 |
chris's diary |
|
chris's diary |
Hospital Visits
So we went for a blood test.
I was fresh from feeling very brave
since I’d been to donate some blood for the first time a few days before the
appointment. There was an ad on the telly that said for every pint I’d donate,
I could save six babies, which I thought was a good deal.
So, once I’d finished, they asked me to sit up and say how I was feeling. I said I felt a little light headed from giving a whole, brave, pint. It was like setting an alarm off - people rushed all around and told me to lie down (after taking my pillow away) and to relax and to not worry and everything would be fine, and not to be put off by this happening, and also that nothing was wrong. I was very concerned at all this, but apparently they were just trying to prevent me fainting. They had ‘brave boy’ stickers, which I thought I was too old for. They did give me a great big dressing though, which I liked. I wanted Jehann to think I had been through a lot, and the big bandage round my arm could have only helped.
Anyhow, Jehann’s blood test was simple enough (I gave much more blood). They said they would let us know if anything was wrong. We had gone for the option of finding out as much as possible. Knowledge is strength, after all.
About a week later we got a two line letter. It said that the chance of the baby having Downs Syndrome was very low. Which was a relief. Although when I first looked at the letter I thought it would be something to do with appointments. As such, I was very distressed to see the words ‘Downs Syndrome’ contained in the text. Luckily as the letter was only two lines, it didn’t take long to find out that everything was OK.
July 27th
We returned to the hospital shortly
after for the half time show. Half way through the pregnancy you get another
scan to make sure that everything is present and correct. This time round the
baby is a whole lot bigger, and all sorts of things can be checked for. As the
nurse was scanning, I actually saw
the baby yawn, and roll over. This annoyed the nurse a bit, but I thought it was
the best thing ever. Imagine rolling over and showing your arse before you are
even born. Maybe babies know more than they let on. Apart from that, I saw the
baby’s heart beating (all four chambers present and correct),
and saw him looking quite content. I was reminded of myself when I’m
under the duvet.
This was the point where we could have
found out if we were going to have a boy or a girl. We decided we were better
off not knowing. I’m happy we don’t know - but I don’t really know why. I
suppose a boy baby and a girl baby are awful similar for the first few years of
life - so there’s nothing to prepare for. I’m interested to know what you
think though - I’ll set up a page so that you can vote for what you think
we’ll have. I’ll do it tomorrow.
After the scan, we went to see the doctor. The problem here was that Jehann was told to keep her bladder full for the scan - it makes the baby stick out more. Also, the doctor in the hospital often requests a sample. As a result of this, she’d been wanting a wee for ages. By the time the doctor was ready to see us she was busting. Just before we went in (me walking and Jehann doing a waddle) she asked if a sample was required. The doctor said no, and she was off, leaving me and the doctor in his room looking at the walls, with not a whole lot to talk about.
When she got
back we found out that everything to do with the scan, and the previous weeks'
blood tests was good. Which was nice.
July 28th
Today we had an appointment to see
Jehann's GP. There was no need. We are supposed to see the midwife from now on,
unless something goes wrong. So nice as she was, I hope to never see her again.
As we were there, she took Jehann’s
blood pressure again, and had a doohickey that let us listen to the baby’s
heartbeat. It was beating around twice as fast as Jehann’s. Which is just
right, apparently. Also, Jehann’s womb is just the right size for this part of
her pregnancy. Which is comforting, as her bump isn’t showing much at all.
Also, Jehann mentioned she was having a
bit of back pain. The doctor said to try and ignore it as it was only going to
get worse. I couldn’t help smirking at this, which didn’t go down well with
Doctor or Patient. I said I’d put up with back pain if I could be the one
giving birth, which seemed to diffuse the situation.
Jehann in Bloom
So Jehann’s now at the halfway stage. It’s here that she has stopped feeling sick, her skin is super soft, she’s looking fabulous.
Baby Stuff
So we’ve been attempting to prepare
ourselves for the birth by buying things and reading books. To this end we
bought a rubbish book from Tesco’s that went on about the American way of
having babies. As valid as this might be it’s not much use to us here in
Wales.
Jehann bought a much better book that
covers all everything we wanted to know, and had pictures in it.
And I bought a tape that said I should
bring beer and a camera to the birth. Which I could manage. And they say the
Dads have it easy.
Finally (that’s right - at the moment,
with four and a half months to go, we have four baby items in the whole house) -
someone from Jehann’s work has bought us a pair of tiny baby shoes. With
‘Happy Star’ written on them. They are so sweet, and can make you cry just
by looking at them.
I’ve taken photos of all these things, and will post them here when I get the film back from the chemists.
Pregnant clothes
Jehann’s been buying clothes to fit her big fat body. Actually, as you can see here, her gut is still way smaller than my own. As such I’ve been suggesting that she wear my own clothes, and be fashionable for a change.
She disagrees, and has been getting proper pregnant Mum clothes. The best is a pair of jeans with the whole front crotch area removed, and replaced with elastic. I might get some for myself.
