There’s been so much going on but I haven’t had time to blog about it. I’ll get to my pregnancy status in the next blog. Here, I’d like to mention about how pregnant ladies are seen in society’s eyes – as public property!!
My subject here does not imply anything dirty (for anyone who thought so!). It’s merely the questions I’ve been getting since my bump became obvious.
People, strangers in fact, tend to ask me, “How many months ah?” referring to how many months preggers I am. Next Q would be, “When due?” and then I have to tell them when I am due. Normally I just tell them “Early Nov”. I mean, why should I tell all these strangers my exact due date?! And then comes the best question of all, “Boy or Girl ah?!” Hello!!! What is it to you if I’m having a boy or a girl??
The worst are those who pass comments when I say I am 7+ months pregnant, they comment “Not very big ah your stomach!” or some who say “Your face very fat already huh!” And those who know me and make these comments are even worse! A relative (can’t mention who over here as it’s very sensitive) kept telling me I’ve put on weight since my 3rd month, even after knowing I was pregnant. I tolerated it once, twice, and the third time she told me such a thing I just burst. To be precise, she said “Your face looks SOOOO chubby now!”So I just retorted, “Well, I’m SUPPOSED to be putting on weight now!” Come on lah, she already has 3 kids, she ought to know that you are supposed to put on and store extra weight during your pregnancy! So what kind of comment is that?!
Those are the people who pass comments. I have experiences with people who just touch or rub my belly without permission! Hey my belly is still my belly, it’s an extended part of me! Imagine if I see a guy with a beer belly and if I just rub it and say “Put on weight, haven’t we?!” Let’s see how beer-belly-guy responds to that!
But, for us pregnant women, we are supposed to smile and say “Thank you” because the stranger was so kind to rub our belly and smile at us!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Aches & Pains
Sometimes I don’t think men, or for that matter others, understand fully how much a woman sacrifices when she’s pregnant. I don’t blame them – how can they when they’re not in the same shoes. And no matter how much we describe or tell how we feel, it isn’t the same as experiencing it firsthand.
Not only do we make to make lifestyle changes, eg. have to eat better and eat more, no smoking (not like I do smoke!), no alcohol (this sucks cos no party is fun when you can’t drink!), be careful when walking – can’t afford to trip and fall, can’t do anything vigorous or strenuous, even travelling or flying is restricted based on which trimester you’re in, but our body is also changing beyond our control. To top all that, I have constant pains! Yes, pain in front just below the breasts and just above the belly. It started a few weeks back and has gotten worse. I used to think it’s cos the skin is stretching, but sometimes it’s so bad that it has to be more than just stretching. And, I’m still having constant backache. I started having the backaches from Week 14 that it has now become a permanent feature for me. To a certain level, I can tolerate it (I think because my threshold of pain has been raised after having 12 weeks of back pain) but on the other hand, I think it is also getting worse that it has become an annoyance for me. It’s painful when I sit down at work, when I watch tv, heck even when I lie down to sleep! Used to be that I lie flat on my back to ease the pain, but now that I’m in my Week 27, I’m advised to sleep on my left side instead of my back, and therefore the pain doesn’t ease off!
I’m also having water retention problem. My feet are swollen, some days worse than others. I can’t even fit into the new pair of Hush Puppies shoes that I bought as my feet are WAY too broad now! I have been advised by my doc to avoid outside food as they contain MSG, and therefore I’m avoiding junk food too as surely they contain MSG!! So, no Twisties and Cheezels for awhile, sigh…
I constantly tell hubby that he’s carrying the next child. If only that was possible…
Not only do we make to make lifestyle changes, eg. have to eat better and eat more, no smoking (not like I do smoke!), no alcohol (this sucks cos no party is fun when you can’t drink!), be careful when walking – can’t afford to trip and fall, can’t do anything vigorous or strenuous, even travelling or flying is restricted based on which trimester you’re in, but our body is also changing beyond our control. To top all that, I have constant pains! Yes, pain in front just below the breasts and just above the belly. It started a few weeks back and has gotten worse. I used to think it’s cos the skin is stretching, but sometimes it’s so bad that it has to be more than just stretching. And, I’m still having constant backache. I started having the backaches from Week 14 that it has now become a permanent feature for me. To a certain level, I can tolerate it (I think because my threshold of pain has been raised after having 12 weeks of back pain) but on the other hand, I think it is also getting worse that it has become an annoyance for me. It’s painful when I sit down at work, when I watch tv, heck even when I lie down to sleep! Used to be that I lie flat on my back to ease the pain, but now that I’m in my Week 27, I’m advised to sleep on my left side instead of my back, and therefore the pain doesn’t ease off!
