Had an appointment with the Consultant this week - there was lots of teeth sucking, "Ooo you had pre-eclampsia...and 4 attempts at induction....and...." enough! I forgot about then birth after about a week of sleepless nights, then I was just dumb and happy - yes, very happy, I had a healthy baby which was the aim of the whole giving birth thingy. Anyway, I am relieved that I am been given the option of a natural birth this time - although the odds are that in the end I may have to have another C-section. Besides as I am over 40 the stats are against me and they will not let me go beyond term.
I loved the myth based gender predictor I told you about last time made me think what other old wives tales effect our pregnancy. What do we believe but is not backed up science? Science certainly changes, when I was pregnant with the Pickle peanuts were forbidden, but now provided we have no family allergy history we can eat peanuts to our hearts content. As for theories of child rearing - there is an informed decision to fit your persuasion.
Have you started to read up on what to expect when bump becomes a baby? So which book to read? I linked to an earlier blog where I chat about the some of the books I read. It is so funny that books can polarise parents, some books go advocate strict routine, some seem to offer more hazy advice. Allegiances seem to be made over parenting styles - the controlled crying disciples drift away the continuum parents. Well, vive la difference! There is a book out there that will reinforce your natural prejudice so just keep searching until you find an approach that makes sense to you. Just don't get carried away, your way is not only way and it is not a personal affront if others do not follow your lead.
I have heard that there are no prohibition on eating soft cheeses in France, in America you can't at ham or 'deli meats' and the views on eating spicy food varies dramatically according where in the world you live. Leah Hardy wrote about this back in 2004 in the Times. Then there is local advice that can be confusing, we should be eating at least two portions of oily fish a week - but then no way should be eat more than two portions, we read else where.
In Asian countries the advice is to avoid pineapple - I started to research this more when I starting playing around with recipes for this week. So the advice ranges from avoiding it altogether to avoiding just fresh fruit as canned fruit does not contain the 'dangerous' enzyme. The enzyme is said to relax the uterus in a similar way that semen affects us when we have sex during pregnancy. Hence the myths when we reach our due date we get frisky and eat pineapples.
What do you believe? I would love to hear myths or other nuggets of advice. Do you know what other countries recommend to pregnant Mums?
I'm off to France in a few weeks for a major family celebration - what should I expect? Is it true that they may find the prohibition on eating soft cheeses strange?
No doubt you will have taken advice and have common sense - but as a reference point you may be interested in reading NHS healthy eating advice for pregnant women or Centre for Pregnancy Nutrition at the University of Sheffield
Timeline
Hello Beanie - you have started to be very active kicking away in quiet moments and measure up to 20cm which is even longer than my hand. Beanie now sleeps and wakes at regular times, has got its protective covering (or Vernix Caseosa) and has started to exercise its lungs and practice breathing techniques in preparation for the outside world.
Like most Mums, I have started to feel really hungry - fortunately it has not struck in the middle of the night. The rice cakes, carrot sticks and hummus have made a reappearance for when the munchies strike - er, and other treats I am not so proud of. When you see the midwife you may want to ask for the current advice on heartburn as it is likely to start from now - I was lucky that it kicked in later with the Pickle and a cup of Horlicks before bed did the trick for me.
What to cook?
This started off as an experiment as I peppers, pineapple and fish in the fridge and very little else. The recipe was a winner with everybody including the Pickle so I have tweaked it for you. If you have not had your oily fish this week you can replace the white fish with salmon. I hope that you enjoy it, it tastes delicious and is a great way of using up vegetables.
.
Sweet and Sour Fish
Fillet of white fish (or firm tofu)
For the Sauce:
A small onion cut into thin slices
A love of garlic
An inch of ginger, finely grated
1 or 2 tablespoons of honey
1 or 2 tablespoons of malt vinegar
Up to 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
A hearty squirt of tomato puree
A dash of Worcester Sauce
(Chili powder to taste - up to 1 teaspoon)
Rice
Flour and extra sprinkling of chili or cayenne for dusting
A selection of fruit and vegetables that can include:
Pineapple (fresh or canned)
Red peppers
Nectarine
Baby sweet corn
Carrots
Bamboo shoots
First start by preparing the sweet and sour sauce. Saute the onions then add the garlic, the sliced peppers - then add the rest of the ingredients, you can add a little then top up the flavours to taste. Add the rest of the fruit and veg and cook through. If you are cooking for little ones you can leave out the chili until you have served up for the little one (or that is what we did).
Next check that the fillets of fish have no bones in them - cut to individual portion sizes, then dip into the spices flour. Cook in oil / butter over a medium heat for about 5 mins on either side, watch carefully the cooking time will vary with the thickness of the cut. Meanwhile cook up the rice.
Thursday, 17 March 2011
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
I'm getting into this now: Week 16 - 17
I have just spent the weekend with my Mum - she kept on querying why we had told anyone about the pregnancy "so early" (er, 14 weeks?) and every time the phone went she seemed to take great relish in repeating how a friend of hers had gone on an emergency mission to help a daughter who had suffered a bad miscarriage. Well, she does mean well (honestly) - even so, I am delighted that to counter this I am starting to regain my energy and really enjoy the pregnancy; I could rebuff her gloom knowing that at this stage the chance of miscarriage has dropped to just 3%. It is not as if I have not been excited by the pregnancy thus far, but I have been so exhausted that I have just been focusing on just getting by.
I had my next midwife's appointment and all is going well and even the midwife had no suggestions on how to regain my energy - then suddenly it was back of its own accord. It was great to hear Beanie's heartbeat, so I am slightly regretting my decision to turn down a free second hand foetal heart monitor, even if the NHS recommends against them.
I have also bought some maternity jeans, when I was pregnant with the Pickle I did not show till later so my only maternity clothes are cool linen outfits which are not much use. Also, I rediscovered the bliss of a well fitting maternity bra - underwires are not recommended for us pregnant ladies.
