Swollen

my 39 week swollen foot and ankles

Looking at my own feet I often wonder whose feet are these??!

WEEK 39

I am 39 weeks pregnant (1 week to go)!!! BabyBunny weighs a bit over 3200 grams (a mini watermelon), and measures about 50.5 cm (head to heel).

LittleBunny continues to build a layer of fat to help control her body temperature after birth. /BabyCenter/

My official EDD (by the Dating Scan) is TODAY, but BabyBunny shows no sign of wanting to meet us. Although she is busy tunneling her way down into my pelvis!

The waiting is almost over! The countdown begins. I miss my bump already, and I can't wait to meet our bundle of joy at the same time! Nervous about the birth and excited about the new family member and about the role what is comes with it.

Generally feeling well. The sleep is still good, although sleeping less and less as less sleep seems to be adequate. Still no need for napping during the day. Not sleepy, not tired. Appetite is still good, preference for fresh, crunchy, juicy, raw fruit and vegetables. The 5-a-day now more like an 8-a-day. Walking still feels good once I get the rhythm.

Hospital visit

38+6 today and another scheduled hospital visit this morning. After queuing up 45 minutes to get my chart the midwife/nurse check-up came immediately. Urine is clean, no sugar, no protein (surprisingly, the sample was somewhat cloudy this morning). Blood pressure is okay (120/76). Weight: 68.5 kg (gained around 16 kg from the start but all you can see it is my bump and a bit of water with swollen feet).

Another 45-50 minutes at the doctor's door. What I like about these 'waiting outside'-s that there is no chit-chat among 'mum-to-be'-s asking about this and that. Everyone is quietly reading something in a book or in a magazine or on a mobile phone.

BabyBunny looked happy on the mini scan, and in all probability that she is happy there because no sign of wanting to come out and meet us. My (Dating Scan) EDD is tomorrow!! The doctor said that they will see me next week and if there is still no happening I will be scheduled for an induction on the following Monday (which is the 25th). Oh, boy, I do hope that Bunny don't want to wait that long. The 19th would be nice. It is my father's birthday. Bunny would be a lovely birthday present for him. I know he would not love anything better.

I asked the doctor about the vaginal swab taken two weeks ago. The result shows 'Light growth of Candida sp.' She said this is very common and asked me if I am using the Canesten (Clotrimazole Anti-Fungal) cream as she told me to. Well, she told me on Wed and I got it on Fri and used it only on Sat once but(!) I stopped using panty-liners around the clock the day I come home from her visit and the itching and whitening is gone since. No need to use then, she said. BTW, on the swab result there was a hand written note: Pt. called no answer. Well, there was no call for sure!

I handed over my updated Birth Plan so my chart is up-to-date.

On a hunt

We are on a 'hunt' for a paediatrician.

The current GP Medical Centre is very bad even for a general use, unfortunately. There are a bunch of GPs (or should I say a bunch of pansies) practising and I tried most of them. One used Google image search to diagnose my itching chicken pox skin rash. One forced me to have a flu jab at 4+5!! One diagnosed my peeling skin condition as dermatitis even pointed out a picture of fluid filled red pimples on the palm (it wasn't the case, in fact it wasn't even close to that picture). The same one diagnosed me with tender breast when my backbone (thus rib) was twisted and locked. Another one prescribed antibiotics for a vital infection. I won't let them near my baby. Time for a change? Maybe, but GPs are just general practitioners not doctors of infants and children.

We are looking to find a properly trained and qualified paediatrician, an experienced one. Who can provide the quality of medical care. Whom we can develop a close relationship. Who has the ability to listen, and the openness to questions, and the willingness to respond to them fully and clearly. Who believes in preventive medicine, and last but not least, who has genuine fondness for children. In one sentence, we are searching for Dr Right.

WEEK 38

I am 38 weeks pregnant (2 weeks to go)!! BabyBunny weighs around 3000 grams, and measures over 49.5 cm (head to heel), like a leek.

