mellomouse* » Antenatal Health

Pregnancy2 Updates 09: I Need Space.

mellomouse — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:20:42 +0000

I am now 30 weeks along my pregnancy. My uterus is about 4 inches above my belly button and is pushing “everything” upwards and down out of its way. That explains why I can’t stomach much food these days without feeling choked or feel short of breath as my lungs have limited space to expand.

Before Pregnancy
Look how everything are in place

While growing a Baby
It’s a full house in there!

Looking at the diagrams above, it really amazes me just how amazing our body is. For 40 weeks it goes through multiple changes to make room for this little person to grow. Our skin stretches, the organs squeezed left-right and back, the joints and muscle relaxes so bones can move to make more space. Then after that shrinks back to its prepregnancy self *finger crossed*

If you’re an expecting Mommy or already a Mommy too, I just wanna say how awesome we are. We should give ourselves a standing ovation and pat on the back for this “big” great job we’re doing

It’s gonna be another 8-9 weeks of more ballooning for me. Space is getting limited as the weeks draw closer to D-day

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy2 Updates 07: What’s she doing?
Pregnancy2 Updates 08: 3rd Trimester Woes.
Pregnancy2 Updates 06: 2nd Trimester, pt 2.
Pregnancy2 Updates 03: Guess the Colour.
Pregnancy2 Updates 04: 2nd Trimester, pt 1.

Pregnancy2 Updates 08: 3rd Trimester Woes.

mellomouse — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:00:43 +0000

One word: Dejavu.

It’s like 1st trimester all over again. The heartburn, the gastric plus vomitting — it’s 4.30am and I’ve just vomitted my guts out, twice — nausea, super smell aversions and fatigue. Now that I’m so much bigger, sleeping is harder too *sobs*

Subsequent pregnancies are not easier, says Dr Tan. So whoever told us that it would be: “Is Lying” unquote. And he wasn’t being comical about it. If only he forewarned me during my 1st pregnancy. But then again, I’ll still choose to have LBT. Whether there’ll be a LBA (Little Benjac Again), this I can promise you not. I am retiring *bleh*

Besides the physical strain, my hormones are going over drive these days as well. I get upset easily — to the point of tears — and can literally feel myself bubbling inside with an emotional eruption soon to follow. And it’s not a pretty sight

It’ll soon be my 30th week and I don’t doubt that the rest of this journey would become more challenging, as Dr Tan warned. But I can’t be moping around. There’s plenty to be done, especially getting the layette sorted and washed. So just for this one post, I’m going to whine *pinky swear*

Today is Day 10 of CNY. 2 years ago, a little Tiger was born. Let’s give thanks and be joyful

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy2 Updates 06: 2nd Trimester, pt 2.
Pregnancy2 Updates 04: 2nd Trimester, pt 1.
Pregnancy2 Updates 02: 1st Trimester.
Pregnancy2 Updates 09: I Need Space.
Pregnancy2 Updates 07: What’s she doing?

Pregnancy2 Updates 07: What’s she doing?

mellomouse — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:05:32 +0000

Peekaboo! I see you
Everything is good, says Dr Tan

29 weeks 4 days
♥ The eating hand shot ♥

Can you see her cute little nose there to the right? And her tiny clenched fist on the left? At this stage, LBT is about the size of a squash fruit. The video above of her rubbing eyes and “eating” hands is just too adorable as well *squeals in delight on the background*

LBT was happily showing off her motor skills in utero as Dr Tan slides the ultrasound transducer across my baby bump this morning. Occasionally covering her face but quickly moved along to show us more tricks

Whenever she moves these days, I can feel my entire bump shakes. At first I wasn’t too sure which is head, and which is tail. But after experiencing more hiccup episodes and today’s ultrasound, I am happy to share that LBT is now head down and has comfortably settled on the right side (Right Occiput Posterior) — just like her brother previously.

Our darling water dragon is definitely an active little swimmer in there. I’ll expect nothing less when she debuts in April ♥

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy2 Updates 01: Introducing Little Benjac Too.
Pregnancy2 Updates 03: Guess the Colour.
Pregnancy2 Updates 05: Anomaly Scan.
Pregnancy2 Updates 09: I Need Space.
Pregnancy2 Updates 08: 3rd Trimester Woes.

Pregnancy Goodness: Virgin Coconut Oil.

mellomouse — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:33:41 +0000

Does the thought of drinking oil makes you go yuck? That’s exactly how I feel — even if I’m not pregnant — on any given day. But after researching on its uber goodness, how could I refuse? Especially when it is the healthiest oil in the world! *wahh*

I finally bought a bottle of organic VCO and took my 1st teaspoon on Wednesday after lunch. To my surprise, it is fragrant and very sweet smelling. Although tasteless, it still felt like oil in my mouth nonetheless. It’s gonna take me a while to get used to swallowing this. I increased to 1tsb yesterday. The recommended daily intake for adult is 3tsb *gulp*

Organic Cold Pressed VCO
500ml for RM33.90

How is it made?

