Untitled Document

Body watch:
Click on the link below each body watch, to follow what is going on week by week.
Week 1
Week 2

6 January 2006
Today I got my first positive pregnancy test. I posted the first test to my husband, which will arrive tomorrow. I had a slight period bleed and a faded pregnancy test in the afternoon. So, after taking another test later today and seeing a positive test, I couldn't keep it in and asked my husband jokingly, how badly he wanted to be a daddy. So far he knows, mum, sister, brother and best friend know. I have to try really hard to keep this wonderful news a secret for 3 months, until I know things will be okay.

Symptoms:
None

Body watch:
Week 3

8 January 2006
Yesterday I went to get my hair done at my usual hair dressers. I was adamant with myself that I would not tell them. However, after two hours of running to the loo, asking for water and feeling like I was sitting on the surface of the sun about to pass out, I thought I would mention it. In true girlie fashion, they squealed with excitement and open the front door to let in some air. I'm still in the ‘anything can happen' stages of pregnancy, but hey it made me (and baby) more comfortable.

On leaving the hair dressers, I had a wave of paranoia that I was not actually pregnant and would look like I was making this up. So, off to boots to get lunch, orange juice, water and pregnancy test. Then down to McDonalds to pee on a stick. Of course the test was positive and with a distinctive feeling of de ja vous, I felt stupid. I opened the cubical to be greeted by a long line of women, which suggested, that I spent longer than the required time in the loo.

I later went to my friends and greeted her at the door with my pee stick and a cheesy grin. I had a lovely meal and lots of fun, but by 5.00pm I could barely stay awake and had to take my leave. My friend had given me a book called ‘A best friends guide to pregnancy', which was so sweet and I have already started reading!

Today I am feeding a big chicken craving and my husband is my chicken pimp.

Symptoms:
Frequent peeing
Constantly thirsty
Some wind (sorry)
Obvious craving for chicken!

Body watch:
Week 3

9 January 2006
Today I had a half day at work. Instead of spending it relaxing, I spend it filling forms, cuing at the bank and registering with my local doctor. I had my first hormonal moment (in public). I walked out of the bank, sat down on an outdoor bench and broke down in tears. I'm not unhappy at all, but just could not help myself and phoned my mum for ‘I'm not crazy' support. Later in the day, I fall asleep exhausted and apparently curl up around my husbands waist whilst he was sitting on the bed. Here is the weird conversation I have with him whilst I was fast asleep:

Me: “Who are you?”
Husband: Says his name.
Me: “Who?”
Husband: “Your husband”
Me: “Oh”
Me: “Pink Sherbet”
Husband: “Pink sherbet?”
Me: “Pink sherbet in my belly”

So, either I'm going to have a girl (sugar and spice and all things sweet) or a sweet shop.

Symptoms:
Frequent peeing
Constantly thirsty
Crying in public

Body watch:
Week 3

11 January 2006
Not much to say about today, other than I feel exhausted. There were some arguments at work yesterday and its left me physically and emotionally drained. It was one of those horrible ones where everyone gangs up on you and they want everything their way! No exceptions. I'm trying to shake it off, so I don't get stress, as this would not be good for baby. Luckily, I am meeting my sister on Friday to watch Memoirs of a Geisha and then dinner. I think I'll have to top that off with some Saturday shopping. Oh oh!! I was also sent a chain letter by email from an old friend. So I sent it back to her, said I was pregnant and the last thing I needed was to be wished 7 years bad luck. I don't beleive in it, but it's still not nice. She's pretty understanding and I did ask her how she was getting on.

Symptoms:
Frequent peeing
Constantly thirsty
Tired
Hungry during the day

Body watch:
Week 4

13 January 2006
I had a scary moment yesterday. At about lunch time I had a dull pulsing discomfort on one side, under my stomach. There was no bleeding, so I wasn't too panicked. So I phoned the Tommy's Midwife Helpline and she was great. I described everything to her and she said it can be difficult to tell exactly what it is, because I'm not in person. However, she suspected that it was most likely to be my ligaments and muscles stretching. Because pregnant women's tend to be more relaxed internally, everything has to start working harder. Finally she said that the other thing it could be is the start of a urine infection, as pregnant women are more prone to this. She said, if the discomfort doesn't go away within the hour or gets worse, to book an emergency appointment with my GP.

By late afternoon it hadn't gone, so I phoned my GP to see if I should go down. He gave me advise and told me to wait until morning and if it was still there or got worse, then to see him. He said if I had light spotting, it could wait until morning anything heavy, then go to A & E.

Thankful to say, after a good night's rest, it's gone. My work colleague gave me good advice. That throughout pregnancy you will get twinges and unusual things happening, as my body is going through a whole new experience. The best thing is to relax and go with the flow.

Just want to say thank you to the Midwife, GP and work colleague. Your all one in a million.

