week 16: discussion of Oscar Results

Shortest wait for gynae today!
Was given a mask because I'm coughing and feeling congested.
Dr Poon walked in with a smile at 10.50am, our appt was at 10.30am with a patient before us.

He took my blood pressure (borderline) and asked how i was feeling, if i was eating well etc.
He went on mentioning that my weight is not increasing fast enough.
I'm standing at 42.5kg now, thats a 100g increase since my last appt 3 weeks ago.
Its not like i don't want to eat, i'm dying to! Appetite is not great and if I'm nauseated, i can forget about food for the rest of the day.
I'm still throwing up as of last week; is my morning sickness ever gonna get better?
His target for me is a gain of 500g by the next appt. WHAT?

Ultrasound scan revealed baby's in good health, all growing accordingly. He stopped giving us the length (head to rump) because as it starts to get more cramp, it will be harder to measure baby's length. He did take notes/length of the baby's limbs, neck, head, torso etc. And of course he let us listen to the precious heartbeat. I always smile when i hear buttercup's loud heartbeat.

This week, buttercup's hand is covering his/her genitals, so Dr Poon couldn't get an accurate reading of the gender. Not surprisingly, baby is sleeping face down, thus the awkward downward facing ultrasound photo below:

He did mention my placenta is a little low-lying but it should move up during the pregnancy.
We went on to discuss the Oscar test which we passed with flying colours.
Age risk is 1:725, and for the other Trisomy 13, it is about 1:<10000 nbsp="" p="">Bloodworks reflected good results for hep B, HIV, glucose and haemoglobin.
Praise the Lord for His hands upon our pregnancy and for this little miracle in my womb (: Just immensely grateful and thankful every single day.

Noticed my gums are bleeding these few weeks, and some bumps on both my arms.
And the hairy belly. Hormones are hard at work!

Because of the haze, I'm coughing and feeling congested.
Dr Poon prescribed Fluimucil, Dequalinium and Duro Tuss Forte for me.
Hopefully it clears up soon cause I'm so done coughing. Not only does it affect my sleep, my head becomes super heavy. And more medication??? No thanks.

This trip is costly because we signed up for the antenatal package $939.46:

package $800
medication $78

This is what Dr Poon King Fu offers in his clinic as of 2015:

So it will be 3 weeks interval per checkup till the 28th week, then it will be fortnightly. Then weekly.
Looking forward to seeing buttercup grow grow grow!

week 12

Hi guys!
I've endured 7 weeks of morning sickness!
Lost a bit of weight, standing at 42.3kg now.
But baby's heart is beating healthily at 168bpm (:
Still at a loss whether to go for Oscar/Harmony test.
But i have to do my compulsory blood test next week, freak out please.

Gagging continues, puking decreased, i try to avoid vomit triggers like durian, onion, garlic, fried food smell, hawker centre, coffee shop.
Recently, cannot stand the smell of my mother's chinese cooking.
I try to brush my teeth at lightning speed because i cannot tolerate the toothpaste taste either.

Diet wise, I'm still quite picky. I prefer food like sandwich, green apples or thick soups.
Sometimes i want to eat a certain food, but once its placed in front of me, i lose my appetite immediately. Basically i eat like a mouse now.
Hoping the morning sickness starts to ease this coming week so i can start enjoying pregnancy and indulge in all the food!

Dr Poon started me on Fish Oil supplement.
Why is it so expensive!! $45 a bottle of 30 capsules.........
I have to continue with my Folate, Iron and Calcium pills. That's still 4 pills in total.

My BP is always on the higher side, but after seeing the doctor, it normally drops to 114-134.
I guess thats anxiety and excitement all at the same time.
Waited 2 hours to see him today, so we took our time with consultation, bombing him with a list of questions. Had a horrible headache last night which kept me up, sleeping position is not comfortable (back/left side...nothing works), gotta clear my bladder at least once every night.

Immensely grateful Marcus buys me food i want to eat, and he helps me to finish my leftovers.
I cannot stand the way i feel on most days, eeky, sicky, pukey, all grossed out.

