Final Countdown

Pregnancy Gesture Week 38

The final countdown is here. Just another 13 hours more at 6am I'll be in KKH to get the Prostin for induction delivery.

This morning Doc Tan said baby's weight is about 2.3kg and it would be better for me to induce baby out as I was tested positive for GBS while pregnant with Fayth 4 years back so this time I also need to have the antibiotic drip before I go into labor. Afraid that there won't be enough time for me to take the drip if I will reject the induction and choose to wait for everything to happen 'naturally' at home.

I am so excited and scare~~ Hopefully it will be a fast delivery and still considering about epidural but doubt that I can do without it.

Ok guys, update again after my delivery with my new baby beside me.

The Green Light

Went for my another weekly check up yesterday.. and after all the necessary checks...

Doc Tan: So, you're finally full term 37 weeks + 2 days.
Me: Yup! :D
Doc Tan: You want to deliver already or still want to wait?
Me: *shock* Huh? Can deliver already??
Doc Tan: Yes, you're 2cm dilated and full term so you can choose to deliver.
Me: But can still wait? I'm quite worry about the baby weight if deliver now.
Doc Tan: You can still wait 1 more week, you baby never grow inside your womb, it's better to deliver her and let her gain nutrition externally.
Me: Huh... same situation as my 1st child...
Doc Tan: *Flipping through my records* Yes. So we let baby stay inside the womb till 38 weeks. Let her mature abit more then induce her out ok?
Me: If this way is better for her then ok lor...
Doc Tan: Ok, so you come in this Sunday to Delivery Suite at 6am to get the Prostin. You want epidural again or can't decide now?
Me: I will want to TRY enduring without it...
Doc Tan: Labor is not about pain enduring test.
Me: Ermm.. Will decide when the time comes..
Doc Tan: Ok, I will see you this Sunday morning.
Me: Ok, thank you Doc Tan. Bye...

Gosh~~ 5 more days to my delivery and... induce again!!!

Scare scare scare...............

Premier Package at KKH

Went for my weekly check up yesterday and done the Estimated Fetal Scanning, current baby weight is 2.177 kg and I'm 2 cm dilated. 3 more days to full term 37 weeks and if baby were to born after this Saturday, she will not be consider a premature baby already. Hang on baby girl!

Also signed the Premier Package at KKH. Due to my chosen gynae will deliver my baby for me and no other doctors are allow to be inside my delivery room, I can only chose either an A1 or B1 class ward. So, I've chosen B1 4 bedded as it's only a 2 days stay in hospital so there's no need to spend extra $1000 just to let hubby stay with me.

Deposit $1278, medisave claimable is $2100 and the admission assistant lady told me that about 10% of the patients need to top up after the final bill so hopefully I'm 1 of the 90% patients.

This is the additional charges (based on usage) which is NOT included in my $3378 package.

1. Delivery Suite Facility Charge (After 8 hours from package) - 41 cents per minute
2. Epidural (Anaesthetist Fee Only, drug charge separately) - $315~$440
3. Instrument Delivery - $164
4. Induction of Labour (1 prostin pessary) - $81 (I used 2 when delivered Fayth!)
5. Daily Ward Charge + treatment fee (After 2 days) - $169 + $62
6. Any other services - 'B1' rate

I hope I will deliver within 8 hrs upon checking into the delivery room. I hope I can do it without epidural this time. I hope I don't need to be induce also... If all the 'I hope I can ...' make it, then I'll fall into the 90% range of those patients that don't need to top up extra cash...

*Heehee*

Pregnancy Gesture Week 36 + 1 day

Last Friday, I had a shock... I saw what I think should be the 'show' or some call it 'mucus'. One of the symptoms of early labor, a brownish discharge with some straws of blood. Was in office during that time and my mind went totally blank as it's my 1st time experience this.

I'm just like a 1st time mummy because I was induced during my 1st pregnancy so I won't know how water bag burst feel like, what is the different between Braxton Hicks contraction and real contraction and how does 'show' or 'mucus' look like. Whatever I got it now, I will go asked around then my friends will tell me what to do or what to expect next...

Once again, I'm a blur mummy...

Hubby came to office and fetch me home, not to KKH as I wanted to bathe and wash my hair in case I really need to be deliver that very day...

