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Positive Result My Pregnancy Journal
[Insert Photo from Scan]
This book belongs to Name: NHS Number: Midwife: My Doctor is: Blood Group: Due Date:
Sophies story Sophie, who is 19 and from Birmingham, is currently 5 and a half months pregnant. This is her story, and the emotions she went through at the time she found out she was pregnany. “I first thought I was pregnant when I missed my period. I instantly started to worry as I usually have regular periods. The first thing on my mind was pregnancy and I should take a test to determine my result. I bought a test and did this in my bathroom with my family in the house! As I did the test, all kind of emotions ran through my body. I laid the test on the floor and covered it with a sheet of tissue, because I was scared of the result. Waiting those 5 minutes felt like the longest 5 minutes ever! I put a timer on my phone just to be more accurate. When the alarm ‘beeped’ my heart pounded faster. I looked at the test to see two lines. A positive result. Instantly I started to cry, and I felt scared, happy, upset, and nervous all at the same time. I phoned my boyfriend and when he answered, I started to cry even more. I couldn’t speak. He
knew something was wrong straight away as he previously spoke about the ‘what ifs’. We were both so happy and at the same time so scared, but he reassured me that everything would be ok, and we’d face it together.”
“I really didn’t know how to tell my family at first and I delayed it for a week or two, but because I had morning sickness it was becoming obvious that something was wrong. I had to tell them. At first my parents weren’t too pleased (after all I’m still their little girl) but they soon warmed to the idea of having a grandchild. I now have their full support which is always nice. Sitting in the waiting room at the hospital, I was so nervous but so excited! I couldn’t keep still and was continuously watching the door for someone to come out and call my name. When my boyfriend and I entered the room, we couldn’t stop smiling. My eyes wouldn’t leave the screen.. I could see this little baby inside of me and at my next scan I was even more excited. That day I was finding out the sex of my little baby! We wanted a boy, though the health of our little one was paramount. So when the lady told us we were having a boy we were over the moon and our eyes filled with tears of happiness.
When the scan was over we rushed outside to phone all of our friends and family to tell them what we were having.
Before I was pregnant I loved the idea of having a bump. I thought it was beautiful and I still do and I embrace it. When I used to look at maternity clothes, I hated them. I didn’t like the way they looked at all, but now being pregnant they are the best thing ever! They are so comfortable and you can really emphasise your bump which is lovely. The biggest shock is probably getting this far in my pregnancy. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been and I just didn’t think I could do it, but with the help and support of my amazing boyfriend, friends and family, it’s all been an experience. I’m a week away from being six months exactly and I can’t wait until I get to meet my little boy.”
Stages of Pregnancy 0 - 8 Weeks The first 4 weeks you probably won’t notice any symptoms of your pregnancy. The first thing most women will notice is that their period doesn’t arrive. By the time you are 8 weeks pregnant you will probably have missed your second period. However some women experience a little bleeding during the early weeks of pregnancy. Always mention this to your midwife or GP. By 8 weeks, your womb has grown to the size of a lemon and you probably need to pass urine more often than usual. Some might start to feel sick, tired or experience other physical problems for a few weeks. 9 - 12 Weeks In your womb, the face is slowly forming and the major internal organs are still continually developing. By week 10, your baby’s heart has fully formed and is beating at 180 bpm - that’s 2-3 times faster than your own. The baby is making small jerky movements that can be seen on an ultrasound. By week 12 the foetus is fully formed. During this time your emotions may vary, you may feel happy one moment and sad the next. These are normal and should settle down. 13 - 16 Weeks Around this time your baby will start to hear sounds from the outside world, as well as your voice, noises from your digestive system and heart. If you’ve been feeling sick and tired with morning sickness you’ll probably start to feel a little better close to week 13 / 14
17 - 20 Weeks The baby will now move around quite a bit and may respond to loud noises such as music.
