2 week old (20 July - 27 July 2009)

With each passing week, your newborn becomes more comfortable with his surroundings. But his vision is still blurred. In fact, a newborn's range of vision is only about 30cm or 12 inches, which helps explain why your face is the most interesting thing to him right now. While the rest of the world is a blur, he can clearly see who's holding him. So try keeping your face close to your baby's while you talk or sing to him.

Find out more fascinating facts about your two-week-old's development

1 week old (12 July - 19 July 2009)

How your baby's growing
Your newborn's still adjusting to his new world, which he may find a bit noisy and well-lit for his taste. But he's getting used to it. You'll notice his limbs move in a jerky, uncoordinated way. Soon, probably by the end of the month, his movements will become more fluid as his muscle control matures. Sucking and chewing on his hands are his main activities for the moment.

Is your newborn a noisy breather? Lots of air passing through very small airways clogged with lint from blankets, clothing and dust could be the culprit. You probably don't need to worry; he isn't likely to have a cold at this young age. He's just trying his best to breathe. Ask your paediatrician if you're concerned and don't hesitate to call her if you're really worried. Doctors know that tiny babies need extra care.

37 weeks pregnant

Only two weeks or so to go! This week, your baby is busy shedding his downy coating of fine hair (called lanugo) and his coat of vernix caseosa - the cheesy substance that protects his developing skin. Your baby swallows both of these secretions, which stay in the bowels until birth. Then your baby will excrete a blackish waste called meconium that becomes his first bowel movement. Meanwhile, you may be feeling huge - and increasingly impatient. But try to get as much rest as possible - even if sleep is difficult, you'll appreciate it after the birth.

How your life's changing

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The next couple of weeks are a waiting game. Try to enjoy this time before the baby arrives - eat well and get plenty of rest. If you need help to conquer the late pregnancy blues, you can always look ahead and find out what your newborn will be like.

Be prepared

Are you sure you've packed everything you need for the hospital? Take a look at the hospital packing checklist. It's a good idea to sort out the clothes you want your baby to wear after birth and for the journey home. Don't forget your own "going home" outfit - you'll probably be in your maternity clothes for a little while longer as you'll still have a bit of a bump after the birth.

This is also your labour partner's last chance to brush up on how to help you. There's plenty of advice in our top tips for labour coaches and a Dad's birth story to read. While you still have time, why not buy a few books for your baby's first year or some toys specially designed for newborns? Finally, make sure you know how to fit your baby's car seat for the journey back from the hospital.

Week 37 - Third Trimester Your Week By Week Pregnancy Calendar

Your Baby

Your baby is continuing to grow and gain weight during these last few weeks. Also, he is practicing breathing movements in preparation for the outside world. Your baby will also turn his head toward light and sound just as a newborn would. Around this time your baby's head must be down, but if not, he could be in a breech position (the baby's bottom or legs come into the pelvis first). By the end of this week, your pregnancy would have come full term. Your baby can be born any day now. Your baby is anywhere from 19 to 20 inches long and weighs approximately 6.5 pounds.

Your Body

Your pregnancy is considered a term pregnancy at this point and nothing will be done to stop labor in most circumstances. Any vaginal discharge you may have been having will have more cervical mucus in it as your body begins to prepare for labor. You should plan to take a tour of your birth facility if you have not previously. If you are having a homebirth try to invite everyone over for a quick run through of what you expect.

If you have not given any thought to whether you will breastfeed or bottle feed, now would be the time to do so. There are lots of great books, pamphlets and literature out there about both methods, so be sure to adopt the one that is right for you, your baby and your family.

Pregnancy Symptoms You May Experience

• Breast Changes: tenderness, fullness, darkening of the areola
• Frequent Urination
• Constipation
• Heartburn or Indigestion
• Headaches
• Stretch Marks
• Itching
• Round Ligament Pain
• Hemorrhoids

Week 36 - Third Trimester My Week By Week Pregnancy Calendar

Your Baby

Your baby continues to put on weight by about 1/2 pound each week. Its no wonder the womb is becoming very cramped. Your baby is gaining weight quickly because layers of fat pile on and help in both body temperature regulation and developing his immunity in preparation for life in the outside world. You may find you are carrying your baby much lower now (or soon will be) as the baby drops into the birth canal, readying himself for birth. Your baby is about 19 inches long and weighs from 5.5 to 6.0 pounds. The vast majority of babies born now will live with little need for intensive medical treatment.

Your Body

You will probably begin to see your healthcare provider every week now until you give birth. The average weight gain to this point is approximately 25 to 30 pounds. However, based on your body type, height and your baby's size (or even how many babies you are carrying) your weight gain may be more or less. You should be consuming about 2400-2500 calories a day, but be sure to make them count by eating healthy, nutritious foods as your body is working very hard now getting ready for delivery and needs the fuel.

Most babies will be in a head down position at this point. However, about 4 percent of the babies will be breech (meaning the buttocks or feet descend into the birth canal first). If your baby is breech, don't panic. There are plenty of things that you can do to encourage the baby to turn, including special exercises that you can learn from your healthcare provider.

Other things to ask your healthcare provider about (if you have not yet done so) include breastfeeding, Group B Strep and a hospital/birth facility tour.

Week 35 - Third Trimester My Pregnancy Week By Week

My Baby

My baby is getting plump. The fat deposits are now beginning to offer form and fullness to my baby's legs and arms. My baby is taking up most of the room in my uterus, so there is a lot less room to move around. Also, my baby's lungs are now completely developed and producing what is called surfactant, a substance that helps in the exchange of oxygen in the lungs. My baby is now approximately 18 inches long and weighs about five pounds. If you were to have your premature baby now, you'd be happy to know that there is a 99 percent chance of the baby surviving.

