The Expectant Blogger
Week 13: 'Finally, we can tell people!'

Our blooming blogger talks us through the weekly ups and downs of a first-time pregnancy.

In a funny way, the last 3 months have gone faster than I imagined. This could be because I have spent most of it asleep. According to all the books this should subside by now and I should be full of energy, but hell no the little one isn't letting this happen. Last night I went to bed at 8.30 my earliest time ever!

I also read that my sickness should be 'a thing of the past' – and for about two days I thought that, it was heading that way. Then, as if by magic, I threw up four times yesterday. One thing I am thrilled with is that my hair no longer looks like I washed it with Olive Oil – the bounce is back!

I'm not really getting any cravings yet; mostly I am going off foods. One of the hardest things for me to stomach is the smell of meat. I normally love it - chicken, lamb bring it on – but now it makes me feel nauseous! Other little things are that one minute I am addicted to sweet things like hot cross buns and in the next breath, I can't stand the sight of them.

My cup overloweth
A couple of weeks ago I kept on telling my husband that nothing was happening with my boobs, and then suddenly almost overnight , there they were - two cup sizes larger. Thrilled I am not but I suppose I'll get used to it. My reaction 'They actually make bras this big!’ and my husband’s reaction ‘They look brilliant’ – how differently men and women think!

What has been exciting is that this week I have started to tell my family, friends and people at work. My family and my husband’s family are all very excited and got the champagne out in celebration, which was lovely. For some reason as they already have grandchildren I didn't know if it was going to be a big deal, but as it happens it was and it was so nice.

'I knew it!'
Interestingly, the reactions from friends is a bit of a strange one. Some react with sincere and true happiness, others who are trying themselves, aren't massively overwhelmed, and others still say ‘Huh I knew it all along – my God aren't you so scared?' They're the ones who haven't had kiddies yet.

My best friends have been lovely and are excited, particularly as a couple of them already have children and want other friends to join them. A few friends who are trying have been a bit lukewarm, but my advice to others in the same position as me is it that it's not meant to personal, so don't take it personally.

My husband has been amazing and after the 12-week scan just kept saying 'Can't it come out now, I just want to give it a cuddle!' This was lovely and I love him and all support that he gives unconditionally.

Roll on next week – and the end of this tiredness!

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• Pregnancy timeline - week 13
  
  
• Maternity rights and telling the boss