I went in for my follow up check up at 24 weeks and 4 days and my baby measured at 26 weeks weighing 853 grams. The amino acid vitamins are doing well in making him grow. My doctor asked me to continue taking these vitamins until August 25th. She told me that Metformin can cause a baby to be smaller than it should so I should still take the amino acid vitamins.
She said everything looked fine with my baby except for my placenta previa which is back to being totalis again. My doctor is still hopeful that it will move up in the next few weeks.
My next check up will be on August 29th and it will be weekly check ups from then on together with the Biophysical scoring ultrasound.
If I remember correctly, I will also be going through the Non-stress Test starting 30 or 32 weeks. I just can't remember if that's also going to be a weekly thing. I really hope not.
I am so excited to hold my baby in my arms. I'm currently 25 weeks and 2 days and my original due date is on November 24 basing on my LMP. However, since I'm delivering most likely via C-section, I can probably give birth on November 3rd onwards. My hubby's birthday is on November 2nd hahahaha. I know he secretly wishes to have his son born on his birthday but I'm worried he'd be premature then.
I can feel my baby's movements more often now, especially in the morning. I always wake up to his movements and I am always happy each time I wake up knowing he's alive inside me and very active.
I love my baby so much and I just can't wait for November. :)
I promise to be the best mommy ever. :)
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Pregnancy update: 24 weeks
Hi. It's been awhile since I last wrote something here. I am now 24 weeks pregnant and a lot has happened. In my pregnancy journey, I got to talk to a lot of women online about their TTC and pregnancy journey. It feels so much better having other women to talk to that are going through the same things.
I joined lots of forums so I get educated about pregnancy and motherhood.
Anyway, here are the things that have taken place in my pregnancy:
1. My blood sugar is now under control. I have been taking insulin since April and have been on a diet for the most part. However, I have occasional cheat days. Hehehe.
2. At 14 weeks, we found out we're having a baby boy.
3. At 16 weeks, I was diagnosed with placenta previa totalis. I had to take meds to calm my uterus and remain on bed rest.
4. At 18 weeks, my baby measured 5 days behind so my doctor replaced my pre-natal vitamins with amino acid vitamins. I started drinking maternal milk.
I also started buying things for my baby and bought a crib and stroller online. :)
5. At 20 weeks, my baby's size has improved. I also did the congenital anomaly scan and thank God, everything is perfect with my baby boy. :)
6. At 22 weeks, my placenta has moved up a bit and is now classified as placenta previa partialis.
I will be going in for another check up on August 8. I hope my placenta is high-lying by then and that my baby is still looking perfect. :)
I will try to update this blog as often as possible to document the remaining 14-16 weeks of my pregnancy.
I joined lots of forums so I get educated about pregnancy and motherhood.
Anyway, here are the things that have taken place in my pregnancy:
1. My blood sugar is now under control. I have been taking insulin since April and have been on a diet for the most part. However, I have occasional cheat days. Hehehe.
2. At 14 weeks, we found out we're having a baby boy.
3. At 16 weeks, I was diagnosed with placenta previa totalis. I had to take meds to calm my uterus and remain on bed rest.
4. At 18 weeks, my baby measured 5 days behind so my doctor replaced my pre-natal vitamins with amino acid vitamins. I started drinking maternal milk.
I also started buying things for my baby and bought a crib and stroller online. :)
5. At 20 weeks, my baby's size has improved. I also did the congenital anomaly scan and thank God, everything is perfect with my baby boy. :)
6. At 22 weeks, my placenta has moved up a bit and is now classified as placenta previa partialis.
I will be going in for another check up on August 8. I hope my placenta is high-lying by then and that my baby is still looking perfect. :)
I will try to update this blog as often as possible to document the remaining 14-16 weeks of my pregnancy.
By the way, this is his gender scan.
And these are his things. :)
That's his awesome great grandfather so eager at assembling the crib!
This is gonna be his ride.
