I thought I'd have more time to blog about Andrew's growth and developments during my maternity leave. But I was so caught up in ensuring he drank/pooped/reached all his milestones that I neglected pretty much everything else. Now that I've returned to work, I feel so horrid and I can't seem to tell anyone about it, even Melvin.
The Power Struggle
While I understand that yes, his parents have raised a child. I can't help but feel as though I'm going through a power struggle with his mom. Those feelings were strong when Andrew first arrived.. and dissipated over the next 2 - 3 months while I was in total control of the boy. Now that I've gone back to work, those feelings are back with a vengeance.
It can be a simple thing really. Like this afternoon, I was commenting that his total volume consumed was getting better and partially was due to his middle-of-the-night feeds. We had actually trained him to sleep through the night without milk.. but I realised because of that, his total volume of milk consumed had dipped. So I resumed those feeds. Because he wasn't drinking enough through the day. At some point, he was only taking in 500ml a day. With a night feed, he would potentially take in another 100ml.
This is important because his weight is now in the 10th percentile. It was in the 25th.
Andrew's grandmother knows this.
Anyway, I mentioned something about him drinking very well in the middle of the night. Immediately, she was like "Oh don't do that, it's a bad habit. I mean, now he is not feeling well so it's OK. But you need to stop feeding him in the night"
So I told her he wasn't drinking enough and reminded her about his weight loss.
As which her reply was "Then I'll just feed him more during the day. Stop feeding him in the middle of the night already"
1) I'm hearing her say "don't need to feed him cos I'll do it. Just step aside."
2) Isn't it none of her business whether I feed him at night or not?
3) I'll do what I think is best for him so shut the fuck up.
With her being the primary caretaker while I'm at work, it seems she is going to resume exerting her influence whether I like it or not.
The Pacifier
With regards to breastfeeding, the journey hasn't been easy. I pump and bottle him for most because he is a messy eater. But I do like to latch him daily because it just makes me feel.. closer to the boy. He would latch and he would suck. every day.
Until I returned to work, that is.
For some reason, she gives him a pacifier EVERYDAY. Pops it in his mouth and lets him suck it to sleep. Have told her to only give as a last resort. I guess it's a last resort every day.
I believe that the introduction of the pacifier has killed whatever breastfeeding relationship I had left with my son. Because he used to nurse to sleep. The past week, he just refused to latch, prefering the pacifier.
I spent a good few minutes quietly crying in one corner this afternoon. Because he doesn't feel like my son anymore. He may as well be Diana (Melvin's mom's) baby.
He smiles at everyone but me.
When his grandma walks into the room, he smiles at her. same for grandpa. Same for Melvin. Not for me. In fact, the response is so mute, it's as though he didn't see me.
This wasn't the case. Before I went back to work, he would respond to me..
Melvin doesn't understand
I should probably change the subtitle to that. It's not that he doesn't understand. He just doesn't want to hear it anymore. At some point, he's lost his temper with a "we've been through this!"
That's why I've stopped talking to him about things like that. He isn't willing to be that listening ear anymore. That's why when he comes home and helps put Andrew to sleep, we don't speak at all for the rest of the night. I go to bed without saying goodnight.
Sometimes, I try to start a conversation. We say a few sentences to each other, he turns back to his computer. When I try again, he pauses whatever video he was watching on facebook, sighs and turns around to look at me. Sometimes he replies with a word/sentence. Sometimes he goes "what now?"
So I've stopped trying.
In fact, I don't even know what time he comes to bed anymore. It's like we are just strangers sharing the same locale. that's all.
Melvin still does sweet things for me. Sometimes he shows he cares by making sure I have a drink on my table ready for my 1am milk pump. But we really can't talk anymore. I am thankful that he makes it a point to wake up extra early to drive me to work. He needs to wake up an hour earlier just to do that. So we make small talk in the car. That's about it. He doesn't confide in me either, so it's mutual I guess.
Weekends are a struggle
Mostly because Melvin seems more than willing to leave Andrew at home with grandparents. He has been bugging me to head to the gym with him. That would mean another half a day away from Andrew and with his grandparents. Melvin does NOT understand why I do not want to do that.
Sometimes we need to run errands because things needed to be done for our new place.. And I'd want to drag Andrew out with us. Melvin gets annoyed with me for that sometimes.
Everyday I come home from work, I'll spend some time in my room in tears. I'd tell myself things will get better when we move to our own place. But I doubt that'll solve everything.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Tuesday, July 05, 2016
Achievement Unlocked - Diapers and stuff
I am really thankful that we hired a confinement nanny. Have no idea what we'd do without her help and expertise. Auntie Sai Hua was trained at Mt Alvernia hospital and she has been working as a confinement nanny for over 20 years. As a result, she is very good with Andrew.
We brought Andrew home from the hospital at Day 3 and Sai Hua came on Day 4. Normally she'll come on the day of discharge, but Andrew came early and she needed to settle some stuff before coming to SG.
That means we spent one day/night on our own. And man, it was NOT pretty. Andrew cried every hour, and wailed through diaper changes. Melvin and I were not good at changing diapers and we didn't sleep at all that night.
After Auntie Sai Hua came, we went "OK he's yours!" and took a nap.
Let me put it this way, he didn't cry when she changed his diapers. I think it's because Andrew feels secure when she is handling him.
We are better at doing stuff like changing diapers. Had to learn alot from Sai Hua. At least he doesn't cry when we change his diapers now. She attends to Andrew and takes really good care of him. Of course.. taking really good care also means she feeds him VERY well (combination of my milk plus some formula as topup).. and Andrew is now at least 3.5kg. This means he's put on at least 0.8kg to 1kg in less than a month. It's more than a 30% increase in weight.. He's getting chubby.
Anyway, yesterday she taught me how to bathe Andrew. You'd think it should come to me easily. I mean, we have been showering for years. Andrew begs to differ. The moment I put the wet washcloth to his hair, he started screaming bloody murder and he ended up pooing in his towel. The wailing didn't stop until I was done bathing him >.>
This doesn't happen when SH bathes him, btw. He's chill and even smiles when she bathes him.
So today, I tried again. And it's getting better. At least he wasn't screaming bloody murder all the way.
Everything has been a steep learning curve for us. From how to breastfeed (yes, apparently that doesn't come as naturally as some ppl think), how to massage my boobs so that the ducts don't get clogged with milk and give me a fever, to how to diaper change him, how to give a baby massage etc etc.
I think things are getting better.
I also wish SH's contract with us didn't expire so soon. She's going back to Malaysia this Sunday, then she'll need to prepare for her next client. It's going to be another period of adjustment after she leaves because we have been so dependent on her.
*fingers crossed* I hope we survive this.
We brought Andrew home from the hospital at Day 3 and Sai Hua came on Day 4. Normally she'll come on the day of discharge, but Andrew came early and she needed to settle some stuff before coming to SG.
That means we spent one day/night on our own. And man, it was NOT pretty. Andrew cried every hour, and wailed through diaper changes. Melvin and I were not good at changing diapers and we didn't sleep at all that night.
