Ready to give birth? - vaginal examination (VE), effacing, dilation, station & presentation

Vaginal exam

These cervical changes can be measured by the caregiver doing an internal vaginal examination with their gloved fingers during labour, often referred to as a VE or vaginal examination, or perhaps an 'internal'. During labour, vaginal examinations are usually carried out after a contraction finishes and when the woman says she is ready.

An internal examination procedure involves the caregiver putting on a sterile glove and often using an antiseptic cream, applied to the first and second fingertips.Their 2 fingers are then gently inserted into the woman's vagina, so the caregiver can examine her cervix. The woman's cervix is checked for the following:

Dilation

When her cervix is opening it is called dilating. Or how open the cervix is. This is measured from 1 to 10 centimetres (10 cm being fully open or fully dilated).

The consistency of the cervix. Is it soft, stretchy and yielding - often referred to as ripe or favourable. Or is it firm and tight rimmed often called unripe during late pregnancy.

The position of the cervix. During pregnancy the cervix leans towards the back (or posterior) behind the baby's head. This often makes it difficult for the caregiver to reach. As the cervix ripens (and during labour) it moves forward towards the front, making it more accessible for the caregiver and indicating progress is being made.

Station

The estimation of how far the baby's head has come down into the pelvis. This is called the station and is measured from minus 3 (- 3), meaning the baby's head is high and not engaged, to plus 3 (+3), where the baby's head can be seen at birth. Most babies' heads are at minus 2 at the beginning of labour and 0 to +1 when the pushing starts.

Effacement

When a woman's cervix thins during labour it is referred to as effacing. This is how thin the cervix feels and is measured in percentages from 0% to 100%. 0 % is when the cervix is long and thick, 100 % is when the cervix is paper thin, when most of it has been pulled up and absorbed into the lower segment of the uterine wall.

Presentation

How well the baby's head is sitting on the cervix. The part of the baby 'leading the way' during labour is called the 'presenting part', which may be their bottom if in a breech position. The caregiver tries to estimate how 'well applied' the baby's head or presenting part is to the cervix. A well applied head is regarded as being more efficient at dilating the cervix during labour.

The position the baby is lying in (i.e. posterior or anterior). This can be felt if the cervix is more than 4 cms dilated but can sometimes be difficult to accurately determine.

Source: http://www.kidspot.co.nz/article+3301+119+Internal-examination-and-cervical-dilation.htm

RIP MH370

I cannot imagine the anguish of those who knew the passengers on board MH370 especially the family members. The loss of a husband, a wife, a father, a mother, a sister, a brother, a grandmother, a grandfather, a son, a daughter... :'(

Flight MH370 ended in the Southern Indian Ocean. A good choice of word. A mark of respect for those directly affected by this tragedy...

*all images cilok-ed from google images

36 weeks

2 more days and I will be in my 37 weeks.  

3 more weeks to go (but based on my past track record is always 40 weeks + 2 extra weeks and that will set back my timeline to 5 more weeks).

Back pain getting worst.

Crotch pain getting worst.

Can't sleep (refer previous post and pic). And mr hubbs can't sleep too because his wife keeps tossing and turning all nite long.

Heartburn is a killer. I get that nasty hot sensation on top of my lungs just below my neck even after a few hours after the last meal. And especially cruel when I lie down.

My puffy feet getting puffier all the way to the shine. And now even my hands are puffy and taking off my wedding ring is near impossible at this point in time.

Brixton contraction is getting regular especially at nite while I'm about to lie down to try and sleep but not painful.

Walking means pressure on the bladder and thus more frequent loo visits all day long.

Baby still moves inside and his favourite position now is stretching and pushing my lungs into my throat. Damn painful that one.

Did I mention the back pain? Oh the back pain!!!

Bag has been packed and is ready by the door.

Matresses, pillows, sheets, towels have been washed. Other baby clothes have not though.

Baby cot is still in the box. Bedroom is still not baby-fied yet.

