My Pregnancy And Some of Its Complications

So I am now in my 26th week of pregnancy and my belly has bubbled as I have swallowed an entire watermelon! I am feeling the joys of my baby's kicks, sommersaults and punches. Oh yes, this baby moves a lot!

I had two check-ups this week: one for the special organ malfunction screening at a specialist since I belong to the high-risk pregnancy group and the routine prenatal check-up at my OB-Gyne.

During the special organ malfunction screening, a fine ultrasound screening was done to check if everything about the baby is okay. They would look at all the organs especially the vital ones: heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, ets. and measure the size of the extremities, look if the ears, eyes, nose and mouth are where they should be. The baby's heartbeat is also checked and also the flow of blood and "food" supply between mother and fetus. I am happy and relieved to say that everything about the baby is okay, she is healthy and even growing up faster than her gestational age.

The specialist found out during the screening that I have an increased amount of amniotic fluid, a medical condition called polyhydramnios, so I had to do more tests to find out what has caused it. Aside from the usual routine checks at my gynecologist, I had to give blood samples to check my sugar levels and also to check for infections. 

"Should I be worried?" This is what I asked my gynecologist. She told not to worry too much about it because we are still waiting for the results of the blood tests. And as shown in the special screening, the baby is growing despite the increase in amniotic fluid.

I was informed though of the possible complications of severe cases, one of which is the late positioning of the baby because it has extra room to move in the later stage of the pregnancy. It is also possible to have pre-term labor or have premature birth. Or the baby grows too big. The placenta detaching from the wall of the uterus before giving birth is also possible. An umbilical cord prelapse can also occur in which the umbilical cord falls out of the vagina before the baby. In worst cases, it could lead to stillbirth. 

So should I be worried? Thinking about the possible complications, one cannot help but be! But I have a very supportive family and friends who listen to me and my gynecologist and her team are also good and competent so I need not really worry too much. I just have to take of myself, relax as much as possible, take care of my food intake and enjoy this little one growing inside of me. Hopefully, the bloodworks will also turn out well and if not, at least we can take preventive and curative measures and monitor the baby. 

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Pregnancy in a Foreign Country

After many years of waiting, I am very happy to announce that we are pregnant with our second child. This is my second pregnancy away from my home country, and is a different country from the first pregnancy, which was in Japan. 

It is not always easy to be pregnant in a foreign country especially if the language is very different. Thankfully, we have been here in Germany for 10 years now, so we are more or less fluent with the German language. Germany also has a very good health care system, and the health insurance pays for the routine check-ups and the medications that may be needed during the course of the pregnancy. There are of course extra medical checks that you will need to pay yourself, the ones that they call IGEL-Leistungen, which are not included in the routine checks but you may choose to get if you are a high-risk pregnancy patient, if there is a history of hereditary illnesses in the family, or if you want to know if your baby is healthy or not.

Here are some of the things I learned while on my pregnancy here: 

If you are pregnant, you will get a Mutterpass (mother passport) from your OB-Gyne, where all important information pertaining to your pregnancy is recorded and which you will need to bring everytime you come for a routine check up.

If you are employed, you also need to inform your employer, the latest when you are past the critical first trimester, that you are pregnant so that you will be registered and protected by the Mutterschutzgesetzt (maternal protection law). This law protects mothers-to-be in the workplace, especially for example those who are doing shifts, are working at the factory, or at areas where they are exposed to harmful chemicals, etc. The law also gives the mother-to-be ample time to prepare herself for D-day. Six weeks before the scheduled birth, the mother may already stop working. She will still get her full income during this time, as well as eight weeks after the baby's birth. The employer and the health insurance company shares in the payment. After this Mutterschutzfrist (maternity protection period), the mother and/or father can apply for Elternzeit (parental leave) as well as for Elterngeld (parental allowance) for a maximum of 14 months. After the parenteral leave, she may opt to go back to work for her employer. 

There are also paperworks that need to prepared. And right after the baby is born, you will also need to find a day care facility and reserve a place so that after the parental leave is up, you can go to work worry-free knowing that your baby is in capable hands.

I still have a long way to go in my pregnancy. I am now on the early stage of the second trimester and with the Corona scare going on, it is not that easy as I thought it would be. I pray that all these will pass, that a cure, a medicine or a vaccine will soon be developed so that we can all move on with our normal lives. There is nothing else that I could wish for but for a healthy and stress-free pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Stay safe and healthy everyone!

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Preparing Yourself To Welcome a New Baby

Finding out that you are expecting a child for the first time is a moment unlike any other. You may be filled with wonder and dread, excitement and concern all at the same time. It's fun to buy baby clothes, set up the nursery and get ready for baby to come, but consider some of these tips taking care of you as well.

Medical Care

You might be amazed to learn that there is are many women never visit a doctor or midwife during their pregnancies. Whatever their reasons, it is essential to get early and regular care during your pregnancy, not only for the baby, but also to ensure a healthy mommy during and after delivery. Things like high blood pressure and water retention can alert your midwife to potential problems early, allowing time to correct the situation.

Choose a Facility

The staff at any given facility are the first humans your baby will come in contact with and the ones who will help you deal with any pain and nervousness you may have as you go into birth mode. Visit the midwives at the pregnancy care center Tampa FL residents rely on for a good birth experience to see how they can help you when your time comes.

Care and Feeding

The importance of caring for yourself while you are expecting a child cannot be over emphasized. Getting adequate amounts of quality sleep including naps will help you cope better emotionally and allow your body the reserves it needs to do the hard work of growing a child. Fresh fruits and vegetables and plenty of good clean water are essential to provide vitamins, nutrients, and energy needed during pregnancy. Exercise or stretches according to what your midwife feels is safe for you can improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and can stimulate a feeling of well-being.

Don't take this time for granted. Growing a child takes a lot of work and effort on your body's part. Take care of yourself and you will feel healthier and happier when the big day arrives.

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3 Alternatives To Traditional Labor and Delivery in Texas

Pregnancy and birth can be an intimidating process, especially if it's your first time. You may not have considered additions or alternatives to a hospital stay during labor and delivery. Three are some options to optimize your experience.

Go Natural

If you would like a more natural experience you should consider water birth san antonio. It is exactly what it sounds like- you would be in a bath full of warm water during labor and also during delivery if you wish. It is established as being very safe and soothing. Some hospitals even offer this, if you don't want to seek out a separate facility. You could also stay at home instead of rushing to a delivery room. Midwives are certified to provide care during labor and delivery as well as obstetric care, during and after the pregnancy. Just imagine how much less stress you would feel in the familiarity and privacy of your own home.

Get a Doula

A doula is someone who can guide you and your family through the pregnancy and birthing process to make it the best experience possible. With the complicated healthcare process and seemingly endless advice books, it can lift a lot of weight off of your shoulders to have a certified expert steering you in the right direction. They can provide informational, physical and even emotional support.

Go To a Birthing Center

Another way to avoid the hospital is at a birthing center. These are health care facilities specifically focused on childbirth and abide by the codes of midwifery. They emphasize helping women make decisions about the labor and delivery process according to their own values and beliefs. They are set up to look like large bedrooms and living areas, to give a feeling of home. Services also include educational programs, postpartum care and breastfeeding services.

Your future child deserves the best, so don't skimp when it comes to your health and well-being. Be sure to research everything that is available to you so you can make informed decisions regarding your care.

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Benefits and Risks of Home Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is a treatment that is specifically geared towards women who have already gone through menopause. With this type of treatment, the female hormones and estrogen that are no longer produced are replaced through regular medication. Women who experience hot flashes, vaginal dryness and bone loss are often prescribed a hormone replacement therapy course of treatment. While there are a wide range of benefits pertinent to hormone replacement therapy, there are some risks as well. 

Systemic hormone therapy comes in the form of a cream, spray, pill, patch or gel. This type of hormone therapy helps the most with night sweats, hot flashes and the discomfort that comes from having vaginal dryness. Systemic therapy utilizes large doses of estrogen. An increase in estrogen can reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and colon cancer.

Low-dose vaginal estrogen products come in a cream, ring or tablet form. These products offer minimal absorption by the body, and they treat vaginal and urinary-related symptoms associated with menopause. These types of products also help with night sweats, mood swings and hot flashes. If you have not had your uterus removed, your doctor will likely prescribe a course of treatment that combines estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen alone can trigger growth in the uterine lining; this can lead to uterine cancer. Progesterone prevents this from happening. 

Hormone replacement therapy for women does have some potential side effects. Many of the possible side effects become a greater issue if you have a family history of certain conditions. If you have a family history of heart disease, certain cancers, blood clots or stroke, you should work with your doctor to determine the best hormone replacement therapy option. Osteoporosis, anxiety and depression and heart disease are potential side effects of hormone replacement therapy. If you have a history of blood clots, liver disease or breast cancer, you should avoid hormone replacement therapy. If you minimize the other medications you take, limit your stress, exercise regularly, eat a healthy and well-balanced diet and visit your doctor regularly, you can greatly minimize many of the side effects of hormone replacement therapy.

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An Apple A Day...

There's this old English adage that says, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away."

I was browsing throught the third quarter issue of "Das Magazin", our power provider's customer publication and saw this on the back cover:

Photo von EnBW Das Magazin, 03/13 Issue

This is indeed TRUE and even scientists know this. The soluble fiber in apples helps reduce intestinal disorders. The pectin helps reduce cholesterol levels. It's packed with Vitamin C, A and flavonoids and is a source of potassium that helps promote heart health. It can help reduce skin diseases and helps in weight management. Not only this! An apple contains 80 kcal of energy, enough energy for you to do a 20-minute exercise in the morning to jump start your day. It helps to keep you fit!

So the next time you find yourself wanting to splurge on chips, grab an apple instead. It's more healthy and it does help "keep the doctor away".... :)

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Summer Slimmer Anyone?

If you are trying to shed a kilo or two this summer season, the best way to do it is to sweat it all out coupled with a balanced diet. I am no expert when it comes to losing weight but on my experience, keeping a healthy lifestyle is the key. It wasn't until around March this year when I realized that I am really in bad shape. I slowly began on a routine that has definitely changed my view of my self and has added a boost in my self-confidence. You see, I was around 74 kilos before I started to seriously discipline myself. It was already tiring trying to find clothes that will look good on me or having to rummage through plus size jeans just so I can wear one. And after a few months of serious working out at the fitness studio and cutting on rice especially during dinner time, eating more vegetables and fruits, and juicing, I began to feel lighter and more confident about myself. I also looked younger... hey, sweating helps to remove skin impurities or so I read. :)

My summer slimmer now that I am back in Germany. Perfect breakfast on those lazy days...

My first ever glass of summer slimmer. It looks green but it does taste refreshing!

I also tried to swap my breakfast to a "summer slimmer" juice for a week when I decided to lose then and then every now and then according to the level of my activity for the day. It is a concoction of apple, celery, cucumber, lime and ginger. I helped me to lose weight... There are many people advocating juicing and I can see why. Fresh fruits and veggies are packed with vitamins and minerals and antioxidants that keep the body healthy and strong. 

Why this summer slimmer works? According to Fabulousmag.co.uk where I got this recipe from: 

a) Cucumber is a natural diuretic and it helps to flush 
excess toxicity from the body, which aids weight loss. 

b) Citric acid in lime helps the liver produce more bile, 
which aids food digestion and helps burn fat. 

c) You burn twice as many calories digesting celery 
than the calories gained eating it."

So if you are in for a body change, try it out! 

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A Healthy and More Active Lifestyle

I keep complaining that I don't look good each time I try a dress or anything on and that it is very difficult to find a pair of jeans or shirt or blouse that would fit my build. Since I had my baby, my weight just skyrocketed until I have crossed the obese BMI and was never really serious about taking action. Then it dawned on me that I was just all that: complaints. I know that I wouldn't just get back in shape unless I decide that I wanted to have a healthy lifestyle.

And mind you, losing weight is never an easy task. You really have to have the will power, the determination and the endurance to face all the challenges that come your way. It has been two weeks since I have been actively going to the fitness gym in the early morning to sweat it all out and although it is a bit disappointing to learn that I haven't lost significant weight, just the fact that I am moving and shaking my body and sweating it all out is enough drive for me. I am thinking, this is not just for my husband... this is above all for ME. If I want to look good and feel good, I have to be confident again with how I look and I can begin by losing weight.

Loving my blanched carrots and brocolli. I could have this for all my meals! :)

I have also started to change my diet into eating less carbs and more of fruits and vegetables. I also try not to eat red meat, prefering fish and chicken instead. I know that the changes will not be seen overnight as I've only just begun but I know that one day, choosing a healthy and more active lifestyle will bring me to my goals.

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Prevention Is Better Than Cure

I know people who are very apprehensive to see a doctor because they are afraid to find out that they might have an illness that is difficult and expensive to cure. As for me, it is always good to have a regular medical checkup, even if you don't feel anything just so you can monitor if your organs are functioning well and if you are in the pink of health. And if not, at least you know what your options are and can decide to change your lifestyle to keep your condition from worsening.

In other countries, there are standard medical tests that women need to undergo at varying age brackets. There are breast cancer screenings or mammography for women who are aged 40 years old and above, smear tests or cervial screening test for those aged 25 and above, and a further colposcopy for those who have abnormal results in their smear tests. 

Colposcopy is a new term for me and thankfully, have not yet been subjected to it. It is a procedure during which the surface of the cervix is closely examined using colposcopes. A colposcope has a lighting mechanism and magnifying lens so that the colposcopist is able to see abnormalities. Sometimes, a small sample of tissue is removed for further screeening or biopsy, to find out whether the tissue is cancerous or not.

I don't know about you but for me, knowing what to do is better than not knowing. It is one way of taking care of yourself and loving your body. Cheers to good health!

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