July 2014 Babies Club

Ocean Blue

Had my 40 week hospital appointment at lunchtime (39+3 today). Still no engagement. Back next Monday when they will consider a sweep if I'm favourable. Maybe I'll be lucky and go before then. If not I'll be giving serious thought to declining the sweep and waiting to go naturally. If I held out until the following Monday I'd be 10 days over and Wexford generally don't like going more than 12 days over. Decisions, decisions!!

Merkin

So if you declined the sweep and Bubs had still not made his debut by the following Monday what course of action would they take Ocean?

Ocean Blue

Merkin wrote: »

So if you declined the sweep and Bubs had still not made his debut by the following Monday what course of action would they take Ocean?

Well at 10 days over I'd accept the sweep. If no movement then within a couple of days I'd be induced I suppose. I'm not against sweeps I just think for me that 3 days over is very early to be getting interventions. Calculating due dates is not an exact science in most cases so really three days is very little. Now this is all assuming nothing happens between now and next Monday! If I feel I'm starting to head in the labour direction by then I'd be happy to help things along

Merkin

Are you familiar with the Bishop Score? Worth having a look at that and seeing if they adhere to it in Wexford, at least you can rest assured then that an induction will only be suggested if your cervix looks ready as opposed to just having it and not actually being receptive just yet! I'm being examined on Thursday at 39 weeks to assess suitability but I know they won't allow it if my cervix doesn't look ripe! You may well go before then anyway, there's just no way of knowing!

Ocean Blue

Merkin wrote: »

Are you familiar with the Bishop Score? Worth having a look at that and seeing if they adhere to it in Wexford, at least you can rest assured then that an induction will only be suggested if your cervix looks ready as opposed to just having it and not actually being receptive just yet! I'm being examined on Thursday at 39 weeks to assess suitability but I know they won't allow it if my cervix doesn't look ripe! You may well go before then anyway, there's just no way of knowing!

Of course this is all dependent on whether my cervix is favourable next week! It may not be at all.

Merkin

Ocean Blue wrote: »

Of course this is all dependent on whether my cervix is favourable next week! It may not be at all.

And if it is favourable at 40+ 3 will you refuse the sweep and try and go naturally?

ShaShaBear

My induction is booked for the 24th, end of
My last appointment in the hospital was great, but I left on a downer knowing they had booked it without even checking dates with me. It's my mother's birthday and I was REALLY hoping that my daughter would get a day of her own. My mother is the sort that would make a coincidence like that a murderous plague of "Sure it was meant to be" and "Sure your dad in heaven knew how happy it would make me" etc.

Ocean Blue

Merkin wrote: »

And if it is favourable at 40+ 3 will you refuse the sweep and try and go naturally?

That's what I will be giving serious thought to between now and next Monday. Ask me again then!!
But yeah in that case it makes sense to me that I should just wait for things to develop at their own pace seeing as I'll only be barely overdue at that stage. If there is evidence my body is preparing for labour there's no reason to believe it won't complete the process itself. Now if by the following Monday things hadn't progressed further then I'd be happy to help it along I imagine.
However next Monday is still 7 days away. I could be a whole lot more tired, uncomfortable, fed up etc etc and I might be welcoming any help I'm offered Just have to see how things pan out.

Chattastrophe!

ShaSha I left hospital at 41+6 on a bit of a downer because they'd given me a date and time for induction a week later ... however baby arrived less than 24 hours later! You mightnt get close to induction date at all!

ShaShaBear

Chattastrophe! wrote: »

ShaSha I left hospital at 39+6 on a bit of a downer because they'd given me a date and time for induction a week later ... however baby arrived less than 24 hours later! You mightnt get close to induction date at all!

Hopefully not! It's nice all the same to have an end in sight and once she is safe that's the main thing, but I have to go consultant led if I get induced, which changes my birth plan entirely, as well as losing a lot of other priviliges so it really got me thinking I hadn't prepared properly for that possibility

Jerrica

ShaSha how many days over are you on the 24th? No one can "make" you do anything, if you want another date, negotiate it.