Your Body

35 week ultrasound my routine visits to my healthcare provider may start to include the checking of my cervix now. Your doctor is checking your cervix for signs of effacement and dilation, the indication that labor is not far off. You may be having trouble sleeping now and there are also numerous physical reasons that sleep may be difficult. For instance, the baby may be putting extra pressure on your bladder and going the bathroom every 45 minutes isn't conducive to sleep. You may also have a backache, swollen feet or may not be able to find a comfortable position. You may want to try doing pelvic tilts before bed, limiting fluids after a certain time, and being tired when you go to bed can also help you in falling asleep.

Advice for Active Living During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time when women can make beneficial changes in their health habits to protect and promote the healthy development of their unborn babies. These changes include adopting improved eating habits, abstinence from smoking and alcohol intake, and participating in regular moderate physical activity. Since all of these changes can be carried over into the postnatal period and beyond, pregnancy is a very good time to adopt healthy lifestyle habits that are permanent by integrating physical activity with enjoyable healthy eating and a positive self and body image.

Active Living:
- see your doctor before increasing your activity level during pregnancy
- exercise regularly but don't overexert
- exercise with a pregnant friend or join a prenatal exercise program
- follow FITT principles modified for pregnant women
- know safety considerations for exercise in pregnancy

Healthy Eating:
- the need for calories is higher (about 300 more per day) than before pregnancy
- follow Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating and choose healthy foods from the following groups: whole grain or enriched bread or cereal, fruits and vegetables, milk and milk products, meat, fish, poultry and alternatives
- drink 6-8 glasses of fluid, including water, each day
- salt intake should not be restricted
- limit caffeine intake i.e., coffee, tea, chocolate, and cola drinks
- dieting to lose weight is not recommended during pregnancy

Positive Self and Body Image:
- remember that it is normal to gain weight during pregnancy
- accept that your body shape will change during pregnancy
- enjoy your pregnancy as a unique and meaningful experience

Check-up for today

Today 27th May 2009, result of my pregnancy check-up, I'm not MPP (Marginal Placenta Previa) again. Alhamdulillah, thanks god. ;)

And today, I'm entering the 33nd week of my pregnancy. I feel my baby in my womb so heavy and that make I'm a little tired.

“Methods To Avoid Stretch Marks On My Belly During Pregnancy?”

This is my first pregnancy so I'm baking most of my information on what I have heard from other women who have gone through the same thing. I'm 33 weeks pregnant and I have been experiencing itchines all over my stomach and chest area, but I've been hearing a lot lately that you are not supposed to scratch because it can cause some sort of marks all over your skin. although I dont' really like to believe in myths I am worried if I do scratch I will end up regreting it. See article from http://www.divas-blog.com

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A serious concern for all women during pregnancy is how to avoid stretch marks on their belly. In some women these marks can be seen around the thighs as well. During pregnancy the body undergoes a lot of changes especially in the abdominal region. These changes are caused by fluctuating hormone levels that are preparing the body to accommodate the growing fetus. Stretch marks in pregnancy and post partum are a natural result of the large amount of stretching that takes place in the abdominal area. These marks especially become visible at the end of the second trimester that is around the 5th or 6th month when the fetus reaches a considerable size. The stretch marks become most prominent during the third trimester that is the 7th month onwards when the fetus gains maximum weight.

Applying Stretch Marks Cream Regularly Softens The Marks

Precautions to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy should be taken from the beginning of pregnancy itself so that the skin is softer and better equipped to undergo all the stretching. Pregnancy stretch marks cream is a widely used method to prevent and avoid stretch marks. Such creams contain ingredients which intensely moisturize the skin and make stretch marks softer and lighter.


They are to be applied generously on the belly so that the cream gets well absorbed. You should apply the cream as often possible everyday. Use a popular brand which is easily available. You can ask your relatives or friends for suggestions. Your gynecologist could also advise you on the most effective pregnancy stretch marks cream and other solutions. Often belly stretch marks left unattended cause a lot of itching due to excessive dryness. Remember never to scratch them as this might lead to sores which will further darken the marks. Instead use a stretch marks cream frequently and liberally to avoid the uneasiness.
Practically speaking, no treatment can help to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy. However using an appropriate cream can prevent the marks from becoming darker. If the stretch marks are light, later on they will diminish more quickly than unattended stretch marks.

Apply The Cream After Pregnancy Also

One thing that pregnant women should remember is that they should not stop applying the stretch marks cream even after their delivery. Post delivery the skin around the belly sags and needs to be properly moisturized. Though as a new mother you will get busy with your newborn, take out time to apply the cream at least twice a day.

A good idea is to keep it close at hand and at a place where you will surely see and remember to use it. After your pregnancy depending on your gynecologist’s advice you can start light abdominal exercises to make the muscles around your abdomen firm. This will help to tone the skin and reduce stretch marks. You can look out for effective post pregnancy exercises in popular women’s magazines or check out a good post pregnancy care book.

You can effectively avoid stretch marks on the belly during pregnancy by treating them at the right time.

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Preventing Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Nobody wants to develop stretch marks, but when you're pregnant you know that, along with nausea, fatigue, backaches and frequent urination, stretch marks are another distinct, unpleasant possibility. In truth, between 75 and 90 percent of all pregnant women (90 percent of white women) develop stretch marks during pregnancy. Look for the angry red lines to appear on your bulging abdomen, usually during the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy. But don't stop there - there are a few other places you might want to check, too. Unfortunately, stretch marks also can show up on other areas that tend to get larger during pregnancy. These include the upper thighs, buttocks, breasts and even arms, depending on the amount of weight gain, your genetic history, and whether or not you make a concerted effort to prevent stretch marks.

