Last Wednesday I had the third, all important scan to see if my placenta had moved away from my cervix to enable me to have a natural birth and not a cesarean.
Luckily I am among the majority whose placenta had moved up and away! Apparently something like 95% of women who have a low placenta at their second 26 week scan don't have the issue at their next 35 week scan. Yipee!!!
The relief of knowing that I was not going to get chopped open was a big one. It was a strange feeling thinking that I might not have experienced labour... I kinda felt like half a woman! I know that childbirth is going to be initially more painful than a cesarean but it's something I want to experience and strangely feel lucky to be able to. Yeah I know, talk to me after to see how much I laugh at that statement after knowing about the pain!
The ironic thing thing is I still obviously could have a c-section... but at least I will have tried a normal birth. If there is such a thing!
It was nice seeing Bob at such a late stage of pregnancy (as most people only have two scans, the latest being at 26 weeks). I was very keen still to not find out the sex and the woman was very good at concealing it, which miffed my husband! Bob has my nose (ha ha! doomed!) and has very scary octopus looking eyes... I think its a girl but the rest of my family think its a boy. Time will tell... and their isn't much of that left now, five weeks to be exact! Eak!
Monday 28 May 2007
Tuesday 22 May 2007
Maternity Leave Begins
I have now begun my Maternity Leave. I believe it was the right time to stop working as sitting at my desk for more than two hours caused great discomfort (well Bob's leg to stick into my ribs). Now I am home I can't really do all the things I want to. So generally I am useless at work and useless at home, which is quite depressing!
One of the main things I wanted to accomplish in my time off before baby arrives was paint jungle animals on my nursery walls, which I have now completed. It looks fab! (If I do say so myself!). But now the jobs on my list are a bit difficult for me to do... like clear out the cupboards and go to the tip. Going down the town is an effort - and is time consuming as I walk (or is that waddle) slowly!
One of the things I can still do very successfully is eat. So as I sit here typing I have a comforting pack of Minstrels to my right... hmmm... they taste good at the moment...
Another thing I can do quite well is buy online. I can surf and spend money 'til my hearts content. Although naturally that is quite a dangerous thing to do as the bank account isn't as full as usual with me on Maternity Leave!
So now I think I will do a Tesco shop online, its easier than getting in the car and driving there. Shop, shop, shop, lol... til I drop!
One of the main things I wanted to accomplish in my time off before baby arrives was paint jungle animals on my nursery walls, which I have now completed. It looks fab! (If I do say so myself!). But now the jobs on my list are a bit difficult for me to do... like clear out the cupboards and go to the tip. Going down the town is an effort - and is time consuming as I walk (or is that waddle) slowly!
One of the things I can still do very successfully is eat. So as I sit here typing I have a comforting pack of Minstrels to my right... hmmm... they taste good at the moment...
Another thing I can do quite well is buy online. I can surf and spend money 'til my hearts content. Although naturally that is quite a dangerous thing to do as the bank account isn't as full as usual with me on Maternity Leave!
So now I think I will do a Tesco shop online, its easier than getting in the car and driving there. Shop, shop, shop, lol... til I drop!
Friday 18 May 2007
33 Weeks – Blood Show Scare
On Wednesday as I prepared to do the huge pile of washing up in the kitchen before Matt got back from work I went to use the toilet before commencement... a strange thing to tell the world I hear you say but when I went I discovered a small amount of blood.
No words can really express the panic or the speed of thoughts that went through my head upon seeing that blood. I am 33 weeks (7 weeks to go!!!) and am no way prepared to have the baby now! (although my hospital bag was packed!) I was thinking what I might have done to cause this, how Bob was, not to panic, and now the washing up wasn't going to get done... bizarre thinking. I cried and grabbed my pink papers to phone the mid-wife.
On the front of my pink papers I was confronted with ten numbers and didn't know which f**king one to call!!! Can't they make them simpler!? In the end I opted for the delivery suite at East Surrey hospital. The woman I spoke to was very helpful and patient (as initially I couldn't talk through the tears). She told me to get some transport and come up to get checked out.
My mum picked me up and after calling my husband to tell him what was happening I was on my way to the hospital. Thank god for my mum being local as my husbands new employment didn't seem too happy at him leaving to see me. How nice of them.
