Pregnancy #65

[opintionatedperson]

Placenta is on the back wall so that’s not affecting it, only thing I do know about it is that it is slightly low but my midwife says it’s not uncommon and in most cases the uterus will stretch and grow enough for it to correct itself. I think it’s just still early and I’m on my feet a lot so don’t have much opportunity to feel baby move! I think also there is so much information out there that this is almost too much and it’s so hard to filter out the “right” stuff. I do tend to go to worst case too so knowing that if I haven’t felt it much by 24 weeks I need to let maternity triage know has me convinced that will be me. Pregnancy as an overthinker is exhausting

Completely understand why you'd worry , I didn't get the kicks in the ribs or bladder like everyone mentioned. Mine were very very stuttle perhaps cuz he was small I don't know but it was only noticable in the evening after laying down for ages ..my husband never felt him kick ever .
The only time I knew something was in there was when he decided to go head down which wasn't until much much later . It's lovely and reassuring to feel kicks but unfortunately it's not as prevalent with some babies.

 

[fishsticks]

Hey Fishsticks. I can’t remember what type of twins you’re having but we’ve decided not to buy anything yet as so much can happen during the pregnancy even once you’re passed the stage of vanishing twins. We are MCDA and in the amber zone at the moment with the size discrepancy between the two being larger than we would like at 19 weeks, so are likely to need laser ablation as an intervention with the hope to save both babies or at least one.

I’m grateful we’ve not yet made a decision on the car, bought double of anything yet as I feel that if this doesn’t go our way, it would make it even harder to see all those things.

I don’t want to be a downer and everyone is different, I guess I just wanted to share in case it was helpful x

So sorry to read you're having potential complications!! Really hoping you find a resolution and your little ones are both okay. It's really helpful to read though because I haven't found much support locally for anything multiple related. I am fortunate that a family friend had twins a few months ago, so I've got someone local to talk to.

We're having DCDA twins and so far no concerns raised thankfully. I know that there are risks with any pregnancy and particularly in multiples, but I'd rather be prepared for the two than not at the moment as I would feel even more overwhelmed if we weren't. Plus I thrive off being positive because when I'm negative things spiral really quickly for me.

We are also in a niche position whereby we live on an island so buying anything like a new car/van can be a logistical nightmare and particularly bcus I'm not a fan of financing vehicles. So we usually have to buy most things off island!

 

[ThisIsMyDragName]

Placenta is on the back wall so that’s not affecting it, only thing I do know about it is that it is slightly low but my midwife says it’s not uncommon and in most cases the uterus will stretch and grow enough for it to correct itself. I think it’s just still early and I’m on my feet a lot so don’t have much opportunity to feel baby move! I think also there is so much information out there that this is almost too much and it’s so hard to filter out the “right” stuff. I do tend to go to worst case too so knowing that if I haven’t felt it much by 24 weeks I need to let maternity triage know has me convinced that will be me. Pregnancy as an overthinker is exhausting

If you’re seeing the midwife at 24 weeks that’s a good time to talk it through. I think that’s when they try the doppler for the first time as well (this is when my own son decided to be a cheeky devil and avoid the doppler. He is now too big to avoid it though!). I remember describing everything I felt at that appt because I still wasn’t sure! What @lilykestrel said she saw in the clinic about movement makes so much sense to me now and explains why I have my weekend worries because that’s personally when I’m active because I have a desk job!
Yes, pregnancy as an overthinker is completely exhausting! I agree!

 

[Scorpihoe]

I'm 37w and been told to start walking a lot and blabla. Has anyone tried dates? how many a day?

i ate 6 dates a day religiously from 35 weeks, I drank 3 cups of raspberry leaf tea from 32 weeks, did perineal massages 4 times a week, prenatal yoga, curb walking, pelvic floor exercises, walked every day and used clary sage.

ended up needing a c section 🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲
Sorry I know that’s not what you asked at all I just had to say it because I’m 7 weeks PP and still soooo salty about it never again, next time it’s in gods hands!!!!

 

[ThisIsMyDragName]

I tried 10 minutes of pregnancy yoga from a YouTube video and it about ended me and my heartburn from having my upper half upside down was intense AF but my boy is still breech and I really want the little hooligan to turn so I probably need to feel like I’ve attempted something to help that.
I was a breech baby and MotherDragName consented to them trying to turn me. I cannot imagine how weird that must feel and I do not want to feel like an exceptionally slow cement mixer, ta.

In happier news, whilst the third trimester tireds and the melted brain are kicking me up the bum, my hair finally looks great! When I had my mirena coil removed my hormones when loopy, my PCOS reigned supreme, I hit a massively stressful time at my old job and I contracted e.coli all at the same time so my hair fell out a lot. I now feel like I’m from a L’Oréal advert!

 

[calabazarock]

i ate 6 dates a day religiously from 35 weeks, I drank 3 cups of raspberry leaf tea from 32 weeks, did perineal massages 4 times a week, prenatal yoga, curb walking, pelvic floor exercises, walked every day and used clary sage.

ended up needing a c section 🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲
Sorry I know that’s not what you asked at all I just had to say it because I’m 7 weeks PP and still soooo salty about it never again, next time it’s in gods hands!!!!