BabyBunny's organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb. /BabyCenter/

Two more weeks left! I can't believe it! Where did the time fly?? Where did the past 38 weeks go? I still clearly remember reaching the milestones at 12th, 13+6, 20th, 24th, 28th, 32nd, and 36th weeks. Tow more weeks and finally I will hold my precious cargo in my ever loving arms. Can't wait!!

I am wondering when Bunny will make the appearance. She is 38 weeks by me (LMP) but 39 weeks according to the hospital (dating scan). Curious, which time is Bunny following...

The lower arching of my bump (just above my bikini-line) is more prominent, Bunny makes her way down, every day a little deeper. Sometimes just with tiny pushings, sometimes with strong, sharp pain.

She worries me more than amuses with her daily hiccups. I am still trying to find the comfortable position to easy her inconvenience. The 6-8 minutes are back to 20. Lying down doesn't help, getting on all fours not makes them shorter.

I can still fit a decent amount of food into my belly. Looks like the last few weeks with a bird's diet is not for me. I can enjoy whatever I like. What I really like is raw, juicy fruits and vegetables, like strawberries, cucumber, radish, pepper, tomato, green salad leaves, apples, oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, raspberries, blueberries, mango, papaya, you name it.

Household cleaning is on hold, from my part anyway. The chores are mostly on DH. He cooks and does the dishes, hoovers, shops for grocery, cleans the bathroom. I do the laundry. Setting the washing machine is not a problem but ironing is a different story...

With a daily probiotic supplementation and natural probiotic yogurt 'treatment' the itching (and whitened out vulva) is gone. I used the canesten cream just only twice (purely out of fear). I did not want to mess with it while Bunny is inside. They did not ring me back from the hospital with the swab so I take it that nothing grew under the microscope. I suspect it was the panty-liner. The skin got irritated. I am not using it 24/7 anymore just when I go out but at home no more panty-liners for me, rather changing damp panties often as I did previously early in pregnancy.

GP visit

37+6 today. Another scheduled GP visit this morning. Urine is clean, no sugar, no protein detected. Blood pressure is okay (126/85). Fetal heartbeat is fine. Weight: 66.6 kg.

Symptoms/questions and comments/answers on this week's visit:

Generally feeling well. Looking nice and round (very big bump she said). Slightly puffed up feet, still stiff fingers but blood pressure is fine so not to worry.

The sharp pain down in the lower abdomen is getting more frequent. I had to jump up from the dinner table yesterday because it was so painful that I could not bear sitting with it. Baby is getting ready, she commented.

Itching L nipple, and some itchiness around the belly-button.

Accidentally ate some unpasteurized feta cheese last week. Not to worry, she said.

More (migrating) numb spots on tummy. Stretching on nerves.

Q: Baby medicine cabinet essentials?

A: Nothing in the first 2 months. Calling and visiting the GP ONLY.

Not that I want to drug my baby just I do not want to be caught in the middle of the night having nothing to bring high temperature down with...

BIRTH PLAN is ready

Hospital tour

Later this afternoon we took a little tour in the hospital just to get around familiar for the big day. With a guidance of a midwife we have visited the Admissions Office and the Assessment Unit (already familiar parts of the hospital), a Single Room in the Private Ward for private patients (I wasn't impressed), a Delivery Suite (it was nice, bright, spacious, well equipped) and the former Nursery, now Clinical Nursery where she brought in a six-hour-old. Dressed in pink velour onesie, the baby was tiny (although 3.3 kg), so cute and adorable. Can't wait to have mine!!

WEEK 37

I am 37 weeks pregnant (3 weeks to go), woohoo! BabyBunny is now full term!! Weighs around 2880 grams, and measures over 48 cm (head to heel), like a stalk of Swiss chard.

BabyBunny's lungs will likely be mature enough now to fully adjust to life outside the womb.