The coconut oil is extracted from well matured and fresh coconut meat by mechanical or natural means.

To maintaine the oil’s essential properties — as present in their original state — VCO is obtained without using heat, or undergoes chemical refining, bleaching and deodorizing.

VCO is colorless, sediment free with natural fresh coconut scent and free from rancid odors or tastes.

Pregnancy Goodness

Prevents high level of blood sugar – ie onset of pregnancy gestational diabetes

Keeps the skin healthy from acne breakouts, skin itchiness, dryness and prevent stretch marks

Strengthens our immune system as we are more prone to infections and diseases

Promotes lactation with a higher amount of Lauric Acid – the same disease fighting fatty acid found in breastmilk that protects infants from viral and bacterial infections

Increases the immune system of newborns

Aid in the brain and bone development of newborns

Read more

Prenatal & Postnatal Care

Use for perineal care to avoid tearing and episiotomy during labour

Fades stretch marks and avoid cracked nipples during breastfeeding

Helps to loose excess weight gained during pregnancy

Other Health Benefits

Balancing metabolism
Weight loss
Heart health
Creating hormones
Boosts the immune system
Increase energy
Anti-bacterial
Anti-viral
Anti-fungal

Are you going Wow yet after reading the goodness above? Yuck or not, I will diligently drink it everyday from now onwards. I’ve also introduced a teaspoon to Natey yesterday and he has no complain *phew*

Let’s stay healthy together – Mommy, Baby and everyone else. Bottoms up!

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Goodness: Coconut Water.
Pregnancy Goodness: Edamame.
Pregnancy Goodness: Fruits & Vegetables.
Pregnancy Goodness: Sardines.
Pregnancy Goodness: Sunflower Seeds.

Pregnancy2 Updates 06: 2nd Trimester, pt 2.

mellomouse — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:26:31 +0000

The 2nd trimester has got to be my busiest months — Oct 2011 to Jan 2012 — because I didn’t realise until yesterday that I’m already few days into the 3rd. I can’t believe this but I’m actually half complaining.

At the beginning, I was all excited about having LBT in my arms. Time couldn’t pass fast enough during the 1st trimester when I was overwhelmed with morning sickness. Now I just want time to slow down. After being so occupied preparing for Christmas last month and now CNY, then next is Natey’s 2nd birthday, I don’t want to take the time left with my darling girl in utero for granted.

LBT is now an avid gymnast and kick boxer. She is definitely more active than her Tiger brother. I suspect by being so much bigger than I was previously — only measured 105cm at 35 weeks — she has more room to Dragon dance and practice her moves ♥

The Bump Equator
27 weeks 5 days

With all those extra centimetres, it’s no surprise that they came with extra kilograms as well. To be exact, 17kg to date! As CNY approaches and its yummy goodies calling, I bet more damage will be done. I can’t imagine what my final weight would be. And how I’m going to loose them all *faints*

My 2nd trimester was a bliss. I took Natey out “kai kai” every week, went for swims every weekday morning — yet the scale didn’t lie and the kilos are real — and took walks in the evenings. By the end of the day, I was still full of energy for more activities. But since the year started, I’m beginning to feel the toll of my bigger bump and the creeping woes of 3rd trimester

I’m going to continue swimming as much as I can, for as long as I can. Hopefully even with the increasing kilos, I can still be in good shape for our big day this coming April *fingers crossed*

27 weeks down and 13 left to go.

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy2 Updates 04: 2nd Trimester, pt 1.
Pregnancy2 Updates 08: 3rd Trimester Woes.
Pregnancy2 Updates 02: 1st Trimester.
Pregnancy2 Updates 05: Anomaly Scan.
Pregnancy2 Updates 09: I Need Space.

Pregnancy Goodness: Birth Ball, pt 2 – During Labour.

mellomouse — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:20:49 +0000

I bought this gym ball during my last pregnancy. I was already in my final stretch at 36 weeks — Natey was born 2 weeks later — so I didn’t really get to fully utilised it. This time around, I started exercising on the ball as soon as my morning sickness was at bay.

