Rachels Story

I’m 39 and have been married to Mike since March 2006. We are expecting our first baby, which is due at the beginning of August. 

Throughout my 20s and early 30s I didn’t have any interest in having babies at all. I wanted to enjoy my life as much as possible – travelling and living abroad, going to film school and moving around the country. But my biological clock finally started to tick as I approached 35 and I met Mike pretty soon afterwards. The rest, as they say, is history!

Congratulations!

After charting the progress of her pregnancy via a weekly on-line diary The Baby Maze is pleased to announce the birth of Rachel's baby.

Rachel gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Liam George, on the morning of Wednesday 22nd August 2007. Weighing in at 7lb 15oz. To read Rachel's diary in full just scroll down the page.

Rachel's Pregnancy Diary

Thursday 7th December
I had my suspicions that I was pregnant and finally plucked up the courage today to do not one, but two tests just to make sure the first one was correct!  Went to Waterstone’s to buy a book to break the news to Mike, although I knew he wouldn’t be that surprised. A friend had recommended using a fertility monitor to take the guesswork out of our attempts to get pregnant and it had worked. After trying for the best part of a year, we’re both very excited about finally having a family.

Friday 8th December
Made an appointment to see the doctor expecting him to have to do another test or take some blood but no.  Apparently the pregnancy tests I bought in the shops are just as accurate as the one he would use and as I’d done two already there was no need to check again. He did, however, print off an extensive list of dos and don’ts for me to read through. Met Mike for lunch – it all seems very real now.

Saturday 9th December
It’s the first of our Christmas parties tonight. We’ve decided to wait until Christmas to tell our families – a little extra Christmas present for them all. I managed to put people off the scent by drinking tonic water and pretending it had gin in it too. When we sat down to dinner, I kept swapping Mike’s empty glass of wine with my full one when nobody was looking. By filling up the empty one in front of me, people kept assuming I was drinking too. Ingenious!

Thursday 14th December
Today I had my first appointment with the midwife, Brenda. She checked my blood pressure and urine and everything seems to be fine. Starting to feel very tired already and the odd day of queasiness.

18th December – week 7
Another Christmas party and came clean with our close friends who live locally.  One of my friends is also pregnant so it made the evening a bit easier because we could both sit and be sober together. Also easier to disappear when we both ran out of steam around 9 o’clock!

25th December – week 8
We’ve told our families this week – thought it would be a nice Christmas present. Everyone really pleased. I’m surprise that a little bump is developing already – wasn’t expecting that so soon. Mike explained to the kids that the baby is about the size of a strawberry so that has become it’s nickname with the whole family!

1st January – week 9
A new year and a new baby on the way! I feel like a bit of a fraud when I bump into people and don’t tell them. I think we’ve told all our immediate friends now but going to wait a few more weeks before we tell the rest of the world. I do look a bit pale and knackered though so probably won’t be fooling too many people.

8th January – week 10
All I’ve wanted to do this week is lie on the sofa and watch television. I’m so glad I run my own business and work from home, because at least I can stop when I need to and take a break.  It’s a real struggle to get up in the mornings too and I have to be careful that I don’t just fall asleep again when Mike goes out.

15th January – week 11
Our first scan this week and wonderful to see our baby on screen. It’s been confirmed that we’re only having one – because I’ve got a little bump already we had thought there might be twins in there, but no. It’s obviously going to be a sociable little thing because it even put its arm up in air as if it was waving. How cute! They’ve changed our due date from 3rd to 8th August.

22nd January – week 12
We’ve reached week 12 and the news is starting to filter out. Although I think quite a few people have guessed because I’m still not looking my best. I met somebody through business today and when I told her she said she thought I’d got a bit chunky! Jacket potato with beans seems to be the favourite at the moment.

29th January – week 13
Feeling really grotty this week. I’ve been lucky so far because I haven’t been sick every day and when I have it’s been just before going to bed. Why on earth do they call it morning sickness? Mine is definitely mid-afternoon/evening sickness! Had my mum, dad, sister, brother-in-law and their kids here for the weekend – definitely too much to cope with in one go at the moment. I needed to go to bed for a long sleep when they left on Sunday!

5th February – week 14
We’ve decided not to go for a triple test or amniocentesis. Because I’m over 35, the percentage will come back as quite a high risk for Downs although the baby may be fine. As we would continue with the pregnancy anyway, there seemed little point in worrying for the next 6 months.

12th February – week 15
I’m finding it hard to get comfortable at night. I’m used to sleeping on my front and worried about rolling over in the night. I’ve started sleeping with a pillow under my right knee to try and stop me. Also finding the most ridiculous things make me cry, even something very cheesy on the tv. I’m still needing to put my feet up in the afternoons as I get very tired and queasy.

