(2005/10) Oct 2005 MTB???

amari: this sprain will takes awhile to heal. i doubt any Chinese Sinseh can be so good till have it up for u to be in running condition.
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Chinese treatments dun kick in fast... its for the internal to heal.
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poshbb:
I also had quite a bit of clear white discharge yesterday.. duno if its normal.. more than usual lor..
 
kurrin: my client yesterday afternoon told me abt this.. maybe i share with u all.. Foot REflex will help to ease leg cramps.. i am having it too.. dunno why... i think i better go for one soon too... but pls.. if u all have to go for a foot reflex, make sure that person know his job... cos our feet has lots of acupunture pts.
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kurrin: ya.. mine too.. lots.. i tot i was bleeding.. so worried.. then went toilet to check... its the white discharge.. and last nite.. on the bed.. i feel my shorts wet manz
 
poshbb, i know it will be a bit slow for chinese physician. yest sin she the skill is not good. can tell. he even didnt rub my leg with using his hand only use ginger and oitment. thats it. and i pay quite expensive abt S$ 48.
 
morning everyone!

is there a reason why there is suddenly so much discharge? So far for me, my discharge still like before i am pregnant.

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poshbb:
mine not wet one.. just tat went toilet then cleanup time got see the clear discharge on the toilet paper.. and its not sticky.. I guess should be ok bah..
 
poshbb - yes, i experience same thing as u - increase in discharge n pain in my left pelvic tat went all the way down my upper thigh.. i used this cream that GP gave me for my sprained ankle. Besides pelvic pain, i also have wrist pain - it's getting quite bad, i cannot move my hand when i wake up.. i feel like a broken down machine.
 
Amari.. pls check with yr gynae cos' when preggy, your ligaments will all be loosen, plus water retention, sinseh tieh ta may not be the right form of treatment.. still better to use analgesic and brace/ankle guard.. just my opinion. U see, i also sprained it and i also have sprained wrist.. so I use the cream doc gave and gynae also says same thing - a guard will probably reduce the water retention and minimise future sprains.. take care!
 
Sneaky.. Haha... Yep.. I'll tell you when I do tell him..
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Celine, Kuririn,Fresia, Garfield, Puea, Nuttnuts, Sneaky: Yah, I'm trying to watch my weight too.. Haven't measured in awhile.. I find that I have less control over food now.. Silly hubby keeps trying to tempt me with yummy muffins and cakes..

PoshBB, Kuririn, Garfield, MC: I have increased discharge too.. Think nornal, as long as it doesn't smell foul (Could indicate an infection- UTI).. I know that discharge will become more viscous and thicker cos of hormonal changes..

PoshBB, MC: Your pain sounds like Sciatica.. (DId I spell it right?) I go find the info on it and post it later..
 
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Sciatica + Pregnancy
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-Sciatica Pregnancy
What is it? As pregnancy progresses, the baby's head presses against the pelvic bones and this may affect the sciatic nerves in your lower back and legs (these sciatic nerves are associated with movement, sensation). This causes severe pain in the lower back, buttocks and leg (one or both). It may cause tingling, weakness and numbness down the legs as well. This condition is called sciatica and can be extremely uncomfortable and painful for the one suffering from it. I suffered during my first pregnancy and during the last stages of pregnancy, I could not even lift my left leg to get in and out of the bath tub without bursting into tears and was on paracetamol for about a month!

-Why might Sciatica happen in pregnancy?
Sciatica can happen at any time, but in pregnancy you're vulnerable because of the action of certain hormones. State registered chartered physiotherapist Sammy Margo, who practises in London, says: 'The hormone relaxin is released in pregnancy to soften and stretch your ligaments to allow for the size of the growing baby. In addition to this, as your baby grows, your weight is pulled forward, which increases the arch of your lower back. This can lead to pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing pain.'


-When during pregnancy might Sciatica happen?
n pregnancy, sciatica can occur in the first trimester when relaxin levels are highest, although it's more likely to occur during the second trimester when your baby is considerably larger. It can also happen at the end of pregnancy, when your posture is likely to be at its worst and the pressure on your spine is at its height.

