(2008/05) May 2008

piggy mummy, sorry ah... i was in a meeting whole afternoon! Just came back to my desk oni. The TMC Childbirth Education Course for Nov shld be closed. The next class is in Jan. Do book early for your desired slots. The take up rate is super fast!
 


CONGRATS Sugar!!! You are our first May MTB to know baby's gender!!!

<table border=1><tr><td>No</TD><TD>Nick</TD><TD>EDD </TD><TD>Gynae</TD><TD>Hospital</TD><TD>Child #</TD><TD>Gender </TD></TR><TR><TD>1</TD><TD>ant1712</TD><TD>1st </TD><TD>Dr C Khi </TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>baby</TD><TD>1st </TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>jaspire</TD><TD>1st </TD><TD>Dr AL Lim</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>muzicgal</TD><TD>1st </TD><TD>Dr Yvonne Soong</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>piggylim</TD><TD>1st </TD><TD>Dr Joycelyn Wong</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>rantingbaby</TD><TD>1st </TD><TD>Dr Lee I Wuen</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>taman jrg</TD><TD>1st </TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>icebaby</TD><TD>2nd</TD><TD>Dr Adrian Woodworth</TD><TD>TMC/Mt A.</TD><TD>3rd</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>9</TD><TD>bluelips</TD><TD>4th</TD><TD>Dr Paul Tseng</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>2nd</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>sugar</TD><TD>4th</TD><TD>Dr Sim LN</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>Baby Blue </TD></TR><TR><TD>11</TD><TD>xavpris</TD><TD>4th</TD><TD>Dr SC Quek </TD><TD>KKH</TD><TD>2nd</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>12</TD><TD>bonjon</TD><TD>5th</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>2nd</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>13</TD><TD>kab</TD><TD>5th</TD><TD>Dr Yeap ML</TD><TD>KKH</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>14</TD><TD>snoopie</TD><TD>5th</TD><TD>Dr W.K Tan</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>dewdrops</TD><TD>7th</TD><TD>Dr Chin </TD><TD>Gleneagles</TD><TD>2nd</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>16</TD><TD>smurferoos</TD><TD>7th</TD><TD>A/Prof John Tee</TD><TD>KKH</TD><TD>2nd</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>courage</TD><TD>8th</TD><TD>Dr HK Ho </TD><TD>Mt A</TD><TD>2nd</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>lisa cheng</TD><TD>8th</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>piggy mummy</TD><TD>8th</TD><TD>Dr Lawrence Ang</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>twinkle star</TD><TD>8th</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>2nd</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>xiuxiu</TD><TD>8th</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>cherimoya</TD><TD>10th</TD><TD>A/Prof John Tee</TD><TD>KKH</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>diana</TD><TD>10th</TD><TD>Dr Beh</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>jen</TD><TD>10th</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>2nd</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>poko</TD><TD>11th</TD><TD>Dr HK Ho </TD><TD>Mt A</TD><TD>2nd</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>26</TD><TD>sunshine</TD><TD>11th</TD><TD>Prof Mary Rauff</TD><TD>NUH</TD><TD>2nd</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>27</TD><TD>littlebaby</TD><TD>12th</TD><TD>Dr Loh SF</TD><TD>KKH</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>28</TD><TD>Gina Loh</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>29</TD><TD>choc</TD><TD>13th</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>30</TD><TD>dolly23</TD><TD>13th</TD><TD>Dr C Khi </TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>31</TD><TD>juin</TD><TD>13th</TD><TD>Dr Yeah ML</TD><TD>KKH</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>32</TD><TD>missymouse</TD><TD>13th</TD><TD>Dr TC Chang</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>2nd</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>33</TD><TD>ylyn</TD><TD>13th</TD><TD>Dr Joycelyn Wong</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>34</TD><TD>lynn</TD><TD>15th</TD><TD>Dr Lawrence Ang</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>35</TD><TD>melc</TD><TD>15th</TD><TD>Dr Paul Tseng</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>2nd</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>36</TD><TD>pooh</TD><TD>15th</TD><TD>Dr Chua</TD><TD>NUH</TD><TD>3rd</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>37</TD><TD>PL</TD><TD>15th</TD><TD>Dr Loh SF</TD><TD>KKH</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>38</TD><TD>Jer</TD><TD>16th</TD><TD>Dr Chen LH</TD><TD>Mt A</TD><TD>2nd</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>39</TD><TD>winnedy</TD><TD>16th</TD><TD>Dr Yeoh SC</TD><TD>Mt E</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>40</TD><TD>gosh</TD><TD>17th</TD><TD>Dr Adrian Woodworth</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>41</TD><TD>jocelyn ng</TD><TD>17th</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>42</TD><TD>peace(II)</TD><TD>18th</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>43</TD><TD>reddates</TD><TD>18th</TD><TD>Dr Adrian Woodworth</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>2nd</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>44</TD><TD>Jacqueline Chan</TD><TD>19th</TD><TD>Dr Adrian Woodworth</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>45</TD><TD>luvbella</TD><TD>19th</TD><TD>Dr S Nair</TD><TD>Mt E</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>46</TD><TD>moony</TD><TD>19th</TD><TD>Dr KT Tan</TD><TD>KKH</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>47</TD><TD>birdy</TD><TD>20th</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>2nd</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>48</TD><TD>icebubbles</TD><TD>21st</TD><TD>Dr Heng TL</TD><TD>Eastshore</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>49</TD><TD>jessl</TD><TD>21st</TD><TD>Dr AL Lim</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>50</TD><TD>doglover</TD><TD>23rd</TD><TD>Dr Jeanette Chen</TD><TD>KKH</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>51</TD><TD>poky</TD><TD>24th</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>52</TD><TD>annabelle</TD><TD>26th</TD><TD>Dr CK Tho</TD><TD>TMC/Mt A.</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>53</TD><TD>jo</TD><TD>28th</TD><TD>Dr C Khi </TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>54</TD><TD>sparks</TD><TD>29th</TD><TD>Dr HH Chan</TD><TD>KKH</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>55</TD><TD>friesbandit</TD><TD>30th</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>2nd</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>56</TD><TD>kelcqi</TD><TD>31st</TD><TD>Dr Fong Yang</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>57</TD><TD>yanling</TD><TD>31st</TD><TD>Dr Eunice Chua</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>1st</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>58</TD><TD>mei</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>59</TD><TD>cu2nite</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>60</TD><TD>LynnLynn</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD>61</TD><TD>shufen</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>Dr WK Tan</TD><TD>TMC</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR><TD></td></tr></table>
 