Today's breakdown $194+:

Consultation: $65
Scan: $60
Urine Test: $5
Iron pill: $7
Fish oil: $45

Here's an ultrasound of buttercup. He/she is sleeping in a curled up position so Dr Poon couldn't capture a good photo after trying many times. Which means the measurement is not accurate today either. Its ok baby, just sleep and grow well for Daddy and Mummy ok xoxo

week 10: Morning Sickness at its peak

Hi guys! I am into my 10th week of pregnancy.
The past week has been a trying one; felt nauseated all week long, puking & gagging away.
Still, i force myself to eat and drink for the sake of the little life inside me.

Currently standing at 42.6kg, Dr Poon wasn't impressed with my weight loss.
Not so easy to gain with my lack of appetite :(
Baby measures slightly past the 3cm mark. That's double the length, 2 weeks ago.
His heart beats strong and rapidly.

This time, i was a little more calm during the appointment.
Morning sickness was super dampening on my spirits and making my days unproductive.
Marcus have been extremely caring and patient with me.
I am so so so loved.

These days, i take a minimum of 2 hours nap, twice a day.
When i'm not sleeping, i pray, listen to worship songs, stone, get some work done.
No serious cravings for anything.
If i can complete a meal, that itself is an achievement.
I absolutely detest the taste of toothpaste, durian, garlic, onions and anything too overpowering.

Being the first patient of the day, Dr Poon seems quite unsettled (his messy morning hair haha).
He still answered our questions patiently and i brought up concerns about all the medicine i had been given since the last consultation. We discussed and changed some.

Folate, Cativ D3, Ironyl (changed to Neogobion) and lastly Utrogeston (changed to Duphaston).
Its causing me depression just taking that many pills.
The side effects are no joke.
However, he was insistent that i should continue the supplements.
So i will continue to be good until the end of my 1st Trimester.
Really taking it one day at a time now.

Will be taking blood test in 2 weeks time to test for HIV, blood count, blood type and a whole bunch of other stuffs. Ahhh i do hate needles and pain.
It will prove of those pills work in increasing my blood count.
I think we are not too keen on the down syndrome tests, so might skip it.
We are keeping the baby regardless, and we place our trust in Him.

2nd appointment cost us $190+ including GST, a few dollars short of $200.

Consultation: $65
Ultrasound $60
Urine test $5 (for gulcose level)
A bunch of medicine ranging $7-40

Ouch.

I know i promised a photo of my baby bump but i realised it can't be seen in photos yet.
I still look flat in the front but top view seems to be changing (noticed only by myself haha).

So here's a nice photo Dr Poon captured:
Wiggly hands and feet.
I can see his happy belly hehe.
Grow up healthily and well baby, xoxo!

If only they had such a heart to fear Me and keep all My commands, so that they and their children will prosper forever.
Deu 5:29

Dr Poon King Fu Review

I wish we had known about Dr Poon earlier.
A good friend Amy recommended us to him recently.
He was so reassuring, friendly, and he made us feel comfortable immediately.

Today marks 7 weeks (8 maybe), its always +5 -5 approximately.
Praise the Lord we saw growth, development and heard the heartbeat.
God is so so so good (:

Dr Poon answered our questions patiently, he explained what i should avoid, how the husband can take care of me, i just feel so assured to have him taking care of me now. Grateful and thankful God directed us to the right doctor and friends.

Its better to make an appointment in advance because i got rejected 2 weeks ago. Their schedule was full for the day and i got turned away. Made an appointment to see him at 1045, saw him only at 1115. Wasn't too long a wait but i was super kanchiong to see the little one!! Technology and clinic environment is standard, ultrasound photo turned out very clear. He also checked my Blood Pressure and stomach before the scan. Dr Phua did none of these. I would think there's more privacy as compared to Dr Phua at Kovan.
Dr Poon delivers at Mount E Novena too, so we are definitely excited!!

Dr Poon makes his morning rounds at the hospital before stepping into clinic after 10am.
Some waiting is expected if there are emergencies at the hospitals.