-What to do when Sciatica happens during pregnancy?
What to do? Since the pain is caused by the position of the baby, it will vanish only after the baby has been born. In the meantime, some relief can be obtained by lying on a firm mattress, using a hot water bottle, special exercises as suggested by your midwife or doctor.When in severe pain, consult the doctor to rule out the possibility of a slipped disc.

-Applying a heat or an ice pack to the painful area for 10 minutes can provide relief and is safe in pregnancy.
Wearing flat, soft shoes will help prevent jarring of the spine when you walk.
Keep mobile and avoid sitting still for long periods.
Listen to your body and stop doing whatever is causing you pain.
During the latter stages of pregnancy, a TENS machine is safe to use to help control pain. It can also be used during labour and after your baby is born.
Watch your posture and try to keep your back as straight as possible. When seated use a small bolster cushion or a rolled up towel behind your back to support the spine.
Use pillows and cushions to support your bump in bed.
Avoid heavy lifting if you do have to lift anything, always bend from your knees and keep your back straight.
 
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Carpel Tunnel Syndrome and Pregnancy
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It is not unusual for women who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) to notice an increase in symptoms when they are pregnant or for women who have never had CTS to develop carpal tunnel-like symptoms.

It is important to make a differentiation between true CTS and pregnancy-related symptoms. CTS is most commonly caused by overuse of the wrist coupled with poor body mechanics. Symptoms associated with pregnancy are not necessarily connected to your job or other activities, although certain activities may aggravate the symptoms. Pregnancy-related symptoms are caused by the increase in fluid retention and ligament laxity. This allows for more swelling in the carpal tunnel, which is already cramped for space. The additional pressure on the vessels and nerves produce the symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, etc . . .


Stretches and exercises for the wrist are very helpful in alleviating the discomfort, promoting proper blood flow to the area and decreasing the accumulation of fluid. Ice or heat compresses may offer some relief, as may support braces. The braces are often most beneficial when used at night while sleeping, since this is often when symptoms are increased. Therapeutic ultrasound is often used to help to decrease the swelling. Manipulation of the wrist is also very beneficial. This will ensure that all the bones in the wrist are in correct alignment. Very often with the increase in ligament laxity and the increase in fluid, the bones become out of alignment or 'subluxated'. This only compounds the problem by causing more crowding in the carpal tunnel.

Symptoms associated with pregnancy and even the increase in true CTS symptoms usually resolve themselves within 6 weeks post partum. Occasionally they will persist and require more extensive therapy, however there is rarely a need for surgical intervention. The best way to ensure that the symptoms do not persist after pregnancy is to receive treatment during the pregnancy. If the vessels and nerves are compressed for long periods of time without relief, permanent damage is more likely to occur. Most chiropractors are knowledgeable about CTS, but you may feel more comfortable with a chiropractor that specializes in caring for women during pregnancy.

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Carpal tunnel syndrome or CTS is a condition where the "tunnel" through which the median nerve passes becomes natrowed at the wrist. The narrowing presses on the nerve and makes certain fingers and parts of the hand ache or tingle, especially at night or in the dawn hours. CTS can arise from unknown ("idiopathic") reasons or from over-use of the hand in certain jobs or hobbies where repetitive movements strain the wrist tissues - as with knitting, keyboard inputting, housepainting, racquet sports and operating hand-held power tools such as drills, hammers or chain saws. Such repetitive strain injuries are frequently seen among miners, roadmenders and others who use hand-held tools that vibrate. CTS can also arise by sleeping on the hand in a certain position and may accompany some diseases.

Tingling fingers may herald carpal tunnel syndrome

The first hint of carpal tunnel syndrome may be a buming numbness and tingling ("pins and needles"), as if some fmgers and parts of the hand had "gone to sleep." Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome occur because the median nerve is compressed as it passes through a narrow tunnel of bone and ligament at the wrist. The result is numbness, tingling and perhaps pain in the thumb, middle and index fingers, sometimes in all five fingers. Symptoms most often occur at night or in the early morning, making people shake their hands to get rid of the irritating sensation. Shaking or massaging the hand may give temporary relief, but if ignored, CTS can progressively worsen. It commonly affects both hands, the dominant (most-used) one more severely.

