My second child’s pregnancy was planned.
I delivered my eldest thru CS and it was one traumatic experience. For the fear of enduring the same ordeal again took us awhile to have another baby. 5 years after, we thought we gave it another try, we thought its about time. My OB told me to wait until 3 years before having another baby but I thought 3-year gap is too short thus considered 5-year gap instead.
However, seems like a 5-year gap between siblings is a bit long. My kids though close with each other, seems to be disconnected at times. Each kid adjust to fit. Common scenes like the eldest had to watch and sing nursery rhymes with the youngest or the youngest would watch minecraft videos with the eldest. They blend for awhile I guess until one had to do another thing. Plus gender thing has another factor too — like the eldest wants to sing Taylor Swift while the younger one wants to play and watch Lighting McQueen movie. Being pregnant after 5 years was still a best option, besides I’m not getting any younger, so of to baby number 2.
We were careful.
It was carefully planned.
Had to prepare the nest. Frequent visits to my new OB/Gyn Dra. Ebao. Choices on good food for proper nutrition. Exercise. We wish for a boy thus we seek for advise. Though there’s science, we rely everything to God and faith and hope.

SUBCHORIONIC HEMORRHAGE
5 years ago, first week of January and after the third pregnancy test showed 2 red thin lines, we now have a reason to go back to my OB. However our excitement was cut short when my first transvaginal ultrasound showed that I suffered subchorionic hemorrhage. I didn’t fully understand it, all I know was that there’s a blood clot in my uterus and it could possible affect my baby. My OB advised bed rest and medication for two week.
Two weeks becomes two months…

APAS
With the blood clot that was still evident even after months of rest and medication, my OB/Gyn later requested for additional lab test to checked if I have APAS (Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome) disorder. It is an auto-immune disorder. I don’t really understand the technicalities, as far as I comprehend, my body’s antibodies failed to recognize the fetus inside my tummy thus tried to destroy it as it is mistakenly identified as a harmful object. Fear of the diagnosis, I went back to my first OB/Gyn, Dra. Atoc (the one I consulted during my first pregnancy). Nothing wrong with being sure, she reminded me, so she still request to perform those additional requests.
Results shows I had Mild APAS.
Anything for the baby’s safety.
Even if our energy and finances were drained, we had to find ways and strength to do for the baby. Thus, I took the APAS screening tests even it costs a whole month’s pay. The tests includes CBC (Complete Blood Count), ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate), CRP (C-Reactive Protein Test), T4 (Thyroxine), TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone), ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies), Cardiolipin Antibodies IgG and IgM, KCT (Kaolin Clotting Time), PTT/APTT (Partial thromboplastin time / Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time). Lots of blood sample it is. We were referred to an immunologists for further analysis of the result. According to the immunologists, I had mild APAS and aspirins (aspilets) was added to my long list of medicines to take.
Additionally, my OB/Gyn this is quite busy that schedule visits and appointments are often postponed, thus the need to look for another OB/Gyn on my last trimester. So I met Dra Bevs Hermosisima, my new OB/Gyn.

HOPE
Her assessment was that since I don’t have history of miscarriages and that my baby, though small in weight, is so fine inside my tummy, everything will be alright with proper nutrition, medication, being careful and lots of positive aura. This gives me hope.
And yes I remember Jeremiah 29:11:
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

CS DELIVERY
Had wanted to do normal birth delivery this time. I had to take the 8 stairs going up every morning to my workstation…for endurance and able to hold breath for a longer period of time. But cervix didn’t open even after series of IEs. Had to cut open again on my due date. Once a CPD, is really a CPD (Cephalopelvic disproportion). Believe me, I’m scared being cut again that I had to one the hands of the attending nurse for comfort until I hear my son’s cry and close me.

THANKFUL
It was not a smooth sailing drive but thankfully it went well by God’s grace and guidance… and family and friend’s support. Holding my baby

Everyone! Meet my second 🙂