mellomouse* » Pregnancy Updates

BabyNatey 14: 3rd July 2009.

mellomouse — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 14:46:08 +0000

Exactly a year ago today, we had the pleasant surprise that God has blessed us with this gift ♥

I was a 5mm tiny Embryo then
Today, I have multiplied into a giant!

Don’t you agree that time grew wings? It’s July! A year ago, I was an expecting Mother and today I am already one for 4 whole months. I still can’t believe that I have a son — a Mini Me of myself and the husband ♥

I’m always moved to tears whenever I recall the times when Natey was just known as Little Benjac Junior. How I missed those days — minus the morning sickness bit — when he was kicking and hiccuping inside me. He still does both now, but the feeling is different. Somehow I know one day, I won’t be able to remember these treasured moments *sniff*

It’s a happy day. It’s a day to be thankful, and certainly a day for a little celebration.

Hubby, do you remember now?

Pregnancy Updates 45: Is This It?

mellomouse — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:37:54 +0000

At approximately 4.07am this morning, I was shot awake with a bad cramp in my belly. I’ve not been able to go back to sleep because the pain returns every 10 minutes or so. It is now 9.34am *yawn*

Could this be the real deal or a false alarm?

The contractions are similar to that of a very bad period pain like what experienced Mommies and books described it. They last about 1 to 1.5 minutes each time. Since it started 5 hours ago, the cramp has gotten more and more intense.

I know it’s going to take a long while before we can decide if this is it. Unless my water breaks — no it doesn’t happen like in the movies — or if there’s bleeding, we’ll have to wait until the contractions are 5 minutes apart before we make a move to Gleneagles.

We actually have an appointment with Dr Tan today anytime after 3pm. But it looks like I might not be seeing him in his room, but in the Delivery Suite instead *fingers crossed*

Am I scared? Out of my wits! (-__-||)

To be continued…

Pregnancy Updates 44: Headache.

mellomouse — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 06:01:24 +0000

Last night I gave the husband and myself a fright after an unexpected headache appeared out of nowhere just before sleeping time. We were happily exploring ~~like kampung kids~~ the mobile internet features on our identical Sony Ericsson when the sudden pain surprised me.

Remembering what the staff at Dr Tan’s clinic told us — headache could mean high BP — we went down to my parents to measure my blood pressure. Thankfully it was normal! *phew*

Causes of Headaches During Pregnancy

Headaches are common during pregnancy, especially during the 1st & 3rd trimesters.

In the first few months of pregnancy, they may be caused by normal changes in your hormone levels and an increase in blood volume and circulation.

During the 2nd & 3rd trimesters, headaches may also be caused by a serious condition called pre-eclampsia — high blood pressure during pregnancy.

I just noticed that I am still feeling a bit heavy headed now. My eyes are feeling especially heavy too, which I suspect is because I lack proper sleep. Nature has been calling me at every hour during the night and that has left me feeling more tired than ever — the body’s way of training for the days soon to come!

Somehow it is easier to sleep in the day than night. So I’m going back to bed in awhile, now that I’ve fed both myself and LBJ *waves*

Pregnancy Updates 43: Blood Pressure.

mellomouse — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:33:52 +0000

During our last antenatal appointment, my BP somehow shot a bit higher than normal with a reading of 130/80. I’m still wondering how it got so high since I was seated the whole time waiting for our turn *puzzled*

Blood Pressure during Pregnancy

By the 6th month of pregnancy, you will have produced an extra two and a half pints of blood, which your heart has to pump around your body. All this extra activity may make you feel warmer than usual.

The pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes the walls of blood vessels, which is why your BP often falls around the middle of pregnancy – especially during the first 32 weeks of pregnancy.

Your BP will return to normal in the last few weeks of pregnancy.

I have no idea what were all my previous readings because it never dawned on me to ask. We trust Dr Tan completely *an ignorant’s excuse*

By looking at the chart above, 130/80 does seem high. Should I be alarmed? Dr Tan did not mention anything when he took the reading, so I guess we shouldn’t be too worked out. It was his reception that cautioned us while we were paying. That’s how we knew about the higher pressure…

On Monday, my reading was better at 105/90. I’ll just have to be careful not to be over stressed – like how heavy LBJ would become! – and I will be alright

Pregnancy Updates 42: Little Benjac is 2.9kg!

mellomouse — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 06:45:44 +0000

Before I begin this post. . .

