Bersalin secara cesarean

alooo...hari ni mummy nak cerita pasal bersalin secara cesarean..semua telah maklum kan yang i kan bersalin secara cesarean kan...hohohoho

mase pregnant dulu tak berpenah pom terlintas di fikiran yang akan branak secara cesarean ni..yelah, dulu mak melahirkan anak-anaknya semua secara normal walaupom ade kembar!! hebat kan???hehehe..sebab tu la mummy yakin dan pasti akan melahirkan baby secara normal.. last2 secara cesaraen...xpe la asalkan baby mummy selamat semuanya...amin...

so today mummy nak kongsikan pasal bersalin secara cesarean nie...jom baca

Jika anda mengambil epidural atau spinal untuk pembedahan cesarean, doktor anda akan memberi morfin untuk melegakan kesakitan untuk sehingga 24 jam. Setengah doktor akan membiarkan epidural berterusan selama 12 ke 24 jam selepas pembedahan untuk memberikan anda ubatan yang diperlukan. Apabila sistem regional analgesia anda tidak lagi memberi kelegaan kepada kesakitan, anda akan diberi ubat sakit sistemik iaitu pil yang mengandungi narkotik.

Anda akan merasa penat dan loya selepas pembedahan. Loya akan berlarutan sehingga 48 jam, tetapi anda akan diberi ubat untuk melegakan ketidakselesaan anda. Ramai juga yang akan berasa gatal terutama mereka yang menerima narkotik ketika epidural atau spinal. Jika ini berlaku beritahu doktor anda dan anda akan diberi ubat untuk melegakan rasa gatal tersebut
Jika anda bercadang untuk memberi susu badan, anda boleh mulakan selepas bersalin. Minta jururawat menunjukan cara penyusuan posisi ‘side-lying’ atau mengunakan ‘football hold’. Ini tidak akan memberi tekanan kepada tempat bedahan anda.

Anda mungkin akan berasa kebas dan sakit ditempat bedahan dan parut akan timbul sedikit, membengkak dan gelap dari kulit asal anda. Bersin, batuk dan lain-lain lagi yang menyebabkan tekanan pada kawasan perut akan menyebabkan anda berasa sakit pada mulanya. Tetapi lama-kelamaan anda akan berasa semakin baik dari hari ke hari.

Seperti mereka yang bersalin secara normal anda juga akan mengalami lelehan darah dari kemaluan (lochia) yang mengandungi darah dan tisu-tisu yang melekat pada dinding rahim anda. Jururawat anda juga akan mengajar anda untuk batuk atau senaman pernafasan untuk mengembangkan paru-paru dan membuang cecair yang terkumpul. Ini mengurangkan risiko pneumonia. Pastikan anda menggunakan tangan atau bantal untuk menyokong tempat bedahan apabila anda batuk(bersin atau ketawa juga).

Anda mungkin mengalami masalah angin 2 hari pertama. Angin terjadi kerana usus adalah lemah selepas pembedahan. Bangun dan bergerak akan membantu sistem penghadaman bergerak semula. Jika anda berada dalam keadaan sangar tidak selesa, ubat yang mengandungi simethicone akan diberi untuk mengeluarkan gas. Simethicome adalah selamat diambil ketika penyusuan badan.

Anda digalakkan untuk bangun dari katil pada hari pembedahan atau pada keesokan harinya. Tetapi jangan mencubanya seorang diri, pastikan jururawat berada dengan anda untuk kali pertama. Benarkan darah mengalir di kaki dengan cara mengerakkan kaki anda, memusingkan sendi dan bergerak atau meregangkan kaki anda. Pada hari kedua, anda perlulah berjalan sedikit dengan bantuan seseorang. Ini menolong pengaliran, membuat usus kurang lemah dan mengurangkan risiko berlaku darah beku. Bergerak adalah penting untuk anda pulih.

Selepas 3 ke 4 doktor mungkin akan menanggalkan sutures atau kokot. Hanya mengambil masa beberapa minit dan akan berasa sedikit cubitan tetapi tidak sakit.
Anda mungkin memerlukan ubat tahan sakit untuk beberapa minggu selepas pembedahan. (Jika anda menyusu badan jangan mengambil aspirin atau dadah yang mengandungi asid acetylsalicylic).

Minum dengan banyak supaya anda tidak mengalami sembelit. Jumpa doktor sekiranya terdapat tanda-tanda jangkitan termasuk kemerahan atau membengkak di tempat bedahan atau demam walaupun tempat bedahan kelihatan baik.

Pendarahan dan lelehan patut berhenti walaupun mengambil masa sehingga 6 minggu. Ia sepatutnya beransur tukar dari warna merah kepada merah cair dan kuning keputihan. Jika pendarahan seperti period berterusan selepas 4 hari atau datang semula selepas berkurangan hubungi doktor anda.

Anda perlu mendapatkan rehat yang mencukupi semasa di rumah. tetapi anda juga perlu bangun dan berjalan-jalan namun jangan keterlaluan. Mulakan secara perlahan-lahan dan tingkatkan aktiviti anda berperingkat. Elakan mengangkat benda berat lebih dari bayi anda untuk selama 8 minggu.

Dalam 6 ke 8 minggu dengan kebenaran doktor, anda akan boleh mula melakukan senaman yang sederhana. Ia mungkin mengambil masa beberapa bulan untuk kembali ke bentuk asal.
Parut akan kelihatan timbul sedikit, membengkak dan gelap dari kulit asal anda, tetapi ia akan mengecut dalam masa 6 minggu. Bedahan adalah sepanjang 4 ke 6 inci panjang dan 1/8 inci besar. Apabila tempat bedahan semakin pulih, warna parut akan menghampiri warna asal kulit dan mengecil menjadi 1/16 inci besar. parut ini juga biasanya terletak dibahagian bawah perut.

Hari Raya Haji 2009

semekom...selamat hari raya haji...



anakanda ku damia, pada hari raya haji tahun ni, mummy dan papa menunaikan ibadat korban termasuk akikah untuk damia sekali.. pagi-pagi lagi mummy dan papa mandikan damia..lepas papa solat semayang raya..kiter bergegas pula ke masjid kg pinang(kg kelahiran Ki Wan).. seperti biasa damia akan menangis bila di ambik manusia2 yang damia tidak kenali...hehehe..

bina blog??

ramai orang bertanya kenapa wujudkan blog? untuk ape?? ape rasionalnya??? jawapku senang saje.. blog ni diwujudkan untuk tatapan dan bacaan kepada anakanda mummy. mummy nak anakanda tahu kisah kehidupan, renungan, kisah anakanda dari saat dilahirkan sehingga dewasa. mungkin bila mummy dah tua nanti, mesti ade mummy terlupa nak ceritakan detik-detik manis dan pahit.
bercerita tentang detik-detik manis, pada tarikh ini, damia, you are growing 3 mouth, 3 weeks and 4 days old damia dah pandai pegang botol susu sendiri.. tahniah anak mummy..

damia

Ari ni damia dah boleh meniarap sepenuhnya tanpa bantuan sape-sape pom...yehh,damia dah berjaya..tahniah anak mummy...sebelum ni, damia pandai golek-golek badan je..cuma tangan damia je memerlukan bantuan untuk alihkan..kalu tak,damia xleh nak niarap..umur damia 2 bulan setengah dah boleh meniarap..dan bulan ni damia dah masuk 3 bulan..apa yang paling mummy gembira ari ni,damia dapat meniarap sepenuhnya tanpa bantuan mummy dan papa..sayang anak mummy..
Disebabkan damia dah pandai meniarap,papa membebel kalu damia letak je mengiring sikit je..damia terus nak bertiarap..hahaha..pot pet pot pet..papa dok bebel ke damia...