These are the things I bought for him as well as the things I asked my friends to buy for me
and some of their gifts,
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Beating the odds
My husband and I are overjoyed when we found out we were pregnant last March 21. I had another check up last April 2 and was told that my pregnancy may not continue due to slow growth of my baby. Although it wasn't certain, just the thought of my doctor bringing it up made our hearts sink. She asked to see me four days later to check the progress. We were devastated. We cried all day for the next two days. But I knew God will help us so we prayed and prayed for a miracle.
I have not filed my SSS maternity notification yet and there is already an impending miscarriage. I was on leave for a week and couldn't file it yet. Also, my doctor wasn't able to give me a formal report of my pregnancy because she does the ultrasound and interprets it herself so it is only a handwritten document that may not be acceptable to SSS.
I decided to get a formal ultrasound report from another clinic after two days from receiving the bad news. To my surprise, I saw my baby on the screen, and it was so much bigger than the scan two days ago. The sonologist also told me to hold my breath so she can catch my baby's heartbeat. I was like, really? My baby already has a heartbeat??? She told me that the heart rate was only 104.53 beats per minute. A viable pregnancy should have at least 120 bpm. Nevertheless, I was elated. My baby has a beating heart and no matter what the doctor said about the ideal range, I didn't mind it that much. My baby is alive!
As I was heading out, I remembered to ask for a photo so I can show my husband since the complete results will be released the next day. The doctor said, "Congratulations!" and took it back saying that I should come back next week to see if the heart rate has improved, only then can she congratulate me. I smiled and eagerly walked away and called my husband and my mom.
When I went in for my follow-up check up, my doctor was not concerned about the size of my baby. She is now concerned of my high blood sugar because if not controlled, it could lead to miscarriage so she put me on four weeks bed rest. My boss is very supportive of my pregnancy and I couldn't be more grateful.
I am now monitoring my blood glucose levels everyday and ensuring I eat right. I always knew in my heart that my baby is a fighter. We will keep beating the odds together until the day he/she is born.
I have not filed my SSS maternity notification yet and there is already an impending miscarriage. I was on leave for a week and couldn't file it yet. Also, my doctor wasn't able to give me a formal report of my pregnancy because she does the ultrasound and interprets it herself so it is only a handwritten document that may not be acceptable to SSS.
I decided to get a formal ultrasound report from another clinic after two days from receiving the bad news. To my surprise, I saw my baby on the screen, and it was so much bigger than the scan two days ago. The sonologist also told me to hold my breath so she can catch my baby's heartbeat. I was like, really? My baby already has a heartbeat??? She told me that the heart rate was only 104.53 beats per minute. A viable pregnancy should have at least 120 bpm. Nevertheless, I was elated. My baby has a beating heart and no matter what the doctor said about the ideal range, I didn't mind it that much. My baby is alive!
As I was heading out, I remembered to ask for a photo so I can show my husband since the complete results will be released the next day. The doctor said, "Congratulations!" and took it back saying that I should come back next week to see if the heart rate has improved, only then can she congratulate me. I smiled and eagerly walked away and called my husband and my mom.
When I went in for my follow-up check up, my doctor was not concerned about the size of my baby. She is now concerned of my high blood sugar because if not controlled, it could lead to miscarriage so she put me on four weeks bed rest. My boss is very supportive of my pregnancy and I couldn't be more grateful.
I am now monitoring my blood glucose levels everyday and ensuring I eat right. I always knew in my heart that my baby is a fighter. We will keep beating the odds together until the day he/she is born.
Friday, March 25, 2016
Pregnancy Symptoms
It has been 4 days since I found out I'm pregnant by using home pregnancy tests and confirmed it by a blood test. Here is a list of my symptoms or how I generally felt during my two week wait after the IUI until now:
1. Tingling sensation in my right nipple - It was barely a week after the IUI but I felt it while I was on my way home from work. I didn't think it was pregnancy-related and that maybe I'm just eagerly looking for symptoms.
2. White discharge - I usually have this before my period but not this much. I attributed it to Crinone, the vaginal gel that I have been prescribed to take for 15 days starting 2 dpiui.
3. Mild cramping - I was so sure my period was coming because of the mild/light cramps I started to feel towards the end of my two week wait. I still feel it occasionally even after confirming the pregnancy.