I’m also having water retention problem. My feet are swollen, some days worse than others. I can’t even fit into the new pair of Hush Puppies shoes that I bought as my feet are WAY too broad now! I have been advised by my doc to avoid outside food as they contain MSG, and therefore I’m avoiding junk food too as surely they contain MSG!! So, no Twisties and Cheezels for awhile, sigh…
I constantly tell hubby that he’s carrying the next child. If only that was possible…
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Weight is Just a Number…. Or Is It?
I’m reaching the end of Week 25 of my pregnancy. Another week to go and I’d complete my second trimester. It’s pretty scary how fast time flies!
I’m really going into unchartered territories where my weight is concerned. I’ve always been light, at one point in my 20s I was 47kg! (Seriously underweight, I know!) At my peak, I was 53kg. So now, it freaks me to see the weighing scale reaching numbers I’ve never seen before on my scale! I was hovering at 58kg and 59kg for the past 1 week, and this morning when I stepped on it – lo and behold, I am at 60kg! I know that all this weight is because of my pregnancy, but it’s scary nonetheless. I don’t loose weight very easily normally!
I also FEEL big. I feel like I’m waddling when I walk. I walk super slow going up the stairs in my house that I really feel like an OLD lady! The belly has gotten bigger, much bigger, over the past few weeks. If the extra weight is going to my baby, then I don’t mind, but I feel like it’s my body storing the extra fat!
I have a constant pain just below the breast at my ribs. I think it’s cos the belly below is expanding. Times like this is when I wish that it’s already near delivery date for me! My backache is still there, and I used to feel better when I lie flat, but now I’m advised that I shouldn’t be lying flat on my back – so there’s really no solution for me right now!
Hubby & I have signed up for antenatal classes at SJMC (oh now it’s SDMC), we’ll be starting on 14/8. I’m looking forward to it, cos I foresee myself suffering with back pain etc during delivery that I might need all the extra help I can get – so it’s hubby’s job to remember how to breathe properly and coach me! :-)
Will be starting our shopping for baby stuff real soon. Well we better – time’s running out, and so’s my energy!
I’m really going into unchartered territories where my weight is concerned. I’ve always been light, at one point in my 20s I was 47kg! (Seriously underweight, I know!) At my peak, I was 53kg. So now, it freaks me to see the weighing scale reaching numbers I’ve never seen before on my scale! I was hovering at 58kg and 59kg for the past 1 week, and this morning when I stepped on it – lo and behold, I am at 60kg! I know that all this weight is because of my pregnancy, but it’s scary nonetheless. I don’t loose weight very easily normally!
I also FEEL big. I feel like I’m waddling when I walk. I walk super slow going up the stairs in my house that I really feel like an OLD lady! The belly has gotten bigger, much bigger, over the past few weeks. If the extra weight is going to my baby, then I don’t mind, but I feel like it’s my body storing the extra fat!
I have a constant pain just below the breast at my ribs. I think it’s cos the belly below is expanding. Times like this is when I wish that it’s already near delivery date for me! My backache is still there, and I used to feel better when I lie flat, but now I’m advised that I shouldn’t be lying flat on my back – so there’s really no solution for me right now!
Hubby & I have signed up for antenatal classes at SJMC (oh now it’s SDMC), we’ll be starting on 14/8. I’m looking forward to it, cos I foresee myself suffering with back pain etc during delivery that I might need all the extra help I can get – so it’s hubby’s job to remember how to breathe properly and coach me! :-)
Will be starting our shopping for baby stuff real soon. Well we better – time’s running out, and so’s my energy!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Allergic Reaction
Dictionary.com states that Allergy means “an abnormal reaction of the body to a previously encountered allergen introduced by inhalation, ingestion, injection, or skin contact, often manifested by itchy eyes, runny nose, wheezing, skin rash, or diarrhea,” whereas Allergic Reaction means “hypersensitivity reaction to a particular allergen.”
