Secret Diary Post - Midwife Booking Appointment

I've got my "Green Notes"! Whoo!

I have been waiting for this day for the last 5 weeks! My first midwife appointment!

I was working today, but my manager knew what my appointment was and was totally fine with me popping out for a hour to go. Despite the road to town being shut (without notice, I might add) I managed to get to the doctors just in time! Actually, I was a little late but the midwife was at reception having a natter when I got there so I got away with it.

I am thrilled to say that I have the same midwife team as I've had with my 3 boys. One lady (Tracey) has moved on to another district, but the other two midwives I know and trust (Sue and Leslie) are still there. I saw Sue today and she recognised me too which made me feel instantly at home and safe.

We had the usual chat about my health in general, my BMI (which is up again after I gained a pound last week, making me 14st 1lb), if I wanted screening for Downs (I don't) and what we thought my due date was.

I knew we would disagree over my due date. I don't know what it's like everywhere else, but where we are the midwives have to date your pregnancy by your last period, regardless of how long your cycle is. The 12 week dating scan then gives a more accurate estimated due date. According to my last period I am now between 10 and 11 weeks pregnant. But of course I know that's not right because I ovulated around 10 days late, making me between 8 and 9 weeks pregnant with a 6-7 week foetus growing inside nicely. But she has to do what she has to do and I'm not going to fall out with her over it.

She rang the hospital and booked me in for my dating scan (I recognised the lady she spoke to too, Jackie,  another friendly face!) and I'm in NEXT WEEK! 20th Jan at 12 noon! So I'll only be about 9 1/2 weeks at my scan... but I can't see that being a problem. They can always get me to come back for another in 3 weeks time if they feel the need. I certainly wont complain about that!

The only problem with the whole appointment was my bloods. Ooooh how my body hates to give up blood! She asked me if I gave blood well or not and I laughed and said "No, I'm a total bugger! Sorry!". I pointed out the veins that had been successful in recent blood tests and she had my lie down for it in case there was a problem which might cause me to faint (which happened once with my 3rd preg)

It took 3 needles and two veins to get the 3 samples she needed.

Typically I only started to bleed as she gave up with the 2nd needle. As she pulled it out of my arm I started to gush blood. We had actually agreed to pack it in and try another day but once it started to pour she managed to get two samples filled, then took the 3rd for a 2nd vein.

I did feel a bit funky afterwards but I took a bit of time to chill out and she took my blood pressure (from the other arm) which turned out to be ok. Then we ran though the last of my Green Notes and I was free to go (via the loo) and back to work.

I must have looked wiped out from the bloods though because within 20 mins of getting back to work I was asked to run an errand and told I could go straight home afterwards if I wanted to and get some rest. Probably a good job as I fell asleep on the settee after dinner and I've just carried myself off to bed 2 hours early!