Thankfully Bob had been kicking all the way to the hospital which stabilised my sanity. Upon arriving at the hospital a lovely friendly mid-wife told me how common it was and not to worry. They hooked me up to the baby heart beat machine and monitored Bob for half an hour. In which time Bob was well awake and kicking like mad. Only a good thing I was told.
After knowing that Bob was fine we waited A LONG TIME to see a doctor. I didn't mind though as I knew baby was OK it was just that the doctor was busy. She finally arrived and I told her the details including my suspected Placenta Previa which Matt and I were thinking could be the reason for the show of blood. She proceeded to examine me internally (yeah, nice) and told me she couldn't see any problems which was SO good to hear. These things can happen it can be a burst blood vessel or something not serious like that. Luckily it wasn't my mucus plug.
The whole experience scared me a lot. Its made me slow down on the house preparation front. That morning I had been putting up shelves and feeling invincible. Not now - I am going to take it easy now. No more parachuting and gymnastics ;-)
No words can really express the panic or the speed of thoughts that went through my head upon seeing that blood. I am 33 weeks (7 weeks to go!!!) and am no way prepared to have the baby now! (although my hospital bag was packed!) I was thinking what I might have done to cause this, how Bob was, not to panic, and now the washing up wasn't going to get done... bizarre thinking. I cried and grabbed my pink papers to phone the mid-wife.
On the front of my pink papers I was confronted with ten numbers and didn't know which f**king one to call!!! Can't they make them simpler!? In the end I opted for the delivery suite at East Surrey hospital. The woman I spoke to was very helpful and patient (as initially I couldn't talk through the tears). She told me to get some transport and come up to get checked out.
My mum picked me up and after calling my husband to tell him what was happening I was on my way to the hospital. Thank god for my mum being local as my husbands new employment didn't seem too happy at him leaving to see me. How nice of them.
Thankfully Bob had been kicking all the way to the hospital which stabilised my sanity. Upon arriving at the hospital a lovely friendly mid-wife told me how common it was and not to worry. They hooked me up to the baby heart beat machine and monitored Bob for half an hour. In which time Bob was well awake and kicking like mad. Only a good thing I was told.
After knowing that Bob was fine we waited A LONG TIME to see a doctor. I didn't mind though as I knew baby was OK it was just that the doctor was busy. She finally arrived and I told her the details including my suspected Placenta Previa which Matt and I were thinking could be the reason for the show of blood. She proceeded to examine me internally (yeah, nice) and told me she couldn't see any problems which was SO good to hear. These things can happen it can be a burst blood vessel or something not serious like that. Luckily it wasn't my mucus plug.
The whole experience scared me a lot. Its made me slow down on the house preparation front. That morning I had been putting up shelves and feeling invincible. Not now - I am going to take it easy now. No more parachuting and gymnastics ;-)
32 weeks, Packing My Hospital Bag
Last week my mum and I hit the town (with the attached list) to prepare my hospital bag. There are lots of sites that tell you to prepare your bag at completely different times. Some two weeks before some two months! I opted for the 32 weeks.
I compiled the list from various web sites found all over the place and the list given to me by the NCT class. It is a long list and I doubt you absolutely need it all but I like to be prepared! (Although the handheld mirror to see the crown of your baby being born I will give a miss... I would rather use the mirror to check my how my hair looks!)
If you can't be bothered to get all your individual bits and pieces for your bag then I would recommend Mothercare's ready-to-go Hospital Bag costing £49.99. When I looked at this (and stole its recommendations for content) I thought it was a bit pricey but after buying all the bits separately I spent well over a hundred! A little excessive maybe but I really wanted that giraffe blanket ;-) Additionally when you do buy separates you get more of everything...
My mum and I went all over the place for various bits and pieces. With each purchase a little more of my femininity was lost... nipple cream, HUGE knickers, maternity towels.... hmmmm... sexy lady! When I returned home and showed my husband my purchases its no surprise that he didn't get too excited!
Anyway, go to Q&S or Primark or somewhere cheap and cheerful for your knickers and dressing gowns. Also try Superdrug for your nappies, towels etc as its cheaper than Mothercare.
Hope someone finds this useful!
:-)
I compiled the list from various web sites found all over the place and the list given to me by the NCT class. It is a long list and I doubt you absolutely need it all but I like to be prepared! (Although the handheld mirror to see the crown of your baby being born I will give a miss... I would rather use the mirror to check my how my hair looks!)
