Due June/July/August 2017 (2)

Has anyone heard of the 'Purple Line' theory to check if your cervix is dilating ?
It basically is this :

This is a purple/dark line that shows up and extends well, to put it delicately, along your natal cleft. Or rather – your butt crack. The line starts at the anus and moves up the cleft. When it is all the way to the top, you are 10cm. Normally – you do have a bit of a line there. But this Purple Line or Bottom Line is not he line that is normally there (which is usually pink). This is a dark purple line. My suggestion is to check out your bum in early pregnancy so that you know the difference.

A study was done in 2010, and published by BMC Pregnancy & Childbirth, that proves the existence and accuracy of the purple line for many women. In this study, the line itself was present at some point in labor for 76% of women. The line was more apt to show in women with spontaneous labor than in those with induced labor (80% vs. 59%). The further dilated a woman was, the more likely she was to have the line show up. The line showed up most when women were around 7-8cm dilated, and seemed to fade in some women at almost complete dilation. And according to this study sample, the line seems to first show for most women around 3-4cm.


And yes, I checked and I have one lol.
So wondering if I am dilating, have had menstrual like cramps on and off for a few days now, and permanent Braxtons, but no other signs.

Haha sparkles. I haven't heard of that nor have I checked.

Swelling in my ankles is in full effect. Yesterday I looked like an elephant. Probably not helping that I am working 10-12 hour days lately. Feet and legs are very uncomfortable.

I also had doc appointment and zero dilation which is depressing. Had ultrasound last week too and doc said baby is measuring a week and a half too small. He wants another ultrasound tomorrow with the specialist. I don't see the big deal if baby is small, 1.5 weeks small is still within range. We will see what he says after tomorrow's scan.

I am ready to not be pregnant. It isn't even about meeting baby (still no attachment really), just ready to have the pregnancy part over. Hoping she comes out before the 21st.

Sparkles, I haven't heard of this theory either. When is your due-date? Exiting that you are having some cramps. Maybe it is your body getting ready for labour. I have my probably last midwife appointment tomorrow. My due date is in six days. I would not mind go 3 days past due date like I did with my 3 boys. I am feeling great with lots of energy and less fluid in my legs. Have been cleaning and tidying up like crazy. I love this (nesting) period where the motivation & energy is sky high. Are you very active too?

Soooo exiting who will give birth next in this group.


Mother to 3 boys ❤️ and pregnant with a baby girl due in June 2017 [emoji120]. DW (42) [emoji1326] DH (40) [emoji144]

Had not great news today.
cervix is totally closed, so no sign of labour.
They did a scan, and there is virtually no Amniotic fluid left, which means the placenta is most likely failing.
They sent us home and told us to talk about what we want to do :(

Mrs Sparkles - (((HUGS))) Sorry you got bad news. Praying for you and a healthy delivery of your little guy!

(((Huge Hugs))) MrsSparkles! I'm hoping and praying that all will be ok with your sweet baby boy and you. I'm hoping for a safe delivery!

Hang in there!


[emoji170]8/2010 [emoji170]6/2013 [emoji170]11/2015 [emoji170]
[emoji178]Baby Girl [emoji254]EDD 9/30/2017 [emoji178]

https://lmtm.lilypie.com/kIlmm5.png

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MrsSparkles

Had not great news today.
cervix is totally closed, so no sign of labour.
They did a scan, and there is virtually no Amniotic fluid left, which means the placenta is most likely failing.
They sent us home and told us to talk about what we want to do :(

---

Sorry Sparkles. What options are you being given? C-section or induction or wait?

MrsSparkles...you are much calmer than me. just reading your post made me say mentally "nope i dont wanna go home, induce me or cut me open" the idea of the placenta failing or there not being much fluid makes me nervous. i would call ASAP and schedule at the very least an induction if you really dont want to go the route of a c section yet..but i feel with how inductions can fail or take forever especially since your cervix doesnt sound favorable, i would schedule the c section. I have had 2 vaginal births and 2 c sections..1 of the vaginals was an induction and it wasnt any worse than my 'natural' labor for me..but my cervix was also favorable, and it still took 17 hours to get her into the world..i just dont know that id advise to risk that with so little fluid left..i feel like you and baby would be better off going straight for the section. But yes it has to be your choice.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Burakoam

