Braxon Hicks Contraction

I think I just realised that I got my braxon hicks (again). I felt some tightening of my stomach for a few seconds (hmm, maybe 12 seconds) and then back to normal again. It's not painful but can feel the pressure. I suppose it's a sign that the body is getting ready. If it's not increasing in intensity and seems to be appearing randomly, it's nothing to worry about.

I didn't know that this is braxon hicks. I thought it's just widening/ stretching of the uterus or that baby is doing her stretching inside. Coz I get that stretchy feeling in my earlier trimester too, just that this time round, is stronger and longer duration.

Braxton Hicks contractions don't grow consistently longer, stronger, and closer together. If they are not lasting for 60 seconds and about 5 minutes apart, it's considered as false labour.

I've learnt about false labour in antenatal class just that they didn't name it "Braxton Hicks" in the notes.

I can also feel clearly that baby is using toes and/or fingers to feel her surroundings inside my tummy. It's really cute. I can't seem to describe the feeling in writing. Some mummies say they are practicing finer motor skills already. I guess baby also has lesser space to move around now that she has grown bigger.

My iphone3 doesn't have the video function and unable to capture these moments. (and ipad forever occupied by Hubby) I'll set aside a time to see if I can record it next week.

Crying Baby: Swaddling and Baby White Noise

I did some research and reading on the topic and thought i'll jot down here, in case I forget next time.

What to do when baby cries:

1. check if baby is hungry

2. check if diaper is soiled and needs to be changed

3. burp the baby

4. check ventilation of room and baby's clothing; if too hot or cold

5. check if baby is bored/needs attention (try talking, playing, singing)

6. swaddle baby and plays the white noise CD / mozart music

7. carry and cuddle baby

8. check if baby needs a bath, followed by massage

9. check if baby is not feeling well (fever/cold)

10. at the last resort, give pacifier

Thanks to a friend in SMH facebook who shared about this link - http://www.happiestbaby.com

I learnt something new about swaddling - that it keeps baby stay calmer and sleep longer when wrapped with the arms down at the sides. It's recommended to swaddle baby during the sleep period only (nighttime or nap time). Snug swaddling also reduces a baby’s mobility and may help keep babies from wiggling into a dangerous situation. It's okay to swaddle baby until they are 5-6 months old.

I also learnt about baby's first white noise. These are sounds that helps to calm crying or fussy babies, ease colic or sooth baby to sleep through the night.

More about baby white noise - http://www.babywhitenoise.com/babywhitenoise_faq.html

I was quite enthusiastic. I called up Borders Wheelock Place and check if they carry The Happiest Baby book/dvd/cd. If they have, I'm going to buy tonight after work. Unfortunately, this book is out of stock and they are not sure whether they'll be ordering and if so, when it will be in stock.

So within minutes, I login to my Vpost and placed an order with Amazon.com! I'll also buy the swaddle blanket later at Spring Maternity. (organic Swaddleme $58, normal ones $30+)

30 weeks

I'm into my 30th week. Can feel baby strong punches and kicks now.

I requested for DHA pills from Doc Poon because baby's brain is developing this week. According to Baby Center.com, Baby's head is getting bigger to accommodate the growing brain – which is busy developing billions of neurons. Every day, about 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in your baby's skeleton, which is now hardening. With this rapid growth, it's no surprise that your baby's nutritional needs reach their peak during this trimester.

That's why I have to be diligent in eating my calcium and DHA (NeuroGain PB Vegicaps $42) pills from now.

Doc Poon said that baby's head is downwards now but may shift later on. Weight is 1.3 kg and limbs are growing well. Right now, I can't seem to understand the ultrascan image and have to ask which part of baby is he scanning. He mentioned that baby's head is slightly big. Then Hubby said big head is good, means cleverer.

Doctor also said that I have to do a vaginal swab test 2 weeks later. He didn't make it optional for me but asked me to go for it. This test is outside of the package, which means I have to fork out extra cash. I am not sure how much (for now). I will do it on a Saturday since am not taking anymore annual leave.

Because of this test, my scheduled appointment has to be pushed back further and it means in July, I only get to see my baby once. I was rather upset but Hubby says it's okay as long as baby is doing fine. I still feel abit bo-hua. This is the second time they pushed back the appointments, which will delay the days I get to see my baby scans, which also means I get to see my baby lesser. I am quite angry with myself for not checking thoroughly what the package consists of and just signed with them.

The $700 package doesn't include ad-hoc appointments made with the doctor. There are a few occasions that I had spotting and I had to pay full fee when I see doctor (as if I didn't sign any package). It also excludes detailed scan pricing, all the supplements and additional tests eg OSCARS (I didn't go for OSCARS or Triple Test with Doc Poon, I did Triple Test with Doc Chen).

Which means to say the package only includes about 7 or 8 visits at the clinic (consultation fee) - calculated to be $88 each time just for consultation fees and probably short waiting time (less than 1 hour wait).

Anyway, I have nothing against Doc Poon. He is gentle and caring. It's just that I find other gynae's package more attractive and they are flexible in giving HL and generous in giving MCs for mommies to rest at home.

Faye Wong's music

I have been listening to Faye Wong's songs the whole of yesterday night and this morning. I think baby is feeling sian? Hehe. Can't help it. Faye's coming to Singapore in October 2011. And I've bought the ticket through the fan club in May. I bought the 3rd most expensive ticket ($380). The VIP seats costs about $580 (really crazy right?). And also Kenneth came back from Hong Kong recently, he got me a Faye's Concert DVD, which was never sold in Singapore and almost sold out in HK. I've also been to Blue Max, Sembawang Music, HMV, Popular etc but I couldn't even find any of Faye's CD. So lately I have been listening (non-stop) to my collection of Faye's songs.

And then after listening to her songs, I want to go KTV very badly. LOL.

This is a preview of 王菲巡迴演唱會2011. 

Organic red raspberry tea

My organic red raspberry tea leaves are here. I ordered from Babydust.

I'm quite surprised that the packaging of the tea leaves is like that. I mean, who knows what's really inside hor? But I do trust Babydustshop la, as I've previously ordered from them before. And the seller is quite sincere and prompt in replying emails, so it's fine.

I ordered the 100g pack and she even packed in a sealable transparent bag for me. Very thoughtful of her. Though it's sealed, the fragrance of the tea leaves still permeates through the envelope. Really nice aroma.

It's mentioned in the website to only consume during the later stages of pregnancy. I intend to drink it when I reach 31st week and only in the morning coz I don't know whether it's decaf. Don't wish to get sleepless nights :p

More reads on raspberry tea here.