Detailed Scan and randoms

Last week, hubby and I, visited the fetal clinic for the 20-23 weeks detailed scan, and I'm glad to say, baba's all cleared. Looks like the organs are functioning and growth is happening at the rate it should. He currently weighs about 405g, just a little over what he should at this time, but growing nonetheless. 

The Sonographer tried to a 4D scan of his face, but the position he was in that day didn't allow for it. He's face was too close to the placenta, and it was causing shadows over his face. But anyhow, just glad that he's doing well. The Sonographer did have concerns about the placenta lying directly over the cervix, and noted that my gynae should keep an eye on this. Upon further research, I found that this is called Placenta Previa, and should it persist, I won't be able to give natural birth but will need to have a c-section. According to a previous post I had (Birthing Options) I wasn't sure which option I'd want to do, but I've come to the decision that I'd like to have natural birth. So here's to hoping the placenta moves up over the next 4 months.

Also, I've slowly been stocking up on baby supplies, adding to what I've previously purchased. I've amassed some baby clothing for the first few months, blankets and toiletries. We got our first baby gift over Christmas, a Chelino Baby Carrier, from the in-laws. I've decided to purchase one baby item each time we visit the stores (which is often) and have gotten quite far with the baby collection.

The new year starts off with getting baby's room ready, we've decided not to do a full-on nursery, instead opting for a toddler room. The campcot (gift from my mom) will be in our room at first. 

This Christmas season has not been kind weight wise, Since my weightloss in the first trimester, I have gained about 8kg (which I am really feeling). Prompting new years resolutions to healthy eating, because I can definitely feel this weight and the breathlessness that comes along with it.

So happy new year everyone!!! And to all the mama's expecting their little bundles of joy this coming year. Wishing you all the best and a healthy and safe delivery. :D

Sciatica Pain Relief Stretches

Hey Guys,

I know it's been a while since I posted anything, been crazy busy, but I managed to find some time now to drop my latest discovery, Sciatica pain relief stretches.

From time to time, I get really bad pains down the right side of my lower back and down my leg which makes me limp at times, so I decided to look up some Youtube vids for stretching tutorials that might help relieve or even lessen the pain. I came across this 3 minute video which has been great because the stretches do really work.

Here's the video for all you suffering mama's out there. Enjoy! :)

Almost halfway there...

Wow guys, I'm almost halfway through this pregnancy already, it's amazing how fast it's gone!! When I check my blog page, I always glimpse at the countdown timer in days to the right of the page. It's kind of scary, as it counts down the days to the arrival of Baby C. Yeah, scary and exciting. Exciting, because I can't wait for him to get here and be in my arms but scary too, because I feel like everything or I won't be ready when he does come. I guess it feels scary too as I'm going to be a first time mom. 

Also, there's still so much to do...

• We have to tackle the spare room which is to be his room. Currently it's serving as a store room and filled to the brim with stuff. So there's sorting and getting rid of items to be done, painting, and filling it with soon to be Baby C's stuff.

• Then, we need to stock up. I've been unbelievably laxed about stockpiling. Had this been a few years back, everything would've been done and bought already. Maybe it's good thing that I'm not overwhelming myself, the way I would've back then. I plan on doing baby toiletry shopping next month, so I'm looking forward to that. Hopefully there are great baby promotions out there around that time.

• Getting through all these antenatal visits. Since my gynae schedules the appointments for the rest of the pregnancy, you'll know when you have to go in and I've calculated about 9 visits to her alone, excluding the 2 visits to Panorama Mediclinic for the Nuchal and Detailed Anatomy scan.

• Then there's a babyshower too, which right now I don't feel up to. Actually, not sure how I feel about it. Will let you know when the time comes.

Anyhoo, there's more stuff to do, but it escapes me now.

Lately I've been experiencing coccyx and lower back pains, it's not all the time (thankfully) but can be really uncomfortable when it does rear up. Also, sneezing, I found lately that I have the most forceful sneezes. The ones you can't keep in for fear that you might rupture or burst a spleen or artery.

So, yes, I'm entering the second half of this journey and I'm really getting excited. Can't wait to see and hold him. I've been watching alot of Youtube baby vids. Everything from diapering, burping, breastfeeding etc. I know the vids cannot really compare to actually doing it, but it's nice to have an idea of what it should look or be like.

So here's to a happy and healthy second half to this pregnancy!! <:-p

Pregnancy Apps

I've found pregnancy apps for my phone really useful thus far in my pregnancy. It updates me with the week to week development of baby C, as well as the changes my body's going through. Also, I love it when I open up the app, it let's me know the size of the baby at that stage. Therefore, I've decided to share the ones I'm currently using as I find it a great source of information:

Mediclinic Baby App: 

www.mediclinic.co.za/pregnancyapp

This pregnancy app is designed to provide comprehensive, easy-to-use information on each stage of this nine-month adventure. Its features include weekly updates of what you can expect as your body changes and your baby grows, frequently asked questions, a weight tracker, a contraction timer, a calendar and a photo-to-video function.

Babycenter My Pregnancy Today App:  

http://www.babycenter.com/my-pregnancy-today-app

BabyCenter My Pregnancy Today is the most comprehensive daily pregnancy app from the world's most trusted pregnancy and parenting resource. Simply enter your baby's due date, and BabyCenter My Pregnancy Today turns your phone into an expert guide for each day of your pregnancy. Feel more prepared for your baby's birth and get the answers you need, whenever you need them.

