Baby Spurts - Week 26

See the big picture

Hellooo Week 26!

How your baby's growing:

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

Are you rushing around trying to get to childbirth classes and prepare your baby's room while still taking care of all your other daily tasks? Make sure that you also continue to eat well and get plenty of rest. Around this time, your blood pressure may be increasing slightly, although it's probably still lower than it was before you got pregnant. (Typically, blood pressure falls toward the end of the first trimester, and it tends to reach a low at about 22 to 24 weeks.)

Preeclampsia — a serious disorder characterized by high blood pressure and protein in your urine — most often shows up after 37 weeks, but it can happen earlier so it's important to be aware of the warning signs of this condition. Call your caregiver if you have swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, more than slight swelling of your hands, excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain (more than 4 pounds in a week). With more severe preeclampsia, you may experience other symptoms. Let your caregiver know immediately if you have a severe or persistent headache, vision changes (including double or blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, sensitivity to light, or temporary loss of vision), intense pain or tenderness in your upper abdomen, or vomiting.

If your lower back seems a little achy lately, you can thank both your growing uterus — which shifts your center of gravity, stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, and may be pressing on a nerve — as well as hormonal changes that loosen your joints and ligaments. Plus, the extra weight you're carrying means more work for your muscles and increased stress on your joints, which is why you may feel worse at the end of the day. Walking, standing, or sitting for long periods, as well as bending and lifting can all put a strain on your back. A warm bath or hot compress might bring relief. (Some women, though, find cool compresses more comforting.) Try to maintain good posture during the day, avoid activities that require bending and twisting at the same time, take frequent breaks when sitting or standing, and sleep on your side with one or both knees bent with a pillow between your legs, using another pillow (or wedge) to support your abdomen.

Momma bump - 25 weeks

Here's the latest one of Week 25!

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Whale-ly Updates 13

Hello!


New updates:

1. Bump now measures 94cm =)
2. I've developed a VERY sharp pain in my upper left buttocks. It feels like some sort of nerve pain... like someone stabbed me with something real sharp. It's a come and go pain. Just the stab, then it goes away. And it gets really bad when walking or standing. Just last night we were out shopping and there were times the pain threw me off course and I almost couldn't remain standing. I've tried doing some internet research but it turns out the main ones like Pelvic Girdle Pain and Sciatica pain just don't seem to fit the bill. But I am somehow confident that it'll be healed very soon. Keep me in prayers =) I've been trying to sit the pain out, trying not to add any pressure on my left butt.
3. Still been waking up 2-3 times a night to pee. But I'm getting used to the routine so much so I am much less lethargic as compared to when these spells first started.

I guess that's just about it. Baby Bean Sprout will turn 26 weeks tomorrow! Wow... that means I have 2 more weeks of this trimester left till I meet and greet the THIRD TRIMESTER! Woooooo. I've read and heard alot about it... but oh well.. I'll only know when I'm there =) Till then, tata!

Fetal Movements

Fetal movements - as a mother on a forum said, there's nothing more reassuring that a good strong poke! I sincerely agree. On days I go around like a crazed maniac paying attention to my bump for the slightest flutter. On other days, I sit delightfully as Bean Sprout punches and kicks inside me. But as to the frequency of the kicks, I've been noticing that this babe is really interesting. While internet sites say that by week 25-28, the baby's "timetable" should be well established. By that, it means that certain babies are morning ones, certain ones are night ones, certain ones move about alot after meals, etc. So like an inexperienced, super kan-chiong mother, I wait and observed attentively for the slightest pattern in movements to find my baby's timetable. But I guess it hasn't been working. =/ See... this babe is very unique (like every other babe), it's sort of like a week by week basis pattern. I've noticed for the past month or so, there will be a week where there's LOTS of disco dancing, prodding, and punching. Then the next week, a decrease in movement. I can try laying on my side, drinking sweet drinks, but nope, minimal movements! And that's been driving me crazyyyy!!

Book that I've been reading discredit counting fetal movements. Thank God they do! If not, I would be again, rushing to the gynae everytime I've not felt baby movements for 12 hours. =/ Today was one of those days where baby movements are low. There are a few reasons why (internet research): 1. mom's been active, hence rocking baby to sleep 2. baby's low on energy 3. baby just doesn't feel like moving (yeap, they have moods too!) 3. fetal position 4. anterior placenta.

Justin had to calm me down again today. And as far as he's concerned, as long as baby does wiggle a little throughout the day, she's perfectly fine! So oh well... worrying is really not good for me and baby. So, I've finally settled down, and lo and behold, she gave me a few good strong kicks. =D I guess I'm a happy mommy again!! hehehehe

To Registry or Not to Registry?

Lenny recently suggested that I create some sort of a baby registry... The idea is still new to me and frankly speaking, I don't know whether it'll work.