So what can you do to beat the odds and prevent stretch marks? Scientists argue about just what you can do for prevention, but one thing is fairly certain: genetics do appear to play a role in whether or not you are predisposed to getting stretch marks. This means that if your mother got stretch marks during pregnancy, you may be more likely to get them yourself. However, there are some things you can do to limit the possibility of getting stretch marks. Following these guidelines, all of which are good for your overall health and the condition of your skin, will go a long way toward putting the odds in your favor.

1. Eat a healthy, diverse and balanced diet that keeps your weight gain within the recommended range of 25 to 35 pounds. Excellent nutritional status is vital for your developing baby, but it also contributes to the strength and health of the body's largest organ: the skin. What's more, a controlled and steady weight gain, without any wild upward swings, will let your skin stretch at a steady rate without any unexpected jolts.
2. Use a body brush or wash cloth to massage the areas where you have stretch marks, or want to prevent stretch marks from appearing - this will increase circulation to the area, which may be helpful.
3. Drink plenty of water. Hydration is important for your overall health and well-being as well as that of your growing baby, and it is critical to healthy skin.
4. Take your vitamins. This is one more way to ensure proper nutritional status, which is critical for your overall health and well-being, as well as beautiful skin and a healthy baby!
5. Keep skin liberally and effectively moisturized beginning in the first or second trimester and through your recovery to your pre-pregnancy weight, perhaps with one of the many oils and creams marketed especially for stretch mark prevention. These moisturizers will help keep your skin supple and elastic plus serve as "food" (and vitamin supplements) for your skin. The various vitamins and oils used to create these formulas are designed to help enhance collagen production and support the dermis, to keep skin intact despite the rigorous stretching.
   

Remember that it is important to take care of yourself during the postpartum period as well. The dramatic weight loss makes your skin susceptible to stretch marks once again. In addition, you certainly need to keep your whole body strong to cope with the stresses of recovery from childbirth and the demanding duties of motherhood.

If you do follow all of these guidelines yet still develop stretch marks, don't despair. They will fade in time to small silvery lines, and become much less noticeable. Yet for the relatively small price of a few minor imperfections in your skin (and perhaps a few lingering bulges around your midsection), you will have the overwhelming privilege of serving as mother to the tiny, helpless little bundle of joy you hold so gently in your arms. Congratulations on your pregnancy, and best wishes for a healthy baby!

http://www.expectantmothersguide.com

Low Hemoglobin During Pregnancy

Every time I go to my check-up, my hemoglobin always low but its still under control. (My hemoglobin 9.0 - 10.5). Doctor said the normal of hemoglobin during pregnancy must over 11.5, I'm so worry but I need to eat more iron like spinach, suppliment like USANA. ;)


Anemia during Pregnancy

Anemia is a serious problem for women of child bearing age, because it can have devastating effects on their babies. Anemia usually is caused by deficiencies of iron and, rarely, of folic acid (folate).

Anemia can also be caused by a deficiency in red blood cell production.

Iron Deficiency Anemia develops slowly after normal stores of iron have been depleted. Women, in general, have smaller stores of iron than men and experience blood loss through menstruation. Therefore, anemia is more common in women than in men. During pregnancy, iron stores need to support the needs of mother and her growing fetus, who needs iron for the development of red blood cells, blood vessels, and muscle.

Approximately 95% of anemia cases during pregnancy are caused by iron deficiency. Inadequate dietary intake, normal menstrual blood loss, or recent pregnancy are the most common reasons for low iron reserves in pregnant women. During late pregnancy, especially during the last trimester, the rapidly-growing placenta and fetus increase maternal iron requirements. The mother’s body is designed to meet this higher demand for iron with a natural boost in red blood cell production. However, an even more pronounced increase in plasma volume leads to hemodilution, or hydremia of pregnancy. Hemodilution causes a drop in hematocrit (Hct) values from the normal range between 38% and 45% in non-pregnant women to between 30% and 34% in late pregnancy3. This drop in red blood cell count makes it nearly impossible for women to build up their iron reserves during that time, especially with conventional prenatal vitamins that contain low amounts of poorly-absorbed iron.

Effects of Anemia during Pregnancy on Mother and Child

If you are anemic, you may have no symptoms at all. You may feel weak and fatigued, especially when your baby’s weight becomes more significant towards the end of your pregnancy. Iron deficiency anemia sometimes leads to light-headedness and to mild dyspnea with activities such as climbing stairs. More severe anemia can cause tachycardia and hypotension and requires the attention of a qualified medical professional.

Maternal iron deficiency can have significant consequences for the development of your child. A retrospective analysis conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found an increased risk of preterm birth in mothers with low hemoglobin levels during the first two trimesters of pregnancy.In non-African American women, moderately low maternal hemoglobin, defined as 9.0<10.0 g/dL during the first trimester and as 8.5<9.5 g/dL during the second trimester, also was associated with a higher risk of still birth. In addition, women with hemoglobin <10 g/dL during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy had a three-fold greater risk than their non-anemic counterparts of giving birth to an infant with low birth weight.21

Babies born to mothers with iron deficiency anemia usually present with low total iron stores and require dietary iron supplements.3 Iron supplementation of newborns is undesirable because iron can cause serious intestinal discomfort in their immature digestive systems. Iron deficiency during gestation and lactation also is associated with changes in nervous system development and functioning.23 For many children, iron deficiency remains a problem for years. According to the CDC, 7% of one-to-two-year-olds in the United States are iron deficient and 2% present with iron deficiency anemia.17 Children with iron deficiency anemia perform more poorly in cognitive and motor skills tests and show delayed social and emotional development.23

Iron Supplementation

To avoid iron deficiency during pregnancy, a woman should have an iron reserve of approximately 300 mg prior to conception.18 However, in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), 52% of women of child-bearing age did not meet that requirement. Therefore, even though there is some concern about possible overdose from daily iron supplementation, iron is an important component included in almost all prenatal dietary supplements.