After that good shower, I lay on my bed thinking should I just stay home to monitor the staining or just head to hospital??? Earlier on, in the office, I called up KKH and asked for advise. Was told to go hospital asap because I'm already 1 cm dilated as per informed by my gynae on Monday so my cervix might have dilated further without I even notice it.

Ended up I decided to monitor the staining at home and wait for other symptom such as water bag burst or contraction before I decided to take my bag and head to hospital.

Well today, my pregnancy gesture is 36 weeks and 1 day. Staining has since stopped and baby is still inside her comfort zone while I'm still enjoying those wonderful movements of her playing inside. Just 6 more days to full term 37 weeks...

Till then, baby endure while mummy counting down.

1cm dilated at 35 weeks

Went for my 35 weeks check up yesterday. Told Doc Tan my braxton hicks contractions is getting more frequent and accompanied with some pain whenever my tummy tightens..

Doc Tan did a check and found out that my cervix is already 1 cm dilated. Gosh~~ meaning I might be delivering anytime early. She gave me womb relaxant medicine to stop the contraction and hope baby could wait for at least 11 days more to full term 37 weeks.

As what Jo had said yesterday... 1st baby time up already still enjoying inside, doesn't want to come out and ended up I needed to be induced.. Now, 2nd baby time haven't up so anxious to come out.. Maybe that's why I need to buy few more canes to hang around the house and rooms.
Not forgetting, I've gained 2 kg in 2 weeks (tumb up). Currently I'm now 51.5 kg while baby is 2.2kg~~

Baby... be good girl ok? Wait till at least 11 days more...

Just a little update...

It's been a week since my last update.

Pretty busy recently....

Busy with:

- Taiwan Drama 'Destiny Mine'. Used to watched it at Channel U 10.00pm but just can't get enough of it as it only show for 1 hour. Lucky a colleague of mine has the DVD.... I'm getting crazy over it now~~

- Shopping. Everyone keeps telling me to walk more, sit less towards my last trimester for easier and smooth delivery. Well, I do listen to people's advise so I go shopping! Still need to do some 'last minute' shopping for stuffs that I need (hubby said this is forever my excuse and the things I need will never end too...haha). Of coz not forgetting to shop presents for little Fayth... Wonderful exercise, isn't it??!!

- Sleeping. Once my new baby is born, expected Mr Zzz will find his new fling and ditch me pretty soon... so I'm trying to 'accompany' him more whenever possible UNLESS I'm watching my drama.

- Talking to my unborn. She is getting very violent now towards the end of my pregnancy.. guess due to the 'lack of space' in her comfort zone, my womb. She used to poked me but now, she uses punch and she's definitely a great gymnastic in the 360 degree turning category.

Till then, counting down 35 days more to my delivery. Will be going for my weekly check up from Monday onwards, time flies... Gonna ask my gynae by any chance will I be delivering early. Hopefully won't need to be induce again this time...

26 yrs old, Young? 28 yrs old, Younger??

Went to pharmacy to buy dry shampoo for confinement use and this is the conversation exchanged between the promoter and me.

Promoter: Preggy with 1st child?
Me: Nope, is 2nd.
Promoter: Wa, you look so young!
Me: *Brush* Thanks...
Promoter: Baby girl or boy?
Me: Baby girl, 1st child also girl (tell her 1st as I know she will ask me back).
Promoter: So when you going to deliver?
Me: 3rd Oct.
Promoter: That's fast, just another 1 month plus!
Me: Yup.
Promoter: Really can't guess that you'r a mother of 2... You must be 28 this year.
Me: *face abit like bitter gourd* I'm only 26 this year, birthday still got few months away (then gave her my very forceful smile).
Promoter: *abit paisei and just smile to me without carry on saying anything*

My roller coaster ride in KK

Today, 6 Aug, Thursday I'm at home blogging because I'm on hospitalization leaves till 15 Aug. Yes, this is the 2nd time I'm given HL and this time I'm really admitted into KK hospital.

Let me tell you why and let me share with you my 'roller coaster' ride in the hospital.

On 3rd Aug Monday afternoon, I start to have sore throat then by midnight my temperature raised up to 38 degree. In my heart I was thinking..: 'shit! don't tell me I kana the H1N1 virus!' So once the sun shine in early Tuesday morning, I got Hb to bring me to KK as I do not want to take any risk in passing it to Fayth or other members in the family.