21 - 24 Weeks Your baby is now beginning to get into the pattern of sleeping and waking, which won’t necessarily be the same as yours. By 24 weeks your baby’s vital organs have developed enough that if born this early, it has a chance of survival. 25 - 28 Weeks The baby may jump or kick and you will be able to see this. Your baby’s heart rate has now slowed to around 140bpm. Your baby’s lungs, brain and digestive system have formed but have not fully matured. By week 28, your baby’s body is perfectly formed. You may suffer with indigestion or heartburn at this stage and you may also suffer with tiredness. 29 - 36 Weeks By week 32 the baby is usually lying with the head pointing down ready for birth. Leg cramps are also common around this stage. You may be aware of your uterus tightening from time to time, this is known as Braxton Hicks contractions. By week 36 your baby’s lungs are fully formed and ready to take their first breath when he or she is born. 37 - 40 Weeks By this stage, your pregnancy is considered full term. The average baby weighs around 3 - 4 KG by this stage. Your baby is ready to be born, and you’ll be meeting him or her in the next couple of weeks.
Sourced from: nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby
Your Health
Vitamins
You should aim to take 10 micrograms of Vitamin D each day throughout your pregnancy. You should carry on taking this after your baby is born if you breastfeed. Do not take Vitamin A supplement, or supplements containing Vitamin A (Retinol) as too much can harm the baby. You can get these supplements from pharmacies or supermarkets, or your GP may be able to prescribe them for you. If you get your Vitamin D or Folic Acid from a multivitamin tablet, make sure it does not contain Vitamin A (Retinol). You should take 400 micrograms of Folic Acid each day. You should take this from before you are pregnant until you are 12 weeks pregnant. Why use Folic Acid? Folic Acid is important for pregnancy as it can help prevent birth defects known as neutral tube defects including spina bifida. If you didn’t take folic acid before conceiving, you should start as soon as possible when you find out. Iron is a key mineral in your pregnancy. If you are short of iron, you’ll probably get tired and may suffer from anaemia. Lean meat, green leafy vegetables, dried fruit and nuts contain iron. Vitamin C protects cells and helps to keep them healthy. A balanced diet containing fruit and vegetables can provide all the Vitamin C you need. Calcium is vital for making your baby’s bones and teeth.
Sourced from: nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby
Food and diet Your diet is one of the most important things in your baby’s development. Be sure to know which foods you can eat and the food you should avoid. • •
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Good Foods
Eat some protein foods every day. Sources of protein include: Meat, Fish & Poultry Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables because these provide vitamins and minerals, as well as fibre, which helps digestion and can help prevent constipation. Starchy foods are an important source of energy, vitamins and fibre, and are satisfying without containing too many calories. They include bread, potatoes, breakfast cereals, rice, pasta, noodles, maize, millet, oats, sweet potatoes, yams and cornmeal. These foods should be the main part of every meal. Choose wholemeal instead of processed (white) varieties, or potatoes with their skins on, when you can as they contain more fibre.
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Bad Foods
Soft cheeses with white rind Soft blue cheeses Pâté Raw or partially cooked eggs Raw or undercooked meats Cold cured meats Liver Fish Liver Oil Shark, Swordfish or Marlin Raw Shellfish Sushi - If fish has previously been frozen Milk - Avoid unpasteurised goats or sheep milk. Choose semi-skimmed Coffee - No more than 200mg of caffeine a day. That’s 2 mugs of instant coffee. Liquorice
Make sure to prepare your food safely over the course of your pregnancy, by washing vegetables and keeping surfaces and appliances clean to avoid the spread of bacteria. Sourced from: nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby
Journal MONTH
1
This journal is for you to write down how you might be feeling, baby name ideas, what’s currently going on in your life and anything you feel the need to express. Once a month write down your progress, your worries, and your dreams.
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MONTH
2
‘Not to spoil the ending for you but.. everything’s going to be okay”
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“Everything is hard before it gets easy” MONTH
3
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MONTH
4
“They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: Someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.�
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“Sometimes the most beautiful people are beautifully broken” MONTH
5
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MONTH
6
“You may not always end up where you thought you were going, but you will always end up where you are meant to be”
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“Never stop learning and never give up!” MONTH
7
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MONTH
8
“No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up and never give up.”
