I asked Jade Compton about how she is finding her first pregnancy. At 29 weeks she is feeling excited at the prospect of becoming a new mum to her son, James. I sat down with Jade in my clinic room to talk about her experiences and to ask a few questions about her preparation of pregnancy, exercise routines, birthing plan and her blood condition, Thrombophilia.
Siân: What did you do in preparation for your pregnancy?
Jade: I put on weight and started to take vitamins – they were the main two things I did.
Was the weight gain and vitamins something you were advised to do? I was advised by my doctor to put on half a stone to make the chance of conceiving more possible.
You ran the London Marathon 2016, how have you been keeping active during your pregnancy?
I was running up until last week (28 weeks) but now I have decided to walk.
Is this because you have found it too difficult to run?
Yeah and I’m also not feeling as fit!
Are you substituting your running for different exercise now?
I have started to do yoga, which is something I never would have done before. I quite enjoy it – it makes me want to fall asleep afterwards.
Have you thought about your post-natal fitness?
I’d go back to running, definitely! As soon as I can.
What have you enjoyed the most about your pregnancy so far?
Probably the kicks and the movement, knowing that he is there. I started to become aware of him moving at roughly 16 weeks – I think I felt him quite early.
What have you enjoyed least about your pregnancy so far?
Leg cramps! And morning sickness – but that’s gone now. It was a bit random and it happened a lot, more often on my way to work but it stopped around 16 weeks. I did suffer with it, it was very constant especially at the beginning. It was something I just had to get on with and just let it happen.
Is there anything you have found surprising or wish you'd known before your pregnancy?
Erm, I don’t know, I didn’t realise how everything would feel and how much my body would change. I don’t think I was prepared for how much I have changed and how quickly it happened. I see it as a positive thing. I wasn’t aware that you would get pains in your stomach because I’d immediately think that was a bad thing – but now I know that’s all down to me growing and expanding. With being a Nanny, I’ve always looked after children but I have little experience with pregnancy, especially how it would affect your emotions and the tiredness – which I’m not used to.
Have you done anything to help with the tiredness?
Yeah, I’ve cut down my hours at work and cutting back on my exercise quite a bit has helped.
Do you have a birthing plan? If so, could you describe what yours involves?
Mine was decided for me. I have a blood condition called Thrombophilia, so they have basically told me that I have to do it in hospital. I don’t really get to make too many decisions but I think it’s made it easier for me. All I have said is that I want my mum and my husband there – but other than that I’ll do what they tell me to do.
Could you tell us a little more about your blood condition? Yeah, there is a blood condition called Factor V Liden which is a mutation of one of the clotting factors in the blood which causes abnormal blood clots. I have Thrombophilia which is similar to Factor V Liden. It means I am at greater risk of a DVT or pulmonary embolism due to a blood clot.
How are you feeling about giving birth?
(Laughs) Erm, I am looking at it like this – he needs to come out and what will be will be! It will only last a day or two days and then its done but it will be worth it. You’ve got to just go with it.
Do you have any advice for couples planning a pregnancy or expecting?
Just make time for each other and except that you are a little bit hormonal and a little bit emotional but that is ok… Just apologise afterwards!
Is osteopathic treatment something you would consider during the rest of your pregnancy?
It was only when my back started hurting, I think I was slow to slow down and I’m finding now that I ache more and I am more uncomfortable. So now I think that sort of treatment would be nice and be beneficial.
Do you have any worries or doubts about seeing an osteopath?
No. Positive. I see osteopathy as a good thing – anything that can help has to be a good thing!
I would like to say a special thank you Jade for speaking with me and I wish her and her husband all the very best for the safe arrival of baby James.
By Siân Steel M.Ost 2018