MY PREGNANCY - WEEK 38

Your Baby.

• Fetal size: crown-rump 35 cm (14 inches), crown-toe 47cm (21 inches). Fetal weight: 3.1 kg (6.8 pounds).

Your Pregnancy.

• Although many women don’t get any bigger during the last few weeks of pregnancy, you may still grow a little bit. By now you could be feeling very uncomfortable and wanting to get the baby out!

• You should have an antenatal card on which your health care professional records notes during your antenatal visits. Each visit should have an entry. You will need to take this card with you when you go to hospital, so remember to pack it in your hospital bag.

• In the past, having an enema was a routine part of early labour. These days it is probably not a routine procedure at your hospital, and if you think you would like one, you will probably need to ask. An enema during early labour may help if your bowels are full and you are unable to go to the toilet in the onset of labour. If you are unable to go to the toilet before or during labour, you may lose whatever is in your rectum when the baby’s head comes through the birth canal. An enema before birth may help to make you more comfortable during labour and birth, and will minimise the possibility of contamination from faeces during birth. If you have an episiotomy, you may also be more comfortable if you don’t have to empty your bowels too soon after birth. The choice is entirely up to you!

• At this stage of your pregnancy you will be feeling quite uncomfortable. A common complaint around this time of pregnancy is the feeling that the baby might fall out. This feeling occurs because the baby has moved lower into the birth canal and you will feel the pressure associated with this move. You probably have nothing to worry about, but if you need reassurance that everything is OK, see your health care professional.

  You may also experience pins and needles, numbness or tingling in the pelvis. This is also a result of the added pressure of your baby, and is a common complaint at this time. Again, if you are at all concerned, see your health care practitioner for reassurance.

Time flew by fast eh! I got everything already…except the Baby Bjorn carrier and a baby monitor. hehehehe. My labour and baby bag are packed and I am ready to go. But the baby seems really comfortable inside. He shows no signs of wanting to come out. He doesn’t kick much now as I know he doesn’t have much space to move around. Me and Jan went to see Dr Tan last Friday and he told us that Daniel is about 6 lbs now. He could be slightly bigger than expected as his parents are also having not so petite frame. hehehhe. I am 1.7m tall and Jan is 1.88m tall. Many of you might be interested to see how big my tummy is…well….here it is!

We took a video of the Daniel and he looks really comfortable inside. He is busy sucking his thumb and?I saw his fat cheeks again that day. His tiny nose and cheeks! What a beautiful sight! At this moment in time, I am more ready to see him face to face then to see him via the ultrasound. I am really curious on how he looks like. Imagine me..a dark?Indian and Jan a white Dutch…I am predicting a cafe latte…..hehehehe

My sister in law Djoeke, sent me pictures of her belly. She looks really good and healthy but I can see slight tiredness in her face. I could imagine. Try carrying a watermelon for 4 months!

I feel a bit different in my 37th weeks of pregnancy. My skin gets really dry and itchy, especially my tummy and thighs. I got quite a few (read ALOT) of stretch marks and have been trying numerous types of cream. I like BodyShop Shea Butter cream. Smells so delicious and it is really thick as well. My skin also?gets slightly darker. I look like I have been sun bathing last weekend.? My right hand is numb and my feet is terrible swollen. Dr Tan gave me pills to pee out water so that the baby can grew normally. By the way..the baby’s head is now 8.67cm in diameter!! And guess what? I began nesting! Scrub here! Scrub there! Scrub everywhere! hehehe!

I will write more in days to come. I hope this baby will pop out soon. I really can’t wait!!

MY PREGNANCY - WEEK 37

Your Baby.

• Fetal size: crown-rump 35cm (14 inches), crown-toe 47cm (18.5 inches). Fetal weight: 3 kilos (6.5 pounds).

• The average size of a healthy full term baby in Australia is 3.5 kilos. There are many variations on this figure, and the size of your baby is linked to both parents’ birth weight and their adult height.

• Your baby is still growing and gaining weight!

Your Pregnancy.

• By Week 37, you should have reached your peak for weight gain during your pregnancy. Your total pregnancy weight gain should be between 9 and 13.5 kilos (20-30 pounds).

