Pregnancy #46

[Cjh78]

I am getting a lot of cramping feeling tonight. Please tell me this is normal in the first trimester? I feel like my period is coming.

I had exactly the same cramping feeling like my period was starting at any moment. I think it continued til around 8 weeks x

 

[Loobox]

Not sure if I’m asking for advice or reassurance but here goes…
At my midwife appointment on Friday she booked me in for a sweep at 40 weeks and an induction at 40+5 (currently 38+2). The induction is based on new NICE guidelines about how it’s (slightly) safer to be induced at 40+5 instead of 41+5. However, she said it’s completely my choice, I can ring up the day before and ask that it’s pushed back a week if I feel like it. I really have no idea what’s right if I don’t go into spontaneous labour before that. My gut feel is to go for the 40+5 induction- I don’t trust my body, and I like statistics and evidence, so to me that’s reassuring. Also, I have the most horrendous sciatica, so bad the midwife took pity on me and gave me a few days’ worth of codeine it’s that bad.

I’ve been speaking to friends who have had babies and they’re all acting really preachy which surprises me, as they’ve mostly been pretty good about not giving unsolicited advice. One even said that horses have a 15 day window to give birth which is natural?!?!! Another said they’re probably trying to pressure me and cover themselves by giving me a load of “scary stats”.

not sure what the point of this is, and no judgement for anyone who decides anything else, it’s my first baby and as the birth gets nearer I’m getting more worried because I ultimately just want her here safely. Also had to deal with my MIL who doesn’t speak much English saying “no c section right???” I’ll have a c section if it means my daughter gets here safely, honestly dealing with everyone’s opinions is so overwhelming.

Why don’t you have your sweep and see what your Cervix is doing. If it looks like your body is not ready and you’re comfortable you delay it. Although you sound quite miserable with sciatica which must be so awful for you so having an induction at 40+5 seems completely justified. Hope you’re okay

 

[WhatABore]

Thank you I feel that way too about being practical. I’m just a bit shocked that of all the aspects of pregnancy this is the one my friends feel so strongly about giving their opinions about when for me it’s the scariest and probably most individual part.
I ask a lot of questions of medical professionals but ultimately they do this day in day out, so when they give me evidence on something I tend to trust them more than what’s right for horses etc.

Don't know if I can be a help answer any questions at all, but I've had an induction at 40+12, 40+3 and 40+5

 

[Spencerskates]

Happy Mother’s Day

After spending the last four Mother’s Days thinking ‘maybe next year I’ll finally be a Mum’, I’m sat watching my baby wriggling around in my tummy and knowing he’ll be in my arms next year.

 

[themuffinwoman]

Does your friend realise that you’re not a horse? And that gestational periods and births are different for all animals and humans…? Doesn’t sound helpful to me! I was also guided by medical advice, I didn’t know anything about labour etc and I’m not a doctor so if they recommended something I was happy to take that on board! If you feel comfortable following the current advice and inducing at 40+5 (and who knows, it may not come to that!) then go for it and try and block out everyone’s negative opinions x

I know less about horse pregnancy than I do about humans so I don’t know why she thought that would help me thanks, as you say she may just arrive on her own and im worrying for nothing
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Don't know if I can be a help answer any questions at all, but I've had an induction at 40+12, 40+3 and 40+5

Not sure how to phrase this but did you feel any of the births were different due to the timings of inductions?

 

[WeHadFunRight]

Not sure if I’m asking for advice or reassurance but here goes…
At my midwife appointment on Friday she booked me in for a sweep at 40 weeks and an induction at 40+5 (currently 38+2). The induction is based on new NICE guidelines about how it’s (slightly) safer to be induced at 40+5 instead of 41+5. However, she said it’s completely my choice, I can ring up the day before and ask that it’s pushed back a week if I feel like it. I really have no idea what’s right if I don’t go into spontaneous labour before that. My gut feel is to go for the 40+5 induction- I don’t trust my body, and I like statistics and evidence, so to me that’s reassuring. Also, I have the most horrendous sciatica, so bad the midwife took pity on me and gave me a few days’ worth of codeine it’s that bad.

I’ve been speaking to friends who have had babies and they’re all acting really preachy which surprises me, as they’ve mostly been pretty good about not giving unsolicited advice. One even said that horses have a 15 day window to give birth which is natural?!?!! Another said they’re probably trying to pressure me and cover themselves by giving me a load of “scary stats”.

not sure what the point of this is, and no judgement for anyone who decides anything else, it’s my first baby and as the birth gets nearer I’m getting more worried because I ultimately just want her here safely. Also had to deal with my MIL who doesn’t speak much English saying “no c section right???” I’ll have a c section if it means my daughter gets here safely, honestly dealing with everyone’s opinions is so overwhelming.

You don’t really have to explain anything but can I ask why you don’t trust your body?

I got myself into a bit of a mindset that natural births don’t happen in my family - my mum was induced 4 times and my sister had two emcs. I do wonder if carrying that stress internally makes it a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy?

I think with some research and preparation you can get yourself in the absolute best place to have whatever delivery you want.

