Can Drinking Young Coconut Water Prevent Jaundice?

During the recent Chinese New Year (CNY) break, we went back to my husband's hometown, Sungai Petani.

My husband was persuaded by his elder brother to go and pluck fresh young coconuts, as according to him his 2 sons were free from jaundice after his wife drank young coconut water during her pregnancies.  My mother-in-law also said the same.  

Personally, I do not think there is any connection between young coconut water and jaundice. I have read so many mothers' experience in the Internet that their babies were born with jaundice, despite them having drinking a lot of young coconut water, during their final trimester. However, since everyone in the family said so, both my husband and I thought that there was no harm for me to drink some refreshing young coconut water during the blistery hot new year season. 

So, on the 4th day of CNY, the whole family departed to En. Zainol's house, a family friend of my in-laws, to pluck young coconut for me. According to my brother-in-law, there was a short coconut tree in front of En. Zainol's house. The coconuts on that tree were within the reach of an adult's hand, and most importantly, it bore a lot of fruits.

Unfortunately, upon our arrival at En. Zainol's house, we found that the so called 'short tree' had grown so tall, practically beyond our reach. It would be a hard task for us to pluck the coconuts even if we were given a bamboo hook.  

My husband and I also found out that it was already about 6 years back, when they last visited that 'short tree', that was when the last baby of my husband's family was born. Of course, tree grows like the child does!

We ended up going around the town in search of stalls that sell young coconuts.

Yes, we finally found one and I drank one whole coconut plus chewing down its flesh. I left the stall with a stomach full of water. Let's hope that my baby will be free from jaundice, hehehe! 

That was my mother-in-law's hand, trying to pick the best coconut for me.

Pakcik is chopping the coconut before I can enjoy the tasty drink.

The baby gender guess!

Well, Dr. Paul has finally confirmed the gender of our baby, after the 3D scan done on last Friday.

Tang tang tang tang.....We are having a baby boy! Both my husband and I are all right with either girl or boy, as long as the baby is healthy and normal.

But prior to this, many of my friends predicted I will be having a girl. I do not know what basis they have upon their statements, because they just said 'we feel like you will be having a manja little girl, just like you!'. Hahah, so indirectly, I also know how's their impression towards me. However, in one occasion when I went to buy some maternity clothings, there was an Indian sales woman who confidently told me that I am having a boy as she said my stomach is small and pointy. And according to her, people will not know that I am pregnant if they see from the back of my body, because I still have my waistline. ( That was when I was in week 18, I don't think I still have waistline now, after the sudden weight gain after week 20!)

My mum is especially happy with us having a boy, because she has 3 daughters and my baby will be the first boy in our family.  On the other hand, my mother-in-law who openly wishes for a grandaughter (my husband's siblings somehow produce more boys than girls) has changed her statement after knowing the gender of the baby. She now says, boy is good, because boy can protect his younger sister(s) later on. Hahah.... I still do not know whether I can have another baby yet, and if I can, no one can guarantee the gender too.

After all, we are happy that the gender is confirmed now. At least we know what to choose when it comes to buying baby stuffs.

Boy or girl, we will love our baby!

Our angel at 26 weeks. He has his 2 hands grabbing his head, while this image is taken:)

Week-26 Routine Check-up Expenses:

• Dr Paul consultation and 3-D scan RM 158
• Gestational glucose test                  RM   28

                                                   TOTAL RM186

Update on week-26

This week marks week-26 of my pregnancy. Everything is going well. I have nothing to complain, other than I started to suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) from week-23. According to some medical write-ups, 25% of pregnant lady will suffer from CTS and I can just considered myself as one of the  'lucky one' chosen to experience this.

The tingling sensation and numbness on my fingers and palms that caused by water rentention has its good and bad days. During a bad day, usually in the middle of the night and upon waking up in the morning, I have difficulties to even grap a pen or turn a door knob.  I also have to opt for fork and spoon instead of chopsticks while having my meal.  The pain on my wrist also made it so difficult for me to fall asleep again after I woke up to go to the toilet in the middle of the night. I ended up feeling very lethargic during the day time.

It is already a norm for my husband to rub my feet and palms to ease the pain before I go to sleep every night.

Besides, my weight has increased tremendously.  I gained a total of 5 kg from week 20 to week 26 even though I only take 3 normal meals a day and remember? I was also down with sinusitis, which has killed my appetite for almost 2 weeks.  The mild swelling on my feet, the sudden weight gain and the symptoms of CTS made me worried if I am having preeclamsia or gestational diabetes.

