Yay! Woke up this morning having some Braxton Hicks contractions together with a feeling of being constipated and also hungry. Wondering what am I really feeling?
I have read pregnancy forums especially that from Babycenter that some women really delivers earlier than their due dates. So feelings like this, specially that I'm closer on my due date and that I'm not really comfortable compared with the past few days, I am wondering if it's preterm labor or if it's just simply another Braxton Hicks contractions.
To help ease my mind, again I visited Mr. Google :) and here's what I've read from the The Bump website in which I find very helpful:
Braxton Hicks contractions are your body's way of practicing and preparing for labor. You’ll feel tightening in your uterus that’s irregular, infrequent and unpredictable. These contractions won’t increase in intensity the way the contractions of labor do. They’re also likely to go away if you change positions.
Braxton Hicks contractions are most common in the third trimester. They’re just a normal part of pregnancy. The tightness you feel in your uterus during a Braxton Hicks contraction comes from the tensing of the muscles in your uterus. Being really active, a full bladder, sex and dehydration can all trigger Braxton Hicks contractions.
How will Braxton Hicks contractions affect my baby?
As long as they don’t turn into preterm labor, they won’t affect your baby. In fact, some medical professionals say these contractions are toning up your uterus and promoting the flow of blood to your placenta, so think of it as nourishing your baby.
What’s the best way to treat Braxton Hicks contractions?
Although Braxton Hicks contractions cause more annoyance than pain, drinking water or taking a walk or a warm bath should relieve any discomfort. Mild Braxton Hicks contractions are very common and nothing to worry about, but call your doctor if you're in the first eight months and feel four or more contractions in an hour -- that might be a sign of preterm labor.
What can I do to prevent Braxton Hicks contractions?
Other than staying well-hydrated and not overdoing it activity-wise, there’s not much. Just be on the lookout for signs of preterm labor and you’ll be totally fine.
What do other pregnant moms do when they have Braxton Hicks contractions?
“I’ve been getting Braxton Hicks this pregnancy. It will feel like part of your uterus is hard to the touch, like it’s frozen. They don’t hurt, but are uncomfortable. I try to move around or stretch through it. It also helps to lie on your side and relax, and make sure to stay hydrated to keep them to a minimum.”
“I’ve been getting Braxton Hicks a lot. Last night, every time I stood up, I got one. I just drink water and lie on my left side to calm them, and that works well.”
“I had Braxton Hicks with DD. I would be sitting and suddenly feel out of breath or unable to breathe. I would have to switch positions, and then I’d feel better. This was because of my uterus hardening and making my lungs work harder.”
Data Source: The Bump
http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-problems/articles/braxton-hicks-contractions.aspx
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Special Bonding With My Baby
Photo courtesy of Babycenter
Lately, have been feeling more intense baby movements. For the past few weeks, have been feeling strong baby movements already. Seems that my baby is always awake. :) My baby is always active, so alert that just with my small movements, I can feel him/her. Every time I say something, he responds by movements. I feel that it's his way of telling me that "Mommy, I'm ok in here..." Some kind of assurance that there is nothing to worry, and that he's just always fine inside of me.That really makes me happy and that I treasure every moment. I have read that active babies are happy babies. :)
I am also enjoying every moment that I can touch him on my belly. It was like "Guess what part of my body is this Mom" game wherein I can feel him rolling and stretching on my tummy, love that special part wherein I can feel his knees, hands, toes, butt, ha,ha... I love talking with him actually, that whenever I touch something, I would say "I guess this is your knee?", I just love playing with him.
Most of the time, I talked with him while I am doing something just to describe what his Mommy doing at the moment. And I also love how his Ate Amber talked with him, too, how she kissed my tummy every time I drop her to school and say I love you to me and baby. Then afterwards I will tell my baby that we just dropped his Ate Amber to school and that we're on the way home.
One of the activity that he is most active with is when I'm on the tram or the bus. Maybe because of the noise outside, the people around me, he can hear them. I can feel his movements and wiggles, like he was jumping in there, excited as if he was telling me that "Mommy, God willing, sooner we'll meet and I that I can't wait to see the outside world!" :)
Just like her Ate Amber, hhe loves being sang, too, especially at night before we sleep wherein I always sing with them the Lullaby Song. I know that just like his Ate Amber, he easily falls asleep with the song. :)
Right now, since I'm on my 35th week, I know that the space inside my belly is getting more cramp as he is putting more weight and that movements will be lessen for the coming weeks. But no worries, my baby, God willing we'll see each other soon and that with His guiding hands, everything will be alright. Few more weeks to go, and you'll be in my arms. You'll gonna meet Daddy, Mommy and Ate Amber soon. We love you so much, and for sure our bonding will even be more special then...
