Anyone else expecting a November sparkler? *Updated with due dates!*

[LoraLoo]

My booking in was under an hour but family history and stuff was easy to do and i had part filled out the notes already before my appointment (because they asked me to) Also the blood tests etc were same as when i had my son so she didnt have to explain anything in great detail. I had to take a sample. I do to every appointment or scan.

Zowiey - im glad the spotting has stopped. I did suggest the forcefulness of your sick may cause the spotting I must think like your hubby.

That must be scary Lora. the hospital iv chosen is ok i think it hasnt been on the news recently for anything so thats something. I gave birth there last time and had a lovely midwife (and a student midwife) Who both worked over their shift to deliver Tyler. If i could request them again i would but you get what your given dont you!

Ive had a couple of student midwives and really liked them I had a male student midwife once (not in labour but during pregnancy and afterwards) He was lovely, felt really strange at first though having a man feeling where baby was etc- was so much more gentle though! x

 

[MandaAnda]

You can always choose another hospital later if you decide on it. Just remember, they can advise all they like, but you're the one carrying the baby, so you're ultimately in charge.

If you've had concerns in the past, I figure it's good to read about them to see what you can do to avert them next time. So, PPH, for example...active, natural labour with immediate skin to skin and early initiation of breastfeeding all works with our body to help avoid such bleeds. They can also give an injection (it is then a managed, rather than physiological, third stage) if they feel bleeding is becoming a concern.

I had a plan last time, but it wasn't set in stone. I think it's important to know what you prefer, why you prefer it, and what you'd like go happen if circumstances mean that isn't the best option at the time. And always remember BRAIN...
B = Benefits (what are the benefits of what is being suggested to you?)
R = Risks (everything has risk associated, so what are they?)
A = Alternatives (what are the alternatives to what is being recommended?)
I = Intuition (what does your gut tell you about it?)
N = No (what if we say "no" to the suggestion, what then, what if we decline for now?)

And you should always be able to say, with any change suggested (unless you're unconscious or it's life or death, which isn't likely), that you'd like to discuss the suggestion with your birth partner. You can then go through the above and let them know your decision.

I'm one of those that reads when something new comes up, I research. Pregnancy with my son was no different. Birth Skills by Juju Sundin (totally non-judgmental and supportive of so many birth choices) really got me to looking into things more. I may try hypnobirthing (Natal Hypnotherapy) this time, as I totally zone out and go into myself anyway.

Even though I'm a huge advocate of home birth, it's more than I'm an advocate of women's choices. I hate the "being allowed" culture that has developed. I think women should birth where they feel safest and most comfy. I've done my research, and for me the answer is my home in normal circumstances. For someone else, it may be hospital, and that's cool for her. And I reeeeally recommend a doula, even if you've your other half or a family member or friend with you, too. In the UK (and likely elsewhere), those on low income may be able to get one for free (check out the Doula UK Access Fund). And those being mentored are cheaper than a more experienced doula. I've trained as a doula, but circumstances for us now means I can't go out on that self-employed limb yet. I think I'll have to do it when my little ones are in school. But one day, definitely!

 

[zowiey]

You ok Lora? xx

 

[zowiey]

Love hearts- I knew somebody had mentioned it elsewhere! I'm pretty sure Hubby would be more than eager to discuss my vomiting habits with you he looked so proud of himself! Bless!

 

[lovehearts]

I dont know how id feel about a male midwife. I know that is completely sexist of me, and to be quite honest when i was in labour i wanted everyone to look up my foof and tell me what was happening so probably wouldnt care in labour but i would feel a little uncomfortable in the early stages. Quite a few girls i went to school with trained as MWs and i know a couple of them work at the hospital i plan to birth at, would be interesting to have them be my midwife knowing me so personally.

Manda - I hope one day you can go self employed and have your wish. You are very passionate and thats brilliant. I agree though - we should always have a choice and i will remember BRAIN!

Lora - Please let us know what was on your mind. You can always PM me if you ever just need to get something off your chest.

Zowiey - Ah bless your hubby. Ill pass on discussing vom with him though
xx

 

[teacup22]

Lovehearts - my auntie is my midwife. She delivered my DS and it was really nice. Not weird at all

 

[peanutmomma]

Hi ladies I am off for a follow up visit with OB and Diabetes Doctor to see if they want to put me into the hospital. I will refuse if they don't have a good enough reason. If Tower gets on here let her know I love her so much and hope the tooth was taken care of I am worried about her. She wasn't on at all yesterday and I emailed her too.

