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Chapter 1: What are Natasha's plans for the future?
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This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. You're listening to Thursday's episode of The Archers from BBC Radio 4.
Everything all right, Kate?
Yeah, fine. I just can't find the dustpan and brush.
Oh, isn't it in the cupboard?
Which cupboard?
The downstairs cupboard with the dryer.
Oh, I haven't looked in there.
Well, it usually is.
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Chapter 2: How does Kirsty cope with her fears about pregnancy?
And? It's really bad. Listen to this. Leaders are not doing enough to tackle weaknesses in pupils' education. The curriculum lacks ambition. Teachers' expectations are too low. Leaders do not do enough to make sure that teachers develop sufficient expertise to teach children. Tom... This is horrendous. And the timing of it, too.
OK, OK, yeah, it does sound bad. But let's, you know, try not to panic.
Try not to panic? You know what I mean. Sarah and Anova start school in September. September, Tom.
I know, I know, but how bad can it really be? I mean, Martha is really happy there, I think. Rosie and Xander, Jack. Jack's doing great. But is he? Is he, though? Yeah, I think so.
We've got to talk to Helen. Where is she? She was around.
Okay, so your blood pressure is 120 over 80, which is normal. Oh, great. And I'm just going to run through some questions. Okay. Do you smoke?
No.
Drink? Yes, before. I mean, just like the normal amount, you know. But not now. I mean, I just won't. Okay. Some people do. Have the occasional glass of wine. I just don't want to take even the tiniest risk. Well, that sounds good, particularly with you being ancient. You're naughty. I'm 45. You are an older mum, yes? I still can't believe it, really.
I'm delighted, you know, but it's... I know the odds were really, really against me even getting pregnant. Well, we're going to look after you. We're going to monitor you more closely and touch wood, all will be well. Any physical or mental health issues? No. What's your occupation? Oh, I run a rewilding project. Oh, that sounds lovely. Yeah, it is lovely, actually.
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Chapter 3: What challenges does Kirsty face during her pregnancy?
I mean, when I was on the phone and going to the dentist. That's why she was calling me. Oh, right. She's kind of flaky, but also amazing. I haven't told her yet because, well, I'm just not telling people. Of course, no, I understand that. I want to get a bit further down the line. That's entirely your decision. Thank you. I think, you know, because of what happened before.
So obviously I read through your notes and I can see that you had a pregnancy loss at 23 weeks? That's right. Yep. I'm so sorry. Thank you. It says here that you had some investigations, but no reason was discovered. That's correct. OK, so this is why your care will be consultant-led rather than midwife-led.
This loss plus your age means you are a higher risk, but because we're going to be keeping such a close eye on you, anything that's not right, it should be picked up early. Yeah. So I'm just saying all this not to scare you, but to reassure you that you are in safe hands. Thanks. We'll do our absolute best for you, Kirsty. Thank you. Are you all right?
I wish I could just know. I wish someone could just tell me that this one is going to live.
Kirsty.
Sorry.
Please don't apologise. Sorry. I mean, you know. Can you imagine how many women I see crying in here? Yes. Have a tissue. And have the box. Thanks.
Thank you.
Okay, so I just spoke to Helen briefly, but she was in a bit of a rush to get away. She's gone to look at some Monty's and she was running late. She said she could talk to us later, though, and let's crack on with the boxes.
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Chapter 4: How does the midwife address Kirsty's concerns?
Was it just a check-up, then? Sorry? The dentist's. Oh, sorry, yeah. Are you OK? Yeah, I'm fine. I'm good. You seem a bit distracted. Oh, sorry. Stop apologising. Oh, Kate. What? What's wrong? So, I haven't actually been to the dentist's. Where have you been? I was trying to keep it quiet. Oh, well, don't worry. You don't have to tell me.
Although I really do want to know, but if you don't want to tell me... I'm dying to tell you. Oh, good. Excellent. What's happening? I'm pregnant. Yes.
Oh, Kirsty. This is amazing. I know. I've been trying to keep it quiet till the 12 weeks come, but it's been so hard not telling you.
So how pregnant are you? I'm 10 weeks. 10 weeks. That's loads. That's brilliant. It's not enough, though. What do you mean? I want it to be 40 weeks. I want to be the size of a house. I want to get there, you know? Oh, Kirsty, I'm sure you will. I mean, I don't mean you'll be the size of a house, by the way. Anyway, so, yeah, this morning I was seeing the midwife.
Right, yes, not the dentists, but all good? Really good, yeah, so far.
Touch wood.
Oh, this is so wonderful. I feel like... Oh, how amazing! If it happens. Oh, it's going to happen. Well, we don't know. We don't know till they're here.
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Chapter 5: What are the implications of the Ofsted report on the school?
Yes, OK. But cautious optimism. Is that allowed? OK. And the father is Eric, right? Yes. And he knows? Yeah, and he's on board. He's been fantastic. Oh, this is so exciting. In a cautiously optimistic way, I mean.
Oh.
Does Jacob know? Er, yeah, he does. Oh, and please don't be mad with him for not telling you, because I really didn't want him to. Oh, no, it's fine. I'm glad he's to be trusted. Yeah, good. I'm going to be like an aunt to your baby. I guess you are. So long as, you know... Oh, it's so hard that you can't just take it for granted that everything's going to be okay. Yeah, well.
But you know, with any baby, any pregnancy, there's no guarantees, are there? Until you've got them safely in your arms and all is well. Yep. What did the midwife say? Were they reassuring? Oh, she was great. She was lovely.
Chapter 6: How do Tom and Natasha navigate school options for their children?
But I am high risk. Not just my history, but my age too. Yes, of course. But women of our age, your age, can and do have perfectly healthy pregnancies. Yeah, that's what she said.
But what? What is it? Well, at the end she asked me if I had any questions and I thought, yeah, yeah, I've got loads, but no one can answer them. Because all I want to know, Kate, is why did it happen last time and will it happen again? And what can I do to stop it? What can I do?
OK, so... Did you speak to them? I've just got off the phone from the school. And what did they say? It wasn't good, it wasn't good at all. So what did they say? Apparently the head has been signed off on long-term sick leave and the deputy head could only spare me a couple of minutes and they didn't have anything much to say about the report.
Like I didn't even try and defend the school or anything. It was a bit of a wet blanket, if I'm honest.
Oh, great. What are we going to do? I've no idea.
I think maybe we've got to look at other schools.
What other schools?
Well, I'm sure there's other choices if we're willing to travel. Oh.
Yeah, yeah, that's true.
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Chapter 7: What decisions do Tom and Natasha consider regarding private schooling?
I'm not scared of her at all. I'd just like to avoid the conversation. Particularly since we almost certainly cannot afford it and therefore don't need to get into it. Ever.
Ever.
Well, like I said, one step at a time, Tom. One step at a time.
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We'll see you next time.
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