Previously: Chapter 2 – Visit to Gynecologist & Baby heartbeat
On Monday, I told my manager that I can go to US for 2 months instead of 3 and my manager willingly altered my travel plan. With my SOS medicines and wishes of my family I left for US.
My colleague, to whom I had told the whole story, took good care of me during travel. Taking my huge luggage off the conveyor belt to putting it in overhead bin she ensured that I lift no extra weight at all.
First 3 months are crucial in pregnancy as most of the miscarriages happen during this time. I took proper care of not lifting any weights. Eating healthy, balanced food and taking proper rest.
Some women feel nauseated in the morning- which is called morning sickness but thankfully I did not have any – except while cleaning my tongue when I felt puckish. Usually one feels nauseated when hungry for long hours – if one sticks to eating something every two hours then it goes smooth.
I had pretty comfortable stay in US. Felt hungry every two hours. Felt tired in evenings and took naps before catching up with friends for a game of dumb charades in hotel room.
I came back to India all fit and healthy. My baby bump was quite visible after 3 months itself. It seems my baby was an extrovert (which she is still at 18 months) in womb itself!!!
Life went on and I progressed to different stages, trimesters to be precise of pregnancy. Second trimester, time between 3 to 6 months is considered golden period of pregnancy. It is considered that there no miscarriage chances and you are not that bulky and can move around easily.
We thought of exploiting this golden time by going on a relaxing vacation to Kerela on our marriage anniversary. I asked my Gynecologist and she obliged yet again by saying “This is the safest phase. You can travel. No problems”. What else- off we went to Kerela.
It is not advised to do air travel after 28 weeks of pregnancy but I know lot of people who have travelled even in their 9th month. So best is to ask your Gynecologist and also check the airline rules.
Once back home it was time that my baby bump started showing to neighbors and relatives as well and with that started the congratulatory messages as well as the baby sex guessing game.
In typical Indian scenario everybody gave blessings that the baby be a boy. Some even predicted by the shape of my baby bump and my cravings that it will be a boy while some confirmed looking at my glowing skin and hair that it’s a girl.
Then my pregnancy entered the last trimester with its set of precautions and problems.
My big belly did not let me sleep comfortably. I started having severe heart burns. My cravings for sweet intensified. I devoured many boxes of London Dairy – Tiramisu ice cream. This continued till my Gynecologist pressed the alarm bell that I may be having high sugar as my fetus weight was more than the expected weight at around 8 months. That put an end to my middle of night ice cream eating adventures.
At 8th month it was also the time to start shopping for some baby essentials. I made a big list of Must haves, taking clue from internet sites.
We bought around 12 sets of clothes, cloth nappies, mittens and booties, some water proof sheets, baby soap, baby powder, baby oil, baby blanket, baby wipes, milk bottles and a pack of diapers. I also ordered one nursery kit – which had a baby nail cutter, nose suction bulb, digital thermometer.
At home I prepared two bags. One bag had all baby essentials and another bag had essentials I would need at hospital like maternity dress, sanitary pads, basic toiletries, slippers, towel, hospital papers and most importantly camera.
It was also the time to zero down on baby name. I did not want my baby to be addressed by any random name. We zeroed down on 2 names – one of a boy and the other of a girl.
I was lucky not to have those bouts of irritation, as many pregnant women I had heard have. To overcome irritation meditation, pregnancy yoga, are certain things which will help.
It is known that during the last few weeks of pregnancy the fetus gains maximum fat. During those times it is advised to include lot of good fats in food. I had good portions of red meat, eggs and nuts.
I had food rich in proteins and good fats as much as possible to help my fetus develop into a healthy baby and a healthy adult later in life. A baby born healthy has more probability of developing into a healthy toddler and healthy adult.
I also did some pregnancy yoga – it is said it helps in baby taking position.
Then came the day of my last visit to Gynecologist, 3 days prior to the due date and I had no signs of any kind of labor pains. My Gynecologist suggested that there is no point waiting beyond EDD. Pain or not I must get admitted on Sep 4th.
To be continued with next chapter – Few Days Before The D-Day…
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