IT'S BIGGS!

Annnd I am back with another pregnancy update!

What I am most excited in this stage was Albert and I determined-- at 100% -- the gender of our little pickle! But first, I'd like to share what I had been doing on this particular month.

As I am always delayed with blog posts, I am already 23 weeks as of this writing. Anyway, Week 17 to Week 20 was a relaxed-- or rather a phase where I had been going out for walks and energetic, not to mention that I felt I did not tire myself that much compared to the previous months I had. It was fun, and I felt that I was back to my usual self, but of course with the addition that I am now always considering the things I would be doing and eating. 

Other updates:

My linea nigra was starting to look more visible compared to last month. As of this moment, a fade line is already starting to form at the upper half of my belly button.

Food and Exercise:

I was still be doing the usual routine, although my consumption of rice is starting to lessen (as I fear of getting overweight). However, there were times that I like to treat myself with the food that I was craving. As seen on my previous posts, I had my serving of lechon, and I had a sumptuous date with one of my closest friends. At home, I was cooking my husband's request from time to time. 

As for my stretchings, exercise and whatnot, I was still and currently am going for afternoon swims, like in this occasion, I went with Mary and Krystle for some water action.

Baby's movement:

My baby's starting to show signs that he/she could hear us. Eventually, I could feel him/her moving by giving me tapping rhythms, as if he/she was knocking on the door (in my belly). There were times that Albert would caress, kiss and put his ear on my belly, as if he was talking to the other side of the realm where Pickle is. Each day and week that passes, the baby's movement became more prominent and the sensation was more obvious than the previous months.

The search for more "comfy" dresses / pants / jumpsuits:

One of the issues that worried me during this time was the thought of feeling constipated. It could be that I was not drinking too much water than I used to, or my fiber intake was not enough for the day. To solve this, I told my doctor on my recent check-up that I might have those days that I would have a hard time to pass motion. So in this set of new milk sample supplies, (Yes, the assistant gave me more supplies LOL) I also bought a vowel softening medicine for me to take, only when necessary.

As the days went by, I also noticed that my appetite was starting to get bigger. Well, I do not see anything very alarming since I am feeding for two tummies now. It's just that I am being mindful with the portion of what I am taking. (read: fiber. fiber. fiber)

And... ta-daaa! Pickle is a boy! ^_^ Truly an answered prayer!

Ever since, I always have this intuition that my baby's a boy. I never had any thoughts of naming it with a girl's name or thinking any other else that would be girly. I knew from my heart that it would be a baby boy, just as Albert had wished for it, so... It's really exciting!

So, that's it for now! I am so glad that I am already half this course, especially now that I am a week away to full 24 weeks (6 months). It's totally a mixed feeling of excitement, anxiousness and of course, happiness.

'Til the next update!

Hello again and I am a bit late to report for duty ^_^

I am actually 19 weeks as of this writing, and before I hit my second month of my second trimester, I'd like to document the things I had been doing in my 13 to 16 weeks. It was good to know that the baby has been doing well and is growing normally. The only small issue I was facing is the struggle to find dresses that could either be used now and even on a later part of my pregnancy, and would become my greatest weapon for keeping prim and sassy. haha

Going to this second trimester of pregnancy was a lot easier and fun than the first three months, as I am now allowed to do exercises that includes swimming, yoga and pilates. So far, I am working out by doing swimming, and later on I'd probably get into doing basic pilates, or those movements suitable for me. Mary's pilates ball is certainly calling me to stretch and get my ass off bed!

It was also during this phase that I celebrated a lot of occasions, as seen in my previous blog, like my 30th birthday and 3rd year wedding anniversary. So far, body's so good. My body has started to get accustomed with the weight of the baby as it grows bigger and bigger every week. In this phase also that I tried to go back to usual routines like cooking, baking, gardening, even playing the piano and other activities that made me feel lazy in my first three months.

Also, I started to reintroduce again taking smaller portions of seafood in my eating habits, such as prawns and squid. I do not eat that often when I was in my first trimester, but lately, I am starting to put it on side dishes, or in the meat that I was putting in the food besides minced meat or shredded chicken.