Ocean Blue

ShaShaBear wrote: »

My induction is booked for the 24th, end of
My last appointment in the hospital was great, but I left on a downer knowing they had booked it without even checking dates with me. It's my mother's birthday and I was REALLY hoping that my daughter would get a day of her own. My mother is the sort that would make a coincidence like that a murderous plague of "Sure it was meant to be" and "Sure your dad in heaven knew how happy it would make me" etc.

Sure even if induction is started that morning it's always possible the birth won't be until that night so just hope it's after 12 midnight then baby gets the 25th!!

Will you be having a sweep or anything in the meantime?

I imagine unless there's a very good reason hospitals stick to their procedure in terms of max days they will let you go over. I know it would be nice to have some input but it's probably not practical for them to be consulting every lady before scheduling. If word got around that they would do it on demand essentially by letting people pick a convenient date it would be chaos in the hospitals

Jerrica

Ocean Blue wrote: »

If word got around that they would do it on demand essentially by letting people pick a convenient date it would be chaos in the hospitals

Bollox, our bodies are not at the behest of the hospitals, it is every woman's right to have an input into when you consent to undergo an induction procedure. Induction is higher risk for further intervention, it's not something to be agreed upon lightly and at no stage should a woman feel pressured to fit in with the hospitals timetable. They are there to help us, not the other way around.

I'm not having a go at you Ocean, it just pisses me off to see how strong a hold hospitals have over women.

Ocean Blue

ShaShaBear wrote: »

Hopefully not! It's nice all the same to have an end in sight and once she is safe that's the main thing, but I have to go consultant led if I get induced, which changes my birth plan entirely, as well as losing a lot of other priviliges so it really got me thinking I hadn't prepared properly for that possibility

Does anyone know the statistics for how many first time Mums actually get to the full 10-14 days overdue and end up being induced?? I'd be really interested to know.

Ocean Blue

Jerrica wrote: »

Bollox, our bodies are not at the behest of the hospitals, it is every woman's right to have an input into when you consent to undergo an induction procedure. Induction is higher risk for further intervention, it's not something to be agreed upon like girly and at no stage should a woman feel pressured to fit in with the hospitals timetable. They are there to help us, not the other way around.

I'm not having a go at you Ocean, it just pisses me off to see how strong a hold hospitals have over women.

No hospital has a hold over me thanks anyway. My very first line says unless there's a very good reason...........If i felt there was a good reason I'd be first in line to explain it to the hospital and I'd expect it to be listened to with due consideration. However not wanting your baby to have a certain birth date isn't a good enough reason in my opinion to expect the hospital (and then inevitably your fellow patients) to be impacted upon.

Jerrica

My body, my baby and if a hospital schedules an induction for a day that I'm not happy with then the reasons are irrelevant (if an alternative date that I request is safe for my body and my baby) . I couldn't give a flying fart about hospital schedules.

Merkin

Chattastrophe! wrote: »

ShaSha I left hospital at 41+6 on a bit of a downer because they'd given me a date and time for induction a week later ... however baby arrived less than 24 hours later! You mightnt get close to induction date at all!

Jesus woman, he would have been ready for school if he'd hung on any longer!:D I'm amazed they were going to leave it until 42+6, do you reckon they knew you were about to go yourself anyway?

ShaShaBear

I'd honestly be more concerned about the deterioration of the placenta if the baby was in there longer than she should be, surely that would end up coming with its own problems as well as being induced 12 days overdue?

Besides which, I have a repeat exam for my degree in August, I'm not really at liberty to be refusing inductions, never mind the pain I am in at the minute to go on past the 24th! I wouldn't expect them to change the date because I don't want her born that date, as I said it's all about getting her out safely, but I was a bit annoyed that it wasn't discussed with me prior to booking. They haven't even discussed what it entails yet (although in fairness my MW was quite confident that I wouldn't make it that far, and she said most of the first time mums coming through dont need an induction).

