Buntis Diaries: Almost Halfway There!

It's been 5 months since I've taken the time to write on my blog again. A lot of things have happened and I wasn't able write down all the things that I've gone and is going through. With my last blog I announced to the whole world that I'm going to be a mommy soon. It's such a wonderful feeling knowing that a life is growing inside of me, my own flesh and blood. With that discovery came the decision that I would have to go home to the Philippines and put a hold on teaching for a while. The first 2 months of my pregnancy were quite delicate as I've experienced a lot of abdominal pains, and being in China and going to their hospitals proved to be quite difficult for a lot of reasons, one is having a lot of communication barrier with doctors and not being able to express what exactly I'm feeling at the moment. I wanted to make sure that I get the best of care as I go through my pregnancy.

The moment I arrived in the Philippines, I had myself scheduled for my first thorough check up at Makati Medical Center. I was already 3 months and 1 day pregnant at that time and it was my first time to see my baby's form as I had my ultrasound. I also found out that I had urinary tract infection (UTI), thus the reason that I was having a lot of abdominal and back pains for the past 2 months. It was such a relief to be able to express all my fears and apprehensions without inhibitions.

Piglet at 3 months and 1 day (13 weeks)

After staying for a week in Manila, I then flew to my hometown where my parents live. There I'll live for the next few months until I give birth. My husband and I also decided that I stay in the Philippines for a while until my baby turns 1 before going back and joining my husband in China. 

The first few weeks that I was at home was busily spent looking for the perfect gynaecologist that would take care of me and cater to my needs. This is my first pregnancy and as I've mentioned earlier, I want everything to be ready, stress-free and perfect. Call me "maarte" but I wouldn't risk anything for my baby.

Here are some belly shots taken during my second trimester. I didn't get the chance to take some photos during my early 1st trimester.

My belly at 4 months (16 weeks)

My belly at 5 months (21 weeks)

Current photo of myself at 6 months (23 weeks)

I was already 4 months pregnant when I heard its melodious heartbeat.

Baby's heartbeat at 15 weeks

My baby's first ultrasound video didn't show much because piglet was still shy and refused to move. The second one showed progress and you can even see him/her wave hello.

Shy baby at 15 weeks

Active baby still at 15 weeks

My baby's movements have been getting stronger and visible with each passing weeks and I was quite lucky to capture that moment. Here's a video of my piglet kicking and saying hello to his tatay (dad).

Piglet saying 'hello' at 23 weeks

I'm due for my doctor's appointment soon and I can't wait to find out whether I'm having a lil' big Bryan or an adorable Majal. I'm so excited for this little bundle of joy that sometimes I wish it's February already so I can snuggle and cuddle my baby in my arms. I also can't wait to start shopping and buy my piglet's stuff!

Until my next post then. I will be sure to keep you updated this time. :)