Sharp Stabbing Pain

I had this sharp, stabbing pain on my right side that started yesterday morning when I dropped my daughter in school. It hurts specially when I am walking. I took a rest when I got home. But still, when I went outside the house to fetch my daughter at around 12 noon, I still felt it that I have started walking very short steps as every time I walk, it hurts more and it gives pressure on my right side. Actually it's only my right side, the left one is fine.

I was so worried that when we got home, I lay down in bed. While in bed, it was also difficult for me to roll or change position, the pain is still there. I took a bed rest for the rest of the day.

Thanks be to God that when I walk up in the morning, the pain had already subsided. I think that I was just gassy though I was still worried as it lasted throughout the day.

To share here's what I've read from the internet about sharp, stabbing pains in which most call it "round ligament pains".

5 Fun Ways to Interact with Your Unborn Baby

When you’re pregnant, it can seem odd to know you have a person growing inside you, but not be able to see or feel your baby all the time. At the beginning of a pregnancy, you don’t feel your baby at all, so it’s especially strange and even scary, not knowing what’s going on inside. However, your baby can hear you from inside and can feel your movements too! Knowing that, here are some simple, yet very fun things you can do to interact with your unborn baby:

Photo courtesy of Health & Parenting

1. Talk to Baby
Your growing baby can hear you, so talking to him or her is a perfect way to begin your relationship with your little one. Talk to your baby about what you’re doing, where you’re going, what you want to show him or her once born – the possibilities are endless. You might think you sound crazy walking around talking to yourself, but the reality is that you’re talking to your baby, and your baby can hear you. Once born, he or she will recognize your voice and you’ll feel a strong bond from all that talking you guys did!

2. Read to Baby
Just like talking to baby, reading to baby is a great way to interact with your soon-to-be cutie. You can of course read classic stories, poems, nursery rhymes, and the like. But, you can also read out loud whatever you’re reading for yourself. The important thing is that baby is hearing your voice and learning new vocabulary at the same time!

3. Play Music for Baby
With both of my pregnancies, I would sit with headphones on my belly and play music for my babies. I would play all types of music, not just lullabies and classical music, but also music I listen to normally. Once you start feeling Baby’s movements, you’ll notice Baby tends to move in response to music you play, which is always fun. In addition, you can also sing to Baby, giving him or her another opportunity to hear your voice!

4. Massage Baby
It’s a natural tendency for soon-to-be moms to rub their bellies, but sometimes you can intentionally do so and give your baby a bit of a massage. It’s a great way for you to relax, but more so, for Baby to feel your touch. Again, as you begin to feel Baby’s movements, you’ll notice that Baby responds to your touch. Sometimes Baby will wiggle away from you if he or she doesn’t want to be bothered. But, other times, you might get lucky and realize that baby moves towards you!

5. Play Peek-a-Book with Baby and a Flashlight
This was probably my favorite way to have fun with my unborn babies! I would grab a flashlight and shine the light onto my belly. This works best later in the pregnancy after you can feel Baby’s movements, and especially when you can actually see your baby moving through your skin. As we explained to our girl when I was pregnant with her baby brother, Baby sees the light in much the same way as you see sunlight when you close your eyes. Lots of times, Baby will follow the light wherever you shine it. It’s a lot of fun to see and feel Baby moving along chasing the light. It’s also a super fun way to get any older siblings involved and interacting with their soon-to-be brother or sister!

What other fun ways can you think of for playing with an unborn baby?

Data Source: Disney Baby - http://www.disneybaby.com/blog/fun-ways-to-interact-with-unborn-baby/

Health & Parenting - http://www.health-and-parenting.com/development-of-the-baby-during-pregnancy/

More Stronger, Visible Movements :)

Last night while I was lying in bed at exactly my 20th week, I felt my baby move a lot to the point that I can now feel and touch it on my belly. Though he's been moving inside of me as early as 12 weeks, it's just this time that his movements were now more stronger, much visible and may be felt when touch. Such a wonderful feeling that I had shared it with my daughter, Amber Jade. We really enjoyed the moment that we both kept silent for awhile so we can really concentrate and feel the baby move. :)

“I look forward to your birth,

when I can kiss your skin,

but for now I will just smile,

As I feel you play within”

Half Baked at 20 Weeks! :)

Thanks be to God for today is exactly my 20th week. Just had my prenatal check up this morning and all goes out well. Blood pressure and urine test were normal. My weight was now 60.50 kgs., I have normally gained 3 kgs. in which last time it was 57.50 kgs.

