AHHH Braxton Hicks

Sorry it's been a few days again.
This time it's not because I didn't have a lot to talk about, well at least not just that.

Tuesday night I cooked up some pizza and garlic bread, because it was the end of the month we were a little sort of money so decided to buy the cheapest pizza we could find that was not Tesco Value ones.

Cooked it for a bit longer then it said to, so I knew it was cooked. Started eating the pizza thinking ok this doesn't taste right. Thinking it's just because we've not had that pizza before and thinking ok it's just the way the pizza actually tastes I took another bite. It was at that point I started to feel sick.

A few hours after that I started throwing up, I spent most of the next 12 to 16 hours throwing up. I think I must thrown up a good 11 12 times. Hubby had to take Wednesday off work because I was still ill. I spent half the day in bed and the rest of the day curled up on the sofa. Hubby took our little one out for a few hours so I could relax a bit more.

Thursday I had my consultant appointment (at long last), I went in and the first thing I said was "I think I maybe getting told of for my sample." She asked why and I said because of how dark it is.
Sorry TMI, I don't drink a lot so it's usually a little on the darker side but this was ridiculous. After testing it she wrote down in my notes ketones ++ and trace of protein and said that I needed to do another sample so she could send it off for more testing. The thought never came across my mind to actual ask what it meant, But after getting back home doing some research and asking a few ladies on B&B I found out it was most likely because the lack of food and drink I had the day before.

Today I went out on my own with my little one again, Well it was a walk to a friends. Ended up having a dizzy spell there, so she made me eat and drink something, as she does when ever I am there anyway. The afternoon we went into Portsmouth to get my little one's new car seat. Then went to Asda as they were having a black Friday sale. (Not something that happens often in the UK. it's very new here). Didn't really see anything though, sales weren't made clearly so it was hard to find something that was actually in the sales.

Right now on to the title. I am 27 weeks today and my Braxton Hicks started when I was 17 weeks, every day they have been getting worse and worse, tighter and tighter. which dose not help as baby is getting bigger. They are getting so tight it hurts. yesterday I had one every 10 minutes for about 40 minutes. So they are starting to get more frequent. defiantly something that needs to be kept an eye on.

I couldn't wait any longer

Well on Saturday I went shopping with hubby's parents while he was meant to go visit his granma, but she phoned up while we were on the way to his parents to say she wasn't going to be in. Which was nice as usually she wouldn't, she just go out or not turn up. So he went to his mate's instead while I went shopping.

Usually we spend all day there, but as it was the last weekend of this month we needed to rearrange the living room ready to put up our Christmas tree. So when we got home that afternoon hubby sent me and our little one up stairs while he rearranged. Well lets face it, I can't really do a lot being 26 weeks pregnant. So he ended up doing all the work him self.

I wanted to put up the tree that night but where it wasn't finished till gone 10pm we couldn't.

Sunday we went to his parents again. As we do every sunday for sunday dinner.

Now that brings us to today.
The plan was to get out of bed at about 11, but my little one had other ideas, he decided that he wanted to fall asleep in my arms then and then didn't wake till gone 3. Which usually I don't mind but I really needed to pee.
Hubby walked through the door about an hour and a half later. Told him I really wanted to put the tree up. he said when little one goes to bed.
Luckily he hadn't napped, so come 7 half 7 he was tired which meant, I could put him to bed, even though I knew he wouldn't stay there he'd end up waking up. But it gave us time to get half the tree up.

I think I spent a good 2 hours putting the decorations on the tree. and even now I'm still not full happy with it.

It's our son's first Christmas, so I want it to be a really nice one. I know he's not going to remember it but I will.

Usually we put the decs up December 1st and no earlier, but I'm just too excited this year. Just couldn't wait any longer.

Elective C-section

A few days ago I posted about the pros and cons of going VBAC. Thinking about it today got me thinking, what are the pros and cons of going for an elective C-section.
Someone women choose to have others have no choice but to have one. I think I may more likely fall into the choose to have one. If you have read my blog before you'll know that the idea of a VBAC scares me, even with having looked up the pros and cons of it.

Ok so I'm going to start with reasons why you would have to have an elective section.

