Welcome Baby Gihan Raphael Paulo!
Anyway, without further ado, let me introduce to you my new bundle of joy - BABY GIHAN RAPHAEL PAULO!
What Is Placenta Accreta and How Will It Effect You?If placenta previa already scares me, well this placenta accreta scares me more. So I must admit that the news really affected me so much, and now I'm thinking what if...But erase, I don't want to entertain negative thoughts anymore because that won't do me and my baby any good. For now, I'll focus on my own case, take the bedrest really seriously, and see my OB as frequent as possible.
Placenta AccretaMost women don’t really think about the placenta while they are pregnant and many don’t realize just how big a role it plays in the development of your baby. So for the same reason many of you probably wouldn’t have an idea of what happens when the placenta does not function as it should.
During a normal pregnancy the placenta attaches to the uterine wall, however there is a condition which may occur if the placenta attaches itself too deeply into the wall of the uterus. This condition is known as placenta accreta, placenta increta, or placenta percreta - and this usually depends on how severe the and how deep the placenta attaches itself. This itself is not a very common issue in pregnancies though, and usually only occurs 1 in every 2,500 pregnancies.
What are the differences between Accreta, Increta and Percreta?
The difference between the three is determined by how bad the attachment to the uterine wall is.
Placenta Accreta occurs when the placenta attaches too deep in the uterine wall but it does not penetrate the uterine muscle. This is the most common accounting for approximately 75% of all cases.
Placenta Increta occurs when the placenta attaches even deeper into the uterine wall and does penetrate into the uterine muscle. This accounts for approximately 15% of all cases.
Placenta Percreta occurs when the placenta penetrates through the entire uterine wall and attaches to another organ such as the bladder. This is the least common of the three conditions accounting for approximately 5% of all cases.
What Causes Placenta Accreta?
Although no one actually knows what causes it – it can be related to both placenta previa and previous cesarean deliveries.
Placenta accreta is present in 5% to 10% of women with placenta previa and the chances of having placenta accrete increases with each c-section – with multiple cesareans being present in over 60% of placenta accreta cases.
Are There Risks For Your Baby?
In most cases premature delivery and subsequent complications are the primary concerns for your baby with bleeding during the third trimester being an indication that there is a possibility that placenta accreta exists.
There are however risks which you may face if you have this complication. The main concern is hemorrhaging during manual attempts to detach the placenta. Severe hemorrhaging can be life threatening. Other concerns involve damage to the uterus or other organs during removal of the placenta. Hysterectomy is a common intervention, but as I am sure you know this results in the to conceive.
What is the Best Treatment For Placenta Accreta?
Unfortunately there is nothing which can be done to prevent it and there is little that can be done for treatment once placenta accreta has been diagnosed.
If you have been diagnosed with placenta accreta your healthcare provider will monitor your pregnancy with the intent of scheduling a delivery and using a surgery that may spare the uterus. You should discuss this option with your healthcare provider should you choose to have more children down the line.
Unfortunately, placenta accreta may be severe enough that a hysterectomy may be needed. Again, it is important to discuss surgical options with your healthcare provider.
Source: www.pregnancy-calendars.net
Zenni Optical on TV!!! Wow! That's great news! See for yourself.

According to my Babystrology.com widget on my other blog, The Baby in Between, it will be 82 days more before my due date. So, that means it will still be around 2 1/2 months more of waiting. I certainly hope that my baby will last that long inside me. Because with the bleeding episodes that I'm constantly experiencing, there's really a big possibility that I deliver this baby boy early.
Of course, any expectant mom would want to deliver a full-term baby. So, I really pray that my baby boy will reach even up to 37 weeks before I give birth to him. For now, it will be 82days more to go and I'm still counting.
I've always loved wearing perfume. However, when I got pregnant I stopped using one because the fragrant smell often makes me feel nauseous. But as soon as I get over with this, I'll buy a new bottle of perfume, at least for a change. I still have my Victoria Secret here, but then it would be better if I switch to something new which has a milder scent like the Clinique Happy.Week 27
How Big is the Baby at 27 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby at 27 weeks now weighs slightly over 2 pounds by 27 weeks pregnant. Your baby's total length is close to 15 inches during pregnancy at 27 weeks! Your baby is now a perfectly formed albeit very tiny human being, but of course will continue growing as you continue your pregnancy week by week .Your Baby's Growth and Development
Your baby's systems continue to mature during pregnancy week 27 and your little one even starts accumulating some weight in the upcoming weeks.
Up until between the 27th and 28th weeks of pregnancy your baby's eyelids are fused together. After this week or next they will open. The retina or the light sensitive portion of the eye typically starts maturing at about 27 weeks of pregnancy. The layers that form in the retina will allow your baby's eyes to receive light and transmit the information it is receiving to the brain to form images. This basic process is referred to as 'sight'. Imagine that, at 27 weeks pregnant your baby is a tiny, seeing human being!
