My Bump

Showing off my bump, which looks kind of small from this angle. :)

Signs of Labor

It’s my first time to give birth and I don’t have  my mom and sister with me now. While waiting for the arrival of my little Ava, I’ve come across a few articles on labor and when it begins. I hope this helps!

Six Signs that Labor is Within a Few Weeks or Days:

1. Lightening: You can breathe again! This is an indication that the baby has dropped, settling deeper into your pelvis and relieving some of the pressure on your diaphragm, so you are not so short of breath. You may feel increased pressure on your bladder, which means more trips to the bathroom. Others may comment on your changed appearance, although you might not be aware of it at all.

2. Bloody show: Loss of mucus plug. During pregnancy, a thick plug of mucus protects your cervical opening from bacteria entering the uterus. When your cervix begins to thin and relax, this plug is expelled. Some women think the plug will look solid like a cork, but it is actually stringy mucus or discharge. It can be clear, pink or blood tinged and can appear minutes, hours or even days before labor begins. Not all women notice this sign.

3. Rupture of membranes: Your water breaks! Only 1 in 10 woman experience a dramatic gush of the amniotic fluid and even then it usually happens at home, often in bed. Sometimes the amniotic sac breaks or leaks before labor begins. Your uterus is sitting directly on top of your bladder, which can cause you to leak urine. Sometimes it can be quite difficult to distinguish urine from amniotic fluid.

If your membranes have ruptured and you are leaking amniotic fluid, it will be an odorless fluid. This can occur with a sudden gush or a constant trickle. If you notice fluid leaking, you need to try to determine if it smells like urine or if it is odorless. If it does not seem to be urine, you would want to contact your health care provider.

Until you see your physician or midwife do not use tampons, have sexual intercourse or do anything that would introduce bacteria to your vagina. Let your health care provider know if the fluid is anything other than clear and odorless, particularly if it's green or foul smelling, because this could be a sign of infection.

4. Nesting: Spurt of energy. For most of your pregnancy you have probably been fighting the urge to take a nap, so you'll know when you experience this. One day you will wake up feeling full of energy! You'll start making a long list of things to do, things to clean, things to buy and everything you've put off doing will become a high priority. In all your preparations, don't forget that “Labor Day” may be just around the corner so save some energy.

5. Effacement: Thinning of the cervix. Usually in the last month the cervix begins to stretch and thin. This process means the lower segment of the uterus is getting ready for delivery. A thin cervix will also allow the cervix to dilate more easily.

Your health care provider may check for effacement in the final 2 months of pregnancy. Effacement is measured in percentages. You may hear your health care provider say,“You are 25% effaced, 50% effaced, 75%...” The Braxton Hicks contractions or “practice contractions” you have been experiencing may play a part in the effacement process. You will not be able to determine your effacement process, this can only be done by a health care provider's exam.

6. Dilation: Opening of the cervix. Dilation is the process of the cervix opening in preparation for childbirth. Dilation is measured in centimeters or, less accurately, in “fingers” during an internal (manual) pelvic exam. “Fully dilated” means you're at 10 centimeters and are ready to give birth. In the same way that your health care provider may be checking for effacement in the last 2 months, your health care provider may also tell you how many centimeters your cervix has dilated.

 

One SURE Sign Labor is Really Happening:

Consistent Contractions: When you begin to experience regular uterine contractions, this is the strongest indication that you are in labor. This is a good time to get out your notebook to record the exact time each one begins and how long they last. These contractions may feel like menstrual cramps or a lower backache that comes and goes, and during early labor they may be as far apart as 20 to 30 minutes. Over the course of several hours your contractions will typically begin occurring at shorter intervals; and you may notice they start happening every 10-15 minutes or less. When your contractions are consistently 5 minutes apart, it is time to call your health care provider.

 

Labor Contractions Have the Following Characteristics:

• They are regular
• They follow a predictable pattern (such as every eight minutes)
• They become progressively closer
• They last progressively longer
• They become progressively stronger
• Each contraction is felt first in the lower back and then radiates around to the front or visa versa
• A change in activity or position will not slow down or stop contractions
• There may be bloody show
• Membranes may rupture
• Your health care provider will notice cervical changes, such as effacement (thinning), or dilation

 

Source: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/signsoflabor.html

A special moment with you safely growing inside of me…

At 36 weeks and 2 days. Waiting for my little Ava.

If ever you have to choose...

If ever you have to choose  between our child's life or mine, I beg you to please choose our child's life. Our child is my reason for being. I have fulfilled my purpose in life when I've given birth to our child, despite what it may cost me. I am replaceable, our child is not. Our baby's the best gift I can ever give you, more than my love. 


