BABY UPDATE 9: Fears of a first-time mom

Posted by Rhecel on Jan 27, 2010 in Family | 0 comments

I’m now on my 34th week, and have started feeling anxious about labor and delivery. Don’t get me wrong, I’m really looking forward to holding our baby for the first time, but the possible “excruciating” (an adjective used by mothers 99% of the time) pain of childbirth seems to get in the way of my excitement. But then again, I believe that all women are physically prepared for childbirth, so I guess I’ll just have to exert more effort on the mental preparation

There are days when I think I’m already 100% ready for this and feel proud of myself, but when I get waves of mild contractions — probably just Braxton-Hicks, but are painful at times — I’d have second thoughts.

NOTE: “Braxton-Hicks contractions”, as Wiki describes it are “a tightening of the uterine muscles for 1 to 2 minutes and is thought to be an aid to the body in its preparation for birth. They are thought to be part of the process of effacement, the thinning of the cervix.”

The delivery kit is almost ready (maybe it’s still a bit early but I think packing early is better than cramming) — the baby stuff, my stuff, and JM’s. I’m aiming for normal delivery but anything can happen. My OB says she’ll take care of me so I don’t have to worry, and I believe her. Normal or C-Section, I really don’t care, as long as my baby gets out fine and healthy.

And of course, I trust that God will give me a pleasant delivery experience

BABY UPDATE 8: On my 8th month

Posted by Rhecel on Jan 16, 2010 in Family | 0 comments

Two days ago marked the 8th month of my pregnancy. Yes, I’m almost there!

I’m lucky to not have any major pregnancy complication, but I’ve been having “growth spurts” (haha) lately. A pregnant woman should gain around 2-5 lbs per month, but I gained 10 lbs last November and this month…so that’s 10 lbs TWICE, plus the other 2-3 lbs monthly for the rest of the months. You do the math.

I read on pregnancy websites that the average weight gain during pregnancy is within 25-35 lbs…I already gained 31 lbs. So here’s a MENTAL NOTE FOR MYSELF — I should not gain anything more than 4 lbs until I deliver.

We’re hoping for normal delivery — and I’m still keeping my fingers crossed — but the OB warned me that if I won’t keep away from too much carbs, then I might be placed on the table for a CS. Now I should TRY HARDER to not gain anymore weight. So help me God.