Freya Rose

Freya Rose has arrived!

Here's the Birth Story!

The lead up...
Thursday was a MADLY busy day. We were up at 6.30am ready for the scan at 9am. After the scan, Noah and I went to Toddlers and then whizzed round town for a few bits. I said I'd drop into work but as I drove out of the car park, the car started playing up on me so I got all stressed and managed to get it to Sy's work to park it and tell him - there was no way I was going to drive it like that! Sy lives just around the corner from our soft play place so Noah and I walked the 10 mins to get there and stayed there and had some lunch until Sy was on his break and could pick us up. Popped into school quickly and then went home. Noah had a huge 3hour sleep from 3-6pm but I was busy updating here etc. and tidying up so didn't nap myself (wished I had later!).

The birth story...
Simon got home from work at 6.30pm. As Noah had slept so long we knew he'd be up late so thought we'd descend upon the MIL for a couple of hours! At 7pm, just as we were about to leave I felt a small leak down below so rushed to the loo where some fluid fell out of me - completely clear (and not wee as I'd just done a big one!). I wasn't sure if it was waters or not but told Sy just in case and thought I'd wait and see what happened. In the car on the way to MILs I had my first cramp and had a few for the couple of hours we were there. Was texting a Mummy friend at this point for advice on waters breaking and what labour feels like when it happens naturally, lol! The cramps weren't bad enough to cause any real pain and I didn't mention them to Sy or the MIL at the time as I still wasn't convinced I was in labour!

Got home at 9pm and the cramps soon got closer and ‘crampier’! I thought I’d have a shower and freshen up and when I went to the loo after getting out I had a show! It must have been pretty much complete – an enormous blob of pink jelly. Fascinating! Thought we better phone Sy's Mum then to come and get Noah in case it really was labour! The cramps were now about 5 minutess apart already but I could still talk through them while bouncing on my trusty ball. I had it in place of the computer chair so I could sit and surf the net/time the contractions online to take my mind off things between cramps! We phoned the labour ward to let them know what was going on and to ask their advice about what to do and when. They said the typical take paracetamol, have a bath, ring back when the pains are 4 minutes apart and hurt a bit more!

I didn’t have a bath – had a funny feeling things would be quick. By 11pm I knew it was time to tell the hospital we were coming in. The pains had intensified and were 3 or 4 minutes apart. Still only painful enough to make me go ‘Oooooohhh owowowowowowowow!’ but definitely at the point I knew things were happening!

We got to the hospital at about 11.30pm and I was taken to my room (which was one with a birthing pool even though I hadn’t asked – was really pleased!). Because of the oligohydramnios I was strapped to the monitor for 20minutes to monitor baby’s heat-rate during the contractions but she was fine. I did a wee and got changed out of my clothes and then, not long after midnight, the contractions suddenly changed!! VERY painful, very fast and very long! It felt like there was hardly any let up between them!

I wasn’t comfy on all the ball all squashed up anymore so knelt over the back of the bed. Asked for some Gas&Air as hadn’t used it before. I didn’t mind it and it did help me become a bit less aware but I preferred the feeling of ‘coming down’ after I’d stopped breathing it in than the feeling of while I was sucking it so stopped using it after about half an hour. I couldn’t be bothered to hold onto the damn thing either and by this stage I was really growling and moaning and the sound of my noises echoing down the mouthpiece was horrendous! So in the end I just hung onto the bed and shouted lots!! I was so quiet and calm with Noah but I was a bit of an animal with my grunting this time round! It did hurt a hell of a lot more though! I also poo’d when I was at the ‘almost ready to push’ stage. I knew I needed to and I knew I wasn’t quite ready to push baby out but had to push something out so thought I might as well! Good old labour, eh! I remember apologising for it being soft and squidgy (not that I could see it!). I also remember the Midwives at this point discussing anal swelling and wondered what on earth I’d done (luckily nothing - the Senior MW was just giving the student MW a bit of a lesson!!)!!

By 2am I was ready to push. I’d not had an internal or anything since I’d arrived but it was all happening so fast and the midwives didn’t seem concerned. I turned over to sit/lie on the bed as I was tired of kneeling at this point. With Noah, the pain of the contractions seemed to die down a bit when it came to pushing but this time it was still excruciating. I felt the head moving down and crowning a lot more too. I had one really long contraction which I controlled really well, pushing and stopping on command to get her head out and then one final contraction to get her body out. Two big pushes – that was all it took!

