My Labor Experience

It has been 20 days since I gave birth, and I finally found time to write about my experience. Since I am a doctor, I know the signs of labor already and know when to go to the hospital and when to stay put in the house. Should know anyway.

On the friday before I gave birth, I thought I had an episode of leaking bag of water but my contractions weren't regular. But upon check up, everything was fine and I was sent home, my IE or internal exam showed my cervix to be 1 cm, high which means it's a long way to go yet.

So in the meantime, I tried eating dates, walking around a lot, doing acupuncture and electroacupuncture on myself, and even tried to get some massage (and eyelash perming but not related to inducing labor) but wasn't allowed because they don't want to risk me going into labor (which is what I wanted anyway). I also tried the evening primrose oil, which I inserted vaginally.

On July 31, I had an episode of bloody show and knew this is one of the signs but my contractions still weren't regular. So I went for an ultrasound, a non stress test with amniotic fluid index. There was no problem with the NST but my amniotic fluid showed decrease amounts, also known as oligohydramnios. Complications of that include mecomium stained birth and fetal demise. So I went to Cardinal Santos Medical Hospital to be admitted.

My internal exam showed me to be still at 1 cm, good results in fetal monitoring via NST.  Since I wasn't in active labor yet, they just put me in my room, had my vital signs and fetal heart beat monitored, and inserted 6 caps initially then 4 caps of evening primrose oil intravaginally every 4 hrs, with internal examination monitoring also done.

In the morning, my IE was still 1 cm but it was soft and doesn't hurt as much as the previous. I was brought to the labor room after breakfast at around 8 to 9 am where I could be monitored via NST continuously.
I was given oxytocin at 10 am when they saw that my contractions weren't regular. Eventually I could feel the contractions closer every 2-3 minutes. And I could feel myself bleeding and gushing out during and after contractions.

At 2 pm, IE was done, where I was at 5 cm but my cervix was paper thin already. My doctor said I could suddenly fully dilate anytime. At this point where my previous IE were just 1-2 or 4 cm, I was thinking if I may eventually end up with a cesarean section. But that gave me hope. Anesthesia was then given because I was officially in active labor... And that the labor would progress quickly so I better have the anesthesia already in.

At this time, contractions were getting intense with my hip pain eventually at 7/10. At first, I can describe the hip pain as numb, which doesn't really hurt at all. Then it became tingling or feeling of "nangangawit." Eventually, it felt like I was being grounded (as in a small electric current). So I was a bit glad that the anesthesia is being prepped already.

I was put in a fetal position for the spinal anesthesia. They might had a bit hard time putting the needle in because I felt several pricks before it was successful. Yes, imagine doing a fetal position to extend the back, but I have a huge uterus in front that is contracting and giving me electric shocks to my hips! It was sooo hard to kept still but I had to because I also know the consequences if the needle hit anything else.

Eventually, it was inserted successfully and, I can feel the pain going away. I was even able to take a nap. But the medicine only lasted for 2 hours. So I may have to be given more if needed.

At 4 pm, IE was repeated and showed I was fully dilated. Yes! But... My doctor wasn't around yet. I was given anesthesia again 2x before I gave birth.

At 6 pm, I was wheeled to the delivery room. My legs were a bit like jelly and numb from the anesthesia. My hips were also numb. I couldn't feel the contraction anymore. I was a bit scared but anxious thinking, "this is it!" my whole 9 months has been preparing me for this ultimate moment!

My husband was called in because he was going to cut the umbilical cord hehe I was  bit anxious for him because he's scared of blood but well atleast he didn't faint hehe I cannot feel my contractions so I was just coached when should I take a deep breath etc. The anesthesiologist also did a fundal push. I felt like I was either going to vomit or cough. And I did. My OB suggested vacuum assisted so it would also be easier also. After 4 tries, at 6:11 pm, Maple was out and crying even though I have yet to see her it my abdomen yet.

When Maple was put in my abdomen, she had her eyes open and was looking at me, but she didn't want to breastfeed or atleast suck. She was just staring at me.

