Weight: 9.4kg
Length: 73cm
Feeding: 5oz water with 2.5 scoops milk powder 4 hourly. Tried rice cereal once a day, 1 tablespoon cereal with 1oz water. Then increased to 2 tablespoon with 2 oz water the following week. Tried Heinz biscuits as well. Gave him some pureed apple, pear and papaya sometimes. Payaya did caused him to have more bowel movements. He was constipated after we changed his milk powder from Similac Stage1 to Stage2. We tried giving him Heinz Prune juice 1/2 oz diluted with 1/2 oz water, luckily it helps.
Sleep: Normally he will take a 1-hour nap in the morning, afternoon and early evening. He normally sleeps around 9pm till 7am with once or twice night feeding. If he sleeps too late, he will get overtired and turn really fussy. We normally hold him and rock him to sleep by singing lullabies and some patting at his back. He likes to sleep at his side with one leg over his bolster.
Physical skill: He can scoot backward on four. Grasping things is also his newly acquired skill. He likes to grasp and taste any new things that caught his attention. That includes our face and hair. He pulled and broke 2 bead necklaces, one belongs to my mum and the other belongs to a friend. Anyone can hold him, he is not choosy at all as long as you carry him around. He can sit and stand with our assistance.
Talking: "Ah pa"
New possession: Lamaze Clutch Cube, Pooh Bear teether, sis hand-made owl, a cardboard book, two flip and find books and a nursery rhyme.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Fever
Baby had his first fever on 5 Nov. Parents In-law brought him to a GP and he commented that baby might have Pneumonia and referred him to the Hospital. They rushed him to the Hospital straight away. With his mild fever of 37.2 deg C, baby was still active and happy at the Hospital looking here and there.
It was a long wait till baby became restless and tired. Luckily Dad In-law went to check with the Doctor if they allow to let baby first and they agreed. After checking, the doctor commented: "This is 1 healthy baby!" We were sent home with a bottle of paracetamol.
That night, baby's fever rose, but we did not have a thermometer to measure the exact value. We used a wet hanky on his forehead to lower his temperature. It was a relief that his fever subsided sometimes past midnight.
Baby was supposed to have his immunization jab the next day, but was delayed to next week.
Later that week, sandbox and I went to buy a digital thermometer.
It was a long wait till baby became restless and tired. Luckily Dad In-law went to check with the Doctor if they allow to let baby first and they agreed. After checking, the doctor commented: "This is 1 healthy baby!" We were sent home with a bottle of paracetamol.
That night, baby's fever rose, but we did not have a thermometer to measure the exact value. We used a wet hanky on his forehead to lower his temperature. It was a relief that his fever subsided sometimes past midnight.
Baby was supposed to have his immunization jab the next day, but was delayed to next week.
Later that week, sandbox and I went to buy a digital thermometer.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Coughing
Baby started coughing end of Sep due to cold. Someone accidentally changed the air-con 1 deg C lower. The coughing continued more than a month. He has a lot of phlegm, which caused him to wheeze and cough. We applied BabyBalsom Vicks on his check and back every night before he sleeps.
Tried all sorts of medicine but unable to totally clear the mucus:
1. Ventamol
2. Dysolvon
3. Bena Expectorant
4. Mucosolvan
5. Asmafen - commented by Pediatrician to have no side effect.
6. Antibiotics
But we found Mucosolvan and Asmafen do helps, and he is willing to drink them.
Finally the Pediatrician said he is allergic to the weather or dust, it is not due to bacteria infection as he has no inflammation. So, we stopped giving him any medicine after the last antibiotics. After the cleaner came to clean the house, it seems effective and his coughing stopped.
5 months
Weight: 9kg
Length: 71cm
Feeding and sleeping patterns are still the same. He can hold his feet with both hands. He likes to drink water sometimes. We observed the rough skin on his knees and shins had improved. His cheeks are smoother as well after we increase his water intake. Some say not to give water to babies, but I think it is ok if not too much.
He smiles a lot when in a good mood, which is when he is full and had enough sleep. If not, he will just give you a sour face and won't smile no matter how you tease him. He likes to play with his saliva. Anything he grabs will straight go into the mouth. We had to use a nappy cloth for him to wipe his saliva and play with.
Length: 71cm
Feeding and sleeping patterns are still the same. He can hold his feet with both hands. He likes to drink water sometimes. We observed the rough skin on his knees and shins had improved. His cheeks are smoother as well after we increase his water intake. Some say not to give water to babies, but I think it is ok if not too much.
He smiles a lot when in a good mood, which is when he is full and had enough sleep. If not, he will just give you a sour face and won't smile no matter how you tease him. He likes to play with his saliva. Anything he grabs will straight go into the mouth. We had to use a nappy cloth for him to wipe his saliva and play with.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
4 months
Weight: 8.2 kg
Feeding: 4 oz with 2 scoops of milk powder, 3 hourly. I still express milk 3 times a day, about 2 oz per session. He likes to hold the bottle with one hand and hold my finger with the other while feeding.
Sleep: We normally put him to sleep at around 9pm. The sleep routine we create is change diaper, change to long sleeve and long pants pyjamas and socks. Then we will switch off the light with only the far bathroom light and a small night lamp on. He will sleep through the night with 2 feedings sometime around 12 midnight and 4~5am. Sometimes when he has a difficult time sleeping, we may need to hold him and rock him to sleep. The pacifier is a must for him to sleep.
He stopped using mittens to learn to use his fingers. He can grab his rattles hanging beside the baby cot. We also changed his booties to socks. He successfully turned to a face down position on 3rd Oct. Gradually he learnt how to support his head up by pushing 2 hands in front. He will give you a big grin when his mood is good. He can make "abu" or "apu" sound. Sometimes he makes high pitch screeches when he is excited.
