39th week update

Time for another update! School holidays started yesterday, I went back to school just for an hour to finish up some admin work.

The visit to the midwife last week, she gave me lots of info on what to expect on the day of delivery. She said baby's head has gone down a little lower this time! :D My weight went down a little. From 12.5kg gain to 12.35kg. She was curious and mentioned another mummy also had the same issue and said she had lunch before coming in the other time. It was the same for me haha.

We went to book our room type as well. For subsidized we can choose from C, B2 or B2+ ward. I personally went up to the wards to take a look. Hospital directory will not indicate which level has which ward so it was a guessing game for me. I've seen the C and B2 class ward. Though they say its without aircon but there will still be air cooler. So its not so bad. But I wanted to have at least some privacy and basic level of comfort so I chose the B2+ which is actually a room with 5 beds and attached bathroom + aircon. Another tip, B2+ is the most popular among the subsidized wards so there is a high chance you might get an upgrade :D

I collected my photos last Friday too. Let me share some here...



Beautiful memories, I really encourage all expectant mothers to go for it at least once. I know some of you might be feeling self-concious about your body but you will not have your pregnant body forever. To me its even more important than wedding photos! These were taken one month ago on Valentine's Day. I passed the 38th week mark already :O

Met up with Linda and Wen on Sunday, went to SSC, not sure when will be the next outing? :( They might need to come over more often.

The baby cot is here today! I find that its a little big, but its still beautiful! I can imagine myself going into the room many times a day just to look at baby Zac... Mummy can't wait for you to be here. I love you <3.

I've finally gotten down to packing my hospital bag. The next few days will be about cleaning and tidying the house. More things to buy... OK time for a short nap. Till the next time... :D

Nightmares (not me)

Time really flies, at 1000km/hr. I'm in school now, last day before I go on leave. I don't know why when I say last day it feels like I am leaving forever =X

And my closest colleague have been on medical leave since yesterday... oh no. as much as I wished she is here, I would rather she rest and recuperate at home.

Somebody is more anxious than me. Hubby says he had 2 nightmares in a row. One was about HIM giving birth (he says because he doesn't have a vagina so the doctor wanted to cut open his... LOL, another one was about me going into labour............................ well that will happen eventually.

Baby, mummy can't wait to meet you... Promise to come on the 30th please?? I got a feeling his head is engaged already..

God has given me victory - 凯 the chinese character for victory, part of baby's name ❤

Officially full-term

Here I am at 5am, wide awake in bed. Oh Zac is starting to move again <3 it's really any time from now. Want to thank God for His promise, that this baby will indeed be carried to full-term. That's what He assured me when I often have fears of losing baby.

An update on the midwife visit on Friday, I tested negative for the Strep B test!! Woohoo one thing off my mind, another small step towards a smooth delivery. Baby's head still not engaged yet. In just one week I gained another 1kg - total weight gain: 12.5kg

Been reading up on cord blood banking and we decided to donate it to the Singapore Cord Blood Bank. My takeaway is that if baby has any kind of illness later in life, his own cord blood might not be suitable as it already contains the defective cells? No point banking it for private use, might as well donate it for someone else to benefit from it. See baby, you are saving lives the moment you are born and I'm so proud of you!

After midwife appointment and signing forms for cord blood donation I went for a short session on breastfeeding. Previously I attended Mrs Wong Boh Boi's antenatal class and it covered this topic. However I felt I needed a refresher and I'm glad I went for it! 

Hubby had already gone for his meeting after seeing the midwife together with me. After the session I had a sudden thought to go take a look at the nursery. Felt a little emo when I saw those babies...

I was in need of a mani/pedi so I went back to Northpoint. Removed my CNY gelish (not bad it lasted me for a good 2 weeks plus). Also did a classic pedicure, needed to get rid of the dead skin and trim my toe nails as well. It's getting uncomfortable to do it on my own. I might go back again before I give birth. The lady serving me was not bad! The price was reasonable as well at $35, I could do this more often :D

Hot pink on my toes! Can't stop admiring them though my feet is not the prettiest part of me. I always find that they look dark and dirty :S Slight swelling as you can see. I refer to them as sausage toes haha!

