Numero Tres

While being pregnant this round, a typical conversation with the random public would go like this:

P: "Your second?" 

Me: "Nope" 

P: "Oh your first! How is it?" 

Me: "It's my third actually..." 

P: (look of shock on the face) "wow!!!" Or "The SG government will be so thankful!" 

Lol! I have had many "flattering" remarks about how young I am to have three kids already... How brave, etc and some even asking me if I will venture for another. 

This pregnancy had caught hubby and I by surprise. Sometime when baby M was 8 months old (ie September 13), my breast milk supply dipped. Originally I attributed the drop to my flu... After recovering, the supply did not return and instead dipped further. I was absolutely puzzled and upset, since I was 3 months away from my aim of 11 months- N was TBF for 11 mths. The supply had dipped so much that the combined yield from 4 expression sessions and adding another before I went to sleep was simply not enough for a feed. After one week and getting bitten by M three times during one latch session, I gave up breast feeding... 

In the same month, I started having smell sensitivities especially fishy smells. I remember returning home one day and exclaiming to MIL that the fishy smell in the house was making me nauseous. That dinner I did not touch the plate of prawns (the culprit) and MIL wondered aloud if I was pregnant. 

MIL's comment triggered me to do home tests. Well, who would expect 3 negative results to be false negatives? I tested a total of 3 times over a month - twice using home test kits (w first morning pee) and once at Raffles Medical Group before the pre-employment x-ray... 

So how and when did I know I was pregnant? Fast forward to December, I was not feeling well - bad headache and aching body. The company GP looked at me and then my tummy... Part of the conversation:

D: when was your last menses?

Me: (suprised) June? 

D: So long ago? You have irregular menses? 

Me: I am breastfeeding so irregular menses is kinda "normal"? I am intending to go back to my gynae to make sure I am ok. 

D: Hmmm... Did you do pregnancy test after missing your menses? 

Me: yes, three times in Sep! All three times negative so I don't think I will be pregnant. 

D: That's like 3 months ago... Do you want to re-test? 

Me: mmmmmm.... Ok lor... 

D: The urine test will be $15, not included in your company insurance. Is that ok? 

Me: Ok (since i didn't know when I could get an appointment with my gynae)

After doing the pee test, I went to inform hb - that doc suggested a pregnancy test. I remember saying to him: "aiyah can't be one la... Test 3 times negative..." The nurses called us in (they were smiling widely at me) - I sat down, hb stood next to me. The doc pushed the strip across the table. On it, two dark lines. Oh yes, I know what it meant... But the doctor said it anyway "As you can see. Two lines. You are pregnant.".

Disbelief! I was happy yet in serious doubt... How was I going to face my boss (being in the new job for only 3 months)? Hb's reaction was "So how many weeks is she?". (Yah, funny question from an experienced father. Which test kit tells you the number of weeks?)

After the discovery, I made the appointment with gynae. Hubby was of course elated and I told him I might be more than 16 weeks because I felt movements in my tummy (which at that time, hubby brushed off as "stomach wind- you are hungry"). During the appt, gynae proded my abdomen and annouced "already quite big!". And indeed, the scan indicated that baby was already 18 wks! 

The first ultrasound picture: 

Hubby was of course shocked beyond words. Pregnant the wife is but 18 weeks is beyond the 1st trimster. All he could say was I watched too much "I didn't know I was pregnant...". 

Esentially I had spent the 1st trimster doing things which pregnant mummies would never do: 

- eating sashimi however much I liked

- having beer (one count) with my colleagues (one and a half pint) 

- taking an x-ray for my pre employment (shld have been 6-8 wks then) 

- taking flu vaccination (shld have been 10-13 wks then) 

- running 7km SCB Ekiden Run (I can't really run but you know i pushed myself a little more than usual) 

- having more than a cup of tea or coffee daily

- wearing a tummy clincher for 4 weeks until one night while lying down in the clincher i felt some movements in my abdomen (the tummy started to stick out and a male colleague actually pointed to my tummy then signaled a pregnant tummy and mouthed "are you pregnant?". I remember laughing out and telling him "NO lah! i am just fat!")

