Author: Mama Bug

Officially A Percival

Hey Lara,

Even more good news, you are officially a Percival!

When you were first born, you were given my surname. I won’t be married to your Dad until 7th August, when we will all have the same surname and be a happy little family.

We are still deciding what we want you to wear on the big day. I bought a couple of dresses from Modified Nationals on some 50s style dresses for you, but your Dad thinks they might be too big for you, as you will only be 6 weeks old, but we will try them on you and see how they look.

We are so excited to have you with us to tie the knot and have you in our photos. You Dad and I love you so much!

Lots of love,
Mum x

13th July 2017
Heel Prick Test Results

Hey Lara,

Good news! We got your test results back this week and everything is normal. Yay!

What is the heel prick test?

Newborn blood spot screening involves taking a blood sample to find out if your baby has one of nine rare but serious health conditions.

Most babies screened won’t have any of these conditions but, for the few who do, the benefits of screening are enormous. Early treatment can improve their health, and prevent severe disability or even death.

From the NHS website

We also got your registered at out family doctor. All very exciting stuff.

Lots of love,
Mum x

13th July 2017
2 Weeks Old

Hey Lara,

Wow! The time I’m spending with you is just flying by. Last weekend, your Dad and I used the milestone cards we bought to celebrate your being two weeks old.

I’m really enjoying my maternity leave off work with you. You are so beautiful, but you have a hell of a set of lungs on you, but it’s hard to be mad when you are so ruddy cute. Even when you are screaming for your feed you pull the cutest little face!

We are meeting your potential childminder on Saturday. We are hoping she is lovely and we can trust her with you, and she will look after you when I go back to work.

Love of love,
Mum x

13th July 2017
Go To Sleep Lara Bug

This is one sleepy baby, but she won’t give up and go to sleep. Admittedly it’s pretty hot, and has been the last couple of days. You woke up so sweaty for your feed earlier this morning. I’ve only had two hours sleep and eager to get you settled so I can get some rest.

You’ve have been so unsettled last couple of days. We are so worried about you coping. I really have a challenge on my hands when your Dad goes back to work next week and it’s just the two of us.

7th July 2017
Happy Birthday Lara!

You’ve arrived! We can’t believe you’re finally here!

Labour started at midnight on Thursday night / Friday morning, and you arrived at 7:58am on Saturday 24th June 2017 weighing 6lbs 11oz. I needed 10 stitches. Each one totally worth it.

It’s the day after and we are having some issues feeding you, but apart from that you are gorgeous and happy.

25th June 2017
Things Might Be Starting

Hey Wriggly Bear,

After visiting the midwife yesterday, we have us all booked in for induction on 9th July just in case you decide to come late. She gave us the details of what could happen once we get induced. A little scary and I had a little cry when I got home, but your Dad was there to give me a hug and comfort me.

This morning, we are confident things are moving forward nicely as I found my mucus plug (sorry to gross you out) when I went to the loo. It’s a very early sign of labour coming soon. You’re Dad and I are excited things are happening! We get to meet you soon.

Love you lots,

Mama Bear x

22nd June 2017
Into Week 40
Your growing baby

Your baby is now approximately the weight of a small pumpkin 3.5kg and measures 51.2cm (head to heel).

At 40 weeks pregnant it’s hard to say for sure how big your baby will be, but the average newborn weighs about 3.5kg and is over 51cm long.

At this point, most of your baby’s vernix is gone, 15 percent of the body is fat and your baby is fully formed and beautiful.

It is worth remembering that only 5% of babies arrive on their due date and that it’s perfectly normal to give birth two weeks either side of this. Being one or two weeks overdue is not considered a cause for concern providing you and your baby are well.

Pregnancy week 40 – What’s happening to you

Your uterus is taking up all the space in your pelvis and a lot of room in your abdomen so you will be feeling pretty uncomfortable. It is normal to feel impatient after months of anticipation, if your due date comes and goes and you are still pregnant.

