Maternity Photo Shoot

It's Memorial Day weekend and we had nothing planned other than a movie date. So, I decided to ask hubby to drive up to San Francisco and do a maternity photo shoot. I'm at my 33rd Week of pregnancy and my baby bump is quite big already.

I picked The Palace of Fine Arts as the location. I love the place. If I could not have a pre-nuptial shoot here (since we're married already before we moved to California), at least I'll have a maternity photo here. 

When we got there, it was a bit crowded. Aside from the regular tourists, there was a number of graduates having their photos taken there, too. It was a bright and sunny day, but a bit chilly and windy.

We brought our 3-year old toddler with us. Unfortunately, he was on explorer mode and it's difficult to have him stand still during the shoot. Oh well, we tried. I was glad we were able to get a few good shots.

33 Weeks at The Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco, May 2016

33 Weeks at The Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco, May 2016

Last time I was pregnant, I had the shoot with my hubby inside a simple studio. This time, it's my husband who's taking the photos, and we're doing it outdoors. 

28 Weeks, August 2012

Whatever concept you choose, just have fun. I searched for some good shoots online and some had it on the beach or gardens. If you live in San Francisco, a view of The Golden Gate Bridge at your backdrop would be nice. Or you can also have Cherry Blossoms and garden ambiance at The Japanese Tea Garden, I like that place, too. 

Or you can just have it at home, set up some nice backdrop or props. You can lay on your bed, have picnic on your backyard, or chill at your patio. You are carrying a baby for 9 months and it would be nice to have a memento of it for keeps.


When is the best time to have your photo taken?

I think between 32 to 36 weeks. Your belly would have really shown already, but you are still comfortable to move around. After 36 weeks, that's when I found myself bloated and really heavy. With my first born, I had my photo taken at 28 weeks and I think my baby bump was still a bit small that time. But then again, you'll be the best judge of it, when you feel like it and when you're comfortable to have it.

What to wear?

Just about any outfit that you feel like it. Since I will be posing with someone (my son or my hubby), I prefer to match colors with them. Also, think of the background, either you want to stand out or you want to blend in. In this case, I think we blend in with our olive green theme, and a bit of a pop matching it with white.

If you're wearing a dress, I think long flowing dresses looks nice on your belly bump. I've seen maternity photos with the moms wearing that, and they look nice. But, if it's a knee length or short dress, I like the fitted style better, it shows the curve of your belly, without making you looking too bulky.

If you can avoid jeans --- I think it does not accentuate your pregnancy belly (just my opinion). If you like pants, just stick to yoga or leggings, match it with a maternity top, and you're good.

Shoes? Before I wore high heels. But that was because we were in a studio. Since I was posing with a toddler, and I expect chasing him around, I went with my sneaker buddy - my white Converse. But, that's just me. Choose whatever comfy or glam shoes you want, just make sure you can walk on it safely, just to avoid accidents.


Whatever you decide on --- concept, theme, colors, style... just have fun. Be yourself. We may not be as fabulous as the other celebrity pregnant moms... but hey, we all want to celebrate the beauty of pregnancy and motherhood.



 

Comfy Shoes for Pregnant Women

During my first and second trimester, I've been able to wear most of my shoes, preferably the low or flat-heeled comfy ones. 

However, as I entered my third trimester, I feel a lot heavier and thus my footwear choices are becoming limited. 

Here are my current dependable ones:

1. SLIP-ON SNEAKERS - Easy to wear, comfortable, and low-heeled. But, not all slip-on sneakers are reliable. Some are heavy weight, and have hard sole and thick heels. Better look for light ones with flexible heels. Personally, I like the following:

a. Roxy Minnow

b. Lacoste Maurice

c. Lauren by Ralph Lauren Janis

d. Vans Asher

2. LOAFERS - Comfortable, easy to wear, low-heeled, and has a variety of choices and colors for more serious occasion to casual getaways. Here are some brands to consider, tested for comfort: Crocs, Naturalizer, Cole Hann.

Although, I find my MK and Coach loafers comfy, too. I think most loafers with soft leather and flexible soles are comfortable enough. I find Sperry's a bit tight during this time. But, if you have narrow feet, they might work for you.

3. SANDALS - Breathable, easy to wear, perfect for warm weather, no socks required. I personally prefer those with wider footbed since the feet tend to swell during pregnancy. Also, slides and no-buckle slingbacks are prefered, too. It is not easy to bend down and adjust buckles when you get in and out of your sandals. Here are some brands to consider:

a. Aerosoles 

b. Fitflop

c. Crocs

d. Birkenstock

4.RUBBER SHOES/ SNEAKERS - There are days when I want my feet covered and secured, and rubbershoes and sneakers are my go-to shoes. My only  struggle are the laces. Bending down and tying them up is not that easy. As a remedy, I bought some non-tie, stretchable laces for my sneakers. For my rubber shoes, I just knot them on each side so I can slip in and out of them easily. 