Luckily, the detailed scan at week 23 was  normal and that was when I broke the news to most of my friends. Here's an ultrasound of baby's side profile during late 2nd trimster.

Time flies and I am already week 37 plus. Like the first two, I am excited to meet this little one. Maybe because its number three, still feeling cool and "relac one corner". 

Even the sign up for the cord blood donation was just completed. Really put it in late this round! But better late than never! ;) 

Week 38, Day 3 Gynae Visit

29th December marks my 38th week gynae visit. Hubby had some activity at Sentosa, so I asked my sister and mum to go for the gynae appointment with me.

The little gal happened to have fever and we decided to bring her to see Dr Ang Ai Tin at TMC. While waiting for her turn at the PD, the little gal goes to my gynae clinic and gets to see baby on the ultrasound for the very first time. ;)

During the appointment, Dr Tseng confirmed that: baby is already head down & decending (but it does not mean labor will come soon), baby is facing the side of my tummy, baby's heartbeat is 155 and estimated weight is 3.1kg... No vaginal examination was conducted and he expects that this baby would arrive at about the same
number of weeks/days as my first.

After the appointment and PD visit, little gal followed my mum home while me and little sis shopped for the outstanding baby items - long pants/ towels/medela pump parts/new nursing bras and little gal's white school socks!

Ending off with the ultrasound photo... Can you see baby's face?

Finally! Ultrasound photos!

With technology these days, getting ultrasound pictures during gynae visits make it super enjoyable and fun (despite the fact I burn $40 for the scans at gynae's clinic). 

 

My gynae recently changed his ultrasound machine (not the 4D one) but the clarity of the pictures are surely better. Not sure if I will ask for another ultrasound to be done during the next visit (since it is like 2 weeks from the last "spine" pic). If it's done, it's more for weight estimation. *keke* 

 

Here are the ultrasound pictures so far. As usual, imagination and creativity is required. Usually it requires quite a bit of pointing out to figure where is what... 

 

The very first ultrasound picture! The black dot (at the lower part of the photo) signifies a fertilised egg implanted in the uterus.  (Approx: Wk 6)

Second set of ultrasound: Heartbeat time...  (Approx: Wk 7) The appointment was supposed to be at week 8 but I was having pink spotting so ran down to see my gynae. The strong heartbeat gave the assurance every pregnant mummy will want to see.

Second set of ultrasound: With proper labelling from my gynae! *haha*

Third set of ultrasound: Once again must measure the heartbeat... (Approx: Wk 9) 

 

Third set of ultrasound: Maybe hubby's imagination is bad. So gynae decided to label this as well. The little black dot finally has a form to it. and can see where the head and buttock can be seen.



Fourth set of ultrasound: This one need imagination? Head is on the left and body is on the right... :p (Approx: Wk 15) There was a first trimster pre-natal screening which I did at about Week 13. Ultrasound was used but no "cute" pictures so never post here. The purpose of the Week 13 scan (or OSCAR) is to predict the chances of anomalies (such as down symdrome) by comparing the fetus's nuchal translucency (this liquid behind the neck) and nasal bone measurement and readings derived from the maternal serum (blood) against a set of "normal readings".

Detailed scan: The first time I can see the face of the baby. The left side shows a almost front profile of the face. (SO CUTE RIGHT???) *haha*  Actually I feel that the detailed scan is much better this time (vs my dotter's one) because the sonographer told us every single detail that she was looking out for. This baby was however less co-operative than big sister, because I had to go for a 20 min walk and come back for another scan. Her side profile could not be taken despite the tummy jiggles and coughs I made to make her change her position in the tummy.  (Approx: Wk 21)

Fifth set of ultrasound: Mmm... can you see the face (looking upwards. Head is on the right)? it's not an exact side profile of the face but papa is very happy to be able to see another ultrasound picture that captures her looks and check out the hands by the side of her face. :) (Approx: Wk 25)

 

The most memorable gynae visit (so far)...