He got a cold sometime end of Sep. He has phlegm in his lung and causes him to cough. He vomited all the milk he drank down quite a number of time. Doctor prescribed him Ventamol syrup but he did not like it and refused to drink it. He will spit out saliva together with the syrup. During the last visit to the Government Clinic, the nurse gave him Raspberry flavored Dysolvon syrup. We mix 1ml with half oz of water, and he is able to drank it down without a fuss.
Feeding: 4 oz with 2 scoops of milk powder, 3 hourly. I still express milk 3 times a day, about 2 oz per session. He likes to hold the bottle with one hand and hold my finger with the other while feeding.
Sleep: We normally put him to sleep at around 9pm. The sleep routine we create is change diaper, change to long sleeve and long pants pyjamas and socks. Then we will switch off the light with only the far bathroom light and a small night lamp on. He will sleep through the night with 2 feedings sometime around 12 midnight and 4~5am. Sometimes when he has a difficult time sleeping, we may need to hold him and rock him to sleep. The pacifier is a must for him to sleep.
He stopped using mittens to learn to use his fingers. He can grab his rattles hanging beside the baby cot. We also changed his booties to socks. He successfully turned to a face down position on 3rd Oct. Gradually he learnt how to support his head up by pushing 2 hands in front. He will give you a big grin when his mood is good. He can make "abu" or "apu" sound. Sometimes he makes high pitch screeches when he is excited.
He got a cold sometime end of Sep. He has phlegm in his lung and causes him to cough. He vomited all the milk he drank down quite a number of time. Doctor prescribed him Ventamol syrup but he did not like it and refused to drink it. He will spit out saliva together with the syrup. During the last visit to the Government Clinic, the nurse gave him Raspberry flavored Dysolvon syrup. We mix 1ml with half oz of water, and he is able to drank it down without a fuss.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
3 months
Weight: 7.2kg
Length: 65cm
Feeding: 3.5 oz 3 hourly with 1.5 scoop milk powder. We started to control his milk intake after the last visit to the clinic as his weight was at the upper spec limit of the growth chart. I used a breast pump 4 times a day to express breast milk for him. My company had just prepared a lactation room for nursing mum. He would cry for the pacifier after every feed.
Sleep: He normally sleeps for 2 hours between feeds. Then he will play for around 1 hour by himself before crying for milk again. Sometimes he will sleep for 5 to 6 hours straight without waking for milk during night time. Or if he does wake up, he will straight away go back to sleep after drinking milk. But sometimes he has difficulty sleeping and will start crying. I found out a good way to coo him to sleep is by singing him lullaby.
He will give us a very big smile when he is happy. Sometimes he will play with the rattle toys by his baby cot, and make lots of noise. We often bring him out to dinner or shopping complex using a stroller. He would sleep in the stroller when he is tired. And the pacifier is a must when he is sleepy.
2 months
Weight: 6.7kg
Feeding: 3.5 oz 2 hourly with 1.5 scoop of milk powder. Mixture of Similac milk formula and breast milk. I started to stop him from directly latch on for breastfeeding on Day 40, and used a breast pump instead. He had a hard time falling asleep after that, as normally I breastfed him to sleep.
Sleep: His sleep pattern changes week by week. There was a week that he slept very soundly during day time and stayed up whole night. Sandbox and I had to take turn working night shift to entertain him. I would have to sleep early, around 9pm and sandbox will take care of him till midnight. Then I would take care of him from midnight till around 5am. He needed to suckle in order to fall asleep. We had no choice but to introduce him a pacifier. At first he refused to suckle on a pacifier, and we had to bottle feed him some water. Then we changed to the Avent pacifier instead of Tommy Teepee, and he would suckle it till he falls asleep.
Nappy change: We use cloth nappy with a diaper cover on him during the day and disposable diapers at night. We started to use cloth diapers on him during night time around Day 50. We need to change it 2 hourly to prevent a leak. The cloth diapers were unable to hold his poo because he always pass watery and seedy poo in big quantity every 2 days.
He is able to hold his head up when we put him face down sometimes. He loves listening to others talking, especially when there are visitors. When we talk to him, he can respond with a smile or say 'Ang Goo'. He can play with the rattle toys we put at the side of his baby cot with his hand. He is able to move his head and eyes towards the source of sound.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Day Care
We started to send our baby to the Day Care near our house on 1st August, as my maternity leave is ending soon. He was only 57 days old when we sent him to school =p
Friday, July 13, 2012
0 - 1 Month
Weight: 3.5kg - 5.2kg
Length: 48cm - 55cm
Feeding: 1 ~ 2.5 oz 2 hourly. Mixture of Similac milk formula and breastfeed. At first we let him tried Anmum, but he poo after every feed. So, we changed to Similac.
Sleep: Sleeps soundly during the day, especially after bath in the afternoon till night. Wake up around midnight and wake up half hourly till 3am. Wake up 2 hourly for milk after that till morning.
Sandbox's mum and my mum helped to take care of him during the night for the first 20 days. After that, I took care of him with my mum during the night.
He is able to turn his head left and right when lying down. He cries every time his nappy is wet, unless he is too tired and sleep very soundly.
When it is time for feeding and we are too slow, he will cry his heart out, extremely impatient baby. When we put the feeding bottle near his mouth, he will quickly gobble the teat like a magnet. Most of the time, he will finish the milk within 10 minutes. After a satisfying feed, he will make a sound 'muacks' when we pull out the feeding bottle. If he is still hungry, he will cry loudly straight away.