Braxton Hicks contractions may be coming more frequently now and may last longer and be more uncomfortable. An increase in vaginal discharge is common. The 'bloody show' (mucus tinged with a tiny amount of blood) means labor is probably a few days away — or less. /BabyCenter/

Prof. R.'s Clinic / Surgeon visit

With my gallbladder '?polyp' I finally got an appointment with the relevant hospital. The surgeon/doctor was very helpful and informative with good explanations. I felt myself in good hands. He suggested to wait 3 to 4 months after delivery, then an ultrasound scan will be performed to check and confirm if it is a stone or a polyp. In case of a stone if I am asymptomatic the stone will stay. In case of a polyp it will be evaluated and an operation will be performed to remove the gallbladder if necessary. The nurse took blood and I made a new appointment for September.

Hospital visit

36+6 today (37+6 according to Dating Scan). Another scheduled hospital visit this morning. The waiting wasn't so bad. Urine is clean, no sugar, no protein. Blood pressure is 'perfect' (118/75). Weight: 66.4 kg. BabyBunny is happy, growing well. Amniotic fluid is nice, plenty.

While I was waiting outside the doctor's door BabyBunny started to dance and my bump burst out like a billowy playground.

Symptoms/questions and comments/answers on this week's visit:

S: discharge still yellow(ish)
C: it's hormonal;

Q: Group B strep. test (GBC vaginal swab)?
A: not routinely done;

S: itchy labia majora (the top of the vulva), the skin is whitened out
C: yeast infection/thrush, very common;
the doctor took a swab and it will be checked under the microscope, meanwhile she told me to get a canestan cream in the pharmacy but use it only for a week;

S: hiccups - they are still frequent (noon, around 4pm, 8:35pm, 11pm, 1:3am just the last 12 hours for example), lasting from 15 to 20 minutes, but not so rhythmic anymore, there are 30 to 45 second gaps sin them sometimes; Q: what is normal in frequency and length?
C/A: there are no set parameters, do not worry about hiccups, we only worry if the baby is not moving;

S: baby movements - trembling/shivering-like movements once or twice a day for 3-4 seconds;
C: it's normal;

S: numb spot on tummy;
C: it's the stretching, normal;

Q: flowmetry (to measure microcirculatory blood flow in tissues - cord, placenta, oxygen, nutrition)?

Q: can I leak amniotic fluid while the mucus plug still there?
A: yes, if the fluid just dripping the mucus plug can stay there but there is a flow the plug will be loosen;

Q: raspberry leaf tea to tone the uterus?
A: no clinically proven results, but it won't do any harm;

Q: what is given and what is done (routinely) after a baby is born?
A: cutting the cod, putting the baby to skin-to-skin contact, some checking;

S: brown skin-growths on upper body mostly;
C: to be checked by a dermatologist after delivery;

I informed her that we gave it a try to perineal massage but it did not work for me eventually. I did not feel any burning sensation (DH was very gentle and careful). She said that there is no proven evidence that it can help avoid an episiotomy. In theory, yes.

WEEK 36

I am 36 weeks pregnant (4 weeks to go)! BabyBunny now weighs almost 2700 grams, like a crenshaw melon, and is more than 47 cm long.

Bunny is still packing on the grams, about 28 g day. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. She swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement. /BabyCenter/

GP visit

35+6 today. Another scheduled GP visit this morning. The nicer, kinder midwife is back. Good news, I can ask questions! Urine is clean, no sugar, no protein. Blood pressure is within normal limits (124/80). Fetal heartbeat is nice and loud. Weight: 64 kg.

Generally feeling well. Slightly puffed up feet, slightly stiff fingers but the blood pressure is fine so just a bit of water retention which is normal, she said. Some change in vaginal discharge: slight increase and more yellowish but the urine sample is clean so not to worry, she said. For the occasional sharp pain down in the lower abdomen also normal, and the strong, frequent Braxton Hicks' do not effect the baby (which I still doubt), she said.