MrsSparkles...you are much calmer than me. just reading your post made me say mentally "nope i dont wanna go home, induce me or cut me open" the idea of the placenta failing or there not being much fluid makes me nervous. i would call ASAP and schedule at the very least an induction if you really dont want to go the route of a c section yet..but i feel with how inductions can fail or take forever especially since your cervix doesnt sound favorable, i would schedule the c section. I have had 2 vaginal births and 2 c sections..1 of the vaginals was an induction and it wasnt any worse than my 'natural' labor for me..but my cervix was also favorable, and it still took 17 hours to get her into the world..i just dont know that id advise to risk that with so little fluid left..i feel like you and baby would be better off going straight for the section. But yes it has to be your choice.

---

They didn't give those options on the spot.
Because the heartbeat and movements were okay, they just said to come back on Saturday and they would do another trace.
Then the consultant says she is back to work on Monday (it was her last day of work today) and would do another scan.
She said we are to think about what we'd like to do over the weekend, I said C-section. But she just said We will see.
I've driven myself insane now, thinking over the last 3 weeks since my normal scan, that the baby has been without fluid, and that his cord has compressed and he's probably brain damaged.
Panic has started to set in.

I tried to telephone an hour after we got home, to see if I could schedule a c-section for Monday by the way.
But the Consultant had already left :(

Oh no MrsSparkles. But please don't panic. Your little guy is fine. They must be able to scedule you for a C-section om Monday or earlier. I don't understand why the hospital dosen't take more responsibility for your situation in stead of let you make decisions. They are the professionals, not you.
Did you notice that your fluid dissapeared? And where to?
Do you think the menstruational cramps was because of that?
Hope you can get him out very soon. I will pray for you [emoji120]


Mother to 3 boys ❤️ and pregnant with a baby girl due in June 2017 [emoji120]. DW (42) [emoji1326] DH (40) [emoji144]

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dreamsister

Oh no MrsSparkles. But please don't panic. Your little guy is fine. They must be able to scedule you for a C-section om Monday or earlier. I don't understand why the hospital dosen't take more responsibility for your situation in stead of let you make decisions. They are the professionals, not you.
Did you notice that your fluid dissapeared? And where to?
Do you think the menstruational cramps was because of that?
Hope you can get him out very soon. I will pray for you [emoji120]


Mother to 3 boys ❤️ and pregnant with a baby girl due in June 2017 [emoji120]. DW (42) [emoji1326] DH (40) [emoji144]

---

I don't know really, but I assume that because the movements are okay that the consultant is happy to wait.
My midwife called me, and was very honest and lovely as always.
She said some fluid loss is normal, and that she would say go ahead and deliver at home.
But because I have almost none, she said that they can't predict how little man will cope with delivery.
Yes, he is happy in there now...but with an induction there would be little rest for him in between contractions, and no fluid to protect him.
She said even though I am a home birth (planned), that she will come and be there for the C-section, that really made me feel good.

I really wish I knew where the fluid went, they tested me, and there was no water leaking....where could it have gone? Such a mystery
The cramping could be because he is not cushioned in there now, so he is bouncing off my pelvis harder.

Oh MrsSparkles. I will pray extra hard for you. That sounds so very scary to me. Please keep us updated and rest as much as you can and drink as much water as you can in hopes that it will help.

There are women who say drinking extra water does help produce more fluid, it can't hurt sparkles!

So sorry for all this worry and stress Sparkles. I would hope that if they sent you home and they didn't think it was urgent to get baby out, maybe that means it isn't as bad as the consultant made it sound. I can't image them sending someone home if baby was in danger.

As far as the delivery with low fluid, wouldn't all deliveries have low fluid if the water has broken? I mean isn't "water breaking" you losing most of that fluid? (Not that yours broke but I am just asking).

Yes but it's to my knowledge considered advisable to get baby out within 48 hours of your water breaking. I imagine it's the same for any leaking

Sparkles for what it's worth though my mother in laws water broke with my sister in law, actually broke, and she didn't know she was supposed to go to the hospital..so she walked around for 2 weeks still pregnant leaking fluid and my SIL is still fine.. pretty and perfect and a dentist so it didn't hurt her none.. so while it is scary that your fluid is low I think everyone else is right that if it was dangerously low they would have booked you to have a c section immediately. I would for sure talk to them Monday and schedule something, but that's me

I think the only risk from water breaking is infection.
What they think has happened is that my placenta is failing, so no more fluid is being made, and no blood flow, nutrients or oxygen are getting to the baby.