I also got the chance to hear my baby's heartbeat again and it was very overwhelming to hear from the doctor that my baby is happy. :)

So for today's 20th week milestone. Here is the baby's development:

Inside the Womb at 20 Weeks

Photo courtesy of Pregnancy Companion

Photo courtesy of Babycenter

Child length: approximately 7.9 - 8.9  (about the size of a banana)

Child weight: 10.5 - 13.7 oz

At this stage: Your baby's muscles are now stronger and you will often feel stronger movements.Your baby's eyebrows and eyelashes, that started growing in the 18th week, are now nearly fully grown.

The brain has developed to the point where the baby now has wake and sleep cycles. Your baby is swallowing more these days, which is good practice for the digestive system.

Your baby is also starting to produce meconium, the result of digestion, which will accumulate in his bowels and eventually pass during delivery or in his first diaper.

Days left to birth: 140

Due date: 11 November 2013

Data Sources: Babycenter, Baby Bump, Pregnancy Assistant & Pregnancy Companion

"A moment in my tummy, a lifetime in my heart..."

Eating Lychees During Pregnancy

I have loved eating lychees ever since I was a kid, specially now that I'm pregnant. It was always been my favorite fruit. I was curious to research it on the web as I know that lychees and longans belong to the same family type of fruit. During my early pregnancy I've ate longans and I've read that it's a heaty kind of food and that it's not recommended to eat during pregnancy as this clashes with the pregnant body, which is already heaty from the inside. I've also read that longan can cause constipation, dry tongue and mouth, and may even be harmful to the child. In severe cases, mothers may even develop threatened miscarriage symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain. Since then, I've never eat again up to present.

I have found out from other website that lychee is also a heaty kind of food but still, I have found out the benefits it gives during pregnancy and to share this is what I've read:

The name ‘Lychee’ comes from the Chinese word ‘Litchi Chinensis’, which means ‘gift of a joyful life’. Lychees are a great natural source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B-complex and Potassium.

Vitamin C is necessary for you and your baby as it helps build collagen, a protein required for building cartilage, tendons, bones, and skin. B-complex keeps you energetic and active all day long and helps alleviate pregnancy-related nausea. Potassium helps you fight fatigue, muscle cramping, constipation and heart arrhythmia during your pregnancy.

As a bonus, I've also read this quick, on-the-go salad for me and my little one that will help keep up with the body’s daily nutrient requirement.

Lychee Salad

Ingredients:

2 cups of fresh or canned lychees
2 Tbsp sugar or lychee syrup

3 small pieces of ginger cut into fine strips

Grated lime zest and juice of 1 lime/lemon

2 oranges 200g black grapes, halved and seeded

1 red-skinned sweet apple, cored and chopped

Fine shreds of lime zest as garnish

Method:

1) Mix the fresh lychees with ginger, syrup, lemon/lime zest and juice.

2) If using canned lychees, first drain the lychees in a sieve placed over a bowl. Discard half the syrup that has drained into the bowl. Add the lychees to the remaining syrup.

3) Slice away the orange peel and the pith (the white part between the fruit and the peel) from the oranges with a sharp knife.

4) Hold the oranges over the bowl and carefully cut between the membranes so that the juice drips into the salad.

5) Cut the segments, squeeze the membrane and add the juice to the bowl.

6) Stir in the grapes and apple and toss the mixture to mix well.

7) Pile the salad into small bowls to serve and garnish with shreds of lime zest.

Can't wait to make this one, surely I will love it! :)

Data sources:

1. http://mammamia.fortishealthcare.com/2013/04/17/today-begin-your-day-with-a-gift/

2. http://friso.com.my/pregnant-mums/advice/what-fruits-should-pregnant-mums-avoid.html#sthash.pkwHkXxe.dpuf

19 Weeks! Almost Half Way There! :)

Time flies so fast that I'm now on my 19th week. It was just like yesterday when I was at 12 weeks when I got my Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound. 

My next prenatal check-up would be on the 24th of June and my Anatomy Ultrasound on the 3rd of July.







God willing, will get a sneak peek then whether my baby's gender will be a boy or a girl. :)

Thanks be to God!

Inside the Womb at 19 Weeks

Photo courtesy of Babycenter

Child length: approximately 8.3 Inches (about the size of a cucumber)

Child weight: 7.9 - 9.5 oz

At this stage: On the head, hair begin to grow. Permanent teeth buds are also forming behind the already formed milk teeth buds.

Your baby will also start developing more brown fat around the neck, chest and groin area. This will keep your baby warm when he or she is born. Your baby also might start sleeping this week. Babies can find a "favorite" position. Babies will have their chin tucked into the chest.