What do you call your bump? The Pickle was called Twinkle until she was born (at the 7 week scan her heart beat looked like a twinkling star) and now I am carrying a 'Beanie'. We have a friend who called their little girl Pip after the Bump name - but I promise we are working on an alternative to Beanie for our baby. Are you going to find if you are expecting a girl or a boy? I found this site that offers a hysterical Gender Predictor that seems to amalgamate every known old wives' tale.
Timeline - What Beanie and I are up to...
Beanie is now around 16cm long - the length of pen - and body is growing bigger so that it looks more in proportion with the head (so no more looking like an alien). The face starts to look more human with hair starting to grow and buds that will form into teeth.
I thought that I felt Beanie a few weeks ago and the concensus is that we start to feel something from about 16 weeks, although some claim sensations earlier and most people from about 18 weeks. We may start to feel hot and sweaty as our metabolisims soaring and start snoring or snuffling as pregnancy can cause nasal congestion or even less glamourous thrush - fortunately my only symptom on this front is a bunged up nose, so pass me the tissues!
Aparently my uterus is rising, which is a posh way of saying I look pregnant now.
What I am Cooking
Now that I have regainned a little energy I am ready to cook, the Hubster loves Asian fusion food so I have been testing out a few recipes that are big on impact but relatively low on effort if you have a hand blender or other kitchen blitzer. I have included both a meat and a vegetarian option - we love both, but not together as that would be too much effort and too much to eat!
Thai Chicken Cakes (serves 2)
2 chicken thigh fillets
1 crust of bread
----- Vegetarian ingredients -------
1 egg
About an inch of fresh ginger
A small onion or 2 salad onions
1/2 red chili (or to taste, less or more)
1 desert spoon fish sauce
1/2 lemon grass stalk, or an equivalent squeeze of lazy lemon grass
Start by blitzing the crust of bread on a blender to make bread crumbs, add the lemon grass, garlic, chili and onions and blitz again. Next add the chicken, fish sauce and blitz until the chicken is minced. If you can be bothered whisk up the egg separately and add slowly so that it does not get too sloppy - you may only require 1/2 an egg. Next shape the small patties about 3cm big, having wet hands makes this SO much easier. Fry for about 3 mins on either side and serve with vegetables and noodles.
Sweetcorn Pancakes (serves 2 - 3)
1 small can of sweetcorn
3/4 mug of self-raising flour (this is preggy food so I don't bother measuring)
A slash of milk
Vegetarian ingredients as above
A small handful of coriander (optional - I don't bother with this)
Blitz all the vegetarian ingredients, including the whole egg. Stir on the flour and the sweetcorn - if the mixture is too solid add a splash of milk, normally about a tablespoon, but this will depend on exactly how much flour you added. With my experimentation I didn't need to be too precise. Heat up some oil in a frying pan, then carefully spoon a dollop from a full tablespoon directly into the pan. Cook over a medium heat for a few mins on either side.
Noodles with vegetables
This is quick and easy specially for Mums- to- be. It is very loosely based on a recipe from my fave Rick Stein Far Eastern book - but he may decapitate me with a blunt spoon for suggesting that this sluts version has anything to do with his more complicated original.
Egg noodles
Chopped vegetables - bok choi, carrots, peas, sweetcorn (if not making the pancakes)
Dark soy sauce
A desert spoon of tomato ketchup
Sweet chili sauce
Hot chili sauce (optional)
Start by cooking the noodles as per the instructions, ideally steam the vegetables above the pan of noodles but worst case scenario you can always pop the vegetables in with the noodles for the last couple of minutes. Stir in the sauces and mix altogether.
Serve up the noodles and place the pancakes / chicken cakes on top.
Cravings?
Have you been having any cravings? Is there anything that you are yearning for? Let me know and I will see if I can include something especially for you.
Also what are you calling your bump? I'd love to know.
xx
I had my next midwife's appointment and all is going well and even the midwife had no suggestions on how to regain my energy - then suddenly it was back of its own accord. It was great to hear Beanie's heartbeat, so I am slightly regretting my decision to turn down a free second hand foetal heart monitor, even if the NHS recommends against them.
I have also bought some maternity jeans, when I was pregnant with the Pickle I did not show till later so my only maternity clothes are cool linen outfits which are not much use. Also, I rediscovered the bliss of a well fitting maternity bra - underwires are not recommended for us pregnant ladies.
What do you call your bump? The Pickle was called Twinkle until she was born (at the 7 week scan her heart beat looked like a twinkling star) and now I am carrying a 'Beanie'. We have a friend who called their little girl Pip after the Bump name - but I promise we are working on an alternative to Beanie for our baby. Are you going to find if you are expecting a girl or a boy? I found this site that offers a hysterical Gender Predictor that seems to amalgamate every known old wives' tale.
Timeline - What Beanie and I are up to...
Beanie is now around 16cm long - the length of pen - and body is growing bigger so that it looks more in proportion with the head (so no more looking like an alien). The face starts to look more human with hair starting to grow and buds that will form into teeth.
I thought that I felt Beanie a few weeks ago and the concensus is that we start to feel something from about 16 weeks, although some claim sensations earlier and most people from about 18 weeks. We may start to feel hot and sweaty as our metabolisims soaring and start snoring or snuffling as pregnancy can cause nasal congestion or even less glamourous thrush - fortunately my only symptom on this front is a bunged up nose, so pass me the tissues!
Aparently my uterus is rising, which is a posh way of saying I look pregnant now.
What I am Cooking
Now that I have regainned a little energy I am ready to cook, the Hubster loves Asian fusion food so I have been testing out a few recipes that are big on impact but relatively low on effort if you have a hand blender or other kitchen blitzer. I have included both a meat and a vegetarian option - we love both, but not together as that would be too much effort and too much to eat!