Reasons for an elective C-section

• You previously gave birth by a caesarean and it is felt that it would be safer for you to do so again.
• Your baby is too big or your pelvis is small for a successful vaginal birth.
• Your baby is breech.
• Your baby is in the transverse position - meaning your baby's shoulder is more likely to enter the birth canal first. 
• Some medical conditions - such as diabetes, or high blood pressure, these can put you at greater risk during vaginal births.
• Placenta praevia - this is where is the placenta covers part or all of your cervix.
• Placenta dysfunction - this is where your baby is no longer getting oxygen and nutrients he she needs. Depending how far along you are he she may be better of out then in.
• Antepartum haemorrhage - this is where you have been bleeding heavily during the pregnancy.
• Previous vaginal tear - depending on how bad the tear was sometimes it is safer to have a caesarean rather try for another vaginal birth.  
• Infectious disease - such as HIV and herpes.
• Pre-eclampisa - if it threatens the health of your baby your baby may need to be delivered quickly.

This information was taken from mumsnet


I think if I feel into any of the things listed it maybe the first point mentioned. I had my EMCS in February this year and funny enough I am due on the same date I had my section. So only a year apart.
Although planned we never thought for a second that it would happen as quickly as it did.

There are many pros and cons for a caesarean. Trying look them up proved difficult. I found quite a lot of sites that mentioned the risks but not many actually listed the pros and cons. So instead of listing the pros and cons, because everyone has different opinions what on the pros and cons actually are, I thought maybe listing the risks instead maybe a better idea.

Never know might change my mind and make me want to try for a VBAC we'll see as I read and write the information I find.
The information I find has come from babycentre.

Lets start with is a caesarean safer then a vaginal birth?

Usually if there have been no complications with your pregnancy or labour then a vaginal birth is safer. This would make it safer for future pregnancies and your fertility. ( I think this is more for if you have not a caesarean before)

Of course one of the first things we are told about caesareans, is that it is a major operations to your tummy and pelvic area.  Complications can happen, not to say it happens often, I'm pretty sure the risks of complications are small. But it is also something we need to be aware of when going for a caesarean.

That being said a caesarean more so if planned is common and a safe procedure. As you may know if your last birth was by caesarean it is usually needed to safe the life of the mother or baby.

Sometimes it is not clear whether a virginal birth would be safer then a caesarean, Cases like these it's up to you and your doctor to weigh up the risks and benefits of going for a caesarean, and to decided what would be better for you.

What are the risks of a caesarean?

This is something we all need to be aware when making the decision, and to be honest it's not something I have put much thought into.

Pain - Of course there is going to be pain. Not during the caesarean it self but after. There is some discomfort during the caesarean not going to lie about that, but it's just pulling and tugging.
It takes longer to recover after a caesarean then it dose a vaginal birth, that to be honest you don't need to be a genius to work out.  You are given pain relief  to reduce the pain and discomfort after the caesarean, and it will be hard to move around for a few days or weeks.

Infection - dose not happen often, but can happen. This next bit I have heard mixed things on, so I am guessing is different every where, but it's on the site I am getting my information from so it dose need to be mentioned. If not all, some places give you a single dose of antibiotics before the operation. This is to reduce the risk of infection.
It is important you tell your midwife if you have heavy bleeding, irregular bleeding, smelly discharge or a fever. These can be a sign of infection and is always best to be checked.

Blood clot - Any operation rises the chance of a blood clot. Depending where the blood clot is, It can be serious. You are usually given treatment to prevent your blood from clotting. You are also encouraged to move about, this is to help with recovery and to prevent your blood from clotting. It is said the sooner you move about (not too soon mind you) the easier and faster the recovery will be.


I think when it comes to caesareans on thing that crosses our mind the most is, will my baby be ok?
The answer to that is that your baby is likely to be perfectly well. Some do have breathing problems but usually this is not serious, this is most likely to happen if baby is premature.


I have found a little section about the advantages of having a caesarean.
These include:

• Being planned means you know when your baby will arrive.
• You won't have contractions.
• You are less likely to leak wee when you cough or sneeze.
• You usually don't bleed as heavy (remember though I said earlier that heavy bleeding can be a sign of infection, so if you are ever worried about it get it checked out just to be on the safe side.)

