements earlier, I haven't had any since my last post, so 3 hours, which in the circumstances is too much for my peace of mind. I have just had tea and a glass of squash, so will see if that perks baby up. If not I will phone in.

OP posts:
CarGirl · 24/03/2009 18:32

Go for it, I would just go up there anyway otherwise you'll be stressed all night.

Nabster · 24/03/2009 18:37

I would just go.

I never phoned before as I always felt brushed off.

lou031205 · 24/03/2009 18:54

Well, baby must have heard me, because it has started wriggling again. I will go up if I am at all worried though. I am not risking my baby for a quiet life.

OP posts:
Nabster · 25/03/2009 19:06

How's Baby been?

Mummyfor3 · 25/03/2009 21:58

Lou, any news?

Hope you are both ok.

lou031205 · 26/03/2009 15:19

Hi, thanks for asking. Went for scan today and they say that fluid has gone back up, and that baby seems fine, so they are going to rescan on Monday, but that I can go in to have a CTG if I am worried in the meantime. Movements are there, head is engaged, baby is ok, so I suppose just wait and see.

OP posts:
Mummyfor3 · 26/03/2009 20:48

I am very relieved and glad for you . Good luck for the rest of your pregnancy! xx

madwomanintheattic · 27/03/2009 10:05

good news - fingers crossed for you x

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