bonjon,
wow, so cute! the image of bb looking at you must be unforgetable.
sugar,
congrats. my gynea also say sometimes can see bb gender by 13 weeks, and that's usually boys, coz' their organs are protruding
happy.gif

the other time hb and i went to see gynea, still can't see bb gender, the doc was also curious, kept scanning at all angle possible. so 3 of us were staring at the computer screen, checking out bb's bottom, but still can't see. ha !
 
Hi poky,

i shld be signing up Dr heng's package @ eastshore on my next visit cos I'm also living in the east =)
Her charges are like this.
First time consultation: $70 ($50 for subsequent)
(urine test, blood pressure measurement included)
Ultrasound scan: $50
Medication: ~ $11 (Folic acid + calcium pills)
You can sign up for her package after ur 12 weeks at $600 till delivery. (consultation, scan and normal medication included)
Heard excludes the fish oil...
Hope these are of use to you.

all mommy's to be, my tummy is getting bigger n bigger... went to see a gp yesterday due to headache... he was shocked when i told him i was into 12 weeks now... he said my tummy was big...
so pai say... my first pregnancy leh... maybe i eat too much... hee
 
jaspire,

thanx, will call to book. the price shown at TMC website is per person, or couple price?

poky,

the picture at the website look so big leh, some of them 10 weeks only, look like 16 weeks..
 
wah. looks like my gynae's package is expensive. the first visit i spent $240 for the consultation, scan and folic+ multivitamins. 2nd visit is abt $100 plus.

her package only starts at week 20 which is $1,500 inclusive of normal delivery.

but ok lah. she is quite pro. and as long as i know i am in good hands, i am willing to fork out more.

my tummy also protruding. dunno whether it's cos of the bloatedness cos i keep burping, esp at nite.
 
Gd morning ladies!

I am very excited, later going for my gynae checkup. Will be doing triple test and hopefully can know bb's gender liao. Kekeke...
 
poky and peace, i realised i cant send the baby massage video out to you both as the file is really way too huge. It is 757MB. The file is too huge to go thru email. Really sorry.
 
Hi Piggy,

My is 2D scan, look something like alien in the movie.

Hi Peace,

Yup, veri cute and memorable.

My colleagues keep telling my should be a girl cos if boy can see as early as 13th week.
 
bonjon, really ah? Hope later my gynae can tell me ah... I did see my gynae at 13th week but he din say anything abt baby's gender leh. Haiz...

Me today finished my whole tin of Anmum milk loh! Lucky got a free Enfamamma tin from my dear fren. Else my hubby got to buy another tin liao. Think i drink very fast leh. Everymorn 1 cup in oso can finish a tin within 11wks leh. I still add a little milo one.. Scary!
 
icebubbles,
my tummy also look big for a 1 timer preggy. colleague aske me if i am having twins! aiyoh... but other than tummy, my face, neck and arms still look normal leh .... dunno if that should be a measurement for putting on weight.
 
jaspire- excited hor, seein bb later =D i also cant wait! 2 more days! hehe.. wan my hb to see the full form of bb =D the last time i scanned n saw the hands n legs, he cldnt be there.
u r reali so faithful in drinkin milk every morning! duno y the tot of drinkin milk powder turns me off so i switch to HL instead. but wil stil drink once or twice a wk since i stil got samples frm gynae.

peace- at least only ur tummy is big. mine is like everywhere
sad.gif
arms bigger, face rounder, double chin more obvious. reali sad
sad.gif
sad.gif
 
ant, ya... super happy to be able to se bb today. But too bad my hubby cant see bb. He went reservist today. Serving the ctry impt mah. Hee... Look so handsome in his army uniform. LOL!