Today marks the last monthly visit to the gynae and back to the bi-weekly visits till birth day. ;)

During the next visit at week 32, the clinic is going to collect the delivery fee! The heat is turned up further as the hospital has sent me a "pre-admission" form.

I am still as cool as a cucumber- baby clothes, breast pump and almost everything else is still in the store room. Nothing is washed/dried. Newborn diapers are still on the supermarket shelves... I wonder if that's how mummies prepare for their subsequent births! LOL!

Complained to my gynae about my cough that has been persisting for the last 2 weeks. The green phelgm is gone and I am super glad that I didnt need to take the GP prescribed anti-b. However, the persistent cough gave me the most memorable pressie this afternoon. After a hearty, fulfiling lunch of prawn noodles and ngoh hiang which I craved for, we headed to Vivo to get my lozenges. While in the carpark, a burp came up together with that cough. The unfortunate combination triggered a small "merlion" event. As hubby was shocked and concerned, my subsequent coughs triggered two larger "merlion" cycles. I think I was in shock too - trying to not ruin the car (too late) and was unable to puke outside the car (as i was still buckled). *roll eyes* To my horror, my face and eyes were all red and teary (yeah i look drunk alright) from the coughing and lack of air caused by the puking episode. Actually, I had two similar mini accidents prior to this. Now, i'm so freaked out, I have a plastic bag on the ready...

Also, asked my gyane whether "baby bump vibrations" were normal... During week 26-28, I felt my baby bump/baby vibrate. It was queer- like having swollowed a vibrating mobile phone. It was a "cute" but worrying sensation since common descriptions are usually flutters or bumps and kicks from the inside. Gynae laughed and confirmed that it's normal as the baby is having some natural reactions (like a shiver up the spine type of reaction some kids have while/after pee-ing).

Having decided to donate my #2's cordblood to SCBB again, I sought my gynae's support in collecting it after delivery. I will have to call SCBB after week 32 of my preganancy to get the paperwork done. ;) It's always better to donate than discard, since it could help save someone's life.

Other updates would include my suprising (under?) weight gain (only 5kg so far). Tummy size is normal (1cm per week progressed). Baby is still head up but gynae says it's ok since there is still some time to go. Ending off this post with a "spine" ultrasound photo which gynae took. :p Can tell?

Hey! Baby is smiling!

Today, baby is 31 weeks and 5 days! I went to see my gynae early at 9am! Well, I did the usual glucose stik test and my last 4 weeks of diet control paid off! The stick shows my urine is back to normal! *Yeah* My blood pressure is normal and I gained another 2kg...

I asked the gynae some questions such as whether there is enough fluid? (Yes, there is a lot u can see here!) I also found out that the placenta looks good (double yeah!). This time, my gynae manage to capture on the ultrasound a side view of my baby's face! Finally! After close to 32 weeks I get to see baby's face...

While it's only the side view, I was more than happy to see it... During the last appointment, there was nothing that could be seen other than the baby's back! 

I happen to meet my Starhub ex colleague at Tampines Ikea. She was there with her family for some furniture shopping. I showed her the photo and she said to me that the baby is smiling! Hmm... Now that I think of it, she might be right (the lips are curled upwards)!

For the not very imaginative viewers, the baby's head is on the right and facing up... Let me know if u still can't figure. 

Regarding my tummy pictures, I have not been timely in capturing them! But I'll try to take a photo every week from now onwards. A bit sad that I missed taking photos that will show the milestone till the day I pop! However, I took the photo below when I was feeling tired (i.e. not online) and was just plain bored... You can see the Linea Nigera (dark line) running down the middle of my tummy.

I term this picture - "Tummy from Mummy's Point of View!"  My NUS classmate Rachel says it looks like a pig's face. My protruding belly button is the nose and my knees are the ears. (haha!) What else do you think it looks like? 

2nd trimester milestones

2nd trimester came in a flash and I am currently into the last leg of my pregnancy! As promised, I will be posting the ultrasound pictures which were taken during my 2nd trimester.

