Baby#2 Update: Week 14

I've already come to terms with the fact that my tummy looks huge compared to when I was carrying Ozzy. Imagine at 5 months with Ozzy I can still hide my bump and no one would notice I was pregnant.

Now only in my 4th month and I am waddling like a mother duck because I feel so heavy around the middle. But who cares? I least I have an excuse for being a bit overweight. I just need to stop eating all those salty foods to avoid being bloated.

My doctor advise me to take Duphaston. I have slight subchorionic hemorrhage. Its not something to worry about because its just small and I have no bleeding but the OB said I need to stop carrying Ozzy and walking too much. Right now, I can sometimes feel some back aches but they are tolerable. I just feel really really lazy all the time. If I had my way I'd be lying down the whole day. If you're like me and is fond of eating out, here are a few things you may want to avoid.

Baby’s Development

"You are now into the beginning of the second trimester of the pregnancy. The baby is by now fully developed and will now keep growing in size and weight till the end of delivery. The baby’s system is in place and will now expand further. The organs of the baby are mature and the heart will beat at twice the rate of your heart. The arms of the baby continue developing while the bending of fingers and clenching of fists is quite noticeable in the ultrasonic pictures. The size of the baby is approximately 85 mm by now and the weight 110 g. Fetal movement can occur in this week but you are more likely to feel the movements more strongly in the later coming weeks. The external genitalia and sex organs are more developed by now and many people find out the sex of the baby at this stage. Your baby will be able to suck the thumb at this stage and make facial expressions such as frowning and squinting. The liver of the baby begins to produce bile while the spleen begins to produce red blood cells." - Source

Ow and yeah, I've already felt the little flutters in my tummy last night!!! ^_^ On my first pregnancy I felt the baby move only on my 17th week.

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On my 14th Week...

I could have sworn my baby move!!!

It's too early to say according to some however, I know how it feels for a baby to move inside my tummy and I am 100% sure this was it.

Can't wait for more!

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Friday Fill-Ins#117

This week, I took the first sentence in 6 of my favorite books...you fill them in...with the right words or even better, ones of your own.

And...here we go!

1. "In a hole in the ground there lived a little brown mole."

2. "It was dark and he was all alone but that ain't no matter."

3. "After dark the rain began to fall again, the little mole shuddered in the cold, dark hole."

4. "The little brown mole frequently got food from the hold of the Spanish galleon."

5. "There was a hand in the darkness, and the little mole shrieked in horror."

6. "Accidents ambush the unsuspecting, little mole who was totally helpless."

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to sleeping early, tomorrow my plans include going to Ozzy's class and then maybe do a little shopping and Sunday, I want to do a little canvassing on good area rugs!

Join us!

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Traveling While Pregnant

When I told a friend that I'd be traveling by June, she immediately asked me if it was still safe for me to go even at 6 months pregnant. I assured here that traveling when pregnant up until the 36th week is perfectly safe. I purposely chose to travel on the second trimester because this would be the easiest time as opposed to the first trimester when you feel all nauseated all the time. (I actually traveled during this time and it was hellish for me; so if you can avoid it please do.)

Anyway there are lots of things that can be done to make traveling by plane easier for expectant moms like reducing stress by carefully planning the trip ahead. Conserve your energy and eat and drink smart. First, consult your health care provider, consider your prenatal test schedule, gather all your medications and vital medical records.

A tip: Request a seat in the middle of the plane over the wing for the smoothest ride, or a bulkhead seat for more legroom. In either case, reserve a seat on the aisle so you can get to the bathroom easily and get up to walk and stretch. Stretch your legs too to avoid swelling.

My thinking is this is no biggie. It's a 1-hour flight for pete's sake. As long as I am comfortable and relaxed everything will be fine.

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Baby#2 Update: Week 13

Unfortunately for me, I still have colds and cough. The sniffles has eased up a bit but because I cannot take any other medications it is taking a longer time for me to get well. All is good because I am just too happy to be on the first week of my second trimester.

This is supposedly the easiest 3 months. So, I am looking forward to preparing for the baby as much as possible.

