Lately I've been experiencing cramps (similar to period cramp) in my lower abdomen as well as the occasional strong and sharp uterine contractions. From what I've read, it is not uncommon to feel this in late pregnancy. Just last Saturday, when I was out shopping with my parents in One Utama, I couldn't help but noticed that my bump has started to drop (commonly known as lightening/engagement) and found it extremely difficult to walk long due to the pain on my pelvic muscle. Never knew that I'd one day consider the sight of benches in shopping malls a sheer bliss. In the course of my two hours there, I was pinning so much to sit so my back, heels and thighs won't ache like hell. I kept repeating to mum "I've got no more stamina to walk anymore" and we ended up in Delicious cafe for a meal instead, not so much for the food to be precise but rather to rest my heavy bum bum and incredibly huge bump.
Saw my ob-gy on Tuesday evening and as usual, we waited for like 2 hours to see her, performed the usual protocol of taking my urine test and stepping on the scale. This time I tipped the scale at 60.7kg, not too bad, 300g in two weeks but my urine test remained at 2 plusses/2 bar, to which one of the nurses remarked as high. The vaginal swab culture test came back and I was told that there was infection (heavy) but the bacteria does not pose any danger to me or the baby. The remedy: an antibiotic tablet,white in colour and about an inch long, to be inserted into the vagina (with an applicator) before bed time.
For my personal benefit and for the benefit of those who don't know the seriousness of getting your vaginal swab for bacteria in your 34 weeks of gestation: There is this certain bacteria called the Group B beta-haemolytic streptococcus (GBS) which can be very fatal to your newborn. The GBS has been identified to be the number one cause of life threathening infections in newborn and is usually found in your down south genitilia, vagina. Majority of the GBS infections are acquired during childbirth when the newborn comes into contact with the bacteria via the mother's birth canal and bare in mind that c-sect delivery does not eliminate an infected mother from transmitting GBS to her newborn. This lethal bacteria has resulted in the death of 2000 infants yearly while leaving others mentally or physically handicapped. (Information is extracted from www.childbirth.org/article/GBS.html). Pretty alarming isn't it? Therefore treatment is eminent before and during labour to prevent your newborn from contracting it.
My ob-gy did an ultrasound to measure the baby's growth from crown to rump and also showed us the blood flow in his umbilical cord (the reading is 1.29 and it is a healthy level but said it could go up to 1.8). He has put on 1 kg in 5 weeks and now weight in at 2.9kg. A physical check on my bump also confirmed that my baby's head has already engaged. Engaged here means when the fetus descends into the pelvic cavity during the last few weeks of prenancy.
The doc also did a VE (vaginal examination) to determine if my cervix had dilated. It was an extremely uncomfortable experienc and a little painful when she inserted her fingers into my vagina. Lo and behold, my cervix has dilated to about 1 finger wide or 1 cm wide. Doc said baby's weight is good and he's big enough to come out so I can expect to go into labour anytime this week onwards. Naturally I was shocked cause I wasn't expecting it this soon but hubby was pleasantly pleased with the news. Doc said if I walk a lot, it will expedite the labour so I'm now contemplating on whether should I walk more or less?
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Madagascar 2 and My Special Moments
Hubby and I went to watch Madagascar 2 after work. During the commercials, our little hero was doing a bit of 'kick boxing' and 'stretching' inside me so I instinctively placed hubby's hand on my bump for him to feel his son's active antics. Our litttle boy was constantly 'stretching', occasionally giving me a jolt or two in between movie. Hubby chuckles each time he kicks and it always pleases me to have these tender moments with both of them.
I've realized that loud noises, especially at the movies or while listening to the radio in the car, tends to act as a catalyst for his constant movements which can last throughout the entire show. These movements are sheer pleasure as well as assurance that he is doing fine. The midwife at our pre-natal class advice us to keep tab on the number of times the baby kicks, a minimum of 10 movements a day must be observed, this does not include hiccups (constant tapping on the same spot). Anyway, he's been assuring mommy so far and thank God for him.
