AIMING FOR A HEALTHY, FULL-TERM PREGNANCY
How time flies! It seemed just yesterday when I was complaining how crappy and exhausted I felt being nauseated and vomiting all day. And now, here I am, enjoying full bliss as I came close to ending the second semester of this pregnancy. Well, it was not that perfectly blissful.
There were some minor concerns too like when I collapsed/ lost consciousness while waiting for a cab on my way to work during my 19th week and fairly recently, briefs of unexplainable vomiting episodes. But generally, the second semester went really smoothly.
I was afraid I would fail my OGCT (oral glucose challenge test) done this semester because I was a little bit stubborn in spoiling myself to sweet cravings yet, test results were within normal values. I was also fearful of the outcome of my recent CAS (congenital anomaly scan), but thank God the baby is perfectly healthy. Despite the ordeal the baby went through the previous semester, the Little One now weighs 2 pounds or roughly a little over 900 grams, which is just normal as far as gestational age is concerned. Added to that was our excitement after the doctor confirmed (and re-confirmed) the gender as well as the face features of the baby! 
At my 27th week now, the map-like stretch marks and linea nigra has definitely shown, yet I am loving the fact that I can already feel the Little One playing circus and actively kicking inside my growing belly. I have to say that unlike the first pregnancy, this one is progressing faster than I have initially thought. I can already feel heaviness under my pelvis area that wearing a maternity belt every time I travel or go out is a must.
However, even when everything is going smoothly, still I can’t help but be a little worried about what’s in store for the remainder days of this pregnancy, particularly threats of another preterm birth. Having a spontaneous preterm delivery before puts me at a higher risk. It was so unfortunate I was not being able to distinguish the somewhat strange signs of preterm labor during my pregnancy with Nico (only at 32 weeks when I gave birth), it was hard to decide back then what’s normal and what warrants a call to my doctor. So now, I take extra extra caution and watch carefully for signs. My primary goal for this pregnancy is to reach my full term (June 10), or at least my 37th week (May 20)-the week when the baby is already safe to be delivered.
Every time I go to my doctor for checkup, a lot of times I’m tempted to demand for a fetal fibronectin test or treat me with the progesterone compound called 17P. Yes, that’s how paranoid I get these days! Anyway, for our peace of mind, my doctor put me on Aspirin therapy. I take low-dose Aspirin (80mg) everyday, which according to my doctor is helpful in preventing preterm labor and preeclampsia. I have to admit that the first time the doctor told me of this prescription, I was hesitant as Aspirin appeared strange to me. I did my own research and it didn’t help that I read varying opinions about the use of Aspirin during pregnancy. But later I realized I have to completely trust my doctor. She sure won’t prescribe or advice anything that might be harmful to me so I concurred with the Aspirin therapy.
Of course, even with all precautions and a good prenatal care, it still is impossible to say what lies ahead for me and the baby. I know that my doctor and people around me are there to be consulted and to be my sources of comfort. But more than them, it is only me who can tune into the changes that are happening in my body and it is solely me who can take care of myself. So now, I eat well and get plenty of rest, manage my stress levels, and pay attention to my baby’s movements and take note of any unusual aches or pressures. I also take advantage of getting all the help I can to stay healthy.
That is why when Sanofi Pasteur, through Nuffnang Philippines, invited me and fellow Mommy and Health bloggers to a Flu Awareness Talk, I didn’t hesitate one bit and right away confirmed my attendance.
Flu, contrary to what many of us think are just as simple as common colds, coughs and other viral illnesses, should be paid much attention. And more to pregnant women like me who had myself and the baby’s health to take care of. If not paid attention to properly, Flu can lead to complications like bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes, according to Dr. Ruby Mendoza-Dizon, Medical Director, Sanofi Pasteur and resource speaker during the talk.
Dr. Ruby Mendoza-Dizon, Medical Director of Sanofi Pasteur orients Mommy and Health Blogger participants on the importance of getting a flu vaccine every year.
After the talk, Sanofi Pasteur gave free flu vaccine shots with their leading product, Vaxigrip. I and co-preggy Mommy Cess, and the rest of our Mommy blogger friends and our children availed of the free vaccine.
Always it is in my prayers that these little steps will bear fruit and ensure us of a healthy, full-term pregnancy.