I'm torn between wanting to have him in my arms as soon as possible and letting him bake properly in the oven (if you know what I mean) and for him to decide when he wants to greet the world.

but... 3 more weeks (or possibly 5 more weeks)...and the pain!!! sigh...



***
updates: 25.03.2014

went for 36 check up yesterday at Klinik Pakar HUKM. Registered at 1pm and finally went into see Prof Zainul at 9.30pm. Yup... we waited 8 hours at the hospital. Prof Zainul is an excellent Dr. I feel very comfortable with him and while in labour pain I need to ensure that I am as comfortable as possible and that would include the person who will be prodding me inside out while I pant in extreme pain. However, for those who are thinking about seeing him for pre-natal check up, please do bear in mind the waiting time. It can really be exhausting especially when you are in your 3rd trimester. For those who stays nearby you can always come early to register (some came as early as 8am to register and goes to work and comes back after 2pm (he is at the clinic from 2pm onwards every Monday and Thursday but rarely comes on time. The earliest usually would be around 3pm. Yesterday he started at 5pm hence the late nites. He is known to see patients right up until 12 midnite according to the nurses there).

Reached home around 11. Had burger tepi jalan for our lunch and dinner before heading back to go straight to bed. And now I am extremely exhausted that I can't think properly and therefore work is suspended until I can think properly again today. My back pain is acting up again. Even with a pillow behind my back the office chair still feels uncomfortable.

OK, the result of yesterday's check up?

Had CTG to check baby's heart rate and uterine contraction. Result - baby is active and very minor uterine contraction.

Baby is now approximately 3.5kg (he was 2kg last month). The calculation of head circumference estimates him to be at 39 weeks. So is the calculation of the circumference of his stomach. Asked Prof if this means the due date has shifted and he said to stick to the current week which is 36 weeks. He is going to be 1 big baby. If he goes to 40 weeks, his weight could possibly reach up to 4kg @_@. Atte, kalau sebulan naik 1.5kg. Another month another 1.5kg.... whoaaaa...

I am 87.9kg from 85.3kg last month. But since baby gained 1.5kg, I guess I didn't gain any more weight (mind you there is the weight of placenta and extra blood to consider as well).

Amniotic fluid still ok. Placenta is healthy. Baby is still quite high and not yet engaged.

Since Prof will not be around next 2 weeks, I need to prep my honey bun to please stay inside until the next check up... but the idea of waiting another 2 weeks and enduring the pain for another 2 weeks... aiyoh.

Oh well...

The tower of pillows

For when sleep eludes me...

Moms and Babies Needs | What to pack to hospital? | What to buy for moms and baby?

My own list after 3 children and another baking in the oven:

A list of options that I have accumulated after 3 + 1/2 babies. You can pick and choose whichever suits you. The one in blue are what I'm buying/;re-use this time around. These are useful while you are still in confinement. Once you start work (if you are working), the list may differ somewhat.

Toiletries: bath tub rubber mat syampoo sabun mandi baby oil baby lotion nappy rash cream vaseline towel face cloth wash cloth	Baby care: kapas cotton buds wet wipes changing mat sikat bedak gunting sireh kain tuam perut minyak yu yee oil minyak gamat	Baby inner wear: Lampin kain Pin lampin Nappy liners Getah lampin Disposable diapers bengkung
Clothing: short sleeve shirts long sleeve shirts seluar panjang seluar pendek Mittens Booties socks caps bib small handkerchief	Bedding: tilam cadar bantal blanket baby cot mosquito net	Feeding: Breastpump Cooler bag/thermal bag Bottle and teat Milk storage Bib Kain lap muka Bottle brush Bottle rack
Others: Car seat stroller baby sling wardrobe battery operated fan diaper bag buaian bouncer laundry basket pails kain balut uri Good to have planned purchase since these cost a bomb if purchased together at once. Baby sale, warehouse sale, online sale and year end sale are good places to find good bargain.	Post natal: Bengkung tungku Post natal set jamu Jelly gamat Minyak panas/gamat Kapur Sireh Limau nipis Slimming product Maternity pad Breast pad Maternity bra Socks Yellow solution These are mostly used during confinement	Hospital bag - mom Going home dress Sweater/shawl Big t-shirts Kain batik/loose pants Panties (maternity panties) Bras Socks slippers Maternity pad Breast pad Toiletries Hair dryer Towel Kain kuning Face towel you would want to look presentable after all the hard work just to feel human again despite the pains. It helps to groom yourself as a distraction.
Hospital bag – baby 1st day attire (day) 1st day attire (night) Mittens and booties/socks Going home baju topi Disposable diapers Bengkung toiletries (travel pack) Towel Blanket Wet wipes Kain bedung Yuu yee oil Kain kuning Nappy cream Face cloth	Hospital bag – others Hp charger Camera Battery Video camera Video camera charger Light snacks 1 set of clothes for daddy 1 set of clothes for kids Botol susu n spare milk for the older kids (if necessary) PSP/ipad/game console/portable tv + charger + CDs Spare change for vending machine Tissue box	Labour room bag Hp charger Light snacks Mineral water Face towel Handphone Hairband socks a small backpack would suffice if you are going in to the labour room to deliver your baby. Obviously you can't bring in your luggage with you!

