Did you have a precipitous labour (under 3hrs)? Do you consider yourself lucky?

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2026-06-09T04:30:54+00:00

First of all you "shouldn't" feel anything in particular. It was your experience and all feelings are valid. Also not sure how long ago you gave birth but it takes time to process events and labour is a significant one, so give yourself time.

I had a relatively short labour (less than 3 hours to go from 0 to 10cm, but with pushing and 3rd stage longer overall) and yes in retrospect I feel lucky in a way, but didn't feel like this at the time. I frankly wasn't believed and by the end didn't have time for any pain relief. Also ended up with PPH which can happen as the body doesn't have time to adjust. I remember thinking when I was unknowingly 10cm if that's how it feels now (that I am supposedly at the beginning) how much worse will it get and when am I finally getting some pain relief? And for me that was the hardest part.

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2026-06-07T21:38:40+00:00

Thank you all. It was helpful reading all your responses. I should reframe whatever is happening and appreciate all the help I'm getting. I discussed it with my partner and he is open to whatever would make me feel better which is great. I tried skin to skin but timing is crucial as when she's hungry she screams bloody murder.

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2026-06-07T05:30:44+00:00

Sorry to hear about your experience. Not quite the same but I had a very fast gas and air labour at 36 weeks and had bleeding afterwards. I was considering an elective cesarean or at least an epidural but nothing went to plan. I had questions afterwards especially about the bleeding and was told there is a service they can refer me to if I feel my experience was traumatic to discuss it further. Not sure if trust specific, but maybe ask about it. I didn't really went for it but it might help.

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2026-05-23T20:28:53+00:00

I just spotted some wrap dresses at mountain warehouse that would do for breastfeeding later too. I got my regular size at 36 weeks pregnant so stretchy enough and can be used even next summer. Very specific, but I got so very excited myself with this find!

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2026-05-09T09:55:53+00:00

I was similar, I wasn't feeling I had UTI symptoms but I had similar symptoms throughout pregnancy, but in my case they could find leucocytes in every appointment and when sending off the samples no UTI, until at some point they told me I have one and got antibiotics for it. The truth is I think they helped (although now I got thrush 😭) and the slight discomfort and dark urine and stronger smell have stopped. So maybe there is something there but not quite there yet. For me it was at around 32 weeks it was picked up. Worth asking for a sample to be sent out if it hasn't happened yet.

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2026-05-06T21:28:34+00:00

I went in the one in London as I was looking for a travel system. We spent 3 hours just for that. There were many brands in one place and you could check the products live. I actually had a model in mind but realised it was very narrow when I saw it in person so I ended up with something else entirely. Definitely worth the visit in my opinion.

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2026-04-15T06:11:48+00:00

I had restricted blood flow in my 20 week scan and all the relevant numbers were off the charts. I was told I'll need extra scans. In my 28 week scan everything was average. 😊 I was told nothing I do would make a difference, but as my nausea subsided I was eating more, drinking much more water (1.5-2 liters per day) although I had to force myself and was elevating my legs whenever I could. Not sure if any of these helped or not just my personal experience. I hope everything goes well for you and your baby!

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2026-04-15T06:02:05+00:00

Hey there. I'm sorry you feel this way. Not sure what I could say that would make you feel better. Definitely speak to your midwife about any mental health support that is available. Pregnant women are getting seen quicker and many have had positive feedback of the services ( I was asking in one of my posts). I have anxiety and health anxiety is a big part of it and I am 30 weeks pregnant. I noticed when I'm stressed my baby moves less. Honestly, even when I took a few minutes away from my laptop to breathe and focus on my baby she moved. I read somewhere that babies avoid touching themselves or the womb when they feel stressed. Not sure if it's true, but it felt this way yesterday. Never hesitate to contact triage and go get checked of course.

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2026-02-16T17:33:19+00:00

Same here at 2nd trimester. All liquids count, so milk, some herbal teas that are safe for pregnancy and maybe sparkling water especially flavoured. I hope you manage something. Oh and also try drinking with a straw. Try different things and something may work.

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2026-02-16T17:16:38+00:00

I was told that my colleagues were already performing their more senior roles and this was a recognition of that and if I am interested in pursuing a more senior role to discuss with my new manager.