My midwife sounded quite concerned that I wasn't being seen until Monday.

I tossed and turned all night, and felt little movement and none at all this morning.
So I've called DH back from work, and am making my way to the hospital for 8:30 when they open.
I hope that everything is fine, and that the on call consultant puts my mind at ease.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MrsSparkles

I think the only risk from water breaking is infection.
What they think has happened is that my placenta is failing, so no more fluid is being made, and no blood flow, nutrients or oxygen are getting to the baby.

My midwife sounded quite concerned that I wasn't being seen until Monday.

I tossed and turned all night, and felt little movement and none at all this morning.
So I've called DH back from work, and am making my way to the hospital for 8:30 when they open.
I hope that everything is fine, and that the on call consultant puts my mind at ease.

---

Good luck. Hope they have good news.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GirlieCat

Good luck. Hope they have good news.

---

Hi GC,

Just got back from the hospital, baby seems to be okay heartbeat wise they said the decrease in movement is due to there being almost zero fluid now.
Saw a Junior Dr, who insisted on me being admitted and having a C-section TODAY.
When they called my consultant, this decision was overruled as heartbeat is fine....I tried to argue but the midwife said it is so full of emergencies today.
They have asked me to come back daily for monitoring, and booked me in to have a C-section post Due date....I feel uneasy about this.
What if I go into labour before ?
I am so proud that the UK as a free healthcare system, but sometimes I question if we get the best care as the NHS is so overstretched.

I don't understand.. consultant over ruled a doctor? I live in America Not familiar with your healthcare system but something doesn't seem right.. is there another hospital you are comfortable delivering at? If your gut is telling you this can't wait you need to really push to have your voice heard.. with my DD2 I knew something wasn't right when they were telling me she was small as I was complaining she was big and I felt like at one point almost shattered one of my ribs with a good kick the way it felt at the time.. they said she measured small and despite gestational diabetes they said they didn't wanna do a c section.. I should have pushed much harder and still regret it to this day as she ended up 9 pounds at 37 weeks and had shoulder dystocia from vaginal birth.. born purple and not breathing and in shock from them dislocating her shoulder to get her out of me.

I don't say this experience lightly and the last thing I want is to freak you out and I know some in here are probably like "omg stop don't freak her out" but it's the best way to get the point across that sometimes mothers intuition is spot on.. I didn't listen to mine and it almost cost me my daughters life. I would call or go back in and if you have to express your anxiety and concern that something isn't right to you and you want him out now.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Burakoam

I don't understand.. consultant over ruled a doctor? I live in America Not familiar with your healthcare system but something doesn't seem right.. is there another hospital you are comfortable delivering at? If your gut is telling you this can't wait you need to really push to have your voice heard.. with my DD2 I knew something wasn't right when they were telling me she was small as I was complaining she was big and I felt like at one point almost shattered one of my ribs with a good kick the way it felt at the time.. they said she measured small and despite gestational diabetes they said they didn't wanna do a c section.. I should have pushed much harder and still regret it to this day as she ended up 9 pounds at 37 weeks and had shoulder dystocia from vaginal birth.. born purple and not breathing and in shock from them dislocating her shoulder to get her out of me.

I don't say this experience lightly and the last thing I want is to freak you out and I know some in here are probably like "omg stop don't freak her out" but it's the best way to get the point across that sometimes mothers intuition is spot on.. I didn't listen to mine and it almost cost me my daughters life. I would call or go back in and if you have to express your anxiety and concern that something isn't right to you and you want him out now.

---

The consultants are the top of the tree here.
I have to go back in tomorrow, and every morning to be monitored, they wouldn't do a scan today as too busy...but I will INSIST tomorrow, as if there is even less fluid, then surely that is going to cause him damage.

I'm so sorry to hear about your experience, shoulder dystocia was the thing I worried most about...and needing to be cut down there (ironic now).
Thank God, that everything was okay with your baby.
These 'growth' scans are so lousy, they never seem to get it right !

