Untitled Document

17 March 2006
I had my first scan on Tuesday. It was amazing. I am not going to tell you exactly what it was like, because it is different for everyone and I do not want to spoil anyone's experience. However, here is a picture of my baby for you to see. My next scan is in May at 22 weeks, so there will be more detail. It's not recommended, but I made sure my bladder was full to get clearer pictures, which worked really well for me.

Symptoms:
Tired
Headach if I don't drink enough water
Hungry during the early morning and evening
Heavy boobs
Occassional lower back pain

Body watch:
Week 13

22 March 2006
My husband and me went on a course on Sunday called ‘As 2 Become 3'. It's a one-day course for first time parents to be. They talk about all sorts or issues before and after baby arrives. This included money matters, sex, relationship, support network, pushy relatives and much more. The course is based in Hammersmith near the station and is run by a midwife and her husband, who are both really qualified and have been running the charity based course for years.

So, what did I get out of the course?

Firstly, I had the smallest bump and so felt a bit out of place at first, as the other ladies were in their last trimester. However, everyone talked to me and I was surprised at how friendly and open they all were and this put me at ease.

I learned that I think a baby is a lot more expensive than it actually is. We did an exercise, which involved guessing the prices of baby products and I way over estimated. It was really funny.

Amongst other things, I learned that I had not considered my husbands role in the whole bringing up baby saga. I had seen baby and me as the main course and my husband as side salad (sorry, I'm hungry). The group and I came up with great ideas, like dad takes baby swimming for bonding, which also gives mum a break.

I highly recommend the course. It's great to do something together about baby. It's only one day and you will love it. I might add that you don't have to be married (not everyone was), neither do you have to be a heterosexual couple (although, on the day we all were).

Finally about the occasional back pain. I read that as your belly grows, your spine slowly compensate for the changes in wait, which could cause back pain. Also that one of the best was to combat it is to practice good posture. In my case this works most of the time. So I try to walk by standing upright and tucking in my bum etc. I am still yet to talk to my GP/ Midwife, but will. I advice that if you have back pain, that you do discuss it with a professional before taking any preventative methods.

Symptoms:
Tired
Headach if I don't drink enough water
Hungry during the early morning and evening
Heavy boobs
Occassional lower back pain

Body watch:
Week 14

27 March 2006
Finally, everyone at work now knows I am pregnant and I feel so liberated. I can now properly enjoy my pregnancy, not that I wasn't before. But I just don't know yet if I look fat or pregnant and so, tried to hide my growing belly (very hard).

However, with telling people now comes the scare stories. Skip this paragraph if you are pregnant or scare easerly. So far I've had one story about Spinebifida, because that person didn't take folic acid (which I am). Then because I'm going to be pregnant during summer, another lady volunteered that she would have died if she was pregnant during summer, because everything swells up. Finally, my friend pointed out in a joking way, that childbirth will hurt and I know she didn't mean anything by it and I didn't take it to heart, but it hurt. I know pregnancy is not all happy happy, joy joy, but I've heard so many negatives. Only one person I have talked to has said how much they enjoyed being pregnant.

Okay, hopefully pregnant ladies you skipped the last paragraph and are now reading this one. Any horror stories people wish to share, are just going over my head. Do your shopping list in your head. Don't let it get to you. There are lots of positives about pregnancy:
• I am carrying the most important thing on the Earth, life.
• I get treated a little special. (Hopefully that includes getting seats on public transport and people carrying your stuff).
• I get to watch my family grow.
• Summer, I can relax in the outdoors whilst on maternity leave, whilst everyone else is stuck in the office.
• Summer sales, cheap baby gear!
• You're allowed to be peed off, it's the hormones.
• You can eat almost what you want without people mentioning loosing weight and diets (if they do, scream at them, it's the hormones).
• After giving birth, there's no pain and you have a beautiful baby to hold.

