Seven weeks pregnant: the blueberry has a heartbeat

How can something so tiny have a beating heart? I have been playing with this riddle since our 7-week scan on 14th November. I have the same sense of wonder when I watch nature programmes. How do migrating birds know where to fly? How do hatching baby turtles know they must run for the sea? It’s enthralling to witness the natural intelligence of creatures big and small. And it’s humbling to experience that no input is required from my conscious mind for our baby to grow. This tiny human, the size of a blueberry, is designed for living.

At our scan, I felt head-to-toe relief to see our baby, settled in my womb. We watched the silver light pulsating on the screen, its tiny heart in motion. At 7 weeks 2 days, our blueberry measured 10.6mm (crown to rump), slightly smaller than average but still within the range expected for our dates. The yolk sac was 4.1mm (mean measurement), again on the small side but nothing to worry about, the nurse said. At the bottom of the ultrasound report was our official diagnosis: “viable intra-uterine pregnancy – singleton”. Having heard the word “unviable” from doctors many times during our first IVF pregnancy, this was a joy to read. We were discharged from the IVF clinic back to our GP – another first.

It’s taken me over a week to write this blog because I have had so many feelings come and go. Mostly, there is overwhelming delight, that we were given good news. I have also felt sadness and guilt, thinking about close friends who were told there was no heartbeat at this stage. I know how precious this tiny life is to us. I can only imagine how devastating and shocking that experience must be. I still have some fear of loss in the first trimester, so to help with that we had a free counselling session at our hospital. We both found it helpful to air our fears and be supported by the counsellor. By the end of the session, I was back in the truth of the present moment. This pregnancy has been so calm compared to last time.

Week 7 pregnancy symptoms

I’ve had mild nausea, on and off, but no sickness. I eat regularly and drink lots of water, which stops the nausea when it comes. Sore boobs come and go. Afternoon sleepiness is the main symptom for me, especially when I’ve been active during the day. I have occasional headaches. I welcome all the symptoms as signs of the changes taking place.

Week 8 of pregnancy – commitments

Last week, I stuck to all but one of my commitments. The only one I couldn’t do was plan a date for Friday because Dad 100 went up north to visit his Mum. Instead, I’ve planned a date for Sunday – croissants and eggs for breakfast, then a trip to Tate Modern and a stroll through the Southbank Christmas market. Chocolate for me, mulled wine for Dad 100!

Here are my other commitments:

• Be grateful for each day that passes calmly
• Book a scan for next week
• Go out with work friends on Thursday
• Play music with breakfast everyday
• Say no to Dr Google – he is a Dementor!