After Auntie Sai Hua came, we went "OK he's yours!" and took a nap.
Let me put it this way, he didn't cry when she changed his diapers. I think it's because Andrew feels secure when she is handling him.
We are better at doing stuff like changing diapers. Had to learn alot from Sai Hua. At least he doesn't cry when we change his diapers now. She attends to Andrew and takes really good care of him. Of course.. taking really good care also means she feeds him VERY well (combination of my milk plus some formula as topup).. and Andrew is now at least 3.5kg. This means he's put on at least 0.8kg to 1kg in less than a month. It's more than a 30% increase in weight.. He's getting chubby.
Anyway, yesterday she taught me how to bathe Andrew. You'd think it should come to me easily. I mean, we have been showering for years. Andrew begs to differ. The moment I put the wet washcloth to his hair, he started screaming bloody murder and he ended up pooing in his towel. The wailing didn't stop until I was done bathing him >.>
This doesn't happen when SH bathes him, btw. He's chill and even smiles when she bathes him.
So today, I tried again. And it's getting better. At least he wasn't screaming bloody murder all the way.
Everything has been a steep learning curve for us. From how to breastfeed (yes, apparently that doesn't come as naturally as some ppl think), how to massage my boobs so that the ducts don't get clogged with milk and give me a fever, to how to diaper change him, how to give a baby massage etc etc.
I think things are getting better.
I also wish SH's contract with us didn't expire so soon. She's going back to Malaysia this Sunday, then she'll need to prepare for her next client. It's going to be another period of adjustment after she leaves because we have been so dependent on her.
*fingers crossed* I hope we survive this.
Monday, June 20, 2016
The arrival of little Andrew
This post comes a little late because it's been nuts around the house.
Baby Andrew decided to come early on 10th June!
My water broke on 9th June. Was taking a nap and waiting for Melvin to come home.. got out of the bed at 5ish pm, and I dribbled water all over the place. My first thought was "@$#*! That isn't pee. He's coming early"
I had all intention to take my time and shower because that is what I've been taught in antenatal class. They told us that the baby can take up to 24 hours to arrive after the water breaks.. PLUS, I wasn't feeling any contractions.
I gave Melvin a call to ask him to come home quickly. Heard he freaked out a little in the office.. mostly because I was home alone and there was no one to help me.
Then as I walked to the bathroom, the clear dribbling liquid turned pink, then bright red. That was when I freaked out because a colleague had shared her story of placental abruption the week before. And because I panicked, I ended up dripping blood all the way to the bathroom, then back to the bedroom because I forgot to take my sanitary pad/underwear/change of clothes. Left bloody footprints all over the place.
After I cleaned myself up as best I could, I gave Melvin a call to ask him to come home fast. It was a "Can you come home and pick up stuff needed for the hospital? I'm going to the hospital on my own first. You need to come home and clean up."
Then I left. Imagine his horror at the bloody footprints.. He ended up calling every 10-15minutes while he cleaned up, fed the dog, pack his clothes (yeaaaa he dawdled on that despite my reminders that HE needed a go bag cos he was staying in the ward with me). He ended up getting to the hospital at about 7pm.
By that time, the nurses have hooked me up to a machine and apparently I WAS having contractions but couldn't feel them. They weren't strong contractions and were 8 minutes apart. My gynae refused to let me go home, saying that I was going to have to come back to the hospital in less than 24 hours anyway... she tried to secure a bed in the maternity wards for me (as opposed to me spending the night in the delivery room) but all the rooms were full, apparently.
So I stayed in the delivery ward. By 12.30am, I was begging for epidural because the contractions were coming closer and stronger.. and we all know what a wuss I am with regards to pain. I was 4cm dilated by then.
They made Melvin leave the room during the administration of the epidural. Which pissed me off cos I was so scared. Everytime I made a sound (Like "ow"), the nurse and anesthesiologist would shush me. I get the feeling the anesthesiologist wasn't very confident, and that added to my discomfort and fear. By the time they were done and they left, I was seriously annoyed. "Amateurs," I thought.
The annoying thing was after the administration of the epidural, I stopped dilating further. I know that medically speaking, epidurals don't STOP dilations, but my experience tells me otherwise. I went from 1cm - 4cm in 5 hours, then stopped dilation further after epidural was administered? Can't be a coincidence. I was still 4cm dilated at 7am on 10th June, btw.
Dr Tan decided to induce me in the morning of 10th June. Even then, it was 2pm by the time I was fully dilated. They reduced my epidural from 8units to 0.5 *sulk* Then asked me to push. So I felt every contraction. I didn't push hard enough so the nurses had to help me by pushing on my tummy.. then Dr Tan gave up and used a vacuum. Next thing I knew, I heard Dr Tan announce, "The head is out!" There was a slight flurry of activity and I heard a suction kind of noise.. they must have been clearing his airway. Melvin took one look then refocused on me. One more contraction and push, then they placed a very slimy, angry sounding baby on my chest.
It was a case of "OMG it's a baby! OMG what have I done!" /panic
The feelings of maternal love only came later.
So here's Andrew, with the photo taken 2 days ago (9 days old)
Baby Andrew decided to come early on 10th June!
My water broke on 9th June. Was taking a nap and waiting for Melvin to come home.. got out of the bed at 5ish pm, and I dribbled water all over the place. My first thought was "@$#*! That isn't pee. He's coming early"
I had all intention to take my time and shower because that is what I've been taught in antenatal class. They told us that the baby can take up to 24 hours to arrive after the water breaks.. PLUS, I wasn't feeling any contractions.
I gave Melvin a call to ask him to come home quickly. Heard he freaked out a little in the office.. mostly because I was home alone and there was no one to help me.
Then as I walked to the bathroom, the clear dribbling liquid turned pink, then bright red. That was when I freaked out because a colleague had shared her story of placental abruption the week before. And because I panicked, I ended up dripping blood all the way to the bathroom, then back to the bedroom because I forgot to take my sanitary pad/underwear/change of clothes. Left bloody footprints all over the place.
After I cleaned myself up as best I could, I gave Melvin a call to ask him to come home fast. It was a "Can you come home and pick up stuff needed for the hospital? I'm going to the hospital on my own first. You need to come home and clean up."
Then I left. Imagine his horror at the bloody footprints.. He ended up calling every 10-15minutes while he cleaned up, fed the dog, pack his clothes (yeaaaa he dawdled on that despite my reminders that HE needed a go bag cos he was staying in the ward with me). He ended up getting to the hospital at about 7pm.
By that time, the nurses have hooked me up to a machine and apparently I WAS having contractions but couldn't feel them. They weren't strong contractions and were 8 minutes apart. My gynae refused to let me go home, saying that I was going to have to come back to the hospital in less than 24 hours anyway... she tried to secure a bed in the maternity wards for me (as opposed to me spending the night in the delivery room) but all the rooms were full, apparently.
So I stayed in the delivery ward. By 12.30am, I was begging for epidural because the contractions were coming closer and stronger.. and we all know what a wuss I am with regards to pain. I was 4cm dilated by then.