Dietary iron supplements need to be taken over the course of several months to be effective. In pregnant women, iron supplementation through the use of a daily multivitamin during the first two trimesters resulted in significantly (p<0.05) higher levels of serum iron (ferritin) levels at Week 28 of pregnancy when compared with non-use. A review of literature indicated that prenatal iron supplementation resulted in higher maternal hemoglobin levels during pregnancy but also after birth. Iron supplementation during late pregnancy usually does not affect maternal prenatal health or delivery, but it does improve iron status throughout the first year of life.

How to Sleep Comfortably during Pregnancy

I am now having difficulty to sleep with my big belly. sometimes its hard even to breath. I bet most of pregnant women are too. For those sharing my problem, check out this info that i had taken from babycenter.com ;) SLEEP TIGHT & SWEET DREAM ;)

In early pregnancy, most women find that any sleeping position will do. But at about seven months, finding a comfortable arrangement that supports a big belly gets tricky. (Comfort aside, the safest position for sleep in late pregnancy is on your left side.) Of course, even when you do find a comfortable position, you're still subject to being awakened by a few well-placed abdominal kicks from your baby, or by any number of other things, from queasiness to leg cramps. Though you can't ask Junior to cool it just yet, a specialty pillow might provide some relief. Here are some options:

• Maternity pillow. This is actually two pillows, attached with fabric and adjustable Velcro tabs, that provide simultaneous support in front and in back. You can also use one of the pillows on your belly as a prop for a book. Available in pregnancy specialty stores and Web sites and through catalogs.

• Pregnancy wedge. This wedge-shaped pillow supports your belly when you lie on your side. You can also use it to prop yourself up to a semi-recline when you're lying on your back.

• Full-length body pillow. These pillows are at least five feet long and are designed to support the back and cradle the belly.

• Sleeping Bean. You wrap your body around this column-shaped pillow, which then supports your belly and your back. It's also good for nursing support after the baby arrives, and can be used as a bolster or bumper to protect your baby in his crib. Available from Bean Products (800/726-8365) for $49 to $59.

FYI: If you don't want to spend extra money on special pillows, just use regular ones. Many women find that tucking a pillow between their legs near the knees makes them more comfortable.

And if all else fails, find someplace else to sleep. Some women find it easier to nod off in an armchair or chaise lounge.
Which sleeping position is best?

The best sleeping position for a pregnant woman after midpregnancy is on her left side. This position ensures unobstructed blood flow through the body because the major blood vessels — the aorta, which delivers blood from your heart to the other organs, and the vena cava, the vein that returns blood to your heart from the lower extremities — are slightly to the right of the center of your back. Of course, we all shift position many times during the night, so don't worry if you wake to find yourself flat on your back — but do turn back on your side.

Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

On the 32nd week of my pregnancy, my baby had grown bigger than ever and so is my belly and my weight. After a while i started to notice that both of my feet is swollen. Is this normal? Thank god it is.. check it out at AHealthyme.com ;)

Perhaps you've noticed that your belly isn't the only thing getting bigger right now. Your feet also are particularly vulnerable to swelling during pregnancy. While pregnant, you have more blood and other fluids circulating in your body -- as much as six to eight extra quarts. And because of gravity, some of that fluid settles in your feet, says Jane Andersen, a podiatrist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and a spokeswoman for the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Many women notice the swelling throughout pregnancy, but especially during the third trimester. It seems to be worse during the summer months, presumably because of the heat.

What do I do about swollen feet?

Because gravity plays a big role in swelling, elevate your feet at least three to four times a day. When lying on a sofa or in bed, prop your feet up on pillows; when sitting in a chair, place your feet on a footstool. (This also helps prevent back pain.) Here are some more tips:

• Don't sit for long periods of time. Make it a point to get up and walk for a few minutes of every hour.
• Wear full-length support stockings as often as possible, and avoid socks with tight bands around the calf or ankle.
• Exercise helps. Water aerobics are ideal because the "hydrostatic" pressure helps distribute fluids that have pooled in your feet.
• Ask your partner, if you have one, to give you a foot massage. It will increase circulation and help disperse the edema.
• Increase your fluid intake. It seems counterintuitive, but the more water you drink, the less swelling and water retention you'll experience.
• Don't squeeze your feet into ill-fitting shoes.
  

Will my feet go back to their "normal" size after pregnancy?

Usually. Even though the fluid-related swelling will disappear within a few days of delivering your baby, some women find that their feet are as much as a size larger following a pregnancy. For that you can blame the hormone relaxin. Relaxin helps loosen your pelvic joints in preparation for your baby's journey down the birth canal.

Can swollen feet ever be a sign that something is wrong?

Some swelling in your feet during pregnancy is normal, but if it appears abruptly or if you notice that you are also getting swelling in your hands at the same time, call your health-care provider immediately: These could be signs of preeclampsia, a type of pregnancy-related high blood pressure than can be very dangerous. You should be aware, too, that diuretics to reduce water retention are considered unsafe for pregnant women, unless they are advised by a physician to treat preeclampsia.

