Things to buy for mama

1. maternity bras - done
2. nursing pads - done
3. nursing wear - done
4. open front button pyjamas - done
5. nipple cream - done
6. disposable panties - done
7. long sanitary pads - done
8. radiation blanket from Kiddy Palace - done
9. dry confinement hair powder (for 5 days) - done
10. Warming Shampoo for Confinement $19.90 (by Kalis Chay)
11. Healing Herbal Pericare Wash $23.30
12. Lemongrass Confinement Shower Gel $35 (by Ai-lin Lee)
13. Pure Ginger Cream $13
14. Hand sanitizing gel (coz cannot wash hand) -  done
15. Facial wet wipes (coz cannot wash face) - done
16. stretchmark oil/cream - done
    
    These are the links that I bought from :
    http://www.motherhoodwecare.com/pregnancyconfinement.html
    http://www.littledreamers.com.sg/catalog.html

In fact, I have too many bottles of oil (this are excluding the creams!)

27 weeks and 4D Scan

Yesterday was my scheduled appointment at Doc Poon's clinic.

Through the ultrasound scan, I noticed that baby has shifted her position. Her head is now on my left tummy and legs on my right. She is also 'higher' up and centralised in position near to my belly button. Doc Poon said that my baby has long legs and it's safe to assume that baby is a girl. He told me he's 80% sure it's a princess now. Baby weighs close to 1 kg. I've put on a total of 10 kg to date.

Btw I also wanted to add that I have been and still getting hiccups everyday from conception until now. I get these unexplained hiccups a few times throughout the day. In my 27th week, my baby will be having hiccups too. So both of us are having hiccups together. Hehe.

4D scan at Radlink

Hubby took half day off for his annual body checkup and also to accompany me for the 4D scan. He is enjoying his beef steak at Takashimaya without me. How evil!

I bribed baby with Mr Bean's Bandung Pearly drink about an hour before the scan. Hope that she'll kick and punch to the sweetness of the drink and don't cover her face later.

Baby didn't cover her face indeed. But we can only see her side view and not the front view. We can see her eyes, nose, mouth, cheeks and chin. She opened her eyes and was playing with her toes. Hubby said that she has a sharp nose like me. Baby was playing near the placenta and at times she was burying her face there.

We took a 10 minutes break, walked around the clinic, Hubby talked to baby and ask her to turn and I did some bending. But still, Baby wouldn't face the front.

Though we didn't successfully take any videos and photos from Radlink, Hubby discreetly shot a short video of the scan. The radiologist also confirmed baby's gender. It's a girl definitely.

We are told to reschedule another date but I think I don't want to waste another annual leave for the 4D scan. I am already contented with what I saw. Healthy and active baby :)  We didn't pay for anything so that was like a free view of my baby.

We went back home and watched the video and extracted some photos from it.

Those who like to find out more about Radlink can click on the link here.

My MIL and FIL's condition

My parents just returned from HK and Guangzhou. They've been away for about 10 days. Mom bought lots of things for baby in Guangzhou. Dad told me that she can't stop buying. See the pic? Thanks mom and dad.

Things at home have not been pleasant (I'm staying with my in-laws FYI). FIL is disorientated after his discharge from the hospital and he will be undergoing therapy to treat his mild stroke. Hopefully he can get well again. He has been very worried for the dementia MIL. That day MIL was at the hospital. Both of them were emotional and FIL cried in front of us.

I feel quite helpless during this time that I can't do much at home. I can't really help with housework like mopping the floor or washing the toilets. I also have to work and can't be staying at home to watch over them. Hubby is very stressed out both at work and at home. I've never seen him that stressed before. The tension at home seems to be building up everyday. Hubby and I had a tiff over a discussion and I apologised with tears in my eyes saying that I'm sorry for being pregnant now.

I have also asked the maid to do lesser household chores eg mopping the floor every 2 days instead of everyday, just so that she can keep a lookout for both the folks. I think I will also do my own laundry (+ Hubby's) so that I can help out as best as I can (as long as I'm not carrying heavy stuff).