He loves to take bath, with a full stomach that is. If he is hungry, he will cry throughout the bath.
Length: 48cm - 55cm
Feeding: 1 ~ 2.5 oz 2 hourly. Mixture of Similac milk formula and breastfeed. At first we let him tried Anmum, but he poo after every feed. So, we changed to Similac.
Sleep: Sleeps soundly during the day, especially after bath in the afternoon till night. Wake up around midnight and wake up half hourly till 3am. Wake up 2 hourly for milk after that till morning.
Sandbox's mum and my mum helped to take care of him during the night for the first 20 days. After that, I took care of him with my mum during the night.
He is able to turn his head left and right when lying down. He cries every time his nappy is wet, unless he is too tired and sleep very soundly.
When it is time for feeding and we are too slow, he will cry his heart out, extremely impatient baby. When we put the feeding bottle near his mouth, he will quickly gobble the teat like a magnet. Most of the time, he will finish the milk within 10 minutes. After a satisfying feed, he will make a sound 'muacks' when we pull out the feeding bottle. If he is still hungry, he will cry loudly straight away.
He loves to take bath, with a full stomach that is. If he is hungry, he will cry throughout the bath.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Confinement
Confinement is a period of post-natal recovery for mothers just given birth. Different people will have different culture or restriction based on the traditions passed down from their ancestors.
My mum in-law & my own mum helped me during my confinement, so I do not have to hire a confinement lady. I really appreciate their help, as it is not cheap to hire a confinement lady nowadays and there are a lot of urban legends regarding wicked confinement ladies out there.
There are a number of restrictions that must be followed during confinement that last for 30 days. I am not supposed to go out, and not going downstairs as well.
Food:
1. No cold food. Eat while the food is still hot, and cannot eat food that is considered cold eg. cucumber, pineapple etc.
2. All dishes must be cooked with ginger or wine only eg. ginger pork, kachangma chicken, pig kidney mee-sua with ginger, pig stomach with wine.
3. No vege for the first 12 days. After the 12 days, can start to eat kailan, long bean, french bean and tomato all cooked with ginger and wine. Grapes can be eaten during the later days of confinement.
4. No plain water. The only drink allowed is the drink with longan, red dates and gou qi (wolfberry).
Bath:
1. Cannot wash hair for the whole month. I cannot believe I was able to endure this, but I did it.
2. No bath allowed for the first 12 days. Only allowed to wipe the body with hot water plus white wine on the 12th day.
3. After the 12th day, bath is allowed with hot water boiled with a kind of herb (Asiatic Wormwood). I only bathed 3 times during confinement.
Clothe:
1. Wear slippers, socks and cap to prevent the wind from getting into our body.
2. Change clothes frequently when wet to prevent from getting a cold.
Besides following the Chinese pantang, sandbox hired a Malay Urut Lady for me. Everyday I will wear the bengkung for 4 hours for the whole month.
My confinement ended on 5th July. On that day, I was allowed to wash my hair and go out from the house.
My mum in-law & my own mum helped me during my confinement, so I do not have to hire a confinement lady. I really appreciate their help, as it is not cheap to hire a confinement lady nowadays and there are a lot of urban legends regarding wicked confinement ladies out there.
There are a number of restrictions that must be followed during confinement that last for 30 days. I am not supposed to go out, and not going downstairs as well.
Food:
1. No cold food. Eat while the food is still hot, and cannot eat food that is considered cold eg. cucumber, pineapple etc.
2. All dishes must be cooked with ginger or wine only eg. ginger pork, kachangma chicken, pig kidney mee-sua with ginger, pig stomach with wine.
3. No vege for the first 12 days. After the 12 days, can start to eat kailan, long bean, french bean and tomato all cooked with ginger and wine. Grapes can be eaten during the later days of confinement.
4. No plain water. The only drink allowed is the drink with longan, red dates and gou qi (wolfberry).
Bath:
1. Cannot wash hair for the whole month. I cannot believe I was able to endure this, but I did it.
2. No bath allowed for the first 12 days. Only allowed to wipe the body with hot water plus white wine on the 12th day.
3. After the 12th day, bath is allowed with hot water boiled with a kind of herb (Asiatic Wormwood). I only bathed 3 times during confinement.
Clothe:
1. Wear slippers, socks and cap to prevent the wind from getting into our body.
2. Change clothes frequently when wet to prevent from getting a cold.
Besides following the Chinese pantang, sandbox hired a Malay Urut Lady for me. Everyday I will wear the bengkung for 4 hours for the whole month.
My confinement ended on 5th July. On that day, I was allowed to wash my hair and go out from the house.
Monday, June 18, 2012
He is here!
On 5th June 2012 2am, I felt a slight wetting feeling while sleeping. Immediately I woke up and went to the toilet. The color of my urine was grayish in color and the amount seemed more than usual. Sensing something unusual, I quickly woke sandbox up and told him that I suspect a leaky water bag. He was wide awake after hearing me. Then I woke my mum up and told her as well. My mum quickly prepared breakfast for us, an egg and a dumpling plus milo. sandbox and I started to brush teeth and take shower, getting ready to go to the hospital.
We reached the hospital at around 3am. The nurse asked about my condition and a doctor came to examine my baby's heartbeat, contraction frequency and dilation. At that time, dilation was only 1cm. There were around 6 pregnant ladies queuing to be admitted at that time. Around 6am in the morning, we were all sent to the hospital ward with a wheel chair.
The General Hospital has a strict visiting time schedule. Family members are only allowed in the hospital ward from 6am to 7:30am, 12:30pm to 2pm and 5:30pm to 7pm. Sandbox waited at the corridor outside the ward all the while. Mum and parents-in-law came to visit every visiting session.
