Until just a few days ago, I didn’t feel particularly pregnant – apart from not fitting into my normal clothes. I didn’t look particularly pregnant, either: as long as I was wearing a jacket or sweater, you look right at me and not notice anything. And even when I was wearing a normal dress, you’d have to pay attention to notice the bump.

Now suddenly the bump has started growing and become more visible. And at the same time it’s making itself noticed in daily life. It’s beginning to get in my way when I clip my toenails. And it’s taking up internal space, so there’s less room for food in my stomach. After a normal-sized meal it feels like I’ve overeaten and I’ve got food up to my throat.

Today I had my second appointment with the midwife. I chose her for one reason only: she does planned home births, and that’s a rare thing in this country. Luckily she’s turned out to be a good fit otherwise, too. She’s relaxed and down to earth. “Any idea how much you might weigh now? No? OK, not to worry, it’s not that important. How are you feeling? Any complaints or discomforts? No? Well, in that case, since your blood pressure is looking good, we won’t bother with a urine sample, unless you want to. See you again in a month.”