Pregnancy #62

[littlepup]

No I love chit chat like this hahaha I find it interesting too!!
However, surely those 2-5 days of induction is still more ‘controlled’ from a management point of view than the alternative? E.g the 5 week span spontaneous labour could happen from 37-42 weeks (for most).
Obviously I only know what happens in my own trust, but 1:1 care between women and midwives was only once they were in established labour, so those initially being induced weren’t taking up official bed space in labour rooms as they were just on the ward, or sent home as @Greencatfysh said. Then once in established labour they were receiving 1:1 care as they would regardless.
Totally agree though that so much outdated data is the cause for most inductions. I was always very adamant I wouldn’t be induced, still needed the c section anyway

Tbf I thought that after I wrote it regarding being in labour and needing 1-2-1 care.
I was induced by drip 24hrs after my forewaters went, the process was over 24hrs and I had a midwife there pretty much the entire time once drip went in and the contractions started so a good over half of that. But I realise that contradicts my point about there being lots of ways of being induced. That’s just one of them, probably not that common plus it was Covid restrictions so maybe they weren’t switching rooms as much as they usually would. Bit clouded by my own experience there!
Still, it’s more work and resources (cost) to induce than let nature run its course, plus the increased chance of interventions after still makes me think they wouldn’t do it unnecessarily for staffing reasons.

 

[PrincessShark]

I’ve noticed more women are declining IOL’s at my trust, mostly ones who are being recommended them for ‘big’ babies etc.
Saying that, you should see the IOL list, it’s still pages and pages long. Most waiting for ARM’s. And with the full moon tomorrow, well the ward will be a little bit bonkers I imagine.

I do think they have their place, and are definitely needed in some circumstances, but it can be a very lengthy process.

 

[PrincessShark]

Had a growth scan due to static fundal height measurement. Baby is estimated at 4lb 8oz at nearly 35 weeks

Booked in for another scan just before 37 weeks to check again due to where baby is sitting on the growth chart and a consultant appointment after. I know the growth scans aren’t always 100% too, but I was expecting baby to be bigger at this point because i am allllll baby

 

[hazmaz]

Joining back on this thread, totally unexpected (to a degree!!) but have found out I’m pregnant and very early…. Can someone with an age gap of 20 months please tell me it’ll all be OK?

 

[anything at all]

Joining back on this thread, totally unexpected (to a degree!!) but have found out I’m pregnant and very early…. Can someone with an age gap of 20 months please tell me it’ll all be OK?

I don’t know for sure yet but I think the harder part might be being pregnant while still looking after a baby/toddler tbh

I’m 16 weeks at the moment and my first is now coming up to 20months, I’ve thankfully not suffered much with sickness this time round but I’m always so very tired and obviously can’t just go off and take a nap. Do feel like I’m struggling to keep on top of things around the house because the second LO is in bed I want to go to bed too

 

[WeHadFunRight]

Joining back on this thread, totally unexpected (to a degree!!) but have found out I’m pregnant and very early…. Can someone with an age gap of 20 months please tell me it’ll all be OK?

A mum I was talking to at the weekend has a 20 month gap, she said it was completely insane but now they are 4 and 6 it’s nice and she has her sanity back - no idea if that helps but congratulations xx

 

[hazmaz]

Two under two scares me, I always wanted another but not this soon

 

[scouseconstantine]

Referred for a static growth scan, midwife didn’t seem too worried as first measurement was done at triage and wasn’t dated or signed so she thinks it could just be a case of two people doing a measurement. Fingers crossed for the scan on Thursday

 

[JombleWomble]

Just got home from my (failed ) glucose tolerance test. The drink was actually not as bad as I was expecting, but I was still sick about half an hour before the time was up. I've now been given a 5-day home blood testing kit. I'm such a nerd that I'm actually quite excited to see my readings.

 

[Hmwxo]

I’ve been offered a sweep at 38+2 and I’m really unsure if to go ahead with it or wait a week until I’m 39+2 instead. Please could anyone let me know their experiences with sweeps and any statistics/facts/pros/cons that might help me make up my mind My worry is that my body wont be ready and it will end up really hurting, but at the same time I am very ready for baby to be here now.

 

[PrincessShark]

I’ve been offered a sweep at 38+2 and I’m really unsure if to go ahead with it or wait a week until I’m 39+2 instead. Please could anyone let me know their experiences with sweeps and any statistics/facts/pros/cons that might help me make up my mind My worry is that my body wont be ready and it will end up really hurting, but at the same time I am very ready for baby to be here now.

