Possible Induction :(



Soooo. Monday saw the last of 5 or 6 growth scans. Basically because I'm a plus size mummy there was some new guidance which showed I may benefit from extra scabs throughout my pregnancy to measure my little princess to make sure she was growing properly.

For the first two scans she measured perfect, she hit all targets and was within the healthy ranges. However, on my "final" scan, on August 1st, there were some concerns about her Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW).

The sonographer takes three measurements to come up with the EFW. Head Circumference, Femur Length and Abdominal Circumference. So instead of weighing 6.5lbs at 37+1. My darling was estimated to weigh 5.5lbs. This prompted a review of my notes by a consultant,  who explained that my babies Head Circumference was measuring a few weeks smaller than it should , which was bringing the EFW down. But they weren't concerned as it was most likely a miscalculation as her head has been well and truly engaged for weeks.

I had two more scans arranged and I've now had them both. Her head, according to the sonographers measurements, still hasn't grown. She is however now measuring 6.5lbs, so has gained 1lb in two weeks. All of her measurements indicate that she is 39+1 (which she was on Monday) apart from her head which measures 36 weeks.

Now I'm not saying I disagree with these measurements,  but according to the precise numbers, her head actually shrunk by 0.5cm over the last two weeks,  while she gained over 1lb in weight. That doesn't sit right with me. But nonetheless, after a very lengthy 5 hour wait to have my notes reviewed, I finally saw a doctor.

They basically now feel that they need to consider inducing me if my daughter doesn't arrive of her own accord within the next few days. I am scheduled to see a consultant to discuss my options tomorrow morning and see how he thinks we should proceed.

So yeah. She's so comfy, I'm 3 days from my due date with no signs she's going to make an appearance anytime soon. I'm still suffering with anxiety and pelvic pain/sciatica and just finding the whole thought of induction quite daunting.

The reason I'm finding it daunting is that my entire pregnancy I've planned to only use gas and air to get through the pain. I'm told with induction, it can be significantly more painful and it increases the chances of requiring a c section, epidural etc as 1. It may fail resulting in the need for a surgical birth (c section)  2. Because the Labour is trigger by synthetic hormones. Your body doesn't combat them with its own hormones to fight the pain resulting in it hurting a hell of a lot more.

I just don't know what to do. For 9 months I've had a plan, and in the final week it looks like it's all going to pot. I see my consultant early tomorrow. Wish me luck xxx

Braxton Hicks

So I have 9 days left until my due date! 

I'm laid in bed at the moment contemplating moving, my bestie is coming to pick me up soon to take me to lunch. It feels like the last supper. My final meal as me and not as a mummy!

I've been getting pretty regular Braxton Hicks contractions for about a week now and last night they kept on most of the night.

I know they're braxton hicks because there is one major difference between normal contractions and practice ones. The practice ones don't hurt. They're just uncomfortable.

Regardless though I don't think my little beauty is going to keep us waiting much longer. Though I have to say, the waiting is getting harder to cope with. If it all started right now, this minute,  I'd just get on with it and I think I'd be okay. But as it stands I'm struggling with my anxiety. The more time she takes, the more chance I'm having to worry about things and freak out over nothing. I spoke at length with my BF about this last night and he feels the same. So it's nice to know it's not only me!

We had a worry last week. I went for what should have been my final growth scan, and the sonographer couldn't get a clear view of my babies head. When she finally got one, she said it was small and that it had brought her EFW (estimated fetal weight)  under the centile. So I ended up going for an extra doppler this week (which was fine) and I have another growth scan on Monday. Joy.

My pregnancy cravings have been junk junk and more junk this week. Basically I wanted Greggs Sausage Rolls, and KFC Gravy. The Greggs Sausage rolls really hit the spot. I indulged my KFC craving last night with a boneless box with a side of Gravy. I was so disappointed. It's almost like the Gravy recipe had changed. It just wasn't right.

Anyway. On that total let down I need to love you and leave you. I'm going to get ready for my matedate.

Cya
PV xx