19th February – week 16
Having a few pains in my stomach this week but checked online and it’s just because my bump is getting bigger. Still hard to believe that I’m going to expand so much and strange to see how much my shape is changing already when I look in the mirror. Felt fluttering in my stomach for the first time this week, which must be the baby moving. How can it move around when it’s still so tiny?

26th February – week 17
Still having a bit of morning sickness and feeling tired in the afternoons, but definitely better than it was. Favourite food at the moment is Ryvita with cottage cheese and tomato soup! Bump is getting bigger and I’m finding that hardly any of my normal clothes fit me any more. I can see a shopping trip for maternity clothes coming on in the next week or so. 

5th March – week 18
Not feeling so tired this week.  We took a day off for Mike’s 40th birthday and went up to the Lake District. Still managed to keep going until 2am for Mike’s party too, although I did sit it out when the disco played “Oops upside your head!”

12th March – week 19
I’m finally starting to feel a bit better now and the morning sickness seems to have gone altogether. Went up to Glasgow for the weekend, which Mike bought me for my birthday. Nice just to get away and we didn’t do much except chill out and enjoy each others company. Bought my first copy of Pregnancy & Birth magazine, which I devoured from cover to cover.

19th March – week 20
Half way and feeling fine this week. I’ve started to feel the baby moving even more now which is amazing. Those first few months you know it’s all going on inside but it’s so reassuring to actually feel it. I think we’re having either an acrobat or a footballer because it can’t half move when it gets going. Our wedding anniversary this weekend so Mike treated me to a pampering facial and a picnic – just what I needed!

26th March – week 21
We had our second scan this week and were pleased to hear that everything is ok. It’s amazing to see the baby on screen, wriggling about. The woman was so helpful and pointed out everything she was looking at. We were surprised what detail they go into, checking its top lip has formed, heart, lungs, umbilical cord and even that its feet are fully developed and ok. Amazing. Mike has started talking to the baby and even singing it Morecambe songs, just in case it can hear. Very amusing! 

2nd April – week 22
A long and busy week working in Telford Monday to Wednesday. We’re filming in a food factory so have to wear protective clothing – lab coats, safety boots and hair net. It’s very hot and very noisy so not much fun for me. I found it hard not being able to sit down between shots and my legs and back were aching by the end of each day. Not much objection from the baby though, who seems to have taken it all in its stride.

9th April – week 23
Been feeling quite tired again this week, which I wasn’t expecting. Think it might just be a knock on effect of last week’s filming. We’re supposed to be going to Prague on holiday for my mum’s 70th birthday next week, but the thought of flying and not sleeping in my own bed has made me think twice. Also getting a lot of aching under my bump as it gets bigger so think we’ll give it a miss.

16th April – week 24
I’m really glad we didn’t go away in the end. I have been even more tired this week – feeling much like I did when I first got pregnant. I’ve been receiving texts from the rest of the family who are having a great time but doing a lot of walking so think I would’ve found it difficult to keep up!

23rd April – week 25
I started filming today for the University. Hopefully an easier shoot than the last one and I’ll be able to sit down when I need to. Also had another check up with the midwife. The baby’s heartbeat and my blood pressure are fine but they’ve found protein in my urine which has to be sent away for tests. The midwife says it’s probably fine but just to be on the safe side.

30th April – week 26
Everything ok with urine test, although Brenda had put my mind at rest last week really. Editing this week so little time to put my feet up yet again and working late some nights too. We’ve started to clear out the room that’s going to be the nursery which is very exciting. Also then we can start to focus on what we need to buy ready for when our little strawberry arrives. (Still calling it strawberry even though it’s more a punnet now!)

7th May – week 27
Another busy week with work. I’m getting quite tired but at least I can see the end in sight when things quieten down in a few weeks. It doesn’t seem to be affecting the baby much, who still enjoys a good wriggle, which is nice for Mike to be able to feel. Also been feeling really hungry most of the time and can’t seem to get enough sweet things at the moment.

14th May – week 28
Really starting to feel the strain this week and looking forward to slowing down next week. I’ve been suffering from quite a bit of heartburn and my hips and legs are starting to ache when I walk. My sleep pattern has been quite disrupted - the baby seems to like waking up at 4am and giving me a good kick or three! Going baby shopping this weekend with my mum and really looking forward to it.