Merkin

I honestly think you'll go well before then Shasha, you've had a gradual build up of a number of indicators to suggest that Baby Bear is happy to come out soon. You've lost your plug, you've had regular contractions and baby is engaged so I'd say you're as ripe as can be. Now that you have a definite end date established if intervention is required it might remove some of the waiting and uncertainty for you and consequently precipitate the onset of labour naturally as you'll hopefully be a bit more relaxed. I've every confidence the little lady will be here soon and showing off one of her hand knitted numbers shortly!:)

Betsie_xr3i

Oh girls I know exactly how ye are feeling on my 1st she had no intention of making an appearance I had 3sweeps nothing hadn't lost my plug she wasn't engaged nothing I was induced at 42+2 and had my beautiful baby girl all safe and well

Sit tight and your beautiful babies will be in your arms soon xx

Chattastrophe!

Merkin wrote: »

Jesus woman, he would have been ready for school if he'd hung on any longer!:D I'm amazed they were going to leave it until 42+6, do you reckon they knew you were about to go yourself anyway?

Noooo I'm a gob****e. Was only 40+6 going into labour

ShaShaBear

Merkin wrote: »

I honestly think you'll go well before then Shasha, you've had a gradual build up of a number of indicators to suggest that Baby Bear is happy to come out soon. You've lost your plug, you've had regular contractions and baby is engaged so I'd say you're as ripe as can be. Now that you have a definite end date established if intervention is required it might remove some of the waiting and uncertainty for you and consequently precipitate the onset of labour naturally as you'll hopefully be a bit more relaxed. I've every confidence the little lady will be here soon and showing off one of her hand knitted numbers shortly!:)

We're actually just getting ready for a brisk walk to see if we can make anything of these tightenings and back pain :pac:

Betsie_xr3i

A long walk followed by a nice hot bath xx

Penny Dreadful

ShaShaBear wrote: »

We're actually just getting ready for a brisk walk to see if we can make anything of these tightenings and back pain :pac:

What about trying some acupuncture or reflexology to serve the eviction notice on the little one?

ShaShaBear

Penny Dreadful wrote: »

What about trying some acupuncture or reflexology to serve the eviction notice on the little one?

Id be dead in a box before Id let anyone stick needles into me hahaha, I have to be restrained just for a blood sample!!! As for reflexology there doesnt seem to be anyone reputable close enough, travel is being limited as were almost an hour from the hospital as it is! Walks, sexy times and hot showers and baths is the best I can do for now! On a side note, nothing happening! But the bath was lovely!

Penny Dreadful

ShaShaBear wrote: »

Id be dead in a box before Id let anyone stick needles into me hahaha, I have to be restrained just for a blood sample!!! As for reflexology there doesnt seem to be anyone reputable close enough, travel is being limited as were almost an hour from the hospital as it is! Walks, sexy times and hot showers and baths is the best I can do for now! On a side note, nothing happening! But the bath was lovely!

Needles used in acupuncture are such a different experience to when they're used for a blood sample or the like. I've used acupuncture for years now for a variety of things- always as an add on to other treatments and have found it so helpful.
I've used it whole ttc and it certainly didn't hinder that given how active my bump is this morning! It's also really relaxing but if you dislike needles you're not gonna think that now are you? ;-)
Hopefully things will get moving for you soon regardless.

Merkin

Hope you don't mind me wading in Shasha but I've a little suggestion for you. Why don't you spend today just chilling and doing absolutely nothing to try and make yourself go into labour. No car rides to bring on contractions, no arduous walks, no sex sessions unless it's just for pleasure and to enjoy some quality time with Mr.Bear, no hot baths etc. Basically take trying to precipitate labour firmly off the agenda just for today and enjoy yourself. I know you're impatient and I know it must be hard going over your due date but I think a day off from it all and from your sterling efforts to make baby start the process would do you wonders both mentally and physically. Would you be willing to try that do you think? Just for today?

Betsie_xr3i

Merkin that sounds like such a good idea xx shasha night be worth a shot park yourself comfortably in front of the telly have a cup of tea have somethinp nice for lunch and just relax xx

Merkin

I just think things like this often happen when one stops fixating on them and having a break from it all, just for a day, might do wonders. Allow yourself to relax. I second eating nice food and enjoying a nap and maybe curling up with Mr. Bear with a good DVD, lovely!