Honestly, I didn't feel like a mother at that instant. But it did feel weird and kind of incredible still that a little baby came out of me. It was a surreal experience, that's for sure!

Inducing Labor Naturally

So I've been ready to give birth for the last 2 weeks, and still... waiting.
I don't want to wait beyond August 1 that's for sure because of the complications that may arise when the baby stays too long in the womb. So I tried to find and did some research on natural induction methods. Some of which, I do wish I started earlier.

This are generally the requirements for a successful vaginal delivery: 1. regular labor contractions, 2. cervical dilatation and effacement, and for the 3. descent of the fetus to the vaginal canal. To induce labor contractions, one needs oxytocin while cervical softening requires prostaglandins. Descent of the baby usually is not a problem when there is no problem with the pelvic area (which causes cephalopelvic disproportion); this part cannot be helped much.

1. Exercise
There are a lots of exercises out there for pregnancy. Mind you, I did my "normal" walking (applicable with commuting) through out pregnancy. I even incorporated some yoga mornings and stretches to "open my hips" more (though those poses I already did prior to getting pregnant).

In pregnancy, the hormone elastin allows the pelvic bones to move in preparation for birth, enabling it to become wider... and supposedly this stretches are supposed to help.

What I should probably do is climb lots of stairs...

2. Dates
There's a research journal saying that this is effective if taken in 4 weeks before your estimated time of birth, taking a daily dose of 6-7 dates/day. My OB friend who is also working in the middle east, also swears by this based from the patients she'd seen. Eating dates are supposed to shorten the labor time and soften the cervix effectively.

3. Acupuncture and acupressure
Because I'm an acupuncturist, of course I would do this to induce myself into labor. The most effective points is LI4 and SP6, but I am also doing GB21 (just because I also love my shoulder massages), BL32 (back massage), BL 28 and BL 48 (butt massage), KI1, KI3 and BL 60 (foot massage).

I read that some are effective without the need for electrical stimulation, but if it doesn't work, I am going to apply TENS also to my needles.

4. Sex
Nipple stimulation causes oxytocin to be released (which is similar process to producing breast milk), prostaglandins from the semen, and reaching orgasm to stimulate contraction of the uterus are all said to help induce labor... but really, it's a bit of a challenge to do this when you're so big and you easily get shortness of breath with certain positions.

5. Evening primrose oil
My friend took this orally for several weeks before giving birth, and it wasn't very effective.  I tried to look it up in journals also but oral intake doesn't seem to be much effective.

My OB told me that on the day of induction, she will use 6 caps of evening primrose oil 4 hours before IE. Apparently, she was one of the authors in a study in PGH, where it was said to improve Bishop scoring (and cervical dilatation) to more than 4... Though in that study, only about 31% had successful vaginal deliveries and the rest had cesarean sections due to fetal distress (46%), intraamniotic infection (1%), and arrest in cervical dilatation (15%).

Because almost half the reason for cesarean section was due to fetal distress, I am contemplating on doing that the night before we get admitted, or just doing it in the hospital.

6. Malunggay capsules
One OB in a prenatal class I attended said that Malunggay capsules can also start contractions, that's why she recommends giving it when the patient is already term. When I asked my OB about it as a supplement in preparation for breastfeeding, she just told me that it's a supplement, so you have to establish breast milk first. And it may have constipation as a side effect.

Anyway, I started drinking 1 cap 500 mg since I was in 37 wks old, but I don't think it's very helpful.

7. Pray
Probably the best thing to do is also to pray. Pray for a safe and successful delivery to a healthy baby. I am constantly in anxiety over the possibilities of stillbirth and postnatal infection and complications, especially now that I'm getting past my ideal 38-39 weeks AOG.

Every night, I listed to my fetal heart tone... sometimes, twice! Especially if I don't feel her move as much. I noticed that there is less tendency for movement in my last month of pregnancy as compared to the 2nd and early 3rd trimesters. The reason for this is because the baby is accumulating fat and getting bigger, and the uterus is getting cramped.


