Pregnant & Bothered!

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Okay, so were all told that hormonal changes cause mood swings during pregnancy, but nobody told me that I might want to bite heads off at times! Even though this is my second pregnancy, I still can’t understand these so-called normal changes. How can something that instantly turns me into a MONSTER and back be normal? “It’s normal” that’s all I’m told by my midwife, GP, Health Visitor etc. But, I now want to ask you what do you think and can you relate?

Being a mother of a nearly-four year old child, while being pregnant makes my blood boil at times anyway, but having a spontaneous outburst at the same time is just crazy. It’s like one minute I’m asking him politely to give me the tele remote and the next thing I know is I just yelled “GIVE ME THE REMOTE NOW” at the top of my lungs! Afterwards, I actually feel like my body was possessed for that spilt thirty seconds. Surprisingly, all I get from him is “okay, don’t shout” not “mummy, what’s wrong?”

Already suffering from P.T.S.D, I assumed my mental state was going to worsen especially that my mood was going to be very unhappy full spot, but to my surprise being pregnant hasn’t affected my mood in general. It’s just these sudden outbursts that I can’t control.

When I found out I was pregnant again, I actually thought “oh being pregnant won’t be as confusing and hard as the first time. I’ve already done it all once before!” LOL, I must have been definitely possessed then to think that!

So my lovelies, I have a few questions for you below, please take the time and answer them by commenting below:

• How has being pregnant effected/effecting your mental state?

• Do you have sudden outburst like me and if so is there any logic in them?

• How do you maintain your mood during this flabbergasting time of your life?

I hope you all share your experiences with me so they can help me feel a bit more natural about my Mood instead of feeling like a Possessed Soul.

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

19th Week: Realisation

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Here are five interesting facts about my nineteenth week:

• My nineteenth week began by me realising that the element of surprise and uncertainty pregnancy holds clashed with my O.C.D in regards to being organised, planned and prepped. If you'd like to read more about this Click Here.

• Spent a lovely time shopping, but any future plans of going shopping on foot is a NO, NO. Because… ME + JOINT HYPERMOBILTY SYNDROME +PREGNANCY +SHOPPING ON FOOT =CONSTANT DEHYDRATION + HYPERVENTALATION +SUBLUXATING JOINTS= A&E

• The post is my new BFF! I’ve received lots of love from him this week even though I paid and ordered all of it myself! I received My First Glossy Box, Stuff for the baby etc. Click on the underlined links if you want to read more about what I got,

• I’M IN LOVE, I’M IN LOVE OH I’M IN LOVE WITH DUCK! I ate DUCK for the first time yesterday and it was delicious so delicious that I can’t wait to eat it again.

• Now my little sprog has been very active this week, at times I imagine it to be riding BUMPER CARS inside me! Yes bashing around my pelvic region like it breaking itself out got me so worried that I called my midwife to find out if it’s normal. And yes, it’s not just normal but very healthy to be doing so. But that’s not the so much interesting part, this is, I’m pretty sure that at times, I can see my belly pulse and I’m thinking it’s the baby’s heartbeat. I can even feel it when I put my hands over my belly and and it's very constant and regular for a minute or so then it disappears. Very Weird!!! Has it happened to you? If so please help me from driving myself nuts by telling me about your experience in the comment box.

 Now that was my week, how was yours? Tell me what you got up to and what where the highlights of the week by commenting below.

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Retail Therapy: Mini Pregnancy Haul

 :-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

How are you, what are have been getting up to the last few days? Well as for me, the last few days have been quite unpleasant as I’ve not been feeling too wellL. But yesterday I woke up adamant in trying to make myself feel better and enjoy the warm weather (which turned out to be too hot for me in the end). So, what did I do you ask? Well obviously, I opted for some RETAIL THERAPY!

Therefore, I thought it would be nice to share what I got and see what your opinions are on it. Since, I’ve had my son which is coming up to four years ago; shopping has more or else evolved around in him. And that’s not because it “that’s the way it is” or the other reasons most parents share with me. For me, it’s because I make it like that whether I like it or not. Are you confused? I am. It doesn’t make sense how much I try to explain it to myself. But to make it simple for you, I’ll share the most common situation as an example:

I need to buy a pair of shoes for back up because I only have the one pair. So, I find the shoes that I like online, then I make the time to go to the shop and once I’m in there. I realise how my son need a new pair of trainers or he could do with a new outfit even though I could get them a few weeks later. So my mind becomes a battle field where I try to work out what to buy or shall I just buy everything. BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. And after standing around the shop for thirty odd minutes, I decide that I can buy shoes next time or I don’t actually need to buy them at all!

