27th Week: Counting the Fetal Movements, Sex and the Feelings August 31, 2006
Posted by carms in Pregnancy Week by Week.1 comment so far
My body still continue to change and grow. I gained five pounds after few weeks. I can’t imagine myself two more months, this belly is getting heavier and bigger compared to my first which they say is normal. Sex may be the at the bottom of my top things to do right now but when my mood strikes at anytime which is very rare for the past couple of weeks then its okay. Just a little creativity with the positions, lol to continue the sex for my changing body.
At some point in my pregnancy, Im quite terrified and virtually, probably, all pregnant women are. It is the fear of deliver, failures, changing lives and relationship, finances, pain and more but they are all common. These are the challenges of time and we’re living with it day after day with God’s help.
I haven’t started counting my baby’s movements. The baby is most active at night when Im trying to catch a few Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzss! Sometimes I talk to him/her and complain, lol! It moves more than ten times in an hour, Im observing it but not yet counting. That’s why when I rarely feel its movement, I panic and get worries coz something might be in trouble, thankfully, the movement is regular this past weeks.
Seventh Prenatal Visit: My Doctor and the Ultrasound August 30, 2006
Posted by carms in Doctor Visits & Tests.add a comment
My usual visit with my ob-gyn starts with taking some urine sample to test my blood sugar. After that is checking my weight which unfortunately increased by five pounds in just few weeks. Then my blood pressure check which is okay and then wait for few minutes until the doctor arrived in a small room. She would ask me how Im doing, ask me to lie down on the chair and check the fundal height, heartbeat of the baby. Its been the routine for the past couple of weeks, soon, I’ll be seeing her once in a week.
I asked her if I could do another Ultrasound to check the gender of the baby for the second time just to be sure but she refused. She said that if I wanna do it, then the insurance won’t cover it since there’s no big fuss in doing so. Gender checking is not permissible for the insurance to cover the routine. She also added that ultrasound doesn’t do any good with the baby as far as research is concerned. She’s the doctor and she can obviously do miracles on my lab tests but she refused. Now we’re still thinking if we’ll pay it out from our pocket which she mentioned is roughly 150 bucks, if we’re practical enough, we could wait for a couple of months since my due date is nearing. Its very sad to think that others could have it thru the insurance coverage while we can’t do it just because my doctor doesn’t think its necessary. Anyway, we’ll see. But I am so disappointed with her attitude, and you won’t believe it, Im already paid for my co-pay for the doctor’s fee even if Im still a couple of months away from giving birth. Thats how she secures her money practically with all her patients. I’ve heard that she’s having hard time to get paid from the insurances and patients, not with me, please!
26th Week: Position Discomfort, My Voice and Anticipations August 23, 2006
Posted by carms in Pregnancy Week by Week.add a comment
I’m beginning to experience an increased level of discomfort. Im having hard time trying various positions for sitting, sleeping and carrying items that is best for me. I feel like my ligaments is being stretched. Sometimes, I experience a sharp pain in my lower back that moves down to my legs also known as sciatica.
My baby probably weighs around 2 pounds and about 14 inches from head to heel. Pretty big huh! He/she is beginning to respond to noises and my voice, generally more aware of its surroundings. I am beginning now to envision how Im giving birth– the hospital, the nursing staffs, my ob-gyn, the people around me, the pain, my fears and apprehensions, the joy and excitement of seeing my newborn. I’m all but excited I guess.
Part of my excitement I believe is knowing that this event in my life has been anticipated for a long time especially by my daughter. I remembered when I was a kid and I found out the news that Im having another sibling, someone who will be younger than me, and who will call me “Ate”. Im so excited that I had anticipated what she’d call me in the future, lol. Unfortunately, my younger sister didn’t call me “ate” , instead she called me “payatot” for I am skinny than her when we started growing up. I rarely heard her call me ate, perhaps, payatot has been her way of reminding me that I will always be her big sister who is skinnier than her. But of course, time has passed and that is not the case anymore especially when I got married and had one kid. But within the family, I think I will always stay the same and would always be payatot. My bone structures are kinda smaller than they do. But kidding aside, that sister of mine has grown up to be tougher and sweeter than I am and Im so proud of her like the rest of the family. You see, this is all part of hormone rollercoaster ride Im dealing nowadays. I miss my family back home esp my nieces and all the little things we do as a family. On a lighter note, Im excited in our house hunting journey and we pray that the result will be overwhelming. Everything I know shall come to pass thru God’s help.