Madagascar 2 was pretty alright, nothing spectacular though except for its catchy chorus that goes like this: "I like to move it, move it...I like to move it, move it....MOVE IT! We were one of the only few couples at the theatre, surrounded by hordes of children so you can pretty much imagine how that makes us feel or at least how it makes me feel....OLD.
Anyway, I'm not going to dwell further about the movie here as in my point of view, it serves no purpose. You know how little gestures can warm the heart, simple things like watching out for the other person while she take each step down the stairs, holding your spouse's hands at the cinema or cleaning her utensils before she uses it. Well, these are little things hubby did for me that makes me feel warm, secured and most of all loved. He holds my hand to cross me over to the other side of the road, remind me to watch my steps each time I take the stairs, shelters me from the rain by placing his hand over my head, and and the list goes on. I feel so blessed for having him in my life; not only as a husband but a best friend and I pray that our son will be just like him. The Lord is always watching over me and he never fail me although I have failed him countless of times in my life. It's a sad reality but then again, who says reality is sweet?
I took extra note of these gestures tonight because I was feeling a little depressed for the past couple of days over the crossroads I'm at. There's so many things playing over in my head that boggled me to the point I'm lost. I'm still looking for answers and directions. Could this be pre-natal blues?
One comfort I can find is knowing this promise: God says I know what I'm planning for you...I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future. Everything happens for a reason and that God does not put us through trials we cannot handle.
I've realized that loud noises, especially at the movies or while listening to the radio in the car, tends to act as a catalyst for his constant movements which can last throughout the entire show. These movements are sheer pleasure as well as assurance that he is doing fine. The midwife at our pre-natal class advice us to keep tab on the number of times the baby kicks, a minimum of 10 movements a day must be observed, this does not include hiccups (constant tapping on the same spot). Anyway, he's been assuring mommy so far and thank God for him.
Madagascar 2 was pretty alright, nothing spectacular though except for its catchy chorus that goes like this: "I like to move it, move it...I like to move it, move it....MOVE IT! We were one of the only few couples at the theatre, surrounded by hordes of children so you can pretty much imagine how that makes us feel or at least how it makes me feel....OLD.
Anyway, I'm not going to dwell further about the movie here as in my point of view, it serves no purpose. You know how little gestures can warm the heart, simple things like watching out for the other person while she take each step down the stairs, holding your spouse's hands at the cinema or cleaning her utensils before she uses it. Well, these are little things hubby did for me that makes me feel warm, secured and most of all loved. He holds my hand to cross me over to the other side of the road, remind me to watch my steps each time I take the stairs, shelters me from the rain by placing his hand over my head, and and the list goes on. I feel so blessed for having him in my life; not only as a husband but a best friend and I pray that our son will be just like him. The Lord is always watching over me and he never fail me although I have failed him countless of times in my life. It's a sad reality but then again, who says reality is sweet?
I took extra note of these gestures tonight because I was feeling a little depressed for the past couple of days over the crossroads I'm at. There's so many things playing over in my head that boggled me to the point I'm lost. I'm still looking for answers and directions. Could this be pre-natal blues?
One comfort I can find is knowing this promise: God says I know what I'm planning for you...I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future. Everything happens for a reason and that God does not put us through trials we cannot handle.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
I'm 33++ weeks
Had my routine check-up with Doc last evening. We arrived at the hospital at 4pm, registered (I was the tenth patient), stepped on the weighing scale and oh boy, i tipped the scale at 60.4kg. To date, I've put on a total of 13.4kg at 33 going on 34 weeks. That is a whole lot of pounds I've gained over the past 8 months and it's frightening, seriously.