That’s what happens near enough every time I go shopping with the intention of buying myself something. Now however, there’s another contender in the virtual battlefield, My Unborn Sprog! Since I’ve been pregnant everything I’ve bought has been for either one of the sprogs and I always come home thinking “I didn’t actually buy anything for myself”

Yesterday, I decided that I was going to treat myself and not buy buying my children something but buying myself something that only I can use. And, voila! That’s what I did. I bought myself a treat and to put my mind at rest I picked up some bits for the bubble baby. As for my wild child his treat was the three scoop ice-cream that he has while we were out (he chose that over clothes/toys, now isn’t he a “mini me”, Lurves Food).  Also, to my surprise I received few treats in the post as well, so that’s enough of going on and here are the goodies:

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Firstly for me:

A River Island Black Messenger Bag, I really like this especially that it fits my maternity notes inside and isn’t a hassle when I’m using crutches (most shoulder bags are).

My treat that came in the post today, My First Glossy Box: I know I’m really late to jump on the band wagon but the thing is I never got round to it! Anyway, I was really excited about this and now finally it’s here.

Now for the Bubble baby:

I love these Sleepsuits, there just so cute so I had to get them. There from Next if you interested.

From Boots, I got this thermometer. I’m really bad with water temperatures, what is warm for other people is hot for me so I didn’t want to rely on my instincts when it comes to bathing the baby! I’ve read really good reviews.

This came in the post today, I thought it was a bargain because its RRP is £25 and I got it for £10 from Amazon.

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I read a lot of reviews and before I buy something I have to research it. How small or big it is. So, if you haven’t guess already I intend on writing reviews as well. Now, I know some of you might think that some things are not worth reviewing due its purpose or nature i.e. the thermometer, but for me there is.  Because I look for these reviews and I’m sure other people do as well! So, keep an out for my reviews.

So, that’s me all done for today,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Pregnancy Fruit Size Comparision

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Well my lovelies, I don't have much for you today as I haven't been too well after a sudden faint attack yesterday. But, while I was browsing through all these baby/pregnancy websites: forums; blogs etc. I came across this very simple but hilarious list. i'm sure most of you darlings have come across it already at some point, but I just had to add it to my "To-Be Informative Blog". Every mother to-be should be able to compare her unborn bubs to something they put in their mouth!

I LOVE food more than most things in life so this was right up my alley, but last week which was my eighteenth, I just couldn't imagine my child as a sweet potato! All I could wonder is sweet potatoes come in the most weirdest sizes and shapes, How is one possibly suppose to compare the child to it?


Anyway let me know what you think about this comparison list & What Comment below with what fruit you are this right now!


So that's all for now,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Why do we suffer Hair Loss during Pregnancy?

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Guess what? I just woke up at four o clock in the morning AGAIN! Argggghhhhhhhh. So, I though I’ll turn this whole thing around to work to my advantage. Q&A time, YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!

So, today I’m talking about Hair Loss. Are you suffering from it during your pregnancy or fearing Postpartum Hair Loss.

Hair Loss

Pregnancy affects the entire body, including hair, skin and nails.  Often, there are undesirable changes that can leave a pregnant woman worried or frightened.  However, hair loss in particular is very common during pregnancy and should not cause undue concern.  Hair loss is especially common just after pregnancy.

Although your hair will not look as full as it normally does, don’t fret, you won't lose all your hair. You may notice more thinning on the top of the scalp, rather than on the sides and back of the scalp.

What causes Hair Loss?

Well, here’s the mind-boggling (scientific) bit. These itsy bitsy openings in your skin called hair follicles produce the hair. At any time, ten to twenty per cent of the follicles are in a resting state called the Telogen State, while the remaining follicles are growing hair. Now, during pregnancy the increasing levels of hormones may cause more follicles than normal to enter the Telogen State. When too many follicles enter the Telogen state, a condition called Telogen effluvium results. As the hormone levels decrease after childbirth, the resting hairs begin to fall out. In some cases, however, this may happen during pregnancy. Hair loss may also occur due to a vitamin/mineral deficiency.

Treatments & Consideration

Although Hair Loss medication isn’t recommended for pregnant women, if your condition is caused by a vitamin/mineral deficiency, you can take vitamin/mineral supplements. Also, eating a diet that highly consists of Vegetables & Fruits will give you a boost Vitamins/Minerals. But, before considering any action you must consult your GP/Doctor about your issue and worries.