Bunny received some extra vitamin D today as the sun was scorching on the way to and back.

The bags are packed

1. LABOUR BAG

• maternity notes (birth plan);
• an old t-shirt (nightshirt);
• a pair of socks (feet can get cold in labour);
• light snacks, bottled water (yet to be sorted out);
• baby vest, grow, hat;


2. POST DELIVERY BAG

FOR MUMMY
• wide opening nightshirts or pyjamas (if breastfeeding);
• nursing bra (if breastfeeding);
• breast pads;
• maternity (sanitary) towel (2 packs);
• disposable or old knickers (for after the birth);
• dark coloured towels (2-3), face cloth;
• flip flops (for the shower);
• dressing gown and slippers;
• own pillow in coloured pillow case (if desired);
• toiletries, tissues;
• wet wipes and pocket size alcohol gel;
• camera, mobile phone charger;
• pen and paper (for taking notes);

FOR BABY
• long-sleeved baby grows (x6);
• vests (x6);
• a cardigan;
• a hat;
• a pair of scratch mittens;
• baby towel;
• baby blanket;
• bibs / burp cloths;
• pack of nappies (newborn size);
• pack of cotton wool;

All baby clothes, towels should be pre-washed!

FOR GOING HOME (to be brought in on the day)
• clothes which fit you at 26 weeks;
• baby going home outfit;
• car seat

WEEK 35

I am 35 weeks pregnant (5 weeks to go)! BabyBunny now weighs about 2380 grams, like a honeydew melon, and over 45.7 cm long. The uterus now reaches up under your rib cage. There's more baby than amniotic fluid inside the womb now.

BabyBunny's kidneys are fully developed now, and the liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete. Bunny will spend the next few weeks putting on weight. Because it's so snug in the womb, isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same. /BabyCenter/

Bunny buggy has arrived

bugaboo bee with maxi-cosi car seat
alias 'bugabee' Bunny vehicle

What was in the box:
• bugaboo bee chassis + wheels + seat unit
• sun canopy (black)
• cocoon (yellow)
• MaxiCosi cabriofix
• car seat adaptor
• foormuff (khaki)

Still waiting on:
• seat liner (orange)

Bump on the couch



my 34 weeks + 2 days bump

WEEK 34

I am 34 weeks pregnant (6 weeks to go)! BabyBunny now weighs about 2155 grams, like a cantaloupe, and almost 45.7 cm long.

BabyBunny's lungs are continuing to mature, and the central nervous system is maturing as well. Her fat layers (which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born) are filling her out, making her rounder and her skin smooths. /BabyCenter/

WEEK 33

I am 33 weeks pregnant (7 weeks to go)! BabyBunny weighs a little over 1800 grams, like a pineapple, and measures over 43 cm.

BabyBunnys rapidly losing that wrinkled look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood. /BabyCenter/

Bugaboo Bee



individualized bugaboo bee package

WEEK 32

I am 32 weeks pregnant (8 weeks to go)! BabyBunny weighs around 1700 grams, like a large jicama, and measures about 42.5 cm long.

BabyBunny is taking up a lot of space in your uterus and gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth. Bunny now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (peach fuzz). /BabyCenter/

Arrival, departure



The lime green coloured, black framed EGO Travel System by Baby Elegance has arrived this afternoon by the carrier in two boxes.

Box No1:
• pushchair
• carry cot (pram)
• changing bag (buggy bag)
• pushchair rain cover
• pushchair footmuff
• carry cot footmuff

Box No2:
• car seat group 0+ (up to 13 kg)

DH assembled the fresh yet pleasant green coloured 3-in-1 after he came home from work. By the end one thing was sure, this has to go back where it came from, because of poor quality. It was creaking already without even meeting the asphalt. Cheap and cheerful, nothing more. How did we make this huge mistake? Why didn't we see this at the store? I was focusing too much on the colour and the value for money. A lesson is learned.