Our humble family would like to wish everyone a
♥ Roaring Chinese New Year this Valentine’s Day! ♥

xoxo
Benjac, LBJ & Scubby

Looks like I won’t be delivering today just yet since I am still here. And that leaves me wondering whether it is a good or bad thing, given my previous paranoia if I do.

A little on the heavy side for 36 weeks
Our Little Benjac Junior is now LOA in utero! *phew*

After waiting for “the usual” hour for our turn on Friday, Dr Tan was suddenly whisked away for a delivery. So our 3.30pm became 5.30pm, again. Note of Advice: Anyone who wishes to see a reputable ObGyn has to be prepared to wait, because it seems like the “whole world” is their patients *hint to impatient Fathers-to-be*

I am a happy camper now since knowing the exact position LBJ is in. He is lying on my left with his head down slightly facing to the back. That explains the kicking on my right all this while! And I thought he was on my right *duh* Turn a little bit to the right and he’ll be fully Anterior!

Somehow by the measurement of his tiny bones and skull, LBJ is now expected 5 days later than his current EDD at 3 March 2010. And he’s supposedly on the heavier side now too, which left me worrying should he gain much more before delivery. I don’t want to be cut opened! *panic*

The longer LBJ stays inside me, the bigger he might become and the harder it would be for me to push him out to this world. He gained 563 grams since the last check-up 12 days ago. By 40th week, he could possibly weigh 4.35kg! *faints*

I think I’m going to start praying for an early arrival now. Please keep me in yours too! *bows*

Pregnancy Updates 41: Officially Full Term!

mellomouse — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 06:30:17 +0000

And ready to pop at any given time from now onwards. It could be today, next week or maybe even a month later at 42 weeks. The exact date depends on this little miracle breathing inside me. Mommy & Daddy would just have to be patience

Your baby weighs close to 2.8kg and may be about 50cm long from head to toe.

He may have a full head of hair, with locks maybe around 2.5cm long. He is now well developed to function in the outside world should he be born.

Are you excited? I bet you are! I can’t wait to meet our son for the very 1st time after being so close but yet so far for the past 9 months! ♥

For the meanwhile, LBJ be a good boy for Mommy ok. And engage in anterior so you’ll be more comfortable with the extra head space, and Mommy can have a peace of mind until we meet *hugs*

See you soon, Little Boy! xoxo

Pregnancy Updates 40: Cinderella No More.

mellomouse — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:53:55 +0000

These may not be Glass Slippers
But they could well be since I can’t fit them no more

The swelling almost always goes down a little during morning time. They are at worst in the evening due to the burden of carrying me — 16kg of excess baggage — the whole day long, and also because of water retention.

But since yesterday morning, the swelling didn’t go anywhere and now I do feel like walking on puffy buns. They hurt a little, and my toes can’t curled as they used too

Besides my feet, both of my hands are swelled up too. I know I’ve whined about this 2 weeks ago, but as they are getting worst, I am getting worried as well. Simply because a sudden increase of swelling is a sign of something very serious! *yikes*

As I am typing this, I’m downing gulps and gulps of water. Hopefully by keeping myself extra hydrated would help my body to retain less water so my hands and feet could look more human again *fingers crossed*

Pregnancy Updates 39: Fetal Hiccups.

mellomouse — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:12:46 +0000

It is such a shame that I did not record when I first felt LBJ hiccuped. I think it was as early as when I first felt him moved. The feeling is very different from his aerobatic stunts, and are consistently in rhythm.

Why do babies hiccups in the womb?

Only the more mature fetuses will hiccup, as hiccups rely on the development of the central nervous system.

It is believed that the fetus breathes in amniotic fluid or drinks it. When this happens and the amniotic fluid enters and exists the fetus lungs then the diaphragm contracts and hiccups results.