4. Sore/tender boobs/nipples - Similar to how it feels before/during my period but a bit heightened this time. The other day, my right nipple hurt a ton, like it was being mildly electrocuted.
5. Sleeping a lot - I am a late sleeper and can live with only 4-5 hours of sleep. But since my IUI, I have been wanting to sleep early. I also sleep in the afternoon when I'm not at work for 2-3 hours so I can't really call it a nap.
6. Peeing a lot - I pee around 6-7 times even before lunch time.
7. Cheery/generally happy - I guess it's all because of being able to finally get pregnant. My husband and I waited for this and I would like to be positive about everything.
I will add to this list as I go along, but I guess this is all for now at 5 weeks 1 day. :)
1. Tingling sensation in my right nipple - It was barely a week after the IUI but I felt it while I was on my way home from work. I didn't think it was pregnancy-related and that maybe I'm just eagerly looking for symptoms.
2. White discharge - I usually have this before my period but not this much. I attributed it to Crinone, the vaginal gel that I have been prescribed to take for 15 days starting 2 dpiui.
3. Mild cramping - I was so sure my period was coming because of the mild/light cramps I started to feel towards the end of my two week wait. I still feel it occasionally even after confirming the pregnancy.
4. Sore/tender boobs/nipples - Similar to how it feels before/during my period but a bit heightened this time. The other day, my right nipple hurt a ton, like it was being mildly electrocuted.
5. Sleeping a lot - I am a late sleeper and can live with only 4-5 hours of sleep. But since my IUI, I have been wanting to sleep early. I also sleep in the afternoon when I'm not at work for 2-3 hours so I can't really call it a nap.
6. Peeing a lot - I pee around 6-7 times even before lunch time.
7. Cheery/generally happy - I guess it's all because of being able to finally get pregnant. My husband and I waited for this and I would like to be positive about everything.
I will add to this list as I go along, but I guess this is all for now at 5 weeks 1 day. :)
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
I am finally pregnant!!!
I never thought this day would come, me writing this blog, telling the whole world that my husband and I have successfully created a human being: our most awaited bundle of joy. Let me run through the whole shebang so I don't forget a thing.
Remember I did the IUI in March 4. I started peeing on sticks since day 7-12 and got negatives. I stopped myself from buying pregnancy tests for days 13 and 14. On day 15, which is day one of my missed period, I decided to test again and got the lightest second line ever to the point that you really have to squint to see something. I thought to myself that maybe it's just my eyes playing tricks on me or maybe I am just going crazy. I texted my doctor's secretary about it and she told me to test again later that day and to come in after two days for a check up. I took a test in the evening of the same day with a more expensive test but it was negative. I was devastated.
I texted the secretary again and said it was negative but she was so positive telling me to test again tomorrow morning and for sure I will get 2 lines. I didn't feel hopeful. My body is telling me that my period is about to come. I tested again the following day with a cheaper test and saw another ghost line. I want to call it that because I feel like it's only me who sees it. But when I asked my hubby to take a look, he said he sees something too.
Still, I didn't think it was a legit BFP (big fat positive) so I bought a huge pack of sanitary napkin because I really felt that my period is coming anytime soon. However, I bought three more pregnancy tests to test with the next morning.
I had vivid dreams that night. I dreamed I had gotten real BFPs and that I am finally pregnant, til my alarm clock went off. I was so disappointed, I really thought it was real. So I got up, peed and tested right away using 2 tests. This time, I saw clearer lines than the ghost-like ones but I still wasn't sure. I thought maybe they were just lightly colored evaporation lines. I wanted to see my blood test results which was scheduled to be released at 2pm of the same day but was taken a day ago.
I went to the doctor, curiously waited for my turn and refreshed the online results page for my blood test results. Finally, it came through and it was POSITIVE!!! I couldn't believe my eyes and said OMG OMG OMG and ran all the way to the waiting room where my husband was.
We were so happy because the blood test was more reassuring than a urine test. When my turn came, the doctor checked my lining and said that it was consistent with pregnancy. She told me that we still can't see the baby this early at only 4 weeks 4 days but she asked me to come back after two weeks for another ultrasound.