They made Melvin leave the room during the administration of the epidural. Which pissed me off cos I was so scared. Everytime I made a sound (Like "ow"), the nurse and anesthesiologist would shush me. I get the feeling the anesthesiologist wasn't very confident, and that added to my discomfort and fear. By the time they were done and they left, I was seriously annoyed. "Amateurs," I thought.
The annoying thing was after the administration of the epidural, I stopped dilating further. I know that medically speaking, epidurals don't STOP dilations, but my experience tells me otherwise. I went from 1cm - 4cm in 5 hours, then stopped dilation further after epidural was administered? Can't be a coincidence. I was still 4cm dilated at 7am on 10th June, btw.
Dr Tan decided to induce me in the morning of 10th June. Even then, it was 2pm by the time I was fully dilated. They reduced my epidural from 8units to 0.5 *sulk* Then asked me to push. So I felt every contraction. I didn't push hard enough so the nurses had to help me by pushing on my tummy.. then Dr Tan gave up and used a vacuum. Next thing I knew, I heard Dr Tan announce, "The head is out!" There was a slight flurry of activity and I heard a suction kind of noise.. they must have been clearing his airway. Melvin took one look then refocused on me. One more contraction and push, then they placed a very slimy, angry sounding baby on my chest.
It was a case of "OMG it's a baby! OMG what have I done!" /panic
The feelings of maternal love only came later.
So here's Andrew, with the photo taken 2 days ago (9 days old)
Thursday, June 09, 2016
37 weeks
I had one scan at about 36 weeks and was informed that the baby's tummy is larger than his head -.-
He's fat. And it's because I let go a tiny bit and had cake between the 31 week and 36 week scan. Oh not just cake.. umm.. froyo. and some juice. and some other carby stuff. pancakes. yum.
Dr Tan made me promise to cut down on my sugars once more... else she'll make me do the gestational diabetes test.
So after 1 whole week of suffering (low carb diet, low GI foods, no sugary drinks etc)... baby is back on track, weighing at about 3kg.
There's no contractions just yet so it doesn't look as though baby is coming anytime soon. But his head IS down and Dr Tan managed to feel his head when she did a cervical check. Dr Tan says he's going to be big.. judging from the size of my tummy. She said some ladies have a huge belly but most of it is due to abdominal fat. For me... there isn't much abdominal fat (you can feel literally feel where the baby is by touching).. so the size is all him. Way to give me nightmares about labour...
Just hang in there, baby. about 20 more days and you can come out. Hopefully not bursting out of my torso like an alien, though.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
34 weeks - Oopsie, I dilated just a little
Well, I suspected something was wrong last week when I had a glob of mucus-y stuff drop out from my.. veejayjay. Went for a scan only to find that I was 1cm dilated.
Was told to try and put my feet up as much as possible and to call immediately if I start getting contractions.
It's too early for the baby to come! Stay in there, buddy. You can only come out nearer to the end of June! Don't waste my June holidays!
On another note, I had the strangest desire for almond jelly with lychee. We just had dinner, and I kept thinking about almond jelly. with lychee.
So I went to bug Melvin.
Me: I want lychee!!! with almond jelly.
Melvin: Where the heck do we get that?!
Me: Make it?
Melvin: Do you want to wake up at 1am to have the jelly? It's going to take time to set, yaknow.
Me: I WANT LYCHEE AND ALMOND JEEEELLLLLLLYYYYYYY.
So now he's going out to the supermarket to buy some stuff to make me my dessert.
*nods*
Was told to try and put my feet up as much as possible and to call immediately if I start getting contractions.
It's too early for the baby to come! Stay in there, buddy. You can only come out nearer to the end of June! Don't waste my June holidays!
On another note, I had the strangest desire for almond jelly with lychee. We just had dinner, and I kept thinking about almond jelly. with lychee.
So I went to bug Melvin.
Me: I want lychee!!! with almond jelly.
Melvin: Where the heck do we get that?!
Me: Make it?
Melvin: Do you want to wake up at 1am to have the jelly? It's going to take time to set, yaknow.
Me: I WANT LYCHEE AND ALMOND JEEEELLLLLLLYYYYYYY.
So now he's going out to the supermarket to buy some stuff to make me my dessert.
*nods*
Thursday, April 28, 2016
31+ weeks
Went for an appointment with Dr Tan again today. After 3 weeks of going cold turkey on the canned drinks, baby is finally back on track in terms of size. His estimated weight today is 1.8kg and all his measurements are great (except the head... but apparently that is all genetics and can't be helped)
As we approach my due date, we have realised there are so many things that need to be done!
1. Insurance - in the process of getting insurance for baby/childbirth complications
2. Baby things - nope, we have not bought anything!
3. Pack the 'go bag' with what's needed for my stay at the hospital.
4. Hire a maid! - Need to look for a good maid agency, shortlist a maid, make sure she comes in just before my confinement lady leaves.
And 2 weeks ago, all I was thinking about was baby names. How did it snowball to this?
As we approach my due date, we have realised there are so many things that need to be done!
1. Insurance - in the process of getting insurance for baby/childbirth complications
2. Baby things - nope, we have not bought anything!
3. Pack the 'go bag' with what's needed for my stay at the hospital.
4. Hire a maid! - Need to look for a good maid agency, shortlist a maid, make sure she comes in just before my confinement lady leaves.
And 2 weeks ago, all I was thinking about was baby names. How did it snowball to this?
Monday, April 18, 2016
30 Weeks - Movement has changed
There has been less kicks/punches from the little one this past week. Instead, the movement has mostly been turns or squirms. Sometimes it feels as though he's knuckling me from inside! I guess he's running out of room in there.
I've been a little concerned over the past 2 weekends because he gets a little quiet after prenatal yoga. I started on prenatal yoga a few weeks back and I've noticed that there is very little (almost none) movement from him on Saturdays and Sundays. Then Monday comes along and he is active again. Someone has suggested that perhaps the yoga movement soothes and calms the baby. I certainly hope that's the case!
I've been trying my best not to yell at my class. The daily yelling cannot be good for baby. But really, those kids... *sigh* Today, while I was dealing with one group, one of the boys from another group decided to combine his highlighter fluid with the water provided for the experiment... then he made a big mess on the table. I lost it. I lost it not just because he messed up the place. There were several reasons.
1. He was rude to the EL teacher (first period)
2. He made fun of his classmate's name (3rd period)
3. He was inattentive, his work not done, his experimental results were... non-existent. Then he decided to fool around during lab. (6th period)
So yes, I lost it. Yelled again.
I heard more complaints from teachers after that... So annoyed.
Anyway, baby gets verrrryyy quiet when I'm yelling.. and he stays pretty quiet for the time after yelling. So maybe he hides from mommy cos mommy yells too much :(
At some point I'm just going to chill and go "Yes, you kids go ahead. He took your pencil? Here's another. He did what else? OK you, just stand here. yes, stand here and don't move. don't speak. don't let me notice your existence for 15 minutes"
God. I can't stand young kids. Ironic, isn't it?
