Due Date

I am 40 weeks today. My baby was due to say hello on this day, the 20th November, alas he wants to arrive fashionably late, like his mother Grrr.

I am becoming a nervous wreck not knowing when he is going to arrive, especially since it appeared to everyone he was going to come early [His head has been engaged from 31 weeks, ow].

The tenuous sporadic early labour signs throw me into a belief he is coming that day/night I am finding it hard to ignore my body as I keep analysing it.

Also as the day gets closer I have had a few hormonal doubting moments, sort of like muted prolonged panic attacks, wondering if I have made the right choice, etc.

The thing that makes the wait more annoying, I am mindful that these worries and aliments will dissipate on his arrival, but thats then I am here, now. Painful, bored, anxious, now...

10 positives about my pregnancy

Enough with the maternity moans! Below is a list of reasons to why I should like my pregnancy, rather than wishing for its inevitable end. This pregnancy has been rather tough, to be honest I hated the first and third trimester so much, those reasons alone would make me think twice about doing it again.
But heres a bunch of reasons that in a few weeks time, I may come to miss it.

1 - I get to interior design shop, a lot. No questions asked! ...Junk shops, Ikea, Habitat, no one can hold me back!

2 - It makes me think of the 'larger picture', rather than just my own needs. Helps me to put my existence in perspective

3 - Rowdy men on the street leave you alone, no wolf whistles or strange comments, sometimes they will be surprisingly respectful to you, holding doors open, etc.

4 - Because I have had severe nausea throughout this pregnancy my partner cooks every night, he has now become really good at cooking whereas before I couldn't trust him with a microwave.

5 - I did not suffer from stretchmarks nor did I get a Linea Alba, which I don't really like the look of. (some women do, I don't)

6 - Always having an unquestionable reason to get out of social arrangements if needed.

7 - Random chats with nostalgic middle age women about pregnancy in the supermarket.

8 - I have spent a lot of time reconnecting with my own Mother.

9 - My relationship has got much better, we communicate more efficiently, hardly argue and take things on the chin a lot more, again pregnancy has a way of making light of things which may have really knocked you down before.

10 - Sex is more intense when pregnant! It feels incredible!

[Picture left Die Hoffnung by Gustav Klimt (1903)]

Maternity clothing mayhem (belated post)

The majority of maternity clothing is far from exciting, my friend recently described the high street choices as 'dull casual office wear'. There seems to be a gap in the maternity clothing market, it is either elaborate party wear or plain functional work wear, in most cases they are usually both extremely overpriced.
Besides being absurdly expensive I find maternity clothing sizes to be quite unpredictable. I purchased a body con skirt, size 8/10 from Moda Mothercare and even in my 6 month bump it was 3 times too big. I am over 8 months now and it is still just too big... 'body-con' my bum!

Below are a few pointers that may help both women on a budget or women just wanting something with a bit more flair.

1- First port of call, and most obvious place would be eBay, type in 'maternity lot', or 'maternity bundle'. I grabbed some ace bargains that way! I managed to get a bag of 20 pieces most of which were all in season, it came to about £4! The were based far away and refused to post so I asked my Mother to pick up the bag for me as she lived near by to the seller. Most of the items are lush and I still haven't had chance to wear all of them as of yet!
Another trick is to sell items you may not deem as 'mothery material', or items of which need to go to make space for all the baby stuff, trade in for some staple maternity classics.

2- ASOS has a clearance section which can offer some neat bargains. Maternity or not!

3- Most vintage clothes have high waist/empire seams, great to wear above the bump, watch out with vintage sizing though, us ladies were a bit more petite those many moons ago!

4- Most 'maternity' items are not maternity specific, its mainly items sold as comfort wear, you see a lot of Waterfall cardigans for instance, with a massive mark up because they happen to have 'maternity' labelled onto them. The same is to be said of the high street maxi dress as the in trend maxi seems to be made of out jersey material, but the maternity ones are sold for a premium price.