Breathlessness at 17 weeks

I've been getting out of breath lately for the most menial things, walking a bit, getting up, sometimes even talking. Funny thing is, I didn't really notice until hubby mentioned to me, he asked my why I was breathing so heavily, and I took it down to my sinus acting up again. But then, last night I came across a Youtube video which explains what happens to a pregnant woman's body when organs start to shift up. You can have a look for yourself below:

Amazing isn't it!?!?

And it all goes back to normal some weeks after baby;s born. For now, hubby has aptly nicknamed me 'Squashedlungs.' LOL.

Other factors also contribute to breathlessness, I've included an article below explaining the other factors below:

Is breathlessness in pregnancy common?

Breathlessness is very common in pregnancy. About three quarters of pregnant women who've never felt breathless before feel short of breath at some point.

You may start to feel breathless in your first trimester or second trimester, and it may be scary at first. If you have gained a lot of weight in pregnancy, or are expecting twins or more, you may feel particularly breathless. 

Why does pregnancy cause breathlessness?

Breathlessness in pregnancy happens because of the natural changes that your body goes through to adapt itself to carrying your baby. 

In early pregnancy, you become broader around your ribcage and may struggle to fit into your tighter-fitting tops. This is because your ribcage moves up and outwards while you're pregnant, to give you a greater lung capacity. 

The pregnancy hormone progesterone also makes your body adapt the way it absorbs oxygen in your bloodstream via your lungs . As a result, your body becomes much more sensitive to the levels of carbon dioxide that you breathe out.

These changes mean that your body does a better job of processing oxygen and carbon dioxide. You're breathing at the same rate as you did before you conceived, but much more deeply each time, which may be why you feel breathless. Some mums-to-be are more aware of this change and feel more breathless than others. 

Towards the end of your third trimester, the size of your growing baby can also make you breathless. At this stage, your uterus (womb) really begins to push upwards into the sheet of muscle that lies under your ribcage (diaphragm), which then presses on your lungs. You'll probably feel some breathlessness at this stage if you haven't before, especially if you're carrying your baby high. 

Though you might not enjoy huffing and puffing as you go up a short flight of stairs, don't worry. This sort of breathlessness is normal and completely harmless. 

How long will my breathlessness last?

If you're pregnant for the first time, your baby is likely to drop down into your pelvis (engage) from about 36 weeks. This is when your breathlessness might ease. If you've had a baby before, your baby may not engage until the end of your pregnancy. 

If you've still got a while to go, try some light exercise. Being unfit will make you feel breathless, so a gentle workout can help you to feel less breathless in the long-run. Gentle exercise means still being able to hold a conversation while exercising, without getting out of breath. 

Your baby will get plenty of oxygen while you work out because of the pregnancy changes your body has gone through.

After you've had your baby, your levels of the hormone progesterone plummet, which will immediately relieve the pressure on your diaphragm and uterus. However, it can take a few months for the changes to your ribcage and breathing system to return to how it was before pregnancy. 

When should I be concerned about shortness of breath?

Some breathlessness is common during pregnancy. But you should call your doctor or midwife immediately if you notice other symptoms, such as:

• a feeling that your heartbeat is racing, irregular or is missing a beat (palpitations)
• severe breathlessness, or feeling faint after a burst of activity
• chest pain, especially if it starts when you exert yourself
• difficulty breathing when you're lying down, or at night

Breathlessness and tiredness can also be a sign that your iron levels are low (anaemia). If you are anaemic, your body has to work harder to provide enough oxygen for you and your baby. Ask your midwife for a blood test, if you've not had one recently. 

If you have asthma, talk about your condition with your doctor or midwife. The risks to you and your baby of not controlling your asthma are much greater than the risks of taking asthma medication during pregnancy. 

Will my breathlessness hurt my baby?

As long as you haven't got any other worrying symptoms, feeling breathless is completely normal during pregnancy, and won't harm your baby. Even if it doesn't feel like it, you're actually breathing deeply and efficiently, so your baby can get the oxygenated blood he needs. 

Find out about natural remedies for breathlessness.

Taken from: http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a219/breathlessness-in-pregnancy#ixzz3KQaH9cHx

Random Blabbering...

Since this pregnancy came to be, my (kinda) beauty regime has slacked (majorly). I've slowly returned to what I enjoyed doing previously. I've started exfoliating and masking my skin about twice a week, and I have to admit, my acne has lessened dramatically. (So far, pregnancy has not been kind to my skin). Getting my face in shape is important since I've started wearing makeup again. Last night, I pulled out some of my fave makeup items and took it work to apply there. I've also made a stop at Clicks during my lunch today with a colleague and ended up buying a peachy blush and an all in one powder. Really excited to start using it.

My aim is to get through as much of my makeup as I can, as I want to reduce my stash. Right now, alot of my accessories and makeup is stored in what will be baby's room. So, no more makeup purchases, the powder and blush is to be my last buys for now. thereafter, I'll invest in some fave items. I've got some unnecessary makeup but will have fun with getting through it.

I need to start looking out for maternity pants. I've been gaining and ballooning in the stomach, but my legs remain skinny, therefore, I need a belt to hold it up, which is not good for the stomach as the belt digs into it. Leggings and tights in a size larger than I need is a life saver for me right now. Soon I need to get more tops and blouses too. I'll probably pull out some of hubby's old tee's for at home. I do not want to spend to much on maternity wear. Most of my clothes are loose fitting, so let's see how far I get with those.