I like my Adidas Adipure and Nike Kaishi. They are both lightweight, breathable, and roomy enough for me. 

For my sneakers, my Converse and Vans are comfortable enough. During this time I find Keds too tight, and Superga a bit heavy. 

Breastfeeding Seminar

Breastfeeding is best for babies, they say.  ...

My first child was not breastfed. We had a latching problem during the first few days and I was also not prepared that time. So this time, on my second baby, I am determined to try harder to breastfeed. 

I signed up early for the seminar on my 28th week so that I have lots of time to prepare. These seminars are ideally offered during the Third Trimester, as your due date gets closer. 

Some women have the "breastfeeding instinct". Unfortunately, I didn't. So I want to condition myself earlier, both mentally and physically, to be able to handle breastfeeding. 

The seminar was helpful. I know there are  a lot of reading materials available online regarding breastfeeding. But personally, attending the seminar and listening to a lactation consultant is a nice start. After attending the seminar, the supplemental information in the net is easier to grasp.

Here are some bullet points, I found useful for me:

1. The baby should latch at a bigger portion of the areola and not just the nipple. This will lessen nipple cracks and soreness.

2. In the first 2-3 days after birth, your mammary glands produces colostrum, which is good for the baby. The actual milk starts around the 4th day.

3. For flat or inverted nipples, there are products available to help the baby latch. I found these online:

a. Medela Contact Nipple Shield

b. Lansinoh Latch Assist

4. Ideally, you should breastfeed directly your baby for the first four weeks, before introducing them to bottles. 

5. If you need to go back to work, you should start bottle-feeding at least 2 weeks before you leave for work.

6. There are available supplements to help you produce more milk. Most of these include Fenugreek as the main component/ ingredient.

These are just some of the info that I find helpful. I suggest parents should attend a breastfeeding seminar to help prepare yourselves on what to expect and what to do during breastfeeding.

Less than 10 weeks from now, I will be able to apply what I learned. Hope I'll be able to handle it. :)

GTT - Glucose Tolerance Test

On my 24th week of regular check-up, my OB GYN gave me a request slip to undergo Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT). She recommended a 1-hour Non-Fast GTT.  This test is done between 25-28 weeks of pregnancy, to make sure you have not develop Gestational Diabetes.

So, I went to the laboratory on my 26th week. For the testing, they asked me to drink a 50 gram of concentrated Glucose solution in a bottle (color orange, looks like Fanta/ Royal Soda; and tastes a bit similar minus the carbonated taste). 

After I finished the drink, they set the timer for 1 hour, after which they drew my blood for testing. I got the results after 2 days. Good thing the results were still within normal limits. 

During my first trimester, I had my 3-hour GTT, with 12 hour fasting. It was recommended by my OB GYN just because the result of my initial blood test showed high sugar level. I went to the laboratory first thing in the morning. For the 3-hour GTT Test, they made me drink 100 gram of Glucose Solution. Then, they drew my blood after every hour, for 3 hours. 

During the 3-hour test, I cannot leave the laboratory premises. No food or drink was allowed, too. And no matter how sick I may feel, I cannot throw up, otherwise it might affect the test results. It was difficult and I dread repeating that test ever again. 

But just in case you have to take this test, it is tolerable. You just have to keep yourself busy with a book or your phone, plus moral support from a family member, preferably your spouse. 

Who Determines the Gender of Your Baby?

I always wanted both a boy and a girl for our children. My first born is a boy, that's why I was a hoping for a girl for my second baby. But, 12 weeks into pregnancy, after doing the Panorama test, we already found out the gender and... it's a boy.

I checked a Chinese Gender Prediction Calendar with my age and the month I conceived, it should be a girl, they say. Nah...  

During my first 2 months of pregnancy, I was very sensitive to smell, vomiting morning and afternoons, and very weak. I was also very picky with what I eat. Compared to my first pregnancy, it was a very different experience. I already thought I was having a girl because they say the morning sickness is worse for those having a girl. I was wrong, again.

A friend of ours, who got pregnant two weeks later than us, is having a girl. My husband's office is organizing a group baby shower for the family of their employees, 3 of them are having girls, and we are the only one who is having a boy. 

So, who's responsible for the gender of your baby? 

I researched ('googled') a bit and they say Men determines the gender of their children.
Here's the link: Boy Or Girl? It's In The Father's Genes 

Date: December 12, 2008
Source: Newcastle University
Summary: A study of hundreds of years of family trees suggests a man's genes play a role in him having sons or daughters. Men inherit a tendency to have more sons or more daughters from their parents. This means that a man with many brothers is more likely to have sons, while a man with many sisters is more likely to have daughters.