Ya, me drink alot of milk. Maybe dats one reason i put on weight. LOL! I oso everywhere bigger, arms, legs, face, buttocks and breast. Nevermind, will work hard after delivery to lose the extra weight.
happy.gif


we all jia you together!
 
Good morning ladies,

yesterday had my checkup, baby is facing down, showing us the back. Gynae ask me to cough to wake baby up n hopefully can move but baby refuse to move so have to wait next month to see the gender.

bonjon,
ya, wat your colleagues said is quite true. Boys "birdie" can be detected earlier. My first pregnancy, gynae is able to tell my boy gender during end of week 11 as his "birdie" is pretty obvious then.
 
piggy_mummy

my gynae is Dr Eunice Chua at TMC. now is abt 11 weeks plus
just came back from her clinic. this morning found some bleeding on the panty so rushed down to see her. lucky was able to see her immediately. she said could be due to some polyps in the vagina and did a swab test and give me some medicine. so now i am on a 3-day MC.

she did comment tat my placenta is a bit low. got me quite worried. nonetheless, i saw my baby from the scan and i can look forward for a long weekend. Hopefully everything will be alrite.
 
Hi all, found this very interesting piece of new : Anxiety & Pregnancy article (long but worth the read), backdated yr 2005

Anxious moms-to-be may have kids with behavior problems

FRIDAY, July 16 (HealthDayNews) A woman who is anxious or stressed while pregnant is at greater risk of bearing a child who will develop an anxiety disorder or behavior problems, a new study says.
The period between 12 and 22 weeks of pregnancy were found to be particularly crucial for increasing risk, said Bea Van den Bergh, a psychologist at Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.
Van den Bergh is lead author of the study, published in the July/August issue of Child Development.
Maternal anxiety during that period was associated with a heightened risk of a child developing hyperactivity symptoms, "acting out" behavior problems, and their own anxiety problems, Van den Bergh found.
Doctors have known for years that a woman's emotional state during pregnancy can affect her unborn child.
The new study adds to previous research finding the same link, said Van den Bergh, but with an important difference.
"The strength of this study is that questionnaires on the behavior of the child were not only completed by the mother, but also by the teacher, by an independent observer and also by the child," Van den Bergh said.
In the study, Van den Bergh's team evaluated data on 71 mothers and their 72 first-born children, collecting information while the mothers were pregnant and then when the children were age 8 or 9 years old. The mothers reported on their anxiety levels throughout pregnancy. When the children were 8 or 9, questionnaires were completed by the mothers, a teacher and an impartial observer, with complete data collected on 52 children.
The data found that "anxiety during pregnancy explained 22 percent of the differences children show in hyperactivity symptoms, 15 percent of the differences in "acting out" and aggression problems, and 9 percent of the differences in anxiety, after controlling for other factors such as smoking during pregnancy, birth weight and mothers' anxiety after the birth," she said.
Van den Bergh subscribes to the "fetal programming hypothesis," which states that certain upsetting factors that occur during sensitive periods of a fetus' development can "program" certain biological systems in the unborn child. This programming can predispose the child to certain diseases and emotional disorders, she said.
The finding doesn't surprise Dr. Diana Dell, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology and psychiatry at Duke University. "I think it's very much in line with what animal data has been suggesting for a long time and human data for a shorter time," she said.
"What this study is saying is, moms who are under constant stress in the second trimester, those children have increased rates of some developmental disorders in childhood. When a mother is anxious or depressed during pregnancy that's not a neutral impact," Dell said.
If a woman needs help dealing with anxiety during pregnancy, Dell suggests she consider working with a therapist, learning calming techniques, or asking her doctor about other options.
Stress during pregnancy is partly society-driven, Dell said: "Women are under enormous pressure to make perfect babies." Even if her obstetrician asks if she's feeling stressed, a woman may not own up to feelings of anxiety or depression, Dell said.
It's not easy for pregnant women to feel stress-free, but Van den Bergh suggests they try to relax as much as possible. "Try to understand that when you are stressed or anxious the body reacts and that [stress] hormones go to the fetus," she tells them.
"Try to cognitively cope with the situation, for instance when you are in a traffic jam, to keep control," she said.