My dilation was only 2cm at noon time. And I was already finding the contraction pain unbearable. At around 7pm, my dilation was only 3cm. I could not stand the pain and asked sandbox whether we should change to private hospital and go for C-sect. Of course nobody agreed. Well, I started walking up and down the corridor of the hospital ward, trying to distract myself from the pain. After awhile, I went back to bed and tried to visualize the 10cm dilation picture I saw sticking on the doctor's examination room. Hopefully my dilation can be complete faster and end this pain. By around 10pm, my dilation was at 7cm. The doctor arranged to send me down to the delivery ward. Sandbox followed along.
In the delivery room, the pain got more intense but dilation was still not complete. Until 12 midnight, sandbox was let into the room and the nurse started to tell me how to push the baby out. Having bearing the pain for too long, I was already exhausted and did not have the energy to push anymore. The nurse kept on saying it is like passing motion, but need to be long and don't stop pushing or else the baby will not come out. I lost count of how many pushes I have tried but there was no progress. Then 2 lady doctors came in to help. The instruction they gave were clearer and while I push, they were more motivating and finally they could see the baby's hair. At this point, the nurse commented that the baby's heartbeat seemed less stable as the oxygen level is dropping. I was very anxious as I do not want to go for C-sect after all this pain. With all my might, I tried a few more pushes and finally the baby was out at 1.02am. I couldn't believe I did it! I was so relieved.
A pediatrician came in to check the baby. The nurse gave me an injection at the thigh to make my uterus contract and she could use controlled cord traction to gently pull the placenta out. Unfortunately, the placenta did not come out as expected when the nurse tried to pull it out. According to them, I had retained placenta due to a cord snap during controlled cord traction. I was then pushed to the operation theater with half-body spinal anesthetic so the doctor can remove my placenta manually. Poor sandbox waited for me till 6am outside the operation theater, as I was only released back to the hospital ward after I could move both legs.
Giving birth was such a painful experience for me. I really do not dare to think of having another baby for the time being. I think I will need to study more of other options before having a second baby. But I am real glad that I managed to delivered my baby boy healthily. His smile is just so adorable!
We reached the hospital at around 3am. The nurse asked about my condition and a doctor came to examine my baby's heartbeat, contraction frequency and dilation. At that time, dilation was only 1cm. There were around 6 pregnant ladies queuing to be admitted at that time. Around 6am in the morning, we were all sent to the hospital ward with a wheel chair.
The General Hospital has a strict visiting time schedule. Family members are only allowed in the hospital ward from 6am to 7:30am, 12:30pm to 2pm and 5:30pm to 7pm. Sandbox waited at the corridor outside the ward all the while. Mum and parents-in-law came to visit every visiting session.
My dilation was only 2cm at noon time. And I was already finding the contraction pain unbearable. At around 7pm, my dilation was only 3cm. I could not stand the pain and asked sandbox whether we should change to private hospital and go for C-sect. Of course nobody agreed. Well, I started walking up and down the corridor of the hospital ward, trying to distract myself from the pain. After awhile, I went back to bed and tried to visualize the 10cm dilation picture I saw sticking on the doctor's examination room. Hopefully my dilation can be complete faster and end this pain. By around 10pm, my dilation was at 7cm. The doctor arranged to send me down to the delivery ward. Sandbox followed along.
In the delivery room, the pain got more intense but dilation was still not complete. Until 12 midnight, sandbox was let into the room and the nurse started to tell me how to push the baby out. Having bearing the pain for too long, I was already exhausted and did not have the energy to push anymore. The nurse kept on saying it is like passing motion, but need to be long and don't stop pushing or else the baby will not come out. I lost count of how many pushes I have tried but there was no progress. Then 2 lady doctors came in to help. The instruction they gave were clearer and while I push, they were more motivating and finally they could see the baby's hair. At this point, the nurse commented that the baby's heartbeat seemed less stable as the oxygen level is dropping. I was very anxious as I do not want to go for C-sect after all this pain. With all my might, I tried a few more pushes and finally the baby was out at 1.02am. I couldn't believe I did it! I was so relieved.
A pediatrician came in to check the baby. The nurse gave me an injection at the thigh to make my uterus contract and she could use controlled cord traction to gently pull the placenta out. Unfortunately, the placenta did not come out as expected when the nurse tried to pull it out. According to them, I had retained placenta due to a cord snap during controlled cord traction. I was then pushed to the operation theater with half-body spinal anesthetic so the doctor can remove my placenta manually. Poor sandbox waited for me till 6am outside the operation theater, as I was only released back to the hospital ward after I could move both legs.
Giving birth was such a painful experience for me. I really do not dare to think of having another baby for the time being. I think I will need to study more of other options before having a second baby. But I am real glad that I managed to delivered my baby boy healthily. His smile is just so adorable!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Earlier Due Date!
Last Sunday, sandbox and I went for our monthly ultra sound scan.
The doctor measured Baby's head and commented the size was 36 week. Estimated fetal weight was already 2.8kg. The space for Baby to move around was limited and Baby's position was getting quite low.
In conclusion, the EDD was pushed forward to 2 June 2012!
According to the doctor, 2.8kg is a matured baby weight, which means I can go for delivery anytime if contraction starts.
Week: 34 (gestational age) & 36 (ultra-sound age)
Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW): 2.8kg
Till date, I have gained 10kg from 55kg to 65kg. My hemoglobin level has increased to 10.8, although still below the minimum normal range of 11, but it is the highest record throughout my pregnancy.