I have my fingers crossed they listen to you please let us know when you know!

She measured big in ultrasound actually.. she measured small with the belly tape. This was 2010.. thankfully they didn't rely on that with my last two.

Sparkles, I am really anxious for you and I can't image how you feel. I am in USA like Burakoam and so I can't fully understand how your health system works.

My doctor seems very cautious and I would image if my fluids were low like yours, he would have already ordered baby out, but who knows. I do know he was very firm that if my water breaks on its own but labor doesn't start, he has a 24 hour rule that baby must come out (now that I am full term of course).

For reasons I won't tell a full term pregnant lady, I have my own fears about losing the baby in the final days/weeks so I can't even image the stress you feel. I am praying for you and baby boy. Hopefully either naturally or intervention he is out, safe and sound in your arms in the next day or two.

How are you doing Sparkles? Any news? Thinking of you & praying you and baby are ok.


Mother to 3 boys ❤️ and pregnant with a baby girl due in June 2017 [emoji120]. DW (42) [emoji1326] DH (40) [emoji144]

Thinking of you Sparkles. [emoji170]

Hi Ladies,

Today was quite difficult.
I tried as hard as I could to get a scan, but they said there is no point as there won't have been more fluid made.
They did a monitor and the heart and movements were good, seems like lil man just liked to sleep in until late mornings these days - he's been active since we got home too.
I bawled my eyes out, as DH had to go to work straight after.
They again said there is nothing I can do to replace the fluid, I've since found out that isn't actually true and they can transfuse fluid into the sac (it lasts for a week, and can thin any merconium and help stop cord compression).
They took MRSA swabs, and told me that I should be prepared to have a c-section on Monday or Wednesday.
The Dr today was so nice, but he also said some alarming things about how the baby could already be getting less oxygen to the brain and becoming 'damaged' - in which case why is he not out yet !
He also stated that c-section was safest for the baby, but natural delivery was safest for me.
DH just about freaked out over that, and said what the heck would he do without me and a new baby to care for.

He wants me to just wait to go into labour, but I don't think I can, and there is no saying that I won't end up having a c-section anyway !

Omg Sparkles what the hell are they waiting for?! I don't know what the standard of care is like in the UK, but they don't muck around here in Australia. I'd be opting for a csection asap! How absolutely terrifying for you :( Praying your little man makes an appearance very soon and is happy n healthy xx

I gotta say it as i think alot of us are thinking it...your doctors suck, Sparkles..i am so sorry you have all this stress and worry. In this day and age of modern medicine c sections arent too bad...i dont know, i think of myself as being a real weenie and not having a good pain tolerance but my 2 c sections were a breeze...worst part is the spinal.. and my babies are safe and healthy and there wasnt any real complications having c sections instead of natural labor but yes i suppose there is always the potential of risks..but not unlike the risks of normal labor too! please dont let them scare you because i think a c section will be whats best for baby AND you at this point..please if they even mention the c section monday make sure you take them up on the offer..lets get your baby boy out and safe...and remember when they start telling you about brain damage and stuff like that...thats not always the case and i doubt it at this point if his heart and everything looks good. try NOT to worry and stress until monday..i know thats so hard. I want to give you the biggest hug! :(

There are definite drawbacks of a free healthcare system.
I know that it sucks in the USA, having to pay those high insurance costs - but you do get what you pay for, and so much more is available.

The NHS is fantastic, and if you have cancer, or break a bone - that is the place to be !
For maternity care, it has some way to go, although the Home birth team are phenomenal in my area.

Today I didn't get to see anyone except two midwives, one of them being my own (she made a special trip just to come see me and give me a hug, that felt so nice).
She was shocked at the size of me, as she hasn't seen me for 2 weeks.
I asked her if she thought maybe I didn't have low fluid, and that the baby was just SO BIG that it was taking up all the room and they can't see the fluid.
She said "We will see!" but agreed that he is massive now.
So I see my actual consultant tomorrow now, and I am all packed in case she keeps me in for the section.
Midwives did both say there is a lot of activity going on in my uterus, and that if I go into labour tonight, stay at home as long as possible if I want to try for a vaginal delivery.
I do feel him moving a lot more again today, if he was really in trouble :
A) Wouldn't they just have delivered him ?
B) Wouldn't I feel sick in some way?
C) Why are his vitals so good on the monitoring?