The atmosphere at home is pretty negative. I don't know what else to do except to pray, hoping that things will get better.



This morning when I walked to the mrt, I felt a sharp pain at my right abdomen. It hurts even when I'm standing. I only feel better if I'm sitting down but as usual, no one gives up seat at public transport anymore. Out of my 26 weeks of pregnancy, I was offered a seat twice. The rest of the time, I stand all the way to work and from work. (I work everyday fr Mon - Fri) Anyway, I am not sure if it's baby pressing against my sides. There are a few occasions that I felt the sharp pain but I always endure it away.

Baby is most active at night about 8 pm onwards. At times when I sleep, she kicks me. Perhaps to remind me to wake up and pee. She is sometimes active in the day but I probably notice her movements lesser because I'm occupied at work.

This is my going 26 weeks tummy. 

Belly button looks like almost gonna pop out.

2nd & 3rd antenatal class

2nd class

The 2nd class we were taught some of the reasons for having low back pain, how to stand and sit and get out of bed in the right posture. What are some of the exercises that we can do to strengthen our abdominal muscles, and some simple massages that the Hubby can do for the Wife.

Hubby and I were 10 minutes late for the class. We missed the introduction but I guessed the physiotherapist was explaining about the anatomy of the human body. Each couple was to sit on the yoga mat provided.

I realised that the reason for my backpain was due to the increased weight gain, my poor standing and sitting posture and weak abdominal muscles (I stopped exercising for such a long time).

When we did the exercises, it was so much fun. The physiotherapist went round to check all the moms one by one. The hubbies are suppose to help to check and encourage us to do it the right way. Pelvic tilt really did somehow soothe my back a little by releasing the tension from the back (not to have arch back). I shall do this exercise more often.

Then it came to the massage portion. Hubby is very nice. He was very diligent to practice the massage techniques on me. I asked the therapist "how often can we do this massage?" and Hubby immediately replied "Once a year!" and there were some laughters. LOL. It's actually okay to do it daily.

 Hubby posing w skeleton after class

I just tried out the abdominal massage myself this morning using Johnsons Baby Oil. While the light massage is to promote blood circulation, the aroma from the oil is also supposed to relax you.


3rd class

We learnt about recognising when labour starts, when to come into hospital, the different stages of labour (3 stages), breathing and relaxation techniques.

For me, vaginal bleeding is probably not a good signal for me to go hospital coz I have spotting. I have to look out for rupture of waterbag and 5 mins apart uterine contractions with each contraction lasting 20-30 seconds.

The 3 ways of breathing techniques to relax the body and cope with pain are:

• Sighing out slowly
• Short sharp breathing out
• Pan-pant blow

Still don't know gender

Saw our bunny yesterday :) She is healthy and well. Heartbeat beating strong too. Can see baby moving alot and her right hand is on her cheek. Gynae said that she is an active baby. I asked if there is anything that I should be concerned about. Gynae said No. An active baby is good. He asked me not to think too much and get unnecessary stress, just enjoy the pregnancy.

I still do not know the baby's gender yet because her legs are always closed. Gynae tried to scan from bottom up but still can't really tell but he said that it's better to assume that baby is a princess.

The nurse also said that she will book for me with Mount Alvernia the hospital bed. (so fast?!) I am going for a 2-bedder, hopefully natural birth and no epidural.

Hubby and me have also thought of names for our baby. One boy name and one girl name. As for clothings and stuff, all along we bought neutral colours like yellow, green, orange. So that #2 can wear too.

Prenatal Massage

I did two prenatal massage sessions. One with Auntie Sarah and another with Auntie Rokiah. Both of the Malay ladies are recommended by my friends. I like them both actually.

It's just that Auntie Rokiah can speak English and I can communicate better with her.

Auntie Rokiah (Woodlands) charges $55 and she comes to my house. She begins by asking me to lie on my side. First by rubbing my calves and thigh. Then my lower back and shoulders. Lastly my arms and palms and neck. She uses a mild lavendar oil with other herbs to apply on my body. I enjoy her firm yet at times gentle strokes during massage.

