I'm a full-time mummy

The other day I was thinking about how low maintenance I am, I don't fancy branded clothes, handbags, shoes, perfume and I don't even use cosmetic products! And then it dawned on me why is that so....

Growing up, I don't recall seeing my own mother in those products at all! A simple plain happy-go-lucky housewife, no branded products in the house and even the make up table next to her bed is just there because we wanted to use the mirror. No cosmetic products on the make up table at all!

So, in a way, I'm thankful for this! Have a blessed week and thank you for reading!

This post is to journal down the 9th month week 37 of my third pregnancy now! From 33 weeks onwards, we are going for bi-weekly check ups with our gynae. Anyway here goes the update:

* APPETITE

Sweet sugary stuff still lures me every now and then which I do indulges after resisting long enough.

* WEIGHT GAIN

My weight at this month (week 37 now) is 56.5kg, that makes it an increase of 11.5kg since I got pregnant, okay, so far so good, weight is gaining normally!

* GYNAE CHECK-UPS

Gynae said based on my previous 2 labors at 39 weeks, our 3rd child will most likely be the same, to be born around 39 weeks as well and based on the placenta shown in ultrasound scan, gynae said he doesn't foresee me giving birth so soon. Baby weight based on ultrasound scan is 2.8kg at 37 weeks preggy now - an increase of 800g in 2 weeks!!! I'm starting to freak out a bit as gynae said by the time baby is born, she might be weighing around 3kg. Benjamin was 2.73kg at birth while Alyson was 2.91kg at birth. Gulp!!!

Amniotic fluid level is normal so far and my biggest worry which is whether baby is turning head down already or not has been answered! She's down! Yay!

This time I also mentioned to our gynae that if possible, I would like to delay the cord clamping and let my hubby clamps the cord himself. Hubby looked surprise (hehehe I didn't tell him I wanted this) and asked why would I want that and I said I just want it lahhhh!!! Gynae is agreeable provided baby is born naturally and given all clear signs, else if baby is not crying after birth, he will have to clamp the cord so that the hospital staff can immediately look into baby's care.

* BREASTFEEDING DURING PREGNANCY

Yes, like what I did with Benjamin when I was pregnant with Alyson, I nursed him throughout the pregnancy. This round? Same. Nipples tend to get sore nowadays with Alyson continuing to suckle for comfort.

* BABY MOVEMENT

Baby movement very very active especially past midnight. Gynae advised to start monitoring for fetal kick count within the span of 12 hours, say from 11am to 11pm since I go to bed after midnight hehehe...

So there you go, updates as at 9 months (37 weeks to be exact) pregnancy... Overall, I am very thankful as all readings are normal and progressing well. I do get worry now and then when I think of the coming labor, even though this will be my 3rd experience, well, every labor is different you know!

Have a blessed week and thank you for reading!

Sharing pictures taken of my labor bag as I realised I have never actually had a proper checklist to keep track or remind myself what to bring when I am due to give birth! I packed this when I was at my 36 weeks pregnancy.

Stuff for myself:

* A pack of disposable panties (the hospital I am going to give birth at only provide the 1st maternity pad which is those string type where they tie at the sides, but other than that no free panties or maternity pad for you)

* A nursing bra

* A T-shirt and a long pants for myself when I checked out from the hospital (will be wearing hospital gown during my stay after labor so no need to bring any extra own clothes until I leave hospital)

* A pack of maternity pads

* Some light snacks (though I can get hubby to bring more from home if I needed to)

* Books to pass time (hopefully can read when baby is asleep)

(Not in picture yet: My mobile phone and charger, hospital health booklet, my identity card)

Stuff for newborn baby:

* A pack of newborn diapers (we don't need to bring the whole pack but I'm lazy to open it up and bring some so just going to lug the whole pack over to hospital since the hospital will not be providing any to us also)

* 3 pairs of baby clothes (short/long sleeve and pants)

* 2 packs of baby wipes

* Talcum powder (just in case need to use)

* Towel (though we can get from hospital as well)

* Few hankerchiefs

* Baby blanket and some comfu swaddles

In case you are wondering what about baby formula powder, bottles and pacifier, well, we never have it for our previous 2 kiddos. Our birth hospital is pro-breastfeeding and they ban any form of baby formula powder, bottles and pacifier so that's the reason we don't need to pack these items in my labor bag.

Let me know if there is anything I should bring along! Thanks!