Freya Rose was delivered, squawking, onto my tummy at 2.17am on Friday 28 March 2008. 11 days early and taking us all by surprise! She arrived 7 hours after my waters broke, not quite 3 hours after I arrived at hospital and after only being in hideous pain and 'established labour' for about 2 hours! Fast and painful.

After the birth...
I had the injection to deliver the placenta, the doing of which also hurt this time (little contractions) and even asked to have a look at it – I was curious!! I only had a first degree tear (graze they told me!) so didn’t need any stitches this time. It’s a little tender but that's all.

Freya was given her Vitamin K and was weighed – 3.09kg or 6lb 13oz (bang on the 50th centile for a baby girl born at 38+2. She seems so small compared to Noah, although is the same length he was when born but they told me she’d be long! She had a feed then and mastered it instantly.

Simon didn’t hang around too long so once I’d convinced the Midwife I would like to stay the night (she asked if I wanted to go home then!) he trotted of to make his phone-calls and go to bed!! I bathed and got dressed and we arrived on the Post Natal Ward at about 4am.

I’m really glad I got to do it naturally...and that it’s over now!! I’m also really proud of myself for having no pain relief this time round!

Labour!!

Well at about 7pm, just after doing a wee, I pulled up my pants and felt something squirt out! Quickly sat back on the loo and some liquid 'fell' out of me. Wasn't sure what to think as had no pains at all today - thought I may have pee'd myself! Thought I'd text a good friend Jo to get some advice on waters breaking!

Fifteen minutes later had my first crampy feeling. Had a couple more at 15/20 minute iintervals but for the last hour they've been coming every 5/10mins. Have only just started properly timing them!

Was at the MIL's so asked Sy if we could come home. Hopped in the shower (too scared to have a bath in case I won't make it to the hospital in time, lol!!), had a funny feeling down below when I got out so did a wee and had a show! Bright pink jelly blob. So exciting! The first time I've experienced that!

Even though the contractions are fairly close together they're still bearable. Like REALLY bad period pains that make me hold my breath and sway about but not moan or anything yet! I hope they're not going to fizzle out.

Have phoned the labour ward who said the typical - have some paracetamol and a bath and ring back when they're about 4 mins apart and lasting a minute and are a bit more painful. Just scared it's going to be a not hurt much labour and I won't make it on time!! Knowing my luck it'll probably actually stop!!!

Just thought you'd like ...oooh just had a really painful one.....to know!!

I just can't believe it's happening naturally!!

They're still at every 5 minutes ish but getting stronger. I'm sat here bouncing on my ball. SImon's job is to press the button to time the contractions on a website we found!

Sometimes I'll get a sneaky contraction after about 3 mins but it'll only last 20 secs. Just now was a 7 min gap but the contraction was longer.

Simon's dad just came to get Noah. I cried when he left thinking it'll be the last time I see him as my baby. I felt really sorry for him. He was quite clingy too.

Week 39: Scan

38+2

Everything is fine! There's still not loads of fluid in there but there's 3cm more than there was so I'm obviously not losing any which is the important thing. They like there to be more than 7.5cm at 38weeks (last time I was 7cm) and I've got 10 so that's fab news!

Girly has grown well too. A fortnight ago her Head Circumference, Abdominal Circumference and length of the thighbone were: 32.3cm, 31.4cm & 7.2cm. This week they were: 33.8cm, 34.1cm and 7.7cm. She's gone from sitting on the average line on the chart to being just above it. I hope she doesn't get too big! They didn't give me an estimated weight or anything but I would think she'll be high in the 7lbs somewhere at least going by what Noah was.

BP fine, even my urine was fine today and not full of glucose. She is still head down and is quite well engaged as they had a real hard time getting head measurements for her as she was so low in my pelvis!

I had a lovely positive and informative Registrar this time too who gave me real confidence that things were fine and there's nothing to worry about. She could see no reason for interfering with nature and inducing me and I was actually really relieved! I feel like a huge weight has been lifted. I think a lot of the reason I've been bogged down about the pregnancy over the last couple of weeks is because I've been feeling in limbo, not knowing what was going on in there and was worrying my socks off! Now I feel all happy about being pregnant again and can't wait for labour to begin and give birth normally! I'm actually quite excited!