Thanks for the answer. Im 38w something today trying to patiently waiting and seeing what's new each day. Im eating the dates and walking 10-15 thousand steps a day and seems like this baby is too comfy.
Im not super set on natural birth, if it works great, if we need a c section, that's absolutely fine too. I switched doctors because my usual one was saying c-section too early on the game, so f that.
Hope you are making a good recovery.

 

[Scorpihoe]

Thanks for the answer. Im 38w something today trying to patiently waiting and seeing what's new each day. Im eating the dates and walking 10-15 thousand steps a day and seems like this baby is too comfy.
Im not super set on natural birth, if it works great, if we need a c section, that's absolutely fine too. I switched doctors because my usual one was saying c-section too early on the game, so f that.
Hope you are making a good recovery.

I think I was so set on a vaginal birth, which is why I found it so hard to come to terms with needing a c section. I might as well have thrown my birth plan out the window because let me tell you, my birth was nothing like the natural water birth with candles and soft music I had imagined more like cold operating theatre with my organs being rearranged but it got me my son so I’m happy.

Thank you I will say though, all the labour prep must have done something because I made a great recovery after my section. Once the spinal had worn off, I was up and about with my baby, carrying my catheter around LOL

 

[calabazarock]

My birth plan is only please do delayed cord clamping.
I followed someone's advice here of keep doing pilates, and I did until last week and think it has played a huge role in not having back pain or any other type of pain.

 

[amarantine]

When do I need to start thinking about birth plans and stuff?! Not yet I hope because it has not even really factored into my thinking…all I know is that if the placenta is still low at 32 weeks when I have an extra scan we will have to consider a c section anyway…

 

[ThisIsMyDragName]

When do I need to start thinking about birth plans and stuff?! Not yet I hope because it has not even really factored into my thinking…all I know is that if the placenta is still low at 32 weeks when I have an extra scan we will have to consider a c section anyway…

My midwife is going to note down my birth plan at my 36 week appt so I guess I need to wrap my head around it all by then. My placenta is high but he was breech at the 32 week scan, but obviously my birth plan might get thrown out if he’s still breech at my 36 week growth scan

 

[LittleMissMuffet]

When do I need to start thinking about birth plans and stuff?! Not yet I hope because it has not even really factored into my thinking…all I know is that if the placenta is still low at 32 weeks when I have an extra scan we will have to consider a c section anyway…

I think this is really down to the individual. My first came very early and very fast so my vague birth plan went out of the window really. Everything was a blur. I think the important thing is to have a very open conversation with your partner because they will need to be able to advocate for you. I’d wait until after your scan and then make a rough list of how you’d like your birth to go. But be open to things changing - especially if it’s your first because no one will know how you birth (if that makes sense).

 

[Tretps29]

I would write a plan A,B and C birth plan.

My plan A is my elective c section
Plan B is if I go into labour prior to elective date I still want a c section
Plan C if baby arrives quickly to have a vaginal birth with lots of pain meds/epidural if possible.

You obvs write more detail than that but it’s good to have all scenarios considered

 

[lilykestrel]

Did the John Lewis pram appointment. Very good, very helpful, now know what we didn't know and what we are looking for. But my head is still spinning!

Current front runner is Uppababy Vista, mainly because of potential to turn into double decker pram (as we do hope to have more than one), manoeuvrability and also I'm a beanpole with long legs and short(er) arms and the handle adjusted to a comfortable height for me
(If anybody has any raving to do about it or "do not buy I bought and hated it" lmk. Did a brief search on here in this pocket of Tattle and all the comments I saw were positive)

We've been thinking about wanting try and find second hand for eco/cost reasons (obviously not car seat) but don't know if this is a fools errand / we'll end up with something mouldy or battered or just end up hanging on for so long waiting for what we want to come up we end up buying new anyway / with the bundles they do is it that much of a saving anyway

 

[Shinythings]

Can I ask about anyone due in summer or had a baby in the heat and what you are planning to use for sleeping, such as blanket, sleeping bag, swaddle etc? Section is booked for 29th and I’m thinking we might be in another heatwave and I don’t know what to pack in my hospital bag. Thank you

On the really hot nights he's just been in a nappy, otherwise he's been in a 0.5 - 1 tog swaddle sack and just a nappy underneath and he's been happy.

 

[lilykestrel]

oh FFS, just had a call from the midwives like "just been looking at your bloods are you feeling OK" "yeah I'm fine" "no *checks through symptoms of pre-eclampsia*?" "no" "And you had protein in urine" "yes" "but you've not had that before" "I did at my booking appointment" "did they send it off" "I think so but I didn't hear anything" "OK are you able to come to the unit on Monday to redo bloods, BP and urine?" "Is that at [hospital]?" "Wait where are you?" "[Town]" "oh your midwife can do it, call your midwife on Monday and ask them to see you, they can do it" "I can come to the unit on Monday, it's no problem, I just didn't hear what you said" "No it's ok call the midwife on Monday and ask them to do it, have a good weekend"

THIS IS NOT A 17.55 ON A FRIDAY EVENING PHONE CALL???? I'm in bits now, I presume everything's fine and they're just ticking boxes and they're not that concerned if it can wait til Monday but I'm like wtf?????

