6040

I had visions of writing something each week, detailing the changing mindset of parents-to-be, the discussions we’ve had as we’ve negotiated mood swings and choices. But that wouldn’t be me. And it also wouldn’t be real. The reality is that, for me more so I suppose, life carries on (so long as there are no medical issues, and we’ve been blessed so far) in a pretty normal way, apart from this feeling every now and then that there is something momentous looming.

We’ve arrived at 33 weeks in the blink of an eye (from a twinkle to a blink?). We’ve been doing the NCT classes (much mixed feelings from friends about these, but we’ve been really enjoying them, primarily because the woman leading them is lovely) and this has started to make things more real, and make the weeks fly by.

I’m amazed to learn that only 25% of parents actually go to any antenatal classes at all. How do people come? are they simply relying on friends and family (possibly) or are they just relaxed about the whole thing? Perhaps I’m just a worrier. Books are OK but they don’t seem to sink in and after a while they all say pretty much the same thing. Going to the NCT classes has just got me thinking more about preparing for a birth, doing things that will hopefully cut down on labour time and what to do if things start to go wrong. If I hadn’t got any of that knowledge I’m sure it would be a much bigger stress.

Bump size has been an issue, with measurements showing up small (3cm) but we’ve been told by so many people just to ignore this - everyone grows at a different rate and so long as the heart sounds strong and there’s regular movement things are fine. Besides, there’s definitely been a growth spurt this week with Jo more tired and looking substantially bigger.

Of the severn couples at the NCT classes six are intending a homebirth (us included). I was really surprised by this, but perhaps not given where we live. Southwark has the highest homebirth rate in the UK and East Dulwich apparently the highest birth rate in Europe. I don’t have stats to back this up, but given the buggy queues up the high street on a Saturday I wouldn’t be surprised. The main reason we are going for a homebirth is that everything is fine, so why go to hospital just because other people feel you should?

We’re obviously open to the fact the situation may change, but right now the pool will be in the corner, the kettle will be on and the webcam will be up and streaming (only joking Jo).