As usual in the hospital Delivery Suite (i need to be in delivery suite as i'm over 24 weeks of pregnancy)...
Nurse: Have you got flu like symptom? eg: cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever?
Me: Yes, i'm now having sore throat and fever. Last took temperature at 8am is 38 degree.
Nurse: Have you been to H1N1 affected countries like: Hong Kong, M'sia....

Before the nurse could continue with ALL the affected countries, I interrupted her with this...
Me: I had in contact with person who is currently a suspected patient of H1N1, and her result will only be out today. (At 9plus, my colleague called me to said she's confirm H1N1 positive.)
Nurse: *Stone* but very quickly asked my Hb to seat at the other side and arranged to bring me into an isolated room for observation and checking of my baby.

I'm actually been brought into a normal delivery room as they had to split up some of the rooms for H1N1 suspected pregnant patient. Inside the room remind me of the birth experience and memories when I was giving birth to Fayth back in year 2005~~~~~~~~

Shoo shoo, come back to the reality!!! Now I'm inside that room not because of giving birth and choy! it's just too too early to deliver now! I'm as a H1N1 suspected status for being inside that room!

Lying on the 'delivery' bed (it's a different kind of bed from those ward), turning on the tv (yeah, there's tv for those daddy to watch while accompany the mummy waiting for delivery), looking at the clock, waiting for the nurses and doctor to check on me or rather to check on baby's well being.

Not long after, a nurse came in to do a CTG test for me. That test is to monitor baby's heartbeat and contractions. During that 30mins of test, I had at least 5 Braxton Hixs contractions (a type false contraction which prepares the womb for real labour) and is not 'normal' as by right, Braxton Hixs should not be more then 4 times in an hour. Was given 1 dosage of womb relaxant med every 15mins up to 1 hour to stop the contractions as it will trigger to preterm labour if my womb continues to contract.

I asked the nurse what if my womb still contracts even after taking the med, her answer was: 'We will need to jab you the steroid med which helps to strengthen baby's lung in case you have to deliver early.' When I heard that 'steroid jab', my face immediately turned green and my mouth become *o* as I remembered I had that jab when I admitted into hospital when I was about 8 months pregnant with Fayth. It was the most painful jab I had taken in my life and 2 jabs is needed within 12 hours. It's not being jab into your arm, but is on your lap. It was the only jab that would make me cry and clung onto my aunt's hands like a small kid. That is a nightmare. But in the end, baby's cooperative enough and the contractions stop.

When I told Lilian and Jo about the contractions and the steroid jab, they both answered me: Huh? Again!! Hahaha~~~ lucky is not 'again' for that jab. Hb wasn't allow to be with me all the while so if I really had to take the jab, I really don't know who's hand can I hold on to... maybe just the metal bar beside the bed..

After the CTG was done, a doctor came in to take the swap from my nose for the H1N1 test and inform me that I have to be warded due to the contractions as they need to monitor closely again. Then, Tamiflu was given to me. I kept asking the nurses is Tamiflu safe for baby and they keep assuring me they wont give med that is unsafe for the unborn.... 1 hour after taken the Tamiflu, I vomited. Don't know is it due to the side effect of the med or just because I haven't been taken any food yet I had to down 8 types of medicines till my stomach couldn't take it.

I was inside the delivery room for almost 5 hours until they finally sent me up to the ward. Is not a normal Class A, B or C ward. It's Ronald MacDonald Family Room. They had transform the rooms inside to become an Isolated Ward for H1N1 cases. No visitors are allow into the rooms. Although the room has TV, mini fridge, telephone and own toilet facilities, its still very boring.

It's nearly impossible to rest in the hospital as the nurses and doctors keep coming into the room every 1 hour or so to do the CTG and different med is taken at different timing, just imagine.... When the 2nd CTG was done at the Isolated Ward, I'm being told that I got contractions (again) yet I don't anything this time!! I need to be wheeled down to the delivery suite (again) and redo the CTG (again) there. WTH!!!

There's a nurse from the delivery suite who was very nice and patience. When she saw me again, she said: 'I make sure there's no more contractions before I sent you up! Come, let me touch your stomach. *then she start pressing my tummy* See?! your tummy is soft! There isn't any sign of contractions. Never mind, let's do the CTG once more and show them ok!

