@Creedon778 I'm 36+6 - I've been getting them, but I think that's mostly because I've been having symptoms for a couple weeks that could have indicated pre-term labor. The normal protocol in my office would be to start weekly checks next week. It's possible that they let you decline them in my office, but I'm not sure.
@Creedon778 I also see a midwife like @cait32 but in a hospital office setting, not a birthing center. They also don't do cervical checks until after your due date (and even then I think you can decline them). Just like @cait32 said, my midwife says they don't really tell you much.
@Creedon778 I had a check last week at 36+1 and then again this week at 37+1. They asked me if I wanted them and I said SURE because it at least makes me feel like the appointments have a purpose... like I'm getting my money and times worth? I have had zero dilation etc both times. I know it doesn't mean really anything but I like having information. Also it will mean something to me (whether that's logical or not) if I go in next week and I'm 2cm. Though to be honest I expect no progress for a couple more weeks at least. The doctor and nurses were very apologetic immediately about there being no dilation/progress and I said it's no big deal... but I guess it shows you how many women are disappointed that there isn't some sort of action taking place as they get closer to their due date. I'll ask for a sweep once I'm overdue.
My doc does checks starting at 36wks (when they do the gbs test). But she is not insistent about it if you decline, until you are at 40wks. She also does a caveat every time that it doesn't tell you much. I've been doing them, and had her do a sweep yesterday at 39wks b/c my baby is measuring big and I want her out!
With my OB they start checking at 39 weeks. It's offered before then, but optional. I've declined the last 2 weeks since I didn't feel like the information would change anything since it's possible to go slowly over weeks or have everything happen in a day. Will probably go for it at the next appointment though since I'll be 38+4 at that one.
@Creedon778 My OB Started doing them at 38 weeks. They offered and I almost said no, since I know it doesnt really mean much and he will come when he wants. But curiosity got the best of me. I had my 39 week appointment yesterday and again had them check. Ive made progress, a lot more than they thought for a FTM, but not a simgle contraction or cramp going on over here.
ME: 28 DH: 27
Started Dating: 10/20/2006
Married: 10/20/2013
MMC @ 8w 12/15 MC @ 5w 03/16 ALEXANDER JAMES DUE JULY 15th!
Has anyone else had so much discharge this pregnancy that they would have no clue what a mucous plug looked like? I have to wear a panty liner or I would go through undies like crazy. TMI but every day since about 16 weeks it always looks like I have a really snotty tissue down there. Even when I wipe after peeing. My mom keeps asking about my mucous plug but at this point I dont know if I would even be able to tell!
ME: 28 DH: 27
Started Dating: 10/20/2006
Married: 10/20/2013
MMC @ 8w 12/15 MC @ 5w 03/16 ALEXANDER JAMES DUE JULY 15th!
Yes @RubyRedPirate pantiliners are definitely a must - that said, its probably not your mucus plug. Please don't post pictures if you're curious google it!
@satsumasandlemons eww no, I would not do that to anyone! Just like cervical checks, I know it doesnt mean much. People keep asking me and are baffled when I say I have no clue.
ME: 28 DH: 27
Started Dating: 10/20/2006
Married: 10/20/2013
MMC @ 8w 12/15 MC @ 5w 03/16 ALEXANDER JAMES DUE JULY 15th!
Thanks ladies! I skipped mine today because I had my two boys with me and I didn't want to have to answer a million questions. Next week I'll be 38 + 2 so I'll probably get one. I think I was just 1cm dilated and still a little high a couple weeks back.
@RubyRedPirate I had discharge the whole pregnancy and had the same concern. When it did come out (which was the same night I went into labour) it was definitely different enough that I could tell. It was more than the regular discharge and even though it came in pieces it was a LOT. I was still losing pieces of it when I was in triage and I remember commenting about how I couldn't believe there was still more of it left, and my midwife kind of laughed and said that there's a lot there to lose.
@RubyRedPirate I definitely thought the same thing because I had so much discharge towards the end but I didn't actually lose my mucus plug until they broke my water in the hospital during my induction.
TTC history in spoiler
Me: 31 Him: 37 Married: Oct 2015 Baby G born June 2017 TTC#2: July 2018 BFP #2: 2/6/19 MC 3/14/19 BFP#3 from IUI #2: 6/30/20 EDD 3/9/21
@RubyRedPirate Same here and I had the same thing throughout my whole pregnancy with DD. At times it was as much as the size of a tampon. I never actually saw the whole thing come out so it either snuck out during my labor at the hospital or it came out in pieces. I'm ok with not seeing it though... ick ick ick!
@nktrodden826 my OB said mine may have been a blend of both Red Man Syndrome (not technically an allergic reaction but Benadryl can still help for some reason) and an actual allergic reaction because of where it spread and how quickly it spread all over my body. I think it's the first line of defense to MRSA, so I just hope I never get that!