Auntie Rokiah also shares with me what to take note of during this period. She said that I should hold my tummy and slowly sit down or stand up whenever possible. I should take spinach so that I have more milk. I should eat and not worry about putting on weight. She said that lots of mommies are concerned about putting on too much weight and they refuse to eat. She worries that I'm one of them too. She also shares with me what to do if I have leg cramps in the middle of the night; ask Hubby to press a certain spot and shake the calve gently.

I can feel that she cares and truly wants to share her knowledge with me. She is quite motherly too.

I should be engaging her for my postnatal massage. 5 sessions. (I haven't ask her how much) She said that after I come back from the hospital, rest a day at home and the following day, she can come and massage for me already (if I'm having a natural delivery).

1st antenatal class at Mount Alvernia

I took quarterday leave and went TPY to look for Hubby before heading down to Mount Alvernia together. We figured out that we can take Bus 157. We were the earliest to reach (6 pm). The class starts at 6.30 pm. Liow Min Choo is the consultant dietician and speaker for the first lecture.

Most of the mommies came with their husbands. I was glad Hubby came with me too though he fell asleep for a short while. I would have felt slightly emo if my Hubby didn't come along. Realised that support from the hubby is also very important. 

The topic was on Nutritional Requirements during pregnancy. I realised that I was lacking in calcium. I have to drink more milk and take more cheese. The dietician mentioned that supplements are never substitute for usual food intake. So I can't think that if I lack calcium, just take calcium pills. I still have to drink milk.

I'm also underweight for my pre-pregnancy weight. So I have to put on at least 12 kg this time, in order for my body to produce milk for baby if I want to breastfeed. Of course I want to! I'm eating like a pig now but have only put on 5.5 kg. I wonder how am I going to put on another 6 kg more for the next 3 months. That would be 2 kg every month. Scaryyy.

Also learnt that ginger does not cause jaundice in baby. But if baby has jaundice, I have to avoid ginger for a while. Or if I am intending to breastfeed, I have to watch (and reduce) the ginger intake. On top of that all alcohol used in food got to be cooked. So I will not be drinking DOM during my breastfeeding period.

Even after delivery, I still have to eat healthily and pile up the protein, Vitamin D and calcium in order to maintain adequate milk volume for the baby.

- - - - - 
Yesterday night, baby kicked me very very hard when I was lying on my right side. Almost fell asleep around 10.45 pm, while Hubby is watching American Idol, but baby gave me 2 hard kicks. They are the strongest kick I've ever experienced. I shouted out 'OUCH!' and Hubby looked at me shockingly.

Then today, she is still very active. Always doing her stretching and swimming inside me.

23 weeks

I just saw Shufen's baby Hector photos on facebook and also some of the SMH moms' baby (infant) pics. Totally melts my heart. I can't wait to carry my very own baby in my arms and tell her how much I love her. I have been telling her this every day.

Fen's newborn :)

Recently, baby has been moving more often especially so after meals and at night or when she is hungry or when I sing to her or play Mozart's music. Yesterday, I could see her squirm underneath my clothes. It's a very interesting sight.

I'm still having those unexplainable hiccups just lesser now. But I do get about 5-6 hiccups throughout the day (everyday). I can eat alot more now and I got to have my teabreak at 3.30 pm otherwise my baby will remind me to eat by kicking me hard.

A typical lunch + teabreak during a working day !!!

• fish soup with rice at 1 pm
• dessert or fruit juice at 2 pm
• fruits / bread / cookies at 3.30 pm
• milo at 5 pm

I'm also finding myself visiting the toilet more often to pee. Almost every 1.5 hours but each time I go, it's not much pee.