Haha~~ at least she brighton up my mood a little. She turned on for me the tv, asked me to rest awhile the CTG was strapped onto my tummy. Half hour later, the nurse came in with a doctor. They both laugh and shake their head while looking at the CTG slip. The doctor then said to the nurse: 'Go up to the ward and ask them tell me which part of it show she got contractions?' Looking back at me, the doctor asked if I feel any pain or tightening feeling, I told him no. Then he apologised that he had to send me back to the ward as he know it's tiring for being push up and down.

The angry part came when I'm being sent up to the ward (again). One of the nurse asked: 'Why are you back again? Aren't you suppose to be in the delivery suite?' The very tired and piss off me decided to 'open' my mouth this time: 'Can you please do your part, check properly and STOP sending me up and down! Try being already so tired inside the room and get checked every hour yet still need to be push up and down!!' A senior nurse behind her immediately apologised to me and sent me back to my room. See? Tigress never angry thought she is Hello Kitty ar!

Finally night came and all the checks has stopped and I got to sleep a straight few hours before I noticed it's already 6am in the morning. Can't fall back asleep, decide to turned on the tv and watch cartoons.... haha~~~

A doctor came in at 7.30am, told me I'm H1N1 negative! My fever has stabilised, sore throat also better, I'm allow to discharge at 1pm but before that, another CTG has to be done first. Oh ya, forgot to mention that food in hospital SUCX.

A midwife came in at 8.45am to do the CTG for me, came back at 9.15am and said the result not good. From there, I start to suspect problems lies on their machine not me as I don't feel anything wrong, not even a small tightening feel!!!

Hb came at 1pm (he's allow into my room already), I asked the nurse about my discharge then she told me I need to do the CTG test (again). I told her that I had already done it at 8.45am! She then said the test is not satisfy so need to redo (again). I piss off and asked her: 'so, if I never asked you about my discharge, what time will you be doing the CTG for me?!' She apologised and quickly arranged for the machine.

I waited for nearly half hour yet no one came with the machine so I called for the nurse (again), she told me they need to wait for the midwife from another ward to start the machine as they are not train to do it. Kaoz!!! Ok, I waited patiently for the midwife.

CTG starts at 1.45pm, expected to finish at 2.15pm but less then 5 mins into the test, baby keep moving and turning inside till the machine unable to detect her heartbeat. The midwife came to adjust and 'find' her heartbeat yet baby isn't cooperative enough. So ended up the CTG machine was let off to another patient in another room while they let my baby 'rest' first. (By the way, the CTG machine they used on me at 8.45am was in fact an old machine, that's why keep saying I got contractions!)

Getting too boring and impatient with the wait, Hb and I went down for coffee and bread. Expected to have the CTG ready by the time we went back, still have to wait about 1 hour. Finally, CTA starts at 4.20pm and went smoothly till 4.45pm when the machine suddenly auto stop. Thinking it might because they set the timer, I called for the nurse.

They came and checked on the machine, it shouldn't have stop itself and they also said that my test is still not up to the standard. This time, I blow my top. I told them: 'Baby is very active inside, keep turning and moving around, I can't possibly put my hands inside my womb and stop her from moving right?! I had enough of waiting and CTG and I want discharge NOW!'

Before the nurse could say anything, I continue....: 'This morning your doctor told me I can discharge at 1pm, just because you all never let me redo the CTG in time due to the 1st test is not satisfy, now I got wait for 4 hours and I got to pay the hospital another half day bill for the so-called miscommunication you all had among yourselves! And I also came to know that 1st machine I used was actually an old machine that is why it detect that I got contraction yet I didn't feel anything myself! And I'm sure this is also the reason why I'm been sent up and down yesterday!'

Then finally, I decided to listen to the nurse explanation (coz I'm abit tired of saying already). She apologised that they had the miscommunication and for the old CTG machine is because originally this Ronald MacDonald family room is not for women, it's only for children and when the hospital decided to open this ward last month as an isolated ward for H1N1 case, they had to borrow the CTG machine from Women's ward and the nurses there are not train to take care of pregnant patient as they were not from Women's side.

Ok, I reluctantly accepted their apologies and explanations but I insisted I wanted to be discharge then the nurse explained that I need to sign an AOR (at own risk) form as the instruction passed down from the doctor is to let me discharge only if the CTG test is satisfy.