21st May – week 29
Well so much for slowing down – another busy week. The baby has been really active but I suppose it’s just getting me ready for the disrupted sleep I’ll enjoy once it’s born. It’s also getting playful – a friend lent me a monitor so Mike could listen to its heartbeat and the baby kept kicking out at the point where it was resting on my stomach. Cheeky monkey! Check up with the midwife went well, heartbeat is fine and she seems happy with how things are going. I did the old wives tail wedding ring test with my friend. If it’s to be believed, she’s having a girl and I’m having a boy. Don’t think it can be classed as scientific proof, so we’ll just have to wait and see.

28th May – week 30
Well so much for the wedding ring test. My friend had her baby on Monday and it was a boy weighing in at 9lb 5oz. So I don’t think I’ll start decorating the nursery in blue quite yet, just in case mine was wrong too! Seeing him has made it all even more real and now I can’t wait for our baby to be here too. I was standing in the chemist waiting for my Gaviscon prescription yesterday and a little old lady stood up and offered me her seat. Funny, but I still forget I’m pregnant sometimes and need cute little things like that to remind me. I’ve started feeling quite breathless this week as the baby gets bigger and starts pressing on my diaphragm as well as my stomach and my bladder. Nice!

4th June – week 31
We decorated the nursery at the weekend – a soft soothing shade of green and intend to get some funky pictures of jungle animals to decorate the walls. We also went to a function on Saturday night and the baby spent a good while jiggling around to the band. I couldn’t make out whether it was out of enjoyment or not, but as I’ve heard better karaoke I can only assume it was in protest. I’ve managed to start slowing down at work and we’re planning to go away for a break in a couple of weeks, which is just what we both need before our little one make his/her appearance.

11th June – week 32
It was my mum 70th birthday party on Saturday and very, very hot – too hot if you’re nearly 8 months pregnant!  Quite a few people have mentioned how big my bump is getting now so maybe that’s why I’ve started needing an afternoon nap here and there.  It was our second antenatal class this week, which included watching a day old baby having his first bath and a tour of the maternity ward.  I’ve also had a stinking cold towards the end of the week so I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather, but we’ve booked a little cottage in Suffolk for next week and I’m looking forward to some long lie-ins and lazy days to recharge my batteries.

18th June – week 33
We had a nice week away, although not many lie-ins as I’m struggling to get comfy in bed now.  We actually spent the whole week in separate bedrooms because there just wasn’t enough room for both of us and my expanding bump!  The weather has been quite hot so we’ve just ambled along the prom or down the pier eating ice cream and chilling out.  My feet have been a bit swollen in the warm weather and I can see myself wearing flip flops for the rest of my pregnancy.  Unfortunately my fingers have swollen a bit too so I’ve had to take off my wedding and engagement rings, which feels really strange.  But the baby’s still determined to move around even though there’s less space to do so, which has given Mike no end of amusement as hands, elbows and feet wriggle across my belly.

25th June – week 34
Well I’m getting to that point that all mothers do where I’ve had enough and just want our little bundle to be born.  The heartburn is a daily thing now, like the queasiness in the first 16 weeks, but I think it’s more down to the baby squashing my stomach rather than anything specific that I’m eating.  Everything seems to ache – particularly my hips if I stay in one position too long.  My hands and feet are still a bit swollen and my fingers are regularly numb, which I believe is carpal tunnel syndrome and quite common in the later stages of pregnancy.  My blood pressure was a bit higher than normal at my 34 week check so I’ve got to go back next week just so they can monitor it.  On a lighter note, we’ve been and bought the pram and cot this week and all the basics we’re going to need to start off with.  What a lovely shopping trip that was!

2nd July – week 35
Funny story to start off with this week.  On Sunday morning Mike was talking to my tummy and asking the baby to tell him if it was a boy or a girl.  He was saying: “Do you have a winky? Kick once for yes and twice for no.”  When he didn’t get any response he started reeling off all the names we’d been thinking about to see if any of those got a reaction.  What he was forgetting is that our baby is slow getting going in the morning (just like its mum and dad).  If he’d tried it later on in the day he might have had more success!  We’re using washable nappies instead of disposables and this week Hilary from Lollipop came over to go through all the options with me.  They’re so cute and I chose a shaped nappy with waterproof wrap for the majority of the time and a few all in ones as a back up for babysitters or if we’re out for the day.  I think we have everything for the baby, now I just need to turn my attention to my hospital bag essentials.