I'm not quite sure what will happen after my maternity leave. Will I get to be a SAHM or will I get into NIE in July 2012? I'm not sure exactly what is Plan A / Plan B or what the future holds. I wonder if Hubby's pay can sustain us for 1 year. I was thinking until baby is 1 year old then we find a babysitter or send her to infantcare or hire a maid and let my mom watch over the maid. But then again, I wish I can be the one taking care of baby myself.

If only I strike tomorrow's Toto 3 million draw... if only.

My FIL bought these chinese CDs for baby to listen. He also bought a baby poster for us to put up on the wall but Hubby thinks it's too cheena already and the baby looks weird. It's the thought that counts though :)

Swimming at my mom's place

was slim once upon a time

no more flat tummy now -_-||

I just swam one lap and the rest of the time was soaking in water. Spent some quality time with Hubby in the pool and then got ready to attack the buffet dinner my mom ordered from Neogarden to celebrate Sis Lucy's 60th Jubilee.

The next day, Hubby and I went Nex to shop. He was so pleased with the place which was conducive for pets and children to hang out on the sky garden level.

Spotting again

I'm now 21 weeks. These two days I have pink spotting. I wasn't as panicky as the last time. Maybe partly it's because I can still feel baby's movement. She is still quite active and responsive when I sing and talk to her.

I called Dr Poon's clinic this morning but the nurse said that he is only free to see me at 3.45 pm today. I posted my situation at SMH facebook and Jois and AJ recommended me to go KKH O&G straight away. And so I went.

The doc's name is Sharimala, an Indian. I took special notice of her name because she did pap smear for me and it was so damn painful. She is so rough. I felt raped. Or rather, I feel like a gold mine and she just digged and digged. I told her I just did pap smear (by Dr Chen in Feb 2011) but she still wanted to do for me. She said my cervix is bleeding, and my pregnancy is fine as the blood doesn't come from the womb. I told her about the history of my spotting. She said this time round the bleeding could be different from the previous times.

She also used a doppler to listen to baby's heartbeat. She mentioned that the heartbeat is fine. Then the nurse gave me an injection and Doc asked me to continue to eat my utrogeston these few days. She only wanted to give me one day's MC but I asked if she can give me Monday too and she said okay. Consultation charge is $60 (considered cheap for a first time walk-in as compared to Dr Chris Chen). Total bill $130. I think it's okay because she did so many things for me.

Hubby called from Hong Kong and asked me to take care and don't think so much. I'm really feeling okay. I guess after eating the utrogeston, I will feel drowsy and sleep early tonight. Hubby will be back in the wee hours when I'm asleep.

-----------------
On Saturday, after lunch I suddenly felt a flow from down under. Went to the toilet and check. There is a clumpy, thick yellowish cum brown/red blood clots of discharge. It was quite gross. I took a picture of it - just in case, I need to show gynae. I told Hubby about it too and he said he wants to look at the photo. He described it as tau hway texture.

I was rather worried and went to google. Some of them said that it's the mucus plug and usually in the last trimester but I'm only 21/22 weeks. Thankfully, no more of such discharge and I'm resting at home. Didn't dare to go Baby Expo and stayed at home to rest.

20 weeks (halfway mark)

Lately, there are some happenings at work. In my opinion, they are not pleasant. In fact, I've cried over it and was also angry and bitter. I've also learnt that I should be strong and not let emotions run over me. My colleague told me that I should not allow anyone or any issues affect the peace and joy I have with my baby. I shouldn't introduce sadness to baby and should enjoy my pregnancy. Thanks for her reminder. I will continue to work hard on this.

The first pic was my tummy at 5 weeks and now (last pic) I've ballooned so much :p I've put on 5 kg too. Recently, I have been eating well and my appetite seems to be so good (esp so during lunch), I even take tea-break in the office. I posted this last pic in Singapore Motherhood's facebook and all the mommies commented that I'm slim and have a nice figure when I was actually showing them the rashes on my tummy. So funny.

Anyway, I will stop Johnson's baby oil and might really switch to Clarin's Tonic Oil soon. Heard from the mommies that Swanston at Chinatown and Beauty Language shops are selling at less 30% off the retail price of $82. Cool!