Then again, I had to wait for the MO (medical officer) to come and let me sign the AOR and discharge form. It's already 5.30pm yet the MO still haven't come so Hb went outside to the nurse and asked them: ' Are you all trying to test our patience?' The nurse quickly explain that the MO need to see finish the patients in the clinic 1st. Hb got very angry and asked them: 'Your clinic is 24hrs, so you expect me to wait 24hrs just for that MO to come up and let me wife sign the papers?!'

Very soon after, the MO finally appeared. I heard the MO asked the nurse before she came into my room: 'Who's patient is she?' The nurse reply: 'Doc KT Tan's patient.' The MO came in and greeted me with a big smile of hers and show me her very white tooth. She apologised for being so late and let me sign the forms and asked me what medicine do I need. I can stop Tamiflu as I'm H1N1 negative but got to continue with the womb relaxant med.

That's not all, I still need to wait for my medication. So I finally left the hospital at 6.55pm, just before the 6.30pm news end. While at the car park exit, IU insufficient fund coz the total car park charged is $10.10 while Hb cash card only have $7 inside...

That's my experienced in KK with not experienced nurses.

It's August!

It's 1st August! It's a month I can finally tell people when I will start my leave; Next Month!

When people asked me when I work till or when will I start my maternity leave, my answer is always either; 2 more months or Sept lor. But now, I can answer them 'next month 18 I'll be away already!'

2 more months till my delivery on 3rd Oct and 3 more months till my buddy delivery on 30th Oct! So excited and am counting down day by day... Who knows I give birth on 1st Oct and she give birth on 1st Nov!~~

Little bit here, little bit there...

Time really flies.. just another 3 days, I will be in my 31st week of pregnancy. Just 9 weeks more to my delivery and only 7 weeks more to start my maternity leaves!

Oh gosh~~ I start to have mixed feelings in some ways.. Everything of my life got to 'restart' again. I'm gonna be a 'new mum' all over again after 4 years. The thoughts of having to carry, to feed, to bathe, to look after a newborn suddenly seems so unfamiliar to me.

In summary, I'm scare yet excited...

I'm afraid I won't be able to handle it, I'm afraid I will cry even for just a very minor thing. I'm afraid I will neglect Fayth. There's just so many things that I'm afraid I can't do it, I can't handle the upcoming stress.

While I'm excited in another way... this will be another new journey of my life. My new life will consist of Hubby, Fayth and baby. It's no longer just the 3 of us but 4. I'm a mum of 2 at the age of 27!!

That means, I will need to do alot of beauty regime in order not to look haggard and old! I don't want to look like age 37 yet I'm only in my 27! I HAVE to gain back my weight and waist to pre-pregnancy figure of 44kg, waistline of 24". I want to fit back into my jeans and dresses!! No saggy breast and no excess fats please... It's horrible and scary and it will definitely bring down my self esteem and confidence. I want to be a modern, pretty mama, not an auntie that you will see in those wet market cause I don't go market, I only frequent to NTUC and Cold Storage!

Gosh~~ seems like I'm suffering pre-natal depression??!! Hahaha~~~~ no la, I'm not. :)

Anyway, I will think more of the positive and happy things. I will enjoy my final trimester of pregnancy to the fullest. As much as I wanted to enjoy, I'm getting heavier each passing days... Anything that requires me to bend down or lift up my legs like getting up from bed/floor, bending down to pick up Fayth's toys, using a squatted toilet bowl, bathing Fayth, wearing my short has become an uneasy task for me now. Much less to say wash my feet properly when I bathe or to cut my toe nails! So, this is 1 of a good excuse for me to go pedicure every 2 weeks.

I just had my pedicure done last Sunday. I told the lady: 'Pls help me wash my feet and clean my inner nails properly as I haven't been able to clean them for 3 weeks...' Guess that lady must be feeling gross by just looking at my feet! Hahahaha~~~~

Think more or less I've decided on baby's name. It will be either Mikayle or Kayle, meaning 'Gift From God'. Chinese name will decide after baby is born but we've come up a few list.. Jia Xin, Jia Xuan, Jia Le.

There are just so many things I need to do and think before and after delivery which I had ended up with a 'To do list', 'To buy list' and 'To bring list' in order not to miss out anything important especially so IF I were to deliver early without having my hospital bag pack, my hubby will know what to bring according to my list.

