‘No, only another seven months to go. Then again, I suppose it could be worse. I could have another kid to look after feeling like this. As it is, there’s only me and Stu, and he’s quickly learned not to ask where his tea is…nothing stings quite like a cup hurled at the head.’
Zoe had met Stu at her last visit, and she assumed Sam was joking because he hadn’t given off caveman vibes. And so she allowed herself a little laugh. ‘I’m sure he has.’ She cast around. ‘You have a dog, don’t you?’
‘He’s at the in-laws’ for a while. It was too much for me to have him here, not while I’m feeling so ill, and Stu can’t be home all the time.’
‘That sounds sensible.’
‘We might even leave him with them when the baby arrives. He’s happy there, they’re fond of him and he’s been like a baby to us over the years, so much so I worry he might not take to an actual baby replacing him as…’ Sam shrugged. ‘Well, as top dog.’
Zoe was glad to see she still had her sense of humour. It was a small thing, and yet it told her so much about Sam’s current mood and resilience. ‘I see what you did there. That all sounds sensible too, and you’ll be able to see him when you go to visit.’
‘Yeah, that’s what we thought. They’ve got more time on their hands, and though it’ll be hard to see him go, it’s better for him in the end. He’ll get used to it. Take a seat…’ Sam rushed to clear one of the chairs, and Zoe sat down and opened her bag.
‘How are all the holistic bits and bobs working for you? You haven’t started taking anti-emetics, have you?’
‘I’d rather not if I can help it, though I’ve been tempted.’
‘What are you using?’
‘Easier to ask what I’m not using. Stu went to the health food shop – don’t worry, he asked at the hospital what was safe to use. He brought back just about everything they had. I’ve got this…’ She held up her wrist so Zoe could see she was wearing an acupressure band. ‘And I eat so many ginger biscuits I’m worried I’ll turn orange. Stu keeps saying I’ll look like I’ve been tangoed.’
‘I think Stu might be skating on thin ice,’ Zoe said with a wry smile as she made some notes.
‘That’s what I said. I suppose it’s his way of trying to help – making jokes. He doesn’t know what else he can do. It can’t be much fun for him, all this.’
‘I’m sure you’d swap places if you could.’
‘God no! He’d be a total nightmare! He only has to come over queasy after a night on the ale and he’s making his last will and testament! At least I can function…sort of. It helped to be in the hospital, actually. I would never have said that at the beginning, but I felt a lot better when I came out.’
‘You probably needed some intensive treatment. Are you keeping track of your weight, or would you like me to weigh you now?’
‘The hospital said I ought to.’ Sam went to a drawer and took out a notepad. She handed it to Zoe.
‘Ah…’ Zoe flicked through the pages. ‘I see you’ve been keeping a food diary too.’
‘I think I might have become a bit obsessive. Don’t judge me.’
‘I’m not – it’s actually useful. Even the bit where you’ve noted how many times you’ve been sick in a day. See…’ Zoe showed her the page. ‘It’s going down a little, isn’t it?’
‘I thought so. Honestly, it couldn’t have got much worse. Before I went into hospital, I couldn’t even keep water down. I joke about it, but I was terrified I was going to die or at the very least lose the baby. I’ve never been so ill.’
‘You can call me, you know. Night or day, if you’re worried or afraid, I’m at the other end of a phone line to talk to.’
‘You might regret telling me that.’
‘It’s my job. And if for some reason I don’t pick up, leave me a message and I’ll get to you as soon as I can. Having said that, you did right going straight to the hospital when it got too much. You can’t be too careful.’
‘I normally hate those places, but that was one time when I couldn’t get on that ward quick enough.’
‘You’re bound to feel that way. I’m going to ask that you go under a consultant. I think you’re going to need extra input.’
‘They already said that to me at the hospital.’
‘In that case, I’ll ping them a message to see whether the ball is rolling. If not, I’ll sort it. What about antenatal classes? Have you signed up yet?’
‘Not yet. I’m not really up to going out much right now, but when I feel better, I’ll try to get to some.’
‘They’ll definitely be useful. If nothing else, there’s solidarity in talking to other expectant mums about their experiences.’