I could go on, but I'm sure you get the gist of it. So whether you're pregnant or trying, keep your chin up!

Symptoms:
Tired
Hungry during the early morning and evening
Heavy boobs
Occassional lower back pain

Body watch:
Week 14

3 April 2006
I finally went proper maternity shopping. My sister and me went to Marble Arch, which I have now learned is the baby capital of the West End . As we only had an hour by the time we got there, it was like some TV game show, dashing for items.

I've put on so much weight that it's getting harder to find things that fit! Not only that, but the fatter you are the more expensive things get. Thankfully, I still fit in H&M's maternity wear and their prices are great.

I was almost in tears at one point, because my sister looked great in everything she tried on. She kept saying to me, try this, try that and I was say, its okay, tears building up in my eyes. Then I snapped saying, ‘It's no use, I'm fat'!!

So, finally I managed to find an armful of tops, but I still have no trousers and I'm getting desperate. My mum keeps telling me to go to Evans (ill fitting clothes shop for larger ladies). However, I need clothes to accommodate my new shape. So I am going to hit the internet.

Off the shopping subject. I have my worries kicking in now. I have not felt baby move yet, although I've read that happens at 16 weeks onwards. My major symptoms have disappeared too. So I feel like I'm in limbo, just waiting for something to happen next. I have my midwife appointment this Wednesday and will ask to hear the baby's heartbeat to pout my mind at rest. If they can't do it, I'll buy one of those early heartbeat Doppler's that I have seen on the internet. They cost £60 to £80 and upwards and can be used from 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

I'm hoping that this is normal maternal paranoia and not the start of a mental breakdown (that was a joke).

Symptoms:
Tired
Hungry during the early morning and evening
Sore nipples
Occassional lower back pain

Body watch:
Week 15

6 April 2006
Yesterday I had my second antenatal appointment, this time it was with the doctor. I am finding them increasingly frustrating.

I asked the doctor if she could refer me to a midwife led unit, which is outside my borough. She told me I would have to get the midwife to refer me. At this point I felt annoyed, because the midwife had told me the doctor has to do it. So I was very persistent and the doctor finally agreed to do the referral.

The doctor asked why I wanted to go to that particular unit. I told her it's because I want a water birth and they have all the recruitments that I am looking for. Then she said, if I transfer, I won't get antenatal care from the midwives in my borough. I remained silent, because at this point I felt like telling her to take a long walk off of a short pier!

I asked the doctor if I could listen to the heartbeat. She could not find it, which does not mean there was not one. It was a lot of prodding and I remember from the scan that my baby would only tolerate that for so long before swimming off and hiding. I've decided not to stress and enjoy this part of the pregnancy, as any negativity could be passed on to my baby (I believe). If I'm patient and keep in tune with my body, I will feel the first real movement eventually.

She mumbled to herself that my blood and urine were okay. So I made her repeat it louder and to me.

I am just so glad that I'm not naïve or an emotional wreck; otherwise I'll never get what I want.

When you go for your antenatal appointments, please know exactly what you want and be persistent about it. Hopefully you'll have midwives and doctors who will do everything to help. Mine seem very reluctant to let me go outside the borough, almost like they are taking it personally.

Symptoms:
Not as tired
Hungry during the early morning and evening
Sore nipples
Occassional lower back pain
Frequently weeing

Body watch:
Week 16

10 April 2006
Friday I was having a moan to my husband about my nightmare, overcrowded journey. He had heard from someone about the London Underground Baby On Board badges. So I called London Underground's travel number, they then put me through to customer services and they have put a badge in the post for me. I'll let you know if it works, but at least I won't have to ask for a seat!

