40 Weeks - Still Pregnant

I was wrong.

The baby didn't arrive the day I thought it would.

I'm still pregnant.

40 Weeks Pregnant - Clearly, my womb is comfortable!

And I'm angry.

Like this enormous ball of pregnant rage.

39 Weeks - Counting Down the Days

39 Weeks Pregnant

For once I feel I can report a positive week of pregnancy. 

I feel completely upheld by the prayers of family, friends, and strangers who read this blog. 

Gradually I am gaining a sense of peace. A peace which is beginning to dwarf the fear.

33 weeks - A Brief Update

Not a great deal to report this week.

We saw our midwife, and she explained everything she knew about polyhydramnios, but she also recommended that we talk to a Consultant.

As I have maintained all along that I would see a Consultant if any issue arose with my pregnancy, then I could hardly refuse!

32 Weeks - Colostrum

Gaviscon - the acceptable pregnancy cocktail

Two new arrivals this week. One more welcome than the other.

First, Heartburn.

It is here.

I thought I'd escaped, but I was wrong.

At least I got into the third trimester before it raised its ugly head.

Must hunt down some cocktail umbrellas to make the Gaviscon bottle a bit more exciting.

30 Weeks - Hope and Despair

When I told my midwife at my first appointment that I would be refusing consultant-led care, I thought that would be it. They would respect my wishes and my pregnancy would progress in a positive manner.

That was 19 weeks ago.

I was wrong.

23 Weeks - Nothing Extraordinary

The Hubby felt the baby move this week.

It's always an exciting moment when I get to share the movements I've been feeling. Another step along the way to a baby feeling real. 

It won't be long until the girls feel it too, and I can't wait to see their faces when that happens.

21 Weeks - Low Carb Recipe Round Up

It is a truth universally acknowledged (to steal a quote from Jane Austen) that your children will always find a way to make you look like a liar!

Baby's on the move

Last week I was bemoaning the fact that I had felt very little movement, but within an hour of publishing the post, baby no. 3 was jumping around like a lunatic. 

Typical! But reassuring. 

I saw my midwife this week. We discussed the letter I had received from the consultant, and she read my response as she hadn't received hers yet. She and her student midwife were quite shocked by the contents of the letter. 

I am yet to receive a reply from the consultant. If it takes too long, I'll be contacting Birthrights again for further advice. I'll keep you updated.

14 Weeks - Booking In & Dating Scan

I am never more aware of being fat than when I am pregnant.

A time that should be full of hope and excitement and joy can be reduced, in the blink of an eye, to one of fear and worry and stress, just because of a number written on a form. I have found, in both of my previous pregnancies, that as soon as my weight and BMI were taken and recorded on my maternity notes, I was subject to scaremongering, patronisation and poor medical practice. 

The standard practice in UK antenatal care is to place anyone with a high BMI under consultant led care. Weight in itself is considered to make a high risk pregnancy, regardless of maternal health. And from thereon in, the stress and interventions just pile up.

14 Weeks - Baby is the size of a Troll

During my first pregnancy I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, which, as a PCOS sufferer, should not have come as a surprise. Though, having been told by my doctor that as I had achieved pregnancy there was nothing that needed doing about my PCOS, it is no wonder that I was unaware of the other issues of the Syndrome apart from infertility. 

PCOS sufferers often have Insulin Resistance, and a higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes in later life. Insulin Resistance, when unrecognised and untreated, can lead to weight gain, which in turn can increase Insulin Resistance, and so on and so on. Much of what I have read has pointed to the fact that it is Insulin Resistance that causes obesity, and not vice versa. 

People don't get Diabetes because they are fat - they get fat because they are already headed towards Diabetes. And with Insulin Resistance comes a propensity for Gestational Diabetes, which is often considered a pointer towards future Type 2 Diabetes, and low milk supply. 

My GP should have known, and informed me, of the problems caused by PCOS. I should have been prepared. But considering it took them 15 years to diagnose me, again I shouldn't be surprised.

13 Weeks - Some News

We had our dating scan this week, so we're finally at the happily public stage of pregnancy. Baby 3 is due in October, despite the Hubby's Nan's admonition not to have any more October birthdays!

Artist's Representation of Me!

We found out I was pregnant in mid-February, amid a bit of a stressful time. A flash of joy to focus on.