From my 18th week, I can significantly feel baby's movement. Initially I was confused between stomach gas/wind with baby's movement. But later on, I can distinguish better as I get more familiar with baby's 'kick'.

Baby has more reaction when I take sweet drinks, esp so with Bandung. That's the reason I have been having Bandung so regularly. Another is when I sleep on my side when I purposely lean closer and closer into the bedsheet. I feel baby kicking for space because she doesn't like to be squashed. And also, when I went swimming. Maybe baby feels a change of environment (pressure or sound) or a dip in temperature? She is very excited. And also when I sing to baby, she dances to my tune too.

It's not easy to describe the feeling. I would say it's almost like butterflies fluttering in the stomach. Sometimes, when baby stretches, I can feel that my stomach muscles are pushed. Recently, it has gotten more distinguished until I blurted out 'ouch' or I'll laugh when I feel baby's movement. It's really a special feeling.

Papa is not as fortunate. He has not been able to feel baby's kicks though he can hear baby's movement in my tummy. He'll put his ear on my stomach and say that there's lots of movement inside or no movement (when baby's asleep).

The Detailed scan at Dr Poon's clinic
Hubby was not in Singapore. I went to the clinic from the office. And my parents met me there. Mom told me that Dr was waiting for me. I was the last patient before he close-shop.

It was about 20 mins duration. He scanned baby's head, heart, spine, fingers and toes. He just said everything looks okay. When I asked about the length and weight. He just gave an estimation, sounded as if it's not important. Also, happened to see baby's nose, ears and lips for a short moment.

Still unable to confirm baby's gender because my baby was playing hide and seek with me. Her legs were very tightly closed.

There wasn't any report given but I heard that Thomson Medical Center does provide a detailed 2-3 page report :( Hubby smsed me that as long as baby is fine, doesn't matter.

As usual, my next scan will be 3 weeks later. Argh, such a long wait to see my baby.

Colostrum DHA Chews

I ordered this from a online forumer. This is her website - http://mumsandbabes.blogspot.com/p/colostrum-dha-chews.html. I have heard alot on good stuff about Colostrum. This product is made in New Zealand and thus more reliable (I feel).

What is Colostrum?
Colostrum is a nutrient-rich 'first milk' lactating mothers produce immediately after giving birth. It is wonderfully rich in essential proteins, antibodies, antioxidants, immunoglobulins, growth factors, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids that synergise to provide the body with the strength to fight off attacks.

Benefits of Colostrum:
-Stronger immune system
-Better resistence against infections
-Reduction in allergic reaction
-More efficient digestive track
-Speedier wound recovery and cell regeneration
-Healthier bone metabolism
-Healthier joints and cartilage functions
-Leaner and improves muscle mass
-Reduction in body fats
-Improved engery level
-Improved quality sleep
-Improved stamina and endurance
-Improved sense of well being
-Enhance mood

I'm a kiasu mama. I have been eating doc's fish oil (The fish oil capsule is too big. Everytime I swallow, I will tend to vomit it out...arghh) and folic acid but I still top up with other supplements rich in DHA so that my baby will be clever next time. I've just tasted one pill. It's okay. I wonder if next time my colostrum will taste like that. Hehe.

----
After trying the colostrum tablets, I proceed to order a full size one in chocolate flavour from Regine since there is a free registered post :) I think the chocolate one tastes better than original (vanilla) flavour.

More benefits about Colostrum here.

Every 3 hours

This week, I seemed to be waking up every 3 hours automatically when I sleep at night. I read from the forums that it's the body trying to adjust to the mummy system. So that next time every 3 hours you'll also wake up and breastfeed your baby. Cool eh! But isn't my body abit too early for that adjustment?

Hubby said my cup size grew abit. I thought so too. It's about half a cup bigger. I wonder what is the right increase? The anti-infection pills that Dr Chen gave me really makes me wanna puke. I'm supposed to take two pills daily but I can only take 1. I supplement it with eating yogurt or drinking yogurt shake everyday. It's very xinku eating this pill.

