Zing and Ellen I talked to the midwives last night and they agree with Zing - they said the cramps are BH, but to call in immediately if they become painful. As long as they're painless, they're totally normal. Which is reassuring! It is odd though isn't it, to be wandering around and suddenly feel like your tummy is caught in a vice?
Also Ellen re booze, I think it's an "Each to their own" thing. I did my own reading and satisfied myself that a glass of wine won't cause Fetal alcohol syndrome. So I have a glass of wine or champagne about three times a week. I have friends who stopped drinking altogether (though not many of them!) but in my group it just seems the norm to moderate your intake. DH does gaze in astonishment at me as I make it last throughout a whole meal though! I find it very enjoyable and relaxing but I think you need to satisfy yourself that it's OK. If I thought there was any risk to the baby I'm sure I wouldn't enjoy it. There were quite a few interesting papers published in the British Medical Journal about this last year that might make interesting reading if you want to look at it further?
DH has agreed that in weeks 37-39 (ELCS so we know I won't go over that) he'll stay sober enough to drive but I'll quote another MNetter when I say that if I ever had to go to A&E (with the baby or before he's born), I'd call the designated driver. That is, I believe that ambulance drivers have to abstain from booze!
I really find it interesting how people treat their pregnancies. Does anyone else find they are sometimes surprised at how their friends react? Most of my friends have been very relaxed about the whole thing but I do have a couple, previously laid-back, who went a bit overboard with the whole "It's not worth the risk" thing. I work in medical research so admittedly I have easier access to information (free access to papers etc) but it surprises me how many people will take something where there's no proof that it can hurt you and decide not to consume it because they read an unsubstantiated report online or heard a rumour. But again, each to their own - I might find it surprising but I guess what's important is that they feel good in themselves. My friend was tutted at by a midwife who asked "why would you risk it" about having prawns on a BBQ which really made me angry. There is NO risk in fresh, piping hot shellfish so why is a so-called medical professional worrying pregnant women about it? Silly really.