Another few updates: Baby has been moving and turning more and more violently recently, maybe of the 'lack of space' in my cute little tummy. 1 of my colleague even seen the 'war' coming from my tummy. Once, I put hubby's hand onto my tummy while he was reading paper and he suddenly go: "wa! what is she doing inside?!" So now hubby know why I'm always awake in wee hours....

And to date, No stretch marks, yet (touchwood!). Occasionally do have some itchiness and I controlled myself not to scratch, just a little hand rubbing do helps a little but better then nothing!

To pen it off, I'm going for my monthly check up next Tuesday. Shall see how much weight gain!!

Till then~~~

Last Trimester

Today, I'm in my 29 weeks/203 days of pregnancy.

Just 11 weeks/77 days to my delivery.

Just 9 weeks/66 days to start my Maternity Leaves on 22nd Sept.

Yeah~~ I'll be taking my Maternity Leaves 10 days before my due date on 3rd Oct.

I want to spend some precious time with Fayth.

I want to rest more before baby is born.

I need to pack and get prepare for the delivery.

I'm counting down and time just flies!

Baby Movements

Interesting article.

Head, Elbows, Knees and Toes??

Sometime during the second trimester you will begin feeling your baby move. The first movements will feel more like butterflies in your tummy, or light tickling coming from the inside. As your baby gets bigger you will start feeling light taps and kicks letting you know that your baby is awake and is playing inside his little world.

As you go through the third trimester, the movements become more definite and more detectable. You are able to detect a kick from a punch as well as feel your baby flip and roll. As the baby gets bigger you start to guess what it is you see moving along your belly. Is it an elbow? Is it your babies foot?

Eventually the baby gets too big to do the flips and rolls, so he tried to stretch and play in other ways. He may start head butting you in your bladder, making you have to visit the bathroom constantly and find that nothing is coming out. He may stick out his elbow, poking you in the side as to say, “Mommy, I am here!”

If he is head down you might feel him stretching into your ribs, using his feet to push against your bones and muscles. You might feel pressure at the top of your uterus from the baby pushing on the inside. If you put your hand and push back you may feel a little ball. It makes you have to ask, is that his knee or his heel? You can start playing a game with your baby because he will probably move this body part to another position in your belly, which you can follow him and gently push back. You will be telling your baby, “I know you are there, I am here too.”

The movements of your baby are definitely the best part of pregnancy and as they get stronger in the third trimester, they make up for all the aches and pains you may have had in the first trimester from the morning sickness and fatigue you probably felt. The movements are normally the first thing a woman says that she MISSES about being pregnant, if not the only thing.

Me and unborn's progress

Had my monthly check up done on Tuesday noon and the pregnancy progress is good with some surprise...

1st of all, I've been a naughty girl for the month of June due to my excess eating of durians and never really control my intake of sweet drinks BUT, routine test showed that I'm sugar-free in my urine! Hohoho~~

4 weeks ago on 8th June, Doc Tan said baby is only weigh 300g and I'm only 46.5kg.

19 days later on 27th June, my GP checked my weigh was 47.4kg (1kg gained in less den 3 weeks).

Another 10 days later on 7th July, Doc Tan said baby now weigh 1kg and I'm 48.4kg (another 1kg gained in 10 days!!!)

Total gained 2kg in 1 month and baby gained 700g! Even my mil was surprised of the speed in my weigh gain. Meaning I did eat well ok!

Impressive and proud of myself especially when people still said I still look slim and pretty NOW! Hahaha~~~

Other then my cute little tummy is protruding out, people can't tell I'm actually in my 27th weeks of pregnancy from my back view.

Currently, no stretchmarks on my tummy and I'm still very hardworking in making sure I apply stretchmarks cream every night.

Please, let me remain 'stretchmarks free' even in this 2nd pregnancy!!!

Oh! I'm so excited that I'm into my 3rd trimester in 2 days time! Time flies, last trimester to go and I make sure to enjoy my 'queen' life to the fullest in this last 3 months.

11th July, Saturday. Last trimester - here I enter!!!

Random...

8/06/2009 - 46.5 kg

27/06/2009 - 47.4 kg

1 kg gained in less then 3 weeks, so proud of myself!!!

But, kind of worry for the sugar level in my urine coz I've been quite a naughty girl recently :(

Hopefully I'll pass my urine test next Tuesday when I go for my check up.

12 more days to my 3rd Trimester, Yippy!!!