Also, I started on different preggie vitamins, called Pregomega Plus, it's my second day on it. I started taking it around midday yesterday, I was surprised that I wasn't as dead as I thought I'd be around the evening side. So let's see what happens for the rest of the week. It consist of the different tablets, a multivitamin, calcium and omega oils. You take the multivitamin in the morning and the calcium and omega tabs in the evening.

Oh yes and baby C has been growing and getting stronger lately. Movements that felt like flutters now, feel like nudges and pokes and are really noticeable. He's particularly busy after I've showered and I've settle into bed.

So there you have it, just a tidbit about my day and thoughts so far.

Ciao for now!

Nausea...Fatigue...Growth...

After enjoying weeks of nausea-free bliss, it strikes again. Not as bad as before, but it lingers. It's particularly worse when I'm hungry or when there's pressure on my burgeoning belly. Also, eating too much can make me feel sick.

So I'm not 100% radiant with the energy to boot, at least I can get stuff done (some of the time). Around the weekend, I took some days off from work and found myself sleeping for most of the first two days, only to wake up more tired than before. I'm not really a nap person, but these days, I've become a perpetual napper. I've never cherished sleep as much as I do now. (But I'll be proven wrong, says mothers that I've come across on my pregnancy journey, once baby's here, sleep will be elusive).

Last Thursday, hubby and I went in for our 16th week checkup with the gynae. She went through the results of the Nuchal scan, she was happy with the 14500 in 1 result. Also, blood test came back and I have no diseases that will harm baby, also found out my blood type is B+, which I never knew. Then we did the scan to confirm growth and solidify the gender of baby. She reckoned with tools showing up like that, there's no doubt that it's a boy. Baby's growing well too, currently 158g and about 12cm from head to rump.

I'm starting to feel uncomfortable, it's not all the time. The weight in my stomach is becoming more noticeable, as well as movement. He seems to be one active little baby all right. So for now, I'm enjoying the feeling of not having full discomfort yet.

Really excited now, can't wait to meet this little man, who's going to turn our lives upside down. :)

Quickening...

I'm fast approaching my 16th week and I'm starting to feel movement in my belly. especially when I lay on my sides. Most of the time when it happens, I don't realise until the last few movements.

Some women start feeling fetal movements as early as 16 weeks (but like I said, most of the time you won't notice until later), and this goes for first time mommy to be's. So I've included some more information about this topic below, Enjoy!:

Some moms can feel their babies move as early as 13-16 weeks from the start of their last period. These first fetal movements are called quickening and are often described as flutters. It may be difficult to determine whether this feeling is gas or your baby’s movements, but soon you will begin to notice a pattern. First-time moms may not feel these movements as early as second-time moms.

Some moms, especially those in their first pregnancy, may not feel movement until 18-20 weeks. Remember that each woman and each pregnancy is different, so you may not feel movement as early as another woman. There is a broad range of when the first detection of movement can be felt, ranging from 13-25 weeks.

Why Does My Baby Move?

As your baby is continuing to develop he/she will stretch and flex his/her limbs. As you get further along in your pregnancy, you will begin to feel more obvious movements, such as kicking, punching, and rolling. Your baby may also move as he/she responds to noise or to your emotions. If your baby finds a position that you are in to be uncomfortable, he/she may also begin to squirm. Certain foods you eat could also cause your baby to be more active, and you may notice that he/she follows a sleeping/waking cycle.

How Often Should My Baby Move?

As you get further along in your pregnancy, you will need to keep track of how often your baby moves each day. Sometime in the third trimester you may notice that your baby’s movements are more frequent and vigorous and occur in a regular pattern. Though movements are still regular, they may decrease after week 32 because the baby is bigger and more restricted in the uterus.

Beginning with week 28, it is beneficial to begin counting your baby’s movements. This will help you to identify potential problems and can also be a great bonding experience between you and your baby. Using a kick count chart can be very helpful. When counting your baby’s movements choose the same time each day. It might be easiest to lie on your left side and record how long it takes to feel 10 movements. For further information about recording movements see kick counts.

What Should I Do If I Don’t Feel My Baby Moving?

If you have been keeping a chart of your baby’s movements and you notice a significant deviation in the pattern, contact your health care provider. If you do not feel 10 movements within 2 hours, try again later that day. If you still do not feel 10 movements within 2 hours, you should contact your healthcare provider.

from: http://americanpregnancy.org/while-pregnant/first-fetal-movement/

Pregnancy Loves...Part 1

There are items I've found very useful in my pregnancy thus far, and the products in the image above are some I just love.

Nivea Irrisistibly Smooth Body lotion (Shea Butter) - This is amazing lotion!! I have verrrrry dry skin (particular the body) my face is another story (I battle oily skin) and since being pregnant, I was advised to stop using a medicated soap (which contains salicylic acid) due to limited research on its effect on pregnant women (it's illegal to test products on pregnant women). Therefore, I switched to an ultra hydrating lotion and this one really does the trick. Keeps skin moisturised all day, and at the end of the day when I have my shower, I can still feel how smooth and supple my skin is because of the lotion. This is definitely a great buy, plus it contains shea butter. I purchased mine at Clicks for R36.99 for 400ml.

Oh So Heavenly! Mum & Cherub Belly Butter - This is a great buy if you're on a budget. Retails exclusively at Clicks for only R29.99 and has a luxurious formula that alleviates dry and itchy skin, it contains Argan Oil which is great for restoring skin. I must admit, I stopped using it for a while during the first trimester, due to the smell, but continued using it again recently. It also contains lanolin , omega oils and a combination of vitamins.

