Scan Scares – diary of a mum to be
pregnancy scan
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!
17 weeks
Just back from midwife – quite a lot of information to process so I’ll document it here:
Blood type – I have an apparently a quite rare Rhesus O Negative blood type, so I have been booked in for what they call an Anti D shot at 28 weeks . This adds antigens to my blood that aren’t there naturally. The problem with being RhO- is that any type of positive blood mixing with mine would be like drinking poison. My immune system would attack it and a large amount of it such as during a transfusion would make me very ill.
Not great but even worse is that if the baby has a positive blood type from his or her daddy (A, B, O or AB+ blood types so it’s likely) and our bloods accidentally mix, it wouldn’t be great for them. The Anti D shot works to combat all of that but I’ll need a second shot after delivery as well.
Low risk for Downs syndrome – she said the diagnostic tests confirmed this was good, but doesn’t have my final results back so she’s sending them by post. She said though they don’t send low risk letters to expectant parents unless they’re sure of the results (as sure as they can be), so I’m reassured.
Sensitive cervix – I have one. I’ve had a couple of little bleeds with no pain and no major blood loss, so she thinks my cervix is sensitive. I have to take it easy from now on – no mountain climbing (oh well….)
Lastly but not least, I heard baby’s heartbeat on her hospital Doppler and it IS the same sound and BPM as I’ve been hearing on my home one. Phew!
18 weeks
This past week has been really tiring at work with lots to do and not enough time to do them in, so as a consequence I’ve been falling asleep more in the evenings but then not sleeping properly come bed time. Frustrating and it means at work I feel like a zombie. My friend popped round at the weekend with a pregnancy support pillow but one that can also be used past birth for nursing and then for baby to sit in – that’s now in the nursery alongside our ever-growing collection of baby bits.
I’m waiting to start feeling kicks now – apparently first time mums don’t feel them usually until about 20 weeks but I’m hopeful to feel them before. I have felt some twinges where I think baby’s feet would be but nothing like the “fluttering” sensations that apparently herald those first kicks. I’ll keep you posted…
19 weeks
It’s been a long week. The house is a mess and I’m feeling stressed about it all. I know it’s ridiculous but I’m really struggling with the hoovering at the moment. Our Dyson is quite heavy and lugging it up and down the stairs really hurts my hips – the other day they were so bad I resorted to sitting on the kitchen floor and using the nozzle to hoover everything – I just didn’t feel I could stand any longer! Looks like my dearest husband will be taking that particular chore over from now on…oh well!
20 week scan next week – I’m so excited!!
20 weeks
So we had our 20 week baby scan this week and I’m pleased to say everything looks OK as far as they can tell at this stage. Everything has been noted as “normal” and we got a nice view of baby – at least everything looks a little less “alien” like, and SHE wasn’t lying like a frog this time.
Yep, that’s right. Sprog is a baby girl, or so they think. Unfortunately she was being stubborn and lying head down, hands in front of her face, and with legs together and ankles crossed, so not the most compliant position! Fast asleep as well so no amount of nudging would shift her! The Sonographer said she was 70-80% sure she couldn’t see any boy bits on any view of the scan, but of course they could still be tucked away.
I’m not the most patient of people so I’ve booked a 3D gender scan for 2 weeks time. I think it be better to get a more conclusive answer to the gender question.
In other exciting news I think I felt my first proper kick on Tuesday! I’ve been expecting to feel them lower down but as baby is laying head down with feet in the air, I’ve probably been ignoring any fluttering feelings higher up where her feet are. Definitely felt a new movement earlier, I think it was her letting me know she was up…(even thought it was 5pm!)
21 weeks
Wow, the weeks are flying by now – 21 weeks and I’ve definitely started showing more in the past week. It’s true when people say you just “pop out” – you really do! One day your jeans fit – the next, no chance.
Had a bit of a “crisis” over the weekend – not really a crisis but had a bigger bleed than any before Saturday evening. Didn’t panic because I know the midwife said about having a sensitive cervix but then I read up online Sunday and read that those with negative blood need Anti D shots if they have any bleeds during pregnancy at all, not just the scheduled one at 28 weeks. Monday I called the midwife and it turned out to be a locum who confirmed this to me so I had to call the Labour ward and go in to have a shot. Whilst I was there they gave me my first internal (of many to come I assume) and made sure everything was fine (which it is – *phew*) but took me back a bit – I wasn’t expecting it.
Apart from that though, all is well and just counting down the days until the 3D Gender scan when we can hopefully find out whether baby is a girl or boy,
Anyway, till next time, Carly x
Changing tables – top tips
It’s mucky, smelly and bound to cause a few surprises along the way, so it’s no wonder that so many parents find the oh-so-glamorous world of nappies a little bit daunting! After all, the combination of tiny wriggling newborn and…well..poo isn’t going to always be sunshine and flowers is it? But, there are things you can do to prep your changing table, to help make it a little easier.
Have something hanging above the changing mat for your baby to look at. It doesn’t have to be super expensive and can even just be bits of shiny foil on string if need be (we promise your baby won’t know any better!) but if you’re feeling particularly crafty Mr Printables offer some great playful ideas that will be sure to entertain your little one.
For small nurseries why not consider a wall mounted unit? We love this one from Bo Elkstrem. It has storage shelves built in and comes in a range of sleek, modern styles, to coordinate with every decor.
