mellomouse* » Fetal Development

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 08: 3rd Trimester Woes.
Pregnancy2 Updates 06: 2nd Trimester, pt 2.

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

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pureen Hypo Allergenic Detergent.
Little Bean Sterilizer.
BabyNatey 47: Brushing Teeth.
BabyNatey 48: Childproofing.
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.

Pregnancy2 Updates 03: Guess the Colour.

mellomouse — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:54:03 +0000

Yesterday finally came after weeks and weeks of anticipation. Nate has been calling LBT a baby girl girl for so long that we started to follow him too. Well except the husband because he didn’t want to have false expectation. Little did he know of his son’s true premonition

Pink or Blue
18 weeks 4 days

X marks the spot
Dr Tan shows us where to look

So how did Nate knows? Since no one taught him, I’d like to believe that Jesus told him instead *wink* How else does a 17mo toddler — 3 months ago — choose between little brother and little sister by answering that he wants baby girl girl. Does he even know the difference between brother, sister, girl and boy?

I am blessed and thankful for my “almost” complete family. By April 2012, we will be wholesomely complete with Daddy, Mommy, Natey, LBT and Scubby. Therefore, I hereby declare myself as “factory closed” for business. Seriously! *LOL*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy2 Updates 05: Anomaly Scan.
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.

Pregnancy2 Updates 01: Introducing Little Benjac Too.

mellomouse — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 06:20:43 +0000

I’m very happy to share our good news that we will be expecting a little Water Dragon next April 2012. I’ll soon be clocking into the 2nd trimester and I can’t wait! The past 8 weeks — and still is — had been a rollercoaster ride going down with no ups. Yet *fingers crossed*

We went for my 2nd antenal check up yesterday morning and I was very happy to see LBT kicking up a storm inside me. The ultrasound was so clear, I could see the little hands move vigorously as though excitedly waving to Mommy. It filled me with so much awe that I was floating on cloud nine ♥

Presenting our Little Benjac Too
Estimated 12 weeks 4 days

This time we brought our camera with us and I got Hubby to record everything. I’ve probably watched the clip a dozen times and still feel fluttered from it. I can’t begin to explain the joyful feeling. Seeing my unborn child move inside me — separated only by my skin — from the outside is really so surreal. It is awe-some! Here’s a short snippet of the ultrasound

Our next appointment is in 6 weeks time. By then we will know if my Mommy instinct is correct and Natey’s request comes true. I started this pregnancy with the inkling of a boy but because of Natey’s constant chanting of “Baby Girl Girl” when I asked if he wanted a little brother or sister, I now suspect LBT could be a girl too. And Dr Tan agrees!

Whether it is a boy or a girl, it matters not but a healthy and complete baby. And I doubt Natey really knows the difference — just yet *hehe*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy2 Updates 07: What’s she doing?
Pregnancy2 Updates 03: Guess the Colour.
Pregnancy2 Updates 05: Anomaly Scan.
Pregnancy2 Updates 02: 1st Trimester.
Pregnancy2 Updates 06: 2nd Trimester, pt 2.

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?

You Might Also Be Interested:
BabyNatey 16: 151 days!
BabyNatey 10: Tiny Feet Fetish.
BabyNatey 21: Yummy Baby Fingers!
BabyNatey 04: Two Months!
BabyNatey 38: One!

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*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Updates 29: Little Benjac is 1.6kg!
Pregnancy Updates 33: Little Benjac is 2.1kg!
Pregnancy Updates 37: Little Benjac is 2.4kg!
Pregnancy Updates 20: Little Benjac is 642g!
Pregnancy Updates 24: Little Benjac is 1.07kg!

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

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Updates 29: Little Benjac is 1.6kg!
Pregnancy Updates 33: Little Benjac is 2.1kg!
Pregnancy Updates 37: Little Benjac is 2.4kg!
Pregnancy Updates 42: Little Benjac is 2.9kg!
Pregnancy Updates 23: We’re 28 weeks pregnant.

Anterior & Posterior Birth, pt 2 – Homework!

mellomouse — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 07:31:49 +0000

I’ve been trying to figure out LBJ’s exact position in utero since last Thursday and I am simply hopeless. The husband can’t seem to understand why I’m getting so worked up over it *humph* But thankfully, LBJ is definitely head down!