On my 16th week, we came back to our doctor as our normal check-up. As I've said earlier, the baby's doing fine and all. But that's not all: As early as 16 weeks, we could finally know at least 70% to 80% of Pickle's gender! 

But I wouldn't be telling yet on this post, so better check out the next update. LOL

And for a teaser, here you go!

At that check-up, the assistant also was kind enough to give us those prenatal milk samples! Since there were a lot at the clinic and I was lowkey hoarding the samples at the reception, she noticed me and told me if I wanted more. She gave me a month-supply of the milk samples! How crazy was that! But she told me that I'd better take it, rather than it expires with no one using it. I was so happy as it saves me from buying milk every week! LOL

I noticed that as I progressed, my linea nigra was starting to surface. I mean, it is normal for pregnant women to get this during this course of pregnancy. And while I was having it, certain things come into play when I think of what the gender would be. It would be just an inaccurate guess though but sometimes, curiosity will just come right in and interest your instincts, right?

So that's about it for now. The dad-to-be has been very clingy to me, trying to rub my belly as if it was a crystal ball foreseeing the future, or just plain fooling around with our bundle of joy. 

I would endure the back pains and all, if he would be like this always and forever. haha

xoxo

The struggle was real.

The craving struggle was... so damn real.

I was trying to catch up with all my backlogs, but you know what, in a way-- this late post helps because I may not contain that raging hormones when this part of my first trimester ended. I need to calm down. lol

I'm going to turn back time just a little bit to remind myself that being in this situation has its pros and cons. 

Most of my friends ask me... do you experience morning sickness? mood swings? sleepiness? cravings? preferences?

As much as I'd want not to experience it, the whole process was a legit YES, but with little tweaks in between. I can't say I feel fine today and in the next few days, I might not. It really depends. Like for example, I do not really have morning sickness, since the nauseous feeling happens not in the mornings but on any random time of the day. The mood swings depend on what will my husband reaction would give me whenever I craved on something. Sleepiness is even an understatement. 

WEEK 10

The discoloration and dryness in the borders of my mouth and in my ankle bone made me thought if I was suffering from any sickness related to the surge of my blood sugar. I consulted my doctor about it and he told me that it is not uncommon for expecting moms to show signs of these skin discolorations as it was due to the increase of hormones my body has accumulated. He advised me to check with any trusted dermatologist that I know if they could give me some pregnancy-recommended creams to at least lighten up the dark areas.

There was this one time that I craved for a Singaporean dish called Hokkien Mee. Albert at that time was on his way home and as to where he would come from has a kopitiam or hawker center that sells the said prawn noodle. I am so sure of that. But at that time, he didn't buy it for me and kept on insisting that nothing is there and insisted for me to eat something else available in the food center across our place because he will be going home late. I am not gonna lie, I felt depressed at that time as I felt the hormones came raging on feelings I could not explain. It was too depressing that I cried to sleep because I didn't eat it on the time that I wanted to eat it. The craving was as real as hell, I guess.

The next day, I was still crying and did not talk to him all day. In the afternoon, I went to the mall where he went the day before, myself. There, I found the noodles I was referring that I wanted to eat. 

After a few days, the doctor called me that all my tests were great. My baby is at low risk of fetal anomaly and with that I'd not need to worry. Although the test is only guaranteed at around 90% accuracy, I know that I have been eating healthily and properly. I need not to think very trivial things... I am just happy to know that both of us are living healthy. 

Baby bumps? Hmm...

I am at about 14 weeks as of this writing, which means I am already past my first trimester. Yay! Next thing we need to know now is the gender, which we might already know in our next appointment which is by next week. 

