Second trimester – not very much like a honeymoon

I figured after weeks of silence that perhaps I should fess up about something that's been really bothering me. I'm not enjoying being pregnant very much. This is not something that I admit lightly. I remember very clearly thinking that I would give my right arm to fall pregnant, and fizzing with resentment at any woman …

Pregnant? Here are some stupid questions you’ll need to answer

At 24 weeks along, I have been experiencing what can only be described as pregnancy rage. It's as if all the hormones whirring in my belly have risen up as a vengeful army,  determined to defeat the fragile grip I have on my shredded self control, alienate everyone I know and get myself the sack …

Single people should be allowed fertility treatment too

The tabloids are at it again, screaming with indignation at new United Nations proposals that single men and women should be considered infertile. It's not as if anyone actually wants the dubious honour of the infertile tag.  It's a definition given to couples who have tried to get pregnant for a year without success - …

Store wars: Dressing the bump

I was delighted when my appetite finally returned. Not only can I now drink tea again, but I can wolf down pretty much anything within grabbing distance. It's been such a momentous change that I still feel a little bit proud of myself every time I eat a biscuit. One downside, of course, is that …

‘Don’t worry’ – the most annoying phrase ever invented?

I've finally cracked it. The most irritating phrase in the English language isn't claiming to be 'confused.com', or anything with the word 'literally' shoved in front of it. It isn't even saying 'hashtag awesome' or 'yolo' (I am aware I'm showing my age). No. The gold medal for most annoying phrase ever uttered has to …

Earth to Hollywood: Not having children does not make you a lunatic

Warning: Spoiler alerts for Girl On The Train, While We Are Young,  Huntsman: Winter's War and Mother's Day. I wasn't particularly impressed with the novel Girl On The Train. I listened to it as an audiobook back this spring, when I was struggling through the aftermath of my miscarriage. Having loved Gone Girl and Room, …

20 weeks in – and I’m finally enjoying it

I feel a little cheesy writing this. I mean, I've tried to style this blog as an informative, unsentimental, witty take on the trials and tribulations of an imperfect pregnancy. It hadn't really occurred to me that I would find myself in a soppy, ditsy state wanting to shout from the rooftops about feeling so happy it's …

Pregnant pause: Great films and TV shows to watch when you’re up the duff

I live my life a little bit too much through the medium of movies and TV shows. I find solace in pretending I can seriously identify with billionaire film stars living in fictional worlds. Bad day? God, I'm just like Carrie from Sex in the City. It might not be a healthy habit, but at …

Why smoking in parks should be banned

As a toddler, someone accidentally burned my hand with a cigarette in a tube station. Nobody questioned the fact people smoked in the London Underground at the time. Perhaps they thought that the then wooden floors of the carriages were flame repellant. But then the Kings Cross fire happened, and everyone realised this had been an …

10 survival tips for the first trimester

Ah, the first trimester. I'm pregnant! I'm going to be sick. Baby's the size of a blueberry! I'm going to be sick. I felt better for two minutes, is the baby ok? I hope my boss hasn't guessed. I'm going to be sick. HOW long before the first scan? Oops, I just was sick. It's …