Even with a Compass
Mommy is so hopelessly lost with her imagination

L: Left, R: Right, O: Occiput, A: Anterior, P: Posterior, T: Transverse

LBJ is facing left because his fetal hiccups are always felt on that side. The right side of my bump is bigger and there are more stretch marks because of his weight. So that means he could be either OP, ROP or ROT.

What I need to do now is help him turn Anterior (OA) before labour or while delivery. 3 of the common positions I could do daily is going down on my hands and knees like the lady below.

Hands & Knees or Kneeling

Does the position looks comfortable? Surprisingly it is not so. At least the 2nd & 3rd visual is not. The weight of my body – thigh pressing onto my calves – causes a numbing burning sensation after a minute. Will I be able to go through with this position during labour?

I do these a few times a day for 5 minutes each. Every time it does feel like forever because of the pressure. I hope with more practice, LBJ would turn anterior effortlessly and help speed up delivery *fingers crossed*

Did the Fetal Compass above help you in visualising your baby’s position? If not, maybe these telltale signs may.

Anterior Baby

The baby’s back feels hard and smooth and rounded on one side of your tummy, and you will normally feel kicks under your ribs.

Your belly button (umbilicus) will normally poke out, and the area around it will feel firm.

Posterior Baby

Your tummy may look flatter and feel more squashy, and you may feel arms and legs towards the front, and kicks on the front towards the middle of your tummy.

The area around your belly button may dip in to a concave, saucer-like shape.

Find Out More

As for me, I am more lost. Now it feels like a little of both positions because: 1) I normally feel kicks under my ribs and 2) The area around my belly button does look concave.

Headaches aside! I’m going to ask the husband to draw it out for me this Friday when Dr Tan does the ultrasound scan for our 8th check-up.

So will I be delivering this Sunday / 1st day of CNY / Valentine’s Day?

You Might Also Be Interested:
Anterior & Posterior Birth, pt 1 – The Research.
Giving Birth On All Fours, pt 1 – The Research.
Pregnancy Goodness: Birth Ball, pt 1 – Research.
My Birth Plan, pt 1 – The Draft.
My Birth Plan, pt 2 – Approved!

Pregnancy & Soya Beans.

mellomouse — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:10:36 +0000

A chilled glass of Soya Bean Milk is simply heavenly on a warm day, or whenever. Don’t you agree? That’s exactly what I’ve been having almost daily for the past 2 months. Whenever possible, we would buy a large bottle and that could last us for a day or 2.

This is not uncommon among us Asians to include soy into our daily staple. Often Expecting Mothers would go out of their way to consume more because we were told that soy will give our babies fair and beautiful complexion. I did it simply because I enjoy the drink

So you could imagine my shock when I found out last night that all this health talk is really just pure garbage. Soy is probably one of the most misconceived myth that it is some sort of miracle food that prevents and cures diseases. Soya Bean is not a Health Food!

My immediate reaction was: OMG, what have I done!?! And you would too after reading what I have excerpted below. Especially if you are expecting a baby boy!

BBC NEWS Reported in 2004

The humble soya bean may play a role in the problem of male infertility, a team of researchers in Belfast has found.

If boys eat a lot of soya when they are growing up, it can damage their reproductive capability. The key time for that is when a male foetus is developing and in the early toddler years and up to puberty.

Too much soya affects the development of the male’s reproductive tract. It increases the structural abnormalities like undescended testes and testicular cancer.

Continue Reading

The Truth About Soy
Another interesting Article

There’s still a half bottle of Soya Bean Milk in the fridge. After that is finished, I don’t think I’ll be drinking anymore until after LBJ is born or longer.

Even though I am making an informed choice now to not drink it, there are still a multitude of food products in the market that I would not be able to escape from, that are made from soy

2 weekends ago, we stocked up a carton of Soya Bean Milk to serve our guest during CNY. Will you drink it if/when you visit us after reading this post?

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Updates 38: Fat Mama!
Pregnancy Updates 40: Cinderella No More.
Pregnancy Updates 09: Morning Sickness gone Nocturnal.
Pregnancy Updates 35: Water Retention.
Pregnancy Updates 13: PUPPP Pregnancy Rash.