My First Pregnancy Story
First Trimester 3rd May 2019 was when I found out I was pregnant.
Prior to the discovery, there were a few indications that triggered me to pee on a stick. After our Japan trip, I was extremely deadbeat, my chest were more sore and tender than usual and I was late for 11 days. I peed on a digital stick and there it is, “Pregnant. 3+ weeks”. My first emotion was surprised actually. The next emotions that kicked in were elated along with tears of joy, and immediately anxiety and fear of the unknown.
I went to the clinic on the same day to confirm my pregnancy and the first word that came out of the GP’s mouth was “Congratulations!”. Later at night, I surprised my husband with a mini cake topped with the positive test kit. “Here, for you..”, I said. In all seriousness, his response was, “You pregnant ah?”. Safe to say he wasn’t able to function for a good 15 minutes. I don’t blame him. We weren't expecting this at all.
From then onwards, all the symptoms kicked in almost immediately. I had terrible abdomen cramps. Feeling nauseous every single day but I hardly ever vomit anything out. I easily pick up unpleasant smells and I cannot be around people who smoke. My appetite decreased drastically. I had difficulties sleeping and passing motion.
On 23rd May, I paid my first visit to Dr. Aziz’s clinic. I am almost 9 weeks pregnant and my EDD is on the 29 December 2019. The first day of my last period was on 22 March 2019 and my conception date was 5th April 2019. With that said, this was not at all “Made in Japan” because our flight to Japan was on 7th April 2019. My weight was 57kg (55kg pre-pregnancy) and the baby’s length at this point was 1.4cm.
My nausea worsens and I couldn’t eat anything except for bread and fruits, specifically watermelon and toasts. I stopped cooking and I couldn’t stand to watch or smell whatever my husband ate. The moment I wake up, I have to grab a bite. Once I reach my workplace, I have to sip on sweet drinks. Brushing my teeth has to be very brief because it makes me gag and I have to control my coughs too.
Second Trimester I am 15 weeks as of 1st July. The baby’s length got up to 8cm. We caught the baby did a little jump during the ultrasound. At this point, I am still nauseating and my appetite was still not stable. Funnily, I hardly crave for anything. My uniform no longer fit, I had to switch to maternity clothes.
As of 29 July, the baby’s weight is 190g. My weight was 57.7kg. We had to decide if we want to do the NIPT test for down syndrome but we forgo it. Although, we would have done it but we needed the funds for the house too. Additionally, my husband said that there’s a reason why God made me pregnant only now, hence we should keep it no matter how the baby turns out.
At this point in time, people have started to give up their seats for me. Walking too much was getting tiring and the soles of my feet ache so bad. I regained more energy and my body is no longer uncomfortable. I have no problems falling asleep as well. However, my belly is bigger so I needed to prop my pillows properly for a better sleeping position. I cannot see my feet anymore while standing. My clothes no longer fit and I depend heavily on dresses. I even had to swap my panties to Uniqlo’s “mommy” undies. I pee a lot more now. Once when we were at the Shell station, I let out a huge sneeze and I peed enough for it to drip down my legs right to my ankles.
On 13 August at 21 weeks, I went for a thorough scanning at Novena Medical Centre to check the baby’s internal organs and to make sure all body parts are complete and that everything is fine. I found out the gender of the baby and it was a girl. I was elated because, for some reason, everybody kept telling me it would be a boy. The baby’s weight is 300gm. I started to feel a lot of the baby’s movements. I managed to feel it on the surface of my belly too. My nausea finally subsided.
Third Trimester On 27 September at 27 weeks, my weight got up to 62.7kg and the baby’s weight is 0.9kg. I started to experience frequent simpul biawak or charley horse. I can no longer sit on the floor without needing assistance to get up. My wedding ring and watch wouldn’t fit anymore. My belly button was protruding, my feet swell, my thighs got thicker and my bum started to sag. I had a dark facial expression as well, apparently commonly known as “mask of pregnancy”.
At 32 weeks, I officially cannot watch a movie at the cinema. It hurts like hell to be stuck in the seat for a solid 2 hours.
At 35 weeks, my weight is 67.4kg and the baby’s weight is 2.4kg. Dr. Aziz made it clear to me that my baby’s weight shouldn’t exceed 3.3kg because, for my height and weight, anything heavier would make my labor difficult. I was made to do a second blood test and a week later, I was called into the clinic urgently to get a dose of iron jab. My blood count was too low and it was the reason why I have been light-headed. I was also given 23 days of hospital leave because a low blood count could greatly affect my labor and it wouldn’t do me any good.
At 36 weeks, my palms and fingers cramp every morning when I wake up. I was getting more exhausted and heavy. I had to make slow movements when tossing and turning in bed, it takes so much effort. My back ached a lot more and I started to have loose stools. I have water retention at my feet and it increased my shoe size- 2 sizes up! The baby’s movements were prominent as well. During this week, I spotted a hint of red in my pantyliner. That triggered me to finally pack my hospital bag.
At 39 weeks, my weight is 72kg and the baby’s weight is 2.9kg. We learned that our renovation got delayed. I had no choice but to unpack all the baby clothes and hand washed everything (we were hoping to shift house before the baby’s arrival). I wouldn’t want to be in a situation whereby the baby unexpectedly pops out and I don’t have anything ready at all. I also started to research potential names for our baby and we decided on her race too.
I have one more week to go and it was nothing but a waiting game. I try not to think too much or to be fearful of what’s to come (considering that I’m a newbie and yet to understand the childbirth agony that all mothers speak of). I also did not want to set any expectations for myself during labor. I will take things as it is, and will probably make my decisions around Dr. Aziz’s guidance when the time comes.
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