Week-30 Maternity Check-up

15 Feb 2012 (Wed)

An appointment was made at 1:30pm to see Dr. Paul. But my husband and I waited until 2:20pm before we went into the doctor's room. Year 2012, the year of dragon baby craze, waiting time of 50 minutes should be considered 'reasonable', I guess.

My blood pressure (70/110), urine glucose and protein level appeared to be normal.  However, the doctor is a bit concerned about my weight gain. I put on another 4kg since the last time I saw him, which was about 4 weeks ago. In total I have gained 14kg since my pregnancy.  I honestly told the doctor I didn't eat for 2 and I do not have any cravings for special food. In fact, I ate the same amount of meal 3 times a day, the same as what I did before I got pregnant. The only difference now is that I have stopped going to the gym. I blamed the excessive weight gain on water retention because I noticed that my weight shot up since week 23, and that was about the same time I experienced feet and ankle swelling and suffered from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The doctor listened to me patiently (even though I guess he has heard the same answer many times from all the over-weight pregnant ladies, hahahha.....) . Dr. Paul said some ladies will suddenly gain excessive weight at certain period of their pregnancy, but it will then slow down again later. He asked me not to worry too much since my blood pressure and glucose level appeared to be normal. However, he wanted me to try to cut down the amount of food intake and reduce the materna milk to only 1 glass a day (currently I am taking 2 glasses a day, one in the morning, one before I go to bed). So, we will see how it goes when I see him again after 2 weeks.

The baby weighed 1.7kg, a normal weight for a baby in week-30. Heart beat was recorded at 147/min. Despite punching and kicking me like a kickboxer many times a day, my boy appeared to be unusually quiet during the ultrasound session. Dr. Paul said the baby was asleep so soundly (can tell from his sleepy chubby face). The only movement recorded was when he opened and closed his mouth occasionally. Aiyo, I did talk to him that morning, telling him that today we will visit uncle Doctor and he has to move his hands and legs during the 'photography' session, just to show papa and mummy he is a healthy active baby. But, obviously my effort was in vain as he was craving for his sleep so much during the cloudy afternoon.

The baby is sleeping. I know only the baby's own parents will be delighted when looking
at this kind of 'alien photo'. But this is part of our journey, please allow me. Thanks:)

The good news was my baby had turned down, with his head facing the birth canal.  Please baby, maintain this position for another 60 more days, so mummy can have a safe natural birth where both of us would not suffer too much. Also, money saved from natural birth will go to your education and toy fund! Be a co-operative good baby!

For the next 2 weeks, I will make an effort to eat only healthy food at a reasonable portion. I will also be more diligent in practising the prenatal exercise taught in the *antenatal classes. And the funny part now is everytime I thought of having some dessert like ice-cream or cakes, Dr. Paul's face will automatically appear in my mind. I told my husband about this and he couldn't stop laughing.
So far, my pregnancy is a smooth one, except for the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which is getting from bad to worse. Both my right and left palms and the fingers are constantly feeling numb, stiff and painful.  It took me ages to type this post.  But I have nothing to complain, I will endure this gracefully, just for my angel.

Expenses:

• Consutation           RM 50.00
• Ultrasound            RM 50.00
• Obimin (1 month)  RM 12.60
• Admin Fees          RM    4.00

         TOTAL                RM117.00

* My husband and I attended the antenatal programme conducted by Pantai Hospital. The programme runs every month, and there are 5 classes in total, covering topics from breastfeeding, nutrition in motherhood, labour process, pain relief during labour, care for new borns, prenatal exercise and labour suite tour.  The fees for the programme is RM300 per couple.

Bought my first breast pump

After some online survey and seeking opinions from experienced breast feeding mums, I decided to buy the first breast pump in my life, the Medela Swing.

I travelled all the way from Damansara to Setapak, just to enjoy the good bargain from One Baby World, a baby product specialty store. I found this store on the Internet and realized that they are giving away a lot of useful freebies when you purchase the breast pumps.

Bought this set at RM799

Got these items FOC:
1 Autumnz Cooler Bag
3 packs of Autumnz Reusable Ice Pack
8 bottles of Autumnz PP Milk Storage Bottles
1 pc of Autumnz Comfort Nursing Bra
1 unit of BPA Free Deluxe Bottle Drying Rack worth
1 unit of Receiving blanket
4 pcs Washable Breastpad

Other than Medela, the shop also carries a few other brands of breast pumps. For further details on other promotion, find out more from One Baby World's website. 

During my visit to the store, Janet was the friendly sales person (most probably also the owner), that offered me great advice on what products to buy and what is not necessary to buy. As a first time mother, I personally like the service, because they provide impartial guidance on what you really need rather than encourage you to buy everything, just to increase their sales transaction. Most importantly, they do not intend to sell you the most expensive brands. Thus, you can save money by buying compatible brands that suit your budget.

AddBought a set of steam steriliser and bottle & food warmer.

Also purchased some additional pairs of nursing bras and breastmilk storage bottles.

I spent about 2 hours in the shop and swiped away my annual local holiday budget :).  Hopefully,  all these items will bring me a certain degree of convenience when I return to work after my maternity leave.

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.