Feeling a lot more positive and less worried today.

I think you are right with your questions sparkles. If baby was in danger, they would have delivered him. Hoping for a safe delivery for you real soon.

I thought today would be babies birthday but no such luck. I woke at 3:45am just feeling weird. Lots of pressure and had to go to the bathroom real bad even though I had just went at 1am (I usually only get up once a night). Shortly after that contractions started. They were very consistently 8-9 min apart for 3-4 hours. They were much more painful than my normal Braxton hicks and I was really thinking this was the real deal. I was tired from being up since 3:45am so about 8:30am I tried to take a nap. Well I fell asleep and during my nap- the contractions vanished. I have a whole heck of a lot of pressure down there so I hope she is getting ready. In just 24 hours I went from being able to be up and active and walking normal, to a slow waddle because it hurts so much and I contract with too much movement.

Hope this means baby comes soon. I would be happy with Tuesday or Wednesday (gives me Monday to finish last projects at work). [emoji6]

Sparkles I'm so sorry to hear what's going on with you. I rarely come on the board anymore as I found my GD just to be too strong, but I can't help but comment on this. You must be filled with anxiety and terrified. This isn't fair! It's almost morning in the UK so I pray you have something done today. If my fluid was gone I would've been forced into the hospital here (I actually get weekly scans because I have gestational diabetes and they monitor fluid and movement each week) but I would be charged exponentionally. It seems like you can't win no matter where you are. I'm so sorry you have had to go through this especially for your first birth. Hugs

MrsSparkles: Sorry to hear you’ve been having so much stress and happy that you’re feeling better today. I’ll be thinking of you!

Baby Hunter was born on June 11, 2017 at 3:25 PM. 6 pounds, 10 ounces, 20.5 inches! Labor lasted 13.5 hours but felt shorter since early labor was the longest part. By the time I got to the hospital, it was already time to push! It’s been a whirlwind week but I’m much more well rested than the average new mom as our baby sleeps like a log. We often have to wake him up to eat! He’s gaining weight well and can often go 6 hours between feeds at night.

I’m recovering well - labor and delivery were smooth and intervention/medication-free except for a small episiotomy that tore a little bit more while he came out. Baby’s heart rate was slowing down and the midwife wanted to get him out faster. Breastfeeding is going pretty well too; I have an oversupply of milk but am not experiencing pain (engorgement was rough but only lasted a few days). Hubby and I are reaching a good rhythm together. Hubby will take at least three more days off work if not more; we’re taking it one day at a time. Motherhood seems to suit me. We’re generally enjoying these early days.

I hope to be back on these boards in a year or so to sway or go HT for pink. Or maybe we’ll decide one kid is enough! Who knows. :)

Attachment 36660

i MrsSparkles: Sorry to hear you’ve been having so much stress and happy that you’re feeling better today. I’ll be thinking of you!

Baby Hunter was born on June 11, 2017 at 3:25 PM. 6 pounds, 10 ounces, 20.5 inches! Labor lasted 13.5 hours but felt shorter since early labor was the longest part. By the time I got to the hospital, it was already time to push! It’s been a whirlwind week but I’m much more well rested than the average new mom as our baby sleeps like a log. We often have to wake him up to eat! He’s gaining weight well and can often go 6 hours between feeds at night.

I’m recovering well - labor and delivery were smooth and intervention/medication-free except for a small episiotomy that tore a little bit more while he came out. Baby’s heart rate was slowing down and the midwife wanted to get him out faster. Breastfeeding is going pretty well too; I have an oversupply of milk but am not experiencing pain (engorgement was rough but only lasted a few days). Hubby and I are reaching a good rhythm together. Hubby will take at least three more days off work if not more; we’re taking it one day at a time. Motherhood seems to suit me. We’re generally enjoying these early days.

I hope to be back on these boards in a year or so to sway or go HT for pink. Or maybe we’ll decide one kid is enough! Who knows. :)

Attachment 36661

GirlieCat, how exiting that labour might be around the corner for you. My due-date is tomorrow & no signs of labour for me yet. I feel so good and am very active and energetic all day long with no contractions or pain at all.

