The Bub in the Belly

Yesterday, the clinic called and told me that my blood test results showed that I had low hemoglobin levels. One cause could be thalessemia so Dr Chan wants both of us to go for a thalessemia blood test. So, this morning we went to the hospital to have our blood drawn. Richard hates needles and is confident he does not have thalessemia, however he has no choice but to undergo the experience with me, otherwise he will have to come up with some fantastic excuse to tell Dr Chan.
The blood test was done fairly quickly. As I just had blood drawn two days ago from my right arm, today the nurse drew blood from my left. I wasn't too bothered, needles don't really trouble me.
Slightly worried about this. I am confident I don't have thalessemia major but could I have thalessemia minor? Hoping it is just mild anaemia brought on by the pregnancy. Fingers crossed!

Today we went for the amniocentesis test. Before that, Dr Chan did the usual ultrasound scan and this time, our baby proudly announced that he is a Boy!


Baby's weight is estimated to be 194 g. Head and abdomen circumference and femur length measurements are medium on the growth chart. However, my weight gain is slightly above Dr Chan's liking - it must be all those sugared drinks!



After that, we did the amniocentesis. Dr Chan spread some orange gunk on my belly and then inserted a long needle into my tummy and into my uterus to collect the amniotic fluid. It was virtually painless and it was over in less than 5 minutes. Results will be out in 2 to 3 weeks, as the laboratory needs to grow the cells in the fluid before examining them for genetic abnormalities.

We were then sent over to the hospital to have my blood drawn for the routine blood test to check for HIV, rubella, hemoglobin levels, blood type, etc. I think the amniocentesis was less painful than the blood test!

After our gynae appointment, we went to the baby fair at Takashimaya and picked up a few things.

We bought:
- 4-in-1 Rocio cot, with a musical mobile, one bedding set and one coconut fibre mattress.
- a baby monitor (Baby Farlin)
- Pigeon Rapid Steam Steriliser bundled with bottle/food warmer, Newborn Starter Set and some extra bottles.
- two Anakku waterproof mattress pads
- a packet of Anakku diaper fasteners

Didn't want to pick up stuff like clothes, diapers and towels at this stage because they will just be collecting dust until baby is out. Also didn't want to have to keep small stuff like baby cream, wipes, etc for so long. Need to get a breast pump and car seat but putting these off till later. So I guess that's all for now.