I'm so excited!

xoxo

- Watermelon

- Banana
- Eggplant

- Raw meat (like medium rare type of steak, sashimi)

- Fish that were high in mercury (i.e. Tuna, Mackerel)

- Runny or soft boiled eggs

- Cold cuts (parma ham, salami)

- Non-pasteurised milk

- Alchoholic drinks

- Soft drinks
- Excessive coffee and/or tea drinking

While he told me that I can still drink coffee and tea at a minimum consumption (like one small cup a day), I've already somehow got used to not drink coffee since earlier this year... which was an advantage! I used to be a coffee addict, but once you've started to tone your coffee intake down and completely remove it out of your system, it would make you feel healthier and lighter in perspective.
TRUST ME!

The fruits that I've mentioned were somehow the food that are "believed" to be a Chinese myth not to eat while you're pregnant and for me, it won't hurt to at least avoid those. True enough, I've talked to some moms about the experience and they said that papaya and pineapple and even eggplant had some natural content that could make you force-bleed and eventually jeopardize the position of the baby inside. Watermelon, on the other hand isn't advisable as it believes to give too much cooling effect in the body (as it comprises 80% water) and could make the baby feel cold, which is not good. The reason for not eating bananas are somewhat scientific in a way for me to avoid potential constipation.

As for my supplements, in the first few weeks I was just only taking my folic acid. On my 8th Week, I was given more vitamins to take like fish oil, calcium and prenatal multivitamins.

Continuation! XD

Since I was having similar of that of menstrual cramps, I consulted one of my college friend's OB/GYN here in Singapore to know what was causing me to feel the discomfort.

So I called the hotline, greeted by the doctor himself, told him all my queries and had me scheduled to see him the next day. He sounded very warm and accommodating, and believe me when I tell you that I instantly felt that sense of security that I could most likely rely to his professional services from there onwards. (a mother's intuition, perhaps?) 

And then, as scheduled, the next day I went in and happily welcomed by Dr. Jon Wee from Mt. Elizabeth Specialist Centre in Novena and my consultation proceeded as normal. As much as I wanted to see the baby I was carrying, he did told me that I won't be seeing any thing yet as it was too early for me to see. Not even a heartbeat, nor a small form of life. He told me that the cramps that I was feeling was due to the enlargement of my ovary, from the effects of the fertility pill that I used, which was a normal occurrence. He told me not to worry much and instead and prescribed me to take some medicine to keep the baby in good grip. To make my trip even more productive, I have also consulted to him the pimple outbreak that happened in my vagina due to the irritation caused by brazilian waxing (see my previous blog post), also to undergo some blood tests to check my hormone levels.

Dr. Jon then asked me to come back two days later to do another blood test. The tests were done to make sure that my hormones are increasing to secure the hold of the baby as well. Thankfully, my hormone levels were skyrocketing to a point that it was remarkable to feel at peace and worry free. But of course, I was still on my first trimester of pregnancy, so I am technically not out of the woods yet.

By my second visit on that week, we also did try to check if I could see any glimpse of my baby and at this point, I would only see the enlargement of my ovary and a possible water bag forming. I didn't had any ultrasound picture with me since it wasn't that entirely relevant to print and keep.

My second blood test results were amazing to note. My progesterone hormones rose up to a thousand. Dr. Jon then had set me to meet him again two weeks later as by then, we could definitely see a progress in terms of finally seeing the baby. I wasn't given any vitamins to take yet as it was still too early to do so. He just advised me to take my folic acid supplement as usual.

WEEK 6

Albert made sure that this time, he would go with me for my appointment. It was that feeling when I feel like crying when I saw the little life form in me for the first time. Dr. Jon let us hear the heartbeat for the first time too and it was so gratifying. It was truly such a blessed moment!

xoxo

How to really start warming up discussing the beginning? :)

But sometimes, you got to do what you got to do, right?

Okay... 

First, I'll share a side story:

I had a different case of reproductive development. Since I was younger, I was already experiencing irregular menstruation. Both has its good and bad sides, but let's say as I grew older, it leaned towards a not so good impression. Few years ago, I was also diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), and I probably got it with the lifestyle I was having. Work life was stressful and it did took a harder time for me when I decided to build my own family. It wasn't as if PCOS is a rare case, but conceiving became a challenge, and I did once thought the possibility of infertility. I was depressed but I just kept on waiting... patiently.

