1 Week - Postnatal Check Up (27 Sep 17)

At 10:30 am, Husband and I arrived Metro IVF, Puchong branch. I registered myself then heading to weight myself. My weight before delivery was 68 kgs. Now my weight is 59.5 kgs. So much relieved after knowing it. I believe I will be able to reduce my weight back to the weight before pregnancy.

I have waited for 1 hour only my turn to see Dr. Tee Swi Peng. Today is the day to remove stitches. I laid on the bed, then Dr. Tee used a scissor to cut the front and the end of the stitches then removed the stitches. Dr. Tee said the wound was recovered nicely and it’s only 4 inches long (10 cm). I were feeling a bit itchy on my wound. Then Dr. Tee was using a medical alcohol (I believe it’s) to wipe the wound. Dr. Tee asked me do I want to see my wound. I quickly said no no no. I really not dare to see my scars. I asked the nurse whether my wound got blood or not. She said no blood and it’s recovered nicely.

I checked with Dr. Tee whether I can consume motilium pill to improve my milk production. Dr. Tee said yes I can consume it and it’s safe to consume. Dr. Tee also said a new born mother sometimes have to wait for a week only got milk supply. Dr. Tee claimed that my body is not fully recovered yet, the wound only recovered 20%, I can do light works after three months and I will be fully recovered after six months. We expressed a big thank you to Dr. Tee and we will definitely come back for a second frozen embryos transfer.

A New Chapter of My Life - Day 3 Discharge Day (22 Sep 17)

I had to walked to the washroom by myself now. Lucky that I chose a single room and I didn’t have to walk so far to go to the washroom. It’s still painful while walking. I had to clean up myself and change pad (using my own pad). 

While I prepared to enjoy my breakfast, a nurse brought my baby to me. She asked me to breastfeeding my baby. I were breastfeeding my baby at the same time enjoying my breakfast (2 breads+hot milo).

Around 10 am, Dr. Mohan came to see me. He checked and touched my tummy. I told him it’s painful when touching my tummy. He informed me that I can discharge today. Nurses came to measure blood pressure for me, gave me injection, gave me 4 pills (2 pain killer and 2 antibiotics) and changed a new drip for me. She told me this bottle was the last, once finished, I can discharge already. I were so excited.

Around 12 pm, my parents-in-law, sister-in-law and her 2 kids came to visit baby and me. I requested nurse to bring my baby down. At first, nurse said cannot because they are preparing baby for something. I told nurse for a while only, then only nurse agreed to bring down baby. They were so happy to see my baby and took picture with my baby. They left the hospital around 1:30 pm. 

At 4:30 pm, Husband came and went to pay bills. The total bill was RM 7,800 + Deposit RM 200. Nurse gave me three type of medicine, antibiotics (must finish it), pain killer (only eat if it still pain) and pills for constipation. We left the hospital around 5:30 pm.

A New Chapter of My Life - Day 2 (21 Sep 17)

I remembered at 1:30 am, Dr. Tee Swi Peng came with two nurses to see me. He told me baby and I were fine and we can discharge tomorrow. He asked me how did I feel. I told him I were feeling pain in my tummy. He said it’s a good sign if I feeling pain because the uterus are shrinking. At that time,  I still feeling drowsy, I just need more sleep.

Around 6:30 am, a nurse came and cleaned up for me. I brushed my tooth and changed a new clothes. Then they removed my urine bag. It’s painless. After I had my breakfast,  a nurse helped me to get down from bed and walked to the washroom. It’s painful and I couldn’t stand straight. The nurse asked me to hold a deep breath, hold my tummy and walked. 

Around 11:00 am, a whole group of Metro IVF team came and took a group picture with me and baby. At that time, my husband wasn’t arrived yet, we took the picture without him. I were so blessed and blissful holding my baby. 

I were not sure am I under depression. I cried again. The reason I cried is because I felt helpless, painful and husband wasn’t around. I were feeling painful and couldn’t breastfeeding my baby. 

Around 5:00 pm, husband came and accompanied me. At 6:00 pm, I received a basket flower from my parents-in-law. It was big and beautiful.

I were so down the whole day after nurse removed my urine bag and I have to walk by myself. 😭😭😭

A New Chapter of My Life - Giving Birth Part II (20 Sep 17)

I asked husband how does baby looks like, any picture to show me. He said he first met baby at outside of the operation room and he said he couldn’t see clearly as the baby’s body was dirty and his skin colour is a dark red to purple colour. He told me he didn’t know which baby is our baby as there were two babies in the nursery room. 

