Due March 2021

BOB2017 · 09-11-2020 11:02am

Hi all,

Hope ye are all keeping well, in spite of the Covid impacts on pregnancy. I had the anomaly scan last week in the Coombe, it definitely wasn't kept to 15 minutes I think I was in there over half an hour. That said baby was lying in a difficult position so she couldn't get a clear enough visual on the heart and sent me off to get something to eat and come back in the hopes baby would move, which thankfully it did and all is good. Again I was at that appointment alone, like every appointment this pregnancy. I've contacted all my local td's and have gotten nowhere with it. I don't understand why pregnant women are so far down the list of priorities - pubs seem more important. And I know that people are allowed to have companions with them at appointments in other settings so it is very frustrating.

I'm lucky enough to have been able to afford to pay for a private scan, and to be in Dublin where my partner can come with me - I know not all private scanning facilities are allowing partners though. We went to Ultrasound Dimensions in Blackrock and it was a genuinely lovely experience. They couldn't get a good look at the heart either so asked us to come back in two weeks for another look - no charge for that so will be so nice for my partner to get another look at baby.

blue note · 09-11-2020 12:03pm

I had the scan I was able to attend a couple of weeks ago. It made me laugh, the nurse was poking around at every angle at my wife's belly. And poking into it to get the baby to move and getting my wife on her side and then back on her back to try again with the ultrasound. So I asked "what are you having trouble seeing?" it turns out that was the wrong question to ask! I was sharply told that she was not viny trouble seeing anything, she can see everything clearly. She was just trying to get a good photo to show it.

Now in fairness, I suppose it is important that you don't worry the parents by saying you can't see something. But I did chuckle a little at being shot down so definitely for a completely innocent question.

It's incredible seeing the ultrasound though. Amazing how clearly you can make out the outline of the baby.

shesty · 09-11-2020 1:57pm

She has to tick each item on a report to say what she has seen and what views of it, and add the scans to it....might have been why she was a little sharp.

ucsie · 09-11-2020 2:06pm

Lauras91, I hope the amnio results are good.

I got my scan today, on my own, thankfully everything was good. It is indeed amazing how much detail can be seen. The sonographer said that it was a very easy baby to scan, so it did only take around around 15 minutes. The placenta is at the front cushioning the movements/kicks, which explains why I haven't felt much (or anything, not actually sure!) yet.

ucsie · 09-11-2020 2:06pm

Lauras91, I hope the amnio results are good.

I got my scan today, on my own, thankfully everything was good. It is indeed amazing how much detail can be seen. The sonographer said that it was a very easy baby to scan, so it did only take around around 15 minutes. The placenta is at the front cushioning the movements/kicks, which explains why I haven't felt much (or anything, not actually sure!) yet.

Jen Pigs Fly · 11-11-2020 12:53pm

Busy few days coming up, I’ve my physio appointment today, private anatomy scan tomorrow so my partner can come with to see his baby for the first time in 15weeks, and then Monday my ‘official’ hospital anatomy scan (then he can’t go to)
Is anyone else finding out what they’re having? We’re thinking getting the sonographer to write it down tomorrow and then we’ll open the envelope later when it’s just the two of us, but then I don’t want to know, but I’m also worried it’ll slip out by a midwife. So many what ifs!

ucsie · 11-11-2020 9:59pm

We found out at 14 weeks, over the phone, as we weren't even patient enough to wait for the letter with the information to arrive. I definitely wouldn't have been able to wait until the baby is here!

Jen Pigs Fly · 11-11-2020 11:55pm

ucsie wrote: »

We found out at 14 weeks, over the phone, as we weren't even patient enough to wait for the letter with the information to arrive. I definitely wouldn't have been able to wait until the baby is here!

Yea, we’re thinking of maybe on Friday evening, getting a nice takeaway and opening the envelope just the two of us, make it a little special anyway!

dinnyhw · 13-11-2020 5:34pm

Lauras91, thinking of you and hope all will be okay.

The cariban is definitely helping me, but I still get sick every morning and am usually okay from about 11am onwards. It's a big step up from being sick all day and not being able to eat at all!!

I was with my GP yesterday and I told him that I have my anomaly scan next week. He said I was lucky to be getting it, as he had heard stories of some people not being offered an anomaly scan. I was horrified, I thought that was a basic right. When I asked him about it he didn't want to elaborate, but suggested that I was probably lucky that I was going privately to the Consultant.

We are going to find out what they are next week. We feel with it being twins we need to be somewhat prepared!!!

lauras91 · 16-11-2020 11:56am

Hi all,

Hope you're all well. Our amnio results were good - back in with fetal specialists in a couple of weeks to check on baby but all is looking good!

