WEEK 32

Another milestone is reached with Maria’s 32-week hospital check. Now that we are on the second lap, so to speak, of pregnancy (having had a baby boy less than two years ago), these occasions fascinate me.

Here we are sat in a huge room alongside other couples from every background. Time seems to stand still as we all give each other knowing looks and shuffle in our seats awaiting the call for a scan, or a blood test, or a consultation. The nervous energy expended is huge – "Hope everything is OK" is written across every face, it’s like waiting for your exam results.

Finally we get the call and, fortunately for us, we’re told that all is well, but we discuss the birth options and Maria’s concerns about having another caesarean.

The fact that she got so close to a natural delivery with Sam, and that it was just 18 months ago, is a big factor in her favour, the doctor tells us.

"You were 9cm dilated, which is virtually a natural birth," the medical man says. I see Maria look almost straight through him – "But it wasn’t" seems to be the unspoken reply.

I remind her that the doctor must have seen several cases like ours before, so must be speaking through experience. "I suppose so," says Maria, but the doubts are still there.

Read week 33 >>