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Last year I turned the big 3.0 and got married - I thought that was my milestone year. As it turns out, 2009 quickly overshadowed 2008 when my husband and I found out we were pregnant. I'm going to be experiencing everything for the first time as a woman and an expectant mother which is why I'm calling this my year of firsts. I'm senior editor for Marie Claire South Africa.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

We didn't get the call


... which is a good thing! Apparently if they don't call you to give you the results of the blood test for checking if you're high risk for carrying a Down's Syndrome child, it means you're in the clear. We decided to have one because we'd already decided to terminate if I were carrying a Down Syndrome baby. Tough decision and not at all brave or admirable but the right thing for both of us. We went in for the tests on Tuesday and they said they'd call if the results were worrying and not if they were all good. I waited til Tuesday to exhale - you know me. I always play it safe. You know - just in case I missed the call, or the labs were busy and they didn't get round to my blood work.. I wish dads would get tested for something too. Why do the women have to go through everything? Those blood tests are painful! Yes, nothing compared to how the labour will hurt, I know. I know.

But really, what do the men go though besides the anxiety of becoming new dads? Big wow! Mine is still smoking and drinking and going out and carrying on as if his life hasn't changed a bit. Except perhaps his reading material. He reads 'Dad's Pregnant Too' (which I bought him) when he's on the lav.
Shame, I'll give him at least some credit though. He's been patient and kind with me and he's really excited about the baby coming. And he's even talking about changing nappies and... wait for it! Wearing a baby sling. Very 21st century dad!

6 comments:

  1. I am most definitely a 'female only' gynae type for all the reasons mentioned on Monday's post. It sounds like the old fossil needs to be put to rest and that you need a transfer to someone younger and more supportive!

    Please mention to Hein that I have seen, on the television, a fake breast that he could wear for bonding purposes!

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  2. Mos def! My next appointment is in three weeks - with a male gynae - and only because he came highly recommended... we'll see. And take it from there after.

    LOL! I'm going to tell him! He needs to feel something!

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  3. Talking of books.... may I suggest two books to read if you are interested? Baby Sense (by Megan Faure and Ann Richardson) and The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy: or everything your doctor won't tell you (by Vicky Iovine). Baby Sense is a must have for baby's first year - great for establishing a routine and preventing sleep problems among other practical things. Girlfriends Guide is hilarious and really does cover all the gory details that doctors (and friends) won't ever tell you. Enjoy!

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  4. Thanks Bettina. I shall certainly look for those at Exclusive Books. So far I've read 'What to expecting when you're expecting' but will obviously need to graduate for more info on baby's first year and post birth - I've heard lots of yuck stuff from my older sister already. S'pose some things you just have to experience yourself...

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  5. Hey, what a lovely idea. I was relating to your dad and Kholie about one my first pregn. memories. Eg the water broke in the middle of the night and I had no clue what was going on. So i lifted up my wet self and headed to my parents' bedroom for help! Of course the baby was coming and so we left for the hospital immediately. Only, it was going to take the whole day of nothingness - no pains, nothing. So the nurses would come and check and i heard them mentioning "induce the baby". Not to mention that I was very hungry but refused food!
    Here I am going on and on. Enjoy the honeymoon- no more nausea that is!

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  6. Sounds scary mom! I have already started thinking about the due date... and what's actually going to happen. Refused food? That must have made you go more crazy!
    I can't wait to meet the little one. I keep having dreams of what he/she is going to look and be like...

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