Symptoms:
Not as tired
Hungry during the early morning and evening
Sore nipples
Occassional lower back pain
Frequently weeing

Body watch:
Week 16

18 April 2006
Symptoms:
Not as tired
Hungry during the early morning and evening
Sore nipples
Frequently weeing
Craving McDonalds

Body watch:
Week 17

20 April 2006
When I went to my appointment yesterday, I explained my concerns to the doctor. I finally got to hear my baby's heartbeat. It was light, loud and fast. The doctor put the Doppler on my stomach at first and we didn't hear anything. Then he put it lower down near my pelvic bone and then it was. The baby then moved quickly to the other side and we found it again.

I have to say, that I had been feeling pretty anti-medical staff. However, the male doctors at my practice, the midwives I've talked to on the phone have all been great throughout my pregnancy so far. I just think it's the female staff at my GP practice that have sucked on way too many lemons! I have also learned that if I don't ask, I don't always get, so now I tell people what I want.

Hearing the baby's heartbeat has really put my mind at rest and now I can sit back and enjoy my pregnancy.

I am also getting over the whole, I look fat issue. I'm pregnant and I've created something amazing, my body needs to adjust. If I feel paranoid that someone feels I look fat, I can simply say I'm pregnant. So in complete surrender, I've been looking for plus sized maternity wear. I am a size 20 trousers, the best suggestion I've had so far is Ebay. I'm so silly; I should have gone shopping there first and would have saved £100 or so.

I have been posting to people on my chat forum about water births, to see what others think about it and have had great responses.

Symptoms:
Not as tired
Hungry during the early morning and evening
Sore nipples
Frequently weeing

Body watch:
Week 18

25 April 2006
I haven't felt movement yet, but as I am overweight and this is my first pregnancy, that's to be expected. When it does happen, it will be so exciting. So I am really looking forward to it.

Also, my scan date is looming and I can't wait to find out if I am having a little boy or girl. Down the female line in my family, we tend to have girls first, so I think I'm having a girl. I may break tradition and end up with a sweet little boy. Who knows.

A new thing that has happened to me. My hands feel tight and I constantly get pins and needles in my hands, especially the right. After talking to other pregnant ladies, I have discovered that it could be Tunnel Carpel Syndrome, caused by fluid build up pressing on the nerves in my wrist. I haven't had it diagnosed yet, as it's not painful, just wired. Apparently one in three pregnant women get it and it goes after birth.

If you are getting pins and needles, I suggest you do go talk to a medical professional about it, as I am not medically qualified.

My new craving is avocados (especially on toast)!

Symptoms:
Not as tired
Hungry during the early morning and evening
Sore nipples
Frequently weeing
Craving avocados
Pins and needles

Body watch:
Week 18

28 April 2006
In my imagination, I thought that once I became pregnant, I would enter into a magical world where everyone treated me a little bit special. The only people who have treated me special so far, is my immediate family.

When I go out and about for work, I sometimes have to carry a case. Only one person offered to carry it for me, because they saw my badge and she had recently come off of maternity leave. No one offers me a seat on the train or bus. People push me out the way when they are in a hurry. Cigarettes are sparked up next to me. Even worse, when waiting for my train home, people will sit and smoke on the only bench available, so I can't sit down!

Yesterday, after spending two hours of the afternoon standing up, I got on a crowded bus. I was dying for a seat (and the loo), but thought I would wait until someone got up. A couple of stops and a seat became available and a lady was heading for it at the same time. I asked if she minded if I had the seat and she just looked at me and sat down. I then said that I am pregnant, do you mind if I have the seat. The horrible woman looked at my stomach and then pretended she did not understand what I meant. I repeated myself once more and she ignored me. I gave up, because I was close to tears. Then the man next to me offered me his seat, whilst the old people on the bus discussed how rude the woman was and how obvious it is that I am pregnant.

At work I am about the tenth person to get pregnant in the last couple of years, so the novelty has worn of. Work colleagues just ask when I am due and whether I want a boy or a girl.

I hope that any pregnant ladies reading this are being doted on and treated with respect.