Thai Chicken Cakes (serves 2)
2 chicken thigh fillets
1 crust of bread
----- Vegetarian ingredients -------
1 egg
About an inch of fresh ginger
A small onion or 2 salad onions
1/2 red chili (or to taste, less or more)
1 desert spoon fish sauce
1/2 lemon grass stalk, or an equivalent squeeze of lazy lemon grass
Start by blitzing the crust of bread on a blender to make bread crumbs, add the lemon grass, garlic, chili and onions and blitz again. Next add the chicken, fish sauce and blitz until the chicken is minced. If you can be bothered whisk up the egg separately and add slowly so that it does not get too sloppy - you may only require 1/2 an egg. Next shape the small patties about 3cm big, having wet hands makes this SO much easier. Fry for about 3 mins on either side and serve with vegetables and noodles.
Sweetcorn Pancakes (serves 2 - 3)
1 small can of sweetcorn
3/4 mug of self-raising flour (this is preggy food so I don't bother measuring)
A slash of milk
Vegetarian ingredients as above
A small handful of coriander (optional - I don't bother with this)
Blitz all the vegetarian ingredients, including the whole egg. Stir on the flour and the sweetcorn - if the mixture is too solid add a splash of milk, normally about a tablespoon, but this will depend on exactly how much flour you added. With my experimentation I didn't need to be too precise. Heat up some oil in a frying pan, then carefully spoon a dollop from a full tablespoon directly into the pan. Cook over a medium heat for a few mins on either side.
Noodles with vegetables
This is quick and easy specially for Mums- to- be. It is very loosely based on a recipe from my fave Rick Stein Far Eastern book - but he may decapitate me with a blunt spoon for suggesting that this sluts version has anything to do with his more complicated original.
Egg noodles
Chopped vegetables - bok choi, carrots, peas, sweetcorn (if not making the pancakes)
Dark soy sauce
A desert spoon of tomato ketchup
Sweet chili sauce
Hot chili sauce (optional)
Start by cooking the noodles as per the instructions, ideally steam the vegetables above the pan of noodles but worst case scenario you can always pop the vegetables in with the noodles for the last couple of minutes. Stir in the sauces and mix altogether.
Serve up the noodles and place the pancakes / chicken cakes on top.
Cravings?
Have you been having any cravings? Is there anything that you are yearning for? Let me know and I will see if I can include something especially for you.
Also what are you calling your bump? I'd love to know.
xx
Friday, 18 February 2011
Well on the way: Week 14 - 15
Emotional? Pass the next box of tissues please! The good news is I am regaining my energy - okay, it is early days and this still involved drifting off to sleep at 4.30 when reading with the Pickle. Thank goodness the Hubster was working from home, so she toddled off to see him so they sat side by side on their own laptops 'working' until the end of the working day.
At this stage your pregnancy we may start to show - first pregnancies tend to show later than subsequent pregnancies - although like everything to do with being human this will depend on the individual. My Mum is always proud to say that she did not show until she was 6 months pregnant. When I was pregnant with the Pickle we went away for a last pre-baby break when I was 21 weeks, at that point she suddenly decided to make a bold appearance over the course of the weekend, so I had to go emergency maternity clothes shopping! This time around at 15 weeks I am fighting a loosing battle with waistbands and so it seems consoling to know that an uber-glam and svelte friend who is one week behind me has already bloomed beyond the confines of her pre-pregnancy jeans.
Much more fun is knowing that at 15 weeks Beanie starts to hear me- so I can chat away to myself and it will not be considered insanity! I listened to loads of classical music when pregnant with the Pickle, then when she was born if she got fractious I could put on Classic FM and she would be soothed in seconds!
Time line - What Beanie and I are up to.
I am now into the second trimester at 14 weeks and Beanie is around 85mm and growing to around 100mm in week 15. Can you believe it, Beanie is growing eyebrows and may even be sucking his (or her) thumb.
Beanie's heart is now beating very rapidly and may be picked up by an ultrasound detector. But a note of caution, the NHS recommends against foetal heart monitor.
The placenta is fully supporting and nourishing Beanie. My womb is the size a grapefruit (eh?tart pres) so can press against against my bladder - which is great for keeping up the requirement to drink 8 glasses of water a day.
I have got my FW8 form for free prescriptions and dental treatment and booked a session at the dentist (a joy to look forward to).
What I am cooking?
I have been having major sweet cravings - but in an ideal world we don't want to eat for two as there is life and normal 'pre-pregnancy' clothes to be fitted back into (they reckon that we only need another 200 calories in the last three months). I tried 'healthy' muffins made from carrot and courgette, researched so called healthy chocolate recipes and to be honest they just did not cut it. The muffins were a limp consolation prize and most so called healthy recipes are either so blimin complicated that they are beyond my preggy patience or they replace sugar with sugar alternatives which are normally not recommended either. So I finally come back to chocolate flapjacks. Then for good measure there is also a recipe for chocolate bread and butter pudding - pure unadulterated stodge and calories.
Chocolate flapjacks
Grease and line a standard (normally 18x27cm) baking tray and heat an oven to 160cm.
Peal and chop 2 cooking apples then cook in a saucepan with 25g butter until soft. Add another 125g butter, 150g demerara (or muscavado) sugar, 2 tbl spoons golden syrup (or a mixture of golden syrup and either honey or barley malt extract for slightly different sweet flavours) and 1/2 tea spoon of cinnamon. You can also add a handful of dried fruit, raisins, sultanas or cranberries and a handful of nuts or seeds - we add sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
Gently heat until the butter has melted and the sugar is starting to dissolve. Remove from the heat and add 225g porridge oats (or for a less chewy version replace a couple of tablespoons of oats with Ready Brek) and stir well.
Smooth down into the baking tray and bake in the pre-heated oven for 25 mins.