Luckily a routine monthly check-up on week 26 shows that my blood pressure was normal (111/77). The gastational glucose test also showed that I am diabetic free. However, there is nothing that I can do to ease the CTS. Doctor did advise me to take some Panadols if the pain is too unbearable. But as long as I can endure it, this will not be my option. The good thing here is CTS is not permanent, it will go away after the labour (hopefully).

Thanks to the normal outcome of my routine check-up, at least I can enjoy the CNY celebrations with my family. But of course, moderation is the key here. I can only try a bite for each of the calorie-packed cookies and sweet delicacies. Pleanty of fruits, vegetables and plain water is the golden rules that I want myself to comply this CNY.

For all of you who are celebrating CNY, have a prosperous New Year, may you and family are showered with lots of good luck and good health!

Week 22 - Down with Sinusitis

It has been more than a week that I am down with sinusitis. Recurrent fever, blocked nose, thick nasal discharge, post-nasal drip, sore throat and headache have been my loyal companions since then.

Sinusitis, has been part of my life since a few years ago. Just 3 years ago, I have gone through quite a painful FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) at Damansara Specialist Centre to cure my chronic sinusitis problem. However, sinusitis still comes back after that, the only different is it occurs less frequent, cut down to once or twice a year, as compared to last time when it hit me every 2-3 months.

I went to my company's panel clinic to get some 'medical advice'. In fact, the main purpose of my visit was just to get a few days of MC so I can rest or work from home. For the ultimate welfare of my precious baby, I know I could not afford to take any medicine, even though I'm prescribed. The doctor seemed to read my mind. There was no mediccation prescribed, except some paracetamol to mitigate my fever and headache and some lozenge to sooth my sore throat.

Back at home, I have been applying the following methods to clear my nasal passage and to boost up my immune system:

• Inhaling vapour rub steam
• gargle diluted organic charcoal bamboo salt water
• eating plenty of fruits
• drinking sufficient fluid
• rest, rest, rest.....
• keep a positive mindset

As per today, my condition has improved, slowly but steadily. Each day, I wake up feeling a bit better than the previous.  Christmas is just a round a corner, I want to be able to enjoy the joy of this beautiful celebration as everyone else does.

Maybe I should also seriously consider to save up some money so I can buy a little cottage in the suburbance area of New Zealand in the near future. Why is it so? Read this...

Last year May, I was down with sinusitus, just 2 days before my husband and I departed to New Zealand for our 1-month backpacking trip. Cancelling the trip, which had been long anticipated was totally not a choice for me. I insisted to fly, even though accompanied by full blown sinus symptoms. Miraculously, all the symtomps disappeared when I began to immerse myself in the pure air of New Zealand. 

So I guess flying to New Zealand whenever sinusitis hit me again is a good idea, don't you think so? Hahhaha....May my dream come true.

Merry X'mas to you who drop by to read my writing.

May you and your family have a joyful and peaceful holiday!

Week 20 - Meeting The New Gynae

Today is my 1st appointment with Dr. Paul Ng Hock Oon. My husband and I arrived at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (Bangsar) at 10:45am for our 11:00am appointment.

We were told by the receptionist that today's queue will be slightly longer because Dr. Paul was still in the labour room. Well, it would be worthwhile to wait as long as the baby came to the world safely:)

At 11:45am it was my turn to meet the doctor. Pleasant looking Dr. Paul greeted us politely before he explored more about my medical history.

Before long, came the moment that we had eagerly looked forward to, seeing our baby! At the ultrasound room, there were 2 screens, one placed next to the patient for the doctor's viewing; while the other placed above the patient's bed  for the patient and her visitors' convenient viewing.

Our baby is growing well with the weight of 350gm at week 20.  The Doctor carefully showed us the baby's eyes, nose, lips, heart, bowel, hands and legs. Even though the images were only shown in 2D, but I already knew that the baby's has his/her father's signature chubby cheeks:). Well, here comes the most important feature, is the baby a boy or a girl? Let me do some recap before we proceed further.

Week 11(Nuchal Scan at FMGC) - Dr. Patrick told us that the baby was most likely a boy.

Week 16 (Damansara Specialist Centre) - Dr. Guna said that the baby was very likely a girl.