Suntikan ke-2 Damia

ari sabtu kemarin pegi ke an nisa' untuk cucuk se dos ke damia...hehehe..papa cakap nak g an nisa' pukul 9 pagi..last2 g pukul 11 pagi..sbb papa di serang selsema..dok sok sek sok sek pagi2 lagi..lepas papa makan ubat selsema,papa tdo..damia pom tdo jugak..sama naik 2 branak ni tdo..tinggal aku sorang la dok kelip-kelip..sementara tunggu damia bangun,aku kemas-kemas umah,sapu sampah, paking2 barang-barang damia nak di bawak ni..damia gok banyak sungguh barang-barang..sekali nak g mane gok kene paking betul2,takut ade barang die yang tertinggal.damia... damia..
lepas dah kemaskan semua,aku macam biasa ambil peluang untuk mengadap laptop untuk update fb,blog dll..dok asyik mengadap,damia pom dh terjaga,papa pom sama...aku pom buatkan susu untuk damia dulu.pastu baru mandikan damia.
lepas semua dah siap kami pom bertolak ke an nisa'..sampai an nisa' tak ramai orang ade untuk jupe doktor pakar kanak-kanak...hanya dua orang je skali dengan damia..ini best nye kalu kat hospital private ni,tak ramai..bile-bile saje boleh nak datang asalkan ade temujanji dengan doktor..hehehe
"NUR ALISHA DAMIA" doktor ikram panggil...masuk dalam bilik rawatan doktor..doc bersiap-siap untuk memberi suntikan ke damia..berat badan damia 5.4kg...semakin naik berat baby mummy...damia ni mummy hairan la,dah la "popo" cair...damia tak sakit perut ke??tak menangis pom...hehehe..damia ni kuat macam mummy..hahaha(perasan kan mummy)
doc cakap tak payah risau damia,asalkan jangan melecek je punggung damia...kalu melecek tu tandanya tahi damia berasid...alhamdulliah damai sihat semua itu...lega mummy dan papa tau.
damia kene cucuk...menangis sungguh2 ti orang kate...kecian mummy tengok...bile bagi susu terus senyap..tu la ubat nya...hehehe,terus tak ingat sakit ke cucuk sakni...hahaha..lepas papa pegi buat bayaran,papa cakap nak p makan tengahari dulu baru balik..kite makan dulu...daa~~~

mmmm lama sungguh aku tak update blog ni...rasa malas yang teramat sangat untuk update blog..padahal banyak perkara penting terjadi dalam hidup aku...insya allah aku akan slow2 update blog ni..ini untuk masa hadapan jugak..mane tahu esok2 bila aku dah tua mesti dah tak ingat nak ceritakan ke anak2..hehehe..

My Baby This Week - 4 week old

How your baby's growing:

Your baby may gurgle, coo, grunt, and hum to express his feelings. A few babies also begin squealing and laughing. Be sure to coo and gurgle back, and talk to your baby face to face. He'll enjoy holding your gaze now.

If you have things to do, your baby will still enjoy hearing your voice from across the room. And don't feel silly about using baby talk — babies are particularly attuned to this high-pitched, drawn-out way of communicating, which can actually teach your baby about the structure and function of language.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 4-week-old's development.

Your life: Mixed feelings

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Even when you're the happiest person on earth to be a new parent, it's common to have nagging little feelings of disappointment. Not that you want to tell anyone. But you spent nine months imagining what your baby would be like and now here he is — perhaps not exactly what you'd pictured. Parents of a baby born with a health problem are especially vulnerable to this feeling of not getting what they'd bargained for. But parents of healthy children often have such feelings too.

In all of these situations, there's a wonderful new baby to celebrate. And yet there's often an imaginary baby to mourn before the real baby can be fully embraced. Rarely does anybody talk about this phenomenon, but it's perfectly normal and human. So if your joy is tinged with a little regret, don't feel guilty. Give yourself a little space to privately grieve, and then count the blessings you do have.

3 questions about: Vaccines

Why are so many vaccines recommended for babies?
No parent enjoys seeing her baby getting shots or taking medicine. But vaccines are designed to provide protection against serious diseases and many people consider them the most important part of well-baby checkups. Some of those diseases (such as polio and diphtheria) were much more common a hundred years ago, but are rarely seen now in the United States, thanks to immunization programs.

How do they work?
Vaccines contain "weakened" or killed versions of the virus or bacteria that causes a disease. After a baby receives the vaccine, his immune system creates antibodies to the virus or bacteria that will protect him against the disease if he's exposed.

What's the vaccine schedule?
Immunizations given in the first year include the following:

• DTaP: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). Five doses: at 2, 4, and 6 months, between 15 and 18 months, and between 4 and 6 years.
• Flu ("influenza"): Protects against the influenza virus, which can cause severe respiratory infections and pneumonia. A yearly dose is recommended for those 6 months to 18 years old during flu season (fall and winter). Children younger than 9 getting a flu shot for the first time need two doses of vaccine the first year they're vaccinated, administered one month apart.
• HBV (hepatis B): Protects against the hepatitis B virus, which attacks the liver. Three doses: at birth, between 1 and 2 months, and between 6 and 18 months.
• Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria): Protects against meningitis, blood infection, pneumonia, and epiglottitis. Four doses: at 2, 4, and 6 months, and between 12 and 15 months.
• PCV (pneumococcal) vaccine: Protects against pneumococcal pneumonia (a common lung disease), meningitis, and ear infections. Four doses: at 2, 4, and 6 months, and between 12 and 15 months.
• Polio (IPV or inactivated polio virus): Protects against polio, which can cause paralysis and death. Four doses: at 2 and 4 months, between 6 and 18 months, and between 4 and 6 years.
• Rotavirus vaccine: Protects against rotavirus, which causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration. Unlike the other vaccines, it's a liquid given by mouth. Three doses: at 2, 4, and 6 months.

Vaccines recommended for babies after age 1 include varicella (for chicken pox), MMR (for measles, mumps, and rubella), and hepatitis A.

My Baby This Week - 3 week old

How your baby's growing:

Babies love and need to suck, so don't discourage it. In fact, you may have already discovered that a pacifier works wonders in helping your baby calm down. When the "binky" or your finger isn't available, your baby may even be able to find her thumb or fingers to soothe herself.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a pacifier at nap time and bedtime, based on evidence that using a pacifier may reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). That said, there's no need to reinsert the pacifier if it falls out once your baby's asleep.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 3-week-old's development.

Your life: Bonding

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Some moms talk about feeling an instantaneous, consuming love right from the beginning. That's become the prevailing image of what "bonding" is supposed to be like. But bonding isn't a single, magical delivery-room moment. For more than half of new mothers, feeling connected takes a bit longer — and for good reason.

Birth, delivery, and recovery can be taxing physical experiences, especially if there are complications. If you've never spent a lot of time around babies, let alone been completely responsible for taking care of one, anxiety and worry about doing everything right can intrude too. Your relationship with your child is not so different from your other relationships — it can take time and many interactions for those feelings of attachment to develop and ripen.