Baby’s Development

"The baby is now around 2 1/2 to 3 inches long and weighs about .7 ounces. By the end of the 13th week the baby looks like a tiny fully formed baby. The baby’s head is quite large as compared to the rest of the body so after this stage the body starts catching up. The baby’s eyes come closer than before as before this stage the eyes rested along the side of the baby’s head. The baby’s intestines also start moving further into the body after this stage and the little pancreas start producing insulin which will be vital for regulating the sugar levels later in life. The bones of the baby are changing from being soft and flexible to becoming harder. The baby starts making creeping and climbing movements which cannot be felt due to its tiny size in the womb. Fine whiskers of hair start appearing on the baby’s upper lip and eyebrows. The placenta is fully functional and supplies the baby with oxygen, vitamins, minerals, fats and proteins. It also removes the carbon dioxide and waste materials by filtering them through the placental tissues. The blood vessels of the baby and the mother even though separate remain incredibly close together. The placenta remains larger in size than the baby and allows most substances from the mother’s blood stream to cross over into the baby’s blood stream. This includes alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, medications, drugs and viruses which can affect the growth and development of the baby. The baby will pass its first bowel motion called meconium which is a black-green, tar like substance at this stage."-Source

Everything looks good except for my stretchmarks! I am worried they will increase in number! Boohoo. I've been looking for a cream/miracle oil that can magically erase my previous stretchmarks and prevent new one's from popping up. If you know if that's available *crossing fingers-roll eyes* then let me know. Gosh.

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Formal Lovin'

I love going to formal events because of 2 things. First, of course the food. There would be yummy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and the main dishes is my personal heaven. Just so you all know I love eating and trying out different dishes. If I had fast metabolism I'd never stop eating. I envy those eternally skinny girls out there who never seem to get fat no matter how much they eat.

The second reason is the excuse to wear something fancy. Ball gowns or dresses for girls and tuxedo shirt for men. My brother who just had his graduation ball came in stag or without a date. I asked him if he would mind if I tag along and of course he did not agree! Oh well, I can only reminisce of my own ball where I had the grandest time.

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Baby Bump on the 1st Tri

As promised, here's what I look like by the end of my first trimester. Week's 1-12 is finally over. I welcome 13th week with open arms because the nausea and mood swings is suppose to be gone by now. Food aversions is still there but headache and nausea is 90% gone.

So..here's my baby bump. The baby is approximately 2.5inches long. ^_^

What do you think?
Too huge? or just right?

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Visiting Crocolandia

The weekend came and went by so fast. I am just glad we had the time to spend it as a family. Last Saturday we went to Crocolandia. A small zoo with a few animals where their main attraction is the huge crocodile named Lapu-lapu. It is located in Talisay City a few minutes away from Cebu City via the South Road Properties. Entrance was only P80.00 for adults and P40.00 for kids below 12 years old. It was nothing fancy but I am 100% sure Ozzy would not forget the experience because he loves animals so much. I wish we could visit a bigger Zoo soon though like the Singapore Zoo so that he could finally see tigers and elephants.

Ozzy had a grand time pointing and naming the animals himself. Aside from crocodiles, we saw turtles, fishes, many kids of birds like the owl and eagle, an ostrich, a male and female peacock, some scaly creatures like iguanas, snakes and there was even a tarsier. Among the birds we saw was a myna bird. A kind of bird that is rare and can be taught to talk. The bird said, "Hi" and "Hoy, Unsa imu ngalan?" (What's your name). We were laughing because he sounded like he understood what he was saying!


Their dog also was one of the kind! He had a different color in each eye. ( My Weekend Snapshot for this week.)

Ozzy and I also had fun in the little play area. We rode the see-saw, swing and Ozzy loved the slide. More pictures found in my multiply site. You may want to check it out.

How was your weekend?

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Sisterhood Award

Thanks for this one Mhay! Thanks for considering me your "sister" in blogosphere.

Here are the rules:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

I am passing this all my blogging friends who frequents this blog! Thanks I really appreciate it! ^_^

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I'm Only Happy When Its NOT Raining

The weather is a pain!

