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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

What can you do during transitional labour? What happens if you start pushing before dilation?

The first stage of childbirth is labour, which is in turn broken down into three phases: Early, active, and transitional.

Phase 3: Transitional (Advanced) Labour

During transitional labour, the last, most intensive, and fortunately the shortest of the phases of labour which generally lasts 15 to 60 minutes, your cervix will dilate from seven to its final ten centimeters. Contractions are very strong at this point — usually 60 to 90 seconds long, and with intense peaks. Because they're spaced only about 2 or 3 minutes apart, it may seem as though you barely get to relax before the next contraction begins. During transition, you're likely to feel strong pressure in the lower back and rectum, nausea, fatigue, tightness in the throat and chest area, shakiness, chills or sweats (or alternating between them). You'll also notice more blood-tinged show as capillaries in the cervix rupture.

The last of the three stages of labor is a physically demanding and draining time and you may feel exhausted, frustrated, impatient and overwhelmed. Hang in there, though — soon, you and your newborn will be meeting face to face. Panting and/or blowing can help stop you from pushing if your practitioner says you're not ready for pushing yet. Pushing before dilation is complete could cause your cervix to swell, which can complicate delivery.

What can you do during active labour? How long will the contractions last and what's the interval? Is it a good time to ask for an epidural?

The first stage of childbirth is labour, which is in turn broken down into three phases: Early, active, and transitional.

Phase 2: Active Labour

Your contractions will grow stronger and longer during active labour, a phase that usually lasts from two to three and a half hours. You'll usually be in the hospital or birthing center by this phase. As your cervix dilates to seven centimeters, contractions will come every 3 to 4 minutes and will typically last 40 to 60 seconds (may not follow a regular pattern).

Do your best to stay relaxed and comfortable, and don't be shy about asking for whatever you need.
  • If you're having an unmedicated or natural birth: 
- your contractions will soon become too strong for you to talk through them (start your breathing exercises).
- you might be offered a light snack and clear beverages or ice chips to keep you hydrated (you might get an IV to maintain fluids if you want).
- walk around a bit (if you can) or change positions between contractions.
- make sure you continue to urinate regularly.
- staff at the hospital will be on hand to take your blood pressure, time your contractions, and monitor the baby's position and progress.
  • If you want to get an epidural, now would be a good time to ask for one. If you do, you'll be hooked up to an IV to maintain your fluids and also probably be hooked up to a continuous fetal monitor. Try to change positions if you can.

What are the 3 stages of childbirth? What can you do during early labour? When do you admit yourself to the hospital for delivery?

The first stage of childbirth is labour, which is in turn broken down into three phases: Early, active, and transitional.

Phase 1: Early (Latent) Labour
You'll experience mild to moderate contractions that last 30 to 45 seconds and are spaced 5 to 20 minutes apart.

It's important to try to relax as much as you can during the early phases of labour — you'll need to save your strength for later on.

If it's nighttime, do what you can to get some sleep (when your contractions become more insistent, you won't be able to).

If it's daytime, keep yourself busy. Cook a few more dishes to add to your freezer stash, fold some baby clothes, and do the rest of the laundry so you can come home to an empty hamper. You can also try taking a walk, which might even kick up the contractions a notch (don't go anywhere without a mobile phone and make sure the battery is charged). Eat a light snack if you're hungry, but avoid fatty foods and don't overeat.

Don't worry about obsessively timing contractions at this point, but do check periodically to see whether they're getting closer together. Lastly, make sure you use the bathroom often — a full bladder can get in the way of labour (or get a quick shower to make yourself comfortable). Most women will head to the hospital between the first two phases of labour — as the early phase ends and the active phase begins.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

2013 Christmas Greetings!

Woke up after a super long dream..at 615a. Weather's abit cloudy, but these few nights are very windy, and cold..sneezed whenever the main door is opened ajar once awake. Took a butter cookie, just in case the hunger pangs come 'knocking'.