Anyway, I will update on how my labor goes. I don't know else what to do when there's only less than 48 hours before my scheduled admission!

Where to give birth? Cardinal Medical Center VS St. Luke's QC

Yes, we are now officially term at 37 weeks AOG, and I can finally have my massage and whatnot! Hehe Anyway, just when the time is about to come, we realize that we better check out St. Luke's QC too as an option for giving birth, since our OB-Gyne is also affiliated here too. I will also post their recent packages and room price list if anyone is interested as of July 2018.

St. Luke's QC

Room Rates and Packages

Room Rates in SLMC QC

SLMC OB Packages

In case that the above picture is too small or can't be read, we just want to emphasize on the following rooms (price is per day):

Private Rooms

Executive private - 6,400

Deluxe private - 4,400

Regular private - 3,700

Small private - 2,800

Two-Bed Private rooms

Two-bed private with TV & Ref - 2,400

Two-bed private w/o TV & Ref - 2,000

Ward - 1,200

Birthing Room - 13,100

Birthing Room Rooming in charges (single baby) - 14,100

High Risk Pregnancy Unit (HRPU) - 5,400 (for 24 hrs)

Labor Room - 1000+

Rooming-in charges:

Suite Room/HRPU - 1000

Executive Private - 700

Deluxe/Regular/Small Private - 600

Two-Bed Private - 500

Ward - 400

I have highlighted our possible room choices.

Pros:

Location is nearer (about 1 km from our home)
I can call my acupuncture friends to do that technique with me, right? Because they aside from acupuncture, they also practice as Pedia, OB, and a medical acupuncturist in St. Luke's (though there might be a conflict because I haven't really told my OB-Gyne about this part)
More HRPU units as compared to 1 Lamaze room in Cardinal (where the husband can stay during labor)
Admissions staff was very friendly and even offered us an admission papers already

Cons:

Rooms are way smaller as compared to Cardinal
More expensive than Cardinal (?)

Others:

Admitting kit is already provided in the room, containing toothbrush, toothpaste, medicinal cup, kidney basin, etc
Newborn kit contains EVERYTHING daw according to the nurse, including 2 swaddles, 1 set of clothes and bonnet/socks/mittens, 2 pcs baby diaper, alcohol, etc



Cardinal Medical Center

Room Rates and Packages

Room Rates in Cardinal

OB Package in Cardinal

In case that the above picture is too small or can't be read, we just want to emphasize on the following rooms (price is per day):

Big private - 3,690

Regular private - 3,480

Small private - 3,160

Semi-Private - 1,930

Lamaze room - est. 2,200 (first 2 hours) + 229/every 30 min

Labor Room - free for first 8 hrs + 250/hr

Pros:

Rooms are bigger as compared to SLMC
May be cheaper than Cardinal (?)
My friend Karen gets to be my Pedia
NICU nurse, DR nurse, and admitting section were very prompt in replying to my email

Cons:

Only 1 Lamaze room (and they will give priority daw for those with certificates)
Location is farther... especially if school resumes for Xavier and ICA
Admission papers weren't given yet (a relative will come down for me to be admitted)

Others:

Admitting kit contains toothbrush, toothpaste, face towel, soap, spoon and fork, medicine cup and glass, 1 roll of bathroom tissue, 1 500 mL water, 1 pillow.
Newborn kit contains EVERYTHING I will need like white basin for bathing, kidney basic, cotton buds, cotton applicator, alcohol 70%, J&J top to to wash, diapers, digital thermometer, cotton, and 1 box of gloves. I will provide the swaddle and clothes when the baby is roomed in.
(Since I already have the swaddle, I am leaning towards Cardinal instead.)

*Not sure if all medications and supplies are required to be from the hospital, but from Mariel's inquiry with her chemo drugs, Cardinal is not as strict as SLMC.

