Pregnancy #65

[ThisIsMyDragName]

I feel positive about my c section. It helped that I've learned in this last year go calm myself around needles. Once baby was out, he was placed on my chest for a few minutes. He cried a bit when coming out and was immediately settled one placed on my chest and when he heard my voice. Then he was taken away for vital and dressing, then we had an hour with baby and dad to bond while I recovered from anesthesia.
I'm glad we tried a natural birth but I'm also glad once the decision was made to do a csection that it was very fast, and hour after the decision, baby was born. I highly appreciate there was no waiting for either of us go be in stress or danger.

Could your low amniotic fluid be due to the covid? Like you are dehydrated from it?

Don’t really know. The obstetrician did know I had covid, he didn’t make any sort of link to it. Nobody really ‘cares’ that I have covid (which I don’t mean from a ‘woe is me’ position, but I think because I have no underlying health conditions it’s basically seen the same as having a cold). I asked him about hydration, he didn’t seem to think it would make a difference to drink more water (he said ‘if you drink more, you pee more’) but the internet has mixed ideas. I’m trying to stay hydrated as part of getting rid of the covid plus I’ve generally had big cravings for icy cold drinks anyway during most of this pregnancy. Can only hope I go back on Monday and we discover he is swimming abundantly in the perfect amount of fluid having the time of his life doing a one-man synchronised swimming display . The reality is he is more likely to still be the most scrunched up baby anyone’s ever seen, he loves having all his limbs gathered up at his face, cosied in in his steadfastly breech position. If I regain enough fluid I could have an ECV but it almost seems a shame to disturb him at this point!

 

[LittleMissMuffet]

We don’t know what flavour we are having but found liking girl names much harder. I’m 97% sure on a girl name - I’m just doing the stupid thing of slightly worrying others might be “oh that’s different” which I shouldn’t care about. If anyone needs it - here’s some boys names that I love but can’t use because we know people irl (in a nice way!)

Wilfred (wilf )
Zachary
Myles
Tristan

 

[Londonsays]

We don’t know what flavour we are having but found liking girl names much harder. I’m 97% sure on a girl name - I’m just doing the stupid thing of slightly worrying others might be “oh that’s different” which I shouldn’t care about. If anyone needs it - here’s some boys names that I love but can’t use because we know people irl (in a nice way!)

Wilfred (wilf )
Zachary
Myles
Tristan

Myles made our panic list last night because saw one of those hand knit cardigans in a bright blue with Myles written in white on it and wow it was gorgeous and name just stood out.

 

[LittleMissMuffet]

Myles made our panic list last night because saw one of those hand knit cardigans in a bright blue with Myles written in white on it and wow it was gorgeous and name just stood out.

My little muff goes to nursery and that has also limited name choices for us!

 

[lilykestrel]

I'm really struggling with the whole body autonomy stuff now I've popped, I've just had such a gross week of feeling just off and like my body isn't my own anymore. If I walk too fast my legs turn to jelly and I've been feeling light headed and dizzy and exhausted. Don't think I've been eating enough and the stormy weird pressure weather hasn't helped, I usually get headaches cos of that anyway.

Also work are being tit again. Had crappy email from HR yesterday. Moved the goalposts again. I was initially told by Senior that we would have one meeting to discuss OH recs and stress, then we would reconvene to discuss manager's inappropriate behaviour. So after the horrible meeting when they ambushed me and Manager just told lies and DARVOed and made discriminatory comments about how if she accommodates my disability, it's not fair as the other team members don't need that, and this will hold back the team. I said Ok well let's move to phase 2 then. They're like "we need to think about how we're going to address it". Week passes, bullying continues. I'm told I get an update soon. I go off sick. We're still thinking about it. Then they come back and say well you've not told us about any behaviour we think can be classed as unfair so it's time for things to go back to normal. What the duck have you been fobbing me off for for a month and a half then? And why would I have brought up examples of bullying in a meeting where the bully was present???? Said "you refer to this phase 2". That was Senior's wording and why I referred to it! Despite having told me that OH and inappropriate behaviour were to be considered separately.

I've called HR woman's bluff and replied with an email with a breakdown of every meeting we've had and what was said by them and when, so they can call me a liar and keep denying, or stop bleeping around now it's in writing. With reference to an email from a month and a half ago where I referred to what they'd said in a meeting directly afterwards. Including that when I first gave her specific examples of behaviour, she described it as disturbing.

Sorry I'm rambling, but they're also making moves to start a formal restructure and I'm absolutely terrified they're going to use that as a way to get rid of me like Manager said she wanted to.