Had dinner, went home and waited for CG members to arrive. 

Been craving for Teh O... 

Discovered something funny when I saw myself walking towards the mirror. The bear on my nightie looks 3D due to my belly haha!! And when I walk it looks animated like the bear is tilting its head left and right!!! I showed hubby and he found it so cute!! Haha the position is perfect!

It's 6am now on a Sunday morning! It's my last week at work before I go on leave. I will have about 2 weeks of rest and preparation if baby arrives around EDD. Next appt with midwife will be on Friday again. So just another 4 more days of work.

Ok I should try to get back to sleep!

Entering 37 weeks

Went to the midwife today for strep B test. Just a swab below, simple and straightforward. Nothing much to report as usual. Hopefully I do not have the bacteria so I don't need to be administered antibiotics during labour.

Was more curious to find out how much weight I gained. From last month, I only gained additional 1.5kg. Not too bad. A total of 11.5kg weight gain so far. Started at 53kg and weigh 64.5kg now. 

Baby's head is still down but not engaged yet. Will be going back for the next appointment in a week's time. I asked the midwife if I will be seeing doc or doing anymore scan, she said no unless I have not delivered by 39 weeks. Well I guess if baby's fine and I am well, there's no need for it. That's how the subsidized system works.

Let's see if the subsidized scheme really is much cheaper than going private. If not, the next time I might as well choose private.

Feeling a little depressed when I see myself in the mirror. Seems like more stretch marks appearing. Not on my belly but my upper thighs and possibly under my boobs and on my lower back just above my butt. Oh did I mention I already have very old stretch marks (already white) on my butt due to puberty? My consolation: they are hidden as long as I am clothed. I think when they fade to white I will feel much better as fresh marks are like purple/red.

They say gaining weight gradually and applying lotion helps but I still couldn't prevent it so, I guess I am genetically predisposed to it. Some people who are much bigger dun get them at all, so it's not about your size.

My underarms look very dark and dirty but people say it will go away so I'm not so concerned about that.

Knowing how vain I am, this the sacrifice I made to have baby Zac. No regrets!

初七，人日。

It's day 7 of the lunar new year. It is considered to be everyone's birthday.

I'm starting to get more tired. Yesterday I took a 2 hour nap after coming back from school and slept through the night but still needed to take naps when I reached work today.

I take 15-20mins naps about once or twice a day at work.

The stretch marks on my left thigh doesn't seem to be going away. Hubby comforted me saying they were not a lot. I saw some emerging on the inner thigh now...

I have many fears going through my mind.
- Will I be able to handle the pain of labour? How long will it take?
- Will baby be ok?
- It will be much more tiring when baby comes out. Can I manage well?
- Will I lose the excess weight?
- Will I be able to breastfeed successfully?
- How will I evolve as I take on the role of being a mother? I don't wanna be a paranoid mother.

I'm not tired of pregnancy, but I'm feeling restricted due to it. When can I wear nice clothes/heels again? I miss my sashimi, steak, runny egg yolks, etc.

Of course I have exciting thoughts about meeting baby Zac:
- Will he resemble me or hubby more?
- How heavy will he be?
- What kind of personality will he have?
- Will he have lots of hair?? :D
- I can't wait for his first smile!

Hubby says I am so much happier being pregnant. Everyday I thank God for giving me Zac. Its the greatest blessing God has given me, to become a mother. Hubby and I still can't believe we are becoming parents, we are gonna have a son. It's now down to a matter of weeks before I see Zac. 4 more days to March, 11 more days to 37 weeks.

My uncle was telling me my 3 cousins didn't come easy or cheap. They had problems conceiving each one of them and had to see the senior specialist for jabs. Though I empathize with him on that, but God also showed me that even with obstacles He was able to bless them with 3 children.

For those who are still trying, don't give up hope.