31 weeks and a puffy feet | Edema

sob sob...

I thought I could escape this curse of the puffy feet. Alas, it was just a wishful thinking. Since yesterday, my left foot swelled up and doesn't seem to want to reduce its swelling self. got me worried though. Its not painful but its uncomfortable. Normally puffy feet indicates that my body needs more fluid. I have been chugging plain water since yesterday that the bathroom is now my new best friend. I put up my feet in bed using the lean makcho (kata aydin) body of mr hubbs as the base and I try to make frequent short walks in the office today. Nope, the swelling is still there. It subsided for a while and comes back to say hi.

Those frequent trips to the loo is also making me worried too! The last visit to the gyne I was told that frequent visit to the loo especially at nite can indicate gestational diabetes. Since my glucouse reading was borderline and no control whatsoever over my glucouse intake since then it does make this big mommy a little worried.

Why do I worry so much about swelling feet? Coz somehow i'm worried about pre-eclampsia. I never had that in my previous pregnancies. Even the last check up my urine reading was clear and clean except for that pesky borderline glucouse level. Been reading about the symptoms online and basically

swelling feet during pregnancy means:

1. its normal especially in 3rd trimester

2. the tendency to get swelling feet is higher in warmer weather (yeah.. its boiling temperature nowadays!)

3. it could indicate insufficient water intake (so need to increase the intake loh)

4. you are on your feet a lot (standing, walking etc)

5. the body is tired (this I can vouch for)

BUT It is a cause for concern IF :

1. sudden extreme swelling on the face, hands and/or feet that leaves indentation mark when pressed.

2. the swelling is one one foot + pain = possible blood clot

3. swelling of feet + persistent headache + blurried vision / sensitive to light = could be pre eclampsia

4. swelling of feet + chest pain / difficult to breath = heart problem

If it is just swelling of the feet, what to do (if accompanied by other symptoms, please go check yourself k)?

1. elevate the feet (if possible). I placed a box underneath my workstation and just placed my feet on top.

2. drink more liquid

3. take brief walk if you sit for too long. Rest if you are on your feet all day.

4. you don't need to reduce your salt intake unless you take a heapful in which case you need to reduce your salt intake anyway swelling or no swelling.

5. avoid crossing your legs (since I love to cross both my legs (bersila) on my work chair, this is going to be a constant self reminder.




reading materials:
http://www.todaysparent.com/pregnancy/when-to-worry-about-swelling-during-pregnancy/

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a549316/swelling-natural-remedies

http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/enlarged-feet.aspx

Mandi wiladah & mandi nifas

Copy paste dari Q&A di halaqah.net. Rasanya ramai yang mengadap situasi no 2 kan?

***

bincang pasal mandi wiladah ni kita kena faham tujuan mandi, untuk mensucikan diri dari hadath dan membolehkan seseorang menunaikan ibadat wajib seperti solat dll.