Talk to you all later

 

[LoraLoo]

Thanks ladies, it was just my concerns about the hospital really and whats happened there with the other families, but it was all a bit doom and gloom and this is a happy thread! Just have to try and stay positive and think of the good things and not the bad! xx

 

[lovehearts]

Good luck peanut.

OO teacup - that would be quite special for your aunt I imagine. I wish my mom was my MW

 

[lovehearts]

Can you talk to the MW and ask her if any measures are been taken to improve the hospital?

 

[Kdk24]

Ladies... I need your help!
OH and I had a lovely date night last night! We went to dinner and got gelato on our walk home. Half way home I started getting this awful pain in my left vagina area. It Started getting worst and spreading to my left hip area. At one point I was laying on the floor it tears in hurt so bad. This morning its still killing me! I can barely walk, it's a stabbing pain that shoots through my hipbone! What could it be?
I called the nurse, I'm waiting to hear back... Anyone ever had this pain before?

 

[zowiey]

Kd, i am so sorry you're in pain- I've been suffering too- is it round ligament pain? Not too sure, just know my midwife said to let them know if it gets to bad, she did recommend swimming to help with it too. I can't bend over without pain, and going up stairs is sooo painful! Big to you

Peanut- good look with your appt, hope they don't want to keep you in, but I guess they *should* only do what is best for you & peanut

 

[miss_kseniya]

Thanks ladies. I'm just back from appt and it was like you all said. Lasted about 45 mins in the end. The only weird thing is she has referred me to the consultant because I had a previous ectopic and salpingectomy (tube removal). Seems a bit odd as I would have thought the issues would have been with me falling pregnant in the first place, not after the baby is safely implanted in my womb. Anyway, we'll see what happens. They may decide I don't need consultant care, especially as others may need it more, for far more important things.

KDK that isn't something I've experienced hon, but hope it's all ok. Probably just stretching and something hit a nerve or something?

Actually, my midwife just asked me which hospital, which seems so soon, but she did say I could change it later on. You're right though Zowiey it does make it seem more real. I was also terrified of bumping into someone I know in the sugrery as it's pretty obvious when you are carrying blue notes around, and we're not going public until our 12 week scan!

Hope everyone else is ok (good luck Peanut) and big hugs to anyone who needs one xx

 

[Kdk24]

I'm going to the er... I want to make sure it's not ruptured cyst. I'm in so my pain I can't stand up straight, it's making me nauseas

 

[buddyIV]

I'm going to the er... I want to make sure it's not ruptured cyst. I'm in so my pain I can't stand up straight, it's making me nauseas

Hope you're ok!

 

[buddyIV]

I agree with everything you've said about owning the birth experience Manda

As soon as I found out I was pregnant again my thoughts immediately turned to the birth. Whilst I had an all natural birth, there are so, so many things about it that were just awful.

I had a horrific time with DS, almost entirely down to the fact that the MW's simply ignored me. And I mean totally and completely ignored me. I'll not go into details (I still feel so, so angry about it all and writing it out will only get me upset ) but through their complete negligence I ended up giving birth alone (they sent OH away because they didn't believe me that I was contracting frequently and significantly, and then didn't call OH when I asked them to, so he missed the birth: which is criminal in my mind...to deprive someone of witnessing the birth of their child because you're not taking a mother's words seriously) and their actions caused a 4th degree tear. It was supremely awful.

This time I will advocate LOUDLY for myself. You have to question, and keeping demanding answers until you're satisfied that you have the information you need and want. They've already told me I'm on the "red path" for various reasons, which entails consultant led care. However, I'm not entirely convinced that the problems occurring in the past will reoccur this time. I long to have an active labour, and I refuse point-blank to birth lying down (they forced me to lie on my back last time...), and whilst I may not be able to give birth in the water I honestly can't see why I should be refused water as a means of pain relief.

We all have rights, and a responsibility to ourselves to be heard.

Ooops...sorry ladies, I'm ranting here, but honestly, I'm just worried that I'll get steam-rolled into another horrible birth, when all I want is the birth experience I feel I deserve. We all do.

Thanks for "listening"

 

[3boys]

I agree with everything you've said about owning the birth experience Manda

As soon as I found out I was pregnant again my thoughts immediately turned to the birth. Whilst I had an all natural birth, there are so, so many things about it that were just awful.

I had a horrific time with DS, almost entirely down to the fact that the MW's simply ignored me. And I mean totally and completely ignored me. I'll not go into details (I still feel so, so angry about it all and writing it out will only get me upset ) but through their complete negligence I ended up giving birth alone (they sent OH away because they didn't believe me that I was contracting frequently and significantly, and then didn't call OH when I asked them to, so he missed the birth: which is criminal in my mind...to deprive someone of witnessing the birth of their child because you're not taking a mother's words seriously) and their actions caused a 4th degree tear. It was supremely awful.