I have another round of CNY visitation this weekend... hmm. Just the thought of it makes me tired. :S Seeing the midwife again this Friday for Strep B test. Not sure what else to expect. Hopefully I can find out roughly how heavy baby is right now and also how heavy I am :O

Chinese New Year/36th week

Just made it passed 35 weeks. So I am in my 36th week now. Feeling a little anxious. I have not packed my hospital bag. Have not washed all the baby clothes. Have not gotten baby tub, baby cot is not here yet.

Chinese New Year wasn't particularly exciting for me. I did not buy new clothes due to my growing belly. Made do with what I already have. Was really tired during visitations. I cut down on a few houses this year. This is my second year giving red packets so by right I should not be receiving any already. But quite a number of relatives still blessed us! Maybe its the baby?! :D Did not eat alot during mealtimes but I snacked mainly on pineapple tarts, green tea, coke! all the sweet stuff made me feel very guilty.

I went to the manicurist on the eve to do my nails! She's home-based and stays just opposite my block! I will definitely be going back to her the next time. I had a classic pedicure and gelish manicure done and it cost only $75. $25 for the pedicure, $35 + $15 (nail art) for manicure. However, her services do not include scrub. Its really affordable and no additional surcharge for CNY period as I got a discount code ;)

I wanted to have hot pink glitters for my nails but the pink glitters she had were paler, what a let down.

I'm planning to do something to my hair before giving birth. My hair looks ok overall even though the last time I rebonded my hair was 9 months ago. I'm afraid I would not have time to do my hair  and hormones may wreck it (no drastic hairloss please!) I heard from the manicurist that even her friend with relatively thick hair was reduced to having bald patches. I have really thick hair as well but hearing that made me anxious =X

I also realized I could not fit into my old shoes anymore! During the photoshoot last week I brought my wedding heels only to realize I had to squeeze into them! Ever since I entered 2nd Trimester I bought new flats and stopped wearing heels and old shoes but I never thought my feet actually grew bigger... oh no.

Sweet moments between Hubbby and I. and baby Zac haha

Somebody is growing really strong bones and muscles! I will miss feeling his movements. Still so amazed by how much Zac grew, feels surreal I'm gonna be a mother soon. I'm truly blessed.

Valentine's Day

We never celebrated Valentine's Day, but I planned for something special on that day only to realize it was the 14th of February. It was also 9 years and 10 months since we got together, time flies!

A month ago, I booked and paid for the deposit of a maternity photoshoot! I was inspired by Fann Wong's Marie France Ad and thought I would like to leave a beautiful memory for myself and Zac Zac. Didn't want to wait for the next time as I am not sure if I will still look as good for subsequent pregnancies.

After doing some research, I decided to take up the package from a certain photography studio as I feel the price is reasonable, with makeup and hairstyling services included. I looked through their portfolio and find their style quite classy:

PACKAGE TERMS AND FEATURE - $358
› female photographer
› 1 hour studio photography session
› 3 outfit changes
› makeup and hair-styling for expectant mothers
› husbands have the option to join in
› 1 x A4 print with frame
› 5 x 5R prints
› 10 soft copy

I actually shortlisted another studio but found their package too expensive (above $500) - no makeup/hairstyling, not sure about outfits as they seems to only have sashes and very see through fabrics. Only 1 big print without frame and 10 soft copies. (the one above have 5 smaller prints.) But their portfolio looks really good.

So this was me before the photoshoot, sans makeup...

After makeup! I love the hair the makeup artist did for me. I want to perm my hair, not sure if it will turn out well? She also applied eyelid tape so that my eyelids will look more pronounced. The problem wth my eyelids are that they will appear hidden when I smile in photos. My eyes will also look much much smaller. Usually I tell the MUA not to apply them but not sure why this time I just left them on.

There were not many photos which were to our liking, a little disappointing actually. I expected more for the price we paid. But I'm generally still happy with the photos selected. The photographer made the shooting experience a pleasant one. I must say I enjoyed the shoot.

We were informed we should be getting the photos about 1 week after CNY. After we left the studio, we bumped into our church friend. She had hers done at another studio, for the price of $100 and got back all her soft copies!! Good price she paid and the photos were still decent. But of course she did not have other additional services. I guess it really depends on what you want.

Can't wait to share the photos here! Looking forward to CNY!