So there's no need to feel guilty if you look at your long-awaited baby and feel like you're staring at a little stranger. In a sense she is. Give it time and eventually you won't be able to imagine life without her.

If after several weeks, however, feelings of aloofness or even resentment continue, you could be suffering from postpartum depression. Ten percent of new moms suffer from this form of depression, triggered largely by hormonal changes after delivery. In addition to prolonged feelings of ambivalence about motherhood, accompanying symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, changes in appetite, and thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

Postpartum depression has nothing to do with your fitness as a mom and everything to do with biochemical changes you have little control over. Call your ob-gyn or midwife now — don't wait until your postpartum checkup. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you'll feel better.

3 questions about: Colic

What is it?
Colic is extended frantic crying in an otherwise healthy and well-fed infant. It's thought to affect between 10 and 25 percent of babies under 3 months of age. All infants cry more in the first three months of life than at any other time in their lives, but colic is different. Some doctors define it by the rule of threes: three hours of crying at a time, at least three times a week, for at least three weeks in a row — usually starting between the third and sixth week of life. The "colicky" episodes often come on suddenly in the evening hours. Many babies will cry intensely, unable to be soothed, clenching their fists and drawing up their legs. Every baby is different, but colic usually fades away by around 3 months.

What causes colic?
No one's sure. Some people theorize that it's due to a baby's immature digestive system or to food allergies. Others believe the cause may be a still-developing nervous system or a baby's temperament that allows her to be easily overstimulated. Although colic can make parents feel helpless and guilty, it's temporary — and it's not a sign of a long-term problem.

What can I do about colic?
Each baby is different and is comforted by different measures, so you may need to experiment with a few techniques to find what works best for your baby. Here are some suggestions: Try to create a calming environment that mimics what life was like in your uterus: snug, warm, and calming. Swaddle your baby firmly in a blanket. Rock her in your arms or in a rocking cradle. Try holding her in an upright position to help her pass some gas. Some babies are soothed by loud repetitive sounds, such as a vacuum, dishwasher, clothes drier, or "white noise" machine, all of which are probably reminiscent of the sound of your internal organs from the inside. Or combine sound and motion by taking a car ride. Other ideas: a warm bath, a warm hot-water bottle or towel placed on your baby's stomach (make sure the temperature is comfortable on her skin), or a pacifier. Some parents report that their baby's colicky symptoms improve with an over-the-counter medicine called simethicone, which may reduce intestinal gas.

Hearing a baby cry can be frustrating and exhausting. It's helpful to have someone who can take turns with you holding and pacing with your baby. If you have to set your baby in her crib or another safe place for a few minutes to use the bathroom (or to have a good cry yourself), rest assured that leaving her alone for a few minutes, even if she's crying, is not going to hurt her. Do let your doctor know if the cry sounds shrieking and pained, if your baby stops gaining weight, if she has a fever, or if the colicky symptoms go beyond age 3 months— as these may be signs of health problems.

My Baby This Week - 2 week old

How your baby's growing:

Your womb was a warm and cozy environment, and it takes time for your baby to adjust to the various sights, sounds, and sensations of life outside your body. You may not be able to detect much of a personality just yet as your baby spends his time moving in and out of several different states of sleepiness, quiet alertness, and active alertness.

The only way your baby knows to communicate is by crying, but you can communicate with him through your voice and your touch. (He can now recognize your voice and pick it out among others.)

Your baby probably loves to be held, caressed, kissed, stroked, massaged, and carried. He may even make an "ah" sound when he hears your voice or sees your face, and he'll be eager to find you in a crowd.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 2-week-old's development.

Your life: The baby blues

It seems to make no sense: At a time when you expected to be so happy, you feel down, weepy, moody, or irritable. In fact, there are very good reasons why about half of new moms get the so-called baby blues.

During the first weeks home with a baby, sleep deprivation, recovery from childbirth, the demands of newborn care, lack of experience with babies, and not having enough help can all be highly stressful. The huge hormonal shifts that occur after you give birth can also affect your moods, especially if you have a history of severe PMS. Then factor in modern America's expectations about moms "doing it all" and new moms being "blissed out," and you have the makings of a perfect storm for mild depression.

Knowing that these feelings are normal can help. It's a good idea to confide your feelings to people you love and trust: your partner, your parents, another relative, or a close friend. Connecting with other new parents online or in your community can help you see that you're far from alone.

Carve out time for yourself. Let your partner or a grandparent stay with your baby while you visit a friend, go shopping, or just take a relaxing bath. Even sitting outside or taking a walk with your baby in the fresh air can be beneficial.

Leave work behind. Really! Remember this is maternity leave. Turn off your cell phone and avoid your computer. Use these weeks to nurture your ties with your family.

If feelings persist more than a couple of weeks, tell your doctor. You may have postpartum depression (PPD), a more serious condition. The causes of PPD aren't completely understood, but it's not a reflection on whether you're a "good" mom or "coping well." Symptoms of PPD include extreme anxiety, panic attacks, changes in eating habits (overeating or loss of appetite), insomnia, and thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

3 questions about: Reducing the risk of SIDS

What is SIDS?
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is sometimes called crib death. It occurs when a baby under 1 year old dies suddenly and without warning, usually while asleep.

Should I worry?
Even though SIDS is the leading cause of death among babies between 1 month and 1 year, it's still rare. SIDS claims about 2,500 victims a year — that is, fewer than 1 in 1,000 — usually between the ages of 2 and 4 months. No one knows exactly what causes SIDS, although the following factors are thought to increase the risk:

• A parent or caregiver who smokes
• Sleeping facedown on the mattress
• Being born prematurely
• Low birth weight
• Sleeping on a too-soft surface
• Being too hot while sleeping

How can I reduce my baby's risk?
Always put your baby to sleep on his back. When pediatricians and SIDS researchers began recommending this practice in 1992, the rate of SIDS deaths fell an astounding 50 percent. Even putting your baby to sleep on his side isn't advisable. Clear the cradle or crib of any pillows, soft toys, and bumpers, which can unexpectedly cover your baby's mouth and affect his breathing. Keep your baby's head uncovered. Keep the room cool (around 65 degrees Fahrenheit), especially if you swaddle your baby.

Don't overdress your baby at bedtime — put him in as little or as much clothing as you'd wear to bed. Some experts advise against sleeping with your newborn in your bed during the early months because the soft bedding is a risk. Others believe that sharing a bed allows parents to respond more quickly to changes in their baby's breathing or movements. If you do co-sleep, remove fluffy comforters and make sure the mattress is firm. Your baby should sleep on his back even in your bed.

Never smoke around your baby and keep him away from those who do. It's possible that breastfeeding your baby and giving him a pacifier during sleep may lower his risk for SIDS, but more research is needed to confirm these links.

My Baby This Week - 1 week old

How your baby's growing
Your newborn's still adjusting to his new world, which he may find a bit noisy and well-lit for his taste. But he's getting used to it. You'll notice his limbs move in a jerky, uncoordinated way. Soon, probably by the end of the month, his movements will become more fluid as his muscle control matures. Sucking and chewing on his hands are his main activities for the moment.