Yes, it's a Green Christmas again. From the wrapping paper, to the scotch tape, and the carrier, they are either recycled or recyclable, resusable, and certainly reduced.

The only difference is I've outsourced the delivery for the first time to someone who's eagerly excited to be 'The Postman' to our neighbours. The Postman even helped to do the wrapping as well! Very helpful indeed.

Of course, something has to be sacrificed -- sleep, time and effort. As the saying goes, 'Nothing ventured, nothing gained'.

This time, The Postman learns the true happiness of sharing and giving. The joy derived is directly proportional to the fun and enjoyment
going to-and-fro from door to door delivering one at a time.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

25th week of Pregnancy #2

16oct-22oct

Wed
Feeling a little sleepy on the way to fetch TK.

Thur
Went to Grannies for dinner. Grandpa bought vegetarian fried rice and noodles.

Fri
Going for gynae check-up. Lil' foetus weigh 777g and Mum at 47kg. Fetched TK to Granddad's for dinner. Grandmum made vegetarian beancurd rolls, but the skin abit too tough for Grannies and were further steamed. Reached home around 1030p drizzling and TK was sleepy.

Sat
TK went for story-telling session at NLB at 11a, followed by lunch at nearby coffee shop at 1230p. Raining heavily then. DVDs borrowed from NLB due today.

Sun
TK attended Di Zi Gui lesson at KMSPKS, followed by lunch.

Mon
Hubby going TCM for follow-up. Motto for Life: Make Right Decision, Do Simple task Right and Fast. More can be accomplished. Right attitude with enthusiasm and Principles. TK again sent flying kisses and asked if Papa is happy via SMS. Grandma came after dinner with raisin bread and walnut small cake. Grateful.

Tue
Hubby wanted to send TK to Childcare. Fumigation carried out in the morning at our place to fight dengue. Hubby fetched TK from Childcare. TK had cake on the way and recited Di Zi Gui. Went to TCM as TK coughing with phlegm since last week around 13 Oct after taking cold cocktail. Had Chinese cold medicine when having runny nose.

Friday, December 20, 2013

24th week of Pregnancy #2

9oct-15oct

Wed
Made dau suan for afternoon tea. MOE wish to limit FT teachers from moonlight tuition. Hubby made dinner while Marmy fetched TK. TK is happy today. Grandpa came with egg cake from Grandma and some bananas. TK took some cake for supper before TK kept toys and conducted storytelling to Marmy before bed.

Thur
TK said 'wo yao ba ba' when Dardy's not around. TK going to Granddad's next Mon after Childcare. TK sent kisses via SMS and asked 'ba ba kai xin ma?' if Papa is happy.

Fri
Grandmum had mopped, cleaned Marmy's ex-bedroom and TK Uncle had packed some stuff there. TK bom bom after dinner and had full cream milk at Granddad's. Packed some food for Hubby's supper. TK was feeling sleepy on the way home by MRT but still sent smiley face to Papa via SMS with kisses. TK said 'ba ba kai xin ma?' and gave Papa sticker holding Marmy's finger to text Papa. So adorable. Waved goodbye to the MRT Captain at the front at CCL Buona V.

Sat
TK went for story-telling session at NLB at 11a, followed by lunch at nearby coffee shop at 1230p. Hubby went to wet market to buy vegetables. Waited at the coffee shop for Hubby to lunch while it drizzled.

Sun
Went to KMS for Di Zi Gui class and had lunch there.

Mon
TK going to Granddad's to stay. TK walked to Childcare ownself and asked to be carried higher to greet Pancake Aunt seated at the coffee shop stall. Marmy piggyback TK till the lift lobby to wait for lift to Childcare. Hubby went to TCM again to follow up at around 1050a.

Tue
Hari Raya Haji PH. Hubby came home late feeling hungry.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

23rd week of Pregnancy #2

2oct-8oct
Wed
Attended a preview talk after sending TK to Childcare by Prof Lin WX at around 1045a. Learnt that the boss of Unisoy is Mr. Loh. Fetched TK around 6plus. Hubby made porridge dinner with shell macrononi. Reached home around 755p.