34th week

Time flies, it's already halfway through the school term! I will be finishing my lessons before Chinese New Year.

This also means I'm inching closer to seeing Zac... I try not to think too much about it because I will be worried that I can't handle labour pains. So I am enjoying now! I believe in visualizing and speaking out: I will have a smooth and fast natural delivery, no tear, manageable pain, baby and I safe and sound.

Of course if things don't turn out as I wished I will trust doctor's decision. Health and safety of mother and baby are most important. Although I really hope I do not have to go through a C-Sect.

Zac's movements are so vigorous everyday, sometimes I am concerned, is he getting enough sleep?? haha

But every time I feel so comforted when he moves, and I will acknowledge him by patting or stroking my belly. I will tell him "Yes, mummy is here, mummy love you." His hiccups are so strong now, I can see my belly 'bouncing'.

Current pregnancy symptoms, as usual nothing much to report on. Except for achy finger joints. I have also gained 10kg! I tell myself its all the baby and not me! Don't want to worry about gaining weight, most importantly baby must be healthy.

Went to see the midwife last Friday. No scanning was done but just to feel baby's position and measure heart rate. I already knew baby was head down ever since the last scan and I keep telling him to stay there! Midwife also showed me roughly how big is baby's head! She also informed me will be doing the Strep B test next appointment. A pity that my appointment falls on the day we have our Mass ALC Meeting.

Upcoming events for week 6:
1) I am going for my maternity photoshoot! Don't wanna miss this important milestone in my life!
2) Dasha's wedding :D

Week 7:
1) End of SDR and Chinese New Year week!

First Gynae Consultation at KKH

If I remember correctly, Hubby and I went for our first appointment when I was about 4 weeks pregnant. Naturally, we were very excited to see our baby!

But to our disappointment, all we could see was this:

The water bag? Doctor commented it was still too early too be seen. I actually started to worry if baby is alright.

Thus we were told to come back 2 weeks later... and finally saw a little wormie!!

I think that was the first time we saw baby's heart beating strong as well! Every little milestone was important to us!

My EDD was adjusted from 30th March to 29th March which was not much of a difference, although I thought 30th March looks like a nicer date. Haha. Most people don't give birth on their EDD anyway, it's just an estimate.

The consultation was short and sweet as I didn't have any symptoms or discomfort to report to the doctor. But after that I told hubby I should have done my homework and prepare a list of questions to ask her!

32nd Week

I'm officially in my 32nd week of pregnancy. All is well so far. I must say I am one of the very lucky few to experience a very smooth pregnancy.
1) I did not have morning sickness. I'm not sure if genes play a part as my mother did not have MS as well.
2) I did not develop any aversions to any food/drinks/smells.
3) Neither did I have strong cravings e.g. getting hubby to run out at midnight to get me durians from Geylang!
4) No giddiness (except for 2 times when I was on the train)
5) No constipation, in fact my bowels were much more regular than before.
6) NO ACNE!!! my oily skin was my biggest worry and I was on prescription topical medication before trying to conceive. I was afraid I would break out horribly.
7) No water retention... so far
8) No backache
9) No problems sleeping
10) No breathlessness
I would like to thank God that my body adjusted well to the pregnancy hormones. I actually felt so good being pregnant, hubby says I look beautiful <3 I still chase after the bus and skip down the stairs haha!!
Some effects which I didn't really like:
1) My underarms are so discoloured... they look horrible. (I have a tendency to have hyperpigmentation as I'm of a darker skin tone)
2) I see some emerging stretchmarks on my left thigh. Though they are very little, some days they look like they are non-existent. I hope they go away.
3) I was really, really, really, really tired in my 1st trimester.
4) I had 2 episodes of upset stomach, diarrhea when no one else had (though we all had the same food). I'm not sure if it was due to being pregnant. But I felt so bad that ZacZac was not getting food. Some of those days I cry and tell him I'm sorry I got no appetite for food. (later on I learnt that our body has 2/3 weeks of reserves for baby to tap on!)
5) Having more urges to go to the toilet
These aside, there were times we were so worried and unsure whether baby would be fine. More about it another time :)