Freezing Your Eggs May 26, 2006
Posted by carms in Preconception.add a comment
It's not uncommon for woman to think of having a baby at least once in their lifetime. Bearing a child has to be the Mother's Nature's Gift. For years, women have been told they could wait until 40 or later to have babies and modern science has been devoted to resetting the biological clock. But how about successful woman discussing her failure to have a child and the grief that comes with layers of bitterness and regret?
For generation, women have been debating how to best balance work and home life but somehow, each new chapter starts a new fight. For medical reasons, it is advisable that couples try for a pregnancy before the age of 35. After 35, there are increased chances of difficulty in conception as well as deformities in the baby. (more…)
13th Week: The Second Trimester May 25, 2006
Posted by carms in Pregnancy Week by Week.add a comment
This week begun my second trimester and my body has started to adjust to full baby-growing mode. I look and feel pregnant now like you can't hide it anymore. They say miscarriage is less of a risk during this trimester and it really brings relief and that I am truly having a baby. There are days that I feel the fetal movement though its hard to identify it as early as now, its movement will be likely more obvious around week 20. Im beginning to count the days, and we can't hardly wait. There is nothing much to say these days except that I am truly thankful that I didn't suffer so much on my pregnancy symptoms like nausea, vomiting and it ended soon. My body is starting to go back to the usual and have done lots of things which I normally do before. I still feel wonderful and blessed.
Keep Her Smile! May 24, 2006
Posted by carms in Healthy Pregnancy.add a comment
I shouldn't be writing these but here's some quick tips for Dads-to-be who are running out of ideas how to keep their pregnant wife smiling. Goodluck!
Here's ten creative ways to pamper your pregnant wife from Dadstoday.com
- Read to the tummy and its owner. Read her something each night before bed that will distract her from being uncomfortable on some sleeping position and prepare you for becoming a nightly storyteller too.
- Apply some Pressure. Wait until she steps into the shower, then join her. Shampoo her hair and make sure to include long luxurious temple massage.
- Clean Up. Give the house a serious once-over, not just sweeping the dirt or wiping the table, it means vacuuming, scouring the oven and mopping the floors.
- A little pillow talk goes a long way. Go out and buy her a nice pillow, write "pregnancy sleep aid" on the package and leave it on the bed for her to find. Most pregnant women are advised to sleep on the sides.
- Put on a show. Grab those single socks get eaten by the dryer, draw funny faces on them, act out, hide it under the foot of your bed, get down like pretending you misplaced something under, then let the show begin. (more…)
Dad Feels Pregnant Too! May 20, 2006
Posted by carms in Expectant Mom Tools, Pregnancy Bliss.add a comment
Moms-to-be, have you ever noticed your husband gaining weight along with you in your pregnancy? Does he complained about food cravings, appetite changes, nausea, sleep deprivation, and mood swings at certain times? How about strange toothaches, headaches, backpains to swollen bellies? Then, he might be experiencing Couvade Syndrome.
The word couvade is derived from the french word 'couver' meaning 'to hatch' in english. It is also known as "Sympathetic Pregnancy". Some experts believe it starts around the third month, stop for a bit then pick up again in last two months before the baby is born and totally stops after birth. Of course, the causes of Couvade remains unknown and speculative. But from my experience, it's true and it really does exist!
Thyroid Check-up May 19, 2006
Posted by carms in Doctor Visits & Tests.add a comment
Last Wednesday, May 17th, I was able to meet my endocrinologist for the first time. She reminded me of my doctor back home, she's on her late 60's, straightforward and conformist. I wonder if she is as good as my doctor back home but for the next few weeks, I've entrusted to her my thyroid problems as she promised me that they would take care of it for the days to come.
Our thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland located just below our Adam's apple. Thyroid produces hormones that affect our body's metabolism and energy level. The diseases of thyroid gland could result in either production of too much hormone which is called Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or too little hormone called Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). However, an increase in size of thyroid nodules could result to Lumps, which may be cancerous and grow large enough to interfere with breathing and swallowing, thus needs surgical removal.