Those period pain like niggles have settled a little although I can still feel some strange aches. I think my body is just preparing itself.

I'm really happy now!

Week 39

38+1

I woke up feeling like I'd been for a long horse-ride over night!!!

My pelvic bones ache all inside as do the muscles on the inside of my thighs at the top. Not sure why baby's head engagin would affect my leg muscles though...maybe I just sat in a funny position yesterday?!

It's making me do the 'John Wayne walk'.

Have also had some quite strange niggles/pains/cramps over the last 24 hours. They've been quite erratic though - ranging from a couple of times an hour to every couple of hours.

I think it'd be obvious if it was the beginnings of labour but they're strange feelings nonetheless. Not like the windy/muscular/need the loo etc. aches and pains I've felt on and off for the last few weeks - more crampy and tight. And down quite low like sharp period pains which then spread over my bump and round my back. I think it's the Braxtons hotting up. They're quite contration like but definitely not contractions. Not that I know what early natural labour feels like, lol - when induced with Noah it was from nothing to horrendous contractions just like that!

It would be so lovely if it was the beginning of things but I think that's just wishful thinking, lol! Little madam has also been having a major squirm so think she might be stretching my insides! Just thought I'd make a note of it for future reference!

Week 38

37+5

Urgh. I'm definitely at the 'had enough' stage!!! I'm just soo unbelievably achey and uncomfortable. I constantly have to move about and not stay in one position for too long (although walking too much and being too active also makes me sore!) otherwise I seize up! Night-time is awful, I'm still peeing frequently (usually 4 times a night) and it's just such an effort to try and get out of bed each time! My back and pelvis seem to lock into position while I'm sleeping and just rolling from one side onto the other is a huge mission!

Girly's movement are just so painful most of the time. Especially at the moment - there's an obvious bodily part poking out (not sure if it's a knee/elbow/foot) which she wiggles constantly. I'm really noticing the lack of fluid now! And when poor Noah sticks an elbow in me while cuddling he gets squawked at! Ouch!!

Have had some very strange niggles over the past week, many in my back. Not sure if I might have a urine infection or something as it almost feels like it could be my kidneys. Unless it's just painful Braxtons in my back (goes all the way up to my neck sometimes!!).

I'm bouncing on my ball and going for walks like crazy. Have also started on the old raspberry leaf tea. I tried all the old tricks last time. Might try eating copious amounts of fresh pineapple soon but there's no way I'm going down the sex or curry route! Can't manage either without serious discomfort these days!

I'm curious about the scan on Thursday. As much as I want a natural labour, the thought of being induced sooner isn't bothering me! I'm going alone this time as Sy can't get off work and I'll have to take Noah so I hope he behaves!! He'll be pinned into his pushchair with lots of snacks and books to keep him occupied!! Hope he doesn't create! The whole thing took about an hour last time what with the waiting, the scan, the consultation etc. It's a long time to keep a little man occupied.

Week 37

36+2

I had the scan to check the girly's position today. I was excited about seeing her again...and also hoping she'd not be too big and squashed that they might confirm she's a girly, lol (which they did - definitely a she!). I was also really looking forward to, either way, finding out which way up she is so I could move on and start planning for the birth!

Well the good (great/fab!) news is that baby HAS turned!! She's head down, although not anywhere near being engaged (but then she's only been that way up for a week or so!). My blood pressure is fine too but there was massive amounts of glucose in my urine again. Not too much of a problem though and I've not been the healthiest eater over the past week or so and baby's growth is fine so it's not affected that at all which would be the only reason to worry.

We did have some worrying news though - there's very little fluid in there with baby. Not super-dangerously low, just 'borderline' apparently. They spent ages looking for some and measuring it. Over the next two weeks I have to keep a real eye on the girly's movements and any leaks from below. I wasn't told what to do or who to call if I AM at all concerned - I assume contact the labour ward or my Midwife. I'm worrying about the waters leaking now as for the past week or so I have been quite 'damp' down below. I've almost felt like I've been leaking but put it down to increased discharge. Now I know the fluid is low it's got me wondering! I'm going to give my Midwife a call just to check what I need to do and get her opinion on the joyful wet knickers!!

