So after another (one of the rather frequent) breaks to "make a brew" that our tutor Fiona was so fond of, the class then turned to the very late stages of pregnancy, and the signs one should look out for - clues that the little bun might be just about ready to pop out...first up was something that never occurred to me, the fact that as the baby runs out of room, so it won't be able to kick out quite as sharply, this coupled with occasional back ache is a sign to keep a closer eye on things...in preparation, snacks should be switched to high energy ones (again the glucose tablets were mentioned), but essentially it's important to stay active and keep on as normal (keep on with going to the shops, going out for lunch etc.), Mum deliberately spending as much time as possible on her feet, posture while sitting now should be comfortable, but always upright (or slightly leaning forward)...if the back pain gets a bit much, take two paracetamol...
The next most likely thing to happen is for the waters to break, although this is by no means a certainty, it was explained that sometimes just a little will emerge, sometimes a lot will emerge, and sometimes (although rarely) the sac will be born intact with the baby and the midwife will need to cut it open herself...so assuming any water discharges at all, the midwife should be called immediately and told what colour the fluid is and a rough estimate of how much there was...at this point you are anything up to 3 days from the start of labour (believe it or not)...!
Along with the waters (possibly) breaking, another thing that *may* happen is what is known as a "Show" (delivery of a mucus-like plug that resembles watered-down strawberry jam), this again doesn't mean labour has started, it's just another indication that things are moving along in the right direction...
Contractions should now follow (sooner or later)...to start with they will feel like alternating back pain and period pain and will be extremely irregular (perhaps hours apart), but gradually, gradually they will arrive more often...during this stage, it is also important to stay mobile (gravity is labours friend), when sitting stay upright (as before), or leaning gently forwards (to help the baby into the correct position for delivery)...good things to do now are take long, warm baths (which will massively reduce the pain of contractions while still allowing them to continue apace) and sitting on a birthing ball (if you have one) or astride a chair (facing the back) with the head resting (if you don't)...
When contractions are perfectly regular, lasting 1 minute, and are happening every 3-4 minutes (and mum can't talk during them), it's time for Dad to throw the bags in the back of the car while Mum calls the midwife...
Next stop is (almost certainly) the hospital... :0
Tenebra
4 days ago
3 comments:
you just need to remember all this when it starts, you dont want to panic as you will forget everything that you have been told.
i still think you should write a book for new dads, it would be a great read.
sam.
thanks Sam.... spoken with authority from a mother of 3!!!
I definitely think Fink should write a book, but for now, it's more of a diary for us, so we don't forget things! Had midwife today and all is still absolutely fine. let's hope it stays that way! ;o)
I'm learning more from your posts than I think I will at the one remaining 2 hour NHS antenatal session, and all of my midwife appointments put together!
It's nice to read this from a local perspective as well! Now, I must remember to book my hospital tour!
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