I was happy enough to be induced but that’s a lot to do with it playing to my impatience, mine was meant to be at 41 weeks and I was eventually induced at 41 weeks and 3 days. I can’t really get to the bottom as to why people don’t like inductions, I don’t know if it’s partly because they think it’s rushing baby or because the knock on effects it can have or just because if you have the syntocin it can be much more intense… medical advice is definitely one thing but don’t put aside that you know your body more than anyone else and you’re definitely allowed to challenge and work with the medical staff who are caring for you. During my first induction I blindly trusted what the midwives suggested or said I needed and on reflection I wish I’d known my own mind a bit more to ask for more flexibility.

But you’re right, ultimately you have to make decisions that lead to the safe delivery of your baby. Sorry I’ve waffled a bit, the whole business end of birth is a really complicated topic that I’m still working through for myself I think. Just wishing you the very best x

 

[themuffinwoman]

Why don’t you have your sweep and see what your Cervix is doing. If it looks like your body is not ready and you’re comfortable you delay it. Although you sound quite miserable with sciatica which must be so awful for you so having an induction at 40+5 seems completely justified. Hope you’re okay

Thanks, I think that’s what I’ll do, the hospital are super flexible and the midwife said if I even changed my mind the morning of the induction I just need to call them. If my back doesn’t improve then I think 40+5 can’t come soon enough


thanks everyone for the replies, I was feeling a bit like I was being taken for a ride by doctors etc with what everyone was saying to me which I hate because I feel like I’m a very thorough person.

 

[Very traditional]

Not sure if I’m asking for advice or reassurance but here goes…
At my midwife appointment on Friday she booked me in for a sweep at 40 weeks and an induction at 40+5 (currently 38+2). The induction is based on new NICE guidelines about how it’s (slightly) safer to be induced at 40+5 instead of 41+5. However, she said it’s completely my choice, I can ring up the day before and ask that it’s pushed back a week if I feel like it. I really have no idea what’s right if I don’t go into spontaneous labour before that. My gut feel is to go for the 40+5 induction- I don’t trust my body, and I like statistics and evidence, so to me that’s reassuring. Also, I have the most horrendous sciatica, so bad the midwife took pity on me and gave me a few days’ worth of codeine it’s that bad.

I’ve been speaking to friends who have had babies and they’re all acting really preachy which surprises me, as they’ve mostly been pretty good about not giving unsolicited advice. One even said that horses have a 15 day window to give birth which is natural?!?!! Another said they’re probably trying to pressure me and cover themselves by giving me a load of “scary stats”.

not sure what the point of this is, and no judgement for anyone who decides anything else, it’s my first baby and as the birth gets nearer I’m getting more worried because I ultimately just want her here safely. Also had to deal with my MIL who doesn’t speak much English saying “no c section right???” I’ll have a c section if it means my daughter gets here safely, honestly dealing with everyone’s opinions is so overwhelming.

BabyVeryTraditional was born yesterday at 40+7. We had a sweep on 40 weeks, then another on 40+3 and 40+5, induction at 40+6. Like you the hospital were very much letting us decide whether to go ahead with the induction on the new guidelines or wait
and we decided to go for it (although I was 3cm dilated with a very soft cervix after the sweeps which helped make our decision as obviusly my body was preparing for it) I honestly think you just need to do whatever makes you feel safe and ignore anyone’s judgements.

Best of luck! Xx

 

[WeHadFunRight]

BabyVeryTraditional was born yesterday at 40+7. We had a sweep on 40 weeks, then another on 40+3 and 40+5, induction at 40+6. Like you the hospital were very much letting us decide whether to go ahead with the induction on the new guidelines or wait
and we decided to go for it (although I was 3cm dilated with a very soft cervix after the sweeps which helped make our decision as obviusly my body was preparing for it) I honestly think you just need to do whatever makes you feel safe and ignore anyone’s judgements.

Best of luck! Xx

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Hope you are both well and you’re enjoying those newborn snuggles xx

 

[WhatABore]

I know less about horse pregnancy than I do about humans so I don’t know why she thought that would help me thanks, as you say she may just arrive on her own and im worrying for nothing
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Not sure how to phrase this but did you feel any of the births were different due to the timings of inductions?

Only the times they took.
With my first, as I was already 12 days over, I didn't need the drip, I presume my body was already ready as the pessary just set off full labour.
With my second, my waters had already gone which is why I was induced.
Where as my 3rd was my choice for induction and the earliest induction out of the time and took the longest, even though she was my 3rd

 

[themuffinwoman]

You don’t really have to explain anything but can I ask why you don’t trust your body?

I got myself into a bit of a mindset that natural births don’t happen in my family - my mum was induced 4 times and my sister had two emcs. I do wonder if carrying that stress internally makes it a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy?

I think with some research and preparation you can get yourself in the absolute best place to have whatever delivery you want.