Week 20 (Pantai Hospital KL) - Dr. Paul said that the baby is a .............

I will only reveal the baby's gender next month when we do the 3D scan, just to be accurate. Both my husband and I have no special preference for boy or girl. In fact, we are very happy to have this unexpected miracle baby. Either boy or girl is a blessing to us. However, my mum prefers a boy while my mother-in-law favours a girl. Either way, I will not be able to fulfill both parties at the same time because I only carry one baby at a time, haha!. After all, regardless what the gender is, this baby will be our jewel.

After the whole consultation which took about 30 minutes, the nurse took my urine sample (for protein test), measure my weight and blood pressure. 

We are very comfortable with Dr. Paul and have decided to see him for the rest of the trimesters.

The total cost for today's visit is RM104:

Consultation  RM 50

Ultrasound    RM 50

Admin Fee    RM   4

We then proceed to the admission counter to find out more about the delivery packages offered by the hospital. There are 2 options:

Option 1 (4-bedded room) RM2688

Option 2 (2-bedded room) RM2788

(Price inclusive for mother and baby)

The above options are inclusive of the following items:

• Normal spontaneous vertex delivery conducted by Consultant Obstetrician
• Care for the newborn in the nursery by Consultant Paediatrician
• 3 days, 2 nights stay

The packages are only available for patients under the hospital's resident Consultant Obstetrician, Dr. Idris Ahmad and Dr. Paul Ng Hock Oon.

However, the above price only covers the basics of the basic. The usage of epidural, forceps/vacuum delivery, accelerated and induced labour, phototherapy for baby and any additional item will incur additional charges.

Well, we expect that we shall pay more than the figure shown, but at least it provides us a guideline for budgeting. Everyone prays for a smooth delivery, but it is always wise to allocate a back-up fund for unforseen emergency. 

My Bible

This is my 'bible' during my pregnancy. I discovered it when I was in week-7, in Kinokuniya when I followed my husband for his business trip to Singapore. However, I didn't buy it with Singapore dollar. A week later, I got it from Popular at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara. Its price was RM49.95 and Popular card holder entitled additional 10% discount.

It is full of details, explains your body changes from week to week, easy to read and most importantly FUN to read. I highly recommend this book to all expecting mothers.   

The Little Red Book

Some of my friends told me if you get yourself registered with the government health centre (Pusat Kesihatan) at your area , you will be entitled free monthly maternity check-up and more importantly, your baby will enjoy free injection throughout his/her childhood in the future. You just need to flag the 'red book' at the registration counter every time you do your check-up. The red book is a book that recorded all your medical records about your previous visits.

Many of us hold negative perception about the services offered by government hospitals and clinics.We think that the nurses are rude, the doctors are inexperience, the hygiene level is low and the queue is long.  The only good point is the charges is low.  Thus, many of us, especially those who can afford above middle class lifestyle, don't even bother to consider visiting government health care institutions when in need, even though that is one of the basic citizen welfares that the government invested millions of dollars to maintain annually. All Malaysian that hold a valid identity card are entitled to enjoy this welfare. However, most of the tax payers choose to let go their right. Instead, they spend more money to visit private clinics or hospitals for better treatment. Sorry to say that, I was one of them.

I decided to apply for the 'red book' after I had a conversation with one of my friends, whose husband is an eye specialist in a government hospital. According to her, both her son enjoy free injections by the government. They never paid a cent to get the jabs. However, she honestly told me that she delivered both her sons in the private hospitals. The reason being if you choose to deliver in the government hospital you will never know which doctor will deliver your baby as it depends on which doctor is on duty during your delivery date. Also, in most cases labour is done by experienced nurses instead of certified doctors. I do not know how true is this. I just know that all my family members objected when I 'tested' them by saying:" How about having me deliver the baby in the government hospital?"

When I was in week 17, I visited Pusat Kesihatan Taman Ehsan to apply for the red book. This is the nearest government health care centre from my house even though it is really not that near. Bringing along our marriage certificate, electric and water bill (to prove that we stay in the right district in order for me to visit this particular health care centre), my husband and I arrived at the health centre at 8am on a Wednesday (new registration only opens every Wednesday).

Pusat Kesihatan Taman Ehsan

Upon arrival, I was shocked by the number of the crowd. There were so many pregnant ladies, infants and their family members of all races.