The past 3 days was miserable for me! I used to be allergic to most seafood when I was young. But over time, it has decreased, and I can eat most seafood again (although the only thing I do eat is fish and crab). Mum cooked crabs for me 6 weeks ago and I was fine eating it. So when hubby brought back crab curry from his mum’s house last Sunday, I happily shared it with him. On Monday, I woke up with white spots on my right and left cheek. Definitely an allergic reaction, and I couldn’t think of anything else that caused it but the crabs. Normally when this happens, I just have to pop-in a dose of Prednisolone (steroid) and the reaction will stop. Of course, I need some antihistamine to control the itch for the rash that’s already out, but at least I know there won’t be more. But, since I’m pregnant, I couldn’t pop in the steroid tablets. Bummer!
So, I had the whole full-blown course of the allergic reaction. I started getting rash (red spots) over m y right eyelid, then under my right eye, and then over my left eyelid and under my left eye also. I’ve never gotten it this bad before! I went to the clinic and was given Hydrocort cream (steroid cream) to be applied minimally over the affected area.
However, the next day, it was WORSE! I went to another clinic, and this doctor advised me to change my cleanser, gave me antibacterial cream, some other creams etc. Sigh. Took MC and stayed home to look after my face. She also asked me to get Tea Tree Oil. Not wanting to show my face anywhere else, I went to the nearest Guardian – in Giant near my house, and got St Ives Apricot Scrub and Garden of Eden Pure Tea Tree Oil with Natural Vitamin E. Scrubbed my face with the Apricot Scrub (figured that I may as well just try to get rid of the spots), somehow made them redder, and then I applied the Tea Tree Oil. It has gotten better. Maybe it’s the Tea Tree Oil, and it really has some healing effect, but the red spots have been subsiding.
Well, it’s a real lesson for me. No more seafood, or picking prawns out of char kuey tiaw and just eating the kuey tiaw. Til I deliver, I gotta be more careful. Don’t need another allergic reaction now, especially when I can't take most medication!
The past 3 days was miserable for me! I used to be allergic to most seafood when I was young. But over time, it has decreased, and I can eat most seafood again (although the only thing I do eat is fish and crab). Mum cooked crabs for me 6 weeks ago and I was fine eating it. So when hubby brought back crab curry from his mum’s house last Sunday, I happily shared it with him. On Monday, I woke up with white spots on my right and left cheek. Definitely an allergic reaction, and I couldn’t think of anything else that caused it but the crabs. Normally when this happens, I just have to pop-in a dose of Prednisolone (steroid) and the reaction will stop. Of course, I need some antihistamine to control the itch for the rash that’s already out, but at least I know there won’t be more. But, since I’m pregnant, I couldn’t pop in the steroid tablets. Bummer!
So, I had the whole full-blown course of the allergic reaction. I started getting rash (red spots) over m y right eyelid, then under my right eye, and then over my left eyelid and under my left eye also. I’ve never gotten it this bad before! I went to the clinic and was given Hydrocort cream (steroid cream) to be applied minimally over the affected area.
However, the next day, it was WORSE! I went to another clinic, and this doctor advised me to change my cleanser, gave me antibacterial cream, some other creams etc. Sigh. Took MC and stayed home to look after my face. She also asked me to get Tea Tree Oil. Not wanting to show my face anywhere else, I went to the nearest Guardian – in Giant near my house, and got St Ives Apricot Scrub and Garden of Eden Pure Tea Tree Oil with Natural Vitamin E. Scrubbed my face with the Apricot Scrub (figured that I may as well just try to get rid of the spots), somehow made them redder, and then I applied the Tea Tree Oil. It has gotten better. Maybe it’s the Tea Tree Oil, and it really has some healing effect, but the red spots have been subsiding.
Well, it’s a real lesson for me. No more seafood, or picking prawns out of char kuey tiaw and just eating the kuey tiaw. Til I deliver, I gotta be more careful. Don’t need another allergic reaction now, especially when I can't take most medication!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Halfway Mark
I’ve already crossed Week 20. I’m halfway there. Glass half empty or half full – I can either say “I’ve another half of the pregnancy to go”, or I can say “half of my pregnancy has passed by”!
I’ve put on weight. Much more in the past 1 month than I had in the first few months. Saw this statement in the weekly BabyCenter update: “Think you're big now? You'll start growing even faster in the weeks to come.”
Man, that’s freaky. I’m tipping the scales to weights I’ve never reached before, ever. And what’s scary is, for every kg I put on now, it’s a kg I have to lose after delivery! Well I have to lose it. I have a closet full of clothes that I can’t wear now, and I’ll be so sad if I never wear them again! Have packed away most of those clothes to make way for my “new” clothes.