One thing that comes up often is pelvic floor exercises. I mentioned it in the post about pros and cons of a VBAC. No matter how it is you end up giving birth, it's important to do them. The pelvic muscle can become weak in pregnancy.

On a personal note, how ever you chose to give birth or how ever you give birth, it dose not make you any less of a mum. The scar from a caesarean is just a mark of love.

Double Digit day - how i spent it

Well last night I noticed that I had not felt my baby move since that morning. I spent most of the night worrying about it, as a result struggled to sleep. It was about quarter to 4 before I managed to sleep.

I spent all morning in bed trying all the tricks in the book to get baby to move. Nothing worked. Just after lunch time I texted my hubby telling him that I had not felt baby move since yesterday morning and that I had no credit to phone the midwife to ask her what to do.
Bless him, he came home from work with some credit for me so I could phone her, phoned the hospital instead as thought it would be better.

After dropping off our little one to his gran parents we went to the hospital to be told as I am only 25+6 weeks all they could do was to listen to baby with a Doppler as a fatal monitor would not pick baby up yet. Though ok better then nothing.

So the midwife there listened to baby's heart beat. A perfect 140bmp. he's usual. He was just having a lazy day. I have been told if I get worried about his movements again then to phone back up.

What a way to spend my first afternoon in double digits.
My baby is now currently kicking or head butting my cervix. All at least that's what it feels like. At least I know he's ok and hopefully I sleep a bit better tonight. Actually a lot better would be nicer.

Think I over did it this evening

After spending all morning in bed pretty much, as my little one decided he was going to wake up a little after 7 and wanted to play in my bed till 11, then fall asleep from 11 till quarter to 3. I didn't mind that so much as it meant I got to nap. With the lack of energy I have it was much needed.

Anyway after giving little one his dinner this afternoon, hubby took him up stairs with him so I could have some me time and relax. Instead of relaxing I decided that gutting the living room was a better idea. It looks better then it did do but still needs some work. I am now though paying the price. My back is in quite a bit of pain and I feel so crampy. Kinda like period pain cramps. kinda coming and going but not going completely, so I don't think I should be worried. I 'll just have to keep my eye on them so to speak. Make sure they don't get worse. Would be a slight problem if they did as neither me or hubby have credit to call the midwife if it did.

Only a short one today. As you may have guessed yet another day where not much happened.

Pros and Cons of going VBAC

Ok I said a while ago i'll do this but keep putting it off. As I see my consultant for the first time next week, I thought I better have a look so I know what sort of questions to ask and what sort of response I can expect to get back. And as my little seems to be pretty sleepy right now what better time to start.

It may take me awhile to do as he's not actually asleep yet, he's doing his moaning before he actually falls asleep. To be honest I don't think it matters how long it takes me, you readers won't really know.

So lets start of with what VBAC stands for, If you are reading this you most likely already know, but's always nice to start of with what something stands for, rather then going straight into the  Pros and Cons.
So VBAC - Vaginal Birth After Caesarean.

So Pros of a VBAC

• Your labour is watched more carefully.
• You can still have all the usually pain relief (if wanted) (water birth may not be possible).
• Quicker recovery time compared to another section.
• Your baby is less likely to have breathing problems, compare to a baby born before 39 weeks via a section.
• Shorter stay in hospital providing everything goes well.
• Can give you a sense of achievement.
• If goes well more likely to be able to have another VBAC in the further.

Cons of a VBAC

• Pain from bruising and stitches in the area between vagina and back passage. (if you were to tear)
• Leaking wee while the area recovers.
• In the long term a vaginal birth can slightly increase the chances of a prolapse (other things can cause this, I will go over this at the end),
• Trying a VBAC can slightly increase the risk of  needing:
  A blood transfusion,
  Infection in your uterus,
  rupture of the uterus.

Despite the risks they are small. About 1 in 200 for a rupture.

What other risks should we be aware of when chosen a VBAC?
ALL labours are unpredictable, so there is always the chance of needing an assisted birth. Around one quarter of women who try for a VBAC go on to need another emergency C-section. The reasons for this are usually because the labour is slowing or there worries for the baby's wellbeing.
The risk of needing another emergency C-section is only slightly higher then that of a women who has not had one before. That being said the risks are slightly higher with needing another emergency C-section to one that is planned.

