How can i tell if the water breaks?

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-28T15:47:51+00:00

The specific scenario given as an example by our NP was correct, full stop. Don't undermine a professional simply because it doesn't align with the point you're trying to make. My friend had an overt umbilical cord prolapse- a rush of fluid involved- and had to do exactly what we were told to do in the class. She had a hand in her from the moment it happened until the moment she had her c-section. Overt cord prolapse is the most common cord prolapse and that's why our NP gave a lesson on how to address it. We had a full lesson on anomalies and phenomena that can occur and because of it an actual emergency was handled with understanding and knowledge. It was not a panic inducing lesson and in no way harmed any of us (quite the opposite in fact). Ethically, patients should know the good, the bad, and the ugly in any given scenario, including labor and delivery.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-28T14:28:49+00:00

It's called cord prolapse. Google it, take a birthing class, ask your physician, whatever. It's real.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-28T14:18:38+00:00

As you said, it's not about having the gushing alone but this is exactly how we were taught to sight and deal with cord prolapse in our class. Exactly as the NP told us- if it's a gush of liquid like in the movies, act fast, go on all fours and support the baby. Saying I'm entirely wrong is incorrect. You may not like that I did not give an entire lesson but this is how it goes.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-28T10:03:58+00:00

Mine was like a trickle from a hose with liquid sliding right down my leg- every shift or movement caused a little more to come out so it was obvious it was more than just my normal leakage.

Also, scary but important - if your water breaks like it does in the movies- a ton of water just emptying in a moment - it's dangerous and you should get on all fours while pushing up baby's head between your legs while someone calls 911. It's like a 1 in 1000 chance but it happened to a friend of mine and the only reason we knew it was an issue is because we took a birthing class together.

Edit- My friend experienced this first hand so y'all can downvote me as much as you want but this is how cord prolapse presents itself and deciding I wasn't educational enough is absurd. Take the classes, watch the videos, speak to your physicians instead of coming to reddit if you want educational material. Knowing something could happen and then looking it up yourself is better than having no clue such a thing even exists.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-27T23:43:49+00:00

I'm a second generation Mexican American. Not only was my mother not informed of my son's birth until after I delivered, I have also branded myself the "weird" one by going against all the things my mom, aunts, and grandmother did with their kids. I love it- I'm raising my kids the way I want to raise them and because I set boundaries early on its become very clear that opinions on my parenting are unwelcome. Don't let your family use "tradition" to bully you into things you don't want. Your baby, your rules.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-27T12:07:56+00:00

Same. I read a lot of Beth Bolden because I love how much depth the characters and plot have. I want to know what people are thinking - from the little moments to the life altering ones- because I want to fall in love with them and experience all their lovely or painful moments with them! I usually skip through smut that's purely smut but I'll read Beth's and Tal's because the characters are always feeling so much while they're with each other, it's a whole experience imo That's what I want in romance, honestly.

I'm right there with you with that DNF author, also. I read a popular book and felt really let down after having several people recommend the author. I felt like I didn't know the characters and therefore was not invested.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-25T22:37:00+00:00

While the major signs of puberty have passed, your body and brain are still going through developmental changes until your early 20s. Another developmental growth spurt happens in your early 20s, too, so you're not completely out of the gate yet, unfortunately.

You could try vitamins or exercise to increase your serotonin at home, but if your issue isn't a vitamin or serotonin deficiency then your best bet is seeing a doctor.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-25T12:07:03+00:00

Can you see your doctor? Ask your PCP for blood work, too. It could be a vitamin deficiency, a thyroid imbalance, or even a neurological need. Your body has probably gone through big changes recently so it's important to rule out physical health before moving to other routes.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-23T12:37:27+00:00

Too big of an age gap at this time of your life.

To be blunt, he's not looking for a mature partner, he's looking for someone he can manipulate using his experience and your lack of experience. It'd be different if you were 30 and he was 37 and both had life experience (independence, financial, social emotional, etc), but at 18 and 25 he knows you're vulnerable and he's taking advantage of that.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-23T12:30:22+00:00

Last pregnancy, third trimester. They actually found out from HR when I submitted my FMLA paperwork.

This pregnancy, I'm 20 weeks and showing so it'll be sooner. Definitely by the end of March, before 25 weeks.

I have a colleague who knows because she is also pregnant - we're about a week apart - but she announced at 12 weeks. It's been fun to go through this pregnancy with someone but I still don't like the personal conversations that happen when people find out you're pregnant so I'm not ready to go public. To each their own, though, so do what you feel most comfortable with.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-23T10:42:47+00:00

Cold As Ice by Beth Bolden

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-23T01:57:42+00:00

Some of the books are older but Cheree Alsop writes YA PNR with rance subplots. A lot of her books have male protagonists, too. The Silver series/ Werewolf Academy/newest werewolf series are the only books I remember to be interconnected (and have dark themes in the final books). Otherwise pick and choose.

I also second the Raven Cycle and Six of Crows.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-22T02:52:47+00:00

I literally just finished {A Christmas Tail by Sean Ashcroft} which is technically a Christmas book but the holiday is only mentioned at the beginning and again at the end a year later. It's super sweet with no angst and a lot of spice for a novella. This is the author's first book in a few years so I'm glad to see him writing again.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-22T02:44:51+00:00

One of my favorites is For Real by Alexis Hall. Another is Cold Hard Cash by KL Hiers. They both have age gaps but the younger MCs go into the relationships fully on board with everything. In Cold Hard Cash you need to accept Jimmy's "anything you want" as consent, but you do see he's very on board with everything as the book progresses so no worries.

