The Basics: Standard Responses to Common Questions Here are some easy, standard responses to some of the most common posts and questions. We'd like to thank experienced group moderators Ciorstaidh and Charlene for helping us to provide these answers. These responses are written to be used in text responses to 'due in group' questions. If using the responses in conversation please stick to the core message. BABY MOVEMENT POSTS CONCERNS ABOUT MOVEMENT FROM 24 WEEKS PREGNANT Please report any change in your baby's movements to your midwife or maternity unit straight away, who can advise you further. In line with group guidelines, comments will now be turned off for this post. Let us know how you get on later! You can find more information about baby's movements on the Kicks Count website. Link to: http://www.kickscount.org.uk/mums/your-babys-movements/ Action: Turn off comments CONCERNS ABOUT MOVEMENT BEFORE 24 WEEKS PREGNANT Most women usually begin to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, it’s advised that anyone who hasn’t felt first movements by 24 weeks lets their midwife know. Before 24 weeks movement is often erratic and a pattern often develops somewhere between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Though, like most things when it comes to movement, it’s completely individual and it could be different for you. Always trust your instincts and any changes to movement that causes you to be concerned is always best discussed with your midwife or maternity unit. Link to: http://www.kickscount.org.uk/mums/your-babys-movements/ Action: Turn off comments COMMON POSTS AM I IN LABOUR? This can vary so much from mum to mum. Some ladies experience all the classic signs and others only one or two. Here’s some useful info from the NHS. If you think you may be in labour contact your midwife or local unit to chat about what to do next - best of luck! Link to: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/labour-signs-what-happens/ HAVE I WET MYSELF OR IS IT MY WATERS? If there is even a small chance that it could be your waters leaking, you should call your maternity unit or midwife straight away. They'll talk you through what's been happening and what you need to do next. In line with group rules, comments will be turned off for this post. Please post back in the group later and let us know how you get on! Action: Turn off comments I'M BLEEDING Please call your maternity unit and speak to them about your bleeding. Though bleeding can be common, it's always worth running it by them, so they can investigate why it's happening. In line with group rules, comments will be turned off for this post. Please post back in the group later and let us know how you get on! Action: Turn off comments PAIN POSTS (RIBS, PELVIS ETC) Hi ladies, discomfort can be common in pregnancy but what’s normal for one lady may not be for another so please always discuss any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing with your midwife. There will be safe exercises your midwife can recommend, painkillers they can advise you to take and they can also refer you to a physio if needed. Action: Leave the comments on, but keep an eye on the post where possible. HAVE I LOST MY MUCUS PLUG? There is some helpful information about "shows" on the NHS website, hopefully that can help you establish if you've lost your plug. Good luck! Link to: www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/labour-signs-what-happens/ Action: Leave the comments on, but keep an eye on the post where possible. I KEEP ITCHING Itching during pregnancy is quite common and is usually caused by hormones or your skin stretching. However, if you are or start itching a lot, your midwife will want to rule out a liver condition called Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) so call your midwife or maternity unit for advice. Action: Leave the comments on, but keep an eye on the post where possible. SWELLING POSTS Some swelling during pregnancy can be common, however what’s normal for one lady may not be for another. Please discuss any swelling with your midwife and take a look at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/swollen-ankles-feet-pregnant/ Action: Leave comments on but keep an eye on the post. VACCINATIONS Vaccinations and immunisations are recommended for our baby's health and well-being and further information should be sought from a health professional. Action: Link to the NHS and turn comments off BUSINESS SELLING POSTS Can we please remind people of the group rules, only personal buy and sell posts are permitted. Any posts will be removed and repeat offenders will be removed from the group. Action: Post the above and remove the selling post HEAD TO: THE GROUP RULES >> Manage Cookie Preferences