re: calcium & muscle cramps
- calcium is needed for muscle function, and so theoretically can cause cramps, but for most mummies, ur daily intake should be sufficient, especially with multivitamins [so dont really think theres a pressing need to take calcium tablets].however, i dont think theres harm in taking a trial of calcium supplements for a couple of months if the muscle cramps are bad and frequent massages/balancing out sodium and potassium [e.g. pinch of table salt in a cup of fluids, if u r the type to perspire a lot] has not helped. veron's article is good to read. =) shers/dev19: milk that has sufficient amounts of calcium is what's most important, regardless of flavouring. maya: i think its the milk u consume more than the chocolate. =)
re: gender scan & cord
i agree with dodos & kidzskidz that it really isnt that easy to tell whether its a boy/girl, especially in earlier stages when things arent fully developed yet. kidskidsz: thats a cheeky lil girl =D. aries: i think thats a nice way to bond with the kid & train the kid while in the womb. well all in all, i think God still wants to give us that little bit of mystery till birth!
re: hunger
im 16-17 weeks now; just want to ask if u gals wake up at 4am hungry frequently like i do? i think im still eating a fair portion of food throughout the day, but somehow i get up with a strange gastric discomfort at 4am [i take the chance to pee too].
re: caregiving for kids of 2nd time or more mummies
queen: is there an option of monthly rotations between your MIL and your mum so that your #1 and #2 can spend time together, and so your MIL and mum will have alternate month breaks [but still they can visit each other if they miss their grandkids too much]? kidzskidz: how much is infantcare for u? dev19: its interesting ur ILs think having a maid is better than childcare; so they are ok with leaving ur child at home with a maid [ i thought quite a lot of elderly folk are worried about maids 'abusing' kids]?? shers: i dont think kidskidsz means to be offensive; i think based on her experiences, she wanted to share about responsible parenting. seriously, parents can also be at home all the time, but leave the caring to the maid or other family members and its not ideal for the child's emotional health.
re: SAHM
i really do think that its a tough and often unappreciated job [especially in a 'non-contributive to economy' light]. if the situation is favourable, ill like to homeschool my kid [or kids] till at least age 6 before they enter primary school to ground them in good values and to bond with them, especially in this progressively degenerate society. sigh...
re: vitamins
maya: folic acid shouldnt be that big bah? mines teeny - got it from the polyclinic [retail], 5mg, so maybe u can try those instead. kittybride: fishoil shouldnt taste bad - mines a softgel, no taste at all.
re: low placenta
i posted previously on it - most of the lowlying placentas will move upwards and not be of concern as pregnancy progresses. but very importantly, ANY sign of BLEEDING [especially with ABDOMINAL PAIN], you must IMMEDIATELY go to the hospital/obs for medical attention. leereiner's and mangogal's links are very good reading material. =) shers: i dont think the belt is proven treatment for moving up placentas...
re: group-b-streptococcus infections
GBS screening sounds very important indeed, based on chrisong's article - ill probably ask for it, nearer delivery date, coz GBS infection of the newborn occurs during delivery and its not proven to take antibiotics for GBS vaginal colonisation as its likely to grow back. however, if theres symptoms of GBS urinary tract infection, they will give a course of antibiotics. btw, GBS is a bacteria and not a virus, thats why u can take antibiotics for it.
re: birdsnest
to my surprise and a bit of shock, my hubby ordered $45/piece quality birdsnest, to boil with $90/2bottles 'paoshen' and rock sugar to boil birdsnest for me. very very sweet lor, but $400 down just for birdsnest liao... what happens if u take too early ah? my hubby wants to start making it weekly for me now?
re: durians & gian-foods
i think theres a 711 branch at the S11 in jurong east for those who r interested. after the talk on dinner foods, all of a sudden i feel like munching char kway teow and chye tow kway, plus cold coke and durian... =D