Armed with my referral letter and private scan pictures, I took a seat alongside three other women who, with over an hour to go, were waiting patiently for the early pregnancy unit to open. Luckily there was a method of ensuring your place in line as you had to fill out a numbered card. The room got busier as the morning dragged on.
The anxiety was clear in many of the faces in the room – reasons for referral to the E.P.U include symptoms such as bleeding, pain and previous miscarriages. However, we all knew we would get answers that morning and although the room remained eerily quiet, there was also a sense of calm. I was third in line and not long after the nurse took bloods and blood pressure, I met a lovely female doctor and radiographer. They took details of what had happened and didn’t delay in preparing for the scan. I was relieved when they confirmed the baby’s heartbeat and showed its movement. They were unable to explain the bleeding but assured me that many women bleed in early pregnancy for reasons that just remain unknown. I would have to monitor the problem and return if the cramping or bleeding got worse.
I left the hospital with mixed emotions but I’m determined to stay positive. The baby is doing well and I’m going to try to stay focused on that.
I’m still not showing and thankfully I have no nausea or sickness. My mother and sister had none of these issues either so I guess I’m blessed in that way. I have to admit that this does make it easier at work and home. I remember one of my close friends telling me she had to leave the shop where she worked completely unattended as she rushed outside to puke. She got as far as the briquettes which, as you can imagine, did not go down well with the owner who had to hose them down!
We’ve decided not to tell family or friends until week 12, which right now seems like an eternity away. I don’t know why exactly this is ‘the done thing’ as I could really do with some support but overall I think it’s the right decision for now. The rate of miscarriage in this country – more than one in five – is a terrifying statistic. I’m hopeful we won’t be among those rates but you just never know.
I’m going to enjoy our pregnancy and each day that passes – it’s us and the bump, and we deserve these happy days.
Welcome to our Pregnancy Diaries series. Stay with us every week for more from ‘Big Belly’ as she continues her pregnancy adventure.