Thur
Hubby sent TK to Childcare reaching around 955a. Hubby asked TK what's more important, Time or Freebie and TK answered the latter. Total round trip to send TK to Childcare from bus stop to bus stop at 930a is around 75 min, inclusive of 10 min tea break. TC called to say they've cameras installed to deal with the highrise littering and they'd work with NEA on this matter. Hubby went for a swim and haircut. TK said 'I want Papa' on the way to Grannies' home for dinner from Childcare, and wanted to give Papa 'sticker'. TK awarded smiley face :D for himself, Marmy and Meimei. Made Mee with purple cabbage, mushroom, carrot and cheese for Hubby's supper.

Fri
Seal Engraving workshop at NLB at 3-5p and the instructor helped to 'beautify' TK's Chinese Traditional name engraved. Met a neighbour Aunt A there who did so well as a first-timer. Left to fetch TK at 5plus. Hubby plan to buy TK the flip board in future for drawing. Left Grannies place with some leftovers. TK said misses us. So sweet. TK sent 'kisses' to Papa via SMS before going to bed.

Sat
TK went for story-telling session at NLB at 11a after making some porridge. Had porridge before leaving home after the packed lunch leaked and made a mess. Frustrating. Found out the Marigold Fresh milk Promotion was over last month. Toured around the area at Woodlands NLB and had tea at Toastbox while TK napped in the baby stroller. After TK woke up, found an eatery and sat down to enjoy a bowl of laksa which TK tried, saying the thick noodle wasn't hot. Snacked the biscuits and seaweed brought from home.

Monday, December 16, 2013

22nd week of Pregnancy #2

25sep-1oct

Wed
Rained in the morning. Waited for bus opposite the Childcare at 715p. Zi Char Aunt from coffee shop below Childcare asked TK if it's Didi or Meimei, TK was quiet. Most people guessed it's Didi.

Thur
NEA officers came to check again, this time for dengue breeding spots. Informed them of the litter (a few styrofoam boxes bundled with rubber band) on the air-con ledge by our neighbours above. Went to buy groceries and household products at Paya Lebar MRT before fetching TK.

Fri
The Ikea red cupboard bought last year SGD169 is now selling at SGD139, SGD30 less. Hubby had vegetarian meal at Nature Vegetarian along Jalan Bukit Merah. Tr D said TK didn't read after her. TK sang 'Shi Shang Zhi You Ma Ma Hao' 《世上只有妈妈好》 on the bus, and asked to be touched and TK sounded 'Fireman'. Hubby reached home for late supper again.

Sat
TK went for story-telling session at NLB at 11a, followed by lunch at nearby coffee shop at 1230p. The Marigold Milk Promotion at NLB (loan receipt of 8 books for a small packet of fresh milk) is on till end of the month at Bishan. TK asked to drink a packet of cold fresh milk and gladly shared with Marmy. TK was able to hold a mouthful and wait till the milk was not too cold before swallowing. Great job! The final one is at Woodlands for the month of October.

21st week of Pregnancy #2

18sep-24sep

Wed
Grandpa came to visit with some white rice after dinner. Fetched TK 645p.