The CTS symptoms may appear after any movement that keeps the wrist over-extended for long periods - as with stitching, painting, operating a drill, saw or computer keyboard. The tingling sensation of CTS tends to worsen on flexing or extending the wrist, subsiding when the hand is at rest, in a "neutral" position. CTS can also be set off or aggravated by anything that makes the wrist tissues swell and compress the median nerve in its narrow passageway through the wrist. Fluid accumulation during pregnancy or before a menstrual period, a Coiles' (wrist-bone) fracture, gout, arthritis, diabetes and adrenal or thyroid diseases can cause an acute bout of CTS which often vanishes once the underlying condition improves or is effectively treated.

Besides being annoying, the sensory loss may lead to injuries or bums (due to a lessened sensation of pain and pressure), and the muscle wasting can make wrist movements clumsy. As CTS progresses, wrist and thumb strength may seriously decline. A typical case is Jeff, a carpenter, who experienced pain and numbness in his middle and index fingers on awakening, which disappeared when he shook the hand or raised it above his head. But the pain slowly increased, his grip weakened, and he began dropping things - even his favorite mug. Eventually the discomfort persisted all day and drove him to see his doctor, who referred him to a neurologist. The specialist prescribed a splint to be worn at night, but eventually Jeff needed surgery to relieve the problem.

Diagnosis of carpel tunnel syndrome

It's best to seek medical attention at once for any frequent or persistent tingling in the fmgers or hand. Clinical diagnosis of CTS is often complicated as the condition can arise from arthritis in the neck rather than median nerve (wrist) compression. But the typical night-time or early motrang hand tingling, and use of certain tests help to confirm CTS. Phalen's test is done by flexing the hands upwards at 90 degrees to see if and when the tingling starts; Tinel's test involves tapping the median nerve at the wrist to see if it produces tingling. The sooner the tapping induces tingling, the more serious the condition. Diagnosis must be confirmed with a nerve conduction study - where a small electric current is applied at different spots along the median nerve to assess nerve conduction and an electromyogram or EMG - with an electrode in the muscle to determine whether and how much nerve damage has occurred. A delayed response (slow conduction) through the carpal tunnel reveals conduction delay and possibly nerve injury. An abnormal EMG indicates muscle impairment from the decreased nerve supply. Treatment options for carpel tunnel syndrome Treatment of CTS usually begins with a splint, worn at night and perhaps also during the day. If symptoms don't subside, the physician may recommend surgery. "If there's only delayed nerve conduction," notes one expert, "conservative treatment may be enough; but if the EMG shows nerve damage, surgery is often advisable." Conservative treatment means wearing a light, plastic wrist splint (fastened by velcro strips), and possibly use of anti-inflammatory cortisone injections. Splints can remedy CTS by holding the wrist in position. Both night and occupational splints, specially crafted by occupational therapists to fit the individual's hand, keep the wrist in a "neutral" position reducing pressure on the median nerve. Occupational splints are job specific. Other helpful strategies include altered sleep positions and avoiding movements that increase pressure on the median nerve. With correct therapy, time and patience, the loss of nerve conduction can often be reversed by simple measures. Sometimes, operating tools in a more "neutral" wrist position, helps to alleviate the problem. Modern designers work on vibration-dampeners, shock absorbers and other ways to lessen the wrist-damaging movements of hand held tools.

If medical strategies fail to correct CTS, physicians may recommend surgery to decompress and release the nerve from pressure - a simple procedure (if done by experienced operators) performed under general or local anesthetic. The operation divides the ligaments forming the roof of the "tunnel" through which the nerve passes in the wrist, setting free the trapped nerve, often with rapid post-surgical relief. After a few days, stitches are removed, but splinting may still be needed until the wound heals and the pain subsides. In some, residual pain may persist for some time after the operation.