Though I have posted their OB packages, a lot of nurses and staff don't think that they are economical because a lot of doctors prescribed medications and supplies that is not included in the package, so this would be a waste, and you have to pay extra for the excess. So one still has to consult with their OB-Gyne.

Conclusion

Our preference would still be for Cardinal Santos Medical Center mostly because of the bigger rooms... But if I feel that I can't make it because of traffic, etc.... Well, I guess St Luke's would still do because it's nearer. Or I was thinking, I should just have my IE in St. Luke's first and decide from there if I could still transfer to Cardinal Santos.

We weren't also sure about the Lamaze room. Though I did told myself, maybe depending on the IE? If I was dilated already, like more than 8cm dilated, perhaps I will just choose the Lamaze room. But if the contractions aren't closed enough yet, or I am less than 8 cm dilated, I know that it will take several hours of labor so I would just have to do with the labor room.

Regarding my anesthesia, I was wondering if I could have an epidural without having sedation? Or if I could only be administered once my VAS is more than 7 or 8?

Second Trimester Preparations

Yey for second trimester!
Goodbye morning sickness and hello to appetite once again!

We are now 21 weeks, and we already have a baby bump!
I can also feel my baby move at times, which can be described as a very short intestinal borborygmi hehe Or as our nurse described it, like popcorn popping from the inside.
I can also sometimes here our baby's heartbeat with my stethoscope... Though sometimes it's hard and the sound is still very slight.

Anyway, I just want to say that I'm soooooo excited for the baby now that we're past the miscarriage stage (1st trimester). We only have half way to go.

We started looking at things to buy for a newborn. Like, what to look for in a crib? Or do I really need to buy a breast pump?

Most people tell me not to spend too much money on newborn clothes because they're easily outgrown... Which is true... it's the last thing for us to think about or put in the registry. Actually, I was thinking of just asking from my friends for this haha So... what do I really need to buy? Or at least... what do I need to research before buying?

1. Nursery Stuff

• Crib
• 1-2 waterproof mattress cover
• 2 Receiving blankets
• 1 Comforters and pillows - But I read somewhere that too much soft things can lead to SIDS. So we'll just probably buy 1 set?

Actually, we haven't really started looking at this but since we joined Cordlife, their freebie for the month includes a Tiny Love 3-in-1 Rocker Napper... We looked it up of course, which made us look into cribs and playpens haha

We are looking more into a playpen because they also have a bassinet and a changing table so it seems to be more convenient. Playpen costs PhP 4,000 to 12,000 which the child should be able to use until toddler stage, maybe 2 years old?

Anyway, we still think we have to time to think and research with this because it's just our second trimester. And since, we have the rocker napper and the BabyCuddle (which could be used for co-sleeping), she actually has a bed already.

UPDATE: We looked at cribs and playpens in SM department store (we were thinking of getting a registry, and it will probably come from there). It turns out that Graco is the only one that has lifetime warranty for service, in case any part gets stuck or whatever. Their service center is in Sta. Mesa. The other brands, though cheaper, only have 1 week store warranty.

2. Feeding

• Breast pump - manual breast pump for now, preferably Haakaa style (available online, Rustans Department Store, or The Parenting Emporium)
• Breastmilk reusable storage bottles or disposable storage bags - I am kind of looking for the disposable ones because I am still not sure how much breast milk I can use, nor do I know if I really need it because as of know, I am planning on breastfeeding fulltime
• Bottles and nipples
• Nursing bras and breast pads - Yeah, I already bought nursing bras and breast pads (because my breasts started to hurt from my 3rd month of pregnancy, so might as well get nursing bras already)
• nursing pillow - Is this worth it? Though Tin recommended it too, particularly the U-shaped one. Anyway, online and in department stores, it can costs so much, roughly up to 1000 for something that a normal pillow can also do, right? Though we did see it cheaper in Shopwise... haha
• nursing tops - I am still thinking if I want to buy nursing tops or I can just use a nursing cover which is more versatile
• 4 cotton bibs
• 12 burp cloths (bird’s eye, gauze or cotton) - They say burp pads are a bit small, so it's better to use bigger ones like event the hooded towel, receiving blankets, or the lampin
• Bottle/nipple brush