Sit down and have a lovely drink then when the flapjacks are cool melt 150g chocolate (we mix dark and milk chocolate) and spread on top - 150g is a thin layer, 200g if you want it thick. Cut into pieces before it gets too cold and enjoy!
Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding
Okay, this is NOT healthy but it is yummy and I first made it from desperation when I had no pudding and only the store cupboard as inspiration.
Preheat an oven to 180'C and grease a 2pt baking dish. Butter a number of slices of bread (depending on the size of the loaf) and arrange in the baking dish until full and put on a baking tray to avoid spills later. Sprinkle with a handful of dark chocolate chips.
Measure out 275ml milk and top up with up to 60ml cream (as a Slummy Mummy I use whatever cream I have, single or double and have even done without the cream when I have run out). Add in drinking chocolate or cocoa powder and sugar to taste - for us a couple of table spoons. Whisk in 3 eggs an then carefully pour over bread and butter.
Cook for 30 - 40 minutes. Remember, us Mums to be need to have fully cooked eggs!
At this stage your pregnancy we may start to show - first pregnancies tend to show later than subsequent pregnancies - although like everything to do with being human this will depend on the individual. My Mum is always proud to say that she did not show until she was 6 months pregnant. When I was pregnant with the Pickle we went away for a last pre-baby break when I was 21 weeks, at that point she suddenly decided to make a bold appearance over the course of the weekend, so I had to go emergency maternity clothes shopping! This time around at 15 weeks I am fighting a loosing battle with waistbands and so it seems consoling to know that an uber-glam and svelte friend who is one week behind me has already bloomed beyond the confines of her pre-pregnancy jeans.
Much more fun is knowing that at 15 weeks Beanie starts to hear me- so I can chat away to myself and it will not be considered insanity! I listened to loads of classical music when pregnant with the Pickle, then when she was born if she got fractious I could put on Classic FM and she would be soothed in seconds!
Time line - What Beanie and I are up to.
I am now into the second trimester at 14 weeks and Beanie is around 85mm and growing to around 100mm in week 15. Can you believe it, Beanie is growing eyebrows and may even be sucking his (or her) thumb.
Beanie's heart is now beating very rapidly and may be picked up by an ultrasound detector. But a note of caution, the NHS recommends against foetal heart monitor.
The placenta is fully supporting and nourishing Beanie. My womb is the size a grapefruit (eh?tart pres) so can press against against my bladder - which is great for keeping up the requirement to drink 8 glasses of water a day.
I have got my FW8 form for free prescriptions and dental treatment and booked a session at the dentist (a joy to look forward to).
What I am cooking?
I have been having major sweet cravings - but in an ideal world we don't want to eat for two as there is life and normal 'pre-pregnancy' clothes to be fitted back into (they reckon that we only need another 200 calories in the last three months). I tried 'healthy' muffins made from carrot and courgette, researched so called healthy chocolate recipes and to be honest they just did not cut it. The muffins were a limp consolation prize and most so called healthy recipes are either so blimin complicated that they are beyond my preggy patience or they replace sugar with sugar alternatives which are normally not recommended either. So I finally come back to chocolate flapjacks. Then for good measure there is also a recipe for chocolate bread and butter pudding - pure unadulterated stodge and calories.
Chocolate flapjacks
Grease and line a standard (normally 18x27cm) baking tray and heat an oven to 160cm.
Peal and chop 2 cooking apples then cook in a saucepan with 25g butter until soft. Add another 125g butter, 150g demerara (or muscavado) sugar, 2 tbl spoons golden syrup (or a mixture of golden syrup and either honey or barley malt extract for slightly different sweet flavours) and 1/2 tea spoon of cinnamon. You can also add a handful of dried fruit, raisins, sultanas or cranberries and a handful of nuts or seeds - we add sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
Gently heat until the butter has melted and the sugar is starting to dissolve. Remove from the heat and add 225g porridge oats (or for a less chewy version replace a couple of tablespoons of oats with Ready Brek) and stir well.
Smooth down into the baking tray and bake in the pre-heated oven for 25 mins.
Sit down and have a lovely drink then when the flapjacks are cool melt 150g chocolate (we mix dark and milk chocolate) and spread on top - 150g is a thin layer, 200g if you want it thick. Cut into pieces before it gets too cold and enjoy!
Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding
Okay, this is NOT healthy but it is yummy and I first made it from desperation when I had no pudding and only the store cupboard as inspiration.
Preheat an oven to 180'C and grease a 2pt baking dish. Butter a number of slices of bread (depending on the size of the loaf) and arrange in the baking dish until full and put on a baking tray to avoid spills later. Sprinkle with a handful of dark chocolate chips.
Measure out 275ml milk and top up with up to 60ml cream (as a Slummy Mummy I use whatever cream I have, single or double and have even done without the cream when I have run out). Add in drinking chocolate or cocoa powder and sugar to taste - for us a couple of table spoons. Whisk in 3 eggs an then carefully pour over bread and butter.
Cook for 30 - 40 minutes. Remember, us Mums to be need to have fully cooked eggs!
Monday, 7 February 2011
Over the first hurdle (week 12 - 13)
How are you feeling? Well the good news is that for most Mums to be the worst of the morning sickness and early exhaustion are about to be a thing of the past, so I should regain your energy in time to cope with the weepy period. Yes, my hormone levels are increasing along with the size of Beanie. In fact, Beanie now looks like a mini human and is a full 8cm long weighing around 60g.
Most people start telling friends and colleagues about the pregnancy now as the threat of miscarriage is now greatly reduced. Have you checked your maternity rights? you may also want to find out what paternity leave is available too.