You may be experiencing pre-labour and early labour symptoms, such as pre-labour contractions, which are often short and irregular, but stronger than Braxton Hicks contractions. Other symptoms include persistent lower backache, a ‘show’ which is when the mucus plug that sealed the cervix comes away, or your waters may break. All these are signs that labour may not be far away.

First labours usually last between 12 and 16 hours so it’s best not to go to the maternity ward or birthing centre too soon. As a general rule, your contractions should be coming five to ten minutes apart and lasting at least 45 seconds. You should call the contact number you’ve been given for your midwife who will tell you what to do.

Need to know

Things for you to consider during week 40 of your pregnancy:
- Keep the hospital/midwife numbers in your phone.
- Call the midwife or hospital immediately if you notice a decrease in baby’s movements or a change in the pattern.
- Call the midwife or hospital if you feel unwell or have any concerns.
- If your baby is late you may want to consider having a membrane sweep.
- If you are more than 41 weeks pregnant, induction may be suggested. Make sure you ask your midwife or doctor to explain the procedures so you know what to expect.
- Keep positive and continue to keep physically active by going out for walks every day.
21st June 2017
Hot Hot Hot

Hey Little One,

I’m into my second week off work and the temperature has soared! I’m 39 weeks today and the temperature is currently 28 degrees in the house. It’s a scorcher. Feeling a little uncomfortable, especially at night when it doesn’t drop.

It’s your Papa Bear’s last week at Eddie Stobart this week, and is excited about starting his new job. It’s closer to home with two days off in the week so he can spend some quality time with you whilst you and I have fun together whilst he works the weekends. You just need to get here now.

You have a week more to chill in your little bubble but would really like to see you soon. You’re officially due next Tuesday!

Lots of love,

Mama Bear x

20th June 2017
Officially On Maternity

Well Little One, the time is almost upon us. I am officially done with work and now chilling at home and awaiting your arrival.

We can’t ring anyone at the moment as everyone thinks we are calling with ‘the news’ of your arrival. Ha ha!

You Dad and I are really looking forward to meeting you finally. We are really for you Girl!

14th June 2017
Into Week 39 – Large Watermelon
Your baby is about the weight of a large watermelon 3.3kg and measures 50.7cm (head to heel)…

YOUR GROWING BABY

Most of the lanugo is gone as the baby prepares for its final days in the womb.

The lungs are maturing and surfactant, a naturally occurring substance that reduces the surface tension of fluid in the lungs, is increasing. The brain is still developing rapidly and the skin has become much paler in appearance due to a thick layer of fat beneath the skin.

There’s not too much room left inside now so your baby’s movements may change, but you should still be able to feel your baby move just as frequently. After nine months of growth and development your baby is almost ready to be born.

WHAT’S HAPPENING TO YOU

You could go into labour at any time now so your body is preparing. Although you can’t feel it, your cervix is ripening in preparation for labour. You will notice more frequent and more intense Braxton Hicks contractions. Your uterus is taking up a great deal of space so you will be feeling very uncomfortable.

If this is your first pregnancy you may be worried that you won’t know when labour has started. Be prepared for some false alarms and trust your instincts. It will help to be aware of the signs that can indicate the beginning of labour, such as a ‘show’, which is when the plug of slightly bloody mucus that has been protecting your uterus from infection is discharged from the vagina. A dull pain in your lower back could also indicate that things are about to start. Your waters may break before contractions start, but this is more likely to happen once you are in established labour.

NEED TO KNOW

Things for you to consider during week 39 of your pregnancy:
- If you have any concerns about labour or the birth discuss them now with your healthcare professional.
- Phone your midwife if your waters break. Go straight to the hospital if they break and are tinged with blood or greenish-black.
- Make sure phones/tablets are charged.
- Make arrangements for childcare and pet care if you are not planning a home birth.
- Even if you are planning to drive to the maternity unit, have a phone number for a reliable taxi firm to hand, just in case you need it.
- If you are driving to the maternity unit have a few practice runs at different times of the day so you know how long the journey will take when it’s busy.
14th June 2017