Bottom line, we highly recommend Dr Poon. He's godly, confident and thorough with his explanations without much promptings. I could tell he was equally as happy when he scanned me this morning, he even said Thank God and smiled when he saw the little one. Which made me extra happy to know my doctor is optimistic like we are.

Below is a breakdown of our 1st visit (excludes GST):

Consultation: $80
Scan: $60
Urine test: $5
Medicine: $5-7

I would say it slightly on the pricer side for a neighbourhood clinic.
Almost like Dr Kowa charges over at Mount E.
But we do feel like we are in good hands this time.
Lord, please continue to bless Marcus in his ministry and career so we can afford the checkups :b

As of today, i really detest durians and meat.
Bloatedness and morning sickness continues but it seems much better already.
I experience extreme fatigue on some days. But not a problem since i don't bake on a daily basis. Im positively sure i have a baby bump, its still flat-looking but i feel the difference already. When you are more tone, its harder to see a bump. Will provide a baby bump photo on my next entry after my 10th week checkup. Stay tune!

Update 26 Feb 2016: Dr Poon King Fu is honestly our best decision ever (:
Mention my name (Shanice) if you are going to visit him.
He will be extra extra extra extra friendly with you haha

week 5: Are you married?

"Yes i am."

That was the question by Dr Phua, our recent gynae.
Same one during my 1st pregnancy which ended on the 11th week with a D&C last year.

Well, good news!
I am 5 weeks pregnant.
Next appointment is in 2 weeks time, hopefully the little one will grow healthily till full term.
I'm casting away all negative thoughts on this pregnancy.

Am prescribed Utrogestan to stabilise the pregnancy, and the usual folic acid.
Morning sickness hasn't really kicked in yet, or rather, its not as bad as the last year's.
If all is well, we will have a March 2016 baby!
Same month as our wedding anniversary.

We are very thankful and extremely happy.
Thank you God!
If you are reading this, pray for us! (:

Phua Soo Mear review

2 week post D&C update:

Did an ultrasound yesterday at Dr Phua's to confirm everything was well.
Weighing 42kg, i'm glad my weight is slowly picking up.
Next step is to wait for period.

Prior to this pregnancy, i was visiting Dr Kowa at Mount E regularly.
He monitors my PCOS condition and i'm fond of his service, friendliness and medical knowledge.
Only downside was the waiting time in his clinic despite having made an appointment.
Dr Kowa's consultation rates ($90), ultrasound ($90) and medicine were on the higher end.
His clinic is huge and he gives very clear ultrasound photos.
Personality wise, he is very kind-spirited, gentle, encouraging and wears a smile all the time.
He gives a lot of information without me asking and never rushes through an appointment.
Dr Kowa wears very lovely bow-ties if you are a fashionista. Haha!

We visited Dr Phua to confirm my pregnancy out of convenience.
He's located very near kovan mrt and its just 5 bus stops away from my place.
His consultation charges ($45 from 2nd consultation onwards), ultrasound etc were about half of Dr Kowa's.
Personality wise, he appeared to be gentle and soft-spoken.
But he is the type of doctor you have to keep probing for answers because he won't tell you much unless you ask.
Or maybe all doctors are like that, they don't acknowledge the foetus unless it hits the second trimester. And sounded nonchalant on every visit.
Waiting time is bearable. It's a decent sized clinic, but just not much privacy when conversations are exchanged. Technology wise, i think its comparable to Dr Kowa's.

I would think he did a good job on the procedure at Thomson Medical Centre.
He charged me $520 for D&C and the anaesthetist fee was $300.
The rest of the bill was covered by medisave.
This miscarriage is costly, no doubt.

Lovely dinner hosted by Keh and Dorothy, who prayed along with us, assured, comforted, guided, encouraged us through God's words. They are like family, role models and mentors to us. Always sharing what God can do in our lives, reminding us of God's love and power. Thank you for being such a blessing to us. I pray God continue to use both of you mightily to bless others and for you both to receive greater blessings from Him who loves beyond.

Dr Phua Soo Mear
Senior consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist
211 Hougang St. 21 #01-289
Singapore 530211

KOWA CLINIC & SURGERY FOR WOMEN
Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre
#16-17/18 Level 16
Singapore 228510