Colostrum

On the sixth month of my pregnancy, my nipple started to produce yellowish secretion when squeezed. I started to search on the web to find out what is really going on in me. Luckily I found an article regarding colostrum in babiesonline.com.my. Now I know what & why ;)


Colostrum
During pregnancy your body starts creating colostrum as your breasts prepare to nurse your unborn baby. Some women begin leaking colostrum weeks or months before delivery. For first-time moms who are unaware of this process, it can be a bit frightening or worrisome until their doctor or midwife assure them it is normal. First-time moms may start leaking colostrum during the third trimester, while previous mothers may start leaking as early as the second trimester.

Colostrum is a thick, sticky, yellow-to-orange colored milk that is created by your breasts to give your baby the nutrition he needs immediately after birth. It is low in fat, high in carbohydrates and has a laxative effect on the baby which helps him pass the first stools that are sitting in his intestines. Colostrum also helps get rid of the baby’s excess bile and helps lessen the chance of jaundice in your newborn.

Colostrum not only provides nutrition, but it also protects the infant from harmful viruses and bacteria. It also introduces beneficial bacteria in the baby’s digestive tract. The concentration of immune factors is much higher in colostrum than it is in the later mature milk that your baby will receive when your milk comes in.

It is important, if you plan on nursing to nurse frequently and often during the first few days of your baby’s life so that your baby not only gets all the colostrum and antibodies he needs, but also so that your milk comes in strong.

Colostrum is also a 100% safe vaccine for your baby. Many parents refuse to have the eye drops given by hospitals to babies after birth, and instead prefer to use the mother’s colostrum to rub on the baby’s eyes in hopes of killing bacteria and preventing infection. This natural vaccine is referred to as immunoglobulin A (IgA) and is different from the immunoglobulin G (IgG) that baby received from the placenta while in the uterus. IgG worked through the baby’s circulatory system, but IgA protects the baby in the places most likely to come under attack from germs, namely the mucous membranes in the throat, lungs, and intestines.

If you do not start leaking colostrum during your pregnancy, it is not a cause for concern. Not all pregnant women leak before their baby is born, and not producing colostrums has no effect on the success or failure of a mother nursing her newborn.

I'm Worry about my pregnancy

Why I'm worry about my pregnancy?

Last 2 weeks, I had gone for a pregnancy check-up. After having my womb scanned, the doctor told me that I have Marginal Placenta Previa (MPP). I am worried because I am already in the week 28 of my pregnancy. Next week I will have another check-up to know if the problem will still be there or not.


What is PP? - see this article from babycenter.com.my

What is placenta previa?

If you have placenta previa, it means that your placenta is lying unusually low in your uterus, next to or covering your cervix. The placenta is the pancake-shaped organ — normally located near the top of the uterus — that supplies your baby with nutrients through the umbilical cord.

Placenta previa is not usually a problem early in pregnancy. But if it persists into later pregnancy, it can cause bleeding, which may require you to deliver early and can lead to other complications. If you have placenta previa when it's time to deliver your baby, you'll need to have a c-section.

If the placenta covers the cervix completely, it's called a complete or total previa. If it's right on the border of the cervix, it's called a marginal previa. (You may also hear the term "partial previa," which refers to a placenta that covers part of the cervical opening once the cervix starts to dilate.) If the edge of the placenta is within 2 centimeters of the cervix but not bordering it, it's called a low-lying placenta. The location of your placenta will be checked during your midpregnancy ultrasound exam.

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Hopefully result of my next scan I'm not MPP again.. Please pray for me.. Thanks
Next scan date : 27th May 2009

My baby's movements during pregnancy

Today, I'm entering the 32nd week of my pregnancy. I can finally feel my baby kicking and moving which sometime makes me feel uncomfortable. Anyway it is still an interesting experience for me and I am glad to know that my baby is healthy and kicking. See what the babycenter say for the baby movements in pregnancy.


When will I feel my baby's first movements?
Feeling those first, tiny sensations inside are a key landmark of your pregnancy. And when those movements become vigorous kicks, you know everything is going well.

If this is your first pregnancy, you may not even notice your baby moving around immediately because you won't be familiar with the sensation -- which many women describe as a gentle fluttering motion.

For a first pregnancy you will probably be aware of something at around 18 to 20 weeks. For subsequent pregnancies, when you know the tell-tale signs, first movements can be felt earlier, at around 15 to 18 weeks.

What is my baby doing in there?
After the initial vague stirrings, which some women describe as similar to the flapping of butterfly wings, your baby's movements become stronger and more regular. As your baby grows, these sensations change so that you start to feel thumping or kicking movements which become stronger as your pregnancy progresses.

Your baby won't be kicking and moving constantly because, like you, there will be times he just wants rest and sleep although not for more than about 40 minutes at a time. It might feel like longer because you won't feel every movement. The following is a guide as to what you might expect as your baby grows.

From 20 to 24 weeks
As the weeks go by, your baby's activity will gradually increase. From now onwards, over the next 10 weeks, your baby will be having a very busy period, with lots of kicking and somersaults.

From 24 to 28 weeks
Your baby may start to get hiccups, which will explain the jerking movement that you might feel occasionally. The amniotic sac now contains up to 750ml (26floz) of fluid which allows your baby to move around freely. Although he has been able to hear for some time, you may notice him jump at sudden noises from around this period.

At 29 weeks
Your baby will begin to make smaller, more definite movements, as it becomes more cramped inside your uterus.

At 32 weeks
Your baby's movements will reach a peak of activity and from now on, you will notice an increase in the frequency and type of movements as your baby gets bigger and stronger.

From around 36 weeks
Your baby could take up his final, usually head-down, position, particularly if this is your first pregnancy, as the firm muscles of your uterus and abdomen will help to keep him in place. The main movements you are likely to feel now are jabs from his arms and legs, and possibly painful kicks to your ribs.