Just this morning the sun was out and I had to wear comfortable clothing because it was too hot. I had hoped the rainy days are gone and that summer will officially be here. But NO, I was so wrong.

After lunch, the clouds started to thicken and rain poured. Of course it was nice that it was not too hot anymore however, its weather like this that causes colds and cough. I cannot get sick. I can't because I cannot take any medications for it. Besides, cold weather means I need to take a hot shower in my parents room. My own shower is already busted so I use the ever reliable pail and dipper. I just hate bathing in cold water. So maybe I should just invest in a good heating system and shower faucets in my own comfort room?

Maybe. I'll just have to ask how much that would set me back first. There are too many expenses right now that my personal savings is depleting. Thanks God for Paypal.

Rain, rain go away already!

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Baby#2 Update: Week 12

I am currently on the last week of my first trimester! Yipee. Finally...freedom from the nausea and food aversions. However a friend told me some women experience pregnancy sickness from the 1st to the 9th month - hopefully THAT doesn't happen to me.

I currently weigh 99lbs. The baby is approximately 4.9 cm in size (crown to rump). Generally the pregnancy is manageable except yesterday when me and my mother were in SM looking for sensible maternity skinny jeans I felt really cold, dizzy and about to faint. I was seeing stars and then I felt the world spinning around me already. So I had to sit down. I was not particularly hungry or anything. It was really weird and scary at the same time because I am not one who generally faints. I wasn't even in a hurry or was stressed. It wasn't crowded but I felt as if I could not breathe and I was about to vomit. I don't know what happened but I will definitely talk to my doctor about it. Anyway...I've been reading about fainting and dizziness here. I don't know if it has something to do with my subchorionic hemorrhage found in my ultrasound. So far though, I don't have bleeding or any pain.

Also, I feel the flu bug is about to hit me. I have started sneezing and have a runny nose. I think it really is because of the weather - here in Cebu in the afternoons it is super hot then a few hours rain starts to pour! Talk about sudden change in temperature.

(i.e. when I started writing this entry it was freaking hot, now its raining :( I hate the rain booo)

Baby's Development!

"The baby continues to grow and develop rapidly in the 12th week of pregnancy. The baby’s brain starts making hormones and the nerve cells of the baby also multiply extremely fast now. The baby will be sucking and swallowing food and the kidneys will be producing urine as well. The baby continues growing in length and size now. Muscles start responding to the brain which is not as mature yet to control things totally. The simultaneous development of the muscles and the brain bring about natural movements in the baby’s body such as bending arms, twisting wrists and elbows and clenching and opening fists. The features of the face can be traced with the pinching of the eyebrows or pursing of the lips. The placenta functions effectively and the umbilical cord begins to help in circulation of blood. Technically speaking the baby keeps developing more than the previous week inch by inch and the eyes and ears move closer towards their rightful positions on the face. The reflex movements of the baby also keep increasing at each stage."-Source

I could have sworn I felt the baby move, but I guess its too early for that now right?

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Weekend Snapshot

Isn't it exciting to see your baby for the first time? Thanks for taking time to visit me. If you want to see me NOW, check out my other WS entry here.

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Friday Fill-Ins #115

And...here we go!

1. When I look to the left, I see our office trusty filing cabinets.

2. My room is the room that has the best view in my home.

3. Let it work ASAP, I need it now.

4. Be careful in buying stuff done dirt cheap!

5. Voting (Wisely!) is a responsibility that all qualified citizens must share.

6. If you have any questions, comments, suggestions or violent reactions feel free to keep it to yourselves. heehee

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having my 1st ultrasound, tomorrow my plans include bringing Ozzy to his class & maybe buy a gift for a friend and Sunday, I want to hear mass, rest & in the evening have dinner with some friends!

Join us!

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Horse Back Riding

If you're into horses and the fancy the sport Equestrian like Mikee Cojuanco Jaworski then you can definitely fine top quality Equestrian clothing and equipment like saddles, riding boots, riding helmets, riding breeches, horse blankets and show clothes in The EquestrianCorner.com.

For me, I've given up "trying" to enjoy riding a horse back when I was a small girl. We went to Baguio one summer and naturally tried horse back riding. Aside from having a hot tempered horse, he was very smelly too!!

Sad to say I hated the experience. However, my aunts are planning to go to Baguio this summer and were asking us if we liked to go with them. Ozzy can try horse back riding and I can only guess that like me he would not like it that much too. There's something really scary about going near such big animals.

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Pesky UTI

I still have that pesky infection. My OB said its so minimal but still a urine culture would not hurt to determine the exact type of bacteria.

I was asking her why I am susceptible to UTI when I am very careful about this since I had was confined because of this a few years back. She said, some people are just prone to it than others especially if they have a history of having it (me!), is pregnant (me again!), menopausal or diabetic. The best way is to regularly drink lots of fluid to flush out any unwanted bacteria "down there".

I've been gulping down water like a camel on a hot desert for weeks now and nothing. I still have UTI. Grr. I also asked her what effects it can have to my unborn child - she said preterm labor and congenital UTI which is very hard to treat according to her. However my OB reassured me that I don't have anything to worry about. My infection is very small that she did not prescribe any antibiotics now. Just to keep on drinking lots of water.

...on to more baby updates, I've heard the baby's little heartbeat again. My placenta is still low and has not moved up away from my cervix. Hopefully, by the end of my first trimester things will look up for me.

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American Idol's 13th

Have you heard about this news?

I read somewhere that American Idol added a 13th contestant, Indian guy Anoop Desai and then his 1-866 toll free number was already taken! Be aware: 1-866-IDOLS-13 will not give you a vote for Anoop, but rather an earful of the kind of sexy talk that will set you back $4.95 a minute.

Now that American Idol has added a 13th contestant to the mix, they’re going to need a 13th toll free number to allow viewers to dial in and vote. The only problem is… a PORN COMPANY has purchased the 866 phone number that ends in with a 13 earlier!

Hope American Idol does something about this, poor Anoop. How are they gonna know how many voted for him now?

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Goddess of Fierce

It's back!!! My guilty pleasure that is - watching girls try to be supermodels. ANTM is back and on its 12th cycle. Some really do make it (like Elyse!) and become certified Supermodels; and some well..just simply fade into oblivion.

What draws me to this show is how Tyra tried to outdo every season not knowing (or knowing) how crazy she looks most of the time! Behold. The "Goddess of Fierce".

I don't have the energy and/or the talent to blog about the first 2 episodes. However this blogger pretty much summed up what I felt.

Read here to know more about Cycle Twelve's opening show.

All I know is that out of the 13 girls I am rooting for 3 right now. This can change in time though. (In no particular order)

1. Celia - just 'cuz I love her look. And I like that she seems intelligent.

2. Fo - because she looks so young & fresh.

3. Finally, Allison - just because this image makes me laugh every time and that she really do reminds me of a bush baby. Lol. Every cycle needs a weird one right?


^_^

Cycle 12 : 13 Contestants if you care are:

1. Allison - 20-year-old artist hailing from The Big Easy.

2. Aminat - 21-year-old is a student from Union, New Jersey.

3. Celia - 25-years-old and calls Cynthiana, Kentucky home.

4. Fo - Albuquerque's contest for America's Next Top Model is 19-year-old student

5. Isabella - 19-year-old from Barbousville, Virgina lists her occupation as "aspiring model."

6. Jessica - 18-year-old student from Bradenton, Florida.

7. Kortnie -24-year-old non-profit organizer from Houston, Texas.

8. London - 18-year-old is from Arlington, Texas not the UK. (street preacher)

9. Natalie - from Palso Verdes, California

10. Nijah - 18-year-old aspiring model hails from Rancho Cucamonga, California.

11. Sandra - 19-year-old stunner from Rockville, Maryland.

12. Tahlia - 18-year-old is a student from Phoenix, Arizona.

13. Teyona - 20-year-old Loss Prevention Representative from Woodstown, New Jersey


OOohhh spoiler : First one out is Isabella. She is the one suffering from Epilepsy.

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Insomnia

Have you ever had this thing when a song keeps on playing in your head, you keep on hearing it everywhere but you can't seem to get hold of the artist or title???

Well, this one song which kept on playing in Velvet channel got to me and I instantly wanted to hear it over and over. Problem is I don't know the artist and title. While listening to the song, I thought it was entitled "Sign Me Up"...but no..

until I heard some radio station promoting David Craig's concert...then I heard the song playing in the background so I Google'd Craig David's songs and downloaded the new one's 'till I found the song I was looking for.

Insomnia by Craig David. (sounds like Sign me up noh? lol)

That's the correct title!! Finally, my LSS (last song syndrome) with it can finally go to rest.

B.t.w; I love love love dancing to that song. Try checking it out.

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Baby#2 Update: Week 11

"Baby’s Development

At this stage all the parts of the baby are well formed though very tiny in shape and size. The baby’s head forms a major part and covers almost half the length of the body. The fingers and toes which seem to be together till now are totally separated in this week. The bones begin to harden but the skin remains thin and transparent. Even if you do not feel the baby moving at this stage he/she is very active by now. The baby is around 21/2 inches long and half an ounce in weight. The baby is now able to swallow and the urinary system functions well at this stage. The fetus urinates the amniotic fluid in the body and the fluid is continuously replaced. The important organs are all well formed by now and function normally. From this week the organs will grow in size and start functioning more efficiently. The growth of the baby is phenomenal now and the length is expected to double in the following three weeks. The placenta’s blood vessels increase and provide the baby with the nutrients and oxygen required for rapid growth. The ears of the baby move from the neck towards the side of the head. Inside the abdomen the baby starts developing intestines which are so large that they might venture into the umbilical cord to be returned in place within the next two weeks. Tiny tooth buds start appearing under the baby’s gums though each baby develops a little differently. The baby will be able to open and close its fist and will be busy kicking and stretching in the stomach. As the baby’s diaphragm develops he might develop hiccups but you may not feel the movements till a slightly advanced stage.-Source"

I am scheduled to have my ultrasound soon for Social Security requirements. I am too excited to share with you all the very first picture of my baby.

Morning sickness is almost completely gone. I still have food aversions though but I am just too glad these aversions are for food that are oily or fatty! So its a blessing in disguise, or is it just my brain telling me to avoid unhealthy food?

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How Much is Too Much?

How much TV does your toddler watch in a day?

My 2 1/2 year old boy used to dislike watching TV that much. However, when he reached the 2 year mark, he started enjoying watching educational videos like Barney, Brainy Baby and such. Then after a while he started watching Dora the Explorer and some kid's show on some popular kids channel.

Now, he even watches Tom & Jerry, Woody Wood Pecker and Fairly Odd Parents. He knows how to go up to the tv stand, put on the TV and sit quietly in his little chair.

Sometimes when I have stuff to do I just let him watch. He seems to be happy. But am I doing more harm than good? At night, usually he just watches 1-hr worth of cartoons. After that he would turn off the TV by himself and ask me to read him a book. Or sometimes he would ask me to tell him a story or sometimes we just play with his coloring book. We would play games and just simply bond. So, I am not guilty of not spending quality time with him.

That's why so far, I just let him watch even for a few hours. I don't see it at something running his life. As long as he does not watch TV the whole day and in reasonable amount of time then I guess it's okay.

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2nd Times a Charm

I didn't know Nicole Ricci was expecting her second baby until now.

I love Nicole because she is witty, very pretty and I like how she has changed when becoming a mom.

Just like anyone else for that matter, motherhood changes you. It changes how you view life and how you look at even the little things.

I just hope I can be as skinny as her after the second baby. Although I have accepted that I cannot have those washboard abs anymore, I am hoping my legs and arms (and nose!!) stay within the normal size.

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Missing My fave Movies

Thank God for credit cards, credit card machines and debit cars; they have made my life easier. Actually they have made all our lives easier, as long as we don't fall into debt with irresponsible "swiping" (like some people I know.

Remember Rebecca Bloomwood of the Shopaholic series?

Yeah - her. Such a classic example of a girl given a credit card gone wrong. I still haven't watched the movie. I'd rather watch it here at home where I can watch it for free. I am such a cheapskate but with our economy at its low point, I can't afford to spend money unless its necessary. Also, I really don't feel like going out these days. I feel so lazy and not to mention fat.

There are lots of movies I want to watch but haven't like Bridal Wars, Confessions of a Shopaholic, He's Just Not That Into You and even the local You changed my life with my local crush John Lloyd.

Surprisingly I don't miss going out like before. Maybe this means I am either getting old for night outs or I just don't feel like it because I don't have a date.

I miss hubby. I miss our simple date nights too.

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Baby#2 Update: Week 10

I am just so glad I am almost done with my first trimester. The nausea has eased up a bit and the aversions has lessened too. Although the cravings is on full force. It doesn't help that I crave for food that I cannot eat a lot of! Like ice-cream, halo2x, chicharon, sushi and anything spicy.

At this stage of 10 weeks pregnancy, the baby has developed at a very fast pace and resembles a kidney bean in size. The CR length or the crown to rump length of the baby at this stage is about 1.25″ to 1.68″. Now the developing baby starts gaining weight and the approximate weight of the baby at 10 weeks pregnant stage is 5 grams. The baby has grown and developed tremendously during the past nine weeks.

Of all pregnancy stages, this one is a landmark period of baby’s development. By this time, the total body plan of the baby has been laid down. The baby will keep growing and developing for the remaining period of pregnancy. The tail portion disappears now in the 10th week. The fingers and toes which had web like appearance in the ninth week get separated fully. The tooth and taste bud formation takes place during this period. The brain is growing at an amazing rate and you will be surprised to know that new neurons are being produced at the rate of a quarter of a million per minute. The development of embryonic heart is completed in the 10th week of pregnancy. The external genitalia have not appeared by now, and may be visible by the 11th week. If the baby is a male child, then the testes have already started producing the male hormone, testosterone. - Source.

My tummy??? Well, it's huge!! Well.... after eating that is. After I wake up in the mornings, not as much.

Meaning I am happy at least my appetite has returned. The doctor said I look fine and that I need not worry. My fear of carrying twins because of the size of my bump has vanished since I already saw my "singleton's" little heart beating last week.

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First Look & More

I saw my 2nd baby for the first time last Friday during my OB's visit. My doctora had this little portable ultrasound machine that can show my baby's image. I though we were only going to use the Doppler to hear the heartbeat but I am glad I had the chance to peek inside my tummy even for a while

I saw its little heart beat.

I saw its little body and humongous head. So cute.

Too bad my OB's machine can't print the images. If I want to I can have an ultrasound in the big machine to have a picture of my baby. Maybe when its a bit bigger, I am not sure what Social Security Services would require me to pass for my maternity benefit though. If they need an ultrasound result then I will get one. My OB suggested I don't get one if I don't need it though.

Ow...as of now I have a low lying placenta. Hopefully, it will go up and don't block my cervix later on. I don't want the option of C-sec.

Anyway, I am still on my first trimester so she said I should not worry, the placenta will go to its right place later on. Time flies too fast sometimes, I can't believe I am almost done with my first trimester! 2 more weeks and I'd be vomit free.

Meantime, I will look into those Wilmington NC real estate for some investment ideas.

Ciao!

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I have an infection.

My second OB's appointment last Friday went well. The doctor said I was healthy except I have slight UTI.

Shucks. Bummer.

She says pregnant women are susceptible to UTI because of changes in the urinary tract. The uterus sits directly on top of the bladder. As the uterus grows, its increased weight can block the drainage of urine from the bladder, causing an infection.

There are also many other pregnant women who had this problem and as far as I know, its better to stay away from tight fitting underwear and outfits. Also drink lots and lots of water.

I was advised by my OB to drink antibiotics 2x a day for 7 days. Hopefully, after the treatment I would be fine. I hate to be confined for UTI you know, years ago, I was for not treating my UTI and the infection spread causing me fever and chills. Scary right?

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