I've been reading up about low fluid (it's called oligohydramnios) and it says the normal healthy measures of fluid are 5cm-25cm. Mine was 7cm so still within those brackets. They're going to scan me again in two weeks. If there's no change in the amount of fluid, or it's lessened or baby has stopped growing then they'll induce me.

I've just realised that the low fluid is probably what is causing her movements to feel so painful for me. They really do take my breath away and make me cry out sometimes. No padding to make it gentle for Mummy. Have to be careful I don't hurt her back I guess!

I'm not bothered about being induced - at least I won't have to have a section now unless there's an emergency. Although, if she's not engaged still in a fortnight is it likely that induction alone will get her out? Anyway, I'm just really worried about baby having to live in there with not much fluid and that I'm going to be constantly worrying if she's moving enough or whether or not I'm leaking fluid or imagining it! It's stressing me out and making me feel quite tearful.

Thing is, if I hadn't had the scan to check her position I wouldn't have known about the fluid and wouldn't be worrying. Then again, that might mean I wouldn't have worried when I'd needed to.

Only other thing to report is that during the night and again when I woke up this morning I found a wet patch on my sheet near my pillow. I thought I might have dribbled (attractive!) or spilled water when drinking but turns out if was a booby leakage!! They were in full flow a few hours later! It's getting a bit dramatic now! Was never so obvious with Noah before he was born!

That's it for now. I'm so happy she's turned, I just hope she hangs on to her fluid. Although I just want her safely out now!

Week 36

35+1

Trying not to get my hopes up but I think she might have turned. I didn't necessarily feel her do it but I've had some incredible painful movements over the last few days that have made me cry out in pain which I think is either due to her making her way round or the fact she slipped easily into the head-down position and the more painful movements are now due to the way she is now laying. Most of the prods and sharp movements are now at the top of my bump but at the front - I think if she has turned she is laying back to back as it's like her feet and knees are poking out of the top of my bump. It's really quite uncomfortable! Amusing too though as if I have soemthing resting on my bump (a hand, a glass of water etc.) she kicks it out the way! When I move my hand etc. she follows it and kicks it again! EIther that or I'm completely wrong and she's still head-butting me! Only a week until we find out for sure at the scan.

I'm really aching now - especially my back (all over) which is another reason I think she may be back to back. I can't sit/lay/bend for too long as I end up aching for ages. It's really slowing me down now and making me incapable of doing anything! I'm feeling very whale like and huff and puff and grunt and groan getting out of chairs and rolling over in bed!

Other news is my left boobie (just the left one!) starting leaking more than just a few drops this week! I looked down to found a small sticky circle on my top and was glad I was at home!
My hospital bags are also almost packed now. Baby girl's is completely done but I've left mine as what I take will depend on what kind of birth I have and wanted to wait and see if I'd need a section first. Plus I'll be using lots of the stuff until I go into the hospital!

I can honestly say I enjoyed Noah's pregnancy much more. Having the time to revel in it all and sleep and rest when I wanted to in the later weeks. It's so much harder at this stage with a little monster to run around after and I'm just about ready for it to be over now!

Hopefully she HAS turned and I'll be able to have my natural birth but she won't keep me waiting too long! Don't want much do I?!

35wks: Bump

Week 35

34+1

I had my 34wk MW appointment yesterday. BP was up a little but it's usually low so it's just normal now! I did have a huge amount of glucose in my urine though but as my last GTT from a fortnight ago came back normal, the MW said it was just one of those things - the body gets rid of it in your urine for no apparent reason sometimes when you're pregnant (I had spent the weekend eating lots of chocolate crispy cakes Noah and I made though - wonder if that was the cause!!!) I've also starting to get slightly puffy feet in the evenings too - especially if my feet get too hot or I've been on them a lot in the day. Again - nothing out of the ordinary. Measuring 35cms - so still that 1cm extra but I was with Noah too.

The main news is that the girly is still breech. I'm starting to get a bit worried now!! I have to have a scan on 13th March (they leave it until 36wks as there's still a chance she'll turn) and if she's still breech then, they'll talk to me about trying to turn her the week after and my options if that does or doesn't work.

