Emma's Diary - Mum to Be Pack

This contains a 'spoiler' so if you don't want to know what goodies are in store...please turn away now!

In my bag of goodies were....drum roll.......

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!

February 2012

BFFP Month - big fat feb positive!

Wow, so February was a pretty amazing month....

13 dpo...just checking!

13 dpo and tested on a Clearblue digital....

Still pregnant...yay!

Hormones are rising...thank goodness xx

So far, so good...!

Going by my calculations, which could be waaaaay off, I am due on 1st November, which puts me at 3 weeks, 6 days today.

I'm still nervous AF will make a surprise appearance tomorrow.

I'm nervous about just about everything to be honest. I'm delivering training today and can barely concentrate!

So the symptoms so far...?

Barely any. If I wasn't ttc and looking out for signs, i'd never guess I'm pregnant. I'm pregnant! Just realised how weird that feels writing it down!


Boobs are much fuller, but usually are before AF
Had *a lot* of creamy cm yesterday
Some small pinches and a hot sensation about the size of a five penny piece on my right side abdomen.


The main symptom is tiredness....I'm falling asleep at about 8.30pm 9pm and up again between 1am and 3am.

All of these together may scream - preggo ! - but to be honest having a lot of work to do, if I weren't ttc I wouldn't guess.


I do feel like  people look at me funny...which is so daft, i keep thinking , 'can people tell?'
Silly.

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!

Ovulation signs - say ahh

Copyright (c) <a href='http://www.123rf.com'>123RF Stock Photos</a>

Another way to check when you're ovulating is to take your temperature on a daily basis.
This is often referred to as BBT (Basal Body Temperature).

Beginners guide to TTC

Having made the decision, if you're like me, you're probably thinking...where do I start?

Basic ingredients:

• A loving partner
• Lots of sex (preferably good quality sex)
• A good helping of patience (this recipe may take a while to cook)
• Healthy body
• Healthy lifestyle
• Sensible support network (note: frenemies do not count!)

A Loving Partner:

The Bear (my OH) can wind me up something chronic! But he's also my best friend and a good guy. We think alike so that makes life easy. This journey can test a relationship, so be sure to have someone who's a team player on your side.


Lots of sex
Nuff said!


Patience
If you've spent most of your adult life avoiding pregnancy, it can be a shock to realise how long it takes. Expect to try for up to a year if you're under 35 and six months if you're over 35. If you're not pregnant within that timeframe, time to chat with your GP.

NHS Choices - Fertility info



Healthy Body & Lifestyle
Lots of common sense really. if you smoke - now's the time to stop, it'll only be harder once pregnant. if OH smokes, quitting will improve his sperm.
Couch potato? Start introducing some movement into your life.
Coffee addict - cut down to one per day , decaff or stop.
Junk food addict - enjoy your treats but introduce a variety of fresh foods where you can.
Supplements can also help - make sure they're specific to pregnancy or conception.

Support network

Shameless plug: Babycentre.co.uk is a great resource, with information, tips, articles, and a very active on-line network for every stage from TTC to parenting.
Tip - choose a username you are happy to be seen publicly and will last throughout your journey, as you can't amend it. i.e. trying for number 1 will look silly once you've 3 year old twins!

I have chosen not to tell friends and family, as it's too much pressure. Once we got pregnant I'll announce it!

So, that's the basic stuff....time to start baby making!

Is it just me.....?

Or is the entire world having children?!

There are pregnant women everywhere....Facebook, twitter, on the tube, on the bus, presenting TV programmes....everywhere!!

OK, my point is a tad silly, but nonetheless, it's as though I've suddenly woken up and seen the world in a new light.


It's forced a reality check.

I'm 35, childless or child free depending on your view.

The Big Bear (that's my other half) and I decided several months ago.....

"It's time to start making babies!"

So I'm going to blog our journey, share some tips, probably say some things I wish I hadn't and hopefully learn how to Bake a Bun!

Come join me....it beats playing solitare!