-- Kathleen Doheny, HealthDayNews


Found this article in US pregnancy forum.
 
japire,

Hope u can see the gender of your baby today.
happy.gif


Jer,

My coll were teasing me that my gynae dared not tell me it's girl so asked me to wait till 18th week. I have a boy so girl is fine with me. They already buying and passing me girl girl stuffs - hats, shoes and cloth
 
jaspire and ant,
Hope u see bb gender ...
eh, you are also doing your national service wart by being preggy, except no uniform only.
 
Hi Yanling

I had spotting too till i was about 12 weeks. My gynae always check for the heartbeat, and luckily everything is fine. He didn't even give me bedrest, just ask me to abstain from sex. Try to stay positive! Take care ok! Rest more.
 
Share this info with all of u here....

Checklist for first-time mums

Checklist of Purchases
Babys Room
Baby Cot
Musical mobiles/ Merry-go-round
Mattress (3" or 4")
Blanket
Bumper
Pillow/bolster case
Bedsheets
Mattress protector
Changing table (optional)
Cupboard/Chest of Drawers

Clothes for baby
Mittens/Bootees
Cloth Diapers (Can also be use to wrap baby)
Nappy liners
Blouse/shirts - long and short sleeves
Suits - pants and long shirts
Rompers
Handkerchiefs (get plenty of them)
Face towels
PILCHERS (pants worn over nappies)

Baby bathing
Baby wipes
Bath tub
Anti-slip mat
Changing mat
Rubber mat
Bath towel
Bath sponge (optional, small cotton handkerchief would suffice)
Baby soap/bath lotion
Baby shampoo
Baby oil
Cotton buds
Baby powder with puff

Laundry for Baby Clothes
Buckets with lids
Basket for baby laundry
Nappy/clothes detergent/softener
Clothes hanger for drying mittens/booties/handkerchiefs

Feeding Baby
Milk bottles (big+small) + teats
Bottle scrub brush
Warmer cum carrier bag
Thermometer (to use when baby is unwell)
Large pan/pot (for sterilising)
Tongs (to handle hot bottles)
Electric Steam Steriliser (Pigeon/Avent)
Milk containers
Bags/milk bottles to store expressed breastmilk

Misc
Safety pins
Pacifiers
Thermometer (Check room temperature)
Nail clippers
Anti-nappy rash cream (Drapolene)
Oil for wind (Ru Yi or White Tree Oil)
Ziplock bags for checkups and outings.
Woodwards Gripe Water
Sterile thermoplastic tray with swabs & swabsticks
Polythene bag for soiled diapers
Dish/ container (to wash babys face)
Care of the Umbilical Cord Stump
Sterile swab applicators
Sterile cotton swabs
Sterile container for cord spirit
Cord spirit

Accessories
Playpen
Stair/door gates (If you want to separate your baby & pets)
Rubber protectors for bedroom doors
Highchair
Walker
Bouncer
Stroller
Pram
Baby carrier
Car seats

Toys & Playstuff
Rattle
Mirror
Baby gym

Mummy Care
Maternity Dress/top/bottom
Pyjamas with front opening for breast feeding
Breast pump
Anti Stretchmark creams
Nursing bras
Maternity bras
Nipple cream for crack nipples
Nursing pads
Disposible panties
Cotton panties (larger size when reach later stage of pregnancy)
Sanitary pads
Panty liners
Bedroom slippers
Painkillers (with doctors prescription only)

Other optional items
Plastic bowl/ container, 10-12 inch diameter for both baby and mother
Electrical HotFlask (autoboil), quick access to boiling water for formula milk
Thermoflask without autoboil, for mums drinking water
Claypot or double boil claypot for mums confinement soup
Claypot or earthenware for cooking pigs trotters in ginger and black vinegar
2 pails for mums bathing and face cleansing.
 
Hi Yanling,

Saw your posts abt searching for CL. My sis has engaged hers from Bliss Confinement and upon witnessing her performance... i too booked mine from the agency too. The reasons why i book from agency its b'cos:
1) Their costs is reasonable - $1.9k for 28days
2) They ensure the CL we booked turned up on the day we discharged
3) They don give any nonsense business
4) Bliss Confinement is definitely reliable
5) Their CL were well-trained and very experienced in taking care of new born infant
6) They also provide special menu for my sis b'cos she don take any pork innards

U could PM me if u want their contact.
 
i have facts/information to share for all mums going thru 2nd trimester (13wk - 27wk) It's rather lengthy, but at least it answers to all yr "questions-why" and "solutions" to it.
 
SECOND TRIMESTER

The Body

The second trimester, typically said to last from the beginning of the 13th week of pregnancy until the end of the 27th week, is sometimes called the "golden period" of pregnancy. This label is appropriate because many of the side effects of early pregnancy have diminished, whereas the discomforts of the third trimester, when the growing baby will put increased demands on your body, have not yet begun. During the second trimester, you are likely to find that your nausea is easing off, you are sleeping better, and your energy is returning.

