The Expectant Blogger
Week 15: 'The joys of commuting whilst pregnant'

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

Work is fine for the moment and since I have told them about me and the Bean, it feels like a weight has been lifted. I don't like keeping secrets - especially ones that are good news.

One nice thing is that I sit next to a colleague at work who is due two months ahead of me. We swap stories of excitement, and share gripes. It's also good because I don't have to bore people who are not interested.

This week our swap stories were: her visit to the dentist to have a wisdom tooth out (remember NHS dentist is free for pregnant women), and my boobs continually being in a state of the ‘coat hanger’ style (there is no solution for this you just need to sit back and wait patiently).

Giving your seat up
My journey to work is by tube, and sometimes it can be horribly crammed. It's just about bearable now but once Bean is bigger I think it will be less enjoyable. I am more aware of other pregnant women and I often see them standing when the train is full, with no-one offering a seat. Are there no more gentlemen/ladies in this world? Has everyone forgotten how he or she got into this world? I can safely say I have always offered my seat and will always continue to do so.

I rang the TFL (the tube people) and have asked for a ‘Baby on Board’ badge. Apparently most people say they don't want to wear them, but hey if I need a seat because my ankles are swelling and I’m carrying four extra stones then I want one. Therefore, I am going to test the badge out and see if anyone gives me a seat – WATCH THIS SPACE.

The Bean
It is weird to think that only a few weeks ago Bean was only about 3-4 centimetres, this week according to the RK pregnancy timeline it is about 10cm. The more the weeks go by, the more I think about what Bean could look like, and then I always come to the same conclusion, I haven't got a clue what this little one will be like!

I really think for the first time, I have thought about the future to the extent of thinking ahead to the next 18 years. How will I help make someone be a good honest person, show them right from wrong, be there for them unconditionally through anything and everything, give them the best start without turning them into a spoilt brat and just generally show them the ways of the world they live in. There are so many things I want to do with this person, and so many things I want to say, and show them. It all sounds deep, but it is important.

People keep asking if I am going to find out if Bean is a boy or a girl, and this stage I am not sure. My husband wants to find out but I am still in two minds. We have another five weeks until the point of making a decision. Everyone’s opinion on this subject differs: some are adamant that you shouldn't find out and some say it makes your life easier when it comes to getting prepared. We'll have to wait and see.

Easter Eggs Galore
For Easter, we usually go away, but as we are going on holiday in three weeks time, we've decided to stay home and potter around. We went for dinner at friends, which was lovely especially when I was presented with gifts for me, some lovely almond oil to help with stretch marks and some books. We also looked after my niece and nephew over the Easter weekend. This was really good for me, as in my mind I am drawn to having a girl, but this weekend I really and honestly thought, I love these kids so much and they were so lovely, that as long as the baby is healthy I don’t mind what we have at all.

The weather was so cold, but we did manage to go for a long walk around Primrose Hill, doing circuits up and down the hill. I am conscious I need to do more exercise. My plan is to swim/walk on holiday, come back home and join the gym to swim some more.

Normally I'd go easy on the Easter Eggs but when asked by my husband if I wanted one, I eagerly said ‘Oh yes, can I have a buttons egg please’. I feel it will be a nice treat for me and Bean. Hmmn, the little one isn’t even here yet and I am already using it to get chocolate!

• Boy or girl? Take our fun gender quiz
  
  
• Pregnancy timeline - week 15
  
  
• What sort of exercise to take during pregnancy