The waiting hall

After submitted my details to a nurse at the reception counter, I was ordered to weigh myself and measure my height at the weighing corner. Yes, this is completely a D.I.Y system, either you weigh yourself and remember all the readings or you can ask your companion to help you.

After that, I was directed to provide urine sample for glucose test. So how to do this by yourself?   Firstly, go to the rack in the toilet, pick up an empty bottle with number written on it, provide your own sample, put the bottle back into the rack and then remember the number on the bottle. Honestly, I was quite amuzed by the system as it reminded me my secondary school time where we got the chance to organize all kind of science experiments in the lab.

What I did next was waiting, waiting and waiting. My husband had to leave me alone by 10:00am as he had a meeting to attend. I didn't dare to leave my seat because I knew that I would lose it immediately I stood up. I was given a queue number, but at the same time names were being called by nurse too. The waiting hall was crowded and noisy, filled with the chattering sound of the patients, the cries and giggling sound of the kids....And in the midst, we have to pay attention to the nurse whenever they call a patient's name. There was no public announcement system, you had to open your ears and pay attention. I was confused. Should I just look at the number showed on the electronic display board or listen to the names being called?

By 10:30am, I heard my name being called. I woke up from day dreaming and quickly walked to the nurse, who was stationed at a table. I was welcomed with a smile, a very sincere one. She asked about my medical background and jotted down my weight and height before measuring my blood pressure. Next, she asked if anyone had tested my urine earlier that morning? I said no.

It gave me a shock when she suddenly stood up and raised her voice at the crowd:" Siapa yang belum uji kencing, sekarang ikut saya pergi toilet!( Whoever has not tested her urine now follow me to the toilet!)" 

Upon her announcement, about 10 pregnant ladies made their way to the toilet to take their own urine specimen and began to queue up in front of that nurse. I was so worried if someone had mistakenly took my bottle. Luckily this did not happen. One by one, the nurse put in the diabetes test strip into our bottles to observe if there was any colour changes on the strip.

After that, I was asked to wait for my turn to do the blood test. It was another 30 minutes aimless wait before my name was called again. I was led to a room where my blood specimen was taken. Then, the nurse passed me the test tube filled with my blood sample. I learned that I had to bring my own blood sample to the laboratory, which was housed at the same building. I only waited for less than 10 minutes, before the lab assistant passed me my blood test report. That was a test for HIV, STD and hemoglobin level.



The counter of the blood test laboratory



With the blood test report, I went back to the nurse at the blood test station. She explained the result to me and asked me to wait for my turn to see the doctor. By then, I knew that when the electronic board showed my number, that would be my turn to see the doctor in the consultation room. 

Finally, I was in the doctor's room after 30 minutes. She was very young, but friendly and caring. After reading the report in my red book, she performed an ultrasound to check the condition on my baby. The ultrasound image was printed out on the spot and then stapled in my red book. 

I felt relieved after seeing the doctor and thought I can go to work finally. However, I was told that I had to go back to the waiting hall to wait for my turn to see the nurse. It took another 15 minutes before my turn. The nurse set the date and time of my next check-up in the system. Sje also convinced me that the next check-up would not take so long as they already have all my details. The date and time of a compulsory dental check-up session was also set as this was one of the requirement that I need to fulfilled if I chose to give birth in the government hospital in the later stage. Another requirement was to attend at least 2 sessions of breast feeding training, organized by the same health care centre. 

I was also given one month supply of multi vitamin, floic acid, vitamin C, and iron supplement. I asked how much and where should I make the payment before I leave. The nurse smiled and told me that I do not need to pay anything, just remember to take my supplement accordingly.

A week later, I came back to the same place for my dental check-up. The waiting time was 30 minutes. I got my tooth filled (it was painless!) and again it was free of charge.

Despite the toilets are not sparking clean and the place is a bit crowded, overall, the nursing staffs were very friendly and informative. If you do not mind to spend a morning or an afternoon each month for your routine pre-natal check-up, government health care centre is actually not a bad choice, if your pregnancy is not a complicated one. At least get a red book, leave a record in the system, so that you can send your kid for free jabs in the future, if you want to. 

My red book (personal details has been deleted for privacy purposes)

P/S: I have not decided if I will be going for my next appointment at the government health care centre as I will be seeing my doctor in the private hospital too. The purpose of my first visit is to get the red book and leave a record in the system. I have decided to deliver my baby in the private hospital.