From this list, I am more concerned with the breast pump.
Do I need that? Electric or Manual? From what I read, Medela is usually the one being recommended... if we can afford it. Though at this point, I am looking into Ameda, which is from Switzerland, it's way cheaper and there's also a warranty for 1 year. I read some good reviews on it too. But do we really need it? Or... for now, we decided to prolong the decision until after the baby is born. Or.. for now, maybe I will just buy a manual one, preferably in the style of Hakaa which had good reviews, including better output than the electric ones.

As of now... I am more concerned with... what if I cannot produce enough breast milk? Does that mean that I need to buy bottles? Just in case. Well, I've read that they say bottles are trial and error. So we should just buy a few bottles of certain brands (brands recommended by friends and the internet), and see if it works for our baby.

So far, most popular in the Philippines is Philips Avent. Though from most US blogs, they say Playtex, Dr. Brown (soooo expensive), MAM are also good especially in preventing colic. We liked the shape of Tommee Tippee (which is cheaper than Comotomo), and we also liked NUK when we were in the department store. Therefore... we limited out bottle choices to Avent and Tommee Tippee and... well since the opportunity arises, Playtex are cheaper coming from the US, so we got those too hehe

3. Diapers

• 30 pcs of Cloth Diapers with inserts
• Diaper changing pads - we already bought one by mistake haha
• Baby wipes
• Cotton balls

Since we are aiming for cloth diapers, I read that we need 24 to 30 diapers because for a newborn, they change diapers every 2 to 3 hours, which is equivalent to 8 to 10 diaper changes per day.

My guess is I should also help with the laundry, particularly for this one because we need the diapers and it needs time to dry (especially with those microfiber and super absorbent inserts).

So far, (and in my excitement) I bought 10 already from Shopee haha We tried different brands, with different types of diapers (all in one, all in two, and pocket) with different features (single versus double gussets), with different inserts (microfiber, bamboo charcoal, hemp, coffee, zorb). Usually for newborns, they say that the microfiber is enough... unless the baby is really heavy wetter, then the hemp and zorb are better absorbers. I am quite excited to experiment which one works best, but since I don't have a baby yet, I may have to lend them to my other friends then tell me their verdict afterwards.

As of now, it seems that Jeff and I are aiming for the cover-type or the all in two diapers, which have snap ons at the end. If the baby pees, it seems that we can just change the insert and still use the same cover. I read that double gusset is important in keeping the poo inside the shell, so we also got those. But... really, it has to depend on the size of the baby and its fitting.

UPDATE: Most department stores only sell the pocket ones usually with microfiber inserts. There are so many better choices  online! So I would recommend to buy online instead. It seems to me that we have already settled for Babyland and Happy Flute cover diapers with hemp inserts coming from Shopee.

4. Clothes
They say that I should refrain from buying too much newborn clothes since they will outgrow them very fast. As I said before, I did think about just inheriting this from my family and friends haha

• 3-6 Tie-sides - best they said, especially for newborn babies who still has their umbilical stumps
• 3-6 Onesies - convenient especially for changing diapers
• 3-6 Mittens - prevent themselves from scratching themselves
• 3-6 Socks - no shoes needed since babies don't walk yet
• 3 Bonnets - prevent the cold from going in
• Burp pads/Lampin/Gauze eye - hmmm... I was just thinking if a microfiber towel serves the same purpose? Microfiber towels are cheaper from Shoppee than lampin!

So we're thinking if we're going to put this on the Baby Registry, because this seems to be the easiest. And there is the possibility that we would want to pick our own baby's clothes, right? (Like... even if we're having a girl, no very girly-girl stuff so much; we prefer it to be neutral)

So... our plan is to wait until after the baby shower to purchase this. Someone will probably give us this even if it's not on the registry. If not, we plan to go to this Hello Baby Outlet in Makati to get clothes in bulk, which is cheaper.