Thur
TK woke 840a calling 'Marmy', and didn't want to sleep anymore, so TK chatted with Marmy while lying on bed, peed and pooed, teeth 'cleaned', went to KMS for vegetarian lunch before meeting Grandmum at 2p. Napped 1h on the bus home from KMS. Attended the hospital tour reaching at 238p. TK had mini buns during the tour after waking up. Took a cup of hot Milo. Went to gynae Level 4 for Anomaly Scan at 355p with Grandmum and TK. TK waited patiently, drawing as waiting was unexpectedly long. Had a few urgent cases from the ward. TK shared a bottle of Yakult with Marmy. Left the hospital around 6plus after 4h. Lil' foetus weigh 447g and Mum at 45.9kg (increment of 199g and 1kg resp in 2 weeks' time ie Marmy gained 801g nett). Thankfully everything appear normal. TK came home and wanted Marmy to lie down for TK doctor to check. First, TK would apply cream and after checking, would help to clean up. At least for once, TK did not role play a construction worker 'gong ren shu shu' 工人叔叔. Grandpa went for regular check up. TK went home with Grandmum while Marmy went to Granduncle's wake after dinner. Grandmum called before bedtime and TK asked why Marmy haven't fetch TK yet. TK said, 'I want to look for Marmy.' when TK heard Marmy's fetching the following day. Hubby worked late and reached home 11p. Wanted to have instant noodles for supper.

Fri
TK at Granddad's place. Went to send TK Granduncle at the wake after making porridge with brocoli, green chilli pepper, french beans for lunch at 12p. The news reported that the holy tree was gone in the storm. Will miss it. Heard from TK Grandpa that there's a new vegetarian stall at the coffee shop below our flat. MRT was quite packed this morning. TK had marble cake and protein soy drink for supper.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

20th week of Pregnancy #2

11sep-17sep

Wed
Radiation from Wi-Fi is so bad the day before that Hubby woke up this morning with terrible headache and runny nose.

Fri
Today TK Kum Mow birthday. TK said to go market. TK cried abit at Childcare as he's tired. The organic pancake with mushroom is back at Ikea. Yeah!. But there's no more berry juice. Boo Hoo. Missed a stop and bus went onto expressway. Ended up spent about 30 minutes more before reaching Childcare to fetch TK. Oh, is it a black Friday? Last minute notification of Lantern Festival mini-celebration with neighbours at 730p. May have to join them after making dinner at 830p. TK and Marmy finished half a bowl and left home. TK was excited as he took his lantern out. It is TK first time to socialise with his neighours this year. TK played happily on the picnic mat, walking around with lighted paper lantern with his friends till almost 11p.

Sat
TK granduncle passed away 5 days to Mid-Autumn Festival.

Sun
TK went for Di Zi Gui class and found out Teacher P was feeling unwell. Teacher L from the other class had kindly prepared some ingredients for them to make snow skin red bean mooncakes. TK tried his hands when it was finally his turn and was surprisingly very good with Marmy (helped to flaten the skin only) by his side. Maybe TK had tried or seen Childcare Teacher making them the year before. Brought some 'Gee zai bang' little piglet mooncakes to treat Di Zi Gui classmates but only had 15 as there were no more stock.

Friday, December 6, 2013

19th week of Pregnancy #2

4sep-10sep

Wed
Was fined SGD12 (Initially Teacher said SGD15 but Marmy corrected saying the clock was 2 minutes faster) as there's heavy traffic. Marmy was a little hungry when the bus finally arrived opposite the Childcare at 735p. Hubby made dinner and went to meet us at TCM when Marmy sent SMS saying we walking (past) reached TCM.

Thur
Went KMSPKS for a Dharma Talk. Reached 7plus after fetching TK. Hubby bought dinner with some 10 people in the queue ahead and waited at the seating area near the lift lobby after taking his share. Traffic congestion and TK was very cooperative and well-behaved, and walked on his own. TK was able to sit through the entire talk till almost the end, with a teddy bear and colouring pens and paper. TK wanted to be carried and go home towards the end as TK was sleepy.

Fri
TK asked to hug and bid goodbye at Childcare in the morning. Challenged TK not to cry when leaving TK with Grandmum later in the evening and Marmy will show him the online video on the song 'Jumping on the Bed'. Hubby waited at gynae clinic after buying set lunch at Lingzhi Vegetarian Restaurant while Marmy made her way there after buying a packet of fried rice for lunch. Missed a bus when flagged for bus some distance from the front of bus-stop. Thought the bus was slowing down but it picked up speed instead, as the bus Captain drove past waving to say something (thought he meant no need to run so fast). Lil' foetus weigh 248g and Mum at 44.9kg. Fetched TK earlier at 4plus and passed TK to Grandmum at Raffles Place MRT. TK successfully peed into plastic bag before MRT started moving when it stopped at Bugis station. TK didn't cry and was awarded 3 imaginary stickers. Good job! Met Hubby and dined out. Hubby had slight headache and took painkillers before leaving home.