Hair Loss can be distressing, I know it is for me, so here are some simple things you can do to take care of your hair through this stage as well as your mood:

• Use creative hairstyles can help disguise hair loss
• Treating your hair gently and avoiding TIGHT Hairstyles
• Using shampoos, conditioners that contain Silica and Biotin
• Using a cool setting when blow drying your hair and using a heat protector

I hope this information is helpful and as usual here are some links for you to read up on it yourself:

• http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Incubation_Times_and_Infectivity.htm
• http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/11604/1/Hair-Loss-During-Pregnancy--A-Natural-Phenomenon.html

Well, that’s all for now lovelies,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

My Morning Frenzy

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

“Oh my days!, Today I’ve started my nineteenth week so that means next Saturdays I’m going to be at the half-way point?”

Yes that was my reaction this morning and No, I’m not stupid, I’ve just been a bit slow lately (let’s blame it on the pregnancy). I’ve been on frenzy ever since I had the EPHIPHANY this morning, Hence I’ve been trying to work out what I already have ready for this whole ordeal and what I need to acquire.

I’ve written up a list and I thought I’ll share it with you:

Little Sprog’s List:

Bath & Changing time

• Bath - A's going to get it
• Bath & Room Thermometer
• Bath Sponge
• Cotton Buds
• Cotton Wool Large Pads
• Flannels
• Healthcare & Grooming Set
• Muslin Squares
• Nappies
• Olive Oil
• Top & Tail Bowl
• Towels - A & S are going to get them

Clothes

• Bibs
• Hats
• Mittens
• Sleepsuits: Newborn, 0-3 Months
• Socks
• Vests: Newborn, 0-3 Months

Feeding time

• Bottles
• Milk containers
• Steriliser

Nursery & Travel

• Blankets
• Car Seat - A's going to get it
• Pram/Pushchair
• Rocker/Swing/Bouncer
• Cot Bed & Mattress
• Bedding

My List:

Ante-Natal

• Bando Belly Support
• Birthing Gown
• Body Pillow
• Gym ball
• Hair Brush
• Hair ties
• Lansinoh
• Massage oil
• Note pad
• Slippers
• Socks
• Toiletries: Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Mouthwash, Face wipes, Antiperspirant, Small spray bottle, Lip balm, Shower gel & Shampoo

Postpartum

• Breast Pump - S's Going to get it
• Large Granny Underwear
• Loose Trousers
• Maternity Pads
• Nursing Bras
• Pyjamas

The list includes things for my hospital bag etc., so please don’t think I’ve added things for my general household shopping i.e. the toiletries, socks.

Anyway, that’s it for now,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

First Baby Bits

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For some odd, mind-boggling, annoying reason, I woke up at four o clock in the morning today! And I wasn't happy because it was four in the morning, why would anyone want to wake up at that time? Anyway, I couldn’t go back to sleep. Don’t you just hate it when you really want to sleep, but how much you try you can’t. Not because something’s stopping you from sleeping, except the fact that sleep itself becomes “THE ENEMY OF THE MIND!” or maybe it's the mind becomes "THE ENEMY OF SLEEP!"

Whatever the reason might have been it didn't help. There was nothing on tele to watch and not much else to do, I decided I was going to do my first bit of Baby Shopping today. But I still had a few hours to go before I could even think of leaving the house. I was just waiting for the clock to hit eight o clock so I could leave my house which at the time felt like a prison!

When it comes to baby shopping I've really limited myself, firstly because the sex of the little sprog is going to be a surprise so I tend to stick to neutral colours and secondly because I don’t like pictures of living things on the clothes unless it’s abstract!

So, when it came to buying even the first few things today I was expecting a hunt.

However, entering Mothercare reluctantly, because silly billy me assumed everything was either going to have bears or bunnies on it and the plain clothes wear going to JUST PLAIN, I found the perfect little outfit which I decided was going to be the first thing my baba wears after it’s born.  

Tell me isn’t this just edible or are my pregnancy hormones making me exaggerate again?:

There's a White hooded fleece Jacket, Mint with Grey & White Dungaree with vest set, Mint & White Hat set & Lastly, a set of White & Mint Stripy Booties and Just Mint Booties.