We are over the moon. I still can't believe that our first IUI worked as I have read a lot of failed ones. I thank the Lord profusely because none of this would be possible if He did not give the go signal. I love you, God! To my doctor, I love you too. Thank you for making my dreams come true.
We have not yet announced it on Facebook but we have told quite a lot of our close friends already, people at work and of course, our family. Now praying for a healthy baby. Baby dust to everyone! If it happened to me, it can happen to anyone. So never give up and keep the faith, it's all you can do, REALLY. :)
Remember I did the IUI in March 4. I started peeing on sticks since day 7-12 and got negatives. I stopped myself from buying pregnancy tests for days 13 and 14. On day 15, which is day one of my missed period, I decided to test again and got the lightest second line ever to the point that you really have to squint to see something. I thought to myself that maybe it's just my eyes playing tricks on me or maybe I am just going crazy. I texted my doctor's secretary about it and she told me to test again later that day and to come in after two days for a check up. I took a test in the evening of the same day with a more expensive test but it was negative. I was devastated.
I texted the secretary again and said it was negative but she was so positive telling me to test again tomorrow morning and for sure I will get 2 lines. I didn't feel hopeful. My body is telling me that my period is about to come. I tested again the following day with a cheaper test and saw another ghost line. I want to call it that because I feel like it's only me who sees it. But when I asked my hubby to take a look, he said he sees something too.
Still, I didn't think it was a legit BFP (big fat positive) so I bought a huge pack of sanitary napkin because I really felt that my period is coming anytime soon. However, I bought three more pregnancy tests to test with the next morning.
I had vivid dreams that night. I dreamed I had gotten real BFPs and that I am finally pregnant, til my alarm clock went off. I was so disappointed, I really thought it was real. So I got up, peed and tested right away using 2 tests. This time, I saw clearer lines than the ghost-like ones but I still wasn't sure. I thought maybe they were just lightly colored evaporation lines. I wanted to see my blood test results which was scheduled to be released at 2pm of the same day but was taken a day ago.
I went to the doctor, curiously waited for my turn and refreshed the online results page for my blood test results. Finally, it came through and it was POSITIVE!!! I couldn't believe my eyes and said OMG OMG OMG and ran all the way to the waiting room where my husband was.
We were so happy because the blood test was more reassuring than a urine test. When my turn came, the doctor checked my lining and said that it was consistent with pregnancy. She told me that we still can't see the baby this early at only 4 weeks 4 days but she asked me to come back after two weeks for another ultrasound.
We are over the moon. I still can't believe that our first IUI worked as I have read a lot of failed ones. I thank the Lord profusely because none of this would be possible if He did not give the go signal. I love you, God! To my doctor, I love you too. Thank you for making my dreams come true.
We have not yet announced it on Facebook but we have told quite a lot of our close friends already, people at work and of course, our family. Now praying for a healthy baby. Baby dust to everyone! If it happened to me, it can happen to anyone. So never give up and keep the faith, it's all you can do, REALLY. :)
Saturday, March 12, 2016
My IUI Experience
It's 2016 already, meaning I have been married for over 3 years now and still no baby. :( When I got my period in February, my husband and I decided to see my RE to seriously try again. I went in for a consult on Day 1 (first day of my period). I was given Letrozole 2 tabs a day for five days starting on Day 3 and was asked to come back on Day 10 for follicle monitoring. On Day 10, my follicles didn't grow much so I was injected with Gonal-F 150 iu and another shot on Day 12 with the same dosage. On Day 13, I was given another Gonal-F shot but with 75 iu this time and was given a trigger shot to be self-administered on Day 15 at 2am. IUI was scheduled on Day 16 at 12noon.