Fortunately, my thyroid problem was detected early when I was a teenager. I became dependent of taking thyroid hormone pills on a daily basis and adjustment of its dosage is measured thru my TSH which is very low right now.
12th Week: The End of First Trimester! May 16, 2006
Posted by carms in Pregnancy Week by Week.add a comment
This week is the end of my first trimester! Im beginning to adjust with my pregnancy. Fatigue and nausea is decreasing gradually and I feel somewhat normal again. Little food intake starts to show my abdomen that begins to round a bit. My hormones still surge causing slight headaches, mood swings, pimples and all.
Im beginning to check out numerous Chinese Lunar Calendar Websites to predict our baby's sex:) Unlike any other couples, I personally prefer to find baby's sex in advance to help me with the naming process, and prepare his/her sister for her little bro or sis. I still kept some old baby clothes of my eldest and shopping for other specificic nursery items and clothing would be easier if you know which color is perfect for the next. Gender prediction is quite fun and the result is overwhelming!
Salute to all Moms! May 13, 2006
Posted by carms in Pregnancy Bliss.add a comment
Relax and enjoy your day! Happy Mother’s Day!!!
Relief of Discomfort During Pregnancy May 12, 2006
Posted by carms in Expectant Mom Tools.1 comment so far
The following is a list of over-the-counter medications which are believed to be safe to use in pregnancy and recommended by my Ob-Gyn. Minimize use of medication if possible.
Headache
Tylenol
Upset Stomach
Mylanta
Constipation
Metamucil
Discomfort During Pregnancy: Headaches May 12, 2006
Posted by carms in Pregnancy Do's and Dont's.add a comment
I never thought that Im gonna experience headaches during this pregnancy. Mine often starts, stops and come suddenly without warning. Last night was the worst like something is squeezing around my head, a migraine-like. Researchers believe hormonal changes are the cause of these headaches. After all, tension headaches often strike during times of stress and change.
While many pregnant women take drugs to alleviate pain to work at their advantage, I, on the other hand have a fear of taking headache-relieving medications thinking that there are other ways to prevent and alleviate this kind of pregnancy discomfort. First, I tried Head massage. Lying on bed, I asked my hubby to massage my head, firm enough to put some pressure at some point like temple and neck. Since hubby was so sleepy and lack some sleep, I just felt the need to clear my mind and just closed my eyes. It worked after several hours of waiting that I finally have fallen asleep. And when I woke up, I could still feel slight discomfort that I’ve read some articles of what might be the reason behind pregnancy headaches.
Third Prenatal Visit: The Heartbeat and Lab Tests Results May 9, 2006
Posted by carms in Doctor Visits & Tests.add a comment
I heard my baby's heartbeat for the first time! Although it doesn't sound so good to me(weak sound), my biggest worry has finally ended. But some blood works results is worst than I expected. Today, I've spoken with my doctor and she told me the results of my lab tests. My iron is okay, hepa b is negative, Urinalysis with micro is fine except that Im susceptible to German Measles and my TSH is ultra sensitive Low. If the normal TSH is between 0.34 – 5.60, mine is .02! With that, she reiterated the need to see specialist in Thyroid glands such as an Endocrinologist. The good thing is Im already scheduled for a check up on May 17th. My Ob doesn't want me to have this kind hormonal imbalance because she said that it might affect the baby's brain. Im thinking that Im taking too much Euthyrox(my meds for my goiter) that my body could hold right now, people with goiter has lifetime commitment of taking these pills to regulate their hormones, that's why it is very important especially right now that I'll be checked by a specialist on that area.
I didn't gain for a week, my weight is still the same and I asked my Ob how much should I gain throughout the pregnancy and she said that normally, they say like 25 pounds but she doesn't care right now how much will I gain as long as my body is healthy. I didnt get that one but I guess the most important thing is a healthy balanced diet. My blood pressure is normal, 114/62. I'll see her in about 5 weeks on June 7, Wednesday. Im also scheduled for an ultrasound, 30 mins prior to my check up with her.
