Breathless

In the first six weeks of pregnancy circulating blood volume nearly doubles. Hormones relax smooth muscle, veins and arteries to accomodate the extra volume and this results is a drop in blood pressure, hence those dizzy spells. The extra volume causes strain on the heart and respiratory system, causing breathlessness, that 'glow' and increased heart rate. So, pump class has become a thing of the past; the breathlessness is just disheartening. I have a swiss ball at home instead.

I'm developing a little routine of yoga, belly-dancing style gyrations to the radio and swiss ball exercises. Long walks have replaced cycling and I have some little hand weights to combat those bingo wings. After twelve weeks I can sign up for preggibellies classes and maybe some water aerobics. I had this plan. I was going to deal with my emigration kilos, get fitter, then find that nice husband and have babies, once I'd been in my job for a year and qualified for maternity leave. Hmm. Well, I'm not going to be getting any thinner in 2008, but at least I can be fitter.

My boss asked me to apply for a promotion, I'm undecided about it. It's a job I don't really want, minding international students, but 16k more a year and better benefits. I'd be on a permanent contract, but only able to do it for six months before sodding off for a year. I suppose if nobody else applies I might as well go for it. But if I'm teaching cultural studies, [well I am international, I suppose I must know something about it?], I'm worried I might have to give up child health, which would be annoying. Or do both, and be eight months pregnant...