I have started to drink raspberry tea since Week 33, around 1 to 2 cups per week. Will slowly increase the frequency when getting nearer to the EDD.
Mum in-law has made 2 bed sheets, 4 bolster cases, 2 pillow cases and 2 trousers for Baby. She is really good in tailoring. She also bought a magazine on confinement recipes, as she will be cooking for me during my confinement.
Well, the clock is ticking. Feeling anxious and excited with sandbox. I started to pack my hospital bag 2 weeks ago. All the best!
The doctor measured Baby's head and commented the size was 36 week. Estimated fetal weight was already 2.8kg. The space for Baby to move around was limited and Baby's position was getting quite low.
In conclusion, the EDD was pushed forward to 2 June 2012!
According to the doctor, 2.8kg is a matured baby weight, which means I can go for delivery anytime if contraction starts.
Week: 34 (gestational age) & 36 (ultra-sound age)
Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW): 2.8kg
Till date, I have gained 10kg from 55kg to 65kg. My hemoglobin level has increased to 10.8, although still below the minimum normal range of 11, but it is the highest record throughout my pregnancy.
I have started to drink raspberry tea since Week 33, around 1 to 2 cups per week. Will slowly increase the frequency when getting nearer to the EDD.
Mum in-law has made 2 bed sheets, 4 bolster cases, 2 pillow cases and 2 trousers for Baby. She is really good in tailoring. She also bought a magazine on confinement recipes, as she will be cooking for me during my confinement.
Well, the clock is ticking. Feeling anxious and excited with sandbox. I started to pack my hospital bag 2 weeks ago. All the best!
Sunday, April 8, 2012
3rd Trimester
Time flies. I can't believe the due date is just 2 more months away!
We went for the ultra-sound scan this morning.
Baby's head is at the downward position with his back at my left side and his arms and legs at my right.
According to the doctor, Baby will probably stay in this position as there is not much space for him to move around. Again, doctor showed us his genital and said Baby is a boy.
Week: 30 (gestational age) & 31 (ultra-sound age)
Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW): 1.79kg
Baby is now 1.79kg, which means he has gained 1kg since the last scan at Week25.
Doctor told us that Baby's EFW is at the 75% line of the graph of fetal growth chart. Based on the chart, if Baby continues to grow at this rate, he will reach 4kg by Week 40!
OMG, this is alarming!
Advice from the doctor: Cut down carbohydrate & sweet stuff. If not, Baby will turn out to be a giant baby.
Well, I admit that I have not been controlling my diet for the past month. I gave in to my cravings for ice-cream, McD, pizza, burger, satay, etc. And my bump is way bigger than the other pregnant colleagues in my office, who has the EDD around the same time as me or later. So, I have made up my mind to eat a healthier diet starting Monday so that Baby will not be too big for natural birth.
From the test taken during my last visit to the Government Clinic, my hemoglobin count has slightly improved to 10.2, but still below the normal count of 11. So I have to continue to take 2 iron tablets daily, and avoid tea as much as possible.
The nurse gave me a chart to count the daily fetal movement. Everyday from 9am-9pm, I have to count how many times Baby has kicked / moved. By the count of 10, I will have to jot down the time. If there is any abnormal trend seen from the chart, such as less movement or did not reach 10 times within the 12 hours, I will have to go to the hospital for checkup as soon as possible.
We went for the ultra-sound scan this morning.
Baby's head is at the downward position with his back at my left side and his arms and legs at my right.
According to the doctor, Baby will probably stay in this position as there is not much space for him to move around. Again, doctor showed us his genital and said Baby is a boy.
Week: 30 (gestational age) & 31 (ultra-sound age)
Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW): 1.79kg
Baby is now 1.79kg, which means he has gained 1kg since the last scan at Week25.
Doctor told us that Baby's EFW is at the 75% line of the graph of fetal growth chart. Based on the chart, if Baby continues to grow at this rate, he will reach 4kg by Week 40!
OMG, this is alarming!
Advice from the doctor: Cut down carbohydrate & sweet stuff. If not, Baby will turn out to be a giant baby.
Well, I admit that I have not been controlling my diet for the past month. I gave in to my cravings for ice-cream, McD, pizza, burger, satay, etc. And my bump is way bigger than the other pregnant colleagues in my office, who has the EDD around the same time as me or later. So, I have made up my mind to eat a healthier diet starting Monday so that Baby will not be too big for natural birth.
From the test taken during my last visit to the Government Clinic, my hemoglobin count has slightly improved to 10.2, but still below the normal count of 11. So I have to continue to take 2 iron tablets daily, and avoid tea as much as possible.
The nurse gave me a chart to count the daily fetal movement. Everyday from 9am-9pm, I have to count how many times Baby has kicked / moved. By the count of 10, I will have to jot down the time. If there is any abnormal trend seen from the chart, such as less movement or did not reach 10 times within the 12 hours, I will have to go to the hospital for checkup as soon as possible.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Week 25 Scan
Last Sunday sandbox brought me to the ultra-sound scan for Week 25.
This doctor also commented that Baby is a boy, as she pointed to us his genital on the screen. Baby's head was at the downward position already. We could see his spine, stomach, hands & feet.
When the doctor used the 4D probe to scan his face, we could see his nose, eyes and mouth vaguely, because the placenta was blocking in front.
Week: 25(gestational & ultra-sound age)
Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW): 815g
Estimated Due Date (EDD): 13 June 2012
As for me, I felt bloated lately. Compared to friends and relatives, I think my tummy is bigger.