M.V.J.

Placenta Praevia

What is placenta praevia?

Placenta praevia means placenta first. 
In a normal pregnancy the placenta is in the upper part of your uterus. With placenta praevia, however, the placenta is in the lower part of your uterus, often between your baby and your cervix (the neck of the uterus).
During the last 3 months of pregnancy, the lower part of your uterus becomes thinner and stretches around the growing baby. This can cause a low placenta to tear or pull away from the uterus. This results in bleeding (your blood, not the baby’s).

How common and how serious is placenta praevia?

Early in pregnancy a low lying placenta is common, but later in pregnancy placenta praevia occurs in about 1 in every 200 pregnancies, although it is less common in first pregnancies. 
There are different degrees of the condition:

• Grade 1 (minor) is when the placenta is mainly in the upper part of the uterus, but some of it extends into the lower part – the most common type.
• Grade 2 (marginal) is when the placenta reaches the cervix, but doesn’t cover it.
• Grade 3 (major) is when the placenta partially covers the cervix.
• Grade 4 (major) is when the placenta completely covers the cervix. This is the most serious type of placenta praevia.

What causes placenta praevia?

Placenta praevia happens when the fertilised egg implants in the lower part of your uterus (womb). The placenta may develop lower than it should because:

• There is a large area of placenta (if you are carrying twins, for example)
• You may have scarring on the lining of your uterus, caused by a previous Caesarean or curettage
• Often there is no obvious cause.

How will you know if you have placenta praevia?

Placenta praevia is usually picked up on ultrasound. Most pregnant women have an ultrasound scan between 18 and 20 weeks, and if this shows a low-lying placenta, another scan will be performed at about 32 weeks to see if the placenta is still low. Only 2 – 5% of women who had a low-lying placenta on their first scan will have placenta praevia that is severe enough to need Caesarean delivery.
If you have any bleeding during pregnancy, you will probably have an ultrasound scan to find out if you have placenta praevia. Bleeding doesn’t always mean you have placenta praevia. Bleeding can be caused by a bleed behind a normally positioned placenta, the bleeding may be coming from your cervix, or there may be no obvious cause at all for the bleeding.

What happens if you have placenta praevia?

If you have placenta praevia you will probably bleed at some stage of your pregnancy. This usually happens after 28 weeks when the lower part of your uterus is thinner and stretched. The bleeding may be small or large in amount, and is usually painless. However, even a small amount of bleeding needs to be checked out by your doctor.
There is nothing that can be done to change the position of your placenta, so placenta praevia is managed by trying to reduce your chance of bleeding. The aim of this is to allow your baby to grow to a size and age that will give your baby the best chance of survival.
If you have a minor grade of placenta praevia, and the bleeding has stopped, you may be able to go home. However, you will need to be close to the hospital, and have access to immediate transport. You will also need to avoid sex.
If yours is a more serious case, you may have to stay in hospital until delivery because of the risk of heavy bleeding.

What happens in hospital?

If you have had a large bleed 

• You may need an intravenous drip.
• Your baby’s heartbeat will be listened to regularly.
• You will have blood taken to check your haemoglobin and blood group. Donor blood will be kept available in case you continue to bleed and need a transfusion. You will have blood taken each week so that an exact match is always ready.
• If you have Rh negative blood group you will be given an anti-D injection (have a look at the topic 'Routine antenatal tests' for more information about Rh negative blood group and anti-D injections).
• If your blood test shows that you are anaemic, your doctor may prescribe iron tablets.

If you are less than 34 weeks pregnant, you may be given injections of a steroid called Celestone. This helps to mature your baby’s lungs in case you have an early delivery.
Just because you are in hospital doesn’t mean you need to stay in bed. Once the bleeding has settled you will be able to wander around the hospital and grounds as long as you tell the staff where you are going.
Being in hospital will not prevent you from bleeding. It means that if you have a large bleed your baby can be delivered as quickly and safely as possible.

Is a Caesarean always necessary?

Most women with Placenta Praevia will have a Caesarean section. Contractions may cause heavy bleeding as the placenta separates from your uterus. The placenta also prevents your baby’s head from becoming engaged in your pelvis.
If you have a grade 1 or 2 Placenta Praevia, a vaginal delivery may sometimes be possible. However, with grades 3 and 4, a Caesarean section is necessary. The Caesarean section will be planned for a time when the baby is mature, usually at about 38 weeks, hopefully before you go into labour.
If you have a Caesarean section an anaesthetist will talk with you about the best anaesthetic to have – you may need a general anaesthetic.