Is your newborn a noisy breather? Lots of air passing through very small airways clogged with lint from blankets, clothing and dust could be the culprit. You probably don't need to worry; he isn't likely to have a cold at this young age. He's just trying his best to breathe. Ask your paediatrician if you're concerned and don't hesitate to call her if you're really worried. Doctors know that tiny babies need extra care.

Your life: getting to grips with breastfeeding
If you're breastfeeding, chances are that you're still trying to get the hang of it this week. Be patient - it does get easier. New mums often wonder if their baby is getting enough milk, especially if he wants to feed all the time or cries after being fed. One tip: If your baby feeds every two to three hours, or at least eight times in 24 hours for the first two to three weeks, he's probably getting all the breastmilk he needs.

You'll probably have a host of questions - how do I know my baby's getting enough milk?...how do I know if my baby is latched on correctly?...what foods should I avoid while breastfeeding? Don't worry, we can help.

Your baby loves to be touched, and what's better than skin-to-skin contact? Your husband and your baby can get closer with our guide to baby massage, a six-step lesson that'll turn him into a whizz at soothing a crying baby.

Don't miss our top 10 dad-tested ways to soothe a crying baby, either.

Parent tip: couple time "We're probably mad, but we tend to stay up late so that we have time together after our baby goes to sleep. Sometimes we tape our favourite shows and watch them later, but mostly we just talk. The next morning we're often tired, but it seems a reasonable price to pay for some grown-up time together." — Laura
• Share your tips!

Things to consider
Make sure you put your baby's Immunisation Schedule book or card in a safe place. It contains vital information about your baby's birth, including date and time of birth, birth weight and length, blood group and rhesus type and possibly his Apgar scores as well. More importantly, the Immunisation Schedule will have to be presented when your child enters Standard One — and the school has the right to reject entry if his immunisations are not up to date.

Do you have airbags in your car? If so, you'll need to take care where you put your baby's car seat.

See what our expert has to say about your newborn's development.

Although you'll have a lot on your mind, don't forget your appointment with the ob/gyn for a postnatal check-up six weeks after the birth.

You have 14 days from the birth to register your baby but many parents find they are unable to meet the deadline - in many cases because they are unable to decide on a name! Get some ideas from our BabyNamer - there are 11,000 names to choose from! Once you've decided, ring your nearest National Registration Department office (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara)to check the opening hours.

Although sleeping through the night is a long way off, find out how you can establish healthy sleep habits right from the start.

Try out some fun ideas for playing with your baby. Watch what happens if you attach an unbreakable mirror to your baby's cot. Babies love faces, and discovering their own is a special joy.

Every parent worries about cot death but it's very rare. Find out what you can do to reduce the risks.

Is it normal for a dad to be jealous of a new baby?

my pregnancy: 40 weeks

How your baby's growing:

It's hard to say for sure how big your baby will be, but the average newborn weighs about 7 1/2 pounds (a small pumpkin) and is about 20 inches long. His skull bones are not yet fused, which allows them to overlap a bit if it's a snug fit through the birth canal during labor. This so-called "molding" is the reason your baby's noggin may look a little conehead-ish after birth. Rest assured — it's normal and temporary.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

After months of anticipation, your due date rolls around, and... you're still pregnant. It's a frustrating, but common, situation in which to find yourself. You may not be as late as you think, especially if you're relying solely on a due date calculated from the day of your last period because sometimes women ovulate later than expected. Even with reliable dating, some women have prolonged pregnancies for no apparent reason.

You still have a couple of weeks before you'll be considered "post-term." But to be sure your baby is still thriving, your practitioner will schedule you for testing to keep an eye on her if your pregnancy continues.

You may have a biophysical profile (BPP), which consists of an ultrasound to look at your baby's overall movements, breathing movements (movement of her chest muscles and diaphragm), and muscle tone (whether she opens and closes her hand or extends and then flexes her limbs), as well as the amount of amniotic fluid that surrounds her (important because it's a reflection of how well the placenta is supporting your baby).

Fetal heart rate monitoring (called a nonstress test or NST) will generally be done as well — by itself or as part of the BPP. Or, you may have what's known as a modified BPP, which consists of an NST and an ultrasound to assess the amount of amniotic fluid.

If the fetal testing isn't reassuring — the amniotic fluid level is too low, for example — you'll be induced. If there's a serious, urgent problem, you may have an immediate c-section.

Your practitioner will also check your cervix to see if it's "ripening." Its position, how soft it is, how effaced (thinned out) it is, and how dilated (open) it is can all affect when and how your labor is induced. If you don't go into labor on your own, you'll be induced, usually sometime between 41 and 42 weeks.

3 Questions About...Inducing labor

Q1.

What does it mean to induce labor?

If your labor doesn't start on its own, your practitioner can use certain medications and techniques to help bring on or "induce" contractions. She'll do this when the risks of prolonging your pregnancy are higher than the risks of induction. Most practitioners will induce labor if you're still pregnant between one and two weeks after your due date. This is because the placenta may become less effective at delivering nutrients at around 42 weeks, and other serious complications become more likely as you pass your due date.

Q2.

How is labor induced?

There are a variety of methods, and the one your practitioner uses will depend on your individual situation — in part, on the condition of your cervix (whether it's ripe or not) and the urgency of the induction.

Typically, if you need to be induced but your cervix is not yet dilated or thinned out, you'll be admitted to the hospital and your caregiver will likely start off the induction by inserting medication that contains prostaglandins into your vagina. This medication helps to ripen the cervix and may also stimulate enough contractions to start your labor.

If the prostaglandins don't put you into labor, your caregiver will then administer a drug called Pitocin (also known as oxytocin). It's given through an IV and used to start labor or augment contractions you've been having on your own. (If your cervix is ripe to begin with, she'll start with the Pitocin straightaway.)

Q3.

Are there any techniques for kickstarting labor that I can try myself?

There are no do-it-yourself techniques consistently proven to be both safe and effective so don't try anything without guidance from your caregiver. Here's the scoop on some of the methods you may have heard about:

• Sexual intercourse: Semen contains prostaglandins and having an orgasm may stimulate some contractions. A few studies have shown that having sex at term may decrease the need for labor induction, but others have shown it has no effect on promoting labor.

• Nipple stimulation: Stimulating your nipples releases oxytocin, and it may help start labor, but more research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of this method. Because it may overstimulate your uterus, your contractions and your baby's response to them would need to be monitored so don't try this at home.

• Castor oil is a strong laxative, and stimulating your bowels may cause some contractions. There's no definitive proof that it helps induce labor though plenty of women can attest to its unpleasant effects!

• Herbal remedies: A variety of herbs are touted as useful for labor induction. Some are risky because they can cause contractions that are too long or too strong and may be unsafe for your baby for other reasons as well. For others, the safety and effectiveness remain unknown.

This Week's Activity:

Kick back and relax. Rent some movies, read a novel, curl up with a stack of magazines or a new CD, sleep in or grab catnaps when you can.You're in the final stretch and you deserve some downtime! If you're go-go-go right up until delivery you'll be depleted by the time your baby arrives, says clinical psychologist Diane Sanford.

15 Julai 2009

bangun pagi ni seperti biasa...masa dalam bilik air, ku tengok ade lendir merah...aku berdebar-debar.aku akan branak ari ni..makin berdebar-debar..tapi aku merahsiakan daripada HB..aku bersiap-siap pegi keje seperti biase...aku akan mengira sebelum aku nak pi hospital..