I went to the Government Clinic for check up. My hemoglobin count reduced from 10.4 to 9.6. Aicks! Doctor ordered me to take double dose of iron tablets (200mg per tablet) both in the morning and night. But I did not want to take so many and only take 2 tablets every morning, because too many iron tablets will cause constipation. The moment I started taking the iron tablets, my stool turned black! According to Uncle Google, it is a normal symptom for people taking iron tablets. I also stop drinking tea, as it is said to reduce iron absorption.
Baby's movement is getting stronger lately. Sometimes when I felt Baby kicking, I would call sandbox to put his hand on my tummy. Sandbox was thrilled when he could feel Baby moving.
We have started to buy Baby stuff already. Most of the stuff was bought online, such as feeding bottles, sterilizer & warmer, breast pump (hopefully there will be sufficient supply to use this!), and Latex mattress.
Sandbox and I enjoyed shopping at the local stores during the weekend as well. We bought a baby cot, buds head to toe cleanser & nappy change cream, some baby clothes, hat, mittens & booties.
I have been researching on cloth diapers as well. It is more environmental friendly and also healthier for Baby. Maybe I will order some online this weekend =)
This doctor also commented that Baby is a boy, as she pointed to us his genital on the screen. Baby's head was at the downward position already. We could see his spine, stomach, hands & feet.
When the doctor used the 4D probe to scan his face, we could see his nose, eyes and mouth vaguely, because the placenta was blocking in front.
Week: 25(gestational & ultra-sound age)
Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW): 815g
Estimated Due Date (EDD): 13 June 2012
As for me, I felt bloated lately. Compared to friends and relatives, I think my tummy is bigger.
I went to the Government Clinic for check up. My hemoglobin count reduced from 10.4 to 9.6. Aicks! Doctor ordered me to take double dose of iron tablets (200mg per tablet) both in the morning and night. But I did not want to take so many and only take 2 tablets every morning, because too many iron tablets will cause constipation. The moment I started taking the iron tablets, my stool turned black! According to Uncle Google, it is a normal symptom for people taking iron tablets. I also stop drinking tea, as it is said to reduce iron absorption.
Baby's movement is getting stronger lately. Sometimes when I felt Baby kicking, I would call sandbox to put his hand on my tummy. Sandbox was thrilled when he could feel Baby moving.
We have started to buy Baby stuff already. Most of the stuff was bought online, such as feeding bottles, sterilizer & warmer, breast pump (hopefully there will be sufficient supply to use this!), and Latex mattress.
Sandbox and I enjoyed shopping at the local stores during the weekend as well. We bought a baby cot, buds head to toe cleanser & nappy change cream, some baby clothes, hat, mittens & booties.
I have been researching on cloth diapers as well. It is more environmental friendly and also healthier for Baby. Maybe I will order some online this weekend =)
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Valentine & Birthdays
This year sandbox and I celebrated Valentine earlier as the actual day was on a weekday.
We had our Valentine dinner at Magenta earlier over the weekend before Valentine. It was a memorable & enjoyable night. The food was good and I like the atmosphere.
Next, my birthday arrived.
Celebrated with sandbox's family & my mum one day earlier. At the same time, my uncle from Shanghai came to visit. So, we invited him to join the birthday dinner at Heritage together.
I actually attended my company's annual dinner on the actual day.
Then came my grandma's birthday. She is 91 this year! All relatives gathered at my grandma's house and had a buffet party on Saturday night. Then on the actual day, which was on Sunday (28/01 of the lunar calendar), only the closest relatives gathered for dinner.
Last but not least, my sis celebrated her birthday yesterday.
Happy to know that she had a memorable birthday with her boyfriend, as he threw a surprise birthday celebration for her.
February~~what a romantic month <3
We had our Valentine dinner at Magenta earlier over the weekend before Valentine. It was a memorable & enjoyable night. The food was good and I like the atmosphere.
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| Mushroom Soup |
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| Lamb Shank |
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| Seafood Spaghetti |
Next, my birthday arrived.
Celebrated with sandbox's family & my mum one day earlier. At the same time, my uncle from Shanghai came to visit. So, we invited him to join the birthday dinner at Heritage together.
I actually attended my company's annual dinner on the actual day.
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| Birthday Cake from my colleague. And thanks for the delicious lunch! |
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| A bouquet of pink roses from sandbox. He also bought me a headphone =) |
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| Surprise roses from my company's annual dinner. Really caught me by surprise, and the whole department of hundred over people sang me a birthday song! |
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| Delicious Osaka cake from redsponge. I love the cream in the center of the cupcake <3 |
Then came my grandma's birthday. She is 91 this year! All relatives gathered at my grandma's house and had a buffet party on Saturday night. Then on the actual day, which was on Sunday (28/01 of the lunar calendar), only the closest relatives gathered for dinner.
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| Grandma's 91 birthday cake |
Last but not least, my sis celebrated her birthday yesterday.
Happy to know that she had a memorable birthday with her boyfriend, as he threw a surprise birthday celebration for her.
February~~what a romantic month <3
Saturday, February 4, 2012
New Hair Cut
I went for my hair cut this morning.
This is the first time I cut my hair shorter than my shoulder length after 12 years! Surprisingly I don't feel sad. It's a good change anyway. The weather is hot and bob is still trendy =p
Sandbox bought me a Chopper plush toy from 100Yen. Now he is sitting on the shelf in our room as a deco.
This is the first time I cut my hair shorter than my shoulder length after 12 years! Surprisingly I don't feel sad. It's a good change anyway. The weather is hot and bob is still trendy =p
Sandbox bought me a Chopper plush toy from 100Yen. Now he is sitting on the shelf in our room as a deco.
Week 21 Detail Scan
I started to feel the "quickening" sensation early of Week 20. It felt like there were some bubbles in my tummy and I thought it was just some gas in the stomach. But the sensation got more frequent and strong as the week went by, then I finally realized it is the motion of my baby.