I was happy enough to be induced but that’s a lot to do with it playing to my impatience, mine was meant to be at 41 weeks and I was eventually induced at 41 weeks and 3 days. I can’t really get to the bottom as to why people don’t like inductions, I don’t know if it’s partly because they think it’s rushing baby or because the knock on effects it can have or just because if you have the syntocin it can be much more intense… medical advice is definitely one thing but don’t put aside that you know your body more than anyone else and you’re definitely allowed to challenge and work with the medical staff who are caring for you. During my first induction I blindly trusted what the midwives suggested or said I needed and on reflection I wish I’d known my own mind a bit more to ask for more flexibility.

But you’re right, ultimately you have to make decisions that lead to the safe delivery of your baby. Sorry I’ve waffled a bit, the whole business end of birth is a really complicated topic that I’m still working through for myself I think. Just wishing you the very best x

I guess it’s mainly about being in control, as weird as it sounds. I’ve felt not in control really during this whole pregnancy even though it’s been smooth sailing as far as being low risk. In a way having an induction would have me in control, and whilst I completely accept obviously that babies can come earlier, if there’s a slight risk of there being complications by waiting, then in my mind I could have controlled the process by being induced? Sorry that’s a weird reason, I know it’s my body but I feel if I actively make decisions that’s more being in control than letting my body do its thing.

interesting about the stress part- I don’t know if this is influencing me subconsciously but my mum had two inductions at 38 weeks due to medical reasons, so it’s a different situation to me but it was fine for her and me and my sister. She’s not pressuring me at all but other than friends who all have different experiences, I don’t have much to go off.

im trying really hard to take it one day at a time, I think in my head I’ve worked myself up and it’s making a decision for both me and the baby which is really scary.
---

BabyVeryTraditional was born yesterday at 40+7. We had a sweep on 40 weeks, then another on 40+3 and 40+5, induction at 40+6. Like you the hospital were very much letting us decide whether to go ahead with the induction on the new guidelines or wait
and we decided to go for it (although I was 3cm dilated with a very soft cervix after the sweeps which helped make our decision as obviusly my body was preparing for it) I honestly think you just need to do whatever makes you feel safe and ignore anyone’s judgements.

Best of luck! Xx

Congratulations!!! Hope you’re both doing great. You’re the first other person I’ve heard of having the 40+5 choice so good to know all went ok xx
---

Only the times they took.
With my first, as I was already 12 days over, I didn't need the drip, I presume my body was already ready as the pessary just set off full labour.
With my second, my waters had already gone which is why I was induced.
Where as my 3rd was my choice for induction and the earliest induction out of the time and took the longest, even though she was my 3rd

Thanks that’s useful to know. In my mind I keep thinking that it’ll just be like bam induction time- but perhaps my body will be partially ready at that point so the decision might be clearer.
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P.s perhaps the next thread title suggestion could be “I’m not a horse”

 

[Tifastrife]

Happy Mothers Day to all us mummy’s to be

 

[MidnightAura]

BabyVeryTraditional was born yesterday at 40+7. We had a sweep on 40 weeks, then another on 40+3 and 40+5, induction at 40+6. Like you the hospital were very much letting us decide whether to go ahead with the induction on the new guidelines or wait
and we decided to go for it (although I was 3cm dilated with a very soft cervix after the sweeps which helped make our decision as obviusly my body was preparing for it) I honestly think you just need to do whatever makes you feel safe and ignore anyone’s judgements.

Best of luck! Xx

Congratulations!!

 

[WotsitG1]

Anyone else find they just wanna be in their own company towards the end of pregnancy…. Like I’m quite happy just sat in quiet by myself…. Think my poor husband thinks I don’t like him anymore.

 

[Heyguysswipeup]

Just wondering if anyone has experienced very light spotting in the 3rd trimester? I noticed very very light brown/pink discharge on my liner just then, I’ve felt baby move all morning though. I did some gardening yesterday so not sure if that sort of movement would have irritated anything? I’ll obviously call my midwife if it continues but just want to see if anyone else has experienced it?

ETA I’m 29 weeks

 

[justonemorepage]

I've just had some pinkish blood, terrified that this is it for me is it normal at 7 weeks to bleed? I'm distraught to be honest.

 

[shhh1712]

I've just had some pinkish blood, terrified that this is it for me is it normal at 7 weeks to bleed? I'm distraught to be honest.

I think it can be but I personally didn’t have any bleeding. I would call the maternity assessment line just in case, even if it’s for advice. I hope everything is ok for you xx

 

[WotsitG1]

I've just had some pinkish blood, terrified that this is it for me is it normal at 7 weeks to bleed? I'm distraught to be honest.

In my experience it can be normal. I had light pink spotting in first trimester. Second what @shhh1712 said though and give your early pregnancy unit/assessment a ring for some reassurance and advice.

 

[justonemorepage]

Thank you both. I have the midwife coming this week so fingers crossed she can advise. Praying I don't have any more and everything is okay.

 

[WhatABore]

I've just had some pinkish blood, terrified that this is it for me is it normal at 7 weeks to bleed? I'm distraught to be honest.

I've had brown/red/pink blood in all 4 of my pregnancies. All between 4 and 8 weeks.
I had a scan with one which confirmed it was leftover blood from implantation along with the fetus burying deeper into the lining.

It can be normal.
Light spotting is actually listed as a possible pregnancy symtom on the NHS website for the whole of the first trimester