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Carpal tunnel syndrome affects 2533% of pregnant women. It occurs when the median nerve, travelling through the "tunnel" of the wrist bones, is compressed by the flexor tendons which also run through the carpal tunnel. The nerve responds to this compression by sending back pain signals and by not carrying normal information which provides sensation to the hand.

This results in numbness and/or pins and needles in the fingers and hands, generally first thing in the morning. This is termed "mild and while annoying, is usually not incapacitating. The same cannot be said of the more severe forms of the condition where the pain is so severe that sleep can be disturbed and hand movements are severely restricted. The symptoms can also include sharp pains that shoot from the wrist up the arm, thumb weakness, frequently dropping objects, waking at night with hand pain and numbness in the hands while driving.

Hand Exercises: What can be done about it?
Here are some remedies which might be helpful:

Hold your fingers stretched out as far as possible for a few seconds, then relax them.
Make a fist, then straighten out your fingers.
Move your hands up and down and from side to side and round and round. Try flicking them quickly.
Keep your hands raised as much as possible improvise an elevation sling with a scarf. In bed try sleeping with your hands slightly raised on pillows.
Try bathing your hands/wrists in a bowl of hot water (around 38oC) for about 3 minutes. Then immerse them in cold water for about 30 seconds. You should then repeat this sequence twice more, increasing the temperature of the hot water to a maximum of 43oC (dont burn yourself!) and adding ice to the cold water to keep it cold.
Wear a splint/wrist support, supplied by your midwife. Studies have shown that resting the fingers, hand and wrist in a neutral position is the most effective way to reduce pressure on the median nerve.
Acupuncture or acupressure helps some women.
Make sure you are eating a full and balanced diet, containing the full range of vitamins. There is some evidence that taking B complex vitamins by mouth has helped to relieve the pain and numbness/tingling of carpal tunnel syndrome. B vitamins are used in nerve metabolism and if you have a relative deficiency, increasing your intake may improve nerve function.
If the condition is very severe, your doctor may prescribe a diuretic drug to help you lose some excess fluid. Sometimes ultrasound treatment may relieve the symptoms.

After pregnancy
Carpal tunnel syndrome usually improves, often very quickly, after pregnancy ends. You are not likely to develop this condition again unless, of course, you get pregnant again and even then, you might or might not. For women who have experienced symptoms prior to pregnancy, it is possible the problem wont go away and only then would the last resort treatment of surgery be undertaken.
 
MC and I think someone else was talking about wrist pain.. I have been having "pins and needles " in my hands too... My hubby thinks it's Carpel tunnel syndrome.. I've just cut and paste some info here.. FYI..
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hi Fushiastar... yes i do have CTS but that was like years ago when i used to carry my nephews the wrong way - i bent my wrist instead of my elbow.. it's also called new mother syndrome.. But it went away.. just this past 2 weeks, it returned.. really painful.. i need a super duper wrist guard!!
 
hi girls,
i was just thinking, our long talked abt gathering is like never happening. u all still keen to meet not? how abt those who can make it will meet, those who cannot then next time? i suggest next Fri 8 July or is 15 July better? cos if decide on a later date, too far away lah.
wat u think?
 
MC: i also have wrist pain...right side somemore...i thought i had sprained it somehow...i have have the buttock pain...looks like fushiastar has already found information on all the pain i'm experiencing and have answered my questions.

ling and all concerned: as for discharge, i am also experiencing more discharge nowadays...they do smell a bit too...yucks...i read somewhere in a book that increased discharge is normal at this stage...do not be alarmed okay??

fushiastar: okay, i'll wait for you then...kekekeke
 
<font face="Calisto mt"> Good morning Ladies

<font color="0000ff">breakbeats</font>,

U r e one sending ur BB to infant care rite? Can I jus check how much will e fee be like after subsidized?</font>
 
Just sharing info..
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I'm seeing my gynae for my detailed scan today gonna tell her about the pins and needles in my hand too.. Think it's always good to know about all the things that are happening to our bodies, but better to get a doctor to confirm diagnosis and treatment.. The earlier we recognise that there's a problem and the earlier we get treatment, better..
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Jenifur: I'm sending my baby to infant care, placed deposit already.. For working mothers the subsidy is about $400+ After subsidy, mine costs $750 for full day infant care 5 days a week per month..
 