I soooo don't want a c-section but I'm not sure I'd want to risk giving birth naturally and have the cord prolapse, or forceps used, or an emergency section if there's trouble (i'd rather have the planned one!). So lots to think about.

Feel alright in myself though - still get the odd bout of heartburn and there's certainly no way I can bend down to pick things off the floor now!! Also I'm getting a bit breathless where her head is crushing everything up towards my lungs! Feel healthy though!

Week 33

32+3

Had my 2nd GTT test this week. Once again, have not heard from anyone with bad news so am just assuming the results are fine again. Came to the conclusion the woman who does the tests is just rubbish at taking blood as she struggled to get any again (yet it was pouring out around the needle!!). It's a shame as I've never had trouble before and it's made me really nervous about having bloods taken...and I'm due another routine lot at 36wks...aaargh!

I still don't think madam has turned. She shifts from side to side but stays the same way up. I'm off swimming tonight to see if it helps (haven't been on my own to do lengths fo over a year!) and tomorrow I plan to buy a birthing ball to bounce and roll about on to try and get the stubborn madam to shift! I tried the all fours thing whilst rotating my pelvis and it just gave me backache and need the loo! Plus Noah though it was really funny and kept crawling under me as if I was a tunnel!

I'm really fidgetty at night again now. Have a hard time getting comfy - no matter how the pillows are arranged! I feel like my lungs are being crushed by baby's head and can't always breather properly. Plus the heartburn has returned with a vengeance! I hate Gaviscon but Rennie fruit has become my new best friend - definitely make a huge difference even though they don't completely get rid of it. Then of course there's the night-time weeing adventures....at least 3 times a night recently. Ah well!!

Moan moan moan!!

I finished work yesterday though. Did an extra day Wednesday too so was more than ready to leave by yesterday evening! My back was killing me. I know it's only one day a week but I'm on my feet aaaaalllllll day and it's tough! Finished at just the right time I think!

Next MW appointment on 26th Feb. Hoping the madam at least thinks about turning by then as otherwise I won't be able to discuss my birth plan until later when I've been scanned and I'll feel really badly organised!

Oh, and we're STILL not 100% on the name!! We keep having moments of doubt and it's driving me mad that I can't think of anything I LOVE!

31wk Midwife Appointment

Just got back from the MW. Pretty bog standard visit.

BP 100/60 (normal), wee normal, no swelling etc. Finally got the official results of my Glucose Tolerance Test and 28wk bloods - all normal - no diabetes, no anaemia etc. Baby girl's heartbeat is normal too.

But.....the little madam is still breech. The MW wasn't too concerned as a lot still are at this stage. However because she's breech, my 34wk appointment will be at the surgery, not at home to discuss the birth plan as it would usually be (as it might be pointless as she's the wrong way up!). If she's turned by 34wks, we'll then discuss birth plans at an extra appointment the week after. If she hasn't turned, a scan will be booked for 36wks to confirm it and then I'll have to see a consultant to discuss my options (section, turning, breech vaginal delivery etc.).

I really want a normal birth again so please send lots of baby turning vibes my way!!!

Week 31

30+2

It's the final countdown da da daa daaaa da da da da daaaaaa!

I'm freaking out a ltitle bit that there's less than ten weeks to go (except it's not because of course I'll go over!).

The main thing bugging me was getting my Maternity Allowance sorted out. I still haven't tackled it yet. The form you have to fill in is so long and detailed and complicated and there's just so many forms and proof of earning/benefits/credits etc. you have to take with you. Not to mention rejection of SMP letters etc. I didn't have it all together and was beginning to panic. Especially as the dozy stand-in MW I saw at my last appointment told me I didn't need a MAT B1 certificate when I did and I couldn't collect one until Tuesday and couldn't get it taken into work until today......!! Anyway, turns out that, on taking the MATB1 in to work today, the bursar tells me the lady from payroll has double checked for me and because I've done enough overtime between December 06 and now (the claim period) I've actually paid enough NI contributions to be entitled to SMP!!!! I'm SOOOOOO thrilled as it means it's now up to work to sort it all out and I just have to sit back and receive the money! Such a load off my mind! I'll still get the same amount of 90% of my earnings but it's a whole load less sorting out and stress. Yay! Only two weeks left of work now!!