Symptoms:
Frequent peeing
Constantly thirsty
Tired
Hungry during the day
Growing twinges

Body watch:
Week 4

17 January 2006
I finally bit the bullet and told my boss I was pregnant. It was very scarry, but glad it is done. I also talked to him about last Tuesday's office spat. I needed to get it off my mind, so I could stop feeling stressed. I recently had a craving for broccoli, but now I've gone off of it, I have a fridge full of the stuff! I am having lots of fun with my sister, talking baby talk and this weekend, we're going to do some shopping. Blooming Marvellous have a warehouse sale on in February, but I will go to their next one because I will not be past my safe three months yet.

I am really looking forward to getting a bump and the dark line below my belly button. I read that it never goes away, so I looked at my mum's tummy and sure enough there was the dark line!!

The only thing I am worried about at the moment is sleeping on my back. I know it sounds so trivial, but it's because of something I read. I feel I'm being stupid and will call the Midwife Helpline to clear things up, so I can get a good nights sleep. I have plenty of time for sleepless nights.

Symptoms:
Frequent peeing
Constantly thirsty
Tired
Hungry during the day
Sore and heavy boobs

Body watch:
Week 4

23 January 2006
I have had a great weekend. Saturday morning I had one of those vivid dreams that pregnant women are supposed to get and boy was it good. I woke up having an orgasm. Sorry to be so honest, but because my sex drive is so low at the moment, I felt like I had made up for lost time.

Saturday I spent the day shopping with my sister and my little niece. We bought my first maternity bra and some bits for my baby. We also looked at my dream pram called Loola. I had such fun with my little niece, running after her. I also attempted taking her buggy up and down escalators, let's just say I need practice!!

Symptoms:
Frequent peeing
Constantly thirsty
Tired
Hungry during the early morning and day
Sore and heavy boobs
Sexy dreams
Feeling queasy

Body watch:
Week 5

26 January 2006
Today I get to see my doctor for the first time!! I'm so excited, because it means I can have the pregnancy confirmed and get a certificate. I might scan, laminate and frame it, I'm that excited. It's probably the dullest piece of paper, which will get slightly torn and crumpled when handed to me.

More exciting stuff. My mum and sister noticed my line appearing. I don't know the official name, but it's the line that goes from your Southern region to your belly button (and sometimes higher). I've been checking it everyday with a small mirror and it's getting slowly more noticeable.

I'm still getting queasy. At the moment, olive oil sets me off and cigarette smoke. I've been drinking ginger bear to help, but may move on to biscuits.

Symptoms:
Frequent peeing
Constantly thirsty
Tired
Hungry during the early morning and day
Sore and heavy boobs
Feeling queasy

Body watch:
Week 6

31 January 2006
I feel as sick as a dog. Now cigarette smoke, olive oil, McDonalds ice cream and a mysterious smell from the kitchen, make me want to gag! Apart from that I feel sick in the morning and evening. I took the day off of work, because I felt so sick and tired (literally). It was a mistake, because I have to hold my breath when I go in the kitchen and there was barley any food in the house. So on the whole I felt worse. Also, I read that it is not good for a pregnant woman to lie in bed all day, because our blood is slightly thicker.

I spent some time on the computer looking up birthing centres. I found a great website called Dr Fosters, which lists everything you need to know. I was disappointed at my choices, I thought there would be plenty for my to choose from and there is only three or four.

I go through different emotions at the moment. Right now, I want to just want to sit back and enjoy the pregnancy ride. But then there are the preparations, the magazines, TV, other pregnant people. I just want to forget it all, walk around for 8 months, sneeze in the woods and there is baby.

Symptoms:
Frequent peeing
Constantly thirsty
Tired
Hungry during the early morning and day
Sore and heavy boobs
Feeling queasy
Feeling sorry for myself :'-(

Body watch:
Week 6

3 February 2006
Wednesday was the worst day. I was at a morning meeting and they had provided juice, water, tea and coffee. I got some water in one cup and had mixed some cranberry and orange juice in another. Halfway into the meeting I start to feel shaky, my tummy and legs feel wobbly, and I swallow repeatedly. I then have to get up and head for the toilet quickly and calmly. I reach the toilet and have to make a quick choice, the sink or the toilet. At the risk of someone else coming in, the toilet was my choice and my home for about 10 minutes. Sherbet (baby's nickname) doesn't like cranberry juice.

I've decided to stick to what I know is safe to eat and drink. Drinks I can have are water, orange juice, milk and ginger beer.

I have not had another incident, but felt I needed to arm myself, just in case. I went to buy a sea band yesterday, which is for sea sickness, but supposed to help with morning sickness. I talked to a pharmacist about it and he said they don't work. He said I can buy it if I want, but he bought one for his pregnant daughter and she is still sick!

The next thing I did was to buy some ginger. Someone recommended chewing on a little bit when I feel queasy. I read upon this and apparently it's the zinc in ginger that helps with the sickness.

Symptoms:
Frequent peeing
Constantly thirsty
Tired
Hungry during the early morning and day
Sore and heavy boobs
Feeling queasy and some vomiting

Body watch:
Week 7

14 February 2006
This week has been pretty much the same. Yesterday I ate a lovely breakfast of toast and had a banana, only to loose it all in the bathroom sink. Apart from that, I just mainly feel queasy in the morning.