Kesimpulannya wanita yang melahirkan ada 3 keadaan:

1) Jika ia melahirkan tanpa diiringi nifas, maka wajib dia mandi wiladah semata-mata, dan wajib ia menunaikan solat selepas itu, walaupun masih dalam pantang.

2) Jika ia melahirkan dengan diiringi nifas serta merta, maka wajib baginya mandi nifas semata-mata setelah kering darah nifas dan wajiblah ia mendirikan solat selepas itu.

3) Jika ia melahirkan, pada mulanya tanpa diiringi nifas, maka wajib ia mandi wiladah dan mendirikan solat. Kemudian jika ia didatangi pula dengan nifas, maka dia hendaklah berhenti solat dan wajib ia mandi nifas apabila kering darah nifas. kemudian wajiblah ia solat.

Wallahu A'lam.

28 weeks check up

Booked appointment at HUKM specialist centre to see Prof Zainul. He delivered Aydin 4 years ++ ago and I liked him then. Decided to go with him again for this baby.

What a wait! The appointment is on first come first serve basis. The clinic opens at 2pm (supposedly). When I registered it was 1.30pm and I was no 13 on the list. And the waiting game begins...

Tunggu
punya tunggu
punya tunggu
punya tunggu...

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We were called in at 7.45pm (finally!).

He took the normal pregnancy history, when was my last period, what week I'm at right now, have I had titanus jap etc. Told him briefly what happened the last prenatal check up i.e. impaired MGTT test, borderline result for BSP test. My urine was clean and no traces of fungus. Based on my pregnancy weight and the BSP result he said he was not too worried. I just need to control my sugar intake.

Proceeded to do the scanning. Result: baby is in good condition. Growing healthily albeit a bit big (normal weight of baby at 28 weeks is about 1kg but my baby was at 1.33kg. Slightly big). Amniotic fluid is at the normal level, not too full and not too little. Baby is healthy. Its a boy (surprise! surprise!). No cleft palate, nothing seems to be out of ordinary.

Alhamdullillah...

Had my titanus jap. Ouchhh! and had to go back to the hospital for another blood test for god knows what.

It was a fruitful check up as I gained new knowledge today (despite the very loooooooong wait)

(i) when the weight of subsequent babies grows heavier it means there is a good spacing between babies. This means the mom's body has sufficiently recovered for the next pregnancy. Adlan weight at 2.92kg when he was born. After a gap of 2.4 years Aliya was born at 3.26kg. A gap of 3.7 years later and Aydin was born at 3.68kg. Now at 4.7 years gap... we shall wait and see :-)

(ii) If a pregnant mom frequently wakes up at nite to go to the loo, it means there is a tendency of the mom having gestational diabetes. This is because the baby accumulates fat due to the excess of sugar and the only way to get rid of the sugar is through its amniotic fluid. So the piss you piss at night moms are actually amniotic fluids from the baby. I thought I was not normal for the infrequent waking up to go to the loo. I seldom do even if I drank a lot before sleep. Thank god its a good sign rather than the opposite.

(iii) excessive amniotic fluid could also indicate gestational diabetes for reasons above.

(iv) moms with gestational diabetes would normally contract urinary tract infection because fungus loves the excess of sugar.... ooo... baru ku tau...

(v) titanus jap is taken for every pregnancy as a top up to the body. First pregnancy its 2 japs. 2nd pregnancy a top up of 1 jap. The 3rd will entitled you to another 2 japs... and so on and so forth. I can only say one thing... ouchhh!!

Week 26 | MGTT & BSP

A few more days to enter Week 27. 

Had to do MGTT (Modified Glucouse Tolerance Test) in week 24. This is where you have to fast for 8 hours before you are given a mug of pure glucouse to swallow. After 2 hours you need to come back and check for glucouse level in your blood. 

I did my MGTT like 5 years ago. Then I had to swallow pure white glucouse. Now it taste like over the top manis ribena. Do you know how it feels to have to drink pure glucouse after not eating anything the past 8 hours? While you are pregnant? Pure torture I tell you!!! Also, because the last time I did it was 5 years ago so of course I wouldn't remember the dos and don'ts - like not eating within that 2 hours... oppss!