If you can't be bothered to get all your individual bits and pieces for your bag then I would recommend Mothercare's ready-to-go Hospital Bag costing £49.99. When I looked at this (and stole its recommendations for content) I thought it was a bit pricey but after buying all the bits separately I spent well over a hundred! A little excessive maybe but I really wanted that giraffe blanket ;-) Additionally when you do buy separates you get more of everything...
My mum and I went all over the place for various bits and pieces. With each purchase a little more of my femininity was lost... nipple cream, HUGE knickers, maternity towels.... hmmmm... sexy lady! When I returned home and showed my husband my purchases its no surprise that he didn't get too excited!
Anyway, go to Q&S or Primark or somewhere cheap and cheerful for your knickers and dressing gowns. Also try Superdrug for your nappies, towels etc as its cheaper than Mothercare.
Hope someone finds this useful!
:-)
Tuesday 15 May 2007
Strange dreams are made of these...
Since being pregnant my dreams are, as you might expect, mainly baby related. They vary from odd to damn scary! For instance here are a few examples:
The Cactus Dream
The other week after the East Surrey Hospital Tour I dreamt I was giving birth to a cactus. I remember looking down between my legs to see a cactus, beautifully green with sharp needles pointing out in every direction.
My Synopsis: Pretty obvious really – I am worried about the pain!!!!!
The Ice Cream Dilemma Dream:
So for some reason I was in a Petrol Station Garage shop desperately seeking Ben & Jerrys Cookie Dough Ice Cream. I can remember how anxious I was to find some and how upset I was as I peered into the freezer to find they had run out! Serious stuff I hear you say... I then dealt with my despair by eating as much chocolate I could find as possible. I wasn't happy about the substitute though...
My Synopsis: I am eating too much... erm... and food is taking the place of sex!
The Breast Feeding Dream:
I was in our house but it was larger (oh if only!) and I had been asleep for two days after having a Cesarean. Upon wakening I found that Matt and his dad had given 'Bob' SMA carton milk instead of waking me up to breast feed. I inconsolably cried my eyes out!
My Synopsis: Again pretty obvious - I am anxious about whether my baby will breast feed and hope that it isn't out of my control!
The Cactus Dream
The other week after the East Surrey Hospital Tour I dreamt I was giving birth to a cactus. I remember looking down between my legs to see a cactus, beautifully green with sharp needles pointing out in every direction.
My Synopsis: Pretty obvious really – I am worried about the pain!!!!!
The Ice Cream Dilemma Dream:
So for some reason I was in a Petrol Station Garage shop desperately seeking Ben & Jerrys Cookie Dough Ice Cream. I can remember how anxious I was to find some and how upset I was as I peered into the freezer to find they had run out! Serious stuff I hear you say... I then dealt with my despair by eating as much chocolate I could find as possible. I wasn't happy about the substitute though...
My Synopsis: I am eating too much... erm... and food is taking the place of sex!
The Breast Feeding Dream:
I was in our house but it was larger (oh if only!) and I had been asleep for two days after having a Cesarean. Upon wakening I found that Matt and his dad had given 'Bob' SMA carton milk instead of waking me up to breast feed. I inconsolably cried my eyes out!
My Synopsis: Again pretty obvious - I am anxious about whether my baby will breast feed and hope that it isn't out of my control!
Monday 14 May 2007
NCT Antenatal Class No.2
Last Wednesday I went to the second NCT Antenatal class.
The evening was VERY informative and talked mainly about labour, the various stages and generally what to expect.
Again I was frustrated not knowing if I was going to experience all of it but even so it was good to know why you are in pain and what exactly your poor child (and poor you!) have to go through. The biggest eye opener for me was what it is the contractions actually do... with each contraction the uterus moves further and further apart. The uterus is the only muscle in your body that doesn't contract - once stretched it stays stretched. It ends up being the largest muscle in your body post child birth.
I enjoyed the evening more than the first week mainly because it was a lot more informative and not so nerve wracking. We also met the dog this week who casually wandered in during the class. He lovingly introduced himself to everyone with a sniff and stayed longer with those people who gave him a bit of attention. Namely me!
The evening was VERY informative and talked mainly about labour, the various stages and generally what to expect.
Again I was frustrated not knowing if I was going to experience all of it but even so it was good to know why you are in pain and what exactly your poor child (and poor you!) have to go through. The biggest eye opener for me was what it is the contractions actually do... with each contraction the uterus moves further and further apart. The uterus is the only muscle in your body that doesn't contract - once stretched it stays stretched. It ends up being the largest muscle in your body post child birth.