I won £30 at Bingo tonight, lol!! I go once a month with my friend as they have free games one Thursday a month and it's my 'thing' I do to get out on my own for some me time! We been doing it for about 8 months and I've never won so was so excited! Just when I really needed it with no bank card after it swallowed by the cash machine!!

The little lady is well. Such a wriggler, Makes me quite uncomfortable sometimes and causes me to catch my breath. My tummy now contorts as she does her larger movements and I love to watch the different shapes she makes! I have no idea which way up she is as the prods and kicks are now all over the place. There is, however either a head or a bottom right under my ribs now and I can barely bend down/forward without feeling like I'm crushing her!

Sleep has come easier the past couple of weeks. I'm sure the hot chocolate is helping me to relax and avoid heartburn. And lots of warm baths with a book! I'm having to be careful what I eat now (apart from late night coke and flakes!!) as I can feel the pounds piling on. I'm determined to keep it under control this time and do something about the excess as soon as baby arrives rather than use the baby as an excuse for being wobbly like I did with Noah! I only have two pairs of maternity trousers, with stretchy side panels and they're now getting alittle tight and uncomfy at the button. With my bingo money I'm going to treat myself to some nice, soft, stretchy, over-the bump jeans or something on Saturday when we go to buy our new double buggy.

Week 30

29+1

I've been in nesting mode this week. The kitchen has had a complete seeing to - including the cupboards, microwave, fridge and oven. There's been scrubbing, mopping and wiping! The bathroom has been cleaned so hard you need to put sunglasses on when you go in - I even spent a good 20 mins on my knees scrubbing the loo! I hope that will have encouraged my little one to turn out of the breech postion!

I've been sufffering with really unconfortable Braxtons that take my breath away and I definitely notice them more when I'm overdoing it. The heartburn too! Every time I bent down to pick something off the floor today that hot, acidy feeling hit me! Bedtime is a nightmare. I've been faffing about until the small hours before giving in to the tiredness and getting into bed. I just have to make sure I'm super tired otherwise I just can't sleep. Getting comfy is becoming a bit of a battle althjough I only seem to be up once, maybe twice a night for a wee now (which is good cos it takes a while to lever myself up off the bed now and I pulled a muscle last night!).

I've put on a good stone now but I'm still feeling pretty good most of the time. I've been craving Coke which is awful as it's full of calories and sugar and caffeine and all sorts of rubbish. I'm also craving sponges. With Noah I used to chew on a clean, new bath sponge enjoying the texture and juiciness (sounds gross I know!) and it's recently appeared this time too but I don't have a clean sponge to chew! No mammoth cravings for ice like I had with Noah though!

The baby's hospital bag is all packed. I was having a sort out and a wash of all the stuff we've got and thought I might as well put it all together before it gets shoved in a drawer and I can't find it! I've got as far as writing a list for mine, and for Noah's to take to Grandma's but won't pack it for a few weeks yet.

11 weeks to go. Time is flying!

29wks: Bump

Week 29

28+1

Just got back from my 28wk MW appointment. The usual lady wasn't there so some old dear was in her place and, although lovely, didn't seem to have a clue what she was doing! Everything took twice as long! Thank goodness they HAD actually taken my 28wk bloods at the same time as I had my GTT - I don't think I wouldn've trusted her to know what she was doing! I'm sure she was very experienced, just a bit unfamiliar with her surroundings!

Everything is normal. Blood pressure, wee etc. I actually measured right this week (whereas last time I was 2wks ahead) but I guess it depends on who's doing it. 1cm or 2 isn't a huge amount either way. The MW had a very painful squeeze of my tummy to see which wasy baby is laying and she's definitely breech for now. I'm not really that bothered by that yet though. She has another 12 weeks to turn. Her heartbeat was fine although by this stage baby girl was a bit fed up of being prodded and kept kicking the doppler thingy off!

I frightened myself silly this morning by taking a pretty spectacular tumble. I was crossing the road with the buggy and misjudged the height of the curb as there was a big puddle up to the top of it. The buggy didn't go up the curb, instead flew forward with me trying to save it from falling while trying not to fall on top of it, or even fall at all! It all happened in slow motion! In the end I managed to let poor Noah fall slowly and he was so padded in the buggy he didn't even touch the ground! I landed with one knee on the buggy, one knee on the ground but managed not to bump my tummy by falling onto my hands. It's quite funny now but at the time I was so shaken up and embarrassed!! My knee has a lovely swollen bruise and graze on it but baby girl was kicking away immediately afterwards so I knew she was ok.