If this is not your first pregnancy, your abdominal muscles are likely to be weaker, so your baby might keep changing his position and could even do so right up to your due date.

From 36 to 40 weeks
Your baby will be getting larger and roll-over movements will become less frequent. If he was sucking his thumb and 'loses' it, you may feel quick, darting movements as your baby's head turns from side-to-side while he tries to find it again.

During the last two weeks of your pregnancy, the movements are likely to slow down and your baby's growth rate will decline slightly. This is all completely normal and nothing to worry about.

Movements and position in late pregnancy
In the last few weeks, your baby should be nestled in the cup of your pelvis, ready for the birth. (If he's not, we have more advice on how to get your baby into the optimum position for birth). Your baby's head can feel like a melon pressing down on your pelvic floor, making you sit down with care.

You may notice that as your baby's head drops lower into your pelvis there is a feeling of 'lightening', or less pressure, under your ribcage.

By this stage of your pregnancy, you may feel fewer big body movements, and, instead, you may notice an insistent kicking underneath your ribs on one side or the other, depending on how your baby is positioned. If your abdominal wall is thin you may even be able to hold your baby's foot.

There will be times when your baby is sleeping and other times when you'll notice lots of activity, which is often in the evenings or when you're lying in bed trying to get to sleep!

How many kicks should I feel each day?
While you are busy you will probably be less aware of the movements your baby is making. It's more likely you'll start to notice them when you sit down and relax.

Studies of fetal activity show that every baby has his or her own individual pattern of waking and sleeping inside the uterus -- there is no 'set' amount of kicks to expect -- but by late pregnancy you will probably have become tuned into your baby's pattern of movements.

I haven't felt my baby kick today, should I be worried?
If you are concentrating on something else, you may not have noticed your baby's movements. If you want some reassurance, here are some ways to encourage your baby to move:
• Lie down on your side (with support under your bump) and stay still
• Put your feet up and relax
• Play music to your stomach.

Not so long ago, women were advised to monitor their baby's movement with a fetal kick chart, where you kept a record of the times of the movements until you had noted 10 kicks, hopefully by roughly the same time each day. But these charts are used less and less now as they were easy to forget about and the kick patterns didn't always match up, which caused unnecessary concern among women.

Instead, get used to your baby's pattern during waking hours and if you feel there is a change in that pattern, inform your doctor straight away.

Resources from : http://www.babycenter.com.my

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What Dr Miriam Stoppard say on pregnancy of week 32. Check this video..

Dr Miriam Stoppard: Week 32 of Pregnancy

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10 steps to a healthy pregnancy

Now I'm pregnant, so I need to take care of myself. ;D I need to eat well, take supplements and exercise regularly. Following are 10 steps to a healthy pregnancy from babycenter.com.my.


Pregnancy is an ideal time to start taking really good care of yourself both physically and emotionally. You give yourself the best chance of having a problem-free pregnancy and a healthy baby if you follow a few simple guidelines:

1. Organise your antenatal care early
Good prenatal care is essential to your baby's health. Choosing your doctor early means you'll have months to build a good relationship in preparation for the birth.

2. Eat well
Although you don't necessarily have to eat more when you are pregnant, it is important to eat a well-balanced and healthy diet. Many women go off certain foods, but it's always possible to substitute those with others that provide similar nutritional value.

Make sure that your diet includes some vegetables and fruit, some carbohydrates (preferably wholegrain so you get plenty of fibre), some protein, which might be fish, meat, eggs, nuts, or pulses, and some milk and dairy foods, every day.

3. Be careful about food hygiene
It is better to avoid certain foods in pregnancy because they carry a health risk for your baby.

Listeria, which can cause miscarriage or severe illness in newborns, can be caused by mould-ripened soft cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert, and blue-veined cheeses, such as Stilton. Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, and soft-processed cheeses, such as cottage cheese, Philadelphia and Boursin, are safe to eat.

To avoid toxoplasmosis, which is rare, but can seriously affect an unborn baby, it is important to wear gloves when handling cat litter and garden soil, avoid eating undercooked or raw meat, and wash vegetables and salads thoroughly to remove any soil or dirt.

Salmonella infections may be caused by eating undercooked poultry, and raw or soft-cooked eggs.

You may want to be cautious about eating at your favourite hawker stalls or avoid them completely - the open drains, low food hygiene and food handling standards, pest problems and traffic fumes may not ordinarily bother you, but they present too many health risks to a pregnant woman. (Read more about food hygiene in pregnancy).

4. Take folic acid supplements and eat fish
The only supplement that is considered truly vital is folic acid (also called folate), which can help prevent spina bifida and other neural tube defects in babies.

Spina bifida is a serious congenital condition. It occurs when the tube housing the central nervous system fails to close completely and may give rise to severe disabilities. All women planning a pregnancy are advised to take a daily supplement of 400mcg of folic acid starting around the time of conception through the first three months of pregnancy.

You can also increase your intake of natural folate through your diet. Folate is found in many different foods, particularly vegetables and fortified breakfast cereals. Other nutrients that are important to your health and your baby's are iron and calcium, which can generally be provided by your diet.

Some studies have shown that fish oils, which contain omega-3 fatty acids, may have a beneficial effect on pre-eclampsia, a baby's birth weight and on the development of a baby's brain and nerves in late pregnancy.

Oily fish contain proteins, minerals, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which your baby needs as he grows and develops, but it also contains mercury and other pollutants. The current recommendation is to eat oily fish such as herring, mackerel, salmon or sardines no more than twice a week, but you can still eat other types of fish as much as you like.

If you don't like fish, fish oil supplements are available (choose a brand free of the retinol form of Vitamin A, which is not recommended in pregnancy).