If everything go smoothly and baby due on the Estimated Due Date 3rd Oct, I will start my maternity leave on 21st September so as to take some rest, spend some time alone with Fayth and prepare for newborn. Then back to work on 30th November.

Everything must go swee swee as plan ok!

And, Hubby will be going for his 'stay in' reservist from tomorrow till 18th July, nearly 3 weeks. Only to be back on weekend so will be having the whole bed to myself as Fayth usually sleep with in law or she will sleep on the mattress. Hubby will be celebrating his 32th birthday in camp on 1st July! My poor boy~~

Little baby...

Had my check up done yesterday. Doc Tan said my baby is abit too small, weighing at 300 gram only. I'm being asked to eat more and drink milk AND don't keep forgetting my prenatal supplements!

Nearly 24 weeks of pregnancy, I've only gained 2.5kg. I'm now only weigh 46.5kg :(

Okok...

I've bought Dumex Mamil Mama Milk for pregnant and my ZPGY must be very surprise I dare to drink milk powder but for the sake of baby, I got to force myself drink...

Oh yes, my urine test results this month: I'm sugar-free!!! Yippy~~~ But still, better watch out for my sugar intake.

The Major Scan and me...

Had my major detailed scanning yesterday. Feeling excited and nervous during the scan. Excited because finally baby was in perfect position to check on the gender while nervous was because it's a major detailed scan that will tells you everything about the baby, from the brain to the heart to the spine, to the little fingers/toes and even to the eyes and lips. Luckily everything was normal and my baby's lip looks so much like Fayth's lip! Hopefully baby got Fayth's big eyes too.

After my scanning, I went to see my gynae and the first thing I told her was my biggest problem of all.... my constipation (yeah, I remember this time!). When I told her about my bowel 'routine', she gave me a "Wow, you are serious" look and prescribed 3 types of medications for me. 1 box of High Fiber Orange to drink every morning, 2 bottles of liquid Laxative for 3 times daily and (the last shraw) 4 bullets to insert to stimulate gut movement IF the first 2 doesn't work on me! Ya, I am this serious, beyond your imagination...

Also mentioned to her about my backache as I ever went to the TCM but currently there's nothing they could do except to give me oilment to rub on my back. Doc Tan also said that now I can only apply oil or take panadol if the pain get worst.... Never mind, the most I go out shopping less lor. Be good girl, endure till after delivery.

During yesterday routine test, my result showed there's sugar in my urine. It's not high now but I got to start cutting down on my sugar intake and if next month my test result shows that there's sugar again, I'll be ask to go for diabetic blood test... (Am a good girl now)

And yes! I will be having another Princess! As what Fayth had always expected, she will have a meimei to play with!

Now I can start searching for names and shop for all the pinky girly stuffs... A pink romper for baby to wear during discharge from hospital, a pink receiving blanket, a pink mitten and bootie, a pink or a red pram. I make sure everything will be chosen and decide by me, no more whites this time (ZPGY will understands what I mean....)!

I've started to racky and do comparison on breast pump, milk bottle sterilizer and pram. Currently still deciding which brand and what model to buy (all cost a bomb!). Once if there's any promotion and good buy, I won't let the chance slip off from my hand else I'll suffer from burning wallet!!

Time flies, I'm at the halfway mark - 20 weeks of pregnancy. Just another 20 weeks more to go!!!

Baby, be good girl, stay inside mummy's womb for another 5 months and let's have a smooth delivery together ok!

Week 19: The poop factory is now open

Uh Oh... didn't managed to get time to update for the past 1 week as I'm busy with work...yeah, been really busy working as some of my colleagues were on leave for holidays (so envy) and needed to take over with some of their work loads (hardly had any time for msn/skype chatting as well).

Time flies and I'm now in my pregnancy week 19 (4 months and 3 weeks to be exact). Just 1 more week to my scheduled appointment on 18 May for the major scanning and of course the 'peeping' to my baby's gender...

