Symptoms of early pregnancy include: nausea, vomiting, dry skin, weight gain, mood changes, chest pain, constipation, heartburn, pelvic pressure / joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, vaginal discharge and fatigue. Many of these symptoms disappear after approximately 16 weeks gestation although there's no 'magic cut-off'. Meanwhile UTIs are very common in pregnancy and must be treated as they may cause pre-term labour.

I cannot make up my mind on where I stand regarding the release of Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds. Ethically if the man was soon to die from terminal cancer, I would support his release to be with his family. However, he is guilty of a crime for which he was given a life-sentence and I can understand why many people are particularly upset by his release. I don't know what's true about the economic discussions taking place between Scotland and Libya and the rumours that his release were part of a trade deal although I sincerely hope they are not true. If they do turn out to be true, it would pose serious questions about the members of the Scottish parliament who warranted his release.

From now on I will take something to do in clinics between patients not turning up, tutors being absent, patients not wanting students present etc instead of wasting hours like this afternoon!