pregnancy is such a difficult time for the parents after experiencing the rollercoaster that comes with having a prem.

Especially as we come out the otherside and have learnt so much about the prem world and suddenly dates, gestations, weights become a focus of our days, we know the "chances" for each gestation, we count days, not weeks, grams not kg.... On top of that we are constantly looking for signs as to whether something is going to happen and we are going to have to travel the same or similar journey again.

I don't have a magical answer that is going to take away your fears and make it all perfect, because the reality is that I have in my own mind similar dates and fears. But what I am focussing on is:

~ Yes we have been there before so if we do have to go through it again, we know a lot more, we understand a lot more and yes it will still be scary but knowledge makes a big difference.

~ I am being monitored closely, we are testing, measuring, on the ball looking for any sign that will indicate that something is changing.

~ I have surrounded myself by family and friends who are supporting me and I know will be able to help and understand a lot more this time.

~ I will be prepared, bags packed early, even if they sit there for 10 weeks, it doesn't matter I will be ready.

~ I have the best OB I could want, she is supportive, proactive and is focussing on getting us as far as possible, she is open with me and not keeping any information from me. I am fully aware of the numerous complications I am already facing, and how we are addressing each one and the impact it will have on my pregnancy and bub. She has been completely upfront that I won't get to term, so we have other dates that we are aiming for.

~ I am focussing on all of the positives, I could easily be sitting in a corner, freaking out, getting stressed about my complications, but I feel that it isn't the best for me and baby, so looking at how far we have come and that yes we have a long way to go, but keeping a positive frame of mind that we will get there, for me where ever that point ends up being I will know that we have done everything in our ability to get to that point.

~ And just like Nickers has suggestioned, smaller milestones and celebrate each one!

Sending you a bucketload of strength and energy as you prepare to focus for what will be a long few weeks, I have confidence that you can go further and for each day, each concern we will be here for you, supporting you both, talking through your fears and praying that you can do this together and pass Charlie's gestation and go a lot further.

Big Squishy