The Joys of Being Pregnant

In my first trimester, nausea sets in. I was feeling "seasick" for the whole day, everyday! There was no running to the washroom to puke, but there was the in-the-background nausea constantly throughout the day, even when I was asleep at night. My taste buds changed too... I went all out for spicy food, like laksa, curry, mee siam and tom yam!! (I seldom take spicy food.)

In my second trimester, the nausea subsided. It is like a revelation! I felt energetic, sociable and active. In this period of time, I went all out shopping for the baby stuff, joining the crowds at all the mid-year sales events. And there is a growing pride in my growing tummy. :D As for my appetite, it took a U-turn, changing from spicy food to the mildest food, like yong tau hoo, fish soup and anything that is healthy and veggy.

In my third trimester, my tummy is quite showing and ballooning day-by-day. I continued my shopping sprees and leisure walks till around 8 months into my pregnancy. By then, my tummy was unmistakenly big... or huge... it looks like a balloon that is going to burst anytime. Physically, I still feel active, but I tried not to be, in fear that I will trigger a premature labour. As for food-wise, the menu changed to meaty and western dishes, like chicken steak, fish cutlet, and fast food (yes!).

Gearing up...

The next thing I did was to find out as much as I can about pregnancy and what to expect out of it. Visits to bookstores and chats with friends helped a lot. But I admit I was not conscientious enough to keep up with all the reading.



To balance between the demand of my work and the time for pregnancy education, I ended up with a simple theory for myself... just take it as it comes and to stay happy always, so that my little one will be happy too. So I went to a bookstore and came home with a BABY POSTER! I put this up in my bedroom and looked at it every night before I sleep and every morning before I go to work. This helps to remind me that I have a little one to look forward to.

A peek into the world inside

I have intended to update this blog before I go into labour. However, not all things go as planned. I went into labour before I can finish writing about my pregnancy experience. So, here I am, back again, two and a half months after the arrival of my little princess, Jeslyn. I will continue from when I left off...

I was delighted to know that I am expecting. At the same time, I was also afraid of the unknown down the path of pregnancy. Nevertheless, with the support of my hubby, I embraced the adventures to come.

The first step we took was to book an appointment with a gynae. Following the referral from my GP and some good comments from friends, I engaged Dr Phyllis Liauw from Thomson Medical Centre as my gynae. Dr Liawu is very experienced and I feel safe under her care. What I find most rewarding from all my visits to the gynae is the small printouts of the ultrasound scan showing me the little one - a peek into the world inside. :)

The Special Gift... much to our surprise!

25 Jan 2008 (Friday):

It has been an unusually busy period for me at work. And my body is starting to feel the strain too. I have been feeling tired, weak and dizzy for a week or so. Finally, I decided to visit the company doc.

The company doc did little to help. Guarded as usual, with the mentality that employees are out to claim medical leave at the slightest stress they face at work, she brushed me off without giving me any medication or medical leave.

Feeling very uncertain of the unusual signs from my body, I decided to see another doctor after work that day. Together with my hubby, we went to my family clinic. After some simple diagnosis, I was asked to go for a urine test... and certified to be pregnant!! Wow, we were surprised, happy, and at the same time, dazzled by the fact.

This is how I begin the first step into motherhood... and I still keep the pink stick. :)