5. Exercise regularly
A good exercise programme can give you the strength and endurance you'll need to carry the weight you gain during pregnancy and to handle the physical stress of labour. It will also make it much easier to get back into shape after your baby is born.

Exercise can boost your spirits and help ward off depression in pregnancy. Experts aren't sure exactly how, but there is growing evidence that it has a positive effect on brain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, which help regulate your emotions and mood.

If you are used to taking exercise in the form of a sport, you can continue with this as long as it feels comfortable for you, unless your particular sport carries a risk of falls or knocks. More gentle exercise such as walking, swimming, aqua-aerobics, and yoga are also very beneficial.

6. Begin doing pelvic floor exercises
It's very common for women who are pregnant or who have had children to experience stress incontinence; when small amounts of urine leak out during activities, including sneezing, laughing and exercise. You can help prevent this happening by doing pelvic floor exercises, starting before you get pregnant or during pregnancy.

The pelvic floor muscles are the hammock of muscles at the base of your pelvis that support the bladder, vagina and rectum. They can feel weaker than usual in pregnancy because of the extra pressure upon them, and because the hormones of pregnancy cause them to slacken slightly.

Your pelvic floor can be toned and strengthened by a daily exercise pattern. Current recommendations are that you should do pelvic floor exercises eight times, three times a day. Read our article on pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy for more information on how to do them properly.

7. Limit your alcohol intake
Since any alcohol you drink rapidly reaches your baby via your blood stream and placenta, you may decide to cut it out completely, or at least to monitor the amount you consume.

Many experts now recommend that pregnant women play it safe by steering clear of alcohol. If you do decide to drink, limit yourself to one or two units of alcohol, no more than once or twice per week, and don't get drunk.

Women who drink heavily (over six units a day) on a regular basis during pregnancy are known to be at greater risk of giving birth to a baby with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which describes problems ranging from learning difficulties to more serious birth defects.

8. Cut back on caffeine
Coffee, tea, and cola-style beverages are mild stimulants, and although the research evidence is not clear, some researchers feel that too much caffeine may contribute to a risk of having a low birth weight baby, or increase your risk of miscarriage.

The current advice suggests that up to four cups or three mugs of coffee (equivalent to six cups of tea or eight cans of cola) a day won't hurt your baby, although one study suggests that even low levels of caffeine can increase your risk of miscarriage.

As with alcohol, it's best to err on the side of caution and you may prefer to cut down on caffeine significantly, or switch to decaffeinated coffee, tea, or fruit juices, instead, particularly in the first trimester. A refreshing alternative is a glass of mineral water with a twist of lime or lemon.

9. Stop smoking
Women who smoke increase their risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, stillbirth and cot death.

Smoking in the first trimester also slightly increases the risk of having a baby with a cleft lip or palate.

While it is best to give up smoking before you even try to conceive, any reduction in the number of cigarettes you smoke per day will give your baby a better chance. (Read more advice on how to quit smoking in pregnancy.)

10. Get some rest
The fatigue you feel in the first and third trimesters is your body's way of saying "slow down". A nap in the middle of the day may seem like a luxury you can't afford, but you and your baby will both benefit. If you can't sleep, at least put your feet up and relax for 30 minutes or more, in whatever way suits you best.

If backache is disturbing your sleep, try massage or exercise classes specifically for back care. Exercise and relaxation can also help with sleep problems related to stress. Try relaxation techniques, which are safe in pregnancy, such as yoga, stretching, deep breathing and massage. Always tell the teacher of any exercise or relaxation class that you attend that you're pregnant or choose classes tailored for pregnant women.

Resources from : http://www.babycenter.com.my

- Before I got pregnant, I drink a lot of coffee daily. Now it looks like I need to cut off on my caffeine intake for good. I hope that my baby will grow and be healthy. Mommy love you ;) Thanks babycenter for the useful info..

Home pregnancy tests

On my third week, i had experienced changes in my physical body, initially i was skeptic on the idea that i am pregnant. My husband insisted to have confirmation so he bought a pregnancy test kit at the pharmacy. Thank God that i,m already pregnant after gotten married less than a month! ;)

I do my research about pregnancy test at babycenter.com.my.. I'm now their members. ;)

What is a home pregnancy test?
A home pregnancy test measures the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in your urine. This hormone is first secreted at the time the fertilised egg implants in the uterus (about six days after fertilisation) by the cells which go on to form the placenta. Levels of the hormone build up rapidly in your body in the first few days following implantation. Usually, home pregnancy tests should be able to pick up the hCG in your urine by the first day you miss your period. Levels of hCG peak between the 60th and 90th days of pregnancy (about the ninth week of pregnancy).

If you have a negative result when you first test, it may be that the levels of hCG have not yet reached a level where they can be detected by a test, even by the day your period is due, so you may want to wait a few days then test again.

Not all pregnancy tests are the same. Some are more sensitive and usually more expensive as a result. The more sensitive tests can detect pregnancy even if you have only a small amount of hCG in your system. Concentrations of hCG are reported in milliInternational Units (mIU) or amounts equal to 1/1000th of an IU per millilitre. A test with a sensitivity of 20 IU/L is more sensitive than one with 50 IU/L. You should be able to find this information on any pregnancy test box.

How do I use a home pregnancy test?
You can test any time of day, and as early as the first day of your missed period for most tests. More sensitive tests may be able to detect low levels of hCG a few days before your period is due but testing this early may give you an inaccurate result (see below). Avoid drinking too much fluid just before testing as this could dilute the pregnancy hormone in your urine. Over-the-counter medicines, such as paracetamol, should not affect the result, but fertility drugs containing hCG may do so.