Your child can recognize the timber of your voice. He can sense your mood very well and when you're anxious, he also becomes restless. At this stage of development the little man starts to perceive the outside world. It is true that it is only through muted sounds and "taste" of food provided to him by the umbilical cord, but it's still a lot.

Hiccupping is now becoming more common.

Days left to birth: 146

Due date: 11 November 2013

Data Sources: I'm Expecting, Pregnancy Assistant & Pregnancy Companion

18 Weeks Today! :)

Inside the Womb at 18 Weeks

Photo courtesy of Babycenter

Child length: approximately 7.8 Inches (about the size of a large bellpepper)

Child weight: 7.1 - 8.5 oz

At this stage: Your baby's ears are approaching their final position. Your baby's eyes are also beginning to face forward and the retinas may be able to detect light. The skin of the fetus begins to produce embryonic vernix.

Your baby's brain is developing rapidly. Hair is growing and vernix is increasing in amount. Many of the bones in your baby's body are starting to harden. Among this first bones to develop is the inner ear which is part of the reason why your baby might be able to hear sounds such as your heart beating or your tummy growling.

Photo courtesy of Great Landings (blog)

The  meconium (early fecal waste matter) will start to collect in the baby's intestines. The baby's heart is starting to build up muscle and pump about 25 - 30 quarts of blood a day.

 Hiccups appear.

Days left to birth: 154

Due date: 11 November 2013

Data Sources: Babycenter, Baby Bump, I'm Expecting, Pregnancy Assistant & Pregnancy Companion

Mangosteen When Pregnant

I just ate mangosteen this afternoon and was curious on what  it contributes during pregnancy so this is what I've read:

Mangosteen, a tropical fruit native to Thailand, contains a thick purple skin and inner segments of juicy flesh. A nutrient-dense food, mangosteen provides vital vitamins and minerals that may be beneficial during pregnancy. Avoid using medicines made from the rind of mangosteen, however, as no studies have been conducted on the safety of powdered mangosteen rind, which is often used for diarrhea relief in pregnant women. Pregnant women should consult a physician before including mangosteen in their diets.

Folate
One cup of mangosteen fruit contains 61 mcg of folate; it is recommended that women include 400 mcg of folate in their diets each day during pregnancy and while trying to conceive. This vitamin may play a role in preventing certain birth defects; the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that folate may decrease the risk of spinal and brain birth defects by 50 to 70 percent. Folate may also increase the risk of having a child with other defects, including cleft lip and palate and certain heart defects.

Manganese
Mangosteen fruit is a good source of the mineral manganese -- 1 cup of this fruit provides 0.2 mg. When pregnant, the body requires 2 mg of manganese per day, which the growing fetus needs to help form the skeletal system and cartilage. The manganese in mangosteen has antioxidant properties that help protect both the mother and the fetus from cellular damage.

Vitamin C
Both a pregnant woman and her fetus need vitamin C, and mangosteen provides it. One cup of mangosteen contains 5.7 mg, a small portion of the 85 mg of vitamin C a pregnant woman requires each day during pregnancy. Vitamin C keeps the immune system healthy, lowering the risk of contracting infections that may damage the fetus. This vitamin also promotes the production of collagen, the compound that makes the skin elastic, an important factor when skin stretches to accommodate a growing baby.

Constipation
The American Pregnancy Association indicates that over half of all pregnant women experience constipation during their pregnancies. Eating mangosteen may help alleviate this uncomfortable condition due to its fiber content -- 1 cup of mangosteen fruit has 3.5 g of fiber. Women require 25 g of fiber per day to ward off constipation. In addition to fiber's effectiveness for avoiding constipation, it may also reduce the risk of pregnancy complications such preeclampsia, a condition marked by high blood pressure that occurs due to diet, genetics and blood vessel problems.


Data Source: Livestrong.com
http://www.livestrong.com/article/493812-mangosteen-when-pregnant/

Cold and Flu :(

I just went to the doctor this morning and I was prescribed to take Dequadin lozenges for my throat and Ammonia and Ipecacuanha Mixture for my cough. I have been suffering from dry cough for the last 5 days due to itchy and dry throat as well. It was also difficult from me to spit the phlegm as it gives pressure on my belly every time I do so especially when I blow my nose so most of the time, I get to swallow it. It was so hard that this lead me to shortness of breath, added the pain on my ribs and pressure on my belly and back as well. :( It's even worse during night time that I find it hard to sleep and is really uncomfortable and hard to find a good position.

