Hello all 2nd trimesterites!
I'm not much of a poster, but have been trying to keep up with the threads and keep tabs on how everyone is doing, so hope you don't mind my only-occasional catch-up post.
I'm now 13+4, had my scan at 11+6 and everything was fine (got my nuchal scan / blood test results this morning and odds are 1 in 56,000! I'm fairly sure they were only something like 1 in 500 with my first child but that was based on blood test only so I guess they can be more confident with the double test). Have included a pic anyway, cos it's so lovely to see everyone else's! Due date was brought forward by one day to 11th April.
It all seems a bit more real now - especially for DH I think. He's rather reserved at the best of times but has been giddily showing the pic to all and sundry!
Along with others, I seem to have fallen foul of the cold that's doing the rounds, so am off work today, but have be vaguely fruitful with a spot of crochet (my first attempt at a snowflake with which to adorn the Xmas tree). I'm also lucky in that my in-laws have just returned from a 3 weeks holiday and are so desperate to see their grandson that they are taking him away for 2 nights! So hot honey and lemon and GBBO Final in bed tonight for me!
Something I thought worth mentioning is that I came across (through a colleague) a service called 121 Midwives. They are a company commissioned by the NHS to provide what seems to be equivalent to independent midwifery care but at no cost to the individual. You see the same midwife throughout and build a relationship with them - they see you as an individual rather than a statistic and have a lot more time for you I think. It's only up and running in some areas but if you are in Liverpool / Manchester / Cheshire it might be worth looking into. I think there is a service in Essex as well, and maybe others. I had a good chat with one of the midwives last night and they basically provide all the ante-natal care in your home but you can keep up with your already-booked scans or consultant appointments if more convenient. They also provide post-natal support for 6 weeks and breastfeeding support if you need it. They seem to specialise in home birth but I don't think they push it as the only option. They can accompany you for a hospital birth but only as an advocate / doula / birth partner, they're not insured to deliver.
Just thought this might be of interest to anyone who feels they might not be getting the best out of the NHS at the moment, or who has had a previous poor childbirth experience. My previous experience was actually ok. But certain things could have been better and I figure that if this is available to me, why not go for it?! You can transfer at any stage of pregnancy.
Anyway there are loads of birth stories on the website if anyone wants to check it out. And if anyone on here has experience with them, I would be keen to hear about it - positive or negative - before I commit!!
(Sorry if this epic post seems like an advert - I only heard about this service myself last week - just wanted to share what I have found out cos it doesn't seem all that well publicised!)