I have been checking out what is available for Mums to Be,. The NCT classes are a great way to meet fellow Mums as well as to help prepare for the birth and the first months. In London there seem to be loads of great private practices that offer ante-natal classes as an alternative, I was recommended HypnoBirthing - and while I did not have a text book 'Hypnobirth' it did help me focus on something positive. But before you spend any money on courses, remember your local GP's surgery who may also run some for free.Our local surgery only runs sessions for first time Mums so I'm booking in the a refresher NCT course (complete with advice on sibling rivalry).
I am keeping up my brisk hour plus dog walks. It is important to stay active, here is a great point of reference when considering the do's and don'ts of exercise. Check in your local area to see what is available, yoga and swimming are amongst those that are popular, Mumsnet and Netmums can be a great place to start your research (for what it is worth, I love the main Mumsnet for info, chatter and research but think that Netmums Local offer seems better in our area).
Have had the 'Dating Scan' - how emotional was that? A few tears were shed! There were also a raft of screening tests, but ever since a friend had a little boy with Down's Syndrome, so I do not have the heart to have the screening as I could not cope with having to make decisions based on difficult results.. Many hospital's ask for a cash contribution for the photos from your scan - after you have hunted in the bottom of your handbag for the change for parking will you have the cash left over? Enjoy, I hope that you find it a magical experience as you first get to see your mini baby!
Spinach Pie
This is what I have been craving, so I will share it with you. It is really easy to make, full of goodness (and folic acid) and a small slice is a great snack if you want to avoid biscuits.
1 large bag of well washed spinach - frozen is okay too if necessary.
1/2 medium tub of cottage cheese (150 to 200g)
1/2 a standard tub of curd or cream cheese (about 100g)
1/2 pack Feta cheese (about 100g) crumbled
2 eggs
Filo pastry
A few spoons of melted butter
Take the filo out of the fridge and allow to warm in its packaging while you prepare the filling. Cook the spinach, drain and squeeze out any extra liquid then chop. Start by lightly whisking the eggs with a fork, then add in the curd/ cream cheese, then add in the other ingredients. Grease an oven tray and heat the oven to around 180'c. Once you open the filo start avoid delays as you don't want it to dry out!
Take the first sheet and place off centre so about half hangs over the edge, brush with melted butter, then add another layer off centre in another direction and again brush with butter. Continue until you have filo hanging over all the edges. Pour the mixture into the middle (it is much easier if you squeezed out the spinach well and it is not too liquid) then fold the overhanging filo into the centre so that the pie is covered up - you may need to add another sheet to finish the centre. Quickly wrap up and unused filo pastry so that you can use it again (maybe for strudel?). Brush with a little more butter then pop into the oven and cook for about 20-25 mins, just tap it on top and if it feels firm, the eggs are cooked, and then it is done. Enjoy!
(The feta is a little salty, so let that be your reminder to keep drinking the 8 glasses of water that you need!)
Most people start telling friends and colleagues about the pregnancy now as the threat of miscarriage is now greatly reduced. Have you checked your maternity rights? you may also want to find out what paternity leave is available too.
I have been checking out what is available for Mums to Be,. The NCT classes are a great way to meet fellow Mums as well as to help prepare for the birth and the first months. In London there seem to be loads of great private practices that offer ante-natal classes as an alternative, I was recommended HypnoBirthing - and while I did not have a text book 'Hypnobirth' it did help me focus on something positive. But before you spend any money on courses, remember your local GP's surgery who may also run some for free.Our local surgery only runs sessions for first time Mums so I'm booking in the a refresher NCT course (complete with advice on sibling rivalry).
I am keeping up my brisk hour plus dog walks. It is important to stay active, here is a great point of reference when considering the do's and don'ts of exercise. Check in your local area to see what is available, yoga and swimming are amongst those that are popular, Mumsnet and Netmums can be a great place to start your research (for what it is worth, I love the main Mumsnet for info, chatter and research but think that Netmums Local offer seems better in our area).
Have had the 'Dating Scan' - how emotional was that? A few tears were shed! There were also a raft of screening tests, but ever since a friend had a little boy with Down's Syndrome, so I do not have the heart to have the screening as I could not cope with having to make decisions based on difficult results.. Many hospital's ask for a cash contribution for the photos from your scan - after you have hunted in the bottom of your handbag for the change for parking will you have the cash left over? Enjoy, I hope that you find it a magical experience as you first get to see your mini baby!
Spinach Pie
This is what I have been craving, so I will share it with you. It is really easy to make, full of goodness (and folic acid) and a small slice is a great snack if you want to avoid biscuits.
1 large bag of well washed spinach - frozen is okay too if necessary.
1/2 medium tub of cottage cheese (150 to 200g)
1/2 a standard tub of curd or cream cheese (about 100g)
1/2 pack Feta cheese (about 100g) crumbled
2 eggs
Filo pastry
A few spoons of melted butter
Take the filo out of the fridge and allow to warm in its packaging while you prepare the filling. Cook the spinach, drain and squeeze out any extra liquid then chop. Start by lightly whisking the eggs with a fork, then add in the curd/ cream cheese, then add in the other ingredients. Grease an oven tray and heat the oven to around 180'c. Once you open the filo start avoid delays as you don't want it to dry out!
Take the first sheet and place off centre so about half hangs over the edge, brush with melted butter, then add another layer off centre in another direction and again brush with butter. Continue until you have filo hanging over all the edges. Pour the mixture into the middle (it is much easier if you squeezed out the spinach well and it is not too liquid) then fold the overhanging filo into the centre so that the pie is covered up - you may need to add another sheet to finish the centre. Quickly wrap up and unused filo pastry so that you can use it again (maybe for strudel?). Brush with a little more butter then pop into the oven and cook for about 20-25 mins, just tap it on top and if it feels firm, the eggs are cooked, and then it is done. Enjoy!
(The feta is a little salty, so let that be your reminder to keep drinking the 8 glasses of water that you need!)
