Steroid Shots, Bedrest, and Work From Home at Pregnancy 27 Weeks

After the bleeding episode last Tuesday night, again I spotted in the morning. So, I did not have second thoughts about going to Healthway clinic to see my OB-Gyne. Unfortunately, she wasn't there so another OB checked me. First, she got my history and asked what I was feeling at the moment. I told her about the placenta previa partialis, the vaginal bleeding, and the mild contractions. She immediately recommended that I file an indefinite leave in the office because of my high-risk pregnancy. But after she checked my vagina via speculum, she said that all I needed was to be confined at the hospital at least overnight and to have a 2-week bedrest but may work from home. The only restrictions she gave me were no to long distance traveling, no strenous activities, and no to lifting heavy stuff.

I was having second thoughts though about the hospital admission overnight. It's just me and the nanny here, so if I'd be admitted that means I have to be at the hospital alone. The main reason why it was needed was because of the steroid shots that the OB-gyne recommended. She said that since my pregnancy is high-risk, I should be given Betamethasone to mature the baby's lungs. She explained that since this was already my third episode of bleeding with mild contractions, there's a possibility that I'll deliver the baby early. With the steroid shots given, she said that even if my baby does not reach full term, he has a big chance of survival.

Up to now, I haven't reached the decision whether I'll get the shots or not. But at the back of my mind, something's telling me that I should. For now, the company already allowed me to have 2-wk bedrest with work-from-home privilege. Thanks to my very considerate boss there!

I'll keep you all posted about my condition. Thanks, by the way, for all your concern!

Flu Shots for Kids and Preggy Mommy

Today is the scheduled date for the flu shots to be administered to employees and our dependents here in the office. I registered, and so are my two little girls. Unfortunately, yesterday, I was told by our company nurse that only kids 3 years old and above can take the vaccine. Hmmm. I wondered why? So, I made a quick research about flu shots for babies and toddlers and I've learned that shots are even recommended now for all children younger than 5. So, I'm really puzzled why my Baby Gab can't have the vaccine. Anyway, here's more about the safety of flu shots for babies and toddlers.

Now, since Baby Gaby can't have the vaccine, only me and my 5-year old Yana will have it. But just a while ago, our company nurse asked me if my OB is okay with the idea that I get a flu shot. I alread asked one OB almost a month ago about this and she said that flu shot is safe for pregnant women. But I don't know why I'm having second thoughts about it now. So, again, I made another research about safety of flu shots for pregnant women to be sure. Read here.

Still I'm having second thoughts. Should I or should I not?

Image Credit: www.karendecoster.com

To Bank or Not to Bank?

I am now 23 weeks pregnant, but still unsure as to how I'll go about so many things like the hospital where I’ll give birth, what color to choose for my baby’s stuffs – baby blue, baby pink, or light yellow, and what name to give. The former will be easier to decide on, but the next two will be a bit harder because I need to go through an ultrasound first to determine baby’s gender. But aside from these three, there’s another thing that I’m really looking deeper recently – and that is storing my baby’s cord blood. I keep asking myself, “To bank or not to bank?”

It is still 17 weeks away before I give birth, but as early as now, I’m really thinking hard whether it’s a good idea to bank my baby’s cord blood or not. Based on my research, storing the baby’s umbilical cord is an investment in the future health of my family since stem cells can already be used in different kinds of treatments. I know, one day, my family can benefit from this stem cell storage, but I’m still seriously considering the expenses I’ll have to make for the process shortly after I give birth.

As I’ve mentioned in one of my posts here, I’m currently facing slight money problems lately. So, as much as possible, before I go into storing my baby’s cord blood, I must see to it that the expenses for it won’t go beyond my budget. Although Cryo-Cell is giving away a special discount of up to $725 for expectant families beginning today until June 28, 2009 by simply using the HOT promotional code, I still have to consult Daddy about this since he’s our family’s financial officer. LOL.

Anyway, if you happen to come across this blog and is an expectant mom like me who is considering banking baby’s cord blood, why don’t you check out this Cryo-Cell’s discount? You get to save a lot from this limited offer, so grab it now!

Influenza A(H1N1) in Pregnancy

This is a follow-up to my post yesterday. Since I've been feeling so paranoid over the last few hours due to this influenza A(H1N1) virus spreading over the country, I tried to search online for the possible effects on this on pregnant woman. Although according to news, most of the people who were tested positive on this virus have already recovered, I'm still not at peace considering the thought that I am a carrying a little life inside me. Plus, I have kids who wait for me everyday at home.