Monday, 7 October 2013
Baby M is 35 Weeks Today :)
Inside the Womb at 35 Weeks
Photo courtesy of Babycenter
Child length: approximately 19 inches (about the size of a a Honeydew)
Child weight: approximately 5.5 - 5.9 lbs
At this stage: Your should read to your belly. This way, your baby will be more familiar with your voice.
At this point, all your baby's major organs should be nearly complete. Your baby's kidneys are completely developed and his liver is functional and capable of processing waste products. Its central nervous system is maturing, its digestive system is almost complete and its lungs are almost fully developed.
Your baby continues to gain weight. Can now turn and lift its head. Most of the vernix and lanugo and is now gone from the skin.
Although babies are considered preemies until 37 weeks, 99 percent of babies born at week 35 survive without any major complications.
Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now. Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
Pack your bags! It's not too early to have your hospital stuff ready to go. Sure, the bag might wind up sitting by the front door for a few more weeks -- but that's better than finding yourself among the moms-to-be who wound up rushing to the hospital without it because they waited just a little too long. Happy packing! :)
Most airlines will not allow you to fly after 36 weeks.
At this point, all your baby's major organs should be nearly complete. Your baby's kidneys are completely developed and his liver is functional and capable of processing waste products. Its central nervous system is maturing, its digestive system is almost complete and its lungs are almost fully developed.
Your baby continues to gain weight. Can now turn and lift its head. Most of the vernix and lanugo and is now gone from the skin.
Although babies are considered preemies until 37 weeks, 99 percent of babies born at week 35 survive without any major complications.
Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now. Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
Pack your bags! It's not too early to have your hospital stuff ready to go. Sure, the bag might wind up sitting by the front door for a few more weeks -- but that's better than finding yourself among the moms-to-be who wound up rushing to the hospital without it because they waited just a little too long. Happy packing! :)
Most airlines will not allow you to fly after 36 weeks.
Days left to birth: 35
Due date: 11 November 2013
Data Sources: Babybump, Babycenter, I'm Expecting, Pregnancy Assistant, Pregnancy Companion and Pregnancy Guide
"In my womb, I love you..."
Sunday, 6 October 2013
Getting Ready For Baby
One of the most exciting part of being pregnant is preparing things before your baby arrives. Its fun to buy baby stuff, choosing clothes from different designs and colors, cute outfits, everything your baby needs from head to toes.
It might be too early to buy some but I just want to put up stuff while I still have ample time as sooner or later when my baby arrives, I know my time would be limited then specially if I will undergo a Caesarian delivery again wherein recovery a bit longer. Stuff that I bought so far were:
1. Baby Book ~ my daughter Amber Jade had a baby book when she was born so I also decided to buy one for Baby M :)
I love the Contents, can't wait to fill them up... ;)
2. Playtex Ventaire Feeding Bottles - I am planning to breastfeed and would love to the best that I can. But just in case, I have bought this feeding bottles for future use. My daughter Amber also used Playtex Ventaire when she was a baby but hers were those wide ones. This time, I bought this slim size one for Baby M. Playtex Ventaire feeding bottles were really the best ones for me. They are uniquely designed to reduce colic, bottom vent helps reduce air ingestion. It helped my daughter Amber when she was a baby as she was colicky back then.
3. My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow - I have chosen the Sunburst design as it has a hint of color green. I just love green this time around. ;) Since I am planning to breastfeed the longer I can, I have bought this nursing pillow so it will more comfortable for me whenever I breastfeed my baby and also to support my back since I have a mild scoliosis. Back rest helps me maintain good posture during feeding and prevent me from sore back and neck, too. Arm and elbow rests eliminate shoulder stress. Firm, flat cushion keeps baby from rolling. Adjustable strap that can fit on Daddy, too. :)
4. Bumbo Baby Seat - I love this baby seat, love the color, too! Softly made, I'm sure my baby would love to sit on it! :) Designed for infants from three months to one year. It is uniquely designed according to the baby's posture. It can be used on any flat ground level surface and promotes new opportunities for interaction between mommy and baby.
5. Esprit Garden Party Hauck Bouncer - I bought this bouncer when I was around on my 6th month. As from the start, I've been feeling that I am carrying a baby boy, I've never think twice of buying this blue color. Aside from that, for me, this bouncer/rocker is very space saving and easy to carry around especially if we'll be bringing baby outside. I love the simplicity of the design. Has an extra head support for newborns which can be removed as baby grows.