First, read the directions carefully, because the instructions will vary with different brands. Some require you to urinate in a pot and then, using a dropper, place a small sample into a testing well. Others let you pee directly onto a stick. But, fundamentally, all pregnancy tests work the same way; they measure the amount of hCG in your body. What's different is how they display results (positive or negative). Some change the colour of the urine sample, others show pink or blue lines on the test strip, reveal a red plus or minus sign, or the actual words "pregnant" or "not pregnant", in a window.

How long does it take to see the results?
You can check the results in about five minutes; the longest five minutes ever. If you're testing in the bathroom, you may want to go to another part of the house and find something else to do. A watched pot never boils, and a watched pregnancy test is just excruciating.

Are home pregnancy tests accurate?
If you follow directions to the letter, home pregnancy tests are 97 per cent accurate. But mistakes do happen, which is why some kits come with two tests. There are several reasons why a home pregnancy test may be negative: you may not be pregnant, or your body may not be making a normal amount of hCG. If you test too early (before the first day of your missed period), you may get a false negative result because not enough of the hormone has built up in your system. If the test comes back negative but you still suspect you're pregnant, wait a few days, read the directions carefully, and try again. False positives, when the test says you're pregnant but you're not, are rare.

If you have irregular periods, it may be harder to calculate when your period is due. Allow for your longest cycle in recent months before testing. If you have recently stopped taking the contraceptive pill, you may not know how long your natural cycle is so you may end up testing either too soon or too late. If your test is negative in either of these situations, you should test again in three days.

BabyCenter tip: Perform the test first thing in the morning when your urine is most concentrated.

Where can I buy one?
Home pregnancy tests may be purchased without a prescription at most pharmacists. You can also buy them online by mail order.

How are home pregnancy tests different from ones performed by doctors?
Many clinics use home pregnancy tests to verify pregnancies, in which case, they're exactly the same. Occasionally, women are given blood tests, but they aren't all that different from home pregnancy tests, either. Both types look for hCG in your body. A blood test is much more sensitive than any over-the-counter kit, which means it can determine whether you're pregnant just six to eight days after you ovulate.

Resources from : http://www.babycenter.com.my

Top 10 signs of pregnancy

I was really interested to know if i am really pregnant. I had started to feel a lot of changes in my physical and emotion. These are very true indication of pregnancy as written in this article from babycenter.com ;)


If you're extremely tuned in to your body's rhythms, you may begin to suspect you're pregnant soon after conception. But most women won't experience any early pregnancy symptoms until the fertilised egg attaches itself to the uterine wall, several days after conception. Others may notice no signs of pregnancy for weeks and begin to wonder "Am I pregnant?" only when they miss a period. Below is a list of some of the first signs of impending motherhood. You may experience all, some, or none of these symptoms of pregnancy:

1. Food cravings.
Yes, it's a cliché, but food cravings sometimes can be a sign of pregnancy. Don't rely on them as a sure symptom (it may be all in your head, or even a sign that your body is low on a particular nutrient), but if cravings are accompanied by some of the other symptoms on this list, start counting the days from your last period.

2. Darkening of your areolas.
If the skin around your nipples gets darker, you may have successfully conceived, though this may also signal a hormonal imbalance unrelated to pregnancy or be a leftover effect from a previous pregnancy.

3. Implantation bleeding or cramping.
About eight days after ovulation, you may experience implantation spotting, a slight staining of a pink or brown colour, as well as some cramping. This is caused by the egg burrowing into the endometrial lining. You might also see some spotting around the time you expect your period.

4. Frequent urination.
Once the embryo implants and begins producing the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), you may find yourself going to the bathroom more often.

5. Fatigue.
Feeling tired? No, make that exhausted. High levels of the hormone progesterone can make you feel as if you've run a marathon when all you've done is put in a day at the office. Fatigue is a hallmark of early pregnancy, though probably not a surefire symptom on its own.

6. Tender, swollen breasts.
If you're pregnant, your breasts will probably become increasingly tender to the touch, similar to the way they feel before your period, only more so. Once your body grows accustomed to the hormone surge, the pain will subside.

7. Altered sense of taste.
You may notice that your sense of taste changes. Some women say they have a metallic taste in their mouth, others that they cannot stand the taste of coffee, tea, or a food they usually like.

8. Morning sickness.
If you're lucky, morning sickness won't hit you until a few weeks after conception. (A lucky few escape it altogether.) But as early as a couple of days following conception, you may begin feeling nauseated and queasy. And not just in the morning, either -- pregnancy-related nausea can be a problem morning, noon, or night.

9. A missed period.
If you're usually pretty regular and your period is late, it's worth trying a pregnancy test. A missed period is the surest sign of pregnancy in a woman of childbearing age who usually has regular periods.

And finally.

10. A positive home pregnancy test.
If you've waited to test until at least the first day of a missed period and a blue line appears in the test window, you're most likely to be in the family way. Make an appointment with your doctor to confirm the good news, and head on over to our pregnancy area. Congratulations to you!

Resources from : http://www.babycenter.com.my

You can watch the video about pregnancy below: Have a greet day ;)

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Pregnancy: Weeks 1-4 (Month #1)



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Pregnancy: Weeks 5-8 (Month #2)



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Pregnancy: Weeks 9-12 (Month #3)



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Pregnancy: Weeks 13-16 (Month #4)



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Pregnancy: Weeks 17-20 (Month #5)



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Pregnancy: Weeks 21-24 (Month #6)



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Pregnancy: Weeks 25-28 (Month #7)



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Pregnancy: Weeks 29-32 (Month #8)



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Pregnancy: Weeks 33-36 (Month #9)



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Pregnancy: Weeks 37+ (Month #10)