Lastly from Mothercare, I bought a Simple White Shawl:

I bought my baba’s first outfit and I was happy. What, Happy? I was over the moon, grinning while walking around the shopping centre like I’ve just won the lottery or something! I don’t think anyone would of believed me if told them that it was all because I just bought some baby items!  Pregnancy has done that too me, every emotion has escalated when I’m happy, I feel like I’m over the moon & when I’m upset I feel like something has died inside me. How about you, has it happened to you?

Anyway going back to the story:

Even though I was very happy, I was in a lot of physical pain and I had to stop and pause after every few steps so I decided it was time to make my way home. And, that’s when I saw NEXT! Now, something happens to me when I see Next and over the years I’ve failed to understand what it is. It’s not an emotion I feel but more like an uncontrollable reaction: my feet start automatically walking into the shop. I don’t even like clothes for myself in next, okay maybe once in a blue moon I’ll like something but it’s the children’s section that the secret lies in. Whoooooooooo (Trying to make the ghost sound).

Anyway, I buy most of Umar’s clothes from there and I do like their clothing lines for children. I wouldn’t say it’s spectacular but all-right. So, once I was in the shop with one swollen ankle and another subluxated, walking around looking like I should be in A&E, I found it! Another outfit, this time It was actually like winning the Lottery for me. Unless, I’m going shopping with a pre-planned list of items which I have already chosen over the internet and know where to buy, I hardly find items I like and that’s even after going through fifteen to twenty shops!

Here it is:

This outfit just consists of a Mocha hooded fleece Jacket, Cream & Stripy Three Piece suit of Hat; Bodysuit & a pair of White Socks.

Next stop was home and that was all for my shopping adventure today. Now, I’ve managed to place myself in a conundrum and need your help! I find both of the outfits so adorable that I can’t decide which should be the first outfit. You might think it’s not a big deal but please understand it is to me, so please help me by voting which one is you like better below:

Which Outfit do you like better?

Well, that's all for now, So until next time,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

17th Week: Online Window Shopping

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Online Window Shopping has been my latest hobby. I've been looking at a variety of things, from baby stuff to hospital bag necessities etc. I get hypnotised by idea and I become momentarily addicted. When I find one thing I like, I think of something else I “need” to look at. When I think about it afterwards I feel so ridiculous, not for doing it but for the hours I spend doing it.

Other than Lazing about and spending a few hours window shopping online, I've had quite an eventful week. With a few appointments, lots of cooking etc.

On Wednesday, the health visitor made a visit, just to see how I was getting on and if there’s anyway she could help me. Then, on yesterday I my first appointment with the Case-load midwife appointment.

Through-out the week I've had a few cooking adventures, some new and some re-visits. Here are pictures of some of things I Cooked Up:

Well, that’s all for now,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

First appointment with the Case-load Midwife

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

The Case-load Midwife arrived for about one-fifteen o clock. After introductions, she explained her role and what care she was going to provide. She fully informed on all the services that are available for me. And she answered all my questions. We spoke briefly about where and how I would like to the baby and I'm glad we did because she helped me sort out a few misunderstanding I had. Firstly, I was under the impression that I couldn’t use my local birth centre (Lewisham) as I considered myself high-risked due to episiotomy I had during the first pregnancy, but I was wrong. And secondly, I was also under the impression that due to the Joint Hypermobilty a caesarean would be a better option than a natural birth, but again I was wrong.

Next, she performed a urine test. Gosh, do I hate have to urinate in those tiny little tubes, it’s the only time I can relate to men as I feel like I can’t go straight.

After that, was the amazing part, listening to the Sprog’s Heartbeat. Wow, it sounded like a steam choo choo train! And the appointment ended with that. Literally, music to my ears!

And, that’s all for now,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

16th Week: Eating Disorder

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Okay, It’s going to be one week tomorrow that I've been at my mums and Umar is with his Dad. Everyone at my mums except for my dad (mum, two sisters), is making me feel like they’re the ones’ who’s having the baby. Discussion is mostly “will do this during the pregnancy”, “let’s do that after the baby’s born”, “shall we buy this?”, “can you call the baby…” I'm not complaining rather quite enjoying now, but shouldn’t I suppose to be the one that’s baby crazy?

So a week of me lazing about without feeling guilty, giggling with my sisters at four/five o clock in the morning and eating what ever I want or is that so?

Well all of it’s true except the “eating” part. Now, I like my food and I have a healthy appetite but recently I just can’t eat, whether it’s home-cooked or at a restaurant, after a mouth full or so I just can’t eat anymore. And no, I don’t snack more than what’s recommended and it’s not just some food, it’s all food! It’s upsetting. I love food and now even when it’s  in front of me on a plate I Miss It because I cant eat it.