The changes that begin the first weeks of pregnancy increase and accelerate during the second trimester. Of these, your growing uterus is probably the most obvious. By the end of 27 weeks, the foetus will be about four times bigger than it was at 12 weeks. As the uterus becomes too big to fit within your pelvis, internal organs are pushed out of their usual places, and greater tension is placed on surrounding muscles and ligaments.

During the mid-trimester, more blood is produced to supply the placenta with oxygen and nutrients for your baby's growth. Your digestive system slows the rate at which food moves through your system. And every organ system in your body continues to adapt to pregnancy under the influence of increasing hormone levels.

The risk of miscarriage in the second trimester, although it still exists, is lower than that in the first trimester. For this reason, now is the time that many women - especially those who have had a miscarriage before - feel comfortable in spreading the news about being pregnant. Your enlarging abdomen will begin to be much more noticeable by four or five months. You'll need to begin to change your wardrobe during these months and to make plans to prepare your home to welcome your new baby.

The Mind

All women experience an increase in both their levels of sensitivity and creativity during this trimester, as well as bouts of forgetfulness and sleepless nights. All of this is perfectly normal and should be faced with a good sense of humour.
Becoming more sensitive to the world around you may lead to a better understanding of what is really important in life. A feeling of creativity can lead to a beautiful nursery, clothing or toys for your new arrival. It may also help for a boom in your professional reputation. Preparing siblings, home and work responsibilities, relationship changes, and the emotions you have towards your ever-changing body, can result in mind "overload." It is common to have bouts of forgetfulness and sleepless nights. And when you do sleep, it may be disturbed with vivid dreams, some pleasant, others not.
It is helpful to set aside some relaxation time for yourself.
Take a long, warm bath, preferably uninterrupted.
Read something humorous and unrelated to pregnancy.
Take a walk or listen to your favourite music.
Try imagining that you are all alone at your favourite place such as the beach or mountains.
Be good to yourself - each day save a little time for yourself. It will help relieve stress and refresh you.

PROBLEMS AND COMPLICATIONS

The second trimester, however, is not always trouble-free. A whole new set of symptoms and sensations are common during this time, as well as potential problems and complications. Like the changes of the first trimester, those of the second and particularly the way you experience them, will be unique to you. It helps to know about what is normal and what isn't, as well as what routine tests and care may be advised by your doctor.

Aches and Pains

All this growth is likely to result in some discomfort. The common aches and pains of the second trimester mostly stem from the increase in the size and weight of the uterus, as well as from the effects of the hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Back pain
During pregnancy, the joints between your pelvic bones begin to soften and loosen in preparation for the baby to pass through your pelvis during birth. In the second trimester, your uterus becomes heavier, changing your centre of gravity. Gradually and perhaps without even noticing it you begin to adjust your posture and the ways in which you move. These compensations that you make for the change in your centre of gravity can result in back pain, strain, or any other injury.
Another contributor to back pain may be the separation (diastasis) of the muscles along the front of the abdomen (the rectus abdominis muscles). These two parallel sheets of muscles run from the rib cage to the pubic bone. As the uterus expands, these muscles sometimes separate along the centre seam, and can cause the back pain to worsen. Your doctor can evaluate whether the amount of separation is more than usual and may suggest ways to remedy the separation after your baby is born.

What can you do?
To prevent or ease back pain, try to be aware of how you stand, sit, and move:

Practice correct posture. Stand with your pelvis tucked in and your shoulders pushed back.
When standing for long periods, rest one foot on a low step stool if possible.
Sit with your feet slightly elevated, and don't cross your legs.
If you must sit for long periods, take breaks at least every half an hour.
While standing up from a sitting position, lift yourself correctly. Place your feet a shoulders width apart; lower your body by bending at the knees, and not at the waist; and lift by pushing up with your thighs, not with your back.
Don't make sudden reaching movements or stretch your arms high over your head.
When sleeping or resting, lie on your side, with your knees and hips bent. Place a pillow between your knees and another one under your abdomen. This position will take the pressure off your lower back.
Exercises to strengthen the muscles in your abdomen will help minimise back pain.

If none of these measures bring relief, your doctor may recommend a special elastic sling or back brace to support the weight of your abdomen and ease the tension on your back.

Abdominal pain
Pain in the lower abdomen during the second trimester is often related to the stretching of ligaments and muscles around the expanding uterus. A sudden movement or reach can stretch the round ligament, causing a pulling or stabbing pang in your lower pelvic area or groin or a sharp cramp down your side. The discomfort usually lasts for a few minutes and then goes away.
Although this cause of abdominal pain doesn't pose a threat to you or your baby, it's important to report it to your doctor because abdominal pain can be a symptom of ectopic pregnancy, pre-term labour, or other problems.