The trimester is the most comfortable as compared to the 1st trimester. Though there was no morning sickness, I guess I got used to the raging preggy hormones. So feeling more energetic and feeling over the moon was definetely something great! But the 2nd trimester was a period of time where the gynae loves to say "See you in 4 weeks". Seriously this means spending lesser money but it also means a long wait before you get to see baby! 

2nd trimester esentially starts in Week 14... But i didn't get to see baby until I went to do the detailed scan in Week 19+ which I blogged previously. So here are the pics:

BABY's ESTIMATED WEIGHT: 271 grms (a small packet of tetra-pak soft drink)

@ 19 weeks 3 days

[Above 2 pics] Here u can see the different measurements that were taken by the sonographer to ensure that baby is well within the normal range of babies of the same age.

[Above] Ohh... can u see bb's hands? they are clenched thou... and held near the face...

[Above] Nicely formed spine! You can even see the nice little bits and the spine fusing at the tail.

[Above] Erhmm... I wanted to mosaic this photo actually but u can see the sonographer has decided "GIRL" in less than 5 seconds after she complained that the bb's leg is closed n she can't see a thing. Very experienced sonographer?

BABY's ESTIMATED WEIGHT: 650 grms (2 cans of coke already!)

@ 23 weeks

[Above] Seriously, this is one of the most interesting ultrasound pic my gynae gave me... He explained what was wat in the picture but now i can't remember. I only remember that it includes the baby's heart... What else? Maybe u can guess n let me know what is it that's being shown. Gynae says that the umbilical cord is not around the baby's neck which is good.

BABY's ESTIMATED WEIGHT: 1000 grms (2 bottles of mineral water already!)

@ 26 weeks 2 days

[Above] Seriously, you can figure whats in the pic? The left is the back n tummy with a little bit of the face. 

During this visit, I told Dr Tseng "Can we see baby's face in the ultrasound?". Dr Tseng said he will try. So after rolling the equipment all over the tummy and not capturing any facial features, he gave up. In my words - Baby is looking out for my back! 

There baby goes again! Shy uh... Close legs when checking gender and now baby shows me the buttocks when i want to see the face. If u note in the ultrasound, the baby is facing the bottom part of the picture - indicating that baby is looking at my back.

Baby's heart beat has slightly slowed (i.e. from 160 to 140). Dr Tseng says its normal too since baby is growing and that explains why... Baby's head is also not head down yet and that too is normal as Week 26 is still way too early and there is time for the head to slowly turn.

Lastly, Dr Tseng told me to cut back on carbs and sugar as I am tested postive for glucose. However, no glucose test was ordered for me. So from today onwards, lesser rice, pasta, etc.

In conclusion, I really hope to keep my sugar in control... Dun want to be diabetic... Praying for a smooth sailing 3rd trimester!

1st trimester milestones!

It's time for a little recap of how the "little one" looks like on the ultrasound. Presenting to you, a series of my "little one" ultrasound photos! Enjoy!














Week 4: There is obviously nothing to see from my ultrasound photo! Doc says the black patch is quite a thick lining. Good for baby and it is possible tat I am pregnant.

Week 5: See the little black dot? *haha* First signs of being pregnant. The fertilised egg is implanted to the lining.

Week 6, 3 days: The little black dot seems to have expanded? You can see from the ultrasound, the doc has made a mark for "fetus". Now the baby is officially a fetus!

Week 8, 3 days: See how much the fetus has grown! It's now bigger than just a little dot on the ultrasound picture and can see the body and head! *Wow* The second pic shows the fetus and the heart beat! The gynae turned on the sound and we can hear the baby's heart beating! Fast n strong! Gynae's only comment: "Very good!".

Week 13: Erhmm... now there is no need to squint at the ultrasound photo! There is little baby. To help you with your imagination, the head is on the right, the body is on the left (*dur*). Can you see the two little dots on the left hand side? It's the baby's feet! The gynae is happy with progress of baby.

There are some other scans such as the Oscar (which is to test for down syndrome) and the detailed scan (for Anomaly scan -20 weeks). Will take some pics of the 20 weeks scan and post it up with the photo of my little one during my gynae visit next week.