Erm, gee thanks....

Just reading my maternity notes from last scan.....

Quadruple test results....

1 in 350 .


Apparently this is low risk / likelihood for Down's syndrome.


If it had been high I wouldn't have had the amnio, as that's a 1% chance of miscarriage which is a chance I wouldn't want to take.


I had been concerned as an older mum to be...so this is a bit of a relief....one less thing to stress / plan for.

http://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/maternity/quadruple-test-screening-for-downs-syndrome-and-spina-bifida.pdf

6 +1 - halfway through 1st trimester

Baby Boomers variety of daffodil - fantastic name!

I've made it to my sixth week and am still nervous, but a little less so.

Updates so far: I have an early scan booked for 24th March when I'm 8 +2 and my booking appointment for the 2nd April! I should be 9 +4 by then....it seems like ages away....I hope beanie makes it 

Emotions: becoming more excited and less nervous. The nerves come back in waves

Main thoughts: 'Is beanie sticking? ' 'have people worked it out?'

Physical symptoms: waking up hungry, swollen / full heavy boobs. Still no nausea, so I suppose that's a good thing? Had a crazy amount of energy yesterday. Stoll waking up in early hours of morning.

Halfway through my first trimester....

I really want to enjoy this, but my anxiety levels keep creeping up, which i know is no good for me and beanie. The Bear is very comforting, tells me to remain positive and take a day at a time....each day is sooooo long haha!

The girls on babycentre are great at cheering everyone up and on...if any of you are reading 'thanks!' xx

Any tips for relaxing would be great if you've got 'em!

Yours ,

somewhat neurotic from London x

5 +1 - GP appointment

I trotted off to my GP this morning. The Bear agreed for me to go solo as it's a quick appointment.

I've already been in touch with my midwifery team and they gave me the impression I was 'logged in the system'.

However GP said I was not :-/

Anyway, I told GP I was confirming my pregnancy. She asked if it was planned and i said yes, so she beamed and offered her congratulations, which was really sweet.

She listened to my heart for a murmur - no murmuring, so that's all good.

GP gave me a copy Emma's Diary , which contains tips, advice and vouchers.
The Bear will love that! You can also collect a free gift

I asked her a few questions: can i dye my hair, relax (perm for Afro hair) my hair  apparently the answer is yes.

Should i have an early scan if i can afford it - "No"

Should I be worried my symptoms have virtually disappeared - "No, they settle down, be glad"

Clearblue digital gave me a reading of 3+ very early on in pregnancy, what does this mean : "Nothing, they're not reliable on conception indicators"

And with that I was given a form to fill in to exempt me from paying for prescriptions during pregnancy and one year afterwards. I handed it in at reception. I'll get a card in the post shortly.


GP also made a point of reminding me not to return to smoking - listed all the reasons why not to smoke and ended with "do it for baby, OK?"




Choose and Book was up the spout, so she'll chase up the midwife referral.
From 24 weeks onwards I'll see Dr D instead of the midwife.

All done in ten minutes.


It's starting to feel real now!

Pills, pills, pills....

Tablets...mmm, yum(!)

I was amazed at the range of pills, potions, tablets, herbal remedies promoted for couples on the TTC journey....it's truly astounding!

If like me, you're not a big fan of tablets, rest assured there are easier ways to get your body in tip-top condition!

GUM....not the Wrigleys kind....

"Well, you can't say I never give you anything"

Having made the decision to TTC, OH and I thought it would be a good idea to get tested for any STDs. A woman in my babycentre group recommended it too.

I've never done this before. Quite embarrassing really given I'm 35.


Incase you think you don't need to...
STIs and simple infections are common reasons for infertility. Chlamydia can cause infertility and has no symptoms. It would be heart breaking to know your TTC journey could have been quicker, had you got tested.
It's quick and easy.


So off I trotted to my local GUM.

It was very discreet in our new local hospital. It's named after a person 'e.g. the fred blog clinic', so not embarrassing if you need to ask for directions in the hospital.
Arriving at reception i was asked if i'd been here before.
"No!" very defensively...silly me.
The receptionist was very warm and soothing in her tone - probably figured I was nervous. Although the beads of sweat probably gave it away!
I was asked to take a seat, given a form and a clipboard to put my name, address, GP details (if I wanted to) and mobile number and which tests I want done. I ticked the 'all the above' box.

The waiting area was blocked off cleverly and men and women were in different areas.

Form filled in, you're given a small card with clinic contact details and your unique ID number. You use this to obtain your results and thank goodness the staff call you by the number - not your name.

Next step - I was called in to speak with a doctor. Nice woman who asked why I wanted to be tested. I simply said I'd never done this before, it was about time and I'm planning on having children. A few questions about my lifestyle, e.g. ever taken drugs, has my partner slept with a man ('er, if he has he's kept that quiet!), then she gave me a small sample pot to have a wee in and wait in reception.

Now here's the funny bit. In the toilet there's a small hatch to drop your sample in! You don't need to hand it to anyone, brilliant!


Next step was to wait to be called for blood test.
Again this was quick and easy, i was in and out within two minutes. Blood test took seconds.

Then I was told to wait 10 working days.
If they find an infection I'll get a phone call.
If not, I won't hear anything, but can call if I want to.

I rang after 10 days - and was given my results. All clear! Hurrah!


Get yourself checked out. If you've ever had unprotected sex, be it a crazy random one night stand or only in a loving relationship...it's worth the piece of mind.


And it's easy and free! (you're making your own jokes up here aren't you!)

NHS info on Visiting a GUM clinic