Mom and Dad will be back from their China trip tonight. Mom smsed me that all they bought are baby's clothing and stuff as they didn't have much time to shop. See the new baby stuffs that they bought :))

We're going to Batam tomorrow to celebrate Hubby's birthday. Time for some relaxation.

Constant nightmares

I'm back to work today. Lots of things to do and catch up. But I think I am managing my work well. I can even remind my colleagues some of the things to follow up and to take note of.

Last night I had a nightmare. In fact, lately, I have been having nightmares. Not sure whether it's because of the tension between me and Hubby. We seemed to bickle more often nowadays. But Hubby would never fail to listen and talk to baby when I am lying on the bed. Anyway, about my nightmare - I dreamt that I was being kidnapped.

But the person didn't want a ransom. It's a she. She wanted me dead. I pleaded her to let me go because I have a baby. And she said she wants the baby dead too. And she asked me to choose what kind of death I want; and she gave me some options (push me down the building, suffocate me, bury me alive, drink dettol, drown to death etc). I couldn't choose any and she randomly picked for me. I was so scared and so shocked that I woke up.

I had another nightmare, not long ago. That my head is being pressed against the wall until I can hear my skull crack. It was so painful; somehow I really literally felt the pain. But in the dream, I was more concerned about my baby. I felt my hands sayang my tummy but I couldn't wake up. When I finally managed to open my eyes, I was panting in tears and I could feel baby kickly fearfully inside me. I repeatedly apologized to baby for having such a nightmare and for scaring him so badly.

Lately, I kept on dreaming that someone wants to take my baby away from me.

Confinement Lady

Hubby did the first round of confinement ladies calling (about 4 of them) but couldn't secure any; all of them are not available and fully booked already. My mom did the second round of calling (about 8) and we secured Auntie Meiling (46 years old). I got the recommendation from online moms forum. My mom also drilled her lots of questions and she is able to 'satisfy' my mom. This Saturday, I will have to pay the deposit of $300. I don't want an old (more than 55 years old) confinement lady coz most probably old people are stubborn and insists on their way and have that attitude that you don't know better than them. That's the reason why I always ask of their age (which is one of my criteria) first.

I am pro breastfeeding. So any confinement lady who is pro-formula milk or anti-breastfeeding, I won't choose. I need her to teach me how to latch and how to express BM rather than 'Aiya, baby don't like it, just feed FM' kinda attitude. I would also need her to know what to cook so that my BM can increase.

Today is Ash Wednesday. Hubby will be fasting for the first time ever. He told me that he was so hungry and then today we aren't suppose to take meat. Hubby prayed for baby to be well and me to be good.

Then tonight, we will celebrate Hubby's birthday in advance (before my parents go for their vacation) at Melben Crab Place. After the hospital stay, I seemed to get tired every 3 hours and want to nap. I worry that I will not have enough rest at work next week. I sleep and sleep like a pig nowadays. But my weight has not gone up much. I grew 1 kg+ so far (now at 45.5 kg). 

Mothercare Sale

Shufen told me that there's a Mothercare sale at Harbourfront Center and I went to check it out on Sunday evening with Hubby (after going Turf City to check out cars).

When we first enter, I was already quite overwhelmed by so many things. We don't know where to start looking. Then we went straight to the stroller section. There are too many to choose from and we don't know anything. The staff were also busy with customers. For a moment, we looked as if we don't belong there.

Hubby was very 'hardworking'. He brought those strollers up and down the rack, open and close them, discover the mechanics and tried to push around. Then when it started to get crowded, we went to the baby carrier section to try out the carrier ourselves. We also looked at baby car seats but there was nobody to attend to us. We kept going to these 3 sections round and round.

Eventually, we bought a Baby Bjorn Carrier at $169 (original price was $250), a steam sterilizer at $39 (original price was $79) and a Quinny Buzz stroller at $838 (original price was $1189).