If you're blur as to what a Baby Registry is, I shall explain. In the West, people practice gift-giving during the Baby shower. And registries were created to help make the job of gift-givers easier. Cause often times we get stuck trying to think of what to buy. So a baby registry is basically a wish-list where the mother-to-be writes down a list of gifts/items that she needs/wants/would like. And people pick from that list and buy them. Hence, cutting short the job of thinking of what to buy etc. And nowadays with the increase of online shops, gift-givers need not rush to the stores anymore. Just simply click on the link to the online shop in the baby registry, select gift, and it will be delivered to the mom-to-be's doorstep.

So yes, it does sound like a very nice idea as Lenny put. But still there's this... malu factor. When I told Justin about the idea, he said... eeee.. isn't that like begging? @@

So how how how?? To registry or not to??

My mom suggested that I could set up a registry and see who picks up what. If no one picks up anything that's perfectly fine, if people do pick up things, that's great! Hmm... Maybe I'll take mom's suggestion. Set it up and see how lo.

What's in the Name?

With only 14 weeks left before this baby comes (may be less though). The biggest issues on my mind now are finances and the name!

Private hospitals here have a policy... if baby is born during non office hours (i.e. 6pm- 8am and on public holidays/weekends), delivery cost doubles. Sigh... My friend just told us she delivered her first child for a whooping 8,000.00 ++. We are honestly not prepared financially for this bill. On top of this there's still the stroller, car seat, and playpen left to purchase. All of which will amount to about 2,500.00. I can very honestly say, I've been panicking, worrying, and praying... Interesting thing is, I heard a whisper 2 days ago (before all these worries started pouring in) that He has not let me down yet, and will never let me down... Justin says this was God's reassuring voice. I honestly have never been so worried about finances before... Interesting how Justin is calm at this time when I'm all over the place worrying. I need to be like Mary... breatheee..

Which brings me to the next issue - BABY NAME!!!!
We have a shortlist. It is very short. But, somehow we can't seem to decide!! What we do have is a list of Chinese names =D

Boy: Yap Khye Ven / Yap Khye Jieh
Girl: Yap Kye Lee / Yap Kye Yen

The issue we have with English/Christian names is... We want something that fits our criterion:
1. Must have suitable and significant meaning(s)
2. Must not be common (or associated to someone we know, especially someone who's spoiled the name =/)
3. Must sound pleasing to the ear and look pleasing to the eye (this is important as some spellings are just... weird)
4. With the least possible mispronunciations and negative connotations in as many known languages in our community as possible

Ok.. after typing this list out, I've realized how fussy we are. But the thing with names is, we believe that the name is ESSENTIAL! We definitely won't go with anything that means dark defiance or has a mediocre meaning. Which is why we gave up "Taylor" which we both loved.. because "Taylor" means "cutter of cloth" =/

Soooo yes... what's in the name? We believe that the name holds alot =) while our child's future may not be shaped merely by the name, but during Bible times, the name meant the parent's vision of their child. And often times vision goes before alot of things! So when we name our child, we want that to be our vision of our child and how we're going to bring the child up. =) While we know that this may push us to "add pressure" onto the child, nevertheless we still believe that this child is born for a purpose and we are stewards. Which means that above raising the child to have a healthy self esteem, to feel good about him/herself, and to be happy, we have the responsibility to raise a responsible, God-fearing, mission oriented child that will understand that his/her life has been bought for a price and there is more to life that him/her.

Oohhh the name... we only have a merer 103 days or less to decide on one. Lord help!! Which reminds me... it's so cute knowing that God already knows what this baby will be called, we just don't know it yet =D

105 days and counting???

Just happened to scroll down to the pregnancy countdown on the bottom of this blog and I read 105 days.... I paused and exclaimed to Justin. And then we both paused... and then panicked. 105 days??? Oh gosh... at the rate days are flying... it'll be in no time till I actually go through the whole labor process...

I have to admit I've been putting off thinking of labor thus far. But aswe hit 6 months last week, I realised the need to start educating myself on what I may be able to expect when "the time comes". It's been... scary actually. Some women have wonderful birth stories, others have horror-filled ones. But I've started praying hard... Last night I thought... sigh, no point worrying, either way this baby's gonna come out. =/

These really are exciting times, why would anyone put off having children? =S (honest question ya)

We had another revelation today.... you know how 2 are supposed to become 1 after marriage and sexual intercourse? But we've always felt that while yes, spiritually we are 1, we are still very distinct individuals. Then it clicked... we really truly become 1 through our children. Imagine this... husband and wife have different genetic make up, personality, preferences etc... but their child is a true mix of everything of the husband and wife. Amazing how God designed this! Our God is amazing!

Whale-ly Updates 12

An amazing yet scary thing happened about 3 weeks ago, and it happened again last night!