Tanda-tanda aku sakit nak branak ialah sakit di bawah pinggang...skali sakit tu mai aku kira...sakitnye yang teramat sangat,tak tahu nak cerita macamane sakit tu..bila cukup satu jam aku nak balik umah untuk paking barang ke hospital..aku isi borang kuar opis bagitahu nak g klinik jer,aku xroyak pom aku nak g spital..hehehe..dang lagi nak rahsia2...aku drive balik umah..sampai umah baru aku call HB ajak g An Nisa'..HB dengan nada takut tanye aku,dah nak branak ke? aku jawap ya...okies2 B balik sekarang...

Sementara tunggu HB sampai umah,aku tukar baju...paking ape2 yang patut..HB sampai umah..terus pegi An Nisa'..HB cakap dang lagi aku salin baju...yelah tak kan aku nak branak dengan pakai baju kurung...

On the way g spital,sakit tu datang...aku hanya mampu pejamkan mata and tarik nafas dalam2..tangan HB sejuk sangat...aiks,macam die pulok nak branak...hehehehe...rupa2nya HB takut aku branak dalam kete..perjalanan dari umah ke An Nisa' dalam 45 minit...laju giler HB bawak kete.. HB call mak dengan umi bagitahu aku dah sakit nak branak...

Sampai je An Nisa', HB pegi daftar..kebetulan ade labour room kosong,aku terus masuk...aku berdua dengan HB jelah dalam bilik tu..sakit nak branak tu datang dan pegi...setiap kali datang sakit tu,aku tarik nafas dalam2..ni untuk pernafasan ke baby jugak...sakitnya teramat sangat..

Tak lama lepas tu,mak dengan umi sampai dengan driver aboh..aboh xmai kerana ade meting... mase tu doktor tak mai lagi...misi cakap biase la anak sulong,jalan baby nak kuar tu lambat skit nak bukak..aku sakit nak branak,nye boleh cakap mcm tu...aku tahu la die tu misi berpengalaman..misi tanye aku dah makan pagi ke belum,aku jawap x lagi..misi suruh aku mkn la,karang xde tenaga nak teran pulok kan..mak pom pegi beli makanan di kantin.aku sempat lagi makan bihun goreng + telur masak separuh 2 biji,minum air milo...waaaa bersemangat aku makan tu...

Doktor yang biase merawat aku semasa mengandung pom sampai..cek jalan dah 5cm dah...terkejut doc..yelah cepat bukak jalan...hahaha...rahsianya mkn la salindah...dalam ati aku lepas asar,insya allah aku akan branak...mase sakit tu datang,ya allah sakitnya yang teramat sangat..mulut aku ni xbenti2 cakap mende bukan2..mintak doc wat perbedahan la..mcm2 lagi...mase tu aku betul2 dah xtahan..mak sampai marahkan aku cakap mende bukan2.HB mase tu dok tenangkan aku,suruh aku bertenang baik2..yelah kami menunggu 9 bulan kelahiran baby nie...

Bila dah cukup 8cm doc cek,doc suruh teran...aku pom teran...teran pom xkuar pom baby....aku pom try lagi...rupa2nya doc cakap baby terlengok ke atas..sbb tu aku teran x kuar...mcm2 cara doc suruh aku buat..semuanya xjadi jgk...aku frust sgt mase tu,bercampur keletihan aku meneran...aku rase nak pengsan dok neran...HB pom cakap ke mak aku,aku dah xlarat...HB tanye doc ade ape cadangan doc,doc cakap buat perbedahan jelah..HB pom terus setuju kerana keciankan aku dah x bermaya...lepas semua prosedia buat aku pom akan ke dewan bedah..sblm aku ke dewan bedah,aboh masuk labour room jupe aku..lepas tu aku terus di bawak terus ke dewan bedah..aku masih ingat lagi ketika tu,aku sempat lagi sakit 2 kali sebelum aku di bius...

Bila pakar bius memperkenalkan dirinya..bertanyakan nama aku..lepas tu aku dah di bius sepenuhnya..aku mintak aku di bius sepenuhnya...kalu HB ade bersama aku,mayb aku di bius separuh je..Terngiang-ngiang aku dengar name aku dipanggil..mcm aku penah dengar suara tu..rupa2nya suara HB aku panggil aku,mase tu aku baru kuar dewan bedah..aku pom kembali pengsan semula...hahahaha..dalam pukul 10 mlm aku pom sedar sepenuhnya...perkara yang pertama kuar dari mulut aku,aku tanye mane baby...HB jawap sekejap lagi misi wat mari baby...HB xhenti2 kiss aku,cakap baby kami comel sangat...misi bawak baby,aku pom cium baby..sungguh comel baby aku..mase tu terasa hilang semuanya sakit2 aku...benar la orang royak,bila tengok anak..hilang semua sakit...betul tuh,aku pom dah x ingat sakit tu macamane...hehehe..malam tu jugak adek aku excited,suruh HB aku wat video call nak tengok baby...HB aku pom buat la,bile tengok baby,dia jerit kate comel sungguh baby aku..siap cakap aku napok gemuk..ade ke patut???kekeke

Lahir la baby gegirl pada 15 Julai 2009 pada pukul 7.47 pm & 3.2 kg di Pusat Perubatan An Nisa' ->

Ketika tu semua ade mari melawat aku,malam tu aku ditempatkan wad beramai2 walaupom HB dah booking bilik..aku ditempatkan di wad beramai2 kerana aku diletakkan dalam pengawasan misi2..malam tu HB aku balik dengan aman...mak dengan aboh stay tunggu aku...aboh tido dalam bilik,mak jelah yang temankan aku...ketika tu,kebanyakkan baby lahir semuannya baby boy,hanya aku je branak baby girl...hehehe..HB aku cakap dekat nurseri,misi susun baby aku ditengah-tengah...baby girl aku dikapit di tengah2....hehehe...di kiri kanan baby aku semua baby boy..

sekian,nnt insya allah mummy akan ceritakan lagi...to be continue baby..

Hari Ke-2 baby ku

Hari ke-2 di An Nisa',pagi2 lagi misi lapkan badan aku...mase misi dok lap badan aku,aboh mai nak tengok aku dulu pastu nak balik umah kg raja.semalam aboh dengan mak stay tunggu aku..HB balik..dalam tengahari HB sampai kat An Nisa' walaupom janji dengan aku lepas subuh nak bertolak mari..huhuhu..aku mintak dengan misi untuk masuk dalam bilik wad tapi misi suruh tunggu dulu,tunggu doc cek aku...lepas doc datang mai cek aku,aku pom di pindahkan dalam wad dalam bilik..mmm best sikit ade la privasi sikit...boleh la mak ke HB ke rehat2 dalam bilik..aku royak ke HB suruh misi wat mai baby...ni pic ari ke-2 baby aku

