You lot are SO lovely - thanks so much for all the supportive posts; I really appreciate it.
Tamum, it was particularly great to hear from you; thank you. Blu had recommended I try to track you down and ask your advice. I'm kicking myself now that I didn't grill the doctor more closely about (a) which abnormalities she was talking about, other than Downs, and (b) why she couldn't quantify my risk. It's all very well giving me choice, but not in the absence of usable information. I may well ring back and talk to her next week, but in the meantime who do you think I should talk to to get a better understanding of this? An obstetrician? A paediatrician? A geneticist? (I work in a hospital so can usually track people down.) Anyway, your advice was VERY reassuring - many thanks.
Today I feel a little stronger, but still a bit shaky and emotional. I'm increasingly rather annoyed that I was given those 'choices' without any quantitative information about the level of risk I am facing. And, though very strongly pro-choice myself, astounded that I was offered abortion for talipes without even referral to an orthopaedic surgeon to discuss the reality of the condition. (Btw, I checked back in my notes, and I was actually offered amnio and possible termination at 32+ weeks, not 30 - that crosses even my boundaries!)
Hi marinda! Yes, I'm generally fine and everyone has been saying how well I look. I'm very tired, though. I'm finding acting up at work exhausting, and am wondering if I'll keep going till end September.
jessicasmummy - how nice to have someone to share my EDD with! I am amazed you're getting kicks above the belly button; mine are nearly all really low down, in my bikini line. My little mermaid baby is in cephalic presentation, so maybe she's punching rather than kicking?
morningpaper - yes, they allowed my dp and mermaid's daddy in to both scans, without so much as a murmur! I'm so pleased, because I think it was important for the father to be there (though not as important as having dp there, of course). Actually, all the staff at my hospital have been fantastic and really helpful throughout - let's just see if they pass the acid test: postnatal care!
mawbroon - darling, there is no way you'll be last to pop. I'm an antique and a first-timer, and I'm booked in at the birth centre. You KNOW that means I'll end up going ten days overdue, being induced, and eventually having a caesarean. I will give birth in November. Life is just like that!
Last question for you ladies who have been pregnant before: I've been asked to give a talk at a conference (actually, a midwifery conference) near the end of September. I'll be, what, 36 weeks pregnant. Good idea or will I not be up to it?