18th week of Pregnancy #2

28aug-3sep

Wed
Washed TK soiled clothings after buying lunch on the way back from Childcare. Hubby plan to record TK singing nursery rhymes and reciting Di Zi Gui. Hubby going to collect race pack at Expo. Made plans to provide richer in proteins, vitamins breakfast for TK as he still weigh the same compared to about 18m ago.

Thur
Went for a warm shower at SAFra pool.

Fri
Fetched TK earlier at 4plus and passed to TK grandmum at MRT. Attended a dinner-cum-talk at City Hall at the end of Millenia Walk on Level 2. Made confinement plans with Hubby and considering the possibility of TK Grandmum helping during the day without staying for the night.

Sat
TK celebrated birthday at Grandaunt's place..but not many of his cousins were present.

Sun
TK went for Di Zi Gui class when it's almost ending after Hubby's race. Woke TK at 740a and was very fast to leave home to meet Hubby at race finishing area. Call for assistance to ascend the stairs in the underpass with baby stroller with a few more other parents. Race started 710a. TK shouted loudly, 'Papa!' when Marmy said Papa also wearing the same outfit like the many others around us. TK played 'Ready Get Set Go!' with Marmy as he's being pushed in the baby stroller. Marmy started pushing only when TK said 'Go!'. And when there's escalator, TK said to stop playing. Good job! There's a lot of cigarette smoke at Exit E of underpass. Finally Hubby found us in the crowd. Too many Salonpas booths and so the decision to wait for Hubby at a Salonpas booth wasn't a great idea.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

17th week of Pregnancy #2

21aug-27aug

Wed
Washed TK soiled clothings after buying lunch on the way back from Childcare. Hubby plan to record TK singing nursery rhymes and reciting Di Zi Gui. Hubby going to collect race pack at Expo on Friday. Had Po Chai Mee for dinner with Vegetarian Char Siew.

Thur
Went to buy SGD129.30 groceries and household products at Paya Lebar MRT before fetching TK. Reached home 7plus for dinner. Had thick noodles with Vegetarian Chicken Drumstick for dinner.

Fri
TK had 2 oz Attain with Florify and asked for more. Had TCM medicine and later bread on the way to Childcare. Hesistating to get a pregnancy test kit from the pharmacy or call for gynae appointment directly. Quite certain it's positive. Inhaled second hand cigarette smoke at coffee shop opposite. Checked out the prices of pregnancy test kit at NTUC Unity and found out that the cheapest is NTUC Fortel Ultra sensitive at SGD10.90, followed by Clearblue Compact at SGD13.15, Clearblue Accurate at SGD15++. Fetched TK earlier to Grannies for dinner. TK fell asleep at 630p on the bus. Hubby was already helping to sweep floor when we arrived around 715p. Grandpa helped to cook after shopping at the supermarket with Hubby. Hubby helped to wash vegetables, and cooked rice (thought there was leftover rice in the refrigerator and so there wasn't enough rice for Marmy who's usually the last to take her share). Hubby made a packet of instant Bee Hoon for Marmy. So sweet. Grandma cut TK's fringe and hair tail without prior permission again while Marmy was doing washing of own bowls and spoons. Outrage. TK and Marmy shared a small cup of fresh milk before leaving.

16th week of Pregnancy #2

14aug-20aug

Wed
TK very tired from Childcare, and was quiet on the bus home. Reached home before 7p.

Thur
TK woke up on his own in the morning but wanted Marmy to carry out of the bed /bedroom as usual. Hubby went for swim in the evening to prepare for the run in about 2 weeks.