Sigh... because I was too eager to eat before going to the clinic (dah la belasah nasi beriyani dengan lauk ayam masak merah, air fresh orange pulak tu. Mana aku tau tak leh makan!) now I have to go for another test called BSP (Blood Sugar Profiling). BSP is only for those high risk of being diabetic (tinggi la bacaan glucouse level masa buat MGTT tu dah belasah makan sesuka hati khennn!). For all my previous pregnancies I was always suspected to be a high risk diabetic walhal sebelum pi ambik darah dok belasah minum air kotak la, minum air sirap la, mmg la bacaan gula tinggi. Tak pernah serik2 taw.

BSP is where I need to fast for 8 hours then get my blood tested. And repeat another 3 times for a total of 4 blood extraction. At least this time I don't have to fast the whole day, only the 2 hours before the next blood extraction. Probably blood extraction is not the correct word. I'm guessing my finger will be poked with a device to draw a teeny weeny drop of blood. That was what happened when I took the MGTT test.

Some other reason for getting an MGTT test is when there was a previous history of being diabetic while being pregnant, over the age of 35, or where the weight increases more than 1.5 - 2kg a month. I am over 35 years of age now. And I gain an average of 4kg a month *gasp*. Tak payah la nk terkejut sangat. That has always been the trend for all of my previous pregnancies so why expect anything less for this one right?

Since I have to go and visit the clinic a total of 4 times in a day, I won't be able to go anywhere tomorrow. Dah la cuti maulidur rasul esok. Budak2 mandi kolam depan rumah je la jawabnya...

Padan muka aku.

01. 01. 2014

31. 12. 2013

Ha Ha Ha

Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No, 35 children is enough.
Q: I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q: What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Childbirth.
Q: My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.
A: So what's your question?

Q: My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?
A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q: When is the best time to get an epidural?
A: Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Q: Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
A: Not unless the word "alimony" means anything to you.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes, pregnancy.

Q: Do I have to have a baby shower?
A: Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.

Q: Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college. 

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) | also known as Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)

yup... painfully experiencing THIS!!! AGAIN!

*cry* *cry* *cry*

Let me tell you how painful...

Imagine your crotch is burning and on intense fire. Imagine your crotch is being stabbed multiple times non stop. Imagine you are being forced to do a perfect splits and hold that position for hours. Imagine feeling huge muscle tear as a result of excessively exercising non stop. 

Walking is a pain. climbing up and down the stairs is a pain. Going in and out of a car is a pain. Wearing pants and underwear is painful. Changing sides while lying down is painful (I can even hear and feel the clicking sound as if my joints and bones are all over the place). Lying flat on my stomach is painful. My back hurts, my tailbone hurts. Standing from sitting position is a killer. Feels like there's a heavy weight attached to my crotch so that it feels pressured as if its gonna burst anytime. Opening up my legs is painful (yes! the pleasurable act associated with opening up my leg can be a painful act. I can even hear the clicking sound followed by short burst of pain).

And when I say I am in pain, I really mean EXCRUCIATING unbearable pain!

Are those descriptive enough to describe the level of pain that I feel nowadays? Can you feel me? Can you?

Yes, and it hurts my overly sensitive hormonally haywired feeling when people ridicule me for being slow. As if the pain is not enough for me to deal with on my own :'(


***

I'm trying these yoga poses. Hopefully it will help to elevate some pain, if not all

Gentlemen in the making

Yea right... I am now waiting for my burgers to be ready and while the burger seller is flipping the burgers his friends are happily lazing around on chairs playing guitars. Not even 1 of them offered me or the kids to sit down.

Yup... these are the fine young gentlemen of our future... sigh...

A rose by any other name smell as sweet...

So is fart...

Hahahaaaaaaa

This post is inspired by the most awful, foul smell of fart I have ever produced every 10 minutes throughout the day every single time I am pregnant.