I’m doing ok right now, have my energy back but am plagued by backache. It gets really bad at times that I have to lie down on the sofa when watching tv, And after some time, the tv watches me, cos I fall asleep! Not good, cos it’s World Cup time and I wanna watch the important games.
I found out I was pregnant in early March. So, it’s been 4 months since we found out. (Well you can’t really count the first month of pregnancy since they count it from LMP.) And from now to my due date, it’s another 4 months to go! Literally the half way mark now.
Am getting a little worried as to how fast time is passing by. We have so much to do and I feel like we don’t have much time. I’ve signed up for antenatal classes at SJMC, the classes are in 4 sessions spread over August and September. And I also have my Valaikaapu ceremony (bangle ceremony – for the expecting mum and baby) in August. I plan to go back sometime mid October. That really doesn’t give us much time to shop for baby. Have told hubby that we need to window shop first so we know where to go to get the stuff later. Hope to drag him out one of the weekends for the shopping. Have bought some clothes from Sogo, just a few pieces only, so that my boy has some blue clothes. Somehow need to ensure we maximize the weekends we have in KL.
I’ve put on weight. Much more in the past 1 month than I had in the first few months. Saw this statement in the weekly BabyCenter update: “Think you're big now? You'll start growing even faster in the weeks to come.”
Man, that’s freaky. I’m tipping the scales to weights I’ve never reached before, ever. And what’s scary is, for every kg I put on now, it’s a kg I have to lose after delivery! Well I have to lose it. I have a closet full of clothes that I can’t wear now, and I’ll be so sad if I never wear them again! Have packed away most of those clothes to make way for my “new” clothes.
I’m doing ok right now, have my energy back but am plagued by backache. It gets really bad at times that I have to lie down on the sofa when watching tv, And after some time, the tv watches me, cos I fall asleep! Not good, cos it’s World Cup time and I wanna watch the important games.
I found out I was pregnant in early March. So, it’s been 4 months since we found out. (Well you can’t really count the first month of pregnancy since they count it from LMP.) And from now to my due date, it’s another 4 months to go! Literally the half way mark now.
Am getting a little worried as to how fast time is passing by. We have so much to do and I feel like we don’t have much time. I’ve signed up for antenatal classes at SJMC, the classes are in 4 sessions spread over August and September. And I also have my Valaikaapu ceremony (bangle ceremony – for the expecting mum and baby) in August. I plan to go back sometime mid October. That really doesn’t give us much time to shop for baby. Have told hubby that we need to window shop first so we know where to go to get the stuff later. Hope to drag him out one of the weekends for the shopping. Have bought some clothes from Sogo, just a few pieces only, so that my boy has some blue clothes. Somehow need to ensure we maximize the weekends we have in KL.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
The Day We Found Out...
19.6.2010
The day we found out we were having a baby boy. A Boy. We gonna have a SON.
Hubby and I both were hoping for a girl, don't know why, we both just love little girls.
I was looking at stuff for a baby girl... Now we gotta start tuning our minds that we're having a boy, and start looking at blue things, and stuff for a boy.
Takes some getting used to! But a baby is a baby, and what you give is what you get in return... And no doubt, this baby is gonna get alot of love from us and from our families.
P.S - Another funny notion came to mind the day I found out I'm gonna have a boy -- One day I'm gonna be a mother-in-law to a daughter-in-law!!! :-)
The day we found out we were having a baby boy. A Boy. We gonna have a SON.
Hubby and I both were hoping for a girl, don't know why, we both just love little girls.
I was looking at stuff for a baby girl... Now we gotta start tuning our minds that we're having a boy, and start looking at blue things, and stuff for a boy.
Takes some getting used to! But a baby is a baby, and what you give is what you get in return... And no doubt, this baby is gonna get alot of love from us and from our families.
P.S - Another funny notion came to mind the day I found out I'm gonna have a boy -- One day I'm gonna be a mother-in-law to a daughter-in-law!!! :-)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Shopping
I complained about not finding proper maternity clothes, so I decided to ask my friend (a mother of 2) where she purchased her work clothes during her pregnancy. She recommended me this shop, 9months, which she went to in Jusco Bukit Tinggi Klang. So I did some googling and found out that they have an outlet in The Curve also. Since I was planning to go to The Curve over the weekend, I decided to check it out.
