Hi Juniper

From what I was able to find out, VP and PP are not much of an issue in Oz because of our routine ultrasounds and quality of healthcare for everyone. I was advised to take things easy from 32 weeks on and had to cancel a trip away as I was advised not to stray too far from the hospital. There is a chance things could go wrong but the mortality rate in Oz is nil for both mother and child.

My GP told me the US and UK are a different story and that is where the online horror stories mostly come from. Ultrasounds are not routine in the US and if you want one you have to pay for it, not like the gap payment we pay but a few hundred $$$. Also, proper ultrasound machines are few and far between so they also have to travel great distances to get to one, in many cases. For this reason the conditions are rarely diagnosed before a woman goes into labour and of course, once she does, the placenta or cord rupture, bleeding starts and so on...

Having said all that, my partner and I sweated bullets until our little one came out safe and sound by planned caesar at 37 weeks. Even my in-laws got a bit worried and came and stayed with us for the last 6 weeks (yeah like that was helpful). There was some excessive bleeding but not enough to require a transfusion and it took them forever to stitch me up, to the point where the anaesthetic was wearing off and it got a little uncomfortable but not painfull.

I was, at first, disappointed not be able to have a natural birth but in the end I just didn't care so long as we were all safe and, to be honest, a planned caesar is a rather civilised method of birthing.

My advice is to take your doctor's advice but do whatever makes you feel safe and comfortable. If you feel your job is too much, ask for a certificate to finish early and if your doc won't give you one, try your OB or find a doc who will. Take care of yourself and use the fact that you know your birthing date as an opportunity to take care of everything before you go in, you know, haircut, pedicure, waxing, massage, whatever makes you feel good.

I hope that was somewhat helpful and that everything goes well for you.

S