I'm glad that Hubby is so generous when it comes to buying things for the baby. It's a $800+ stroller but he still decided to get it. There were other economical brands like Combi and Capella but we didn't even look at them at all.

We were so engrossed in shopping that we forgot about dinner until I suddenly felt soooo hungry. Must be the baby reminding me to have some food. So we went to the food court and had our quick dinner before heading home.

I had some brown spotting last night. I guess it must be from the massive walking the entire day. I need to take more rest today.

14th week

Last night we went to see Doc Poon. It's a scheduled appointment. I told him that I went to see Dr Christopher Chen and he went through with us the radiology scans. He asked me to stop taking Valium and he has that puzzled and yet stern look and he just repeated again 'Don't take that anymore'.

Doctor did a scan and this time, baby is facing down and kneeling. I can even see the hands clasp together. Can you? I concluded that baby is praying for mama to be well, for the bleeding to stop and that mama will not be worried but happy happy de. Towards the end of the video, baby must be wondering what's that thing that's pressing against him (disturbing his prayer time) and he looked back. Can you see can you see?

And earlier on, I felt a sharp pain at the corner of my tummy. It must be baby's feet poking at the ends of the placenta. Coz he is kneeling down. My baby is so adorable.

Hubby says that I think too much. But somehow I really believe I am right. I want to believe so. It makes me very touched and happy. I have been praying everyday for baby's well-being and also sending positive energy and love to my tummy and talking to baby and singing to baby.

I also had a flu jab to prevent myself from having flu (recommended by Doc). The next appointment with Doc Poon will be 25 March. Though I have an appointment with Doc Chen today at 5.30 pm for review.

-----
Reached Dr Chen's center at 5 pm but I only got to see him at 7.40 pm. He said that I have vaginal infection and inserted some tablets underneath. He said not to worry, the infection will not affect the baby. He also asked the nurse to take 2 tubes of my blood for the 16th week scan (Triple Test) and he said that I'm 15 weeks+ already.

First time i saw him, I paid $448. Second time, $855. Ok enough. No more seeing this doctor (though he is good and detailed and professional) He specialises in fertility cases, IVF, complicated treatment and his fees are just too high-end for me. I'm back to Doc Poon.

I'll be back at work on 14 March, Monday. During this period, I will be checking emails from home as there are some hiccups at the workplace.

Hospitalised at Gleneagles

And I had another round of red bleeding in the noon. Was chatting with Michelle over msn and she said that I have to call KKH immediately.

I dialed the general line and asked for my friends' recommended gynaes. But they are all not available. The earliest slot they can see me is in March! Then I asked for any other consultant who is available the soonest. The nurse said she doesn't think so and advised me to go to KKH A&E immediately. I explained to her that I don't really want to because the A&E doctors are not experienced (plus I heard that they are just graduate doctors and don't know anything). But she said, it's better than not doing anything. Your condition is critical.

I decided to try and call Dr Christopher Chen from Gleneagles. This is the doc that is last one my mind because he is VERY expensive and Gleneagles Hospital is the most expensive hospital la. But my baby is my priority. I called up.

I explained my situation. Thankfully, the nurse told me that I can come down at 3 pm on the same day to see Doc. They don't call him doctor. They call him Professor. I bathed and prepared facial wash, lotion, sunblock, panty (just in case I have to be warded) and I took a cab down.

Hubby couldn't be with me because he was tied down at work. I was very scared. While I was talking to baby to be strong and hang on to me, I cried to myself. I also said a prayer and God will protect both of us.

When I got there, I was surprised at the size of the clinic and how posh it looked. It's not a clinic. It's a center! (looks like 4-5 units combined)

I immediately thought about my poor pocket and how empty it will be. Finally I saw Dr Chen. He is extremely detailed when he asked me questions. Then he examined me and said that the bleeding is from the uterus. He said he couldn't treat my case as an outpatient and let me go home. I have to be warded otherwise there is a risk that I may lose the baby. I also noticed that I have some discharge of blood clots.