I simply don't want to be the carrier of this A(H1N1) virus to my family, so I'm registering today for the flu vaccine that our company is offering. I asked our company nurse if the vaccine is safe for pregnant women, and she said yes. Anyway, here is what I researched so far about influenza A(H1N1) in pregnancy. Let me share this to all expectant moms like me, and of course to those who know one.

What is Influenza A(H1N1)?

Influenza A(H1N1) is a new flu virus infecting people that was first detected in April 2009. It is spread from person-to-person, is very contagious, and has sparked a worldwide pandemic alert issued by the World Health Organization.

Why has it been called swine flu?

It was first referred to as swine flu because initially thought to be entirely similar to the virus affecting pigs. Further studies reveal that H1N1 flu is the result of transformations in the swine flu virus with elements of viruses from birds and humans.

What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?

H1N1 flu has different effects in different people. Some people who catch the virus only have mild symptoms. But others can develop complications and, in extreme cases, H1N1 flu can cause death.

The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to regular flu symptoms:

• fever
• tiredness
• cough
• headache
• muscles and joint pain.

Swine flu can also cause:

• acute abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• vomiting

A fever caused by H1N1 flu can be very high: if you have regular flu your fever is unlikely to go above 39 degrees C (102.2 degrees F). If you have swine flu it could reach 39 degrees C and higher.

The U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention shares a list of symptoms that require urgent medical attention. If you spot any of these, contact your doctor immediately:

• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• sudden dizziness
• confusion
• severe or persistent vomiting
• flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever

How does H1N1 flu spread?

H1N1 flu spreads from person to person in the same way as other flu viruses: through coughing and sneezing of people who are infected. Swine flu is very contagious and spreads easily, particularly in enclosed spaces where there is close contact between infected people and healthy people.

H1N1 flu viruses are not spread from eating or preparing pork.

I'm pregnant. Am I more at risk of catching H1N1 flu?

If you're pregnant, your immunity to infection is slightly lowered to stop your body rejecting your unborn baby. So it's particularly important that you take sensible precautions to protect yourself.

Can H1N1 flu affect my developing baby?

We know that with regular seasonal flu, your baby is well protected against the virus within your womb. H1N1 flu is a new strain of flu so we don't yet know everything about it, including whether or not it will cross the placenta.

What should I do if I or somebody in my family shows symptoms of H1N1 flu?

Call your doctor immediately and explain what's happening. Tell her that you are pregnant and whether you or anyone else in your house has any other health problems. H1N1 flu can be more severe in people with compromised immune systems. If you have recently been to Mexico or the USA, make sure you mention it. Because the virus is very contagious, your doctor will tell you whether you should go to the hospital or if you should stay at home.

You may be asked to go to the hospital to have a sample taken from your respiratory system. This will be analyzed in order to find out if your symptoms are caused by H1N1 flu.

Is there any treatment for H1N1 flu?

There is no cure for H1N1 flu but antiviral drugs will relieve the symptoms and help you to recover faster. They will also reduce the likelihood of you developing complications. Currently, antiviral drugs can be prescribed for children over the age of one. Research has not yet proven that they are safe for younger babies, or for pregnant women, but it's possible that your doctor will still prescribe them. "If a pandemic occurs it is highly likely that babies will receive antivirals as the benefit is likely to outweigh any risk," says BabyCentre UK's GP, Morag Martindale. "This will also probably be the case for pregnant women."

According to Dra. Kho, BabyCenter Philippines' obstetrician, "A pregnant woman who gets infected with H1N1 flu will benefit from treatment with antiviral drugs, especially since very minimal amounts of the drug will actually cross the placenta." She adds, "At present, there are no known risks to the developing fetus being exposed to the antiviral drugs."

The Department of Health explicitly says that pregnant women and young children should not resort to self-medication and should immediately consult with a health provider. Similarly, those who experience influenza symptoms coupled with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, immunodeficiencies should also not self-medicate.

What can I do to avoid H1N1 flu?

Just as with regular flu, there are some things you can do to avoid infection and minimize the spread of the disease:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when you cough and sneeze and throw it away after using it.

• If you don't have a tissue to hand, cover your mouth with the inner part of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. This will avoid spreading the infection to your hand and will minimize spreading the disease.

• After coughing and sneezing, wash your hands with warm water and soap. Rub both sides of your soapy hands for at least for 15 seconds and rinse with lots of water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitisers.

• Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth because the germs spread very quickly.

• Wash your hands frequently –- the virus can live for up to two hours on surfaces like doorknobs and telephones.

• Eat a healthy diet including plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods –- a balance of these will give you minerals and antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C, which help to fight infections.

• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, and other social distancing measures.

How long will I be contagious if I have H1N1 flu?

People who have the H1N1 flu virus can be contagious for up to seven days after the onset of the illness. Children, especially younger ones, may be contagious for longer periods.

Is there a vaccine for H1N1 flu?

Not at the moment. Researchers are working on an effective vaccine for H1N1 flu but it will take several months to produce. The vaccine for other forms of flu will not protect you against H1N1 flu.

Info Source: www.babycenter.com

Pregnancy Week by Week Videos

I am now 19 weeks pregnant, and I'm more than excited to share to everyone here how baby and I are doing during this week. Here is a Pregnancy Week by Week resource to keep you updated of our amazing journey.

To expecting moms out there, I highly recommend that you watch these videos. And to those who are not, feel free to check them out as well. Happy viewing!

Out to Subchorionic Hemorrhage, Still In to Placenta Previa

I underwent another transvaginal ultrasound today. And guess what, the result is better than the last one. According to the OB-Gyne, the subchorionic hemorrhage that I experienced two weeks ago was already gone. It was good news for me, 'though in some way I was expecting it because the vaginal bleeding already stopped. What concerned me more was the placenta previa. The TVS result showed that my placenta was still completely covering the cervix. But according to my OB, there is still a possibility for it to move, as my baby grows, as well as my uterus. We'll just have to wait and closely monitor my condition.

Whew, it's still a long way for me! Baby is just 15weeks and 1day. I just hope my pregnancy will turn out okay, so I won't have to go through Cesarean delivery.

Still Look Pretty Even if Preggy

You know, whenever I’m pregnant, I lose my self-confidence. I feel as if I’m so ugly and that my husband will look at another woman. I even remembered last time, when I was pregnant with the baby in between, hubby told me that I looked so fat. Guess what happened next, I cried so hard and ended up not talking to him for hours. That’s how I am really when I’m pregnant. I feel ugly.

This pregnancy that I’m going through now is no different. Because of some symptoms that I start to experience, sometimes I won’t even bother to wear make up and use other beauty products before I head on the office. It’s not that I’m too lazy to do it, but it’s more of I’m scared that using them might have effects on my baby. I must admit that whenever I’m pregnant, I take extra care for baby’s sake. That’s why, when it comes to make-up and other beauty products, if I’m not sure of the effects, I’d rather not use them.

Call me an ugly and protective preggy mom, but really I do always consider my baby’s condition before I use beauty products during the entire course of my pregnancy. My baby’s health is more important to me than my looks. But guess what, I’ve discovered something recently. It’s called Beaute de Maman. It developed a whole new line of beauty products that are proven safe for pregnant women. Many Hollywood celebrities can even attest to that like Victoria Recano - celebrity correspondent of The Insider and Chyler Leigh of Grey’s Anatomy.

I’m really glad that there are beauty products now that are safe to use during pregnancy. Thanks to Beaute de Maman! Now, I can still look pretty even if preggy. And yeah, I won’t have to worry about my baby’s health, too.

So if you are also an expecting mom and are looking for safe beauty products to use, why not consider Beaute de Maman? Order now!

The Big Announcement

Okay, I guess now is the perfect time to announce what made me feeling not-so-well over the past days. But instead of clearly writing everything here, I might as well show you this image because this will tell it all:

Yes, it's confirmed, I'm having a baby! Well, still hoping that it would be a boy this time; but I won't stick with the "mind-over-matter" belief anymore, because I might end up having a girl again with blue baby clothes, blue mittens, blue booties, and other blue baby stuffs.

Moving on, I’m starting to feel morning sickness and other pregnancy symptoms as early as now. Last February 24th, I had my first pre-natal checkup. And according to my obstetrician, baby is already 5-6 weeks old and is due to come out on October 21st. Whew, here’s another long 9 months of my life again!

But anyway, hubby and I were really expecting this. We already talked about the conflicts we had during my pregnancy with the baby in between, and we compromised that we won’t let those happen again.

So there. The announcement has been made and the journey has started. Hope you’ll stay with me in this journey and be there as hubby and I welcome a new life in this world – another baby in between.