Saturday, 5 February 2011
Honest, there is nothing wrong with me (Week 8 - 11)
Still keeping it a secret? Have colleagues, friends and family noticed that you don't have the energy that you once had? How ironic that when you most feel in need of energy then the little boost that coffee offers is denied you? Be kind on yourself your body is hard at work, even if you appear to be clinically attached to the sofa. Just don't watch anything too challenging, you are a maelstrom of hormones and I find myself sobbing over the smallest things!
It is a toss up between appearing lazy or 'fessing up to your secret when faced with anything even mildly physically challenging. Okay, pregnancy is not an illness but still where does all your energy go? On making lame excuses why you over react to simple things, covering for the fact that you aren't drinking caffeine or alcohol or just your general exhaustion? How many reasons can be for the lack of drinking? Detox, a virus, antibiotics or a hangover? Some friends seem to know just by looking at you - but then again that has probably been offered as a hopeful prognosis every time you feel off-colour.
If you are working start to check your contract and your staff handbook - find out when you need to inform your line manager / HR team and what benefits you receive. Some small companies may not have a maternity policy; I once worked somewhere where a colleague was in effect shown the door when she announced her pregnancy and just reading up on her Maternity Rights we could negotiate her a more acceptable outcome.
If the count down to pop date seems abstract at this stage you can count down to the end of the first trimester and then at least the veil of secrecy can be lifted.
Time line:
Beanie is now growing fast - although any sign of bump is more likely down to any cravings as he / she is around 16mm long.
First midwife appointment for the 'booking in' session - loads of questions and blood letting. Blood is taken for a number of screening tests including blood group and , haemoglobin level, immunity to German measles (Rubella) as well as syphilis, hepatitis B and HIV could see no reason to refuse to allow any of the tests). In our area they seem to test for even thalassaemia, so more blood letting even though it tends not to affect Mums from my ethnic origin, but I don't need the sickle cell anaemia test.
Filled out the vital FW8 form to give free prescriptions and dental treatment - always work asking for one of these babies.
Beanie is starting to look more like a recognisable foetus, with a face slowly forming. By 9 weeks hands and feet are will be recognisable - by week 10 the internal organs are building a pace too. By 11 weeks that little bean is now a 60mm foetus with organs (yes, ALL organs) developing away. Not long till the scan and I can sneak a peak!
What I am cooking?
I still need my folic acid so now you really should try and I am trying to maintain a healthy diet. Something quick and easy is always good - and this recipe takes just a few minutes.
Chickpea and Chorizo Stew
Chop some chorizo and fry in a minimal amount of oil - it does not need much when it starts to cook the fats will melt. After about five minutes stir in a little turmeric and cumin (and either paprika or flaked chili depending on your tastes) and cook the spices for a few minutes.
Add a can of chick peas and passata / chopped tomatoes and stir in. Next add a bag of well washed spinach, pop on a lid and cook until the chickpeas are warms through and the spinach is wilted down (check and stir every few minutes).
One pan, 10 minutes and loads of folic acid and protein. Perfect!
Serve with couscous or flat bread / pitta.
For as vegetarian option miss out the chorizo, instead saute a little garlic and sprinkle with feta before serving.
It is a toss up between appearing lazy or 'fessing up to your secret when faced with anything even mildly physically challenging. Okay, pregnancy is not an illness but still where does all your energy go? On making lame excuses why you over react to simple things, covering for the fact that you aren't drinking caffeine or alcohol or just your general exhaustion? How many reasons can be for the lack of drinking? Detox, a virus, antibiotics or a hangover? Some friends seem to know just by looking at you - but then again that has probably been offered as a hopeful prognosis every time you feel off-colour.
If you are working start to check your contract and your staff handbook - find out when you need to inform your line manager / HR team and what benefits you receive. Some small companies may not have a maternity policy; I once worked somewhere where a colleague was in effect shown the door when she announced her pregnancy and just reading up on her Maternity Rights we could negotiate her a more acceptable outcome.
If the count down to pop date seems abstract at this stage you can count down to the end of the first trimester and then at least the veil of secrecy can be lifted.
Time line:
Beanie is now growing fast - although any sign of bump is more likely down to any cravings as he / she is around 16mm long.
First midwife appointment for the 'booking in' session - loads of questions and blood letting. Blood is taken for a number of screening tests including blood group and , haemoglobin level, immunity to German measles (Rubella) as well as syphilis, hepatitis B and HIV could see no reason to refuse to allow any of the tests). In our area they seem to test for even thalassaemia, so more blood letting even though it tends not to affect Mums from my ethnic origin, but I don't need the sickle cell anaemia test.
Filled out the vital FW8 form to give free prescriptions and dental treatment - always work asking for one of these babies.
Beanie is starting to look more like a recognisable foetus, with a face slowly forming. By 9 weeks hands and feet are will be recognisable - by week 10 the internal organs are building a pace too. By 11 weeks that little bean is now a 60mm foetus with organs (yes, ALL organs) developing away. Not long till the scan and I can sneak a peak!
What I am cooking?
I still need my folic acid so now you really should try and I am trying to maintain a healthy diet. Something quick and easy is always good - and this recipe takes just a few minutes.
Chickpea and Chorizo Stew
Chop some chorizo and fry in a minimal amount of oil - it does not need much when it starts to cook the fats will melt. After about five minutes stir in a little turmeric and cumin (and either paprika or flaked chili depending on your tastes) and cook the spices for a few minutes.
Add a can of chick peas and passata / chopped tomatoes and stir in. Next add a bag of well washed spinach, pop on a lid and cook until the chickpeas are warms through and the spinach is wilted down (check and stir every few minutes).
One pan, 10 minutes and loads of folic acid and protein. Perfect!
Serve with couscous or flat bread / pitta.
For as vegetarian option miss out the chorizo, instead saute a little garlic and sprinkle with feta before serving.