Hari ke-3..insya allah aku akan balik umah ari ni..mula2 doc aku datang mai untuk merawat aku..lepas tu doc baby pulok datang untuk memberi penerangan tentang baby..doc baby cakap semua nya ok...pendengaran dia,jantung dan lain2...doc baby cakap mase nak kuarkan baby pom susah sikit sebab tu aku x leh nak branak secara normal...tu yang aku frust jugak tu,yelah aku x leh nak branak normal..padahal mase aku mengandung aku tiada masalah pom dengan kandungan..tapi aku tetap bersyukur kepada Allah sebab semuanya dah selamat walaupom aku menlahirkan baby secara pembedahan (cesarean)...babyku,mummy mu telah merasai kesakitan nak branak secara normal dan secara pembedahan..dua-dua aku merasai sakitnya

my pregnancy: 39 weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

Quick Clicks

• Inducing labor
• Newborn screening tests: Which ones your baby needs and why
• Laugh and learn: New parents share their most embarrassing mistakes
• Introducing your child to your new baby: Overview
• Relaxation tips to ease labor pain

At each of your now-weekly visits, your caregiver will do an abdominal exam to check your baby's growth and position. She might also do an internal exam to see whether your cervix has started ripening: softening, effacing (thinning out), and dilating (opening). But even armed with this information, there's still no way for your caregiver to predict exactly when your baby is coming. If you go past your due date, your caregiver will schedule you for fetal testing (usually a sonogram) after 40 weeks to ensure that it's safe to continue the pregnancy. If you don't go into labor on your own, most practitioners will induce labor when you're between one and two weeks overdue — or sooner if there's an indication that the risk of waiting is greater than the risks of delivering your baby without further delay.

While you're waiting, it's important to continue to pay attention to your baby's movements and let your caregiver know right away if they seem to decrease. Your baby should remain active right up to delivery, and a noticeable slowdown in activity could be a sign of a problem. Also call if you think your water may have broken. Membranes rupture before the beginning of labor in about 8 percent of term pregnancies. Sometimes there's a big gush of fluid, but sometimes there's only a small gush or a slow leak. (Don't try to make the diagnosis yourself. Call even if you only suspect you have a leak.) If you rupture your membranes and don't start contractions on your own, you'll be induced.

Surprising Facts: How your body changes after giving birth

Even if your labor and delivery was fast and easy, it will take some time for you to feel like your old self again. It may be hard, but try to remember that it took nine months to get here, so you won't bounce back — emotionally or physically — overnight.

What to expect from your body:

• You'll start losing weight right away. While you probably won't return to your pre-pregnancy weight for some time, most women are about 12 pounds lighter after delivering one 7- to 9-pound baby and losing another pound or two of placenta and another two pounds or so of blood and amniotic fluid. Although it will take a while for your body to regain its pre-pregnancy shape — that pregnant belly may stick around for longer than you'd like — by the end of the first week, you'll probably have lost about 4 pounds of water weight.

• You'll have lochia discharge. After your baby is born, the cells that form the lining of your uterus will begin to slough off. This results in a discharge called lochia that lasts for weeks. At first, this discharge is mixed with blood, so it appears bright red and menstrual-like, then it gradually gets lighter in color, finally fading to white or yellow before it stops.

• Your emotions will be in flux. Within the first week or two of giving birth, many new moms experience the "baby blues." You may find yourself moody and weepy, exhausted, unable to sleep, or feeling trapped or anxious. Your appetite can change, too — you might want to eat more or less. The good news is this emotional upheaval will generally pass within two to three weeks.

Call your caregiver if: • You have signs of abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as soaking more than one sanitary pad in an hour, passing blood clots bigger than a golf ball, or bright red bleeding that occurs four days or more after you give birth. You may have what's called a delayed postpartum hemorrhage. (Note: Call 911 if you're bleeding profusely or if you have any signs of shock, including lightheadedness, weakness, rapid heartbeat or palpitations, rapid or shallow breathing, clammy skin, restlessness, or confusion.)
• You have signs of infection, which may include any fever; lower abdominal pain or foul-smelling discharge (signs of endometritis); difficulty urinating, painful urination, cloudy or bloody urine (signs of a urinary tract infection); redness, tenderness, discharge, or swelling around the site of a wound (such as a c-section incision, episiotomy, or laceration); a painful, hard, reddened area, usually only on one breast, and fever, chills, muscle aches or fatigue, and possibly a headache (signs of mastitis, a breast infection).

• You have signs of postpartum depression, such as being unable to sleep even when your baby sleeps, having any thoughts of harming your child, crying all day long for several days in a row, or having panic attacks.

How to recover more quickly:

• Get as much rest as you can, and make an effort to sleep when your baby sleeps. This can be tough advice to follow, especially during the day, but it really helps.

• Limit visitors and the time you spend with them. Consider turning off the phone and posting a "we're napping" message on your door to discourage drop-ins.

• Eat a well-balanced diet.

• Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugared sodas.

• Accept all offers for help with cooking, cleaning, childcare, errands, and the like. If you aren't receiving offers, ask for help. It's hard, but trust us, your friends and family want to help and most will be honored you asked. If you can't get help for free, consider hiring a mother's helper, cleaning lady, or others who can give you a break.

• Don't isolate yourself. Talking to friends, relatives, and other new moms about your birth experience and life with a newborn can help you cope.

This Week's Activity:

If you're planning to breastfeed and haven't bought nursing bras yet, now is the time. Bring them to the hospital — you'll want them for comfort and support. Your breasts are likely much larger now than pre-pregnancy, and they'll probably increase one or two more sizes while you're nursing. While you're shopping, get some breast pads to tuck into your bra to absorb any leaks and some purified or "medical-grade" lanolin ointment for tender nipples. (Avoid lanolin if you're allergic to wool.)

my pregnancy: 38 weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

Quick Clicks

• Caring for a newborn: Tips from new parents
• Twenty tips from breastfeeding veterans
• Breech birth
• Baby Poop 101
• Swollen extremities (edema) during pregnancy

For many women, the next couple of weeks are a waiting game. Use this time to prepare your baby's nursery or to take care of necessary tasks you may not get around to for a while after your baby's born. Take naps, catch up on your reading, and spend uninterrupted time with your partner while you can.

Some swelling in your feet and ankles is normal during these last weeks, but call your practitioner without delay if you notice excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, any swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, or have a sudden weight gain. Also let her know immediately if have severe or persistent headaches; visual changes (such as double or blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, light sensitivity, or a temporary loss of vision), intense upper abdominal pain or tenderness, or nausea and vomiting. These are symptoms of a serious condition called preeclampsia.

3 Questions About... Preparing to breastfeed

Q1.

Why is breastfeeding considered the best way to feed a baby?

Breast milk is nature's most perfect food for babies. It has just the right proportion and types of proteins, carbs, and fats, along with almost all of the vitamins and minerals that a baby needs in the first six months of life. Dozens of studies have confirmed the benefits of breastfeeding and new ones are published all the time. Here's a look at some of the highlights. Breastfeeding can:

• help protect your baby from diarrhea, respiratory problems, and ear infections.
• reduce your baby's risk for allergies, leukemia, and possibly obesity.
• reduce your stress level and risk of breast cancer.

Q2.

What can I do to prepare for breastfeeding?

You can set yourself up for breastfeeding success by reading about how to breastfeed and learning where to turn for help if the going gets rough. Here are four key things to know:

• Insist that you and your baby have skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth (unless either of you has a medical complication) so you can start breastfeeding as soon as possible. If you have a c-section, ask that your baby join you in the recovery room as soon as your surgery is done.