What can you do?
It may help to sit or lie down when abdominal pain becomes bothersome.
Relaxation exercises may help, as may soaking in a warm bath.
The relatively minor aches and twinges described here are probably nothing to worry about and will diminish as your pregnancy progresses.
If the pain is severe, call your doctor immediately.

Leg cramps
Cramps in the lower leg muscles are fairly common in the second and third trimesters. They often occur at night and may disrupt your sleep. The exact cause of leg cramps is uncertain, but they may be due to an inadequate amount of calcium in your diet, fatigue, or pressure of the uterus on the nerves in your legs.

What can you do?
If you're bothered by leg cramps, try doing exercises to stretch your calf muscles.
Other measures to ease or prevent leg cramps include taking frequent breaks from sitting or standing for long periods.
If you do get a cramp, you might be able to relieve it by straightening your knee and gently flexing your foot upward.
Applying local heat may also help.
If leg cramps persist and are severe, tell your doctor about the problem. On rare occasions, they can indicate that a blood clot has formed in a vein, which would require medical treatment.

Heartburn

Heartburn actually has nothing to do with your heart. It's caused by the contents of the stomach backing up into the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach). When this happens, stomach acids irritate the lining of the esophagus. The resulting burning sensation near the level of the heart gives this condition its misleading name.

There are many reasons why heartburn is more common during pregnancy. For one thing, your growing uterus is continually pushing on your stomach, moving it higher and higher up in your abdomen and compressing it. For another, your digestive system as a whole, under the influence of hormones, has been slowed down. The waves like movements of the esophagus that push swallowed food down into your stomach tend to become slower during pregnancy.

Your stomach also takes longer to empty, and food moves more slowly along your gastrointestinal tract. The purpose of this general slowdown is to allow nutrients more time to be absorbed into your bloodstream and to reach the foetus. Unfortunately, it can also cause bloating and indigestion.

What can you do?
Some of the things you did to ease nausea and vomiting during the first trimester may also help your heartburn during the second trimester. For example,
Remember to eat frequent and small meals and not to overfill your stomach.
Avoid movements and positions that seem to aggravate the problem. When picking things up, bend at your knees, not your waist.
Avoid lying flat on your back when resting or sleeping - prop yourself up on pillows.

If heartburn is bothersome enough to keep you from eating properly, your doctor may prescribe an antacid. But do not take any antacid without talking to your doctor first. Some antacids contain sodium, which can cause fluid build up in body tissues during pregnancy.

Rarely, an inflammation of the esophagus may cause heartburn. When this is suspected, a procedure called endoscopy can be done to view the inside of the esophagus. The condition can be treated with medication during pregnancy.

Skin Changes

Skin darkening
The hormones at work in your body during pregnancy can cause several changes in your skin. One of the most common, occurring in 90 percent of all pregnant women, is skin darkening. This symptom is more pronounced in dark-skinned women. Its exact cause is unknown, but it may be related to increased levels of estrogens.

Skin darkening during pregnancy is typically noticeable on or around the nipples, in the area between the vulva and the anus (the perineum) and around the navel. You may also notice it on your armpits and inner thighs. The pale line that runs from the navel to the pubic bone called the linea alba (white line), also often darkens during pregnancy, when it is referred to as the linea nigra (black line).

In some pregnant women, mild skin darkening on the face also develops. This is commonly called the mask of pregnancy or chloasma.

What can you do?
Skin darkening during pregnancy is made worse by exposure to sunlight or to other sources of ultraviolet (UV) light. If you have this problem,
Avoid getting too much sun.
Always wear a sunblock with a skin protection factor (SPF) when outdoors, whether it's sunny or cloudy - the sun's UV rays also reach your skin on overcast days.
A wide-brimmed hat that shades your face will also help.

Skin darkening almost always fades after delivery. If it is extreme, especially on your face, covering makeup can help. But avoid agents that bleach the skin. If yours is a severe case, it might be improved with a medicated ointment that can be prescribed by your doctor.

Other skin symptoms

Below are other common skin changes that usually disappear after delivery:

Red and itchy palms and soles, which may be relieved by using moisturising creams.
Blotchy patches on your legs and feet may appear at times, particularly when you are chilly. They do not signal a problem or cause discomfort.
Skin tags, which are very small, loose growths of skin may appear under your arms or breasts. They usually disappear after birth but can easily be removed if they don't.
Moles may increase, but the ones that appear during pregnancy are usually not the types that are linked to skin cancer. (Just to be sure, though, it is still a good idea to show any new moles to your doctor.)
Fingernails may become brittle and soft. Using nail polish may make them worse. Moisturise your nails as well as your hands with lotion, and wear rubber gloves when working with detergents or cleansers.
Heat rash can be soothed by applying cornstarch after bathing, avoiding very hot baths or showers, and keeping the skin cool and dry.