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
Watching for the line (week 4-7)
So you I've cut out alcohol, caffeine and have definitely quit smoking. Now time to hope that practice makes perfect and you conceive. A few days late, maybe a week... Time to take the test! Deep breath, breath again and go - remember to breathe and watch for the line. Re-read the instructions so no mistakes are made (done that once before and what a disappointment) - a second line / a cross / or a digital assessment. Breathe again - and what does it say? Congratulations!
The first months seemed to mired in secrecy, do you tell or do you wait until you have reached the magic 2nd Semester when the risk of miscarriage is hugely reduced? Most people wait - so now is the time for solo research (before everyone from the midwife to your maiden Aunt start to stake claims on your changing body and bark advice at you).
Is a glass of wine safe? do you avoid sushi? I found it interesting how different countries alter their advice to take account of local delicacies - rumour has it that in Italy (raw) Parma ham seems fine but in the UK would not be recommended . The best bet is to start off with the standard advice offered by the Government in a Guide to Healthy Eating While Pregnant. Once you know the official line then you can consider the finer detail.
Initially you may not feel much different, then morning sickness (a misnomer in my experience as mine seems to get worse in the evening). You may have a personal trigger, find out what it is and avoid - more general tips include avoid getting hungry (high protein snacks and meals keep your blood sugars relatively stable) and eat ginger.
I start the day by making a jug of hot water with strips of fresh ginger and lemon peel that can then strain and sip as I go along. Ginger beer and biscuits are great too.
A word about numbers - it gets complicated but generally in the UK the weeks of pregnancy are calculated from the date of your last period, but it is worth having a note of the estimated conception date (about half way through your usual cycle) and the estimated due date (EDD) 40 weeks after your last period. It seems odd that you go from being not pregnant to being four weeks pregnant in the time that it takes to pee on a stick, but that is pregnancy for you!
Timeline:
I am the proud mother of an embryo! It looks a little like a tadpole; when I say 'it' that is not being rude. At around 6 weeks your embryo's chromosomes start to differentiate and the gender to assigned and the embryo becomes a foetus. From around week 6 1/2 our little foetus has a heart beat -we are under consultant care so we are invited for an early scan at 8 weeks - and yes, that twinkling star the size of a small bean will grow into a baby!
Told the GP and feel efficient for organising the booking in appointment with the midwife .
The less good news is that for most people pregnancy side effects - such as morning sickness to kick in at around 7 weeks for me it is not so much sickness as queasiness and radical exhaustion!
What to cook?
Who does the cooking in your household? If it is Mum to be - it may be a good time to start teaching Dad his way around the kitchen. You may well need that extra help in the next few weeks as exhaustion may well set in (if you little bean has not already zapped your energy. They say that being pregnant allows you an additional 200 calories if you want to stay healthy which is a couple of slices of toast not eating for two, so you can not sit back and wallow in nine months of comfort food.
Cottage (Garden) Pie
This is a great one, as you can combine loads of green veg rich in folic acid and remind a partner how to tackle a few basics! As a recipe it is no great revelation, but it works well!
Finely chop and saute one onion.
Add some mince (lamb / beef / quorn all work well) and brown well, then add passata*/ a can of chopped tomatoes. Season with pepper and Worcester Sauce.
Steam any green veg - I like a combination of broccoli and spinach
(You can add a layer of thinly sliced spuds here if you like, it will just take longer in the over for them to cook - or you could par boil them - but that would mean washing up another pan).
Make a cheese sauce. Do you have a silicon whisk? It was my extravagance when I got new pans, and I have never had lumpy cheese sauce since. If you are making cheese sauce my sluts tips are - make double and freeze half - and I never bother to grate the cheese I just chop thin slices and crumble in - it melts just the same and takes less effort.
Layer the mince with the green veg and pour over the cheese sauce and either let it bubble under the grill or pop into the oven.
* After suffering pre-eclampsia with the Pickle I am now cautious about salt and have found that Sainsbury's have great passata with no added salt.
The first months seemed to mired in secrecy, do you tell or do you wait until you have reached the magic 2nd Semester when the risk of miscarriage is hugely reduced? Most people wait - so now is the time for solo research (before everyone from the midwife to your maiden Aunt start to stake claims on your changing body and bark advice at you).
Is a glass of wine safe? do you avoid sushi? I found it interesting how different countries alter their advice to take account of local delicacies - rumour has it that in Italy (raw) Parma ham seems fine but in the UK would not be recommended . The best bet is to start off with the standard advice offered by the Government in a Guide to Healthy Eating While Pregnant. Once you know the official line then you can consider the finer detail.
Initially you may not feel much different, then morning sickness (a misnomer in my experience as mine seems to get worse in the evening). You may have a personal trigger, find out what it is and avoid - more general tips include avoid getting hungry (high protein snacks and meals keep your blood sugars relatively stable) and eat ginger.
I start the day by making a jug of hot water with strips of fresh ginger and lemon peel that can then strain and sip as I go along. Ginger beer and biscuits are great too.
A word about numbers - it gets complicated but generally in the UK the weeks of pregnancy are calculated from the date of your last period, but it is worth having a note of the estimated conception date (about half way through your usual cycle) and the estimated due date (EDD) 40 weeks after your last period. It seems odd that you go from being not pregnant to being four weeks pregnant in the time that it takes to pee on a stick, but that is pregnancy for you!
Timeline:
I am the proud mother of an embryo! It looks a little like a tadpole; when I say 'it' that is not being rude. At around 6 weeks your embryo's chromosomes start to differentiate and the gender to assigned and the embryo becomes a foetus. From around week 6 1/2 our little foetus has a heart beat -we are under consultant care so we are invited for an early scan at 8 weeks - and yes, that twinkling star the size of a small bean will grow into a baby!
Told the GP and feel efficient for organising the booking in appointment with the midwife .
The less good news is that for most people pregnancy side effects - such as morning sickness to kick in at around 7 weeks for me it is not so much sickness as queasiness and radical exhaustion!