So then... If I have told this blog already that I took a break from work, it is because my recent project has completed and my work contract has ended. at that time, my husband and I decided that I could take a break for a while and to take my time searching for another work since I have more time as I am holding a sponsorship, or what they call a long term Dependent Pass. While I was at it, it was then we decided for us to also try conceiving again*. 

*(Back when I wasn't active blogging, we did tried a conceiving method as advised by my OB-Gyn, and that was to take fertility pills and conduct series of blood tests to check if my hormones are progressing. Sadly, the results weren't that favorable and at that time, more priorities came in to win over our idea of expanding our little family. We put our plan on halt and more unexpected things came our way, which is why, pausing the idea somewhat became a blessing in disguise.)*

I'll talk more about this one in a separate blog.

So then, back to the side story... We decided to see our doctor by the end of March. As usual, we did again some series of blood tests, along with seriously and religiously taking all my medications on time. I also tried to cut down coffee, sugar and liquor and load up with drinking more water instead. I dedicated to at least put something healthy in my diet when I could. I started snacking on mixed nuts instead of junk food. I did work out by running, swimming and also biking on weekends. The only thing that I probably did not "correct" was sleeping early. ^_^

I think all of it paid off well, and add the fact that I was relieved from anything stressful which was work related.

Did I mention that both of us were doing all these change in lifestyle?

Yes, conceiving consists of two bodies, so might as well prep the other body to be healthy too, right? :)

and, prayer of course.

Fast forward to mid of April when the fertility pill I was taking came to somewhat 'activate'. Counting on the calendar, I already knew when would I be fertile. Changes inside my body was so prominent that I felt I was going to get sick. I feel feverish due to the increase of my basal body temperature. 

Horny? Sure, of course. It was all part of it. Haha, don't laugh, it's so natural! 

Eleven days from the start of my pill intake until around Day 18, we were in babymaking mode. It wasn't done everyday but at least we did it every other day. I wasn't using any ovulation meter kit because it was way too expensive so my only guide was a normal calendar. 

After a week of intercouse, I did again another blood test to check if my hormones were rising. Also, at this time, I felt my body was reacting to a series of side back pain and lower abdomen cramps. The weird thing was, it wasn't just like a normal cramp that you feel when you're about to get your period. It was different. It was a different kind of pain. 

Then, good news came. My doctor called to inform me that my blood test results had a huge improvement. My hormone levels were way higher than last year's. She was hoping that we did had a contact during those times of being fertile so for us to get even greater results and higher chances. I also told her about the pain I was experiencing. She told me that I might be ovulating. To me, that's good news. Being in that group where I rarely experience ovulation, this is new. The doctor then told me to do a pregnancy test three days after the day I was supposed to get my monthly period. She also told me that if ever I see a faint positive line, I just keep on trying day by day.

However, in Early May, I encountered some challenges while I was waiting that made me worry in my life.

Tip: At this stage of waiting, never book yourself to any body/brazilian waxing session. It took a toll in my skin, specifically in my private part.

The hormonal imbalance was as real AF and it create a lot of breakouts. I was scared to put any medicated cream to kill the bacteria that formed since I was expecting, and I settled on something that can at least relieve the itchiness. 

Sooo... the supposedly 'red alert' didn't came on the date it was told to come... I waited for a few days to do a pregnancy test. 

And then, I did.

First attempt:

It took me a while to post this, since I kind of waited for the crucial months to pass by before I tell this wonderful blessing that came into our lives.

Yes, dear blog. We're pregnant! :)

My little pickle in our sandwich! lol

Okay, wait. Wait. Where do I start?

I've been planning to actually create a section in this blog where I can share my very first pregnancy journey. It is just fitting for me to do so! Well... My husband and I have been patiently waiting for three years. This little bundle of joy is such a total surprise as to what I have expected to feel. It's a new milestone to our little family and certainly a level-up to womanhood.

I hope that you are just as happy as we do.

See you around for future updates!

xoxo,

Biggs