Took the urine test, passed the bottle and a slip to the lab guy, waited for about 3 minutes and he passed the slip with the result back to me. Checked the slip and noticed he scribbled "++" or 2 pluses on the column that reads "sugar" and "neg" under the "protein" column. Puzzled by the "++", I inquired the lab guy what it meant and he cooly replied "it's 2 pluses. Your doc will explain". And I was like "Duhh, of course i know it reads as 2 pluses and that the doc will explain but I wanted to know it firsthand if it spells danger."
As usual we were kept waiting but was gratified to be able to finish one interesting war movie starring Owen Wilson on the Star Movie channel. We only got to see the doc at 5.30-ish pm, as predicted by hubby. While waiting in her consultation room, we took the liberty of scanning all the photographs nicely arranged behind her table. Hubby noted that all her photographs consisted of pics taken with patients in the labour room and just when I was about to touch one of the frames, she appeared from the other room. She checked my file, saw my urine test result and immediately said "I'll have to stress you a little". Hubby asked what does the result meant and she said I might be "pre-diabetic". She suggested that I go for the GTT test which required me to fast and I quickly interjected by saying "I've done that test a couple of months back". So, she checked my file again and affirmed that I've done the test before, said that the result was ok and I'm not diabetic and therefore, don't have to repeat the test. With that, we proceeded to the next room.
This time round, she did not scan my bump, only used the doppler to listen to the baby's heartbeat. His heartbeat is fine. Then, she examined my bump and decided that the baby's head is already down but hasn't engaged. The next thing she did mortified the life out of me, ok maybe mortified is too strong a word but it really did scare me. I was asked to remove my panties, spread my legs and bend my knees. She said "I'm going to take a swab of your vaginal discharge to test for dangerous bacteria" and before i could ask her any further, something cold and hard was inserted into my vagina cavity. Next, I could feel her fingers (or at least that's what I thought it is) going inside me. When she was done, she said "Your cervix is still very tight and we will check that again in a couple of weeks time". That was really a strange and scary experience. I was mentally not prepared for that.
Oh, and one embarassing episode happened while we're in the examination room. My panties dropped into the crevice between the bed and the wall. So shy cos the nurses had to be called in to help fish it out and since the gap was too narrow, hubby and the nurse had to drag the bed. Hubby fished out my black panties from among a pile of filthy tissues and papers. That's not it. Since the panties has already been exposed to all the filth behind the bed, I was advised against wearing it. I was like "What?". Yeah, I went home without wearing my panties. What an experience. My next follow-up visit is in 2 weeks time.
Took the urine test, passed the bottle and a slip to the lab guy, waited for about 3 minutes and he passed the slip with the result back to me. Checked the slip and noticed he scribbled "++" or 2 pluses on the column that reads "sugar" and "neg" under the "protein" column. Puzzled by the "++", I inquired the lab guy what it meant and he cooly replied "it's 2 pluses. Your doc will explain". And I was like "Duhh, of course i know it reads as 2 pluses and that the doc will explain but I wanted to know it firsthand if it spells danger."
As usual we were kept waiting but was gratified to be able to finish one interesting war movie starring Owen Wilson on the Star Movie channel. We only got to see the doc at 5.30-ish pm, as predicted by hubby. While waiting in her consultation room, we took the liberty of scanning all the photographs nicely arranged behind her table. Hubby noted that all her photographs consisted of pics taken with patients in the labour room and just when I was about to touch one of the frames, she appeared from the other room. She checked my file, saw my urine test result and immediately said "I'll have to stress you a little". Hubby asked what does the result meant and she said I might be "pre-diabetic". She suggested that I go for the GTT test which required me to fast and I quickly interjected by saying "I've done that test a couple of months back". So, she checked my file again and affirmed that I've done the test before, said that the result was ok and I'm not diabetic and therefore, don't have to repeat the test. With that, we proceeded to the next room.