I feel like I should force feed myself some oily fish. I feel bad that my baby's brain may be developing and I haven't touched a single piece of fish. So today I'm going to have smoke salmon and Philadelphia sandwiches. I think I'm only supposed to have one piece of oily fish a week. Although I am taking my vitamins, so it's not too bad.

So its Valentines Day today and I've never felt so unromantic. I feel fat and heavy (change that to I am). I can't stand cooking smells, so a restaurant is a big no no. I'm way too tired for and am completely off bedroom action!!

I am looking forward to my midwife and scan appointments in March. I am also looking forward to week 12. Not just because I get to spill the beans, but my uterus is meant to pop out of my pelvis! Sounds painful, but it basically means I get a real belly and not period type bloat.

Symptoms:
Frequent peeing
Constantly thirsty
Tired
Hungry during the early morning and day
Sore and heavy boobs
Feeling queasy and some vomiting

Body watch:
Week 8

21 February 2006
In case you were wondering, like my best friend, smoked salmon and other smoked fish is okay to eat. Just not shell fish, I checked with the Midwife Helpline. I don't think raw fish or sushi is okay, so you pregnant ladies should check.

I'm starting to enjoy pregnancy now. My morning sickness is slowly ebbing away and I've got lots of new changes to my body to look forward to.

I was worried because I was starting to get vivid, horrible, nightmares and was wondering what it meant. Then I deleted all the nightmare encouraging programmes I was watching, like CSI and Supernatural. So it is comedies and romance for me. It has worked, because last night, I dreamed of exotic holidays, cute guys and chocolate desserts.

Symptoms:
Frequent peeing
Constantly thirsty
Tired
Hungry during the early morning and day
Sore and heavy boobs
Sometimes queasy
Occassional lower back pain

Body watch:
Week 9

27 February 2006
I've had to make my first choices between parenting and parting. I was invited to a friend's house warming, which I would love to go. However, as I will be 11 weeks, I do not feel it is a great Idea. I won't want to dance, which will make me a party pooper. I don't want to risk being around cigarette smoke. Or the risk of someone drunk, bumping into me and knocking me over.

The other event, I suggested that we have a small get together for a pregnant lady leaving work. The problem is, she suggested a pub for quick drinks. I don't mind, but I'm not risking being around cigarette smoke. So once again I'll have to cancel.

The good thing is, there is a get together this Friday. It's in a restaurant, so there is no risk of smoke or someone knocking me over. So I can go to the ball!

Bring on 12 weeks!

Symptoms:
Frequent peeing
Tired
Hungry during the early morning and day
Heavy boobs and sore nipples
Occassional lower back pain

Body watch:
Week 10

12 March 2006
I had my midwife appointment this week. I'm not sure how exactly I feel about the appointment, but it was mostly good. The midwife asked me questions about mine and my medical history. She took my blood and I had to practically force her to take the urine sample the receptionist asked for.

Halfway through the taking down of details, I asked when I should discuss about transferring hospitals. She told me I should have done this at the start and we could have avoided all the paper work! So now I have to wait until the next appointment, which will be with the doctor, to be able to transfer. The midwife could not understand why I preferred a birthing centre over a hospital. I'm not looking to be doped up to the eyeballs on pain killers. I want an active birth. Also, I don't want to be competing for peace and quiet, with 10 other mothers, babies and their relatives!

I'm annoyed that every professional I have seen assumes I want to give birth at the nearest hospital. Any way, the appointment was okay and I can't wait to get the ball rolling and transfer to the midwife led unit. By the way, I'm not against people who do wish to use hospitals and they can be very caring places, it's just not for me, accept in emergencies (the health of my baby is at the top of my list).

I've got my scan appointment on Tuesday and I am quite anxious about it. I'm excited that I'm going to see my baby, but I'm worried that there won't be a baby there. That it's all in my head or something. I've told my nearest and dearest, so if something is up I'll have support.

This will be my chance to see my baby and then announce it to the whole world. It's like holding your breath at the cliff-hanger. I'm hoping they can tell me the sex of the baby. I know it's less likely at an earlier scan, unless it's obviously a boy. What if I'm having twins!!!

Work is harder. I get lower back pain, so sometimes I waddle, because it feels nicer. I've started cutting back on how much outreach I do in a day, because I get tired and fidget. Also, if I don't get water for a few hours, I get the world's worst headache, so it's important I keep hydrated. Last week I had two half day meetings, they had tea, coffee, but no water!! I couldn't say, I'm pregnant, get me some water, because I can't tell external people until April, because of funding we're waiting for. (We may loose it if they know I'm pregnant before April).

Great news is my morning sickness is completely gone. Also, I'm craving red meat (especially beef) and salad!

Symptoms:
Frequent peeing
Tired
Hungry during the early morning and evening
Heavy boobs
Occassional lower back pain
Craving beef and salad

Body watch:
Week 12