I've been a little concerned over the past 2 weekends because he gets a little quiet after prenatal yoga. I started on prenatal yoga a few weeks back and I've noticed that there is very little (almost none) movement from him on Saturdays and Sundays. Then Monday comes along and he is active again. Someone has suggested that perhaps the yoga movement soothes and calms the baby. I certainly hope that's the case!
I've been trying my best not to yell at my class. The daily yelling cannot be good for baby. But really, those kids... *sigh* Today, while I was dealing with one group, one of the boys from another group decided to combine his highlighter fluid with the water provided for the experiment... then he made a big mess on the table. I lost it. I lost it not just because he messed up the place. There were several reasons.
1. He was rude to the EL teacher (first period)
2. He made fun of his classmate's name (3rd period)
3. He was inattentive, his work not done, his experimental results were... non-existent. Then he decided to fool around during lab. (6th period)
So yes, I lost it. Yelled again.
I heard more complaints from teachers after that... So annoyed.
Anyway, baby gets verrrryyy quiet when I'm yelling.. and he stays pretty quiet for the time after yelling. So maybe he hides from mommy cos mommy yells too much :(
At some point I'm just going to chill and go "Yes, you kids go ahead. He took your pencil? Here's another. He did what else? OK you, just stand here. yes, stand here and don't move. don't speak. don't let me notice your existence for 15 minutes"
God. I can't stand young kids. Ironic, isn't it?
Friday, April 08, 2016
28+ Weeks
Today was my school's sports day. It was uncomfortably warm and extremely tiring, but I am thankful that the event team planned light duties for me. All I did was accompany my class to the stadium and did some data/scoring thing for the track events.
I was supposed to see Dr Tan yesterday but she had to reschedule me to this afternoon because one of her patients went into labour. Melvin was annoyed the whole of yesterday afternoon. He wasn't annoyed because we had been rescheduled, really. Because he knows this things can't be helped. She IS a gynae and her job is to be there to assist with delivery. He was annoyed because we were actually home early yesterday afternoon. He'd taken 1/2 day leave and I finished school early. He'd asked me to call the clinic to see if we can pop in earlier (at about 2.30pm) but I dawdled on it. Was unwilling to call because our appointment was at 4.30pm anyway.. what's a 2-hour diff going to make?
So when we got a call from her clinic at about 3.45pm to say she needed to reschedule because one of her patients was in labour, he was way annoyed with me.
Anyhow, we managed to make the 2.45pm appointment for today. I was given a choice of 2.45pm or 4.30pm and I chose the 2.45pm appointment because I knew I wasn't going to stay back in school after the sports day. Would be too sticky/tired/thirsty etc.
Melvin managed to take leave today even though I was prepared to go alone.. so.. yay :):)
Long story short, baby is STILL measuring a week ahead. He was measuring 29 weeks and 3 or 4 days. He's supposed to be 28 weeks 5 days....
Sigh. Baby has a rolly-polly tummy. And a head at 80+ percentile. AND he already weighs 1.3kg. She says the only 'acceptable' measurement is his thigh bone.
Does this mean he has short legs compared to the rest of him then?
Baby weighs 1.3kg. Mommy here has put on 8kg and is at a whopping 63.7kg!
Dr Tan said she is going to give me one more chance to cut down on my sugar intake. If the baby is still measuring a week ahead the next scan, she'll make me do a test for gestational diabetes.
no sugar. omg. how will i survive this.......
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Our 6th Wedding Anniversary
Melvin's in camp today for his reservist so I'm home alone. I'm a little annoyed with him because he spent hours a day looking for a messenger bag for himself on Carousel, but he didn't even spend half the effort looking at where we can celebrate our wedding anniversary.
I've been telling myself that we've enjoyed ourselves quite abit this past week. We went to the Old Airport Road for breakfast and Coastal Settlement for dinner on Wednesday. We went to Gardens by the Bay on Friday, with lunch at Bakerzin. We went for gyoza on Saturday.
That's a lot of outings in a week! And that should be enough, right?
So why does it still feel as though we didn't really celebrate our anniversary?
I've been telling myself that we've enjoyed ourselves quite abit this past week. We went to the Old Airport Road for breakfast and Coastal Settlement for dinner on Wednesday. We went to Gardens by the Bay on Friday, with lunch at Bakerzin. We went for gyoza on Saturday.
That's a lot of outings in a week! And that should be enough, right?
So why does it still feel as though we didn't really celebrate our anniversary?
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Week 24 - Feeling a little crummy
Woke up this morning and it felt as if I was going to die.
I had cramps. My legs were numb. I wanted to throw up. and the room was spinning.
Couldn't do anything but lay down there for the next half hour, whining away. Even now, I don't feel so good.
There, I just wanted to complain.
On the baby side of things, the little boy is growing well. His kicks are getting stronger. Melvin is amazed whenever he feels the baby kick. He'll gush about it for the whole day, in fact. It's good knowing the little one is getting stronger. Means he is healthy, right?
It turns out I have an anterior placenta - so I won't be able to feel ALL his movements. I've also noticed that I feel the strongest kicks higher up in my belly, so I can probably estimate where the placenta is. There was once, however, baby must have been kicking my bladder. Let's just say I felt every kick and with every kick, I needed to go pee.
OK, I thought I'd have the energy to type out a full post.. turns out I don't. Really just want to crawl into bed and whine because I feel sick again.
Will find the energy to post again..
*Update: Dr Tan has banned me from all sweet drinks :(*
Two weeks ago (week 22) - Baby was measuring at 500g. It was an average size and all good.
This week (week 24) - Baby was measuring at 750g!!! One week ahead!
Dr Tan says that judging from the size and amount of liquid in the sac, it's obvious I've been taking in a lot of sugar these 2 weeks. Sigh, guilty as charged.. been indulging in bubble tea....
So, no more sweet stuff for me unless I want an oversized baby and risk it getting stuck halfway on it's way out.
Meeeehh.
*end update*
I had cramps. My legs were numb. I wanted to throw up. and the room was spinning.
Couldn't do anything but lay down there for the next half hour, whining away. Even now, I don't feel so good.
There, I just wanted to complain.
On the baby side of things, the little boy is growing well. His kicks are getting stronger. Melvin is amazed whenever he feels the baby kick. He'll gush about it for the whole day, in fact. It's good knowing the little one is getting stronger. Means he is healthy, right?
It turns out I have an anterior placenta - so I won't be able to feel ALL his movements. I've also noticed that I feel the strongest kicks higher up in my belly, so I can probably estimate where the placenta is. There was once, however, baby must have been kicking my bladder. Let's just say I felt every kick and with every kick, I needed to go pee.
OK, I thought I'd have the energy to type out a full post.. turns out I don't. Really just want to crawl into bed and whine because I feel sick again.
Will find the energy to post again..
*Update: Dr Tan has banned me from all sweet drinks :(*
Two weeks ago (week 22) - Baby was measuring at 500g. It was an average size and all good.
This week (week 24) - Baby was measuring at 750g!!! One week ahead!