I have tried to drink warm lemonade with honey and ginger though somehow it helps but still seems this cough really needs some medication for it to continuously go away.

I am also worried that my baby will be affected with this bad cough but I've read on the internet that colds and cough are not dangerous conditions, neither presents a real risk to your health or the health of your baby.

Somehow I got relieved from reading this article:

Cold and Flu Symptoms in Pregnancy

As common as colds are, it is no surprise that you stand a good chance of getting one while pregnant. The only thing is, when you're expecting, weathering a cold or a nagging cough goes beyond the simple logistics of seeking relief from your symptoms--after all, now you have a baby and you have its health to think about as well. For a rundown on the available treatment options that can keep both you and your baby comfortable during cold season, read on.

Symptoms
In general, coughs and colds are not dangerous conditions. They might be annoying and make you feel awful, but neither presents a real risk to your health or the health of your baby.

However, if you are ill for more than a few days, develop a high fever, have a severe sore throat, or are worried that your symptoms seem unusual, you may have the flu, strep throat or a sinus infection and should see your doctor right away. The flu is much worse than the common cold and can make pregnant women much sicker than those who are not pregnant. Protect yourself against the flu by getting your flu vaccination eartly on. The flu vaccination is recommended for all pregnant women.

Sinus infections are relatively common in pregnancy because of the increased nasal congestion, and fighting one may require the use of antibiotics. Women with asthma should pay special attention to their breathing and see their practitioner without delay if they are having difficulty.

If you develop a severe cough, rest assured that the fetus is protected inside your uterus--you cannot cough so hard that you miscarry or go into labor. However, the loss of urine is, unfortunately, pretty common. Probably the best thing you can do about stress urinary continence is to empty your bladder frequently and practice your kegel exercises.

Nonmedical treatments
Coughs and colds are usually caused by viruses, which do not benefit from antibiotics, and so must run their course. Medical treatment can relieve symptoms so that you feel better, but it won't make you get better any faster. Except for treating fever, it often is fine to simply tough it out if you don't want to take any medications. Here are tips to help you alleviate some of the discomfort that can accompany a cold.

• Drink plenty of fluids, as this will help to thin secretions. Water, chicken soup (Jewish Penicillin), juices, and warm tea are good sources.
• Use a humidifier. Place it close to your face when you sleep. During the day, you can make a tent out of a sheet draped over your head. Stay under the tent for 15 minutes, three or four times a day.
• Rub a mentholated product (like Vicks Vaporub) on your chest according to package instructions.
• For nasal stuffiness, use saline drops. You can buy these at drugstores or prepare a solution at home. Just dissolve 1/4 teaspoon salt in 8ounces of water. Place a few drops in each nostril, wait 5 to 10 minutes, and then gently blow your nose.
• To make breathing easier, sleep in a recliner or prop up your head with lots of pillows so that you are in a semi-upright position.
• Take a warm shower. This can help clear nasal stuffiness and mucus.
• Get plenty of rest.

Medications
While it is generally best to avoid exposing a fetus to medications, especially in the first trimester when its organs are forming, sometimes drugs are necessary either for medical reasons or for symptom relief. For more information, see Medications in Pregnancy: General Principles, which explains the FDA's safety classes for medicines.

• Decongestants: This group of medications is used to treat colds or allergies. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), an FDA category C drug (to be used only if the benefits outweigh the risks), can be bought over the counter and is present in antihistamines as well as in cold remedies. These medications are not recommended for anyone who has high blood pressure, pregnant or not. If possible, avoid taking pseudoephedrine in the first trimester.
• Cough suppressants and expectorants: Dextromethorphan, a common ingredient found in cough and cold medications (such as Robitussin), is probably safe for use in pregnancy. While the FDA has labeled it category C, some large studies suggest that it does not cause any increase in birth defects or complications of pregnancy. Guaifenesin is an expectorant in many cough and cold medicines. It, too, is listed under category C but is probably safe as well.

Treating pain and fever
Pain is bad because it hurts. Fever is bad because it overheats the fetus. Fever is unhealthy for the fetus throughout pregnancy, but high fever in the first trimester is thought to be responsible for certain birth defects, including problems in brain and spine development. It's generally best to follow this rule: If you get a fever in pregnancy, take medications to bring it down, and if you cannot reduce your temperature, call your doctor.