Just saw your other post Betsie, I hope you're ok. I'm sure you got used to having hubby around the place so it will be hard for the first few days . You'll soon get into a little routine xx

ShaShaBear

Funny Merkin most of what I do is actually for a reason totally unrelated to me trying to kickstart labour :P

I wouldn't mind a day of sitting on my bum doing crochet and drinking tea, but nesting is really hard to ignore, and Mr. Bear just doesn't do it right :pac:
Although you are right, I need to let go a bit - I'm a serious control freak and like to have my days in order and it's frightening now that it's not "any week now" or "any day now" but rather any minute now :eek:

Merkin

Aww I know and I'm not having a go at all, I just think it must be exhausting having to feel that in control all of the time. I know we're all different but it's liberating too to just go with things and let things happen. I think the nesting instinct is hard to ignore so forge ahead with that by all means but do also take some down time to enjoy these last few hours or days of growing your beloved little baby Bear and relaxing with the prospect that she'll be here soon regardless

ShaShaBear

Merkin wrote: »

Aww I know and I'm not having a go at all, I just think it must be exhausting having to feel that in control all of the time. I know we're all different but it's liberating too to just go with things and let things happen. I think the nesting instinct is hard to ignore so forge ahead with that by all means but do also take some down time to enjoy these last few hours or days of growing your beloved little baby Bear and relaxing with the prospect that she'll be here soon regardless

Oh I know you're not and you're totally right - I'm a menace in this house as of late My brother is dogsitting when we go to the hospital, and he's disgustingly messy so I'm trying to keep on top of the housework so that when we get back, we know who to point the finger at if the place is a tip (my mother is the only one who can keep him in line). That, and it passes the day!

Constant messages asking if I've had any signs. Caused quite a (well-deserved) ruckus telling a disgruntled family member that any potential signs of labour are obviously personal and not to be shared with the world - or does she expect me to post pictures of my plug on Facebook?

Penny Dreadful

ShaShaBear wrote: »

Oh I know you're not and you're totally right - I'm a menace in this house as of late My brother is dogsitting when we go to the hospital, and he's disgustingly messy so I'm trying to keep on top of the housework so that when we get back, we know who to point the finger at if the place is a tip (my mother is the only one who can keep him in line). That, and it passes the day!

Constant messages asking if I've had any signs. Caused quite a (well-deserved) ruckus telling a disgruntled family member that any potential signs of labour are obviously personal and not to be shared with the world - or does she expect me to post pictures of my plug on Facebook?[/QUOTE]


Shockingly there are some who would!!;):eek:

ShaShaBear

Penny Dreadful wrote: »

Shockingly there are some who would!!;):eek:

I'm on a birth club on Facebook, and I've seen quite a few of them unashamed at posting pictures of their knickers contents asking if it's a show or what.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but show it to a medical professional or at the very least, Google and compare?

I mean, who really stops to take a picture of a snotty tissue? :eek:

Betsie_xr3i

Oh god the thoughts of it it's bad enough having to look at your own plug never mind having to look at anyone else's yuck :-SS

Thanks merkin I'm ok just getting on with what I have to do the kids are keeping me busy it's just still the 1day without him the hardest and still a bit weepy which doesn't help at all xx

Merkin

The first few days are bound to be hard and a but overwhelming. I bet you can't wait until he gets home.

Two words for the day: lightning vajayjay Its enough to make ones eyes water!!!

ShaShaBear

Merkin wrote: »

The first few days are bound to be hard and a but overwhelming. I bet you can't wait until he gets home.

Two words for the day: lightning vajayjay Its enough to make ones eyes water!!!

Three tightenings today that were strong enough to take my breath away. Never even thought to time them because they were really far apart! I have a hospital app on Thursday, would be dead handy for labour to kick off tonight!