 

[RedPotter]

Went to triage Wednesday evening for reduced movements and wasn't sure if my waters were potentially starting to leak or I'd just been slightly weeing myself. Turns out it was my waters which had been leaking since at least Tuesday so due to infection risk and being 3 days overdue was induced. The gel pessary caused me to hyper stimulate, had oxytocin, then opted for epidural (which honestly turned out to be the best decision) and ultimately ended up in a c section.
Honestly by that point I just wanted baby girl to be out and safe, which thankfully she is! So my plan a birth plan went totally out the window and it was a whirlwind 24 hours but truly it was all worth it and we are happy in our little newborn bubble!

 

[calabazarock]

oh FFS, just had a call from the midwives like "just been looking at your bloods are you feeling OK" "yeah I'm fine" "no *checks through symptoms of pre-eclampsia*?" "no" "And you had protein in urine" "yes" "but you've not had that before" "I did at my booking appointment" "did they send it off" "I think so but I didn't hear anything" "OK are you able to come to the unit on Monday to redo bloods, BP and urine?" "Is that at [hospital]?" "Wait where are you?" "[Town]" "oh your midwife can do it, call your midwife on Monday and ask them to see you, they can do it" "I can come to the unit on Monday, it's no problem, I just didn't hear what you said" "No it's ok call the midwife on Monday and ask them to do it, have a good weekend"

THIS IS NOT A 17.55 ON A FRIDAY EVENING PHONE CALL???? I'm in bits now, I presume everything's fine and they're just ticking boxes and they're not that concerned if it can wait til Monday but I'm like wtf?????

If you are feeling ok, let it be until Monday. I got flagged as high risk for pre eclampsia and nothing happened until now(38w). Only sensible thing to keep peace of mind I do is daily measure my BP at home.

 

[LittleMissMuffet]

My bump dropped a fair bit today. I’ve had no acid reflux. I’m 33 weeks so a little nervous as I really don’t want this baby early.

 

[littlepup]

We've been thinking about wanting try and find second hand for eco/cost reasons (obviously not car seat) but don't know if this is a fools errand / we'll end up with something mouldy or battered or just end up hanging on for so long waiting for what we want to come up we end up buying new anyway / with the bundles they do is it that much of a saving anyway

Best thing baby purchase wise I did was to go second hand on the travel system. We visited JL and picked what we liked, OH was ready to buy at just shy of £1000 but I said ‘lemme see if I can find a good second hand one first’. I found it on FB marketplace, being sold by a friend coincidently, for £100.
It was cleans and tidy, the only problems were a few surface scratches and a sun faded hood, but after I got to it with back to black and T-cut and I got some new fabrics/hood for £60, it looked quite literally brand new.
As it happened we barely used the basinette before changing to the seat and I hated how it folded so much I changed to a one hand fold stroller at about 8 months - I could even clip the car seat to that.
I am sooooooo glad we didn’t buy new.

I literally cannot get out of bed I’m so exhausted. I’m hoping this is normal?!

Perhaps ask to have your iron levels checked if they haven’t done recently.

 

[lilykestrel]

I had the meltdown to end all meltdowns after the call. It's not so much the call (although I'm pissed off at being the Friday afternoon last call of the shift so she clearly wanted to get off the phone and I was so bamboozled I didn't ask what I wanted to and I couldn't call them back) or the pre eclampsia worry, cos if it is that we'll handle it, my screening blood test came back low risk.

It's more I'm worried that stress is starting to affect me physically. The work situation I've posted about before isn't abating. It kind of ebbs and flows, interim intervention means manager backs off for a week or so but then starts to ramp up again. And I'm always on edge that she's going to do something like humiliate me in front of the team in a meeting again.

Spoiler

I thought senior management and HR were supportive but then they manoeuvred me into having a stress risk assessment meeting with horrid manager/seniorest manager/HR without union support present (it was either have the meeting when my union rep couldn't come or have to wait three weeks. And part of the meeting was to negotiate reasonable adjustments that manager previously refused to implement, so I was snookered). Meeting was horrid. Just gaslighting and unchallenged ableism from manager and seniorest denying knowledge of things I'd disclosed and saying things like "I know it's hard to be rational and objective about these things" when I'm visibly tearful.

Union rep is furious and got HR and me in a room and said this is bullying and they're lucky I don't go to grievance or worse, she's pregnant, sort it bleeping out, but HR now keep kicking the can down the road and postponing meetings or not providing updates and I'm just so worn down by it. Worse is HR woman ends every email with "hope you and baby are doing well!" And it makes me want to scream.

Thank you for letting me ramble, it's just all feeling like it's on top of me and I think I might just say duck it and go doctors on Monday. Obstetrician floated that I should.