Symptoms:
Not as tired
Hungry during the early morning and evening
Sore nipples
Frequently weeing
Craving avocados
Pins and needles

Body watch:
Week 19

3 May 2006
After days of moping, I finally felt movement that I can definitely say was baby. Since Thursday (27 April) on and off, I have been feeling things. As it was so infrequent and could be easily mistaken for other movements (like gas), it was hard to tell. However last night, I got two little movements on the left and then one on the right. Both felt the same and as others had described, like a bubble popping inside. I'm very happy and hope they become more frequent.

The weather is getting warmer now, which is great. However, I now have swollen feet. For this, I purposely bought bigger sized comfortable shoes and I keep a fan under my desk.

Here is a picture of what hopefully looks like a bump and not like fat. I'm half way through my pregnancy!!

Symptoms:
Not as tired
Hungry during the early morning and evening
Sore nipples (if touched)
Frequently weeing
Pins and needles

Body watch:
Week 20

10 May 2006
I had my first hormonal rage outbreak this week. For my outreach work, I carry a suitcase with my materials in. Although a pain to carry up and down stairs, the wheels save me getting back ache. I went to a station where I know the down escalator does not move, but forgot and I was running late, so I could not change my route. I asked the ticket guy if there was a member of staff who could help me down with my suit case. He made some calls, but there was no one to help. I made my way slowly half way down the escalator, when two Underground staff passed me going up in the opposite direction. I was so angry, I threw my case down the remaining steps and it bounced loudly to the bottom! (Don't worry; no one was in front of me). I felt so stupid afterwards!

Baby's movements are getting slightly stronger and frequent. Yesterday evening, I was lying on my back putting my feet up (as they were very swollen) and baby gave me big kicks. I called over to my husband to see if he could feel it and he did, although it was not as strong on the outside of my belly.

Symptoms:
Not as tired
Hungry during the early morning and evening
Sore nipples (if touched)
Frequently weeing
Pins and needles

Body watch:
Week 21

21 May 2006
I had my scan on Tuesday and could not believe how much baby has developed. I could really see the spine and everything. At one point, the ultrasound lady put the probe under my boob. She then told me it was because the baby's feet were up there!

We found out the sex of our baby and it's a boy! I was so shocked at first, partly because all the signs telling me he was a boy were right. Also, because I'm a girl and don't have a clue about boys. Anyway, I can't wait and it'll be hard work, but fun too.

Wednesday I went to a Take That concert. I was a bit anxious about the noise levels for the baby. However, I phoned the ever so helpful midwife helpline. She reassured me that it would be okay and the only complication is that some women feel nauseous around loud noise because of the vibrations. I actually got heartburn and an upset tummy, but felt fine. I was surprised that I was not the only pregnant woman there.

Thursday I visited the dentist, because I know it's extremely important to look after your teeth during pregnancy. However, I got told off for not flossing. I explained it was because of my hands going all pins and needles and he recommended using floss with a handle. Unfortunately the ones I have, have got handles, so I guess I'll have to grin and bare it.

I feel so confident with baby's movement, that I've now given my Doppler to my sister to borrow. It was a lot of fun, but soon I'll be able to use the other baby listening devise that I purchased.

Saturday I went baby shopping with my sister. Most of the items we purchased from Mothercare. At the back of their catalogue, they have a checklist, which I would recommend you take with you when you go baby shopping. I've used the list to make a gift list for my family and baby shower, which my sister is organising.

Symptoms:
Hungry during the early morning and evening
Sore nipples (if touched)
Frequently weeing
Pins and needles
Itchy belly

Body watch:
Week 22

30 May 2006
I'm really excited today, because I have my booking appointment at my preferred birthing centre. I'm hoping also, that my instincts about the place are right.

I've had lots of text book body changes. I have this speckle egg effect on my chest, like someone threw a tin of dark pigmentation at my chest. I now have a line above my belly button, as well as below. My belly button is starting to pop out!

Tomorrow I'll be 24 weeks. For me this is another mile stone, because if my baby were to be born, he would have a higher chance of surviving.

