My Pregnancy Story (Baby Isabel)

Last August 2014 I found out I was pregnant, it was 3 days before our planned vacation to Tokyo. The day after, G and I decided to consult an ob-gyne to know if we should still continue our vacation. Based on my last menstrual period I was on my 5th week already. Upon examination we were given a go signal and some reminders on what to do and what not to eat. I also started taking folic acid. I started reading about pregnancy and downloaded apps (My pregnancy today, What to expect)
(No long walks, no raw food, steak has to be well done 😞)

Tokyo 2014

I had a very easy first trimester as I did not experience any morning sickness or cravings. I still drove myself to work and render overtime sometimes. I also followed a strict diet and avoided sweets especially soda. At the end of my first trimester I actually lost weight but felt much healthier. I still wore my pre-pregnancy clothes and my bump was still too shy.

5th Month

By the second trimester, my bump started showing. I was still able to use my normal jeans but with the help of a belly belt. My ob-gyne also changed my vitamins to Obimin Plus. I was also drinking Anmun at this time although my doctor was against it as for its sugar content. This was also the time that we found out we were having a girl. Near the end of my second trimester I had a Congenital Anomaly Scan (Thank God everything is normal) and an OGTT which I almost failed (I blame it on Christmas Holidays! Too much sweets)

8th Month

By the third trimester I started having stretch marks even though I religiously applied sunflower oil. I was also feeling hot all the time and occassionaly get lower back pains. On a happier note, this was the time I felt strong kicks from my tummy which made everyday exciting. this was also the start of my baby shopping spree. I ordered items online, went on sales and go to the children's section of a department store almost every week. G and I also attended seminars about breastfeeding and childcare 101 in The Medical City (These are free seminars from the hospital) which helped a lot for us first time parents.
By week 38 I went on maternity leave which turned out to be too early since I went into real labor on my full term (40 weeks and 3 days). After the 38th week I had 3 Biophysical Scans to check my amniotic fluid level and my baby's movement. G and I became impatient with excitement, I researched on natural labor inducing methods. I walked for 2 hours everyday, 20reps of squats in the evening, ate pineapple and asked G for a massage that targets pressure points to start contractions of my uterus. But no matter what crazy methods I did there were still no signs of labor until my 40th week. I guess the baby will come out when she wants to. Patience indeed is a virtue 😁

Overall I had an easy and happy pregnancy, thanks to the support of my husband, our families and friends. Also to my ob-gyne Dra Rowena Rivera of The Medical City for taking care of me.

My labor and delivery story on a separate post.