Dr Tan says that judging from the size and amount of liquid in the sac, it's obvious I've been taking in a lot of sugar these 2 weeks. Sigh, guilty as charged.. been indulging in bubble tea....
So, no more sweet stuff for me unless I want an oversized baby and risk it getting stuck halfway on it's way out.
Meeeehh.
*end update*
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Week 20 - Severe back pain, and the realization that something is moving
The past week or so has been torturous. My back pain worsened. It started off with pain as I stand/sit or lean forward. Now it hurts to move, period. Sharp pain when I walk and all, so I limp around school going 'ow, ow, ow...' In fact, it's no longer accurate to call it a back pain. Seems more like a 'deep in right butt cheek' sort of pain. And panadol does NOT help.
Melvin has been an absolute rock. He does everything in the house now and doesn't even need nagging to get things done. He does all he can to make sure I'm comfy and happy. I'm so thankful he has been playing an active role in this pregnancy. In fact, he has tried to ensure he's there for all medical appointments as well. So far, he's only missed one because there was a looming deadline for some report.
The baby?fetus? has been moving around abit lately. I'm starting to feel random light pokes from inside. It's a little freaky. Started off as a "eh, is it? Maybe not.. could be gas". Now it's definitely poking me from inside. The pokes are not visible from the outside. Melvin put his hand on my belly to see if he could feel the pokes last night, and he couldn't feel a thing. We'll give it another go when the pokes eventually become.. karate kicks...
In the meantime, we've arranged for hospital tours and antenatal classes. I've also confirmed my confinement nanny. It's going to be a busy few months!
Melvin has been an absolute rock. He does everything in the house now and doesn't even need nagging to get things done. He does all he can to make sure I'm comfy and happy. I'm so thankful he has been playing an active role in this pregnancy. In fact, he has tried to ensure he's there for all medical appointments as well. So far, he's only missed one because there was a looming deadline for some report.
The baby?fetus? has been moving around abit lately. I'm starting to feel random light pokes from inside. It's a little freaky. Started off as a "eh, is it? Maybe not.. could be gas". Now it's definitely poking me from inside. The pokes are not visible from the outside. Melvin put his hand on my belly to see if he could feel the pokes last night, and he couldn't feel a thing. We'll give it another go when the pokes eventually become.. karate kicks...
In the meantime, we've arranged for hospital tours and antenatal classes. I've also confirmed my confinement nanny. It's going to be a busy few months!
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Week 18 - Gaining weight
I weighed myself this evening.
Maybe I shouldn't have because now I just feel like a cow.
I was already struggling with my weight before the pregnancy. At my lowest last year, I was 53kg. Then somehow I ballooned to 56kg. This was BEFORE pregnancy, and with me going to gym 2 - 3 times a week. Don't ask me how I managed to put on 3kg while going to gym.
Now I'm a whooping 60kg! Well, 59.6 to be exact, but hey, it's rounded off to 60kg. I haven't been bingeing or 'eating for two'. I have three meals, and fruit in between when I get hungry. Maybe it's the lack of exercise. I've been telling myself I should exercise, but at the end of each school day... I'm so tired that I'm in bed by 9pm... exercise is truly the furthest thing from my mind. Hopefully all the stair climbing in school is enough. To be fair I climb at least 10 floors a day...
I did find a website that calculates for you how much you are supposed to put on though. It's not for asian bodies, so I'm not sure how accurate it is. The depressing thing is if I follow the 'average' weight gain, I'll be a 70kg blimp by the end of my pregnancy. 70kg *whine* I'd look like a coooowwww.
Maybe I shouldn't have because now I just feel like a cow.
I was already struggling with my weight before the pregnancy. At my lowest last year, I was 53kg. Then somehow I ballooned to 56kg. This was BEFORE pregnancy, and with me going to gym 2 - 3 times a week. Don't ask me how I managed to put on 3kg while going to gym.
Now I'm a whooping 60kg! Well, 59.6 to be exact, but hey, it's rounded off to 60kg. I haven't been bingeing or 'eating for two'. I have three meals, and fruit in between when I get hungry. Maybe it's the lack of exercise. I've been telling myself I should exercise, but at the end of each school day... I'm so tired that I'm in bed by 9pm... exercise is truly the furthest thing from my mind. Hopefully all the stair climbing in school is enough. To be fair I climb at least 10 floors a day...
I did find a website that calculates for you how much you are supposed to put on though. It's not for asian bodies, so I'm not sure how accurate it is. The depressing thing is if I follow the 'average' weight gain, I'll be a 70kg blimp by the end of my pregnancy. 70kg *whine* I'd look like a coooowwww.
I need to find a prenatal exercise class.
Friday, January 08, 2016
15 weeks
I had another scan this week. Dr Tan wanted to try and see the if the bean is a boy or girl. Unfortunately, it didn't work out because not only had the naughty bean had crossed its legs, and the umbilical cord was in between the crossed legs. Dr Tan made a remark like "Blocked to the max.. so modest". Very uncooperative fetus, this one.
I've been having sharp tummy pains these few weeks (and weird pulling sensations). Dr Tan said something about muscle strain because of the growing uterus. Or something like that. I wanted to ask her about bladder control but I forgot. Yes people, I leak. It's so gross. Only happens when I sneeze. Still gross though.
On the bright side, the nausea has pretty much subsided. I eat very well now and my energy is definitely back. So much so that I forget I'm pregnant at times.. Gave my colleagues a scare the other day when I started running to the next class. Well.. in my defense.. I was 5 minutes late for class...
Dr Tan has informed me that she will be away from 14 June - 24 June. She is letting me know in advance cos my due date about then and I may want to plan for another doctor instead. I'm not sure if I should take the chance.. I'm very comfortable with Dr Tan and the care leading up to birth is just as important as the birth itself. Do gynaes play a big part in the delivery room? I thought the nurses play a bigger part. I must find out more and make my decision soon. *sigh*
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
12 weeks
I had my first trimester screen and a blood test done today to check for Down Syndrome. Had to do it at NUH, though I'm not sure why my gynae couldn't handle it.
Anyway, there were specific measurements to be taken and the little one wasn't very cooperative, so the scan took longer than expected. The nurse kept jiggling the scanning device to try and make the little one move. Nope, refused. She muttered something about the fetus facing the bone and she needed it to face another direction, or something like that. I had to cough a few times to shift the fetus.
It was quite amusing, really.
*cough* (flip) *cough* (flip)
Anyway, the little one is no longer a kidney bean. He/She is 5.8cm long from crown to rump. I need to find a suitable nickname for this.. thing. calling it a bean was fine when it was small. Now that it's the size of a big lime, I can't keep calling it a bean. How?
*photo edited on 22 Dec to crop out my personal details. oops.*
On most nights, I question my sanity and ask myself, "I wanted to get pregnant?! WHY?!" But that's mostly because I feel sick and miserable. I don't feel the ummm.. supposed glow. I mostly feel bloated. and sick. and I cry very much at the smallest things. I also feel fat even though I'm not showing any real tummy. And I can't fit into any of my pants.
