Preggo Stuff - UPDATE - 2nd update: I AM IN LABOUR

Chuffy

Oh and my blood test came back - I am "quite anemic".  I've picked up my prescription of iron tablets like a good girl, and I'm torn between taking them and hoping it boosts my iron levels enough that it doesn't give them another reason to try to block my home birth, or not taking them and saving myself the constipation and heartburn.... Not to mention the fact that the low count is probably physiological anyway and not a cause for alarm, and that more iron will block the absorption of zinc (important growth factor) and can increase the risk of low birth weight baby.....  Oh and increase the risk of pre-eclampsia as well. 

Can you simply pig out on irony foods?  Hummus, spinach, figs, dates, prunes (which help offset the constipation you can get FROM iron).

My holistic vet always says that the iron IS THERE SOMEWHERE in the body -- and unless you are LOSING iron (as in bleeding heavily every month) then it's just that the iron isn't really where it needs to be IN the body and usually isn't as much a cause for concern as they'd make it to be.

I am eating plenty of iron rich foods... and plenty of Vit C to help the absorption of iron as well.  The same thing happened last time and the same thing happened with my mum too.  You're right that the iron is THERE, part of the problem is that it is more dilute because I have a higher blood volume due to being pregnant.

The main problem is that I'm hoping for a physiological 3rd stage (delivering the placenta without drugs, cord traction or pressure on my tummy) and that usually results in slightly higher blood loss..... with LESS bleeding over the following days.  But, because they are paranoid about me losing "too much blood" when my iron is low, I am concerned that they will A) try to stop me birthing at home and B) try to stop me having a physiological 3rd stage.  I really just want to enjoy my pregnancy and birth without having to argue with the people attending me.  Sigh.

 Blood results just in - my Hb is TEN!  YAY!  Ideally, it needs to be 11 for the homebirth.  If it isn't I have to sign a form to say that I have decided to birth at home against medical advice.  I'm happy with that result

 Very cool! 

Apparently my Hb being 10 is fine - that's the minimum, they would prefer it to be 11 or higher, but 10 is still OK for a HB.  I'm about 10.2, so I'm good to go.  Next week I have a midw appt, she leaves the home birth kit at my house and my pool should arrive next week as well. 

So glad you will be able to move forward with your plans for a HB!!!  What is your due date?

Very exciting! I can't wait to find out what you're having and see all the cute baby and Will pictures!!!

mrstjohnson

So glad you will be able to move forward with your plans for a HB!!!  What is your due date?

Me too!!  Forgot to mention in last post.... SQUEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

Estimated date of asplosion is 11th June.  Cannot believe how close it's getting!  I've washed loads of dinky baby things from when Will was newborn, was practically hoping round the kitchen with excitement!

ewin0210

Very exciting! I can't wait to find out what you're having and see all the cute baby and Will pictures!!!

I honestly don't know.  I feel very much like I did last time at the moment, and Will is CONVINCED he is having a brother.  So that says boy.  But some days I just feel in my bones that I am having a girl.  Can't wait to find out.....  and since I'll hopefully be at home, pictures will definitely not be long in coming

 I had the scariest moment of my life last night....  I had a (ahem) clear out and then LOADS of really strong Braxton Hicks.... I was just going, "holy cow, you can't come now baby, we're not ready yet!  The pool isn't here, the bath won't be big enough and the MW would not be happy about me being at home if you were pre-term, so PLEASE stay put a little longer!"  I drank lots of water and lay down and things seemed to settle, no show, no waters, no BHs today...  False alarm, as you were, resume normal activities etc etc.  But, PHEW!  Wonder if this means Peanut will come early? 

 My water's went about half an hour ago.  Some minor niggles in the contraction department, but nothing major.  It has to get going in the next 24 hrs or they will want me to move to hospiatl and I really want this baba born at home!  Please send me lots of vibes for a smooth labour and peaceful delivery

 Sending my wishes for a smooth delivery and healthy baby and Mommy...good luck!

Good Luck!!!!  Can't wait to see the little one.

congrats!  I hope for a health baby and mommy!

 Good luck! lots of positive vibes for a healthy delivery and baby and mom!!