I really need to sort out my Maternity Allowance. It's such a pain that I'm not entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay as I only work one day a week and don't earn enough. I got confirmation of my requested Maternity Leave dates last week (I finish on 14th February) but unless I take a trip to the Job Centre, won't be getting any money. I went round today to speak to somebody about the long and complicated Application Form I have to fill in and all the proof of earnings and benefits I need to produce only to find it had moved and I couldn't be bothered to walk round to the new place with a sore knee!

Next MW appointment is in 3 weeks (yay, they get more regular now!) and I have my 2nd GTT in 4 weeks.

Week 28

27 + 0

I had my glucose tolerance test last week. I was really nervous cos I had to have fingerprick test, lol and was worried it would hurt!! Needless to say it didn't really! The nurse also had to take one lot of blood from my arm right at the start and she could NOT get any out. This has never happened before. She was wiggling the needle around in my left arm before she had a go and did the same in the right arm where the blood slowly started to drip out. Bearing in mind I'd not eaten since the day before as well as the thought of the needle wiggling around in my arm I suddenly warbled 'I'm starting to feel a bit funny!' I managed not to pass out though and once I'd had some water and the sugary drink they supply for the test I felt much better! It was very boring sitting in the waiting room for two hours though. I got such a numb bum and back ache.

The Dr surgery is right next door to the flat so when I go back for my second test at 32 weeks I might ask if I can go home for those 2hrs! I went back in to have more arm blood taken (which left a HUGE bruise) and then when to collect Noah from his Grandma's. I felt quite rotten until I had something to eat. Still, it's over now and I get to go through it all again at 32wks.

I take it all is well as they said the results would be back the next day and they'd let me know if there was a problem but I've had no phonecall or anything so hopefully have avoided gestational diabetes for now.

I had a lovely week of hardly needing the loo at all but now I feel desperate all the time! Even while I'm weeing and straight after - like there's still lots in there that can't get out because of the way baby girl is laying!!

I'm getting a little bit of heartburn when I first go to bed still but it's totally bearable.

I think little one is breech too. At my last appointment, the MW said she was lying with her spine down my left side but couldn't tell which way up she was. I'm feeling most kicks down quite low. Still. Plenty of time for her to turn!

I have my 28wks appt on Monday and I'm really hoping to avoid having any more blood taken!!

Week 26

25+2

I had my MW appointment on Tuesday - the first one Sy has managed to make it to as it was on the split between his shifts. All is well, BP fine, heartbeat good (although while listening to the heart the MW did ask if it was definitely a girl which worried me!!). I'm measuring 27wks instead of 25 which is fine. I was always 1cm over with Noah and I was much slimmer then so I didn't think an extra 1cm was too bad!

The bad news is I have to have a glucose tolerance test next monday. Luckily the MIL is off work and can have Noah for the 2 hours it takes. I'm not looking forward to it though! The MW said when I booked in that I wouldn't need one but she's obviously changed her mind!

24wks: Bump

Week 24

23+0

Briefly....

Cooking a gymnast. Still peeing frequently. Heartburn has arrived. Bump endlessly expanding. Simon's life in danger - hormones raging! Finally have a shortlist of a few names - need a few more though! Doing well and happy! Midwife Christmas Eve!

Week 22

21+5

This girly is going to be a footballer! She is soooo wriggly and kicks so hard already and so often - much more than Noah did at this stage. I can now feel it from the outside as I know when she's doing it although Simon can't yet.

We've done a few bits of shopping for pink things and have got a couple of dresses. I just couldn't resist. And ohmygoodness the little tights are so cute!!! I still feel a bit strange looking at girlie things though. Stills feels a littel bit unnatural. I have boy experience and Mummy's and boys have that special bond don't they? Plus Noah is my first and I'm so worried that I don't feel excited enough! I AM excited but worried what having a girlie will be like and what kind of bond we'll have. I'm sure it'll be fine!

My back is starting to get the slightest bit achey now when I've been at work all day. As are my feet. I don't sit down at work much - even on my lunch hour I'm busy getting things done. At least it's only one day a week.