It's important you take the time to think about and explore your feeling of a VBAC. Talk to your doctor or midwife about it, and loved ones of course.

What are the chances of a successful  VBAC?
The chances of having your baby vaginally are likely to be good.
That will depend on though:

• Why you needed the section in the first place
• Whether you have ever had a vaginal birth
• How your pregnancy is going

If you had a section for reasons that won't change, for example a small pelvis you are more likely to need a planned section, but if you needed if for a breech baby or low lying placenta you have a good chance of being able to attempt a VBAC.

Your chance of a successful VBAC are:

•  Between 87% and 90% if you have had one or more babies vaginally before. particularly if it was a VBAC.
• Between 72% and 76%  if you have had one previous section.
• Between 70% and 75% if you have had two previous sections before.

VBAC success rates are lower if you:

• Have your labour induced, as this puts a strain on your scar, even more so if you are 40 weeks or more pregnant.
• Have only ever given birth by caesarean (this is where I am)
• Previously had a section due to baby becoming stuck during labour.
• Have a BMI of over 30 before becoming pregnant.

If all these apply to you your chances of a successful VBAC is reduced to 40%.
It may also be safer to have another section if you are having a big baby.


Ok so I mentioned earlier about one of the Cons of a VBAC is the slight increase in prolapse later in life. I said I would mention what those things were later.
The other factors that can cause prolapse later in life are:

• The type of birth you have, for example if forceps or ventouse were used .
• The number of babies you have had.
• whether your mum or sister had suffered from prolapse.
• whether you are over weight.
• whether you have had a big baby.
• whether you are often constipated.
• And the MOST important one NOT doing your pelvic floor exercises.

It's important to stretching them as the are weakened in pregnancy. It's important to do them not just during pregnancy but after as well. Do them every day. (rich coming from me as i keep forgetting to do them)

All the information I have put is from the baby centre website.

I hope if you have read this it has helped you decide what it is you want to go for.
For me it's made me want to go for another section. Mainly because I know this baby will be bigger then my first. I've not had a vaginal birth. This being my second baby i have only had an EMCS. My births will be a year apart.

I see my consultant next week, I am hoping that they will recommend another section. Knowing my luck i'd try for a VBAC and end up needing another section anyway.
Don't listen to my reasons for wanting another section, that's purely what i think.
At the end of the day the decision is yours, your doctor, midwife or consultant should guild you all the way.

Feeling sick

Well the weekend went pretty well. Did a lot of walking and boy did I know about it. Was having quite a few Braxton Hicks over the weekend, to the point where I was debating whether to call my midwife. We went Christmas shopping. brought some more Christmas decorations. I can't wait for the 1st, so we can put them up and so I can see my little boys face when he sees them.

Last night I felt like utter rubbish, felt so sick I actually threw up my stomach had felt like I had been punched so many times, my back just ached.
This morning I woke up with a headache, my back still aching, feeling sick, stomach cramps and a little bit of spotting.
Luckily the spotting didn't last long, my back doesn't hurt so much now but I do still feel sick. To top of all that my hubby may not be home tonight. I can't say why, more for his safety then anything. I know you readers (if any) don't actually know where we live as such or what his job is, it's just best not to say anything.

I am hoping he is home tonight. Our son can be a nightmare to get to sleep. Usually not going to sleep till gone 10.

I know I don't post much over the weekend, but it's usually the same things happening. Like now I really have no idea what else to right, reading the same sort of thing over and over is just not interesting. I am hoping next week I'll have a bit more to right about, seeing though I am seeing my consultant at long last.

left the house without hubby

I know that dose not seem like a big deal to most, but for me it is. It's been a good 2 3 months since I left the house without my hubby being there.
Today I will admit I was pretty scared, only because of the dizzy spells I get. I took a walk to the shop to get a drink and a chocolate bar, then met up with a friend and we went to baby club together then got our little ones weighed. My little boy now weighs 17lb 2oz and 8 and a half months. He's doing so well seeing though he was 4lb 6oz at birth. After getting little ones weighed we went back to her for the afternoon. Had a really good laugh, a much needed laugh. Our little ones defiantly kept us entertained. Theres a week age gap between the two.
Its a shame i'm moving next year, I think they would have grown up to be really good friends. They get on so well. It's so cute seeing them play together.
I didn't get home till about half 4 been out since just before half 9. Been a long day, even more so seeing though I struggled to sleep last night and every time I drifted of either my son or hubby would wake me up.