This time round, she did not scan my bump, only used the doppler to listen to the baby's heartbeat. His heartbeat is fine. Then, she examined my bump and decided that the baby's head is already down but hasn't engaged. The next thing she did mortified the life out of me, ok maybe mortified is too strong a word but it really did scare me. I was asked to remove my panties, spread my legs and bend my knees. She said "I'm going to take a swab of your vaginal discharge to test for dangerous bacteria" and before i could ask her any further, something cold and hard was inserted into my vagina cavity. Next, I could feel her fingers (or at least that's what I thought it is) going inside me. When she was done, she said "Your cervix is still very tight and we will check that again in a couple of weeks time". That was really a strange and scary experience. I was mentally not prepared for that.
Oh, and one embarassing episode happened while we're in the examination room. My panties dropped into the crevice between the bed and the wall. So shy cos the nurses had to be called in to help fish it out and since the gap was too narrow, hubby and the nurse had to drag the bed. Hubby fished out my black panties from among a pile of filthy tissues and papers. That's not it. Since the panties has already been exposed to all the filth behind the bed, I was advised against wearing it. I was like "What?". Yeah, I went home without wearing my panties. What an experience. My next follow-up visit is in 2 weeks time.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Mum's The Best
Last night hubby and I went home to collect some baby stuff mom bought for our junior. We were shocked at the amount of things mom got for our son: newborn overalls (mostly from Baby GAP/Pumpkin Patch/Mothercare), large and small towels, cute tiny pair of socks and mittens, bathtub and baby's travelling bag from Mothercare, Avent cotton wipes, Huggies newborn diapers, a couple of Avent feeding bottles, milk powder container from Babisil, pacifiers, nappies, nappy liner, a French-made baby cream, baby changing mat and latex pillow. I must say that the bathtub was one of the safest I've seen so far. It's a product from the US, with a built-in adorably cute safety net support, anti-slip mat, a temperature indicator, and a water fetcher. She saved us from the hassle of shopping and being new parents, we are clueless as to what we need for our newborn. Mom, being the expert, having given birth to 5 kids knows what's best for kids.
Speaking of mum, there was an article she sent me a couple of weeks back and I thought I should share it with you here:
A woman, renewing her driver's license , was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. 'What I mean is, ' explained the recorder, 'do you have a job or are you just a ....?' 'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman. 'I'm a Mum.' 'We don't list 'Mum' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it,' Said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, 'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.' 'What is your occupation?' she probed. What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out. 'I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.' The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,'just what you do in your field?' Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, 'I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) In the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.' There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door. As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mum.'
Motherhood! What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.
Does this make grandmothers 'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations' And great grandmothers 'Executive Senior Research Associates?' I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts ' Associate Research Assistants.'
Speaking of mum, there was an article she sent me a couple of weeks back and I thought I should share it with you here:
"Just a Mom?"
A woman, renewing her driver's license , was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. 'What I mean is, ' explained the recorder, 'do you have a job or are you just a ....?' 'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman. 'I'm a Mum.' 'We don't list 'Mum' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it,' Said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, 'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.' 'What is your occupation?' she probed. What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out. 'I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.' The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,'just what you do in your field?' Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, 'I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) In the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.' There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door. As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mum.'
Motherhood! What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.
Does this make grandmothers 'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations' And great grandmothers 'Executive Senior Research Associates?' I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts ' Associate Research Assistants.'
Don't you feel proud having such a title with such great responsibilities? I believe it is no easy feat being a mom and looking at my mom does make me wonder if I can be as good as her...Life is tough but we have the choice of deciding what sort of life we want and yet at the end of the day, we have no control over it. I'm proud and blessed to have a mom who loves all her children unconditionally, giving her best to us and sacrificing so much so that we can live a better life.
Nonetheless, my dad too, plays an important role in keeping our family together. He loves mom very much, ever faithful and he is a man who has never raised his voice at mom. I've always said that mom is a blessed woman having married a mild tempered, loving man like my father. He can go shopping with her the entire day without complaining!! Now, where do you find such patience??
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