• This week your health care practitioner may do a pelvic examination. Things he/she will evaluate include:
  • Condition of the cervix - how soft, firm or thin it is (the cervix thins out and softens during labour),and whether there is any dilation
  • Amniotic Fluid (intact or leaking)
  • Presentation of your baby (head or breech) and how far your baby has advanced into the birth canal
  • Your pelvic bones and their shape

• Signs of Labour - The first signs of labour can be missed, but when labour is establishing the signs are definite.
  • Show - this is the protective plug of mucous and old blood that comes away from the neck of the uterus and passes into the vagina. The show generally indicates that labour will start within a few days. If a lot of blood is passed it is advisable to contact your health care professional.
  • Contractions - these are the regular painful tightenings of the uterus that occur throughout labour. They may be far apart to begin with, but will gradually become longer, stronger and closer together. Contractions initially feel like period pain coming and going, and last for about 20 seconds. Once they are regular and more painful, it is a sign that labour has started. Backache and even sore legs can accompany contractions. It is important to be aware that the birth can take up to 18 hours to occur from the start of painful regular contractions.
  • Waters breaking - this is when the membranes of the amniotic sac break. It can either be a slow trickle or a sudden gush of fluid from the vagina. This can happen when labour starts, or during labour or sometimes even hours before labour commences. Your health care professional should be notified if you think that your waters have broken and you should take note of the colour of the fluid.

Being a parent changes everything. But being a parent also changes with each baby. Here are some of the ways having a second and third child is different from having your first.

Your Clothes
1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your OB/GYN confirms your pregnancy.
2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.
3rd baby: Your maternity clothes ARE your regular clothes.

Preparing for the Birth
1st baby: You practice your breathing religiously.
2nd baby: You don’t bother practicing because you remember that last time, breathing didn’t do a thing.
3rd baby: You ask for an epidural in your 8th month.

The Layette
1st baby: You pre-wash your newborn’s clothes, color-coordinate them, and fold them neatly in the baby’s little bureau.
2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and discard only the ones with the darkest stains.
3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can’t they?

Worries
1st baby: At the first sign of distress - a whimper, a frown-you pick up the baby.
2nd baby: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten to wake your firstborn.
3rd baby: You teach your 3-year-old how to rewind the mechanical swing.

Pacifier
1st baby: If the pacifier falls on the floor, you put it away until you can go home and wash and boil it.
2nd baby: When the pacifier falls on the floor, you squirt it off with some juice from the baby’s bottle.
3rd baby: You wipe it off on your shirt and pop it back in.

Diapering
1st baby: You change your baby’s diapers every hour, whether they need it or not.
2nd baby: You change their diaper every 2 to 3 hours, if needed.
3rd baby: You try to change their diaper before others start to complain about the smell or you see it sagging to their knees.

Activities
1st baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics, Baby Swing, and Baby Story Hour.
2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics.
3rd baby: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry cleaner.

Going Out
1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter, you call home 5 times.
2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave a number where you can be reached.
3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if she sees blood.

At Home
1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the baby.
2nd baby: You spend a bit of everyday watching to be sure your older child isn’t squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.
3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from the children.

Swallowing Coins
1st child: when first child swallows a coin, you rush the child to the hospital and demand x-rays.
2nd child: when 2nd child swallows a coin, you carefully watch for coin to pass.
3rd child: when 3rd child swallows a coin you deduct it from his allowance!!

MY PREGNANCY - WEEK 36

Your Baby.

• Fetal size: crown-rump 34 cm (13.5 inches), crown-toe 46cm (20.7 inches). Fetal weight: 2.75 kilos (6 pounds).

• How is the baby lying? - From about 24 weeks it is possible for your health care professional to determine what position your baby is in. This may change quite a few times as the baby grows, until some time between 32-36 weeks, when the baby runs out of room. A baby usually lies in the cephalic position, that is head down and legs curled up towards your ribs. This is an ideal position, as a baby’s head is larger than the rest of its body, so if the head fits through your pelvis then the rest of the body will have no trouble. On less frequent occasions the baby can be in a breech position, where its head is under your ribs and the feet are pointing towards your pelvis. If the baby is in the breech position during birth, this can present health care professionals with a problem. Your health care professional will discuss your care if your baby is in a breech position. Another rare position is transverse, where the baby lies across your body. This is more common in women that have had at least one child and there is a more room for the baby to move. The baby usually turns before labour commences.

• Engagement - this is when the baby’s head has entered the pelvis. It usually occurs at around week 36 for a first time mother, and later if you have already had a child. You may notice a change in your abdomen, in that the baby does not sit as high under your ribs, or that your belly is protruding a little further. This may happen gradually or quickly. Some women are unaware of any changes, but will be informed by their health care professional. It is a good indication that everything is going to plan and that your pelvis is a good size for the baby.

Your Pregnancy.

• Birth plan - this is usually a written plan of the way that you would like your labour and birth to be managed. It can be developed in consultation with your partner and/or health care professional. It is recommended that at the very least, you discuss all aspects of your care prior to the onset of established labour, as once labour establishes you may not be able to think clearly or have the time to discuss important issues. A birth plan is used as a guide only. You can never be too sure of what is going to happen during childbirth and is important to remain flexible. Take a look at the Essential Baby Birth Plan information to get some ideas.

Hi there people!

It is 1.30am and I don’t feel so well. I felt nauseous the whole evening and been to the toilet for 4 times already in the evening. I do not have fever or headache. Baby been moving quite a bit. My back hurts like hell. No position can relieve the pain I have on my back. I also started to have contractions a few days ago. Am I experiencing false labour?