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MONTH
9
“You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go, and see what happens.”
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Breast Feeding
It’s never too early to start thinking about how you’re going to feed your baby. Today, most women in England are choosing to breastfeed. • Breast milk is the only natural food designed for your baby. • Breastfeeding protects your baby from infections and diseases. • Breastfeeding provides health benefits for mum. • It’s free. • It’s available whenever and wherever your baby needs a feed. • It’s the right temperature. • It can build a strong physical and emotional bond between mother and baby. • It can give you a great sense of achievement. Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby. Exclusive breastfeeding (giving your baby breast milk only) is recommended for around the first six months (26 weeks) of your baby’s life. After that, giving your baby breast milk alongside other food will help them continue to grow and develop healthily. Breastfeeding is good for babies. Breastfed babies have: • Less chance of diarrhoea and vomiting and having to go to hospital as a result • Fewer chest and ear infections and fewer visits to hospital as a result • Less chance of being constipated • Less likelihood of becoming obese and therefore developing type 2 diabetes and other obesity-related illnesses later in life • Less chance of developing eczema Any amount of breastfeeding has a positive effect. The longer you breastfeed, the longer the protection lasts and the greater the benefits. Breast milk adapts as your baby grows to meet your baby’s changing needs. Infant formula doesn’t provide the same protection Sourced from: nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby
Be Prepared Hospital Bag •
If you’re planning to give birth in a hospital or midwifery unit, your midwife will probably give you a list of what you’ll need to pack. You should get these things ready at least two weeks before the due date. You may want to include:
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Something loose and comfortable to wear during labour - you may need about three changes of clothes Two or three comfortable and supportive bras, including nursing bras if you’re planning to breastfeed About 24 super-absorbent sanitary pads
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Your washbag with toothbrush, hairbrush, towels, flannel, soap and other toiletries
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Things to help you pass the time and relax
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A sponge or water spray to cool you down
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Front-opening or loose-fitting nighties or tops if you’re going to breastfeed
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Dressing gown and slippers
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Five or six pairs of pants
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A loose, comfortable outfit to wear after you have given birth, and to come home in
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Clothes (including a hat) and nappies for the baby
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A shawl or blanket to wrap the baby in
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Sourced from: nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby
Transport Work out how you’ll get to the hospital or midwifery unit, because you could need to go there at any time of the day or night. If you’re planning to go by car, make sure it’s running well and that there’s always enough petrol in the tank. If a neighbour has said they will take you, make an alternative arrangement just in case they’re not in. If you haven’t got a car, you could call a taxi, or call your maternity unit, which can arrange for an ambulance to pick you up. Write down the address of your local hospital, in case you need it. Local Hospital Address;
When to go to the hospital If it’s your first pregnancy, you may feel unsure about when you should go into hospital or a midwifery unit. The best thing to do is to call your hospital or unit for advice. If your waters have broken, you’ll probably be told to go in to be checked. If it is your first baby and you are having contractions but your waters have not broken, you may be told to wait. You’ll probably be told to come in when your contractions are: • Regular • Strong • About five minutes apart • Lasting about 45-60 seconds Sourced from: nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby
Me and my Baby Name:
Date of birth
Time:
Weight:
A word from Mum
A word from Dad
[Insert photo of you and your baby]
This book was created by a group of young women who want to provide support to young mums-to-be through encouragement, hints and tips. After becoming pregnant as teens themselves, they understand how this can be seen as a negative instead of a positive, and want to support other young mothers by letting them know it’s ok. The group understand that there’s plenty of information available to prevent teenage pregnancy but very little for when they do become pregnant. Therefore the group want to spread a positive message and help give the mother and baby a healthy and happy start in life together. This book is- part journal, part advice, and part scrapbook to remind you of your pregnancy. These are the views of young people and should not be substituted for formal medical advice. This book has been produced by Fixers, the campaign that helps young people ‘use their past to fix the future’. Fixers is part-funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund. Suppported by The Cabinet Office. With thanks to the Terrance Higgins Trust. More information can be found at www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby
Company 2194957 Charity 298643 © 2015