QueenMab

In lots of those smaller supermarkets the refrigerators rarely seem cool enough to me. I rarely buy any chilled meats or fish there, whether raw or cooked. I think louisiana has the right idea: vote with your feet and shop elsewhere for your meat, East Dulwich is hardly a food desert.

A friend of mine is doing hypnobirthing. She seemed to feel that some of the information was useful, but there was also a lot of airy-fairy twaddle presented as fact, which led her to question the validity of all the other stuff they were being told. I guess a lot may depend on your teacher.

Incidentally, what is this bike event? It sounds great!

I'm not sure about immunisation, but I have done quite a bit of reading about cycling in pregnancy. Not least as I see no reason to stop and my partner goes into a cold sweat at the thought of me being out on a bike. So we have had to examine the information out there together and try and make a decision based on evidence rather than panicked supposition. Essentially, so long as your sense of balance is good (apparently some women can find theirs affected during pregnancy), you're not carrying twins or have some other health reason not to do normal exercise, there's absolutely no reason why you shouldn't. Some sources seem to say don't cycle as you might fall off or be involved in an accident. But only you can assess what you feel the risk to be. After all, you could have an accident driving your car, or be hit by a bus crossing the road. I've been cycling in London for 5 years and the only time I've fallen off was because I was blind drunk! Have a look at this blog about cycling in pregnancy, I found it helpful and inspiring: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/green-living-blog/2010/may/21/pregnant-cyclists?showallcomments=true#end-of-comments

If you can't find your NHS notes, just ring your midwife unit and ask them for information about classes local to you. Apparently at Dulwich hospital, the classes, which are geared for those giving birth at King's, are held: Monday 10-12pm 6.30-8.30 Tuesday 10-12pm 3-5pm 6.30--8.30pm Weds 3-5 6-8.30pm Thurs 6.30-8.30pm

Hello Lenster! For the NHS classes, you should have got a form to fill in from the midwife when you had your first appointment, mine was in with all the medical notes. You can look up NCT classes via their website: http://www.nationalchildbirthtrust.com/in-your-area/course-finder (Scroll to the bottom of the page for the course finder).

I don't, but I know quite a few who are very hacked off with being asked if they're not desperate for a girl! They all feel they are very lucky to have their children at all and blessed to have them fit and healthy.

Gosh you didn't waste any time with your second, Ruth! And you are not patronising at all, it's very reassuring to hear. Thanks! So far I've identified some likely classes at Brockwell Lido, (where I'm a member, but open to non-members too). Some pilates and yoga classes at the Therapy Rooms in ED. And there are some pregnancy yoga classes at JAGS too which are open for non members to attend. According to my friend, the pregnancy yoga at JAGS is not at all strenuous but is very relaxing. Once I've had a crack at a few classes I'll report back! I got my antenatal classes sorted too, which is good. My partner is not convinced we need to go to 2 different types, but I said I shall go anyway and he can please himself which he'd like to come to.

Well I booked into the NHS classes today, and left a message for the NCT lady to get back to me. At least that means I'll get one set of classes. My partner was dubious about the benefits of attending 2 sets of classes, but he's completely antisocial, so doesn't really get the benefit of "meeting other people"! Don't worry LadyRuskin, what you said made perfect sense to me, not rambling at all. I too have been avoiding looking at the practicalities of actual birth for fear of...well I'm not sure quite what. And prior to my 12 week scan (which was barely 3 weeks ago) I felt anything like that would have been jumping the gun somewhat. I just don't feel I'm quite ready for that sort of information yet. As it is, I'm not really even looking pregnant (just looking a bit fat!) It was only yesterday that I actually looked at my NHS pregnancy book and dared read as far as the giving birth bit. That One Born Every Minute programme came on TV yesterday (the reality TV programme in a maternity unit) and I demanded the TV be switched off instantly! Luckily I have a friend who is a few weeks ahead of me, and she assures me you do naturally start to focus on certain things at certain points so don't need to worry about rushing things. Next: pregnancy yoga and pilates!

Hello! I'm due at the end of June/beginning July. Any solidarity with other women in same position will no doubt be helpful. I am currently floundering looking at antenatal classes, which apparently you have to practically book at conception to get onto. Also I'm a bit confused about the NHS vs NCT classes issue. Also, hypnobirthing! Water births! Frankly, I've only just got my head around being pregnant at all, and now I have to start thinking about giving birth. Has anyone else booked their classes yet?