On very bad nights, I point to Melvin and tell him it's his fault. Though it really isn't. We wanted this, right? Heck, we were trying for one for so long that even now, I can't really believe there is a little parasite in my uterus, making me sick.
I liked the thought of being pregnant. Now that I am.. hmmm. *whine*
Here's hoping for a better 2nd trimester.
Anyway, there were specific measurements to be taken and the little one wasn't very cooperative, so the scan took longer than expected. The nurse kept jiggling the scanning device to try and make the little one move. Nope, refused. She muttered something about the fetus facing the bone and she needed it to face another direction, or something like that. I had to cough a few times to shift the fetus.
It was quite amusing, really.
*cough* (flip) *cough* (flip)
Anyway, the little one is no longer a kidney bean. He/She is 5.8cm long from crown to rump. I need to find a suitable nickname for this.. thing. calling it a bean was fine when it was small. Now that it's the size of a big lime, I can't keep calling it a bean. How?
On most nights, I question my sanity and ask myself, "I wanted to get pregnant?! WHY?!" But that's mostly because I feel sick and miserable. I don't feel the ummm.. supposed glow. I mostly feel bloated. and sick. and I cry very much at the smallest things. I also feel fat even though I'm not showing any real tummy. And I can't fit into any of my pants.
On very bad nights, I point to Melvin and tell him it's his fault. Though it really isn't. We wanted this, right? Heck, we were trying for one for so long that even now, I can't really believe there is a little parasite in my uterus, making me sick.
I liked the thought of being pregnant. Now that I am.. hmmm. *whine*
Here's hoping for a better 2nd trimester.
10 weeks
We had abit of a scare on Sunday afternoon. When I say 'We', I really mean "I". Melvin didn't seem too concerned.. I started bleeding a little and feared the worst so I called the gynae, who determined it wasn't that bad, judging by my description of the minor brown bleed that covered my liner. She recommended for me to go down to KKH's 24hr O&G for a scan, just to give me a peace of mind.
What we saw was a happy little bean bouncing around its sac. Arms waving, little nubs of things punching around, that sort of thing. Melvin was quite horrified. LOL. I'm serious... his expression when he saw the thing, was one of horror. He was like "It looks human!" Or something like that, I don't remember what it was he said exactly, but it was along those lines of incredulity.
*face palm*
No idea what he expected to see. A fish, perhaps?
We followed up with our regular gynae visit the following day, and she gave us a much clearer scan. The one at KKH wasn't.. very.. clear. Machine sucks maybe.
It's side profile, head on the right. No worries if you can't tell. Because I couldn't, until the doc pointed the features out to me.
Next up, down syndrome scan in 2 to 3 weeks. I thought they only offered these tests to women above 35. Guess they are routine now...
What we saw was a happy little bean bouncing around its sac. Arms waving, little nubs of things punching around, that sort of thing. Melvin was quite horrified. LOL. I'm serious... his expression when he saw the thing, was one of horror. He was like "It looks human!" Or something like that, I don't remember what it was he said exactly, but it was along those lines of incredulity.
*face palm*
No idea what he expected to see. A fish, perhaps?
We followed up with our regular gynae visit the following day, and she gave us a much clearer scan. The one at KKH wasn't.. very.. clear. Machine sucks maybe.
It's side profile, head on the right. No worries if you can't tell. Because I couldn't, until the doc pointed the features out to me.
Next up, down syndrome scan in 2 to 3 weeks. I thought they only offered these tests to women above 35. Guess they are routine now...
9 weeks
The next scan is so faaaaaaarr away. One more week till my next scan.
In the meantime, I'm worried. I'm worried because a close friend was telling me about how her SIL lost one recently at 9 weeks. *sigh* I'm worried because I STILL have brown discharge. I've been googling like crazy but there has been no definite answer. Some ladies carry theirs to term anyway.. while some (at their next scan) realise that there was no more heartbeat. So there is nothing much I can do but continue taking my Chinese meds, taking my progesterone, and wait.
I can see my body changing. My pants are starting to be a little too tight. So much so that I've stopped wearing them completely. Loose dresses for me, thank you.
My boobs stopped hurting a week ago, which is good. I think. Or is pregnancy symptoms disappearing a bad thing? Either way, they stopped hurting. But they are.. big-ger. My MIL noticed and commented on my.. increased... chest size. She was chortling a little too much.... and I didn't know that nipples were supposed to change colour.. Let's just say, a few days ago, I looked at myself in the mirror, and cried because my boobs don't look like my boobs anymore.
I don't have morning sickness. I have evening sickness. It starts about 6pm or 7pm, then I feel nauseated and miserable for the night. As a result, I've been extremely picky about the food I have during dinner, much to my MIL's frustration.
And I've food aversion! It's sooooo weird. For some reason, I've turned vegetarian. OK, if the meat is 'disguised', like minced meat in bolognese, I'm fine, because all I can taste is tomato. But give me like stir fried chicken.. or worse, fish fillet or a CHUNK of meat, and I gag. Vegetables are good. Carbs are good. I could live on toast or noodles. Last night, all I could manage was cream of mushroom and some baguette. I miss sushi the most.
I'm very thankful that I have YX sitting to me at work. She's entering.. mm.. no.. she is in her third trimester and a very useful source of information. She understands when I complain about being burpy (just very very gassy...) and she understands how tired I feel at work.
I hope that all goes well at next week's scan, else I would have been putting on weight for nothing.
Man, I miss sushi.
In the meantime, I'm worried. I'm worried because a close friend was telling me about how her SIL lost one recently at 9 weeks. *sigh* I'm worried because I STILL have brown discharge. I've been googling like crazy but there has been no definite answer. Some ladies carry theirs to term anyway.. while some (at their next scan) realise that there was no more heartbeat. So there is nothing much I can do but continue taking my Chinese meds, taking my progesterone, and wait.
I can see my body changing. My pants are starting to be a little too tight. So much so that I've stopped wearing them completely. Loose dresses for me, thank you.
My boobs stopped hurting a week ago, which is good. I think. Or is pregnancy symptoms disappearing a bad thing? Either way, they stopped hurting. But they are.. big-ger. My MIL noticed and commented on my.. increased... chest size. She was chortling a little too much.... and I didn't know that nipples were supposed to change colour.. Let's just say, a few days ago, I looked at myself in the mirror, and cried because my boobs don't look like my boobs anymore.
I don't have morning sickness. I have evening sickness. It starts about 6pm or 7pm, then I feel nauseated and miserable for the night. As a result, I've been extremely picky about the food I have during dinner, much to my MIL's frustration.
And I've food aversion! It's sooooo weird. For some reason, I've turned vegetarian. OK, if the meat is 'disguised', like minced meat in bolognese, I'm fine, because all I can taste is tomato. But give me like stir fried chicken.. or worse, fish fillet or a CHUNK of meat, and I gag. Vegetables are good. Carbs are good. I could live on toast or noodles. Last night, all I could manage was cream of mushroom and some baguette. I miss sushi the most.