Antenatal Class 5/5

About bringing the newborn home...

- heel prick test - screens for metabolic absorption diseases;

First 6 weeks:
- cotton wool and water (to top-and-tail);
- organic olive oil OR grape seed oil (avoiding nappy rash);
- do not bath the baby too much, allow the vernix (vernix caseosa, waxy coating)
to be absorbed;
- cord falls of about a week;
- first soiled nappies: brown (meconium), green, then yellow;
- babies are back to birth-weight after 2 weeks;
- vitamin K helps to build blood-clotting factors (orally?);
- public health nurse visit - around day 5;

To ease tender breast and sore nipples - keep a savoy cabbage in the fridge and
use the cooled leaves as breast pads;

Breastfeeding support:
• Friends of Breastfeeding;
• La Leche League;

WEEK 31

I am 31 weeks pregnant (9 weeks to go)! BabyBunny weighs about 1500 grams, four navel oranges, and measures over 40 cm long.

BabyBunny is heading into a growth spurt, beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. Bunny can turn his head from side to side. He's moving a lot, kicks and somersaults, and all this moving is a sign that Bunny is active and healthy. /BabyCenter/

Antenatal Class 4/5

About breastfeeding and bottle feeding...

• breastfeeding

- learned skill!!
- skin-to-skin and eye-to-eye contact!
- tummy-to-tummy + nipple-to-nose;

12-14 times fed

Prolactin (protein) level peaks in the early morning;

If you do not put the baby to the breast, you will not produce milk;

Mastitis - breast infection - milk overproduction, not taken out;

Baby born with a hazelnut size tummy,
at 3 days - a small walnut,
at 10 days - a golf ball;

For the baby:
- antibodies/immunoglobulins;
- less ear infection (middle-ear);
- can't be overfed;
- not constipated;
- less tummy upset;
- hypoallergenic;
- easy to digest;

For the mummy:
- quickens recovery;
- reduces the bleeding postpartum;
- helps uterus to shrink back;
- lowers the rate of breast cancer (pre-menopaused);
- good for your bones;

• bottle feeding
- sterilization is crucial;
- shop (bottles, formula), clean, mix, warm;

WEEK 30

I am 30 weeks pregnant (10 weeks to go)! BabyBunny weighs almost 1360 grams, like a head of cabbage, and about 40 cm long now.

BabyBunny's eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face (normal adult vision is 20/20).

700 ml of amniotic fluid surrounds BabyBunny, but that volume will decrease as Bunny gets bigger and takes up more room in the uterus. /BabyCenter/

Antenatal Class 3/5

About Caesarean section...

• emergency section

Who is going to be present at an emergency section:
- 2 midwives
- 2 surgeons
- 1 anaesthetist
- 1 porter
- 3 nurses
- 1 paediatrician

• elective section
- current hospital rate is at 22%;

Instrumental delivery (9-10 cm):
- vacuum
- forceps

Induction
- 12 days after due date;

WEEK 29

I am 29 weeks pregnant (11 weeks to go)! BabyBunny weighs around 1135 grams, like a butternut squash, and over 38 cm long.

BabyBunny's muscles and lungs are continuing to mature. The head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. His bones are soaking up lots of calcium, in this trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in BabyBunny's hardening skeleton each day, so good source of calcium (milk, cheese, yogurt) is essential. Plus plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron is needed to meet Bunny's increasing nutritional demands. /BabyCenter/

Antenatal Class 2/5

About pain-relieving options during labour and birth...