5. Bathing and Grooming Accessories

• 1 bath tub with hammock-like chair
• 1 bottle baby wash (Cetaphil or any brand recommended by the pedia)
• 1 bottle baby shampoo (optional. Baby wash can double as shampoo)
• 3 hooded towels
• 4-6 wash cloths - so isn't this the same as the burp pads above?
• 1 bottle alcohol
• 1 bottle baby oil

• 1 nail clipper or nail file
• 1 soft brush and comb
• 1 nasal aspirator
• 1 pack cotton buds
• 1 pack baby-safe laundry detergent
• 1 digital thermometer

We looked for the bath tubs in SM Department store. Bath tubs can cost from PhP 300 to 2000! Since we're practical people, we think the simple plastic one is already enough, though we are going to get this sort-of hammock-like chair (similar to this one) where the baby can sit because she's still an infant. (In Landmark, they already have a set with both bath tub and net which costs less than its counterpart in SM)

They have different hygiene sets in the Baby Company, so some of those are conveniently packed and ready to be bought as gifts haha Though... what I think we really need are the nasal aspirator and the nail clipper. It's not like the baby would have that much hair when born, right? And we already have a thermometer, as freebie from one of the baby seminars I've attended.

For the consumables,  like the baby wash, shampoo, alcohol, baby oil, cotton buds, detergent... We are not too concerned. We still have many freebies from the baby seminars. We also have to test which one is best for our baby. And... it's not like the baby can already take daily bath after she's born.

6. Travel

• 1 diaper bag
• 1 baby carrier (ring sling or baby wrap is recommended for newborns)
• 1 stroller (optional if you prefer to babywear)
• 1 car seat

From this list, Jeff just preferred a diaper bag that doesn't look like a diaper bag (because he's the one who's probably going to carry it), like this backpack. I prefer it to be one with many pockets and compartments. Bags in the department store costs up to 4k! Whoa! Okay, we have time to look into this and shop online haha Though in the end... we actually got one for free because Cordlife already gave one to us.

For the baby carrier, my sister already gave us one. I am not sure if we going to buy another 1 as an extra. But I guess it would be an investment because carrying a baby will probably hurt my back hehe Though that could also wait until after the baby is born hehe

For the stroller, Jeff preferred it to include a car seat already... Though I was thinking, car seats aren't really common in the Philippines because there's no law about it yet. Though for security purposes, a car seat is always nice. I just prefer the stroller to be lightweight. In the department store, the brand that will fit our expectations was Graco, for the whopping price of 15k! Haha That's the price of the crib already! So... we still have time to look for something else haha

So there you have it. My guess is that it's still too early to buy this but I'm too excited so I'm already on the lookout for sales and reading up on the different kinds! Haha The list is basically based on another blog and this one.

Though a thought came while we were in the department store... Do we really need those sterilizers that cost 15k? I just remember getting the bottles sterilized through boiling in water when I was young haha I guess I still have much to learn and read up on, but it's okay because I'm excited anyway hehe




Since I've been reading up on "essential" things for babies, I also read up on those things that are not really necessary (some of which, I agree). For example, there are a lot of things listed in the SM Department Store Gift Registry, which I don't think are necessary.
Clothes - as I said previously, they say don't buy a lot of newborn clothes, because babies tend to outgrow them very quickly (and they're rather cheaper to buy in bulk in Hello Baby Outlet in Belair, Makati)
Car seat - well, in the Philippines, they are not totally required, unless in the US and they're actually pretty expensive here
Sterilizer - as I said, we can just boil them right? Hehe But I guess it's a nice to have especially if it's a gift hehe
Air purifier/humidifier - really?
Changing table - actually... we are thinking of just a regular drawer... but we're not yet sure since we don't really have enough space for now. Or since we were hoping to get a playpen, they can come with changing tables.
Diaper pail/trash bin - having a separate bin for diapers? Well, I was thinking of a diaper bag because we have to wash this separately from the other clothes because we need it.
High chair - we think it's way tooo far to think about buying one... Actually, I don't really remember if we used one at home before.
Knee pads - I think babies need to crawl on their own and it would only strengthen if they don't have knee pads

And we're... pregnant! (First Trimester Woes)

I didn't think it would be this quick, but we are already pregnant. And may I just say that this is not fun as it sounded like from my mom, who had no symptoms when she was carrying all 6 of us. I am currently on my 13th week of pregnancy already, almost at the end of my first trimester. And I am really hoping the symptoms would start to abate and I could enjoy this pregnancy.