We found out we're having a boy - weren't planning on it but it's actually quite nice to know.

I can't understand why that GP said anomaly scans aren't being offered - I haven't come across this at all and I'm on a few different pregnancy groups? It's very disappointing that other hospitals still aren't allowing partners for the scans. Women's health overlooked again and again.

I'm 23 weeks now and only really starting to allow myself to get excited and plan for baby's arrival. Not long to go now!

ucsie · 16-11-2020 12:56pm

lauras91 wrote: »

Hi all,

Hope you're all well. Our amnio results were good - back in with fetal specialists in a couple of weeks to check on baby but all is looking good!

We found out we're having a boy - weren't planning on it but it's actually quite nice to know.

I can't understand why that GP said anomaly scans aren't being offered - I haven't come across this at all and I'm on a few different pregnancy groups? It's very disappointing that other hospitals still aren't allowing partners for the scans. Women's health overlooked again and again.

I'm 23 weeks now and only really starting to allow myself to get excited and plan for baby's arrival. Not long to go now!

That's great news lauras91! Waiting for the results must have been pretty stressful, but you can now plan for the little boy's arrival

I haven't hear anything about no anomaly scans either, I'd find it very surprising if that's the case, it's the most basic scan.

Mkelly1989 · 26-11-2020 3:12pm

Has anyone tried to sort out child care yet? I'm literally trying to get a place for November next year because my husband and I can't afford to take the unpaid mat leave and no where will take a baby under 1 year, and the few who do are already full!

The joys of living in Dublin!

ucsie · 26-11-2020 3:25pm

Mkelly1989 wrote: »

Has anyone tried to sort out child care yet? I'm literally trying to get a place for November next year because my husband and I can't afford to take the unpaid mat leave and no where will take a baby under 1 year, and the few who do are already full!

The joys of living in Dublin!

We haven't looked, but I mentioned this to my partner a few days ago, that I've heard it's hard to get a creche spot and that maybe we should start looking already. He was surprised but this now confirms it!

We are also in Dublin so we better start checking. Are you just calling different places and asking if they have availability for November? And how does it work if they do, do you have to pay some sort of deposit to book a spot? Would they offer you to visit the place first?

Mkelly1989 · 26-11-2020 3:30pm

ucsie wrote: »

We haven't looked, but I mentioned this to my partner a few days ago, that I've heard it's hard to get a creche spot and that maybe we should start looking already. He was surprised but this now confirms it!

We are also in Dublin so we better start checking. Are you just calling different places and asking if they have availability for November? And how does it work if they do, do you have to pay some sort of deposit to book a spot? Would they offer you to visit the place first?

So far the best I've gotten is been put on waitlists for March 2022 so can't comment on what happens when somewhere has a place haha. One place has already looked for a deposit of €1000 to go on a waitlist for then so they can forget about if since the place isn't guaranteed! Basically I ring up, mention currently pregnant and looking for a spot for a baby for Nov 2021 and I've either been told no babies under 1 or you can go on a waitlist but no guarantee of a spot. Also make sure you call and talk to someone as from what I can see lots of places don't bother replying to emails!

ucsie · 26-11-2020 3:36pm

Mkelly1989 wrote: »

So far the best I've gotten is been put on waitlists for March 2022 so can't comment on what happens when somewhere has a place haha. One place has already looked for a deposit of €1000 to go on a waitlist for then so they can forget about if since the place isn't guaranteed! Basically I ring up, mention currently pregnant and looking for a spot for a baby for Nov 2021 and I've either been told no babies under 1 or you can go on a waitlist but no guarantee of a spot. Also make sure you call and talk to someone as from what I can see lots of places don't bother replying to emails!

Wow, 1000 euro deposit!!! Thanks for the info, we'll have to start making calls I guess!

Mkelly1989 · 26-11-2020 3:39pm

ucsie wrote: »

Wow, 1000 euro deposit!!! Thanks for the info, we'll have to start making calls I guess!

Do! Hopefully you have better luck than I'm having!!

shesty · 26-11-2020 7:40pm

Mkelly1989 wrote: »

Has anyone tried to sort out child care yet? I'm literally trying to get a place for November next year because my husband and I can't afford to take the unpaid mat leave and no where will take a baby under 1 year, and the few who do are already full!

The joys of living in Dublin!

Can I suggest (so you aren't totally panicking and feel you have some options):

Saving as much as you can from now right through your paid mat leave so you just have enough to cover your bills for each month of unpaid mat leave.You don't have to have the equivalent of a full paycheck each month of unpaid leave

Considering a short week when you go back if it is possible (3 or 4 days) and looking at possibility of grandparents or swapping leave with your husband to get you through the days you are at work.