Husband went home at 3pm and told me he will come to see me again at night. Around 3:20pm, nurse brought baby came to my room, finally I met with my baby, he’s so small and I requested the nurse to take a baby’s picture for me. Then I quickly sent my baby’s photo to my husband, Mother-in-law, closed friends and confinement lady to inform them my baby’s arrival. A nurse came to bring my baby back to the nursery room around 4pm as baby’s not suitable to stay long in my room.  

I still feeling drowsy and continued sleeping. At 8pm, my sister-in-law and brother-in-law came to visit me. I barely speak as my throat was dry and have no voice. Then both of them went to the third floor to see baby. At 8:30pm, husband came to see me. I requested husband to make a cup of hot milo for me. Just a few mins, my sister-in-law and brother-in-law came down, they were chitchatting and have a sibling talks. Around 9pm+, both of them went back and my husband went to order a regular pizza and had it in my room. He accompanied and chit chats with me until 11:30pm then he went back. He was trying to make me laugh as I were so emotional at that time, I crying, missing and worrying about my baby.

A New Chapter of My Life - Giving Birth Part I (20 Sep 17)

I couldn't fall asleep last night, woke up at 5:50 am, brushed my tooth, washed my face then wiped my body with a wet towel. After that a nurse came and did an ECG for baby and she took my blood pressure. Everything was fine. Hubby came around 6:30 am and he just sat beside me. Then a nurse came and wanted to give me medicine to clear all the poo. Within one minute, I already have the urge to go poo poo. I quickly walked and went to clear it. After that, we just chitchat while waiting to be called to go for operation at 7:30 am. 

Around 7:10 am, nurses came and called me time to go for operation. At that moment, I didn’t feel nervous and scared, I laid on the bed then husband just followed with us went to the 3rd floor. I was pulled to the operation room, then a nurse asked me to transferred and laid on the operation bed. At that moment, I saw a familiar face, the anaesthetist, I first met her during my embryos retrieval day. I was calmed and sleepy, I just trying to fall asleep. I heard they were talking about traffic jam, Dr. Tee was having an embryo transfer, then the last word I heard was he’s coming, coming, then I feel really really sleepy, then I slept.

By the time I woke up, it’s already 12-1 pm. I looked around I were in a single room and husband was sleeping beside me in another bed. I touched my tummy wondering have I give birth and felt a bit pain in my tummy then realised I had gave birth. At that time, I still very drowsy, my throat was dry no voice to speak and I couldn’t remember much what people have spoke to me. I remembered nurses came to wash my private part and to change maternity pad for me but I incidentally hiccup and the urine bag plug was pushed out from my private part and the nurses was so nervous. I remembered Dr. Tee Swi Ping came to see me, said baby and I were doing fine, he also said my baby was not goes deep down yet.

Husband told me after I went in the operation room, he sat outside and waited for me. Around 7:45 am, he said he was so sleepy, almost fall asleep, suddenly he heard a very loud baby crying sound, he told me he’s not sure is it our baby has born. 

A New Chapter of My Life - The Day Before Giving Birth (19 Sep 17)

In the morning, after I had my breakfast, I cleaned up all my dirty clothes. After having lunch in SS2 Chow Yang food court, I bought a fresh coconut water to drink at home. It was a rainy day in the afternoon, I feel so sleepy and took an half hour nap. Then I washed my electric breastfeeding pump. We went to had dinner at 6:30 pm. Back home around 7:00 pm, we took a quick bath and did a last batch of packing to the hospital. We leave home at 7:45 pm, due to the rainy day and road accident, it's quite jammed and we worried we might be late to admit hospital at 9 pm. Luckily we arrived and admitted on time. We heading to the 2nd floor to register myself. I requested to stay in a general room tonight and the rest of the days upgrade to a single room. After registration, nurses did an ECG for baby and me to know our heart beating performance. Everything was fine. I changed my cloth to blue gown then a nurse came to shave for me. Hubby leaving home around 10:30 pm. I drank my last cup of milo and biscuits at 11:30 pm because I feel a bit hungry. I have to fast after 12:00 am. I couldn't fall asleep the night, maybe because it's too noisy, baby crying sound, people walking and talking. 

39 Weeks - Prenatal Check Up (Follow Up 18 Sep 17)

My weight now is 67.5 kgs which had gained 0.5 kg in just two days. I'd confirmed to go for c-sec delivery because I don't want to have labor pain for hours then ends up c-sec since doctor Tee already said my cervix is tight and the cervix length is still long. 

I know giving birth for sure is painful no matter what method it is. Husband paid deposit rm 200 for c-sec delivery. Tomorrow 9:00 pm have to come to Wanita Metro Hospital in Klang and c-sec scheduled on Wednesday 20-Sep-17 7:30 a.m. 

