What’s 100% sure in our life? Those words came from the mouth of my “philosopher” OB when I asked him if he was 100% sure of my baby’s gender.
We were at his office last Wednesday for our early appointment at 8 in the morning. We even arrived before he did! The check-up was fast and we were out after 10 minutes.
Some updates:
- I gained 2 kilos since last month’s check-up!
- I am on my 27th week of pregnancy! (My last trimester!!!)
- OK, so we know the baby’s gender. =)
- Baby is healthy and so I am, though I have low blood pressure. Doc advised me to take magnesium supplements.
What’s the magnesium for? Baby Center has the answer for me:
When you’re pregnant, magnesium helps build and repair your body tissue. A severe deficiency during pregnancy may lead to preeclampsia, birth defects, and infant mortality.
Magnesium and calcium work in combination: Magnesium relaxes muscles, while calcium stimulates muscles to contract. Research suggests that proper levels of magnesium during pregnancy can help keep the uterus from contracting until week 35. Dropping levels at this point may start labor contractions.
Magnesium also helps build strong bones and teeth, regulates insulin and blood-sugar levels, and helps certain enzymes function properly. Research indicates it may also control cholesterol and irregular heart beats.
What are the best food sources?
Green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts, meat, starches, and milk all contain magnesium. Some common food sources:
1 oz. dried pumpkin seeds: 151.9 mg
1 oz. sunflower seeds: 100.5 mg (I have a pack of sunflower seeds in the pantry!)
1/3 cup wheat germ: 90.9 mg
1 cup spinach spaghetti: 86.6 mg
1/2 cup boiled long beans: 84.3 mg
1 oz. dried unblanched almonds: 84.1 mg
1/3 cup tofu: 76.1 mg
1 cup nonfat yogurt: 43.4 mg
It finally hit me!
This morning, I stretched my left leg in haste before jumping out of the bed. Ouchhhhhh! I felt my calf’s muscles and flesh twitchedit was awfully painful, that searing, wretched pain! I was screaming a lot! I panicked. I asked M to massage it, but even a slight touch sent me screaming in pain again.
Last week, a friend of mine asked me if I was feeling any cramps and I proudly told her nope. She said that it’s good. She didn’t warn me though that it could be this tormenting!
Fortunately M who was still sleepy stayed cool and told me to remain in the same position until the pain goes away. It worked alright but until now, I am limping when I walk. I realized that I am actually on my third trimester of pregnancy. If my second trimester passed by without any complications, this last semester is proving to be another challenge for me. Frequent trips to bathroom, uncontrollable appetite, and baby’s sudden jerking movements inside my tummywhat’s next?
Useful articles on reasons why leg cramps occur and how to prevent it can be read from the Baby Center.
My urinary bladder is actively working! I don’t mind when I’m at home, I can readily relieve myself without any problems. What about when we’re out say like attending a one-hour Mass or strolling in a place where rest rooms are nowhere in sight? Hold it? No can do!
Bladder control problem is common for pregnant women especially on the 4th-7th month of pregnancy. According to Birthing Naturally:
“The pressure of your growing uterus and a heightened metabolic rate cause increased frequency of urination. For some women, the increased weight of the uterus stressed the pelvic floor muscle causing incontinence.”
These might help:
•Do your pelvic floor (kegel) exercises. They strengthen this muscle to help it work properly even with the increased weight of the uterus.
•Keep drinking water. Being dehydrated won't decrease the frequency of potty breaks, but it can cause discomfort, fatigue, and increases your risks for other problems.
•Go to the bathroom regularly, don't try to hold it.
•If you feel a burning or stinging sensation when you urinate, you may have an infection. Seek the advice of your caregiver.
•Don't sit with your legs crossed or wear tight, restrictive clothing. These things may encourage a back-up in your urinary tract causing an infection.
My tip? I just make sure the place I go to have a restroom nearby or else I’d rather stay at home.
If you think beauty is the be-all of your existence, try holding your urge to pee. It's like torture, right? What is plastic surgery compared to the satisfaction of relieving one’s self from the annoying urge to urinate? Simple pleasures are still the best in life and that includes the freedom to urinate whenever you feel like to.