<font face="Calisto mt"> <font color="0000ff">Fushiastar</font>,

Tks for e info. Which infant care u sending ur BB to? Did u go for a tour 1st? I'm now looking into e options of maid/infant care or BBsiter. </font>
 
Jenifur, I'm sending my child to Happy Joy School House located behind Serene Centre (which has a medical clinic) a 1 minute walk from Botanic gardens. It takes a Max of 9 infants at any 1 time.You need to place a deposit to secure a place. It's a bungalow with 2 levels, a sand pit and small pool. Infants are placed on the ground level. The main play area is open air, but sleeping room is air conditioned. They have 3 infant care givers, all Chinese, all with certificates in infant care and infant CPR. They speak English. The infants/children there are mostly expatriates..
I shortlisted 4 places- Cherrys Inc along Dunearn, PCS at Ghim Moh and this other one at Queensway as well as Happy Joy.. Went down to see all 4 places and decided that this is the best
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fushiastar.. which infant care is that?? im surprised u get to put deposit! cos' the 2 i visited near my home did not even allow me to put waitlist before bb born. must wait till bb is born.. so i can't do much at the moment! how how??
 
<font face="Calisto mt"> <font color="0000ff">MrsTan</font>,

Sorry I missed ur posting, not ignoring u on purpose. I'm ok w both dates though prefer 15-7 cuz 8-7 I might b busy w CPF submission</font>

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Mrs Tan: u v cute...have u all met up before or will this be the first outing?

i v shy leh....i usually will 'talk' a lot in front of the computer but once i meet up wih pple, i tend to be quiet..hehe...
 
<font face="Calisto mt"> <font color="0000ff">Fushiastar</font>,

Tks 4 ur PM. Actually I'm more inclined to infant care too. Will go check out more alternative centre. Tks ya</font>
 
Mrsttan, you so funny!
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but I can't make it on fridays coz i got to go TMC to attend the antenatal class now still got 3 more lessons.

can change it to a thursday?? no weekend please.
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garfield, jenifur, celine,
no leh..havent met up before leh. last time we were saying meet after 1st tri when our MS all gone. then now almost end of 2nd tri liao, still nothing happening...aiyohh..
ok so fridays are out. how abt thurs 21/7? (14/7 i cannot cos my hubby b-day)
 
<font face="Calisto mt"> I shld be ok w 21-7, unless I cannot finish doing my payroll. If really cannot then I join u all next time</font>
 
fuschiastar, MC et al: I kena CTS for my first pregnancy. Wah, I couldn't feel with my right hand and it stayed that way till 2 months after delivery. I couldn't even open up a jar or bottle. Had to constantly get help from others. I told my gynae but there was nothing she could do except tell me it'll resolve itself after delivery.
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Mrs Tan: Evening meetings are out for me lah. Gotta be with my girl. Sorry!
 
Mrs Tan.. Not ignoring you..
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I can't on 21/7.. Have dinner plans already..

MC: Happy Joy Schoolhouse

Kris.. My hubby said the same thing, that nothing could be done.. He told me to just elevate my hands and not use them too much and get me a wrist guard if it gets worse.. But I still want to tell my gynae..
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Cos in my job I use my hands constantly.. If that makes it worse and i gets worse, then don't know if she can give me a letter that says I can only be on light duty.. My hands are my livelihood! I have to take care of them..

~ K, I'm getting off work now.. Going for detailed scan.. Hope all is well with baby..
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Ladies, I think discharge is normal during pregnancy. I am the unlucky one to have the Group B Step now. Aiyo.... i took the antibiotic given by gynae. But seems not to clear fully...I also duno how. Don't wanna take anymore antibiotic. Fushiastar, do you think i can just leave it as it is?
 
fresia, if gynae let you take the antibiotic its best to finish the whole course. Dun be upset this only happen during pregnancy at most after give birth no more liao.
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fresia.. i agree with celine. cos' doc will only prescribe antibios when there's infection and you dont want to risk infecting babies tho' chances not high. I read that Strep B occurs 1 in 3 pregnancies so it's common n most people go on to deliver healthy babies. However, can I ask u how you came to find out? is it during normal blood test or was there any itch? My gynae has not asked to do a swab test for me, probably because i never complain any rash or pain or anything but I hear that Strep B symptoms are hardly even noticeable..
 