Related Readings:(from Babyzone dot com)
Pelvic rocking is a great exercise to relax the back, strengthen the pelvis for labor, and reduce stress. To rock your pelvis, stand against the wall with your knees slightly bent and, as you inhale, gently press the small of your back against the wall. Exhale and release. Repeat ten times.
Third Thyroid Check-up August 23, 2006
Posted by carms in Doctor Visits & Tests.add a comment
Going to my endocrinologist is like going to hell, annoying and incovenient. Having to drive all the way to her clinic takes me twice as much as the regular time permits. Why? I always got lost along the way. Whewwww! How funny it is to know that this was my third visit to her and still I got lost. How come? Im either pulling out of the free way one exit before my turn or I went far ahead. Stu*id I know! Thats why I hate that place! The only good thing that inspires me to go visit my doctor is that one Michael’s store is just around the corner, its bigger, lots of sale going on and relaxing for me to visit and window shop. I love to shop for arts and crafts but hardly manage to do it, anyways, it still relaxing.
My endocrinologist still recommend that I should avoid taking any thyroid pills at the moment since I look okay with her and my test results is better than my first visit to her. I also had blood test done and have to go back in October.
25th Week: The Third Trimester and Baby Shower August 17, 2006
Posted by carms in Pregnancy Week by Week.1 comment so far
I’ve read somewhere that the more baby become more active each day, it is a sign of a healthy baby. The movement of my baby could be described as though you got snakes inside your belly and as it turns and move from different sides, you’ll see a puffy or bump area in one side, that could be the head, rump or feet. I take each movement now as being part of me and a way of bonding myself to the baby. I believe that when I reach the peak of my pregnancy, its gonna be harder to sleep and breath at the same time compared to what Im experiencing right now. So for the meantime, let me enjoy his/her little kick and flutter.
When I had my first baby, I didn’t develop any stretch marks at all. I developed this habit during that pregnancy of putting lots of lotion every now and then around my belly, which probably helped to well-moisturized my skin, thus it stretched better. Now I rarely put lotion on it, this week I noticed little stretch marks around my belly button, Im not sure if it will fade or will stay the same but I wish it wont develop into big one, I wish!
Two months ago, my friends in High School and I decided to have a get together this coming September. In line with this, they’ve planned to do a Baby Shower for me! So sweet! I am so excited to see them all and bond with them again after all these years, most of us already married and now living on different sides of the world. One from Canada and the rest from different states of America. I’m glad that we have kept the communication and the spirit of friendship is still there. I am so blessed to have known them for more than a decade and take pride of what we have become. Its something to treasure and its priceless!
Letter To My Little DC August 16, 2006
Posted by carms in Pregnancy Bliss.2 comments
Dear Baby,
As I am writing this letter, Im looking outside the car window while your dad and big sister do the fishing with Tito B. Its past eight and I could still smell the trace of ciabatta burger and curly fries we ate for dinner inside the car. Now you’re probably eating too inside Mommy’s belly since I’ve noticed how you stirred so quickly like kicking up one’s heel and get delighted.
This afternoon, your sister asked me when she could see you. She’s very excited and can’t even wait that she started to count the days and months left. Soon your sister will flaunt her amusing moves and waggish act just to make you giggle. And when she thinks of you, your Ate starts to excite and stir up agreeably. No doubt that she’d take care of you and will love you very dearly like what she’s doing with your mom and dad.
Last night, your father and I were holding you while you move and turn. He estimated how big you are right at mommy’s tummy. Now you are probably one foot in length coz Mom looks very pregnant and could feel your weight right there on my belly. We also took another look at my last ultrasound to take a glimpse of you while you move and kick, took turns and look at mom while we videotaped it. I remembered how we waited and anticipated you in our prayers and we are very lucky to have you! God answered our prayers that we considered you precious, a miracle and God’s greatest gift to us just like your sister. Soon, you’ll be part of this family that will make us four– dad, mom, Ate Denyse and you. Each day, I will wait, hope and pray for your good health inside Mommy’s womb. In about ninety-nine days, I will finally hold you, protect you and promise to take care of you for the rest of my life. We love you baby and lets stay healthy.