• Realize that nursing doesn't come naturally to every woman, and if you're feeling discouraged, you're not alone. Get help early while you're still at the hospital or birth center to make sure you and your baby get the hang of breastfeeding before you go home.

• Nurse your newborn frequently — eight to 12 times every 24 hours. And unless medically necessary, your baby shouldn't get anything but breast milk until breastfeeding is well established (for the first few weeks at least).

• For more information, see BabyCenter's comprehensive breastfeeding area.

Q3.

Does breastfeeding hurt?

Just because breastfeeding is the most natural way to nourish your baby doesn't mean it's always easy. For many women, breastfeeding can be uncomfortable or even painful at first. Don't suffer in silence. Pain is often an indication that your baby isn't attached to your breast properly. Her mouth should cover a large part of your areola (the pigmented skin around your nipple). Your nipple should be far back in your baby's mouth. If nursing hurts after your baby's first few sucks, break the suction by inserting your little finger between your baby's gums and your nipple — and try again until you find a position that's less painful. Talk to a lactation consultant before you leave the hospital to make sure your baby is latching on to your breast correctly. If your hospital doesn't provide lactation support or you encounter difficulties after leaving the hospital, you can contact La Leche League International for help.


Some women are totally comfortable breastfeeding in public, while others feel self-conscious. If you're worried about it, carry a jacket or extra blanket with you when you go out with your baby. That way, if he needs to nurse before while you're out, you can drape it over your shoulder and your baby's head for privacy.

This Week's Activity:

Start reading up on baby care. If you haven't already, now is the perfect time to switch reading gears from pregnancy to baby. You won't have as much time to read after your baby's born, so learn all you can about the first few weeks now. A good place to start is BabyCenter's Preparing for a Newborn area.

my pregnancy: 37 weeks

How your baby's growing:

Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.

Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

Quick Clicks

• Signs of labor
• How to push: Should your body be your guide?
• The stages of labor
• Pregnancy blahs: Bored with pregnancy
• Ten tips for labor coaches

Braxton Hicks contractions may be coming more frequently now and may last longer and be more uncomfortable. You might also notice an increase in vaginal discharge. If you see some "bloody show" (mucus tinged with a tiny amount of blood) in the toilet or in your undies, labor is probably a few days away — or less. (If you have heavier spotting or bleeding, call your caregiver immediately.) Also be sure to ask your caregiver about the results of your Group B strep culture. That way, if the result isn't yet on your chart when you get to the hospital or birth center, you'll be able to give the staff there a timely heads-up if you need antibiotics.

It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy through the day — this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby's movements, too, and let your caregiver know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though her quarters are getting cozy, she should still be as active as before.

While you're sleeping, you're likely to have some intense dreams. Anxiety both about labor and about becoming a parent can fuel a lot of strange flights of unconscious fancy.

Home alone "I know some people are thrilled to show off their new baby. But all I wanted to do was curl up with her in my arms when I got home from the hospital. Next time I'll tell people ahead of time that we aren't seeing visitors for the first week." — Anonymous

Surprising Facts: Signs of labor

There's no way to predict when labor is going to start. Your body actually starts "preparing" for labor up to a month before you give birth. You may be blissfully unaware of what's going on or you may begin to notice new symptoms as your due date draws near.

Here are some things that may happen in the weeks or days before labor starts:

• Your baby drops. If this is your first pregnancy, you may feel what's known as "lightening" a few weeks before labor starts as your baby descends lower into your pelvis. You might detect a heaviness in your pelvis as this happens and notice less pressure just below your ribcage, making it easier to catch your breath.

• You note an uptick in Braxton Hicks contractions. More frequent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions can signal pre-labor, during which your cervix ripens and the stage is set for true labor. Some women experience a crampy, menstrual-like feeling during this time.

• You pass your mucus plug. The mucus plug is the small amount of thickened mucus that blocks the cervical canal leading to your uterus. The plug may come out all at once in a lump, or as increased vaginal discharge over the course of several days. The mucus may be tinged with blood (which may be brown, pink, or red), in which case it may be referred to as "bloody show."

• Your water breaks. Most women start having regular contractions sometime before their water breaks, but in some cases, the water breaks first. When this happens, labor usually follows soon. (If contractions don't start promptly on their own, you'll be induced.) Whether the amniotic fluid comes out in a large gush or a small trickle, call your doctor or midwife.

How can I tell if I'm in false labor or true labor?
Sometimes it's very hard to tell false labor from the early stages of true labor. Here are some things that might help you sort it out:
• False labor contractions are unpredictable. They come at irregular intervals and vary in length and intensity. Although true labor contractions may be irregular at first, over time they start coming at regular and shorter intervals, become increasingly more intense, and last longer.
• With false labor, the pain from the contractions is more likely to be centered in your lower abdomen. With true labor, you may feel the pain start in your lower back and wrap around to your abdomen.
• False labor contractions may subside on their own, or when you start or stop an activity or change position. True labor contractions will persist and progress regardless of what you do.

This Week's Activity:

Figure out how to install your baby's car seat. You can't bring your baby home without a car seat and it's harder to install than you think, so don't wait until the last minute. Some car seat manufacturers have a toll-free number for you to call so an expert can walk you through the process. Or get a car seat safety inspector to help you. To find one in your area, go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Web site or look in your local phone book.

my pregnancy: 36 weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.

At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position. But if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.

See what your baby looks like this week. (Or see what fraternal twins look like in the womb this week.)

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

Quick Clicks

• Live birth: Epidural
• Bonding with your newborn
• False labor
• Low back pain during pregnancy
• What to pack for the hospital when you're having a c-section

Now that your baby is taking up so much room, you may have trouble eating a normal-size meal. Smaller, more frequent meals are often easier to handle at this point. On the other hand, you may have less heartburn and have an easier time breathing when your baby starts to "drop" down into your pelvis. This process — called lightening — often happens a few weeks before labor if this is your first baby. (If you've given birth before, it probably won't happen before labor starts.) If your baby drops, you may also feel increased pressure in your lower abdomen, which may make walking increasingly uncomfortable, and you'll probably find that you have to pee even more frequently. If your baby is very low, you may feel lots of vaginal pressure and discomfort as well. Some women say it feels as though they're carrying a bowling ball between their legs!

You might also notice that your Braxton Hicks contractions are more frequent now. Be sure to review the signs of labor with your practitioner and find out when she wants to hear from you. As a general rule, if you're full-term, your pregnancy is uncomplicated, and your water hasn't broken, she'll probably have you wait to come in until you've been having contractions that last for about a minute each, coming every five minutes for an hour. Of course, you'll want to call right away if you notice a decrease in your baby's activity or think you're leaking amniotic fluid, or if you have any vaginal bleeding, fever, a severe or persistent headache, constant abdominal pain, or vision changes.

Even if you're enjoying an uncomplicated pregnancy, it's best to avoid flying (or any travel far from home) during your final month because you can go into labor at any time. In fact, some airlines won't let women on board who are due to deliver within 30 days of the flight.

Eating in "Start collecting take-out and delivery menus from local restaurants. You won't have time to cook in the early weeks after giving birth. Even restaurants without a visible take-out business will usually accommodate a to-go order (especially if it's for a new mom!)." — Kristina

Surprising Facts: The stages of labor

For first-time moms, labor takes an average of 15 hours, though it's not uncommon to last more than 20. (For women who've previously had a vaginal birth, it takes eight hours, on average.) The process of labor and birth is divided into three main stages. Here are the highlights on how childbirth progresses:

First stage The first stage begins when you start having contractions that progressively dilate and efface your cervix and it ends when your cervix is fully dilated. This stage is divided into two phases, early and active labor.