• Gas and air (entonox) - dizzy, nausea;

• Tens machine (electric impulses) - for early labour - intersepts the pathway and releases endorphins;

• Pethidine injection - when labour is established but not over 4-5 cm dilation - sleepy, drowsy, crosses the placenta;

• Epidural (regional analgesia, injection through a catheter placed into the epidural space) - in established labour (3-4 cm) - immobility, prolongs labour, lowers blood pressure, and could bring severe headaches, laying flat 24-48 hours after;

Active labour: 4 cm
Transition: 8 cm
Fully dilated: 9-10 cm

WEEK 28

I am 28 weeks pregnant (12 weeks to go)! BabyBunny weighs around 1000 grams, like a Chinese cabbage, and measures 37.5 cm.

BabyBunny is adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world. She's developing billions of neurons in her brain. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through the womb. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. /BabyCenter/

Antenatal Class 1/5

General information about the hospital, about what to expect around labour, about giving birth, and taking care of a newborn baby...

There is a 'hospital tour' once a week, whick I think is a great idea, and I would like to take a peek and see it. The labour ward is on the 2nd floor...

Only 5% of babies come on their due date, so pack your hospital bag at 36 weeks!

Not to cut baby's soft nails in the first 2 weeks! After that use a round-edged scissors not the nail clipper.

Look what they did to me

After three days of hospital stay + OGTT on the fourth

WEEK 27

I am 27 weeks pregnant (13 weeks to go)! BabyBunny weighs almost 900 grams, a head of cauliflower, and about 36.8 cm long.

BabyBunny's brain is very active now, with more brain tissue developing. Tiny rhythmic movements of baby hiccups may be common from now on. BabyBunny is sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. /BabyCenter/

WEEK 26

I am 26 weeks pregnant (14 weeks to go)! BabyBunny weighs about 755 grams, and measures 35.5 cm, the length of a cucumber.

BabyBunny's continuing to put on baby fat. The network of nerves in his ears is better developed and more sensitive than before, and he may now be able to hear my voice as I chat. Bunny is inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of the lungs. If BabyBunny is a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum, it will take about two to three days. /BabyCenter/

WEEK 25

I am 25 weeks pregnant (15 weeks to go)! BabyBunny weighs about 680 grams, an average rutabaga, and measures about 34 cm from head to heel.

BabyBunny is growing more hair. The wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out. /BabyCenter/

WEEK 24

I am 24 weeks pregnant (16 weeks to go)! BabyBunny is almost 30.5 cm long, the length of an ear of corn. The top of your uterus has risen above the belly button and is now about the size of a soccer ball.

BabyBunny's body is filling out proportionally and will soon start to plump up. The skin is still thin and translucent. The brain is growing quickly. The taste buds are continuing to develop. The lungs are developing 'branches' of the respiratory 'tree' as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help the air sacs inflate once Bunny hits the outside world. /BabyCenter/

WEEK 23

I am 23 weeks pregnant (17 weeks to go)! BabyBunny weighs about a large mango, just over 450 grams, and more than 28 cm long, the length of a spaghetti squash.

BabyBunny's sense of movement well developed by now, she can feel my move. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb. /BabyCenter/

WEEK 22

I am 22 weeks pregnant (18 weeks to go)! BabyBunny weighs almost 450 grams, and around 28 cm long, the length of a spaghetti squash.

BabyBunny's lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and even developing tiny tooth buds beneath the gums. The irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily. His body is covered with fine hair (lanugo) and deep wrinkles on his skin. /BabyCenter/

WEEK 21

I am 21 weeks pregnant (19 weeks to go)! BabyBunny weighs about 340 grams, and around 26.5 cm long, the length of a carrot.

BabyBunny's eyebrows and lids are present now. If Bunny is a girl, her vagina has begun to form. The initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. /BabyCenter/

WEEK 20

I am 20 weeks pregnant (20 weeks to go)! BabyBunny weighs about 300 grams, and around 16.5 cm long (head to bottom) and about 25.4 cm from head to heel, the length of a banana (for the first 20 weeks the 'crown to rump' measurement is taken (baby's legs are curled up against his torso), after 20 weeks, fetus measured from head to toe).