Fri
Went to KMS for vegetarian lunch and bought 8 glutinous dumplings. Made macaroni and noodles with grapeseed oil, fermented soya for lunch. Fetched TK at 4plus5 and TK went to Granddad's for dinner. TK was okay with Grandmum and didn't wail when Marmy left MRT. Good job! Attending a 2-and-half-day workshop at 7p. Finally received a mail dated by Singpost on 6aug, but took more than 10 days to reach us. Unbelievable!

Sat
Fetched TK to Grandpa's for dinner. Grandma asked to buy for dinner. TK Grandmum helped to buy dinner and cooked white rice for 3 pax at SGD9. TK Grandma was silent when TK Marmy asked if the amount spent was okay. No one wanted to foot the bill. TK Marmy insisted Grandmum kept the SGD10 which was forked out of TK Marmy's pocket money. TK grannies insisted to buy TK (ended up TK parents topped up 10% when TK and parents ordered and made payment) a 1.5kg birthday fruit cake (nothing less) even though TK parents expressed that Ang Bao is preferred (from past experiences we know there'd be 25-30% leftover).

Sun
Went for Puja at SBF and TK went to Grandmum's in the afternoon. Marmy attended the last session of workshop. TK had pineapple rice for dinner there. Marmy made cheese egg to add to dinner.

15th week of Pregnancy #2

7aug-13aug

Thur
Today is Hari Raya Puasa PH. Hubby went for a swim. Had dinner at TK grannies' place to celebrate Grandpa's birthday.

Fri
Watched fireworks LIVE!

Sun
TK was attacked by mozzie on hand and legs just seconds when we reached the bus-stop, swollen and very itchy. Remember advice from an Uncle in the wet market that white vinegar is good for insect bites, better and more effective than any medication.

Mon
Went to visit TK Grandma briefly to get the white vinegar for TK after sending TK to Childcare. The hand seemed more swollen. Dabbed a piece of cotton facial pad with the white vinegar and placed on the swollen area. TK resisted, only to ask for it to be removed after a few minutes. Maybe there's stinging sensation. TK was cooperative and agreed to leave the cotton pad on his hand longer. Well done for excellent cooperation!

Tue
Went to volunteer at KMS to make glutinous dumplings for sale during the prayers in the 7th month of lunar calendar. Hubby made curry for dinner while Marmy fetched TK. Hubby has a run in 2-3 weeks' time. Will there be sufficient time to be physically prepared for it? Not going to TK grandma's place anymore in the mornings after sending TK to Childcare to offer assistance during her Medical Leave on Day 26. The reason given was that staying for a mere 10min (actual time was 20min cut down from 2-3h to 1-2h during weekdays and today there's tension and fireworks felt in the atmosphere) doesn't offer much help/make any difference. But why wasn't it made clear in the first place, and only until today? Fine.

14th week of Pregnancy #2

31jul-6aug

Wed
Hubby made porridge with pumpkin, seaweed and more for dinner.

Thur
Met Teacher M when alighting bus and TK refused to get onto the baby stroller. TK held Teacher's hand till we reached the lift. Later TK cried like police siren at Childcare and broke into laughter when we teased him. Teacher C said to treat TK bread with kaya/cheese in the evening and took TK inside to find teacher, TK said he wanted Teacher M. Didn't have much appetite again. The tummy bulges like a spare tire. How to hide it? Slight drizzle when fetching TK at 5plus. Hubby made dinner with bittergourd, pumpkin, french beans, seaweed..

Fri
Fetched TK at 4plus...going home to make dinner so Hubby can rest and spend more time bonding with TK. Wish come true since last Saturday. Smile.

Sun
Leaving Granddad's place after TK had 3/4 bowl of porridge at 4plus5 in the evening. Hubby had coffee and noodles with friend.

Tue
Went to visit TK Grandma briefly after sending TK to Childcare. Fetched TK at 5plus.