5- Jersey! It's cropped up already, anything cottony and stretchy will probably be your lifesaver over the next few months, not those designer maternity jeans! (-speaking of which every pair I have purchased have caused me massive discomfort around the bottom of my bump when sat down... I despise the things!)

6 - American apparel, they are quite unique in that their ranges sell in both maternity and non maternity ranges. Their maternity section is a collection of products that accommodate to both. Try to bear this in mind when looking at the price tag, though as admittidly, the prices are a wee bit steep... I purchased a body-con pencil skirt at the start of my second trimseter, I have been wearing it through out my pregnancy without any hassle, because of the density and nature of the fabrics they use in the body-con items meant that my ever growing bump was always left supported, it has been my staple piece of clothing ever since I nabbed it. It supports me and looks great, I will rocking this skirt pre and post natal.

7- Speaking of investments, there are certain things on the market I would reccomend that may deem a bit pricey such as the above, but items do what they are supposed to. The Mama Spanx tights for instance offer great support aswell as lasting that bit longer than regular tights. I have tried other highstreet maternity tights and they just don't cut it, buying these to begin with may actually save you some pennies.

8- Most of your clothes can be revised to fit around your ever changing figure, there are lots of great guides online. DIY Maternity has a great range of projects suiting to advance to novice sewers!

9- The empire strikes back! Well no, not really, but one trick I love is typing in empire into eBay/wherever and finding empire seamed clothing which can be worn as maternity wear without the insane price tag

10- Many people forgo this item, diving in for nursing bras or larger bras, but a good maternity bra will save you from discomfort and not to mention potential stretchmarks. My boobs feel great!

A thought provoking and candid account of one woman's experiences of childbirth, and the idea of being 'womanlike'

"When I told people I didn't plan to breast-feed my daughter (I only told people who asked; I'm old-fashioned that way), I met a fair amount of incredulity. "But don't you want to give your child every possible advantage?" I was asked. Not really, I replied. This kid will be born white and middle class in America; she's already ahead of 95% of the rest of the world. Why does she need every advantage?"

- http://mcsweeneys.net/links/bitchslap/bitchslap10.html

Say cheese.

Rather than lumbering you pregnant folk with yet another collection of food that you cannot eat, here is a post about some food of which you can.
Below is a list of cheeses/dairy produce safe to eat in pregnancy, some may come as a surprise - Enjoy!

Hard cheeses:
Austrian smoked, Babybel, Caerphilly, Cheddar, Cheshire, Derby, Double Gloucester, Edam, Emmental, English goat's cheddar, feta, Gouda, Gruyere, Halloumi, Havarti, Jarlsberg, Lancashire, Manchego, Orkney, paneer, Parmesan, Pecorino (hard), Provolone, Red Leicester.

Soft and processed cheeses:
Boursin, cottage cheese, cream cheese, feta, goat's cheese without a white rind, mascarpone, mozzarella, Philadelphia, processed cheese (such as cheese spread), Quark, ricotta.

Yoghurts (all varieties), probiotic drinks, fromage frais, soured cream and crème fraîche - any variety, including natural, flavoured and biologically active - are all safe to eat.

[info collected from babycentre.co.uk]

The attack of the killer pram! - Parenthood and artistry

I am not exactly the Guardians biggest fan, so I was pleasently surprised to see this article passed onto me by my partner. It's a refreshing piece discussing the realities of making it in the art world after becoming a parent. The article is written by novelist Frank Cottrell Boyce, so obviously its about writing in particular, but the same principles can be translated to all the arts, or even an attitude to life as a nervous parent.
In my household me and my partner both work in creative fields, to work nine to five to fund our lifestyles would feel like more or less giving up... Giving in and by our standards, we would be failing a inspirational good role models for our little un'.
Richard (understandably) wants to support me and our child, to provide for us without worry. I, would also like those things, but only under certain circumstances. Echoing the role Cottrel's wife, I also have only ever wanted my partner to write. For him to make a living from it, anything else is secondary to the bigger picture. I would not be happy to either of us to lose sight of our ambitions, and if we were to what kind of example would that set for our child? In addition to this I think to create and explore new ideas/places with my child strapped onto my partners back would make a wonderful reality for the person-to-be.
The child's presence I believe will encourage us to take our professions more seriously, as I am not only working for me now. We're working for the entire unit. It's going to be incredably hard, but hey, what other choices do we have?

