Weeks 31 and 32: The week I discover I have a condition I can't pronounce!

As I mentioned in my previous post, I had an unexpected stay in hospital due to a tummy bug. Well, two days after I was released, I was readmitted! I'd gone back to hospital because I was very itchy - especially on my hands and feet - and wanted to get a prescription for something. Instead, I got readmitted for not one but two nights!

It turns out that I have a pregnancy-related liver condition called Obstetric cholestasis. Basically, my liver can't process all the toxins so they are being released into my body and making me itch like a flea-infested dog. It's obviously very uncomfortable for me but unfortunately dangerous for Pedro. In fact, when you google the condition you get lots of horrible stats about stillbirths, premature labour and inductions.

In reality what it means for me and Pedro is that we'll be having lots more hospital visits over the remaining couple of months (but hopefully no more overnight stays - I couldn't bear the food!). He has to be monitored, while I need constant blood tests and if things get worse, unfortunately they will induce him. So much for my plans to have a fabulously natural birth in the birthing centre.

It just goes to show that you can't plan anything. Life is about throwing you a curveball I suppose. Obviously I was distraught knowing poor Pedro could be harmed but after that, the hardest thing has been having to start my maternity leave early. My GP signed me off so I have one more day in the office tomorrow and then that's it. It's only about 3 weeks early but I just wasn't prepared yet so has been really difficult to let go of, which I was just not expecting.

Thankfully this week, I've also had lots of lovely things happening. My hubby turned 40 and I got to dress up and forget everything for the evening. Even though I couldn't drink the champers, it felt so nice just being me for a night. Plus, everyone told me how amazing I looked and how small my bump was, which obviously cheered me up no end - all girls love being told they're slim!!!

I also got to see my two best friends who I haven't seen for ages. One friend lives back home in Devon and I haven't seen her since December aand the other one has been travelling since September. It was so lovely to see them and knowing my best friend is back from her travels and just down the road has made me feel so much happier. And that's what this last couple of weeks have taught me - it's the small things in life that make it feel so brilliant and that we have to make the most of every opportunity as who knows what's round that corner?