No joke I tell you. Even my kids are now able to recognise the smell. And every time they smell something foul, they will ask me if that awful smell is because I have farted. It even brought me to life from my deep slumber. My own smelly fart. Kesian incik suami. Apa nak kata ye yang... terima je la adinda seadanya...

Haaaahaaaahaaaaaaaaaa!!!

gemuk

"Kakak, mummy gemuk tak?" parading in front of her while changing to go out one night.

"Taklah. Tak gemuk pun," my 7 year old princess replied.

"Ye ke tak gemuk? gemuklah."

"Tak gemuk. Gemuk sikit je. Mummy kan mengandung. Memangla gemuk sikit. Tak banyak pun."

***

Sigh... my adorable sweet princess trying to sooth my ugly low self esteemed monster that had reared its head that night.

I am 17 weeks now and I gained a whopping 14kg. FOURTEEN FRIGGIN KG!

sigh...

Hormonal Haywire

My hormones have definitely gone haywire. Took the ERL and LRT for 2 days in a row to get to work. On both occasions I was not seated nor was I offered any during the whole journey.

On the first day, I was so hurt for being ignored and coupled with a very back ache, I had to take  pit stop after arriving at the station near my office to sit and cry.

Yup. I cried because I nobody offered me a seat and as a result I had to endure a very bad back pain.

The 2nd day I was expecting not to be offered a seat and so it doesn't bother me like the day before. I was actually amused because a few actually suddenly went to sleep when they saw me enter the train. No biggie. I was proud of myself for managing to control my hormones and not cry for not being able to sit down in the train (ngada betul!). After arriving at the station nearby office, I sat down nearby to ease my back pain. It was becoming painful to walk and so I had to sit down to nurse the pain. Out of the blue a colleague came up from behind and asking me if I'm alright and would I like her to carry some of my things for me. I declined politely and off she went. Immediately my eyes watered and I cried like a burst dam.

Damn! And I was so proud of myself and here I was crying like a cry baby. Ridiculous i'm telling you but this is getting out of hand. I hate not having control. 

Blergh...

A Bad Case of Back Pain

Eh.. mcm rhyme la pulak...

This morning woke up with a very bad case of back pain. Felt like the whole of my back was in excruciating pain. Baru 3 bulan, Ni mesti kes perut terlebih besar. I guess my posture was all over the place hence the back pain. Can't help it since my body is growing at a tremendous speed including my stomach and it will put pressure on my back. I can't walk straight anymore. Tried but feels like I'm going to fall flat on my face at any moment. 

Then I remembered that I have been donning my heels for the last 2 days. Proudly I may add. Hah! ambik kau, terus sakit belakang. So today, I resorted to my medium height heels (heels lagi!) coz that is the only work shoes I have. Another reason to buy more. Eh.

On a side note, just found out yesterday that a staff who just got maried recently is now expecting. Today, through facebook, found out and confirmed that another 2 are expecting. Wahhh... 5 pregnant ladies in the house. There's gonna be huge bellies floating around early next year. hehe...

Macam penyakit berjangkit pulak. Bagus feng shui office ni for those who wants to get pregnant...

Week 12

it has become somewhat of a relief to feel myself again. The extreme tiredness I feel daily has lessen considerably. House chores can resume normally albeit a little slowly. 

I attempted to cook a few days back. Cook 3 types of dishes - sardin, sambal ayam and jemput2 bawang. Oh boy what a wrong decision that was. Next time I need to limit myself to only 1. I was not able to move my body, my back hurt so much that I had to lie down immediately after. The best part was, nobody ate whatever that I have cooked. Not even me and it all went to waste except for the lauk where the stray cats who adopted themselves to our family and made our backyard their home had kenduri the day after.

I can also now enjoy food better. Some food taste ok, some I can't stomach and there are others that can make me nausea or make me feeling satisfied. Dairy product is a no-no so no milk for me. Soy is also out the window. Chocolate and tea based food are also a contraband for me for now. But at least I can now drink plain water on the condition that it must be icy cold plain water.