(Pictured above: Artist Barbara Hepworth with child Paul, 1929)

27 weeks! Update!

I am 27 weeks! Not long to go now, this feels all the more real considering David Cameron had his baba today, me and his wife fell pregnant around the same time, so it is a little scary! - Horrifying Torie babies aside I shall update you on the pregnancy niggle front: the 'morning' sickness has pretty gone just gone, or has actually been left to just the morning, thank goodness. I now waddle rather than walk, and I eat all of the time.
Cravings are kicking in now, albeit them ever changing ones. The longest cravings I have had have been Spaghetti hoops and Aeros, not together, I don't really have any exciting stories on that front really. I usualy just prefer really starchy foods like potatos and bananas and insanely fruity drinks. Nothing really exciting like coal i'm afraid - unlike my friend who had a severe craving for bubble bath foam!
Regarding the hoops and chocolate, not sure what defiency that could be highlighting, if any... maybe its that I don't eat enough junk food and my baby is giving me a helping hand.
CHANCE WOULD BE A FINE THING.

I had a scan last week where they told me I had a lot of placenta, meaning baby is getting a big ol' connection to my blood supply, this has been said in the same fortnight where had had t come in and out of hospital for collapsing. It isn't regular pregnancy fainting spells, either, I lose my vision, get a fever and pass out followed by violently throwing up - We have been in and out of different health services trying to find out the answers but thus far Doctors seem to think I have bad anaemia brought on or exasperpated by the pregnancy. M blood levels were low at the start but it goes to show its got to the point where baby is literally sucking ALL OF MY blood. Cheeky bugger! Thankfully though, everything is fine on the baby front, all tests on the baby have come back more than positive and he is kicking me now, more than ever. [Sigh]

We have had it also confirmed I am in fact having a boy! - something I always had a feeling I would, but now I can stop panicking about all those baby boy clothes and toys impulsivly purchased.
This news has brought on slight anxieties though, I am worried about raising a boy, I know where I am with a girl, but what if my little boy turns into a macho woman hating man, or worse, ANOTHER GAMER? (like his Father) - I don't think I can take another nerd in the house!
How do I keep the balance between keeping an open mind and remaining vigilant with my own views? I am probably getting really ahead of myself, these things, they have a habit of just buzzing around my head at night. It's all just a part of a bigger problem, that I am getting nervous about actually becoming 'a Mother', being responsible for a person and as well as a unit, being a role model, and entertaining another little soul's imagnation till he becomes an independent person...

BUT I'M NOT ONE OF THOSE YET. ARG.

On Sunday I have my baby shower, we are having a Mexican theme, as one of my many cravings have been burritos, this hits two nasty birds with one stone, this way the men can make ridiculously hotwraps and smoke cuban cigars whilst the women get on talking about the horrors of childbirth. Hooray.

DIY idea!

Found this little picture, thought some of you may like to see it as it would be perfect for a mobile that is non gender specfic. Also, fish are whey under-rated!


Im doing something a bit diferent but am using very similar methods, will post when completed.

Tessel: 2 in 1 Puzzle Playmat Morphs Into Toys

Tessell toys are designed to enhance creativity in kids by allowing the colorful play mat to be disassembled and made into different types of objects, such as a rocking horse or whatever their imagination can create from the various interconnecting animal-shaped pieces. Not only do toys like this promote creativity in children they are also multi-functional which, as most parents will testify, saves on valuable storage space. Wowwiee!

