Interview with TV Producer, Sam Mann, 45, on her Second Pregnancy

Sam is an experienced TV and radio presenter, a producer, event host and writer. Over 25 years she has been lucky to work with some of the biggest names in the business, including: 6 years as Entertainment Editor at Capital Radio; 5 years as a columnist for The Mirror; 8 years covering showbiz on ITV’s This Morning; and regular live broadcasts from events such as the Oscars, the Brits and the BAFTAS. She is currently UK producer for E! News. When she’s not chatting on a red carpet you’ll find Sam on mummy duty with her 9 year old daughter April. It’s a joy to interview Sam here. Please note this interview commenced prior to the Coronavirus pandemic.

You’ve been open about the fact you’re a ‘geriatric mum’ (hate that term) and that this, your second pregnancy has happened at age of 45. I’d love a third child in the next year or two and having recently turned 39, it’s reassuring the read about friends and celebrities enjoying pregnancies later on in life. How have you found things emotionally and physically this time around?

As I’m 45, I have looked into the stats on what could go wrong more this time around and reaching each week of pregnancy has been an achievement. During my first pregnancy 10 years ago, I read books and searched online, but more to find out what vegetable my baby was the same size as or which part of the body had developed that week. I didn’t really worry about the possibility of anything going wrong. I feel very lucky to have had that pregnancy and although I’ve been very much aware of the odds throughout this pregnancy so far, I feel very lucky indeed. I feel physically as fit as I did 10 years ago and have kept up with my yoga and gentle gym classes so far. I’m not sure how I will feel after the birth but I certainly won’t be putting any pressure on myself to look a certain way or lose weight in a certain time frame.

I have realised in the grand scheme of things, I am not that old and women are having babies at 50 and beyond. My midwife and doctors have treated me the same as if I were in my 20s, the only difference so far, is that I have been advised that it would be better to be induced a week before my due date. As far as friends and family are concerned they have all been very supportive and it’s usually me joking about the fact I’ll be the ‘ripe ol’ age of 46′ when I give birth.

This pregnancy is very similar to my first one 10 years ago! I suffered from morning (noon and night) sickness throughout the first trimester, something I had hoped would be different this time around but alas. But, on the plus side, all the great things from my first pregnancy have returned in the second trimester – I am sleeping well, have plenty of energy and generally feel good.

I found out I was having a girl as early as possible in my first pregnancy and loved it as we named her and I spoke to her every day before she arrived. This time around we opted to do the Panorama DNA screening test at 9 weeks and as part of that, we were told we could find out the sex. I couldn’t resist, so we know we are having a boy and we are even pretty sure on his name too. I don’t hang around 🙂

The best thing about being pregnant so far has been telling April she is going to be a big sister. We waited until after the first trimester and surprised her with a little treasure hunt. The look on her little face as the penny dropped will be a moment I will treasure forever. We filmed it so I  can’t wait to show her little brother once he’s old enough. She is super excited and loves playing with her babies so I will have a little helper as soon as the baby arrives. At the moment she talks to him through my belly every day and kisses him goodnight – it makes my heart melt.

I have so much more life experience than I did in my 20s/30s which means I am super chilled about this pregnancy and I know I will be the same once the baby arrives. My life is so different now – I love cosy nights in and having a nice meal at home which is perfect for a new mum.

This is certainly not why I am having another child but it has been pointed out to me that having a little one around will keep me young and I guess that’s right. I am now more than ever keen to eat healthily and keep as fit and active as possible.

I’m freelance and have been for pretty much my whole working life. It’s great as it means I have control over my workload. I plan to take it as it comes once the baby arrives. I won’t book too much in at first and then see how I feel. I am very lucky as I have a great family and support network who help me out. I am also studying at the moment so I have another string to my bow which will mean I can spend more time closer to home.

For more on Sam, check out:

Read more pregnancy posts HERE.

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