We went for a fetal detail scan on last Wednesday during Week 21.
I got to know about this scan when an Obstetrician came to my office and gave us a health talk on "Healthy Pregnancy". According to her, it is recommended for pregnant women to have a detail scan between Week 20 to Week 23 to check the fetal health. The scan will include all the organs of the baby such as brain, heart, kidney, lung, stomach, and also the physical features such as no cleft lip and number of fingers and toes.
Sandbox and I were very nervous when the doctor explain the details of the scanning that he is going to carry out. He will scan the baby's head top down, front back and side way. Then he showed us some examples of the normal & abnormal images and told us the statistics. He told us there is 1 in 100 babies that has hole in the heart and 1 in 800 babies that has cleft lips. I could not remember the rest. I found my heart racing anxiously.
After the introduction and briefing, the doctor started the ultrasound scan and was delighted to find Baby's position was just right for a fetal cardiac scan. So, he started off scanning Baby's heart. Both sandbox and I held our breath, quietly waited as the doctor examine the image. Finally, the doctor told us where are the "4 rooms and 2 doors" of Baby's heart, no holes in between left and right side, the "doors" are functioning well. With a twitch on the machine, we could see the blood flow in red & blue colors flowing in and out of Baby's heart. The doctor measured Baby's heart beat with the doppler, and commented 150 BPM, which is in the normal range of 120 ~ 160 BPM. He continued to examine Baby's heart in detail and exclaiming "Beautiful!" or "Perfect!" or "Normal!" along the way.
Next, the doctor went on to examine Baby's head, explaining to us the measurements he took at each part of the brain and all are within the normal range. He also showed us the eyes & nasal bone. We were amused when doctor wanted to check Baby's mouth, but his tiny hand was in the way. Finally the doctor switched the ultrasound probe to another direction, then he could identify the well-formed palate and lips. Then, he continued to the lung, stomach, kidney, arms and legs. It was really amazing to see Baby's little hands & feet, while the doctor count the fingers & toes. Sandbox and I were so much relieved at this point as everything is normal.
When the doctor was scanning the thigh bone, he asked whether we would like to know the gender of the baby. Both sandbox and I nodded. But Baby was too shy and closed both legs tight. The doctor said,"Oh, what a shy baby, but I would say the baby is a boy" and he showed us a white shadow between the 2 thigh bones. But the doctor was not really sure and promised to check again later.
The doctor continued to scan my uterus and commented no fibroid, and went on to scan my ovaries and all are normal. Then, he used the doppler to measure both left & right uterine pulses to the placenta, and told me that I am in the low risk category and the nutrient & blood to my baby is sufficient.
After that, he went back to verify Baby's gender. "Definitely a boy!", exclaimed the doctor and he showed us Baby's genital on the screen. Sandbox was very happy, as he was hoping that our first born can be a boy. But for me, I am ok with any gender, as long as Baby is healthy =)
The whole detail scan and doctor consultation took about one and a half hours, and the total fee was RM 430. This was such a precious experience for me. Some might think it is a waste of money and time to do a detail scan, but for me with a past miscarriage, it really comforts my underlying worries and gives me more confident.
Week: 21
Biparietal Diameter (BPD): 5.06cm
Femoral Length (FL): 3.43cm
Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW): 431g
Estimated Due Date (EDD): 11th June 2012
We went for a fetal detail scan on last Wednesday during Week 21.
I got to know about this scan when an Obstetrician came to my office and gave us a health talk on "Healthy Pregnancy". According to her, it is recommended for pregnant women to have a detail scan between Week 20 to Week 23 to check the fetal health. The scan will include all the organs of the baby such as brain, heart, kidney, lung, stomach, and also the physical features such as no cleft lip and number of fingers and toes.
Sandbox and I were very nervous when the doctor explain the details of the scanning that he is going to carry out. He will scan the baby's head top down, front back and side way. Then he showed us some examples of the normal & abnormal images and told us the statistics. He told us there is 1 in 100 babies that has hole in the heart and 1 in 800 babies that has cleft lips. I could not remember the rest. I found my heart racing anxiously.
After the introduction and briefing, the doctor started the ultrasound scan and was delighted to find Baby's position was just right for a fetal cardiac scan. So, he started off scanning Baby's heart. Both sandbox and I held our breath, quietly waited as the doctor examine the image. Finally, the doctor told us where are the "4 rooms and 2 doors" of Baby's heart, no holes in between left and right side, the "doors" are functioning well. With a twitch on the machine, we could see the blood flow in red & blue colors flowing in and out of Baby's heart. The doctor measured Baby's heart beat with the doppler, and commented 150 BPM, which is in the normal range of 120 ~ 160 BPM. He continued to examine Baby's heart in detail and exclaiming "Beautiful!" or "Perfect!" or "Normal!" along the way.
Next, the doctor went on to examine Baby's head, explaining to us the measurements he took at each part of the brain and all are within the normal range. He also showed us the eyes & nasal bone. We were amused when doctor wanted to check Baby's mouth, but his tiny hand was in the way. Finally the doctor switched the ultrasound probe to another direction, then he could identify the well-formed palate and lips. Then, he continued to the lung, stomach, kidney, arms and legs. It was really amazing to see Baby's little hands & feet, while the doctor count the fingers & toes. Sandbox and I were so much relieved at this point as everything is normal.
When the doctor was scanning the thigh bone, he asked whether we would like to know the gender of the baby. Both sandbox and I nodded. But Baby was too shy and closed both legs tight. The doctor said,"Oh, what a shy baby, but I would say the baby is a boy" and he showed us a white shadow between the 2 thigh bones. But the doctor was not really sure and promised to check again later.