Im a midwife and can honestly say there isn’t much evidence to say they work, however some women find them useful as you can find out whether things are changing with the cervix.

What is a stretch and sweep? - Dr Sara Wickham

Many women are offered a 'stretch and sweep' in late pregnancy. But what is this, why and how is it done, does it work and can you say no?

www.sarawickham.com

 

[Hmwxo]

Im a midwife and can honestly say there isn’t much evidence to say they work, however some women find them useful as you can find out whether things are changing with the cervix.

What is a stretch and sweep? - Dr Sara Wickham

Many women are offered a 'stretch and sweep' in late pregnancy. But what is this, why and how is it done, does it work and can you say no?

www.sarawickham.com

Thank you this was a helpful read! As a midwife can you recommend any ways to naturally encourage labour?

 

[PrincessShark]

Thank you this was a helpful read! As a midwife can you recommend any ways to naturally encourage labour?

Oxytocin Try hand expressing/nipple stimulation, sex or even just watching a really good film, using a gym ball to help lower baby into the pelvis. And listen to your body, if it is telling you to rest don’t feel guilty for not being active as you will need your energy for labour.
Unfortunately none are guaranteed, but encouraging that oxytocin production is a good start

 

[Hmwxo]

Oxytocin Try hand expressing/nipple stimulation, sex or even just watching a really good film, using a gym ball to help lower baby into the pelvis. And listen to your body, if it is telling you to rest don’t feel guilty for not being active as you will need your energy for labour.
Unfortunately none are guaranteed, but encouraging that oxytocin production is a good start ☺

Thank you I shall be giving these a go

 

[Greencatfysh]

I’ve been offered a sweep at 38+2 and I’m really unsure if to go ahead with it or wait a week until I’m 39+2 instead. Please could anyone let me know their experiences with sweeps and any statistics/facts/pros/cons that might help me make up my mind My worry is that my body wont be ready and it will end up really hurting, but at the same time I am very ready for baby to be here now.

Just being nosy but why have you been offered a sweep so early? As far as I’m aware I won’t have any interventions til I’m at term or 41 weeks. Just interested in why we all seem to have such different experiences!

 

[Hmwxo]

Just being nosy but why have you been offered a sweep so early? As far as I’m aware I won’t have any interventions til I’m at term or 41 weeks. Just interested in why we all seem to have such different experiences!

Honestly there’s no real reason, which is what is making me unsure if to go ahead! Growth scan at 36 weeks went well and at that appointment I told the consultant that I’m struggling with rib/hip/back pain so they said they’d approve sweeps at 38 and 39 weeks and have booked me in for an induction on my due date! My midwife isn’t able to book an induction until 40+6, so it must just be consultants who can approve these early interventions in my area.

 

[plonkington]

Just thought I’d let you all know that baby Plonk arrived this morning after a very speedy delivery and she’s perfect

 

[Greencatfysh]

Honestly there’s no real reason, which is what is making me unsure if to go ahead! Growth scan at 36 weeks went well and at that appointment I told the consultant that I’m struggling with rib/hip/back pain so they said they’d approve sweeps at 38 and 39 weeks and have booked me in for an induction on my due date! My midwife isn’t able to book an induction until 40+6, so it must just be consultants who can approve these early interventions in my area.

Interesting… I’ve also been told I won’t be induced til 41 weeks but also struggling a lot with pelvic and back pain so who knows if they’ll recommend something else at 37 weeks onwards..

 

[PoppyKJ]

Just got home from my (failed ) glucose tolerance test. The drink was actually not as bad as I was expecting, but I was still sick about half an hour before the time was up. I've now been given a 5-day home blood testing kit. I'm such a nerd that I'm actually quite excited to see my readings.

I’ve had one done and was also sick before the time was up so rebooked. I was wondering what happened if the same happened again! Absolutely dreading going back, the drink wasn’t even bad but just made me so poorly after an hour in

 

[Hmwxo]

Interesting… I’ve also been told I won’t be induced til 41 weeks but also struggling a lot with pelvic and back pain so who knows if they’ll recommend something else at 37 weeks onwards..

If you have any appointments coming up with a consultant it’s definitely worth the ask! I was happy when it was offered and now the day has came around I’m terrified