h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

"Today I followed advice from t'internet to have a lie-in because I won't get those anymore"

Depends how determined you are (or the baby is!) - I always had to get up early with J, but two of my brothers managed to get babies who let the mums lie in until 10am.

Yesterday I saw the GP. She gave me so many books, booklets and leaflets (many of which are adverts or 'clubs' to sign up to so someone can have your address) that I wondered whether I should be lugging them home in my condition!

I think seeing her has made it seem a bit more real but to be honest I'm still a bit in denial/trepidation: denial that I can actually get pregnant and trepidation as to whether I can stay that way.

I think it's harder when less people know, just me and Spouse worrying together - but then we don't want to announce it for the very reasons we're worrying.

The GP seemed fine about it though - filled everything in and told me who to contact when etc.

Blood pressure a problem but it always has been for me. I think my turmoil-filled mind does it I don't feel like my BP's high, it just resolutely is. Am hoping they don't put me on something for it as don't want to be on meds really.

it's such an excitingly scary time

Lots of people don't announce it to the general population for at least three months. I waited until I'd completely missed one period and the next one was a couple of days late before I even did a test. Then found out the last period I'd had was a 'fake' one so I was actually ten weeks pregnant before it was confirmed! I told my parents and immediate family straight away after telling my partner, then just let people notice I was getting porky, which took ages as I didn't get very large.

7 weeks now...33 to go

oh so cute!

how are you feeling?

Well it's been an odd day, thoughts-wise.

Last night I realised I hadn't had nausea or much of anything really for a couple of days.Also was less bloated, ie jeans not so tight as last week. Started to wonder if something bad had happened. Had bad dreams.

Today it's been the same but I did fall asleep after only being up 7 hours - surely a good sign?!

So given no-one is going to check anything until 12 weeks, which is the norm I believe, I'm kind of hoping for a few more symptoms just so I know it's all still happening.

I find it really strange that as a first-timer you don't get much input for the crucial first trimester.

I am always absolutely flabbergasted when I hear that.

Here I took a test the day my period was due each time, and got a positive. Each time I was seen by the OB/GYN the next day, given all the check ups and reported back every 4 weeks.

With #2 it was more often because I got food poisoning in week 7.

You could always do another test if you're worried. But I'm sure you'll be fine.

It's so odd these are the crucial months and apart from leaflets my only source of info. is the internet and second-hand bookshops.

I thought about doing another test but I figured nothing physically bad has happened so I would keep on believing for now (it's hard though).

Oh and I got an appointment for my first scan - bang on 12 weeks it'll be.

The midwife is onleave for another week and then I can ring her (when I'll be 8 weeks) and ask for my first appointment. Maybe she can look for the heartbeat then?

Jules

do midwives have scan machines too?

it's really odd: a lot of things that midwives do in the UK are done by doctors here.

I only saw my GP unless I was having a scan all through my pregnancy. I saw a specialist doctor once, who arranged for me to be tested for rubella immunity, asked if I wanted a Downs test, told me off for arriving so late in pregnancy, and sent me off for a scan.

Never saw a midwife (possibly there was one there during labour, I couldn't tell you!). I was happiest that way though.

it's all part of my theory that all Germans are hypochondriacs (and I mean that in a mostly affectionate sort of way)

if you want to go for a check up of your Lady-parts - you go directly to the OB/GYN. If you have skin problems: straight to a dermatologist etc etc. You can go to your GP and get him to write you a "transfer" (so you don't have to pay their practice fee upfront and get it reimbursed - it's complicated but I'll explain if you like)

I often wonder what the actual GPs are for... (although I use mine all the time - well, when I need a doc, because he's close and he knows me. Plus he is hugely fat and I'm only slightly fat so he can't lecture me on weight loss )

Since I've never known it any other way, it seems ok to me. Although I would have preferred a home-birth with 2, as it happened I very nearly had her in the lift on the way up to the GYN ward anyway

They don't have scan machines but I know they have 'listen to the heartbeat' thingies 'cos I've seen them do it to my friend.... but they may only work when bumps are much bigger and further on.

Well good to see your getting plenty of early 'worrying' practise in, you'll need all the practise you can get for when he/she is in their early teens

ah, the worrying.... that's nothing.

Jules: enjoy it! I loved being pregnant, in fact I'd do that any time.
:D

I had a scan yesterday due to acute pain in one place - saw baby all present and correct with beating heart

Feels a lot more real now (was scary at the time though)

Doesn't seem to be a twin hiding behind baby either - not unless they're very clever at mirroring each other

The wonders of science and the miracle of life!

Try to relax and enjoy this time, Jules. It's marvelous

sounds good