To be honest that is the most interesting thing to have happened all week. Well it would be when I don't go out.

I finally see my consultant in 2 weeks. It will be interesting to see what my chances are of a VBAC. I still have not looked up the pros and cons of a VBAC. It is something I really should look into, but I keep putting it off. Mainly because the whole idea of it scares me. There will only be a year age gap between my 2 boys. I think that's why I am so scared of the idea of  a VBAC. 

High Risk post

I am on a site called Baby and Bump, it's such a helpful site, I have learnt so much from it and I've managed to help others with the information I have been given.
I created a post in the 2nd tri called why are you High Risk. I thought having a post purely about why people get put as high risk would be interesting to see what are all the different reasons why some pregnancies are classed as high risk.
If you've read my other posts for this blog you'll know my reasons, even if you have read my post on the website you'd know.

I find pregnancy interesting. It's so different person to person and pregnancy to pregnancy.
It might seem like a silly thing to be interested in, unless your a midwife of course. Hubby thinks i'd make a good midwife. He knows I find things like this interesting, he said yesterday why not go for it, I've helped so many people already.
That's only because people have helped me in the same situation other wise I would have no clue.
I started looking up courses, it would mean going to uni of course, courses start from £9000 though.
With hubby wanting to start a business next year we can't really do it at the moment and of course having 2 under 2 wouldn't help. I told him i'd wait until the boys are older, more independent and close to leaving school. I know that will make me almost 40, I am now starting to think that might be a problem. I don't really fancy starting uni at the age 40.
I don't know I think it's something i'd have to think strongly about. My step-aunt has a child in school and trained to be a nurse so I know it can be done.

V-day

It's my V-day today, woop woop V-day hehe.

Think I should have checked when I last posted before starting this post. I think it was Tuesday before me and hubby took our son to his first firework display.
He loved it, by the looks of things. Didn't cry until we got in the car but I think that was just because he was tired and getting hungry.

Wednesday - nothing really happened that I remember of. We thought about going to another firework display, up by our home town, but I thought that might be a bit too much for the little guy.
I'm sure we did something Wednesday but can't remember what.
Oh yea stayed in all day, mainly because I don't like to leave the house without hubby or someone I know. I spoke about why in a previous post I believe. In the evening we went shopping as we had to get some ink for the printer. The plan was to get just ink for the printer and instead we ended up coming out with a board game, ink, a dvd and some other bits. Ended up spending £80 odd. woops.

Thursday - I had my 24 week midwife appointment. It went pretty well. My bump is measuring right on track 24cm. Baby's heart rate was 140bmp. A old wives tale would say that is a boy, and I am having a boy. My blood pressure was actually normal. I spoke to her about my dizzy spells and she thinks its because I am not drinking enough. Which actually kinda makes sense. I've always struggled to drink the amount I should. I spoke to her about not hearing from a consultant. If you've come from Baby and Bump forum then you may have seen my thread ranting about how my midwife had to send the paper work off 3 times before I actually got my appointment through.
When I told her I hadn't heard anything from them she was straight on the phone to them, explaining that she had faxed of the forms twice already and gave them dates of when she did them. She told infront of me that she was sending them in about 5 minutes and with the date she sent them and that she was going to put a copy of it in my notes.
About 15 minutes later I got a phone call for my consultant appointment for 3 weeks time. apparently it was the earliest appointment they had. Baring in mind that I was meant to first see them when I was 20 weeks and by the time I do actually see them i'll be 27 weeks. I think that's pretty bad.
I am hoping to find out then whether i'll have to have another C-section or not. I can see the chances of that being fairly high. As my little one had IUGR I should find out then whether i'll have extra scans to see if this one has it as well. I was measuring (by scans) a few days behind possible up till I was about 28 weeks, We think that's when the growth started to slow down. That was round about when my bump stopped growing.