Merkin

Abdominal or vaginal contractions Shasha? Keep a little note of them if you can. These are just stretchy lightening rods that are happening pretty regularly but my word, they are INTENSE! Apparently it's everything stretching a little so I'll be interested to see if I'm dilated at all on Thursday when I have my appointment! Also getting twinges in my back.

ShaShaBear

Merkin wrote: »

Abdominal or vaginal contractions Shasha? Keep a little note of them if you can. These are just stretchy lightening rods that are happening pretty regularly but my word, they are INTENSE! Apparently it's everything stretching a little so I'll be interested to see if I'm dilated at all on Thursday when I have my appointment! Also getting twinges in my back.

Abdominal. I get the "faggers" (fanny daggers) as they are so aptly named whenever I walk :pac:

Merkin

ShaShaBear wrote: »

Abdominal. I get the "faggers" (fanny daggers) as they are so aptly named whenever I walk :pac:

Lolers, what a great name! I get them all the time, particularly when I'm lying in bed!

Good sign that you're getting contractions

ShaShaBear

Merkin wrote: »

Lolers, what a great name! I get them all the time, particularly when I'm lying in bed!

Good sign that you're getting contractions

I'm hoping for another so I can mark the time, I only really noticed they were getting repetitive after the last one, but I regularly get 3-5 in a timely manner so I ignored it!

Merkin

Ooooh how exciting! Get out your phone app and start recording them!

ShaShaBear

Merkin wrote: »

Ooooh how exciting! Get out your phone app and start recording them!

Couldn't resist the nesting urge any more and finished varnishing the new kitchen table so I can set it up with the chairs. Just bending over gave me overwhelming period type aches. Really hope she is at least CONSIDERING coming to meet me. I can't deal with another day of Mr. Bear getting sad because the cot is still empty!

Betsie_xr3i

How are ye now girls how was your days xx

ShaShaBear

Betsie_xr3i wrote: »

How are ye now girls how was your days xx

Long and sore, still getting tightenings, but they're mad amounts apart, at least an hour and lasting a minute. But pretty constant throughout the day. Just working away as normal, maybe they'll ramp up tonight!

Merkin

Good thanks Betsie although have intense pelvic pressure, every time I pee it feels like the little chap might pop his head out! I also have thick white discharge but I don't think it's my plug. I also have intense lightening vajayjay! I bet you're sorry you asked now! I'm otherwise well, Mr. Merkin installed the baby's little Maxi Cosi in his car this evening, very cute!

How are you feeling now m'dear? I presume hubby is home now? I'm sure you're still quite vulnerable and a bit low after the birth so today must have been hard. I hope you had a lovely time with the girls in any event, tomorrow will be easier xx

Betsie_xr3i

Oh shasha sounds promising though do the pains stop you in your tracks? Can you talk when your having them?

Merkin it's so cute when the car seat goes into the car for the 1st time , yesterday was the 1st day I was driving with the 2of them in the car and looking in the mirror at the 2of them was just wonderful xx

Hubby home since half 6 was so happy to see him had a lovely day just the girls though ( even the dog is a girl poor hubby out numbered ;-) ) I don't know about tomorrow being easier some of my family are coming to visit, sister and her hubby coming from wexford and my mam and 2grown up nieces coming from waterford for the day so will have a houseful xx

ShaShaBear

Betsie_xr3i wrote: »

Oh shasha sounds promising though do the pains stop you in your tracks? Can you talk when your having them?

I can talk through them fine, but I couldn't continue what I'm doing at full speed if you get me. I have to stop and cringe and take a deep breath or two! Ive had them like this so many times though, it's like the little uterus that cried wolf at this stage!

Merkin

I know, the car seat was a lovely sight. It looks nice and cozy too so hopefully he'll be comfy in there! Adorable having two of them in the back like they!!

That's a lot of people tomorrow Betsie. The great thing is though that they are close relatives so if you feel overwhelmed or just not up to it they won't be insulted if you run them! I'm sure they'll all help out but don't be scared to say so if it becomes too much, you need to be kind to yourself.

Betsie_xr3i

When you can't talk through them then start timing them ;-)