I'm very thankful that I have YX sitting to me at work. She's entering.. mm.. no.. she is in her third trimester and a very useful source of information. She understands when I complain about being burpy (just very very gassy...) and she understands how tired I feel at work.
I hope that all goes well at next week's scan, else I would have been putting on weight for nothing.
Man, I miss sushi.
7 Weeks 1 Day
The past two weeks have been tiring, to say the least.
I'm exhausted all the time and I just don't feel well. There are instances where I had to run to the loo in case I threw up. But so far so good. I have not thrown up once.
I'm supposed to bring my class out for two learning journeys this Wednesday and Friday. And I was concerned (and feeling very crappy so I was trying to find an excuse not to go). Checked with Dr Geraldine Tan and she mentioned that I should remain active so she's reluctant for me to stay home on bedrest. Oh well. I tried!
Anyway, we did a scan today and there was a heartbeat!
We could see the beating of the little heart and Dr Tan amplified the sound so we could hear it. Very...noisy. The heartbeat was rather fast, though I read that it should beat at about 150 or 160 beats/min. I was relieved, really. Mostly because of the spotting. I wasn't sure if I'd already lost the baby and the progesterone pill was the only thing propping my lining up. According to Dr Tan, my cervix was a little thin, and that may lead to spotting during pregnancy. The blood wasn't coming from the uterus so she wasn't worried.
Phew! Things are starting to feel real now, with the little blueberry inside measuring 0.87cm long. Melvin says it's like a little parasite. >.>
We went to Tim Ho Wan for lunch after the scan. Melvin was visibly excited. He kept looking at other babies and said something about giving birth NOW. *rolls eyes*
I must say though, I've been thoroughly spoilt the past few weeks. I would tell Melvin what I wanted to eat, then.. we go eat. It's great, really.
"I want root beer" *Melvin heads out to get root beer*
"Melon milk?" *Melvin heads out to get Melon Milk*
"I want to go out and walkwalk" *Melvin drives me out to wherever I want*
"I want Jap food.. No wait, I want pasta. I want both!" *We head out for Jap Pasta*
*gleeful*
Chinese Doctor
I'm still taking Chinese meds. It tastes and smells horrid, but it works. Dr Tan (oh wait.. I have 2 Dr Tans..).. Chinese Doctor is Dr Tan Siew Buoy. Anyway, she took my pulse the other day and said she thinks it could be a boy. Hmmm,
For TSB, I believe in her meds because we have seen results. 6 months on her meds, and Melvin's sperm % went up. AND we managed to conceive naturally. So I'll continue seeing her, at least until I'm way into my second trimester. Fingers crossed that nothing goes wrong with this pregnancy.
Spooky story
I went to play mahjong at Ama's on Saturday. After we were done with the mahjong, she started asking me if I had "good news". Then she proceeded to tell me she dreamt she was talking to a young man who said he was her great grandchild. Then she also dreamt, for a few nights in a row, about babies. Then she mentioned something about a little girl (sorry, my hokkien isn't very fluent so I could only catch bits and pieces). So she kept telling me to take care of the baby.
I just smiled and nodded. But OMG SO FREAKY. I didn't tell her about my pregnancy at all. And I haven't seen her in two weeks so it's not like she got to observe my behaviour etc.
OMG SO FREAKY, RIGHT?
Melvin and I discussed this. As in, why on earth would she dream about such things. Coincidence? The week my little blueberry gets a heartbeat, she 'dreams' about her great grandchild. Seems a little more spooky than mere coincidence.
We are a little worried about why she got those dreams. If it's true that she got a "visit", then why is there a need to meet up in her dreams? Is it because the two won't get to meet in real life? This would mean either one would pass away, ya'know? Argh. Creepy AF. I'm trying not to think about that.
Apologies
For keeping my pregnancy a hush hush for now. By the time you read this (i.e by the time I publish this post), I'll be in my 2nd trimester. So.. um.. if you are still reading, you have quite a number of posts to catch up on. Heh.
I'm exhausted all the time and I just don't feel well. There are instances where I had to run to the loo in case I threw up. But so far so good. I have not thrown up once.
I'm supposed to bring my class out for two learning journeys this Wednesday and Friday. And I was concerned (and feeling very crappy so I was trying to find an excuse not to go). Checked with Dr Geraldine Tan and she mentioned that I should remain active so she's reluctant for me to stay home on bedrest. Oh well. I tried!
Anyway, we did a scan today and there was a heartbeat!
We could see the beating of the little heart and Dr Tan amplified the sound so we could hear it. Very...noisy. The heartbeat was rather fast, though I read that it should beat at about 150 or 160 beats/min. I was relieved, really. Mostly because of the spotting. I wasn't sure if I'd already lost the baby and the progesterone pill was the only thing propping my lining up. According to Dr Tan, my cervix was a little thin, and that may lead to spotting during pregnancy. The blood wasn't coming from the uterus so she wasn't worried.
Phew! Things are starting to feel real now, with the little blueberry inside measuring 0.87cm long. Melvin says it's like a little parasite. >.>
We went to Tim Ho Wan for lunch after the scan. Melvin was visibly excited. He kept looking at other babies and said something about giving birth NOW. *rolls eyes*
I must say though, I've been thoroughly spoilt the past few weeks. I would tell Melvin what I wanted to eat, then.. we go eat. It's great, really.
"I want root beer" *Melvin heads out to get root beer*
"Melon milk?" *Melvin heads out to get Melon Milk*
"I want to go out and walkwalk" *Melvin drives me out to wherever I want*
"I want Jap food.. No wait, I want pasta. I want both!" *We head out for Jap Pasta*
*gleeful*
Chinese Doctor
I'm still taking Chinese meds. It tastes and smells horrid, but it works. Dr Tan (oh wait.. I have 2 Dr Tans..).. Chinese Doctor is Dr Tan Siew Buoy. Anyway, she took my pulse the other day and said she thinks it could be a boy. Hmmm,
For TSB, I believe in her meds because we have seen results. 6 months on her meds, and Melvin's sperm % went up. AND we managed to conceive naturally. So I'll continue seeing her, at least until I'm way into my second trimester. Fingers crossed that nothing goes wrong with this pregnancy.
Spooky story
I went to play mahjong at Ama's on Saturday. After we were done with the mahjong, she started asking me if I had "good news". Then she proceeded to tell me she dreamt she was talking to a young man who said he was her great grandchild. Then she also dreamt, for a few nights in a row, about babies. Then she mentioned something about a little girl (sorry, my hokkien isn't very fluent so I could only catch bits and pieces). So she kept telling me to take care of the baby.
I just smiled and nodded. But OMG SO FREAKY. I didn't tell her about my pregnancy at all. And I haven't seen her in two weeks so it's not like she got to observe my behaviour etc.
OMG SO FREAKY, RIGHT?
Melvin and I discussed this. As in, why on earth would she dream about such things. Coincidence? The week my little blueberry gets a heartbeat, she 'dreams' about her great grandchild. Seems a little more spooky than mere coincidence.