My girl packs a real punch. About 3 weeks ago, while trying to fall asleep on my side, I felt Bean Sprout squirming, and my bump needed support as it was still too small to fully rest on the mattress. So I placed my hand between my bump and the mattress to support it a little. All of a sudden, I felt this PROD!! It was like someone poked a pencil at my hand!! This was the very first time I felt such a defined movement of my Bean Sprout!!

Last night it happened again, MANY times!! And this time, daddy Bean Sprout got to feel it too!! It was strong, and it did hurt a little. But it was wonderful la!! I felt a mixture of fear (too much alien and predator movies where aliens grow inside humans cause this I think =S), awe, and excitement! She has indeed grown, and is now packing lots of power in her punches and prods!!!

And just today while relaxing on the couch, Bean Sprout was up and jiggling for a good 2 hours! Some movements were so hard that my entire bump moved from side to side, or up and down. It was so amazing, and I watched with anticipation for the next movement. Even held my camera on record mode so daddy Bean Sprout could watch too, but as recording started, no movement, once recording stopped, I got a huge bumping around inside. =/

This is really interesting! But I'm starting to wonder how much harder can she kick. Last night's kicks really hurt. Oh well, no complaints at all, I'm so thankful my Bean Sprout's jiggling and active. As my gynae said, this is an active one =D

Lord You are so so so GOOD!!!

Oh oh, my bump now measures 93cm. Seems like it's been growing by 1 cm each week. =)

Momma bump - 24 weeks

Here's week 24's Momma Bump!

We've hit the 6th month mark! =)

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Baby Spurts - Week 24

See the big picture

Week 24!!

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

See what your baby looks like this week. (Or see what fraternal twins look like in the womb this week.)

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

In the past few weeks, the top of your uterus has risen above your belly button and is now about the size of a soccer ball.

Most women have a glucose screening test (also called a glucose challenge test or GCT) between now and 28 weeks. This test checks for gestational diabetes, a pregnancy-related high-blood-sugar condition. Untreated diabetes increases your risk of having a difficult vaginal delivery or needing a cesarean section because it causes your baby to grow too large, especially in his upper body. It also raises your baby's odds for other complications like low blood sugar right after birth. A positive result on your GCT doesn't mean you have gestational diabetes, but it does mean that you'll need to take the glucose tolerance test (GTT) to find out for sure.

Finally, if you don't already know how to spot the signs of preterm labor, now's the time to learn. Contact your caregiver immediately if you notice any of the signs mentioned below.

Momma bump - 23 weeks

Week 23!

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Whale-ly Updates 11

I can sum up what I've been feeling in a sentence "Ohhhh the heat wave!!!!!!"

1. Been sweating profusely whenever I'm not in an air-conditioned room.
2. My bump now measures 92cm.
   
3. I feel big but still blissful.
4. Had bad backaches on two occasions.
5. Body has more or less adapted to waking up multiple times a night. I now feel less exhausted in the day =)
6. Still no cravings =/ I was hoping I would crave for something, then it'll make my choice of food much easier.
   
7. At my last check up (5 feb '10) I weight 55.2kg. That's roughly a 4.2 kg increase since pregnancy.
8. And I'm still feeling.... GREAT!! =) I love this trimester!!
   

Ultrasound video - week 22

Here's the latest video of baby Bean Sprout.
=D

Baby Spurts - Week 23

See the big picture

Week 23! I'm doing great!

How your baby's growing:

Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

You may notice that your ankles and feet start to swell a bit in the coming weeks or months, especially at the end of the day or during the heat of summer. Sluggish circulation in your legs — coupled with changes in your blood chemistry that may cause some water retention — may result in swelling, also known as edema. Your body will get rid of the extra fluid after you have your baby, which is why you'll pee frequently and sweat a lot for a few days after delivery. In the meantime, lie on your left side or put your feet up when you can, stretch out your legs when you sit, and avoid sitting — or standing — in one place for long periods. Also, try to exercise regularly to increase circulation, and wear support stockings (put them on first thing in the morning) and roomy, comfortable shoes. You may be tempted to skimp on liquids to combat swelling, but you need to drink plenty of water because staying hydrated actually helps prevent fluid retention. While a certain amount of edema in your lower extremities is normal during pregnancy, excessive swelling may be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia. Be sure to call your midwife or doctor if you have severe or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, swelling in your face, or puffiness around your eyes.

Momma bump - 22 weeks

Here's Momma Bump at week 22!

=) I feel my tummy growing bigger by the days. No joke. =)

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My Bean Sprout Jiggles!

I started feeling bubble-bursting-like movements when I was in my 12th week. But because gynae told me I would probably only be able to feel movements in my 6th month, I dismissed them as gas.

Weeks after that, the movements began to stand out from normal gassy movements. Gas was usually accompanied by farting soon after. But the other movements were not. So okkkkk... maybe this was it!!!