Have you had any similar experience or know why this may happen? If so, please comment.

That’s all for now,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

15th Week: Morning sickness

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

When I was pregnant with Umar, morning sickness greeted me when I was around twelve weeks and didn’t leave until I was around 22 weeks. It was horrible. So, I've been dreading it this time.  Prior to the last few days I believed I was free from it, because the advice  is that if you don’t get morning sickness when you’re about twelve to thirteen weeks, then you most likely won’t suffer from it at all. But, No I've been condemned to feeling queasy, nauseas and carrying a bucket around with me!

Following up the physical issues that rose last week, I went to see my GP a few days ago. And as I had already guessed there wasn’t much that can be done, except for offering me stronger pain relief but I refused it as the medication can result in affecting the baby neurologically.

The little sprog is moving more and more. It feels like martial art training is taking place in my womb. If I was due before the 2012 Olympics then I would have expected a Taekwondo Gold medal for the little fighter.

That’s this week for you,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

14th Week: Announcement

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

My 12th Week has become my 14th and I'm finding it a little strange. I know it’s only two weeks difference but I don’t like change when it comes to certain things, or it just might be me being strange!

From the two scans I have had in the last 7 days, I know that my bubble baby is growing fine and quick. I can already feel the baby move. But, the sprog is not alone in growing big, my bump is becoming massive! I'm already feeling really heavy and my hip feels like it’s going to break. I can’t find a comfortable position for sleeping. Tried all sorts!

I'm going to go see the GP to discuss these problems and see if there’s any solution. But, I doubt it.

I was waiting till I was twelve weeks to announce my pregnancy openly to all my friends and family. Only Umar, his dad and People involved in my medical care knew that I'm pregnant from when I first found out. Within the last few days I've told most people and as thrilled as everyone was, they where more upset about why I announced it now,  at 14 Weeks and not when I was 12 weeks.

Now, can you understand how frustrating it was to tell the reason behind that to each person that asked?

That’s it for so until next time,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Tara *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

12 or 14 Week Routine Scan

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

My 12 Week Scan was due this morning and I was on my way to the hospital with swollen knees, Yippee! No, I was miserable, moody, cold, wet due to the rain, I felt like I hadn’t slept for days and I just wanted to be in my warm cosy bed. But, just the though of missing out on seeing my bubble baby dragged me all the way to the cold hospital bed where I saw my sprog! Little tiny legs, arms, even fingers.

We got out pictures and was about to leave the room when

The Sonographer announced “your due date is 14th of October”,

“but I was told in my dating scan that it is the 23rd of October” I said

She explained “sometimes early dating scans miscalculate but there’s nothing to worry about”

I was upset because for some reason I felt like I missed a week of pregnancy!

Before the scan I had a 12 week & 6 Days bump and after the scan my bump became 14 Weeks & 1 Day.

That’s all for now ,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

An Unexpected visit to The A&E

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

I felt like my stomach was being clamped down, the sudden pain was so excruciating and all of this just in the matter of leaving the Perinatal psychiatrist’s office and exiting the Outpatients Building. My sight became blurry and I was finding it hard to breath, so before I knew it I was in the A&E. I quickly got assessed and sent to the Early Pregnancy Unit.

I waited over 20 minutes to see a maternity nurse for a consultation. It was a long, painful wait but there were about five people waiting to be seen before me. At the consultation, the nurse checked my blood pressure, urine, took some blood samples and explained that the pains could be sign of a miscarriage, so I should have an Ultrasound scan to check for any abnormalities. By the time I came out of the consultation room the pain disappeared. I was relieved but still worried so decided I need to have the scan to be on the safe side.

It was one pm and I had already waited for an hour to have the scan but then I was told that the unit is now closed for lunch and I should come back at two-thirty pm. When I asked the woman Why I wasn’t informed about this when I came in, I was explained “we normally close at this time but because it’s a Friday where going to see you as were not open on the weekends, if it was a weekday you’d have to come back the next day” I felt like killing someone!

I arranged for Umar and his father to meet me. And when they did we had some lunch. KEBAB, yummy (highlight of my day so far). Then we returned to the unit in due time and thank God I was seen immediately. The scan was perfectly fine, the usual procedure, cold gel, tummy being pushed down but it was amazing especially because my unborn child and my born child (that sounds a bit weird) were there in front of my eyes for me to see them together! Umar lost interest in the little screen after a minute or so and became very curious about the bed levers.  I was very happy, so happy that It felt like the hours prior to that moment didn’t exist.