What to cook?
Who does the cooking in your household? If it is Mum to be - it may be a good time to start teaching Dad his way around the kitchen. You may well need that extra help in the next few weeks as exhaustion may well set in (if you little bean has not already zapped your energy. They say that being pregnant allows you an additional 200 calories if you want to stay healthy which is a couple of slices of toast not eating for two, so you can not sit back and wallow in nine months of comfort food.
Cottage (Garden) Pie
This is a great one, as you can combine loads of green veg rich in folic acid and remind a partner how to tackle a few basics! As a recipe it is no great revelation, but it works well!
Finely chop and saute one onion.
Add some mince (lamb / beef / quorn all work well) and brown well, then add passata*/ a can of chopped tomatoes. Season with pepper and Worcester Sauce.
Steam any green veg - I like a combination of broccoli and spinach
(You can add a layer of thinly sliced spuds here if you like, it will just take longer in the over for them to cook - or you could par boil them - but that would mean washing up another pan).
Make a cheese sauce. Do you have a silicon whisk? It was my extravagance when I got new pans, and I have never had lumpy cheese sauce since. If you are making cheese sauce my sluts tips are - make double and freeze half - and I never bother to grate the cheese I just chop thin slices and crumble in - it melts just the same and takes less effort.
Layer the mince with the green veg and pour over the cheese sauce and either let it bubble under the grill or pop into the oven.
* After suffering pre-eclampsia with the Pickle I am now cautious about salt and have found that Sainsbury's have great passata with no added salt.
Saturday, 27 September 2008
Filling the Pit
Your legs feel hollow and you find yourself fighting to maintain a smile. No, it is not your best friend announcing that she is pregnant - and the simultaneous feelings of joy for her and devastation that it is not you - it is the offer of a take away! Yes, you are knackered and yearning the Singapore noodles, but you have embarked on the serious fertility regime so you really should work out what to do with half a swede and the sad looking carrots that are all that are left from this week's organic veg box .
The answer seems to be in the food, so you plan an organic, wholefood diet, avoiding additives, preservatives and chemicals and your cupboards are bulging with B vitamins zinc and folic acid. I love one comment that says "Realise, too, that a diet rich in healthy carbohydrates is important to maintain energy for couples trying to conceive". Yes, never forget the bedroom athletics.
As we slim down and get fit for conception it occurred to me the big difference in the different phases of fertility - the jump between your period being met with relief and with doom. As a single woman about town if you eat it is at the lovely organic gastro pub and your diet is fuelled with fruit (power fruit juices a.k.a vodka and orange) and you are beautifully trim from the stiletto dash and that ill advised all night clubbing session before you were due to work overtime on Saturday. As for sex - well if you are inspired by your fertility cycle than your new mate, this may not be the man for you. No wonder you seem more fertile at this inopportune time. When you have settled down you are living with a man so have nights in and, just to please him, you have cake and biscuits in the cupboard; you stop being a sex goddess and slowly look homely (or worse cuddly). Help! Fertility diet is needed even if it is just to get into those gorgeous jeans.
I love my veg box, it is a mental puzzle towards the end of the week. A curry or a soup can finish off must combinations, but every once in a while a fridge clear out can be a triumph. My broad bean burgers were the success of this season:
Broad Bean Burgers
Steam broad beans then slip them out of their outer membrane (if they are young don;t worry). Meanwhile saute a finely chopped onion, after a few minutes add some chopped mushrooms.
Roughly mash the broad beans in a mixing, then add the mushroom mix (but don't wash up the yet). Add a little crumbled feta and an egg. Mix all in together.
Form into small burger shapes and return to the frying pan and cook on a medium heat until the egg is cooked through.
You can serve in a flour tortilla or wrap with grated carrot and a little sweet chili sauce.
Serve with a kiss and enjoy!
Sit back, feel smug the veg box is empty ahead of tomorrow's delivery.
The answer seems to be in the food, so you plan an organic, wholefood diet, avoiding additives, preservatives and chemicals and your cupboards are bulging with B vitamins zinc and folic acid. I love one comment that says "Realise, too, that a diet rich in healthy carbohydrates is important to maintain energy for couples trying to conceive". Yes, never forget the bedroom athletics.
As we slim down and get fit for conception it occurred to me the big difference in the different phases of fertility - the jump between your period being met with relief and with doom. As a single woman about town if you eat it is at the lovely organic gastro pub and your diet is fuelled with fruit (power fruit juices a.k.a vodka and orange) and you are beautifully trim from the stiletto dash and that ill advised all night clubbing session before you were due to work overtime on Saturday. As for sex - well if you are inspired by your fertility cycle than your new mate, this may not be the man for you. No wonder you seem more fertile at this inopportune time. When you have settled down you are living with a man so have nights in and, just to please him, you have cake and biscuits in the cupboard; you stop being a sex goddess and slowly look homely (or worse cuddly). Help! Fertility diet is needed even if it is just to get into those gorgeous jeans.
I love my veg box, it is a mental puzzle towards the end of the week. A curry or a soup can finish off must combinations, but every once in a while a fridge clear out can be a triumph. My broad bean burgers were the success of this season:
Broad Bean Burgers
Steam broad beans then slip them out of their outer membrane (if they are young don;t worry). Meanwhile saute a finely chopped onion, after a few minutes add some chopped mushrooms.
Roughly mash the broad beans in a mixing, then add the mushroom mix (but don't wash up the yet). Add a little crumbled feta and an egg. Mix all in together.
Form into small burger shapes and return to the frying pan and cook on a medium heat until the egg is cooked through.
You can serve in a flour tortilla or wrap with grated carrot and a little sweet chili sauce.
Serve with a kiss and enjoy!
Sit back, feel smug the veg box is empty ahead of tomorrow's delivery.
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