I'm due to go back next week and have asked to meet with union rep before I do, but I'm just really struggling with it

 

[fishsticks]

Don’t really know. The obstetrician did know I had covid, he didn’t make any sort of link to it. Nobody really ‘cares’ that I have covid (which I don’t mean from a ‘woe is me’ position, but I think because I have no underlying health conditions it’s basically seen the same as having a cold). I asked him about hydration, he didn’t seem to think it would make a difference to drink more water (he said ‘if you drink more, you pee more’) but the internet has mixed ideas. I’m trying to stay hydrated as part of getting rid of the covid plus I’ve generally had big cravings for icy cold drinks anyway during most of this pregnancy. Can only hope I go back on Monday and we discover he is swimming abundantly in the perfect amount of fluid having the time of his life doing a one-man synchronised swimming display . The reality is he is more likely to still be the most scrunched up baby anyone’s ever seen, he loves having all his limbs gathered up at his face, cosied in in his steadfastly breech position. If I regain enough fluid I could have an ECV but it almost seems a shame to disturb him at this point!

Hope you're doing okay, Mrs Drag Name.

This was 3 years so I'm unsure what the protocol is now, but I had growth scans including blood flow checks to baby every 4 weeks after I had covid at 21 weeks pregnant. They weren't sure how covid affected pregnancies at that point though and I'd hope they have a better idea by now.

Can't comment from personal experience of breech babies, but a friend had an ECV at 38 weeks, they managed to turn baby aaaaaaand by the time her waters went at 41 weeks she decided to flip back feet first again. They don't really know how since she was a 9lbs baby with little to no room to move but it just shows it's rare but possible.

You gotta do what feels right for you!

 

[fishsticks]

Thanks for everyones love on my weight whinge the other day. Mr Fishsticks apologised with chocolates and strawberries (current cravings). Our toddler missed the terrible 2s and we've been hit by the terrible 3s instead... it's definitely taking its toll on both of us!! Xx

 

[LittleMissMuffet]

Thanks for everyones love on my weight whinge the other day. Mr Fishsticks apologised with chocolates and strawberries (current cravings). Our toddler missed the terrible 2s and we've been hit by the terrible 3s instead... it's definitely taking its toll on both of us!! Xx

I can still come round and kick him in the doolies now you don’t need them anymore. Just say the word….

 

[ThisIsMyDragName]

I'm really struggling with the whole body autonomy stuff now I've popped, I've just had such a gross week of feeling just off and like my body isn't my own anymore. If I walk too fast my legs turn to jelly and I've been feeling light headed and dizzy and exhausted. Don't think I've been eating enough and the stormy weird pressure weather hasn't helped, I usually get headaches cos of that anyway.

Also work are being tit again. Had crappy email from HR yesterday. Moved the goalposts again. I was initially told by Senior that we would have one meeting to discuss OH recs and stress, then we would reconvene to discuss manager's inappropriate behaviour. So after the horrible meeting when they ambushed me and Manager just told lies and DARVOed and made discriminatory comments about how if she accommodates my disability, it's not fair as the other team members don't need that, and this will hold back the team. I said Ok well let's move to phase 2 then. They're like "we need to think about how we're going to address it". Week passes, bullying continues. I'm told I get an update soon. I go off sick. We're still thinking about it. Then they come back and say well you've not told us about any behaviour we think can be classed as unfair so it's time for things to go back to normal. What the duck have you been fobbing me off for for a month and a half then? And why would I have brought up examples of bullying in a meeting where the bully was present???? Said "you refer to this phase 2". That was Senior's wording and why I referred to it! Despite having told me that OH and inappropriate behaviour were to be considered separately.

I've called HR woman's bluff and replied with an email with a breakdown of every meeting we've had and what was said by them and when, so they can call me a liar and keep denying, or stop bleeping around now it's in writing. With reference to an email from a month and a half ago where I referred to what they'd said in a meeting directly afterwards. Including that when I first gave her specific examples of behaviour, she described it as disturbing.

Sorry I'm rambling, but they're also making moves to start a formal restructure and I'm absolutely terrified they're going to use that as a way to get rid of me like Manager said she wanted to.

I'm due to go back next week and have asked to meet with union rep before I do, but I'm just really struggling with it

Pah, I’m sorry. They need to do better. Yes to the union rep. Can you get signed back on a phased return so you’re not working every day?

The body changes are weird for sure. I’ve always hated my own body and have somehow managed to be reasonably kind and at peace with myself but that doesn’t stop it being weird, and it does get pretty exhausting when everything feels like a massive effort out of nowhere.