6. Combi Magical Compact 4-Way Carrier - since I have mild scoliosis and sometimes have back and lower pains, I've chose this carrier for my baby because of its nice features. Offers optimum head and back support, provides maximum airflow and may also be used as a breastfeeding aid. I can use this carrier right after my baby is born and can be use til' toddler stage. I love the four carrying positions especially the cradle one. . ;)
Love the Marine Blue color which is the one I bought for baby! :)
7. Baby Clothes - I have started buying baby clothes as early as when I was 3 months pregnant but just only whenever I see stuff that I really like. I always focus on comfort,the fabric, same as the design as well. So far, these were the baby clothes I have collected. From cartoon characters to animal prints, light to dark colors and from sleeveless to long sleeves. Love the cute captions most of
all. :)
Can't wait to see my Baby wearing this! It's my most favorite! :)
So cute! :)
Love this tiger print bodysuit!
Cutie Captions
Mommy's Rockstar
Baby's very first Jumpsuit :)
Love these striped colored baby pants
Hats and socks
For Ate Amber & Baby :)
Love these freebies as well. I was able to collect them every time I have check-ups ;)
Other stuff that I had on hand right now
These were just recently added to my collections :)
From Disney
Love the captions again, cute! ;)
Carter's onesies
8. Graco Pack n' Play - with all those baby cribs we see from the market, I love this most! It's a fashionable infant playard that can easily be packed with a convenient travel bag, very handy. Added the size, just right. One thing I like about this is that it features a full-size bassinet with a comfy quilted bumper pad and mattress pad. It's always been convenient for me every time I change baby's diaper. And also, it has an organizer for your little ones' stuff. Glad that I found one online that is in like new condition at just a cheaper price. I love the color, too! Just perfect for my baby boy. :)
This system works in two modes: the simulation mode and the expression mode. The simulation mode simulates your baby's initial rapid sucking to start your milk flowing, while the expression mode simulates your baby's slower, deeper suckling to express your milk gently yet efficiently. These modes work together to make pumping a quick and painless process.
UPDATE:
10. Leach Co Cuddle-U Nursing Pillow - lately, I have added this to my baby stuff collection but not for breastfeeding but more on to support baby during sitting, tummy time and when he's in bed. When he is using a normal pillow, he always slipped as he's so active this time at his age. Unlike the My Brest Friend nursing pillow, this one more softer but just more bigger so still I will recommend the My Brest Friend for nursing as it is more convenient for me to use though this Leach On provides more fun ways to use. As a comfy seat for baby, there's no wiggling or squirming out, has easy-close fastener that keeps baby secure. It's a wonderful way to prop up babies not yet sitting on their own and a good way for tummy time, too! When not in use, the seat wrap tucks into the pillow pocket.
Source: http://www.amazon.com/Leachco-Cuddle-U-Nursing-Pillow-More/dp/B00A4DG7LO
Baby Moses at 2 1/2 months sitting on his Leach On boppy :)
Play time with his Ate Amber
11. Medela Swing™ Breastpump - Yay finally was able to have an electric breast pump! So happy as I found a cheaper one that fits my budget and aside from that it's a Medela brand which for me tested to really be working well when expressing breast milk.:) Though the manual pump works prettily well for me, too, but just sometimes I find it tiring after pumping so many times though it provides ease of use and can bring with you wherever you go as is it's handy.
12. Ergo Organic Carrier - to complete my baby stuff collection, here's my navy blue Ergo. It's one of those convenient baby carriers that I really wanted to have since I was still pregnant. Though unlike Combi Magical Compact Carrier which can be use in 4 ways, the Ergo don't have that baby facing in front carry feature so I decided to still keep my Combi and use both alternately. I bought Ergo because I'd read a lot of reviews that it comfortably distribute baby’s weight between your shoulders and hips so you will be save from back pains. I have mild scoliosis so was hoping to find a carrier that will be of much support. Added, read that it's also good to use while breastfeeding outside the house as it has like that canopy cover which helps for more comfort.
Though as of this time, haven't yet use both Combi & Ergo myself to compare ease of use. My husband had used the Combi with baby Moses through cradle position with the infant insert when he was around one month until two months though seldom as we have been using his stroller most of the time.
Let us see on the coming days, now as baby Moses is getting bigger, he will be 4 months this coming 4th of March, might be a good time to start using both carriers with baby in sitting position.