Good luck! Hopefully all turns out alright for you!
@Creedon778 I didn't get a cervical check until 40 weeks and she did a sweep. (1cm dilated and 50% effaced) I was back yesterday and got another exam and sweep. I didn't get numbers but she said I had progressed well since my last appointment. I probably would have declined before 40 though. For the most part I've been, "she'll come when she comes." Induction scheduled for Friday thank goodness.
@RubyRedPirate I didn't start losing my plug until I got my sweep and I think that's the only reason I did start losing it. That said, not everyone loses their plug prior to labour and even if you do, it's really no indication of whether you're close or not.
Did anyone's water leak instead of breaking at first? If so, did contractions start soon after?
I had some pink watery leakage this morning & thought it could be my water since it was definitely not a mucus consistency. Plus I lost my mucus plug over the last week. I do feel I have a very slow leak but no contractions. The nurse told me to just keep an eye on it & go to L&D if I have a gush or start having contractions close together.
FWIW my Dr said you'd have a constant trickle running down your leg. It wouldn't leak just once and then stop. If you find yourself changing your underwear or panty liner a few times in a row then it's probably your water but your discharge becomes watery this late in the game so if it was just once and then nothing it's probably urine or discharge. @kmelton811
Also heard you can lay down for a bit, switch up position etc and then get back up and look for a gush. Baby's head might be blocking the water from coming out full steam but if you can reposition the baby for a hot second and unplug it... then you might get your gush. No guarantees though, could just be a leaky bag
Has anyone flown on a long-haul flight with a 3.5 month old? DH and his parents have to go to a conference in Tennessee for the family business. DH and I are considering just flying out to the east coast first to visit my family since it will be around the time the baby is 100 days old. There's a direct flight from Honolulu to NY. We would fly to Nashville afterwards and then fly back to Hawaii via Seattle.
This seems like a crazy idea, but we can get a super great deal on flights. I really want to see my family since I won't get to go home for Thanksgiving like I normally do. This is the only time I'll see my sisters probably for a while.
@Twinkiedoll I went HI to MD and back when DD was 7-9 weeks for a family trip. She slept the whole time, it was much less stressful than I had anticipated.
@Twinkiedoll We live overseas and travel a lot for both business and pleasure. DS was on 30 flights by his 2nd birthday. His first was transatlantic at 7 weeks. Super easy. 3.5 months is a great age - baby should still be sleeping a lot, and will easily stay on your lap. You can perhaps get an in-flight bassinet, too - check the airlines' policies and see if you can't choose one that's more baby friendly. (Free checked bag for baby, bassinets, etc.)
Google has a lot of crappy info about a lot of things...but it's surprisingly good for tips on flying with babies, I've found.
@virginiaunicorn11 Oh wow, I had no idea about in-flight bassinets. That's so cool. Thanks!
Thanks, @virginiaunicorn11; @alcrimmins; and @OperaSingerMommy. You've given me a lot more confidence that this trip is not completely insane and over-ambitious. I think we're going to book the flights tonight. I'm excited. And my mom is going to be SO excited.
I traveled alone with dd when she was almost three months old. It was nerve wracking but everyone is so considerate and wants to help. Definitely check into what the airlines let you check for free! @Twinkiedoll
@Twinkiedoll we started flying at 6 mo but our understanding is it's easier the younger they are - we're actually flying to North Carolina when this kid is I guess 2.5 mo?
@Twinkiedoll I don't have personal experience yet, but when we lived overseas several years ago my friend flew with her new baby from TX to West Africa at 2 weeks. When we move overseas next month baby will be between 2 weeks and one month. The advice I keep hearing is to to wear the baby as much as possible and to nurse during takeoff and landing. But you are totally not crazy! Sounds like a great opportunity to see your family!
Did anyone's water leak instead of breaking at first? If so, did contractions start soon after?
I had some pink watery leakage this morning & thought it could be my water since it was definitely not a mucus consistency. Plus I lost my mucus plug over the last week. I do feel I have a very slow leak but no contractions. The nurse told me to just keep an eye on it & go to L&D if I have a gush or start having contractions close together.
My SIL leaked for several days thinking she was peeing on herself. At her last appointment on the thirdshe was sent to l&d. She didn't mention a color, but it possible. If it lasts for several hours after switching positions and all, I'd go in.
@Twinkiedoll I don't have personal experience yet, but when we lived overseas several years ago my friend flew with her new baby from TX to West Africa at 2 weeks. When we move overseas next month baby will be between 2 weeks and one month. The advice I keep hearing is to to wear the baby as much as possible and to nurse during takeoff and landing. But you are totally not crazy! Sounds like a great opportunity to see your family!