Your Growth and Development
Your uterus continues to climb the height of your stomach during pregnancy at 27 weeks, now measuring almost 2.8 inches above your belly button. If you were to measure your uterus from the pubic symphysis at 27 weeks pregnant you would find that it is approximately 27 centimeters to the top of the uterus.
Changes in You
You may start to notice that the abundant energy you experienced toward the first part of the second trimester is fading somewhat as you approach the third trimester. Your growing uterus is placing increasing demands on your circulation and your body during pregnancy 27 weeks and beyond. Remember it takes a lot of energy to create life. Try to get some much needed extra rests in the form of a nap or two if you can during the day. Even a small catnap in the front seat of your car if you are at work may be helpful.
You may start feeling increased Braxton hicks contractions during pregnancy at 27 weeks or later as you gear up for the third trimester. Again for most women Braxton hicks are simply the pre contractions that prepare you for labor and delivery. They are usually nothing to worry about unless you have a history of pre-term labor.
Source: www.womenshealthcaretopics.com
Many women will experience heartburn during their pregnancy. Even for women who have never experienced it before, heartburn may occur for the first time while they are pregnant. That burning sensation in the chest and throat, and sour, acidic taste in the mouth, may become an all too familiar sensation for some of them. Why?
Heartburn during pregnancy occurs for a number of reasons. Increased levels of hormones in your body while pregnant can soften the ligaments that normally keep the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tightly closed. If the LES relaxes at inappropriate times, food and stomach acids can reflux back up into your esophagus and throat. Also more pressure is put on your stomach as your body changes and your baby grows. This, in turn, can force stomach contents through the LES and into your esophagus.
Though you may not be able to eliminate heartburn completely, you can take some steps to minimize your discomfort.
* Don't eat foods that are known heartburn triggers. These include chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes and tomato-based products, mustard, vinegar, mint products, and spicy, highly seasoned, fried, and fatty foods. For a complete list of foods to avoid, check out this chart. For foods that have a low risk of causing heartburn, check out this chart.
* Avoid drinks containing caffeine (coffee, tea, cola) because these can relax the LES and allow acid to reflux back into the esophagus.
* Avoid alcohol. Alcohol relaxes the LES. Read the article on alcohol and heartburn for more information.
* Don't eat big meals. Eat several small meals throughout the day instead.
* Don't rush through your meals. Take your time eating, and chew thoroughly.
* Wait at least three hours after your last meal before going to bed.
* It's important to drink plenty of water during pregnancy (8-10 glasses daily) along with other fluids, but don't drink these only at mealtimes. Large quantities of fluids can distend your stomach, putting more pressure on the LES and forcing it to open inappropriately. Drink some of your fluids in between meals.
* Sleep with your head and shoulders propped up with a wedge pillow or elevate the head of your bed six to eight inches. This will allow gravity to work for you and it will help keep your stomach acids where they should be--in your stomach and not in your esophagus. For some tips on easing nighttime heartburn, read this article.
* Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You need to avoid any tightness around your waist and stomach.
* Bend at the knees instead of at the waist. Bending at the waist puts more pressure on your stomach.
* Sit upright in a comfortable chair rather than slouching.
* Gain a sensible amount of weight and stay within the guidelines your doctor suggests. Too much of a weight, and obesity, puts more pressure on your stomach, and can force stomach contents through the LES and into your esophagus.
* Don't smoke. While your doctor may urge you break the habit because you're pregnant, smoking can also increase your odds of experiencing heartburn. Read about smoking and heartburn to find out the reasons smoking increases heartburn.
* You should always check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter remedies while pregnant, but there are a few choices you have that can help eliminate heartburn. Some heartburn relievers such as Tums, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, or Gaviscon may prove helpful. Again, it's important that you check with your doctor before taking any of these remedies.
Source: heartburn.about.com
Yes, it's a boy! I had my pelvic ultrasound done this afternoon and I couldn't believe when the sonologist told me that what I'm having is a baby boy. WOW! As in, it was amazing! I've been longing for a baby boy ever since I had two girls, so today I finally realized that dream. God really answers prayers. And I'm more than thankful that after a long wait, he's finally here - my long-awaited dream. Oh, I can't wait to see him!Posted by Phoebe at 4:03 PM
Labels: baby boy, baby. pelvic ultrasound, leg cramps during pregnancy, week 24 pregnancy comments (0)
Why am I having leg cramps during pregnancy?
