Diary of a mum-to-be: Scans, soda’s and a severe lack of Steak
Ever wondered how other mums feel when they find out they’re expecting? What thoughts cross their minds, how they feel as their baby grows inside them and how they cope as this journey plays out? We’ve decided to follow Carly, a first time mum, who’s here to tell us her inner most thoughts, feelings and completely crazy cravings, because every story is different, unpredictable, terrifying and wonderful!
8 weeks
The sickness and hunger have eased back but boy oh boy, the sore boobs have not. They don’t seem to have grown much but wow, are they tender! I still feel hungrier than normal but find I just can’t eat a normal sized dinner? I don’t really like snacking late at night but I don’t really have much choice at the moment.
We’re going out for a meal tonight to celebrate my dad’s birthday but rather annoyingly we’re going to an amazing Japanese place and, as I’m sure you know the joys of pregnancy have very strict food limitations.
I’ve also really noticed how much more tired I am at the moment too. I’ve been really good about limiting caffeine, but last night I gave in and had a small glass of coke – I just felt so drained and really needed the energy. Back on the decaf tea today though!
9 weeks
I ended up having chicken gyoza at the restaurant but all I could see was the beautiful sushi on everyone else’s plates – won’t be going there again anytime soon! No-one seemed to suspect anything when I ordered lime and sodas all night either, which was handy as it’s still too early to share the news. Can’t believe it’s so close to the first scan. It’s even closer to the first consultant obstetrician appointment, although I’ve been reading conflicting accounts online on what they’ll actually do in that appointment? I’m hopeful to be able to hear the heartbeat, but I know (from self-googling) that it’s not likely until at least 14 weeks.
I’ve been feeling less tired this week in the evenings, and able to stay awake past 9. I’m hoping this will last… My appetite has also started to shrink a bit – which I think is a good thing. I know I’m having a baby but the scales have really shot up!
10 weeks
Eugh, I caught the dreaded lurgy this week. It was awful. Of course I couldn’t take anything for it. I’m now feeling a bit better but still on the hot honey and lemon – it’s the closest pregnancy friendly remedy I can find to Lemsip!
I’m looking forward to the obstetrician appointment on Monday, though I’ve started to get a little nervous. I want to speak to them about my racing heartbeat, as mine was nearly 120 bpm last night whilst resting. Is that normal? It seems to get really high out of the blue then go back to a more normal 80-90 after an hour or so. I suffer from a thyroid condition so I’m not sure if it’s related to that or the extra work my body is doing at the moment. I’m never quite sure at the moment what is baby-related and what’s not.
11 weeks
So I’ve just had my consultant obstetrician appointment (after a very long wait at the maternity unit, but we won’t go into that)! I spoke to her about my concerns with my heart rate and she said to monitor for the next 10 weeks and I’m still concerned, they’ll do further tests and to also mention it to my endocrinologist. Scary stuff.
My Obstetrician also said she will arrange for 2 extra growth scans of the baby between 24-36 weeks which will be good. She took my blood pressure and weight (no comment) and everything is fine, so it the first baby-scan is all set! Rather oddly though, I am now SUPER nervous because, up until then, nobody except me has confirmed I even have a foetus growing in there. My husband thinks I’m mad. I’m also excited to see our little baby for the first time on the big screen, even if it does look like a little blob! J
12 weeks
I had my scan today and I’m pleased to say that everything is OK/ the baby was wriggling around like a tadpole. SUCH a relief to see that picture on the screen; they were running late and my bladder was so full, I thought I was going to burst when she did eventually press on it with the probe. I was so nervous this morning I was actually sick, (I’m putting that down to nerves rather than pregnancy). Anyway it was amazing seeing that little heartbeat and limbs twitching around! They’ve measured me at 2 days further along that I thought.
The one thing that was a bit frustrating is that baby was laying stubbornly face down so we couldn’t get great pictures and more importantly, the technician couldn’t get the nuchal measurement. Instead of the usual NT test, I now have to have the older style Quad test (after 15 weeks) that doesn’t factor in nuchal measurement.
I think I’m starting to show now, (although to anyone else I probably just look like I’m bloated) so that’s really exciting. Wonder how many strangers will start patting my tummy uninvited..! Not long now till we will know if it’s a boy or a girl! Anyway, fingers crossed all is well with my baby, speak soon. x
Hospital bag essentials
Giving birth is the single most empowering and amazing thing your body will ever do. Preparing for the birth, both psychologically and physically (we’re big fans of hypnobirthing at Amoralia HQ) will help you to feel in control and confident, and will ease the journey into motherhood. Preparing your hospital bag can be an exciting moment (OMG, it’s really happening!), so here are our top hospital bag essentials for you (check out The Bump for the bits to bring for baby).
A nightdress is great for the early hours after you’ve given birth. You’re going to be feeling extremely tender down there, so it’s best to stay clear from pyjama bottoms. Our Seamless Nursing nightie and Basic Nursing Nightie both offer easy nursing access, are a dark (but flattering) colour and both made from super-soft fabrics. Team with luxe slippers and the matching robe to pad around the ward in style. Our Amoralia Mandy Cardi ties under the bust so won’t aggravate any tender areas. We find disposable breast pads such as these Lansinoh ones, are the best for the early days as they’re thin and very absorbent. You can always switch to re-usable once you get the hang of breastfeeding later at home.
Believe it or not, we don’t advise you spend too much money on knickers. For the first few days, it’s best to get something that you’re happy to chuck out afterwards. Full coverage and a high waist is best, as it will help you feel more secure and won’t rub any scars if you had a cesarean.
Stock up on sweets, glucose tablets and sports drinks – even if you don’t need it, chance are your OH will!
Maternity wards can be noisy and bright, and you’re going to be very tired (sorry for the reality check!). Catching up on sleep whenever possible is so important, so bring ear plugs and an eye mask. Some mums find they get dry lips because of the warm environment of maternity wards and stress of birth, so remember to take along a lip balm. Your nipples are also going to be very sore, so choose a nipple cream that is free of preservatives is breastfeeding friendly. Lansinoh offer a great nipple cream that has no taste or perfume, so doesnt need to be removed before nursing.
When you’re finally ready to leave the hospital don’t go for a pair of jeans. You’re still going to be very sore and aching all over, so choose some bottoms that won’t dig into your bump when you’re sitting down for the journey home. Our PJ leggings are catered to sit snuggly on a new-mum-tums and are super soft. Choose a nursing bra without a flexi-wire, to protect delicate breast tissue against mastitis – We love our Sleep Nursing bra, as it has no clasps and offers easy lift up nursing access. Team with our super comfortable Nursing Tunic as choosing something dark will be less forgiving for breastmilk stains. Take a scarf or pashmina to snuggle with in the car and stick to slip-on shoes, so you can kick them off as soon as you get in. Finally, have a rest at home with the best part of it all, your brand new baby.
1: Amoralia Seamless Nursing Nightie, £49
2: Amoralia Nursing Nightie, £40 and Amoralia Mandy Cardi. £35
3: Sleep Nursing bra £25
4: Amoralia Nursing Tunic, £35 and PJ leggings £35
5: Amazon Grey Pashmina, £25
6: Amoralia Second Skin Short, £15
7: Vans Slip on Trainers, £61