I love the shop!! I fell in love with their clothes, their selections etc. But they are PRICEY! I found work pants that fit me nicely. They had the type with the elastic extender at the side, or those with the small pouch at the top (called demi pouch). However, what makes them special is the material is really good quality material, the pants have real zips and pockets (and not some just for show), and it is slim cutting and not too baggy. The price? RM160! I have said that I’m willing to pay if it is really nice, and this was really nice. However, I did feel the pinch of paying RM320 (I bought 2 pairs – same design but in black and grey) for just 2 pairs of pants that I’ll wear for just a few months. Anyway, they made me feel good, and that’s what’s important. It’s hard feeling good during pregnancy if u don’t look good.
I also fell in love with their jeans, but it cost RM170, and hubby convinced me not to get it. I do see his point, as I can’t wear jeans to office, so it’s a waste spending that much on something that’s gonna be used just on weekends, when I already have some other skirts and pants for weekend wear. But still, *sigh*… It’s nice if I have unlimited amount of cash to spend!
We saw this stall at The Curve Street Market, selling the cutest baby clothes. It’s call “My Mini Closet” and it carries mostly rompers from Carters. We saw one which said “Lock Up Your Daughter” – hubby was very interested in getting it. Told him we will if our baby is a boy. Also saw a bib that said “Feed Me Or No One Sleeps”. Am gonna get that next time. Can’t wait to shop for my baby. I don’t quite know when to start. Some advise not to buy too early. I know I shouldn’t buy too many baby clothes as I can take those from my niece. But baby clothes are SO adorable; I can’t wait to buy a few!
We made a trip to MidValley on Sunday, and I went to Mothercare to get my Belly Belt (yes it has arrived!) Probably I shouldn’t have since I already bought work pants, but I got it nonetheless. It works fine, except my pants are a little tight around the thighs. Not sure if I will use it now or just wait until after delivery (when I am trying to lose weight).
While at Mothercare, I saw so many adorable things for baby’s nursery – the cots, quilts, blankets etc. But they are not cheap! Again, good if I have unlimited budget. Knowing hubby, we’ll end up buying practical items and not much on every whim and fancy I have…
I gotta start doing up my baby shopping list soon. Time to hit the stores!
I love the shop!! I fell in love with their clothes, their selections etc. But they are PRICEY! I found work pants that fit me nicely. They had the type with the elastic extender at the side, or those with the small pouch at the top (called demi pouch). However, what makes them special is the material is really good quality material, the pants have real zips and pockets (and not some just for show), and it is slim cutting and not too baggy. The price? RM160! I have said that I’m willing to pay if it is really nice, and this was really nice. However, I did feel the pinch of paying RM320 (I bought 2 pairs – same design but in black and grey) for just 2 pairs of pants that I’ll wear for just a few months. Anyway, they made me feel good, and that’s what’s important. It’s hard feeling good during pregnancy if u don’t look good.
I also fell in love with their jeans, but it cost RM170, and hubby convinced me not to get it. I do see his point, as I can’t wear jeans to office, so it’s a waste spending that much on something that’s gonna be used just on weekends, when I already have some other skirts and pants for weekend wear. But still, *sigh*… It’s nice if I have unlimited amount of cash to spend!
We saw this stall at The Curve Street Market, selling the cutest baby clothes. It’s call “My Mini Closet” and it carries mostly rompers from Carters. We saw one which said “Lock Up Your Daughter” – hubby was very interested in getting it. Told him we will if our baby is a boy. Also saw a bib that said “Feed Me Or No One Sleeps”. Am gonna get that next time. Can’t wait to shop for my baby. I don’t quite know when to start. Some advise not to buy too early. I know I shouldn’t buy too many baby clothes as I can take those from my niece. But baby clothes are SO adorable; I can’t wait to buy a few!
We made a trip to MidValley on Sunday, and I went to Mothercare to get my Belly Belt (yes it has arrived!) Probably I shouldn’t have since I already bought work pants, but I got it nonetheless. It works fine, except my pants are a little tight around the thighs. Not sure if I will use it now or just wait until after delivery (when I am trying to lose weight).
While at Mothercare, I saw so many adorable things for baby’s nursery – the cots, quilts, blankets etc. But they are not cheap! Again, good if I have unlimited budget. Knowing hubby, we’ll end up buying practical items and not much on every whim and fancy I have…
I gotta start doing up my baby shopping list soon. Time to hit the stores!
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