The doctor continued to scan my uterus and commented no fibroid, and went on to scan my ovaries and all are normal. Then, he used the doppler to measure both left & right uterine pulses to the placenta, and told me that I am in the low risk category and the nutrient & blood to my baby is sufficient.
After that, he went back to verify Baby's gender. "Definitely a boy!", exclaimed the doctor and he showed us Baby's genital on the screen. Sandbox was very happy, as he was hoping that our first born can be a boy. But for me, I am ok with any gender, as long as Baby is healthy =)
The whole detail scan and doctor consultation took about one and a half hours, and the total fee was RM 430. This was such a precious experience for me. Some might think it is a waste of money and time to do a detail scan, but for me with a past miscarriage, it really comforts my underlying worries and gives me more confident.
Week: 21
Biparietal Diameter (BPD): 5.06cm
Femoral Length (FL): 3.43cm
Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW): 431g
Estimated Due Date (EDD): 11th June 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Week 17 or 18?
We went for the 3rd ultrasound scan yesterday morning. This time the doctor had to show us our Baby through ultrasound scan part by part, as Baby has grown bigger.
Firstly, she measured the diameter of Baby's head, which is now 4.32cm. Then, she showed us the leg and measured the length of the thigh bone (Femoral Length, FL). Next she showed us the body, and we can see very clearly the spine & heart pumping.
The doctor told us Baby's weight is now 223g and the ultrasound scan age is 18 weeks. The estimated due date will be on 8th June this year.
I was puzzled because it was supposed to be Week 17 following previous scan. Does that mean Baby's size is bigger by 1 week?
I later found out that it is ok if the ultrasound scan age is different from the actual age by less than 2 weeks. Different babies have different growth rate, so there is an acceptable tolerance.
Week: 17(gestational age) or 18 (ultrasound scan age)
Biparietal Diameter (BPD): 4.32cm
Femoral Length (FL): 2.45cm
Trunk Cross-Sectional Area (FTA): 13.42cm square
Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW): 223g
As for my pregnancy symptoms, my bump is getting bigger nowadays. More colleagues have noticed and have been asking whether I am pregnant. I am starting to be able to accept white rice. Craved for burger & satay for the past two nights. Always feel hungry in the middle of the night, so I will always take a bite before I sleep.
Dear Baby,
Good night & sleep tight. Muacks <3
Firstly, she measured the diameter of Baby's head, which is now 4.32cm. Then, she showed us the leg and measured the length of the thigh bone (Femoral Length, FL). Next she showed us the body, and we can see very clearly the spine & heart pumping.
The doctor told us Baby's weight is now 223g and the ultrasound scan age is 18 weeks. The estimated due date will be on 8th June this year.
I was puzzled because it was supposed to be Week 17 following previous scan. Does that mean Baby's size is bigger by 1 week?
I later found out that it is ok if the ultrasound scan age is different from the actual age by less than 2 weeks. Different babies have different growth rate, so there is an acceptable tolerance.
Week: 17(gestational age) or 18 (ultrasound scan age)
Biparietal Diameter (BPD): 4.32cm
Femoral Length (FL): 2.45cm
Trunk Cross-Sectional Area (FTA): 13.42cm square
Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW): 223g
As for my pregnancy symptoms, my bump is getting bigger nowadays. More colleagues have noticed and have been asking whether I am pregnant. I am starting to be able to accept white rice. Craved for burger & satay for the past two nights. Always feel hungry in the middle of the night, so I will always take a bite before I sleep.
Dear Baby,
Good night & sleep tight. Muacks <3
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy New Year 2012
Started the first day of the new year with a bowl of liver soup with Foochow Kampua noodle at 3rd mile. Just had my hemoglobin checked last week and the nurse jotted 10.4 with a red pen, which is way below standard (at least >11). Redsponge had given me her advice, as a mother of 2 (and her hemoglobin ranges from 12~14!!), to eat food rich in iron especially liver. So, early morning sandbox drove me to get a boost in iron. Hope it works for me.
We went to sandbox's colleague, Mr Sim's house for lunch. His wife is a Filipino, and real good in cooking. They served stuffed turkey, ham, and a lot of local delicacies from Philippine.
In the afternoon, mum & I started our CNY cookies making. We managed to make 285 pcs of Melting Moment cookies (aka Kuih Mo-mo). 100 pcs for us, 115 pcs for sandbox's family & 70 pcs for my colleague Jane.
Sandbox brought me to Simplicious for dinner. It is the first time we dine at this newly opened restaurant & lounge near the place we stay. The food was not bad, we liked the Iced Mocha very much. The decorations & environment added up a lot of marks, especially the waiters & waitress are very friendly. We really enjoyed our New Year dinner.
As for my new year resolution, is to deliver a healthy & happy baby =p
We went to sandbox's colleague, Mr Sim's house for lunch. His wife is a Filipino, and real good in cooking. They served stuffed turkey, ham, and a lot of local delicacies from Philippine.
In the afternoon, mum & I started our CNY cookies making. We managed to make 285 pcs of Melting Moment cookies (aka Kuih Mo-mo). 100 pcs for us, 115 pcs for sandbox's family & 70 pcs for my colleague Jane.
Sandbox brought me to Simplicious for dinner. It is the first time we dine at this newly opened restaurant & lounge near the place we stay. The food was not bad, we liked the Iced Mocha very much. The decorations & environment added up a lot of marks, especially the waiters & waitress are very friendly. We really enjoyed our New Year dinner.
As for my new year resolution, is to deliver a healthy & happy baby =p
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