It's all really happening!
According to a stripy bit of plastic I am the proud protector of a little squirmy thing!
A few weeks ago when we were hoping for a blue line it all seemed so fabulous now it is all a bit real. Am I really ready to give up my carefree life of going out with friends and eating nice food for a life of nappies and fish fingers?
Also, what if it turns out Little One is not destined to be a world leader in his/her chosen field with musical and academic success but becomes an axe-murderer, or even worse, a politician! Worse still, what if Little One is poorly or doesn’t make it through and we never get to find out what he/she could have been!
Bad thoughts aside we are very excited (terrified?) about what is ahead of us.
I diligently did two tests before trotting off the see my GP. I’m told that the GP doesn’t repeat the test as the home kits (even the 99p ones from Home Bargains) are so reliable. I’m a little nervous about that actually. Although I am perfectly able to count two lines on a stick, only Daddy had verified the test results, and it was first thing on a Sunday morning so I’m sure neither one of us were at our most reliable.
However, my word was enough for the GP and we had a chat about folic acid, dates and how far along we thought I was (probably just over 4 weeks) and he explained the choose and book process and told me when I should aim to book my first hospital appointment (from 9 weeks onwards) and gave me some reading material.
Because of where I live the Women’s is “my local”. I’m good with that as I know a little bit about the hospital (mostly from watching Baby Hospital!) and, because it is a specialist hospital I’m confident that they know what they are doing and should be able to help give Little One the right kind of welcome into the world.
Clinical comment
Cathy Atherton Head of Midwifery
Hi Anna,
Yes this really is exciting! It was great to hear you visited your GP early and that you talked about folic acid and its importance until 12 weeks. Due to the fact that there are so many important questions in those early weeks regarding diet, safe foods, pregnancy symptoms, exercise, tiredness etc we suggest you see your midwife as early as possible. The pregnancy book also provides advice for you.
In January 2012 we have improved our service so that women like yourself can meet a midwife earlier in your pregnancy. This now means that your midwife can book you early in pregnancy, usually at your nearest children's centre. The antenatal session means you meet your midwife and begin that partnership relationship and also have the chance to discuss all those important questions you have. This is Liverpool Women's Early Access Service.
If you would like to get in contact with Anna please email feedback@lwh.nhs.uk.