We are a little worried about why she got those dreams. If it's true that she got a "visit", then why is there a need to meet up in her dreams? Is it because the two won't get to meet in real life? This would mean either one would pass away, ya'know? Argh. Creepy AF. I'm trying not to think about that.
Apologies
For keeping my pregnancy a hush hush for now. By the time you read this (i.e by the time I publish this post), I'll be in my 2nd trimester. So.. um.. if you are still reading, you have quite a number of posts to catch up on. Heh.
5 Weeks 1 Day
The spotting continues.
It's not really brown spotting. More like beige. But it's been going on for more than a week now and I'm wondering if the spotting will end. I trolled the pregnancy forums and it seems most ladies spot for a few days, then they stop.
I haven't read any posts by anyone who has had constant spotting throughout week 4 and 5.
I try not to obsess about it, but the spotting seems to have increased today. Could it be due to my exercise yesterday? I was feeling fat and needed some exercise so I downloaded some pregnancy exercise app and did some REALLY LIGHT exercise. Like 10 squats, 10 tricep dips etc. Nothing strenuous.. though I was tired out after the 10 minute programme.
I'm not sure if I should go see a doctor and ask for two days rest, that kind of thing. Should I? Melvin isn't helping much. All he says is "Do it if you think you need to".
Makes me wish I had someone to talk to about this.
It's not really brown spotting. More like beige. But it's been going on for more than a week now and I'm wondering if the spotting will end. I trolled the pregnancy forums and it seems most ladies spot for a few days, then they stop.
I haven't read any posts by anyone who has had constant spotting throughout week 4 and 5.
I try not to obsess about it, but the spotting seems to have increased today. Could it be due to my exercise yesterday? I was feeling fat and needed some exercise so I downloaded some pregnancy exercise app and did some REALLY LIGHT exercise. Like 10 squats, 10 tricep dips etc. Nothing strenuous.. though I was tired out after the 10 minute programme.
I'm not sure if I should go see a doctor and ask for two days rest, that kind of thing. Should I? Melvin isn't helping much. All he says is "Do it if you think you need to".
Makes me wish I had someone to talk to about this.
4 Week 6 days
It's important to him too
When I first got that BFP on my pregnancy test, I made an appointment with Dr Geraldine Tan. I was supposed to see her on the 16th of Oct for a blood test to confirm pregnancy. I was 12 dpo then. However, just as I left the house that morning, I received a call from her clinic saying she had an emergency c-section to attend to and my appointment would need to be cancelled.
That was when I panicked and rescheduled for a 26th Oct afternoon appointment. At the same time, I decided to go to Dr Koh at Raffles Medical to see if he's willing to just do a blood test for me. He was very efficient and emailed me my test results that very night.
I also made an appointment with Dr Koh for 23 Oct evening as a followup.
That was when I realised it was a little silly. I had an appt with Dr Koh on the 23rd, then another with Dr Tan on the 26th? Way too much.
Melvin accompanied me to Dr Koh's office on 23rd Oct and he was quite relieved to see the embryo sac. He was worried about it being ectopic, apparently. Too many horror stories online.
Anyway... Melvin was a little upset about the appointment with Dr Tan on the 26th because I had scheduled it to be in the afternoon and he was unable to take time off due to his busy schedule next week. I don't think he was upset with me. Mostly he was upset because he wouldn't be able to make it. As a result, I'm going to attempt to reschedule with Dr Tan so that Melvin can be present. Will probably try to do a week 7 or week 8 appointment. Hopefully we will get to see a heartbeat.
Please grow up healthy, my little embryo. And stop spotting already. I'm tired of sticking progesterone up my veejayjay.
When I first got that BFP on my pregnancy test, I made an appointment with Dr Geraldine Tan. I was supposed to see her on the 16th of Oct for a blood test to confirm pregnancy. I was 12 dpo then. However, just as I left the house that morning, I received a call from her clinic saying she had an emergency c-section to attend to and my appointment would need to be cancelled.
That was when I panicked and rescheduled for a 26th Oct afternoon appointment. At the same time, I decided to go to Dr Koh at Raffles Medical to see if he's willing to just do a blood test for me. He was very efficient and emailed me my test results that very night.
I also made an appointment with Dr Koh for 23 Oct evening as a followup.
That was when I realised it was a little silly. I had an appt with Dr Koh on the 23rd, then another with Dr Tan on the 26th? Way too much.
Melvin accompanied me to Dr Koh's office on 23rd Oct and he was quite relieved to see the embryo sac. He was worried about it being ectopic, apparently. Too many horror stories online.
Anyway... Melvin was a little upset about the appointment with Dr Tan on the 26th because I had scheduled it to be in the afternoon and he was unable to take time off due to his busy schedule next week. I don't think he was upset with me. Mostly he was upset because he wouldn't be able to make it. As a result, I'm going to attempt to reschedule with Dr Tan so that Melvin can be present. Will probably try to do a week 7 or week 8 appointment. Hopefully we will get to see a heartbeat.
Please grow up healthy, my little embryo. And stop spotting already. I'm tired of sticking progesterone up my veejayjay.
4 Weeks 5 Days Pregnant
4 Weeks 5 Days
My IVF was supposed to start on 19 Oct.
I got bored a few days before that and wanted to use up my pregnancy test kits because they were going to expire soon. Then I was going to buy new pee sticks.
To my surprise, I saw a faint positive line. I showed it to Melvin, of course. He wasn't sure about it because it was a 'can see, cannot see'.
So I arranged for a blood test on 16 Oct, and it gave me a HCG level of 87.6. Pregnant! But it was so early that the doctor wanted to arrange for another test... Plus there was nothing on the u/s...
I had that 2nd appointment today.
And we did an ultrasound... tadaaahh... there was a yolk sac. Meaning an embryo was attached somewhere. We didn't do the blood test in the end, because the yolk sac was there anyway.
I'll see the doc again for another scan a few weeks down the road.
I really hope it sticks.
On another note, my Chinese doctor was extremely smug when I told her I was pregnant. She kept saying she saved me $10 000 because I didn't need to do IVF anymore.
*laugh* She's good.
My IVF was supposed to start on 19 Oct.
I got bored a few days before that and wanted to use up my pregnancy test kits because they were going to expire soon. Then I was going to buy new pee sticks.
To my surprise, I saw a faint positive line. I showed it to Melvin, of course. He wasn't sure about it because it was a 'can see, cannot see'.
So I arranged for a blood test on 16 Oct, and it gave me a HCG level of 87.6. Pregnant! But it was so early that the doctor wanted to arrange for another test... Plus there was nothing on the u/s...
I had that 2nd appointment today.
And we did an ultrasound... tadaaahh... there was a yolk sac. Meaning an embryo was attached somewhere. We didn't do the blood test in the end, because the yolk sac was there anyway.
I'll see the doc again for another scan a few weeks down the road.
I really hope it sticks.
On another note, my Chinese doctor was extremely smug when I told her I was pregnant. She kept saying she saved me $10 000 because I didn't need to do IVF anymore.
*laugh* She's good.