 

[ThisIsMyDragName]

Hope you're doing okay, Mrs Drag Name.

This was 3 years so I'm unsure what the protocol is now, but I had growth scans including blood flow checks to baby every 4 weeks after I had covid at 21 weeks pregnant. They weren't sure how covid affected pregnancies at that point though and I'd hope they have a better idea by now.

Can't comment from personal experience of breech babies, but a friend had an ECV at 38 weeks, they managed to turn baby aaaaaaand by the time her waters went at 41 weeks she decided to flip back feet first again. They don't really know how since she was a 9lbs baby with little to no room to move but it just shows it's rare but possible.

You gotta do what feels right for you!

Thank you. I was always going to follow the medical advice for sure. I was a failed ECV myself, don’t know at what point I flipped back but my Mum had a c-section so I know it didn’t work . All I want (which to be fair is all I’ve ever wanted) is for the boy to be safe. We’ll see what next week’s appointment brings!

 

[fishsticks]

I can still come round and kick him in the doolies now you don’t need them anymore. Just say the word….

Omg yes please. I definitely don't need them anymore. He's done enough damage fertilising two at once.

 

[fishsticks]

Thank you. I was always going to follow the medical advice for sure. I was a failed ECV myself, don’t know at what point I flipped back but my Mum had a c-section so I know it didn’t work . All I want (which to be fair is all I’ve ever wanted) is for the boy to be safe. We’ll see what next week’s appointment brings!

Exactly that!! As long as baby boy and you are both healthy and safe, that's the goal, whether they come out of the sunroof or the foofoo!!!

 

[opintionatedperson]

I do wish I could describe how exhausting the first trimester is to my hubby. I think he forgets a lot that I'm not at full capacity and that a dinner I can muster up is toast.

 

[ValleyRay]

Thanks for everyones love on my weight whinge the other day. Mr Fishsticks apologised with chocolates and strawberries (current cravings). Our toddler missed the terrible 2s and we've been hit by the terrible 3s instead... it's definitely taking its toll on both of us!! Xx

Ours missed the terrible 2s as well and the terrible 3s seemed to hit the second I got them 2 lines every day I feel like I'm going to go into labour from the stress x

 

[amarantine]

Just having my weekly wobble that I’ve not felt baby move since this morning - I’m 24 weeks and feel like I should feel movement all the time but I just don’t and honestly I just worry all the time - how do you navigate this?! I’ve been to triage or at least spoken to them 4 or 5 times in the last few weeks! I don’t know how often baby is meant to move or when and I honestly need some coping strategies from those of you who already have little ones or have navigated the weird second trimester so I don’t call triage every 5 minutes

 

[LittleMissMuffet]

Just having my weekly wobble that I’ve not felt baby move since this morning - I’m 24 weeks and feel like I should feel movement all the time but I just don’t and honestly I just worry all the time - how do you navigate this?! I’ve been to triage or at least spoken to them 4 or 5 times in the last few weeks! I don’t know how often baby is meant to move or when and I honestly need some coping strategies from those of you who already have little ones or have navigated the weird second trimester so I don’t call triage every 5 minutes

Honestly this is my second and I thought I’d be way more chill but I’ve found it to be very confusing. My little one isn’t an avid mover and doesn’t really have a pattern per se. Some days I’ll feel movements frequently through the day and others little muff will be super still. I went to triage once as I woke up at 3am and couldn’t get back to sleep and for the entire morning I felt no movements but once at triage the midwife who strapped me up mentioned she felt kicks and I was like what? I felt nothing! Some of the difference is that I am a lot more active during this pregnancy as we aren’t in lockdown and I have another child so I’m playing with them or out and about and the more I move the less I feel little one.
Are you in a position where at points through the day you are able to sit yourself on the sofa and just have some time to do some breathing? Just sit still hand on tummy and take nice long breaths, it feels a little nuts but stroke/rub your belly and have a chat to baby - I just say silly things like hey little one what are you up to.
You also should never feel like you can’t go to triage. Rather go and be reassure than feel guilty and not go and it be something (not to scare you). Also do talk to the midwives because they can offer advice - it’s not just kicks to feel out for, rolls and things like them trying to escape from you by pushing their bums/knees out of your bump count.
Pregnancy is so filled with unknowns and it’s a good and bad thing we have access to so much information - I’ve actually gone into my insta and tiktok and blocked keywords such as babyloss stillborn etc because I just don’t need my algorithm to fuel any panic.

