Hi all.
Babydust - congrats.
Yomping Jo, you have just discovered something that AMAZED me about being pregnant and having a baby - the amount of unsolicited advice you get!
We attend medical specialists, we read the literature but people think we need advice. It is no reflection on the mother, age size fitness level. I think it is people's instinct.
I was out walking 1 day with my baby, who had finally fallen asleep. I passed this little old dear and we exchanged pleasantries, 'Nice day etc'. She started advising me about talking to the baby, they love to hear mummy's voice etc. I had a dry throat from talking to baby at the time.
A midwife friend of mine recently dropped home briefly from a family wedding to check on her ill 3yo. She was lectured by an elderly spinster that this was the wrong thing to do. She responded firmly that she could not enjoy herself without having checked, and she would soon be back if all was well. She is a midwife and mother of 2.
My point is you'll get tons of advice - and the odd gems of wisdom. Filter what you want from it.
I swam1000m 2 days before DS was born, and I think I was 42. I had a vaginal delivery with no complications. Caution though - I do not have family nearby so I did not swim again for about 3 months, and very occasionally for next 3.
Enjoy your pregnancy and find some way of letting that advice run off you. It is (usually) well meaning and there is loads more to come.
Oh yeah, I regularly lift my 18mo old who is about 20lbs and I am 7wks.