Josa’s pregnancy diary - weeks 26-28

The only thing I shall have to buy new is a cot mattress, by the looks of it. Not that straightforward – this turns out to be a whole can of worms. In New Zealand where, up until recently, they had the highest rate of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) in the world, there is a controversy raging over the cause. There is or was a theory that fire-retardant chemicals in foam mattresses, in conjunction with some common air-borne bacteria and fungi, formed deadly gases that could suffocate a baby in its cot. Dr Sprott, a chemist and forensic pathologist, of New Zealand, developed a mattress cover that shielded the baby completely from these fumes. It is claimed that no baby sleeping on one of these covers has ever died. However, the SIDS establishment has rejected this theory, and prefers to stick to lowering the risk factors – ie, your baby should sleep on its back, stay relatively cool, and that you should avoid smoking anywhere near it. What to believe?

I am ordering a brand new, chemical free mattress anyway, and will think further about Dr Sprott’s mattress wrapping. My baby will definitely be sleeping on its back.

My main aim at the moment is not to waddle. It is all too easy to try and relieve a stiff and uncomfortable back by adopting a duck-like gait – but no, I have told my husband and children that, if they catch me waddling, they are to tell me not to. I try a swan-like glide instead, and trip over the step, coming into the house. It is vital to sit upright, however – it really helps breathing and digestion. I am very glad I invested in a proper typing chair, the seat of which tips forward, so that working doesn’t hurt too much.

See Anastasia's diary for weeks 26-28.