Reebok Core Ball
RRP: RM65 (in 2010)

If you haven’t already know, the gym ball has many benefits especially for expecting mommies. Sadly, I didn’t thoroughly research previously and missed out on just how useful the ball is for pain management during labour

We packed the ball, took it to the hospital but left it in the car. I was simply too overwhelmed with pain that I didn’t consider or remember to use it. Being strapped onto the EFM (Electronic Fetal Monitor) didn’t help either as I was restricted to the bed to move anywhere. I vowed that when LBT is ready to debut, I shall be prepared this time! *fingers crossed*

I’m now compiling a series of videos that teaches us how to use of the birth ball during labour. I’ll be saving them into the husband’s and my phone as a reference to watch on D-day. I am really looking forward to our gentle birthing this time!

Prenatal Yoga
Exercises and Positions

Positions during Labour
With the help of a Partner

Pain Relief
With the help of a Partner

I will be adding to the list above when I find new videos. Till then, I hope you will find these helpful for you too.

Happy ball-ing!

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Goodness: Birth Ball, pt 1 – Research.
Pregnancy Goodness: Exercise.
Pregnancy Goodness: Sardines.
Pregnancy Goodness: Edamame.
Pregnancy Goodness: Fruits & Vegetables.

BabyPlus, pt 1 – Educating LBT.

mellomouse — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:55:41 +0000

This thingamajig was handed down to us from a good friend. Thank you, Mayyee! She swears by it since all her sisters used it for their pregnancies and herself for both babies. So here it is now with me, after many testimonials

What is it?

The BabyPlus curriculum is a series of 16 naturally derived sounds that resemble a mother’s heartbeat.

The rhythm of the sounds increases incrementally as the pregnancy progresses.

The BabyPlus sonic pattern introduces your child to a sequential learning process, built upon the natural rhythms of their own environment.

What are the Benefits?

BabyPlus parents report babies at birth and infancy:
#More readily nurse
#Display an increased ability to self-soothe
#Are more interactive & responsive
#Are more relaxed & alert at birth

And later in life demonstrate:
#Earlier developmental milestones
#Enhanced intellectual abilities
#Longer attention spans
#Improved school readiness
#Greater creativity & independence

I started using this on 2 Dec 2011. In the beginning, LBT did protest with tiny kicks when it was turned on. I would worry that it might be too loud or disturbing, but she’ll soon quiet down after a minute or two. I wonder if she’s asleep listening to the repetitive drumbeats. Now almost a month later, I could feel her humming — or I’d like to think she is swaying and enjoying her Mommy’s makeshift heartbeat ♥

The instruction says to use this 2x a day for 1 hour each time, at the same time. When you have a cheeky hyper toddler running about, it is a priceless luxury to find some quiet time alone*. So in order to pinch an hour twice daily, I had to cheat a little *guilty*

What I do is use the BabyPlus an hour before I get out of bed, and an hour during Natey’s nap time while I steal one for myself. This way I won’t miss the daily routine between me and my girl. Does that sound bad? I hope LBT won’t mind Mommy cheating on our bonding time this way

Whether this miracle worker works for us or not — as did for many, worldwide since 1989 — I’ll revisit this post next May for a Part 2. Fingers crossed for a good report!

*Psst… If you’re wondering how I find time to blog but claimed none for myself? Well I do it here and there on my forbidden fruit — even in the loo

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Pureen Hypo Allergenic Detergent.
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Lindam Easy Fit Plus Baby Gate.

Pregnancy2 Updates 05: Anomaly Scan.

mellomouse — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:43:26 +0000

It was a very exciting day and also a day for thanksgiving. Since our last check-up 6 weeks ago, we finally got to see our darling LBT again this Tuesday morning and this time with the much anticipated detailed ultrasound

♥ Complete & Perfect ♥
Blissfully sucking her thumb without a care

23 weeks 3 days
605 grams

I must admit that I did spend weeks worrying about LBT’s development. Having a glimpse of her and hearing Dr Tan announced that all is well — did he really say very pretty girl? — and complete is such a relief *amen*

Ever since I started feeling her movements 7 weeks ago, it has been a wonderful familiarity that I’ve missed since LBJ days. Feeling her strong kicks and wiggles everyday never fails to put me in awe. But seeing her sucking her thumb on the ultrasound plus feeling her move all together was definitely a prize. It literally warmed my heart and entire being inside out! ♥

It’s going to be another 6 weeks wait again before we get to see our darling girl again. By then I will be in my final trimester at 29 weeks. Suddenly time is passing too fast. Why?

It never dawned on me that these 40 weeks is a once in a lifetime journey between me and my baby. This is as close as we can ever be with each other — her growing inside me and sharing one breath — before I share her with the world on her birth day. As much as I look forward to hold her in my arms, that could wait because after that I could never hold her in my womb ever again… *sniff*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy2 Updates 03: Guess the Colour.
Pregnancy2 Updates 07: What’s she doing?
Pregnancy2 Updates 01: Introducing Little Benjac Too.
Pregnancy2 Updates 04: 2nd Trimester, pt 1.
Pregnancy2 Updates 06: 2nd Trimester, pt 2.