Celine, Jenifur,
for that week, i cannot make it on 7/7 leh..cos got mani/pedi appt made liao...thats why i suggested fri lor. how abt wed 6/7?
 
Celine and MC, I finished the antibiotic Doc gave. It gave me serious gastric problem after taking. But even after finishing the antibio, it didn't really clear fully lor. So I thot I just leave it alone. How I know ah... i told the gynae I got discharge and a but itchy. He just do a culture for me. THat's how i know lor. Its light yellow in colour and starchy. Not watery. But no smell. Actually It didn't really bother me but I do find it a little itchy thus ask him lor.
 
mrstan, wed 6/7 also can as long as not mon, fri, sat n sun.
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fresia, if you have finish the whole course yet its not clear please tell your gynae so at least gynae can looked into it. I read from somewhere if problem severe it will affect the birth method i.e., cannot have virginal birth so please take more care.
 
sneaky,
did u say ur gynae is dr kowa?how do u find him?my sch colleague is just 8wks pregnant n she wants to find out more abt dr kowa b4 she sees him.she is a chinese teacher, so her concern is, can dr kowa speak mandarin?n how long do u usually haveto wait 4 ur turn at his clinic, a how's his charges?thks.
 
hi fiona, yes, my gynae is dr kowa. he speaks chinese and dialects; not to worry about this...he's a very patient and fatherly gynae, always smiling...well, waiting for him is quite long; usually above 1 hr from the time of appointment. his charges are as follow: -

Consultation
- 1st time @ $50
- Subsequent @ $35

Ultrasound Scan
- 1st time @ $90
- Subsequent @ $45

for your info, dr kowa only practices at Mt E and he doesn't do it at other hospitals...hope this helps..
 
Hi Sneaky,
Dr. Kowa's charges are really reasonable. My Gynae, Dr. Lim's charges is minimum $85-$100, and he does not have any packages.
I will let my colleague know these info...she doesn't mind delivering at Mt. E, as there is a direct bus from our school to Mt. E.
Thanks.
 
Fresia, I agree with what the rest said too.. Must tell your gynae.. It's important to clear up the infection.. If you have to take another course of antibiotics, then you have to.. for your health and for the baby too..
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But don't worry too much.. UTI is not uncommon in pregnancy...
 
Just saw my gynae yesterday..

-Good news is that all is well with baby.. and it's a girl! ..
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Hubby's kinda disappointed cos he wants a boy but I'm happy cos I want a girl
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We are both thankful that the baby is healthy which is the most important..

-Bad news is that my gynae suspects that I may have pregnancy diabetes.. Sigh.. I have the family history and all 3 of the common signs of diabetes.. Despite me trying so hard to control my diet and watch my weight.. I gained 6 kg at 23 weeks.. So I have to take the Glucose tolerance test ASAP.. In the meantime, avoiding all sugar!..

Also, she's concerned about the "pins and needles" in my hands, says that it's not good that it happens so consistently at this stage.. Says wants to moniter and may refer me to see a hand specialist..

So all's well with baby but not with me.. Hopefully it'll turn out ok..

Oh, my litttle girl will be called :
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Zoe !
 
fushiastar,
congrats to u on ur princess! glad to know that little zoe is healthy but do take care of ur health ok? its gonna be tough avoiding all sweet stuff but it can be done one. for bb and for urself.
 


btw girls, i've been having quite bad and sharp pain at my right buttock area, started lat nite. i tried to massage it but cannot really feel where it is. at a certain angle, wah lau..the pain is excruciating man. i couldnt quite walk and had to lean on left side of body. sigh..i hope it gets better. i think it is Sciatica.
 

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