Finally, I've had a huge craving for red liquorish and carrot cake (not together). I've also, spent the entire weekend sucking on ice poles.

Symptoms:
Hungry during the early morning and evening
Sore nipples (if touched)
Frequently weeing
Pins and needles
Itchy belly

Body watch:
Week 23

9 June 2006
So much has happened. I had my booking appointment at the hospital. A midwife showed me and my sister around the birthing unit where I will be. It is really nice, not too big or over crowded. It felt quiet, with pregnant women and midwifes pottering about. I saw the water pool, which was as long as a normal bath, but much wider. I couldn't get over how much room there was in there. The good news is, if the pool is busy, they'll provide ‘Birth Pool In a Box'!! I think I will get one though, just in case and if I don't use it I can always sell it.

The midwife was lovely; my booking appointment lasted two hours! She was very thorough, much more than my GP based midwife. I didn't know it was normal for them to feel the baby and listen to the heartbeat at every appointment. I'm so glad I transferred. As a result of this appointment, I have to see a social worker and have an OGTT. It's a blood test for gestational diabetes, that I have to have because of my weight and my granddad had diabetes.

Since this appointment I have had my OGTT, which went fine. It involved me having no food from the night before; the test has to be done on an empty stomach. They took my blood, and then gave me a yucky syrupy drink. Then two hours later, they took more blood. So now I just have to keep my fingers crossed. The next day, I had my routine appointment with the registrar. I alternate appointments between the registrar and the midwife.

Baby is becoming more active than ever. He doesn't wake me up just yet, but sure makes himself noticed.

My next step now, is to sort out antenatal classes. The midwife said I should start at 28 weeks, but must book a place now!

Symptoms:
Hungry during the early morning and evening
Frequently weeing
Pins and needles
Itchy belly
Feet swelling

Body watch:
Week 24
Week 25

14 June 2006
So it's finally summer, which is great. However, it feels much more exhausting than normal with bump in tow. Also, the train line I use always has severe delays and cancellations when the weather is higher than 20°C. This means that I have had to battle my way through crowded trains and rely on kind strangers to offer me a seat. I've had to occasionally use the Underground to get me home. Normally it's just over a 5 minute walk, but now takes me 20 minutes!! The down escalator doesn't work and because I walk so slowly, people push past me. If only they new I was pregnant.

I'm fascinated by my belly button, as I may have mentioned before, it's slowly popping out. I have an ‘inny', so it's totally bezzar to see the inside of my belly button.

I'm starting to think about sorting out the house for the baby's arrival. I have no idea where to begin. I can't get up and down so easily in the bath now, so I wash standing up and rinse with a water jug. I've bought mixer taps with a shower attachment, so now I just have sort out a plumber.

Symptoms:
Hungry during the early morning and evening
Frequently weeing
Pins and needles
Itchy belly
Feet swelling

Body watch:
Week 26

27 June 2006
I'm feeling more and more tired at work now and just can't wait for my maternity leave to kick in at work.

I'm actually being offered seats when travelling without my ‘Baby On Board' badge. Not always and mostly it's women who offer!

Me and my husband went away for the weekend with Warner Breaks. There were mostly elderly people there, but it was peaceful and relaxing. We had a patio which opened up to a grass embankment and the sea, very picturesque. They also had an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, so I was able to go swimming. The best thing of all is they had a shower!!!!

My baby shower is this Saturday and I'm very excited. I hope all my friends come.

Today I have my very first proper midwife appointment. Not a booking, blood test or any other type of appointment, just me and the midwife. I'm going to ask for my Bounty Vouchers, so I can get my Bounty Packs. You're supposed to get three through out the pregnancy, you take the vouchers to Boots or MotherCare and they contain bits for the baby.

Symptoms:
Hungry during the early morning and evening
Frequently weeing
Pins and needles
Itchy belly
Feet swelling

Body watch:
Week 27