Consider childminders as well as creches.

Basically just getting the child to age 1 at least would mean you might be able to put their name down for those creches at the very least, which would be better than nothing I suppose.

Buttercup710 · 12-12-2020 12:53pm

Hello lovely ladies, been a while thought I would check in...
FTM here 27 weeks now, due 11 March.
Insomnia, resulting tiredness and round ligament pain are my complaints atm but feel very fortunate and excited.
How is everyone doing?

ucsie · 12-12-2020 5:11pm

I'm 25w5d. I had some hip area issues a few weeks ago,where walking was very uncomfortable/painful and any time I started moving after sitting down for even 5 minutes, I would limp. I went to the physio as I was worried it would just get worse and worse, but she said that normally, that early on, it's temporary. And she seemed to be right, it went away. So physically feeling pretty good now. Hoping it stays this way.

I also have sleeping issues, not quite insomnia, I just wake up multiple times per night and sometimes it takes me ages to fall asleep again. This has been going on for weeks and I think I just got used to it, I don't feel tired anymore.

So all good here for now!

Jen Pigs Fly · 13-12-2020 11:03pm

25+4 today, had to get nerve blocks/radio frequency ablation spinal injections, got one side one last week and the other side done tomorrow in the hopes that it will help with chronic back pain due to a facet joint injury, was surprised they would do such a heavy spinal injection treatment, especially twice but me and baby seem to got through it ok.

Other than that all good here, round ligament pain and can’t sleep like at all. Baby is very active jumping around in there and very active. 28week appointment early January so hopefully a decision will be made on birth plan - due to my back they don’t know if I’ll need a section or not.

ucsie · 10-01-2021 12:44pm

How is everyone doing in the third trimester?

I'm 30 weeks tomorrow. Other than not sleeping well (which has been going on for so long that I'm totally used to it now) and feeling that the bump is on the way sometimes, I'm feeling pretty well, the third trimester tiredness hasn't hit me yet.

We are now buying all the baby stuff, we don't have much space in the apartment so we didn't want to get things too early, and we needed to make space for them. But now between covid and brexit, the shopping has gotten more complicated and I got a bit stressed this week. The biggest items are ordered now, I hope there are not too many delays with deliveries.

Still trying to figure out what I need to buy for the hospital. I don't want to get too many things that I might not really use again, but I want enough that I'll be comfortable...

Doing the online hospital antenatal classes this week and a breastfeeding one next week. Looking forward to them.

It all feels very very real now!

Jen Pigs Fly · 17-01-2021 11:17am

Well I think most of us now are almost at single digit weeks, 30w myself and getting tired of it all, how is everyone doing?

Been seeing my consultant weekly since 28w, blood pressure is through the roof and low iron so I’m now in blood pressure tablets. Has helped with nausea slightly, the low belly pressure is something else though! Back into the consultant next Thursday so hopefully if my blood pressure has stabilised he will tell me to come back in 2/3 weeks instead of weekly!

Spinal injections I got at 25w didn’t help at all with my prior back injury pain, now need to decide if I’m better to get a section as opposed to the small risk of damaging my back or reherniating the discs during labour, it’s a small chance but even the thoughts of undoing my hard work the last 2 years is causing so much anxiety, just don’t want people to think I took the easy way out with a section

I’m all over the place.

shesty · 17-01-2021 10:11pm

Don't worry about other people.Do what is right for you.You develop a thick skin about other people's opinions when you have kids.

ucsie · 17-01-2021 10:14pm

Jen Pigs Fly wrote: »

Spinal injections I got at 25w didn’t help at all with my prior back injury pain, now need to decide if I’m better to get a section as opposed to the small risk of damaging my back or reherniating the discs during labour, it’s a small chance but even the thoughts of undoing my hard work the last 2 years is causing so much anxiety, just don’t want people to think I took the easy way out with a section I’m all over the place.

Aw, the injections not working must be frustrating...

I don't think anyone would think you are taking the easy way out (and what if they do anyway!), the c section would make the delivery part easier but the post partum much harder, I certainly wouldn't consider it the easier option. What does your consultant think it's best, are they giving you any advice? Is there anything you can do for the rest of the pregnancy to make that risk lower? It must be a tough decision, even if the risk is low, if it took you two years to get your back under control, potentially undoing it now... but definitely don't think about what other people are going to think or stress about it, it's your body and your decision!

I'm doing good, 31 weeks tomorrow. A bit achey this week, probably from doing stuff around the house, I'm in nesting mode.

We did the NMH antenatal classes this week, which was good. Doing a breastfeeding one this week, hopefully it's useful as well.