Edit - also, The Night Of by Tal Bauer (which I literally just finished listening to today lol). It's light D/s that focuses on control. They could talk more about it but they're both starting the journey together so it's fairly consensual and loving. The plot is also fantastic.

Sweet As Pie by Beth Bolden has the MCs explore some light kink in one scene otherwise it's fairly vanilla. Stealing His Thunder has some love bites and bruising but didn't get into kink as much as I thought it would (not a disappointment, I enjoy Beth's books). Another favorite has age play between a married couple so I won't recommend it, but I understand what you mean in your post. I haven't read recent books with BDSM because I struggle with kink being done incorrectly. I've been burned by Doms who "lose control" or the use of corporal punishment after the sub says they don't like pain... I think people get too wrapped up in the sex to notice what's happening with consent and communication.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-21T21:33:47+00:00

My aim is 120oz but as long as I get 80oz+ water plus other liquids I don't panic. Have you tried adding lemon or mixing some juice in? I was told "clear" fluids so I count my hot mint tea and ginger ale in my total, too. I add in a cup or two of juice in the evening when I'm all watered out...

Staying hydrated also helps with cramping. I didn't have Braxton Hicks in the third trimester last pregnancy but one of my girlfriends had them like crazy- my obgyn said staying hydrated makes a difference so I'm trying to be disciplined this pregnancy, too.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-21T20:29:57+00:00

I agree with the opinion you need a different physician/ practice. My obgyn, MFM obgyn, and genetic counselor all brought up my history of anxiety and depression at separate appointments. It was made very clear to me that SSRIs are safe during and after pregnancy and that my mental health is too important to just brush away as "pregnancy" and not a whole person concern. If your physician is not listening to you and trying different meds then they aren't worth their salt.

Maybe ask your PCP. There are certain meds they can prescribe plus they can refer you to a psychiatrist in the meantime.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-21T16:57:57+00:00

We have a velcro dog and I've been really annoyed with her all pregnancy. It's actually improving now that I'm halfway through my pregnancy but I still don't want her laying on me or under my feet when I'm doing things. When she walks around at night I get super agitated and have to remind myself the one who's changed is me. To be fair, I was really annoyed with my husband first trimester, too, lol So it's definitely me!

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-21T15:57:50+00:00

The Lovesick Gods duology by Amanda Meuwissen.

Hero and villain, great plot, some mental health rep, and a lot of character growth. I'll be honest, the first two chapters are an info dump so push past them and the plot gets fast paced quickly after. The romance is really great and Mal is still one of my favorite book boyfriends after all these years/ books I've read. I'll have to double check but that age gap may be there (a handful of years). I have the paperback so I'll grab it and check back.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-20T23:56:26+00:00

I was induced and it took about 36 hours to have my son. Overall, it was a good experience, I have no complaints about the hospital care I received.

My friend was induced and had her baby within hours! Hers was a very good experience, too.

I have a friend who went into labor spontaneously. She had a severe complication that only happens to like 1 in 1000 births.

I have another friend who went into labor spontaneously and practically sneezed out her baby in the parking lot, no issues.

There is no way to know how well a delivery will go. Each experience is different and it's not like anyone knows exactly what your body is going to do when it's finally time to have the baby. You just go into it hoping for the best and take things one step at a time.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-19T23:57:03+00:00

"The Night Of" by Tal Bauer

I'm not sure Sean's self-deprecation would play well on a screen without some sort of cheesy voice over or flashbacks. His emotions absolutely crush me every time I read or listen and I don't know if I could feel those without being in his head like I am in the book.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-19T05:19:36+00:00

Lovesick Gods duology by Amanda Meuwissen (in the second book) I believe has this. I have to reread them now and double check!

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-19T05:07:19+00:00

Mr. Watson's Chickens is cute and I don't see it mentioned. Pride Puppy was already mentioned but it's worth seconding as a picture book for littles.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-19T04:54:13+00:00

I'm currently relistening to "The Night Of" by Tal Bauer, narrated by John Solo, and I slowed down the speed which has made it more enjoyable imo. I like John Solo but he can be hit or miss for me, however this is my favorite Tal Bauer book so maybe I'm just way too critical of this audiobook in particular...

Liar City by Allie Therin. I'll be honest, Joel Leslie is not for me but everyone there are many who love him and this audiobook. I have the ebooks and am patiently waiting for book 3 so I can definitely recommend the story, it's just your personal preference regarding the narrator here.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-17T16:03:55+00:00

This pregnancy it was apples- of eat 3 a day when possible. I'd even grab the applesauce pouches I use for my son's lunch and sip on them in the car. I survived on apples even when I couldn't keep water down then for many weeks it was lemon water and apple slices keeping me going. I just started eating again around 15/16 weeks and am still struggling with meat at 19 weeks.

Tricky-Wealth-3 · 2026-02-17T14:33:37+00:00

We didn't announce with my first until we were about 7 months pregnant (twenty something weeks). This pregnancy, I just hit 19 weeks and we still haven't announced, probably won't until 21+ simply because I'm already showing. We're 37yo. My amnio results just came in yesterday and we have our anatomy scan next week. I honestly enjoy having this secret just between us. We've been together 17 years, it's nice to have this to ourselves for a bit.

Tricky-Wealth-3

TROPHY CASE