Love,
Mommy
Things-to-Do to Pamper Myself August 16, 2006
Posted by carms in Healthy Pregnancy.add a comment
Take a napTake a warm bathGet a manicureGet a pedicureGet a hair cut- Get a massage
- Get a facial
Go shoppingPut my feet up and read a good book or watch a good movie- Go out to lunch or dinner with my partner
Have a small get-together with a few good friends
Shopping Baby Stuff August 15, 2006
Posted by carms in Expectant Mom Tools.add a comment
THE BIG STUFF
Crib.The convertible (Crib for Life) cribs are beautiful and can be long-term bed solutions. If co-sleeping is a consideration in your home, you may want to wait on the crib. You can always use a bassinet or port-a-crib/play yard in the meantime.Waterproof Mattress Cover.- Sheets/Linens. You will need two to three sets of sheets and three or more lap pads. A big soft waterproof pad in the crib can be a real blessing in the middle of the night! When the pad gets soiled you can just pull it out and the mess comes with it — no changing crib sheets at 3 a.m. Whew!
- Comforter/Bedding.
- Changing Table or
Table Top Changer. Buy a changer top and keep it on baby’s dresser. Dresser, Drawers and Storage.Compartments that I can use to stash all that new baby stuff.- Rocking Chair or glider.
Stroller.You want one that is fully adjustable, lightweight and easy to fold. The stroller will be with you for a long time, so buy the best you can afford. Some parents like the 3-in-1 brands. It’s an infant-to-toddler stroller, carseat and carrier. Because you will probably want the infant carseat carrier, this is an option worth exploring.Carseat. You must have one right away. You can either get an infant carseat, which can be used as a carrier or even part of your stroller, or you can get a convertible carseat which will grow with your baby. The infant carseat is best with small babies because you can carry them out of a vehicle without disturbing their sleep.- Baby Sling/Carrier.Wearing your baby is part of the attachment parenting concept and encouraged by Dr. William Sears. The Bjorn is a wonderful carrier. You may find baby slings are more affordable and still do the trick.
Bouncer Seat.High Chair
FEEDING BABY
- Breast Pump. You absolutely need this if you plan to breastfeed and go back to work. The only way to avoid using a pump is being with baby all the time until he or she is weaned. Have a source or a breastfeeding consultant picked out if you need one in an emergency.
- Nursing Tops. Button-down shirts are a necessity while nursing. The number of shirts needed depends on mother’s lifestyle.
Bottles. Bottles are necessary if you don’t plan to breastfeed or you are supplementing with breast milk.- Formula. If you are bottle-feeding you’ll need to choose a formula.
Breast Pads.An important detail when breastfeeding, breast pads help prevent embarrassment and staining from leaking breasts.Bottle/Nipple brushBottle WarmerBottle Rack- Training Cups
- Spoon and fork
- Baby food organizer
Breastfeeding pillow
THE LAYETTE
Onesies/Bodysuits.One piece bodysuits that snap between baby’s legs are great. Get as many as you can. You may find plenty of these in good shape at yard sales or consignment shops.Foot Wear.Consider your climate. For hot weather you will need light socks and booties. Winter babies need more layers and warmer footwear. There is no reason to put your newborn in shoes.Gowns with Drawstrings.You can get away with onesies for just about everything, but you might prefer these for baby’s nightwear. The easy-open bottoms are especially nice for middle-of-the-night diaper changes.Burp Clothes.Wonderful for catching baby’s drool (among other things!) Get as many as you can.Receiving Blankets.Consider climate when choosing blankets. A few good cotton blankets are always good for wrapping up baby.Bibs.Although your infant will not be eating solids right away, bibs are great for handling drool and spit up. Get as many bibs as you can (you will need plenty of them when they begin eating solids!)Diapers.The choices are out there. The first decision you must make is if you will use cloth or disposable.WashclothsHooded Towels.Pull on shirtsSnap-front jumpsuitsBlanket SleepersSocks or BootiesBonnets or Knit capsBunting or jacket
MISCELLANEOUS NECESSITIES
Pacifier.Most babies need to suck. It will either be your breast, a bottle, a pacifier or baby’s thumb.- First Aid Kit. Every household should have one.
- Syrup of Ipecac. You must have this in case of poisoning.
