Community Posts, Tips & Support on Labor & Birth

I’m 39+3 today how long after losing your plug did you go into labor I’ve had contractions off and on for a week now. Yesterday I had a semi sweep I was only 1/2 cm dilated so she couldn’t truly do one but I’m very limited on getting this baby out since I’m going for a VBAC and want to avoid another c-section so I c...

Im really intrigued to know if anyone has had uncommon signs that labour was near? Other than the usual of waters going, contractions or mucus plug? I have had some stress lately with my blood pressure so things could be stress related too, but the last couple days I have been getting a pressure feeling in my bum,...

Trying to work out the possibility of my mum bringing in my son to see me/meet baby after my c section. I have an afternoon booking (have to be there for 12:30) what’s the likelihood of being able to have them come in before visiting hours are over at 8pm?!

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on what hospital I should give birth in. I am currently 25 weeks pregnant and am due in July. I am booked in with Royal Berkshire hospital but I have frimley park hospital the same distance away. I was wondering if anyone had experience with either hospital whether ...

So I’m probably going to be getting induced tomorrow at Darenth Valley hospital! Any tips, advice? I’m so scared 😭😭😭

Hi! so in short i’m preggy so i’ve collected a ton of colostrum and my 5 year old woke up a a cough and cold. i want to give her some of what i collected because i have plenty but idk how much i should give her? anyone have any ideas? suggestions? i have some of the 1ml syringes, 5 ml, and then i’ve collected 1-3...

I've taken 3 packs (18 feeds) in my hospital bag. I'm due to have a c section at 38+1 and unsure how many I'll actually need to take. I'm expecting to be in hospital for 3 days. I can't rely on the hospital to top me up with feeds as I'll be using kendamil and I don't think they stock that brand.

I am 38 weeks today. Just realized discharge or could be my mucus plug (lil brownish in color) I am not sure whether to call hospital or be worried at home. I m also experiencing back ache a lot lately continuously with mints of gap. Pour suggestions. xx

After feeling really nervous about the care at Derby Royal after seeing so many negative comments, I just want to reassure anyone who feels the same that I could not fault the care I received. Labour took an unfortunate turn with ending in surgery but every single midwife, nurse, doctor, anaesthetist and beyond was ...

Can you please share your positive elective c sections with me? Due to have one in July and I’m absolutely terrified. Please no horror stories as my anxiety couldn’t take it.

My rainbow baby at 19w has a rare heart defect and LOW survival rate. A choice to make between two heartbreaks. Any advice?

Does anyone know if partners can stay overnight after giving birth at Birmingham woman’s hospital?

Hi all - anyone who has had a baby recently in the women’s - can partners stay over? I’m due in August and my first baby was born in Covid so worried about being on my own again!! Thank you x

I’m being induced in a few days. Does anyone have any advice? Without sounding dramatic 🤪I’ve mentally prepared myself to be waiting around a lot, have accepted the idea that the induction may be delayed, that it could take days and things may or may not work. Things could change in an instant etc. On a practical…

Hi all, first time mum here! My waters broke about 3:30am this morning, went to the hospital and they confirmed it. Still getting leaking from my waters every so often. Is this normal? Anddd I don’t want to be induced they’ve sent me home to try and progress naturally. Anyone got any tips to progress naturally bef...

Hey everyone, I’m 37+1 today and just feel off. Lost my mucus plug maybe 2 weeks ago, I’ve got the worst upset stomach today and I’ve just been sick. I’m also cramping and got back pain. I’m scheduled to see my consultant later on but didn’t know if these could all be signs of early labour or not? Has anyone ever...

I had a sweep yesterday at 38+2, and she advised my cervix was soft, shortening (approx 2cm) and I was 1cm dilated. She was able to perform the sweep, and I’ve had irregular cramps and backache since, this morning I lost a fair amount of mucus plug. This is my second baby, but was induced with my 1st so I have no id...

I’m 4 weeks post op with my c section. I know recovery is 6 weeks, however I’m wondering how long people have left it before returning to the gym or getting back running? And what exercises you started off with and how long is was before you could do all the things at the gym you could do before the operation.

How long after anyone’s blood show did they go into labour please? Thank you

Good morning I am 32 + 6 pregnant and lost my mucus plug throughout the day yesterday. When I rang PAU they said not to worry as I don’t have any other signs of labour. I was just wondering if anyone else has lost their mucus plug this early? I spent yesterday packing a hospital bag just incase. This is my sec...