Is placenta praevia dangerous?

Placenta praevia is potentially life threatening. You may not bleed at all during your pregnancy, but it is possible for you to have a large haemorrhage at any time. You could lose your entire volume of blood in 10 minutes. This is why you need to stay in hospital close to emergency facilities.
Your doctor or midwife can provide you with more information about placenta praevia. Please talk to them if there is anything that you don't understand about your condition, or if you have any concerns.

The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see your doctor or midwife.




source:  http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=438&np=462&id=2785

Sweetest Miracle

A wee bit of heaven

drifted down from above -

A handful of happiness,

a heartful of love.

The mystery of life,

so sacred and sweet -

The giver of joy

so deep and complete.

Precious and priceless,

so lovable, too -

The world's sweetest miracle,

baby, is you.  

Taking Healthy Options as a Mom-To-Be

My recent trip to the mall did not end in vain. I found my way to a Healthy Options store in search of nuts, granola bars and healthy snacks pregnant women ought to eat. Lately, I've been feeling guilty eating a lot of salted adobo nuts, flavored popcorn and yummy junk food. As calories, sodium and cholesterol pile up in unknown numbers, my guilt has been piling up too.

I found Mommy Bars and Blueberry Granola Bars interesting. Plus, I took a little trip to the body care department and found Chamomile Deo Body Spray and  Jason Cocoa Butter Lotion for my growing bump. I'm totally conscious over stretch marks and I feel like my skin really needs a lot of healthy moisture, rather than chemical-made moisturizers. 

Total cost  for the 4 items: P1300.00.

How much will childbirth hurt?

A woman goes to her doctor who verifies that she is pregnant. This is her first pregnancy. The doctor asks her if she has any questions. She replies, "Well, I'm a little worried about the pain. How much will childbirth hurt?"

The doctor answered, "Well, that varies from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy and besides, it's difficult to describe pain."
"I know, but can't you give me some idea?" she asks.

"Grab your upper lip and pull it out a little..."
"Like this?"
"A little more..."
"Like this?"
"No. A little more..."
"Like this?"
"Yes. Does that hurt?"
"A little bit."
"Now stretch it over your head!"



Pregnancy Joke
*Source: http://www.breastfeeding.com/lighter_side/lighter_side_prego_jokes.html

20 Weeks Preggers

I'm glad we've made it halfway through the pregnancy, all safe and normal. My bump's getting bigger and more noticeable, and I can feel baby moving already! Right now I felt baby kick, but it feels more like a tickle from small cute hands. This afternoon, while lying down to rest, I was thinking how my baby would look like and will he/she always be smiling and laughing? When he/she cries, can I calm him/her down and stop her tears from falling? Will he/she know I'm his/her mother with just a touch? Will he/she want to stay in my arms all the time? Will he/she need me as I need him/her? I am so excited to touch and feel my baby, to see and kiss him/her. I just couldn't wait! :) My baby = Happiness!:)        

Baby at Week 15: Navel Orange

Continuing the march towards normal proportions, baby's legs now outmeasure the arms. And, finally, all four limbs have functional joints. Your fetus is squirming and wiggling like crazy down in the womb, though you probably still can't feel the movements.

Cravings: Dreaming of food...

Singkamas (Turnip)

I love every juicy bite of singkamas strips, especially if its dipped in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce and sea salt. It makes my mouth water and it satisfies my demanding stomach.

Status: Done. Weekly Doses.

Green Mango

The most common food every pregnant Filipina craves for. Or if you've been caught craving for this one, people might actually suspect you are preggers. I love eating green mango with sauted shrimp paste!

Status: Done.Weekly Doses.

Cucumber Salad

This is one of my first few cravings. I love it with vinegar and salt. Ummmm....

Status: Done. Satisfied!

Sushi and Sashimi

One of my all-time faves... Sushi and Sashimi. I like the fish raw. It tastes sweeter. I've tried raw tuna, raw salmon, raw eel, raw squid, raw octopus, raw salmon roe, and a lot more. I like the salmon with avocado, onion and mayo sushi.  I like Ebi sushi the most, with some pickled ginger and wasabe + soy sauce. Sushi is never sushi without the wasabe. ;)

Status: Prohibited. I need to wait after delivery...

Chilli Crabs

Just looking at the pictures makes me want to eat it NOW. I miss the Chilli Crabs from Singapore... especially the one from Jumbo Seafood Restaurant. The big crabs, with a lot of succulent meat, all spiced up with sweet and savoury tomato and chilli sauce.

