Smear fear 😭

Need some motivation, ive got a smear tomorrow and last time I had one it was very traumatic, think I would rather have a c section again, does anyone else struggle with smears due to only having female partners?

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Okay so was in the same boat- hated my smears for the same reasons BUT after fertility treatment and childbirth, I had mine yesterday and it was so fine. I waited for it to get bad, was doing my breathing etc and she was like ‘all done’!

I have always found them painful sadly. Think it's because I have a reversed cervix. If you have the same, the tip is to raise your pelvis and sit on your fists.
You can also request a small speculum.
You will be fine though, even if it is unpleasant. Have a treat or something nice planned afterwards as a reward. X

I’ve only had 2 and haven’t liked either of them, one before and one after my c-section. I think I didn’t like it because it’s such an intimate area that a stranger is near more than because I’ve only had female partners. I just tried to remember how important it is for them to be done and then after got myself a little treat, gave me something to look forward to. Just remember if you need a couple minutes before it starts the nurse won’t mind and would rather you be more calm than rush yourself

Absolutely Alison 👍🏼. If you're nervous, tell the lady. They're used to it and are happy to accommodate any requests or take it slowly at your pace X

Completely with you!! I’ve only ever been with females and my wife carried our baby. First one I had was horrible, she wasn’t a very nice nurse. Second and third times I made sure I told them that I’ve only ever been with females and about the first nurse being rather rough.
Just let them know how you’re feeling!
Definitely go get yourself a treat afterwards.
You will be fine 💜

I did it guys!

Well done! How was it?

Yes, it's never pleasant 👎🏼 but well done! It's important 👌🏼👍🏼

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Anyone else up feeding their Bebe?

As above. Trying so hard to keep my eyes open

Is this normal??

I’m 29 weeks pregnant and having really aching legs and they’re all lumpy and swollen. Above the knee and behind the knee . Should I be worried ? My legs have never looked like this up until a few days ago. ??

Induction experience

I just wanted to share my experience with being induced as I wasn’t sure what to expect and thought it may help others.

I opted for the foley balloon which was inserted at 8am Saturday morning, I had to stay in hospital due to hypertension and protein urine however usually you can just go home once this has been done. The insertion of the balloon was not painful, was slightly uncomfortable as there was slight pressure. I actually found having the cervix checked prior to be worse (again not painful at this point just uncomfortable) The balloon had little effect and after having it removed I was still only 1cm. Removal also was pain free and hardly even noticeable.

I then had my first dose of the gel and definitely noticed a difference, I started experiencing period like cramps almost immediately however they were light and manageable. After 6 hours I had another cervix check and although my cervix was soft it was still only 1cm and was only open at the front. I had another dose of the gel and felt an increase in pressure and more intense cramping where I now required pain relief (codeine). After another 6 hours I had another cervix check and I had now dilated to 2-3cm however was still quite difficult to get all the way through so a third gel was recommended which I agreed to.

Almost immediately I noticed the difference and was in considerable pain, I had paracetamol and codeine however the contractions had now become intense and a lot closer together (around 3 minutes apart). After a couple of hours I had my last cervix check and was 4cm and taken down to the Labour ward to have my waters broken and an epidural.

I had been in my room for approx 20minutes when my waters broke by themselves and I was now 10cm and actively pushing…. There was no time for the epidural and my beautiful girl arrived into the world within 2 minutes of pushing.

All in all I would say the cramps/contractions were manageable up until the third gel where it became pretty unbearable however it was for a very short time a gas and air helped take the edge off. The worst part about any of it was actually the later cervix checks where after stimulating the cervix my contractions were at their most painful.

If I had to be induced again I would skip the balloon and opt for the gels immediately as thy had a quicker effect and I would have been out a lot sooner if I had done this to begin with.

One more thing, I’ve never believed when people say “you forget the pain once they’re here” but I can honestly say this is true. It’s been 4 days and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

Anyone else experiencing this?

Gave birth (vagina) 5 days ago and yesterday morning and this morning getting lot of pain in my right bottom side and lower back

It’s my birthday tomorrow.

Ok so I am going to be 35 years young. I can’t believe how much this life has thrown at me but it’s okay I’m a survivor. I am truly blessed to be alive. 🥳🧁🎂 The only downside is I won’t be celebrating my birthday because my man can’t take me out. So many emotions right now.

Would you bring 9 week old to a family party of 35+ people?

These are also people who will want to pass the baby around and get a turn to hold him. He just got his 2 month shots two days ago