I first learned that I was pregnant on the 2nd week of December. I was feeling nauseous for several days since we came back from Tokyo. I thought it was just some sort of travel-related bug or whatever, but it didn't go away for 3 days. And since I was delayed (I was supposed to have my period when I was in Tokyo), I took a pregnancy test. And it was positive!

I thought it would be easy, because I was a doctor. I should already know things, right?

For a few weeks, I didn't announce it much because I know how pregnancy could go wrong, and the risk of spontaneous abortion was still high. I just told people at work, because I don't want to risk maternal infections. To (supposedly) lessen the anxiety, we had our ultrasound at 8 wks so I can be "sure" that there is a heartbeat.

Unfortunately, I also found a bit of subchorionic hemorrhage on ultrasound even if I was asymptomatic. Since I was a bit paranoid, I told myself to do bed rest and stop work for the next 2 weeks. Unfortunately, this was also the holiday season, so clinic schedules are not regular for a lot of doctors and I cannot consult an OB. Instead I sent a message to my OB friends (who were abroad), who told me to also take Duphaston (which made me my nausea worse).

Being the doctor that I am, I just repeated the ultrasound after one week to find out that it has regressed spontaneously. I therefore conclude that I could attend my cousin's wedding where I was a bridesmaid haha Though another OB friend told me to take Heragest instead if I cannot take Duphaston orally.

I thought my nausea and dizziness was already starting to resolve itself, because during my cousin's wedding, I was fine for the whole day! But... tada... the next day was New Year's Eve, and that's where I felt my nausea the worst, almost vomiting in Friday's at the time. So while everyone was watching the show at Eastwood and enjoying, I wished I was at home, curled in bed and trying to sleep off the nausea.

The term "morning sickness" is actually deceiving, especially for me whose nausea is even worse at night. I cannot drink water, cannot smell Japanese or Chinese food, cannot eat chicken -- these things made my nausea really bad. I really miss the water though. I wasn't much of a juice person before I got pregnant. But now... the water tastes metallic and weird. Though I find it more tolerable if it's cold. I used to love Japanese food and chicken before I got pregnant too... but I guess what do they say when you're pregnant? You abhor your previous favorites and start to eat other new things that you usually don't eat, right?

I am sooo thirsty right now as I'm writing this, because sugary drinks also make me thirsty. But if I drink cold water, it makes me nauseous and bloated and uncomfortable in my stomach.

Good news is... it seems the morning sickness is starting to let up. I was able to drink water in my parents' home, even if it was warm just last weekend!! I was so happy! Unfortunately, when I got home, I still taste the metal in the water. Argh.... I wish I could just stay in my parents' home in the meantime... Or at least get myself some water from our purifier there.

And just when the morning sickness was starting to let up, I had an episode of spotting! I thought I was more or less safe because the last ultrasound only showed minimal hemorrhage, and my Heragest was actually discontinued (for 5 days). And also, because I am near the end of the first trimester already. I basically panicked when I saw the piso-sized brown blood on my underwear when I woke up! (Well, I had a dream the other night before that I bled... profusely while I was panicking trying to find my Heragest and a napkin.)

It was a good thing our doctor had a clinic schedule for that day. Ultrasound was done, which showed low-lying placenta for me... And I was advised 2 weeks bed rest again :( I am so depressed.

And now, I am being emotional and crying yesterday, feeling sorry for myself. I really hope the next two weeks pass by quickly...