Baby Zen, we see you soon, daddy mummy love you❤️❤️

39 Weeks - Prenatal Check Up

Yesterday was my 39 weeks prenatal check up. My weight was 67 kg which had gained 1.5 kg in a week. I think the reason is because I eat too much of sweet foods like mooncakes, chocolates and cakes. No high glucose and protein was detect in the urine. 

Baby's head was down, heart still beating, cervix length still long, tight and closed. Doctor Tee Swi Peng said I can give birth next Monday via c-sec because doctor foresees I won't dilate even though I have been induced labor. I was shocked and unreadiness. 

At that moment, I just want my hubby's confirmation and say ok let's do it but he didn't, he let me to decide. My mom always tell me to follow what doctor has said to you. I couldn't decide at that moment and was so confused. Then doctor Tee let us think about it again, come back for follow up check up next Monday and get back to him. 

38 Weeks - Prenatal Check Up

Today is my 38 weeks prenatal check up. Negative result for high glucose and protein. Blood pressure is fine. My weight is 65.5kg and baby weight is around 3kg. Still no sign of labor and had done doppler ultrasound. Everything are fine. 

"Current evidence suggests that using Doppler ultrasound in high-risk pregnancies to monitor a fetus' health may reduce caesarean sections and the number of babies who die, according to a new Cochrane Systematic Review".

"Doppler ultrasound is a well established technique used to diagnose problems during pregnancy. It can monitor how fast blood is moving in the umbilical blood flow. Professionals can then look to see whether the blood flow is normal, indicating that the fetus is healthy, or abnormal, indicating that the fetus is under stress. The health professionals can then decide which high-risk pregnancies need assistance in delivering the baby, and which women can be left to deliver without assistance". 

37 Weeks - Prenatal Check Up

Nothing much to update this week. Baby's heart still beating and cervix length 3.4cm. Everything is fine but still no sign of labor. Doctor says now onwards I can go deliver baby if I want as baby is mature already. But I wish to wait till the EDD 21-Sep. Doctor advices me to walk more for easier labor. My next visit is on next Friday.

36 Weeks - Prenatal Check Up

Today is my 36 weeks prenatal check up. I arrived Metro IVF, Puchong branch at 10:00 a.m. As usual, I registered myself then proceeded to do urine test. It tested negative result. Then I weighted myself 65 kgs. Dr. Siva was not around, so I will see Dr. Tee Swi Peng. I'm the no. 6th to see doctor. 

While waiting for doctor, I passed the letter regards to the echocardiogram test result to Ms. Chiang, so that she could attached the letter in my folder for doctor Tee to read. In the letter, the cardiologist Dr. Tiang Soon Wee from KPJ Damansara Hospital said my BP 110/64 mmHg, echo showed small VSD, good EF 62%, with normal chambers and normal valves, as such I should be able to deliver normally.

After 40 mins of waiting, it's my turn to see Dr. Tee. Dr. Tee read thru my folder (as the last two visits were done by Dr. Siva). Then he took my blood pressure, it's fine. 

Then Dr. Tee proceeded to do ultrasound to scan baby's head circumference, leg, tummy and heart beating. The amniotic fluid is enough. Everything is fine. At first Dr. Tee said baby weighted 2.4 kgs but after a few seconds he said 2.2 kgs. Dr. Tee didn't comment baby's weight is light. I was a bit surprised knowing it. Anyway, hope my baby can catch up his weight in the last few weeks.

Dr. Tee asked my preferred method of delivering baby. I answered Dr. Tee if I could and able to deliver naturally, then I wish to deliver naturally. My hubby asked Dr. Tee would it be too far (not enough time) for us to reach the hospital in Klang by time I'm going to labor. To ease our doubts, Dr. Tee explained to us the signs of giving birth as below;
1. Strong and regular contractions (3-5 mins apart)
2. Water breaks
3. Bloody vaginal discharge 

Dr. Tee also explained for the first time mother-to-be, it takes at least 6 hours for cervix to fully dilated (10cm). 

34 Weeks - Prenatal Check Up (11 Aug 2017)

Yesterday was my 34 weeks prenatal check up. Hubby and I arrived Metro IVF, Puchong branch at 9:30 a.m. I registered myself and heading to do an urine test. It's a negative result. My weight was 64 kg which I'd gained 1 kg in two weeks time. 

