Hello everyone

I hope all is well with you all.

Today I am 26 weeks pregnant and I really have noticed a change in the last week. Moving around using just your arms with what is becoming a big bump is tricky. I am still managing to pull myself in and out of the bath independently but we are going to set up the bath cushion next week. I am still managing to work full time and to do the 15 minute push each way to the station. I hope to do this for at least another month before working from home.

I have however had a lot of pain this week and I did pop to the hospital yesterday as I was getting a sharp pain in my left side. I also felt as though baby wasn’t moving as much when I was sat upright. This movement reduction and pain worried me a bit but I had a quick scan and baby is very happy. He has his head under my diaphragm trapping a nerve and causing the pain. This is probably due to my curved spine and nerves not quite being where they should be. My short body also doesn’t help. He likes to lay across me rather than vertically.  He just needs to move so hopefully horse riding will do the trick tomorrow, it normally does.

We have seen the consultant since I last blogged and I had another scan of my back. It’s 50/50 whether.an epidural will be possible. I am going to try and manage in labour with gas and air along with intravenous pain medication. I have been told if I need a C section and the epidural doesn’t fit because of my spinal rods, I may need to have a general anaesthetic. However, I am determined to avoid this. Hopefully my leg spasms won’t be too bad as they do become worse with pain. Also, many positions in labour wouldn’t work for me so I will be restricted.

We have another growth scan next week followed by a consultant review. I will then be scanned every three weeks. Babies survive at 26 weeks now so I am thinking all the time that each week is a bonus

We had an anti-natal class this week. It was on labour and delivery. I knew a lot because of my job but I think Louie learnt a lot (some of which perhaps he wishes he hadn’t). We have another one on Tuesday on baby care.

I only have two more horse rides left. Feeling sad about not riding for a few months. It’s the only time I feel completely comfortable lately. I am so lucky to have been riding this long though.

I am off to Plymouth this weekend for some family time and to celebrate Mum and Dad’s 30th Anniversary and my sister’s engagement.  It may be my last trip home before I become a Mummy as I will soon not be able to climb the stairs and I don’t like to be carried.

I will blog again after our next scan and my heart scan on 3rd June.

Take care all xxx