Oh So Heavenly! Mum & Cherub Revive and Revitalise Foot Spray - This will be a lifesaver during summer, as I do walk alot, I've used it a few times when needed and it definitely had soothing effect on my legs and feet. This spray too, contains Argan Oil and special soothing ingredients. You can get the spray at Clicks for a measly R19.99. I love the Oh So Heavenly! range for it's quality products and very affordable prices.

Word of caution though, if your battling with morning sickness, the floral scent of this range might cause some nausea during continued use (just my experience with it for a while).

BON Liquid Gold Pure Tissue Oil - I love this local brand, the tissue oil contains avocado, grapeseed oil, rosehip oil, vitamin E and is suitable for sensitive skin. It's not greasy at all, and is great for applying just before you get dressed. The little pen packaging is really convenient and the application is easy, it's available at all Clicks stores at R19.99. If you would like to know more about this local brand, you can check out their website here.

Maternity Pillow...my latest love

Snuggletime - Body Comfort Pillow available on Takealot.com

In the very early days of my first trimester, hubby bought me a maternity pillow. I used it for a few nights back then but it was not a complete necessity (then). Now, I love it, my stomach is getting bigger and the gravitational pull when laying on my side is quite uncomfortable at night. So, I'm glad we invested in one ahead of time.

It offers great back support as well as alleviate strain on the neck and muscles. Normal pillows would do the job as well, but not as efficiently. And what's great about the pillow is, once the pregnancy is done, you can use it for baby to nurse on, or even fold it into a little bed for him to rest on.

I definitely think it's a good investment, as I can't afford to be uncomfortable and lose sleep at night.

I've listed some stockist of these pillows below:

http://bodypillow.co.za/
http://www.maternitylane.co.za/shop/t/pregnancy-pillow/
http://www.takealot.com/
http://www.tulababy.co.za/maternity-roll/
http://abcbaby.co.za/snuggle-time-pregnancy-and-feeding-pillows-south-africa.html
http://www.premaman.co.za/shop/breastfeeding-accessories/comfy-curve-maternity-pillow/
http://www.peachy-products.com/

Stocking up...Part 1

The pic above is a start. At first I didn't know where to begin when it came to stocking up for baby, so I started with some wipes and a pack of nappies.

I'm a bit apprehensive about buying nappies, as I don't know what my baby will react to, what will work, what won't. I've heard by many that Huggies Gold is the way to go, also Pampers Premium is good as well. So I'll invest in both and hope I have a baby that's happy in both.

Pick n Pay Hypers are currently running a baby promotion until the end of November, where the J&J Sentitive wipes value packs(fragranced and non-fragrance) 240s are R59.99. I managed to grab two packs on the day the promo started and found that they've been out of stock since.

You can see the PnP baby promo catalogue here.

Hopefully, I'll be able to get more packs before the promo ends. The weekend before the promo started, I purchased the very same pack at Clicks for R79.99, that was a bummer.

Finding the best deals has always been important to me, and now being pregnant, that has not changed. Especially now that we'll have to buy baby stuff in bulk. There are many baby in-store programs around now too. I'm currently registered with Clicks BabyClub, which will send what seems to be quarterly newsletters and vouchers, you can earn extra points on baby items purchased, access to the PaedIQ website and they have a vaccination sms reminder service.

I also intend to sign up for Dischem Baby as I plan to buy baby's toiletries there, and if you've signed up and purchase items to the value of R300 or more, you'll get a free baby bag (Yaaaay, more freebies). Their benefits are:

• Double Points are awarded to Dis-Chem Baby cardholders every alternate Wednesday on all Baby products (excluding prescription medication).
• Dis-Chem Baby members will be eligible for special offers, in-store events, bonus points, exclusive promotions and a fabulous Benefits magazine every quarter.
• Dis-Chem Baby members can look forward to regular newsletters with informative information on Pregnancy and Childcare.
• Immunisation Reminders
• The Dis-Chem Baby website www.dischembaby.co.za will offer information from fertility & pregnancy to child birth and child care.
• Dis-Chem Baby cardholders will receive discounts from our partners on services relevant to pregnancy and childcare
• Dis-Chem Baby members will be eligible to take part in Website competitions
• Baby Wellness clinics can be found in most stores and our trained clinic sisters can offer you advice on many topics including breastfeeding and vaccinating your baby.
• You will have access to pregnancy, baby and toddler advice through our website, our Benefits magazine and Baby Wellness Clinics in store, plus some fantastic offers and money off the things you really need.
• Through your membership and participation you will be making a positive contribution to the Dis-Chem Foundation

taken from http://www.dischembaby.co.za/how-to-join-dischem-baby/

So long caffeine

After being a hardcore coffee addict, I find that now during my pregnancy, I cannot stand it. The smell, the taste even the colour puts me off completely. In the first few weeks after discovering we were pregnant, I was still having my cup (or three) a day. But once the nausea kicked in, I couldn't stand the smell. My workplace runs on caffeine, and at a certain time in the morning, everyone would head off to the kitchen to brew their coffee and bring it back to their desks, which was agony for me.

Now, it has eased a bit, I still can't stand drinking coffee but the smell is a bit more tolerable. I am glad I kicked the habit (involuntarily), as too much caffeine is not good for baby and can increase the risk of miscarriage.

For now, tea is my choice of hot brew, I'm trying to stay away from many herbal teas and just stick mainly to rooibos (redbush) tea. Rooibos is good because it has antioxidants, is caffeine-free, contains magnesium and calcium and its great for the digestive system, as well as easing colic and reflux.

You can read more about caffeine during pregnancy here.

Birthing Options

Right now, I have normal vaginal birth as my delivery option. But I keep wavering between that and caesearian. I'd want normal birth because its the most natural approach to birthing, they way its been done for years and years, but I have to say, the draw of efficiency brings me to caeser. You'll know when baby will be delivered, no waiting for what could take hours and hours. So I've been scouring the net and found that both has its pros and cons. Here's what I found:

Pros of vaginal birth

With vaginal birth, women can expect a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery time, as vaginal birth is less surgically intensive and doesn't scar. Any subsequent births are less likely to require a C-section as well as being quicker and shorter. Vaginal births are also less risky for the mother, as less interference from the hospital staff means a lower chance of an emergency scenario for the mother. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the mortality risk for mothers is much lower in vaginal births.

For the baby, there are a number of benefits. Because they are able to come when they are ready, as the body begins the process naturally, the baby is more likely to be finished maturing and developing. Passing through the vaginal opening also expels the amniotic fluid in the baby's lungs. The baby also picks up protective bacteria that they ingest, helping them form more balanced immune systems as the bacteria colonizes in their intestines.

Cons of vaginal birth

Because vaginal births are more dependent on the mother's body, there isn't really a way to schedule the labor and delivery. The mother may feel more stress and anxiety as the uncertainty of labor looms. Vaginal birth also increases the risk of incontinence for the mother, as well as sexual problems in the first few months after the birth. For the baby, risk of birth trauma increases, due to the passage through the birth canal and the possible need for forceps.

Cesarean section

A C-section occurs when the baby is delivered via an incision through the abdominal wall and uterus, instead of passing through the vagina naturally. The CDC reported that more than 1 in 4 women are likely to have a C-section, making the procedure increasingly popular. According to the National Institutes of Health, the rate of C-sections has increased nearly 50 percent since 1996 in the United States. Because it is a major surgical procedure, the risks can be higher than a vaginal birth. However, there are a number of benefits as well.

C-section benefits

The ability to schedule a C-section can give the mother peace of mind, as she knows exactly when she will be giving birth. She is less likely to suffer from incontinence, and will not suffer the same sexual problems that woman who give vaginal birth suffer from in the first few months after birth. The baby is less likely to suffer birth trauma that can happen with forceps or vacuum extraction.

Cons of a C-section

Because C-sections do not occur when the baby is ready to come, there is the possibility of pre-term delivery if the mother's due date has been calculated incorrectly. As a surgical procedure, there is a risk of damage to the mother's organs, as well as increased blood loss and complications from anesthesia. The mother is also more susceptible to infection and blood clots. There is a slightly higher mortality rate for the mother and twice the risk of infant mortality.

After the surgery, the mother might suffer from decreased bowel function. Because she needs to recover from the surgery, there is a longer hospital stay and recovery period. This can lead to complications with breastfeeding, and take a mental toll on the mother, increasing the chance of postpartum depression. The scar tissue can also present problems in future pregnancies, increasing the chance of complications.

What's the right choice?

Because birth is a deeply personal experience that varies from person to person, you need to choose the process that best fits you. Talk it over with your healthcare professional and come up with a birthing plan that takes all risks and benefits into account.

Taken from: http://www.livescience.com/45681-vaginal-birth-vs-c-section.html

Freebies & Samples...Discovery Baby Bag

BeingMom pregnancy pack

Who likes freebies and samples!?!? I DO!! ;) Once I reached one of the first pregnancy milestones, 9 weeks, I received a little welcome bag from my gynae's office which included the following:

- Bio Oil Scan album (which I love, because I use to stick scans to the fridge)
- Mediclinic baby Pregnancy journal
- A chart with all the milestones  the baby will reach in the 9 months
- Emergancy cards
- various sample size products, bennets bum cream, dove soap etc.

The goodies bags were sponsored by BeingMom.

Discovery Baby Bag Items

I also recently collected the Discovery Baby bag at the Toys r Us in Bellville. As part of the Discovery Baby benefit with Vitality, Discovery provides you with a bag filled with baby goodies. You can read more about it here.

In the Discovery Baby bag:

- Nuk Orthopedic pacifier
- Baby beanie and two pairs of booties
- A Babysense taglet
- White Discovery fleece receiving blanket
- Huggies Newborn nappies (sample pack of 6 nappies)
- Discovery sun shades x2
-  Sample items, J&J Top-to-toe, J&J aqueous cream and Bennets bum cream
- A vaccination schedule card
- Vouchers: 4 x 10% off Huggies nappies voucher and 60% off Nania carseat voucher

Stuff for Mommy too:

- Cariwell maternity pad x1
- Cariwell maternity panties x1
- Tommee Tippee breast pads x6

The Discovery Vitality bag

When you give birth at a Mediclinic Hospital, you receive a Mother and Baby bag as well with all the baby toiletry essentials:

Mediclinic Mother and Baby bag

You can find out more about the Mediclinic Mother and Baby bag here.

Nuchal Scan and Gender Reveal

Hubby and I went in for the nuchal scan two days ago, and I'm relieved to say, all is well. At the beginning of our consultation (based on my age and blood tests) we had a 1 in 700 (which is already low risk) chance of having a Downes baby, but after the scan and measuring of the baby, the chances decreased even further, to 1 in 14000.

I was amazed to see how much baby has grown, as the last scan was done when I was 10 weeks and a bit, where all we could see was a torso, a big head and stumps for arms and legs. Now at almost 14 weeks, we saw arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers, toes, stomach, skull, eye sockets, nose, mouth, etc, I could go on and on....We even caught baby sucking thumb.

And the activity within my womb was just astounding, baby was all over the place. The sonographer had to shake my stomach periodically to get baby to move into position to measure. And then came to good bit, the sonographer revealed that she's 70% certain it's a boy. From what I saw, it's definitely a boy, but we'll confirm in another two weeks again. His weight (98g) and size was spot on for his gestational age, sonographer says everything looks great, so we'll see her again on December 23 for the detailed anatomy scan.

For more information about Nuchal scans, please see link below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuchal_scan

WHAT WILL IT BE...BOY or GIRL!?!?!?!?

STAY TUNED....BABY'S GENDER WILL BE REVEALED SOON ENOUGH!
SO EXCITED!! <:-P

Enjoying the pregnancy...

I am really starting to enjoy this pregnancy now, as I mentioned in the previous posts, I didn't enjoy my first trimester much. But now, feeling like myself again, I can sit back and really be in awe at the changes taking place in my body. My bump is showing, largely I might add, and at only (almost) 14 weeks, I feel little stirrings or flutters from time to time (have to be really still to feel it).

I can definitely feel something in the tummy, feels like a sac of water, especially when I lay down. I look at my body and find myself amazed at the map of veins all across it. These are not the little veins one sees here and there, these are the national roads of veins, think thick, deep blue rivers snaking in under the skin in all directions, and are very prominent after a shower.

People have been noticing a glow, and have mentioned it to me, I don't really see it, but I'll take their word for it :D.

All in all, the start of my second tri has been great so far and I can definitely see why moms out there say its the best time of the pregnancy. You feel great and really start to see the pregnancy coming to be. Lots of new experiences and developments are expected in this trimester and I'm really looking forward to to it :).

13 weeks today...

So I hit the 13 weeks mark today!! Yaaaaaay!!

I have to say, I feel loads better. Just a little more tired in the evenings, but my eating patterns are back to normal (actually seems like I have increased appetite) nausea is gone (hopefully forever), my upset stomach seems to have gone to the extreme opposite (from going up to 5-6 times a day, I now go once a day, or once every second day). Which is fine by me.

I've started getting some cramps in my abdomen, which is probably round ligament pain and stretching of the uterus, use to have it around week 6-8 but nothing since then up until now. As long as there's no bleeding, I just take it as growth happening.

I have my Nuchal Transluncency Scan appointment next week at Panorama's Prenatal Genetic and Fetal Medicine Centre (we'll just call it the fetal centre). I've included a summary of what this scan entails below:

The ultrasound performed at 13 weeks is the Nuchal translucency (NT) scan. The scan examines the area at the back of the fetal neck for increased fluid. During the scan the fetal nasal bone and heart will also be examined to determine the risk of Down syndrome, other common chromosomal defects as well as certain major structural defects.

At the time of the NT scan at 13 weeks, all the information is entered into a computer programme, and the risk of Down syndrome of the fetus scanned, determined.
Ref: http://www.fetalmedicine.co.za/index.php/prenatal-ultrasound/trimester-scans/prenatal-screen-test

For some reason, I'm not too worried about the scan, the risks of downes' normally associated with it, is not in my family, nor the hubby's. For my gynae, this is just a routine check that all her expecting clients go through. I'm just really excited to find out what it is, and I'm hoping they'll tell me there.

What will it be?

As I'm gearing up for the second tri, I'm starting to become anxious and excited about what we're having.

For a long while, I was convinced that it will be a boy, but now, I'm not so sure. There's a 50/50 chance of either, right? Also, with everyone around me suddenly becoming gender predictors, nearly everyone with the exception of 1 or 2 people says it's going to be a boy. The gender predictors (family and friends) have been basing it on the symptoms I'm having, charts, where I'm showing the most, etc. Boy or girl, I'll love either just as much :x.

I've been reading about gender predictions and am surprised to find that there is such a thing as "Gender Disappointment." When hoping for a certain sex, only to find you'll be having the other. I think at some point we all hoped or are hoping for a certain gender, but I'm sure we'll love the other just as much. You can read more about gender disappointment here.

Well, hopefully, we'll know for sure in a couple of weeks when we do the Nuchal Scan. I'll ask the doc just to take a look down there as well.

You can see the TOP 10 Old Wives Tales to predict baby's gender here.

Mamamagic is here...31 October - 2 November 2014 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre

One of two big baby conventions in South Africa is the Mamamagic Baby Expo, which returns to our city very soon. I plan on going to this year's event, as I just missed the Baba Indaba (it was before we found out about the pregnancy).

www.mamamagic.co.za/

Here are some essential info as listed on the official MamaMagic website:

Date:
31 October - 2 November 2014

Time:
9am – 6pm daily

Venue:
Cape Town International Convention Centre

Price:
R50pp, children under 10 are free

Barney show times:
10h30, 13h00 and 15h30 daily

Don’t forget that purchasing a ticket into the expo allows you FREE entry into one of the Stage Shows. Just remember to tell the Computicket assistant that you would like to see Barney and which show, as Entrance and Stage Show tickets are separate.

Tickets sold at the door and at Computicket outlets.

Directions:
CTICC
Walter Sisulu Avenue
Cape Town
8000

Getting out of the first trimester slump...

I have to admit, I was not the glowing goddess in my first trimester. I felt tired, sick and frumpy and I didn't have any energy even to do the littlest things for myself. I loved doing at home facials and masks, my nails etc. But all that was forgotten as I tried to fight through fatigue, nausea and no appetite.

Now, slowly moving into my second trimester, I feel like I have more energy, nausea has subsided dramatically and my upset stomach is slowly getting under control. I lost about 4-5 kgs in my first tri and am looking decent in clothes that previously didn't fit, apart from the blossoming tummy. I found myself doing a facial yesterday (Yaaaaaaay), as my skin has been breaking out, it was fulfilling, doing something for myself. I'm hearing from moms that the second trimester is the best and I'm really looking forward to it.

Therefore, I included 5 tips for surviving the first trimester blahs:

1. Don’t stress too much about your perfect pregnancy diet in the first trimester. You’ll have time for 5 servings of leafy greens and 8 servings of protein once the barfing feeling lifts. It’s important to let your body get through this time– your hormones are intense and a heavy dose of initial progesterone can turn any girl’s stomach. There just HAS TO BE an evolutionary reason why all newly pregnant women only want to eat plain bagels. You’re not supposed to increase calories in the first trimester (unless you start your pregnancy underweight) so just eat what you can in small portions. Try to keep it real: eat the most freshly baked, least-processed plain bagel you can find. Try to eat any protein you can stomach and plan to eat a more colorful diet soon.

2. Ditto for exercise. Almost all women regain energy in the second trimester. Look into options for pregnancy works outs but if you can’t actually get yourself on a treadmill or into a lap pool, pursue them in earnest later. And don’t sweat it if you’re thrown off your game. Serious, serious exhaustion is the number one bi-product of early pregnancy. It’s normal. It’ll lift. Take a nap.

3. Tell whomever you want to tell. There can be pressure to spill the beans or keep this news a secret. The answer to how to deal with it is this: You do whatever feels right to you! Everyone is different. It can be helpful to have someone to talk to about what you’re going through. Preferably someone who understands how lame the first tri can be.

4. Buy one of the non-alarmist pregnancy books, like the one I wrote (!) or The Panic-Free Pregnancy. Buy other ones too, if you want, but have at least one resource that can help you navigate the pregnancy food and toxin safety recommendations without completely losing your mind.

5. You will feel pregnant (and not just fat), you will feel kicks (and not just sluggish bowels, indigestion and gas) and you will glow (or at least get thicker hair) one day. I promise. It’s just not (likely) going to happen in the first trimester. The entire process of being pregnant, giving birth and caring for a baby is one transition after another. We’re presented so often with images of happy, glowing pregnant women with big bumps and then again with mothers, all settled with their babies or toddlers. But there are painful, dorky stages in amongst all of this. In fact, a lot of it is really dorky. The beginning of pregnancy is downright awkward. You are new to this, things are changing. It’s a bit like adolescence. Don’t judge yourself harshly (or at all!) in these early weeks while you get used to the weirdness. And the dorkiness is character building. Right?

Ref: http://www.babble.com/pregnancy/5-tips-for-surviving-the-first-trimester-blahs/

Where to start...Baby shopping

Baby shopping, where do I start?

So, we've reached a milestone at 3 months, even though we decided not to buy until the beginning of the new year (we'll be just over 5 months then), I want to get my ducks in a row and plan out what and how we're going to buy.

So I'd like some suggestions from Moms and Moms-to-be out there. What did you find useful, an essential, and utterly useless when baby came around. I'd like to avoid making unecessary purchases and your input will be greatly valued.


What was your best purchase?
The essentials?
Utterly useless?

Also,

When you found the best time to starting buying?

Looking forward to hearing from you guys :D

Getting the Dad-to-be in the loop

I try to keep my hubby in the loop of what's happening to me as well as the development of baby. I find that so much focus is on the woman when a couple is pregnant that men are not as celebrated as much.

During the day at work I'll send him little clips about babies development or what to expect during delivery. Also, I plan to enroll us in an Antenatal class, in order to prepare us (especially him) of what to expect when the time comes. I would like him to take in the whole experience and not just conk out on the floor at the first sight of blood or seeing me in pain.

Therefore I've included a birth cheat sheet below for dads-to-be:

One of the best ways to prepare for childbirth is to accompany your partner to a childbirth education class. Almost all hospitals and birth centers hold classes, and parents are usually given the option of attending two or three short evening sessions or one long daytime session. You and your partner can also choose to go to an offsite class, where the emphasis may focus more on natural childbirth.

Before taking a class, it helps to know a little about childbirth. Below is a cheat sheet of some of the things you may learn and discuss in a childbirth class:

1. Recognize the onset of true labor
Late in pregnancy, many women will experience painful contractions that may feel like false labor— Braxton Hicks contractions that may start out strong but taper off and then stop after a while. Look for these signs, among others, that your partner is experiencing the real deal:

• Her water may break, resulting in a trickle or a gush of fluid. When the amniotic sac (also called the bag of waters) breaks, many women spontaneously go into labor shortly after. If not, labor is often induced to minimize the risk of developing an infection. But keep in mind that contractions usually start before her water breaks.
• Persistent lower back pain, especially if your partner also complains about a crampy, premenstrual feeling.
• Contractions that occur at regular and increasingly shorter intervals and become longer and stronger in intensity.
• She passes the mucus plug, which is in the cervix. This isn't necessarily a sign that labor is imminent – it could still be several days away. But at the very least, it indicates that things are moving along.