Jen Pigs Fly · 18-01-2021 12:18am

ucsie wrote: »

Aw, the injections not working must be frustrating...

I don't think anyone would think you are taking the easy way out (and what if they do anyway!), the c section would make the delivery part easier but the post partum much harder, I certainly wouldn't consider it the easier option. What does your consultant think it's best, are they giving you any advice? Is there anything you can do for the rest of the pregnancy to make that risk lower? It must be a tough decision, even if the risk is low, if it took you two years to get your back under control, potentially undoing it now... but definitely don't think about what other people are going to think or stress about it, it's your body and your decision!

I'm doing good, 31 weeks tomorrow. A bit achey this week, probably from doing stuff around the house, I'm in nesting mode.

We did the NMH antenatal classes this week, which was good. Doing a breastfeeding one this week, hopefully it's useful as well.

Typical consultant speak - technically natural labour is ok, but he won’t refuse a section if I feel it would be better for me, from what I’ve gathered they’re all like that unless there’s a glaringly obvious reason for a section vs natural :rolleyes: my plan is to talk to my physio and see what she thinks, consultant will always give best case!

How were the NMH classes? Any good? I’ve to book mine this week with them, the first time parents and the breastfeeding classes.

ucsie · 18-01-2021 10:08am

I guess that's what they are meant to do, list the risks and let you at it... Hopefully the physio is a bit more helpful in that way and can help you make a decision.

I found the antenatal classes good, it was one session in the morning, about pregnancy, labour, when to go to the hospital, etc... And one in the afternoon about after the baby is born, baby care, etc. They were meant to be 1.5h each but they ended up being 2h and 2.5h. possibly because of the big class size, with 60+ in the morning and 40+ in the afternoon, and more people, more questions. It was the same midwife in both, and I liked her, she had a very pragmatic way of looking at things and she was good at answering all the questions. She just went through different topics while people typed questions in the chat box, which she kept an eye on and answered them as they came. We'll see how the breastfeeding one is this week.

BOB2017 · 18-01-2021 10:47am

Jen Pigs Fly wrote: »

Well I think most of us now are almost at single digit weeks, 30w myself and getting tired of it all, how is everyone doing?

Been seeing my consultant weekly since 28w, blood pressure is through the roof and low iron so I’m now in blood pressure tablets. Has helped with nausea slightly, the low belly pressure is something else though! Back into the consultant next Thursday so hopefully if my blood pressure has stabilised he will tell me to come back in 2/3 weeks instead of weekly!

Spinal injections I got at 25w didn’t help at all with my prior back injury pain, now need to decide if I’m better to get a section as opposed to the small risk of damaging my back or reherniating the discs during labour, it’s a small chance but even the thoughts of undoing my hard work the last 2 years is causing so much anxiety, just don’t want people to think I took the easy way out with a section I’m all over the place.

I certainly would never think that having a section is the easy way out! It's major abdominal surgery, I think this "too posh to push" nonsense is really unfair and damaging. I've seen people go through recovery from a section and anyone who has would never call it the easy way out. I think speaking to the physio is a great idea, at the end of the day you need to do what is right for you and never mind what anyone else says or thinks!!!

I'm at 32 weeks now, feeling tired and heavy, working from home with my 3.5 year old is full on and with no end in sight its tough going. Pregnancy wise I'm fine though, sleeping a little better since I started taking gaviscon extra before bed!! Have been discharged from the pre-term clinic, they said its unlikely I'll have another preemie, and yet.. I still don't quite believe them!!

Jen Pigs Fly · 26-02-2021 12:30pm

How is everyone getting on? Almost 36weeks and I just want baby out at this point!
Spent a night in holles street for blood pressure observation - “gestational hypertension with the possibility of developing preeclampsia”:rolleyes: so I’ve been on sick leave since 34 weeks now! All is going well, baby is happy it’s just me that’s suffering!,

ucsie · 26-02-2021 1:11pm

If they let you leave the hospital that's a good sign at least! Are they monitoring you more now? And did you decide if you are having a c section?

I'm 36+4, all good. Some small niggles but I can't really complain, still working and going on as normal , covid normal of not doing much anyway that is!

I had a midwife appointment this week and she started telling me what to do if I start getting contractions, when to go to the hospital and all that. I already knew all that from the antenatal classes, but it hit me that this was no longer generic advice you read/hear somewhere but something specifically directed to me, because I'm getting to the end now! Weird feeling...

blue note · 26-02-2021 1:59pm

Wife is going in to be induced on Sunday. I'm planning on starfishing in the bed and sleeping full nights before I bring her home. I'll enjoy the last of them while I can!

Due March 2021

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