Washing Newborn Baby Clothes
Thanks be to God that yesterday, I was on my 8th month of pregnancy. And since I'm already close to my due date, have been preparing things since last week. One of these was washing and preparing the newborn baby clothes in which I have enjoyed doing and also to keep myself busy, fighting the boredom while waiting for my baby to arrive. :)
I have started buying baby clothes early on but just when I see stuff that I like for my baby. Some of the newborn clothes like onesies, mittens, rompers, socks, bibs, etc. were given by my sister which were outgrown by her son who is now 10 months old. Part of this came from my daughter's stuff in which were kept for years in my native country.
I have also started washing some of the baby casual clothes I bought so I can organize them already together with the rest.
Wednesday, 2 October 2013
My Prenatal Check Up
This Thursday, 3rd October 2013, I will be having my prenatal check up again. My follow up schedule was at every 2 weeks now as I'm on the latter part of of my third trimester. My last prenatal check up was 19th of September.
I have also attended last Monday (afternoon) 16th of September, the "Antenatal Anaesthetic" consultation. I have provided the hospital history about my mild scoliosis so I was referred to attend this consultation.
My back and spine were checked by the Doctor and was fine. Afterwards, I was given information about the difference between a General Anaesthesia from a Spinal Anaesthesia. The Doctor told me that they always recommend a Spinal Anaesthesia for such advantages:
- You can have your husband with you on the Operating Room while giving birth
- You will be able to see and hear your baby as soon as he/she's born
- Will be able to bond and breastfeed right away
- Recovery is much faster
I was just told that I will be feeling some kind of pulling and tugging while the operation is going on but will never feel the pain. It will take like around 16 hours before my anaesthesia fades away.
34 Weeks 2 Days
Inside the Womb at 34 Weeks
Photo courtesy of Babycenter
Photo courtesy of Pregnancy Companion
Child length: approximately 18.5 - 18.9 inches (about the size of a Canteloupe)
Child weight: approximately 5.5 lbs
At this stage: Most babies finally turn head down.
Your baby has less room to move now and is unable to make full kicks due to the lack of space.
His or her immune system continues to develop, getting strong in preparation for life outside your belly.
It is important to get calcium this week because the bay is hardening its skeletal structure. Your baby will be fine if you do not get enough calcium, but you will not be because your baby will be taking the calcium from your own bones to supplement the development. So be sure to get that extra calcium (in prenatal vitamin and food form) for both of you.
You might be noticing some more pain in your ribs due to your enlarging uterus, and you might be having some pain and numbness around your belly button due to the stretching of the skin. This is common and usually not dangerous.
- Oh! This was what I've been feeling for the past few days, very hard to lay down in bed as I feel spasm from both of my ribs.
Your baby has less room to move now and is unable to make full kicks due to the lack of space.
His or her immune system continues to develop, getting strong in preparation for life outside your belly.
It is important to get calcium this week because the bay is hardening its skeletal structure. Your baby will be fine if you do not get enough calcium, but you will not be because your baby will be taking the calcium from your own bones to supplement the development. So be sure to get that extra calcium (in prenatal vitamin and food form) for both of you.
You might be noticing some more pain in your ribs due to your enlarging uterus, and you might be having some pain and numbness around your belly button due to the stretching of the skin. This is common and usually not dangerous.
- Oh! This was what I've been feeling for the past few days, very hard to lay down in bed as I feel spasm from both of my ribs.
You may also experience more aches and pains in your pelvic area. The baby's weight, along with the pregnancy hormone relaxin, causes your pelvic joints to expand in preparation for delivery. In addition, contractions may become more frequent, another sign that your body is preparing for your baby's arrival.
Sleeping may be extremely difficult. While part of this is due to the physical effects of pregnancy, another part may be due to anxiety. Try to relax as much as possible.
As you waddle around at this stage, you may feel like the baby is about to fall out of your pelvis. (She won't. If only delivery were that easy!)
Days left to birth: 40
Sleeping may be extremely difficult. While part of this is due to the physical effects of pregnancy, another part may be due to anxiety. Try to relax as much as possible.
As you waddle around at this stage, you may feel like the baby is about to fall out of your pelvis. (She won't. If only delivery were that easy!)
Days left to birth: 40
Due date: 11 November 2013
Data Sources: Babycenter, I'm Expecting, Pregnancy Assistant, Pregnancy Companion & Pregnancy Guide
"God willing, 5 more weeks to go... Almost there!"
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