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Pregnancy

21st Jan 2016

The Pregnancy Diaries: Week 19 – To Fly or Not To Fly?

Big belly

Our baby is already making an impact on our travel plans.

At 19 weeks I’m still bleeding, but the trip to London we’ve planned for months is only days away. I’ve searched online forums to see what other mums suggest when taking a flight but obviously the end decision is a personal one and determined by the mother’s health and length of pregnancy. Airlines also have different guidelines when it comes to pregnancy – but most restrictions are placed on women after 32 weeks. I guess this is in case the bump decides to make an appearance mid-air and wouldn’t that be a way to enter the world?!

So, after discussing options with a midwife and debating the pros and cons at length with my hubby, we’ve decided to go for it. It’s a short flight with low risk to the baby and we really need some time away from worry and work. I’m conscious of my ongoing bleed but I’m also conscious that it could continue until I give birth, so I need to get on with my life as much as I can.

In my eyes I’m really starting to show, but I’m still getting the “oohhh you’re very neat/small/tidy” comments. And here’s the strange thing… I really didn’t think such words would offend me, but they do. I can’t believe I’m doing it because I didn’t think I would, but I’m going all Kim Kardashian! Yes, I’ve resorted to wearing tight tops to emphasize the bump.

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I’m almost embarrassed to say it but I used to view those tight clothes on pregnant women as completely unnecessary and over the top. But now I’m doing it too and wow does it feel good to be ‘out and proud.’ So, it’s lots of skinny jeans and skinny tops – a combo I wouldn’t dare wear even at my thinnest. I’ve always been weary of my far-from-perfect waistline and dressed to embrace other parts of my body instead. But I guess that’s what this is all about – embracing a part that I’m really proud of, and getting noticed for it.

This is a lovely phase. I’m rubbing my belly like a proud mamma and wearing tight clothes. London here we come…

Stay with us every week for more from ‘Big Belly’ as she continues her pregnancy adventure.