I can’t sleep. I feel so uncomfortable. Pelvic area really feels like ripping apart when I turn from one side to the other at night, as a result, I woke up with terrible cramps on my body. I am having one contraction now as I am typing. OOOhhh…..my stomach feels to tight! I felt like bursting. Why is baby moving so much now? Usually, it is about 10 to 12 movements in an hour. I think he moves every 5 mins now. I will call Dr Tan first thing in the morning.

I am gettiing nervous. Very insecure. I wonder how can I cope with the pain of true labour. Knowing that it could happen anytime now, I feel like a wreck sometimes. I sometimes asked Jan, “What if I die?” He will always answers, “You won’t die”. Then the next question I would ask him is, “What if I can’t stand the pain?” He always answers, “They got epidural.” hmmmmm…..

I am gonna drink more water and rest. Let’s see how I will feel. I am having a mild contraction now again.

I will keep all of you posted! Take Care!

MY PREGNANCY - WEEK 35

Your Baby.

• Fetal size: crown-rump 33cm (13.2 inches), crown-toe 45cm (20.25 inches). Fetal weight: 2.5 kilos (5.5 pounds).

• Fat has continued to build up under your baby’s skin, and is responsible for providing energy and regulating body temperature. These fat deposits have also changed the appearance of the skin, making it pinker (rather than red) and less wrinkled.

• Fingernails are developed on the fingers, but may still be growing on the toes. Eyelids can be opened and closed and blinking is possible. The irises are also now light sensitive, and will dilate and contract depending on exposure to light.

• Most babies engage (assume the head down position) some time after 36 weeks, although some will turn and engage now.

Your Pregnancy.

• By week 35 your weight gain should be approximately 9-13 kilos (20-29 pounds).

• Labour and birth can seem quite daunting, so it’s only natural that you and your partner may start to get a little bit nervous as Week 40 draws closer! You may experience mood swings (possibly as a result of discomfort or anxiety), and irritability. It’s important for you and your partner to recognise that this can be a stressful time in your lives, and to keep things in perspective. Make sure you take the time to talk to one another, reassure each other and spend some time relaxing together. Things will change once you have a newborn in the house

• Remember to write down any last minute questions for your visits to your healthcare practitioner or antenatal class instructor. Have a look at the Labour and Birth section of the Essential Baby web site.

• Another sign of labour is the show. This is when the mucus plug that seals your cervix during pregnancy is dislodged and passes out through the vagina. Having a show doesn’t necessarily mean your labour is about to start - your cervix may simply have stretched a little. The show doesn’t present any danger for you or your baby, but you should contact your health care professional immediately to advise them that you have had a show.

Hi there folks!

Guess what time I slept last night? 4am!! My God! I woke up at 2am and wrote an email to my sis in law in the Netherlands. She is pregnant too. She is due in mid August and I am due in mid July. My aunt called me at 12pm and asked me if I am still in bed. I just woke up and I told her I couldn’t sleep well at night. She kinda giggled at me. She got 4 kids and she knows what I am going thru now. My mum called me at 10am and ask me if I had my breakfast….I have not woke up yet….my God!

Oh my dear sweet sweet sweet baby….give me a huge kick and break the water….I want you out of there… *sometimes I feel this way*

My dear female cat makes noise again at 6.40am. I picked her up and threw her in the bathroom. I am getting really tired and frustrated. Imagine carrying 13kg extra and have no sleep….how would you feel. When I finally sleep at 8am, my dear female cat makes noise again. Why oh why….. Jan let the cat out of the bathroom…I just want to sleep…can’t anybody understands that.

I have booked my tickets to Netherlands this December. This time we will travel as a group of 3!! A family!! Flying off on the 15th Dec and back on the 2nd January. Must be really cold in December! Can’t wait!

I love you, little baby
You’re such a part of me.
Can’t wait to hold you in my arms,
And hug you tenderly.
No matter what you look like,
You’re beautiful, my love,
A precious gift bequeathed to me,
From heaven far above.
Each time I feel you moving,
My heart is filled with joy,
To think that very soon I’ll hold
My little girl or boy,
I’m counting every moment,
Til you’re mine at last, my sweet
It won’t be long until your birth,
Then finally we’ll meet.

Finally We’ll Meet

I love you, little baby
You’re such a part of me.
Can’t wait to hold you in my arms,
And hug you tenderly.
No matter what you look like,
You’re beautiful, my love,
A precious gift bequeathed to me,
From heaven far above.
Each time I feel you moving,
My heart is filled with joy,
To think that very soon I’ll hold
My little girl or boy,
I’m counting every moment,
Til you’re mine at last, my sweet
It won’t be long until your birth,
Then finally we’ll meet.