My stomach is now protruded for the world to see. I still maintained my 10kg extra weight and my breast is now 1 cup and 1 size up. Mr hubbs is enjoying the growth it seems :p

I am now officially desperate to look for outer and inner wear. Baju seluar luar dalam semua dah tak muat... a bigger hole in the pocket... 

All that I'm feeling now is glad for being able to feel normal again. At least house and office work is no more neglected.

1st Trimester

I'm telling you now. IF you ever wanna expand your family, do it before your 35th birthday please.

Its cruel to subject your body to such extreme condition at this age. I may think and act perasan young but the body is not fooled. Extreme tiredness ALL THE TIME. The first few weeks after the blue line appeared was the most cruelest. There is a mattress in front of the telly in the hall fo rme to land the moment I enter the house. And that's where you will find me until bedtime where I will then proceed to continue land on until the next morning. 

Repeat.

Sigh... The family gets neglected. The house is neglected. Mr hubbs is neglected. Not by choice but I just don't have the energy to do anything else. The journey from the front door to the mattress is taxing enough that it renders me invalid the whole night. 

And the food! blergh! everything and anything taste yummy while I'm chewing. The moment I stop chewing, the after taste is just horrible. Horrible I tell you! Hence I have to force myself to chew and chew and eat and eat just to avoid getting that horrible taste in my mouth. Everything taste metalic-ish. All liquid makes my tongue feels horrible. Everything makes me wanna puke.

I didn't actually puke a lot this time around. But I would rather puke than carrying this nausea feeling all the time. Its draining the energy feeling having to puke but not quite.

One time, I did puke and it was horrible. Everything came out like waterfall and I can't even breath. Like there was an automatic floodgate that was opened and nothing can stop it until everything is gone. Oh. Don't let me go on about that horrible asidic greenish puke. Yuck. And I my throat and stomach would hurt bad right after. Drinking would make me puke. Not drinking would make the throat more painful.

I don't know why people love being pregnant. I honestly don't.

Another difference that I faced this time around is that whatever symptoms I have, mr hubbs has it too. That metalic-ish taste of liquid especially plain water. Yup, he taste that too. That feeling of being constantly hungry. Yup he feels that too. The tiredness, the lethargic, the nausea, the heartburn. Yup, he has all of those although at a lesser degree.

What can I say except "welcome to my world". Secretly, I love the fact that he's having the same symptoms. It means that our lives are so intertwined and that we are acutely aware of the presence of each other that he mimicked the feelings that I have. That is love to me... ^_^

All those horrible feelings are at the worst during the first few weeks. But now that I'm nearing the end of the 1st trimester (i think), its not that bad anymore. I don't feel like extremely tired or puking everytime after I eat. The metalic-ish taste is lesser. I can now drink plain water. After taste of food taste slightly better. And I'm not that lethargic all the time anymore. Boleh la nak sidai2 baju, nk kemas2 barang sikit2.

I have been craving for hot and spicy and sour food. Sambal belacan, cili. Nando's angry mango (slurp). And sweet things. but no chocolate please. Those makes me puke immediately. Although magnum ice-cream looks so yummy. sob sob. And this baby has one hell of expensive taste in food. Nak makan taste mat saleh je. Italian, western, cheesy food etc.. 

And like Aydin, I eat both asam manis and sweets. So not helpful in indicating the gender of the baby yet. 

I have not been seeing a Dr yet. What's the point? I already know that I'm pregnant. I'm taking my folic asic (if I remember). I have my vitamin c + calcium daily (heaven sent since I can't take milk due to my eczema and soya is just yucky). My gums still bleed when I brush my teeth. 

And the weight gain! Oh. My. God!!! Would you believe me if I said that I have gained a total of approximately 9kg the past 2 months? Yup NINE freaking KILOGRAMS! And its only the 1st trimester. Lets do math. If I gain 10kg every trimester, I will gain a total of approximately 30kg for the whole duration.

GASP!

sigh... Tell me again which part of pregnancy is enjoyable?