It wasn't till my 16th week that I was quite certain these movements were baby movements!! We were EXCITED!! But movements weren't frequent. So it was like receiving a golden nugget everytime we felt the kicks/prods.

Week 19 onwards, I've been feeling movements everyday. And as the internet suggests, based on this movements, parents are able to monitor baby's waking and sleeping patterns. So here's what I've managed to gather about Bean Sprout thus far:

1. Week 19-20 Waking time 7pm - Lots of kicks after my dinner time
2. Week 21 Waking time around 11am and 8-ish pm. Baby starts to prod/kick me when I have a full bladder. We both found this amusing. We postulate that it's 1. baby finding a new toy (kinda like a punching bag) 2. baby doesn't like how the bladder pushes against him/her so he/she pushes/kicks back, and possibly has learned that pushing/kicking back causes mommy to run to the toilet, which then decreases the size of the annoying bladder.
3. Week 22 (this week) Waking time around 10.30 - 11.30, 12.30-1.30, 5.30-6pm, and 9pm - 11pm.
   

It's just so amazing being able to feel these kicks. And they've been increasing in intensity!! Last night, I got a big one, and it hurt a little. Kind of like if someone nudges you hard in the abdomen. Justin is now a very very proud daddy-to-be. He especially loves interacting with baby by prodding him/her back when he/she kicks. =)

But since 2 days ago, we've noticed a new phenomenon. It's as though baby knows who's boss or is trying to play hide and seek with daddy. Baby will be kicking non stop, but once Justin places his hand on the bump, baby will stop instantaneously, and only resume kicking once daddy's hand is lifted. But continues to kick even when my hand is on the bump. Hehehehe. Justin likes the idea that baby knows who's boss. Hehehehe.

Baby movements or jiggles is the best part of pregnancy so far!!!

Whale-ly Updates 10

Hello!

I haven't written about my progress in the journey towards whale-likeness for a while. So here's a compact list of what's been happening, or rather changing!

1. My waist now measures 90cm.
   
2. My bump has lifted and it's "peak" is now at the level of my belly button.
3. My belly button is shrinking by the day (according to Justin who measures it diligently everyday). It started getting shallower by the weak, then it started shrinking in diameter somewhere about middle of last week. Nope, it hasn't "popped" out yet. Am not looking forward to the popping of belly button... I still find the belly button bulge disturbing. =/
4. I've put on weight (how much exactly I have no idea, but my watch doesn't fit anymore) and I can't fit into the new ring Justin bought me for my birthday this year!!! T_T
5. I think my feet are getting bigger as my shoes are feeling snugger...
6. My breasts have stopped increasing in size, but the nipple is seriously darker and significantly bigger now. =(
7. The linea nigra (or the dark line running through the middle of my belly) has started developing above the belly button. I find it amusing that it's perfectly in the middle, like it's attempting to part my belly. hehehehehe
8. I've been having a hard time sleeping at night. I keep waking up every other hour to pee, even though I tried not drinking any liquids prior to bedtime! Wonder where all that excess fluid is coming from.
9. I AM HOT! Literally!! I've been feeling HOT HOT HOT!! I'm a person who rarely sweats. But as of mid last week, I've been finding myself perspiring throughout the day whenever I am not in an air conditioned room! That includes rainy days and breezy days. Imagine the adaptation I have to go through from never feeling sweaty to constantly feeling sweaty! As a counter measure, the air cond has been blasting whenever I'm at home. Poor Justin has to fork out more money. =(
10. Leg cramps are now my companions... accompanied by the heavy belly... these two make it hard for me to stay asleep at night. Thank God the cramps have reduced greatly following my MIL's advice on how to stretch my legs properly. =)
11. I found that exercising really helps!! If you're like me, you can't stand exercise, DO NOT FRET!!! There are BASIC stretching, leg lifting, squatting exercises that you can do, which are not hard but work! I do basic exercise coupled with 2 swimming sessions a week, and I've found that everytime I exercise, I tend to have a better night's sleep, and my abdomen and tummy doesn't feel as stretchy. =D Of course in the long run, exercise has been proven to decrease labour time and pain in delivery! =D
12. My energy level is up, but has been hampered by the lack of sleep at night.
    
13. Appetite is also up! Woo hooo.. But I still tend to gravitate towards chinese food.
14. Oooohh my doc said that I am borderlining Aneamic. So I've been drinking red date juice everyday now. It tastes yummy! I think it helps... cause on days when I drink, my cheeks are slightly rosier.
15. I've also been disciplined in drinking my Anmum Materna every morning and night. I kinda like how it tastes now =D I don't know if it's a placebo, but my clumsy spells have decreased ever since drinking Anmum!! @@

So these are my updates! I am loving the 2nd trimester!! But I'm already half way through it... awwww...

Watch out for my next update on Baby Bean sprout's movements!! Sooo exciting!