It can be tricky to determine exactly when early labor starts. That's because early labor contractions are sometimes hard to distinguish from the inefficient Braxton Hicks contractions that you may have been feeling for some time.

Unless there are complications or your midwife or doctor has advised you otherwise, expect to sit out most of your early labor at home. (Be sure, though, to check in with your caregiver to make certain.)

Early labor ends when your cervix is about 4 centimeters dilated and your progress starts to speed up. At this point, you enter what's known as the active phase of labor. Your contractions become more frequent, longer, and stronger.

The last part of the active phase — when your cervix dilates from 8 to 10 centimeters — is called the transition period because it marks the transition to the second stage of labor. This is the most intense part of the first stage, with contractions that are usually very strong, coming about every two and a half to three minutes and lasting a minute or more.

Second stage Once your cervix is fully dilated, the second stage of labor begins: the final descent and birth of your baby. This is the "pushing" stage of labor, and it can last anywhere from minutes to a few hours. (It's likely to be quicker if you've previously given birth vaginally.)

Your baby's head will continue to advance with each push until it "crowns" — the term used to describe the time when the widest part of your baby's head is finally visible. After your baby's head comes out, your midwife or doctor will suction his mouth and nose, and feel around his neck for the umbilical cord. His head then turns to the side as his shoulders rotate inside the pelvis to get into position for their exit. With the next contraction, you'll be coached to push as his shoulders deliver, one at a time, followed by the rest of his body.

You may feel a wide range of emotions now: euphoria, awe, pride, disbelief, excitement (to name a few), and, of course, intense relief that it's all over. Exhausted as you may be, you'll also probably feel a burst of energy, and any thoughts of sleep will vanish for the time being.

Stage three The final stage of labor begins immediately after the birth of your baby and ends with the delivery of your placenta. The contractions in the third stage are relatively mild.

Get a more detailed account of what happens during each stage of labor.

This Week's Activity:

Create a grapevine. Make a list of all the people you want to hear about your baby's birth — with their phone numbers or e-mail addresses — and pass this along to a friend who can spread the news. That way, when you're ready for others to know, all you have to do is make one call. Include at least one person from work on the list, so they can spread the word there.

my pregnancy: 35 weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

Quick Clicks

• When is my baby likely to drop?
• Pain medication for labor: Overview
• Breastfeeding: Getting started
• Preeclampsia
• Diapering your baby: Step-by-step instructions

Your uterus — which was entirely tucked away inside your pelvis when you conceived — now reaches up under your rib cage. If you could peek inside your womb, you'd see that there's more baby than amniotic fluid in there now. Your ballooning uterus is crowding your other internal organs, too, which is why you probably have to urinate more often and may be dealing with heartburn and other gastrointestinal distress. If you're not grappling with these annoyances, you're one of the lucky few.


From here on out, you'll start seeing your practitioner every week. Sometime between now and 37 weeks, she'll do a vaginal and rectal culture to check for bacteria called Group B streptococci (GBS). (Don't worry — the swab is the size of a regular cotton swab, and it won't hurt at all.) GBS is usually harmless in adults, but if you have it and pass it on to your baby during birth, it can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, meningitis, or a blood infection. Because 10 to 30 percent of pregnant women have the bacteria and don't know it, it's vital to be screened. (The bacteria come and go on their own — that's why you weren't screened earlier in pregnancy.) If you're a GBS carrier, you'll get IV antibiotics during labor, which will greatly reduce your baby's risk of infection.

This is also a good time to create a birth plan. Using our form will help you focus on specifics — like who'll be present, what pain management techniques you want to try, and where you want your baby to stay after you deliver. It will give you a starting point to discuss your preferences with your medical team. Childbirth is unpredictable, and chances are you won't follow your plan to the letter, but thinking about your choices ahead of time — and sharing your preferences with your caregiver — should take some of the anxiety out of the process.

Prep early for those first weeks "To streamline a chore like filling out birth announcements, address and stamp your envelopes now while you're still in control of your time." — Laura

3 Questions About...Arriving at the hospital

Q1.

How can I prepare for my arrival at the hospital?

Long before you go into labor, you and your partner should map out the most direct route to the hospital or birth center. Find out where to park, keeping in mind that you'll be leaving your car for at least 24 hours. Ask the hospital staff where you should enter if you arrive after-hours. Most hospitals offer tours of the obstetrical floor at designated times. Taking advantage of these tours will give you a chance to do a dry run before the big day.

Q2.

What should I do when I get to the hospital?

If you've preregistered, you should follow the instructions you've been given, which probably include breezing right by the front desk and going directly to the maternity ward. If you haven't preregistered, you can probably still head directly to the maternity ward. There's usually a check-in desk once you get there. The staff there will help you deal with any necessary paperwork.

A nurse may lead you directly to a birthing room and pair you with a labor and delivery nurse. If it's not clear that you're in active labor or need to be admitted for other reasons, she'll most likely bring you to an exam room first. Your caregiver will evaluate you there to see if you're ready to be admitted.

The nurse will ask you for a urine sample and have you change your clothes. Then she'll check your vital signs and ask when your contractions started and how far apart they are, whether your water's broken, and whether you've had any vaginal bleeding. She'll also want to know if your baby's been moving, if you've recently had anything to eat or drink, and how you're coping with the pain.

Your caregiver will check the frequency and duration of your contractions as well as your baby's heart rate. Then she'll perform an abdominal and vaginal exam. If it looks like you're not in labor or are still in early labor— and everything is okay with you and your baby — you'll probably be sent home until your labor is further along. Otherwise, you'll be admitted.

Q3.

What will happen once I'm admitted?

The nurse or your caregiver may ask if you have a birth plan. Even if you don't have a written plan, share your needs and preferences with the staff, including your feelings about using pain medication during labor.

Then you'll have blood drawn (to find out your blood type among other things) and an IV may be started. You'll definitely need an IV to get antibiotics if you test positive for Group B strep, for hydration if you can't keep fluids down, if you want a spinal or an epidural, if you need oxytocin (Pitocin), or if you have any health problems or pregnancy complications.

Your nurse or caregiver should also orient you, showing you where everything is in your room and where your partner can get ice for you. Don't be shy about requesting things you might need, like a rocking chair, a cool washcloth, or another blanket, or asking any lingering questions you might have. And if you're going to have continuous electronic fetal monitoring and are interested in how it works, ask her to explain which lines on the strip show your contractions and which show the heartbeat, and let her know if you'd prefer the volume on the machine to be turned up or down.

Talk to your caregiver about preregistering at the hospital. If you prepare the paperwork now, you won't have to worry about it on the big day.

• Did you let nature take its course or did you try to plan your baby's birth for a particular day, month, or season?

This Week's Activity:

Prepare food to eat after your baby's born. If you cook, start doubling recipes and freezing half. You and your partner will be too exhausted to cook in the first weeks after you bring your baby home and you'll be thrilled to have healthy meals you can heat up fast. If you don't cook, go around your neighborhood and pick up all the takeout and delivery menus you can find. You'll be grateful for all the options at your fingertips.