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| A pregnant woman. Image: Pexel |
Ang bilis! The first time I wrote about my pregnancy after 10 years was when I was on my second month. Just like that 6 months have passed. Actually, I was supposed to write about our 7th month pero hindi ko namalayan it is our 8th month already.
This pregnancy is not planned but it's God's will as I always say. He gave us another blessing in a time when everything seems so uncertain. Something to look forward to and give us more hope and faith in Him. And we are beyond blessed.
However, this pregnancy is very challenging too. Aside from there's a current health pandemic, I had encountered several health issues maybe because of my age. It's a high risk pregnancy na actually.
On my second month, I had to take progesterone because my OB saw there's contraction on the ultrasound. She said kung hindi makuha sa medicine I have no choice but to have a bed rest. Thankfully, we made it through and now we are on the 8th month.
On my 7th month naman, I failed the OGCT (Oral Glucose Challenge Test). OGCT is a short version of the OGTT that is used to check pregnant women for signs of gestational diabetes. You will need to drink 50 g glucose solution within 5 minutes then after an hour (note that you are not allowed to eat/drink anything except water), blood will be withdrawn and test for glucose level. With that test we found out that I had elevated blood sugar level. I was advised to watch my diet for a week and take the OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test).
With the OGTT, you will be required to fast for 8-12 hours and then a fasting plasma glucose is tested. Then you will be asked to drink 100g oral glucose solution and blood samples will be withdrawn after 1, 2 and 3 hours. Again you are not allowed to take anything but water while you are waiting for the blood extractions to finish.
But of course, this doesn't mean I am allowed to feast on carbohydrates and sweets. As much as possible, I eat low carbohydrates and sugar-free food.
I am also monitoring my blood sugar level at least twice a week to be safe.
We bought this Accu-Chek Instant glucometer.
In addition, since the first month of my pregnancy, I have been doing prenatal yoga for 10 minutes everyday. That helps me with my back pain and I feel lighter. There are lots of pregnancy exercises that you can try. Some are doing resistance band workout method using workout bands and bars like the one below.
However, to be safe for you and your baby, consult your doctor first before doing such exercises.
And just when I thought everything will be okay, yesterday on my 8th month, I had problem with my blood pressure. I don't know but it looks like I have phobia with blood pressure taken by other people especially when I am in a clinic or hospital. I feel so nervous that no matter how I calm my self, my heart beats even faster. Lol! So my OB said to be safe I had to do urinalysis to determine if there's albumin with it.
The result came fast after 30 minutes and it's all normal. Whew!
I am actually monitoring my blood pressure because I know the pregnancy risks that comes with my age like hypertension and preeclampsia. It's always 120/80, so normal naman. I just can't explain why when I am at the clinic or hospital I feel so nervous just seeing the nurse holding the blood pressure gauge or sphygmomanometer. Can anyone relate? Haha.
There's another concern pa pala with the weight of the baby, it grew another 1 kilo in only two weeks based on my ultrasound. My OB said my weight gain is from 81 to 83 kgs so its possible. But I told her, I only weigh 79-80 kg on our weighing scale so they re-weigh me and its only 81 kgs. Whew! As for baby's weight its really impossible how he grew that fast maybe its because of the ultrasound machine they used that day, which is different from the previous one they are using and it's an older unit.
To be safe, my OB prescribed metformin to control my blood sugar. Because it is possible pa din daw that I will have gestational diabetes even I passed the OGTT. She said metformin is safe for pregnant women and she also prescribe it to women who have PCOS to get pregnant.
Being a paranoid momma, I still research on metformin. Here's what I read Metformin:
Metformin Metformin is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes, and to help prevent type 2 diabetes if you're at high risk of developing it.
Metformin is used when treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), although it's not officially approved for PCOS.
Type 2 diabetes is an illness where the body does not make enough insulin, or the insulin that it makes does not work properly. This can cause high blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia).
PCOS is a condition that affects how the ovaries work.
Metformin lowers your blood sugar levels by improving the way your body handles insulin.
It's usually prescribed for diabetes when diet and exercise alone have not been enough to control your blood sugar levels.
For women with PCOS, metformin lowers insulin and blood sugar levels, and can also stimulate ovulation.
Source: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/metformin/
Also, Metformin should be taken after breakfast. It shouldn't be taken with an empty stomach.
Those are the pregnancy challenges I am having and been through for the past 8 months. I know I am the only one and worst there are pregnant women out there who are experiencing anxiety too. So if you happen to see a pregnant women, please be kind and cheer them up. It will make a big difference.
Hugs to all the preggy mommas like me! Praying for our safe delivery and good health for us and our babies.
P.S.: Will be posting about my baby finds, so please watch out :)
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