Pregnancy Goodness: Edamame.

mellomouse — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 07:00:43 +0000

These little green gems in a pod are my latest craving. If you don’t know what they are, edamame are often seen served on a plate going around the conveyor belt in sushi bars — from RM1.99 for a handful — and are actually fresh green soya beans.

Edamame is known for being one of the power food for expecting mommies. They are a rich source for Carbohydrates, Protein, Dietary Fiber, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and micronutrients, particularly Folic Acid, Manganese and Vitamin K. That’s not all! Just look at the long list of nutritional goodness below *whoa*

I bought mine frozen in a bag of 500g for RM9.90 at Shojikiya in The Gardens, Mid Valley. They are quick to prepare and oh so delicious to munch on anytime of the day. All you need is a pot of boiling water, toss them in for 1 minute, drain, sprinkle some salt and enjoy! Easy Pea-sy

Why am I snacking on soy? If you’ve been following me since my previous pregnancy, you may remember a post I did on Pregnancy & Soya Beans. It was an alarming revelation for me then because I was expecting a boy and I immediately swore off soy after that. But now that I am having LBT, I guess this wouldn’t be a big concern *phew*

So here’s to soy goodness. Nothing like indulging on a snack that’s satisfying for me and good for my darling girl

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Goodness: Fruits & Vegetables.
Pregnancy Goodness: Virgin Coconut Oil.
Pregnancy Goodness: Sardines.
Pregnancy Goodness: Sunflower Seeds.
Pregnancy Goodness: Coconut Water.

Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method, pt 2 – Quotes.

mellomouse — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:16:46 +0000

I really enjoyed reading this book and was thoroughly inspired by it. It was an enlightenment to finally be out of the dark, clouded by many misconceptions and stereotypes of natural birth as seen on tv.

Here are some of my favourite quotes and awareness excerpted from the book, with links for further reading and references to find out more about what Mongan shared (I will add more links as I go). I hope you will also be inspired as I did and find these helpful

Hypnosis

A very natural state that most of us exist in during a large part of the day. When we become engrossed with our work and lose track of time or of what is going on around us, that is Hypnosis (pg 77)

What I Learned

When fear is not present, pain is not present (pg 3)

If the mind is dwelling on fearful, negative images of birth, the body is thrown unintentionally into a defense mode (pg 67)

Your baby knows when it’s time to be born. Trust him or her (pg 191)

Baby will descend when he and the birth path are ready. There is no need to rush (pg 129)

Inspiring Quotes

Birth was looked upon as a beautifully orchestrated natural function, designed to ensure the survival of the human race (pg 22)

Your uterus is perfectly designed to assist you to birth your baby (pg 49)

Preparing for your baby’s birth is far more important than any other major decision you have ever made. You simply can’t “Settle” (pg 93) – Note: If we didn’t just settle on our wedding plans, our child’s future education, or everything important in life, how can we settle on this?

The birthing environment should have the same respect and calm as a place of worship (pg 206)

Birthing is not an athletic event (pg 248)

During & After Birthing

The lower jaw area directly affects the vaginal opening (pg 122) — Note: Must remember not to clench your jaw! I had mine shut so tight that my lower lips was bruised blue black

“Pushing your baby out” is a rude concept that has no place in gentle birthing (pg 246)

Putting your child to the breast immediately has physical, as well as psychological benefits. This contact and stimulation at the breast causes your uterus to begin to contract, helps to expel the placenta and appropriately closes blood vessels to avoid any possible excessive bleeding (pg 267) Read this

Have skin-to-skin contact with your baby, rather than have your baby wrapped in a receiving blanket (pg268)

The umbilical cord is cut after it stops pulsating (pg 269) Read this & watch the clips!

When the cord is prematurely cut, it abruptly cuts off the flow of blood to the baby, depriving him of that source of oxygen and of the many nutrients that will affect his health for a lifetime (pg 269) Read this

Allowing the baby to take his first breaths with the continued benefit of oxygen from the placenta eases the task of taking air into his lungs once outside the womb (pg 269)

The expulsion of the placenta should be allowed to occur naturally (pg 269) Read this

Newborns not medicated during labor [can] crawl to the mother’s breast, just as other mammals do, and suckle (pg 270) Must watch!

You Might Also Be Interested:
Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method, pt 1 – The Book.
Pregnancy Sucks.
Leap Frog Tag Junior.
The Murder of Jesus.
Vanishing to America.