This is the halfway mark! The top of your uterus is about level with my belly button.

BabyBunny is swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and it will bee seen in his first soiled diaper. /BabyCenter/

WEEK 19

I am 19 weeks pregnant (21 weeks to go)! BabyBunny is about the size of a nice large tomato, weighs about 240 grams, and around 15.2 cm long (head to bottom). The ligaments that support the uterus are stretching to accommodate its increasing weight (some achiness in the lower abdomen or even an occasional brief, stabbing pain on one or both sides, this is round ligament pain). Darkening of the nipples, freckles, scars.

BabyBunny's kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. His brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. He may be able to hear your voice now. A waxy protective coating (vernix caseosa) is forming on his skin. /BabyCenter/

I felt a move, a stir!!

WEEK 18

I am 18 weeks pregnant (22 weeks to go)! BabyBunny is about the length of a bell pepper, weighs almost 200 grams, and about 14 cm long (head to rump).

 

BabyBunny's busy flexing his arms and legs. The ears are now in their final position. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin. If BabyBunny is a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place, if BabyBunny is a boy, his genitals are noticeable now. /BabyCenter/

I ordered a maternity jeans yesterday!

Consultant Visit

17+6 today (18+6 Dating Scan wise) and I have met my doctor in the hospital. He is the 'leader' of the Team I am assigned to.

The blood tests at my first antenatal visit are all negative:
• full blood count / haemoglobin level (to detect anaemia)
• blood group (which blood group and rhesus factor)
• Syphilis
• Varicella / Chickenpox (> 100 mIU/ml)
• HIV antibody
• Rubella / German measles (> 10 IU/ml)
• Hepatitis screening

The Dating Scan (Transabdominal US with GE Voluson 730) by the sonographer says:
• presentation: cephalic
• amniotic fluid: noral
• placenta: grannum grade 0, structure: normal

And interestingly the doctor put my dates to 18+3! It is hard to follow now how many weeks and days exactly I am at the moment. GP said one thing, hospital midwife calculated a day less, Dating Scan measured a week more, doctor came up with a fourth one ;-))) This is why I will stick to my LMP count...

The doctor performed a mini scan at the end of my visit. It was nice to see BabyBunny again!

WEEK 17

I am 17 weeks pregnant (23 weeks to go)! BabyBunny is about the size of a turnip, weighs about 142 grams, and around 12.7 cm long (head to bottom).

BabyBunny's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, the umbilical cord (the lifeline to the placenta) is growing stronger and thicker, and sweat glands are starting to develop. /BabyCenter/

Antenatal Introductory Class

16+6 today and I attended on an Introductory Class in the hospital for information on the early stages of pregnancy...

The first part was about the importance of an infant car seat and how to choose (not all car seats fit to all car!) and install properly. It was good to know though I think it is nothing to do with pregnancy but with child safety and that is somewhat further away.

The second part was much more relevant. The dietitian from the hospital's Nutrition & Dietetics Department took the floor. She spoke (briefly, not so deep) about the importance of a proper diet and nutrition during pregnancy, about dietary needs during this time.

The third person was a midwife from the Parent Education Department who gave us information about further classes available regarding pregnancy, birth and caring for a new baby. Certainly it is a good idea to attend antenatal classes to inform ourselves of all available choices and prepare for labour, birth and for the new role as parents, so I booked evening classes once a week over a period of five weeks, starting in end of March.

WEEK 16

I am 16 weeks pregnant (24 weeks to go)! BabyBunny is about the size of an avocado, weighs nearly 100 grams, and around 11.5 cm long (head to rump). The top of the uterus is about halfway between the pubic bone and the navel. The round ligaments that support the uterus are thickening and stretching as the uterus grows.

BabyBunny's legs are much more developed, the head is more erect, the eyes have moved closer to the front of the head, and the ears are close to their final position. The heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as development progresses. BabyBunny's started growing toenails! /BabyCenter/