My husband and I stayed at an Airbnb accommodation which was near the hospital where our IUI will take place. It was a 15-minute walk away so it was very convenient for us. We came in at 10am for the semen collection and sperm washing. To my dismay, my hubby's count post wash was only 550,000. For higher chances of IUI success, we needed at least 5million. I was devastated. My doctor ordered a double IUI and my husband had to collect again at 2pm. This is when I experienced a miracle. After just 4 hours from his last collection, we were able to collect 10million post wash. I cried buckets. This time, I felt more hopeful. So we did the 2nd IUI at 3:15pm and my doctor told me that my uterus was more cooperative this time. I had to lie on my back for an hour after each IUI. The procedure was very quick but was also very uncomfortable and quite painful. A few days later, I saw on Youtube that there's this couple who did IUI and was successful with only 6million. I had 10,550,000 in total so more chances for me, right? :)
After the procedure, I went home. I was instructed to insert Crinone (vaginal gel) everyday for 15 days starting from 2 days after my IUI. I think this would help the baby stick to my womb or something. I was told to take a pregnancy test on Day 14 which is on March 18. Being the paranoid and impatient person most of us women trying to conceive are, I tested out my trigger shot (to see if the HCG trigger is out of my system) at 7 dpiui (days past iui). I tested again on 8&9 dpiui (yesterday and today), still negative. My friend tested positive on 10 dpiui but I am afraid to test tomorrow. I will try to wait until Day 14 because I don't want to expect a positive tomorrow and see a negative. I know it will break my heart, so let's just prolong the occurrence of my heartbreak for a bit.
I have been praying for a baby for over 2 years now. I keep telling God that I'm okay with whatever plans he has for me. If a baby isn't for me, then at least I have tried my best and showed Him how much I want it. A friend told me about the positive effects of visualizing your dreams and I have been doing that since last week. I am just so excited to find out if we're successful. But I'm also scared to know in case there is really nothing in here. I believe miracles can happen if I just believe. I know that God only has the best intentions for my life and I just have to trust Him. Whatever happens, I will be glad because it is what God wanted.
I hope I can come back to post another blog saying how happy I am for a BFP (big fat positive), but until then, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and continue to pray for our miracle. :)
My husband and I stayed at an Airbnb accommodation which was near the hospital where our IUI will take place. It was a 15-minute walk away so it was very convenient for us. We came in at 10am for the semen collection and sperm washing. To my dismay, my hubby's count post wash was only 550,000. For higher chances of IUI success, we needed at least 5million. I was devastated. My doctor ordered a double IUI and my husband had to collect again at 2pm. This is when I experienced a miracle. After just 4 hours from his last collection, we were able to collect 10million post wash. I cried buckets. This time, I felt more hopeful. So we did the 2nd IUI at 3:15pm and my doctor told me that my uterus was more cooperative this time. I had to lie on my back for an hour after each IUI. The procedure was very quick but was also very uncomfortable and quite painful. A few days later, I saw on Youtube that there's this couple who did IUI and was successful with only 6million. I had 10,550,000 in total so more chances for me, right? :)
After the procedure, I went home. I was instructed to insert Crinone (vaginal gel) everyday for 15 days starting from 2 days after my IUI. I think this would help the baby stick to my womb or something. I was told to take a pregnancy test on Day 14 which is on March 18. Being the paranoid and impatient person most of us women trying to conceive are, I tested out my trigger shot (to see if the HCG trigger is out of my system) at 7 dpiui (days past iui). I tested again on 8&9 dpiui (yesterday and today), still negative. My friend tested positive on 10 dpiui but I am afraid to test tomorrow. I will try to wait until Day 14 because I don't want to expect a positive tomorrow and see a negative. I know it will break my heart, so let's just prolong the occurrence of my heartbreak for a bit.
I have been praying for a baby for over 2 years now. I keep telling God that I'm okay with whatever plans he has for me. If a baby isn't for me, then at least I have tried my best and showed Him how much I want it. A friend told me about the positive effects of visualizing your dreams and I have been doing that since last week. I am just so excited to find out if we're successful. But I'm also scared to know in case there is really nothing in here. I believe miracles can happen if I just believe. I know that God only has the best intentions for my life and I just have to trust Him. Whatever happens, I will be glad because it is what God wanted.