9th July – week 36
A difficult week this week.  Throughout the night on Wednesday and during the day on Thursday I was repeatedly sick and by the afternoon was getting a bit concerned because I hadn’t felt much activity from the baby.  I made an emergency appointment to see the doctor who referred me to the RLI.  They put both me and the baby on a monitor because our heart rates were very high (mine 120 and the baby’s between 180 and 190).  They were concerned because I was severely dehydrated and had a high temperature, which they thought was causing the baby to become distressed.  All I kept thinking was if they rushed me in for an emergency caesarean there and then, my hospital bag wasn’t even packed because it was the job I was intending to do that day.  I’m sure there were probably more pressing things I should’ve been worrying about!  Anyway, to cut a long story short, they kept me in overnight and had me on a drip to get some fluids into me.  Finally by lunch time on Friday they were happy enough with how my temperature and our heart rates had come down that they let me come home.  They also told me that the baby’s head is now engaged and since coming out of hospital it has certainly made up for its quiet time and is back to full wriggling mode!

16th July - week 37
Everything is back to normal this week. I had my fortnightly check up with the midwife and she was quite happy with my blood pressure and the baby's
heartbeat. I don't think my stomach can get any bigger without physically popping. It's making me very lethargic as even the simplest of tasks seems
like a major chore but it will all be worth it when our little one arrives. We spent Saturday putting up the cot and getting to grips with the pram and
car seat so I think now we're ready to go - we just need the baby. We also did some of the more serious things this week like organising life insurance
and making wills. Not something either of us really enjoyed having to consider, but we want to make sure everything is in place before life gets too hectic to think about it.

23rd July – week 38
A quiet week and I just feel like I’m playing the waiting game.  My energy levels seems to swing on a daily basis – one day it’s all I can do to get up off the sofa and the next day I’m mooching around the house looking for jobs to do.  Maybe this is all part of the nesting process.  I just want the big day to come now because the more time I have to think about it, the more apprehensive I get.  I think the main problem is that I don’t really know what to expect.  I’ve been reading birth stories online and in magazines, but until you’ve experienced labour yourself it’s very difficult to comprehend what they’re explaining.  I’ve been having a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions over the past few days and some of them a little painful but I’m pretty sure these are going to pale into comparison with the real thing.  So bring it on… please!

30th July - week 39
My nesting has continued and I’ve been manically hoovering behind the sofas and getting lots of little jobs out of the way ready for our new arrival.  I’ve had an overwhelming craving for scones with strawberry jam this week and, even more surprisingly, I’ve written my birth plan.  Funny really because I hadn’t thought about doing one but I saw the link on the Baby Centre email newsletter we get each week (which is well worth signing up for, by the way).  Writing it has helped me put things into perspective and I’m probably in a better frame of mind to make some decisions now when not actually in the throws of labour itself.  I’ve made sure to mention a couple of times that I want things to be flexible on the day because, let’s face it, I have no idea what it’s really going to be like and I might be screaming for an epidural the minute I get into hospital rather than the natural birth I have committed to paper!

7th August - week 40
Well here we are at the long awaited week 40 and the baby has decided it doesn’t want to make an appearance yet!  Par for the course, so I’m told, for first babies but still a bit of a let down all the same.  It’s very strange to work towards a specific date and then see it come and go without anything happening.  After our no show on Wednesday, my actual due date, I was convinced that it would come on Saturday afternoon as Mike wanted to see Morecambe’s first game in the premier league.  But still nothing – he got to go and watch his beloved team.  I’m back at the midwife next Wednesday, if we still don’t have our baby by then, and she’ll do a sweep to try and bring on labour.  If there’s still no joy then I have to go into hospital on 20th to be induced, but I’d really prefer it to start naturally.  I can see myself spending lots of hours bouncing on my birthing ball over the next few days in an attempt to get things moving.

22nd August - Liam George is born

Week 41 came and went with much frustration and growing disappointment.  I can only liken it to waiting for Christmas or your birthday when you're a kid, only to be told that it's going to be postponed for 2 weeks and there's absolutely nothing you can do about it.

Frustrated and a little fed up we went to the hospital on Monday 20th, our day to be induced.  Labour started fairly quickly and was sporadic in the beginning.  My contractions stopped completely over night but started again on Tuesday morning and I was finally in established labour by Tuesday afternoon.  By 8 o'clock on Wednesday morning I was fully dilated and ready to push.  After an hour and a quarter of trying to push our baby out and growing concern from the midwife, I was informed by the doctor that Liam had turned during the last stages of labour and I was wheeled into surgery for an emergency caesarean.

Although I had laboured long and hard for what seems like an eternity to someone reading this, time really has no meaning during labour and it was worth every second.  We have a gorgeous baby boy and that makes up for every single second.

To see how baby Liam is progressing visit Rachel's diary of a new mum - click here