 

[ThisIsMyDragName]

Just having my weekly wobble that I’ve not felt baby move since this morning - I’m 24 weeks and feel like I should feel movement all the time but I just don’t and honestly I just worry all the time - how do you navigate this?! I’ve been to triage or at least spoken to them 4 or 5 times in the last few weeks! I don’t know how often baby is meant to move or when and I honestly need some coping strategies from those of you who already have little ones or have navigated the weird second trimester so I don’t call triage every 5 minutes

I don’t think I was completely convinced I knew what was happening with movements at 24 weeks. I told my midwife everything I thought I could feel at my appointment and she said yes, this was movements.

Even now at 36+4 i feel like his pattern of movements is only recognisable by my own pattern in the day. If I’ve been really desk based at work or had lots of sitting down time at home or in the car, I’ll have felt him. If I’m doing stuff and moving around I won’t have. Someone on here mentioned the movements we do can soothe the baby to sleep which can explain why he seems sedentary when I’m active.

 

[LittleMissMuffet]

@ThisIsMyDragName Ha ha! Morning pregnancy twin! Toilet wake up? I made it allll the way to 4:30. It’s usually 3am. I’m just lying in bed in the dark craving meat: steak or like a smoked brisket. Obviously nothing I can just have 🫠

 

[amarantine]

I’m awake too made it all the way to 4:30 without a wee tonight! Thanks for your advice, I have been on the go a lot as we’re moving and baby does tend to be quieter because either I’m too busy to feel anything or I’ve sent them off to sleep! But usually when I’ve been lying down or in bed particularly when I wake up for a wee I can usually feel quite a lot. I haven’t this time which always makes me worry but I don’t think baby has a proper movement routine yet. I do sometimes just feel tiny movements like little flutters and things but then I start overthinking whether or not I’ve imagined it whenever I have been to triage baby has always had a super strong heartbeat and always properly kicks the Doppler out of the way, but I don’t always feel those strong movements without that - in fact basically never. I feel rolls, flips like a fish sometimes and occasionally hiccups and kicks but I always panic like now when I’m lying quietly and can’t feel anything. Baby does seem to like chilling facing my spine, they’ve always been that way at the start of scans then move around a lot the minute I start being prodded so it could just be that baby is facing my back a lot of the time. I won’t be able to when I’m back at work from Tuesday but at the moment I do try and sit down and chat to baby, I then just panic when I don’t feel anything I’m so bad at the unknown and absolutely hate that I can’t control what happens, it’s good practice I suppose for when baby is here!

@LittleMissMuffet I think I might do the same on my insta etc because I do keep seeing things that make me panic! I got rid of TikTok for this exact reason too, not worth the worry!

 

[LittleMissMuffet]

I’m awake too made it all the way to 4:30 without a wee tonight! Thanks for your advice, I have been on the go a lot as we’re moving and baby does tend to be quieter because either I’m too busy to feel anything or I’ve sent them off to sleep! But usually when I’ve been lying down or in bed particularly when I wake up for a wee I can usually feel quite a lot. I haven’t this time which always makes me worry but I don’t think baby has a proper movement routine yet. I do sometimes just feel tiny movements like little flutters and things but then I start overthinking whether or not I’ve imagined it whenever I have been to triage baby has always had a super strong heartbeat and always properly kicks the Doppler out of the way, but I don’t always feel those strong movements without that - in fact basically never. I feel rolls, flips like a fish sometimes and occasionally hiccups and kicks but I always panic like now when I’m lying quietly and can’t feel anything. Baby does seem to like chilling facing my spine, they’ve always been that way at the start of scans then move around a lot the minute I start being prodded so it could just be that baby is facing my back a lot of the time. I won’t be able to when I’m back at work from Tuesday but at the moment I do try and sit down and chat to baby, I then just panic when I don’t feel anything I’m so bad at the unknown and absolutely hate that I can’t control what happens, it’s good practice I suppose for when baby is here!

@LittleMissMuffet I think I might do the same on my insta etc because I do keep seeing things that make me panic! I got rid of TikTok for this exact reason too, not worth the worry!

What you’ve described sounds like baby is doing really well. It’s so easy to double guess yourself. Don’t forget babies do a lot of sleeping! The nhs also advises that kick counting start at 28 weeks so try (and I know it’s easier said) and just reassure yourself on the quieter days/moments. It feels a bit woo woo but fill yourself with positivity - so when you feel any movement at all (flutters, fishy flips, rolls etc) just pop your hand on your bump and say “hey you good work, I feel you” or something akin. I find that little pops of positivity through the day really help. I think I’m also just sappy because I know this is my last pregnancy and I just really love my bump so want to try and cherish it before I go back to hating my body again once post partum