Status: Pending. Still searching where I find good ones here in Cebu.

Butter Crabs

Just when you think chilli crabs are the best, wait till you've tried butter crabs. It's creamy and full of flavour, with a distinct spicy taste. It's served with Mantou or buns which make it easier to scrape the creamy sauce. This is one of the yummiest food I've eaten so far. 

Status: Pending. Doubtful if there's a resto in Cebu serving this dish.

Week 14: Stress, Ultrasound and a lot of Bed rest

Monday was a really busy day at work. I finished some work on instrument hook-up drawings, which was delayed due to my 3-day absence last week. In the afternoon, I had to wrap-up my work on Project 2 because my boss from Project 1 wanted to talk to me at 3pm. It was break time. I didn’t respond immediately… I was supposed to get a cracker or some solid food but ended up taking a cereal drink instead. I called him after break, got some instructions, then another boss called, and I called the first boss again and then the second boss.. it was a phone-fest with the bosses at JP and SG. Then I got a very terrible headache that kept my heart pounding like it’s shaking my entire body. Hello, stress.

When I got home, I was still having that bad headache. I found out I was spotting and it felt scary. It was my first time to experience that during my entire pregnancy. That moment, I decided to take a day off from work and visit my doctor, Dr. M.

A visit to Dr. M. She got some samples to be checked on the lab. She also found a polyp which she removed and we submitted it to the lab for biopsy. It could have caused the bleeding but she said we may need an ultrasound to check if something inside my tummy has caused me to bleed. We’ll also check baby’s vital signs. That’s a good idea! I wanted to see how baby’s doing now.

Through the sonogram scan, my doctor found out I was having a low-lying placenta. But it has a big chance of moving upwards in the next few weeks/months. I just hope so. I wouldn’t want my placenta blocking my baby’s way out. Nooo way. Dr, M told me this could also one of the reasons why I’m spotting. So she advised me to take a bed rest for 7 days. I like the idea. :)

Despite the placenta’s placement, my baby’s in perfect condition. Good fetal heart rate of 162 bpm. At 88 grams, baby’s just the right size for his/her age. Vitals are good. I’m reassured. :) I saw my baby moving, swimming, waving, and kicking and it fills my heart with so much joy and amazement! I Love You Baby. <3

Baby at Week 14: Lemon

Your adorable little fetus is busy with thumb sucking, toe wiggling, and (not so cute but equally amazing) making urine and breathing amniotic fluid as the liver, kidneys and spleen continue to develop. Lanugo (thin, downy hair) is growing all over the body for warmth.

Baby at Week 13: Peach

Your fetus is forming teeth and vocal cords... savor this, their non-functional phase. Baby is approaching normal proportions, with a head now only one third the size of the body. Intestines are in the process of moving from the umbilical cord to baby's tummy. (Much more convenient.)

Week 7: My baby’s first picture

At 7 weeks and 5 days, my little one is still an embryo. His/her heart rate beats as fast as 165 bpm, a normal rate for babies his/her age. Gender is still unknown, so I have to wait until baby reaches 20 weeks.

Week 6: First pre-natal visit

Disappointing.

I was expecting a cheerful and enthusiastic doctor to congratulate us for having successfully created a miracle of life. Nah. Dr. Q just asked for my LMP (Last Menstrual Period) and informed us when the baby is due. Asked me to have some lab tests, and gave me prescription for my vitamins. She said I was going to give birth on the last week of July.

Boring. No connection.

I didn’t feel comfortable with the doctor and I could not envision myself to be under Dr. Q’s knife. So, I’m thinking of going to another doctor soon.

Weeks 1-4: Innocent of what’s happening inside my body until…Week 5.

Week 1: Week where last AF started.

Week 2:  DTD. OV.

Week 3: Some signs showing up but I didn’t really mind because they also felt like signs of AF coming. Tender and heavy BBs.

Week 4: I bought a lot of pads because I felt like AF was coming, big time.

Week 5: Some signs of AF coming, but I’m a bit bothered why it’s delayed…thought I was sick or something’s wrong with my system. When I told my friend about it, she told me to by a HPT. She bought one for me… we tested and it was a big fat POSITIVE.

My eyes were fixed on the test pack from the time I dropped pee samples until the lines became red. Two red lines… and my future flashed so fast in my mind, I could see where my life was going now. I found direction. I found hope, a sparkle of light at the end of the tunnel. I’m going to be a mommy!