Am still weeing for England! They should do some kind of pregnant women's olympics!

Week 21

20+1

It was so lovely seeing baby again yesterday. The scan seemed so much more detailed than with Noah and you could see all the features and body parts so clearly! Baby even did a yawn while the scan lady checked it's top lip which was sooo cute!

Everything is absolutely fine. Baby was wriggling about and having a right old fidget. The head is already 18cm around, the tummy 14cm and the legs are apparently on the long side - the lady even checked twice to make sure! Another tall child like Noah then, it seems!

We went in 15 minutes early - as soon as we arrived and were in and out in ten minutes! I seem to remember it taking longer last time!

Anyway. Simon was so desperate to find out the sex but the baby was laying face down which I've heard can make it tricky to do so. Plus there was a foot right int he way of our view of the private bits! But, like I said, baby was having a good old fidget and changed position in time for us to found out!

Baby No2 is a GIRL!!

Ill!

Eurgh I've had a horrible, HORRIBLE helping of sickness and diarrhoea.

I went to work on Thursday and felt fine except for being tired for the last hour which I just assumed was pregnancy. We had tea at Simon's Mum's and about half an hour later I just had a really funny turn - felt hot and faint and strange. I knew I needed to go home straight away. On the way I home I started to feel really sick and by the time we got into the car park I couldn't hold it anymore and I threw up ALL OVER the car park!!

Collapsed into bed for an hour before waking and thowing up again, followed by the other end. The same again an hour later. I was sick almost hourly over night, just stomach juices and water I tried to sip in the end and it was painful and hard work and I felt rotten. I was seriously thinking I was going to have to be hospitalised if it carried on!

By 8am I'd not been sick for 4 hours so managed a glass of water which stayed put. Over the course of Friday I managed to drink loads and even ate a few crackers!! I no longer felt sick but felt achey and fluey and slept most of the day - luckily it was Simon's day off.

On Saturday I felt better but washed out so the MIL kindly had Noah for the morning and I joined them in the afternoon. Today I'm absolutely fine!

I've not been 'ill' sick for years - I don't 'do' tummy bugs! The poor baby went really quiet - it was probably starving although I'm not worried as s/he's been making up for the quiet spells today!

Week 20

19+0

I have had the tingliest, hottest most uncomfortable boobs the last couple of weeks. Just like when you're breast feeding and they start to get full again as the next feed approaches. I've had a few little drops of liquid come out but no embarrassing patches yet! I've already bought some breast pads just in case! I think I remember being about 21wk pregnant with Noah when this happened before. Everything's happened a couple of weeks earlier this pregnancy. I suppose my body knows what it's doing this time a bit more!

Noah has taken to lifting my top top at every opportunity and saying 'Ah, baby!' and stroking and kissing my tummy! We went Christmas/birthday shopping at the weekend and we decided to get him a baby doll and some accesories for his birthday so he can see to his baby while I see to mine! I think he'll make a great Daddy!

8 days to the scan!

Week 19

18+0

Have been a bit poorly for a few days - throaty and glandy and tired and foggy with it but feeling much better today. Noah was pleased that Mummy was more 'with it' and we even managed to have a play date this morning with a girl I met at Post Natal Group with Noah and her 20 month old daughter Scarlett.

Still feel 4 or 5 prods most days which I still can't get over at this early stage. Yesterday they were stronger than they had been before and I actually noticed them while I was doing something rather than when I was lying in bed trying to feel them!

I'm so excited that it's now only 2 weeks to the scan and I'll get to see my little bean again and for the (hopefully if all is well - final time before meeting him/her). I have to say I'm back to trying to decide whether or not to find out and think I'll end up deciding on the day! I couldn't bear the tension any longer and wnt through all the newborn baby clothes I have here (Noah's and some of Isabella's) and if I decided not to find out, I have enough vests and babygros to last those first couple of months in each colour without needing to buy any!!! That's a big factor in my (I keep saying my! 'Our' if I have to!) decision.

It's just the blinking name issue. We're just so SO stuck for girls names! Names we have dsicussed include: Lily, Lydia, Lola, Evie, Ava, Freya, Isla, Amelie, Poppy, Niamh and Ruby. All of which are ok but not one I just get that 'feeling' about! We'll have some serious thinking to do if this bump turns out to be a pink one!