No one really knows why women have more leg cramps when they're pregnant. It's possible that your leg muscles are tired from carrying around all of your extra weight. Or they may be aggravated by the pressure your expanding uterus puts on the blood vessels that return blood from your legs to your heart and the nerves that lead from your trunk to your legs.
Leg cramps may start to plague you during your second trimester and may get worse as your pregnancy progresses and your belly gets bigger. While these cramps can occur during the day, you'll probably notice them most at night.How can I prevent these cramps?
Try these tips for keeping leg cramps at bay:
• Avoid standing or sitting with your legs crossed for long periods of time.
• Stretch your calf muscles regularly during the day and several times before you go to bed.
• Rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes when you sit, eat dinner, or watch TV.
• Take a walk every day, unless your midwife or doctor has advised you not to exercise.
• Avoid getting too tired. Lie down on your left side to improve circulation to and from your legs.
• Stay hydrated during the day by drinking water regularly.
• Try a warm bath before bed to relax your muscles.
• There's some evidence that taking a magnesium supplement in addition to a prenatal vitamin may help some women. Check with your provider before taking any kind of supplement during pregnancy.
You may have heard that having leg cramps is a sign that you need more calcium, and that calcium supplements will relieve the problem. Though it's certainly important to get enough calcium, there's no good evidence that taking extra calcium will help prevent leg cramps during pregnancy. In fact, in one well-designed study, pregnant women taking calcium got no more relief from leg cramps than those taking a placebo.What's the best way to relieve a cramp when I get one?
If you do get a cramp, immediately stretch your calf muscles: Straighten your leg, heel first, and gently flex your toes back toward your shins. It might hurt at first, but it will ease the spasm and the pain will gradually go away.
You can try to relax the cramp by massaging the muscle or warming it with a hot water bottle. Walking around for a few minutes may help too.
How Big is the Baby at 21 Weeks Pregnant?
By pregnancy week 21 your baby now weighs over 10 ounces and is a little larger than 7 inches long or about the length of a full banana by now! Your baby will continue to grow at a remarkable pace as you continue your pregnancy week by week.
Your Baby's Growth and Development
By pregnancy 21 weeks your baby's growth has now slowed somewhat though your baby is still growing and developing at a remarkable pace. At pregnancy week 21 your baby's organs and central nervous system are still developing and maturing. Your baby's skin continues to develop and mature as well.
Though not fully matured or developed, your baby's digestive system is also working minimally at pregnancy 21 weeks. The intestines are slowly starting to contract and relax during pregnancy at 21 weeks, and your baby is able to swallow and absorb fluids through the amniotic fluid at 21 weeks pregnant.
Though it seems unusual that your baby may swallow amniotic fluid, this actually helps mature the digestive system.
At some point in your pregnancy, you might actually start noticing that your baby has started hiccupping. Believe it or not, hiccupping in utero is actually quite common, and typically not a sign that your baby is in distress. Fetal hiccups typically begin sometime during the second trimester. You may notice hiccups as a small, repetitive and rhythmic movement that occurs for a few minutes at a time in your belly. Many women actually enjoy the sensation of their baby's hiccups because it reminds them that all is well with their newborn baby.
Changes in Mommy:
You may be noticing aches and pains in your leg during or after 21 weeks pregnant. Just as with varicose veins, discussed in previous weeks, support stockings can help alleviate leg heaviness and aches during pregnancy. Try putting your maternity support hose on first thing in the morning before you get out of bed. This will help alleviate unnecessary swelling and discomfort in your legs.
Also consider propping your feet up when sitting if you don't already do so. Another way to alleviate aches and pains is regular exercise and stretching. Consider a 15-minute stretch and walk during your lunch break or once in the morning and once during the afternoon. This will go a long way toward alleviating aches and pains.
Source: www.pregnancyhut.comPosted by Phoebe at 9:03 AM
Labels: placenta previa totalis, pregnancy, week 21 pregnancy comments (1)

I am now in week 20 and so my bulging tummy is becoming more visible. I even started wearing maternity clothes because my jeans and shirts are so tight already. With my black leggings on and loose blouses and shirts, I could move comfortably without having to worry about abdominal pain later.Week 20: How Big is Baby?By pregnancy week 20 your baby is now almost 9 ounces and is between 5 1/2 and 6 1/2 inches long! The pregnancy week by week changes occurring at this stage are truly remarkable.
Baby's Growth and Development:
By pregnancy 20 weeks your baby is now practicing breathing and swallowing on a regular basis. Your baby continues to grow and fill out, with the head becoming slightly more proportional to the rest of the body.Your baby's skin is becoming more complex at the end of pregnancy week 20, forming different layers. The epidermis, or surface of your baby's skin now has four layers that contain ridges for fingertips. The layers that form in your baby's palms and feet will provide him with his own unique fingerprint later in life.