It's a hard time.

I think the first trimester is really difficult, not only has it been put on par with the third trimester for how annoying and tiresome it can be, you also can't really reap the benefits of being pregnant.
For my own reasons I won't tell any of my friends of my pregnancy until I have passed 12 weeks. We are all different, but, without an obvious bump on show and bags under the eyes it can just be such a drag. My friends are suspicious that I have been 'ill' for sometime.I think my housemate is already in the know as I have been vomiting and avoiding contact with the kitchen (I cant stand the smell of even the blandest of foods) for about 3/4 weeks now.

Some tips then:
Probably best not to blame it on a made up hangover. Something I did at first. Although the symptoms are in a way similar you dont want to give the wrong impression when you do give your good news.
Take as much time as you want in bed. The rest is good for your and your mood, also it is scientifically proven fatigue makes morning sickness worse. Don't make a difficult time worse out of guilt.

If you are sensitive to smells suggest a safe place to meet friends and the like, mine is the Chinese resturant, for some reason I find the soups and starters ease off the nausea. Something like an Italian or pub would make me gag and probably be sick, in front of my unsuspecting friends. Make a mental note of places that make you feel normal(ish).
Don't eat rich healthy foods out of guilt, you wont keep it down and you will tire and dehydrate yourself from vomiting.

If you are lucky enough to have a partner or pet, enjoy this time to snuggle and watch films you didn't have the time for before. Below is a couple of pics of our cat Moloko (sadly no longer with us.)

Use this time to plan your new hairstyle as you will have lovely new locks to play with. As hair is growing, fast!
Pampering is a great way to elevate nausea. I add 4 drops of Patchouli oil in the bath as I have found it really helps me out. (Or try another essential oil to your preference but do be careful, some oils are harmful when pregnant. There are numerous articles and guides about this topic, do check them out. Aromatherapy can help with lots of smallish health problems.)

I carry peppermint oil when I am going to have a long day working, it helps with the weighty feeling in my ankles and it feels really refreshing. I guess I will be doing this a lot more when summer hits!

Sip water every 15-20 minutes if you can't keep lots down, find a fluid which is right for you. Mine is plain sparkling water, probably not the best thing for gas and tummy aches but it does make me feel a wee bit better.

Consider telling a trusted member of staff about your morning sickness if it is bad, I did this when I worked in a cinema as the nacho cheese made me gag. They kept it a secret and I got to help out away from the food working with little children. Score.

If vomiting is more than you are keeping down go to a walk in clinic or emergency gynaecology unit, if your doctor says something along the lines of 'you aren't ill, you are pregnant' seek advice else where. Make sure you get the correct urine and blood tests if you are worried you are unable to keep any nutrients.

Next time, a write up about bowels. Yaay!

Introduction

My name is April and at this point I am 7.5 weeks pregnant.
I wanted to make a blog documenting the process (if not just for my own amusement) I want to have a place where I can bring all my research together, I hope to cut through all of the information given to pregnant women and caring partners bring just the facts ma'am, whilst hopefully and simultaneously discovering and highlighting tips on the way!

I am 22 years old, me partner (Richard, 24) have never had a child, we live in Manchester, United Kingdom. Neither of us are in full-time work as I am an Art student in my final year and Richard is currently between two courses.

For obvious reasons we are worried about what's lies ahead. Money woes, loss of a social life, discomfort, and then even the idea of bringing in our own little life; we worry about our own abilities of becoming parents whilst hoping to maintain a high quality of life for our new arrival.

Are all these horror stories about labour true? - Is it merely over exaggerated secondary source material that makes women like myself fearful...Probably not, eh ladies? But here's hoping that's the case!

I hope to find out more about each anxiety that pregnancy brings and offer the facts ma'am. Or rather, my interpretation of them.

I hope you enjoy, April (and Richard)