The nurse took 2 tubes of my blood and gave me a prosterone (spelling?) injection at my other side of the butt. I had to be wheelchaired to do the hospital admission. I won't be able to walk and will be bedridden (eat sleep poo pee on bed) When I was alone in the ward, I secretly went to the toilet to pee and the nurse 'scolded' me for being naughty. (The toilet is just 3-4 steps away from my bed!).

The next day I went for radiology test to do the Nuchal translucency screening. The report was out within a day. Baby is okay. Heartbeat is 169. I have 3 pages of detailed scans and one page of report. The baby is fine (measuring 7.6 cm) and doesn't have down syndrome. The bleeding seems to come from the placenta. I asked doctor whether it is serious. He said that the situation is under control and I will get better. He prescribed me Valium to relax my womb and to make me go to sleep and not worry. I just googled and realised that it's a drug to control anxiety and for calming agitated psychotic patients. I need to see Dr Chen again on 2 March to see whether I should extend my hospitalisation leave.

Btw, Doc Chen said that I am 14th weeks and my EDD is 30 August but according to Doc Poon I'm 12th week and my EDD is 7 September. Hmm???

Anyway, the bleeding stopped. And I begged doctor to let me go home. I am still on hospitalisation leave but just staying at home to rest. I shouldn't be at the computer typing this for too long. I'm going to rest on bed again.

Gleneagles food is horrible. I couldn't eat and there is one occasion I felt weak at my knees and almost fainted because I didn't eat and nurse drew 4 tubes of my blood. Luckily, I was wheelchaired all the way and I'm always lying down (otherwise I sure faint). I was always looking fwd to my parents or Hubby buying me outside food. Hubby apologised that he is very busy at work and couldn't be by my side while I was in the hospital.

The injection and the medicine probably made my skin condition very bad. I suddenly have an outburst of pimples at my chin area. I have never felt so ugly in my life before. But Hubby said it doesn't bother him. So grateful he said that to comfort me.

It's lunch time now, but Hubby is so busy at work. I dare not even call him for a chat. Last night I cried when I was explaining to baby that Papa is busy at work but he cares for us. I miss Hubby alot. Everytime when I wake up, he is off to work and when I am about to sleep, he is still at work. During office hours, I dare not sms him or call him to disturb him.

But all in all, thank God for His protection and comfort over us.

Last minute to the gynae

Yesterday evening, there is still some red blood after I urined. The toilet paper has red traces and I told Hubby (when he is back from work) that we need to see Doc Poon again.

Doc Poon gave me a higher dose of injection (of An Tai Yao) at the buttocks. He said that if he injects my arm, it will be too painful. Then he changed my Duphaston to Utrogestan as I really dislike taking the latter, it makes me wanna puke all day long and I just couldn't eat because I will be so sick.

Doc Poon also said that baby is well and active. This time at the ultrascan, I can see baby's facial features more defined. Baby has eyes, nose, ears and mouth. Baby's arms are also very clear. As the baby is moving, Hubby took a video of the scan but some irritating fella from IT company called at 8.45 pm and he couldn't film anymore. He also had to finish the stupid and useless conversation with him.

Anyway, the bleeding is definitely from the womb but he isn't sure why I am bleeding and what causes it. He asked me to rest and if there is more bleeding, I definitely have to come back to him again. I was given one week's MC. [Am i going to get fired from my workplace?]

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Then this morning, around 7.30 am I woke up to urine. There is again another 20 cent worth of red blood and pink blood on the tissue. I showed it to Hubby and he asked me to on the lights to confirm the colour. Indeed, it's reddish.

I am resting and will observe again in the noon. I think this time, I really have to be warded to determine where the bleeding is from for further observation. If Doc Poon doesn't do anything much, I will seek a second gynae's opinion and go to KKH.

I'm still remaining calm and don't want to stress so much. I just lie down on the bed as much as I can to pray, to talk to baby and to use my iphone. Somehow after a while, I always dozed off. I seemed to be sleeping so much. I have never slept as much as now in my life.