• Fever also increases sweating and fluid loss, so be sure to drink lots of cool fluids when you have a high temperature. Most pregnant women can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) throughout the pregnancy without a problem. If you are a heavy drinker (three or more drinks a day), you need to discuss this with your practitioner, not only because alcohol and acetaminophen can be a lethal combination, but also because drinking while pregnant has health implications for your baby. Ibuprofen is probably safe to take in the first and second trimesters, but it may cause problems for the baby's circulation after 32 weeks' gestation. Aspirin is usually not recommended in pregnancy. A persistent fever or severe illness in pregnancy always warrants a call to your doctor.
• Zinc lozenges: Zinc lozenges (and more recently, nasal sprays) have been used to speed recovery from the common cold. Lower doses of Zinc are safe, but I'm not aware of any good information about the safety of using zinc lozenges while pregnant.
• Echinacea tea: One study that looked at the use of echinacea during the first trimester found no increase in birth defects. It's generally considered safe for use in pregnancy, but you should be aware that it has not been tested extensively.

What over-the-counter medicines are considered safe during pregnancy?

Cold symptoms and hay fever (If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor first)

• Chlor-Trimeton - antihistamine
• Sudafed - decongestant
• Actifed - antihistamine and decongestant
• Read the label and follow directions for use and dosage

Cough Symptoms

• Robitussin or Robitussin DM

Constipation

• Docusate (Colace) 100 mg twice a day
• Metamucil - 1-2 teaspoon with 8 oz juice or water
• Milk of Magnesia - 1-2 Tablespoon every evening
• Do not use mineral oil.

Minor headache or body ache

• Tylenol or any acetaminophen preparations, 2 tablets or 650 mg every 4 hours.

Do not take aspirin during your pregnancy unless instructed to do so by your           physician. Aspirin may interfere with blood clotting and cause problems during labor and delivery. Do not take ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) unless instructed by your physician.

If headache persists for more than 24 hours, call the office.

Heartburn

• Amphogel
• Gelusil
• Maalox
• Do not use baking soda or Pepto bismol.

Fever or chills

• Take your temperature if you feel unusually hot or cold. If you do not have a thermometer try to get one so you can tell the doctor or nurse what your temperature is. If your temperature is above 100.5 call the office. If your temperature is less than 100.5 take Tylenol 650 mg every 4 hours. If your fever lasts longer than 48 hours call the office.

Data Source: Babymed: http://www.babymed.com/pregnancy-symptoms/cold-and-flu-symptoms-pregnancy

The Big Sister To Be

Father Daughter Talk

Daddy: "Amber, would you like to have a baby brother or a baby sister?"

Amber: "Baby brother!"

Daddy: "How about a baby sister?"

Amber: "We'll be the same, girl."

Mother Daughter Talk

Mommy: "Amber a baby boy or a baby girl?"

Amber: "Baby girl!"

Mommy: "Why?"

Amber: "Because you're a girl and I'm a girl."

Mommy: "Girl power!" :)

I love how my daughter kiss my tummy everyday. She would always kiss it and whisper "I love you baby!". She loves to look at my belly and touch it even when were outside the house which I find it funny. :) Every night, she gives it a little massage by rubbing some lotion on it. I love how my daughter takes part on my pregnancy especially the early bonding between her and her baby sibling to be. Just like me, she is so excited to see and meet the baby soon, God willing.

Thanks be to God!

Baby Movements! :)

Photo courtesy of Huggies

For the past days, I have been feeling movements but not sure if this were really from my baby or I am just being gassy. Though I'm pretty sure that I've felt baby's very first fluttering as early as my 12th week.

But today at exactly on my 17th week, I just felt some movements though short ones while I was laying down in bed and I'm pretty sure that it's my baby. ;)

Oh, it's one of the many joys of pregnancy. And I've been getting more excited to feel strong movements soon especially those kicks and I can't wait to share this moment again with my husband especially to my daughter, Amber Jade.

Thanks be to God!

On My 17th Week Today!

Inside the Womb at 17 Weeks

Photo courtesy of Babycenter

Child length: approximately 7.1 Inches (about the size of a cantaloupe)

Child weight: 6.3 - 7.0 oz

At this stage: Early eyebrows and eyelashes are starting to grow. Scalp hair is now present. The intestines begin to accumulate the products of metabolism, that is, the first pooh. Your baby is very active now. The arms and legs are moving a lot. The movements will get stronger as time goes by.

This week your baby has mastered some simple reflexes such as swallowing, sucking and blinking. Your baby may even have a bout of hiccups.

Fat is also forming underneath your baby's skin and will continue to do so in the later months of your pregnancy. This will help prepare your baby for the temperature change from inside your womb to the outside world.

Days left to birth: 161

Due date: 11 November 2013

Data Sources: Babycenter, Baby Bump, Pregnancy Assistant & Pregnancy Companion