This time I will advocate LOUDLY for myself. You have to question, and keeping demanding answers until you're satisfied that you have the information you need and want. They've already told me I'm on the "red path" for various reasons, which entails consultant led care. However, I'm not entirely convinced that the problems occurring in the past will reoccur this time. I long to have an active labour, and I refuse point-blank to birth lying down (they forced me to lie on my back last time...), and whilst I may not be able to give birth in the water I honestly can't see why I should be refused water as a means of pain relief.

We all have rights, and a responsibility to ourselves to be heard.

Ooops...sorry ladies, I'm ranting here, but honestly, I'm just worried that I'll get steam-rolled into another horrible birth, when all I want is the birth experience I feel I deserve. We all do.

Thanks for "listening"

that is just awful hun, i cant believe you had to birth on your own. I totally agree that we need to speak loudly i had a pretty awful time with my first due to midwives and also tore really badly i guess i was just so young (20) i didnt want to inconveniece them but they were awful and they knew they were being awful cos they came and apologised afterwards. My son was back to back and they just ignored it all, I was in constant agony no break just a consistant excruciating pain in my back, they just told me to be quiet and relax i thought i was over reacting to the pain, then they didnt even give me a chance to push just put a ventouse on baby and pulled him out, never explained why, i didnt realise that anything was different until i went on to have other babies and it was so completely different, on my next baby i didnt even suspect i was in labour until i was 8cm because i wasnt in that much pain i didnt realise what "normal" labour was like, i had my second son without any pain relief. We definitely need to find our voice in labour. x

 

[peanutmomma]

WELL, NOT in the hospital Thank GOD! They said I am doing better with my blood sugars but it still needs work
I see Tower hasn't been on. I hope she is in bed resting and has medicine.
KDK?- I think you were having the awful pain. Sorry I was just skimming. Hope you feel better and its just round ligament pain.
Now to count down the days until next Friday morning for the 12 week scan and genetics testing. They told me I could bring a CD-R and they will re4cord the entire ultra sound with audio. SO I will have a keepsake with the heartbeat and everything. I can't wait to take early guesses on the gender LOL
Doctor said I look healthier and happier than two weeks ago with the horrible cold and my coughing fits I am still having is just residual of the cold. I weigh exactly the same as two weeks ago, but this time I wasn't constipated and didn't have a huge full bladder. She said that she believes that the bloating has gone and most of the common water retention is gone too. That what I see as my belly now is in fact my uterus and baby and the little bit of my own pot belly I had before.

Also, I wanted to mention for all you ladies that have lower hemoglobin (iron) in your blood. My doctor said to take more rests and don't walk to fast so that you don't get light-headed or out of breathe.

Well, that's about it for now

 

[MandaAnda]

Kdk, how are you?

What some of you are describing sounds like SPD/PGP. I had it in my first pregnancy, being more prone to it since I'm hypermobile. Then, you're more likely to have it and it start earlier in subsequent pregnancies. I have a bulging lumbar disc anyway, but I do think it's starting with me already. I did get referred to the physio last time, but I didn't feel they helped a tonne. I need to find an osteopath nearby, I think, as osteopathy really helped me when my back went a couple of years back.

 

[Angeltk42]

Sorry about your pain KD. Hope you feel better and it's nothing serious.

Peanut - great news about not having to be hospitalized

Tower - hope your tooth is getting better would love to hear how you are doing when you feel up to it!

Don't remember who exactly was talking about birthing experiences but oh gosh first baby and i'm petrified of all that! lol

AFM - I am totally having anxiety... I have no negative symptoms and still have my wonderful pregnancy symptoms like constipation (ugh), frequent pee, occassional nausea (that has eased up considerably) and extreme fatigue - still going strong on that one! but for some reason I keep having nightmares that at my next scan there will be no heartbeat I mean I read countless stories of that on here daily and I guess it's getting into my subconscious while I sleep... I just want to know lo is doing good in there. I can't find HB on doppler but as I have said before i'm Extremely fluffy so not too shocked about that. I just want some reassurance and Doc check up isn't until 4/29 and I know he will try to use his doppler on me then. FX he finds HB but i'm sure I will be scheduled for a scan that same week for the NT scan but that is still a week and a half away.

My last pregnancy didn't get anywhere near this point so I guess I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop.