I am so happy that finally I can go back to the office. Even though that it will only be three weeks then I will be on leave again, I would really like to still see my office mates . Staying inside the house and much more being inside the bedroom for the so called “bed rest” as instructed by my OB was not that resting after all. I could not even stay long at my lap top. Yes, that was also prohibited.

But, I can do everything and anything for my precious child. In a month’s time, I will be able to see her for the first time.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Who says that two hot bodies will make work easier? Not if the other one is still inside! LOL! I have just finished cleaning the house because our guest room might be used by some visitors. Whew! It is really not the same. Being pregnant really feels heavy, literally speaking! My little one is not little anymore! Actually, during the last ultrasound, it showed that she (according to initial findings, my baby is a girl) is big. Well, it is in the genes, I guess. All of my brothers are 6 footers! As I am writing this, I am still gasping for air. I wanted to capture the moment.

Popularity: 11% [?]

I have been complaining of backaches since ages even before my pregnancy. The more I got paranoid about it having history of some urinary problems. As my baby grows bigger the more the back pains become severe. Many tests had been performed and results are negative of any infection or anything to be alarmed of.

So, I learned that Backache is a common problem during pregnancy. It is caused by certain pregnancy hormones which soften the ligaments supporting the lower back bone and pelvic bone. The increasing load of the uterus further adds to the problem as it makes you arch further.

As the baby grows in the last weeks of pregnancy and his head enters the pelvis, the pressure on the pelvic nerves can cause backache. Backache is usually the result of bad posture.

Oh, they say that it is also the reason why pregnant women have this penguin walk! I am not exempted? That will only be a phase, I know and will disappear shortly.

Here are some tips to alleviate or prevent Backache

source:www.pitara.com

If symptoms persist, it is always best to consult your OBs.

Popularity: 14% [?]

I’ve got dark lines on my neck and other parts of my body are changing its color also! From the whitey white me, one can see dark colors already. That is again, due to pregnancy and hormones? I showed it to my friend and she said that it is not ugly at all. Yes, I am conscious. I always want to look beautiful in my husband’s eyes at least. I read it in one of my favorite books, “The Power of a Praying Wife”. That is why, I do not want to be caught less attractive. My friend asked me what I will wear when the time comes that I am bout to give birth. I told her, still made up and with a beautiful dress. What will I do with all those clothes in my closet, right? Kidding aside, I think that being pregnant is not an excuse for us to take our physical appearance for granted. The more should we feel beautiful inside out. After all, we are to bring out to the world, a precious life. Even if he or she is still inside, start to prepare his wonderful place. It should start with You.

Popularity: 11% [?]

I’m in my second trimester of pregnancy and while I was able to claim my freedom from hypermesis gravidarum (HG), I am now facing with yet another discomfort. Yeah, it’s no longer a serious condition like my HG.

I always get these awful leg cramps especially at night.

So what causes these?

As I have searched the net and consulted my OB, reasons for increased leg cramps during pregnancy aren’t clear. They may be caused by changes in blood circulation during pregnancy, the stress on your leg muscles of carrying the extra weight of pregnancy especially if you are on frequent standing position and the pressure of the growing baby on the nerves and blood vessels that go to your legs.

These leg cramps were once attributed to calcium insufficiency but studies have proven otherwise

Here are some tips to prevent or relieve leg cramps:

• Stretch. Stretching your legs (especially your calves) before going to bed can help reduce your chances of getting leg cramps. When you feel a cramp in your leg, straighten your leg—heel first—and wiggle your toes. Avoid pointing your toes when stretching or exercising.
• Avoid standing or sitting in one position for long periods of time. Avoid sitting in a position that may restrict blood flow (such as sitting with your legs crossed for long periods of time).
• Exercise. Regular exercise, such as a daily walk, can help prevent leg cramps. (Always be sure to find out from your health care provider what exercises are safe for you and how long you can maintain your exercise program.) If you’re able to stand, walking for a few minutes when you have a leg cramp can help ease the pain and relax the muscle.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid getting dehydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water during the day.
• Massage your legs and apply heat. When you have a leg cramp, relax the muscle through gentle massage, or heat the muscle with a warm towel or hot water bottle. A warm bath before bedtime may also help to relax your muscles and prevent leg cramps.

If you’re leg cramps attack frequently and the pain is severe or aggravating or you notice any redness, warmth swelling or tenderness in your legs, consult your doctor.

Sources: www.marchofdimes.com www.babycenter.com

Popularity: 19% [?]

I cannot wait until we know the gender of our baby. From the last ultrasound, the OB said that my baby could be a girl but it is not sure yet. But of course, who would not like a baby girl? You can dress her up. Put different clips on her hair. My being a fashionate will be greatly applied on her. I would love to have a baby boy too! One of my friends is hoping that my baby will be a boy also so that her son will have someone to play with. Oh, the excitement never ceases until it is final! Be it a boy or a girl, I love my baby just the same.

Popularity: 10% [?]

I love the fish tofu that we bought from the supermarket. It was cooked fried and add some seasoning, the taste is superb! I shared it with my friend in the office and she said that it was really good. I am not a fish eater so I thought, this could be a good substitute. But then again, I have to wait until I give birth. I remembered, my OB warned that I should shy away from processed food first.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Even though I am pregnant, I would still like to be in fashion. I prefer to wear plus size clothing instead of typical maternity outfits. There are lots of beautiful plus size clothes from shirts to pants to dresses. Having these clothes, I can still wear them even after giving birth. They say though that a pregnant woman can always get away with whatever she might be wearing. Good thing!

Popularity: 12% [?]

I am on my sixth week of pregnancy and I am worried about pre eclampsia. So I searched about it and it tells about pitting edema, high blood pressure, foods to eat and so many signs and symptoms- actually about thirteen of them. Anyways, about edema, it says there that I should look in the mirror having my picture when I was not yet pregnant. If ever there is a big discrepancy, then that is something to be alarmed about. Thank, Heavens, I do not have the bigger nose yet that they say is quite usual for pregnant women.

Popularity: 4% [?]

There are simple things that I have to give up until I give birth like having a coffee at my favorite café. Well, I have been a good patient to my OB keeping away from caffeine. They say that it will not be good for the baby. I have not been eating much chocolate also. Pity me. LOL! But, I really am having cravings for that coffee so yesterday; I went to Starbucks, smelled all the coffee and ordered…Iced White Chocolate Mocha! Ah, pregnant woman!

Popularity: 9% [?]