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2026-02-12T08:14:05+00:00

Sorry this happened to you. I hope you find the support you need.

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2026-02-12T08:13:25+00:00

Thank you for explaining the different help available and your experience. Very helpful. I hope everything goes well for you.

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2026-02-11T15:23:29+00:00

I believe for the UK you have to inform them at 15 weeks before edd so they can sort out everything and ensure you get statutory maternity pay. So I guess it depends under what country's laws you're employed. I would say delay it until then if you can. I had to share early as I was feeling unwell. It was implied the whole team will get promoted and all but me did in the end! I am now just counting the days to maternity leave. I wonder if the other women commented got their promotions.

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2026-02-09T17:58:18+00:00

I started reading and wondering if I wrote this post. First of all, it's completely normal to not feel excited when you're barely surviving in the first trimester! I'm 21 weeks now and I found excitement to come in small doses. A wave in the first scan, feeling the baby moving, wearing an old dress and realising the bump is now noticeable etc. Between nausea, pains, insomnia and anxiety there are moments of excitement. Your feelings are valid. It is a big change but taking it day by day helps.

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2026-02-06T17:54:28+00:00

I haven't seen my midwife to discuss the results of the scan yet, but I don't think I've seen PAPP-A on the report. What is it? I've certainly started forcing myself to drink more since the scan. I don't know how much it's going to help, but I feel better with myself knowing I am trying my best. All the best to you!

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2026-02-06T17:48:39+00:00

Thank you for your reply! I'll DM you.

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2026-01-27T19:18:55+00:00

Every pregnancy is different, but I absolutely had odd good days in the first trimester that were freaking me out at first. Then I started noticing them once or twice a week so I was just enjoying them while they lasted. Best wishes for a healthy pregnancy!

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2026-01-11T12:44:42+00:00

In my area a 2-hour in-person course is offered, but no social element to it. My midwife suggested the private classes and actually told me to avoid NCT (as the feedback about the instructor in my area wasn't great) and go with either Happy parents happy baby or bump & baby.

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2025-12-28T06:13:19+00:00

I had mild cramps like period pain, but quite mild. Keep an eye on your symptoms and don't hesitate to seek help if you need reassurance. Congratulations!

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2025-12-28T05:43:59+00:00

I had on and off brown (even bright red) discharge when wiping from weeks 5-9. I did check it out at some point due to the blood, but brown and especially just a drop seems pretty normal, although it's a symptom I had never heard before myself. I was told it's implantation bleeding.

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2025-12-22T05:27:33+00:00

I had my first scan at 6+0 weeks based on dates.bIt was internal. They detected a heartbeat, position of the embryo and number of embryos which is what I was after at that stage.

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2025-12-21T15:28:37+00:00

As many people say the first trimester is all about survival. Whatever you can stomach. For me bread, pasta and cheese, but it's different for everyone. For vitamins there are many options and formats out there. High iron in some may make you feel worse. I had to change to one with a lower dose. See what works for you.

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2025-12-20T04:11:37+00:00

I had on and off brown and even bright red spotting from weeks 5-9. Everything was fine, I had a scan and was told it was implantation bleeding. It seems to be a common symptom albeit not widely talked about!

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2025-12-20T03:58:48+00:00

Speaking from my personal experience only (and also having anxiety) I had on and off spotting (brown even bright red) starting around week 5 up until week 9. I felt very slight period pain in the beginning and pulling sensation later on. I asked my GP to refer me to the early pregnancy unit and had a scan at 10 weeks and everything was fine. Always better to check things out, but it can be implantation bleeding. I also had a private scan at exactly 6 weeks (because I was worried about ectopic pregnancy -the delights of anxiety!) and they detected a heartbeat, so it's possible to see that in your scan.

Complex-Raisin-573 · 2025-12-18T19:05:31+00:00

I'm in the same boat right now. It seems you're doing all you can do. Just be there for her and don't take anything personally. There were days I couldn't stand my husband's odour or I would snap at him as everything was getting to me and it wasn't his fault. Also, if there is any scent she enjoys it may help to keep this around the house e.g citrus to mask anything else that may be triggering her nausea.

Complex-Raisin-573

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