I hope I can come back to post another blog saying how happy I am for a BFP (big fat positive), but until then, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and continue to pray for our miracle. :)
Friday, February 13, 2015
How to get a multiple entry visa to Japan for the unemployed
Hi. I just want to share my experience in applying for a Japan tourist visa despite being unemployed at the moment. I was issued a single entry visa for my first trip in 2014 while I was still employed at a Japanese bank. This year, having been unemployed for over 10 months, I tried applying again. Please refer to the following list of documents I submitted this time:
1. Application form
2. Id photo
3. Passport (still using my maiden name)
4. Affidavit of support (notarized) from my husband stating that he will be the one to shoulder my travel expenses since I am now just a housewife.
5. Original Certificate of Employment of my husband.
6. Original Bank Certificate (I submitted one under my married name and not under my husband. I did not want to go through the hassle of transferring funds back and forth from my account to his)
7. Photocopy of my husband's 2014 ITR
8. Daily itinerary
Although not required, I also submitted the following supporting documents:
1. Photocopy of my Certificate of Employment from my 2 most recent employers (including the Japanese bank)
2. Photocopy of my ITR from my 2 most recent employers (including the Japanese bank)
3. Copy of round-trip plane tickets
I also prepared to submit a photocopy of my birth certificate and marriage certificate but the lady at the travel agency returned it to me saying that they no longer need them since I have already submitted originals of such documents during my first visa application. For first time applicants, you must submit originals of these documents. Also note that these documents have a 1 year validity period required by the Japan Embassy.
I paid 1,200 pesos for the visa assistance offered by Reli Tours in SM Southmall as I have done with my first application. I submitted it on Saturday and was ready for pick-up on Thursday morning. I was so surprised that they gave me a multiple entry visa valid for 5 years since I'm now just a plain housewife. Maybe my employment in a Japanese bank helped, I can't really say.
If you read through the requirements from the Japan Embassy website, they require interested applicants to submit a letter of request for a multiple entry visa. I did not submit one. The lady at the agency said that it is not necessary since it really depends on the consul whether or not he will issue you a multiple entry visa based on the documents you submitted even without the letter of request.
So there goes my happy story on how I managed to score this 5 year multiple entry Japan tourist visa. Hope it helps anyone out there who's worried about not getting one because of the sad reality of unemployment.
Btw, I'm coming to Japan next weekend! Yey! :)
1. Application form
2. Id photo
3. Passport (still using my maiden name)
4. Affidavit of support (notarized) from my husband stating that he will be the one to shoulder my travel expenses since I am now just a housewife.
5. Original Certificate of Employment of my husband.
6. Original Bank Certificate (I submitted one under my married name and not under my husband. I did not want to go through the hassle of transferring funds back and forth from my account to his)
7. Photocopy of my husband's 2014 ITR
8. Daily itinerary
Although not required, I also submitted the following supporting documents:
1. Photocopy of my Certificate of Employment from my 2 most recent employers (including the Japanese bank)
2. Photocopy of my ITR from my 2 most recent employers (including the Japanese bank)
3. Copy of round-trip plane tickets
I also prepared to submit a photocopy of my birth certificate and marriage certificate but the lady at the travel agency returned it to me saying that they no longer need them since I have already submitted originals of such documents during my first visa application. For first time applicants, you must submit originals of these documents. Also note that these documents have a 1 year validity period required by the Japan Embassy.
I paid 1,200 pesos for the visa assistance offered by Reli Tours in SM Southmall as I have done with my first application. I submitted it on Saturday and was ready for pick-up on Thursday morning. I was so surprised that they gave me a multiple entry visa valid for 5 years since I'm now just a plain housewife. Maybe my employment in a Japanese bank helped, I can't really say.
If you read through the requirements from the Japan Embassy website, they require interested applicants to submit a letter of request for a multiple entry visa. I did not submit one. The lady at the agency said that it is not necessary since it really depends on the consul whether or not he will issue you a multiple entry visa based on the documents you submitted even without the letter of request.
So there goes my happy story on how I managed to score this 5 year multiple entry Japan tourist visa. Hope it helps anyone out there who's worried about not getting one because of the sad reality of unemployment.
Btw, I'm coming to Japan next weekend! Yey! :)
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