Constipation

Unfortunately, constipation is one of the most common and uncomfortable side effects of pregnancy. It is due to the general slowdown in the digestive system and to the pressure of the uterus on the lower bowel.

What can you do?
The first strategy in dealing with this problem is evaluation of your diet.
Foods high in fibre will help prevent or ease constipation, as well drinking plenty of fluids. Fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods may provide the fibre you need. Fruit juices, particularly the age-old remedy of prune juice, can also ease constipation.
Increasing the amount you exercise will help too. Just adding a little time to your daily walks or other exercise regimen can be effective.

If these measures fail, your doctor may recommend a mild laxative such as milk of magnesia, a bulking agent, or a stool softener. But take these remedies only on the advice of your health care provider. Don't take cod liver oil during pregnancy because it can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins and nutrients. Also avoid other harsh laxatives and enemas.

The Baby

By 26 weeks, the baby has grown to about 9 inches (about 23 centimetres) long and weighs about 11/2 pounds (670 grams). Fat is being laid down under the red, wrinkled skin, which is covered with fine, downy hair called lanugo. Fingerprints and toe prints, as well as eyebrows and lashes have formed.
By 28 weeks, the baby's eyes open and close, and the baby sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. By that time, the baby will be about 10 inches (25 centimetres) long and will weigh about 2 pounds (about 900 grams).

Feeling the Baby Move
You will probably have begun to feel your baby's movements by 20 weeks. It is normal during this trimester for these movements to be somewhat erratic; later, they typically become more regular. The most active time is between 27 and 32 weeks.

As your baby's activity increases, your pregnancy will begin to seem much more "real" to you. In the first trimester, you may have been constantly reminded of being pregnant because of nausea or other symptoms. But now the reminder begins to take the much more pleasant and exciting form of feeling your baby move. As time goes on, your partner will be able to feel movements through your abdomen.

The Baby's Senses
About the time you begin to feel the baby move, she or he in turn is beginning to be able to hear you. Hearing is well established by 24 weeks, when the baby begins to respond to outside sounds. The baby can now hear your voice and is likely to recognise it after birth. The environment inside the uterus is relatively quiet, but your baby can hear your heart thumping, your blood whooshing through your veins and arteries and the rumblings of your stomach. Whether you can provide additional stimulation at this time that will influence your child's future intellectual development is still not very clear. Though various researches have proved that additional stimulation at this stage does really help.

The rest of your baby's sense organs also continue to develop during the second trimester. Beginning at 16 weeks, your baby is sensitive to light, and by 29 weeks a baby can open his or her eyes and turn the head to find the source of a continuous, bright light.

Vacation While You are Pregnant

If you want to have one last "getaway" before the baby arrives, the second trimester is an ideal time. Travelling is usually safe, but precautions are still advisable.
Whether travelling by train, plane or automobile, get up and walk around frequently to stretch your muscles and get your circulation going.
Try to sit in a position with your feet up at least part of the time.
Drink plenty of fluids and eat sensibly; and bring along some healthy snacks like fruit, crackers or raisins that you can carry in your purse.
Your seat belt, fitted snugly below your abdomen, should be worn at all times.
When choosing a vacation destination, check with your doctor and also check whether there is a doctor readily available, in that destination should an emergency arise.

GOOD FOOD IS MUST FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

In addition to the food which is required by the growing baby, a mother lays down stores of food in her body during pregnancy, mainly in the form of fat. This provides reserves to tide her over a period of breast-feeding, which uses up a lot of nutrients. Because of the increasing body fat, it is normal for a woman to gain 9 to 12.5 kg during pregnancy, and there is often a natural increase in her appetite.
To meet your increasing needs, you will need more calories. These are needed for all bodily processes, and particularly during growth. We get most of our calories from cereals, root vegetables, dairy products and cakes and sweets of various kinds. The cakes and sweets tend to be short of additional nutrients, and are sometimes called "empty calories". Instead of cakes or sweets, fill up with foodstuffs which have other value as well as calories - wholemeal bread, for example, is also a useful source of protein, vitamins and iron.
The developing baby needs a great deal of protein, particularly towards the end of pregnancy. We get about half our protein from animal products (meat, fish, eggs, milk) and the rest from vegetable sources, mainly in bread and other cereals, nuts, peas and beans.
Vitamins are also necessary for your baby's growth and development. The main vitamins are Vitamin A, B C, D and E. On a good diet, you are unlikely to lack any of these, but demand may increase during pregnancy, so you need to take care to guard against deficiency.
Probably, the most common vitamin shortage in a pregnant woman is lack of folic acid, a B-group vitamin which is needed for, among other processes, the making of blood. Folic acid is found particularly in leafy green vegetables - "folic" comes from the same root as "foliage".
Folic acid or folate, and iron tablets are given to many expectant mothers throughout pregnancy. Both folic acid and iron are important in preventing anaemia, and help to build up the iron stores in your baby's liver - stores which must last until he is ready to start mixed feeding, at the age of four or five months. Folic acid is easily lost in cooking, so salads of leafy greens like watercress, endive or raw spinach are valuable.
Several vitamins are lost or reduced during cooking. That is why it is best to eat as much raw vegetables as possible during this period.
Calcium is another special need during pregnancy. It is vital for the bones and teeth. The best sources of calcium are milk and milkproducts such as cheese and yogurt. Take care to ensure that you are getting enough of Vitamin D as it helps in the absorption of calcium.
Keep the above in mind and sensible eating will definitely benefit both the baby and you
 