And that was it; I was on my way home all safe and sound.

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

First appointment with the Perinatal Psychiatrist

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

I was on my way to the hospital, for my first appointment with the Perinatal psychiatrist. I was all giddy and nervous at the same time. Giddy about waking up early (7am) as that’s not my usual norm and nervous about how the appointment was going to go.

The Appointment was an assessment to work out a care plan. Which I guess is the routine of most initial appointments.  The psychiatrist explained her role and what she intends to do. By the end of the appointment I was told she was going to take over my care and she’ll be in contact soon.

I found the appointment to be like most of my initial routine medical appointments. I discussed my history, my current issues, what action I would like to be taken etc. I found all of it quite very difficult but more frustrating. I haven’t had any kind of therapy recently, last time was about a year go so having to open again was very difficult especially when it’s about issues that I haven’t come to terms with. And frustrating because I'm tired of having to repeat everything over and over again to people who all work for NHS, I would have thought by now they would be able to share notes. At least between my GP and themselves.

I do understand that in certain circumstances there are confidentiality issues and that they may just be asking to get me to talk about it etc. But, that is not the case here, they have a lot of my information (including sensitive issues) but then they don’t have other critical information which is crucial to them. When I confronted the psychiatrist about this she actually admitted “it’s a lack of communication”.

Anyway that was the appointment, so until next time,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Introduction to My Second Pregnancy

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

8 Weeks ago, I took this test and Voila, I'm pregnant for the second time. I'm already a mother to a three year old "Wild Child", but I still feel like this is my first pregnancy! Weird, what do you think? Weird or Not, it is a little mind-boggling, feeling all these emotions like it's the first time but knowing that it's not.

First Pregnancy with Umar (wild child), was straight forward but still quite traumatic due to Physical pain, Unstable circumstances, Psychological issues etc. And, the first pregnancy triggered of some health issues that I'm stuck with now. Joint Hypermobilty Syndrome & P.T.S.D (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) are the major health issues I have. So, since I've found out I'm pregnant again, I've been worried about how pregnancy will effect my health or how my health will effect my pregnancy. That fear set me on a pursuit to find all the required information regarding my health issues & pregnancy or pregnancy alone. The results were great in terms of "general pregnancy", but as for Pregnancy information relating to my health conditions I was a quite disappointed! Don't get me wrong, there is some information out there but not everything I needed. Also, all the information I found was scattered over a number of sites, which for me was quite confusing and that was when I decided I'm going share my pregnancy journey (as well as the pursuit of motherhood) all in this one place, just so it might be of help to someone out there!

Since the Pregnancy test, I've had a “Booking-in Appointment” and a “Dating Scan”.

The Booking-in Appointment, started off by filling in the first few pages of the “Pregnancy Notes” booklet. Then we discussed my medical history and current conditions. As well as the necessary steps that needs to be taken. Last but not least, she informed about the dos and don’ts: food; alcohol; smoking; exercise and told me about the referrals she was going to make. Finally, A urine test was done and I was giving a few bit and bobs including the First Bounty pack, Emma’s diary etc.

I found the appointment very informing and the midwife was very warming. She answered all my questions in detail, explained everything properly, rather then just touching topics that needed to get ticked of the list in the “Pregnancy Notes” booklet. She referred me to see an Anaesthetist, Obstetrician & Severe Pain consultant for the Joint Hypermobilty. She also referred me to the Case-load Midwife Team and Perinatal Psychiatrist for the P.T.S.D. I found out about the referral to Case-load Midwife Team while I was looking through the Pregnancy Notes, after I came home from the appointment. And I don’t know exactly what their role is other than being a normal midwife. So, if you do please enlighten me.

On the 28th February I had the Dating Scan, it was exciting being able to see the baby sooner rather then at twelve weeks. But, I was a little nervous because the GP informed me that it was going to be done “INTERNALLY” oppose to the “Over the Tummy” Scan that I was already familiar with. However, once I was called in to the Scanning room I didn’t even take notice of what the Sonographer was doing, as I was too occupied at staring at the screen eagerly (I was even trying not to blink) just to see my little Sprog! And before I knew it, my little bubble of a baby with a few pixels of a heart was there! I was told the Gestation was six weeks exactly.

That’s the story so far, so now I'm officially a “Blogger Mum” with an 11 Weeks & 6 Days Bump! 

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-: