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Showing posts with label Info. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Info. Show all posts

Friday, January 1, 2010

January Wedding & Birthday

Family Birthday

10th Jan - Baby Aniq 2 years old.
27th Jan - Ashraf 10 years old (Anak Bungsu Ani), Hj Osman (Bapa) 68 years old,
30th Jan - Nora 13 years old
31st Jan - Attahirah aka Alai Usu Nani 19 years old

Family Wedding

1st Jan - Aziparulrizal Nikah aka si Bulat at Lambak Kiri
2nd Jan - Aziparulrizal Sanding aka si Bulat at Lambak Kiri to Bukit Beruang Tutong.
2nd Jan - Kak Ani NIkah/Sanding at Night Angerek Desa

Friday, December 11, 2009

Induce Labor

What does it mean to induce labor?

If your labor doesn't start on its own, your practitioner can use medication and other techniques to bring on (or induce) contractions. She can use some of the same methods to augment, or speed up, your labor if it stops progressing for some reason. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in five births in the United States is induced.

Why would my labor be induced?

Your practitioner will recommend induction when the risks of waiting for labor to start on its own are higher than the risks of the procedures used to get your labor going. This may be the case when:

• You're still pregnant one to two weeks past your due date. Most practitioners won't let you wait longer than that to give birth because it puts you and your baby at greater risk for a host of problems. For example, the placenta may become less effective at delivering nutrients to your baby, increasing the risk of a stillbirth or serious problems for your newborn.

In addition, if your baby gets too big, your labor is more likely to be prolonged or stalled, your chances of needing a c-section are higher, and both you and your baby have an increased risk of injury during a vaginal delivery.

• Your water breaks and your labor doesn't start on its own. In this case, you'll be induced to decrease the risk of infection to your uterus and your baby, which is more of a concern once your membranes have ruptured. (However, if your baby is still very premature, your practitioner may hold off on inducing labor.)

• Tests show that your placenta is no longer functioning properly, you have too little amniotic fluid, or your baby isn't thriving or growing as he should.

• You develop preeclampsia, a serious condition that can endanger your health and restrict the flow of blood to your baby.

• You have a chronic or acute illness — such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease — that threatens your health or the health of your baby.

• You've previously had a full-term stillbirth.

What are some of the techniques used to induce labor?

This depends in large part on the condition of your cervix at the time. If your cervix hasn't started to soften, efface (thin out), or dilate (open up), it's considered "unripe," or not yet ready for labor.

In that case, your practitioner would use either hormones or "mechanical" methods to ripen your cervix before the induction. Sometimes these procedures end up jump-starting your labor as well.

If your labor doesn't start, you'll get an IV infusion of Pitocin after your cervix ripens. Pitocin is a synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin, which your body naturally produces during spontaneous labor. If your cervix is ripe to begin with, you'll get the Pitocin straightaway.

Some of the methods used to ripen the cervix and induce labor are:

Using prostaglandins. Typically, if you need to be induced but your cervix is not yet dilated or thinned out, you'll be admitted to the hospital and your caregiver will start the induction by inserting medication that contains prostaglandins into your vagina. This medication helps to ripen the cervix and sometimes stimulates enough contractions to jump-start your labor.

Using a Foley catheter. Instead of using medication to ripen your cervix, your practitioner may insert a catheter with a very small uninflated balloon at the end into your cervix. When the balloon is inflated with water, it puts pressure on your cervix, stimulating the release of prostaglandins, which cause the cervix to open and soften. When your cervix begins to dilate, the balloon falls out and the catheter is removed.

Stripping or sweeping the membranes. If your cervix is already somewhat dilated and there's no urgent reason to induce, your practitioner can insert her finger through the cervix and manually separate your amniotic sac from the lower part of your uterus. This causes the release of prostaglandins, which may help further ripen your cervix and possibly get contractions going.

In most cases, this procedure is done during an office visit. You're then sent home to wait for labor to start, usually within the next few days. Many moms-to-be find this procedure uncomfortable or even painful, although the discomfort is short-lived.

Rupturing the membranes. If your cervix is at least a few centimeters dilated, your practitioner can insert a small, plastic hooked instrument through it to break your amniotic sac. This procedure causes no more discomfort than a vaginal exam.

If your cervix is very ripe and ready for labor, there's a small chance that rupturing the membranes will be enough to get your contractions going. If that doesn't happen, your practitioner will give you Pitocin through an IV.

Once your water has broken, most practitioners will want you to deliver within 12 to 24 hours because the risk of infection for you and your baby increases over time.

Using Pitocin. Your practitioner may give you the synthetic hormone Pitocin (oxytocin) through an IV pump to start or augment your contractions. She can adjust the amount you need according to how your labor progresses.

What risks are associated with inducing labor?

While induction is generally safe, it does carry some risk, which may vary according to the methods used and your individual situation. Pitocin, prostaglandins, or nipple stimulation (explained below) occasionally hyperstimulate the uterus, meaning that the contractions come too frequently or are abnormally long and strong. This in turn can stress your baby.

In rare cases, prostaglandins or Pitocin also cause placental abruption or even uterine rupture, although ruptures are extremely rare in women who've never had a c-section or other uterine surgery.

One commonly used prostaglandin, misoprostol, is associated with a relatively high rate of rupture in women attempting a vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC) and should never be used in women with a scarred uterus. Some experts don't think women attempting VBAC should be induced with Pitocin, either.

To assess the frequency and length of your contractions as well as your baby's heart rate, you'll need to have continuous electronic fetal monitoring during an induced labor. You'll probably have to lie or sit while being monitored, but some hospitals offer telemetry, which lets you walk around during the process.

Inducing labor can take a long time, particularly if you start with an unripe cervix, and this process can be hard on you and your partner psychologically. (On the other hand, among women who go past their due date, the seemingly endless wait for labor to begin may be even more trying.)

And if the induction doesn't work, you'll need a c-section. Having a c-section after a long labor or unsuccessful induction is associated with higher rates of complications than you'd face with a planned c-section.

Remember that your practitioner will recommend inducing your labor only when she believes that the risks to you and your baby of waiting for labor to begin on its own are higher than the risks of intervening.

Are there any circumstances in which my labor shouldn't be induced?

Yes. You'll need to have a c-section rather than an induction whenever it would be unsafe to labor and deliver vaginally, including the following situations:

• Tests indicate that your baby needs to be delivered immediately or can't tolerate contractions.

• You have a placenta previa or a vasa previa (when blood vessels from the umbilical cord are embedded in the amniotic membranes and at risk for rupture during labor); or the cord is lying in front of your baby's head and could be compressed as his head enters the birth canal or prolapse through your cervix when your water breaks.

• Your baby is in a breech or transverse position, meaning that he's not coming head first.

• You've had more than one c-section. (Some practitioners believe that women with even one previous c-section shouldn't be induced.)

• You had a previous c-section with a "classical" (vertical) uterine incision or other uterine surgery, such as a myomectomy (surgery to remove fibroids).

• You're having twins and the first baby is breech, or you're having triplets or more.

• You have an active genital herpes infection.

Are there any techniques I can try at home to get my labor going?

No do-it-yourself methods have been proven consistently both safe and effective. Here's the scoop on some of the techniques you may have heard about:

• Sexual intercourse: Semen contains some prostaglandins and having an orgasm may stimulate some contractions. A few studies have shown that having sex at term may decrease the need for labor induction, but others have found no effect on promoting labor.

• Nipple stimulation: Stimulating your nipples releases oxytocin and may help start labor, but more research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of this method. Because nipple stimulation may overstimulate your uterus, your contractions and your baby's response to them should be monitored, so don't try this at home.

• Castor oil: Castor oil is a strong laxative. Although stimulating your bowels may cause some contractions, there's no definitive proof that it helps induce labor — and you're likely to find the effect on your gut very unpleasant.

• Herbal remedies. A variety of herbs are touted as useful for labor induction, but there isn't enough evidence to prove that any of them are both safe and effective. Some are risky because they can overstimulate your uterus and may be unsafe for your baby for other reasons as well.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Wow 39 Weeks...



Week Thirty Nine: Very close now

You are 39 weeks pregnant. (fetal age 37 weeks)
  • The average baby is about 20 inches (51 cm) and weighs about 7.5 pounds (3400 grams).
  • The baby has reached its final birth position.
  • It will be cramped inside your uterus for much movement.
  • Your baby will continue to punch and kick but lower in your abdomen, under your pelvis.
  • The head is about 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter.
  • Most of the baby's downy coating of lanugo has now disappeared.
You are very close now to the end of your pregnancy, just a week or so left. Keeping track of your little one's activity level may be a good idea at this time. As space in your uterus becomes more cramped, your baby's kicks and other movements may seem less forceful. You may want to check on your baby's movements from time to time and do a kick count. If movement drops off considerably, call your doctor or caregiver.

The average baby weighs in at over seven pounds (3kg), but can be as much as one or two pounds (1kg) heavier or lighter. It can vary with each baby, and there is no cause for concern. Your pregnancy is considered full term now (between 37 and 42 weeks is full-term). At birth the umbilical cord will stop working when the child takes his first breaths of air outside of uterus. The child's breathing will trigger changes in the heart that will force all blood to go through the lungs.

Most Caucasian babies are born with blue eyes and their true eye color may not reveal itself for weeks or months. Most African and Asian babies usually have dark grey or brown eyes at birth, their dark eyes becoming a true brown or black after the first six months or year. Multiracial children often turn out to have the most beautiful colored eyes. Baby is restricted in movement as there is no space left in the womb. You should be finding it easier to breathe now that the uterus is dropping away from the diaphragm.

You may be experiencing the nesting syndrome by attempting to clean, cook, shop and prepare for the new arrival. This is very common, just be careful that you do not wear yourself out. You need to conserve your energy for the hard work ahead in labor and birth.

Your body still makes amniotic fluid, but absorption may outpace the amount you make and so levels may decrease a bit. Contact your caregiver immediately if you have any leaking of fluid. The lanugo has mostly disappeared, but you will probably find a bit on their shoulders, arms and legs and in those little bodily creases. It will vanish completely on its own in time.

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.

How your life's changing:


At each of your now-weekly visits, your caregiver will do an abdominal exam to check your baby's growth and position. She might also do an internal exam to see whether your cervix has started ripening: softening, effacing (thinning out), and dilating (opening). But even armed with this information, there's still no way for your caregiver to predict exactly when your baby is coming. If you go past your due date, your caregiver will schedule you for fetal testing (usually a sonogram) after 40 weeks to ensure that it's safe to continue the pregnancy. If you don't go into labor on your own, most practitioners will induce labor when you're between one and two weeks overdue — or sooner if there's an indication that the risk of waiting is greater than the risks of delivering your baby without further delay.

While you're waiting, it's important to continue to pay attention to your baby's movements and let your caregiver know right away if they seem to decrease. Your baby should remain active right up to delivery, and a noticeable slowdown in activity could be a sign of a problem. Also call if you think your water may have broken. Membranes rupture before the beginning of labor in about 8 percent of term pregnancies. Sometimes there's a big gush of fluid, but sometimes there's only a small gush or a slow leak. (Don't try to make the diagnosis yourself. Call even if you only suspect you have a leak.) If you rupture your membranes and don't start contractions on your own, you'll be induced.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

38 Weeks

Alhamdulilah Today I'm 38 weeks pregnant.

Week Thirty Eight: Development is complete

You are 38 weeks pregnant. (fetal age 36 weeks)
  • Baby is about 20 inches (51 cm) and weighs about 7.5 pounds (3.4 kilograms).
  • The soft down, which covered the body throughout the pregnancy, is now disappearing.
  • The body fat is continuing to build up.
  • The wrinkled skin is becoming 'baby' smooth.
  • The baby may have reached its final birth position.
  • Most babies are born head first with only about 3 percent coming out feet first.
  • About one in eight births are caesarean.
Development is complete, baby's main job is to gain weight. The body continues laying on the fat stores that will help regulate his body temperature after birth. The amniotic fluid, this is approximately equal to 4 or 5 cups. It doesn't sound like much, but just wait until your water breaks, it will feel like much more.

Baby may have a full head of hair now, an inch or more long, but some babies are born with only peach fuzz. Speaking of hair, most of the downy coat of lanugo that covered your baby for weeks has disappeared, but you may see some on the upper back and shoulders when he or she arrives. Almost gone has most of the vernix caseosa, the whitish substance that also covered baby.

Your baby will swallow the lanugo and exterior coating, along with other secretions, and store them in their bowels. These will become your infant's first bowel movement, a blackish waste called meconium. Your child's intestines are accumulating lots of meconium. About 30% of babies move their bowels before birth. Usually this is a sign that the baby is under some stress and can cause pneumonia if the baby inhales any amniotic fluid with meconium in it. If there are signs of meconium in the amniotic fluid at birth your care provider will make sure that the baby's throat and lungs are suctioned thoroughly.

This week, your baby weighs around seven and a half pounds and measures about 20 inches (51cm) head to toe. You are almost at the end of your pregnancy. Your weight should not increase much from this point. It should remain between 25 and 35 pounds (11.5 and 15.5 kg) until delivery.

How your baby's growing:

Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

How your life's changing:


For many women, the next couple of weeks are a waiting game. Use this time to prepare your baby's nursery or to take care of necessary tasks you may not get around to for a while after your baby's born. Take naps, catch up on your reading, and spend uninterrupted time with your partner while you can.

Some swelling in your feet and ankles is normal during these last weeks, but call your practitioner without delay if you notice excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, any swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, or have a sudden weight gain. Also let her know immediately if have severe or persistent headaches; visual changes (such as double or blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, light sensitivity, or a temporary loss of vision), intense upper abdominal pain or tenderness, or nausea and vomiting. These are symptoms of a serious condition called preeclampsia.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Wellcome to Month 9




Baby
Your baby is now fully formed and, if it is a boy, his testicles should have descended. The vernix has mostly disappeared. Baby will gain weight at the rate of about an ounce per day during the last month before the birth. Your baby is getting fatter and its skin is less rumpled.

He or she is getting ready for birth and is settling into the fetal position with its head down against the birth canal, its legs tucked up to its chest, and its knees against its nose. The bones of baby's head are soft and flexible to ease the process of delivery through the birth canal.

Your antibodies to disease are beginning to flow rapidly through the placenta. The rapid flow of blood through the umbilical cord keeps it taut which prevents tangles. Your baby is beginning to develop sleeping patterns. You will also feel your baby roll around as it gets too cramped inside your uterus for much movement. Your baby will continue to kick and punch although it will move lower in your abdomen to under your pelvis (this is a process called ''lightening'').

Your baby's lungs are now mature and your baby will have a great chance of survival if born a little early. Your baby is now about 20 inches (51 cm) long and weighs approximately 6 to 9 pounds (2700 to 4000 grams). Only 5 percent of babies are born on their due date. If you go into labor after week 37 your careprovider will not try to stop it.
Your baby may be born anytime between the 37th and 42nd week of pregnancy.

Mother
After your 36th week, your health care provider will increase your prenatal appointments to weekly. Your provider will check your weight, blood pressure, urine, fundal height, edema, and varicose veins. He or she will also check the fetal heartbeat, size, presentation (head or buttocks first?), position (facing the front or the back?), and descent. Your cervix will be examined sometime after the 38th week for effacement and dilation (opening of the cervix). Your provider will ask you to report on the frequency and duration of your Braxton Hicks contractions. Ask your provider about any questions you have, especially about labor and delivery. You should also receive instructions from your provider as to when to call if you think you are in labor. If you do not receive these instructions, ask your provider for them.

You will feel changes in the fetal activity (more squirming and rolling and less kicking). In addition to the pregnancy discomforts you have been feeling the last couple of months, you may have some discomfort and achiness in your buttocks and pelvic area, increased backache and heaviness, more difficulty sleeping. More frequent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions (which may now be painful), which will give you a chance to practice your breathing techniques. Due to the lower position of your baby, it will be easier for you to breathe but you will need to urinate more frequently. You may feel very fatigued or have extra energy or alternate between the two. Your appetite may be increased or diminished substantially.

By the 40th week, you will likely be feeling more excited, anxious, apprehensive, and relieved that it is almost over. You may feel irritable, overly sensitive, restless, and impatient. All of these feelings are normal. Don't worry -- you won't be pregnant much longer!

Remember to pack your bag so that you will be ready to rush to the hospital when the time comes.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

37 weeks Already...


How your baby's growing:

Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.

Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

How your life's changing:


Braxton Hicks contractions may be coming more frequently now and may last longer and be more uncomfortable. You might also notice an increase in vaginal discharge. If you see some "bloody show" (mucus tinged with a tiny amount of blood) in the toilet or in your undies, labor is probably a few days away — or less. (If you have heavier spotting or bleeding, call your caregiver immediately.) Also be sure to ask your caregiver about the results of your Group B strep culture. That way, if the result isn't yet on your chart when you get to the hospital or birth center, you'll be able to give the staff there a timely heads-up if you need antibiotics.

It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy through the day — this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby's movements, too, and let your caregiver know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though her quarters are getting cozy, she should still be as active as before.

While you're sleeping, you're likely to have some intense dreams. Anxiety both about labor and about becoming a parent can fuel a lot of strange flights of unconscious fancy.

You are 37 weeks pregnant. (fetal age 35 weeks)
  • Typically, baby now measures 19.5 inches (50 cm) from the head to the heel.
  • Baby weighs up to 7 pounds or 3 kilograms.
  • The head diameter is over 3.5 inches (9cm).
  • The water could break at any time.
  • If it does happen, see a doctor immediately.
Gaining one ounce per day, your baby is growing rapidly. Keep up those exercises, especially your Kegels. Keeping your pelvic floor muscles toned will aid in a quicker recovery from the birth. An elbow, foot or head may protrude from your stomach when baby stretches and squirms about. Soon, as the wall of your uterus and your abdomen stretch thinner and let in more light, your baby will begin to develop daily activity cycles.

Even though you are three weeks from your due date, you are now considered full term. In most cases, nothing will be done to stop your labour once it starts, even if it is before your 40th week. You may notice a bit more vaginal discharge and/or cervical mucus.

If you go into labor at this point your careprovider will not try to stop it.
So what are the signs that your labor may be starting?
  • Regular contractions that grow longer, stronger and closer together.
  • Contractions that are not affected significantly by a change in your activity level.
  • A trickle or gush of fluid from your vagina.
  • A regular, rhythmic backache.
If you have any of these signs, contact your doctor/careprovider immediately.

(Babies between 37 and 42 weeks are considered full-term -
- a baby born before 37 weeks is premature and after 42 is post-term.)

Friday, November 20, 2009

OverDue Pregnancy

Your due date has come and gone — and you're still pregnant. What's going on?

Although your due date may seem to have magical qualities, it's simply an educated guess about when your baby is most likely to arrive. It's perfectly normal to give birth one to two weeks before — or after — your due date. In fact, your pregnancy must continue two weeks past your due date to earn the official label of overdue pregnancy, also known as post-term pregnancy.

Enough already!

You may be more likely to have an overdue pregnancy if:

  • The exact date of the start of your last menstrual period isn't known
  • This is your first pregnancy
  • You've had prior overdue pregnancies
  • Overdue pregnancy runs in your family
  • Your baby is a boy

Rarely, overdue pregnancy may be related to problems with the placenta or the baby.

Whatever the cause, you're probably tired of being pregnant by this point. Your back may ache, and your ankles may be swollen. You may be struggling with heartburn and hemorrhoids. You may have trouble sleeping because you simply can't get comfortable — or anxiety about childbirth may keep you awake.

Rest assured, an overdue pregnancy won't last forever. Labor may begin at any time.

Keeping an eye on your pregnancy

Prenatal care will continue after you pass your due date. Your health care provider will watch for signs of complications, such as preeclampsia. He or she will also check your cervix to see if it's begun to thin and dilate in preparation for labor. If you're more than one week past your due date, your health care provider may track your baby's heartbeat with an electronic fetal monitor or use ultrasound to observe your baby's movements and measure the amount of amniotic fluid.

Giving baby a nudge

Sometimes, it's better to deliver sooner rather than later — particularly if your health care provider is concerned about your health or your baby's health or if your pregnancy continues more than two weeks past your due date.

Why the concern about two weeks? At this point in pregnancy, your baby's size may complicate a vaginal delivery. In a few cases, aging of the placenta may compromise a baby's ability to thrive in the womb. An overdue baby is also more likely to inhale fecal waste (meconium), which can cause breathing problems or an infection after birth.

If you and your health care provider decide to induce your labor, you may be given medication to help your cervix soften and open. If your amniotic sac is still intact, your health care provider may break your water by creating an opening with a thin plastic hook. It doesn't hurt, but you may feel a warm gush of fluid when the sac breaks open.

If necessary, you may also be given medication to kick-start your contractions. A common choice is Pitocin, a synthetic version of oxytocin — a hormone that causes the uterus to contract. The dosage may be adjusted to regulate the strength and frequency of your contractions.

Hang in there

You're in the homestretch! Whether your health care provider suggests a wait-and-see approach or schedules an induction, do your best to enjoy the rest of your pregnancy.

  • Accept your emotions. It's OK to feel frustrated or disappointed. You probably didn't bargain for more than 40 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Take advantage of the extra time. Sleep while you can. Put the finishing touches on the nursery. Stock your freezer with extra meals. Address birth announcements and thank-you cards.
  • Make plans. Your health care provider may want you to stay close to home, but that's no reason to miss a new movie, go out to dinner or take a walk in the park. Don't be afraid to make plans just because you may need to cancel at the last minute.
  • Put your answering machine or voice mail to work. To keep well-meaning friends and loved ones informed, consider recording a greeting with the latest on the pregnancy front. "We're patiently waiting for the big day!" may be enough to handle the inquiries that are sure to test your patience.
  • Treat home remedies with a dose of caution. A simple Internet search will yield countless results for "natural" ways to trigger labor, such as eating spicy food or having sex. Some tactics are relaxing, others silly — and a few may do more harm than good. Get your health care provider's OK before trying any home remedies, herbal supplements or alternative treatments.
  • Stay in touch with your health care provider. You'll need frequent checkups until your baby is born. Make sure you know what to do if you think you're in labor.
Soon you'll hold your baby in your arms — and the long wait won't matter

Source taken at Mayoclinic.com

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

ChildBirth Education..

Good for first time Parent..

Why should I take a childbirth education class?

Whether you're delivering your first child or fifth, a childbirth education class can help you prepare to meet the challenges of labor and delivery. Consider the opportunities:

* Learn things you never knew about labor, delivery and postpartum care. You'll find out how to identify the signs of labor and what happens to your body as your baby makes his or her way into the world.
* Address your fears. During class, you'll have the chance to talk about your fears with other women who probably share the same concerns. The instructor can dispel myths and help put your mind at ease.
* Connect with your partner or labor coach. A childbirth education class offers your partner or labor coach the chance to understand childbirth, too — as well as how to support you during labor.
* Discuss options for handling pain. You'll practice various methods for coping with contractions, such as breathing techniques, relaxation and visualization. Most classes also cover the pros and cons of common medications, such as narcotic analgesics and epidural blocks.
* Get the basics on medical interventions. Find out how routine interventions may influence the course of labor.
* Check out the facility. You might tour the facility where you'll give birth and find out about its policies and resources.
* Brush up on newborn care. In addition to labor and delivery, you'll likely get a primer on newborns. Common topics include choosing a pediatrician, breast-feeding, diapering and bathing.
* Create a social network. Meet other pregnant women and listen to their experiences.

Are there different types of childbirth education classes?

Some childbirth education classes cover specific types of births, such as C-section, vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) and multiple births. Refresher courses are available for parents who simply want to review the basics. Other classes focus on specific methods of childbirth. For example:

* Lamaze. The goal of Lamaze is to increase confidence in your ability to give birth. Lamaze classes help you understand how to cope with pain in ways that both facilitate labor and promote comfort — including focused breathing, movement and massage.
* Bradley. The Bradley Method emphasizes that birth is a natural process. You're encouraged to trust your body, focusing on diet and exercise throughout pregnancy. You're taught to manage labor through deep breathing and the support of your partner or labor coach.

Many other classes borrow elements from these popular methods. In addition, you may find classes on other approaches to childbirth, including hypnotherapy and water birth.
What's the best way to find a class?

Childbirth education classes are offered at most hospitals and birthing centers. Some classes are available online or in video format. Ask your health care provider and insurance plan about available classes. You might also check with parents who've recently had babies.

What should I look for in a class?

Look for a class taught by a certified childbirth educator. Classes should be small — with no more than eight to 10 couples — to facilitate discussion and allow personalized instruction. Be sure to ask about the cost as well.

When should I take the class?

Childbirth education classes are often recommended near the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy — but anytime before you go into labor would be helpful. Often a series of classes is offered over a period of weeks during the last trimester. The earlier you register, the more options and flexibility you'll have regarding class dates and times.

What is my health care provider's role?

Your health care provider is there to help you have a positive birth experience. With his or her input, use what you learn in your childbirth education class to create a birth plan. No one can predict how labor and delivery will unfold, but together you can design a birth plan that meets your expectations for labor, delivery and postpartum care — and that promotes the best care for you and your baby.

Source taken from Mayoclinic.com

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Prenatal Vitamins

How are prenatal vitamins different from other vitamins?

Most prenatal vitamins contain more folic acid, calcium and iron than do standard adult multivitamins. It's still important to eat nutritious foods, but prenatal vitamins can help ensure you're getting enough of these essential nutrients during pregnancy.

Wonder why it matters?

  • Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects — serious abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord. Folic acid may also decrease the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight.
  • Calcium promotes strong bones and teeth for both mother and baby. Calcium also helps your circulatory, muscular and nervous systems run normally.
  • Iron supports the development of blood and muscle cells for both mother and baby. Iron helps prevent anemia, a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. Iron may also decrease the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight.

Prenatal vitamins have been claimed to promote thicker hair and stronger nails, but researchers haven't yet proved whether prenatal vitamins truly have these effects.

Keep in mind that standard prenatal vitamins don't include omega-3 fatty acids, which help promote a baby's brain development. If you're unable to eat fish or other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids or choose not to, your health care provider may recommend omega-3 fatty acid supplements in addition to prenatal vitamins.

Do prenatal vitamins require a prescription?

Prenatal vitamins are available over-the-counter in nearly any pharmacy. Some prenatal vitamins require a prescription. Your health care provider may recommend a specific brand of prenatal vitamins or leave the choice up to you.

When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?

It's best to start taking prenatal vitamins three months before conception. Why so early? The baby's neural tube — which becomes the brain and spinal cord — develops during the first month of pregnancy, perhaps before you even know that you're pregnant. Taking prenatal vitamins before conception is the best way to help prevent neural tube defects.

How long should I take prenatal vitamins?

It's best to take prenatal vitamins throughout your entire pregnancy. Your health care provider may recommend taking prenatal vitamins while you're breast-feeding, too.

Do prenatal vitamins have any side effects?

Some women feel queasy after taking prenatal vitamins. In other cases, the iron in prenatal vitamins contributes to constipation.

If prenatal vitamins seem to trigger nausea:

  • Take your prenatal vitamin at night
  • Take your prenatal vitamin with a snack
  • Chew gum or suck on hard candy after taking your prenatal vitamin

If you're struggling with constipation:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Include more fiber in your diet
  • Include physical activity in your daily routine, as long as you have your health care provider's OK
  • Ask your health care provider about using a stool softener

If these tips don't seem to help, ask your health care provider about other options. He or she may recommend another type of prenatal vitamin or separate folic acid, calcium and iron supplements.

Source taken at Mayoclinic.com

Sunday, November 15, 2009

36 weeks

Today my first time to reach 36weeks in my pregnancy.. Alhamdulilah..


Week 36: Rapid weight gain begins

Thirty-six weeks into your pregnancy, or 34 weeks after conception, your baby is gaining weight rapidly — about 1/2 pound (227 grams) a week for the next month.

The crowded conditions inside your uterus may make it harder for your baby to give you a punch, but you'll probably feel lots of stretches, rolls and wiggles. You may want to check on your baby's movements from time to time — especially if you think you've noticed decreased activity. Ask your health care provider how many movements you should detect in a certain number of hours.

How your baby's growing:

Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.

At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position. But if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.

How your life's changing:


Now that your baby is taking up so much room, you may have trouble eating a normal-size meal. Smaller, more frequent meals are often easier to handle at this point. On the other hand, you may have less heartburn and have an easier time breathing when your baby starts to "drop" down into your pelvis. This process — called lightening — often happens a few weeks before labor if this is your first baby. (If you've given birth before, it probably won't happen before labor starts.) If your baby drops, you may also feel increased pressure in your lower abdomen, which may make walking increasingly uncomfortable, and you'll probably find that you have to pee even more frequently. If your baby is very low, you may feel lots of vaginal pressure and discomfort as well. Some women say it feels as though they're carrying a bowling ball between their legs!

You might also notice that your Braxton Hicks contractions are more frequent now. Be sure to review the signs of labor with your practitioner and find out when she wants to hear from you. As a general rule, if you're full-term, your pregnancy is uncomplicated, and your water hasn't broken, she'll probably have you wait to come in until you've been having contractions that last for about a minute each, coming every five minutes for an hour. Of course, you'll want to call right away if you notice a decrease in your baby's activity or think you're leaking amniotic fluid, or if you have any vaginal bleeding, fever, a severe or persistent headache, constant abdominal pain, or vision changes.

Even if you're enjoying an uncomplicated pregnancy, it's best to avoid flying (or any travel far from home) during your final month because you can go into labor at any time. In fact, some airlines won't let women on board who are due to deliver within 30 days of the flight.

Week Thirty Six: Baby may drop into the birth canal


You are 36 weeks pregnant. (fetal age 34 weeks)
  • The baby is about 19 inches (48 cm) long.
  • Weight is around 6 pounds (2.7 kg).
  • The baby's body is becoming chubby as fat layers build.
  • Between now and birth they may gain about an ounce (30g) a day
  • You may feel contractions of the womb, called Braxton Hicks contractions.
While it says that your baby weighs six and a half pounds this week and measures 19 inches long, this is only an estimate. In general, babies are gaining half a pound per week now. Baby continues gaining weight as fat deposits and is forming creases in the neck and wrists.

You may feel contractions of the womb, called Braxton Hicks contractions, which can be used to perform and practice breathing exercises. You may be visiting your caregiver weekly up until the birth. Regular internal exams may begin, to see if your cervix has softened, thinned, dilated or if your baby's head is dropping into the pelvis. Any of these could be signs of impending labor but there are no guarantees and you could be waiting for weeks yet. Your baby is almost ready, a pair of kidneys and the liver has begun processing some waste products, the only organ still to mature is the lungs.

This week your baby may drop into the birth canal, this is called 'lightening' or 'dropping'. If this is not your first baby, this 'lightening' may not occur until right before labor. Your care provider may refer to it by saying that your baby is now 'engaged'. The majority of babies are now in the birth position, either head down (vertex) or butt down (breech), most will maintain this position until birth. Any movements that they make are more likely to be rolls from side to side.You may notice when this happens because it will suddenly become much easier for you to breathe. While breathing becomes easier, walking may be the exact opposite. If your baby has dropped you may find yourself visiting the bathroom much more often as baby is resting right on top of your bladder again.

The average twin birth occurs between 36 and 37 weeks and the babies weigh an average of 5 pounds apiece. A baby's average size is now 18.5 inches (47 cm) and 6 pounds (2700 g).

Source taken From BabyCenter.com Baby2see.com & Mayoclinic.com

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Sex During Pregnancy

Note: For all pregnant mom out there.. Info Sharing.. For first timer tu I mean first time pregnant & first time mau jadi parent ni baik ada jua tau nya kan..

Is it OK to have sex during pregnancy?

As long as your pregnancy is proceeding normally, you can have sex as often as you like. But you may not always want to. At first, hormonal fluctuations, fatigue and nausea may sap your sexual desire. During the second trimester, increased blood flow to your sexual organs and breasts may rekindle your desire for sex. But by the third trimester, weight gain, back pain and other symptoms may once again dampen your enthusiasm for sex.

Can sex during pregnancy cause a miscarriage?

Many couples worry that sex during pregnancy will cause a miscarriage, especially in the first trimester. But sex isn't a concern. Early miscarriages are usually related to chromosomal abnormalities or other problems in the developing baby — not to anything you do or don't do.

Does sex during pregnancy harm the baby?

Your developing baby is protected by the amniotic fluid in your uterus, as well as the mucous plug that blocks the cervix throughout most of your pregnancy. Sexual activity won't affect your baby.

What are the best sexual positions during pregnancy?

As long as you're comfortable, most sexual positions are OK during pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses, experiment to find what works best. Rather than lying on your back, you might want to lie next to your partner sideways or position yourself on top of your partner or in front of your partner. Let your creativity take over, as long as you keep mutual pleasure and comfort in mind.

What about oral and anal sex?

Oral sex is safe during pregnancy. There's a caveat, however. If you receive oral sex, make sure your partner doesn't blow air into your vagina. Rarely, a burst of air may block a blood vessel (air embolism) — which could be a life-threatening condition for you and the baby.

Generally, anal sex isn't recommended during pregnancy. Anal sex may be uncomfortable if you have pregnancy-related hemorrhoids. More concerning, anal sex may allow infection-causing bacteria to spread from the rectum to the vagina.


Should my partner use a condom?

Exposure to sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy increases the risk of infections that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health. Use a condom if your partner has a sexually transmitted disease, you're not in a mutually monogamous relationship or you choose to have sex with a new partner during pregnancy.

Can orgasms trigger premature labor?

Orgasms can cause uterine contractions. But these contractions are different from the contractions you'll feel during labor. If you have a normal pregnancy, orgasms — with or without intercourse — don't seem to increase the risk of premature labor or premature birth. Likewise, sex isn't likely to trigger labor even as your due date approaches.

Are there times when sex should be avoided?

Although most women can safely have sex throughout pregnancy, sometimes it's best to be cautious. Your health care provider may recommend avoiding sex if:

  • You're at risk of preterm labor
  • You have unexplained vaginal bleeding
  • You're leaking amniotic fluid
  • Your cervix begins to open prematurely (cervical incompetence)
  • Your placenta partly or completely covers your cervical opening (placenta previa)

What if I don't want to have sex?

That's OK. There's more to a sexual relationship than intercourse. Share your needs and concerns with your partner in an open and loving way. If sex is difficult, unappealing or off-limits, try cuddling, kissing or massage.

After the baby is born, how soon can I have sex?

Whether you give birth vaginally or by C-section, your body will need time to heal. Many health care providers recommend waiting four to six weeks before resuming intercourse. This allows time for your cervix to close and any tears or a repaired episiotomy to heal.

If you're too sore or exhausted to even think about sex, maintain intimacy in other ways. Stay connected during the day with short phone calls, e-mail messages or text messages. Reserve a few quiet minutes for each other before the day begins or while you're winding down before bed. When you're ready to have sex, take it slow — and use a reliable method of contraception.

Monday, November 9, 2009

What To Expect for Third Trimester Pregnancy


Adriana born on 35 +6 weeks

Your body

As your baby grows, his or her movements will become more obvious. These exciting sensations are often accompanied by increasing discomfort and other third trimester pregnancy symptoms.

  • Backaches. As your baby continues to gain weight, pregnancy hormones relax the joints between the bones in your pelvic area. These changes can be tough on your back. Hip pain is common, too.

    If you must stand, place one foot on a box or stool. Sit in chairs with good back support. Apply a heating pad or ice pack to the painful area. Ask your partner for a massage. Wear low-heeled — but not flat — shoes with good arch support. If the back pain doesn't go away or is accompanied by other signs and symptoms, contact your health care provider.

  • Shortness of breath. You may get winded easily as your uterus expands beneath your diaphragm, the muscle just below your lungs. This may improve when the baby settles deeper into your pelvis before delivery. In the meantime, practice good posture and sleep with your upper body propped up on pillows to relieve pressure on your lungs. As long as your health care provider approves, aerobic exercise can help relieve this third trimester symptom, too.
  • Heartburn. During third trimester pregnancy, your growing uterus may push your stomach out of its normal position, which can contribute to heartburn. To keep stomach acid where it belongs, eat small meals and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid fried foods, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits or juices, and spicy foods. If this doesn't help, ask your health care provider about antacids.
  • Spider veins, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Increased blood circulation may cause small reddish spots that sprout tiny blood vessels on your face, neck or arms, especially if you have fair skin. Blue or reddish lines beneath the surface of the skin (varicose veins) also may appear, particularly in the legs. Varicose veins in your rectum (hemorrhoids) are another possibility.

    If you have painful varicose veins, elevate your legs and wear support stockings. To prevent hemorrhoids, avoid constipation. Include plenty of fiber in your diet and drink lots of fluids.

  • Continued breast growth. By now, you may have an additional 2 pounds (nearly 1 kilogram) of breast tissue. As delivery approaches, your nipples may start leaking colostrum — the yellowish fluid that will nourish your baby during the first few days of life.
  • Frequent urination. As your baby moves deeper into your pelvis, you'll feel more pressure on your bladder. You may find yourself urinating more often, even during the night. This extra pressure may also cause you to leak urine — especially when you laugh, cough or sneeze. You may want to wear nondeodorant panty liners for protection.

    Continue to watch for signs of a urinary tract infection, such as urinating even more than usual, burning during urination, fever, abdominal pain or backache. Left untreated, a urinary tract infection may damage your kidneys and trigger preterm labor.

  • Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions are warm-ups for the real thing. They're usually weak and come and go unpredictably. True labor contractions get longer, stronger and closer together. If you're having contractions that concern you, contact your health care provider.
  • Weight gain. By your due date, you may weigh 25 to 35 pounds (about 11 to 16 kilograms) more than you did before pregnancy. Your baby accounts for some of the weight gain, but so do the placenta, amniotic fluid, larger breasts and uterus, extra fat stores, and increased blood and fluid volume.
  • Vaginal discharge. Potentially heavy vaginal discharge is common at the end of pregnancy. If you saturate a panty liner within a few hours or wonder if the discharge is leaking amniotic fluid, contact your health care provider.
  • Swelling. As your growing uterus puts pressure on the veins that return blood from your feet and legs, swollen feet and ankles may become an issue. At the same time, swelling in your legs, arms or hands may place pressure on nerves, causing tingling or numbness. Fluid retention and dilated blood vessels may leave your face and eyelids puffy, especially in the morning. If you have persistent face or eyelid swelling, contact your health care provider.

    To reduce swelling, use cold compresses on the affected areas. Lying down or using a footrest may relieve ankle swelling. You might even elevate your feet and legs while you sleep. It may also help to swim or simply stand in a pool.


Your emotions

As anticipation grows, fears about childbirth may become more persistent. How much will it hurt? How long will it last? How will I cope?

If you haven't done so already, you may want to take childbirth classes. You'll learn what to expect — and meet other moms-to-be who share your excitement and concerns. Talk with women who've had positive birth experiences, and ask your health care provider about options for pain relief. Tell yourself that you'll simply do the best you can. There's no right or wrong way to have a baby.

The reality of parenthood may start to sink in as well. You may feel anxious and overwhelmed, especially if this is your first baby. To stay calm, revel in the experience of being pregnant and think about the joy that will come from loving a new human being.

  • Write your thoughts in a journal.
  • Talk to your baby.
  • Take photos of your pregnant belly to share with your child one day.

It also may help to plan ahead. If you're going to breast-feed, consider what supplies you might need, such as a breast pump. Think about what's right for your family regarding circumcision if your baby is a boy. Consider who will be your baby's principal care provider. Make plans for your first weeks together.

Appointments with your health care provider

During the third trimester, your health care provider may ask you to come in for more frequent checkups — perhaps every other week beginning at week 32 and every week beginning at week 36.

Like previous visits, your health care provider will check your weight and blood pressure and ask about any signs or symptoms you may be experiencing. You may need screening tests for various conditions, including:

  • Gestational diabetes. This is a temporary type of diabetes that sometimes develops during pregnancy. Prompt treatment and healthy lifestyle choices can help you manage your blood sugar level and deliver a healthy baby.
  • Anemia. Anemia is an abnormally low level of red blood cells or hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that contains iron. Severe anemia may slow your baby's growth or trigger preterm labor. To treat anemia, you may need to take iron supplements.
  • Group B strep. Group B strep is a type of bacteria that may live in your vagina or rectum. It won't make you sick, but it may cause a serious infection for your baby after birth. If you test positive for group B strep, your health care provider may recommend antibiotics while you're in labor.

Your health care provider will also check your baby's size and heart rate. Near the end of your pregnancy, vaginal exams may help your health care provider determine your baby's position inside your uterus. He or she may also check your cervix to see whether it's begun to soften or dilate in preparation for birth. Cervical exams, however, can't predict exactly when you'll have your baby.

If you have specific desires or preferences for labor and birth — such as laboring in water or avoiding medication — you might want to define your wishes in a birth plan. Review the plan with your health care provider ahead of time to prevent any misunderstandings.

As your due date approaches, keep asking questions. How can I tell the difference between false labor and the real thing? When do I need to go to the hospital? Could I be too late for an epidural? Remember, there's no silly question. Understanding what's happening can help you have the most positive birth experience.


Source taken from MayoClinic.com

Sunday, November 8, 2009

35 Weeks

My pregnancy reach 35 weeks today.. Syukur alhamdulilah..


How your baby's growing:

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

Your baby
Your baby can blink and his pupils can contract or dilate to regulate the amount of light entering his eyes. Even though the womb is a dim dark place, strong sunlight shining onto your bump will filter through as a red glow into the womb, and he may turn his eyes towards this.

How your life's changing:

You
The last few weeks of pregnancy can be exhausting, so rest is crucial, especially as you’ll need all your strength to cope with the broken nights with your baby.

Your uterus — which was entirely tucked away inside your pelvis when you conceived — now reaches up under your rib cage. If you could peek inside your womb, you'd see that there's more baby than amniotic fluid in there now. Your ballooning uterus is crowding your other internal organs, too, which is why you probably have to urinate more often and may be dealing with heartburn and other gastrointestinal distress. If you're not grappling with these annoyances, you're one of the lucky few.

From here on out, you'll start seeing your practitioner every week. Sometime between now and 37 weeks, she'll do a vaginal and rectal culture to check for bacteria called Group B streptococci (GBS). (Don't worry — the swab is the size of a regular cotton swab, and it won't hurt at all.) GBS is usually harmless in adults, but if you have it and pass it on to your baby during birth, it can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, meningitis, or a blood infection. Because 10 to 30 percent of pregnant women have the bacteria and don't know it, it's vital to be screened. (The bacteria come and go on their own — that's why you weren't screened earlier in pregnancy.) If you're a GBS carrier, you'll get IV antibiotics during labor, which will greatly reduce your baby's risk of infection.

This is also a good time to create a birth plan. Using our form will help you focus on specifics — like who'll be present, what pain management techniques you want to try, and where you want your baby to stay after you deliver. It will give you a starting point to discuss your preferences with your medical team. Childbirth is unpredictable, and chances are you won't follow your plan to the letter, but thinking about your choices ahead of time — and sharing your preferences with your caregiver — should take some of the anxiety out of the process.


Week Thirty Five: Reflexes are coordinated

You are 35 weeks pregnant. (fetal age 33 weeks)
  • Your baby is now about 18.5 inches in length and weighs over 5.5 pounds.
  • Baby is about 47cm crown to heel and weighs almost 2.7 Kg.
  • The body is growing round due to developing fat layers.
  • Your baby's reflexes are coordinated.
  • Lungs are almost fully developed.
  • About 90% of babies born this week survive.
35 weeksMost babies gain about half pound per week in the last month of pregnancy. Fat stores accumulate in the legs and arms. These layers of fat will help them regulate their body temperature. Baby still doesn't have enough fat deposits beneath its skin to keep warm outside your womb. If born now the baby would probably be put in an incubator, about 90% of babies born this week survive.

Lungs are almost fully developed. Your baby's reflexes are coordinated, they turn their head, grasp firmly, and respond to sounds, light and touch. You should still feel movement every day. He or she is about 5 and a half pounds and growing fast, it is getting short of space in the womb.

Your uterus has become more cramped, your baby's kicks and other movements less forceful. You may want to check on your baby's movements from time to time and do a kick count.

Baby may push up against your ribs and make you a little breathless. Soon your baby's position changes to prepare itself for labor and delivery. The baby drops down in your pelvis and you will be able to breathe easily again.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

My Note on 5th Nov 2009

Date: Thursday 5th Nov 2009

Appointment at Gynea Kb
Bp 120/80 (alhamdulilah)
weight 74.3kg

ultrasound scan
BPD 92.7 37+5weeks
FL 72.1 36+6 weeks
AC 318.5 35+5weeks
EFW 2971 37+6weeks

Sunday, November 1, 2009

34 Weeks

Today turn to 34 weeks.. (1st Nov 2009) Alhamdulilah..


How your baby's growing:

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

Your baby
New research suggests your baby is able to move rhythmically to music he hears outside the womb (and it feels as if he’s dancing on your bladder!). At the moment, separate pliable plates form his skull. These compress and slide over one another during labour – in fact they don’t fuse and harden completely until your baby is about 18 months old.

How your life's changing:


By this week, fatigue has probably set in again, though maybe not with the same coma-like intensity of your first trimester. Your tiredness is perfectly understandable, given the physical strain you're under and the restless nights of frequent pee breaks and tossing and turning, while trying to get comfortable. Now's the time to slow down and save up your energy for labor day (and beyond). If you've been sitting or lying down for a long time, don't jump up too quickly. Blood can pool in your feet and legs, causing a temporary drop in your blood pressure when you get up that can make you feel dizzy.


If you notice itchy red bumps or welts on your belly and possibly your thighs and buttocks as well, you may have a condition called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP for short). Up to one percent of pregnant women develop PUPPP, which is harmless but can be quite uncomfortable. See your practitioner so she can make sure it's not a more serious problem, provide treatment to make you more comfortable, and refer you to a dermatologist if necessary. Also be sure to call her if you feel intense itchiness all over your body, even if you don't have a rash. It could signal a liver problem.

You
That baby is already constricting your lungs and your stomach. Now he’s starting to push downwards, constricting your bladder, so your nights may be disturbed by the frequent need to pee.


Source from BabyCenter & Mothercare.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Pantang Larang Ketika Mengandung Dalam Masyarakat Melayu

Untuk Bakal-bakal Ibu d sana..Info Sharing..

Tempoh pantang memang suatu jangkamasa yang membosankan. Banyak perkara-perkara yang sebelum ini menjadi kebiasaan terpaksa ditinggalkan dan pada masa yang sama amalan-amalan baru terpaksa diikuti kerana bimbang akan menjadi bentan dan sebagainya.

Karenah sewaktu hamil juga kadangkala boleh mememningkan kepala. Kerap yang berlaku adalah mengidam. Dalam keadaan ini, ahli keluarga yang terdekat akan menjadi "mangsa" dan biasanya si suamilah. Seboleh-bolehnya suami perlu memahami keadaan isteri dan bersedia mendapat apa yang dihajati selagi ia tidak melanggar syariat agama.

Mengidam berlaku kerana perubahan hormon pada awal waktu mengandung., menjadikan selera ibu menurun. Jadi pada ketika ini, ibu akan teringin untuk makan apa yang terlintas dibenaknya. Mengidam juga dikaitkan dengan nafsu. Adakalanya apa yang diidamkan itu bersalahan dengan syariat dan keterlaluan, maka di sini ibu perlu banyak bersabar. Anggaplah ini merupakan ujian Allah s.w.t kepada hambaNya yang akan bergelar seorang ibu. Ibu-ibu perlulah bersabar, jangan terlalu mengikut nafsu.

Tabiat terlalu mengikut hati ini akan memberi kesan kepada anak-anak apabila dilahirkan kelak. Ibu yang sabar dan tabah akan melahirkan zuriat yang tingi jatidirinya. Manakala sikap ibu yang terlalu "memanjakan" diri dikhuatiri kelak anaknya menjadi "spoil".

Dalam membicarakan tentang pantang larang dan adat istiadat sewaktu mengandung ini, terdapat beberapa amalan yang masih dipraktikkan walaupun sudah tidak banyak seperti dahulu. Sebagai contohnya seperti adat melenggang perut untuk mengetahui jantina bayi. Buah kelapa akan diletakkan di atas perut ibu, dan selepas itu kelapa itu dibiarkan jatuh. Sekiranya jatuh ke kiri ibu itu dikatakan akan melahirkan anak lelaki dan sekiranya jatuh ke kanan akan melahirkan anak perempuan.


Dalam masyarakat Melayu terdapat beberapa pantang larang yang masih lagi menjadi ikutan. Wanita-wanita hamil dilarang dari melakukan perkara-perkara berikut:

  • Dilarang mencaci atau mengumpat, membuat fitnah, iri hati juga bergaduh terutamanya dengan ibu mertua. Perbuatan tersebut dipercayai akan mempengaruhi perangai anak yang bakal lahir. Ibu mengandung juga akan mengalami kesulitan semasa melahirkan anak. Yang sebenarnya, tujuannya larangan di sini adalah untuk melahirkan rasa hormat kepada orang tua da selalunya ibu mertua turut menjaga dan membantu sewaktu dalam pantang.

  • Dilarang memaku, memahat dan menggali lubang. Tidak boleh memukul atau mencederakan binatang kerana dikhuatiri akan menyebabkan anak yang bakal lahir cacat anggota badan.

  • Dilarang keluar rumah pada waktu petang atau senja kerana dikhuatiri hantu akan menggusiknya.

  • Hendaklah menjauhi pergaulan dengan orang yang tidak jujur atau rendah maruahnya, kerana dipercayai ini akan mempengaruhi perangai anak yang bakal lahir.

  • Dilarang melihat gerhana bulan ataupun matahari kerana dikhuatiri anak yang bakal lahir akan cacat atau berkulit gelap.

  • Dilarang duduk di anak tangga kerana dipercayai perbuatan ini akan mendatangkan kecelakaan kepada ibu sewaktu hendak melahirkan anak.

  • Ibu juga dilarang memikul batu kerana dikhuatiri anak dalam kandungan menjadi lumpuh. Tidak boleh menanam pokok pisang kerana dikatakan perbuatan ini boleh menyebabkan anak berkepala besar yang luar biasa.

  • Ditegah menyusun tempurung kerana dikhuatiri anak yang dilahirkan akan botak kepalanya.

  • Ibu mengandung juga tidak boleh membiarkan anak-anak melangkah perut kerana dikhuatiri anak akan lahir cacat atau dilahirkan tidak cukup bulan. Dilarang tidur pada waktu tengah hari kerana dikhuatiri kepala anak yang bakal lahir akan menjadi besar.

Selain pantang larang yang dinyatakan di atas terdapat beberapa pantang larang lagi yang bersangkut dengan suami kepada ibu mengandung:

  • Suami kepada ibu mengandung pula dilarang meniup seruling atau alat bunyi bunyian kerana dikhuatiri anak yang akan dilahirkan sentiasa menangis.

  • Suami juga dilarang menyembelih ataupun pergi memburu binatang kerana dikhuatiri anak yang bakal lahir cacat anggota badannya.

  • Suami juga dilarang memukul, membunuh binatang seperti ular dan sebagainya kerana dipercayai anak yang lahir akan cacat atau kenan binatang tersebut.

Signs Of Labour..

Signs That You should Know & Aware.

Is there any way to predict when I'm going to go into labor?

Not really. Experts don't fully understand what triggers the onset of labor, and there's no way to predict exactly when it will start.

Your body actually starts preparing for labor up to a month before you give birth. You may be blissfully unaware of what's going on — or you may begin to notice new symptoms as your due date draws near. Here are some things that may happen in the weeks or days before labor starts:

Your baby "drops."
If this is your first pregnancy, you may feel what's known as "lightening" a few weeks before labor starts. You might detect a heaviness in your pelvis as this happens and notice less pressure just below your ribcage, making it easier to catch your breath.

You note more Braxton Hicks contractions.
More frequent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions can signal pre-labor, during which your cervix ripens (see below) and the stage is set for true labor. Some women experience a crampy, menstrual-like feeling during this time.

Sometimes, as true labor draws near, Braxton Hicks contractions become relatively painful and strike as often as every ten to 20 minutes, making you wonder whether true labor has started. But if the contractions don't get longer, stronger, and closer together and cause your cervix to dilate progressively, then what you're feeling is probably so-called false labor.

Your cervix starts to ripen.
In the days and weeks before delivery, Braxton Hicks contractions may do the preliminary work of softening, thinning, and perhaps opening your cervix a bit. (If you've given birth before, your cervix is more likely to dilate a centimeter or two before labor starts, but keep in mind that even being 40 weeks pregnant with your first baby and 1 centimeter dilated is no guarantee that labor is imminent.)

When you're at or near your due date, your practitioner may do a vaginal exam during your prenatal visit to see whether your cervix has started to change.

You pass your mucus plug or notice "bloody show."
You may pass your mucus plug — the small amount of thickened mucus that has sealed your cervical canal during the last nine months — if your cervix begins to dilate as you get close to labor.

The plug may come out in a lump or as increased vaginal discharge over the course of several days. The mucus may be tinged with brown, pink, or red blood, which is why it's referred to as "bloody show." Having sex or a vaginal exam can also disturb your mucus plug and cause you to see some blood-tinged discharge, even when labor isn't going to start in the next few days.