Sparkles, I admire your attitude. You seem
to take everything with great calmness and good spirit. I pray that they will give you the C-section today Monday so you can be united with your strong little man.

Mother to 3 boys ❤️ and pregnant with a baby girl due in June 2017 [emoji120]. DW (42) [emoji1326] DH (40) [emoji144]

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GirlieCat

I think you are right with your questions sparkles. If baby was in danger, they would have delivered him. Hoping for a safe delivery for you real soon.

I thought today would be babies birthday but no such luck. I woke at 3:45am just feeling weird. Lots of pressure and had to go to the bathroom real bad even though I had just went at 1am (I usually only get up once a night). Shortly after that contractions started. They were very consistently 8-9 min apart for 3-4 hours. They were much more painful than my normal Braxton hicks and I was really thinking this was the real deal. I was tired from being up since 3:45am so about 8:30am I tried to take a nap. Well I fell asleep and during my nap- the contractions vanished. I have a whole heck of a lot of pressure down there so I hope she is getting ready. In just 24 hours I went from being able to be up and active and walking normal, to a slow waddle because it hurts so much and I contract with too much movement.

Hope this means baby comes soon. I would be happy with Tuesday or Wednesday (gives me Monday to finish last projects at work). [emoji6]

---

Ohhh GirlieCat sounds like Bub will be here very soon!! So exciting! :D

Girlie I am so excited to hear this.
Am going to keep checking back in case there are any updates

How are you feeling now ?

I have some awesome news.
Got my scan today. And I have magically produced an extra 4cm of fluid. Well more ! As I now have a total of 5.9cm.
They told me there was no point in drinking more water.
But all I've done since I've got the news is drink and drink and eat cucumber and strawberries like they are going out of fashion.
Something has made the difference anyway, and I saw him waving and moving his little fingers so clearly.
Booked in for csection now, ironically as things are looking better.
So he will be here Wednesday !

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BabsNMK

Sparkles I'm so sorry to hear what's going on with you. I rarely come on the board anymore as I found my GD just to be too strong, but I can't help but comment on this. You must be filled with anxiety and terrified. This isn't fair! It's almost morning in the UK so I pray you have something done today. If my fluid was gone I would've been forced into the hospital here (I actually get weekly scans because I have gestational diabetes and they monitor fluid and movement each week) but I would be charged exponentionally. It seems like you can't win no matter where you are. I'm so sorry you have had to go through this especially for your first birth. Hugs

---

Hugs back to you.
Glad I can report some good news my end.
I don't know what I would have done without these boards to help me through all this.
I'm so sorry your GD is still so strong, I know how hard and real it is.
Xx

Thankfully my GD is pretty much gone at this point. I'm excited to meet my guy. I think I might be holding out unrealistic hope for doing HT with a 4th (really never wanted four children), but for now I just want to get through to this guy's birth and have him be healthy.

I have no nesting drive or desire to prepare things for baby (I didn't with my first either) so for now I'm just winging everything and hoping it'll work out by the time he arrives. Poor 3rd child.

So happy to hear you have a date. And I can't tell you how many times doctors have said something won't work (in your case drinking extra water) and yet it does. They are humans just like us and even if there's no scientific evidence, sometimes things happen anyway.

Awesome news sparkles!!! Both about the fluid and the scheduled delivery. It is amazing we are all at the end of this journey and welcoming babies soon.

Babs you had me laughing with the poor baby 3 comment. I have definitely had nesting but to be fair I love to clean and do that not pregnant. My problem was I wanted to do everything except baby related cleaning. I did just finish cleaning babies room Saturday and only put together some of her baby gear (like bedside sleeper) yesterday.

AFM- 3am must be important to my uterus because contractions started again this morning. Further apart this time at about every 15 minutes for the last 2 hours (it is 5:30am right now). We shall see if this continues or stops like yesterday. I am packing my hospital bag now just in case- nothing like waiting till the last second to do it. [emoji51]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

So happy for you sparkles, that is awesome news. Hoping everyone on this board who is due soon has fast and easy recoverys and strong healthy babies. Have followed a lot of you from your 2WW journeys through the pregnancy, so I am so excited for all of you. Almost there! Hang in there girliecat, you are undoubtedly close!