I enjoyed the evening more than the first week mainly because it was a lot more informative and not so nerve wracking. We also met the dog this week who casually wandered in during the class. He lovingly introduced himself to everyone with a sniff and stayed longer with those people who gave him a bit of attention. Namely me!
Wednesday 9 May 2007
First NCT Antenatal Class
Last Wednesday the 2nd of May saw the commencement of my Antenatal classes held in Holmbury, Surrey.
The class was pretty much how I expected it to be. There were 6 couples (all older than us, this is Surrey after all), all seated in a horse shoe shape in a ladies large front room. It was quite a strange experience in so much that here were a group of people you have NOTHING in common with except the fact you are all starting families and yet you are all meant to get on. Nothing different to starting a new job I suppose but there was something very uncomfortable about it... maybe it was just the pressure of having to make new friends. Everyone seemed very nice after all.
The first exercise was saying who you were, when your baby is due, where you plan to have it and what you call your 'bump'... an ice breaker I suppose. I am the earliest due - 2nd July but there was a baby also due on the 3rd July. Everyone else was due later on in the month. We then progressed on to what we want out of the course and then a quiz on the female pregnant body parts. Guys versus girls... it was a draw. Surprisingly...
As my third, 34 week scan approaches (in two weeks time) I am becoming anxious to find out whether I am having a natural birth or a C-section. Until then I keep thinking that me doing all my pelvic floor exercises (and even attentively listening to the NCT class info) is a waste of time. I do want a natural birth but knowing when your child is coming and what exactly to expect is also a bonus. It's just my sport I worry about... 10 weeks I have to wait after a cesarean you know. Only 6 weeks with a natural birth. Plus my figure... it will be tougher after a cesarean. Hey ho - what will be will be!
I am going to pack/buy my hospital bag contents today - again some of it depends on what kind of birth I have but good to be prepared. I laughed yesterday when my friend said she would of had hers packed in week 6!
'Bob' kicks A LOT now. I don't think 'kick' is actually the right terminology. Its more like moves. It's amazing and annoying all in the same breath. The movements almost wind me but there is no mistaking there is a little person wriggling around inside you. I try to imagine what he/she looks like. They have hair now and are fully developed... the next 8 weeks are all about putting fat on and strengthening the lungs. Weird to think even if they were born now they would be normal. But hey 'Bob' that's not an invitation to come early, stay right where you are please!
The class was pretty much how I expected it to be. There were 6 couples (all older than us, this is Surrey after all), all seated in a horse shoe shape in a ladies large front room. It was quite a strange experience in so much that here were a group of people you have NOTHING in common with except the fact you are all starting families and yet you are all meant to get on. Nothing different to starting a new job I suppose but there was something very uncomfortable about it... maybe it was just the pressure of having to make new friends. Everyone seemed very nice after all.
The first exercise was saying who you were, when your baby is due, where you plan to have it and what you call your 'bump'... an ice breaker I suppose. I am the earliest due - 2nd July but there was a baby also due on the 3rd July. Everyone else was due later on in the month. We then progressed on to what we want out of the course and then a quiz on the female pregnant body parts. Guys versus girls... it was a draw. Surprisingly...
As my third, 34 week scan approaches (in two weeks time) I am becoming anxious to find out whether I am having a natural birth or a C-section. Until then I keep thinking that me doing all my pelvic floor exercises (and even attentively listening to the NCT class info) is a waste of time. I do want a natural birth but knowing when your child is coming and what exactly to expect is also a bonus. It's just my sport I worry about... 10 weeks I have to wait after a cesarean you know. Only 6 weeks with a natural birth. Plus my figure... it will be tougher after a cesarean. Hey ho - what will be will be!
I am going to pack/buy my hospital bag contents today - again some of it depends on what kind of birth I have but good to be prepared. I laughed yesterday when my friend said she would of had hers packed in week 6!
'Bob' kicks A LOT now. I don't think 'kick' is actually the right terminology. Its more like moves. It's amazing and annoying all in the same breath. The movements almost wind me but there is no mistaking there is a little person wriggling around inside you. I try to imagine what he/she looks like. They have hair now and are fully developed... the next 8 weeks are all about putting fat on and strengthening the lungs. Weird to think even if they were born now they would be normal. But hey 'Bob' that's not an invitation to come early, stay right where you are please!
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