Continue Reading

During the earlier days, these hiccups felt like tiny flutters. If you put your palm over my belly, you can’t really feel it. But now as he is bigger, you can actually see a small heartbeat-like motion on my baby bump where LBJ could possibly be facing in utero ♥

LBJ hiccups rather frequently. I’d say around 4-5x in a day (Note to self: I really need to keep a record on this!) I was rather worried before and Dr Tan assured me that it is a good sign of maturity. Thank God!

Are fetal hiccups normal?

They are extremely normal and almost all moms will feel the babies hiccups at least once if not several times a day every day.

Hiccups are actually soothing to your baby, and help to relieve a variety of pressures on his growing lungs and organs.

Continue Reading

As cute as it may sound to others — the part about small heartbeat-like motion — it does feel rather uncomfortable each time LBJ hiccups. And they often last longer than a minute. I don’t know how to explain the feeling, but it is annoying *oops*

I’ve started calling LBJ my “Hiccup Hiccup Baby” every time he does that. Whenever I feel him hiccuping non stop, I would always try to imagine how he looks like. And all I can say is awww

Pregnancy Updates 38: Fat Mama!

mellomouse — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:06:22 +0000

Unfortunately, I suspect that’s exactly what you’ll be calling me because I will simply become one. Though I don’t mind being called Phat Mama, but reality is often bitterly cold *humph*

Since September last year (16 weeks into my pregnancy), my weight has been going up, up and up *blaming it on the milk!* @#$%& (-__-||)

At first I didn’t worry much because I lost a few in the early months. But now after looking at other expecting friends — why are they so tiny?!? — I am fearing! I am gaining way too much for my small frame and the weight has been taking a toll on my tiny swollen feet *sobs*

This is what I ought to be
I’ve now exceeded it by 2.5kg and I’m not even due yet!

Want to know what’s yours? Calculate it >here<

I’m looking at another few kilos of weight gain in the next few weeks. Once I hit full term this weekend, I might be sky rocketing at 1kg per week. So if I were to deliver on my EDD at 40 weeks, I’ll possibly gain another 4kg. Making that a whooping Two-Zero-Kilo-Grams! *faints*

Btw, 29.96lbs is equaled to 13.59kg. So that means I’ll exceed by 6kg! How am I going to loose 15kg? That’s if the Fetal weight is 5kg. Else I might be looking at more *numbed*

I promise that I’ve not been eating for Two, if that’s what you’re wondering

Pregnancy Updates 37: Little Benjac is 2.4kg!

mellomouse — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:12:05 +0000

Just like our 1st antenatal check-up months ago, today we waited a good 2 hours for Dr Tan because he had 2 deliveries back to back earlier at noon. The poor man didn’t get to have his lunch — until it was 4pm — after he had cleared all his morning appointments. Then immediately he began the afternoon queue, with us being at number 6 that was supposed to be at 2.45pm.

Dr Tan’s usual greeting when we enter his room is always: “How’s everything?” But today it was a little different: “Why are you not delivering yet?” he greeted in a jester manner while looking at my records. Then added that LBJ “would” be greeting us on the 1st day of CNY aka Valentine’s Day. Remember this post? That’s less than 2 weeks from now! *sweats*

Not too big, Not too small & in a Good Position
♥ Here’s LBJ facing us in the ultrasound ♥

Once again, I wondered if I am readied. I am actually fearful today. Only last night I dreamed that my water broke and my knees went weak. My 2nd respond was asking for the date — if not mistaken, someone told me that it was February 27th. What happened after that, I cannot remember

Dr Tan has approved my Birth Plan! A copy has been submitted to the Labour Room, and one for me to bring along in my Hospital Bag just in case. I’ve checked with one of the midwives, and she said it is ok to bring along a laptop into the Delivery Suite. Insane as it may appears, I hope blogging would be a good distraction for the pain *denial?*

Starting from tomorrow, I shall begin the Fetal Movement Charting to keep track of LBJ’s wellbeing. Although I feel him moving a lot now — and hiccups immensely — I should not take it for granted. I need to keep a record of 10 movements any time between 12 hours and everything is fine. Even a 9 is not!

So Little Benjac, here’s your Golden Ticket to kick Mommy more ok