Yes, absolutely to this. BUT! Babies are sooo sleepy. DS's first few flights, I would panic if he wouldn't wake to nurse. It turned out not to be an issue. If baby will wake, nurse him/her during takeoff/landing. If not, enjoy the down time. Also, maybe you want to consider a window seat for more nursing privacy.
ETA: my other tip is always always ask about your seats at check-in. They will often give you an extra seat or somehow ensure you're more comfortable. If you don't ask, they won't always do it. When we flew the first couple months, I liked putting the boppy on my lap for baby to sleep on, but I can't remember when baby aged out of that.
@virginiaunicorn11 that is great advice! DS first flight I was so worried about nursing during take off that I delayed feeding him by a few mins and it was a huge mistake. He was then too upset at take off that he wouldn't latch and I had a hell of a time calming him (this was the first time I whipped a boob out in public vs using a cover). IMO a happy baby will travel best. So feed when they are hungry (if that means during take off then great!), change diaper when needed, etc.
Does anyone have the Pack N' Play with the bassinet, changing table, and cuddle cove? I'm wondering if I can leave the changing table in while the baby sleeps (overnight). I also need to see if I can get the fitted sheet on there tighter. Those sheets suck. Here are pictures:
@crzyforbabies does the changing part fold up? It does on my PNP. We would just fold it up and she would sleep in there the first few months. We did have her head at the other end.
@crzyforbabies I have the snuggle suite pack n play which also has the click in table. My manual has this warning:
Strangulation Hazard: Child can lift changing table and get neck
trapped between changing table and playard frame. Always
remove the changing table when your child is in the playard.
@crzyforbabies I have the same one and I never let DD nap next to the changer/bassinet attachment. I know the chances of a baby rolling over before 10 weeks or so are incredibly low but it freaked me out too much. Honestly, I never used the changer attachment in the early days. It was easier to leave it off and change her on the floor so she could just nap in the top hanging part of the pack n play on a flat surface. Later on I used it as a changing station outside of the nursruy so I still got some use out of it.
Re: Big Dumb Questions Thread
I'll ask for a sweep once I'm overdue.
MC @ 5w 03/16
ALEXANDER JAMES DUE JULY 15th!
MC @ 5w 03/16
ALEXANDER JAMES DUE JULY 15th!
@RubyRedPirate - Yes!!!! Going without a panty liner (or an actual pad some days) is not an option
Married: 06-2024
TTC #1: Since November 2015
Restarted TTC "count" Oct. 2016
due to previous issues.
***TW***
BFP: 11/4/2016
BFP: 07/17/2024
MC @ 5w 03/16
ALEXANDER JAMES DUE JULY 15th!
Married: Oct 2015
Baby G born June 2017
TTC#2: July 2018
BFP #2: 2/6/19 MC 3/14/19
BFP#3 from IUI #2: 6/30/20 EDD 3/9/21
Good luck! Hopefully all turns out alright for you!
@RubyRedPirate I didn't start losing my plug until I got my sweep and I think that's the only reason I did start losing it. That said, not everyone loses their plug prior to labour and even if you do, it's really no indication of whether you're close or not.
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
I had some pink watery leakage this morning & thought it could be my water since it was definitely not a mucus consistency. Plus I lost my mucus plug over the last week. I do feel I have a very slow leak but no contractions. The nurse told me to just keep an eye on it & go to L&D if I have a gush or start having contractions close together.
This seems like a crazy idea, but we can get a super great deal on flights. I really want to see my family since I won't get to go home for Thanksgiving like I normally do. This is the only time I'll see my sisters probably for a while.
We live overseas and travel a lot for both business and pleasure. DS was on 30 flights by his 2nd birthday. His first was transatlantic at 7 weeks. Super easy.
3.5 months is a great age - baby should still be sleeping a lot, and will easily stay on your lap.
You can perhaps get an in-flight bassinet, too - check the airlines' policies and see if you can't choose one that's more baby friendly. (Free checked bag for baby, bassinets, etc.)
Google has a lot of crappy info about a lot of things...but it's surprisingly good for tips on flying with babies, I've found.
Thanks, @virginiaunicorn11; @alcrimmins; and @OperaSingerMommy. You've given me a lot more confidence that this trip is not completely insane and over-ambitious. I think we're going to book the flights tonight. I'm excited. And my mom is going to be SO excited.
ETA: my other tip is always always ask about your seats at check-in. They will often give you an extra seat or somehow ensure you're more comfortable. If you don't ask, they won't always do it. When we flew the first couple months, I liked putting the boppy on my lap for baby to sleep on, but I can't remember when baby aged out of that.
Strangulation Hazard: Child can lift changing table and get neck trapped between changing table and playard frame. Always remove the changing table when your child is in the playard.