***
(Photos courtesy of Nuffnang Philippines)
15 responses so far
It was nice to see you again Feng (kahit nagkita lang tayo two-three weeks ago)
I have a feeling I am wrong with the gender, baka yung isa ang gender ng baby mo.
Ingat lagi!
julies last blog post..Pulang Polo
Thanks TJ! baka bukas magkita ulit tayo. sana makapunta ako!
kung accurate ang ultrasound, baka nga you’re wrong with your first guess.
hey feng, way to go you’re almost there…keep us posted always ha especially the baby’s gender. praying for you and your little one inside the tummy.
Mhalous last blog post..Change is Cool
Hi Mhalou! thank you very much for the offer of prayers! we really are praying for a full term.
re: the gender, I hope to post photos soon. matatawa ka kasi pinakita talaga ni baby ang kanyang gender during the ultrasound.
PS. I hope everything is well and OK with you too and you’re adorable and pretty princesses.
hay, ang hirap talaga ng buntis ano, kung ano-ano ang inaalala. i’m glad everything is going well with your pregnancy. lapit na!
lady cesss last blog post..I Love Ipanema
Hello Buntis!
and I’m wishing you the same— a healthy and stress-free pregnancy. ingat ka lagi!
wohow….there it is…sorry, i used IT..he/she/it..pwede? you’re looking great mare! and yeah, don’t forget to wear your belt everytime, even inside the house, it will help heaps in preventing back aches. try reading about pregnacy PTs, it will guide you what ‘minimal’ exercise you can do to prevent the backache from ever starting. wear close shoes my dear, promise, it helps. when my backache worsened, my PT suggested wearing trainers–inside the house, can you imagine that. oh well, the things we do to make things better for us and the little buddy…like…let Noy do all the housechores, i know, right!
well, we wish you a healthy term, is it a girl?
Hi Mare! super thanks for the well wishes. expect an SMS or call for us when the big day has come!
re: maternity belt/trainers, naku, these preggy must haves are definitely heaven-sent. if not for these, hindi na siguro ako makakapagliwaliw kahit konti. the backpains are somewhat intolerable. kung sabagay, iba na yata kasi talaga ang tumatanda. haha! when I was pregnant with Nico, I didn’t feel much these nasty backaches then.
re: gender, if ultrasounds are fairly accurate, then I think we’ll be preparing pinks and lavenders for a Little Princess.
Hi - Nice post. You are right about the flu and the importance of receiving a flu vaccine before or during pregnancy. You can read more at this link: http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/188_10596.asp
MoDLins last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
blooming preggy mom.. girl yan no. i wish you a healthy term so you could reach that june 10 mark.
analyses last blog post..Social Networking - How Does It Affect Your Life?
It was great to see you Feng!
Don’t worry anymore, the rest of your pregnancy will be fine. Ang kelangan natin paghandaan ay ang baby shower nyo ni cess! Malapit ka na ha! Email-email tayo
imoms last blog post..Krispy Kreme’s Grand Chocolate Karnival
Been absent from blogging for such a long time that I didn’t even know you were pregnant!
Anyway, Feng, remain steadfast and think positive. You can carry your pregnancy through to a safe duration with positive thinking. You must also take care of yourself.
From your fellow mom with preemie babies, MegaMom
P.S. That was mighty good of Sanofi Pasteur to sponsor such a talk. I agree that there must be greater awareness about flu and the flu vaccine. Thanks for sharing.
Pinay MegaMoms last blog post..Defining Pinay MegaMom
Hi Feng! Wow, I’m still on your blogroll. With me being awol for who knows how long, I kinda expected to be ‘erased’
But am I glad to be back. One of my fave things to do before life got too hectic was blog hop and by golly, I sure missed it bad. The stories I used to read from yours and many others are amazing and just uber cool. Like right now… wow, you’re pregnant! What a wonderful blessing! My own blog left out the details but I got a little Sophia now (1.3yo) aside from the Isaac, who is now a big boy at 4.
So much no? Will definitely want to keep in touch more often.
Happy Easter!
Mays last blog post..picnic fun : bunny crafts! : THE easter egg hunt that rocked!
oy, parang kilala ko yang iba dyan sa pictures ah, hehe
happy mother’s day!
raqgolds last blog post..Secrets Before Mother’s Day
Hi, Feng! Sana May 20 yung due date mo para same with Gelo’s Birthday. Ingat always and hope to see you soon.