Hi ladies
I actually knew it during the oscar test when i was 11 weeks.. but then the sonographer said baby looked like a boy but can't confirm...yesterday(15 weeks)my gynae showed us his balls n stick(sori for being so crude)...so more or less confirm liaoz
so excited.. now less pressure to produce more...
 
Hey goodbabyb

sorry to reply you late the website you provide only a drawn picture of it so i don't know how is the material like as for ameda and avent shield it actually grab on our areola so that it actually simulate let down... Just check the px at infantree for the ameda shield is @ $38 per pc really ex.

BTW for mommy who wish to BF and keep the EBM in freezer just something to note... My boi hate the frozen BM melt and I actually need to give about 50+ pack away. So end up he only take direct or chilled milk and it happen to a lot of my friend in the EBM mom forum.
 
Just to add some comment to it
Babys Room
Musical mobiles/ Merry-go-round (Remote control one is availabe more easy for lazy parents like me)

Clothes for baby
Nappy liners (Me end up using diaper so didn't get to use it BF BB can shit every feed initially and their shit is super dif to clean)

Baby bathing
Baby wipes (I bought a few boxes end up BB skin allergy so using warm water with cotton wool)
Bath tub (MT A given this free)

Feeding Baby
Milk bottles (big+small) + teats (TMC using NUK, I bought Avent set before BB giving birth when come back from TMC BB reject avent so need to buy NUK set and waste my Avent set)
Electric Steam Steriliser (Pigeon/Avent) (They will come with some freebie)

Toys & Playstuff
Baby gym (might get some during BB full mth shower
 
Hi LC,

Re: Confinement

Our moms offered to help us during our confinement period, but we both felt that we shouldn't tire her out besides, she has got a bad knee juz 1 yr ago. Therefore, My sis just finished her confinement period, she has engaged her CL from Bliss Confinement and upon witnessing her performance... i too booked mine from the agency too. The reasons why i book from agency its b'cos:
1) Their costs is reasonable - $1.9k for 28days
2) They ensure the CL we booked turned up on the day we discharged
3) They don give any nonsense business
4) Bliss Confinement is definitely reliable
5) Their CL were well-trained and very experienced in taking care of new born infant
6) They also provide special menu for my sis b'cos she don take any pork innards

Upon witnessing the workload the CL undertake, we were relief that we didn't put this 'responsibilities' onto her. U could PM me if u want their contact.
 
Hi gals, me back from gynae... bb is super active! Open and close and open and close the legs so fast, we could not even get any glimpse of baby's gender... Hands oso moving up and down, rub face lidat and like waving. LOL! Dr say next mth detailed scan will surely be able to tell then. Haiz... still got to be in suspense.
 
Wow! jaspire, tat's fast... me too! still awaiting to see my bb's gender. Bb still unwilling to 'show' from gynae visit (just only)no matter how my gynae move my tummy or ask me to swtich position. He told us he/she is sound asleep, using both hands to cover the face to sleep... piangz! Baby is now 46.4mm, now 12 weeks 5d only
 
piggy-mummy,think their belly might b bigger as they are westerners.. bsidfe, could b their 2nd one also... but juz c the website for approximation lor, =p

done my oscar scan today leh. saw bb keep jerking. also can c the leg kickin abt. so funny. but too bad, they dun allow me to take video, else can take it down to show my hubby. =(
today 12wk4days, bb is 6.3cm. grow so fast from my 11wk, 4.4cm. =)

jaspire, my gynea is dr C khi from thomson. my hubby still thinks it better to stick with her. btw, do ur FBI goodie bag contains the avent cup? i juz sign up today, but didnt c any when i reach home leh. mayb they run out of stock liao... =(
 
poky, my FBI goodie bag dun have the avent via cup oso. Dunno why i thot have. LOL! Anyway, i still got one, just nid to find time/way to collect the connector from sgn. Really thankful to her.
happy.gif
 
i also saw it at other thread. I feel it's only better to buy for mom's (who already knows that their pregnancy is with complications). Thus the insurance is able to bear the costs. E.g. twins with complications at birth... There r a few plans and its one-time payment.
 


jaspire
when u want to meet me to collect ur connector?
me working shift work, will be on leave from 3 Dec to 9 Dec can meet that week?
 

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