Fetal development in pregnancy week 19: Your amazing little baby is now around 10 inches in length! If this seems a bit shocking, you’ll be relieved to know they’ve not actually grown over 3 inches, but that their little legs are now straight enough to be measured. This is when doctors begin measuring fetal growth from head to toe, (no longer “crown to rump” or CR). Lanugo (little hairs) covers their whole body now, trapping that charming cheese-like vernix caseosa (see week 18) to the surface to the skin. This week your lil’ fetus will start on an appetizing diet of amniotic fluid which they are now capable of swallowing, digesting, and passing the fluid as far as their tiny “large” intestines. Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

How your life's changing: Think you're big now? You'll start growing even faster in the weeks to come. As a result, you may notice some achiness in your lower abdomen or even an occasional brief, stabbing pain on one or both sides — especially when you shift position or at the end of an active day. You may be noticing some skin changes, too. Are the palms of your hands red? Nothing to worry about — it's from the extra estrogen. You may also have patches of darkened skin caused by a temporary increase in pigment. When these darker patches appear on your upper lip, cheeks, and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." You may also notice some darkening of your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms, inner thighs, and vulva. That darkened line running from your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra, or "dark line." These darkened spots will probably fade shortly after delivery.

Dreams

There's an interesting article about...dreams, Pregnancy Dreams! Do you experience any of these dreams during your 10 months journey of Expecting? Well....

Dreams During Pregnancy ~ Many women report that their dream life shifts into high gear during pregnancy. Interestingly, during the second and third trimesters, you spend less sleep time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the cycle in which most dreams occur. Why, then, all those frequent and vivid dream memories?

It's probably at least in part because you may be interrupting a dream-filled cycle when you wake up to pee, cope with heartburn, leg cramps, restless legs, or a backache, or to shift to a more comfortable position. Waking up during REM sleep makes you more likely to remember your dreams.

It may also be in part that dreams seem so vivid during pregnancy because for most women pregnancy is a time of such heightened emotions — from joy to apprehension and everything in between — but no one really knows for sure.

Here's a look at some common themes and what they may mean, according to Patricia Garfield, a clinical psychologist and author of Women's Bodies, Women's Dreams.

You're caring for baby animals. During the second trimester, many pregnant women dream about cuddly, baby-like animals, such as puppies, chicks, and kittens. Friendly creatures in your dreams are generally thought to signify that you're tuned in to your instincts. Menacing animals, on the other hand, may represent ambivalence about the strange new creature entering your life.

You have a sexy encounter with an old flame. Many mothers-to-be are concerned about their changing figure and its effect on their sex life — while many others feel more sexually charged than ever. Both feelings are often reflected in your dreams. Not only do erotic dreams offer comforting reassurance, but they may mirror the sexiness you feel during your waking hours, too.

Your mate is straying. If you dream that your partner hooks up with an ex-girlfriend or a total stranger, it can signal insecurity about holding his love and attention through a time of great change. Right now, you're dependent on the goodwill and support of those around you, especially your partner. Fearing his loss is a common emotional reaction to being pregnant.

Since there's nothing you can do to stop the crazy dreams, try having fun with them. Keep a notebook and pen by your bedside to jot them down.

Pregnancy Week 17

Pregnancy Week 17

What is going on with mom & baby?

Baby: Don't be too shocked but... your baby is EVEN bigger than it was last week, not to mention getting cuter, and smarter every day! Baby’s crown to rump length is around 13.5 cm. Your baby weighs about 150-200 grams, has fine hair called lanugo forming on her head and body. Your baby is forming enamel on her teeth now and is beginning to develop fat underneath her skin. Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop. Reactive listening has begun for your baby, even though their ears are not yet structurally complete or fully functional. Meanwhile, different parts of their astonishingly complex brain are developing to process your little one’s hearing and other senses, (you know, sight, smell, taste and touch).

Mom: You may be having more aches and pains now. You may be experiencing pain on the sides of your abdomen called round ligament pain. This is caused by your expanding uterus and your ligaments stretching. You may also start having problems with heartburn if you haven’t already.

This Week's Activity: Start a baby name list. (I have already start choosing names origin from Spanish, Italian and English!) Make a list of ten names you like. Have your partner do the same. Trade lists and each cross out one name on the other's list that you dislike. Keep taking turns until you have a set of names you can both live with. Talk about why you like and dislike certain names. Many couples even create ground rules, such as no names of former girlfriends or boyfriends and no names that have ever been used for family pets.

Boy? Girl?

Went to this interesting webby and took a quiz. http://www.justmommies.com/quizzes/gender_prediction_quiz.php
This is what it had predicted. How true it is? Let's wait for May 18...

Lilian, maybe you can try the quiz and see is it the same as what your gynae predicts!