- Smoke Detector for Baby’s room. Consider placing detectors throughout the house as well as in baby’s room.
- Carbon Monoxide Detector. Especially important if your household uses gas. Ideally you should have one for each level of your home.
- Thermometer. There are a few varieties of this item, but you only really need one rectal thermometer.
Baby Wipes.Bath ToysBrush and Comb.Baby ShampooSoap.Use Dove or another hypo-allergenic soap without fragrance.Lotion.Baby Oil.Petroleum Jelly.Bottle Sterilizer.Most dishwashers will get hot enough to sterilize your bottles.Plastic Dishwasher Cage. A small device to keep the bottle nipples and small items from falling and burning in the dishwasher. Note that some companies do not recommend washing nipples in dishwashers.Baby Bag or Diaper Bag.Choose a bag that is washable with lots of compartments. You will want a washable changing pad to carry in your bag also.Q-Tips.Baby Bathtub.Bathe a newborn in an inflatable or specially-designed reclining tub. A hand-held shower or pitcher used to rinse baby is another necessity.Baby Wash.Watch out for fragrances which can irritate delicate skin.Diaper Ointment.Almost all babies get a diaper rash at one stage or another and it’s good to have ointment handy.Baby Powder. Look for cornstarch brands. You may want to avoid using talc on a little girl since it can cause health problems (discuss with your child’s doctor if you have questions about baby powders).- Bulp Nose Aspirator. This is the only way to clear nasal passages from a congested baby. Most hospitals give it to you free.
Nail Clippers- Baby Tylenol. You’ll want this around the house in case baby gets a fever.
Dimmer Light/Nightlight.You may find this helpful for the middle of the night feedings and diaper changes. Keeping a closet light on or a night light may be sufficient.Baby Monitor. A wonderful device when you can’t be in the same room as your baby.Baby Hangers. Baby clothes don’t fit on regular size hangers.MobileHamper.Diaper Pail.Diaper Stacker.- Baby Photo Album.
Head support pillow.- Car Sun shade
- First aid for the car.
24th Week: End of Second Trimester! August 10, 2006
Posted by carms in Pregnancy Week by Week.add a comment
The seventh lunar month begins! I feel and look very pregnant right now and little by little, I get to know my lil angel each day as he/she moves more after I eat or drink. My abdominal area has expanded and there’s an increase pressure on my stomach.
At this week, Im expecting my baby’s eyes to watch for light and listen to my heartbeat and stomach growl. That’s why it is very important to give her/him soothing sounds and music.
We started buying new stuff for my lil angel. Like this week, we both him/her new baby bottles, two sets, one smaller than the other.
Sixth Prenatal Visit: Few Extra Pounds, Fundal Heights, Normal Movements, Louder Heartbeat and Pampering Oneself. August 3, 2006
Posted by carms in Doctor Visits & Tests.add a comment
I gained three pounds since my last visit to my ob-gyn. That was barely a month ago. My doctor told me its fine, as long as she haven’t started screaming at me yet, hehehe. She must be strict. I could see how hardworking and dedicated she is in her chosen career. I never had a doubt that I have chosen at least a good doctor.
My blood pressure is fine, the medical assistant told me, its 110/60. Its been two days that I had trouble sleeping and thanks God it didn’t affect me at all. Two nights ago, we were awakened by sudden car alarm in the neigborhood and last night, endless chat with my hubs and daughter, fun and laughter. Simply the best days of my life– our togetherness.
During my visit, my doctor checked my baby’s heartbeat. Its overwhelming for its clear sound and regular rhythm. It looks like everything is fine with her/him inside my womb. The hard flutter and jerky movements are all but normal for a second pregnancy. Aches at my right side abdomen is also normal since my belly is beginning to stretch a lil bit larger as my baby also begins to grow bigger. She took my belly’s fundal height. It is the round upper portion of the uterus, and the height of the fundus refers to the distance between fundus and my pelvic bone. This might be a routine and accurate way of measuring the growth of my baby. I can do swimming as form of exercise. I also asked if I could do hair treatment and she said that other doctors would say its okay but with her, she believes hair is also part of the skin and she dont recommend it. Facial she said is okay so I’ll go ahead and pamper myself one day. I still feel good about myself. I haven’t changed a lot except for big belly, few pounds and longer dried hair(awww). I’ll see her again at the end of the month.