If you’re using a classic changing table, then try to position it so that have your baby’s feet facing you. It’s much easier this way to remove old nappies, clean up that little bottom and place on a new one. Plus, it means you can keep a firm grip on your new born’s belly, whilst reaching for the talc or lotion.
Wall storage such as these hanging pockets are perfect as they can be wiped clean and will allow you to organise all the essentials in one easy go. You can also buy storage buckets that sit comfortably on the side of most changing tables. This set includes a handy bin for you to dispose of nasty wipes ASAP!
As you can imagine it won’t be staying pristine for long, so we don’t advise you spend too much money on a changing mat. Changing mat covers however are a great idea and worth a little investment. Remember, babies aren’t fans of hot and sticky or super chilly changing mats, but if you don’t have a cover, lay down a muslin before hand. Aden + Anais offer some really lovely high quality sheets, that will survive many many washes and are super soft for your baby’s bottom!
Remember – Never leave your baby unattended on a changing table and ensure changing tables are fixed to the wall with wall brackets.
Nursery Cot inspiration
One of the biggest perks of being a Mum is decorating your baby’s nursery, so we’ve searched the internet far and wide to find you the best cots and cribs on the market. They’re beautiful, practical, and all designed to put your baby’s safety first.
1: This Sleepyhead Deluxe Portable Pod from John Lewis, £99 can be used whilst your baby is both awake and asleep. Place it in your cot as an extra soft layer or to use as a playtime blanket with your baby on their tummy. It’s incredibly soft and comes in a clean crisp white to ensure it goes with any décor.
2: The Eco Cradle from Green Lullaby, £157 is made from compressed cardboard, meaning it’s sturdy but incredibly light. It can be flat packed if you do travel and it is super quick to assemble. It comes in an array of colours and patterns but why not purchase a plain one to decorate yourself?…someone pass us the crayons!
3: Nestas Nest’s Moses basket – never have we seen a cradle so beautiful as this. It is on the pricier side at £438, but then again it is hand stitched and channels the same quality as a Louis Vuitton purse… Plus, once your baby has grown out of it, it can be used as a storage box for toys, shoes and blankets.
4: The Rocking Crib from Ontwerpduo, £650 is genius – with a connected rocking chair (and cushion for your comfort) you can watch your baby sleep for as long as you like, whilst gently rocking them back and forth. For this price, really you’re buying two items in one…!
5: Saving the best till last THIS is genius. This is the only bed you’ll need from new-born to toddler. Like some kind of magical transformer, the Rocky bed from Jaell und Tofta, £877, flips, flops, slots and slides into 4 different types of bed and basically grows with your child. It’s fun, modern and practical…just the way we like it!
Pets and pregnancy – is it a walk in the park?
Pets hold a special place in our hearts in the UK – one in 3 homes has a furry lodger. Pregnancy can change the dynamic though so you’ll want to be prepared.
Our most common house pets are cats and dogs, loved for their fluffy cuddliness. However, with the hormonal changes pregnancy brings you may find that your animals are less than enthusiastic about the nightly cuddle on the sofa! Most of the time, cats and dogs become more withdrawn and may choose to spend less time with you than before. You might find that your sofa buddy has found a comfortable home elsewhere in the evenings.
Safety
During pregnancy, it is important that pregnant mothers avoid contact with any faeces – especially cat waste (it carries a very dangerous disease called toxoplasmosis.) This can affect your unborn baby’s developing eyes and brain, and can cause severe damage.
It is imperative that whilst you are pregnant, you avoid pet waste, so someone else clears up the cat litter tray – it really isn’t worth the risk to your unborn child. Finally, the excuse you’ve been looking for!
Make sure that your animal’s vaccinations are up to date and that they are flea and worm treated regularly – before, during and after pregnancy.
Your dog’s habits might need adjusting too. It might be best to avoid rough play sessions and jumping up. Dogs are very strong and they could quite easily know an adult over (unintentionally of course.) A fall could be very painful and dangerous when pregnant.
Dogs
You most likely already have some form of a routine but as your pregnancy progresses you could start to make this a bit more firm. Going for walks at a similar time each day and being fed in a routine can help them feel more secure and less likely to lash out.
Look at an indoor kennel or safe place for your dog to go to when they are feeling a little stressed. The noise that accompanies a new baby, as well as the feeling of their “territory” being invaded by someone else can be big stress factors for them.
Make sure you set some time aside for them. Once your baby is born, you’ll be preoccupied and your dog won’t be get all of your attention! Once baby is in bed for the evening, you could dedicate some time to playing with them, even if you are feeling tired. It is really important to make the effort – they were your baby first, after all. The time spent playing will strengthen your bond and help your dog to cope with the big change to their home life!
Cats
With cats, it is slightly different. Whilst it’s a good idea to implement routines (regular feeding times in the morning and evening, for example) cats are a little more independent. If you haven’t already, you could fit a cat flap so that your cat can safely escape when the noise gets too much!
If your cat roams round the house, it would be well worth considering closing the nursery door. This will help them to get used to staying out of certain rooms.
As with dogs, spend some time playing with your cat so they don’t feel too left out – you can get some amazing climbing frames with high platforms that they can sit on and feel safe, whilst being able to observe what is going on around him.
The main thing to remember is that your pets had the house and your attention first! If you work hard to make them feel at ease and still welcome, there’s no reason your baby & pets won’t love each other to bits.
Image credit: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/61/FEMA_-_38417_-_Dogs_at_a_shelter_for_displaced_pets_in_Texas.jpg