Men born from a father who have only sons, are more likely to have only sons, themselves. And men born from fathers with daughters is more likely to be able to produce daughters, too. 

Hmmm... My husband has 2 brothers, no sisters. My father has 6 sisters and 4 brothers. He has 5 daughters and 1 son. My cousin's husband has a sister and a brother. Now, they have 2 daughters and a son. Hmmm... interesting...

I conceived my first baby a few days before my ovulation day. I conceived my second baby a few days after my ovulation day. Both of them are boys, regardless. 

Oh well, we can test again the theory with a third child. But then again, after reading the article, I am no longer inclined to. I'm okay with 2 boys. They can share their toys and clothes. They'll play basketball or soccer together. They might even have a double date in the future. But yeah, I'm good with two, for now... 😊

Panorama Test during Pregnancy

After my 10th week of pregnancy, I had the Panorama Test done. It was recommended at my doctor's office. It was optional, but they are more keen about it when you are in your 30's. Some insurance covers it, including mine. 

The test basically screens for chromosome abnormalities, like Trisomy 21, 18, 13, Monosomy X, etc. Aside from that, they can also determine the gender of your baby (no need to wait for 2 to 3 more months, during ultrasound). 

For more detailed info, you can check their site:

http://www.panoramatest.com/en

(photo credit: Natera website)

My doctor gave me a Natera kit (box), which I brought with me to their partner laboratory. They took around 4 vials of blood from my arm. 

I got the results in about 2 weeks. Thankfully, we have low risk for the the abnormalities. 

Next comes the billing. Even though my Insurance covers it, we still have co-pays and deductibles, so I was monitoring the claim. I was surprised the test cost $7,999.00. And my insurance approved only of $4900+, thus a $3000+ co-pay?! But, I checked right away with Natera. Called their office and they explained to me that I am only to settle less than $100. The $3000 I think was a negotiated rate, that will not be covered by the insurance, and will not be paid by the client. Thank God! So, if you're going to have the test, make sure your insurance covers most of it. You wouldn't  want to be worrying about medical bills before you even give birth.

If you are not going to have the test, don't worry much. There is a Pre-Natal blood screening on your 2nd Trimester which will also cover some of the chromosome adnormalities. I even found it redundant that I had the Panorama test. Although, it helps you detect the abnormalities earlier, by 5 weeks+, and also predicts gender of your baby sooner and at 99.99% accuracy. 

Pregnancy Weight Gain

I'm 19 weeks pregnant and I already gained 10lbs! 

During the first 12 weeks, even though my baby bump ballooned early, I only gained the first 4 lbs, mainly because of my morning sickness, selective cravings, and heightened sense of smell, which made me avoid foods with strong aroma. But after the first trimester, my energy and suppressed appetite came back and thus, have been eating more often and much more, the whole day.

So, what is the weight gain guideline for pregnant women?

a. If you are healthy, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18.5 - 24.9, it is between 25-35 lbs.

b. If you are underweight, with a BMI of less than 18.5, it is between 28-40 lbs.

c. If you are overweight, with a BMI of 24 - 29.9, it is 15-25 lbs.

d. If you have a BMI of 30 and up, the suggested weight gain is only between 11-20 lbs.


My BMI before I got pregnant was 24 already, so I'm close to being overweight.
With my first pregnancy, I gained a total of 30 lbs. I was only able to lose 20 lbs+ after. This time I will set my weight gain limit to 25 lbs, just to make sure it will be easier to lose them, postpartum. 

If you want to check your BMI:
Click the link: BMI Calculator.
or go to: 
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html


Also, during my first pregnancy I avoided sweet and salty food for the first and second trimester. However, in my third trimester, the sweet cravings kicked in --- doughnuts, milk teas, chocolates, and ice cream and within that last few months I've noticed how bloated I look compared to the previous months. 

This time, I decided to submit to my sweet cravings during the second trimester. True enough, the weight gain jumped up immediately within a month. But, come third trimester, I will stay away from sweets and carbs (hopefully). 

They say, you can gain 1 to 5 lbs during the first trimester, and 1 to 2 lbs per week during your second and third trimester. 


During my first trimester (12 weeks), I gained  4 lbs, and from 13 to 18 weeks, 6 lbs. So I guess, I'm on the right track. But wait, if I continue to gain 1 lb per week in my remaining 21 weeks, then, my total weight gain will be 32 lbs... (uh-oh!) Maybe somewhere around my last 2 months I will find a way to resist the sweets and carbs. Wish me luck! 

References: 
American Pregnancy Association
www.babycenter.com