Your water breaks.
When the fluid-filled amniotic sac surrounding your baby ruptures, fluid leaks from your vagina. And whether it comes out in a large gush or a small trickle, you should call your doctor or midwife.

Most women start having regular contractions before their water breaks, but in some cases, the water breaks first. When this happens, labor usually follows soon. If you don't start having contractions on your own within a certain amount of time, you'll need to be induced, since your baby's more likely to get an infection without the amniotic sac's protection against germs.

How can I tell whether my labor has actually started?

It's often not possible to pinpoint exactly when "true" labor begins because early labor contractions might start out feeling like the Braxton Hicks contractions you may have been noticing for weeks.

It's likely that labor is under way, however, when your contractions become increasingly longer, stronger, and closer together. They may be as far apart as every ten minutes or so in the beginning, but they won't stop or ease up no matter what you do. And in time, they'll become more painful and closer together.

In some cases, though, the onset of strong, regular contractions comes with little or no warning. It's different for every woman and with every pregnancy.

When should I call my doctor or midwife?

Toward the end of your pregnancy, your practitioner should give you a clear set of guidelines for when to let her know that you're having contractions and at what point she'll want you to go to the hospital or birth center.

These instructions will depend on your individual situation — whether you have pregnancy complications or are otherwise considered high-risk, whether this is your first baby, and practical matters like how far you live from the hospital or birth center — as well as on your caregiver's personal preference (some prefer an early heads-up).

If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, she'll probably have you wait to come in until you've been having contractions that last for about a minute each, coming every five minutes for about an hour. (You time a contraction from the beginning of one to the beginning of the next one.) As a rule, if you're high-risk, she'll want to hear from you earlier in labor.

Don't be afraid to call if the signs aren't clear but you think the time may have come. Doctors and midwives are used to getting calls from women who aren't sure whether they're in labor and need guidance. It's part of their job.

And the truth is, your caregiver can tell a lot by the sound of your voice, so verbal communication helps. She'll want to know how close together your contractions are, how long each one lasts, how strong they are (she'll note whether you can talk through a contraction), and any other symptoms you may have.

Finally, whether or not your pregnancy has been problem-free up to now, and whether or not you think you might be in labor, be sure to call your caregiver right away (and if you can't reach her, head for the hospital) in the following situations:

• Your water breaks or you suspect that you're leaking amniotic fluid. Tell your practitioner if it's yellow, brown, or greenish, because this signals the presence of meconium, your baby's first stool, which is sometimes a sign of fetal stress. It's also important to let her know if the fluid looks bloody.

• You notice that your baby is less active.

• You have vaginal bleeding (unless it's just bloody show — mucus with a spot or streak of blood), constant severe abdominal pain, or fever.

• You start having contractions before 37 weeks or any other signs of preterm labor.

• You have severe or persistent headaches, vision changes, intense pain or tenderness in your upper abdomen, abnormal swelling, or any other symptoms of preeclampsia.

Some women assume that various symptoms are just part and parcel of being pregnant, while others worry that every new symptom spells trouble. Knowing which pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore can help you decide when to call your caregiver.

That said, every pregnancy is different and no list can cover all situations, so if you're not sure whether a symptom is serious, or if you just don't feel like yourself or are uneasy, trust your instincts and call your healthcare provider. If there's a problem, you'll get help. If nothing's wrong, you'll be reassured.


Source from Baby center.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The First 6 Weeks for Baby Clothes

Another thread about Baby Clothes for the first 6 weeks..




One-piece outfits (4-7): One-piece bodysuits dramatically simplify dressing. Look for clothes made in a soft fabric with wide head openings and loose-fitting ankle and leg cuffs. Also look for finished seams (so there are no rough or scratchy parts), and avoid zippers (which can pinch tender skin).

One-piece pajamas or wearable blankets (4-7): "Wearable blankets," like the Sleepsack or the Lullabag will keep your baby warm at night without your worrying about a blanket covering his head, particularly if he tosses and turns at night.

Cotton shirts (4-7): Choose soft shirts, preferably with snaps at the neck for easier fitting. Undershirts are good for layering and will also protect your newborn's skin from any seams or roughness in his outer garments. Choose undershirts that snap under the crotch so they don't ride up.

Sweater or jacket (1): Most babies don't like having clothes pulled over their heads, so warm up your baby with a sweater or jacket that buttons down the front.

Fleecewear or snowsuits: If you have a winter baby, we recommend finding a one-piece fleece suit to keep him warm on your outings. They're often hooded and come in many styles. Another option is to use a bunting bag in a stroller (they're designed to fit in a stroller and work with the stroller harness) so you don't have to put bulky suits on your child. Snowsuits are a little more expensive, and not necessary since your baby is unlikely to be playing in the snow. In either case, buy big so you'll get longer use out of it.

Socks and booties (4-7): Stores may sell shoes for newborns, but you don't want them for the simple reason that your baby isn't walking. So warm your baby's feet in socks or booties.

Cap or bonnet (1-3): You'll want a broad-brimmed hat for a summer baby, or a soft, warm hat that covers the ears for a winter baby.

Pregnancy Symptoms

Symptoms you should be AWARE..


How do you know whether that sudden ache is normal or warrants a 2 a.m. call to your doctor or midwife? Here's a rundown of symptoms that should set off your warning bells. But even if you don't see your symptom on this list, it's better to err on the side of caution and make that call than to agonize for hours, wondering whether you've pulled a ligament or gone into preterm labor.

Note that some of these symptoms may be more or less urgent depending on your particular situation or health history and on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Ask your practitioner to review with you which signs warrant an urgent call at various points in your pregnancy.

• Your baby is moving or kicking less than usual (once he begins moving regularly). Ask your caregiver if you should monitor your baby's activity by doing daily "kick counts." She can give you specific instructions on how to count and when to call.

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain or tenderness.

Vaginal bleeding or spotting.

• An increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge — that is, if it becomes watery, mucousy, or bloody (even if it's only pink or blood-tinged). Note: After 37 weeks, an increase in mucus discharge is normal and may indicate that you'll be going into labor soon.

• Pelvic pressure (a feeling that your baby is pushing down), lower back pain (especially if it's a new problem for you), menstrual-like cramping or abdominal pain, or more than four contractions in an hour (even if they don't hurt) before 37 weeks.

• Painful or burning urination, or little or no urination.

• Severe or persistent vomiting, or any vomiting accompanied by pain or fever.

• Chills or fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

• Visual disturbances such as double vision, blurring, dimming, flashing lights, or "floaters" (spots in your field of vision).

• Persistent or severe headache, or any headache accompanied by blurred vision, slurred speech, or numbness.

• Any swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, anything more than a little swelling in your hands, severe and sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, or a rapid weight gain (more than 4 pounds in a week).

• A persistent or severe leg cramp or calf pain that doesn't ease up when you flex your ankle and point your toes toward your nose or when you walk around, or one leg being significantly more swollen than the other.

• Trauma to the abdomen.

• Fainting, frequent dizziness, a rapid heartbeat, or heart palpitations.

• Difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, or chest pain.

• Severe constipation accompanied by abdominal pain or severe diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours.

• Persistent intense itching of your torso, arms, legs, palms, or soles, or a feeling of itchiness all over your body.

• Any health problem that you'd ordinarily call your practitioner about even if it's not pregnancy related (like worsening asthma or a cold that gets worse rather than better). Just call a little sooner than you would normally.

If you're not sure whether a symptom is serious, you don't feel like yourself, or you're uneasy, trust your instincts and call your healthcare provider. Your practitioner expects such calls. If there's a problem, you'll get help right away. If nothing's wrong, you'll be reassured.

Your body is changing so rapidly that it's hard to know whether what you're experiencing is "normal." Do yourself and your baby a favor and get any unusual symptoms checked out.

Finally, if you're near your due date, check out the signs of labor so you'll know what to look for and when to call your caregiver.

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