I waited around 5-10 mins to see Dr. Siva again this check up as Dr. Tee Swi Peng was not arrives yet and hubby didn't sleep yesterday night, so I wanted to make it quick. First, Dr. Siva would asked how was I feeling the past two weeks. She checked my legs and foots and commented it's better than the last check up. It didn't see any difference to me. Followed up on the last phone call, she said she'd confirmed with Dr. Tee Swi Peng, it's better for me to do an echocardiogram test as I'd a ventricular septal defect (VSD) since I was born. VSD is a hole in the wall (septum) separating the ventricles of the heart. According to my pediatric doctor, the VSD size is like a pen ball size, no treatment is required even though it doesn't close spontaneously. But I still need to do follow up check up and to let doctors know if I'm undergoing any surgery.

Then Dr. Siva did ultrasound screening to check baby's head circumference size, tummy size, leg size and heart beating. She also checked and measured my tummy by her hands. Then she checked my blood pressure, everything was fine. I asked Dr. Siva should I consume extra calcium as my fingers are pain. She claimed that it's quite normal to have it due to the extra fluid in my body. She suggested me to put my hands up on my pillow when I sleep. Besides, I also asked her can I consume red raspberry leaf tea, evening primrose oil (EPO) and do perineal massage after my 35 weeks pregnancy for easier labour, she said I can drink red raspberry leaf tea but no EPO and massage.

32 Weeks - Tetanus Toxoid (TT) Vaccine (2nd Injection) (28 July 2017)

Yesterday was my 32 weeks prenatal check up. As usual hubby and I were arrived at Metro IVF, Puchong branch at 10:20 a.m. I registered myself at the counter and been informed that there were 8 patients ahead me. The nurse was asking me whether do I mind to see Dr. Siva so that I don't have to wait long to see Dr. Tee Swi Peng. I answered her that I didn't mind to see Dr. Siva as it's just a routine check up and I didn't experience any uncomfortable during my pregnancy except tiredness and heartburn (sometimes). Then I proceeded to do urine tests. It's tested with a negative result. No suspected preeclampsia and diabetes. I felt relieved as I'm 63 kg which had gained 1 kg in two weeks time (which is normal)😅. Actually I targeted to gain 10 kg only in my whole pregnancy, it seems I'd failed. I wonder why I didn't eat double portion of foods but still gained weight. So far I already gained total of 11 kgs in my pregnancy, on the remaining time, I don't bother my weight anymore, just enjoying eating and to treasure the remaining time of my pregnancy. 

First, Dr. Siva read thru my file and was asking did I feel breathless. I told her yes when I went shopping, I felt tiredness and breathless. Then she was asking and checking whether do I have swollen feet and legs. I told her yes I did, it's a bit. After that, she checked my blood pressure, it's fine, no high blood pressure. She also listened to my heart beating. I assume it's fine as she didn't says anything. She proceeded to do an ultrasound scan to check how is baby doing. Before the scanning, she used her hands to measure my tummy. She told me that the baby's head was going down but not fully down into my pelvic. Then she proceeded to scanning, first, she checked baby's position then the head circumference, tummy, leg and heart beating. She showed me the baby's sex organ, it's a boy. I requested Dr. Siva to scan baby's face as I wanted to see him. I'm feeling satisfied and happy even though I can't see him clearly.😂😂 Dr. Siva concluded baby's growing on track and weighted around 1.9 kg. Last but not least, Dr. Siva didn't forget to inject me the 2nd dose of Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine.

30 Weeks - Prenatal Check Up (14 July 2017)

Last Friday was my 30 weeks prenatal check up. As usual, I arrived the Metro IVF, Puchong branch clinic at 10:20 a.m. I registered myself and been informed I have to wait today because I'm the no. 5 to see doctor. Then I proceeded to do urine test. It's tested fine, no high glucose and protein contains in the urine. The most scary part every prenatal check up is to weight because I don't weight at home, worrying my weight will gain a lot. My weight was 62 kg which I'd gained 10 kgs in total in 30 weeks of pregnancy.  

I noticed that the clinic keeps expanding because they added new chairs again (2nd time) and patients are becoming more.    I'd waited for 1 hour only my turn to see doctor Tee Swi Peng. First, doctor Tee took my blood pressure. It's fine. Then I proceeded to do ultrasound. Baby's head circumference and tummy was growing on track. His heart beating still there. I started to feel baby is moving a lot recently. I noticed that baby is moving strongly especially during morning 5-6 a.m., evening 3-5 p.m. and night 11 p.m.-12 a.m. It's really amazing!    

Tomorrow is the launching of 2nd laboratory in Metro IVF, Puchong branch. It means patients can choose to do IUI, eggs retrieval and embryos transfer in Puchong instead going to Klang. It's a great news and bring convenience to patients. Once again congratulations to Metro IVF, Dr. Tee Swi Peng & all staffs.

28 Weeks - Tetanus Toxoid (TT) Vaccine (1st Injection)

Today is my 28 weeks prenatal check up (I'm entering the third trimester pregnancy). Hubby and I arrived at Metro IVF, Puchong branch at 10:45 a.m. As usual, I proceeded to do an urine test to test for protein and glucose. It's tested ok. Then, my weight is 61 kg which I've put on 1 kg in two week.    

After waiting for half an hour, it's my turn to see doctor Tee Swi Peng. Doctor Tee measured blood pressure for me, it's fine too. Then Dr. Tee proceeded to do an ultrasound scan for me. I were glad knowing that my baby's position is still head down feet up. Baby's head circumference, heart beating, leg size and tummy are all growing on track. His weight is 1.1 kg now😊(big boy already). 

After that, doctor Tee told us he was going to inject Tetanus vaccine for me. Another vaccination will be given in four weeks later. He was trying to explained to us that this vaccination is to give an early protection to mummy and baby (thru placenta) to prevent the risk of tetanus. Not all private hospitals are giving this vaccine to mummies and the government hospitals are still practicing this. I felt muscle pain after the injection.

According to the babycentre website, "Tetanus is a life-threatening bacterial disease that is caused by the toxin of a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. 

Tetanus bacteria enter the body through an open wound. Although the tetanus infection is more common when there is a deep puncture wound such as a bite, cut, burn or an ulcer, it may well be caused by a tiny prick or scratch on the skin. 

Tetanus affects a person's nervous system and can be fatal if left untreated. It is preventable through immunisation. Antibodies formed in your body, after the vaccination, are passed on to your baby and protect her as well for a few months after birth".

26 Weeks - 3D/4D Ultrasound Scan

Today I awoke at 5:30 a.m. by baby's strong movements and feeling so hungry. So I decided to wake up to have an early breakfast (1 glass of milk and 2 chicken bao). I were enjoying my breakfast while playing iPad game till 7:10 a.m. Then I freshened up by having a shower after 1 hour nap.

We arrived at Metro IVF, Puchong branch at 9:10 a.m. Then I proceeded to do an urine test. It's tested fine and my weights were 60 kg! What a big surprise, 2.5 kg I put on weight. I reflashed back, I had a good appetite on the last two weeks and I were craving for sugary foods like banana cake, marble cake, tau fu fa and sweet drinks. Then the Sonographer, Ms. Chiang told me to discuss this with doctor Tee Swi Peng. 

Five minutes later, we started the 3D/4D ultrasound scanning  with the Sonographer, Ms. Chiang. First of all, she checked baby's head position, it remained head down legs up. Then she checked my placenta size, amniotic fluid, baby's sex organ, weights, size, heart beating, heart blood flow and the estimated delivery date. Everything was fine and baby's growing accordingly as per his age. Then Ms. Chiang started to scan baby's face from different angles. He's so so cute and I were in love at that time. I kept laughing to see baby's every cute facial and body movements. It took about 30 mins to complete the scanning.

While waiting for Dr. Tee to come in, I checked the pricing of the normal delivery and c-sec with the nurse at the counter. For a normal delivery without additional charges, it costs around rm 3k and for a c-sec without additional charges, it costs around rm 8k. 

Dr. Tee arrived at the clinic around 10:35 a.m. I were the first patient on the day. I informed Dr. Tee about my weight gained 2.5 kg then Dr. Tee scanned and checked for baby's size, tummy and leg. Dr. Tee informed baby's size was in order and advised me to cut down sugary foods.

24 Weeks - Glucose Tolerance Test (2 June 2017)

I been informed by a nurse on last 2 weeks to fast at 12 midnight for the 24 weeks glucose test. No drinks and no foods after 12 a.m. I woke up in the morning feeling very hungry. Hubby and I arrived at Metro IVF, Puchong branch at 9 a.m. Again we met with the Sonographer who was waiting for nurse to open the clinic. 5 mins later, a nurse came and opened the clinic. 

The first thing to do when arrived the clinic is to do urine test. It's tested mild condition where the tester of the green colour no change of colour but the surrounding of the yellow colour change to green colour. I asked the nurse was it because I didn't drink water in the morning, she said it's ok. Then I weighted myself, 57.5 kg which had gained weight 0.5 kg in 2 weeks time.

After that, a nurse took my blood to test my glucose, it's 3.4 mmol/L fasting (before glucose load). Then she asked me to drink the sugary water on the table. It tasted not so sweet as I expected, I told the nurse the Starbucks coffee is sweeter than this drink. After drinking it, I didn't feel hungry anymore. The nurse informed me that she will tests my glucose again after 2 hour (at 11:20 a.m.). I asked for the nurse's permission to go out to walk around at Setiawalk, she    allowed and reminded me that I cannot go to eat and drink. 

I accompanied my hubby to enjoy his breakfast at the "mamak" shop. We spent 1 hour in the shop reading newspaper and enjoying "roti telur" and coffee-o. After that, we walked around at the Setiawalk then went back to the clinic at 11:00 a.m.

There were patients comings in and out on that day. At 11:20 a.m., the nurse tested my glucose again, it's 3.0 mmol/L 2 hour (after glucose load). Then it's my turn to see doctor Tee Swi Peng. He did ultrasound to check baby's heartbeating, head circumference, tummy, hands and legs. I'm a bit disappointed because not able to see the baby's face. Then Dr. Tee read the glucose report and commented glucose test was fine and baby's doing fine too. Total bill for the day is RM  245.00 (Consultation fee+Ultrasound+Glucose test).

20 Weeks - Anomaly Scan (T2 Scan) (5 May 2017)

Hubby and I arrived at 9:00 a.m. in Metro IVF, Puchong branch for the second trimester screening. We had to do the screening earlier before we see doctor Tee Swi Peng. We met with Sonographer at the point the lift door was opened and got to know that she was waiting for the nurse to open the clinic. After 5-10 mins of waiting, the nurse came and opened the door for us. 

As usual, the first thing was to take urine test. It's tested fine. Then I took weight 56 kg. Then we started the T2 screening.  First, the Sonographer checked the baby's position which is head down, then she revealed the baby's gender, it's a boy and showed us the "bird bird". She checked the amniotic fluid is enough and there still has room for baby to grow. Cervix is ok and baby weights 341 g.

The sonographer said baby sleeps with cross hands and it's a bit hard for her to do some scanning. She called baby to remove his hands, seems like baby doesn't listen to her 😂. Then she scanned baby's fingers and toes 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5... After that, the sonographer started to do some technical scanning, heart rate 150bpm, head size 4.83cm, body 14.89cm, spine, nose, mouth, kidney, left hand, right hand, left leg, right leg and etc.   

Conclusion, baby was growing healthy and the EDD remains the same as previous scanning, it's on 20-Sept-17. The whole scanning took about 25 mins to complete and I felt a bit uncomfortable during the scanning.  

Doctor Tee Swi Peng usually comes in to the clinic at 10:30 a.m. Sometimes he'll comes in late maybe because of the traffic jam or he has an embryos retrieval appointment or other operations.    

I'd waited around 45 mins to see doctor Tee. Again doctor Tee did a basic ultrasound to check baby's heart beating, head size, hands and legs. Then he read the summary report   of the T2 scanning, he commented baby's growing healthy and advice to consume maternal milk, eat more vegetables, fruits and protein. 

18 Weeks - Prenatal Check Up (19 April 2017)

Hubby and I arrived at 10:30 a.m. in Metro IVF, Puchong branch for the 18 weeks prenatal check up. As usual I had a urine test to test for glucose and protein in the urine. After that I weighted myself, 55 kg which had gained 0.5 kg. 

After 15 mins waiting, it's my turn to see doctor Tee Swi Peng. Doctor Tee did ultrasound to check for baby's heart beating, head circumference, tummy size, hands and legs. Baby was doing fine and healthy. 

After that, doctor Tee discussed the NICC blood test result with us. The result came back showed that our baby are at low risk of all the trisomies test and are not detected for the sex chromosome aneuploidies and the deletion syndromes. The baby's gender has determined, it's a boy. We had knew it five days ago thru a phone call for the NICC blood tests result and gender. When doctor Tee revealed the baby gender was a boy, I were over the moon but I had guess it because I don't have morning sickness at all. 

My next appointment was scheduled 2 weeks later and had make appointment with Sonographer for a second trimester screening (T2 Scan).

After Embryos Transfer

After the embryos transfer, I just followed the checklist which given by the Metro IVF as below;

These are what I have done and experienced after embryos transfer;

Symptoms:
🔹Frequently sneezes 
🔹Hives in arm
🔹Vivid dreams (dreamt of big bump with baby movements and scanned of a single pregnancy)

Activities:
🔹Stayed a night at hospital after embryos transfer
🔹Acupuncture (consecutive 6 days doing acupuncture)
🔹Quick bath (warm), no hot bath
🔹Bed rest

Foods:
🔹Light meals e.g. Fish porridge 
🔹Fruits (orange, apple and kiwi)
🔹Prenatal supplement and milk
🔹Two eggs per day

The Advantages and Disadvantages of IVF

Before starting an in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, let's look at what's the advantages and disadvantages of doing IVF.

As a victim of infertility, I always tell myself that by doing IVF, I would be able to getting a brighter child. This motivates me and balanced my emotional while doing IVF.


Advantages:
✔️ Achieving a successful pregnancy for infertile couples
✔️ Gender selection 
✔️ Building a brighter kid
http://healthland.time.com/2010/10/01/building-a-brighter-kid-consider-ivf/
✔️ Helping single women who doesn't want to get married but want to have a kid
✔️ Postpone pregnancy after marriage by freezing their embryos first for career and freedom
✔️ Screening for chromosomal diseases 


Disadvantages:
✔️ Costly
✔️ No 100% guarantee of success IVF, a highly emotive and stressful experience 
✔️ Associated side effects e.g. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
✔️ Multiple pregnancy 
✔️ Higher chances of prematurity of birth and low birth weight

24 Yoga Poses for Beginners

Yoga is a spiritual, mental and physical practice that’s been around for centuries. Today, there are several types of yoga that vary in difficulty and speed. While different yoga types feel different, they are all extremely beneficial for your mental and physical health.

The great thing about yoga is there are very few limitations to start. You just need a yoga map and simply pick a basic yoga routine (yoga poses for beginners) and follow along at home anytime you like.   

The benefits of practicing yoga are as below;
✔️ Better flexibility, posture, balance and sleep(try uttanasana, halasana or savasana)
✔️ More strength and energy(try utthita trikonasana, utkatasana and salabhasana)
✔️ Better circulation(try downward dog, chair and warrior poses), immunity(try bridge, shoulder stands and head stands), respiration(try cow, cobra and gate poses) and memory(try padahastasana)
✔️ Boost your metabolism, improve digestion and weight loss
✔️ Less stress and anxiety 
✔️ Provides an inner calmness 
✔️ Improves your outlook on life

Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

May is preeclampsia awareness month. So I would like to know more about what is preeclampsia and eclampsia. After reading so many preeclampsia related articles, now I am quite worried I might getting it. Below is the poster for your basic understanding of preeclampsia; 

You may also find the below link for your reading;
https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/health-awareness/preeclampsia-awareness-month.html


Prevention is better than cure. It is advice to do the below to prevent preeclampsia:

✔️ Consume less salt
✔️ Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day
✔️ Don't eat a lot of fried foods and junk food
✔️ Get enough rest, lying on your left side to take the weight of the baby off your major blood vessels.
✔️ Include more protein, vegetables and fruits in your diet
✔️ Elevate your feet several times during the day
✔️ Avoid drinking alcohol and beverages containing caffeine 

Did you every feel like you were never going to get pregnant?

I thought I would be the girl that would never get pregnant, never get to enjoy life's greatest joy. I thought I would never see the day where there would actually be two lines on a pregnancy test, but I did and when I did I couldn't believe it. I'm 17 weeks pregnant now and it still hasn't settled in, I still can't imagine my baby in my arms. 

16 Weeks - Prenatal Check Up

2 days ago was my 16 weeks prenatal check up at Metro IVF Puchong branch. The first thing to do when reached the clinic was taking urine tests to test for glucose and protein in the urine. If the tester didn't change colour meaning you're safe from diabetes and preeclampsia. 


After that, I checked my weight, oh gosh, I have put on weight 1kg in three weeks. The total weight gain of 16 weeks of pregnancy was 2.5 kgs which I think is reasonable😅. I believe I'll put on more weights in my 2nd and 3rd trimester pregnancy.

Most of the times I don't have to wait for a long hours to see doctor. After waiting 15-20 mins, it's my turn to see doctor Tee. Doctor Tee is an experienced, professional and friendly doctor. You can speak any three languages English, Mandarin and Bahasa with him even dialect - Hokkien. First, doctor Tee did ultrasound scan to check baby's heart beating then baby's head circumference and cervix length. Everything was fine, baby's heart was beating, baby's head circumference and cervix length 4.02 cm and the cone was small. As informed by doctor, cervix length which is 2.5 cm or shorter than 2.5 cm would be a red flag and must admit to the hospital.

There is a 20-40% of chances of miscarriage before a baby's heart beating; a 5% of chances of miscarriage after hear a baby's heart beating and a 2% of chances of miscarriage after 3 months pregnant. Therefore, the antenatal check up for a pregnant lady is very important to ensure a healthy and smooth pregnancy.

After that, doctor Tee followed up with us again whether to do the Non-invasive chromosomes check (NICC) blood test as I'm 35 years old this year. It's totally up to your own decision but doctor Tee was encouraging us to do it for a peace of mind as it's 99% of accuracy to test for Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome and Patau syndrome. After due consideration, my husband decided to have the blood test. It costs RM 2k +++. The reason my husband decided to do it is because his friend's baby was die after 6 months birth due to heart problem which his friend only found out the problem later. 

Last but not least, doctor Tee took blood pressure for me and scheduled the next appointment in 2 weeks.

13 Weeks - First trimester screening (T1 Scan)

First trimester screening is a prenatal test that offers early information about a baby's risk of certain chromosomal conditions like Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome).

Typically, first trimester screening is done between weeks 11 and 13 of pregnancy. 

If results show that your risk level is moderate or high, you might choose to follow first trimester screening with another test that's more definitive.

As the nuchal translucency measurement increases, so does the risk of Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. The accuracy rate of the nuchal translucency screening is just 70-75%.

I have done my first trimester screening at week 13 in Metro IVF, Puchong branch. The result came out shows everything is fine. My baby's average heart beat rate is 154bpm, baby 's size is 6.89cm and the size of the clear space in the tissue at the back of baby's neck (nuchal translucency measurement) is 0.90mm.

How did I prepared for IVF treatment

After our 1st failed IVF treatment in SJMC in Mar'16, DH and I decided to take a 6 months break to prepare ourselves for 2nd IVF treatment. We have done as below in 6 months period before we start our 2nd IVF treatment in Oct'16;

DH:
1. Jogging max. 30 mins - Daily
2. Reduce caffeine drinks e.g. Coffee & tea 
3. Takes supplements (Vit. D3, E, CoQ10, L-Arginine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, L-Carnitine, Blackmores Men's Performance Multi)
4. Wear boxer / loose underwear 
5. Sleep earlier
6. Eat healthy 

Me:
1. Acupuncture - Weekly (Xi TCM Centre, SS2)
2. Yoga / Jogging max. 30 mins - Daily
3. No cold drinks 
4. Eat clean / healthy foods e.g. Brown rice, steamed chicken & fish, broccoli, cauliflower, oat (reduce carbohydrates, reduce soy foods, no fast foods, no processed meat, no instant noodles, no spicy/sour foods, no caffeine drinks, no snacks and no sugar)

5. Eat more fruits/ fruits juice e.g. Orange, kiwi, raspberry, blueberries, grapefruit, avocado, Pomegranate, tomato, carrot, green apple, Pear, Grapes, Pineapple and Strawberry 
6. Takes supplements e.g. Blackmores Conceive well gold and Appeton Folic acid 
7. No tight underwear 
8. Sleep earlier ( usually sleep at 11 p.m.)

The 5 Steps of the IVF Process

The in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment can be broken down into five main steps, starting with stimulation of the ovaries and ending with embryo transfer and storage.

The embryo transfer can be a fresh or a frozen embryo transfer. The crucial part of the embryo transfer process is to make sure the implantation window is not over by checking progesterone hormone level. Besides, the endometrial thickness/uterine lining must at least 8 mm, it has trilaminar appearance and a good blood supply to the deeper layers of the endometrium.

Below is the infographic of IVF process for your better understanding.

Day 3 after embryo transfer calendar

After embryo transfer, you have to wait approximately 1-2 weeks before a pregnancy can be detected. It doesn’t seem that long but it’s true what they say – it’s the longest 2 weeks of your life.

If you’re dying to know what on earth is going on here’s a quick calendar of what typically happens during a successful pregnancy from day 3 embryo transfer day. Day 1 = the day after transfer.

Day 3 Embryo Transfer

Days past transfer	Embryo Development
1	The embryo continues to grow from a 6-8 cell embryo into a morula (16-64 cells)
2	The cells of the morula continue to divide, developing into a blastocyst (70-100 cells)
3	The blastocyst begins to hatch out of its shell
4	The blastocyst continues to hatch out of its shell and begins to attach itself to the uterus
5	The blastocyst attaches deeper into the uterine lining, beginning implantation
6	Implantation continues
7	Implantation is complete, cells that will eventually become the placenta and fetal cells begin to develop
8	Placenta cells secrete human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) into the blood stream
9	Fetal development continues and hCG continues to be secreted
10	Fetal development continues and hCG continues to be secreted
11	Levels of hCG are now high enough to detect a pregnancy on HPT. GO TEST!! (if you haven't already...)