Today - spent all morning in bed. Little one woke up at half 6 for a bottle, went back to sleep till about 9ish then had a little play about on my bed till about half 10 then feel asleep till about 1. It was great I got the much needed sleep. Waking up at night because you need to pee, surprisingly takes quite a bit of energy out of you. I think that might be because your sleep is disturbed.
My little one is about 8 and a half months, and today I stood him up held his hands while my hubby sat at the other end of the living holding out one of his toys. He started walking to him. The biggest smile came across my face.
We went to hubby's parents as we do on a Friday and showed them what our little one can do. As you may know if you read my first post of the blog that he was a prem. He's doing everything and more for his age, and for him to now be walking is scary. He's growing up so fast. He only started crawling last month and now he can walk if you hold his hands.
Oh yea today is my V-day. 24 weeks today. It's gone so fast. 16 weeks till my due date and 16 weeks till my little guys first birthday.

Time is dragging

Well it's been a few days since I last posted, that's mainly because my life is not actually that interesting. I sometimes wonder why I even start blogs. I guess it just gives me something to do other then being a house wife and a mother.

Anyway. Saturday was my hubby's birthday. We went to the cinema and watched the Jackass film "Bad Grampa". It was a pretty good film. There were some bits in the film that hubby cried because he was laughing so much.
Hubby's parents looked after our little boy that night, so we had a night to our selves, and some much needed sleep.

Sunday we went over to hubby's aunts and uncles and we hadn't  seen them in a while. we then went to B&Q where our little boy picked out our colour theme for this year. Out of all the colours there he picked dark purple and silver. which i'm quite glad about as I actually wanted the dark purple one, hubby didn't though. Oh well our little one picked it out so we got it. He's only 8 months so we thought we'd let him choose being his first Christmas in all.

Well yesterday not much happened, pretty much a normal week day really. Our little one actually went to bed a little earlier then normal, been trying to get him to bed earlier for a while, last night was the earliest he's gone to bed in a while. I think it was about 9 maybe just after.


Didn't really feel baby move much yesterday and haven't felt him move much today. I'm only 23 weeks so I think at this point its normal to feel them more some days then others. I'm hoping I feel him move a bit more today. My bump feels quite tight and uncomfortable today. Luckily I have midwife Thursday so I can talk to her about the lack of movement I have been feeling lately.  
Usually I feel him quite a bit a night and strong movements, the past few days not so much.

Tonight is the firework display at my hubby's work, going to take our little one there. Might as well get him use to fireworks now so he's not scared of them later in life. At least that's the plan. Means it maybe a late night for my little one, but to be honest I don't think he cares. He'll fall asleep in the car anyways.
He's turning into a right chatter box. Every now and then you can make out words. Like mummy, daddy and nanny. He's getting clever. You wouldn't think he was a prem by how well he is doing.

Thinking about VBACs

Ok so for a while now I have been thinking about a VBAC. I'm pretty sure with only having a 12 month age gap its not something I want to try. The whole idea of it scares me.
I know loads of ladies try going for a VBAC, but have they with only a 12 month age gap.
I think I may have to do some research into that.

I am meant to be seeing a consultant when I am 24 weeks, which would mean next week as I turned 23 weeks today, but I still have not heard anything. I'm classed as high risk, for a number of reason which I am sure I have mentioned before, but just in case I didn't here they are.
1. Because I had an EMCS.
2. Because I had to be induced at 36+4 weeks
3. Because my son was a tiny 4lb 6oz because of IUGR.

So I really would have thought I would have heard something by now.

I think looking up the pros and cons of a VBAC before seeing a consultant and my midwife who I see next week, maybe a good idea. It will give me an idea of what to talk about when I see them.

My son is now on the move. He's 8 months old, been crawling for about 2 weeks now and the other day he started to pull him self up on the sofa. Today he tried to get up on the sofa, but he's a little to small to get his leg up yet. He's turning into such a clever little boy. Quite surprising for a prem. 

I now must go wake up the hubby from he's nap otherwise he might struggle to sleep tonight, not that is actually matters as it is Friday and he doesn't have work tomorrow. And I also need to stop my little one from trying to chew the corner of the coffee table. He keeps staring at it, going for it and then stops and stares at it again, he maybe getting clever but some of the things he dose is so strange.