2. Know how to time the contractions
Make sure your watch has a readable second hand, and time your partner's contractions from thebeginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next. Count the frequency of contractions in minutes.

If she is having regular painful contractions, lasting 30 seconds or more, your partner is likely in early labor. Your doctor or midwife can help you make the decision over the phone about when to come in.

As a general rule, if the contractions are five minutes apart or less, last more than 30 seconds, and continue in that pattern for an hour, it's time to go the hospital. Some situations call for getting to the hospital sooner, so talk to your caregiver ahead of time about what's right for you.

3. Don't get to the hospital too early
Don't head to the hospital the minute your partner goes into labor. If she's dilated to only 1 centimeter, chances are they'll send you home or tell her to go for a walk until it's clear she's in labor.

Take a walk, go to the mall or a museum, hit the beach, catch a movie – do anything to help your partner take her mind off the contractions. Though it may not be easy, try not to fixate on the clock. If labor begins at night, help your partner get back to sleep for a few hours.

4. Know what to expect during labor
Forget those TV sitcom episodes where a woman goes into labor and a baby pops out by the second commercial. It sometimes happens that fast, but not usually. For most women, especially first-time mothers, labor is a journey, not an event.

Don't expect labor to be over in just a few hours. Every woman's experience is different, but it's helpful to understand that there are three distinct stages of labor:

First stage
The first stage really consists of three phases:

• Early phase. This phase typically lasts up to 12 hours although it's usually considerably shorter for second and subsequent babies. As labor progresses, the contractions get longer and stronger.
• Active phase. Often this phase lasts up to six hours, although it can be a lot shorter. You should be in the hospital or birth center by now or en route. Contractions are much more intense, last about 40 to 60 seconds, and are spaced 3 to 5 minutes apart.
  
  Breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and coaching are all important now. If your partner is having trouble coping or she's not interested in a drug-free labor, this is when she might opt for an epidural or other pain relief.
• Transition phase. This phase can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. It's here that your partner is most likely to swear at you like a truck driver. (Don't take it personally – even women who have coped well up to this point often "lose it" during the transition phase.)
  
  Contractions last 60 to 90 seconds and come two or three minutes apart.

Second stage

strong>Pushing and birth. The second stage can last from minutes to hours – the average is about an hour for a first-time pregnancy (longer if she's had an epidural) – and ends with a moment that's made up in equal parts of relief and breathtaking beauty: The birth of your baby.

There's a lot to think about during this phase: Do you want to record the birth on video? Will you want to cut the cord? (Be sure to remind your doctor or midwife if you do and be aware that some hospitals don't allow pictures or videos in the birthing room.)

Does your partner want to try to breastfeed immediately after birth? If so, be sure to tell your doctor and nurses so they can help with that as soon as it's safe for your baby to do so.

Third stage

Delivery of the placenta. It's not over yet! This stage, which begins immediately after the birth of your baby and ends with the delivery of the placenta five to ten minutes later, is usually anticlimactic but necessary.

Your partner may get a case of the chills or feel very shaky during this phase. If that's the case, be ready to offer a warm blanket and to hold your newborn while your partner's regaining her strength.

5. Be an active participant
In the days and weeks before your baby's due date, make sure both you and your partner arepacked for the hospital, including a possible change of clothes, toiletries, a camera or video camera, and other essentials. If your partner has a birth plan, you may need to let the labor and delivery nurses know about it (you should have already discussed it with your partner's doctor or midwife).

During early labor, remind your partner to drink plenty of liquids. Pour her a glass of nonacidic juice such as apple juice or pineapple juice, honey and water, an herbal tea, or just plain water to ward off dehydration. Offer her a bagel, yogurt, or something bland, unless her doctor has asked her not to eat during labor – she might not get anything solid to eat at the hospital while she's giving birth. Finish packing.

When you head to the hospital, drive carefully. This isn't the time for taking unnecessary chances. When you get to the labor room, stick around to provide comfort and support.

6. Be an advocate for your partner
The doctor or midwife and nurses are there to make sure your partner and baby do well during labor and birth. But you have a big role in helping your partner get comfortable and in communicating her wishes.

You and she also have a big say in personalizing the room. When it's time to rest, soften the lighting. Freshen the smell by taking along aromatherapy balls, potpourri, or scented oils. Bring pictures, movies, and your own music.

7. Know how to play coach
Take your cues from your partner. Some women love having a massage or having their hair stroked during labor. Others don't. And it may be hard to predict ahead of time what your partner will prefer.

In any case, try to reassure her that she's doing fine and be ready to help in any way she asks. See more tips on how to be a great labor coach.

8. Be prepared
Watch videos about vaginal birthing and c-sections. Don't be surprised if your baby's skin looks wrinkled or his head is molded into a cone shape.

9. Cut the cord if you want
Many dads or partners choose to cut the baby's umbilical cord in the first minutes after birth. If you want to cut the cord, don't be shy about reminding your partner's doctor or midwife.

10. Read further
Some commonly recommended books include: The Birth Book by William and Martha Sears; Sheila Kitzinger's The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth; Carl Jones's Mind Over Laborand Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide by Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, April Bolding, Janelle Durham, and Ann Keppler.

And there's no substitute for exchanging questions or swapping tales with other moms-to-be and their partners. The BabyCenter Community brings together expectant mothers by due date and provides a place for expectant dads to hang out.

Ref: http://www.babycenter.com/0_a-childbirth-cheat-sheet-for-dads-to-be_8244.bc